bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the biologically effective dose (BED) concept using a dynamic tumor simulation model
Authors: Dahlman Erik L. , Watanabe Yoichi
Published: May 2020

Purpose

To evaluate three different formulae for calculating the biologically effective dose (BED) by use of a multipopulation reaction–diffusion simulation to determine whether these formulae produce equivalent effects for different treatment regimes.

Methods

The standard BED formula, BEDs, was updated to account both for spacial nonuniformity in dose and for cellular regrowth between fractions, by creating two new formulae: BEDϕ and BEDϕT. These BED formulae were used to calculate dose per fraction values for two, three, and five fraction treatments and to compare the tumor volumes of those treatments to those of a single fraction. A spherical tumor model based on the reaction–diffusion equation was used to calculate the final volume of each tumor 185 days after the delivery of the first fraction. The percent difference in volume between single‐fraction and multiple‐fraction treatments was used as a measure to test the accuracy of each BED formula.

Results

Percent differences in volume between single‐ and multiple‐fraction treatment regimes varied up to approximately 18.5% if the dose per fraction was calculated using BEDs but the delivered dose was nonuniform. Proper application of spacial nonuniformity in dose and tumor regrowth correction factors modified the dose per fraction values by no more than 5%, but resulted in the improvement of simulated tumor volumes down to around 2% or lower difference in volume.

Conclusions

Treatment regimes with the same BED value should have the same effect. However, small changes in the dose per fraction delivered in multiple‐fraction treatments can have a large effect on the tumor volume of a treatment when the dose is delivered nonuniformly or when tumor regrowth between fractions is ignored. Inclusion of these correction factors is important for the underlying assumption that treatments with equal BED will have equal effects on the clinically observed tumor volume.
Measuring mentalizing: A comparison of scoring methods for the hinting task
Authors: Klein Hans S. , Springfield Cassi R. , Bass Emily , Ludwig Kelsey , Penn David L. , Harvey Philip D. , Pinkham Amy E.
Published: May 2020

Objective

The Social Cognition Psychometric Evaluation (SCOPE) study supported the utility and practicality of the Hinting task as a measure of social cognition/mentalizing in clinical trials, specifically with the SCOPE authors' stringent scoring system. However, it remains unclear whether the SCOPE scoring system is necessary for the task to be judged as psychometrically sound.

Method

Independent raters rescored data from the three phases of SCOPE using the Hinting task's original scoring criteria. Psychometric properties of the task when scored with the original criteria versus more stringent SCOPE criteria were compared in a large sample of individuals with chronic schizophrenia (n = 397) and matched controls (n = 300) as well as a smaller sample of individuals with early psychosis (n = 38) and controls (n = 39).

Results

In both samples, SCOPE criteria resulted in lowered average scores and reduced ceiling effects. Further, revised scoring resulted in strengthened relationships between the hinting task and outcome measures in the chronic sample, and better differentiated early psychosis patients from controls. Conversely, test‐retest reliability and internal consistency estimates were not improved using revised scoring and remained suboptimal, particularly for healthy controls.

Conclusion

Overall, SCOPE scoring criteria improved some psychometric properties and clinical utility, suggesting that these criteria should be considered for implementation.
Whole brain snapshot CEST at 3T using 3D‐EPI: Aiming for speed, volume, and homogeneity
Authors: Mueller Sebastian , Stirnberg Rüdiger , Akbey Suzan , Ehses Philipp , Scheffler Klaus , Stöcker Tony , Zaiss Moritz
Published: May 2020

Purpose

CEST MRI enables imaging of distributions of low‐concentrated metabolites as well as proteins and peptides and their alterations in diseases. CEST examinations often suffer from low spatial resolution, long acquisition times, and concomitant motion artifacts. This work aims to maximize both resolution and volume coverage with a 3D‐EPI snapshot CEST approach at 3T, allowing for fast and robust whole‐brain CEST MRI.

Methods

Resolution and temporal SNR of 3D‐EPI examinations with nonselective excitation were optimized at a clinical 3T MR scanner in five healthy subjects using a clinical head/neck coil. A CEST presaturation module for low power relayed nuclear Overhauser enhancement and amide proton transfer contrast was applied as an example. The suggested postprocessing included motion correction, dynamic B0correction, denoising, and B1correction and was compared to an established 3D‐gradient echo‐based sequence.

Results

CEST examinations were performed at 1.8 mm nominal isotropic resolution in 4.3 s per presaturation offset. In contrast to slab‐selective 3D or multislice approaches, the whole brain was covered. Repeated examinations at three different B1values took 13 minutes for 58 presaturation offsets with temporal SNR around 75. The resulting CEST effects revealed significant gray and white matter contrast and were of similar quality across the whole brain. Coefficient of variation across three healthy subjects was below 9%.

Conclusion

The suggested protocol enables whole brain coverage at 1.8 mm isotropic resolution and fast acquisition of 4.3 s per presaturation offset. For the fitted CEST amplitudes, high reproducibility was proven, increasing the opportunities of quantitative CEST investigations at 3T significantly.
MR fingerprinting for rapid simultaneous T1, T2, and T1ρ relaxation mapping of the human articular cartilage at 3T
Authors: Sharafi Azadeh , Zibetti Marcelo V. W. , Chang Gregory , Cloos Martijn , Regatte Ravinder R.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

To implement a novel technique for simultaneous, quantitative multiparametric mapping of the knee articular cartilage.

