bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perylenetetracarboxylic Diimide as Diffusion‐Less Electrode Material for High‐Rate Organic Na‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Liebl Sebastian , Werner Daniel , Apaydin Dogukan H. , Wielend Dominik , Geistlinger Katharina , Portenkirchner Engelbert
Published: August 2020

In this work 3,4,9,10‐perylenetetracarboxylic diimide (PTCDI) is investigated as electrode material for organic Na‐ion batteries. Since PTCDI is a widely used industrial pigment, it may turn out to be a cost‐effective, abundant, and environmentally benign cathode material for secondary Na‐ion batteries. Among other carbonyl pigments, PTCDI is especially interesting due to its high Na‐storage capacity in combination with remarkable high rate capabilities. The detailed analysis of cyclic voltammetry measurements reveals a diffusion‐less mechanism, suggesting that Na‐ion storage in the PTCDI film allows for exceptionally fast charging/discharging rates. This finding is further corroborated by galvanostatic sodiation measurements at high rates of 17 C (2.3 A g−1), showing that 57 % of the theoretically possible capacity of PTCDI, or 78 mAh g−1, are attained in only 3.5 min charging time.
Association between tyrosine‐kinase inhibitor induced hypertension and treatment outcomes in metastatic renal cancer
Authors: Gadd Monique , Pranavan Ganes , Malik Laeeq
Published: August 2020

Background

Tyrosine‐kinase inhibitor (TKI) drugs have been considered first line treatment for metastatic renal cell cancer (RCC) for over a decade. TKI‐induced hypertension is a common adverse‐event in patients treated for metastatic RCC.

Aim

This study was aimed at investigating an association between TKI‐induced hypertension and treatment outcomes for metastatic RCC patients.

Methods and results

Retrospective data pertaining to patients with histologically or radiologically confirmed metastatic RCC treated with sunitinib, pazopanib, sorafenib, axitinib or cabozantinib between June 2012 and May 2019 were evaluated. Clinical information and serial blood pressure measurements were extracted from medical records for each patient. We compared objective response rate, progression‐free survival (PFS), and 12‐month survival between TKI‐induced hypertension (TIH) and non‐TIH groups using χ2 and Mann‐Whitney tests.

Out of 72 patients screened, 52 met study eligibility criteria. The median age at diagnosis was 61 years (range: 42‐85 years) with a clear male predominance. The majority of patients had a history of nephrectomy with clear cell pathology. Almost all patients were on first‐line TKI therapy with sunitinib or pazopanib. Median follow‐up was 11 months. About half of patients developed TKI‐induced hypertension (grade 2‐3). In the TIH group 82% were commenced on an antihypertensive agent. Median PFS measured 30.5 weeks for TIH group compared to 22.2 weeks for non‐TIH (P = .05). The 6 month and 12 month survival rates for TIH were 82% and 56%, respectively, as compared to 76% and 44% for non‐TIH.

Conclusion

The occurrence of TKI‐induced hypertension was found to be a positive prognostic factor for progression in patients with metastatic RCC.
Repurposing topical triclosan for cutaneous leishmaniasis: Preclinical efficacy in a murine Leishmania (L.) amazonensis model
Authors: Mesquita Juliana Tonini , Romanelli Maiara Maria , de Melo Trinconi Trinconi CM Cristiana , Guerra Juliana Mariotti , Taniwaki Noemi Nosomi , Uliana Silvia Reni Bortolin , Reimão Juliana Quero , Tempone Andre Gustavo
Published: August 2020

Leishmaniasis remains an important neglected tropical infection caused by the protozoan Leishmania and affects 12 million people in 98 countries. The treatment is limited with severe adverse effects. In the search for new therapies, the drug repositioning and combination therapy have been successfully applied to neglected diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo anti‐Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis potential of triclosan, an approved topical antimicrobial agent used for surgical procedures. in vitro phenotypic studies of drug‐treated parasites were performed to evaluate the lethal action of triclosan, accompanied by an isobolographic ex‐vivo analysis with the association of triclosan and miltefosine. The results showed that triclosan has activity against L. (L.) amazonensis intracellular amastigotes, with a 50% inhibitory concentration of 16 μM. By using fluorescent probes and transmission electron microscopy, a pore‐forming activity of triclosan toward the parasite plasma membrane was demonstrated, leading to depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential and reduction of the reactive oxygen species levels in the extracellular promastigotes. The in vitro interaction between triclosan and miltefosine in the combination therapy assay was classified as additive against intracellular amastigotes. Leishmania‐infected mice were treated with topical triclosan (1% base cream for 14 consecutive days), and showed 89% reduction in the parasite burden. The obtained results contribute to the investigation of new alternatives for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis and suggest that the coadministration of triclosan and miltefosine should be investigated in animal models.
How to make methodological decisions when inferring social networks
Authors: Ferreira André C. , Covas Rita , Silva Liliana R. , Esteves Sandra C. , Duarte Inês F. , Fortuna Rita , Theron Franck , Doutrelant Claire , Farine Damien R.
Published: August 2020

