bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ground‐motion intensity measure correlations observed in Italian strong‐motion records
Authors: Huang Chen , Galasso Carmine
Published: October 2019

Ground‐motion models (GMMs) are widely used in probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) to estimate the probability distributions of earthquake‐induced ground‐motion intensity measures (IMs) at a site, given an earthquake of a certain magnitude occurring at a nearby location. Accounting for spatial and cross‐IM correlations in earthquake‐induced ground motions has important implications on probabilistic seismic hazard and loss estimates. This study first develops a new Italian GMM with spatial correlation for 31 amplitude‐related IMs, including peak ground acceleration (PGA), peak ground velocity (PGV), and 5%‐damped elastic pseudo‐spectral accelerations (PSAs) at 29 periods ranging from 0.01 to 4 seconds. The model estimation is performed through a recently developed one‐stage nonlinear regression algorithm proposed by the authors, known as the Scoring estimation approach. In fact, current state‐of‐practice approaches estimate spatial correlation separately from the GMM estimation, resulting in inconsistent and statistically inefficient estimators of interevent and intraevent variances and parameters in the spatial correlation model. We test whether this affects the subsequent cross‐IM correlation analysis. To this aim, based on the newly developed GMM, the empirical correlation coefficients from interevent and intraevent residuals are investigated. Finally, a set of analytical correlation models between the selected IMs are proposed. This is of special interest as several correlation models between different IMs have been calibrated and validated based on advanced GMMs and global datasets, lacking earthquakes in extensional regions; however, modeling the correlation between different IM types has not been adequately addressed by current, state‐of‐the‐art GMMs and recent ground‐motion records for Italy.
The Middle/Later Stone Age transition and cultural dynamics of late Pleistocene East Africa
Authors: Tryon Christian A.
Published: October 2019

The Middle to Later Stone Age (MSA/LSA) transition is a prominent feature of the African archeological record that began in some places ~30,000–60,000 years ago, historically associated with the origin and/or dispersal of “modern” humans. Unlike the analogous Middle to Upper Paleolithic transition in Eurasia and associated Neanderthal extinction, the African MSA/LSA record remains poorly documented, with its potential role in explaining changes in the behavioral diversity and geographic range of Homo sapiens largely unexplored. I review archeological and biogeographic data from East Africa, show regionally diverse pathways to the MSA/LSA transition, and emphasize the need for analytical approaches that document potential ancestor‐descendent relationships visible in the archeological record, needed to assess independent invention, population interaction, dispersal, and other potential mechanisms for behavioral change. Diversity within East Africa underscores the need for regional, rather than continental‐scale narratives of the later evolutionary history of H. sapiens.
A Runge‐Kutta–based WENO reconstruction on moving mesh for compressible fluids
Authors: Niu Xiao , Ni Guoxi , Ma Wenhua
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we construct a high‐order moving mesh method based on total variation diminishing Runge‐Kutta and weighted essential nonoscillatory reconstruction for compressible fluid system. Beginning with the integral form of fluid system, we get the semidiscrete system with an arbitrary mesh velocity. We use weighted essential nonoscillatory reconstruction to get the space accuracy on moving meshes, and the time accuracy is obtained by modified Runge‐Kutta method; the mesh velocity is determined by moving mesh method. One‐ and two‐dimensional numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the efficient and accurate performance of the scheme.
A novel risk management framework for natural gas markets
Authors: Pouliasis Panos K. , Visvikis Ilias D. , Papapostolou Nikos C. , Kryukov Alexander A.
Published: October 2019

This paper examines dynamic hedges in the natural gas futures markets for different horizons and explores the gains from devising risk management strategies. Despite the substantial progress made in developing hedging models, forecast combinations have not been explored. We fill this gap by proposing a framework for combining hedge‐ratio predictions. Composite hedge ratios lead to significant reduction in portfolio risk, whether spot prices are partially predictable or not. We offer insights on hedging effectiveness across seasons, backwardation‐contango conditions and the asymmetric profiles of long‐short hedgers. We conclude that forecast combinations better reconcile realized performance with the hedging process, mitigating model instability.
PURPA Reform Implications for Utilities and Climate Change
Authors: DeCotis Paul A.
Published: October 2019

At a recent EUCI conference on Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) reform in Denver, Colorado, it was clear among speakers and participants that technology and market circumstances have changed significantly since PURPA's enactment in 1978. The changes in many parts of the country, the West Coast, East Coast, and part of the central United States, have been so profound that many of the states, utilities, and representatives in Congress are advocating for PURPA reform or abolishment. Considering the impact PURPA has had in helping diversify the fuel mix in electric generation and the penetration of grid‐edge and utility‐scale renewable energy, PURPA has been a resounding success, although not without some challenges along the way.
Empirical support for the vascular apathy hypothesis: A structured review
Authors: Wouts Lonneke , van Kessel Marco , Beekman Aartjan T.F. , Marijnissen Radboud M. , Oude Voshaar Richard C.
Published: October 2019

Objectives

A systematic review of the relationship between subclinical small vessel disease (SSVD) in the general population and apathy to examine the hypothesis that apathy has a vascular basis.

