bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bone Density and Trabecular Morphology at Least 10 Years After Gastric Bypass and Gastric Banding
Authors: Lindeman Katherine G , Rushin Claire C , Cheney Michael C , Bouxsein Mary L , Hutter Matthew M , Yu Elaine W
Published: June 2020

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) instigates high-turnover bone loss in the initial 5 years after surgery, whereas skeletal changes after adjustable gastric banding (AGB) are less pronounced. Long-term skeletal data are scarce, and the mechanisms of bone loss remain unclear. We sought to examine bone density and microarchitecture in RYGB and AGB patients a decade after surgery and to determine whether prior published reports of bone loss represent an appropriate adaptation to new postsurgical weight. In this cross-sectional study, 25 RYGB and 25 AGB subjects who had bariatric surgery ≥10 years ago were matched 1:1 with nonsurgical controls for age, sex, and current body mass index (BMI). We obtained bone mineral density (BMD) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), volumetric BMD and microarchitecture by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT), trabecular morphology by individual trabecular segmentation, and metabolic bone laboratory results. As compared with BMI-matched controls, RYGB subjects had significantly lower hip BMD, and lower total volumetric BMD at the distal radius and tibia. Substantial deficits in cortical and trabecular microarchitecture were observed in the RYGB group compared to controls, with reduced trabecular plate bone volume fraction and estimated failure load at both the radius and tibia, respectively. Bone turnover markers CTX and P1NP were 99% and 77% higher in the RYGB group than controls, respectively, with no differences in serum calcium, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, or parathyroid hormone. In contrast, the AGB group did not differ from their BMI-matched controls in any measured bone density, microarchitecture, or laboratory parameter. Thus, RYGB, but not AGB, is associated with lower than expected hip and peripheral BMD for the new weight setpoint, as well as deleterious changes in bone microarchitecture. These findings suggest that pathophysiologic processes other than mechanical unloading or secondary hyperparathyroidism contribute to bone loss after RYGB, and have important clinical implications for the long-term care of RYGB patients. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Human papillomavirus elevated genetic biomarker signature by statistical algorithm
Authors: Tripathi Nimisha , Keshari Sneha , Shahi Pallavi , Maurya Poonam , Bhattacharjee Atanu , Gupta Kushal , Talole Sanjay , Kumar Mukesh
Published: June 2020

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the one of the most frequently found cancers in the world. The aim of the study was to find the genes responsible and enriched pathways associated with HNSCC using bioinformatics and survival analysis methods. A total of 646 patients with HNSCC based on clinical information were considered for the study. HNSCC samples were grouped according to the parameters (RFS, DFS, PFS, or OS). The probe ID of these 11 genes was retrieved by Affymetrix using the NetAffx Query algorithm. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and Kaplan–Meier curve were used to find associations among the genes' expression data. We found that among these 11 genes, nine genes, CCNA1, MMP3, FLRT3, GJB6, ZFR2, PITX2, SYCP2, MEI1, and UGT8 were significant (p < .05). A survival plot was drawn between the p value and gene expression. This study helped us find the nine significant genes which play vital roles in HNSCC along with their key pathways and their interaction with other genes in the PPI network. Finally, we found the biomarker index for relapse time and risk factors for HNSCC in cancer patients.
Bobby sox homolog regulates tooth root formation through modulation of dentin sialophosphoprotein
Authors: Ihn Hye Jung , Kim Ju Ang , Lim Jiwon , Nam Sang‐Hyeon , Hwang So Hyeon , Kim Young Kyung , Kim Jae‐Young , Kim Jung‐Eun , Cho Eui‐Sic , Jiang Rulang , Park Eui Kyun
Published: June 2020

Tooth root development occurs through the interaction of multiple growth factors and transcription factors expressed in Hertwig's epithelial root sheath (HERS) and dental mesenchyme. Previously, we demonstrated that bobby sox homolog (Bbx) regulates odontoblast differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells. Here, we generated Bbx knockout (Bbx−/−) mice to address the functional role of Bbx in tooth formation. During tooth development, Bbx was expressed in both dental epithelium and mesenchyme. However, molar and incisor morphology in Bbx−/− mice at postnatal Day 0 (P0) exhibited no prominent abnormalities compared with their wild‐type (Bbx+/+) littermates. Until P28, the crown morphology in Bbx−/− mice was not distinctively different from Bbx+/+ littermates. Meanwhile, the length of the mandibular base in Bbx−/− mice was notably less at P28. Compared with Bbx+/+ mice, the mesial and distal root lengths of the first molar were reduced by 21.33% and 16.28% at P14 and 16.28% and 16.24% at P28, respectively, in Bbx−/− mice. The second molar of Bbx−/− mice also showed 10.16% and 6.4% reductions at P28 in the mesial and distal lengths, compared with Bbx+/+ mice, respectively. The gene expression analysis during early tooth root formation (P13) showed that the expression of dentin sialophosphoprotein (Dspp) was significantly decreased in Bbx−/− mice. Collectively, our data suggest that Bbx participates in tooth root formation and might be associated with the regulation of Dspp expression.
Fetal hydrometrocolpos with pre‐axial mirror polydactyly as a new variant of McKusick‐Kaufman syndrome
Authors: Traisrisilp Kuntharee , Nunthapiwat Sujinun , Luewan Suchaya , Tongsong Theera
Published: June 2020

