bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Employment and economic growth dynamics in Odisha, India
Authors: Padhi Balakrushna , Panda Sitakanta
Published: May 2020

As the current phenomenon of “jobless growth” has gripped the Indian labor market, the subnational literature on how states have fared on employment generation in the post‐liberalization period has been sparse. We examine the changing trends in employment and income among different sectors and subsectors of the economy of Odisha, an eastern Indian state, over the period 2011–2012 to 2017–2018 which is coincident to the Naveen Patnaik government which has been in power since March 2000 to date. Adopting the World Bank's Job Generation and Growth Decompositions tool (JoGGs) inspired by Shapley (1953. Contributions to the theory of games. Princeton University Press) decomposition method, we decompose growth across different sectors of its economy and examine how the per capita income growth is linked to changes in employment, output per worker, and population structure at the aggregate level and by sectors. We find there is a sharp decline in employment growth rate in the agriculture sector, a moderate growth in the mining sector, and a high growth only in the construction and a few service subsectors in Odisha. There has been significant output growth across industrial and service sectors and low growth in the agriculture‐sector. Low employment creation in the agriculture sector and negative employment growth in manufacturing sector have had implications for seasonal migration and rural agrarian distress in the state. The dismal overall trend in the employment growth makes it imperative on the part of the government to undertake serious policy interventions in Odisha.
A newborn with a large NTRK fusion positive infantile fibrosarcoma successfully treated with larotrectinib
Authors: Caldwell Kenneth J. , De La Cuesta Esther , Morin Cara , Pappo Alberto , Helmig Sara
Published: May 2020

Infantile fibrosarcoma (IFS) is a rare pediatric cancer that typically presents early in life. Surgical resection is commonly curative; however, resection is sometimes not possible requiring additional multimodal treatment. IFS commonly harbors a fusion in one of the neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase (NTRK) genes. Larotrectinib, a highly selective inhibitor of tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK), has been shown to be well tolerated and effective in children as young as 1‐month old. We report a case of IFS in a newborn treated with larotrectinib. The patient experienced a rapid clinical and radiographic response demonstrating the potential to treat newborns with larotrectinib.
Rare non‐Hodgkin lymphoma of childhood and adolescence: A consensus diagnostic and therapeutic approach to pediatric‐type follicular lymphoma, marginal zone lymphoma, and nonanaplastic peripheral T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Attarbaschi Andishe , Abla Oussama , Arias Padilla Laura , Beishuizen Auke , Burke G. A. Amos , Brugières Laurence , Bruneau Julie , Burkhardt Birgit , d'Amore Emanuele S. G. , Klapper Wolfram , Kontny Udo , Pillon Marta , Taj Mary , Turner Suzanne D. , Uyttebroeck Anne , Woessmann Wilhelm , Mellgren Karin
Published: May 2020

Pediatric‐type follicular (PTFL), marginal zone (MZL), and peripheral T‐cell lymphoma (PTCL) account each for <2% of childhood non‐Hodgkin lymphoma. We present clinical and histopathological features of PTFL, MZL, and few subtypes of PTCL and provide treatment recommendations. For localized PTFL and MZL, watchful waiting after complete resection is the therapy of choice. For PTCL, therapy is subtype‐dependent and ranges from a block‐like anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL)‐derived and, alternatively, leukemia‐derived therapy in PTCL not otherwise specified and subcutaneous panniculitis‐like T‐cell lymphoma to a block‐like mature B‐NHL‐derived or, preferentially, ALCL‐derived treatment followed by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in first remission in hepatosplenic and angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma.
The effect of maternal body mass index and gestational age on circulating trophoblast yield in cell‐based noninvasive prenatal testing
Authors: Panchalee Tachjaree , Vossaert Liesbeth , Wang Qun , Crovetti Brielle R. , McCombs Anne K. , Wapner Ronald J. , Van den Veyver Ignatia B. , Beaudet Arthur L.
Published: May 2020

Objective

To examine the effects of maternal body mass index (BMI) and gestational age (GA) on the number of single circulating trophoblasts (SCT).

