bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Security of multimedia communication with game trick based fast, efficient, and robust color‐/gray‐scale image encryption algorithm
Authors: Khan Sajid , Lansheng Han , Qian Yekui , Lu Hongwei , Meng Jiao Shi
Published: July 2020

Freshly, an innumerable chaotic system based complex and more time‐consuming image encryption algorithms have been proposed. The majority of those have scrambling and diffusion like two phases or rounds before performing the actual encryption, which leads toward extra time consumption. So unlike those, this article presents a novel image encryption algorithm that is based on game trick. The proposed novel method is DNA based and it can accomplish dual function with one round, that is, scrambling for the bit planes and diffusion for the pixels, So we called it as DNA‐SPD. First of all, a random matrix equivalent to the size of the original image is generated through a python random array generator and seed value of the 512‐bit hexadecimal key of the original image. Second, it performs the pixel adaptive additions with MA between pixels of a plain image, random matrix, the integer value of the hash key entity, and the decimal number (DN). Third, it extracts each channel from the color image and convert it into the binary bit planes, then transformed it into the DNA bit planes through particular DNA rules. Finally, a universal DNA rule utilized to get back encrypted pixels. Various security analysis and comparison of projected results show that the proposed novel encryption method gives better results in a lesser amount of time. The proposed algorithm is robust against the well‐known and effective attacks, that is, known/chosen plaintext attacks, differential attacks, and the statistical attacks. Therefore, the proposed algorithm is more secure and reliable for the security of image communication.
Effect of washing, soaking, and cooking methods on perfluorinated compounds in mackerel (Scomber japonicus)
Authors: Kim Min‐Joo , Park Jihyun , Luo Li , Min Juhyun , Kim Jung Hoan , Yang Hee‐Deuk , Kho Younglim , Kang Gil Jin , Chung Myung‐Sub , Shin Sangah , Moon BoKyung
Published: July 2020

Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) are environmental pollutants, and dietary intake is a major route of human exposure to them. We aimed to see the effects of washing, soaking, and cooking (grilling, braising, frying, and steaming) on the change of PFCs in mackerel fillets and PFCs before and after each treatment were analyzed using LC‐MS/MS. Washing resulted in a decrease in the PFC content of mackerel (average 74%) comparing to control. Among the 19 PFCs detected, perfluorobutanoic acid and perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA) were found to be abundant after washing. Soaking mackerel in sake reduced its PFC content by 51%, whereas soaking in rice‐washed solution reduced by 80% comparing to control. All the four cooking methods were effective in reducing the PFC content of mackerel. The degree by which the PFC content decreased varied with the cooking method: grilling (91%), steaming (75%), frying (58%), and braising (47%) comparing to uncooked sample. In addition, when mackerel was braised with potato, PFCs decreased more in fillet than the ones without potato. PFCs in potato increased after cooking with mackerel. The excessive consumption through the mackerel was 0.1997 ng/kg bw/day and 0.7987 ng/kg bw/day, respectively. These exposure levels were well below the tolerable daily intake values of both compounds (PFOS, 150 ng/kg bw/day; PFOA, 1,500 ng/kg bw/day). The results of this study indicated that employing appropriate pretreatment and cooking methods could be an effective way to reduce the dietary exposure to PFCs in mackerel.
Genetic driver mutations introduced in identical cell‐of‐origin in murine glioblastoma reveal distinct immune landscapes but similar response to checkpoint blockade
Authors: Chen Zhihong , Herting Cameron J. , Ross James L. , Gabanic Ben , Puigdelloses Vallcorba Montse , Szulzewsky Frank , Wojciechowicz Megan L. , Cimino Patrick J. , Ezhilarasan Ravesanker , Sulman Erik P. , Ying Mingyao , Ma'ayan Avi , Read Renee D. , Hambardzumyan Dolores
Published: July 2020

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive primary brain tumor. In addition to being genetically heterogeneous, GBMs are also immunologically heterogeneous. However, whether the differences in immune microenvironment are driven by genetic driver mutation is unexplored. By leveraging the versatile RCAS/tv‐a somatic gene transfer system, we establish a mouse model for Classical GBM by introducing EGFRvIII expression in Nestin‐positive neural stem/progenitor cells in adult mice. Along with our previously published Nf1‐silenced and PDGFB‐overexpressing models, we investigate the immune microenvironments of the three models of human GBM subtypes by unbiased multiplex profiling. We demonstrate that both the quantity and composition of the microenvironmental myeloid cells are dictated by the genetic driver mutations, closely mimicking what was observed in human GBM subtypes. These myeloid cells express high levels of the immune checkpoint protein PD‐L1; however, PD‐L1 targeted therapies alone or in combination with irradiation are unable to increase the survival time of tumor‐bearing mice regardless of the driver mutations, reflecting the outcomes of recent human trials. Together, these results highlight the critical utility of immunocompetent mouse models for preclinical studies of GBM, making these models indispensable tools for understanding the resistance mechanisms of immune checkpoint blockade in GBM and immune cell‐targeting drug discovery.
Eyes wide shut: How visual cues affect brain patterns of simulated gait
Authors: Zapparoli Laura , Seghezzi Silvia , Sacheli Lucia Maria , Verga Chiara , Banfi Giuseppe , Paulesu Eraldo
Published: July 2020