Social network analyses allow studying the processes underlying the associations between individuals and the consequences of those associations. Constructing and analyzing social networks can be challenging, especially when designing new studies as researchers are confronted with decisions about how to collect data and construct networks, and the answers are not always straightforward. The current lack of guidance on building a social network for a new study system might lead researchers to try several different methods and risk generating false results arising from multiple hypotheses testing. Here, we suggest an approach for making decisions when starting social network research in a new study system that avoids the pitfall of multiple hypotheses testing. We argue that best edge definition for a network is a decision that can be made using a priori knowledge about the species and that is independent from the hypotheses that the network will ultimately be used to evaluate. We illustrate this approach with a study conducted on a colonial cooperatively breeding bird, the sociable weaver. We first identified two ways of collecting data using different numbers of feeders and three ways to define associations among birds. We then evaluated which combination of data collection and association definition maximized (a) the assortment of individuals into previously known “breeding groups” (birds that contribute toward the same nest and maintain cohesion when foraging) and (b) socially differentiated relationships (more strong and weak relationships than expected by chance). This evaluation of different methods based on a priori knowledge of the study species can be implemented in a diverse array of study systems and makes the case for using existing, biologically meaningful knowledge about a system to help navigate the myriad of methodological decisions about data collection and network inference.
Innate immune evasion by picornaviruses
Authors: Zhang Xiangle , Paget Max , Wang Congcong , Zhu Zixiang , Zheng Haixue
Published: August 2020

The family Picornaviridae comprises a large number of viruses that cause disease in broad spectrum of hosts, which have posed serious public health concerns worldwide and led to significant economic burden. A comprehensive understanding of the virus‐host interactions during picornavirus infections will help to prevent and cure these diseases. Upon picornavirus infection, host pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs) sense viral RNA to activate host innate immune responses. The activated PRRs initiate signal transduction through a series of adaptor proteins, which leads to activation of several kinases and transcription factors, and contributes to the consequent expression of interferons (IFNs), IFN‐inducible antiviral genes, as well as various inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. In contrast, to maintain viral replication and spread, picornaviruses have evolved several elegant strategies to block innate immune signaling and hinder host antiviral response. In this review, we will summarize the recent progress of how the members of family Picornaviridae counteract host immune response through evasion of PRRs detection, blocking activation of adaptor molecules and kinases, disrupting transcription factors, as well as counteraction of antiviral restriction factors. Such knowledge of immune evasion will help us better understand the pathogenesis of picornaviruses, and provide insights into developing antiviral strategies and improvement of vaccines.
Iodine‐Promoted One‐Pot Multicomponent Chemoselective Reaction for C‐C/C‐N and C‐C/C‐S Bond Formation Using Thiols
Authors: Panigrahi Ahwan , Muniraj Nachimuthu , Prabhu Kandikere Ramaiah
Published: August 2020

A simple approach for a C–N bond‐forming reaction is developed using a multicomponent strategy. Iodine promoted multicomponent reaction of heterocyclic thiols, aromatic aldehydes, and trimethoxybenzene proceeds at the ambient temperature in TFE in a short period. The reaction is also compatible with aromatic thiols leading to C–S bond formation. Heterocyclic thiols undergo a chemoselective reaction affording the corresponding C–N products over C–S products. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report for C–N bond formation using heterocyclic thiols, trimethoxybenzene, and aromatic aldehydes, where the solvent is playing a significant role and iodine is acting as a promoter.
A single‐view field filter device for rare tumor cell filtration and enumeration
Authors: Quan Yunlin , Chen Ke , Xiang Nan , Ni Zhonghua
Published: August 2020

In this work, we demonstrate a single‐view field filter (SVFF) device for the efficient filtration and enumeration of rare tumor cells in the blood. In our device, the track‐etched membrane is integrated within a low‐cost polymer‐film microfluidic chip, and multiplex microfiltration chambers are designed. Our device permits the performing of multiple sample tests on a single membrane and the dynamical observation of the entire filtration process in a single field of view. To characterize the device performance, our device is first tested using tumor cells, and three different cell behaviors are observed during the filtration process. Finally, we successfully apply our device for the separation of rare tumor cells from the lysed blood samples at various flow rates. The recovery rates of 93.3, 87.6, and 84.1% can be respectively achieved at the throughputs of 50, 100, and 150 μL/min. Our single‐view field filter (SVFF) device offers the advantages of label‐free filtration, efficient enumeration, easy integration, and low cost, and holds the potential to be used as an efficient tool for the filtration and enumeration of rare cells.
The Influence of Free Acid in Vanadium Redox‐Flow Battery Electrolyte on “Power Drop” Effect and Thermally Induced Degradation
Authors: Roznyatovskaya Nataliya V. , Fühl Matthias , Roznyatovsky Vitaly A. , Noack Jens , Fischer Peter , Pinkwart Karsten , Tübke Jens
Published: August 2020

A series of vanadium redox‐flow battery (VRFB) electrolytes at 1.55 m vanadium and 4.5 m total sulfate concentration are prepared from vanadyl sulfate solution and tested under conditions of appearance of “power drop” effect (discharge at high current density from high state‐of‐charge). A correlation between the initial electrolyte composition, the thermal stability of catholyte, and the susceptibility of VRFB to exhibit a “power drop” effect is derived. The increase in total acidity to 3 m, expressed as concentration of sulfuric acid in precursor vanadyl sulfate solution, enables “power drop”‐free operation of VRFB at least at 75 mA cm−2. Thermally‐induced degradation of electrolyte is evaluated based on decrease in vanadium concentration in the electrolyte series after exposure to the temperature of 45 °C and based on characterization of catholytes series using 51V, 17O, and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
Simulating Honey Bee Large-Scale Colony Feeding Studies Using the BEEHAVE Model—Part I: Model Validation
Authors: Schmolke Amelie , Abi-Akar Farah , Roy Colleen , Galic Nika , Hinarejos Silvia
Published: August 2020

