bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sacubitril/valsartan in patients listed for heart transplantation: effect on physical frailty
Authors: Cacciatore Francesco , Amarelli Cristiano , Maiello Ciro , Mattucci Irene , Salerno Gemma , Di Maio Marco , Palmieri Vittorio , Curcio Francesco , Pirozzi Flora , Mercurio Valentina , Benincasa Giuditta , Golino Paolo , Bonaduce Domenico , Napoli Claudio , Abete Pasquale
Published: February 2020

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate prospectively the effect of sacubitril/valsartan in advanced heart failure (HF) patients in waiting list for heart transplantation (HT) and the effect on physical frailty (PF).

Methods and results

We treated 37 consecutive patients with advanced HF with sacubitril/valsartan. Patients were followed up until HT, device implant, or last follow‐up visit after 2 years of follow‐up. At baseline, mean New York Heart Association (NYHA) class was 3.1 ± 0.4, with 64.9% in NYHA III and 35.1% NYHA IIIB. Left ventricular ejection fraction was 23.5 ± 5.8%, VO2 max was 10.3 ± 2.3 mL/kg/min, cardiac index was 2.3 ± 0.5 L/min/m2, and N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐pro‐BNP) was 4943.0 ± 5326.8 pg/mL. After a mean follow‐up of 17.1 ± 4.4 months, no deaths were observed, but NYHA class improved significantly with 56.8% in NYHA II, 40.5% in NYHA III, and 2.7% in NYHA IIIB (P < 0.001). VO2 max and 6 min walk test (6MWT) increased, whereas pulmonary systolic blood pressure, E/E′, VE/VCO2 slope, and NT‐pro‐BNP decreased. At right heart catheterization performed after 1 year of follow‐up, cardiac index and pulmonary vascular resistance remained stable, while a decrease in systolic pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure is observed. Furosemide dosage decrease from 102.7 ± 69.4 to 78.7 ± 66.3 mg (P = 0.040). PF decreased from 3.35 ± 1.0 at baseline to 1.57 ± 1.3 at the end of follow‐up (P < 0.001), with a reduction in all PF domains.

Conclusions

Our study showed a rapid improvement in PF in HT waiting list patients treated with sacubitril/valsartan. The improvement in all PF domains was paralleled by VO2 and 6MWT increase and together with an NT‐pro‐BNP reduction constant over the follow‐up.
Antimony Doped Tin Oxide Nanoparticles Deposited onto Nb−TiO2 Nanotubes for Electrochemical Degradation of Bio‐refractory Pollutions
Authors: Xu Li , Yi Yan , Liang Gaorui , Zhang Wen
Published: February 2020

To improve the service life of SnO2−Sb electrodes in degradation of refractory wastewater, we report anodic information of tin oxide antimony on top of Nb−TiO2 nanotubes (Nb−Ti/Nb−TiO2−NTs/ATONPs) prepared through screen‐printing. It was found that the Nb−Ti/Nb−TiO2−NTs/ATONPs anodes presented a significantly enhanced in electro‐catalytic oxidation performance (in Acid Red 73) compared to titanium‐based tin antimony electrodes (Ti/ATONPs). Additionally, the electrochemical properties and the stability were further studied by the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronoamperometry (CA) measurements and accelerated life test, respectively. These results indicated that Nb−TiO2−NTs/ATONPs anode possessed Nb−TiO2 nanotubes which exhibited a higher oxygen evolution potential (2.24 V vs. Ag/AgCl), as well as a better wettability, a larger current at constant potential and 2.1 times longer lifetime than the conventional Ti/ATONPs anode.
Interspecific Variation in Nematode Responses to Metals
Authors: Heaton Andrew , Faulconer Elizabeth , Milligan Emma , Kroetz Mary B. , Weir Scott M. , Glaberman Scott
Published: February 2020

Performing toxicity testing on multiple species with differing degrees of evolutionary relatedness can provide important information on how chemical sensitivity varies among species and can help pinpoint the biological drivers of species sensitivity. Such knowledge could ultimately be used to design better multispecies predictive ecological risk assessment models and identify particularly sensitive species. However, laboratory toxicity tests involving multiple species can also be resource intensive, especially when each species has unique husbandry conditions. We performed lethality tests with 2 metals, copper chloride and zinc chloride, on 5 different nematode species, which are nested in their degree of evolutionary relatedness: Caenorhabditis briggsae, Caenorhabditis elegans, Oscheius myriophila, Oscheius tipulae, and Pristionchus pacificus. All species were successfully cultured and tested concurrently with limited resources, demonstrating that inexpensive, multispecies nematode toxicity testing systems are achievable. The results indicate that P. pacificus is the most sensitive to both metals. Conversely, C. elegans is the least sensitive species to copper, but the second most sensitive to zinc, indicating that species relationships do not necessarily predict species sensitivity. Toxicity testing with additional nematode species and types of chemicals is feasible and will help form more generalizable conclusions about relative species sensitivity. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:1006–1016. © 2020 SETAC
A Comparative Study of Wavelet‐based Descriptors for Fault Diagnosis of Self‐Humidified Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Sethi A. , Verstraete D.
Published: February 2020

