bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accurate likelihood inference for the volume under the ROC surface
Authors: Ruli Erlis , Ventura Laura
Published: December 2019

Background:With three ordered diagnostic categories, the volume under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) surface, which is the extension of the area under the ROC curve for binary diagnostic outcomes, is the most commonly used measure for the overall diagnostic accuracy. For a continuous‐scale diagnostic test, classical likelihood‐based inference about the area under the ROC curve can be inaccurate, in particular when the sample size is small, and higher order inferential procedures have been proposed.

Aim:The goal of this paper is to illustrate higher order likelihood procedures for parametric inference in small samples, which provide accurate point estimates and confidence intervals for the volume under the ROC surface.

Methods:Simulation studies are performed in order to illustrate the accuracy of the proposed methodology, and two applications to real data are discussed.

Results:We show that likelihood modern inference provide refinements to classical inferential results. Furthermore, the freely available R package likelihoodAsy makes now their use almost automatic.

Conclusion:Modern likelihood inference based on higher‐order asymptotic methods for the area under the ROC surface provide refinements to classical inferential results. A possible limitation of higher‐order asymptotic methods for practical use is that their software implementation can be awkward. Nevertheless, use of the freely available R package likelihoodAsy makes such implementation straightforward.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis diagnosed promptly by bronchial brushing cytology in an immunocompetent patient
Authors: Suo Liye , Sheu Tiffany G. , Crumley Suzanne M.
Published: December 2019

Respiratory cytology plays an important role in the diagnosis of lower respiratory tract infection. The timely diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) can be very challenging due to the nonspecific cytomorphologic features and limited number of organisms, especially in the immunocompetent patients. Here, we reported a case of TB diagnosed promptly by bronchial brushing cytology in a 51‐year‐old immunocompetent patient. She presented with a 4 cm fungating lesion involving right lower lobe of the lung and mediastinal lymphadenopathy with an initial concern for malignancy. Bronchial brushing showed scattered acute inflammatory cells in the background of necrosis. A cell block was prepared and acid‐fast bacilli (AFB)‐positive organisms were identified. Subsequent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) performed on the sputum detected Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This case highlights the importance of recognizing the cytomorphology of TB from a bronchial brushing specimen; and also emphasizes the potential utility of the cell block from respiratory cytology in the diagnosis of TB.
Copper‐Catalyzed Construction of Trinuclear N‐Fused Hybrid Scaffolds Using Cyclic Ureas as New Building Blocks
Authors: Dao Pham Duy Quang , Cho Chan Sik
Published: December 2019

2‐(2‐Bromoaryl)‐ and 2‐(2‐bromovinyl)‐benzimidazoles are coupled and cyclized with cyclic ureas as new building blocks in dimethylformamide in the presence of a catalytic amount of a copper catalyst and a base to give the corresponding trinuclear N‐fused hybrid scaffolds in good yields. Trinuclear N‐fused hybrid scaffolds having methoxy group on benzimidazole moiety are readily oxidized to unprecedented benzimidazolequinone‐fused hybrid scaffolds in high yields by treatment of ceric ammonium nitrate in acetonitrile/H2O.
Probing TCNQ‐mediated Metal Reduction Reactions at Liquid‐liquid Interface with SECM
Authors: Nieminen Eemi , Kazimova Nargiz , Murtomäki Lasse
Published: December 2019

Metal reduction at the interface between two immiscible electrolyte solutions (ITIES) has been studied with scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM). Metal cations in the aqueous phase are reduced by 7,7,8,8‐tetracyanoquinodimethane anion (TCNQ−) residing in the oil phase, methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK). TCNQ− is formed at the SECM tip by reducing TCNQ, which results in a positive feedback loop between the tip and the ITIES when an electron is donated to a metal cation. The effect of the Galvani potential difference on the rate of the interfacial electron transfer was investigated, establishing the potential difference either by an additional substrate electrode in the aqueous phase or by an a common ion in both phases. It is shown that the Galvani potential difference as a driving force does enable TCNQ− mediated Cu2+ reduction. Finite element method (FEM) simulations were run to provide information on the reaction kinetics and stoichiometry.
Morphologic adjustments of actively evolving highly curved neck cutoffs
Authors: Richards Derek , Konsoer Kory
Published: December 2019

Neck cutoffs and their resultant oxbow lakes are important and prominent features of riverine landscapes. Detailed field‐based research focusing on the morphologic evolution of neck cutoffs is currently insufficient to fully characterize cutoff evolution. High‐resolution bathymetric data were collected over 3 years for the purpose of determining channel morphology and morphologic change on three actively evolving neck cutoffs. Results indicate the following general trends in morphologic adjustment: (1) a longitudinal bar in the upstream meander limb that develops near the entrance to the abandoned bend; (2) a deep scour hole in the downstream meander limb immediately downstream of the cutoff channel; (3) erosion of the bank opposite the cutoff in the downstream meander limb; (4) a cutoff bar in the downstream meander limb at the junction corner of the cutoff channel and the downstream meander limb; and (5) perching of the exit of the abandoned bend above the cutoff channel due to channel bed incision. The results presented herein were used to develop a conceptual model that depicts the morphologic evolution of highly curving neck cutoffs. The findings of this research are combined with recent analyses of the three‐dimensional flow structure through neck cutoffs to provide a mechanistic explanation for the morphodynamics of neck cutoffs. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of social defeat stress and fluoxetine treatment on neurogenesis and behavior in mice that lack zinc transporter 3 (ZnT3) and vesicular zinc
Authors: McAllister Brendan B. , Pochakom Angela , Fu Selena , Dyck Richard H.
Published: December 2019

Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide, in part because the available treatments are inadequate and do not work for many people. The neurobiology of depression, and the mechanism of action of common antidepressant drugs such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), is not well understood. One mechanism thought to underlie the effects of these drugs is upregulation of adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Evidence indicates that vesicular zinc is required for modulation of adult hippocampal neurogenesis, at least under some circumstances. Vesicular zinc refers to zinc that is stored in the synaptic vesicles of certain neurons, including in the hippocampus, and released in response to neuronal activity. It can be eliminated from the brain by deletion of zinc transporter 3 (ZnT3), as is the case in ZnT3 knockout mice. Here, we examined the effects of repeated social defeat stress and subsequent chronic treatment with the SSRI fluoxetine on behavior and neurogenesis in ZnT3 knockout mice. We hypothesized that fluoxetine treatment would increase neurogenesis and reverse stress‐induced behavioral symptoms in wild type, but not ZnT3 knockout, mice. As anticipated, stress induced persistent depression‐like effects, including social avoidance and anxiety‐like behavior. Fluoxetine decreased social avoidance, though the effect was not specific to the stressed mice, but did not affect anxiety‐like behavior. Surprisingly, stress increased the survival of neurons born 1 day after the last episode of defeat stress. Fluoxetine treatment also increased cell survival, particularly in wild type mice, though it did not affect proliferation. Our results did not support our hypothesis that vesicular zinc is required for the behavioral benefits of fluoxetine treatment. As to whether vesicular zinc is required for the neurogenic effects of fluoxetine, our results were inconclusive, warranting further investigation into the role of vesicular zinc in adult hippocampal neurogenesis.
Validity of self‐reported anthropometrics in Arabic‐speaking adults in Australia
Authors: Arjunan Punitha , Kovai Vilas , Jalaludin Bin , Rooney Janelle
Published: December 2019

Issue addressed

Body mass index (BMI) is generally accepted as a useful measurement for monitoring risk factors in adults. Although self‐reported anthropometric measurements are deemed to be more cost‐effective, its accuracy has been debated. While BMI based on self‐reported measures may have to be relied on, accuracy of reporting such measures among culturally and linguistically diverse groups is unknown.

Methods

Face‐to‐face surveys were conducted among 272 adults of Arabic‐speaking backgrounds living in south western Sydney using non‐probability sampling to collect data for directly measured and self‐reported BMI. Agreement between both measures was determined by the Cohen's kappa coefficient analyses. The Wilcoxon matched‐pairs signed‐ranks and Mann‐Whitney U tests were used to compare the differences in median values between both measures. The Bland‐Altman analysis was conducted to identify the limits of agreement between both measurements.

Results

There was substantial agreement between both self‐reported and directly measured data (kappa = 0.70). Significant small median differences were found between both direct and self‐reported overall BMI measure (27.58 vs 27.34; P < .0001) with a significantly greater median difference for females compared to males (0.76 vs 0.38 kg/m2; P = .05). However, the 95% limits of agreement were moderately large for BMI (−5.1 and 6.4).

Conclusion

Self‐reported data for height and weight are generally appropriate for calculating BMI for health promotion interventions among adults from Arabic‐speaking backgrounds but should be used cautiously when assessing BMI status at the individual level.

So what?

When limited resources are available for accomplishing health promotion interventions, self‐reporting measures may be used as a proxy for assessing BMI.
Infants' perceptions of cooperation between a human and robot
Authors: Wang Ying , Park Yun‐Hee , Itakura Shoji , Henderson Annette Margaret Elizabeth , Kanda Takayuki , Furuhata Naoki , Ishiguro Hiroshi
Published: December 2019

Cooperation is fundamental to human society; thus, it may come as little surprise that by their second birthdays, infants are able to perceive when two human agents are working together towards a shared goal. However, far less is known about whether infants view nonhuman agents as being capable of cooperative shared goals. Thirteen‐month‐old infants were habituated to a cooperative interaction involving a human and robot agent as they worked to remove a toy from inside a box. While previous research suggests that infants readily structure the actions of human cooperative partners as being towards a shared goal, surprisingly infants in the current study did not extend their expectations about cooperation when a robot agent was present. These findings contribute to our understanding of the nature of infants' developing notions of goal‐directed behaviour and are the first examination of infants' perceptions of cooperation involving robotic agents.
Identification of KISS1R gene mutations in disorders of non‐obstructive azoospermia in the northeast population of China
Authors: Geng Dongfeng , Zhang Hongguo , Liu Xiangyin , Fei Jia , Jiang Yuting , Liu Ruizhi , Wang Ruixue , Zhang Guirong
Published: December 2019

Background

Non‐obstructive azoospermia (NOA), a serious phenotype of male spermatogenesis failure, is a multifactorial disease which is regulated by genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. Some gene structural variants have been demonstrated to be related to NOA. Loss‐of‐function mutations of KISS1R cause normosmic idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) which result in azoospermia at the pre‐testicular level. The objective of this research was to investigate genetic variants of KISS1R in NOA patients.

