bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Latitudinal trend in the reproductive mode of the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum invading a wide climatic range
Authors: Martel Sebastián I. , Ossa Carmen G. , Simon Jean‐Christophe , Figueroa Christian C. , Bozinovic Francisco
Published: July 2020

The maintenance of sexuality is a puzzling phenomenon in evolutionary biology. Many universal hypotheses have been proposed to explain the prevalence of sex despite its costs, but it has been hypothesized that sex could be also retained by lineage‐specific mechanisms that would confer some short‐term advantage. Aphids are good models to study the maintenance of sex because they exhibit coexistence of both sexual and asexual populations within the same species and because they invade a large variety of ecosystems. Sex in aphids is thought to be maintained because only sexually produced eggs can persist in cold climates, but whether sex is obligate or facultative depending on climatic conditions remains to be elucidated. In this study, we have inferred the reproductive mode of introduced populations of the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum in Chile along a climatic gradient using phenotypic assays and genetic‐based criteria to test the ecological short‐term advantage of sex in cold environments. Our results showed a latitudinal trend in the reproductive mode of Chilean pea aphid population from obligate parthenogenesis in the north to an intermediate life cycle producing both parthenogenetic and sexual progeny in the southernmost locality, where harsh winters are usual. These findings are congruent with the hypothesis of the ecological short‐term advantage of sex in aphids.
Asymmetric effects of grazing intensity on macroelements and microelements in grassland soil and plants in Inner Mongolia Grazing alters nutrient dynamics of grasslands
Authors: Hou Dongjie , Guo Ke , Liu Changcheng
Published: July 2020

Grazing is a traditional grassland management technique and greatly alters ecosystem nutrient cycling. The effects of grazing intensity on the nutrient dynamics of soil and plants in grassland ecosystems remain uncertain, especially among microelements. A 2‐year field grazing experiment was conducted in a typical grassland with four grazing intensities (ungrazed control, light, moderate, and heavy grazing) in Inner Mongolia, China. Nutrient concentration was assessed in soil and three dominant plant species (Stipa krylovii, Leymus chinensis, and Cleistogenes squarrosa). Assessed quantities included four macroelements (carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and magnesium (Mg)) and four microelements (copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn)). Soil total C, total N, total P, available N, and available P concentrations significantly increased with grazing intensity but soil Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn concentrations had no significant response. Plant C concentration decreased but plant N, P, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn concentrations significantly increased with grazing intensity. In soil, macroelement dynamics (i.e., C, N, and P) exhibited higher sensitivity with grazing intensity, conversely in plants, microelements were more sensitive. This result indicates macroelements and microelements in soil and plants had asymmetric responses with grazing intensity. The slopes of nutrient linear regression in C. squarrosa were higher than that of S. krylovii and L. chinensis, indicating that C. squarrosa had higher nutrient acquisition capacity and responded more rapidly to heavy grazing. These findings indicate that short‐term heavy grazing accelerates nutrient cycling of the soil–plant system in grassland ecosystems, elucidate the multiple nutrient dynamics of soil and plants with grazing intensity, and emphasize the important function of microelements in plant adaptation in grazing management.
Numerical modeling and assessment of human exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields used for wireless communication system installed on a smart meter
Authors: Shiina Takeo , Yamazaki Kenichi
Published: July 2020

We assessed human exposure to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields used for a wireless communication system installed on a smart meter for communication in the 920 MHz band. In an exposure guideline, the specific absorption rate (SAR) is used as a measure of the thermal effects of human exposure to electromagnetic fields. Although the low‐power wireless communication device used for the smart meter inherently complies with the exposure guideline, the assessment of the RF electromagnetic field exposure is useful to deepen our understanding of human safety. For the exposure assessment, first, a computational smart meter model was constructed and validated by comparison with the measured data of electric fields around an actual smart meter. Using the computational smart meter model, we calculated the SAR in the head of an anatomical human model that was located very close to the smart meter. The maximum SAR in the head was obtained when the antenna was placed in front of a human eye, which was calculated to be 10.3 mW/kg for an input power of 20 mW. It was shown that the maximum SAR was 200 times smaller than the basic restriction level in the exposure guideline.
Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Lanthanide‐Containing Polytungsto‐antimonate [{Sb3(µ3‐O)2Ln(H2O)Ln(H2O)2}2(SbW10O37)2(SbW8O31)2]22– Molecules Deriving from the Decomposition of the [Sb8W36O132]24– Macroanion
Authors: Dufaye Maxime , Duval Sylvain , Stoclet Gregory , Mara Dimitrije , Van Deun Rik , Loiseau Thierry
Published: July 2020

Reaction of the tungsto‐antimonate [Sb8W36O132]24– polyoxometalate with late trivalent lanthanide cations (from Gd to Lu) gives rise to the formation of eight isostructural molecular compounds [{Sb3(µ3‐O)2Ln(H2O)Ln(H2O)2(SbW10O37)(SbW8O31)}2]22– (Ln = GdIII (1), TbIII (2), DyIII (3), HoIII (4), ErIII (5), TmIII (6), YbIII (7), LuIII (8)). All compounds were characterized by routine solid‐state techniques (IR spectroscopy, TGA, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction) and, by SAXS measurements in aqueous solutions to assess their stabilities. Luminescent properties of compounds 5 and 7 were also studied.
Pity for economically disadvantaged groups motivates donation and ally collective action intentions
Authors: Lantos Nóra Anna , Kende Anna , Becker Julia C. , McGarty Craig
Published: July 2020

