bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BRCA1 and BRCA2 germline testing in Cretan isolates reveals novel and strong founder effects
Authors: Apostolou Paraskevi , Fostira Florentia , Kouroussis Charalambos , Kalfakakou Despoina , Delimitsou Angeliki , Agelaki Sofia , Androulakis Nikolaos , Christodoulou Christos , Kalbakis Konstantinos , Kalykaki Antonia , Sanidas Elias , Papadimitriou Christos , Vamvakas Lambros , Georgoulias Vassilis , Mavroudis Dimitris , Yannoukakos Drakoulis , Konstantopoulou Irene , Saloustros Emmanouil
Published: February 2020

Germline BRCA1 and BRCA2 loss‐of‐function variants have been linked to increased breast and ovarian cancer risk, with more than 5,000 distinct pathogenic variants being reported worldwide. Among individuals of Greek descent, the BRCA1/2 variant spectrum is heterogeneous, but characterized by strong founder effects. As patients from certain geographical regions of Greece (like Crete) were underrepresented in previous studies, we hypothesized that isolated Cretans, a southern Greece islanders' population with distinct demographic, cultural and genetic features, could harbor founder BRCA1/2 mutations. A total of 304 breast or/and ovarian cancer patients of Cretan descent, fulfilling NCCN criteria for genetic testing, were tested by NGS or Sanger sequencing, followed by MLPA. Haplotype analysis was subsequently performed to investigate potential founder effects of recurrent alleles. Overall, 16.5% (50/304) of the tested patients carried 22 different pathogenic variants; 48% in BRCA1, 52% in BRCA2. Three variants, namely two in BRCA2 (Δexons 12 and 13 and c.7806‐2A>T) and one in BRCA1 (c.5492del), constituting approximately half (48%) of all detected pathogenic variants, were shown to have a founder effect, with all carriers sharing common haplotypes. Remarkably, these variants were confined to Cretans and have not been identified in other regions of Greece. The high prevalence of specific BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants among Cretans, provides the possibility of cost‐ and time‐efficient screening of the Cretan population. Integrating this knowledge in local public health services may have a significant impact on cancer prevention, and may serve as a starting point for the implementation of testing on a population level.
Cardiac mortality after radiotherapy, chemotherapy and endocrine therapy for breast cancer: Cohort study of 2 million women from 57 cancer registries in 22 countries
Authors: Henson Katherine E. , McGale Paul , Darby Sarah C. , Parkin Max , Wang Yaochen , Taylor Carolyn W.
Published: February 2020

Comparisons of patients receiving different cancer treatments reflect the effects of both treatment and patient selection. In breast cancer, however, if radiotherapy decisions are unrelated to laterality, comparisons of left‐sided and right‐sided cancers can demonstrate the causal effects of higher‐versus‐lower cardiac radiation dose. Cardiac mortality was analysed using individual patient data for 1,934,248 women with breast cancer in 22 countries. The median date of diagnosis was 1996 and the interquartile range was 1987–2002. A total of 1,018,505 women were recorded as irradiated, 223,077 as receiving chemotherapy, 317,619 as receiving endocrine therapy and 55,264 died of cardiac disease. Analyses were stratified by time since breast cancer diagnosis, age at diagnosis, calendar year of diagnosis and country. Patient‐selection effects were evident for all three treatments. For radiotherapy, there was also evidence of selection according to laterality in women irradiated 1990 or later. In patients irradiated before 1990, there was no such selection and cardiac mortality was higher in left‐sided than right‐sided cancer (rate ratio [RR]: 1.13, 95% confidence interval 1.09–1.17). Left‐versus‐right cardiac mortality RRs were greater among younger women (1.46, 1.19, 1.20, 1.09 and 1.08 after cancer diagnoses at ages <40, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69 and 70+ years, 2ptrend =0.003). Left‐versus‐right RRs also increased with time since cancer diagnosis (1.03, 1.11, 1.19 and 1.21 during 0–4, 5–14, 15–24 and 25+ years, 2ptrend =0.002) while for women who also received chemotherapy, the left‐versus‐right RR was 1.42 (95% confidence interval 1.13–1.77), compared to 1.10 (1.05–1.16) for women who did not (2pdifference= 0.03). These results show that the relative increase in cardiac mortality from cardiac exposure during breast cancer radiotherapy given in the past was greater in younger women, lasted into the third decade after exposure and was greater when chemotherapy was also given.
DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATION OF A SEASONAL FURROW IRRIGATION MODEL (SFIM)
Authors: Ghobadi Mahboobe , Ebrahimian Hamed , Abbasi Fariborz , Norouzi Sarem
Published: February 2020

If furrow irrigation is properly designed and implemented, this method would be one of the best surface irrigation systems. To achieve high irrigation efficiency and uniformity in surface irrigation, the use of simulation models is inevitable. The purpose of this study was to develop a seasonal furrow irrigation model to simulate the whole irrigation season (every irrigation event). The model called ‘SFIM’ was developed using the FORTRAN programming language. SFIM consists of four sub‐models to simulate surface flow, subsurface flow, crop yield, water productivity and irrigation evaluation indices. Three data sets of furrow irrigation for maize crop production in the Alborz Province of Iran (College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and Seed and Plant Improvement Institute farms) were used for evaluation of the proposed model. Average relative error of the model ranged from 11.5 to 17.2%, 7.5 to 11.3% and 6.8 to 9.0% in estimating infiltrated water volume, crop yield and water productivity, respectively. The model could also well simulate temporal soil moisture variations and water stress in the root zone. As a consequence, the SFIM model could successfully simulate all irrigation events during the maize‐growing season. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
β-Catenin Preserves the Stem State of Murine Bone Marrow Stromal Cells Through Activation of EZH2
Authors: Sen Buer , Paradise Christopher R , Xie Zhihui , Sankaran Jeyantt , Uzer Gunes , Styner Maya , Meyer Mark , Dudakovic Amel , van Wijnen Andre J , Rubin Janet
Published: February 2020

