bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accessing 1,2‐Substituted Cyclobutanes through 1,2‐Azaborine Photoisomerization
Authors: Giustra Zachary X. , Yang Xinyu , Chen Min , Bettinger Holger F. , Liu Shih‐Yuan
Published: October 2019

We provide a seminal example of the utility of the 1,2‐azaborine motif as a 4C+1N+1B synthon in organic synthesis. Specifically, conditions for the practically scalable photoisomerization of 1,2‐azaborine in a flow reactor are reported that furnish aminoborylated cyclobutane derivatives. The C−B bonds could also be functionalized to furnish a diverse set of highly substituted cyclobutanes.
Graphene‐Oxide‐Modified Lanthanide Nanoprobes for Tumor‐Targeted Visible/NIR‐II Luminescence Imaging
Authors: Song Xiaorong , Li Shihua , Guo Hanhan , You Wenwu , Shang Xiaoying , Li Renfu , Tu Datao , Zheng Wei , Chen Zhuo , Yang Huanghao , Chen Xueyuan
Published: October 2019

The synthesis of hydrophilic lanthanide‐doped nanocrystals (Ln3+‐NCs) with molecular recognition ability for bioimaging currently remains a challenge. Herein, we present an effective strategy to circumvent this bottleneck by encapsulating Ln3+‐NCs in graphene oxide (NCs@GO). Monodisperse NCs@GO was prepared by optimizing GO size and core–shell structure of NaYF4:Yb,Er@NaYF4, thus combining the intense visible/near‐infrared II (NIR‐II) luminescence of NCs and the unique surface properties and biomedical functions of GO. Such nanostructures not only feature broad solvent dispersibility, efficient cell uptake, and excellent biocompatibility but also enable further modifications with various agents such as DNA, proteins, or nanoparticles without tedious procedures. Moreover, we demonstrate in proof‐of‐concept experiments that NCs@GO can realize simultaneous intracellular tracking and microRNA‐21 visualization, as well as highly sensitive in vivo tumor‐targeted NIR‐II imaging at 1525 nm.
Improving the performance of novel polysulfone‐based membrane via sulfonation method: Application to water desalination
Authors: Khodami Samaneh , Babanzadeh Samal , Mehdipour‐Ataei Shahram
Published: October 2019

High‐performance polymers for water desalination were designed. A novel polysulfone was prepared via reaction between a new synthesized pyridine‐based diol and bis(4‐fluorophenyl) sulfone. Also a series of disulfonated copolymers with sulfonation content of 20–50 wt% were prepared to compare the hydrophilicity with the pristine polymer. The generated membranes were characterized by microscopic, mechanical, and thermal methods, and the influence of sulfonation degree on hydrophilicity, water flux, and salt rejection was followed. Water flux of sulfonated membranes was increased compare to pristine membrane as sulfonation increased, while the salt rejection decreased. Optimum application performance was obtained for membrane with 30 wt% sulfonation content. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48568.
Mechanical properties and morphology of coal gasification fine slag glass bead‐filled acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) composites
Authors: Ai Weidong , Zhang Jiupeng , Zhang Jinyi , Miao Shiding , Wei Cundi
Published: October 2019

Coal gasification fine slag glass beads (CGFSGBs) were processed via an efficient pneumatic separation technique. CGFSGB products (CGFSGB‐S1, CGFSGB‐S2, and CGFSGB‐S3) with different sizes were acquired. The heavy calcium carbonate (CaCO3) was used as comparative filler. Effects of particle size and geometric shape on mechanical strengths, flow properties, and solid density of filled acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) were investigated. The mechanical strengths of composites decreased with increasing CGFSGB weight fraction, while MFR and solid density increased. The mechanical strengths were found to increase with decreasing CGFSGB size, and spherical surface of the CGFSGB is more beneficial to improve interface adhesion strength than square surface of the CaCO3. The flow property analysis showed that the ABS/CaCO3 composites have better fluidity and the advantages in the processing energy consumption. However, the incorporation of CaCO3 resulted in the higher solid‐state density. In summary, CGFSGBs have the potential to replace CaCO3 in the ABS market. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48601.
Structural, mechanical, and gas barrier properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate) nanohybrid using nanotalc
Authors: Saxena Dipti , Soundararajan Narendren , Katiyar Vimal , Rana Dipak , Maiti Pralay
Published: October 2019

