bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D image‐guided treatment planning for Ruthenium‐106 brachytherapy of choroidal melanomas
Authors: Espensen Charlotte A. , Kiilgaard Jens F. , Klemp Kristian , Gothelf Anita , Appelt Ane L. , Fog Lotte S.
Published: December 2020

Background

Current standard treatment procedures for Ruthenium‐106 (Ru‐106) brachytherapy for choroidal melanomas do not use 3D image‐guided treatment planning. We evaluated the potential impact of introducing 3D treatment planning and quantified the theoretical clinical benefits in terms of tumour control probability (TCP) and normal tissue complication probability (NTCP).

Materials and methods

Treatment plans for thirty‐two patients were optimized using 3D image‐guided treatment planning and compared to the original 2D clinical plans. Optimization of plans was done in an image‐based treatment planning system by optimizing the plaque position and treatment time such that the entire tumour received the prescribed dose of 100 Gy. TCP and NTCP for 2D clinical plans and optimized 3D image‐guided plans were estimated from published outcome prediction models and compared within patients using Wilcoxon signed‐rank test.

Results

The median minimum tumour dose (D99%) for 2D clinical plans was 93 Gy (range: 23–158 Gy), corresponding to 5‐year TCP of 75% (IQR 61–86%), while median tumour D99% for optimized 3D image‐guided plans was 115 Gy (range 103–141 Gy), corresponding to TCP of 82% (IQR 80–84%). This was a statistically significant increase in estimated TCP (median increase in TCP 8% (IQR: −5–23, p = 0.006). While the dose to normal tissue increased somewhat, there was no significant change in NTCP.

Conclusion

3D treatment planning theoretically allows for improved tumour dose delivery for Ru‐106 brachytherapy of choroidal melanomas, resulting in a significant increase in expected tumour control compared to traditional approaches using 2D calculations. The deliverability of optimized plans, and potential increased risk of late complications, will have to be confirmed in future clinical studies.
The Beliefs About Breastfeeding Questionnaire (BAB‐Q): A psychometric validation study
Authors: Davie Philippa , Bick Debra , Chilcot Joseph
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Questionnaires used to assess women’s beliefs as a predictor of breastfeeding behaviour are not theoretically informed or tested for psychometric validity and reliability. This study conducted a psychometric evaluation of the Beliefs About Breastfeeding Questionnaire (BAB‐Q).

Design

A two‐phase evaluation in an online cross‐sectional questionnaire study (N = 278) and cohort study sample (N = 264). A ten‐item questionnaire was proposed to assess women’s beliefs about the benefits and efforts of breastfeeding.

Methods

Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) assessed construct validity and reliability. Multivariate regression analyses assessed validity in predicting breastfeeding behaviour and experiences.

Results

EFA found a shortened 8‐item, 2‐factor model had good fit (χ2 = 23.3, df = 13, p < .040; CFI = .99, TLI = .99, RMSEA = .05), with significant factor loadings. Factor 1 (benefit beliefs) and factor 2 (effort beliefs) accounted for 47 and 19.4% of the explained variance and correlated moderately (r = −.40). CFA confirmed the solution in the cohort sample (χ2 = 49.6 df = 19, p < .010; CFI = .97, TLI = .96, and RMSEA = .078). Adjusted regression analyses found beliefs did not reliably predict infant feeding practices. Women’s beliefs significantly predicted the likelihood that women experienced breastfeeding as ‘much more’ positive and negative than they expected.

Conclusions

The eight‐item questionnaire showed good model fit with acceptable loadings, and good reliability for all subscales. The utility of the BAB‐Q at predicting breastfeeding behaviour remains unclear and unsupported by empirical evidence. Further assessments of the predictive validity of the questionnaire in longitudinal studies with diverse beliefs and infant feeding practices are required.
MTA2 promotes the metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via EIF4E‐Twist feedback loop
Authors: Dai Su‐Li , Wei Si‐Si , Zhang Cong , Li Xiao‐Ya , Liu Yue‐Ping , Ma Ming , Lv Hui‐Lai , Zhang Zhenzhen , Zhao Lian‐Mei , Shan Bao‐En
Published: December 2020

Metastasis‐associated protein 2 (MTA2) is frequently amplified in many types of cancers; however, the role and underlying molecular mechanism of MTA2 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remain unknown. Here, we reported that MTA2 is highly expressed in ESCC tissue and cells, and is closely related to the malignant characteristics and poor prognosis of patients with ESCC. Through in vitro and in vivo experiments, we demonstrated that MTA2 significantly promoted ESCC growth, metastasis, and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) progression. This integrative analysis combined with expression microarray showed that MTA2 could interact with eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (EIF4E), which positively regulates the expression of Twist, known as a master regulator of EMT. Moreover, the results of chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed that MTA2 was recruited to the E‐cadherin promoter by Twist, which reduced the acetylation level of the promoter region and thus inhibited expression of E‐cadherin, and subsequently promoted the aggressive progression of ESCC. Collectively, our study provided novel evidence that MTA2 plays an aggressive role in ESCC metastasis by a novel EIF4E‐Twist positive feedback loop, which may provide a potential therapeutic target for the management of ESCC.
Molecular intrinsic versus clinical subtyping in breast cancer: A comprehensive review
Authors: Szymiczek Agata , Lone Amna , Akbari Mohammad R.
Published: December 2020

