bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical computation and numerical simulation of the relaxation of sphere-capillary model saturated with oil and water
Authors: Xu Feng  , Liu Tang-Yan  , Huang Yong-Ren  ,   (1)安徽理工大学理学院,淮南  232001; (2)教育部光谱学与波谱学重点实验室，华东师范大学物理系,上海  200062; (3)中国石油勘探开发研究院测井与遥感技术研究所，北京  100083
Published: December 2020

According to Brownstein-Tarr theory and using the series expansion method, the Bloch equations controlled by diffusion effect are solved for double-phase pore space of sphere-capillary model saturated with oil and water, and the theoretical relaxation computational formulas for the sphere-capillary model are obtained. The result shows that the relaxation process of oil is only related to oil saturation and isn't associated with pore structure on the condition of wetness. A great deal of computation simulations were carried out based on the theoretical computational formulas, and the numerical simulation results show that the main relaxation process of sphere or capillary is a single exponential function and the other relaxation processes are negligible. In other words, the relaxation of sphere-capillary model is approximatively a double exponential descending process.
A class of nonlinear phenomena resulting from saturation
Authors: Zou Jian-Long  , Ma Xi-Kui  ,   西安交通大学电气工程学院电力设备电气绝缘国家重点实验室，西安  710049
Published: December 2020

Based on a power-factor-correction (PFC) boost converter, a class of nonlinear phenomena are described when the system switches between saturated and non-saturated states alternately. Their characteristics and origination are analyzed. According the piecewise differential equations derived, we simulate the system's dynamical behavior. The simulating results demonstrate that period-doubling bifurcation and chaos may occur in this system. Moreover, border-collision bifurcation and transition from chaos to period-1 may also appear. These nonlinear phenomena result from the abrupt change of the system's qualitative behavior when the rectified input current runs into its saturation border. The nonlinear phenomena caused by saturation and the related analysis are verified by the experimental results.
The absolute rotation measurement of atom interferometer by phase modulation
Authors: Zhu Chang-Xing  , Feng Yan-Ying  , Ye Xiong-Ying  , Zhou Zhao-Ying  , Zhou Yong-Jia  , Xue Hong-Bo  ,   清华大学精密仪器与机械学系，精密测试技术及仪器国家重点实验室，北京  100084
Published: December 2020

In the paper，a measurement method of absolute rotation of atom interferometer is proposed. Generally，there are π/2-π-π/2 phase gratings in an atom interferometer in the space domain. We add three special phases to the three gratings，then，we modulate the special phases to change the detector signal of atom interferometer，and Fourier transform is performed on the detector signal，to obtain the absolute rotation of atom interferometer. The results are the discussed in the paper.
Terahertz phase shifter based on phase change material-metasurface composite structure
Authors: Long Jie , Li Jiu-Sheng ,   Centre for THz Research, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
Published: December 2020

With its rapid development, the terahertz technology is widely used in radar, imaging, remote sensing and data communication. As one of terahertz wave devices, the terahertz phase shifter has become a research hotspot. The existing phase shifters have the disadvantages of large volume, high power consumption and small phase shifting. In the present work, a tunable terahertz phase shifter with liquid crystal and vanadium dioxide is proposed. It is composed of an upper vanadium dioxide embedded metal layer, a liquid crystal, a lower vanadium dioxide embedded metal layer, and a silicon dioxide substrate in sequence from top to bottom. The liquid crystal is sandwiched between the upper and lower vanadium dioxide embedded metal layer. The phase of the device can be controlled by both the phase transition characteristics of vanadium dioxide and the birefringence of liquid crystal. By changing the external applied temperature, the conductivity of vanadium dioxide is changed, and the phase of the device shifts accordingly. Likewise the refractive index of the liquid crystal changes under different externally applied voltages. Finally, the phase of the proposed device can be effectively controlled in a terahertz range by both externally applied temperature and voltage. The phase shift characteristics of the device are analyzed by using software CST studio. The results verify that the terahertz phase shifter can achieve a maximum phase shift of 355.37° at f = 0.736 THz and a phase shift is larger than 350° in a range of 0.731–0.752 THz (bandwidth 22 GHz). Therefore, compared with the traditional phase shifter, this kind of phase change material-metasurface composite structure provides a new idea for flexibly manipulating the terahertz beam. And it is expected to be widely used in terahertz imaging, terahertz wireless and other fields.
Research progress of Cu2Se thin film thermoelectric properties
Authors: Yang Liang-Liang , Qin Yuan-Hao , Wei Jiang-Tao , Song Pei-Shuai , Zhang Ming-Liang , Yang Fu-Hua , Wang Xiao-Dong ,   Engineering Research Center for Semiconductor Integrated Technology, Institute of Semiconductors, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100083, China,   College of Microelectronics and Research Center of Materials and Optoelectronics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China,   Beijing Institute of Quantum Information Science, Beijing 100193, China,   Beijing Semiconductor Micro/Nano Integrated Engineering Technology Research Center, Beijing 100083, China
Published: December 2020

