bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of co‐regulation of stress in the relationship between perceived partner responsiveness and binge eating: A dyadic analysis
Authors: Tosyali Ahmet Furkan , Harma Mehmet
Published: September 2020

The main aim of this study is to investigate whether there are relationships between perceived partner responsiveness (PPR), co‐regulation of negative affect between romantic partners and binge eating. Data were collected from 148 opposite‐sex romantic partners (18–61 years old) with the mean relationship duration being 8.04 years. Dyadic data were analysed through the actor–partner interdependence model framework. We proposed a model where co‐regulation between partners has indirect effects on the relationship between PPR and binge eating. Results showed that there was no direct association between PPR and binge eating scores of the participants. However, significant direct associations were found regarding both actor and partner effects of PPR on co‐regulation between romantic partners. In addition, there were four significant indirect effects: Women's co‐regulation had an indirect effect on the link between PPR and women's binge eating scores. Similarly, women's co‐regulation had also a significant indirect effect on the link between PPR and men's binge eating. These findings are the first to illustrate a relationship between PPR and binge eating. This study is the first attempt to examine binge eating in terms of co‐regulation processes.
Increasing TPS rate of state‐based blockchains by parallel mining
Authors: Chishti Mohd Sameen , Banerjee Amit
Published: September 2020

Currently, the transaction per second (TPS) rate of a block‐chain is quite low (5 − 10 TPS), which limits its acceptability in the mainstream ICT technology. This letter proposes a parallel mining approach to enhance the efficiency of the state‐based block‐chains, in terms of TPS rate. The proposed methodology, partitions the transaction pool into disjoint sets, allowing parallel mining of the blocks by multiple miners. Furthermore, we show that the proposed methodology maintains the block‐chain fundamentals. Our experimental results show that parallel mining can significantly increase the TPS rate of a blockchain.
Race and Ethnicity Predict Bone Markers and Fracture in Pediatric Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Laster Marciana , Denburg Michelle , Okuda Yusuke , Kumar Juhi , Furth Susan , Warady Bradley , Kalantar-Zadeh Kamyar , Norris Keith , Salusky Isidro B
Published: September 2020

Studies in healthy children have shown racial-ethnic differences in bone markers and bone outcomes including fractures. At present, limited studies have evaluated the impact of race and ethnicity on bone markers and fractures within the pediatric chronic kidney disease (CKD) population. In a cohort study of 762 children between the ages of 1.5 years and 18 years, with CKD stages 1 to 4 from the CKD in children (CKiD) cohort, the relationship between racial-ethnic group and bone markers (parathyroid hormone [PTH], 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25-OHD], 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D], and C-terminal fibroblast growth factor [FGF23]) was determined using linear mixed models. Additionally, logistic regression was used to evaluate racial-ethnic differences in prevalent fracture upon study entry. Black race was associated with 23% higher PTH levels (confidence interval [CI], 2.5% to 47.7%; p = .03), 33.1% lower 25-OHD levels (CI, −39.7% to −25.7%; p < .0001), and no difference in C-terminal FGF23 or 1,25(OH)2D levels when compared to whites. Hispanic ethnicity was associated with 15.9% lower C-terminal FGF23 levels (CI, −28.3% to −1.5%; p = .03) and 13.8% lower 25-OHD levels (CI, −22.2% to −4.5%; p = .005) when compared to whites. Black and Hispanic children had 74% (odds ratio [OR] 0.26; CI, 0.14 to 0.49; p = .001) and 66% (OR 0.34; CI, 0.17 to 0.65; p < .0001) lower odds of any fracture than white children at study entry, respectively. Race and ethnicity are associated with differences in bone markers and despite lower 25-OHD levels, both black and Hispanic children with CKD reported a lower prevalent fracture history than white children. The current findings in the CKD population are similar to racial-ethnic differences described in healthy children. Additional studies are needed to better understand how these differences might impact the management of pediatric CKD-MBD. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
SP1‐induced lncRNA FOXD3‐AS1 contributes to tumorigenesis of cervical cancer by modulating the miR‐296‐5p/HMGA1 pathway
Authors: Ma Wen‐guang , Shi Si‐mao , Chen Lu , Lou Ge , Feng Xiao‐ling
Published: September 2020

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have drawn growing attention due to their regulatory roles in various diseases, including tumors. Recently, lncRNA FOXD3 antisense RNA 1 (FOXD3‐AS1) was shown to be overexpressed in colon adenocarcinoma and glioma, exerting oncogenic functions. However, its expression and effects in cervical cancer (CC) remained unknown. In this research, our group first reported that the levels of FOXD3‐AS1 were distinctly elevated in CC samples and cell lines. The distinct upregulation of FOXD3‐AS1 was associated with lymphatic invasion, distant metastasis, and International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage, and also predicted poor clinical results of CC patients. Next, transcription factor SP1 was demonstrated to resulting in the upregulation of FOXD3‐AS1 in CC. Functional assays indicated that knockdown of FOXD3‐AS1 distinctly suppressed CC progression via affecting cell proliferation, cell apoptosis, and metastasis. Moreover, mechanistic studies suggested that FOXD3‐AS1 acted as an endogenous sponge by directly binding miR‐296‐5p, resulting in the suppression of miR‐296‐5p. In addition, we also reported that high mobility group A, a direct target of miR‐296‐5p, could mediate the tumor‐promotive effects that FOXD3‐AS1 displayed. Overall, our present study might help to lead a better understanding of the pathogenesis of CC, provide a novel possible tumor biomarker, and probe the feasibility of lncRNA‐directed treatments for CC.
CKS1B promotes cell proliferation and invasion by activating STAT3/PD‐L1 and phosphorylation of Akt signaling in papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Wang Hui , Zhang Zhengdong , Yan Zhe , Ma Shihong
Published: September 2020