In pesticide risk assessments, semifield studies, such as large-scale colony feeding studies (LSCFSs), are conducted to assess potential risks at the honey bee colony level. However, such studies are very cost and time intensive, and high overwintering losses of untreated control hives have been observed in some studies. Honey bee colony models such as BEEHAVE may provide tools to systematically assess multiple factors influencing colony outcomes, to inform study design, and to estimate pesticide impacts under varying environmental conditions. Before they can be used reliably, models should be validated to demonstrate they can appropriately reproduce patterns observed in the field. Despite the recognized need for validation, methodologies to be used in the context of applied ecological models are not agreed on. For the parameterization, calibration, and validation of BEEHAVE, we used control data from multiple LSCFSs. We conducted detailed visual and quantitative performance analyses as a demonstration of validation methodologies. The BEEHAVE outputs showed good agreement with apiary-specific validation data sets representing the first year of the studies. However, the simulations of colony dynamics in the spring periods following overwintering were identified as less reliable. The comprehensive validation effort applied provides important insights that can inform the usability of BEEHAVE in applications related to higher tier risk assessments. In addition, the validation methodology applied could be used in a wider context of ecological models. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:2269–2285. © 2020 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Abstract

Left: Comparison plot of adult bee numbers and honey stores between data from an example large-scale colony feeding study (LSCFS, dots) and model outputs (shaded areas). Right: Quantitative performance indicators for BEEHAVE across several LSCFSs used for validation. The combination of visual and quantitative validation methods provides comprehensive insight into model performance across studies, endpoints and time periods simulated.
VWF/ADAMTS13 Imbalance, But Not Global Coagulation or Fibrinolysis, Is Associated With Outcome and Bleeding in Acute Liver Failure
Authors: Driever Ellen G. , Stravitz R. Todd , Zhang Jingwen , Adelmeijer Jelle , Durkalski Valerie , Lee William M. , Lisman Ton
Published: August 2020

Background and Aims

Recent studies of acute liver failure (ALF) in man and animals have suggested that rebalanced hemostasis occurs, with distinct hypercoagulable features clinically evidenced by a low risk of bleeding. Rodent models have shown a link between intrahepatic microthrombus formation and progression of ALF. We sought to confirm these earlier findings in a large series of patients with well‐characterized ALF from the Acute Liver Failure Study Group.

Approach and Results

Citrated plasma samples taken on admission from 676 patients with ALF or acute liver injury (international normalized ratio ≥2.0 without hepatic encephalopathy) were used to determine levels of von Willebrand factor (VWF), a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13 (ADAMTS13) activity, thrombomodulin‐modified thrombin generation, and clot lysis time (CLT) and compared with the levels in 40 healthy controls. Patients had 3‐fold increased VWF levels, 4‐fold decreased ADAMTS13 activity, similar thrombin generating capacity, and 2.4‐fold increased CLT, compared with controls. Increasing disease severity was associated with progressively more elevated VWF levels as well as hypofibrinolysis. Patients who died or underwent liver transplantation within 21 days of admission had higher VWF levels, lower ADAMTS13 activity, but similar thrombin generation and a similar proportion of patients with severe hypofibrinolysis, when compared with transplant‐free survivors. Likewise, patients with bleeding complications had higher VWF levels and lower ADAMTS13 activity compared to those without bleeding. Thrombin generation and CLT did not differ significantly between bleeding and nonbleeding patients.

Conclusions

Rebalanced hemostatic status was confirmed in a large cohort of patients with acute liver injury/ALF, demonstrating that VWF/ADAMTS13 imbalance is associated with poor outcome and bleeding. The association between VWF/ADAMTS13 imbalance and bleeding suggests that bleeding in ALF relates more to systemic inflammation than a primary coagulopathy.
Hesperetin ameliorates lipopolysaccharide‐induced acute lung injury via the miR‐410/SOX18 axis
Authors: Dong Junying , Zhou Haiyan , Zhao Hongqin , Zhao Yanhong , Chang Can
Published: August 2020