Thermoelectric (TE) materials can directly realize the mutual conversion between heat and electricity, and it is an environmentally friendly functional material. At present, the thermoelectric conversion efficiencies of thermoelectric materials are low, which seriously restricts the large-scale application of thermoelectric devices. Therefore, finding new materials with better thermoelectric properties or improving the thermoelectric properties of traditional thermoelectric materials has become the subject of thermoelectric research. Thin film materials, compared with bulk materials, possess both the two-dimensional macroscopic properties and one-dimensional nanostructure characteristics, which makes it much easier to study the relationships between physical mechanisms and properties. Besides, thin film are also suitable for the preparation of wearable electronic devices. This article summarizes five different preparation methods of Cu2Se thin films, i.e. electrochemical deposition, thermal evaporation, spin coating, sputtering, and pulsed laser deposition. In addition, combing with typical examples, the characterization methods of the film are summarized, and the influence mechanism of each parameter on the thermoelectric performance from electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficient and thermal conductivity is discussed. Finally, the hot application direction of Cu2Se thin film thermoelectrics is also introduced.
Assessment of the effects of ischaemia/ hypoxia on angiogenesis in rat myofascial trigger points using colour Doppler flow imaging
Authors: Jiang Fangyan , Yu Shuangcheng , Su Haiqing , Zhu Shangyong
Published: December 2020

Background & Aims

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a common non-articular disorder of the musculoskeletal system that is characterized by the presence of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). Despite the high prevalence of MPS, its pathogenesis, which induces the onset and maintenance of MTrPs, is still not completely understood. To date, no studies have investigated the changes in the biochemical milieu caused by ischaemia/hypoxia in the MTrP regions of muscle that are proposed in the integrated hypothesis. Therefore, this study investigated whether ischaemic/hypoxic conditions participate in the formation of active MTrPs and affect angiogenesis using colour Doppler flow imaging (CDFI).

Methods

Twenty-five Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a model group and a normal control group. A model of active MTrPs was established by a blunt strike combined with eccentric exercise. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were employed to detect the levels of HIF-1α and VEGF. Microvessel density (MVD) was evaluated using immunohistochemistry. CDFI was applied to observe the blood flow signals in the MTrPs, which were classified into four grades based on their strengths.

Results

Compared with the control group, the active MTrP group exhibited significantly higher HIF-1α and VEGF levels and MVD values. These differences were accompanied by increased blood flow signals. In the active MTrP group, the blood flow signal grade was positively correlated with the MVD (P < 0.05) and independently correlated with the VEGF level (P < 0.05) but was not correlated with the expression of HIF-1α (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Ischaemic/hypoxic conditions may be involved in the formation of MTrPs. CDFI is useful for detection of the features of angiogenesis in or surrounding MTrPs via assessment of blood flow signals.
IN SILICO ADMET PROFILING AND MOLECULAR DOCKING OF NOVEL SUBSTITUTED THIENO[3,2-d] PYRIMIDINES AGAINST LIGAND BINDING DOMAIN OF THE HUMAN PEROXISOME PROLIFERATOR ACTIVATED RECEPTOR GAMMA IN COMPLEX WITH SYNTHETIC AGONIST
Authors: Devidas Amrutkar Rakesh , Bharat Amrute Bhavesh , Harishchndra Ahire Ashishkumar , Ahmed Ziyaul Haque s.
Published: December 2020

Pyrimidine ring system has wide range of pharmacological activities in the form of substituted and fused ring system and its derivatives. In this study we use some new computational tools for predicting ADMET, Pharmacological profile and Molecular docking of some novel substituted Thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine. The side effect during the investigation is Carcinogenicity, Hepatotoxicity, etc., Molecular docking by using QSAR Software (Drug-receptor Interaction) it also focuses.
ANTI-OXIDANT ACTIVITY OF SESEWANUA (Clerodendrum fragrans [Vent.] Willd) LEAF EXTRACT AND FRACTION WITH 1,1-DiPHENYLl-2-PICRYLHYDRAZYL (DPPH) AND NITRATE-OXIDE FREE RADICAL SCAVENGING METHOD
Authors: Rumagit Benedicta Irene , Wullur Adeanne Caroline , Kalonio Donald Emilio
Published: December 2020

Free radicals are molecules containing unpaired electrons so that they are not stable and very reactive to other molecules. ROS/RNS radicals have physiological function, but the overproduction of free radicals can initiate oxidative/nitrosative stress that contributes to a high number of diseases. Body has an ability to neutralize the free radicals by forming the endogenous antioxidant. Environmental changes, living style, certain pathological conditions can cause the shift of prooxidant-antioxidant equilibrium. Thus, endogenous antioxidant intake is needed, particularly that originating from natural materials. One of the plants believed to have antioxidant activity is sesewanua (Clerodendrum fragrans [Vent.] Willd.) leaf. This study was aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of ethanol extract, hexane fraction, ethyl acetate fraction, and water fraction of the sesewanua leaf using DPPH and nitrate-oxide free radical scavenging method. The study is a laboratory experiment. The sample was sesewanua (Clerodendrum fragrans) obtained from East Malalayang I village, Malalayang district, Manado city, North Sulawesi. The antioxidant activity testing utilized 1,1-Diphenyl-2-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and nitrate-oxide free radical scavenging method. Data included percent inhibition of free radicals and were analyzed using linear regression to determine 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) of DPPH and nitrate-oxide free radicals. As conclusion, the ethanol extract, hexane fraction, ethyl acetate fraction, and water fraction of the sesewanua leaf had antioxidant activity through DPPH free antiradical activity, but not active as antiradical NO.
Diversity and Distribution of Waterbirds across Wetlands of Eastern Uganda
Authors: Sarah Nachuha , Twagiramaria Fortunate , Mwima Polycarp M.
Published: December 2020