Objective

To investigate role of GKS1B and its relationship between STAT3/PD‐L1 and p‐Akt in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

Methods

Expression of GKS1B and PD‐L1 was determined in PTC cell lines. GKS1B was overexpressed or knocked down by transfection with overexpression plasmids or si‐CKS1B. STAT3 inhibitor WP1066 was used to suppress STAT3, and PD‐L1 inhibitor Pembrolizumab was used to block PD‐L1. Cell viability and invasion were evaluated by MTT and transwell assay, respectively. The expression of STAT3, p‐STAT3, Akt, and p‐Akt was measured using Western blotting.

Results

Both protein levels and mRNA levels of CKS1B and PD‐L1 were remarkably up‐regulated in PTC cell lines. Knockdown of CKS1B significantly inhibited cell viability and invasion of PTC cells and suppressed STAT3/PD‐L1 signaling and Akt phosphorylation, while overexpression of CKS1B led to opposite results. Inhibition of STAT3 or PD‐L1 reversed the effects of overexpressed CKS1B on PTC cells.

Conclusion

The overexpression of CSK1B could promote cell viability and invasion of PTC cells through activation of STAT3/PD‐L1 signaling and Akt phosphorylation.
Codon usage pattern and evolutionary forces of mitochondrial ND genes among orders of class Amphibia
Authors: Barbhuiya Parvin A. , Uddin Arif , Chakraborty Supriyo
Published: September 2020

In this study, we used a bioinformatics approach to analyze the nucleotide composition and pattern of synonymous codon usage in mitochondrial ND genes in three amphibian groups, that is, orders Anura, Caudata, and Gymnophiona to identify the commonality and the differences of codon usage as no research work was reported yet. The high value of the effective number of codons revealed that the codon usage bias (CUB) was low in mitochondrial ND genes among the orders. Nucleotide composition analysis suggested that for each gene, the compositional features differed among Anura, Caudata, and Gymnophiona and the GC content was lower than AT content. Furthermore, a highly significant difference (p < .05) for GC content was found in each gene among the orders. The heat map showed contrasting patterns of codon usage among different ND genes. The regression of GC12 on GC3 suggested a narrow range of GC3 distribution and some points were located in the diagonal, indicating both mutation pressure and natural selection might influence the CUB. Moreover, the slope of the regression line was less than 0.5 in all ND genes among orders, indicating natural selection might have played the dominant role whereas mutation pressure had played a minor role in shaping CUB of ND genes across orders.
SNAREs and developmental disorders
Authors: Tang Bor L.
Published: September 2020

Members of the soluble N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) family mediate membrane fusion processes associated with vesicular trafficking and autophagy. SNAREs mediate core membrane fusion processes essential for all cells, but some SNAREs serve cell/tissue type‐specific exocytic/endocytic functions, and are therefore critical for various aspects of embryonic development. Mutations or variants of their encoding genes could give rise to developmental disorders, such as those affecting the nervous system and immune system in humans. Mutations to components in the canonical synaptic vesicle fusion SNARE complex (VAMP2, STX1A/B, and SNAP25) and a key regulator of SNARE complex formation MUNC18‐1, produce variant phenotypes of autism, intellectual disability, movement disorders, and epilepsy. STX11 and MUNC18‐2 mutations underlie 2 subtypes of familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. STX3 mutations contribute to variant microvillus inclusion disease. Chromosomal microdeletions involving STX16 play a role in pseudohypoparathyroidism type IB associated with abnormal imprinting of the GNAS complex locus. In this short review, I discuss these and other SNARE gene mutations and variants that are known to be associated with a variety developmental disorders, with a focus on their underlying cellular and molecular pathological basis deciphered through disease modeling. Possible pathogenic potentials of other SNAREs whose variants could be disease predisposing are also speculated upon.
COVID‐19 and dental clinical practice: Students and clinical staff perceptions of health risks and educational impact
Authors: Loch Carolina , Kuan Ian B. J. , Elsalem Lina , Schwass Donald , Brunton Paul A. , Jum'ah Ahmad
Published: September 2020

Purpose/Objectives

Due to the nature of the profession, dental healthcare workers are exposed to infectious diseases such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), and the severity of the pandemic presents challenges to dental education institutions worldwide. This study investigated dental students and clinical staff perceptions of health risks and impacts on clinical competence of working in teaching clinics during the COVID‐19 outbreak.

Methods

A 39‐item survey composed of closed and open questions was sent to students and clinical staff of a prominent Australasian dental school. Questions focused on students and clinical staff perceived impact of COVID‐19 on their health, clinical safety and dental education.

Results

The majority of staff and students perceived their health to be at risk and this increased their stress and impacted clinical performance, particularly for students. The production of aerosols and violation of cross‐infection protocols by some students were the main perceived contributors to COVID‐19 cross‐infection in teaching clinics. Both students and staff considered the closure of teaching clinics would cause extreme impacts on students’ clinical competence; however, online case‐based discussions and tutorials were suggested as potential alternative teaching methods that could be adopted during that period.