This report describes a variant of McKusick‐Kaufman syndrome presenting with a large fetal abdominal cyst of hydrometrocolpos at 37 weeks of gestation. The diagnosis was based on the ultrasound findings of a large homogeneous hypoechoic cyst (diameter of >10 cm) with incomplete septum, thickened wall, superiorly connecting to the dilated uterus, consistent with hydrometrocolpos. Additionally, pre‐axial mirror polydactyly of the left foot was suspected. Postnatal examination/work‐up confirmed the prenatal findings. This is the first report of prenatal diagnosis of hydrometrocolpos with complex polydactyly of mirror image pre‐axial duplications containing nine toes instead of six‐toe postaxial polydactyly.
Interpretation(s) of elasticity in operant demand
Authors: Gilroy Shawn P. , Kaplan Brent A. , Reed Derek D.
Published: June 2020

This brief report provides an account of varying interpretations of elasticity (η) in the operant demand framework. General references to “demand elasticity” have existed since the Exponential model of operant demand was proposed by Hursh and Silberberg (2008). This term has been used interchangeably with Essential Value (EV), PMAX, and the rate of change constant α. This report provides an in‐depth account of η and the various ways in which this metric has been used to interpret fitted demand functions. A review of relevant mathematic terms, operations associated with differentiating parameters, and worked solutions for η are provided for linear and nonlinear demand functions. The relations between η and EV, PMAX, and α are described and explained in terms of their mathematical bases and recommendations are provided regarding their individual interpretation. This report concludes with recommendations for providing additional mathematical detail in published works and emphasizing a consistent use of terms when describing aspects of operant demand.
Factors affecting supervisors' enactment of interpersonal fairness: The interactive relationship between their managers' informational fairness and supervisors' sense of power
Authors: Brockner Joel , De Cremer David , van Dijke Marius , De Schutter Leander , Holtz Brian , Van Hiel Alain
Published: June 2020

Managerial trickle‐down effects refer to the tendency for supervisors to treat their subordinates in ways analogous to how they have been treated by their own bosses. Although trickle‐down effects are widely documented, including in the justice literature, less is known about the conditions under which they are more versus less likely to emerge. Across two studies, we examined how supervisors' tendencies to exhibit interpersonal fairness are interactively determined by the informational fairness they receive from managers above them and supervisors' sense of power. Study 1 was a multisource survey conducted in organizational settings. Study 2 was an experiment in which we manipulated the informational fairness that supervisors received from managers and supervisors' sense of power. The results of both studies showed that the positive relationship between the informational fairness received from managers and supervisors' enactment of interpersonal fairness was stronger among supervisors who had a lower sense of power. This interactive effect did not emerge on supervisors' enactment of other forms of fairness (distributive, procedural, and informational), consistent with prior theory and research showing that interpersonal fairness allows for greater discretion than other forms of fairness. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed as are limitations and suggestions for future research.
Trend analysis of extreme precipitation events across Iran using percentile indices
Authors: Mahbod Mehdi , Rafiee Mohammad Rafie
Published: June 2020

Although a number of studies have been conducted on extreme precipitation trends in different parts of the world including Iran, a great number of such studies have reported only the total amount of daily precipitation greater than a certain percentage (e.g., 95%) of the long term data (R95p), ignoring other useful indices. To address this research gap, we used other modified indices, namely R95tot (fractional contribution of very wet days to annual total amounts), R95tt (fractional contribution of very wet days to the total annual obtained from fitted gamma probability distribution), and RS95 (same as R95tt except that it uses Weibull distribution and very wet days defined by 95 percentage of an individual year) by which the spatial and temporal changes of very wet days across Iran was assessed, 1985–2013. In addition, to evaluate the effect of the selected distribution on the results, a new index‐(RS95gm)—was introduced and reported. This index is similar to RS95, except that it uses gamma distribution instead of Weibull. According to trend analysis of R95p, R95tot, and R95tt, reduced frequency of extreme precipitation events was detected in some northwest, west and northeast parts of Iran. On the contrary, RS95 (RS95gm) results showed a higher frequency of extreme events across Iran. It was also demonstrated that while R95p, R95tot, and R95tt were unequivocally affected by changes in the mean wet‐day/ annual total precipitation, RS95 (RS95gm) was more influenced by changes in the distributional shape, showing more stable trends. Although RS95 and RS95gm were highly correlated with only 19% difference on average, their trend analysis results were not completely consistent (70% agreement). Thus, it may be concluded that any changes in statistical distribution in the calculation of the RS95 would have a considerable effect on whether the obtained trend is significant or not.
Cooking, Creativity, and Well‐Being: An Integration of Quantitative and Qualitative Methods
Authors: Mosko Jonathan E. , Delach Madilynn J.
Published: June 2020