Explaining patterns of diversity, and abundance across sites is a central aim of community ecology. Avian communities have been the focus of many studies on species diversity. To be able to explain patterns of waterbirds in wetlands of eastern Uganda, we conducted a rapid assessment in 48 wetlands (38 swamps, two rice paddies and eight lakes) using total counts. We examined waterbird assemblages in these wetlands in relation to wetland area, wetland type, water depth, water pH and the time of year/season. Statistical analysis were conducted using Genstat Version 8.1 (VSN Intl.2003, in which General Linear Mixed Models were used to examine the variations. In total, 9,410 birds from 64 species and 17 families were recorded. Species diversity and overall abundance varied significantly among wetland types and between seasons. Rice paddies were both more species-diverse than lakes and swamps. Wetland area had significant independent and positive effects on the waterbird community. In addition to explaining differences among wetland types in waterbird numbers, water depth had a positive effect on some aspects of the waterbird community with no significant effect of pH. These results imply that an interplay of factors is responsible for the pattern and structure of waterbird communities on wetlands in eastern Uganda.
Determinants of Computer Ergonomic Hazards among Office Workers in Klang Valley, Malaysia
Authors: Poniran Halimi , Zain Noor Nasyikin Md , Mohan Noor Malinda Mohamed , Tamsir Fazilah , Ibrahim Noor Ayuernie
Published: December 2020

Extent of computer usage in public and private sectors had been greatly increased in recent decades carrying the risk of several health hazards. Due to the impact of computer ergonomic hazards on office workers, this study is conducted to evaluate the awareness and determinants of computer ergonomic hazards among office workers in Klang Valley. A total of 340 office workers from 4 district areas were selected using online survey. Independent sample t-test and standard multiple regression was used to analyse the data. The finding of this study reveals that the respondents possess a high level of awareness of computer ergonomics hazards especially the long hours of computer usage can affect their health conditions. Consistent with the Activity Theory, this study suggests that the design of workstation has an impact on computer ergonomic hazards. This study gives the office management as well as policy-makers the opportunity to take necessary steps such as arranging training and development programmes, prepare guidelines on the awareness of computer ergonomic hazards, and redesign the workstation’s furniture and setup following worldwide prominent ergonomic standard and guidelines.
Emerging Mono‐Elemental Bismuth Nanostructures: Controlled Synthesis and Their Versatile Applications
Authors: Huang Weichun , Zhu Jun , Wang Mengke , Hu Lanping , Tang Yanfeng , Shu Yiqing , Xie Zhongjian , Zhang Han
Published: December 2020

Bismuth (Bi), as a nontoxic and inexpensive diamagnetic heavy metal, has recently been utilized for the preparation of a variety of nanomaterials, such as nanoparticles, nanowires, nanotubes, nanosheets, etc., with a tunable bandgap, unique structure, excellent physicochemical properties, and compositional features for versatile properties, such as near‐infrared absorbance, high X‐ray attenuation coefficient, excellent photothermal conversion efficiency, and a long circulation half‐life. These features have endowed mono‐elemental Bi nanomaterials with desirable performances for electronics/optoelectronics, energy storage and conversion, catalysis, nonlinear photonics, sensors, biomedical applications, etc. This review summarizes the controlled synthesis of mono‐elemental Bi nanomaterials with different shapes and sizes, highlights the state‐of‐the‐art progress of the desired applications of mono‐elemental Bi nanomaterials, and presents some personal insights on the challenges and future opportunities in this research area. It is hoped that the controllable manipulation techniques of Bi nanomaterials, along with their unique properties, can shed light on the next‐generation devices based on Bi nanostructures and Bi‐related nanomaterials.
Precision medicine for adjuvant chemotherapy of resected colorectal cancer
Authors: Miyamoto Yuji , Hiyoshi Yukiharu , Sawayama Hiroshi , Tokunaga Ryuma , Baba Hideo
Published: December 2020

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in Japan. Surgical resection is the only curative option for localized disease. However, undetectable micrometastases remaining after curative surgery may cause disease recurrence. Adjuvant chemotherapy aims to eradicate these micrometastases to improve the cure rate. Unfortunately, few reliable prognostic and predictive markers are available that identify patients at high risk for CRC during early‐stage disease. However, promising biomarkers may become available in the near future. Such biomarkers provide information for stratifying a patient's risk and for selecting the optimal treatment. Here, we provide an overview of current relevant prognostic and predictive biomarkers applicable to adjuvant treatment of early‐stage CRC and focus on the future of this field.
SARC025 arms 1 and 2: A phase 1 study of the poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase inhibitor niraparib with temozolomide or irinotecan in patients with advanced Ewing sarcoma
Authors: Chugh Rashmi , Ballman Karla V. , Helman Lee J. , Patel Shreyaskumar , Whelan Jeremy S. , Widemann Brigitte , Lu Yao , Hawkins Douglas S. , Mascarenhas Leo , Glod John W. , Ji Jiuping , Zhang Yiping , Reinke Denise , Strauss Sandra J.
Published: December 2020

Background

In preclinical Ewing sarcoma (ES) models, poly(adenosine diphosphate ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors were identified as a potential therapeutic strategy with synergy in combination with cytotoxic agents. This study evaluated the safety and dosing of the PARP1/2 inhibitor niraparib (NIR) with temozolomide (TMZ; arm 1) or irinotecan (IRN; arm 2) in patients with pretreated ES.

