bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond pain intensity and catastrophizing: The association between self‐enhancing humour style and the adaptation of individuals with chronic pain
Authors: Ramírez‐Maestre Carmen , Esteve Rosa , López‐Martínez Alicia E. , Miró Jordi , Jensen Mark P. , de la Vega Rocío
Published: May 2020

Background

Many questions regarding the process by which self‐enhancing humour style has an effect on chronic pain individuals' adjustment remain unanswered. The aim of the present study was to analyse the association of self‐enhancing humour style with adjustment in a sample of individuals with chronic pain, over and above the role of catastrophizing and pain intensity. Adjustment was assessed using measures of depression, pain interference and flourishing. We also examined the indirect association between self‐enhancing humour style and adjustment via pain acceptance.

Methods

The study included 427 patients with heterogeneous chronic pain conditions. The study hypotheses were tested using three multiple linear regression analyses, one for each of the criterion variables.

Results

Consistent with the study hypothesis, both direct and indirect associations were found between self‐enhancing humour style and depressive symptoms, pain interference and flourishing via pain acceptance.

Conclusions

Self‐enhancing humour style could potentially help individuals with chronic pain to gain perspective and distance themselves from the situation through the acceptance of pain‐related negative emotions.

Significance

Very few studies have investigated the relationship between humour styles and adjustment in chronic pain samples. The results of the current study support the idea that adaptive dispositional traits, such as patient's self‐ enhancing humour style, play a role in the adaptation of individuals with chronic pain. Given that the association between self‐enhancing humour style and adjustment evidenced an indirect association through pain acceptance, training in the use of humour, as individuals with self‐enhancing humour style do, might be a useful addition to ACT treatment.
Yolk–Water Partitioning of Neutral Organic Compounds in the Model Organism Danio rerio
Authors: Ulrich Nadin , Schweiger Nicole , Pfennigsdorff Andrea , Scholz Stefan , Goss Kai-Uwe
Published: May 2020

Yolk is the most important temporary biological compartment of the early life stages of fish embryos. The sorption strength of a chemical to yolk components may significantly influence the distribution of that chemical in the fish embryo. We determined yolk–water partition coefficients (Kyolk/water, in liters of water per kilogram of yolk, normalized to dry wt) for 70 neutral organic chemicals. The log Kyolk/water values range from 0.76 to 6.56. On the basis of these values, we developed polyparameter linear free energy relationship models to predict yolk–water partitioning for a broad range of neutral organic chemicals with a root mean squared error of 0.37 and r2 of 0.919. These models can be applied for the prediction of internal concentrations at equilibrium (neglecting biotransformation and active transport) in the zebrafish embryo test system. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:1506–1516. © 2020 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Abstract

Distribution of chemicals between yolk and water.
Association of ANKK1 polymorphism with antipsychotic‐induced hyperprolactinemia
Authors: Fedorenko Olga Yu. , Paderina Diana Z. , Loonen Anton J. M. , Pozhidaev Ivan V. , Boiko Anastasiia S. , Kornetova Elena G. , Bokhan Nikolay A. , Wilffert Bob , Ivanova Svetlana A.
Published: May 2020

Objective

Schizophrenia is a severe highly heritable mental disorder. Genetic polymorphisms of dopaminergic pathways are related to pathogenesis of drug response. Hyperprolactinemia (HPRL), a common adverse effect of antipsychotics, is attributed to blockade of dopamine D2 receptors. Ankyrin Repeat and Kinase Domain containing 1 (ANKK1) gene is closely related to Dopamine Receptor D2 type (DRD2) gene functioning. We examined whether the functional polymorphism rs2734849 in the ANKK1 gene is associated with antipsychotic‐induced HPRL.

Methods

We recruited 446 patients with schizophrenia from among the Russian population of the Siberian region. The polymorphism rs2734849 in the ANKK1 gene was genotyped with The MassARRAY® Analyzer 4 by Agena Bioscience™, using the kit SEQUENOM Consumables iPLEXGold 384. Genotype and allele frequencies were compared between groups of schizophrenia patients with and without HPRL using the χ2 test.

Results

A comparison between schizophrenia patients with and without HPRL revealed significantly higher frequency of the C allele of the polymorphic variant rs2734849 in the ANKK1 gene in patients with HPRL as compared to the patients without it (χ2 = 3.70; p = .05; odds ratio [OR] = 1.30 [0.99–1.69]).

Conclusion

The functional polymorphism rs2734849 in the ANKK1 gene was associated with HPRL in patients with schizophrenia.
Automatic segmentation system for liver tumors based on the multilevel thresholding and electromagnetism optimization algorithm
Authors: Mahdy Lamia N. , Ezzat Kadry A. , Torad Mohamed , Hassanien Aboul E.
Published: May 2020