Fault diagnosis can help extend the lifetime of fuel cells and has been widely explored for externally humidified fuel cells. However, fault detection in self‐humidified fuel cells is scarce, despite its importance. This paper explores various wavelet‐based descriptors for identifying hydration levels in self‐humidified stacks. Wavelet‐based techniques are non‐intrusive and provide concurrent examinations in time and frequency. Thus, they encapsulate health related data that can be used as health monitoring features. The specific wavelet‐based techniques used here are (i) impedance obtained through the wavelet‐based fast electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and (ii) changes in wavelet energy through wavelet and wavelet packet decomposition. Results are compared based on their trends under dehydration conditions and the robustness of those trends across different currents and sampling rates. They are then assessed based on their predictive ability using RReliefF (Regression‐ReliefF)‐ a regression based feature ranking tool. Based on the qualitative and quantitative analysis, descriptors are assessed in the context of creating a short‐term health monitoring system for self‐humidified fuel cells. While a modified version of the wavelet energies provides the best results for differentiating faults, fast EIS opens the possibility for analysis of more complex fault modes and is shown to be more robust.
Genetics and epigenetics of leukemia and lymphoma: from knowledge to applications, meeting report of the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute
Authors: Parra Maribel , Baptista Maria Joao , Genescà Eulàlia , Llinàs‐Arias Pere , Esteller Manel
Published: February 2020

The meeting, which brought together leading scientists and clinicians in the field of leukemia and lymphoma, was held at the new headquarters of the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC) in Badalona, Catalonia, Spain, September 19‐20, 2019. Its purpose was to highlight the latest advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving blood cancers, and to discuss how this knowledge can be translated into an improved management of the disease. Special emphasis was placed on the role of genetic and epigenetic heterogeneity, and the exploitation of epigenetic regulation for developing biomarkers and novel treatment approaches.
The role of M2‐2 PDZ‐binding motifs in pulmonary innate immune responses to human metapneumovirus
Authors: Choi Eun‐Jin , Wu Wenzhe , Chen Yu , Yan Weiyu , Li Liqing , Choudhury Atanu , Bao Xiaoyong
Published: February 2020

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a leading cause of lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) in pediatric and geriatric populations. We recently found that two PDZ‐binding motifs of the M2‐2 protein, 29‐DEMI‐32 and 39‐KEALSDGI‐46, play a significant role in mediating HMPV immune evasion in airway epithelial cells (AECs). However, their role in the overall pulmonary responses to HMPV infection has not been investigated. In this study, we found that two recombinant HMPVs (rHMPV) lacking the individual M2‐2 PDZ‐binding motif are attenuated in mouse lungs. Mice infected with mutants produce more cytokines/chemokines in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid compared to mice infected with wild‐type rHMPV. In addition, both mutants are able to enhance the pulmonary recruitment of dendritic cells (DCs) and T cells and induce effective protections against the HMPV challenge. The DC maturation is also significantly improved by the motif mutation. Taken together, our data provide proof‐of‐principle for two live‐attenuated M2‐2 mutants to be promising HMPV vaccine candidates that are effective in inducing higher pulmonary innate immunity and generating protection against HMPV infection.
Antibodies to coronaviruses are higher in older compared with younger adults and binding antibodies are more sensitive than neutralizing antibodies in identifying coronavirus‐associated illnesses
Authors: Gorse Geoffrey J. , Donovan Mary M. , Patel Gira B.
Published: February 2020

Human coronaviruses (HCoV) are common causes of respiratory illnesses (RI) despite preexisting humoral immunity. Sera were obtained near the onset of RI and 3 to 4 weeks later as part of a prospective study of 200 subjects evaluated for RI from 2009 to 2013. Antibodies against common HCoV strains were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and neutralization assay comparing older adults with cardiopulmonary diseases (99 subjects) to younger, healthy adults (101 subjects). Virus shedding was detected in respiratory secretions by polymerase chain reaction. Of 43 HCoV‐associated illnesses, 15 (35%) occurred in 14 older adults (aged ≥60 years) and 28 (65%) in 28 younger adults (aged 21‐40 years). Binding and neutralizing antibodies were higher in older adults. Only 16 (35.7%) of RI with increases in binding antibodies also had increases in neutralizing antibodies to HCoV. Increases in binding antibodies with RI were more frequent than increased neutralizing antibodies and virus shedding, and more frequent in younger compared to older adults. Functional neutralizing antibodies were not stimulated as often as binding antibodies, explaining in part a susceptibility to reinfection with HCoV. Monitoring binding antibodies may be more sensitive for the serologic detection of HCoV infections.
Exploiting the versatility of vacuum‐assisted headspace solid‐phase microextraction in combination with the selectivity of ionic liquid‐based GC stationary phases to discriminate Boswellia spp. resins through their volatile and semivolatile fractions
Authors: Capetti Francesca , Rubiolo Patrizia , Bicchi Carlo , Marengo Arianna , Sgorbini Barbara , Cagliero Cecilia
Published: February 2020