Amorphous poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/nanotalc nanohybrids have been prepared through solution casting route. The fine dispersion of nanotalc clay in the polymer matrix has been examined through transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The intercalation and interaction of nanoclay have further been confirmed using X‐ray diffraction, ultraviolet, and Fourier transform infrared techniques. The thermal stability has been tested via thermogravimetric analysis and nanohybrids have been found thermally stable. The glass‐transition temperature has been further confirmed through DTA and differential scanning calorimetry analysis which has been increased in the presence of nanotalc arising from greater interaction. The nanohybrids have been tested for their mechanical performances and have been found to have improved mechanical responses for nanotalc‐filled nanohybrids. The modulus has been increased whereas toughness has been compromised meagerly. The modulus values have been theoretically predicted using various micromechanical models. The microhardness of the nanohybrids has been examined through Vicker hardness test. The theoretical prediction of the hardness values has been done using different micromechanical models. The structural development upon uniaxial stretching of the samples has been studied using small‐angle X‐ray scattering and wide‐angle ray diffraction. The stretched samples have found to have short‐range ordering as well as increased blob size and better coherency in the presence of nanotalc. The aspect ratio has been increased upon stretching. The inclusion of nanotalc has induced high barrier for gas permeation as compared to pure PET. The oxygen transmission rate has been found to decrease up to 64% for 8 wt % of filler concentration. The prediction of the permeability data has been done using different models considering different aspect ratios. The permeability values have been predicted very closely and nanohybrids have been found suitable for practical applications such as packaging. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,137, 48607.
Septal Aperture of the Humerus: Etiology and Frequency Rates in Two European Populations
Authors: Bradshaw Rebecca , Eliopoulos Constantine , Borrini Matteo
Published: October 2019

Analysis of the septal aperture was conducted on two documented European populations. Collections from the National Museum of Natural History Lisbon, Portugal, and University of Athens, Greece, were used for the study. Both collections are modern and documented for sex and age. The Portuguese sample comprises 297 individuals (149 males and 148 females) between the ages of 18 and 88. A septal aperture was observed in 50 individuals resulting in a frequency of 16.83%. The Greek sample comprises 117 individuals (68 males and 49 females) between the ages of 20 and 65. Twenty‐five septal apertures were observed, giving a frequency of 21.37%. Both populations had high frequencies which exceeded those observed in European countries in previous studies. Sex analysis shows that both samples confirm that septal apertures are more common in females. The Portuguese sample also supports that septal apertures are more common in the left humerus; however, the Greek sample had a higher frequency of bilateral cases. Measurements of the Portuguese sample were taken to determine whether robusticity correlates with presence of septal apertures. These measurements concluded that there was no difference in robusticity with presence or absence of a septal aperture, challenging previous studies. Anat Rec, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy Anat Rec, 303:1821–1830, 2020. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy
Energy efficiency and indoor air quality of seminar rooms in older buildings with and without mechanical ventilation
Authors: Maas Stefan , Da Cruz Antunes Joël , Steffgen Georges
Published: October 2019

The present paper reports on an experimental study performed in a seminar room of the University of Luxembourg in a building of the 1970ies without a major renovation. This lecture room is typical for this building period and has a capacity of 60 seats. It is equipped with a mechanical ventilation system that is normally in operation on workdays for 11 hours a day in semester periods (8:00–19:00h), while windows can be opened manually. A blower‐door test revealed that the room is not airtight. During a year, the ventilation system was shut “on” and “off” in periods of some weeks and the consumed final‐energy was measured, as well as the indoor climate assessed by physical and psychological measurements. For instance, the measured CO2 concentrations are marginally better with the ventilation system „on“, which was not perceived in any way by the occupants during the investigations. It was not possible to properly identify the impact of ventilation on the consumed heat‐energy, as the room could not be thermally separated from the rest of the building. But with the system “on”, there was a clear increase in consumed primary energy due to the electric consumption of the fans. No relationship between the perceived percentage of dissatisfied and perceived climate could be observed. It is concluded that the typical normal operation modus is questionable for seminar rooms in older buildings with variable occupancy and that a simple shut down or semi‐automatic user‐controlled modus by low‐cost retrofit seems advantageous.
Ermüdungsnachweis für Elementdecken mit Gitterträgern
Authors: Furche Johannes , Bauermeister Ulrich
Published: October 2019

Elementdecken aus vorgefertigten Stahlbetonplatten mit Gitterträgern und aufbetonierter Ortbetonschicht werden seit Jahren auch bei nicht vorwiegend ruhender Beanspruchung eingesetzt [1]. Die Anwendungs‐ und Bemessungsregeln hierzu wurden auf der Grundlage von Bauteilversuchen festgelegt. Erste ermüdungsbeanspruchte Verbundbauteile mit horizontaler Verbundfuge überstanden als Prüfkriterium zwei Millionen Lastwechsel ohne Versagen. Das Bemessungskonzept wurde für diese Lastwechselzahl formuliert. Inzwischen wurden sowohl Ermüdungsversuche an Elementdecken mit größerer Lastwechselzahl durchgeführt als auch Wöhlerlinien für Gitterträger als Verbundbewehrung und Schubbewehrung ermittelt. Das Bemessungskonzept in der allgemeinen bauaufsichtlichen Zulassung für Gitterträger wurde daher an das Bemessungskonzept des Eurocodes für Stahlbetonbauteile angepasst. Auf der Grundlage der neuen Zulassung lässt sich der Ermüdungswiderstand sowohl über einen Betriebsfestigkeitsnachweis als auch über eine äquivalente Spannungsschwingbreite nachweisen.
Polytetrafluoroethylene covered stents during PCI: Wanting more from our “savior”
Authors: Seth Ashok , Singh Vivudh Pratap
Published: October 2019

Key Points

Polytetrafluoroethylene covered stents are life‐saving treatment of coronary artery perforation and effective treatment for coronary artery aneurysm.

Procedural and Technical consideration may improve long‐term outcomes.