This study seeks to uncover the benefits of participating in the act of cooking. The study was conducted in two phases at a mid‐sized private university on the East Coast: First was a phenomenological inquiry (n = 8), followed by a survey (n = 420). Measures included the Ryff scales of psychological well‐being and a survey of cooking attitudes and behaviors. Four distinct qualitative themes were identified in the first phase: cooking as a means of expressing creativity, positive attitudes about cooking, cooking as a valuable social opportunity, and cooking providing mood improvement. Cooking as a creative outlet was a key theme. We found small but significant correlations between frequency of cooking and the Ryff subscales of Environmental Mastery (r = .14, p < .003), Positive Relationships with Others (r = .11, p < .023), and Self‐Acceptance (r = .11, p < .020). A Chi‐squared 2x1 analysis indicates that survey participants have a significant preference for cooking for themselves and others as opposed to only cooking for themselves. Results suggest that cooking as a creative intervention may contribute to the improvement of mood, social connections, and personal acceptance, and that cooking as a creative act may be relevant to individual well‐being.
Features of Childhood Maltreatment and Resilience Capacity in Adulthood: Results from a Large Community‐Based Sample
Authors: Nishimi Kristen , Choi Karmel W. , Davis Kathryn A. , Powers Abigail , Bradley Bekh , Dunn Erin C.
Published: June 2020

Childhood maltreatment is consistently associated with poor outcomes. However, few epidemiological studies have examined the association between childhood maltreatment and adult resilience capacity, defined as one's perceived ability to cope successfully with challenges. This study aimed to determine associations between adult resilience capacity and specific types and features of childhood maltreatment. Participants were African American adults recruited from a public urban hospital in Atlanta, GA (N = 1,962) between 2005 and 2013. Childhood maltreatment, including witnessing domestic violence or physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, was assessed retrospectively using the Traumatic Events Inventory. Perceived resilience capacity was assessed using the Connor‐Davidson Resilience Scale. Linear regressions were performed assessing the association between resilience capacity and childhood maltreatment exposure in general, as well as specific dimensions of exposure, including type, co‐occurrence, and developmental timing, adjusting for covariates. Participants exposed to any maltreatment reported lower resilience capacity than unexposed peers, B = −0.38, SE = 0.04, p < .001. All maltreatment types were negatively associated with resilience capacity, even after adjusting for other lifetime trauma exposure. Only emotional abuse remained significantly associated with resilience capacity after accounting for current psychological distress, B = −0.11, SE = 0.05, p = .022. Maltreatment co‐occurrence followed an inverse dose–response relationship with resilience capacity: For each additional maltreatment type, scores decreased by 0.18 units (SD = 0.02), p < .001. Finally, the developmental timing of maltreatment did not reveal any differential influences on resilience capacity. The results suggest that childhood emotional abuse and co‐occurrence of maltreatment types may be particularly deleterious to adult resilience capacity.
Shock tube ignition delay time measurements for methyl propanoate and methyl acrylate: Influence of saturation on small methyl ester high‐temperature reactivity
Authors: Wang Haowei , Oehlschlaeger Matthew A.
Published: June 2020

We report ignition delay time measurements for methyl propanoate (MP) and methyl acrylate (MA), carried out in a high‐pressure shock tube. Experiments were performed behind reflected shock waves across a temperature range of 989‐1 367 K, for fuel‐air mixtures at equivalence ratios of ϕ = 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0, and nominal pressures of 1 and 4 MPa. Ignition delay times were found to decrease with increasing temperature, equivalence ratio, and pressure, and are well described with correlations involving Arrhenius temperature dependence and power‐law dependence on equivalence ratio and pressure. Ignition delay times are compared with model predictions from literature kinetic models, with the models of Zhang et al (Energy & Fuels 2014; 28(11): 7194‐7202) and Bennadji et al (International Journal of Chemical Kinetics 2011; 43(4): 204‐218.) in good agreement with measured ignition delay times for MP and MA, respectively. Kinetic sensitivity analysis shows that the reactions most important for modeling ignition fall into two categories: initiation reactions (ie, decomposition and H‐atom abstraction) and C0‐C1 chemistry controlling the pool of small radicals. The unsaturated MA was observed to have lower reactivity than MP, due to its greater bond strengths for C─C and C─H bonds, resulting in slower rates for initiation reactions.
Assessing UN indicators of land degradation neutrality and proportion of degraded land for Botswana using remote sensing based national level metrics
Authors: Akinyemi Felicia O. , Ghazaryan Gohar , Dubovyk Olena
Published: June 2020

Achieving land degradation neutrality (LDN) has been proposed as a way to stem the loss of land resources globally. To date, LDN operationalization at the country level has remained a challenge both from a policy and science perspective. Using an approach incorporating cloud‐based geospatial computing with machine learning, national level datasets of land cover, land productivity dynamics, and soil organic carbon stocks were developed. Using the example of Botswana, LDN and proportion of degraded land were assessed. Between 2000 and 2015, grassland lost approximately 17% of its original extent, the highest level of loss for any land category; land productivity decline was highest in artificial surface areas (11%), whereas 36% of croplands show early signs of decline. With the use of national metrics (NM), degraded areas were found to be 32.6% compared to 51.4% of the total land area when global default datasets (DD) were used. Estimates of degraded land computed with NM and DD were validated in Palapye, an agro‐pastoral region in eastern Botswana, where Composite Land Degradation Index (CLDI) field‐based data exists. Comparing land degradation (LD) in the three datasets (NM, DD, and CLDI), NM estimates were closest to the field data. The extra efforts put into developing national level data for LD assessment in this study is, thus, well‐justified. Beyond demonstrating remote sensing viability for LD assessment, the study developed procedures for generating and validating national level datasets. Using these procedures, LD monitoring will be enhanced in Botswana and elsewhere since these remote sensing datasets can be updated using freely available satellite datasets.
Fabrication of Stiffness Gradients of GelMA Hydrogels Using a 3D Printed Micromixer
Authors: Lavrentieva Antonina , Fleischhammer Tabea , Enders Anton , Pirmahboub Hamidreza , Bahnemann Janina , Pepelanova Iliyana
Published: June 2020