We argue that pity can motivate collective action intentions toward groups that are both politically and economically deprived. We tested this connection in four online surveys and an experiment. In Study 1 (N = 1,007), pity for the Roma in Hungary predicted collective action intentions, which was replicated in Study 2 in connection with refugees in Germany (N = 191) and in Hungary (N = 563). Study 3 (N = 475) demonstrated that for not economically but politically disadvantaged groups (e.g., sexual minorities), pity was not a predictor of ally action. In an experiment (Study 4, N = 447), pity was just as strong a predictor of collective action intentions as outrage on behalf of an economically and politically disadvantaged outgroup. Pity can be a mobilizing emotion when it comes to groups that are both economically and politically disadvantaged; however, outrage remains more important in the absence of economic hardship.
High thermal energy storage and thermal conductivity of few‐layer graphene platelets loaded phase change materials: A thermally conductive additive for thermal energy harvesting
Authors: Padya Balaji , Ravikiran N. , Kali Ravi , Narasaiah N. , Jain P. K.
Published: July 2020

3D‐structured graphite efficiently converted into 2D‐structured few‐layer graphene platelets (FGP) through sequentially controlled top‐down approach by adopting 2‐stage exfoliation. A process of solvent‐phase exfoliation with turbulence energy cascade‐dominated complex fluid dynamics‐assisted vertical diffusion was deployed to agitate the particle to disperse them in a solvent with turbulence to delaminate the layered‐material into thin sheet‐like structured FGP consist of 3 to 10 layers. The underlying critical mechanism involved in fragmentation and delamination to FGP was proposed. The enhancement in thermal conductivity of FGP loaded myristic acid found to be around 32.14%, 171.42% and 383.5% for 1, 3 and 5 wt% of FGP, respectively. Thermal conductivity of phase change materials composites increased with increase in FGP loading and decreased with increase in temperature. A phenomenon of a decrease in latent heat and phase transition temperature with increase in FGP loading was observed.
Quantum Yield for the Aqueous Photochemical Degradation of Chlorantraniliprole and Simulation of Its Environmental Fate in a Model California Rice Field
Authors: Redman Zachary C. , Anastasio Cort , Tjeerdema Ronald S.
Published: July 2020

The photochemical degradation of chlorantraniliprole (3-bromo-N-[4-chloro-2-methyl-6-(methylcarbamoyl)phenyl]-1-(3-chloro-2-pyridine-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-carboxamide; CAP) was characterized under simulated solar light with 2-nitrobenzaldehyde (2NB) actinometry. Overall, aqueous CAP degraded quickly via direct photodegradation with no significant difference observed between high-purity water and filtered rice field water. The 24-h average half-life normalized to summer sunlight using 2NB was 34.5 ± 4.0 h (jCAP,env = 0.020 ± 0.0023 h−1, n = 3), and the calculated apparent quantum yield in simulated sunlight was 0.0099 ± 0.00060. These new values were used—alongside previously characterized data for air/and soil/water partitioning, degradation in soil, and hydrolysis—in the Pesticides in Flooded Applications Model to simulate CAP dissipation in a model California (USA) rice field. The model estimates an environmental half-life of 26 d in the aqueous phase, but the bulk of applied CAP remains in the benthic zone and degrades, with estimated half-lives of 29 and 92 d in flooded and drained fields, respectively. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:1929–1935. © 2020 SETAC

Abstract

The photochemical quantum yield for chlorantraniliprole (CAP) was determined and direct photolysis was identified as a major dissipation pathway for the insecticide from aqueous environments.
Statistical considerations for the analysis of massively parallel reporter assays data
Authors: Qiao Dandi , Zigler Corwin M. , Cho Michael H. , Silverman Edwin K. , Zhou Xiaobo , Castaldi Peter J. , Laird Nan H.
Published: July 2020

Noncoding DNA contains gene regulatory elements that alter gene expression, and the function of these elements can be modified by genetic variation. Massively parallel reporter assays (MPRA) enable high‐throughput identification and characterization of functional genetic variants, but the statistical methods to identify allelic effects in MPRA data have not been fully developed. In this study, we demonstrate how the baseline allelic imbalance in MPRA libraries can produce biased results, and we propose a novel, nonparametric, adaptive testing method that is robust to this bias. We compare the performance of this method with other commonly used methods, and we demonstrate that our novel adaptive method controls Type I error in a wide range of scenarios while maintaining excellent power. We have implemented these tests along with routines for simulating MPRA data in the Analysis Toolset for MPRA (@MPRA), an R package for the design and analyses of MPRA experiments. It is publicly available at http://github.com/redaq/atMPRA.
Sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma: Institutional trend toward induction chemotherapy followed by definitive chemoradiation
Authors: London Nyall R. , Mohyeldin Ahmed , Daoud Georges , Gamez Mauricio E. , Blakaj Dukagjin , Bonomi Marcelo , Prevedello Daniel M. , Carrau Ricardo L.
Published: July 2020

Background

Recent reports have investigated the nascent role of induction chemotherapy for sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC). The goal of this study was to ascertain trends in treatment pattern changes for SNUC at a single institution and design a treatment algorithm utilized at our institution.