Conclusion(s)

The challenges of the COVID‐19 pandemic also bring opportunities for dental education development; mainly in terms of infection prevention and control improvement, preparedness to respond to future contagious diseases, and exploring the benefits of online learning in dentistry.
Interspecific variation of seed morphological and micro‐morphological traits in the genus Vicia (Fabaceae)
Authors: Han Seahee , Sebastin Raveendar , Lee Kyung Jun , Wang XiaoHan , Shin Myoung‐Jae , Kim Seong‐Hoon , Lee Sookyeong , Lee Jung‐Ro , Cho Gyu‐Taek , Hyun Do Yoon , Chung Jong‐Wook
Published: September 2020

Seed macro‐ and micro‐morphology were analyzed to evaluate their capacity to discriminate species in the genus Vicia (Fabaceae). To assess the interspecific variation of the taxa in the genus Vicia, 41 accessions were obtained from the USDA‐ARS germplasm collection in the USA and 19 accessions were collected from Korea. Seed morphological characteristics such as shape, color, mottling, finish, length, width, diameter, hilum shape, hilum color, hilum length, and lens distance from the hilum were examined under a stereomicroscope. Testa texture characteristics such as testa pattern, papillae type, density, height, ribbing, surface deposits, and peaks topped with wax were examined under scanning electron microscopy. Various gross‐morphological traits of seeds of Vicia species have been analyzed and compared. The present study revealed significant variation in testa traits. Testa were papillose and papillose with mounds, the latter being observed only in Vicia lathyroides. The present study revealed 20 key traits that could be used to diagnose Vicia species and classify them.
Palynological characteristics of selected Lamioideae taxa and its taxonomic significance
Authors: Gul Saba , Ahmad Mushtaq , Zafar Muhammad , Bahadur Saraj , Zaman Wajid , Ayaz Asma , Shuaib Muhammad , Butt Maryam Akram , Ullah Fazal , Saqib Saddam , Nizamani Mir Muhammad , Urooj Zara
Published: September 2020

Lamioideae comprised the second‐largest subfamily in Lamiaceae. Although considerable progress has recently been made in the taxonomic study of Lamioideae, the subfamily remains one of the most poorly investigated subfamily in Lamiaceae. Therefore, the present study was designed with the aim to document the pollen micromorphology of some selected Lamioideae taxa and its taxonomic significance from Pakistan. Pollen micromorphological features were observed using scanning electron microscopy. The pollen grains are monad, tricolpate, radially/bilateral symmetrical. The pollen grains were small to medium‐sized having oblate, oblate/subspheroidal, and subspheroidal shape. Exine sculpturing was observed as reticulate, microreticulate, and bireticulate. The colpus surface ornamentation was found as verrucate, gemmate, scabrate, and psilate. There was a considerable variation between the species in the micromorphology, that is, the coarseness of the reticulum, thickness of the muri comprising the reticulum and the number of secondary lumina per primary lumen. Hence, this study documented the pollen morphology of some selected taxa of the subfamily Lamioideae from Pakistan and strengthens the taxonomic identification of subfamily based on pollen characters, which helps in the correct identification, discrimination of the species of Lamioideae at generic and species level.
Comparative morphological study of the oropharyngeal floor of squabs and adult domestic pigeons (Columba liviadomestica)
Authors: Mahdy Mohamed A. A.
Published: September 2020

The current study compared the morphological features of the oropharyngeal floor of squabs and adult domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica). Samples from the oropharyngeal floor of both squabs and adult pigeons were collected directly after slaughtering. The collected samples were examined grossly, morphometrically, and by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The lower beak had triangular shape with pointed rostral end. The tongue did not fill the entire oral floor in squabs as well as adult pigeons. The lingual apex of squabs had a small lingual nail while that of the adult pigeons had a well‐developed lingual nail. The lingual body was separated from the lingual root by a transverse papillary crest, which was “V” shaped in squabs but “U”‐shaped in adult pigeons. Filiform papillae were distributed on the dorsal surface of lingual apex, as well as, body, but were absent on the root. The lingual root presented fine elevations and low projections in squabs and adult pigeons, respectively. On the other hand, the tongue of adult pigeons had larger number of the lingual salivary glands openings compared to that of squabs. In addition, the edges of the glottis had numerous small projections in squabs bur presented large dome‐shaped papillae in adult pigeons. Moreover, adult pigeons had longer pharyngeal papillae at pharyngoesophageal junction than those of squabs. In conclusion, these variations suggest that adult pigeons adapted well to their diet, which might reflect higher efficiency of food prehension
Real‐world evidence of systemic treatment practices for biliary tract cancer in Japan: Results of a database study
Authors: Ueno Makoto , Shirakawa Sachiyo , Tokumaru Jumpei , Ogi Mizue , Nishida Kenichiro , Hirai Takehiro , Shinozaki Kenta , Hamada Yoko , Kitagawa Hiroshi , Horiguchi Akihiko
Published: September 2020

Purpose

To describe the real‐world treatment patterns of systemic therapies for biliary tract cancer (BTC) and to examine the frequency and management of biliary infection in Japan.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with BTC and prescribed systemic therapy between January 2011 and September 2020 were retrieved from the Japanese Medical Data Vision database. The look‐back period was set to 5 years. Patient characteristics, treatment patterns, and biliary infection‐induced treatment interruption were analyzed.

Results

The full analysis set comprised 22 742 patients with a mean age of 71.0 years and 61.6% were male. The most common BTC type was extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (44.6%). The three most common first‐line regimens were S‐1 monotherapy (33.0%), gemcitabine+cisplatin (32.5%), and gemcitabine monotherapy (18.7%) over the entire observation period (January 2011–September 2021). Patients who received monotherapies tended to be older. Biliary infection‐induced treatment interruption occurred in 29.5% of patients, with a median time to onset of 64.0 (interquartile range 29.0–145.0) days. The median duration of intravenous antibiotics was 12.0 (interquartile range 4.0–92.0) days.

