bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From leaf to label: A robust automated workflow for stomata detection
Authors: Meeus Sofie , Van den Bulcke Jan , wyffels Francis
Published: August 2020

Plant leaf stomata are the gatekeepers of the atmosphere–plant interface and are essential building blocks of land surface models as they control transpiration and photosynthesis. Although more stomatal trait data are needed to significantly reduce the error in these model predictions, recording these traits is time‐consuming, and no standardized protocol is currently available. Some attempts were made to automate stomatal detection from photomicrographs; however, these approaches have the disadvantage of using classic image processing or targeting a narrow taxonomic entity which makes these technologies less robust and generalizable to other plant species. We propose an easy‐to‐use and adaptable workflow from leaf to label. A methodology for automatic stomata detection was developed using deep neural networks according to the state of the art and its applicability demonstrated across the phylogeny of the angiosperms.

We used a patch‐based approach for training/tuning three different deep learning architectures. For training, we used 431 micrographs taken from leaf prints made according to the nail polish method from herbarium specimens of 19 species. The best‐performing architecture was tested on 595 images of 16 additional species spread across the angiosperm phylogeny.

The nail polish method was successfully applied in 78% of the species sampled here. The VGG19 architecture slightly outperformed the basic shallow and deep architectures, with a confidence threshold equal to 0.7 resulting in an optimal trade‐off between precision and recall. Applying this threshold, the VGG19 architecture obtained an average F‐score of 0.87, 0.89, and 0.67 on the training, validation, and unseen test set, respectively. The average accuracy was very high (94%) for computed stomatal counts on unseen images of species used for training.

The leaf‐to‐label pipeline is an easy‐to‐use workflow for researchers of different areas of expertise interested in detecting stomata more efficiently. The described methodology was based on multiple species and well‐established methods so that it can serve as a reference for future work.
Linking behavioral thermoregulation, boldness, and individual state in male Carpetan rock lizards
Authors: Horváth Gergely , Jiménez‐Robles Octavio , Martín José , López Pilar , De la Riva Ignacio , Herczeg Gábor
Published: August 2020

Mechanisms affecting consistent interindividual behavioral variation (i.e., animal personality) are of wide scientific interest. In poikilotherms, ambient temperature is one of the most important environmental factors with a direct link to a variety of fitness‐related traits. Recent empirical evidence suggests that individual differences in boldness are linked to behavioral thermoregulation strategy in heliothermic species, as individuals are regularly exposed to predators during basking. Here, we tested for links between behavioral thermoregulation strategy, boldness, and individual state in adult males of the high‐mountain Carpetan rock lizard (Iberolacerta cyreni). Principal component analysis revealed the following latent links in our data: (i) a positive relationship of activity with relative limb length and color brightness (PC1, 23% variation explained), (ii) a negative relationship of thermoregulatory precision with parasite load and risk‐taking (PC2, 20.98% variation explained), and (iii) a negative relationship between preferred body temperature and relative limb length (PC3, 19.23% variation explained). We conclude that differences in boldness and behavioral thermoregulatory strategy could be explained by both stable and labile state variables. The moderate link between behavioral thermoregulatory strategy and risk‐taking personality in our system is plausibly the result of differences in reproductive state of individuals or variation in ecological conditions during the breeding season.
Water sources for red maple trees in a northern hardwood forest under a changing climate
Authors: Harrison Jamie L. , Blagden Megan , Green Mark B. , Salvucci Guido D. , Templer Pamela H.
Published: August 2020

Climate models project increased growing season air temperatures and decreased depth and duration of winter snowpack for the north‐eastern United States, leading to greater frequency of soil freeze/thaw cycles in winter over the next century. We utilized the Climate Change Across Seasons Experiment (CCASE) at Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest in New Hampshire to determine how projected changes in climate in this region affect the depth from which trees take up water, which to our knowledge has yet to be determined. We determined the stable isotopic composition of water in soils and branch xylem three times throughout the growing season to partition potential sources of water for red maple (Acer rubrum) trees. Using a Bayesian mixing model approach, we determined that all trees used similar water sources in the early (June) and mid (July) growing season. However, in the late growing season (August), trees exposed to ambient and warmer growing season soil temperatures took up more than 40% of their water from between 90‐ and 100‐cm soil depth, likely due to greater water availability at this depth. In contrast, those trees exposed to soil freeze/thaw cycles in winter utilized water from all depths (0–100 cm) evenly (8–10%), possibly due to soil freezing causing compensatory root growth in the following growing season, compared with trees in the reference and warmed plots. These results demonstrate that the projected changes in climate for the north‐eastern United States are likely to alter the depth from which trees access water, especially in the late growing season.
Cognitive test results are associated with mortality and rehospitalization in heart failure: Swedish prospective cohort study
Authors: Holm Hannes , Bachus Erasmus , Jujic Amra , Nilsson Erik D. , Wadström Benjamin , Molvin John , Minthon Lennart , Fedorowski Artur , Nägga Katarina , Magnusson Martin
Published: August 2020

Aims

We aimed to search for associations between cognitive test results with mortality and rehospitalization in a Swedish prospective heart failure (HF) patient cohort.

