bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non‐invasive and in situ investigation of layers sequence in panel paintings by portable micro‐spatially offset Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Botteon Alessandra , Colombo Chiara , Realini Marco , Castiglioni Chiara , Piccirillo Anna , Matousek Pavel , Conti Claudia
Published: July 2020

Nowadays, the research in conservation science is focused on developing advanced portable analytical techniques able to achieve subsurface data in situ and in a non‐invasive way. Micro‐spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (micro‐SORS) is an emerging analytical technique developed to address the need of non‐invasively retrieving the molecular composition of the subsurface compounds; however, so far, micro‐SORS studies of artworks have been carried out only with benchtop Raman microscopes, precluding the non‐invasive analysis of large objects and artworks in situ. Here, for the first time, portable micro‐SORS was used for non‐invasive and in situ investigation of art objects. The potential of portable micro‐SORS is demonstrated through the reconstruction of the layer sequences in selected areas of two 16th century panel paintings, providing unequivocal information about the preparation layer spread over the panels and the pigments used in the painted layers and supplying essential information on the artist's technique.
Soy/whey protein isolates: interfacial properties and effects on the stability of oil‐in‐water emulsions
Authors: Zhang Xiaoying , Zhang Shuang , Xie Fengying , Han Lu , Li Liang , Jiang Lianzhou , Qi Baokun , Li Yang
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

The adsorption of proteins at oil/water interfaces can reduce interfacial tension and increase emulsion stability. However, emulsions stabilized by soy protein isolate (SPI) are not sufficiently stable. Using SPI as a control, a theoretical basis for the adsorption behavior of mixed SPI and whey protein isolate (WPI) at the oil/water interface was established and the effects of the protein ratio and content on the emulsion stability were studied.

RESULTS

Compared to SPI solution, SPI–WPI mixed solutions were found to reduce the size distribution of emulsion droplets and significantly improve the emulsion stability. Among the studied protein contents and ratios, the protein content of 0.2 g kg−1 and SPI/WPI mass ratio of 1:9 offered the lowest creaming stability index (15%), the smallest droplet size (278 nm), and the largest absolute value ζ‐potential (35 mV), i.e. the emulsion stability was excellent. The largest dilatational modulus (10.08 mN m−1), dilatational elasticity (10.01 mN m−1), and dilatational viscosity (1.18 mN m−1), were observed with a protein content of 0.15 g kg−1 (SPI/WPI ratio of 1:9), along with a high interfacial protein adsorption capacity (47.33%). SPI–WPI complexes form a thick adsorption layer around oil droplets, resulting in an increase of the expansion modulus of the interfacial layer.

CONCLUSION

SPI–WPI complexes can form a thick adsorption layer around oil droplets, resulting in increased expansion modulus of the interfacial layer, which improves emulsion stability. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Institutional variation in recovery after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: An opportunity for enhanced recovery pathways
Authors: Eng Oliver S. , Blakely Andrew M. , Lafaro Kelly J. , Fournier Keith F. , Fackche Nadege T. , Johnston Fabian M. , Dineen Sean , Powers Benjamin , Hendrix Ryan , Lambert Laura A. , Ronnekleiv‐Kelly Sean , Walle Kara Vande , Grotz Travis E. , Leiting Jennifer L. , Patel Sameer H. , Dhar Vikrom K. , Baumgartner Joel M. , Lowy Andrew M. , Clarke Callisia N. , Mogal Harveshp , Zaidi Mohammad Y. , Staley Charles A. , Kimbrough Charles , Cloyd Jordan M. , Lee Byrne , Raoof Mustafa
Published: July 2020

Background

Variations in care have been demonstrated both within and among institutions in many clinical settings. By standardizing perioperative practices, Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathways reduce variation in perioperative care. We sought to characterize the variation in cytoreductive surgery (CRS)/heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) perioperative practices among experienced US medical centers.

Methods

Data from the US HIPEC Collaborative represents a retrospective multi‐institutional cohort study of CRS and CRS/HIPEC procedures performed from 12 major academic institutions. Patient characteristics and perioperative practices were reported and compared. Institutional variation was analyzed using hierarchical mixed‐effects linear (continuous outcomes) or logistic (binary outcomes) regression models.

Results

A total of 2372 operations were included. CRS/HIPEC was performed most commonly for appendiceal histologies (64.2%). The rate of complications (overall 56.3%, range: 31.8‐70.9) and readmissions (overall 20.6%, range: 8.9‐33.3) varied by institution (P < .001). Institution‐level variation in perioperative practice patterns existed among measured ERAS pathway process/outcomes (P < .001). The percentages of variation with each process/outcome measure attributable solely to institutional practices ranged from 0.6% to 66.6%.