New generation of user friendly covered stents could aid rapid stabilization of patients during coronary artery perforation.
Dietary specialization is conditionally associated with increased ant predation risk in a temperate forest caterpillar community
Authors: Singer Michael S. , Clark Robert E. , Johnson Emily R. , Lichter‐Marck Isaac H. , Mooney Kailen A. , Whitney Kenneth D.
Published: October 2019

The enemy‐free space hypothesis (EFSH) contends that generalist predators select for dietary specialization in insect herbivores. At a community level, the EFSH predicts that dietary specialization reduces predation risk, and this pattern has been found in several studies addressing the impact of individual predator taxa or guilds. However, predation at a community level is also subject to combinatorial effects of multiple‐predator types, raising the question of how so‐called multiple‐predator effects relate to dietary specialization in insect herbivores. Here, we test the EFSH with a field experiment quantifying ant predation risk to insect herbivores (caterpillars) with and without the combined predation effects of birds. Assessing a community of 20 caterpillar species, we use model selection in a phylogenetic comparative framework to identify the caterpillar traits that best predict the risk of ant predation. A caterpillar species' abundance, dietary specialization, and behavioral defenses were important predictors of its ant predation risk. Abundant caterpillar species had increased risk of ant predation irrespective of bird predation. Caterpillar species with broad diet breadth and behavioral responsiveness to attack had reduced ant predation risk, but these ant effects only occurred when birds also had access to the caterpillar community. These findings suggest that ant predation of caterpillar species is density‐ or frequency‐dependent, that ants and birds may impose countervailing selection on dietary specialization within the same herbivore community, and that contingent effects of multiple predators may generate behaviorally mediated life‐history trade‐offs associated with herbivore diet breadth.
Assessing factors associated with changes in the numbers of birds visiting gardens in winter: Are predators partly to blame?
Authors: Swallow Ben , Buckland Stephen T. , King Ruth , Toms Mike P.
Published: October 2019

The factors governing the recent declines observed in many songbirds have received much research interest, in particular whether increases of avian predators have had a negative effect on any of their prey species. In addition, further discussion has centered on whether or not the choice of model formulation has an effect on model inference. The study goal was to evaluate changes in the number of 10 songbird species in relation to a suite of environmental covariates, testing for any evidence in support of a predator effect using multiple model formulations to check for consistency in the results. We compare two different approaches to the analysis of long‐term garden bird monitoring data. The first approach models change in the prey species between 1970 and 2005 as a function of environmental covariates, including the abundance of an avian predator, while the second uses a change–change approach. Significant negative relationships were found between Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus and three of the 10 species analyzed, namely house Sparrow Passer domesticus, starling Sturnus vulgaris, and blue tit Cyanistes caeruleus. The results were consistent under both modeling approaches. It is not clear if this is a direct negative impact on the overall populations of these species or a behavioral response of the prey species to avoid feeding stations frequented by Sparrowhawks (which may in turn have population consequences, by reducing available resources). The species showing evidence of negative effects of Sparrowhawks were three of the four species most at risk to Sparrowhawk predation according to their prevalence in the predator's diet. The associations could be causal in nature, although in practical terms the reduction in the rate of change in numbers visiting gardens accredited to Sparrowhawks is relatively small, and so unlikely to be the main driver of observed population declines.
Magnetized impacts of Brownian motion and thermophoresis on unsteady squeezing flow of nanofluid between two parallel plates with chemical reaction and Joule heating
Authors: Shankar Usha , Naduvinamani Neminath Bujjappa
Published: October 2019

Present research article investigate the heat and mass transfer characteristics of unsteady magnetohydrodynamic Casson nanofluid flow between two parallel plates under the influence of viscous dissipation and first order homogeneous chemical reaction effects. The impacts of thermophoresis and Brownian motion are accounted in the nanofluid model to disclose the salient features of heat and mass transport phenomena. The present physical problem is examined under the presence of Lorentz forces to investigate the effects of magnetic field. Further, the viscous and Joule dissipation effects are considered to describe the heat transfer process. The non‐Newtonian behaviour of Casson nanofluid is distinguished from those of Newtonian fluids by considering the well‐established rheological Casson fluid model. The two‐dimensional partial differential equations governing the unsteady squeezing flow of Casson nanofluid are coupled and highly nonlinear in nature. Thus, similarity transformations are imposed on the conservation laws to obtain the nonlinear ordinary differential equations. Runge‐Kutta fourth order integration scheme with shooting method and bvp4c techniques have been used to solve the resulting nonlinear flow equations. Numerical results have been obtained and presented in the form of graphs and tables for various values of physical parameters. It is noticed from present investigation that, the concentration field is a decreasing function of thermophoresis parameter. Also, concentration profile enhances with raising Brownian motion parameter. Further, the present numerical results are compared with the analytical and semianalytical results and found to be in good agreement.
Estimation of baseflow nitrate loads by a recursive tracing source algorithm in a rainy agricultural watershed
Authors: He Shengjia , Hao Yun , Wu Jianhong , Lu Jun
Published: October 2019