Methods and results

Two hundred and eighty‐one patients hospitalized for HF (mean age, 74 years; 32% women) were assessed using cognitive tests: Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), A Quick Test of Cognitive speed, Trail Making Test A, and Symbol Digit Modalities Test. The mean follow‐up time censored at rehospitalization or death was 13 months (interquartile range, 14) and 28 months (interquartile range, 29), respectively. Relations between cognitive test results, mortality, and rehospitalization risk were analysed using multivariable Cox regression model adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, smoking, educational level, New York Heart Association class, and prior cardiovascular disease. A total of 80 patients (29%) had signs of cognitive impairment (MoCA score < 23 points). In the fully adjusted Cox regression model using standardized values per 1 SD change of each cognitive test, lower score on MoCA [hazard ratio (HR), 0.75; confidence interval (CI), 0.60–0.95; P = 0.016] and Symbol Digit Modalities Test (HR, 0.66; CI, 0.48–0.90; P = 0.008) yielded significant associations with increased mortality. Rehospitalization risk (n = 173; 62%) was significantly associated with lower MoCA score (HR, 0.84; CI, 0.71–0.99; P = 0.033).

Conclusions

Two included cognitive tests were associated with mortality in hospitalized HF patients, independently of traditional risk factors. In addition, worse cognitive test scores on MoCA heralded increased risk of rehospitalization.
Survival following a concomitant aortic valve procedure during left ventricular assist device surgery: an ISHLT Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (IMACS) Registry analysis
Authors: Veenis Jesse F. , Yalcin Yunus C. , Brugts Jasper J. , Constantinescu Alina A. , Manintveld Olivier C. , Bekkers Jos A. , Bogers Ad J.J.C. , Caliskan Kadir
Published: August 2020

Aims

The aim of this study was to compare early‐ and late‐term survival and causes of death between patients with and without a concomitant aortic valve (AoV) procedure during continuous‐flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) surgery.

Methods and results

All adult primary continuous‐flow LVAD patients on the International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (IMACS) Registry (n = 15 267) were included in this analysis and stratified into patients submitted to a concomitant AoV procedure (AoV replacement or AoV repair) and patients without an AoV procedure. The primary outcome was early (≤90 days) survival post‐LVAD surgery. Secondary outcomes were late survival (survival during the entire follow‐up period) and conditional survival (in patients who survived the first 90 days post‐LVAD surgery), and determinants. Patients who underwent concomitant AoV replacement (n = 457) had significantly reduced late survival compared with patients with AoV repair (n = 328) or without an AoV procedure (n = 14 482) (56% vs. 61% and 62%, respectively; P = 0.001). After adjustment for other significant predictors, concomitant AoV replacement remained an independent predictor for early [hazard ratio (HR) 1.226, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.037–1.449] and late (HR 1.477, 95% CI 1.154–1.890) mortality. However, patients undergoing AoV replacement or repair, in whom the presence of moderate‐to‐severe AoV regurgitation was diagnosed prior to LVAD implantation, had survival similar to patients not undergoing AoV interventions.

Conclusions

Concomitant AoV surgery in patients undergoing LVAD implantation is an independent predictor of mortality. Additional research is needed to determine the best AoV surgical strategy at the time of LVAD surgery.
Photoelectroanalytical Oxygen Detection with Titanate Nanosheet – Platinum Hybrids Immobilised into a Polymer of Intrinsic Microporosity (PIM‐1)
Authors: Fan Bingbing , Zhao Yuanzhu , Putra Budi Riza , Harito Christian , Bavykin Dmitry , Walsh Frank C. , Carta Mariolino , Malpass‐Evans Richard , McKeown Neil B. , Marken Frank
Published: August 2020

The polymer of intrinsic microporosity PIM‐1 is employed to disperse and deposit a Pt@titanate nanosheet photocatalyst film. The resulting microporous films allow electrolyte and oxygen permeation to give conventional oxygen reduction voltammetric responses on glassy carbon or on platinum disk electrodes in the dark. Preliminary data are presented showing that with pulsed light from a blue LED (385 nm) oxygen reduction at the electrode is effectively “switched off”. A mechanism is tentatively assigned as photocatalytic depletion of oxygen near the electrode. Photoelectrochemical current responses are observed in aqueous NaOH, NaCl, Na2HPO4 and shown to be light intensity and oxygen concentration dependent. Electroanalytical applications are suggested.
Rapid Laser Processing of Thin Sr‐Doped LaCrO3–δ Interconnects for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Ishii Akihiro , Mu Shenglong , Meng Yuqing , Huang Hua , Lei Jincheng , Li Yanjun , Peng Fei , Xiao Hai , Tong Jianhua , Brinkman Kyle S.
Published: August 2020

