bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photochemistry in the Low‐Temperature Processing of Metal Oxide Thin Films by Solution Methods
Authors: Bretos Iñigo , Jiménez Ricardo , Ricote Jesús , Calzada M. Lourdes
Published: March 2020

Photochemistry has emerged in the last few years as a powerful tool for the low‐temperature processing of metal oxide thin films prepared by solution methods. Today, its implementation into the fabrication procedure makes possible the integration of amorphous semiconductors or functional crystalline oxides into flexible electronic systems at temperatures below 350 °C. In this review, the effects of UV irradiation at the different stages of the chemical solution deposition of metal oxide thin films are presented. These stages include from the synthesis of the precursor solution to the formation of the amorphous metal‐oxygen network in the film and its subsequent crystallization into the oxide phase. Photochemical reactions that can be induced in both the solution deposited layer and the irradiation atmosphere are first described, highlighting the role of the potential reactive chemical species formed in the system under irradiation, such as free radicals or oxidizing compounds. Then, the photochemical effects of continuous UV light on the film are shown, focusing on the decomposition of the metal precursors, the condensation and densification of the metal‐oxygen network, and the nucleation and growth of the crystalline oxide. All these processes are demonstrated to advance the formation and crystallization of the metal oxide thin film to an earlier stage, which is ultimately translated into a lower temperature range of fabrication. The reduced energy consumption of the process upon decreasing the processing temperature, and the prospect of using light instead of heat in the synthesis of inorganic materials, make photochemistry as a promising technique for a sustainable future ever more needed in our life.
Hydrogen Bonding‐Induced H‐Aggregation for Fluorescence Turn‐On of the GFP Chromophore: Supramolecular Structural Rigidity
Authors: Tsai Meng‐Shiue , Tsai Sung‐Yu , Huang Yi‐Fan , Wang Chien‐Lung , Sun Shih‐Sheng , Yang Jye‐Shane
Published: March 2020

To turn on the fluorescence of the native green fluorescence protein (GFP) chromophore, 4‐hydroxybenzylidene‐dimethylimidazolinone (HBDI), in an artificial supramolecular system has been a challenging task, because it requires high local environmental rigidity. This work shows that the formation of H‐aggregates of an HBDI‐containing organogelator results in two orders of magnitude fluorescence enhancement (Φf=2.9 vs. 0.02 %), in which the inter‐HBDI OH⋅⋅⋅OH H‐bonds play a crucial role. The aggregation‐induced fluorescence enhancement of HBDI has important implications on the origin of the high fluorescence quantum efficiency of HBDI in the GFP β‐barrel and on the supramolecular strategy for a full fluorescence recovery of HBDI. These results reveal a new approach to designing rigid chromophore aggregates for high‐performance optoelectronic properties.
Cp*RuCl‐Vinyl Carbenes: Two Faces and the Bifunctional Role in Catalytic Processes
Authors: Padín Damián , Varela Jesús A. , Saá Carlos
Published: March 2020

Ruthenium vinyl carbenes derived from Cp/Cp*RuCl‐based complexes (Cp=cyclopentadiene, Cp*=1,2,3,4,5‐pentamethylcyclopentadiene) have been routinely invoked as key intermediates in tandem reactions involving a carbene/alkyne metathesis (CAM). A priori, these intermediates resemble the Grubbs‐type family of catalysts, but they exhibit a completely different reactivity pattern that few, if any, other catalytic system can reproduce so far. The reactivity of these species with α‐unsubstituted and α‐substituted alkynals showcases the peculiarities of these intermediates. Although Z‐vinyl dihydrooxazines are preferentially obtained with the former, Z‐vinyl epoxypyrrolidines are obtained with the latter. A combination of spectroscopic and computational data now prove that a η3‐coordination mode of the ruthenium vinyl carbene and the presence of a Lewis basic chloride ligand give rise to two markedly different stereoelectronic faces, which are responsible for the unconventional reactivity of these species.
Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis of ZnO–rGO Core–Shell Nanorod Hybrids with Photo‐ and Electro‐Catalytic Activity
Authors: Jana Arpita , Gregory Duncan H.
Published: March 2020

The unique two‐dimensional structure and surface chemistry of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) along with its high electrical conductivity can be exploited to modify the electrochemical properties of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs). ZnO–rGO nanohybrids can be engineered in a simple new two‐step synthesis, which is both fast and energy‐efficient. The resulting hybrid materials show excellent electrocatalytic and photocatalytic activity. The structure and composition of the as‐prepared bare ZnO nanorods (NRs) and the ZnO–rGO hybrids have been extensively characterised and the optical properties subsequently studied by UV/Vis spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy (including decay lifetime measurements). The photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) dye is enhanced using the ZnO–rGO hybrids as compared to bare ZnO NRs. Furthermore, potentiometry comparing ZnO and ZnO–rGO electrodes reveals a featureless capacitive background for an Ar‐saturated solution whereas for an O2‐saturated solution a well‐defined redox peak was observed using both electrodes. The change in reduction potential and significant increase in current density demonstrates that the hybrid core–shell NRs possess remarkable electrocatalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) as compared to NRs of ZnO alone.
Corruption and private participation infrastructure projects: The influence of vicarious experience and national animosity
Authors: Jiménez Alfredo , Bayraktar Secil , Puche‐Regaliza Julio César , Herrero Alvaro
Published: March 2020

