bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesizing affective virtual reality multicharacter experiences
Authors: Mazumdar Angshuman , Mousas Christos
Published: May 2021

This article presents a methodology for automatically synthesizing a virtual population (pedestrians placed in a virtual environment) that impacts a user with a specified affective experience. The pipeline began by developing a dataset of behaviors that could be assigned to virtual characters. Next, an annotation phase assigned affective responses of participants to each character's behavior. The design considerations of our affective multicharacter virtual reality experience were then encoded to cost terms and assigned to a total cost function. This method allowed the developer to control the priority and the targets of the cost terms, and given the user inputs, our application could optimize the multicharacter experience using a Markov chain Monte Carlo method known as simulated annealing. A user study was conducted to investigate whether our method could synthesize virtual reality multicharacter experiences that affect participants in an expected way. The results of our study showed that the three different synthesized multicharacter experiences (low, medium, and high negative affect) were perceived as expected by participants; therefore, we argue that we can indeed automatically synthesize virtual reality multicharacter experiences that impact participants' affect levels in an expected way. Limitations and future research directions are discussed.
Improved divergence‐free smoothed particle hydrodynamics via priority of divergence‐free solver and SOR
Authors: Wu Maolin , Liu Shiguang , Xu Qing
Published: May 2021

Fluid simulation plays an important role in movie special effects, computer games, etc. In recent years, the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) has become a popular fluid simulation method due to its simpler implementation and better processing capabilities for various complex scenes. Although the computational efficiency of the current SPH method has been significantly improved, there is still much room for improvement in pressure solving. This paper proposes an improved pressure solution method based on DFSPH. Firstly, we eliminate the velocity divergence of the fluid by changing the solution order of the nonpressure force and divergence solvers, thereby reducing the number of iterations required by the density solver. Secondly, the SOR method is applied to the pressure solver, furthering reducing the number of iterations of the density solver. Various experiments demonstrated that our method improves the efficiency of the solver with little decrease in stability compared to state‐of‐the‐art methods. The speedup factor reaches between 1.35 and 1.4 at a time step of 5ms, and the more the number of particles, the faster the performance increases.
Green nail syndrome caused by Citrobacter braakii
Authors: Mulita Francesk , Tchabashvili Levan , Liolis Elias , Tasios Konstantinos , Iliopoulos Fotios , Kaplanis Charalampos , Parchas Nikolaos , Plachouri Kerasia‐Maria
Published: May 2021

A 34‐year‐old woman presented due to progressive painful swelling around the nail of the right index finger. Onychectomy and drainage of the abscess of the affected finger were performed as the inflammation was progressive despite the previous antibiotic therapy. The microbiological culture revealed a ciprofloxacin‐susceptible Citrobacter braakii.
Cutaneous chemotherapy‐induced radiation recall reaction
Authors: McKay Michael J. , Dumbrava Monica , McKay Jeremy Nicholas , McKay Thomas Alexander
Published: May 2021

Chemotherapy‐induced radiation recall reactions are rare, commonly affecting skin but can affect internal organs. Treatments include antihistamines and topical steroids and discontinuation of therapy if severe. Rechallenge may not cause recurrence.
Candida esophagitis incidentally detected by 18F‐FDG PET/CT in a patient with CNS lymphoma
Authors: Bayar Melikşah , Özgür Yurttaş Nurgül , Bilgiç Seçkin , Karakuş Kebire , Önal Uğur , Sönmezoğlu Kerim , Başlar Zafer , Eşkazan Ahmet Emre
Published: May 2021

Corticosteroids are commonly used in lymphoma patients, and findings in favor of esophageal involvement in 18F‐FDG PET‐CT should be considered suspicious and definitely be confirmed by biopsy. We describe a 58‐year‐old lady with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma and central nervous system involvement having an increased metabolism in the distal esophagus with 18F‐FDG PET/CT, which was consistent with esophageal candidiasis, most probably due to prolonged use of dexamethasone. Esophageal candidiasis can be misdiagnosed as malignancy with a high SUVmax and may lead to difficulties while managing these patients.
Primary gastric squamous cell carcinoma with a bilio‐gastric fistula and Krukenberg syndrome
Authors: Sabbah Meriam , Gharbi Ghada , Bellil Nawel , Helal Imen , Chamakhi Chiraz , Gargouri Dalila
Published: May 2021

Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the stomach is a rare type of gastric malignancies. Diagnosis criteria are well defined but diagnosis is generally late being made at an advanced stage with metastases explaining its poor diagnosis.
Stinging abdominal pain at 32 gestational weeks with prior classical uterine incision: Careful assessment or emergency cesarean delivery?
Authors: Kakigano Aiko , Matsuzaki Shinya , Kinose Yasuto , Kimura Toshihiro , Kimura Tadashi
Published: May 2021

The risk of uterine rupture in subsequent pregnancy is 1%‐12% in patients with prior classical uterine incision. Management of mild/moderate abdominal pain without an obvious abnormal finding before 36 weeks is challenging owing to fetal immaturity.
Polymerization‐Induced Self‐Assembly for the Preparation of Poly(N,N‐dimethylacrylamide)‐b‐Poly(4‐tert‐butoxystyrene‐co‐pentafluorostyrene) Particles with Inverse Bicontinuous Phases†
Authors: Luo Xin , An Zesheng
Published: May 2021