Methods

A novel MR fingerprinting pulse sequence is proposed and implemented for simultaneous measurements of proton density, T1, T2, and T1ρ relaxation times at 3T. The repeatability and reproducibility of the proposed technique were assessed in model phantoms. Institutional review board‐approved MR fingerprinting imaging sequence was performed on healthy volunteers and patients with mild knee osteoarthritis. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare healthy controls and patients. The intra‐ and intersubject repeatability were assessed with coefficient of variation and the RMS coefficient of variation, respectively

Results

The Bland‐Altman plots demonstrated an average difference of 4.67 ms, −0.09 ms, and 0.05 ms between 2 scans in the same scanner; and 9.68 ms, 0.29 ms, and −0.72 ms between the scans acquired on 2 different scanners for T1, T2, and T1ρ, respectively. The in vivo knee study showed excellent repeatability with RMS coefficient of variation less than 3%, 6%, and 5% for T1, T2, and T1ρ, respectively. The Wilcoxon test showed a significant difference between control and mild osteoarthritis patients for T1 (P = .04), T2 (P = .01), and T1ρ (P = .02) relaxation time in medial tibial cartilage, as well as for T2 relaxation time (P = .02) in medial femoral cartilage.

Conclusion

The proposed MRF sequence is fast and can simultaneously measure the T1, T2, T1ρ, and
maps in a single scan. It is able to discriminate between mild osteoarthritis patients and healthy volunteers.
Numerical modelling on water retention and permeability of compacted GMZ bentonite under free‐swelling conditions
Authors: Ni Hongyang , Liu Jiangfeng , Guo Jingna , Yang Diansen , Chen Yonggui
Published: May 2020

In this study, a solid–liquid–gas coupled equation was established to simulate water retention characteristics of highly compacted GMZ bentonite. Then, modelling results were compared with laboratory test results. Results indicate that GMZ bentonite has a strong moisture expansion (or a limit drying shrinkage) characteristic. The control equation can simulate the water absorption and deformation characteristics very well at high relative humidity (or low suction). Environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) observation reveals the course grain soil texture of the surface under low relative humidity (RH), while the surface of GMZ bentonite becomes smooth (more fine‐grained soil texture) as RH increases. Differences were found between the porosities calculated by macroexperiment results and microscopic observations with ESEM method. This is because only the interaggregate pores can be observed by ESEM photographs. Additionally, we find that the simulated effective porosities are close to the results calculated by microscopic tests, while the effective porosity is considered as the main flow channel of flow. Further, the intrinsic permeability, the effective water and gas permeability are calculated based on the proposed model. The modelling results coincide well with the laboratory experimental results and support the reliability of the proposed model.
An integer program for positive semidefinite zero forcing in graphs
Authors: Smith Logan A. , Mikesell Derek J. , Hicks Illya V.
Published: May 2020

Positive semidefinite (PSD) zero forcing is a dynamic graph process in which an initial subset of vertices are colored and may cause additional vertices to become colored through a set of color changing rules. Subsets which cause all other vertices to become colored are called PSD zero forcing sets; the PSD zero forcing number of a graph is the minimum cardinality attained by its PSD zero forcing sets. The PSD zero forcing number is of particular interest as it bounds solutions for the minimum rank and PSD min rank problems, both popular in linear algebra. This paper introduces blocking sets for PSD zero forcing sets which are used to formulate the first integer program (IP) for computing PSD zero forcing numbers of general graphs. It is shown that facets of the feasible region of this IP's linear relaxation correspond to zero forcing forts which induce connected subgraphs, but that identifying min cardinality connected forts is ‐hard in general. Auxiliary IPs used to find these blocking sets are also given, enabling the master IP to be solved via constraint generation. Experiments comparing the proposed methods and existing algorithms are provided demonstrating improved runtime performance, particularly so in dense and sparse graphs.
A Reevaluation of the Effects of State and ACA Dependent Coverage Mandates on Health Insurance Coverage
Authors: Barkowski Scott , McLaughlin Joanne Song , Ray Alex
Published: May 2020

We study state and federal health insurance coverage mandates for young adults. Despite consistent findings that the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) federal mandate was effective, research has disagreed on whether preexisting, state‐level mandates were successful in increasing coverage. We reconsider the issue with a new analytical perspective and newly available accurate data on state mandates. We show that the impact of the state mandates was substantive and concentrated among young adults between ages 19 and 23. Our estimates indicate that dependent coverage rose by 3.9 percentage points and overall coverage rose by 3.3 percentage points. Crowd‐out of coverage through young adults’ own jobs was negligible. For those above 23, we find little evidence of changes in coverage. We incorporate these insights into analysis of the ACA's mandate, showing its effects were focused among those who were not eligible for state mandates, or were eligible but older than 23. Our results suggest that eligibility restrictions played important roles in limiting the scope of the state mandates, but they can be practical and effective tools for policymakers looking to ensure or expand coverage for young adults in the face of uncertainty about the ACA.
Premature epiphyseal growth plate arrest after isotretinoin therapy for high‐risk neuroblastoma: A case series and review of the literature
Authors: Duvalyan Angela , Cha Angela , Goodarzian Fariba , Arkader Alexandre , Villablanca Judith G. , Marachelian Araz
Published: May 2020

Background

Vitamin A–derived retinoids have been reported to cause skeletal abnormalities ranging from hypercalcemia to premature epiphyseal closure. Isotretinoin is a retinoid used as standard therapy for high‐risk neuroblastoma and has been reported to cause premature epiphyseal growth plate arrest.

