bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying fibroblast growth factor receptor genetic alterations using RNA‐based assays in patients with metastatic or locally advanced, surgically unresectable, urothelial carcinoma who may benefit from erdafitinib treatment
Authors: Wang Songbai , Burgess Mike , Major Christopher , English Alistair , Sweeney Maranna , Hartmann Arndt
Published: April 2020

Erdafitinib, a pan‐fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibitor received accelerated approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) in adult patients with specific FGFR3/2 genetic alterations who progressed during or after ≥1 line of prior platinum‐containing chemotherapy (PCC), including within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant PCC. Concordance between the clinical trial assay (CTA) used in a phase 2 study and QIAGEN's therascreen® FGFR kit (a two‐step, multiplex, real‐time, RT‐PCR assay), the FDA‐approved companion diagnostic (CDx) with erdafitinib, was evaluated in this bridging study. Study samples included 100 CTA‐confirmed FGFR‐positive samples from 100 erdafitinib‐treated mUC patients, plus 200 CTA‐confirmed FGFR‐negative samples from the phase 2 study. The primary objective was met if the lower bound of 95% CI of objective response rate (ORR) in CDx‐confirmed patients with FGFR alterations was >25%. Demographics were similar between the bridging study and CTA‐screened patients. In total, 292 of 300 samples (97.3%) with valid CDx results showed high analytical concordance versus CTA (percent agreement [95% CI]: positive percent agreement, 87.2 [79.0; 92.5]; negative percent agreement, 97.0 [93.5; 98.6]; overall percent agreement, 93.8 [90.5; 96.1]). Investigator‐assessed ORR in the 81 CDx‐identified, erdafitinib‐treated patients who tested positive for both assays was 45.7% (95% CI: 35.3%; 56.5%) versus 40.4% (95% CI: 30.7%; 50.1%) for CTA and met the criteria for primary objective. High ORR and clinical concordance to CTA suggest that QIAGEN's CDx can reliably select mUC patients who would potentially benefit from erdafitinib treatment.
Contemporary clinical updates on the prevention of future cardiovascular disease in women who experience adverse pregnancy outcomes
Authors: Park Ki , Minissian Margo B. , Wei Janet , Saade George R. , Smith Graeme N.
Published: April 2020

Adverse pregnancy outcomes including hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and gestational diabetes are significant causes of maternal mortality. There is substantial evidence of an association between adverse events during pregnancy and long‐term maternal cardiovascular risk. It is therefore important to understand the role of risk modification prior to, during, and after pregnancy to reduce adverse outcomes. These efforts include risk assessment, routine screening for cardiovascular risk factors, and potential pharmacotherapeutic risk reduction. In this manuscript, we aim to highlight the current evidence in the areas of cardiovascular risk assessment and risk modification, and the role for potential risk reduction therapies before, during, and after pregnancy.
An intelligent algorithm with interactive learning mechanism for high‐dimensional optimization problem based on improved animal migration optimization
Authors: Lai Zhaolin , Hu Xiaochun , Jiang Caoqing
Published: April 2020

Recently, a new intelligent algorithm called animal migration optimization (AMO) is proposed. The AMO algorithm, which is inspired by the behavior of animal migration, exhibits good performance on a series of benchmark functions whose dimensionality is less than or equal to 30. However, its performance deteriorates evidently when the dimensionality is more than 30. To overcome this drawback, we proposed an improved AMO (IAMO) with interactive learning mechanism in this article. First, an interactive learning mechanism is designed to improve the intelligence of AMO. During the the search process, individuals learn from each other by the exchange of information, and the search mode is adjusted dynamically. Second, a refined search method is adopted to enhance the search ability of AMO. Individuals will search around the current solutions in order to improve the quality of solutions. Third, a birth‐and‐death strategy is introduced to avoid local optimum. In addition, the property convergence of IAMO is analyzed theoretically. The proposed algorithm is validated on several standard benchmark functions whose dimensionality is 50, 100, and 150, respectively. The empirical results demonstrate that the performance of our proposed algorithm is promising.
Early high‐moisture wheat harvest improves double‐crop system: I. Wheat yield and quality
Authors: Parvej Md. Rasel , Holshouser David L. , Kratochvil Robert J. , Whaley Cory M. , Dunphy E. James , Roth Gregory W. , Faé Giovani S.
Published: April 2020

Double cropping winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] increases total food production without additional land. However, yield and/or quality of both crops often suffer if wheat harvest is delayed beyond maturity. We evaluated the impact of high‐moisture wheat harvest on wheat yield and quality and soybean planting time across eighteen site‐years in five Mid‐Atlantic states during 2015 to 2017. Wheat was harvested three to five times beginning at 150 to 200 g kg−1 moisture at 4 to 14 d intervals. High‐moisture wheat harvest facilitated 4 to 21 d earlier soybean planting. Grain moisture generally decreased with harvest date, but temperature and rainfall varied moisture content. Wheat test weight declined linearly 2.91 to 4.87 kg m−3 d−1 delay in harvest. Wheat relative yield was not affected by delayed harvest in Pennsylvania but declined linearly 2.6% per day delay in harvest after 4 July in Maryland, 0.55% after 30 June in Delaware, 3.1% after 19 June in Virginia, and 0.42% after 4 June in North Carolina. Test weight was positively associated with relative yield and explained 37 to 82% of relative yield variability. Critical days for desirable test weight were similar to the critical harvesting days for maximum yield, indicating that test weight is an excellent predictor of optimum harvesting day. Delayed harvest decreased grain falling number but increased softness equivalent. Overall, high‐moisture wheat harvest improved wheat yield and quality by reducing test weight loss and would allow earlier soybean planting to maximize growth and yield.
Micronano Porous Mo2C@C Nanorods Composites as Robust Anodes for Li‐ion Battery
Authors: Yang Zhengwei , Wang Huifeng , Cheng Boshi , Yue Chuang , Liu Gaozhan , Zheng Runtian , Hu Fang , Shu Jie
Published: April 2020

