bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and characterization of a novel 5‐hydroxytryptamine receptor in the sea cucumberApostichopus japonicus(Selenka)
Authors: Zhang Bing , Yang Jing‐Wen , Han Tao , Huang De‐Xiang , Zhao Zi‐Hao , Feng Jia‐Qian , Zhou Nai‐Ming , Xie Hong‐Qing , Wang Tian‐Ming
Published: March 2021

Serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine [5‐HT]) receptors (5‐HTRs) mediate neuroendocrine signaling via interactions with the ligand serotonin (5‐HT). The 5‐HT signaling system has been well studied in vertebrates, but rarely known in invertebrate animals, especially in the marine invertebrates. In this study, we identified and characterized a novel 5‐HTR from the sea cucumberApostichopus japonicus(Aj5‐HT4/6). The cloned Aj5‐HT4/6open reading frame comprised 1290 bp and encoded 429 amino acids. Bioinformatic analysis of the receptor indicated that it was a member of the class A of the G protein‐coupled receptor family. Further experiments using Aj5‐HT4/6‐transfected HEK293 cells demonstrated that treatment with 5‐HT could induce rapid internalization of Aj5‐HT4/6fused with enhanced green fluorescent protein from the cell surface into the cytoplasm and triggered a significant increase in levels of the second messenger cAMP as well as mitogen‐activated protein kinase phosphorylation in a 5‐HT dose‐dependent manner. Quantitative real time‐polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that Aj5‐HT4/6was predominantly expressed in the muscle and respiratory tree, and its expression was significantly decreased during estivation. Taken together, these results imply that Aj5‐HT4/6is potentially involved in the movement and metabolism of the sea cucumber.
Meeting movement quantity or quality return to sport criteria is associated with reduced second ACL injury rate
Authors: van Melick Nicky , Pronk Yvette , Nijhuis‐van der Sanden Maria , Rutten Sebastiaan , van Tienen Tony , Hoogeboom Thomas
Published: March 2021

The purposes of this prospective cohort study were (1) to assess if second anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury rate 2 years after ACL reconstruction (ACLR) in those who returned to pivoting sport was associated with meeting (a) quantitative return to sport (RTS) criteria, (b) qualitative RTS criteria, and (c) combined quantitative and qualitative RTS criteria, and (2) to determine why athletes did not return to their preinjury (level of) sport. Athletes after ACLR performed RTS tests immediately before RTS: seven movement quantity (strength and hop test battery) and two movement quality (countermovement jump with LESS score and hop‐and‐hold test) tests. A 2‐year postoperative questionnaire asked for RTS, reasons for not returning to the same (level of) sport and second ACL injuries. One hundred and forty‐four athletes (82%) completed the questionnaire and 97 of them returned to a pivoting sport. Seven of these athletes had a second ACL injury. Meeting the hop test battery RTS criterion (absolute risk reduction 11%; p = .047) and hop‐and‐hold test RTS criterion (absolute risk reduction 15%; p = .031) were both significantly associated with a reduced second ACL injury rate. Meeting combined RTS criteria were not significantly associated with second ACL injury rate. Therefore, RTS tests after ACLR should at least comprise a hop test battery or the hop‐and‐hold test to reduce second ACL injury risk after return to pivoting sport. Also, one‐third of all athletes mentioned fear of reinjury as the main reason for not returning to their preinjury (level of) sport. This psychological component should be taken seriously and discussed during rehabilitation.
Development and validation of a latent, multidimensional, self‐report periodontal disease measure
Authors: Wright Casey D. , Heaton Brenda , McNeil Daniel W.
Published: March 2021

Background

Self‐report measures of periodontal disease have utility for screening, but have not capitalized on a latent variable approach based on psychometric theory to validate such measures. This study aimed to develop a psychometrically valid self‐report measure of periodontal disease using latent variable factor analysis and other evidence‐based psychometric analyses.

Methods

Likert‐type items reflecting periodontal disease were administered to a sample of adults (n = 828) in the United States via an online survey. Items were adapted from prior self‐report measures or were newly developed based on psychometric item development theory and theoretical knowledge of periodontal disease. Psychometric analyses included exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, parallel analysis, and a calculation of internal consistency.

Results

Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was indicative of the goodness‐of‐fit with two factors (root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.08; comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.97; Tucker Lewis index (TLI) = 0.96; standardized root mean squared residual = 0.06); five of the 22 original survey questions were eliminated based on the results of this EFA. Parallel analysis supported a two‐factor model to represent the similarities across items—one factor reflecting physiologic components and another reflecting functional components of periodontal disease. Confirmatory Factor Analysis also indicated adequate model fit (RMSEA = 0.07; CFI = 0.98; TLI = 0.98; and weighted root mean square residual = 1.20).

