bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SARS‐CoV‐2 replicating in nonprimate mammalian cells probably have critical advantages for COVID‐19 vaccines due to anti‐Gal antibodies: A minireview and proposals
Authors: Chen Ji‐Ming
Published: July 2020

Glycoproteins of enveloped viruses replicating in nonprimate mammalian cells carry α‐1,3‐galactose (α‐Gal) glycans, and can bind to anti‐Gal antibodies which are abundant in humans. The antibodies have protected humans and their ancestors for millions of years, because they inhibit replication of many kinds of microbes carrying αGal glycans and aid complements and macrophages to destroy them. Therefore, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) replicating in nonprimate mammalian cells (eg, PK‐15 cells) carry αGal glycans and could be employed as a live vaccine for corona virus 2019 (COVID‐19). The live vaccine safety could be further enhanced through intramuscular inoculation to bypass the fragile lungs, like the live unattenuated adenovirus vaccine safely used in US recruits for decades. Moreover, the immune complexes of SARS‐CoV‐2 and anti‐Gal antibodies could enhance the efficacy of COVID‐19 vaccines, live or inactivated, carrying α‐Gal glycans. Experiments are imperatively desired to examine these novel vaccine strategies which probably have the critical advantages for defeating the pandemic of COVID‐19 and preventing other viral infectious diseases.
Gastrointestinal and hepatic abnormalities in patients with confirmed COVID‐19: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zarifian Ahmadreza , Zamiri Bidary Mohammad , Arekhi Soheil , Rafiee Mahdi , Gholamalizadeh Hanieh , Amiriani Amirhosein , Ghaderi Mohammad Sajjad , Khadem‐Rezaiyan Majid , Amini Mahnaz , Ganji Azita
Published: July 2020

Although not common, gastrointestinal and liver symptoms have reportedly been the initial presentation of coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) in a large group of patients. Therefore, knowing the frequency and characteristics of these manifestations of COVID‐19 is important for both clinicians and health policy makers. A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the available data on the gastrointestinal and liver manifestations of patients with COVID‐19 was performed. PubMed and Scopus databases and Google Scholar search engine were searched for published and unpublished preprint articles up to 10 April 2020. Original studies providing information on clinical digestive symptoms or biomarkers of liver function in patients with polymerase chain reaction confirmed diagnosis of COVID‐19 were included. After quality appraisal, data were extracted. Prevalence data from individual studies were pooled using a random‐effects model. Overall, 67 studies were included in this systematic review and meta‐analysis, comprising a pooled population of 13 251 patients with confirmed COVID‐19. The most common gastrointestinal symptoms were anorexia (10.2%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.2%‐16.4%), diarrhea (8.4%, 95% CI = 6.2%‐11.2%), and nausea (5.7%, 95% CI = 3.7%‐8.6%), respectively. Decreased albumin levels (39.8%, 95% CI = 15.3%‐70.8%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (22.8%, 95% CI = 18.1%‐28.4%), and alanine aminotransferase (20.6%, 95% CI = 16.7%‐25.1%) were common hepatic findings. After adjusting for preexisting gastrointestinal (5.9%) and liver diseases (4.2%), the most common gastrointestinal findings were diarrhea (8.7%, 95% CI = 5.4%‐13.9%), anorexia (8.0%, 95% CI = 3.0%‐19.8%), and nausea (5.1%, 95% CI = 2.2%‐14.3%). Gastrointestinal and liver manifestations are not rare in patients with COVID‐19, but their prevalence might be affected by preexisting diseases. Diarrhea and mild liver abnormalities seem to be relatively common in COVID‐19, regardless of comorbidities
Variations of mixed methods reviews approaches: A case study
Authors: Hong Quan Nha , Rees Rebecca , Sutcliffe Katy , Thomas James
Published: July 2020

Conducting mixed methods reviews is challenging. The aim of this article is to describe a range of rationales for and approaches to mixed methods reviews, with a particular focus on one research group. A case study was conducted to describe the mixed methods review process used at the Department of Health and Social Care Reviews Facility in England. The case study used document analysis. A total of 30 mixed methods reviews were identified and analyzed. The analysis revealed five key dimensions on which the reviews varied: review questions and purposes of the mixed methods questions, types of evidence and sources, reasons for using a mixed methods approach, synthesis methods and designs, and integration strategies. The questions in the included reviews addressed stakeholders' views, and intervention processes and/or intervention effectiveness. The mixed methods questions addressed four different purposes: comparing findings, identifying critical intervention features, quantifying effects, and making recommendations. Five main sources of evidence were used: formal evidence from primary studies, informal evidence, policy documents, systematic reviews, and work with stakeholders. Twelve reasons for conducting mixed methods reviews were identified: completeness, contextual understanding, credibility, different research questions, diversity of views, enhancement, explanation, process, triangulation, utility, development of a framework, and identification of promising interventions. Each review employed one or several integration strategies for comparing findings, connecting phases and/or assimilating data. It is hoped that the information garnered from this study will provide useful insights into mixed method review diversity and trigger new ideas for conducting this type of review.
Modified Model for Diagnosing Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System Category 3 to 5 Breast Lesions
Authors: Zhou Peng , Jin Chunchun , Lu Jianghao , Xu Lifeng , Zhu Xiaomin , Lian Qingshu , Gong Xuehao
Published: July 2020

Objectives

The aim of this study was to explore a modified model to simplify the diagnostic process for American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System category 3 to 5 breast lesions and evaluate the model's diagnostic efficacy.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted of breast lesions examined by B‐mode ultrasound (US) and contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and diagnosed by histopathologic examination from October 2016 to August 2019. The US characteristics of a combined model (US + CEUS model) with relatively high diagnostic value were selected by a lasso regression analysis to establish a modified model. Two nomograms were developed. The results were internally validated by bootstrap resampling.

