bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applications of the Amniotic Membrane in Vitreoretinal Surgery
Authors: Caporossi Tomaso , Tartaro Ruggero , Bacherini Daniela , Pacini Bianca , De Angelis Lorenzo , Governatori Lorenzo , Di Leo Laura , Oliverio Leandro , Rizzo Stanislao
Published: August 2020

Recently, the use of the human amniotic membrane (hAM) has been extended to treat retinal disorders, such as macular holes that failed to close and retinal tears. The hAM has demonstrated the induction of a recovery process of the external retinal layers involving the external limiting membrane (ELM) and the ellipsoid zone (EZ). After that, the application of the hAM for retinal pathologies was extended to large macular tears, high myopic retinal detachment associated with MH, paravascular tears, serous macular detachment associated with optic pit, complicated retinal detachment and advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The hAM has shown a potential in repairing retinal tissue through a regeneration process. This review aims to highlight the use of the hAM in various vitreo-retinal surgical fields, and to confront it with other cutting-edge surgical techniques used to treat challenging vitreo-retinal pathologies.
Scores of Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire Worsen Consistently in Patients of COPD: Estimating Disease Progression over 30 Years by SReFT with Individual Data Collected in SUMMIT Trial
Authors: Kawamatsu Shinya , Jin Ryota , Araki Shogo , Yoshioka Hideki , Sato Hiromi , Sato Yasunori , Hisaka Akihiro
Published: August 2020

The aim of this study was to elucidate the lifelong disease progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with biomarker changes and identify their influencing factors, by utilizing a new analysis method, Statistical Restoration of Fragmented Time-course (SReFT). Individual patient data (n = 1025) participating in the Study to Understand Mortality and MorbidITy (SUMMIT, NCT01313676), which was collected within the observational period of 4 years, were analyzed. The SReFT analysis suggested that scores of St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire and COPD assessment test, representative scores of the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) questionnaire, increased consistently for 30 years of disease progression, which was not detected by conventional analysis with a linear mixed effect model. It was estimated by the SReFT analysis that normalized forced expiratory volume in one second for age, sex, and body size (%FEV1) reduced for the initial 10 years from the onset of the disease but thereafter remained constant. The analysis of HRQOL scores and lung functions suggested that smoking cessation slowed COPD progression by approximately half and that exacerbation accelerated it considerably. In conclusion, this retrospective study utilizing SReFT elucidated the progression of COPD over 30 years and associated quantitative changes in the HRQOL scores and lung functions.
Difference in Pupillary Diameter as an Important Factor for Evaluating Amplitude of Accommodation: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Kubota Miyuki , Kubota Shunsuke , Kobashi Hidenaga , Ayaki Masahiko , Negishi Kazuno , Tsubota Kazuo
Published: August 2020

Presbyopia is increasing globally due to aging and the widespread use of visual display terminals. Presbyopia is a decrease in the eye’s amplitude of accommodation (AA) due to loss of crystalline lens elasticity. AA differs widely among individuals. We aimed to determine the factors that cause presbyopia, other than advanced age, for early medical intervention. We examined 95 eyes of 95 healthy volunteers (33 men, 62 women) aged 22–62 years (mean: 37.22 ± 9.77 years) with a corrected visual acuity of ≥1.0 and without other eye afflictions except ametropia. Subjective refraction, AA, maximum and minimum pupillary diameters during accommodation, axial length of the eye, and crystalline lens thickness were measured. AA was measured using an auto refractometer/keratometer/tonometer/pachymeter. The difference between maximum and minimum pupillary diameters was calculated. On multiple regression analysis, age and difference in pupillary diameter were both significantly and independently associated with AA in participants aged <44 years, but not in those aged ≥45 years. Our results suggest that the difference in pupillary diameter could be an important age-independent factor for evaluating AA in healthy individuals without cataract. Thus, improving the difference in pupillary diameter values could be an early treatment target for presbyopia.
Management of Acute Kidney Injury Following Major Abdominal Surgery: A Contemporary Review
Authors: Gameiro Joana , Fonseca José Agapito , Marques Filipe , Lopes José António
Published: August 2020

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent occurrence following major abdominal surgery and is independently associated with both in-hospital and long-term mortality, as well as with a higher risk of progressing to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular events. Postoperative AKI can account for up to 40% of in-hospital AKI cases. Given the differences in patient characteristics and the pathophysiology of postoperative AKI, it is inappropriate to assume that the management after noncardiac and nonvascular surgery are the same as those after cardiac and vascular surgery. This article provides a comprehensive review on the available evidence on the management of postoperative AKI in the setting of major abdominal surgery.
Application of Anti-Inflammatory Agents in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Hatano Koji , Fujita Kazutoshi , Nonomura Norio
Published: August 2020