Hesperetin (Hesp), a dihydroflavone, has a wide range of pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antitumor effects, as well as cardiovascular protection. It also has protective effects against acute lung injury (ALI); however, the exact mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, the protective effects and mechanism of Hesp in the lungs were investigated. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to examine pathological changes in the lungs. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect proinflammatory cytokine levels. In addition, reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis were used to observe the transcription and translation changes in the related genes, respectively. The results indicate that Hesp not only improves histopathological changes in the lungs but decreases the wet/dry ratio. In addition, total cell counts and the number of neutrophils and macrophages were lower in the bronchoalveolar fluid after Hesp treatment, consistent with the change in proinflammatory cytokine levels. MicroRNA‐410 (miR‐410) levels were significantly lower in the lung tissues of ALI mice and were reversed after Hesp treatment. Furthermore, miR‐410 overexpression due to injection with agomiR‐410 produced similar protective effects as Hesp. However, blocking miR‐410 inhibited the protective effects of Hesp in the lungs of ALI mice. In addition, miR‐410 has been shown to target the inhibition of sex determining region Y‐box 18 (SOX18), indicating that Hesp might alleviate inflammatory secretion by blocking the miR‐410/SOX18 axis. Thus, Hesp might be a potential agent for the treatment of ALI.
RAS mutation leading to acquired resistance to dabrafenib and trametinib therapy in a multiple myeloma patient harboring BRAF mutation
Authors: Le Calvez Baptiste , Le Bris Yannick , Herbreteau Guillaume , Jamet Bastien , Bossard Céline , Tessoulin Benoit , Gastinne Thomas , Mahé Béatrice , Dubruille Viviane , Blin Nicolas , Antier Chloé , Theisen Olivier , Kraeber‐Bodéré Françoise , Le Gouill Steven , Béné Marie C. , Moreau Philippe , Touzeau Cyrille
Published: August 2020

Multiple myeloma (MM) is still considered incurable and new therapeutic approaches are therefore needed. Deep‐sequencing analysis revealed the presence of BRAF mutations in up to 15% of patients. The clinical experience of BRAF‐targeted therapy in myeloma patients harboring BRAF mutation is still limited. We here report the case of a patient with penta‐refractory (bortezomib, lenalidomide, carfilzomib, pomalidomide, and daratumumab) MM with extramedullary BRAF‐mutated disease that achieved clinical response to dual BRAF and MEK inhibition. At the time of disease progression, gene sequencing analysis of the tumor at the time of progression demonstrated a clonal evolution with emergence of a NRAS mutation and persistence of BRAF and TP53 mutations. Backtracking of the NRAS mutation was performed by digital polymerase chain reaction on the baseline biopsy and identified the pre‐existence of the NRAS at a subclonal level. This observation is the first report of acquired NRAS mutation leading to resistance to dual BRAF/MEK inhibitors in MM. These data suggest that a systematic search for RAS mutations using highly sensitive techniques should be performed before considering targeted therapy in relapsed myeloma with BRAF mutation.
Sex and mechanism of injury influence knee joint loading symmetry during gait 6 months after ACLR
Authors: Ito Naoaki , Capin Jacob J. , Arhos Elanna K. , Khandha Ashutosh , Buchanan Thomas S. , Snyder‐Mackler Lynn
Published: August 2020

Early‐onset knee osteoarthritis (OA) is associated with gait asymmetries after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Women have higher risks of sustaining non‐contact injuries, and are more likely to present with aberrant movement patterns associated with the mechanism of injury (MOI). We hypothesized that sex and MOI would influence gait after ACLR. Seventy participants, grouped by sex and MOI, completed biomechanical testing during over‐ground walking when they had full knee range of motion, trace or less knee effusion, greater than 80% quadriceps strength limb symmetry index, ability to hop on each leg without pain, and initiated running. Bilateral knee kinetics, kinematics, and joint contact forces were compared using mixed‐model analysis of variance (α = .05). There was a three‐way interaction effect of sex × MOI × limb for peak medial compartment contact force (P = .002), our primary outcome measure previously associated with OA development. Men with non‐contact injuries walked with asymmetry characterized by underloading of the involved limb. Men with contact injuries walked with the most symmetrical loading. In women, no clear pattern emerged based on MOI. Targeting, and possibly prioritizing interventions for athletes who present with gait asymmetries after ACLR based on sex and MOI, may be necessary to optimize outcomes. Statement of Clinical Significance: Sex and MOI may influence walking mechanics, and could be considered in future interventions to target gait symmetry, as a response to interventions may vary based on differences in sex and MOI.
Inter‐regional survey of the New Zealand Pinot noir fermentative sulfur compounds profile
Authors: Parish‐Virtue Katie , Pilkington Lisa I , Martin Damian , Wood Jacqueline , Fedrizzi Bruno
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

New Zealand Pinot noir is gaining increasing attention both in New Zealand and internationally, becoming the second largest grape variety for both plantings and export. Despite the growing furore around this variety, the current coverage of the volatile chemical profile remains limited, with a lack of information on the fermentative sulfur compounds content in New Zealand Pinot noir wines.

RESULTS

Thirty‐five Pinot noir wines from three different vintages (i.e. 2016, 2017 and 2018) form five different grape growing regions were analysed for their fermentative sulfur compounds contents. Six fermentative sulfur compounds (i.e. methanethiol, ethanethiol, dimethyl sulfide, carbon disulfide, methionol and benzothiazol) were detected and measured for the first time in New Zealand Pinot noir wines. Their concentrations were compared against previously measured Pinot noir wines from other countries, and some preliminary evidence about inter‐regional and ageing effects was obtained.

