bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Further comparison of isolated and synthesized contingencies in functional analyses
Authors: Irwin Helvey Casey , Van Camp Carole M.
Published: November 2021

Recent research on functional analyses (FAs) has examined the extent to which problem behavior is maintained by single (isolated) or combined (synthesized) reinforcement contingencies. Outcomes of these analyses might differ depending on the sources of information that are used to inform contingencies included in test conditions. The purpose of the current study was to compare the outcomes of isolated FAs and synthesized contingency analyses (SCAs) with 3 participants. Conditions in both analyses were informed by interviews and both unstructured and structured observations. Problem behavior for all 3 participants was maintained by 1 or 2 isolated reinforcers. Results suggested false‐positive SCA results for 2 participants. For 1 participant, a second isolated reinforcer was identified following the SCA, indicating the induction of a novel function. Implications for the use of isolated and synthesized consequences are discussed, as well as the predictive validity of the assessments that are used to inform them.
Ex vivo fluorescent confocal microscopy images of oral mucosa: Tissue atlas and evaluation of the learning curve
Authors: Shavlokhova Veronika , Flechtenmacher Christa , Sandhu Sameena , Vollmer Michael , Vollmer Andreas , Saravi Babak , Engel Michael , Ristow Oliver , Hoffmann Jürgen , Freudlsperger Christian
Published: November 2021

Ex vivo fluorescence confocal microscopy (FCM) is a developing tool providing rapid digital imaging of fresh tissue utilizing high‐resolution optical sectioning that highly corresponds with conventional hmatoxylin and eosin (H&E)‐stained slides. A very little data on oral mucosa lesions exist currently. The present work aimed to create an image atlas of benign and malignant oral tissues and compare them to the corresponding histopathology. Furthermore, we aimed to evaluate the learning curve for confocal image interpretation. From 50 samples obtained from the oral mucosa, including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), dysplasia, and healthy oral tissue, ex vivo FCM images and corresponding H&E slides were created and collected into a tissue atlas. Additionally, two experts were asked to analyze the images to assess the learning curve. Ex vivo FCM images revealed high comparability with histopathological images. Tissues including OSCC, dysplasia, and normal oral mucosa were implemented in the image atlas to provide the diagnostic fundament for pathologists and surgeons; the learning curve was short. Future studies on this topic will be advantageous for the development of artificial intelligence‐based diagnostic approaches. The current work provides a novel set of data that are structured as an atlas of common pathologies of the mucosa to enhance the existing knowledge and material on confocal images.
Identifying adolescents in the early stage of psychosis: A screening checklist for referrers
Authors: Pelizza Lorenzo , Chiri Luigi R. , Azzali Silvia , Garlassi Sara , Scazza Ilaria , Paterlini Federica , Poletti Michele , Pupo Simona , Raballo Andrea
Published: November 2021

Objective

The early identification of adolescents at the onset of psychosis is crucial to provide effective interventions. The aim of this study is to examine the validity of the “early detection Primary Care Checklist” (PCC) in an Italian adolescent population. The PCC is a 20‐item tool designed to assist primary care practitioners in identifying young people with early psychosis.

Methods

The checklist was completed by the referring practitioners of 129 adolescents. The validity of this instrument was established by comparing screen results with the “Comprehensive Assessment of At‐Risk Mental States.”

Results

The simple checklist had excellent 98% sensitivity, but low specificity (58%). Using only a PCC total score of ≥20 as cutoff, there was a substantial improvement in specificity (87%).

Conclusion

The Italian version of the PCC performed well to identify adolescents in the early stage of psychosis and may be used in primary care settings.
Latinx adolescents' trust in adults: A precursor to psychological well‐being via mentoring relational quality and self‐esteem
Authors: O'Donnell Alexander J. , Sánchez Bernadette , Grant Kathryn E.
Published: November 2021

This study aimed to test a longitudinal model of trust in adults and psychological well‐being among Latinx adolescents, a population that has received little attention in the trust literature. The participants were urban, low‐income Latinx (N = 294) students at two urban, Midwestern high schools who indicated they had at least one natural mentor in 9th grade. Participants completed surveys at two‐time points, in 9th and 10th grade, and responded to measures of their feelings toward adults, quality of their natural mentoring relationships, self‐esteem, intrinsic academic motivation, and coping self‐efficacy. More trust in adults was indirectly, but not directly, associated with higher coping self‐efficacy via higher mentoring relational quality and self‐esteem. Positive expectations of adults may open Latinx youth to closeness in natural mentoring relationships and positive self‐perceptions, which may, in turn, bolster coping ability.
Exploring perceptions of implementation practice capacity in community‐based behavioral health organizations
Authors: Vroom Enya B. , Massey Oliver T. , Akbari Zahra , Bristol Skye C. , Cook Brandi , Green Amy L. , Levin Bruce L. , Tyson Dinorah M. , Johnson Micah E.
Published: November 2021