Chronic inflammation is a major cause of human cancers. The environmental factors, such as microbiome, dietary components, and obesity, provoke chronic inflammation in the prostate, which promotes cancer development and progression. Crosstalk between immune cells and cancer cells enhances the secretion of intercellular signaling molecules, such as cytokines and chemokines, thereby orchestrating the generation of inflammatory microenvironment. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) play pivotal roles in inflammation-associated cancer by inhibiting effective anti-tumor immunity. Anti-inflammatory agents, such as aspirin, metformin, and statins, have potential application in chemoprevention of prostate cancer. Furthermore, pro-inflammatory immunity-targeted therapies may provide novel strategies to treat patients with cancer. Thus, anti-inflammatory agents are expected to suppress the “vicious cycle” created by immune and cancer cells and inhibit cancer progression. This review has explored the immune cells that facilitate prostate cancer development and progression, with particular focus on the application of anti-inflammatory agents for both chemoprevention and therapeutic approach in prostate cancer.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors versus VEGF Targeted Therapy as Second Line Regimen in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): A Retrospective Study
Authors: Saeed Anwaar , Hildebrand Hannah , Park Robin , Al-Jumayli Mohammed , Abbasi Saqib , Melancon Tina , Saeed Azhar , Al-Rajabi Raed , Kasi Anup , Baranda Joaquina , Williamson Stephen , Sun Weijing
Published: August 2020

Several targeted agents including multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (mTKIs) and immunotherapy (IO) agents have been approved for use beyond the frontline setting in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Due to lack of prospective head-to-head comparative trials, there is no standardized way for alternating those agents beyond frontline. Therefore, we performed a retrospective review of the Kansas University (KU) cancer registry to determine whether IO may be superior to non-IO therapy. Patients with advanced HCC were divided into two groups based on the second-line systemic regimen received (IO vs. non-IO). Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated under the Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazards models. No statistically significant differences in PFS and OS were found, although a non-significant delayed separation in the survival curve favoring IO was identified (median PFS 3.9 months vs. 3 months; median OS 10 months vs. 10 months respectively for IO vs. non-IO). This retrospective analysis is one of the earliest and largest studies comparing second-line IO and non-IO therapies thus far reported. Future studies should aim to define specific biomarkers for response prediction and treatment optimization based on individual patient and tumor characteristics. Furthermore, combinatorial therapeutic strategies is an evolving approach showing early promising signal.
Registry-Based Mortality Analysis Reveals a High Proportion of Patient Decrees and Presumed Limitation of Therapy in Severe Geriatric Trauma
Authors: Schindler Cora Rebecca , Woschek Mathias , Verboket René Danilo , Sturm Ramona , Söhling Nicolas , Marzi Ingo , Störmann Philipp
Published: August 2020

Background: The treatment of severely injured patients, especially in older age, is complex, and based on strict guidelines. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study by analyzing our internal registry for mortality risk factors in deceased trauma patients. All patients that were admitted to the trauma bay of our level-1-trauma center from 2014 to 2018, and that died during the in-hospital treatment, were included. The aim of this study was to carry out a quality assurance concerning the initial care of severely injured patients. Results: In the 5-year period, 135 trauma patients died. The median (IQR) age was 69 (38–83) years, 71% were male, and the median (IQR) Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 25 (17–34) points. Overall, 41% of the patients suffered from severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI) (AIShead ≥ 4 points). For 12.7%, therapy was finally limited owing to an existing patient’s decree; in 64.9% with an uncertain prognosis, a ‘therapia minima’ was established in consensus with the relatives. Conclusion: Although the mortality rate was primarily related to the severity of the injury, a significant number of deaths were not exclusively due to medical reasons, but also to a self-determined limitation of therapy for severely injured geriatric patients. The conscientious documentation concerning the will of the patient is increasingly important in supporting medical decisions.
The Pathogenesis of Systemic Sclerosis: An Understanding Based on a Common Pathologic Cascade across Multiple Organs and Additional Organ-Specific Pathologies
Authors: Asano Yoshihide
Published: August 2020

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem autoimmune and vascular disease resulting in fibrosis of various organs with unknown etiology. Accumulating evidence suggests that a common pathologic cascade across multiple organs and additional organ-specific pathologies underpin SSc development. The common pathologic cascade starts with vascular injury due to autoimmune attacks and unknown environmental factors. After that, dysregulated angiogenesis and defective vasculogenesis promote vascular structural abnormalities, such as capillary loss and arteriolar stenosis, while aberrantly activated endothelial cells facilitate the infiltration of circulating immune cells into perivascular areas of various organs. Arteriolar stenosis directly causes pulmonary arterial hypertension, scleroderma renal crisis and digital ulcers. Chronic inflammation persistently activates interstitial fibroblasts, leading to the irreversible fibrosis of multiple organs. The common pathologic cascade interacts with a variety of modifying factors in each organ, such as keratinocytes and adipocytes in the skin, esophageal stratified squamous epithelia and myenteric nerve system in gastrointestinal tract, vasospasm of arterioles in the heart and kidney, and microaspiration of gastric content in the lung. To better understand SSc pathogenesis and develop new disease-modifying therapies, it is quite important to understand the complex pathogenesis of SSc from the two distinct perspectives, namely the common pathologic cascade and additional organ-specific pathologies.
Ischemic Stroke among the Symptoms Caused by the COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Szelenberger Rafal , Saluk-Bijak Joanna , Bijak Michal
Published: August 2020