Methods

Maternal blood was collected in 20 to 40 mL. All singleton pregnant women at any gestation were recruited. Trophoblasts were recovered by immunomagnetic enrichment and stained for cytokeratin and CD45. Candidate trophoblasts were identified by fluorescence microscopy.

Results

Blood samples were collected from 425 singleton pregnancies from April 2018 to December 2019. At least one candidate cell was identified in 88% (373/425). There was an inverse correlation between trophoblasts yield and increasing BMI (r = −0.19, P < .001). The mean ± SD number of trophoblasts/mL was 0.12  ± 0.22 in the underweight group (n = 5), 0.23 ± 0.25 in the normal weight (n = 169), 0.18 ± 0.19 in the overweight (n = 114), and 0.13 ± 0.15 in the obese (n = 109). Significantly more cells were identified in the normal weight than those in the obese (P = .001). In addition, the mean ± SD number of cells/mL was 0.21  ± 0.21 at GA of 10 to 14 weeks (n = 260), 0.14 ± 0.23 at GA ≥15 (n = 102) and 0.12 ± 0.12 at GA <10 (n = 63); P < .001.

Conclusion

The lower number of SCT was identified from the samples of women with a high BMI. Cell recovery for SCT testing seems optimal at GA of 10 to 14 weeks, but earlier and later testing is still possible.
Reconstructing cold climate paleoenvironments from micromorphological analysis of relict slope deposits (Serra da Estrela, Central Portugal)
Authors: Nieuwendam Alexandre , Vieira Gonçalo , Schaefer Carlos , Woronko Barbara , Johansson Margareta
Published: May 2020

The paper focuses on analysis of macro‐ and micromorphological characteristics of relict slope deposits in Serra da Estrela (Portugal) to understand the significance of different slope processes and paleoenvironmental settings. Micromorphology is a useful sedimentology technique allowing significant advances compared to macroscopic techniques. Results show that different processes are involved in the development of the slope deposits, reflecting different environmental conditions. The main processes responsible for the emplacement of the relict slope deposits are solifluction, debris‐flow and runoff, but postdepositional changes are also present. Solifluction was identified in slope deposits between 650 and 1500 m a.s.l. The common microfeatures identified are circular arrangement of grains with a core grain, rounded vesicles, vertical grains, matrix deformations and fine‐grained deposits. Slope deposits above 1300 m a.s.l have a platy microstructure and coincide with the altitudinal range of the relict rock glaciers, indicating the elevation limit of permafrost. Below this altitude platy microstructures are less frequent. Slope deposits in north‐facing slopes were affected by frost‐induced processes in a seasonal frost regime, followed by a postdeposition illuvial phase. Debris‐flow and runoff were identified in slope deposits between 680 and 1260 m a.s.l. The common microfeatures are oblique grains, grain dumps, and coarse and fine grain lineations, and banded microstructures were identified in runoff processes. Debris‐flow deposits have a circular arrangement of grains without a core grain, identified in sediments in paraglacial and periglacial environments. The slope deposits show evidence of past periods of enhanced periglacial activity since the last glaciation until the Younger Dryas.
Patients eligible for modulator drugs: Data from cystic fibrosis registry of Turkey
Authors: Çobanoğlu Nazan , Özçelik Uğur , Çakır Erkan , Şişmanlar Eyüboğlu Tuğba , Pekcan Sevgi , Cinel Güzin , Yalçın Ebru , Kiper Nural , Emiralioğlu Nagehan , Şen Velat , Şen Hadice Selimoğlu , Ercan Ömür , Çokuğraş Haluk , Kılınç Ayşe Ayzıt , Al Shadfan Lina Muhammed , Yazan Hakan , Altıntaş Derya Ufuk , Karagöz Dilek , Demir Esen , Kartal Öztürk Gökçen , Bingöl Ayşen , Başaran Abdurrahman Erdem , Sapan Nihat , Çekiç Şükrü , Çelebioğlu Ebru , Aslan Ayşe Tana , Gürsoy Tuğba Ramaslı , Tuğcu Gökçen , Özdemir Ali , Harmancı Koray , Yıldırım Gonca Kılıç , Köse Mehmet , Hangül Melih , Tamay Zeynep , Süleyman Ayşe , Yüksel Hasan , Yılmaz Özge , Özcan Gizem , Topal Erdem , Can Demet , Korkmaz Ekren Pervin , Çaltepe Gönül , Kılıç Mehmet , Özdoğan Şebnem , Doğru Deniz
Published: May 2020