During bone marrow stromal cell (BMSC) differentiation, both Wnt signaling and the development of a rigid cytoskeleton promote commitment to the osteoblastic over adipogenic lineage. β-catenin plays a critical role in the Wnt signaling pathway to facilitate downstream effects on gene expression. We show that β-catenin was additive with cytoskeletal signals to prevent adipogenesis, and β-catenin knockdown promoted adipogenesis even when the actin cytoskeleton was depolymerized. β-catenin also prevented osteoblast commitment in a cytoskeletal-independent manner, with β-catenin knockdown enhancing lineage commitment. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-sequencing demonstrated binding of β-catenin to the promoter of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a key component of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) complex that catalyzes histone methylation. Knockdown of β-catenin reduced EZH2 protein levels and decreased methylated histone 3 (H3K27me3) at osteogenic loci. Further, when EZH2 was inhibited, β-catenin's anti-differentiation effects were lost. These results indicate that regulating EZH2 activity is key to β-catenin's effects on BMSCs to preserve multipotentiality. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Diabetic animal fed with high‐fat diet prevents the protective effect of myocardial ischemic preconditioning effect in isolated rat heart perfusion model
Authors: Ansari Mahalakshmi , Kurian Gino A.
Published: February 2020

Diabetic heart (diabetes mellitus [DM]) has been shown to attenuate the beneficial effect of ischemic preconditioning (IPC) in rat heart. But the effect of IPC on diabetic rat heart that develops myopathy remains unclear. This study was designed to test the impact of IPC on diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) rat heart. Male Wistar rats were grouped as (a) normal, (b) DM (streptozotocin: 65 mg/kg; fed with normal diet), and (c) DCM (streptozotocin: 65 mg/kg; fed with high‐fat diet). Isolated rat hearts from each group were randomly subjected to (a) normal perfusion, (b) ischemia‐reperfusion (I/R), and (c) IPC procedure. At the end of the perfusion experiments, hearts were analyzed for injury, contractile function, mitochondrial activity, and oxidative stress. The results obtained from hemodynamics, cardiac injury markers, and caspase‐3 activity showed that DCM rat displayed prominent I/R‐associated cardiac abnormalities than DM rat heart. But the deteriorated physiological performance and cardiac injury were not recovered in both DM and DCM heart by IPC procedure. Unlike normal rat heart, IPC did not reverse mitochondrial dysfunction (determined by electron transport chain enzymes activity, ATP level, and membrane integrity, expression levels of genes like PGC‐1ɑ, GSK3β, complex I, II, and V) in DCM and DM rat heart. The present study demonstrated that IPC failed to protect I/R‐challenged DCM rat heart, and the underlying pathology was associated with deteriorated mitochondrial function.
Spin‐inversion mechanisms in O2 binding to a model heme complex revisited by density function theory calculations
Authors: Saito Kohei , Watabe Yuya , Fujihara Takashi , Takayanagi Toshiyuki , Hasegawa Jun‐ya
Published: February 2020

Spin‐inversion mechanisms in O2 binding to a model heme complex, consisting of Fe(II)‐porphyrin and imidazole, were investigated using density‐functional theory calculations. First, we applied the recently proposed mixed‐spin Hamiltonian method to locate spin‐inversion structures between different total spin multiplicities. Nine spin‐inversion structures were successfully optimized for the singlet–triplet, singlet–quintet, triplet–quintet, and quintet–septet spin‐inversion processes. We found that the singlet–triplet spin‐inversion points are located around the potential energy surface region at short Fe–O distances, whereas the singlet–quintet and quintet–septet spin‐inversion points are located at longer Fe–O distances. This suggests that both narrow and broad crossing models play roles in O2 binding to the Fe‐porphyrin complex. To further understand spin‐inversion mechanisms, we performed on‐the‐fly Born‐Oppenheimer molecular dynamics calculations. The reaction coordinates, which are correlated to the spin‐inversion dynamics between different spin multiplicities, are also discussed.
Ellagic acid protects ovariectomy‐induced bone loss in mice by inhibiting osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption
Authors: Lin Xixi , Yuan Guixin , Li Zhaoning , Zhou Mengyu , Hu Xianghua , Song Fangming , Shao Siyuan , Fu Fangsheng , Zhao Jinmin , Xu Jiake , Liu Qian , Feng Haotian
Published: February 2020