The 2019 global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO recognized the spread of COVID-19 as a pandemic on 11 March 2020. Based on statistics from 10 August 2020, more than 20.2 million cases of COVID-19 have been reported resulting in more than 738,000 deaths. This completely new coronavirus has spread worldwide in a short period, causing economic crises and healthcare system failures worldwide. Initially, it was thought that the main health threat was associated with respiratory system failures, but since then, SARS-CoV-2 has been linked to a broad spectrum of symptoms indicating neurological manifestations, including ischemic stroke. Current knowledge about SARS-CoV-2 and its complications is very limited because of its rapidly evolving character. However, further research is undoubtedly necessary to understand the causes of neurological abnormalities, including acute cerebrovascular disease. The viral infection is inextricably associated with the activation of the immune system and the release of pro-inflammatory factors, that can stimulate the host organism to defend itself. However, the body’s immune response is a double-edged sword that on one hand, destroys the virus but also disrupts the homeostasis leading to serious complications, including thrombosis. Numerous studies have linked coagulopathies with COVID-19, however, there is great uncertainty regarding it functions on the molecular level. In this review, a detailed insight into the biological processes associated with ischemic stroke in COVID-19 patients and suggest a possible explanation for this phenomenon is provided.
Evaluation of Myocardial Gene Expression Profiling for Superior Diagnosis of Idiopathic Giant-Cell Myocarditis and Clinical Feasibility in a Large Cohort of Patients with Acute Cardiac Decompensation
Authors: Escher Felicitas , Pietsch Heiko , Aleshcheva Ganna , Wenzel Philip , Fruhwald Friedrich , Stumpf Christian , Westermann Dirk , Bauersachs Johann , Enseleit Frank , Ruschitzka Frank , Nägele Herbert , Laugwitz Karl-Ludwig , Haake Hendrik , Frey Norbert , Brachmann Johannes , Huber Kurt , Braun-Dullaeus Rüdiger Christian , Bergmann Martin W. , Strotmann Jörg , Grönefeld Gerian , Krülls-Münch Jürgen , Westenfeld Ralf , Skurk Carsten , Landmesser Ulf , Pieske Burkert , Gross Ulrich M. , Morawietz Lars , Schultheiss Heinz-Peter
Published: August 2020

Aims: The diagnostic approach to idiopathic giant-cell myocarditis (IGCM) is based on identifying various patterns of inflammatory cell infiltration and multinucleated giant cells (GCs) in histologic sections taken from endomyocardial biopsies (EMBs). The sampling error for detecting focally located GCs by histopathology is high, however. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of gene profiling as a new diagnostic method in clinical practice, namely in a large cohort of patients suffering from acute cardiac decompensation. Methods and Results: In this retrospective multicenter study, EMBs taken from n = 427 patients with clinically acute cardiac decompensation and suspected acute myocarditis were screened (mean age: 47.03 ± 15.69 years). In each patient, the EMBs were analyzed on the basis of histology, immunohistology, molecular virology, and gene-expression profiling. Out of the total of n = 427 patient samples examined, GCs could be detected in 26 cases (6.1%) by histology. An established myocardial gene profile consisting of 27 genes was revealed; this was narrowed down to a specified profile of five genes (CPT1, CCL20, CCR5, CCR6, TLR8) which serve to identify histologically proven IGCM with high specificity in 25 of the 26 patients (96.2%). Once this newly established profiling approach was applied to the remaining patient samples, an additional n = 31 patients (7.3%) could be identified as having IGCM without any histologic proof of myocardial GCs. In a subgroup analysis, patients diagnosed with IGCM using this gene profiling respond in a similar fashion to immunosuppressive therapy as patients diagnosed with IGCM by conventional histology alone. Conclusions: Myocardial gene-expression profiling is a promising new method in clinical practice, one which can predict IGCM even in the absence of any direct histologic proof of GCs in EMB sections. Gene profiling is of great clinical relevance in terms of (a) overcoming the sampling error associated with purely histologic examinations and (b) monitoring the effectiveness of therapy.
Experimental Study on the Impact of Water Content on the Strength Parameters of Coral Gravelly Sand
Authors: Wu Yang , Wang Xing , Shen Jian-Hua , Cui Jie , Zhu Chang-Qi , Wang Xin-Zhi
Published: August 2020

The effect of capillary water caused by heavy rainfall and groundwater level fluctuations can induce the erosion and collapse of island reef coral sand foundations. Here, the effects of water content (ω) on the shear strength parameters of coral gravelly sand are analyzed at the macro and micro scales by laboratory consolidated-drained triaxial compression and nuclear magnetic resonance tests. Furthermore, particle breakage characteristics of coral gravelly sand under the static load are discussed. With increasing ω, (1) the internal friction angle increases slightly (<1°) then decreases; (2) the apparent cohesion is more sensitive to the change in the ω; (3) with an increase from 5.4% to 21.3%, the bound water content remains almost unchanged; (4) the capillary water content is the main factor impacting the apparent cohesion; (5) the increase in free water content is the internal cause of the decreasing internal friction angle of coral gravelly sand with ω > 11.1%; and (6) the particle breakage increases, and there is an approximately linear relationship between the median particle diameter (d50) and relative breakage index (Br). The established physical model can reflect the influence of water content and plastic work and describe the evolution law of particle breakage.
A-Priori Calibration of a Structured Light Underwater 3D Sensor
Authors: Bräuer-Burchardt Christian , Munkelt Christoph , Gebhart Ingo , Heinze Matthias , Heist Stefan , Kühmstedt Peter , Notni Gunther
Published: August 2020

