bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preoperative Prediction of Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma via Conventional and Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound
Authors: Tao Lingling , Zhou Wei , Zhan Weiwei , Li Weiwei , Wang Yi , Fan Jinfang
Published: April 2020

Objectives

To investigate the independent risk factors for cervical lymph node metastasis (CLNM) in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and establish a prediction model via conventional ultrasound (US) and contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS).

Methods

A total of 275 patients with single PTC, who were admitted to our hospital from January 2016 to December 2018, were enrolled in this study. The clinical characteristics and features of the tumor on conventional US and CEUS were retrospectively analyzed. A binary logistic regression model was established, and the diagnostic efficacy of conventional US and CEUS was compared.

Results

The binary logistic regression analysis showed that age younger than 38 years, size of 10.0 mm or greater, solid composition, peak of the nodule interior of 28.3750 or greater, and area under the curve (AUC) of the peripheral ring of less than 3.2500 were independent risk factors of CLNM (P < .05, for all). Prediction model: Logit (p) = −4.135 + 1.040 (age) + 1.920 (size) + 1.769 (composition) + 1.230 (peak of nodule interior) + 0.812 (AUC of peripheral ring). The model positively predicted CLNM at a value of L > −0.199. The AUC, sensitivity, and negative predictive value of the receiver operating characteristic curve for the model were 0.727, 71.7%, and 75.2%, respectively, which were significantly higher than those of conventional US (Z = −2.403; P = .016; Z = −5.330; P < .001; and Z = −2.390; P = .017). The specificity of the model was 73.7%, which was lower than that of conventional US (Z = 3.508; P < .001).

Conclusions

The preoperative prediction model established via conventional US and CEUS may be helpful to evaluate CLNM in patients with PTC and determine the appropriate treatment options.
Contrasting fine‐scale distributional patterns of zooplankton driven by the formation of a diatom‐dominated thin layer
Authors: Greer Adam T. , Boyette Adam D. , Cruz Valerie J. , Cambazoglu Mustafa Kemal , Dzwonkowski Brian , Chiaverano Luciano M. , Dykstra Steven L. , Briseño‐Avena Christian , Cowen Robert K. , Wiggert Jerry D.
Published: April 2020

Although plankton thin layers have been described and modeled in a variety of environments, the physical structure surrounding the layer, associated biological rates, and distributions of multiple trophic levels are rarely examined simultaneously. Similar combinations of measurements, such as growth, mortality, and spatial relationships among plankton, are key to understanding how physical processes generating thin layers can influence abundances, composition, and predator‐prey interactions. An in situ imaging system was deployed along a southward‐oriented transect to describe the full ~ 2.3‐km extent of a thin layer arching from 8 to 4 m deep, with Chlorophyll a enhanced by an order of magnitude inside the layer (23.9 mg m−3 peak concentration). Physical oceanographic measurements, distributions of different plankton groups, and output from a high‐resolution model indicated that surface convergence and vertical shear drove the formation of the layer, which was dominated by Odontella sp. diatoms that were relatively scarce in the broader study region. Phytoplankton apparent growth (0.64 d−1) balanced microzooplankton grazing rates (0.52 d−1) within the layer, whereas grazing mortality (2.23 d−1) greatly exceeded phytoplankton growth (−0.39 d−1) outside the thin layer. Mesozooplankton had starkly differing distributions; copepods aggregated south of the layer near the surface, and doliolids followed the thin layer trajectory. A physical oceanographic model run over a 1‐month time period, including the time of sampling, indicated that similar surface convergences occurred frequently. Thin layers driven by convergence and shear may be common, with behavioral and buoyancy differences among plankton likely contributing to community structure and modification of trophic transfer.
Core–Shell Structured Cellulose Nanofibers/Graphene@Polypyrrole Microfibers for All‐Solid‐State Wearable Supercapacitors with Enhanced Electrochemical Performance
Authors: Chen Mengwei , Wu Bo , Li Dagang
Published: April 2020

Thanks to their considerable electrochemical and mechanical properties, fiber‐shaped supercapacitors have become the most potential energy storage devices for portable and wearable electronics in the future; however, challenges still exist in the pursuit of practical applications among them. In this work, ternary microfibers, which are composed of TEMPO‐oxidized cellulose nanofibers/reduced graphene oxide microfiber cores coated with polypyrrole shell layers, are successfully fabricated through industrializable and sustainable wet‐spinning and interfacial polymerization strategies. The prepared microfibers possess well‐defined microstructures and outstanding mechanical properties (559 MPa). When assembled into symmetrical all‐solid‐state fiber‐shaped supercapacitors (FSCs), they exhibit remarkable electrochemical properties (647 mF cm−2, 14.37 µWh cm−2 at 0.1 mA cm−2), prominent cycling stability (92.5% capacitance retention and 92.6% coulomb efficiency after 10 000 cycles), and extraordinary flexibility (no significant decay in capacitance after 5000 bending cycles), which are superior to all the congeneric FSCs reported to date. The prominent performances are ascribed to the synergistic effect of the well‐designed ternary system and synergistic effects between interior components. The advantages in electrochemical, mechanical, and industrial properties of the ternary FSCs can provide reference and boost the development of flexible energy storage applications.
Production of New Functionalized Polymer Nanoparticles and Use for Manufacture of Novel Nanobiocatalysts
Authors: Pinto Martina C. C. , Cipolatti Eliane P. , Manoel Evelin A. , Freire Denise M. G. , Becer Çağlar Remzi , Pinto José Carlos
Published: April 2020

