bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ERBB2b mRNA isoform encodes a nuclear variant of the ERBB2 oncogene in breast cancer
Authors: Hua Guoqiang , Bergon Aurélie , Cauchy Pierre , Kahn‐Perlès Brigitte , Bertucci François , Birnbaum Daniel , Benkirane‐Jessel Nadia , Imbert Jean
Published: July 2020

The presence of nuclear ERBB2 receptor‐type tyrosine kinase is one of the causes of the resistance to membrane ERBB2‐targeted therapy in breast cancers. It has been previously reported that this nuclear location arises through at least two different mechanisms: proteolytic shedding of the extracellular domain of the full‐length receptor and translation of the messenger RNA (mRNA)‐encoding ERBB2 from internal initiation codons. Here, we report a new mechanism and function where a significant portion of nuclear ERBB2 results from the translation of the variant ERBB2 mRNA under the transcriptional control of a distal promoter that is actively used in breast cancer cells. We show that both membrane ERBB2a and nuclear ERBB2b isoforms are prevalently expressed in breast cancer cell lines and carcinoma samples. The ERBB2b isoform, which is translated from mRNA variant 2, can directly translocate into the nucleus due to the lack of the signal peptide which is required for an intermediate membrane location. Small interfering RNA‐mediated gene silencing showed that ERBB2b can repress ERBB2a expression, encoded by variant 1, whereas ERBB2a activates ERBB2b. Nuclear ERBB2 binding to its own promoter was revealed by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Altogether, our results provide new insights into the origin and function of nuclear ERBB2 where it can participate at the same time in a positive or a negative feedback autoregulatory loop, dependent on which of its promoters this bona fide transcription factor is acting. They also provide a new understanding for the resistance to therapies targeting the membrane‐anchored ERBB2 in breast cancer.
Caring for others without losing yourself: An adaptation of the Mindful Self‐Compassion Program for Healthcare Communities
Authors: Neff Kristin D. , Knox Marissa C. , Long Phoebe , Gregory Krista
Published: July 2020

Objective

Two studies examined the efficacy of the Self‐Compassion for Healthcare Communities (SCHC) program for enhancing wellbeing and reducing burnout among healthcare professionals.

Method

Study 1 (N = 58) had a quasi‐experimental design and compared wellbeing outcomes for the SCHC group compared to a waitlist control group. Study 2 (N = 23) did not include a control group and examined the effect of SCHC on burnout.

Results

Study 1 found that SCHC significantly increased self‐compassion and wellbeing. All gains were maintained for three months. Study 2 found that in addition to enhancing wellbeing, SCHC significantly reduced secondary traumatic stress and burnout. Changes in self‐compassion explained gains in other outcomes, and initial levels of self‐compassion moderated outcomes so that those initially low in self‐compassion benefitted more.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that the SCHC program may be an effective way to increase self‐compassion, enhance wellbeing, and reduce burnout for healthcare professionals.
Asymptomatic long‐segmental type A aortic dissection diagnosed by transthoracic echocardiography: A case report and literature review
Authors: Wang Jiwei , Yao Cai , Wu Yongbing , Lai Bin
Published: July 2020

Aortic dissection (AD) is a life‐threatening disease. Patients usually experience severe pain in the chest, back, or abdomen, but some patients report a variety of other symptoms without pain. Completely asymptomatic AD is sporadic and probably under‐recognized. The present study aimed to (a) report an extremely rare case of asymptomatic long‐segmental type A AD, wherein exaggeratedly low diastolic blood pressure and broad pulse pressure were the primary signs, and (b) summarize the clinical characteristics of asymptomatic AD through the literature review.
YTHDC1 gene polymorphisms and hepatoblastoma susceptibility in Chinese children: A seven‐center case–control study
Authors: Chen Huitong , Li Yong , Li Li , Zhu Jinhong , Yang Zhonghua , Zhang Jiao , Li Suhong , Xin Yijuan , Xia Huimin , He Jing
Published: July 2020

Background

Hepatoblastoma is a commonly occurring embryonal tumors in children. N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) plays a critical role in gene expression, thus contributing to the occurrence and progression of cancer. RNA splicing is regulated by the nuclear m6A reader YTHDC1, yet the roles of YTHDC1 polymorphisms in hepatoblastoma remain unclear.

Methods

We conducted a seven‐center case–control study to determine the association between YTHDC1 gene polymorphisms (rs2293596 T>C, rs2293595 T>C and rs3813832 T>C) and hepatoblastoma susceptibility. We recruited 313 hepatoblastoma patients and 1446 healthy controls.

Results

There was no significant association between all of these polymorphisms and hepatoblastoma susceptibility in single locus or combined analysis. Stratification analysis revealed that rs2293596 TC/CC genotype carriers had a higher risk of developing hepatoblastoma in the subgroup of clinical stages III + IV [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.18–2.76, p = 0.007]. In addition, 3 risk genotype carriers are more likely to develop hepatoblastoma in the subgroup of clinical stages III + IV (adjusted OR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.18–2.76, p = 0.007). Furthermore, false‐positive probability analysis was used to notarize our findings. Haplotype analysis indicated that there was no significant association between inferred haplotypes of YTHDC1 gene based on observed genotypes and hepatoblastoma risk.