Results

Overall, 206 breast lesions in 198 patients, 136 benign and 70 malignant, were included. Ultrasound characteristics included in the modified model were shape, margin, microcalcification, enhanced intensity, enhanced scope, and enhanced time. For the US + CEUS model and modified model, sensitivities were 94.3% and 93.3%; specificities were 85.9% and 81.4%; accuracies were 89.3% and 88.7% and areas under the curve were 0.957 and 0.944, respectively. No statistically significant differences were seen in the diagnostic efficacies of the models (P = .097). Bootstrap‐corrected sensitivities, specificities. and accuracies of the models were consistent with these results. Bootstrap‐corrected areas under the curve for the US + CEUS model and the modified model were 0.955 and 0.940, respectively.

Conclusions

The modified model with fewer indicators conveniently and effectively diagnosed the malignancy of Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System category 3 to 5 breast lesions without reducing diagnostic efficacy.
Reflux as a Risk Factor for Morbidity after Pediatric Tonsillectomy: A National Cohort of Inpatients
Authors: Chorney Stephen R. , Zur Karen B. , Buzi Adva
Published: July 2020

Objective

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) has been identified as a risk factor for complications following pediatric tonsillectomy. The primary objective of this study was to examine outcomes after tonsillectomy among children with GER using a nationwide database. Secondary objectives included analyzing duration of hospitalization and total charges after admission.

Methods

A cross‐sectional review of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Kids' Inpatient Databases (KID) from 2012 and 2016.

Results

A total of 21,232 children had a tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy, with 1683 (7.9%) diagnosed with GER. Average age for patients with reflux was 4.4 years and for those without was 5.6 years (P < .001). The rate of primary hemorrhage was not statistically different between groups (P = .87). Patients with reflux were more likely to have respiratory complications (P = .03), aspiration pneumonitis (P < .001), and hypoxemia (P < .001) during their hospital course. Noninvasive ventilation and reintubation also occurred more frequently in this population (P < .001). Children with reflux had a longer duration of postoperative admission (3.8 vs. 2.3 days, P < .001) and higher total hospital charges ($47,129 vs. $27,584, P < .001). Multivariable regression analysis determined that reflux remained a statistically significant indicator of aspiration pneumonitis, hypoxemia, invasive and non‐invasive ventilation, as well as length of admission.

Conclusion

Children with GER were significantly more likely to experience inpatient complications following tonsillectomy. Further, length of admission was higher compared to children without reflux. These results suggest that children with GER experience poorer outcomes after tonsillectomy and highlight the role for appropriate preoperative counseling and planning in this patient population. Laryngoscope, 131:907–910, 2021
Prevalence of Sleep Disorders and Association With Mortality: Results From the NHANES 2009–2010
Authors: Huyett Phillip , Siegel Noah , Bhattacharyya Neil
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of sleep disorders in the United States and the association between sleep disorders and all‐cause mortality.

Methods

A cross‐sectional analysis of the 2009 to 2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and 2015 National Death Index (NDI) was performed. The 2009 to 2010 NHANES national household survey for adults ≥ 18 years was examined for the prevalence of sleep disorders as well as standard demographics and the presence of comorbidities (coronary artery disease [CAD], stroke, and emphysema). This dataset was linked to the 2015 NDI to associate the presence of sleep disorders with 5‐year all‐cause mortality.

Results

The study sample had a mean age of 46.1 years old, was 48.3% male, and had an average body mass index (BMI) of 28.7 (28.4–28.9). 7.1% (6.5%–7.7%) of adults reported being diagnosed with a sleep disorder, which represents an estimated 15.9 million (13.2–18.6) patients. The estimated mortality rate for those having a sleep disorder was 9.3% (7.2%–11.9%) compared to 5.2% (4.5%–5.9%) without a sleep disorder (odds ratio 1.89, P = <.001). After adjusting for age, sex, BMI, CAD, stroke, and emphysema, having a sleep disorder remained a significant predictor of increased mortality (hazard ratio, 1.5 [1.02–2.18], P = .042).

Conclusion

This study reports a high prevalence of self‐reported but physician‐diagnosed sleep disorders; however, this likely represents an underestimate. Given the association with all‐cause mortality, there is a need for increased recognition of undiagnosed sleep disorders within the United States.