Background

A better understanding of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator biology has led to the development of modulator drugs such as ivacaftor, lumacaftor‐ivacaftor, tezacaftor‐ivacaftor, and elexacaftor‐tezacaftor‐ivacaftor. This cross‐sectional study evaluated cystic fibrosis (CF) patients eligible for modulator drugs.

Methods

Data for age and genetic mutations from the Cystic Fibrosis Registry of Turkey collected in 2018 were used to find out the number of patients who are eligible for modulator therapy.

Results

Of registered 1488 CF patients, genetic analysis was done for 1351. The numbers and percentages of patients and names of the drugs, that the patients are eligible for, are as follows: 122 (9.03%) for ivacaftor, 156 (11.54%) for lumacaftor‐ivacaftor, 163 (11.23%) for tezacaftor‐ivacaftor, and 57 (4.21%) for elexacaftor‐tezacaftor‐ivacaftor. Among 1351 genotyped patients total of 313 (23.16%) patients are eligible for currently licensed modulator therapies (55 patients were shared by ivacaftor and tezacaftor‐ivacaftor, 108 patients were shared by lumacaftor‐ivacaftor and tezacaftor‐ivacaftor, and 22 patients were shared by tezacaftor‐ivacaftor and elexacaftor‐tezacaftor‐ivacaftor groups).

Conclusions

The present study shows that approximately one‐fourth of the registered CF patients in Turkey are eligible for modulator drugs. As, frequent mutations that CF patients have in Turkey are different from North American and European CF patients, developing modulator drugs effective for those mutations is necessary. Furthermore, as modulator drugs are very expensive currently, financial support of the government in developing countries like Turkey is noteworthy.
Making Progress Towards »Green« Propellants – Part II
Authors: Dejeaifve Alain , Sarbach Alexandre , Roduit Bertrand , Folly Patrick , Dobson Rowan
Published: May 2020

Nitrate‐ester based propellants require stabilisers in order to maintain good chemical stability and to prevent oxidation, chain scission, energy loss and uncontrolled heat generation that are caused by homolytic and heterolytic cleavage of the weakest nitrogen‐oxygen bond of the nitrate ester functional group. With REACH legislation (1907/2006), industry in Europe has made progress in using less toxic compounds, that are often more environmentally‐friendly. This work aims to go beyond REACH and to anticipate the inclusion of other molecules that produce non‐ or less toxic daughter products and that can fulfil their role in the propellant's formulation. This paper is the follow‐up to a first paper, presenting six families of “green” stabilisers, which are novel, environmentally friendly, efficient and readily available for use in nitrocellulose‐based compositions. In this article we present the validated lower temperature shelf life predictions for propellants containing the new stabilisers, using heat flow calorimetry (HFC). It will be necessary to modify AOP48 in the near future to be able to include these new stabilisers that provide much better performances than conventional ones (longer shelf lives of propellants) and are also respectful of the environment and human health.
Protective effects of isorhamnetin on pulmonary arterial hypertension: in vivo and in vitro studies
Authors: Chang Zhi , Wang Jia‐ling , Jing Zhi‐cheng , Ma Ping , Xu Qing‐bing , Na Jian‐rong , Tian Jie , Ma Xuan , Zhou Wei , Zhou Ru
Published: May 2020

