bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The CRTAC1 Protein in Plasma Is Associated With Osteoarthritis and Predicts Progression to Joint Replacement: A Large‐Scale Proteomics Scan in Iceland
Authors: Styrkarsdottir Unnur , Lund Sigrun H. , Saevarsdottir Saedis , Magnusson Magnus I. , Gunnarsdottir Kristbjorg , Norddahl Gudmundur L. , Frigge Michael L. , Ivarsdottir Erna V. , Bjornsdottir Gyda , Holm Hilma , Thorgeirsson Gudmundur , Rafnar Thorunn , Jonsdottir Ingileif , Ingvarsson Thorvaldur , Jonsson Helgi , Sulem Patrick , Thorsteinsdottir Unnur , Gudbjartsson Daniel , Stefansson Kari
Published: May 2021

Objective

Biomarkers for diagnosis and progression of osteoarthritis (OA) are lacking. This study was undertaken to identify circulating biomarkers for OA that could predict disease occurrence and/or progression to joint replacement.

Methods

Using the SomaScan platform, we measured 4,792 proteins in plasma from 37,278 individuals, of whom 12,178 individuals had OA and 2,524 had undergone joint replacement. We performed a case–control study for identification of potential protein biomarkers for hip, knee, and/or hand OA, and a prospective study for identification of biomarkers for joint replacement.

Results

Among the large panel of plasma proteins assessed, cartilage acidic protein 1 (CRTAC1) was the most strongly associated with both OA diagnosis (odds ratio 1.46 [95% confidence interval 1.41–1.52] for knee OA, odds ratio 1.36 [95% confidence interval 1.29–1.43] for hip OA, and odds ratio 1.33 [95% confidence interval 1.26–1.40] for hand OA) and progression to joint replacement (hazard ratio 1.40 [95% confidence interval 1.30–1.51] for knee replacement and hazard ratio 1.31 [95% confidence interval 1.19–1.45] for hip replacement). Patients with OA who were in the highest quintile of risk of joint replacement, based on known risk factors (i.e., age, sex, and body mass index) and plasma CRTAC1 level, were 16 times more likely to undergo knee replacement within 5 years of plasma sample collection than those in the lowest quintile, and 6.5 times more likely to undergo hip replacement. CRTAC1 was not associated with other types of inflammatory arthritis. A specific protein profile was identified in those patients who had undergone joint replacement prior to plasma sample collection.

Conclusion

Through a hypothesis‐free approach, we identified CRTAC1 in plasma as a novel promising candidate biomarker for OA that is both associated with occurrence of OA and predictive of progression to joint replacement. This biomarker might also be useful in the selection of suitable patients for clinical trial enrollment.
Pharmacokinetic characteristics of hydroxysafflor yellow A in normal and diabetic cardiomyopathy mice
Authors: Yao Rui , Cao Yu , Jiang Ruibin , Zhang Xuan , Li Feng , Wang Siwang
Published: May 2021

Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), a major active water‐soluble component inCarthamus tinctoriusL., is considered a potential antioxidant with protective effects against myocardial injury. However, its pharmacokinetic characteristics in normal and diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) mice remain unknown. This study was designed to investigate the differences in the pharmacokinetics of HSYA between normal and streptozotocin‐induced DCM mice. HSYA in the mouse plasma was quantified using LC–MS/MS. Compared with the normal group, the DCM group showed a significantly higher area under the curve (AUC(0–t), AUC(0–∞)) value and peak plasma concentration, suggesting a higher uptake of HSYA in the DCM mice, and a significantly lower plasma clearance and apparent volume of distribution, suggesting slower elimination of HSYA in the DCM mice. The levels of serum superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were significantly higher, and malondialdehyde content was significantly lower in DCM mice than in normal mice, indicating the antioxidative stress effect of HSYA. Furthermore, the correlation analysis revealed that the serum HSYA content in the DCM mice significantly positively correlated with antioxidant enzyme levels. These results showed that the pharmacokinetics of HSYA changed significantly in the DCM mice, and this may improve the antioxidative stress effect of the drug.
Embedding interactive, three‐dimensional content in portable document format to deliver gross anatomy information and knowledge
Authors: Azkue Jon Jatsu
Published: May 2021

The Portable Document Format (PDF) is likely the most widely used digital file format for scholarly and scientific electronic publishing. Since format specification version 1.6, three‐dimensional (3D) models in Universal 3D (U3D) format can be embedded into PDF files. The present study demonstrates a repertoire of graphic strategies and modes of presentation that exploit the potentials of 3D models embedded in PDF to deliver anatomical information and knowledge. Three‐dimensional models and scenes representing anatomical structures generated by 3D surface scanning or by segmentation from either clinical imaging data or cadaver sectional images were converted into U3D format and then embedded into PDF files using both freely and commercially available software. The relevant steps and required software tools are described. Built‐in tools in Adobe Acrobat and JavaScript scripting both were used to pre‐configure user interaction with 3D contents. Eight successive proof‐of‐concept examples of increasing complexity are presented and provided as supplementary material, including both unannotated and annotated 3D specimens, use of bitmap‐textures, guided navigation through predetermined 3D scenes, 3D animation, and interactive navigation through tri‐planar sectional human cadaver images. Three‐dimensional contents embedded in PDF files are generally comparable to multimedia and dedicated 3D software in terms of quality, flexibility, and convenience, and offer new unprecedented opportunities to deliver anatomical information and knowledge.
WGCNA identification of TLR7 as a novel diagnostic biomarker, progression and prognostic indicator, and immunotherapeutic target for stomach adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yuan Qihang , Zhou Qi , Ren Jie , Wang Guan , Yin Chunlai , Shang Dong , Xia Shilin
Published: May 2021

Stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) is a malignant tumor with high histological heterogeneity. However, the potential mechanism of STAD tumorigenesis remains to be elucidated. The purpose of our research was to identify candidate genes associated with the diagnosis, progression, prognosis, and immunotherapeutic targets of STAD. Based on tumor samples from the GSE28541 dataset, weighted gene co‐expression network analysis revealed 16 modules related to STAD stage and grade. The salmon module emerged as the most relevant module (cor = 0.34), and functional enrichment analysis showed that the genes in the salmon were primarily related to major histocompatibility complex, immune response, and cell differentiation. Toll‐like receptor 7 (TLR7) was recognized as the real hub gene in the salmon module. Compared to normal stomach tissues, the transcriptional and translational levels of TLR7 were significantly elevated in STAD. Receiver operating characteristic curves verified that TLR7 displayed remarkable sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of STAD. The functions of TLR7 were primarily enriched in the regulation of Toll‐like receptor signaling pathway, pattern recognition receptor signaling pathway, and innate immune response. Overexpression of TLR7 tended to indicate more advanced STAD, higher degree of STAD, and poorer prognosis of STAD. In addition, TLR7 expression was positively correlated with immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoint expression. Somatic copy number alteration of TLR7 was also significantly related to immune cell infiltration. In conclusion, this study revealed the crucial role of TLR7 in STAD and provided new perspectives for the selection of biomarkers, progression and prognosis indicators, and immunotherapeutic targets for STAD.
Alkali‐induced Transformation of Ni‐MOF into Ni(OH)2 Nanostructured Flowers for Efficient Electrocatalytic Methanol Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Li Lanqing , Gao Wei , Lei Min , Wen Dan
Published: May 2021

Post treatment of metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) is widely employed to develop efficient electrocatalysts with better catalytic properties. But the complex processes of post treatment generally led to the collapse of the original structures of MOFs, making the preservation of their pristine hierarchical porous structure a great challenge. Herein, we propose the strategy of alkali treatment of Ni‐MOF to transform it into Ni(OH)2 with similar morphology and enhanced electrocatalytic properties for methanol oxidation reaction (MOR). The structure and electrocatalytic properties of as‐obtained Ni(OH)2 nanostructured flowers were seriously depended on the alkali concentrations. As the result, Ni(OH)2 obtained from Ni‐MOF treated by 0.25 M NaOH (noted as Ni(OH)2‐0.25) performs 1.5 and 2.5 times larger current density than those of Ni(OH)2‐0.025 and Ni(OH)2‐0.5 for MOR. Moreover, the electrocatalytic process and mechanism of MOR on the catalyst of Ni(OH)2‐0.25 are also revealed. Hence, this ex situ conversion strategy of alkali treatment for Ni‐MOF uncovered the transformation of MOFs in alkaline solution and develops robust electrocatalyst for practical application of methanol fuel cells.
New isolate from Salvinia molesta with antioxidant and urease inhibitory activity
Authors: Naheed Nadra , Maher Saima , Saleem Farooq , Khan Ajmal , Wadood Abdul , Rasheed Saima , Choudhary M. Iqbal , Froeyen Matheus , Abdullah Iskandar , Mirza Muhammad Usman , Trant John F. , Ahmad Sarfraz
Published: May 2021

Urease plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of urolithiasis pyelonephritis, urinary catheter encrustation, hepatic coma, hepatic encephalopathy, and peptic acid duodenal ulcers. Salvinia molesta was explored to identify new bioactive compounds with particular emphasis on urease inhibitors. The aqueous methanol extract was fractionated using solvents of increasing polarity. A series of column chromatography and later HPLC were performed on butanol extract. The structures of the resulting pure compounds were resolved using NMR (1D and 2D), infrared, and mass spectroscopy. The novel isolate was evaluated for antioxidant activity (using DPPH, superoxide anion radical scavenging, oxidative burst, and Fe+2 chelation assays), anti‐glycation behavior, anticancer activity, carbonic anhydrase inhibition, phosphodiesterase inhibition, and urease inhibition. One new glucopyranose derivative 6′‐O‐(3,4‐dihydroxybenzoyl)‐4′‐O‐(4‐hydroxybenzoyl)‐α/β‐D‐glucopyranoside (1) and four known glycosides were identified. Glycoside 1 demonstrated promising antioxidant potential with IC50 values of 48.2 ± 0.3, 60.3 ± 0.6, and 42.1 ± 1.8 μM against DPPH, superoxide radical, and oxidative burst, respectively. Its IC50 in the Jack bean urease inhibition assay was 99.1 ± 0.8 μM. The mechanism‐based kinetic studies presented that compound 1 is a mixed‐type inhibitor of urease with a Ki value of 91.8 ± 0.1 μM. Finally, molecular dynamic simulations exploring the binding mode of compound 1 with urease provided quantitative agreement between estimated binding free energies and the experimental results. The studies corroborate the use of compound 1 as a lead for QSAR studies as an antioxidant and urease inhibitor. Moreover, it needs to be further evaluated through the animal model, that is, in vivo or tissue culture‐based ex‐vivo studies, to establish their therapeutic potential against oxidative stress phosphodiesterase‐II and urease‐induced pathologies.
Latitudinal embryonic thermal tolerance and plasticity shape the vulnerability of oviparous species to climate change
Authors: Sun Bao‐jun , Ma Liang , Wang Yang , Mi Chun‐rong , Buckley Lauren B. , Levy Ofir , Lu Hong‐liang , Du Wei‐Guo
Published: May 2021