Procedure

We identified patients from the Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) database with high‐risk neuroblastoma diagnosed from 1991 to 2018 who experienced premature epiphyseal growth plate arrest and compared their characteristics to other patients with high‐risk neuroblastoma. We then performed a literature review of this complication. Data collection included diagnosis age of neuroblastoma, presentation age, agent of exposure, dose, exposure range, and skeletal deformity.

Results

Among 216 patients, high‐risk neuroblastoma was diagnosed before age of five years (n = 165), between ages of 5 and 10 years (n = 41), and after 10 years of age (n = 13). Three out of 216 patients developed premature epiphyseal growth arrest after isotretinoin exposure (overall incidence = 1.38%). The incidence of bony abnormalities was significantly higher in patients diagnosed in 5‐ to 10‐year age group than in other two groups (P = 0.014). Literature review identified eight additional patients with neuroblastoma who presented with retinoid associated skeletal abnormalities. The median range of isotretinoin exposure for these 11 patients was between 6.5 and 7.625 years (range, 2‐14) with no cases of isotretinoin therapy completion before age 5 years.

Conclusion

Bone toxicity associated with isotretinoin exposure is a concern. Growth plate arrest is a serious adverse effect that is attributable to isotretinoin therapy. Our findings suggest the prepubescent growth plate may be most at risk, and we recommend special attention to this population.
Measuring hydroxyurea adherence by pharmacy and laboratory data compared with video observation in children with sickle cell disease
Authors: Creary Susan , Chisolm Deena , Stanek Joseph , Neville Kathleen , Garg Uttam , Hankins Jane S. , O'Brien Sarah H.
Published: May 2020

Background

Hydroxyurea nonadherence is common among children with sickle cell disease (SCD), but it is unclear if current adherence measures are valid compared with video directly observed therapy (VDOT), a reference method. The objectives were to evaluate if hydroxyurea adherence by pharmacy records, urine assay, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and/or fetal hemoglobin (HbF) correlated with and was sensitive and specific compared with VDOT.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional analysis of adherence data from 34 children with SCD on a single‐arm, six‐month hydroxyurea adherence study. Spearman correlation coefficient compared participants’ adherence by pharmacy records, MCV, and HbF to adherence by VDOT. The sensitivity and specificity of ≥80% adherence by pharmacy records, two urine samples with hydroxyurea, MCV ≥100 fl/L, and HbF ≥20% compared with ≥80% VDOT adherence were also calculated.

Results

Median pharmacy and VDOT adherence rates were similar (87.8% vs 88.1%, P = 0.75) and mildly correlated (rs = 0.45; P = 0.008) but the sensitivity of ≥80% adherence by pharmacy records was 72.7% and specificity was 45.5%. MCV (rs = −0.02, P = 0.92) and HbF (rs = −0.2, P = 0.33) did not significantly correlate with VDOT adherence. Sensitivity and specificity were 83.3% and 33.3% for having two urine samples with hydroxyurea, 35% and 71.4% for MCV ≥100 fl/L, and 75% and 0% for HbF ≥20%, respectively.

Conclusions

Commonly used tools to measure hydroxyurea adherence may not correlate with or be valid compared with video adherence. Future studies to refine these measures are needed to effectively target adherence interventions to children with SCD who have the potential to benefit. (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02578017)
Tumor mutational burden and driver mutations: Characterizing the genomic landscape of pediatric brain tumors
Authors: Patel Roshal R. , Ramkissoon Shakti H. , Ross Jeffrey , Weintraub Lauren
Published: May 2020

Background

Tumor mutational burden (TMB) and driver mutations are potential biomarkers to guide targeted therapy selection. Malignant gliomas with high TMB in children may preferentially benefit from treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPIs). Higher TMB may relate to lower incidence of driver mutations, but this relationship has not been studied in pediatric brain tumors.

Procedure

Comprehensive genomic profiling was performed on 723 pediatric (≤21 years) brain tumor samples using DNA extracted from formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue. TMB was calculated as mutations per megabase and categorized as low (0‐6), intermediate (6‐20), or high (>20). Analysis included 80 clinically relevant driver mutations; genomic alterations known to confer a selective growth advantage.

Results

Of 723 brain tumors, TMB was low in 91.8%, intermediate in 6.1%, and high in 2.1%. In the high TMB cohort, 93% of tumors harbored a driver mutation; 70% and 63% in the intermediate and low TMB cohorts, respectively (P < 0.05). However, when excluding tumor suppressor genes, high TMB tumors had a decreased incidence of driver mutations (P < 0.001). BRAF alterations were not identified in high TMB tumors, but were enriched in low TMB tumors (P < 0.01). Conversely, there was an association between high TMB tumors and TP53 mutations (P < 10−13). Of the 15 tumors with high TMB, 14 were high‐grade gliomas and 13 had alterations in TP53. Three homozygous mismatch repair deletions identified were associated with a higher TMB (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Specific driver mutations appear to have a relationship with TMB. These represent populations in which ICPIs may be more or less effective.
Barriers and enablers to physical activity and aerobic fitness deficits among childhood cancer survivors
Authors: Mizrahi David , Wakefield Claire E. , Simar David , Ha Lauren , McBride James , Field Penelope , Cohn Richard J. , Fardell Joanna E.
Published: May 2020

Background

Physical activity and aerobic fitness are modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) after childhood cancer. How survivors engage in physical activity remains unclear, potentially increasing CVD risk. We assessed survivors’ physical activity levels, barriers and enablers, fitness, and identified predictors of fitness and physical activity stage of change.