In this article, we propose an automated segmentation system for liver tumors using magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography. The proposed system is based on the algorithm of multilevel thresholding with electromagnetism optimization (EMO). The system starts with visualizing a patient's digital communication in medicine (DICOM) abdominal data set in three views. Two‐stage active contour segmentation methods that integrate region‐based local and global techniques using the active geodesic contour technique are proposed to segment the liver. To increase the accuracy and speed of segmentation for liver images, we identify the optimal threshold of the image segmentation method based on EMO with Otsu and Kapur algorithms. EMO offers interesting search capabilities while keeping a low computational cost. The proposed system was tested using a set of five DICOM data sets. All images were of the same size and stored in JPEG format (512 × 512 pixels). Experimental results illustrate that the proposed system outperforms state‐of‐the‐art methods such as the watershed algorithm. The average sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the segmented liver using the active contour model were 97.05%, 99.88%, and 98.47%, respectively. Moreover, the average sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the segmented liver tumor results were 94.15%, 99.57%, and 96.86%, respectively.
Effects of soil‐plastic mulching on water consumption characteristics and grain yield of spring wheat in a semi‐arid area
Authors: Hou Huizhi , Zhang Xucheng , Yin Jiade , Fang Yanjie , Yu Xianfeng , Wang Hongli , Ma Yifan
Published: May 2020

Regulating the water consumption characteristics of crops is an important way to achieve efficient water use and develop water‐saving agriculture in semi‐arid rainfed areas. Using spring wheat cv. Longchun 27 as test material, a field experiment involved two treatments: (i) whole‐field soil plastic mulching and bunch seeding (PM); (ii) uncovered and bunch seeding (CK). The results showed that soil water storage in the 0–300 cm profile for PM was higher than that of CK. Before the jointing stage, the periodic water consumption, water consumption modulus coefficient and water consumption intensity of PM were lower than CK by 10.7–36.2 mm, 19.8–52.4% and 9.1–52.7%; However, from jointing to heading, they were correspondingly higher by 15.8–21.8 mm, 19.5–34.1% and 18.2–32.9% (P < 0.05). The above‐ground biomass, crop growth rate and water consumption efficiency of PM were significantly higher than that of CK. Based on the significantly increased spike length, grain number per spike and 1000‐grain weight, PM increased grain yield by 8.9–22.8%, and WP by 9.9–25.2% without significant change of evapotranspiration, as compared with CK. Consequently, PM regulated the water consumption characteristics of spring wheat, resulting in significantly increased water productivity and grain yield. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficacy of therapeutic plasma exchange for treatment of autoimmune hemolytic anemia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Deng Jiawen , Zhou Fangwen , Wong Chi Yi , Huang Emma , Zheng Elena
Published: May 2020

Objective

We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) in adult patients with autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA).

Methods

A search of major English and Chinese databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the use of TPE against no TPE in adult AIHA patients was performed. Outcomes were remission incidence, hematological parameters (ie, hemoglobin count, red blood cell count, reticulocyte percentage, total bilirubin, and hematocrit) and adverse event incidence.

Results

Thirteen RCTs containing 906 patients were included. A majority of RCTs were given an unclear risk of bias. TPE was associated with increased remission incidence (risk ratio [RR] = 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.15‐1.30) and improved hematological parameters. TPE was also associated with an insignificant increase in adverse event incidence (RR = 1.12, 95% CI = 0.68 to 1.86). Publication bias was detected for remission incidence and reticulocyte percentage, and it may have led to an overestimation of beneficial improvements in reticulocyte percentage.

Conclusion

TPE was associated with both increased remission incidence and improved hematological parameters. It is capable of improving short‐term hematological parameters to stabilize acute AIHA onset. Our results should be interpreted with caution due to the unclear risk of bias and the presence of publication biases. We were not able to determine the treatment effects for cold and warm AIHA separately due to a lack of subgroup data. Future RCTs incorporating larger sample sizes with subgroup data for warm and cold AIHA are needed to validate our findings and establish subgroup efficacy and safety.
Mapping of neuropeptide Y expression in Octopus brains
Authors: Winters Gabrielle C. , Polese Gianluca , Di Cosmo Anna , Moroz Leonid L.
Published: May 2020

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is an evolutionarily conserved neurosecretory molecule implicated in a diverse complement of functions across taxa and in regulating feeding behavior and reproductive maturation in Octopus. However, little is known about the precise molecular circuitry of NPY‐mediated behaviors and physiological processes, which likely involve a complex interaction of multiple signal molecules in specific brain regions. Here, we examined the expression of NPY throughout the Octopus central nervous system. The sequence analysis of Octopus NPY precursor confirmed the presence of both, signal peptide and putative active peptides, which are highly conserved across bilaterians. In situ hybridization revealed distinct expression of NPY in specialized compartments, including potential “integration centers,” where visual, tactile, and other behavioral circuitries converge. These centers integrating separate circuits may maintain and modulate learning and memory or other behaviors not yet attributed to NPY‐dependent modulation in Octopus. Extrasomatic localization of NPY mRNA in the neurites of specific neuron populations in the brain suggests a potential demand for immediate translation at synapses and a crucial temporal role for NPY in these cell populations. We also documented the presence of NPY mRNA in a small cell population in the olfactory lobe, which is a component of the Octopus feeding and reproductive control centers. However, the molecular mapping of NPY expression only partially overlapped with that produced by immunohistochemistry in previous studies. Our study provides a precise molecular map of NPY mRNA expression that can be used to design and test future hypotheses about molecular signaling in various Octopus behaviors.
Fasciculoventricular bypass tracts: Electrocardiographic and electrophysiologic features
Authors: Asvestas Dimitrios , Bazoukis George , Mililis Panagiotis , Dragasis Stelios , Megarisiotou Athanasia , Vlachos Konstantinos , Sideris Antonios , Efremidis Michael , Letsas Konstantinos P.
Published: May 2020