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease manifesting diversity at the molecular, histological and clinical level. The development of breast cancer classification was centered on informing clinical decisions. The current approach to the classification of breast cancer, which categorizes this disease into clinical subtypes based on the detection of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, and proliferation marker Ki67, is not ideal. This is manifested as a heterogeneity of therapeutic responses and outcomes within the clinical subtypes. The newer classification model, based on gene expression profiling (intrinsic subtyping) informs about transcriptional responses downstream from IHC single markers, revealing deeper appreciation for the disease heterogeneity and capturing tumor biology in a more comprehensive way than an expression of a single protein or gene alone. While accumulating evidences suggest that intrinsic subtypes provide clinically relevant information beyond clinical surrogates, it is imperative to establish whether the current conventional immunohistochemistry‐based clinical subtyping approach could be improved by gene expression profiling and if this approach has a potential to translate into clinical practice.
Nurse‐led standardized intervention for low anterior resection syndrome. A population‐based pilot study
Authors: Dalsgaard Peter , Emmertsen Katrine Jøssing , Mekhael Mira , Laurberg Søren , Christensen Peter
Published: December 2020

Aim

Our aim was to study the implementation of the low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) score in a clinical setting and to evaluate a nurse‐led standardized intervention for bowel dysfunction following rectal cancer surgery.

Method

All patients who underwent curatively intended, restorative rectal cancer resection in a single centre between 2012 and 2016 were screened using the LARS score. At clinical follow‐up, patients with major LARS were offered treatment in a nurse‐led clinic. Data were retrospectively collected from patients' electronic medical records.

Results

In total, 190 out of 286 (66%) patients were screened with the LARS score of whom 89 had major LARS. A total of 86 patients requested treatment for their bowel dysfunction and the majority obtained acceptable function after nurse‐led optimized conservative treatment. Seventeen patients went on to transanal irrigation, and seven patients were treated with biofeedback. Five patients were referred for surgery, three for gastroenterological evaluation. After treatment in the clinic, patients achieved a statistically significant decrease in median LARS score from 37 (interquartile range 34–39) to 31 (interquartile range 23–34) (P < 0.001), and the prevalence of major LARS fell from 95% to 53% (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Screening for LARS was not optimal as one‐third of patients were not screened. The majority of patients with major LARS requested treatment for their symptoms and could be successfully treated with standardized interventions managed in a nurse‐led setting.
Sleeve gastrectomy enables simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation in severely obese recipients
Authors: Rössler Fabian , Hübel Kerstin , Di Natale Samuela , Oberkofler Christian , Gerber Philipp , Bueter Marco , de Rougemont Olivier
Published: December 2020

Background

Obesity adversely affects wait‐listing and precludes patients with concomitant end‐stage renal disease and type 1 diabetes mellitus from getting a simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation (SPK).

Objective

To analyze safety and efficacy of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) before SPK in severely obese type I diabetics.

Methods

We assessed weight curve, complications, and graft function of three patients who underwent LSG before SPK.

Results

LSG was uneventful in all patients. Body mass index dropped from 38.4 (range 35.7 ‐ 39.9) before LSG to 28.5 (26.8 ‐ 30.9) until SPK, with a mean loss of 25.8% (22.4 ‐ 32.3). Interval between LSG and SPK was 364.3 (173 ‐ 587) days. Pancreas and kidney graft function was excellent, with 100% insulin‐free and dialysis‐free survival over a mean follow‐up of 3.6 (2.9 ‐ 4.5) years. A1C dropped from 7% (6.3 ‐ 8.2) before LSG to 4.9% (4.7 ‐ 5.3) and 4.8% (4.5 ‐ 5.1) 1 and 2 years after SPK, respectively.

Conclusion

LSG before SPK is safe and effective to enable severely obese type I diabetics to receive a lifesaving transplant. This is the first study analyzing the role of bariatric surgery before simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation.
Effects of Rovalpituzumab Tesirine on Ventricular Repolarization in Patients With Small‐Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Goldman Jonathan W. , Barve Minal , Patel Jyoti D. , Wozniak Antoinette , Dowlati Afshin , Starodub Alexander , Owonikoko Taofeek K. , Edenfield William , Laurie Scott A. , Da Costa Daniel , Lally Satwant , Koch Martina , Kosloski Matthew P. , Hoffman David , Dy Grace K.
Published: December 2020