In this study, we introduce a new calibration method for underwater optical stereo scanners. It uses air calibration, additional underwater parameters, and extended camera modeling. The new methodology can be applied to both passive photogrammetric and structured light three-dimensional (3D) scanning systems. The novel camera model uses a variable principal distance depending on the radial distance to the principal point instead of two-dimensional distortion functions. This allows for an initial improvement of 3D reconstruction quality. In a second step, certain underwater-specific parameters—such as refraction indices, glass thickness, and view-port distances—are determined. Finally, a correction function for the entire measurement volume can be obtained from a few underwater measurements. Its application further improves the measurement accuracy. Measurement examples show the performance of the new calibration method in comparison to current underwater calibration strategies. A discussion of the possibilities and limits of the new calibration method and an outlook for future work complete this work.
Clonal Hematopoiesis of Indeterminate Potential: A Multidisciplinary Challenge in Personalized Hematology
Authors: Hoermann Gregor , Greiner Georg , Griesmacher Andrea , Valent Peter
Published: August 2020

Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) is a common age-related condition that represents a potential pre-phase of hematologic neoplasm. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is used to detect and monitor clonal hematopoiesis, and the spectrum of mutations substantially overlaps with that of myeloid neoplasms with DNMT3A, TET2, ASXL1, and JAK2 being the most frequently mutated. While, in general, the risk of progression to an overt myeloid neoplasm is only modest, the progression risk increases in patients with unexplained cytopenia or multiple mutations. In addition, CHIP represents a previously unrecognized major risk factor for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD), including coronary heart disease, degenerative aortic valve stenosis, and chronic heart failure; and a causative role of CHIP in the development of CVD has been demonstrated in vitro and in vivo. The management of patients with CHIP is a rapidly emerging topic in personalized medicine, as NGS has become widely available for clinical medicine. It requires a highly multidisciplinary setting, including hematology/oncology, cardiology, (clinical) pathology, and genetics for individualized guidance. Further research is urgently needed to provide robust evidence for future guidelines and recommendations on the management of patients with CHIP in the era of personalized medicine.
CASTER: Cross-Sectional Asthma STEroid Response Measurement
Authors: Kho Alvin T. , Sordillo Joanne , Wu Ann Chen , Cho Michael H. , Sharma Sunita , Tiwari Anshul , Lasky-Su Jessica , Weiss Scott T. , Tantisira Kelan G. , McGeachie Michael J.
Published: August 2020

Asthma patient response to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) is variable and difficult to quantify. We aimed to define a measure of steroid response suitable for pharmacogenetic research in longitudinal and cross-sectional cohorts. Using longitudinal data from the Childhood Asthma Management Program (CAMP) asthma cohort, we defined the Cross-sectional Asthma STEroid Response (CASTER) measure in cross-sectional data. We then applied this to cross-sectional slices of four independent asthma cohorts: The Improving Asthma Control Trial (IMPACT), the Salmeterol or Corticosteroids Study (SOCS), the Pediatric Asthma Controller Trial (PACT), and the Genetics of Asthma in Costa Rica Study (GACRS). CASTER achieved high accuracy on the childhood asthma cohorts: GACRS, PACT, and also on cross-sectional data from CAMP (AUCs 82%, 71%, 63%, respectively). This demonstrates that select cross-sectional clinical information is sufficient to identify good and poor responders to ICS treatment in childhood asthma. Thus, CASTER represents a major improvement in the usability and applicability of steroid response measures in asthma research.
Warming Effort and Energy Budget Difference of Various Human Land Use Intensity: Case Study of Beijing, China
Authors: Zhou Shenghui , Wang Ke , Yang Shiqi , Li Wenli , Zhang Yuxuan , Zhang Bin , Fu Yiming , Liu Xiaoyan , Run Yadi , Chubwa Oliva , Zhao Guosong , Dong Jinwei , Cui Yaoping
Published: August 2020

Human land use intensity affects the surface energy balance by changing the biogeophysical parameters. This study used Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer remote sensing data and surface energy balance algorithms to quantify changes in surface energy budgets corresponding to changes in land use in Beijing from 2000 to 2015. Land use was reclassified by considering land use intensity. The difference in the latent heat flux (LE) and net radiation (Rn) (LE−Rn) expressed the warming or cooling effect. The results showed that: (i) The increasing trend of net longwave radiation in Beijing offset the decreasing trend of net shortwave radiation. The Rn changed slightly, while the LE and LE−Rn showed a significant increase of 0.55 and 0.56 W/(m²∙year), respectively. The findings indicated that considering only radiative forcing, or even Rn, was not enough to measure the impacts of land use change on the energy budget. (ii) The order of Rn, LE, and LE−Rn values from high to low were natural and seminatural areas, cropland, mixed pixel areas, urban expansion areas, and old urban areas. Compared with natural and seminatural areas, the changing LE−Rn trend in the other four land use types decreased with the increase in human impact intensity, indicating that human activities weakened the positive change trend of LE−Rn and increased the warming effect. (iii) Although the temporal trend of LE increased in Beijing from 2000 to 2015, the effect of Rn on LE−Rn was greater than that of LE, especially in the four land use types affected by human activities. The results for surface temperature in various land use types confirmed this point. This study highlights the energy budget differences of various land use types affected by human activities. It makes an important contribution to understanding the urban heat island effect from a biogeophysical perspective.
The Role of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Intracranial Aneurysms and Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Gareev Ilgiz , Beylerli Ozal , Aliev Gjumrakch , Pavlov Valentin , Izmailov Adel , Zhang Yiwei , Liang Yanchao , Yang Guang
Published: August 2020

Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) represent the most complex and relevant problem of modern neurology and neurosurgery. They serve as one of the main causes of non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), causing up to 85% of all cases of intracranial hemorrhage, which is associated with frequent disability and high mortality among patients. Unfortunately, the molecular mechanisms of the development and rupture of IAs are still under study. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are non-coding RNAs that typically have a length of more than 200 nucleotides. It is known that lncRNAs regulate many processes, such as transcription, translation, cell differentiation, regulation of gene expression, and regulation of the cell cycle. In recent years, a lot of evidence has established their role in human diseases from oncology to cardiovascular disease. Recent studies have shown that lncRNAs may be involved in the pathogenesis of IAs. The study of lncRNAs and its targets in various pathological conditions of a person is a rapidly developing field, and it is likely that the knowledge obtained from these studies regarding the pathogenesis of intracranial aneurysms will have the potential to use lncRNAs in therapy, as well as in the diagnosis and prediction of high aneurysms risk of rupture.
1,1’,1’’-(2’,4’-Dinitro-[1,1’-biphenyl]-2,4,6-triyl)tripiperidine
Authors: Micheletti Gabriele , Telese Dario , Fazzini Silvia , Boga Carla
Published: August 2020

The compound 1,1’,1’’-(2’,4’-dinitro-[1,1’-biphenyl]-2,4,6-triyl)tripiperidine was synthesized by SEAr/SNAr reaction between 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene and 1,3,5-tris(N-piperidinyl)benzene. The structure of the newly synthesized compound was elucidated based on 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, ESI-MS, UV-Vis and IR spectroscopy.
Expansion Properties and Diffusion of Blowing Agent for Vinylidene Chloride Copolymer Thermally Expandable Microspheres
Authors: Xie Guiming , Wang Zhiyang , Bao Yongzhong
Published: August 2020

Vinylidene chloride copolymer microspheres were synthesized by in situ suspension copolymerization of vinylidene chloride (VDC), methyl methacrylate (MMA), and/or acrylonitrile (AN) in the presence of a paraffin blowing agent. The effects of shell polymer properties including compositions, glass transition temperature (Tg), crosslinking degree, blowing agent type, and encapsulation ratio (Er) on the expansion properties of copolymer microspheres were investigated. Moreover, the diffusion properties of blowing agent in copolymer microspheres were studied. The results show that VDC-MMA-AN copolymer microspheres exhibited excellent expansion properties, and the volume expansion ratio (Ev) and the apparent density were decreased over 40 times, but it was difficult to expand for the VDC-MMA copolymer microspheres. In addition, the moderately crosslinked inside of the polymer shell enhanced the Ev more than 30 and the stable expansion temperature range (Tr) was about 30 °C by adding 0.2–0.4 wt% of divinyl benzene. The Tg of the shell polymer must be higher than the boiling point of the blowing agent as a prerequisite; the lower the boiling point of the blowing agent, the higher the internal gas pressure driven microsphere expansion, and the wider the Tr. By increasing the Er of blowing agent improved the Ev of the microspheres. The diffusion of pentane blowing agent in VDC-MMA-AN copolymer microspheres were divided into Fick diffusion and non-Fick diffusion.
Incorporation of Corrosion Effects into the Life-Cycle Analysis of AW-2017A-T4 Aluminium Alloy under Bending Moment
Authors: Blacha Łukasz , Małecka Joanna , Łagoda Tadeusz
Published: August 2020

The paper presents the results of fatigue tests of corroded AW-2017A-T4 aluminium alloy samples subjected to an alternating (symmetrical) bending load. Although there are a number of works describing pre-corrosion fatigue in aluminium alloys, relatively few of them concern bending fatigue effects, in some selected alloys only. Here, the AW-2017A-T4 samples were exposed to electrochemical preliminary corrosion by immersion in an electrolyte, a 3.5% solution of NaCl in water. Several variants of series of samples differing in immersion time were tested. Based on the analysis of the results obtained, Basquin’s fatigue characteristics were developed and compared to the characteristics of the material in its nominal state, which allowed for conclusions on the influence of corrosion effects. The characteristic curves show the susceptibility of the test material to corrosive processes, which results in a decrease in fatigue life along with the increase of pre-corrosion time. The samples with longer immersion duration revealed larger surface losses and widespread corrosion pits.
Aggregate Roundness Classification Using a Wire Mesh Method
Authors: Park Sung-Sik , Lee Jung-Shin , Lee Dong-Eun
Published: August 2020