Methods

Childhood cancer survivors (CCS; 8‐18 years old) ≥1 year post‐treatment were assessed for aerobic fitness (6‐min walk test), used to extrapolate VO2max, and body composition (InBody 570). Survivors self‐reported physical activity to determine stage of change (Patient‐Centered Assessment and Counselling for Exercise). Physical activity and fitness were compared with guidelines and CVD‐risk cut‐points (VO2max < 42 mL/kg/min: males; VO2max < 35 mL/kg/min: females). Multiple regression and mediator‐moderator analysis were used to identify fitness predictors and stage of change.

Results

One hundred two survivors (12.8 ± 3.3 years) participated (46% acute lymphoblastic leukaemia). Forty percent of males (VO2max = 43.3 ± 6.3 mL/kg/min) and 28% of females (VO2max = 36.5 ± 5.9 mL/kg/min) were in the CVD‐risk category, while 25% met physical activity guidelines. Most prevalent physical activity barriers were fatigue (52%), preferring television instead of exercise (38%), and lacking time (34%). Predictive factors for reduced fitness included being older, female, higher waist‐to‐height ratio, higher screen time, and moderated by lower physical activity (r2 = 0.91, P < .001). Survivors with higher physical activity stage of change were male, lower body fat percentage, lower screen time, and lived with both parents (r = 0.42, P = .003).

Conclusion

Aerobic fitness and physical activity of CCS is low compared with population norms, potentially increasing CVD risk. Addressing physical activity barriers and enablers, including reducing screen time, could promote regular physical activity, reducing CVD risk.
Phase II trial of gemcitabine and nab‐paclitaxel in patients with recurrent Ewing sarcoma: A report from the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation
Authors: Oesterheld Javier E. , Reed Damon R. , Setty Bhuvana A. , Isakoff Michael S. , Thompson Patrick , Yin Hong , Hayashi Masanori , Loeb David M. , Smith Tiffany , Makanji Rikesh , Fridley Brooke L. , Wagner Lars M.
Published: May 2020

Background

The combination of gemcitabine and docetaxel is often used to treat patients with recurrent sarcoma. Nab‐paclitaxel is a taxane modified to improve drug exposure and increase intratumoral accumulation and, in combination with gemcitabine, is standard therapy for pancreatic cancer. Applying the dosages and schedule used for pancreatic cancer, we performed a phase II trial to assess the response rate of gemcitabine and nab‐paclitaxel in patients with relapsed Ewing sarcoma.

Procedure

Using a Simon's two‐stage design to identify a response rate of ≥ 35%, patients received nab‐paclitaxel 125 mg/m2 followed by gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 i.v. on days 1, 8, and 15 of four‐week cycles. Immunohistochemical analysis of archival tissue was performed to identify possible biomarkers of response.

Results

Eleven patients from four institutions enrolled, with a median age of 22 years (range, 14‐27). Patients were heavily pretreated (median 3 prior regimens, range, 1‐7). Thirty‐five cycles were administered (median 2, range, 1‐8). Accrual was stopped after 11 patients, due to only one confirmed partial response. Two other patients had partial responses after two cycles, but withdrew because of adverse effects or progression before confirmation of continued response. The predominant toxicity was myelosuppression, and four (36%) patients were removed due to hematologic toxicity despite pegfilgrastim and dose reductions. Expression of secreted protein, acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) and CAV‐1 in archival tumors was not predictive of clinical benefit in this small cohort of patients.

Conclusions

In patients with heavily pretreated Ewing sarcoma, the confirmed response rate of 9% was similar to multi‐institutional studies of gemcitabine and docetaxel.
Whole‐body magnetic resonance imaging as surveillance for subsequent malignancies in preadolescent, adolescent, and young adult survivors of germline retinoblastoma: An update
Authors: Friedman Danielle Novetsky , Hsu Meier , Moskowitz Chaya S. , Francis Jasmine H. , Lis Eric , Fleischut Megan Harlan , Oeffinger Kevin C. , Walsh Michael , Tonorezos Emily S. , Sklar Charles A. , Abramson David H. , Dunkel Ira J.
Published: May 2020

Background

Germline retinoblastoma (Rb) survivors are at lifelong risk for developing subsequent malignancies (SMNs). Optimal surveillance modalities are needed to detect SMN at an early stage in this high‐risk cohort. We investigated the use of rapid whole‐body magnetic resonance imaging (WB‐MRI) as a noninvasive screening modality in this cohort.

Procedure

WB‐MRI was performed in asymptomatic preadolescent, adolescent, or young adult survivors of germline Rb from February 1, 2008 to December 31, 2018 at a tertiary cancer center. We calculated sensitivity and specificity of WB‐MRI and rate of false‐positive findings requiring additional evaluation.

