bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utility of Esophagrams to Detect Prevertebral Invasion in Hypopharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Kaffenberger Thomas M. , Eichar Bradley , Traylor Katie S. , Kubik Mark W. , Branstetter Barton F.
Published: August 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

Prevertebral fascia invasion is a feature of advanced hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPSCC) that predicts surgical futility. Magnetic resonance and computed topography imaging are used to identify prevertebral involvement, but reliable prediction remains a challenge. Our aims were to describe a new indication for esophagrams and assess its ability to detect prevertebral invasion preoperatively.

Study Design

Retrospective Review.

Methods

A retrospective review of advanced HPSCC patients from 2001 to 2019. Thirty‐one patients underwent curative treatment (21 surgically, 10 with chemoradiation) with a preoperative esophagram. Operative and pathology reports, and fluoroscopic images were collected from the medical record. Esophagrams were read independently by two blinded radiologists. Excursion of the laryngeal complex was quantified relative to the height of vertebral bodies; <0.5 bodies was considered positive for fixation. Surgery or comparative imaging modalities were the gold‐standard comparisons.

Results

Mean age at diagnosis was 63 years. Twenty‐one patients underwent surgical treatment with laryngopharyngectomies. One patient had prevertebral invasion during surgical exploration. Ten patients underwent chemoradiation therapy, and three of these had prevertebral invasion. The average hyolaryngeal elevation was 1.05 vertebral bodies (standard deviation = 0.5). There was a strong correlation between radiologists (R = 0.80, P < .0001). Compared to the gold standard, esophagrams had sensitivity of 75%, specificity of 93%, positive predictive value of 60%, and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 96%.

Conclusions

This study highlights the utility of a common radiologic modality in assessing prevertebral fascia invasion in an advanced‐stage HPSCC cohort undergoing surgical treatment. With a high NPV and specificity, the esophagram's potential to rule out prevertebral fascia invasion is a useful predictor of resectability.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:800–805, 2021
Regionalization of ORL Boot Camps: Report of the Society of University Otolaryngologists Task Force
Authors: Malloy Kelly M. , Lieu Judith E. C. , Cervenka Brian P. , Deutsch Ellen S. , Malekzadeh Sonya
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Simulation‐based boot camps have emerged as timely vehicles to help novice residents develop the skills needed to manage medical emergencies. Geographically regional boot camps provide opportunities for interaction between residents and faculty from multiple otolaryngology programs. The Society of University Otolaryngologists (SUO) Boot Camp Task Force investigated the concept of regional access to otolaryngology boot camps with the goal of making more regional boot camps available for otolaryngology residents across the United States.

Study Design

Interviews.

Methods

The SUO Boot Camp Task Force assessed regional access to otolaryngology boot camps with a focus on geographic distribution, curricular content, and finances. Boot camp directors were contacted by email and telephone and interviewed to elicit information on all these areas.

Results

Data were available from 10 known regional simulation‐based boot camps designed for novice residents. Individual boot camps included from 12 to 30 residents and 10 to 50 faculty members. Curricula included both technical (ie, procedural) and non‐technical (eg, communication, leadership) skills for individuals and teams. Content was heavily weighted toward a variety of airway problems and management techniques, although various conditions involving hemorrhage, and airway fires were also addressed. Funding and expense structures had the greatest variability.

Conclusions

Considerable variability was identified among the known regional boot camps in terms of numbers of participants and finances, but fewer differences in curriculum. Geographic opportunity for 9 to 10 new boot camps was identified. The SUO Task Force recommends that a consensus be developed for several individual skill and teamwork scenario objectives to be included in each boot camp. Laryngoscope, 131:737–743, 2021
Comparison of visual and molecular taxonomic methods to identify ichthyoplankton in the North Sea
Authors: Mateos‐Rivera Alejandro , Skern‐Mauritzen Rasmus , Dahle Geir , Sundby Svein , Mozfar Bahar , Thorsen Anders , Wehde Henning , Krafft Bjørn A.
Published: August 2020

The North Sea is an important spawning and nursery ground for many demersal and pelagic fishes whose spawning areas are largely overlapping in time and space. This makes ichthyoplankton visual identification from the various species particularly challenging. Despite historically intensive research in the area, detailed information on spawning sites and times for many taxa, are incomplete. To update and detail the mapping of fish spawning performance and distribution in the central and northern regions of the North Sea, the performance of a visual method and a molecular taxonomic approach used for taxonomic classification of ichthyoplankton was evaluated. Samples of fish eggs and larvae were collected regularly and in parallel at different latitudinal locations from the central to the northern North Sea, including a sample with 78 larvae used for direct comparison between both methods. A total of 5332 individuals were inspected and 36 different species were identified. The visual processing identified 89% of the collected larvae to species level, however, for the eggs the taxonomic resolution was lower with only 5% identified to species level. In comparison to visual identification, molecular barcoding gave higher precision of identification for larvae and especially for the eggs. For the larvae, 98% were assigned to species level, and for the eggs 94% were assigned to species level. We find that molecular barcoding is more effective and precise in taxonomic identification of both eggs and larvae to species level. However, visual identification is still needed to provide information on the developmental stages.
Thromboresistance of Polyurethanes Modified with PEO‐Silane Amphiphiles
Authors: Ngo Bryan Khai D. , Lim Kendrick K. , Johnson Jessica C. , Jain Abhishek , Grunlan Melissa A.
Published: August 2020

