bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hospital pharmacy services supporting Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia: a systematic review
Authors: Welch Susan , McMillan Faye , Moles Rebekah
Published: July 2020

Aim

To systematically review the literature to investigate the role of the hospital pharmacist and the services provided for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Methods

A systematic literature review was performed following a search from inception to present of MEDLINE, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (IPA), EMBASE, Scopus and Pubmed, in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. All forms of published literature were included. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and hospital pharmacists/pharmacy department services in Australia were the populations included.

Results

1592 studies were identified. After removal of duplicates and application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 16 papers underwent full text review, with 7 papers included in the final review. No high‐level evidence articles were found. Joanna Briggs Institute Levels of Evidence for meaningfulness were low. Settings were varied and included rural, remote and urban sites. Five articles were allocated a Donabedian Model level where the structure was described. Two papers described structure and process. None described outcomes. Hospital pharmacy services included development of models for patient care, partnerships and resource sharing in rural and remote areas and ensuring continuity of care.

Conclusion

Systematic review of the literature to determine the role of hospital pharmacy services for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people produced limited publications for review. From these, roles identified included: development of models for patient care, partnerships and resource sharing in rural and remote areas and ensuring continuity of care. Future research and publication of work by hospital pharmacists nurturing and developing relationships in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities is encouraged.
The evolution of the terrestrial‐terminating Irish Sea glacier during the last glaciation
Authors: Chiverrell Richard Christopher , Thomas Geoff Stephen Powell , Burke Matthew , Medialdea Alicia , Smedley Rachel , Bateman Mark , Clark Chris , Duller Geoffrey A. T. , Fabel Derek , Jenkins Geraint , Ou Xianjiao , Roberts Helen Marie , Scourse James
Published: July 2020

Here we reconstruct the last advance to maximum limits and retreat of the Irish Sea Glacier (ISG), the only land‐terminating ice lobe of the western British Irish Ice Sheet. A series of reverse bedrock slopes rendered proglacial lakes endemic, forming time‐transgressive moraine‐ and bedrock‐dammed basins that evolved with ice marginal retreat. Combining, for the first time on glacial sediments, optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) bleaching profiles for cobbles with single grain and small aliquot OSL measurements on sands, has produced a coherent chronology from these heterogeneously bleached samples. This chronology constrains what is globally an early build‐up of ice during late Marine Isotope Stage 3 and Greenland Stadial (GS) 5, with ice margins reaching south Lancashire by 30 ± 1.2 ka, followed by a 120‐km advance at 28.3 ± 1.4 ka reaching its 26.5 ± 1.1 ka maximum extent during GS‐3. Early retreat during GS‐3 reflects piracy of ice sources shared with the Irish‐Sea Ice Stream (ISIS), starving the ISG. With ISG retreat, an opportunistic readvance of Welsh ice during GS‐2 rode over the ISG moraines occupying the space vacated, with ice margins oscillating within a substantial glacial over‐deepening. Our geomorphological chronosequence shows a glacial system forced by climate but mediated by piracy of ice sources shared with the ISIS, changing flow regimes and fronting environments.
Confocal Raman imaging as a useful tool to understand the internal microstructure of multicomponent aerogels
Authors: Benito‐González Isaac , Martínez‐Sanz Marta , López‐Rubio Amparo , Gómez‐Mascaraque Laura G.
Published: July 2020

This work shows the characterization of (nano)cellulosic aerogels prepared from Posidonia oceanica waste biomass by means of confocal Raman microscopy (CRM). For this aim, aerogels were prepared by simple freeze‐drying of aqueous dispersions of four (nano)cellulosic fractions with different purification degrees, tested at two different concentrations (0.5% and 2%). These were then coated with polylactic acid (PLA) in order to improve their hydrophobicity and subjected to oil sorption–desorption experiments. Both univariate and multivariate analyses, including an approach based on comparing the spectra with those of reference materials and another one based on automatic detection of components, were compared in terms of the quality and the accuracy of the information provided. Univariate analysis only provided accurate information in the simplest systems (native (nano)cellulosic aerogels), while multivariate analyses facilitated the detection of the different components even for the most complex structures. Automatic identification of components was selected as the optimal methodology, although it also underestimated the abundance of the components with the least intense Raman spectra (cellulosic clusters) in the presence of PLA and oil. Comparison with the reference materials resulted in unrealistic images for the most complex systems. Micron‐sized regions of concentrated cellulose were detected using CRM, being more abundant in the denser aerogels. Results also confirmed that PLA was preferentially located close to the surface, while oil could penetrate deeper along the matrix. Overall, the results showed the potential of Raman imaging as a novel approach for the characterization of complex biopolymeric aerogels.
Residue dissipation, transfer and safety evaluation of picoxystrobin during tea growing and brewing
Authors: Zhang Xinzhong , Cui Xuan , Wang Xinru , Zhong Qing , Zhou Li , Luo Fengjian , Wang Fang , Wu Luchao , Chen Zongmao
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Picoxystrobin is a new osmotic and systemic broad‐spectrum methoxyacrylate fungicide with a good control effect on tea anthracnose, so it has been proposed to spray picoxystrobin before the occurrence and onset of tea anthracnose during tea bud growth in order to protect them. However, there are few reports about the residue analysis method, field dissipation, terminal residue and risk assessment of picoxystrobin in tea. And there is no scientific and reasonable maximum residue limit of picoxystrobin in green tea.

