bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical Approaches on the Synergistic Interaction between Double‐Headed Anionic Amino Acid‐Based Surfactants and Hexadecyltrimethylammonium Bromide
Authors: Barai Manas , Mandal Manas Kumar , Sultana Habiba , Manna Emili , Das Sourav , Nag Kaushik , Ghosh Soumen , Patra Anuttam , Panda Amiya Kumar
Published: April 2020

Theoretical investigations on the micellization of mixtures of (i) amino acid‐based anionic surfactants [AAS: N‐dodecyl derivatives of aminomalonate, −aspartate, and ‐glutamate] and (ii) hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (HTAB), were carried out at different mole ratios. Variation in the theoretical values of critical micelle concentration (CMC), mole fraction of surfactants in the micellar phase (X), at the interface (Xσ), interaction parameters at the bulk/interface (βR/βσ), ideality/nonideality of the mixing processes, and activity coefficients (f) were evaluated using Rubingh, Rosen, Motomora, and Sarmoria‐Puvvada‐Blankschtein models. CMC values significantly deviate from the theroretically calculated values, indicating associative interaction. With increasing mole fraction of AAS (αAAS), the magnitude of the (βR/βσ) values gradually decreased, considered to attributable to hydrophobic interactions. With increasing αAAS, the micellar mole fraction of HTAB (X2) decreased insignificantly and X2 values were higher than those compared to AAS for all combinations, due to the dominance of HTAB in micelles. Micellar mole fraction at the ideal state of AAS () differed from micellar mole fraction of AAS (X1), indicating nonideality in the mixed micellization process. Gibbs free energy of micellization (
∆Gm) values are more negative than the free energy of micellization for ideal mixing (), indicating the micellization process is spontaneous. With increasing αAAS, the enthalpy of micellization (ΔHm) and entropy of micellization (ΔSm) values gradually increased, which indicates micellization is exothermic. The different physicochemical parameters of the mixed micelles are correlated with the variation in the spacer length between the two carboxylate groups of AAS.
Flexible OLED display with 620°C LTPS TFT and touch sensor manufactured by weak bonding method
Authors: Ke Tsung‐Ying , Kang Ting , Lee Chih‐Tsung , Chen Chun‐Yu , Su Wei‐Jen , Wang Wen‐Ting , Huang Zih‐Shuo , Wang Jen‐Chih , Hsu Shou‐Te , Wang Cheng‐Liang , Lai Yen‐Huei , Wang Wan‐Tsang , Liu Chun‐Hsin , Lin Kun‐Yu
Published: April 2020

By weak bonding method, the first organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) display with 620°C low‐temperature poly‐silicon (LTPS) thin film transistor (TFT) and touch sensor, without polyimide (PI) substrate, formed on glass substrates is transferred to non‐PI flexible substrates. After transfer, the display image is free from defect, and touch sensor functions normally. Compared with device made on PI substrate, the advantages of device stability and pitch variation by transferring are shown.
Application of aeration‐assisted homogeneous liquid–liquid microextraction procedure using Box–Behnken design for determination of curcumin by HPLC
Authors: Khorshidi Neda , Rahimi Marzieh , Salimikia Iraj
Published: April 2020

A simple, efficient, and rapid sample preparation method based on aeration‐assisted homogeneous liquid–liquid microextraction was developed for determination of curcumin in food samples by high‐performance liquid chromatography. The centrifuge step has been eliminated in this procedure. The effects of some variables, such as pH, volume of extraction solvent, extraction time, and salt effect, were studied through a Box–Behnken design method. Under the optimum conditions, calibration curves of curcumin were linear in the range of 0.08‐4000 μg/mL with R2 = 0.997. Limit of detection and relative standard deviation were 0.019 μg/mL and 3.01%, respectively. The preconcentration factor achieved was 166. The proposed method was successfully applied to determination of curcumin in various food samples.
Ultrasound‐Guided Hydrodissection With Corticosteroid Injection in the Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Schrier Verena J. M. M. , Brault Jeffrey S. , Amadio Peter C.
Published: April 2020

Objectives

Corticosteroid injections can provide (temporary) relief in patients with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Hydrodissection as part of an injection has been associated with positive clinical outcomes but data for CTS so far has been scarce. This study is designed to assess patient tolerance and secondarily provide pilot data on the added effect of hydrodissection.

Methods

Twenty CTS patients were randomized to an ultrasound‐guided betamethasone injection with hydrodissection (5 mL) or without (2 mL). Patient tolerance was assessed directly after intervention and patient‐reported outcome after 4 and 24 weeks. Intra‐group data were compared using Wilcoxon Signed Rank and inter‐group with Wilcoxon rank‐sum tests.

Results

Tolerance and pain scores did not differ between the two groups. Symptom scores decreased in both groups, but to a lesser extent in the hydrodissection group with a mean difference of −0.8 versus −1.5 in the control group at 4 weeks (P = .02). At 6 months, this difference was no longer present (P = .81). No statistically significant differences were found between the hydrodissection and control groups in the function or pain scores at follow‐up at either time point.

