bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circulating tumor cells are an indicator for the administration of adjuvant transarterial chemoembolization in hepatocellular carcinoma: A single‐center, retrospective, propensity‐matched study
Authors: Wang Peng‐Xiang , Sun Yun‐Fan , Zhou Kai‐Qian , Cheng Jian‐Wen , Hu Bo , Guo Wei , Yin Yue , Huang Jun‐Feng , Zhou Jian , Fan Jia , Cheung Tan To , Qu Xu‐Dong , Yang Xin‐Rong
Published: July 2020

Background

High rates of postoperative tumor recurrence contribute to poor outcome in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we investigated whether circulating tumor cells (CTCs) status can predict the benefit of adjuvant transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with HCC.

Methods

The retrospective study enrolled 344 HCC patients with preoperative CTCs analysis. Clinical outcomes including recurrence and survival were compared between those who received and who did not receive adjuvant TACE. Similar comparisons were made for patients stratified according to CTC status (CTC‐negative [CTC = 0], n = 123; CTC‐positive [CTC ≥ 1], n = 221). Propensity score matching (PSM) strategy was adopted to offset differences between two groups.

Results

In the study cohort as a whole or in CTC‐negative cohort, there were no observable differences in overall survival (OS) or time to recurrence (TTR) between TACE and control group (P > .05). In CTC‐positive patients, PSM generated 64 patient pairs, and patients with adjuvant TACE had significantly better clinical outcomes (OS: not reached vs 36.4 months, P < .001; TTR: 45.8 vs 9.8 months, P < .001). Adjuvant TACE significantly reduced early recurrence (≤2 years) (64.1% vs 31.7%, P < .001) in CTC‐positive patients. Notably, adjuvant TACE influenced TTR and OS even in subgroups of CTC‐positive patients with low risk of recurrence according to traditional evaluation.

Conclusions

Preoperative CTC status could serve as an indicator for the administration of adjuvant TACE in HCC patients. Adjuvant TACE benefits CTC‐positive HCC patients mainly by reducing early recurrence.
Plasma‐on‐Chip: device for non‐thermal atmospheric pressure plasma irradiation to single cells
Authors: Kumagai Shinya , Kobayashi Mime , Shimizu Tetsuji , Sasaki Minoru
Published: July 2020

We report an improvement of the Plasma‐on‐Chip device that enables plasma irradiation to single cells. Dielectric barrier discharge structure was introduced and power consumption was reduced to 200 µW. The modification extended the operation time of the Plasma‐on‐Chip device. As long as 10 min plasma irradiation to yeast cells, Saccharomyces cerevisiae was conducted.
Ground motion spatial correlation fitting methods and estimation uncertainty
Authors: Baker Jack W. , Chen Yilin
Published: July 2020

Ground shaking intensity varies spatially in earthquakes, and many studies have estimated correlations of intensity from past earthquake data. This paper presents a framework for quantifying uncertainty in the estimation of correlations and true variability in correlations from earthquake to earthquake. A procedure for evaluating estimation uncertainty is proposed and used to evaluate several methods that have been used in past studies to estimate correlations. The results indicate that a weighted least squares algorithm is most effective in estimating spatial correlation models and that earthquakes with at least 100 recordings are needed to produce informative earthquake‐specific estimates of spatial correlations. The proposed procedure is also used to distinguish between estimation uncertainty and the true variability in model parameters that exist in a given data set. The estimation uncertainty is seen to vary between well‐recorded and poorly recorded earthquakes, whereas the true variability is more stable.
Combined support technology for main roadway passing through goaf: A case study
Authors: Chen Dongdong , Zhang Qing , Xie Shengrong , Jiang Zaisheng , Li Yubo , Gao Mingming , Li Hui , Wu Xiaoyu , Wang En , Shi Songhao , Wang Long
Published: July 2020

Controlling the surrounding rock of the main roadway passing through a goaf during the reconstruction and expansion of a merger and reorganization mine is a common challenge in underground mining practices. In this study, a combined support technology of roof “anchorage‐mesh‐shotcrete” and a double‐H‐type space frame structure for a main roadway passing through a goaf was studied using field investigations, theoretical analysis, and engineering practice. It was observed that the main roadway control difficulties lie in the strongly mining‐induced roof strata in the early stages, with collapsed gangues not connected to an unsupported roof, large goaf sections, and multiple superpositions of surrounding rock stress fields with complex distributions. Based on the results, a double‐H‐type space frame structure support system comprising a “reinforced concrete pillar + reinforced concrete longitudinal beam + cross steel I‐beam” was constructed. This provided strong pillar support, enhanced the shock resistance of the roof, improved the bending and lateral pressure resistances of the frame structure, and produced airtight spaces for the main roadway. Accordingly, a “double systems” support scheme was designed. The results of the engineering practice indicated that the deformation of the goaf roof and force of the supporting structure were controlled within a safe range, meeting the requirements for mine ventilation, pedestrians, and haulage. Consequently, the surrounding rock control problem for the main roadway passing through the goaf was effectively solved, and theoretical and technical bases were provided for the stability control of a roadway passing through a goaf under similar conditions.
Cone penetration testing for extensive mapping of deeply buried Late Glacial coversand landscape paleotopography
Authors: Verhegge Jeroen , Storme Annelies , Cruz Frédéric , Crombé Philippe
Published: July 2020