This paper investigates the influence of vicarious experience and national animosity on the relationship between corruption and the performance of private participation infrastructure projects. Our analysis of 27,264 projects in 114 countries from 1997 to 2013 shows that higher levels of corruption are associated with higher risk of project failure. We also find that this effect is weakened by the presence of other firms from the same industry, as firms may learn from other companies how to deal with corruption. In contrast, we find the effect is strengthened by the presence of other firms from different industries. This result is due to a lower applicability of knowledge and to an increase in national animosity and discrimination from local stakeholders.
Biomimetic Asymmetric Reduction of Quinazolinones with Chiral and Regenerable NAD(P)H Models
Authors: Zhao Zi‐Biao , Li Xiang , Wu Bo , Zhou Yong‐Gui
Published: March 2020

Summary of main observation and conclusion

A facile approach to chiral dihydroquinazolinone derivatives has been described via biomimetic asymmetric reduction of quinazolinones with chiral and regenerable NAD(P)H models. The utility of this method was demonstrated by a concise synthesis of the bromodomain protein divalent inhibitor.
Thyroid FNA: Is cytopathologist review of ultrasound features useful?
Authors: Renshaw Andrew A. , Gould Edwin W. , Russ Gilles , Poller David N.
Published: March 2020

Cytopathologist review of thyroid ultrasound (US) has been proposed to be useful in diagnosis and patient triage. This review explores the implications for practicing cytopathologists of integrating US review into the thyroid fine‐needle aspiration diagnosis. At present, there is no agreed‐upon system for combining cytologic and US features and communicating those results as a single report. If cytologists are performing tasks that require expertise in US interpretation, then they should know and be fully conversant with US interpretation. Whether cytologists performing aspirations require expertise in US interpretation is not clear. Regardless, cytologists should avoid using US results to alter their cytologic interpretations unless they clearly communicate that this is what they are doing. An evidence‐based integrated reporting system that would allow cytologists to clearly explain to other physicians exactly how they reached their interpretation might provide value beyond current standard practice.
Rationalizing the Geometries of the Water Oxidising Complex in the Atomic Resolution, Nominal S3 State Crystal Structures of Photosystem II
Authors: Petrie Simon , Terrett Richard , Stranger Robert , Pace Ron J.
Published: March 2020

Three atomic resolution crystal structures of Photosystem II, in the double flashed, nominal S3 intermediate state of its Mn4Ca Water Oxidising Complex (WOC), have now been presented, at 2.25, 2.35 and 2.08 Å resolution. Although very similar overall, the S3 structures differ within the WOC catalytic site. The 2.25 Å structure contains only one oxy species (O5) in the WOC cavity, weakly associated with Mn centres, similar to that in the earlier 1.95 Å S1 structure. The 2.35 Å structure shows two such species (O5, O6), with the Mn centres and O5 positioned as in the 2.25 Å structure and O5−O6 separation of ∼1.5 Å. In the latest S3 variant, two oxy species are also seen (O5, Ox), with the Ox group appearing only in S3, closely ligating one Mn, with O5−Ox separation <2.1 Å. The O5 and O6/Ox groups were proposed to be substrate water derived species. Recently, Petrie et al. (Chem. Phys. Chem., 2017) presented large scale Quantum Chemical modelling of the 2.25 Å structure, quantitatively explaining all significant features within the WOC region. This, as in our earlier studies, assumed a ‘low’ Mn oxidation paradigm (mean S1 Mn oxidation level of +3.0, Petrie et al., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2015), rather than a ‘high’ oxidation model (mean S1 oxidation level of +3.5). In 2018 we showed (Chem. Phys. Chem., 2018) this oxidation state assumption predicted two energetically close S3 structural forms, one with the metal centres and O5 (as OH−) positioned as in the 2.25 Å structure, and the other with the metals similarly placed, but with O5 (as H2O) located in the O6 position of the 2.35 Å structure. The 2.35 Å two flashed structure was likely a crystal superposition of two such forms. Here we show, by similar computational analysis, that the latest 2.08 Å S3 structure is also a likely superposition of forms, but with O5 (as OH−) occupying either the O5 or Ox positions in the WOC cavity. This highlights a remarkable structural ‘lability’ of the WOC centre in the S3 state, which is likely catalytically relevant to its water splitting function.
Glucocorticoids delivered by inorganic–organic hybrid nanoparticles mitigate acute graft‐versus‐host disease and sustain graft‐versus‐leukemia activity
Authors: Kaiser Tina K. , Li Hu , Roßmann Laura , Reichardt Sybille D. , Bohnenberger Hanibal , Feldmann Claus , Reichardt Holger M.
Published: March 2020

