bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monitoring for freshwater mussel presence in rivers using environmental DNA
Authors: Preece Ellen P. , Bryan Michael , Mapes Samantha M. , Wademan Cara , Dorazio Robert
Published: October 2020

In 2013, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) updated its national recommended water quality criteria for the protection of aquatic life from the toxic effects of ammonia in freshwaters. From its updated national dataset, USEPA determined freshwater mussels in the family Unionidae were the most sensitive taxa to ammonia. Thus, it has become necessary to determine whether freshwater mussels exist in waterbodies near discharge locations from Publically Owned Treatment Works (POTWs), to ensure that POTWs are regulated appropriately with regard to ammonia levels in their treated effluent. However, because mussels are notoriously difficult to detect using traditional survey methodologies, most POTWs have not determined whether freshwater mussels exist in their receiving waters. Environmental DNA (eDNA) presents a promising methodology to survey for freshwater mussels in POTW receiving waters. We developed and validated a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay for the three freshwater mussel taxa that are currently known to exist in California's Central Valley. We then placed a cage with 20 Gonidea angulata into a riverine environment and collected water samples at evenly spaced downstream intervals to determine how habitat type and distance from the caged mussels affected eDNA detection. Using two‐stage occupancy modeling, we determined higher detection probabilities occur in riffle habitats compared to pool or run habitats. We also found surface samples work well for collecting freshwater mussel eDNA in riffle habitats, but are less likely to capture mussel eDNA in pools or runs. The maximum downstream distance at which the eDNA from the 20 placed G. angulata mussels was detected was 8 km. Our study demonstrates that eDNA is a reliable tool for determining freshwater mussel presence in riverine systems, but that sampling should consider habitat type, distance between sampling locations, and time of year for the most effective results.
Genotypic and antimicrobial resistance characterizations of Cronobacter sakazakii isolated from powdered milk infant formula: A comparison between domestic and imported products
Authors: Pakbin Babak , Mahmoudi Razzagh , Mousavi Shaghayegh , Allahyari Samaneh , Amani Zahra , Peymani Amir , Qajarbeygi Peyman , Hoseinabadi Zahra
Published: October 2020

Cronobacter sakazakii, an opportunistic foodborne pathogen and a main cause of meningitis in neonates, is usually isolated from powdered milk infant formula (PMIF). At the present study, C. sakazakii were isolated from imported and domestically produced PMIF samples and identified by detection of ompA gene using real‐time PCR SYBR green melting curve following the evaluation of antimicrobial susceptibility and genotyping of the isolates employing BOX‐PCR and RAPD methods. We detected totally 5% contamination rate and a significantly higher prevalence of C. sakazakii in bulky imported domestically packaged PMIF samples. Also, our isolates were recognized as multidrug‐resistant pathogen completely resistant to ampicillin and amoxicillin; and intermediately resistant to ciprofloxacin and tetracycline antimicrobials. Genotype clustering patterns of bulky imported and imported product isolates were identical by both genotyping methods. Far genetic relatedness of domestic isolate to other isolates and the reference strain indicated higher genetic diversity of the domestic isolate genome. Multidrug resistance and diverse population genetic make complicated situation for determination of strategies for infectious disease prevention.
Prewash and postwash total progressively motile sperm counts have poor predictive value for clinical pregnancy after intrauterine insemination
Authors: Liu Shuai , Chen Zhiheng , Wang Hui , Yang Li , Ma Caiqi , Sun Ling
Published: October 2020

Objective

To evaluate the predictive value of the prewash and postwash total progressively motile sperm counts (TPMSC) on clinical pregnancy after intrauterine insemination (IUI) .

Methods

A review of medical records of women undergoing 2064 IUI cycles in a university hospital between April 2010 and October 2018.

Results

No pregnancies were seen when the prewash TPMSC was less than 9 million or the postwash TPMSC was less than 2 million. There was no correlation between TPMSC and clinical pregnancies. Further analysis was made in pregnancies after prewash TPMSC of 3–10 million and more than 10 million, and after postwash TPMSC of 10–100 million and more than 100 million. No correlation was found between TPMSC and clinical pregnancy in different strata of female age, infertility duration, type of infertility, type of IUI treatment, and the number of treatment cycles. A negative relationship was found for unstimulated IUI treatment and the number of treatment cycles. The prewash and postwash TPMSC showed no predictive value.

Conclusion

Prewash and postwash TPMSC have poor predictive value for clinical pregnancy in IUI. Cycles with a prewash TPMSC of 10–100 million or postwash TPMSC of 3–10 million could achieve acceptable pregnancy rates with IUI.
The effect of the COVID‐19 pandemic on maternal health due to delay in seeking health care: Experience from a tertiary center
Authors: Goyal Manu , Singh Pratibha , Singh Kuldeep , Shekhar Shashank , Agrawal Neha , Misra Sanjeev
Published: October 2020

Objective

To assess the effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on obstetric care and outcomes.

Methods

A prospective observational single‐center study was performed, including all antenatal and parturient women admitted from April to August, 2020. Data were collected regarding number of admissions, deliveries, antenatal visits, reason for inaccessibility of health care, and complications during pregnancy, and compared with data from the pre‐COVID period of October 2019 to February 2020.

