bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between inflammatory bowel disease and prostate cancer: A large‐scale, prospective, population‐based study
Authors: Meyers Travis J. , Weiner Adam B. , Graff Rebecca E. , Desai Anuj S. , Cooley Lauren Folgosa , Catalona William J. , Hanauer Stephen B. , Wu Jennifer D. , Schaeffer Edward M. , Abdulkadir Sarki A. , Kundu Shilajit D. , Witte John S.
Published: May 2020

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an established risk factor for colorectal cancer. Recent reports suggesting IBD is also a risk factor for prostate cancer (PC) require further investigation. We studied 218 084 men in the population‐based UK Biobank cohort, aged 40 to 69 at study entry between 2006 and 2010, with follow‐up through mid‐2015. We assessed the association between IBD and subsequent PC using multivariable Cox regression analyses, adjusting for age at assessment, ethnic group, UK region, smoking status, alcohol drinking frequency, body mass index, Townsend Deprivation Index, family history of PC and previous prostate‐specific antigen testing. Mean age at study entry was 56 years, 94% of the men were white, and 1.1% (n = 2311) had a diagnosis of IBD. After a median follow‐up of 78 months, men with IBD had an increased risk of PC (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03‐1.67, P = .029). The association with PC was only among men with the ulcerative colitis (UC; aHR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.11‐1.95, P = .0070), and not Crohn's disease (aHR 1.06, 95% CI = 0.63‐1.80, P = .82). Results are limited by lack of data on frequency of health care interactions. In a large‐scale, prospective cohort study, we detected an association between IBD, and UC specifically, with incident PC diagnosis.
Rice cultivation in Italy under the threat of climatic change: Trends, technologies and research gaps
Authors: Arcieri Marco , Ghinassi Graziano
Published: May 2020

Italy is the largest rice‐producing country in the European Union: more than two‐thirds of Europe's rice with about 60% of the national production exported, mainly to Mediterranean countries and Eastern Europe. Rice production started around the middle of the fifteenth century, influencing Italian distinguished cuisine. Specialized cultivation is higly skilled and accounts for 70–80% of the global rice farming surface. The crop is grown from April to October and extends over about 240 000 ha (1.4% of the total arable area of the country). The expected production is approximately 1.4 million tonnes (MT) of paddy rice; average yield is about 6 t ha¯¹, 85% of the surface being cropped with Japonica‐type varieties, the rest with Thaibonnet. In last 20 years, the cultivation area has increased by about 20%, making Italy an important rice‐exporting country, as the volume of exports reached 5% of total rice traded in the world and domestic consumption hardly exceeds 40% of total production. The main constraints in Italy are low temperature (at sowing and flowering time), diseases, weeds and red rice. Recent research has proved that the possibility exists to increase potential yield by means of varietal improvement, with emphasis on disease and lodging resistance, and better low‐temperature and dry‐conditions adaptability. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self‐concealment and suicidality: Mediating roles of unmet interpersonal needs and attitudes toward help‐seeking
Authors: Hogge Ingrid , Blankenship Paige
Published: May 2020

Objective

We investigated the relationship between self‐concealment—a tendency to hide distressing information—and suicidality, via two mediators: (a) unmet interpersonal needs and (b) help‐seeking attitudes.

Method

A sample of young adults (18–25 years) was recruited online to complete a self‐report survey questionnaire (n = 245). A parallel multiple mediation model was analyzed using the PROCESS macro (Hayes, 2013, Methodology in the social sciences. Introduction to mediation, moderation, and conditional process analysis: A regression‐based approach. New York, NY: Guilford Press) in SPSS.

Results

There was a significant positive relationship between self‐concealment and suicidality. This relationship was partially mediated by unmet interpersonal needs. Although self‐concealment was associated with more negative attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help, these help‐seeking attitudes were not significantly related to suicidality.

Conclusions

Our results highlight the importance of interpersonal factors in suicide. Unmet interpersonal needs emerged as a mechanism by which self‐concealment contributes to increased suicidality. We review implications for research, clinical practice, and prevention.
Cross‐cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the Brazilian Portuguese version of successful aging scale in community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: da Silva‐Sauer Leandro , Martins‐Rodrigues Rafaela , de la Torre‐Luque Alejandro , Fernández‐Calvo Bernardino
Published: May 2020