Methods

Eligible patients in arm 1 received continuous NIR daily and escalating TMZ (days 2‐6 [D2‐6]) in cohort A. Subsequent patients received intermittent NIR dosing (cohort B), with TMZ re‐escalation in cohort C. In arm 2, patients were assigned to NIR (days 1‐7 [D1‐7]) and escalating doses of IRN (D2‐6).

Results

From July 2014 to May 2018, 29 eligible patients (23 males and 6 females) were enrolled in arms 1 and 2, which had 7 dose levels combined. Five patients experienced at least 1 dose‐limiting toxicity (DLT) in arm 1 (grade 4 [G4] neutropenia for >7 days or G4 thrombocytopenia), and 3 patients experienced at least 1 DLT in arm 2 (grade 3 [G3] colitis, G3 anorexia, or G3 alanine aminotransferase elevation). The maximum tolerated dose was NIR at 200 mg every day on D1‐7 plus TMZ at 30 mg/m2 every day on D2‐6 (arm 1) or NIR at 100 mg every day on D1‐7 plus IRN at 20 mg/m2 every day on D2‐6 (arm 2). One confirmed partial response was observed in arm 2; the median progression‐free survival was 9.0 weeks (95% CI, 7.0‐10.1 weeks) and 16.3 weeks (95% CI, 5.1‐69.7 weeks) in arms 1 and 2, respectively. The median decrease in tumor poly(ADP‐ribose) activity was 89% (range, 83%‐98%).

Conclusions

The combination of NIR and TMZ or IRN was tolerable, but at lower doses in comparison with conventional cytotoxic combinations. A triple‐combination study of NIR, IRN, and TMZ has commenced.
Temporal invariance of social‐ecological catchments
Authors: Kaemingk Mark A. , Bender Christine N. , Chizinski Christopher J. , Bunch Aaron J. , Pope Kevin L.
Published: December 2020

Natural resources such as waterbodies, public parks, and wildlife refuges attract people from varying distances on the landscape, creating “social‐ecological catchments.” Catchments have provided great utility for understanding physical and social relationships within specific disciplines. Yet, catchments are rarely used across disciplines, such as its application to understand complex spatiotemporal dynamics between mobile human users and patchily distributed natural resources. We collected residence ZIP codes from 19,983 angler parties during 2014–2017 to construct seven angler–waterbody catchments in Nebraska, USA. We predicted that sizes of dense (10% utilization distribution) and dispersed (95% utilization distribution) angler–waterbody catchments would change across seasons and years as a function of diverse resource selection among mobile anglers. Contrary to expectations, we revealed that catchment size was invariant. We discuss how social (conservation actions) and ecological (low water quality, reduction in species diversity) conditions are expected to impact landscape patterns in resource use. We highlight how this simple concept and user‐friendly technique can inform timely landscape‐level conservation decisions within coupled social‐ecological systems that are currently difficult to study and understand.
Resource selection at homesites by wolves and eastern coyotes in a Canis hybrid zone
Authors: Oliveira Teresa , Benson John F. , Thompson Connor , Patterson Brent R.
Published: December 2020

We modeled resource selection by wolves (Canis spp.), eastern coyotes (C. latrans), and admixed canids during the pup‐rearing season at den and rendezvous sites (collectively, homesites) within a largely unprotected landscape proposed as the recovery zone for federally and provincially threatened eastern wolves (C. lycaon) in Ontario, Canada. Overall, canids selected wetlands, while avoiding secondary roads and open‐structure rock‐grass habitat patches. Packs with greater wolf ancestry selected wetlands and tertiary roads more strongly, while avoiding mixed conifer‐hardwood forests. Contrary to our prediction, canids with greater coyote ancestry did not establish homesites closer to roads, which likely mitigated their risk of human‐caused mortality during pup‐rearing. Packs exhibited increased selection of wetlands within territories as a function of increasing availability of wetlands. Packs with abundant access to wetlands may prioritize this habitat type to exploit beavers, a valuable prey species during pup‐rearing. Packs with higher pup survival selected hardwood forests and avoided conifer forests more than packs with lower pup survival. This is consistent with our understanding of habitat relations of the main prey species for canids in central Ontario and suggests that selecting prey‐rich habitat types at homesites increases fitness. A proposed goal of eastern wolf recovery is numerical and geographical expansion outside of the population core in Algonquin Provincial Park. Thus, our results provide valuable information for conservation by quantifying resource selection of wolves, coyotes, and hybrids during pup‐rearing and identifying links between fitness and homesite selection.
Fungal urinary tract infection among chronic liver disease patients with hepatic encephalopathy and its treatment outcomes
Authors: Kamani Lubna , Kalwar Hamid
Published: December 2020

Background and Aim

Patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) are at high risk of infections, including fungal pathogens, which can lead to hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and increased mortality. Our aim is to evaluate the frequency and outcome of fungal urinary tract infections (FUTIs) in hospitalized patients with CLD and HE.