In the last 20 years, motor imagery (MI) has been extensively used to train motor abilities in sport and in rehabilitation. However, MI procedures are not all alike as much as their potential beneficiaries. Here we assessed whether the addition of visual cues could make MI performance more comparable with explicit motor performance in gait tasks. With fMRI we also explored the neural correlates of these experimental manipulations. We did this in elderly subjects who are known to rely less on kinesthetic information while favoring visual strategies during motor performance. Contrary to expectations, we found that the temporal coupling between execution and imagery times, an index of the quality of MI, was less precise when participants were allowed to visually explore the environment. While the brain activation patterns of the gait motor circuits were very similar in both an open‐eyed and eye‐shut virtual walking MI task, these differed for a vast temporo‐occipito‐parietal additional activation for open‐eyed MI. Crucially, the higher was the activity in this posterior network, the less accurate was the MI performance with eyes open at a clinical test of gait. We conclude that both visually‐cued and internally‐cued MI are associated with the neurofunctional activation of a gait specific motor system. The less precise behavioral coupling between imagined and executed gait while keeping eyes open may be attributed to the processing load implied in visual monitoring and scanning of the environment. The implications of these observations for rehabilitation of gait with MI are discussed.
The European response to the WHO call to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem
Authors: Arbyn Marc , Gultekin Murat , Morice Philippe , Nieminen Pekka , Cruickshank Maggie , Poortmans Philip , Kelly Daniel , Poljak Mario , Bergeron Christine , Ritchie David , Schmidt Dietmar , Kyrgiou Maria , Van den Bruel Ann , Bruni Laia , Basu Partha , Bray Freddie , Weiderpass Elisabete
Published: July 2020

The age‐standardised incidence of cervical cancer in Europe varies widely by country (between 3 and 25/100000 women‐years) in 2018. Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine coverage is low in countries with the highest incidence and screening performance is heterogeneous among European countries. A broad group of delegates of scientific professional societies and cancer organisations endorse the principles of the WHO call to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem, also in Europe. All European nations should, by 2030, reach at least 90% HPV vaccine coverage among girls by the age of 15 years and also boys, if cost‐effective; they should introduce organised population‐based HPV‐based screening and achieve 70% of screening coverage in the target age group, providing also HPV testing on self‐samples for nonscreened or underscreened women; and to manage 90% of screen‐positive women. To guide member states, a group of scientific professional societies and cancer organisations engage to assist in the rollout of a series of concerted evidence‐based actions. European health authorities are requested to mandate a group of experts to develop the third edition of European Guidelines for Quality Assurance of Cervical Cancer prevention based on integrated HPV vaccination and screening and to monitor the progress towards the elimination goal. The occurrence of the COVID‐19 pandemic, having interrupted prevention activities temporarily, should not deviate stakeholders from this ambition. In the immediate postepidemic phase, health professionals should focus on high‐risk women and adhere to cost‐effective policies including self‐sampling.
Prediction of colorectal cancer risk based on profiling with common genetic variants
Authors: Li Xue , Timofeeva Maria , Spiliopoulou Athina , McKeigue Paul , He Yazhou , Zhang Xiaomeng , Svinti Victoria , Campbell Harry , Houlston Richard S. , Tomlinson Ian P. M. , Farrington Susan M. , Dunlop Malcolm G. , Theodoratou Evropi
Published: July 2020

Increasing numbers of common genetic variants associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) have been identified. Our study aimed to determine whether risk prediction based on common genetic variants might enable stratification for CRC risk. Meta‐analysis of 11 genome‐wide association studies comprising 16 871 cases and 26 328 controls was performed to capture CRC susceptibility variants. Genetic prediction models with several candidate polygenic risk scores (PRSs) were generated from Scottish CRC case‐control studies (6478 cases and 11 043 controls) and the score with the best performance was then tested in UK Biobank (UKBB) (4800 cases and 20 287 controls). A weighted PRS of 116 CRC single nucleotide polymorphisms (wPRS116) was found with the best predictive performance, reporting a c‐statistics of 0.60 and an odds ratio (OR) of 1.46 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.41‐1.50, per SD increase) in Scottish data set. The predictive performance of this wPRS116 was consistently validated in UKBB data set with c‐statistics of 0.61 and an OR of 1.49 (95% CI = 1.44‐1.54, per SD increase). Modeling the levels of PRS with age and sex in the general UK population shows that employing genetic risk profiling can achieve a moderate degree of risk discrimination that could be helpful to identify a subpopulation with higher CRC risk due to genetic susceptibility.
Cellular heterogeneity landscape in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Song Lianhao , Zhang Siwei , Yu Siyang , Ma Fen , Wang Bozhi , Zhang Congcong , Sun Ji , Mao Xionghui , Wei Lanlan
Published: July 2020