Conclusions

In conclusion, our findings suggest that the rs2293596 T>C polymorphism may contribute to hepatoblastoma susceptibly and YTHDC1 gene polymorphisms may have a cumulative effect on hepatoblastoma risk.
Imaging Pulmonary Blood Flow Using Pseudocontinuous Arterial Spin Labeling (PCASL) With Balanced Steady‐State Free‐Precession (bSSFP) Readout at 1.5T
Authors: Seith Ferdinand , Pohmann Rolf , Schwartz Martin , Küstner Thomas , Othman Ahmed E. , Kolb Manuel , Scheffler Klaus , Nikolaou Konstantin , Schick Fritz , Martirosian Petros
Published: July 2020

Background

Quantitative assessment of pulmonary blood flow and visualization of its temporal and spatial distribution without contrast media is of clinical significance.

Purpose

To assess the potential of electrocardiogram (ECG)‐triggered pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling (PCASL) imaging with balanced steady‐state free‐precession (bSSFP) readout to measure lung perfusion under free‐breathing (FB) conditions and to study temporal and spatial characteristics of pulmonary blood flow.

Study Type

Prospective, observational.

Subjects

Fourteen volunteers; three patients with pulmonary embolism.

Field Strength/Sequences

1.5T, PCASL‐bSSFP.

Assessment

The pulmonary trunk was labeled during systole. The following examinations were performed: 1) FB and timed breath‐hold (TBH) examinations with a postlabeling delay (PLD) of 1000 msec, and 2) TBH examinations with multiple PLDs (100–1500 msec). Scan–rescan measurements were performed in four volunteers and one patient. Images were registered and the perfusion was evaluated in large vessels, small vessels, and parenchyma. Mean structural similarity indices (MSSIM) was computed and time‐to‐peak (TTP) of parenchymal perfusion in multiple PLDs was evaluated. Image quality reading was performed with three independent blinded readers.

Statistical Tests

Wilcoxon test to compare MSSIM, perfusion, and Likert scores. Spearman's correlation to correlate TTP and cardiac cycle duration. The repeatability coefficient (RC) and within‐subject coefficient of variation (wCV) for scan–rescan measurements. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for interreader agreement.

Results

Image registration resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) increase of MSSIM. FB perfusion values were 6% higher than TBH (3.28 ± 1.09 vs. 3.10 ± 0.99 mL/min/mL). TTP was highly correlated with individuals' cardiac cycle duration (Spearman = 0.89, P < 0.001). RC and wCV were better for TBH than FB (0.13–0.19 vs. 0.47–1.54 mL/min/mL; 6–7 vs. 19–60%). Image quality was rated very good, with ICCs 0.71–0.89.

Data Conclusion

ECG‐triggered PCASL‐bSSFP imaging of the lung at 1.5T can provide very good image quality and quantitative perfusion maps even under FB. The course of labeled blood through the lung shows a strong dependence on the individuals' cardiac cycle duration.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy Stage

2 J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2020;52:1767–1782.
Spin‐phonon coupling and two‐magnons scattering behaviors in hexagonal NiAs‐type antiferromagnetic MnTe epitaxial films
Authors: Zhang Jiyue , Lian Qin , Pan Zhiqiang , Bai Wei , Yang Jing , Zhang Yuanyuan , Tang Xiaodong , Chu Junhao
Published: July 2020

Temperature‐dependent Raman scattering spectra of NiAs‐type MnTe epitaxial films were measured to explore the temperature evolution of phonon modes and especially the spin‐phonon coupling across Néel temperature (TN). A significant deviation from an anharmonic mode below TN strongly supports the existence of spin‐phonon interaction, and its coupling strength is calculated to be approximately −0.16 cm−1 from the E2g phonon. Two‐magnons (2M) scattering is found, which is proposed to closely relate to the nearest neighbor (NN) exchange interaction. These data elucidate the nature of the spin‐phonon coupling in antiferromagnetic (AFM) MnTe and can avail to develop MnTe‐based AFM spintronic devices.
Theoretical study on the HACA chemistry of naphthalenyl radicals and acetylene: The formation of C12H8, C14H8, and C14H10 species
Authors: Chu Te‐Chun , Smith Mica C. , Yang Jeehyun , Liu Mengjie , Green William H.
Published: July 2020

