bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiac biomarkers and association with subsequent cardiomyopathy and mortality among adult survivors of childhood cancer: A report from the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort
Authors: Dixon Stephanie B. , Howell Carrie R. , Lu Lu , Plana Juan C. , Joshi Vijaya M. , Luepker Russell V. , Durand Jean B. , Ky Bonnie , Lenihan Daniel J. , Jefferies John L. , Green Daniel M. , Ehrhardt Matthew J. , Mulrooney Daniel A. , Folse Timothy E. , Partin Robyn E. , Santucci Aimee K. , Howell Rebecca M. , Srivastava Deo Kumar , Hudson Melissa M. , Robison Leslie L. , Ness Kirsten K. , Armstrong Gregory T.
Published: October 2020

Background

Survivors of childhood cancer exposed to cardiotoxic therapies are at significant cardiovascular risk. The utility of cardiac biomarkers for identifying the risk of future cardiomyopathy and mortality is unknown.

Methods

N‐terminal pro–B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) and cardiac troponin T (cTnT) were assessed in 1213 adults 10 or more years from a childhood cancer diagnosis; 786 were exposed to anthracycline chemotherapy and/or chest‐directed radiation therapy (RT). NT‐proBNP values above age‐ and sex‐specific 97.5th percentiles were considered abnormal. Generalized linear models estimated cross‐sectional associations between abnormal NT‐proBNP and anthracycline or chest RT doses as risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A Poisson distribution estimated rates and a Cox proportional hazards model estimated hazard ratios (HRs) for future cardiac events and death.

Results

At a median age of 35.5 years (interquartile range, 29.8‐42.5 years), NT‐proBNP and cTnT were abnormal in 22.5% and 0.4%, respectively. Exposure to chest RT and exposure to anthracycline chemotherapy were each associated with a dose‐dependent increased risk for abnormal NT‐proBNP (P for trend <.0001). Among exposed survivors with no history of Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events–graded cardiomyopathy and with normal systolic function, survivors with abnormal NT‐proBNP had higher rates per 1000 person‐years of cardiac mortality (2.93 vs 0.96; P < .0001) and future cardiomyopathy (32.10 vs 15.98; P < .0001) and an increased risk of future cardiomyopathy (HR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.28‐4.08) according to a multivariable assessment.

Conclusions

Abnormal NT‐proBNP values were prevalent and, among survivors who were exposed to cardiotoxic therapy but did not have a history of cardiomyopathy or current systolic dysfunction, identified those at increased risk for future cardiomyopathy. Further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm this novel finding.
Formation of Shocks for2DIsentropic Compressible Euler
Authors: Buckmaster Tristan , Shkoller Steve , Vicol Vlad
Published: October 2020

We consider the 2D isentropic compressible Euler equations, with pressure lawp(ρ) = (1γ)ργ, withγ > 1. We provide an elementary constructive proof of shock formation from smooth initial data of finite energy, with no vacuum regions, and with nontrivial vorticity. We prove that for initial data which has minimum slope −1ε, forε > 0 taken sufficiently small relative to theamplitude, there exist smooth solutions to the Euler equations which form a shock in time. The blowup time and location can be explicitly computed and solutions at the blowup time are of cusp‐type, with HölderC13regularity.

Our objective is the construction of solutions with inherentvorticity at the shock. As such, rather than perturbing from an irrotational regime, we instead construct solutions with dynamics dominated by purely azimuthal wave motion. We consider homogenous solutions to the Euler equations and use Riemann‐type variables to obtain a system of forced transport equations. Using a transformation to modulated self‐similar variables and pointwise estimates for the ensuing system of transport equations, we show the global stability, in self‐similar time, of a smooth blowup profile. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
A review of drag reduction by additives in curved pipes for single‐phase liquid and two‐phase flows
Authors: Ayegba Paul O. , Edomwonyi‐Otu Lawrence C. , Yusuf Nurudeen , Abubakar Abdulkareem
Published: October 2020

The effect of drag‐reducing agents (DRAs) on fluid flows in straight pipes has been well documented. Key among these is the effect of DRAs on turbulence statistics (Reynolds shear stress, turbulence intensity, streamwise and wall‐normal velocity fluctuation among others). These primary effects result in secondary effects such as modification of mean velocity profile and reduction in frictional losses (drag reduction, DR). Interestingly, in curved pipe flows, the characteristic of flow is more complex due to secondary flow, wake effects and under‐developed flow characteristics. Therefore, a review of investigations on the effect of DRAs in curved pipe flows is presented in this paper. The paper highlights the difference between DR in straight and curved conduits as well as the interaction between DRAs and flow characteristics of curved pipe flows. Proposed mechanisms of DR, and factors that influence their effectiveness also received attention. It was shown that significant DR can be achieved in curved pipes. A review of various experimental results revealed that DR by additives in curved pipes is generally lower than in straight pipes but with certain similarities. It decreases with increase in curvature ratio and is more pronounced in the transition and turbulent flow regimes. Maximum DR asymptote differed between straight and curved pipes and between polymer and surfactant. Due to the limited studies in the area of DR for gas‐liquid flow in curved pipes, no definite conclusion could be drawn on the effect of DRAs on such flows. A number of questions remain such as physical interaction between molecules of DRA and flow features such as secondary flow streamlines and wakes. Hence, some research gaps have been identified with recommendations for areas of future researches.
Adding n‐butanol, n‐heptanol, and n‐octanol to improve vaporization, combustion, and emission characteristics of diesel/used frying oil biodiesel blends in DICI engine
Authors: Nour Mohamed , Elseesy Ahmed I , Attia Ali , Li Xuesong , Nada Sameh
Published: October 2020