Community‐based organizations (CBOs) must have the capacity to adopt, implement, and sustain evidence‐based practices (EBPs). However, limited research exists examining CBOs' ability/capacity to implement EBPs. The purpose of this preliminary study was to investigate how staff of CBOs perceive implementation practice capacity, determine factors needed for adequate capacity for implementing EBPs, and examine which perspectives of capacity are shared across organizational levels. Ninety‐seven administrators and practitioners of CBOs were surveyed using the Implementation Capacity Survey, which examines perceived importance, presence, and organizational capacity of the CBO in nine implementation practice areas (IPAs) (e.g., leadership). Results revealed participants rated IPAs on the importance scale higher than IPAs on the present scale. Presence and organizational capacity scales were strongly correlated, and results showed significant differences between administrators and practitioners on ratings of presence and organizational capacity. Implications for future research aimed at examining/building implementation practice capacity in community settings will be discussed.
CircRNA–miRNA networks in regulating bone disease
Authors: Huang Wei , Wu Yongyao , Qiao MingXin , Xie Zhuojun , Cen Xiao , Huang Xinqi , Zhao Zhihe
Published: November 2021

Circular RNA (circRNA) is a class of endogenous noncoding RNA (ncRNA), presenting as a special covalent closed loop without a 5′ cap or 3′ tail, maintaining resistance to RNA exonuclease and keeping high stability. Although lowly expressed in most situations, circRNA makes an active difference in regulating physiological or pathological processes by modulating gene expression by regulation of transcription, protein, and miRNA functions through various mechanisms in particular tissues. Recent studies have demonstrated the roles of the miRNA–circRNA network in the development of several bone diseases such as osteoporosis, a multiple‐mechanism disease resulting from defective bone quality and low bone mass, osteoarthritis, whose main pathomechanism is inflammation and articular cartilage degradation, as well as osteosarcoma, known as one of the most common bone cancers. However, the specific mechanism of how circRNA along with miRNA influences those diseases is not well documented, showing potential for the development of new therapies for those bone diseases.
Roburic acid attenuates osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption by targeting RANKL‐induced intracellular signaling pathways
Authors: Wang Gang , Chen Kai , Ma Chao , Wang Chao , Chen Delong , He Jianbo , Liu Yuhao , Jiang Tao , Yuan Jinbo , Chen Leilei , He Wei , Xu Jiake
Published: November 2021

Excessive activity of osteoclasts contributes to skeletal diseases such as osteoporosis and osteolysis. However, current drugs targeting osteoclast have various deficiencies, placing natural compounds as substitutions of great potential. Roburic acid (RA) is a triterpenoid exacted from Radix Gentianae Macrophyllae, which exhibits inhibitory effects on inflammation and oxidation. By employing an in vitro osteoclastogenesis model, this study investigates the effects and mechanisms of RA on intracellular signaling induced by receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL). As expected, RA at a concentration scope from 1 to 10 μM dampened the osteoclast differentiation of bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) but without cell toxicity. Interestingly, RA showed no effect on osteoblastogenesis in vitro. Furthermore, RA mitigated F‐actin ring formation, hydroxyapatite resorption, and gene expression in osteoclasts. Mechanistically, RA suppressed TNF receptor‐associated factor 6 (TRAF6), the crucial adaptor protein following RANKL‐RANK binding. On the one hand, RA downregulated the nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) activity, extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) phosphorylation, and calcium oscillations. On the other hand, RA upregulated the antioxidative response element (ARE) response and the protein expression of heme oxygenase (HO)‐1. These upstream alterations eventually led to the suppression of the nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFATc1) activity and the expression of proteins involved in osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption. Furthermore, by using an ovariectomized (OVX) mice model, RA was found to have therapeutic effects against bone loss. On account of these findings, RA could be used to restrain osteoclasts for treating osteoporosis and other osteolytic diseases.
Targeting hypoxia and hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 in the tumor microenvironment for optimal cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Kheshtchin Nasim , Hadjati Jamshid
Published: November 2021

The development of new strategies of anticancer immunotherapies has provided promising approaches in the treatment of solid tumors. However, despite the improved survival in responders, most of the patients show incomplete responses with a lack of remarkable clinical improvement. Hypoxia has been identified as a common characteristic of solid tumors contributing to different aspects of tumor progression, including invasion, metastasis, and the creation of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Hypoxia, through its main mediator, hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 (HIF‐1) is also associated with the limited efficacy of immunotherapies. Therefore, designing new strategies for immunotherapy implicating therapeutic targeting of HIF‐1 molecules may enhance the clinical effectiveness of immunotherapy. Here, we discuss the contribution of hypoxia to the development of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. We will also outline different strategies for targeting hypoxia to provide insight into the therapeutic potential of the application of such strategies to improve the clinical benefit of cancer immunotherapy.
C,N‐modified TiO2‐supported Mn–Ce–Cox‐based catalyst for low‐temperature NH3‐SCR
Authors: Liu Shuai , Liu Shanshan , Sun Xiaoyi , Liu Qingjie , Zhang Xintang
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

The emission of NOx can causes serious environmental pollution and endangers human health. In recent years, the selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH3 (NH3‐SCR) technology has been widely studied and adopted to reduce the production and emissions of NOx during many technologies.