There is a growing consensus regarding the multidimensional nature of successful aging (SA), including both the biomedical and psychosocial domains of the aging process. The Successful Aging Scale (SAS) is a self‐rated instrument addressing both of these components. The aim of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the SAS (SAS‐B) with regard to reliability and validity in 949 Brazilian community‐dwelling older adults (53.60% women; M = 69.49 years; standard deviation = 7.67). Confirmatory factorial analysis (CFA) was performed to provide evidence on its structural validity. Convergent and divergent validity was studied by means of examining the relationships of SAS‐B with scales concerning resilience, life satisfaction, self‐esteem, social support, perceived stress, and health, as well as mental health. The CFA showed that the SAS‐B is multidimensional with three correlated factors (χ2/df = 2.74; standardized root mean square residual = 0.03; root mean square error approximation = 0.04; comparative fit index = 0.91), and its factors showed adequate reliability (ω = 0.70 for Healthy living habits, ω = 0.69 for Adaptive coping, and ω = 0.70 for Engagement with Life). Convergent and divergent validity was endorsed by correlations with related factors. The SAS‐B is a reliable and valid self‐rated instrument to measure the SA from a multidimensional perspective.
STAT3 inhibition reduced PD‐L1 expression and enhanced antitumor immune responses
Authors: Jahangiri Amirhossein , Dadmanesh Maryam , Ghorban Khodayar
Published: May 2020

Colon cancer is one the most common diagnosed cancers in America and Europe. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in colon cancer is associated with proliferation of the tumor cells and suppression of immune responses. STAT3 activation upregulates the transcription of many suppressor genes, including programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1). This study was aimed to investigate the effect of STAT3 inhibition in a colon cancer cell line, HCT‐15, and particularly in presence of samples obtained from the patients suffering from colon cancer. In this project, the expression of PD‐L1 and apoptosis‐related proteins were assessed following STAT3 inhibition, using FLLL32, in HCT‐15 cells. To evaluate the effects of STAT3 inhibition on immune response, lymphocytes from 20 men with Stage III colon cancer and 20 healthy donors were cocultured with HCT‐15 cells in presence or absence of STAT3 inhibitor. Then, T regulatory (T‐reg) cell evaluation and intracellular cytokine staining (ICS) were performed using flowcytometry to assess the T‐reg and T helper (Th) subset cytokines following STAT3 inhibition. STAT3 inhibition suppressed PD‐L1 expression and induced apoptosis in HCT‐15 cells. The population of T‐reg cells in patients with colon cancer significantly decreased after treatment with STAT3 inhibitor. ICS revealed that STAT3 inhibition promotes Th1 protective immune responses. These findings suggest that STAT3 inhibition through either induction of apoptosis in the colon cancer cells and/or activation of efficient immune responses can lead to overcome cancer‐induced immune tolerance.
Cryptic collagen elements as signaling hubs in the regulation of tumor growth and metastasis
Authors: Han XiangHua , Caron Jennifer M. , Brooks Peter C.
Published: May 2020

Structural remodeling of the extracellular matrix is a well‐established process associated with tumor growth and metastasis. Tumor and stromal cells that compose the tumor mass function cooperatively to promote the malignant phenotype in part by physically interacting with intact and structurally altered matrix proteins. To this end, collagen represents the most abundant component of the extracellular matrix and is known to control the behavior of histologically distinct tumor types as well as a diversity of stromal cells. Although a significant molecular understanding has been established concerning how cellular interactions with intact collagen govern signaling pathways that control tumor progression, considerably less is known concerning how interactions with cryptic or hidden regions within remodeled collagen may selectively alter signaling cascades, or whether inhibition of these cryptic signaling pathways may represent clinically effective therapeutic strategies. Here, we review the emerging evidence concerning the possible mechanisms for the selective generation of cryptic or hidden elements within collagen and their potential cell surface receptors that may facilitate signal transduction. We discuss the concept that cellular communication links between cell surface receptors and these cryptic collagen elements may serve as functional signaling hubs that coordinate multiple signaling pathways operating within both tumor and stromal cells. Finally, we provide examples to help illustrate the possibility that direct targeting of these unique cryptic signaling hubs may lead to the development of more effective therapeutic strategies to control tumor growth and metastasis.
MiR‐216a‐3p suppresses the proliferation and invasion of cervical cancer through downregulation of ACTL6A‐mediated YAP signaling
Authors: Zhao Juan , Li Long , Yang Ting
Published: May 2020

The tumor‐suppressive role of microRNA‐216a‐3p (miR‐216a‐3p) has been evidenced in multiple tumors. Yet, the relevance of miR‐216a‐3p in cervical cancer remains undermined. The current study was designed to determine the expression and potential function of miR‐216a‐3p in cervical cancer. Expression of miR‐216a‐3p was markedly decreased in cervical cancer and functional assays revealed an inhibitory effect of miR‐216a‐3p on the proliferation, colony formation, and invasion of cervical cancer. Actin‐like 6A (ACTL6A) was identified as a target gene of miR‐216a‐3p. Elevated ACTL6A expression was detected in cervical cancer, and ACTL6A inhibition exhibited a tumor‐suppressive effect. ACTL6A inhibition increased yes‐associated protein (YAP) phosphorylation and downregulated YAP‐mediated transcriptional activity. ACTL6A restoration or YAP reactivation partially abrogated the miR‐216a‐3p‐mediated antitumor effect in cervical cancer cells. Taken together, these data demonstrate that miR‐216a‐3p acts as a potential tumor‐suppressive miRNA in cervical cancer, which exerts its function through inhibition of YAP signaling via targeting ACTL6A.
Determinants of School Dropout in Lao People's Democratic Republic: A Survival Analysis
Authors: Boualaphet Kikeo , Goto Hideaki
Published: May 2020