Methods

We searched for studies on associations between apathy and SSVD, operationalized as white matter hyperintensities (WMH) or white matter diffusivity changes, lacunar infarcts, cerebral microbleeds, decreasing cortical thickness, and perivascular spaces, while also peripheral proxies for SSVD were considered, operationalized as ankle brachial pressure index (ABI), intima media thickness, arterial stiffness, cardio‐femoral pulse wave velocity, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease. Only eligible retrospective and prospective observational studies conducted in the general population were included.

Results

The 14 studies eligible for review examined the associations between apathy and hypertension (3), ABI (1), arterial stiffness (1), cardiovascular disease (2), WMH (3), white matter diffusivity (2), cerebral microbleeds (1), or cortical thickness (3). Arterial stiffness and white matter diffusivity were not related to apathy, while the associations with cortical thickness were contradictory. Cross‐sectional studies in the general population did find evidence of apathy being associated with WMH, CM, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and ABI, and cardiovascular disease was prospectively associated with apathy. The methodologies of the studies reviewed were too heterogeneous to perform meta‐analyses.

Conclusions

Although more prospective evidence is needed and vascular depression needs to be controlled for, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and ABI as proxies for SSVD, and WMH and cerebral microbleeds as direct measures of SSVD have been found to be associated with apathy in the general population, supporting the hypothesis of vascular apathy.
The effects of valbenazine on tardive dyskinesia in older and younger patients
Authors: Sajatovic Martha , Alexopoulos George S. , Burke Joshua , Farahmand Khodayar , Siegert Scott
Published: October 2019

Objective

To evaluate the effects of once‐daily valbenazine (40 or 80 mg/d) in older and younger adults with tardive dyskinesia (TD).

Methods

Data were pooled from three 6‐week, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled (DBPC) studies (KINECT [NCT01688037], KINECT 2 [NCT01733121], and KINECT 3 [NCT02274558]) and two long‐term studies (KINECT 3 extension and KINECT 4 [NCT02405091]). Outcomes analyzed in older and younger participants (55 years or older and younger than 55 years, respectively) included Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) response (threshold of greater than or equal to 50% improvement from baseline in total score [items 1 to 7]) and Clinical Global Impression of Change—Tardive Dyskinesia (CGI‐TD) response (score 2 or less [“very much improved” or “much improved”]). Safety assessments included treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs).

Results

At week 6 (end of DBPC treatment), the percentage of participants who met the AIMS response threshold was higher with valbenazine versus placebo in both subgroups: 55 years or older (80 mg/d, 39.7% [P < .001]; 40 mg/d, 28.6% [P < .01]; placebo, 9.7%); younger than 55 years (80 mg/d, 39.5% [P < .001]; 40 mg/d, 20.0% [P > .05]; placebo, 10.8%). The percentage of participants with CGI‐TD response was also higher with valbenazine versus placebo: 55 years or older (80 mg/d, 41.3% [P < .01]; 40 mg/d, 30.2% [P > .05]; placebo, 19.4%); younger than 55 years (80 mg/d, 39.5% [P < .05]; 40 mg/d, 35.3% [P < .05]; placebo, 18.5%). Responses at week 48 (end of long‐term treatment, combined doses) were as follows: 55 years or older (AIMS, 70.7%; CGI‐TD, 82.8%); younger than 55 years (AIMS, 58.7%; CGI‐TD, 72.3%). No significant differences between older and younger subgroups were found for AIMS or CGI‐TD response. No new safety signals or TEAEs of clinical concern were found in older participants who received long‐term treatment.

Conclusions

Valbenazine improved TD and was generally well tolerated in older and younger adults.
GD2‐directed CAR‐T cells in combination with HGF‐targeted neutralizing antibody (AMG102) prevent primary tumor growth and metastasis in Ewing sarcoma
Authors: Charan Manish , Dravid Piyush , Cam Maren , Audino Anthony , Gross Amy C. , Arnold Michael A. , Roberts Ryan D. , Cripe Timothy P. , Pertsemlidis Alexander , Houghton Peter J. , Cam Hakan
Published: October 2019

Ewing sarcoma (EWS) is the second most common and aggressive type of metastatic bone tumor in adolescents and young adults. There is unmet medical need to develop and test novel pharmacological targets and novel therapies to treat EWS. Here, we found that EWS expresses high levels of a p53 isoform, delta133p53. We further determined that aberrant expression of delta133p53 induced HGF secretion resulting in tumor growth and metastasis. Thereafter, we evaluated targeting EWS tumors with HGF receptor neutralizing antibody (AMG102) in preclinical studies. Surprisingly, we found that targeting EWS tumors with HGF receptor neutralizing antibody (AMG102) in combination with GD2‐specific, CAR‐reengineered T‐cell therapy synergistically inhibited primary tumor growth and establishment of metastatic disease in preclinical models. Furthermore, our data suggested that AMG102 treatment alone might increase leukocyte infiltration including efficient CAR‐T access into tumor mass and thereby improves its antitumor activity. Together, our findings warrant the development of novel CAR‐T‐cell therapies that incorporate HGF receptor neutralizing antibody to improve therapeutic potency, not only in EWS but also in tumors with aberrant activation of the HGF/c‐MET pathway.
Diagnosis of disc bulge and disc desiccation in lumbar MRI using concatenated shape and texture features with random forest classifier
Authors: Sundarsingh Shirly , Kesavan Ramesh
Published: October 2019