RESULTS

A series of Mn–Ce–Cox/Ti–C,N catalysts were prepared by the impregnation method, and low‐temperature NH3–SCR was studied. The results show that support modification (Ti–C,N) can broaden the operation temperature window of the catalyst (NO conversion >95%: Mn–Ce/TiO2 catalyst, 160–320 °C; Mn–Ce/Ti–C,N catalyst, 140–320 °C). The doping of Co further improves the low‐temperature NH3‐SCR of the catalyst. When n(Co):n(Ti) = 0.05, the catalyst has the best catalytic performance with the NO conversion reaches 100% at 100 °C.

CONCLUSION

Temperature‐programmed reduction (H2‐TPR) and temperature‐programmed desorption (NH3‐TPD) results showed that Ti–C,N can improve the redox ability but reduces the surface acidity. Co‐doping has no effect on surface acidity, but the redox ability is further improved. A suitable amount of Co‐doping is beneficial to the optimal catalytic activity of Mn–Ce–Co0.05/Ti–C,N catalyst. This suggests a balance between redox properties and surface acidity. Especially for the strong redox ability, it can promote the oxidation of NO to NO2, and promote low‐temperature NH3‐SCR through the ‘fast SCR’ pathway. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy results of the highest chemisorbed oxygen (Oα) concentration and relative atomic ratio (Mn4+/Mnn+, Ce3+/Cen+ and Co3+/Con+) confirmed the above conclusion. Both the Langmuir–Hinshelwood (L‐H) and Eley–Rideal (E‐R) mechanisms occurred in the NH3‐SCR reaction over the Mn–Ce–Co0.05/Ti–C,N catalyst. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Characterisation of a simple ‘hanging bag’ photobioreactor for low‐cost cultivation of microalgae
Authors: Cui Jing , Purton Saul , Baganz Frank
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Microalgae are a diverse group of photosynthetic microorganisms of significant interest to the biotechnology industry, either as a sustainable source of natural compounds, or as light‐driven cell factories to produce recombinant metabolites and proteins. Their ability to utilise light, CO2, and basic nutrients leads to a simple and low‐cost phototrophic cultivation process. This is particularly relevant to low‐ and middle‐income countries, all of which require a cultivation system that is cheap, technically simple to operate, readily scalable, and can meet basic Good Manufacturing Practice requirements. A disposable ‘hanging bag’‐type photobioreactor operated as a bubble column fits these criteria.

RESULTS

In this study, the characterisation and design modifications to improve the performance of a 15 L hanging bag is reported. The bubble behaviour using different sparger designs was investigated together with gas hold‐up, mixing time, and mass transfer coefficient of CO2. A gas flow rate of 5 L min−1 using a new sparger design and a modified height‐to‐diameter ratio of the bag led to a two‐fold improvement in algal biomass productivity when culturing the green microalga Chlorella sorokiniana. The cultivation of a luciferase‐expressing Chlamydomonas reinhardtii strain in the modified hanging bag also demonstrated an 11% increase in luciferase content.

CONCLUSION

This is the first attempt to characterise this simple hanging bag system that brings the industry‐favoured single‐use bag concept into the research field of photobioreactor technology. The hanging bag with modified sparger and dimensions improves microalgal biomass productivity and demonstrates the potential of simple and low‐cost systems for microalgal cultivation. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Analysis of moral reasoning in dentistry students through case‐based learning (CBL)
Authors: Macpherson Ignacio , Arregui María , Marchini Leonardo , Giner‐Tarrida Luís
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The aim of this study was to develop a tool to analyze the ethical dimensions during dental students' decision making, by using case‐based learning (CBL).

Methods

Five clinical scenarios involving ethical aspects addressing different moral dilemmas were selected. The cases were then administered to students during a course on ethics, and the students responded using a narrative technique. To analyze the responses, a criterion inspired by Kohlberg's theory of moral development was used. Subsequently, the data were analyzed statistically, and possible associations between the answers and other variables, such as the student's gender and theoretical knowledge of ethics, were evaluated.

Results

A total of 260 students participated (182 women and 78 men), and 1300 narratives were analyzed. The reliability of the construct, as tested by the Cronbach's alpha and the homogeneity index, was acceptable (0.7). The validity of the construct was also assessed, suggesting a component analysis. The descriptive analysis suggests a certain tendency to solve moral problems by referring to established norms and laws. Furthermore, the correlation anaylysis suggests the interrelation between dimensions linked to patient integrity and respect for the truth, even though this conclusion is not reflected in the component analysis, which only detects a generic component of moral sensitivity. No significant differences by gender were found in the narratives, nor a strong correlation of the responses with theoretical knowledge on ethics.