Results

There was a reduction of 45.1% in institutional deliveries (P < 0.001), a percentage point increase of 7.2 in high‐risk pregnancy, and 2.5‐fold rise in admission to the intensive care unit of pregnant women during the pandemic. One‐third of women had inadequate antenatal visits. The main reason for delayed health‐seeking was lockdown and fear of contracting infection, resulting in 44.7% of pregnancies with complications. Thirty‐two symptomatic women who tested positive for COVID‐19 were managed at the center with good maternal and fetal outcomes.

Conclusion

Although COVID‐19 does not directly affect pregnancy outcomes, it has indirect adverse effects on maternal and child health. Emergency obstetric and antenatal care are essential services to be continued with awareness of people while maintaining social distancing and personal hygiene.
Dependence of the nonlinear behaviour stability of a ZnO nanoparticle‐Bi2O3‐Mn2O3‐based varistor system on cooling rates during ceramic processing
Authors: Sendi Rabab Khaled , Ali Afaf M.
Published: October 2020

A conventional ceramic processing method was applied to manufacture high‐density 20‐nm ZnO‐Bi2O3‐Mn2O3 varistor ceramics. Different cooling rates in the range of 135–540°C/h led to a relatively slight influence on the microstructure, varistor voltage, and leakage current. In contrast, these rates strongly affected the nonlinear exponent. The specific surface area of the 20‐nm ZnO nanoparticle may have led to an intense solid‐state reaction even at a low cooling rate. Superior nonlinearity, with 59.7 μA nonlinear current leakage and 273.5 μA leakage current, was achieved at the 135°C/h cooling rate. The differences in the cooling rates led to a remarkable change in the material's stability under direct current (DC)‐accelerated aging stress in the following order: 135°C/hr ˃ 270°C/hr˃405°C/hr ˃ 540°C/hr.
Synthesis of bis(1,5‐disubstituted tetrazoles) via double four component Azido‐Ugi reaction
Authors: Dehghan Negin , Nasr‐Isfahani Hossein , Sarvary Afshin , Bakherad Mohammad
Published: October 2020

A double four component Azido‐Ugi reaction of isocyanide, TMSN3, aldehyde, and 4,4′‐sulfonyldianiline with two amine functional groups in MeOH at 65°C has been described. The synthesis of pharmacologically and structurally interesting compounds with two 1,5‐disubstituted tetrazole rings via a reaction from available and inexpensive reagents under a convenient process and mild reaction conditions has been reported. Modifications in the structure of the reaction product could be followed by varying the aldehyde or isocyanide component. The products are new and were well described by Mass, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectral studies.
Crossed Cerebellar Diaschisis in Patients With Symptomatic Unilateral Anterior Circulation Stroke Is Associated With Hemodynamic Impairment in the IpsilateralMCATerritory
Authors: Sebök Martina , van Niftrik Christiaan Hendrik Bas , Piccirelli Marco , Muscas Giovanni , Pangalu Athina , Wegener Susanne , Stippich Christoph , Regli Luca , Fierstra Jorn
Published: October 2020

Background

In patients with steno‐occlusive disease, recent findings suggest that hemodynamic alterations may also be associated with crossed cerebellar diaschisis (CCD) rather than a functional disruption alone.

Purpose

To use a quantitative multiparametric hemodynamic MRI to gain a better understanding of hemodynamic changes related to CCD in patients with unilateral anterior circulation stroke.

Study Type

Prospective cohort study.

Population

Twenty‐four patients (25 datasets) with symptomatic unilateral anterior circulation stroke.

Field Strength/Sequence

3T/two sequences: single‐shot (echo‐planar imaging) EPI sequence and T2*gradient echo perfusion‐weighted imaging study.

Assessment

The presence of CCD was inferred from the cerebellar asymmetry index (CAI) of the blood oxygenation‐level dependent cerebrovascular reactivity (BOLD‐CVR) exam, which was calculated from the mean BOLD‐CVR and standard deviation of the CAI of the healthy control group. For all perfusion‐weighted (PW)‐MRI parameters, the cerebellar and middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory asymmetry indices were calculated.

Statistical Tests

Independent Student'st‐test to compare the variables from the CCD positive(+) and CCD negative(–) groups and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) to statistically control the effect of covariates (infarct volume and time since ischemia onset).

Results

CCD was present in 33% of patients. In the MCA territory of the affected hemisphere, BOLD‐CVR was significantly more impaired in the CCD(+) group as compared to the CCD(–) group (mean BOLD‐CVR ± SD [%BOLD signal/ΔmmHgCO2]: –0.03 ± 0.12 vs. 0.11 ± 0.13,P < 0.05). Moreover, the mean transit time (MTT) (asymmetry index (%) CCD(+) vs. CCD(–): 28 ± 23 vs. 4 ± 11,P < 0.05) and time to peak (TTP) (10 ± 10 vs. 2 ± 5,P < 0.05) in the MCA territory of the affected hemisphere were significantly prolonged, while cerebral blood volume was, on average, increased in the CCD(+) group (25 ± 15 vs. 4 ± 19,P < 0.05).