Main observation and conclusion

Polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (PISA) is an effective method to prepare block copolymer (BCP) particles with various morphologies. However, BCPs with inverse bicontinuous phase structure have been rarely prepared via PISA. Herein, we report the preparation of particles, consisting of poly(N,N‐dimethylacrylamide‐b‐poly(4‐tert‐butoxystyrene‐co‐pentafluorostyrene) BCP, with inverse bicontinuous phases via PISA in ethanol/water. The effects of solvent composition and the degree of polymerization of the core‐forming were investigated. The bicontinuous structure of BCP particles was characterized by transmission electron microscopy.
MOFs‐Derived N‐Doped Carbon‐Encapsulated Metal/Alloy Electrocatalysts to Tune the Electronic Structure and Reactivity of Carbon Active Sites†
Authors: Yang Yang , Su Jianwei , Jiang Peng , Chen Jitang , Hu Lin , Chen Qianwang
Published: May 2021

Despite progress over the past few years in developing efficient low‐cost catalysts, precious metals are still the best catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). However, the natural scarcity and high cost greatly hamper their large‐scale commercialization. The combination of graphene shell with metal core could tune the electronic structure of carbon active sites. Recently, nitrogen doped graphene encapsulated metal or alloy (M@NG) has emerged as novel and fascinating electrocatalysts. In this review, we focus on some recent advances in designing M@NG electrocatalysts for HER, OER and ORR through tuning electronic structure and activity of carbon active sites. We have summarized some facile and universal strategy for synthesizing various M@NG via direct annealing of metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs). With elaborated MOFs precursor design, careful control over the nitrogen doping level, metal element types and alloy structure, the electronic structure of carbon active sites can be rationally tuned to optimize activity for different electrochemical reactions. We hope this review can provide new insights into the design of M@NG with high catalytic activity.
LIM domain proteins in cell mechanobiology
Authors: Anderson Caitlin A. , Kovar David R. , Gardel Margaret L. , Winkelman Jonathan D.
Published: May 2021

The actin cytoskeleton is important for maintaining mechanical homeostasis in adherent cells, largely through its regulation of adhesion and cortical tension. The LIM (Lin‐11, Isl1, MEC‐3) domain‐containing proteins are involved in a myriad of cellular mechanosensitive pathways. Recent work has discovered that LIM domains bind to mechanically stressed actin filaments, suggesting a novel and widely conserved mechanism of mechanosensing. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge of LIM protein mechanosensitivity.
Metal‐Based Catalytic Drug Development for Next‐Generation Cancer Therapy
Authors: Fan Zhongxian , Huang Juyang , Huang Huaiyi , Banerjee Samya
Published: May 2021

Considering the high increase in mortality caused by cancer in recent years, cancer drugs with novel mechanisms of anticancer action are urgently needed to overcome the drawbacks of platinum‐based chemotherapeutics. Recently, in the area of metal‐based cancer drug development research, the concept of catalytic cancer drugs has been introduced with organometallic RuII, OsII, RhIII and IrIII complexes. These complexes are reported as catalysts for many important biological transformations in cancer cells such as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD(P)H) oxidation to NAD+, reduction of NAD+ to NADH, and reduction of pyruvate to lactate. These unnatural intracellular transformations with catalytic and nontoxic doses of metal complexes are known to severely perturb several important biochemical pathways and could be the antecedent of next‐generation catalytic cancer drug development. In this concept, we delineate the prospects of such recently reported organometallic RuII, OsII, RhIII and IrIII complexes as future catalytic cancer drugs. This new approach has the potential to deliver new cancer drug candidates.
The International Academy of Cytology Yokohama System for Reporting Breast Fine‐Needle Aspiration Biopsy Cytopathology: Recent research findings and the future
Authors: Field Andrew S. , Raymond Wendy A. , Schmitt Fernando
Published: May 2021

Recent retrospective studies show that the International Academy of Cytology Yokohama system can improve breast fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) reporting by the use of its categories, standardized reports, and key diagnostic cytopathological features. The system is providing an impetus for further research in breast FNAB, which should focus on contentious areas.
Willow drives changes in arthropod communities of northwestern Alaska: ecological implications of shrub expansion
Authors: McDermott Molly T. , Doak Patricia , Handel Colleen M. , Breed Greg A. , Mulder Christa P. H.
Published: May 2021

Arthropods serve as complex linkages between plants and higher‐level predators in Arctic ecosystems and provide key ecosystem services such as pollination and nutrient cycling. Arctic plant communities are changing as tall woody shrubs expand onto tundra, but potential effects on arthropod abundance and food web structure remain unclear. Changes in vegetation structure can alter the physical habitat, thermal environment, and food available to arthropods, thereby having the potential to induce cascading effects throughout the ecosystem. We evaluated relationships between the abundance, biomass, and community composition of arthropods and the cover of several shrub taxa across tundra–shrub gradients in northwestern Alaska. While previous research had found a general positive association between arthropod biomass and shrub cover, we found heterogeneity in this relationship with finer‐scale examination of (1) shrub taxa, (2) arthropod taxa, and (3) arthropod guilds. Abundance and biomass of arthropods showed strong, positive associations with the amount of cover of willow (Salix spp.) but were not significantly influenced by shrub birch (Betula spp.) or ericaceous (Ericaceae) vegetation. Significant shifts in arthropod community composition were also associated with willows. Among trophic groups of arthropods, herbivores and pollinators were most positively associated with willow cover. Due to geographical variation in both dominant shrub taxa and their rates of expansion, effects on arthropod communities are likely to be heterogeneous across the Arctic. Taken together, our results suggest that shrub expansion could increase food availability for higher‐level insectivores and shift Arctic food web structure.
Prevalence and risk factors of diabetes among adults aged 45 years or older in China: A national cross‐sectional study
Authors: Bai Anying , Tao Jing , Tao Liyuan , Liu Jue
Published: May 2021