The hydrogen‐abstraction‐C2H2‐addition (HACA) chemistry of naphthalenyl radicals has been studied extensively, but there is a significant discrepancy in product distributions reported or predicted in literature regarding appearance of C14H8 and C14H10 species. Starting from ab initio calculations, a comprehensive theoretical model describing the HACA chemistry of both 1‐ and 2‐naphthalenyl radicals is generated. Pressure‐dependent kinetics are considered in the C12H9, C14H9, and C14H11 potential energy surfaces including formally direct well‐skipping pathways. On the C12H9 PES, reaction pathways were found connecting two entry points: 1‐naphthalenyl (1‐C10H7) + acetylene (C2H2) and 2‐C10H7 + C2H2. A significant amount of acenaphthylene is predicted to be formed from 2‐C10H7 + C2H2, and the appearance of C14H8 isomers is predicted in the model simulation, consistent with high‐temperature experimental results from Parker et al. At 1500 K, 1‐C10H7 + C2H2 mostly generates acenaphthylene through a formally direct pathway, which predicted selectivity of 66% at 30 Torr and 56% at 300 Torr. The reaction of 2‐C10H7 with C2H2 at 1500 K yields 2‐ethynylnaphthalene as the most dominant product, followed by acenaphthylene mainly generated via isomerization of 2‐C10H7 to 1‐C10H7. Both the 1‐C10H7 and 2‐C10H7 reactions with C2H2 form some C14H8 products, but negligible phenanthrene and anthracene formation is predicted at 1500 K. A rate‐of‐production analysis reveals that C14H8 formation is strongly affected by the rates of H‐abstraction from acenaphthylene, 1‐ethynylnaphthalene, and 2‐ethynylnaphthalene, so the kinetics of these reactions are accurately calculated at the high level G3(MP2,CC)//B3LYP/6‐311G** level of theory. At intermediate temperatures like 800 K, acenaphthylene + H are the leading bimolecular products of 1‐C10H7 + C2H2, and 1‐acenaphthenyl radical is the most abundant C12H9 isomer due to its stability. The predicted product distribution of 2‐C10H7 + C2H2 at 800 K, in contrast to the results of Parker et al is predicted to consist primarily of species containing three fused benzene rings—for example, phenanthrene and anthracene—as the leading products, indicating HACA chemistry is valid from two to three ring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons under some conditions. Further experiments are needed for validation.
Adverse Event Reporting in Otolaryngology
Authors: Pereira Nicola M. , Sclafani Anthony P. , Kacker Ashutosh
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Adverse events are common occurrences in hospitals that detract from quality of care. There are few data on errors in otolaryngology (ENT) and even fewer data comparing ENT to other services.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed adverse event data collected across a regional hospital network from July 2014 to August 2017. We examined categories of adverse events that occurred most commonly in ENT and compared the number of adverse events reported in ENT to those reported across all other departments. Descriptive analysis and the paired t test were used to analyze the data.

Results

Two hundred ninety‐one adverse events were reported in ENT departments during the period studied compared to 58,219 events reported across all other specialties. In ENT, the most commonly reported adverse events occurred in the perioperative setting, followed by issues regarding equipment and medical devices and, lastly, airway management. Across all other departments, the most common categories included medication and fluid errors, falls, and safety and security events. ENT departments had significantly higher proportions of perioperative and airway management errors and significantly lower proportions of events related to diagnosis and treatment (P = .004), falls (P < .001), lab results and specimens (P = .001), medication and fluids (P < .001), and safety and security (P < .001).

Conclusion

Perioperative and airway management errors occur with a statistically higher frequency in ENT compared to other in‐patient and out‐patient departments across hospitals. It is important to analyze adverse event reporting in surgical specialties to ensure the development of appropriate quality initiatives.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:509–512, 2021
Antioxidative, ACE inhibitory and antibacterial activities of soy milk fermented by indigenous strains of lactobacilli
Authors: Singh Brij Pal , Bhushan Bharat , Vij Shilpa
Published: July 2020

Soy milk, a derivative of soybean, is an alternative to dairy beverage, but its acceptability is limited worldwide due to unpleasant beany flavour. Fermentation may, however, improve the nutritional and sensory values of soy milk. Thus, post‐fermentation improvement in functional attributes of soy milk were investigated via antioxidant, ACE inhibitory, and antimicrobial activities in this study using five test and one control strains of lactobacilli. Results indicated that soy milk fermented by Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain C25 (LR C25) effectively scavenged more than 60% of the ABTS, DPPH and Hydroxyl radicals generated in in vitro models. Moreover, all the strains showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) antioxidant activity as compared to unfermented soy milk in all three assays performed. Further, Lactobacillus plantarum strain C6 (LP C6) fermented soy milk displayed significantly higher (p < 0.05) percent ACE inhibitory activity (68.40 ± 0.93%) as compared to other tested Lactobacillus isolates, reference strain and unfermented soy milk. It was also observed that LP C6 strongly inhibited the growth of indicator strain of E. coli in the agar well diffusion assay. These strains can therefore be further explored in the preparation of beneficial soy foods and bioactive food supplements for wellbeing.
Combined use of radiocarbon and stable carbon isotopes for the source mixing model in a stream food web
Authors: Ishikawa Naoto F. , Finlay Jacques C. , Uno Hiromi , Ogawa Nanako O. , Ohkouchi Naohiko , Tayasu Ichiro , Power Mary E.
Published: July 2020

Radiocarbon natural abundance (Δ14C) has emerged as a useful dietary tracer in freshwater ecology for the past decade, yet its applicability for separating aquatic and terrestrial resources has not been examined quantitatively. Here, we report Δ14C values of stream invertebrates in different functional feeding groups collected from the upper South Fork Eel River watershed, northern California. We found that algae‐grazing insect larvae show low Δ14C values (−43.1 ± 21.8‰, mean ± standard deviation, N = 6), reflecting the signal of dissolved inorganic carbon weathered from ancient inorganic carbon or respiration of old organic carbon. In contrast, the Δ14C values of leaf‐shredding insect larvae (21.7 ± 31.9‰, N = 5) were close to those of contemporary atmospheric CO2 except at the SF Eel River where algal production was highest. The Δ14C values of predators (−6.1 ± 35.7‰, N = 14) were intermediate between those of grazers and shredders. In a Bayesian mixing model, Δ14C provided a more ecologically realistic estimate for terrestrial vs. aquatic source contributions to invertebrates with lower uncertainty (i.e., narrower credible interval) than did the stable carbon isotopes (δ13C). These results demonstrate that Δ14C can be used, in combination with δ13C, to more precisely estimate organic matter sources to stream animals.
Influence of Chemical and Physical Change of Pollen Microgels on Swelling/De‐Swelling Behavior
Authors: Fan Teng‐Fei , Hwang Youngkyu , Ibrahim Mohammed Shahrudin , Ferracci Gaia , Cho Nam‐Joon
Published: July 2020