Conclusions

Significant variation exists in the perioperative care of patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC at major US academic institutions. These findings provide a strong rationale for the investigation of best practices in CRS/HIPEC patients.
Kinetics of hydrogen peroxide decomposition catalyzed by Cu‐buserite over a well‐sealed and thermostated kinetics assembly
Authors: Feng Lili , Lu Shupei , Qi Lin , Fang Mingwei , Song Yiran
Published: July 2020

Herein a well‐sealed and thermostated kinetics assembly is designed and built, which can run stirred at different reaction temperatures. With the reaction assembly above and the volumetric method together, the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) decomposition reaction kinetics is systematically investigated under a variety of reaction conditions over a copper‐doped buserite‐type layer manganese oxide (referred to as Cu‐buserite) as a heterogeneous catalyst. The overall second‐order rate law is fitted out by the linear regression analysis, with the reaction orders with respect to both H2O2 and Cu‐buserite determined to each be equal to 1, and then explicitly explained by the proposed Michaelis‐Menten like mechanism. The apparent activation energy Ea is estimated as 33.5 ± 2.5 kJ mol−1.
Emotional and Personality Traits are Determinants of Activity Avoidance in Chronic Rhinosinusitis Patients
Authors: Epperson Madison V. , Phillips Katie M. , Speth Marlene M. , Caradonna David S. , Gray Stacey T. , Sedaghat Ahmad R.
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), like other sinonasal diseases, may be associated with avoidance of daily activities. Our goal was to identify characteristics associated with avoidance of activities due to CRS.

Materials and Methods

A total of 194 CRS patients were recruited. CRS symptom burden was assessed with the 22‐item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22). SNOT‐22 nasal, sleep, ear/facial discomfort and emotional/psychological subdomain scores were calculated. Depressed mood was assessed using the two‐item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐2). Personality traits including conscientiousness, neuroticism, agreeableness, openness, and extraversion were assessed using the Big Five Inventory‐10 (BFI‐10) questionnaire. As the primary outcome, participants rated how often in the prior week that they had avoided any activities in day‐to‐day life due to their nasal or sinus symptoms on a scale of “never,” “rarely,” “sometimes,” “often,” or “extremely often.” Ordinal regression models, with bootstrap validation, were used to identify associations between activity avoidance and participants' characteristics.

Results

On multivariable analysis, SNOT‐22 score (odds ratio [OR] = 1.03, 95% CI, 1.01–1.04, P = .026), and conscientiousness personality trait (OR = 1.38, 95% CI, 1.05–1.81, P = .019) were positively associated with activity avoidance while age (OR = 0.98, 95% CI, 0.96–0.99, P = .049) was negatively associated with activity avoidance. Of CRS symptom burden/SNOT‐22 subdomains, only the emotional/psychological subdomain score (OR = 1.28, 95% CI, 1.12–1.46, P < .001) was associated with activity avoidance.

Conclusion

Younger age and the conscientiousness personality trait were associated with activity avoidance in CRS patients. Of CRS‐associated symptomatology, sadness and embarrassment were associated with activity avoidance. Emotional traits and personality most strongly predict avoidance of activities in CRS patients.

Level of Evidence

2c. Laryngoscope, 131:707–712, 2021
Bilayer Cylindrical Conduit Consisting of Electrospun Polycaprolactone Nanofibers and DSC Cross‐Linked Sodium Alginate Hydrogel to Bridge Peripheral Nerve Gaps
Authors: Askarzadeh Neshat , Nazarpak Masoumeh Haghbin , Mansoori Korosh , Farokhi Mehdi , Gholami Mahdi , Mohammadi Javad , Mottaghitalab Fatemeh
Published: July 2020

Herein, a bilayer cylindrical conduit (P‐CA) is presented consisting of electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers and sodium alginate hydrogel covalently cross‐linked with N,N′‐disuccinimidyl carbonate (DSC). The bilayer P‐CA conduit is developed by combining the electrospinning and outer–inner layer methods. Using DSC, as a covalent crosslinker, increases the degradation time of the sodium alginate hydrogel up to 2 months. The swelling ratio of the hydrogel is also 503% during the first 8 h. The DSC cross‐linked sodium alginate in the inner layer of the conduit promotes the adhesion and proliferation of nerve cells, while the electrospun PCL nanofibers in the outer layer provide maximum tensile strength of the conduit during surgery. P‐CA conduit promotes the migration of Schwann cells along the axon in a rat model based on functional and histological evidences. In conclusion, P‐CA conduit will be a promising construct for repairing sciatic nerves in a rat model.
Uncertainty reduction in quantitative precipitation prediction by tuning of Kain–Fritch scheme input parameters in the WRF model using the simulated annealing optimization method
Authors: Afshar Mohaddeseh A. , Azadi Majid , Rezazadeh Maryam
Published: July 2020

In the study, using the simulated annealing (SA) optimization method, tried to reduce the uncertainty of the prediction of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) numerical model in convective rainfall forecasts. To this end, three parameters Pd, Pe and Ph in Kain–Fritch convective scheme that's related to downdraft mass flux, entrainment mass flux and starting height of downdraft above updraft source layer, respectively, are optimized using SA algorithm to achieve better values. Two nested domain were used in the study with 30 and 10 km resolution which inner domain cover southern coasts of the Caspian Sea for the study area. Runtime of the model was 36 hr with the first 12 hr spin‐up time. Study period selected October 12, 2012 for training algorithm and October 8, 2015 for test run. After 100 iteration of the algorithm, 1, 1 and 50 was obtained for Pd, Pe and Ph respectively, while default values of these parameters was 0, 0, and 150. Results show that in both cases, model with default values underestimates rainfall amount and after optimization, model performance improves. Also, spatial distribution of the model precipitation forecast was less than observations and after optimization, spatial distribution improves. Statistical analysis of results indicated Mean Bias (MB) and root mean square error (RMSE) in training case were −4.6 and 17.1 in model with default values and became −3.7 and 14.3 in optimized one, respectively. Also, MB and RMSE for test case increased to −8.4 and 23.8, respectively, in model result with optimized parameters from −10.6 to 29.4 in model with default parameters.
Existence and optimal control problem for semilinear fractional order (1,2] control system
Authors: Patel Rohit , Shukla Anurag , Jadon Shimpi Singh
Published: July 2020