Using the most recent round of a nationally representative survey series, this study examines determinants of dropout from basic education in Lao People's Democratic Republic. The existing studies show that, unlike in other developing countries, the effects of household income and gender are limited. Our analysis confirms the former but not the latter—gender inequality remains an issue to be resolved. Further, separate estimations by gender indicate that the significant effects of mother's education and rural/urban residence obtained in pooled data are due to the effects on female students, which highlights the need for more policy focus on female students in rural areas. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Off‐label quetiapine prescribing in general hospital inpatients: an Australian experience
Authors: Brett Jonathan , Anthony Christina , Kamel Bishoy , Day Richard O.
Published: May 2020

Background

Quetiapine is frequently prescribed off‐label in the community but little is known about the initiation and use of quetiapine in general (non‐psychiatry) hospital settings.

Aim

This study examined the extent of off‐label quetiapine prescribing and rates of initiation of quetiapine in a general inpatient population of an Australian inner city teaching hospital, as well as the frequency of communication with community prescribers following discharge.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was conducted of all patients admitted under all non‐psychiatric teams and prescribed quetiapine within a tertiary teaching hospital between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2016. All quetiapine prescribing information was extracted from an electronic medication management system (EMMS) and medical records were reviewed for a random sample of 100 patients prescribed quetiapine.

Results

EMMS data indicated that 793 people were prescribed quetiapine over the study period. Quetiapine was most frequently prescribed once daily, with a median daily dose of 100 mg (interquartile range 37.5–200 mg). Eighty‐seven of the 100 medical records reviewed had corresponding discharge summaries, and potentially off‐label quetiapine prescribing was found in 48 people (55%); the most frequent off‐label indication was for agitation or delirium. Of the 33 people who had quetiapine initiated in hospital, 26 prescriptions (79%) were for off‐label indications. Of the 11 prescriptions (33%) continued at discharge, only three (27%) discharge summaries contained instructions to community prescribers regarding quetiapine.

Conclusion

Off‐label prescribing of quetiapine was common in this sample of inpatients, and senior hospital staff should remain cautious of quetiapine prescribing for indications where the evidence of harms and benefits remains unclear. Communication with community prescribers could also be improved to reduce the risk of conversion from intended short‐term off‐label use to longer‐term use.
Characteristic and shelf life of fish sausage: fortification with fish oil through emulsion and gelled emulsion incorporated with green tea extract
Authors: Pourashouri Parastoo , Shabanpour Bahareh , Kordjazi Moazameh , Jamshidi Aniseh
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys moltrix) fish sausages incorporated with three forms of refined cod liver oil (as a source of polyunsaturated fatty acids: fish oil, oil‐in‐water emulsion (E), gelled oil‐in‐water emulsion (G)) and lyophilized aqueous extract of green tea (Camellia sinensis; 700 and 900 mg kg−1) were developed. The composition, technological properties (cooking loss, pH, texture, and color), sensory analysis, and microbial and oxidative stability of fish sausages during storage (4 °C) were evaluated.

RESULTS

Lower value of cooking loss and thiobarbituric acid value were observed by addition of fish oil in emulsions forms. The incorporation of green tea showed no significant differences in preventing oxidation in related samples. Gelled‐emulsified fish oil had better textural properties, including hardness and decreased springiness of the sausages. The G and E sausages showed higher values of lightness (L*) than the control did. Emulsification had no significant effect on total viable count. Panelists could not distinguish between samples incorporated with fish oil whether in emulsified, gelled‐emulsified, or control. Gelled‐emulsified treatments were awarded higher scores by panelists for all of the sensory attributes (P < 0.05). Eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid quantities significantly increased from control (0.48 mg g−1 and 0.46 mg g−1 sample respectively) to the enriched batches (>1.50 mg g−1 sample). The lowest ratio of ω6 to ω3 in batches was observed for gelled‐emulsified samples.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the addition of free fish oil affected the properties of the sausages. The gelled‐emulsified treatment was a suitable fish oil delivery system in fish sausages, which maintained sensory properties during refrigerated storage.
Random Encounter and Staying Time Model Testing with Human Volunteers
Authors: Garland Laura , Neilson Eric , Avgar Tal , Bayne Erin , Boutin Stan
Published: May 2020

Ecology and management programs designed to track population trends over time increasingly are using passive monitoring methods to estimate terrestrial mammal densities. Researchers use motion‐sensing cameras in mammal studies because they are cost‐effective and advances in statistical methods incorporate motion‐sensing camera data to estimate mammal densities. Density estimation involving unmarked individuals, however, remains challenging and empirical tests of statistical models are relatively rare. We tested the random encounter and staying time model (REST), a new means of estimating the density of an unmarked population, using human volunteers and simulated camera surveys. The REST method produced unbiased estimates of density, regardless of changes in human abundance, movement rates, home range sizes, or simulated camera effort. These advances in statistical methods when applied to motion‐sensing camera data provide innovative avenues of large‐mammal monitoring that have the potential to be applied to a broad spectrum of conservation and management studies, provided assumptions for the REST method are rigorously tested and met. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Usefulness of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy for Oral Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Kim Do Hyun , Kim Yeonji , Kim Sung Won , Hwang Se Hwan
Published: May 2020

Objective

We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for detecting neck nodal metastasis in early oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) as an alternative to elective neck dissection.

