bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Doxorubicin Loaded Magnetosensitive Water‐Soluble Nanogel Based on NIPAM and Iron (3+) Containing Nanoparticles
Authors: Spiridonov Vasily , Panova Irina , Kusaia Victoriia , Makarova Lyudmila , Romodina Maria , Fedyanin Andrey , Pozdnyakova Natalia , Shibaeva Anna , Zezin Sergey , Sybachin Andrey , Yaroslavov Alexander
Published: February 2020

Magnetosensitive nanogel based on polyacrylic acid, N‐isopropylacrylamide, and magnetic nanoparticles containing Fe3+ is obtained. The size and morphology of the magnetic nanogel are determined. The size and magnetic characteristics of the inorganic phase are established. The anticancer properties of magnetic nanogel loaded by doxorubicin are studied.
Antioxidant and Biocompatible 5‐O‐Caffeoylquinic Acid‐Based Composite Materials
Authors: Pacifico Severina , Piccolella Simona , Naviglio Silvio , Catauro Michelina
Published: February 2020

Silica/5‐O‐caffeoylquinic acid hybrid materials are synthetized via sol–gel route, obtaining new biomaterials able to preserve the antioxidant capability of the natural nutraceutical phenol compound. The materials are chemically characterized through FT‐IR and UV spectroscopy, whereas their bioactivity is ascertained by both scanning electron microscopy and FT‐IR analysis. The antioxidant efficacy is assessed, applying DPPH and ABTS methods, and direct MTT test on NIH‐3T3 cells is employed to preliminarily evaluate the biocompatibility. This latter seems to strongly depend on the amount of entrapped phenol.
Lean Manufacturing 4.0 of Polymeric Injection Molding Products
Authors: Dănuţ‐Sorin Ionel R. , Opran Constantin Gheorghe , Lamanna Giuseppe
Published: February 2020

In the polymeric products industry, the lean production system is perceived as a solution to reduce difficulties of manufacturing automation processes complexity while reducing used resources, eliminate losses, and increase efficiency, flexibility, and profitability. Industry 4.0 is the stage of intelligent automation that exploits the latest developments in polymeric products engineering. Through implementation of information technology and the Industry 4.0 concepts in lean manufacturing 4.0 of polymeric injection molding products is a challenge that needs a strategic approach to efficient interconnection processes. The main achievements of intelligent polymeric products manufacturing system are based on the versatility and individualization of designing and manufacturing processes. The transition from lean manufacturing to Lean 4.0 manufacturing system is a complex project that requires physical production system update, transforming lean tools, build the cyber production system, define and implement Lean 4.0 tools, and connecting them into a new integrated cyber–physical system. This paper presents a strategy for identifying the transition that can be approached within an intelligent and adaptive molding cell fabrication of polymeric products industry.
Deciphering Imidazoline Off‐targets by Fishing in the Class A of GPCR field
Authors: Djikic Teodora , Vucicevic Jelica , Laurila Jonne , Radi Marco , Veljkovic Nevena , Xhaard Henri , Nikolic Katarina
Published: February 2020

Based on the finding that a central antihypertensive agent with high affinity for I1‐type imidazoline receptors – rilmenidine, shows cytotoxic effects on cultured cancer cell lines, it has been suggested that imidazoline receptors agonists might have a therapeutic potential in the cancer therapy. Nevertheless, potential rilmenidine side effects caused by activation of α‐adrenoceptors, or other associated receptors and enzymes, might hinder its therapeutic benefits. Considering that human α‐adrenoceptors belong to the rhodopsin‐like class A of G‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) it is reasonable to assume that imidazolines might have the affinity for other receptors from the same class. Therefore, to investigate possible off‐target effects of imidazoline ligands we have prepared a reverse docking protocol on class A GPCRs, using imidazoline ligands and their decoys. To verify our in silico results, three ligands with high scores and three ligands with low scores were tested for antagonistic activity on α2‐ adrenoceptors.
Toward precise arterial input functions derived from DCE‐MRI through a novel extracorporeal circulation approach in mice
Authors: Backhaus Philipp , Büther Florian , Wachsmuth Lydia , Frohwein Lynn , Buchholz Rebecca , Karst Uwe , Schäfers Klaus , Hermann Sven , Schäfers Michael , Faber Cornelius
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI can be used in pharmacokinetic models to quantify functional parameters such as perfusion and permeability. However, precise quantification in preclinical models is challenged by the difficulties to dynamically measure the true arterial blood contrast agent concentration. We propose a novel approach toward a precise and experimentally feasible method to derive the arterial input function from DCE‐MRI in mice.

Methods

Arterial blood was surgically shunted from the femoral artery to the tail vein and led through an extracorporeal circulation that resided on the head of brain tumor–bearing mice inside the FOV of a 9.4T MRI scanner. Dynamic 3D‐FLASH scanning was performed after injection of gadobutrol with an effective resolution of 0.175 × 0.175 × 1 mm and a temporal resolution of 4 seconds. Pharmacokinetic modeling was performed using the extended Tofts and two‐compartment exchange model.

Results

Arterial input functions measured inside the extracorporeal circulation showed little noise, small interindividual variance, and typical curve shapes. Ex vivo and mass spectrometry validation measurements documented the influence of shunt flow velocity and hematocrit on estimation of contrast agent concentrations. Modeling of tumors and muscles allowed fitting of the recorded dynamic concentrations, resulting in quantitative plausible parameters.