Results

Overall, 110 WB‐MRI were performed in 47 germline Rb survivors (51% female; median age at initial WB‐MRI: 15.5 years [range 8‐25.3]). Patients received 1‐10 annual WB‐MRI examinations (median: two). Thirteen patients had an abnormal WB‐MRI; three findings were deemed to be likely benign and were not evaluated further. Ten patients required dedicated imaging and three required biopsy; two patients were diagnosed with localized high‐grade osteosarcoma, while the other eight had benign findings. One patient was diagnosed with secondary osteosarcoma 3 months after normal WB‐MRI. In total, there were 96 true negatives, 11 false positives, two true positives, and one false negative. The sensitivity of WB‐MRI in this cohort was 66.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 14.2‐96.0) and the specificity was 89.7% (95% CI, 83.6‐93.7).

Conclusions

Based on our 10‐year experience, surveillance WB‐MRI appears to have limited utility as a surveillance modality for SMN in germline Rb survivors. Alternate screening modalities should be investigated.
Brain tumors: Medulloblastoma, ATRT, ependymoma
Authors: Baliga Sujith , Gandola Lorenza , Timmermann Beate , Gail Horan , Padovani Laetitia , Janssens Geert O. , Yock Torunn I.
Published: May 2020

Children with medulloblastoma, atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT), and ependymoma are treated with a multidisciplinary approach including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Lower doses of craniospinal irradiation and tumor bed boost together with chemotherapy are the current standard of care for average‐risk medulloblastoma in the Children's Oncology Group (COG). The International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP) is examining the role of hyperfractionated craniospinal irradiation and chemotherapy in high‐risk patients. The recent stratification of medulloblastoma into specific molecular risk groups has prompted both COG and SIOP to reexamine the role of these modalities in these different risk groups to maximize cure rates and minimize long‐term complications. Proton therapy has shown lower rates of neurocognitive and endocrine complications compared with photons. Ependymomas are treated with maximal surgical resection and adjuvant radiation therapy. The role of chemotherapy in ependymoma is currently being studied in both COG and SIOP. Likewise, for ATRT the role of different high‐dose chemotherapy regimens together with local radiation therapy in infants, or craniospinal radiation in older children, is the current focus of research.
Fabrication and characterization of the thermoplastic and thermoset syntactic foam core‐based sandwich composites
Authors: Qi Changjian , Yu Qiyong , Zhao Yan
Published: May 2020

This study focuses on the preparation and characterization of two types of syntactic foams with the raw materials of hollow glass microspheres, polypropylene, and epoxy resin. The thermoset resin‐based and thermoplastic resin‐based syntactic foam slabs were produced and then used as the core material to fabricate thin‐layer sandwich composites. The carbon/epoxy composites were used as skins. The tensile properties and the fracture surface of the syntactic foams were observed. The bonding performance between the laminations and bending strength of the sandwich composites were investigated. The results show that both the thermoplastic resin‐based and thermosetting resin‐based syntactic foam slabs can be well bonded with the skins. The densities of the sandwich composites are 1.06 and 1.04 g/cm3, respectively. The sandwich composites have a good performance in bending resistance and the flexural strengths are 473.0 and 627.7 MPa, respectively.
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: Genetic and epigenetic mechanisms
Authors: Kaminen‐Ahola Nina
Published: May 2020

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are a consequence of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). The etiology of the complex FASD phenotype with growth deficit, birth defects, and neurodevelopmental impairments is under extensive research. Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the wide phenotype: chromosomal rearrangements, risk and protective alleles, environmental‐induced epigenetic alterations as well as gene‐environment interactions are all involved. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of PAE can provide tools for prevention or intervention of the alcohol‐induced developmental disorders in the future. By revealing the alcohol‐induced genetic and epigenetic alterations which associate with the variable FASD phenotypes, it is possible to identify biomarkers for the disorder. This would enable early diagnoses and personalized support for development of the affected child.
The affective lives of doubled‐up Latinx youth: Influences of school experiences, familism, and ethnic identity exploration
Authors: Aceves Lorena , Griffin Amanda M. , Sulkowski Michael L. , Martinez Griselda , Knapp Kyler S. , Bámaca‐Colbert Mayra Y. , Cleveland Hobart H.
Published: May 2020

Doubled‐up Latinx youth experience many daily challenges associated with ethnic minority status and residential instability. Doubled‐up youth share housing with noncustodial caregivers such as friends and/or extended family members primarily because of economic hardship and a breakdown in available parental support. Using data from baseline and 10 days of twice‐a‐day surveys, this study examined how in‐school positive experiences, familism (i.e., a perspective that gives precedence to the family), and ethnic identity (i.e., affirmation, exploration, and resolution) influence after school positive (e.g., feeling joyful/happy) and negative (e.g., feeling stressed/anxious) affect among doubled‐up Latinx youth (70% female; Mage = 16.5). Results indicate that in‐school positive experiences were associated with more after school positive affect and less after school negative affect. In addition, youth with higher levels of familism reported experiencing less after school negative affect. However, gender moderated the relation of ethnic identity exploration and experiences of after school positive affect. Specifically, females with higher levels of ethnic identity exploration reported relatively lower levels of after school positive affect compared with males. Overall, study findings highlight the importance of both person‐level and varying contextual influences on the affective lives of doubled‐up Latinx youth.
A snapshot of multicultural training in school psychology
Authors: Malone Celeste M. , Ishmail Kareem Z.
Published: May 2020