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a leading cause of cancer death worldwide, with few treatment options. Rovalpituzumab tesirine (Rova‐T) is an antibody‐drug conjugate that targets delta‐like 3 on SCLC cells to deliver a cytotoxic payload directly to tumor cells. In this study, the cardiac safety profile of Rova‐T was assessed by evaluating changes in QT interval, electrocardiogram (ECG) waveform, heart rate, and proarrhythmic adverse events (AEs) after treatment with Rova‐T in patients with previously treated extensive‐stage SCLC. Patients underwent ECG monitoring for 2 weeks after each of 2 i.v. infusions of 0.3 mg/kg Rova‐T over 30 minutes, administered 6 weeks apart. Forty‐six patients received at least one dose of Rova‐T. At the geometric mean Rova‐T maximum serum concentration of 7,940 ng/mL, ECG monitoring showed no significant changes in the Fridericia‐corrected QT (QTcF) interval; the upper limit of the 2‐sided 90% confidence interval did not exceed 10 msec for any time point. There were no clinically significant changes in QRS or PR intervals, ECG waveforms, or heart rate after Rova‐T administration. All patients experienced a treatment‐emergent AE (TEAE); 78% had a grade ≥ 3 TEAE, 59% had a serious TEAE, and 41% had a cardiac‐related TEAE. The TEAEs that might signal proarrhythmia tendencies were uncommon. Confirmed partial responses were observed in 24% of patients. Based on the evaluation of ECG data collected in this study from patients treated with Rova‐T at 0.3 mg/kg i.v. administered every 6 weeks, a QTcF effect of clinical concern can be excluded.
Semi‐circumferential endoscopic submucosal dissection for laterally spreading tumors on the ileo‐ascending colon anastomosis
Authors: Shichijo Satoki , Inoue Takahiro , Takeuchi Yoji
Published: December 2020

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MACROECONOMIC RATIONALES FOR PUBLIC INVESTMENTS IN SCIENCE
Authors: Gersbach Hans , Schetter Ulrich , Schneider Maik T.
Published: December 2020

What is the economic rationale for investing in science? Based on an open economy model of creative destruction, we characterize four key factors of optimal investment in basic research: the stage of economic development, the strength of the manufacturing base, the degree of openness, and the share of foreign‐owned firms. For each of these factors, we analyze its bearings on optimal basic research investment. We then show that the predicted effects are consistent with patterns observed in the data and discuss how the factor‐based approach might inform basic research policies. (JEL H41, O30, O32, O33, O38)
The MAC‐P program: A pilot study of a mindfulness and compassion program for youth with psychotic experiences
Authors: Hickey Tara , Nelson Barnaby , Enticott Joanne , Meadows Graham
Published: December 2020

Background

The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the feasibility, acceptability and the potential clinical utility of a novel mindfulness and compassion program (MAC‐P) designed for youth with a range of psychotic experiences.

Method

A non‐randomised, non‐controlled prospective follow‐up study was conducted. Eighteen participants who either met criteria for the ‘at risk mental state’ or were experiencing a psychotic episode or had a recent diagnosis of schizophrenia attended the 8‐week program. Participants completed clinical assessments pre‐treatment, post‐treatment and at 6‐week follow‐up which measured a range of symptoms (psychosis, anxiety, depression and stress) and psychosocial outcomes.

Results

Attendance and retention data indicated that MAC‐P is a feasible and acceptable program. There was a large significant increase in self‐compassion. Mindfulness demonstrated a positive change over time. There was a large significant effect on one subscale—acting with awareness. There were significant reductions in distress associated with psychotic experiences as well as anxiety, depression, stress and self‐criticism. Significant improvements in functioning and insecure attachment styles were also found. Regression results demonstrated that self‐compassion was associated with a number of these findings.

Conclusion

The MAC‐P for youth shows potential as a clinically effective intervention provided as an addition to treatment as usual for youth with psychotic experiences. A larger controlled study is needed to validate the effectiveness of this intervention.
Audit of antimicrobial use in eleven equine practices over a five‐year period (2014–2018)
Authors: Mair T. S. , Parkin T. D.
Published: December 2020

Monitoring the use of antimicrobial drugs is an important component of antimicrobial stewardship. The objective of this clinical audit was to record the total annual quantities of different antimicrobial drugs prescribed in equine practices over a 5‐year period. Data on antimicrobial use were retrieved from the computerised practice management systems of 11 equine veterinary practices in the UK over the 5‐year period 2014–2018. There was a trend towards decreasing total quantities of antimicrobials prescribed each year from 2014 to 2018. Complete data for all 5 years were available in 6/11 practices. There was a 50% reduction in total antimicrobial usage between 2014 and 2018 in these practices, with a 38% reduction in enrofloxacin, a 95% reduction in ceftiofur and a 100% reduction in cefquinome usage between 2014 and 2018. As a proportion of the total quantities of antimicrobials prescribed, there were significant increases in the proportions of trimethoprim sulphadiazine and doxycycline used, and significant decreases in the proportion of cefquinome used between 2014 and 2018. The annual proportions of procaine penicillin use remained between 5 and 6% over the whole period. A limitation of the study was that data of the numbers and sizes of horses being prescribed the antimicrobials were not available. It was concluded that there was an overall decline in the quantities of antimicrobials prescribed by the 11 general equine practices over the time period of 2014 to 2018, including a reduction in the prescription of the critically important antimicrobials, enrofloxacin, ceftiofur and cefquinome.
Redistribution of salmon populations in the northeast Pacific ocean in response to climate
Authors: Shelton Andrew Olaf , Sullaway Genoa H. , Ward Eric J. , Feist Blake E. , Somers Kayleigh A. , Tuttle Vanessa J. , Watson Jordan T. , Satterthwaite William H.
Published: December 2020

