bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Cyclen‐Functionalized Ethenylene‐Based Periodic Mesoporous Organosilica Nanoparticles and Metal‐Ion Adsorption Studies
Authors: Li Hao , Vardanyan Ani , Charnay Clarence , Raehm Laurence , Seisenbaeva Gulaim A. , Pleixats Roser , Durand Jean‐Olivier
Published: September 2020

The preparation of two cyclens both possessing two triethoxysilyl groups through click chemistry is described. These two cyclens were incorporated into bis(triethoxysilyl)ethenylene‐based periodic mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles (PMO NPs) at different proportions of bis(triethoxysilyl)ethenylene/cyclens (90/10, 75/25). The obtained nanorods were analyzed with different techniques and showed high specific surface areas at low proportion of cyclens. The nanorods containing free amino groups of cyclen were then used for Ni(II) and Co(II) removal from model solutions. The kinetics and isotherms of adsorption of Ni(II) and Co(II) were determined, and the materials showed high uptake of metals (up to 3.9 mmol ⋅ g−1). They demonstrated pronounced selectivity in separation of rare earth elements from late transition metals, e. g. Ni(II) and Co(II) by adsorption and even more so by controlled desorption.
Colour here, there, and in‐between—Placemaking and wayfinding in mental health environments
Authors: McLachlan Fiona , Leng Xuechang
Published: September 2020

Colour design in mental healthcare environments is acutely significant. Sensory acuity may be impaired through age, illness, or heightened stress and anxiety. While research has played a role in the development of guidance on the use of colour in such environments, this article suggests that this tends to be followed in a dogmatic, risk‐averse manner and predominately without professional design input, leading to monotonous and under‐stimulating environments. The article reports on two case study projects by the authors, involving user participation and student volunteers. These colour design installations provide examples of practice‐led applied research within occupied healthcare facilities. The article discusses the significance of site‐specific colour design in relation to place‐making and wayfinding with reference to previous research that considers the role of colour as part of the everyday experience of all users, in contrast to an approach focused solely on the behavior of patients. It concludes that colour design knowledge developed and applied through “real world” live projects, involving students as part of their architectural education can address some of the shortcomings of laboratory or staged colour research.
A low‐power delay stage ring VCO based on wrap‐gate CNTFET technology for X‐band satellite communication applications
Authors: Khaleqi Qaleh Jooq Mohammad , Bozorgmehr Ali , Mirzakuchaki Sattar
Published: September 2020

Over the past few years, with lower power consumption, reasonable layout area, and the ease of integration with standard circuit design technologies compared to the other counterparts, delay stage ring voltage‐controlled oscillators (VCOs) have been in the limelight of microelectronics scientists. However, few efforts have focused on representing high‐performance delay stage ring VCOs in the deep nanometric regime. In this regard, by virtue of outstanding electrical properties of carbon nanotube wrap‐gate transistors, this work aims to propose a carbon nanotube field‐effect transistor (CNTFET)–based delay stage ring VCO. After performing rigorous simulations, the proposed ring VCO which has been designed by 10‐nm gate‐all‐around (GAA) CNTFET technology shows suitable electrical performance metrics. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed GAA‐CNTFET‐based ring VCO consumes 85.176 μW at
with a 6.12‐ to 10.42‐GHz frequency tuning range. At the worst‐case noise conditions, the proposed design presents ‐90.747 dBc/Hz phase noise at 1 MHz offset frequency. With occupying 1.414 μm2 physical area, the proposed VCO is appropriate for the ultracompact nanoscale radio frequency apparatus. Our simulation results accentuate that with further improvements and commercializing the fabrication techniques for CNTFET transistors, the proposed GAA‐CNTFET‐based VCO can be considered as a potential candidate for X‐band satellite communication applications.
DrosophilaSERTAD domain protein Taranis is required in somatic cells for maintenance of male germline stem cells
Authors: Dutta Pranabananda , Nath Soma , Li Jinghong , Li Willis X.
Published: September 2020

Background

Polycomb proteins are essential for maintaining stem cell identity across different stem cell niches. However, how they function to maintain stem cell niches is not fully understood.

Results

Here we show that the SERTAD protein Taranis (Tara), which is a Polycomb‐trithorax group protein, is expressed in the adult testis niche and plays a role in its maintenance in Drosophila. We found that tara is expressed in early cyst cells, likely including somatic cyst stem cells (CySCs) of Drosophila male testis tip region, which houses both germline and somatic cyst stem cells along with the hub cells, forming the stem cell niche. Consistent with its expression, we found that, while loss of tara in germline cells only had minimal effects, tara knockdown in all cells or only in somatic cells of the niche reduced the number of not only somatic cells, but also germline stem cells (GSCs). We further found that Tara might antagonize Notch signaling in CySCs to maintain the stem cell niche.