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is a highly malignant tumor originated from respiratory system. Although there have been many improvements in therapy until now, reducing the high mortality remains difficult. Understanding the cellular heterogeneity of LSCC could contribute to improve this problem. Single‐cell RNA sequencing was applied to dissect the cell composition and molecular characteristics of LSCC tissues. Immunohistochemistry staining of the LSCC tissues was performed to identify the spatial location of tumor cells. Survival analysis of marker genes was executed in The Cancer Genome Atlas to verify the correlation between each cell clusters and patients' prognosis. The LSCC tissue cells were finely grouped into various clusters, including tumor cells, immune cells, epithelial cells, fibroblasts and endothelial cells. Notably, in tumor cells, keratinocyte‐like cells were in the core of tumor while malignant proliferating cells were located at the tumor edge. The malignant proliferating cells were correlated with poor prognosis. In summary, this is the first study to delineate a landscape of the LSCC intratumor heterogeneity. Our work might help researchers have a better understanding for tumor progression.
OPECmeetings, oil market volatility and herding behaviour in the Saudi Arabia stock market
Authors: Gabbori Dina , Awartani Basel , Maghyereh Aktham , Virk Nader
Published: July 2020

We investigate the influence of oil market volatility and hand‐picked OPEC meetings data on herding tendency in the Saudi equity market. Our results show the presence of significant herding behaviour in the Saudi market; surprisingly this herding behaviour is independent of oil market volatility. Importantly, we find herding on and around the OPEC meeting days however this is only limited to a period of high global uncertainty that is, during the Global Financial Crisis period (GFC) of 2008–2010. However, when we filter out factor‐based herding in the Saudi equities, we also find persistent herding in the post GFC period. These results are consistent when we assess the impact of OPEC meetings using event windows of one to 5 days before and after the announcement. In consideration of the crucial role of OPEC in determining the oil prices, we explain our results of Saudi market herding on and around OPEC meeting days for the prior announcement ambiguity and corrections before, on and after the announcements on global supply. Our results show that this tendency has originated during the GFC, has persisted in the post‐GFC in the Saudi equities and surprisingly, is largely found absent in the periods when the Saudi equity market witnessed bullish market conditions. Our results are robust after accounting for common factor return variations in equity returns, the unconditional and conditional estimates of the volatility in oil prices and several event windows around OPEC meeting days.
Economic growth in China and its impact on international commodity prices
Authors: Ghoshray Atanu , Pundit Madhavi
Published: July 2020

Since the turn of the century, China has experienced economic growth that has called for rapid industrialisation, infrastructure growth and urbanisation, making China highly dependent on primary commodities. The resource intensive growth path followed by a slowdown in recent years has raised the question to what extent her demand for commodities can affect international commodity prices. To this end, recent studies have analysed the link between economic growth or slowdown on commodity prices using linear multivariate models. However, a problem is that commodity prices are known to be highly variable and characterised by multiple structural changes. With such characteristics of the data, it is likely to be the case one may obtain mis‐specified inferences from a linear multivariate framework. Accordingly, we make use of novel Flexible Fourier Form (FFF) econometric procedures to account for multiple breaks in the economic variables, which have better power and size properties over the standard linear models. We find that the persistence of economic variables employed in this study and their causal link are better approximated by such nonlinear FFF procedures. Our results show that there is evidence of short run predictability between selected commodity prices and economic growth in China. Further, the responses of different commodity prices to shocks in economic growth are quite profound especially for those cases where we find causal links with economic growth in China. While we find a significant impact of economic growth of China on commodity prices, the response varies for different commodities.
Role of second‐trimester uterine artery Doppler indices in the prediction of adverse pregnancy outcomes in a low‐risk population
Authors: Adefisan Adeyemi S. , Akintayo Akinyemi A. , Awoleke Jacob O. , Awolowo Anthony T. , Aduloju Olusola P.
Published: July 2020

Objective

To evaluate use of second‐trimester uterine artery Doppler velocimetry to predict adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Methods

A prospective longitudinal study among low‐risk nulliparous women with singleton pregnancies attending Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria, between July and December 2017. Uterine artery Doppler indices were measured at 22–26 gestational weeks. Resistance index (RI) of 0.58 or less and pulsatility index (PI) of 1.6 or less were considered normal. The ability of Doppler indices to predict adverse pregnancy outcomes was determined.

Results

Among 120 women, 73 (60.8%) women had at least one abnormal Doppler index and 50 (41.7%) at least one adverse pregnancy outcome. For pre‐eclampsia, sensitivity and specificity of RI were 40.0% and 37.3% (area under curve [AUC], 0.28), and those of PI were 20.0% and 89.1% (AUC, 0.33) respectively. For intrauterine growth restriction, sensitivity and specificity of RI were 23.1% and 34.6% (AUC, 0.22), and those of PI were 0% and 86.95% (AUC, 0.48), respectively. For low birthweight, sensitivity and specificity of RI were 60.0% and 38.9% (AUC, 0.54), and those of PI were 20.0% and 90.5% (AUC, 0.55), respectively.