Surface‐induced thrombosis is problematic in blood‐contacting devices composed of silicones or polyurethanes (PUs). Poly(ethylene oxide)‐silane amphiphiles (PEO‐SA) are previously shown effective as surface modifying additives (SMAs) in silicones for enhanced thromboresistance. This study investigates PEO‐SAs as SMAs in a PU at various concentrations: 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 µmol g−1 PU. PEO‐SA modified PUs are evaluated for their mechanical properties, water‐driven surface restructuring, and adhesion resistance against a human fibrinogen (HF) solution as well as whole human blood. Stability is assessed by monitoring hydrophilicity, water uptake, and mass loss following air‐ or aqueous‐conditioning. PEO‐SA modified PUs do not demonstrate plasticization, as evidenced by minimal changes in glass transition temperature, modulus, tensile strength, and percent strain at break. These also show a concentration‐dependent increase in hydrophilicity that is sustained following air‐ and aqueous‐conditioning for concentrations ≥25 µmol g−1. Additionally, water uptake and mass loss are minimal at all concentrations. Although protein resistance is not enhanced versus an HF solution, PEO‐SA modified PUs have significantly reduced protein adsorption and platelet adhesion from human blood at concentrations ≥10 µmol g−1. Overall, this study demonstrates the versatility of PEO‐SAs as SMAs in PU, which leads to enhanced and sustained hydrophilicity as well as thromboresistance.
Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane Induced Thermomechanical Reinforcement in Polymer Films Using Only Parts‐per‐Million Content
Authors: Romo‐Uribe Angel , Lichtenhan Joseph D.
Published: August 2020

Reinforcement of polymers by nanoparticles has been a challenge due to aggregation and solubility limits, especially at high loads. In this research, a robust and environmentally friendly fabrication approach to produce films reinforced with only parts‐per‐million (ppm) octamethyl‐polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (mePOSS) using conventional extrusion and blow molding processing is demonstrated. The nanocomposites exhibit enhanced thermomechanical properties, and only 160 ppm mePOSS increase the tensile mechanical modulus, E, by ≈120% relative to the neat polymer. Remarkably, there is no penalty on strain at fracture εf, as usually seen in reinforced (nano) composites. Toughness, yield stress, tear, and puncture resistance are also an increasing function of mePOSS content. Furthermore, mePOSS also increase the thermal decomposition temperature and melting temperature. The placement of mePOSS in the molecular web is key to the thermal and mechanical reinforcement and these properties maximize when the nanoparticle size 〈D〉 matches the tube diameter dt, i.e., 〈D〉/dt ≈ 1. This simple fabrication approach combined with ppm POSS content and tunability of physical properties afforded by the location of POSS in the entangled web offers a new paradigm for the bottom‐up design of tunable lightweight polymer nanocomposites with superior thermomechanical and transport properties.
Effect of Process Control Reagents on Structure and Electrochemical Performance of La0.8Sr0.2MnO3
Authors: Nagde Kalpana R.
Published: August 2020

In the present work, well‐recognized La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 (LSM) system as cathode for IT‐SOFC is prepared by using different process control reagents (PCAs) such as stearic acid and salicylic acid with varying grinding times. This is the first attempt to develop LSM by using PCAs in mechanochemical synthesis. By using stearic acid single cubic phase, LSM material is obtained at 3 h of grinding (LSM‐St). However in case of salicylic acid, the respective phase of La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 is achieved for 5 h of grinding (LSM‐Sa) and without PCA the same phase is obtained for 7 h of grinding (LSM‐Wt). X‐Ray diffraction confirms single crystalline cubic phase of as‐synthesized LSM by PCAs and without PCA. All the samples are sintered at 700 °C to improve the degree of crystallinity. Scanning electron microscopy images of as‐synthesized samples reveal highly agglomerate fine‐scale grains. The temperature dependence of direct current conductivity curve exhibits linear dependence of conductivity with temperature, which is found maximum for LSM‐St as compared to other two samples. Symmetric cells in the configuration given by—composite cathode/electrolyte/composite cathode—are fabricated using spin coating technique. The area specific resistance is minimum for LSM‐St based symmetric cell and correlated with the maximum conductivity.
Povidone‐Phosphotungstic Acid Hybrid: An Efficient and Environmentally Benign Catalyst for the Synthesis of Quinazolinone Derivatives
Authors: Kagne Raju , Kalalawe Virbhadra , Niwadange Sandeep , Mahurkar Shreyash , Munde Dashrath
Published: August 2020

In this research, a novel strategy for synthesis of quinazolinones has been formulated via one pot condensation of aromatic aldehydes, isatoic anhydride, and aniline by employing prepared povidone‐phosphotungstic acid (PVP‐PWA) hybrid as a novel solid acid heterogenous catalyst in methanol at 80 °C. The synthesized PVP‐PWA is confirmed by FTIR, XRD and studied for TGA, BET plots. The reaction is optimized for different solvents and loading of catalyst. The yields of all quinazolinone derivatives are observed in the range of 78–86%. All the synthesized quinazolinones are investigated by spectral data. The use of ecologically benign catalyst, good atom economy, environmental affordability, and easy work up makes this protocol sustainable.
Study of Bimolecular Quenching Reactions of Coumarin Dye C1 by the Fluorescence Behavior in Toluene and Butanol Binary Mixtures
Authors: Sharma Kalpana , Melavanki Raveendra , Muttannavar V. T. , Bhavya P. , U. Meghana , B. Suma
Published: August 2020