Conclusion

After injection, both symptomatic and functional scores improved, but the hydrodissected group did not show additional improvement. Data presented can be used to support larger studies to assess the value of hydrodissection in CTS management.
EMI2 expression as a poor prognostic factor in patients with breast cancer
Authors: Vadhan Anupama , Wang Yen‐Yun , Yuan Shyng‐Shiou F. , Lee Yi‐Chen , Hu Stephen Chu‐Sung , Huang Jyun‐Yuan , Ishikawa Takashi , Hou Ming‐Feng
Published: April 2020

Early mitotic inhibitor 2 (EMI2, gene symbol FBXO43), an APC/C inhibitor regulated by Plx1, is essential for cytostatic factor (CSF) activity. It belongs to subclass FBXO of the F‐box proteins family. The aim of this study is to examine the clinicopathological significance of EMI2 in breast cancer. In this study, immunohistochemistry analysis was used to evaluate EMI2 expression in breast cancer tissues and then the association between EMI2 expression and clinicopathological factors was examined. Correlation of EMI2 with patient survival was analyzed by Kaplan‐Meier survival curves. Among 192 patients analyzed, 105 (54.7%) had high expression of EMI2, and this was significantly associated with shortened disease free survival and overall survival in breast cancer patients. EMI2 expression was significantly associated with tumor grade (P = .006), tumor size (P < .001), and lymph node metastasis (P = .008). However, there was no significant correlation between EMI2 status and other biomarkers including ER, PR and Her2 status. Our results revealed that elevated EMI2 expression is a risk factor (hazard ratio = 3.93) for breast cancer and overexpression of EMI2 in breast cancer predicts higher risk of metastasis and worse survival. Therefore, EMI2 may be a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer.
Measuring engagement in a collaborative learning health system: The case ofImproveCareNow
Authors: Hartley David M. , Keck Christian , Havens Mary , Margolis Peter A. , Seid Michael
Published: April 2020

Background

Collaborative learning health systems have demonstrated improved outcomes for a range of different chronic conditions. Patient and healthcare provider engagement in these systems is thought to be associated with improved outcomes. We have adapted an observational framework to measure, and track over time, engagement in ImproveCareNow, a collaborative learning health system for children with inflammatory bowel disease.

Introduction

We developed a categorical classification scheme for engagement in ImproveCareNow. Each tier is defined in terms of observable individual behaviors. When an individual completes one or more qualifying behavior, s/he is classified as engaged at that tier. Individuals are entered into a database, which is accessible to care centers throughout the ImproveCareNow network. Database records include fields for individual name, behavior type, time, place, and level of engagement.

Results

The resulting system is employed at 79 ImproveCareNow care centers in the United States. The system recognizes four levels of engagement. Behaviors are recorded in a managed vocabulary and recorded in an online database. The database is queried weekly for individual engagement behaviors, which are tracked longitudinally. Center‐ and network‐level statistics are generated and disseminated to stakeholders.

Conclusion

It is possible to monitor longitudinal engagement in a collaborative learning health system, thereby charting progress toward engagement goals and enabling quantitative evaluation of interventions aimed at increasing engagement.
A protocol for recombinant protein quantification by densitometry
Authors: Alonso Villela Susana María , Kraïem Hazar , Bouhaouala‐Zahar Balkiss , Bideaux Carine , Aceves Lara César Arturo , Fillaudeau Luc
Published: April 2020

The protein purity is generally checked using SDS‐PAGE, where densitometry could be used to quantify the protein bands. In literature, few studies have been reported using image analysis for the quantification of protein in SDS‐PAGE: that is, imaged with Stain‐Free™ technology. This study presents a protocol of image analysis for electrophoresis gels that allows the quantification of unknown proteins using the molecular weight markers as protein standards. Escherichia coli WK6/pHEN6 encoding the bispecific nanobody CH10‐12 engineered by the Pasteur Institute of Tunisia was cultured in a bioreactor and induced with isopropyl β‐D‐1‐thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) at 28°C for 12 hr. Periplasmic proteins extracted by osmotic shock were purified by immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC). Images of the SDS‐PAGE gels were analyzed using ImageJ, and the lane profiles were obtained in grayscale and uncalibrated optical density. Protein load and peak area were linearly correlated, and optimal image processing was then performed by background subtraction using the rolling ball algorithm with radius size 250 pixels. No brightness and contrast adjustment was applied. The production of the nanobody CH10‐12 was obtained through a fed‐batch strategy and quantified using the band of 50 kDa in the marker as reference for 750 ng of recombinant protein. The molecular weight marker was used as a sole protein standard for protein quantification in SDS‐PAGE gel images.
Green High‐Power Disk Lasers and Industrial Applications
Authors: Tomcic Lazar , Rettich Thomas , Zäh Michael F.
Published: April 2020

In the publicly‐funded ProLasKu project, the laser manufacturer Trumpf has developed a high‐power laser with a wavelength of 515 nm. Substantial progress in the industrial applications of green lasers has been achieved in a cooperation between the Technical University of Munich and the companies Siemens and Continental. In addition, a camera‐based system for process monitoring and quality assurance in real‐time based on image processing methods has been developed.
Efficient and High‐Brightness Broad Area Laser Diodes Designed for High‐Temperature Operation
Authors: Hülsewede Ralf , Zorn Martin
Published: April 2020