Conclusion

Late second‐trimester uterine artery Doppler velocimetry had limited ability to predict adverse pregnancy outcomes in a low‐risk population.
Increasing handwashing in young children: A brief review
Authors: Jess Rachel L. , Dozier Claudia L.
Published: July 2020

Personal hygiene is critical for preventing the spread of infection. One important component of personal hygiene is handwashing. This review summarizes research on behavioral strategies to address handwashing in children, offers areas for additional research, and suggests a treatment package to teach handwashing to young children.
Determination and correction of aberrations in full field optical coherence tomography using phase gradient autofocus by maximizing the likelihood function
Authors: Matkivsky Vasily , Moiseev Alexander , Shilyagin Pavel , Rodionov Alexander , Spahr Hendrik , Pfäffle Clara , Hüttmann Gereon , Hillmann Dierck , Gelikonov Grigory
Published: July 2020

A method for numerical estimation and correction of aberrations of the eye in fundus imaging with optical coherence tomography (OCT) is presented. Aberrations are determined statistically by using the estimate based on likelihood function maximization. The method can be considered as an extension of the phase gradient autofocusing algorithm in synthetic aperture radar imaging to 2D optical aberration correction. The efficacy of the proposed method has been demonstrated in OCT fundus imaging with 6λ aberrations. After correction, single photoreceptors were resolved. It is also shown that wave front distortions with high spatial frequencies can be determined and corrected.
Weak interactions in imidazole‐containing zinc(II)‐based metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Wu Hsin‐Wei , Lee Li‐Wei , Thanasekaran Pounraj , Su Cing‐Huei , Liu Yen‐Hsiang , Chin Tsung‐Mei , Lu Kuang‐Lieh
Published: July 2020

The self‐assembly of the two zinc(II) metal–organic frameworks, [Zn2(L)(bdc)2]·3MeOH·4H2O}n (1, L = 2‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐3H‐imidazo[4,5‐c]pyridine, H2bdc = 1,4‐benzenedicarboxylic acid) and [Zn2(L)(bdc)2]·2DMF·H2O}n (2), was achieved under mild reaction conditions. Both compounds 1 and 2 were structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. Interestingly, the coordination modes of the ligand L in two structures are entirely different. Compounds 1 and 2 were made up of paddle wheel‐shaped {Zn2(O2C)4} secondary building unit (SBU) clusters, which adopted three‐dimensional structures with a pcu topology. Rich weak interactions were observed in the structures of both 1 and 2. The uncoordinated imidazole and pyridine moieties exhibited electron donor–acceptor interactions, π–π stacking, hydrogen bonding, and CH–π interactions. These interactions also facilitated the abilities of the framework to adsorb CO2 molecules. Gas adsorption studies revealed that compound 1 selectively adsorbed CO2 (131.1 cm3/g) over N2 (23.5 cm3/g) and H2 (36.5 cm3/g) at a pressure of 1 atm.
Reference interval and the role of soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2) in subclinical cardiac dysfunction at health checkups
Authors: Nah Eun‐Hee , Cho Seon , Kim Suyoung , Cho Han‐Ik
Published: July 2020

Background

Soluble ST2 (sST2) is known to predict adverse outcomes and death in individuals with established heart failure. However, the role of sST2 testing in the general population has not been established. The aims of this study were to determine the reference interval (RI) and the clinical utility of sST2 in subclinical cardiac dysfunction in general population.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study consecutively selected 41,806 general subjects at health checkups who underwent echocardiography and sST2 testing at 16 health promotion centers in 13 Korean cities. The reference subjects were obtained among those with normal findings in echocardiography. Sex‐specific RIs were established according to the CLSI C28‐A3 guidelines. sST2 was measured using immunoassay with the Presage ST2 assay (Critical Diagnostics).

Results

In the general subjects, age, sex, BMI, systolic blood pressure, blood glucose, creatinine, liver function, and triglycerides were associated with the sST2 levels. The RI for sST2 was higher in males (≤49.6 ng/mL, 95% CI = 48.5‐51.5) than in females (≤44.5 ng/mL, 95% CI = 43.5‐45.6) and higher in subjects aged < 40 years than ≥ 40 years in both sexes. The sST2 levels were 29.1 ± 10.7 (mean ± SD) and 29.1 ± 14.4 ng/mL in the groups with normal cardiac function and subclinical cardiac dysfunction, respectively. The sST2 level was not associated with subclinical cardiac dysfunction (odd ratio = 1.002, P = .13).

Conclusions

RIs obtained from a large and echocardiography‐proven healthy community‐based sample are presented. Subclinical cardiac dysfunction was associated with older age, male sex, and metabolic factors but not with the sST2 level.
Direct Oral to Parenteral Anticoagulants: Strategies for Inpatient Transition
Authors: Lopez Chelsea N. , Succar Luma , Varnado Sara , Donahue Kevin R.
Published: July 2020

The primary objective of this study was to describe the impact on bleeding rates of 2 different strategies for transitioning from a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) to a parenteral anticoagulant: a delayed, clinically driven strategy versus the standard per‐package‐insert strategy. This was a single‐center descriptive cohort study conducted at a large academic medical center. Included patients were 18 years or older, admitted as an inpatient, and had received at least 1 dose of a DOAC prior to initiation of therapeutic parenteral anticoagulation. The primary end point was the incidence of major bleeds on the transition from a DOAC to a parenteral anticoagulant via a standard versus an intentionally delayed strategy. The secondary outcomes evaluated renal function, reason for delay, DOAC anti–factor Xa concentration, international normalized ratio values, blood product administration, and thrombotic complications. A total of 300 patients were included. The primary end point of bleeding was higher in the delayed group than the standard group, 25% and 12%, respectively (odds ratio, 0.39; P < .05). In both groups, patients who bled had a higher severity of illness, a greater incidence of acute kidney injury, and, when available, higher median DOAC anti–factor Xa concentrations. Despite a more conservative approach, patients in the delayed group experienced more bleeding, most likely attributable to a higher severity of illness, which highlights emerging challenges of inpatient anticoagulation management. Further prospective studies analyzing DOAC pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics in acutely ill patients are warranted.
PR domaincontaining protein 12 (prdm12) is a downstream target of the transcription factor zic1 during cellular differentiation in the central nervous system
Authors: Rahman Md Mahfujur , Kim In‐Shik , Ahn Dongchoon , Tae Hyun‐Jin , Park Byung‐Yong
Published: July 2020