Conclusion

The extracorporeal circulation allows deriving the contrast agent dynamics in arterial blood with high robustness and at acceptable experimental effort from DCE‐MRI, previously not achievable in mice. It sets the basis for quantitative precise pharmacokinetic modeling in small animals to enhance the translatability of preclinical DCE‐MRI measurements to patients.
Optimized dualCEST‐MRI for imaging of endogenous bulk mobile proteins in the human brain
Authors: Breitling Johannes , Meissner Jan‐Eric , Zaiss Moritz , Paech Daniel , Ladd Mark E. , Bachert Peter , Goerke Steffen
Published: February 2020

Dual‐frequency irradiation chemical exchange saturation transfer (dualCEST) allows imaging of endogenous bulk mobile proteins by selectively measuring the intramolecular spin diffusion. The resulting specificity to changes in the concentration, molecular size, and folding state of mobile proteins is of particular interest as a marker for neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Until now, application of dualCEST in clinical trials was prevented by the inherently small signal‐to‐noise ratio and the resulting comparatively long examination time. In this study, we present an optimized acquisition protocol allowing 3D dualCEST‐MRI examinations in a clinically relevant time frame. The optimization comprised the extension of the image readout to 3D, allowing a retrospective co‐registration and application of denoising strategies. In addition, cosine‐modulated dual‐frequency presaturation pulses were implemented with a weighted acquisition scheme of the necessary frequency offsets. The optimization resulted in a signal‐to‐noise ratio gain by a factor of approximately 8. In particular, the application of denoising and the motion correction were the most crucial improvement steps. In vitro experiments verified the preservation of specificity of the dualCEST signal to proteins. Good‐to‐excellent intra‐session and good inter‐session repeatability was achieved, allowing reliable detection of relative signal differences of about 16% or higher. Applicability in a clinical setting was demonstrated by examining a patient with glioblastoma. The optimized acquisition protocol for dualCEST‐MRI at 3 T enables selective imaging of endogenous bulk mobile proteins under clinically relevant conditions.
Wideband Self‐Grounded Bow‐Tie Antenna for Thermal MR
Authors: Eigentler Thomas Wilhelm , Winter Lukas , Han Haopeng , Oberacker Eva , Kuehne Andre , Waiczies Helmar , Schmitter Sebastian , Boehmert Laura , Prinz Christian , Trefna Hana Dobsicek , Niendorf Thoralf
Published: February 2020

The objective of this study was the design, implementation, evaluation and application of a compact wideband self‐grounded bow‐tie (SGBT) radiofrequency (RF) antenna building block that supports anatomical proton (1H) MRI, fluorine (19F) MRI, MR thermometry and broadband thermal intervention integrated in a whole‐body 7.0 T system.

Design considerations and optimizations were conducted with numerical electromagnetic field (EMF) simulations to facilitate a broadband thermal intervention frequency of the RF antenna building block. RF transmission (B1+) field efficiency and specific absorption rate (SAR) were obtained in a phantom, and the thigh of human voxel models (Ella, Duke) for 1H and 19F MRI at 7.0 T. B1+ efficiency simulations were validated with actual flip‐angle imaging measurements. The feasibility of thermal intervention was examined by temperature simulations (f = 300, 400 and 500 MHz) in a phantom. The RF heating intervention (Pin = 100 W, t = 120 seconds) was validated experimentally using the proton resonance shift method and fiberoptic probes for temperature monitoring. The applicability of the SGBT RF antenna building block for in vivo 1H and 19F MRI was demonstrated for the thigh and forearm of a healthy volunteer.

The SGBT RF antenna building block facilitated 19F and 1H MRI at 7.0 T as well as broadband thermal intervention (234‐561 MHz). For the thigh of the human voxel models, a B1+ efficiency ≥11.8 μT/√kW was achieved at a depth of 50 mm. Temperature simulations and heating experiments in a phantom demonstrated a temperature increase ΔT >7 K at a depth of 10 mm.

The compact SGBT antenna building block provides technology for the design of integrated high‐density RF applicators and for the study of the role of temperature in (patho‐) physiological processes by adding a thermal intervention dimension to an MRI device (Thermal MR).
The tensor t‐function: A definition for functions of third‐order tensors
Authors: Lund Kathryn
Published: February 2020

A definition for functions of multidimensional arrays is presented. The definition is valid for third‐order tensors in the tensor t‐product formalism, which regards third‐order tensors as block circulant matrices. The tensor function definition is shown to have similar properties as standard matrix function definitions in fundamental scenarios. To demonstrate the definition's potential in applications, the notion of network communicability is generalized to third‐order tensors and computed for a small‐scale example via block Krylov subspace methods for matrix functions. A complexity analysis for these methods in the context of tensors is also provided.
Ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber‐based heat shielding materials for solid rocket motor: Impact of Kevlar fiber reinforcement on the thermal and mechanical properties
Authors: George Kesiya , Panda Bishnu P , Biswal Manoranjan , Mohanty Smita , Nayak Sanjay K
Published: February 2020