Semiconductor laser diodes, manufactured as single emitters or laser bars, are highly desired light sources for direct material processing as well as optical pumping of fiber and solid‐state lasers. Laser diodes feature high optical output power and efficiency, long lifetimes, low maintenance and consequently low cost of ownership. To improve the usability and extend the application spectrum of high‐power laser diodes, relaxed cooling requirements ‐‐ without compromise in laser performance and lifetime ‐‐ are required. Therefore, great development efforts are made, both in externally and internally funded research projects, to push the maximum permissible operating temperature of such semiconductor laser diodes to higher levels.
Hyperspectral Imaging is Conquering the Industry
Authors: Stiefenhöfer Peter
Published: April 2020

Conventional image processing systems have become established in automation in industrial applications in recent years. Machines that can ‘see’ can do more than systems without image processing, and this knowledge has now become established among developers and designers. While conventional 2D and 3D vision systems check the quality of objects by recognizing certain error features on the surface, hyperspectral imaging (HSI) goes one step further: with the help of this technology, spectroscopic analysis of objects can be carried out in order to determine organic or inorganic impurities ‐‐ not only on the surface, but also partly inside the inspected materials.
New strategies for synthesis of amino‐functionalized poly(propylene carbonate) over SalenCo(III)Cl catalyst
Authors: Tong Yutao , Cheng Ruihua , Yu Lingling , Liu Boping
Published: April 2020

New strategies for synthesis of amino‐functionalized poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) were applied by terpolymerization of carbon dioxide, propylene oxide, with (a) N‐(2,3‐epoxypropyl)‐2‐phthalimide (Monomer A)/N‐(2‐oxiranylmethyl)‐1 or (b) N‐(2‐oxiranylmethyl)‐1,1‐dimethylethyl ester (Monomer B) over SalenCo(III)Cl/PPNCl catalysts system, followed by the removal of the respective protecting groups. The SalenCo(III)Cl presented high activity and yielded the terpolymer with high polycarbonate selectivity, carbonate linkage content, as well as high head‐to‐tail stereoregularity (>99%). In terpolymerization, the Monomer A contents in PPC‐Pht were easily regulated up to 12.0 mol%. However, the protecting groups could not be completely removed because of the degradation of PPC‐NH2‐A during the deprotection process. Meanwhile, when terpolymerization with Monomer B, PPC‐butoxy carbonyl was obtained varied the Monomer B contents from 1.3 to 4.5 mol%, and could be transformed completely into the amino‐functionalized PPC‐NH2‐B without significant backbone degradation. The contact angles of the functionalized PPC‐NH2s prepared by two strategies showed the expected increase in hydrophilicity with the increasing content of amino entities.
Learning from concurrent adaptive management in multiple catchments within a large environmental flows program in Australia
Authors: Watts Robyn J. , Dyer Fiona , Frazier Paul , Gawne Ben , Marsh Paul , Ryder Darren S. , Southwell Mark , Wassens Skye M. , Webb James A. , Ye Qifeng
Published: April 2020

Adaptive management is central to improving outcomes of environmental water delivery. The Australian Government's Murray−Darling Basin (MDB) Plan 2012 explicitly states that adaptive management should be applied in the planning, prioritisation and use of environmental water. A Long Term Intervention Monitoring (LTIM) program was established in 2014 to evaluate responses to environmental water delivery for seven Areas within the MDB, with evaluation also undertaken at the Basin scale. Adaptive management at the Area scale was assessed using two approaches: (a) through a reflective exercise undertaken by researchers, water managers and community members and (b) through an independent review and evaluation of the program, where relevant reports were reviewed and managers and researchers involved in the LTIM program were interviewed. Both assessment approaches revealed that the scale of management actions influenced the extent to which learnings were incorporated into subsequent actions. Although there were many examples where learnings within an Area had been used to adaptively manage subsequent environmental water deliveries within that Area, there was inconsistent documentation of the processes for incorporating learnings into decision making. Although this likely limited the sharing of learnings, there were also examples where learnings from one Area had influenced environmental water management in another, suggesting that sharing between concurrent projects can increase learning. The two assessments identified ways to improve and systematically document the adaptive management learnings. With improved processes to increase reflection, documentation and sharing of learnings across projects, there is an opportunity to improve management of environmental water and ecosystem outcomes.
Delaunay triangulation‐based spatial colocation pattern mining without distance thresholds
Authors: Tran Vanha , Wang Lizhen
Published: April 2020

