bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does export upgrading really matter to economic growth? Evidence from panel data for high‐, middle‐ and low‐income countries
Authors: Chakroun Mohamed , Chrid Naima , Saafi Sami
Published: October 2020

The main objective of this study is to examine the long‐run relationship between export upgrading and economic growth for 67 countries over the period of 1984–2013. For this purpose, a panel cointegration framework that allows to control for parameters heterogeneity, cross‐sectional dependence and non‐stationarity has been deployed. Empirical results yield evidence of a positive and significant effect of export upgrading on economic growth for the full‐sample and high‐income panels, while this effect is negative and significant for low‐income countries and insignificant for middle‐income countries. Particularly, our findings show evidence of an inverted U‐shaped relationship for the global and high‐income panels. However, for low‐income countries relationship between export complexity and economic growth was found to be U‐shaped. These results are robust to several robustness checks and have important policy implications. In developed countries, excessive export complexity may be job‐destructive, and thereby threatens long‐run growth and prosperity. For non‐developed countries, exports' diversification should be prioritized during the first stages of development. Industrial upgrading should not be considered as a strategic economic policy before the economy reaches a minimum level of maturity.
Inside Cover
Authors: Zhu Jun , Bernucci Marcel T. , Merkle Conrad W. , Srinivasan Vivek J.
Published: October 2020

Optical Coherence Tomography angiography (OCTA) is widely used to image chorioretinal vasculature, with contrast that derives from scattering and motion of red blood cells (RBCs). In the rat eye, a scattering tracer highlights vertical vessels which are not visualized by intrinsic RBC scattering alone. The dependence of microvessel OCTA on angular orientation, explored in this work, represents a potential artifact that should be considered in the clinical interpretation of OCTA.

Further details can be found in the article by Jun Zhu, Marcel T. Bernucci, Conrad W. Merkle, and Vivek J. Srinivasan (e202000090).

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Inside Cover
Authors: Zharkikh Elena , Dremin Viktor , Zherebtsov Evgeny , Dunaev Andrey , Meglinski Igor
Published: October 2020

Biophotonics technologies allow obtaining clinically important diagnostic information about pathological changes that occur in diabetes mellitus, including impaired tissue perfusion and oxygen saturation, structural and functional changes. A review presents the current state‐of‐the‐art in biophotonics technologies and their transfer to clinical use to identify the complications of diabetes mellitus, such as retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, and cardiovascular disease as well as the methods used in the evaluation of foot ulceration and wound healing processes. Further details can be found in the article by Elena Zharkikh, Viktor Dremin, Evgeny Zherebtsov, Andrey Dunaev, and Igor Meglinski (e202000203).

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Efficient synthesis of an antiviral drug intermediate using overexpressed short‐chain dehydrogenase and cross‐linked enzyme aggregates stabilization
Authors: Wu Kai , Hu Xiaozhi , Yang Zhijun , Huang Junhai , Wang Xiaojing , Shao Lei
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

(2R,3S)‐N‐tert‐Butoxycarbonyl‐3‐amino‐1‐chloro‐2‐hydroxy‐4‐phenylbutane (1b) is key for the synthesis of the antiviral drug atazanavir. It can be obtained via the stereoselective bioreduction of (3S)‐3‐(N‐Boc‐amino)‐1‐chloro‐4‐phenyl‐butanone (1a) with short‐chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) (EC 1.1.1.1). To develop a practical and cost‐effective biocatalytic approach with high stability and reusability, an SDR mutant (muSDR) from Novosphingobium aromaticivorans was overexpressed in Escherichia coli cell and immobilized by cross‐linked enzyme aggregates with enhanced stability and high efficiency.

RESULTS

muSDR gene was successfully cloned and overexpressed in Escherichia coli and reduced 1a to 1b with high stereoselectivity. Four resin‐bound muSDR and cross‐linked muSDR aggregates (muSDR‐CLEAs) were prepared and compared. With addition of Tween‐80, the muSDR‐CLEAs demonstrated much higher activity recovery than resin‐bound muSDR. Compared with free enzyme, muSDR‐CLEAs demonstrated enhanced thermal, pH, and storage stabilities and could obtain 1b with high substrate concentration, high de, and complete conversion. The reusability of CLEAs was also determined as no significant activity loss was observed after seven batches of reactions. The space time yield of the bioreduction using muSDR‐CLEAs was 226.6 g∙L−1∙day−1.

CONCLUSION

Overexpressed muSDR was efficiently immobilized, and it demonstrated superior stability and reusability. The recombinant muSDR and muSDR‐CLEAs are practical potential biocatalysts for industrial production of the atazanavir precursor. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)
Discovery of novel 3‐{[(5,5‐dimethyl‐4,5‐dihydroisoxazol‐3‐yl)sulfonyl]methyl}benzo[d]isoxazole analogs as promising very long chain fatty acids inhibitors
Authors: Lin Jian , Li Yitao , Hu Xiaoyun , Chi Weilin , Zeng Shuiming , Xu Junxing
Published: October 2020