Conclusion

CBL through the narrative method on ethical dilemmas is an effective tool for assessing dental students' moral competencies and their possible interactions with other variables.
High TSPAN8 expression in epithelial cancer cell‐derived small extracellular vesicles promote confined diffusion and pronounced uptake
Authors: Wang Teng , Wang Xin , Wang Haobin , Li Luhan , Zhang Chenhong , Xiang Rong , Tan Xiaoyue , Li Zongjin , Jiang Chunyang , Zheng Lei , Xiao Lehui , Yue Shijing
Published: November 2021

Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) play a key role in intercellular communication. Cargo molecules carried by sEVs may affect the phenotype and function of recipient cells. Epithelial cancer cell‐derived sEVs, particularly those enriched in CD151 or tetraspanin8 (TSPAN8) and associated integrins, promote tumour progression. The mechanism of binding and modulation of sEVs to recipient cells remains elusive. Here, we used genetically engineered breast cancer cells to derive TSPAN8‐enriched sEVs and evaluated the impact of TSPAN8 on target cell membrane's diffusion and transport properties. The single‐particle tracking technique showed that TSPAN8 significantly promoted sEV binding via confined diffusion. Functional assays indicated that the transgenic TSPAN8‐sEV cargo increased cancer cell motility and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). In vivo, transgenic TSPAN8‐sEV promoted uptake of sEVs in the liver, lung, and spleen. We concluded that TSPAN8 encourages the sEV‐target cell interaction via forced confined diffusion and significantly increases cell motility. Therefore, TSPAN8‐sEV may serve as an important direct or indirect therapeutic target.
Size of HIV‐1 reservoir is associated with telomere shortening and immunosenescence in early‐treated European children with perinatally acquired HIV‐1
Authors: Dalzini Annalisa , Ballin Giovanni , Dominguez‐Rodriguez Sara , Rojo Pablo , Petrara Maria Raffaella , Foster Caroline , Cotugno Nicola , Ruggiero Alessandra , Nastouli Eleni , Klein Nigel , Rinaldi Stefano , Pahwa Savita , Rossi Paolo , Giaquinto Carlo , Palma Paolo , De Rossi Anita ,   EPIICAL Consortium
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Persistence of HIV‐1, causing chronic immune activation, is a key determinant of premature senescence. Early antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been associated with a reduced HIV‐1 reservoir in children with perinatally acquired HIV‐1 (PHIV), but its impact on the senescence process is an open question. We investigated the association between HIV‐1 reservoir and biological and immune ageing profile in PHIV enrolled in the multicentre cross‐sectional study CARMA (Child and Adolescent Reservoir Measurements on early suppressive ART) conducted within the EPIICAL (Early treated Perinatally HIV Infected individuals: Improving Children's Actual Life) consortium.

Methods

Between September 2017 and June 2018, CARMA enrolled 40 PHIV who started ART before 2 years of age and had undetectable viremia for at least 5 years before sampling date. Samples from 37 children with a median age of 13.8 years were available for this study. HIV‐1 DNA copies on CD4 cells, relative telomere length (marker of cellular senescence) and levels of T‐cell receptor rearrangement excision circle (TREC, marker of thymic output) on CD4 and CD8 cells were quantified by qPCR. Immunological profile was assessed by flow cytometry. Associations between molecular and phenotypic markers, HIV‐1 reservoir and age at ART initiation were explored using a multivariable Poisson regression.

Results

Higher HIV‐1 reservoir was associated (p<0.001) with telomere shortening (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.15 [0.13–0.17]), immunosenescence (CD28–CD57+, IRR = 1.23 [1.21–1.26]) and immunoactivation (CD38+ HLADR+, IRR = 7.29 [6.58–8.09]) of CD4 cells. Late ART initiation (after 6 months of age) correlated with higher HIV‐1 reservoir levels (552 [303–1001] vs. 89 [56–365] copies/106 CD4 cells, p = 0.003) and percentage of CD4 senescent cells (2.89 [1.95–6.31] vs. 1.02 [0.45–2.69, p = 0.047). TREC levels in CD8 cells were inversely associated with HIV‐1 reservoir (IRR = 0.77 [0.76–0.79]) and were significantly lower in late treated PHIV (1128 [486–1671] vs. 2278 [1425–3314], p = 0.042).

Conclusions

Later ART initiation is associated with higher HIV‐1 reservoir size, which correlates with increased telomere shortening and senescence of CD4 cells. Timing of ART initiation in infancy has long‐term consequences on the immune and biological ageing profile of children with perinatally acquired HIV‐1.
Garcinia gummi‐gutta seeds: a novel source of edible oils
Authors: Priya Rani M , Gokul Raj M R , Bahuleyan Rameshkumar K
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Edible oils are important for human nutrition and health. The demand for edible oils is increasing globally and the situation warrants the identification of new natural sources of oils that have been subjected to proper quality and safety evaluation. Garcinia gummi‐gutta is a widely cultivated fruit crop in Kerala, south India. The fruit rinds are the useful part, while the seeds are treated as waste material. This study evaluated the composition, physico‐chemical properties, and toxicity of the seed oil with a view to considering its utility in the food sector.

