bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flexible Manipulation of Bessel‐Like Beams with a Reconfigurable Metasurface
Authors: Feng Rui , Ratni Badreddine , Yi Jianjia , Jiang Zhihao , Zhang Hailin , de Lustrac André , Burokur Shah Nawaz
Published: October 2020

Bessel beams have attracted considerable interest due to their intriguing nondiffraction and self‐healing properties. Such beam can be generated by conventional devices that are more or less subjected to issues of low efficiency, complex manufacturing, and bulky size. Here, an electronically engineered reflective metasurface is designed to generate and flexibly manipulate Bessel‐like beams over a broad frequency range in the microwave regime. Due to the dynamic resonance feature of the metasurface, the phase profile can be easily adjusted for different applications. The nondiffraction feature is illustrated by analyzing several configurations with different nondiffraction area of the Bessel‐like beam, while the self‐healing property is verified by placing a metallic obstacle in the propagation path. The dynamic control of functional frequency and propagation direction of Bessel‐like beams is realized by controlling the external DC bias voltage applied to the metasurface. Experimental validation of the aforementioned features is perfectly consistent with numerical simulations. Owing to the flexible control, broad bandwidth, and high‐efficiency properties, the proposed Bessel‐like beam generator suggests potential applications in microwave domain such as focusing, wireless power transmission, and other complex demands such as beam steering.
On‐Chip Chemiresistive Sensor Array for On‐Road NOx Monitoring with Quantification
Authors: Moon Hi Gyu , Jung Youngmo , Shin Beomju , Song Young Geun , Kim Jae Hun , Lee Taikjin , Lee Seok , Jun Seong Chan , Kaner Richard B. , Kang Chong‐Yun , Kim Chulki
Published: September 2020

The adverse effects of air pollution on respiratory health make air quality monitoring with high spatial and temporal resolutions essential especially in cities. Despite considerable interest and efforts, the application of various types of sensors is considered immature owing to insufficient sensitivity and cross‐interference under ambient conditions. Here, a fully integrated chemiresistive sensor array (CSA) with parts‐per‐trillion sensitivity is demonstrated with its application for on‐road NOx monitoring. An analytical model is suggested to describe the kinetics of the sensor responses and quantify molecular binding affinities. Finally, the full characterization of the system is connected to implement on‐road measurements on NOx vapor with quantification as its ultimate field application. The obtained results suggest that the CSA shows potential as an essential unit to realize an air‐quality monitoring network with high spatial and temporal resolutions.
Resistance and backlash to gender equality
Authors: Flood Michael , Dragiewicz Molly , Pease Bob
Published: October 2020

Resistance to efforts to advance gender equality is a common feature of social life, whether in workplaces and other organisations or elsewhere. In this article, we review the typical character, dynamics of and contexts for resistance to gender equality measures. Resistance is an inevitable, although undesirable, response to efforts at progressive social change. Backlash and resistance to gender equality take common forms including: denial of the problem, disavowal of responsibility, inaction, appeasement, co‐option and repression. Resistance may be individual or collective, formal or informal. Pushback against gender equality measures comes more often from members of the privileged group (men) than the disadvantaged group (women). Resistance is a predictable expression of the defence of institutionalised privilege, but it is also shaped by widespread discourses on “sex roles” and “post‐feminism,” the methods adopted to advance gender equality and the contexts in which they take place. Understanding the character and dynamics of resistance and backlash is vital for preventing and reducing them.
Personal protective equipment use by health‐care workers in intensive care units during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Japan: comparative analysis with the PPE‐SAFE survey
Authors: Unoki Takeshi , Tamoto Mitsuhiro , Ouchi Akira , Sakuramoto Hideaki , Nakayama Asami , Katayama Yukiko , Miyazaki Satoko , Yamada Toru , Fujitani Shigeki , Nishida Osamu , Tabah Alexis ,   PPE‐SAFE in Japan Project, International Exchange Committee, the Japan Society of Intensive Care Medicine
Published: October 2020

Aim

We investigated personal protective equipment (PPE) use and supply shortage, training, and adverse events among health‐care workers (HCWs) in the intensive care unit (ICU) during the coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic in Japan and compared the results with an international survey that used the same methodology.

Methods

This Web‐based survey was carried out from 14 April to 6 May, 2020, in Japan and included HCWs directly involved in ICU management of COVID‐19 patients. A survey invitation was emailed using the Japanese Society of Intensive Care Medicine’s mailing list.

Results

We analyzed 460 valid responses from among 976 responses. The N95/FFP2 mask (77%) was the most frequently used, although half of our respondents reported reuse of single‐use N95/FFP2 masks. The median duration (1 h) of uninterrupted PPE use per shift was less than that in the international study. The most common PPE‐related adverse event was experiencing intense heat (75%). Logistic regression analysis revealed that being a nurse was independently associated with experiencing intense heat.