Very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) are one of the most principal and promising targets for herbicides discovery. In order to explore and find novel VLCFAs inhibitors with higher herbicidal activity and improved crop safety, a variety of new 3‐{[(5,5‐dimethyl‐4,5‐dihydroisoxazol‐3‐yl)sulfonyl]methyl}benzo[d]isoxazole derivatives were reasonably designed and synthesized. The results of greenhouse experiments indicated that several compounds exhibited good herbicidal activity against Digitaria sanguinalis, Echinochloa crus‐galli, and Setaria faberii at rates of 150 g ai/ha. Compounds g4 and h1 displayed promising herbicidal activity against D sanguinalis and E crus‐galli at rates of 75 g ai/ha, which is better than commercial pyroxasulfone and S‐metolachlor. Moreover, compound h1 displayed higher activity against E crus‐galli, D sanguinalis, and S faberii than pyroxasulfone and S‐metolachlor even at a rate of 37.5 and 18.75 g ai/ha. Furthermore, both of the compounds g4 and h1 were much safer to these tested crops, especially to rice, wheat and rape, at the rate of 150 g ai/ha than pyroxasulfone. Therefore, h1 may act as a new lead structure for novel herbicides discovery.
Impacts of nitrogen practices on yield, grain quality, and nitrogen‐use efficiency of crops and soil fertility in three paddy‐upland cropping systems
Authors: Liu Chuang , Chen Fang , Li Zhiguo , Cocq Kate Le , Liu Yi , Wu Lianhai
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

Global food security faces a number of challenges due to increasing population, climate change, and urbanization, while excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers has become a major challenge for sustainable, intensive agriculture. Assessing the impact of agronomic management practices on seed yield, grain quality, and soil fertility is a critical step in understanding nutrientuse efficiency.

RESULT

The comprehensive evaluation index had good fitness to that of single attribute (i.e. seed yield, crop quality and soil fertility), indicating that the comprehensive evaluation index was reliable. Applying controlled‐release urea (rice in wheat and oilseed rape field: 150 kg N ha−1, other crops: 120 kg N ha−1) plus common urea (30 kg N ha−1) incorporating straw from the previous season across the growing season for cereal and oilseed crops showed a slight improvement in seed productivity and Nuse efficiency among three cropping systems in the traditional evaluation method. Compared with local farm practice (applying common urea of 150 kg N ha−1), applying these practices in combination based on the outcome of the comprehensive evaluation index method decreased the seed yield by −1.27 ~ 29.8% but improved quality and soil fertility for the paddy‐upland cropping system, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Properly managing N application by applying partial and fully controlled release of urea with or without straw incorporation for a specific crop system has the potential to provide a better compromise among yield, grain quality, and soil fertility in southern China. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Supercritical and ultrasound‐assisted extracts from Pleurotus pulmonarius mushroom: chemical profiles, antioxidative, and enzyme‐inhibitory properties
Authors: Milovanovic Ivan , Zengin Gokhan , Maksimovic Svetolik , Tadic Vanja
Published: October 2020

Background

This study provides an insight into the impact of ultrasound‐assisted extraction with water as solvent (UAEW) and extraction by supercritical carbon dioxide (SC‐CO2) with 5% EtOH on antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activity in regard to the chemical profile of the edible and medicinal mushroom, Pleurotus pulmonarius.

Results

Extraction efficiency was between 0.36% and 63.32%, depending on the extraction technique. The main compounds in the extracts were fatty acids. Supercritical CO2 extraction with co‐solvent was the most suitable method for obtaining extracts that were rich in ergosterol content, reaching a value of 40.1 mg g−1. The UAEW of crude mushroom powder ensured the highest yield, as well as the extracts with best antioxidative activity. The measurements of enzyme inhibitory activity revealed that all types of investigated extracts exhibited only tyrosinase and amylase inhibition at a significant level.

Conclusion

Based on our results, the extraction methods significantly affected the chemical profile and bioactivity of P. pulmonarius. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Impact of hydrothermal processing on squalene, α‐tocopherol, and fatty acid content in Job's tears grain milled fractions: evaluation of their storage stability
Authors: Luithui Yoya , Kamani Mohammad Hassan , Sreerama Yadahally N , Meera Manchanahally S
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

Job's tears possess an exceptionally high amount of fat and the unsaponifiable fraction is a potential source of bioactive compounds. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of hydrothermal processing on squalene, α‐tocopherol, and fatty acids in the whole‐grain, milled fractions, and their storage stability.

RESULTS

The highest level of squalene content was found in the bran fractions of native and processed Job's tears (11.54–12.75 mg 100 g−1). A remarkably high amount of α‐tocopherol was also found in the bran (59.75 ± 0.47 mg 100 g−1) and germ (67.05 ± 0.94 mg 100 g−1) of the processed grain fractions. The storage stability evaluation of these bioactive compounds in the polished grains revealed no significant difference between 0 and 15 days of storage under elevated temprature of 37 °C and 92% relative humidity (accelarated storage conidition) and retained the bioactive compounds longer in the processed grains.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the processed Job's tears milled fractions with high bioactive compounds and improved shelf life can be used as food ingredients in product development. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Metabolic stability studies of lead compounds supported by separation techniques and chemometrics analysis
Authors: Ulenberg Szymon , Bączek Tomasz
Published: October 2020