Disc bulge and disc desiccation are the most common abnormalities occurring in the spine, which leads to severe low back pain. Despite computer‐aided automatic abnormality diagnostic imaging systems are available still there is a need for betterment in diagnostic accuracy and in processing time. Image processing with combined imaging features like shape and texture has given better diagnostic ability when compared with processing with individual features. In the present study, the desiccated and bulged Intervertebral Discs (IVDs) are diagnosed automatically by combining shape features extracted using Histogram of Oriented Gradients (HOG) and texture feature extracted using novel Local Sub‐Rhombus Binary Relation Pattern (LS‐RBRP) techniques with Random Forest (RF) classifier. The performance analysis projects that the RF with HOG+LS‐RBRP has an overall better accuracy of 94.7% when compared with HOG (87%) and LS‐RBRP (90.2%) with RF classifier separately in categorizing the normal IVD, disc bulge and disc desiccation in the lumbar spine MRI.
Emerging insights into molecular mechanisms underlying pyroptosis and functions of inflammasomes in diseases
Authors: Lu Fangfang , Lan Zhixin , Xin Zhaoqi , He Chunrong , Guo Zimeng , Xia Xiaobo , Hu Tu
Published: October 2019

Pyroptosis is a form of necrotic and inflammatory programmed cell death, which could be characterized by cell swelling, pore formation on plasma membranes, and release of proinflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β and IL‐18). The process of pyroptosis presents as dual effects: protecting multicellular organisms from microbial infection and endogenous dangers; leading to pathological inflammation if overactivated. Two pathways have been found to trigger pyroptosis: caspase‐1 mediated inflammasome pathway with the involvement of NLRP1‐, NLRP3‐, NLRC4‐, AIM2‐, pyrin‐inflammasome (canonical inflammasome pathway) and caspase‐4/5/11‐mediated inflammasome pathway (noncanonical inflammasome pathway). Gasdermin D (GSDMD) has been proved to be a substrate of inflammatory caspases (caspase‐1/4/5/11), and the cleaved N‐terminal domain of GSDMD oligomerizes to form cytotoxic pores on the plasma membrane. Here, we mainly reviewed the up to date mechanisms of pyroptosis, and began with the inflammasomes as the activator of caspase‐1/caspase‐11, 4, and 5. We further discussed these inflammasomes functions in diseases, including infectious diseases, sepsis, inflammatory autoimmune diseases, and neuroinflammatory diseases.
Retracted: HOTAIR regulates lipopolysaccharide‐induced inflammatory response in hepatocytes
Authors: Zhang Jianhua , Chen Miao , Zhai Yuyan , Fu Yu
Published: October 2019

It has been widely accepted that long‐noncoding RNA (lncRNA) HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR) emerges as a crucial mediator in inflammation. Here, we first detected HOTAIR in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐treated normal human liver cell line (L02) and hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines (C3A, HepG2, and SMMC‐7721). Further, we explored the biological function of HOTAIR in LPS‐induced hepatocytes (L02 and C3A) lesions and investigated the molecular mechanisms. Besides, we focused on inflammatory signaling crosstalk. The inflammatory insults were assayed by cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8), cell cycle and apoptosis analysis kit, and immunoblotting assay. HOTAIR level was examined by reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction. To determine the effect of HOTAIR silence or overexpression in inflammation, we applied quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting assay, and enzyme‐linked immuno sorbent assay. Regulator inhibitors of Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK2/STAT3; AG490) and nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB; BAY‐11–7082) were applied to treat cells. Our results suggested that LPS induced the overexpression of HOTAIR in L02, C3A, HepG2, and SMMC‐7721 cells. LPS repressed viability, induced apoptosis, and facilitated the expression of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α in L02 and C3A cells. IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α were upregulated by HOTAIR overexpression while downregulated by HOTAIR knockdown in LPS‐treated cells. We further observed that HOTAIR overexpression accelerated LPS‐induced phosphorylation whereas HOTAIR silence blocked this progress. Inhibition of JAK/STAT and NF‐κB contributed to the suppression of cytokines which was evoked by LPS. Collectively, our findings indicated that HOTAIR exerted a crucial role in cytokines expression by activating JAK/STAT and NF‐κB.
An evaluation of resurgence following functional communication training conducted in alternative antecedent contexts via telehealth
Authors: Suess Alyssa N. , Schieltz Kelly M. , Wacker David P. , Detrick Jessica , Podlesnik Christopher A.
Published: October 2019

Treatments based on differential reinforcement may inadvertently increase the recurrence of problem behavior in the face of challenges because reinforcers for appropriate behavior occur in the same context as problem behavior. The current study evaluated one potential approach to mitigating these problems with differential reinforcement treatments based on behavioral momentum theory. Specifically, appropriate behavior was trained in contexts without a history of reinforcement prior to intervening with problem behavior. Participants were 4 children with autism spectrum disorder. Treatment used telehealth to implement functional communication training (FCT) in three alternative contexts with minimal or no history of reinforcement for problem behavior before initiating FCT in the treatment context. Evaluations of the effects of treatment and tests of resurgence were conducted intermittently during treatment to evaluate maintenance. When FCT treatment was initiated in alternative contexts, initial results were comparable to more typical implementations of FCT. Resurgence was reduced to similar levels during tests of resurgence for all participants when compared to more typical previously published implementations of FCT, but clinically significant reductions in resurgence occurred more quickly in the present study. These findings support training appropriate behavior in an alternative context to mitigate the resurgence of problem behavior during differential reinforcement treatments.
Diagnosis of Postlaminar Optic Nerve Invasion in Retinoblastoma With MRI Features
Authors: Li Zhenzhen , Guo Jian , Xu Xiaolin , Wang Yongzhe , Mukherji Suresh Kumar , Xian Junfang
Published: October 2019

Background

Retinoblastomas (RBs) with postlaminar optic nerve invasion (PLONI) increases the risk of local recurrence or systemic metastasis. Most MRI studies on PLONI focused on optic nerve enhancement and tumor size, with reported relatively high specificity (84–98%) but low sensitivity (37–78%), which shows room for improvement, especially with regard to sensitivity.

