bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of microbiological, chemical, and sensory properties of cooked probiotic sausages containing different concentrations of astaxanthin, thymol, and nitrite
Authors: Mohammadpourfard Issa , Khanjari Ali , Akhonzadeh Basti Afshin , Herrero‐Latorre Carlos , Shariatifar Nabi , Hosseini Hedayat
Published: November 2020

In this study, the effects of different concentrations of thymol and astaxanthin on control of Clostridium perfringenes and also microbial, chemical, and organoleptic properties of common and probiotic beef cooked sausages containing two levels of nitrite during storage at refrigerated condition during 45 days were evaluated. Based on findings, control group had significantly higher total volatile base nitrogen (TVB‐N) than nitrite‐, thymol‐, and astaxanthin‐treated samples. At the end of the storage time in control, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) value reached 1.96 mg/kg, while the values for treated samples remained lower than 1.63 mg/kg. Final count of lactic acid bacteria decreased approximately 1.67–3.79 log CFU/g in treated samples compared with the control group (p < .05). A reduction between 1.46 and 2.46 log CFU/g in C. perfringenes count was recorded for the treated samples in comparison with control group after 45 days of storage.
Multicentre randomised controlled trial about the effect of individual reminiscence therapy in older adults with neurocognitive disorders
Authors: Justo‐Henriques Susana I. , Pérez‐Sáez Enrique , Alves Apóstolo João L.
Published: November 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of a 13‐week individual reminiscence therapy (RT) intervention to improve the overall cognitive function, memory, executive function, mood and quality of life (QoL) of people with neurocognitive disorders.

Methods

A single‐blind, multicentre, randomised parallel two‐arm controlled trial recruited 251 people with neurocognitive disorders attending 24 institutions providing care and support services for older adults in Portugal. The primary outcome measure was cognitive function (Mini‐Mental State Examination [MMSE]). Secondary outcomes were memory (Memory Alteration Test [MAT]), executive function (Frontal Assessment Battery [FAB]), mood (Geriatric Depression Scale‐15 [GDS‐15]) and self‐reported QoL‐Alzheimer's disease AD). Participants in the intervention group (n = 131) received 26 individual RT sessions, twice a week, over the course of 13 weeks. Participants in the control group (n = 120) maintained their treatment as usual.

Results

Intention‐to‐treat analysis showed that, at endpoint assessment, the intervention group had significantly improved in relation to the control group in MMSE (mean difference 1.84, 95% CI [0.80, 2.89], p = .001, d = .44), MAT (mean difference 2.82, 95% CI [0.72, 4.91], p = .009, d = .34) and QoL‐AD (mean difference 1.78, 95% CI [0.17, 3.39], p = .031, d = .28). Non‐significant improvements were found on FAB (mean difference 0.74, 95% CI [−0.04, 1.52], p = .062, d = .24) and GDS‐15 (mean difference −0.63, 95% CI [−1.45, 0.19], p = .130, d = .19).

Conclusions

For people with neurocognitive disorders attending social care and support services, the individual RT designed for this trial should be considered an intervention with the potential to improve cognition, memory and QoL.
Mitochondria and nucleus cross‐talk: Signaling in metabolism, apoptosis, and differentiation, and function in cancer
Authors: Shteinfer‐Kuzmine Anna , Verma Ankit , Arif Tasleem , Aizenberg Or , Paul Avijit , Shoshan‐Barmaz Varda
Published: November 2020

The cross‐talk between the mitochondrion and the nucleus regulates cellular functions, including differentiation and adaptation to stress. Mitochondria supply metabolites for epigenetic modifications and other nuclear‐associated activities and certain mitochondrial proteins were found in the nucleus. The voltage‐dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1), localized at the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) is a central protein in controlling energy production, cell growth, Ca2+ homeostasis, and apoptosis. To alter the cross‐talk between the mitochondria and the nucleus, we used specific siRNA to silence the expression of VDAC1 in glioblastoma (GBM) U87‐MG and U118‐MG cell‐derived tumors, and then monitored the nuclear localization of mitochondrial proteins and the methylation and acetylation of histones. Depletion of VDAC1 from tumor cells reduced metabolism, leading to inhibition of tumor growth, and several tumor‐associated processes and signaling pathways linked to cancer development. In addition, we demonstrate that certain mitochondrial pro‐apoptotic proteins such as caspases 3, 8, and 9, and p53 were unexpectedly overexpressed in tumors, suggesting that they possess additional non‐apoptotic functions. VDAC1 depletion and metabolic reprograming altered their expression levels and subcellular localization, specifically their translocation to the nucleus. In addition, VDAC1 depletion also leads to epigenetic modifications of histone acetylation and methylation, suggesting that the interchange between metabolism and cancer signaling pathways involves mitochondria‐nucleus cross‐talk. The mechanisms regulating mitochondrial protein trafficking into and out of the nucleus and the role these proteins play in the nucleus remain to be elucidated.
A Novel GNAS Duplication Associated With Loss-of-Methylation Restricted to Exon A/B Causes Pseudohypoparathyroidism Type Ib (PHP1B)
Authors: Reyes Monica , Kagami Masayo , Kawashima Sayaka , Pallotta Johanna , Schnabel Dirk , Fukami Maki , Jüppner Harald
Published: November 2020