This work scrutinizes the utilization of ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber matrix (EPDM) with an embodiment of aramid fiber for the heat shielding applications in solid rocket motor (SRM). Aramid fibers are aromatic poly‐paraphenylene terephthalamide, here deployed are Kevlar fibers (KF). However, the literature that encompasses the thermal and mechanical behavior with the fiber loading is reported nowhere else. The effect of fiber addition on the surface morphology and density was thoroughly studied, and it revealed that the EHSMs were of lower density to act as an efficient payload for the SRM. In this regard, the thermal conductivity, heat capacity, thermal diffusivity, fire behavior, and mechanical properties of the EPDM/KF‐based EHSMs were explored. The results revealed that the EHSMs are thermally insulating and thermally stable material with balanced mechanical properties that can engender the thermal and mechanical strains of the rocket motor. Furthermore, other analytical techniques such as scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy have been exploited to monitor the performance of the char residues of the EHSM to delineate its performance in the fire atmosphere.
Multimodal treatment including standard chemotherapy with vincristine, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, and etoposide for the Ewing sarcoma family of tumors in Japan: Results of the Japan Ewing Sarcoma Study 04
Authors: Chin Motoaki , Yokoyama Ryohei , Sumi Minako , Okita Hajime , Kawai Akira , Hosono Ako , Koga Yuhki , Sano Hideki , Watanabe Hiroyoshi , Ozaki Toshifumi , Mugishima Hideo ,   Japan Ewing Sarcoma Study Group (JESS)
Published: February 2020

Background

The survival rate in patients with Ewing sarcoma family of tumors (ESFT) in Japan was reported to be < 50% in the 1990s. The Japan Ewing Sarcoma Study Group was established to improve the prognosis of ESFT in Japan. The aim of this phase II trial was to determine the efficacy and safety of multimodal treatment for nonmetastatic ESFT.

Procedure

Patients with ESFT aged < 30 years were eligible for participation. The chemotherapy regimen consisted of vincristine, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (VDC) alternating with ifosfamide and etoposide (IE) repeating every 21 days for 52 weeks. Local treatment included surgery and/or radiation therapy (0‐55.8 Gy) based on the margin of resection and histologic response. The primary endpoint was progression‐free survival (PFS) at three years. The study was designed to test whether the lower limit of the 90% confidence interval for PFS would exceed the threshold of 60%. The planned sample size was 53 patients, allowing for 10% of patients being ineligible.

Results

Of the 53 patients screened for entry, seven were deemed ineligible. Forty‐six patients were considered as the per‐protocol set and were used for the efficacy analysis. Three‐year PFS was 71.7% (0.59‐0.81). Estimated five‐year PFS and overall survival were both 69.6%. Although no previously unknown adverse event was reported, three patients developed secondary malignancies (acute lymphoblastic leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, and osteosarcoma, one patient each).

Conclusions

Multimodal treatment with standard VDC‐IE chemotherapy improved the prognosis for patients with ESFT in Japan, although statistical confirmation of efficacy compared to historical control was not achieved.
Registration of ‘DALZ 1308’ zoysiagrass
Authors: Chandra Ambika , Genovesi Anthony D. , Meeks Meghyn , Wu Ying , Engelke Milt C. , Kenworthy Kevin , Schwartz Brian
Published: February 2020

‘DALZ 1308’ (Reg. no. CV‐285, PI 691612) is a first‐generation interspecific hybrid developed in 2004 by crossing a genotype of Zoysia minima (Colenso) Zotov and Z. matrella (L.) Merr. ‘Diamond.’ After field evaluations in Dallas, TX (2004–2009) and Gainesville, FL (2006–2008), DALZ 1308 was selected for advancement to the 2013 Warm‐season Putting Greens National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP). DALZ 1308 was evaluated at 10 NTEP locations (2013–2018) as well as in Dallas, TX (2014–2017) and Gainesville, FL (2013–2017). DALZ 1308 exhibited a diminutive growth habit with narrower and shorter leaf blades and dwarf canopy height as compared to Diamond and L1F; shorter internode length, smaller node, and smaller internode diameter as compared to L1F; superior ball roll as compared to Diamond and L1F in Arizona, Kentucky, and Texas; resistance to tawny mole crickets; and reduced seedhead incidence and density during the growing season. As compared to Diamond and L1F, DALZ 1308 has shown to have reduced winter injury with fabric cover in Bloomington, IN. Although characteristics varied by location, DALZ 1308 exhibits good turfgrass quality, high shoot density, medium‐green genetic color, and extended fall and winter color retention. Initial greenhouse experimentation under moderate shade shows that DALZ 1308 has a greater percent green cover as compared to ‘Palisades’, Diamond, and ‘Zorro’. Overall, DALZ 1308 is an ultradwarf zoysiagrass suitable for golf course putting greens in a wide range of environments across the United States.
The tangled historical roots of entrepreneurial growth aspirations
Authors: Decker Stephanie , Estrin Saul , Mickiewicz Tomasz
Published: February 2020

Research Summary

We consider what configurations of historical and geographic dimensions influence entrepreneurial growth aspirations (EGA). Our theoretical framework combines geography (coastal location, resource dependence), long‐term colonial history (ethnic heterogeneity, legal origins), and postcolonial history (low levels of conflict and population displacement; not having “bad neighbors”). We employ abductive reasoning to link the social science and historical literatures via analytically structured histories of Ghana, Nigeria, and Angola. Next, we undertake a fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis on sub‐Saharan Africa countries to investigate which particular configurations of these dimensions are important for EGA. We demonstrate the importance of configurations over individual variables and add context‐bound dimensions to the study of entrepreneurship in developing countries, through historical analysis.