The frankincense resins, secreted from Boswellia species, are an uncommon example of a natural raw material where every class of terpenoids is present in similar proportions. Diterpenoids (serratol, incensole, and incensole acetate) are used to discriminate samples from different species and origins. Headspace solid‐phase microextraction has been used for frankincense analysis, although it requires long sampling time for medium‐ to low‐volatility markers; headspace solid‐phase microextraction under vacuum can overcome this limit. Gas chromatography is used for analysis but the separation of incensole and serratol needs polar stationary phases. In this study, we develop a method to discriminate frankincenses based on vacuum‐assisted headspace solid‐phase microextraction combined with fast gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry with ionic liquid–based stationary phases. The optimized conditions for solid samples were: air evacuation below 0°C, 15 min of incubation time, and 15 min of extraction time. Losses of volatiles due to vial air‐evacuation in the presence of the sample were minimized by sample amount above 100 mg and low sample temperature. Fast gas chromatography provides the baseline separation of all markers in 20 min. By applying vacuum sampling and fast gas chromatography, the total analysis was reduced to 50 min compared to 120 min (60 min sampling plus 60 min analysis) as previously reported. The method was successfully applied to commercial frankincense samples.
Respiratory Laryngeal Dystonia: Characterization and Diagnosis of a Rare Neurogenic Disorder
Authors: Tierney William S. , Bryson Paul C. , Nelson Rebecca , Kaplan Seth E. , Benninger Michael S. , Milstein Claudio F.
Published: February 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

Respiratory laryngeal dystonia (RLD) is poorly understood and rarely reported in the literature. Patients have atypical laryngeal movement resulting in airway obstruction. This motion is neurogenic in nature, is constant while awake, nonepisodic, and non–trigger dependent. Given its rarity, it is often misdiagnosed for inducible laryngeal obstruction; however, it is refractory to medical and behavioral management. Although this condition has been addressed in the literature, this report is the largest case series characterizing presenting symptomology, multimodal treatment outcomes, and longitudinal course of these patients, and proposes a set of diagnostic criteria to aid in clinical identification of RLD patients. Our objectives were to characterize RLD clinically and offer diagnostic guidelines to clinicians.

Study Design

A prospective case series with a retrospective analysis at a tertiary referral center.

Methods

A review of clinical records and videostroboscopic analysis of 16 patients treated for respiratory laryngeal dystonia from October 2005 to October 2018 was performed.

Results

Sixteen patients with respiratory laryngeal dystonia were included. The common features of this group were persistent, nonepisodic dyspnea and stridor with laryngoscopic evidence of paradoxical vocal fold motion. Our patients had no structural neurologic abnormalities. These patients typically failed respiratory retraining therapy and medical management of laryngeal irritants. In our series, 100% of patients underwent respiratory retraining therapy, 68.8% received laryngeal botulinum toxin injection, and 31.3% required tracheostomy.

Conclusions

RLD is a rare and challenging condition. The disorder can be severely disabling, and treatment options appear limited. A multidisciplinary approach may be helpful. Some patients responded to laryngeal botulinum injection and medical management, whereas others required tracheostomy for symptom control. Laryngoscope, 2020
Fatty Acyl Synthetases and Thioesterases in Plant Lipid Metabolism: Diverse Functions and Biotechnological Applications
Authors: Kalinger Rebecca S. , Pulsifer Ian P. , Hepworth Shelley R. , Rowland Owen
Published: February 2020

Plants use fatty acids to synthesize acyl lipids for many different cellular, physiological, and defensive roles. These roles include the synthesis of essential membrane, storage, or surface lipids, as well as the production of various fatty acid‐derived metabolites used for signaling or defense. Fatty acids are activated for metabolic processing via a thioester linkage to either coenzyme A or acyl carrier protein. Acyl synthetases metabolically activate fatty acids to their thioester forms, and acyl thioesterases deactivate fatty acyl thioesters to free fatty acids by hydrolysis. These two enzyme classes therefore play critical roles in lipid metabolism. This review highlights the surprisingly complex and varying roles of fatty acyl synthetases in plant lipid metabolism, including roles in the intracellular trafficking of fatty acids. This review also surveys the many specialized fatty acyl thioesterases characterized to date in plants, which produce a great diversity of fatty acid products in a tissue‐specific manner. While some acyl thioesterases produce fatty acids that clearly play roles in plant‐insect or plant‐microbial interactions, most plant acyl thioesterases have yet to be fully characterized both in terms of their substrate specificities and their functions. The biotechnological applications of plant acyl thioesterases and synthetases are also discussed, as there is significant interest in these enzymes as catalysts for the sustainable production of fatty acids and their derivatives for industrial uses.
Take me on a ride: The role of environmentalist identity for carpooling
Authors: Hartl Barbara , Kamleitner Bernadette , Holub Sandra
Published: February 2020

Sharing does not need to involve corporate providers but can also happen on a peer‐to‐peer (P2P) basis. P2P sharing platforms who match private providers and users are thus dealing with two different customer segments. An example of this is carpooling, the sharing of a car journey. Recent years have seen considerable research on why people use sharing services. In contrast, there is little knowledge of why people may offer a good for sharing purposes. Drawing on identity theory, this paper suggests that users and providers of carpooling need to be addressed differently. A pilot study and two studies, including both actual car owners and nonowners confirm that the extent to which one identifies as an environmentalist predicts car owners' willingness to offer carpooling, but does not affect nonowners' willingness to use carpooling services. These findings remain robust when controlling for various potential confounds. Furthermore, Study 2 suggests that an environmentalist identity plays an important role for car owners' actual decision to offer a ride via an online platform. These results suggest that marketers of P2P platforms need to pursue different strategies when addressing potential users and providers on the same platform.
Laser cladding nickel‐titanium carbide composite coating on a 45 carbon steel: Preparation, microstructure and wear behavior
Authors: Zhu C. , Zhang B. , Zheng S.
Published: February 2020