Osteoporosis is a devastating disease that features reduced bone quantity and microstructure, which causes fragility fracture and increases mortality, especially in the aged population. Due to the long‐term side‐effects of current drugs for osteoporosis, it is of importance to find other safe and effective medications. Ellagic acid (EA) is a phenolic compound found in nut galls, plant extracts, and fruits, and exhibits antioxidant and antineoplastic effects. Here, we showed that EA attenuated the formation and function of osteoclast dose‐dependently. The underlying mechanism was further discovered by western blot, immunofluorescence assay, and luciferase assay, which elucidated that EA suppressed osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption mainly through attenuating receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) ligand‐induced NF‐κB activation and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase signaling pathways, accompanied by decreased protein expression of nuclear factor of activated T‐cells calcineurin‐dependent 1 and c‐Fos. Moreover, EA inhibits osteoclast marker genes expression including Dc‐stamp, Ctsk, Atp6v0d2, and Acp5. Intriguingly, we also found that EA treatment could significantly protect ovariectomy‐induced bone loss in vivo. Conclusively, this study suggested that EA might have the therapeutic potentiality for preventing or treating osteoporosis.
Oleanolic acid mitigates interleukin‐1β‐induced chondrocyte dysfunction by regulating miR‐148‐3p‐modulated FGF2 expression
Authors: Li Yuanli , Nie Junlan , Jiang Ping
Published: February 2020

Background

microRNA (miR)‐mediated post‐transcriptional repression has been reported in the process of chondrocyte dysfunction. The present study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying in oleanolic acid (OLA)‐prevented interleukin (IL)‐1β‐induced chondrocyte dysfunction via the miR‐148‐3p/fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF‐2) signaling pathway.

Methods

Candidate miRs were filtrated using miR microarray assays in chondrocytes with or without IL‐1β stimulation. Gene expression of candidate miRs and protein expression of FGF2 were analyzed using a quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively. Cell growth was evaluated using cell counting kit‐8 assays. Cell apoptosis was detected using Annexin V‐fluorescein isothiocyanate double staining.

Results

Treatment with OLA counteracted IL‐1β‐evoked chondrocyte growth inhibition, apoptosis, caspase3 production, and release of malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8‐hydroxy‐2'‐deoxyguanosine. Additionally, FGF2 protein expression levels elevated by IL‐1β were down‐regulated by OLA and transfection with miR‐148‐3p mimics. IL‐1β‐induced down‐regulation of miR‐148‐3p in chondrocytes was evaluated by OLA administration. Bioinformatics algorithms and experimental measurements indicated that FGF2 might be a direct target of miR‐148‐3p. miR‐148‐3p mimics exhibited equal authenticity of OLA to protect against IL‐1β‐induced chondrocyte dysfunction.

Conclusions

Our present findings highlight a protective effect of OLA on IL‐1β‐induced chondrocyte dysfunction, and a novel signal cascade comprising the miR‐148‐3p/FGF2 signaling pathway might be a potential therapeutic target of OLA with respect to preventing the progression of osteoarthritis.
Changes of temperature and precipitation extremes in a typical arid and semiarid zone: Observations and multi‐model ensemble projections
Authors: Zhao Cuiping , Gong Jiaguo , Wang Hao , Wei Sujuan , Song Qiang , Zhou Yuyan
Published: February 2020

The spatiotemporal changes of temperature and precipitation extremes in a typical arid and semiarid zone (Gansu Province, China) were investigated, including the latest observations (1960–2016) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Earth Exchange Global Daily Downscaled Projections (NEX‐GDDP) dataset that provides statistically downscaled Coupled Model Inter‐comparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) future climate projections (2017–2099) based on the Mann–Kendall test, linear regression, 5‐year smoothed average and Bayesian model average (BMA) methods. The results show the following: (a) Apart from a slight decrease of diurnal temperature range (DTR), other temperature extreme indices presented significant trends over 1960–2016. Annual regional nighttime temperature increased at a faster rate than daytime temperature. In the seasonal series, cool nights (TN10p) and cool days (TX10p) showed significant decreases and warm nights (TN90p) and warm days (TX90p) significantly increased in all seasons. (b) Precipitation extreme indices showed decreasing trends, except for the max 1‐day precipitation (RX1DAY) and simple daily intensity index (SDII) with a weaker coherence of spatial patterns. From the perspective of spatial characteristics, the western area had an increasing trend of total precipitation while the east had a significant decreasing trend. In the seasonal series, a significant increase of RX1DAY and the max 5‐day precipitation (RX5DAY) was found in winter, as compared with spring, summer and autumn. (c) Positive trends in warm indices (i.e., summer days, tropical days, warm nights and warm days) and negative trends in cold indices (i.e., frost days, ice days, cool nights and cool days) can be observed in the 21st century. A slightly decreasing consecutive dry days (CDD), together with obviously increasing heavy precipitation days (R10), extremely wet days (R99p), RX5DAY and SDII, suggests more extreme precipitation for 2017–2099. The results are of practical use in improving regional strategies for water resources and eco‐environment management, especially for arid and semiarid regions.
Development of Parenteral Nutrition–Associated Liver Disease and Other Adverse Effects in Neonates Receiving SMOFlipid or Intralipid
Authors: Stramara Lindsey , Hernandez Lela , Bloom Barry T. , Durham Christopher
Published: February 2020

Background

Intravenous lipid emulsions (ILEs) are a risk factor for parenteral nutrition–associated liver disease (PNALD) in the neonatal population. Current literature supports the use of SMOFlipid (4‐oil ILE), a fish oil–containing lipid emulsion, for the reversal of PNALD. However, there is little information about the use of 4‐oil ILEs for preventing PNALD. The purpose of this study is to examine the safety of a 4‐oil ILE in neonates and its effectiveness in preventing PNALD among neonates compared with Intralipid (a soybean‐oil, SO‐ILE).