With metabolism being one of the main routes of drug elimination from the body (accounting for removal of around 75% of known drugs), it is crucial to understand and study metabolic stability of drug candidates. Metabolically unstable compounds are uncomfortable to administer (requiring repetitive dosage during therapy), while overly stable drugs increase risk of adverse drug reactions. Additionally, biotransformation reactions can lead to formation of toxic or pharmacologically active metabolites (either less‐active than parent drug, or even with different action). There were numerous approaches in estimating metabolic stability, including in vitro, in vivo, in silico, and high‐throughput screening to name a few. This review aims at describing separation techniques used in in vitro metabolic stability estimation, as well as chemometric techniques allowing for creation of predictive models which enable high‐throughput screening approach for estimation of metabolic stability. With a very low rate of drug approval, it is important to understand in silico methods that aim at supporting classical in vitro approach. Predictive models that allow assessment of certain biological properties of drug candidates allow for cutting not only cost, but also time required to synthesize compounds predicted to be unstable or inactive by in silico models.
Social–Emotional Profiles of PTSD, Complex PTSD, and Borderline Personality Disorder Among Racially and Ethnically Diverse Young Adults: A Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Saraiya Tanya C. , Fitzpatrick Skye , Zumberg‐Smith Kathryn , López‐Castro Teresa , E. Back Sudie , A. Hien Denise
Published: October 2020

The debate around the construct validity of complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) has begun to examine whether CPTSD diverges from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) when it co‐occurs with the diagnosis of borderline personality disorder (BPD). The present study (a) examined the construct validity of CPTSD through a latent class analysis of a non–treatment‐seeking sample of young trauma‐exposed adults and (b) characterized each class in terms of trauma characteristics, social emotions (e.g., shame, guilt, blame), and interpersonal functioning. A total of 23 dichotomized survey items were chosen to represent the symptoms of PTSD, CPTSD, and BPD and administered to 197 trauma‐exposed participants. Fit statistics compared models with 2–4 latent classes. The four‐class model showed the best fit statistics and clinical interpretability. Classes included a “high PTSD+CPTSD+BPD” class, characterized by high‐level endorsement of all symptoms for the three diagnoses; a “moderate PTSD+CPTSD+BPD” class, characterized by endorsement of some symptoms across all three diagnoses; a “PTSD” class, characterized by endorsement of the ICD‐11 PTSD criteria; and a “healthy” class, characterized by low symptom endorsement overall. Pairwise comparisons showed individuals in the high PTSD+CPTSD+BPD class to have the highest levels of psychological distress, traumatic event history, adverse childhood experiences, and PTSD symptoms. Shame was the only social emotion to significantly differ between the classes, p = .002, η² = .16. The findings diverge from the literature, indicating an overlap of PTSD, CPTSD, and BPD symptoms in a non–treatment‐seeking community sample. Further, shame may be a central emotion that differentiates between presentation severities following trauma exposure.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Nasal Vestibule and Pyramid: Outcomes and Reconstructive Strategies
Authors: Lambertoni Alessia , Cherubino Mario , Battaglia Paolo , De Col Alessia , Giovannardi Marta , Antognoni Paolo , Valdatta Luigi , Karligkiotis Apostolos , Bignami Maurizio , Castelnuovo Paolo , Turri‐Zanoni Mario
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Squamous cell carcinoma of nasal vestibule and pyramid is rare, thus classification, treatment protocol, and indications for elective neck treatment are still controversial. Nasal reconstruction is challenging, as well, and prosthesis is still used.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Retrospective review of patients surgically treated from 2010 to 2018 in a single Institution. Advanced tumors were further treated with adjuvant irradiation. Reconstruction strategy included grafts, locoregional and free flaps, and was customized on layers removed.

Results

Forty‐five patients were enrolled. The 5‐year overall survival and disease‐free survival were 81.9% ± 7.45% and 61.9% ± 9.09%, respectively. Wang's classification, site of origin, extent of surgery and margins status significantly correlated with prognosis and recurrence rate. Regional recurrences occurred in patients affected by advanced tumors who did not receive any form of elective neck treatment.

Conclusion

Multidisciplinary management and a proper reconstructive algorithm are recommended. Adjuvant irradiation and elective neck treatment should be advocated for advanced stage high‐risk patients.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 131:E1198–E1208, 2021
The Association of Vestibular Schwannoma Volume With Facial Nerve Outcomes After Surgical Resection
Authors: Killeen Daniel E. , Barnett Samuel L. , Mickey Bruce E. , Hunter Jacob B. , Isaacson Brandon , Kutz Joe Walter
Published: October 2020

Objective

To explore the relationship between tumor size and facial nerve outcomes following vestibular schwannoma (VS) resection.

Study Design

Single institutional retrospective chart review of all adult patients with untreated sporadic VS who underwent surgical resection from 2008 to 2018 with preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 1 year of follow‐up. The primary outcome measure was facial nerve outcome as assessed by the House‐Brackmann facial nerve grading system.

Results

One hundred sixty‐seven patients, 54.5% female, with a median age of 49 years (20–76 years), were identified who underwent VS resection. Surgical resection was performed by translabyrinthine (76.7%), middle cranial fossa (14.4%), retrosigmoid (7.2%), and transpromontorial (1.8%) approaches. The median tumor diameter and volume were 25.3 mm (range: 4.1–47.1 mm) and 3.17 cm3 (range: 0.01–30.6 cm3), respectively. The median follow‐up was 24.2 months (range: 12–114.2 months). Gross total resection was performed in 79% of cases, with residual tumor identified on MRI in 17% of cases. For patients with tumors <3 cm3, 92.7% had grade 1 or 2 facial function after at least 1 year follow‐up, compared to 81.2% for those with tumors >3 cm3 (univariate logistic regression OR = 2.9, P = .03). Tumor volume >3 cm3 was predictive of facial weakness on multivariate regression analysis (OR = 7.4, P = .02) when controlling for surgical approach, internal auditory canal extension, anterior extension, age, gender, and extent of resection.