Pollen, the male microgametophyte of seed plants, is commonly used as a food and health supplement. Here, a facile method to transform sunflower pollen into pH‐responsive microgels with tailored properties is presented. The structure and morphology of the pollen microgel are characterized by scanning electron microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and dynamic image particle analysis based on potassium hydroxide treatment with various incubation time and concentration. These pollen microgels exhibit significant volume change under different pH conditions and Ca+/ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid treatment. The results describe the fundamental properties of pollen microgels and pave the way for its future applications, such as “smart” drug carriers.
(Epi)genetic profiling of extraembryonic and postnatal tissues from female monozygotic twins discordant for Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome
Authors: Fontana Laura , Bedeschi Maria F. , Cagnoli Giulia A. , Costanza Jole , Persico Nicola , Gangi Silvana , Porro Matteo , Ajmone Paola F. , Colapietro Patrizia , Santaniello Carlo , Crippa Milena , Sirchia Silvia M. , Miozzo Monica , Tabano Silvia
Published: July 2020

Background

Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is an overgrowth disorder caused by defects at the 11p15.5 imprinted region. Many cases of female monozygotic (MZ) twins discordant for BWS have been reported, but no definitive conclusions have been drawn regarding the link between epigenetic defects, twinning process, and gender. Here, we report a comprehensive characterization and follow‐up of female MZ twins discordant for BWS.

Methods

Methylation pattern at 11p15.5 and multilocus methylation disturbance (MLID) profiling were performed by pyrosequencing and MassARRAY in placental/umbilical cord samples and postnatal tissues. Whole‐exome sequencing was carried out to identify MLID causative mutations. X‐chromosome inactivation (XCI) was determined by HUMARA test.

Results

Both twins share KCNQ1OT1:TSS‐DMR loss of methylation (LOM) and MLID in blood and the epigenetic defect remained stable in the healthy twin over time. KCNQ1OT1:TSS‐DMRLOM was nonhomogeneously distributed in placental samples and the twins showed the same severely skewed XCI pattern. No MLID‐causative mutations were identified.

Conclusion

This is the first report on BWS‐discordant twins with methylation analyses extended to extraembryonic tissues. The results suggest that caution is required when attempting prenatal diagnosis in similar cases. Although the causative mechanism underlying LOM remains undiscovered, the XCI pattern and mosaic LOM suggest that both twinning and LOM/MLID occurred after XCI commitment.
Disjunctive total domination stability in graphs
Authors: Çiftçi Canan
Published: July 2020

A set S⊆V(G) is a disjunctive total dominating set of G if every vertex has a neighbor in S or has at least two vertices in S at distance two from it. The minimum cardinality of such a set is equal to the disjunctive total domination number. A non‐isolating set of vertices of a graph is a set whose removal forms a graph with no isolated vertex. We define the disjunctive total domination stability of G as the minimum size of a non‐isolating set of vertices in G whose removal changes (increases or decreases) the disjunctive total domination number. In this paper, we determine the exact values of disjunctive total domination stability of some special graphs and some trees. Moreover, we give some properties about vertices that change the disjunctive total domination number.
Macromolecular proton fraction mapping based on spin‐lock magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Hou Jian , Wong Vincent Wai‐Sun , Jiang Baiyan , Wang Yi‐Xiang , Wong Grace Lai‐Hung , Chan Anthony Wing‐Hung , Chu Winnie Chiu‐Wing , Chen Weitian
Published: July 2020

Purpose

In MRI, the macromolecular proton fraction (MPF) is a key parameter of magnetization transfer (MT). It represents the relative amount of immobile protons associated with semi‐solid macromolecules involved in MT with free water protons. We aim to quantify MPF based on spin‐lock MRI and explore its advantages over the existing MPF‐mapping methods.

Methods

In the proposed method, termed MPF quantification based on spin‐lock (MPF‐SL), off‐resonance spin‐lock is used to sensitively measure the MT effect. MPF‐SL is designed to measure a relaxation rate (Rmpfsl) that is specific to the MT effect by removing the R1ρ relaxation due to the mobile water and chemical exchange pools. A theory is derived to quantify MPF from the measured Rmpfsl. No prior knowledge of tissue relaxation parameters, including T1 or T2, is needed to quantify MPF using MPF‐SL. The proposed approach is validated with Bloch‐McConnell simulations, phantom, and in vivo liver studies at 3.0T.

Results

Both Bloch‐McConnell simulations and phantom experiments show that MPF‐SL is insensitive to variations of the mobile water pool and the chemical exchange pool. MPF‐SL is specific to the MT effect and can measure MPF reliably. In vivo liver studies show that MPF‐SL can be used to detect collagen deposition in patients with liver fibrosis.