Managerial Summary

Our analysis may offer entrepreneurs a template for identifying potential opportunities and threats in order to calibrate their strategies for scaling up their venture in sub‐Saharan Africa. We argue that environments rich in entrepreneurial growth opportunities are associated with configurations where negative aspects are more than compensated by positive ones. For Botswana, the low levels of internal conflict compensate for unfavorable location. For Angola, the positive impact of coastal location and relatively low ethnic heterogeneity counterbalance the negative effect of resource rents. Resource‐driven economies are more entrepreneurial: better economic opportunities can sometimes result from having extractive industries. For African entrepreneurs it is not only relevant what happens in their own countries, as their opportunities are directly affected by economic or political turmoil in neighboring countries.
3D Charge Transport Pathway in Organic Solar Cells via Incorporation of Discotic Liquid Crystal Columns
Authors: Wang Tong , Niu Meng-Si , Guo Jia-Jia , Zhang Kang-Ning , Wen Zhen-Chuan , Liu Jian-Qiang , Qin Chao-Chao , Hao Xiao-Tao
Published: February 2020

In this work, a discotic liquid crystal (DLC) 2,3,6,7,10,11‐hexaacetoxytriphenylene (HATP) is used as the interlayer between poly(3,4‐ethylene‐dioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) and the active layer to achieve 3D charge transportation for organic solar cells (OSCs). HATP exhibits a columnar structure with a dominantly edge‐on orientation. For a (non‐)fullerene OSC system based on face‐on orientation, HATP columns are favorable for the expansion of edge‐on and face‐on crystallite in the active layer. According to the surface energy, surrounding the HATP columns are mainly acceptors. The significantly improved electron mobility indicates that it is easier for the electron to hop into HATP columns to transport, which represents the formation of the 3D pathway. This transport mode typically can enhance the intermolecular charge transport and effectively suppress the generation of triplet excitons and recombination. Thus, the short‐circuit current density (JSC) is increased by 14% and 19% for fullerene and non‐fullerene systems, respectively. The power conversion efficiency is improved for non‐fullerene OSCs with different active layer thicknesses (≥150 nm) and fullerene OSCs with an active layer thickness of 140 nm. Overall, this work demonstrates an approach to introduce HATP columns on a PEDOT:PSS layer that has great potential to form a 3D pathway for achieving high‐performance (non‐)fullerene OSCs.
Asymmetrically Alkyl‐Substituted Wide‐Bandgap Nonfullerene Acceptor for Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Xia Tian , Li Chao , Ryu Hwa Sook , Sun Xiaobo , Woo Han Young , Sun Yanming
Published: February 2020

An asymmetric wide‐bandgap (WBG) nonfullerene acceptor (C6‐IDTT‐T) is developed by shearing one alkyl side‐chain from a symmetrically alkyl‐substituted indacenodithieno[3,2‐b]thiophene (IDTT) core of the fused‐ring electron acceptor 2C6‐IDTT‐T. These two acceptors both exhibit wide optical bandgaps over 1.8 eV. Investigations on the optical, electrochemical, and active layer morphology are conducted to understand the effect of asymmetric side chains on the electrical and photovoltaic properties. Compared with symmetric 2C6‐IDTT‐T, asymmetric C6‐IDTT‐T is found to exhibit redshifted absorption and higher electron mobility. As a result, the C6‐IDTT‐T blend with a thienothiophene‐benzodithiophene copolymer (PTB7‐Th) presents higher electron mobility and more balanced charge carrier transport, which leads to an enhanced power conversion efficiency of 8.51% for C6‐IDTT‐T‐based device with a high open‐circuit voltage of 1.052 V and a low energy loss of 0.60 eV.
Local strong solutions to a quasilinear degenerate fourth-order thin-film equation
Authors: Lienstromberg Christina , Müller Stefan
Published: February 2020

We study the problem of existence and uniqueness of strong solutions to a degenerate quasilinear parabolic non-Newtonian thin-film equation. Originating from a non-Newtonian Navier–Stokes system, the equation is derived by lubrication theory and under the assumption that capillarity is the only driving force. The fluid’s shear-thinning rheology is described by the so-called Ellis constitutive law. For flow behaviour exponents $$\alpha \ge 2$$α≥2 the corresponding initial boundary value problem fits into the abstract setting of Amann (Function Spaces, Differential Operators and Nonlinear Analysis, Vieweg Teubner Verlag, Stuttgart, 1993). Due to a lack of regularity this is not true for flow behaviour exponents $$\alpha \in (1,2)$$α∈(1,2). For this reason we prove an existence theorem for abstract quasilinear parabolic evolution problems with Hölder continuous dependence. This result provides existence of strong solutions to the non-Newtonian thin-film problem in the setting of fractional Sobolev spaces and (little) Hölder spaces. Uniqueness of strong solutions is derived by energy methods and by using the particular structure of the equation.
Condylar alterations and facial growth in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Cedströmer Anna-Lena , Andlin-Sobocki Anna , Abbu Nadjwan , Hedenberg-Magnusson Britt , Dahlström Lars , Berntson Lillemor
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate facial growth in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) by means of lateral head cephalometric radiographs and relate the findings to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) condylar changes on panoramic radiographs.

Methods

Radiographic and medical records were evaluated in 65 children with JIA. Cephalometric and panoramic analyses were performed for the impact of condylar changes on facial growth. We compared children with condylar alterations, minor or major, with those without condylar alterations.