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are widely used to treat acute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGvHD) due to their immunosuppressive activity, but they also reduce the beneficial graft‐versus‐leukemia (GvL) effect of the allogeneic T cells contained in the graft. Here, we tested whether aGvHD therapy could be improved by delivering GCs with the help of inorganic–organic hybrid nanoparticles (IOH‐NPs) that preferentially target myeloid cells. IOH‐NPs containing the GC betamethasone (BMP‐NPs) efficiently reduced morbidity, mortality, and tissue damage in a totally MHC mismatched mouse model of aGvHD. Therapeutic activity was lost in mice lacking the GC receptor (GR) in myeloid cells, confirming the cell type specificity of our approach. BMP‐NPs had no relevant systemic activity but suppressed cytokine and chemokine gene expression locally in the small intestine, which presumably explains their mode of action. Most importantly, BMP‐NPs delayed the development of an adoptively transferred B cell lymphoma better than the free drug, although the overall incidence was unaffected. Our findings thus suggest that employing IOH‐NPs could diminish the risk of relapse associated with GC therapy of aGvHD patients while still allowing to efficiently ameliorate the disease.
Body‐related attentional bias as mediator of the relationship between body mass index and body dissatisfaction
Authors: Porras‐Garcia Bruno , Ferrer‐Garcia Marta , Yilmaz Lena , Sen Yigit O. , Olszewska Agata , Ghita Alexandra , Serrano‐Troncoso Eduardo , Treasure Janet , Gutiérrez‐Maldonado José
Published: March 2020

Body image disturbance, consisting of an affective (body dissatisfaction) and perceptual (body distortion) component, is not only found in eating disorders, but is also present in healthy individuals, affecting their psychological well‐being and everyday life. A higher body mass index is associated with higher body dissatisfaction, whereas results in relation to body distortion are mixed. Furthermore, body dissatisfaction is associated with a weight‐related attentional bias. This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of a weight‐related attentional bias in the relationship between body mass index and body image disturbance. Forty‐one college women took part in a virtual reality and eye tracking procedure, in which the illusion of owning a virtual avatar with their body measurements was induced. During this procedure, body‐related attentional bias was measured and afterwards body image disturbance was assessed. Mediation analysis revealed that weight‐related attentional bias mediated the relationship between body mass index and body dissatisfaction (but not distortion). These findings suggest that modifying weight‐related attentional bias would be a useful treatment target for improving body dissatisfaction. In addition, virtual reality technology could serve as an innovative method for modifying attentional bias in an ecologically valid way.

Highlights

This Virtual Reality and Eye‐Tracking study expands our knowledge about the relation between body mass index, body‐related attention and body image disturbances.

The results suggest that attentional bias towards weight‐related body parts mediates the relation between BMI and body dissatisfaction.

On the contrary, the relation between BMI and body distortion was not significant.
Lithic artifact assemblage transport and microwear modification in a fluvial setting: A radio frequency identification tag experiment
Authors: Chu Wei , Hosfield Robert
Published: March 2020

River processes are widely assumed to have impacted the integrity of lithic assemblages when artifacts are found in fluvial sediments, but the specifics of these influences remain largely unknown. We conducted a real‐world experiment to determine how the initial stages of fluvial entrainment affected lithic artifact assemblages. We inserted replica artifacts with radio frequency identification tags into a gravel‐bedded river in Wales (UK) for seven months and related their transport distances to their morphology and the recorded streamflow. In addition, nine artifacts were recovered at the end of the experiment and analyzed for microwear traces. In sum, our results show that in a gravel‐bedded river with a mean discharge of 5.1 m3/s, artifact length and width were the main variables influencing artifact transport distances. The experiment also resulted in characteristic microwear traces developing on the artifacts over distances of 485 m or less. These results emphasize the multifaceted nature of alluvial site formation processes in a repeatable experiment and highlight new ways to identify the transport of replica Paleolithic material.
A review of bioturbation and sediment organic geochemistry in mangroves
Authors: Sarker Subrata , Masud‐Ul‐Alam Md , Hossain M. Shahadat , Rahman Chowdhury Sayedur , Sharifuzzaman SM
Published: March 2020

Mangroves, which are a group of salt tolerant plant community growing in the transition zones of fresh and marine water systems, play an important role as sediment trap. In mangrove ecosystems, litterfall accumulates as organic carbon and nutrients over the sediment surface, where bioturbation profoundly affects the sediment biogeochemistry. Here, we provide a brief overview of the bioturbating organisms in mangroves and discuss their roles in controlling the sediments organic biogeochemistry. The mangrove soils formed on marine alluvium is transported as sediment and deposited by the river and sea. This type of soil is typically saline, anoxic, acidic and periodically waterlogged and composed of different combinations of sand, silt, clay and mud. The decapod crustaceans, specifically, crabs are the main bioturbating organisms in mangroves ecosystem. Moreover, amphipod, callianassid, penaeid shrimp, alpheid shrimp, thalassinid lobster, sipunculid worm, bivalves and bony (teleostei) and shark‐like (elasmobranchii) fishes contribute to the biogenic dispersal of sediment particles. Bioturbation processes by these organisms are reported to control nutrients and carbon cycling across the sediments. Activities such as feeding, burrowing and ventilation also influence the decomposition rate of sediment organic matter and nutrient exchange. However, anthropogenic pollution from power plant effluent (hot‐water outflows), heavy metals, pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), industrial pollutants, eutrophication (fertilizers and sewage) and oil spills are major concerns impacting the mangrove sediments and ecosystems.
Water transport and tracer mixing in volcanic ash soils at a tropical hillslope: A wet layered sloping sponge
Authors: Mosquera Giovanny M. , Crespo Patricio , Breuer Lutz , Feyen Jan , Windhorst David
Published: March 2020

