bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal changes in mixed‐species bird flocks and antipredator information
Authors: Jiang Demeng , Sieving Kathryn E. , Meaux Estelle , Goodale Eben
Published: April 2020

Animals acquire information produced by other species to reduce uncertainty and avoid predators. Mixed‐species flocks (MSFs) of birds are ubiquitous in forest ecosystems and structured, in part, around interspecific information transfer, with “nuclear” species providing information that other species eavesdrop on. We hypothesized that in a seasonal tropical forest, the amount of information produced by birds about predation would be dynamic and particularly would decrease inside MSFs when the nuclear species leave MSFs to breed. We obtained baseline information on MSF encounter rate and species composition along established sampling routes over 9 months near the Sino‐Vietnamese border. We also conducted three experiments to quantify information produced by different species in response to typical predator encounters, including a moving predator stimulus presented inside of MSFs, and a stationary predator model presented both inside and outside of MSFs. MSFs were much less frequent in the breeding season with fewer individuals of the nuclear species, David's Fulvetta (Alcippe davidi), participating, though the diversity of other species remained stable. Fulvettas were the dominant producer of alarm‐related information both to the moving and stationary stimuli in MSFs and were also among the most active mobbers to stimuli presented outside of MSFs. In the breeding season, they tended to call less to the moving stimulus, and substantially fewer individuals responded to the in‐flock stationary stimulus. Other species increased their own information production at stationary predator stimuli (inside and outside of MSFs) during the breeding season, perhaps due to their increased investment in offspring during this time. Yet even during the breeding season, David's Fulvetta remained the highest producer of information about predators in MSFs. Hence, while we show that information production in MSFs can be somewhat dynamic, we describe a continually asymmetric communication system, in which a nuclear species is important to the whole community.
Comparison of mechanisms and transferability of outcomes of SGLT2 inhibition between type 1 and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Schnell Oliver , Valensi Paul , Standl Eberhard , Ceriello Antonio
Published: April 2020

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major chronic disease with ever‐increasing prevalence and a variety of serious complications for persons with DM, such as cardiovascular and/or renal complications. New glucose‐lowering therapies like DPP‐4 inhibitors, GLP‐1 receptor agonists, and SGLT‐2 inhibitors have undergone cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs) for type 2 diabetes (T2DM), as by the guidance of the FDA. However, CVOTs for type 1 diabetes (T1DM) are generally lacking. Both, persons with T1DM and T2DM, are burdened with a high incidence of cardiovascular and renal disease such as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Although pathologies of the two types of diabetes cannot be compared, similar mechanisms and risk factors like sex, hyperglycaemia, hypertension, endothelial damage and (background) inflammation have been identified in the development of CVD and DKD in T1DM and T2DM. Recent CVOTs in T2DM demonstrated that SGLT‐2 inhibitors, besides exerting a glucose‐lowering effect, have beneficial effects on cardiovascular and renal mechanisms. These mechanisms are reviewed in detail in this manuscript and evaluated for possible transferability to, and thus efficacy in, T1DM. Our review of current literature suggests that SGLT‐2 inhibitors have cardioprotective benefits beyond their glucose‐lowering effects. As this mainly has been observed in CVOTs in T2DM, further investigation in the adjunctive therapy for type 1 diabetes is suggested.
Generating Skeletal Diversity and Complexity from Boron‐Substituted 1,3‐Dienes and Enophiles
Authors: François Benjamin , Eberlin Ludovic , Berrée Fabienne , Whiting Andrew , Carboni Bertrand
Published: April 2020

Boron‐substituted 1,3‐dienes participate in ene reactions to afford new functionalized synthetic intermediates. After evaluating several enophiles as partners, the resulting products have been engaged in multistep sequences involving first a Diels Alder/allylboration process. A variety of skeletally diverse and complex polycyclic heterocycles were thus synthesized, such as tetrahydro‐1H‐isoindole‐1,3(2H)‐diones, eight‐membered lactones or tricyclic spiro compounds.
A new approach to detect a set of SNP‐SNP markers: Combining ARMS‐PCR with SNaPshot technology
Authors: Zhang Ranran , Tan Yu , Jian Hui , Qu Shengqiu , Liu Yuqing , Zhu Jing , Wang Li , Lv Meili , Liao Miao , Zhang Lin , Yang Fan , Liang Weibo
Published: April 2020