Study Design

A systematic search for relevant literature was conducted in the PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases.

Methods

Two reviewers individually searched the five databases up to November 2019. For studies that met inclusion criteria, data on patient diagnoses were pooled, including true positives, true negatives, false positives, and false negatives. Methodological quality was checked with the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (version 2) tool.

Results

In total, 98 observational or retrospective studies were included. The diagnostic odds ratio of SLNB was 326.165 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 231.477–459.587; I2 = 0%). The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.982. Sensitivity was 0.827 (95% CI: 0.804–0.848), and specificity was 0.981 (95% CI: 0.975–0.986). The correlation between sensitivity and the false positive rate was −0.076, which indicates that heterogeneity did not exist. Subgroup analyses were performed with the subgroups reference test type, publication year, and study type. No significant difference was found within the reference test type subgroup. However, differences within the publication year and study type subgroups were significant, where the retrospective study subgroup was significantly more sensitive and specific than the prospective study subgroup.

Conclusion

Results of this meta‐analysis imply that the high specificity of SLNB supports its role as a diagnostic tool for patients with clinical tumor stage (CT)1‐2 clinically negative (N0) OSCC. More studies should be done to further verify the results of this study.

Level of Evidence

2a Laryngoscope, 131:E459–E465, 2021
Strong and Flexible Carbon Fiber Fabric Reinforced Thermoplastic Polyurethane Composites for High‐Performance EMI Shielding Applications
Authors: Duan Ningmin , Shi Zhenyu , Wang Jilai , Wang Guilong , Zhang Xianzhi
Published: May 2020

Electromagnetic shielding materials play a significant role in solving the increasing environmental problem of electromagnetic pollutions. The commonly used metal‐based electromagnetic materials suffer from high density, poor corrosion resistance, and high processing cost. Polymer composites exhibit unique combined properties of lightweight, good shock absorption, and corrosion resistance. In this study, a novel high angle sensitive composite is fabricated by combining carbon fiber (CF) fabric with thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPU). The effect of stacking angle of CF fabric on EMI shielding performance of composite is studied. When the stacking angle of CF fabric changed, the electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness (SE) of CF fabric/TPU composite can reach a maximum of 73 dB, and the tensile strength can reach 168 MPa. In addition, the composite has anisotropic conductivity, which is conductive along the plane direction and nonconductive along the thickness direction. Moreover, the CF fabric/TPU composite manifests exceptional EMI‐SE/density/thickness value of 383 dB cm2 g−1, which is higher than most of current EMI shielding composites reported in literature. In summary, CF fabric/TPU composite is an excellent EMI shielding material that is lightweight, highly flexible, and mechanically robust, which can be applied to the field of aerospace and some intelligent electronic devices.
Electrophoretic Adhesion of Conductive Hydrogels
Authors: Asoh Taka‐Aki , Nakamura Megumi , Shoji Tatsuya , Tsuboi Yasuyuki , Uyama Hiroshi
Published: May 2020

For the development of next‐generation wearable and implantable devices that connect the human body and machines, the adhesion of a conductive hydrogel is required. In this study, a conductive hydrogel is adhered using an electrophoretic approach through polyion complex formation at the interface of the hydrogels. Cationic and anionic conductive hydrogels adhere to anionic and cationic hydrogels, respectively. Moreover, the cationic and anionic conductive hydrogels adhere strongly to each other and the adhered conductive hydrogels exhibit conductivity. De‐adhesion is possible by adding a salt and re‐adhesion is demonstrated under aqueous conditions. It is believed that this innovative adhesion strategy for conductive hydrogels will be a fundamental technology for the connecting “soft” people and “hard” machines.
THE MAKING OF A FOOTPRINT IN PROTEIN FOOTPRINTING: A REVIEW IN HONOR OF MICHAEL L. GROSS
Authors: McKenzie‐Coe Alan , Shortt Raquel , Jones Lisa M.
Published: May 2020

Within the past decade protein footprinting in conjunction with mass spectrometry has become a powerful and versatile means to unravel the higher order structure of proteins. Footprinting‐based approaches has demonstrated the capacity to inform on interaction sites and dynamic regions that participate in conformational changes. These findings when set in a biological perspective inform on protein folding/unfolding, protein–protein interactions, and protein–ligand interactions. In this review, we will look at the contribution of Dr. Michael L. Gross to protein footprinting approaches such as hydrogen deuterium exchange mass spectrometry and hydroxyl radical protein footprinting. This review details the development of novel footprinting methods as well as their applications to study higher order protein structure. © 2020 The Authors. Mass Spectrometry Reviews published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Mass Spec Rev
The effect of electron beam sterilization on the physical properties of the bioresorbable polymer coatings on the titanium 6‐aluminum 4‐vanadium substrate
Authors: Kajzer W. , Szewczenko J. , Kajzer A. , Basiaga M. , Jaworska J. , Jelonek K. , Hercog A. , Kaczmarek M. , Marcinkowski A. , Kasperczyk J.
Published: May 2020