Methods

This is an observational, cohort, comparative safety study, conducted in a level III neonatal intensive care unit. Participants include neonates who received a 4‐oil ILE in their parenteral nutrition (PN) formula, who were matched with historical data of patients who received an SO‐ILE, in a 1:3 fashion (4‐oil ILE:SO‐ILE). The primary outcome of this study is the presence of PNALD (defined as direct bilirubin > 2 mg/dL) after initiation of PN.

Results

A total of 1332 participants (333 4‐oil ILE vs 999 SO‐ILE) were included in the data analysis, and PNALD was found to occur in 1.8% of patients in the 4‐oil ILE group and 3.6% of patients in the SO‐ILE group (Relative risk (RR) 0.5; 95% CI, 0.21–1.18).

Conclusion

The decrease in the incidence of PNALD among the 4‐oil ILE group compared with the SO‐ILE group indicates a 4‐oil ILE may have a hepatoprotective effect.
Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Two Methods of Measuring Insertion Length of Nasogastric Tubes in Newborns
Authors: Dias Flávia de Souza Barbosa , Jales Rodrigo Menezes , Alvares Beatriz Regina , Caldas Jamil Pedro de Siqueira , Carmona Elenice Valentim
Published: February 2020

Introduction

The selection of a method for measuring the insertion length of nasogastric tubes in newborns is an important factor in establishing the safe use of this device.

Objective

The objective was to verify whether there is a difference in the proportion of correctly placed nasogastric tubes when using the nose, earlobe, mid‐umbilicus (NEMU) method and the weight‐based equation for measuring the insertion length.

Methods

This study is a randomized, controlled, blinded study comparing 2 methods of nasogastric insertion at a neonatal unit, with intensive and intermediate care, on 162 randomized individuals. Radiological assessment and pH test were conducted to verify tube placement. Data were collected on sex, birth weight, gestational age, and days of life. A log‐binomial model was used to verify whether there were placement differences between investigated methods.

Results

Of the patients, 56.1% were male, who had a mean birth weight of 1886.8 g and gestational age of 32.9 weeks and were 10.8 days old. Radiological images demonstrated that tubes were properly placed in the gastric body in 67.5% of patients using the NEMU method and in 91.5% using the weight‐based equation: the weight‐based equation was superior to the NEMU method, with a prevalence ratio of 1.36 (95% CI, 1.15–1.44). There was no difference between the 2 methods, according to pH test (P‐value: .7179).

Conclusion

Based on radiographic confirmation, the weight‐based equation for measuring the insertion length of the nasogastric tube in newborns resulted in significantly more nasogastric tubes being placed in the correct intragastric location.
Chronic Critical Illness Patients Fail to Respond to Current Evidence‐Based Intensive Care Nutrition Secondarily to Persistent Inflammation, Immunosuppression, and Catabolic Syndrome
Authors: Rosenthal Martin D. , Bala Trina , Wang Zhongkai , Loftus Tyler , Moore Frederick
Published: February 2020

Background

Sepsis‐induced multiple‐organ failure (MOF) has plagued surgical intensive care units (ICUs) for decades. Early nutrition (principally enteral) improves hospital outcomes of high‐risk ICU patients. The purpose of this study is to document how the growing epidemic of chronic critical illness (CCI) patients responds to adequate evidence‐based ICU nutrition.

Methods

This retrospective post hoc subgroup analysis of an ongoing sepsis database identified 56 CCI patients who received early, adequate nutrition per an established surgical ICU protocol compared with 112 matched rapid‐recovery (RAP) patients.

Results

The matched CCI and RAP groups had similar baseline characteristics. Serial biomarkers showed that CCI patients remained persistently inflamed with ongoing stress metabolism and that despite receiving evidence‐based protocol nutrition, they had persistent catabolism and immunosuppression with more secondary infections. More CCI patients were discharged to poor nonhome destinations (ie, skilled nursing facilities, long‐term acute care, hospice) (81% vs 29%, P < 0.05). At 12‐month follow‐up, CCI patients had worse functional status by Zubrod score (3.17 vs 1.62, P < 0.001) and Short Physical Battery Testing (4.78 vs 8.59, P < 0.02), worse health‐related quality of life by EQ‐5D‐3L descriptive measures (9.07 vs 7.45, P < 0.003), and lower survival (67% vs 92%, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Despite early, adequate, evidence‐based ICU nutrition, septic surgical ICU patients who develop CCI exhibit persistent inflammation, immunosuppression, and catabolism with unacceptable long‐term morbidity and mortality. Although current evidence‐based ICU nutrition may improve short‐term ICU outcomes, novel adjuncts are needed to improve long‐term outcomes for CCI patients.
Clinical Application of Body Composition Methods in Premature Infants
Authors: Nagel Emily , Hickey Marie , Teigen Levi , Kuchnia Adam , Curran Kent , Soumekh Lisa , Earthman Carrie , Demerath Ellen , Ramel Sara
Published: February 2020