RESULTS

A rapid and sensitive analysis method for picoxystrobin residue in fresh tea leaf, green tea, tea infusion and soil was established by UPLC‐MS/MS. The spiked recoveries of picoxystrobin ranged from 73.1% to 111.0%, with relative standard deviations from 1.8% to 9.2%. The limits of quantitation were 20 μg kg−1 in green tea, 8 μg kg−1 in fresh tea leaves and soil and 0.16 μg kg−1 in tea infusion. The dissipation half‐lives of picoxystrobin in fresh tea leaf and soil were 2.7–6.8 and 2.5–14.4 days, respectively. And the maximum residue of picoxystrobin in green tea was 15.28 mg kg−1 with PHI at 10 days for terminal test. The total leaching rate of picoxystrobin during green tea brewing was lower than 35.8%.

CONCLUSIONS

According to safety evaluation, the RQc and RQa values of picoxystrobin in tea after 5 to 14 days for the last application were significantly lower than 1. Therefore, the maximum residue limit value of picoxystrobin in tea that we suggest to set at 20 mg kg−1 can ensure the safety of tea for human drinking. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Determination of residue of diflufenican in wheat and soil by ultra‐high‐pressure liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry conditions
Authors: Hu Zhanli , Li Jun , Zhang Yezi , Shi Yan
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

In order to clarify whether the application of diflufenican in the wheat field will produce residues in wheat plants and soil. In this experiment, ultra‐high‐pressure liquid chromatography was used to determine the residues of diflufenican in wheat plants, grains, and soil, which provided a new theoretical basis and technical guidance for the safe production of wheat.

RESULTS

The results showed that the average diflufenican recovery per added level in wheat and soil were in the range of 85.7% to 91.3%, relative standard deviations were all in a range of 2.43% to 6.00%, and the minimum detectable amount of diflufenican was 1.0 × 10−10 g kg−1. With the increase of wheat growing days and soil layers, the residues of diflufenican in wheat plants and soil became lower. The order of residual amount of diflufenican in the growth period were heading period, flowering period, filling period and maturing period. The order of residual amount of diflufenican in different soil layers was 0–20, 20–40, 40–60, 60–80 and 80–100 cm respectively from the top to the bottom. In addition, with the increase of the dosage of diflufenican, the residual amount of diflufenican becomes higher. Thus, the residual amount of diflufenican after 2.0 times applied amount was higher than the 1.0 time applied amount.

CONCLUSION

The residual amounts of diflufenican in wheat and soil were very small, far below the value of the maximum residue limit (MRL) on wheat provided by China. Under the applied amount administered in this experiment, a single spray of diflufenican in wheat trifoliate is safe for wheat, humans and livestock. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Magnesium bioavailability of dried and thinly shaved kombu in rats
Authors: Nishiyama Manami , Funaba Masayuki , Matsui Tohru
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Magnesium (Mg) is highly bioavailable in kombu compared with other edible seaweeds. However, a considerable amount of Mg is lost during industrial processing and cooking of kombu. We hypothesized that thinly shaved kombu (TSK), a traditional Japanese kombu product, is a suitable Mg source for daily diets because TSK hardly loses Mg during processing. Rats were fed diets containing TSK or magnesium oxide (MgO) to satisfy 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% of their Mg requirements. We determined the relative Mg bioavailability of TSK compared to MgO and examined factors affecting Mg bioavailability in TSK.

RESULTS

The relative bioavailability of Mg in TSK compared with MgO was calculated as 92.3%, 111.4%, and 87.2% from apparent absorption, urinary excretion, and femoral concentration of Mg, respectively. The ultrafiltrable Mg concentration was lower in the cecal content of rats given TSK than those given MgO. However, the mRNA expression of TRPM6, an Mg channel responsible for Mg absorption, was higher in the cecum of rats given TSK than those given MgO.

CONCLUSION

Enhancement of TRPM6 expression in the large intestine negates the low bioaccessibility of Mg in TSK, and thus TSK shows Mg bioavailability comparable with MgO. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Enhanced cytokine expression and upregulation of inflammatory signaling pathways in broiler chickens affected by wooden breast myopathy
Authors: Xing Tong , Luo Dan , Zhao Xue , Xu Xinglian , Li Jiaolong , Zhang Lin , Gao Feng
Published: July 2020

Background

Wooden breast (WB) myopathy in broiler chickens is a growing challenge for the poultry industry. Previous multi‐omic data have implied that the pathogenesis of WB is associated with the activation of immune system and inflammatory response. However, the intricate mechanisms are not fully understood. This study was therefore conducted to systematically investigate the morphology, expression of cytokines as well as the underlying signaling pathways regulating the inflammatory response in pectoralis major (PM) muscle of WB myopathic broilers.