Microhaplotypes are a new promising type of forensic genetic marker. Without the interference of stutter and high mutation rates as for STRs, and with short amplification lengths and a higher degree of polymorphism than single SNP, microhaplotypes composed of two SNPs, SNP–SNP, have a strong application potential. Currently, the most common method to detect microhaplotypes is massive parallel sequencing. However, the cost and extensive use of instruments limit its wide application in forensic laboratories. In this study, we screened 23 new SNP–SNP loci and established a new detection method by combining a multiplex amplification refractory mutation system‐based PCR (ARMS‐PCR) and SNaPshot technology based on CE. First, we introduced an additional deliberate mismatch at the antepenultimate base from the 3′ end of primers when designing ARMS‐PCR for SNP 1 (the first SNP of the SNP–SNP). Then, single base extension primers for SNaPshot assay were designed next to the position of SNP 2 (the second SNP). Finally, 15 loci were successfully built into four panels and these loci showed a relatively high level of polymorphism in the Southwest Chinese Han population. All the loci had an average probability of informative genotypes (I value) of 0.319 and a combined discrimination power of 0.999999999. Therefore, this new detection system will provide a valuable supplement to current methods.
Processes at the margins of supraglacial debris cover: Quantifying dirty ice ablation and debris redistribution
Authors: Fyffe Catriona L. , Woodget Amy S. , Kirkbride Martin P. , Deline Philip , Westoby Matthew J. , Brock Ben W.
Published: April 2020

Current glacier ablation models have difficulty simulating the high‐melt transition zone between clean and debris‐covered ice. In this zone, thin debris cover is thought to increase ablation compared to clean ice, but often this cover is patchy rather than continuous. There is a need to understand ablation and debris dynamics in this transition zone to improve the accuracy of ablation models and the predictions of future debris cover extent. To quantify the ablation of partially debris‐covered ice (or ‘dirty ice’), a high‐resolution, spatially continuous ablation map was created from repeat unmanned aerial systems surveys, corrected for glacier flow in a novel way using on‐glacier ablation stakes. Surprisingly, ablation is similar (range ~5 mm w.e. per day) across a wide range of percentage debris covers (~30–80%) due to the opposing effects of a positive correlation between percentage debris cover and clast size, countered by a negative correlation with albedo. Once debris cover becomes continuous, ablation is significantly reduced (by 61.6% compared to a partial debris cover), and there is some evidence that the cleanest ice (<~15% debris cover) has a lower ablation than dirty ice (by 3.7%). High‐resolution feature tracking of clast movement revealed a strong modal clast velocity where debris was continuous, indicating that debris moves by creep down moraine slopes, in turn promoting debris cover growth at the slope toe. However, not all slope margins gain debris due to the removal of clasts by supraglacial streams. Clast velocities in the dirty ice area were twice as fast as clasts within the continuously debris‐covered area, as clasts moved by sliding off their boulder tables. These new quantitative insights into the interplay between debris cover characteristics and ablation can be used to improve the treatment of dirty ice in ablation models, in turn improving estimates of glacial meltwater production. © 2020 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Effects of coastal erosion on landslide activity revealed by multi‐sensor observations
Authors: Doi Issei , Matsuura Sumio , Osawa Hikaru , Shibasaki Tatsuya , Tosa Shinichi
Published: April 2020

Coastal erosion is becoming an increasingly serious consequence of climate change. This study demonstrates the effects of coastal erosion on landslide activity while considering the amount of erosion and changes in pore water pressure. To determine the factors related to landslide slip generation, we specifically measured the displacement, deformation, pore water pressure, and amount of erosion with high temporal resolution (1 s–1 h) for a coastal landslide in Hokkaido, north‐eastern Japan, for 7 months. It has been determined that landslides occur simultaneously with high pore water pressure. Toe erosion events also occurred several times, while the landslide exhibited major displacement. Because toe erosion and the increase in pore water pressure occurred simultaneously, we tried to determine which of the two contributed majorly to the landslide displacement by conducting a stability analysis that incorporates the effects of the two factors. From the actual observed data, toe erosion and the increase in pore water pressure had comparable effects on the destabilization of the studied landslide. Specifically, the time series for the safety factor shows that the landslide in the case with toe erosion was destabilized more than that in the case with no erosion, with a difference of more than 5% in the safety factor. The model with toe erosion provided a better explanation for the landslide displacement. Furthermore, the inclination data suggested that erosion took place at least 1 month before the landslide displacement. This implied that coastal erosion played a role in the preparation and ongoing displacement of the coastal landslide. Inland landslides with toes that are subject to undercutting due to river incision or artificial construction have geomorphological settings that are similar to those of the studied landslide. The knowledge obtained here can contribute to the understanding of destabilization mechanisms and terrain changes related to such landslides. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quality and denoising in real‐time functional magnetic resonance imaging neurofeedback: A methods review
Authors: Heunis Stephan , Lamerichs Rolf , Zinger Svitlana , Caballero‐Gaudes Cesar , Jansen Jacobus F. A. , Aldenkamp Bert , Breeuwer Marcel
Published: April 2020