Monitoring whole body composition (fat mass and fat‐free mass) in preterm infants may assist in optimizing nutrition and promoting growth and neurodevelopment in the neonatal intensive care unit. Currently, body composition assessment is not part of routine clinical evaluation of premature infants. Instead, weight and length are used to assess growth but are known to be poor predictors of adiposity shortly after birth. Although body composition methods, such as magnetic resonance imaging, stable‐isotope dilution, and dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry, have been examined in infants, they involve exposure to radiation and are invasive, expensive, and/or unsuitable for repeated measurements in a medically fragile population. Several body composition methods with potential for clinical use have been explored in premature infants, including air displacement plethysmography, bioimpedance, skinfold measurements, and ultrasound. In this review, we examine each method and evaluate its feasibility for incorporation into clinical care. Although these methods show promise for use in premature infants, further research is needed before they can be recommended for routine body composition assessment in the clinical setting.
The peri‐implant phenotype
Authors: Avila‐Ortiz Gustavo , Gonzalez‐Martin Oscar , Couso‐Queiruga Emilio , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: February 2020

This commentary proposes a definition for the term “peri‐implant phenotype” and provides a comprehensive description of all its components.
Exploration of Staphylococcus nepalensis (KY024500) Biosurfactant towards Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery
Authors: Kanakdande Amruta P. , Khobragade Chandrahasya N.
Published: February 2020

Oleochemicals have long been used as biolubricants, biopolymers, and biosurfactants; an effective alternative to petroleum‐based products. The present study explores the biosurfactant potential of a novel strain, isolated from rocks of earthquake‐prone area. On the basis of morphological, biochemical and 16S rRNA sequencing analysis, the isolate was identified as Staphylococcus nepalensis (KY024500). A biosurfactant yield 2.39, 1.39, and 0.9 g L−1 was obtained using glycerol, waste orange peel, and diesel as a sole carbon source, respectively. Based on oil recovery experimental findings through sand pack column, the obtained biosurfactant from waste orange peels as a sole carbon source was carried forward for further analysis. Thus, obtained biosurfactant from waste orange peels were subjected to solvent extraction and purified by column chromatography. The purified biosurfactant thus obtained was characterized with the help of fourier transform infrared (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), gas chromatography‐mass spectroscopy (GC–MS), and MALDI TOF MS/mass spectroscopy (MS) analysis. FTIR spectroscopic analysis revealed the presence of a carbonyl, amine, hydroxyl, and methyl as functional groups. The GC–MS analysis showed the presence of benzene dicarboxylic acid diethyl ester and pthalic acid as fatty acids while MALDI TOF MS/MS analysis shows lysin‐glycin as a hydrophilic dipeptide moiety. This study also demonstrates Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery (MEOR) potential of the biosurfactant as more efficient than commercial ones. The biosurfactant obtained from waste orange peel as carbon source was able to facilitate a 20% higher recovery of diesel from sand pack recovery column.
Multiple trade‐offs between maximizing yield and minimizing greenhouse gas production in Chinese rice croplands
Authors: Wang Weiqi , Wang Chun , Sardans Jordi , Fang Yunying , Singh Bhupinder Pal , Wang Huaru , Huang Xiaoting , Zeng Congsheng , Tong Chuan , Peñuelas Josep
Published: February 2020

Globally, paddy fields are a major anthropogenic source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from agriculture. There is, however, limited understanding of relationships between GHG production with fertilizer management, rice varieties, and soil variables. This information is crucial for minimizing the climatic impacts of rice agriculture. Here, we examined the relationships between soil GHG production and management practices throughout China. The current doses of N‐fertilizer (73–272 kg ha−1) were negatively correlated with rice yield and with CO2 or CH4 production and positively correlated with N2O production, thus suggesting N‐overfertilization. Impacts on soil traits such as decreasing pH or the availabilities of other nutrients could be underlying these relationships. Rice yield was highest, and GHG production was lowest at sites using intermediate levels of P‐ and K‐fertilization. CO2 and CH4 production and emissions were positively related with soil water content. The yield was higher, and N2O productions were lower at the sites with japonica rice. Our results strongly suggest that current high doses of N‐fertilizers could be reduced to thus avoid the negative effects of excessive N input on GHG production without any immediate risk of rice production loss. Current intermediate doses of P‐ and K‐fertilization should be adopted across China to further improve rice production without the risk of GHG emissions. The use of different rice varieties and strategies of water management should be reexamined in relation to crop production and GHG mitigation.
The role of water masses in shaping the distribution of redox active compounds in the Eastern Tropical North Pacific oxygen deficient zone and influencing low oxygen concentrations in the eastern Pacific Ocean
Authors: Evans Natalya , Boles Elisabeth , Kwiecinski Jarek V. , Mullen Susan , Wolf Martin , Devol Allan H. , Moriyasu Rintaro , Nam SungHyun , Babbin Andrew R. , Moffett James W.
Published: February 2020

Oceanic oxygen deficient zones (ODZs) influence global biogeochemical cycles in a variety of ways, most notably by acting as a sink for fixed nitrogen (Codispoti et al. 2001). Optimum multiparameter analysis of data from two cruises in the Eastern Tropical North Pacific (ETNP) was implemented to develop a water mass analysis for the large ODZ in this region. This analysis reveals that the most pronounced oxygen deficient conditions are within the 13°C water (13CW) mass, which is distributed via subsurface mesoscale features such as eddies branching from the California Undercurrent. Nitrite accumulates within these eddies and slightly below the core of the 13CW. This water mass analysis also reveals that the 13CW and deeper Northern Equatorial Pacific Intermediate Water (NEPIW) act as the two Pacific Equatorial source waters to the California Current System. The Equatorial Subsurface Water and Subtropical Subsurface Water are synonymous with the 13CW and this study refers to this water mass as the 13CW based on its history. Since the 13CW has been found to dominate the most pronounced oxygen deficient conditions within the Eastern Tropical South Pacific ODZ and the Peru‐Chile Undercurrent, the 13CW and the NEPIW define boundaries for oxygen minimum conditions across the entire eastern Pacific Ocean.
Illuminating a Black Box of the Peer Review System: Demographics, Experiences, and Career Benefits of Associate Editors
Authors: Poulson‐Ellestad Kelsey , Hotaling Scott , Falkenberg Laura J. , Soranno Patricia
Published: February 2020