Species that migrate long distances or between distinct habitats— for example, anadromous or catadromous fish—experience the consequences of climate change in each habitat and are therefore particularly at risk in a changing world. Studies of anadromous species often focus on freshwater despite the ocean's disproportionate influence on survival and growth. To understand a prominent anadromous species’ response to ocean climate, we use a new spatio‐temporal model jointly estimating the ocean distribution of all major fall‐run Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, Salmonidae) stocks from California to British Columbia over 40 years. We model hundreds of millions of tagged individuals, finding that different stocks have fundamentally different ocean distributions, distinct associations with sea surface temperature (SST), and contrasting distributional responses to historical ocean SST variation. We show species‐level estimates of ocean distribution that ignore among‐stock variation will lead to errant predictions of spatial distribution. Using future (2030–2090) SST projections to model focal stocks of fisheries importance we predict substantial ocean redistribution in response to SST change. Predicted aggregate distributional changes do not follow a simple, poleward shift. Instead, we predict net movement into some ocean regions (British Columbia, central California) but net movement out of others (northern California, Washington). Distribution shifts have implications for both major fisheries and marine mammal predators of Chinook salmon. We focus on the consequences of spatial changes in ocean distribution, but our approach provides a general structure to link marine and freshwater components of anadromous species under climate change.
Pharmacological preconditioning protects from ischemia/reperfusion‐induced apoptosis by modulating Bcl‐xL expression through a ROS‐dependent mechanism
Authors: Rozier Romain , Paul Rachel , Madji Hounoum Blandine , Villa Elodie , Mhaidly Rana , Chiche Johanna , Verhoeyen Els , Marchetti Sandrine , Vandenberghe Ashaina , Raucoules Marc , Carles Michel , Ricci Jean‐Ehrland
Published: December 2020

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a frequent perioperative threat, with numerous strategies developed to limit and/or prevent it. One interesting axis of research is the anesthetic preconditioning (APc) agent’s hypothesis (such as sevoflurane, SEV). However, APc’s mode of action is still poorly understood and volatile anesthetics used as preconditioning agents are often not well suited in clinical practice. Here, in vitro using H9C2 cells lines (in myeloblast state or differentiated toward cardiomyocytes) and in vivo in mice, we identified that SEV‐induced APc is mediated by a mild induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that activates Akt and induces the expression of the anti‐apoptotic protein B‐cell lymphoma‐extra large (Bcl‐xL), therefore protecting cardiomyocytes from I/R‐induced death. Furthermore, we extended these results to human cardiomyocytes (derived from induced pluripotent stem ‐ IPS ‐ cells). Importantly, we demonstrated that this protective signaling pathway induced by SEV could be stimulated using the antidiabetic agent metformin (MET), suggesting the preconditioning properties of MET. Altogether, our study identified a signaling pathway allowing APc of cardiac injuries as well as a rational for the use of MET as a pharmacological preconditioning agent to prevent I/R injuries.
A guide to membrane protein X‐ray crystallography
Authors: Kermani Ali A.
Published: December 2020

Membrane proteins play critical physiological roles in all organisms, from ion transport and signal transduction to multidrug resistance. Elucidating their 3D structures is essential for understanding their functions, and this information can also be exploited for structure‐aided drug discovery efforts. In this regard, X‐ray crystallography has been the most widely used technique for determining the high‐resolution 3D structures of membrane proteins. However, the success of this technique is dependent on efficient protein extraction, solubilization, stabilization, and generating diffracting crystals. Each of these steps can impose great challenges for membrane protein crystallographers. In this review, the process of generating membrane protein crystals from protein extraction and solubilization to structure determination is discussed. In addition, the current methods for precrystallization screening and a few strategies to increase the chance of crystallizing challenging membrane proteins are introduced.
Multiple Wavelet Coherence to Evaluate Local Multivariate Relationships in a Groundwater System
Authors: Gu Xiufen , Sun HongGuang , Zhang Yong , Yu Zhongbo , Zhu Jianting
Published: December 2020

Groundwater level fluctuations are affected by surface properties due to complex correlations of groundwater‐surface water interaction and/or other surface processes, which are usually hard to be accurately quantified. Previous studies have assessed the relationship between groundwater level fluctuations and specific controlling factors. However, few studies have been conducted to explore the impact of the combination of multiple factors on the groundwater system. Hence, this paper tries to explore the localized and scale‐specific multivariate relationships between the groundwater level and controlling factors (such as hydrologic and meteorological factors) using bivariate wavelet coherence and multiple wavelet coherence. The groundwater level fluctuations of two wells in areas covered by different plant densities (i.e., the riparian zone of the Colorado River, USA) are analyzed. Main findings include three parts. First, barometric pressure and river stage are the best factors to interpret the groundwater level fluctuations at small scales (<1 day) and large scales (>1 day) at the well of low‐density plants stand, respectively. Second, at the well of high‐density plants stand, the best predictors to control the groundwater level fluctuations include barometric pressure (<1 day), the combination of barometric pressure and temperature (1‐7 days), temperature (7‐30 days), and the combination of barometric pressure, temperature, and river stage (>30 days). The best predictor of groundwater head fluctuations depends on the variance of the vegetation coverage and hydrological processes. Third, these results provide a suite of factors to explain the groundwater level variations, which is an important topic in water‐resource prediction and management.
Applying the principles of adaptive leadership to person‐centred care for people with complex care needs: Considerations for care providers, patients, caregivers and organizations
Authors: Kuluski Kerry , Reid Robert J. , Baker G. Ross
Published: December 2020

Background

Health systems in many countries see person‐centred care as a critical component of high‐quality care but many struggle to operationalize it in practice. We argue that models such as adaptive leadership can be a critical lever to support person‐centred care, particularly for people who have multiple complex care needs.