Inferable from the significance of solvent mixtures in practical chemistry, toluene (TL) and butanol (BL) mixtures are used to study fluorescence behavior of coumarin dye C1 namely 3‐hydroxy‐3‐[2‐oxo‐2‐(2‐oxo‐2H‐chromen‐3‐yl)‐ethyl]‐1,3‐dihydro‐indol‐2‐one. Bimolecular quenching reaction studies of C1 with aniline as quencher are made in mixtures of TL–BL to know the effect of viscosity and dielectric constant variation at room temperature. The quenching process is studied in all solvent mixtures by steady state method. Quenching is characterized by Stern–Volmer (S–V) plots having upward curvature. Analysis of modified S–V equations which accounts both static and dynamic quenching allows calculating bimolecular quenching rate constant. The bimolecular quenching reactions are found to be significantly larger. Further finite sink approximation model is invoked so as to check whether reactions are diffusion limited. The extents of these rate parameters demonstrate that positive deviations in the S–V plot are because of the presence of apparent static and dynamic quenching process.
Theoretical Study of Surface Plasmon Resonance in P3HT:PCBM/Cu Nano Film
Authors: Das Malyaj , Kushwaha Kamal Kumar , Sharma Divakar
Published: August 2020

The present paper discusses thoretical study about the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) properties of poly‐3 hexylthiophene‐2,5‐diyl, 6,6‐phenylC61 butyric acid methyl ester: Cu nano film with the variation of thickness of Cu nano film. The present theoretical studies show that the variation of thickness of the Cu nano film gives better result as compared to gold and silver nano films. The SPR Q‐factor infers that copper would be a good candidate to replace gold as potential plasmonic materials.
Physical and Fourier Transform Infrared Studies of ZnO‐Al2O3‐Li2O‐B2O3 Glass System Incorporated with Cu2+ and Mn3+ Ions
Authors: Rao B. Tirumala , Cole Sandhya
Published: August 2020

Zinc Alumino Lithium borate (ZnAlLiB) glasses of different compositions doped with Cu2+ and Mn3+ ions have been prepared using a conventional melt quenching technique. Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) studies have been carried out for ZnAlLiB glasses. The physical properties have been measured. The FT‐IR studies indicate that insertion of Cu2+ ions produces [BO3] and [BO4] basic structural units by breaking the boroxol (B3O6) ring, while manganese ions are found to gradually depolymerize MnO2─B2O3 glass matrix. This report presents the synthesis and FT‐IR studies of zinc alumino lithium borate glasses doped with CuO and MnO2. The local structure of copper and manganese ions in the glass system can be studied.
Upregulation of secreted phosphoprotein 1 affects malignant progression, prognosis, and resistance to cetuximab via the KRAS/MEK pathway in head and neck cancer
Authors: Liu Kai , Hu Huiying , Jiang Huanyu , Liu Chenglei , Zhang Haidong , Gong Shanchun , Wei Dongmin , Yu Zhenkun
Published: August 2020

Acquired resistance is a barrier to cetuximab efficacy in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) is involved in various biological processes, including immune responses, cancer progression, and prognosis in many cancers, while little is known in HNSCC. Bioinformatics methods were used to identify candidate genes and further in vivo and in vitro experiments were performed to examine and validate the function of SPP1. We found that SPP1 was upregulated and has been found to have an oncogenic role in HNSCC. We further confirmed that overexpression of SPP1 affected proliferation, migration, invasion, and survival, and inhibited apoptosis, whereas silencing of SPP1 yielded opposite results to those of SPP1 overexpression. In addition, activation of the KRAS/MEK pathway contributed to the SPP1‐induced malignant progression of HNSCC and resistance to cetuximab. Furthermore, SPP1 knockdown or an MEK inhibitor overcame this cetuximab‐resistance pattern. Taken together, our findings for the first time identify the role of SPP1 in tumor promotion, prognostic prediction, and potential therapeutic targeting, as well as resistance to cetuximab in HNSCC.
LncRNA UCA1 maintains the low‐tumorigenic and nonmetastatic status by stabilizing E‐cadherin in primary prostate cancer cells
Authors: Zhao Xian , Wang Yanli , He Jianfeng , Deng Rong , Huang Xiaojun , Guo Yanmin , Li Lian , Xie Ruiyu , Yu Jianxiu
Published: August 2020

Long noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs) have emerged as important players in cancer biology. Increasing evidence suggests that LncRNAs are frequently dysregulated in cancer and may function as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. Urothelial carcinoma associated 1 (UCA1), a LncRNA, firstly identified in bladder transitional cell carcinoma, seems to act as an oncogene in many different types of human cancers by promoting cell proliferation and migration. In this study, we revealed a novel biological function of UCA1, which was different from that reported by previous studies, was responsible for maintaining the low‐tumorigenic, nonmetastatic phenotypes in primary prostate epithelial cells. UCA1 could stabilize E‐cadherin protein by preventing the interaction between E‐cadherin and its E3 ligase MDM2, which suppressed MDM2‐mediated ubiquitination and degradation of E‐cadherin. In addition, we also found that UCA1 acted as a sponge of miR‐296‐3p, which targeted E‐cadherin gene CDH1 messenger RNA at the posttranscription level. Taken together, these findings demonstrated that UCA1 had a new important role in effectively keeping E‐cadherin at a high level through a dual mechanism, which maintained primary prostate cancer cells at the low‐tumorigenic and nonmetastatic status.
MYC‐binding lncRNA EPIC1 promotes AKT‐mTORC1 signaling and rapamycin resistance in breast and ovarian cancer
Authors: Wang Yifei , Zhang Min , Wang Zehua , Guo Weiwei , Yang Da
Published: August 2020