Many properties in both healthy and pathological tissues are highly influenced by the mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix. Stiffness gradient hydrogels are frequently used for exploring these complex relationships in mechanobiology. In this study, the fabrication of a simple, cost‐efficient, and versatile system is reported for creation of stiffness gradients from photoactive hydrogels like gelatin‐methacryloyl (GelMA). The setup includes syringe pumps for gradient generation and a 3D printed microfluidic device for homogenous mixing of GelMA precursors with different crosslinker concentration. The stiffness gradient is investigated by using rheology. A co‐culture consisting of human adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAD‐MSCs) and human umbilical cord vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) is encapsulated in the gradient construct. It is possible to locate the stiffness ranges at which the studied cells displayed specific spreading morphology and migration rates. With the help of the described system, variable mechanical gradient constructs can be created and optimal 3D cell culture conditions can be experientially identified.
On a strengthening of Jónssonness for ℵω
Authors: Eskew Monroe
Published: June 2020

We discuss a system of strengthenings of “ is Jónsson” indexed by real numbers, and identify a strongest one. We give a proof of a theorem of Silver and show that there is a barrier to weakening its hypothesis.
Tocilizumab potentiates cisplatin cytotoxicity and targets cancer stem cells in triple‐negative breast cancer
Authors: Alraouji Noura N. , Al‐Mohanna Falah H. , Ghebeh Hazem , Arafah Maria , Almeer Rafa , Al‐Tweigeri Taher , Aboussekhra Abdelilah
Published: June 2020

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a very aggressive subtype with high recurrence rate and no molecular targets for therapies. This subtype is characterized by high expression/secretion of the proinvasive/metastatic interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) cytokine. In the present study, we have shown that tocilizumab inhibits the IL‐6/STAT3 signaling and suppresses the cancer/inflammatory epigenetic IL‐6/STAT3/NF‐κB positive feedback loop. Furthermore, tocilizumab inhibited the proliferative and the migratory/invasiveness capacities as well as the epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in TNBC cells. Importantly, tocilizumab suppressed the stemness‐related characteristics of TNBC cells, through the inhibition of the Wnt/β‐catenin breast cancer stem cell‐related pathway. Additionally, we have shown that tocilizumab suppresses the paracrine activation of normal breast stromal fibroblasts to myofibroblats. Moreover, tocilizumab sensitized TNBC cells to the cytotoxic effect of cisplatin in vitro. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of IL‐6 by tocilizumab had great inhibitory effect on tumor growth and the EMT process in humanized orthotopic breast tumors in mice. In addition, tocilizumab potentiated the proapoptotic effect of cisplatin in humanized breast tumors. Together, these findings indicate that tocilizumab can suppress the prometastatic capacity of TNBC cells and enhances the cytotoxic effect of cisplatin against these cells. Therefore, tocilizumab could be of great therapeutic value for these hard‐to‐treat TNBC patients.
Electrically tunable polarization‐independent visible transmission guided‐mode resonance filter based on polymer‐dispersed liquid crystals
Authors: Sun Guangyu , Wang Qi
Published: June 2020

A tunable polarization‐independent narrowband guided‐mode resonance filter (GMRF), consisting of a 2D subwavelength aluminum grating and a polymer‐dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) layer is demonstrated. By taking advantage of 2D structural phase matching, the guided mode resonance occurs under both transverse electric and magnetic guided modes, we obtained polarization‐independent bandpass filtering without loss of polarization, as verified via finite‐difference time‐domain simulations. Meanwhile, we use PDLC as a property adjustable material, when the orientation of the PDLC was controlled with an applied voltage, the transform mode of the incident light changed, which enabled easy refractive index tunability. A finite element method was used to design and characterize a tunable GMRF with a transmission resonance wavelength that can be shifted from 492.31 to 505.94 nm, based on the PDLC refraction. The relationship between resonance wavelength and the PDLC refractive index exhibits a linear curve, the shape and peak of the resonance transmission curve is stable during adjustments. With the design of this structure parameter, the GMRF transmission efficiency was over 82% in the visible band.
Candidate genes involved in the defunctionalization and refunctionalization of the urinary bladder induced by bladder anuria and reperfusion
Authors: Kisou Yusuke , Inoue Takamitsu , Nishijima Kazutoshi , Huang Minguo , Yamamoto Ryohei , Koizumi Atsushi , Nara Taketoshi , Numakura Kazuyuki , Saito Mitsuru , Narita Shintaro , Satoh Shigeru , Habuchi Tomonori
Published: June 2020

Aims

We develop a novel rabbit urinary diversion model of bladder defunctionalization due to bladder anuria followed by refunctionalization due to urine reperfusion to investigate the molecular biological background. To validate the results, we used reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) to analyze human specimens from defunctionalized bladders in patients receiving dialysis before kidney transplantation.