Data Conclusion

Our findings show that, in patients with symptomatic unilateral anterior circulation stroke, CCD is associated with hemodynamic impairment in the ipsilateral MCA territory, which further supports the concept of a vascular component of CCD.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy Stage

3
Extreme temperature and rainfall events in Bangladesh: A comparison between coastal and inland areas
Authors: Abdullah Abu Yousuf Md. , Bhuian Md. Hanif , Kiselev Grigory , Dewan Ashraf , Hassan Quazi K. , Rafiuddin M.
Published: October 2020

Although coastal and inland areas of Bangladesh exhibit distinct physiographic and climatic characteristics, spatiotemporal variation of extreme climatic events is poorly understood in these two areas. This study was an attempt to understand the trends in extreme climatic events in coastal and inland areas over the period 1968–2018. The missing data in daily maximum and minimum temperature, and daily rainfall datasets were imputed using the multiple imputation by chained equations technique and implementing a predictive mean matching algorithm. The imputed datasets were then tested for inhomogeneity using the penalized maximal t and modified penalized maximal F tests. A quantile matching algorithm was then applied to homogenize the datasets, which were then used for generating 13 extreme temperature and 9 extreme rainfall indices. The trends were assessed using the Trend Free Pre‐whitened Mann–Kendall test and the magnitudes of the changes were determined using the Thiel–Sen slope estimator. Additionally, standardized anomalies were calculated to understand the seasonal variability of temperature and rainfall over the past five decades. Results suggested that both coastal and inland areas were warming significantly but coastal areas exhibited a higher rate of warming. Although most of the extreme rainfall indices showed statistically non‐significant changes for coastal and inland stations, there is evidence of localized dryness and increased rainfall at individual stations. In particular, the drought‐prone northwestern region of the country experienced decreased rainfall, which is discordant to the results of previous studies. Findings from this study highlighted important local and regional‐scale changes in extreme climate events that were previously overlooked. The findings of this study can help undertake targeted climate change adaptation strategies to save population and resources.
Risk of reinfection after two‐ or multiple‐stage knee revision surgery using superficial vancomycin coating and conventional spacers
Authors: Amerstorfer Florian , Schober Martina , Valentin Thomas , Klim Sebastian , Leithner Andreas , Fischerauer Stefan , Glehr Mathias
Published: October 2020

This study investigates the effect of superficial vancomycin coating (SVC) in two‐ or more‐stage exchange procedures of prosthetic knee joint infections. We hypothesized that spacer treatment with SVC result in lower reinfection rates than conventional spacers after prosthetic reimplantation. Our secondary aim was to determine the demographic and treatment factors associated with reinfection rates. This retrospective cohort study compromised 96 cases with prosthetic knee infections. Twenty‐four cases were treated with a temporary SVC spacer and 72 cases with conventional spacers. Prosthetic reinfection occurred after a median observation period of 1.7 ± 4.0 years in 24 cases (25%). The prevalence of having a reinfection was not significantly different between the two treatment groups (13% [3 cases] in the SVC group vs. 29% [21 cases] in the conventional spacer group [p = .104]). In seven cases (7.3%), two in the SVC group (8.3%) and five (6.9%) in the conventional spacer group (p ≥ .999), histological, respectively microbiological evaluations from the intraoperative specimens revealed persistent infection at the second stage. Nevertheless, in all seven cases no significant higher risk of periprosthetic reinfection was observed during follow‐up (p = .750). Our secondary investigation of cofactors revealed that spacers additionally stabilized by nails were significantly associated with a 3.9‐fold higher hazard ratio of sustaining a reinfection of revision prosthesis (p = .005).
Skimmin protects diabetic cardiomyopathy in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats
Authors: Liang Rui‐Kai , Zhao Yun‐Yun , Shi Mei‐Li , Zhang Gang , Zhao Yong‐Jun , Zhang Bing‐Gui , Liang Rui‐Jing
Published: October 2020

Skimmin, a natural coumarin derivate, has been showed to be protective against experimental diabetic nephropathy; however, its protective effect on diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is not clarified. By using in vitro and in vivo models, we investigated skimmin's protective effect on impaired heart tissues in DCM. DCM was induced by streptozotocin (STZ, 60 mg/kg) using Sprague Dawley rats, and diabetic rats were treated with either skimmin (15 or 30 mg/kg) or the vehicle for 16 weeks, and normal rats were used as a control. Hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome staining were performed to evaluate the cardiac histopathology, and the oxidative stress and proinflammation cytokines in heart tissues were measured. The protein levels of key mediators in fibrosis, pyroptosis, and autophagy in heart tissues were investigated using western blotting. In vitro, primary neonatal cardiomyocytes were treated with skimmin (2 and 10 μM) under stimulation by high glucose (30 mM) and low glucose (5 mM) respectively, and the molecular mechanisms on pyroptosis and autophagy were studied. Compared to the vehicle‐treated DCM group, skimmin treatment significantly improved the ejection fraction and fractional shortening of the left ventricle and reduced the oxidative stress by increasing the glutathione level and activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase. Skimmin also reduced cardiac fibrosis, and decreased proinflammation cytokines in cardiac tissues. Mechanism studies showed skimmin may enhance the autophagy and ameliorate NLRP3 inflammasome activation to play a protective role in DCM. This study, for the first time, indicates that skimmin might be a promising lead compound for DCM.
Thin layers in the coastal zone of Ubatuba, Brazil: Mechanisms of formation and dissipation
Authors: Penninck Silvana B. , Lopes Rubens M. , Lima Josiane F. , McManus Margaret A.
Published: October 2020