Conclusions

Our studies suggest that Tara might function in somatic CySCs for GSC maintenance in the Drosophila testis.
Landscape‐scale patterns of nutrient enrichment in a coral reef ecosystem: implications for coral to algae phase shifts
Authors: Adam Thomas C. , Burkepile Deron E. , Holbrook Sally J. , Carpenter Robert C. , Claudet Joachim , Loiseau Charles , Thiault Lauric , Brooks Andrew J. , Washburn Libe , Schmitt Russell J.
Published: September 2020

Nutrient pollution is altering coastal ecosystems worldwide. On coral reefs, excess nutrients can favor the production of algae at the expense of reef‐building corals, yet the role of nutrients in driving community changes such as shifts from coral to macroalgae is not well understood. Here we investigate the potential role of anthropogenic nutrient loading in driving recent coral‐to‐macroalgae phase shifts on reefs in the lagoons surrounding the Pacific island of Moorea, French Polynesia. We use nitrogen (N) tissue content and stable isotopes (δ15N) in an abundant macroalga (Turbinaria ornata) together with empirical models of nutrient discharge to describe spatial and temporal patterns of nutrient enrichment in the lagoons. We then employ time series data to test whether recent increases in macroalgae are associated with nutrients. Our results revealed that patterns of N enrichment were linked to several factors, including rainfall, wave‐driven circulation, and distance from anthropogenic nutrient sources, especially human sewage. Reefs near large watersheds, where inputs of N from sewage and agriculture are high, have been consistently enriched in N for at least the last decade. In many of these areas, corals have decreased and macroalgae have increased, while reefs with lower levels of N input have maintained high cover of coral and low cover of macroalgae. Importantly, these patchy phase shifts to macroalgae have occurred despite substantial island‐wide increases in the density and biomass of herbivorous fishes over the time period. Together, these results indicate that nutrient loading may be an important driver of coral‐to‐macroalgae phase shifts in the lagoons of Moorea even though the reefs harbor an abundant and diverse herbivore assemblage. These results emphasize the important role that bottom‐up factors can play in driving coral‐to‐macroalgae phase shifts and underscore the critical importance of watershed management for reducing inputs of nutrients and other land‐based pollutants to coral reef ecosystems.
Sweet tooth: Elephants detect fruit sugar levels based on scent alone
Authors: Nevo Omer , Schmitt Melissa H. , Ayasse Manfred , Valenta Kim
Published: September 2020

The ability to assess food quality is crucial to all organisms. Fleshy fruits are a major source of nutrients to various animals, and unlike most food sources, have evolved to be attractive and to be consumed by animals to promote seed dispersal. It has recently been established that fruit scent—the bouquet of volatile chemicals emitted by ripe fruit—is an evolved communication system between plants and animals. Further, it has been argued that chemicals that are synthesized from sugar and its products may be an honest signal for sugar content and fruit quality. Elephants are important seed dispersers for numerous species and possess an olfactory system that is likely to outperform most other animals. We tested the hypothesis that fruit scent signifies sugar content and that elephants are capable of assessing fruit sugar levels based on scent alone. Using a paired‐choice test of marula fruits (Sclerocarya birrea) by semitame African elephants, we show that elephants are capable of identifying more sugar‐rich fruits based on scent alone and that this is likely based on two chemical compounds: ethanol and ethyl acetate, both downstream products of sugar fermentation. These results shed light on the mechanisms driving elephant feeding ecology, plant signaling, and the coevolutionary process between angiosperms and animal seed dispersers.
Behavioral strategies during incubation influence nest and female survival of Wild Turkeys
Authors: Lohr Ashley K. , Martin James A. , Wann Gregory T. , Cohen Bradley S. , Collier Bret A. , Chamberlain Michael J.
Published: September 2020

Females must balance physiological and behavioral demands of producing offspring with associated expenditures, such as resource acquisition and predator avoidance. Nest success is an important parameter underlying avian population dynamics. Galliforms are particularly susceptible to low nest success due to exposure of ground nests to multiple predator guilds, lengthy incubation periods, and substantive reliance on crypsis for survival. Hence, it is plausible that nesting individuals prioritize productivity and survival differently, resulting in a gradient of reproductive strategies. Fine‐scale movement patterns during incubation are not well documented in ground‐nesting birds, and the influence of reproductive movements on survival is largely unknown. Using GPS data collected from female wild turkeys (n = 278) across the southeastern United States, we evaluated the influence of incubation recess behaviors on trade‐offs between nest and female survival. We quantified daily recess behaviors including recess duration, recess frequency, total distance traveled, and incubation range size for each nest attempt as well as covariates for nest concealment, nest attempt, and nest age. Of 374 nests, 91 (24%) hatched and 39 (14%) females were depredated during incubation. Average nest survival during the incubation period was 0.19, whereas average female survival was 0.78. On average, females took 1.6 daily unique recesses (SD = 1.2), spent 2.1 hr off the nest each day (SD = 1.8), and traveled 357.6 m during recesses (SD = 396.6). Average nest concealment was 92.5 cm (SD = 47). We found that females who took longer recess bouts had higher individual survival, but had increased nest loss. Females who recessed more frequently had lower individual survival. Our findings suggest behavioral decisions made during incubation represent life‐history trade‐offs between predation risk and reproductive success on an unpredictable landscape.
Bacterial communities in the natural and supplemental nests of an endangered ecosystem engineer
Authors: Thoemmes Megan S. , Cove Michael V.
Published: September 2020