Results

wHistopathological changes, increased plasma creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase activities, elevated myeloperoxidase activity and overproduction of nitric oxide in muscle indicated the enhancement of muscle damage and inflammation in WB broilers. The messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions of inflammatory cytokines were dysregulated in PM muscle and contents of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐8 and tumor necrosis factor‐α were increased in serum of WB myopathic broilers, indicating this myopathy was associated with immune disorder and systemic inflammation response. Additionally, toll‐like receptor (TLR) levels were upregulated, the nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells (NF‐κB) signaling pathway was activated and the mRNA expression levels of downstream inflammatory mediators were enhanced in PM muscle of WB myopathy affected birds.

Conclusion

The results indicated an immune disorder and a systemic inflammation response in WB myopathic broilers, which might be related to a synergetic effect of TLRs and NF‐κB pathway. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Preoperative C‐reactive protein‐to‐albumin ratio predicts long‐term outcomes in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma patients
Authors: Yasukawa Koya , Shimizu Akira , Motoyama Hiroaki , Kubota Koji , Notake Tsuyoshi , Fukushima Kentaro , Ikehara Tomohiko , Hayashi Hikaru , Kobayashi Akira , Soejima Yuji
Published: July 2020

Background

Systemic inflammation may have prognostic value in some malignancies and association with lymph node metastasis. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of systemic inflammatory biomarkers on long‐term and oncological outcomes as well as to assess the association between biomarkers with lymph node metastasis in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma patients.

Methods

We enrolled 271 consecutive patients who underwent surgical resection for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Poor prognostic factors were compared to identify the biomarkers that were most associated with overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) using receiver operating characteristic curves and multivariable analysis. Furthermore, we evaluated the relationship between biomarkers and lymph node metastasis.

Results

Four and two biomarkers were predictive for OS and DFS, respectively, among which, the C‐reactive protein‐to‐albumin ratio (CAR) had the highest area under the curve values (OS: 0.631, DFS: 0.624). Multivariable analysis showed that a high CAR was an independent prognostic factor for both OS and DFS (P = .002 and P < .001, respectively). Although a high CAR was not significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis (P = .645), carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 showed a significant correlation (P < .001).

Conclusions

Preoperative CAR is the most accurate prognostic factor for OS and DFS in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma patients and is independent of lymph node metastasis.
A healthy trophic structure underlies the resistance of pristine seagrass beds to nutrient enrichment
Authors: Yan Jiaguo , van der Heide Tjisse , Cui Baoshan , Bai Junhong , Ysebaert Tom , van de Koppel Johan
Published: July 2020

Whether pristine ecosystems with intact trophic structures are more resilient to anthropogenic pressures than ecosystems facing human exploitation is a pressing question to ecological theory and management. For coastal vegetated ecosystems such as kelp forests and seagrass meadows, a number of studies recently highlighted that under eutrophic conditions, trophic cascades are particularly important in buffering or reducing negative effects of nutrient enrichment. Yet, it currently remains unclear how nutrient enrichment and trophic downgrading interact in oligotrophic coastal ecosystems with an intact trophic structure. Here, we factorially manipulated nutrient loading and the interactions within a tri‐trophic food chain within a pristine, oligotrophic seagrass ecosystem to investigate how trophic downgrading affects its ability to buffer against eutrophication. Results revealed that nutrient addition stimulates seagrass production, while reducing the growth of benthic microalgae, presumably because the thicker seagrass canopy reduced light availability. Trophic downgrading by excluding predators, however, almost completely negated these nutrient effects, as the release of herbivores from predation strongly enhanced grazing pressure on seagrass. Exclusion of grazers in turn restored seagrass biomass by allowing the nutrient addition treatment to regain its effect, confirming that a tri‐trophic cascade mediated how enhanced nutrient loading affected our system. Our results highlight that a healthy trophic structure is vital for the ability of pristine coastal ecosystems to buffer eutrophication, as trophic downgrading may degrade their ability to absorb enhanced nutrient loading. Hence, our findings emphasize the potential for multiple anthropogenic impacts to interact synergistically in degrading natural ecosystems.
Measurement of Simulated Debris Removal Rates in an Artificial Root Canal to Optimize Laser‐Activated Irrigation Parameters
Authors: Jezeršek Matija , Lukač Nejc , Lukač Matjaž
Published: July 2020

Background and Objectives

To compare temporal rates of debris removal from an artificial root canal for three laser‐assisted irrigation modalities single‐pulse super short pulse (SSP), and two dual‐pulse X‐SWEEPS and AutoSWEEPS, and for two fiber‐tip (FT) geometries flat and radial, and to evaluate the dependence of the debris flushing rate on the delay between the SWEEPS laser pulse pair.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Laser‐assisted irrigation was performed with a pulsed Er:YAG laser operating in single‐pulse SSP and dual‐pulse SWEEPS laser modalities. The laser energy was delivered to the water‐filled model access cavity through a FT with either a flat or radial ending. The X‐SWEEPS modality delivered pairs of laser pulses separated by a fixed adjustable delay, while with the AutoSWEEPS modality the delay was automatically and repeatedly swept between 200 and 600 microseconds. The debris removal rate was determined with the use of a digital camera by measuring the rate at which a simulated debris was being flushed out of the artificial root canal.