Conclusion

A novel MPF imaging method based on spin‐lock MRI is proposed. The confounding factors are removed, and the measurement is specific to the MT effect. It holds promise for MPF‐sensitive diagnostic imaging in clinical settings.
Communication experiences of family caregivers of hospitalized adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities—A qualitative study
Authors: Charles Marie Lourdes
Published: July 2020

Aim

To explore communication experiences between family caregivers of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and healthcare personnel during hospitalization.

Design

A qualitative descriptive study approach with interviews of family caregivers was used.

Method

Face‐to‐face, semi‐structured interviews were conducted from June–September 2015 with ten family caregivers of adults with I/DD. Participants were recruited through an advocacy organization in the north‐eastern United States. Data were analysed by content analysis. The Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research was the chosen checklist.

Results

The four overarching themes: “Need for Advocacy”; “Need for Better Communication”; “Sense of Abandonment”; and “Lack of Confidence” along with 12 subthemes were identified. Overall, participants reported miscommunications leading to instances of mistrust in hospital staff's competence to deliver quality patient care.
A multicomponent integrative intervention to slow down the progression of mild cognitive impairment: A protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lyu Qiyuan , Cheung Daphne S. K. , Lai Huilan , Wang Xiaomeng , Qiu Jing , Huang Yuanqiu , Zeng Yingchun
Published: July 2020

Mild cognitive impairment affects 36% of people aged 65 years and over in China, and around 50% transition from mild cognitive impairment to dementia within 3 years. Early intervention can slow down disease progression and thus delay dementia onset. The purpose of this article is to outline the protocol of an ongoing randomized controlled trial in mainland China that will evaluate the effects and feasibility of a 6‐month multicomponent integrative intervention on the speed of progression of mild cognitive impairment to dementia. Ninety‐six community‐dwelling older adults, aged 65 years and older, will be recruited (recruitment will be completed in May 2020), using strict inclusion/exclusion criteria, from two community health service centers in Guangzhou, Guangdong province. Participants will be allocated to receive either the multicomponent integrative intervention or usual care. The core components of the intervention are cognitive training, dietary instruction, physical activity, and management of vascular risk factors. Data are collected at the beginning of the study, then at 1, 3, and 6 months. The primary outcome is cognitive function. The main secondary outcomes are exercise capacity, comprehensive physical capacity, depression, and quality of life. An intention‐to‐treat analysis will be conducted. The study will be completed in 2021. The multicomponent integrative intervention detailed in this protocol could be incorporated into dementia prevention programs in community health service centers, or other similar settings, to delay the onset of dementia.
A longitudinal comparison of health‐related quality of life in rural and urban recipients of left ventricular assist devices
Authors: Alonso Windy W. , Faulkner Kenneth M. , Pozehl Bunny J. , Hupcey Judith E. , Kitko Lisa A. , Lee Christopher S.
Published: July 2020

Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) are a common treatment for advanced heart failure (HF) to improve ventricular function, symptoms, and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL). Many LVAD recipients travel long distances from rural areas for LVAD implantation and follow‐up care. Individuals with HF in rural settings who have not undergone LVAD implantation have reported poor HRQOL. However, to date, no studies have compared HF‐specific or generic HRQOL in rural and urban LVAD recipients. The purpose of this study was to compare generic and HF‐specific HRQOL longitudinally from preimplantation to 1‐, 3‐, and 6‐ months postimplant in a cohort of rural and urban LVAD recipients (n = 95; rural n = 32 and urban n = 63). We measured generic HRQOL using the European Quality of Life Visual Analog Scale and HF‐specific HRQOL with the quality of life domain of the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ). Latent growth curve modeling identified two phases of change in generic and HF‐specific HRQOL: the initial response to LVAD between preimplantation and 1‐month postimplant and the subsequent change between 1‐ and 6‐months postimplant. Comparable improvements in generic HRQOL were noted in rural and urban LVAD recipients during both phases of change. Urban LVAD recipients had greater initial improvements in HF‐specific HRQOL (KCCQ) compared with rural recipients (13.0 ± 5.6, p = .02), but subsequent improvements were similar among rural and urban recipients. Ongoing assessment of generic and HF‐specific HRQOL is necessary during LVAD therapy.
Electrical and optical properties of novel brilliant cresyl blue dye‐doped poly(methyl methacrylate) as selective cut‐off laser filters
Authors: El‐Gamal S , Ismail A M
Published: July 2020

