bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
31P‐MRS of the healthy human brain at 7 T detects multiple hexose derivatives of uridine diphosphate glucose
Authors: Ren Jimin , Malloy Craig R. , Sherry A. Dean
Published: March 2021

Nucleotide sugars are required for the synthesis of glycoproteins and glycolipids, which play crucial roles in many cellular functions such as cell communication and immune responses. Uridine diphosphate‐glucose (UDP‐Glc) was previously believed to be the only nucleotide sugar detectable in brain by 31P‐MRS. Using spectra of high SNR and high resolution acquired at 7 T, we showed that multiple nucleotide sugars are coexistent in brain and can be measured simultaneously. In addition to UDP‐Glc, these also include UDP‐galactose (UDP‐Gal), ‐N‐acetyl‐glucosamine (UDP‐GlcNAc) and ‐N‐acetyl‐galactosamine (UDP‐GalNAc), collectively denoted as UDP(G). Coexistence of these UDP(G) species is evident from a quartet‐like multiplet at −9.8 ppm (M−9.8), which is a common feature seen across a wide age range (24–64 years). Lineshape fitting of M−9.8 allows an evaluation of all four UDP(G) components, which further aids in analysis of a mixed signal at −8.2 ppm (M−8.2) for deconvolution of NAD+ and NADH. For a group of seven young healthy volunteers, the concentrations of UDP(G) species were 0.04 ± 0.01 mM for UDP‐Gal, 0.07 ± 0.03 mM for UDP‐Glc, 0.06 ± 0.02 mM for UDP‐GalNAc and 0.08 ± 0.03 mM for UDP‐GlcNA, in reference to ATP (2.8 mM). The combined concentration of all UDP(G) species (average 0.26 ± 0.06 mM) was similar to the pooled concentration of NAD+ and NADH (average 0.27 ± 0.06 mM, with a NAD+/NADH ratio of 6.7 ± 2.1), but slightly lower than previously found in an older cohort (0.31 mM). The in vivo NMR analysis of UDP‐sugar composition is consistent with those from tissue extracts by other modalities in the literature. Given that glycosylation is dependent on the availability of nucleotide sugars, assaying multiple nucleotide sugars may provide valuable insights into potential aberrant glycosylation, which has been implicated in certain diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's disease.
Use of the peanut ball during labour: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ahmadpour Parivash , Mohammad‐Alizadeh‐Charandabi Sakineh , Doosti Rana , Mirghafourvand Mojgan
Published: March 2021

Aim

This study aimed to determine effectiveness of peanut ball on the duration of the stages of labour and frequency of caesarean section.

Design

A systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Method

A comprehensive electronic search was carried out with no time limit until December 2020. Collected data were analysed using software RevMan‐ version 5.3. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2, T2, and 2. GRADE approach was used to assess the certainty of evidence.

Results

The meta‐analysis on six clinical trials with 645 participants showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups in caesarean surgery rate (RR = 0.82) and length of the first (MD = −15.64).

Conclusions

Therefore, further clinical trials with stronger evidence should be carried out to assess the effectiveness of peanut ball on caesarean surgery rate and length of first and second stages of labour.
The role of circadian rhythm stability and amplitude in musculoskeletal disorder prevalence and work–family conflict
Authors: Bagheri Hosseinabadi Majid , Khanjani Narges , Biganeh Jamal , Ebrahimi Mohammad Hossein , Pourhashemi Erfan , Roudi Elnaz , Avarseji Akram
Published: March 2021

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the effect of circadian rhythm stability and amplitude on musculoskeletal disorder prevalence and work–family conflict among nurses.

Design

This cross‐sectional study was conducted on 386 nurses working in three hospitals, in Shahroud, Iran.

Method

The data were collected using the Circadian Rhythm Inventory, Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders, and Carlson Work‐Family Conflict questionnaires.

Results

The highest prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was reported in the lower back (68.4%), upper back (65.5%) and shoulders (53.6%), respectively. No significant relation was found between circadian rhythm stability and amplitude, and musculoskeletal disorders prevalence. The nurses who could not overcome drowsiness reported more Work Interference with Family (WIF), Family Interference with Work (FIW) (time‐based) and FIW (strain‐based) compared to the nurses who overcame drowsiness. In addition, the appropriate nurses for shift work experienced less WIF, FIW (behavioural‐based) and WIF (strain‐based) compared to the nurses who could not work overtime or at night.
Neuropsin‐dependent and ‐independent behavioral tagging
Authors: Suzuki Yuka , Yoda Yuya , Ishikawa Yasuyuki
Published: March 2021

Aim

The consolidation of short‐term memories into long‐term memories is promoted by associations with novel environmental stimuli. This phenomenon is known as behavioral tagging. Neuropsin, a plasticity‐related serine protease in the hippocampus and amygdala, is involved in memory formation. This study investigated how neuropsin affects associative long‐term memory.

Methods

Short‐term and long‐term memory were assessed in control and neuropsin‐deficient mice by investigating their performance in inhibitory avoidance and spatial object recognition tasks. The effect of exposure to novelty on the conversion of short‐term memory to associative long‐term memory was also examined.

Results

The consolidation of task‐related short‐term memories into long‐term memories was facilitated by exposing the animals to a novel environment 1 hour before training. However, this long‐term memory conversion was impaired in neuropsin‐deficient mice performing the inhibitory avoidance task but not the spatial object recognition task.