Diesel engines play a vital role in the transportation sector. Ternary blends of alcohol, biodiesel, and diesel have the potential to improve diesel engine combustion and emissions. In the current work, three different types of alcohols; n‐butanol, n‐heptanol, and n‐octanol were added to biodiesel/diesel blends to improve diesel engine performance, combustion, and emissions. The biodiesel was produced from used frying oil (UFO) by ultrasonic enhanced transesterification to achieve the highest yield, lowest viscosity, and minimum production time. Three ternary fuels containing 10 vol% (n‐butanol or n‐heptanol or n‐octanol), 10 vol% UFO biodiesel, and 80 vol% diesel were tested using diesel engine at 25%, 50%, and 75% load conditions. Thermogravimetric analysis of the ternary blends proved the enhancement in the vaporization characteristics compared with biodiesel and diesel fuels; the lighter the alcohol, the faster the vaporization rate but with longer ignition delay which enhanced the premixed burning mode. The specific fuel consumption increased by up to 6% with a slight reduction in thermal efficiency (≈1%) when n‐octanol was used while n‐butanol and n‐heptanol showed comparable values to neat diesel. Ternary blends showed a reduction in smoke opacity, NOx, CO, and CO2 by up to 38%, 11%, 35%, and 14% compared with diesel, while the lowest emissions were attained for the addition of n‐heptanol.
Herbivory and pollination impact on the evolution of herbivore-induced plasticity in defense and floral traits
Authors: Ramos Sergio E. , Schiestl Florian P.
Published: October 2020

Theory predicts that herbivory should primarily determine the evolution of herbivore-induced plasticity in plant defenses, but little is known about the influence of other interactions such as pollination. Pollinators may exert negative selection on the herbivore-induced plasticity of chemical defenses when floral signals and rewards are indirectly affected, provoking deterrent effects on these mutualists. We investigated the influence of constant herbivory and pollination on the evolved patterns and degree of herbivore-induced plasticity in chemical plant defenses and floral morphometry and volatiles in fast-cycling Brassica rapa plants. To do this, we used plants from an evolution experiment that had evolved under bee/hand pollination and herbivory manipulated in a 2 × 2 factorial design during six generations, producing four selection treatments. We grew sibling plant pairs from each of the four selection treatments of the last generation and infested one group with herbivores and left the other uninfested. Herbivore-induced plasticity was analyzed within- and between-selection treatments. We found support for the hypothesis that constant herbivory favors the evolution of higher constitutive yet lower herbivore-induced plasticity in defenses. However, this only occurred in plants that evolved under hand pollination and constant herbivory. Bee pollination had a strong influence on the evolution of herbivore-induced plasticity of all traits studied. Plants that evolved under bee pollination, with and without constant herbivory, showed remarkably similar patterns of herbivore-induced plasticity in their defense- and floral traits and had a higher number of plastic responses compared to plants with hand pollination. Such patterns support the hypothesis that bee pollination influenced the evolution of herbivore-induced plasticity, most likely via indirect effects, such as links between defense- and floral traits. We conclude that interactions other than herbivory, such as pollination, may impact herbivore-induced plasticity, through indirect effects and metabolic trade-offs, when it contributes to trait evolution in plants.
Are long‐term FAD diets restricting micronutrient intake? A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Malik Neal , Tonstad Serena , Paalani Michael , Dos Santos Hildemar , Luiz do Prado Wagner
Published: October 2020

The micronutrient adequacy of common fad diets is rarely assessed. We compared a high‐fiber diet [HF] with a low‐carbohydrate diet [LC] to assess their effects on body weight and micronutrient adequacy. One hundred and seventy‐three adult males and females with or without diabetes with a mean body mass index of 36 kg/m2 were randomized to either a HF or LC diet. Differences in anthropometrics, blood lipids, glucose, blood pressure, and micronutrient consumption between groups were assessed after 52 weeks. Differences between groups a priori were assessed using independent t tests and chi‐squared tests. Post hoc differences in nutrient consumption between groups while controlling for gender were assessed using factorial analysis of variance. After 52 weeks, LC dieters (n = 24) retained weight loss better than their HF counterparts (n = 30) (p = .06). LC dieters consumed more vitamin K (mcg) [HF = 124.0 ± 15.0; LC = 220.0 ± 39.1; p = .025] and vitamin B12 (mcg) [HF = 3.1 ± 0.3; LC = 4.1 ± 0.4; p = .026]. The HF group consumed more folate (mcg) [HF = 479.9 ± 34.0); LC = 333.8 ± 22.1; p < .001], magnesium (mg) [HF = 353.1 ± 17.4; LC = 281.1 ± 18.0; p < .001], and iron (mg) [HF = 14.6 ± 0.8; LC = 10.7 ± 0.6; p < .001. Both groups consumed less than the respective EAR for vitamins D and E and less than the AI for potassium. While a LC diet may be more effective for long‐term weight loss, both diets were deficient in micronutrients.
Late Eocene to Late Miocene palaeoecological and palaeoenvironmental dynamics of the Ereğli‐Ulukışla Basin (Southern Central Anatolia)
Authors: Akgün Funda , Kayseri‐Özer Mine Sezgül , Tekin Erdoğan , Varol Baki , Şen Şevket , Herece Erdal , Gündoğan İbrahim , Sözeri Koray , Us Muhammed Sami
Published: October 2020