Herein, we suggest a wire mesh method to classify the particle shape of large amounts of aggregate. This method is controlled by the tilting angle and opening size of the wire mesh. The more rounded the aggregate particles, the more they roll on the tilted wire mesh. Three different sizes of aggregate: 11–15, 17–32, and 33–51 mm were used for assessing their roundness after classification using the sphericity index into rounded, sub-rounded/sub-angular, and angular. The aggregate particles with different sphericities were colored differently and then used for classification via the wire mesh method. The opening sizes of the wire mesh were 6, 11, and 17 mm and its frame was 0.5 m wide and 1.8 m long. The ratio of aggregate size to mesh-opening size was between 0.6 and 8.5. The wire mesh was inclined at various angles of 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, and 30° to evaluate the rolling degree of the aggregates. The aggregates were rolled and remained on the wire mesh between 0.0–0.6, 0.6–1.2, and 1.2–1.8 m depending on their sphericity. A tilting angle of 25° was the most suitable angle for classifying aggregate size ranging from 11–15 mm, while the most suitable angle for aggregate sizes of 17–32 and 33–51 mm was 20°. The best ratio for the average aggregate size to mesh-opening size for aggregate roundness classification was 2.
Structural Characterization and Comparison of Monovalent Cation-Exchanged Zeolite-W
Authors: Seoung Donghoon , Kim Hyeonsu , Kim Pyosang , Song Chihyun , Lee Suhyeong , Chae Sungmin , Lee Sihyun , Lee Hyunseung , Lee Yongmoon
Published: August 2020

We report comparative structural changes of potassium-contained zeolite-W (K-MER, structural analogue of natural zeolite merlinoite) and monovalent extra-framework cation (EFC)-exchanged M-MERs (M = Li+, Na+, Ag+, and Rb+). High-resolution synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction study precisely determines that crystal symmetry of MERs is tetragonal (I4/mmm). Rietveld refinement results reveal that frameworks of all MERs are geometrically composed of disordered Al/Si tetrahedra, bridged by linkage oxygen atoms. We observe a structural relationship between a group of Li-, Na-, and Ag-MER and the group of K- and Rb-MER by EFC radius and position of M(1) site inside double 8-membered ring unit (d8r). In the former group, a-axes decrease reciprocally, c-axes gradually extend by EFC size, and M(1) cations are located at the middle of the d8r. In the latter group, a- and c-axes lengths become longer and shorter, respectively, than axes of the former group, and these axial changes come from middle-to-edge migration of M(1) cations inside the d8r channel. Unit cell volumes of the Na-, Ag-, and K-MER are ca. 2005 Å3, and the volume expansion in the MER series is limited by EFC size, the number of water molecules, and the distribution of extra-framework species inside the MER channel. EFC sites of M(1) and M(2) show disordered and ordered distribution in the former group, and all EFC sites change to disordered distribution after migration of the M(1) site in the latter group. The amount of water molecules and porosities are inversely proportional to EFC size due to the limitation of volume expansion of MERs. The channel opening area of a pau composite building unit and the amount of water molecules are universally related as a function of cation size because water molecules are mainly distributed inside a pau channel.
Evaluation of Mechanical and Shrinkage Behavior of Lowered Temperatures Cementitious Mortars Mixed with Nitrite–Nitrate Based Accelerator
Authors: Tomita Yusuke , Yoneyama Akira , Choi Heesup , Inoue Masumi , Kim Jihoon , Choi Hyeonggil , Sudoh Yuhji
Published: August 2020

Recently, calcium nitrite (Ca(NO2)2) and calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3)2) have been increasingly used as the main components of salt- and alkali-free anti-freezing agents, for promoting concrete hydration in cold-weather concreting. With an increase in the amount of nitrite-based accelerator, the hydration of C3A, C3S, and βC2S in the cement is accelerated, thereby improving its early strength and effectively preventing the initial frost damage. Meanwhile, with an increase in the amount of nitrite-based accelerator, the expansion and shrinkage of the concrete—and, therefore, the crack occurrence—are expected to increase. In this study, various experiments were conducted on shrinkage, crack initiation, and the development of mortar containing a considerable amount of a nitrite-based accelerator. The result confirmed that, as the amount of nitrite-based accelerator was increased, the shrinkage was increased, and cracking in early age was more likely to occur, compared to the cases without the addition of this accelerator.
Adaptive Wavelet Estimations in the Convolution Structure Density Model
Authors: Cao Kaikai , Zeng Xiaochen
Published: August 2020

Using kernel methods, Lepski and Willer study a convolution structure density model and establish adaptive and optimal Lp risk estimations over an anisotropic Nikol’skii space (Lepski, O.; Willer, T. Oracle inequalities and adaptive estimation in the convolution structure density model. Ann. Stat.2019, 47, 233–287). Motivated by their work, we consider the same problem over Besov balls by wavelets in this paper and first provide a linear wavelet estimate. Subsequently, a non-linear wavelet estimator is introduced for adaptivity, which attains nearly-optimal convergence rates in some cases.
Bases of G-V Intuitionistic Fuzzy Matroids
Authors: Li Yonghong , Li Li , Li Jiang , Qiu Dong , Duan Huiming
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this paper is to study intuitionistic fuzzy bases (IFBs) and the intuitive structure of a G−VIFM. Firstly, the intuitionistic fuzzy basis (IFB) of a G−VIFM is defined; then the h-range and properties of an IFB are presented and a necessary and sufficient condition of a closed G−VIFM is studied. Especially, a necessary and sufficient condition of judging an IFB is presented and the intuitive tree structure of a closed G−VIFM is proposed and its properties are discussed.
Fractional Order of Evolution Inclusion Coupled with a Time and State Dependent Maximal Monotone Operator
Authors: Castaing Charles , Godet-Thobie Christiane , Truong Le Xuan
Published: August 2020