Conclusions

Tumor volume >3 cm3 is associated with worse facial nerve outcomes 12 months following surgical resection.

Level of Evidence

IV Laryngoscope, 131:E1328–E1334, 2021
Long‐term clinical and patient‐reported outcomes in free flap reconstruction of the weight‐bearing heel pad and non‐weight‐bearing Achilles tendon regions
Authors: Grauberger Jennifer N. , Gibreel Waleed O. , Moran Steven L. , Carlsen Brian T. , Bakri Karim
Published: October 2020

Background

The non‐weight‐bearing (NWB) Achilles tendon and weight‐bearing (WB) heel pad regions are technically challenging to reconstruct with distinct functional and aesthetic considerations that have not been previously considered in the literature. This study is the first to characterize the long‐term clinical and patient‐reported outcomes of these components to better inform patients about the postreconstruction period.

Methods

A retrospective review of medical records and phone‐based survey of adult patients who underwent free flap reconstruction of the heel/ankle with 6‐month minimum clinical follow‐up was performed.

Results

Forty‐three patients, with 31 (72.1%) NWB and 12 (27.9%) WB defects, treated from January 1, 2000 to February 28, 2017 were included. Muscle flaps were more common than fasciocutaneous flaps (N = 36 [83.7%] vs. 7 [16.3%]). Flap survival rate was 95.3% and limb salvage rate was 93.0% at median follow‐up of 12.0 months (interquartile range [IQR] 6.2, 25.5). Flap ulceration occurred more frequently in the WB region (41.7 vs. 6.5%, p = .0123). The survey response rate was 63.6%. The majority of patients complete daily tasks with no/little impairment (76.2%), walk half a mile or more (85.7%), returned to work (86.6%), and fit shoes “fair” or “well” (71.4%). Most patients were “very satisfied” with heel/ankle function (71.4%) and would “very likely” undergo the same procedure if needed (76.2%).

Conclusions

Free flap reconstruction in both the NWB Achilles tendon and WB heel pad has excellent limb salvage and flap survival rates. Patients were satisfied with heel/ankle function, but additional counseling is recommended for variance in appearance and higher ulceration rates in WB defects.
Asymptotic behavior of integral functionals for a two‐parameter singularly perturbed nonlinear traction problem
Authors: Falconi Riccardo , Luzzini Paolo , Musolino Paolo
Published: October 2020

We consider a nonlinear traction boundary value problem for the Lamé equations in an unbounded periodically perforated domain. The edges lengths of the periodicity cell are proportional to a positive parameter δ, whereas the relative size of the holes is determined by a second positive parameter ε. Under suitable assumptions on the nonlinearity, there exists a family of solutions
. We analyze the asymptotic behavior of two integral functionals associated to such a family of solutions when the perturbation parameter pair (ε, δ) is close to the degenerate value (0, 0).
Targeted transfer learning to improve performance in small medical physics datasets
Authors: Romero Miguel , Interian Yannet , Solberg Timothy , Valdes Gilmer
Published: October 2020

Purpose

To perform an in‐depth evaluation of current state of the art techniques in training neural networks to identify appropriate approaches in small datasets.

Method

In total, 112,120 frontal‐view X‐ray images from the NIH ChestXray14 dataset were used in our analysis. Two tasks were studied: unbalanced multi‐label classification of 14 diseases, and binary classification of pneumonia vs non‐pneumonia. All datasets were randomly split into training, validation, and testing (70%, 10%, and 20%). Two popular convolution neural networks (CNNs), DensNet121 and ResNet50, were trained using PyTorch. We performed several experiments to test: (a) whether transfer learning using pretrained networks on ImageNet are of value to medical imaging/physics tasks (e.g., predicting toxicity from radiographic images after training on images from the internet), (b) whether using pretrained networks trained on problems that are similar to the target task helps transfer learning (e.g., using X‐ray pretrained networks for X‐ray target tasks), (c) whether freeze deep layers or change all weights provides an optimal transfer learning strategy, (d) the best strategy for the learning rate policy, and (e) what quantity of data is needed in order to appropriately deploy these various strategies (N = 50 to N = 77 880).

Results

In the multi‐label problem, DensNet121 needed at least 1600 patients to be comparable to, and 10 000 to outperform, radiomics‐based logistic regression. In classifying pneumonia vs non‐pneumonia, both CNN and radiomics‐based methods performed poorly when N < 2000. For small datasets ( < 2000), however, a significant boost in performance (>15% increase on AUC) comes from a good selection of the transfer learning dataset, dropout, cycling learning rate, and freezing and unfreezing of deep layers as training progresses. In contrast, if sufficient data are available (>35 000), little or no tweaking is needed to obtain impressive performance. While transfer learning using X‐ray images from other anatomical sites improves performance, we also observed a similar boost by using pretrained networks from ImageNet. Having source images from the same anatomical site, however, outperforms every other methodology, by up to 15%. In this case, DL models can be trained with as little as N = 50.