Heat tolerance at the immobile embryonic stage is expected to be critical in determining species vulnerability to climate change. However, how the mean and developmental plasticity of embryonic heat tolerance vary geographically, and how these geographic variations affect species' vulnerability under climate change remain unknown. We experimentally determined the mean and developmental plasticity of embryonic acute heat tolerance (EAHT, i.e., heat shock temperature at which embryonic heartbeats ceased) for three latitudinally distributed populations of an oviparous lacertid lizard. The experimental results suggested that the mean EAHT decreased with decreasing latitude and that the reaction norms of EAHT in relation to developmental temperatures showed “flat,” “bell‐shaped,” and “decreasing” patterns at high, medium, and low latitudes, respectively. Based on the means and plasticity of EAHT and weather data across China, we project that the heat stress frequency would increase from the present to the future and increase toward low latitudes. Furthermore, heat stress becomes more extensive with the incorporation of developmental plasticity. Incorporating the mean EAHT during the embryonic development season, heat stress frequency, and climate variables in a species distribution model projects that suitable habitats could move northward in response to ongoing climate change and shrink due to the loss of southern habitat. Moreover, even lizards within the areas that are predicted to remain highly suitable are expected to experience increases in heat stress over time, particularly at medium and low latitudes. Our study reveals geographic variation in the mean and developmental plasticity of EAHT and highlights its importance for predicting species vulnerability and range shifts in response to climate change.
Two heads are not always better than one: Craniofacial and axial bifurcation in cheloniid embryos and hatchlings (Chelonia mydas and Caretta caretta)
Authors: Ingle Danielle N. , Meredith Tricia L. , Perrault Justin R. , Wyneken Jeanette
Published: May 2021

Morphological data on craniofacial and axial bifurcation in sea turtles is not well documented in the literature. Here, we use micro‐computed tomography (μ‐CT) imaging to describe the body, skull, and vertebral morphology in axially‐bifurcated cheloniid sea turtle embryos and hatchlings (Chelonia mydas and Caretta caretta) from south Florida beaches. We describe three types of craniofacial and axial bifurcations: bifacial, bicephalic, and bicephalic with biaxial duplication ranging from facial bones to the sacrum. We predicted smaller body dimensions in bifacial and bicephalic embryos and hatchlings compared with their normal counterparts. In addition, we hypothesized that bicephalic individuals would have greater rostral deviation angles than bifacial animals, and that vertebral dimensions would vary between the control and anomalous embryos and hatchlings. Among hatchlings (developmental Stage 31), we found that maximum curved carapace length and curved carapace width were greatest in the control specimens when compared with the anomalous specimens. Overall, we found that rostral deviations were smaller in bifacial animals compared with their bicephalic counterparts. Right and left rostral deviations were symmetrical or nearly symmetrical in all bifacial and bicephalic specimens. Among C. caretta, we found that bicephalic animals had greater standardized vertebral measurements than their bifacial conspecifics. In bifacial animals, bifurcation extended to either the frontal or parietal skull bones, while duplication extended to C5 vertebrae and T8 vertebrae in bicephalic animals. This study provides an in‐depth description of anatomical alterations associated with these abnormalities. Prognosis of these organisms is poor; however, understanding the prevalence of these malformations can allow for better assessments of population health, as numerous environmental factors are known to lead to these changes.
Interdecadal changes of summer precipitation dominant mode over East Asia‐Northwest Pacific around late 1990s
Authors: Li Shuai , Yang Jie , Gong Zhiqiang , Zhao Junhu , Qiao Shaobo , Feng Guolin
Published: May 2021

In this study, we investigate the interdecadal variation characteristics of the dominant mode of summer precipitation over East Asia‐Northwest Pacific (EA‐NWP) before and after late 1990s, reveal the physical mechanism, and address its possible connection with the regional ocean warming background. Study results show that the empirical orthogonal function mode 1 (EOF1) of summer precipitation anomalies over EA‐NWP during the global ocean warming acceleration period (1979–1998) present a more significant dipole pattern between Yangtze River Basin (YRB) and tropical NWP compared with that during the global ocean warming slowdown period (1999–2012). And then we find that the anomalous dipoles of low‐level winds, geopotential height, convection, and associated wave activity fluxes over NWP significantly shift westward (eastward) and enhance (weaken) in 1979–1998 (1999–2012), which are regarded as the direct cause of the adjustment of dipole pattern between YRB and tropical NWP. Further analysis reveals that the negative sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the tropical NWP are prominent (not prominent), resulting in the stronger (weaker) Pacific–Japan Teleconnection over Japan and Tropics in NWP during the period 1979–1998 (1999–2012), and ultimately lead to the change of summer precipitation EOF1 in EA‐NWP. By regressing vertical velocity, outgoing longwave radiation, relative vorticity, wave activity fluxes, and precipitation onto the NWP SST in the two periods, the impacts of the SST in the NWP on the interdecadal variation of summer precipitation EOF1 in EA‐NWP are verified. Finally, the mechanism diagram of interdecadal variation of summer precipitation is given, which can be useful for short‐term precipitation prediction of East Asia.
Gut microbiota and its diet‐related activity in children with intestinal failure receiving long‐term parenteral nutrition
Authors: Neelis Esther G. , de Koning Barbara A. E. , Hulst Jessie M. , Papadopoulou Rodanthi , Kerbiriou Caroline , Rings Edmond H. H. M. , Wijnen René M. H. , Nichols Ben , Gerasimidis Konstantinos
Published: May 2021