Conclusions

Psychometric analyses of a new 17‐item periodontal disease self‐report measure provided initial evidence of construct/factor validity. This approach to developing self‐report periodontal disease measures may facilitate useful and cost‐effective estimates of periodontal disease and provide a testable scale. Future work should include clinical validation.
Controversies and consensus in transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME): Is it a valid choice for rectal cancer?
Authors: Jiang Tian‐Yu , Ma Jun‐Jun , Zheng Min‐Hua
Published: March 2021

Transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) is a novel approach to radical surgery for low rectal cancer. taTME is associated with the benefits of a higher rate of free distal resection margins (DRM) under direct visualization, better visualization of the mesorectal plane, and the feasibility of overcoming the restriction of the distal pelvis. Thus, it is increasingly used globally. In this review, we investigated whether taTME yields better short‐ and long‐term outcomes than laparoscopic TME.
Prognostic value of apical lymph node metastasis at the inferior mesenteric artery in sigmoid and rectal cancer patients who undergo laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Zhao Xuan , Ma Junjun , Fu Zhanwei , Hong Hiju , Zhang Luyang , Xue Pei , Cai Zhenghao , He Zirui , Zang Lu , Zheng Minhua
Published: March 2021

Background and Objectives

Evidence supporting the importance of apical lymph nodes (LNs) and the potential long‐term impact of LN metastases at the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) lymphectomy remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of LNs at the IMA (IMA‐LN) in sigmoid and rectal cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 265 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic sigmoid or rectal cancer surgery between August 2016 and May 2020. They were divided into two groups according to the pathological results of the IMA LNs: IMA‐LN negative (n = 248) and IMA‐LN positive (n = 17).

Results

The IMA‐LN negative group had significantly better overall survival (OS) (p = .020) and disease‐free survival (DFS) (p = .000) than did the IMA‐LN positive group. IMA‐LN metastasis was associated with worse OS and DFS regardless of the pN stage. Patients with IMA‐LN metastasis had a higher risk of postoperative recurrence, especially liver (p = .000) and lung (p = .025) metastasis, than did those without metastasis. However, there was no significant difference in the local recurrence rate between the two groups.

Conclusions

IMA‐LN metastasis is an independent risk factor for poor prognosis in sigmoid and rectal cancer. Dissecting and evaluating IMA‐LN separately is a more accurate and practical method for predicting prognosis.
Long‐term patient‐reported outcome measures following limb salvage with complex reconstruction or amputation in the treatment of upper extremity sarcoma
Authors: Hoftiezer Yannick A. J. , Lans Jonathan , van der Heijden Brigitte E. P. A. , Chen Neal C. , Eberlin Kyle R. , Lozano‐Calderón Santiago A.
Published: March 2021

Background and Objectives

This study compares long‐term patient‐reported outcomes between patients that underwent limb‐salvage surgery with complex reconstruction by free or pedicled flap (LS) or amputation. Additionally, the need for revision surgery is compared.

Methods

A total of 43 patients were studied at a median follow‐up of 9.54 years. Sixteen patients completed questionnaires regarding functional outcome and mental wellbeing. Functional outcomes were measured by using the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS), QuickDASH, and PROMIS Upper Extremity instruments. Mental wellbeing was assessed using the PROMIS Anxiety and Depression instruments. Revision surgery was assessed for the entire follow‐up.

Results

The median TESS scores were 96.0 versus 71.7 (p = 0.034) and the PROMIS Upper Extremity scores were 50.1 versus 40.3 (p = 0.039) for the LS and amputation cohorts, respectively. No significant difference was found regarding symptoms of anxiety (52.7 vs. 53.8; p = 0.587) or depression (52.0 vs. 50.5; p = 0.745). Of the patients in the LS cohort 51.6% required at least one reoperation compared to 8.33% in the amputation cohort.

Conclusions

LS surgery maintains functional benefits over amputation after almost a decade of follow‐up. Still, mental wellbeing seems to be comparable between these patients, whereas LS procedures are associated with a sixfold increased need for reoperations.
Fast analysis of alkaloids from different parts of Mahonia bealei (Fort.) Carr. studied for their anti‐Alzheimer's activity using supercritical fluid chromatography
Authors: Huang Yang , Wang Tiejie , Jiang Zhengjin
Published: March 2021

In this study, a rapid and highly efficient method was developed for the separation of eight isoquinoline alkaloids using supercritical fluid chromatography. The separation conditions were carefully optimized including stationary phases, additives, backpressure, and temperature. Compared to high‐performance liquid chromatography, the use of supercritical fluid chromatography could provide a 13 times faster separation. Subsequently, the method was validated and applied for the determination of eight alkaloids from different parts of Mahonia bealei (Fort.) Carr. (stem, root, leaf, and seed). The results indicated a good repeatability with relative standard deviations for overall precisions lower than 3.2%. The limit of detection was between 0.4 and 2.3 μg/mL while limit of quantitation ranged from 1.5 to 7.5 μg/mL. Recovery ranged from 95.7 to 102.5% indicating a validity of recovery. The content of total eight alkaloids was the highest in stem (66.0 μg/g) and root (65.1 μg/g) compared to leaf or seed. Moreover, anti‐acetylcholinesterase activity for those extracts was evaluated by Ellman's colorimetric assay. As a result, the acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of the extracted samples was in the following decreasing order: stem > root > leaf or seed. In conclusion, the results indicated that supercritical fluid chromatography could be a useful tool for quality control of Mahonia bealei (Fort.) Carr. containing alkaloids as active compounds.
Estimation of precipitation induced by tropical cyclones based on machine‐learning‐enhanced analogue identification of numerical prediction
Authors: Liu Yuan‐Yuan , Li Lei , Liu Ye‐Sen , Chan Pak‐Wai , Zhang Wen‐Hai , Zhang Li
Published: March 2021