Conclusion

Behavioral tagging occurs via neuropsin‐dependent and neuropsin‐independent processes for different behavioral tasks.
Pneumococcal vaccination during chemotherapy in children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Dorval Sarah , Gantt Soren , Leclerc Jean‐Marie , Laverdière Caroline , Ovetchkine Philippe , Tapiéro Bruce
Published: March 2021

Background

Children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are at high risk of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). We assessed immunity to S. pneumoniae among children after ALL treatment, and the impact of pneumococcal immunization during and after chemotherapy.

Methods

We performed an observational retrospective study of children treated for ALL at a single center. All children were fully immunized with three routine doses of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) prior to ALL diagnosis. Children from Group 1 received a 13‐valent PCV (PCV13) dose during the maintenance phase as well as a PCV13 booster after completing chemotherapy, while Group 2 only received the postchemotherapy dose. Serologic testing was performed after chemotherapy and again after the postchemotherapy dose. A serotype‐specific antibody level ≥0.35 μg/ml was considered protective, and patients with protective levels for ≥70% of serotypes in the PCV7 vaccine were defined as seroprotected.

Results

A total of 71 children (median age 46 months, range 12–160) were included. At the end of chemotherapy, 53.1% of children in Group 1 (17/32) and 25.6% in Group 2 (10/39) were seroprotected (p = .018). After the postchemotherapy booster, seroprotection rates increased to 96.9% in Group 1 (31/32) and 100% in Group 2.

Conclusions

Rates of pneumococcal seroprotection among children with ALL are low following chemotherapy, despite prior routine immunization. A PCV booster during chemotherapy may shorten the period of susceptibility to IPD in some children. However, irrespective of a booster during chemotherapy, a PCV dose postchemotherapy appears sufficient to confer high rates of seroprotection against IPD.
QTc prolongation in COVID‐19 patients treated with hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, azithromycin, or lopinavir/ritonavir: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Diaz‐Arocutipa Carlos , Brañez‐Condorena Ana , Hernandez Adrian V.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, azithromycin, and lopinavir/ritonavir are drugs that were used for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) during the early pandemic period. It is well‐known that these agents can prolong the QTc interval and potentially induce Torsades de Pointes (TdP). We aim to assess the prevalence and risk of QTc prolongation and arrhythmic events in COVID‐19 patients treated with these drugs.

Methods

We searched electronic databases from inception to September 30, 2020 for studies reporting peak QTc ≥500 ms, peak QTc change ≥60 ms, peak QTc interval, peak change of QTc interval, ventricular arrhythmias, TdP, sudden cardiac death, or atrioventricular block (AVB). All meta‐analyses were conducted using a random‐effects model.

Results

Forty‐seven studies (three case series, 35 cohorts, and nine randomized controlled trials [RCTs]) involving 13 087 patients were included. The pooled prevalence of peak QTc ≥500 ms was 9% (95% confidence interval [95%CI], 3%–18%) and 8% (95%CI, 3%–14%) in patients who received hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine alone or in combination with azithromycin, respectively. Likewise, the use of hydroxychloroquine (risk ratio [RR], 2.68; 95%CI, 1.56–4.60) and hydroxychloroquine + azithromycin (RR, 3.28; 95%CI, 1.16–9.30) was associated with an increased risk of QTc prolongation compared to no treatment. Ventricular arrhythmias, TdP, sudden cardiac death, and AVB were reported in <1% of patients across treatment groups. The only two studies that reported individual data of lopinavir/ritonavir found no cases of QTc prolongation.

Conclusions

COVID‐19 patients treated with hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine with or without azithromycin had a relatively high prevalence and risk of QTc prolongation. However, the prevalence of arrhythmic events was very low, probably due to underreporting. The limited information about lopinavir/ritonavir showed that it does not prolong the QTc interval.
Estimation of adverse drug reaction reporting in Iran: Correction for underreporting
Authors: Khalili Malahat , Mesgarpour Bita , Sharifi Hamid , Golozar Asieh , Haghdoost Ali Akbar
Published: March 2021

Propose

Underreporting of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) reduces the sensitivity of pharmacovigilance systems. We described ADR reporting and its trend from 1999 to 2017 and estimated the ADR underreporting in the Iranian Pharmacovigilance Center.

Methods

We expressed the number of ADR reporting per inhabitants and admissions and their possible trends. Finally, ADR underreporting percentages were estimated by three approaches: prospective studies, literature review, stratification of the country; and the trend of the proportion of ADR per inhabitants was corrected.

Results

The proportion of ADR reporting was 15.3 per 100 000 inhabitants (95% CI: 15.2, 15.8) and 10.0 per 100 000 admissions (95% CI: 9.8, 10.2) in 2017, and its trend was increasing with 16.3% average change per annum during 19 years. The median of estimated percentages of underreporting was 76.0% (IQR: 64.32–81.35). After the correction, the mean proportion of ADR reporting for 19 years reached from 5.87 to 10.33 per 100 000 inhabitants.