AKT‐mTORC1 (mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1) signaling pathway plays a critical role in tumorigenesis and can be targeted by rapamycin. However, the underlying mechanism of how long noncoding RNA (lncRNAs) regulate the AKT‐mTORC1 pathway remains unclear. EPIC1 (epigenetically‐induced lncRNA 1) is a Myc‐binding lncRNA, which has been previously demonstrated to be overexpressed in multiple cancer types. In a pathway analysis including 4962 cancer patients, we observed that lncRNA EPIC1 expression was positively correlated with the AKT‐mTORC1 signaling pathway in more than 10 cancer types, including breast and ovarian cancers. RNA‐seq analysis of breast and ovarian cancer cells demonstrated that EPIC1‐knockdown led to the downregulation of genes in the AKT‐mTORC1 signaling pathway. In MCF‐7, OVCAR4, and A2780cis cell lines, EPIC1 knockdown and overexpression, respectively, inhibited and activated phosphorylated AKT and the downstream phosphorylation levels of 4EBP1 and S6K. Further knockdown of Myc abolished the EPIC1′s regulation of AKT‐mTORC1 signaling; suggested that the regulation of phosphorylation level of AKT, 4EBP1, and S6K by EPIC1 depended on the expression of Myc. Moreover, EPIC1 overexpressed MCF‐7, A2780cis, and OVCAR4 cells treated with rapamycin showed a significant decreasing in rapamycin mediated inhibition of p‐S6K and p‐S6 comparing with the control group. In addition, Colony Formation assay and MTT assay indicated that EPIC1 overexpression led to rapamycin resistance in breast and ovarian cancer cell lines. Our results demonstrated the lncRNA EPIC1 expression activated the AKT‐mTORC1 signaling pathway through Myc and led to rapamycin resistance in breast and ovarian cancer.
Neutrality of buyer and seller commissions to auction house profit
Authors: Tsuchihashi Toshihiro , Zennyo Yusuke
Published: August 2020

This paper presents an examination of optimal revenue management of a monopoly auction house through which a seller sells goods via a second‐price auction. The house charges commissions to both the buyer and seller. Results demonstrate that a continuum of combinations of optimal buyer and seller commission rates exists, all of which yield the same expected profit of the house. Additionally, we discuss several possible factors that lead to the prevailing custom of zero buyer commission, such as commission aversion of buyers, the house's incentive to maximize the hammer price, and seller and buyer preferences for apparently lowered commission rates.
Global existence of the three‐dimensional compressible Euler equations for generalized Chaplygin gas with damping
Authors: Cheung Ka Luen
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we establish a global existence (GE) result for the three‐dimensional compressible Euler equations (CEE) for generalized Chaplygin gas (GCG) with damping. More precisely, by transforming the three‐dimensional CEE for GCG with damping to a symmetric hyperbolic system, one shows that the total energy in H3 is strictly decaying with time for any sufficiently small initial data. As a result, the GE result follows from the local well‐posedness of the system in H3. This gives the first GE result relating to the three‐dimensional CEE.
Uncooled antenna‐coupled terahertz thermal detector using CMOS process
Authors: Wang Xu
Published: August 2020

This article presents an uncooled monolithic resonant terahertz (THz) thermal detector using a standard 55 nm CMOS process without any postprocessing procedures. The detector is composed of a resonant loop antenna loaded with a polysilicon resistor and a proportional to absolute temperature (PTAT) sensor which is used as a temperature sensitive device. The basic operation principle, overall design considerations and relatively better measurement results are demonstrated. A maximum responsivity of 30.6 V/W and a minimum noise equivalent power (NEP) of 1.68 μW Hz for the thermal detector are measured at the operating frequency of 910 GHz.
High‐sensitive temperature sensor based on ethanol‐filled elliptical‐core side‐hole fiber Sagnac interferometer
Authors: Gong Zhonghua , Zhang Hao , Liu Teng , Huang Bangcai , Liu Bo , Sun Jianjun , Wang Dongbo
Published: August 2020

The birefringence properties of two types of side‐hole fibers have been numerically studied, based on which a Sagnac fiber interferometer employing ethanol‐filled side‐hole fibers is proposed and experimentally demonstrated for high‐sensitive temperature measurement. Thanks to highly temperature‐sensitive refractive index of ethanol infiltrated in the air holes of side‐hole fibers, high‐sensitive temperature measurement could be realized by monitoring fiber‐birefringence‐induced resonance wavelength shift of the fiber Sagnac interferometer in response to environmental temperature variation. Experimental results show that within a temperature range of 26°C to 54°C, there exists some critical temperature point around 40°C, on both sides of which the resonance dips exhibit inverse temperature‐dependent shift behaviors. A temperature sensitivity of 1.10 nm/°C is experimentally achieved for our proposed side‐hole fiber Sagnac interferometer.
Dynamic B0 shimming for multiband imaging using high order spherical harmonic shims
Authors: Hetherington Hoby P. , Moon Chan Hong , Schwerter Michael , Shah Nadim Joni , Pan Jullie W.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

To describe and implement a strategy for dynamic slice‐by‐slice and multiband B0 shimming using spherical harmonic shims in the human brain at 7T.