A spatial colocation pattern is a group of spatial features whose instances frequently appear together in close proximity to each other. The proximity of instances is generally measured by the distance between them. If the distance is smaller than a distance threshold that is specified by users, they have a neighbor relationship. However, it is difficult for users to give a suitable distance threshold and mining results also vary widely with different distance thresholds. In addition, using distance thresholds are hard to accurately obtain neighborhoods of instances in heterogeneous distribution density data sets. In this study, we propose a new method for determining the neighbor relationship of instances in space without the distance threshold based on Delaunay triangulation (DT). We design three filtering strategies, such as a feature invalid edge, a global positive edge, and a local positive edge, to constrain the original DT to accurately extract the neighborhoods of instances in space. Then, a miner called DT‐based colocation (DTC) pattern mining is developed. Different from the traditional algorithms which adopt the time‐consuming generate‐test candidate model, DTC directly collects the table instances of colocation patterns from the constrained DT by building neighboring polygons and filters prevalent patterns. We compare the results mined by DTC with by the traditional algorithms at macrolevel and microlevel on both real and synthetic data sets to prove that the DTC algorithm improves the effectiveness and fineness of mining results.
Extending inferences from a randomized trial to a new target population
Authors: Dahabreh Issa J. , Robertson Sarah E. , Steingrimsson Jon A. , Stuart Elizabeth A. , Hernán Miguel A.
Published: April 2020

When treatment effect modifiers influence the decision to participate in a randomized trial, the average treatment effect in the population represented by the randomized individuals will differ from the effect in other populations. In this tutorial, we consider methods for extending causal inferences about time‐fixed treatments from a trial to a new target population of nonparticipants, using data from a completed randomized trial and baseline covariate data from a sample from the target population. We examine methods based on modeling the expectation of the outcome, the probability of participation, or both (doubly robust). We compare the methods in a simulation study and show how they can be implemented in software. We apply the methods to a randomized trial nested within a cohort of trial‐eligible patients to compare coronary artery surgery plus medical therapy versus medical therapy alone for patients with chronic coronary artery disease. We conclude by discussing issues that arise when using the methods in applied analyses.
Trilateration‐based indoor localization engineering technique for visible light communication system
Authors: Naz Ayesha , M. Asif Hafiz , Umer Tariq , Ayub Shahid , Al‐Turjman Fadi
Published: April 2020

This article is aimed at designing positioning system using visible light communication technology by incorporating three different diversity schemes, namely, transmit diversity (TD), receive diversity (RD), and angle diversity. For the TD, multiple transmitters with single receiver (MISO) is used to obtain the target location using frequency division multiplexing (FDM) and variable phase approach. To deploy RD, the proposed system comprises multiple receivers and single transmitter (SIMO). Only one transmitter's absolute coordinates are required to obtain the location coordinates of optical receivers. FDM and time division multiplexing access schemes have been utilized to transmit the unique signals by light‐emitting diodes (LEDs). To implement angle diversity, orientation of transmitter and receiver is considered for positioning purposes. Under this environment, there is no constraint for the LEDs to be installed on ceiling; they can be at any point within the room or at different heights. The information regarding spherical coordinates (representing the orientation) of LEDs (single or multiple) is used to determine the coordinates or the orientation of receiver having multiple or single photodiodes, respectively. Under multiple orientations, this system is analyzed with both scenarios, that is, MISO and
SIMO.
Autoradiographic mapping of synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A in non‐human primate and human brain
Authors: Varnäs Katarina , Stepanov Vladimir , Halldin Christer
Published: April 2020

Synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) has been previously characterized as an imaging biomarker for assessment of synaptic density in positron emission tomography (PET) studies of patients with neurological conditions. To provide detailed maps of the brain localization of SV2A autoradiography studies were carried out using the SV2A radioligand [11C]UCB‐J and whole hemisphere sections of non‐human primate (NHP) and human brain. Binding of [11C]UCB‐J was observed in all evaluated grey matter structures of the primate brain, with highest density in the caudate nucleus and cortex and lowest density in pons and globus pallidus. The density of [11C]UCB‐J binding sites in human brain showed a good correlation with that in NHP brain. Binding of [11C]UCB‐J in the white matter was very low relative to that in grey matter containing structures and was only inhibited to a minor extent by co‐incubation with a saturating concentration of unlabelled UCB‐J. The high‐resolution images obtained in the present study may aid the interpretation of data acquired in human subjects examined using [11C]UCB‐J in PET studies. In addition, observation of low binding for [11C]UCB‐J in white matter (centrum semiovale) supports that this structure can be used as a reference region for quantitative analysis of [11C]UCB‐J PET data.
Differential network analysis: A statistical perspective
Authors: Shojaie Ali
Published: April 2020

Networks effectively capture interactions among components of complex systems, and have thus become a mainstay in many scientific disciplines. Growing evidence, especially from biology, suggest that networks undergo changes over time, and in response to external stimuli. In biology and medicine, these changes have been found to be predictive of complex diseases. They have also been used to gain insight into mechanisms of disease initiation and progression. Primarily motivated by biological applications, this article provides a review of recent statistical machine learning methods for inferring networks and identifying changes in their structures.