Conclusion

Shortage of PPE and frequent mask reuse were prevalent during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Japan. Intense heat is the most significant symptom, especially for nurses, even with short‐duration PPE use. Strategies to protect HCWs from dehydration and intense heatstroke are needed.
In Vitro Production of Ergothioneine Isotopologues
Authors: Beliaeva Mariia A. , Burn Reto , Lim David , Seebeck Florian P.
Published: September 2020

Ergothioneine is an emerging component of the redox homeostasis system in human cells and in microbial pathogens, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Burkholderia pseudomallei. The synthesis of stable isotope‐labeled ergothioneine derivatives may provide important tools for deciphering the distribution, function, and metabolism of this compound in vivo. We describe a general protocol for the production of ergothioneine isotopologues with programmable 2H, 15N, 13C, 34S, and 33S isotope labeling patterns. This enzyme‐based approach makes efficient use of commercial isotope reagents and is also directly applicable to the synthesis of radio‐isotopologues.
Rational Design of Memory‐Based Sensors: the Case of Molecular Calorimeters
Authors: Nwokolo Obianuju A. , Kidd Brant , Allen Te'Kara , Minasyan Alexander S. , Vardelly Suchitra , Johnson Kristopher D. , Nesterova Irina V.
Published: September 2020

Thermodynamic characterization is crucial for understanding molecular interactions. However, methodologies for measuring heat changes in small open systems are extremely limited. We document a new approach for designing molecular sensors, that function as calorimeters: sensors based on memory. To design a memory‐based sensor, we take advantage of the unique kinetic properties of nucleic acid scaffolds. Particularly, we elaborate on the differences in folding and unfolding rates in nucleic acid quadruplexes. DNA‐based i‐motifs unfold fast in response to small heats but do not fold back when the system is equilibrated with surroundings. We translated this behavior into a molecular memory function that enables the measurement of heat changes in open environments. The new sensors are biocompatible, operate homogeneously, and measure small heats released over long time periods. As a proof‐of‐concept, we demonstrate how the molecular calorimeters report heat changes generated in water/propanol mixing and in ligand/protein binding.
Continental‐scale metagenomics, BLAST searches, and herbarium specimens: The Australian Microbiome Initiative and the National Herbarium of Victoria
Authors: Davoodian Naveed , Jackson Christopher J. , Holmes Gareth D. , Lebel Teresa
Published: September 2020

Premise

Motivated to make sensible interpretations of the massive volume of data from the Australian Microbiome Initiative (AusMic), we characterize the soil mycota of Australia. We establish operational taxonomic units (OTUs) from the data and compare these to GenBank and a data set from the National Herbarium of Victoria (MEL), Melbourne, Australia. We also provide visualizations of Agaricomycete diversity, drawn from our analyses of the AusMic sequences and taxonomy.

Methods

The AusMic internal transcribed spacer (ITS) data were filtered to create OTUs, which were searched against the National Center for Biotechnology Information Nucleotide database and the MEL database. We further characterized a portion of our OTUs by graphing the counts of the families and orders of Agaricomycetes. We also graphed AusMic species determinations for Australian Agaricomycetes against latitude.

Results

Our filtering process generated 192,325 OTUs; for Agaricomycetes, there were 27,730 OTUs. Based on the existing AusMic taxonomy at species level, we inferred the diversity of Australian Agaricomycetes against latitude to be lowest between −20 and −25 decimal degrees.

Discussion

BLAST comparisons provided reciprocal insights between the three data sets, including the detection of unusual root‐associated species in the AusMic data, insights into mushroom morphology from the MEL data, and points of comparison for the taxonomic determinations between AusMic, GenBank, and MEL. This study provides a tabulation of Australian fungi, different visual snapshots of a subset of those taxa, and a springboard for future studies.
Concise syntheses and some biological activities of dl‐2,5‐di‐O‐methyl‐chiro‐inositol, dl‐1,4‐di‐O‐methyl‐scyllo‐inositol, and dl‐1,6‐dibromo‐1,6‐dideoxy‐2,5‐di‐O‐methyl‐chiro‐inositol
Authors: Aksu Kadir , Akincioglu Hulya , Gulcin Ilhami , Kelebekli Latif
Published: September 2020

The regio‐ and stereospecific synthesis of O‐methyl‐chiro‐inositols and O‐methyl‐scyllo‐inositol was achieved, starting from p‐benzoquinone. After preparing dimethoxy conduritol‐B as a key compound, regiospecific bromination of the alkene moiety of dimethoxy conduritol‐B and acid‐catalyzed ring opening of dimethoxydiacetate conduritol‐B epoxide with Ac2O afforded the desired new chiro‐inositol derivatives and scyllo‐inositol derivative, respectively. Spectroscopic methods were employed for the characterization of all synthesized compounds. The novel inositols (11–17) had effective inhibition profiles against human carbonic anhydrase isoenzymes I and II (hCA I and II) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The novel inositols 11–17 were found to be effective inhibitors against AChE, hCA I, and hCA II enzymes. Ki values were calculated in the range of 87.59 ± 7.011 to 237.95 ± 17.75 μM for hCA I, 65.08 ± 12.39 to 538.98 ± 61.26 μM for hCA II, and 193.28 ± 43.13 to 765.08 ± 209.77 μM for AChE, respectively. Also, due to the inhibitory effects of the novel inositols 11–17 against the tested enzymes, these novel inositols are potential drug candidates to treat some diseases such as glaucoma, epilepsy, leukemia, and Alzheimer's disease.
Real Or Not Real: The Impact of the Physical Fidelity of Virtual Learning Resources on Learning Anatomy
Authors: Birbara Nicolette S. , Pather Nalini
Published: October 2020