Late Glacial coversand landscapes are important archives of environmental change during the Pleistocene–Holocene transition as well as of Final Paleolithic human adaptation to these changes. However, extensive reconstruction of these landscapes is hampered by the fact that they are often preserved best when covered with later eolian, alluvial and/or marine sediments. These paleolandscapes are generally mapped by means of manual or mechanical coring to date, which is rather expensive and labor‐intensive. This study aims to develop a more efficient methodology to map paleolandscapes buried within the coversand and below Holocene floodplain deposits, using a case study in NW Belgium. Electric cone penetration testing is established as a primary technique for mapping the paleotopography of thin organic rich layers within the coversand, in combination with core sampling for lithostratigraphic correlation and validation. Radiocarbon dating and pollen analyses are used to investigate the chronological and biostratigraphic context, respectively. The results reveal the paleotopography of three undulating organic rich stabilization surfaces within the coversand, which were formed from the GI‐1d to GI‐1a. These paleosurfaces provide valuable contexts for studying Final Paleolithic archaeology in the coversand region specifically, but the developed methodology is applicable to Paleolithic archaeology in general.
Choosing the optimal HPV vaccine: The health impact and economic value of the nonavalent and bivalent HPV vaccines in 48 Gavi‐eligible countries
Authors: Burger Emily A. , Portnoy Allison , Campos Nicole G. , Sy Stephen , Regan Catherine , Kim Jane J.
Published: July 2020

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines may provide some level of cross‐protection against high‐risk HPV genotypes not directly targeted by the vaccines. We evaluated the long‐term health and economic impacts of routine HPV vaccination using either the nonavalent HPV vaccine or the bivalent HPV vaccine in the context of 48 Gavi‐eligible countries. We used a multi‐modeling approach to compare the bivalent with or without cross‐protection and the nonavalent HPV vaccine. The optimal, that is, most cost‐effective, vaccine was the vaccine with an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio below the per‐capita gross domestic product (GDP) for each country. By 2100 and assuming 70% HPV vaccination coverage, a bivalent vaccine without cross‐protection, a bivalent vaccine with favorable cross‐protection and the nonavalent vaccine were projected to avert 14.9, 17.2 and 18.5 million cumulative cases of cervical cancer across all 48 Gavi‐eligible countries, respectively. The relative value of the bivalent vaccine compared to the nonavalent vaccine increased assuming a bivalent vaccine conferred high cross‐protection. For example, assuming a cost‐effectiveness threshold of per‐capita GDP, the nonavalent vaccine was optimal in 83% (n = 40) of countries if the bivalent vaccine did not confer cross‐protection; however, the proportion of countries decreased to 63% (n = 30) if the bivalent vaccine conferred high cross‐protection. For lower cost‐effectiveness thresholds, the bivalent vaccine was optimal in a greater proportion of countries, under both cross‐protection assumptions. Although the nonavalent vaccine is projected to avert more cases of cervical cancer, the bivalent vaccine with favorable cross‐protection can prevent a considerable number of cases and would be considered a high‐value vaccine for many Gavi‐eligible countries.
Clinical characteristics, prognostic factors, and maternal and neonatal outcomes of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection among hospitalized pregnant women: A systematic review
Authors: Turan Ozlem , Hakim Amir , Dashraath Pradip , Jeslyn Wong Jing Lin , Wright Alison , Abdul‐Kadir Rezan
Published: July 2020

Background

Pregnant women represent a potentially high‐risk population in the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Objective

To summarize clinical characteristics and outcomes among pregnant women hospitalized with COVID‐19.

Search strategy

Relevant databases were searched up until May 29, 2020.

Selection criteria

Case series/reports of hospitalized pregnant women with laboratory‐confirmed COVID‐19.

Data collection and analysis

PRISMA guidelines were followed. Methodologic quality was assessed via NIH assessment tools.

Main results

Overall, 63 observational studies of 637 women (84.6% in third trimester) with laboratory‐confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 infection were included. Most (76.5%) women experienced mild disease. Maternal fatality, stillbirth, and neonatal fatality rates were 1.6%, 1.4%, and 1.0%, respectively. Older age, obesity, diabetes mellitus, and raised serum D‐dimer and interleukin‐6 were predictive of poor outcomes. Overall, 33.7% of live births were preterm, of which half were iatrogenic among women with mild COVID‐19 and no complications. Most women underwent cesarean despite lacking a clear indication. Eight (2.0%) neonates had positive nasopharyngeal swabs after delivery and developed chest infection within 48 hours.