New nanoparticles are synthesized through emulsion polymerization, using distinct comonomers (styrene, divinylbenzene, glycidyl methacrylate and pentafluorostyrene). Then, for the first time, two strategies are adopted to functionalize such nanoparticles using benzylamine and thiophenol: (i) after the manufacture of the nanoparticles; and (ii) in situ during the polymerization reaction. Afterwards, the functionalized nanoparticles are used as nanosupports for immobilization of lipase B from Candida antarctica and the performance of the novel nanobiocatalysts are evaluated. It is shown that the nanoparticles exhibit different properties (specific areas ranging from 34 m2 g−1 to 324 m2 g−1; and contact angles ranging from 29° to 126°), indicating that both procedures can be used to adjust the properties of the polymer supports. Moreover, the nanobiocatalysts are applied successfully in hydrolysis and esterification reactions, exhibiting higher activities than the non‐functionalized biocatalysts. It is also observed that more hydrophilic supports result in more active biocatalysts in hydrolysis (27 ± 1 U g−1) and intermediate hydrophobic matrices conduct to more active biocatalysts in esterification reactions (1564 ± 50 U g−1). It is shown that highly hydrophobic surfaces may cause a significant decrease in the activity of such biocatalysts, probably due to distortions on the enzyme active center and to more intense chemical partitioning effects.
Bioinspired Poly(vinyl alcohol) Film Actuator Powered by Water Evaporation under Ambient Conditions
Authors: Wang Sitong , Yan Shuang , Zhang Li , Zhao Huhu , Yang Tian , Li Feibo , Li Huanjun
Published: April 2020

Soft humidity‐responsive materials are highly desirable for applications such as actuators, sensors, generators, and soft robots. However, it remains a huge challenge to develop a durable, cost‐effective, fast responsive version of such a smart material powered by water evaporation at ambient conditions. Herein, this challenge is addressed to demonstrate sustained response to humidity gradient from ambient water evaporation by using common poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) film as an actuator. The resultant PVA film displays strong mechanical properties in both dry and wet conditions, which cause rapid adsorption and desorption of water vapor to drive the film undergoing swift locomotion with flipping frequency of up to 65 r min‐1. Based on these features, a mimosa inspired humidity‐responsive actuator is developed which is far superior in response speed and durability than real mimosa. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the film actuator can convert water evaporation energy into electricity when attached to a piezoelectric element.
Influence of the Stabilization Process on the Piezotronic Performance of Electrospun Silk Fibroin
Authors: Sencadas Vitor
Published: April 2020

The ability to provide the energy needed while keeping the product ergonomic, lightweight and non‐intrusive, is the ultimate challenge for wearable technologies. In this work, silk fibroin (SF) is electrospun and immersed in liquid methanol (MeOH) over 3 and 48 h. A phase transformation from water‐soluble α‐helix (silk I) to insoluble β‐sheets (silk II) is observed, increasing the protein crystallinity and the membrane stability against aqueous environments. The phase transformation from silk I to silk II leads to a reorganization of the polymer chains inside the protein fibers, which influences the dipolar reorientation of the SF molecules. A cost‐effective energy harvester device is built, showing an open‐circuit output voltage of 4.5 V, a power density around 1 µmW cm−2, with an efficiency up to 6%, and a mechano‐sensitivity of 0.078 ± 0.01 V kPa−1. This work provides new insights into the effect of the stabilization process of the SF membranes and its influence on the electroactive properties of the protein. Overall, the electromechanical and energy harvesting performance of the SF membranes opens new opportunities for applications as wearable self‐powered microelectronics, with the potential to be fully integrated inside clothing, with potential applications in personalized healthcare devices and sports training systems.
Glycomics and glycoproteomics of viruses: Mass spectrometry applications and insights toward structure–function relationships
Authors: Cipollo John F. , Parsons Lisa M.
Published: April 2020

The advancement of viral glycomics has paralleled that of the mass spectrometry glycomics toolbox. In some regard the glycoproteins studied have provided the impetus for this advancement. Viral proteins are often highly glycosylated, especially those targeted by the host immune system. Glycosylation tends to be dynamic over time as viruses propagate in host populations leading to increased number of and/or “movement” of glycosylation sites in response to the immune system and other pressures. This relationship can lead to highly glycosylated, difficult to analyze glycoproteins that challenge the capabilities of modern mass spectrometry. In this review, we briefly discuss five general areas where glycosylation is important in the viral niche and how mass spectrometry has been used to reveal key information regarding structure–function relationships between viral glycoproteins and host cells. We describe the recent past and current glycomics toolbox used in these analyses and give examples of how the requirement to analyze these complex glycoproteins has provided the incentive for some advances seen in glycomics mass spectrometry. A general overview of viral glycomics, special cases, mass spectrometry methods and work‐flows, informatics and complementary chemical techniques currently used are discussed. © 2020 The Authors. Mass Spectrometry Reviews published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Mass Spec Rev
Chronic Neuroleptic‐Induced Parkinsonism Examined With Positron Emission Tomography
Authors: Galoppin Manon , Berroir Pierre , Soucy Jean‐Paul , Suzuki Yoshitaka , Lavigne Gilles J. , Gagnon Jean‐François , Montplaisir Jacques Y. , Stip Emmanuel , Blanchet Pierre J.
Published: April 2020

Background

Neuroleptic drug‐induced parkinsonism (NIP) is a leading cause of parkinsonism, particularly in aging. Based on abnormal dopamine transporter scan results, individuals displaying chronic NIP are often diagnosed with Lewy‐body Parkinson's disease (PD), but this assumption needs further substantiation.