Neurofeedback training using real‐time functional magnetic resonance imaging (rtfMRI‐NF) allows subjects voluntary control of localised and distributed brain activity. It has sparked increased interest as a promising non‐invasive treatment option in neuropsychiatric and neurocognitive disorders, although its efficacy and clinical significance are yet to be determined. In this work, we present the first extensive review of acquisition, processing and quality control methods available to improve the quality of the neurofeedback signal. Furthermore, we investigate the state of denoising and quality control practices in 128 recently published rtfMRI‐NF studies. We found: (a) that less than a third of the studies reported implementing standard real‐time fMRI denoising steps, (b) significant room for improvement with regards to methods reporting and (c) the need for methodological studies quantifying and comparing the contribution of denoising steps to the neurofeedback signal quality. Advances in rtfMRI‐NF research depend on reproducibility of methods and results. Notably, a systematic effort is needed to build up evidence that disentangles the various mechanisms influencing neurofeedback effects. To this end, we recommend that future rtfMRI‐NF studies: (a) report implementation of a set of standard real‐time fMRI denoising steps according to a proposed COBIDAS‐style checklist (https://osf.io/kjwhf/), (b) ensure the quality of the neurofeedback signal by calculating and reporting community‐informed quality metrics and applying offline control checks and (c) strive to adopt transparent principles in the form of methods and data sharing and support of open‐source rtfMRI‐NF software. Code and data for reproducibility, as well as an interactive environment to explore the study data, can be accessed at https://github.com/jsheunis/quality‐and‐denoising‐in‐rtfmri‐nf.
Topical preparations to reduce SARS‐CoV‐2 aerosolization in head and neck mucosal surgery
Authors: Parhar Harman S. , Tasche Kendall , Brody Robert M. , Weinstein Gregory S. , O'Malley Bert W. , Shanti Rabie M. , Newman Jason G.
Published: April 2020

Aim

The COVID‐19 pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has put health care workers at risk when exposed to aerosolized viral particles during upper airway mucosal surgery. The objective of this review was to discuss topical preparations that could be utilized preoperatively to help to decrease viral load and potentially reduce the risks of viral transmission.

Methods

A PubMed/MEDLINE database review of articles was performed querying topical preparations with virucidal activity against coronaviruses.

Results

Povidone‐iodine (PVP‐I) solutions ranging from 0.23% to 7% have been found to demonstrate highly effective virucidal activity against a broad range of viruses including several coronaviruses responsible for recent epidemics including SARS‐CoV‐1 and MERS‐CoV.

Conclusions

While specific evidence regarding SARS‐CoV‐2 is lacking, PVP‐I‐based preparations have been successfully demonstrated to reduce viral loads of coronaviruses. They are relatively safe to use in the upper airway and may reduce risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 aerosolization during upper airway mucosal surgery.
Strong support for broad policies to prevent childhood obesity among mothers in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Esdaile Emma , Owen Katherine B. , Xu Huilan , Baur Louise A. , Rissel Chris , Wen Li Ming
Published: April 2020

Issue addressed

Support for broad policies to prevent childhood obesity is not clear. This study aimed to investigate the level of support for state government health promotion policies among mothers with infants and its associated factors.

Methods

This secondary analysis of data from 1155 mothers in NSW assessed approval for six policy options derived from public health approaches to obesity. Descriptive statistics were used to show the extent of policy approval across the cohort. Logistic regression models tested associations between perceived susceptibility and perceived severity of childhood obesity and approval of each policy option.

Results

The proportion of mothers who felt these policy options were ‘about the right amount’ (56%‐68%) or ‘not going far enough’ (24%‐36%), collectively represented 89%‐95% approval of government intervention. In comparison, 5%‐11% felt that these policies were ‘going too far’. Factors associated with their levels of support varied between each policy option, based on mothers’ characteristics and perceptions of childhood obesity.

Conclusion

These findings indicate high support for government intervention to prevent obesity among mothers in NSW and support health promotion advocacy in this area.

So what?

Governments should give due consideration to implementing each of the six policy options and prioritise the implementation of restrictions on fast food advertising in publicly owned or controlled areas.
Recent progress in multiphase flow simulation through multiphase pumps
Authors: Meerakaviyad Deepak , Keville Tony , Prakash Atma , Sajid Abdullah , Hamad Faik
Published: April 2020

The multiphase flow pumps cover a wide range of industrial sectors extending across petrochemical, metallurgy, and dredging, chemical industry, paint, and construction. The major application is the handling of wet gas and vapor that will condense partially during the compression stage. The main progress in the area of multiphase pumps has been the innovation of a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical approach to simulate three‐dimensional flows inside the pump and to predict pump performance. CFD undoubtedly constitutes one of the most promising approaches for the design, analysis, and performance assessment of complex machines. However, practical application of the CFD tool to determine the internal flow field in multiphase pumps is still far from reality owing to the limitations of a detailed three‐dimensional model of the pump and accuracy of multiphase flow simulation. This review accentuates the influence of different geometrical and dynamical parameters on the performance of the pump and the use of CFD simulation to predict the detailed flow patterns of fluid mixtures. CFD analysis has unearthed the fact that the pattern of inner flow varies with the flow rate and concentration of each phase and the rotation speed of the impeller and number of blades were also found to considerably impact pump performance.
Oscillatory slip flow of Fe3O4 and Al2O3 nanoparticles in a vertical porous channel using Darcy's law with thermal radiation
Authors: Abbas Zaheer , Hussain Sifat , Rafiq Muhammad Y. , Hasnain Jafar
Published: April 2020