Conclusions

Advanced gestation, maternal age, obesity, diabetes mellitus, and a combination of elevated D‐dimer and interleukin‐6 levels are predictive of poor pregnancy outcomes in COVID‐19. The rate of iatrogenic preterm birth and cesarean delivery is high; vertical transmission may be possible but has not been proved.
Environmental enrichment restores impaired spatial memory and synaptic plasticity in prenatally stress exposed rats: The role of GABAergic neurotransmission
Authors: Aghighi Bidgoli Fatemeh , Salami Mahmoud , Talaei Sayyed Alireza
Published: July 2020

Evidence shows that prenatal stress negatively affects cognitive functions and activity of neuronal circuits in postnatal age. Environmental enrichment counteracts deficits induced by early life stress. We examined if behavioural function and synaptic plasticity are sensitive to prenatal stress and, how much environmental enrichment and GABAergic system impact these phenomena. Animals were exposed to noise stress during the third trimester of foetal life. Groups of the stressed animals remained intact (S‐SH) or received enrichment (S‐EE) from postnatal day 22 for one month. Also, two groups received either saline (S‐SH‐S) or bicuculline (S‐SH‐B). One enriched group received muscimol (S‐EE‐M). The control groups were intact (C‐SH), enriched (C‐EE), or received bicuculline (C‐SH‐B) or saline (C‐SH‐S). We assessed learning and memory and, hippocampal long‐term potentiation (LTP). Serum corticosterone levels were detected as a measure of stress condition. We found that stress reduced spatial performance and suppressed LTP in the S‐SH animals. Postnatal enrichment restored both spatial learning and memory and synaptic plasticity in the S‐EE rats. GABAergic antagonism strengthens maze performance and LTP induction in the S‐SH‐B group. However, muscimol prevented the positive effects of enrichment in the S‐EE‐M animals. Environmental enrichment and GABAergic modulation may improve disrupted spatial performance and synaptic plasticity.
Global Research Alliance N2O chamber methodology guidelines: Introduction, with health and safety considerations
Authors: de Klein Cecile A. M. , Harvey Mike J. , Clough Tim J. , Petersen Søren O. , Chadwick David R. , Venterea Rodney T.
Published: July 2020

Non‐steady‐state (NSS) chamber techniques have been used for decades to measure nitrous oxide (N2O) fluxes from agricultural soils. These techniques are widely used because they are relatively inexpensive, easy to adopt, versatile, and adaptable to varying conditions. Much of our current understanding of the drivers of N2O emissions is based on studies using NSS chambers. These chamber techniques require decisions regarding multiple methodological aspects (e.g., chamber materials and geometry, deployment, sample analysis, and data and statistical analysis), each of which may significantly affect the results. Variation in methodological details can lead to challenges in comparing results between studies and assessment of reliability and uncertainty. Therefore, the New Zealand Government, in support of the objectives of the Livestock Research Group of the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases (GRA), funded two international projects to, first, develop standardized guidelines on the use of NSS chamber techniques and, second, refine them based on the most up to date knowledge and methods. This introductory paper summarizes a collection of papers that represent the revised guidelines. Each article summarizes existing knowledge and provides guidance and minimum requirements on chamber design, deployment, sample collection, storage and analysis, automated chambers, flux calculations, statistical analysis, emission factor estimation and data reporting, modeling, and “gap‐filling” approaches. The minimum requirements are not meant to be highly prescriptive but instead provide researchers with clear direction on best practices and factors that need to be considered. Health and safety considerations of NSS chamber techniques are also provided with this introductory paper.
Whether, when, and how to communicate genetic risk to minors: ‘I wanted more information but I think they were scared I couldn’t handle it’
Authors: Stuttgen Kelsey , McCague Allison , Bollinger Juli , Dvoskin Rachel , Mathews Debra
Published: July 2020

Genetic test results are often relevant not only to persons tested, but also to their children. Questions of whether, when, and how to disclose parental test results to children, particularly minors, can be difficult for parents to navigate. Currently, limited data are available on these questions from the perspective of minors. In this qualitative study, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with parents affected by or at risk for hereditary cancer (N = 17) or Huntington's disease (N = 14) and their mature minor children aged 15–17 (N = 34). Parents and mature minors were interviewed separately. Genetic counselors (GCs; N = 19) were also interviewed. Most parents interviewed wanted to protect minors from genetic risk information (GRI) and feared minors would not be able to handle GRI. However, most mature minors reported they did not receive enough information and wished their parent was more forthcoming. Parents recommended taking time to process one's own test results before communicating with minors, and mature minors recommended parents communicate GRI in an honest, hopeful way. Most parents and GCs felt additional resources on communicating with minors about GRI and various genetic conditions are needed. This study includes the experiences and perspectives of a well‐informed cohort, and results should be taken into careful consideration by parents, GCs, and others who are faced with communicating GRI to minors.
Recent progress on coumarinscaffold‐basedanti‐microbial agents (PartIII)
Authors: Gouda Moustafa. A. , Abu‐Hashem Ameen A. , Salem Mohammed A. , Helal Mohamed H. , Al‐Ghorbani Mohammed , Hamama Wafaa S.
Published: July 2020

The biological, therapeutic, and medicinal properties of coumarins (chromen‐2‐ones), and its analogs have triggered enormous studies aimed toward growing synthetic routes to these heterocyclic compounds. This review presents a systematic and comprehensive survey of the method of preparation, the chemical reactivity, and the anti‐microbial properties associated with this system.
Study of generalized formulation for augmented electric field integral equation with perturbation method
Authors: Chen Wenjing , Sun Sheng , Liu Yang G. , Liu Qin S. , Chen Yongpin , Hu Jun
Published: July 2020