Supplemental nests are often used to restore habitats for a variety of rare and endangered taxa. However, though they mimic the function of natural nests, they vary in design and construction material. We know from previous research on human buildings that these differences in architecture can alter the types of microbes to which inhabitants are exposed, and these shifts in microbial interactions can be detrimental for individual health and well‐being. Yet, no one has tested whether bacterial communities in supplemental structures are distinct from those found in natural nests. Here, we sampled the bacteria from inside supplemental nests of the endangered Key Largo woodrat (Neotoma floridana smalli). We then compared the diversity and composition of those bacteria to the bacteria collected from natural stick‐nests and the surrounding forest environment in Key Largo, Florida. In addition, we sampled woodrat bodies to assess the microbiota of nest inhabitants. We observed distinct bacterial communities in Key Largo woodrat nests, relative to the forest environment; however, we could not differentiate between the bacterial communities collected from supplemental and natural nests. Furthermore, when we considered the potential accumulation of rodent‐associated bacterial pathogens, we found no evidence of their presence in supplemental nests, in natural nests, or on the forest floor. Where we expected to see an accumulation of pathogens, we instead observed high relative abundances of bacteria from antimicrobial‐producing groups (i.e., Pseudonocardiaceae and Streptomycetaceae). The bacteria on Key Largo woodrat individuals resembled those of their nests, with a low relative abundance of potential pathogens (0.3% of sequence reads) and a high relative abundance of bacteria from antimicrobial‐producing groups. Our results suggest that, although there is some microbial interaction between nests and nest inhabitants, there are no detectable differences in the types of bacteria to which Key Largo woodrats are exposed in supplemental and natural nest structures.
Integrating distance sampling and presence‐only data to estimate species abundance
Authors: Farr Matthew T. , Green David S. , Holekamp Kay E. , Zipkin Elise F.
Published: September 2020

Integrated models combine multiple data types within a unified analysis to estimate species abundance and covariate effects. By sharing biological parameters, integrated models improve the accuracy and precision of estimates compared to separate analyses of individual data sets. We developed an integrated point process model to combine presence‐only and distance sampling data for estimation of spatially explicit abundance patterns. Simulations across a range of parameter values demonstrate that our model can recover estimates of biological covariates, but parameter accuracy and precision varied with the quantity of each data type. We applied our model to a case study of black‐backed jackals in the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya, to examine effects of spatially varying covariates on jackal abundance patterns. The model revealed that jackals were positively affected by anthropogenic disturbance on the landscape, with highest abundance estimated along the Reserve border near human activity. We found minimal effects of landscape cover, lion density, and distance to water source, suggesting that human use of the Reserve may be the biggest driver of jackal abundance patterns. Our integrated model expands the scope of ecological inference by taking advantage of widely available presence‐only data, while simultaneously leveraging richer, but typically limited, distance sampling data.
CD73 contributes to anti‐inflammatory properties of afferent lymphatic endothelial cells in humans and mice
Authors: Eichin Dominik , Pessia Alberto , Takeda Akira , Laakkonen Joni , Bellmann Lydia , Kankainen Matti , Imhof Beat A. , Stoitzner Patrizia , Tang Jing , Salmi Marko , Jalkanen Sirpa
Published: September 2020

CD73 is an important ectoenzyme responsible for the production of extracellular adenosine. It is involved in regulating inflammatory responses and cell migration and is overexpressed in various cancers. The functions of CD73 in blood endothelial cells are understood in detail, but its role on afferent lymphatics remains unknown. Moreover, anti‐CD73 antibodies are now used in multiple clinical cancer trials, but their effects on different endothelial cell types have not been studied. This study reveals that a previously unknown role of CD73 on afferent lymphatics is to dampen immune responses. Knocking it out or suppressing it by siRNA leads to the upregulation of inflammation‐associated genes on lymphatic endothelial cells and a more pro‐inflammatory phenotype of interacting dendritic cells in vitro and in vivo. In striking contrast, anti‐CD73 antibodies had only negligible effects on the gene expression of lymphatic‐ and blood‐endothelial cells. Our data thus reveal new functions of lymphatic CD73 and indicate a low likelihood of endothelial cell–related adverse effects by CD73 targeting therapeutic antibodies.
Six‐year trends in postoperative prescribing and use of multimodal analgesics following total hip and knee arthroplasty: A single‐site observational study of pain management
Authors: Khaw Damien , Bucknall Tracey , Considine Julie , Duke Maxine , Hutchinson Ana , Redley Bernice , de Steiger Richard , Botti Mari
Published: September 2020

Background

Guidelines for acute postoperative pain management recommend administering analgesics in multimodal combination to facilitate synergistic benefit, reduce opioid requirements and decrease side‐effects. However, limited observational research has examined the extent to which multimodal analgesics are prescribed and administered postoperatively following joint replacement.