With the rapidly increasing racial and ethnic diversity of the school‐aged population, school psychologists must be properly trained to engage in culturally competent practice; however, little is known about how school psychology programs prepare their trainees to serve diverse populations. The purpose of this study was to update Rogers et al.'s study on multicultural training by examining the extent to which school psychology programs use multicultural training recommendations noted in the literature. Thirty‐eight school psychology program coordinators completed the Multicultural Environmental Inventory‐Revised (MEI) to assess their perceptions of their program's multicultural environment. Participants were also asked about their training in multicultural and diversity issues and how their program conducts multicultural training. Findings suggest that programs most frequently used the integration and separate course models for multicultural training along with clinical experiences serving diverse students. In addition, multicultural coursework was associated with higher scores on the MEI Curriculum and MEI Research subscales. With regard to program environment, the percentage of racial and ethnic minoritized (REM) students was positively correlated to the percentage of REM faculty and the number of required multicultural courses. However, programs lacked specific strategies to recruit and retain diverse students. Findings and implications for training programs are discussed.
Registration of ‘UA212ne’, a nectariless cotton cultivar
Authors: Bourland Fred M. , Jones Don C.
Published: May 2020

‘UA212ne’ (Reg. no. CV‐143, PI 692970) is a conventional, nectariless cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivar released by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station in September 2018. The cultivar represents an ongoing effort to develop improved genotypes having enhanced yield, yield components, earliness, host plant resistance, and fiber properties. The nectariless trait effectively reduces population densities of tarnished plant bug, the major insect pest in Arkansas cotton. UA212ne was compared with ‘DP 393’ and ‘UA48’ for 4 yr at four test sites in Arkansas. Across all test sites, lint yields of UA212ne was 8.4 and 13.6% higher than those of DP 393 and UA48, respectively, with higher relative yields on silt loam soils than on clay soils. In the 2016 Regional Breeders’ Network Test, UA212ne produced lint yields equal to the highest yielding line at each location. Yields of UA212ne were produced with highly efficient yield components, namely very high values of lint percentage, lint index, fibers per seed, and fiber density. Host plant resistance traits that have been measured on UA212ne include bacterial blight resistance, Verticillium wilt tolerance, and resistance to tarnished plant bug. This combination of host plant resistance and yield components should lead to more stable yield production across contrasting environments. Fiber quality of UA212ne exceeded that of DP 393 but was lower than UA48 and was similar to that of ‘UA222’.
Electrical Stimulation of the Motor Cortex or Paretic Muscles Improves Strength Production in Stroke Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Sun Jinping , Yan Fei , Liu Aili , Liu Tiaotiao , Wang He
Published: May 2020

Objective

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and functional electrical stimulation (FES) are two widely applied methods of electrical stimulation for motor recovery among stroke patients. This systematic review and meta‐analysis investigated the efficacy of tDCS and FES for strength production in stroke patients.

Type

Systematic review.

Literature Survey

Studies that explored the effects of tDCS or FES on the strength production of paralyzed muscles in stroke patients were retrieved on a comprehensive set of three databases: (1) Google Scholar, (2) PubMed, and (3) the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews until July 2019.

Methodology

Systematic study retrieval led to the inclusion of 15 studies that reported on strength production effects after tDCS and FES interventions among stoke patients. A sham control group and randomization were used in each study. The 15 studies included 20 comparisons with sham controls, 7 of which involved tDCS and 13 of which involved FES.

Synthesis

Random‐effects models showed that strength production was improved after tDCS (effect size [ES] = 0.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.35‐0.69, P < .001, Z = 6.05) and FES (ES = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.16‐0.78, P < .003, Z = 2.99). Additionally, tDCS was shown to improve strength production in the acute (ES = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.24‐0.80, P < .001, Z = 3.65), subacute (ES = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.37‐1.32, P < .001, Z = 3.51), but not chronic (ES = 0.06, 95% CI = ‐0.47‐0.60, P = .82, Z = 0.23) phases of stroke recovery. Out of the 13 studies involving FES, 12 investigated strength production in the chronic phase and one investigated in the acute phase, showing a positive effect in these two stages.

Conclusions

The results of the meta‐analysis showed that tDCS and FES successfully improved strength production in stroke patients.
Cross‐Sectional Investigation of Multihigh‐Energy Proton‐Implanted Single Crystalline Diamond
Authors: Gong Jintao , Ansari Kambiz , Jin Huining , van Kan Jeroen Anton
Published: May 2020

Comprehending the implantation‐related characteristic quantities of multihigh‐energy proton irradiation of diamond is of significant technological interest for sensing applications, fabrication of 3D photonic crystals, and color centers (e.g., NV− center)‐based quantum computing. Herein, proton‐projected ranges and defect distributions in the (010) plane (Y‐normal plane) of microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD)‐grown diamond irradiated with 0.5–2.0 MeV proton (H+ or molecular ions) in a nonchanneling (near [001], Z‐axis) direction, are experimentally measured via cross‐sectional optical microscopy and high‐resolution confocal Raman spectroscopy mapping. It is found that the projected ranges of the experimental findings and the simulation results indicate good consistencies, whereas there is considerable disagreement between them in regards to longitudinal straggling and lateral straggling. Based on the comparisons and analyses, a clear view of protons implanted in single crystalline diamond in the high‐energy range theoretically and experimentally is obtained.
Bronchogenic cysts mimicking thymoma in the anterior mediastinum
Authors: Lee Jonggeun , Chang Jee Won
Published: May 2020