CONCLUSION

The present study reports the first survey of the inter‐regional differences in fermentative sulfur compounds contents in 35 New Zealand Pinot noir wines. Preliminary inter‐regional and vintage trends prompt further research on the role of these molecules on this wine variety. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Purification and antioxidant and anti‐Inflammatory activity of extracellular polysaccharopeptide from sanghuang mushroom, Sanghuangporus lonicericola
Authors: Zuo Kang , Tang Kaijing , Liang Yue , Xu Yifan , Sheng Kangliang , Kong Xiaowei , Wang Jingmin , Zhu Fenfang , Zha Xiangdong , Wang Yongzhong
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Sanghuang mushrooms are medicinal fungi widely used in eastern Asia. In this study, the antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activity of a novel extracellular polysaccharopeptide, sanghuang extracellular polysaccharopeptide (SePSP) was investigated. The SePSP was purified from the submerged fermentation broth of a sanghuang mycelium, Sanghuangporus lonicericola strain CBS17, which was isolated from a wild sanghuang fruiting body.

RESULTS

The SePSP was extracted using an ethanol precipitation procedure, followed by diethylaminoethanol (DEAE) anion‐exchange and size‐exclusion chromatography. The mass ratio of the polysaccharide and peptide components in the purified SePSP was approximately 4.87:1. By determining its free radical scavenging abilities using 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), the hydroxyl free radical, and the superoxide anion free radical, as well as its total reducing power, SePSP was shown to have strong concentration‐dependent antioxidant activity in vitro. Further, SePSP effectively alleviated dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)‐induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice. Administration of 200 mg kg−1 SePSP by gavage for 7 days prevented body weight loss; significantly reduced the mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines, including TNF‐α and IL‐1β; increased mRNA level of the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10 in the colon, and decreased the malondialdehyde concentration from 6.42 to 4.82 μmol L−1 in the blood in UC mice.

CONCLUSION

The SePSP had strong concentration‐dependent antioxidant activity in vitro and effectively alleviated DSS‐induced UC in mice. The in vivo therapeutic efficacy in DSS‐induced UC may be mediated by modulating the expression of inflammatory cytokines and inhibiting oxidative stress. The findings provide a scientific rationale for the use of bioactive nutraceuticals from sanghuang mushrooms to develop functional foods for the prevention and treatment of UC. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Identification of a novel pathogenic variant in the MYH3 gene in a five‐generation family with CPSFS1A (Contractures, Pterygia, and Spondylocarpotarsal Fusion Syndrome 1A)
Authors: Zhang Jing , Chen Wen‐Qi , Wang Si‐Wen , Wang Shao‐Xiong , Yu Mei , Guo Qing , Yu Ya‐Dong
Published: August 2020

Background

Distal arthrogryposis (DA) is a group of rare Mendelian conditions that demonstrate heterogeneity with respect to genetics and phenotypes. Ten types of DAs, which collectively involve six genes, have been reported. Among them, the MYH3 gene causes several types of arthrogryposis conditions and therefore has a pivotal role in the skeletal and muscle development of the fetus. For this study, we recruited a five‐generation Chinese family with members presenting DA features and phenotypic variability. Further clinical study characterized it as CPSFS1A (Contractures, Pterygia, and Spondylocarpotarsal Fusion Syndrome 1A).

Methods

Genomic DNA was extracted from eight family members, including one fetus. Whole‐exome sequencing (WES) was then conducted on the proband's sample, followed by Sanger sequencing as validation for each of the participants. In silico analysis was performed. Western blotting (WB) detection and pathological staining were conducted on skeletal muscle tissue of the induced fetus after prenatal diagnosis.

Results

A novel heterozygous pathogenic variant, namely NM_002470.3: c.3044_3047delinsTCAATTTGTT: p.E1015_D1016delinsVNLF in the MYH3 gene, was identified and shown to be cosegregated with the condition in the subject family. This variant resulted in the replacement of amino‐acid residues E1015 and D1016 by a string of VNLFs. The pregnancy was selectively terminated because the fetus was genetically affected. However, the WB and pathological results did not indicate a significant change in the norm.

Conclusions

Our study expanded the variant spectrum of CPSFS1A, in addition to which it provided solid evidence for the appropriateness of genetic counseling and pregnancy management for the family. The results may also provide further insight into the molecular mechanism of MYH3.
Compact tri‐notched wideband bandpass filter based on multiple resonances with wide upper stopband
Authors: Wang Chenhao , Xi Xiaoli , Zhao Yuchen , Shi Xiaomin
Published: August 2020

In this letter, a compact tri‐notched wideband bandpass filter based on stub‐loaded ring resonator (SLRR) and shorted stub‐loaded stepped impedance resonators (SSLSIR) with wide upper stopband is presented. The wideband characteristic is excited by coupling SLRR and SSLSIR with the arrangement of defected ground structures on the back of the substrate. By placing two sets of SSLSIRs inside and outside of the SLRR, three reflection poles can be formed in passband to introduce three notch bands with adjustable center frequencies. The quarter‐wavelength inter digital coupled lines are used to generate multiple transmission zeros to suppress high‐order harmonics to achieve a wide upper stopband characteristic. For validation, a wideband bandpass filter with a passband from 2.2 to 7.5 GHz and notch bands at 2.87, 5.69, and 6.5 GHz is fabricated. Measured results show that the 20 dB attenuation upper stopband can extend to 29 GHz.
Technical Note: Synthesizing of lung tumors in computed tomography images
Authors: O'Briain Teaghan B. , Yi Kwang Moo , Bazalova‐Carter Magdalena
Published: August 2020

Purpose

When investigating new radiation therapy techniques in the treatment planning stage, it can be extremely time consuming to locate multiple patient scans that match the desired characteristics for the treatment. With the help of machine learning, we propose to bypass the difficulty in finding patient computed tomography (CT) scans that match the treatment requirements. Furthermore, we aim to provide the developed method as a tool that is easily accessible to interested researchers.