Purpose

To evaluate the diagnostic performance for detecting PLONI with RB using MRI features.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

Fifty patients with histopathologic PLONI and 70 patients without PLONI of RB.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5T and 3.0T, precontrast axial T1‐weighted and T2‐weighted, postcontrast axial, coronal and oblique‐sagittal T1‐weighted.

Assessment

The eyes were histopathologically analyzed and the preoperative MRI features of the eyes were independently evaluated by three observers.

Statistical Tests

MRI features suggesting the presence of PLONI were identified by univariate and multivariable analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and the area under the curve (AUC) were used to analyze diagnostic performance.

Results

Significant independent diagnostic factors for PLONI include: 1: Bilateral tumor (odds ratio [OR], 15.32; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.63–143.51); 2: Tumor with total coverage of the optic disk (OR, 6.43; 95% CI: 1.04–39.79); and 3: Optic nerve enhancement (OR, 8.43; 95% CI: 3.50–20.31). On the other hand, isointense signal of tumor on T2WI (OR, 0.30; 95% CI: 0.12–0.75) was an independent diagnostic factor in excluding PLONI. ROC analysis showed AUC of 0.84 (95% CI: 0.77–0.91, P < 0.0001) for PLONI. Based on the cutoff of maximum Youden index, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 82%, 73%, and 77%, respectively.

Data Conclusion

MRI features of RB showed a strong association with PLONI. The model of MRI features demonstrated promising diagnostic performance in detecting PLONI.

Level of Evidence: 4

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:1045–1052.
Chromium tolerance and accumulation in Aspergillus flavus isolated from tannery effluent
Authors: Vajpai Shilpi , Taylor Philip E. , Adholeya Alok , Leigh Ackland M.
Published: October 2019

Cr(VI) tolerance in Aspergillus flavus, strain SFL, isolated from tannery effluent was measured and compared with a reference strain of A. flavus, A1120. On solid medium, SFL had a high level of Cr(VI) tolerance (1,600 mg/L), which was 16 times that of A1120 and greater than most previously analyzed fungal strains. When in 100 mg/L of Cr(VI), SFL completely depleted Cr(VI) within 72 h while A1120 depleted 85% of Cr(VI). SFL was more effective in reducing extracellular Cr(VI) than A1120. While A1120 showed greater biosorption of Cr(VI) than SFL, intracellular accumulation was approximately 50% greater in SFL and was more energy‐dependent than A1120. Cr(VI) modified the external surface of the hyphae. Cr speciation detected the presence of only Cr(III), corresponding to Cr(OH)3, which precipitated on the hyphal surface. Cr(VI) bound to the functional groups carboxyl, amine, and hydroxyl in both SFL and A1120. Transmission electron microscopy energy‐dispersive X‐ray detected Cr on the fungal wall and within membrane‐bound organelles of the cytoplasm. In conclusion, the greater tolerance of SFL to Cr(VI) relative to A1120 is due to more effective energy‐dependant uptake of Cr(VI) into the cell and increased capacity of SFL to store Cr in intracellular vacuoles compared with A1120.
Antibacterial effect of TiO2:Cu:Ag thin coatings on Pseudomonas strain measured by microbiological and ATP assays
Authors: Ivanova Iliana A. , Pavlova Elitsa L. , Stoyanova Dragomira S. , Angelov Orlin I.
Published: October 2019

The aim of this study is to investigate the antimicrobial properties of nanocomposite thin TiO2:Cu:Ag films on Pseudomonas putida as a natural isolate and an opportunistic pathogen. Several different methods were used to compare the antibacterial effect of thin TiO2:Cu:Ag layers obtained by radiofrequency magnetron sputter deposition against P. putida: optical density of the bacterial suspension, most probable number of survived cells, dehydrogenase activity inhibition, scanning electron microscopy images, atomic flame absorption spectroscopy, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) luminescent assay. Optical density measurements and most probable plate count were in agreement and showed a strong bactericidal effect of the as‐deposited and only bacteriostatic effect of the annealed coatings with the same metal content on tested bacteria. As the metal quantity in the medium rises during the first hour of the experiment, it could be suggested that this is the main reason for cell death. ATP‐luminescent assay showed up to 18‐fold reduction of the signal. It was compared with other microbiological and biochemical assays to prove the strong antibacterial effect of nanocomposite thin TiO2:Cu:Ag coatings with the possibilities of medical applications. Protection of medical devices against infections is a significant current challenge raised by an increasing number of medical devices‐associated infections and microbial resistance to conventional antibiotic and multidrug treatments. Deposition of antimicrobial coatings is one of the current approaches to mitigate the problem.
Relationship Between Respiratory Muscle Strength, Handgrip Strength, and Muscle Mass in Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Peterson Sarah J. , Park Jessica , Zellner Hillary K. , Moss Olivia A. , Welch Arianna , Sclamberg Joy , Moran Ellen , Hicks‐McGarry Stephanie , Becker Ellen A. , Foley Sharon
Published: October 2019

Background

Minimal information is available to validate measurement of respiratory muscle strength (RMS) in the clinical setting. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), and sniff nasal inspiratory pressure (SNIP) with handgrip strength (HGS) and cross sectional muscle area obtained via diagnostic abdominal computed tomography (CT).