The Ereğli‐Ulukışla Basin which is the focus of this study is situated at the south‐eastern edge of the Central Anatolian Cenozoic basins (Tuzgölü, Haymana, Çankırı‐Çorum, and Sivas), and is divided into two sub‐basins, the Aktoprak (AT) and Hacıbekirli‐Tepeköy (HT). These sub‐basins mainly comprise a stratigraphically discontinuous and laterally variable series, represented by ‘fluvio‐lacustrine’ siliciclastic and carbonate sediments deposited over a wide range of environments, including meandering and braided rivers, coastal fluvial and fan deltas, mixed carbonate‐siliciclastic shores, dry lake flats, and coal‐bearing swamps. In the Ereğli‐Ulukışla Basin, higher palaeotopographic conditions existed in the AT because of the uplift of the Central Anatolian Plateau during late Middle Miocene (Serravallian)‐early Late Miocene (Tortonian) and the subsequent uplift of the Taurus Mountains in the latest Miocene (Messinian) as deduced in the Tepeköy region (northeast) of the HT sub‐basin. Diversity and abundance of archaic pollen (Normapolles) in the pollen biostratigraphy decreased from the Eocene to Oligocene, while forms with advanced angiosperm morphology (post‐Normapolles), were observed with the increase in post‐Normapolles during the Miocene. The dominance of woody angiosperms in the pollen assemblages, and increasing variety and abundance of ‘open herbs’ and shrub pollen from the Early Miocene to Late Miocene defines an important change in flora. Furthermore, the palaeoclimatic conditions changed from humid‐subtropical to warm‐temperate during the sediment deposition in the Ereğli‐Ulukışla Basin. Recurrent arid phases during the Late Miocene are indicated by the deposition of reddish caliche conglomerates in broad dry lake flats (HT), and evaporites in local playa lakes (AT), respectively.
Comparison of poststroke depression between acute ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke patients
Authors: Zeng Ya‐Ying , Cheng Hao‐Ran , Cheng Lin , Huang GuiQian , Chen Yun‐Bin , Tang Wen‐Jie , He Jin‐Cai
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Depression is the most common mental complication in stroke survivors with about one‐third of patients suffering from poststroke depression (PSD). This was the first prospective study aimed to compare the prevalence of PSD and its symptoms between two cohorts of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).

Methods

Both AIS and ICH patients were simultaneously enrolled in the study. Depression symptoms were measured using the 17‐item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD‐17) after a 1‐month follow‐up. Patients were diagnosed with PSD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition and the HAMD‐17 (HAMD scores >7).

Results

The prevalence of PSD (42.3%) in the ICH group was significantly higher than that (22.9%) in the AIS group (p < 0.001). After adjustment for conventional confounding factors, the odds ratio of PSD was 2.65 (95% CI, 1.34–5.24, p = 0.005) for ICH compared to AIS. Depressive symptoms consisting of anxiety, loss of interest, insomnia, and fatigue were more frequent in patients with ICH than in AIS patients.

Conclusions

PSD was more prevalent, and the risk was over twofold higher in patients with ICH than AIS.
Viscous dissipation effect on mixed convective heat transfer of MHD flow of Williamson nanofluid over a stretching cylinder in the presence of variable thermal conductivity and chemical reaction
Authors: Ibrahim Wubshet , Negera Mekonnen
Published: October 2020

The effect of viscous dissipation and thermal radiation on mixed convective heat transfer of an MHD Williamson nanofluid past a stretching cylinder in the existence of chemical reaction is analyzed in this study. When energy equation is formulated, the variable thermal conductivity is deliberated. By proposing applicable similarity transformations, nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs) are attained from partial differential equations. These nondimensional ODEs are computed through Runge‐Kutta method integrated with shooting method using MATLAB software. The results found numerically are in agreement with that of the published works of similar nature in a limiting case. The results of the local Nusselt number, skin friction coefficient, and Sherwood numbers are organized in tables. The influence of protuberant parameters on temperature, velocity, and concentration is presented by graphs. From the results, it is seen that for higher values of variable thermal conductivity parameter, the local Sherwood number and skin friction coefficient upsurge, whereas the local Nusselt number diminishes.
Thermal management and simulation studies of a 200‐kW calorimetric dummy load for HE11 mode at 42 GHz
Authors: Shah Maulik , Patel Axat , Prajapati Chetan , Sathyanarayan K. , Chaudhuri Paritosh
Published: October 2020