Micronano porous Mo2C@C nanorods (NRs) composite anodes are successfully synthesized using the raw materials of MoO3 NRs, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) polymer, and inactive sodium chloride (NaCl) microparticles. The abundant and soluble NaCl microparticles act as the sacrificial templates, which increase the surface contact area between the MoO3 NRs and the PAN polymer, thus promoting the thorough formation of Mo2C electrodes during the carbonization process. The optimized Mo2C@C‐template (MCC‐T) NR composite electrodes deliver an enhanced electrochemical performance, which is ascribed to the enlarged surface area, reduced path distance of lithium ions, and structural stability. In addition, the Li‐ion storage mechanism and the electrochemical kinetics of Mo2C@C NR composite anodes are also systemically and experimentally investigated by ex situ X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) techniques. This synthetic strategy for MCC‐T NR composite anodes is helpful to design other nanostructured carbide anodes for high‐performance lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs).
Enabling Dual‐Ion Batteries via the Reversible Storage of Pyr14+Cations into Coronene Crystal
Authors: Fang Yaobing , Bi Wanying , Wang Aiye , Zheng Wen , Yuan Wenhui , Li Li
Published: April 2020

Dual‐ion batteries with pure ionic liquid electrolyte (IL‐DIBs) have received increasing interest due to their sustainability, high operating voltage, and environmental friendliness. However, owing to the insertion/extraction of large‐size ionic liquid cations, the conventional IL‐DIBs with a graphite anode suffer from severe volume expansion and graphite exfoliation on the anode, causing a poor cycling performance. Herein, a novel IL‐DIB is constructed by introducing a bulk organic material (coronene) as the anode, against a natural graphite cathode. The results show that, in a voltage window range from 1.0 to 4.4 V, the battery has a high discharge specific capacity of ≈73.3 mA h g−1and exhibits a good cycling performance for 450 cycles with a lower capacity loss of 0.061 mA h g−1per cycle at a current density of 300 mA g−1(3 C). Notably, it still maintains a considerable capacity of ≈55.8 mA h g−1at a high rate of 10 C. In addition, the reversible intercalation/de‐intercalation of the Pyr14+cations into/from the coronene anode is investigated by ex situ X‐ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, showing an excellent structure stability of the coronene crystal during the charge–discharge process.
Tracheostomy during SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic: Recommendations from the New York Head and Neck Society
Authors: Miles Brett A. , Schiff Bradley , Ganly Ian , Ow Thomas , Cohen Erik , Genden Eric , Culliney Bruce , Mehrotra Bhoomi , Savona Steven , Wong Richard J. , Haigentz Missak , Caruana Salvatore , Givi Babak , Patel Kepal , Hu Kenneth
Published: April 2020

The rapid spread of SARS‐CoV‐2 in 2019 and 2020 has resulted in a worldwide pandemic characterized by severe pulmonary inflammation, effusions, and rapid respiratory compromise. The result of this pandemic is a large and increasing number of patients requiring endotracheal intubation and prolonged ventilator support. The rapid rise in endotracheal intubations coupled with prolonged ventilation requirements will certainly lead to an increase in tracheostomy procedures in the coming weeks and months. Performing tracheostomy in the setting of active SARS‐CoV‐2, when necessary, poses a unique situation, with unique risks and benefits for both the patient and the health care providers. The New York Head and Neck Society has collaborated on this document to provide guidance on the performance of tracheostomies during the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic.
Molecular Targets in Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: O’Rourke Colm J. , Munoz‐Garrido Patricia , Andersen Jesper B.
Published: April 2020

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) encompasses a heterogeneous collection of malignancies for which diagnostic biomarkers are lacking and population screening is infeasible because of its status as a rare disease. Coupled with high postsurgical recurrence rates among the minority of patients diagnosed at resectable stages, systemic clinical management will inevitably be required for the majority of patients with CCA with recurrent and advanced disease. In this review, we discuss the therapeutic potential of different classes of molecular targets at various stages of development in CCA, including those targeted to the tumor epithelia (oncogenic, developmental, metabolic, epigenomic) and tumor microenvironment (angiogenesis, checkpoint regulation). Furthermore, we discuss the successes and failures of CCA‐targeted therapies, emphasizing key lessons learned that should pave the way for future molecular target evaluation in this uncommon yet bona fide target‐rich disease.
Obesity and health care interventions: Substantiating a multi‐modal challenge through the lens of grounded theory
Authors: Mandlik Milind , Oetzel John G. , Kadirov Djavlonbek
Published: April 2020

Issue addressed

One of the biggest concerns for human health in the 21st century is the ever‐increasing rate of obesity and its associated budgetary implications for publicly funded health care service provisioning. This study at the outset explores the multifaceted nature of food‐related consumption choices and outcomes of obesity, and later offers suggestions to improve the existing interventional strategies to curtail the epidemic.