Theory

For thin axial slices, spherical harmonic shims can be divided into pairs of shims (z‐degenerate and non‐z‐degenerate) that are spatially degenerate, such that only ½ of the shims (non‐z‐degenerate) are required for single slice optimizations. However, when combined, the pairs of shims can be used to simultaneously generate the same in‐plane symmetries but with different amplitudes as a function of their z location. This enables multiband shimming equivalent to that achievable by single slice‐by‐slice optimization.

Methods

All data were acquired at 7T using a spherical harmonic shim insert enabling shimming up through 4th order with two additional 5th order shims (1st‐4th+). Dynamic shim updating was achieved using a 10A shim power supply with 2 ms ramps and constrained optimizations to minimize eddy currents.

Results

In groups of eight subjects, we demonstrated that: 1) dynamic updating using 1st‐4th+ order shims reduced the SD of the B0 field over the whole brain from 32.4 ± 2.6 and 24.9 ± 2 Hz with 1st‐2nd and 1st‐4th+ static global shimming to 15.1 ± 1.7 Hz; 2) near equivalent performance was achieved when dynamically updating only the non‐z‐degenerate shims (14.3 ± 1.5 Hz), or when a using multiband shim factor of 2, MBs = 2, and all shims (14.4 ± 2.0 Hz).

Conclusion

High order spherical harmonics provide substantial improvements over static global shimming and enable dynamic multiband shimming with near equivalent performance to that of dynamic slice‐by‐slice shimming. This reduces distortion in echo planar imaging.
Global and peak local specific absorption rate control on parallel transmit systems using k‐means SAR compression model
Authors: Mao Xianglun , Bari Sumra , Love David J. , Rispoli Joseph V.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

To improve the specific absorption rate (SAR) compression model capability in parallel transmission (pTx) MRI systems.

Methods

A k‐means clustering method is proposed to group voxels with similar SAR behaviors in the scanned object, providing a controlled upper‐bounded estimation of peak local SARs. This k‐means compression model and the conventional virtual observation point (VOP) model were tested in a pTx MRI framework. The pTx pulse design with different SAR controlling schemes was simulated using a numerical human head model and an eight‐channel 7T coil array. Multiple criteria (including RF power, global and peak local SARs, and excitation accuracy) were compared for the performance testing.

Results

The k‐means compression model generated a narrower overestimation bound, leading to a more accurate local SAR estimation. Among different pTx pulse design approaches, the k‐means compression model showed the best trade‐off between the SAR and excitation accuracy.

Conclusions

The developed SAR compression model is advantageous for pTx framework given the narrower overestimation bound and control over the compression ratio. Results also illustrate that a moderate increase of maximum RF power can be useful for reducing the maximum local SAR deposition.
Measurements of venous oxygen saturation in the superior sagittal sinus using conventional 3D multiple gradient‐echo MRI: Effects of flow velocity and acceleration
Authors: Cheng Chou‐Ming , Chou Chih‐Che , Yeh Tzu‐Chen , Chung Hsiao‐Wen
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This work investigates the effects of flow acceleration in the superior sagittal sinus on slice‐dependent variations in venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) estimations using susceptibility‐based MR oximetry.

Methods

Three‐dimensional multiple gradient‐echo images, with first‐order flow compensation along the anterior–posterior readout direction for the first echo, were acquired twice from 15 healthy volunteers. For all slices, phases within the superior sagittal sinus were fitted using linear regression across four TEs to obtain the Pearson’s correlation coefficients (PCCs), the largest of which corresponded to minimum acceleration influence. SvO2 derived from odd echoes on this slice was used to assess interscan difference, and compared with the central 15th slice for slice‐dependent difference, both using Bland‐Altman analysis. Within‐scan interslice SvO2 consistency was examined versus PCC. Multislice‐averaged SvO2 values were then computed from slices with PCCs above a certain threshold.

Results

Slice‐dependent difference in SvO2 varied from −16.2% to 21.5% at two SDs, in agreement with a recent report, and about twice larger than interscan differences for the automatically selected slice (−7.5% to 10.3%) and for the central 15th slice (−8.0% to 8.8%). For slices with PCCs higher than −0.98, interslice SvO2 deviations were all found to be less than 5.0%. Multislice‐averaged SvO2 with PCCs higher than −0.98 further reduced interscan difference to −4.7% to 8.2%.

Conclusion

Slice‐dependent variations in SvO2 may partly be explained by the effects of flow acceleration. Our method may enable conventional 3D multiple gradient echo to be used for SvO2 estimations in the presence of pulsatile flow.
Impact of gestational diabetes on pelvic floor: A prospective cohort study with three‐dimensional ultrasound during two‐time points in pregnancy
Authors: Sartorão Filho Carlos I. , Pinheiro Fabiane A. , Prudencio Caroline B. , Nunes Sthefanie K. , Takano Luiz , Enriquez Eusebio M. A. , Orlandi Maiara I. G. , Junginger Baerbel , Hallur Raghavendra L. S. , Rudge Marilza V. C. , Barbosa Angélica M. P.
Published: August 2020

Aim

To evaluate the pelvic floor (PF) biometry using three‐dimensional ultrasound (US) at two‐time points of gestational in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods

A prospective cohort study conducted at the Perinatal Diabetes Research Center including 44 pregnant women with GDM and 66 pregnant women without GDM at 24 to 28 weeks of gestation. Three‐dimensional transperineal US was performed at 24 to 28 and 34 to 38 weeks of gestation in the lithotomy position at rest. The axial plane of the minimal Levator hiatal dimensions was used to determine Levator ani muscle and Hiatal area (HA) biometry at 24 to 28 and 34 to 38 weeks of gestation.