Conclusions

These results demonstrated potential challenges of BTC in Japanese clinical practice particularly use of multiple regimens, commonly monotherapies, which are not recommended as first‐line treatment, and the management of biliary infections during systemic therapy.
Recent progress in study of circRNAs and its role in leukemia
Authors: Fu Lei , Tang Doudou , Sun Ailian , Zhu Dengqin , Zhang Guangsen , Wang Yewei
Published: September 2020

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of newly identified noncoding RNA and are considered as a new feature of eukaryotic gene expression. Hundreds of thousands of endogenous circRNAs have been found in mammalian cells, which we knew little before. CircRNAs are covalently closed, circular RNA molecules that typically comprise exonic sequences and are spliced at canonical splice sites. Researchers with RNA-Seq technology have identified that the expression of circRNAs is developmentally regulated, tissue- and cell-type specific. Like long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), circRNAs are becoming a new research hotspot in the RNA field, and aberrant expression of circRNAs could contribute to carcinogenesis. Recent studies have demonstrated that circRNAs play important roles in the development, maintenance, and progression of leukemia. Herein, we describe the biologic characteristics and functions of circRNAs, with a focus on circRNAs that play essential roles in leukemia.
Performance of the Attenuation Imaging Technology in the Detection of Liver Steatosis
Authors: Ferraioli Giovanna , Maiocchi Laura , Savietto Giovanni , Tinelli Carmine , Nichetti Mara , Rondanelli Mariangela , Calliada Fabrizio , Preda Lorenzo , Filice Carlo
Published: September 2020

Objectives

The main aim was to assess the performance and cutoff value for the detection of liver steatosis (grade S > 0) with the Attenuation Imaging–Penetration (ATI‐Pen) algorithm available on the Aplio i‐series ultrasound systems (Canon Medical Systems, Otawara, Japan). The magnetic resonance imaging–derived proton density fat fraction (MRI‐PDFF) was used as the reference standard. Secondary aims were to compare the results to those obtained with the previous ATI algorithm (Attenuation Imaging–General [ATI‐Gen]) and with the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and to generate a regression equation between ATI‐Pen and ATI‐Gen values.

Methods

Consecutive adult patients potentially at risk of liver steatosis were prospectively enrolled. Each patient underwent ultrasound quantification of liver steatosis with ATI‐Pen and ATI‐Gen and a CAP assessment with the FibroScan system (Echosens, Paris, France). The MRI‐PDFF evaluation was performed within a week. The correlations between ATI‐Pen, ATI‐Gen, the CAP, and the MRI‐PDFF were analyzed with the Pearson rank correlation coefficient. The diagnostic performance of ATI‐Pen, ATI‐Gen, and the CAP was assessed with receiver operating characteristic curves and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) analysis.

Results

Seventy‐two individuals (31 male and 41 female) were enrolled. Correlation coefficients of ATI‐Pen, ATI‐Gen, and the CAP with the MRI‐PDFF were 0.78, 0.83, and 0.58, respectively. The AUROCs of ATI‐Pen, ATI‐Gen, and the CAP for detecting steatosis (S > 0) were 0.90 (95% confidence interval, 0.81–0.96), 0.92 (0.82–0.98), and 0.85 (0.74–0.92), and the cutoffs were greater than 0.69 dB/cm/MHz, greater than 0.62 dB/cm/MHz, and greater than 273 dB/m. The regression equation between ATI‐Pen and ATI‐Gen was ATI‐Pen = 0.88 ATI‐Gen + 0.13.

Conclusions

Attenuation Imaging is a reliable tool for detecting liver steatosis, showing an excellent correlation with the MRI‐PDFF and high performance with AUROCs of 0.90 or higher.
Gaps, Controversies, and Proposed Roadmap for Research in Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
Authors: Fasano Alfonso , Espay Alberto J. , Tang‐Wai David F. , Wikkelsö Carsten , Krauss Joachim K.
Published: September 2020

Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus is considered common but remains underinvestigated. There are no uniformly accepted diagnostic criteria and therapeutic guidelines. We summarize the accumulated evidence regarding the definition, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus, highlighting the many gaps and controversies, including diagnostic challenges, the frequent association with neurodegeneration and vascular disease, and the many unknowns regarding patient selection and outcome predictors. A roadmap to fill these gaps and solve the controversies around this condition is also proposed. More evidence is required with respect to diagnostic criteria, the value of ancillary testing, prospective population‐based studies and novel trial designs. Furthermore, a need exists to develop new advanced options in shunt technology. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Screening of germline mutations in young Rwandan patients with breast cancers
Authors: Uyisenga Jeanne P. , Segers Karin , Lumaka Aimé Z. , Mugenzi Pacifique , Fasquelle Corinne , Boujemila Bouchra , Josse Claire , Mutesa Leon , Bours Vincent
Published: September 2020

Background

In Sub‐Saharan Africa breast cancer is commonly detected at younger age and the profile is more aggressive with a high mortality rate compared to the European countries. It is suggested that African‐specific genetic background plays a key role in this matter. The present study aimed at understanding the role of genetic factors in breast cancer development in young Rwandan.

Methods

We performed a massive parallel sequencing on Illumina MiSeq NGS system for the screening of 26 genes associated with hereditary breast cancer from 40 patients under 35 years old from two University Teaching Hospitals in Kigali, Rwanda. Sanger sequencing was used to confirm pathogenic and likely pathogenic mutations.