In this work, a generalized form for the augmented electric field integral equation with perturbation method is studied. By implementing Taylor expansion on all the frequency‐dependent matrix terms and the unknowns, the current coefficients on each frequency order can be obtained in the perturbation method, where the accuracy can be guaranteed near the zero frequency or within the static frequency region. When the frequency goes higher, more expanding terms are required to obtain the accurate results. In order to obtain a wideband solution, a general formulation for the perturbation method is derived and analyzed for the first time. As a result, the improved method can be further extended to dynamic region. Numerical results show that the achieved results for both capacitive circuit problems and plane wave scattering problems are more accurate in comparison with those obtained from the traditional solutions, where the number of the required expanding terms can be determined according to the corresponding error analysis.
Capturing the state of the science to change the state of the science: A categorization approach to integrative reviews
Authors: Dwertmann David J. G. , van Knippenberg Daan
Published: July 2020

Integrative reviews, reviews of an area of research that not only describe the state of the science but also advance it through integration and synthesis of the evidence, make unique contributions to the literature. We discuss this unique value of integrative reviews, highlighting that integrative reviews of the literature are positioned in the conceptual space between descriptive reviews and theory papers, to position this study's focus: presenting an approach to conduct such reviews. This approach focuses on the systematic consideration of similarities and differences between findings, identifying the underlying categorizations that capture these similarities and differences, and developing new theory anchored on these categorizations for similarities and differences not predicted by existing theory. We outline how authors following this approach should make the different steps in this process of categorization and theory development transparent in their presentation to increase replicability of the review and more precisely identify the locus of potential disagreements concerning the conclusions of the review. Following these steps also provides clearer anchors to assess the validity of the conclusions of the review in the publication process, for readers, and in follow‐up primary research.
Influence of epicatechin on oxidation‐induced physicochemical and digestibility changes in porcine myofibrillar proteins during refrigerated storage
Authors: Xu Mingfeng , Sun Manfei , Lu Cairu , Han Yating , Yao Xing , Niu Xiaoying , Xu Maojun , Zhu Qin
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

The influence of epicatechin (EC) on the physicochemical properties and digestibility changes of porcine myofibrillar protein (MP) under oxidative stress during refrigerated storage was investigated.

RESULTS

The incubation of MP suspensions (20 mg mL−1 in piperazine‐N,N′‐bis(2‐ethanesulfonic acid) buffer, with 0.6 mol L−1 sodium chloride, pH 6.25) at 4 °C for 24 h under an iron‐catalyzed hydroxyl radical generating system (Fenton reaction) promoted the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and protein carbonyls, which was attenuated by EC (5, 50, and 100 μmol g−1 protein). Reduced protein sulfhydryl content, tryptophan fluorescence, protein solubility, as well as increased surface hydrophobicity were found by the co‐incubation of EC. Analysis by scanning electron microscopy revealed increased protein aggregation and fragments in oxidized MP, which were further enhanced by the addition of EC. However, the protein digestibility of MP was not affected.

CONCLUSION

EC was demonstrated to be effective in alleviating lipid oxidation and protein carbonylation in MP under oxidative stress. Additionally, the physicochemical and digestibility changes accompanying the incorporation of EC was complicated due to the possible phenol–protein interactions. An in‐depth understanding of protein physicochemical and digestibility changes will be helpful in the application of polyphenolic compounds as antioxidants in low‐temperature‐processed muscle foods. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Physico‐chemical characterization of Cornus kousa Burg. fruit: determining optimal maturity for fresh consumption
Authors: Schmitzer Valentina , Sircelj Helena , Stampar Franci , Slatnar Ana
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Japanese dogwood (Cornus kousa Burg.) is a popular ornamental plant which develops edible compound fruit utilized in traditional Asian medicine. Previous compositional studies have focused on a small fraction of secondary metabolites at a single maturity stage. In order to address the question of optimal ripeness of Japanese dogwood fruit for consumption the study provides a comprehensive insight into its primary and secondary metabolic profile.

RESULTS

The aim of the study was to investigate biochemical composition and morphological traits of Japanese dogwood (Cornus kousa Burg.) fruit at four maturity stages: GF, green fruit; BF, fruit with a defined red blush; RF, ripe fruit; OF, over‐ripe fruit. Fruit was characterized by a nearly spherical shape, decreased water content in later stages of ripeness and highest a* values at RF and OF stages. Total sugars increased significantly from GF to OF stage and total organic acids and vitamin C decreased with maturation. Japanese dogwood fruit was characterized by four major phenolic groups: anthocyanins (three), flavonols (eight) hydroxycinnamic acids (three) and flavonoids (one) as well as by four lipophilic antioxidants: tocopherols (two), xanthophylls (five), carotenes (two) and chlorophylls (two). The progression of fruit ripening caused faster accumulation of individual phenolic compounds and lipophilic antioxidants which resulted in significantly higher total phenolic content at the RF and OF stages.

CONCLUSION

Japanese dogwood fruit is a rich alternative source of ascorbic acid, α‐tocopherol, flavonols and anthocyanins and should be consumed fresh at fully developed red colour of compound berries when their composition is optimal. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Critical analysis of lymph node examination in patients undergoing curative‐intent resection for adrenocortical carcinoma
Authors: Deschner Benjamin W. , Stiles Zachary E. , DeLozier Olivia M. , Drake Justin A. , Tsao Miriam , Glazer Evan S. , Deneve Jeremiah L. , Yakoub Danny , Dickson Paxton V.
Published: July 2020

Background

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare tumor and the role of lymph node dissection remains ill‐defined. This study evaluates the effect of nodal examination on prognosis and survival in patients undergoing curative‐intent resection of ACC.