A tropical cyclone (TC) is an extremely hazardous weather event. These events include heavy rain as an important hazard factor, which poses a serious threat to the public safety of coastal cities. Presently, numerical weather prediction (NWP) is an important and commonly used method to support the forecasting of the impact of TCs. However, relatively high uncertainty still remains in quantitative precipitation predictions provided by NWP, which makes it difficult to meet the demands of public safety management in regions affected by TCs. To remediate this deficiency, the study combines machine learning (ML) techniques with NWP and proposes a new analogue identification method for TC precipitation estimation. The method consists of three parts. First, the output data of historical NWPs, including wind, temperature, humidity of 850 hPa and sea‐level pressure field, are deposited into a massive sample library. Second, the dimensionality of the sample library is reduced by using the locally linear embedding (LLE) method, and a characteristic subspace containing the features of the original sample library is formed. Finally, when a new NWP prediction appears, it can be projected into the characteristic subspace, and the historical NWP sample having the greatest similarity with the current NWP prediction can be identified. The observational precipitation corresponding to the most similar historical NWP sample can then be used to estimate the potential impact of current TCs. This method is verified using observation results from the coastal city of Shenzhen, China. The results show that the prediction of the method proposed in the current study exhibited significant improvement compared with prediction results provided by both the NWP's direct output and a traditional method used in the city.
Early Enteral Nutrition in Mechanically Ventilated Patients With COVID‐19 Infection
Authors: Farina Nicholas , Nordbeck Sarah , Montgomery Michelle , Cordwin Laura , Blair Faith , Cherry‐Bukowiec Jill , Kraft Michael D. , Pleva Melissa R. , Raymond Erica
Published: March 2021

Background

Nutrition therapy is essential in critically ill adults. Little is known about appropriate nutrition therapy in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infection.

Methods

This was a retrospective, observational study in adult patients with confirmed COVID‐19 infection receiving mechanical ventilation. Data regarding patient demographics and nutrition therapy were collected. Patients that received enteral nutrition within 24 hours of starting mechanical ventilation were compared with patients starting enteral nutrition later. The primary outcome was inpatient length of stay. Propensity score matching was conducted to control for baseline differences in patient groups.

Results

One hundred fifty‐five patients were included in final analysis. Patients who received enteral nutrition within 24 hours received a significantly greater daily amount of calories (17.5 vs 15.2 kcal/kg, P = .015) and protein (1.04 vs 0.85 g/kg, P = .003). There was no difference in length of stay (18.5 vs 23.5 days, P = .37). The propensity score analysis included 100 patients. Following propensity scoring, significant differences in daily calorie (17.7 [4.6] vs 15.1 [5.1] kcal/kg/d, P = .009) and protein (1.03 [0.35] vs 0.86 [0.38] g/kg/d, P = .014) provision remained. No differences in length of stay or other outcomes were noted in the propensity score analysis.

Conclusion

Initiation of enteral nutrition within 24 hours was not associated with improved outcomes in mechanically ventilated adults with COVID‐19. No harm was detected either. Future research should seek to clarify optimal timing of enteral nutrition initiation in patients with COVID‐19 who require mechanical ventilation.
Has Ind‐AS adoption affected earnings management in India?
Authors: Himanshu  , Singh Jatinder P.
Published: March 2021

The current study provides empirical evidence on how Indian Accounting Standards (Ind‐AS hereinafter) adoption has affected earnings management (EM hereinafter) in India. The study uses the Beneish Model and Modified Jones model to detect EM. The sample of the study comprises 240 companies listed in the S&P BSE MidSmallCap index for the period 2013–2019. The results of the Modified Jones model reveal that Ind‐AS have no significant effect on EM. However, the Beneish model shows that all ratios except leverage index have a significant relationship with EM after Ind‐AS adoption. Nine industries out of 28 sample industries are suspectable to indulge in manipulating financial statements. The ratio of manipulators to nonmanipulators has grown after Ind‐AS adoption. The paper adds to the literature by examining the impact of new accounting standards on EM in an emerging economy. The findings of the study would be relevant to the public accounting bodies, regulators, accounting professionals, and the public at large.
Polypropylene/thermoplastic polyester elastomer blend: Crystallization properties, rheological behavior, and foaming performance
Authors: Liu Bujin , Jiang Tuanhui , Zeng Xiangbu , Deng Rong , Gu Jun , Gong Wei , He Li
Published: March 2021