Almost fully dense nickel‐titanium carbide composite coatings with varied titanium carbide content were deposited on 45 carbon steel by laser cladding. High content of titanium carbide particles up to 50 wt.% with bimodal microstructure could be homogeneously distributed in the nickel based matrix. Due to the presence of the harder nickel‐titanium carbide composite coating on the 45 carbon steel, the surface hardness and wear properties were significantly improved. The Vickers hardness (HV 3) increased from about 260 HV 3 for the 45 carbon steel to 300 HV 3 – 360 HV 3 for nickel based composite coating containing 30 wt.% titanium carbide and 550 HV 3 – 680 HV 3 for nickel based composite coating containing 50 wt.% titanium carbide composite coating, respectively. The coefficient of friction and volume wear rate was reduced down to 0.41×10−6 mm3 N−1 m−1 and 9.3×10−6 mm3 N−1 ⋅ m−1 when a nickel based composite coating containing 50 wt.% titanium carbide was coated on the 45 carbon steel, respectively. The enhanced wear performance of the composite coating was due to presence of harder nickel‐titanium carbide composite coating and formation of varied soft and lubricant metal oxides consisting of mainly titanium oxides and minor iron and nickel oxides.
Gegenbauer wavelet collocation method for the extended Fisher‐Kolmogorov equation in two dimensions
Authors: Çelik İbrahim
Published: February 2020

Gegenbauer wavelets operational matrices play an important role in the numeric solution of differential equations. In this study, operational matrices of rth integration of Gegenbauer wavelets are derived and used to obtain an approximate solution of the nonlinear extended Fisher‐Kolmogorov (EFK) equation in two‐space dimension. Nonlinear EFK equation is converted into the linear partial differential equation by quasilinearization technique. Numerical examples have shown that present method is convergent even in the case of a small number of grid points. The results of the presented method are in a good agreement with the results in literature.
Desire to lose weight and need of weight loss support in the adult population—Results from a cross‐sectional study in Sweden
Authors: Molarius Anu , Lindén‐Boström Margareta , Karlsson Jan
Published: February 2020

Objective

Evidence‐based methods to lose weight are important in tackling increasing obesity trends in adult populations. More knowledge about persons who want to lose weight and do not/do need weight loss support is necessary to design effective preventive practices. Thus, the aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of desire to lose weight in the general population and the prevalence of health problems and health‐related factors in persons with overweight or obesity who want to lose weight and believe that they do not/do need weight loss support.

Methods

The study included 14 126 persons aged 30 to 69 years who responded to a questionnaire sent to a random sample. Persons with overweight or obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) were divided into three groups: those who do not want to lose weight (n = 1236), those who want to lose weight but do not believe they need support (n = 5484), and those who want to lose weight and believe they need weight loss support (n = 1462).

Results

In total, 69% of the women and 59% of the men reported that they wanted to lose weight. The prevalence of hypertension, musculoskeletal pain, poor self‐rated health, anxiety/worry, and depression was highest among persons with overweight or obesity who wanted to lose weight and believed they need weight loss support. They were also more physically inactive and reported less social support.

Conclusions

To want to lose weight is very common among adults. People with overweight or obesity who want to lose weight and believe they need weight loss support have higher frequency of various health problems, including mental health problems, and less social support.
MicroRNAs in gray and white matter multiple sclerosis lesions: impact on pathophysiology
Authors: Teuber‐Hanselmann Sarah , Meinl Edgar , Junker Andreas
Published: February 2020

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the CNS, hallmarked by inflammation and demyelination. Early stages of the disease frequently show active lesions containing numerous foamy macrophages and inflammatory cells. Disease progression is highlighted by increasing numbers of mixed active/inactive or inactive lesions showing sparse inflammation and pronounced astrogliosis. Furthermore, gray matter lesions increase in number and extent during disease progression. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) comprise a group of several thousand (in humans more than 2000), small non‐coding RNA molecules with a fundamental influence on about one‐third of all protein‐coding genes. Furthermore, miRNAs have been detected in body fluids, including spinal fluid, and they are assumed to participate in intercellular communications. Several studies have determined miRNA profiles from dissected white and gray matter lesions of autoptic MS patients. In this review, we summarize in detail the current knowledge of individual miRNAs in gray and white matter lesions of MS patients and present the concepts of MS tissue lesion development based on the altered miRNA profiles. © 2020 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Nanocrystallites via Direct Melt Spinning of Fe77Ni5.5Co5.5Zr7B4Cu for Enhanced Magnetic Softness
Authors: Thomas Som V. , Willard Matthew A. , Martone Anthony , Heben Michael J. , Solomon Virgil , Welton Aaron , Boolchand Punit , Ewing Rodney C. , Wang Chenxu , Bud'ko Sergey L , Song Jie , Shi Donglu
Published: February 2020