Methods

The entire coding region of 52 spermatogenesis‐associated genes (KISS1R included) was sequenced from 200 NOA patients. Mutation screening was performed to identify genetic variations of these genes by targeted exome sequencing. Sequencing data analysis was carried out by a series of bioinformatics tools. Candidate variants confirmation was performed by Sanger sequencing. Functional analysis of candidate variants was evaluated using SIFT and PolyPhen‐2.

Results

Three heterozygous missense variants in KISS1R were identified in three patients, respectively. No deleterious variations in other candidate genes were found in the three patients. Two of these three variants, p.A211T and p.G186E, had been reported in the ExAC and dbSNP database, respectively, while the other variant p.A301D was novel. These variants were all predicted to be likely pathogenic by in silico analysis.

Conclusion

Our study revealed three heterozygous missense variants in KISS1R which expanded the mutation spectrum of KISS1R in infertile men with NOA in the northeast of China.
Rural mental health service utilization in a Texas telepsychology clinic
Authors: Tarlow Kevin R. , McCord Carly E. , Du Yuxian , Hammett Julie , Wills Thomas
Published: December 2019

Objective

To determine if service utilization behaviors varied with the remoteness of clients served by a telepsychology clinic in a predominantly rural health professional shortage area (HPSA) in Texas.

Methods

Archival data from 290 low‐income clients were analyzed to test associations between service utilization behaviors and clients’ distance from the nearby access points where they traveled to receive counseling services from remotely located counselors.

Results

Distance to access points did not predict differences in service utilization behaviors. However, clients in rural counties traveled farther to receive services than clients in metropolitan areas. Some utilization behaviors varied by demographic variables and depressive symptom severity.

Conclusions

A “hub and spoke” model of telehealth service delivery is an acceptable model for improving access to mental health care services in rural and underserved communities, even for clients who live relatively far from access points. Telehealth providers should consider geographic, socioeconomic, transportation, and health‐related barriers to care experienced by clients when implementing services and policies.
RESCUE transesophageal echocardiography for monitoring of mechanical chest compressions and guidance for extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation cannulation in refractory cardiac arrest
Authors: Giorgetti Ryan , Chiricolo Gerardo , Melniker Lawrence , Calaf Carlos , Gaeta Theodore
Published: December 2019

There is a growing interest in using point‐of‐care transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) during cardiac arrest. TEE is effective at identifying the etiology of sudden cardiovascular collapse and guiding management during the resuscitation. In selected patients with refractory cardiac arrest, extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) can be considered. ECPR requires percutaneous vascular access for the implantation of veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuit. We present a case of prolonged cardiac arrest in which rescue TEE was pivotal in narrowing the differential diagnosis, monitoring of mechanical chest compression performance, and guiding cannulation for ECPR.
Graph homomorphism reconfiguration and frozen H‐colorings
Authors: Brewster Richard C. , Lee Jae‐Baek , Moore Benjamin , Noel Jonathan A. , Siggers Mark
Published: December 2019

For a fixed graph H, the reconfiguration problem for H‐colorings (ie, homomorphisms to H) asks: given a graph G and two H‐colorings and of G, does there exist a sequence of H‐colorings such that , , and for every and ? If the graph G is loop‐free, then this is the equivalent to asking whether it possible to transform into by changing the color of one vertex at a time such that all intermediate mappings are H‐colorings. In the affirmative, we say that reconfigures to . Currently, the complexity of deciding whether an H‐coloring reconfigures to an H‐coloring is only known when H is a clique, a circular clique, a ‐free graph, or in a few other cases which are easily derived from these. We show that this problem is PSPACE‐complete when H is an odd wheel. An important notion in the study of reconfiguration problems for H‐colorings is that of a frozen H‐coloring; that is, an H‐coloring such that does not reconfigure to any H‐coloring such that . We obtain an explicit dichotomy theorem for the problem of deciding whether a given graph G admits a frozen H‐coloring. The hardness proof involves a reduction from a constraint satisfaction problem which is shown to be nondeterministic polynomial time NP‐complete by establishing the nonexistence of a certain type of polymorphism.
Lewis acid–catalyzed green synthesis and biological studies of pyrrolo[3,4‐c]pyrazoles in aqueous medium
Authors: Kaur Manpreet , Singh Baldev , Arjuna Anania
Published: December 2019