Pseudohypoparathyroidism type Ib (PHP1B) is characterized by resistance to parathyroid hormone (PTH) leading to hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia, and in some cases resistance toward additional hormones. Patients affected by this disorder all share a loss-of-methylation (LOM) at the differentially methylated GNAS exon A/B, which reduces expression of the stimulatory G protein α-subunit (Gsα) from the maternal allele. This leads in the proximal renal tubules, where the paternal GNAS allele does not contribute much to expression of this signaling protein, to little or no Gsα expression thereby causing PTH resistance. We now describe a PHP1B patient with a de novo genomic GNAS duplication of approximately 88 kb, which is associated with LOM restricted to exon A/B alone. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA), comparative genomic hybridization (CGH), and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) established that the duplicated DNA fragment extends from GNAS exon AS1 (telomeric breakpoint) to a small region between two imperfect repeats just upstream of LOC105372695 (centromeric breakpoint). Our novel duplication is considerably shorter than previously described duplications/triplications in that portion of chromosome 20q13 and it does not affect methylation at exons AS and XL. Based on these and previous findings, it appears plausible that the identified genomic abnormality disrupts in cis the actions of a transcript that is required for establishing or maintaining exon A/B methylation. Our findings extend the molecular causes of PHP1B and provide additional insights into structural GNAS features that are required for maintaining maternal Gsα expression and for preventing PTH-resistance. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Cancer genetic counseling for childhood cancer predisposition is associated with improved levels of knowledge and high satisfaction in parents
Authors: Juarez Olivia A. , Pencheva Bojana B. , Bellcross Cecelia , Schneider Kami W. , Turner Joyce , Porter Christopher C.
Published: November 2020

Previous surveys of adults with cancer have revealed increased levels of genetic knowledge, varying levels of worry, and high satisfaction with cancer genetic counseling. We sought to determine the impact of cancer genetic counseling on parental levels of genetic knowledge, worry about cancer, and satisfaction in the context of suspected cancer predisposition in a child. We hypothesized that parents would be satisfied with cancer genetic counseling and that cancer genetic counseling would improve baseline parental genetic knowledge and decrease levels of worry. Parents were recruited from a pediatric cancer predisposition clinic in the United States. A survey was administered to two cohorts: One cohort had received cancer genetic counseling in the past and only completed one survey (post‐only, n = 26), and another cohort completed the survey before and after cancer genetic counseling (pre/post, n = 23). The survey included questions on demographics, knowledge of genetics, worry levels, and satisfaction with the cancer genetic counseling service. The post‐genetic counseling survey also contained a free‐text section for parents to indicate what they took away from the sessions. Parental levels of genetics knowledge increased by an average of 1.9 points (p = .01), with 65.2% of parents demonstrating an increase in genetics knowledge score. Average worry levels did not change significantly (p = .37), with 52.2% of parents indicating decreased worry, and 34.8% indicating increased worry. Overall, 91.8% of parents reported high levels of satisfaction. Our results show that cancer genetic counseling in a pediatric cancer predisposition clinic improves parental levels of genetics knowledge. Satisfaction rates suggest that parents find this service beneficial. These results demonstrate the positive impacts of cancer genetic counseling on parents of children in which a hereditary cancer syndrome is known or suspected.
Exploring the Effects of Age, Gender, and School Setting on Children’s Creative Thinking Skills
Authors: Shah Bhagyashree , Gustafsson Erik
Published: November 2020

The current study aimed to investigate whether age, gender, and testing environment may have an effect on children’s creativity in a real‐life setting. Participants included 111 children aged from seven to eleven years. They were given one verbal (Guilford’s Alternative Uses Task) and one figural (Test for Creative Thinking–Drawing Production) creative thinking task either in their everyday classroom or in their school “art room.” On average, in the verbal task, girls tended to outperform boys in fluency and flexibility. Contrary to the 4th‐grade slump found in previous studies, divergent thinking, on average, increased with age for verbal originality and verbal elaboration. These results suggest the potential importance of experience on verbal creativity tasks. In the verbal task, for the originality score, and in the drawing task, participants in the art room displayed, on average, greater levels of creative thinking than those in the classroom. These findings suggest that the physical environment can affect differently children’s creative potential.
Tertiary Lymphoid Organs: A Primer for Otolaryngologists
Authors: Paramasivan Sathish , Psaltis Alkis J. , Wormald Peter‐John , Vreugde Sarah
Published: November 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

Lymphoid neogenesis or the development of organised, de novo lymphoid structures has been described increasingly in chronically inflamed tissues. The presence of tertiary lymphoid organs (TLOs) has already been demonstrated to result in significant consequences for disease pathology, severity, prognosis and patient outcomes. Whilst the wider medical community has embraced TLOs as important markers of disease and potential therapeutic targets, the otolaryngology field has only begun turning to these entities in an academic capacity. This review aims to outline the role of tertiary lymphoid organs in disease and summarise key early findings in the ENT field. We also an overview of TLOs, their developmental process and clinicopathological implications.

Study design

Literature review.

Methods

A literature search for all relevant peer‐reviewed publications pertaining to TLOs and ENT diseases. Search was conducted using PubMed, Embase and CINAHL databases.