Background

Although there is preponderance of literature on disease burden of diabetes in developed countries, limited investigations have been conducted in less developed regions including China. This study aimed to explore the current prevalence and risk factors for diabetes, pre‐diabetes, awareness, treatment and control of diabetes in China.

Methods

We included 12,458 adults from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. We estimated prevalence of diabetes and pre‐diabetes in the overall sample and by socio‐demographics. Bivariate associations of diabetes, pre‐diabetes, awareness, control and treatment of diabetes with health and function measures were evaluated by chi‐squared test and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

We found that the prevalence of diabetes and pre‐diabetes was 13.21% and 25.16%. The prevalence of diabetes increased with advanced age (12.37%, 15.98% and 16.52% among persons who were 45 to 55, 55 to 65 and ≥65 years old, respectively), educational background (14.52%, 15.52% and 15.58% among persons who were illiterate, had primary education and had secondary or above education) and weight (8.18%, 17.05% and 22.54% among persons with a body mass index of 18.5 to 24.9, 25.0 to 29.9 and ≥30.0, respectively). The prevalence of diabetes was higher among urban residents than among rural residents (19.04% vs. 12.85%). We also observed that aged between 55 and 65 years, obesity, history of hypertension and coronary heart disease, and inactivity were significant risk factors of awareness of diabetes.

Conclusion

Our results indicated that diabetes is high prevalent in adults aged 45 years or above in China. The potentially modifiable risk factors should be further studied to develop interventions and strategies aimed at prevention and treatment of diabetes among middle‐aged and older Chinese adults.
High‐Entropy Spinel Oxide Nanofibers as Catalytic Sulfur Hosts Promise the High Gravimetric and Volumetric Capacities for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Tian Liyuan , Zhang Ze , Liu Sheng , Li Guoran , Gao Xueping
Published: May 2021

The exploration of new catalytic hosts is highly important to tackle the sluggish electrochemical kinetics of sulfur redox for achieving high energy density of lithium–sulfur batteries. Herein, for the first time, we present high‐entropy oxide (HEO, (Mg0.2Mn0.2Ni0.2Co0.2Zn0.2)Fe2O4) nanofibers as catalytic host of sulfur. The HEO nanofibers show a synergistic effect among multiple metal cations in spinel structure that enables strong chemical confinement of soluble polysulfides and fast kinetics for polysulfide conversion. Consequently, the S/HEO composite displays the high gravimetric capacity of 1368.7 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C rate, excellent rate capability with the discharge capacity of 632.1 mAh g−1 at 5 C rate, and desirable cycle stability. Furthermore, the S/HEO composite shows desirable sulfur utilization and good cycle stability under a harsh operating condition of high sulfur loading (4.6 mg cm−2) or low electrolyte/sulfur ratio (5 μL mg−1). More impressively, the high volumetric capacity of 2627.9 mAh cm−3 is achieved simultaneously for the S/HEO composite due to the high tap density of 1.92 g cm−3, nearly 2.5 times of the conventional sulfur/carbon composite. Therefore, based on high‐entropy oxide materials, this work affords a fresh concept of elevating the gravimetric/volumetric capacities of sulfur cathodes for lithium–sulfur batteries.
Co2N Nanoparticles Anchored on N‐Doped Active Carbon as Catalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Zinc–Air Battery
Authors: Wu Xianli , Han Guosheng , Wen Hao , Liu Yanyan , Han Lei , Cui Xingyu , Kou Jiajing , Li Baojun , Jiang Jianchun
Published: May 2021

The development of efficient catalytic electrode toward oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is still a great challenge for the wide use of zinc–air batteries. Herein, Co2N nanoparticles (NPs) anchored on N‐doped carbon from cattail were verified with excellent catalytic performances for ORR. The onset and half‐wave potentials over the optimal catalyst reach to 0.96 V and 0.84 V, respectively. Current retention rates of 96.8% after 22‐h test and 98.8% after running 1600 s were obtained in 1 M methanol solution. Density functional theory simulation proposes an apparently increased electronic states of Co2N in N‐doped carbon layer close to the Fermi level. Higher charge density, favorable adsorption, and charge transfer of intermediates originate from the coexistence of Co2N NPs and N atoms in carbon skeleton. The superior catalytic activity of composites also was confirmed in zinc–air batteries. This novel catalytic property and controllable preparation approach of Co2N‐carbon composites provide a promising avenue to fabricate metal‐containing catalytically active carbon from biomass.
Bayesian variable selection for high‐dimensional rank data
Authors: Cui Can , Singh Susheela P. , Staicu Ana‐Maria , Reich Brian J.
Published: May 2021