Materials and methods

Measures of MIP, MEP, SNIP, and HGS were obtained from individuals that participated in a previously published study; individuals who had an abdominal CT completed with (±)7 days of obtaining RMS measures were included. Both RMS and HGS were measured within 48–72 hours of admission; for RMS, the highest absolute (cm H2O) and percent predicted values were recorded, and the average of 3 HGS measurements (kg) was documented. Cross‐sectional muscle area (cm2) at the third lumbar region was recorded. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to assess the relationship between variables.

Results

A total of 35 participants were included. HGS was correlated to absolute MIP (rs = 0.62, rs = 0.61), MEP (rs = 0.74, rs = 0.73), and SNIP (rs = 0.58, rs = 0.54) for males and females, respectively. Crosss‐sectional muscle area was correlated with absolute MIP (rs = 0.66), MEP (rs = 0.58), and SNIP (rs = 0.783) for men and absolute SNIP (rs = 0.56) among women.

Conclusion

Measures of RMS represent a promising assessment of muscle mass and function among hospitalized patients.
The mitochondrial permeability transition pore in cell death: A promising drug binding bioarchitecture
Authors: Nesci Salvatore
Published: October 2019

Bioenergetic failure often features programmed cell death involved in some severe pathologies. When the cell is fated to die, the inner mitochondrial membrane becomes permeable to ions and solutes, due to the formation and opening of a channel known as mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP). Up to now, the still‐elusive mPTP structure and mechanism prevented any attempt to identify/design drugs to rule its formation and limit cell death. Latest advances, which strongly suggest that the F1FO‐ATPase can coincide with the mPTP, open new perspectives in therapy. Compounds targeting and inhibiting cyclophilin D, a known mPTP promoter, could be exploited to block mPTP formation. Moreover, if the mPTP‐F1FO‐ATPase connection will be consolidated, selected F1FO‐ATPase inhibitors could represent novel therapeutic options to attenuate mPTP‐related diseases by directly acting on mPTP molecular mechanism. This intriguing perspective, which raises new hopes to counteract mPTP‐related diseases, stimulates further studies to clarify the mPTP architecture and mechanism.
A sparse orthogonal collimator for small animal intensity‐modulated radiation therapy. Part II: hardware development and commissioning
Authors: Woods Kaley , Neph Ryan , Nguyen Dan , Sheng Ke
Published: October 2019

Purpose

A dose‐modulation device for small animal radiotherapy is required to use clinically analogous treatment techniques, which will likely increase the translatability of preclinical research results. Because the clinically used multileaf collimator (MLC) is impractical for miniaturization, we have developed a simpler, better‐suited sparse orthogonal collimator (SOC) for delivering small animal intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) using a rectangular aperture optimization (RAO) treatment planning system.

Methods

The SOC system was modeled in computer‐aided design software and fabricated with machined tungsten leaves and three‐dimensional (3D) printed leaf housing. A graphical user interface was developed for controlling and calibrating the SOC leaves, which are driven by Arduino‐controlled stepper motors. A Winston‐Lutz test was performed to assess mechanical alignment, and abutting field and grid dose patterns were created to analyze intra‐ and intercalibration leaf positioning error. Leaf transmission and penumbra were measured over the full range of gantry angles and leaf positions, respectively. Three SOC test plans were delivered, and film measurements were compared to the intended dose distributions. The differences in maximum, mean, and minimum, as well as pixelwise absolute dose differences, were compared for each structure, and a gamma analysis was performed for the target structures using criteria of 4% dose difference and 0.3 mm distance to agreement.

Results

The Winston‐Lutz test revealed maximum directional offsets between the SOC and primary collimator axes of 0.53 mm at 0° and 0.68 mm over the full 360°. Upper and lower abutting field patterns had maximum dose deviations of 18.8 ± 3.1% and 15.5 ± 2.9%, respectively, and grid patterns showed intra‐ and intercalibration repeatability of 93% and 91%, respectively. Extremely low midleaf (0.15 ± 0.05%) and interleaf (0.27 ± 0.22%) transmission was measured, with no significant rotational variation. The average penumbra was ~0.8 mm for all leaves at field center, with a range of 0.17 mm for all leaf positions. A highly concave test plan was delivered with a ~ 95% gamma analysis pass rate, and a realistic mouse phantom liver irradiation plan achieved a pass rate of ~98%. A highly complex dose distribution was also created with 551 SOC apertures averaging 2.4 mm in size.