RESULTS

The yield of oil obtained from the seeds of Garcinia gummi‐gutta through hexane extraction was 335.30 g kg−1. The physico‐chemical parameters of the oil were determined through nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies. The values agree well with those of conventional edible oils. Stearic acid, a saturated fatty acid, was identified as the main component (55.39%) followed by monounsaturated oleic acid (40.22%) through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs). Preliminary in vivo acute oral toxicity studies and acute dermal toxicity studies on female Wistar rats, and dermal irritation studies on New Zealand white male rabbits showed no morbidity, mortality, appreciable change in the bodyweight, or clinical signs of dermal responses.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that the seeds of G. gummi‐gutta are a rich source of edible oil. The presence of stearic acid, a stable fatty acid, as the major constituent suggests that the oil could be suitable for use in value‐added food products such as chocolates. Preliminary toxicological studies also recommend the use of the oil in the food and cosmetics sectors. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Recurrence and survival after curative‐intent treatment for colorectal liver metastases: Implications for adjuvant liver‐directed regional chemotherapy
Authors: Kolbeinsson Hordur M. , Hoppe Allison , Walker Jessica , Chandana Sreenivasa , Assifi M. Mura , Chung Mathew , Wright Gerald Paul
Published: November 2021

Background

This study investigates tumor recurrence patterns and their effect on postrecurrence survival following curative‐intent treatment of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) to identify those who stand to benefit the most from adjuvant liver‐directed therapy.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of all patients that underwent liver resection and/or ablation for CRLM between 2007 and 2019. Postrecurrence survival was compared between recurrence locations. Risk factors for liver recurrence were sought.

Results

The study included 227 patients. Majority were treated with resection (71.0%) while combination resection/ablation (18.9%) and ablation alone (11.0%), were less common. At a median follow‐up of 3.0 years, recurrence was observed in 151 (66.5%) patients. Of those, liver, lung, and peritoneal recurrence were most common at 66.9%, 49.6%, and 9.2%, respectively. Median postrecurrence survival after liver, lung, and multisite recurrence was 39.6‐, 68.4‐, and 33.6 months, respectively. High tumor grade (p < 0.014), perineural invasion (p = 0.002), and N0 node status (p = 0.017) of primary tumor correlated with liver recurrence on multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Tumor grade, perineural invasion, and N0 node status of the primary tumor are associated with increased risk of liver recurrence after CRLM resection and represent a target population that may benefit the most from adjuvant liver‐directed regional chemotherapy.
Patient Outcomes After Unsuccessful Endoscopic Sialolith Extraction
Authors: Zheng Kevin Tiankai , de Paiva Leite Sandro , Yeom Brian William , Hardcastle Tim , Ahmad Zahoor , Morton Randall P
Published: November 2021

Objective/Hypothesis

To evaluate clinical outcomes following failed endoscopic extraction of salivary calculi and to assess any relation between clinical outcome and calculi location, number, size, and mobility. If sialendoscopy fails to extract the calculus, subsequent spontaneous passage of the calculus out of the ductoglandular system or secondary effects of sialendoscopy could mitigate the clinical impact of a residual sialolithiasis.

Study Design

Prospective observational study.

Methods

Prospective comparative study of endoscopic procedures for sialolithiasis performed in the Manukau Surgery Center, in Auckland, New Zealand, from 2010 to 2020. The recurrent symptoms and the variables related to the need for additional surgical intervention for salivary calculi were analyzed.

Results

Among the 465 sialendoscopy procedures, 154 (33.1%) were for obstructive sialolithiasis. Among these, there were 30 (19.4%) with unsuccessful stone extraction with re‐operation for these failures performed in 14 of the 27 failed submandibular cases (52%) and 2 of the 3 parotids (66.7%). Location of calculi was a significant factor in predicting the need of further surgery. Patients with perihilar stones were 5 times more likely to have a failed procedure (P = .001). If the stone was intraglandular, the likelihood increased to 8.5 times (P = .005). The likelihood for a revision procedure increased almost 11 times if the stone was intraglandular (P = .004). Calculi size, mobility, multiple calculi, and presence of concurrent stenosis did not correlate with need for further surgery.

Conclusions

A significant proportion of “failed” sialendoscopy did not require further intervention. Stone location was a significant factor in predicting a failed procedure and the need for re‐intervention. Laryngoscope, 132:1029–1033, 2022
Comparison of Survival of Patients With T1‐2cN0 Oropharyngeal Cancer Treated With or Without Elective Neck Dissection
Authors: Zeng Xuelan , Peng Liang , Wen Weiping , Sun Wei
Published: November 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

This study aimed to examine the prognostic value of elective neck dissection (END) in T1‐2 clinical negative cervical lymph node (cN0) oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) patients.

Study Design

An observational retrospective study.

Methods

This retrospective study included 845 patients diagnosed with T1‐2 cN0 OPC during 2010–2015 from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression models were used to evaluate the prognostic roles of END. Furthermore, propensity score matching was used to balance the covariates between the END and observation (OBS) groups, and subgroup analyses were conducted in the matched cohorts. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS).

Results

Our study showed that END was an independent prognostic factor associated with a better 3‐year OS compared with OBS in human papillomavirus (HPV)‐positive cohort (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.464; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.235–0.916; P = .027). However, we found no prognostic value of END in HPV‐negative cohort (adjusted HR, 0.837; 95% CI, 0.535–1.310; P = .435). In the subgroup analyses, we found that younger patients (≤65 years old) and patients with nontonsillar tumors in HPV‐positive cohort were more likely to benefit from END, while patients with tonsillar tumors in HPV‐negative cohort may benefit from END.