Objective

To quantitate the profile of striatal dopaminergic nerve terminal density in NIP relative to PD.

Methods

We used the positron emission tomography ligand [11C](+)‐dihydrotetrabenazine targeting vesicular monoamine transporter type 2 (VMAT2) binding sites and collected various clinical parameters (motor ratings, olfaction, polysomnography to document rapid eye movement sleep muscle activity, quantitative sensory testing for pain thresholds) possibly predicting binding results in patients older than age 50 living with schizophrenia spectrum disorders under long‐term stable antipsychotic drug treatment, with (N = 11) or without (N = 11) chart documention of chronic NIP, and compared them to healthy volunteers (N = 11) and others medicated for PD (N = 12).

Results

Striatal VMAT2 binding was dichotomous in the NIP group between those with spared (N = 5) or low (N = 6) PD‐like values. Striatal binding reduction in the low VMAT2‐NIP group was asymmetric without the gradient of maximal involvement in the posterior putamen typical of PD. Anosmia was the only nonmotor parameter measured matching the abnormal striatal VMAT2 binding status.

Conclusion

These preliminary observations suggest that striatal VMAT2 binding is abnormal in a fraction of chronic NIP cases and differs in spatial distribution from PD. The possibility of a drug‐induced axonopathy and resultant synaptopathy, as well as the evolution of the binding deficit, warrant further longitudinal studies in a large cohort. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Blow up of fractional Schrödinger equations on manifolds with nonnegative Ricci curvature
Authors: Zhang Huali , Zhao Shiliang
Published: April 2020

In this paper, the well‐posedness of Cauchy's problem of fractional Schrödinger equations with a power‐type nonlinearity on n‐dimensional manifolds with nonnegative Ricci curvature is studied. Under suitable volume conditions, the local solution with initial data in
will blow up in finite time no matter how small the initial data is, which follows from a new weight function and ODE inequalities. Moreover, the upper‐bound of the lifespan can be estimated.
Technical Note: An anthropomorphic phantom with implanted neurostimulator for investigation of MRI safety
Authors: Yang Benson , Tam Fred , Davidson Benjamin , Wei Pei‐Shan , Hamani Clement , Lipsman Nir , Chen Chih‐Hung , Graham Simon J.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The objective of this work was to design and construct an improved anthropomorphic phantom for use in studying magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radiofrequency (RF) safety at 3 T related to deep brain stimulation (DBS), and especially the role of DBS lead trajectories.

Method

Based on a computer‐aided design including reasonable representation of human features, the phantom was fabricated by three‐dimensional (3D) printing and then fully assembled with a human skull, a commercial DBS device implanted using the surgical standard at our institution, and fiber‐optic temperature sensors embedded in two tissue mimicking solutions (e.g., the heterogeneous setup). Preliminary MRI safety experiments were conducted using turbo spin‐echo (TSE) imaging with the device powered on and powered off. These results were then compared to analogous results for a homogeneous phantom setup that filled the structure with a standard body average solution.

Result

Both phantom setups produced temperature increases of ~1.0°C, with a maximum increase of 1.1 ± 0.2°C recorded during imaging of the heterogeneous phantom setup. The preliminary experimental results suggest that improved phantom structures capable of replicating actual DBS lead trajectories may be advisable when conducting DBS‐related MRI safety studies.

Conclusion

An anthropomorphic phantom was constructed with promising initial results indicating different DBS lead trajectories and phantom setups may impact temperature elevations along an implanted DBS lead. Although additional work will be necessary to validate its efficacy over conventional phantoms, the anthropomorphic phantom can likely be used in the future to assess different procedures for DBS lead placement, the RF power deposition of MRI protocols applicable to DBS patients, and to validate novel methods to reduce localized heating effects associated with DBS devices, such as parallel RF transmission.
Development of a Double-Breakaway Pass-Through PIT Tag Antenna System for Flood-Prone Rivers
Authors: Finlay Ross , Poole Russell , Reed Thomas E.
Published: April 2020

Pass-through PIT antennae are often used in river and stream habitats to monitor the movement of aquatic species. Where these habitats are prone to high flows that contain suspended debris, traditional pass-through antennae designs are particularly vulnerable to damage, which can be time consuming and expensive to repair and lead to extended gaps in data collection. We designed and tested a novel pass-through half duplex (HDX) antenna system that allows the antenna loop to (1) break away from one river bank under predetermined strain and (2) split into two separate cables, thereby shedding entangled debris that could otherwise damage or dislodge the antenna system. After break away events, our system can be rapidly reconnected and redeployed without the need for personnel to enter the water, reducing maintenance time and costs while minimizing gaps in data. In locations where pass-through antennae are prone to flood damage, this system offers distinct advantages over traditional designs.
Advanced magnetic resonance spectroscopic neuroimaging: Experts' consensus recommendations
Authors: Maudsley Andrew A. , Andronesi Ovidiu C. , Barker Peter B. , Bizzi Alberto , Bogner Wolfgang , Henning Anke , Nelson Sarah J. , Posse Stefan , Shungu Dikoma C. , Soher Brian J.
Published: April 2020

Magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) offers considerable promise for monitoring metabolic alterations associated with disease or injury; however, to date, these methods have not had a significant impact on clinical care, and their use remains largely confined to the research community and a limited number of clinical sites. The MRSI methods currently implemented on clinical MRI instruments have remained essentially unchanged for two decades, with only incremental improvements in sequence implementation. During this time, a number of technological developments have taken place that have already greatly benefited the quality of MRSI measurements within the research community and which promise to bring advanced MRSI studies to the point where the technique becomes a true imaging modality, while making the traditional review of individual spectra a secondary requirement. Furthermore, the increasing use of biomedical MR spectroscopy studies has indicated clinical areas where advanced MRSI methods can provide valuable information for clinical care. In light of this rapidly changing technological environment and growing understanding of the value of MRSI studies for biomedical studies, this article presents a consensus from a group of experts in the field that reviews the state‐of‐the‐art for clinical proton MRSI studies of the human brain, recommends minimal standards for further development of vendor‐provided MRSI implementations, and identifies areas which need further technical development.
Zooming Toward a Telehealth Solution for Vulnerable Children with Obesity During Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Woo Baidal Jennifer A. , Chang Jane , Hulse Emma , Turetsky Robyn , Parkinson Kristina , Rausch John C.
Published: April 2020

Health inequities exist throughout the life course, resulting in racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in obesity and obesity‐related health complications. Obesity and its comorbidities appear to be linked to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) mortality. Approaches to reduce obesity in the time of COVID‐19 closures are urgently needed and should start early in life. In New York City, a telehealth pediatric weight‐management collaborative spanning NewYork‐Presbyterian, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, and Weill Cornell Medicine was developed during COVID‐19 with show rates from 76% to 89%. To stave off the impending exacerbation of health disparities related to obesity risk factors in the aftermath of the COVID‐19 pandemic, effective interventions that can be delivered remotely are urgently needed among vulnerable children with obesity. Challenges in digital technology access, social and linguistic differences, privacy security, and reimbursement must be overcome to realize the full potential of telehealth for pediatric weight management among low‐income and racial/ethnic‐minority children.
Effects of COVID‐19 Lockdown on Lifestyle Behaviors in Children with Obesity Living in Verona, Italy: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Pietrobelli Angelo , Pecoraro Luca , Ferruzzi Alessandro , Heo Moonseong , Faith Myles , Zoller Thomas , Antoniazzi Franco , Piacentini Giorgio , Fearnbach S. Nicole , Heymsfield Steven B.
Published: April 2020

Objective

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that youths with obesity, when removed from structured school activities and confined to their homes during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, will display unfavorable trends in lifestyle behaviors.

Methods

The sample included 41 children and adolescents with obesity participating in a longitudinal observational study located in Verona, Italy. Lifestyle information including diet, activity, and sleep behaviors was collected at baseline and 3 weeks into the national lockdown during which home confinement was mandatory. Changes in outcomes over the two study time points were evaluated for significance using paired t tests.

Results

There were no changes in reported vegetable intake; fruit intake increased (P = 0.055) during the lockdown. By contrast, potato chip, red meat, and sugary drink intakes increased significantly during the lockdown (P value range, 0.005 to < 0.001). Time spent in sports activities decreased by 2.30 (SD 4.60) h/wk (P = 0.003), and sleep time increased by 0.65 (SD 1.29) h/d (P = 0.003). Screen time increased by 4.85 (SD 2.40) h/d (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Recognizing these adverse collateral effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic lockdown is critical in avoiding depreciation of weight control efforts among youths afflicted with excess adiposity. Depending on duration, these untoward lockdown effects may have a lasting impact on a child’s or adolescent’s adult adiposity level.
Criminal Deterrence: Evidence from an Individual‐Level Analysis of 24/7 Sobriety
Authors: Kilmer Beau , Midgette Greg
Published: April 2020

Decisionmakers continue to search for new ways to deter criminal behavior that do not rely on increasing the severity of punishment. This paper evaluates South Dakota's 24/7 Sobriety Program—a novel, large‐scale intervention requiring those arrested for or convicted of an alcohol‐related offense to abstain from alcohol and submit to alcohol tests multiple times daily. Those testing positive or missing a test receive a swift,certain, and moderate sanction; typically, a night or two in jail. To estimate the causal effect of the 24/7 program on the probability of rearrest or probation revocation for those arrested for a second or third driving under the influence (DUI) offense, we instrument an individual's 24/7 participation with program availability in the county of arrest. We estimate that the individual‐level probability of rearrest or probation revocation is 13.7 percentage points (49 percent; p = 0.002) lower for 24/7 participants than non‐participants 12 months after their DUI arrest. We detect substantive decreases at 24 and 36 months, but the precision of those estimates depends on model specification. These findings provide empricial support for applying “swift‐certain‐fair” sanctions to deter noncompliance in community supervision settings. This paper also provides policymakers with evidence for a new approach to reduce criminal activity among those whose alcohol use leads them to repeatedly threaten public health and safety.
Effect of charring agents on solvent‐free fireproof coatings
Authors: Pan Yue , Li Dinghua , Yang Rongjie
Published: April 2020