Results

A total of 24 studies were identified relevant to the topic. The majority of TLO research in ENT fell into the areas of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

Conclusions

Early research into both oral SCC and CRS suggests that TLOs have significant roles within ear, nose and throat (ENT) diseases. At this point in time, however, TLOs remain somewhat a mystery amongst otolaryngologists. As information in this field increases, we may develop a better understanding of how lymphoid neogenesis can influence disease outcomes amongst our patients and, ultimately, how they can be utilised in an immunotherapeutic manner. Laryngoscope, 131:1697–1703, 2021
Arctic seals as tracers of environmental and ecological change
Authors: de la Vega Camille , Mahaffey Claire , Tuerena Robyn E. , Yurkowski David J. , Ferguson Steven H. , Stenson Garry B. , Nordøy Erling S. , Haug Tore , Biuw Martin , Smout Sophie , Hopkins Jo , Tagliabue Alessandro , Jeffreys Rachel M.
Published: November 2020

Knowledge of species trophic position (TP) is an essential component of ecosystem management. Determining TP from stable nitrogen isotopes (δ15N) in predators requires understanding how these tracers vary across environments and how they relate to predator isotope composition. We used two seal species as a model for determining TP across large spatial scales in the Arctic. δ15N in seawater nitrate (δ15NNO3) and seal muscle amino acids (δ15NAA) were determined to independently characterize the base of the food web and the TP of harp and ringed seals, demonstrating a direct link between δ15NNO3 and δ15NAA. Our results show that the spatial variation in δ15NAA in seals reflects the δ15NNO3 end members in Pacific vs. Atlantic waters. This study provides a reference for best practice on accurate comparison of TP in predators and as such, provides a framework to assess the impact of environmental and human‐induced changes on ecosystems at pan‐Arctic scales.
Photodetection and Safety of 5‐Aminolevulinic Acid‐Induced Porphyrin in Patients With Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia
Authors: Xu Junyu , Zhao Jian , Dong Ying , Zhao Xia , Chen Rui , Shi Yun , Tao Jining , Cao Feng , Cui Yimin , Bai Wenpei
Published: November 2020

Background and Objectives

5‐Aminolevulinic acid (5‐ALA) is a porphyrin‐based photosensitizer and has been used for photodynamic therapy of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). In this study, photodetection and safety of 5‐ALA‐induced porphyrin in CIN tissues were assessed.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

A total of 42 patients for whom colposcopy or loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) was planned were administered 10%, 20%, or 30% 5‐ALA locally on the surface of the cervix for 1.5–18 hours. At different times after application, the fluorescence intensity of 5‐ALA‐induced porphyrin on CIN and non‐CIN lesions of the cervix was detected.

Results

Fluorescence intensity was correlated with drug concentration and application time. With 20% 5‐ALA, the porphyrin fluorescence intensity increased over time, reaching a peak after 6 hours of application intervals in CIN. There was no significant difference in fluorescence intensity between CIN lesions and chronic cervicitis (benign tissue) or among CIN lesions of different severities. Three adverse events were considered related to the drug; however, these had no significant correlation with the drug concentration or application time.

Conclusions

5‐ALA at 10%–30% concentration is safe in patients with CIN. For further treatment, we recommend the application of 20% 5‐ALA, 6 hours before photodynamic therapy in CIN.

Clinical Trial Registration

This study was registered at http://www.chinadrugtrials.org.cn (registration number: CTR20130326) in accordance with the requirements of the National Medical Products Administration in China. Considering that there is no English version of the above website, we made a retrospective registration on http://www.chictr.org.cn (registration number ChiCTR1800016755) in 2018. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC
The Efficacy and Safety of a Variable Square Pulse (VSP) Erbium:YAG Laser for Treatment of Enlarged Pores in Asians
Authors: Phothong Weeranut , Manuskiatti Woraphong , Cembrano Kathryn Anne G. , Wanitphakdeedecha Rungsima , Bowornsathitchai Nutthamon
Published: November 2020

Background and Objectives

Enlarged pores are one of the most common causes of skin surface irregularities. Existing studies supporting the benefit of lasers and energy‐based devices (EBD) for this condition are limited, with a short duration of follow‐up period. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and adverse effects of Er:YAG laser for treatment of enlarged pores in dark‐skinned patients.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Nineteen subjects (aged 26–47 years) with skin phototypes III (21.1%) and IV (78.9%) and enlarged pores were treated with 4 monthly sessions of Erbium:YAG laser. Objective (ultraviolet light A video camera) and subjective (clinical evaluation by two blinded dermatologists) assessments were obtained at baseline, 1‐month after each treatment and at 1, 3, and 6 months after the final treatment.

Results

The weighted mean score of quartile grading scales showed significant improvement in pore size from baseline starting at 1‐month after the third treatment and continued until 3 months after the fourth (final) treatment (P < 0.001). However, the improvement dropped significantly at 6 months after the final treatment. Objective measurements of the improvements in skin surface smoothness and wrinkles corresponded with the physician raters’ clinical evaluation.