The objective of this study is to design a calorimetric dummy load (CDL) containing an efficient cooling mechanism to absorb maximum power of 200 kW at 42 ± 0.2 GHz frequency for maximum duration of 3 seconds. The design is suited for microwave power propagating in HE11 mode. High microwave power is generally measured and characterized by CDL, which is designed to suit the exiting modes of the gyrotron. In the current project, the output mode of the gyrotron in TE03 is converted to a Gaussian HE11 mode with help of series of mode converters. This study highlights thermal analysis and simulation studies using ANSYS computational fluid dynamics analysis for water coolant passing through helical teflon tubing. Analytical calculations for thermal management of water coolant are also carried out and compared with the simulation studies. A defocusing convex mirror has been designed using a quasi‐optical approach. Material selection of the defocusing mirror, based on cost‐effectiveness, transient thermal analysis, and microwave power absorption in the skin depth of the material, has been carried out. Finally, a comparison of analytical calculation and simulation studies has been carried out.
Government expenditures and economic growth in the MENA region: A dynamic heterogeneous panel estimation
Authors: Alshammary Mohammed Daher , Khalid Norlin , Karim Zulkefly Abdul , Ahmad Riayati
Published: October 2020

This study examines the dynamic heterogeneous effect of government expenditures on economic growth in 20 Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries during the 1990–2016 period. The results reveal that a dynamic adjustment in economic growth in the MENA region occurred from the short to the long run. Arguably, government expenditures can promote economic growth. In the long run, the coefficients of government expenditures are positive and significant in oil and non‐oil countries; in the short run, the coefficient is statistically significant in oil countries but not in non‐oil countries. The coefficients of government expenditures markedly differ between the two groups. For the MENA region, as a whole, government expenditures exhibit a crowding‐in effect instead of a crowding‐out effect on growth. Importantly, to sustain economic growth, non‐oil countries must embark fiscal reform measures promptly by optimizing government expenditures. Oil countries should consider the implications of short‐ and medium‐term fiscal imbalances.
M2 macrophage‐derived exosomal miR‐25‐3p improves high glucose‐induced podocytes injury through activation autophagy via inhibiting DUSP1 expression
Authors: Huang Haihua , Liu Huiyun , Tang Jiazhen , Xu Wenqiong , Gan Huaxia , Fan Qiwei , Zhang Wei
Published: October 2020

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the primary reason of chronic kidney disease. The aim of our study is to explore the role and action mechanism of M2 macrophage‐derived exosomes in high glucose (HG)‐induced podocytes injury. Here, 30 mmol/L of HG was used to induce podocytes injury. Annexin V‐FITC/PI double staining was performed to measure podocytes apoptosis, and western blot was carried out to ensure proteins expression. The shape of exosomes was identified using TEM. Besides, the expression of miR‐25‐3p was determined by qRT‐PCR, FAM‐labeled miR‐25‐5p combined with DiI‐labeled exosomes were utilized to explore the uptake of podocytes to exosomes. Relationship between miR‐25‐3p and DUSP family members was ensued by luciferase activity assay. In the beginning, we found that M2 macrophage ameliorated HG‐induced podocytes apoptosis and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition through secreting exosomes. Subsequently, highly expressed miR‐25‐3p was found in M2 macrophage‐derived exosomes that effectively improved HG‐induced podocytes injury. Furthermore, inhibition of miR‐25‐3p in M2 macrophage inefficiently repressed HG‐induced podocytes injury, thus we proposed that M2 macrophage attenuated podocytes injury through secreting exosomal miR‐25‐3p. Then, we used an autophagy inhibitor to stimulate podocytes, and demonstrated that M2 macrophage‐derived exosomal miR‐25‐3p improved HG‐induced podocytes injury through activating autophagy. Finally, DUSP1 was proved to be a downstream target and mediated the inhibition of exosomal miR‐25‐3p to HG‐induced podocytes injury. Our results indicated that M2 macrophage could improve HG‐induced podocytes injury via secreting exosomal miR‐25‐3p to activate autophagy of the cells through suppressing DUSP1 expression. We proved a newly potential therapy strategy for DN treatment.
Enhanced temporal and spatial resolution in super‐resolution covariance imaging algorithm with deconvolution optimization
Authors: Wang Xuehua , Zhong Junping , Wang Mingyi , Xiong Honglian , Han Dingan , Zeng Yaguang , He Haiying , Tan Haishu
Published: October 2020

Based on the numerical analysis that covariance exhibits superior statistical precision than cumulant and variance, a new SOFI algorithm by calculating the n orders covariance for each pixel is presented with an almost ‐fold resolution improvement, which can be enhanced to 2n via deconvolution. An optimized deconvolution is also proposed by calculating the (n + 1) order SD associated with each n order covariance pixel, and introducing the results into the deconvolution as a damping factor to suppress noise generation. Moreover, a re‐deconvolution of the covariance image with the covariance‐equivalent point spread function is used to further increase the final resolution by above 2‐fold. Simulated and experimental results show that this algorithm can significantly increase the temporal–spatial resolution of SOFI, meanwhile, preserve the sample's structure. Thus, a resolution of 58 nm is achieved for 20 experimental images, and the corresponding acquisition time is 0.8 seconds.
Comparative evaluation of methods to determine intra‐individual reference ranges in nutrition support team (NST)‐related tests
Authors: Hirabayashi Yoji , Tsukada Yutaka , Sakurai Takuya , Ohno Hideki , Kizaki Takako
Published: October 2020

Background

The intra‐individual reference range is generally narrower than the commonly used reference range. Consequently, close monitoring of changes in the laboratory test results of individuals based on the inter‐individual reference range remains challenging.