The choice of charring agent is one of the major issues for solvent‐free fireproof coatings. The effects of processing method and charring agent on the thermal insulation and fire resistance of the coatings were investigated in simulated fire scenarios. Dipentaerythritol (DPER), triazine agent (CFA), and pentaerythritol phosphate (PEPA) were compared as charring agent, and the thermal, combustion, fire resistance, and charring behaviors in different fire scenario were characterized for the fireproof coatings. Compared with high‐speed dispersing equipment, kneading processing equipment is favorable for improving the thermal stability and fire resistance of the coatings, because the stronger shearing force has promoted mixing and dispersion of the ingredients in solvent‐free fireproof coatings. As for charring agents, it is found that the fireproof coatings containing CFA or PEPA show better thermal and flame‐retardant performances. More residue was observed under nitrogen atmosphere in thermogravimetric analysis, less heat and smoke were released in cone calorimetry test. However, during the high temperature fire resistance test, their char layers were prone to delaminate while DPER‐containing coatings produced intact and stronger char layer with better heat insulation. For practical applications, the coating formulations need to be optimized to achieve both fire resistance and flame retardancy.
Amino acid‐derived Poly(L‐Lysine) (p(LL)) microgel as a versatile biomaterial: Hydrolytically degradable, drug carrying, chemically modifiable and antimicrobial material
Authors: Sahiner Nurettin
Published: April 2020

Here, a microgel of poly(L‐Lysine) (p(LL)) from an amino acid, L‐Lysine, was synthesized by microemulsion technique using AOT as surfactant in gasoline. The prepared p(LL) microgel was shown to be hydrolytically degradable at pH values of 5.4, 7.4, and 9 in phosphate buffer solution (PBS). The protonated p(LL) microgel was loaded with model drugs such as naproxen and riboflavin and found to release about 80% of loaded naproxen in 180 minutes and 70% of loaded riboflavin in about 120 minutes suggesting the potential of p(LL) microgels to act as fast drug delivery vehicles. Furthermore, p(LL) microgels were chemically modified with 1‐bromoethane (BE), 1‐bromooctane (BO), and 1‐bromoethylamine (BEA) to render antimicrobial capabilities. It was found that protonated p(LL) microgels had 29 ± 1 mm inhibition zone diameter for Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 10145. Furthermore, minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values for Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 were also calculated as 1 and 2.5 mg/mL concentrations, respectively, for protonated p(LL) microgels.
Evaluation of a novel telemedicine‐based intervention to manage body image disturbance in head and neck cancer survivors
Authors: Graboyes Evan M. , Maurer Stacey , Park Yeonhee , Marsh Courtney H. , McElligott James T. , Day Terry A. , Hornig Joshua D. , Sterba Katherine R.
Published: April 2020

Objectives

The study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary clinical impact of BRIGHT (Building a Renewed ImaGe after Head & neck cancer Treatment), a novel telemedicine‐based cognitive‐behavioral intervention to manage body image disturbance (BID) in head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors.

Methods

Head and neck cancer survivors with BID were enrolled into a single‐arm pilot trial. Participants completed study measures at baseline, 1‐ and 3‐months post‐BRIGHT to assess its acceptability and clinical impact. Participants completed semi‐structured interviews to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of BRIGHT and refine the intervention.

Results

Ten HNC survivors with BID were enrolled into the trial of tablet‐based BRIGHT. BRIGHT was feasible, as judged by low dropout (n = 1), high session completion rates (100%; 45/45) and low rates of technical issues with the tablet‐based delivery (11% minor; 0% major). Ninety percent of participants were highly likely to recommend BRIGHT, reflecting its acceptability. BRIGHT was associated with a 34.5% reduction in mean Body Image Scale scores at 1‐month post‐BRIGHT (mean difference from baseline = 4.56; 95% CI 1.55, 7.56), an effect that was durable at 3‐months post‐BRIGHT (mean decrease from baseline = 3.56; 95% CI 1.15‐5.96). Program evaluation revealed high levels of satisfaction with BRIGHT, particularly the delivery platform. During the qualitative evaluation, participants highlighted that BRIGHT improved image‐related coping behavior.

Conclusions

BRIGHT is feasible, acceptable to HNC survivors, and has significant potential as a novel approach to manage BID in HNC survivors. Additional research is necessary to refine BRIGHT and evaluate its clinical efficacy and scalability.
Predicting asthma exacerbation by impulse oscillometry evaluation of small airway function and fractional exhaled nitric oxide in preschool children
Authors: Zheng Shouyan , Hu Ying , Chen Zhiqiang , Wang Mei , Liao Wei
Published: April 2020

Objective

To study impulse oscillometry (IOS) indices of peripheral airway function and FeNO as predictors of future loss of asthma control in preschool children.