This article is categorized under:

Data: Types and Structure > Graph and Network Data

Statistical Models > Graphical Models
Chebyshev collocation technique for vibration analysis of sandwich cylindrical shells with metal foam core
Authors: Wang Yan Qing , Ye Chao , Zhu Junguang
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we present vibration analysis of a metal foam core sandwich cylindrical thin shell via the Chebyshev collocation method. Three types of metal foam core are taken into account. The governing equations are derived using Hamilton's principle and the Kirchhoff‐Love shell theory. Then, the Chebyshev collocation method is developed to evaluate natural frequencies of the metal foam core sandwich cylindrical shell under various boundary conditions. Results show that the Chebyshev collocation method possesses high accuracy. Moreover, the Sym‐1 metal foam core leads to the largest stiffness of the shell while the Sym‐2 metal foam core leads to the smallest stiffness. The effects of porosity coefficient and core thickness are also highlighted on the vibration characteristics of the metal foam core sandwich cylindrical shell.
Shifts in the Security Environment
Authors: Hirsch Ballin Ernst , Dijstelbloem Huub , de Goede Peter
Published: April 2020

The Netherlands’ security and defence policy is entering a crucial phase. Since the end of the Cold War and the ensuing apparent supremacy of American hegemony, the geopolitical force field has changed radically. The last decade has seen the emergence of a multipolar world which is creating increasing tensions that directly affect the Netherlands. This new order calls for a strategic analysis of the security environment on the basis of which defence policy, and more specifically the role of the armed forces, can be formulated.
Non-perturbative definition of the QCD energy-momentum tensor on the lattice
Authors: Dalla Brida Mattia , Giusti Leonardo , Pepe Michele
Published: April 2020

Abstract

We present a strategy to define non-perturbatively the energy-momentum tensor in Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) which satisfies the appropriate Ward identities and has the right trace anomaly. The tensor is defined by regularizing the theory on a lattice, and by fixing its renormalization constants non-perturbatively by suitable Ward identities associated to the Poincaré invariance of the continuum theory. The latter are derived in thermal QCD with a non-zero imaginary chemical potential formulated in a moving reference frame. A renormalization group analysis leads to simple renormalization- group-invariant definitions of the gluonic and fermionic contributions to either the singlet or the non-singlet components of the tensor, and therefore of their form factors among physical states. The lattice discussion focuses on the Wilson discretization of quark fields but the strategy is general. Specific to that case, we also carry out the analysis for the on-shell O(a)-improvement of the energy-momentum tensor. The renormalization and improvement programs profit from the fact that, as shown here, the thermal theory enjoys de-facto automatic O(a)-improvement at finite temperature. The validity of the proposal is scrutinized analytically by a study to 1-loop order in lattice perturbation theory with shifted and twisted (for quarks only) boundary conditions. The latter provides also additional useful insight for a precise non-perturbative calculation of the renormalization constants. The strategy proposed here is accessible to Monte Carlo computations, and in this sense it provides a practical way to define non-perturbatively the energy-momentum tensor in QCD.
Traditionelle Chinesische Medizin (TCM) – vom Mythos zur Evidenz
Authors: Hempen Carl-Hermann , Hummelsberger Josef
Published: April 2020

Die Traditionelle Chinesische Medizin (TCM) ist heute das umfassendste, weltweit am weitesten verbreitete traditionelle Medizinsystem.

Ursprünglich erschien die TCM in unserem westlichen Kontext als ein seltsames, mythologisches Gebilde, jedoch wurde durch die Überwindung der sprachlichen Hürden ein Verständnis möglich. Physiologie, Diagnostik und die klinische Anwendung wurden anwendbar und validierbar.

Im Jahr 1998 wurde durch das US-amerikanische National Insitute of Health erstmals eine Konsensuskonferenz zur Akupunktur durchgeführt. Seither werden Akupunktur und die TCM allgemein durch methodologisch gute Studien erforscht. Für die Akupunktur gibt es bereits Evidenz für die Wirksamkeit über Schmerztherapie und Allergie hinaus. Auch werden die Wirkmechanismen der Akupunktur bspw. durch Studien mit funktioneller Magnetresonanztomographie (fMRT) besser verstanden.

Auch für die chinesische Arzneitherapie (TCA) gibt es für einige Bereiche positive Metaanalysen und Studien. Hier besteht aber noch in großem Umfang Forschungsbedarf. Es zeigen sich Chancen für die Entwicklung neuer Medikamente und Rezepturen für die (Begleit‑)Behandlung im Bereich von Infekten, Autoimmunkrankheiten, Krebs, Stoffwechsel- sowie dermatologischen und gastrointestinalen Krankheiten.

Für die weitere Evaluierung der TCM, aber auch für eine integrative, kritische Anwendung in der Praxis der TCM ist eine fundierte Ausbildung von Ärzten dringend erforderlich, eine weitere Institutionalisierung ist für die Patientensicherheit und Orientierung geboten.

Die TCM scheint aus der Grauzone des rein Mystischen herausgetreten zu sein, sie kann Chancen für eine bessere Patientenversorgung bieten. In vielen Teilen besteht und wächst die Evidenz für TCM, es ist aber weiter dringend umfassende Forschung erforderlich. Diese sollte unabhängig gefördert werden.
Surface carboxylation or PEGylation decreases CuO nanoparticles’ cytotoxicity to human cells in vitro without compromising their antibacterial properties
Authors: Kubo Anna-Liisa , Vasiliev Grigory , Vija Heiki , Krishtal Jekaterina , Tõugu Vello , Visnapuu Meeri , Kisand Vambola , Kahru Anne , Bondarenko Olesja M.
Published: April 2020