Fasciculoventricular accessory pathways are rare variants of preexcitation. The differential diagnosis of fasciculoventricular accessory pathways from other preexcitation variants can be challenging. Based on two cases, we discuss the specific electrocardiographic and electrophysiologic features of fasciculoventricular bypass tracts.
Validity of Ultrasound Imaging in Measuring Quadriceps Muscle Thickness and Cross‐Sectional Area in Patients Receiving Maintenance Hemodialysis
Authors: Sahathevan Sharmela , Khor Ban‐Hock , Yeong Chai Hong , Tan Teik Hin , Meera Mohaideen Abdul Kareem , Ng Hi Ming , Ong Gild Rick , Narayanan Sreelakshmi Sankara , Abdul Gafor Abdul Halim , Goh Bak Leong , Bee Boon Cheak , Mat Daud Zulfitri 'Azuan , Chinna Karuthan , Karupaiah Tilakavati
Published: May 2020

Background

Muscle wasting, prevalent in maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients diagnosed with protein‐energy wasting, represents an assessment challenge in the outpatient HD setting. Quadriceps muscle thickness (QMT) and cross‐sectional area (CSA) assessment by ultrasound (US) is a potential surrogate measure for muscle wasting. We aimed to determine the validity of US to measure QMT and CSA against the gold standard—computed tomography (CT).

Methods

Twenty‐six patients on HD underwent US and CT scans on the same day, postdialysis session. QMT for rectus femoris (RF) and vastus intermedius (VI) muscles was taken at the midpoint (MID) and two‐thirds (2/3) of both thighs and CSA of the RF muscle (RFCSA), respectively. Correlation between US and CT measurements was determined by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland‐Altman plot.

Results

ICC (95% CI) computed between US and CT was 0.94 (0.87–0.97), 0.97 (0.93–0.99), 0.94 (0.87–0.97), 0.94 (0.86–0.97), and 0.92 (0.83–0.97) for RFMID, VIMID, RF2/3, VI2/3, and RFCSA, respectively (all P < 0.001). Bland‐Altman analysis indicated no bias in agreement between both methods.

Conclusion

The US imaging offers a valid and quick bedside assessment approach to assess muscle wasting in HD patients.
Enteral Nutrition Administration Record Prescribing Process Using Computerized Order Entry: A New Paradigm and Opportunities to Improve Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Kamel Amir Y. , Rosenthal Martin D. , Citty Sandra W. , Marlowe Brenda L. , Garvan Cynthia S. , Westhoff Lynn , Marker Peggy S. , Croft Chasen A. , Brakenridge Scott C. , Efron Philip A. , Mohr Alicia , Moore Frederick A.
Published: May 2020

Background

Prevalence of malnutrition has been reported in 60% of hospitalized and up to 78% of patients admitted to intensive care units. Malnutrition has been associated with complications, such as infection, increased hospital length of stay, morbidity, and mortality. Nutritional support has been shown to reduce avoidable readmissions, pressure ulcers, malpractice claims, and hospital costs. Creating a new electronic nutrition administration record (ENAR) with a linked nutrition tab within the electronic health record (EHR) would promote enhanced patient outcomes by improving adherence to established institutional enteral nutrition (EN) protocols and achieving early energy goals. Additionally, it would enable a clear and standardized method for documentation and administration of EN therapy.

Methods

The multidisciplinary nutrition support team was established and met on a weekly basis to discuss strategies and barriers, identify stakeholders, evaluate the current state, and establish a process and workflow from the point of order entry, delivery, administration, and electronic documentation of orders of EN supplements. The aim of this article is to describe a systematic approach and process of creating a new ENAR with a linked nutrition tab in the EHR, and to illustrate the order panel built and lessons learned from the process.

Results

A separate nutrition tab was created in the EHR with minimal disruption in patient care and end‐users’ positive feedback for the new order panel.

Conclusion

ENAR allows for easier data collection and promotes nutrition‐related research that may result in enhanced patient care. Utilizing technology to build a full ENAR would result in optimized patient care and safety.
Comprehensive and quantitative stability study of ascorbic acid using capillary zone electrophoresis with ultraviolet detection and high‐resolution tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Legrand Pauline , Gahoual Rabah , Benattar Raphaël , Toussaint Balthazar , Roques Caroline , Mignet Nathalie , Goulay‐Dufaÿ Sophie , Houzé Pascal
Published: May 2020

Ascorbic acid is a powerful antioxidant compound involved in many biological functions, and a chronic deficiency is at the origin of scurvy disease. A simple, rapid, and cost‐effective capillary electrophoresis method was developed for the separation and simultaneous quantification of ascorbic acid and the major degradation products: dehydroascorbic acid, furfural, and furoic acid. Systematic optimization of the conditions was performed that enabled baseline separation of the compounds in less than 10 min. In addition to simultaneous quantification of ascorbic acid alongside to the degradation products, stability studies demonstrated the possibility using capillary electrophoresis to separate and identify the major degradation products. Thus, high‐resolution tandem mass spectrometry experiments were conducted in order to identify an unknown degradation product separated by capillary electrophoresis and significantly present in degraded samples. Comparison of mass spectrometry data and capillary electrophoresis electropherograms allowed to identify unambiguously trihydroxy‐keto‐valeraldehyde. Finally, capillary electrophoresis was successfully applied to evaluate the composition of different pharmaceutical preparation of ascorbic acid. Results showed the excellent performance of the capillary electrophoresis method due to the separation of excipients from the compounds of interest, which demonstrated the relevance of using an electrophoretic separation in order to perform comprehensive stability studies of ascorbic acid.
Hepatic Angiomyolipoma
Authors: Huang Zhe , Zhou PingPing , Li ShanShan , Li Kaiyan
Published: May 2020