In this article, we have derived some sufficient conditions for existence of optimal control for semilinear control system of fractional order (1,2] in Hilbert space. We have discussed existence and uniqueness of mild solution with the help of Banach fixed point theorem for proposed problem. Under certain conditions stated, Lagrange's problem admits at least one optimal control pair. Finally, one example is given to understand theoretical results in better manner.
Finite time collapse in chemotaxis systems with logistic‐type superlinear source
Authors: Marras Monica , Vernier‐Piro Stella
Published: July 2020

We consider the following quasilinear Keller–Segel system

on a ball
, n ≥ 3, R>0, under homogeneous Neumann boundary conditions and nonnegative initial data. The source term g(u) is superlinear and of logistic type, that is, g(u)=λu−μuk,k>1,μ>0, λ>0, and Tmax is the blow‐up time. The solution (u,v) may or may not blow‐up in finite time. Under suitable conditions on data, we prove that the function u, which blows up in L∞(Ω)‐norm, blows up also in Lp(Ω)‐norm for some p>1. Moreover, a lower bound of the lifespan (or blow‐up time when it is finite) Tmax is derived.

In addition, if
a lower bound of Tmax is explicitly computable.
A database of 40 patient‐based computational models for benchmarking organ dose estimates in CT
Authors: Samei Ehsan , Ria Francesco , Tian Xiaoyu , Segars Paul W.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Patient radiation burden in computed tomography (CT) can best be characterized through risk estimates derived from organ doses. Organ doses can be estimated by Monte Carlo simulations of the CT procedures on computational phantoms assumed to emulate the patients. However, the results are subject to uncertainties related to how accurately the patient and CT procedure are modeled. Different methods can lead to different results. This paper, based on decades of organ dosimetry research, offers a database of CT scans, scan specifics, and organ doses computed using a validated Monte Carlo simulation of each patient and acquisition. It is aimed that the database can serve as means to benchmark different organ dose estimation methods against a benchmark dataset.

Acquisition and validation methods

Organ doses were estimated for 40 adult patients (22 male, 18 female) who underwent chest and abdominopelvic CT examinations. Patient‐based computational models were created for each patient including 26 organs for female and 25 organs for male cases. A Monte Carlo code, previously validated experimentally, was applied to calculate organ doses under constant and two modulated tube current conditions.

Data format and usage notes

The generated database reports organ dose values for chest and abdominopelvic examinations per patient and imaging condition. Patient information and images and scan specifications (energy spectrum, bowtie filter specification, and tube current profiles) are provided. The database is available at publicly accessible digital repositories.

Potential applications

Consistency in patient risk estimation, and associated justification and optimization requires accuracy and consistency in organ dose estimation. The database provided in this paper is a helpful tool to benchmark different organ dose estimation methodologies to facilitate comparisons, assess uncertainties, and improve risk assessment of CT scans based on organ dose.
Characterization of stereoisomeric 5‐(2‐nitro‐1‐phenylethyl)furan‐2(5H)‐ones by computation of 1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts and electronic circular dichroism spectra
Authors: Lopes Dayane T. , Hoye Thomas R. , Alvarenga Elson S.
Published: July 2020

In the present work, we describe the preparation of two diastereomers from the enantioselective Michael addition of furan‐2(5H)‐one to (E)‐(2‐nitrovinyl)benzene catalyzed by a dinuclear Zn‐complex. The relative configurations of the diastereomeric products were assigned by comparing nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experimental chemical shift data with those computed by density functional theory (DFT) methods. Corrected mean absolute error (CMAE) and CP3 analyses were used to compare the data sets. The absolute configuration of each diastereomer was initially assigned by analysis of electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data, which was consistent with that of the known X‐ray crystallographic structure of the product of a related reaction, namely, (R)‐5‐((R)‐1‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐2‐nitroethyl)furan‐2(5H)‐one.
Fast whole brain MR imaging of dynamic susceptibility contrast changes in the cerebrospinal fluid (cDSC MRI)
Authors: Cao Di , Kang Ningdong , Pillai Jay J. , Miao Xinyuan , Paez Adrian , Xu Xiang , Xu Jiadi , Li Xu , Qin Qin , Van Zijl Peter C. M. , Barker Peter , Hua Jun
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The circulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is closely associated with many aspects of brain physiology. When gadolinium(Gd)‐based contrast is administered intravenously, pre‐ and post‐contrast MR signal changes can often be observed in the CSF at certain locations within the intra‐cranial space, mainly due to the lack of a blood‐brain barrier in the dural blood vessels. This study aims to develop and systemically optimize MRI sequences that can detect dynamic signal changes in the CSF after Gd administration with a sub‐millimeter spatial resolution, a temporal resolution of <10 s, and whole brain coverage.