The heat transfer phenomena and oscillatory flow of an electrically conducting viscous nanofluid (NF) in a channel with porous walls and saturated porous media exposed to the thermal radiation are studied. The nanoparticles (NPs) Fe3O4 and Al2O3 are taken with water as base fluid along with nonuniform temperature and velocity slip at the wall of channel (y′ = 0). The basic laws of momentum and energy conservation are converted into the dimensionless system of the partial differential equations (PDEs) using similarity variables. Closed‐form solutions of these coupled PDEs are constructed for all values of time by taking the oscillatory pressure gradient. The physical insight of involved parameters on the fluid velocity, temperature profile, heat transfer rate, and surface friction is studied and analyzed graphically. It is noted from this study that the fluid velocity shows a decreasing behavior with the volume fraction of NPs. Furthermore, the amplitude of the oscillatory motion in case of skin friction decreases for a large magnetic field.
Runoff response of a small agricultural basin in the argentine Pampas considering connectivity aspects
Authors: Ares María Guadalupe , Varni Marcelo , Chagas Celio
Published: April 2020

Our manuscript analyses the surface runoff variability, and its controlling factors in a small basin with gentle slopes, at the headwaters of a flat catchment, to improve the knowledge of the hydrology of plain areas under agriculture. We study runoff, rainfall and antecedent conditions in the argentine Pampas region. We use correlations, regressions and quantitative and qualitative descriptive information of the system: erosion signs, ground cover by crops, groundwater depth data and temporal changes in the drainage network, to discuss and understand the complexity of the runoff process by frameworks to study (dis)connectivity. The analysis of 56 events evidenced a nonlinear rainfall–runoff relationship. In contrast with other works, we identified clear upper limit events, under which hydrological responses emerge, as a result of combinations of antecedent wetness, rainfall erosivity, ground cover and preferential drainage paths. We separated the nonlinear rainfall–runoff response in three linear relationships according to differences in antecedent wetness conditions. We found differences in runoff responses under wet and dry antecedent conditions, but complex responses under medium antecedent conditions. The analyses of the inputs, the structural and the functional elements of the (dis)connectivity frameworks, were key in the understanding of the temporal changes of runoff, and its complex responses. Temporal coincidences of connectivity components and their feedbacks appear to be strongly associated with the runoff dynamics. High‐magnitude hydrological responses occur with complete coincidences, while partial coincidences between the components reduce connectivity and low magnitude and/or heterogeneous responses prevail. Thus, these analyses suggest that runoff is controlled by (dis)connectivity in this basin with gentle slopes. Our work contributes to the understanding of the process of surface runoff in the context of humid flatlands under agricultural land use, by the identification of the complex combinations of factors which regulate/control the (dis)connectivity that helps to interpret the nonlinearities of runoff.
Intercomparison of measurements of bulk snow density and water equivalent of snow cover with snow core samplers: Instrumental bias and variability induced by observers
Authors: López‐Moreno J. Ignacio , Leppänen Leena , Luks Bartłomiej , Holko Ladislav , Picard Ghislain , Sanmiguel‐Vallelado Alba , Alonso‐González Esteban , Finger David C. , Arslan Ali N. , Gillemot Katalin , Sensoy Aynur , Sorman Arda , Ertaş M. Cansaran , Fassnacht Steven R. , Fierz Charles , Marty Christoph
Published: April 2020

Manually collected snow data are often considered as ground truth for many applications such as climatological or hydrological studies. However, there are many sources of uncertainty that are not quantified in detail. For the determination of water equivalent of snow cover (SWE), different snow core samplers and scales are used, but they are all based on the same measurement principle. We conducted two field campaigns with 9 samplers commonly used in observational measurements and research in Europe and northern America to better quantify uncertainties when measuring depth, density and SWE with core samplers. During the first campaign, as a first approach to distinguish snow variability measured at the plot and at the point scale, repeated measurements were taken along two 20 m long snow pits. The results revealed a much higher variability of SWE at the plot scale (resulting from both natural variability and instrumental bias) compared to repeated measurements at the same spot (resulting mostly from error induced by observers or very small scale variability of snow depth). The exceptionally homogeneous snowpack found in the second campaign permitted to almost neglect the natural variability of the snowpack properties and focus on the separation between instrumental bias and error induced by observers. Reported uncertainties refer to a shallow, homogeneous tundra‐taiga snowpack less than 1 m deep (loose, mostly recrystallised snow and no wind impact). Under such measurement conditions, the uncertainty in bulk snow density estimation is about 5% for an individual instrument and is close to 10% among different instruments. Results confirmed that instrumental bias exceeded both the natural variability and the error induced by observers, even in the case when observers were not familiar with a given snow core sampler.
Characterization of contrasting flow and thermal regimes in two adjacent subarctic alpine headwaters in Northwest Canada
Authors: Fabris Luca , Rolick Ryan L. , Kurylyk Barret L. , Carey Sean K.
Published: April 2020