Technological advancements have made it possible to create realistic virtual representations of the real world, although it is unclear in medical education whether high physical fidelity is required in virtual learning resources (VLRs). This study, therefore, aimed to compare the effectiveness of high‐fidelity (HF) and low‐fidelity (LF) VLRs for learning anatomy. For this study, HF and LF VLRs were developed for liver anatomy and participants were voluntarily recruited from two cohorts (cohorts 1 and 2). Knowledge outcomes were measured through pre‐ and post‐tests, task outcomes including activity score and completion time were recorded and participants' perceptions of the VLRs were surveyed. A total of 333 participants (165 HF and 168 LF) took part in this study. Knowledge outcomes were higher for the HF activity in cohort 1 and for the LF activity in cohort 2, although not significantly. There were no significant differences in activity score within either cohort, although completion time was significantly longer for the HF activity in cohort 1 (P = 0.001). There were no significant differences within either cohort in perceptions of the VLRs regarding usefulness for reviewing conceptual knowledge, esthetics, quality, mental effort experienced, or future use, although the LF VLR was scored significantly higher regarding the value for understanding in cohort 1 (P = 0.027).This study suggests that high physical fidelity is not necessarily required for anatomy VLRs, although may potentially be valuable for improving knowledge outcomes. Also, level of prior knowledge may be an important factor when considering the physical fidelity of anatomy VLRs.
Defect Engineering of Carbon‐based Electrocatalysts for Rechargeable Zinc‐air Batteries
Authors: Dong Fang , Wu Mingjie , Zhang Gaixia , Liu Xianhu , Rawach Diane , Tavares Ana C. , Sun Shuhui
Published: September 2020

Rechargeable zinc‐air batteries (ZABs) are considered as one of the most promising electrochemical energy devices due to their various unique advantages. Oxygen electrocatalysis, involving the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), determines the overall performance of zinc‐air batteries. Therefore, the development of highly efficient bifunctional ORR/OER catalysts is critical for the large‐scale application of ZABs. Carbon‐based nanomaterials have been widely reported to be efficient electrocatalysts toward both ORR and OER. The enhanced activity of these electrocatalysts are usually attributed to different doping defects, synergistic effects and even the intrinsic carbon defects. Herein, an overview of the defect engineering in carbon‐based electrocatalysts for ORR and OER is provided. The different types of intrinsic carbon defects and strategies for the generation of other defects in carbon‐based electrocatalysts are presented. The interaction of heteroatoms doped carbon and transition metals (TMs) is also explored. In the end, the existing challenges and future perspectives on defect engineering are discussed.
Modification‐based periodic gait planning for a 3‐D bipedal robot with two underactuated DOFs
Authors: Yuan Haihui , Ge Yimin , Gan Chunbiao
Published: October 2020

This work considers the periodic gait planning of a 3‐D bipedal robot with two underactuated DOFs. Instead of planning a periodic gait by a traditional direct parameter optimization search, which is usually time‐consuming, we present a novel modification‐based periodic motion planning method, which consists of two steps. Firstly, an initial gait is obtained by relaxing the periodicity constraints in the optimization search. Then, the initial gait is modified to be a periodic one. To achieve a successful gait modification, the gait modification theory is firstly presented, and a gait modification strategy is then proposed. Finally, the presented method is illustrated on the underactuated 3‐D biped, and a comparative simulation study is provided. It is shown that, compared with the traditional method, the time cost in the presented method is significantly reduced.
The Autism Impact Measure (AIM): Examination of Sensitivity to Change
Authors: Mazurek Micah O. , Carlson Coleen , Baker‐Ericzén Mary , Butter Eric , Norris Megan , Barr Christopher , Kanne Stephen
Published: October 2020

The Autism Impact Measure (AIM) was designed specifically for treatment‐outcome assessment in children with ASD, focusing on treatment‐relevant aspects of symptom presentation and efficient detection of short‐term improvement. The AIM demonstrated strong reliability and validity in initial psychometric studies. The current study evaluated the AIM's sensitivity to change across well‐established treatments. The sample included 471 children with ASD (ages 2–14) participating in one of six treatments. The AIM was administered at baseline and 6‐week intervals and a battery of domain‐specific concurrent measures was also administered. A longitudinal repeated measures design examined the degree to which: (a) AIM domain scores changed over time in response to treatment and (b) change in AIM domains was associated with change in measures of similar constructs. Results across growth curve models indicated that AIM domains are sensitive to change in symptoms across treatment. Across all models, symptoms decreased over time, with some deceleration in rate of improvement. For all AIM domains except Repetitive Behavior, symptoms improved as a function of treatment group. Correlations of change between AIM and other measures varied across domains (from 0.01–0.43 across measures). This was the first large‐scale study to systematically evaluate sensitivity to change in a measure of core ASD symptoms. The results provide support for the AIM's ability to detect short‐term improvement across symptom domains and indicate that AIM domains are sensitive to change overall and as a function of different treatment conditions. The brief repeated assessment window also highlights the AIM's utility for detecting improvements across short‐term treatments. Autism Res 2020, 13: 1867‐1879. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research and Wiley Periodicals LLC