The inherently linear polypropylene suffers unsatisfying foaming behavior due to its low melt strength. To overcome this drawback, polypropylene‐/polypropylene‐grafted glycidyl methacrylate/thermoplastic polyester elastomer (PP/PP‐g‐GMA/TPEE) blending foam is prepared by the chemical foaming method in this study. The foaming mechanism of blending was studied from the aspects of the rheological behavior and the crystallization property. The results show that TPEE disperses in the PP matrix with fine particles and forms ideal interfaces, which provide a large number of nucleation sites for the foaming process of blending, inducing heterogeneous nucleation. Both of the 15 wt% and 20 wt% TPEE‐modified PP composites show higher shear viscosity and obvious strain hardening behavior. It has been proved that the cross‐linking network structure formed by TPEE and PP‐g‐GMA reaction improves the melt strength. The cell size decreases from 37.6 to 24.8 μm, and the cell density increases from 2.9 × 106 cells/cm3to 2.5 × 107 cells/cm3. Compared with PP composites, the foaming window of the PP/PP‐g‐GMA/TPEE composites was widened.
Recycling of polyurethane wastes using different carboxylic acids via acidolysis to produce wood adhesives
Authors: Godinho Bruno , Gama Nuno , Barros‐Timmons Ana , Ferreira Artur
Published: March 2021

This study aims to provide further understanding on the depolymerization of polyurethanes (PU) via acidolysis. Therefore, polyurethane foams scraps are chemical recycled using different dicarboxylic acids, namely succinic and phthalic dicarboxylic acids, being the reaction products identified using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance and gel permeation chromatography. The results obtained show that succinic acid has higher efficiency as cleavage agent, as a result, the succinic acid ensuing recovered polyol (RP) presents higher hydroxyl value and lower viscosity. Additionally, from the oxidative‐induction time measurements, it is observed that the RP is considerably more thermally stable, than the petroleum‐based polyol, due to the higher content of aromatic moieties. Afterwards, the RP is used as substitute of petroleum‐based polyol in the production of polyurethane adhesives (PUA) and compared with conventional polyol based PUA. Due to the higher content of aromatic moieties, higher bonding strength is achieved using the RP. Overall, further understanding on the acidolysis is obtained, proving the suitability of this method for the recycling of PU.
Precision health in Alzheimer disease: Risk assessment‐based strategies
Authors: Azar Jihan , Salama Mohamed , Chidambaram Saravana Babu , Al‐Balushi Buthaina , Essa Musthafa Mohamed , Qoronfleh M. Walid
Published: March 2021

Alzheimer disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative condition that affects an individual's cognitive function over an extended period. Treatment and prevention for AD have long been sought after; however, no strategy has yet been successful, as individuals with cognitive impairment usually present to the clinic when they have reached an advanced stage of the disease. The disease is progressive and multifactorial in its pathogenesis. Precision medicine (PM) is the new era of medicine comprising a holistic approach in dealing with diseases. With scientific innovations, PM has improved our disease knowledge, altered diagnoses and therapy approaches resulting in a more precise, predictive, preventative and personalized patient care. PM in AD focuses, among other things, on stratifying individuals according to their risk factors of developing the disease and applying preventative strategies and personalized treatment approaches for a better outcome. In this mini‐review, we have focused on a few modifiable and non‐modifiable risk factors and presented recommendations for future consideration to implement.
The effectiveness of Max‐half‐Mchart over Max‐Mchart in simultaneously monitoring process mean and variability of individual observations
Authors: Kruba Rumaisa , Mashuri Muhammad , Prastyo Dedy Dwi
Published: March 2021

Control charts are widely used in industrial environments for the simultaneous or separate monitoring of the process mean and process variability. The Max‐Mchart is a multivariate Shewhart‐type simultaneous control chart that is used when monitoring subgroups. While this sampling design allows the computation of the generalized variance (GV) used to calculate the process variability, a GV chart cannot be plotted for individual observations. Hence, we cannot compute the single statistic in the Max‐Mchart. This study aims to overcome the aforementioned issue. To this end, first, we develop a new Max‐Mchart for individual observations by utilizing the statistic in the dispersion control chart. Second, instead of the standard normal distribution, we propose a new transformation using a half‐normal distribution to calculate the statistic for the process mean and process variability. Thus, the proposed chart is called the Max‐Half‐Mchart, whose control limit is calculated using the bootstrap approach. An evaluation based on the average run length values shows the robustness of the Max‐Half‐Mchart for the simultaneous monitoring of the process mean and process variability. The single statistic in the Max‐Half‐Mchart is more consistent with the statistic in Hotelling's T2 and the dispersion chart than that of the Max‐Mchart.
The effect of measurement error on the performance of Mann‐Whitney and Signed‐Rank nonparametric control charts
Authors: Nojavan Majid , Alishahi Massoud , Rezaee Maryam , Rahaee Mohammad Amin
Published: March 2021

Mann‐Whitney and Signed‐Rank control charts are two well‐known nonparametric charts used for controlling the center of the process when the distribution of the process parameter is unknown or nonnormal. Considering the effect of measurement error on the performance of control charts, the mentioned effect with additive model is investigated on Mann‐Whitney and Signed‐Rank charts. Furthermore, a comparison is made between the two charts and a Shewhart‐type chart (as a parametric one) in the presence of the error. To do so, a simulation program is used and average run length (ARL) of the charts are calculated under three distributions. The results for all three distributions show that the existence of measurement error weakens the performances of both nonparametric charts and larger values of the variance of the error will increase the effect. A numerical example is also discussed to show the effect on the performance of the charts. Multiple measurements is used as a way to decrease the effect of measurement error. Knowing the fact that it requires extra time and money, it can be used in real cases depending on the financial limitations of the user.
Prediction of a new quaternary Heusler alloy within a good electrical response at high temperature for spintronics applications: DFT calculations
Authors: Rached Habib
Published: March 2021