Objectives

To investigate whether quantitative contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) analysis and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can differentiate hepatic angiomyolipoma (AML) from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and hepatic epithelial angiomyolipoma (EAML) from nonepithelial AML.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of 26 CEUS lesions pathologically confirmed as AML and 60 patients with confirmed HCC. Clinical and ultrasound (US) features of AML versus HCC and EAML versus nonepithelial AML were analyzed. Quantitative parameters, including arrival time, ascending slope, time to peak, peak intensity (PI), fall time (FT), and mean transit time (MTT), were analyzed. Diagnostic performance of MRI and CEUS was compared.

Results

Angiomyolipoma was significantly different from HCC in US findings of solitary tumor (P < .001), well‐defined border (P = .025), and hyperechogenicity (P < .001). Tumor types were significantly different in US findings of centripetal filling pattern (P < .001), less hypoenhancement in the CEUS delayed phase (P = .04), high PI (P = .007) and ascending slope (P = .006), and short FT (P = .001) and MTT (P < .05). The sensitivity and specificity of quantitative parameters were 61.5% to 96.2% and 55.0% to 71.7% (area under the curve, 0.642–0.773). An early draining vein and tumor vessels, intratumor fat, absence of pseudocapsules, mild signal intensity on diffusion‐weighted imaging, and hypointensity in the MRI delayed phase were helpful for differentiation of AML from HCC (P < .05). The positive predictive values of CEUS and MRI were 46.3% to 100% and 42.9% to 75%, with no significant difference (P > .05). Epithelial AML was more likely to be hypoechoic with a centripetal filling pattern than nonepithelial AML (P < .05). The MTT and FT of EAML were shorter than those of nonepithelial AML (P < .05). The PI of EAML was significantly stronger than that of nonepithelial AML (P < .01). The sensitivity and specificity of quantitative parameters were 68.7% to 100.0% and 60.0% to 100.0% (area under the curve, 0.825–0.941). Less intratumor fat was helpful for differentiation of EAML from nonepithelial AML (P < .05). The positive predictive values of CEUS and MRI were 77.8% to 100% and 85.7%, with a significant difference (P < .05).

Conclusions

Quantitative CEUS findings could be valuable in differentiating EAML from HCC.
Stabilities of soil organic carbon and carbon cycling genes are higher in natural secondary forests than in artificial plantations in southern China
Authors: Wang Yun , Zheng Hua , Chen Falin , Zeng Jing , Zhou Jizhong , Ouyang Zhiyun
Published: May 2020

Our understanding of how reforestation affects microbial carbon cycling genes remains limited, restricting our ability to evaluate reforestation methods. We hypothesized that natural reforestation produces soil organic carbon (SOC) with significantly more complex chemical composition and more diverse carbon cycling genes than artificial restoration. The SOC fractions and carbon cycling (primarily fixation and degradation) genes present in natural restoration/regrowth (natural secondary forests), and artificial restoration (Masson and slash pine plantations) were compared. The SOC in natural secondary forests was significantly more abundant and structurally more complex than that of Masson and slash pine plantations. The natural secondary forest soils contained significantly more abundant and diverse carbon cycling genes than plantations. Plant‐, soil‐, and nutrient‐associated factors explained 42.1% of the variation in microbial carbon cycling gene compositions. These factors included tree diversity, fine root surface area, litter stock, clay and silt, labile and recalcitrant organic carbon, available nitrogen and nitrate‐nitrogen contents. These factors affect the microbial carbon cycling gene diversity but not abundance in the natural secondary forest soils. These genes' abundance and diversity in the Masson and slash pine plantation soils were enriched by increasing litter stock and decreasing clay and silt contents; they were also enhanced by higher tree diversity, labile and recalcitrant organic carbon, available nitrogen, and nitrate‐nitrogen contents. These findings indicate that current reforestation methods affect carbon cycling genes, carbon cycling potential, and thus, biogeochemical carbon cycling processes. Natural restoration is better than artificial restoration in terms of organic carbon stability and cycling.
The selection and analysis of fatty acid ratios: A new approach for the univariate and multivariate analysis of fatty acid trophic markers in marine pelagic organisms
Authors: Graeve Martin , Greenacre Michael J.
Published: May 2020