In all previous studies of soft magnetic alloys, magnetic softness is obtained through forming a completely amorphous state via rapid solidification, such as by melt spinning at a high cooling rate followed by annealing, typically at 600 °C, to develop a magnetically isotropic nanostructure. Fine powdering of the annealed alloy via ball milling is then required for manufacturing, net shaping, and 3D printing. However, the soft magnetic properties are susceptible to the subsequent processing conditions, characterized by significantly increased coercivity. Herein, nanoscale crystallites are obtained directly from the melt‐spun Fe77Ni5.5Co5.5Zr7B4Cu ribbon (i.e., not through annealing of a completely amorphous ribbon) that exhibits structural stability during the annealing and ball‐milling processes. The melt‐spun ribbon annealed at high temperatures (700 °C) remains magnetically soft with Hc of ≈0 Oe, which is a key property for high‐temperature applications. Ball milling of the annealed melt‐spun samples results in fine powders with low Hc values over a wide temperature range up to 427 °C. It is shown that the rapidly solidified crystalline ribbon provides an ideal precursor for the manufacture of high‐temperature soft magnetic materials. This new approach provides a straightforward method of making soft magnetic alloy powders.
Impact of Samarium on the Growth of Epitaxial Bismuth Ferrite Thin Films
Authors: Mühlenbein Lutz , Bhal Singh Chandra , Hähnel Angelika , Campbell Sade , Hagendorf Christian , Bhatnagar Akash
Published: February 2020

Doping of rhombohedral bismuth ferrite (BFO) with rare earth elements has been widely investigated as a pathway to extract ferromagnetic response from an otherwise antiferromagnetic material. However, increased level of such doping, in conjunction with the ability of BFO to accommodate large strain, has also resulted in nontrivial changes in the structure, i.e., transition to orthorhombic structure and phase separation to form vertically aligned columns. Herein, epitaxially grown and single crystalline samarium oxide (Sm2O3) and doped BFO films are used to investigate the structural evolution. Thin films are grown from undoped (BFO and Sm2O3) and doped targets, (0.2,0.5)Sm2O3–(0.8,0.5)BFO. In addition, the in‐plane strain, imposed by the lattice mismatch between film and substrates, is used to demonstrate the stability of the structures formed in the doped films. Interestingly, the resultant orthorhombic structures are found to be largely independent of the underlying substrates. In‐depth structural and nanoscopic measurements are conducted to investigate the structures. Ordered columnar structures, reminiscent of phase separation, are successfully obtained albeit driven by spontaneous ordering of differently oriented crystals.
The effect of soy intervention on insulin‐like growth factor 1 levels: A meta‐analysis of clinical trials
Authors: Zeng Jiawei , Feng Yue , Feng Jiafu , Chen Xi
Published: February 2020

A low insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) level is known to be associated with many disorders. Several studies have shown that soy consumption may influence IGF‐1, but the findings remain inconclusive. In this work, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to provide a more accurate estimation of the effect of soy consumption on plasma IGF‐1. A comprehensive systematic search was performed in Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and PubMed/MEDLINE databases from inception until October 2019. Eight studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) of the eligible studies was calculated with random‐effects approach. Overall, a significant increment in plasma IGF‐1 was observed following soy intervention (WMD: 13.5 ng/ml, 95% CI: 5.2, 21.8, I2 = 97%). Subgroup analyses demonstrated a significantly greater increase in IGF‐1, when soy was administered at a dosage of ≤40 g/day (WMD: 11.7 ng/ml, 95% CI: 10.9 to 12.6, I2 = 98%), and when the intervention duration was <12 weeks (WMD: 26.6 ng/ml, 95% CI: 9.1 to 44.1, I2 = 0.0%). In addition, soy intervention resulted in a greater increase in IGF‐1 among non‐healthy subjects (WMD: 36 ng/ml, 95% CI: 32.7 to 39.4, I2 = 84%) than healthy subjects (WMD: 9.8 ng/ml, 95% CI: 8.9 to 10.7, I2 = 90%). In conclusion, this study provided the first meta‐analytical evidence that soy intake may increase IGF‐1 levels, but the magnitude of the increase is dependent on the intervention dosage, duration, and health status of the participants.
Clinical manifestations in patients with PI*MMMalton genotypes. A matter still unsolved in alpha‐1 antitrypsin deficiency
Authors: Aiello Marina , Fantin Alberto , Longo Chiara , Ferrarotti Ilaria , Bertorelli Giuseppina , Chetta Alfredo
Published: February 2020