Andosol soils formed in volcanic ash provide key hydrological services in montane environments. To unravel the subsurface water transport and tracer mixing in these soils we conducted a detailed characterization of soil properties and analyzed a 3‐year data set of sub‐hourly hydrometric and weekly stable isotope data collected at three locations along a steep hillslope. A weakly developed (52–61 cm depth), highly organic andic (Ah) horizon overlaying a mineral (C) horizon was identified, both showing relatively similar properties and subsurface flow dynamics along the hillslope. Soil moisture observations in the Ah horizon showed a fast responding (few hours) “rooted” layer to a depth of 15 cm, overlying a “perched” layer that remained near saturated year‐round. The formation of the latter results from the high organic matter (33–42%) and clay (29–31%) content of the Ah horizon and an abrupt hydraulic conductivity reduction in this layer with respect to the rooted layer above. Isotopic signatures revealed that water resides within this soil horizon for short periods, both at the rooted (2 weeks) and perched (4 weeks) layer. A fast soil moisture reaction during rainfall events was also observed in the C horizon, with response times similar to those in the rooted layer. These results indicate that despite the perched layer, which helps sustain the water storage of the soil, a fast vertical mobilization of water through the entire soil profile occurs during rainfall events. The latter being the result of the fast transmissivity of hydraulic potentials through the porous matrix of the Andosols, as evidenced by the exponential shape of the water retention curves of the subsequent horizons. These findings demonstrate that the hydrological behavior of volcanic ash soils resembles that of a “layered sponge,” in which vertical flow paths dominate.
Recent Advances in Transition Metal‐Catalyzed Functionalization of gem‐Difluoroalkenes
Authors: Koley Suvajit , Altman Ryan A.
Published: March 2020

gem‐Difluorinated alkenes are readily accessible building blocks that can undergo functionalization to provide a broad spectrum of fluorinated and non‐fluorinated products. Herein, we review recent (since 2017) transition metal‐catalyzed transformations of these specialized alkenes and summarize general reactivity patterns of these reactions. Many transition metal‐catalyzed reactions undergo net C−F bond functionalization reactions to deliver monofluorinated products. These reactions typically proceed through β‐fluoroalkylmetal intermediates that readily eliminate a β‐fluoride to deliver monofluoroalkene products. A second series of reactions exploit coinage metal fluorides to add F− to the gem‐difluorinated alkene, and further functionalization delivers trifluoromethyl‐containing products. In stark contrast, few transition metal‐catalyzed reactions proceed in net “fluorine‐retentive processes” to deliver difluoromethylene‐based products.
Integration designs toward new‐generation wearable energy supply‐sensor systems for real‐time health monitoring: A minireview
Authors: Tang Yongchao , Li Xuejin , Lv Haiming , Wang Wenlong , Zhi Chunyi , Li Hongfei
Published: March 2020

Wearable sensing systems, as a spearhead of artificial intelligence, are playing increasingly important roles in many fields especially health monitoring. In order to achieve a better wearable experience, rationally integrating the two key components of sensing systems, that is, power supplies and sensors, has become a desperate requirement. However, limited by device designs and fabrication technologies, the current integrated sensing systems still face many great challenges, such as safety, miniaturization, mechanical stability, energy‐efficiency, sustainability, and comfortability. In this review, the key challenges and opportunities in the current development of integrated wearable sensing systems are summarized. By summarizing the typical configurations of diverse wearable power supplies, and recent advances concerning the integrated sensing systems driven by such power supplies, the representative integrated designs, and micro/nanofabrication technologies are highlighted. Lastly, some new directions and potential solutions aiming at the device‐level integration designs are outlooked.

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Varied Sonographic Patterns in Echinococcus Liver Disease
Authors: Diakoumakis Evangelos E. , Weinberg Brighita , Vieux Ulrick , Seife Burton
Published: March 2020

Echinococcus granulosus has been an uncommon disease in the United States. Cases may appear unexpectedly because of increased immigration from endemic areas. Over the past 3 years, 10 cases of hydatid liver disease were diagnosed by sonography in our institution. Sonography is a simple noninvasive method of early diagnosis even when clinical signs are nonspecific. The sonographic patterns of this condition are described.
CHILD PROTECTION INTERVENTIONS WITHIN INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES: AN ‘ANTHROPOLOGICAL’ PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Litwin Joseph
Published: March 2020