Fatty acid (FA) compositions provide insights about storage and feeding modes of marine organisms, characterizing trophic relationships in the marine food web. Such compositional data, which are normalized to sum to 1, have values—and thus derived statistics as well—that depend on the particular mix of components that constitute the composition. In FA studies, if the set of FAs under investigation is different in two separate studies, all the summary statistics and relationships between the FAs that are common to the two studies are artificially changed due to the normalization, and thus incomparable. Ratios of FAs, however, are invariant to the particular choice of FAs under consideration—they are said to be subcompositionally coherent. Here, we document the collaboration between a biochemist (M.G.) and a statistician (M.J.G.) to determine a suitable small set of FA ratios that effectively replaces the original data set for the purposes of univariate and multivariate analysis. This strategy is applied to two FA data sets, on copepods and amphipods, respectively, and is widely applicable in other contexts. The selection of ratios is performed in such a way as to satisfy substantive requirements in the context of the respective data set, namely to explain phenomena of interest relevant to the particular species, as well as the statistical requirement to explain as much variance in the FA data set as possible. Benefits of this new approach are (1) univariate statistics that can be validly compared between different studies, and (2) a simplified multivariate analysis of the reduced set of ratios, giving practically the same results as the analysis of the full FA data set.
Substituent Effects on Photoinitiation Ability of Monoaminoanthraquinone‐Based Photoinitiating Systems for Free Radical Photopolymerization under LEDs
Authors: Zhang Jing , Lalevée Jacques , Hill Nicholas S. , Kiehl Jonathan , Zhu Di , Cox Nicholas , Langley Julien , Stenzel Martina H. , Coote Michelle L. , Xiao Pu
Published: May 2020

Three monoamino‐substituted anthraquinone derivatives (AAQs), that is, 1‐aminoanthraquinone (AAQ), 1‐(methylamino)anthraquinone (MAAQ), and 1‐(benzamido)anthraquinone (BAAQ), incorporated with various additives [e.g., triethanolamine (TEAOH) and phenacyl bromide (PhC(═O)CH2Br)] are investigated for their roles as photoinitiating systems of free radical photopolymerization of (meth)acrylate monomers upon the exposure to UV to green LEDs. The AAQs‐based photoinitiating systems, AAQ/TEAOH/PhC(═O)CH2Br and BAAQ/TEAOH/PhC(═O)CH2Br photoinitiators exhibit the highest efficiency for the free radical photopolymerization of DPGDA under the irradiation of blue LED and UV LED, respectively, which is consistent with the extent of overlap between their absorption spectra and the emission spectra of the LEDs. AAQ/TEAOH/PhC(═O)CH2Br photoinitiator can also initiate the free radical photopolymerization of different (meth)acrylate monomers, with an efficiency dependent on the chemical structures of these monomers.
Reclassification of genetic variants in children with long QT syndrome
Authors: Westphal Dominik S. , Burkard Tobias , Moscu‐Gregor Alexander , Gebauer Roman , Hessling Gabriele , Wolf Cordula M.
Published: May 2020

Background

Genes encoding cardiac ion channels or regulating proteins have been associated with the inherited form of long QT syndrome (LQTS). Complex pathophysiology and missing functional studies, however, often bedevil variant interpretation and classification. We aimed to evaluate the rate of change in variant classification based on current interpretation standards and dependent on clinical findings.

Methods

Medical charts of children with a molecular genetic diagnosis of LQTS presenting at our centers were retrospectively reviewed. Reinterpretation of originally reported variants in genes associated with LQTS was performed based on current knowledge (March 2019) and according to the “Standards and Guidelines for the Interpretation of Sequence Variants” by the ACMG 2015.

Results

About 84 distinct (likely) pathogenic variants identified in 127 patients were reinterpreted. In 12 variants (12/84, 14.3%), classification changed from (likely) pathogenic to variant of unknown significance (VUS). One of these variants was a hypomorphic allele escaping the standard variant classification. Individuals with variants that downgraded to VUS after reevaluation showed significantly lower Schwartz scores and QTc intervals compared to individuals with unchanged variant characterization.

Conclusion

This finding confirms genetic variant interpretation as a dynamic process and underlines the importance of ongoing genetic counseling, especially in LQTS patients with minor clinical criteria.
As MH workforce evolves during COVID‐19, telehealth seen as new normal
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: May 2020

The landscape for the mental health workforce has changed considerably over the past decade with parity and health care reform. And with COVID‐19, it continues to evolve, with program closures, canceled appointments and lost jobs.
Addressing leadership, workforce management and team‐building
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: May 2020

Not only is keeping staff engaged and committed to their work the mark of good leadership and supervision, but successful workforce management becomes even more critical during a time of staff shortages and a changing work environment, say leaders of an executive seminar hosted last month by the New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services.
Explaining RF induced current patterns on implantable medical devices during MRI using the transfer matrix
Authors: Tokaya Janot P. , van den Berg Cornelis A. T. , Luijten Peter R. , Raaijmakers Alexander J. E.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

In this work a simulation study is performed to gain insights in the patterns of induced radiofrequency (RF) currents for various implant‐like structures at 1.5 T. The previously introduced transfer matrix (TM) is used to determine why certain current patterns have a tendency to naturally occur. This can benefit current safety assessment techniques and may enable the identification of critical exposure conditions.

Theory and Methods

The induced current on an elongated implant can be determined by multiplication of the incident electric field along the implant with its TM. The eigenmode spectrum of the TMs for various lengths and various types of implants are determined. The eigenvector with the highest eigenvalue describes the incident electric field pattern that induces the highest current which in turn will lead to highest heating. Subsequently, a statistical probability analysis is performed using a wide range of potential incident electric field distributions in a representative human subject model during a 1.5 T MR exam which are determined by means of electromagnetic FDTD simulations. These incident electric field distributions and the resulting induced current patterns are projected onto eigenvectors of the TM to determine which eigenmodes of the implant dominate the current patterns.