The aim of the work is to determine the physical properties of titanium 6‐aluminum 4‐vanadium alloy with poly (glycolide‐ϵ‐caprolactone) coating after electron beam sterilization. First, the metal substrate is machined with grade 120 and 320 grinding papers. Some of the samples are subjected to anodic oxidation. Then, the samples are coated with a biodegradable polymer layer of poly (glycolide‐ϵ‐caprolactone). Samples with polymer coatings are subjected to electron beam sterilization. To evaluate the effect of sterilization on physical properties of modified titanium alloy the scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, adhesion studies of the polymer coating to the metal substrate and wettability tests are applied. On the basis of the obtained results, an increase of the contact angle value is found both after applying the polymer coating to the surface of the tested titanium 6‐aluminium 4‐vanadium alloy as well as after electron beam sterilization. In addition, a slight increase of the adhesion in sterilized samples comparted to non‐sterilized is observed. In scanning electron microscopic observations, traces of machining on the surface of the metal substrate and the continuity of the polymer coatings before and after sterilization are found. In the atomic force microscopic studies in relation to the initial state, a very good mapping of the surface topography of the samples with a homogeneous coating is found.
Surface modification of titanium 6‐aluminum 7‐niobium alloy with biodegradable polymer coatings
Authors: Szewczenko J. , Kajzer W. , Kajzer A. , Basiaga M. , Kaczmarek M. , Antonowicz M. , Jaworska J. , Jelonek K. , Marcinkowski A. , Kasperczyk J.
Published: May 2020

The aim of the study is to determine the effect of long‐term exposure to Ringer's solution on the physical properties of biodegradable polymer coatings on the titanium 6‐aluminum 7‐niobium alloy substrate. 30 day, 60 day and 90 day research periods are applied. The work is performed on a titanium 6‐aluminum 7‐niobium alloy modified by sandblasting and anodic oxidation. Three biodegradable polymer coatings: poly(glycolide‐ϵ‐caprolactone); poly(glycolide‐ϵ‐caprolactone‐L,L‐lactide) and poly(D,L‐lactide‐glycolide), containing ciprofloxacin are used in the study. The coatings are deposited by dip‐coating method. Topography, wettability, and adhesion of the coatings are analyzed. The analysis of the test results indicates that regardless of the type of coating and the number of dips, the obtained coatings are continuous, hydrophilic, map the topography of the substrate, and slight change roughness after exposure to Ringer's solution. After three months of exposure to Ringer's solution, an increase in wettability and, at the same time, a significant decrease in adhesion is observed. The poly(D,L‐lactide‐glycolide) coatings are characterized by the greatest adhesion to the substrate.
The influence of the parameters of the zinc oxide layer deposition process using the atomic layer deposition method on the physical and mechanical properties of 316LVM steel
Authors: Basiaga M. , Walke W. , Sambok‐Kiełbowicz A. , Paszenda Z. , Kaczmarek M. , Taratuta A. , Szindler M. , Ziębowicz B.
Published: May 2020

The analysis of most of the work on the use of surgical implants shows that the physical, chemical and mechanical properties of the implant surface determine the effectiveness of their use. Therefore, in the currently conducted research, the greatest attention is focused on the development of coating conditions on the surface of implants, limiting, among others, biofilm formation. In addition to the improvement of electrochemical properties, an important issue related to the production of layers is also an appropriate set of physical and mechanical properties. Therefore, the paper attempts to assess the physical and mechanical properties of the applied zinc oxide layers on the LVM 316 steel substrate using the atomic layer deposition (ALD) method. As part of the assessment of mechanical properties of the resulting surface layers, the tests of adhesion to the metal substrate (scratch test) were carried out. In turn, as part of the physical properties assessment, surface roughness tests (atomic force microscopy – AFM) and its wettability were carried out. Such a comprehensive approach will allow the development of an antibacterial layer with optimal physical and mechanical properties for applications with metal implants.
Crack resistance behavior of particulate reinforced composites at various test speeds and temperatures
Authors: Kim S.D. , Yoon D.H. , Lee S.Y. , Kim J.H.
Published: May 2020