Conclusions

Erbium:YAG laser is a safe and effective treatment for enlarged pores in dark‐skinned individuals. Maintenance treatments are recommended to achieve a longer‐lasting outcome. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Cryo‐3D Printing of Hierarchically Porous Polyhydroxymethylene Scaffolds for Hard Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Stolz Benjamin , Mader Markus , Volk Lukas , Steinberg Thorsten , Mülhaupt Rolf
Published: November 2020

High molecular weight polyhydroxymethylene (PHM) has a repeat unit identical to that of low molecular weight sugar alcohols and exhibits carbohydrate‐like properties. Herein, cryogenic extrusion‐based 3D printing is combined with a phase separation in water to fabricate hierarchically porous PHM scaffolds containing interconnected macro‐, micro‐, and nanopores. As PHM is infusible and insoluble in common solvents, its precursor polyvinylene carbonate (PVCA) dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) is used to 3D print hierarchically porous PVCA scaffolds that are converted into PHM by hydrolysis without impairing the pore architectures. Similar to low‐temperature deposition manufacturing, the PVCA/DMSO freezes on a build platform at −78 °C. However, instead of removing the frozen solvent by sublimation, the frozen scaffold is immersed in water to recover DMSO and to effect phase separation by precipitation. However, the computer‐guided printhead pathway controls macropore formation phase separation of frozen PVCA/DMSO upon contact with water accounts for simultaneous micro‐ and nanopore formation. Contrary to 3D printing of PVCA/DMSO at ambient temperature, this cryo‐3D printing process does not require shear thinning additives and affords significantly improved build precision with macropore sizes variable between 200 and 1500 µm. Cryo‐3D‐printed PHM scaffolds are biocompatible and promote osteoblast proliferation.
A W‐band injection‐locked frequency divider with modified transformer coupling resonant
Authors: Tang Lu , Cai Jingyi , Zhang Youming , Tang Xusheng , Liu Yingyi , Shi Xiaoguang
Published: November 2020

A W‐band injection‐locked frequency divider (ILFD) with modified transformer coupling resonant is demonstrated and implemented in a 40‐nm CMOS technology. The locking range and operation frequency of the ILFD is improved without increasing chip area or circuit complexity. The measured locking range of the ILFD covers from 86 to 104 GHz. The measured phase noise of the modified W‐band ILFD is −114.89 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz. The ILFD also attains a figure of merit normalized (FoM) of 243.1.
Barycentric rational interpolation and local radial basis functions based numerical algorithms for multidimensional sine‐Gordon equation
Authors: Jiwari Ram
Published: November 2020

In this article, barycentric rational interpolation and local radial basis functions (RBFs) based numerical algorithms are developed for solving multidimensional sine‐Gordon (SG) equation. In the development of these algorithms, the first step is to drive a semi‐discretization in time with a finite difference, and then the semi‐discrete problem is analyzed for truncation errors and convergence in L2 and H1 spaces. After that, the semi‐discrete system is fully discretized by two different functions, such as barycentric rational and local RBFs. Finally, we obtain a linear system in both the algorithms and the system is solved by a MATLAB routine. In numerical experiments, 1D and 2D SG are considered with various examples of line and ring solitons. Moreover, a comparative study of present results with available numerical ones and exact solutions is also discussed.
Utilization of glass fiber reinforced polymer wastes
Authors: Yıldız Sibel , Karaağaç Bağdagül , Güzeliş Selen Gül
Published: November 2020

Since they arises in many stages of manufacturing as well as at the end of their lifetime, glass fiber reinforced polymers‐based wastes are one of the biggest problem for the composite industry. There are many waste disposal methods available, but these are low value‐added and usually imply additional cost to the manufacturers. In this study, composite wastes have been ground into three different grain sizes and used as filler in the production of new glass fiber reinforced composites. Composites were examined regarding their rheological, thermal, mechanical, dynamic‐mechanical, and morphological properties. High thixotropy a resin could be obtained by waste incorporation ensuring easier gel‐coat application in hand lay‐up molding technique. A remarkable reduction in linear shrinkage of the resulting composite was also considered as a benefit. Although there was tolerable loss in their mechanical properties, higher grain size of waste particles shifted glass transition temperature up to 50°C higher due to restricted chain mobility. Fibers from both the waste matrix and fresh glass fiber content exhibited quite similar interphase with the unsaturated polyester. In summary, using composite waste in their own composition has been found to be a good solution to recover the wastes in both economic and environmental concern.
Effect of yarn singeing and commingling on the mechanical properties of jute/polypropylene composites
Authors: Asghar Muhammad Ayub , Imad Abdellatif , Nawab Yasir , Hussain Muzzamal , Saouab Abdelghani
Published: November 2020

Lightweight and inexpensive natural fiber‐reinforced composites are gaining market share due to their environment‐friendly and sustainable nature. Among these, thermoplastic composites are preferred due to their recycling ability. However, their fabrication is a difficult task due to the higher viscosity of thermoplastic matrices. In the present study, we present the comparison of mechanical properties of jute/polypropylene composite samples fabricated using the conventional thermoforming technique with those fabricated using the commingled yarn technique. The effect of singeing of jute yarn on its mechanical properties as well on the weaving efficiency of jute fabric as reinforcement for composites was also studied for the first time. Mechanical properties, that is, tensile, flexural, and instrumented Charpy impact properties, were tested using standard testing methods. It was found that singeing improves mechanical properties of jute yarn as well as its performance during weaving. Furthermore, the yarn commingling not only simplifies/shorten the composite fabrication process but also improves the mechanical properties of the developed composites significantly in comparison to conventional thermoforming technique.
Thermal behavior of polyethylene terephthalate/organoclay nanocomposites: investigating copolymers as matrices
Authors: Lima Juliana C. , Costa Anna Raffaela M. , Sousa Jokderléa C. , Arruda Salim A. , Almeida Yêda M. B.
Published: November 2020