Methods

Female rabbits were divided into three groups: control, defunctionalized, and refunctionalized. The bilateral ureters were anastomosed to vagina in the defunctionalized and refunctionalized groups at 0 weeks. In the refunctionalized group, the unilateral ureter was reanastomosed to the bladder at 8 weeks.

Results

The capacity and compliance of the rabbit bladder in the refunctionalized group were significantly lower than those in the control group at 8 weeks and higher than those in the defunctionalized group at 14 weeks. The significant downregulation of IGFBP2, UPK1B, and CST6 in the defunctionalized group compared with that in the control groups, and the significant downregulation of AGTR2 in the refunctionalized group compared with that in the defunctionalized group in the rabbit bladder‐muscle DNA microarray were validated by RT‐PCR. Human bladder muscle indicated significant downregulation of UPK1B and CST6 and significant downregulation of IGFBP2 in the defunctionalized group, which is consistent with both rabbit bladder‐muscle DNA microarray and rabbit bladder RT‐PCR results.

Conclusions

The present study using novel model of bladder defunctionalization followed by refunctionalization indicated the consistent downregulation of UPK1B and CST6 in muscle and the consistent downregulation of IGFBP2 in mucosa in process of bladder defunctionalization, which was validated by human specimens.
Incontinence in persons with tuberous sclerosis complex
Authors: Clasen Oriana , Hussong Justine , Wagner Catharina , Flotats‐Bastardas Marina , Meyer Sascha , Zemlin Michael , von Gontard Alexander
Published: June 2020

Aims

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a multisystem genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the TSC1 or TSC2 gene with a broad spectrum of physical and psychological manifestations. The aim of the study was to examine incontinence, psychological problems, and adaptive behavior skills in patients with TSC.

Methods

Through a worldwide TSC support group, 26 children (4‐17 years) and 15 adults (18‐50 years) with TSC were recruited (38.1% male, mean age 16.4 years). Parents or care‐givers completed the Developmental Behavior Checklist (DBC), the Parental Questionnaire: Enuresis/urinary Incontinence, and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (3rd edition).

Results

A total of 60.0% of the participants had nocturnal enuresis (NE), 51.3% daytime urinary incontinence (DUI) and 52.4% fecal incontinence (FI). 65.4% of children and 50.0% of adults had a clinically relevant DBC score. Psychological symptoms were associated with at least one subtype of incontinence. The mean adaptive behavior composite (ABC) score of the patients was 57.2 (SD = 26.1), with 38.1% in the average or below‐average range (IQ >70), 26.2% with a mild, 11.9% with a moderate and 23.8% with a severe/profound intellectual disability. The incontinence rate was significantly higher in the groups with a lower ABC score.

Conclusion

A substantial proportion of patients with TSC are affected by incontinence and psychological symptoms. Incontinence was higher in persons with lower adaptive skills and those with at least one type of incontinence showed a significantly higher DBC score. As incontinence and psychological problems affect daily functioning and well‐being, assessment, and treatment are recommended.
Enhancement on the tribological properties of poly(phthalazinone ether sulfone ketone) by carbon nanotube‐supported graphitic carbon nitride hybrid
Authors: Zhang Mengjie , Chen Beibei , Dong Zhe , Wang Shuang , Li Xiang , Jia Yuhan , Yan Fengyuan
Published: June 2020

A novel hybrid of carbon nanotube‐supported graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4/CNT) was firstly fabricated via facile calcination method, and then filled into poly (phthalazinone ether sulfone ketone) (PPESK) to prepare self‐lubricating composite film. The microstructure and chemical composition of g‐C3N4/CNT hybrid were characterized, and its enhancement on the tribological properties of PPESK was investigated by comparing to pure PPESK and its composite films with g‐C3N4or CNT only. Results showed that g‐C3N4wasin situattached to CNT surface uniformly, which favored for improving the physical and chemical interfacial interaction between fillers and PPESK. Besides, by the incorporation of g‐C3N4/CNT, the hardness and elastic modulus of PPESK were improved by 15.05% and 41.75%, respectively. More importantly, PPESK‐g‐C3N4/CNT composite film showed the best tribological property among PPESK composite films. Its friction coefficient and wear rates were 65.5% and 84.1% lower than those of pure PPESK, as a result of good dispersion and interfacial action, as well as synergism between CNT and g‐C3N4. Based on the worn surface analysis, the enhancement mechanism of g‐C3N4/CNT was proposed.
Catechol‐based co‐deposited carbon fiber surfaces for enhancement of fiber/epoxy composites
Authors: Zhang Mengjie , Liu Liu , Jin Lin , Sun Lihao , Li Ming , Shang Lei , Liu Yu , Ao Yuhui
Published: June 2020