In recent times, child welfare bureaucracies have been required to re‐define their relationship with indigenous communities, particularly in view of the impacts associated with their past interventions within these communities. This process of readjustment has been grounded in the apparent endorsement by child welfare bureaucracies of the principle of indigenous self‐determination and their declared acknowledgement of the desirability of devolving greater responsibility for decision making about child welfare matters to indigenous communities. This paper suggests that, despite statements to the contrary, the processes and mechanisms employed by child welfare agencies to promote indigenous autonomy have not adequately acknowledged the saliency of indigenous social domains nor have they seriously challenged the precepts of the existing administrative domains that govern child protection interventions. Consequently the processes employed by child protection agencies to develop culturally appropriate services have seldom matched the rhetoric associated with them. It is still the case that indigenous Australians are expected to fit within the current structure of child welfare agencies, and that their expectations should conform with the accepted orthodoxies that govern child protection interventions. This paper seeks to examine the processes by which child welfare bureaucracies have, on the one hand, attempted to re‐cast their relationship with indigenous communities, while, on the other hand, maintaining the primacy of their administrative domains.
TELEVISION VIOLENCE: A REVIEW, SUGGESTED RESEARCH DESIGN AND STATISTICAL APPROACH
Authors: Martin Andrew J. , Smith Ian D.
Published: March 2020

The bulk of research investigating the effects of television violence on viewers has concluded that it leads to aggressive behaviour. Whilst the weight of evidence does demonstrate an association between television violence and aggressive behaviour, closer scrutiny of some influential and prominent studies in the area indicates that in a number of cases there exist methodological and/or statistical weaknesses that suggest a need for further work in the area, particularly if claims of causation are to be more confidently advanced. This paper examines some of the methodological limitations that appear in the diversity of research designs employed in the literature. Arising from this examination is the proposition of a longitudinal model which, it is hypothesised, overcomes a number of the identified limitations and utilises relatively recent advances in statistical techniques.
Structural optimization and finite element analysis of poly‐l‐lactide acid coronary stent with improved radial strength and acute recoil rate
Authors: Song Kai , Bi Yuying , Zhao Haibin , Wu Tim , Xu Feng , Zhao Guoqun
Published: March 2020

Current poly‐l‐lactide acid (PLLA) scaffolds have issues of inadequate mechanical strength leading to thrombosis formation. Designing a novel bioabsorbable PLLA stent with a novel structure and improved mechanical property is urgently needed. In this study, stent structure modification and optimization based on bioresorbable vascular scaffold Version 1.1 (BVS 1.1, Abbott Laboratories) were conducted. The mechanical property of the redesigned stent was studied using both computerized finite element analysis and experimental mechanical deformation testing, including radial strength (RS), acute recoil (AR), foreshortening (FS), and bending stiffness (BS). The simulated and experimental results showed that the mechanical properties of the modified structure were significantly improved (modified stent vs. BVS 1.1: RS: 2.25 vs. 1.29 N/mm; AR: 3.03 vs. 4.41%; FS: 1.13 vs. 6.89%; BS: 1.49 vs. 0.72 N mm2).
Bone Adaptation in Adult Women Is Related to Loading Dose: A 12-Month Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Troy Karen L , Mancuso Megan E , Johnson Joshua E , Wu Zheyang , Schnitzer Thomas J , Butler Tiffiny A
Published: March 2020

Although strong evidence exists that certain activities can increase bone density and structure in people, it is unclear what specific mechanical factors govern the response. This is important because understanding the effect of mechanical signals on bone could contribute to more effective osteoporosis prevention methods and efficient clinical trial design. The degree to which strain rate and magnitude govern bone adaptation in humans has never been prospectively tested. Here, we studied the effects of a voluntary upper extremity compressive loading task in healthy adult women during a 12-month prospective period. A total of 102 women age 21 to 40 years participated in one of two experiments: (i) low (n = 21) and high (n = 24) strain magnitude; or (ii) low (n = 21) and high (n = 20) strain rate. Control (n = 16) no intervention. Strains were assigned using subject-specific finite element models. Load cycles were recorded digitally. The primary outcome was change in ultradistal radius integral bone mineral content (iBMC), assessed with QCT. Interim time points and secondary outcomes were assessed with high resolution pQCT (HRpQCT) at the distal radius. Sixty-six participants completed the intervention, and interim data were analyzed for 77 participants. Likely related to improved compliance and higher received loading dose, both the low-strain rate and high-strain rate groups had significant 12-month increases to ultradistal iBMC (change in control: −1.3 ± 2.7%, low strain rate: 2.7 ± 2.1%, high strain rate: 3.4 ± 2.2%), total iBMC, and other measures. “Loading dose” was positively related to 12-month change in ultradistal iBMC, and interim changes to total BMD, cortical thickness, and inner trabecular BMD. Participants who gained the most bone completed, on average, 128 loading bouts of (mean strain) 575 με at 1878 με/s. We conclude that signals related to strain magnitude, rate, and number of loading bouts contribute to bone adaptation in healthy adult women, but only explain a small amount of variance in bone changes. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
IL-1β Drives Production of FGF-23 at the Onset of Chronic Kidney Disease in Mice
Authors: McKnight Quiana , Jenkins Sarah , Li Xiuqi , Nelson Tracy , Marlier Arnaud , Cantley Lloyd G , Finberg Karin E , Fretz Jackie A
Published: March 2020