Methods

In this longitudinal study, we used three‐point prevalence surveys to observe the 6‐year trends in prescribing and use of multimodal analgesics on the orthopaedic wards of a single Australian private hospital. We collected baseline postoperative data from total hip and knee arthroplasty patients in May/June 2010 (Time 1, n = 86), and follow‐up data at 1 year (Time 2, n = 199) and 5 years (Time 3, n = 188). During the follow‐up, data on prescribing practices were presented to anaesthetists.

Results

We found a statistically significant increase in the prescribing (p < 0.001) and use (p < 0.001) of multimodal analgesics over time. The use of multimodal analgesics was associated with lower rest pain (p = 0.027) and clinically significant reduction in interference with activities (p < 0.001) and sleep (p < 0.001). However, dynamic pain was high and rescue opioids were likely under‐administered at all time points. Furthermore, while patients reported high levels of side‐effects, use of adjuvant medications was low.

Conclusions

We observed significant practice change in inpatient analgesic prescribing in favour of multimodal analgesia, in keeping with contemporary recommendations. Surveys, however, appeared to identify a clinical gap in the bedside assessment and management of breakthrough pain and medication side‐effects, requiring additional targeted interventions.

Significance

Evaluation of 6‐year trends in a large Australian metropolitan private hospital indicated substantial growth in postoperative multimodal analgesic prescribing. In the context of growing global awareness concerning multimodal analgesia, findings suggested diffusion of best‐evidence prescribing into clinical practice. Findings indicated the effects of postoperative multimodal analgesia in real‐world conditions outside of experimental trials. Postoperative multimodal analgesia in the clinical setting was only associated with a modest reduction in rest pain, but substantially reduced interference from pain on activities and sleep.
Rational Design of Highly Efficient One‐pot Synthesis of Ternary PtNiCo/FTO Nanocatalyst for Hydroquinone and Catechol Sensing
Authors: Awais Azka , Arsalan Muhammad , Sheng Qinglin , Zheng Jianbin , Yue Tianli
Published: September 2020

In this work, we present a simple and efficient method for preparation of widely dispersed PtNiCo nanocatalyst on FTO without the use of any heavy complex structure. The proposed nanocatalyst enhances the chemical interaction of PtNiCo/FTO and increases its catalytic activity, which was used for electrochemical sensing of catechol and hydroquinone. The surface morphology was characterized by TEM, HRTEM, and XRD. The size of the PtNiCo/FTO octahedrons nanocatalyst was about 0.35–4 nm. Gradual increase of concentration exhibited linearity in oxidation peak response up to 1100 μM with a low detection limit of 0.79 μM for HQ and 1.05 μM for CC. The sensitivity is 1035 μAmM−1 cm−2 for catechol and 1197 μAmM−1 cm−2 for hydroquinone. The prepared nanomaterial/sensor applied to real water samples with good reproducibility (98–99 %).
Chloroplast gene markers detect diatom DNA in a drowned mice establishing drowning as a cause of death
Authors: Vinayak Vandana
Published: September 2020

Diatoms are unicellular microalgae with cell wall made up of rigid silica found in all open water bodies. They thus resist degradation and hence are important tool to diagnose cause of death in drowned bodies. The nitric acid digestion method practiced conventionally in forensic science laboratories has limitations due to manual error. Plant chloroplast genes found in diatoms such as ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase oxygenase (rbcL‐3P) and rbcL, universal plastidic amplicon (UPA), and photosynthesis I P700 apoprotein chlorophyll Al (psaA), which play an important role in photosystems I and II of photosynthesis, are tested to diagnose drowning in experimental mice. It was seen that psaA‐2 showed amplification at 150 bp in all biological samples. The sequences of psaA‐2 gene marker showed 100% proximity to Thalassiosira weissflogii and rbcL‐3P showed 99% resemblance to Pseudo‐nitzschia multiseries. On the other hand, in postmortem drowned biological samples, the chloroplast‐based gene marker failed to show any amplification.
Data fusion with Gaussian processes for estimation of environmental hazard events
Authors: Xiong Xiaoyu , Youngman Benjamin D. , Economou Theodoros
Published: September 2020

Environmental hazard events such as extra‐tropical cyclones or windstorms that develop in the North Atlantic can cause severe societal damage. Environmental hazard is quantified by the hazard footprint, a spatial area describing potential damage. However, environmental hazards are never directly observed, so estimation of the footprint for any given event is primarily reliant on station observations (e.g., wind speed in the case of a windstorm event) and physical model hindcasts. Both data sources are indirect measurements of the true footprint, and here we present a general statistical framework to combine the two data sources for estimating the underlying footprint. The proposed framework extends current data fusion approaches by allowing structured Gaussian process discrepancy between physical model and the true footprint, while retaining the elegance of how the "change of support" problem is dealt with. Simulation is used to assess the practical feasibility and efficacy of the framework, which is then illustrated using data on windstorm Imogen.
College Educated Yet Disconnected: Exploring Disconnection From Education and Employment in OECD Countries, With a Comparative Focus on the U.S.
Authors: Kevelson Marisol J. C. , Marconi Gabriele , Millett Catherine M. , Zhelyazkova Nevena
Published: September 2020