Dye doped polymer films of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and brilliant cresyl blue (BCB) dye were synthesized using the solution casting technique. This work aims to investigate the influence of BCB dye doping on the structural, optical, dielectric and mechanical properties of PMMA. XRD reveals an increase in PMMA amorphicity with BCB loading. This suggests the solubility of BCB dye within PMMA. Fourier transform IR confirms the interaction between BCB dye and PMMA. The transmittance T of PMMA decreases with BCB doping and the cut‐off transmission occurs in the ranges 200–366 nm and 560–660 nm for 2 wt% BCB doped film. The absorbance of PMMA deceases with λ and loading BCB creates many absorption edges. The optical bandgaps of dye doped films are lower than that of PMMA. Urbach's energy increases from 0.52 to 0.86 eV on BCB doping. The dielectric constant ε′, dielectric loss ε″ and AC conductivity σac at room temperature as a function of frequency f, 100 Hz to1.0 MHz, and the doping level were studied. Loading dye increases σac to higher values. The optical limiting results indicate that the dye doped films are highly attenuated for a laser beam of 638.2 nm. The dye incorporation enhances the mechanical performance of PMMA. It increases Young's modulus, tensile strength and elongation at break, which boosts the use of 1 wt% BCB doped film as a flexible laser attenuator. The excellent characteristics of novel BCB dye doped PMMA films present them as cut‐off laser filters, laser attenuators, optoelectronic devices or in the semiconductor industry. © 2020 Society of Industrial Chemistry
Absorber composition: A critical parameter for the effectiveness of heat treatments in chalcopyrite solar cells
Authors: Sood Mohit , Elanzeery Hossam , Adeleye Damilola , Lomuscio Alberto , Werner Florian , Ehre Florian , Melchiorre Michele , Siebentritt Susanne
Published: July 2020

Post‐device heat treatment (HT) in chalcopyrite [Cu (In,Ga)(S,Se)2] solar cells is known to improve the performance of the devices. However, this HT is only beneficial for devices made with absorbers grown under Cu‐poor conditions but not under Cu excess. We present a systematic study to understand the effects of HT on CuInSe2 and CuInS2 solar cells. The study is performed for CuInSe2 solar cells grown under Cu‐rich and Cu‐poor chemical potential prepared with both CdS and Zn(O,S) buffer layers. In addition, we also study Cu‐rich CuInS2 solar cells prepared with the suitable Zn(O,S) buffer layer. For Cu‐poor selenide device, low‐temperature HT leads to passivation of bulk, whereas in Cu‐rich devices, no such passivation was observed. The Cu‐rich devices are hampered by a large shunt. The HT decreases shunt resistance in Cu‐rich selenides, whereas it increases shunt resistance in Cu‐rich sulfides. The origin of these changes in device performance was investigated with capacitance–voltage measurement, which shows the considerable decrease in carrier concentration with HT in Cu‐poor CuInSe2, and temperature‐dependent current–voltage measurements show the presence of barrier for minority carriers. Together with numerical simulations, these findings support a highly doped interfacial p+ layer device model in Cu‐rich selenide absorbers and explain the discrepancy between Cu‐poor and Cu‐rich device performance. Our findings provide insights into how the same treatment can have a completely different effect on the device depending on the composition of the absorber.
Hydrocarbon separations by glassy polymer membranes
Authors: Iyer Gaurav M. , Liu Lu , Zhang Chen
Published: July 2020

Polymers are unarguably the most broadly used membrane materials for molecular separations and beyond. Motivated by the commercial success of membrane‐based desalination and permanent gas separations, glassy polymer membranes are increasingly being studied for hydrocarbon separations. They represent a class of challenging yet economically impactful bulk separations extensively practiced in the refining and petrochemical industry. This review discusses recent developments in membrane‐based hydrocarbon separations using glassy polymer membranes relying on the sorption‐diffusion mechanism. Hydrocarbon separations by both diffusion‐selective and sorption‐selective glassy polymer membranes are considered. Opinions on the likelihoods of large‐scale implementation are provided for selected hydrocarbon pairs. Finally, a discussion of the challenges and outlook of glassy polymer membrane‐based hydrocarbon separations is presented.
The Cytotoxicity of Metal Nanoparticles Depends on Their Synergistic Interactions
Authors: Korzeniowska Barbara , Fonseca Micaella P. , Gorshkov Vladimir , Skytte Lilian , Rasmussen Kaare L. , Schrøder Henrik D. , Kjeldsen Frank
Published: July 2020

With a steady growth in use of engineered nanoparticles (NPs) in consumer products the unintended exposure to humans has increased. The risks associated with introduction of NPs in the environment have been widely investigated, but mostly for single type of NPs. Herein, a single NP and NP co‐exposure study is reported: the cellular effects of silver and platinum NPs on the main components of the blood–brain barrier, human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells, and human primary astrocytes. The synergy is quantitatively evaluated as per the Chou–Talalay method. NP co‐exposure synergistically inhibits proliferation of both cell types, to a greater extent for endothelial cells. In addition, astrocytes are more tolerant to NPs. The mechanism of synergy with short‐duration incubation time points (up to 30 min) is further explored. Although intracellular trafficking studies and quantitative assessments of NP uptake does not explain the mechanisms of synergistic cytotoxicity, a proteomics analysis suggests that it arises from activation of an immune modulating response and deregulation of the extracellular matrix organization. The substantial synergetic effects in the co‐exposure studies highlight the importance of this work in relation to assessment of the health risks associated with nanomaterials.
Detection of circlelike overlapping objects in thermal spray images
Authors: Kirchhoff Dominik , Kuhnt Sonja , Bloch Louise , Müller Christine H.
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we present a new algorithm for the detection of distorted and overlapping circlelike objects in noisy grayscale images. Its main step is an edge detection using rotated difference kernel estimators. To the resulting estimated edge points, circles are fitted in an iterative manner using a circular clustering algorithm. A new measure of similarity can assess the performance of algorithms for the detection of circlelike objects, even if the number of detected circles does not coincide with the number of true circles.