Baseflow has become an important source of nitrate nonpoint source pollution in many intensive agricultural watersheds. Uncertainties in baseflow nutrient load separation are caused by the effects of hydrometeorological factors on both baseflow recession and baseflow nutrient load recession. These uncertainties have not been addressed well in the existing separating algorithms, which are based on simple baseflow rate–load relationships. In the present study, a recursive tracing source algorithm (RTSA) was developed based on a nonlinear reservoir algorithm and hydrometeorology‐corrected baseflow nutrient load recession parameter. This approach was used to reduce the uncertainty of baseflow nitrate load estimation caused by variations in different load recessions under varying climate conditions. RTSA validation in a typical rainy agricultural watershed yielded Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency, root mean square error‐observation standard deviation ratio, and R2 values of 0.91, 0.30, and 0.91, respectively. The baseflow nitrate–nitrogen (N─NO3–) loads from 2003 to 2012 in the Changle River watershed of eastern China were estimated with the RTSA. The results indicated that baseflow nitrate export accounted for 62.0% of the mean total annual N─NO3– loads (18.0 kg/ha). The total baseflow N─NO3– export was highest in spring (3.6 kg/ha), followed by summer (3.2 kg/ha), winter (2.3 kg/ha), and autumn (2.1 kg/ha). The contribution of baseflow to total nitrate in the stream decreased in the order of winter (69.88%) >spring (66.59%) >autumn (60.36%) >summer (54.04%). The monthly baseflow N─NO3– loads and flow‐weighted concentrations greatly increased during the research period (Mann–Kendall test, Zs > 2.56, p < .01). Without proper countermeasures, baseflow nitrate may represent a serious long‐term risk for water surfaces in the future.
Effects of the antifungal agent ciclopirox in HPV‐positive cancer cells: Repression of viral E6/E7 oncogene expression and induction of senescence and apoptosis
Authors: Braun Julia A. , Herrmann Anja L. , Blase Johanna I. , Frensemeier Kristin , Bulkescher Julia , Scheffner Martin , Galy Bruno , Hoppe‐Seyler Karin , Hoppe‐Seyler Felix
Published: October 2019

The malignant growth of human papillomavirus (HPV)‐positive cancer cells is dependent on the continuous expression of the viral E6/E7 oncogenes. Here, we examined the effects of iron deprivation on the phenotype of HPV‐positive cervical cancer cells. We found that iron chelators, such as the topical antifungal agent ciclopirox (CPX), strongly repress HPV E6/E7 oncogene expression, both at the transcript and protein level. CPX efficiently blocks the proliferation of HPV‐positive cancer cells by inducing cellular senescence. Although active mTOR signaling is considered to be critical for the cellular senescence response towards a variety of prosenescent agents, CPX‐induced senescence occurs under conditions of severely impaired mTOR signaling. Prolonged CPX treatment leads to p53‐independent Caspase‐3/7 activation and induction of apoptosis. CPX also eliminates HPV‐positive cancer cells under hypoxic conditions through induction of apoptosis. Taken together, these results show that iron deprivation exerts profound antiviral and antiproliferative effects in HPV‐positive cancer cells and suggest that iron chelators, such as CPX, possess therapeutic potential as HPV‐inhibitory, prosenescent and proapoptotic agents in both normoxic and hypoxic environments.
HIV‐1, HAART and cancer: A complex relationship
Authors: Shmakova Anna , Germini Diego , Vassetzky Yegor
Published: October 2019

HIV infected people are at higher risk of developing cancer, although it is globally diminished in the era of highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART). Recently, antioncogenic properties of some HAART drugs were discovered. We discuss the role of HAART in the prevention and improvement of treatment outcomes of cancers in HIV‐infected people. We describe different trends in HAART–cancer relationships: cancer‐predisposing as well as cancer‐preventing. We cover the roles of particular drug regimens in cancer prevention. We also describe the causes of cancer treatment with HAART drugs in HIV‐negative people, including ongoing clinical studies that may directly point to a possible independent anti‐oncogenic activity of HAART drugs. We conclude that despite potent antioncogenic activities of every class of HAART drugs reported in preclinical models, the evidence to date indicates that their independent clinical impact in HIV‐infected people is limited. Improved cancer prevention strategies besides HAART are needed to reduce HIV‐cancer‐related mortality.
Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion as a side effect of chemotherapy for testicular cancer: A case report
Authors: Maeda Koki , Kageyama Susumu , Osafune Takashi , Masuda Yoshikata , Nakagawa Shota , Miki Kenji , Esumi Shun , Kakita‐Kobayashi Maiko , Yoshida Tetsuya , Narita Mitsuhiro , Kawauchi Akihiro
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion syndrome can be a serious adverse event of cisplatin‐based chemotherapy. Cisplatin had to be changed to other drugs or chemotherapy completely discontinued in earlier reported cases.

Case presentation

Three cycles of bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin chemotherapy were planned for a 40‐year‐old man with a diagnosis of lymph node recurrence of testicular cancer. On day 9, he suffered from vomiting and mental disturbance. Severe hyponatremia (110 mEq/L) with low plasma osmolality led to a diagnosis of a syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, and infusions of hypertonic saline and salt intake were prescribed. Second and third courses of bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin chemotherapy could then be given with careful electrolyte management.