In this study, we investigated factors predictive of disconnection, or not being in education, employment, or training (NEET), among young adults with at least a 2‐year college degree. We also explored the extent to which disconnection influences civic participation and well‐being among NEETs with and without college degrees. The authors used 2012 and 2015 Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) data from the Survey of Adult Skills in the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) for 29 countries, including the United States, along with US 2012 data from the Education Longitudinal Study of 2002 (ELS:2002), collected by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Results highlight that college‐educated individuals whose parents have low levels of educational attainment actually have a higher likelihood of becoming NEET relative to college‐educated individuals whose parents are more highly educated. Study findings also emphasize the influence of economic and geographic differences (country‐level for OECD and county‐level for United States) on NEET rates, in addition to the extent to which mothers have a higher likelihood and fathers have a lower likelihood of being NEET relative to their childless peers and the influence of country‐level family leave policies on the odds of being NEET across the OECD. College field of study also emerges as an important influence on disconnection across the 29 OECD countries in the study, but not in the United States separately. Finally, comparing results for college‐educated NEETs and NEETs without degrees, we found that higher education appears to reduce the likelihood of community disengagement and reports of poor health among NEETs across the OECD countries. However, this is not the case within the United States where NEETs are less likely to be engaged in their communities and more likely to describe themselves as in poor health regardless of their educational attainment.
Black raspberries attenuate colonic adenoma development in ApcMin mice: Relationship to hypomethylation of promoters and gene bodies
Authors: Huang Yi‐Wen , Mo Yue Yang , Echeveste Carla Elena , Oshima Kiyoko , Zhang Jianying , Yearsley Martha , Lin Chien‐Wei , Yu Jianhua , Liu Pengyuan , Du Ming , Sun Chongde , Xiao Jianbo , Wang Li‐Shu
Published: September 2020

Recent studies have suggested that in addition to promoter region, DNA methylation in intragenic and intergenic regions also changes during physiological processes and disease. The current study showed that feeding of black raspberries (BRBs) to ApcMin mice suppressed colon and intestinal tumors. MBDCap‐seq suggested that dietary BRBs hypomethylated promoter, intragenic, and intergenic regions. Annotation of those regions highlighted genes in pathways involved in immune regulation, inflammatory signaling, production of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species, and progression of colorectal cancer. BRB phytochemicals (e.g., ellagic acid, anthocyanins, oligosaccharides) and their gut bacterial metabolites (e.g., urolithin, protocatechuic acid, short‐chain fatty acids) inhibited DNMT1 and DNMT3B activities in a cell‐free assay. Our results suggest that BRBs’ hypomethylating activities result from the combined effects of multiple BRB phytochemicals and their gut bacterial metabolites. Because similar substances are found in many plant products, our results with BRBs might also apply to commonly consumed fruits and vegetables.
Chemical analysis and sensory evaluation of honey produced by honeybee colonies fed with different sugar pastes
Authors: Moumeh Bouchra , Dolores Garrido María , Diaz Pedro , Peñaranda Irene , Linares María Belén
Published: September 2020

Supplemental feeding of honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies is essential for colony buildup. Honey samples obtained from feeding honey bee colonies with different commercial sugars, including sugar paste, sugar paste + vitamins +amino acids, and sugar paste + vitamins +protein as pollen substitute, were studied to determine the effects of feeding bees on the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of honey, compared with the honey produced by a control group (no supplemental feeding). Analyzed honey samples from the different groups were in accordance with the criteria described in Council directive 2001/110/CE, 2002. Elsewhere, significant differences (p > .05) were detected in color, free acidity, diastase activity, hydroxymethylfurfural, sugar profile, and conductivity between all honey. In terms of mineral content, the honey from hives faded with sugar paste + vitamins +protein and control group had higher values for Na, Mg, P, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn. Related to sensory analyses, no differences in flavor and basic taste were found in all analyzed honey (p > .05) independently the type of feeding. For the visual attributes, only differences were found for the color. Supplementary feeding with different sugar pastes and proteins does not affect the physicochemical characteristics of honey. For the sensory analyses, control sample presented significant differences only for color and chemical odor attributes compared with honey from bees receiving supplementation.
Utilities Can Improve Customer Experience to Meet Growing Customer Expectations
Authors: Bansal Saurabh , Burden Kody , Swartout Brandon
Published: September 2020

With the continued customer‐centric focus of companies such as Amazon, Apple, Zappos, Netflix, and USAA, customers have come to expect the same personalized and world‐class service from all their service providers, including energy utilities. Today's utilities are expected to do more for their customers than just provide safe and reliable service. Customers are demanding more information about their bills, usage, and new programs to reduce energy usage and costs and want highly functional, easy‐to‐use digital platforms to interact with. While utilities have made efforts to increase customer experience in recent years, they continue to lag behind other industries and sectors on overall customer satisfaction and digital customer experience (i.e., ease of use).
MRI‐visible dilated perivascular spaces in healthy young adults: A twin heritability study
Authors: Choi Yangsean , Nam Yoonho , Choi Yera , Kim Jiwoong , Jang Jinhee , Ahn Kook Jin , Kim Bum‐soo , Shin Na‐Young
Published: September 2020