Lately, the Heusler alloys have been gained an enormous technological attention due to their half‐metallic ferromagnets (HMFs) behavior making them technologically promising for spintronics devices. Herein, we have investigated by means of the linearized augmented plane wave method within full potential for determining several physical properties of the new hypothetical Ti‐based quaternary Heusler alloy RhZrTiAl. The ground‐state properties and magnetic stability revealed that the compound was ferromagnetic material and crystallizes in Type I structure. The formation energy and transition pressure from stable to metastable phase were determined meticulously and revealed that the studied compound, has a stable structure at high pressure, could be synthesized experimentally. The elastic constants and the related mechanical properties were investigated and divulged that this compound was stable against any elastic deformations, which classified it as an anisotropic ductile material. The HMF behavior, with the presence of the strong p‐d hybridization, has been strongly confirmed from the magneto‐electronic calculations. Furthermore, the thermoelectric response was evaluated and categorized the investigated compound as a good thermoelectric material due to the high figure of merit, large Seebeck coefficient and low electronic part of thermal conductivity. The curve of DOS as a function of temperature divulged that the half metallic behavior was conserved at high temperature. The present detailed study made this compound as a potential candidate for spintronics thermoelectric devices.
Mapping and analysing reviews of research on teaching, 1980–2018, in Web of Science: An overview of a second‐order research topography
Authors: Román Henrik , Sundberg Daniel , Hirsh Åsa , Forsberg Eva , Nilholm Claes
Published: March 2021

A third level of educational research is emerging, in addition to original research and secondary‐level reviews. Whereas most third‐level research syntheses focus on rather restricted topical areas, this study introduces a comparative and integrative overview of prominent second‐order research on teaching, including many different types of reviews and aspects of teaching. The purpose of the study is to illuminate patterns in a second‐order research topography in the widespread and multi‐faceted field of research on teaching from 1980 to the present, in order to discuss its implications for research and review‐making. The overview encompasses 75 most‐cited reviews of research on teaching published in international, refereed journals from 1980 to 2018 in the Web of Science. The overview utilised a specific coding procedure covering methodology, review topics and context. The study shows that several research traditions have contributed to advances in the research on teaching over time. Reviews have become more formalised, but the distribution of different types of review formats and research traditions is relatively constant. The single most established review format is meta‐analysis, but it is less dominant than might be expected in an era of evidence‐based education. The reviewers mainly belong to educational psychology, applied linguistics/research on language teaching, or research on science teaching. Whereas most reviews of research on science teaching are qualitative, reviews performed by psychologists and language‐education researchers are mainly quantitative or based on mixed methods as a way to rationally and cumulatively summarise and downsize unmanageable amounts of research.
The impact of adjusting for pure predictors of exposure, mediator, and outcome on the variance of natural direct and indirect effect estimators
Authors: Diop Awa , Lefebvre Geneviève , Duchaine Caroline S. , Laurin Danielle , Talbot Denis
Published: March 2021

It is now well established that adjusting for pure predictors of the outcome, in addition to confounders, allows unbiased estimation of the total exposure effect on an outcome with generally reduced standard errors (SEs). However, no analogous results have been derived for mediation analysis. Considering the simplest linear regression setting and the ordinary least square estimator, we obtained theoretical results showing that adjusting for pure predictors of the outcome, in addition to confounders, allows unbiased estimation of the natural indirect effect (NIE) and the natural direct effect (NDE) on the difference scale with reduced SEs. Adjusting for pure predictors of the mediator increases the SE of the NDE's estimator, but may increase or decrease the variance of the NIE's estimator. Adjusting for pure predictors of the exposure increases the variance of estimators of the NIE and NDE. Simulation studies were used to confirm and extend these results to the case where the mediator or the outcome is binary. Additional simulations were conducted to explore scenarios featuring an exposure‐mediator interaction as well as the relative risk and odds ratio scales for the case of binary mediator and outcome. Both a regression approach and an inverse probability weighting approach were considered in the simulation study. A real‐data illustration employing data from the Canadian Study of Health and Aging is provided. This analysis is concerned with the mediating effect of vitamin D in the effect of physical activity on dementia and its results are overall consistent with the theoretical and empirical findings.
Exact confidence limits after a group sequential single arm binary trial
Authors: Lloyd Chris J.
Published: March 2021

Group sequential single arm designs are common in phase II trials as well as attribute testing and acceptance sampling. After the trial is completed, especially if the recommendation is to proceed to further testing, there is interest in full inference on treatment efficacy. For a binary response, there is the potential to construct exact upper and lower confidence limits, the first published method for which is Jennison and Turnbull (1983). We place their method within the modern theory of exact confidence limits and provide a new general result that ensures that the exact limits are consistent with the test result, an issue that has been largely ignored in the literature. Amongst methods based on the minimal sufficient statistic, we propose two exact methods that out‐perform Jennison and Turnbull's method across 10 selected designs. One of these we prefer and recommend for practical and theoretical reasons. We also investigate a method based on inverting Fisher's combination test, as well as a pure tie‐breaking variant of it. For the range of designs considered, neither of these methods result in large enough improvements in efficiency to justify violation of the sufficiency principle. For any nonadaptive sequential design, an R‐package is provided to select a method and compute the inference from a given realization.
A Hollow and Compressible 3D Photothermal Evaporator for Highly Efficient Solar Steam Generation without Energy Loss
Authors: Gao Ting , Wu Xuan , Wang Yida , Owens Gary , Xu Haolan
Published: March 2021