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)/clay nanocomposites have been widely studied. However, different PET copolymers are also produced in large scale but not commonly investigated as matrices for nanocomposites. In this work, PET‐based nanocomposites, with PET homopolymer and two PET copolymers as matrices, were prepared by melt blending with a commercial organoclay. The focus of this study was to investigate the thermal behavior of these materials by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis and to provide a satisfactory crystallization kinetic modeling. X‐ray diffraction analysis showed that the nanocomposites exhibited clay intercalation. The glass transition temperature and the thermal stability of the materials decreased with an increase in clay content. The presence of clay did not affect the degree of crystallinity developed by the materials, although it caused the anticipation and acceleration of the crystallization events. A discussion is made about the application of a modified Avrami model for non‐isothermal crystallization and its validity. The modified Avrami model has proven to be a good choice for the non‐isothermal crystallization kinetic modeling of these nanocomposites under various heating/cooling rates, being useful for simulations under processing conditions.
Experimental and numerical investigation on flexural behavior of acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene polymer
Authors: Dundar Mehmet Akif , Dhaliwal Gurpinder Singh , Ayorinde Emmanuel
Published: November 2020

Acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene (ABS) is an extensively utilized rubber‐toughened amorphous thermoplastic in industry. Compared to other amorphous thermoplastics, the most promising mechanical quantity of ABS is its high impact resistance. Thus, understanding the mechanical response of ABS to multiaxial loads is of the great industrial concern. The primary objective of this study was to characterize the flexural response of ABS by conducting three‐point bending tests at two distinct deformation rates of 5 and 10 mm/s to figure out the deformation rate effect on the flexural response of ABS. It was observed that the ABS act stiffer with an increased deformation rate. Numerical implementation of three‐point bending tests for each deformation rate was performed using the semi‐analytical material model (SAMP‐1) available in Ls‐Dyna finite element code. The simulations for each deformation rate were run depending on SAMP‐1 and Von‐Misses yield surface formulations to figure out the effect of nonidentical material behavior of ABS in tension, compression, and shear on flexural response. The percentage error in the predicted peak force values considering the compression and shear test data (SAMP‐1) and without it (Von Misses) was 3% and 7% for deformation rate of 5 mm/s and 5% and 12% for deformation rate of 10 mm/s. Hence, predicting the flexural behavior of ABS accurately, dissimilar material behavior needs to be taken into consideration. Moreover, associated and nonassociated flow rule effects on the flexural response of ABS were numerically investigated and there was no significant influence observed on the flexural response of ABS.
Depression in cancer: quality assessment of online patient education resources
Authors: Li Zhang Hao (Jim) , Wang Mingyang , Ingledew Paris‐Ann
Published: November 2020

Objective

Psychiatric comorbidities are common among cancer patients. However, little is known about the quality of online information regarding these conditions. This study uses a validated tool to systematically determine the strengths and limitations of websites addressing depression in cancer patients.

Methods

The term “depression in cancer patients” was searched online using the search engines Google, Yippy, and Dogpile. A set of predetermined inclusion/exclusion criteria was applied to all search results, which yielded 48 websites for inclusion. A validated rating tool was used to score the websites based on the six domains of Affiliation, Accountability, Interactivity, Structure & Organization, Readability, and Content Quality. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results

Of the 48 websites evaluated, 50% were commercial. 63% of websites identified authorship, 54% cited reliable sources, 37% provided links, and 38% were updated within the last 2 years. 94% of websites featured a search engine and 60% had at least four structural tools. Average readability was at a grade 12.3 level using the Flesch–Kincaid scale and 11.3 using the Simple Measure of Gobbledygook Index. The most completely and accurately covered topics of depression were symptoms and treatment—83% and 73% respectively. Its prevention and prognosis were not covered by any of the websites.

Conclusions

A validated rating tool was applied to evaluate the quality of online information for depression in cancer patients. Website accountability was poor, readability was often at a level that is too difficult for the lay audience, and the topics of prevention and prognosis were seldom covered.
Aqueous Solution Blow Spinning of Seawater‐Stable Polyamidoxime Nanofibers from Water‐Soluble Precursor for Uranium Extraction from Seawater
Authors: Xu Xin , Yue Yaru , Cai Dong , Song Jianan , Han Caina , Liu Zhongjie , Wang Dong , Xiao Juanxiu , Wu Hui
Published: November 2020