Background

This study characterized gut microbiota and its diet‐related activity in children with intestinal failure (IF) receiving parenteral nutrition (PN) compared with those of healthy controls (HC) and in relation to disease characteristics.

Methods

The fecal microbiota and short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were measured in 15 IF patients (n = 68) and 25 HC (n = 25).

Results

Patients with IF had a lower bacterial load (P = .003), diversity (P < .001), evenness (P < .001) and richness (P = 0.006) than HC. Patients with surgical IF had lower diversity (P < .039) than those with functional IF. Propionic acid and butyric acid (p < .001) were lower and d‐lactate and l‐lactate were higher (p < 0.001) in IF patients than in HC. The energy supplied by PN (%PN) was negatively associated with microbiota diversity and SCFA profile. IF patients had more Escherichia‐Shigella (P = .006), Cronobacter (P = .001), and Staphylococcus (Operational Taxonomic Unit 14, P < .001) and less Faecalibacterium (P < 0.001) and Ruminococcus 1 and 2 (P < .001). Duration of PN (P = .005), %PN (P = .005), and fiber intake (P = .011) were predictive of microbiota structure. Higher intake of enteral nutrition was associated with microbiota structure and function closer to those of HC.

Conclusions

Microbiota composition and its diet‐related function are altered in IF, with depletion of beneficial SCFAs and species and supraphysiological increase of potentially harmful pathobionts. The influence of this compositional and functional microbial dysbiosis on patients’ outcomes and management warrants further exploration.
Label‐free detection of polysulfides and glycogen of Cyanidium caldarium using ultra‐multiplex coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering microspectroscopy
Authors: Oka Yuki , Yoshida Masaki , Minoda Ayumi , Leproux Philippe , Watanabe Makoto M. , Kano Hideaki
Published: May 2021

Living microalga Cyanidium caldarium was visualized using ultra‐multiplex coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microspectroscopy. The Raman band related to the SO42− ion at 982 cm−1 was detected at the peripheral part of the cells and showed a signal amplitude that was approximately threefold larger than that in the medium, indicating accumulation of SO42− ions. Depending on the incubation conditions, a broad and sharp Raman band at approximately 505 cm−1 was observed at the peripheral part and inside the cells, respectively. Based on comparison of the results with model substances, these broad and sharp bands were assigned to polysulfides and glycogen, respectively.
Sustainable management of paddy crop residues: effects on methanotrophs diversity and value for soil health restoration
Authors: Singh Chhatarpal , Tiwari Shashank , Rai Pradeep Kumar , Singh Jay Shankar
Published: May 2021

In recent years, improved paddy crop varieties, advanced tools and technologies have resulted in a huge quantity of crop residues (CRs) production. Hence, appropriate sustainable management of the paddy CRs produced annually is needed. In this study, a field experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of rice husk biochar (RHB) amendments on soil physico‐chemical characteristics, methanotrophs diversity, and functionalpmoAgenes numbers in paddy soil. ThepmoAgene (27 kDa) encodes the β‐subunit of the particulate methane monooxygenase (pMMO), an enzyme responsible for methane oxidation found in most of the methanotrophs. A marked variation in methanotrophs diversity, functionalpmoAgenes abundance, and physico‐chemical parameters in paddy soil have been noted across the given amendments. The RHB significantly improves soil physico‐chemical status and enhances methanotrophs community structure and number ofpmoAgene numbers in paddy soils. The various soil physico‐chemical parameters were improved due to RHB + microbial inoculant treatments. Maximum rice grain yield (5.91 ± 0.07 t ha−1) and methanotrophic functionalpmoAgene numbers (57.25 ± 0.88 × 107 g−1paddy soil) were found in the RHB + microbial inoculant treated plot compared to untreated (control) plot. The predominant methanotrophic bacteria identified by the denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) in RHB treated paddy soils wereMethylovulumandMethylobactermembers of the Methylococcaceae family. Consequently, the methanotrophs community study based on DGGE analysis shows that RHB could be a beneficial amendment to increase the methanotrophic community composition in paddy soils. Overall, the results suggest that the RHB amendment could markedly enhance soil conditions and methanotrophs abundance via regulating soil physico‐chemical properties in nutrient‐deprived and degraded paddy agriculture soils.
Unique Property of Nontraditional Intrinsic Luminescence in the Transforming of Solution‐Hydrogel‐Solid and Its Applications
Authors: Wang Hongyang , Lan Shuai , Zhang Yu , Zhang Lu , Jia Dandan , Zhang Weiguo , Liu Chun , Cao Lei , Wang Dongjun
Published: May 2021