Methods

Bloch simulations were performed to determine optimal imaging parameters for maximum CSF contrast before and after Gd injection. Simulations were validated with phantom scans. An optimized turbo‐spin‐echo (TSE) sequence was performed on healthy volunteers on 3T and 7T.

Results

Simulation results agreed well with phantom scans. In human scans, dynamic signal changes after Gd injection in the CSF were detected at several locations where cerebral lymphatic vessels were identified in previous studies. The concentration of Gd in CSF in these regions was estimated to be approximately 0.2 mmol/L.

Conclusion

Dynamic signal changes induced by the distribution of Gd in the CSF can be detected in healthy human subjects with an optimized TSE sequence. The proposed methodology does not rely on any particular theory on CSF circulation. We expect it to be useful for studies on CSF circulation and cerebral lymphatic vessels in the brain.
Anthropometric indicators as predictors of pelvic floor muscle distress in young women
Authors: Scarabelot Karoline S. , da Silva Pereira Franciele , Pelegrini Andreia , Tuon Talita , Virtuoso Janeisa F.
Published: July 2020

Aim

To identify anthropometric indicators that could predict pelvic floor muscle distress (PFMD) in young women.

Method

A cross‐sectional study was conducted, whose sample consisted of 54 women aged between 18 and 35 years. The Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory was used to assess the PFMD. The anthropometric indicators evaluated were body mass index (BMI) being measured the weight and height, body fat percentage (skinfolds), waist circumference (WC), waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR), and relative fat mass (RFM), which is calculated from height and WC. Descriptive and inferential statistics (Spearman correlation, simple linear regression, and receiver operating characteristic curve) were used, with a significance level of 5%.

Results

The PFMD and the anthropometric indicators BMI (r = .43), body fat percentage (r = .42), WC (r = .46), WHR (r = .49), and RFM (r = .48) showed a positive and moderate correlation (P < .01). In all, 24%, 23%, 20%, and 18% of the PFMD can be credited to RFM, WC, WHR, and body fat percentage, respectively. The cut‐off point for RFM was 38.44 for the symptom of pressure in the lower abdomen and 36.24 for symptom of stress urinary incontinence and incomplete emptying of the bladder.

Conclusion

Anthropometric indicators of body fat percentage, WC, WHR, and RFM can be predictors of PFMD in young women minimally symptomatic.
A scaled boundary finite element based explicit topology optimization approach for three‐dimensional structures
Authors: Zhang Weisheng , Xiao Zhe , Liu Chang , Mei Yue , Youn Sung‐kie , Guo Xu
Published: July 2020

This article proposes an efficient approach for solving three‐dimensional (3D) topology optimization problem. In this approach, the number of design variables in optimization as well as the number of degrees of freedom in structural response analysis can be reduced significantly. This is accomplished through the use of scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM) for structural analysis under the moving morphable component (MMC)‐based topology optimization framework. In the proposed method, accurate response analysis in the boundary region dictates the accuracy of the entire analysis. In this regard, an adaptive refinement scheme is developed where the refined mesh is only used in the boundary region while relating coarse mesh is used away from the boundary. Numerical examples demonstrate that the computational efficiency of 3D topology optimization can be improved effectively by the proposed approach.
Quality of care and job satisfaction in a Hospital Trust before and after The Coordination Reform in Norway
Authors: Andersen Irene Aasen , Kleiven Ole T. , Kyte Lars , Pettersen Marny Alice Solhaug
Published: July 2020

Aims

To study the impact of organizational changes on the quality of health services and on health professionals' job satisfaction in specialist health services.

Design

A repeated cross‐sectional study, including 5 years before (2007) and 5 years after (2017) the introduction of The Coordination Reform in Norway.

Methods

Nurses and auxiliary nurses working in medical wards at three hospitals evaluated the quality of health services and various aspects of their working conditions, using questionnaires: Quality of Patient Care and the Job Satisfaction Scale.

Results

In 2017, nurses and auxiliary nurses had longer work experience compared with 2007. Nurses and auxiliary nurses also worked full hours. There was no significant change over time in total Quality of Patient Care score or in any of the sub‐scores. There was no significant change in total Job Satisfaction Scale score over time, but there was a significant decline in the sub‐score for physical working conditions.
Usefulness of heart rate variability indices in assessing the risk of an unsuccessful return to work after sick leave in depressed patients
Authors: Shinba Toshikazu , Murotsu Keizo , Usui Yosuke , Andow Yoshinori , Terada Hiroshi , Takahashi Mami , Takii Rie , Urita Michiko , Sakuragawa Satoshi , Mochizuki Miwa , Kariya Nobutoshi , Matsuda Saori , Obara Yusuke , Matsuda Hanae , Tatebayashi Yoshitaka , Matsuda Yoshiki , Mugishima Go , Nedachi Takaki , Sun Guanghao , Inoue Tomoko , Matsui Takemi
Published: July 2020

Aim

The present study aimed to examine whether heart rate variability (HRV) indices in depressed patients measured at return to work after sick leave are related to the outcome of reinstatement.