Methods

Retrospective chart analysis of 21 cases of SNUC from 2010 to 2018.

Results

Of 21 patients in this cohort, 18 (85.7%) presented with T4 disease, 7 (33.3%) presented with nodal disease, and 3 (14.3%) presented with distant metastasis. Since 2016, patients have been managed by induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiation. To this point, patients treated with TPF induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiation show no evidence of disease; however, the average follow up time is 16.8 months.

Conclusions

The multimodality treatment for SNUC continues to evolve, as highlighted by this study, toward increased use of induction chemotherapy followed by chemoradiotherapy.
Evaluating the Application of Decision Analysis Methods in Simulated Alternatives Assessment Case Studies: Potential Benefits and Challenges of Using MCDA
Authors: Beaudrie Christian , Corbett Charles J , Lewandowski Thomas A , Malloy Timothy , Zhou Xiaoying
Published: July 2020

We compare how several forms of multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) can enhance the practice of alternatives assessment (AA). We report on a workshop in which 12 practitioners from US corporations, government agencies, NGOs, and consulting organizations applied different MCDA techniques to 3 AA case studies to understand how they improved the decision process. Participants were asked to select a preferred alternative in each case using a different decision analysis approach: their unaided decision-making method, individual or lightly facilitated group multiattribute value theory (MAVT), and more extensively facilitated group structured decision making (SDM). Surveys conducted after each exercise revealed that participants were positive toward the use of formal decision-making methods for AA, reporting meaningful increases in their understanding of the trade-offs involved and their own values. Participants also reported challenges with each approach. While the MCDA techniques were reported to enhance transparency and communication, they did not consistently lead to higher satisfaction with a decision and/or outcome, and they were not more likely to be adopted within their organizations than unaided approaches. More formal decision-making methods have promise in the context of AA, but practitioners will need more guidance to use such tools successfully. Practitioners will also need to define what “success” constitutes; different approaches may be called for depending on whether the objective is increased understanding, satisfaction with the outcome, satisfaction with the process, or something else. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:27–41. © 2020 SETAC

KEY POINTS

The research evaluates the use of multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) in simulated alternatives assessment scenarios. The results reveal a range of unaided decision approaches used by experts in chemical assessment and product design. Participants found MCDA approaches enhanced their understanding of key trade-offs and critical information presented by the scenarios. Participants concluded, however, that their institutions would likely be reluctant to use MCDA approaches.
Prevalence of sexual dysfunction among prenatal women attending the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Ghana
Authors: Maya Ernest T. , Boamah Martin O. , Agyabeng Kofi , Srofenyoh Emmanuel , Mumuni Kareem , Samba Ali
Published: July 2020

Objective

To estimate the prevalence and types of sexual dysfunction in pregnancy.

Methods

A cross‐sectional facility‐based descriptive study among pregnant women attending the prenatal clinic of the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, a large tertiary health facility in Accra, Ghana, from May to June 2018. The inclusion criteria were 18 years or older, singleton pregnancy of 8 gestational weeks or more, and residing with their partner for at least 4 weeks before the study. Face‐to‐face interviews were conducted among consecutively enrolled women by using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) tool.

Results

Overall, 425 women were enrolled. The mean age was 30.8 ± 4.8 years. The mean gestational age was 32.3 ± 7.1weeks (range 9.7–42.0 weeks). The prevalence of sexual dysfunction in pregnancy was 64.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 60.3%–69.4%) but only 32 (7.5%) women self‐reported sexual problems. The predominant types of sexual disorder were desire disorder (377 [88.7%; 95% CI, 85.3%–91.4%] women) and arousal disorder (320 [75.3%; 95% CI, 71.0%–79.2%]).

Conclusion

Sexual dysfunction in pregnancy was found to be common, but most pregnant women were not aware that they had it.
In‐network caching and SDN‐aided transmission synchronization for cross‐domain English translation
Authors: Wang Liguo , Jonlyckol Tancy , Kuang Tseng
Published: July 2020

English translation, especially simultaneous interpretation is a typical online streaming which is essential for cross‐nation meeting. However, traditional simultaneous interpretation falls short of localization and scalability. IP‐based Internet only has best‐effort transmission which cannot meet the strict requirements of simultaneous interpretation. In this paper, we leverage in‐network caching to reduce the cross‐domain latency and SDN to synchronize cache transmission. We adopt Lyapunov optimization to stabilize streaming data. Experiment results show that our proposal can significantly improve the performance of cross‐domain English simultaneous interpretation in terms of delay and streaming quality.
Named‐Data Network based secure communication strategy for smart cities
Authors: Chen Zhongbao , Kim Jonkyce , Lee Minyung
Published: July 2020