Results

Based on panoramic radiographs, no condylar alterations were seen in 27 of the 65 children and condylar alterations were seen in 38 children (i.e., 23 had minor and 15 major condylar alterations). The cephalometric analyses of the children with condylar changes showed significant growth disturbances with a more retrognathic mandible (SNB;p = 0.03), retruded chin position (SNPog;p = 0.02), larger mandibular angulation (ML/NSL;p = 0.009) and maxillary angulation (NL/NSL;p = 0.03) compared with children without condylar alterations. Children with minor condylar alterations had a significantly more retruded chin position (SNPog) than those with no condylar changes (p = 0.04).

Conclusions

Condylar changes in the TMJ, judged on panoramic radiography, in children with JIA, have impact on craniofacial growth. Even minor alterations seem to have an impact.
Implementation of RNA sequencing and array CGH in the diagnostic workflow of the AIEOP-BFM ALL 2017 trial on acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Schieck Maximilian , Lentes Jana , Thomay Kathrin , Hofmann Winfried , Behrens Yvonne Lisa , Hagedorn Maike , Ebersold Juliane , Davenport Colin F. , Fazio Grazia , Möricke Anja , Buchmann Swantje , Alten Julia , Cario Gunnar , Schrappe Martin , Bergmann Anke Katharina , Stanulla Martin , Steinemann Doris , Schlegelberger Brigitte , Cazzaniga Giovanni , Göhring Gudrun
Published: February 2020

Risk-adapted therapy has significantly contributed to improved survival rates in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and reliable detection of chromosomal aberrations is mandatory for risk group stratification. This study evaluated the applicability of panel-based RNA sequencing and array CGH within the diagnostic workflow of the German study group of the international AIEOP-BFM ALL 2017 trial. In a consecutive cohort of 117 children with B cell precursor (BCP) ALL, array analysis identified twelve cases with an IKZF1plus profile of gene deletions and one case of masked hypodiploidy. Genetic markers BCR-ABL1 (n = 1), ETV6-RUNX1 (n = 25), and rearrangements involving KMT2A (n = 3) or TCF3 (n = 3) were assessed by established conventional techniques such as karyotyping, FISH, and RT-PCR. Comparison of these results with RNA sequencing analysis revealed overall consistency in n=115/117 cases, albeit with one undetected AFF1-KMT2A fusion in RNA sequencing and one undetected ETV6-RUNX1 fusion in conventional analyses. The combined application of RNA sequencing, FISH, and CGH+SNP array reliably detected all genetic markers necessary for risk stratification and will be used as the diagnostic standard workflow for BCP-ALL patients enrolled in the AIEOP-BFM ALL 2017 study. Prospectively, consistent collection of genome-wide CGH+SNP array as well as RNA sequencing data will be a valuable source to elucidate new prognostic lesions beyond established markers of pediatric ALL. In this respect, RNA sequencing identified various gene fusions in up to half of the IKZF1plus (n = 6/12) and B-other (n = 19/36) cases but not in cases with hyperdiploid karyotypes (n = 35). Among these fusions, this study reports several previously undescribed in frame PAX5 fusions, including PAX5-MYO1G and PAX5-NCOA6.
Correction to: Convection-permitting regional climate simulation of warm-season precipitation over Eastern China
Authors: Yun Yuxing , Liu Changhai , Luo Yali , Liang Xudong , Huang Ling , Chen Fei , Rasmmusen Roy
Published: February 2020

The article Convection-permitting regional climate simulation of warm-season precipitation over Eastern China, written by Yuxing Yun, Changhai Liu, Yali Luo, Xudong Liang, Ling Huang, Fei Chen, Roy Rasmmusen was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal (currently SpringerLink) on 6 December 2019 without open access.
Significant decrease of von Willebrand factor and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 by providing supplementation with selenium and coenzyme Q10 to an elderly population with a low selenium status
Authors: Alehagen Urban , Alexander J. , Aaseth J. , Larsson A. , Lindahl T. L.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Endothelial dysfunction and inflammation are conditions which fuel atherosclerosis and ischaemic heart disease. We have previously reported reduced cardiovascular (CV) mortality following supplementation with selenium and coenzyme Q10 to 443 elderly individuals with low selenium status (mean 67 μg/L) for 4 years. Here, we wanted to evaluate a possible association between the supplementation and the plasma concentrations of the von Willebrand factor (vWf), and the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), as they, besides other functions, are also strongly associated with endothelial function.

Methods

In this sub-study, 308 individuals (active substance: 157, placebo: 151) were included. Blood samples were drawn after 6 and 36 months and vWf and PAI-1 were determined in plasma by ELISA. Changes in concentrations of the biomarkers were evaluated by the use of T tests, repeated measures of variance, and ANCOVA analyses.

Results

The active treatment group presented a lower level of vWf after 36 months compared with the placebo group (1.08 U/mL vs. 5.10 U/mL; p = 0.0007). The results were validated through the repeated measures of variance evaluation. The PAI-1 levels showed an equally significant decrease in the active group (26.2 ng/mL vs. 49.2 ng/mL; p = 0.0002) and were also validated through repeated measures of variance evaluation.

Conclusion

In this sub-study on elderly receiving selenium and coenzyme Q10, or placebo we found significantly lower levels of vWf and PAI-1 in the active treatment group as compared to the placebo group. We interpret this as a better endothelial function because of the intervention, which accords with a previous finding of reduced CV mortality.
Sensory perception testing by monofilaments in the digits of controls and workers with HAVS
Authors: Poole C. J. M. , Robinson E. W. , Frost G.
Published: February 2020

Objective

To determine if heavy manual work affects sensory perception in the digits and whether Semmes–Weinstein monofilaments (SWM) can be used as a screening tool to detect sensory neuropathy in the digits of workers exposed to hand-transmitted vibration (HTV).