Level of Evidence

2b Laryngoscope, 131:686–689, 2021
Using machine learning to correct for nonphotochemical quenching in high‐frequency, in vivo fluorometer data
Authors: Lucius Mark A. , Johnston Kenneth E. , Eichler Lawrence W. , Farrell Jeremy L. , Moriarty Vincent W. , Relyea Rick A.
Published: July 2020

In vivo fluorometers use chlorophyll a fluorescence (Fchl) as a proxy to monitor phytoplankton biomass. However, the fluorescence yield of Fchl is affected by photoprotection processes triggered by increased irradiance (nonphotochemical quenching; NPQ), creating diurnal reductions in Fchl that may be mistaken for phytoplankton biomass reductions. Published correction methods are mostly designed for pelagic oceans and are ill suited for inland waters or for high‐frequency data collection. A machine learning‐based method was developed to correct vertical profiler data from an oligotrophic lake. NPQ was estimated as a percent reduction in Fchl by comparing daytime values to mean, unquenched values from the previous night. A random forest regression was trained on sensor data collected coincident with Fchl; including solar radiation, water temperature, depth, and dissolved oxygen saturation. The accuracy of the model was assessed using a grouped 10‐fold cross validation (mean absolute error [MAE]: 7.6%; root mean square error [RMSE]: 10.2%), which was then used to correct Fchl profiles. The model also predicted NPQ and corrected unseen Fchl profiles from a future period with excellent results (MAE: 9.0%; RMSE: 14.4%). Fchl profiles were then correlated to laboratory results, allowing corrected profiles to be compared directly to collected samples. The correction reduced error (RMSE) due to NPQ from 0.67 μg L−1 to 0.33 μg L−1 when compared to uncorrected Fchl data. These results suggest that the use of machine learning models may be an effective way to correct for NPQ and may have universal applicability.
The mitigating effect of matching regulatory focus with arousal‐inducing stimuli in service failure situations
Authors: Das Gopal , Roy Rajat , Spence Mark T.
Published: July 2020

Service failures are pivotal touchpoints that can reduce customer satisfaction, encourage negative word‐of‐mouth, and ultimately impact a firm's market share. We advance a novel perspective that after a service failure occurs, matching incidental arousal‐inducing stimuli to one's regulatory orientation can make the negative experience stemming from the service failure less deleterious. In three experiments (two stock out scenarios and one involving a rude salesperson), after a service failure, promotion‐focused and prevention‐focused individuals were exposed to high versus low arousal‐inducing stimuli. Three approaches available to retailers were used to manipulate arousal levels: background pictures (Study 1), colors (Study 2), and music (Study 3). When high (low) incidental arousal‐inducing stimuli were presented to those with a promotion (prevention) focus, this raised satisfaction, loyalty, and referral for brands compared to when promotion (prevention)‐focused individuals were exposed to low (high) arousal‐inducing stimuli. Changes in self‐rated arousal and affect valence levels (arousal and valence levels were measured after the service failure and then after exposure to the incidental arousal‐inducing stimuli) mediated the effect on these consumer behaviors. These insights extend theory by considering the combined effect of regulatory focus and affect. They also have practical relevance.
Benefits of heroes to coping with mortality threats by providing perceptions of personal power and reducing unhealthy compensatory consumption
Authors: Ulqinaku Aulona , Sarial‐Abi Gülen , Kinsella Elaine L.
Published: July 2020

Mortality threats are among the strongest psychological threats that an individual can encounter. Previous research shows that mortality threats lead people to engage in unhealthy compensatory consumption (i.e., overeating), as a maladaptive coping response to threat. In this paper, we propose that reminders of heroes when experiencing mortality threat increases perceptions of personal power, which in turn buffers the need to engage in unhealthy compensatory consumption. We test and find support for our predictions in a series of four studies that include real‐world Twitter data after a series of terrorist attacks in 2016–2017, and three experimental studies conducted online and in the field with behavioral measures after Day of the Dead and during COVID‐19 pandemic. These findings advance the literature on compensatory consumption, mortality threats, and the psychological functions of heroes.
SPG15: A Rare Correlation with Atypical Juvenile Parkinsonism Responsive to Levodopa
Authors: Araujo Filipe Miranda Milagres , Junior Wilson Marques , Tomaselli Pedro José , Pimentel Ângela V. , Macruz Brito Manuelina C. , Tumas Vitor
Published: July 2020

View Supplementary Video 1
Black psychiatrists say focus on racial, health equity needed in the field
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: July 2020

More than 50 years ago, a group of Black psychiatrists stormed an American Psychiatric Association (APA) meeting demanding racial equity. Recommendations that were subsequently put forth for white psychiatrists to become more aware of how their everyday practices continue to perpetuate institutional white racism in psychiatry went unheeded, according to two prominent Black psychiatrists who say the challenges then still exist today.
New York state advocates push for permanent telehealth measures
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: July 2020

Recognizing that telehealth is a critical tool for improving care access and continuity, two New York state provider and advocacy organizations — citing a decrease in no‐show rates and overall telehealth service satisfaction— are urging state leaders to continue providing flexibility in telehealth treatment modalities.
Why the U.S. must prioritize behavioral health management during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Scruton Jessica
Published: July 2020