Results

The simulated debris removal rate of the AutoSWEEPS modality is almost three times higher compared with that of the SSP modality. Further, the flat FT outperforms the radial FT by a factor of more than five in the case of SSP, and by more than 10 with AutoSWEEPS. The X‐SWEEPS flushing rate exhibits strong dependence on the delay between the SWEEPS pulse pair, with the highest removal rate measured to be more than seven times higher in comparison with SSP.

Conclusion

Dual‐pulse laser irrigation modalities (AutoSWEEPS and X‐SWEEPS) exhibit significantly higher simulated debris removal rates in comparison with the standard single‐pulse SSP laser‐assisted irrigation. As opposed to the previously reported dependence of pressure generation on FT geometry, the flat FT's simulated debris removal rate significantly outperforms the radial FT. © 2020 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals LLC
A Gain‐of‐Function Mutation in KCNMA1 Causes Dystonia Spells Controlled With Stimulant Therapy
Authors: Zhang Guohui , Gibson Rebecca A. , McDonald Marie , Liang Pengfei , Kang Po Wei , Shi Jingyi , Yang Huanghe , Cui Jianmin , Mikati Mohamad A.
Published: July 2020

Background

The mutations of KCNMA1 BK‐type K+ channel have been identified in patients with various movement disorders. The underlying pathophysiology and corresponding therapeutics are lacking.

Objectives

To report our clinical and biophysical characterizations of a novel de novo KCNMA1 variant, as well as an effective therapy for the patient's dystonia‐atonia spells.

Methods

Combination of phenotypic characterization, therapy, and biophysical characterization of the patient and her mutation.

Results

The patient had >100 dystonia‐atonia spells per day with mild cerebellar atrophy. She also had autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Whole‐exome sequencing identified a heterozygous de novo BK N536H mutation. Our biophysical characterization demonstrates that N536H is a gain‐of‐function mutation with markedly enhanced voltage‐dependent activation. Remarkably, administration of dextroamphetamine completely suppressed the dystonia‐atonia spells.

Conclusions

BK N536H is a gain‐of‐function that causes dystonia and other neurological symptoms. Our stimulant therapy opens a new avenue to mitigate KCNMA1‐linked movement disorders. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Safety of Plasma Infusions in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Parker Jordan E. , Martinez Amaris , Deutsch Gayle K. , Prabhakar Varsha , Lising Melanie , Kapphahn Kristopher I. , Anidi Chioma M. , Neuville Raumin , Coburn Maria , Shah Neil , Bronte‐Stewart Helen M.
Published: July 2020

Background

Young plasma infusions have emerged as a potential treatment for neurodegenerative disease, and convalescent plasma therapy has been used safely in the management of viral pandemics. However, the effect of plasma therapy in Parkinson's disease (PD) is unknown.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to determine the safety, tolerability, and feasibility of plasma infusions in people with PD.

Methods

A total of 15 people with clinically established PD, at least 1 cognitive complaint, and on stable therapy received 1 unit of young fresh frozen plasma twice a week for 4 weeks. Assessments and adverse effects were performed/reported on and off therapy at baseline, immediately after, and 4 weeks after the infusions ended. Adverse effects were also assessed during infusions. The primary outcomes were safety, tolerability, and feasibility. Exploratory outcomes included Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part III off medication, neuropsychological battery, Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire‐39, inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐6), uric acid, and quantitative kinematics.

Results

Adherence rate was 100% with no serious adverse effects. There was evidence of improvement in phonemic fluency (P = 0.002) and in the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire‐39 stigma subscore (P = 0.013) that were maintained at the delayed evaluation. Elevated baseline tumor necrosis factor‐α levels decreased 4 weeks after the infusions ended.

Conclusions

Young fresh frozen plasma was safe, feasible, and well tolerated in people with PD, without serious adverse effects and with preliminary evidence for improvements in phonemic fluency and stigma. The results of this study warrant further therapeutic investigations in PD and provide safety and feasibility data for plasma therapy in people with PD who may be at higher risk for severe complications of COVID‐19. © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Role of Fourier sine transform on the dynamical model of tensioned carbon nanotubes with fractional operator
Authors: Abro Kashif Ali , Gómez‐Aguilar Jose Francisco
Published: July 2020

The metallic or semiconducting characteristics of cylindrical graphitic tubes (single‐walled carbon nanotubes) exhibit strongest fibers in the world subject to their chirality and diameter. In this manuscript, the dynamical model of tensioned carbon nanotubes based on Euler–Bernoulli beam subject to single‐walled carbon nanotubes is investigated. The fractional calculus approach has been treated on the dynamical model of tensioned carbon nanotubes through Atangana–Baleanu differentiation. For the sake of proper deflection of single‐walled carbon nanotubes, the thermal expansion coefficient and flexural rigidity are emphasized on deflection of single‐walled carbon nanotubes. The two types of fractional and mathematical solutions have been explored by means of combined implementation of Laplace and Fourier sine transforms. Additionally, the dynamical influence of pretension on the deflection of single‐walled carbon nanotubes has been addressed graphically. Finally, the parametric study of this manuscript has envisaged the utilization of single‐walled carbon nanotubes as per thermo‐physical and structural applications.
Analysis of dosimetric impact of intrafraction translation and rotation during respiratory‐gated stereotactic body radiotherapy with real‐time tumor monitoring of the lung using a novel six degrees‐of‐freedom robotic moving phantom
Authors: Shiinoki Takehiro , Fujii Fumitake , Yuasa Yuki , Nonomura Tatsuki , Fujimoto Koya , Sera Tatsuhiro , Tanaka Hidekazu
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study aimed to develop a six degrees‐of‐freedom (6DoF) robotic moving phantom for evaluating the dosimetric impact of intrafraction rotation during respiratory‐gated radiotherapy with real‐time tumor monitoring in the lung.