Lay Summary

Good measures are important for assessing outcomes in children with autism. However, there are few tools for tracking short‐term changes in autism symptoms. This study tested a new measure, the Autism Impact Measure (AIM), in a large group of children with autism. The results showed that the AIM appears to be a valid and accurate tool for measuring autism symptoms. The AIM may be a helpful tool for researchers and clinicians interested in tracking short‐term improvements in autism symptoms.
Predicting recurrence in patients with sentinel node-negative melanoma: validation of the EORTC nomogram using population-based data
Authors: El Sharouni M A , Ahmed T , Witkamp A J , Sigurdsson V , van Gils C H , Nieweg O E , Scolyer R A , Thompson J F , van Diest P J , Lo S N
Published: October 2020

Background

Identifying patients with sentinel node (SN)-negative melanoma who are at greatest risk of recurrence is important. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Melanoma Group proposed a prognostic model that has not been validated in population-based data. The EORTC nomogram includes Breslow thickness, ulceration status and anatomical location as parameters. The aim of this study was to validate the EORTC model externally using a large national data set.

Methods

Adults with histologically proven, invasive cutaneous melanoma with a negative SN biopsy in the Netherlands between 2000 and 2014 were identified from the Dutch Pathology Registry, and relevant data were extracted. The EORTC nomogram was used to predict recurrence-free survival. The predictive performance of the nomogram was assessed by discrimination (C-statistic) and calibration.

Results

A total of 8795 patients met the eligibility criteria, of whom 14·7 per cent subsequently developed metastatic disease. Of these recurrences, 20·9 per cent occurred after the first 5 years of follow-up. Validation of the EORTC nomogram showed a C-statistic of 0·70 (95 per cent c.i. 0·68 to 0·71) for recurrence-free survival, with excellent calibration (R2 = 0·99; P = 0·999, Hosmer–Lemeshow test).

Conclusion

This population-based validation confirmed the value of the EORTC nomogram in predicting recurrence-free survival in patients with SN-negative melanoma. The EORTC nomogram could be used in clinical practice for personalizing follow-up and selecting high-risk patients for trials of adjuvant systemic therapy.
Preclinical atherosclerosis in adolescents with psychotic or bipolar disorders investigated with carotid high‐frequency ultrasound
Authors: Bohman Hannes , Agartz Ingrid , Mansouri Shiva , Naessen Tord , Lundberg Mathias
Published: September 2020

Objective

Early‐onset psychosis (EOP) and bipolar disorder (EOBP) (at <18 years of age), are associated with an increased future risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and premature death. Yet it is unknown whether the arteries show visible signs of atherosclerosis in EOP and EOBP. This study investigated whether having EOP or EOBP was associated with detectable signs of preclinical atherosclerosis.

Method

By using 22 MHz high‐frequency ultrasound, different layers of the arterial wall of the left common carotid artery (LCCA) were assessed in 77 individuals with EOP (n = 25), EOBP (n = 22), and in age‐matched healthy controls (n = 30). Conventional CVD confounders were included in the analyses.

Results

Adolescents with EOP and EOBP, compared to controls, had a significantly thicker LCCA intima thickness (0.132 vs. 0.095 mm, p < .001) and intima/media ratio (0.24 vs. 0.17 p < .001). There was a nonsignificant intima difference between EOP and EOBP. Conventional CVD risk factors did not explain the association between EOP/EOBP and intima thickness. In the group of EOP/EOBP, there was a significant correlation between the dose of current antipsychotic medication and intima thickness; however, the correlation was attenuated to a nonsignificant level when adjusted for global function.

Conclusions

Adolescents with EOP or EOBP had an increased LCCA intima thickness, interpreted as a sign of preclinical atherosclerosis. Global function of the disorders was the strongest determinant of intima thickness. The findings, if replicated, might have implications for long‐term treatment of EOP and EOBP in order to reduce a future risk of CVD.
Managing healthcare waste for sustainable environmental development: A hybrid decision approach
Authors: Thakur Vikas , Mangla Sachin Kumar , Tiwari Binita
Published: October 2020

Healthcare waste management (HCWM) has become the most concerned issue for hospitals to enhance their environmental performance while reducing the waste disposal costs. The present study aims to standardize the evaluation criteria for the stakeholders to ensure sustainable environmental development by safe disposal of infectious healthcare waste (HCW). The present study applied the fuzzy‐Delphi method to scrutinize the criteria identified from the literature and experts' opinions and resulted in 20 subcriteria under the following six main dimensions: experience, relationship, environmental factors, technology and qualification, economic factors, and firm's capabilities. Further, this study proposed a hybrid approach based on analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and decision‐making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) under fuzzy environment to analyze the importance and interrelationships of these listed criteria. The study also showed that the experts have given approximately 70% weightage to three main criteria: firms' capabilities, economic factors, and technology and qualification. The implications of the study would help the healthcare administration and Pollution Control Boards to prepare check sheets for recording HCWM practices and, hence, contribute to sustainable environmental development in an efficient way. Understanding the prioritized cause‐group criteria would further protect hospitals' environment from the spread of infection caused by the HCW in the long run.
Do I seem real to you? The role of external audiences in the consumption‐driven self‐authentication process
Authors: Kuchmaner Christina A. , Wiggins Jennifer
Published: September 2020