Methods

A total of 24 participants were recruited through poster invitations placed around the greater metropolitan area of Auckland, New Zealand. Participants shared their health care intervention program experiences through in‐depth, semi‐structured interviews. Data were analysed in keeping with traditions of constructivist grounded theory.

Findings

Analysis revealed various concurrent individually acting and ecologically mediated processes which led to obesogenic outcomes as a result of social actors’ (participants) engagement in acts of (food‐related) consumption practices.

Conclusions

This study helps to illustrate the underlying, multifaceted processes that lead to obese individuals feeling defeated or disempowered and categorically willing, yet unable to bring about healthy changes in their lives. We hope this study will prompt health care practitioners to take a holistic approach while conceiving and deploying health care intervention programs.

So what?

Current health care interventional programs are not achieving optimum solutions for those in need. All future programs need to acknowledge the roles played by an individual, as well as ecological factors, while deploying client‐centric intervention solutions. Perhaps these programs are in need of a team‐based approach to offer a truly “wrap‐around” service provisioning strategy, rather than the traditional one‐on‐one consultative approaches in use at current times.
Post‐abortion contraception before hospital discharge after installation of a surveillance network in Brazil
Authors: Veiga‐Junior Nelio N. , Cavalari Camila A. , Eugeni Caroline , Kajiura Beatriz D. , Stefano Natalia , Baccaro Luiz F.
Published: April 2020

Objective

To evaluate the use of contraception soon after abortion, ectopic, or molar pregnancy following the establishment of a surveillance network (MUSA).

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of women admitted for abortion, or ectopic or molar pregnancy at UNICAMP Women's Hospital (part of the MUSA Network), Campinas, Brazil, between July 2017 and August 2019. Clinical and sociodemographic data were compared between women who initiated contraception before discharge and those who did not by using a Cochran‐Armitage test and multiple logistic regression.

Results

Overall, 382 women were enrolled (mean ± SD age, 29.6 ± 7.4 years). Most women (287, 75.2%) had abortions, and 146 (38.2%) initiated contraception before hospital discharge. The most common contraceptives were injectables (75, 51.4%) followed by pills (65, 44.5%). Use of contraception increased during the study period (Z=3.69, P<0.01), mostly due to injectables (Z=3.84, P<0.01). Factors independently associated with contraceptive initiation were admission in 2019 (odds ratio [OR], 2.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36–5.17) and not having an abortion for legal reasons (OR, 3.54; 95% CI, 1.30–9.62).

Conclusion

Implementation of a surveillance network optimized the health service and quality of care. There was an increase in contraception use and a vulnerable population was identified.
Inhibition of histone deacetylases is the major pathway mediated by astaxanthin to antagonize LPS‐induced inflammatory responses in mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Venkidasamy Baskar , Thiruvengadam Muthu , Thirupathi Prabhu , Subramanian Umadevi
Published: April 2020

Mastitis is a major inflammatory response of the mammary gland due to various pathogenic invasions and is a serious disease that affects the production yield and health status of cows. Astaxanthin (AST), a xanthophyll carotenoid, is a secondary metabolite synthesized by microalgae and yeasts that has been reported to suppress various inflammatory responses. However, the protective effect of AST on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced mammary epithelial cells has not yet been reported. The present study results indicated that AST treatment markedly attenuated the oxidative stress markers and nitric oxide (NO) while improving the anti‐oxidant enzymes in LPS exposed cells. On the other hand, LPS‐exposed cells showed nuclear translocation of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) with the activation of inflammatory cytokines such as monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, tumor necrosis factor‐α, interferon‐γ, and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6). In addition, mRNA expression analysis revealed that the histone deacetylase (HDAC) ‐1, ‐2, ‐3, ‐6, ‐7 and pentraxin 3 (PTX3) expressions were increased in the LPS group. Furthermore, the activity of HDAC was increased to 2‐fold with a significant reduction in the histone acetyltransferase activity in cells exposed to LPS. However, AST was able to inhibit the nuclear translocation of NF‐κB with attenuated HDAC activity. Intriguingly, HDAC inhibition studies demonstrated that the cytokines such as IL‐4, IL‐8, granulocyte‐mcrophage colony stimulating factor, C‐reactive protein, IL‐17A, and IL‐22 were significantly suppressed which were upregulated in LPS treatment; while AST was found acting by improving the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10, and thioredoxin reductase levels. Collectively, these findings provide novel insights into the role of HDACs in regulating cellular processes involved in the pathogenesis of LPS‐induced mastitis as well as the potential use of AST as a therapeutic in treatment for controlling disease progression.
Chemical behavior of 4,9‐dimethoxy‐5‐oxo‐5H‐furo[3,2‐g]chromene‐6‐carboxaldehyde towards carbon nucleophilic reagents
Authors: Ibrahim Magdy A. , El‐Gohary Nasser M.
Published: April 2020