Results

The eigenvectors of the TM of bare and insulated wires resemble sinusoidal harmonics of a string fixed at both ends similar to the natural‐current distribution on thin antennas(1). The currents on implants shorter than 20 cm are generally dominated by the first harmonic (similar to half a sine wave). This is firstly because for these implant lengths (relative to the RF wavelength), the first eigenvalue is more than three times bigger than the second showing the ability of an implant to accommodate one eigenmode better than another. Secondly, the incident electric fields have a high likelihood (≳95,7%) to project predominantly on this first eigenmode.

Conclusion

The eigenmode spectrum of the TM of an implant provides insight into the expected shape of induced current distributions and worst‐case exposure conditions. For short implants, the first eigenvector is dominant. In addition, realistic incident electric field distributions project more heavily on this eigenvector. Both effects together cause significant currents to always resemble the dominant eigenmode of the TM for short implants at 1.5 T.
Corporate Sustainability and Financial Performance of Banks in Muslim Economies: The Role of Institutions
Authors: Khattak Mudeer Ahmed
Published: May 2020

Sustainability performance (SP) provides firms with the opportunities that if strategically handled could improve the financial performance of these firms through reputation building. This research aims to investigate the impact of SP on the bank's performance in Muslim countries. This research further investigates the role of institutions in moderating the relationship between SP and the banks' financial performance. It is found that banks with higher SP tend to have better financial performance. Furthermore, the marginal results suggest that the impact of SP is greater for banks in countries with greater institutional quality. These findings are robust to different proxies of financial performance. It is imperative not only to report sustainability practices, but it is equally important to publicize these activities. The sustainable business models would create value for the banks if properly managed and communicated well. This can be made more effective with strong institutions in the country. Moreover, the results are suggesting that banks can enjoy more through contributing to society, doing their part in the equitable distribution of wealth, social justice, and economic wellbeing.
Methylphenidate improves weight control in childhood brain tumor survivors with hypothalamic obesity
Authors: Horne Vincent E. , Bielamowicz Kevin , Nguyen Jessica , Hilsenbeck Susan , Lindsay Holly , Sonabend Rona , Wood Alexis C. , Okcu Fatih , Sisley Stephanie
Published: May 2020

Background

Hypothalamic obesity causes unrelenting weight gain for childhood brain tumor survivors. No single therapy has proven effective for treatment. We aimed to evaluate effectiveness of long‐term methylphenidate therapy on body mass index (BMI) change in children with hypothalamic obesity.

Methods

A retrospective analysis included children with a history of brain tumor and hypothalamic obesity receiving methylphenidate (10‐60 mg/day) for hypothalamic obesity. Subjects were evaluated for BMI trajectory before and after methylphenidate start. Given that z‐scores can be skewed in severely obese children, we calculated BMI as a percent of the BMI at the 95th percentile for the child's age and gender (BMI% 95th).

Results

Twelve patients with hypothalamic obesity completed methylphenidate therapy for at least 6 months (median 3.1 years, range 1.0‐5.8 years). All subjects had a suprasellar tumor (nine [75%] with craniopharyngioma) and pituitary dysfunction. Pretreatment median BMI percent of the 95th percentile was 125.6% (interquartile range [IQR] 25‐75: 115.3‐138.3%) with BMI z‐score of 2.4 (IQR 25‐75: 2.1‐2.6). Following methylphenidate treatment, there was a 69.9% reduction in the median slope of BMI change. Eleven of 12 patients (92%) had a reduction in the slope of their BMI change on methylphenidate treatment. Postmethylphenidate median BMI percent of the 95th percentile decrease to 115.2% (IQR 25‐75: 103.6‐121.2%) with median BMI z‐score of 2.1 (IQR 25‐75: 1.8‐2.2). Mild side effects were noted in six patients.

Conclusions

Methylphenidate use reduced and sustained BMI change in children with hypothalamic obesity. Stimulant therapy is an effective first‐line agent for treatment of hypothalamic obesity.
Cardiac autonomic dysfunction in survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: The St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study
Authors: Christoffersen Lindsey , Gibson Todd M. , Pui Ching‐Hon , Joshi Vijaya , Partin Robyn E. , Green Daniel M. , Lanctot Jennifer Q. , Howell Carrie R. , Mulrooney Daniel A. , Armstrong Gregory T. , Robison Leslie L. , Hudson Melissa M. , Ness Kirsten K.
Published: May 2020

Background

Cardiac autonomic dysfunction (CAD) is possible following treatment for childhood cancer. The aims of our analyses were to compare the prevalence of CAD between adult survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia and controls, compare exercise response among survivors with and without CAD, and identify treatment‐related risk factors for CAD.

Procedure

Participants were treated for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital between 1980 and 2003 (N = 338). A comparison group matched for race/ethnicity, age, and sex was also recruited (N = 325). Resting heart rate (HR) was assessed via electrocardiogram, and heart rate recovery (HRR) and exercise capacity were evaluated with submaximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing.