Methods

The National Cancer Database (2004‐2015) was queried for patients undergoing margin‐negative resection for ACC. Patients with distant metastases, neoadjuvant therapy, multivisceral resection and T4 tumors were excluded.

Results

Among 897 patients, 147 (16.4%) had lymph nodes examined. Factors associated with lymph node examination included increasing tumor size (P < .001), extra‐adrenal extension (P < .001), open operation (P < .001), and resection at an academic facility (P = .003). Lymph node metastasis was significantly associated with extra‐adrenal tumor extension (P = .04). Lymph node harvest, regardless of the number of nodes examined, was not associated with a survival benefit. Median overall survival was incrementally worse with increasing number of positive lymph nodes (88.2 months for N0, 34.9 months for 1‐3 positive nodes, and 15.6 months for ≥4 positive nodes, P < .001).

Conclusions

Lymph node harvest and lymph node metastasis were associated with more advanced tumors. Although nodal harvest did not offer a survival advantage, stratifying the nodal staging classification may provide important prognostic information.
Management of A‐Frame Tracheal Deformity in Children With Endoscopic Resection Tracheoplasty
Authors: Bergeron Mathieu , Qualls Hannah , de Alarcon Alessandro , Rutter Michael J.
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Tracheal A‐frame deformity is a known consequence of tracheostomy that may lead to obstruction after decannulation. The goal of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility and success of endoscopic carbon dioxide (CO2) laser‐assisted tracheoplasty of tracheal A‐frame deformity in children.

Methods

Retrospective case series of symptomatic children with tracheal A‐frame deformity with no other site of airway obstruction (2016–2018). All patients underwent CO2‐laser assisted endoscopic resection tracheoplasty.

Results

Eight patients (six male) were included with a median age of 15.4 (IQR 12.3–17.9) years. Patients had a median of two previous open airway surgeries (IQR 1–2.5) and all patients had a history of tracheostomy with successful decannulation. Tracheal A‐frame deformity presented as dyspnea on exertion for all patients (n = 8, 100%). Obstructive sleep apnea was confirmed for all patients who underwent polysomnography (4/4, 100%). Median interval from decannulation to development of symptoms was 8.7 years (IQR 5.8–9.3). All patients sized with an age‐appropriate endotracheal tube despite the deformity. Endoscopic A‐frame tracheoplasty was successful for 7/8 (87.5%) patients and was performed with overnight observation for these patients (8/8, 100%). Unilateral A‐frame tracheoplasty was performed successfully for five patients (62.5%), bilateral A‐frame tracheoplasty was performed successfully for two patients (25.0%), and one patient (12.5%) did not have complete resolution of symptoms after bilateral A‐frame tracheoplasty due to multi‐level airway obstruction.

Conclusions

CO2 laser‐assisted tracheoplasty is an innovative endoscopic technique to relieve symptoms of airway obstruction for selected patients with tracheal A‐frame deformity although avoiding the morbidity and hospital stay duration associated with tracheal resection.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E719–E723, 2021
Extreme warming and regime shift toward amplified variability in a far northern lake
Authors: Bégin Paschale N. , Tanabe Yukiko , Kumagai Michio , Culley Alexander I. , Paquette Michel , Sarrazin Denis , Uchida Masaki , Vincent Warwick F.
Published: July 2020

Mean annual air temperatures in the High Arctic are rising rapidly, with extreme warming events becoming increasingly common. Little is known, however, about the consequences of such events on the ice‐capped lakes that occur abundantly across this region. Here, we compared 2 years of high‐frequency monitoring data in Ward Hunt Lake in the Canadian High Arctic. One of the years included a period of anomalously warm conditions that allowed us to address the question of how loss of multi‐year ice cover affects the limnological properties of polar lakes. A mooring installed at the deepest point of the lake (9.7 m) recorded temperature, oxygen, chlorophyll a (Chl a) fluorescence, and underwater irradiance from July 2016 to July 2018, and an automated camera documented changes in ice cover. The complete loss of ice cover in summer 2016 resulted in full wind exposure and complete mixing of the water column. This mixing caused ventilation of lake water heat to the atmosphere and 4°C lower water temperatures than under ice‐covered conditions. There were also high values of Chl a fluorescence, elevated turbidity levels and large oxygen fluctuations throughout fall and winter. During the subsequent summer, the lake retained its ice cover and the water column remained stratified, with lower Chl a fluorescence and anoxic bottom waters. Extreme warming events are likely to shift polar lakes that were formerly capped by continuous thick ice to a regime of irregular ice loss and unstable limnological conditions that vary greatly from year to year.
Nutritional quality of littoral macroinvertebrates and pelagic zooplankton in subarctic lakes
Authors: Vesterinen Jussi , Keva Ossi , Kahilainen Kimmo K. , Strandberg Ursula , Hiltunen Minna , Kankaala Paula , Taipale Sami J.
Published: July 2020