Conclusions

While training DL models in small datasets (N < 2000) is challenging, no tweaking is necessary for bigger datasets (N > 35 000). Using transfer learning with images from the same anatomical site can yield remarkable performance in new tasks with as few as N = 50. Surprisingly, we did not find any advantage for using images from other anatomical sites over networks that have been trained using ImageNet. This indicates that features learned may not be as general as currently believed, and performance decays rapidly even by just changing the anatomical site of the images.
Finite horizon nonlinear optimal control for a quadrotor: Experimental results
Authors: Santos‐Sánchez Omar , García Orlando , Romero Hugo , Salazar Sergio , Lozano Rogelio
Published: October 2020

In this article, a suboptimal nonlinear discrete control sequence for nonlinear discrete affine control systems is proposed. Using the dynamic programming approach in discrete time domain, the suboptimal control sequence is obtained in every step considering a quadratic performance index of finite horizon. The proposed control strategy is applied to improve the dynamic and energetic performances of a quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle, when it is subject to special maneuvers or flight conditions, such as the take off and landing phases or trajectory tracking. For these tasks, it could be required convergence in finite time and good behavior. Performing a comparative experimental study with others controllers (optimal linear and PD controllers), the effectiveness of proposed approach is proven.
A ternary nanocomposite fibrous scaffold composed of poly(ε‐caprolactone)/Gelatin/Gehlenite (Ca2Al2SiO7): Physical, chemical, and biological properties in vitro
Authors: Baghbadorani Moloud A. , Bigham Ashkan , Rafienia Mohammad , Salehi Hossein
Published: October 2020

Scaffolds are regarded as 3D substrates providing an appropriate environment through which the cells attachment, proliferation, and differentiation rate can be accelerated; based on their application, these scaffolds must have certain characteristics like suitable mechanical properties and porosity, desired degradation rate, and cell compatibility. In the present study, a novel nanocomposite fibrous scaffold composed of poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL)/Gelatin (GT)/Gehlenite (GLN) nanoparticles was fabricated through electrospinning method. Different weight ratios of GLN nanoparticles in the fibrous scaffolds were added and optimized and a series of samples including PCL, PCL/GT, and PCL/GT/GLN scaffolds were constructed in order to reach a better comparison between the scaffolds. It turned out that 7% was the optimized GLN weight ratio to be included into the scaffolds without destroying the fibers structure. Different characterization techniques were applied to assess the physical and chemical properties of scaffolds. Moreover, the scaffolds' degradation rate, bioactivity potential, cell viability, attachment, DAPI and Alizarin staining, and ALP activity were assessed in vitro as well. The overall results indicate that the ternary scaffold (PCL/GT/GLN7%) has a promising potential for bone tissue regeneration.
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate associated nephrotoxicity: a retrospective cohort study at two referral hospitals in Namibia
Authors: Kalemeera Francis , Godman Brian , Stergachis Andy , Rennie Timothy
Published: October 2020

Introduction

The incidence and risk factors of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)‐related renal impairment (RI) in Namibia are unknown where TDF‐containing ART regimens are used as the first line for HIV.

Methodology

A retrospective cohort study among HIV‐infected patients at two intermediate hospitals. A decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was significant if it was ≥25% and included a change to a lower eGFR stage. New‐onset RI was defined as an eGFR <50 mL/min/1.73m2.

Results

10 387 patients were included: 11.4% (n = 1182) experienced the decline in eGFR. Of these, 0.6% (n = 62) migrated to eGFR stages IV and V. The incidence was 4.5 (95% CI: 4.3‐4.8) per 100 patient years. RI developed in 400 patients for an incidence rate of 2.4 (95% CI: 2.2‐2.6) cases per 100 patient years. Risk factors with effect sizes >2.0, for decline‐in‐eGFR were baseline eGFR >60 (aHR = 15.6); hyperfiltration (aHR = 5.0); and pregnancy (aHR = 2.4); while for RI, they were hyperfiltration (aHR = 4.1) and pregnancy (aHR = 29).

Conclusion

The incidence of decline‐in‐eGFR was higher than in other sub‐SSA countries, but not RI. A high baseline eGFR had the greatest risk for the decline, and hyperfiltration for the RI.
Comparison of SIMV + PS and AC modes in chronically ventilated children and effects on speech
Authors: Sohn Eugene Y. , Peck Katy , Kamerman‐Kretzmer Rory , Kato Roberta , Keens Thomas G. , Davidson Ward Sally L.
Published: October 2020

Background

Two modes of ventilation commonly used in children requiring chronic home mechanical ventilation (HMV) via tracheostomy are Assist Control (AC) and Synchronized Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation with Pressure Support (SIMV + PS). There has been no study comparing these two modes of ventilation in children requiring chronic HMV.

Methods

We studied children requiring HMV capable of completing speech testing. Study participants were blinded to changes and studied on both modes, evaluating their oxygen saturation, end‐tidal carbon dioxide (PETCO2), heart rate, respiratory rate, and respiratory pattern. Subjects completed speech testing and answered subjective questions about their level of comfort, ease of breathing, and ease of speech.

Results

Fifteen children aged 12.3 ± 4.8 years were tested. There was no difference in mean oxygen saturation, minimum oxygen saturation, mean PETCO2, maximum PETCO2, mean heart rate, and mean respiratory rate. The maximum heart rate on AC was significantly lower than SIMV + PS, p = .047. Subjects breathed significantly above the set rate on SIMV + PS (p = .029), though not on AC. Subjects found it significantly easier to speak on AC, though there was no statistically significant difference in speech testing. Four subjects had multiple prolonged PS breaths on SIMV + PS. Many subjects exhibited an abnormal cadence to speech, with some speaking during both inhalation and exhalation phases of breathing.