An environmentally benign approach in aqueous medium by means of Lewis acid catalyst affords a wide spectrum of pyrazoline derivatives in satisfactory yields. [3+2] cycloaddition reactions of substituted azomethine‐N‐imines to maleimide in aqueous medium at relatively high concentrations of Lewis acid catalyst have emerged as an environment friendly alternative to conventional solvents. Promising catalytic activity has been revealed by Lewis acid like Cu (NO3)2 in aqueous medium. The obvious features of this synthetic protocol were short reaction time, high efficiency, less hazardous synthesis by benign solvent, catalysis, modest workup, and a clean reaction methodology.
Investigation of the interaction between split aptamer and vascular endothelial growth factor 165 using single molecule force spectroscopy
Authors: Li Shaoyuan , Zheng Yan , Liu Yaqin , Geng Xiuhua , Liu Xiaofeng , Zou Liyuan , Wang Qing , Yang Xiaohai , Wang Kemin
Published: December 2019

Understanding the binding of split aptamer/its target could become a breakthrough in the application of split aptamer. Herein, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a major biomarker of human diseases, was used as a model, and its interaction with split aptamer was explored with single molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS). SMFS demonstrated that the interaction force of split aptamer/VEGF165 was 169.44 ± 6.59 pN at the loading rate of 35.2 nN/s, and the binding probability of split aptamer/VEGF165 was dependent on the concentration of VEGF165. On the basis of dynamic force spectroscopy results, one activation barrier in the dissociation process of split aptamer/VEGF165 complexes was revealed, which was similar to that of the intact aptamer/VEGF165. Besides, the dissociation rate constant (koff) of split aptamer/VEGF165 was close to that of intact aptamer/VEGF165, and the interaction force of split aptamer/VEGF165 was higher than the force of intact aptamer/VEGF165. It indicated that split aptamer also possessed high affinity with VEGF165. The work can provide a new method for exploring the interaction of split aptamer/its targets at single‐molecule level.
Roles of GluN2C in cerebral ischemia: GluN2C expressed in different cell types plays different role in ischemic damage
Authors: Ding Yue , Wang Le , Huo Yuexiang , Sun Yanping , Wang Long , Gao Zibin , Sun Yongjun
Published: December 2019

Over the past decade, many studies have focused on clarifying the roles of different N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunits in cerebral ischemia, hoping to develop subunit‐selective drugs. Recently, more attention was given to studying the role of GluN2C in ischemia damage, which may lead to the development of new NMDA receptor antagonists for cerebral ischemia. Results showed that GluN2C inhibition or knockout can effectively alleviate the ischemic injury caused by middle cerebral artery occlusion and, contrarily, can aggravate the damage to hippocampal CA1 circuit caused by transient global cerebral ischemia. These results indicate the complicated roles of GluN2C in cerebral ischemia. In this minireview, we focus on these findings, describe the roles of GluN2C from different cell origins in ischemic damage, and explain the above inconsistent experimental results.
Development of a microporous annealed particle hydrogel for long‐term vocal fold augmentation
Authors: Pruett Lauren , Koehn Heather , Martz Teresa , Churnin Ian , Ferrante Sergio , Salopek Lisa , Cottler Patrick , Griffin Donald R. , Daniero James J.
Published: December 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

The purpose of this study was to develop and provide evidence of a novel permanent injectable biomaterial for vocal fold augmentation with the potential to treat glottic incompetence by evaluating its performance in two animal models.

Study Design

Animal model.

Methods

Microporous annealed particle (MAP) hydrogel was fabricated using a water‐in‐oil emulsion method and synthetically tuned to match the stiffness modulus of native vocalis muscle. Thirty‐two New Zealand White rabbits were administered unilateral injections of MAP (n = 16), saline (n = 8), and the clinical standard hyaluronic acid (Restylane‐L) (n = 8), and evaluated at day 0, and 6‐week, 4‐month, and 6‐month endpoints. Induced vocal fold vibration was recorded with a high‐speed camera prior to euthanization, with glottic closure and mucosal wave characteristics assessed both quantitatively and qualitatively by an experienced voice clinician. Histologic analysis was performed to assess scaffold permanence, immunogenicity, and vascularization within the scaffold.

Results

Histologic analysis confirmed the MAP gel treatment group maintained its volume without migration for 6 months postimplantation. Immune staining showed minimal to nonexistent immunogenicity over the course of the implant lifetime. Extensive tissue integration and vascularization was observed histologically within the MAP gel group by immunofluorescence staining. Mucosal wave was not impaired by any of the injected materials, including the MAP gel augmentation.

Conclusions

MAP gel is a nonresorbable biostimulatory injectable implant that provides superior tissue integration, stiffness matching, and permanence compared to current injectable implants, with retained biomechanical function, suggesting its potential as a new therapeutic for glottic incompetence.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 130:2432–2441, 2020
Treatment sequence and survival in locoregionally advanced hypopharyngeal cancer: A surveillance, epidemiology, and end results–based study
Authors: Hochfelder Colleen G. , McGinn Aileen P. , Mehta Vikas , Castellucci Enrico , Kabarriti Rafi , Ow Thomas J.
Published: December 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

The objective of this study was to examine the association between modality of primary treatment and survival among patients with locoregionally advanced hypopharyngeal cancer.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort.