Rapid laser reactive sintering (RLRS) is an additive manufacturing process which enables the quick and efficient fabrication of a wide range of ceramic‐based cells with various geometries and microstructures. Herein, the preparation of La0.8Sr0.2CrO3–δ interconnects by RLRS for solid‐oxide fuel/electrolysis cells (SOFC/ECs) is demonstrated. Uniform perovskite structure without residual intermediate phases can be achieved by CO2 laser irradiation at 103 W with a scanning speed of 0.07–0.10 mm s−1. Narrowing the width of the underlying MgO substrate and deposition of a terpineol‐based slurry with a solid loading level of less than 4 g m−2 are found to be critical parameters to avoid cracking and delamination. The optimum laser conditions balance Cr loss and densification of La0.8Sr0.2CrO3–δ resulting in an 11‐μm‐thick RLRS‐derived La0.8Sr0.2CrO3–δ film having a high relative density of 80–95% with a low area specific resistance (ASR) of 0.003 Ω cm2 at 600 °C. This ASR is more than 30 times lower than that of furnace‐sintered La0.8Sr0.2CrO3–δ in the same thickness range. The RLRS technique is promising for quick and efficient preparation of dense and thin La0.8Sr0.2CrO3–δ which are key components for highly compact SOFC/ECs.
Investigation of Transverse Relaxation Rate Distribution via Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Impact of Electrode Formation
Authors: Balbierer Roland , Seegert Philipp , Herberger Sabrina , Wetzel Thomas , Nirschl Hermann , Guthausen Gisela
Published: August 2020

The impact of electrode formation is studied by the spatially and time‐resolved distribution of transverse relaxation. In situ 7Li nuclear magnetic resonance experiments are performed on an experimental lithium‐ion battery cell to study the impact of electrode passivation via imaging and transverse relaxation in the interelectrode volume. The electrolyte in the battery, using technically relevant electrode material, i.e., graphite and lithium–nickel–cobalt–manganese–oxide, is studied by 2D magnetic resonance imaging. The electrolyte is 1 mol L−1 lithium hexafluorophosphate dissolved in a binary mixture of ethylene carbonate and dimethyl carbonate. 1D profiles are acquired and related to 7Li concentration during passivation and during a constant current/constant voltage cycle. The transverse relaxation rate R2(z,t) measured by multiecho profiles revealed changes within the electrolyte volume. The ongoing process changes the relaxation distribution. Indications for a defective electrode passivation are deduced from the data. During one charging cycle with constant current/constant voltage, the lithium concentration is measured spatially resolved, and the data are modeled by the Nernst–Planck equation.
Simultaneous autoregressive models for spatial extremes
Authors: Fix Miranda J. , Cooley Daniel S. , Thibaud Emeric
Published: August 2020

Motivated by the widespread use of large gridded data sets in the atmospheric sciences, we propose a new model for extremes of areal data that is inspired by the simultaneous autoregressive (SAR) model in classical spatial statistics. Our extreme SAR model extends recent work on transformed‐linear operations applied to regularly varying random vectors, and is unique among extremes models in being directly analogous to a classical linear model. An additional appeal is its simplicity; given a proximity matrix W, spatial dependence is described by a single parameter . We develop an estimation method that minimizes the discrepancy between the tail pairwise dependence matrix (TPDM) for the fitted model and the estimated TPDM. Applying this method to simulated data demonstrates that it is able to produce good estimates of extremal spatial dependence even in the case of model misspecification, and additionally produces reasonable estimates of uncertainty. We also apply the method to gridded precipitation observations for a study region over northeast Colorado, and find that a single‐parameter extreme SAR model paired with a neighborhood structure which accounts for longer range dependence effectively models spatial dependence in these data.
Preliminary report for Epilepsia Open A case of West syndrome with severe global developmental delay and confirmed KIF5A gene variant
Authors: Fukuoka Masataka , Okazaki Shin , Kim Kiyohiro , Nukui Megumi , Inoue Takeshi , Kuki Ichiro , Kawawaki Hisashi , Nakashima Mitsuko , Matsumoto Naomichi
Published: August 2020

Objective

Kinesin family member 5A (KIF5A) is a molecular motor protein responsible for intracellular transport, specifically in neurons. While abnormalities in the KIF5A gene have been reported in the onset of various neurological diseases, there are no studies demonstrating an association between this gene and West syndrome.

Methods

In the case presented here, epileptic spasms appeared at 7 months; electroencephalogram (EEG) investigation confirmed hypsarrhythmia, resulting in a diagnosis of West syndrome. The patient exhibited peculiar facies, hypotonia, failure to thrive, and severe global developmental delay.

Results

Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed severe delayed myelination. 123I‐iomazenil SPECT image at 7 months demonstrated decreased accumulation in bilateral areas, including the primary somatosensory and motor cortices, and the primary and association visual areas compared to an age‐matched control. Whole exome sequencing analysis demonstrated a novel de novo heterozygous missense variant in KIF5A, (NM_004984.4:c.710A>T: p. Glu237Val).

Significance

It was concluded that the KIF5A variant impaired the transport of GABAA receptors to the cell membrane surface, thus leading to an imbalance of these receptors between regions of the cerebrum and resulting in the onset of epilepsy.
Evaluation of collapse resistance of reinforced masonry wall systems by shake‐table tests
Authors: Cheng Jianyu , Koutras Andreas A. , Shing P. Benson
Published: August 2020