For the unusual phenomenon of nontraditional intrinsic luminescence, a systematic fluorescence study is conducted in the phase transformation from solution through hydrogel to solid states. In this process, significant differences are found in fluorescence intensity, peak position, lifetime, and excitation‐dependent emission. In particular, the samples in the hydrogel state show two fluorescent peaks at 480 and 516 nm, respectively, while only one fluorescent peak is detected in the cases of solution (at 516 nm) or solid (at around 450 nm). More interestingly, the longer wavelength peak presents excitation‐dependent fluorescence, and the shorter one is excitation‐independent. These unique fluorescent observations can be ascribed to the fact that the aggregates of amine groups act as the actual fluorescent centers, which are quite sensitive to their surrounding microenvironments. Based on these results, some simulation tests of sensors and intelligent hydrogels in response to water are also studied.
A broadband filtering quasi‐YAGI antenna with wide stopband
Authors: Lee Zongze , Li Hua , Ding Xiao
Published: May 2021

This article presents a novel filtering quasi‐Yagi antenna with ultra‐wide passband and ultra‐wide stopband. By employing an antipodal connection between the dipole arms and the feedline, the profitable modes of the dipole can be excited and controlled to produce a wide operating band. Without increasing the antenna size, the elaborately arranged parasitic elements and the band‐stop element can realize the filter‐like response with sharp roll‐off rates and high out‐of‐band suppression levels. Measured results show that passband and stopband can be improved to 2.65–6.05 GHz (78.2%) and 6.3–13.3 GHz (up to 3.1 f0, f0 is the center frequency of the antenna), respectively. Radiations keep stable across the passband. The measured in‐band average gain is ∼ 4.4 dBi, whereas the out‐of‐band radiation suppression is more than 20.2 dB.
A wavelet‐based sparse row‐action method for image reconstruction in magnetic particle imaging
Authors: Lieb Florian , Knopp Tobias
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Magnetic particle imaging (MPI) is a preclinical imaging technique capable of visualizing the spatio‐temporal distribution of magnetic nanoparticles. The image reconstruction of this fast and dynamic process relies on efficiently solving an ill‐posed inverse problem. Current approaches to reconstruct the tracer concentration from its measurements are either adapted to image characteristics of MPI but suffer from higher computational complexity and slower convergence or are fast but lack in the image quality of the reconstructed images.

Methods

In this work we propose a novel MPI reconstruction method to combine the advantages of both approaches into a single algorithm. The underlying sparsity prior is based on an undecimated wavelet transform and is integrated into a fast row‐action framework to solve the corresponding MPI minimization problem.

Results

Its performance is numerically evaluated against a classical FISTA (Fast Iterative Shrinkage‐Thresholding Algorithm) approach on simulated and real MPI data. The experimental results show that the proposed method increases image quality with significantly reduced computation times.

Conclusions

In comparison to state‐of‐the‐art MPI reconstruction methods, our approach shows better reconstruction results and at the same time accelerates the convergence rate of the underlying row‐action algorithm.
State-Space Model to Estimate Salmon Escapement Using Multiple Data Sources
Authors: See Kevin E. , Kinzer Ryan N. , Ackerman Michael W.
Published: May 2021

Accurate estimates of salmonids passing Lower Granite Dam on the Snake River, by species and origin, are a critical input to assessing the status and trends of various populations as well as successful management of fisheries in the Snake River basin. Here, we describe a state-space model that estimates such escapement past a dam by using window counts, PIT tag observations, and data from an adult fish trap, accounting for issues such as nighttime passage, fallback and reascension, potential observation error at the window, and uncertainty in the adult trap rate. We tested the approach using a simulation framework that mimicked several levels of observation error, differences between nighttime passage and reascension rates, and the possibility of the adult trap being closed for some period of time. Our results demonstrate that the model produced unbiased estimates across all tested scenarios. We also applied this model to empirical data from Lower Granite Dam to produce estimates of wild, clipped hatchery, and unclipped hatchery spring/summer-run Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha and steelhead O. mykiss from spawn years 2010–2019.
Personal Payments from Pharmaceutical Companies to Authors of Oncology Clinical Practice Guidelines
Authors: Mitchell Aaron P. , Mishra Akriti , Dey Pranam , Curry Michael A. , Trivedi Niti U. , Haddadin Michael , Rahman Mohammed W. , Winn Aaron N. , Dusetzina Stacie B. , Bach Peter B.
Published: May 2021

Background

Oncologists who author clinical practice guidelines frequently have financial relationships with the pharmaceutical industry. It is unknown whether participation on clinical practice guideline committees is associated with differences in the amounts of industry money received.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a nested case-control study from August 2013 to December 2018. We manually abstracted membership records of National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Guidelines committees for the 20 most common cancers and linked to Open Payments. The study sample included medical oncologists selected to join an NCCN Guidelines committee (“joiners”) during the study period. Joiners were matched 1:2 to medical oncologists who had no participation on NCCN committees (controls) by gender, NCCN institution, and medical school graduation year. We performed difference-in-differences (DiD) estimation to assess whether selection to an NCCN committee was associated with the dollar value of payments received from industry, using generalized estimating equations to address correlation between matched pairs and between repeated observations of the same pair.

Results

During the study period, 54 physicians joined an NCCN Guidelines committee. These physicians received more payments than matched controls in the year prior to joining ($11,259 vs. $3,427; p = .02); this difference did not increase in the year after joining (DiD = $731; p = .45).