Methods

This was a descriptive case series study using the nonprobability consecutive sampling technique, conducted at the Department of Gastroenterology, Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. All patients above 18 years of age who were admitted with HE and CLD were enrolled after obtaining informed consent. Baseline laboratory investigation, urine detail report (UDR), and culture were sent on the day of admission. Fluconazole was started if the UDR reported yeast positivity. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.

Results

A total of 236 patients were enrolled in this study. Mean age was 53.42 ± 5.567 years, and 95 (40.3%) were male. Urinary symptoms were present in 72 (30.5%) patients. Yeast positivity on UDR was present in 156 (66.1%), and 141 of 156 (90.3%) patients had urine culture positivity for fungal pathogen. A total of 55 patients died—36 (65.5%) in the FUTI group and 19 (34.5%) in the nonfungal UTI (NFUTI) group (P = 0.908). Candida albicans was the most common organism, present in 70 of 141 (49.6%) of patients. Predictors of mortality were renal insufficiency, hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, leukopenia, and advanced cirrhosis.

Conclusion

FUTI in CLD patients with HE is common in hospitalized patients even without symptoms, and a high index of suspicion is required. Candida albicans was the most common organism. Prompt recognition and treatment can improve overall outcome.
(AB)n Segmented Copolyetherimides for 4D Printing
Authors: Jin Minde , Stihl Markus , Giesa Reiner , Neuber Christian , Schmidt Hans‐Werner
Published: December 2020

The fourth dimension in 4D printing comprises the ability of materials to recover their shape with time by utilizing 3D printing in combination with shape memory polymers. The focus of this work is on 3D printing of physically crosslinked thermoplastic polymers, which allow a reversible transformation from a temporary to an original shape by an external stimulus temperature, thus realize 4D printing. In this context, (AB)n segmented copolyetherimides consisting of perylene and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) segments are synthesized and characterized regarding their thermal and rheological properties in view of 3D printing. The perylene imide segments act as reversible physical crosslinks which disassemble between 100 and 200 °C. The PEG segments exhibit a low melting temperature around 40 to 60 °C and are semi‐crystalline at room temperature. The results show that this type of (AB)n segmented copolyetherimide combines reliable 3D printing performance, which is indicated by low warp deformation and excellent interlayer bonding. With a blend of two copolymers, it is able to realize 4D printing.
Automated gross tumor volume contour generation for large‐scale analysis of early‐stage lung cancer patients planned with 4D‐CT
Authors: Davey Angela , van Herk Marcel , Faivre‐Finn Corinne , Brown Sean , McWilliam Alan
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Patients with early‐stage lung cancer undergoing stereotactic ablative radiotherapy receive four‐dimensional computed tomography (4D‐CT) for treatment planning. Often, an internal gross target volume (iGTV), which approximates the motion envelope of a tumor over the breathing cycle, is delineated without defining a gross tumor volume (GTV). However, the GTV volume and shape are important parameters for prognostic and dose modelling, and there is interest in radiomic features extracted from the GTV and surrounding tissue. We demonstrate and validate a method to generate the GTV from an iGTV contour to aid retrospective analysis on routine data.

Method

It is possible to reconstruct the geometry of a tumor with knowledge of tumor motion and the motion envelope formed during respiration. To demonstrate this, the tumor motion path was estimated with local rigid registration, and the iGTV positioned incrementally at stations along the reverse path. It is shown that the tumor volume is the largest set common to the intersection of the iGTV at these positions, hence can be derived. This was implemented for 521 lung lesions on 4D‐CT. Eleven patients with a GTV delineation performed by a radiation oncologist on a reference phase (50%) were used for validation. The generated GTV was compared to that delineated by the expert using distance‐to‐agreement (DTA), volume, and distance between centres of mass. An overall success rate was determined by detecting registration inaccuracy and performing a quality check on the routine iGTV. For successfully generated contours, GTV volume was compared to iGTV volume in a prognostic model for overall survival.

Results

For the validation dataset, DTA mean (0.79 – 1.55 mm) and standard deviation (0.68 – 1.51 mm) were comparable to expected observer variation. Difference in volume was < 5 cm3, and average difference in position was 1.21 mm. Deviations in shape and position were mainly caused by observer differences in iGTV and GTV interpretation as opposed to algorithm performance. For the complete dataset, an acceptable contour was generated for 94% of patients using statistical and visual assessment to detect failures. Generated GTV volumes improved prognostic model performance over iGTV volumes.

Conclusion

A method to generate a GTV from an iGTV and 4D‐CT dataset was developed. This method facilitates data analysis of patients with early‐stage lung cancer treated in the routine setting, that is, data mining, prognostic modeling, and radiomics. Generation failure detection removes the need for visual assessment of all contours, reducing a time‐consuming aspect of big‐data analysis. Favorable prognostic performance of generated GTV volumes over iGTV ones demonstrates opportunities to use this methodology for future study.
A Randomized Phase II Study of AGS-16C3F Versus Axitinib in Previously Treated Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Kollmannsberger Christian , Choueiri Toni K. , Heng Daniel Y.C. , George Saby , Jie Fei , Croitoru Ruslan , Poondru Srinivasu , Thompson John A.
Published: December 2020

Trial Information

ClinicalTrials.gov  Identifier:  NCT02639182 Sponsor: Astellas Pharma, Inc. Principal Investigator: Christian Kollmannsberger IRB Approved: Yes

Lessons Learned

The primary endpoint of this phase II study that evaluated the efficacy and safety of the investigational compound, AGS-16C3F, versus axitinib in previously treated patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) was not met. Median progression-free survival, the primary endpoint, was 2.9 months with AGS-16C3F and 5.7 months with axitinib (HR, 1.676; 95% CI, 1.107–2.537; p = .015), per investigator assessment The safety profile for each study drug was as expected, with the most commonly reported adverse events being fatigue (53%) and nausea (47%) in the AGS-16C3F arm and fatigue (57%) and diarrhea (48%) in the axitinib arm. These results provide a benchmark for axitinib use in heavily pretreated patients with mRCC.