In this study, the fracture behavior and characteristics of particulate‐reinforced composite materials were evaluated by performing wedge splitting tests. The crack resistance of the materials was evaluated using the crack tip opening displacement and crack tip opening angle. The composites were tested under various temperatures and test speeds. The digital image correlation method was used to analyze the strain field at the crack tip. The fracture surface under test conditions was observed using a scanning electron microscope. The test results showed that the fracture energy increased with decreasing temperature, and the crack resistance increased with increasing test speed. The crack tip opening angle is divided into an unstable region and stable region. The critical crack tip opening angle can be defined as the fracture mechanics parameter measured in a stable region. The surface strain fields obtained by digital image correlation method are distributed in the range from 1.5 % to 4.5 % at the initiation of the crack. A crack grows with dewetting phenomenon at the temperature range from 60 °C to −40 °C, and the crack propagates with fracture of ammonium perchlorate oxidizer particles at the glass transition temperature of −70 °C.
Long‐term tadalafil administration can prevent functional and structural changes of the urinary bladder in male rats with partial bladder outlet obstruction
Authors: Shinkai Nobuo , Ichihara Koji , Kobayashi Ko , Tabata Hidetoshi , Hashimoto Kohei , Fukuta Fumimasa , Tanaka Toshiaki , Masumori Naoya
Published: May 2020

Aims

There have been few reports on whether long‐term oral phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor administration can ameliorate bladder changes due to bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). Therefore, we clarified the chronological changes of the bladder using male BOO rats and evaluated the effects of tadalafil on these changes.

Methods

Eight‐week‐old male Sprague‐Dawley rats were used. BOO was created by placing a polyethylene catheter around the urethra. Then, the rats were orally treated with a vehicle, or tadalafil 2 or 10 mg/kg until each evaluation period. Cystometric measurements were performed and the degree of fibrosis in the smooth muscle layer was evaluated at 2, 4, and 16 weeks.

Results

In BOO rats, a significant increase in the number of non‐voiding contractions (NVCs) and a shortened intercontraction interval (ICI) were observed in the earlier phase (2 and 4 weeks) compared to Sham rats. In the chronic phase (16 weeks), markedly increased residual urine volume and an extended ICI were observed accompanied by enhanced smooth muscle fibrosis. These results indicated that the bladder in BOO rats represented the overactive phenotype in the earlier phase and changed into the underactive phenotype in the chronic phase. Even in Sham rats, an increased number of NVCs and enhanced fibrosis were observed with time. Tadalafil administration significantly prevented these bladder changes in both BOO and Sham rats.

Conclusions

Long‐term oral administration of tadalafil can prevent functional and histological changes in the BOO rat bladder. This agent is also effective for the bladder functional change even in non‐obstructed rats.
A coupled FEM‐MFS method for the vibro‐acoustic simulation of laminated poro‐elastic shells
Authors: Gfrerer Michael H. , Schanz Martin
Published: May 2020

A new simulation method for the vibro‐acoustic simulation of poro‐elastic shells is presented. The proposed methods can be used to investigate arbitrary curved layered panels, as well as their interaction with the surrounding air. We employ a high‐order finite element method (FEM) for the discretization of the shell structure. We assume that the shell geometry is given parametrically or implicitly. For both cases the exact geometry is used in the simulation. In order to discretize the fluid surrounding the structure, a variational variant of the method of fundamental solutions (MFS) is developed. Thus, the meshing of the fluid domain can be avoided and in the case of unbounded domains the Sommerfeld radiation condition is fulfilled. In order to simulate coupled fluid‐structure interaction problems, the FEM and the MFS are combined to a coupled method. The implementation of the uncoupled FEM for the shell and the uncoupled MFS is verified against numerical examples based on the method of manufactured solutions. For the verification of the coupled method an example with a known exact solution is considered. In order to show the potential of the method sound transmission from cavities to exterior half‐spaces is simulated.
The COVID‐19 pandemic: A rapid global response for children with cancer from SIOP, COG, SIOP‐E, SIOP‐PODC, IPSO, PROS, CCI, and St Jude Global
Authors: Sullivan Michael , Bouffet Eric , Rodriguez‐Galindo Carlos , Luna‐Fineman Sandra , Khan Muhammad Saghir , Kearns Pam , Hawkins Douglas S. , Challinor Julia , Morrissey Lisa , Fuchs Jörg , Marcus Karen , Balduzzi Adriana , Basset‐Salom Luisa , Caniza Miguela , Baker Justin N. , Kebudi Rejin , Hessissen Laila , Sullivan Richard , Pritchard‐Jones Kathy ,   Contributing Authors
Published: May 2020

The COVID‐19 pandemic is one of the most serious global challenges to delivering affordable and equitable treatment to children with cancer we have witnessed in the last few decades. This Special Report aims to summarize general principles for continuing multidisciplinary care during the SARS‐CoV‐2 (COVID‐19) pandemic. With contributions from the leadership of the International Society for Pediatric Oncology (SIOP), Children's Oncology Group (COG), St Jude Global program, and Childhood Cancer International, we have sought to provide a framework for healthcare teams caring for children with cancer during the pandemic. We anticipate the burden will fall particularly heavily on children, their families, and cancer services in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Therefore, we have brought together the relevant clinical leads from SIOP Europe, COG, and SIOP‐PODC (Pediatric Oncology in Developing Countries) to focus on the six most curable cancers that are part of the WHO Global Initiative in Childhood Cancer. We provide some practical advice for adapting diagnostic and treatment protocols for children with cancer during the pandemic, the measures taken to contain it (e.g., extreme social distancing), and how to prepare for the anticipated recovery period.
Using machine learning to improve ensemble docking for drug discovery
Authors: Chandak Tanay , Mayginnes John P. , Mayes Howard , Wong Chung F.
Published: May 2020