The COVID‐19 pandemic has challenged our society in countless ways — general life disruption, furloughs, economic collapse and the constant fear of exposure to a life‐threatening virus that has no effective treatment or vaccine. When it comes to health priorities, all these factors can have a severely negative impact on those already suffering from issues like depression and anxiety. And yet, behavioral health management has seemed to receive less attention than other health priorities during this crisis.
Study finds novel treatment for resistant depression costly
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: July 2020

Researchers examining the cost‐effectiveness of esketamine, a nasal spray to treat severe depression, say it is too costly and suggest that targeted efforts by payers and policymakers can be effective for reducing medication prices. The new study was published online July 7 in Psychiatric Services.
Nodal distance distributions in cluster flight spacecraft network
Authors: Mo Jinrong , Hu Shengbo , Shi Yanfeng , Song Xiaowei , Yan Tingting
Published: July 2020

The high‐speed flight of cluster flight spacecraft modules increases the uncertainty of network topology. In order to better design the orbital of the cluster flight spacecraft and improve the performance of cluster flight spacecraft network (CFSN), this paper studies the nodal distance distributions (NDDs). First, based on twin‐satellites mode, the mobility model of nodes is established. And then by adopting empirical statistical method and curve fitting method, the solution of the nodal distance density function in the CFSN is obtained. Second, the probability density function is applied to the model distance‐dependent path loss, and the probability density of path loss under the model is analyzed. Finally, the distributions of maximum and minimum distance among multiple nodes and the threshold range of nodal connection distance are derived, and the probabilistic connectivity matrix of any time slot in the orbital hyper‐period and spatial–temporal evolution graphs under different thresholds is obtained. The analytical results verify the feasibility of the model and the approximate solution of the NDDs in this paper. This method also provides a theoretical reference for the nodal connection in irregular wireless networks.
Performance of joined artificial neural network and genetic algorithm to study the effect of temperature and mass fraction of nanoparticles dispersed in ethanol
Authors: Nguyen Quyen , Ghorbani Parisa , Bagherzadeh Seyed Amin , Malekahmadi Omid , Karimipour Arash
Published: July 2020

There are many experimental results in the field of finding nanofluids in optimal conditions, which are useful and effective in using artificial neural network methods for better analysis of these results. In this study, by using an artificial neural network, this paper checked the effect of temperature and concentration of different types of nanoparticles, such as copper oxide or Multi Wall Carbon Nano Tubes (MWCNT), on thermal conductivity and the interaction of nanofluid particles. The temperature and mass fraction of the nanoparticles are considered as the inputs of the neural network, and the thermal conductivity and molecular interaction as the outputs of this network are considered. The experimental data extracted for this study change in four temperatures of 25°C, 40°C, 55°C, and 70°C, as well as the mass fraction of nanoparticles in the range of 0.007%–7%. This paper considered the best network with a hidden layer, 15 neurons, and the Levenberg–Marquardt training method. The results showed that at a concentration between 2% and 4% of nanoparticles and at higher temperatures than 60°C, maximum thermal conductivity and molecular interaction occurred. Nevertheless, considering that the maximum heat conductivity combined with minimum fluid interaction with nanofluid (for more stability) is our desire, so this paper used a genetic algorithm to optimize the results obtained.
Two classes of conformable fractional Sturm‐Liouville problems: Theory and applications
Authors: Mortazaasl Hamid , Jodayree Akbarfam Ali Asghar
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we investigate in more detail some useful theorems related to conformable fractional derivative (CFD) and integral and introduce two classes of conformable fractional Sturm‐Liouville problems (CFSLPs): namely, regular and singular CFSLPs. For both classes, we study some of the basic properties of the Sturm‐Liouville theory. In the class of r‐CFSLPs, we discuss two types of CFSLPs which include left‐ and right‐sided CFDs, each of order α∈(n,n+1], and prove properties of the eigenvalues and the eigenfunctions in a certain Hilbert space. Also, we apply a fixed‐point theorem for proving the existence and uniqueness of the eigenfunctions. As an operator for the class of s‐CFSLPs, we first derive two fractional types of the hypergeometric differential equations of order α∈(0,1] and obtain their analytical eigensolutions as Gauss hypergeometric functions. Afterwards, we define the conformable fractional Legendre polynomial/functions (CFLP/Fs) as Jacobi polynomial and investigate their basic properties. Moreover, the conformable fractional integral Legendre transforms (CFILTs) based on CFLP/Fs‐I and ‐II are introduced, and using these new transforms, an effective procedure for solving explicitly certain ordinary and partial conformable fractional differential equations (CFDEs) are given. Finally, as a theoretical application, some fractional diffusion equations are solved.
Asymptotics for 2‐D wave equations with Wentzell boundary conditions in the square
Authors: Li Chan , Jin Kun‐Peng
Published: July 2020

This paper concerns the asymptotics of the linear wave equation with frictional damping only on Wentzell boundary in the square. After reformulating the model into an abstract Cauchy problem, we show that the spectrum for the corresponding operator matrix has no purely imaginary values. Moreover, by analyzing a family of eigenvalues for the operator matrix, we prove that there exists a solution of the system, whose energy decay rate can be arbitrarily slow.
Technical Note: Efficient and accurate MRI‐only based treatment planning of the prostate using bulk density assignment through atlas‐based segmentation
Authors: McCallum Hazel Mhairi , Andersson Sebastian , Wyatt Jonathan James , Richmond Neil , Walker Christopher Paul , Svensson Stina
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study investigates the dosimetric accuracy as well as the robustness of a bulk density assignment approach to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐only based treatment planning of the prostate, with bulk density regions automatically identified using atlas‐based segmentation (ABS).