Methods

Patients aged 3 to 6 years who were actively being treated for asthma and children without asthma were enrolled in the study. Participants had no change in medication on visit 1 and returned for a follow‐up visit within 8 to 12 weeks. At the first visit, nursing assessment, symptom history, IOS analysis, FeNO, and physician evaluation were repeated.

Results

Fifty‐one (64.6%) subjects had lost asthma control (UC‐Group) and 28 (35.4%) subjects had maintained asthma control (C‐Group) at their follow‐up visit. Thirty‐two children without asthma were enrolled in the study as a normal control group (N‐Group). R5, R5‐20, AX, and Z5 values were all significantly higher in subjects whose symptoms remained uncontrolled compared with those in the controlled asthma group (P < .01) and also significantly higher than those in the normal control group (P < .01). FeNO showed no significant difference between the UC‐Group and C‐Group (P = .399). Four indices—R5, R5‐20, AX, and Z5—had an estimated area under the curve (AUC) of greater than 0.8 and were thus easily able to distinguish the UC‐Group from the C‐Group.

Conclusions

AX had the highest overall AUC (0.884) of the investigated parameters, and the optimal cut‐off point of 37.435 cm H2O/L was able to predict future loss of asthma control in preschool children.
Framework for the comparison of a priori and a posteriori error variance estimation and tuning schemes
Authors: Sitwell Michael , Ménard Richard
Published: April 2020

The performance of an assimilation system is strongly dependent on the quality of the error statistics used. A number of error statistics estimation and tuning methods have previously been developed to better assess and determine these statistics. Many of these are a posteriori methods which make use of quantities calculated during the assimilation procedure, while other a priori methods do not require information from the assimilation. In this study, we develop a conceptual framework that relates these methods when applied to error variance determination, where each method is associated with the minimization of a particular cost function. The minimization of these cost functions describes a fitting procedure that fits parts of the prescribed modelled innovation covariance to its observed values. Each method must in some way separate the innovation covariance into its contributions from the background and the observations, which are then used in the fitting procedure. It is shown that the examined a posteriori methods use the analysis filter to make this separation and that the minimization of their associated cost functions is done implicitly within the tuning procedure. Analytical expressions for the expectation value and variance of estimates for error variance scaling parameters are determined for each method. The expressions for the expectation values of these estimates show that the accuracy of each method is dependent on its ability to separate the background from the observation contributions to the innovation covariance. This separability is quantified by use of the Frobenius inner product between the background‐ and observation‐error covariances, which additionally allows for geometric interpretations of the covariances to be made. Comparisons between variance parameter estimates from different methods are made for the case of a 1D periodic domain.
Mechanistic Similarities between 3D Human Bronchial Epithelium and Mice Lung, Exposed to Copper Oxide Nanoparticles, Support Non‐Animal Methods for Hazard Assessment
Authors: Ndika Joseph , Ilves Marit , Kooter Ingeborg M. , Gröllers‐Mulderij Mariska , Duistermaat Evert , Tromp Peter C. , Kuper Frieke , Kinaret Pia , Greco Dario , Karisola Piia , Alenius Harri
Published: April 2020

The diversity and increasing prevalence of products derived from engineered nanomaterials (ENM), warrants implementation of non‐animal approaches to health hazard assessment for ethical and practical reasons. Although non‐animal approaches are becoming increasingly popular, there are almost no studies of side‐by‐side comparisons with traditional in vivo assays. Here, transcriptomics is used to investigate mechanistic similarities between healthy/asthmatic models of 3D air–liquid interface (ALI) cultures of donor‐derived human bronchial epithelia cells, and mouse lung tissue, following exposure to copper oxide ENM. Only 19% of mouse lung genes with human orthologues are not expressed in the human 3D ALI model. Despite differences in taxonomy and cellular complexity between the systems, a core subset of matching genes cluster mouse and human samples strictly based on ENM dose (exposure severity). Overlapping gene orthologue pairs are highly enriched for innate immune functions, suggesting an important and maybe underestimated role of epithelial cells. In conclusion, 3D ALI models based on epithelial cells, are primed to bridge the gap between traditional 2D in vitro assays and animal models of airway exposure, and transcriptomics appears to be a unifying dose metric that links in vivo and in vitro test systems.
Photoactive Zn‐Chlorophyll Hole Transporter‐Sensitized Lead‐Free Cs2AgBiBr6 Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Baoning , Yang Lin , Dall'Agnese Chunxiang , Jena Ajay Kumar , Sasaki Shin-ichi , Miyasaka Tsutomu , Tamiaki Hitoshi , Wang Xiao-Feng
Published: April 2020