Ensemble docking has provided an inexpensive method to account for receptor flexibility in molecular docking for virtual screening. Unfortunately, as there is no rigorous theory to connect the docking scores from multiple structures to measured activity, researchers have not yet come up with effective ways to use these scores to classify compounds into actives and inactives. This shortcoming has led to the decrease, rather than an increase in the performance of classifying compounds when more structures are added to the ensemble. Previously, we suggested machine learning, implemented in the form of a naïve Bayesian model could alleviate this problem. However, the naïve Bayesian model assumed that the probabilities of observing the docking scores to different structures to be independent. This approximation might prevent it from achieving even higher performance. In the work presented in this paper, we have relaxed this approximation when using several other machine learning methods—k nearest neighbor, logistic regression, support vector machine, and random forest—to improve ensemble docking. We found significant improvement.
Nanomaterial Transformations in the Environment: Effects of Changing Exposure Forms on Bioaccumulation and Toxicity
Authors: Spurgeon David J. , Lahive Elma , Schultz Carolin L.
Published: May 2020

In the environment, nanomaterials (NMs) are subject to chemical transformations, such as redox reactions, dissolution, coating degradation, and organic matter, protein, and macromolecule binding, and physical transformations including homo or heteroagglomeration. The combination of these reactions can result in NMs with differing characteristics progressing through a functional fate pathway that leads to the formation of transformed NM functional fate groups with shared properties. To establish the nature of such effects of transformation on NMs, four main types of studies are conducted: 1) chemical aging for transformation of pristine NMs; 2) manipulation of test media to change NM surface properties; 3) aging of pristine NMs water, sediment, or soil; 4) NM aging in waste streams and natural environments. From these studies a paradigm of aging effects on NM uptake and toxicity can be developed. Transformation, especially speciation changes, largely results in reduced potency. Further reactions at the surface resulting in processes, such as ecocorona formation and heteroagglomeration may additionally reduce NM potency. When NMs of differing potency transform and enter environments, common transformation reaction occurring in receiving system may act to reduce the variation in hazard between different initial NMs leading to similar actual hazard under realistic exposure conditions.
Comparative study of support vector machines and random forests machine learning algorithms on credit operation
Authors: Teles Germanno , Rodrigues Joel J. P. C. , Rabêlo Ricardo A. L. , Kozlov Sergei A.
Published: May 2020

Corporate insolvency has significant adverse effects on an economy. With the number of multinationals increasing rapidly, corporate bankruptcy can severely disrupt the global financial environment. However, multinationals do not fail instantaneously; objective strategies combined with a rigorous analysis of both qualitative and quantifiable data can go a long way in identifying an organization's financial risks. Recent advancements in information and communication technologies have made data collection and storage an easy task. The challenge becomes mining the appropriate data about a company's financial risks and implementing it in forecasting a company's insolvency probabilities. In recent years, machine learning has been incorporated into big data analytics owing to its massive success in learning complex models. Machine learning algorithms such as Support Vector Machines (SVM), Random Forests (RF), Artificial Neural Networks, Gaussian Processes, and Adaptive Learning have been used in the analysis of Big Data to predict the financial risks of companies. In this paper, credit scoring is explored with regards to data processed using the collateral as an independent variable. The obtained results indicate that RF algorithm is promising for use in credit risk management. This research shows the advantages of the RF approach over the SVM algorithm are its speed and operational simplicity, and SVM has the benefit of higher classification accuracy than RF. The paper compares the SVM and RF algorithms to forecast the recovered value in a credit task. The execution of the projected intelligent systems uses tests and algorithms for authentication of the projected model.
Evidence for a non-supersymmetric 5d CFT from deformations of 5d SU(2) SYM
Authors: Genolini Pietro Benetti , Honda Masazumi , Kim Hee-Cheol , Tong David , Vafa Cumrun
Published: May 2020

Abstract

We study supersymmetry breaking deformations of the

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 1 5d fixed point known as E
1, the UV completion of SU(2) super-Yang-Mills. The phases of the non- supersymmetric theory can be characterized by Chern-Simons terms involving background U(1) gauge fields, allowing us to identify a phase transition at strong coupling. We propose that this may signify the emergence of a non-trivial, non-supersymmetric CFT in d = 4 + 1 dimensions.
Integrable deformations of coupled σ-models
Authors: Bassi Cristian , Lacroix Sylvain
Published: May 2020