Methods

Twenty prostate radiotherapy patients received planning computed tomography (CT) and MRI scans and were treated with volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). Two bulk densities were set, one for bone and one for soft tissue. The bone contours were created by using ABS followed by manual modification if considered necessary.

A range of soft tissue and bone density pairs, between 0.95 and 1.03 g/cm3 with increments of 0.01 for soft tissue, and between 1.15 and 1.65 g/cm3 with increments of 0.05 for bone, were evaluated. Using the density pair giving the lowest dose difference compared to the CT‐based dose, dose differences were calculated using both the manually modified bone contours and the bone contours from ABS. Contour overlap measurements between the ABS contours and the manually modified contours were calculated.

Results

The dose comparison shows a very good agreement with the CT when using 0.98 g/cm3 for soft tissue and 1.20 g/cm3 for bone, with a dose difference less than 1 % in average dose in all regions of interest. The mean Dice similarity coefficient for bone was 0.94 and the Mean Distance to Agreement was <1 mm in most cases.

Conclusions

Using bulk density assignment on MR images with suitable densities for bone and soft tissue results in clinically acceptable dose differences compared to dose calculated on the CT, for both atlas‐based and manual bone contours. This demonstrates that an integrated MRI‐only pathway utilizing a bulk density assignment for two tissue types is a feasible and robust approach for patients with prostate cancer treated with VMAT.
Vertical vibration of a rigid strip footing on viscoelastic half‐space
Authors: Zheng Changjie , Luan Lubao , Kouretzis George , Ding Xuanming
Published: July 2020

This paper presents an analytical method for modeling the dynamic response of a rigid strip footing subjected to vertical‐only loads. The footing is assumed to rest on the surface of a viscoelastic half‐space; therefore, effects of hysteretic soil damping on the impedance of the foundation and the generated ground vibrations are considered in the solution. To solve the mixed boundary value problem, we use the Fourier transform to cast a pair of dual integral equations providing contact stresses, which are solved by means of Jacobi orthogonal polynomials. The resulting soil and footing displacements and stresses are obtained by means of the Fourier inverse transform. The solution provides more realistic estimates of footing impedance, compared to existing solutions for elastic soil, as well as of the attenuation of ground vibrations with distance of the footing. The latter is important for the estimation of machine vibration effects on nearby structures and installations.
Quantitative MRI of skeletal muscle in a cross‐sectional cohort of patients with spinal muscular atrophy types 2 and 3
Authors: Otto Louise A.M. , van der Pol W‐Ludo , Schlaffke Lara , Wijngaarde Camiel A. , Stam Marloes , Wadman Renske I. , Cuppen Inge , van Eijk Ruben P.A. , Asselman Fay‐Lynn , Bartels Bart , van der Woude Danny , Hendrikse Jeroen , Froeling Martijn
Published: July 2020

The aim of this study was to document upper leg involvement in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) with quantitative MRI (qMRI) in a cross‐sectional cohort of patients of varying type, disease severity and age. Thirty‐one patients with SMA types 2 and 3 (aged 29.6 [7.6‐73.9] years) and 20 healthy controls (aged 37.9 [17.7‐71.6] years) were evaluated in a 3 T MRI with a protocol consisting of DIXON, T2 mapping and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). qMRI measures were compared with clinical scores of motor function (Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded [HFMSE]) and muscle strength. Patients exhibited an increased fat fraction and fractional anisotropy (FA), and decreased mean diffusivity (MD) and T2 compared with controls (all P < .001). DTI parameters FA and MD manifest stronger effects than can be accounted for the effect of fatty replacement. Fat fraction, FA and MD show moderate correlation with muscle strength and motor function: FA is negatively associated with HFMSE and Medical Research Council sum score (τ = −0.56 and −0.59; both P < .001) whereas for fat fraction values are τ = −0.50 and −0.58, respectively (both P < .001). This study shows that DTI parameters correlate with muscle strength and motor function. DTI findings indirectly indicate cell atrophy and act as a measure independently of fat fraction. Combined these data suggest the potential of muscle DTI in monitoring disease progression and to study SMA pathogenesis in muscle.
Comment to “A method for smoothing multiple yield functions” by Wilkins, Spencer, Jain and Gencturk. Int J Numer Methods Eng. 2020; 121:434–449
Authors: Clausen Johan
Published: July 2020

This paper presents a comment to the article “A method for smoothing multiple yield functions” by Andy Wilkins, Benjamin W. Spencer, Amit Jain and Bora Gencturk. The article was published in International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering, 2020, issue 121, pages 434–449.
Promoting transdisciplinary learning through a summer course on climate, water, and agriculture
Authors: Lekies Kristi S. , Moore Richard H.
Published: July 2020