People use consumption choices as a means of authenticating their identities. Research on self‐authenticity has been scant in marketing, favoring instead product and brand authenticity. In psychology, research has largely focused on the positive outcomes of self‐authenticity, leaving its antecedents and the process through which it is achieved as key unanswered questions. In this conceptual paper, we address these gaps by delineating the consumption‐driven self‐authentication process. Consumers can engage in authenticating consumption acts involving meaning appropriation and meaning creation, which affect feelings of self‐authenticity. However, external audiences play a key role in validating the individual's self‐authentication through feedback in the form of direct validation or validation via social comparison. We argue that external audiences are a necessary component of the self‐authentication process that has implications for deepening our understanding of self‐authenticity.
M6A modification: A mechanism for protecting hematopoietic development in mammals
Authors: Gao Jiayin , Yan Jialong , Huang Zhen , Chen Linxi
Published: September 2020

N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) is one of the most common internal modifications in messenger RNA, which is necessary for cell physiological activities. A recent study shows that during mammalian hematopoietic development, loss of m6A modification leads to the aberrant production of double‐stranded RNA, which results in the abnormal activation of innate immune response, and ultimately leads to hematopoietic failure. Accordingly, m6A modification provide us an attractive direction for us to understand mammalian hematopoietic development and innate immune response.
Hierarchical MoS2@CNTs Hybrid as a Long‐Life and High‐Rate Cathode for Aqueous Rechargeable Zn‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Huang Meihong , Mai Yongjin , Zhao Lijun , Liang Xinghua , Fang Zhijie , Jie Xiaohua
Published: September 2020

As a cathode material of aqueous rechargeable zinc‐ion batteries (ARZIBs), molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) still suffers sluggish intercalation kinetics, poor electronic conductivity and insufficient active surface. Here, a hierarchical hybrid composing of ultrathin MoS2 nanosheets with expanded interlayer spacing that grow directly on the surface of carbon nanotubes (MoS2@CNTs) is firstly proposed as the cathode material of ARZIBs. Its zinc storage performance and corresponding enhanced mechanism are investigated via electrochemical characterizations and density functional theory calculations. The results reveal that the enlarged spacing of MoS2 interlayer decreases the energy barrier of Zn2+ intercalation and the CNTs backbone improves the electron transfer. What's more, the hierarchical structure provides a great number of active sites for electrochemical reactions. As a result, the hierarchical MoS2@CNTs hybrid delivers a high reversible capacity with good cycling stability and rate capability.
Metal–Organic Framework‐Derived Nickel/Cobalt‐Based Nanohybrids for Sensing Non‐Enzymatic Glucose
Authors: Wang Lichao , Hou Chengyi , Yu Hao , Zhang Qinghong , Li Yaogang , Wang Hongzhi
Published: September 2020

The daily detection of blood glucose levels has become a major concern globally because blood glucose levels are related to human health. Composites comprising non‐noble metal nanomaterials and highly conductive carbon materials are active and selective catalysts for glucose detection in non‐enzyme sensors, and are therefore particularly attractive. In the present study, we prepared nickel/cobalt (NiCo) alloy nano‐particles encapsulated in graphitized carbon by pyrolyzing a bimetallic (Ni and Co) metal organic framework (NiCo‐MOF) at 800 °C under a nitrogen atmosphere (denoted NiCo/C). In the linear range 0.5 μM–4.38 mM, a non‐enzymatic glucose sensor comprising SPE/NiCo/C (SPE=screen‐printed electrode) exhibited a high sensitivity of 265.53 μA mM−1 cm−2, with a low detection limit of 0.2 μM (S/N=3). The NiCo/C sensor had good selectivity for the amperometric detection of glucose. Glucose levels were measured with acceptable reliability and accuracy in human serum samples. The current work offers an alternative tool for diagnosing diabetes and monitoring daily blood glucose levels.
Neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase (NTRK) fusions and their role in cancer
Authors: Ruiz‐Cordero Roberto , Ng Dianna L.
Published: October 2020

Neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase (NTRK) fusions are rare, therapeutically actionable, and, in some cases, diagnostic oncogenic events that can occur in a variety of adult and pediatric cancers. Cytopathologists need to be a familiar with the types of tumors that can harbor NTRK fusions to triage specimens accordingly for testing.
Application of the Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology to cystic salivary gland lesions
Authors: Maleki Zahra , Allison Derek B. , Butcher Monica , Kawamoto Satomi , Eisele David W. , Pantanowitz Liron
Published: October 2020

Background

Cystic salivary gland lesions present diagnostic challenges on fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) specimens that are related to sampling limitations and a broad differential diagnosis. This study evaluated the benefit of applying the Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology (MSRSGC) to a series of cystic salivary gland lesions.

Methods

The pathology archives at the Johns Hopkins Hospital were searched to identify cystic salivary gland FNA specimens over a 19‐year period (2000‐2018). Patient demographics, cytomorphologic features, and clinical and surgical follow‐up were recorded. The MSRSGC was applied to the cases. The risk of malignancy (ROM) and the risk of neoplasia (RON) were calculated for each category.