During the process of building smart cities, all monitors collect different types of data from the mobile devices, which needs the support of routing and delivery. However, this brings a serious problem, that is, how to guarantee the secure communication. In this paper, the hybrid encryption is exploited to make the secure communication strategy at the same time the in‐network caching of Named‐Data Network (NDN) is explored and deployed at the ordinary router. Meanwhile, this paper improves Rivest Sharmir Adleman (RSA) algorithm to encrypt the transmitted data. The simulation results show that the proposed secure communication strategy is more efficient compared to the benchmarks in terms of data correctness and key update rate.
Revisiting Homelands: Immigrant Youth in Transnational Contexts
Authors: Durand E. Sybil
Published: July 2020

This forum reviews youth literature from around the world to examine the diverse settings and social, historical, and political contexts that shape youth identities and experiences.
Students and Teachers: Inquiring Together
Authors: Parker Kimberly N.
Published: July 2020

Young people in literacy classes sometimes think their teachers are not listening to them. The practitioners featured in this column listen to questions posed by their students and respond to them, with the goal of enhancing English language arts instruction for a range of young people and educators.
Expanding Conceptions of Modeling Writing to Leverage Student Voices
Authors: Alston Chandra L.
Published: July 2020

This department explores the concept of disciplinary literacy—the conceptual understandings and ways of reading, thinking, and writing involved in critiquing and constructing knowledge in a discipline—and its intersections with aspects of culturally sustaining pedagogy. Columns highlight high‐quality disciplinary literacy learning opportunities across subject areas that engage students in critically examining the world around them, interrogating accepted knowledge, contributing their own perspectives to shape that knowledge, and sustaining and developing the literacies needed to do this work.
Graphic Novel Text Sets and Social Justice Inquiry Projects
Authors: Jacobson Erik
Published: July 2020

Authors and columns in this department explicitly focus on adult literacy, addressing issues of research, policy, and practice relevant to a wide range of adult learners in different contexts.
Engaging in Disciplinary Literacy Instruction: A Review of Read, Write, Inquire: Disciplinary Literacy in Grades 6–12
Authors: Brock Cynthia , Zygouris‐Coe Vassiliki (Vicky) , Welsh Kate , Kniss Kate , Hayden Andrea
Published: July 2020

This forum reviews a mix of resources to inform pedagogy and related educational practices that foreground representations of youth and their literacy practices within and outside of school.
Digital Citizenship During a Global Pandemic: Moving Beyond Digital Literacy
Authors: Buchholz Beth A. , DeHart Jason , Moorman Gary
Published: July 2020

In this commentary, the authors move beyond digital literacy and take up the question of what digital citizenship means and looks like in the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic. To engage with questions of ethical practice, the authors begin with the International Society for Technology in Education framework for digital citizenship. They expand on these standards to argue for an awareness of the ethical questions facing citizens online that are difficult to encompass as a set of skills or competencies. The authors then take these considerations into a set of practical steps for teachers to nurture participatory and social justice–oriented digital citizenship as part of the curriculum. The authors conclude by noting the digital divide and social inequities that have been highlighted by the current crisis.
COVID‐19 pandemic: Challenges and solutions from the cardiology pharmacist's perspective
Authors: Pickworth Kerry K. , Blais Danielle , Bagnola Aaron , Barcelona Robert , Boyd J Michael , Brink Heidi , Chilbert Maya , Galipeau Daniel , Gengler Brooke , Gerlach Anthony T. , Hayes Charles , Jacobs Joshua , Kazmi Hasan , Lavelle Rachel , Lindsley John , Macaulay Tracy E. , Militello Michael A , Orzel Libby , Patel Sajni , Simone Pamela , Tasca Kristen , Varnado Sara , Zoubek Sara
Published: July 2020

The recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) challenges pharmacists worldwide. Alongside other specialized pharmacists, we re‐evaluated daily processes and therapies used to treat COVID‐19 patients within our institutions from a cardiovascular perspective and share what we have learned.

To develop a collaborative approach for cardiology issues and concerns in the care of confirmed or suspected COVID‐19 patients by drawing on the experiences of cardiology pharmacists across the country.

On March 26, 2020, a conference call was convened composed of 24 cardiology residency‐trained pharmacists (23 actively practicing in cardiology and 1 in critical care) from 16 institutions across the United States to discuss cardiology issues each have encountered with COVID‐19 patients. Discussion centered around providing optimal pharmaceutical care while limiting staff exposure.

The collaborative of pharmacists found for the ST‐elevation myocardial infarction patient, many institutions were diverting COVID‐19 rule‐out patients to their Emergency Department (ED). Thrombolytics are an alternative to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) allowing for timely treatment of patients and decreased staff exposure. An emergency response grab and go kit includes initial drugs and airway equipment so the patient can be treated and the cart can be left outside the room. Cardiology pharmacists have developed policies and procedures to address monitoring of QT prolonging medications, the use of inhaled prostacyclins, and national drug shortages. Technology has allowed us to practice social distancing, while staying in close contact with our teams, patients, and colleagues and continuing to teach. Residents are engaged in unique decision‐making processes with their preceptors and assist as pharmacist extenders.