Methods

There were 2,328 adult patients diagnosed with stage III or IV, M0, hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma identified within the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) registry (years 2004–2015). Patients who received primary chemoradiation (CRT) were compared to those who received surgery with either adjuvant radiation therapy (S + RT), or surgery with adjuvant CRT (S + CRT). The latter primary surgery group (S + Adj) was also analyzed collectively. Overall survival (OS) and disease‐specific survival (DSS) were assessed using Kaplan‐Meier analyses and Cox regression models using a propensity score to adjust for factors associated with treatment allocation.

Results

Median survival was 20 months (interquartile range [IQR] = 10–45) with CRT and 25 months (IQR = 10–47) with S + Adj (P < .001). S + Adj had higher‐grade cancers and more advanced T staging (P < .001). S + CRT was associated with longer OS (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.70, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.59‐0.84) and DSS (HR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.54‐0.82) after adjusting for age, gender, race, subsite, grade, and stage. S + RT was associated with longer DSS than CRT (HR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.57‐0.99) but not OS (HR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.66‐1.04). S + Adj was associated with longer DSS in T1/T2 disease (P = .04) and T4 disease (P = .0003), but did not reach significance among patients with T3 disease (P = .06).

Conclusions

Among patients with advanced hypopharyngeal cancer reported in the SEER database, treatment with S + Adj was associated with longer DSS and OS compared to those treated with primary CRT.

Level of Evidence

2b Laryngoscope, 130:2611–2621, 2020
Fundamental drivers of dissolved organic matter composition across an Arctic effective precipitation gradient
Authors: Kellerman Anne M. , Arellano Ana , Podgorski David C. , Martin Ellen E. , Martin Jonathan B. , Deuerling Kelly M. , Bianchi Thomas S. , Spencer Robert G. M.
Published: December 2019

The standard model for aquatic ecosystems is to link hydrologic connectivity to dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration and dissolved organic matter (DOM) composition and, ultimately, reactivity. Studies across effective precipitation gradients have been suggested as models for predicting how carbon cycling will change in Arctic aquatic ecosystems with projected drying (i.e., reduced hydrologic connectivity). To evaluate links between DOM dynamics and hydrologic connectivity, 41 stream samples from Greenland were analyzed across an effective precipitation gradient for DOM optical properties and elemental composition using ultrahigh‐resolution mass spectrometry. Sites with negative effective precipitation and decreased hydrologic connectivity exhibited elevated specific conductivity (SpC) and DOC concentrations as well as DOM composition indicative of decreased hydrologic connectivity, for example, lower aromaticity, assessed using carbon‐specific UV absorbance at 254 nm, decreased relative abundances of polyphenolic and condensed aromatic compounds, and increased relative abundances of highly unsaturated and phenolic compounds. Allochthonous inputs decreased as the summer progressed as exhibited by decreases in aromatic compounds. A decrease in molecular richness and N‐containing compounds coincided with the decrease in allochthonous inputs. DOC concentrations increased over the summer but more slowly than SpC, suggesting degradation processes outweighed combined evapoconcentration and production. The patterns in DOM composition suggest evapoconcentration and photodegradation are dominant controls. However, when hydrologic connectivity was high, regardless of effective precipitation, DOM reflected allochthonous sources such as snowmelt‐fed wetlands. These results highlight the challenges of modeling carbon cycling in aquatic ecosystems across effective precipitation gradients, particularly those with strong seasonality and regional variability in hydrologic inputs.
Photobiomodulation at 660 nm Stimulates Fibroblast Differentiation
Authors: Mokoena Dimakatso R. , Houreld Nicolette N. , Dhilip Kumar Sathish S. , Abrahamse Heidi
Published: December 2019

Background and Objectives

Among many of the different complications that diabetic patients suffer, foot ulcers are the most challenging, and in many cases result in non‐traumatic lower limb amputation and permanent disability. To alleviate this burden, new interventions such as photobiomodulation (PBM) have been utilized. However, the cellular pathways affected by PBM have not yet been fully recognized. The differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts forms a vital part of wound healing and is often impaired under diabetic conditions. Therefore, this study sought to investigate the effects of PBM at 660 nm on the transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1)/Smad pathway and the differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

WS1 fibroblasts were treated with PBM using a wavelength of 660 nm at a fluence of 5 J/cm2 in normal, normal wounded, diabetic, and diabetic wounded models. Post‐irradiation cellular responses were observed at 24, 48, and 72 hours to ascertain morphological changes and cell viability, and the expression of fibroblast differentiation markers (Thy‐1 or CD90, extra domain A fibronectin or EDA‐FN and α‐smooth muscle actin or α‐SMA), TGF‐β1, phosphorylated (p)TGF‐β receptor 1 (R1), and p‐Smad2/3.

Results

There was a significant increase in cell viability in all irradiated cell models, and no real significant changes in TGF‐β1, pTGF‐β1R1, and p‐Smad2/3. As incubation time post‐irradiation increased, Thy‐1 (CD90) decreased, while EDA‐FN and α‐SMA increased in wounded models.