We investigated the narrow‐sense heritability of MRI‐visible dilated perivascular spaces (dPVS) in healthy young adult twins and nontwin siblings (138 monozygotic, 79 dizygotic twin pairs, and 133 nontwin sibling pairs; 28.7 ± 3.6 years) from the Human Connectome Project. dPVS volumes within basal ganglia (BGdPVS) and white matter (WMdPVS) were automatically calculated on three‐dimensional T2‐weighted MRI. In univariate analysis, heritability estimates of BGdPVS and WMdPVS after age and sex adjustment were 65.8% and 90.2%. In bivariate analysis, both BGdPVS and WMdPVS showed low to moderate genetic correlations (.30–.43) but high shared heritabilities (71.8–99.9%) with corresponding regional volumes, intracranial volumes, and other regional dPVS volumes. Older age was significantly associated with larger dPVS volume in both regions even after adjusting for clinical and volumetric variables, while blood pressure was not associated with dPVS volume although there was weak genetic correlation. dPVS volume, particularly WMdPVS, was highly heritable in healthy young adults, adding evidence of a substantial genetic contribution in dPVS development and differential effect by location. Age affects dPVS volume even in young adults, while blood pressure might have limited role in dPVS development in its normal range.
The impact of introducing a national scheme for paid parental leave on maternal mental health outcomes
Authors: Bilgrami Anam , Sinha Kompal , Cutler Henry
Published: September 2020

Paid maternity leave is an essential component of a progressive society. It can enhance postnatal health, improve mother and child wellbeing, and deliver better labor market outcomes for mothers. We evaluate the impact of the introduction of Australia's national Paid Parental Leave (PPL) scheme in 2011 and complementary Dad and Partner Pay (DAPP) in 2013 on maternal mental health. Using a sample of 1480 births to eligible, partnered women between 2004 and 2016 and examining a range of mental health outcomes from the Household, Income, andLabour Dynamics in Australia survey, we find depression likelihood reduced significantly in post‐reform years. When focusing on post‐DAPP years and women whose partners had concurrent access to DAPP, significant mental health improvements were found across a wider range of measures including the Mental Component Summary score and specific Short Form‐36 items with a high sensitivity for detecting major depression. Subgroup analysis suggests significant improvements applied specifically to first‐time mothers and mothers with employer‐paid maternity leave and unpaid leave entitlements. These results suggest that an increase in PPL and DAPP entitlements for mothers without access to employer‐paid and unpaid leave entitlements, particularly those in less secure employment, may further reduce postnatal depression and improve health equity in Australia.
Metabolic tumor volume and total lesion glycolysis as prognostic factors in head and neck cancer: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Rijo‐Cedeño Jefferson , Mucientes Jorge , Álvarez Oscar , Royuela Ana , Seijas Marcos Sara , Romero Jesús , García‐Berrocal José Ramón
Published: September 2020

The role of metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) in head and neck cancer (HNC) prognosis is not well established. We conducted a systematic review focusing on MTV and TLG measured by 18F‐FDG positron‐emission tomography in HNC. Meta‐analyses were developed, estimating hazard ratios (HRs) for overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS). Eighteen studies were found with a total of 1512 patients. MTV‐adjusted analysis had an HR of 4.65 (95% CI = 2.04‐10.6) for DFS and 3.89 (95% CI = 1.47‐10.30) for OS. TLG‐unadjusted analysis had an HR of 3.19 (95% CI = 2.33‐4.37) for DFS and 2.48 (95% CI = 1.82‐3.39) for OS. TLG‐adjusted analysis for DFS obtained an HR of 2.05 (95% CI = 0.96‐4.39). MTV and TLG are good prognostic factors in HNC, as high values predict a worse OS and DFS. Given the important information they provide, these parameters may be considered in clinical practice, as they are easily obtainable with current technology.
Postoperative radiotherapy is associated with improved overall survival for alveolar ridge squamous cell carcinoma with adverse pathologic features
Authors: Jacobs Corbin D. , Williamson Hannah , Barak Ian , Rocke Daniel J. , Kahmke Russel R. , Suneja Gita , Mowery Yvonne M.
Published: September 2020

Background

Alveolar ridge squamous cell carcinoma (ARSCC) is poorly represented in randomized trials.

Methods

Adults in the National Cancer Database diagnosed with ARSCC between 2010 and 2014 who should be considered for postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) based on National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)‐defined risk factors were identified.

Results

Eight hundred forty‐five (58%) of 1457 patients meeting the inclusion criteria received PORT. PORT was associated with improved overall survival (OS) on unadjusted (hazard ratio [HR] 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.70‐0.98, P = .02) and multivariable (HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.64‐0.94, P = .002) analyses. PORT was associated with significantly improved 5‐year OS for patients with 1 (68% vs 58%, P < .001), 2 (52% vs 31%, P < .001), and ≥3 (38% vs 24%, P < .001) NCCN‐defined risk factors. Prognostic variables significantly associated with worse OS on multivariable analysis included advanced age, primary tumor size ≥3 cm, high grade, positive margin(s), stage N2‐3, level IV/V nodal metastasis, and extranodal extension.