Methods

A cross-sectional study of office workers, heavy manual workers not exposed to HTV and workers with hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). Sensory perception was measured in the digits by SWM using a forced-choice method to determine variability by sex, age, hand and digit. Frequency distributions were used to determine limit values and linear weighted kappa for intra-digit variability. Poisson regression was used to explore the relationship between sensory perception by SWM and abnormalities of thermal and vibration perception in the hands of workers with HAVS.

Results

The sensory perception threshold of office workers did not vary by hand or digit. It was significantly lower in women < 30 than women aged ≥ 30 years. The 95th percentile for heavy manual workers was 1.00 (95% CI 0.60–1.00) and significantly higher than for office workers at 0.16 (95% CI 0.16–0.16). Heavy manual workers > 50 years had the highest threshold at 1.40 (95% CI 1.00–2.00). Weighted kappa for reliability was 0.63 (95% CI 0.53–0.70). A mean SWM threshold of ≥ 1.0 gram-force had a 79% sensitivity and 64% specificity for detecting abnormalities of thermal and vibration perception in the ipsilateral index and little fingers of workers with HAVS.

Conclusions

SWM are a useful screening tool for detecting sensory loss in the digits of workers exposed to HTV.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of voice rehabilitation for patients with laryngeal cancer: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Johansson Mia , Finizia Caterina , Persson Josefine , Tuomi Lisa
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Voice problems are common following radiotherapy for laryngeal cancer. Few studies exist covering the effect of voice rehabilitation, and no previous studies exist regarding the cost of said rehabilitation. This randomized controlled study aimed to analyze the cost-effectiveness of voice rehabilitation after radiotherapy for patients with laryngeal cancer.

Material and methods

A total of 66 patients with laryngeal cancer with follow-up data 12 months post-radiotherapy were included. Patients were randomized into receiving either voice rehabilitation (n = 32) or no voice rehabilitation (n = 34). The patient outcome was measured as quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). The index range between 0 and 1, where 0 equals death and 1 represents perfect health. The QALYs were assessed with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer questionnaire QLQ-C30 mapped to EuroQoL 5 Dimension values. The cost of rehabilitation and other healthcare visits was derived from hospital systems. The patients reported the total amount of sick leave days during the first 12 months following radiotherapy. The cost-effectiveness of the voice rehabilitation was compared with no rehabilitation intervention based on the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio.

Results

The cost per gained QALY with voice rehabilitation compared to no rehabilitation from a societal perspective was − 27,594 € (SEK − 250,852) which indicates that the voice rehabilitation is a cost-saving alternative compared to no rehabilitation due to lower costs and a slightly better health outcome. From a healthcare perspective, the voice rehabilitation indicates a cost 60,800 € (SEK 552,725) per gained QALY.

Conclusion

From a societal perspective, i.e., including the costs of production loss, voice rehabilitation compared to no voice rehabilitation following radiotherapy for laryngeal cancer seems to be cost-saving. When analyzing only the healthcare costs in relation to health outcomes, voice rehabilitation indicates an incremental cost of 60,800 € per gained QALY, which is just above the threshold of the maximum willingness to pay level.
Long-term outcomes after contaminated complex abdominal wall reconstruction
Authors: de Vries F. E. E. , Hodgkinson J. D. , Claessen J. J. M. , van Ruler O. , Leo C. A. , Maeda Y. , Lapid O. , Obdeijn M. C. , Tanis P. J. , Bemelman W. A. , Constantinides J. , Hanna G. B. , Warusavitarne J. , Vaizey C. , Boermeester M. A.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Complex abdominal wall repair (CAWR) in a contaminated operative field is a challenge. Available literature regarding long-term outcomes of CAWR comprises studies that often have small numbers and heterogeneous patient populations. This study aims to assess long-term outcomes of modified-ventral hernia working group (VHWG) grade 3 repairs. Because the relevance of hernia recurrence (HR) as the primary outcome for this patient group is contentious, the need for further hernia surgery (FHS) was also assessed in relation to long-term survival.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study with a single prospective follow-up time-point nested in a consecutive series of patients undergoing CAWR in two European national intestinal failure centers.

Results

In long-term analysis, 266 modified VHWG grade 3 procedures were included. The overall HR rate was 32.3%. The HR rates for non-crosslinked biologic meshes and synthetic meshes when fascial closure was achieved were 20.3% and 30.6%, respectively. The rates of FHS were 7.2% and 16.7%, and occurred only within the first 3 years. Bridged repairs showed poorer results (fascial closure 22.9% hernia recurrence vs bridged 57.1% recurrence). Overall survival was relatively good with 80% en 70% of the patients still alive after 5 and 10 years, respectively. In total 86.6% of the patients remained free of FHS.