Results

One hundred seventy‐eight cases were identified (96 males and 82 females) with a mean age of 53 years (range, 4‐90 years). After the MSRSGC was applied, there were 52 nondiagnostic cases (29.2%), 80 nonneoplastic cases (44.9%), 35 cases of atypia of undetermined significance (AUS; 19.7%), 3 benign neoplasms (1.7%), 3 salivary gland neoplasms of uncertain malignant potential (SUMP; 1.7%), 4 cases suspicious for malignancy (SFM; 2.2%), and 1 malignant case (0.6%). One hundred fifty‐six of the 178 patients (87.6%) had follow‐up data available. The RON and ROM values for cases with surgical follow‐up were 33.3% (3 of 9) and 22.2% (2 of 9) for the nondiagnostic category, 42.9% (9 of 21) and 19% (4 of 21) for the nonneoplastic category, 76.5% (13 of 17) and 29.4% (5 of 17) for the AUS category, 100.0% (2 of 2) and 50.0% (1 of 2) for the SUMP category, and 100% (2 of 2) and 100% (2 of 2) for the SFM category, respectively.

Conclusions

Applying the MSRSGC to cystic salivary gland lesions improves patient management by preventing unnecessary surgery for nonneoplastic conditions. The ROM was highest in the SFM category (100%), which was followed by the SUMP, AUS, nondiagnostic, and nonneoplastic categories. Less than adequate specimens may increase the diagnosis of AUS.
A randomized, controlled pilot study of cognitive analytic therapy for stressed pregnant women with underlying anxiety and depression in a routine health service setting
Authors: Hamilton Jane , Saxon David , Best Elizabeth , Glover Vivette , Walters Stephen J. , Kerr Ian B.
Published: September 2020

A pilot study of cognitive analytic therapy (CAT) plus treatment as usual (TAU), versus TAU in stressed pregnant women with anxiety and depression, was undertaken as an essential preliminary to any definitive, randomized controlled trial (RCT). The trial was pragmatic, multicentre, parallel, randomized, controlled, and unblinded. Participants were pregnant women screened using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Treatment was standard 16‐session CAT. Main outcome measures were Spielberger State/Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) (primary outcome measure) at 24 weeks after randomization, therefore 1 month after therapy for the CAT group; HADS; Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation—Outcome Measure (CORE‐OM); Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS); 36‐item Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36); and a brief Experiences of Therapy Questionnaire, completed at baseline and on average at 12, 24, 40, and 82 weeks after randomization. Thirty‐nine patients (CAT + TAU,n= 20; TAU,n= 19) were randomized with mean baseline STAI State scores of 50.8 (SD 11.4) and 51.1 (SD 13.3), respectively. Sixteen patients had missing primary outcome data leaving 23 (n= 11 andn= 12) patients for analysis. The mean STAI State score was 38.5 (SD 13.8) and 45.7 (SD 16.8) in the CAT and TAU groups respectively at 24 weeks after randomization, with an adjusted difference in means of 7.2 (95% confidence interval [CI]: −7.9 to 20.6). No safety issues were reported. Patient retention for the CAT group was high (18/20; 90% of patients completed therapy). Ten out of 11 (90.9%) respondents ‘agreed’ or ‘strongly agreed’ that having CAT had been ‘very helpful’. The study demonstrated the feasibility of safely undertaking CAT in this setting. Outcomes showed positive trends compatible with a clinically important effect, although statistically definitive conclusions cannot be drawn in such a study.
Local Transdermal Delivery of Telapristone Acetate Through Breast Skin, Compared With Oral Treatment: A Randomized Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Phase II Trial
Authors: Lee Oukseub , Pilewskie Melissa , Karlan Scott , Tull Mary B. , Benante Kelly , Xu Yanfei , Blanco Luis , Helenowski Irene , Kocherginsky Masha , Yadav Shivangi , Hosseini Omid , Hansen Nora , Bethke Kevin , Muzzio Miguel , Troester Melissa A. , Dimond Eileen , Perloff Marjorie , Heckman‐Stoddard Brandy , Khan Seema A.
Published: September 2020

Oral breast cancer prevention medications entail systemic exposure, limiting acceptance by high‐risk women. Delivery through the breast skin, although an attractive alternative, requires demonstration of drug distribution throughout the breast. We conducted a randomized double‐blind, placebo‐controlled phase II clinical trial comparing telapristone acetate, a progesterone receptor antagonist, administered orally (12 mg/day) or transdermally (12 mg/breast) for 4 ± 1 weeks to women planning mastectomy. Plasma and tissue concentrations, measured at five locations in the mastectomy specimen using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry were compared. In 60 evaluable subjects, median drug concentration (ng/g tissue) was 103 (interquartile range (IQR): 46.3–336) in the oral vs. 2.82 (IQR: 1.4–5.5) in the transdermal group. Despite poor dermal permeation, within‐breast drug distribution pattern was identical in both groups (R2 = 0.88, P = 0.006), demonstrating that transdermally and orally delivered drug is distributed similarly through the breast, and is strongly influenced by tissue adiposity (P < 0.0001). Other skin‐penetrant drugs should be tested for breast cancer prevention.
CO2 Hydrogenation to Methanol with Ga‐ and Zn‐Doped Mesoporous Cu/SiO2 Catalysts Prepared by the Aerosol‐Assisted Sol‐Gel Process**
Authors: Paris Charlie , Karelovic Alejandro , Manrique Raydel , Le Bras Solène , Devred François , Vykoukal Vit , Styskalik Ales , Eloy Pierre , Debecker Damien P.
Published: September 2020