Thin layers are vertically compressed, horizontally extensive, highly concentrated features comprised of plankton and/or particles. They are critical components of the marine ecosystem, likely playing a key role in the life histories and evolutionary trajectories of species found in, or, interacting with them. These structures have been reported in diverse marine environments around the globe. However, the mechanisms of thin layer formation/dissipation in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean were unknown until this contribution. To assess the temporal evolution of thin phytoplankton layers on the inner shelf off Ubatuba, Brazil, we conducted two oceanographic fixed station cruises, including optics, acoustics, and imaging techniques. Over a period of 2 days, three thin layers were observed: within the pycnocline close to the maximum stratification, and below the pycnocline where phytoplankton were affected by enhanced nutrient supply provided by the South Atlantic Central Water (SACW). Changes in regional wind patterns influenced the presence of SACW, which directly affected shear and stratification: the primary physical mechanisms we attribute to thin layer formation in this region. The associated biological mechanisms contributing to thin layer formation were biomass accumulation (in situ growth) and likely the mobility of dinoflagellates. The dominant organisms in the thin layer depths and surroundings, by our in situ imaging system, were cyanobacteria, diatoms, dinoflagellates, and crustaceans. Thin Layers likely have crucial importance for meso‐oligotrophic environments, representing important feeding resources for higher trophic levels.
Putting the network to work: Learning networks in rapid response situations
Authors: Vinson Alexandra H.
Published: October 2020

Introduction

The rapid response to COVID‐19 has necessitated infrastructural development and reorientation in order to safely meet patient care needs.

Methods

A qualitative case study was constructed within a larger ethnographic field study. Document collection and fieldnotes and recordings from nonparticipant observation of network activities were compiled and chronologically ordered to chart the network's response to changes in epilepsy care resulting from COVID‐19 and the rapid transition to telemedicine.

Results

The network's response to COVID‐19 was characterized by a predisposition to action, the role of sharing as both a group practice and shared value, and the identification of improvement science as the primary contribution of the group within the larger epilepsy community's response to COVID‐19. The findings are interpreted as an example of how group culture can shape action via a transparent and mundane shared infrastructure.

Conclusions

The case of one multi‐stakeholder epilepsy Learning Network provides an example of the use of infrastructure that is shaped by the group's culture. These findings contribute to the development of a social theory of infrastructure within Learning Health Systems.
3D inkjet printing of biomaterials: Principles and applications
Authors: Barui Srimanta
Published: October 2020

This article reviews the fundamental process physics and key applications of binder jetting and “direct” inkjet printing, as the two broad categories of 3D inkjet printing in biomedical device fabrication. Inkjet printing is prospective in contactless bioprinting for both hard and soft tissue regeneration in one hand, whereas on the other, it is immensely beneficial in the near‐net‐shaped manufacturing of patient/design‐specific implants for static load bearing (dental crown, denture frame), articulating (osteochondral cartilage implant) or in vivo blood vessel formation and tissue regeneration applications. With a comprehensive understanding of the governing theories of the transient process physics of both binder jetting and “direct” inkjet printing, the “processing‐3D microstructure‐property” correlation demonstrates the promise of this less explored technique in “reliable” medical manufacturing. Facilitated by the “on‐demand” delivery of small droplets (10–50 pL), inkjet printing can also be deployed to precisely deposit anti‐cancer/anti‐diabetic drugs on sophisticated medical devices for painless transdermal administration.
The impact of dropsonde data on a numerical simulation of landfalling Typhoon Mangkhut
Authors: Zhang ChengZhong , Chan PakWai , Wu NaiGeng , Huang YanYan , Hon KaiKwong
Published: October 2020

On September 15, 2018, when Typhoon Mangkhut entered the northeastern South China Sea, nine dropsondes were released in the storm's northwest quadrant at 1000 UTC and five more were released in the northeast quadrant at 1200 UTC. The resulting data were used to analyse wind speed profiles that revealed a peak wind speed at 750 hPa in the northwest quadrant and at 900 hPa in the northeast quadrant. Two experiments were then run for 54 hr using the Globe/Regional Assimilation and Prediction System model, one assimilating the dropsonde data (DROP) and one without (CTRL), to investigate the impact of these data on typhoon forecasting. After the assimilation of dropsonde data at 1200 UTC, the analysis field showed the typhoon's circulation weakening at lower levels and strengthening at middle levels, and an intensification of the asymmetry of the typhoon's horizontal kinematic structure between its eastern and western parts. In addition, water vapour over the northwestern side increased from lower to middle levels, and the warm‐core structure was further strengthened. The dropsonde data assimilation resulted in improved quantitative precipitation forecasts during landfall: the averaged track error in the DROP was > 10% lower than in the CTRL and the maximum surface wind speeds and minimum sea level pressures were all closer to those observed before landfall. The findings from the study are preliminary and, therefore, more cases over the South China Sea are needed to obtain statistical significance.
Low radar cross‐section, broadband circularly polarized antenna using quaternary artificial magnetic conductor
Authors: Guo Meng , Wang Wei , Wang Jing , Gong Linshu
Published: October 2020