Background

AGS-16C3F is a novel antibody-drug conjugate that targets cell-surface ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 3 (ENPP3) and is conjugated to a microtubule disruptive agent. Here we present findings from a phase II study of AGS-16C3F versus axitinib in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC).

Methods

Patients with mRCC of any histology and disease progression during or after their last treatment regimen were randomized 1:1 to intravenous AGS-16C3F 1.8 mg/kg every 3 weeks or oral axitinib 5 mg twice daily (starting dose). The primary objective was investigator-assessed progression-free survival (PFS) of AGS-16C3F versus axitinib (RECIST version 1.1).

Results

In the total population (N = 133), 63% (n = 84) of patients had completed the study at data cutoff (August 21, 2019). Median PFS was 2.9 months with AGS-16C3F and 5.7 months with axitinib (hazard ratio [HR], 1.676; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.107–2.537; p = .015). There were no significant differences between arms in secondary efficacy endpoints, including overall survival (13.1 months, AGS-16C3F and 15.4 months, axitinib; HR, 1.079; 95% CI, 0.681–1.707; p = .747). In the safety population (n = 131), the most commonly reported adverse events were fatigue (53%) and nausea (47%) in the AGS-16C3F arm and fatigue (57%) and diarrhea (48%) in the axitinib arm. The incidence of diarrhea was lower in the AGS-16C3F arm than in the axitinib arm (17% vs. 48%), and ocular toxicities were more frequent in the AGS-16C3F arm than in the axitinib arm (44% vs. 26%).

Conclusion

The investigational compound, AGS-16C3F, did not meet the primary endpoint of this trial. These study results provide a benchmark for axitinib use in heavily pretreated patients with mRCC.
The effect of natural modifiers for starch hydrophobization on performance of composite based on ethylene acrylic acid copolymer
Authors: Marinković Aleksandar D. , Vuksanović Marija M. , Karić Nataša , Đokić Veljko , Popović Mina , Jančić Heinemann Radmila , Tomić Nataša Z.
Published: December 2020

As a renewable resource, starch is considered to be fully biodegradable and nonpolluting to the environment but the hygroscopicity of starch is the main disadvantage for wider applicability in the production of a polymer‐based material. Hydrophobically modified starch prepared using natural‐based plasticizers/modifiers in a first step ([−]‐diisopropyl D‐tartrate [DiPT], ricinoleic acid [RA] and epoxidized soybean oil [ESO]), and maleated polypropylene (MAPP) in a second step contributed to better compatibility, and thus reinforcing of composites. Tailored processing conditions, structural/morphological properties, hydrophobicity, and water‐resistance of the modified starch were established. In addition, the Charpy impact and tensile strength of composites, based on poly(ethylene‐co‐acrylic acid) (EAA) and modified starches, were determined. Increased tensile strength and Young modulus of the composite using starch‐modified with DiPT‐MAPP, that is, 3 and 83%, respectively, indicated the possible applicability of obtained materials.
Atomic‐Level and Modulated Interfaces of Photocatalyst Heterostructure Constructed by External Defect‐Induced Strategy: A Critical Review
Authors: Zhang Shuqu , Si Yanmei , Li Bing , Yang Lixia , Dai Weili , Luo Shenglian
Published: December 2020

Despite the existence of numerous photocatalyst heterostructures, their separation efficiency and charge flow precision remain low due to the poor study on interfacial properties. The photocatalysts with confined defects can effectively control the photogenerated carrier migration, but the metastability of such defects considerably decreases the photocatalyst stability. Meanwhile, the introduction of defective region can increase the coordinative unsaturation and delocalize local electrons to promote their interactions with the molecules/ions in that region. The selective growth of modulated heterogeneous interface by defect‐induced strategy may not only increase the stability of defective structures, but also enhance the migration of interfacial charges. Using this method, photocatalytic heterostructures with low contact resistances and intimate interfaces are constructed to achieve the optimal charge migration in terms of efficiency and accuracy. In this work, the point, linear, and planar heterogeneous interfaces and related defect engineering techniques are discussed. Particularly, it is focused on the external, defect‐induced interfacial heterogeneities with various spatial and dimensional configurations, which exhibit modulated and controllable interfacial properties. Furthermore, the main aspects of fabricating photocatalyst heterostructures by the defect‐induced strategy, including the i) controllable generation of defects, ii) advanced characterization methods, and iii) elaborate construction of the minimal interface, are described.
Stochastic stability of performance properties for materials with non‐deterministic microstructure
Authors: Gitman Inna M. , Gitman Mikhail B. , Batin Sergei E. , Boyarshinov Dmitriy A.
Published: December 2020