Objective

To reflect on two concepts: person‐centred care and adaptive leadership and share how adaptive leadership can advance person‐centred care at the front‐line care delivery level and the organizational level.

Findings

The defining feature of adaptive leadership is the separation of technical solutions (ie applying existing knowledge and techniques to problems) from adaptive solutions (ie requiring shifts in how people work together, not just what they do). Addressing adaptive challenges requires identifying key assumptions that may limit motivations for change and the behaviours influenced by these assumptions. Thus, effective care for patients, particularly those with multiple complex care needs, often entails helping care providers and patients to examine their relationships and behaviours not just identifying technical solutions. Addressing adaptive challenges also requires a supportive and enabling organizational context. We provide illustrative examples of how adaptive leadership principles can be applied at both the front line of care and the organization level in advancing person‐centred care delivery.

Conclusions

Advancing person‐centred care at both the clinical and organizational levels requires a growth mindset, a willingness to try (and fail) and try again, comfort in being uncomfortable and a commitment to figure things out, in partnership, in iterative ways. Patients, caregivers, care providers and organizational leaders all need to be adaptive leaders in this endeavour.
A new application of Hydroxyapatite extracted from dromedary bone: Adsorptive removal of Congo red from aqueous solution
Authors: Ghedjemis Amina , Ayeche Riad , Benouadah Ali , Fenineche Noureddine
Published: December 2020

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the efficiency of the natural hydroxyapatite powder for anionic dye (Congo red) elimination from water and optimization of adsorption process parameters that are contact time (0‐360 min), solution pH (4‐9), initial dye concentration (400‐2400 mg/l), and adsorbent dosage (0.4‐20 g/l). Natural hydroxyapatite with high surface area was prepared from animal agriculture waste dromedary bone. X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, transform infrared spectroscopy, and elemental analysis characterizations of the powder prepared show a hexagonal structure, the irregular form of hydroxyapatite and presence of other elements as trace element. The results of adsorption tests demonstrated the high efficiency of natural hydroxyapatite for removal of Congo red from water solution whose maximum experimental capacity adsorption of Congo red by natural hydroxyapatite is 900 mg/g at pH 4.5, equilibrium time 240 min and adsorbent dosage 2 g/l. According to the correlation coefficient value, the pseudo‐second order kinetic model identified the sorption mechanism of pollutant used on natural hydroxyapatite. The Freundlich isotherm is the best representative theoretical model of the dye molecules’ adsorption on the natural hydroxyapatite support.
Linear programming based decision support system for grapes transport planning in CAPEL
Authors: Monardes‐Concha Carlos , Serrano‐Julio Carlos , Hoffmann Christian
Published: December 2020

This research is about developing a decision support system (DSS) for the distribution of grapes and grape must in a Chilean cooperative, Cooperativa Agrícola Pisquera Elqui Limitada (CAPEL). CAPEL is dedicated to producing and distributing several beverages such as sparkling wines, beers, energy drinks, rum, and pisco. This work aims to support the grinding‐related transport stage through a linear programming based DSS, in order to find the optimal use of the transport demand in a network based on source and destination plants during the harvest season. To achieve this aim, an operational research (OR) model that feeds the DSS is developed, whose objective function seeks to minimize the total transport cost. The decision variables define the grape cargo to be transported from a source plant to a destination plant. The OR model uses constraints such as transportation demand, grinding capacity, maximum storage, and available grape in plants. The model succeeded in reducing the total transport costs by 14% for the 2017 season of the pisco‐making process, meaning approximately savings of 59 million Chilean pesos.
Informed equity ownership and bank loan contracting
Authors: Chang Kiyoung , Li Ying , Yi Ha‐Chin
Published: December 2020

Banks enter into loan contracts facing information asymmetries that demand costly due diligence and monitoring efforts. We hypothesize that enhanced monitoring could reduce information asymmetry and result in more favorable loan terms. We take local institutional ownership (IO) as a proxy for informed equity ownership that signals less information asymmetry and study the effect of informedequityownership oncreditors(bank loan contracting). We show that concentrated local long‐term institutional ownership (LLTIO) is associated with (1) a lower spread, (2) less stringent collateral requirement, and (3) less covenant intensity when shareholder–creditor conflicts of interest are unlikely and substituting monitoring devices are not in place. Our results are robust to controls for the endogeneity of IO. The findings suggest that the net effect from LLTIO's monitoring leads to more favorable loan terms and varies with the tradeoff in agency costs that creditors face.
Molecular and functional identification of a β‐defensin homolog in large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea)
Authors: Li Kexin , Li Wanru , Chen Xiaojuan , Luo Tian , Mu Yinnan , Chen Xinhua
Published: December 2020