We apply the algorithm to scanning electron microscope images of a high‐velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) spray process, which is a popular coating technique. There, a metal powder is fed into a jet, gets accelerated and heated up by means of a mixture of oxygen and fuel, and finally deposits as coating upon a substrate. If the process is stopped before a continuous layer is formed, the molten metal powder solidifies in form of small, almost circular so‐called splats, which vary with regard to their shape, size, and structure and can overlap each other. As these properties are challenging for existing image processing algorithms, engineers analyze splat images manually up to now.

We further compare our new algorithm with a baseline approach that uses the Laplacian of Gaussian blob detection. It turns out that our algorithm performs better on a set of test images of round, spattered, and overlapping circles.
Physical engineering of an island‐braided river by two riparian tree species: Evidence from aerial images and airborne lidar
Authors: Bertoldi Walter , Gurnell Angela M.
Published: July 2020

Following a review of the European distribution, habitat requirements and life history characteristics of two riparian tree species, Alnus incana (L.) Moench (grey alder, a member of the Betulaceae family) and Populus nigra L. (black poplar, a member of the Salicaceae family), we explore their changing spatial distribution and topographic position within a 7 km, island braided reach of the Tagliamento River, Italy, where Populus nigra dominates the woody vegetation cover. Combining field observations and information extracted from aerial images, airborne lidar data and river flow time series for the period 1986–2017, we investigate (a) the changing spatial distribution of all (P. nigra‐dominated) woody vegetation and of A. incana alone; (b) whether river bed topography can be associated with these changing spatial distributions and (c) we consider whether A. incana displays any particular characteristics in its spatial and topographic distribution that may indicate that it is complementing the physical engineering role of P. nigra. We show that A. incana predominantly grows in lines along channel, island and floodplain edges, bordering wooded areas dominated by P. nigra and that areas supporting A. incana are associated with the topographic development of the river bed. We conclude that A. incana appears to be acting as a complementary physical engineer to P. nigra, suggesting that similar complementary physical engineering of river beds may be achieved by species with different life history traits to influence landform development in other river environments.
An efficient ID‐based cryptographic technique using IFP and GDLP
Authors: Meshram Chandrashekhar , Ibrahim Rabha W. , Meshram Sarita Gajbhiye , Kalare Kailash W. , Bagde Sunil D.
Published: July 2020

Implementing an improved ID‐based cryptographic mechanism is the main objective of the proposed work. In this article, an ID‐based cryptographic (IBC) technique using generalized discrete logarithm problem (GDLP) and the integer factorization problem (IFP) presented by Meshram et al have improved. Meshram et al have given IBC technique without using the bilinear pair and also, reveal that their technique can attain data protection and security objectives. Besides, their technique will deter the adversary from eavesdropping the encrypted information or the secret key of the user. However, it has found that their system carries a deadlock problem. Encryption process, as expected by the user, is not guaranteed to be secure. It is because the user may require private information about key authentication center (KAC), which has kept secret from users. Pang et al have proposed an improved technique that overcomes the deadlock problem. It has found that Pang et al have not discussed the analysis and proofs of security. In this article, generalized discrete logarithms in multiplicative group over finite fields and IFP have used to improve the technique and also a key distribution system has discussed. It has analyzed that the proposed strategy is safer than the technique described by Pang et al. Also, it has found that the proposed technique addresses the deadlock problem.
Allogeneic adipose-derived stem cells promote ischemic muscle repair by inducing M2 macrophage polarization via the HIF-1α/IL-10 pathway
Authors: Liu Junchao , Qiu Peng , Qin Jinbao , Wu Xiaoyu , Wang Xin , Yang Xinrui , Li Bo , Zhang Wenjie , Ye Kaichuang , Peng Zhiyou , Lu Xinwu
Published: July 2020

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) are multipotent stromal cells that possess considerable therapeutic potential for tissue remodeling. However, their protective mechanism in critical limb ischemia has not been fully defined. After the occlusion of blood vessels, hypoxia becomes a prominent feature of the ischemic limb. This study investigated the immunomodulatory effect of ASCs on ischemic muscle repair and explored the specific mechanism. We found that the ability of RAW264.7 cells to migrate was impaired in hypoxia, whereas coculturing with ASCs could enhance the migration capacity. In addition, under hypoxic conditions, the paracrine effect of ASCs was enhanced and ASCs could induce RAW264.7 macrophages toward the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. We further demonstrated that ASCs-derived interleukin 10 (IL-10), mediated by hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), played a crucial role in the induction of M2 macrophages by activating the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)/Arginase (Arg-1) pathway. Our in vivo experiments revealed that transplanted ASCs exhibited an immunomodulatory effect by recruiting macrophages to ischemic muscle and increasing the density of M2 macrophages. The transplantation of ASCs into ischemic limbs induced increased blood flow reperfusion and limb salvage rate, whereas the depletion of tissue macrophages or transplanting HIF-1α-silenced ASCs inhibited the therapeutic effect. These findings elucidated the critical role of macrophages in ASCs-mediated ischemic muscle repair and proved that allogeneic ASCs could exert the protective effect by enhancing the recruitment of macrophages and inducing macrophages toward M2 phenotype through HIF-1α/IL-10 pathway.
The context dependence of physics identity: Examining the role of performance/competence, recognition, interest, and sense of belonging for lower and upper female physics undergraduates
Authors: Hazari Zahra , Chari Deepa , Potvin Geoff , Brewe Eric
Published: July 2020