Results

Five patients out of 40 (12.5%) presented with pathogenic mutations including four patients (10%) carrying BRCA1 or BRCA2 pathogenic variants. One patient showed a missense likely pathogenic TP53 variant. We have also detected additional missense, intronic, and 3’UTR variants of unknown significance in all study participants.

Conclusion

This preliminary study suggests that the frequency of germline mutations in young Rwandan patients with breast cancer is similar to the observations made in Caucasians. However, further large studies including patients and controls are needed to better understand the impact of genetic factors as well as the environmental risk factors in the development of breast cancer in young Rwandans.
Probabilistically shaped amplitude and pulse position modulation based on stepped amplitude probability distribution for optical access networks
Authors: Zhang Jingyi , Liu Bo , Mao Yaya , Ren Jianxin , Xu Xing , Wu Xiangyu , Song Xiumin , Jiang Lei , Han Shun , Zhao Jianye
Published: September 2020

We propose a novel probabilistically shaped amplitude and pulse position modulation (APPM) based on stepped amplitude probability distribution for optical access networks. By adopting the probabilistic shaping (PS) technique, average signal power can be reduced and better bit error rate (BER) performance obtained. The proposed PS‐APPM scheme has been successfully verified in a 25‐km standard single‐mode fiber (SSMF). Experiment results show that at a BER of 1 × 10−3, the proposed 4 × 16 APPM‐PS1 and 4 × 16 APPM‐PS2 outperform the traditional 4 × 16 APPM by 1.54 and 2.52 dB receiver sensitivity improvement, while the proposed 8 × 8 APPM‐PS1 and 8 × 8 APPM‐PS2 excel the traditional 8 × 8 APPM by 2.1 and 3.5 dB at a BER of 1 × 10−2, suggesting the advanced nature of the proposed scheme for future optical access networks.
Performance analysis of optomechanical‐based microcantilever sensor with various geometrical shapes
Authors: Upadhyaya Anup M. , Srivastava Maneesh C. , Sharan Preeta
Published: September 2020

This paper presents a performance analysis of different microcantilever shapes integrated with the optical MEMS system in different fluid mediums. Microcantilevers such as rectangular, trapezoidal, and triangle profile are coupled with optical sensing layers. Here, the concept of integration of optical sensing layer with different shapes of microcantilever is novel. The cantilever is designed and developed in CAD tools. Numerical analysis of different shapes of microcantilever was carried out with the help of Ansys Workbench. Optimal design of the regular microcantilever is considered during the analysis. The pressure is applied to the free end of the cantilever in the range of 100 to 250 kPa. The complete photonic sensing layer is analyzed with the help of an finite difference time domain (FDTD) tool called MIT Electromagnetic Equation Propagation (MEEP). The transmission spectrum is obtained for each microcantilever model. The pressure‐induced refractive index is calculated for the equivalent maximum stress generated. The result shows that a remarkable Q factor was obtained for rectangular, trapezoidal, and triangular profile microcantilevers with an optical system. Triangular and rectangular profiles have shown remarkable contribution over quality factor for air mediums such as 10 120, 1300, respectively. High pressure sensitivity of 1.92 nm/kPa was obtained for rectangular microcantilever in air. Least sensitivity of 0.16 nm/kPa was obtained for triangle microcantilever in the water medium. The proposed work successfully distinguishes various shapes of microcantilever in terms of sensitivity and Q factor. It is having tremendous application in sensing biofluids and in device miniaturization.
Low‐profile wideband dual‐circularly polarized orbital angular momentum antenna array using metasurface
Authors: Zhou Chenyu , Yang Wanchen , Xue Quan , Che Wenquan
Published: September 2020

A novel wideband dual‐circularly polarized orbital angular momentum (OAM) antenna array using metasurface is proposed. The proposed antenna array composed of four antenna elements generates OAM beams in a simple configuration. Each antenna element is placed perpendicularly to the adjacent one, and fed by an in‐phase excitation with equal amplitude. Each antenna element is based on corner‐truncated polarization‐rotation metasurface (PRMS) cells and excited by a dual‐feeding structure through a cross‐like slot, which can realize wideband dual circular polarization (RHCP, LHCP). The proposed antenna array produces dual‐mode OAM mode waves (l = ±1) and exhibits good dual‐circularly polarized performances in a low profile of 0.068 λ0. The measured results show wide impedance bandwidths of 30% for LHCP and 26.6% for RGCP. Also, the large axial ratio bandwidths ARBWs of the OAM antenna array are 20% for LHCP and 14% for RHCP.
A 30‐GHz low‐power CMOS LNA for 5G communication systems
Authors: Liu Jiye , Wu Liang , Zhu Zhangming , Liu Shubin
Published: September 2020

This paper presents theoretical analysis and design procedures for low noise amplifiers (LNAs) in advanced CMOS technologies. For demonstration, a 30‐GHz LNA designed for 5G millimeter‐wave communication systems was fabricated in a 65‐nm CMOS process. It provides a power gain of 22.6 dB with a noise figure of 3.2 dB while drawing 7.3 mW from a 1.2 V supply.
Pattern and polarization reconfigurable circularly polarized antenna based on two pairs of planar complementary dipoles
Authors: Yan Yang‐Dong , Jiao Yong‐Chang , Zhang Chi
Published: September 2020