To improve interfacial adhesion between carbon fiber (CF) and epoxy resin, a low‐cost and environment‐friendly method was developed to treat the CF surface via the bio‐inspired co‐deposition of catechol (Cc) and polyethyleneimine (PEI). It is noteworthy that the deposition process reacts at room temperature with water as solvent, and does not require harsh conditions or the use of toxic reagents. After treatment, the CF/epoxy composites were endowed with excellent mechanical properties and showed increases of 51.9% and 51.7% for flexural strength and ILSS, respectively, in comparison with unsized CF laminates. The analyses of fractured surface morphologies and strengthening mechanism of the composites indicated that the uniformly coated Cc‐PEI on the fiber surface can promote the diffusion and entanglement of the matrix molecular chains and form chemical bonding as well as π‐π stacking, thus effectively improving the interfacial adhesion. In addition, the facile process disclosed in this study can provide a new strategy to not only for CF treating but also expected to be used in the modification of other high performance fiber reinforcement and industrial applications.
School bullying, subjective well‐being, and resilience
Authors: Andreou Eleni , Roussi‐Vergou Christina , Didaskalou Eleni , Skrzypiec Grace
Published: June 2020

The aim of the current study was to examine the role of resilience in the victimization experiences of students and their subjective well‐being as well as to explore gender and age‐related effects. Initially, 558 students (52.15% male) from grades 6 to 10 participated in the study completing The Student Aggression and Victimization Questionnaire, The Mental Health Continuum, and the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale. One‐hundred and twenty‐seven (22.8%) students were excluded from the final analysis, as they did not report any victimization experience during the past 3 months. Males in all year levels reported higher levels of well‐being and resilience compared with females. No gender differences were found in victimization experiences. Languishing students were found to be at higher risk of experiencing serious victimization. Resilience was not found to moderate the effects of victimization on mental health, but a higher level of resilience appeared to be related to more positive well‐being for boys and younger students. Limitations of the study and implications for anti‐bullying interventions are briefly discussed.
Distinctiveness of prolonged‐grief‐disorder‐ and depressive‐symptom trajectories in the first 2 years of bereavement for family caregivers of terminally ill cancer patients
Authors: Wen Fur‐Hsing , Chou Wen‐Chi , Shen Wen‐Chi , Tang Siew Tzuh
Published: June 2020

Objective

Grief reactions in bereaved caregivers of cancer patients have been identified individually as distinct prolonged grief disorder (PGD)—and major depressive disorder (MDD)—symptom trajectories, but no research has examined whether the patterns of change (trajectories) for PGD and MDD symptoms synchronize during bereavement. We conducted a secondary analysis study to investigate the construct distinctiveness of PGD and MDD by simultaneously identifying and examining similarities and differences between bereaved caregivers' PGD‐ and depressive‐symptom trajectories from immediately post‐loss through 2 years later.

Methods

PGD and depressive symptoms were measured for 849 cancer patients' caregivers over their first 2 years of bereavement using 11 grief‐symptom items of the prolonged grief‐13 scale (PG‐11) and the center for epidemiologic studies‐depression (CES‐D) scale, respectively. PGD‐ and depressive‐symptom trajectories were identified using latent class growth analysis with continuous latent‐class indicators (total PG‐11 and CES‐D scores). Concordance of caregiver participants' membership in PGD‐ and depressive‐symptom trajectories was examined by a percentage and a kappa value.

Results

Five distinct symptom trajectories were identified for both PGD and MDD, with four shared trajectories (endurance, transient‐reaction, resilience, and prolonged‐symptomatic) having different prevalence rankings. Nonetheless, unique trajectories were identified for PGD (potential recurrence) and depressive symptoms (chronically distressed), respectively. Concordance between membership in PGD‐ and depressive‐symptom trajectories was moderate (61.3%, kappa [95% CI]: 0.49 [0.44, 0.53]).

Conclusion

PGD and MDD are related but distinct constructs indicated by the unique trajectories identified for each, different prevalence rankings for PGD‐ and depressive‐symptom trajectories, and moderate concordance between membership in PGD‐ and depressive‐symptom trajectories, respectively.
Barriers to flexible sigmoidoscopy colorectal cancer screening in low uptake socio‐demographic groups: A systematic review
Authors: Travis Elizabeth , Ashley Laura , Pownall Madeleine , O'Connor Daryl B.
Published: June 2020

Objective

To synthesise qualitative evidence related to barriers and facilitators of flexible sigmoidoscopy screening (FSS) intention and uptake, particularly within low socio‐demographic uptake groups. FSS uptake is lower amongst women, lower socio‐economic status (SES), and Asian ethnic groups within the United Kingdom (UK) and United States of America.

Methods

A total of 12 168 articles were identified from searches of four databases: EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Web of Science. Eligibility criteria included: individuals eligible to attend FSS and empirical peer‐reviewed studies that analysed qualitative data. The Critical Appraisal Skills Program tool evaluated the methodological quality of included studies, and thematic synthesis was used to analyse the data.

Results

Ten qualitative studies met the inclusion criteria. Key barriers to FSS intention and uptake centred upon procedural anxieties. Women, including UK Asian women, reported shame and embarrassment, anticipated pain, perforation risk, and test preparation difficulties to elevate anxiety levels. Religious and cultural‐influenced health beliefs amongst UK Asian groups were reported to inhibit FSS intention and uptake. Competing priorities, such as caring commitments, particularly impeded women's ability to attend certain FSS appointments. The review identified a knowledge gap concerning factors especially associated with FSS participation amongst lower SES groups.