The chemical behavior of 6‐formylkhellin (1) was investigated toward a variety of carbon nucleophiles. Treatment of aldehyde 1 with cyanoacetamide, N‐benzylcyanoacetamide produced pyridine‐3‐carboxamides 3 and 4. Treatment of carboxaldehyde 1 with malononitrile dimer and 1H‐benzimidazol‐2‐ylacetonitrile gave 1,6‐naphthyridine 5 and pyrido[1,2‐a]benzimidazole 6, respectively. Some novel pyrazolo[3,4‐b]pyridine 7, pyrido[2,3‐d]pyrimidines 8 and 9 were synthesized from the ring opening ring closure reactions of carboxaldehyde 1 with certain heterocyclic enamines. In addition, reaction of carboxaldehyde 1 with certain cyclic enols produced a variety of products. Treatment of carboxaldehyde 1 with 1,3‐cyclohexanediones gave xanthene‐1,8‐diones 19 and 20. Reaction of carboxaldehyde 1 with 5‐methyl‐2,4‐dihydro‐3H‐pyrazol‐3‐one proceeds in 1:2 M ratio producing pyrazolo [4′,3′:5,6]pyrano[2,3‐c]pyrazole derivative 22. Carboxaldehyde 1 reacted with certain heterocyclic compounds containing active methylene groups to give the corresponding condensation products 22‐27. The synthesized compounds were screened in vitro for their antimicrobial activity and showed high to moderate activities against the tested microorganisms.
Swallowing Pressure Variability as a Function of Pharyngeal Region, Bolus Volume, Age, and Sex
Authors: Jones Corinne A. , Ciucci Michelle R. , Abdelhalim Suzan M. , McCulloch Timothy M.
Published: April 2020

Objectives

Within‐individual movement variability occurs in most motor domains. However, it is unknown how pharyngeal swallowing pressure varies in healthy individuals. We hypothesized that: 1) variability would differ among pharyngeal regions; 2) variability would decrease with increased bolus volume; 3) variability would increase with age; and 4) there would be no sex differences.

Study Design

Case series.

Methods

We used pharyngeal high‐resolution manometry to measure swallowing pressure in the following regions: velopharynx, tongue base, hypopharynx, and upper esophageal sphincter. Data were collected from 97 healthy adults (41 male) aged 21 to 89 years during thin liquid swallows: 2 mL, 10 mL, and participant‐selected comfortable volume. Pressure variability was measured using coefficient of variation. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to assess impacts of region, bolus volume, age, and sex on pressure variability.

Results

There was a significant region × volume interaction (P< .001) and significant main effect of age (P= .005). Pressures in the hypopharynx region were more variable than all other regions (P≤ .028), and pressures in the tongue base region were less variable than all other regions (P≤ .002) except at 2 mL volumes (P= .065). Swallowing pressure variability was significantly different in the velopharynx and upper esophageal sphincter regions, with comfortable volume and 2 mL swallows having greater variability than 10 mL swallows (P≤ .026). Pressure variability significantly increased with increasing age (P= .002). There were no effects of sex on pressure variability (P≥ .15).

Conclusion

Pharyngeal swallowing pressure variability differs according pharyngeal region, volume, and age but not sex. Abnormal swallowing pressure variability may reflect deviations in motor control in persons with swallowing impairment, and results from this study can be used as normative data for future investigations evaluating swallowing pressure generation.

Level of Evidence

4Laryngoscope, 131:E52–E58, 2021
Recent responses of grassland net primary productivity to climatic and anthropogenic factors in Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Wang Yanwen , Yue Huanbi , Peng Qing , He Chao , Hong Song , Bryan Brett A
Published: April 2020

Net primary productivity (NPP) is an essential indicator of ecosystem function and sustainability and plays a vital role in the carbon cycle, especially in arid and semiarid grassland ecosystems. Quantifying trends in NPP and identifying the contributing factors are important for understanding the relative impacts of climate change and human activities on grassland degradation. For our case‐study of Kyrgyzstan, we quantified from 2000 to 2014 the spatial and temporal patterns in climate‐driven potential NPP (NPPP) using the Zhou Guangsheng model specifically developed for Asian grasslands, and actual NPP (NPPA) using the globally calibrated MOD17A3 NPP data product. By calculating the difference between NPPP and NPPA, we inferred human‐induced NPP (NPPH) and thereby characterized changes in grassland NPP attributable to anthropogenic activities. The results showed that grassland NPPA in Kyrgyzstan experienced a slight decrease over time at an average rate of −0.87 g C·m−2·yr−1 but patterns varied between provinces. Nearly 60% of Kyrgyzstan's grasslands experienced degradation mostly in the northern parts of the country, while grassland NPPA increased over more than 40% of the study area, occurring mostly in the south. Climate change, in particular change in precipitation was the dominant factor driving grassland degradation in the north but human pressures also contributed. In the south, however, human activities were associated with extensive areas of grassland recovery. The results provide important contextual understanding for supporting policy for grassland conservation and restoration under future climate change and intensifying human pressures.
Thermal analysis of magnetron injection gun for 170 GHz gyrotron
Authors: Liu Yinghui , Liu Jianwei , Tang Chao , Wang Hui
Published: April 2020