The study of microbiomes has become a topic of intense interest in last several decades as the development of new sequencing technologies has made DNA data accessible across disciplines. In this paper, we analyze a global dataset to investigate environmental factors that affect topsoil microbiome. As yet, much associated work has focused on linking indicators of microbial health to specific outcomes in various fields, rather than understanding how external factors may influence the microbiome composition itself. This is partially due to limited statistical methods to model abundance counts. The counts are high‐dimensional, overdispersed, often zero‐inflated, and exhibit complex dependence structures. Additionally, the raw counts are often noisy and compositional, and thus are not directly comparable across samples. Often, practitioners transform the counts to presence–absence indicators, but this transformation discards much of the data. As an alternative, we propose transforming to taxa ranks and develop a Bayesian variable selection model that uses ranks to identify covariates that influence microbiome composition. We show by simulation that the proposed model outperforms competitors across various settings and particular improvement in recall for small magnitude and low prevalence covariates. When applied to the topsoil data, the proposed method identifies several factors that affect microbiome composition.
Singular spectrum analysis for value at risk in stochastic volatility models
Authors: Arteche Josu , García‐Enríquez Javier
Published: May 2021

Estimation of the value at risk (VaR) requires prediction of the future volatility. Whereas this is a simple task in ARCH and related models, it becomes much more complicated in stochastic volatility (SV) processes where the volatility is a function of a latent variable that is not observable. In‐sample (present and past values) and out‐of‐sample (future values) predictions of that unobservable variable are thus necessary. This paper proposes singular spectrum analysis (SSA), which is a fully nonparametric technique that can be used for both purposes. A combination of traditional forecasting techniques and SSA is also considered to estimate the VaR. Their performance is assessed in an extensive Monte Carlo and with an application to a daily series of S&P500 returns.
Epigenetic control of region‐specific transcriptional programs in mouse cerebellar and cortical astrocytes
Authors: Welle Anna , Kasakow Carmen V. , Jungmann Annemarie M. , Gobbo Davide , Stopper Laura , Nordström Karl , Salhab Abdulrahman , Gasparoni Gilles , Scheller Anja , Kirchhoff Frank , Walter Jörn
Published: May 2021

Astrocytes from the cerebral cortex (CTX) and cerebellum (CB) share basic molecular programs, but also form distinct spatial and functional subtypes. The regulatory epigenetic layers controlling such regional diversity have not been comprehensively investigated so far. Here, we present an integrated epigenome analysis of methylomes, open chromatin, and transcriptomes of astroglia populations isolated from the cortex or cerebellum of young adult mice. Besides a basic overall similarity in their epigenomic programs, cortical astrocytes and cerebellar astrocytes exhibit substantial differences in their overall open chromatin structure and in gene‐specific DNA methylation. Regional epigenetic differences are linked to differences in transcriptional programs encompassing genes of region‐specific transcription factor networks centered around Lhx2/Foxg1 in CTX astrocytes and the Zic/Irx families in CB astrocytes. The distinct epigenetic signatures around these transcription factor networks point to a complex interconnected and combinatorial regulation of region‐specific transcriptomes. These findings suggest that key transcription factors, previously linked to temporal, regional, and spatial control of neurogenesis, also form combinatorial networks important for astrocytes. Our study provides a valuable resource for the molecular basis of regional astrocyte identity and physiology.
Efficacy of naltrexone in borderline personality disorder, a retrospective analysis in inpatients
Authors: Timäus Charles , Meiser Miriam , Wiltfang Jens , Bandelow Borwin , Wedekind Dirk
Published: May 2021

Objective

The endogenous opioid system is assumed to be involved in the pathophysiology of borderline personality disorder (BPD), and opioid antagonists may improve core features of BPD. The aim of this retrospective chart analysis was to evaluate the relative contribution of the opioid antagonist naltrexone and other psychotropic drugs in the improvement of overall symptomatology in BPD.

Methods

One hundred sixty‐one inpatients with BPD treated between January 2010 and October 2013 were classified as either treatment responders or non‐responders. Treatment responders were defined as subjects with significant improvements in four or more symptoms from a defined symptom list. The relative contribution of all psychotropic drugs to improvement of BPD symptomatology was assessed by means of a stepwise logistic regression.

Results

None of the drugs applied contributed significantly to improvement, with the exception of naltrexone (odds ratio [OR] 43.2, p ≤ 0.0001). Patients treated with naltrexone (N = 55, 34%) recovered significantly more often. Higher doses of naltrexone were more effective (OR 791.8, p ≤ 0.0001) than lower doses (OR 26.6, p ≤ 0.0001); however, even low‐dose treatment was better than any other pharmacological treatment.