Polyamidoxime (PAO)‐based fibers are recognized as one of the most promising adsorbents for industrial‐scale extraction of uranium from seawater. The spinning of PAO is usually processed in environmentally unfriendly organic solvents, which cause serious environmental and cost concerns in industrial‐scale manufacturing. In this work, an aqueous solution blow spinning (ASBS) strategy is developed for large‐scale fabrication of seawater‐stable polyamidoxime/alginate nanofibers (PAO/Alg NFs) from water‐soluble PAO precursor solution. The as‐spun PAO/Alg NFs are ready to be used for uranium adsorption after simple immersion in calcium chloride solution for crosslinking. The 3D porous architecture, flexibility, and strength of nanofibers are well maintained as the inevitable shrinkage and degeneration accompanied by traditional “alkaline‐heat activation” post treatment are completely avoided. A high adsorption capacity of 892.77 and 8.42 mg‐U g−1 NFs is achieved in uranium spiked seawater and 8 tons of nonspiked natural seawater, respectively. Taking advantage of the simplicity, low cost, and industrially scalable features, this novel ASBS approach shows great potential for industrial‐scale production of PAO‐based nanofiber adsorbent with high capacity and good mechanical strength for uranium recovery from natural seawater and industrial wastewater.
UPC2 gene deletion modifies sterol homeostasis and susceptibility to metabolic inhibitors in Kluyveromyces lactis
Authors: Toth Hervay Nora , Bencova Alexandra , Valachovic Martin , Morvova Marcela , Gbelska Yvetta
Published: November 2020

Kluyveromyces lactis Upc2p is an ortholog of Upc2p/Ecm22p transcription factors involved in regulation of sterol import and sterol homeostasis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In this work, we investigated the role of Upc2p in K. lactis. The absence of KlUpc2p significantly reduced the tolerance of mutant cells to antifungal azoles and Li+ cations. Reduced expression of genes from the late ergosterol pathway results in a decreased ergosterol content and altered plasma membrane‐associated functions in Klupc2 mutant cells—the plasma membrane is hyperpolarized, and its fluidity is reduced. KlUpc2p contributes to transcriptional upregulation of KlENA1, KlPMA1 and KlYAP1 under azole stress. Our study demonstrates that KlUpc2p is involved in the regulation of ergosterol homeostasis in K. lactis. The analysis of KlPMA1 and KlPDR12 transcripts in wild‐type and Klupc2Δ mutant strains showed that KlUpc2p acts as an activator or as a repressor depending upon its target.
Hypersensitive SSY1 mutations negatively influence transition to quiescence in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Marek Agnieszka , Opalek Monika , Kałdon Aleksandra , Mickowska Barbara , Wloch‐Salamon Dominika
Published: November 2020

Most cells spend the majority of their life in the non‐proliferating, quiescent state. Transition to this state is crucial for microorganisms to survive long starvation periods and restart divisions afterwards. Experimental evolution allowed us to identify several mutation in genes that are presumably important for such transition in yeast cells. Most of these candidate genes belong to the SPS amino acid sensing pathway or to the SIR complex. We assembled these mutations on the ancestral strain background. Analysis of the quiescent/non‐quiescent cell ratio of the starved yeast populations confirmed the crucial role of SSY1, the primary receptor component of the SPS sensor, in transition to the Q state. The evolved SSY1 mutations increased yeast sensitivity to amino acid presence in the environment. This resulted in decreased quiescent cell fraction and a 5.14% increase of the total amino acid content in the starved populations. We discuss external amino acid sensing via the SPS pathway as one of the mechanisms influencing transition to quiescence.
Li2Eu3Br2[BO3]2: A New Europium(II) Halide Oxoborate with Yellow Luminescence
Authors: Hoslauer Jean‐Louis , Lissner Falk , Blaschkowski Björn , Schleid Thomas
Published: November 2020

The europium(II) oxoborate Li2Eu3Br2[BO3]2 featuring lithium and bromide ions was synthesized by the reaction of Eu2O3 with Li[BH4] as lithium‐ and boron‐ as well as EuBr3 as bromide‐source at 750 °C for 24 h in silica‐jacketed sealed niobium capsules. The yellow, air‐stable and yellow fluorescent compound crystallizes in the trigonal space group R3m (a = 1049.06(7) pm, c = 2993.1(3) pm, c/a = 2.853, Z = 12). The two crystallographically distinguishable Eu2+ cations show either an eightfold coordination as bicapped trigonal prism ([EuO6Br2]12–) or a ninefold coordination as monocapped square antiprism ([EuO5Br4]12–). All oxygen atoms stem from isolated triangular [BO3]3– anions and the Li+ cations reside in octahedral voids provided by both oxygen atoms and Br– anions.
Ground truth to fake geographies: machine vision and learning in visual practices
Authors: Gil-Fournier Abelardo , Parikka Jussi
Published: November 2020

This article investigates the concept of the ground truth as both an epistemic and technical figure of knowledge that is central to discussions of machine vision and media techniques of visuality. While ground truth refers to a set of remote sensing practices, it has a longer history in operational photography, such as aerial reconnaissance. Building on a discussion of this history, this article argues that ground truth has shifted from a reference to the physical, geographical ground to the surface of the images echoing earlier points raised by philosopher Jean-Luc Nancy that there is a ground of the image that is central to the task of analysis beyond representational practices. Furthermore, building on the practices of pattern recognition, composite imaging, and different interpretational techniques, we discuss contemporary practices of machine learning that mobilizes geographical earth observation datasets for experimental purposes, including tests such as “fake geography” as well as artistic practices, to show how ground truth is operationalized in such contexts of AI and visual arts.
A sharp stability estimate for tensor tomography in non-positive curvature
Authors: Paternain Gabriel P. , Salo Mikko
Published: November 2020