This paper presents a shake‐table test study to investigate the displacement capacity of shear‐dominated reinforced masonry wall systems and the influence of wall flanges and planar walls perpendicular to the direction of shaking (out‐of‐plane walls) on the seismic performance of a wall system. Two full‐scale, single‐story, fully grouted, reinforced masonry wall specimens were tested to the verge of collapse. Each specimen had two T‐walls as the seismic force‐resisting elements and a stiff roof diaphragm. The second specimen had six additional planar walls perpendicular to the direction of shaking. The two specimens reached maximum roof drift ratios of 17% and 13%, without collapsing. The high displacement capacities can be largely attributed to the presence of wall flanges and, for the second specimen, also the out‐of‐plane walls, which provided an alternative load path to carry the gravity load when the webs of the T‐walls had been severely damaged. The second specimen developed a higher lateral resistance than the first owing to the additional axial compression exerted on the T‐walls by the out‐of‐plane walls when the former rocked. The shear resistance of the T‐walls evaluated with the design code formula matches the test result well when this additional axial compression is taken into account. However, it must be understood that the beneficial influence of the wall flanges depends on the magnitude of the gravity load because of the P‐Δ effect and the severity of damage induced in the wall flanges when the wall system is subjected to bidirectional ground motions.
Modelling localized sources of sediment in mountain catchments for provenance studies
Authors: Battista Giulia , Schlunegger Fritz , Burlando Paolo , Molnar Peter
Published: August 2020

A hydrology–sediment modelling framework based on the model Topkapi‐ETH combined with basin geomorphic mapping is used to investigate the role of localized sediment sources in a mountain river basin (Kleine Emme, Switzerland). The periodic sediment mobilization from incised areas and landslides by hillslope runoff and river discharge is simulated in addition to overland flow erosion to quantify their contributions to suspended sediment fluxes. The framework simulates the suspended sediment load provenance at the outlet and its temporal dynamics, by routing fine sediment along topographically driven pathways from the distinct sediment sources to the outlet. We show that accounting for localized sediment sources substantially improves the modelling of observed sediment concentrations and loads at the outlet compared to overland flow erosion alone. We demonstrate that the modelled river basin can shift between channel‐process and hillslope‐process dominant behaviour depending on the model parameter describing gully competence on landslide surfaces. The simulations in which channel processes dominate were found to be more consistent with observations, and with two independent validations in the Kleine Emme, by topographic analysis of surface roughness and by sediment tracing with 10Be concentrations. This research shows that spatially explicit modelling can be used to infer the dominant sediment production process in a river basin, to inform and optimize sediment sampling strategies for denudation rate estimates, and in general to support sediment provenance studies. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Understanding historical coastal spit evolution: A case study from Spurn, East Yorkshire, UK
Authors: Bateman Mark D. , McHale Kaylee , Bayntun Helen J. , Williams Nick
Published: August 2020

Globally sandy coastlines are threatened by erosion driven by climatic changes and increased storminess. Understanding how they have responded to past storms is key to help manage future coastal changes. Coastal spits around the world are particularly dynamic and therefore potentially vulnerable coastal features. Therefore, how they have evolved over the last few centuries is of great importance. To illustrate this, this study focuses on the historical evolution of a spit at Spurn on the east coast of the UK, which currently provides critical protection to settlements within the Humber estuary. Through the combination of digitized historical mapping and luminescence dating, this study shows that Spurn has been a consistent coastal feature over at least the past 440 years. No significant westward migration was observed for the last 200 years. Results show a long‐term extension of the spit and a decrease in its overall area, particularly in the last 50 years. Breaches of the neck cause temporary sediment pathway changes enabling westward extension of the head. Use of digitized historical maps in GIS combined with OSL dating has allowed a more complete understanding of long‐term spit evolution and sediment transport modes at Spurn. In doing so it helps inform future possible changes linked to pressures, such as increases in storm events and sea‐level rise. © 2020 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Microwave‐assisted hydrodistillation of the essential oil from Algerian Pimpinella anisum seeds
Authors: Boumahdi Yamina , Moghrani Houria , Nasrallah Noureddine , Ouarek Salima , Maachi Rachida
Published: August 2020

Essential oils (EOs) from anise seeds (Pimpinella anisum) collected in the Algerian region were extracted by microwave‐assisted hydrodistillation (MAHD) and hydrodistillation (HD). The oil yield (%), chemical composition, energetic consumption and the antimicrobial properties were evaluated of the obtained EO. The yields obtained by both processes were 2.81 ± 0.01% for 90 minutes and 3.30 ± 0.05% for 330 minutes for MAHD and HD, respectively. The determination of the chemical composition of EOs by GC‐MS revealed the presence of a majority compound, trans‐anethole 81.52% and 91.31% for MAHD and HD, respectively. The other main compounds present in the oils for MAHD and HD were, respectively: methyl chavicol (estragole) (0.63%‐1.39%), cis‐anethole (0.23%‐0.34%), anisaldehyde (1.1%‐1.57%), anisyl methyl ketone (0.28%‐0.13%), trans‐methyl isoellgenol (0.31%‐0.17%), γ‐himachalene (0.5%‐0.36%), trans‐pseudoisoeugenyl 2‐methylbutyrate (6.53%‐2.53%) and epoxy‐pseudoisoeugenyl 2‐methylbutyrate (2.01%‐0.56%). The EO obtained by MAHD detected other compounds, fenchone 0.41%, limonene 0.68%, cis‐jasmolacatone extra C 0.41%, trans‐isolongifolanone 0.2% and α‐himachalene 0.16%. The energetic consumption by MAHD was significantly less than HD. Theoretical data from mathematical modelling were compared with practical data, and the coefficient of determination was between 0.93 and 0.97. The sensibility of bacterial strains to the essential oil obtained by MAHD is marked relatively to that obtained by HD, and for the sensibility of fungal strains, it was conserved. The MAHD process revealed a good yield of anise seeds EOs while reducing extraction time and energetic consumption. The EO extracted by this process revealed the presence of other compounds while improving antibacterial activity.
Mentoring Relates to Job Satisfaction for Fish Biologists: A Longitudinal Study of the USDA Forest Service
Authors: Penaluna Brooke E , Shively Dan , Roper Brett B , Cerveny Lee K , Witt Shelly , Rothlisberger John D
Published: August 2020