Transdisciplinary approaches increasingly are needed to address complex environmental problems. Students can benefit from research and learning opportunities in which they investigate issues, integrate knowledge across disciplines, engage with stakeholders, collaborate with others, and devise solutions. This paper presents information on a 1‐week intensive transdisciplinary course focused on climate, water, and agriculture for undergraduate and graduate students. The course, which was held at The Ohio State University's Stone Laboratory on Lake Erie, was offered over 3 years and utilized the local and regional context for investigation and inquiry. Presentations, discussions, experiential and field activities, and guest presentations were used as a way to promote student learning. Students felt positive about their participation and rated the transdisciplinary aspects of the course highly. Ideas from this course can be used to develop similar courses and learning experiences in other settings and on other environmental topics. Instructors are encouraged to utilize campus and local resources, recruit students from a diversity of disciplines, and align content and activities to build transdisciplinary skills.
Thermal and electrical properties of phenol formaldehyde foams reinforcing with reduced graphene oxide
Authors: Sandhya P K , Sreekala M S , Boudenne Abderrahim , Garnier Bertrand , Rouxel Didier , Padmanabhan Moothetty , Kalarikkal Nandakumar , Thomas Sabu
Published: July 2020

In this study, phenol formaldehyde/reduced graphene oxide (PF/RGO) foam nanocomposites were prepared. Here, RGO was obtained by the reduction of graphene oxide using an eco‐friendly reducing agent potato starch. The scanning electron microscopic images of RGO reinforced foams exhibited smaller cells with thick cell walls as compared to neat PF foam that confirms the incorporation of filler material. The thermal and dielectric properties of the PF/RGO foams were improved with increasing the wt% of RGO. The incorporation of RGO improved the thermal conductivity of the PF matrix (11.3% for 0.15 wt% of RGO) to a small extent. The prepared foams are efficient thermal insulation materials as well as efficient electrical conductors.
Mass spectrometry as a tool for the dereplication of saponins from Ampelozizyphus amazonicus Ducke bark and wood
Authors: Mendonça Simony C. , Simas Rosineide C. , Reis Simas Daniel L. , Leitão Suzana G. , Leitão Gilda G.
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Mass spectrometry in natural products research has been used as a first step to identify possible chemical structures and to guide subsequent efforts to isolate novel compounds. Preparations of Ampelozizyphus amazonicus Ducke (AA) are known for their high content of saponins, especially dammarane‐type triterpenoid aglycones. In the Amazon, where it is known as “saracura‐mirá”, roots and bark are widely used for the treatment and prevention of malaria, while the wood is discarded. The extract prepared from the wood is also saponin‐rich, but its exact chemical composition has not been described.

Objective

This study provides information on the chemical profiling and tentative structural identification of the major compounds (saponins) present in aqueous and ethanol extracts of bark and wood of AA by mass spectrometry.

Methods

The strategy used to identify compounds present in all samples was ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography with an ultraviolet detector coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐UV‐MS/MS) for the analysis of fragmentation patterns through product ion scan using MZmine 2 software. Also, direct sample injection and electrospray ionisation combined with high‐resolution mass spectrometry (DI‐ESI‐HRMS) measurements were performed.

Results

The extracts showed chemical similarity, and 95 saponins were tentatively identified in AA wood and bark, including 73 which are described for the first time as tentative structures for this plant species.

Conclusion

This research describes a useful method for the fast and simultaneous tentative identification of major saponins in AA, contributing to the study of the chemical properties of this genus and family. Furthermore, it demonstrates the importance of the qualitative dereplication process, allowing a straightforward way to propose the tentative identification of compounds.
High strength, acid‐resistant composites from canola, sunflower, or linseed oils: Influence of triglyceride unsaturation on material properties
Authors: Lopez Claudia V. , Karunarathna Menisha S. , Lauer Moira K. , Maladeniya Charini P. , Thiounn Timmy , Ackley Edward D. , Smith Rhett C.
Published: July 2020

Here are reported composites made by crosslinking unsaturated units in canola, sunflower, or linseed oil with sulfur to yield CanS, SunS, and LinS, respectively. These plant oils were selected because the average number of crosslinkable unsaturated units per triglyceride vary from 1.3 for canola to 1.5 for sunflower and 1.8 for linseed oil. The remeltable composites show compressive strengths that increase with increasing unsaturation number from CanS (9.3 MPa) to SunS (17.9 MPa) to LinS (22.9 MPa). These values for SunS and LinS are competitive when compared with the value of 17 MPa required for residential building using traditional Portland cement. The plant oil composites are recyclable over many cycles and can retain up to 100% of strength after 24 hr in oxidizing acid under conditions where Portland cement is dissolved in under 30 min. Infusion of the composites into premade cement blocks affords them with significantly improved acid resistance as well. This work thus provides a simple, nearly 100% atom economical route to convert plant oils and waste sulfur to composites having enhanced performance over commercial structural materials.
Emerging technologies for cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator restoration in all people with CF
Authors: Egan Marie E.
Published: July 2020