Conclusions

PBM at 660 nm with 5 J/cm2 was successful in stimulating the differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts in diabetic wounded cells, which was independent of the TGF‐β1/Smad pathway. Fibroblast transition into myofibroblasts is vital to wound healing, failure of which results in impaired healing; PBM is able to foster such a transition. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of the addition of Na2SnO3 to NaCl electrolytes on Mg‐14Li‐3Al‐1Gd electrode electrochemical behavior
Authors: Li Guangyu , Su Jinhao , Zhao Xinyue , Chen Shixing , Wu Ruizhi , Wang Guixiang
Published: December 2019

We report on the electrochemical performance of Mg‐14Li‐3Al‐1Gd electrodes prepared by the accumulation roll bonding technique in a 0.7 M NaCl solution. To explore the effects of adding different concentrations of Na2SnO3 to 0.7 M NaCl solutions, potentiodynamic polarization, potentiostatic oxidation, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy were utilized. The results show that the addition of Na2SnO3 to a 0.7 M NaCl solution increases the corrosion potential of the Mg‐14Li‐3Al‐1Gd electrodes. Samples with 0.1 mM Na2SnO3 retained the highest discharging current density and lowest polarization resistance of all the specimens. Electrodes in an electrolyte solution mixed with 0.1 mM Na2SnO3 presented a larger active reaction area, deeper channels, and higher discharging currents than those with other additive concentrations. In conclusion, to improve the electrochemical behavior of Mg‐14Li‐3Al‐1Gd electrodes in a 0.7 M NaCl solution, the optimal concentration of Na2SnO3 is 0.1 mM.
Influence of Sn, Cd, and Si addition on the electrochemical performance of Al–Zn–In sacrificial anodes
Authors: Xia Zijie , Zhang Wenfeng , Yang Xiaowei , Chen Tao , Zhu Yunfeng , Ma Huaxiong , Li Liquan
Published: December 2019

Overcoming the reduction of current efficiency and stacking of corrosion products on the surface of Al–Zn–In sacrificial anodes after long‐term use is of great significance for Al–Zn–In alloy as an anode material for cathodic protection of steel structures in seawater. In this study, four different sacrificial anode materials were prepared based on the Al‐6Zn‐0.03In (wt%) alloy without and with the addition of alloying elements of Sn, Cd, and Si, respectively. The influence of the addition of Sn, Cd, and Si on the microstructure and electrochemical performance of the Al–Zn–In anode was investigated by optical microscopy and electrochemical measurements. The results show that the introduction of Sn, Cd, and Si changes the microdendrite structure of Al–Zn–In to equiaxed grain. The added Sn, Cd, and Si alloys have more negative and stable working potential and uniformly dissolved morphology. The actual capacity and current efficiency of aluminum alloys increase from 2,000.6 Ah/kg and 70.7% of Al–Zn–In alloy to 2,539.4 Ah/kg and 88.6% of Al–Zn–In–Sn, 2,437.3 Ah/kg and 85.5% of Al–Zn–In–Cd and 2,500.4 Ah/kg and 88.8% of Al–Zn–In–Si alloys, respectively.
Overcoming the delivery barrier of oligonucleotide drugs and enhancing nucleoside drug efficiency: The use of nucleolipids
Authors: Zhou Xinyang , Wang Shuhe , Zhu Yuejie , Pan Yufei , Zhang Lihe , Yang Zhenjun
Published: December 2019

With the rapid development of synthetic technology and biological technology, many nucleic acid‐based drugs have entered the clinical trials. However, their inherent disabilities in actively and efficiently penetrating cell membranes still severely restrict their further application. The main drawback of cationic lipids, which have been widely used as nonviral vectors of nucleic acids, is their high cytotoxicity. A series of nucleoside‐based or nucleotide‐based nucleolipids have been reported in recent years, due to their oligonucleotide delivery capacity and low toxicity in comparison with cationic lipids. Lipophilic prodrugs of nucleoside analogs have extremely similar structures with nucleolipid vectors and are thus helpful for improving the transmembrane ability. This review introduces the progress of nucleolipids and provides new strategies for improving the delivery efficiency of nucleic acid‐based drugs, as well as lipophilic prodrugs of nucleosides or nucleotides for antiviral or anticancer therapies.
Variability in meteorological parameters and their impact on evapotranspiration in a humid zone of Pakistan
Authors: Adnan Shahzada , Ullah Kalim , Ahmed Rehan
Published: December 2019

Pakistan lies in the region over the globe where effects of climate change due to global warming are more likely to occur. These climatic changes are reflected in significant gradual fluctuations in measurements of meteorological parameters. Agricultural activity in any region depends upon the role of components of hydrological cycle over the region. An important component of hydrological cycle is evapotranspiration (ET), which is closely linked with changes in meteorological parameters. This study investigates impact of probable variation in four important meteorological parameters i.e. temperature (T), net solar radiation (Rn), vapour pressure (ea) and wind speed (U) on ET to estimate possible changes in reference ET in a humid zone of Pakistan by employing observed climatological records for 30 years (1981–2010). Analyses are done on the basis of possible ±20% changes in climatological mean values of the observed meteorological parameters. The analyses indicate that 20% rise in observed values of T, Rn and U increases value of total (annual) ET demand in the zone up to 11.93%, 16.37% and 2.83% respectively, and 20% rise in the observed values of vapour pressure decreases value of total (annual) ET till −2.5%. Moreover, the analyses also showed that ET is more sensitive to T and Rn in monsoon, vapour pressure in winter, and to wind speed in summer. Hence, this study might be useful in planning and formulating future strategies to meet expected future water requirements due to global warming in humid zone of Pakistan and its surrounding region.
Components exponential scator holomorphic function
Authors: Fernandez‐Guasti Manuel
Published: December 2019