In this contribution an original concept of stochastic stability (P‐stability), formulated here to represent realistic stochastic nature of materials, is employed for stability analysis of material performance characteristics. Stochasticity in materials can be related, for example, to manufacturing processes, potential treatment of material, or properties of raw materials. On the other hand, performance characteristics, obtained through the novel fuzzy sets based multi‐scale methodology, are also of stochastic nature. The particular strength of this newly developed P‐stability, is its ability to analyse not only individual characteristics, but also multiple characteristics simultaneously. This methodology also allows to estimate and quantify an actual accuracy of obtained characteristics.
DEALER: decentralized incentives for threat intelligence reporting and exchange
Authors: Menges Florian , Putz Benedikt , Pernul Günther
Published: December 2020

The exchange of threat intelligence information can make a significant contribution to improving IT security in companies and has become increasingly important in recent years. However, such an exchange also entails costs and risks, preventing many companies from participating. In addition, since legal reporting requirements were introduced in various countries, certain requirements must be taken into account in the exchange process. However, existing exchange platforms neither offer incentives to participate in the exchange process, nor fulfill requirements resulting from reporting obligations. With this work, we present a decentralized platform for the exchange of threat intelligence information. The platform supports the fulfillment of legal reporting obligations for security incidents and provides additional incentives for information exchange between the parties involved. We evaluate the platform by implementing it based on the EOS blockchain and IPFS distributed hash table. The prototype and cost measurements demonstrate the feasibility and cost-efficiency of our concept.
Volcanic CO2 seep geochemistry and use in understanding ocean acidification
Authors: Aiuppa A. , Hall-Spencer J. M. , Milazzo M. , Turco G. , Caliro S. , Di Napoli R.
Published: December 2020

Ocean acidification is one of the most dramatic effects of the massive atmospheric release of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) that has occurred since the Industrial Revolution, although its effects on marine ecosystems are not well understood. Submarine volcanic hydrothermal fields have geochemical conditions that provide opportunities to characterise the effects of elevated levels of seawater CO2 on marine life in the field. Here, we review the geochemical aspects of shallow marine CO2-rich seeps worldwide, focusing on both gas composition and water chemistry. We then describe the geochemical effects of volcanic CO2 seepage on the overlying seawater column. We also present new geochemical data and the first synthesis of marine biological community changes from one of the best-studied marine CO2 seep sites in the world (off Vulcano Island, Sicily). In areas of intense bubbling, extremely high levels of pCO2 (> 10,000 μatm) result in low seawater pH (< 6) and undersaturation of aragonite and calcite in an area devoid of calcified organisms such as shelled molluscs and hard corals. Around 100–400 m away from the Vulcano seeps the geochemistry of the seawater becomes analogous to future ocean acidification conditions with dissolved carbon dioxide levels falling from 900 to 420 μatm as seawater pH rises from 7.6 to 8.0. Calcified species such as coralline algae and sea urchins fare increasingly well as sessile communities shift from domination by a few resilient species (such as uncalcified algae and polychaetes) to a diverse and complex community (including abundant calcified algae and sea urchins) as the seawater returns to ambient levels of CO2. Laboratory advances in our understanding of species sensitivity to high CO2 and low pH seawater, reveal how marine organisms react to simulated ocean acidification conditions (e.g., using energetic trade-offs for calcification, reproduction, growth and survival). Research at volcanic marine seeps, such as those off Vulcano, highlight consistent ecosystem responses to rising levels of seawater CO2, with the simplification of food webs, losses in functional diversity and reduced provisioning of goods and services for humans.
Drug-repositioning screening identified fludarabine and risedronic acid as potential therapeutic compounds for malignant pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Dell’Anno Irene , Martin Sarah A. , Barbarino Marcella , Melani Alessandra , Silvestri Roberto , Bottaro Maria , Paolicchi Elisa , Corrado Alda , Cipollini Monica , Melaiu Ombretta , Giordano Antonio , Luzzi Luca , Gemignani Federica , Landi Stefano
Published: December 2020

Objectives Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an occupational disease mainly due to asbestos exposure. Effective therapies for MPM are lacking, making this tumour type a fatal disease. Materials and Methods In order to meet this need and in view of a future “drug repositioning” approach, here we screened five MPM (Mero-14, Mero-25, IST-Mes2, NCI-H28 and MSTO-211H) and one SV40-immortalized mesothelial cell line (MeT-5A) as a non-malignant model, with a library of 1170 FDA-approved drugs. Results Among several potential compounds, we found that fludarabine (F-araA) and, to a lesser extent, risedronic acid (RIS) were cytotoxic in MPM cells, in comparison to the non-malignant Met-5A cells. In particular, F-araA reduced the proliferation and the colony formation ability of the MPM malignant cells, in comparison to the non-malignant control cells, as demonstrated by proliferation and colony formation assays, in addition to measurement of the phospho-ERK/total-ERK ratio. We have shown that the response to F-araA was not dependent upon the expression of DCK and NT5E enzymes, nor upon their functional polymorphisms (rs11544786 and rs2295890, respectively). Conclusion This drug repositioning screening approach has identified that F-araA could be therapeutically active against MPM cells, in addition to other tumour types, by inhibiting STAT1 expression and nucleic acids synthesis. Further experiments are required to fully investigate this.
Methodological Advancements for Investigating Intra-tumoral Heterogeneity in Breast Cancer at the Bench and Bedside
Authors: Baek Mokryun , Chang Jeffrey T. , Echeverria Gloria V.
Published: December 2020