Conclusion

Continuation of cisplatin administration with precise electrolyte adjustment can be a treatment option in regimens where cisplatin is essential for achieving optimal antitumor efficacy.
Development and verification of a discriminate algorithm for diagnosing post‐neurosurgical bacterial meningitis—A multicenter observational study
Authors: Zheng Guanghui , Ji Xufeng , Yu Xiaochen , Liu Min , Huang Jing , Zhang Lina , Guo Dawen , Zhang Guojun
Published: October 2019

Objective

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)–based routine clinical examinations for post‐neurosurgical bacterial meningitis (PNBM) in multicenter post‐neurosurgical patients.

Methods

The diagnostic accuracies of routine examinations to distinguish between PNBM and post‐neurosurgical aseptic meningitis (PNAM) were evaluated by determining the values of the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curve in a retrospective analysis of post‐neurosurgical patients in four centers.

Results

An algorithm was constructed using the logistic analysis as a classical method to maximize the capacity for differentiating the two classes by integrating the measurements of five variables. The AUC value of this algorithm was 0.907, which was significantly higher than those of individual routine blood/CSF examinations. The predicted value from 70 PNBM patients was greater than the cutoff value, and the diagnostic accuracy rate was 75.3%. The results of 181 patients with PNAM showed that 172 patients could be correctly identified with specificity of 95.3%, while the overall correctness rate of the algorithm was 88.6%.

Conclusions

Routine biomarkers such as CSF/blood glucose ratio (C/B‐Glu), CSF lactate (C‐Lac), CSF glucose concentration (C‐Glu), CSF leukocyte count (C‐Leu), and blood glucose concentration (B‐Glu) can be used for auxiliary diagnosis of PNBM. The multicenter retrospective research revealed that the combination of the five abovementioned biomarkers can effectively improve the efficacy of the PNBM diagnosis.
Upregulation of miR‐183 represses neuropathic pain through inhibiton of MAP3K4 in CCI rat models
Authors: Huang Lili , Wang Li
Published: October 2019

Many studies have verified that microRNAs contribute a lot to neuropathic pain progression. Furthermore, nerve‐related inflammatory cytokines play vital roles in neuropathic pain progression. miR‐183 has been identified to have a common relationship with multiple pathological diseases. However, the potential effects of miR‐183 in the process of neuropathic pain remain undetermined. Therefore, we performed the current study with the purpose of finding the functions of miR‐183 in neuropathic pain progression using a chronic sciatic nerve injury (CCI) rat model. We demonstrated that miR‐183 expression levels were evidently reduced in CCI rats in contrast with the control group. Overexpression of miR‐183 produced significant relief of mechanical hyperalgesia, as well as thermal hyperalgesia in CCI rats. Furthermore, neuropathic pain‐correlated inflammatory cytokine expression levels containing interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) were obviously inhibited by upregulation of miR‐183. Meanwhile, dual‐luciferase reporter assays showed MAP3K4 was a direct downstream gene of miR‐183. The expression levels of MAP3K4 were modulated by the increased miR‐183 negatively, which lead to the downregulation of IL‐6, IL‐1β, and COX‐2, and then reduced neuropathic pain progression, respectively. Overall, our study pointed out that miR‐183 was a part of the negative regulator which could relieve neuropathic pain by targeting MAP3K4. Thus it may provide a new clinical treatment for neuropathic pain patients clinical therapy.
Different developmental environments reveal multitrait plastic responses in South American Anostomidae fish
Authors: Bonini‐Campos Bianca , Lofeu Leandro , Brandt Renata , Kohlsdorf Tiana
Published: October 2019

Complex phenotypes result from developmental processes integrating genetic, epigenetic, and environmental information. Although changing environments combine several signals that may induce multitrait plastic responses, literature often decodes developmental plasticity into single trait variation as a function of isolated environmental signals. To address the multivariate nature of developmental plasticity, we evaluated how different combinations of environmental signals influence the development of morphological and behavioral traits. We raised Megaleporinus macrocephalus (Anostomidae) in four different developmental environments, and found that foraging position and structural complexity during development induced different morphotypes, which overlapped with behavioral patterns. Foraging position induced distinct patterns of mouth and fin positioning and overall body shape, which were accentuated by structural complexity. Moreover, fish most often chose conditions similar to their developmental environments. Combined signals during development, therefore, revealed environment‐specific phenotypic patterns associating morphology and behavior. Such results endorse the ability of developmental processes to influence the variation present in natural populations. Implications of addressing the multivariate essence of developmental plasticity transcend the evolutionary theory and inspire applications in several fields.
Reappraisal of the validity of surgery for patients with pancreatic cancer aged 80 years or older stratified by resectability status
Authors: Kondo Naru , Uemura Kenichiro , Nakagawa Naoya , Okada Kenjiro , Seo Shingo , Takahashi Shinya , Murakami Yoshiaki
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess the validity of surgical resection for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) aged ≥80 years stratified by resectability status.

Methods

Medical records of 245 patients with resectable (R) and 169 with borderline resectable/unresectable (BR/UR) PDAC were reviewed retrospectively. Of the total of 414 patients, 56 (14%) were ≥80 years. The prognostic impact of age ≥80 years was analyzed with stratification by resectability status.