Cardiology pharmacists are in a unique position to work with other pharmacists and health care professionals to implement safe and effective practice changes during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Ongoing monitoring and adjustments are necessary in rapidly changing times.
Microfocusing sapphire capillary needle for laser surgery and therapy: Fabrication and characterization
Authors: Dolganova Irina N. , Shikunova Irina A. , Zotov Arsen K. , Shchedrina Marina A. , Reshetov Igor V. , Zaytsev Kirill I. , Tuchin Valery V. , Kurlov Vladimir N.
Published: July 2020

A sapphire shaped capillary needle designed for collimating and focusing of laser radiation was proposed and fabricated by the edge‐defined film‐fed growth technique. It features an as‐grown surface quality, high transparency for visible and near‐infrared radiation, high thermal and chemical resistance and the complex shape of the tip, which protects silica fibers. The needle's geometrical parameters can be adjusted for use in various situations, such as type of tissue, modality of therapy and treatment protocol. The focusing effect was demonstrated numerically and observed experimentally during coagulation of the ex vivo porcine liver samples. This needle in combination with 0.22NA optical fiber allows intensive and uniform coagulation of 150 mm3 volume interstitially and 30 mm3 superficially by laser exposure with 280 J without tissue carbonization and fiber damaging along with delicate treatment of small areas. The demonstrated results reveal the perspectives of the proposed sapphire microfocusing needle for laser surgery and therapy.
Inorganic‐polymerization crosslinked tissue‐siloxane hybrid as potential biomaterial for bioprosthetic heart valves
Authors: Yang Fan , He Haiyang , Xu Liangpeng , Jin Linhe , Guo Gaoyang , Wang Yunbing
Published: July 2020

Bioprosthetic heart valve (BHV) replacement is increasingly used for treating valve‐related diseases worldwide but the current commercially used BHVs treated with glutaraldehyde (Glut) often failed within 12–15 years due to degradation, thrombosis, inferior biocompatibility, and calcification. Herein, 3‐glycidyloxypropyl trimethoxysilane (GPTMS) was used to crosslink porcine pericardium (PP) at the concentration (vol/vol) of 0.25%, 1%, 2%, and 4% and their performance for potential application in BHVs was evaluated. The crosslinking mechanism mainly involved the ring‐opening of epoxide by amine attack and silanol poly‐condensation. The stability of collagen in higher concentration (1%, 2%, and 4%) GPTMS crosslinked PPs (GPTMS‐PPs) was clearly increased. GPTMS‐PPs showed no cytotoxicity and supported the growth of endothelial cells while Glut‐PP did not. GPTMS‐PPs were less prothrombotic than Glut‐PP. GPTMS‐PP crosslinked at 1% concentration showed comparable mechanical properties to Glut‐PP while had better anti‐tearing performance. The subcutaneous implantation in rat for 30 days showed that GPTMS crosslinking was able to effectively inhibit the calcification of BHV.
Advances and trends of hydrogel therapy platform in localized tumor treatment: A review
Authors: Tan Bowen , Huang Lingxiao , Wu Yongzhi , Liao Jinfeng
Published: July 2020

Due to limitations of treatment and the stubbornness of infiltrative tumor cells, the outcome of conventional antitumor treatment is often compromised by a variety of factors, including severe side effects, unexpected recurrence, and massive tissue loss during the treatment. Hydrogel‐based therapy is becoming a promising option of cancer treatment, because of its controllability, biocompatibility, high drug loading, prolonged drug release, and specific stimuli‐sensitivity. Hydrogel‐based therapy has good malleability and can reach some areas that cannot be easily touched by surgeons. Furthermore, hydrogel can be used not only as a carrier for tumor treatment agents, but also as a scaffold for tissue repair. In this review, we presented the latest researches in hydrogel applications of localized tumor therapy and highlighted the recent progress of hydrogel‐based therapy in preventing postoperative tumor recurrence and improving tissue repair, thus proposing a new trend of hydrogel‐based technology in localized tumor therapy. And this review aims to provide a novel reference and inspire thoughts for a more accurate and individualized cancer treatment.
Diagnostic value of peripheral hematologic markers for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19): A multicenter, cross‐sectional study
Authors: Peng Junnan , Qi Di , Yuan Guodan , Deng Xinyu , Mei Ying , Feng Longhua , Wang Daoxin
Published: July 2020

Background

To determine the diagnostic value of hematologic markers for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) and explore their relationship with disease severity.

Methods

Subjects included 190 COVID‐19 patients, 190 healthy subjects, and 105 influenza pneumonia (IP) patients. COVID‐19 patients were divided into the ARDS and non‐ARDS groups. Routine blood examination, biochemistry indicator, days in hospital, body temperature, pneumonia severity index (PSI), CURB‐65, and MuLBSTA were recorded. Correlations between variables were assessed using Spearman's correlation analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to study the accuracy of the various diagnostic tests.

Results

Compared with healthy subjects, COVID‐19 patients had lower white blood cell (WBC), lymphocyte, platelet, and hemoglobin levels; higher percentages of neutrophils and monocytes; lower percentages of lymphocytes and higher neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) values (P < .05). COVID‐19 patients had higher WBC and neutrophil levels and lower percentages of lymphocytes compared to IP (P < .05). ROC curve analysis revealed that MLR had a high diagnostic value in differentiating COVID‐19 patients from healthy subjects, but not from IP patients. NLR showed significant positive correlations with PSI, CURB‐65, and MuLBSTA. Lymphocyte count was lower in the ARDS group and yielded a higher diagnostic value than the other variables.