Conclusions

The trend of ADRs reporting has been increasing over the 19 years but is still low. This study showed a considerable underreporting of ADR, and about one of four detected ADRs were reported to the pharmacovigilance center from 1999 to 2017.
Association between control of diabetes mellitus and polypharmacy at the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA‐Brasil)
Authors: Coutinho Danila Félix , de Figueiredo Roberta Carvalho , Duncan Bruce B. , Schmidt Maria Inês , Barreto Sandhi Maria , Diniz Maria de Fátima Haueisen Sander
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To determine whether desirable diabetes control is associated with polypharmacy and to evaluate potential drug interactions (DI) in participants with diabetes mellitus in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study on Adult Health (ELSA‐Brasil).

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 1418 participants with medical diagnosis of diabetes at study baseline (2008–2010). Polypharmacy was defined as the use of ≥5 drugs. We described the frequency of the most common pharmacological groups used by patients and the potential DI.The association between desirable diabetes control (normal A1c, blood pressure and lipid levels) and polypharmacy was investigated using logistic regression.

Results

Most participants were men (52.5%), mean age 57.6 (SD 8.4) years, educated to the university level (39.4%), and self‐reported as white (42.9%). In this study, 7.1% (n = 101) of participants had desirable control of diabetes, while 40.4% (n = 573) used polypharmacy, and this use was not significantly associated with better diabetes control (adjusted odds ratio (OR = 1.35 [95%CI 0.86–2.13] P = .19).The pharmacological groups most frequently used were oral antidiabetics followed by acetylsalicylic acid, angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) and statins.The prevalence of potentially mild, moderate and severe DI were, respectively, 2.5%, 14.7% and 0.9%; however, in the desirable control of DM group, these potential DI were related to comorbidity control.

Conclusion

Faced with the importance of achieving optimal control of diabetes and minimizing risks of potential DI, these results, which are in keeping with previous findings described in the literature, might indicate that guidelines for the patient‐centered management of control of diabetes must be revised.
Well‐dispersed poly(ether‐ether‐ketone)/multi‐walled carbon nanotube nanocomposites prepared via a simple solution mixing approach
Authors: Jiang Zhiyuan , Chen Qihui , Zhu Zewen , Tsai Chia‐Ying , Zhao Mingzhen , Sue Hung‐Jue , Chang Andy , Bremner Tim , DiSano Lorenzo P
Published: March 2021

Incorporation of reinforcing nanoparticles, like multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), in a polymer matrix is an effective way to enhance mechanical properties and expand structural applications of engineering polymers such as poly(ether‐ether‐ketone) (PEEK). Good dispersion of MWCNTs is critical for achieving optimal properties. In this work, a simple solution mixing approach was utilized to prepare PEEK nanocomposites reinforced with MWCNTs. By direct mixing of PEEK/dichloroacetic acid solution and MWCNT/N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone solution, PEEK nanocomposites with individually dispersed MWCNTs were prepared. A PEEK wrapping of MWCNT mechanism is proposed to explain why this simple solution mixing approach resulted in such a good dispersion. Thermal stability of PEEK is not affected but crystallization is impeded due to the confinement effect of well‐dispersed MWCNTs. Young's modulus is increased by ca 20% while coefficient of thermal expansion above the glass transition temperature is decreased by ca 30% with only 1.5 wt% MWCNT loading in PEEK, which is critical for a variety of high‐temperature applications. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Functional outcomes of pediatric patients in Short‐term Pediatric Rehabilitation Intensive Therapy (SPRINT) while receiving acute oncologic and hematologic care
Authors: Tsao Elaine , Flanigan Megan , Johnson Lindsay , Toy Melissa , Giannini Eboli , Bjornson Kristie
Published: March 2021

Background

Pediatric patients with oncologic and hematologic diagnoses who experience newly acquired functional deficits during a hospitalization may benefit from intensive therapies. However, acute medical issues or disease treatment plans may prevent a safe transfer to the inpatient rehabilitation unit. Accordingly, Short‐term Pediatric Rehabilitation Intensive Therapy (SPRINT), a 2‐week inpatient intensive therapy program, was developed for pediatric patients on an acute care service.

Objective

To assess functional outcomes of SPRINT participants, adverse events associated with the program, and measures of patients' fatigue, sadness, nervousness, and pain by parents and patients at the start and end of SPRINT.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Settings

Hematology‐Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant units at regional pediatric tertiary care hospital.

Participants

Eighteen pediatric patients (50% female, age 1.9‐17.8 years) participated in SPRINT, and 11 parents and 4 children completed questionnaires.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

Functional outcomes of SPRINT participants measured by Caregiver Assistance section of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI), adverse events identified on chart review, and inquiry of participants' symptoms before and after SPRINT with a questionnaire.

Results

Common diagnoses included leukemia and lymphoma (N = 9, 50%) and central nervous system tumor (N = 6, 33%). Deconditioning (N = 18, 100%) and peripheral neuropathy (N = 8, 44.4%) were common rehabilitation diagnoses. Significant gains were found in tasks in self‐care and mobility domains of PEDI (all P < .05), as well as functional expression in social function domain (P = .03). No adverse events related to SPRINT participation were identified. There was no significant difference between pre‐ and post‐SPRINT questionnaire responses.