Alpine headwaters in subarctic regions are particularly sensitive to climate change, yet there is little information on stream thermal regimes in these areas and how they might respond to global warming. In this paper, we characterize and compare the hydrological and thermal regimes of two subarctic headwater alpine streams within an empirical framework. The streams investigated are located within two adjacent catchments with similar geology, size, elevation and landscape, Granger Creek (GC) and Buckbrush Creek (BB), which are part of the Wolf Creek Research Basin in the Yukon Territory, Canada. Hydrometeorological and high‐resolution stream temperature data were collected throughout summer 2016. Both sites exhibited a flow regime typical of cold alpine headwater catchments influenced by frozen ground and permafrost. Comparatively, GC was characterized by a flashier response with more extreme flows, than BB. In both sites, stream temperature was highly variable and very responsive to short‐term changes in climatic conditions. On average, stream temperature in BB was slightly higher than in GC (respectively 5.8 and 5.7°C), but less variable (average difference between 75th and 25th quantiles of 1.6 and 2.0°C). Regression analysis between mean daily air and stream temperature suggested that a greater relative (to stream flow) groundwater contribution in BB could more effectively buffer atmospheric fluctuations. Heat fluxes were derived and utilized to assess their relative contribution to the energy balance. Overall, non‐advective fluxes followed a daily pattern highly correlated to short‐wave radiation. G1enerally, solar radiation and latent heat were respectively the most important heat source and sink, while air–water interface processes were major factors driving nighttime stream temperature fluctuations.
Inside Cover: Sparse‐graph manifold learning method for bioluminescence tomography (J. Biophotonics 4/2020)
Authors: Guo Hongbo , Gao Ling , Yu Jingjing , He Xiaowei , Wang Hai , Zheng Jie , Yang Xudong
Published: April 2020

This study proposed a Sparse‐Graph Manifold Learning (SGML) method to balance the sparseness and morphology preserving for bioluminescence tomography reconstruction. It inherits the benefits of non‐convex sparsity constraint and dynamic Laplacian graph model. The results of numerical simulations and in vivo experiments demonstrate that the proposed method yields accurate and robust results in terms of tumor spatial location and morphology recovery.

Further details can be found in the article by Hongbo Guo, Ling Gao, Jingjing Yu, et al. (e201960218)

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Effect of bioglass nanoparticles on the properties and bioactivity of poly(lactic acid) films
Authors: Canales Daniel , Saavedra Marcela , Flores Maria T. , Bejarano Julián , Ortiz J. Andrés , Orihuela Pedro , Alfaro Aline , Pabón Elizabeth , Palza Humberto , Zapata Paula A.
Published: April 2020

Bioglass nanoparticles (n‐BGs, 54SiO2:40CaO:6P2O5 mol %) with about 27 nm diameter were synthesized by the sol–gel method and incorporated into a poly(lactic acid) (PLA) matrix by the melting process in order to obtain nanocomposites with filler contents of 5, 10, and 25 wt %. Our results showed that during the cooling scan, the crystallization temperature (Tc) of the PLA/n‐BG nanocomposites decreased 13°C as compared to neat PLA. The presence of nanoparticles also decreased the thermal stability of the PLA matrix, as nanocomposites presented up to about 20°C lower degradation temperatures in a nitrogen atmosphere. The presence of n‐BG increased the stiffness of the polymer matrix, and for instance the composite with 25 wt % of filler presented about 52.6% higher Young's modulus than neat PLA. n‐BG incorporation into PLA increased also the hydrolytic degradation of the polymer over time. When the PLA composites were immersed in simulated body fluid, an apatite layer was formed on their surface, as verified by Fourier transform infrared, X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy‐EDS, showing that the presence of n‐BG induced bioactivity on the PLA matrix. Moreover, the viability of cervical uterine adenocarcinoma cells was higher on PLA/n‐BG nanocomposite with 25 wt % of filler. The presence of n‐BG barely gave an antibacterial effect on the polymer matrix, despite the well‐known biocidal properties of these nanoparticles. Our results show that the presence of n‐BGs is a proper route for improving the bioactivity of PLA with potential application in tissue engineering.
Life satisfaction in Chinese rural‐to‐urban migrants: Investigating the roles of self‐esteem and affect balance
Authors: Liang Dekuo , Xu Dawei , Xia Liying , Ma Xuelin
Published: April 2020

The goal of the present article is to investigate whether positive and negative affects mediate or moderate the impact of self‐esteem on life satisfaction among Chinese rural‐to‐urban migrants. Participants contained 712 rural‐to‐urban migrants recruited from four construction sites in China, who were evaluated with Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale, Positive and Negative Affect Scale, and Satisfaction with Life Scale. Correlation analysis indicated self‐esteem positively predicted life satisfaction. In addition, we demonstrated the mediating effects of positive affect and negative affect partially in the links from self‐esteem to life satisfaction, but failed to reveal the moderating effects. These findings suggested that affect balance intervention program may benefit the life satisfaction in Chinese rural‐to‐urban migrants.
Population Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Modeling of Weight‐Based Intravenous Reslizumab Dosing
Authors: Passarell Julie , Jaworowicz David , Ludwig Elizabeth , Rabinovich‐Guilatt Laura , Cox Donna S. , Levi Micha , Garin Margaret , Fiedler‐Kelly Jill , Bond Mary
Published: April 2020