Conclusion

PORT for resected ARSCC with adverse pathologic features is associated with significantly improved OS.
Silica‐Supported Cationic Tungsten Imido Alkylidene Stabilized by an N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Ligand Boosts Activity and Selectivity in the Metathesis of α‐Olefins
Authors: De Jesus Silva Jordan , Mance Deni , Pucino Margherita , Benedikter Mathis J. , Elser Iris , Buchmeiser Michael R. , Copéret Christophe
Published: September 2020

A well‐defined silica‐supported cationic W imido alkylidene was prepared through surface organometallic chemistry. This catalyst shows preferential activity towards α‐ over internal olefins, which is atypical for W‐based catalysts, but consistent with the strong σ‐donating ability of the NHC ancillary ligand. Complementing the studies on tungsten‐based d0 metathesis catalysts, the silica‐supported cationic W imido alkylidene displays the highest activity among W imido catalysts for α‐olefins and shows improved selectivity for this class of olefins compared to Mo‐based catalysts.
A pilot study of adolescent health literacy research in Melbourne: Implementation and reflections
Authors: Guo Shuaijun , Davis Elise , Armstrong Rebecca , Yu Xiaoming , Naccarella Lucio
Published: September 2020

Issues addressed

While adolescent health literacy research has gained momentum, there is little evidence regarding its implementation and data collection in school settings. This study explored the feasibility of collecting health literacy data from Australian secondary schools and piloted three health literacy instruments.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was designed to recruit four government secondary schools in Melbourne. Active, opt‐in consent was obtained from parents and students in Years 7‐9, and an online survey was conducted. Three health literacy instruments were used: the 8‐item Health Literacy Assessment Tool (HLAT‐8), the Newest Vital Sign (NVS), and the 47‐item Health Literacy Survey (HLS‐47).

Results

A total of 120 students (age 12‐15 years) were finally recruited from one school, whereas the other three schools declined due to busy educational commitment or no interest in research. Learnings and reflections on data collection included: a shared perspective of health literacy evaluation between school and researchers; the feasibility of online data collection; and the possibility of obtaining passive, opt‐out consent. About one‐quarter (23.7%‐32.2%) of students were likely to have poor health literacy.

Conclusions

Although the recruitment was challenging, this pilot study indicates the feasibility of large‐scale online health literacy survey in future school‐based research.

So what?

Measuring and monitoring adolescent health literacy is essential to achieve the aim of the Australian Curriculum of Health and Physical Education. More implementation research is needed with representative samples to validate health literacy instruments and examine the impact of health literacy on health promotion outcomes in Australian adolescents.
Prostate carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation successfully treated by early detection with imaging examination
Authors: Kobayashi Momoko , Hagiwara Masahiro , Yamashita Hideyuki , Ohbu Makoto , Irie Akira
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Clinicopathological features of neuroendocrine differentiation of prostate carcinoma have not been totally clarified yet. It is known to be associated with poor prognosis.

Case presentation

A patient with growing prostate‐specific antigen was diagnosed with prostate carcinoma and treated by laparoscopic prostatectomy. The pathological examination revealed the neuroendocrine differentiation of the tumor. Early detection of prostate carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation can be difficult due to its low expression of prostate‐specific antigen. The imaging examination contributed to the early detection. In the follow‐up period of 2 years, the patient remains cancer free.

Conclusion

Recently, the treatment options for prostate carcinoma have been expanded. Precise assessment of immunohistochemical nature of the tumor may be helpful for individualized decision‐making.
Detection and classification of electroencephalogram signals for epilepsy disease using machine learning methods
Authors: Srinath Rajagopalan , Gayathri Rajagopal
Published: September 2020

The electroencephalogram (EEG) signal plays a key role in the diagnosis of epilepsy. This study describes an automated classification of EEG signal for the detection of Epilepsy disease using soft computing methods. The proposed method is comprised of three modules: (a) transformation, (b) feature computation, and (c) feature classifications. In the first module, the nonsubsampled contourlet transform is applied on the EEG signal which decomposes the signal into approximate and directional subbands. The decomposition is done using nonsubsampled pyramid filter bank and nonsubsampled directional filter bank respectively. Secondly, the statistical features are extracted from the decomposed directional subbands using wavelet packet decomposition method. Finally, these features are classified by adaptive neuro‐Fuzzy inference system classification method, which classifies the EEG signal into either focal or nonfocal signal. The proposed method is tested on a set of EEG signals for validation. The average classification rate of the proposed EEG signal classification system is 99.4%. The proposed EEG signal classification methodology achieves a sensitivity of 99.7%, a specificity of 99.7%, and an accuracy of 99.4%. The results confirmed that the proposed method has a potential in the classification of EEG signals and thereby could further improve the diagnosis of epilepsy.
Action recognition and correction by using EMG signal for health sports
Authors: Meng Huan , Wang Jianzhi , Lei Chen , Zhang Hongbao
Published: September 2020