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a malignant disease with high mortality and closely involves the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway. Mutations in BMPR2 caused proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) leading to PAH. Isorhamnetin, one of the main naturally occurring flavonoids extracted from Hippophae rhamnoides L, shows antiinflammatory and anti‐proliferative properties. Nevertheless, the effects of isorhamnetin on PAH remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether isorhamnetin has protective effects against PAH and explore possible mechanisms. An in vivo model of PAH induced by monocrotaline (MCT) was employed, and sildenafil and isorhamnetin were orally administered for 21 consecutive days. An in vitro model induced by TNF‐α was employed, and cell proliferation of HPASMCs was detected. Results indicated that isorhamnetin significantly improved hemodynamic, histopathological, and echocardiographic changes in MCT‐induced PAH in rats. In vitro, isorhamnetin suppressed TNF‐α‐induced HPASMCs proliferation. Furthermore, isorhamnetin improved protein expression of BMPR2 and suppressed protein expression of TNF‐α and IL‐6 in rat lungs. Isorhamnetin improved protein expression of BMPR2 and p‐smad1/5 and mRNA expression of Id1 and Id3 in HPASMCs. Isorhamnetin ameliorated MCT‐induced PAH in rats and inhibited TNF‐α‐induced HPASMCs proliferation by a mechanism likely involving the regulation of the BMP signaling pathway.
Amniotic MSCs reduce pulmonary fibrosis by hampering lung B-cell recruitment, retention, and maturation
Authors: Cargnoni Anna , Romele Pietro , Bonassi Signoroni Patrizia , Farigu Serafina , Magatti Marta , Vertua Elsa , Toschi Ivan , Cesari Valentina , Silini Antonietta R. , Stefani Francesca R. , Parolini Ornella
Published: May 2020

Growing evidence suggests a mechanistic link between inflammation and the development and progression of fibrotic processes. Mesenchymal stromal cells derived from the human amniotic membrane (hAMSCs), which display marked immunomodulatory properties, have been shown to reduce bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in mice, possibly by creating a microenvironment able to limit the evolution of chronic inflammation to fibrosis. However, the ability of hAMSCs to modulate immune cells involved in bleomycin-induced pulmonary inflammation has yet to be elucidated. Herein, we conducted a longitudinal study of the effects of hAMSCs on alveolar and lung immune cell populations upon bleomycin challenge. Immune cells collected through bronchoalveolar lavage were examined by flow cytometry, and lung tissues were used to study gene expression of markers associated with different immune cell types. We observed that hAMSCs increased lung expression of T regulatory cell marker Foxp3, increased macrophage polarization toward an anti-inflammatory phenotype (M2), and reduced the antigen-presentation potential of macrophages and dendritic cells. For the first time, we demonstrate that hAMSCs markedly reduce pulmonary B-cell recruitment, retention, and maturation, and counteract the formation and expansion of intrapulmonary lymphoid aggregates. Thus, hAMSCs may hamper the self-maintaining inflammatory condition promoted by B cells that continuously act as antigen presenting cells for proximal T lymphocytes in injured lungs. By modulating B-cell response, hAMSCs may contribute to blunting of the chronicization of lung inflammatory processes with a consequent reduction of the progression of the fibrotic lesion.

Significance statement The immunomodulatory features of amniotic cells can create a microenvironment able to limit the evolution of chronic inflammation to fibrosis. However, the immune modulation induced by amniotic mesenchymal stromal cells (hAMSCs) in models of fibrosis has yet to be elucidated. For the first time, this study shows that in bleomycin-challenged mice, hAMSCs control pulmonary B-cell recruitment, retention, maturation, and reduce the formation and expansion of lung lymphoid aggregates. By modulating B-cell response, hAMSCs hamper the self-maintaining inflammatory condition promoted by B cells in injured lungs and may contribute to limiting the chronicization of lung inflammation that evolves into the fibrotic lesion.
Misspecifying the covariance structure in a linear mixed model under MAR drop‐out
Authors: Thomadakis Christos , Meligkotsidou Loukia , Pantazis Nikos , Touloumi Giota
Published: May 2020