The components exponential scator function, succinctly labeled “cexp,” is a function of scator variable in 1+n dimensional elliptic scator algebra. This function is introduced here, and its elementary properties are studied. In 1+1 dimensions, the cexp function becomes the usual complex exponential function of complex variable. The cexp function is shown to be scator holomorphic in the entire scator set according to the differential quotient criterion. The scator derivative of the cexp function is the cexp function itself. The relationship between the Cartesian and polar forms of the cexp function can be seen as a higher‐dimensional extension of Euler formula. The mappings of grids in 1+2 dimensional space exhibit ellipses and Lissajous‐like figures in addition to circles and radial lines. A cusphere surface is generated for the isometric condition in the function's image. An interesting application of the cexp function as propagators regarding the quantum measurement problem is outlined.
Some analytical and numerical investigation of a family of fractional‐order Helmholtz equations in two space dimensions
Authors: Srivastava Hari M. , Shah Rasool , Khan Hassan , Arif Muhammad
Published: December 2019

In this article, we aim at solving a family of two‐dimensional fractional‐order Helmholtz equations by using the Laplace‐Adomian Decomposition Method (LADM). The fractional‐order derivatives, which we use in this investigation, follows the Liouville‐Caputo definition. Our results based upon the LADM are obtained in series form that helps us in analyzing the analytical solutions of the fractional‐order Helmholtz equations considered here. For illustration and verification of the analytical procedure using the LADM, several numerical examples and graphical representations are presented for the analytical solution of the fractional‐order Helmholtz equations. The mathematical analytic procedure, which we have used here, has shown that the LADM is a fairly accurate and computable method for the solution of problems involving fractional‐order Helmholtz equations in two dimensions. In an analogous manner, one can apply the LADM for finding the analytical solution of other classes of fractional‐order partial differential equations.
Conceptual modelling: Towards detecting modelling errors in engineering applications
Authors: Gürlebeck Klaus , Legatiuk Dmitrii , Nilsson Henrik , Smarsly Kay
Published: December 2019

Rapid advancements of modern technologies put high demands on mathematical modelling of engineering systems. Typically, systems are no longer “simple” objects, but rather coupled systems involving multiphysics phenomena, the modelling of which involves coupling of models that describe different phenomena. After constructing a mathematical model, it is essential to analyse the correctness of the coupled models and to detect modelling errors compromising the final modelling result. Broadly, there are two classes of modelling errors: (a) errors related to abstract modelling, eg, conceptual errors concerning the coherence of a model as a whole and (b) errors related to concrete modelling or instance modelling, eg, questions of approximation quality and implementation. Instance modelling errors, on the one hand, are relatively well understood. Abstract modelling errors, on the other, are not appropriately addressed by modern modelling methodologies. The aim of this paper is to initiate a discussion on abstract approaches and their usability for mathematical modelling of engineering systems with the goal of making it possible to catch conceptual modelling errors early and automatically by computer assistant tools. To that end, we argue that it is necessary to identify and employ suitable mathematical abstractions to capture an accurate conceptual description of the process of modelling engineering systems.
On the exponential and polynomial stability for a linear Bresse system
Authors: Afilal M. , Guesmia A. , Soufyane A. , Zahri M.
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we consider a linear one‐dimensional Bresse system consisting of three hyperbolic equations coupled in a certain manner under mixed homogeneous Dirichlet‐Neumann boundary conditions. Here, we consider that only the longitudinal displacement is damped, and the vertical displacement and shear angle displacement are free. We prove the well‐posedness of the system and some exponential, lack of exponential and polynomial stability results depending on the coefficients of the equations and the smoothness of initial data. At the end, we use some numerical approximations based on finite difference techniques to validate the theoretical results. The proof is based on the semigroup theory and a combination of the energy method and the frequency domain approach.
Nonlinear analysis of EEG complexity in episode and remission phase of recurrent depression
Authors: Čukić Milena , Stokić Miodrag , Radenković Slavoljub , Ljubisavljević Miloš , Simić Slobodan , Savić Danka
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Biomarkers of major depressive disorder (MDD), its phases and forms have long been sought. Objectives were to examine whether the complexity of EEG activity, measured by Higuchi's fractal dimension (HFD) and sample entropy (SampEn), differs between healthy subjects, patients in remission, and in episode phase of the recurrent depression and whether the changes are differentially distributed between hemispheres and cortical regions.

Methods

Resting state EEG with eyes closed was recorded from 22 patients suffering from recurrent depression (11 in remission, 11 in the episode), and 20 age and sex‐matched healthy control subjects. Artifact‐free EEG epochs were analyzed by in‐house developed programs running HFD and SampEn algorithms.

Results

Depressed patients had higher HFD and SampEn complexity compared to healthy subjects. The complexity was higher in patients who were in remission than in those in the acute episode. Altered complexity was present in the frontal and centro‐parietal regions when compared to control group. The complexity in frontal and parietal regions differed between the two phases of depressive disorder.