β‐defensin (BD) is a cysteine‐rich cationic antibacterial peptide that is active against a wide range of bacteria. Here, a β‐defensin homolog (LcBD2) was identified in large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea). The open reading frame of LcBD2 contains 195 nucleotides, encoding a protein of 64 amino acids that possesses a typical arrangement of six conserved cysteine residues (C31, C37, C41, C53, C59 and C60). LcBD2 transcripts were constitutively expressed in all examined tissues and significantly increased in head kidney, spleen and gills by Vibrio alginolyticus. The synthetic LcBD2 peptide imparted antimicrobial effects on both Gram‐negative bacteria (V. campbellii, V. parahaemolyticus, V. alginolyticus, V. harveyi and Pseudomonas plecoglossicida) and Gram‐positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis). We also observed that after treatment with synthetic LcBD2 peptide, numerous blisters appeared on the membrane of P. plecoglossicida, which in turn may result in cell membrane breakage and bacterial death. Moreover, the synthetic LcBD2 peptide significantly upregulated the expression levels of TNF‐α2, IL‐1β and CXCL8_L1 in monocytes/macrophages, while downregulated expression level of IL‐10. The LcBD2 peptide also remarkedly enhanced the phagocytosis of monocytes/macrophages. These results indicate that LcBD2 not only protects large yellow croaker against multiple bacterial pathogens but also plays a role in activation of monocytes/macrophages.
Smartphone‐Based Applications to Detect Hearing Loss: A Review of Current Technology
Authors: Irace Alexandria L. , Sharma Rahul K. , Reed Nicholas S. , Golub Justin S.
Published: December 2020

Background/Objectives

Age‐related hearing loss (ARHL) is a widely prevalent yet manageable condition that has been linked to neurocognitive and psychiatric comorbidities. Multiple barriers hinder older individuals from being diagnosed with ARHL through pure‐tone audiometry. This is especially true during the COVID‐19 pandemic, which has resulted in the closure of many outpatient audiology and otolaryngology offices. Smartphone‐based hearing assessment apps may overcome these challenges by enabling patients to remotely self‐administer their own hearing examination. The objective of this review is to provide an up‐to‐date overview of current mobile health applications (apps) that claim to assess hearing.

Design

Narrative review.

Measurements

The Apple App Store and Google Play Store were queried for apps that claim to assess hearing. Relevant apps were downloaded and used to conduct a mock hearing assessment. Names of included apps were searched on four literature databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL) to determine which apps had been validated against gold standard methods.

Results

App store searches identified 44 unique apps. Apps differed with respect to the type of test offered (e.g., hearing threshold test), cost, strategies to reduce ambient noise, test output (quantitative vs qualitative results), and options to export results. Validation studies were identified for seven apps.

Conclusion

Given their low cost and relative accessibility, smartphone‐based hearing apps may facilitate screening for ARHL, particularly in the setting of limitations on in‐person medical care due to COVID‐19. However, app features vary widely, few apps have been validated, and user‐centered designs for older adults are largely lacking. Further research and validation efforts are necessary to determine whether smartphone‐based hearing assessments are a feasible and accurate screening tool for ARHL.

Key Points

Age‐related hearing loss is a prevalent yet undertreated condition among older adults.

Why Does this Paper Matter?

    Smartphone‐based hearing test apps may facilitate remote screening for hearing loss, but limitations surrounding app validation, usability, equipment calibration, and data security should be addressed.
The circadian syndrome predicts cardiovascular disease better than metabolic syndrome in Chinese adults
Authors: Shi Z. , Tuomilehto J. , Kronfeld‐Schor N. , Alberti G. K. , Stern N. , El‐Osta A. , Bilu C. , Einat H. , Zimmet P.
Published: December 2020

Background

To compare the predictive value of the circadian syndrome (CircS) and Metabolic syndrome (MetS) for cardiovascular disease.

Method

We used the data of 9360 Chinese adults aged ≥40 years from the 2011 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Of the participants, 8253 people were followed in the 2015 survey. MetS was defined using the harmonized criteria. CircS was based on the components of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) MetS plus short sleep and depression. The cut‐off for CircS was set as ≥4. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to examine the associations.

Results

The prevalence of CircS and MetS was 39.0% and 44.7%. Both MetS and CircS were directly associated with prevalent CVD. The odds ratios for prevalent CVD comparing CircS with MetS, respectively, were 2.83 (95%CI 2.33–3.43) and 2.34 (1.93–2.83) in men, and 2.33 (1.98–2.73) and 1.79 (1.53–2.10) in women. Similar associations were found for incident CVD. The five‐year incidence of CVD was 15.1% in CircS and 14.0% in MetS. The number of CircS components has a better predictive power for both prevalent and incident CVD than those of Mets components as indicated by the area under the ROC (AUC). AUC values for CVD in 2011 were higher for CircS than MetS in both men (0.659 (95%CI 0.634–0.684) vs 0.635 (95%CI 0.610–0.661)) and women (0.652 (95%CI 0.632–0.672) vs 0.619 (95%CI 0.599–0.640)).