Methods

This study included 30 workers who took a leave of absence due to major depressive disorder. HRV was measured twice, once when participants left work and another when they returned to work. One month after returning to work, 19 participants continued their original work (successful return group), while 11 failed to perform their original work (unsuccessful return group). HRV indices including high‐ and low‐frequency components (HF and LF) were calculated in three conditions within a session lasting for about 5 minutes, initial rest (Rest), mental task (Task), and rest after task (After), and were compared between the two participant groups. Psychological states were evaluated using Self‐rating Depression Scale and State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory.

Results

No significant differences were observed in the HRV indices on leaving work between groups. On returning to work, the “unsuccessful return group” exhibited lower HF Rest score, higher HF Task/Rest ratio, and higher LF/HF Rest score than the “successful return group.” Psychological scores improved in both groups.

Conclusion

These results indicate that autonomic dysregulations revealed by HRV measurement at return to work after a leave of absence in MDD patients were related to the outcome of reinstatement and can serve as useful information for the assessment of the risk of unsuccessful return.
Middle school students' preferences for praise
Authors: Schneider Maryia M. , Hulac David M. , Mickelson Lisa R. , Phillips Emily K.
Published: July 2020

Praise, defined as public or private expression of approval for behavior, is recognized as a critical component in many classroom behavior interventions. Historically, praise has been viewed from the perspective of educators in terms of both increasing educator‐preferred behaviors and in terms of educators' perspectives. Little is known about students' perceptions of praise, particularly middle school students in the United States. The current study explored ways middle school students preferred to be praised and the behaviors students believed warranted praise. This included whether middle school students preferred praise to be delivered for effort or ability, and quietly or loudly. Using the Preference for Teacher Praise scale (PTP), 511 students were surveyed from an ethnically diverse middle school in the western half of the United States. Additional analysis investigated preferences based on age/grade, gender, and ethnicity. Results indicated that most students preferred to receive praise sometimes or almost always for both academic success and socially expected behaviors. However, most students preferred praise to be delivered quietly and to be focused on effort rather than ability. While girls were significantly more likely than boys to prefer effort praise to ability praise, all students preferred effort praise regardless of gender.
Stereotype threat is linked to language achievement and domain identification in young males: Working memory and intellectual helplessness as mediators
Authors: Bedyńska Sylwia , Krejtz Izabela , Rycielski Piotr , Sedek Grzegorz
Published: July 2020

In the present paper, we investigated the link between stereotype threat, school achievement, and domain identification in language arts. We hypothesized that stereotype threat may lead to higher intellectual helplessness, lower working memory capacity, lower achievement, and domain identification but only in young men highly identified with their gender group. To test these assumptions we used self‐descriptive measures of stereotype threat, intellectual helplessness, gender identification, and domain identification. We also evaluated working memory capacity by working memory test and school achievement using grade point average. Our predictions were tested in structural equation modeling on a nationwide sample of 319 young men from coeducational schools, aged 14–16 years. The results revealed that working memory was a mediator of achievement (γ = 0.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.34, 0.55]), while intellectual helplessness was related to both domain identification (γ = −0.13, 95% CI = [−0.22, −0.04]) and achievement (γ = −0.13, 95% CI = [−0.21, −0.06]). The proposed model extends our previous work on the role of intellectual helplessness in mathematics by testing the same intervening variable in a different domain, that is, in language arts. We discuss these results in light of previous research on stereotype threat and present practical implications.
Hematological cancer patient‐caregiver dyadic communication: A longitudinal examination of cancer communication concordance
Authors: Siminoff Laura A. , Wilson‐Genderson Maureen , Barta Stefan , Thomson Maria D.
Published: July 2020

Objective

Informal caregivers play a fundamental role in care and decision making with hematological cancer patients. Concordant patient‐caregiver communication is a critical antecedent to high quality decision making. Little is known about patterns of dyadic communication throughout the cancer treatment continuum. The objective of this study was to assess patterns of cancer communication concordance regarding treatment and care among hematological cancer patients undergoing active treatment and their informal caregivers and test whether patterns were associated with participant characteristics.

Methods

A case series of hematological cancer patient‐caregiver dyads (n = 171) were recruited from oncology clinics in Virginia and Pennsylvania and followed for 2 years. Latent Class Growth Models (LCGM) were used to analyze longitudinal data captured using Cancer Communication Assessment Tool for Patients and Families (CCAT‐PF) and the association with participant characteristics.

Results

White patient‐caregiver dyads demonstrated decreased communication concordance and African American dyads demonstrated increased communication concordance over time. Lower communication concordance was found among dyads with lower levels of education and income, and cancers diagnosed at more advanced stages; these relationships were stable over time. Modeling identified the presence of three distinct communication groups (Stable Concordant (57.4%), Fluctuating Medium Concordant (37.8%), High Discordant (5.4%)) that differed by baseline level of communication concordance, patterns of concordance over time, race, income and the dyad relationship.

Conclusions

Patient‐caregiver cancer communication concordance was not static overtime. Results suggest the presence of a new dyadic cancer communication typology that could help preemptively identify dyads at risk for communication difficulties that impede treatment decision making.
Factors associated with social functioning among long‐term cancer survivors treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation as adolescents or young adults
Authors: Walsh Casey A. , Yi Jean C. , Rosenberg Abby R. , Crouch Marie‐Laure V. , Leisenring Wendy M. , Syrjala Karen L.
Published: July 2020

Objective

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) can compromise long‐term health and social functioning. We examined the impact of physical and social‐emotional factors on the social functioning of long‐term adolescent and young adult (AYA) HSCT survivors.