Transcription factor zic1 is an important regulator of neural plate patterning, formation of neural crest and cerebellar development, where its main function is neuronal cell differentiation. Among the genes identified, PR domain‐containing 12 (prdm12) is a member of the prdm family and is expressed in the placode domain in the neurula stage. prdm12 is distinctly expressed in the dorsal part of the midbrain, trigeminal ganglion, and the motor neuron in the spinal cord. prdm12 knockdown results in the ventralization of the neural tube. zic1 knockdown results in the reduction of prdm12 expression in the midbrain, motor neuron and trigeminal ganglion, and overexpression of zic1 results in the expansion of prdm12 expression in the midbrain. zic1‐activated wnt signaling is also a regulator of prdm12 expression in the midbrain. We propose that prdm12 is the downstream of zic1 and a novel player in the gene regulatory network controlling brain cell differentiation, along with some ganglions in Xenopus.
Green synthesis and investigation of antioxidant ability new pyrazines containing pyrrolo[2,1‐a]isoquinolines derivatives
Authors: Moghaddas Seyyed Ali , Hossaini Zinatossadat , Zareyee Daryoush
Published: July 2020

In this study, a new, easy and high yield procedure is investigated for the generation of pyrazine containing pyrrolo[2,1‐a]isoquinoline derivatives using multicomponent reaction of phthalaldehyde or its derivatives, primary amines, α‐haloalketones, electron deficient acetylenic compounds, ammonium acetate and KF/Clinoptilolite nanoparticles (KF/CP NPs) as catalyst in water at room temperature. The reactions of 2‐hydroxy phthalaldehyde, primary amines, α‐haloketones, electron deficient acetylenic compounds, and ammonium acetate in the presence of KF/CP NPs as catalyst in water at room temperature produce pyrazine derivatives in good yields. Also, in this work, antioxidant ability was studied for a number of prepared compounds employing the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and power of compounds for reducing of ferric ion experiments and evaluating results with synthetic antioxidants (TBHQ and BHT). Comfortable, simple, fast and fresh procedure is the advantages of this study.
Curcumin inhibits CT26 cells metastasis by decreasing heparanase expression
Authors: Li Shanshan , Fu Hui , Wang Yiyang , Wang Li , Jia Beitian , Bian Yuhong
Published: July 2020

This study tested the hypothesis that heparanase (HPSE) is related to tumor metastasis and curcumin (CCM) inhibits tumor metastasis by down-regulating HPSE expression. MTT, Transwell assays, and RT-PCR were used to study the effects of CCM on the migration and invasion of CT26 cells and the expression of HPSE. CT26 cells were transfected with lentivirus to establish HPSE-overexpressing cells (OE) and corresponding negative control cells (NC). Signal pathways involved in down-regulating the expression of HPSE and inhibiting the migration and invasion of CT26 cells by CCM were screened by the liquid crystal chip. HPSE promoted CT26 cells migration and invasion, and CCM inhibited the proliferation and metastasis of CT26 cells. The results of RT-PCR indicated that CCM down-regulated HPSE expression. Liquid phase microarray showed that CCM inhibited the phosphorylation of P38 and STAT5 in CT26 cells and NC cells. In contrast, the inhibitory function of CCM was markedly enhanced when HPSE was overexpressed (P < 0.05). In short, HPSE is closely related to metastasis of colon cancer cells. CCM inhibits colon cancer cell migration and invasion by inhibiting HPSE expression, which may be related to P38 MAPK and JAK/STAT5 signal pathways.
Individualised selection of left‐sided breast cancer patients for proton therapy based on cost‐effectiveness
Authors: Austin Annabelle M. , Douglass Michael J.J. , Nguyen Giang T. , Cunningham Lisa , Le Hien , Hu Yvonne , Penfold Scott N.
Published: July 2020

Introduction

The significantly greater cost of proton therapy compared with X‐ray therapy is frequently justified by the expected reduction in normal tissue toxicity. This is often true for indications such as paediatric and skull base cancers. However, the benefit is less clear for other more common indications such as breast cancer, and it is possible that the degree of benefit may vary widely between these patients. The aim of this work was to demonstrate a method of individualised selection of left‐sided breast cancer patients for proton therapy based on cost‐effectiveness of treatment.

Methods

16 left‐sided breast cancer patients had a treatment plan generated for the delivery of intensity‐modulated proton therapy (IMPT) and of intensity‐modulated photon therapy (IMRT) with the deep inspiration breath‐hold (DIBH) technique. The resulting dosimetric data was used to predict probabilities of tumour control and toxicities for each patient. These probabilities were used in a Markov model to predict costs and the number of quality‐adjusted life years expected as a result of each of the two treatments.