Results

No significant difference was found in the incidence of major complications between patients aged ≥80 versus <80 years (12% vs. 16% respectively; P = 0.53). However, patients aged ≥80 years were significantly less likely to receive adjuvant gemcitabine + S‐1 chemotherapy than those <80 years (39% vs. 83%, respectively; P < 0.001). Multivariate analyses identified age ≥80 years as an independent risk factor for poor survival in the BR/UR group (P = 0.01), whereas it did not affect survival in the R group.

Conclusion

Patients aged ≥80 years had a similar prognosis to <80 years in R PDAC, whereas they had significantly worse prognosis in BR/UR PDAC. These findings suggest that surgical resection for patients with PDAC aged ≥80 years is validated in R PDAC, whereas its survival benefit might be limited in BR/UR PDAC.
Intra‐seasonal characteristics of wintertime extreme cold events over South Korea
Authors: Park Tae‐Won , Hong Jin Gi , Park Doo‐Sun R.
Published: October 2019

In this study, the characteristics of extreme cold events over South Korea in the boreal winter (November to March) are investigated in terms of month‐to‐month variations of frequency, duration, amplitude, and atmospheric circulation pattern. To explain the mechanism for these month‐to‐month variations, all extreme cold events are classified into three types based on an agglomerative hierarchical clustering method, and their linkages with large‐scale variabilities, such as the Siberian High (SH), the Arctic Oscillation (AO), and the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO), are analysed. “Wave‐train” type does not tend to occur under the typical favourable conditions for the East Asian cold extremes, e.g., strong SH intensity, strong negative AO phase, and MJO phases 2–3, hence resulting in weak and short events. On the other hand, strong and long‐lasting “Ural blocking” and “subarctic blocking” types are accompanied with the aforementioned favourable large‐scale conditions. Thus, November and March with the most frequent occurrences of the wave‐train type are the months in which extreme cold events have weaker amplitude and shorter duration than other months. Compared with the wave‐train type, the Ural blocking type occur frequently in January and February, while occurrences of the subarctic blocking type are concentrated in December and January. It contributes to relatively powerful and sustained extreme cold events in mid‐winter (from December to February). In particular, extreme cold events during March have the lowest frequency, weakest amplitude, and shortest duration due to a lack of strong SH activity, strong negative AO phase, and MJO phases 2–3, but strong activities of these factors in January force the most frequent, strongest, and longest extreme cold events in the boreal winter.
Associations between national financial trends and facial plastic surgery procedural volume
Authors: Gadkaree Shekhar K. , McCarty Justin C. , Weitzman Rachel E. , Derakhshan Adeeb , Mohan Suresh , Bergmark Regan W. , Shaye David A.
Published: October 2019

Objective(s)

To characterize procedural trends in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery procedures in relation to the United States economy.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study examining annual procedure rates were determined from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) National Clearinghouse of Plastic Surgery Procedural Statistics from January 1 2007 to December 30, 2017. Procedures were compared to economic activity of the United States as measured by gross domestic product (GDP) were compared using Kolmogorov‐Smirnov goodness of fit testing and piecewise multivariate regression modeling.

Results

Annual trends in procedural rates showed an overall decrease in the rates of rhinoplasty (284,960 to 218,924), blepharoplasty (240,660 to 209,571), and otoplasty (28,571 to 23,433) from 2007 to 2017. Total cosmetic surgery remained fairly stable, while minimally invasive cosmetic surgery increased in frequency over the study period. On piecewise regression analysis, rhinoplasty (P = .02), rhytidectomy (P = .007), invasive cosmetic surgery (P < .001) were significantly associated with GDP, whereas otoplasty (P = .98) and reconstructive surgery (P = .11) were not associated with GDP.

Conclusion

Cosmetic plastic surgery procedures show a greater correlation to GDP than reconstructive procedures. Trends in plastic surgery cases over the last decade show a decreasing number of rhinoplasty, otoplasty, and blepharoplasty, with stabilization in the last few years. An increasing number of reconstructive cases are found.

Level of Evidence

4

Laryngoscope, 130:632–636, 2020
Pepsin and oropharyngeal pH monitoring to diagnose patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux
Authors: Weitzendorfer Michael , Antoniou Stavros A. , Schredl Philipp , Witzel Kai , Weitzendorfer Isabella C. , Majerus Alexandra , Emmanuel Klaus , Koch Oliver O.
Published: October 2019

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of salivary pepsin with oropharyngeal pH monitoring using the Restech measurement system (Dx‐pH) for the diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

Seventy patients with primary symptoms related to LPR underwent gastroscopy, high‐resolution manometry, pH throughout 24‐hour monitoring (MII‐pH), and barium esophagography between October 2015 and May 2018. In addition, an ear, nose, and throat examination was performed, including assessment of Belafsky Reflux Finding Score (RFS). Clinical symptoms were evaluated with the Belafsky Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) and the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI). Simultaneous to MII‐pH, pepsin determination and Dx‐pH were performed.