Methods

We examined the determination of individual reference ranges using four indicators of nutritional conditions: transferrin (TRF), albumin (ALB), retinol‐binding protein (RBP), and transthyretin (TTR). The subjects comprised 20 healthy individuals and blood samples were collected and tested five times at 2‐week intervals. We used the measurement results for the four indicators and examined individual reference ranges using four methods, including calculation methods based on the reference change value and Bayesian inference.

Results

The resulting intra‐individual reference ranges were narrower than the currently used inter‐individual reference range for all measurements using four methods. Furthermore, the intra‐individual coefficient of variation [CV (intra)] was smaller than the inter‐individual coefficient of variation [CV (inter)] for TRF, RBP, and TTR for all 20 subjects. The means CV (intra) for the four indicators were also lower than the corresponding CV (inter).

Conclusions

The intra‐individual reference range can be used to validate the standard deviation and coefficient of variation for currently used indicators. Moreover, Bayesian methods are speculated to be the most versatile.
Sources and priming of nitrous oxide production across a range of moisture contents in a soil with high organic matter
Authors: Roman‐Perez Carmen C. , Hernandez‐Ramirez Guillermo
Published: October 2020

Adding nitrogen fertilizers to agricultural soils contributes to increasing concentrations of nitrous oxide (N2O) in the atmosphere. However, the impacts of N addition on soil organic matter (SOM) turnover, SOM availability, and the ensuing SOM‐derived N2O emissions remain elusive. Within this context, the net change in direction and rate of SOM‐derived N2O production triggered by added N is termed the N2O priming effect. This incubation study examined the sources and priming of N2O production as a function of urea addition and multiple moisture contents in a soil with high SOM (55 g organic C kg−1). We assessed four water‐filled pore space (WFPS) conditions: 28, 40, 52, and 64%. Relative to controls receiving no N, urea addition increased N2O production by 2.6 times (P < .001). Cumulative N2O production correlated well with nitrification rates (r = .75; P = .03). We used 15N‐labeled urea to trace the added urea into N2O. Of the N added via urea, the recovery as N2O–N shifted from 0.02 to 0.17% when WFPS increased from 28 to 64% (P < .05). We also partitioned the N2O production into urea vs. SOM sources. More N2O was sourced from SOM than urea, with 59 ± 2% N2O originating from SOM. The magnitude of SOM‐derived N2O under urea was larger than that of the control, revealing that positive N2O priming was triggered by urea addition. Upon subtracting the controls, the primed N2O was a consistent 19 ± 2% of the total N2O produced by urea‐amended soils. Nevertheless, the priming magnitude rose sharply with increasing moisture by more than one order of magnitude from 4 to 48 μg N2O–N kg−1 soil and in exponential mode (R2 = .98). Soil moisture, SOM, and nitrification interacted to drive the sources and priming of N2O.
Family genetic result communication in rare and undiagnosed disease communities: Understanding the practice
Authors: Studwell Courtney M. , Glanton Emily ,   Undiagnosed Diseases Network, Sinsheimer Janet S. , Palmer Christina G. S. , LeBlanc Kimberly
Published: October 2020

Genetic results have implications not only for the individual, but also for their family members. Research on family communication of genetic results has primarily focused on families affected by adult‐onset, dominant conditions as well as more common genetic conditions such as familial hypercholesterolemia, cardiomyopathies, and genetic hearing loss. This study therefore aimed to characterize genetic result communication in families with rare and undiagnosed conditions and identify factors that influence communication. One hundred and forty‐two individuals who received a diagnosis from the Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN), a study focused on providing diagnoses to individuals with undiagnosed conditions, were eligible to complete a survey assessing genetic results communication. Survey items assessed if communication was discussed with healthcare providers, with whom participants communicated genetic testing, why they chose to communicate with these family members, and what information they communicated. All respondents (5 adult UDN participants, 38 parents/guardians of UDN participants, and 2 identifying as both) shared genetic results with at least one family member. Individuals who identified as both were considered exclusively adult participants for the purpose of these analyses. Adult participants and parents/guardians of participants reported high levels of understanding (96%), utility (96%), and comfort communicating genetic results (89%). Additionally, parents/guardians were more likely to disclose genetic results due to a general desire to share (60% of parents/guardians vs. 14% adult participants), while adult participants reported that they shared results to communicate risk to family members (86% of adult participants vs. 24% of parents/guardians). Many respondents did not recall discussing with a healthcare provider how (64%) or what (42%) to communicate about results. The results of this study provide insight into the practice of result communication by individuals with rare and previously undiagnosed conditions, which can ideally inform development of more effective counseling strategies and guidelines to aid family communication.
Comparison of VEGF‐A values between pregnant women with COVID‐19 and healthy pregnancies and its association with composite adverse outcomes
Authors: Yazihan Nuray , Tanacan Atakan , Erol Seyit A. , Anuk Ali T. , Sinaci Selcan , Biriken Derya , Keskin Huseyin L. , Moraloglu Ozlem T. , Sahin Dilek
Published: October 2020