Results

IMPT was not cost‐effective for the majority of patients but was cost‐effective where there was a greater risk reduction of second malignancies with IMPT.

Conclusion

The Markov model predicted that IMPT with DIBH was only cost‐effective for selected left‐sided breast cancer patients where IMRT resulted in a significantly greater dose to normal tissue. The presented model may serve as a means of evaluating the cost‐effectiveness of IMPT on an individual patient basis.
Do corticosterone levels predict female depressive‐like behavior in rodents?
Authors: Kokras Nikolaos , Krokida Stephanie , Varoudaki Theoni Zoi , Dalla Christina
Published: July 2020

Dysregulation of the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis is often linked to the neurobiology of depression, though the presence and type of this dysregulation is not a consistent finding. Meanwhile, significant sex differences exist regarding depression and the HPA axis. Animal models of depression simulate certain aspects of the human disease and aim to advance our knowledge regarding its neurobiology and discover new antidepressant treatments. Most animal models of depression induce a depressive‐like phenotype taking advantage of stressful experimental conditions, that also increase corticosterone, the main stress hormone in rodents. In this review we present inconsistent results in male and female rodents regarding the interaction between the depressive‐like behavioral phenotype and corticosterone. In commonly used models, the female depressive‐like phenotype in rodents seems significantly less dependent on the stress hormone corticosterone, whereas the male behavioral response is more evident and associates with variations of corticosterone. Further research and clarification of this sex‐dependent interaction will have significant ramifications on the improvement of the validity of animal models of depression.
Growth and nutrient uptake of temperate perennial pastures are influenced by grass species and fertilisation with a microbial consortium inoculant
Authors: Tshewang Sangay , Rengel Zed , Siddique Kadambot H. M. , Solaiman Zakaria M.
Published: July 2020

Background: The low fertility of sandy soils in South‐Western Australia is challenging for the establishment of temperate perennial pastures.

Aims: To assess whether microbial consortium inoculant may improve plant growth by increasing nutrient supply, root biomass and nutrient uptake capacity.

Methods: Five temperate perennial pasture grasses–cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L. cv. Howlong), phalaris (Phalaris aquatica L. cv. Atlas PG), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea L. cv. Prosper), tall wheatgrass (Thinopyrum ponticum L. cv. Dundas), and veldt grass (Ehrharta calycina Sm. cv. Mission) were tested in a controlled environment on the growth and nutrition with the microbial consortium inoculant and rock mineral fertiliser.

Results: Veldt grass produced the highest shoot and root growth, while tall fescue yielded the lowest. Rock mineral fertiliser with or without microbial consortium inoculant significantly increased root and shoot biomass production across the grass species. The benefit of microbial consortium inoculation applied in conjunction with rock mineral fertiliser was significant regarding shoot N content in tall wheatgrass, cocksfoot and tall fescue. Shoot P and K concentrations also increased in the five grass species by microbial consortium inoculation combined with rock mineral fertiliser in comparison with the control treatment. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) colonisation decreased with rock mineral fertilisation with or without microbial consortium inoculant except in cocksfoot.

Conclusions: The response to microbial consortium inoculation, either alone or in combination with rock mineral fertiliser, was plant species‐dependent, indicating its potential use in pasture production.
Leading spectral moments for easy computation of pressure effects on rotational lines
Authors: Sokolov Andrei , Kouzov Alexander , Buldyreva Jeanna
Published: July 2020

Explicit classical‐limit formulae for two leading spectral moments characterizing the anisotropy of the interaction potential are derived for fast collisions of linear rotators in the binary regime. With the help of these moments, model Fourier‐transforms of the time‐correlation functions comprising non‐Markovian effects are restored, which enables a novel and straight approach to pressure transformation of broad spectral bands and pressure‐broadening characteristics of (vib)rotational spectral lines, as demonstrated on a simple Markov‐limit example of isotropic and anisotropic Raman line widths of molecular nitrogen.
Surgical management of appendiceal mucinous neoplasm: Is appendectomy sufficient?
Authors: Young Stephanie , Sueda Stefanie K. , Hotta Mayo , Sung Michael L. , OʼConnor Victoria V. , Leung Anna M.
Published: July 2020

Background and Objectives

Due to the rarity of appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (AMNs), there are few established treatment guidelines. The clinical course varies from incidental detection to progressive spread with pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP). This study investigated the extent of resection on the prognosis and outcomes of AMNs.

Methods

This multicenter retrospective study evaluated patients with AMN who underwent surgery between 4/2006 to 9/2017. Primary endpoints included overall survival (OS) and disease‐specific survival (DSS). Secondary endpoints included PMP incidence and treatment with cytoreductive surgery (CRS).

Results

Of the 138 patients with AMN, 70 patients (54%) underwent appendectomy, 26 (19%) cecectomy, and 37 (27%) right hemicolectomy. The median age was 59.7 years and 57 patients (41%) were male. Males were less likely to undergo cecectomy (P = .03). Rupture rates, tumor characteristics, and incidence of PMP were similar across surgery groups. Median follow‐up was 61.3 months. Five‐year OS and DSS for the total cohort were 94.9% and 98.6%, respectively, and remained similar across all surgery groups. CRS patients were more likely to undergo right hemicolectomy with no difference in survival by surgery type (P = .03).