Although effective cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator therapy has the potential to change the lives of many patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), it is unlikely that these drugs will be a game changing therapy for all. There are about 10% of patients with CF who don't produce a mutant protein tomodulate, potentiate, or optimize and for these patients such therapies are unlikely to be of significant benefit. There is a need to develop new therapeutic approaches that can work for this patient population and can advance CF therapies. These new therapies will be genetic‐based therapies and each approach will result in functional CFTR protein inpreviously affected CF cells. In this review we will examine the potential of RNA therapies, gene transfer therapies, and gene editing therapies for the treatment of CF as well as the challenges that will need to be facedas we harness the power of these emerging therapies towards a one‐time cure.
Chronopotentiometric Deposition of Nanocobalt Oxide for Electrochromic Auxiliary Active Electrode Application
Authors: Pathak Devesh K. , Chaudhary Anjali , Tanwar Manushree , Goutam Uttam K. , Pfnür Herbert , Kumar Rajesh
Published: July 2020

A dense nanofilm of Co3O4 is synthesized using constant current electrodeposition on a conducting transparent electrode that works not only as a counter electrode but also shows electrochromic (EC) properties on its own. The isolated active nano‐Co3O4 electrode shows reduction in the redox potential and good color contrast between its yellowish transparent and dark states at different bias conditions. The electrode shows improved color contrast, stability, and cycle life. In situ spectroelectrochemical studies of the nanoelectrode reveals that the bias‐induced redox activity of the metal oxide leads to the color change between yellowish and opaque states. The bias‐induced color change makes it an active EC counter‐ion electrode for appropriate solid‐state EC devices.
Charge Photogeneration in Composites of Fluorinated Carbon Nanotubes and Semiconducting Polymer P3HT
Authors: Kobeleva Elena S. , Nevostruev Danil A. , Krivenko Olga L. , Uvarov Mikhail N. , Gurova Olga A. , Lobiak Egor V. , Berezin Alexay S. , Zinovyev Vladimir A. , Utkin Dmitriy E. , Degtyarenko Konstantin M. , Kulik Leonid V.
Published: July 2020

Spectroscopic and photovoltaic properties of composites of purified and subsequently fluorinated single‐walled carbon nanotubes (F‐SWCNTs) with conjugated polymer poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) are tested. Adding cyclohexanone into o‐dichlorobenzene solution of P3HT and F‐SWCNTs significantly affects the composite morphology and promotes P3HT/F‐SWCNT nanofilament formation, as evidenced from atomic force microscopy (AFM) images of spin‐coated composite films. Also, nanofilament formation enhances quenching of P3HT photoluminescence by F‐SWCNTs. The performance of P3HT‐based organic photovoltaics (OPV) devices with separated semiconducting SWCNTs and F‐SWCNTs as the acceptor component of the active layer is comparable. Light‐induced electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) signal intensity in P3HT/F‐SWCNT composite films and frozen solutions grows with increase in F‐SWCNT content, which is a signature of photoinduced electron transfer. Dramatic change in SWCNT electronic structure upon fluorination is also evidenced by UV–vis– near infra red optical absorption spectra, from which the bandgap of about 1.0 eV is derived for F‐SWCNTs. Overall, the experimental results confirm that fluorination efficiently converts metallic SWCNTs into semiconducting ones, and F‐SWCNTs can be used for as an electron acceptor component in OPV devices, in combination with polymer donors. Presently, the performance of P3HT/F‐SWCNT devices is limited by F‐SWCNT aggregation into bundles, which decreases P3HT/F‐SWCNT interface area.
Evaluation of ice particle growth in ICON using statistics of multi‐frequency Doppler cloud radar observations
Authors: Ori Davide , Schemann Vera , Karrer Markus , Dias Neto José , von Terzi Leonie , Seifert Axel , Kneifel Stefan
Published: July 2020

Vertically pointing radar observations combining multiple frequencies and Doppler measurements have been recently shown to contain valuable information about ice particle growth processes, such as aggregation and riming. In this study, we use a two‐months X, Ka, W‐Band Doppler radar dataset of midlatitude winter clouds to infer statistical growth signatures of ice and snow particles. The observational statistics are compared to forward‐simulated radar moments based on simulations of the campaign time period with a high‐resolution version of the ICON model and a two‐moment microphysical scheme. The statistical comparison shows very good agreement of the simulated vertical structure of radar reflectivity and surface precipitation rate. The dual‐wavelength ratios, which are closely related to the mean particle size, also show consistently a major increase at temperatures higher than –15 °C. However, at temperatures higher than –7 °C, ICON increasingly overestimates the mean particle size. The statistics of mean Doppler velocities also reveal that the model overestimates the terminal velocity of snow particles, especially at larger sizes. We discuss possible reasons for the identified discrepancies, such as an unrealistic temperature dependence of the sticking efficiency or the non‐saturation of terminal velocities at larger sizes caused by the implemented power law relations. Our study demonstrates examples of the importance of combining various radar techniques for identifying issues in simulated microphysical processes, which can otherwise be hidden due to compensating errors.
Antecedents and consequences of knowledge sharing for software process improvement in the Indian software industry
Authors: Chugh Mitali , Chanderwal Nitin , Upadhyay Rajesh Kumar , Punia Devendra Kumar
Published: July 2020