Reslizumab 3.0 mg/kg has demonstrated efficacy in clinical studies of patients with eosinophilic asthma and a history of exacerbations. A population pharmacokinetic (PK) model was developed to determine whether 3.0 mg/kg weight‐based dosing is appropriate to obtain consistent reslizumab exposures in all patients. PK data in healthy volunteers and patients ≥12 years with moderate to severe asthma, eosinophilic asthma, or nasal polyposis were analyzed from 4 phase 1, 2 phase 2, and 2 phase 3 studies of intravenous (IV) reslizumab (N = 804). Covariates evaluated included age, race, sex, baseline weight, renal and liver function, concomitant medications, and antidrug antibody status. Exposure‐response models were developed to characterize key efficacy (blood eosinophil levels, forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1], Asthma Control Questionnaire [ACQ‐7] scores), and safety end points (muscle disorder adverse events [AEs]). Vial‐based dosing was evaluated as an alternative to weight‐based dosing. IV reslizumab PK was accurately described by a 2‐compartment PK model with 0‐order input and first‐order elimination. Body weight was the only covariate that significantly influenced PK parameters. However, with weight‐based dosing, comparable steady‐state exposures were observed across high and low body weights. Greater eosinophil lowering and longer response duration were observed with increasing dose; exposure‐related effects on FEV1 and ACQ‐7 were also seen, demonstrating the clinical importance of a dosing regimen to optimize reslizumab exposure. The probability of a muscle disorder AE appeared to increase with increasing exposure. Steady‐state exposure measures were similar for both dosing regimens, showing vial‐based dosing as an alternative method of achieving the benefits of weight‐based dosing.
Enhancing the desalination performance of forward osmosis membrane through the incorporation of green nanocrystalline cellulose and halloysite dual nanofillers
Authors: Rezaei‐DashtArzhandi Masood , Sarrafzadeh Mohammad Hossein , Goh Pei Sean , Lau Woei Jye , Ismail Ahamd Fauzi , Wong Kar Chun , Mohamed Mohamad Azuwa
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

Membrane fouling remains an unmet challenge for all membrane processes, including osmotically driven forward osmosis (FO). Membrane modification is a straightforward and feasible approach to enhancing fouling resistance. In this study, thin film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes incorporated with dual nanofiller were prepared. Halloysite nanotube (HNT) was incorporated into the polysulfone substrate while functionalized nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) was embedded within the polyamide (PA) thin layer of the TFN.

RESULTS

The formation of crystalline needle‐like NCC was observed through X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images. TFNs embedded with functionalized NCC at different loadings were characterized in terms of morphology, surface roughness and hydrophilicity, separation performance and antifouling propensity. The incorporation of hydrophilic NCC has significantly reduced the water contact angle from 69° for the TFN0.0 to 45° for TFN incorporated with 0.1 wt/v% of NCC. The water flux of TFN0.05, as the best performing membrane, was recorded as 21.34 L/m2 h. This was about 140% greater than that of TFN0.0 at the same operating conditions. The embedment of NCC also reduced the extent of concentration polarization (CP) in TFN0.05, which resulted in better protein fouling resistance and lower water flux decline in comparison to neat membranes.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the enhancement of both the water flux and antifouling properties of the membrane, without compromising the salt rejection when a low amount of NCC (<0.1 wt/v%) was incorporated into the thin PA layer, demonstrated the potential of dual nanofillers TFN for effective forward osmosis desalination application. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Malignant right coronary artery origin from the left sinus of Valsalva: Complementary role for transesophageal echocardiography upon the cath‐lab diagnosis
Authors: de Gregorio Cesare , Ceresa Fabrizio , Ferrazzo Giuseppe , Patanè Francesco
Published: April 2020

Anomalous origin of the right coronary artery (RCA) from the left sinus of Valsalva is a rare but clinically relevant congenital anomaly, since the RCA may be subjected to cyclical compression due to its interarterial course. At least in the past, most patients experienced bad outcomes before being diagnosed with a malignant variant. Chronic (often subclinical) myocardial ischemia and possible arrhythmias are common complications. Once symptoms or electrocardiographic signs of myocardial ischemia become apparent, a quick diagnosis is mandatory. We report the case of a late symptomatic woman in whom RCA originated from the opposite sinus of Valsalva. The malignant variant was confirmed at transesophageal echocardiography directly in the catheterization laboratory, soon after angiographic diagnosis of aberrant origin.
Superior vena cava obstruction and mediastinal mass detected by point‐of‐care ultrasonography
Authors: Blanco Pablo , Esteban Fernando , Leonardi Ivana
Published: April 2020

Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) often relates to malignant causes such as lung tumors, metastatic cancer, or lymphomas. While the diagnosis relies nowadays on the use of contrast‐enhanced thoracic computed tomography, ultrasonography may have an important value as a first‐line imaging technique, particularly when used in point‐of‐care office‐based settings. Here, we report the case of a 67‐year‐old male presenting with SVCS in whom ultrasound contributed to diagnosis.
Sonogram of safety: Ultrasound outperforms the fifth intercostal space landmark for tube thoracostomy site selection
Authors: Gray Ellyn J. , Cranford James A. , Betcher Joseph A. , Huang Robert D. , Kessler Ross A. , Theyyunni Nik , Majkrzak Allen A.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Identification of tube thoracostomy insertion location is currently performed using a blind, landmark based approach at either the fifth intercostal space (ICS) or inframammary crease in the midaxillary line. A significant percentage of thoracostomies at this site result in complications. This pilot study aimed to assess whether bedside ultrasound could aid in identifying safer tube thoracostomy insertion sites in emergency department patients.