A quaternary artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) is proposed in this letter, and we design broadband circularly polarized antenna on this basis. The main innovation of this work resides in the way of realizing ultra‐wideband radar cross‐section (RCS) reduction. The quaternary AMC has different scattering mechanisms in the low and high bands. In low band, since the AMCs' reflection phases in diagonal are very close, the quaternary AMC can be regarded as a conventional binary checkerboard AMC. But with the variation of frequency, the different reflection phases in the high band will cause the quaternary AMC to be a surface structure like a coding diffuse metasurface. Ultimately, RCS reduction of more than 10 dB is realized from 7.5 to 21.3 GHz, where the bandwidth approximately accounts for 95.83% of the center frequency. Thanks to the proximity coupling, the AMC array around the original antenna, as the parasitic patch, plays a significant role in regulating and improving the axial ratio. The measurement and simulation results demonstrate that the proposed antenna obtains an axial ratio of <3 dB from 8.95 to 11.07 GHz, the impedance bandwidth (ie, VSWR ≤2) ranges from 8.45 to 11.80 GHz.
SPICE modeling for RF kink effect in body contacted PD‐SOI nMOSFETs
Authors: Lee Kiahn , Lee Seonghearn
Published: October 2020

In order to simulate anomalous RF kink effect where S21‐ and S22‐parameters in high‐resistivity partially depleted silicon‐on‐insulator MOSFETs with body contact rotate clockwise in the lower and upper semicircles of Smith chart, respectively, a new SPICE BSIMSOI4 macro model including empirical voltage‐dependent equations of current sources, inductance, capacitance, and resistance has been proposed. The accuracy of the empirical model is verified in the wide voltage range by comparing it with measured S‐parameters from 0.01 to 15 GHz.
A knowledge‐based quantitative approach to characterize treatment plan quality: Application to prostate VMAT planning
Authors: Alnaalwa Buthayna , Nwankwo Obioma , Abo‐Madyan Yasser , Giordano Frank A. , Wenz Frederik , Glatting Gerhard
Published: October 2020

Purpose

To characterize treatment plan (TP) quality, a quantitative quality control (QC) tool is proposed. The tool is validated using volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans for treatment of prostate cancer by estimating the achievable organ at risk (OAR) sparing, based on the knowledge learned from prior plans.

Methods

Prostate TP quality was investigated by evaluating the achieved OAR sparing in the rectum and bladder, based on their proximity to target surface. The knowledge base used in this work comprises 450 plans, consisting of 181 homogenous prostate plans and 269 simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) prostate plans. A knowledge‐based algorithm was used to relate the absorbed doses of the OARs (rectum and bladder) and their proximity to the planning target volume (PTV). A metric (Mq,r value) was calculated to characterize the OAR sparing based on the weighted differences of the mean doses at binned distances to the PTV surface. The 90% probability ellipse of the normally distributed OARs Mq,r values was considered to define a threshold above which the treatment plan was re‐optimized.

Results

Following re‐optimization, 8/11 of the homogenous plans and 6/13 of the SIB plans outside the 90% probability ellipse could be re‐optimized to gain better OAR sparing while achieving the same or better target coverage. However, 3/4 of the homogenous TPs and 1/9 of the SIB TPs between 80% and 90% were improved. Mq,r values of bladder and rectum after re‐optimizing the plans in both groups of homogenous and SIB showed lower values compared to the corresponding values before re‐optimization, which implies that better OARs sparing was achieved.

Conclusions

This work demonstrates an effective anatomy‐specific QC tool for identifying suboptimal plans and determining the achievable OAR sparing for each individual patient anatomy.
Assessment of task‐based performance from five clinical DBT systems using an anthropomorphic breast phantom
Authors: Ikejimba Lynda C. , Salad Jesse , Graff Christian G. , Goodsitt Mitchell , Chan Heang‐Ping , Huang Hailiang , Zhao Wei , Ghammraoui Bahaa , Lo Joseph Y. , Glick Stephen J.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) is a limited‐angle tomographic breast imaging modality that can be used for breast cancer screening in conjunction with full‐field digital mammography (FFDM) or synthetic mammography (SM). Currently, there are five commercial DBT systems that have been approved by the U.S. FDA for breast cancer screening, all varying greatly in design and imaging protocol. Because the systems are different in technical specifications, there is a need for a quantitative approach for assessing them. In this study, the DBT systems are assessed using a novel methodology with an inkjet‐printed anthropomorphic phantom and four alternative forced choice (4AFC) study scheme.

Method

A breast phantom was fabricated using inkjet printing and parchment paper. The phantom contained 5‐mm spiculated masses fabricated with potassium iodide (KI)‐doped ink and microcalcifications (MCs) made with calcium hydroxyapatite. Images of the phantom were acquired on all five systems with DBT, FFDM, and SM modalities where available using beam settings under automatic exposure control. A 4AFC study was conducted to assess reader performance with each signal under each modality. Statistical analysis was performed on the data to determine proportion correct (PC), standard deviations, and levels of significance.

Results

For masses, overall detection was highest with DBT. The difference in PC was statistically significant between DBT and SM for most systems. A relationship was observed between increasing PC and greater gantry span. For MCs, performance was highest with DBT and FFDM compared to SM. The difference between PC of DBT and PC of SM was statistically significant for all manufacturers.