The lead‐free double perovskite, Cs2AgBiBr6, has received keen attention as photovoltaic absorber with nontoxicity and highly stabilities. However, the large bandgap (2.1 eV) and low optical absorption property of Cs2AgBiBr6 have limited its power conversion efficiency (PCE) in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) to low values around 2% due to the lack in short‐circuit current density (Jsc). Herein, Cs2AgBiBr6 perovskite is combined with a photoactive zinc chlorophyll derivative (Zn‐Chl) as a hole‐transporting layer (HTL) that is capable of sensitizing the perovskite absorber. The Zn‐Chl‐sensitized Cs2AgBiBr6 device exhibits a PCE up to 2.79%, the highest value for double perovskite‐based solar cells to date, with a Jsc of 3.83 mA cm−2, which is 22–27% higher than that of the devices with conventional nonphotoactive HTLs such as 2,2′,7,7′‐tetrakis(N,N‐di‐p‐methoxyphenylamine)‐9,9′‐spirobifluorene (Spiro‐OMeTAD), poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT), and poly(triarylamine) (PTAA). Through photophysical investigation, it is found that the Zn‐Chl not only plays the role of an HTL but also the role of a photoactive layer in the PSC devices. Moreover, the Zn‐Chl‐based device shows a much higher extinction coefficient than those based on Spiro‐OMeTAD, P3HT, and PTAA. This work demonstrates promise toward the realization and application of environmentally friendly solar cells.
Linguliform brachiopods from the Cambrian (Guzhangian) Karpinsk Formation of Novaya Zemlya
Authors: Holmer Lars E. , Popov Leonid E. , Ghobadi Pour Mansoureh , Klishevich Inna A. , Liang Yue , Zhang Zhifei
Published: April 2020

A moderately diverse assemblage of micromorphic linguliform brachiopods, includingTapuritreta gribovensissp. nov.,Wahwahlingula?pankovensissp. nov.,Acrothelesp.,Anabolotreta? sp.,Orbithele? sp. andStilpnotretasp., is for the first time described from the Cambrian Karpinsk Formation (Miaolingian, Guzhangian) of the South Island of Novaya Zemlya. The morphology of the metamorphic shell inAcrotheleandWahwahlingula? suggest that both taxa had a single pair of larval setal sacs, similar to the recent discinids, but their metamorphosis was completed only at the end of the pelagic stage and shows that they did have direct development, which is characteristic of all recent lingulides. The biogeographical signature of the new Cambrian brachiopod fauna from Novaya Zemlya is discussed, and the new fauna gives new information on the poorly known Cambrian margins of the Baltica palaeocontinent.
Effect of Heat Treatment on Microstructural Evolution and Tribological Characteristic of a Laser Melting Deposited 12CrNi2V Low‐Alloy Steel
Authors: Tang Xu , Zhang Song , Cui Xue , Zhang Chunhua , Liu Yu , Zhang Jingbo
Published: April 2020

The microstructural evolution and tribological characteristics of a laser additive manufactured 12CrNi2V steel heat‐treated with four conditions are thoroughly studied to provide beneficial guidance to the prospective application of additive manufactured Cr–Ni–V steels. First, the four conditions of heat treatments are identified via a differential scanning calorimeter test. Subsequently, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and electron backscattering diffraction are performed to characterize the morphologies, phase composition, and crystallographic textures of the experimental specimens. The microhardness and tribology tests are then conducted. Experimental results illustrate that the homogeneity of the microstructure is a significant factor in determining the tribological characteristic, which is mainly controlled by the type and distribution of the carbides. The heat treatments adopted in this work can remarkably modify the laser‐induced microstructural inhomogeneity, thereby promoting the tribological characteristic of the steel. Furthermore, the specimen tempered at 620 °C demonstrates an excellent combination of microhardness and toughness. Therefore, it is concluded that 620 °C is the optimal tempering temperature for the laser additive manufactured 12CrNi2V steel.
Band Edge Localization Beyond Regular Floquet Eigenvalues
Authors: Seelmann Albrecht , Täufer Matthias
Published: April 2020

We prove that localization near band edges of multi-dimensional ergodic random Schrödinger operators with periodic background potential in$$L^2({\mathbb {R}}^d)$$L2(Rd)is universal. By this, we mean that localization in its strongest dynamical form holds without extra assumptions on the random variables and independently of regularity or degeneracy of the Floquet eigenvalues of the background operator. The main novelty is an initial scale estimate the proof of which avoids Floquet theory altogether and uses instead an interplay between quantitative unique continuation and large deviation estimates. Furthermore, our reasoning is sufficiently flexible to prove this initial scale estimate in a non-ergodic setting, which promises to be an ingredient for understanding band edge localization also in these situations.
Poor prognostic factors in predicting abatacept response in a phase III randomized controlled trial in psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Mease Philip J. , McInnes Iain B. , Strand Vibeke , FitzGerald Oliver , Ahmad Harris A. , Elbez Yedid , Banerjee Subhashis
Published: April 2020