Conclusions

A sparse orthogonal collimator was developed and commissioned, with promising preliminary dosimetry results. The SOC design, with its limited moving components and high dose‐modulation resolution, is ideal for delivering high‐quality small animal IMRT with our RAO‐based treatment planning system.
Tunnel oxide passivating electron contacts for high‐efficiency n‐type silicon solar cells with amorphous silicon passivating hole contacts
Authors: Park HyunJung , Lee Youngseok , Park Se Jin , Bae Soohyun , Kim Sangho , Oh Donghyun , Park Jinjoo , Kim Youngkuk , Guim Hwanuk , Kang Yoonmook , Lee Hae‐Seok , Kim Donghwan , Yi Junsin
Published: October 2019

This study proposes a hybrid solar cell structure for a highly efficient silicon solar cell obtained by combining two passivating contact structures, namely, a heterojunction and polysilicon passivating contact. Given that the major cause of the loss in efficiency of crystalline silicon solar cells is carrier recombination at the metal‐semiconductor junction, a passivating contact having high‐quality passivation and a low contact resistance was introduced. In this study, two major passivating contact solar cells were combined. By applying an intrinsic thin amorphous silicon layer at the front and a tunneling oxide at the rear, a hybrid silicon solar cell with an efficiency of 21.8% was fabricated. Moreover, to evaluate the potential efficiency limit and to suggest methods for improving the cell performance of the proposed amorphous silicon emitter tunnel oxide back contact structure, the cell efficiency was simulated, and the result indicated that an efficiency of 26% could be achieved by controlling the thickness and resistivity of the wafer.
Dimensions of hope in adolescence: Relations to academic functioning and well‐being
Authors: Bryce Crystal I. , Alexander Brittany L. , Fraser Ashley M. , Fabes Richard A.
Published: October 2019

Hope—a multidimensional positive motivational state—is particularly salient with adolescents in the school setting. Cognitive hope focuses on goal attainment cognitions whereas behavioral hope focuses on actions required for goal attainment. Studies rarely examine the contribution of each type of hope to adolescents’ academic functioning and well‐being. The present study examines the contributions of cognitive and behavioral hope to academic functioning (i.e., achievement and school engagement) and well‐being (i.e., stress and anxiousness) across adolescence among 5th‐ through 12th‐grade students (n = 643). When modeled concurrently, cognitive hope significantly predicted achievement, school engagement, anxiousness, and stress (high school only); however, aspects of behavioral hope only predicted school engagement. Findings provide evidence regarding the unique contribution of both types of hope in school settings and possible areas for intervention to foster hope in developmentally appropriate ways, depending on the age of the students and outcomes of interest.
Proteomics Identification and Validation of Desmocollin‐1 and Catechol‐O‐Methyltransferase as Proteins Associated with Breast Cancer Cell Migration and Metastasis
Authors: Faktor Jakub , Knopfova Lucia , Lapcik Petr , Janacova Lucia , Paralova Vendula , Bouchalova Pavla , Muller Petr , Benes Petr , Bouchal Pavel
Published: October 2019

Biological treatment of many cancers currently targets membrane bound receptors located on a cell surface. To identify novel membrane proteins associated with migration and metastasis of breast cancer cells, a more migrating subpopulation of MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cell line is selected and characterized. A high‐resolution quantitative mass spectrometry with SILAC labeling is applied to analyze their surfaceome and it is compared with that of parental MDA‐MB‐231 cells. Among 824 identified proteins (FDR < 0.01), 128 differentially abundant cell surface proteins with at least one transmembrane domain are found. Of these, i) desmocollin‐1 (DSC1) is validated as a protein connected with lymph node status of luminal A breast cancer, tumor grade, and Her‐2 status by immunohistochemistry in the set of 96 primary breast tumors, and ii) catechol‐O‐methyltransferase is successfully verified as a protein associated with lymph node metastasis of triple negative breast cancer as well as with tumor grade by targeted data extraction from the SWATH‐MS data of the same set of tissues. The findings indicate importance of both proteins for breast cancer development and metastasis and highlight the potential of biomarker validation strategy via targeted data extraction from SWATH‐MS datasets.
Mean‐Field Calculation ofMZfor Randomly Branched Condensation Polymers
Authors: Odle Roy , Mitchell Joseph D. , Bendler John T.
Published: October 2019

The mean‐field theory of Flory–Stockmayer for randomly branched polymers in the regime of strong chain overlap is extended to a calculation ofMZvia the recursive method of Miller and Macosko. The formalism includes condensation polymers, copolymers, chain stoppers, bifunctional diluents to control the chain length between branch points, multiple branching agents, and arbitrary stoichiometries.MZclosely approximates the largest branched polymer in the system and is therefore a key parameter describing static scaling behavior near the gel point. Nonuniversal static scaling ofMZis illustrated with examples from the literature. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys.2019,57, 1415–1422
The experiences of patients and their family members when receiving bad news about cancer: A qualitative meta‐synthesis
Authors: Matthews Tamyra , Baken Donald , Ross Kirsty , Ogilvie Emily , Kent Lizzy
Published: October 2019

Objective

This qualitative meta‐synthesis explored the subjective experiences of patients and their family members when receiving bad news about cancer, with a focus on what was important to them during this process and making future recommendations.

Methods

A search of five electronic databases yielded 587 different records that resulted in 88 articles assessed against the inclusion/exclusion criteria. With the supplement of four additional records, 29 articles were analysed using thematic synthesis. A quality appraisal checklist was used to provide further information about the included articles.