Conclusions

This methodology represents a novel approach for evaluating systems. This study is the first of its kind to use an inkjet‐printed anthropomorphic phantom with realistic signals to assess performance of clinical DBT imaging systems.
Combination molecular therapies for spinal muscular atrophy: How much is enough?
Authors: Mathews Katherine D. , Iannaccone Susan T.
Published: October 2020

See article on Issue MUS 62:4 pages 550–554.
Smartphone data during the COVID‐19 pandemic can quantify behavioral changes in people with ALS
Authors: Beukenhorst Anna L. , Collins Ella , Burke Katherine M. , Rahman Syed Minhajur , Clapp Margaret , Konanki Sai Charan , Paganoni Sabrina , Miller Timothy M. , Chan James , Onnela Jukka‐Pekka , Berry James D.
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Passive data from smartphone sensors may be useful for health‐care research. Our aim was to use the coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic as a positive control to assess the ability to quantify behavioral changes in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) from smartphone data.

Methods

Eight participants used the Beiwe smartphone application, which passively measured their location during the COVID‐19 outbreak. We used an interrupted time series to quantify the effect of the US state of emergency declaration on daily home time and daily distance traveled.

Results

After the state of emergency declaration, median daily home time increased from 19.4 (interquartile range [IQR], 15.4‐22.0) hours to 23.7 (IQR, 22.2‐24.0) hours and median distance traveled decreased from 42 (IQR, 13‐83) km to 3.7 (IQR, 1.5‐10.3) km. The participant with the lowest functional ability changed behavior earlier. This participant stayed at home more and traveled less than the participant with highest functional ability, both before and after the state of emergency.

Discussion

We provide evidence that smartphone‐based digital phenotyping can quantify the behavior of people with ALS. Although participants spent large amounts of time at home at baseline, the COVID‐19 state of emergency declaration reduced their mobility further. Given participants' high level of daily home time, it is possible that their exposure to COVID‐19 could be less than that of the general population.
Determination of bile acids from human gallbladder by 1H‐MRS—Protocol optimization and estimation of reproducibility
Authors: Vermathen Peter , Diserens Gaëlle , Kröll Dino , Nett Philipp , Stirnimann Guido , Wiest Reiner
Published: October 2020

Bile exerts multiple functions in the liver and gut and is involved in multiple disease processes. It is secreted continuously from the liver and stored in the gallbladder until needed, and closely reflects the available bile acid pool. The study objective was therefore to develop a reliable MRS protocol and to assess variability of bile acid determination in human gallbladder. MRS measurements were performed on a 3 T MR scanner with 20 subjects to optimize protocols (26 measurements) and conduct a prospective reproducibility study (18 measurements). Measurements were carried out with subjects lying in either supine (23 scans) or prone positions (21 scans) to compare results from the two positions. For reproducibility determination, six of the 20 volunteers (three males, three females, age = 34.9 ± 10.9 years, BMI = 23.4 ± 2.1 kg/m2) were measured three times: back to back to assess technical variability and once again after three weeks to assess total variability, including additional physiological variability. A single voxel was measured in the gallbladder with respiratory triggering. For quantification, apparent T2 times were determined and a non‐water‐suppressed spectrum was acquired. Total bile acids, glycine and taurine conjugated bile acids, and lipids including choline‐containing phospholipids were determined. Higher quality and reliability of gallbladder spectra were obtained with subjects measured in prone compared with supine position. All measurements of the reproducibility sub‐study were of sufficient quality to be included in the analysis. Average coefficients of variation within subjects for the main compounds were 37% for total variation (including physiological and technical variation) and 24% for technical variation alone. These values were much smaller than those between subjects, which were >54% for both back‐to‐back and three weeks separated measurements. These results suggest diagnostic applicability of the method, especially for longitudinal studies aiming at non‐invasive characterization of bile composition in humans with various diseases and/or interventional maneuvers.
Decision Tree‐Based Entries Reduction scheme using multi‐match attributes to prevent flow table overflow in SDN environment
Authors: Nallusamy Priyanka , Saravanen Sapna , Krishnan Murugan
Published: October 2020

The software‐defined networking is used extensively in data centers that provide centralized control for the widely deployed networking resources. The traffic is shaped by rules created by the controller dynamically without modifying the individual switch. The key component that stores rules which are used to process the flows is the flow table which resides in the ternary content addressable memory. The current commercial OpenFlow appliances accommodate limited entries up to 8000 due to its high cost and high power consumption. There are two issues to be considered, where (1) flow table's inability to provide rules during flow table overflow leads to dropping of incoming packets and (2) the significant amount of rule replacement occurs when the traffic in data centers increases which creates massive route requests to controller creating overhead. The proposed scheme prevents flow table overflow using the robust machine learning algorithm called decision tree (Iterative Dichotomiser 3) that allows the flow table to learn its high prioritized fine‐grained entries by means of multiple matching attributes. The entries are classified, and the usual eviction process is replaced by pushing the low important entries into counting bloom filter which acts as a cache to prevent flow entry miss. The simulations were carried out using real‐time network traffic datasets, and the comparisons with the various existing schemes prove that the proposed approach reduces 99.99% of the controller's overhead and the entries are minimized to 99% providing extra space for new flows.
A decoupling scheme for two‐scale finite thermoviscoelasticity with thermal and cure‐induced deformations
Authors: Saito Risa , Yamanaka Yosuke , Matsubara Seishiro , Okabe Tomonaga , Moriguchi Shuji , Terada Kenjiro
Published: October 2020