Solar steam generation offers a sustainable strategy to mitigate global clean water scarcity. To this end, 3D photothermal evaporators have attracted increasing research interest since they can significantly improve both evaporation rate and energy efficiency. However, compared to the 2D evaporators, the 3D ones consume more raw materials and occupy more storage space, which limits their applications for practical portable solar steam generation. To address this issue, a 3D hollow and compressible photothermal evaporator is designed and fabricated which can be compressed to less than one third of its original volume, thus enabling easier transport and storage. Moreover, under 1.0 sun illumination, all evaporation surfaces of this 3D evaporator are lower in temperatures than the surrounding environment, thus providing the unique advantage of zero energy loss to the environment during solar evaporation. Due to the all‐cold evaporation surfaces, during solar evaporation, the evaporator is able to harvest massive energy from both the surrounding air and bulk water, delivering an extremely high evaporation rate of up to 7.6 kg m−2 h−1 under 1.0 sun irradiation. Furthermore, seawater desalination tests demonstrate that the device has great potential for portable solar thermal desalination by delivering clean water with a salinity well below 50 ppb.
p‐Type Dopants As Dual Function Interfacial Layer for Efficient and Stable Tin Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Chen Yuhui , Cao Kun , Cheng Yangfeng , Shen Haoran , Du Chao , Wang Qichen , Chen Cheng , Cui Hao , Lan Tao , Liu Lihui , Shen Wei , Chen Shufen
Published: March 2021

Interfacial engineering plays a key role for the stability and efficiency of perovskite photovoltaics, especially for the tin perovskite solar cells (TPSCs). Herein, a simple and effective interfacial layer approach to modify the heterointerface between hole transport layer (HTL) and perovskite active layer is reported. By the deposition of a p‐type dopant, tetrafluoro‐tetracyanoquinodimethane (F4TCNQ) onto the commonly used poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)‐poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) HTL, a favorable energy level alignment with the mixed‐cation tin perovskite is obtained. Moreover, the F4TCNQ interfacial layer introduces a passivated contact and suppressed trap density at the HTL/perovskite interface through halogen bonding. As a result, the optimized TPSC yields an improved efficiency of 8.11% as compared with 6.41% of the reference device. Meanwhile, the stability of the TPSC is also improved due to the hydrophobicity of the F4TCNQ interfacial layer. This work demonstrates that the incorporation of an interfacial layer at the HTL/perovskite interface is a feasible approach to boost the efficiency and stability of inverted TPSC.
Fortifying compounds reduce starch hydrolysis of potato chips during gastro‐small intestinal digestion in vitro
Authors: Duarte‐Correa Yudy , Vega‐Castro Oscar , López‐Barón Nataly , Singh Jaspreet
Published: March 2021

Potato chips are the most widely consumed snack in the world; therefore, they can be used as an ideal carrier for nutrient delivery. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of impregnating vitamin E, vitamin C, and calcium through vacuum impregnation (VI) on the physico‐chemical, microstructural, and starch hydrolysis (%) in vitro and estimated glycemic index (eGI) of potato chips from a variety grown in Colombia. The fortification process decreased the peak viscosity from 1428 ± 20 cP (unfortified) to 734 ± 27 cP (fortified) and increased pasting temperatures. The swelling power also decreased from 11.36 ± 0.32 g/g (unfortified) to 8.59±0.07 g/g (fortified) after the fortification. Approximately 42% and 63% of the starch is hydrolyzed in the first 10 min of small intestinal digestion for the fortified and control samples, respectively. At the end of in vitro digestion (120 min), fortified potato has 74% starch hydrolyzed, whereas the same is calculated at 95% for control samples. The microstructural characteristics of digesta obtained during in vitro digestion showed that fortified samples have well preserved cell structures. In conclusion, the addition of impregnation compounds led to a lower starch hydrolysis of potato chips with a consequent decrease in eGI.
The crosstalk between mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum stress promoted ATF4‐mediated mitophagy induced by hexavalent chromium
Authors: Dlamini Mongameli B. , Gao Zeyun , Hasenbilige  , Jiang Liping , Geng Chengyan , Li Qiujuan , Shi Xiaoxia , Liu Yong , Cao Jun
Published: March 2021