Methods

We propose a generative adversarial network (GAN) to edit individual volumes of interest (VOIs) in pre‐existing CT scans, translating features of the healthy VOIs into features of cancerous volumes. Training and testing was done using VOIs from a dataset of 460 diagnostic and lung cancer screening CT scans. Agreement between real tumors and those produced by the editor was tested by comparing the distributions of several histogram parameters and second‐order statistics as well as using qualitative analysis.

Results

After training, the network was successfully able to map healthy CT segments to realistic looking cancerous volumes. Based on visual inspection, tumors produced by the editor were found to be both realistic and visually consistent with the surrounding anatomy when placed back into the original CT scan. Furthermore, the network was found to be able to extrapolate well beyond the upper size limit of the training set. Lastly, a graphical user interface (GUI) was developed to easily interact with the resulting network.

Conclusion

The trained network and associated GUI can serve as a tool to develop an abundance of lung cancer patient data to be used in treatment planning. In addition, this method can be extended to a variety of cancer types if given an appropriate baseline dataset. The GUI and instructions on how to utilize the tool have been made publicly available at https://github.com/teaghan/CT_Editor.
Relationship of symptom severity and bother in individuals seeking care for lower urinary tract symptoms
Authors: Agochukwu‐Mmonu Nnenaya , Wiseman Jonathan B. , Smith Abigail R. , Helmuth Margaret E. , Sarma Aruna V. , Cameron Anne P. , Amundsen Cindy L. , Flynn Kathryn E. , Cella David , Weinfurt Kevin P. , Kirkali Ziya , Clemens J. Quentin
Published: August 2020

Aims

Bother attributed to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) drives care‐seeking and treatment aggressiveness. The longitudinal relationship of LUTS severity and bother in a care‐seeking cohort, however, is not well understood. We aim to conduct a longitudinal evaluation of LUTS severity and bother and identify characteristics of patients with discordant LUTS bother relative to severity.

Methods

Men and women with LUTS seeking care at six US tertiary care centers enrolled in the symptoms of lower urinary tract dysfunction research network study. Patients reporting at least one urinary symptom based on the LUTS Tool were prospectively enrolled from June 2015 to January 2017. Correlations were used to assess the relationship between LUTS severity and bother. Discordance scores (ie, the difference between bother and severity) were used to classify patients with high and low bother. Patients were classified as having high or low bother phenotypes if scores were one standard deviation above or below zero, respectively. Repeated measures multinomial logistic regression evaluated characteristics associated with high and low bother phenotypes.

Results

LUTS severity and bother were at least moderately correlated for all symptom items and highly correlated for 13 out of 21 items. Correlations were highest for urgency, and lowest for daytime frequency and urinary incontinence. Odds of being in high bother phenotype were lowest at 3 and 12 months (3 months vs baseline odds ratio [OR] = 0.71, 95% confidence ninterval [CI] = 0.54‐0.94; 12 months vs baseline OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.48‐0.91), and highest for those who endorsed all urgency questions (OR = 3.65, 95% CI = 2.17‐6.13). Odds of being in the low bother phenotype were lowest for patients who endorsed all urgency items (OR = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.26‐0.42), and all frequency items (OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.53‐0.88).

Conclusions

LUTS severity and bother correlate highly and measurement of both in clinical practice is likely redundant. There are patient factors associated with discordance which may justify additional evaluation.
Computational Morphogenesis: Morphologic constructions using polygonal discretizations
Authors: Choi Habeun , Chi Heng , Park Kyoungsoo , Paulino Glaucio H.
Published: August 2020

To consistently coarsen arbitrary unstructured meshes, a computational morphogenesis process is built in conjunction with a numerical method of choice, such as the virtual element method with adaptive meshing. The morphogenesis procedure is performed by clustering elements based on a posteriori error estimation. Additionally, an edge straightening scheme is introduced to reduce the number of nodes and improve accuracy of solutions. The adaptive morphogenesis can be recursively conducted regardless of element type and mesh generation counting. To handle mesh modification events during the morphogenesis, a topology‐based data structure is employed, which provides adjacent information on unstructured meshes. Numerical results demonstrate that the adaptive mesh morphogenesis effectively handles mesh coarsening for arbitrarily shaped elements while capturing problematic regions such as those with sharp gradients or singularity.
Pseudospectral method for fractional infinite horizon optimal control problems
Authors: Yang Yin , Noori Skandari M. H.
Published: August 2020

Up to now, several numerical methods have been presented to solve finite horizon fractional optimal control problems by researchers, while solving fractional optimal control problems on infinite domain is a challenging work. Hence, in this article, a numerical method is proposed to solve fractional infinite horizon optimal control problems. At the first stage, a domain transformation technique is used to map the infinite domain to a finite horizon. Also, fractional derivative defined on an unbounded domain is converted into an equivalent derivative on a finite domain. Then, a new shifted Legendre pseudospectral method is utilized to solve the obtained finite problem and a nonlinear programming problem is suggested to approximate the optimal solutions. Finally, some numerical examples are given to show the efficiency of the method.
Thermo‐mechanical properties of jute/bamboo/polyethylene hybrid composites: The combined effects of silane coupling agent and copolymer
Authors: Liew Fui Kiew , Hamdan Sinin , Rahman Md. Rezaur , Rusop Mohamad , Khan Afrasyab
Published: August 2020