Mentoring has had a recent resurgence as the key to achieving both individual and organizational goals, especially as workforce diversification efforts have led to the hiring of new talent. Few studies have evaluated mentoring within an organization or examined changes in mentoring practices over time. We describe the role and status of mentoring for current fish biologists in the USDA Forest Service, including correlations between participation in mentoring and gender, race/ethnicity, career level, time in career, and job satisfaction based on a survey of agency employees (n = 136). Mentoring relates to a more than two-fold increase in job satisfaction. Neither gender, race/ethnicity, career length, nor position are reliable predictors of whether someone has a mentor, evidence that participation in mentoring is consistent across the workforce and, at least superficially, it is equitable. Respondents sought guidance from mentors regarding technical skills, program management, communication, and leadership. Fish biologists of color were more likely than others to look for mentoring to build self-confidence, address conflicts, and inform professional values and ethics. More early-career fish biologist respondents identify as women in 2019 compared to a 1984 assessment. Overall, our results suggest that mentoring plays an important and positive role in career development and job satisfaction for fish biologists in the USDA Forest Service.
Common and gender‐specific associations with cocaine use on gray matter volume: Data from the ENIGMA addiction working group
Authors: Rabin Rachel A. , Mackey Scott , Parvaz Muhammad A. , Cousijn Janna , Li Chiang‐shan , Pearlson Godfrey , Schmaal Lianne , Sinha Rajita , Stein Elliot , Veltman Dick , Thompson Paul M. , Conrod Patricia , Garavan Hugh , Alia‐Klein Nelly , Goldstein Rita Z.
Published: August 2020

Gray matter volume (GMV) in frontal cortical and limbic regions is susceptible to cocaine‐associated reductions in cocaine‐dependent individuals (CD) and is negatively associated with duration of cocaine use. Gender differences in CD individuals have been reported clinically and in the context of neural responses to cue‐induced craving and stress reactivity. The variability of GMV in select brain areas between men and women (e.g., limbic regions) underscores the importance of exploring interaction effects between gender and cocaine dependence on brain structure. Therefore, voxel‐based morphometry data derived from the ENIGMA Addiction Consortium were used to investigate potential gender differences in GMV in CD individuals compared to matched controls (CTL). T1‐weighted MRI scans and clinical data were pooled from seven sites yielding 420 gender‐ and age‐matched participants: CD men (CDM, n = 140); CD women (CDW, n = 70); control men (CTLM, n = 140); and control women (CTLW, n = 70). Differences in GMV were assessed using a 2 × 2 ANCOVA, and voxelwise whole‐brain linear regressions were conducted to explore relationships between GMV and duration of cocaine use. All analyses were corrected for age, total intracranial volume, and site. Diagnostic differences were predominantly found in frontal regions (CD < CTL). Interestingly, gender × diagnosis interactions in the left anterior insula and left lingual gyrus were also documented, driven by differences in women (CDW < CTLW). Further, lower right hippocampal GMV was associated with greater cocaine duration in CDM. Given the importance of the anterior insula to interoception and the hippocampus to learning contextual associations, results may point to gender‐specific mechanisms in cocaine addiction.
Visual stimuli induce serotonin release in occipital cortex: A simultaneous positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Hansen Hanne Demant , Lindberg Ulrich , Ozenne Brice , Fisher Patrick MacDonald , Johansen Annette , Svarer Claus , Keller Sune Høgild , Hansen Adam Espe , Knudsen Gitte Moos
Published: August 2020

Endogenous serotonin (5‐HT) release can be measured noninvasively using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in combination with certain serotonergic radiotracers. This allows us to investigate effects of pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions on brain 5‐HT levels in living humans. Here, we study the neural responses to a visual stimulus using simultaneous PET/MRI. In a cross‐over design, 11 healthy individuals were PET/MRI scanned with the 5‐HT1B receptor radioligand [11C]AZ10419369, which is sensitive to changes in endogenous 5‐HT. During the last part of the scan, participants either viewed autobiographical images with positive valence (n = 11) or kept their eyes closed (n = 7). The visual stimuli increased cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the occipital cortex, as measured with pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling. Simultaneously, we found decreased 5‐HT1B receptor binding in the occipital cortex (−3.6 ± 3.6%), indicating synaptic 5‐HT release. Using a linear regression model, we found that the change in 5‐HT1B receptor binding was significantly negatively associated with change in CBF in the occipital cortex (p = .004). For the first time, we here demonstrate how cerebral 5‐HT levels change in response to nonpharmacological stimuli in humans, as measured with PET. Our findings more directly support a link between 5‐HT signaling and visual processing and/or visual attention.
Predictive value of CD8/FOXP3 ratio combined with PD‐L1 expression for radiosensitivity in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx receiving definitive radiation therapy
Authors: Ono Takeharu , Azuma Koichi , Kawahara Akihiko , Kakuma Tatsuyuki , Sato Fumihiko , Akiba Jun , Tanaka Norimitsu , Abe Toshi , Chitose Shun‐ichi , Umeno Hirohito
Published: August 2020