Clinical use of CuO nanoparticles (NPs) as antibacterials can be hampered by their toxicity to human cells. We hypothesized that certain surface functionalizations of CuO NPs may render NPs toxic to bacteria, but still be relatively harmless to human cells. To control this hypothesis, the toxicity of differently functionalized CuO NPs to bacteria Escherichia coli vs human cells (THP-1 macrophages and HACAT keratinocytes) was compared using similar conditions and end points. CuO NPs functionalized with polyethylene glycol (CuO–PEG), carboxyl (CuO–COOH, anionic), ammonium (CuO–NH4+, cationic) and unfunctionalized CuO NPs and CuSO4 (controls) were tested. In general, the toxicity of Cu compounds decreased in the following order: CuO–NH4+ > unfunctionalized CuO > CuSO4 > CuO–COOH > CuO–PEG. Positively charged unfunctionalized CuO and especially CuO–NH4+ proved most toxic (24-h EC50 = 21.7–47 mg/l) and had comparable toxicity to bacterial and mammalian cells. The multivariate analysis revealed that toxicity of these NPs was mostly attributed to their positive zeta potential, small hydrodynamic size, high Cu dissolution, and induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and TNF-α. In contrast, CuO–COOH and CuO–PEG NPs had lower toxicity to human cells compared to bacteria despite efficient uptake of these NPs by human cells. In addition, these NPs did not induce TNF-α and ROS. Thus, by varying the NP functionalization and Cu form (soluble salt vs NPs), it was possible to “target” the toxicity of Cu compounds, whereas carboxylation and PEGylation rendered CuO NPs that were more toxic to bacteria than to human cells envisaging their use in medical antibacterial products.
Targeted next-generation sequencing identified novel mutations associated with hereditary anemias in Brazil
Authors: Svidnicki M. C. C. M. , Zanetta G. K. , Congrains-Castillo A. , Costa F. F. , Saad S. T. O.
Published: April 2020

Hereditary anemias are a group of heterogeneous disorders including hemolytic anemias and hyporegenerative anemias, as congenital dyserythropoietic anemia (CDA). Causative mutations occur in a wide range of genes leading to deficiencies in red cell production, structure, or function. The genetic screening of the main genes is important for timely diagnosis, since routine laboratory tests fail in a percentage of the cases, appropriate treatment decisions, and genetic counseling purposes. A conventional gene-by-gene sequencing approach is expensive and highly time-consuming, due to the genetic complexity of these diseases. To overcome this problem, we customized a targeted sequencing panel covering 35 genes previously associated to red cell disorders. We analyzed 36 patients, and potentially pathogenic variants were identified in 26 cases (72%). Twenty variants were novel. Remarkably, mutations in the SPTB gene (β-spectrin) were found in 34.6% of the patients with hereditary spherocytosis (HS), suggesting that SPTB is a major HS gene in the Southeast of Brazil. We also identified two cases with dominant HS presenting null mutations in trans with α-LELY in SPTA1 gene. This is the first comprehensive genetic analysis for hereditary anemias in the Brazilian population, contributing to a better understanding of the genetic basis and phenotypic consequences of these rare conditions in our population.
Combining two grading systems: the clinical validity and inter-observer variability of the 1973 and 2004 WHO bladder cancer classification systems assessed in a UK cohort with 15 years of prospective follow-up
Authors: Mariappan Paramananthan , Fineron Paul , O’Donnell Marie , Gailer Ruth M. , Watson David J. , Smith Gordon , Grigor Kenneth M.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Paucity of reliable long-term data on the prognostic implications of the 2004 WHO bladder cancer classification system necessitates utilisation of both this and the 1973 grading systems. This study evaluated, in noninvasive (pTa) bladder tumours, the prognostic value of the 2004 system independently and in combination with the 1973 system while establishing concordance between tertiary centre uropathologists.

Methods

We used a cohort of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) patients diagnosed between 1991 and 93 where tumour features were gathered prospectively with detailed cystoscopic follow-up data recorded over 15 years. Initial grading was by one senior expert uropathologist (UP1) using the 1973 WHO classification alone. Subsequently, two other expert uropathologists (UP2 and UP3), blinded to the previous grading, re-evaluated the pathology slides and graded the tumours using both the 1973 and 2004 systems. Association between grade and recurrence/progression was analysed and the Cohen Kappa test assessed concordance between pathologists.

Results

Of 370 new NMIBC, 229 were staged noninvasive (pTa). Recurrence rates were 46.2% and 50.0% for LGPUC (low-grade papillary urothelial carcinoma) and HGPUC (high-grade papillary urothelial carcinoma), respectively, while progression was seen in 3.9% and 10.0% of LGPUC and HGPUC, respectively. Concordance between uropathologists UP2 and UP3 for the 2004 and 1973 systems was good (Kappa = 0.69) and fair (Kappa = 0.25), respectively.