Misspecification of the covariance structure in a linear mixed model (LMM) can lead to biased population parameters' estimates under MAR drop‐out. In our motivating example of modeling CD4 cell counts during untreated HIV infection, random intercept and slope LMMs are frequently used. In this article, we evaluate the performance of LMMs with specific covariance structures, in terms of bias in the fixed effects estimates, under specific MAR drop‐out mechanisms, and adopt a Bayesian model comparison criterion to discriminate between the examined approaches in real‐data applications. We analytically show that using a random intercept and slope structure when the true one is more complex can lead to seriously biased estimates, with the degree of bias depending on the magnitude of the MAR drop‐out. Under misspecified covariance structure, we compare in terms of induced bias the approach of adding a fractional Brownian motion (BM) process on top of random intercepts and slopes with the approach of using splines for the random effects. In general, the performance of both approaches was satisfactory, with the BM model leading to smaller bias in most cases. A simulation study is carried out to evaluate the performance of the proposed Bayesian criterion in identifying the model with the correct covariance structure. Overall, the proposed method performs better than the AIC and BIC criteria under our specific simulation setting. The models under consideration are applied to real data from the CASCADE study; the most plausible model is identified by all examined criteria.
Picolinium‐Based Hydrophobic Ionic Liquids as Additives to PEG200 to Lubricate Steel‐Silicon Contacts
Authors: Donato Mariana T. , Caetano Fernando , Colaço Rogério , Branco Luís C. , Saramago Benilde
Published: May 2020

Three new ionic liquids (ILs) containing the picolinium cation were synthesized using a more sustainable method based on microwave (MW) irradiation: 1‐hexyl‐2, 3 or 4‐picolinium trifluoromethanesulfonate ([C6‐x‐pic][TfO] where x=2, 3 and 4. The objective was, besides testing MW reactions with higher yields and lower reaction times comparing to conventional heating process, to assess the tribological behavior of these ILs as additives to base oil polyethylene glycol (PEG200). The friction coefficients (CoFs) for the pair silicon surface/steel sphere were compared to those obtained with other ILs based on the same anion. The ILs with cations containing one hexyl or butyl side chain led to lower CoFs, and [C6‐4‐pic][TfO] was the most efficient additive, which may be attributed to the cation symmetry. The roughness of the sliding surfaces was reduced after the tribological test using neat PEG200, but, when the additive [C6‐4‐pic][TfO] was added, the roughness was practically not affected. It seems that [C6‐4‐pic][TfO] adsorbs forming ordered layers that support the load together with the liquid film retained among the asperities of the opposing surfaces.
Interfacial Synthesis of Ag2S/ZnS Core/Shell Quantum Dots in a Droplet Microreactor
Authors: Zeng Yu‐Mei , Pan Liang‐Jun , Wang Ji , Fan Ya‐Ling , Shu Yun , Pang Dai‐Wen , Zhang Zhi‐Ling
Published: May 2020

Coating a shell outside the silver chalcogenide quantum dots (QDs) is still difficult due to the large lattice mismatch between the core and the shell. In this work, benefited from the huge specific surface area of the droplets and the adsorption of nanoparticles (NPs) at the interface in a droplet microreactor, the problem was successfully solved. The Ag2S/ZnS core/shell QDs were rapidly synthesized by interfacial reaction for the first time in a droplet microreactor. By adjusting the concentration of precursors, the control of the shell thickness became workable. In addition, the quantum yield (QY) was improved approximately 20 times after growing a ZnS shell outside the Ag2S core. Besides, the effect of shell thickness on fluorescence was further studied, and it was found that only appropriate shell thickness could effectively improve fluorescence. The proposed method is novel, non‐toxic and controllable, providing a new way for the synthesis of core/shell QDs.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 4/5‐Aroyl‐2‐aminoimidazoles as Microbial Biofilm Inhibitors
Authors: Rasapalli Sivappa , Reddy Sammeta Vamshikrishna , Singh Sarbjit , Golen James A. , Semerdzhiev Dimitar , Bo Yang , Silby Mark , Rao Reeta , Ali Akbar , Schiffer Celia A. , Savinov Sergey N.
Published: May 2020