Bronchogenic cysts are commonly located in the middle mediastinal compartment as fluid‐filled cysts and thymoma is one of the most common neoplasms in the anterior mediastinum in adult cases. For two cases of asymptomatic, incidentally discovered anterior mediastinal soft tissue mass in adults, we planned to perform complete thymectomy with minimally invasive techniques based on the guidelines of International Thymic Malignancy Interest Group. Their pathological finding revealed cystic lesions lined by ciliated epithelium and this supported the diagnosis of bronchogenic cyst rather than thymic neoplasm. We report the two cases of resected bronchogenic cysts which were in the unusual location of anterior mediastinum with uncommon radiological feature.
Visual model‐predictive localization for computationally efficient autonomous racing of a 72‐g drone
Authors: Li Shuo , van der Horst Erik , Duernay Philipp , De Wagter Christophe , de Croon Guido C. H. E.
Published: May 2020

Drone racing is becoming a popular e‐sport all over the world, and beating the best human drone race pilots has quickly become a new major challenge for artificial intelligence and robotics. In this paper, we propose a novel sensor fusion method called visual model‐predictive localization (VML). Within a small time window, VML approximates the error between the model prediction position and the visual measurements as a linear function. Once the parameters of the function are estimated by the RANSAC algorithm, this error model can be used to compensate the prediction in the future. In this way, outliers can be handled efficiently and the vision delay can also be compensated efficiently. Theoretical analysis and simulation results show the clear advantage compared with Kalman filtering when dealing with the occasional large outliers and vision delays that occur in fast drone racing. Flight tests are performed on a tiny racing quadrotor named “Trashcan,” which was equipped with a Jevois smart camera for a total of 72 g. An average speed of 2 m/s is achieved while the maximum speed is 2.6 m/s. To the best of our knowledge, this flying platform is currently the smallest autonomous racing drone in the world, while still being one of the fastest autonomous racing drones.
Magnetron Sputtered SnO2 Constituting Double Electron Transport Layers for Efficient PbS Quantum Dot Solar Cells
Authors: Li Yong , Yang Fan , Wang Yongjie , Shi Guozheng , Maung Yin Maung , Yuan Jianyu , Huang Shujuan , Ma Wanli
Published: May 2020

Herein, for the first time, it is successfully demonstrated that radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtered SnO2 can be a qualified alternative electron transport layer (ETL) for a high‐efficiency PbS quantum dot (QD) solar cell. The highest performing device using such a SnO2 ETL obtains an efficiency of 8.4%, which is comparable to the sol–gel ZnO‐based one (8.8%). The excellent performance mainly results from the improved current density, which is attributed to the superior properties of the SnO2 ETL, such as high electron mobility and excellent optical transmittance. However, it is also found that the sputtered SnO2‐based devices show smaller voltage and fill factor due to the unsatisfied surface morphology and energy level alignment. By combining a thin (around 10 nm) sol–gel ZnO film on top of a sputtered SnO2 film to form the double ETL, the best efficiency of 10.1% is obtained, which is the highest efficiency using SnO2 ETL in a PbS QD solar cell. The work not only provides a new avenue to improve the efficiency of PbS QD solar cells but also offers the possibility to use an industry compatible sputtering technique for PbS QD solar cells.
Fatigue Strength and Fracture Mechanisms in the Very‐High‐Cycle‐Fatigue Regime of Automotive Steels
Authors: Sadek Mohamed , Bergström Jens , Hallbäck Nils , Burman Christer , Elvira Roberto , Escauriaza Borja
Published: May 2020

Very‐high‐cycle‐fatigue (VHCF) strength properties are of interest to several technical applications assessed globally at different laboratories with long‐life fatigue testing capabilities. Also, VHCF failure mechanisms are a scientific topic with remaining open research questions. Herein, three automotive bar grade steels are studied with respect to VHCF strength and initiation mechanisms. A microalloyed ferritic–pearlitic steel (38MnSiV5, 870 MPa tensile strength), a quenched and tempered martensitic steel (50CrV4, 1410 MPa tensile strength), and a carburizing steel (16MnCr5, 1180 MPa core structure tensile strength) are studied to reveal characteristics regarding initiation and VHCF failure mechanisms. A 20 kHz ultrasonic fatigue testing instrument is used to obtain fatigue lives up to and above 109 load cycles in uniaxial loading. Hour‐glass specimens, smooth or notched, are tested at R = −1 and R = 0.1. Fatigue strength and stress life (SN)‐diagram data are achieved, and crack initiation and growth mechanisms are studied using primarily field‐emission gun–scanning electron microscopy (FEG–SEM). Fatigue strengths are explained by a modified life‐dependent Murakami‐expression, the Haigh diagram, and notch sensitivity. Interior and surface crack initiations by surface defects, triple points, and inclusions are found. The fine granular area (FGA) to fish‐eye crack growth transition conditions are explored and schematic descriptions are given.
Unraveling the Effect of Deformation Temperature on the Mechanical Behavior and Transformation‐Induced Plasticity of the SUS304L Stainless Steel
Authors: Zergani Aqil , Mirzadeh Hamed , Mahmudi Reza
Published: May 2020