Conclusions

In this study of contaminated CAWR, non-crosslinked biologic mesh shows better results than synthetic mesh. Bridging repairs with no posterior and/or anterior fascial closure have a higher recurrence rate. The overall survival was good and the majority of patients remained free of additional hernia surgery.
Pentraxin-3 is not related to disease severity in cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Feder Susanne , Haberl Elisabeth M. , Spirk Marlen , Weiss Thomas S. , Wiest Reiner , Buechler Christa
Published: February 2020

The acute-phase protein pentraxin-3 (PTX3) is a component of the innate immune system. Inflammation and tissue injury increased PTX3 in the injured liver, and accordingly, circulating PTX3 was induced in patients with chronic liver diseases. In the present study, PTX3 protein was determined in systemic, hepatic, and portal vein plasma of patients with liver cirrhosis to assess a possible association between hepatic PTX3 release and extent of liver injury. However, PTX3 levels were not related to disease severity. Of note, portal PTX3 levels were higher than concentrations in the hepatic vein. PTX3 in the hepatic and portal veins was negatively correlated with factor V, antithrombin 3, and prothrombin time. PTX3 did neither correlate with C-reactive protein nor galectin-3 or resistin, whereby the latter two proteins are associated with hepatic injury. PTX3 levels were not changed in cirrhosis patients with ascites or varices and did not correlate with the hepatic venous pressure gradient. Likewise, serum PTX3 was not correlated with histological steatosis, inflammation, or fibrosis stage in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Moreover, PTX3 was not associated with tumor node metastasis classification in HCC. Above all, PTX3 increased in hepatic, portal, and systemic blood immediately after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). Higher PTX3 in portal than hepatic vein plasma and further increase after TIPS suggests that the liver eliminates PTX3 from the circulation. In summary, PTX3 is not of diagnostic value in cirrhosis and HCC patients.
Forschungsbereiche der Datenökonomie
Authors: Azkan Can , Goecke Henry , Spiekermann Markus
Published: February 2020

Durch die rasant steigende Datenmenge ergeben sich viele Möglichkeiten, neue datengetriebene Geschäftsmodelle zu entwickeln. Die Datenökonomie gewinnt immer mehr an Bedeutung. Damit das ökonomische Potenzial ausgeschöpft werden kann, ist es elementar, dass genügend Fachkräfte verfügbar sind. Wichtige Forschungsbereiche der Datenökonomie sind die Bedeutung von Kooperationen und Wissen für die Entwicklung neuer Geschäftsmodelle, Daten und Algorithmen sowie das Branchencluster des Gesundheitswesens.
Dynamic contrast-enhanced QSM for perfusion imaging: a systematic comparison of ΔR2*- and QSM-based contrast agent concentration time curves in blood and tissue
Authors: Lind Emelie , Knutsson Linda , Ståhlberg Freddy , Wirestam Ronnie
Published: February 2020

Objective

In dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI (DSC-MRI), an arterial input function (AIF) is required to quantify perfusion. However, estimation of the concentration of contrast agent (CA) from magnitude MRI signal data is challenging. A reasonable alternative would be to quantify CA concentration using quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM), as the CA alters the magnetic susceptibility in proportion to its concentration.

Material and methods

AIFs with reasonable appearance, selected on the basis of conventional criteria related to timing, shape, and peak concentration, were registered from both ΔR2* and QSM images and mutually compared by visual inspection. Both ΔR2*- and QSM-based AIFs were used for perfusion calculations based on tissue concentration data from ΔR2*as well as QSM images.

Results

AIFs based on ΔR2* and QSM data showed very similar shapes and the estimated cerebral blood flow values and mean transit times were similar. Analysis of corresponding ΔR2* versus QSM-based concentration estimates yielded a transverse relaxivity estimate of 89 s−1 mM−1, for voxels identified as useful AIF candidate in ΔR2* images according to the conventional criteria.

Discussion

Interestingly, arterial concentration time curves based on ΔR2* versus QSM data, for a standard DSC-MRI experiment, were generally very similar in shape, and the relaxivity obtained in voxels representing blood was similar to tissue relaxivity obtained in previous studies.
Accumulation of germanium (Ge) in plant tissues of grasses is not solely driven by its incorporation in phytoliths
Authors: Kaiser Sabine , Wagner Stephan , Moschner Christin , Funke Claudia , Wiche Oliver
Published: February 2020

Ge/Si ratios of plant phytoliths have been widely used to trace biogeochemical cycling of Si. However, until recently, information on how much of the Ge and Si transferred from soil to plants is actually stored in phytoliths was lacking. The aim of the present study is to (i) compare the uptake of Si and Ge in three grass species, (ii) localize Ge and Si stored in above-ground plant parts and (iii) evaluate the amounts of Ge and Si sequestrated in phytoliths and plant tissues. Mays (Zea mays), oat (Avena sativa) and reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) were cultivated in the greenhouse on soil and sand to control element supply. Leaf phytoliths were extracted by dry ashing. Total elemental composition of leaves, phytoliths, stems and roots were measured by ICP-MS. For the localization of phytoliths and the determination of Ge and Si within leaf tissues and phytoliths scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and laser ablation inductively coupled mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) was used. The amounts of Si and Ge taken up by the species corresponded with biomass formation and decreased in the order Z. mays > P. arundinacea, A. sativa. Results from LA-ICP-MS revealed that Si was mostly localized in phytoliths, while Ge was disorderly distributed within the leaf tissue. In fact, from the total amounts of Ge accumulated in leaves only 10% was present in phytoliths highlighting the role of organic matter on biogeochemical cycling of Ge and the necessity for using bulk Ge/Si instead of Ge/Si in phytoliths to trace biogeochemical cycling of Si.
A high affinity nanobody against endothelin receptor type B: a new approach to the treatment of melanoma
Authors: Ji Lili , Dong Changsheng , Fan Reiwen , Qi Shuhui
Published: February 2020