FGF-23 has arisen as an early biomarker of renal dysfunction, but at the onset of chronic kidney disease (CKD), data suggest that FGF-23 may be produced independently of the parathyroid hormone (PTH), 1,25(OH)2-vitamin D3 signaling axis. Iron status is inversely correlated to the level of circulating FGF-23, and improvement in iron bioavailability within patients correlates with a decrease in FGF-23. Alternately, recent evidence also supports a regulatory role of inflammatory cytokines in the modulation of FGF-23 expression. To determine the identity of the signal from the kidney-inducing upregulation of osteocytic FGF-23 at the onset of CKD, we utilized a mouse model of congenital CKD that fails to properly mature the glomerular capillary tuft. We profiled the sequential presentation of indicators of renal dysfunction, phosphate imbalance, and iron bioavailability and transport to identify the events that initiate osteocytic production of FGF-23 during the onset of CKD. We report here that elevations in circulating intact-FGF-23 coincide with the earliest indicators of renal dysfunction (P14), and precede changes in serum phosphate or iron homeostasis. Serum PTH was also not changed within the first month. Instead, production of the inflammatory protein IL-1β from the kidney and systemic elevation of it in the circulation matched the induction of FGF-23. IL-1β's ability to induce FGF-23 was confirmed on bone chips in culture and within mice in vivo. Furthermore, neutralizing antibody to IL-1β blocked FGF-23 expression in both our congenital model of CKD and a second nephrotoxic serum-mediated model. We conclude that early CKD resembles a situation of primary FGF-23 excess mediated by inflammation. These findings do not preclude that altered mineral availability or anemia can later modulate FGF-23 levels but find that in early CKD they are not the driving stimulus for the initial upregulation of FGF-23. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Abstract

To determine the identity of the renal signal-inducing osteocytic FGF-23 at the onset of CKD, we utilized a mouse CKD model and profiled presentation of indicators of renal dysfunction, phosphate imbalance, inflammation, and iron bioavailability. Production of IL-1β from the kidney and systemic elevation of it in the circulation matched the induction of FGF-23. This was confirmed in culture, and in vivo, as well as with neutralizing antibody in two CKD models.
A simple formula to correct for the effects of storage time and temperature on the insulin concentration
Authors: Zeng Xiaoli , Chen Qi , Gong Guozhong , Yuan Fangyuan , Wang Ting , Zhang Guoyuan , Li Xiaoping , Wang Dongsheng , Wang Qiang
Published: March 2020

Objective

To investigate the influence of storage time and temperature on plasma insulin levels and to establish a correction formula.

Methods

Venous blood samples were taken from 20 volunteers and processed as follows: whole blood samples, centrifuged samples, and separated plasma samples were stored at 4°C or 25°C. Insulin levels were determined by direct chemiluminescence at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 8 hours. According to the correlation between the insulin concentration ratio and storage time, correction formulas for the insulin concentration were established. To verify the test, the venous blood samples of another 33 volunteers were processed in the same way. The insulin levels of the samples were corrected after 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours and compared with the value at 0 hours to verify the feasibility of the corrected formula.

Results

With the prolongation of storage time, the insulin levels of the whole blood samples at 4°C or 25°C and of the centrifuged samples at 25°C decreased gradually (P < .001), and the insulin level correction formulas were Ccorrection = Cdetermination/0.991e−0.069x, Ccorrection = Cdetermination/1.048e−0.126x, and Ccorrection = Cdetermination/[−0.068ln(x) + 0.9242]. There was no significant difference between the corrected insulin results and the original results at any time within 12 hours (P > .05).

Conclusions

The insulin levels of the whole blood samples at 4°C or 25°C and of the plasma samples at 25°C gradually decreased with storage time. The effect of storage time on the insulin level can be reduced with the correction formulas.
Comparison and evaluation of Abbott chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay and ChIVD light‐initiated chemiluminescent assay in the detection of Treponema pallidum antibody
Authors: Chen Xiaohui , Yang Ruifeng , Liang Yongming , Yuan Teng , Zhou Jiansuo , Wang Tiancheng , Cui Liyan
Published: March 2020

Background

Laboratory tests play an important role in the diagnosis of syphilis. This study aimed to compare and assess the performance of the Abbott chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) and the ChIVD light‐initiated chemiluminescent assay (LICA) in the detection of Treponema pallidum (TP) antibody.

Methods

A total of 10 498 serum samples were detected with two assays, and the Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay (TPPA) and recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA) methods were used for confirmation. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the Abbott CMIA and ChIVD LICA were calculated. The coincidence rate between two assays was also evaluated. The causes of false positive and false negative of two assays were studied.

Results

For the Abbott CMIA and ChIVD LICA, the sensitivity was 94.44% and 98.15%, the specificity was 99.89% and 99.81%, the positive predictive value was 93.29% and 88.83%, and the negative predictive value was 99.91% and 99.97%, respectively. The coincidence rate between Abbott CMIA and ChIVD LICA was 99.26%, and κ value was .790. The disease of infertility, hypertensive disease, liver disease, and cancer were the common causes of false positive in both assays, while infertility was also the main reason lead to false negative.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that the Abbott CMIA and ChIVD LICA generally had high sensitivity and specificity and therefore may be suitable for the detection of TP antibody and screening for syphilis.
Prediction of pancreatic atrophy after steroid therapy using equilibrium‐phase contrast computed tomography imaging in autoimmune pancreatitis
Authors: Yamada Yasutaka , Masuda Atsuhiro , Sofue Keitaro , Ueshima Eisuke , Shiomi Hideyuki , Sakai Arata , Kobayashi Takashi , Ikegawa Takuya , Tanaka Shunta , Nakano Ryota , Tanaka Takeshi , Kakihara Maya , Ashina Shigeto , Tsujimae Masahiro , Yamakawa Kohei , Abe Shohei , Gonda Masanori , Masuda Shigeto , Inomata Noriko , Kutsumi Hiromu , Itoh Tomoo , Murakami Takamichi , Kodama Yuzo
Published: March 2020