Results

Of the 110 pregnant women, 100 (90.9%) completed the follow‐up at 34 to 38 weeks of gestation. The evaluation by US showed a negative biometric change between the two‐time points, during pregnancy in women with GDM; in the HA (β coefficient: estimative of effect in biometric progression according to GDM diagnosis, using the non‐GDM group as reference = −6.76; P = .020), anteroposterior diameter (β = −5.07; P = .019), and Levator ani thickness (β = −12.34; P = .005).

Conclusions

Pregnant women with GDM had a significantly lower than expected percentage of changes in biometry of Levator ani thickness and HA from 24 to 28 to 34 to 38 weeks of gestation when compared with the group of pregnant women without GDM. GDM alters the morphology of PF structures assessed by three‐dimension US. This reported complication may be implicated in adverse birth outcomes and may play a role in the development of PF dysfunction.
An unconventional method for calculating porosity of marine clay deposits using the 2D resistivity method
Authors: Rosli Najmiah , Saad Rosli , Rahman Nazrin , Ismail Nur Azwin
Published: August 2020

Various methods were earlier designed to calculate porosity of a formation, but many of them are reliant on physical soil sampling and/or laboratory measurements. The present work examines a recently proposed method, which we call here as Sample‐free Porosity Calculation from Resistivity Imaging Data (SPyCRID), to calculate porosity of unconsolidated soils. By conjoining Archie's and Waxman–Smits’ equations, SPyCRID can achieve high accuracy in porosity calculation, while requiring no physical soil‐sampling data. Two‐dimensional resistivity data acquired at Segantang Garam were modelled to calibrate SPyCRID's workflow and to devise data constraints for marine clay and brackish pore‐fluid conditions. Measured porosities from soil samples were used only for calibration and validation purposes. With data transformation added into the workflow, the performance of SPyCRID was improved as it was possible to achieve more precise value for the calculated porosity (error ≤3.1%). The final step to establish SPyCRID's competency was implemented through testing SPyCRID at the Nibong Tebal test site that has similar geological conditions to the model. Results from this test site showed nominal errors (≤3.9%) in the calculated porosity. SPyCRID could successfully calculate the porosity of the unconsolidated, marine clayey soils with a confidence limit exceeding 96%, while requiring no physical sampling data.
Corporate attributes and disclosure of accounting information: Evidence from the big five banks of China
Authors: Ahmed Alim Al Ayub
Published: August 2020

The disclosure is important for taking optimum decisions of the interested users and results research aims to evaluate the extent of disclosure of information reported in annual reports and its relationship with corporate attributes made by the banking companies in China. The study reports that the average percentages of disclosure of information in the annual reports of the sample banks are satisfactory and have significant variation among the disclosure scores of the sample banks over the study period. Moreover, the study reports that there is no significant relationship between the extent of disclosure and the corporate attributes such as return on equity, return on assets, capital adequacy ratio, loan to deposit ratio, dividend payout ratio, debt‐equity ratio, and cost to income ratio of the sample banks during the study period.
Does terrorism affect the stock market returns and volatility? Evidence from Pakistan's stock exchange
Authors: Khan Dilawar , Ullah Arif , Alim Wajid , Haq Ihtisham ul
Published: August 2020

During the last few decades, the number of terrorist's attacks has been increased to a great extent in the world, which possibly enhances the fear of investors and influences long‐term investment commitments. It is important to explore how the financial market reacts to terror events in order to dictate the suitable policy recommendations. This study examines whether terrorism exerts a significant effect on stock market returns and volatility by examining the daily time series data for Pakistan from the period Oct 7,1999 to May 31, 2016. The employed econometric techniques in this study are the generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) and the exponential generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (EGARCH) models. The GARCH and EGARCH results confirm that terrorism has a significant effect on both the stock market returns and volatility in Pakistan. In addition, the EGARCH results also conclude that the negative shock (terror news) creates higher volatility as compared to positive shock (good news) in the stock market. The outcomes suggest that terror events significantly affect financial investors in the stock markets. The paper suggests that terror risk is an influential cognitive factor in describing the stock market returns and volatility. Terror must be addressed in order to achieve desirable stability in financial markets.
Evaluation method and key factor analysis for thermal protection performance of multifunctional integrated ablative materials
Authors: Li Weijie , Huang Jie , Zhang Zhongwei , Huang Haiming , Liang Jun , Wang Liyan
Published: August 2020

The thermal protection materials of hypersonic aircrafts in near space are subjected to extremely serious aerothermodynamic environment under long heating time, higher enthalpy, larger heat accumulation, and so forth. Proposing new concepts of materials and accurate evaluation of their performance take the dominant roles in developing high‐efficiency thermal protection materials under this severe environment. By introducing the concepts of gradient and fiber hybridization, this study proposes a multifunctional integrated ablative material scheme to replace heritage ones in order to improve the heat insulation, ablation resistant, and weight reduction capacities. Meanwhile, a thermal‐fluid‐ablative coupling mathematical model taking the manufacturing processing parameters reflecting the gradient and fiber hybridization into consideration is established. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis for the manufacturing processing parameters is carried out. A simulation tool is developed based on writing FORTRAN codes to solve the multi‐field coupling model numerically. The results that the model and code are effective in analyzing the material's performance and the key manufacturing processing parameters influencing on the thermal protection performance of multifunctional integrated ablative material are pointed out. This work helps to design new thermal protection materials for hypersonic vehicles under extreme aerothermodynamic environments.