We report the genetic variants associated with alpha‐1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) in 117 patients admitted to our outpatient clinic and characterized by a serum concentration of AAT lower than 113 mg/dL. We focused on the M‐like heterozygous variant of the SERPINA1 gene called PI*MMMalton, and describe three patients with this variant. While the role of homozygous AATD in liver and pulmonary disease is well established, the association between heterozygous AATD and chronic liver and pulmonary disease is still under investigation. The PI*MMMalton genotype was found in 5.8% of patients with a pathological genotype of AATD and in 14.3% of the subjects when considering only those with intermediate AATD. There were no liver or renal abnormalities in patients with the PI*MMMalton genotype. The PI*MMMalton patients included here showed a normal liver function, and none had renal function abnormalities or abdominal aortic aneurysm. Only a prevalence of lung disease was detected.
High‐accuracy absolute positioning for the stationary planetary rover by integrating the star sensor and inclinometer
Authors: Zhan Yinhu , Zheng Yong , Li Chonghui , Wang Ruopu , Zhu Yongxing , Chen Zhanglei
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we introduce a novel method for the high‐accuracy absolute position determination for planetary rovers using the star sensor and inclinometer. We describe the star sensor and inclinometer model and the alignment method for the two sensors. We deduce the compensation algorithm for the atmosphere refraction correction error in detail and provide the rover's position solution, which effectively eliminates the tilt correction error. The experimental site and hardware configuration are introduced, and the experimental steps for the one‐time positioning are described. Three field tests on Earth indicate that the accuracy of the one‐time positioning is higher than 40 m (1σ) using 8 star images and relative inclinometer measurements. Multiple positionings in one night can improve the accuracy to approximately 15 m.
Reported history of childhood trauma and stress‐related vulnerability: Associations with emotion regulation, executive functioning, daily hassles and pre‐sleep arousal
Authors: Tinajero Ruben , Williams Paula G. , Cribbet Matthew R. , Rau Holly K. , Silver Michelle A. , Bride Daniel L. , Suchy Yana
Published: February 2020

Childhood trauma is associated with poor health outcomes in adulthood. Mechanisms for these associations are not well understood because past studies have focused predominantly on populations that have already developed physical and mental health problems. The present study examined the association between childhood trauma and stress‐related vulnerability factors in a healthy adult sample (n = 79; 68% female, mean age = 27.5, SD = 6.5). Emotion regulation difficulties were examined as a potential mediator. Participants completed baseline laboratory assessments of reported childhood trauma, emotion regulation difficulties, prior month sleep quality, baseline impedance cardiography and behavioural tests of executive functioning (EF) and a three‐day experience sampling assessment protocol that included sleep diary, reported and objective pre‐sleep arousal, daily hassles and reported EF difficulties. Reported history of childhood abuse was significantly associated with difficulties in emotion regulation, self‐report and objective pre‐sleep arousal, diary‐assessed sleep quality, daily hassles and reported EF difficulties. Reported history of childhood neglect was associated with greater pre‐sleep arousal and poorer EF‐behavioural control. Emotion regulation difficulties mediated the relationship between childhood abuse and reported pre‐sleep arousal, daily hassles and reported EF difficulties. In conclusion, history of childhood trauma is associated with a variety of stress‐related vulnerability factors in healthy adults that may be viable early intervention targets.
Large‐Scale Plasmonic Hybrid Framework with Built‐In Nanohole Array as Multifunctional Optical Sensing Platforms
Authors: Wang Xuejing , Ma Xuedan , Shi Enzheng , Lu Ping , Dou Letian , Zhang Xinghang , Wang Haiyan
Published: February 2020

Light coupling with patterned subwavelength hole arrays induces enhanced transmission supported by the strong surface plasmon mode. In this work, a nanostructured plasmonic framework with vertically built‐in nanohole arrays at deep‐subwavelength scale (6 nm) is demonstrated using a two‐step fabrication method. The nanohole arrays are formed first by the growth of a high‐quality two‐phase (i.e., Au–TiN) vertically aligned nanocomposite template, followed by selective wet‐etching of the metal (Au). Such a plasmonic nanohole film owns high epitaxial quality with large surface coverage and the structure can be tailored as either fully etched or half‐way etched nanoholes via careful control of the etching process. The chemically inert and plasmonic TiN plays a role in maintaining sharp hole boundary and preventing lattice distortion. Optical properties such as enhanced transmittance and anisotropic dielectric function in the visible regime are demonstrated. Numerical simulation suggests an extended surface plasmon mode and strong field enhancement at the hole edges. Two demonstrations, including the enhanced and modulated photoluminescence by surface coupling with 2D perovskite nanoplates and the refractive index sensing by infiltrating immersion liquids, suggest the great potential of such plasmonic nanohole array for reusable surface plasmon‐enhanced sensing applications.
Recent Progress in Self‐Supported Catalysts for CO2 Electrochemical Reduction
Authors: Yang Hengpan , Wang Xiaodeng , Hu Qi , Chai Xiaoyan , Ren Xiangzhong , Zhang Qianling , Liu Jianhong , He Chuanxin
Published: February 2020

Electrochemical reduction of CO2 may provide a promising method to mitigate the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere, and simultaneously convert this greenhouse gas into value‐added fuels or chemicals. However, electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction are mostly powder based; therefore, polymer binders are always employed to make these catalysts useful as working electrodes. As a consequence, plenty of active sites are embedded inside without catalytic performance, causing a relatively low efficiency. On the contrary, self‐supported electrocatalysts do not involve the typical powdering and drop‐coating procedure with the aid of polymer binders or additives, avoiding the weak contact between active materials and current collector. Moreover, the superior self‐supported structure can also provide an accelerated electron transfer, guarantee ample electrolyte access to the active sites, offer large electrochemical surface areas, and increase CO2 adsorption capacity around the active sites, finally leading to the excellent efficiency and long‐term stability in CO2 reduction. In this manuscript, recent advances regarding CO2 reduction by self‐supported electrocatalysts are comprehensively reviewed, including the synthesis methods, chemical compositions, nanostructures, and catalytic efficiencies. Furthermore, the existing challenges and perspectives on the research and development of self‐supported electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction are discussed.
Nonrelativistic giant magnons from Newton Cartan strings
Authors: Roychowdhury Dibakar
Published: February 2020