When a person perform daily sports or exercises, his or her actions may not be standard. If the actions are non‐standard, the effect of sports or exercises would degrade seriously. Thus, recognizing non‐standard actions is critical to provide constructive suggestions for daily exercises. In order to recognize actions and correct the non‐standard ones during exercises and sports, we propose a method based on EMG signal to provide exercise suggestions. We first divide each channel of EMG signal into fixed‐size segments in the form of sliding windows, second use short‐time Fourier Transform to convert EMG signal segments as spectrograms, third input the spectrograms into a convolutional neural network to recognize the actions, fourth use a decision tree to determine whether the action is standard or non‐standard and provide exercise suggestions if the action is non‐standard. The experimental results show that the proposed method could identify most of the actions and recognize the non‐standard action.
Maternal organophosphate flame‐retardant exposure alters offspring energy and glucose homeostasis in a sexually dimorphic manner in mice
Authors: Walley Sabrina N. , Krumm Elizabeth A. , Yasrebi Ali , Kwiecinski Justine , Wright Victoria , Baker Chloe , Roepke Troy A.
Published: September 2020

Persistent organic pollutants such as organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) can accumulate in the body and interact with nuclear receptors that control energy homeostasis. One sensitive window of exposure is during development, either in utero or neonatal. Therefore, we investigated if maternal exposure to a mixture of OPFRs alters metabolism on a low‐fat diet (LFD) or a high‐fat diet (HFD) in both male and female offspring. Wild‐type C57Bl/6J dams were orally dosed with vehicle (sesame oil) or an OPFR mixture (1 mg/kg each of tris(1,3‐dichloro‐2‐propyl)phosphate, triphenyl phosphate, and tricresyl phosphate) from gestation day 7 to postnatal day 14. After weaning, pups were fed LFD or HFD. To assess metabolism, we measured body weight and food intake weekly and determined body composition, metabolism, activity, and glucose homeostasis at 6 months of age. Although maternal OPFR exposure did not alter body weight or adiposity, OPFR exposure altered substrate utilization and energy expenditure depending on diet in both sexes. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure was increased by OPFR in male offspring. OPFR exposure interacted with HFD to increase fasting glucose in females and alter glucose and insulin tolerance in male offspring. Plasma leptin was reduced in male and female offspring when fed HFD, whereas liver expression of Pepck was increased in females and Esr1 (estrogen receptor α) was increased in both sex. The physiological implications indicate maternal exposure to OPFRs programs peripheral organs including the liver and adipose tissue, in a sex‐dependent manner, thus changing the response to an obesogenic diet and altering adult offspring energy homeostasis.
Review on current limits and potentialities of technologies for biomedical ceramic scaffolds production
Authors: Marques Ana , Miranda Georgina , Silva Filipe , Pinto Paulo , Carvalho Óscar
Published: September 2020

Osseointegration is defined by a stable and functional union between bone and a surface of a material. This phenomenon is influenced by the geometric and surface characteristics of the part where the bone cells will attach. A wide variety of studies proves that ceramic materials are strong competitors against conventional metals in the scope of bone tissue engineering. Ceramic scaffolds, porous structures that allow bone ingrowth, have been studied to enhance the osseointegration phenomenon. Geometric and dimensional parameters of the scaffold have influence in its performance as mechanical and structural supporter of bone growth. However, these parameters are conditioned by the manufacturing process by which these scaffolds are obtained. Several studies focusing on the production process of ceramic scaffolds have been developed, using 3D printing, stereolithography, selective laser sintering, green machining, robocasting, and others. The main purpose of this work is to evaluate and compare the different manufacturing processes by which ceramic scaffolds can be produced. This comparison addresses scaffold parameters like pore size, pore shape, porosity percentage, roughness, and so forth. Additionally, the different materials used in different manufacturing processes are also mentioned and discussed given its influence on a successful osseointegration while simultaneously displaying adequate mechanical properties. After making a screening on the available ceramic scaffolds manufacturing processes, several examples are presented, proving the potential of each of these manufacturing process for a given scaffold geometry.
Characterization of shape memory polymer foam hemostats in in vitro hemorrhagic wound models
Authors: Christmas Nakira , Vakil Anand Utpal , Hatch Christopher J. , Dong Shi , Fikhman David , Beaman Henry T. , Monroe Mary Beth B.
Published: September 2020

Shape memory polymer foam hemostats are a promising option for future hemorrhage control in battlefield wounds. To enable their use as hemostatic devices, they must be optimized in terms of formulation and architecture, and their safety and efficacy must be characterized in animal models. Relevant in vitro models can be used for device optimization to help mitigate the excess use of animals and reduce costs of clinical translation. In this work, a simplified gunshot wound model and a grade V liver injury model were constructed. The models were used to characterize the effects of shape memory polymer foam hemostat geometry on wall pressures, application/removal times, hemorrhage (fluid loss), and fluid absorption in comparison with clinical controls. It was found that there is no benefit in over‐sizing the hemostatic device relative to wound volume and that geometry effects are dependent upon the wound type. These models provide a rapid means for elucidation of promising hemostat geometries and formulations for use in future in vivo testing.