Materials and Methods

Fifteen patients who had undergone respiratory‐gated stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) with the SyncTraX system for lung tumors were enrolled in this study. A water‐equivalent phantom (WEP) was set at the tip of the robotic arm. A log file that recorded the three‐dimensional positions of three fiducial markers implanted near the lung tumor was used as the input to the 6DoF robotic moving phantom. Respiratory‐gated radiotherapy was performed for the WEP, which was driven using translational and rotational motions of the lung tumor. The accuracy of the 6DoF robotic moving phantom was calculated as the difference between the actual and the measured positions. To evaluate the dosimetric impact of intrafraction rotation, the absolute dose distributions under conditions involving gating and movement were compared with those under static conditions.

Results

For the sinusoidal patterns, the mean ± standard deviation (SD) of the root mean square errors (RMSEs) of the translation and rotation positional errors was <0.40 mm and 0.30°, respectively, for all directions. For the respiratory motion patterns of 15 patients, the mean ± SD of the RMSEs of the translation and rotation positional errors was <0.55 mm and 0.85°, respectively, for all directions. The γ3%/2mm values under translation with/without gating were 97.6 ± 2.2%/80.9 ± 18.1% and 96.8 ± 2.3%/80.0 ± 17.0% in the coronal and sagittal planes, respectively. Further, the γ3%/2mm values under rotation with/without gating were 91.5 ± 6.5%/72.8 ± 18.6% and 90.3 ± 6.1%/72.9 ± 15.7% in the coronal and sagittal planes, respectively.

Conclusions

The developed 6DoF robotic phantom system could determine the translational and rotational motions of lung tumors with high accuracy. Further, respiratory‐gating radiotherapy with real‐time tumor monitoring using an internal surrogate marker was effective in compensating for the translational motion of lung tumors but not for correcting their rotational motion.
Prediction of dose distribution from luminescence image of water using a deep convolutional neural network for particle therapy
Authors: Yabe Takuya , Yamamoto Seiichi , Oda Masahiro , Mori Kensaku , Toshito Toshiyuki , Akagi Takashi
Published: July 2020

Purpose

We recently obtained nearly the same depth profiles of luminescence images of water as dose for protons by subtracting the Cerenkov light component emitted by secondary electrons of prompt gamma photons. However, estimating the distribution of Cerenkov light with this correction method is time‐consuming, depending on the irradiated energy of protons by Monte Carlo simulation. Therefore, we proposed a method of estimating dose distributions from the measured luminescence images of water using a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN).

Methods

In this study, we adopted the U‐Net architectures as the DCNN. To prepare a large amount of image data for DCNN training, we calculated the training data pairs of two‐dimensional (2D) dose distributions and luminescence images of water by Monte Carlo simulation for protons and carbon ions. After training the U‐Net model for protons or carbon ions using these dose distributions and luminescence images calculated by Monte Carlo simulation, we predicted the dose distributions from the calculated and measured luminescence images of water using the trained U‐Net model.

Results

All of the U‐Net model's predicted images were in good agreement with the MC‐calculated dose distributions and showed lower values of the root mean square percentage error (RSMPE) and higher values in the structural similarity index (SSIM) in comparison with these values for calculated or measured luminescence images.

Conclusion

We confirmed that the DCNN effectively predicts dose distributions in water from the measured as well as calculated luminescence images of water for particle therapy.
Instability and treatments of the coupled discrete element and lattice Boltzmann method by the immersed moving boundary scheme
Authors: Wang Min , Feng Y.T. , Qu T.M. , Tao Shi , Zhao T.T.
Published: July 2020

The immersed moving boundary (IMB) scheme has been extensively used to couple the discrete element method (DEM) with the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM). In the literature, only the formulation of IMB for lattice nodal cells covered by a single‐solid particle was given. The treatment of situations where a nodal cell is covered by two or more solid particles is seldom discussed. It is found that some numerical instability can occur for such situations due to an inappropriate computation of the weighting function in the IMB formulation. This work presents an enhanced treatment that can resolve the issue and validates it using some benchmark tests. Furthermore, to avoid the extra costs associated with the treatment and simplify the complicated procedure introduced, a simplified IMB scheme is proposed. The accuracy of both enhanced and simplified IMB schemes are validated by test cases including single‐particle sedimentation, two‐particle drafting‐kissing‐tumbling phenomenon, and multiple‐particle sedimentation. Then, the robustness of both schemes is examined and discussed using a specially designed flow past cylinders test. The simplified IMB scheme is proved to be robust and sufficiently accurate and simpler and more effective than the enhanced scheme.
State of the science in pediatric ICU delirium: An integrative review
Authors: Kalvas Laura Beth , Harrison Tondi M.
Published: July 2020