Methods

This cross‐sectional analysis included HSCT recipients from the INSPIRE trial [NCT00799461] who received their first transplant between ages 15‐39. Patient‐reported outcome measures included the Short Form‐36v2, Fatigue Symptom Inventory, Cancer and Treatment Distress, and the ENRICHD Social Support Inventory. We used hierarchical multiple linear regression to identify physical and social‐emotional factors associated with social functioning at the baseline assessment, with the first block including sociodemographic and clinical factors significant at P = <0.10 in univariate testing, the second block including fatigue and physical function, and the third block including social support and distress.

Results

Participants (N = 279) were 52% male and 93.5% white, non‐Hispanic, with a mean age of 30.3 (SD 6.6) at first transplant. Social Functioning mean was 48.5 (SD 10.5), below age‐adjusted norms (t = −13.6, P = <0.001). In the first block, current chronic graft‐vs‐host disease accounted for 5.5% of the variance (P = <0.001). Adding fatigue and physical function explained an additional 46.6% of the variance (P = <0.001). Adding distress and social support explained an additional 7.7% of the variance (P = <0.001). The final model explained 59.8% of the variance; distress, fatigue, and physical function were significantly associated with social functioning.

Conclusions

Distress, fatigue, and physical function are associated with social functioning and interventions targeting these symptoms may help to improve SF among long‐term cancer survivors treated with HSCT as AYAs.
Reliability and validity of the Norwegian‐language version of the elderly mobility scale in older hospitalised patients
Authors: Dokken Inger , Brovold Therese , Hesseberg Karin
Published: July 2020

Background and purpose

Reliable and valid assessment tools are needed to evaluate and predict physical function in older hospitalised patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability and validity of the Norwegian‐language version of the Elderly Mobility Scale (EMS‐N) for use with geriatric patients.

Methods

Fifty patients admitted to a medical ward in a hospital in Norway were included. The inclusion criteria were acute hospital admission because of medical issues, age ≥65 years and referred to a physiotherapist for a physical function review. The original version of the Elderly Mobility Scale (EMS) was translated from English to Norwegian before initiating this study. EMS‐N was tested for internal consistency, test–retest reliability and criterion validity by using the short physical performance battery (SPPB) as the gold standard. Internal consistency was measured by Cronbach's alpha. Test–retest reliability was estimated by linear weighted kappa and the intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

The mean age of participants was 82 (range 65–95). The main admission diagnoses were acute functional decline (64%, n = 32) or acute infection (26%, n = 13). Internal consistency was estimated at 0.88. Test–retest reliability: six of the seven EMS‐N items showed very good consistency, and the last item showed good consistency, ICC was estimated at 0.99. The standard error of measurement (SEM) reflected the absolute reliability, calculated at 0.52. The minimal detectable change (MDC) was calculated with 95 and 90% confidence intervals at 1.44 and 1.21, respectively. Criterion validity was calculated by a correlation analysis of the EMS‐N and the SPPB. The rho value was estimated as 0.75, which corresponds to a high correlation and indicated good criterion validity.

Discussion

EMS‐N exhibited good internal consistency and good to very good test–retest reliability and criterion validity. EMS can safely be used as an assessment tool for hospitalised geriatric patients.
miR‐196a‐mediated downregulation of p27kip1 protein promotes prostate cancer proliferation and relates to biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Zhan Bin , Huang Linjin , Chen Yachun , Ye Wen , Li Jingkun , Chen Jianhui , Yang Sheng , Jiang Wei
Published: July 2020

Background

Dysregulation of microRNAs has performed vital gene regulatory functions in the genesis, progression, and prognosis of multiple malignant tumors. This study aimed to elucidate the regulatory mechanism of miR‐196a in prostate cancer (PCa) and explore its clinical significance.

Methods

Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction was implemented to examine miR‐196a and p27kip1 messenger RNA expression in PCa. Cell proliferation was evaluated via Cell Counting Kit‐8, colony formation, and nude mouse tumorigenicity assays. Luciferase reporter assay was applied to identify target genes. p27kip1 protein expression in PCa was investigated using Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry.

Results

There was a dramatic upregulation of miR‐196a in PCa. Upregulated miR‐196a was related to worse Gleason score (GS), later pathological stage, and poor biochemical recurrence (BCR)‐free survival. In vivo and in vitro experiments exhibited that miR‐196a promoted PCa proliferation and expedited G1/S‐phase progression through the downregulation of p27kip1 protein. Additionally, p27kip1 protein was distinctly downregulated in PCa. Low p27kip1 protein expression had a strong correlation with increased GS and was an independent predictor of BCR after radical prostatectomy (RP).