The aim is to compare VEGF‐A values between pregnant women with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) and healthy controls. Furthermore, the association of inflammation parameters, disease severity, and obstetric complications with VEGF‐A was investigated. This prospective case‐control study was conducted on pregnant women who were admitted to Ankara City Hospital between June 14, 2020 and August 28, 2020. Pregnant women with COVID‐19 (n = 95) were compared with a control group of healthy pregnant women (n = 92) with similar clinical and demographic characteristics. Demographic features, clinical characteristics, laboratory test results, VEGF‐A values were compared between the groups. A correlation analysis was performed between VEGF‐A levels, inflammation parameters, and clinical characteristics of the cases for pregnant women with COVID‐19. VEGF‐A levels were also compared between patients with composite adverse outcome and patients without any complication in the COVID‐19 group. The two groups were similar except for obstetric complications (p > .05). The obstetric complication rate was higher in the COVID‐19 group (p =.02). The two groups were comparable in terms of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and VEGF‐A values. VEGF‐A values were slightly different between the trimesters. A negative moderate statistically significant correlation was found between the neutrophil and VEGF‐A values (r = −0.231, p =.02). VEGF‐A values were similar between patients with and without composite adverse outcomes (p > .05). VEGF‐A values were similar between pregnant women with COVID‐19 and healthy controls.
Corticosteroids for COVID‐19 patients requiring oxygen support? Yes, but not for everyone: Effect of corticosteroids on mortality and intensive care unit admission in patients with COVID‐19 according to patients' oxygen requirements
Authors: Tortajada Cecilia , Colomer Enrique , Andreu‐Ballester Juan C. , Esparcia Ana , Oltra Carmina , Flores Juan
Published: October 2020

Corticosteroids reduce mortality in hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), but the response seems to vary according to the level of respiratory support needed. This retrospective cohort study included COVID‐19 patients with oxygen saturation (SatO2) in room air <92% admitted between March 3 and April 30, 2020. Following the interim protocol, patients could receive dexamethasone or methylprednisolone, and were classified according to oxygen requirements. The primary endpoint was admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) or mortality. Kaplan–Meier and Cox hazards analyses were used. Of the 115 patients included, 38 received corticosteroids. Among requiring high‐flow, noninvasive ventilation (NIV) or fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) > 0.40, the hazard ratio (HR) for death or ICU admission, between the corticosteroids and non‐corticosteroids group, was 0.07 (95% CI 0.01–0.4), p = .002, and for patients requiring low‐flow oxygen, the HR was 0.70 (95% CI 0.13–3.8), p = .68. Significant differences were also observed when all patients were analyzed together. A significant reduction in mortality and ICU admission frequency was observed among patients requiring high‐flow oxygen or NIV, but not among those requiring low‐flow oxygen. Better targeting of COVID‐19 patients is needed for the beneficial use of corticosteroids.
Extending the vitamin D pathway to vitamin D3and CYP27A1 in periodontal ligament cells
Authors: Zhang Churen , Liu Kaining , Hou Jianxia
Published: October 2020

Background

In periodontal connective tissue cells, the vitamin D pathway has been elucidated, and vitamin D3in the main storage form, 25‐hydroxy vitamin D3(25[OH]D3), and the functional form, 1,25‐dihydroxy vitamin D3(1,25[OH]2D3), have been found to induce the expression of human cationic antimicrobial protein (hCAP‐18)/LL‐37. Moreover, synergistic effects between Toll‐like receptor agonists and 25(OH)D3have been reported. This research aimed at extending the vitamin D pathway to vitamin D3and CYP27A1 in human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) to further explore its function in periodontal inflammatory reaction.

Methods

Vitamin D3was used to stimulate hPDLCs in the presence or absence ofPorphyromonas gingivalislipopolysaccharide (Pg‐LPS). Conversely, CYP27A1 RNA interference was performed to further validate the findings. The mRNA expression of hCAP‐18 was determined with real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 (MCP‐1) and interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) were also detected. The cell supernatant levels of LL‐37 were detected with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Vitamin D3significantly enhanced the generation of hCAP‐18/LL‐37. A combination ofPg‐LPS and vitamin D3significantly promoted hCAP‐18/LL‐37 expression. When the expression of CYP27A1 was knocked down with RNA interference, the induction of hCAP‐18/LL‐37 expression was significantly inhibited. Therefore, the mRNA levels of MCP‐1 and IL‐8 in hPDLCs were significantly decreased through the vitamin D pathway.

Conclusion

The vitamin D pathway from vitamin D3to hCAP‐18/LL‐37 exists in hPDLCs, and CYP27A1 might be involved in periodontal immune defense.
Macrofossil evidence of alder (Alnus sp.) in Britain early in the Late Glacial Interstadial: implications for the northern cryptic refugia debate
Authors: Young D. S. , Green C. P. , Batchelor C. R. , Austin P. , Elias S. A. , Athersuch J. , Lincoln P.
Published: October 2020

Wood macrofossil remains of alder and willow/poplar have been recovered from a sediment sequence in the valley of the Turker Beck in the Vale of Mowbray, North Yorkshire. These remains have yielded radiocarbon dates early in the Devensian Late Glacial (14.7–14k cal a bp), equivalent to the early part of the Greenland Interstadial (GI‐1e) of the GRIP ice‐core record. These are the earliest dates recorded for the presence of alder in the Late Glacial in the British Isles. Associated biological remains have provided a palaeoenvironmental record for this early part of the Greenland Interstadial, generally indicative of open environments dominated by herbaceous taxa on both the wetland and dryland surfaces. However, stands of alder, birch and willow woodland were also present, and indicate the possibility that such tree species survived in cryptic refugia in Britain as elsewhere in northern Europe during the Last Glacial Maximum. The absence of alder pollen at Turker Beck, in a sequence in which its macrofossil remains are relatively abundant, lends support to the view that pollen can be a poor indicator of the presence of tree species in Late Glacial sequences in northern and western Europe.
In pursuit of happiness: Impact of the happiness level of a destination country on Chinese tourists' outbound travel choices
Authors: Huang Ziyao , Huang Sam , Yang Yang , Tang Ziyan , Yang Yutao , Zhou Yijun
Published: October 2020