Littoral benthic primary production is considered the most important energy source of consumers in subarctic lakes. We analyzed essential fatty acid (EFA) and amino acid (EAA) content of 23 littoral benthic macroinvertebrate taxa as well as cladocerans and copepods from pelagic and littoral habitats of 8–9 subarctic lakes to compare their nutritional quality. Pelagic crustacean zooplankton had significantly higher EFA and total FA content (on average 2.6‐fold and 1.6‐fold, respectively) than littoral macroinvertebrates in all our study lakes. Specifically, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), one of the most important EFA for juvenile fish, was almost exclusively found in pelagic copepods. In littoral macroinvertebrates, only Lymnaea (Gastropoda), Eurycercus (Cladocera), and Gammarus (Amphipoda) contained a low amount of DHA, whereas most littoral invertebrate taxa contained moderate amounts of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). The difference in DHA content may explain why so many generalist fish shift their diet to pelagic zooplankton at their peak abundance in mid/late‐summer. Meanwhile, the differences in EAA content between pelagic zooplankton and littoral invertebrates were much lower than for EFA suggesting a wider availability of EAA in subarctic lakes, except for methionine. In the studied subarctic lakes, EFA and EAA variation in consumers was more related to taxon‐specific than lake‐specific characteristics. This indicates that climate‐induced changes in the abundance and community structure of zooplankton vs. littoral macroinvertebrates will be important parameters in determining the availability of EFA and EAA to juvenile fish, and potentially fish production.
The world should establish an early warning system for new viral infectious diseases by space‐weather monitoring
Authors: Qu Jiangwen , Wickramasinghe N.Chandra
Published: July 2020

With the emergence of several new epidemics of viral infections – SARS, MERS, EBOLA, ZIKA, Influenza A (H1N1) pandemic,Covid‐2019 ‐ over the past 3 decades we suggest that a world‐wide programme of stratospheric surveillance and space weather monitoring should be urgently put in place without further delay.
On limit behavior of a solution to boundary value problem in a plane sector
Authors: Kutaiba Shaban H. , Vasilyev Vladimir B.
Published: July 2020

We study a certain boundary value problem in Sobolev‐Slobodetskii spaces with integral condition in a plane excluding a ray from origin. Using auxiliary problem in outside of a convex cone and the wave factorization concept, we construct a general solution and consider transfer to limit boundary value problem. It was shown that limit boundary value problem can be solvable only if the boundary function satisfies to a certain singular functional equation.
On the wave solutions of time‐fractional Sawada‐Kotera‐Ito equation arising in shallow water
Authors: Jena Rajarama Mohan , Chakraverty Snehashish , Jena Subrat Kumar , Sedighi Hamid M.
Published: July 2020

A widescale description of various phenomena in science and engineering such as physics, chemical, acoustics, control theory, finance, economics, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, and social sciences is well described by nonlinear fractional differential equations (NLFDEs). In turbulence, fluid dynamics, and nonlinear biological systems, applications of NLFDEs can also be found. NLFDEs are believed to be powerful tools to describe real‐world problems more precisely than the differential equation of the integer‐order. In this research, we have used the fractional reduced differential transform method (FRDTM) to find the solution of the time‐fractional Sawada‐Kotera‐Ito seventh‐order equation. The novelty of the FRDTM is that it does not require any discretization, transformation, perturbation, or any restrictive conditions. In addition, compared to other methods, this approach needs less calculation. For special cases of an integer and noninteger orders, computed results are compared with existing results. Present results are in good agreement with the existing solutions. Here, the fractional derivatives are considered in the Caputo sense. Convergence analysis of the results has also been studied with the increasing number of terms of the solution.
Opportunities and challenges in RCS measurement of 9‐mm bullet model with 77 GHz mmwave COTS radar systems
Authors: Ahmed Badar‐ud‐din , Kara Ali , Zencir Ertan , Benzaghta Mohamed
Published: July 2020

This article indicates a thus far unexplored area of applied research and development to the application and system engineers and researchers from broad engineering backgrounds. Results of a study are presented for measurement of calibrated Radar Cross Section (RCS) of a 9‐mm bullet (projectile) model by using a commercial‐of‐the‐shelf (COTS) millimeter wave Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radar system operating in 77 to 81 GHz frequency range. The calibrated RCS variation against the aspect angle is measured experimentally, analyzed, and compared with the simulation results which shows fair matching between the two. The opportunities and challenges attached with the use of such COTS systems for development of Hostile Fire Indication (HFI) systems are discussed. This bullet type and this mmwave frequency has not been thus far studied and reported in literature. This may motivate interested individuals/entities to try to measure (at acceptable accuracy before anechoic chamber measurements) RCS of similar low‐size objects by using such low‐cost COTS platforms.
B0 shimming of the human heart at 7T
Authors: Hock Michael , Terekhov Maxim , Stefanescu Maria Roxana , Lohr David , Herz Stefan , Reiter Theresa , Ankenbrand Markus , Kosmala Aleksander , Gassenmaier Tobias , Juchem Christoph , Schreiber Laura Maria
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Inhomogeneities of the static magnetic B0 field are a major limiting factor in cardiac MRI at ultrahigh field (≥ 7T), as they result in signal loss and image distortions. Different magnetic susceptibilities of the myocardium and surrounding tissue in combination with cardiac motion lead to strong spatio‐temporal B0‐field inhomogeneities, and their homogenization (B0 shimming) is a prerequisite. Limitations of state‐of‐the‐art shimming are described, regional B0 variations are measured, and a methodology for spherical harmonics shimming of the B0 field within the human myocardium is proposed.