Delirium is a complication of critical illness associated with poor outcomes. Although widely studied in adults, comparatively little is understood about delirium in pediatric intensive care units (ICUs). The purpose of this integrative review is to determine the extent and nature of current evidence, identify gaps in the literature, and outline future areas for investigation of pediatric ICU delirium. Eligible articles included research reports of delirium in pediatric ICU samples published in English since 2009. After an extensive literature search and consideration for inclusion/exclusion criteria, 22 articles were chosen for review. Delirium was highly prevalent in the ICU. Delirium episodes developed early in hospitalization, lasted several days, and consisted of hypoactive or mixed motor subtypes. Frequently identified independent risk factors included young age, developmental delay, mechanical ventilation, and benzodiazepine exposure. Pediatric delirium was independently associated with increased length of stay, costs, and mortality. The long‐term cognitive, psychological, and functional morbidities associated with pediatric delirium remain largely unknown. Few researchers have implemented interventions to prevent or manage delirium. There was little evidence for the efficacy or safety of pharmacological management. Multicomponent delirium bundles may significantly decrease delirium incidence. Key quality issues among studies included variation in delirium screening, low levels of evidence (i.e., observational studies), and limited ability to determine intervention efficacy in quasi‐experimental designs. Although the quantity and quality of pediatric delirium research has rapidly increased, further studies are needed to understand the long‐term effects of pediatric delirium and determine the efficacy and safety of interventions for prevention and management.
Genome‐wide association mapping and comparative genomics identifies genomic regions governing grain nutritional traits in finger millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn.)
Authors: Puranik Swati , Sahu Pranav P. , Beynon Sarah , Srivastava Rakesh K. , Sehgal Deepmala , Ojulong Henry , Yadav Rattan
Published: July 2020

Societal Impact Statement

Micronutrient deficiency is a serious and underestimated global health concern. Identifying existing micronutritional richness in traditional crops, and breeding this potential into staple crops that are more frequently consumed, could offer a potential low‐cost, sustainable solution to micronutrient deficiency. Here, we provide the first insight into genetic control of grain micronutrient content in the staple food crop finger millet (Eleusine coracana). Quantifying the existing natural variation in nutritional traits, and identifying the regions of the genome associated with these traits, will underpin future breeding efforts to improve not only global food and nutrition security, but also human health.

Finger millet is an excellent cereal crop to alleviate micronutrient malnutrition in marginal communities because of its nutrient‐dense grains. Identification of the alleles governing these characteristics will help to develop improved germplasm.

An assembly of 190 genotypes was evaluated for six minerals (iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium) and protein content. A combination of genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS) and genome‐wide association study (GWAS) was applied to identify marker‐trait associations (MTAs). Candidate genes underlying significant associations were predicted through comparative mapping with other cereals.

A wide range of variation was observed for all traits. GBS generated 169,365 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms and three subpopulations were identified. GWAS, using general linear and mixed model approaches to correct for population structure and genetic relatedness, identified 418 common markers (p‐value ≤ 10–3, FDR < 0.1) linked with mineral content. Of these, 34 markers crossed the Bonferroni threshold, out of which 18 showed homology with candidate genes having putative functions in binding, remobilization or transport of metal ions.

This is the first report to utilize the phenotypic variability of grain minerals in finger millet genotypes to identify MTAs and predict associated putative candidate genes. Postvalidation, these markers may be employed to improve grain nutrient quality through marker‐assisted breeding.
Microdefect Characteristics in Cast‐Mono Silicon Wafers Induced by Slurry Sawing
Authors: Li Hangfei , Yu Xuegong , Jin Chuanhong , Yang Deren
Published: July 2020

Cast‐mono crystalline silicon (CM‐Si) wafer is a new promising material for the fabrication of silicon solar cells. This study demonstrates the characteristics and distribution behaviors of microdefects in the damaged layer of CM‐Si wafer induced by slurry sawing using the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) method. It is found that a large number of stacking faults and dislocations are formed around the sharp kerfs caused by the indenting effect of sharp grits, which is associated with the release of remaining stress after the propagation of micro cracks. Meanwhile, amorphous silicon phase appears in the round kerf region induced by round grits, without any crystalline defects around. It indicates that plastic deformation is an important way to release the strain in the brittle silicon material during slurry sawing. In addition, nano cracks coated with silicon oxide layer and originated from the piling‐up of dense edge dislocations can be observed beneath the smooth surface of slurry‐sawn wafers. These results help us better to understand the generation mechanism of microdefects during slurry sawing process.
Formation of Spin‐Collinear Domain Walls at Graphene Nanoflake Edges
Authors: Ramos-Castillo Carlos Manuel , Cifuentes-Quintal Miguel Eduardo , de Coss Romeo
Published: July 2020