Results

Patients and family members experienced receiving bad news as a process that involved three phases, labelled as follows: “preparation”, “delivery”, and “adjusting and coping”. The “preparation” phase had four themes: the setting, developing a relationship, knowing the patient, and forewarning. Four themes were identified during the “delivery” phase: emotional reactions, empathy not sympathy, active participation, and understanding. “Adjusting and coping” comprised four themes: hope, holistic support, being a protector, and ongoing relationships.

Conclusions

Receiving bad news is a significant experience for patients and family members. They want bad news delivered in an appropriate setting, in a manner consistent with their personal preferences, and have their psychological needs attended to within the context of an established relationship. Healthcare professionals can be assisted to deliver bad news in the best way possible by additional training and their workplace institutions providing quiet, private rooms, and sufficient time. Future research is needed to better understand family members' experiences and needs.
Narrow Bandgap Pb–Sn Perovskites/InGaZnO Hybrid Phototransistors for Near‐Infrared Detection
Authors: Yan Lizhi , Du Xingzhi , Liu Chuan , Zhang Shengdong , Zhou Hang
Published: October 2019

Inorganic–organic hybrid perovskite thin films have attracted significant attention for developing new types of optoelectronic devices due to their superb optoelectronic properties. Herein, a hybrid phototransistor for near‐infrared (NIR) detection is constructed by capping a narrow bandgap Pb–Sn perovskite layer on top of an indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) thin‐film transistor (TFT), with a C60 interlayer acting as the electron transporting layer. The Pb–Sn perovskite layer is precisely spin patterned onto the IGZO TFTs' channel region via a hydrophobic perfluoro(1‐butenyl vinyl ether) (CYTOP) photolithography process. In this configuration, a high‐detectivity (2.24 × 1010 Jones at 900 nm) perovskite–C60–IGZO hybrid infrared phototransistor is achieved, and the narrow bandgap perovskite–IGZO hybrid phototransistor has a sensitive photoresponse down to 1100 nm.
Pseudodielectric Dispersion in As2Se3 Thin Films
Authors: Kayed Tarek S. , Qasrawi Atef F.
Published: October 2019

Herein, X‐ray diffraction, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and spectral ellipsometry techniques are used to investigate the structural, pseudo‐optical, and pseudodielectric properties of arsenic selenide thin films. The stoichiometric films which are prepared by the thermal evaporation technique are found to prefer the amorphous nature of growth. While the pseudoabsorption coefficient spectra display strong absorption bands at 1.84, 1.81, 1.41, and 1.13 eV, the preferred pseudo‐optical transitions happen within a direct forbidden energy bandgap of 1.80  eV. In addition, the real part of the pseudodielectric spectra displays three strong resonance peaks at critical energy values of 2.33, 1.90, and 1.29 eV. Modeling of the imaginary part of the pseudodielectric constant spectra in accordance with the Drude–Lorentz approach results in the existence of six linear oscillators. The response of arsenic selenide to elliptically polarized light signals shows that the films exhibit drift mobility, free electron concentration, and plasmon frequency values in the ranges of 0.21–43.96 cm2 V−1s−1, 1.90–58.0 × 1019 cm−3, and 5.8–32.0 GHz, respectively. The optical conductivity parameters for As2Se3 film nominate it as a promising candidate for the fabrication of tunneling diodes suitable for microwaves filtering up to 32.0 GHz and as thin‐film transistors.
A systematic review on hepatoprotective activity of quercetin against various drugs and toxic agents: Evidence from preclinical studies
Authors: Pingili Ravindra Babu , Challa Siva Reddy , Pawar A. Krishnamanjari , Toleti Vyshnavi , Kodali Tanvija , Koppula Sirisha
Published: October 2019

Quercetin is one of the most abundant flavonoids in human diet that has been reported to exhibit a wide range of pharmacological properties. The biochemical and molecular mechanisms involved in the hepatoprotective activity of quercetin were discussed in this review. Quercetin exhibited hepatoprotective activity against 2‐butoxyethanol, acrylamide, acrylonitrile, aflatoxin B1, aroclor‐1254, arsenic, sodium arsenite, azathioprine, cadmium chloride, carbon tetrachloride, chlorpyrifos, cyclosporine A, diazinon, dimethylnitrosamine, doxorubicin, epirubicin, ethanol, fenvalerate, isoniazide, rifampicin, lead acetate, lindane,D‐galactosamine, methotrexate, methylmercury, nickel sulfate, paracetamol, perfluorooctanoic acid, polychlorinated biphenyls, pyrrolizidine alkaloid clivorine, rotenone, sodium fluoride, streptazotocin,tert‐butyl hydroperoxide, thioacetamide, titanium dioxide, tumor necrosis factor‐α, tripterygium glycoside, triptolide, ultraviolet A light, concavalin A, bisphenol, and ischemia‐induced hepatotoxicity in various animal models due to its antioxidant, free radical‐scavenging,anti‐inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) inhibitory activities. In this review, we provide an overview of the possible mechanisms by which quercetin reduced the hepatotoxicity of different hepatotoxicants. This will help the toxicologists, pharmacologists, and chemists to develop new safer pharmaceutical products with quercetin and other hepatotoxicants.
High‐Dimensional Quantum Communication: Benefits, Progress, and Future Challenges
Authors: Cozzolino Daniele , Da Lio Beatrice , Bacco Davide , Oxenløwe Leif Katsuo
Published: October 2019