Background and Aims

Imaging tools for predicting pancreatic atrophy after steroid therapy in autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) have not been established. As delayed equilibrium‐phase contrast enhancement in computed tomography (CE‐CT) may reflect interstitial fibrosis, we evaluated the ability of equilibrium‐phase CT imaging for predicting pancreatic atrophy.

Methods

Forty‐six steroid‐treated AIP patients who underwent contrast‐enhanced CT at our university hospital were included in this retrospective study. CT attenuation (Hounsfield units [HU]) values in noncontrast images (NC) and equilibrium‐phase images (EP) and the differences in HU values between NC and EP images (SUB) were measured. Pancreatic volume was measured in CE‐CT before (Volpre) and after (Volpost) steroid therapy. The volume reduction rate was calculated. The relationships of CT values with pancreatic atrophy, Volpost, volume reduction rate, and diabetes exacerbation were investigated.

Results

CT values in the EP and SUB images before steroid therapy were associated with pancreatic atrophy after steroid therapy (atrophy vs nonatrophy 114.5 ± 12.8 vs 99.5 ± 11.1, P = 0.0002; 70.9 ± 14.72 vs 57.2 ± 13.1, P = 0.003, respectively), but CT values in NC images were not (P = 0.42). CT values in EP and SUB images before steroid therapy were correlated with Volpost (EP images r = −0.70, P = 0.002; SUB images r = −0.68, P = 0.03) and volume reduction rate after steroid therapy (EP images: r = −0.55, P < 0.0001; SUB images r = −0.45, P = 0.002). Diabetes exacerbation was associated with higher EP and SUB values (P = 0.009 and P = 0.04, respectively).

Conclusion

Equilibrium‐phase contrast CT imaging may facilitate prediction of pancreatic atrophy after steroid therapy in AIP.
Editorial for “Development of a Novel Multiparametric MRI Radiomic Nomogram for Preoperative Evaluation of Early Recurrence in Resectable Pancreatic Cancer”
Authors: Clarke Sharon E.
Published: March 2020

Level of Evidence

5

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:246–247.
The excretion rate and stability of HAAg in human fecal samples after live attenuated hepatitis A vaccination
Authors: Wang Xiaodan , Pan Yue , Chen Junying , Luo Jia , Xi Juemin , Ye Chao , Zhao Yujiao , Qiu Lijuan , Weng Songjiao , Hong Shan , Lin Yao , Sun Qiangming
Published: March 2020

The live attenuated hepatitis A virus vaccine (HA‐L) is in routine use in the Chinese national immunization program (NIP). The major disadvantages of HA‐L include that theoretically, it may be possible for mutation shifts and secondary infections of the live vaccine viral strain. The aim of this study was to explore variation in the viral strain after vaccination with the HA‐L. A total of 1297 fecal samples (including 470 for the 18 to 36‐month‐old age group, 527 for the 3 to 16‐year‐old group, and 300 for the 16 years and older group) were collected in the study, and the rate of hepatitis A virus (HAV) positivity in fecal samples was 11.36% (31/273), 11.44% (31/271), 9.70% (26/268), 8.47% (21/248), and 9.70% (23/237) on days 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28, respectively. A total of 77 HAV positive samples were randomly selected for VP1/2A (360 bp, 2218‐2577) gene analysis. Phylogenetic trees were then constructed by the neighbor‐joining method. Phylogenetic analyses showed that all the isolated HAV strains belonged to sub‐genotype IB, which was the same as the vaccine strain. Compared with the vaccine strain, HM‐175/7MK‐5 (M16632.1), there were only two base mutations discovered, at 2291 and 2568. However, the amino acid mutation analysis showed that those base mutations were synonymous mutations. The isolated HAV strains were genetically stable. This study provides a reference for the safety concern regarding the routine and wide‐range use in people older than 18 months.
Saudi Arabia's summer surface air temperature and its association with circulation patterns
Authors: Almazroui Mansour , Hasanean Hosny M.
Published: March 2020