Conclusions

Studies mostly focussed on barriers and facilitators of intention to participate in FSS, particularly within UK Asian groups. To determine the barriers associated with FSS uptake, and further understand how screening intention translates to behaviour, it is important that future qualitative research is equally directed towards factors associated with screening behaviour.
Controlled co‐immobilization of biomolecules on quinone‐bearing plasma polymer films for multifunctional biomaterial surfaces
Authors: Czuba Urszula , Moreno‐Couranjou Maryline , Collard Delphine , De Pauw‐Gillet Marie‐Claire , Quintana Robert , Lassaux Patricia , Detrembleur Christophe , Choquet Patrick
Published: June 2020

In this study, an efficient methodology, allowing the controlled co‐immobilization of two complementary biomolecules, is reported for the production of multifunctional antibacterial surfaces. To promote long‐lasting covalent immobilization, metallic surfaces are first coated with a quinone‐bearing poly(methacrylate)‐based thin film by combining an atmospheric pressure liquid‐assisted plasma polymerization and a controlled sodium periodate‐induced catechol oxidation steps. The influence of the oxidation step on the film morphology and chemistry is investigated using an analytical multitool approach involving atomic force microscopy, ultraviolet, infrared, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques. Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM‐D) analyses allow the rapid determination of the optimal biomolecule immobilization conditions in terms of kinetics of grafting and biomolecule solution concentrations. In vitro functional assays combined with QCM‐D analyses demonstrate promising, dual biologically active coated surfaces.
Novaluron prevents oogenesis and oviposition by inducing ultrastructural changes in ovarian tissue of young adult Lygus lineolaris
Authors: Catchot Beverly , Anderson Chance JH , Gore Jeffrey , Jackson Ryan , Rakshit Kuntol , Musser Fred , Krishnan Natraj
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

The tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois), has emerged as a major pest of cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L, in the mid‐southern USA. In the early 1990s L. lineolaris populations developed resistance to several classes of conventional insecticides, increasing the need for insecticides with alternative modes of action such as insect growth regulators (IGRs) for integrated pest management (IPM). The benzoylphenyl urea (BPU) class of IGRs acts by disrupting the growth and development of immature stages of insects, but little is known about its impact on adult stages.

RESULTS

The effect of novaluron (Diamond™ 0.83EC), a BPU with known chitin synthesis inhibitor activity, was investigated on adult females of L. lineolaris. Treatment of 1‐day‐old adults with 600 ppm of novaluron in the diet prevented oviposition, while treatment of older females had no impact on oviposition. Oral novaluron exposure of adults of all ages reduced the viability of eggs laid. Novaluron treatment caused ultrastructural changes in the ovaries of 1‐day‐old adults (48 h post exposure), distorting the follicular epithelial cell architecture of developing oocytes. Additionally, novaluron treatment decreased the chitin content in ovarian tissue.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that chitin or chitin‐like components in the developing ovaries of adult L. lineolaris are a target of IGRs such as novaluron, but its activity is specific to a critical time during development. This enhances our understanding of the effects of BPUs on adult insects and could lead to incorporation of IGRs in IPM for controlling adult insect pest populations in the field. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Assurance for clinical trial design with normally distributed outcomes: Eliciting uncertainty about variances
Authors: Alhussain Ziyad A. , Oakley Jeremy E.
Published: June 2020

The assurance method is growing in popularity in clinical trial planning. The method involves eliciting a prior distribution for the treatment effect, and then calculating the probability that a proposed trial will produce a “successful” outcome. For normally distributed observations, uncertainty about the variance of the normal distribution also needs to be accounted for, but there is little guidance in the literature on how to elicit a distribution for a variance parameter. We present a simple elicitation method, and illustrate how the elicited distribution is incorporated within an assurance calculation. We also consider multi‐stage trials, where a decision to proceed with a larger trial will follow from the outcome of a smaller trial; we illustrate the role of the elicited distribution in assessing the information provided by a proposed smaller trial. Free software is available for implementing our methods.
YouTube as a source of patient information for Coronavirus Disease (COVID‐19): A content‐quality and audience engagement analysis
Authors: Szmuda Tomasz , Syed Mohammad Talha , Singh Akshita , Ali Shan , Özdemir Cathrine , Słoniewski Paweł
Published: June 2020

YouTube is the second most popular website in the world and is increasingly being used as a platform for disseminating health information. Our aim was to evaluate the content‐quality and audience engagement of YouTube videos pertaining to the SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome)‐CoV‐2 virus which causes the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19), during the early phase of the pandemic. We chose the first 30 videos for seven different search phrases: “2019 nCoV,” “SARS CoV‐2,” “COVID‐19 virus,” “coronavirus treatment,” “coronavirus explained,” “what is the coronavirus” and “coronavirus information.” Video contents were evaluated by two independent medical students with more than 5 years of experience using the DISCERN instrument. Qualitative data, quantitative data and upload source for each video was noted for a quality and audience engagement analysis. Out of the total 210 videos, 137 met our inclusion criteria and were evaluated. The mean DISCERN score was 31.33 out of 75 possible points, which indicates that the quality of YouTube videos on COVID‐19 is currently poor. There was excellent reliability between the two raters (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.96). 55% of the videos discussed prevention, 49% discussed symptoms and 46% discussed the spread of the virus. Most of the videos were uploaded by news channels (50%) and education channels (40%). The quality of YouTube videos on SARS‐CoV‐2 and COVID‐19 is poor, however, we have listed the top‐quality videos in our article as they may be effective tools for patient education during the pandemic.
CD34+CD146+ adipose-derived stromal cells enhance engraftment of transplanted fat
Authors: Borrelli Mimi R. , Patel Ronak A. , Blackshear Charles , Vistnes Stephanie , Diaz Deleon Nestor M. , Adem Sandeep , Shen Abra H. , Sokol Jan , Momeni Arash , Nguyen Dung , Longaker Michael T. , Wan Derrick C.
Published: June 2020