Conclusions

Monocyte‐to‐lymphocyte ratio showed an acceptable efficiency to separate COVID‐19 patients from healthy subjects, but failed to rule out IP patients. NLR may be a reliable marker to evaluate the disease severity of COVID‐19. Lymphocyte count may be useful to establish the early diagnosis of ARDS in the COVID‐19 patients.
A novel homozygous variant in an Iranian pedigree with cerebellar ataxia, mental retardation, and dysequilibrium syndrome type 4
Authors: Mohamadian Malihe , Ghandil Pegah , Naseri Mohsen , Bahrami Afsane , Momen Ali Akbar
Published: July 2020

Background

Cerebellar ataxia, mental retardation, and dysequilibrium (CAMRQ) syndrome is a rare and early‐onset neurodevelopmental disorder. Four subtypes of this syndrome have been identified, which are clinically and genetically different. To date, altogether 32 patients have been described with ATP8A2 mutations and phenotypic features assigned to CAMRQ type 4. Herein, three additional patients in an Iranian consanguineous family with non‐progressive cerebellar ataxia, severe hypotonia, intellectual disability, dysarthria, and cerebellar atrophy have been identified.

Methods

Following the thorough clinical examination, consecutive detections including chromosome karyotyping, chromosomal microarray analysis, and whole exome sequencing (WES) were performed on the proband. The sequence variants derived from WES interpreted by a standard bioinformatics pipeline. Pathogenicity assessment of candidate variant was done by in silico analysis. The familial cosegregation of the WES finding was carried out by PCR‐based Sanger sequencing.

Results

A novel homozygous missense variant (c.1339G > A, p.Gly447Arg) in the ATP8A2 gene was identified and completely segregated with the phenotype in the family. In silico analysis and structural modeling revealed that the p.G477R substitution is deleterious and induced undesired effects on the protein stability and residue distribution in the ligand‐binding pocket. The novel sequence variant occurred within an extremely conserved subregion of the ATP‐binding domain.

Conclusion

Our findings expand the spectrum of ATP8A2 mutations and confirm the reported genotype‐phenotype correlation. These results could improve genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis in families with clinical presentations related to CAMRQ4 syndrome.
Preference for Human (vs. Robotic) Labor is Stronger in Symbolic Consumption Contexts
Authors: Granulo Armin , Fuchs Christoph , Puntoni Stefano
Published: July 2020

Advances in robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence increasingly enable firms to replace human labor with technology, thereby fundamentally transforming how goods and services are produced. From both managerial and societal points of view, it is therefore important to understand demand‐side incentives for firms to employ human labor. We begin to address this question by examining for which products and services consumers are more likely to favor human (vs. robotic) labor. In six studies, we demonstrate that consumers prefer human (vs. robotic) labor more for products with higher (vs. lower) symbolic value (e.g., when expressing something about one's beliefs and personality is of greater importance). We theorize that this is because consumers have stronger uniqueness motives in more (vs. less) symbolic consumption contexts (and associate human labor more strongly with product uniqueness). In line with this account, we demonstrate that individual differences in need for uniqueness moderate the interaction between production mode and symbolic motives and that a measure of uniqueness motives mediates the effect of consumption context on preferences for human (vs. robotic) production.
Bedside percutaneous ultrasound gastrostomy tube placement by critical care physicians
Authors: Olivieri Peter P. , Abdulmahdi Mustafa , Heavner Jason J.
Published: July 2020

Critically ill patients often require gastrostomy tubes. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy has become the most common method of placement but is not widely performed by critical care physicians, in part due to their lack of familiarity and training in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Percutaneous ultrasound gastrostomy (PUG) is a novel procedure for gastrostomy tube placement that utilizes ultrasound‐based methods already familiar to critical care physicians. This technical note describes bedside PUG in the first five intensive care unit patients. All patients received timely gastrostomy placement, without complication, and were able to quickly achieve goal enteral nutrition.
An experimental analysis of the extinction‐induced response burst
Authors: Katz Brian , Lattal Kennon A.
Published: July 2020

The occurrence, time course, and repeatability of response rate increases following the onset of extinction, the extinction burst, were studied in three experiments. Nine pigeons were exposed to at least 5 cycles of 5‐session blocks of conditioning followed by 8‐session blocks of extinction. In different experiments, conditioning sessions either were a fixed‐ratio (FR) or variable‐ratio (VR) schedule, and transitions from the last conditioning session in each cycle to the first extinction session were conducted between or within sessions. A single response rate increase occurred when overall response rates were considered. Restricting analyses to the first minute of extinction sessions sometimes revealed increases in response rates, although this finding was inconsistent. The frequency and magnitude of these increases differed across exposures to extinction both across and within pigeons. Additionally, how responding during extinction was measured (i.e., the level of analysis) influenced whether increases above baseline levels were observed. These results suggest that the extinction burst may be influenced by the manner of transition to extinction and the way in which early extinction responding is measured. Under the best conditions, the extinction burst does not appear to be a ubiquitous effect of extinction.
Avoidance, induction, and the illusion of reinforcement
Authors: Baum William M.
Published: July 2020