Conclusions

Naltrexone was associated with improvement in BPD in a dose‐dependent manner. The present study provides additional evidence that dysregulation of the endogenous opioid system is implicated in the pathophysiology of BPD symptoms.
Caspase‐8: A key protein of cross‐talk signal way in “PANoptosis” in cancer
Authors: Jiang Mingxia , Qi Ling , Li Lisha , Wu Yiming , Song Dongfeng , Li Yanjing
Published: May 2021

Cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase (Caspase)‐8 has long been considered a promoter of apoptosis and part of the mechanism by which cytotoxic drugs kill cancer cells. With the continuous exploration of the types of programmed cell death, an increasing number of studies have confirmed that caspase‐8 plays an important role in cancer. Recently, scholars have proposed the term “PANoptosis,” which mainly includes three programmed cell death modes, namely pyroptosis, apoptosis and necroptosis. In addition to mediating endogenous apoptotic pathways, caspase‐8 can also participate in the cleavage of gasdermin (GSDM) family proteins to induce pyroptosis. Furthermore, the expression of enzymatically inactive caspase‐8 (C362S) can cause embryonic lethality and inflammatory tissue destruction in mice by inducing necroptosis and pyroptosis. Therefore, the activation and deletion of caspase‐8 enzyme activity, as well as the knockout of the coding gene, are closely related to “PANoptosis.” In addition, caspase‐8 can also improve the tumor microenvironment and enhance tumor antiimmunity. Studies have shown that caspase‐8 is also associated with tumor growth and invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis, therapeutic resistance and poor clinical outcomes. Therefore, it is very important to measure the cancer‐promoting and anticancer effects of caspase‐8 and find a balance, and to study its role in the effect of “PANoptosis” in depth. This article reviews the role of caspase‐8 in “PANoptosis” in cancer to provide new strategies and targets for cancer.
Association of bowel movement frequency and laxative use with risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in US women and men
Authors: Long Lu , Liu Xing , Jin Lina , Simon Tracey , Ma Wenjie , Kim Mi Na , Yang Wanshui , Meyerhardt Jeffrey A. , Chan Andrew T. , Giovannucci Edward , Zhang Xuehong
Published: May 2021

Abnormal bowel movements have been related to a variety of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk factors such as dyslipidemia, diabetes and altered metabolism of bile acids and gut microbiota. However, little is known about whether bowel movement frequency affects the risk of developing HCC. We followed 88 123 women in the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) and 28 824 men in the Health Professionals Follow‐up Study (HPFS) for up to 24 years. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to calculate multivariable hazard ratios (HRs) and confidence intervals (95%CI). We documented 101 incident HCC cases. Compared to those with daily bowel movements, participants with bowel movement more than once per day had a multivariable HR of 1.93 (95%CI: 1.18 to 3.16) in the pooled cohorts. For the same comparison, the positive association appeared stronger for men (2.72, 95% CI: 1.14 to 6.44) than for women (1.63, 95% CI: 0.87 to 3.06) but there was no statistically significant heterogeneity by sex (P‐value = .31). We found null associations between bowel movement every 2 days or less and the risk of HCC (HR = 1.05, 95%CI: 0.62 to 1.79). The HR (95%CI) for participants who used laxatives regularly relative to those who never used laxatives was 1.00 (0.64 to 1.55). Our results suggest participants with bowel movement more than once daily is associated with a higher risk of developing HCC compared to those with daily bowel movements. These findings need to be confirmed and potential mechanisms underlying this association need to be elucidated.
Evaluating the function of social interaction for children with autism
Authors: Morris Samuel L. , Vollmer Timothy R.
Published: May 2021

Several researchers have assessed whether or not social interaction is reinforcing; however, few studies have evaluated methods of assessing whether social interactions function as reinforcing, neutral, or aversive stimuli. We extend this research by evaluating a new method of assessing the function of social interaction. Twenty‐one children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) participated. Social interactions were found to function as reinforcers for 9 participants, neutral stimuli for 7 participants, and aversive stimuli for 5 participants. The method evaluated was found to be more efficient, may be more feasible, and was similarly as decisive as methods evaluated in previous research. Implications of this study and its methodology as well as future directions in this line of research are discussed.
Patient Outcomes in the Years After a DXA-BMD Treatment Monitoring Test: Improved Medication Adherence in Some, But Too Little Too Late
Authors: Kline Gregory A , Lix Lisa M , Leslie William D
Published: May 2021

The role of mid-treatment monitoring dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry–bone mineral density (DXA-BMD) for bisphosphonate-treated patients with osteoporosis remains unsettled. A common reason for such monitoring is to encourage ongoing medication adherence. We sought to determine if a DXA-BMD treatment monitoring test was associated with improved medication adherence and whether improved adherence after a DXA-BMD treatment monitoring test was associated with subsequent reduction in fracture rates. Using linked administrative databases within Manitoba, Canada, we performed a retrospective cohort study of women starting and continuing antiresorptive therapy in whom a mid-treatment DXA-BMD monitoring test was performed. From the provincial pharmacy database, we estimated medication adherence by calculating annual medication possession ratio (MPR) and determining the change in MPR with respect to change (stable/decrease) in the DXA-BMD monitoring test, in addition to fracture rates before and after the test. The cohort comprised 3418 women, 90.7% treated with oral bisphosphonate, with pharmacy data for the 3 years before and after the mid-treatment DXA-BMD. Median (interquartile range) MPR was 0.84 (0.49–0.99) in the year before DXA-BMD and 0.84 (0.48–0.99) in the year after DXA-BMD (p = 0.37). Among those whose DXA-BMD declined, MPR in the prior year was 0.54 (0.04–0.92) but improved to 0.70 (0.31–0.92) in the year after DXA-BMD (p < 0.001). Among those whose DXA-BMD monitoring test was stable/improved, the fracture rate before the monitoring DXA-BMD was 10.1 per 1000 person-years and in those whose DXA-BMD monitoring test showed a decrease, the rate was 23.7 per 1000 person-years (p < 0.001). Despite improved adherence in those with DXA-BMD decline, the post DXA-BMD fracture rate was 22.4 per 1000 person-years versus 12.9 per 1000 person-years in those who had stable DXA-BMD (p < 0.001). A mid-treatment DXA-BMD reassessment strategy may be useful to focus attention upon adherence, but for optimal fracture outcomes, treatment adherence should be specifically addressed at the commencement of therapy. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Bone Radiomics Score Derived From DXA Hip Images Enhances Hip Fracture Prediction in Older Women
Authors: Hong Namki , Park Heajeong , Kim Chang Oh , Kim Hyeon Chang , Choi Jin-Young , Kim Hwiyoung , Rhee Yumie
Published: May 2021