Results

Of 70 patients, 41 (58.6%) subjects with a pathological DeMeester score showed higher mean values of pepsin (mean value: 216 ng/mL, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 172 to 260), compared to patients with a normal DeMeester score (mean value: 161 ng/mL, 95% CI: 115 to 207). Salivary pepsin showed a specificity of 86.2% and sensitivity of 41.5% for diagnosing LPR using the optimal cutoff value of 216 ng/mL. Furthermore, a significant correlation between the values of salivary pepsin and the RSI score was seen in patients with pathological results in MII‐pH (r = 0.344; P = 0.046).

However, elevated Dx‐pH measurements showed no significant correlation with either MII‐pH, RSI score, RFS score, or GIQLI score, or with the results of pepsin measurement.

Conclusion

Pepsin measurement in saliva could be an alternative tool to assist office‐based diagnosis of LPR, whereas Dx‐pH does not seem to be an adequate test.

Level of Evidence

2B Laryngoscope, 130:1780–1786, 2020
Auricular acupuncture for adult tonsillectomy
Authors: Shah Anil N. , Moore Chad B. , Brigger Matthew T.
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Adult tonsillectomy causes significant postoperative pain that can last over 14 days, but narcotic regimens only provide a modest reduction in pain. Auricular acupuncture has been demonstrated to improve pain with minimal complications. This study compared acupuncture versus control for pain, opioid consumption, nausea, and return of diet and activity following tonsillectomy.

Methods

A prospective, single‐blinded randomized controlled trial was performed on 134 adults undergoing tonsillectomy at a tertiary care teaching hospital. Each patient was randomized to receive either auricular (Battlefield protocol) acupuncture with auricular bandages or bandages alone while under general anesthesia. Subjects journaled daily postoperative pain, diet, activity, and opioid consumption, then returned to the clinic on postoperative day 14 for a final questionnaire and evaluation.

Results

Ninety‐nine patients completed the study with 50 patients in the acupuncture group and 49 patients in the control group. Pain scores for the acupuncture group following tonsillectomy were significantly lower than the control group on the day of surgery (2.9, 4.3; P = .01), but there was no statistically significant difference in pain thereafter. There was an equivalent level of postoperative narcotic usage, nausea, emesis, functional activity and diet between the two groups. The main complication following tonsillectomy was secondary hemorrhage and there was no significant difference between the two groups (20%, 10%; P = .13).

Conclusion

Auricular acupuncture provides increased pain relief on the day of surgery, an effect that seems to diminish after 24 hours.

Level of Evidence

1b Laryngoscope, 130: 1907–1912, 2020
Unsupervised machine learning for exploratory data analysis in imaging mass spectrometry
Authors: Verbeeck Nico , Caprioli Richard M. , Van de Plas Raf
Published: October 2019

Imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) is a rapidly advancing molecular imaging modality that can map the spatial distribution of molecules with high chemical specificity. IMS does not require prior tagging of molecular targets and is able to measure a large number of ions concurrently in a single experiment. While this makes it particularly suited for exploratory analysis, the large amount and high‐dimensional nature of data generated by IMS techniques make automated computational analysis indispensable. Research into computational methods for IMS data has touched upon different aspects, including spectral preprocessing, data formats, dimensionality reduction, spatial registration, sample classification, differential analysis between IMS experiments, and data‐driven fusion methods to extract patterns corroborated by both IMS and other imaging modalities. In this work, we review unsupervised machine learning methods for exploratory analysis of IMS data, with particular focus on (a) factorization, (b) clustering, and (c) manifold learning. To provide a view across the various IMS modalities, we have attempted to include examples from a range of approaches including matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization, desorption electrospray ionization, and secondary ion mass spectrometry‐based IMS. This review aims to be an entry point for both (i) analytical chemists and mass spectrometry experts who want to explore computational techniques; and (ii) computer scientists and data mining specialists who want to enter the IMS field. © 2019The Authors. Mass Spectrometry Reviews published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass SpecRev 00:1–47, 2019.
Customization of reciprocal mass matrices via log‐det heuristic
Authors: Tkachuk Anton
Published: October 2019

Customization of finite elements for low‐dispersion error through grid dispersion analysis requires a symbolic expansion of a determinant of a representative dynamic stiffness matrix. Such an expansion turns out to be a bottleneck for many practical cases with the size of the representative matrix greater than eight or ten even if the modern computer algebra systems are applied. In this contribution, we propose an alternative approach for low‐dispersion customization that avoids explicit determinant expansion. This approach reduces the customization problem to a series of quadratic programming problems and consist of two main steps. First, the customization problem is reformulated as a rank minimization problem for the representative dynamic stiffness matrix evaluated at several discrete pairs of wavenumbers and frequencies. Second, the rank minimization problem is solved approximately via log‐det heuristic. Examples for customization of reciprocal mass matrices illustrate capabilities of the proposed approach.
An artificial compressibility ensemble algorithm for a stochastic Stokes‐Darcy model with random hydraulic conductivity and interface conditions
Authors: He Xiaoming , Jiang Nan , Qiu Changxin
Published: October 2019