Editors are often described as gatekeepers of scientific publishing, as they are responsible for maintaining journal standards, deciding what is published, and ultimately guiding discourse. Scientists who are journal editors gain career benefits, yet these are rarely described to early career researchers, much less how to prepare for such a role. Additionally, disparities at the editorial level could impact which scientists receive benefits of filling these roles. To better characterize the demographics and professional experiences of current associate editors, while also highlighting the benefits and potential challenges to this position, we conducted a survey of associate editors for the Association for the Sciences of Limnology & Oceanography society journals. Our results highlight potential demographic disparities present in the editorial pool, including that non‐native English speaking editors assume the role after obtaining more experience serving as a peer reviewer than native English speaking editors. Our results also highlight several rewards along with challenging components of being an editor. We hope our results can inform early career researchers on steps they can take to prepare themselves for editorial work, as well as provide strategies for scientific societies to minimize editorial board disparities.
All‐Optical Nanoscale Heating and Thermometry with Resonant Dielectric Nanoparticles for Controllable Drug Release in Living Cells
Authors: Zograf George P. , Timin Alexander S. , Muslimov Albert R. , Shishkin Ivan I. , Nominé Alexandre , Ghanbaja Jaafar , Ghosh Pintu , Li Qiang , Zyuzin Mikhail V. , Makarov Sergey V.
Published: February 2020

All‐dielectric nanophotonics becomes a versatile tool for various optical applications, including nanothermometry and optical heating. Its general concept includes excitation of Mie resonances in nonplasmonic nanoparticles. However, the potential of resonant dielectric nanoparticles in drug delivery applications still has not been fully realized. Here, optically resonant dielectric iron oxide nanoparticles (α‐Fe2O3 NPs) are employed for remote rupture of microcontainers used as a drug delivery platform. It is theoretically and experimentally demonstrated that α‐Fe2O3 NPs have several advantages in light‐to‐heat energy conversion comparing to previously used materials, such as noble metals and silicon, due to the broader spectral range of efficient optical heating, and in enhancement of thermally sensitive Raman signal. The α‐Fe2O3 NPs embedded into the wall of universal drug carriers, polymer capsules, are used to experimentally determine the local temperature of the capsule rupture upon laser irradiation (170 °C). As a proof of principle, the delivery and remote release of anticancer drug vincristine upon lowered laser irradiation (4.0× 104 W cm−2) using polymer capsules modified with the α‐Fe2O3 NPs is shown. The biological tests are performed on two primary cell types: i) carcinoma cells, as an example of malignant tumor, and ii) human stem cells, as a model of healthy cells.
Simple Fabrication of Multicomponent Heterogeneous Fibers for Cell Co‐Culture via Microfluidic Spinning
Authors: Yao Kun , Li Wei , Li Kaiyan , Wu Qirui , Gu Yarong , Zhao Lijuan , Zhang Yuan , Gao Xinghua
Published: February 2020

Microfluidic spinning, as a combination of wet spinning and microfluidic technology, has been used to develop microfibers with special structures to facilitate cell 3D culture/co‐culture and microtissue formation in vitro. In this study, a simple microchip‐based microfluidic spinning strategy is presented for the fabrication of multicomponent heterogeneous calcium alginate microfibers. The use of two kinds of microchip enables the one‐step preparation of multicomponent heterogeneous microfibers with various arrangement patterns, including the preparation of one‐, two‐, and three‐component microfibers by a two‐layer microchip and preparation of four component microfibers with different arrangement by a membrane‐sandwiched three‐layer microchip. The obtained microfibers could be used to encapsulate various kinds of cells, such as the human non‐small cell lung cancer cell NCI‐H1650, the human fetal lung fibroblast HFL1, the normal pulmonary bronchial epithelial cell 16HBE, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells. By adding chitosan to the medium to keep the fibers stable, 3D long‐term in vitro cell co‐culture has been carried out up to 21 days. This method is very simple and easy to operate, continuously produces spatially well‐defined heterogeneous microfibers, has important applications for composite functional biomaterials, and shows great potential in organs‐on‐a‐chip and biomimetic systems.
Random Branching of Polymer Chains with Schulz–Zimm Distribution. 2. Radius of Gyration and Maximum Span Length
Authors: Tobita Hidetaka
Published: February 2020

Mean‐square radius of gyration Rg2 and the maximum span length LMS of each polymer molecule are investigated for the random branching of primary chains that follow the Schulz–Zimm distribution, by using the Monte Carlo simulation method. It is found that the expected g‐ratio of Rg2 of the branched molecule to that of a linear molecule for a given number of branch points k does not change with the branching density. The expected g‐ratio becomes larger for the primary chains with broader distribution. An approximate formula for the relationship between g‐ratio and k that accounts for the distribution breadth is proposed. The relationship between the weight fraction of the maximum span chain LMS/(degree of polymerization) and k shows the analogous behavior with that for g‐ratio and k. The magnitude of Rg2 is proportional to LMS, with Rg2 = 0.18 LMS, irrespective of the breadth of the primary polymer chain length distribution.
A wide‐band rhombus monopole antenna array for millimeter wave applications
Authors: Ullah Hidayat , Tahir Farooq A.
Published: February 2020