Fat grafting is a surgical technique able to reconstruct and regenerate soft tissue. The adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs) within the stromal vascular fraction are believed to drive these beneficial effects. ASCs are increasingly recognized to be a heterogeneous group, comprised of multiple stem and progenitor subpopulations with distinct functions. We hypothesized the existence of an ASC subpopulation with enhanced angiogenic potential. Human ASCs that were CD34+CD146+, CD34+CD146−, or CD34+ unfractionated (UF) were isolated by flow cytometry for comparison of expression of proangiogenic factors and endothelial tube-forming potential. Next, lipoaspirate was enriched with either CD34+CD146+, CD34+CD146−, CD34+ UF ASCs, or was not enriched, and grafted beneath the scalp skin of immunodeficient CD-1 Nude mice (10 000 cells/200 μL/graft). Fat retention was monitored radiographically more than 8 weeks and fat grafts were harvested for histological assessment of quality and vascularization. The CD34+CD146+ subpopulation comprised ~30% of ASCs, and exhibited increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and angiopoietin-1 compared to CD34+CD146− and CD34+ UF ASCs, and increased expression of fibroblast growth factor-2 compared to CD34+CD146− ASCs. The CD34+CD146+ subpopulation exhibited enhanced induction of tube-formation compared to CD34+CD146− ASCs. Upon transplantation, fat enriched CD34+CD146+ ASCs underwent less resorption and had improved histologic quality and vascularization. We have identified a subpopulation of CD34+ ASCs with enhanced angiogenic effects in vitro and in vivo, likely mediated by increased expression of potent proangiogenic factors. These findings suggest that enriching lipoaspirate with CD34+CD146+ ASCs may enhance fat graft vascularization and retention in the clinical setting.
Tunable Photo‐Electrochemistry of Patterned TiO2/BDD Heterojunctions
Authors: Jian Ze , Yang Nianjun , Vogel Michael , Zhou Zhaoyu , Zhao Guohua , Kienitz Paul , Schulte Anna , Schönherr Holger , Jiao Tianpeng , Zhang Wenjun , Jiang Xin
Published: June 2020

Heterojunctions are especially attractive for photo‐electrocatalytic applications if both high‐performance photo and electrocatalysts are employed for their construction. Herein, a p–n heterojunction is synthesized using uniform patterns of p‐type boron doped diamond (BDD) and an n‐type anatase TiO2 film. The exposure ratios of the BDD patterns are varied to tune the photo‐electrocatalytic abilities of this heterojunction. A heterojunction with a BDD exposure ratio of 20% exhibits a photocurrent density of 0.63 mA cm−2, which is 2.86‐fold higher than that obtained on a BDD film and 1.91‐fold higher than that obtained on a TiO2 film coated on a BDD film. It completely degrades methyl orange within 4 h, following the application of a 2.5 V bias potential, while the degradation efficiency on the BDD film and the TiO2 film is 56% and 45%, respectively. As confirmed by electron spin resonance spectroscopy, an accelerated production rate of •OH radicals is realized on this heterojunction. It originates from a synergistic effect between the BDD patterns that act as an ultra‐microelectrode array with a TiO2/BDD p–n heterojunction as well as facilitated charge separation in a lateral direction. This TiO2/BDD patterned heterojunction is thus promising as a new photo‐electrocatalyst for various catalytic applications.
A scalable framework for healthcare monitoring application using the Internet of Medical Things
Authors: Balasubramanian Venki , Jolfaei Alireza
Published: June 2020

Internet of Things (IoT) is finding application in many areas, particularly in health care where an IoT can be effectively used in the form of an Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) to monitor the patients remotely. The quality of life of the patients and health care outcomes can be improved with the deployment of an IoMT because health care professionals can monitor conditions; access the electronic medical records and communicates with each other. This remote monitoring and consultations might reduce the traditional stressful and costly exercise of frequent hospitalization. Also, the rising costs of health care in many developed countries have influenced the introduction of the Healthcare Monitoring Application (HMA) to their existing health care practices. To materialize the HMA concepts for successful deployment for civilian and commercial use with ease, application developers can benefit from a generic, scalable framework that provides significant components for building an HMA. In this chapter, a generic maintainable HMA is advanced by amalgamating the advantages of event‐driven and the layered architecture. The proposed framework is used to establish an HMA with an end‐to‐end Assistive Care Loop Framework (ACLF) to provide a real‐time alarm and assistance to monitor pregnant women.