A front‐to‐back pattern‐reconfigurable circularly polarized (CP) antenna based on two pairs of planar complementary dipoles with back‐to‐back configuration is presented and implemented. The 8 p‐i‐n diodes are employed into the front and back printed dipole arms. The beam direction can be switched from front‐to‐back, and the left‐right circular polarization can also be changed at each beam direction individually, in which switches are controlled by the dc bias voltage loaded on both ends of the p‐i‐n diode. A prototype operating at 5.8 GHz is then fabricated and measured. Experimental results show that the overlapped bandwidth for 10‐dB return loss and 3‐dB axial ratio of the proposed antenna are from 5.75 to 5.88 (front) and 5.74 to 5.90 GHz (back) for the two pattern states. The presented antenna can be a well choice for ISM systems, which are widely applied in handheld medical terminal and signal detection system.
A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis Comparing Heterogeneity in Body Mass Responses Between Low‐Carbohydrate and Low‐Fat Diets
Authors: Smith Eleanor S. , Smith Harry A. , Betts James A. , Gonzalez Javier T. , Atkinson Greg
Published: September 2020

Objective

An important notion in personalized medicine is that there is clinically relevant treatment response heterogeneity. Low‐carbohydrate (CHO) and low‐fat diets are widely adopted to reduce body mass. To compare individual differences in responses between two dietary interventions, a formal statistical comparison of response variances between study arms in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) is crucial.

Methods

The change in variances in RCTs for the body mass responses to low‐CHO dietary interventions versus change variances for the low‐fat groups (typically considered as the comparator intervention) were compared. A literature search identified relevant RCTs (n = 25; 3,340 participants). The means and SDs of body mass change in low‐CHO and low‐fat study arms were extracted to calculate the variances of individual responses. These were meta‐analyzed in a random‐effects model and converted to the SD for individual responses.

Results

The pooled SD for individual responses for body mass was 1.4 kg (95% CI: −1.1 to 2.3) with a wide 95% prediction interval of −6.3 to 10.4 kg.

Conclusions

Evidence is insufficient to suggest the response heterogeneity to low‐CHO diets differs from that observed with low‐fat diets.
Myocardial Ischemia Induced by 5-Fluorouracil: A Prospective Electrocardiographic and Cardiac Biomarker Study
Authors: Dyhl-Polk Anne , Schou Morten , Vistisen Kirsten K. , Sillesen Anne-Sophie , Serup-Hansen Eva , Faber Jens , Klausen Tobias W. , Bojesen Stig E. , Vaage-Nilsen Merete , Nielsen Dorte L.
Published: September 2020

Background

Cardiotoxicity induced by 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is well known but poorly understood. In this study, we undertook ECG recording (Holter) and analyses of the biomarkers troponin and copeptin in patients receiving 5-FU to increase our understanding of the cardiotoxicity.

Subjects, Materials, and Methods

Patients with colorectal or anal cancer that received first-time treatment with 5-FU-based chemotherapy were prospectively included. Holter recording, clinical evaluation, 12-lead electrocardiogram, and assessment of plasma concentrations of troponin I and copeptin were performed before (control) and during 5-FU treatment (intervention).

Results

A total of 108 patients were included, 82 with colorectal and 26 with anal cancer. The proportion of patients with myocardial ischemia on Holter recording was significantly higher during the first 5-FU infusion (14.1%) than before (3.7%; p = .001). The ischemic burden per day (p = .001), the number of ST depression episodes per day (p = .003), and the total duration of ischemic episodes per day (p = .003) were higher during the first 5-FU infusion than before, as was plasma copeptin (p < .001), whereas plasma troponin I was similar (p > 0.999). Six patients (5.6%) developed acute coronary syndromes and two (1.8%) developed symptomatic arrhythmias during 5-FU treatment.

Conclusion

5-FU infusion is associated with an increase in the number of patients with myocardial ischemia on Holter recording. According to biomarker analyses, 5-FU is associated with an increase in copeptin, but rarely with increases in cardiac troponin I. However, 5%–6% of the patients developed acute coronary syndromes during treatment with 5-FU.

Implications for Practice

Symptomatic 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) cardiotoxicity occurs in 0.6%–19% of patients treated with this drug, but a small electrocardiographic (Holter) study has revealed silent myocardial ischemia in asymptomatic patients, suggesting a more prevalent subclinical cardiac influence. This study demonstrated a significant increase in the number of patients with myocardial ischemia on Holter recording during 5-FU treatment and an increase in ischemic burden. Cardiac biomarker analyses suggested that 5-FU infusion results in endogenous stress (increased copeptin) but rarely induces myocyte injury (no change in troponin). These findings suggest a more prevalent cardiac influence from 5-FU and that Holter recording is an important tool in the evaluation of patients with suspected cardiotoxicity from 5-FU.
Incidence of nephrotoxicity with prolonged aminoglycoside exposure in patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Saad Anasemon , Young McKenzie R. , Studtmann Anna E. , Autry Elizabeth B. , Schadler Aric , Beckman Elizabeth J. , Gardner Brian M. , Wurth Mark A. , Kuhn Robert J.
Published: September 2020

Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection, often require repeated aminoglycoside courses for the management of acute pulmonary exacerbations (APEs). Acute kidney injury (AKI) due to aminoglycosides has been reported; little data exist regarding long‐term nephrotoxicity with repeated exposure. The objective of this study was to describe the incidence of acute and chronic nephrotoxicity due to cumulative intravenous (IV) aminoglycoside exposure. This is a retrospective, observational study of pediatric and adult CF patients admitted to an academic medical center between January 1, 2006 and October 1, 2018 for APE management. Patients were eligible for inclusion if they received at least five courses of an IV aminoglycoside for at least 7 days each. Cumulative weight‐based aminoglycoside dose was reported in milligrams per kilogram. For each admission, baseline and highest serum creatinine were collected to assess the incidence of AKI. The baseline and final estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were calculated to assess long‐term effects on renal function. Sixty‐six patients, representing greater than 700 courses, were included in the final analysis. The median cumulative weight‐based aminoglycoside dose was 1183 mg/kg of tobramycin or tobramycin equivalent. Twenty percent of courses resulted in AKI; 86% were Stage 1. A repeated measure multivariate model showed colistin, piperacillin/tazobactam, vancomycin, and age were significant AKI risk factors. There was no correlation between cumulative aminoglycoside dose and change in eGFR. AKI from IV aminoglycoside exposure occurred in 20% of courses. Cumulative exposure to IV aminoglycosides in APE management was not correlated with long‐term renal dysfunction.
Studying dynamics without explicit dynamics: A structure‐based study of the export mechanism by AcrB
Authors: Simsir Méliné , Broutin Isabelle , Mus‐Veteau Isabelle , Cazals Frédéric
Published: September 2020

Resistance‐nodulation‐cell division family proteins are transmembrane proteins identified as large spectrum drug transporters involved in multidrug resistance. A prototypical case in this superfamily, responsible for antibiotic resistance in selected gram‐negative bacteria, is AcrB. AcrB forms a trimer using the proton motive force to efflux drugs, implementing a functional rotation mechanism. Unfortunately, the size of the system (1049 amino acid per monomer and membrane) has prevented a systematic dynamical exploration, so that the mild understanding of this coupled transport jeopardizes our ability to counter it. The large number of crystal structures of AcrB prompts studies to further our understanding of the mechanism. To this end, we present a novel strategy based on two key ingredients, which are to study dynamics by exploiting information embodied in the numerous crystal structures obtained to date, and to systematically consider subdomains, their dynamics, and their interactions. Along the way, we identify the subdomains responsible for dynamic events, refine the states (A, B, E) of the functional rotation mechanism, and analyze the evolution of intramonomer and intermonomer interfaces along the functional cycle. Our analysis shows the relevance of AcrB's efflux mechanism as a template within the HAE1 family but not beyond. It also paves the way to targeted simulations exploiting the most relevant degrees of freedom at certain steps, and to a targeting of specific interfaces to block the drug efflux. Our work shows that complex dynamics can be unveiled from static snapshots, a strategy that may be used on a variety of molecular machines of large size.
Cross‐resistance between myclobutanil and tebuconazole and the genetic basis of tebuconazole resistance in Venturia inaequalis
Authors: Cordero‐Limon Laura , Shaw Michael W , Passey Thomas AJ , Robinson Joyce D , Xu Xiangming
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

Myclobutanil is one of the most widely used demethylation inhibitor (DMI) fungicides for the management of apple scab, caused by Venturia inaequalis. Strains of V. inaequalis resistant to myclobutanil have been reported across the world. Tebuconazole, another DMI fungicide, has been proposed as an alternative to myclobutanil, and the extent of cross‐resistance with myclobutanil therefore needs to be evaluated. The sensitivity to tebuconazole and myclobutanil of a total of 40 isolates was determined. Half the isolates came from an isolated orchard which had never been sprayed with fungicides and half from orchards sprayed regularly with myclobutanil, but still with disease control problems. The progeny of a tebuconazole resistant (R) × sensitive (S) V. inaequalis cross were analyzed in order to improve understanding of the genetic control of tebuconazole sensitivity.

RESULTS

There is cross‐resistance between myclobutanil and tebuconazole (r = 0.91; P < 0.001). Sensitivity to tebuconazole of the progeny of a R × S cross varied quantitatively in a pattern which implied at least two gene loci differing between the parental strains. In addition, the asymmetric distribution of the sensitivity in the progeny implied possible epistatic effects.

CONCLUSION

Resistance to myclobutanil and tebuconazole is strongly correlated. At least two genes are involved in the control of tebuconazole resistance in V. inaequalis.
Atomic‐Layer‐Deposited Al2O3 as Effective Barrier against the Diffusion of Hydrogen from SiNx:H Layers into Crystalline Silicon during Rapid Thermal Annealing
Authors: Helmich Lailah , Walter Dominic C. , Bredemeier Dennis , Schmidt Jan
Published: September 2020

Stacks of hydrogen‐lean aluminum oxide, deposited via plasma‐assisted atomic‐layer‐deposition, and hydrogen‐rich plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor‐deposited silicon nitride (SiNx) are applied to boron‐doped float‐zone silicon wafers. A rapid thermal annealing (RTA) step is performed in an infrared conveyor‐belt furnace at different set‐peak temperatures. The hydrogen content diffused into the crystalline silicon during the RTA step is quantified by measurements of the silicon resistivity increase due to hydrogen passivation of boron dopant atoms. These experiments indicate that there exists a temperature‐dependent maximum in the introduced hydrogen content. The exact position of this maximum depends on the composition of the SiNx layer. The highest total hydrogen content, exceeding 1015 cm−3, is introduced into the silicon bulk from silicon‐rich SiNx layers with a refractive index of 2.3 (at λ = 633 nm) at an RTA peak temperature of 800 °C, omitting the Al2O3 interlayer. Adding an Al2O3 interlayer with a thickness of 20 nm reduces the hydrogen content by a factor of four, demonstrating that Al2O3 acts as a highly effective hydrogen diffusion barrier. Measuring the hydrogen content in the silicon bulk as a function of Al2O3 thickness at different RTA peak temperatures provides the hydrogen diffusion length in Al2O3 as a function of measured temperature.
A novel adaptive event‐triggering scheme for network descriptor systems with time‐delay
Authors: Wang Yuzhong , Zhang Tie , Ren Junchao
Published: September 2020