Environmental events that impact reproductive success may be called phylogenetically important events (PIEs). Some promote reproductive success, like mates and food; others threaten reproductive success, like predators and injury. Beneficial PIEs induce activities that enhance them, and detrimental PIEs induce activities that mitigate or avoid them. Free‐operant avoidance relies on electric shock as a proxy for injury, a PIE. One theory takes avoidance behavior to be reinforced by its reducing shock rate. A more complete explanation is that avoidance both reduces shock rate and is induced by the PIEs it usually prevents. Shocks received act in concert with shock‐rate reduction, in a feedback system. Four parametric data sets were analyzed to show that avoidance is induced by received shock rate according to power functions. Avoidance is not reinforced at all; avoidance is induced by its failures. Induction explains not only avoidance itself, but also phenomena unique to avoidance, like warmup and effects of unavoidable shock. Induction explains behavior more generally than reinforcement, because induction explains not only food‐maintained operant and nonoperant behavior, but also shock‐maintained behavior, including avoidance. Reinforcement fails to explain behavior when reinforcement is defined as strengthening by consequences. Induction erases the distinction between consequences and antecedents.
Measurement of erosion depth using microcomputed tomography and light microscopy
Authors: Roque‐Torres Gina Delia , Kwon So Ran , Oyoyo Udochukwu , Li Yiming
Published: July 2020

Tooth‐erosion is the surface loss of dental hard tissue mostly associated with an acid attack. The aim was to compare dentin and enamel erosion depth measurements using micro‐computed tomography (microCT) and light microscopy (LM). Enamel/dentin blocks were prepared from caries‐free human molar‐teeth (N = 12). Teeth were sectioned to a rectangular shape of 4 × 4 × 6 mm. Specimens were treated with water (NC) or 1.0% citric‐acid solution (PC). After treatment, specimens were scanned with micro‐computed tomography. On completion, specimens were sectioned and observed under a light‐microscope. Lesion depth was observed with 10× magnification and images transferred to Simpleware software. Vertical distance from lesion surface to bottom was measured. Pearson correlation test was used to evaluate correlation and Wilcoxon Signed Rank test to evaluate differences in the two‐analysis methods. Mean enamel erosion depth was 0.63 and 38.38 μm (microCT) and 0.54 and 39.43 μm (LM) for NC and PC, respectively. Dentin erosion depth was 0.72 and 48.05 μm (microCT) and 0.56 and 49.92 μm (LM) for NC and PC, respectively. There was a significant correlation between the two‐analysis methods (r = 0.998; p < .001). No statistically significant difference in results were obtained when microCT and LM were compared (p = .584). This results obtained from the current study suggested that erosion depth measurements made using microCT and LM yielded comparable results. The microCT method is preferred if the conservation of specimens is desired.
Hamiltonian cycles in planar cubic graphs with facial 2‐factors, and a new partial solution of Barnette's Conjecture
Authors: Bagheri Gh Behrooz , Feder Tomas , Fleischner Herbert , Subi Carlos
Published: July 2020

We study the existence of hamiltonian cycles in plane cubic graphs having a facial 2‐factor . Thus hamiltonicity in is transformed into the existence of a (quasi) spanning tree of faces in the contraction . In particular, we study the case where is the leapfrog extension (called vertex envelope of a plane cubic graph . As a consequence we prove hamiltonicity in the leapfrog extension of planar cubic cyclically 4‐edge‐connected bipartite graphs. This and other results of this paper establish partial solutions of Barnette's Conjecture according to which every 3‐connected cubic planar bipartite graph is hamiltonian. These results go considerably beyond Goodey's result on this topic.
Synthesis of N‐heterocycles via [4 + 3] cycloaddition of azomethine imine
Authors: Sau Madan , Verma Kshitiz , Das Tapas
Published: July 2020

Di, tri and tetra‐nitrogen containing 7‐membered heterocycles are the key building blocks for natural and medicinally active compounds. They are using as antidepressants, antiulcer, antibiotics, antiemetic and also used as herbicides and insecticides. These building blocks can be synthesized easily from [4 + 3] cycloadditon reaction of azomethine imine with the other suitable reacting partner. Research on this area is very much important as this area is not much explored till now. Hence, the synthetic literature survey towards the di‐nitrogen containing heterocycles is paramount importance. Herein, we report numerous synthetic routes (metal catalyzed, metal free, asymmetric) of di‐nitrogen containing 7‐membered heterocycle through [4 + 3] cycloadditon reaction of the last 10 years (2011‐2019).
Plasma methylcitric acid and its correlations with other disease biomarkers: The impact in the follow up of patients with propionic and methylmalonic acidemia
Authors: Maines Evelina , Catesini Giulio , Boenzi Sara , Mosca Antonella , Candusso Manila , Dello Strologo Luca , Martinelli Diego , Maiorana Arianna , Liguori Alessandra , Olivieri Giorgia , Taurisano Roberta , Piemonte Fiorella , Rizzo Cristiano , Spada Marco , Dionisi‐Vici Carlo
Published: July 2020