Conclusions

With good inter-observer concordance, the 2004 WHO classification system of noninvasive bladder tumours appears to accurately predict recurrence and progression risks. The combination of both grading systems to low-grade tumours allows further refinement of the natural history.
Multiple environmental controls explain global patterns in soil animal communities
Authors: Johnston Alice S. A. , Sibly Richard M.
Published: April 2020

Soil animals play important roles in ecosystem functioning and stability, but the environmental controls on their communities are not fully understood. In this study, we compiled a dataset of soil animal communities for which the abundance and body mass of multiple soil animal groups were recorded. The mass–abundance scaling relationships were then used to investigate multiple environmental controls on soil animal community composition. The data reveal latitudinal shifts from high abundances of small soil animals at high latitudes to greater relative abundances of large soil animals at low latitudes. A hierarchical linear mixed effects model was applied to reveal the environmental variables shaping these latitudinal trends. The final hierarchical model identified mean annual temperature, soil pH and soil organic carbon content as key environmental controls explaining global mass–abundance scaling relationships in soil animal communities (R2c = 0.828, Ngroup = 117). Such relationships between soil biota with climate and edaphic conditions have been previously identified for soil microbial, but not soil animal, communities at a global scale. More comprehensive global soil community datasets are needed to better understand the generality of these relationships over a broader range of global ecosystems and soil animal groups.
A Unified Model and Algorithms for Temporal Map Labeling
Authors: Gemsa Andreas , Niedermann Benjamin , Nöllenburg Martin
Published: April 2020

We consider map labeling for the case that a map undergoes a sequence of operations such as rotation, zoom and translation over a specified time span. We unify and generalize several previous models for dynamic map labeling into one versatile and flexible model. In contrast to previous research, we completely abstract from the particular operations and express the labeling problem as a set of time intervals representing the labels’ presences, activities and conflicts. One of the model’s strength is manifested in its simplicity and broad range of applications. In particular, it supports label selection both for map features with fixed position as well as for moving entities (e.g., for tracking vehicles in logistics or air traffic control). We study the active range maximization problem in this model. We prove that the problem is -complete and [1]-hard, and present constant-factor approximation algorithms. In the restricted, yet practically relevant case that no more than k labels can be active at any time, we give polynomial-time algorithms as well as constant-factor approximation algorithms.
Heterogeneous effects of graduates’ international mobility on employers’ hiring intentions—experimental evidence from Germany
Authors: Petzold Knut
Published: April 2020

International student mobility (ISM) is considered increasingly important for professional careers. Referring to theories of human capital and job market signalling, we assume that different forms of ISM experience can serve as signals for general, specific and transnational human capital. To test this idea, we use a factorial survey experiment to investigate the weights HR managers of German employers allocate to ISM experience in hiring decisions, both generally and conditionally to other characteristics of the application. A screening situation was simulated by randomly presenting hypothetical applicants, thereby systematically varying ISM experience (no experience, private sojourn, studying abroad, internship abroad) and other graduates’ characteristics ascribed and achieved. In contrast to the usual graduate and employer surveys, the experimental approach allows us to investigate employers’ evaluations directly while capturing problems of endogeneity. Results show that while an internship abroad is more rewarded by employers than studying abroad or a private sojourn, good grades and occupation-specific professional experience are still the most important. Though the effects of ISM experience are partly independent of those of other characteristics, graduates with migration background and those with a master’s degree benefit less from ISM experience. Moreover, ISM experience is more rewarded by employers who operate in international contexts. Overall, the analysis uncovers a heterogeneous signalling power of ISM experience, conditional to different types of human capital and to characteristics of applicants and employers.
Kappa coefficients for dichotomous-nominal classifications
Authors: Warrens Matthijs J.
Published: April 2020

Two types of nominal classifications are distinguished, namely regular nominal classifications and dichotomous-nominal classifications. The first type does not include an ‘absence’ category (for example, no disorder), whereas the second type does include an ‘absence’ category. Cohen’s unweighted kappa can be used to quantify agreement between two regular nominal classifications with the same categories, but there are no coefficients for assessing agreement between two dichotomous-nominal classifications. Kappa coefficients for dichotomous-nominal classifications with identical categories are defined. All coefficients proposed belong to a one-parameter family. It is studied how the coefficients for dichotomous-nominal classifications are related and if the values of the coefficients depend on the number of categories. It turns out that the values of the new kappa coefficients can be strictly ordered in precisely two ways. The orderings suggest that the new coefficients are measuring the same thing, but to a different extent. If one accepts the use of magnitude guidelines, it is recommended to use stricter criteria for the new coefficients that tend to produce higher values.
Cardiotoxicities of 5-Fluorouracil and Other Fluoropyrimidines
Authors: Shiga Taro , Hiraide Makoto
Published: April 2020

Opinion statement

Fluoropyrimidine (FP) is used to treat a wide range of cancers; however, it is associated with drug-induced vascular toxicity, as well as angina pectoris and coronary spasm. FP has been administered for many years, although the incidence, mechanisms, and appropriate methods for managing its associated cardiovascular toxicities have not been clarified, and the management of these complications has not been standardized. This lack of evidence is not limited to FP. Many trials of anticancer agents have been conducted, excluding patients with heart diseases. Hence, there is a paucity of epidemiological data on cardiovascular adverse events caused by anticancer agents. There have been remarkable improvements in cancer treatment in recent years, with consequent improvements in prognosis. In this context, new cardiovascular toxicities related to new drugs have emerged. We are now compelled to respond to cardiovascular adverse events despite the lack of evidence regarding optimal management. The result has been establishment and rapid maturation of the new academic field of cardio-oncology. Despite the relative lack of evidence, we must review small pieces of evidence that have accumulated to date and make the utmost efforts to provide patients with effective evidence-based medical care. Simultaneously, we urgently need randomized clinical trials to build strong evidence.
Paley–Wiener properties for spaces of entire functions
Authors: Nabizadeh Elmira , Pfeuffer Christine , Toft Joachim
Published: April 2020