This article is concerned with the problem of the event‐triggered H∞ control for network descriptor systems with time‐delay under a novel adaptive event‐triggering scheme. First, to save more limited communication resource, a novel adaptive event‐triggering scheme is introduced to adaptively adjust the communication threshold. Second, by considering the network‐induced delay, the system's time‐varying delay, and the transmission scheme, a delay system method is used to build a novel time‐varying delay system model. Based on this model and Lyapunov function technology, sufficient stability conditions with the H∞ disturbance performance to verdict admissible and stabilization conditions to codesign the controller gain are obtained in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Then, an event‐triggered H∞ controller is proposed to stabilize descriptor systems with time‐delay. Finally, a numerical simulation example and a comparing example are employed to illustrate the effectiveness and the advantageous performances of the proposed adaptive event‐triggering scheme.
Robust stabilization of differential‐algebraic systems
Authors: Tudor Sebastian Florin , Sperilă Andrei , Oară Cristian
Published: September 2020

For an uncertain differential‐algebraic system subject to perturbations acting additively on coprime factors of its transfer function matrix, we construct a robust stabilizing controller and give a formula for the maximum stability margin in terms of realizations and solutions to appropriate Riccati equations.
Bipolar Organic Material Assisted Surface and Boundary Defects Passivation for Highly Efficient MAPbI3‐Based Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Syed Ali Asgher , Miao Yawei , Sathiyan Govindasamy , Chen Cheng , Zheng Mengmeng , Yang Xichuan , Ji Hongbing , Li Huaming , Cheng Ming
Published: September 2020

At the device operating conditions, defects such as interstitials, vacancies, and impurities at the grain boundary and surface of photoactive layer have great impact on the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and device stability. To better passivate the surface and boundary defects, and further enhance the PCE and device stability, herein, a bipolar organic material termed 1,4‐bis(perfluorophenyl)‐2,5‐di(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,4‐dihydropyrrolo [3,2‐b] pyrrole (PFPPY) is introduced as modifier in antisolvent. The effects of PFPPY on perovskite film quality, photovoltaic performance, and charge transfer properties are systematically investigated. Under the optimized conditions, the PFPPY‐treated device shows an impressive PCE of 19.62%, which is 12% higher than the reference device (17.59%), and greatly enhanced stability, maintaining 95% of its initial efficiency under room temperature (RT) and relative humidity (RH) 30% condition for 650 h without encapsulation.
Triphenylamine–Polystyrene Blends for Perovskite Solar Cells with Simultaneous Energy Loss Suppression and Stability Improvement
Authors: Ran Junhui , Yuan Pan , Xie HaiPeng , Wan Fang , Chen Yifu , Yuan Yongbo , He Mai , Li Jia , Wang Xiao , Pan Anlian , Gao Yongli , Yang Bin
Published: September 2020

Energy loss induced by nonradiative recombinations plays a critical role in determining power conversion efficiencies in perovskite solar cells, whereas device stability impacts their long‐time reliability in the ambient environment. It is an important challenge to suppress energy loss and improve device stability simultaneously. Herein, an interfacial layer of triphenylamine (TPA):polystyrene (PS) blend coated on the hybrid perovskite layer to concurrently suppress energy loss and improve device stability is reported. The energy loss is suppressed from 0.49 to 0.35 eV by passivating surface defects in hybrid perovskites via Lewis acid–base interactions with the combination of electron‐donating aromatic nucleus in PS and tertiary amine in TPA, leading to perovskite solar cells with a high open‐circuit voltage of 1.18 V, a fill factor of about 80%, and a power conversion efficiency of 22.1%. Meanwhile, the device stability in the ambient environment is improved significantly by the TPA:PS blend due to its superior hydrophobicity which is suggested by its high contact angle of 91.1° as compared to 64.0° for the pristine perovskite film. Herein, an efficient interfacial engineering approach with the TPA:PS blend to suppress energy loss and improve device stability simultaneously towards realistic applications is demonstrated.
Effects of U‐Bending on Pitting Corrosion of 304L Stainless Steel
Authors: Guan Lei , Yang Xiangyu , Cai Jianmin , Li Yu , Wang Guan , Zhang Yongkang
Published: September 2020

The influence of cold U‐bending on pitting corrosion of 304L stainless steel in an acidic NaCl solution is investigated using surface analyses and electrochemical measurements. The pitting behavior of the exterior and interior surfaces of U‐bended specimen exhibiting tensile and compressive residual stress respectively are both considered. The results show that microstructural modification by U‐bending promotes the pit nucleation. Considering the passive film properties after U‐bending, no significant change in both the thickness and Cr/Fe ratios of the passive films formed on the two deformed surfaces can be found. The accompanying residual stresses after U‐bending, especially the tensile residual stress, exhibits a remarkable acceleration of the metastable pit growth rate. Therefore, the pitting potential declines significantly for the exterior surface of U‐bended specimen. However, the compressive residual stress in the interior surface facilitates the repassivation of the metastable pit, can nullify the negative effect of microdefects for the pitting corrosion resistance, so that the pitting potential of the interior surface of U‐bended specimen does not decrease.