Chromium (Cr) compounds are markedly toxic and carcinogenic. Previously, we found that Cr (VI) induced autophagy in A549 cells. Here, the effect of mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress on inducing mitophagy was investigated in both A549 and H1299 cells. Exposure to Cr (VI) for 6 h significantly enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Transmission electron microscopy showed that Cr (VI) induced mitochondrial morphological changes, such as, mitochondrial swelling and vacuolization. The elevated expression of GRP78 and p‐PERK suggested that Cr (VI) resulted in ER stress. Both mitochondrial dysfunction and ER stress played an important role in Cr (VI)‐induced mitophagy, as the mitochondrial function inhibitor, carbonyl cyanide 3‐chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) induced PINK1 and PARK2 and increased the expression of GRP78 and p‐PERK while the levels of Cr (VI)‐induced PINK1, PARK2, LC3‐II were reduced after ER stress inhibitor, phenylbutyric acid (4PBA) pretreatment. When A549 cells were treated with CCCP and 4‐PBA simultaneously, CCCP‐induced expressions of PINK1, PARK2 and LC3‐II decreased significantly compared with that of only CCCP‐treated cells, indicating that there was a crosstalk between mitochondria and ER in inducing mitophagy. Additionally, the crosstalk between mitochondrial dysfunction and ER stress modulated the expression of Cr (VI)‐induced ATF4, which resulted in mitophagy. Collectively, our data demonstrated that Cr (VI)‐induced mitophagy mediated by ATF4 via the crosstalk between ER stress and mitochondrial dysfunction.
The Geography of Life and Death: Evidence and Values in the Evolution of U.S. Liver Transplant Rules
Authors: Moore Logan Patrick , Weimer David L.
Published: March 2021

For a quarter‐century, the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) has confronted the role of geography in the allocation of deceased‐donor livers for transplantation. An historical legacy of a geographical hierarchy giving priority to patients within the same local Donor Service Area (DSA) as the donor gradually evolved to give some regional and national patients priority. However, in 2020, an eight‐year process resulted in the allocation system being revised to centralize the granting of exemptions to the quantitative severity index and eliminate the DSA and region as relevant geographic units in favor of direct distance measures called acuity circles. In this account, we focus on the roles of expertise, values, and interests during this development to assess the OPTN as a form of stakeholder rulemaking. We find extensive use of medical evidence that may make such stakeholder rulemaking worthy of consideration as a governance alternative in evidence‐rich applications.
Symmetries of abelian Chern-Simons theories and arithmetic
Authors: Delmastro Diego , Gomis Jaume
Published: March 2021

Abstract

We determine the unitary and anti-unitary Lagrangian and quantum symmetries of arbitrary abelian Chern-Simons theories. The symmetries depend sensitively on the arithmetic properties (e.g. prime factorization) of the matrix of Chern-Simons levels, revealing interesting connections with number theory. We give a complete characterization of the symmetries of abelian topological field theories and along the way find many theories that are non-trivially time-reversal invariant by virtue of a quantum symmetry, including U(1)kChern-Simons theory and (ℤk)ℓgauge theories. For example, we prove that U(1)kChern-Simons theory is time-reversal invariant if and only if−1 is a quadratic residue modulok, which happens if and only if all the prime factors ofkare Pythagorean (i.e., of the form 4n+ 1), or Pythagorean with a single additional factor of 2. Many distinct non-abelian finite symmetry groups are found.
Can Sediments Contaminated by Mining be a Source of Mercury in the Coastal Environment Due to Dredging? Evidence from Thermo-Desorption and Chemical Speciation
Authors: Covelli Stefano , Petranich Elisa , Pavoni Elena , Signore Sergio
Published: March 2021

The sediments in the Gulf of Trieste (northern Adriatic Sea, Italy) are contaminated by mercury (Hg) due to historic mining which took place in Idrija (Slovenia). Despite many studies having been done regarding Hg, no information is available on the potential impact of dredging required along the main channel approaching the Port of Monfalcone. Sixteen surface sediment samples were collected along the channel to determine both total Hg concentration and chemical species using the thermo-desorption (TD) technique. Six samples were also chosen to apply a selective sequential extraction (SSE). The TD technique showed the maximum Hg release approximately at 260 and 335°C, corresponding to metacinnabar (β-HgS) and cinnabar (α-HgS), respectively. The SSE demonstrated that Hg was mainly associated with poorly soluble or insoluble compounds (98.7%). A resuspension event over a limited period of time can be considered of negligible impact to the water column due to the scarce Hg mobility from sediments.
Prediction of dose-dependent in vivo acetylcholinesterase inhibition by profenofos in rats and humans using physiologically based kinetic (PBK) modeling-facilitated reverse dosimetry
Authors: Omwenga Isaac , Zhao Shensheng , Kanja Laetitia , Mol Hans , Rietjens Ivonne M. C. M. , Louisse Jochem
Published: March 2021