Background

Little is known about immune‐related radiosensitivity in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx (SCC‐L) treated with radiation therapy (RT).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 91 patients with SCC‐L treated with RT or chemoradiation therapy and performed immunohistochemical examination to analyze PD‐L1 level on tumor cells, CD4+ tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), CD8+TIL, and FOXP3+TIL using pretreated biopsy specimens. The association between these immune‐related parameters and radiosensitivity was evaluated.

Results

Multivariate analyses showed that high CD8/FOXP3 ratio combined with negative PD‐L1 expression was an independent and significant favorable predictive factor for local control, compared with the other groups.

Conclusions

We showed that high CD8/FOXP3 ratio combined with negative PD‐L1 expression might be a useful biomarker of radiosensitivity in patients with SCC‐L receiving definitive RT. We propose that coassessment of CD8/FOXP3 ratio and PD‐L1 expression level in tumor cells can help predict potential radiosensitivity in patients with SCC‐L.
Patient reported outcomes in patients with head and neck cancer treated with concurrent chemoradiation with weekly versus bolus cisplatin
Authors: Arbab Mona , Chen Yu‐Hui , Criscitiello Shana , Glass Jason , Fugazzotto Jo Ann , Killoran Joseph H. , Hanna Glenn , Lorch Jochen , Haddad Robert I. , Margalit Danielle N. , Tishler Roy B. , Schoenfeld Jonathan D.
Published: August 2020

Background

Patient Reported Outcome (PRO) data comparing bolus (B‐CP) with weekly (W‐CP) cisplatin concurrent with radiation are lacking.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study comparing PRO among 99 patients with head and neck radiation, 26% who received concurrent B‐CP and 73% treated with W‐CP.

Results

W‐CP patients had a higher Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) (P = .004). There were no differences in median cisplatin dose, PROs, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) dependence or hospitalization between arms. Patients with a greater decline in their self‐reported dysphagia score were more often PEG dependent at the end of radiation therapy (P = .03). There was also a trend toward PEG dependence with a higher maximum dysphagia score and greater change in aspiration score (P = .06). The maximum decline in white cell count and absolute neutrophil count were greater in the W‐CP group (P = .04, P = .01).

Conclusion

Both B‐CP and W‐CP are well tolerated. PROs do not suggest a benefit to W‐CP.
Acute Hepatitis Is a Prominent Presentation of the Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children: A Single‐Center Report
Authors: Cantor Amanda , Miller Jonathan , Zachariah Philip , DaSilva Bernardo , Margolis Kara , Martinez Mercedes
Published: August 2020

Background and Aims

A newly recognized multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS‐C) has had a paradigm‐shifting effect on the perception of severe acute respiratory syndrome, coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) illness severity in children. We report the clinical and biochemical features of liver involvement, and the comorbidities that present with hepatitis, in a substantial cohort of patients.

Approach and Results

This is a retrospective cohort study of 44 patients with MIS‐C admitted at Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of New York‐Presbyterian during April and May 2020. We evaluated the number of patients who developed hepatitis and examined both demographics and inflammatory laboratory values to ascertain those that were at higher risk for liver involvement and more severe disease. Hepatitis was present in 19 subjects (43%) and was associated with more severe disease. Persons with hepatitis had significantly higher rates of shock at presentation (21.1% vs. 0%; P = 0.008), greater respiratory support requirement (42.1% vs. 12%; P = 0.005), and longer hospitalization times (median, 7 [interquartile range {IQR}, 5, 10] vs. 4 days [IQR, 3.5, 6.5]; P < 0.05). Patients with hepatitis also had significantly higher levels of ferritin (706.9 vs. 334.2 mg/mL; P < 0.01), interleukin‐6 (233.9 vs. 174.7 pg/mL; P < 0.05), troponin (83.0 vs. 28.5 ng/L; P < 0.05), and B‐type natriuretic peptide (7,424.5 vs. 3,209.5 pg/mL; P < 0.05). The single patient with liver failure also developed multiorgan failure requiring vasopressors, hemodialysis, and mechanical ventilation. All patients were discharged, though >50% had persistent hepatitis up to 1 month after discharge.