Conclusions

Patients with AMN have a good overall prognosis and there may be minimal benefit to performing extended surgical resection in these patients.
Photonic Metasurfaces as Relativistic Light Sails for Doppler‐Broadened Stable Beam‐Riding and Radiative Cooling
Authors: Salary Mohammad Mahdi , Mosallaei Hossein
Published: July 2020

In this work, an all‐dielectric photonic metasurface with a flat macroscopic geometry is shown to provide a viable solution toward realization of a relativistic light sail driven by radiation pressure from high‐power lasers offering passive beam‐riding stability, efficient acceleration, and radiative cooling is demonstrated. A critical challenge that is addressed is sustaining acceleration and stability over the Doppler‐broadened propulsion band which is crucial for achieving relativistic velocities and requires the metasurface to maintain a high reflectivity and wide phase coverage over a broad bandwidth. For this purpose, a zero‐contrast dielectric metasurface consisting of a graded pattern of c‐Si nanodisks connected by a thin matched sublayer on top of a thin silica layer, featuring an average areal mass density of 0.54 g m−2 is used. The nanostructured silicon layer is mainly responsible for efficient acceleration and self‐stabilization of beam‐riding while the thin silica layer enhances the thermal emissivity to preserve the integrity of meta‐sail under intense illumination power via radiative cooling. The role of phase gradient, nanocraft center of mass, Doppler shift, and chromatic dispersion on the interplay between stability and acceleration of the meta‐sail is identified. Moreover, motion trajectory and local steady‐state temperature of the meta‐sail during acceleration are estimated.
Graphs encoding the generating properties of a finite group
Authors: Acciarri Cristina , Lucchini Andrea
Published: July 2020

Assume that G is a finite group. For every , we define a graph whose vertices correspond to the elements of and in which two tuples and are adjacent if and only if . We study several properties of these graphs (isolated vertices, loops, connectivity, diameter of the connected components) and we investigate the relations between their properties and the group structure, with the aim of understanding which information about G is encoded by these graphs.
NIR Sensitizer Operating under Long Wavelength (1064 nm) for Free Radical Photopolymerization Processes
Authors: Mokbel Haifaa , Graff Bernadette , Dumur Frédéric , Lalevée Jacques
Published: July 2020

Free radical polymerization upon near‐infrared (NIR) light is still the subject of intense research efforts and remains a huge challenge particularly for long wavelengths (>1000 nm). In this study, a NIR sensitizer operating upon long wavelength (1064 nm) is proposed for an efficient polymerization of acrylate monomers. A new three‐component photoinitiating system is developed comprising the NIR sensitizer in combination with an Iodonium salt (Iod) and an amine. Remarkably, the NIR sensitizer (IR 1064) absorbing strongly in all the near infrared region (700–1200 nm) offers the possibility to use a broad range of irradiation wavelengths, i.e., examples are provided at 785 and 1064 nm. Such long wavelengths are characterized by many advantages such as a deeper penetration of light and therefore a better curing of the monomer but it is also much safer than UV light. Excellent performance is observed for the three‐component IR 1064/Iod/Amine system under air: high conversion of acrylate functions associated with a fast polymerization time. The use of IR 1064 as NIR sensitizer with a broad NIR absorption is—to the best of current knowledge—never proposed in the literature. The photoinitiating performances are studied using real‐time Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.
Weaver's Dystonia: A Novel form of Focal Task‐Specific Dystonia
Authors: Barad Narendrakumar
Published: July 2020

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Can You Hear Your Patient Sleep? Smartphones and Modern Technologies in the Detection of Nocturnal Stridor and MSA Diagnosis
Authors: Meira Bruna , Barbosa Raquel , Mendonça Marcelo
Published: July 2020

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Hypocaloric Low‐Carbohydrate and Low‐Fat Diets with Fixed Protein Lead to Similar Health Outcomes in Obese Mice
Authors: Minderis Petras , Fokin Andrej , Dirmontas Mantas , Ratkevicius Aivaras
Published: July 2020

Objective

It is controversial whether low‐carbohydrate diets are better suited for weight control and metabolic health than high‐carbohydrate diets. This study examined whether these diets induce different improvements in body composition and glucose tolerance in obese mice during caloric restriction (CR).

Methods

Male C57BL/6J mice were fed an obesogenic diet ad libitum for 18 weeks and then subjected to 6‐week progressive CR of up to 40%, using either a low‐fat or low‐carbohydrate diet with equal protein content. Mice fed a regular chow diet ad libitum served as controls. Body mass, hindlimb muscle mass, fat mass, energy expenditure, and glucose tolerance were compared between the groups.

Results

Initially low‐fat and low‐carbohydrate groups had similar body mass, which was 30% greater compared with controls. CR induced similar weight loss in low‐fat and low‐carbohydrate groups. This weight loss was mainly due to fat loss in both groups. Energy expenditure of freely moving mice did not differ between the groups. Glucose tolerance improved compared with the values before CR and in controls but did not differ between the diets.