We consider the geodesic X-ray transform acting on solenoidal tensor fields on a compact simply connected manifold with strictly convex boundary and non-positive curvature. We establish a stability estimate of the form $$L^2\mapsto H^{1/2}_{T}$$

L
2

↦

H
T

1
/
2

, where the $$H^{1/2}_{T}$$

H
T

1
/
2

-space is defined using the natural parametrization of geodesics as initial boundary points and incoming directions (fan-beam geometry); only tangential derivatives at the boundary are used. The proof is based on the Pestov identity with boundary term localized in frequency.
Virtual monoenergetic images from spectral detector computed tomography facilitate washout assessment in arterially hyper-enhancing liver lesions
Authors: Reimer R. P. , Große Hokamp N. , Fehrmann Efferoth A. , Krauskopf A. , Zopfs D. , Kröger J. R. , Persigehl T. , Maintz D. , Bunck A. C.
Published: November 2020

Objectives

To investigate whether the increased soft tissue contrast of virtual monoenergetic images (VMIs) obtained from a spectral detector computed tomography (SDCT) system improves washout assessment of arterially hyper-enhancing liver lesions.

Methods

Fifty-nine arterially hyper-enhancing lesions in 31 patients (age 65 ± 9 years, M/W 20/11) were included in this IRB-approved study. All patients underwent multi-phase SDCT for HCC screening. MRI, CEUS or biopsy within 3 months served as standard of reference to classify lesions as LiRADS 3 or 4/5. VMIs and conventional images (CIs) were reconstructed. Visual analysis was performed on 40, 60, and 80 kiloelectronvolt (keV) and CIs by 3 radiologists. Presence and visibility of washout were assessed; image quality and confidence of washout evaluation were evaluated on 5-point Likert scales. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), lesion-to-liver contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) (|HUlesion–HUliver|/SDliver) and washout (|HUlesion–HUliver|) were calculated. Statistical assessment was performed using ANOVA and Wilcoxon test.

Results

On subjective lesion analysis, the highest level of diagnostic confidence and highest sensitivity for the detection of lesion washout were found for 40-keV VMIs (40 keV vs. CI, 81.3 vs. 71.3%). Image quality parameters were significantly better in low-kiloelectronvolt VMIs than in CIs (p < 0.05; e.g. SNRliver: 40 keV vs. CIs, 12.5 ± 4.1 vs. 5.6 ± 1.6). In LiRADS 4/5 lesions, CNR and quantitative washout values were significantly higher in 40-keV VMIs compared to CIs (p < 0.05; e.g. CNR and washout in 40 keV vs. CIs, 2.3 ± 1.6 vs. 0.8 ± 0.5 and 29.0 ± 19.1 vs. 12.9 ± 6.9 HU, respectively).

Conclusion

By increasing lesion contrast, low-kiloelectronvolt VMIs obtained from SDCT improve washout assessment of hyper-enhancing liver lesions with respect to washout visibility and diagnostic confidence.

Key Points

• Low-kiloelectronvolt virtual monoenergetic images from spectral detector CT facilitate washout assessment in arterially hyper-enhancing liver lesions.

• Image quality and quantitative washout parameters as well as subjective washout visibility and diagnostic confidence benefit from low-kiloelectronvolt virtual monoenergetic images.
Correction to: Synthetic biology, combinatorial biosynthesis, and chemo-enzymatic synthesis of isoprenoids
Authors: Malico Alexandra A , Calzini Miles A , Gayen Anuran K , Williams Gavin J
Published: November 2020

Unfortunately, the article title was published incorrectly in the HTML version (online version only) of the online published article.
Microstate ERP Analyses to Pinpoint the Articulatory Onset in Speech Production
Authors: Jouen Anne-Lise , Lancheros Monica , Laganaro Marina
Published: November 2020

The use of electroencephalography (EEG) to study overt speech production has increased substantially in the past 15 years and the alignment of evoked potential (ERPs) on the response onset has become an extremely useful method to target “latest” stages of speech production. Yet, response-locked ERPs raise a methodological issue: on which event should the point of alignment be placed? Response-locked ERPs are usually aligned to the vocal (acoustic) onset, although it is well known that articulatory movements may start up to a hundred milliseconds prior to the acoustic onset and that this “articulatory onset to acoustic onset interval” (AAI) depends on the phoneme properties. Given the previously reported difficulties to measure the AAI, the purpose of this study was to determine if the AAI could be reliably detected with EEG-microstates. High-density EEG was recorded during delayed speech production of monosyllabic pseudowords with four different onset consonants. Whereas the acoustic response onsets varied depending on the onset consonant, the response-locked spatiotemporal EEG analysis revealed a clear asynchrony of the same sequence of microstates across onset consonants. A specific microstate, the latest observed in the ERPs locked to the vocal onset, presented longer duration for phonemes with longer acoustic response onsets. Converging evidences seemed to confirm that this microstate may be related to the articulatory onset of motor execution: its scalp topography corresponded to those previously associated with muscle activity and source localization highlighted the involvement of motor areas. Finally, the analyses on the duration of such microstate in single trials further fit with the AAI intervals for specific phonemes reported in previous studies. These results thus suggest that a particular ERP-microstate is a reliable index of articulation onset and of the AAI.
Transcriptome-wide identification and evaluation of optimal reference genes for RT-qPCR expression analysis of Saccharina latissima responses to biotic and abiotic stress
Authors: Xing Qikun , Rousvoal Sylvie , Leblanc Catherine
Published: November 2020