Abstract

We show nonrelativistic (NR) giant magnon dispersion relations by probing the torsional Newton Cartan (TNC) geometry with (semi)classical nonrelativistic rigidly rotating strings. We construct NR sigma models over R × S2 and consider two specific limiting cases those are of particular interest. Both of these limiting conditions give rise to what we identify as the small momentum limit of the giant magnon dispersion relation in the dual SMT at strong coupling. We further generalize our results in the presence of background NS-NS fluxes. Our analysis reveals that unlike its relativistic counterpart, the NR string theory lacks of single spike solutions.
A Comprehensive Study of Infrasound Signals Detected from the Ingolstadt, Germany, Explosion of 1 September 2018
Authors: Koch Karl , Pilger Christoph
Published: February 2020

The explosion at the Ingolstadt oil refinery was widely recorded at seismic and infrasound stations deployed throughout Central Europe, to distances of several hundred to a thousand kilometres. This study focuses on the wealth of data recorded at infrasound stations in Central and Eastern Europe, while from the many detecting seismic stations within 400 km range, only seismic and seismo-acoustic arrivals at the close-in Gräfenberg array are considered here. Most of the infrasound stations are acoustic arrays enabling us to apply array processing techniques to determine relevant wave field parameters, such as backazimuth and slowness (resp. trace velocity). These parameters not only confirm the source direction, but also put constraints on the observed arrivals’ propagation modes. Wave field parameters suggest that we observe tropospheric arrivals to about 150 km and stratospheric and/or thermospheric returns for longer distances. 1D, 2D and 3D ray tracing predict tropospheric arrivals to westerly directions up to distances of 100 km, beyond which only thermospheric returns are obtained azimuth-independent beyond 250–300 km. Stratospheric returns do not follow from any of the increasingly complex ray tracing models. Parabolic equation propagation modeling however suggests that in a number of cases stratospheric ducting may be possible. However, neither the tropospheric seismo-acoustic arrivals at the Gräfenberg array nor the various arrivals at IMS station IS26 could be modeled. Therefore, the Ingolstadt explosion along with the observed infrasonic phases provide an excellent test bed to investigate our ability in realistically forecasting atmospheric wave propagation with existing algorithms and available atmospheric models.
Automatic opportunistic osteoporosis screening using low-dose chest computed tomography scans obtained for lung cancer screening
Authors: Pan Yaling , Shi Dejun , Wang Hanqi , Chen Tongtong , Cui Deqi , Cheng Xiaoguang , Lu Yong
Published: February 2020

Objective

Osteoporosis is a prevalent and treatable condition, but it remains underdiagnosed. In this study, a deep learning-based system was developed to automatically measure bone mineral density (BMD) for opportunistic osteoporosis screening using low-dose chest computed tomography (LDCT) scans obtained for lung cancer screening.

Methods

First, a deep learning model was trained and tested with 200 annotated LDCT scans to segment and label all vertebral bodies (VBs). Then, the mean CT numbers of the trabecular area of target VBs were obtained based on the segmentation mask through geometric operations. Finally, a linear function was built to map the trabecular CT numbers of target VBs to their BMDs collected from approved software used for osteoporosis diagnosis. The diagnostic performance of the developed system was evaluated using an independent dataset of 374 LDCT scans with standard BMDs and osteoporosis diagnosis.

Results

Our deep learning model achieved a mean Dice coefficient of 86.6% for VB segmentation and 97.5% accuracy for VB labeling. Line regression and Bland-Altman analyses showed good agreement between the predicted BMD and the ground truth, with correlation coefficients of 0.964–0.968 and mean errors of 2.2–4.0 mg/cm3. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.927 for detecting osteoporosis and 0.942 for distinguishing low BMD.

Conclusion

The proposed deep learning-based system demonstrated the potential to automatically perform opportunistic osteoporosis screening using LDCT scans obtained for lung cancer screening.

Key Points

• Osteoporosis is a prevalent but underdiagnosed condition that can increase the risk of fracture.

• A deep learning-based system was developed to fully automate bone mineral density measurement in low-dose chest computed tomography scans.

• The developed system achieved high accuracy for automatic opportunistic osteoporosis screening using low-dose chest computed tomography scans obtained for lung cancer screening.
Embryonic development and secondary axis induction in the Brazilian white knee tarantula Acanthoscurria geniculata, C. L. Koch, 1841 (Araneae; Mygalomorphae; Theraphosidae)
Authors: Pechmann Matthias
Published: February 2020