This article proposes a decoupling scheme for two‐scale analysis of fiber‐reinforced plastics (FRP) exhibiting finite thermoviscoelasticity in consideration of the dependences of resin's mechanical and nonmechanical deformation characteristics on the degree of cure (DOC) and ambient temperature. To characterize the macroscopic material behavior, numerical material tests are carried out on a unit cell composed of a polymer resin matrix and carbon fibers. The generalized Maxwell model (GMM) is employed for resin' material behavior, while its orthotropic version is assumed for FRP. The evolution of DOC is reflected in the evaluation of the nonmechanical deformation by cure shrinkage in addition to thermal expansion/contraction. The key ingredient of this study is the novel strategy for identifying the macroscopic coefficients of these nonmechanical deformations, both of which must be separately defined in the equilibrium and nonequilibrium elements of the orthotropic GMM. In addition, a modification is originally made on the evolution equations of the nonequilibrium stresses in the GMM. The verification analyses are carried out to confirm the adequateness of the proposed identification methods and followed by numerical examples of two‐scale analysis to demonstrate the capability of simulating the macro‐ and microscopic thermomechanical responses of FRP subjected to curing.
Numerical wavelets scheme to complex partial differential equation arising from Morlet continuous wavelet transform
Authors: Patel Vijay Kumar , Singh Somveer , Singh Vineet Kumar
Published: October 2020

In this article, a new wavelets approximation scheme based on operational matrices has been discussed for the solutions of proposed initial value complex partial differential equation (CPDE) which is arising from continuous wavelet transform. We developed an algorithm using transformation to obtain the numerical solution of CPDE with a numerical wavelet collocation method based on two‐dimensional Legendre wavelet (TDLW) and two‐dimensional Bernoulli wavelet (TDBW) operational matrices. We converted CPDE into a system of partial differential equations (PDEs) and this system of PDEs converted into couple PDEs in terms of the real and imaginary component. Finally, we obtained a system of partial integro‐differential equations (PIDEs) with nonlocal boundary conditions. After implementation of wavelets scheme on PIDEs, PIDEs reduced into a system of algebraic equations. In the sequence of this, we also investigated the convergence analysis of TDLW, TDBW, and error analysis, respectively. Finally, illustrative examples are included to demonstrate the validity and applicability of the presented wavelet scheme for the proposed problem.
Theoretical approaches on certain characterization of L‐fuzzy soft modules
Authors: Çelik Yıldıray
Published: October 2020

In this article, we give concept of L‐fuzzy soft module and introduce its several related properties and structural characteristics with suitable examples. We also study on characterization of this concept by using the properties of soft modules. Moreover, we investigate relations among concepts of L‐fuzzy submodule, soft module and L‐fuzzy soft module.
The effect of hospital care volume on overall survival of children with cancer in Southern Brazil
Authors: Arancibia Alejandro Mauricio , De Farias Caroline Brunetto , Brunetto Algemir Lunardi , Roesler Rafael , Gregianin Lauro José
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of hospital care volume on the overall survival of children with cancer in Southern Brazil.

Patients and Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of 1378 cancer patients aged 0‐19 years, diagnosed with cancer between August 1, 2009 and December 31, 2015 in Rio Grande do Sul, who received hospital treatment in institutions affiliated with the Universal Health Care System (Sistema Único de Saúde [SUS]).

Results

Most children and adolescents were male (56.9%) and White (75.8%). The most common types of cancer in our cohort were acute leukemia (40.7%), followed by lymphoma (15.9%) and central nervous system tumors (8.8%). Ninety‐five percent of the patients were treated in specialized pediatric oncology centers. The cumulative probability of survival at 5 years for all patients was 73.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 71.4‐76.0%). Survival was significantly higher for patients younger than 4 years of age (P = .012) compared to all other age groups. Patients treated in institutions with a pediatric oncology patient volume of less than 15 patients/year were 41% more likely to die than patients treated in institutions with a volume of 60 patients/year or more (P = .029).

Conclusion

Cancer is the leading cause of death by natural causes in all age groups in Brazil, but, even so, childhood tumors are rare. This complexity makes childhood cancer care a challenge. In this study, we reiterate that pediatric cancer patients demonstrate better overall survival when treated in high‐volume hospitals.
When chemistry of the substrate drastically controls morphogenesis of plasma polymer thin films
Authors: Le Nghia H. , Bonne Magali , Airoudj Aissam , Fioux Philippe , Boubon Rémi , Rebiscoul Diane , Bally‐Le Gall Florence , Lebeau Bénédicte , Roucoules Vincent
Published: October 2020

The impact of surface chemistry on the morphogenesis of maleic anhydride plasma polymer is investigated on silicon wafers with very well‐controlled surface chemistries (i.e., native oxide, hydroxyl‐rich, and alkyl‐rich). A particular attention is paid to characterize the early stages of growth. Two different morphologies of polymer films are obtained, depending on the hydrophilic or hydrophobic nature of the substrate surface, even though the chemical composition is very similar. Homogeneous and dense polymer films are formed on hydrophilic substrates due to the strong affinity of plasma species toward the surface. Elongated nanostructures resulting in a less dense polymer film grow on the hydrophobic surface, which are assumed to be the result of the low affinity of plasma species.
Application of 2,2′‐dipyridyl disulfide‐mediated thiazolidine ring‐opening reaction to glycoprotein synthesis: Total chemical synthesis of evasin‐3
Authors: Katayama Hidekazu , Nagata Koji
Published: October 2020