Highlights 

New scheme of multifunctional integrated ablative material is proposed.

Developed multi‐field coupling thermal protection model for new material is established.

A bridge between material responses and manufacture processing parameters is built.

Key factors influencing on material performance are pointed out by sensitivity analysis.
Comprehensive off‐line CCC × LC‐DAD‐MS separation of Cyclopia pubescens Eckl. & Zeyh. phenolic compounds and structural elucidation of isolated compounds
Authors: Walters Nico A. , de Beer Dalene , de Villiers André , Danton Ombeline , Hamburger Matthias , Joubert Elizabeth
Published: August 2020

Introduction

The minor phenolic constituents of Cyclopia pubescens Eckl. & Zeyh. are unknown and one dimensional (1D) liquid chromatography (LC) is unable to provide sufficient separation.

Methodology

A two‐dimensional (2D) LC method incorporating normal‐phasehigh performance countercurrent chromatography (NP‐HPCCC) in the first dimension (1D) and reversed‐phase ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐UHPLC) as the second dimension (2D) was developed. The analytical HPCCC method was subsequently scaled up to semi‐preparative mode and fractions pooled based on phenolic sub‐groups. The phenolic compounds in selected fractions were subsequently isolated using RP‐HPLC on a C18 column. Isolated compounds were identified by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The absolute configurations of compounds were determined by optical rotation and electronic circular dichroism spectra. Sugars were identified by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis.

Results

The comprehensive off‐line 2D CCC × LC method gave a good spread of the phenolic compounds. Orthogonality calculated using both the convex hull and conditional entropy methods were 81%. High‐resolution mass spectrometric fragmentation spectra obtained from a quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight instrument and ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐vis) spectral data were used to (tentatively) identify 32 phenolic compounds from the analytical CCC fractions. Of the seven isolated compounds, (2S)‐5‐O‐[α‐l‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1 → 2)‐β‐d‐glucopyranosyl]eriodictyol (3) and (2S)‐5‐O‐[α‐l‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1 → 2)‐β‐d‐glucopyranosyl]‐5,7,3′,4′‐tetrahydroxyflavan (4) were newly identified in all plants. The other isolated compounds were identified as (2S)‐5‐O‐[α‐l‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1 → 2)‐β‐d‐glucopyranosyl]naringenin (1), R‐neo‐eriocitrin (2), 3‐O‐α‐l‐arabinopyranosyl‐3,4‐dihydroxybenzoic acid (5), 4‐O‐β‐d‐glucopyranosyl‐Z‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid (6) and 4‐(4′‐O‐β‐d‐glucopyranosyl‐4′‐hydroxy‐3′‐methoxyphenyl)‐2‐butanone (7).

Conclusions

Among the 32 compounds (tentatively) identified, only six were previously identified in Cyclopia pubescens using 1D LC. Most of the isolated compounds were also identified for the first time in Cyclopia spp., improving the knowledge of the minor phenolic compounds of this genus.
On the Trail of Creativity: Dimensionality of Divergent Thinking and its Relation with Cognitive Abilities, Personality, and Insight
Authors: Weiss S. , Steger D. , Kaur Y. , Hildebrandt A. , Schroeders U. , Wilhelm O.
Published: August 2020

Divergent thinking (DT) is an important constituent of creativity that captures aspects of fluency and originality. The literature lacks multivariate studies that report relationships between DT and its aspects with relevant covariates, such as cognitive abilities, personality traits (e.g. openness), and insight. In two multivariate studies ( N = 152 and N = 298), we evaluate competing measurement models for a variety of DT tests and examine the relationship between DT and established cognitive abilities, personality traits, and insight. A nested factor model with a general DT and a nested originality factor described the data well. In Study 1, DT was moderately related with working memory, fluid intelligence, crystallized intelligence, and mental speed. In Study 2, we replicate these results and add insight, openness, extraversion, and honesty–humility as covariates. DT was associated with insight, extraversion, and honesty–humility, whereas crystallized intelligence mediated the relationship between openness and DT. In contrast, the nested originality factor (i.e. the specificity of originality tasks beyond other DT tasks) had low variance and was not meaningfully related with any other constructs in the nomological net. We highlight avenues for future research by discussing issues of measurement and scoring.
Mental health literacy, treatment preferences and the lived experience of mental health problems in an Australian cancer sample
Authors: Kangas Maria , Heissel Andreas
Published: August 2020

Objectives

The prevalence rates for mental health (MH) problems in cancer patients is high, although reduced uptake of services may be influenced by mental health literacy (MHL). The objective of this study was to investigate the MHL for depression and panic disorder (PD), including treatment preferences in Australian adults who had been diagnosed and treated for cancer, and whether MHL and treatment preferences was influenced by sex, age, and individuals' lived MH experience.

Method

A total of 421 cancer survivors (n = 378 females) completed a self‐report survey. Participants were asked to specify whether they had a lived experience with anxiety and/or depression, and to indicate treatment preferences for managing cancer‐related distress. Two vignettes were administered to assess MHL for depression and PD.