Conclusions

Dietary carbohydrate or fat content does not affect improvements in body composition and metabolic health in obese mice exposed to CR with fixed energy and protein intake.
Randomized optimal consensus of multiagent systems based on a novel intermittent projected subgradient algorithm
Authors: Shi Zhengqing , Zhou Chuan
Published: July 2020

In this article, a novel intermittent projected subgradient algorithm is presented to solve the randomized optimal consensus problem for heterogeneous multiagent systems with time‐varying communication topologies. The multiagent systems achieve the consensus meanwhile minimizing the global objective function via the proposed algorithm, where fi(x) is the convex objective function of agent i itself. Due to the common Bernoulli distribution adopted in the existing random optimization algorithm without considering the different computing capability of each agent. An individual projection probability is assigned for each agent based on computing capabilities so that either making projection or taking average is chosen according to the above probability which can effectively avoid overload for some agents with lower computing capabilities and improve the reliability of the overall systems. A new sufficient step‐size condition is given to ensure all agents converge to the optimal solution with probability one. Finally, a numerical example is also given to validate the proposed method.
Effect of shear on nucleation of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites: Experiments and modeling
Authors: Fang Haidong , Li Zheng , Wang Xinyu , Gu Junfeng , Ruan Shilun , Shen Changyu
Published: July 2020

In this study, shear‐induced crystallization of short carbon fiber (SCF)‐reinforced isotactic polypropylene (iPP) composite was investigated using polarized optical microscopy (POM) and rheometry. Although the SCF exhibited no nucleation ability to iPP in the quiescent melt under the chosen conditions, different interfacial morphologies were observed after shear was applied. The POM results revealed that the crystallite morphologies along the SCF strongly depended on the shear rate () and shear duration. A nucleation kinetics model was proposed to determine how shear affects the fraction of SCF covered with transcrystalline. The nucleation rate on the SCF was proportional to . The dependence of the nucleation rate corresponded well with the change in the shear‐induced free energy of the melt, indicating that the interactions between SCF and iPP were insignificant. The rheological results demonstrated that conformational ordering directly affected the nucleation rate. The helical content near the SCF increased rapidly owing to the enhancement of shear. Therefore, the nucleation kinetics on the SCF surface accelerated significantly.
A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Metolazone Compared to Chlorothiazide for Treatment of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure
Authors: Steuber Taylor D. , Janzen Kristin M. , Howard Meredith L.
Published: July 2020

Treatment of volume overload in the setting of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is typically achieved through the use of loop diuretics. While they are highly effective, some patients may develop loop diuretic resistance. One strategy to overcome this scenario includes sequential nephron blockade with a thiazide‐type diuretic; however, it is unknown which thiazide‐type diuretic used in this setting is most effective. A systematic review and meta‐analysis were performed to compare the efficacy and safety of chlorothiazide with metolazone as add‐on therapy in the setting of loop diuretic resistance for the treatment of ADHF. Literature searches were conducted through PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct from inception through February 2020 using the following search terms alone or in combination: metolazone, chlorothiazide, acute decompensated heart failure, loop diuretic, and urine output. All English‐language prospective and retrospective trials and abstracts comparing metolazone to chlorothiazide for the treatment of ADHF were evaluated. Studies were included if they analyzed urine output for at least 24 hours in patients with ADHF. Meta‐analysis was conducted to evaluate pooled effect size by using a random‐effect model. Primary outcomes included net and total urine output. Secondary outcomes included commonly reported safety outcomes. Four studies comparing the use of metolazone to chlorothiazide as an adjunct to loop diuretics to treat ADHF were included in the evaluation. Metolazone was as effective as chlorothiazide to augment loop diuretic therapy in ADHF in most studies with no pooled difference in net or total urine output. However, there were notable differences in baseline loop diuretic dosing, ejection fraction, renal function, race, and endpoint timing across studies. Adverse effects were commonly observed and included electrolyte abnormalities, change in renal function, and hypotension but were comparable between groups. Metolazone is as effective as chlorothiazide as add‐on to loop diuretics in treating ADHF without an increase in safety concerns.
Cover Image
Authors: Nuamcharoen Praewpanit , Kobayashi Takaomi , Potiyaraj Pranut , Shiozaki Makoto
Published: July 2020

The cover image is based on the Research Article Pre‐thermal treatment in binary solvent systems promoting β crystalline phase of electrospun poly(vinylidene fluoride) nanofibers by Praewpanit Nuamcharoen et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/pi.6008.

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Factors affecting 12th‐grade students' physics achievement
Authors: Taslidere Erdal
Published: July 2020

The current study aimed to determine and predict 12th‐grade students' physics achievement in terms of some selected cognitive, physics‐related effective, personal, and socioeconomic characteristics in Turkey. Four hundred and ninety‐six students (273 female and 223 male) from 18 high schools formed the study group. Findings indicated that cognitive characteristics including science achievement and physics course grades explained the largest amount of variance (60.6%) in the achievement by itself. Physics interest and physics motivation as well as gender and perception of teacher‐directed activities also explained a small amount of variance in student achievement. Although none of the socioeconomic characteristic variables were found to be significant, the entire model accounted for 64% of the variance in physics achievement.