Conclusions

There were few differences between AC and SIMV + PS, with a few parameters favoring AC that may not be clinically significant. This includes the subjective perception of ease of speech. We also found unnatural patterns of speech in children requiring HMV.
Summary of the new EULAR rheumatoid arthritis guideline
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: October 2020

The 2019 update of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommendations for the management of rheumatoid arthritis with synthetic and biological disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drugs takes into account new therapies that have emerged over the past few years. This article summarises the main changes to the guideline.
Brolucizumab for wet age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: October 2020

Brolucizumab (Beovu) is a new monoclonal antibody fragment targeting VEGF‐A for the treatment of neovascular (wet) age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). This article outlines its mechanism of action, place in therapy, clinical efficacy and adverse effects.
An input‐to‐state stable model predictive control framework for Lipschitz nonlinear parameter varying systems
Authors: Menezes Morato Marcelo , Elias Normey‐Rico Julio , Sename Olivier
Published: October 2020

This article develops a state‐feedback model predictive control (MPC) framework for nonlinear parameter varying (NLPV) systems with explicit Lipschitz nonlinearities along the input trajectory. Considering a guess for the evolution of the scheduling parameters along the prediction horizon, the proposed optimization procedure for the MPC design includes a terminal stage cost, a contracting terminal region constraint and nominal predictions scheduled with respect to this guess. The terminal region is taken so that it is monotonically decreasing to a pre‐determined set, which guarantees recursive feasibility of the algorithm with respect to a bound on the admissible uncertainties (introduced from the scheduling parameter guess). The terminal set is a scheduled robust control invariant set for Lipschitz nonlinear systems, computed through some proposed LMIs. The inclusion of the terminal ingredient also serves to demonstrate input‐to‐state quadratic stability. This article ends with a successful numerical simulation example of the technique applied to the control of a semiactive automotive suspension system equipped with electro‐rheological dampers. Comparisons are given with respect to open‐loop behavior and to a robust LQR controller.
Ruthenium(II) Complexes of Isothiazole Ligands: Crystal Structure, HSA/DNA Interactions, Cytotoxic Activity and Molecular Docking Simulations
Authors: Djukić Maja B. , Jeremić Marija S. , Filipović Ignjat P. , Klisurić Olivera R. , Jelić Ratomir M. , Popović Suzana , Matić Sanja , Onnis Valentina , Matović Zoran D.
Published: October 2020

Two new neutral ruthenium(II) complexes [Ru(η6‐p‐cymene)Cl2(1)] (3) and [Ru(η6‐p‐cymene)Cl2(2)] (4) (1=5‐(phenylamino)‐3‐pyrrolidin‐1‐ylisothiazole‐4‐carbonitrile; 2=3‐morpholin‐4‐yl‐5‐(phenylamino)isothiazole‐4‐carbonitrile) have been synthesized and characterized using elemental analysis, IR, UV‐Vis and NMR spectroscopy. The crystal structure was confirmed for complex 3 and both ligands. Examination of the interactions of ligands and complexes with CT‐DNA (Calf Thymus DNA), as well as with HSA (Human Serum Albumin) revealed that ligands and complexes could interact with CT‐DNA through intercalation and could bind strongly with HSA. Docking experiments toward DNA dodecamer indicate excellent accordance with experimental ΔG values. The cytotoxic activity of ligands and complexes was evaluated by MTT assay against HCT116 and HeLa tumoral cells. The complexes 3 and 4 showed good activity and selectivity on HCT116 cells. Neither of the tested compounds shows cytotoxic activity against a healthy MRC‐5 cell line. Flow cytometry analysis showed the apoptotic death of the HCT116 cells with a cell cycle arrest in the S‐phase.
Heterostructured Bismuth Telluride Selenide Nanosheets for Enhanced Thermoelectric Performance
Authors: Bauer Christoph , Veremchuk Igor , Kunze Christof , Benad Albrecht , Dzhagan Volodymyr M. , Haubold Danny , Pohl Darius , Schierning Gabi , Nielsch Kornelius , Lesnyak Vladimir , Eychmüller Alexander
Published: October 2020

The n‐type semiconductor system Bi2Te3Bi2Se3 is known as a low‐temperature thermoelectric material with a potentially high efficiency. Herein, a facile approach is reported to synthesize core/shell heterostructured Bi2Te2Se/Bi2Te3 nanosheets (NSs) with lateral dimensions of 1–3 μm and thickness of about 50 nm. Bi2Te3 and Bi2Se3, as well as heterostructured Bi2Te2Se/Bi2Te3 NSs are obtained via colloidal synthesis. Heterostructured NSs show an inhomogeneous distribution of the chalcogen atoms forming selenium and tellurium‐rich layers across the NS thickness, resulting in a core/shell structure. Detailed morphological studies reveal that these structures contain nanosized pores. These features contribute to the overall thermoelectric properties of the material, inducing strong phonon scattering at grain boundaries in compacted solids. NSs are processed into nanostructured bulks through spark plasma sintering of dry powders to form a thermoelectric material with high power factor. Electrical characterization of our materials reveals a strong anisotropic behavior in consolidated pellets. It is further demonstrated that by simple thermal annealing, core/shell structure can be controllably transformed into alloyed one. Using this approach pellets with Bi2Te2.55Se0.45 composition are obtained, which exhibit low thermal conductivity and high power factor for in‐plane direction with zT of 1.34 at 400 K.
Propagation period modeling and limit state of degradation
Authors: Andrade Carmen , Izquierdo David
Published: October 2020