Tarantulas represent some of the heaviest and most famous spiders. However, there is little information about the embryonic development of these spiders or their relatives (infraorder Mygalomorphae) and time-lapse recording of the embryonic development is entirely missing. I here describe the complete development of the Brazilian white knee tarantula, Acanthoscurria geniculata, in fixed and live embryos. The establishment of the blastoderm, the formation, migration and signalling of the cumulus and the shape changes that occur in the segment addition zone are analysed in detail. In addition, I show that there might be differences in the contraction process of early embryos of different theraphosid spider species. A new embryonic reference transcriptome was generated for this study and was used to clone and analyse the expression of several important developmental genes. Finally, I show that embryos of A. geniculata are amenable to tissue transplantation and bead insertion experiments. Using these functional approaches, I induced axis duplication in embryos via cumulus transplantation and ectopic activation of BMP signalling. Overall, the mygalomorph spider A. geniculata is a useful laboratory system to analyse evolutionary developmental questions, and the availability of such a system will help understanding conserved and divergent aspects of spider/chelicerate development.
Risk of Suicide and Self-harm in Kids: The Development of an Algorithm to Identify High-Risk Individuals Within the Children’s Mental Health System
Authors: Stewart Shannon L. , Celebre Angela , Hirdes John P. , Poss Jeffrey W.
Published: February 2020

Suicide is the second leading cause of death in adolescents within Canada. While several risk factors have been found to be associated with increased risk, appropriate decision-support tools are needed to identify children who are at highest risk for suicide and self-harm. The aim of the present study was to develop and validate a methodology for identifying children at heightened risk for self-harm and suicide. Ontario data based on the interRAI Child and Youth Mental Health Screener (ChYMH-S) were analyzed to develop a decision-support algorithm to identify young persons at risk for suicide or self-harm. The algorithm was validated with additional data from 59 agencies and found to be a strong predictor of suicidal ideation and self-harm. The RiSsK algorithm provides a psychometrically sound decision-support tool that may be used to identify children and youth who exhibit signs and symptoms noted to increase the likelihood of suicide and self-harm.
Response and Sensitivity Using Markov Chains
Authors: Santos Gutiérrez Manuel , Lucarini Valerio
Published: February 2020

Dynamical systems are often subject to forcing or changes in their governing parameters and it is of interest to study how this affects their statistical properties. A prominent real-life example of this class of problems is the investigation of climate response to perturbations. In this respect, it is crucial to determine what the linear response of a system is as a quantification of sensitivity. Alongside previous work, here we use the transfer operator formalism to study the response and sensitivity of a dynamical system undergoing perturbations. By projecting the transfer operator onto a suitable finite dimensional vector space, one is able to obtain matrix representations which determine finite Markov processes. Further, using perturbation theory for Markov matrices, it is possible to determine the linear and nonlinear response of the system given a prescribed forcing. Here, we suggest a methodology which puts the scope on the evolution law of densities (the Liouville/Fokker–Planck equation), allowing to effectively calculate the sensitivity and response of two representative dynamical systems.
Evaluation of Receptor Affinity, Analgesic Activity and Cytotoxicity of a Hybrid Peptide, AWL3020
Authors: Matalińska Joanna , Lipiński Piotr F. J. , Kotlarz Agnieszka , Kosson Piotr , Muchowska Adriana , Dyniewicz Jolanta
Published: February 2020

In the present contribution we report design, synthesis and evaluation of receptor affinity, analgesic activity and cytotoxicity of a hybrid peptide, AWL3020. The peptide includes two pharmacophores, one of δ-opioid receptor (δOR) agonists and one of neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R) antagonists. The design was motivated by the desire to obtain a compound with strong analgesic action and potential additional antiproliferative action. The compound displays high δOR affinity (IC50 = 29.5 nM). On the other hand, it has only poor affinity for the NK1R (IC50 = 70.28 μM). The substance shows good analgesic action which is however weaker than that of morphine. Regarding the effect on proliferation, the compound exhibits no pro-proliferative action in the assayed range. In higher concentrations, it has also cytotoxic activity. This effect is however not selective. The strongest effect of AWL3020 was found for melanoma MeW164 cell line (EC50 = 46.27 μM in reduction of cell numbers after a few days of incubation; EC50 = 37.78 μM in MTT assay).
Plant functional group drives the community structure of saprophytic fungi in a grassland biodiversity experiment
Authors: Francioli Davide , van Rijssel Sophie Q. , van Ruijven Jasper , Termorshuizen Aad J. , Cotton T. E. Anne , Dumbrell Alex J. , Raaijmakers Jos M. , Weigelt Alexandra , Mommer Liesje
Published: February 2020

Aims

Saprophytic fungi are important agents of soil mineralization and carbon cycling. Their community structure is known to be affected by soil conditions such as organic matter and pH. However, the effect of plant species, whose roots provide the litter input into the soil, on the saprophytic fungal community is largely unknown.

Methods

We examined the saprophytic fungi in a grassland biodiversity experiment with eight plant species belonging to two functional groups (grasses and forbs), combining DNA extraction from plant roots, next-generation sequencing and literature research.

Results

We found that saprophyte richness increased with plant species richness, but plant functional group richness was the best predictor. Plant functional group was also the main factor driving fungal saprophytic community structure. This effect was correlated with differences in root lignin content and C:N ratio between grasses and forbs. In monocultures, root traits and plant functional group type explained 16% of the variation in community structure. The saprophyte taxa detected in mixed plant communities were to a large extent subsets of those found in monocultures.

Conclusions

Our work shows that the richness and community structure of the root-associated saprophytic fungi can largely be predicted by plant functional groups and their associated root traits. This means that the effects of plant diversity on ecosystem functions such as litter decomposition may also be predictable using information on plant functional groups in grasslands.