The 170 GHz gyrotron presented in this article has an operating voltage of 75 kV and a beam current up to 45 A, which requires the cathode emission temperature to reach above 1000°C. At such a high temperature, it is bound to cause the cathode of the electron gun to undergo thermal expansion and generate a certain amount of deformation, which may cause a large change in the performance parameters of the electron gun. This article uses thermal analysis simulation software ANSYS Workbench and COMSOL Multiphysics to perform thermal analysis processing on the electron gun. The thermal analysis results show that the temperature difference of the magnetron injection gun (MIG) cathode emission band is 4.6°C, and the total deformation is about 0.054 mm. The magnitude of the deformation is within an acceptable range and has little effect on the performance of the MIG. Comparing the thermal analysis results obtained by the two software, the simulation results agree well.
Performance test methods for near‐infrared fluorescence imaging
Authors: Kanniyappan Udayakumar , Wang Bohan , Yang Charles , Ghassemi Pejhman , Litorja Maritoni , Suresh Nitin , Wang Quanzeng , Chen Yu , Pfefer T. Joshua
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Near‐infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging using exogenous contrast has gained much attention as a technique for enhancing visualization of vasculature using untargeted agents, as well as for the detection and localization of cancer with targeted agents. In order to address the emerging need for standardization of NIRF imaging technologies, it is necessary to identify the best practices suitable for objective, quantitative testing of key image quality characteristics. Toward the development of a battery of test methods that are rigorous yet applicable to a wide variety of devices, we have evaluated techniques for phantom design, measurement, and calculation of specific performance metrics.

Methods

Using a NIRF imaging system for indocyanine green imaging, providing excitation at 780 nm and detection above 830 nm, we explored methods to evaluate uniformity, field of view, spectral crosstalk, spatial resolution, depth of field, sensitivity, linearity, and penetration depth. These measurements were performed using fluorophore‐doped multiwell plate and high turbidity planar phantoms, as well as a 3D‐printed multichannel phantom and a USAF 1951 resolution target.

Results and Conclusions

Based on a wide range of approaches described in medical and fluorescence imaging literature, we have developed and demonstrated a cohesive battery of test methods for evaluation of fluorescence image quality in wide‐field imagers. We also propose a number of key metrics that can facilitate direct, quantitative comparison of device performance. These methods have the potential to facilitate more uniform evaluation and inter‐comparison of clinical and preclinical imaging systems than is typically achieved, with the long‐term goal of establishing international standards for fluorescence image quality assessment.
Breakfast Skipping, Body Composition, and Cardiometabolic Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Trials
Authors: Bonnet Jonathan P. , Cardel Michelle I. , Cellini Jaqueline , Hu Frank B. , Guasch‐Ferré Marta
Published: April 2020

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of skipping breakfast on body composition and cardiometabolic risk factors.

Methods

This study conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating breakfast skipping compared with breakfast consumption. Inclusion criteria included age ≥ 18, intervention duration ≥ 4 weeks, ≥ 7 participants per group, and ≥ 1 body composition measure. Random‐effects meta‐analyses of the effect of breakfast skipping on body composition and cardiometabolic risk factors were performed.

Results

Seven RCTs (n = 425 participants) with an average duration of 8.6 weeks were included. Compared with breakfast consumption, breakfast skipping significantly reduced body weight (weighted mean difference [WMD] = −0.54 kg [95% CI: −1.05 to −0.03], P = 0.04, I2 = 21.4%). Percent body fat was reported in 5 studies and was not significantly different between breakfast skippers and consumers. Three studies reported on low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), which was increased in breakfast skippers as compared with breakfast consumers (WMD = 9.24 mg/dL [95% CI: 2.18 to 16.30], P = 0.01). Breakfast skipping did not lead to significant differences in blood pressure, total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, C‐reactive protein, insulin, fasting glucose, leptin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, or ghrelin.

Conclusions

Breakfast skipping may have a modest impact on weight loss and may increase LDL in the short term. Further studies are needed to provide additional insight into the effects of breakfast skipping.
Investigating distributions and changes of alkaloids in living Catharanthus roseus under low‐phosphorus stress using wooden‐tip electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry
Authors: Wu Lin , Yao Ya‐Nan , Hu Bin
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Vinca alkaloids are important sources for producing anticancer drugs from Catharanthus roseus. The phosphorus of soil is one of crucial factors for planting C. roseus.

Objectives

We aim to develop an in vivo sampling technique coupled with direct mass spectrometry with wooden tip for investigating distributions and changes of alkaloids in flowers, leaves, stems, veins and roots of living C. roseus under low‐phosphorus stress.

Materials and Methods

Living C. roseus were prepared under low‐phosphorus stress (n = 10) and control conditions (n = 10). Wooden‐tip electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry and conventional liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry were applied to analyse living C. roseus and extracts of C. roseus, respectively.

Results

Distributions and changes of serpentine, vindoline, catharanthine, and anhydrovinblastine in living C. roseus under low‐phosphorus stress and control conditions were successfully obtained.