Conclusion

Medical oncologists selected to NCCN Guidelines committees had greater financial ties to industry than their peers. The potential influence of industry in oncology clinical practice guidelines may be reduced through the selection of committee members with fewer ties to industry.

Implications for Practice

Oncologists who author clinical practice guidelines frequently have financial conflicts of interest with the pharmaceutical industry. This creates concern about the potential for industry influence on guidelines. However, it is unknown whether oncologists who author guidelines have greater industry relationships than their peers. This study compared medical oncologists who were newly selected to join a National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Guidelines panel with medical oncologists at the same institutions and at similar career stages. At the time they joined, oncologists joining NCCN Guidelines panels had received more than three times the dollar value of industry payments than their peers. The potential for industry influence may be reduced by the selection of less-conflicted panel members.
An integrated multicomponent care model for men affected by prostate cancer: A feasibility study of TrueNTH Australia
Authors: Yates Patsy , Carter Rob , Cockerell Robyn , Cowan Donna , Dixon Cyril , Magnus Anne , Newton Robert U. , Hart Nicolas H. , Galvão Daniel A. , Baguley Brenton , Denniston Nicholas , Skinner Tina , Couper Jeremy , Emery Jon , Frydenberg Mark , Liu Wei‐Hong
Published: May 2021

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility of implementing an integrated multicomponent survivorship care model for men affected by prostate cancer.

Methods

Using a single arm prospective cohort study design, men with prostate cancer were recruited from two regional public hospitals in Australia for a 6‐months program that provided information and decision support, exercise and nutrition management, specialised clinical support, and practical support through localised and central care coordination. Carers of the men were also invited to the program. Data were collected from multiple sources to evaluate: (1) recruitment capability and participant characteristics; (2) appropriateness and feasibility of delivering the specific intervention components using an electronic care management tool; and (3) suitability of data collection procedures and proposed outcome measures.

Results

Of the 105 eligible men, 51 (consent rate 49%) participated in the program. Of the 31 carers nominated by the men, 13 consented (consent rate 42%). All carers and 50 (98%) men completed the program. Most (92%) men were newly diagnosed with localised prostate cancer. All men attended initial screening and assessment for supportive care needs; a total of 838 episodes of contact/consultation were made by the intervention team either in person (9%) or remotely (91%). The intervention was implemented as proposed with no adverse events. The proposed outcome measures and evaluation procedures were found to be appropriate.

Conclusions

Our results support the feasibility of implementing this integrated multicomponent care model for men affected by prostate cancer.
Patient characteristics associated with complications during neonatal intubations
Authors: Glenn Tara , Sudhakar Shwetha , Markowski Ashley , Malay Sindhoosha , Hibbs Anna Maria
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Complications of neonatal intubation are known to be increased with emergent intubations, increased number of attempts, unstable hemodynamics, or ventilation failure; and decreased with use of paralytic medication and videolaryngoscopy. Patient characteristics associated with complications are not well understood.

Design/Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed of neonates who underwent intubation between January 2017 and June 2019. Patient characteristics of infants with and without complications were compared. Complications included common adverse events and abnormal vital sign changes occurring during intubation.

Results

A total of 467 intubation encounters in 352 infants were included with median gestational age (GA) at birth of 29 weeks, postmenstrual age (PMA) 33 weeks at intubation, and median weight 1795 g. 41.5% of infants had complications and 58.5% of infants did not. Infants with complications compared to infants without had a median FiO2 of 0.50 versus 0.45 (p = .183), median GA at birth of 29 versus 31 weeks (p < .001), median PMA of 32 weeks versus 33.0 weeks (p = .352), median weight of 1540 g versus 1970g (p = .091), and median chronological age of 3 days versus 1 day (p = .001). Generalized Estimating Equations controlling for administration of paralytic indicated decreased complications in infants ≤21.5 days in chronological age (OR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.30–0.69) and increased complications in infants ≤1565 g (OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.04–2.23).

Conclusion

Patient characteristics associated with an increased rate of complications included chronological age and weight. Further study is needed to reduce complications.
Comparative protein structure network analysis on 3CLpro from SARS‐CoV‐1 and SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Lata Surabhi , Akif Mohd.
Published: May 2021