We propose and analyze an efficient ensemble algorithm with artificial compressibility (AC) for fast decoupled computation of multiple realizations of the stochastic Stokes‐Darcy model with random hydraulic conductivity (including the one in the interface conditions), source terms, and initial conditions. The solutions are found by solving three smaller decoupled subproblems with two common time‐independent coefficient matrices for all realizations, which significantly improves the efficiency for both assembling and solving the matrix systems. The fully coupled Stokes‐Darcy system can be first decoupled into two smaller subphysics problems by the idea of the partitioned time stepping, which reduces the size of the linear systems and allows parallel computing for each subphysics problem. The AC further decouples the velocity and pressure which further reduces storage requirements and improves computational efficiency. We prove the long time stability and the convergence for this new ensemble method. Three numerical examples are presented to support the theoretical results and illustrate the features of the algorithm, including the convergence, stability, efficiency, and applicability.
Output‐based mesh optimization for hybridized and embedded discontinuous Galerkin methods
Authors: Fidkowski Krzysztof J. , Chen Guodong
Published: October 2019

This paper presents a method for optimizing computational meshes for the prediction of scalar outputs when using hybridized and embedded discontinuous Galerkin (HDG/EDG) discretizations. Hybridization offers memory and computational time advantages compared to the standard discontinuous Galerkin (DG) method through a decoupling of elemental degrees of freedom and the introduction of face degrees of freedom that become the only globally coupled unknowns. However, the additional equations of weak flux continuity on each interior face introduce new residuals that augment output error estimates and complicate existing element‐centric mesh optimization methods. This work presents techniques for converting face‐based error estimates to elements and sampling their reduction with refinement in order to determine element‐specific anisotropic convergence rate tensors. The error sampling uses fine‐space adjoint projections and does not require additional solves on subelements. Together with a degree‐of‐freedom cost model, the error models drive metric‐based unstructured mesh optimization. Adaptive results for inviscid and viscous two‐dimensional flow problems demonstrate (i) improvement of EDG mesh optimality when using error models that incorporate face errors, (ii) the relative insensitivity of HDG mesh optimality to the incorporation of face errors, and (iii) degree of freedom and computational‐time benefits of hybridized methods, particularly EDG, relative to DG.
Patients' reasons for weight loss and their relations to clinical weight loss outcomes in a comprehensive lifestyle intervention
Authors: Boepple Leah , Cero Ian , Marek Ryan J. , Coulon Sandra , Lydecker Janet A. , Brown Joshua D. , Malcolm Robert , O'Neil Patrick M.
Published: October 2019

Objective

Research suggests that individuals seeking weight loss treatment do so for a variety of reasons. Limited work has explored relations of reasons for weight loss to patient characteristics or to weight loss outcomes. The current study examined these relations.

Methods

The sample consisted of 588 patients in a 15‐week fee‐for‐service weight loss programme. Prior to the intervention, patients completed questionnaires including items on reasons for weight loss, demographic characteristics, and a variety of weight‐based characteristics. Patients' weight change outcomes were expressed as percent weight loss and also categorized into one of three previously described weight loss trajectories.

Results

The results of chi‐squared and t‐test analyses suggested that endorsement of health concerns, mobility concerns, or another person's recommendation was associated with higher body mass index (BMI) and older age. These reasons were more likely to be endorsed by White patients than Black patients and by male patients than female patients. Endorsement of doctor recommendation was more likely to be seen among Black patients than White patients. There was no significant relation of any weight loss reason with weight loss outcome.

Conclusions

While certain reasons for weight loss were more often cited by certain patient groups, no specific reason predicted a better or worse outcome.
Perceived barriers to physical activity during and after a behavioural weight loss programme
Authors: Call Christine C. , Roberts Savannah R. , Schumacher Leah M. , Remmert Jocelyn E. , Kerrigan Stephanie G. , Butryn Meghan L.
Published: October 2019

Background

Most adults with overweight/obesity participating in behavioural weight loss (BWL) programmes never achieve prescribed physical activity (PA) levels. This study examined changes in PA barriers, their relationships with accelerometer‐measured PA during and after a 12‐month BWL programme, and associations between PA barriers and participant characteristics.

Methods

Adults (N = 283) in a BWL programme completed the Barriers to Being Active Quiz, a 21‐item self‐report measure that assesses seven perceived PA barriers, and they wore an accelerometer for seven consecutive days at baseline and at 6 (midtreatment), 12 (end of treatment), 18 (6‐mo follow‐up), and 24 months (12‐mo follow‐up). Weight and height were measured, and demographic information was collected at baseline.

Results

Repeated‐measures analyses of variance (ANOVAs) revealed a significant quadratic effect of time on total PA barriers, P < .001, such that PA barriers decreased by midtreatment, remained below baseline levels by end of treatment, but increased to near‐baseline levels by follow‐up. Perceived PA barriers were negatively associated with baseline moderate‐to‐vigorous PA (MVPA), P < .001, and decreases in perceived PA barriers were related to greater MVPA at 6 (P = .004), 12 (P < .001), and 24 months (P = .007). Participants who were younger, P = .02, and white, P = .009, reported more baseline barriers.

Conclusions

Perceived PA barriers meaningfully decreased during BWL treatment, which in turn was associated with greater MVPA. This pattern suggests that, on average, BWL effectively addresses perceived PA barriers, which contributes to increased PA. Future research should identify interventions to maintain decreases in barriers after end of treatment.