Organophosphate pesticides (OPs) are known to inhibit acetylcholine esterase (AChE), a critical effect used to establish health-based guidance values. This study developed a combined in vitro–in silico approach to predict AChE inhibition by the OP profenofos in rats and humans. A physiologically based kinetic (PBK) model was developed for both species. Parameter values for profenofos conversion to 4-bromo-2-chlorophenol (BCP) were derived from in vitro incubations with liver microsomes, liver cytosol, and plasma from rats (catalytic efficiencies of 1.1, 2.8, and 0.19 ml/min/mg protein, respectively) and humans (catalytic efficiencies of 0.17, 0.79, and 0.063 ml/min/mg protein, respectively), whereas other chemical-related parameter values were derived using in silico calculations. The rat PBK model was evaluated against literature data on urinary excretion of conjugated BCP. Concentration-dependent inhibition of rat and human AChE was determined in vitro and these data were translated with the PBK models to predicted dose-dependent AChE inhibition in rats and humans in vivo. Comparing predicted dose-dependent AChE inhibition in rats to literature data on profenofos-induced AChE inhibition revealed an accurate prediction of in vivo effect levels. Comparison of rat predictions (BMDL10 of predicted dose–response data of 0.45 mg/kg bw) and human predictions (BMDL10 of predicted dose–response data of 0.01 mg/kg bw) suggests that humans are more sensitive than rats, being mainly due to differences in kinetics. Altogether, the results demonstrate that in vivo AChE inhibition upon acute exposure to profenofos was closely predicted in rats, indicating the potential of this novel approach method in chemical hazard assessment.
Stationary Non-equilibrium Solutions for Coagulation Systems
Authors: Ferreira Marina A. , Lukkarinen Jani , Nota Alessia , Velázquez Juan J. L.
Published: March 2021

We study coagulation equations under non-equilibrium conditions which are induced by the addition of a source term for small cluster sizes. We consider both discrete and continuous coagulation equations, and allow for a large class of coagulation rate kernels, with the main restriction being boundedness from above and below by certain weight functions. The weight functions depend on two power law parameters, and the assumptions cover, in particular, the commonly used free molecular and diffusion limited aggregation coagulation kernels. Our main result shows that the two weight function parameters already determine whether there exists a stationary solution under the presence of a source term. In particular, we find that the diffusive kernel allows for the existence of stationary solutions while there cannot be any such solutions for the free molecular kernel. The argument to prove the non-existence of solutions relies on a novel power law lower bound, valid in the appropriate parameter regime, for the decay of stationary solutions with a constant flux. We obtain optimal lower and upper estimates of the solutions for large cluster sizes, and prove that the solutions of the discrete model behave asymptotically as solutions of the continuous model.
A study on the causes of operative failures after microwave ablation for primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Ying Wei , Zhen-long Zhao , Xiao-jing Cao , Li-li Peng , Yan Li , Ming-an Yu
Published: March 2021

Objective

To summarize the occurrence of operative failures after microwave ablation (MWA) in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT), analyze the possible reasons, and explore strategies for preventing and managing these situations.

Methods

This retrospective study reviewed 91 pHPT patients who underwent MWA from April 2015 to November 2019. A cure was defined as the reestablishment of normal calcium homeostasis lasting a minimum of 6 months. An operative failure was defined as a failure to normalize serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and/or calcium levels at 6 months or longer. Patients who encountered operative failures were compared with patients who were successfully cured.

Results

Eighty-eight pHPT patients, consisting of 29 men and 59 women, were finally enrolled. The median follow-up duration was 15.9 months (IQR, 6.1–31.5 months). Seventy-eight patients (78/88, 88.6%) were cured. Ten (10/88, 11.4%) patients experienced operative failure, including 9 persistent pHPT (10.2%) and 1 (1.1%) recurrent pHPT. Small parathyroid nodules (maximum diameter < 0.6 cm) and incomplete ablation were the two key factors leading to operative failure. Of the 9 patients with a maximum nodule diameter less than 0.6 cm, 77.8% (7/9) of them encountered operative failure.

Conclusion

Operative failure occurred in 11.4% of the pHPT patients who underwent MWA. The possibility of operative failure was increased when the maximum diameter of parathyroid nodule was less than 0.6 cm. Complete ablation could help avoid operative failure.

Key Points

• Failed to ablate the target lesion and incomplete ablation were the key factors attributed to operative failures.

• When the maximum diameter of the parathyroid nodules is less than 0.6 cm, the possibility of operative failure was higher.
Composite phaeochromocytomas—a systematic review of published literature
Authors: Dhanasekar K. , Visakan V. , Tahir F. , Balasubramanian S. P.
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Composite phaeochromocytoma is a tumour containing a separate tumour of neuronal origin in addition to a chromaffin cell tumour. This study reports on two cases from a single centre’s records and presents a systematic literature review of composite phaeochromocytomas.

Methods

In addition to describing 2 case reports, a systematic search of the Medline database from inception up to April 2020 was done for human case reports on composite phaeochromocytomas. Relevant titles and/or abstracts were screened, and full texts were reviewed to identify appropriate studies. Data was extracted and a descriptive analysis of presentation, clinical features, management strategies and outcomes was performed. The quality of included studies was assessed using a critical appraisal checklist.

Results

There were 62 studies included, with a total of 94 patients. Of 91 patients where data was available, the median (range) age of patients was 48 (4–86) years. Of 90 patients where information was provided, 57% were female. In at least 28% of patients, a genetic cause was identified. Common presenting features include abdominal pain, palpable mass, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal symptoms. The most common tumour component with phaeochromocytoma is ganglioneuroma; other components include ganglioneuroblastoma, neuroblastoma and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours. In patients with follow-up data (n=48), 85% of patients were alive and well at a median (range) follow-up time of 18 (0.5–168) months.

Conclusion

Composite phaeochromocytoma is a rare tumour, with a significant genetic predisposition. This review summarises available epidemiological data, which will be useful for clinicians managing this rare condition.