There is a major need to overcome therapeutic resistance and metastasis that eventually arises in many breast cancer patients. Therapy resistant and metastatic tumors are increasingly recognized to possess intra-tumoral heterogeneity (ITH), a diversity of cells within an individual tumor. First hypothesized in the 1970s, the possibility that this complex ITH may endow tumors with adaptability and evolvability to metastasize and evade therapies is now supported by multiple lines of evidence. Our understanding of ITH has been driven by recent methodological advances including next-generation sequencing, computational modeling, lineage tracing, single-cell technologies, and multiplexedin situapproaches. These have been applied across a range of specimens, including patient tumor biopsies, liquid biopsies, cultured cell lines, and mouse models. In this review, we discuss these approaches and how they have deepened our understanding of the mechanistic origins of ITH amongst tumor cells, including stem cell-like differentiation hierarchies and Darwinian evolution, and the functional role for ITH in breast cancer progression. While ITH presents a challenge for combating tumor evolution, in-depth analyses of ITH in clinical biopsies and laboratory models hold promise to elucidate therapeutic strategies that should ultimately improve outcomes for breast cancer patients.
LC–MS based metabolic fingerprinting of apricot pistils after self-compatible and self-incompatible pollinations
Authors: Lénárt József , Gere Attila , Causon Tim , Hann Stephan , Dernovics Mihály , Németh Olga , Hegedűs Attila , Halász Júlia
Published: December 2020

Key message

LC-MS based metabolomics approach revealed that putative metabolites other than flavonoids may significantly contribute to the sexual compatibility reactions in Prunus armeniaca. Possible mechanisms on related microtubule-stabilizing effects are provided.

Identification of metabolites playing crucial roles in sexual incompatibility reactions in apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) was the aim of the study. Metabolic fingerprints of self-compatible and self-incompatible apricot pistils were created using liquid chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry followed by untargeted compound search. Multivariate statistical analysis revealed 15 significant differential compounds among the total of 4006 and 1005 aligned metabolites in positive and negative ion modes, respectively. Total explained variance of 89.55% in principal component analysis (PCA) indicated high quality of differential expression analysis. The statistical analysis showed significant differences between genotypes and pollination time as well, which demonstrated high performance of the metabolic fingerprinting and revealed the presence of metabolites with significant influence on the self-incompatibility reactions. Finally, polyketide-based macrolides similar to peloruside A and a hydroxy sphingosine derivative are suggested to be significant differential metabolites in the experiment. These results indicate a strategy of pollen tubes to protect microtubules and avoid growth arrest involved in sexual incompatibility reactions of apricot.
No facts without perspectives
Authors: Glauer Ramiro , Hildebrandt Frauke
Published: December 2020

Perner and Roessler (in: Aguilar J, Buckareff A (eds) Causing human action: new perspectives on the causal theory of action, MIT Press, Cambridge, MA, pp 199–228, 2010) hold that children who do not yet have an understanding of subjective perspectives, i.e., mental states, explain actions by appealing to objective facts. In this paper, we criticize this view. We argue that in order to understand objective facts, subjects need to understand perspectives. By analysing basic fact-expressing assertions, we show that subjects cannot refer to facts if they do not understand two types of perspectivity, namely, spatial and doxastic perspectivity. To avoid conceptual confusion regarding different ways of referring to facts, we distinguish between reference to factsde reandde dicto.
Troubles with the Canberra Plan
Authors: Raatikainen Panu
Published: December 2020

A popular approach in philosophy, the so-called Canberra Plan, is critically scrutinized. Two aspects of this research program, the formal and the informal program, are distinguished. It is argued that the formal program runs up against certain serious technical problems. It is also argued that the informal program involves an unclear leap at its core. Consequently, it is argued that the whole program is much more problematic than its advocates recognize.
Including Learning Analytics in the Loop of Self-Paced Online Course Learning Design
Authors: Yan Hongxin , Lin Fuhua , Kinshuk
Published: December 2020

Online education is growing because of its benefits and advantages that students enjoy. Educational technologies (e.g., learning analytics, student modelling, and intelligent tutoring systems) bring great potential to online education. Many online courses, particularly in self-paced online learning (SPOL), face some inherent barriers such as learning awareness and academic intervention. These barriers can affect the academic performance of online learners. Recently, learning analytics has been shown to have great potential in removing these barriers. However, it is challenging to achieve the full potential of learning analytics with the traditional online course learning design model. Thus, focusing on SPOL, this study proposes that learning analytics should be included in the course learning design loop to ensure data collection and pedagogical connection. We propose a novel learning design-analytics model in which course learning design and learning analytics can support each other to increase learning success. Based on the proposed model, a set of online course design strategies are recommended for online educators who wish to use learning analytics to mitigate the learning barriers in SPOL. These strategies and technologies are inspired by Jim Greer’s work on student modelling. By following these recommended design strategies, a computer science course is used as an example to show our initial practices of including learning analytics in the course learning design loop. Finally, future work on how to develop and evaluate learning analytics enabled learning systems is outlined.