This study examines the impact of the national happiness level of a country on Chinese tourists' travel choices using panel data of 113 countries from 2012 to 2017, controlling for other factors that contribute to Chinese outbound tourism. The results show that the happiness level of a destination country is positively and significantly associated with Chinese tourist arrivals in that country. Examination of the moderation effect reveals cultural distance plays an important role in the impact a destination's happiness level has on Chinese outbound tourism. The influence of a destination's happiness level decreases when the cultural distance increases.
Darcy Forchheimer electromagnetic stretched flow of carbon nanotubes over an inclined cylinder: Entropy optimization and quartic chemical reaction
Authors: Abbas Syed Zaheer , Nayak Manoj K. , Mabood Fazle , Dogonchi Abdul Sattar , Chu Yu‐Ming , Khan Waqar Azeem
Published: October 2020

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are characterized with exceptional electrical, thermal, mechanical, chemical, and optical properties (e.g., electrical conductivity, large specific surface area, high thermal conductivity, high hardness and stiffness, light weight, special electronic structure, high aspect ratio and chemical stability, and low specific gravity). Because of such outstanding properties, CNTs are being considered as prime candidate materials in multidisciplinary fields comprising of automotive, material science, aerospace, optical, electrical, biomedical, and energy conversion for nanoscale applications. In view of such advantages, electromagnetic influence on the Darcy Forchheimer flow of single‐walled CNT (SWCNT)/multi‐walled CNT (MWCNT) nanomaterials over an inclined‐extended cylinder subject to quartic chemical reactions has been explored in the present study to improve the performance of existing heat transfer systems. The heat transportation model is enriched with nonlinear thermal radiation, dissipation, and Ohmic heating. This article is more specific about improving the efficiency of thermal‐flow systems through entropy minimization. The dimensionless nonlinear PDEs are solved via Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg approach with shooting technique. The outcome of our investigation reveals that curvature parameter augments the flow field and rate of heat and mass transfer from the cylindrical and flat surfaces. Greater electromagnetic influence favors the flow and viscous drag of SWCNT/MWCNT‐water nanofluids and rate of heat transportation from the extended cylindrical surface. Augmented volume fraction of solid nanoparticles upsurges the entropy generation and Bejan numbers appreciably. The rate of heat transportation from the extended cylindrical surface for MWCNT nanofluid is greater than that of SWCNT nanofluid.
Deep neural network for water/fat separation: Supervised training, unsupervised training, and no training
Authors: Jafari Ramin , Spincemaille Pascal , Zhang Jinwei , Nguyen Thanh D. , Luo Xianfu , Cho Junghun , Margolis Daniel , Prince Martin R. , Wang Yi
Published: October 2020

Purpose

To use a deep neural network (DNN) for solving the optimization problem of water/fat separation and to compare supervised and unsupervised training.

Methods

The current ‐IDEAL algorithm for solving water/fat separation is dependent on initialization. Recently, DNN has been proposed to solve water/fat separation without the need for suitable initialization. However, this approach requires supervised training of DNN using the reference water/fat separation images. Here we propose 2 novel DNN water/fat separation methods: 1) unsupervised training of DNN (UTD) using the physical forward problem as the cost function during training, and 2) no training of DNN using physical cost and backpropagation to directly reconstruct a single dataset. The supervised training of DNN, unsupervised training of DNN, and no training of DNN methods were compared with the reference ‐IDEAL.

Results

All DNN methods generated consistent water/fat separation results that agreed well with ‐IDEAL under proper initialization.

Conclusion

The water/fat separation problem can be solved using unsupervised deep neural networks.
Multi‐band MR fingerprinting (MRF) ASL imaging using artificial‐neural‐network trained with high‐fidelity experimental data
Authors: Fan Hongli , Su Pan , Huang Judy , Liu Peiying , Lu Hanzhang
Published: October 2020

Purpose

We aim to leverage the power of deep‐learning with high‐fidelity training data to improve the reliability and processing speed of hemodynamic mapping with MR fingerprinting (MRF) arterial spin labeling (ASL).

Methods

A total of 15 healthy subjects were studied on a 3T MRI. Each subject underwent 10 runs of a multi‐band multi‐slice MRF‐ASL sequence for a total scan time of approximately 40 min. MRF‐ASL images were averaged across runs to yield a set of high‐fidelity data. Training of a fully connected artificial neural network (ANN) was then performed using these data. The results from ANN were compared to those of dictionary matching (DM), ANN trained with single‐run experimental data and with simulation data. Initial clinical performance of the technique was also demonstrated in a Moyamoya patient.