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-based bone mineral density testing is standard to diagnose osteoporosis to detect individuals at high risk of fracture. A radiomics approach to extract quantifiable texture features from DXA hip images may improve hip fracture prediction without additional costs. Here, we investigated whether bone radiomics scores from DXA hip images could improve hip fracture prediction in a community-based cohort of older women. The derivation set (143 women who sustained hip fracture [mean age 73 years, time to fracture median 2.1 years] versus 290 age-matched women [mean age 73 years] who did not sustain hip fracture during follow-up [median 5.5 years]) were split into the train set (75%) and the test set (25% hold-out set). Among various models using 14 selected features out of 300 texture features mined from DXA hip images in the train set, random forest model was selected as the best model to build a bone radiomics score (range 0 to 100) based on the performance in the test set. In a community-based cohort (2029 women, mean age 71 years) as the clinical validation set, the bone radiomics score was calculated using a model fitted in the train set. A total of 34 participants (1.7%) sustained hip fracture during median follow-up of 5.4 years (mean bone radiomics score 40 ± 16 versus 28 ± 12 in non-fractured, p < 0.001). A one-point bone radiomics score increment was associated with a 4% elevated risk of incident hip fracture (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.04, p = 0.001) after adjustment for age, body mass index (BMI), previous history of fracture, and femoral neck T-score, with improved model fit when added to covariates (likelihood ratio chi-square 10.74, p = 0.001). The association between bone radiomics score with incident hip fracture remained robust (aHR = 1.06, p < 0.001) after adjustment for FRAX hip fracture probability. Bone radiomics scores estimated from texture features of DXA hip images have the potential to improve hip fracture prediction. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Comparison of solvent‐based affinity separation processes using Cyrene and Sulfolane for aromatic/aliphatic separations
Authors: Brouwer Thomas , Schuur Boelo
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Vapor–liquid and liquid–liquid equilibria of unsaturated and saturated hydrocarbons with the bio‐based solvent dihydrolevoglucosenone, trademarked as Cyrene, have been reported recently, aiming at the utilization of the solvent in liquid–liquid extraction (LLX) and extractive distillation (ED). In this work, for a model system comprised of methylcyclohexane (MCH) and toluene (TOL), both LLX‐based and ED‐based processes were compared over a wide range of compositions based on simulations in AspenPlus V10. An economic evaluation based on total annual costs was performed, and the processes using Cyrene were compared with equivalent processes using the industrial benchmark Sulfolane.

RESULTS

In the absence of literature data for Sulfolane–MCH–TOL, additional liquid–liquid extractions were done to facilitate parameter estimation for simulation. The Cyrene‐based ED process was found to be more efficient than the Sulfolane‐based ED process, primarily at lower (<50 mol%) TOL feed concentration, but also higher TOL feed concentrations. For LLX purposes it was found that the Cyrene‐based LLX process was economically the least attractive, primarily due to the larger miscibility region of Cyrene with the hydrocarbon mixture.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall conclusion for this specific binary mixture is that LLX with Sulfolane is most economic at a TOL feed concentration of <30 mol%, while for >30 mol% the ED process with Cyrene is most economic. This process analysis showed that Cyrene is an appropriate bio‐based alternative for Sulfolane as an entrainer for ED processes to separate aromatics and aliphatics. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Role of postoperative adjuvant therapy in resected invasive intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas: A multicenter external validation
Authors: Choi Munseok , Chong Jae Uk , Hwang Ho Kyoung , Seo Hyung‐Il , Yang Kwangho , Ryu Je Ho , Roh Younghoon , Kim Dong Hyun , Lee Jin Ho , Lee Woo Jung , Choi Sung Hoon , Kang Chang Moo
Published: May 2021

Background

Adjuvant therapy is beneficial in prolonging survival in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, no clear guidelines are available on the oncologic effect of adjuvant therapy in resected invasive intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (inv‐IPMN).

Methods

In total, 551 patients with PDAC and 67 patients with inv‐IPMN of the pancreas were reviewed. For external validation, 46 patients with inv‐IPMN from six other Korean institutions were enrolled. Propensity score‐matched analysis and stage‐matched survival analysis were conducted.

Results

The mean follow‐up durations in the inv‐IPMN and PDAC groups were 43.36 months (SD, 42.34 months) and 43.35 months (SD, 35.62 months), respectively. The 5‐year overall survival (OS) was significantly better in the resected inv‐IPMN group than in the PDAC group in the overall stage‐matched analysis (P < .001). In the inv‐IPMN cohort, OS was better in the surgery alone group (P = .042). In subgroup analysis, no significant survival difference was found between the adjuvant therapy and surgery alone groups according to the stage (stage I; P = .285, stage II or III; P = .077). Multicenter external validation did not show a better OS in the adjuvant therapy group (P = .531). On multivariable analysis, only perineural invasion (PNI) was identified as an adverse prognostic factor in resected inv‐IPMN (HR 4.844; 95% CI 1.696‐13.838, P = .003).