This article presents a simple antenna array for millimeter‐wave communications at 28 GHz. The proposed antenna array is 40 × 19.22 mm2 in size and operates in a measured 26.04 to 30.63 GHz frequency range. The antenna array elements are excited by a planar four‐way feed network, which has been designed and optimized for optimum performance. The single element of the proposed antenna array is a rhombic monopole surrounded by a series of vias, square parasitic patches were etched on the back side to enhance its impedance performance. The proposed antenna array has a peak gain of 11.24 dBi with radiation efficiency more than 85% in its entire operating band. Both single and its 4 × 1 array have been modeled, simulated, and fabricated using standard PCB process. Excellent agreement exists between the simulated and measured results. The antenna's simple design, compact size, and low fabrication cost, enables it to be deployed in millimeter‐wave communication systems.
Multi‐sequence MR image‐based synthetic CT generation using a generative adversarial network for head and neck MRI‐only radiotherapy
Authors: Qi Mengke , Li Yongbao , Wu Aiqian , Jia Qiyuan , Li Bin , Sun Wenzhao , Dai Zhenhui , Lu Xingyu , Zhou Linghong , Deng Xiaowu , Song Ting
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of different magnetic resonance (MR) sequences on the accuracy of deep learning‐based synthetic computed tomography (sCT) generation in the complex head and neck region.

Methods

Four sequences of MR images (T1, T2, T1C, and T1DixonC‐water) were collected from 45 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Seven conditional generative adversarial network (cGAN) models were trained with different sequences (single channel) and different combinations (multi‐channel) as inputs. To further verify the cGAN performance, we also used a U‐net network as a comparison. Mean absolute error, structural similarity index, peak signal‐to‐noise ratio, dice similarity coefficient, and dose distribution were evaluated between the actual CTs and sCTs generated from different models.

Results

The results show that the cGAN model with multi‐channel (i.e., T1 + T2 + T1C + T1DixonC‐water) as input to predict sCT achieves higher accuracy than any single MR sequence model. The T1‐weighted MR model achieves better results than T2, T1C, and T1DixonC‐water models. The comparison between cGAN and U‐net shows that the sCTs predicted by cGAN retains additional image details are less blurred and more similar to the actual CT.

Conclusions

Conditional generative adversarial network with multiple MR sequences as model input shows the best accuracy. The T1‐weighted MR images provide sufficient image information and are suitable for sCT prediction in clinical scenarios with limited acquisition sequences or limited acquisition time.
A preliminary study on a multiresolution‐level inverse planning approach for Gamma Knife radiosurgery
Authors: Tian Zhen , Yang Xiaofeng , Giles Matt , Wang Tonghe , Gao Hao , Butker Elizabeth , Liu Tian , Kahn Shannon
Published: February 2020

Purpose

With many plan variables to determine, manual forward planning for Gamma Knife (GK) radiosurgery is very challenging. Inverse planning eases GK planning by determining the variables via solving an optimization problem. However, due to the vast search space, most inverse planning algorithms, including the one provided in Leksell GammaPlan (LGP) treatment planning system, have to predetermine the isocenter locations using some geometric methods and then optimize the shot shapes and durations at these preselected isocenters. This sequential planning scheme does not necessarily lead to optimal isocenter locations and hence globally optimal plans. In this study, we proposed a multiresolution‐level (MRL) inverse planning approach, attempting to approach this large‐scale GK optimization problem via an iterative method.

Methods

In our MRL approach, several rounds of optimizations were performed with a progressively increased resolution used for isocenter candidates. At each round, an optimization problem was solved to optimize the beam‐on time for each collimator and sector at each isocenter candidate. The isocenters that obtained nonzero beam‐on times at the previous round and their neighbors on a finer resolution were used as new isocenter candidates for the next round of optimization. After plan optimization, shot sequencing was performed to group the optimized sectors to deliverable composite shots.

Results

We have tested our MRL approach on six GK cases previously treated in our institution. For the five cases that have a single target, with similar target coverage obtained, our MRL inverse planning approach achieved better plan quality compared to manual forward planning and LGP inverse planning, with higher selectivity (0.73 ± 0.07 vs 0.72 ± 0.08 and 0.62 ± 0.10), lower gradient index (2.71 ± 0.25 vs 2.78 ± 0.24 and 3.00 ± 0.29), lower brainstem D0.1cc dose (6.10 ± 4.46 Gy vs 8.87 ± 4.82 Gy and 9.17 ± 3.80 Gy), and shorter total beam‐on time (62.1 ± 22.9 min vs 83.6 ± 28.2 min and 70.7 ± 16.7 min). For the case that have six targets, compared with manual planning and LGP inverse planning, our MRL approach achieved higher selectivity (0.68 vs 0.57 and 0.47) and lower gradient index (3.77 vs 4.51 and 5.11). The beam‐on time of our plan was slightly longer than manual planning and LGP inverse planning (206.4 min vs 204.7 min and 199.3 min). We have also performed sector duration optimization at the isocenters determined by manual planning or the LGP inverse planning, and the resulting plan qualities were found to be inferior to our MRL approach for all the six cases.