The preparation of copper‐based heterogeneous catalysts dedicated to the hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol typically relies on multi‐step procedures carried out in batch. These steps are precisely tailored to introduce the active phase (Cu) and the promoters (e. g., zinc, gallium) onto a preformed support to maximize catalyst performance. However, each process step can be associated with the formation of waste and with the consumption of energy, thereby negatively impacting the environmental performance of the overall catalyst preparation procedure. Here, a direct and continuous production process is proposed for the synthesis of efficient catalysts for the CO2‐to‐methanol reaction. Gallium‐ and zinc‐promoted mesoporous Cu−SiO2 catalysts were prepared in one step by the aerosol‐assisted sol‐gel process. The catalysts consisted of spherical microparticles and featured high specific surface area and pore volume, with interconnected pores of about 6 nm. A strong promoting effect of Ga and Zn was highlighted, boosting the selectivity for methanol at the expense of CO. Upon calcination, it was shown that Cu species (initially trapped in the silica matrix) underwent a migration towards the catalyst surface and a progressive sintering. After optimization, the catalysts obtained via such direct, continuous, simple, and scalable route could compete with the best catalysts reported in the literature and obtained via multi‐step approaches.
Mesenchymal stem cells prevent overwhelming inflammation and reduce infection severity via recruiting CXCR3+ regulatory T cells
Authors: Li Wenchao , Chen Weiwei , Huang Saisai , Yao Genhong , Tang Xiaojun , Sun Lingyun
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown great potential in treating autoimmune diseases (ADs). Unlike the traditional immunosuppressants, which inadvertently impair patients' antimicrobial immunity, MSCs reduce the incidence and duration of respiratory infection. However, the underlying mechanisms are unknown.

Methods

To investigate how MSCs regulate the lung immunity and improve the defence against respiratory infection, we infected MSC‐treated wild‐type and lupus‐prone mice with Haemophilus influenzae intranasally and determined the clearance of bacteria. Tissue damage and inflammatory cytokines were measured by H&E staining and ELISA separately. Immune cell subsets in the tissues were analysed by flow cytometry.

Results

MSC pretreatment prevented overwhelming inflammation and accelerated bacterial clearance in both wild‐type and lupus‐prone mice. Tregs increased dramatically in the lung after MSC treatment. Adoptive transfer of Tregs isolated from MSC‐treated mice offered similar protection, while deletion of Tregs abrogated the protective effects of MSCs. The majority of the intravenously injected MSCs were engulfed by lung phagocytes, which in turn produced CXCL9 and CXCL10 and recruited tremendous CXCR3+ Tregs into the lung. Compared with their CXCR3− counterparts, CXCR3+ Tregs displayed enhanced proliferation and stronger inhibitory functions. Neutralisation of CXCL9 and CXCL10 significantly downregulated the migration of CXCR3+ Tregs and eliminated the benefits of MSC pretreatment.

Conclusion

Here, we showed that by recruiting CXCR3+ Tregs, MSC treatment restricted the overactivation of inflammatory responses and prevented severe symptoms caused by infection. By discovering this novel property of MSCs, our study sheds light on optimising long‐term immunosuppressive regimen for autoimmune diseases and other immune disorders.
A low complex peak‐to‐average power ratio reduction in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing systems using a two‐dimensional interleaving strategy
Authors: Ghavidel Aghdam Mohammad Reza , Deiri Javid , Mozaffari Tazehkand Behzad , Abdolee Reza
Published: October 2020

One of the effective peak‐to‐average power ratio (PAPR) reduction methods in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems is the partial transmit sequence (PTS) method in which the input data stream is divided into disjoint subblocks and the subcarriers in each subblock multiplied by predefined phase factors. Consecutive data symbols corresponding to a source/user are often more correlated, so when the corresponding subcarriers are weighted by the same phase factor, a sufficient reduction in PAPR cannot be attained by the PTS algorithm in common subblocks. To solve this problem, in this paper, we propose a new systematic PAPR reduction method based on a two‐dimensional subcarrier mapping. Specifically, we scramble/interleave each OFDM symbol based on T‐transform to obtain a new set of subblocks which will be multiplied by predefined phase factors. In the proposed method, each one‐dimensional symbol sequence is converted to a two‐dimensional matrix, and the partitions are formed starting from the main diagonal diameters in the matrix. We present the permutation matrix and reformulate the T‐transform technique based on the permutation matrix. Through numerical experimentations, it is shown that the proposed PAPR reduction technique outperforms the previous counterparts. Also, we analyzed our proposed results by aperiodic autocorrelation function (ACF); reducing of ACF side lobes shows that our proposed method cause considerable PAPR parameter reduction respected to other methods.
Large‐scale variation in single nucleotide polymorphism density within the laboratory axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum)
Authors: Timoshevskaya Nataliya , Voss S. Randal , Labianca Caitlin N. , High Cassity R. , Smith Jeramiah J.
Published: October 2020

Background

Recent efforts to assemble and analyze the Ambystoma mexicanum genome have dramatically improved the potential to develop molecular tools and pursue genome‐wide analyses of genetic variation.