While there is a growing body of work that examines disciplinary identity development, unlike qualitative work in this area, quantitative research has not fully incorporated the importance of different contexts, nor has it uniquely focused on underrepresented groups (in this case, women in physics). This study examines how the constructs posited by prior work as important for physics identity, as well as an additional theorized construct, may interrelate and affect female students' physics identity differently depending on the context. Context in this study refers to two different experiential levels in college. The constructs examined include performance/competence, recognition, and interest, as well as sense of belonging. In particular, we used structural equation modeling to examine the effect that these constructs have on the physics identity of two groups of female physics undergraduates: first year students and senior year students. The results reveal that the relationship of the theorized constructs with physics identity vary between the two groups as well as compared to prior research with broad college student populations (not just physics majors). Unlike broad college student populations, for our sample of female physics undergraduates, interest did not have a direct effect on physics identity while sense of belonging was significant only for senior year students. These results exemplify the importance of examining context or different types of student experiences when studying disciplinary identity development rather than generalizing previous frameworks to all contexts.
Real‐time three‐dimensional (3D) echocardiographic characterisation of an atrial septal defect in a horse
Authors: Redpath Adam , Marr Celia M , Bullard Caroline , Hallowell Gayle D
Published: July 2020

Atrial septal defects have been well reported in humans and dogs and the principles of intervention have been well established. In contrast, there is very little information published about these congenital anomalies in horses. True ASDs are regarded as rare and little is known about the clinical significance of these defects in horses. An 11‐year‐old Thoroughbred gelding with a history of poor performance was diagnosed with an atrial septal defect, measuring approximately 2 cm in diameter, on 2D transthoracic echocardiography. Real‐time three‐dimensional (3D) echocardiography was used to map the structure of the defect and was useful in fully characterising the ASD in this case.
Robust structural control of an underactuated floating wind turbine
Authors: Zhang Yangming , Zhao Xiaowei , Wei Xing
Published: July 2020

This paper investigates the dynamic modeling and robust control of an underactuated floating wind turbine for vibration suppression. The offshore wind turbine is equipped with a tuned mass damper on the floating platform. The Lagrange's equation is employed to establish the limited degree‐of‐freedom dynamic model. A novel disturbance observer‐based hierarchical sliding mode control system is developed for mitigating loads of the underactuated floating wind turbine. In the proposed control scheme, two prescribed performance nonlinear disturbance observers are developed to estimate and counteract unknown disturbances, where the load induced by wave is considered as a mismatched disturbance while the load caused by wind is treated as a matched disturbance. The hierarchical sliding mode controller regulates the states of such an underactuated nonlinear system. In particular, the first‐order sliding mode differentiator is used to avoid the tedious analytic computation in the sliding mode control design. The stability of the whole closed‐loop system is rigorously analyzed, and some sufficient conditions are derived to guarantee the convergence of the states for the considered system. Numerical simulations deployed on both the design model and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory 5‐MW wind turbine model are provided, which demonstrate great effectiveness and strong robustness of the proposed control scheme.
Blunt thoracic aortic injury and TEVAR: long-term outcomes and health-related quality of life
Authors: Hundersmarck Dennis , van der Vliet Quirine M. J. , Winterink Lotte M. , Leenen Luke P. H. , van Herwaarden Joost A. , Hazenberg Constantijn E. V. B. , Hietbrink Falco
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Treatment of blunt thoracic aortic injuries (BTAIs) has shifted from the open surgical approach to the use of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), of which early outcomes appear promising but controversy regarding long-term outcomes remains. The goal of this study was to determine the long-term TEVAR outcomes for BTAI, particularly radiographic outcomes, complications and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Methods

Retrospectively, all patients with BTAIs presented at a single level 1 trauma center between January 2008 and December 2018 were included. Radiographic and clinical outcomes were determined (early and long term). In addition, HRQoL scores using EuroQOL-5-Dimensions-3-Level (EQ-5D-3L) and Visual Analog Scale (EQ-VAS) questionnaires were assessed, and compared to an age-adjusted reference and trauma population.

Results

Thirty-one BTAI patients met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 19/31 received TEVAR of which three died in hospital due to aorta-unrelated causes. In total, 10/31 patients died due to severe (associated) injuries before TEVAR could be attempted. The remaining 2/31 had BTAIs that did not require TEVAR. Stent graft implantation was successful in all 19 patients (100%). At a median radiographic follow-up of 3 years, no stent graft-related problems (endoleaks/fractures) were observed. However, one patient experienced acute stent graft occlusion approximately 2 years after TEVAR, successfully treated with open repair. Twelve patients required complete stent graft coverage of the left subclavian artery (LSCA) (63%), which did not result in ischemic complaints or re-interventions. Of fourteen surviving TEVAR patients, ten were available for questionnaire follow-up (follow-up rate 71%). At a median follow-up of 5.7 years, significant HRQoL impairment was found (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

This study shows good long(er)-term radiographic outcomes of TEVAR for BTAIs. LSCA coverage did not result in complications. Patients experienced HRQoL impairment and were unable to return to an age-adjusted level of daily-life functioning, presumably due to concomitant orthopedic and neurological injuries.