Methods

Fifty emergency department patients were enrolled in this study. Right and left hemidiaphragms were evaluated with ultrasound at the fifth ICS. Observations were made on if the diaphragm was below, above, or crossed the fifth ICS during an entire respiratory cycle.

Results

Eighty‐one (95% confidence interval 72‐82) of the diaphragms were below, 13 (95% confidence interval 8‐21) of the diaphragms were at, and 6 (95% confidence interval 3‐12) of the diaphragms were above the location marked using traditional landmark techniques. On the right and left hemidiaphragms, 20% (95% confidence interval 19.9%‐20.1%) and 18% (95% confidence interval 17.9%‐18.1%) of diaphragms were above or crossing the fifth ICS, respectively

Conclusions

Ultrasound identified a significant number of potential chest tube insertion sites at the fifth ICS that would result in subdiaphragmatic insertion or diaphragmatic injury. Based on this data ultrasound can be used to identify safer insertion sites and reduce thoracostomy complications.
Catalyst‐free green synthesis and study of antioxidant activity of new pyrazole derivatives
Authors: Tabarsaei Navisa , Hamedani Naghmeh Faal , Shafiee Shahin , Khandan Samira , Hossaini Zinatossadat
Published: April 2020

In this research, a novel procedure for the synthesis of pyrazole derivatives in excellent yields was studied using catalyst‐free multicomponent reaction of isoquinoline, activated acetylenic compounds, alkyl bromides, triphenylphosphine and hydrazine in water under ultrasonic irradiation at room temperature. The advantages of this procedure than to reported methods are short time of reaction, high yields of product, easy separation of product, clean mixture of reaction and green media for performing reaction. In addition, because of having pyrazole and isoquinoline core in the synthesized compounds, in this research, antioxidant activity of some synthesized compounds was investigated.
Predator‐specific inducible morphological defenses of a water flea against two freshwater predators
Authors: Ritschar Sven , Rabus Max , Laforsch Christian
Published: April 2020

The expression of inducible morphological defenses in Daphnia in response to a single predator is a well‐known phenomenon. However, predator‐specific modifications of the same defensive traits as an adaption to different predator regimes is so far only described for Daphnia barbata. It is unknown if this accounts only for this species or if it is a more widespread, general adaptive response in the genus Daphnia. In the present study, we therefore investigated whether a clone of the pond‐dwelling species Daphnia similis responds to different predatory invertebrates (Triops cancriformis; Notonecta maculata) with the expression of predator‐specific modifications of the same defensive traits. We showed that Triops‐exposed individuals express a significantly longer tail‐spine, while body width decreased in comparison to control individuals. Additionally, they also expressed inconspicuous defenses, that is, significantly longer spinules on the dorsal ridge. The Notonecta‐exposed D. similis showed a significantly longer tail‐spine, longer spinules and a larger spinules bearing area on the dorsal ridge than control individuals as well. However, a geometric morphometric analysis of the head shape revealed significant, predator‐specific changes. Triops‐exposed individuals expressed a flattened head shape with a pronounced dorsal edge, while Notonecta‐exposed individuals developed a high and strongly rounded head. Our study describes so far unrecognized inducible defenses of D. similis against two predators in temporary waters. Furthermore, the predator‐dependent change in head shape is in concordance with the ‘concept of modality’, which highlights the qualitative aspect of natural selection caused by predators.
Editorial for “Radiomics Based on Multimodal MRI for the Differential Diagnosis of Benign and Malignant Breast Lesions”
Authors: Nogueira Luísa , Nunes Rita Gouveia
Published: April 2020

Level of Evidence

5

Technical Efficacy Stage

2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:608–609.
Assessing the biofidelity of in vitro biomechanical testing of the human cervical spine
Authors: Wawrose Richard A. , Howington Forbes E. , LeVasseur Clarissa M. , Smith Clair N. , Couch Brandon K. , Shaw Jeremy D. , Donaldson William F. , Lee Joon Y. , Patterson Charity G. , Anderst William J. , Bell Kevin M.
Published: April 2020