Conclusions

SPRINT is an alternative model for intensive rehabilitation care delivery. Data suggested that SPRINT participation was safe and resulted in significant gains in mobility, self‐care, and functional expression for pediatric patients with hematologic and oncologic diagnoses while receiving acute care. No difference was found in questionnaire responses after SPRINT participation.
Contrast flow patterns based on needle tip position during cervical transforaminal epidural injections
Authors: Levin Josh , Levi David , Gall Nolan , Horn Scott , Smuck Matthew
Published: March 2021

Background

Few studies have evaluated the effect of final needle position on contrast flow patterns during the performance of cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESIs).

Objective

To analyze fluoroscopically guided cervical TFESI contrast flow patterns based upon final needle tip position.

Design

Retrospective, observational in vivo study.

Setting

Outpatient private practice physical medicine and rehabilitation spine clinic.

Participants

One hundred consecutive patients undergoing cervical TFESIs.

Interventions

Cervical TFESIs.

Main Outcome Measures

Categories of contrast flow patterns including epidural, intraforaminal, “sufficient to inject,” and “predominantly epidural and/or intraforaminal,” based upon final needle tip position.

Results

Two independent observers reviewed images from 100 consecutive patients and classified injectate flow patterns stratified by needle tip position. The interrater reliability for all categories of interest was moderate, with kappa values from 0.61 to 0.76. More medially placed needles (middle third and lateral third of the articular pillars) resulted in higher rates of epidural contrast flow (75%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 56%‐94%; and 60%; 95% CI: 47%‐73%) compared to needles placed lateral to the articular pillars (26%; 95% CI: 8%‐44%), and higher rates of “predominantly epidural and/or intraforaminal” flow patterns with needles placed in the middle one third (75%; 95% CI: 56%‐94%) and lateral one third of the articular pillars (47%; 95% CI: 34%‐60%) compared to flow patterns when needles were placed lateral to the articular pillars (17%; 95% CI: 2%‐32%). No needles were placed in the medial third of the articular pillars.

Conclusions

More medially placed needle tips result in more optimal flow patterns during cervical TFESIs. The importance of this finding is unknown as clinical outcomes were not measured.
Home‐based virtual reality therapy for hand recovery after stroke
Authors: Lansberg Maarten G. , Legault Catherine , MacLellan Adam , Parikh Alay , Muccini Julie , Mlynash Michael , Kemp Stephanie , Buckwalter Marion S. , Flavin Kara
Published: March 2021

Background

Many stroke survivors experience arm and hand weakness, but there are only limited efficacious options for arm therapy available.

Objective

To assess the feasibility of unsupervised home‐based use of a virtual reality device (Smart Glove) for hand rehabilitation post stroke.

Design

Prospective single‐arm study consisting of a 2‐week run‐in phase with no device use followed by an 8‐week intervention period.

Setting

Participants were recruited at the Stanford Neuroscience Outpatient Clinic.

Participants

Twenty chronic stroke patients with upper extremity impairment.

Interventions

Participants were instructed to use the Smart Glove 50 minutes per day, 5 days per week for 8 weeks.

Main Outcome Measures

The following outcomes were measured: (1) compliance, (2) patients' impression of the intervention, and (3) efficacy using the upper extremity Fugl‐Meyer (UE‐FM), the Jebsen‐Taylor hand function test (JTHFT), and the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS).

Results

Of 20 participants, seven (35%) met target compliance of 40 days use, and six (30%) used the device for 20‐39 days. Eighty‐five percent of participants were satisfied with the therapy, with 80% reporting improvement in hand function. During the run‐in phase there were no improvements in hand function. During the intervention, patients improved by a mean of 26.6 ± 48.8 seconds on the JTHFT (P = .03), by 16.1 ± 15.3 points on the hand‐domain of the SIS (P < .01) and there was a trend toward improvement on the UE‐FM (2.2 ± 5.5 points, P = .10).

Conclusions

Unsupervised use of the Smart Glove in the home environment may improve hand/arm function in subacute/chronic stroke patients. A randomized controlled trial is needed to confirm these results.
Upper limb position affects pain‐free grip strength in individuals with lateral elbow tendinopathy
Authors: Cooke Nikki , Obst Steven , Vicenzino Bill , Hodges Paul W. , Heales Luke J.
Published: March 2021

Background and Purpose

Pain‐free grip (PFG) force is commonly used to monitor treatment outcomes in lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET); however, it is unclear whether changes in forearm and elbow position affect PFG force values. This study aims to examine the effect of elbow/shoulder and forearm position on non‐normalised and normalised PFG force in individuals with unilateral LET.

Methods

A cohort study including 21 subjects with clinically diagnosed unilateral LET (13 females, mean [SD] age 50 [8] years) performed PFG force (symptomatic arm) and maximal grip (asymptomatic arm) tasks using four upper limb positions: (1) shoulder neutral, elbow flexed (90°), forearm pronated; (2) shoulder neutral, elbow flexed (90°), forearm neutral; (3) shoulder flexed (90°), elbow extended, forearm pronated; and (4) shoulder flexed (90°), elbow extended, forearm neutral. PFG force was normalised to the maximal grip of the asymptomatic side. Repeated‐measures analyses of variance were used to compare non‐normalised and PFG force normalised to maximal grip between positions.

Results

Both non‐normalised and normalised PFG forces were greater in position 2 than position 1, position 3 and position 4 (elbow‐by‐forearm interaction non‐normalised p = 0.002, normalised p = 0.004). There were no differences between positions 1, 3 and 4 for either non‐normalised or normalised PFG strength.