Conclusions

Hepatitis is common in children with MIS‐C and is associated with a more severe presentation and persistent elevation of liver function tests in many. Despite the positive outcomes reported here, close follow‐up is warranted given the limited knowledge of the long‐term impact of SARS‐CoV‐2 on the liver.
Deficiency of miR‐208a Exacerbates CCl4‐Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice by Activating Cell Death Pathways
Authors: Bala Shashi , Calenda Charles D. , Catalano Donna , Babuta Mrigya , Kodys Karen , Nasser Imad A. , Vidal Barbara , Szabo Gyongyi
Published: August 2020

Acute liver injury (ALI) is associated with multiple cellular events such as necrosis, apoptosis, oxidative stress and inflammation, which can lead to liver failure. In this study, we demonstrate a new role of microRNA (miR)‐208a in ALI. ALI was induced in wild‐type (WT) and miR‐208a knockout (KO) mice by CCl4administration. Increased alanine aminotransferase and decreased hepatic miR‐208a levels were found in WT mice after acute CCl4treatment. Histopathological evaluations revealed increased necrosis and decreased inflammation in miR‐208a KO compared with WT mice after CCl4treatment. CCl4treatment induced a higher alanine aminotransferase elevation and increased numbers of circulating extracellular vesicles (exosomes and microvesicles) in miR‐208a KO compared with WT mice. We found increased CCl4‐induced nuclear factor kappa B activation and tumor necrosis factor‐α induction and decreased monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 levels in miR‐208a KO compared with WT mice. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick‐end labeling assay indicated aggravated hepatic apoptosis and necrosis in CCl4‐treated miR‐208a KO compared with WT mice. CCl4treatment induced a greater increase in cleaved caspase‐8, p18, and caspase‐3 in miR‐208a KO compared with WT mice. p53 is involved in various cell death pathways, including necrosis and apoptosis. Ourin silicoanalysis revealed p53 as a predicted miR‐208a target, and we found enhanced p53 and cyclophilin D protein expressions in miR‐208a KO mice after CCl4treatment. Increased liver injury in miR‐208a KO mice was further associated with increased Bax (B cell lymphoma 2–associated X protein) and p21 expression. Ourin vitroresults indicated a role of miR‐208a in cell death. We found that CCl4‐induced cytotoxicity was partially rescued by miR‐208a overexpression in RAW macrophages. Altogether, our results revealed a role of miR‐208a in ALI in mice and suggest a role for miR‐208a in regulating cell death.
An open trial of the RECONNECT exercise program for NSW Police Officers with posttraumatic stress disorder or psychological injury
Authors: Rosenbaum Simon , Stierli Michael , McCullagh Steven , Newby Jill , Ward Philip B. , Harvey Samuel , Steel Zachary
Published: August 2020

Objective

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and psychological injuries are debilitating health problems facing police officers. There is increasing interest in the role of exercise as an intervention. We aimed to determine the preliminary effectiveness of the RECONNECT exercise program for NSW Police Officers experiencing PTSD or psychological injury.

Methods

An open trial was conducted between 2016 and 2017 across three NSW sites. RECONNECT consisted of twice weekly, supervised exercise sessions for three months. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, week 6 and week 12 (intervention completion) and included PTSD symptoms, depression, anxiety and stress, insomnia severity and alcohol use. Data were analysed using linear mixed models. Results: In total, n = 60 Officers were consecutively referred to the program (35% female, mean age 42.0 ± 8.9 years). The majority had a clinical diagnosis of PTSD (n = 48, 80%). A clinically significant reduction in PTSD (Cohen's d = 0.96), depression (d = 0.71), anxiety (d = 0.55) and stress (d = 0.69) symptoms was found from baseline to week 12. Drop‐out and lost to follow‐up was high. Higher baseline PTSD severity was associated with an increased likelihood to complete postintervention assessment.

Conclusions

RECONNECT appears to be effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD. Exercise may be an effective component of PTSD treatment.
Reducing inequities among adult female migrants at higher risk for drowning in Australia: The value of swimming and water safety programs
Authors: Willcox‐Pidgeon Stacey M. , Franklin Richard C. , Devine Sue , Leggat Peter A. , Scarr Justin
Published: August 2020

Issue addressed

Drowning is a global public health challenge with a need to ensure equity to drowning prevention information and interventions. In Australia, people born overseas are identified as being at greater risk of drowning. This paper presents findings from a community‐based qualitative evaluation of swimming and water safety (SWS) programs delivered to adults from migrant backgrounds in Sydney, Australia.

Methods

A qualitative study was conducted in November‐December 2019 among 35 female participants of SWS programs targeted to adult migrants. While offered to all SWS program participants, no males took part in the study. Focus groups and interviews were recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed using a deductive approach. The domains of enquiry were guided by the health belief model and the theory of planned behaviour.

Results

Study participants were ≥25 years, first generation and most had lived in Australia for ≥10 years. Most were nonswimmers and were fearful of water prior to the program. Key themes were: direct SWS program outcomes, health and well‐being; enablers and barriers to participation including: motivation, a program coordinator, fear and settlement priorities.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that in order to increase SWS participation among migrant communities, the broader determinants of health need to be considered. Culturally appropriate strategies are required to enable both men and women equal opportunities to access SWS programs.

So what

SWS programs provide multiple benefits for adult migrants; however, the impact on reducing inequities is limited, with broader multi‐strategic health promotion approaches and policies required for inclusion and sustainability.
Physician workforce planning and allocation model using agent‐based modeling: A case study in Thailand
Authors: Thongsukdee Phanumas , Weerawat Waressara
Published: August 2020

Objective

To address the physician workforce challenges in Thailand using Agent‐Based Modeling (ABM). Physician planning and allocating have been modeled with the life cycle framework starting from medical school intakes, residency training, and career retirement.

Method

This study proposes a systematic approach to physician planning and allocating which are modeled with a framework starting from medical school intakes, residency training, and career retirement.