Conclusions

We found that patients with HPV‐positive T1‐2 cN0 OPC could benefit from END in terms of OS, especially younger patients and those with nontonsillar tumors. Patients with HPV‐negative T1‐2 cN0 OPC could not benefit from END in terms of OS, while those with tonsillar tumors may benefit from END.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 132:1205–1212, 2022
Scallop shells as geochemical archives of phytoplankton‐related ecological processes in a temperate coastal ecosystem
Authors: Thébault Julien , Jolivet Aurélie , Waeles Matthieu , Tabouret Hélène , Sabarot Sophie , Pécheyran Christophe , Leynaert Aude , Jochum Klaus Peter , Schöne Bernd R. , Fröhlich Lukas , Siebert Valentin , Amice Erwan , Chauvaud Laurent
Published: November 2021

Phytoplankton dynamics in coastal ecosystems is increasingly altered by land‐based human activities. Yet, this global vision conceals major disparities, among sites and through time. As conventional monitoring time series are quite sparse and relatively short, biological records of environmental variability appear as relevant tools to gain insights into phytoplankton dynamics over larger temporal and spatial scales. Here, we present results of an interdisciplinary project dealing with chemical information archived in shells of Pecten maximus (Bivalvia; Pectinidae), known to form daily growth striae on its shell surface. Several individuals were collected in the Bay of Brest (France) in 2011 and 2012, and analyzed for the molybdenum and lithium concentrations in their soft tissues and the element‐to‐calcium ratios (Mo : Ca and Li : Ca) in their calcitic striae. All shells revealed high synchrony and reproducibility in their Mo : Ca and Li : Ca profiles, characterized with a major peak at the end of May and in mid‐June 2011, respectively. Detailed analysis of physical, chemical, and biological variables measured in seawater during an extensive 9‐month environmental survey enabled a meticulous description of phytoplankton dynamics in 2011 and its impact on shell geochemistry. Main findings strongly suggest that (1) the timing of Mo : Ca peaks reflects the occurrence of silicon limitation and diatom aggregation periods, (2) the height of these peaks relates to the amplitude of the first spring diatom bloom, and (3) Li : Ca serves as a proxy for the temporal dynamics of diatom biovolume and of biogenic silica recycling at the sediment–water interface.
UV‐Shielding Performance and Color of Lignin and its Application to Sunscreen
Authors: Li Yarong , Zhao Siyu , Song Xueping , Cao Danyu , Li Kai , Hassanpour Morteza , Zhang Zhanying
Published: November 2021

The balance between sunscreen performance and color is a main obstacle in the preparation of high‐quality lignin‐based sunscreens. In this study, five lignin samples (i.e., NaOH–L, EG–L, G–L, 1,3‐PDO–L, and 1,4‐BDO–L) are extracted from sugarcane bagasse by using five different solvent systems. The lignin extracted by organic solvents clearly shows light color and excellent UV‐shielding performance, and the 1,3‐PDO–L sample reveals the lowest total color difference (ΔE is 30.4) and highest sun protection factor (SPF 3.99) among the samples obtained. The SPF of commercial facial creams significantly increases after addition of 5 wt% lignin samples, and the colors of these creams are lighter than that of 10 wt% lignin‐modified cream samples. Moreover, the lignin‐modified creams exhibit excellent broad‐spectrum UV absorbency. The synergistic effects of lignin and the active substances of commercial sunscreen dramatically enhance the UV shielding effect of the commercial sunscreen. The aging test confirms that the lignin‐based sunscreens have good photostability. This study provides a reliable reference for the development of lignin‐based sunscreens and high‐value utilization of lignin.
Existence and Ulam–Hyers stability results for nonlinear fractional Langevin equation with modified argument
Authors: Develi Faruk
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we give the existence and uniqueness result for the fractional order Langevin equation with modified argument by using the Bielecki norm. After, we consider a special form of this equation (delayed form) and then apply Burton's method to this special form to prove that there is a unique solution under weaker conditions than the other result. Further, we derive the Ulam–Hyers stability for this equation. Finally, two examples are given to illustrate our main results.
Practical computation of the diffusion MRI signal based on Laplace eigenfunctions: permeable interfaces
Authors: Agdestein Syver Døving , Tran Try Nguyen , Li Jing‐Rebecca
Published: November 2021

The complex transverse water proton magnetization subject to diffusion‐encoding magnetic field gradient pulses in a heterogeneous medium such as brain tissue can be modeled by the Bloch‐Torrey partial differential equation. The spatial integral of the solution of this equation in realistic geometry provides a gold‐standard reference model for the diffusion MRI signal arising from different tissue micro‐structures of interest.

A closed form representation of this reference diffusion MRI signal, called matrix formalism, which makes explicit the link between the Laplace eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the tissue geometry and its diffusion MRI signal, was derived 20 years ago. In addition, once the Laplace eigendecomposition has been computed and saved, the diffusion MRI signal can be calculated for arbitrary diffusion‐encoding sequences and b‐values at negligible additional cost.