Discussion

This study shows that PFG force was higher when performed with forearm neutral supination/pronation, elbow flexion and shoulder neutral than other tested positions, and irrespective of whether PFG force was normalised to the maximal grip force of the contralateral limb. This indicates that arm position should be standardised for comparison.
New slow release mixture of (E)‐β‐farnesene with methyl salicylate to enhance aphid biocontrol efficacy in wheat ecosystem
Authors: Liu Jiahui , Zhao Xiaojing , Zhan Yidi , Wang Kang , Francis Frederic , Liu Yong
Published: March 2021

Semiochemical use is a promising way to reduce damage from pests by improving natural control in agro‐ecosystems. The aphid alarm pheromone (E)‐β‐farnesene (EβF) and herbivore‐induced methyl salicylate (MeSA) are two volatile cues to induce changes in aphid behavior with functional significance. Because of limitations related to the volatility and oxidization of EβF and MeSA under natural conditions, slow‐release and antioxidant techniques should be developed and optimized before application. Here, a slow‐release alginate bead of EβF mixed with MeSA was first designed and manufactured. We hypothesized that a mixture of these two semiochemicals could be effective in controlling Sitobion miscanthi in wheat crops. Both MeSA and EβF in alginate beads were released stably and continuously for at least 15 days in the laboratory, whereas EβF in paraffin oil and pure MeSA were released for only 2 and 7 days, respectively. In 2018 field experiments, EβF and MeSA alone or in association significantly decreased the abundance of alate and apterous aphids. An increased abundance of mummified aphids enhanced by higher parasitism rates was observed when using EβF and MeSA in association, with a significant reduction of apterous abundance, more so than EβF or MeSA alone. In 2019, plots treated with a mixture of EβF and MeSA showed significantly decreased abundance of alate and apterous aphids with higher parasitism rates compared with the control. The new slow‐release alginate bead containing a mixture of EβF with MeSA could be the most efficient formulation to control S. miscanthi population by attracting parasitoids in the wheat agro‐ecosystem. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Optical Absorption of Excimer Laser‐Induced Dichlorine Monoxide in Silica Glass and Excitation of Singlet Oxygen Luminescence by Energy Transfer from Chlorine Molecules
Authors: Skuja Linards , Ollier Nadège , Kajihara Koichi , Bite Ivita , Leimane Madara , Smits Krisjanis , Silins Andrejs
Published: March 2021

An optical absorption (OA) band of interstitial dichlorine monoxide molecules with peak at 4.7 eV and halfwidth 0.94 eV is identified in F2 laser‐irradiated (ħω = 7.9 eV) synthetic silica glass bearing both interstitial O2 and Cl2 molecules. Alongside with intrinsic defects, this OA band can contribute to solarization of silica glasses produced from SiCl4. Although only the formation of ClClO is confirmed by its Raman signature, its structural isomer ClOCl may also contribute to this induced OA band. Thermal destruction of this band between 300 °C and 400 °C almost completely restores the preirradiation concentration of interstitial Cl2. An additional weak OA band at 3.5 eV is tentatively assigned to ClO2 molecules. The strongly forbidden 1272 nm infrared luminescence band of excited singlet O2 molecules is observed at 3–3.5 eV excitation, demonstrating an energy transfer process from photoexcited triplet Cl2 to O2. The energy transfer most likely occurs between Cl2 and O2 interstitial molecules located in neighboring nanosized interstitial voids in the structure of SiO2 glass network.
Therapeutic effect of prolonged testosterone pretreatment in women with poor ovarian response: A randomized control trial
Authors: Hoang Quoc Huy , Ho Hung Sy , Do Huong Thuy , Nguyen Tien Viet , Nguyen Hong Phuong , Le Minh Tam
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study compared the therapeutic effects of transdermal testosterone gel (TTG) application at 4 and 6 weeks before controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) in women with poor ovarian response (POR).

Methods

In this randomized control trial, infertile women with POR who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) were recruited and randomly classified into 4 week (n = 42) and 6 week (n = 38) TTG treatment groups and control group (n = 42). The primary outcome was total number of retrieved mature oocytes. The secondary outcomes were the biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and ongoing pregnancy rate.

Results

No significant differences were observed in the number of oocytes retrieved, mature oocytes and embryos between all groups. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) positive, clinical, and ongoing pregnancy rates were significantly higher in the TTG pretreatment groups than in the control group but no differences were observed between the 4‐ and 6 week groups.