The size dependence of the magnetic edge states in zigzag graphene nanoflakes (GNFs) with different aspect ratios is studied using density functional theory. The results show that GNFs smaller than a certain critical size exhibit a closed‐shell nonmagnetic ground state, whereas at the critical size or larger, the nanoflakes have an open‐shell antiferromagnetic (AFM) ground state with a spin density localized along the edges. The formation of a spin‐collinear domain wall beyond the critical size, where the AFM order emerges, was analyzed, finding that this transition is a result of multiple symmetry breakings of highest singly occupied molecular orbitals (SOMO and SOMO‐1). The collinear domain wall is strongly dependent on the perpendicular distance between parallel edges. Furthermore, it is found that the formation of the collinear domain wall in zigzag GNFs is associated with the behavior of the bond‐length alternation at the edges.
Bounded control of feedforward nonlinear systems subject to input time‐delay
Authors: Yang Xuefei , Zhou Bin , Lam James , Cao Yong
Published: July 2020

This article is concerned with the global stabilization problem of a family of feedforward nonlinear time‐delay systems whose linearized system consists of multiple distinct oscillators. To fully utilize the delayed information and maintain the state decoupling property in the controller design, the considered nonlinear feedforward system is first transformed into a new system which contains time delays in both its input and states based on a novel model transformation containing time delays, and then the stabilizing saturated controller for the transformed system is designed based on the recursive design method. Meanwhile, explicit stability conditions are also provided. When the linearized system is a cascade of multiple oscillators and multiple integrators, a modified saturated feedback control utilizing not only the current state but also the delayed state is also established for the corresponding global stabilization problem. Two examples, including a practical one, are given to show the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed approaches.
Assessing land use and flood management impacts on ecosystem services in a river landscape (Upper Danube, Germany)
Authors: Stammel Barbara , Fischer Christine , Cyffka Bernd , Albert Christian , Damm Christian , Dehnhardt Alexandra , Fischer Helmut , Foeckler Francis , Gerstner Lars , Hoffmann Tim G. , Iwanowski Janette , Kasperidus Hans D. , Linnemann Kathrin , Mehl Dietmar , Podschun Simone A. , Rayanov Marin , Ritz Stephanie , Rumm Andrea , Scholz Mathias , Schulz‐Zunkel Christiane , Thiele Julia , Venohr Markus , von Haaren Christina , Pusch Martin T. , Gelhaus Marion
Published: July 2020

Rivers and floodplains provide many regulating, provisioning and cultural ecosystem services (ES) such as flood risk regulation, crop production or recreation. Intensive use of resources such as hydropower production, construction of detention basins and intensive agriculture substantially change ecosystems and may affect their capacity to provide ES. Legal frameworks such as the European Water Framework Directive, Bird and Habitats Directive and Floods Directive already address various uses and interests. However, management is still sectoral and often potential synergies or trade‐offs between sectors are not considered. The ES concept could support a joint and holistic evaluation of impacts and proactively suggest advantageous options. The river ecosystem service index (RESI) method evaluates the capacity of floodplains to provide ES by using a standardized five‐point scale for 1 km‐floodplain segments based on available spatial data. This scaling allows consistent scoring of all ES and their integration into a single index. The aim of this article is to assess ES impacts of different flood prevention scenarios on a 75 km section of the Danube river corridor in Germany. The RESI method was applied to evaluate scenario effects on 13 ES with the standardized five‐point scale. Synergies and trade‐offs were identified as well as ES bundles and dependencies on land use and connectivity. The ratio of actual and former floodplain has the strongest influence on the total ES provision: the higher the percentage and area of an active floodplain, the higher the sum of ES. The RESI method proved useful to support decision‐making in regional planning.
Fall and Winter Movement Dynamics of Naturally Produced Spring Chinook Salmon Parr in Two Neighboring Interior Pacific Northwest Natal Rivers
Authors: Favrot Scott D. , Jonasson Brian C.
Published: July 2020

Overwintering Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus spp. are vulnerable to mortality. Ecosystem degradation exacerbates salmonid vulnerability to mortality; thus, knowledge of winter movement dynamics is essential for guiding holistic management and restoration to safeguard population viability. In northeast Oregon, long‐term population performance metrics (e.g., survival) exist for parr of two neighboring Chinook Salmon O. tshawytscha populations (Catherine Creek [CC] and Grande Ronde River [GRR]); however, knowledge of their winter ecology is lacking. Our objective was to spatiotemporally characterize the movements and rearing distributions of naturally produced CC and GRR spring Chinook Salmon parr during fall and winter. Using radiotelemetry techniques (October–February), we identified the movement dynamics of CC (2009–2012) and GRR (2014–2016) spring Chinook Salmon fall migrants (i.e., parr overwintering downstream from natal areas). For both populations, median weekly linear range (i.e., movement) was high during fall migration, while sedentary behavior was associated with anchor and surface ice. Fall emigration occurred during declining thermographs, while overwintering parr movement and water temperature peaks were proximate. Fall migrant CC parr predominantly overwintered in the upper Grande Ronde Valley (GRV), while GRR conspecifics primarily reared upstream from the GRV. Extensive portions of CC and the GRR were not included in either population’s 99% kernel density estimate (KDE); however, each population’s 99% KDE extended into the lower GRV. The GRR population’s 50% KDE (i.e., core area) was small and proximate to several North American beaver Castor canadensis impoundments, while the CC population’s core area was relatively large and situated in the upper GRV. Overall, CC and GRR fall migrant populations exhibited divergent rearing and movement patterns; however, each population’s winter core area was proximate to lentic‐like habitats (e.g., beaver ponds). For Chinook Salmon parr, natal‐stream‐specific overwintering ecology knowledge appears critical to guide winter habitat conservation and restoration, while management for lentic‐like habitats may be advisable throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Risk of fetal loss following amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling in twin pregnancy: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Di Mascio D. , Khalil A. , Rizzo G. , Buca D. , Liberati M. , Martellucci C. A. , Flacco M. E. , Manzoli L. , D'Antonio F.
Published: July 2020