We deduce Paley–Wiener results in the Bargmann setting. At the same time we deduce characterisations of Pilipović spaces of low orders. In particular we improve the characterisation of the Gröchenig test function space $$\mathcal {H}_{\flat _1}=\mathcal {S}_C$$

H

♭
1

=

S
C

, deduced in Toft (J Pseudo-Differ Oper Appl 8:83–139, 2017).
Combined quantitative microscopy on the microstructure and phase evolution in Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3 ceramics
Authors: Gunduz Deniz Cihan , Schierholz Roland , Yu Shicheng , Tempel Hermann , Kungl Hans , Eichel Rüdiger-A.
Published: April 2020

Lithium aluminum titanium phosphate (LATP) is one of the materials under consideration as an electrolyte in future all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries. In ceramic processing, the presence of secondary phases and porosity play an important role. In a presence of more than one secondary phase and pores, image analysis must tackle the difficulties about distinguishing between these microstructural features. In this study, we study the phase evolution of LATP ceramics sintered at temperatures between 950 and 1100 °C by image segmentation based on energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) elemental maps combined with quantitative analysis of LATP grains. We found aluminum phosphate (AlPO4) and another phosphate phase ((Lix)PyOz). The amount of these phases changes with sintering temperature. First, since the grains act as an aluminum source for AlPO4 formation, the aluminum content in the LATP grains decreases. Second, the amount of secondary phase changes from more (Lix)PyOz at 950 °C to mainly AlPO4 at 1100 °C sintering temperature. We also used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) to study the evolution of the LATP grains and AlPO4, and LATP grain size increases with sintering temperature. In addition, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used for the determination of grain boundary width and to identify the amorphous structure of AlPO4.
Fabrication, microstructure, and properties of SiC/Al4SiC4 multiphase ceramics via an in-situ formed liquid phase sintering
Authors: Liu Junwen , Zhou Xiaobing , Tatarko Peter , Yuan Qin , Zhang Lan , Wang Hongjie , Huang Zhengren , Huang Qing
Published: April 2020

The SiC/Al4SiC4 composites with the improved mechanical properties and thermal conductivity were fabricated by the in-situ reaction of polycarbosilane (PCS) and Al powders using spark plasma sintering. The addition of 5 wt% yttrium (Y) sintering additive was useful to obtain fully dense samples after sintering at a relatively low temperature of 1650 °C, due to the formation of a liquid phase during sintering. The average particle size of the in-situ formed SiC was ~300 nm. The fracture toughness (4.9 MP·m1/2), Vickers hardness (16.3 GPa), and thermal conductivity (15.8 W/(m·K)) of the SiC/Al4SiC4 composite sintered at 1650 °C were significantly higher than the hardness (13.2 GPa), fracture toughness (2.16 MPa·m1/2), and thermal conductivity (7.8 W/(m·K)) of the monolithic Al4SiC4 ceramics. The improved mechanical and thermal properties of the composites were attributed to the high density, fine grain size, as well as the optimized grain boundary structure of the SiC/Al4SiC4 composites.
Enhanced dielectric and electrocaloric properties in lead-free rod-like BCZT ceramics
Authors: Hanani Zouhair , Merselmiz Soukaina , Danine Abdelaadim , Stein Nicolas , Mezzane Daoud , Amjoud M’barek , Lahcini Mohammed , Gagou Yaovi , Spreitzer Matjaz , Vengust Damjan , Kutnjak Zdravko , El Marssi Mimoun , Luk’yanchuk Igor A. , Gouné Mohamed
Published: April 2020

Ba0.85Ca0.15Zr0.10Ti0.90O3 (BCZT) lead-free ceramics demonstrated excellent dielectric, ferroelectric, and piezoelectric properties at the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB). So far, to study the effect of morphological changes on dielectric and ferroelectric properties in lead-free BCZT ceramics, researchers have mostly focused on the influence of spherical grain shape change. In this study, BCZT ceramics with rod-like grains and aspect ratio of about 10 were synthesized by surfactant-assisted solvothermal route. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) performed at room temperature confirm the crystallization of pure perovskite with tetragonal symmetry. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image showed that BCZT ceramics have kept the 1D rod-like grains with an average aspect ratio of about 4. Rod-like BCZT ceramics exhibit enhanced dielectric ferroelectric (ɛr = 11,906, tanδ = 0.014, Pr = 6.01 μgC/cm2, and Ec = 2.46 kV/cm), and electrocaloric properties (ΔT = 0.492 K and gZ = 0.289 (K·mm)/kV at 17 kV/cm) with respect to spherical BCZT ceramics. Therefore, rod-like BCZT lead-free ceramics have good potential to be used in solid-state refrigeration technology.