Conclusion

The circadian syndrome is a strong and better predictor for CVD than the metabolic syndrome in Chinese adults.
Comparative study on the monocyclic components of plum rust with isolates from three growing regions in Brazil
Authors: Vidal Glória Soriano , Kleina Heloisa Thomazi , Beger Giovana , Zeviani Walmes Marques , May De Mio Louise Larissa , Duarte Henrique da Silva Silveira
Published: December 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of temperature and wetness period (WP) on urediniospore germination of Tranzschelia discolor and the influence of temperature in the latent period and the number of pustules/cm2 produced by isolates obtained from São Paulo (SP), Paraná (PR) and Santa Catarina (SC) states in Brazil. Spore germination was assessed under six temperatures (10–35°C) in combination with six WPs (3–48 hr). The latent period and the number of pustules were assessed in detached plum leaves inoculated with T. discolor at temperatures from 10 to 35ºC. In addition, the number of pustules produced by the three isolates was compared for 15 days at 23°C. The optimum temperatures for urediniospore germination estimated were 24.2, 24.4 and 24.3°C for isolates from PR, SC and SP, respectively, in the WP of 48 hr. The shortest latent periods estimated for PR, SC and SP isolates observed were 10.3, 8.9 and 10.6 days, at the optimal temperature of 21.9, 22.1 and 22.4°C, respectively. The greatest number of pustules/cm2 was 39.8, 158.5 and 63.1, for PR, SC and SP isolates, at the optimal temperature of 22.2, 22.2 and 22.7°C, respectively. Differences between isolates were observed for the latent period, which was shorter in leaves inoculated with the SC isolate. In addition, the number of pustules was greater in leaves inoculated with the SC isolate as compared to the latent periods and the number of pustules on leaves inoculated with the isolates from the other states. The highest rust progress rates were observed for isolates from the states of Santa Catarina and São Paulo. This information serves as a background study to better understand how plum leaf rust epidemics occur in the field under different environmental conditions, thus aiding in both the prevention of possible epidemics and the conception of more efficient control strategies.
Inferior parietal lobule is sensitive to different semantic similarity relations for concrete and abstract words
Authors: Montefinese Maria , Pinti Paola , Ambrosini Ettore , Tachtsidis Ilias , Vinson David
Published: December 2020

Similarity measures, the extent to which two concepts have similar meanings, are the key to understand how concepts are represented, with different theoretical perspectives relying on very different sources of data from which similarity can be calculated. While there is some commonality in similarity measures, the extent of their correlation is limited. Previous studies also suggested that the relative performance of different similarity measures may also vary depending on concept concreteness and that the inferior parietal lobule (IPL) may be involved in the integration of conceptual features in a multimodal system for the semantic categorization. Here, we tested for the first time whether theory‐based similarity measures predict the pattern of brain activity in the IPL differently for abstract and concrete concepts. English speakers performed a semantic decision task, while we recorded their brain activity in IPL through fNIRS. Using representational similarity analysis, results indicated that the neural representational similarity in IPL conformed to the lexical co‐occurrence among concrete concepts (regardless of the hemisphere) and to the affective similarity among abstract concepts in the left hemisphere only, implying that semantic representations of abstract and concrete concepts are characterized along different organizational principles in the IPL. We observed null results for the decoding accuracy. Our study suggests that the use of the representational similarity analysis as a complementary analysis to the decoding accuracy is a promising tool to reveal similarity patterns between theoretical models and brain activity recorded through fNIRS.
Both contextual regularity and selective attention affect the reduction of precision‐weighted prediction errors but in distinct manners
Authors: Hsu Yi‐Fang , Hämäläinen Jarmo A.
Published: December 2020

Predictive coding model of perception postulates that the primary objective of the brain is to infer the causes of sensory inputs by reducing prediction errors (i.e., the discrepancy between expected and actual information). Moreover, prediction errors are weighted by their precision (i.e., inverse variance), which quantifies the degree of certainty about the variables. There is accumulating evidence that the reduction of precision‐weighted prediction errors can be affected by contextual regularity (as an external factor) and selective attention (as an internal factor). However, it is unclear whether the two factors function together or separately. Here we used electroencephalography (EEG) to examine the putative interaction of contextual regularity and selective attention on this reduction process. Participants were presented with pairs of regular and irregular quartets in attended and unattended conditions. We found that contextual regularity and selective attention independently modulated the N1/MMN where the repetition effect was absent. On the P2, the two factors respectively interacted with the repetition effect without interacting with each other. The results showed that contextual regularity and selective attention likely affect the reduction of precision‐weighted prediction errors in distinct manners. While contextual regularity finetunes our efficiency at reducing precision‐weighted prediction errors, selective attention seems to modulate the reduction process following the Matthew effect of accumulated advantage.
A Unified Probabilistic Framework for Cancer Risk Management
Authors: Rheinberger Christoph M.
Published: December 2020