The aim of the study was to produce a single-domain antibody (nanobody) specific for endothelin receptor type B (EDNRB) which has high expression in melanoma. Cultured human melanoma cells were used as antigens to immunize alpacas. After antibody generation was verified in alpaca serum, total RNA was extracted from alpaca lymphocytes and the target VHH fragment was amplified by two-step PCR, cloned in the pCANTAB5E phagemid vector, and used to transform Escherichia coli TG1 cells to obtain a phage-display nanobody library, which was enriched by panning. The results indicated successful construction of a phage-display anti-human melanoma A375 nanobodies library with a size of 1.2 × 108/ml and insertion rate of 80%. After screening, eight positive clones of anti-EDNRB nanobodies were used to infect E. coli HB2151 for production of soluble nanobodies, which were identified by ELISA. Finally, we obtained a high-affinity anti-EDNRB nanobody, which consisted of 119 amino acids (molecular weight: 12.97 kDa) with 22 amino acids in CDR3 and had good affinity in vitro. The results suggest that the nanobody may be potentially used for the treatment of human melanoma.
Examining the effect of life course events on modality type and the moderating influence of life stage
Authors: Janke Julia , Thigpen Calvin G. , Handy Susan
Published: February 2020

Previous research has demonstrated the relevance of life events to explain changes in travel behavior. Less clear is the moderating role played by life stages on the relationship between life events and travel behavior. Our goal in this study is to explore how the influence of life events on travel behavior differs by life stage. We use data from a travel survey of faculty, staff and students at a US university. We define four life stages: millennials living in shared apartments or alone, millennials living with partners, parents (of any generation) living with their children, and non-millennial adults living without children. Four modality types were defined: active travelers, car users, transit users, and multimodal travelers. We use a Manifest Markov Model to estimate probabilities of switching modality types between two waves of the survey. Life stage does not significantly moderate effects of life events on change in travel behavior but does affect modality type: the prevalence of active travel modality types, particularly the share of women who are active travelers, decreases throughout the life stages. Millennials living with their partners and parents living with their children relocate to another town more often than those in other life stages, a life event associated with a higher probability of switching to car use only. Our results identify “windows of opportunity”, such as residential relocation, that planners can use to promote sustainable travel behavior.
Photovoltaic activity of electrodes based on intact photosystem I electrodeposited on bare conducting glass
Authors: Szewczyk Sebastian , Białek Rafał , Burdziński Gotard , Gibasiewicz Krzysztof
Published: February 2020

We demonstrate photovoltaic activity of electrodes composed of fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) conducting glass and a multilayer of trimeric photosystem I (PSI) from cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 yielding, at open circuit potential (OCP) of + 100 mV (vs. SHE), internal quantum efficiency of (0.37 ± 0.11)% and photocurrent density of up to (0.5 ± 0.1) µA/cm2. The photocurrent measured for OCP is of cathodic nature meaning that preferentially the electrons are injected from the conducting layer of the FTO glass to the photooxidized PSI primary electron donor, P700+, and further transferred from the photoreduced final electron acceptor of PSI, Fb−, via ascorbate electrolyte to the counter electrode. This observation is consistent with preferential donor-side orientation of PSI on FTO imposed by applied electrodeposition. However, by applying high-positive bias (+ 620 mV) to the PSI-FTO electrode, exceeding redox midpoint potential of P700 (+ 450 mV), the photocurrent reverses its orientation and becomes anodic. This is explained by “switching off” the natural photoactivity of PSI particles (by the electrochemical oxidation of P700 to P700+) and “switching on” the anodic photocurrent from PSI antenna Chls prone to photooxidation at high potentials. The efficient control of the P700 redox state (P700 or P700+) by external bias applied to the PSI-FTO electrodes was evidenced by ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy. The advantage of the presented system is its structural simplicity together with in situ-proven high intactness of the PSI particles.
The formation of Soviet cultural theory of music (1917–1948)
Authors: Viljanen Elina
Published: February 2020

This article explores the continuities and discontinuities of pre-Revolutionary intellectual traditions in 1920s Soviet culture and the Stalin-era cultural revolution. Through examination of the pre-revolutionary philosophical legacy underpinning Soviet musicological theory, I demonstrate that there are decisive features, such asSoviet Prometheanism, that characterize the musicology of the 1920s that both underline and differ from the pre-revolutionary philosophy of music and the musicology of the 1930s. I offer the basic outlines of aSoviet cultural theory of musicformulated by Russian music critic, historian, composer and musicologist Boris Asafiev (1884–1949) in the 1920s. Explaining and describing what I mean by a particular cultural theory of music in the Soviet context forms the core issue of my article.
Knowledge and non-traditional factors: prospects for doxastic accounts
Authors: Dinges Alexander
Published: February 2020

Knowledge ascriptions depend on so-called non-traditional factors. For instance, we become less inclined to ascribe knowledge when it’s important to be right, or once we are reminded of possible sources of error. A number of potential explanations of this data have been proposed in the literature. They include revisionary semantic explanations based on epistemic contextualism and revisionary metaphysical explanations based on anti-intellectualism. Classical invariantists reject such revisionary proposals and hence face the challenge to provide an alternative account. The most prominent strategy here appeals to Gricean pragmatics. This paper focuses on a slightly less prominent strategy, which is based on the idea that non-traditional factors affect knowledge ascriptions because they affect what the putative knower believes. I will call this strategydoxasticism. The full potential of doxasticism is rarely appreciated in the literature and numerous unwarranted concerns have been raised. The goal of this paper is to present the strongest form of doxasticism and then to point out the genuine limitations of this position. I also sketch a closely related, more promising account.