Results

The ABM can estimate physician levels for provincial government hospitals (OPS‐MOPH) and other sectors. The model can demonstrate any geographical imbalance issues at the provincial level under the existing rural recruitment program implementation. Based on the ABM simulation result, although person per physician ratios reached the target of 1800:1 at the national level in 2019, Bangkok is the only province that reached the target. For other provinces, the ratio of OPS‐MOPH is far from the target. It will need 10 more years to reach the target, and a geographical imbalance will still exist. A solution of modified rural recruitment program with the limitation of hometown jobs has been proposed to reduce the geographical imbalance. With the proposed modified rural recruitment program, the model predicts that all provinces will reach the target in 2036.
Effect of front air attack angles on heat transfer coefficient of the cross‐flow of four flat tube
Authors: Eleiwi Muhammad Asmail , Zainal Omar Adil , Tahseen Tahseen Ahmad , Mustafa Ahmed Waheed
Published: August 2020

Heat transfer coefficients are studied experimentally for airflow over a four‐flat‐tube configuration with different inlet attack angles. The range of Re numbers was from 1668 to 3782. The heat fluxes are 13.2, 38.5, and 99.8 W/m2. In this paper, 45 samples of a flat tube with inlet airflow angles (30°, 45°, and 90°) are set up to investigate its thermal performance. The design of experimental approach was used to conduct the heat transfer parametric study by designing 45 experiments, analyzing the empirical model, and optimizing heat transfer. The response was modeled using a general factorial design model based on experimental data. From analysis of variance (ANOVA), we obtained significant coefficients by performing the 5% test of level of significance. The results indicated that both the Nu and Re numbers increase for all heat flux cases and these decrease with increasing the air attack. Also shown are that the Colburn j‐factor decreases with increase of air velocity. It was found that the ANOVA results are appropriate to the collected experimental data, as the R2 and R2‐adjusted statistics are found to be 92.61% and 90.97%, respectively, for Nu number. In a similar manner, for Colburn j‐factor, the R2 and R2‐adjusted statistic are 96.97% and 96.29%, respectively.
Influence of heat source on viscous dissipative hydromagnetic fluid flow in a permeable vertical channel subjected to time‐periodic boundary conditions
Authors: Gbadeyan J. A. , Bello F. A. J. , Adeosun A. T.
Published: August 2020

Unsteady heat‐generating natural convective viscous dissipative fluid flow through a permeable steady‐periodic vertical channel in the presence of heat source is studied. The coupled partial differential governing equations of the problem are simplified to obtain second‐order nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The resulting differential equations are solved using differential transform method to obtain approximate solutions for the momentum and energy equations. The impacts of pertinent parameters, such as heat source/sink (), Prandtl number (), viscous heating (), suction/injection (S), and Strouhal number (), on the velocity and temperature distributions in the periodic regime are illustrated using graphs and discussed. From the computational results, it is observed that an increase in the values of heat source/sink parameter () in the presence of viscous dissipation has significant influence on the flow and heat transfer. This study provides useful information in handling and processing the extraction of crude‐oil‐based slurries.
Exploration of heat transfer effect in a magnetohydrodynamics flow of a micropolar fluid between a porous and a nonporous disk
Authors: Prusty K. K. , Sahoo S. N. , Mishra S. R.
Published: August 2020

An analysis is carried out for the flow characteristics of a conducting micropolar fluid. The fluid was passed in between two parallel disks of infinite radii. The novelty of the study is to consider one of the disks as porous and the other one as nonporous, and the external magnetic field is applied along the transverse direction of the flow. The flow phenomena for the polar fluid characterized by the magnetic effect in conjunction with the temperature equation reduce to a set of coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations using the requisite transformations and nondimensionalization. An analytical approach such as the variation parameter method is employed to tackle the system efficiently. To emphasize the effect of various physical parameters contributing to the flow phenomena, that is, non‐zero tangential slip, Reynolds number, Prandtl number, magnetic parameter, and material parameter on the flow profiles of axial and radial velocities, the microrotation and temperature profiles are presented graphically. To validate the simulated results, a comparison with established results is made, and it is concluded that both are in good correlation.
LBM investigation of a Cu‐water nanofluid over various configurations of pipes in the mixed convection flow
Authors: Hosseini Abadshapoori Mehdi
Published: August 2020

Increasing the heat capacity of heat exchangers is a crucial need for modern devices. The thermal conductivity of the usual fluids and the Nusselt (Nu) number of flows containing such fluids are two bottlenecks in the way of increasing heat delivery in the heat exchangers. For this reason, nanofluids have been introduced. The effect of utilizing a Cu‐water nanofluid as a coolant of two hot pipes in a square cavity is investigated numerically with a two‐component lattice Boltzmann method. The volume fraction of nanoparticles is assumed to be constant (0.03) while the Richardson (Ri) number varies from 0.02 to 20. Results show that the effectiveness of nanoparticles is better observed in the natural convection mode. However, sedimentation is also very probable at high Ri numbers, which significantly reduces the effectiveness of the nanoparticles. Configurations which produce a natural convection stream similar to the forced convection one as well as the configurations with high spacing and hence, low heat stream interactions, are the best choices for a uniform heat rate from the pipes.