In recent years, there has been a rising interest in high‐dimensional quantum states and their impact on quantum communication. Indeed, the availability of an enlarged Hilbert space offers multiple advantages, from larger information capacity and increased noise resilience, to novel fundamental research possibilities in quantum physics. Multiple photonic degrees of freedom have been explored to generate high‐dimensional quantum states, both with bulk optics and integrated photonics. Furthermore, these quantum states have been propagated through various channels, for example, free‐space links, single‐mode, multicore, and multimode fibers, and also aquatic channels, experimentally demonstrating the theoretical advantages over 2D systems. Here, the state‐of‐the‐art on the generation, propagation, and detection of high‐dimensional quantum states is reviewed. Quantum communication with states living in d‐dimensional Hilbert spaces, qudits, yields great benefits. However, qudits generation, transmission, and detection is not a simple task to accomplish. This review presents the state‐of‐the‐art on the generation, propagation, and measurement of high‐dimensional quantum states, highlighting their advantages, issues, and future perspectives.
Future technologies for very high throughput satellite systems
Authors: De Gaudenzi Riccardo , Angeletti Piero , Petrolati Daniele , Re Emiliano
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we investigate the possible satellite's role and technical solutions required for providing broadband services complementing the terrestrial fifth generation wireless standards. First, we review the satellite networks use cases, services, and system requirements. Then we investigate the satellite potential purpose for broadband service provision and the associated challenges with focus on the system and space/ground technological aspects. Different architectural satellite network solutions are illustrated jointly with the key system design trade‐offs. Particular emphasis is dedicated to the payload architecture. Finally, we illustrate the space and ground segment technologies enabling the successful satellite contribution to broadband services provision.
A utility‐based Bayesian optimal interval (U‐BOIN) phase I/II design to identify the optimal biological dose for targeted and immune therapies
Authors: Zhou Yanhong , Lee J. Jack , Yuan Ying
Published: October 2019

In the era of targeted therapy and immunotherapy, the objective of dose finding is often to identify the optimal biological dose (OBD), rather than the maximum tolerated dose. We develop a utility‐based Bayesian optimal interval (U‐BOIN) phase I/II design to find the OBD. We jointly model toxicity and efficacy using a multinomial‐Dirichlet model, and employ a utility function to measure dose risk‐benefit trade‐off. The U‐BOIN design consists of two seamless stages. In stage I, the Bayesian optimal interval design is used to quickly explore the dose space and collect preliminary toxicity and efficacy data. In stage II, we continuously update the posterior estimate of the utility for each dose after each cohort, using accumulating efficacy and toxicity from both stages I and II, and then use the posterior estimate to direct the dose assignment and selection. Compared to existing phase I/II designs, one prominent advantage of the U‐BOIN design is its simplicity for implementation. Once the trial is designed, it can be easily applied using predetermined decision tables, without complex model fitting and estimation. Our simulation study shows that, despite its simplicity, the U‐BOIN design is robust and has high accuracy to identify the OBD. We extend the design to accommodate delayed efficacy by leveraging the short‐term endpoint (eg, immune activity or other biological activity of targeted agents), and using it to predict the delayed efficacy outcome to facilitate real‐time decision making. A user‐friendly software to implement the U‐BOIN is freely available at www.trialdesign.org.
A Paclitaxel‐Based Mucoadhesive Nanogel with Multivalent Interactions for Cervical Cancer Therapy
Authors: Qian Qiuhui , Shi Leilei , Gao Xihui , Ma Yuan , Yang Jiapei , Zhang Zhihao , Qian Jiwen , Zhu Xinyuan
Published: October 2019

Cervical cancer treatment is subject to limited drug access to locally diseased targets and generally resistant to chemotherapy, thus it is essential to develop a local drug delivery system to overcome these problems, premised on guaranteeing drug efficacy. With this goal in mind, a multivalent interactions‐based mucoadhesive nanogel for vaginal delivery is proposed. Briefly, the nanogel is constructed with mucoadhesive poly(acrylic acid) as the backbone and multiple inclusions between β‐cyclodextrin and paclitaxel as the crosslinking points. The in vitro experiments demonstrate that nanogel exerts high cytotoxicity to cancer cells, reverses multidrug resistance effectively, and successfully promotes the permeation of drugs. More to the point, as proved in the in vivo experiments, the retention time in the vagina is prolonged and the tumor growth is effectively suppressed by the nanogel without any side effects in the orthotopic cervical cancer model. As mentioned above, this novel mucoadhesive nanogel is believed to be a useful tool toward designing drug delivery systems for cervical cancer treatment.
Advanced Wearable Microfluidic Sensors for Healthcare Monitoring
Authors: Li Sheng , Ma Zhong , Cao Zhonglin , Pan Lijia , Shi Yi
Published: October 2019

Wearable flexible sensors based on integrated microfluidic networks with multiplex analysis capability are emerging as a new paradigm to assess human health status and show great potential in application fields such as clinical medicine and athletic monitoring. Well‐designed microfluidic sensors can be attached to the skin surface to acquire various pieces of physiological information with high precision, such as sweat loss, information regarding metabolites, and electrolyte balance. Herein, the recent progress of wearable microfluidic sensors for applications in healthcare monitoring is summarized, including analysis principles and microfabrication methods. Finally, the challenges and opportunities for wearable microfluidic sensors in practical applications are discussed.