In the present MC 2010 the propagation period, addressing degradation processes, was not included said due to the lack of data to allow for a sound validation. However, taking account of the propagation period is essential for the assessment of existing reinforced concrete structures. In addition, considering the propagation period is relevant for the probabilistic definition of the service life, as a certain amount of degradation should be produced to result in a condition not fulfilling the design requirements. Regarding reinforcement corrosion, in the present work the model of Tuutti is generalized to nonconstant corrosion rates by considering a sequence of periods with each having a constant corrosion rate. Possible models for the calculation of the time to cracking are commented, together with the consideration of a possible limit state related to damage level. Regarding other of deterioration processes related to the concrete material itself, attempts to model these have been very limited and much less attention has been paid to characterize their rate. These processes include: alkali‐silica reaction or sulfate attack, acid or leaching by pure waters and frost attack. In the present article, such attacks are modeled through an initiation period followed by a propagation period. Their rate of deterioration can either be considered constant or also as a sequence of shorter consecutive linear time periods.
Monitoring the flexural performance of GFRP repaired corroded reinforced concrete beams using passive acoustic emission technique
Authors: Garhwal Sunil , Sharma Shruti , Sharma Sandeep Kumar
Published: October 2020

The focus of the research is to evaluate the flexural behavior and performance of glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) repaired reinforced concrete (RC) beams corroded to different levels using acoustic emission (AE) techniques. A significant improvement in the flexural characteristics of the GFRP repaired corroded beams is observed with a change in failure mode from brittle to ductile. The benefits of GFRP repair in corroded RC beams are further clearly demonstrated by AE monitoring parameters of cumulative AE hits and their amplitudes. A significant improvement in the number of AE hits and the reappearance of AE cracking phases after repair of corroded beams indicate the efficiency of AE technique to monitor repaired structures also. A pictorial representation of the development of microcracks beneath the surface of concrete and GFRP to the formation of macrocracks is well demonstrated in an AE event plot. The assessment of local damage in RC beams using AE techniques subjected to simultaneous loading and corrosion and their further repair would facilitate in‐situ nondestructive evaluation of actual RC structures in future for detecting damage beneath the surface even after FRP repair.
Synthesis and Electrochemical Studies of Ruthenium(II) Dicarbonyl Bis(ferrocenyl‐β‐diketonates)
Authors: Mahrholdt Julia , Rüffer Tobias , Lang Heinrich
Published: October 2020

The reaction of [Ru3(CO)12] (1) with six equiv. of FcC(O)CH2C(O)R (2a, R = Me; 2b, R = Fc; Fc = Fe(η5‐C5H4)(η5‐C5H5)) produced the RuII compounds [Ru(CO)2(FcC(O)CHC(O)R)2] (3a, R = Me; 3b, R = Fc) in moderate yields. IR studies and single‐crystal X‐ray analysis (3a) confirmed that the CO ligands are cis‐oriented and that the respective β‐diketonates O,O'‐chelate‐bonded setting‐up an octahedral surrounding at RuII. Electrochemical (cyclic and square‐wave voltammetry) and spectroelectrochemical (UV/Vis‐NIR, IR) measurements were additionally carried out. Compounds 3a,b display two (3a: E1o' = 140; E2o' = 255 mV; ΔEo' = 115 mV for [3a]+/[3a]2+) or four (3b: E1o' = 80 mV, E2o' 190 mV (ΔEo' = 110 mV, [3b]+/[3b]2+), E3o' = 355 mV (ΔEo' = 165 mV, [3b]2+/[3b]3+), E4o' = 490 mV (ΔEo' = 135 mV, [3b]3+/[3b]4+)) electrochemical reversible one‐electron redox processes indicating electrostatic interactions among the ferrocenyl groups as oxidation progresses, which was confirmed by UV/Vis‐NIR and in situ IR spectroscopy. One ferrocenyl group on each β‐diketonate ligand is by this means 1st oxidized before the 2nd ferrocenyl group of the same β‐diketonate building block follows.
Moduli stabilisation and the statistics of SUSY breaking in the landscape
Authors: Broeckel Igor , Cicoli Michele , Maharana Anshuman , Singh Kajal , Sinha Kuver
Published: October 2020