Objective

To assess the rate of fetal loss following amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) in twin pregnancy.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were searched for studies reporting procedure‐related complications following amniocentesis or CVS in twin pregnancy. The primary outcome was the rate of procedure‐related fetal loss. The secondary outcomes were fetal loss occurring before 24 weeks of gestation and fetal loss occurring within 4 weeks after the procedure. Head‐to‐head meta‐analyses were used to compare directly each outcome, between women undergoing amniocentesis and those not undergoing amniocentesis and between women undergoing CVS and those not undergoing CVS, and to compute pooled risk differences (RD) between women exposed and those not exposed to each invasive procedure. Additionally, meta‐analyses of proportions were used to estimate the pooled rates of each of the three outcomes in women undergoing amniocentesis or CVS and in controls.

Results

Sixteen studies (3419 twin pregnancies undergoing and 2517 not undergoing an invasive procedure) were included. Head‐to‐head meta‐analyses comparing directly twin pregnancies undergoing and those not undergoing amniocentesis showed a higher risk for overall fetal loss in those undergoing amniocentesis (odds ratio (OR), 1.46 (P = 0.04); RD, 0.013 (P = 0.04)), while there was no difference in the risk of either fetal loss before 24 weeks of gestation (OR, 1.59 (P = 0.06); RD, 0.010 (P = 0.11)) or fetal loss within 4 weeks after the procedure (OR, 1.38 (P = 0.3); RD, 0.003 (P = 0.8)). Overall, the pooled rate of fetal loss was 2.4% (95% CI, 1.4–3.6%) in twin pregnancies undergoing amniocentesis compared with 2.4% (95% CI, 0.9–4.6%) in those not undergoing amniocentesis. Head‐to‐head meta‐analyses directly comparing twin pregnancies undergoing and those not undergoing CVS showed no significant difference in either overall fetal loss (OR, 1.61 (P = 0.5); RD, 0.003 (P = 0.8)) or fetal loss before 24 weeks of gestation (OR, 1.61 (P = 0.5); RD, 0.003 (P = 0.8)). Overall, the pooled rate of fetal loss was 2.0% (95% CI, 0.0–6.5%) in twin pregnancies undergoing CVS compared with 1.8% (95% CI, 0.3–4.2%) in those not undergoing CVS.

Conclusion

The risk of fetal loss following amniocentesis and CVS in twins is lower than reported previously and the rate of fetal loss before 24 weeks of gestation, or within 4 weeks after the procedure, did not differ from the background risk in twin pregnancy not undergoing invasive prenatal testing. These data can guide prenatal counseling for twin pregnancies undergoing invasive procedures. © 2020 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Unboxing the T‐box riboswitches—A glimpse into multivalent and multimodal RNA–RNA interactions
Authors: Zhang Jinwei
Published: July 2020

The T‐box riboswitches are widespread bacterial noncoding RNAs that directly bind specific tRNAs, sense aminoacylation on bound tRNAs, and switch conformations to control amino‐acid metabolism and to maintain nutritional homeostasis. The core mechanisms of tRNA recognition, amino acid sensing, and conformational switching by the T‐boxes have been recently elucidated, providing a wealth of new insights into multivalent and multimodal RNA–RNA interactions. This review dissects the structures and tRNA‐recognition mechanisms by the Stem I, Stem II, and Discriminator domains, which collectively compose the T‐box riboswitches. It further compares and contrasts the two classes of T‐boxes that regulate transcription and translation, respectively, and integrates recent findings to derive general themes, trends, and insights into complex RNA–RNA interactions. Specifically, the T‐box paradigm reveals that noncoding RNAs can interact with each other through multiple coordinated contacts, concatenation of stacked helices, and mutually induced fit. Numerous tertiary contacts, especially those emanating from strings of single‐stranded purines, act in concert to reinforce long‐range base‐pairing and stacking interactions. These coordinated, mixed‐mode contacts allow the T‐box RNA to sterically sense aminoacylation on the tRNA using a bipartite steric sieve, and to couple this readout to a conformational switch mediated by tRNA‐T‐box stacking. Together, the insights gleaned from the T‐box riboswitches inform investigations into other complex RNA structures and assemblies, development of T‐box‐targeted antimicrobials, and may inspire design and engineering of novel RNA sensors, regulators, and interfaces.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Structure and Dynamics > RNA Structure, Dynamics and Chemistry

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Riboswitches