Cancer risk assessments in the regulatory realm are often deterministic. Probabilistic approaches that allow characterizing and propagating uncertainty and variability are better suited to predict the socioeconomic impacts of regulating carcinogens. In this article, I present a unified framework for cancer risk management consisting of (i) a probabilistic exposure model that takes into account variability in individual exposure to the substance of concern; (ii) a probabilistic dose–response model that accounts for differences in individual cancer susceptibility; (iii) an impact assessment model that quantifies individuals’ excess lifetime cancer risk; and (iv) a welfare model that values changes in disability‐adjusted life expectancy based on workers’ willingness‐to‐pay and aggregates individual valuations across the population at risk. I illustrate the framework with data on occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium in France. In a cohort of 10,000 synthetic workers, about one third of the exposed benefit from the introduction of a binding occupational exposure limit (BOEL). Limiting hexavalent chromium exposure to the BOEL reduces the statistical worker's excess lifetime risk of fatal and nonfatal lung cancer by 4.7E‐3 and 1.5E‐3, respectively. At cohort level, the risk reduction corresponds to 738.4 full and 30.7 disability‐adjusted life years saved. The expected welfare gain of introducing the BOEL is close to €30 million. A major advantage of the framework is its ability to visualize uncertainty and variability inherent to cancer risk assessment. Notwithstanding some implementation challenges, the framework provides a transparent characterization of regulatory impacts that supports informed risk management decisions.
Overlooked biodiversity of mitochondrial lineages in Hemiodus (Ostariophysi, Characiformes)
Authors: Nogueira Acácio F. , Oliveira Claudio , Langeani Francisco , Netto‐Ferreira André L.
Published: December 2020

Hemiodus is the largest genus of the South American freshwater fish family Hemiodontidae, with 23 valid species. However, the species‐level diversity of Hemiodus remains uncertain since morphological studies have indicated additional species. Also, the phylogenetic relationships among species and species boundaries within this genus are still unresolved. Herein, we sequenced the barcode (COI) gene of 19 species of Hemiodus on which undertook molecular species delimitation methods (automatic barcode gap discovery [ABGD], generalized mixed Yule coalescent [GMYC] and Poisson tree process [PTP]) and the standard DNA barcoding procedure to establish species boundaries and cast light on putative new species in the genus. We also provide a COI‐based phylogenetic hypothesis for Hemiodus by maximum‐likelihood (ML) analysis, the first at species level. The results of ABGD, GMYC and PTP indicate that around 30 MOTUs (range: 28–32) exist for Hemiodus within our data set of 19 valid species with concordance among strategies (i.e. equal results) in delimiting 24 MOTUs. Using classical DNA barcoding procedures, we settled on 28 MOTUs for Hemiodus. Undescribed morphospecies (i.e. feasible for description or taxonomic validation), as well as cryptic species (i.e. lineages with high genetic distance but indistinguishable in external morphology), are proposed. Even with the limitations of a single‐locus phylogeny, the ML tree recovered many species and species groups as clades, corroborating, thus, their taxonomic separation. Overall, our results highlight the existence of an overlooked diversity of mitochondrial lineages in Hemiodus that can represent cryptic or poorly scrutinized species. Moreover, this study provides a molecular backbone for future studies on the systematics and evolution of Hemiodontidae taxa.
Statistical Variability of Severe Rainfall Events in Southeastern Brazil
Authors: Caseri Angelica Nardo , Angelis Carlos Frederico , Banda Sperling Vinícius , Leblois Etienne
Published: December 2020

Extreme rainfall events are one of the natural phenomena that cause more damages. These events are known to be well localized, especially in tropical and subtropical climate regions such as southeastern Brazil. These events have high heterogeneity and the evolution of rain cells changes is quick, the forecast and knowledge of these extreme rainfall events still represent a challenge for the scientific community, such as the spatial variability of rainfall. For this, data from the weather radar installed in Campinas city were used, which generates new radar images every 10 minutes, and data from twenty-nine rain gauges located in the region. For this, 16 rainfall events were selected, located in the region of Campinas/SP, southeast of Brazil, a region that has already recorded many events. For this study, rain and intermittent zones were analyzed separately. This study helps to understand the main statistical characteristics of severe events, mainly located in the region of Campinas. In addition, the information extracted and the analyzes carried out in this study can be used as input data for models that generate possible rainfall scenarios, ensembles, such as, methods based on geostatistics or machine learning.
Aerothermal Optimization of Bladeless Turbines
Authors: Braun James , Paniagua Guillermo , Falempin Francois
Published: December 2020

The harnessing of mechanical power from supersonic flows is constrained by physical limitations and substantial aerodynamic losses. Bladeless axial turbines are a viable alternative to extract power in such harsh conditions without restricting the operating conditions. In this paper, we present a shape optimization of the wavy surface of bladeless turbines to maximize the power extraction, while minimizing convective heat flux and pressure losses. First, a baseline geometry was defined and an experimental campaign was carried out on the baseline wavy surface of the bladeless turbine at supersonic conditions. Pressure, heat flux, and skin friction measurements were compared with the Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes results. Afterward, an evaluation routine which consisted of the geometry and grid generation, solving, and postprocessing was implemented within a multi-objective optimization routine to maximize the pressure force and minimize heat flux and pressure loss. Finally, a three-dimensional assessment in terms of power, heat load, and pressure drop was performed for the best performing geometry with the commercial solver cfd++ of Metacomp.