Conclusion

Compared to control soil conditions, low‐phosphorus soil was found to induce C. roseus to generate more serpentine but less catharanthine and vindoline in leaves, veins, stems and roots, and to generate more anhydrovinblastine in flowers, leaves, stems and roots. Overall, our results showed a simple, rapid, and effective method for in vivo sampling and direct analysis of living plants.
Spinal Cord Injury Provider Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Bacteriuria Management and Antibiotic Stewardship
Authors: Skelton Felicia , May Sarah , Grigoryan Larissa , Poon Ivy , Holmes Sally Ann , Martin Lindsey , Trautner Barbara W.
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Bacteriuria, either asymptomatic or urinary tract infection, is common in persons with spinal cord injury or disorder (SCI/D). In the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), conflicting clinical practice guidelines make appropriate bacteriuria management and antibiotic stewardship challenging.

Objective

To explore SCI/D provider knowledge, attitudes, and teamwork around bacteriuria management during the VHA SCI/D annual examination.

Design

Mixed methods.

Setting

VHA SCI/D centers.

Participants

SCI/D staff providers and physical medicine and rehabilitation resident physicians.

Main Outcome Measurements

Knowledge, safety, and teamwork scores on bacteriuria management using a validated questionnaire. Themes on barriers and facilitators to bacteriuria management during the SCI/D annual exam, and attitudes toward antibiotic stewardship in general.

Results

We received 84 responses from 344 distributed surveys, with a response rate of 24%. Thirty percent of all participants endorsed incorrect triggers for obtaining a urine culture (change in urine color, cloudiness, or odor). The type of organism identified on culture drove unnecessary antibiotic use; 57% would treat asymptomatic bacteriuria if caused by extended spectrum beta‐lactamase Escherichia coli. There were no significant differences between the median (interquartile range [IQR]) knowledge score of the staff providers (70.6 [58.8‐82.4]) and the resident physicians (64.7 [58.8‐82.4]), but the teamwork climate scores (P = .02) and safety climate scores (P < .01) were higher among staff providers than among resident physicians. Interview analysis identified how the limited recall of content among SCI/D providers of the guidelines for bacteriuria was a potential barrier to their use but attitudes toward guidelines and antibiotic stewardship initiatives were positive.

Conclusion

All participants objectively demonstrated actionable gaps in bacteriuria management and expressed uncertainty in their knowledge during qualitative interviews. Through addressing these gaps, we can develop effective antibiotic stewardship programs for the VHA SCI/D system of care.
Crystal structure of Nsp15 endoribonuclease NendoU from SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Kim Youngchang , Jedrzejczak Robert , Maltseva Natalia I. , Wilamowski Mateusz , Endres Michael , Godzik Adam , Michalska Karolina , Joachimiak Andrzej
Published: April 2020

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is rapidly spreading around the world. There is no existing vaccine or proven drug to prevent infections and stop virus proliferation. Although this virus is similar to human and animal SARS‐CoVs and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS‐CoVs), the detailed information about SARS‐CoV‐2 proteins structures and functions is urgently needed to rapidly develop effective vaccines, antibodies, and antivirals. We applied high‐throughput protein production and structure determination pipeline at the Center for Structural Genomics of Infectious Diseases to produce SARS‐CoV‐2 proteins and structures. Here we report two high‐resolution crystal structures of endoribonuclease Nsp15/NendoU. We compare these structures with previously reported homologs from SARS and MERS coronaviruses.
Miliary opacities in pulmonary sarcoidosis
Authors: Sugino Keishi , Ono Hirotaka , Ando Masahiro , Igarashi Seiji , Kurosaki Atsuko , Tsuboi Eiyasu
Published: April 2020

Key message

Pulmonary sarcoidosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of miliary opacities in bilateral upper lobes predominance.
A Review of Recent Progress on Silicon Carbide for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Jian Jingxin , Sun Jianwu
Published: April 2020

Solar water splitting based on semiconductor photoelectrodes is a promising route to convert solar energy into renewable hydrogen fuel. Since the pioneering work of photoelectrochemical (PEC) systems in 1972, a large variety of semiconductors such as oxides, sulfides, phosphides, and silicon have been studied in the context of PEC water splitting configuration. Among them, silicon carbide (SiC) exhibits an excellent energy band structure that straddles the water redox potentials. In particular, cubic SiC (3C‐SiC), with a suitable bandgap of 2.36 eV, is favorable for visible sunlight absorption. Recently, 3C‐SiC has attracted much interest in PEC water splitting. In this review, the progress, challenges, and prospects of using SiC for PEC water splitting are summarized.
Mechanical performance test and finite element analysis of prefabricated utility tunnel L‐shaped joint
Authors: Pan Yi , Yi Duhang , Wu Weilin , Bao Yunlei , Guo Rui
Published: April 2020