The behavior of the SUS304L metastable austenitic stainless steel during deformation above and below Md temperature is systematically studied. At temperatures higher than Md, linear temperature‐dependent relationships are observed for tensile strength and elongation; whereas below Md, a sharp increase in these parameters is identified. A pronounced transformation‐induced plasticity (TRIP) effect is observed when the amount of martensite in the necked region becomes significant, resulting in a maximum point in the work‐hardening plot and enhancement of strength–ductility balance.
Structural behavior of ultra‐high performance (fiber‐reinforced) concrete compression struts subjected to transverse tension and cracking
Authors: Leutbecher Torsten
Published: May 2020

Struts and stress fields with transverse tension and cracks parallel to the direction of compression lead to a reduction of compressive strength in reinforced concrete structures. Biaxial tests on fine‐grained ultra‐high performance concrete (UHPC) and ultra‐high performance fiber‐reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) panels additionally reinforced with steel bars show that this reduction in compressive strength is already pronounced even with small transverse tensile strain and crack widths, but stabilizes for larger tensile strain. A reduction could also be observed with regard to compressive stiffness of the struts, which behave quasi‐linear under compressive loading. Basically, the UHPFRC panels show less reduction in strength and stiffness than the UHPC panels. Compared with the results obtained from the tests on normal‐strength reinforced concrete panels and fiber‐reinforced concrete panels, the reduction of compressive strength is only little larger for UHP(FR)C. Based on the test results, a proposal for modeling the stress–strain behavior of UHP(FR)C in compression–tension stress state is provided.
Linear‐Weingarten membranes with funicular boundaries
Authors: Tellier Xavier , Douthe Cyril , Hauswirth Laurent , Baverel Olivier
Published: May 2020

Designing a curved architectural envelope is a challenging task, as it requires a balance between structural efficiency, fabricability, and architectural requirements. In this article, we introduce a new conceptual design tool: Linear‐Weingarten membranes, with boundaries either simply supported or realized as funicular cables or arches. We present a generation method for these surfaces, with a focus on how to treat free funicular boundaries. The method uses a surface discretization by triangular meshes, and computes a shape iteratively by a combination of dynamic relaxation and guided projections. The method can be used to generate the shape of self‐stressed membranes, funicular vaults, and gridshells. For gridshells, the method allows to find geometries that combine mechanical performance and ease of fabrication. For membranes, the method allows for an exploration of a rich design space, with very limited preprocessing work required for the designer: it is hence well suited as a conceptual design tool.
Durability of organic coated reinforced magnesium oxychloride cement concrete
Authors: Wang Penghui , Qiao Hongxia , Li Yuanke , Chen Kefan , Feng Qiong , Nian Tengfei
Published: May 2020

Zinc‐rich coating as a sacrificial anode provides cathodic protection for steel bars, so it can provide protection only for the steel bars for a certain period of time, and fundamentally cannot solve the problem of steel bar corrosion in magnesium oxychloride cement concrete (MOCC). However, the organic coating protects the steel by its own shielding. Therefore, organic coated reinforced MOCC (ORMOCC) is more adaptable in western saline soil and salt lake areas. ORMOCC's durability degradation process includes four aspects, but its durability degradation model under those four factors has not been studied. Therefore, combined with the environment of western salt lakes and saline soil, the solution immersion test was performed on ORMOCC, and the durability degradation of steel bars was studied with electrochemical tests. The degradation durability of organic coatings was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Crack formation and the mass loss of MOCC were studied by ultrasonic and quality tests, taking the four corresponding parameters as degradation indicators. Based on the four‐dimensional Copula function, the degradation model of ORMOCC under four degradation factors was established. The results showed that the four‐dimensional Copula function can describe the durability degradation process of ORMOCC under the influence of the four factors well, and it reaches the damage state at approximately 12,450 days.
Plasma proteomic signatures predict dementia and cognitive impairment
Authors: Tanaka Toshiko , Lavery Robert , Varma Vijay , Fantoni Giovanna , Colpo Marco , Thambisetty Madhav , Candia Julian , Resnick Susan M. , Bennett David A. , Biancotto Angelique , Bandinelli Stefania , Ferrucci Luigi
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Biomarker discovery of dementia and cognitive impairment is important to gather insight into mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of these conditions.

Methods

In 997 adults from the InCHIANTI study, we assessed the association of 1301 plasma proteins with dementia and cognitive impairment. Validation was conducted in two Alzheimer's disease (AD) case‐control studies as well as endophenotypes of AD including cognitive decline, brain amyloid burden, and brain volume.

Results

We identified four risk proteins that were significantly associated with increased odds (peptidase inhibitor 3 (PI3), trefoil factor 3 (TFF3), pregnancy associated plasma protein A (PAPPA), agouti‐related peptide (AGRP)) and two protective proteins (myostatin (MSTN), integrin aVb5 (ITGAV/ITGB5)) with decreased odds of baseline cognitive impairment or dementia. Of these, four proteins (MSTN, PI3, TFF3, PAPPA) were associated cognitive decline in subjects that were cognitively normal at baseline. ITGAV/ITGB5 was associated with lower brain amyloid burden, MSTN and ITGAV/ITGB5 were associated with larger brain volume and slower brain atrophy, and PI3, PAPPA, and AGRP were associated with smaller brain volume and/or faster brain atrophy.

Discussion

These proteins may be useful as non‐invasive biomarkers of dementia and cognitive impairment.