Conclusions

Applying TTG in infertile women with POR may ameliorate the outcomes of IVF. The extended application of TTG to 6 weeks did not improve the response to ovarian stimulation regarding the number of retrieved oocytes nor pregnancy outcomes compared to the 4 week pretreatment.
Application of infinite line source and cylindrical‐perfect‐conductors theories to heat pulse measurements with large sensors
Authors: Peng Wei , Lu Yili , Ren Tusheng , Horton Robert
Published: March 2021

The infinite line source (ILS) theory for soil thermal property determination with heat pulse (HP) sensors is simple and widely‐used, but ignores the finite probe radius (r) and heat capacity (Cp). The cylindrical‐perfect‐conductors (CPC) theory, which accounts for r and Cp by using the identical‐cylindrical‐perfect‐conductors (ICPC) or the dissimilar‐cylindrical‐perfect‐conductors (DCPC) approaches, can be applied to estimate soil thermal property values with improved accuracy. In this study, the ILS and CPC theories were evaluated, and the finite r and Cp effects were quantified using numerical simulations and laboratory measurements with a large HP sensor of dissimilar probes. The errors due to finite probe properties were saturation dependent: Dry soils had a 14% reduction in the maximum temperature rise of the HP signal, while only slight temperature differences occurred in wet sandy soils. The finite probe effects were minor on ICPC‐ and DCPC‐thermal property values with relative errors generally less than 5%, but the absolute values of relative errors for dry soils were greater than 6%. Errors caused by ignoring the finite probe effects changed linearly with the ratio of soil heat capacity (C) versus C of the heating and sensing probes. The dissimilar probe r had negligible effect on HP signals and thermal property estimates with the specific sensor used in this study. The effects of finite probe size and properties should be considered in HP sensor design. The CPC theory is recommended for estimating soil thermal properties with large HP sensors.
Hierarchical Bayesian clustering design of multiple biomarker subgroups (HCOMBS)
Authors: Kang Daniel , S Coffey Christopher , J Smith Brian , Yuan Ying , Shi Qian , Yin Jun
Published: March 2021

Given the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) acceptance of master protocol designs in recent guidance documents, the oncology field is rapidly moving to address the paradigm shift to molecular subtype focused studies. Identifying new “marker‐based” treatments requires new methodologies to address the growing demand to conduct clinical trials in smaller molecular subpopulations, identify effective treatment and marker interactions, and control for false positives. We introduce our methodology, Hierarchical Bayesian Clustering Design of Multiple Biomarker Subgroups (HCOMBS), a two‐stage umbrella Phase II design with effect size clustering and information borrowing across multiple biomarker‐treatment pairs. HCOMBS was designed to reduce required sample size, differentiate between varying effect sizes, and control for operating characteristics in the multi‐arm setting. When compared to independently applied Simon's Optimal two‐stage design, we showed through simulations that HCOMBS required less participants per treatment arm with a well‐controlled family‐wise error rate and desirable marginal power. Additionally, HCOMBS features a statistical approach that simultaneously conducts clustering and hypothesis testing in one step. We also applied the proposed design on the alliance brain metastases umbrella trial.
Antecedents and outcomes of daily anticipated stress and stress forecasting errors
Authors: Wang Yi‐Ren , Black Kristen Jennings , Martin Alexandra
Published: March 2021

Stressors can have negative effects on well‐being, but little is known about how an individual's inability to precisely forecast upcoming stress could be a risk factor for well‐being. Antecedents and outcomes of two stress forecasting variables, anticipated stress level and underestimation errors in stress forecasting (operationalized by the residual change scores obtained by regressing the evening experienced stress on the morning anticipated stress), were investigated. In a daily diary study of 110 undergraduate students over a workweek, poor sleep quality and negative affect reported in the morning predicted a higher anticipated stress of the upcoming day. Poor sleep quality was found to be related to less underestimation errors (i.e., more overestimation). Mispredicting the daily stress level was found to predict greater health complaints and negative affect by the end of the day. Those high on trait resilience were found to make fewer underestimation errors on average. Worse emotional outcomes were associated with underestimation errors during stress forecasting than with overestimation errors. This study demonstrates that examining an individual's experience in forecasting upcoming stressors is an important area for future research in determining points of intervention to promote adaptive management of daily demands.
The emergence of problem structuring methods, 1950s–1989: An atlas of the journal literature
Authors: Georgiou Ion , Heck Joaquim
Published: March 2021

Researchers need maps to effectively navigate increasingly voluminous literatures. This is no less the case in the field of problem structuring methods (PSMs). This paper offers an atlas of the journal literature of the theoretical development of, what are currently acknowledged to be, the four main PSMs up to their consolidation in 1989. A thorough contextual appreciation of the structure and dynamics of this literature sets the stage for addressing some of its specific aspects, for which an atlas is especially effective as an orientation device. Substantiated suggestions for exploratory excursions, as well as potential pitfalls, are accentuated, the overall aim being to provide researchers with navigational support that may assist their research objectives. Based on evidence uncovered from the atlas, a number of issues current in the PSM field are discussed, including the use of the collective descriptor ‘family’, the extent to which PSMs find their origins, and belong, in the wider field of operational research and the identification of sources that have hitherto received little or no acknowledgment but which merit attention as precursors and promising contributors to PSM research. The paper is accompanied by an electronic supplement containing the basic data of the atlas from which additional maps may be designed and constructed.
Enhancing mixed methods pragmatism with systems theory: Perspectives from educational research
Authors: Christensen Jacob Høgaard
Published: March 2021