Results

CAD was present in 33.7% of survivors and 27.6% of controls (P = 0.09). Although mean resting HR did not differ between survivors and controls (74 ± 12 vs 72 ± 12 beats per minute (bpm), P = 0.07), survivors had lower mean HRR than controls (22 ± 9 vs 25 ± 10 bpm; P < 0.001). Survivors with CAD had lower peak exercise tolerance (25.7 ± 6.5 vs 21.2 ± 4.9 mL/kg/min, P < 0.001) than those without. Survivors treated with cyclophosphamide in combination with vincristine ≥38 mg/m2 and/or glucocorticoids ≥10 000 mg/m2 were 1.56 (95% CI 1.09‐2.24) times more likely to have CAD than those without this treatment. Obese survivors were 1.78 (95% CI: 1.31‐2.40) times more likely to have CAD than nonobese survivors (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

CAD was present in over one third of survivors and was associated with lower exercise capacity. Obese survivors and those exposed to cyclophosphamide with high doses of vincristine and/or corticosteroids were at greatest risk.
Human cord blood-derived regulatory T-cell therapy modulates the central and peripheral immune response after traumatic brain injury
Authors: Caplan Henry W. , Prabhakara Karthik S. , Kumar Akshita , Toledano-Furman Naama E. , Martin Cecilia , Carrillo Louis , Moreno Nicolas F. , Bordt Andrea S. , Olson Scott D. , Cox Charles S.
Published: May 2020

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes a profound inflammatory response within the central nervous system and peripheral immune system, which contributes to secondary brain injury and further morbidity and mortality. Preclinical investigations have demonstrated that treatments that downregulate microglia activation and polarize them toward a reparative/anti-inflammatory phenotype have improved outcomes in preclinical models. However, no therapy to date has translated into proven benefits in human patients. Regulatory T cells (Treg) have been shown to downregulate pathologic immune responses of the innate and adaptive immune system across a variety of pathologies. Furthermore, cellular therapy has been shown to augment host Treg responses in preclinical models; yet, studies investigating the use of Treg as a therapeutic for TBI are lacking. In a rodent TBI model, we demonstrate that human umbilical cord blood Treg modulate the central and peripheral immune response after injury in vitro and in vivo.

Significance statement This study demonstrates that human regulatory T cells (Treg) expanded from umbilical cord blood can reduce neuroinflammation associated with traumatic brain injury. A single dose of Treg can cause long-term changes in brain microgliosis in chronic TBI.
Detection of Ring and Adatom Defects in Activated Disordered Carbon via Fluctuation Nanobeam Electron Diffraction
Authors: Martin Andrew V. , Bøjesen Espen D. , Petersen Timothy C. , Hu Cheng , Biggs Mark J. , Weyland Matthew , Liu Amelia C. Y.
Published: May 2020

How the structure of disordered porous carbons evolves during their activation is particularly poorly understood. This problem endures primarily because of a lack of high‐resolution 3D techniques for the characterization of amorphous and highly disordered structure. To address this, the measurement of the 3D pair‐angle distribution function using nanodiffraction patterns from high‐energy electrons is demonstrated. These rich multiatom correlations are measured for a disordered carbon and they clearly show the structural evolution during activation. They provide previously inaccessible bond‐angle information and direct evidence for the presence of ring and adatom defects. An increase in the short‐range order and the number of fivefold ring defects with activation are observed, indicating stress relaxation by increasing curvature. These observations support models of disordered porous carbons based on curved graphene networks and explain how large amounts of free volume can be created with surprisingly small changes in the average ratios of tetrahedral to graphitic bonding.
A Dopant Replacement‐Driven Molten Salt Method toward the Synthesis of Sub‐5‐nm‐Sized Ultrathin Nanowires
Authors: Mao Yihua , Yang Xuwen , Gong Wenbin , Zhang Jing , Pan Ting , Sun Hongzhao , Chen Zhigang , Wang Zhen , Zhu Junfa , Hu Jun , Cong Shan , Geng Fengxia , Zhao Zhigang
Published: May 2020

The high‐temperature molten‐salt method is an important inorganic synthetic route to a wide variety of morphological phenotypes. However, its utility is limited by the fact that it is typically incapable of producing ultrathin (<5 nm diameter) nanowires, which have a crucial role in novel nanotechnology applications. Herein, a rapid molten salt‐based synthesis of sub‐5‐nm‐sized nanowires of hexagonal tungsten oxide (h‐WO3) that is critically dependent on a substantial proportion of molybdenum (Mo) dopant is described. This dopant‐driven morphological transition in tungsten oxide (WO3) may be attributable to the collapse of layered structure, followed by nanocluster aggregation, coalescence, and recrystallization to form ultrathin nanowires. Interestingly, due to the structural properties of h‐WO3, the thus‐formed ultrathin nanowires are demonstrated to be excellent photocatalysts for the production of ammonia (NH3) from nitrogen (N2) and water. The ultrathin nanowires exhibit a high photocatalytic NH3‐production activity with a rate of 370 µmol g−1 h−1 and an apparent quantum efficiency of 0.84% at 420 nm, which is more than twice that obtained from the best‐performing Mo‐doped W18O49 nanowire catalysts. It is envisaged that the dopant replacement‐driven synthetic protocol will allow for rapid access to a series of ultrathin nanostructures with intriguing properties and increase potential applications.
Potassium‐Induced Phase Stability Enables Stable and Efficient Wide‐Bandgap Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Lipeng , Wang Gaoxiang , Yan Zheng , Qiu Jianhang , Jia Chunxu , Zhang Weimin , Zhen Chao , Xu Chuan , Tai Kaiping , Jiang Xin , Yang Shihe
Published: May 2020