Methods

The spatial B0‐field distribution in the heart was analyzed as well as temporal B0‐field variations in the myocardium over the cardiac cycle. Different shim region‐of‐interest selections were compared, and hardware limitations of spherical harmonics B0 shimming were evaluated by calibration‐based B0‐field modeling. The role of third‐order spherical harmonics terms was analyzed as well as potential benefits from cardiac phase–specific shimming.

Results

The strongest B0‐field inhomogeneities were observed in localized spots within the left‐ventricular and right‐ventricular myocardium and varied between systolic and diastolic cardiac phases. An anatomy‐driven shim region‐of‐interest selection allowed for improved B0‐field homogeneity compared with a standard shim region‐of‐interest cuboid. Third‐order spherical harmonics terms were demonstrated to be beneficial for shimming of these myocardial B0‐field inhomogeneities. Initial results from the in vivo implementation of a potential shim strategy were obtained. Simulated cardiac phase–specific shimming was performed, and a shim term‐by‐term analysis revealed periodic variations of required currents.

Conclusion

Challenges in state‐of‐the‐art B0 shimming of the human heart at 7 T were described. Cardiac phase–specific shimming strategies were found to be superior to vendor‐supplied shimming.
Paternal Strain Effects on Growth and Body Shape in Hybrid Striped Bass (White Bass ♀ × Striped Bass ♂)
Authors: Kenter Linas W , Kovach Adrienne I , Wojtusik Kristopher J , Reading Benjamin J , Berlinsky David L
Published: July 2020

The farming of hybrid Striped Bass (HSB; White Bass Morone chrysops ♀ × Striped Bass Morone saxatilis ♂) has been an established aquaculture industry in the United States for decades, but high production costs associated with performance variability remain a significant problem. To investigate the paternal effects on hybrid performance, Striped Bass males from Virginia, South Carolina, Florida, Texas and a fifth-generation domestic strain selected for growth were used as sires in a half-sibling, hybrid growth study. Eggs from individual White Bass (n = 11) were divided equally and fertilized with the fresh sperm from different Striped Bass sires (n = 18) to produce 53 hybrid families. Resulting larvae were stocked communally into ponds, seined as fingerlings, and separated into large-grade, small-grade, or ungraded groups for grow out. Juvenile HSB representing the three size-grades were stocked into replicated indoor recirculating systems and grown until they attained market size (680 g [1.5 lb]). An additional group of the large graded fish was grown in outdoor tanks at a separate facility to observe genotype × environment interactions. Fin clips were collected during final measurements for genotyping and parentage assignment. The results indicated that large, small, and ungraded hybrids required 12, 14, and 17 months, respectively, to attain market size indoors. Wild-strain-sired HSB displayed a lower range in final weights compared to domestic fish and grew larger in the ungraded treatment only. Florida-strain-sired fish were the largest and had the greatest condition factor (K), Virginia-strain-sired fish generally had the lowest K, and the other strains had intermediate K-values. No differences in final weight were found in the small or large graded fish from recirculating systems, but the domestic strain produced the largest HSB grown in outdoor tanks. These results demonstrated that HSB growth is influenced by sire strain, culture environment, and grading strategies.
Dose‐response effect of eribulin in preclinical models of osteosarcoma by the pediatric preclinical testing consortium
Authors: Gill Jonathan , Zhang Wendong , Zhang Zhongting , Roth Michael , Harrison Douglas J. , Rowshan Sudie , Erickson Stephen , Gatto Gregory , Kurmasheva Raushan , Houghton Peter , Teicher Beverly , Smith Malcolm A. , Kolb E. Anders , Gorlick Richard
Published: July 2020

The pediatric preclinical testing program previously demonstrated activity of eribulin in osteosarcoma patient‐derived xenograft (PDX) models. The phase 2 trial in patients with relapsed osteosarcoma failed to meet response endpoints. Eribulin was evaluated in the original and an expanded set of PDX models and tested at multiple dose levels and schedules to evaluate dose‐response. Maximal response was observed at the highest dose, consistent with prior results. The alternative schedule generated similar responses. We demonstrate steep dose‐response for eribulin in osteosarcoma PDX models, implying that any deviation from achievement of effective concentrations may have a significant impact on activity.
Microstructural effects on failure modes in highly aligned short carbon fiber composites
Authors: Nygren Garrett , Wang Liang , Yang Qingda , Karkkainen Ryan
Published: July 2020

Aligned short carbon fiber (3‐5 mm) thermoplastic composites have potential for versatile manufacturability with little loss of mechanical properties in comparison to continuous reinforcement. Property prediction, failure behavior, and the effects of microstructural variation for these materials are not yet well explored. The finite element method was used to evaluate large domains encompassing characteristic discontinuous microstructures of thermoplastic matrix (PMMA) composites reinforced with short 3 to 5 mm carbon fibers with a high degree of alignment and conventional volume fractions. Virtual tests were performed on highly detailed microstructural simulations which included fiber‐matrix interface representation along with uniform or misaligned fiber morphologies. Stiffness, strength, and failure mechanisms were analyzed. It was shown that for ideal uniformly aligned short fiber reinforcements, the material maintains a high modulus within 95% of an equivalent continuous fiber‐reinforced polymer, along with relatively high strength at 80% of a carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP). Failure modes depended on the toughness of the fiber‐matrix interface, transitioning from fiber rupture to a weaker fiber pullout failure for low interface properties. Simulations indicated that significant fiber misalignments on the order of 15% of fibers at ±15° off‐axis could sharply reduce local strength in the misaligned region to roughly 20% of the continuous fiber strength. Although partially affected by property dropoff owing to fiber off‐axis misalignment, this weakening was largely due to local matrix pockets in regions of high misalignment, which acted as failure initiation points.
A complementary quantitative feedback theory solution to the 2 × 2 tracking error problem
Authors: Pretorius Arnold , Boje Edward
Published: July 2020