In ASTRAEA (NCT01860976), abatacept significantly increased American College of Rheumatology criteria 20% (ACR20) responses at Week 24 versus placebo in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). This post hoc analysis explored relationships between prospectively identified baseline characteristics [poor prognostic factors (PPFs) ] and response to abatacept. Patients were randomized (1:1) to receive subcutaneous abatacept 125 mg weekly or placebo for 24 weeks; those without ≥ 20% improvement in joint counts at Week 16 switched to open-label abatacept. Potential predictors of ACR20 response were identified by treatment arm using multivariate analyses. Likelihood of ACR20 response to abatacept versus placebo was compared in univariate and multivariate analyses in subgroups stratified by the PPF, as defined by EULAR and/or GRAPPA treatment guidelines. Odds ratios (ORs) were generated using logistic regression to identify meaningful differences (OR cut-off: 1.2). 424 patients were randomized and treated (abataceptn = 213; placebon = 211). In abatacept-treated patients, elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), high Disease Activity Score based on 28 joints (CRP), presence of dactylitis, and ≥ 3 joint erosions were identified as predictors of response (OR > 1.2). In placebo-treated patients, only dactylitis was a potential predictor of response. In the univariate analysis stratified by PPF, ACR20 response was more likely (OR > 1.2) with abatacept versus placebo in patients with baseline PPFs than in those without; multivariate analysis confirmed this finding. Response to abatacept versus placebo is more likely in patients with features indicative of high disease activity and progressive disease; these characteristics are recognized as PPFs in treatment guidelines for PsA.
Nutrition and its role in epigenetic inheritance of obesity and diabetes across generations
Authors: Kaspar Daniela , Hastreiter Sieglinde , Irmler Martin , Hrabé de Angelis Martin , Beckers Johannes
Published: April 2020

Nutritional constraints including not only caloric restriction or protein deficiency, but also energy-dense diets affect metabolic health and frequently lead to obesity and insulin resistance, as well as glucose intolerance and type 2 diabetes. The effects of these environmental factors are often mediated via epigenetic modifiers that target the expression of metabolic genes. More recently, it was discovered that such parentally acquired metabolic changes can alter the metabolic health of the filial and grand-filial generations. In mammals, this epigenetic inheritance can either follow an intergenerational or transgenerational mode of inheritance. In the case of intergenerational inheritance, epimutations established in gametes persist through the first round of epigenetic reprogramming occurring during preimplantation development. For transgenerational inheritance, epimutations persist additionally throughout the reprogramming that occurs during germ cell development later in embryogenesis. Differentially expressed transcripts, genomic cytosine methylations, and several chemical modifications of histones are prime candidates for tangible marks which may serve as epimutations in inter- and transgenerational inheritance and which are currently being investigated experimentally. We review, here, the current literature in support of epigenetic inheritance of metabolic traits caused by nutritional constraints and potential mechanisms in man and in rodent model systems.
Bleaching susceptibility of aquarium corals collected across northern Australia
Authors: Pratchett Morgan S. , Caballes Ciemon F. , Newman Stephen J. , Wilson Shaun K. , Messmer Vanessa , Pratchett Deborah J.
Published: April 2020

There are a wide range of Scleractinian corals that are collected for the global reef aquarium market, often from non-reefal environments. The sustainability of coral harvesting is potentially threatened by increasing anthropogenic disturbances and climate change, though it is unknown to what extent many commonly harvested corals are susceptible to environmental change, or actually bleach during marine heatwaves. In this study, we experimentally tested the temperature sensitivity and bleaching susceptibility of six coral species (Homophyllia australis,Micromussa lordhowensis,Catalaphyllia jardinei,Trachyphyllia geoffroyi,Duncanopsammia axifuga, andEuphyllia glabrescens), which are important components of the aquarium coral fisheries across northern Australia, in Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and/or Queensland. Interspecific differences were evident in the temperature sensitivity and bleaching susceptibility among the study species.Homophyllia australis, andM. lordhowensis were found to be particularly susceptible to elevated temperatures, whereby all corals subjected to elevated temperatures died within the course of the experimental treatment (75 d).Catalaphyllia jardineiandE. glabrescensalso exhibited significant increases in mortality when exposed to elevated temperatures, though some of the corals did survive, andC. jardineimostly died only after exposure to elevated temperatures. The other species (T. geoffroyiandD. axifuga) exhibited marked bleaching when exposed to elevated temperatures, but mortality of these corals was similar to that of conspecifics held at ambient temperatures. This study highlights the potential for environmental change to impact the sustainability and viability of Australian coral harvest fisheries. More importantly, this study highlights the need for specific and targeted in situ monitoring for important stocks of coral fishery target species, to assess their vulnerability to fishery and fishery-independent effects.
Global distribution of the intensity and frequency of hourly precipitation and their responses to ENSO
Authors: Li Xiao-Feng , Blenkinsop Stephen , Barbero Renaud , Yu Jingjing , Lewis Elizabeth , Lenderink Geert , Guerreiro Selma , Chan Steven , Li Yafei , Ali Haider , Villalobos Herrera Roberto , Kendon Elizabeth , Fowler Hayley J.
Published: April 2020

We investigate the global distribution of hourly precipitation and its connections with the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) using both satellite precipitation estimates and the global sub-daily rainfall gauge dataset. Despite limited moisture availability over continental surfaces, we find that the highest mean and extreme hourly precipitation intensity (HPI) values are mainly located over continents rather than over oceans, a feature that is not evident in daily or coarser resolution data. After decomposing the total precipitation into the product of the number of wet hours (NWH) and HPI, we find that ENSO modulates total precipitation mainly through the NWH, while its effects on HPI are more limited. The contrasting responses to ENSO in NWH and HPI is particularly apparent at the rising branches of the Pacific and Atlantic Walker Circulations, and is also notable over land-based gauges in Australia, Malaysia, the USA, Japan and Europe across the whole distribution of hourly precipitation (i.e. extreme, moderate and light precipitation). These results provide new insights into the global precipitation distribution and its response to ENSO forcing.