In order to promote the industrial production of utility tunnel, based on the actual prefabricated utility tunnel engineering background, two types of precast L‐shaped joint with end boundary elements are experimentally studied. In this paper, two precast L‐shaped top plates with the haunch zone and two precast L‐shaped bottom plates without haunch zone were designed. These two types of specimen were tested to investigate the mechanical performance of precast L‐shaped joint under different load combination effects. There were no obvious phenomenon in the whole opening test, and the most unfavorable load combination was in the elastic stage. In the closed test, the average ultimate bearing capacity of the prefabricated top and bottom plant specimens decreased by 2% and 1%, respectively, compared with the cast‐in‐place specimens, and the average ductility coefficients of the top and bottom plates are 5.78 and 2.73, respectively. It is also found that the setting of the haunch zone can improve the bearing capacity. The bending capacity of prefabricated L‐shaped joints calculated by the Chinese code's recommended formula is conservative, and the ratio of the test value to the calculated value is about 1.5. Finally, the reinforcement arrangement of the prefabricated specimens in the closed test was optimized by finite element software. It can be considered that changing the diameter of the reinforcements in the concrete compression zone to 16 mm will not affect the mechanical properties of precast joints.
K X‐ray satellite structures of bromine and molybdenum
Authors: Natarajan L.
Published: April 2020

The energies and electric dipole rates of Kα X‐ray satellites due to 1s‐2p transitions in bromine and molybdenum with one to five vacancies in the 2p shell and other shells retaining their normal occupation numbers are computed using Multi‐Configuration Dirac Fock wavefunctions with the inclusion of relativistic and quantum electrodynamic corrections. As fully relativistic calculations on all the Kα X‐ray fine structure satellites with multiple spectator vacancies in the 2p shell of elements under consideration, to the best of our knowledge, are reported in this work for the first time, the accuracy of the E1 data is analyzed in terms of the agreement between the rates in the length and velocity forms. While the intensities of the strong electric dipole lines in the various groups of 1s ‐ 2p transitions obey the well established Z dependence, many of the weak transitions vary randomly with Z and an attempt is made in this work to understand the behaviour of the spin‐forbidden and weak electric dipole lines in the KαL
n X‐ray satellite structure of Br, Mo, I, and Au. As the number of closely spaced fine structure transitions range from a few to many depending on the spectator vacancies in the 2p shell, the intensity weighed statistical average satellite energies, line strengths and photo‐ionization cross sections are reported to guide in the reliable interpretation of experimental measurements.
Numerical Loop-Tree Duality: contour deformation and subtraction
Authors: Capatti Zeno , Hirschi Valentin , Kermanschah Dario , Pelloni Andrea , Ruijl Ben
Published: April 2020

Abstract

We introduce a novel construction of a contour deformation within the framework of Loop-Tree Duality for the numerical computation of loop integrals featuring threshold singularities in momentum space. The functional form of our contour deformation automatically satisfies all constraints without the need for fine-tuning. We demonstrate that our construction is systematic and efficient by applying it to more than 100 examples of finite scalar integrals featuring up to six loops. We also showcase a first step towards handling non-integrable singularities by applying our work to one-loop infrared divergent scalar integrals and to the one-loop amplitude for the ordered production of two and three photons. This requires the combination of our contour deformation with local counterterms that regulate soft, collinear and ultraviolet divergences. This work is an important step towards computing higher-order corrections to relevant scattering cross-sections in a fully numerical fashion.
Monopoles, shockwaves and the classical double copy
Authors: Bahjat-Abbas Nadia , Stark-Muchão Ricardo , White Chris D.
Published: April 2020

Abstract

The classical double copy relates exact solutions in biadjoint scalar, gauge and gravity theories. Recently, nonperturbative solutions have been found in biadjoint theory, which have been speculated to be related to the Wu-Yang monopole in gauge theory. We show that this seems not to be the case, by considering monopole solutions in the infinitely boosted (shockwave) limit. Furthermore, we show that the Wu-Yang monopole is instead related to the Taub-NUT solution, whose previously noted single copy is that of an abelian- like (Dirac) monopole. Our results demonstrate how abelian and non-abelian gauge theory objects can be associated with the same gravity object, and clarify a number of open questions concerning the scope of the classical double copy.
Modular curves and Mordell-Weil torsion in F-theory
Authors: Hajouji Nadir , Oehlmann Paul-Konstantin
Published: April 2020

Abstract

In this work we prove a bound for the torsion in Mordell-Weil groups of smooth elliptically fibered Calabi-Yau 3- and 4-folds. In particular, we show that the set of torsion groups which can occur on a smooth elliptic Calabi-Yau n-fold is contained in the set of subgroups which appear on a rational elliptic surface if n ≥ 3 and is slightly larger for n = 2. The key idea in our proof is showing that any elliptic fibration with sufficiently large torsion1 has singularities in codimension 2 which do not admit a crepant resolution. We prove this by explicitly constructing and studying maps to a modular curve whose existence is predicted by a universal property. We use the geometry of modular curves to explain the minimal singularities that appear on an elliptic fibration with prescribed torsion, and to determine the degree of the fundamental line bundle (hence the Kodaira dimension) of the universal elliptic surface which we show to be consistent with explicit Weierstrass models. The constraints from the modular curves are used to bound the fundamental group of any gauge group G in a supergravity theory obtained from F-theory. We comment on the isolated 8-dimensional theories, obtained from extremal K3’s, that are able to circumvent lower dimensional bounds. These theories neither have a heterotic dual, nor can they be compactified to lower dimensional minimal SUGRA theories. We also comment on the maximal, discrete gauged symmetries obtained from certain Calabi-Yau threefold quotients.
Rolling near the tachyon vacuum
Authors: Erler Theodore , Masuda Toru , Schnabl Martin
Published: April 2020