Conclusions

Excessive expression of miR‐196a and subsequent downregulation of p27kip1 protein play essential roles in promoting PCa proliferation and leading to BCR after RP. miR‐196a and its target p27kip1 may become novel molecular biomarkers and therapeutic targets for PCa.
Patterns of stemness‐associated markers in the development of castration‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Federer‐Gsponer Joël R. , Müller David C. , Zellweger Tobias , Eggimann Maurice , Marston Katharina , Ruiz Christian , Seifert Hans‐Helge , Rentsch Cyrill A. , Bubendorf Lukas , Le Magnen Clémentine
Published: July 2020

Background

Putative castration‐resistant (CR) stem‐like cells (CRSC) have been identified based on their ability to initiate and drive prostate cancer (PCa) recurrence following castration in vivo. Yet the relevance of these CRSC in the course of the human disease and particularly for the transition from hormone‐naive (HN) to castration‐resistance is unclear. In this study, we aimed at deciphering the significance of CRSC markers in PCa progression.

Methods

We constructed a tissue microarray comprising 112 matched HN and CR tissue specimens derived from 55 PCa patients. Expression of eight stemness‐associated markers (ALDH1A1, ALDH1A3, ALDH3A1, BMI1, NANOG, NKX3.1, OCT4, SOX2) was assessed by immunohistochemistry and scored as a percentage of positive tumor cells. For each marker, the resulting scores were statistically analyzed and compared to pathological and clinical data associated with the samples. Unsupervised clustering analysis was performed to stratify patients according to the expression of the eight CRSC markers. Publicly‐available transcriptional datasets comprising HN and CR PCa samples were interrogated to assess the expression of the factors in silico.

Results

Immunohistochemical assessment of paired samples revealed atypical patterns of expression and intra‐ and intertumor heterogeneity for a subset of CRSC markers. While the expression of particular CRSC markers was dynamic over time in some patients, none of the markers showed significant changes in expression upon the development of castration resistance (CR vs HN). Using unsupervised clustering approaches, we identified phenotypic subtypes based on the expression of specific stem‐associated markers. In particular, we found (a) patterns of mutual exclusivity for ALDH1A1 and ALDH1A3 expression, which was also observed at the transcriptomic level in publicly‐available PCa datasets, and (b) a phenotypic cluster associated with more aggressive features. Finally, by comparing HN and CR matched samples, we identified phenotypic cluster switches (ie, change of phenotypic cluster between the HN and CR state), that may be associated with clinical and predictive relevance.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate stemness‐associated patterns that are associated with the development of castration‐resistance. These results pave the way toward a deeper understanding of the relevance of CRSC markers in PCa progression and resistance to androgen‐deprivation therapy.
Cancer‐driven IgG promotes the development of prostate cancer though the SOX2‐CIgG pathway
Authors: Qin Caipeng , Sheng Zhengzuo , Huang Xinmei , Tang Jingshu , Liu Yang , Xu Tao , Qiu Xiaoyan
Published: July 2020

Background

Although androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the initial treatment strategy for prostate cancer (PCa), recurrent castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) eventually ensues. In this study, cancer‐derived immunoglobulin G (CIgG) is found to be induced after ADT, identifying CIgG as a potential CRPC driver gene.

Methods

The expression of CIgG and its clinical significance in PCa tissue was analyzed by The Cancer Genome Atlas database and immunohistochemistry. Subsequently, the sequence features of prostate cell line VHDJH rearrangements were analyzed. We also assessed the effect of CIgG on the migratory, invasive and proliferative abilities of PCa cells in vitro and vivo. Suspended microsphere, colony formation and drug‐resistant assays were performed using PC3 cells with high CIgG expression (CIgGhigh) and low CIgG expression (CIgG‐/low), and A nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency mouse tumor xenograft model was developed for the study of the tumorigenic effects of the different cell populations. The SOX2‐CIgG signaling pathway was validated by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, luciferase, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays and bioinformatics analyses. Finally, we investigated the effect of RP215 inhibition on the progression of PCa in vivo using a Babl/c nude mouse xenograft model.

Results

CIgG is frequently expressed in PCa and associated with clinicopathological characteristics, moreover, CIgG transcripts with unique patterns of VHDJH rearrangements are found in PCa cells. Functional analyses identified that CIgG was induced by ADT and upregulated by SOX2 (SRY (sex determining region Y)‐box 2) in PCa, promoting the development of PCa. In addition, our findings underscore a novel role of CIgG signaling in the maintenance of stemness and the progression of cancer through mitogen activated protein kinase/extracellular‐signal‐regulated kinase and AKT in PCa. In vivo experiments further demonstrated that depleting CIgG significantly suppressed the growth of PCa cell xenografts. Furthermore, a CIgG monoclonal antibody named RP215 exhibits tumor inhibitory effect as well.

Conclusion

Our data suggests that CIgG could be a driver of PCa development, and that targeting the SOX2‐CIgG axis may therefore inhibit PCa development after ADT.
Wavelength‐decomposition‐based embedded cluster density approximation for systems with nonlocal electron correlation
Authors: Huang Chen
Published: July 2020