The main protease Mpro, 3CLpro is an important target from coronaviruses. In spite of having 96% sequence identity among Mpros from SARS‐CoV‐1 and SARS‐CoV‐2; the inhibitors used to block the activity of SARS‐CoV‐1 Mpro so far, were found to have differential inhibitory effect on Mpro of SARS‐CoV‐2. The possible reason could be due to the difference of few amino acids among the peptidases. Since, overall 3‐D crystallographic structure of Mpro from SARS‐CoV‐1 and SARS‐CoV‐2 is quite similar and mapping a subtle structural variation is seemingly impossible. Hence, we have attempted to study a structural comparison of SARS‐CoV‐1 and SARS‐CoV‐2 Mpro in apo and inhibitor bound states using protein structure network (PSN) based approach at contacts level. The comparative PSNs analysis of apo Mpros from SARS‐CoV‐1 and SARS‐CoV‐2 uncovers small but significant local changes occurring near the active site region and distributed throughout the structure. Additionally, we have shown how inhibitor binding perturbs the PSG and the communication pathways in Mpros. Moreover, we have also investigated the network connectivity on the quaternary structure of Mpro and identified critical residue pairs for complex formation using three centrality measurement parameters along with the modularity analysis. Taken together, these results on the comparative PSN provide an insight into conformational changes that may be used as an additional guidance towards specific drug development.
Facility siting ‐ negotiating the minefield of “maximum credible event”
Authors: Graham Kristen , Thomas J. Kelly
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this paper is to provide a case study that compares the results from a consequence‐based facility siting study (FSS) limited to a specified release size as the maximum credible event (MCE) versus a risk‐based study with a range of release sizes and associated frequencies. The results are intended to highlight potential differences in the building siting decisions made using a consequence‐based approach with a limited MCE versus those made with a risk‐based approach. Most recommended practices and other FSS guidance documents advise evaluating MCEs for an FSS. However, there can be uncertainty in MCE selection and the values used in industry span a considerable range. Arguments for limiting the MCE in a consequence‐based FSS to a 2‐in. release include that most accidental releases (i.e., > 95%) are smaller and that a 2‐in. release size is the largest that provides actionable information upon which siting decisions can be made. However, a number of well‐known incidents in industry involve releases larger than 2‐in., which introduces uncertainty as to a reasonable upper‐bound for an MCE. The use of a risk‐based FSS approach effectively eliminates the decision regarding release size since this approach aggregates the full range of operational scenarios and release sizes along with the associated likelihood of failure. Based on the MCE scenario(s) employed and the criteria selected, consequence‐based and risk‐based FSS evaluations for a given site may lead to very different conclusions as to which buildings are considered safe and what types of mitigation actions should be taken.
Enhanced Negative‐Bias Illumination Temperature Stability of Praseodymium‐Doped InGaO Thin‐Film Transistors
Authors: Zhu Yubo , Xu Hua , Xu Miao , Li Min , Zou Jianhua , Tao Hong , Wang Lei , Peng Junbiao
Published: May 2021

The performance of praseodymium‐doped indium gallium oxide (PrIGO) as the channel layer of thin‐film transistors (TFTs) is widely investigated. The TFTs with Pr doping exhibit a remarkable suppression of the light‐induced instability including a negligible photoresponse and significant enhancement in negative gate bias stress under illumination (NBITS). The structure, chemical composition, and oxygen vacancy concentration of PrIGO films are analyzed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively. In addition, the low‐frequency noise test is introduced to analyze the variation of trap density with Pr doping. The results indicate that the trap states induced by Pr doping facilitate the capture of free electrons by positively charged oxygen vacancies under illumination, which leads to the suppression of photoinduced carriers in the conduction band.
Comparative Study of Al2O3 and HfO2 for Surface Passivation of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Thin Films: An Innovative Al2O3/HfO2 Multistack Design
Authors: Scaffidi Romain , Buldu Dilara G. , Brammertz Guy , de Wild Jessica , Kohl Thierry , Birant Gizem , Meuris Marc , Poortmans Jef , Flandre Denis , Vermang Bart
Published: May 2021

In Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) thin‐film solar cells, interface recombination is one of the most important limiting factors with respect to device performance. Herein, metal–insulator–semiconductor samples are used to investigate and compare the passivation effects of Al2O3 and HfO2 at the interface with CIGS. Capacitance–voltage–frequency measurements allow to qualitatively and quantitatively assess the existence of high negative charge density (Q
f ≈ −1012 cm−2) and low interface‐trap density (D
it ≈ 1011 cm−2 eV−1). At the rear interface of CIGS solar cells, these, respectively, induce field‐effect and chemical passivation. A trade‐off is highlighted between stronger field‐effect for HfO2 and lower interface‐trap density for Al2O3. This motivates the usage of Al2O3 to induce chemical passivation at the front interface of CIGS solar cells but raises the issue of its processing compatibility with the buffer layer. Therefore, an innovative Al2O3/HfO2 multistack design is proposed and investigated for the first time. Effective chemical passivation is similarly demonstrated for this novel design, suggesting potential decrease in recombination rate at the front interface in CIGS solar cells and increased efficiency. 300 °C annealing in N2 environment enable to enhance passivation effectiveness by reducing D
it while surface cleaning may reveal useful for alternative CIGS processing methods.
Electrode‐Dependent Electrical Properties of Detection‐Band Tunable Ultraviolet Photodetectors Based on Ga2O3/GaN Heterostructures
Authors: Li Guanqi , Tang Ruifan , Gao Na , Li Cheng , Li Jinchai , Huang Kai , Kang Junyong , Zhang Rong
Published: May 2021

The polycrystal Ga2O3 on GaN was realized by high‐temperature oxidization of the GaN films with oxidation time 1 and 10 h, and the metal‐semiconductor‐metal photodetectors based on the Ga2O3/GaN heterostructure were fabricated by using Ti and Au metal electrodes. A comparative study of different electrodes and oxidation time on the performance of ultraviolet photodetector is performed. Among the devices prepared by 1 h oxidation, it is found that the device fabricated with Au electrode shows a lower dark‐current and higher photocurrent than the one with Ti electrode. This is mainly due to the higher Schottky barrier height of sample with Au electrode. As for the device that experienced 10 h oxidation with Au electrode, the solar‐blind responsivity with the full width at half maxima of 12 nm was obtained, which can be attributed to thicker Ga2O3 film. The devices exhibit excellent performance, including low dark‐current and satisfactory responsivity, even under ultra‐weak signal. The authors attribute these excellent properties to the Ga2O3 film, as it has a large grain size and a porous structure. The results provide a simple method that is low‐cost and high‐output with large‐area production of high‐performance ultraviolet photodetectors.
Internal and External Gettering of Iron Contamination in Power Technologies
Authors: Frascaroli Jacopo , Monge Roffarello Pierpaolo , Mica Isabella
Published: May 2021