In a previous publication, we presented a simulation framework that we implemented inside the MATLAB‐based diffusion MRI simulator SpinDoctor that efficiently computes the matrix formalism representation for biological cells subject to impermeable membrane boundary conditions. In this work, we extend our simulation framework to include geometries that contain permeable cell membranes. We describe the new computational techniques that allowed this generalization and we analyze the effects of the magnitude of the permeability coefficient on the eigendecomposition of the diffusion and Bloch‐Torrey operators.

This work is another step in bringing advanced mathematical tools and numerical method development to the simulation and modeling of diffusion MRI.
Work meaningfulness disclosure and persistent behavior: Level of action identification as a moderator
Authors: Wang Lei , Zhang Xiaoshuang , Meng Liang
Published: November 2021

Previous studies have consistently confirmed the positive relationship between work meaningfulness and one's persistent behavior in the workplace. However, most existing studies have focused on examining the direct effect of work meaningfulness, paid less attention to the condition under which it works well. In this study, we adopted a 2 (work meaningfulness: disclosure vs. non‐disclosure) × 2 (level of action identification: high vs. low) between‐subject experimental design and investigated the moderating role of action identification level in the relationship between work meaningfulness disclosure and one's persistent behavior. The result indicated that both work characteristics (i.e., work meaningfulness) and personal factors influence work behaviors, since participants who identified their work behaviors at a lower/concrete level benefited more from work meaningfulness disclosure. Given that personal factors have long been neglected in previous work meaningfulness literature, our findings could help advance existing research on work meaningfulness.
Polyvinyl alcohol‐based membranes for filtration of aqueous solutions: A comprehensive review
Authors: Razmgar Kourosh , Nasiraee Mohammad
Published: November 2021

This review provides a comprehensive overview on applications, preparation methods, and most notably the performance efficiency of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)‐based membranes for filtration of aqueous environments. Incorporation of PVA into the membrane matrix significantly enhances such characteristics as antifouling and antibacterial properties as well as hydrophilicity and permeability in the water and wastewater filtrations. Contribution of different PVA‐based modular membranes for water purification targets via a comparative review on previous researches is the main theme in this work. Alongside with the focused topic, some basic theories and principals of blend and composite polymer films as well as polymer fibers are debated before the main discussions. This review will ultimately facilitate further development of PVA membranes for the future investigations.
Study of the reverse I–V in component subcells of III–V multijunction space solar cells
Authors: Martín Pablo , González José Ramón , García Iván , Algora Carlos , Rey‐Stolle Ignacio
Published: November 2021

The reverse bias operation of triple‐junction solar cells (GaInP/Ga(In)As/Ge), typically used for space photovoltaics, is poorly understood. In this work, we conduct reverse bias stress tests on both isotype subcells (GaInP, Ga(In)As and Ge) as well as in the complete triple‐junction solar cell. After each reverse bias step, forward dark and lighted I–Vs are measured and modelled using Shockley and Spirito and Albergamo models to fit the characteristic parameters of each individual subcell and quantify the variations evolution caused by the stress. The changes in these parameters are thoroughly analysed in order to comprehend the basic physical processes behind the degradation observed after the reverse bias is applied. Finally, we demonstrate that the individual parameters obtained from each subcell can be combined to simulate the final I–V curve of the complete triple junction and understand how it is affected when reverse bias is applied, linking the changes observed to a sudden degradation of the GaInP top subcell at low reverse voltages.
A stochastic mixed effects model to assess treatment effects and fluctuations in home‐measured peak expiratory flow and the association with exacerbation risk in asthma
Authors: Leander Jacob , Jirstrand Mats , Eriksson Ulf G. , Palmér Robert
Published: November 2021

Home‐based measures of lung function, inflammation, symptoms, and medication use are frequently collected in respiratory clinical trials. However, new statistical approaches are needed to make better use of the information contained in these data‐rich variables. In this work, we use data from two phase III asthma clinical trials demonstrating the benefit of benralizumab treatment to develop a novel longitudinal mixed effects model of peak expiratory flow (PEF), a lung function measure easily captured at home using a hand‐held device. The model is based on an extension of the mixed effects modeling framework to incorporate stochastic differential equations and allows for quantification of several statistical properties of a patient's PEF data: the longitudinal trend, long‐term fluctuations, and day‐to‐day variability. These properties are compared between treatment groups and related to a patient's exacerbation risk using a repeated time‐to‐event model. The mixed effects model adequately described the observed data from the two clinical trials, and model parameters were accurately estimated. Benralizumab treatment was shown to improve a patient's average PEF level and reduce long‐term fluctuations. Both of these effects were shown to be associated with a lower exacerbation risk. The day‐to‐day variability was neither significantly affected by treatment nor associated with exacerbation risk. Our work shows the potential of a stochastic model‐based analysis of home‐based lung function measures to support better estimation and understanding of treatment effects and disease stability. The proposed analysis can serve as a complement to descriptive statistics of home‐based measures in the reporting of respiratory clinical trials.
Skill of the extended range prediction (NERP) for Indian summer monsoon rainfall with NCMRWF global coupled modelling system
Authors: Gera Anitha , Gupta Ankur , Mitra Ashis K. , Rao D. Nagarjuna , Momin Imranali M. , Rajeeavan Madhavan N. , Milton Sean F. , Martin Gill M. , Martin Matthew J. , Waters Jennifer , Lea Daniel
Published: November 2021