Local correlation methods rely on the assumption that electron correlation is nearsighted. In this work, we develop a method to alleviate this assumption. This new method is demonstrated by calculating the random phase approximation (RPA) correlation energies in several one‐dimensional model systems. In this new method, the first step is to approximately decompose the RPA correlation energy to the nearsighted and farsighted components based on the wavelength decomposition of electron correlation developed by Langreth and Perdew. The short‐wavelength (SW) component of the RPA correlation energy is then considered to be nearsighted, and the long‐wavelength (LW) component of the RPA correlation energy is considered to be farsighted. The SW RPA correlation energy is calculated using a recently developed local correlation method: the embedded cluster density approximation (ECDA). The LW RPA correlation energy is calculated globally based on the system's Kohn‐Sham orbitals. This new method is termed λ‐ECDA, where λ indicates the wavelength decomposition. The performance of λ‐ECDA is examined on a one‐dimensional model system: a H24 chain, in which the RPA correlation energy is highly nonlocal. In this model system, a softened Coulomb interaction is used to describe the electron‐electron and electron‐ion interactions, and slightly stronger nuclear charges (1.2e) are assigned to the pseudo‐H atoms. Bond stretching energies, RPA correlation potentials, and Kohn‐Sham eigenvalues predicted by λ‐ECDA are in good agreement with the benchmarks when the clusters are made reasonably large. We find that the LW RPA correlation energy is critical for obtaining accurate prediction of the RPA correlation potential, even though the LW RPA correlation energy contributes to only a few percent of the total RPA correlation energy.
The Nanomechanical Bit
Authors: Kim Chulki , Marsland Robert , Blick Robert H.
Published: July 2020

The applicability of nanomechanical devices for computational approaches is reviewed. The focus is on the representation and processing of information based on nanomechanical bits. Several device concepts are discussed ranging from nano‐electromechanical systems in silicon to circuits based on carbon nano‐tube switches, combinations of nanomechanical resonators and traditional transistors, and integration into a computing architecture. The strengths of mechanical systems include their scalability, robustness to external electrical shocks, and their low‐energy consumption. Hence, they may lead the way to new forms of ultradense memory and alternative routes of computing. In conjunction with quantum mechanical single electron circuits, nano‐electromechanical systems may also have potential for quantum computational circuits.
Suppression of Persistent Photoconductivity of Rubrene Crystals using Gate‐Tunable Rubrene/Bi2Se3 Diodes with Photoinduced Negative Differential Resistance
Authors: Pei Ke , Wang Fakun , Han Wei , Yang Sanjun , Liu Kailang , Liu Kewei , Li Huiqiao , Zhai Tianyou
Published: July 2020

Organic single‐crystalline semiconductors show great potential in high‐performance photodetectors. However, they suffer from persistent photoconductivity (PPC) due to the charge trapping, which has severely hindered high‐speed imaging applications. Here, a universal strategy of solving the PPC by integrating with topological insulator Bi2Se3 is provided. The rubrene/Bi2Se3 heterojunctions are selected as an example for general demonstration due to the reproducibly high mobility and broad optoelectronic applications of rubrene crystals. By virtue of high carrier concentration on Bi2Se3 surface and the strong built‐in electrical field, the photoresponse of the heterotransistor is significantly reduced for more than two orders (from over 10 s to 54 ms), meanwhile the photoresponsivity can reach 124 A W−1. To the best of knowledge, this operating speed is among the fastest responses in organic–inorganic heterojunctions. The heterotransistor also shows unique negative differential resistance under positive gate bias, which can be explained by photoinduced de‐trapping of electron trap states in the bulk rubrene crystals. Besides, the rubrene/Bi2Se3 heterojunction behaves as a gate‐tunable backward‐like diode due to the inhomogenous carrier distribution in the thick rubrene crystal and inversion of relative Fermi level positions. The findings demonstrate versatile functionalities of the rubrene/Bi2Se3 heterojunctions for various emerging optoelectronic applications.
Hierarchical Nanorods of MoS2/MoP Heterojunction for Efficient Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Liu Qian , Xue Ziqian , Jia Baoming , Liu Qinglin , Liu Kang , Lin Yiyang , Liu Min , Li Yinle , Li Guangqin
Published: July 2020

Hierarchical nanostructures with tailored component and architectures are attractive for energy‐related applications. Here, the delicate design and construction of hierarchical MoS2/MoP (H‐MoS2/MoP) nanorods for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are demonstrated. This multiscale design rationally combines the compositional and structural advantages of MoS2/MoP heterojunction into a hierarchical architecture, which can modulate electronic structure of S, remarkably facilitating the electrocatalytic HER. Benefitting from their unique architecture and electronic structure, the H‐MoS2/MoP nanorods exhibit excellent performance for HER with ultralow overpotential of 92 mV at current density of 10 mA cm−2 in 1 m KOH and high stability. This work not only provides an efficient approach to constructing hierarchical heterojunctions, but also a multiscale strategy for all‐round regulation of the electronic structure and hierarchical morphology of nanomaterials for energy‐related applications.
Do shocks to animal spirits cause output fluctuations?
Authors: Biolsi Christopher , Du Bocong
Published: July 2020

We evaluate whether shocks to “animal spirits” affect real outcomes at business cycle frequencies, using data on consumer confidence and region‐ and state‐level coincident activity indexes in a vector autoregression (VAR) with long run restrictions. We assume that animal spirits shocks do not affect the long run level of activity. Innovations in fundamentals explain most variation in the level of activity, but animal spirits have economically significant effects at business cycle frequencies. A positive innovation in animal spirits causes real activity to rise by between 0.2 and 0.6% in the medium term, and animal spirits may explain up to about half of real fluctuations in the medium run.