Results

To better resolve the distribution and origins of genetic variation with A mexicanum, we compared DNA sequence data for two laboratory A mexicanum and one A tigrinum to identify 702 million high confidence polymorphisms distributed across the 32 Gb genome. While the wild‐caught A tigrinum was generally more polymorphic in a genome‐wide sense, several multi‐megabase regions were identified from A mexicanum genomes that were actually more polymorphic than A tigrinum. Analysis of polymorphism and repeat content reveals that these regions likely originated from the intentional hybridization of A mexicanum and A tigrinum that was used to introduce the albino mutation into laboratory stocks.

Conclusions

Our findings show that axolotl genomes are variable with respect to introgressed DNA from a highly polymorphic species. It seems likely that other divergent regions will be discovered with additional sequencing of A mexicanum. This has practical implications for designing molecular probes and suggests a need to study A mexicanum phenotypic variation and genome evolution across the tiger salamander clade.
Relative quantification of wind erosion in argan woodlands in the Souss Basin, Morocco
Authors: Marzen Miriam , Kirchhoff Mario , Marzolff Irene , Aït Hssaine Ali , Ries Johannes B.
Published: October 2020

The endemic argan woodlands cover large parts of South Morocco and create a characteristic landscape with areas of sparsely vegetated and bare soil surfaces between single trees. This unique ecosystem has been under extensive agrosilvopastoral management for centuries and is now at risk of degradation caused by overgrazing and increasing scarcity and variability of rainfall.

To investigate susceptibility to wind erosion, we conducted an experimental–empirical study including wind tunnel tests and a drone‐generated digital elevation model and quantified wind‐erodible material on five different associated surface types by means of sediment catchers. The highest emission flux was measured on freshly ploughed surfaces (1875 g m–2 h–1), while older ploughed areas with a re‐established crust produced a much lower emission flux (795 g m–2 h–1). Extensive tillage may have been a sustainable practice for generations, but increasing drought and uncertainty of rainfall now lead to an acute risk of severe soil erosion and dust production. The typical crusted surfaces characterized by residual rock fragment accumulation and wash processes produced the second highest emission flux (1,354 g m–2 h–1). Material collected from tree‐shaded areas (933 g m–2 h–1) was revealed to be a considerable source of organic material, possibly affecting substrate conditions positively on a larger regional scale. The lowest flux was measured on rock fragment‐covered surfaces (301 g m–2 h–1).

The data show that open argan woodland may be a considerable source for wind erosion and dust production, depending on surface characteristics strongly related to management. An adapted management must include the conservation of argan trees to offer a promising approach to prevent severe wind erosion and dust production and mitigate possible impacts of land‐use change and climate change related shifts in wind and rainfall patterns. © 2020 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Badass gully morphodynamics and sediment generation in Waipaoa Catchment, New Zealand
Authors: Fuller Ian C. , Strohmaier Florian , McColl Samuel T. , Tunnicliffe Jon , Marden Michael
Published: September 2020

Large (>0.1 km2) gully–mass movement complexes (badass gullies) are significant contributors to the sediment cascade in New Zealand's steepland East Coast Region catchments. The scale of change taking place in these gully systems allows significant evolution in morphology and sediment dynamics to be tracked at annual to decadal timescales. Here we document changes in two adjacent badass gullies in Waipaoa catchment (Tarndale and Mangatu) to infer sediment generation processes and connectivity using a morphological budgeting approach. A baseline dataset for this study is provided by a LiDAR‐derived digital elevation model (DEM) in 2005. We produced new DEMs and orthophoto mosaics using photogrammetry in 2017, 2018, and 2019 to quantify gully morphodynamics and associated volumes of sediment erosion and deposition in both systems as they co‐evolved. Results indicate ongoing rapid development of both gully complexes. Severe erosion took place at the gully heads with lowering and migration (up to 25 m vertically and laterally) of the topographic divide separating the two gullies between 2005 and 2019. Over the same period, net lowering of each gully system was ~250 mm year−1. Key sediment‐generating processes included surface erosion, deep‐seated landslides, and debris flows. Longer term, the overall contribution of sediment from both badass gullies to the Waipaoa catchment has been declining. In the mid‐20th century, both gullies yielded in excess of 300 kt year−1. From 2005 to 2019, 80 kt year−1 was yielded from Tarndale and 110 kt year−1 from Mangatu. Our most recent surveys demonstrated considerable variability in sediment yield, ranging from 76 kt year−1 (2017–2018) to 291 kt year−1 (2018–2019). The annual variability observed reflects the complex morphodynamics of discrete hillslopes and tributary fans in these badass gully systems and underlines the importance of integrating decadal and annual surveys when assessing system trajectory. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.