Substrate gettering and the contribution to the contamination reduction of backside layers are evaluated after high‐temperature annealing, following intentional iron contamination at the backside in silicon epitaxial wafers typical of power technologies. Iron is detected at the frontside by deep‐level transient spectroscopy within a depth corresponding to the actual devices. Herein, contamination occurring at the beginning of the semiconductor process flow is simulated and the role of the different gettering mechanisms is isolated. Substrate boron in epitaxial p over p+ wafers is effective in more than halving iron contamination at the front compared with a p‐only substrate, especially at high contamination doses. In the absence of a specific thermal cycle for oxygen precipitation and growth in the bulk, long thermal treatment at 1200 °C induces a significant precipitate growth even in the beginning of the process, greatly contributing to iron gettering in the bulk. However, this effect is found to strongly depend on the silicon condition after crystal growth. No significant contribution to iron gettering from a backside polycrystalline silicon layer is found after high‐temperature annealing, whereas a backoxide acts as diffusion barrier, effectively screening the substrate from contamination only for short thermal treatments or annealing temperature below 1000 °C.
Microlattice Metamaterials with Simultaneous Superior Acoustic and Mechanical Energy Absorption
Authors: Li Xinwei , Yu Xiang , Chua Jun Wei , Lee Heow Pueh , Ding Jun , Zhai Wei
Published: May 2021

The advent of 3D printing brought about the possibilities of microlattice metamaterials as advanced materials with the potentials to surpass the functionalities of traditional materials. Sound absorbing materials which are also tough and lightweight are of particular importance as practical engineering materials. There are however a lack of attempts on the study of metamaterials multifunctional for both purposes. Herein, we present four types of face‐centered cubic based plate and truss microlattices as novel metamaterials with simultaneous excellent sound and mechanical energy absorption performance. High sound absorption coefficients nearing 1 and high specific energy absorption of 50.3 J g−1 have been measured. Sound absorption mechanisms of microlattices are proposed to be based on a “cascading resonant cells theory”, an extension of the Helmholtz resonance principle that we have conceptualized herein. Characteristics of absorption coefficients are found to be essentially geometry limited by the pore and cavity morphologies. The excellent mechanical properties in turn derive from both the approximate membrane stress state of the plate architecture and the excellent ductility and strength of the base material. Overall, this work presents a new concept on the specific structural design and materials selection for architectured metamaterials with dual sound and mechanical energy absorption capabilities.
Hybrid‐Filler Stretchable Conductive Composites: From Fabrication to Application
Authors: Yun Guolin , Tang Shi-Yang , Lu Hongda , Zhang Shiwu , Dickey Michael D. , Li Weihua
Published: May 2021

Stretchable conductive composites (SCCs) are generally elastomer matrices filled with conductive fillers. They combine the conductivity of metals and carbon materials with the flexibility of polymers, which are attractive properties for applications such as stretchable electronics, wearable devices, and flexible sensors. Most conventional conductive composites that are filled with only one type of conductive filler face issues in mechanical and electrical properties. Recently, some studies introduced secondary fillers to create hybrid‐filler SCCs to solve these problems. The secondary fillers produce a synergistic effect with the primary fillers to enhance the electrical conductivity of the composites. They also improve the thermal conductivity and mechanical properties or impart composites with special functions like catalysis and self‐healing. Herein, the fabrication methods, stretchability enhancement strategies, and piezoresistivity of SCCs are analyzed, and their latest applications in stretchable electronics are introduced. Finally, the challenges and prospects of their development are discussed.
Supramolecular Tadalafil Nanovaccine for Cancer Immunotherapy by Alleviating Myeloid‐Derived Suppressor Cells and Heightening Immunogenicity
Authors: Zhang Tian , Xiong Honggang , Ma Xianbin , Gao Yuan , Xue Peng , Kang Yuejun , Sun Zhi‐Jun , Xu Zhigang
Published: May 2021

Tumor‐induced immune suppression mediated by myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and insufficient immunogenicity are two major factors for the poor overall response rate to the immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Here, a tumor microenvironment responsive nanoprodrug (FIT nanoparticles) is presented for co‐delivering tadalafil (TAD) and indocyanine green (ICG) photosensitizer to simultaneously targeting intratumor MDSCs and amplifying tumor immunogenicity. The resulting nanoprodrug shows high drug loading (nearly 100%), tumor‐specific release, and robust therapeutic efficacy by virtue of promoting immunogenic cell death (ICD) induction and alleviation of MDSCs for augmenting the photothermal immunotherapy. In an in vivo colon tumor model, the released TAD in the tumor can effectively ameliorate MDSCs immunosuppressive activity, while the photosensitizer ICG is capable of inducing ICD to promote sufficient dendritic cells maturation and T cell infiltration. The results reported here may provide a superior candidate of adjuvants for strengthening immune response and ICB efficacy.