Conclusions

Complexity measures of EEG distinguish between the healthy controls, patients in remission and episode. Further studies are needed to establish whether these measures carry a potential to aid clinically relevant decisions about depression.
DeepCEST 3T: Robust MRI parameter determination and uncertainty quantification with neural networks—application to CEST imaging of the human brain at 3T
Authors: Glang Felix , Deshmane Anagha , Prokudin Sergey , Martin Florian , Herz Kai , Lindig Tobias , Bender Benjamin , Scheffler Klaus , Zaiss Moritz
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Calculation of sophisticated MR contrasts often requires complex mathematical modeling. Data evaluation is computationally expensive, vulnerable to artifacts, and often sensitive to fit algorithm parameters. In this work, we investigate whether neural networks can provide not only fast model fitting results, but also a quality metric for the predicted values, so called uncertainty quantification, investigated here in the context of multi‐pool Lorentzian fitting of CEST MRI spectra at 3T.

Methods

A deep feed‐forward neural network including a probabilistic output layer allowing for uncertainty quantification was set up to take uncorrected CEST‐spectra as input and predict 3T Lorentzian parameters of a 4‐pool model (water, semisolid MT, amide CEST, NOE CEST), including the B0 inhomogeneity. Networks were trained on data from 3 subjects with and without data augmentation, and applied to untrained data from 1 additional subject and 1 brain tumor patient. Comparison to conventional Lorentzian fitting was performed on different perturbations of input data.

Results

The deepCEST 3T networks provided fast and accurate predictions of all Lorentzian parameters and were robust to input perturbations because of noise or B0 artifacts. The uncertainty quantification detected fluctuations in input data by increase of the uncertainty intervals. The method generalized to unseen brain tumor patient CEST data.

Conclusions

The deepCEST 3T neural network provides fast and robust estimation of CEST parameters, enabling online reconstruction of sophisticated CEST contrast images without the typical computational cost. Moreover, the uncertainty quantification indicates if the predictions are trustworthy, enabling confident interpretation of contrast changes.
How can we prevent postprostatectomy urinary incontinence by patient selection, and by preoperative, peroperative, and postoperative measures? International Consultation on Incontinence‐Research Society 2018
Authors: Averbeck Marcio A. , Marcelissen Tom , Anding Ralf , Rahnama'i Mohammad S. , Sahai Arun , Tubaro Andrea
Published: December 2019

Aims

To review current prevention strategies for urinary incontinence among patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP).

Methods

This is a consensus report of the proceedings of a research proposal from the annual International Consultation on Incontinence‐Research Society (ICI‐RS), 14 to 16 June 2018 (Bristol, UK): “How can we prevent postprostatectomy incontinence by patient selection, and by preoperative, peroperative, and postoperative measures?”

Results

Several baseline parameters were proposed as predicting factors for postprostatectomy urinary incontinence (PPUI), including age, tumor stage, prostate volume, preoperative lower urinary tract symptoms, maximum urethral closure pressure, and previous transurethral resection of the prostate. More recently, magnetic resonance imaging has been used to measure the membranous urethral length and sphincter volume. Peroperative techniques include preservative and reconstructive approaches. Bladder neck preservation improved early (6 months), as well as long‐term (>12 months) continence rates. Several prospective studies have reported earlier return of continence following preservation of puboprostatic ligaments, although no long‐term data are available. Preservation of the urethral length yielded controversial outcomes.

Concerning postoperative strategies, it is probably optimal to remove the catheter in a window between 4 and 7 days if clinically appropriate; however, more research in this regard is still required. Postoperative PFME (preoperative pelvic floor muscle exercise) appears to speed up the recovery of continence after RP.

Conclusions

Conservative strategies to prevent PPUI include proper patient selection and PFME. Peroperative techniques have largely shown benefit in the short term. Postoperative complications and timing of trial without catheter can influence continence status. Future research initiatives must assess peroperative and postoperative measures, with longer‐term follow‐up.
How can we improve the diagnosis and management of bladder pain syndrome? Part 2:ICI‐RS 2018
Authors: Khullar Vik , Digesu G. Alessandro , Veit‐Rubin Nikolaus , Sahai Arun , Rahnama'i Mohammad Sajjad , Tarcan Tufan , Chermansky Christopher , Dmochowski Roger
Published: December 2019

Background

This paper summarises the discussion in a think tank at the International Consultation on Incontinence‐Research Society (ICI‐RS) 2018 about the treatment of bladder pain syndrome.

Aims

To review the treatments of bladder pain syndrome from behavioural treatments to surgical interventions.

Materials and Methods

Review the literature in the light of the think tank discussions.

Results

All guidelines recommend different levels of treatment starting with conservative behavioral treatments then introducing oral treatments followed by intravesical instillations. If these treatments fail then more invasive treatments such as botulinum toxin injections, neuromodulation, or surgery could be suggested.

Conclusion

Unfortunately for all treatments, the numbers are limited and, therefore, the evidence base is not strong. Further suggestions for research are suggested.