Thiazolidine ring‐opening reaction is one of the key steps in protein chemical synthesis via sequential native chemical ligation strategy. We recently developed a novel thiazolidine ring‐opening reaction with 2,2′‐dipyridyl disulfide (DPDS). In order to investigate the applicability of this reaction to glycoprotein synthesis, we synthesized evasin‐3, a cysteine‐rich glycoprotein with chemokine‐binding ability originally found in tick saliva. The sequence of evasin‐3 was divided into three segments, and these segments were separately synthesized with the ordinary solid‐phase peptide synthesis method. After the first ligation of middle and C‐terminal segments, thiazolidine used as a protecting group of Cys residue at the N‐terminus of the middle segment was converted to Cys with DPDS. In this thiazolidine ring‐opening reaction, DPDS treatment did not affect the N‐linked glycan moiety. After the second ligation with the N‐terminal segment and the refolding reaction, evasin‐3 could be obtained in good yield. The synthetic evasin‐3 showed the binding ability specifically to CXCL chemokines. These results clearly indicate that this DPDS method is useful for glycoprotein synthesis.
Investigation of Thermal Annealing Effect on Bilayer Graphene by Isotope‐Labeling‐Assisted Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Jinglan , Zhang Xuewei , Jin Yanhan , Zhang Yang , Zhang Zilong , Xia Yang , Zhao Pei , Wang Hongtao
Published: October 2020

Thermal annealing is a necessary step in the standard fabrication process of graphene for removal of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The influence of thermal annealing on monolayer graphene (MLG) has been intensively studied, but that on bilayer graphene (BLG) remains unclear. A key challenge for such investigation is that the Raman spectroscopic method that is usually used on MLG encounters the overlap of featured peaks from the two graphene layers. Herein, the independent featured Raman peaks of the two layers can be detected using isotope‐labeled BLG samples, so that the shift in each spectrum affected by the annealing process can be monitored. Results show that there are compression and doping in MLG and twisted‐stacked BLG (t‐BLG) after annealing. Compared with that in MLG, the annealing‐induced doping level in the adlayer of t‐BLG is lower, and in the top layer of t‐BLG, only a low level of doping and compression remains after thermal annealing. Moreover, the annealing‐induced doping level in AB‐stacked BLG (AB‐BLG) is almost the same with that in t‐BLG, and the originally induced compression during a transfer process is unloaded. These results can provide more understanding for the post‐treatment of graphene on substrates and the characterization of each layer.
The Role of Long‐Wave Bending Vibrations in the Destruction of Ultrathin Al Films
Authors: Salamatov Evgenii , Dolgusheva Elena
Published: October 2020

The molecular dynamics method is used to study the process of development of dynamic instability of a thin film, leading to its destruction. The calculations are performed for a thin aluminum film using the interatomic interaction potential tested by comparing the numerical results with the analytical ones from the elasticity theory. An original approach which allows one to calculate the dispersion law of long‐wave phonons in ultrathin films is developed. The temperatures (<600 K) at which the system remains stable for 0.6 ns are found. This makes it possible to analyze the low‐frequency part of the spectrum down to the minimum frequency νmin = 0.0166 THz, and to determine the vibration frequency of the longest bending wave ν0 = 0.033 THz which decreases with increasing temperature, and therefore, its period grows. Once the vibration period becomes comparable with the time of simulation, there occurs a continuous increase in the amplitude of this mode which will be referred to as “retarded mode.” It is shown that the film destruction begins with the attainment of a certain critical value of the bending wave amplitude.
Robust Generation of Logical Qubit Singlet States with Reverse Engineering and Optimal Control with Spin Qubits
Authors: Kang Yi‐Hao , Shi Zhi‐Cheng , Xia Yan , Song Jie
Published: October 2020

A protocol is proposed to generate singlet states of three logical qubits constructed by pairs of spins. Single and multiple operations of logical qubits are studied for the construction of an effective Hamiltonian, with which robust control fields are derived with invariant‐based reverse engineering and optimal control. Moreover, systematic errors are further compensated by periodic modulation for better robustness. Furthermore, resistance to random noise and decoherence of the protocol is also shown with numerical simulations. Therefore, the protocol may provide useful perspectives for the generation of logical qubit entanglement in spin systems.
Serial correlation structures in latent linear mixed models for analysis of multivariate longitudinal ordinal responses
Authors: Tran Trung Dung , Lesaffre Emmanuel , Verbeke Geert , Molenberghs Geert
Published: October 2020

We propose a latent linear mixed model to analyze multivariate longitudinal data of multiple ordinal variables, which are manifestations of fewer continuous latent variables. We focus on the latent level where the effects of observed covariates on the latent variables are of interest. We incorporate serial correlation into the variance component rather than assuming independent residuals. We show that misleading inference may be drawn when misspecifying the variance component. Furthermore, we provide a graphical tool depicting latent empirical semi‐variograms to detect serial correlation for latent stationary linear mixed models. We apply our proposed model to examine the treatment effect on patients having the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis disease. The result shows that the treatment can slow down progression of latent cervical and lumbar functions.