Wide‐bandgap perovskites have great potential to enable high‐efficiency tandem photovoltaics by combining with the well‐established low‐bandgap absorbers. However, such wide‐bandgap perovskites are often necessarily constructed with a high Br content, and thus faced with issues of phase segregation–induced photoinstability and high defect density, severely hindering their photovoltaic performance. Herein, a remarkable boost of the stability and efficiency of wide‐bandgap perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is demonstrated by simply incorporating potassium ions. Experiments have shown the interstitial occupancy of potassium ions in the perovskite lattice and the formation of 2D K2PbI4 at the grain boundaries, both can reduce the trap density and inhibit ion migration, and thus suppress nonradiative recombination and photoinduced phase segregation. The average power conversion efficiency (PCE) of photovoltaic devices based on the perovskite with 40% Br is improved from 15.28% to 17.94%, among which the champion efficiency is 18.38% with an optimal 15% KI incorporation. Importantly, the champion open‐circuit voltage (Voc) remains unchanged (≈1.25 V) even when the bandgap reduces from 1.80 to 1.75 eV due to KI doping, effectively reducing the Voc deficit. In addition, the unencapsulated cells can sustain 94% of the initial PCE after 2000 h of storage in ambient atmosphere, affirming their outstanding stability.
High‐Performance Nonfullerene Organic Solar Cells with Unusual Inverted Structure
Authors: Xue Peiyao , Dai Shuixing , Lau Tsz-Ki , Yu Jinde , Zhou Jiadong , Xiao Yiqun , Meng Kaixin , Xie Zengqi , Lu Guanghao , Lu Xinhui , Han Ray P. S. , Zhan Xiaowei
Published: May 2020

A new fused‐ring electron acceptor FOIC1 is designed and synthesized. FOIC1 exhibits intense absorption in the range of 600–1000 nm, the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO)/the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels of −5.39/−3.99 eV, and electron mobility of 1.8 × 10−3 cm2 V−1 s−1. Organic solar cells based on sequentially processed heterojunction (SHJ) with an unusual inverted structure are fabricated. Through sequentially spin‐coating polymer donor PTB7‐Th as the bottom layer and acceptor FOIC1 as the top layer, a better vertical phase distribution is formed in this SHJ compared with that in traditional bulk heterojunction (BHJ). In the upper‐half part, a more balanced donor/acceptor distribution is beneficial for exciton dissociation. At the bottom interface, more FOIC1 accumulation is beneficial for exciton generation and charge transport. Overall, the SHJ cells exhibit power conversion efficiency as high as 12.0%, higher than that of the BHJ counterpart (11.0%).
25.1% High‐Efficiency Monolithic Perovskite Silicon Tandem Solar Cell with a High Bandgap Perovskite Absorber
Authors: Schulze Patricia S. C. , Bett Alexander J. , Bivour Martin , Caprioglio Pietro , Gerspacher Fabian M. , Kabaklı Özde Ş. , Richter Armin , Stolterfoht Martin , Zhang Qinxin , Neher Dieter , Hermle Martin , Hillebrecht Harald , Glunz Stefan W. , Goldschmidt Jan Christoph
Published: May 2020

Monolithic perovskite silicon tandem solar cells can overcome the theoretical efficiency limit of silicon solar cells. This requires an optimum bandgap, high quantum efficiency, and high stability of the perovskite. Herein, a silicon heterojunction bottom cell is combined with a perovskite top cell, with an optimum bandgap of 1.68 eV in planar p–i–n tandem configuration. A methylammonium‐free FA0.75Cs0.25Pb(I0.8Br0.2)3 perovskite with high Cs content is investigated for improved stability. A 10% molarity increase to 1.1 m of the perovskite precursor solution results in ≈75 nm thicker absorber layers and 0.7 mA cm−2 higher short‐circuit current density. With the optimized absorber, tandem devices reach a high fill factor of 80% and up to 25.1% certified efficiency. The unencapsulated tandem device shows an efficiency improvement of 2.3% (absolute) over 5 months, showing the robustness of the absorber against degradation. Moreover, a photoluminescence quantum yield analysis reveals that with adapted charge transport materials and surface passivation, along with improved antireflection measures, the high bandgap perovskite absorber has the potential for 30% tandem efficiency in the near future.
The use of XRF imaging for the chemical discrimination of iron‐gall ink inscriptions: A case study in Stradivari's workshop
Authors: de la Codre Hortense , Radepont Marie , Echard Jean‐Philippe , Belhadj Oulfa , Vaiedelich Stéphane , Rouchon Véronique
Published: May 2020

X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis is a powerful approach to discriminate iron‐gall inks from different inscriptions. The representativeness of spot measurements is though often impaired by the material history and conservation state of historical artefacts bearing such inscriptions. The method proposed here, using a XRF scanner, not only improved the readability of inscriptions, thanks to the enhanced contrast offered by chemical maps, but also allowed the evaluation of iron, copper and zinc contents of the inks, by the optimised selection in MA‐XRF maps of more than 1,000 spectra from each inked area, representing an equivalent analytical surface of several square‐millimetres. In addition, the quantitative calibration of the system based on the thin target approximation allowed calculating these elements concentration. This method, applied to a series of ink inscriptions on a set of artefacts from Stradivari's workshop (active from 1666 to 1743) now in the collection of the Musée de la musique (Paris, France), offers a complementary route to the more conventional palaeography‐ and graphology‐based approaches for the potential identification of the authors of the inscriptions.