Abstract

In a linear dilaton background, it has been argued that an unstable D-brane can decay to the tachyon vacuum without leaving behind a remnant of tachyon matter. Here we address the question of how the D-brane can decay to the tachyon vacuum when the tachyon vacuum does not support physical fluctuations. Using the formalism of open string field theory, we find that the tachyon vacuum can support fluctuations provided they are “hidden” as nonperturbative effects behind a pure gauge asymptotic series.
Classification of all 3 particle S-matrices quadratic in photons or gravitons
Authors: Chakraborty Soumangsu , Chowdhury Subham Dutta , Gopalka Tushar , Kundu Suman , Minwalla Shiraz , Mishra Amiya
Published: April 2020

Abstract

We explicitly construct every kinematically allowed three particle graviton- graviton-P and photon-photon-P S-matrix in every dimension and for every choice of the little group representation of the massive particle P. We also explicitly construct the spacetime Lagrangian that generates each of these couplings. In the case of gravitons we demonstrate that this Lagrangian always involves (derivatives of ) two factors of the Riemann tensor, and so is always of fourth or higher order in derivatives. This result verifies one of the assumptions made in the recent preprint [1] while attempting to establish the rigidity of the Einstein tree level S-matrix within the space of local classical theories coupled to a collection of particles of bounded spin.
Midregional pro atrial natriuretic peptide: a novel important biomarker for noise annoyance-induced cardiovascular morbidity and mortality?
Authors: Hahad Omar , Wild Philipp S. , Prochaska Jürgen H. , Schulz Andreas , Lackner Karl J. , Pfeiffer Norbert , Schmidtmann Irene , Michal Matthias , Beutel Manfred , Daiber Andreas , Münzel Thomas
Published: April 2020

Background

Environmental noise exposure has been associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Recently, noise annoyance was shown to induce atrial fibrillation, which was accompanied by significantly increased levels of midregional pro atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP). Therefore, the aim of the present study was to analyze the association between noise annoyance, MR-proANP, incident cardiovascular events, and all-cause mortality.

Methods

Levels of MR-proANP were measured in the first 5000 participants of the population-based Gutenberg Health Study. Annoyance was assessed separately for aircraft, road traffic, railway, neighborhood, and industrial/construction noise during the day and sleep.

Results

In cross-sectional analyses, aircraft noise annoyance during day and sleep, industrial/construction noise annoyance during day, and railway noise annoyance during sleep were independently associated with increased levels of MR-proANP after multivariable adjustment. After a 5-year follow-up period, there were 43 cases of incident atrial fibrillation and 103 of incident cardiovascular disease (comprising atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, heart failure, or stroke). Moreover, there were 301 deaths after a mean follow-up of 7.42 ± 1.66 years. An odds ratio (OR) of 2.82 ([95% confidence interval (CI) 1.86; 4.35], p < 0.0001) for incident atrial fibrillation and an OR of 1.49 ([95% CI 1.13; 1.96], p = 0.0046) for incident cardiovascular disease per 1-standard deviation (SD) increase in MR-proANP levels were found. A 36% (hazard ratio: 1.36 [95% CI 1.19; 1.55], p < 0.0001) higher risk of death was found per 1-SD increase in MR-proANP levels.

Conclusions

Noise annoyance may contribute to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and is characterized by increased levels of MR-proANP.

Graphic abstract
Restrictions on natural regeneration of storm-felled spruce sites by silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) through limitations in fructification and seed dispersal
Authors: Tiebel Katharina , Huth Franka , Frischbier Nico , Wagner Sven
Published: April 2020

Particularly after disturbance events, the early successional colonistBetula pendulaRoth is experiencing renewed silvicultural interest with respect to the natural regeneration of large disturbed forest areas. In a case study, we therefore studied the seed dispersal ofB. pendulafrom two adjacent spruce stands to large storm-felled sites at high altitudes in the Thuringian Forest (Germany) over a 2-year period. We applied inverse modelling to describe the distance-dependent seed distribution using a negative exponential kernel and seed production function of birch seed trees. Maximum seed numbers of 2015 n m−2(non-mast year) and 9557 n m−2(medium year) occurred within 40‒50 m distance to a seed tree. The predicted seed production rate of a birch seed tree with a reference dbh of 20 cm was approximately 350,000 n tree−1(non-mast year) and 1,500,000 n tree−1(medium year). Regardless of the seed crop, the dispersal distances were similar in both years. The isotropic model showed mean dispersal distances of 86 and 97 m (uphill) and 367 and 380 m (downhill) for the 2 years of seed sampling. No directionality in seed dispersal was found. The findings showed birch seed dispersal to be strongly influenced by site inclination, seed tree position (valley, slope or plateau) and distance to the storm-felled site. Furthermore, the seed shadow is influenced by the number of seed sources. Therefore, risk-adapted forest management should include the ‘spatial optimization’ of birch seed trees, ideally creating a network of small seed tree groups scattered more or less regularly within pure conifer forests.