This paper is devoted to the study of evolution problems involving fractional flow and time and state dependent maximal monotone operator which is absolutely continuous in variation with respect to the Vladimirov’s pseudo distance. In a first part, we solve a second order problem and give an application to sweeping process. In a second part, we study a class of fractional order problem driven by a time and state dependent maximal monotone operator with a Lipschitz perturbation in a separable Hilbert space. In the last part, we establish a Filippov theorem and a relaxation variant for fractional differential inclusion in a separable Banach space. In every part, some variants and applications are presented.
Sponge-Derived 24-Homoscalaranes as Potent Anti-Inflammatory Agents
Authors: Peng Bo-Rong , Lai Kuei-Hung , Chang Yu-Chia , Chen You-Ying , Su Jui-Hsin , Huang Yusheng M. , Chen Po-Jen , Yu Steve Sheng-Fa , Duh Chang-Yih , Sung Ping-Jyun
Published: August 2020

Scalarane-type sesterterpenoids are known for their therapeutic potential in cancer treatments. However, the anti-inflammatory properties of this class of metabolites remain elusive. Our current work aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory scalaranes from marine sponge Lendenfeldia sp., resulting in the isolation of six new 24-homoscalaranes, lendenfeldaranes E–J (1–6). The structures of the new metabolites were determined by extensive spectroscopic analyses, and the absolute configuration of 1 was established by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Compounds 2 and 3 were discovered to individually reduce the generation of superoxide anions, and compound 1 displayed an inhibitor effect on the release of elastase. These three compounds were proven to be the first anti-neutrophilic scalaranes.
Electroencephalographic Abnormalities in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Characteristics and Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Precenzano Francesco , Parisi Lucia , Lanzara Valentina , Vetri Luigi , Operto Francesca Felicia , Pastorino Grazia Maria Giovanna , Ruberto Maria , Messina Giovanni , Risoleo Maria Cristina , Santoro Claudia , Bitetti Ilaria , Marotta Rosa
Published: August 2020

A large body of literature reports the higher prevalence of epilepsy in subjects with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) compared to the general population. Similarly, several studies report an increased rate of Subclinical Electroencephalographic Abnormalities (SEAs) in seizure-free patients with ASD rather than healthy controls, although with varying percentages. SEAs include both several epileptiform discharges and different non-epileptiform electroencephalographic abnormalities. They are more frequently associated with lower intellectual functioning, more serious dysfunctional behaviors, and they are often sign of severer forms of autism. However, SEAs clinical implications remain controversial, and they could represent an epiphenomenon of the neurochemical alterations of autism etiology. This paper provides an overview of the major research findings with two main purposes: to better delineate the state-of-the-art about EEG abnormalities in ASD and to find evidence for or against appropriateness of SEAs pharmacological treatment in ASD.
Antifungal Properties of Nerolidol-Containing Liposomes in Association with Fluconazole
Authors: Fonseca Bezerra Camila , de Alencar Júnior José Geraldo , de Lima Honorato Rosilaine , dos Santos Antonia Thassya Lucas , Pereira da Silva Josefa Carolaine , Silva Taís Gusmão da , Leal Antonio Linkoln Alves Borges , de Freitas Thiago Sampaio , Vieira Thiago Adler Tavares , Esmeraldo Rocha Janaína , Lima Sales Débora , Barbosa Filho José Maria , Ribeiro de Sousa Gabriela , Pinheiro Allyson Pontes , Ribeiro-Filho Jaime , Coutinho Henrique Douglas Melo , Bezerra Morais-Braga Maria Flaviana , da Silva Teresinha Gonçalves
Published: August 2020

(1) Background: Infections by Candida species represent a serious threat to the health of immunocompromised individuals. Evidence has indicated that nerolidol has significant antifungal properties. Nonetheless, its use is restricted due to a low water solubility and high photosensitivity. The incorporation into liposomes may represent an efficient alternative to improve the physicochemical and biopharmaceutical properties of this compound. The present study aimed to characterize the antifungal properties of liposomal nerolidol, alone or in combination with fluconazole. Of note, this is the first study reporting the antifungal activity of liposomal nerolidol and its potentiating effect in association with fluconazole. (2) Methods: The Inhibitory Concentration 50%-IC50 and minimum fungicide concentrations (MFC) of the substances against Candida albicans (CA), Candida tropicalis (CT), and Candida krusei (CK) were established by subculture in a solid medium. To evaluate the antifungal-enhancing effect, the MFC of fluconazole was determined in the presence or absence of subinhibitory concentrations of nerolidol (free or liposomal). The analysis of fungal dimorphism was performed through optical microscopy and the characterization of liposomes was carried out considering the vesicular size, polydispersion index, and zeta medium potential, in addition to a scanning electron microscopy analysis. (3) Results: The physicochemical characterization revealed that liposomes were obtained as homogenous populations of spherical vesicles. The data obtained in the present study indicate that nerolidol acts as an antifungal agent against Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis, in addition to potentiating (only in the liposomal form) the effect of fluconazole. However, the compound had little inhibitory effect on fungal dimorphism. (4) Conclusions: The incorporation of nerolidol into liposomes improved its antifungal-modulating properties.
Effects of Chloride Ions and Nitrate Ions on the Anodic Dissolution of Iron in Sulfuric Acid Solution
Authors: Zhu Yongyan , Zhang Jianli , Wang Chao , Li Liang
Published: August 2020