Paradigmatic frameworks are central to philosophical and theoretical discussions of mixed methods research. This article argues that in mixed methods research, systems theory provides a paradigmatic stance that in some cases may be regarded as more suitable than other prominent paradigmatic stances, such as pragmatism. This article develops this argument by discussing the key terms within a distinguished understanding of pragmatism, from which a systems‐theoretical alternative to mixed methods educational research is derived, comprising three main themes: (a) second‐order observation as an alternative to abductive reasoning, (b) the distinction between system and environment as an alternative to intersubjectivity and (c) structural coupling as an alternative to the transferability of mixed methods research results. Throughout this article, the main arguments are elaborated with perspectives from educational research.
Challenges and Recent Progress on Silicon‐Based Anode Materials for Next‐Generation Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Chengzhi , Wang Fei , Han Jian , Bai Shuo , Tan Jun , Liu Jinshui , Li Feng
Published: March 2021

The electrode materials are the most critical content for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) with high energy density for electric vehicles and portable electronics. Considering the high abundance, environmental friendliness, low cost, high capacity, and low operation potential of silicon‐based anode, it has been intensively studied as one of the most promising anode materials for high‐energy LIBs. However, the widespread application of silicon anode is impeded by the poor electrical conductivity, large volume variation, and unstable solid–electrolyte interfaces films. In the past decade, significant efforts have been demonstrated to tackle these major challenges toward industrial applications. Herein, the focus is on combining with advanced structure like nanostructure and composite with other materials, exploring various new polymer binders, improving electrolyte, different prelithiation strategies, and Si/graphite design to meet commercialization requirements, particularly summarized the progress on areal capacity, initial Coulombic efficiency, and cost. Finally, the guidelines and trends for practical silicon electrodes are presented based on the recent reports.
Understanding science career aspirations: Factors predicting future science task value
Authors: Jones M. Gail , Chesnutt Katherine , Ennes Megan , Mulvey Kelly Lynn , Cayton Emily
Published: March 2021

This study examined factors that have been shown to predict middle school students' (grades 6–8) task values (utility value related to engaging with science in the future). Using structural equation modeling students' (N = 1015) responses to a career aspiration survey were analyzed to determine relationships among the factors. The model of best fit showed that factors related to science capital (Exposure to STEM Practitioners, STEM Experiences, and Tool Access) are key in shaping both students' Science Achievement Value and their Perceptions of Family Task Achievement Value. Further, both Science Achievement Value and Perceptions of Family Science Achievement Value have a direct positive effect on youth Future Science Task Value. These findings document important ways in which youth access and exposure to science experiences, tools, and to scientists lay the groundwork for science motivation and ultimately to valuing future science tasks.
Quantum corrections in 4d N = 1 infinite distance limits and the weak gravity conjecture
Authors: Klaewer Daniel , Lee Seung-Joo , Weigand Timo , Wiesner Max
Published: March 2021

Abstract

We study quantum corrections in four-dimensional theories with N = 1 supersymmetry in the context of Quantum Gravity Conjectures. According to the Emergent String Conjecture, infinite distance limits in quantum gravity either lead to decompactification of the theory or result in a weakly coupled string theory. We verify this conjecture in the framework of N = 1 supersymmetric F-theory compactifications to four dimensions including perturbative α′ as well as non-perturbative corrections. After proving uniqueness of the emergent critical string at the classical level, we show that quantum corrections obstruct precisely those limits in which the scale of the emergent critical string would lie parametrically below the Kaluza-Klein scale. Limits in which the tension of the asymptotically tensionless string sits at the Kaluza-Klein scale, by contrast, are not obstructed.

In the second part of the paper we study the effect of quantum corrections for the Weak Gravity Conjecture away from the strict weak coupling limit. We propose that gauge threshold corrections and mass renormalisation effects modify the super-extremality bound in four dimensions. For the infinite distance limits in F-theory the classical super-extremality bound is generically satisfied by a sublattice of states in the tower of excitations of an emergent heterotic string. By matching the F-theory α′-corrections to gauge threshold corrections of the dual heterotic theory we predict how the masses of this tower must be renormalised in order for the Weak Gravity Conjecture to hold at the quantum level.
Effect of flash glucose monitoring in adults with type 1 diabetes: a nationwide, longitudinal observational study of 14,372 flash users compared with 7691 glucose sensor naive controls
Authors: Nathanson David , Svensson Ann-Marie , Miftaraj Mervete , Franzén Stefan , Bolinder Jan , Eeg-Olofsson Katarina
Published: March 2021

Aims/hypothesis

The aim of this work was to evaluate changes in glycaemic control (HbA1c) and rates of severe hypoglycaemia over a 2 year period after initiation of flash glucose monitoring (FM) in type 1 diabetes.

Methods

Using data from the Swedish National Diabetes Registry, 14,372 adults with type 1 diabetes with a new registration of FM during 2016–2017 and with continued FM for two consecutive years thereafter, and 7691 control individuals using conventional self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) during the same observation period, were included in a cohort study. Propensity sores and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) were used to balance FM users with SMBG users. Changes in HbA1c and events of severe hypoglycaemia were compared.

Results

After the start of FM, the difference in IPTW change in HbA1c was slightly greater in FM users compared with the control group during the follow-up period, with an estimated mean absolute difference of −1.2 mmol/mol (−0.11%) (95% CI −1.64 [−0.15], −0.75 [−0.07]; p < 0.0001) after 15–24 months. The change in HbA1c was greatest in those with baseline HbA1c ≥70 mmol/mol (8.5%), with the estimated mean absolute difference being −2.5 mmol/mol (−0.23%) (95% CI −3.84 [−0.35], −1.18 [−0.11]; p = 0.0002) 15–24 months post index. The change was also significant in the subgroups with initial HbA1c ≤52 mmol/mol (6.9%) and 53–69 mmol/mol (7.0–8.5%). Risk of severe hypoglycaemic episodes was reduced by 21% for FM users compared with control individuals using SMBG (OR 0.79 [95% CI 0.69, 0.91]; p = 0.0014)].