Abstract

The statistics of the supersymmetry breaking scale in the string landscape has been extensively studied in the past finding either a power-law behaviour induced by uniform distributions of F-terms or a logarithmic distribution motivated by dynamical supersymmetry breaking. These studies focused mainly on type IIB flux compactifications but did not systematically incorporate the Kähler moduli. In this paper we point out that the inclusion of the Kähler moduli is crucial to understand the distribution of the supersymmetry breaking scale in the landscape since in general one obtains unstable vacua when the F-terms of the dilaton and the complex structure moduli are larger than the F- terms of the Kähler moduli. After taking Kähler moduli stabilisation into account, we find that the distribution of the gravitino mass and the soft terms is power-law only in KKLT and perturbatively stabilised vacua which therefore favour high scale supersymmetry. On the other hand, LVS vacua feature a logarithmic distribution of soft terms and thus a preference for lower scales of supersymmetry breaking. Whether the landscape of type IIB flux vacua predicts a logarithmic or power-law distribution of the supersymmetry breaking scale thus depends on the relative preponderance of LVS and KKLT vacua.
Two-loop rational terms in Yang-Mills theories
Authors: Lang Jean-Nicolas , Pozzorini Stefano , Zhang Hantian , Zoller Max F.
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Scattering amplitudes in D dimensions involve particular terms that originate from the interplay of UV poles with the (D − 4)-dimensional parts of loop numerators. Such contributions can be controlled through a finite set of process-independent rational counterterms, which make it possible to compute loop amplitudes with numerical tools that construct the loop numerators in four dimensions. Building on a recent study [1] of the general properties of two-loop rational counterterms, in this paper we investigate their dependence on the choice of renormalisation scheme. We identify a nontrivial form of scheme dependence, which originates from the interplay of mass and field renormalisation with the (D−4)-dimensional parts of loop numerators, and we show that it can be controlled through a new kind of one-loop counterterms. This guarantees that the two-loop rational counterterms for a given renormalisable theory can be derived once and for all in terms of generic renormalisation constants, which can be adapted a posteriori to any scheme. Using this approach, we present the first calculation of the full set of two-loop rational counterterms in Yang-Mills theories. The results are applicable to SU(N) and U(1) gauge theories coupled to nf fermions with arbitrary masses.
A Methodological Approach for the Study of Domes
Authors: Bianchini Carlo
Published: October 2020

Domes still represents a prickly subject, large dimensions coupled with a limited accessibility making their study difficult and time-consuming. Although throughout history this problem has been tackled in different ways, relevant methodological and operational issues have until now limited the success of these efforts. Digital technologies have radically changed this scenario. 3D active and passive capturing systems currently allow for a dense and accurate surveying while modelling software provides powerful tools to build virtual counterparts of surfaces and to investigate their geometric properties. The aim of this paper is to present three different projects developed by a research group in the Department of History, Representation and Restoration of Architecture—Sapienza University of Rome. Based on their results, the group has set up and tested a protocol that can guide users from acquisition through modelling and, finally, to the reading of the geometric properties of domes.
Fissurectomy combined with botulinum toxin A: a review of short- and long-term efficacy of this treatment strategy for chronic anal fissure; a consecutive proposal of a treatment algorithm for chronic anal fissure
Authors: Trzpis M. , Klaase J. M. , Koop R. H. , Broens P. M. A.
Published: October 2020

Background

Several studies have investigated the short- and long-term efficacy of fissurectomy combined with botulinum toxin A injection for patients with chronic anal fissure.

Objective

To evaluate the short- and long-term efficacy of the combined treatment strategy of fissurectomy with botulinum toxin A for chronic anal fissure and to discuss recurrence rates in the light of current theory on the aetiology of anal fissure.

Materials and methods

This is a narrative review. We conducted an article search using PubMed and calculated the means of the reported efficacy ranges.

Results

Fissurectomy combined with botulinum toxin A injections freed at least 78% of the patients from symptoms and yielded a fissure healing rate of up to 86%. Within 12 months after treatment a 3% recurrence rate was reported. On average, the long-term recurrence rate was 22%. One study reported a 50% recurrence rate 22 months after treatment.

Conclusion

The efficacy of fissurectomy combined with botulinum toxin A injection for chronic anal fissure is high. The short-term recurrence rate is low, while long-term recurrence is relatively high. Extended follow-up indicates that recurrence of chronic anal fissure is possibly caused by anal basal pressure building up steadily once again. If so, the cause of renewed increase of pressure should be addressed. Based on the literature and on our clinical experience, we assume that the underlying cause of increasing anal basal pressure is that patients use their pelvic floor muscles inadequately and this in turn leads to chronic anal fissure.
Rapid quantification of insulin degludec by immunopurification combined with liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Reverter-Branchat Gemma , Groessl Michael , Nakas Christos T , Prost Jean-Christophe , Antwi Kwasi , Niederkofler Eric E. , Bally Lia
Published: October 2020

Insulin degludec is an ultra-long-acting insulin analogue that is increasingly being used in diabetes due to its favourable efficacy and safety profile. Thus, there is an increasing demand for a reliable and specific analytical method to quantify insulin degludec for research, pharmaceutical industry and clinical applications. We developed and validated an automated, high-throughput method for quantification of insulin degludec in human blood samples across the expected clinical range combining immunopurification with high-resolution mass spectrometry. Validation was performed according to the requirements of the US Food and Drug Administration. The method satisfyingly met the following parameters: lower limit of quantification (120 pM), linearity, accuracy (error < 5%), precision (CV < 7.7%), selectivity, carry-over, recovery (89.7–97.2%), stability and performance in the presence of other insulin analogues. The method was successfully applied to clinical samples of patients treated with insulin degludec showing a good correlation with the administered dose (r2 = 0.78). High usability of the method is supported by the small specimen volume, automated sample processing and short analysis time. In conclusion, this reliable, easy-to-use and specific mass spectrometric insulin degludec assay offers great promise to address the current unmet need for standardized insulin analytics in academic and industrial research.