In this paper, the flow injection (FI) technique combined with a partially-closed electrode (PCE) was used to manipulate the physicochemical microenvironment at the electrode/electrolyte interface so as to study the effects of chloride ions (Cl− ions) and nitrate ions (NO3− ions) on the anodic dissolution of the Fe/0.5 mol dm−3 H2SO4 system. The anodic dissolution is modified by injecting various composition-containing solutions into the vicinity of the PCE, and then, the electrodissolution processes are analyzed by comparing the j–t curves before and after the injections. At the initial stage of the passive region, it is found that NO3− ions promote the anodic dissolution of iron by creating more active sites on the surface of the electrode when CNO3−/CCl− = 1:1; however, they inhibit the anodic dissolution by making the film more compact for the strong oxidized characteristics of NO3− ions when CNO3−/CCl− = 10:1.
Metabolomic Profiling Reveals Distinct and Mutual Effects of Diet and Inflammation in Shaping Systemic Metabolism in Ldlr−/− Mice
Authors: Lauterbach Mario A. , Latz Eicke , Christ Anette
Published: August 2020

Changes in modern dietary habits such as consumption of Western-type diets affect physiology on several levels, including metabolism and inflammation. It is currently unclear whether changes in systemic metabolism due to dietary interventions are long-lasting and affect acute inflammatory processes. Here, we investigated how high-fat diet (HFD) feeding altered systemic metabolism and the metabolomic response to inflammatory stimuli. We conducted metabolomic profiling of sera collected from Ldlr−/− mice on either regular chow diet (CD) or HFD, and after an additional low-dose lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. HFD feeding, as well as LPS treatment, elicited pronounced metabolic changes. HFD qualitatively altered the systemic metabolic response to LPS; particularly, serum concentrations of fatty acids and their metabolites varied between LPS-challenged mice on HFD or CD, respectively. To investigate whether systemic metabolic changes were sustained long-term, mice fed HFD were shifted back to CD after four weeks (HFD > CD). When shifted back to CD, serum metabolites returned to baseline levels, and so did the response to LPS. Our results imply that systemic metabolism rapidly adapts to dietary changes. The profound systemic metabolic rewiring observed in response to diet might affect immune cell reprogramming and inflammatory responses.
An Optimized Dual Extraction Method for the Simultaneous and Accurate Analysis of Polar Metabolites and Lipids Carried out on Single Biological Samples
Authors: Villaret-Cazadamont Joran , Poupin Nathalie , Tournadre Anthony , Batut Aurélie , Gales Lara , Zalko Daniel , Cabaton Nicolas J. , Bellvert Floriant , Bertrand-Michel Justine
Published: August 2020

The functional understanding of metabolic changes requires both a significant investigation into metabolic pathways, as enabled by global metabolomics and lipidomics approaches, and the comprehensive and accurate exploration of specific key pathways. To answer this pivotal challenge, we propose an optimized approach, which combines an efficient sample preparation, aiming to reduce the variability, with a biphasic extraction method, where both the aqueous and organic phases of the same sample are used for mass spectrometry analyses. We demonstrated that this double extraction protocol allows working with one single sample without decreasing the metabolome and lipidome coverage. It enables the targeted analysis of 40 polar metabolites and 82 lipids, together with the absolute quantification of 32 polar metabolites, providing comprehensive coverage and quantitative measurement of the metabolites involved in central carbon energy pathways. With this method, we evidenced modulations of several lipids, amino acids, and energy metabolites in HepaRG cells exposed to fenofibrate, a model hepatic toxicant, and metabolic modulator. This new protocol is particularly relevant for experiments involving limited amounts of biological material and for functional metabolic explorations and is thus of particular interest for studies aiming to decipher the effects and modes of action of metabolic disrupting compounds.
Research of Wafer Level Bonding Process Based on Cu–Sn Eutectic
Authors: Wu Daowei , Tian Wenchao , Wang Chuqiao , Huo Ruixia , Wang Yongkun
Published: August 2020

In 3D-system packaging technologies, eutectic bonding is the key technology of multilayer chip stacking and vertical interconnection. Optimized from the aspects of the thickness of the electroplated metal layer, the pretreatment of the wafer surface removes the oxide layer, the mutual alignment between the wafers, the temperature of the wafer bonding, the uniformity of pressure and the deviation of the bonding process. Under the pretreatment conditions of plasma treatment and citric acid cleaning, no oxide layer was obtained on the metal surface. Cu/Sn bumps bonded under the condition of 0.135 Mpa, temperature of 280 °C, Sn thickness of 3–4 μm and a Cu-thickness of five micrometers. Bonded push crystal strength ≥18 kg/cm2, the average contact resistance of the bonding interface is about 3.35 mΩ, and the bonding yield is 100%. All performance indicators meet and exceed the industry standards.