An extended range prediction system (NERP) based on the Unified global coupled modelling system has been implemented at National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF). Predictions of weekly anomalies for rainfall, winds and surface temperature are issued once a week for the subsequent 4 weeks. This study is an assessment of the skill of the NERP system over India during the summer monsoon period of June to September (JJAS). The week‐1 and week‐2 rainfall anomaly forecasts exhibit good prediction skill over the Indian region. The evaluations made on meteorologically homogeneous regions of India show moderate to good skill even in week‐3 and week‐4 forecasts for some regions. The variability of the monsoon seasonal cycle in the model is well represented along with the magnitude of summer monsoon rainfall. The model brings out the mean monsoon rainfall features – the peaks during JJAS occurring over the Western Ghats, the Arakan coast and the Bay of Bengal. The onset of the monsoon and the interannual variability of the northward propagation of the rainfall anomalies over the Indian longitudes match reasonably well with observations. The model has some wet bias over the equatorial Indian Ocean and mild dry bias over the Indian land region that develop during the 4‐week period. The anomaly correlations of rainfall are significant over most of the subdivisions of India till week‐3 and week‐4. Probabilistic scores of reliability Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) and fair continuous ranked probability score (FCRPS) show that the model exhibits good skill over most regions till week‐2 and moderate skill in weeks 3–4 over other regions. The estimates of forecast reliability are low, a likely consequence of the limited ensemble size. A case‐study of year 2018 showed that the JJAS rainfall regime shifts from wet to dry and vice versa are captured well.
Improving main analysis by borrowing information from auxiliary data
Authors: Chen Chixiang , Han Peisong , He Fan
Published: November 2021

In many clinical and observational studies, auxiliary data from the same subjects, such as repeated measurements or surrogate variables, will be collected in addition to the data of main interest. Not directly related to the main study, these auxiliary data in practice are rarely incorporated into the main analysis, though they may carry extra information that can help improve the estimation in the main analysis. Under the setting where part of or all subjects have auxiliary data available, we propose an effective weighting approach to borrow the auxiliary information by building a working model for the auxiliary data, where improvement of estimation precision over the main analysis is guaranteed regardless of the specification of the working model. An information index is also constructed to assess how well the selected working model works to improve the main analysis. Both theoretical and numerical studies show the excellent and robust performance of the proposed method in comparison to estimation without using the auxiliary data. Finally, we utilize the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study for illustration.
Cobalt‐Catalyzed Addition of Ethyl Bromofluoroacetate to Alkynes
Authors: Hu Zhaoming , Ren Jie , Chen Zhizhi , Yin Siyu , Wu Fanhong , Liu Chao , Wu Zhuo , Wu Jingjing
Published: November 2021

A cobalt‐catalyzed oxidative monofluoroalkylation of alkynes with ethyl bromofluoroacetate is reported. This method enables direct and facile access to ethyl bromomonofluoroallyl acetate from abundant alkynes with excellent functional group compatibility. Moreover, this cobalt/ethyl bromofluoroacetate protocol can further create a series of radical monofluoroalkylation reactions of a wide array of substrates, offering a generic and complementary platform for the construction of diversified C−CFHCOOEt bonds.
A Review on Electric and Fuel Cell Vehicle Anatomy, Technology Evolution and Policy Drivers towards EVs and FCEVs Market Propagation
Authors: Chandran Mathan , Palanisamy Karthikeyan , Benson David , Sundaram Senthilarasu
Published: November 2021

The transportation sector is the largest consumer of fossil fuels; making it a major producer of greenhouse gases. Due to declining fossil fuel reserves and increasingly stringent vehicle emission regulations globally, it is essential to shift to alternative energy sources. Economic and eco‐friendly fuel‐efficient hybrid, electric, and fuel cell vehicles are regarded as one of the best alternative solutions to cope with the government policies and to reduce the rise in global temperature caused by the automotive sector. Technological advancements in fuel cells, batteries, and chargers have further supported the development of electric vehicles. The major challenges of range and charging time in electric vehicles can be countered by range extension technology and developing all‐electric hybrid vehicles. In this review, a comprehensive study of different type of vehicles and their architectures are presented. Insights on energy storage devices and converters of electric vehicles currently in use were also provided. Furthermore, various fuel cell advancements and the technical challenges faced during the commercialization of fuel cell vehicles were highlighted.
Advances of Sulfenate Anions in Catalytic Asymmetric Synthesis of Sulfoxides
Authors: Yang Lu , Wang Bingren , Yin Xianjie , Zeng Qingle
Published: November 2021

In recent years, sulfenate anions as key intermediates in enantioselective synthesis have attracted considerable attention. Typically, development of novel synthetic methods to generate sulfenate anions allows for the preparation of various enantiopure sulfoxides, which are prevalently used as auxiliaries, ligands, organocatalysts, and biologically active compounds. This review presents thein situpreparation methods and the recent applications of sulfenate anions in catalytic asymmetric synthesis of chiral sulfoxides.