This article presents a solution to the 2 × 2 multivariable tracking error problem. Current quantitative feedback theory methods commonly employ plant‐inverting splittings in order to arrive at an approximately decoupled design on the feedback control elements. This results in suitable design regions in the high‐gain, low‐frequency range, but can result in conservative design at and above the gain‐crossover frequency, resulting in overdesigned feedback controllers. Our method aims to reduce this conservatism by supplementing a plant‐inverting design with a non‐plant‐inverting design, which tends to perform well at higher frequencies. Decoupling the design of the controller elements is facilitated by making use of appropriate existence conditions. The union of the two resulting design regions then describes a larger solution space, and by enlarging the admissible design regions for the feedback controller, lower gain feedback controller design at all design frequencies of interest may be possible. A benchmarking example is presented, showing the viability of the proposed method.
Cover crop impacts on soil physical properties: A review
Authors: Blanco‐Canqui Humberto , Ruis Sabrina J.
Published: July 2020

Cover crop (CC) impacts on soil ecosystem services including erosion control, C sequestration, soil productivity, and others have been reviewed. However, CC impacts on soil physical properties, which affect the soil's ability to perform a variety of soil ecosystem services, have not been synthesized. We reviewed 98 peer‐reviewed publications up to 10 June 2020 on CCs and soil physical properties. Our review indicates that, in most studies, CCs reduce soil penetration resistance or compaction by 0–29% (average, 5%). They improve wet aggregate stability by 0–95% (average, 16%) and cumulative infiltration by 0–190% (average, 43%) but have negligible impacts on bulk density, dry aggregate stability, saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), unsaturated hydraulic conductivity (Kunsat), volumetric water content at −10 to −33 kPa matric potential (field capacity), and plant available water. Soils under CCs can be cooler in daytime and warmer at nighttime, and warmer in winter and cooler in the rest of year. Volumetric heat capacity increases and thermal diffusivity decreases, indicating that CCs could moderate heat transport rate. Soil texture, tillage system, CC‐derived soil C concentration, and CC duration affect CC impacts on physical properties. For example, the positive impacts from CCs can increase as CC management duration increases and combining CCs with no‐till can improve water infiltration more than with tilled soils. Long‐term data on hydraulic properties, thermal properties, dry aggregate stability, and pore‐size distribution are scant. In general, CCs improve most soil physical properties, but the magnitude of improvement is highly site‐ and management specific.
Insight into Temperature Dependency and Design of Experiments towards Process Development for Cysteine‐Based Antibody‐Drug Conjugates
Authors: Matsuda Yutaka , Tawfiq Zhala , Leung Monica , Mendelsohn Brian A.
Published: July 2020

In the synthetic organic community, antibody‐drug conjugates (ADCs) have become a popular topic of interest. The field is expanding beyond cytotoxic drug synthesis, and into other bioconjugation applications to have a greater impact on drug discovery and development. Bioconjugation chemistry is a complex domain for synthetic chemists, and there are limited published reports that can serve as guidance to overcome technical gaps between small molecule synthesis and large molecule bioconjugation to make ADCs. Here, we report a thorough evaluation of the temperature dependency for the tris‐(2‐carboxyethyl)‐phosphine (TCEP) reduction of antibody interchain disulfide bonds, which is a crucial step for creating cysteine‐conjugated ADCs. This investigation was conducted using three different antibodies with different isoelectric points, and under equivalent reaction conditions. Additionally, an initial stability assessment of the resulting ADCs was performed and revealed appropriate material storage conditions. The experimental data described herein can be a useful guide for synthetic organic chemists designing future ADC preparation processes.
Desulfurization Process and Kinetics of Fe/Activated Carbon Removal of H2S at Low Temperature
Authors: Zhang Yaolei , Zhang Zhihong , Liu Xuedong , Liu Lin , Peng Jian
Published: July 2020

Fe/activated carbon desulfurizer is prepared by precipitation method using activated carbon as carrier to remove H2S. The desulfurizer before and after desulfurization was characterized by XRD, XPS, SEM and N2 adsorption–desorption. The results show that the active component of desulfurizer is Fe2O3, which reacts with H2S to form FeS, elemental sulfur and Fe2(SO4)3. The sulfide block the pores, causing the specific surface area, pore volume and fractal dimension to decrease after desulfurization. The effects of gas flow rate, particle size and temperature on the removal of H2S were investigated by solid‐bed reactor. Based on the above experimental data, an improved unreacted shrinking core model is used to study the kinetics of Fe/activated carbon desulfurization at low temperature. The improved unreacted shrinking core model is used to analyzing experimental data, in which the activation energies of surface reaction and internal diffusion were determined to be 0.8801 and 3.301 kJ/mol, respectively.