Conclusions

inv‐IPMN has a more indolent course than PDAC. Current strategy of adjuvant therapy may not improve the OS in patients with resected inv‐IPMN. Further investigations on the potential role of adjuvant therapy in inv‐IPMN are mandatory.
Prospects and challenges of mini‐LED, OLED, and micro‐LED displays
Authors: Hsiang En‐Lin , Yang Zhiyong , Yang Qian , Lan Yi‐Fen , Wu Shin‐Tson
Published: May 2021

Recently, “liquid crystal display (LCD), organic light‐emitting diode (OLED), or micro‐light‐emitting diode (LED): who wins?” is a heated debatable question. In this review article, we provide a comprehensive overview of these three promising display technologies through nine display performance indicators, including ambient contrast ratio, motion picture response time, viewing angle and angular color shift, color gamut, resolution density, power consumption, cost, lifetime, and thin profile and panel flexibility. The advantages and disadvantages of each technology are analyzed, and their future perspectives are discussed.
Near‐Zero Index Photonic Crystals with Directive Bound States in the Continuum
Authors: Vertchenko Larissa , DeVault Clayton , Malureanu Radu , Mazur Eric , Lavrinenko Andrei
Published: May 2021

Near‐zero‐index platforms arise as a new opportunity for light manipulation with boosting of optical nonlinearities, transmission properties in waveguides, and constant phase distribution. In addition, they represent a solution to impedance mismatch faced in photonic circuitry offering several applications in quantum photonics, communication, and sensing. However, their realization is limited to the availability of materials that could exhibit such low index. For materials used in the visible and near‐infrared wavelengths, the intrinsic losses annihilate most of near‐zero index properties. The design of all‐dielectric photonic crystals with specific electromagnetic modes overcomes the issue of intrinsic losses while showing effective mode index near zero. Nonetheless, these modes strongly radiate to the surrounding environment, greatly limiting the devices applications. Here, a novel all‐dielectric photonic crystal structure is explored that is able to sustain effective near‐zero‐index modes coupled to directive bound‐states in the continuum in order to decrease radiative losses, opening extraordinary opportunities for radiation manipulation in nanophotonic circuits. Moreover, its relatively simple design and phase stability facilitate integration and reproducibility with other photonic components.
Antifungal mechanism of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain GKT04 against Fusarium wilt revealed using genomic and transcriptomic analyses
Authors: Tian Dandan , Song Xiupeng , Li Chaosheng , Zhou Wei , Qin Liuyan , Wei Liping , Di Wei , Huang Sumei , Li Baoshen , Huang Quyan , Long Shengfeng , He Zhangfei , Wei Shaolong
Published: May 2021

The application of endophytic bacteria, particularly members of the genus Bacillus, offers a promising strategy for the biocontrol of plant fungal diseases, owing to their sustainability and ecological safety. Although multiple secondary metabolites that demonstrate antifungal capacity have been identified in diverse endophytic bacteria, the regulatory mechanisms of their biosynthesis remain largely unknown. To elucidate this, we sequenced the entire genome of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens GKT04, a strain isolated from banana root, which showed high inhibitory activity against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense race 4 (FOC4). The GKT04 genome consists of a circular chromosome and a circular plasmid, which harbors 4,087 protein‐coding genes and 113 RNA genes. Eight gene clusters that could potentially encode antifungal components were identified. We further applied RNA‐Seq analysis to survey genome‐wide changes in the gene expression of strain GKT04 during its inhibition of FOC4. In total, 575 upregulated and 242 downregulated genes enriched in several amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism pathways were identified. Specifically, gene clusters associated with difficidin, bacillibactin, and bacilysin were significantly upregulated, and their gene regulatory networks were constructed. Our work thereby provides insights into the genomic features and gene expression patterns of this B. amyloliquefaciens strain, which presents an excellent potential for the biocontrol of Fusarium wilt.
A C1 composite spline Hermite interpolant on the sphere
Authors: Bouhiri Salah , Lamnii Abdellah , Lamnii Mohamed , Zidna Ahmed
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we identified the sphere‐like surface by a rectangular domain. We constructed a new interpolant on the sphere using the tensor product of the quadratic composite‐spline interpolant and the third‐order trigonometric composite‐spline interpolant. This construction on the rectangular domain is described in detail, with the study and the proof of the error bounds of each interpolant. Furthermore, we present numerical examples to show the efficiency of this method.
Stability properties of a crack inverse problem in half space
Authors: Volkov Darko , Jiang Yulong
Published: May 2021