Results

The use of ANN reduced the processing time of MRF‐ASL data to 3.6 s, compared to DM of 3 h 12 min. Parametric values obtained with ANN and DM were strongly correlated (R2 between 0.84 and 0.96). Results obtained from high‐fidelity ANN were substantially more reliable compared to those from DM or single‐run ANN. Voxel‐wise coefficient of variation (CoV) of high‐fidelity ANN, DM, and single‐run ANN was 0.15 ± 0.08, 0.41 ± 0.20, 0.30 ± 0.16, respectively, for cerebral blood flow and 0.11 ± 0.06, 0.20 ± 0.19, 0.15 ± 0.10, respectively, for bolus arrival time. In vivo data trained ANN also outperformed ANN trained with simulation data. The superior performance afforded by ANN allowed more conspicuous depiction of hemodynamic abnormalities in Moyamoya patient.

Conclusion

Deep‐learning‐based parametric reconstruction improves the reliability of MRF‐ASL hemodynamic maps and reduces processing time.
Combining inhomogeneous magnetization transfer and multipoint Dixon acquisition: Potential utility and evaluation
Authors: Ercan Ece , Varma Gopal , Dimitrov Ivan E. , Xi Yin , Pinho Marco C. , Yu Fang F. , Zhang Shu , Wang Xinzeng , Madhuranthakam Ananth J. , Lenkinski Robert E. , Alsop David C. , Vinogradov Elena
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The recently introduced inhomogeneous magnetization transfer (ihMT) method has predominantly been applied for imaging the central nervous system. Future applications of ihMT, such as in peripheral nerves and muscles, will involve imaging in the vicinity of adipose tissues. This work aims to systematically investigate the partial volume effect of fat on the ihMT signal and to propose an efficient fat‐separation method that does not interfere with ihMT measurements.

Methods

First, the influence of fat on ihMT signal was studied using simulations. Next, the ihMT sequence was combined with a multi‐echo Dixon acquisition for fat separation. The sequence was tested in 9 healthy volunteers using a 3T human scanner. The ihMT ratio (ihMTR) values were calculated in regions of interest in the brain and the spinal cord using standard acquisition (no fat saturation), water‐only, in‐phase, and out‐of‐phase reconstructions. The values obtained were compared with a standard fat suppression method, spectral presaturation with inversion recovery.

Results

Simulations showed variations in the ihMTR values in the presence of fat, depending on the TEs used. The IhMTR values in the brain and spinal cord derived from the water‐only ihMT multi‐echo Dixon images were in good agreement with values from the unsuppressed sequence. The ihMT–spectral presaturation with inversion recovery combination resulted in 24%‐35% lower ihMTR values compared with the standard non‐fat‐suppressed acquisition.

Conclusion

The presence of fat within a voxel affects the ihMTR calculations. The IhMT multi‐echo Dixon method does not compromise the observable ihMT effect and can potentially be used to remove fat influence in ihMT.
Improved readability and functions needed for mHealth apps targeting patients with heart failure: An app store review
Authors: Dunn Lopez Karen , Chae Sena , Michele Girgis , Fraczkowski Dan , Habibi Pantea , Chattopadhyay Debaleena , Donevant Sara B.
Published: October 2020

To maintain their quality of life and avoid hospitalization and early mortality, patients with heart failure must recognize and respond to symptoms of exacerbation. A promising method for engaging patients in their self‐care is through mobile health applications (mHealth apps). However, for mHealth to have its greatest chance for improving patient outcomes, the app content must be readable, provide useful functions and be based in evidence. The study aimed to determine: (1) readability, (2) types of functions, and (3) linkage to authoritative sources of evidence for self‐care focused mHealth apps targeting heart failure patients that are available in the Apple and Google Play Stores. We systematically searched for mHealth apps targeting patients with heart failure in the Apple and Google Play Stores and applied selection criteria. Readability of randomly selected informational paragraphs were determined using Flesch–Kincaid grade level test tool in Microsoft Word. Ten mHealth apps met our criteria. Only one had a reading grade level at or below the recommended 6th grade reading level (average 9.35). The most common functions were tracking, clinical data feedback, and non‐data‐based reminders and alerts. Only three had statements that clearly linked the mHealth app content to trustworthy, evidence‐based sources. Only two had interoperability with the electronic health record and only one had a communication feature with clinicians. Future mHealth designs that are tailored to patients’ literacy level and have advanced functions may hold greater potential for improving patient outcomes.
Degradation of epoxy coatings cooperated with polyaniline nanowires in the outdoor environment
Authors: Gao Min , Wang Jixiao , Cong Chang , Ma Cuihua , Morshed Mainul , Wang Zhi
Published: October 2020

Polyaniline (PANI)/epoxy composite coatings, as heavy‐duty corrosion protection coatings, might have great promise applications in marine and industrial environments. The weak weather resistance of epoxy resins, especially under the sunlight, directly reduces the service life of the epoxy composites coatings. Herein, the degradation behaviors of epoxy coatings with and without PANI nanowires in the outdoor environment were investigated by the multiple techniques and methods. The cracks occurred on the coating surface were observed by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, and the density change of the methyl group in the coatings was characterized by Attenuated Total Reflectance‐Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy. In addition, the mechanical properties including adhesion, hardness, flexibility and impact resistance of the coating were tested. The corrosion protection performance of epoxy coatings cooperated with and without PANI nanowires was investigated by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy technique. A series of experimental results demonstrated that the degradation of the coating containing PANI nanowires was slowed down, which is attributed to that PANI nanowires served as the antioxidant and free radical scavenger in the epoxy coatings, and prolonged the service life of the epoxy resin.