Results

The MHL accuracy for depression was higher than PD. Accuracy rates were higher for females with a lived experience with anxiety and/or depression; although the accuracy rate for PD was significantly lower in males. A high proportion of individuals preferred exercise and in‐person counselling to manage depression and PD. Internet‐based therapies were not strongly preferred for managing MH problems.

Conclusions

The MHL for depression and PD is moderate for adult cancer survivors, with higher levels indicated for individuals with a personal lived experience with anxiety and/or depression. Public health campaigns for enhancing MHL should broaden to include individuals experiencing comorbid physical health conditions. Health providers also need to take into account client preferences for evidence‐based therapies.
Carbon dioxide emissions from periglacial patterned ground under changing permafrost conditions and shrub encroachment in an alpine landscape, Jotunheimen, Norway
Authors: Hallang Helen , Hiemstra John F. , Los Sietse O. , Matthews John A. , Froyd Cynthia A.
Published: August 2020

Whether Arctic and alpine ecosystems will act as a future net sink or source of carbon remains uncertain. The present study investigates ways in which ecosystem (soil and vegetation) and geomorphological (cryogenic disturbance) factors may control or affect the future release of carbon in an alpine permafrost landscape. Rates of ecosystem respiration (Re) were examined using a portable gas analyzer across an altitudinal transect ranging from mid‐ to high‐alpine vegetation zones underlain by discontinuous to continuous permafrost on Galdhøpiggen (Norway). Measurements were made of Re during the peak growing season on active and relict sorted circles exhibiting varying levels of frost disturbance and shrub encroachment. Re was found to be controlled more strongly by soil microclimate and plant growth forms than by geomorphic indicators of cryoturbation in thawing permafrost or by atmospheric conditions. The results indicate that increasing shrub cover leads to elevated Re, while an increase in surface disturbance has the potential to lower Re. We conclude that vegetation is likely to colonize frost‐disturbed surfaces at progressively higher altitudes as freeze–thaw processes slow down or cease, and this will result in increased Re.
Impact of radiation dose on recurrence in high‐risk prostate cancer patients
Authors: Deek Matthew , Lilleby Wolfgang , Vaage Victoria , Hole Knut H. , DeWeese Theodore , Stensvold Andreas , Tran Phuoc , Seierstad Therese
Published: August 2020

Background

Dose escalated radiation therapy (RT) combined with long‐term androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a standard of care option for men with high‐risk and locally advanced prostate cancer (PCa). However, the optimal dose of escalated RT and ADT is not known. Here we assessed the impact of radiation dose and length of ADT on biochemical recurrence in a multi‐institutional cohort stratified by the Cambridge prognostic group (CPG). We hypothesized that radiation dose and length of ADT would impact outcome in similar risk groups of our patients.

Methods

Two‐hundred and forty‐four patients were included, 132 from Oslo University Hospital, Department of Oncology and 112 from Johns Hopkins Hospital, Department of Radiation Oncology. Biochemical recurrence was defined as prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) nadir +2 ng/mL. Time to recurrence was estimated using Kaplan‐Meier analysis and when stratified by CPG the log‐rank test was used. Cox regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with risk of recurrence. Site of recurrence was investigated.

Results

The median follow‐up time was 7.4 years. The vast majority (71%) of patients were classified as high‐risk (CPG 4) or very high‐risk features (CPG 5). Significantly more PSA recurrences occurred in CPG 5 (41%) compared with CPG 4 (25%) (P = .04) and five‐year cumulative recurrence‐free survival was lower for CPG 4 and 5 (89% and 68%) compared with CPG 1, 2, and 3 (100%, 100%, and 93%). The recurrence‐free survival for CPG 5 was significantly higher for prostate irradiation of 80 Gy as compared with 74 Gy (P = .011). For CPG 4 and 5 no local recurrences were detected in patients receiving 80 Gy. On stepwise Cox regression analysis neither age nor length of ADT were independent prognostic factors for recurrence free survival.

Conclusion

Prostate dose escalation from 74 to 80 Gy decreases risk of recurrence in high‐risk PCa. Further studies are needed to identify the optimal combination of ADT and RT.
Sentiment analysis of social media posts on pharmacotherapy: A scoping review
Authors: Sharma Chanakya , Whittle Samuel , Haghighi Pari D. , Burstein Frada , Keen Helen
Published: August 2020

Social media is playing an increasingly central role in patient's decision‐making process. Advances in technology have enabled meaningful interpretation of discussions on social media. We conducted a scoping review to assess whether Sentiment Analysis (SA), a big data analytic tool, could be used to extract meaningful themes from social media discussions on pharmacotherapy. A keyword search strategy was used on the following databases: OneSearch, PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane. One hundred and ninety‐four titles were identified of which 10 studies were included. We extracted themes about uses and implications of SA of social media discussions on pharmacotherapy. Twitter was the most frequently analyzed platform. Assessment of public sentiment about a particular medication was the most common use of SA followed by detection of adverse drug reactions. Studies also revealed a significant impact of news media on public sentiment. Implications for real world practice include identifying reasons for a negative sentiment, detecting adverse drug reactions and using the impact of news media on social media sentiment to drive public health initiatives. The lack of a consistent approach to SA between the studies reflects the lack of a gold standard for the technology and consequently the need for future research. Sentiment Analysis is a promising technology that can allow us to better understand patient opinion regarding pharmacotherapy. This knowledge can be used to improve patient safety, patient‐ physician interaction, and also enhance the delivery of public health measures.