Abstract

We construct integrability-preserving deformations of the integrable σ-model coupling together N copies of the Principal Chiral Model. These deformed theories are obtained using the formalism of affine Gaudin models, by applying various combinations of Yang-Baxter and λ-deformations to the different copies of the undeformed model. We describe these models both in the Hamiltonian and Lagrangian formulation and give explicit expressions of their action and Lax pair. In particular, we recover through this construction various integrable λ-deformed models previously introduced in the literature. Finally, we discuss the relation of the present work with the semi-homolomorphic four-dimensional Chern-Simons theory.
Correction to: Deep convolutional neural network-based detection of meniscus tears: comparison with radiologists and surgery as standard of reference
Authors: Fritz Benjamin , Marbach Giuseppe , Civardi Francesco , Fucentese Sandro F. , Pfirrmann Christian W.A.
Published: May 2020

The article “Deep convolutional neural network-based detection of meniscus tears: comparison with radiologists and surgery as standard of reference.
Clinical outcome of PSMA-guided radiotherapy for patients with oligorecurrent prostate cancer
Authors: Stefan A. Koerber  , Katharina Sprute  , Clemens Kratochwil  , Erik Winter  , Matthias F. Haefner  , Sonja Katayama  , Ingmar Schlampp  , Klaus Herfarth  , Klaus Kopka  , Ali Afshar-Oromieh  , Stefanie Zschaebitz  , Tim Holland-Letz  , Peter L. Choyke  , Dirk Jaeger  , Markus Hohenfellner  , Uwe Haberkorn  , Juergen Debus  , Frederik L. Giesel
Published: May 2020

Purpose

First-line treatment of patients with recurrent, metastatic prostate cancer involves hormone therapy with or without additional systemic therapies. Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) allows the detection of oligometastatic disease that may be amenable to image-guided radiotherapy. The current study classifies the type and localization of metastases and the clinical outcome of PSMA-PET/CT-guided radiotherapy to selected metastases.

Materials and methods

Between 2011 and 2019, 86 patients with recurrent, oligometastatic prostate carcinoma were identified by PSMA-PET/CT and were treated with image-guided radiotherapy of their metastases. Sites of relapse were characterized, and the primary endpoint overall survival (OS), biochemical progression-free survival (bPFS), and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT)-free survival were tabulated.

Results

In total, 37% of the metastases were bone metastases, 48% were pelvic nodal metastases, and 15% were nodal metastases outside of the pelvis. After PSMA-guided radiotherapy, a biochemical response was detected in 83% of the cohort. A statistically significant decrease in the standard uptake value (SUV) was seen in irradiated metastases. After a median follow-up of 26 months, the 3-year OS and bPFS were 84% and 55%, respectively. The median time of ADT-free survival was 13.5 months. A better clinical outcome was observed for patients receiving concomitant ADT or more than 24 fractions of radiation.

Conclusion

PSMA-guided radiotherapy is a promising therapeutic approach with excellent infield control for men with oligorecurrent prostate carcinoma. However, prospective, randomized trials are necessary to determine if this approach confers a survival advantage.
Provocative Angiography, Followed by Therapeutic Interventions, in the Management of Hard‐To‐Diagnose Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Authors: Kokoroskos Nikolaos , Naar Leon , Peponis Thomas , Martinez Myriam , El Moheb Mohamad , El Hechi Majed , Alser Osaid , Fuentes Eva , Velmahos George
Published: May 2020

Background

Despite significant advances in imaging and endoscopic diagnostic techniques, adequate localization of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) can be challenging. Provocative angiography (PROVANGIO) has not been part of the standard diagnostic algorithms yet. We sought to examine the ability of PROVANGIO to identify the bleeding source when conventional radiography fails.

Methods

Patients undergoing PROVANGIO for GIB during 2008–2014 were retrospectively included. Demographics and periprocedural patient characteristics were recorded. PROVANGIO was performed in a multidisciplinary setting, involving interventional radiology, surgery and anesthesiology teams, ready to intervene in case of uncontrolled bleeding. The procedure included conventional angiography of the celiac, superior and inferior mesenteric arteries (SMA, IMA) followed by a stepwise bleeding provocation with anticoagulating, vasodilating and/or thrombolytic agent administration, combined with angiography.

Results

Twenty‐three PROVANGIO were performed. Patients were predominantly male (15, 65.2%), and hematochezia was the most common presenting symptom (12, 52.2%). Patients with a positive PROVANGIO had lower Charlson comorbidity index (1 vs. 7, p = 0.009) and were less likely to have a prior history of GIB (14.3% vs. 87.5%, p = 0.001). PROVANGIO localized bleeding in 7 (30%) patients. In 6 out of 7 patients, the bleeding source was identified in the SMA and, in one case, in the IMA distribution. The bleeding was controlled angiographically in four cases, endoscopically in one case and surgically in the remaining two. No complications related to PROVANGIO were detected.

Conclusions

In our series, PROVANGIO safely identified the bleeding source, and provided that necessary safeguards are put into place, we recommend incorporating it in the diagnostic algorithms for GIB management.