Conclusions

This preliminary study has demonstrated the efficacy and feasibility of our MRL inverse planning approach for GK radiosurgery.
A calculation method for the embedded depth of stabilizing piles in reinforced slopes
Authors: Yan Yuping , Xiao Shiguo
Published: February 2020

Embedded stabilizing piles are a significant optimization measure for traditional piles used to reinforce slopes or landslides. The determination of the embedded depth of the pile top is essential for engineering design. On the basis of the potential overtop‐sliding failure mechanism for a piled slope, the corresponding overall slip surface is assumed to consist of the upper part from the original slip surface of the landslide, and the lower part occurs in the local slide mass upslope of the piles. The imbalanced thrust force method is used to determine the thrust force of the upper slide mass, and a variational calculus method within the framework of limit equilibrium for the lower slide mass is provided to calculate its limit resistance. According to the equilibrium relationship between the thrust force and the limit resistance under a design factor of safety of the piled slope, a closed‐form solution to the piled‐slope stability is specifically derived. It can quantitatively exhibit the influences of some important factors, including the embedded depth on the factor of safety and the corresponding slip surface of the slope. The analysis results of some practical examples show that the factor of safety decreases nonlinearly as the embedded depth increases. The proposed method can be applied in practical engineering.
Do we have adequate data to construct a valid algorithm for management of synthetic midurethral sling complications? ICI‐RS 2019
Authors: Giarenis Ilias , Anding Ralf , Chermansky Christopher , Greenwell Tamsin , Cardozo Linda , Harding Christopher
Published: February 2020

Background

Synthetic midurethral sling (MUS) procedures, purported for the last two decades as the gold standard surgical treatment for stress urinary incontinence, have been in creasingly scrutinized in recent years with regard to the rate and severity of complications.

Methods

During the International Consultation on Incontinence Research Society meeting held in Bristol, UK, in 2019, a multidisciplinary panel held a think tank and discussed the contemporary evidence pertaining to the classification, investigation, and treatment of MUS complications.

Results

The current classification system of mesh‐related complications was discussed, and shortcomings were identified. The lack of a standardized clinical pathway was noted, and the value of clinical investigations and surgical treatments was difficult to fully evaluate. The paucity of high‐level evidence was a common factor in all discussions, and the difficulties with setting up relevant randomized‐controlled trials were highlighted.

Conclusions

The outcome of the think‐tank discussions is summarized with a set of recommendations designed to stimulate future research.
Save Water With Landscape Transformation
Authors: Erbeznik Maureen , Chesnutt Thomas W.
Published: February 2020

In the 18th century, a green lawn was a status symbol, and how much water it needed wasn't an issue. These days, water conservation is a priority. Water utilities can support this sustainability effort by helping their customers develop water‐wise landscapes.
Emotion regulation strategies predict weight loss during an inpatient obesity treatment for adolescents
Authors: Reinelt Tilman , Petermann Franz , Bauer Florian , Bauer Carl‐Peter
Published: February 2020

Objective

Weight loss during an inpatient obesity treatment is an important predictor of subsequent weight maintenance. However, psychological factors influencing weight loss are not well established. Psychological models suggest some importance of executive functioning and emotion regulation strategies. Therefore, this study investigated whether these factors predict weight loss during an inpatient obesity treatment and whether this effect holds after controlling for general personal and treatment characteristics.

Method

A total of 158 adolescents with diagnosed obesity underwent inpatient obesity treatment at a German rehabilitation clinic. Psychological factors (executive functioning and emotion regulation) were measured at admission and used to predict BMI reduction after treatment completion.

Results

More frequent use of reappraisal as an emotion regulation strategy, but not suppression or executive functioning, predicted weight loss at the end of the obesity treatment, even after controlling for age, gender, treatment duration, and BMI at admission.

Conclusion

Functional emotion regulation strategies, like reappraisal, might offer an additional target for obesity treatment programmes, complementary to the more traditional components of psychoeducation, physical activity, and caloric restriction.
Exchange rate policy modeling and forecasting the exchange rate: Indian rupee vis‐à‐vis the U.S. dollar
Authors: Gona Babu Rao , Sahoo Manamani
Published: February 2020

The exchange rate is a very important key financial variable that affects decisions made by the foreign exchange investors, exporters, importers, bankers, businesses, financial institutions, policymakers, and tourists in the developed as well as the developing world. Exchange rate fluctuations affect the value of international investment portfolios, competitiveness of exports and imports, value of international reserves, currency value of debt payments, and the cost of tourists. Movements in exchange rates thus have very important implications for any country's economy's business cycle, trade, and capital flows and are therefore crucial for understanding financial developments and changes in economic policy. The study will be looking at the various aspects of country's economic policy with respect to the exchange rate and modeling and forecasting the exchange rate. The study will be analyzing India's exchange rate story and will be discussing the structure of the foreign exchange market in India in terms of participants, instruments, and trading platform as also a turnover in the Indian foreign exchange market and forward premia. The study will be attempting to develop a model for the rupee–dollar exchange rate taking into account variables from monetary and microstructure models as well as other variables including intervention by the central bank. The main focus will be on the exchange rate of the Indian rupee vis‐à‐vis the U.S. dollar, that is, the Re/$ rate. The data will be covering from January 1990 through April 2013. This study will be examining the forecasting performance of the monetary model and various extensions of it in the vector autoregressive and Bayesian vector autoregressive framework.