The integration of knowledge sharing is significant for software process improvement (SPI). However, very few empirical studies have evaluated how and to what extent knowledge sharing affects the different aspects of SPI. Drawing upon the resource‐based view and the knowledge‐based view of software development organizations, we have explored the antecedents and consequences of knowledge sharing for SPI success. This study develops and empirically validates a model presenting how knowledge sharing impacts SPI success, how organizational factors (leadership and trust) and an individual factor (motivation) affect knowledge sharing and how the use of information technology facilitates explicitly the relation between knowledge sharing and SPI success. The empirical testing of the model has been carried out using the statistical technique of structural equation modelling (SEM) by analysing the dataset of 556 respondents collected from Indian software development organizations. The outcomes reveal that knowledge sharing enhances SPI in terms of design effectiveness, lesser fault density and improved software development competence. Also, the results show that the use of information technology moderates the relation of knowledge sharing and SPI. The conclusions also contribute to improving our knowledge about how leadership, trust and motivation drive efficient knowledge sharing on the path to SPI success.
Ordered Structure, Dislocation, and Grain Boundary Character Distribution and Their Effects on Warm Deformation in Soft‐Magnetic Fe–6.9Si–0.01B Alloy
Authors: Cai Guojun , Wang Yuezhu , Huang Yanru , Misra Raja Devesh Kumar
Published: July 2020

The ordered structure, dislocation, and grain boundary character distribution (GBCD) in warm‐rolled Fe–6.9Si–0.01B alloy are characterized, and their effects on plastic deformation are investigated. The study reveals that some {110} recrystallized grains preferentially formed at {111} shear bands as the main nucleation sites at lower rolling temperature, whereas more {111} recrystallized grains occur at 680 °C rolling temperature. The content and size of B2 ordered phases increase with increasing deformation temperatures, meanwhile majority of superdislocations are changed into single dislocations, relieving the stress through cross‐slip. The plastic deformability of Fe–6.9Si–0.01B alloy improves by increasing deformation temperature is attributed to a contribution combining decrease in order degree and recrystallization softening with optimization of GBCD.
Phylogeny of Acanthophyllum s.l. revisited: An update on generic concept and sectional classification
Authors: Pirani Atefeh , Moazzeni Hamid , Zarre Shahin , Rabeler Richard K. , Oxelman Bengt , Pavlenko Alexander V. , Kovalchuk Andriy
Published: July 2020

The generic boundary of the broadly defined Acanthophyllum s.l., the third‐largest genus of the tribe Caryophylleae (Caryophyllaceae), has been a subject of taxonomic confusion. Acanthophyllum s.l. now includes five minor genera previously recognized as independent. Among these small genera, the inclusion of Allochrusa, Ochotonophila, and Scleranthopsis within Acanthophyllum s.l. was confirmed by previous molecular studies, while the positions of Diaphanoptera and Kuhitangia remained uncertain. We have performed an updated molecular study of Acanthophyllum s.l. including an increased sampling of the genera and sections assigned to this group, using intron sequences of the chloroplast gene rps16 and nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences. Cyathophylla, Heterochroa, and Saponaria were chosen as outgroups for performing phylogenetic analyses using maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods. The present results suggest that, in addition to the genera mentioned above, both Diaphanoptera and Kuhitangia should also be synonymized within Acanthophyllum. Sections Diaphanoptera, Kuhitangia and Pseudomacrostegia are introduced as new infrageneric taxa within Acanthophyllum. Our results also indicate that some annual species of Saponaria are closely related to Acanthophyllum.
Nano nickel oxide promotes epithelial‐mesenchymal transition through transforming growth factor β1/smads signaling pathway in A549 cells
Authors: Chang Xuhong , Tian Minmin , Zhang Qiong , Gao Jinxia , Li Sheng , Sun Yingbiao
Published: July 2020

Our previous study demonstrated that nano nickel oxide (NiO) induce pulmonary fibrosis in rats and collagen excessive formation in A549 cells, which mechanism was related with the increasing transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1) secretion. However, it remains unclear understanding the role of TGF‐β1 in collagen excessive formation. Here, we found nano NiO could directly promote epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) via the TGF‐β1/Smads pathway in A549 cells. First, cytotoxicity induced by nano NiO has a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner according to methylthiaozol tetrazolium assay. Second, nano NiO led to the increased contents of type I collagen (Col‐I), TGF‐β1, p‐Smad2, p‐Smad3, alpha‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), vimentin, and fibronectin, indicating Smads pathway activation and EMT occurence. Third, to verify whether TGF‐β1 activated Smads signaling pathway and EMT occurence, A549 cells were exposed to nano NiO and TGF‐β1 inhibitors (10 μM SB431542). The results showed that TGF‐β1 inhibitors alleviated the nano NiO‐induced cytotoxicity and Col‐I excessive formation. Meanwhile, TGF‐β1 inhibitors reversed the proteins expression trends of Col‐I, p‐Smad2, p‐Smad3, α‐SMA, vimentin, fibronectin, and E‐cadherin. These observations suggested that EMT occurrence via TGF‐β1/Smads pathway might play an important role in the collagen excessive formation induced by nano NiO in A549 cells.