The effects of 3‐aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTS) coupling agent and poly(ethylene‐co‐glycidyl methacrylate) (EGMA) copolymer on thermal, mechanical, and morphological properties of hybrid composites were investigated. There were a range of methods used to fabricate hybrid composites that included, untreated jute and bamboo fiber, APTS treated jute and bamboo fiber, and EGMA and low‐density polyethylene (LDPE). The hybrid composites were characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). In addition, tensile strength, tensile modulus, surface morphology, and water absorption tests were also reported. The IR spectra of treated jute‐bamboo hybrid composite revealed effective removal of OH groups from cellulose fiber using APTS. Treated jute‐bamboo/polyethylene composite (TJBC) and treated jute‐bamboo/EGMA/polyethylene composite (TJBEC) demonstrate 3.8 times and 3.7 times higher activation energy, respectively. High activation energy implied that APTS coupling effect is dominant compared with EGMA copolymer. A marginal decrease in the crystallinity index (15.9%) was found in case of TJBC. The tensile strength and Young's modulus of the treated hybrid composites exceeded 150% and 330%, respectively. Low water absorption rate in the treated hybrid composites was also observed. Based on the routes chosen to treat the hybrid composites along with the outcomes of the tests conducted on these suitable for the nonstructural application, such as, packaging, site hoarding, furniture, industrial shelving, and lining for truck/van cargoes.
Efficacy of noninvasive respiratory support modes for primary respiratory support in preterm neonates with respiratory distress syndrome: Systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Ramaswamy Viraraghavan Vadakkencherry , More Kiran , Roehr Charles Christoph , Bandiya Prathik , Nangia Sushma
Published: August 2020

Objectives

To compare the efficacy of different noninvasive respiratory support (NRS) modes for primary respiratory support of preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).

Design

Systematic review and network meta‐analysis using the Bayesian random‐effects approach. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL were searched.

Interventions

High flow nasal cannula (HFNC), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), bilevel CPAP (BiPAP), noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV).

Main Outcome Measures

Requirement of invasive mechanical ventilation (MV), any treatment failure.

Results

A total of 35 studies including 4078 neonates were included. NIPPV was more effective in decreasing the requirement of MV than CPAP (risk ratios [95% credible interval]: 0.60 [0.44, 0.77]) and HFNC [0.66 (0.43, 0.97)]. Surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) for NIPPV, BiPAP, HFNC, and CPAP were 0.95, 0.59, 0.32, and 0.13. For the outcome of treatment failure, both NIPPV and BiPAP were more efficacious compared to CPAP and HFNC (0.56 [0.44, 0.71] {NIPPV vs CPAP}, 0.69 [0.51, 0.93] {BiPAP vs CPAP}, 0.42 [0.30, 0.63] {NIPPV vs HFNC}, 0.53 [0.35, 0.81] {BiPAP vs HFNC}). The SUCRA for NIPPV, BiPAP, CPAP, and HFNC were 0.96, 0.70, 0.32, and 0.01. NIPPV was associated with a reduced risk of air leak compared to BiPAP and CPAP (0.36 [0.16, 0.73]; 0.54 [0.30, 0.87], respectively). NIPPV resulted in lesser incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia or mortality when compared to CPAP (0.74 [0.52, 0.98]). Nasal injury was lesser with HFNC compared to CPAP (0.15 [0.01, 0.60]).

Conclusions

Most effective primary mode of NRS in preterm neonates with RDS was NIPPV.
Lung function deterioration in school children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Walicka‐Serzysko Katarzyna , Postek Magdalena , Milczewska Justyna , Sands Dorota
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Lung disease in cystic fibrosis (CF) begins early in life but the capabilities for detecting abnormalities of pulmonary dysfunction in children remain limited.

Objective

The study aimed to evaluate the early progression of lung function by the analysis of pulmonary hyperinflation, ventilation inhomogeneity (VI), trapped gas and airway obstruction with age.

Methods

One hundred CF children aged 7 to 18, divided into two groups aged 7 to 12 (n = 40) and 13 to 18 (n = 60), were enrolled. Patients performed multiple‐breath nitrogen washout (MBNW) tests and plethysmography for measurements of lung clearance index (LCI), functional residual capacity (FRCpleth, FRCMBNW), volume of trapped gas (VT), total resistance, and effective and specific effective airway resistance (Reff, sReff).

Results

We obtained a positive correlation of FRCpleth, FRCMBNW, and LCI with age. A linear correlation between FRCMBNW and FRCpleth (P < .0001) was observed.

VI was higher in the group of older patients (9.79 in the group aged 7‐12 and 11.67 in the group aged 13‐18). An increased effective specific airway resistance >2 (z‐score) was present in 58% of all subjects (50% and 63.3%, respectively). Pulmonary hyperinflation (FRCpleth>2 z‐score) was observed in 33% of all patients: 25% and 36.6%, respectively. Trapped gas (VT > 2 z‐score) was present in 18% of all children: 30% and 10%, respectively.