The summer season (June–July–August) surface air temperatures (SATs) over Saudi Arabia and its association with the atmospheric circulation cells were identified and analysed using the NCEP‐NCAR reanalyses and the NOAA extended reconstructed sea surface temperature (SST) datasets from 1948 to 2016. The pressure vertical velocity and divergent wind were utilized to determine the atmospheric circulation cells such as Hadley, Walker, and Ferrel cells. Possible mechanisms associated with changes in Saudi Arabia summer SAT were investigated, with particular focus on the uppermost and lowermost summers. Changes in SAT are mainly linked to the significant changes in the meridional and zonal atmospheric circulations. Partial correlations between SAT and atmospheric circulation showed that the effect of the Hadley and Walker circulations on the SAT was significant. There is no obvious connection between either the Hadley East Pacific circulation or the Ferrel circulation and SAT. Moreover, there is no dependency between summer SAT and the Atlantic Hadley and Atlantic Walker circulations, which could be detected in the summer season. The Hadley circulation may affect the Indian monsoon depression, whereas the Walker circulation has less effect. Also, a strong relationship between the Indian‐Pacific warm pool (IPWP) and both the Hadley and Walker circulations were found. Simultaneously, IPWP SST influenced Indian monsoon depression. Therefore, the Hadley circulation, Walker circulation, and IPWP all play key roles in the displacement and intensity of the Indian monsoon, which in turn strongly influences SAT variability over Saudi Arabia during summertime.
Oceanic forcing of the global warming slowdown in multi‐model simulations
Authors: Xu Xinping , He Shengping , Furevik Tore , Gao Yongqi , Wang Huijun , Li Fei , Ogawa Fumiaki
Published: March 2020

Concurrent with the slowdown of global warming during 2002–2013, the wintertime land surface air temperatures over Eurasia, North America, Africa, Australia, South America, and Greenland experienced notable cooling trends. The oceanic effects on the continental cooling trends are here investigated using two sets of uncoupled experiments with six different climate models. Daily and annually varying sea ice is prescribed for both sets of experiments, while daily and annually varying SST is used in the first set (EXP1) and daily and annually repeating climatological mean SST in the second set (EXP2). All six models capture the slowdown of global‐mean land surface air temperature during 2002–2013 winters in EXP1 only. The slowdown concurs with a negative phase of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), indicating that PDO plays an important role in modulating the global warming signal. Not all ensemble members capture the cooling trends over the continents, suggesting additional contribution from internal atmospheric variability.
Examining Career Readiness in a Liberal Arts Undergraduate Career Planning Course
Authors: Stebleton Michael J. , Kaler Lisa S. , Diamond Kate K. , Lee Crystal
Published: March 2020

This study explored a career planning course at the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities’ College of Liberal Arts. The course aimed to improve students’ career readiness through reflections about their liberal arts education. Individual interviews explored how the course affected students’ ability to articulate the value of their education to potential employers. The authors found that students learned how to articulate career competencies and developed an understanding of what a liberal arts education entails and how it aligns with career readiness. Implications for career development practice are highlighted.
Sarcopenia is associated with worse overall survival in patients with anal squamous cell cancer
Authors: Bingmer Katherine , Kondray Victor , Ofshteyn Asya , Bliggenstorfer Jonathan T. , Dietz David W. , Charles Ronald , Stein Sharon L. , Paspulati Raj , Steinhagen Emily
Published: March 2020

Background and Objectives

Sarcopenia is associated with poor long‐term outcomes in many gastrointestinal cancers, but its role in anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) is not defined. We hypothesized that patients with sarcopenic ASCC experience worse long‐term outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients with ASCC treated at an academic medical center from 2006 to 2017 was performed. Of 104 patients with ASCC, 64 underwent PET/computed tomography before chemoradiation and were included in the analysis. The skeletal muscle index was calculated as total L3 skeletal muscle divided by height squared. Sarcopenia thresholds were 52.4 cm2/m2 for men and 38.5 cm2/m2 for women. Cox regression analysis was performed to assess overall and progression‐free survival.

Results

Twenty‐five percent of the patients were sarcopenic (n = 16). Demographics were similar between groups. There was no difference in the clinical stage or comorbidities between groups. On multivariate analysis, factors associated with worse overall survival were male gender (hazard ratio [HR] 3.7, P = .022) and sarcopenia (HR 3.6, P = .019). Male gender was associated with worse progression‐free survival (HR 2.6, P = .016).

Conclusions

Sarcopenia is associated with worse overall survival in patients with anal cancer. Further studies are indicated to determine if survival can be improved with increased attention to nutritional status in sarcopenic patients.
Strategies for determining the bioactive ingredients of honey‐processed Astragalus by serum pharmacochemistry integrated with multivariate statistical analysis
Authors: Huang Jing , Rui Wen , Wu Jiacai , Ye Mingzhu , Huang Li , Chen Hongyuan
Published: March 2020

Honey‐processed Astragalus is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine that has a better effect on reinforcing “Qi” (vital energy) than the raw one. A comparative study of metabolites analysis between them in rat serum for finding the bioactive ingredients was carried out using serum pharmacochemistry and multivariate statistical analysis. The blood collection methods and time were optimized first. Then the prototypes and metabolites in serum samples after oral administration were investigated by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry integrated with principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis. The contents of metabolites were also analyzed to evaluate the metabolic profile differences. As a result, nine prototypes and 36 metabolites were identified. Only two prototypes and 15 metabolites were different between raw and honey‐processed Astragalus. Their biotransformation reactions contained the process of oxidation, demethylation, and hydrolysis in phase I and glucuronide conjugation or sulfate conjugation in phase II. Most of the detected metabolites were transformed from isoflavones and isoflavanes. Our results expand the knowledge about the influence of honey‐processing on Astragalus and suggest the different curative effects between raw and honey‐processed Astragalus might due to their therapeutic material discrepancy.