Saccharina latissima, known as sugar kelp, is a brown macroalga with huge ecological and economic values. In marine intertidal environment, S. latissima has to cope with both biotic and abiotic stress, which can cause the reduction of the yield during cultivation. To better understand the physiological responses of S. latissima under different stress conditions, large-scale transcriptomic analyses are useful to explore global metabolic pathway regulations. In addition, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is a powerful and rapid method for further quantifying changes in gene expression, and for targeting specific defense-related gene pathways. However, its level of accuracy is highly related to the expression stability of reference genes used for normalization and those still need to be evaluated in S. latissima. In this study, we therefore experimentally tested eight candidate reference genes identified from in silico screening of public transcriptomic datasets of S. latissima from different abiotic and biotic stress treatments. The stability analysis using complementary statistical approaches showed that EIF5B and ATPase are the most stable reference genes under biotic stress, whereas, under temperature and light stress, their combination with NDH gene is the best choice for RT-qPCR normalization. The validated reference genes were used to monitor the expression of target genes, related to oxidative responses, such as those involved in oxylipin pathways, in S. latissima plantlets submitted to different stress in laboratory-controlled conditions.
Pathways and Barriers to Careers in Academic Clinical Cancer Prevention: a Qualitative Study
Authors: Kok Melissa Y. , Chavez Janelle C. , Quesada Pompeyo R. , Adegoke Oluwapelumi T. , Chang Shine
Published: November 2020

National surveys document steady declines over time in interest in academic medicine and cancer prevention careers (Am J Prev Med 54(3):444–8, 2018). Through interviews with 16 academic cancer prevention physicians at one comprehensive cancer center, this study identifies motivations and barriers to physician careers in academic cancer prevention and proposes recommendations to increase recruitment. Participants reported that cancer prevention was vague to them early in training, impairing career exploration. Further, without role models and opportunities to learn about cancer prevention, many were ignorant of career options. Many had incorrect views about cancer prevention practice being mainly within the scope of primary care physicians, and some reported colleagues viewing the rigor of cancer prevention skeptically. However, all described notable experiences—in classes, with mentors, on research projects, or from encounters with patients, motivating them to pursue academic clinical cancer prevention regardless of challenges. Clearly, a lack of both information and guidance towards careers in clinical cancer prevention has been critical barriers to robust recruitment of physicians to the field and must be addressed urgently. Helping physicians earlier during training to both understand the value of prevention and cultivate their interests in it, particularly for clinical cancer prevention, would have widespread benefits.
Depression symptoms in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: A contextual approach to mental health comorbidities
Authors: Greenlee Jessica L. , Winter Marica A. , Johnson Marie
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Although research on mental health comorbidities in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has increased in recent years, little has been done to evaluate potential individual × environment interactions associated with these comorbidities. The current study explored whether ASD‐related characteristics (social‐communication impairment) and environmental factors (peer and family contexts) had additive or interactive effects on the depression symptoms of youth with ASD.

Method

In a cross‐sectional sample of adolescents with ASD (N = 176; 13–17 years old; 72.7% male), primary caregivers and adolescents responded to a series of surveys online pertaining to adolescents' mental health (Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale), family functioning (Self‐Report of Family Inventory), and experiences of peer victimization (Peer Experiences Questionnaire‐Revised).

Results

There were statistically significant interactions between social‐communication skills and the environment in both family (△R2 = 0.02) and peer (△R2 = 0.02) contexts. For youth with better social‐communication skills, there was a positive association between peer victimization and depression symptoms and a negative association between family competence and depression symptoms.

Conclusion

Findings support social‐push interactive models in which better social‐communication skills are associated with fewer depression symptoms in the context of less‐stressful peer and family environments, highlight the utility of ecologically informed approaches to the mental health of youth with ASD, and suggest several areas for future study.
Exploring Integration Trajectories for a European Health Union
Authors: BAZZAN Giulia
Published: November 2020

COVID-19 emerged as a cross-cutting problem across governance sectors and levels, urging the creation of a European Health Union. There are already a number of integrated European governance strategies – such as the European Energy Union (2015) and the European Green Deal (2019) – adopted for overcoming problems of governance fragmentation and inadequacy of fragmented policy responses to cross-cutting policy challenges. Past studies focused on the interaction between crisis and policy change and investigated the activation of different mechanisms to enhance integration. This article contributes to the debate over the creation of a European Health Union by unpacking the acknowledged dimensions of policy integration – policy frame, subsystem involvement, policy goals and policy instruments – in order to assess their manifestations in the new EU4Health policy and to establish what contextual conditions triggered the activation of the integration-enabling mechanisms that led to a more integrated European Health Union. In so doing, it offers an analytical illustration and discusses implications for decision-making.