Methylcitric acid (MCA) analysis has been mainly utilized for the diagnosis of propionate disorders or as a second‐tier test in newborn screening, but its utility for patients monitoring still needs to be established. We explored the potential contribution of MCA in the long‐term management of organic acidurias. We prospectively evaluated plasma MCA and its relationship with disease biomarkers, clinical status, and disease burden in 22 patients, 13 with propionic acidemia (PA) and nine with methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) on standard treatment and/or after transplantation. Samples were collected at scheduled routine controls or during episodes of metabolic decompensation (MD), 10 patients were evaluated after transplantation (six liver, two combined liver and kidney, 2 kidney). MCA levels were higher in PA compared to MMA and its levels were not influenced by the clinical status (MD vs well state). In MMA, MCA was higher in elder patients and, along with fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and plasma methylmalonic acid, negatively correlated with GFR. In both diseases, MCA correlated with ammonia, glycine, lysine, C3, and the C3/C2, C3/C16 ratios. The disease burden showed a direct correlation with MCA and FGF21, for both diseases. All transplanted patients showed a significant reduction of MCA in comparison to baseline values, with some differences dependent on the type of transplantation. Our study provided new insights in understanding the disease pathophysiology, showing similarities between MCA and FGF21 in predicting disease burden, long‐term complications and in evaluating the impact of organ transplantation.
Profound head modifications in Claviger testaceus (Pselaphinae, Staphylinidae, Coleoptera) facilitate integration into communities of ants
Authors: Jałoszyński Paweł , Luo Xiao‐Zhu , Beutel Rolf Georg
Published: July 2020

Clavigeritae is a group of obligate myrmecophiles of the rove beetle subfamily Pselaphinae (Staphylinidae). Some are blind and wingless, and all are believed to depend on ant hosts through feeding by trophallaxis. Phylogenetic hypotheses suggest that their ancestors, as are most pselaphines today, were free‐living predators. Morphological alterations required to transform such beetles into extreme myrmecophiles were poorly understood. By studying the cephalic morphology of Claviger testaceus, we demonstrate that profound changes in all mouthpart components took place during this process, with a highly unusual connection of the maxillae to the hypopharynx, and formation of a uniquely transformed labium with a vestigial prementum. The primary sensory function of the modified maxillary and labial palps is reduced, and the ventral mouthparts transformed into a licking/‘sponging’ device. Many muscles have been reduced, in relation to the coleopteran groundplan or other staphylinoids. The head capsule contains voluminous glands whose appeasement secretions are crucial for the beetle survival in ant colonies. The brain, in turn, has been shifted into the neck region. The prepharyngeal dilator is composed of an entire series of bundles. However, the pharynx does not show any peculiar adaptations to taking up liquid food. We demonstrate that far‐reaching cephalic modifications characterize C. testaceus, and that the development of appeasement glands and adaptation of the mouthparts to trophallaxis determine the head architecture of this extreme myrmecophile.
Preoperative Assessment for High‐Risk Endometrial Cancer by Developing anMRI‐ and Clinical‐Based Radiomics Nomogram: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Yan Bi Cong , Li Ying , MA Feng Hua , Feng Feng , Sun Ming Hua , Lin Guang Wu , Zhang Guo Fu , Qiang Jin Wei
Published: July 2020

Background

High‐ and low‐risk endometrial cancer (EC) differ in whether lymphadenectomy is performed. Assessment of high‐risk EC is essential for planning surgery appropriately.

Purpose

To develop a radiomics nomogram for high‐risk EC prediction preoperatively.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

In all, 717 histopathologically confirmed EC patients (mean age, 56 years ± 9) divided into a primary group (394 patients from Center A), validation groups 1 and 2 (146 patients from Center B and 177 patients from Centers C–E).

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5/3Tscanners;T2‐weighted imaging, diffusion‐weighted imaging, apparent diffusion coefficient, and contrast enhancement sequences.

Assessment

A radiomics nomogram was generated by combining the selected radiomics features and clinical parameters (metabolic syndrome, cancer antigen 125, age, tumor grade following curettage, and tumor size). The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operator characteristic was used to evaluate the predictive performance of the radiomics nomogram for high‐risk EC. The surgical procedure suggested by the nomogram was compared with the actual procedure performed for the patients. Net benefit of the radiomics nomogram was evaluated by a clinical decision curve (CDC), net reclassification index (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI).

Statistical Tests

Binary least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression, linear regression, and multivariate binary logistic regression were used to select radiomics features and clinical parameters.

Results

The AUC for prediction of high‐risk EC for the radiomics nomogram in the primary group, validation groups 1 and 2 were 0.896 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.866–0.926), 0.877 (95% CI: 0.825–0.930), and 0.919 (95% CI: 0.879–0.960), respectively. The nomogram achieved good net benefit by CDC analysis for high‐risk EC. NRIs were 1.17, 1.28, and 1.51, and IDIs were 0.41, 0.60, and 0.61 in the primary group, validation groups 1 and 2, respectively.

Data Conclusion

The radiomics nomogram exhibited good performance in the individual prediction of high‐risk EC, and might be used for surgical management of EC.

Level of Evidence

4

Technical Efficacy Stage

2 J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2020;52:1872–1882.