We show in this paper a Lipschitz stability result for a crack inverse problem in half space. The direct problem is a Laplace equation with zero Neumann condition on the top boundary. The forcing term is a discontinuity across the crack. This formulation can be related to geological faults in elastic media or to irrotational incompressible flows in a half space minus an inner wall. The direct problem is well posed in an appropriate functional space. We study the related inverse problem where the jump across the crack is unknown, and more importantly, the geometry and the location of the crack are unknown. The data for the inverse problem are of Dirichlet type over a portion of the top boundary. We prove that this inverse problem is uniquely solvable under some assumptions on the geometry of the crack. The highlight of this paper is showing a stability result for this inverse problem. Assuming that the crack is planar, we show that reconstructing the plane containing the crack is Lipschitz stable despite the fact that the forcing term for the underlying PDE is unknown. This uniform stability result holds under the assumption that the forcing term is bounded above and the Dirichlet data are bounded below away from zero in appropriate norms.
Adaptive anisotropic constitutive modeling of natural clays
Authors: Dejaloud Hesam , Rezania Mohammad
Published: May 2021

In this paper, an adaptive anisotropic constitutive model, namely AA1‐CLAY, is developed for clays based on the critical state framework. The model has a non‐associated flow rule, and it can also reduce to basic critical state constitutive models. A versatile yield surface (YS) is implemented in the model which can generate a broad range of shapes to improve the possibility of capturing experimental yield points of different clay types with high accuracy. In addition to the isotropic hardening rule, an innovative rotational hardening (RH) rule is also incorporated into the model to control the YS rotation rate. The proposed RH rule uses a transitional function to govern the effect of plastic strains at different constant stress ratios more realistically. Furthermore, the equilibrium state of anisotropy, which the YS tends to reach during plastic straining, is defined uniquely based on the experimental findings. The detailed model formulation is presented, and important features of the model are elaborately discussed. The capabilities of the model are also demonstrated by comparing the simulation results of several element tests on a number of different clays against the available experimental data.
Relationships between gradation and deformation behavior of dense granular materials: Role of high‐order gradation characteristics
Authors: He Jizhong , Liu Fang , Deng Gang , Fu Pengcheng
Published: May 2021

This paper numerically investigates deformation behavior of coarse‐grained granular materials with emphasis on the effect of grain size distribution (GSD). Biaxial compression tests are simulated in two dimensions using distinct element method (DEM) on a set of samples composed of uncrushable spheres following a wide variety of GSDs. The results prove that high‐order characteristics of gradation, such as the shape of the GSD curve, significantly affect deformation behavior of widely‐graded materials. Two grading indices are proposed to consider the combined effects of the spread and the shape of the GSD curve, and they are highly correlated with the parameters of the materials’ internal fabric. Strong correlations are found between the proposed grading indices and deformation parameters, such as those of the normal compression line and the critical state line (CSL) in the e‐p space, and the deformation modulus. In contrast, using the more conventional coefficient of uniformity cannot reach effective gradation‐dependent relations for those deformation parameters due to the deficiency in characterizing high‐order features of gradation. This study suggests the need for incorporating high‐order characteristics of gradation into a refined measure of size polydispersity in order to establish gradation‐dependent relations of deformation parameters widely effective for polydisperse granular materials.
Photonic crystals for perovskite‐based optoelectronic applications
Authors: Yang Xia , Yang Hanjun , Hu Xiaotian , Li Fangfang , Yang Zhou
Published: May 2021

The emerging perovskite materials present great opportunities for cost‐saving and efficient optoelectronic devices. However, there are still some roadblocks in the path toward commercialization of perovskite‐based devices, such as low light utilization, poor crystalline quality and dissatisfactory environmentally long‐time stability. To solve these problems, photonic crystal (PC) as a promising structure for control light has been exploited. To date, a series of perovskite‐based devices improved by PC has been reported. These PCs do not only improve the performance of devices but also give flexural endurance, vivid color and some degree of transparency to the electronic devices. Herein, a general overview is provided on the recent advances for the application of PCs in perovskite‐based optoelectronic devices (solar cells, photodetectors, and light‐emitting diodes). In addition, some personal perspectives on potential future challenges and improvements in this field are presented.
Prolonged Glucagon Infusion Does Not Affect Energy Expenditure in Individuals with Overweight/Obesity: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Whytock Katie L. , Carnero Elvis A. , Vega Rick B. , Tillner Joachim , Bock Christopher , Chivukula Karthik , Yi Fanchao , Meyer Christian , Smith Steven R. , Sparks Lauren M.
Published: May 2021

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of prolonged (72 hours) glucagon administration at a low dose (LD) (12.5 ng/kg/min) and high dose (HD) (25 ng/kg/min) on energy expenditure (EE) in healthy individuals with overweight or obesity.

Methods

Thirty‐one healthy participants with overweight or obesity (BMI of 27‐45 kg/m2, 26‐55 years old, 23 females) were randomized into LD, HD, or placebo groups and underwent 72‐hour intravenous infusion of glucagon. Whole‐room calorimetry was used to assess EE and substrate use during five overnight stays (2 days at baseline, 3 days of infusion) and during two 24‐hour stays (baseline vs. day 3). Blood was sampled at regular intervals throughout the inpatient stay and analyzed for glucagon and biomarkers of metabolism.

Results

HD infusion elevated plasma glucagon levels compared with the placebo and LD infusion (P < 0.001). Sleeping, basal, and 24‐hour EE was not significantly different among groups at any time point. Those receiving HD had significantly higher basal fat oxidation (Fat Ox) at days 2 and 3 than those receiving the placebo (P < 0.05); however, no differences in 24‐hour Fat Ox were observed among groups (baseline vs. day 3).

Conclusions

An HD plasma glucagon infusion over 72 hours does not increase any aspects of EE in healthy individuals with overweight or obesity.