Conclusion

A gradual decline in lung function is associated with an increase in VI, airway obstruction, pulmonary hyperinflation and development of trapped gas. In children who cannot perform either spirometry or plethysmography, MBNW can deliver a measurement of LCI connecting with VI as well as FRCMBNW to indicate indirectly the increase of hyperinflation.
Analysis bias induced in assimilation of the radio occultation bending angle with complex structures in the tropical troposphere
Authors: Liu Hui , Kuo Ying‐Hwa , Sokolovskiy Sergey , Zou Xiaolei , Zeng Zhen
Published: August 2020

In the tropical lower troposphere, the radio occultation (RO) bending angle can have complex and sharp structures. In current numerical weather prediction data assimilation, the estimated observation uncertainty (or error) of the RO bending angle is typically derived from a fixed‐fraction uncertainty model of the RO bending angle. Therefore, the complex and sharp structures can exist in the observation uncertainty as well. This study investigates a potential analysis bias induced in the assimilation of COSMIC (Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate) RO bending angles as a result of these complex and sharp structures in the observation uncertainty in the tropical troposphere. It is demonstrated that the complex structures can create a clear negative bias, up to −0.7%, in the bending angle space in the regional analysis with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. The WRF analyses and backgrounds also show a larger bias from the COSMIC RO bending angles.
Agroecosystem management responses to Haney soil health test in the southeastern United States
Authors: Singh Surendra , Jagadamma Sindhu , Yoder Daniel , Yin Xinhua , Walker Forbes
Published: August 2020

Quantifying the impacts of agricultural management on soil health is critical for making informed sustainable management decisions as soil resources inevitably undergo alterations due to management. One recently popular and soil biology–based method of soil health assessment is the Haney Soil Health Test (HSHT), whose most recent version is known as the “soil health tool”, attempts to integrate soil health and fertility. Comprehensive evaluation of the HSHT and its underlying indicators in different agroecological regions is currently lacking. This study therefore evaluates the HSHT on three ongoing field experiments in southeastern United States: (a) 39 yr of continuous soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] with different tillage treatments, (b) 4 yr of corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean rotation with different cover crop treatments, and (c) 37 yr of continuous cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) with tillage, cover crops, and nitrogen (N) rates. Soil samples (0‐ to 15‐cm depth) were analyzed for HSHT indicators (i.e., Solvita CO2–C, water‐extractable organic C [WEOC], water‐extractable organic N [WEON], and WEOC/WEON), two versions of soil health score (SHS) calculations (SHS2015 and SHS2018), and potential N mineralization (Nmin) rates. Additionally, H3A‐ and Mehlich‐1–based extractable soil nutrients were determined to test the fertility component of HSHT. The individual HSHT indicators, SHS2015, SHS2018, and Nmin showed inconsistent responses to management, where most variation in SHS was driven by WEON (0.68 < R2 > 0.86; p < .001). Additionally, H3A solution extracted nutrients with higher variability (18.5  76) than Mehlich‐1. This lack of consistent to response to management in southeastern U.S. croplands implies that comprehensive evaluation and/or modification of HSHT is required for broader applicability.
Electrochemical Synthesis of Mesoporous Architectured Ru Films Using Supramolecular Templates
Authors: Kani Kenya , Henzie Joel , Dag Ömer , Wood Kathleen , Iqbal Muhammad , Lim Hyunsoo , Jiang Bo , Salomon Carlos , Rowan Alan E. , Hossain Md. Shahriar A. , Na Jongbeom , Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: August 2020

The electrochemical synthesis of mesoporous ruthenium (Ru) films using sacrificial self‐assembled block polymer micelles templates, and its electrochemical surface oxidation to RuOx is described. Unlike standard methods such as thermal oxidation, the electrochemical oxidation method described here retains the mesoporous structure. Ru oxide materials serve as high‐performance supercapacitor electrodes due to their excellent pseudocapacitive behavior. The mesoporous architectured film shows superior specific capacitance (467 F g−1 Ru) versus a nonporous Ru/RuOx electrode (28 F g−1 Ru) that is prepared via the same method but omitting the pore‐directing polymer. Ultrahigh surface area materials will play an essential role in increasing the capacitance of this class of energy storage devices because the pseudocapacitive redox reaction occurs on the surface of electrodes.
Probabilistic modeling of reinforcing bar fatigue on the basis of surface topography data
Authors: Osterminski Kai
Published: August 2020

The fatigue of reinforcing bars—as one example of reinforcements in general— is strongly influenced by their surface properties. A lot of research in the 1960s and 1970s has led to the formulation of an analytical model that connects notch stresses to the resulting load cycles in fatigue tests. This article presents the work undertaken in a DFG (German Research Foundation) research project, in which the procedure for assessing the surface properties of rebars with a high‐precision laser‐linescan system (LLS‐system) and subsequently performed fatigue tests were developed. An analytical model was taken as a basis in order to quantify the input parameters and derive the corresponding notch stress factors. The concluding modeling took the scatter into account and allowed for a safety‐based recommendation for the derived notch stress factors of reinforcing bars.