Conclusions/interpretation

In this large cohort, the use of FM was associated with a small and sustained improvement in HbA1c, most evident in those with higher baseline HbA1c levels. In addition, FM users experienced lower rates of severe hypoglycaemic events compared with control individuals using SMBG for self-management of glucose control.

Graphical abstract
An investigation of the anisotropic properties of heat-treated maraging steel grade 300 processed by laser powder bed fusion
Authors: Hovig Even W. , Azar Amin S. , Solberg Klas , Sørby Knut
Published: March 2021

In order to explore the possibilities enabled by laser beam powder bed fusion of metals (PBF-LB/M), reliable material models are necessary to optimize designs with respect to weight and stiffness. Due to the unique processing conditions in PBF-LB/M, materials often develop a dominating microstructure that leads to anisotropic mechanical properties, and thus isotropic material models fail to account for the orientation-dependent mechanical properties. To investigate the anisotropy of 18Ni300 maraging steel, tensile specimens were built in seven different orientations. The specimens were heat treated at two different conditions and tested for their tensile properties using digital image correlation (DIC) technique. The microstructure and fracture surfaces are investigated with scanning electron microscope and electron backscatter diffraction. The tensile properties are typical for the material, with a yield strength in the range of 1850 MPa to 1950 MPa, and ultimate tensile strength in the range of 1900 MPa to 2000 MPa. The elastic modulus is 180 GPa, and the elongation at fracture is in the range of 2–6% for all specimens. The strain fields analysed with DIC reveals anisotropic straining in both the elastic and plastic parts of the flow curve for both direct ageing and solution treatment plus ageing specimens. In the former condition, the elastic anisotropy is dictated by the fraction of melt pool boundaries on the transverse surfaces of the specimens. When the material is solution treated prior to ageing, the melt pool boundary effect was supressed.
Variation in herbivore grazing behavior across Caribbean reef sites
Authors: Wilson Margaret W. , Gaines Steven D. , Stier Adrian C. , Halpern Benjamin S.
Published: March 2021

Herbivorous fish can increase coral growth and survival by grazing down algal competitors. With coral reefs in global decline, maintaining adequate herbivory has become a primary goal for many managers. However, herbivore biomass targets assume grazing behavior is consistent across different reef systems, even though relatively few have been studied. We document grazing behavior of two scarid species in Antigua, Barbuda, and Bonaire. Our analyses show significant differences in intraspecific feeding rates, time spent grazing, and intensity of grazing across sites, which may alter the ecological impact of a given scarid population. We suggest several hypothesized mechanisms for these behavioral variations that would benefit from explicit testing in future research. As managers set targets to enhance herbivory on reefs, it is critical that we understand potential differences in scarid grazing impact. Our findings demonstrate the variability of grazing behavior across different reef sites and call for further investigation of the drivers and ecological implications of these inconsistencies.
[18F]FDG PET radiomics to predict disease-free survival in cervical cancer: a multi-scanner/center study with external validation
Authors: Ferreira Marta , Lovinfosse Pierre , Hermesse Johanne , Decuypere Marjolein , Rousseau Caroline , Lucia François , Schick Ulrike , Reinhold Caroline , Robin Philippe , Hatt Mathieu , Visvikis Dimitris , Bernard Claire , Leijenaar Ralph T. H. , Kridelka Frédéric , Lambin Philippe , Meyer Patrick E. , Hustinx Roland
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To test the performances of native and tumour to liver ratio (TLR) radiomic features extracted from pre-treatment 2-[18F] fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose ([18F]FDG) PET/CT and combined with machine learning (ML) for predicting cancer recurrence in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC).

Methods

One hundred fifty-eight patients with LACC from multiple centers were retrospectively included in the study. Tumours were segmented using the Fuzzy Local Adaptive Bayesian (FLAB) algorithm. Radiomic features were extracted from the tumours and from regions drawn over the normal liver. Cox proportional hazard model was used to test statistical significance of clinical and radiomic features. Fivefold cross validation was used to tune the number of features. Seven different feature selection methods and four classifiers were tested. The models with the selected features were trained using bootstrapping and tested in data from each scanner independently. Reproducibility of radiomics features, clinical data added value and effect of ComBat-based harmonisation were evaluated across scanners.

Results

After a median follow-up of 23 months, 29% of the patients recurred. No individual radiomic or clinical features were significantly associated with cancer recurrence. The best model was obtained using 10 TLR features combined with clinical information. The area under the curve (AUC), F1-score, precision and recall were respectively 0.78 (0.67–0.88), 0.49 (0.25–0.67), 0.42 (0.25–0.60) and 0.63 (0.20–0.80). ComBat did not improve the predictive performance of the best models. Both the TLR and the native models performance varied across scanners used in the test set.

Conclusion

[18F]FDG PET radiomic features combined with ML add relevant information to the standard clinical parameters in terms of LACC patient’s outcome but remain subject to variability across PET/CT devices.