In vitro biomechanical studies of the osteoligamentous spine are widely used to characterize normal biomechanics, identify injury mechanisms, and assess the effects of degeneration and surgical instrumentation on spine mechanics. The objective of this study was to determine how well four standards in vitro loading paradigms replicate in vivo kinematics with regards to the instantaneous center of rotation and arthrokinematics in relation to disc deformation. In vivo data were previously collected from 20 asymptomatic participants (45.5 ± 5.8 years) who performed full range of motion neck flexion‐extension (FE) within a biplane x‐ray system. Intervertebral kinematics were determined with sub‐millimeter precision using a validated model‐based tracking process. Ten cadaveric spines (51.8 ± 7.3 years) were tested in FE within a robotic testing system. Each specimen was tested under four loading conditions: pure moment, axial loading, follower loading, and combined loading. The in vivo and in vitro bone motion data were directly compared. The average in vitro instant center of rotation was significantly more anterior in all four loading paradigms for all levels. In general, the anterior and posterior disc heights were larger in the in vitro models than in vivo. However, after adjusting for gender, the observed differences in disc height were not statistically significant. This data suggests that in vitro biomechanical testing alone may fail to replicate in vivo conditions, with significant implications for novel motion preservation devices such as cervical disc arthroplasty implants.
A 180 ka record of environmental change at Erdut (Croatia): a new chronology for the loess–palaeosol sequence and its implications for environmental interpretation
Authors: Fenn Kaja , Durcan Julie A. , Thomas David S. G. , Banak Adriano
Published: April 2020

While there are numerous thick loess–palaeosol sequences preserved across the Carpathian Basin, well dated sites that provide terrestrial palaeoenvironmental records extending beyond last glacial–interglacial cycle are scarce. Robust chronologies are essential for correlations of loess with other long‐term Quaternary records and to further understanding of the palaeoenvironment and climate of this important region beyond the last 125 ka. Here a new geochronology based on 13 post‐infrared infrared stimulated luminescence ages focused on the lower part of the loess–palaeosol sequence at Erdut is presented. The results show that the lower part of the Erdut profile spans the penultimate glacial cycle (MIS 7 to MIS 5). The considerable sediments overlaying the investigated part of the profile suggest that this section spans two glacial cycles, rather than the previously suggested one. The most likely source of the discrepancy is the use of uncorrected infrared stimulated luminescence signal, which can cause age underestimation if not accounted for. This study demonstrates the need to revisit sites such as Erdut, re‐date them using updated measurement protocols, and update existing palaeoenvironmental interpretations.
Identifying factors impacting the efficacy of postmastectomy radiotherapy in patients with early‐stage breast cancer and one to two positive lymph nodes
Authors: Bhutiani Neal , Egger Michael E. , Stromberg Arnold J. , Bhutiani Inder K. , Ajkay Nicolás , McMasters Kelly M.
Published: April 2020

Introduction

In women with T1‐2 breast cancer and one to two positive axillary lymph nodes (LN) at low risk for recurrence, postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) may provide insufficient benefit to justify its toxicity. This study evaluated the interaction of factors associated with overall survival (OS) after PMRT in these patients.

Methods

The National Cancer Database was queried for women with T1‐2 breast cancer undergoing mastectomy with one to two positive LN identified on lymphadenectomy. Patients were grouped according to number of positive LN and then stratified by PMRT use. Differences in OS were evaluated.

Results

Multivariable modeling demonstrated an interaction effect of age on the efficacy of PMRT. In patients more than or equal to 60 years old, PMRT was associated with improved survival when adjusting for age and tumor grade in patients with 1 to 2 positive LN (risk ratio = 0.62, 95% confidence interval = 0.40‐0.93, P = .018). In patients less than 60 years old, tumor size and grade, but not PMRT, were associated with improved OS.

Conclusion

For women with T1‐2 breast cancer and one to two positive LN, PMRT's association with OS is influenced by age, tumor grade, and number of positive LN. PMRT appears to be associated with improvements in OS in older patients, but not younger patients, regardless of tumor size or nodal status.
Comprehensive identification of potential antioxidant components in the aerial parts of Polygonum chinense L. var. hispidum using ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Hongwu , Yu Meng , Jia Hongmei , Zhang Tao , Shang Hai , Zhang Mengli , Zhu Ziya , Zou Zhongmei
Published: April 2020

The aerial parts of Polygonum chinense L. var. hispidum are one of the key herbs in Cantonese herbal tea, which is quite a common local beverage in LingNan area of China. Previous investigation has found that this herb possesses antioxidant activity and the ethyl acetate fraction of its ethanol extract shows the strongest antioxidant activity. However, little is known about its antioxidant chemical constituents. The aim of this research was to investigate the active constituents of this plant by identifying and characterizing the chemical profile in ethyl acetate fraction using ultra high performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry, which can provide characteristic ultraviolet absorption, accurate molecular weight, and diagnostic tandem mass spectrometry fragment ions. As a result, 85 compounds were identified including 22 flavonoids, 12 ellagic acids, 34 ellagitannins, 16 phenolic acids, and one phenolic amide. All the phenolic compounds identified in this work, especially ethyl gallate, geraniin, chebulagic acid, and quercitrin with the higher peak areas in the ultra high performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry chemical profile of this plant, could be the bioactive principles responsible for the antioxidant activity. These findings in the present study could benefit further studies involving the functions and chemicals of this plant, and provide scientific evidence for usage of Cantonese herbal tea.