We had earlier used Oroidin, a 2‐aminoimidazole‐pyrrole natural microbial biofilm inhibitor, as a structural prototype to develop its 4/5‐acyl modified form as an anti‐biofilm lead for further optimization. Herein, as a part of our efforts towards that direction, we report the design, synthesis, as well as anti‐bacterial, anti‐biofilm, and fungal adhesion inhibition activities of various 4/5‐aroyl‐2‐aminoimidazoles. These simplified Oroidin analogues are moderately active against bacterial biofilms and attest to the need for an aliphatic acyl linker that was part of the original 4/5‐acyl modified Oroidin lead. From our studies, protonation propensity of the 2‐aminoimidazole group of the series emerges as an important pre‐requisite for potent antibiofilm activity. Also, the fungal biofilm screening studies identified analogue 8 b as an active molecule.
Progress in Materials Development for the Rapid Efficiency Advancement of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Chi Weiguang , Banerjee Sanjay K.
Published: May 2020

The efficiency of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has undergone rapid advancement due to great progress in materials development over the past decade and is under extensive study. Despite the significant challenges (e.g., recombination and hysteresis), both the single‐junction and tandem cells have gradually approached the theoretical efficiency limit. Herein, an overview is given of how passivation and crystallization reduce recombination and thus improve the device performance; how the materials of dominant layers (hole transporting layer (HTL), electron transporting layer (ETL), and absorber layer) affect the quality and optoelectronic properties of single‐junction PSCs; and how the materials development contributes to rapid efficiency enhancement of perovskite/Si tandem devices with monolithic and mechanically stacked configurations. The interface optimization, novel materials development, mixture strategy, and bandgap tuning are reviewed and analyzed. This is a review of the major factors determining efficiency, and how further improvements can be made on the performance of PSCs.
Full Activation of Mn4+/Mn3+ Redox in Na4MnCr(PO4)3 as a High‐Voltage and High‐Rate Cathode Material for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Wei , Li Huangxu , Zhang Zhian , Xu Ming , Lai Yanqing , Chou Shu‐Lei
Published: May 2020

Developing high‐voltage cathode materials is critical for sodium‐ion batteries to boost energy density. NASICON (Na super‐ionic conductor)‐structured NaxMnM(PO4)3 materials (M represents transition metal) have drawn increasing attention due to their features of robust crystal framework, low cost, as well as high voltage based on Mn4+/Mn3+ and Mn3+/Mn2+ redox couples. However, full activation of Mn4+/Mn3+ redox couple within NASICON framework is still a great challenge. Herein, a novel NASICON‐type Na4MnCr(PO4)3 material with highly reversible Mn4+/Mn3+ redox reaction is discovered. It proceeds a two‐step reaction with voltage platforms centered at 4.15 and 3.52 V versus Na+/Na, delivering a capacity of 108.4 mA h g−1. The Na4MnCr(PO4)3 cathode also exhibits long durability over 500 cycles and impressive rate capability up to 10 C. The galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) test shows fast Na diffusivity which is further verified by density functional theory calculations. The high electrochemical activity derives from the 3D robust framework structure, fast kinetics, and pseudocapacitive contribution. The sodium storage mechanism of the Na4MnCr(PO4)3 cathode is deeply studied by ex situ X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and ex situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), revealing that both solid‐solution and two‐phase reactions are involved in the Na+ ions extraction/insertion process.
Overcoming Obstacles in Pathological Diagnosis of Pulmonary Nodules through Circulating Tumor Cell Enrichment
Authors: Yin Wei , Zhu Junjie , Ma Benting , Jiang Gening , Zhu Yuming , He Wei , Yang Yang , Zhang Zhemin
Published: May 2020

With the popularity of low‐dose computed tomography (LDCT) in clinical examination of the lung, the prevalence of pulmonary nodules has significantly increased, thus significantly improving the early diagnosis of lung cancer, but also potentially contributing to overtreatment. This study aims to develop a noninvasive method to assist in diagnosing the pulmonary nodules. To do so, 3798 patients are recruited from the Department of Thoracic Surgery at Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital and peripheral blood samples are collected from them before surgery. From these samples, circulating tumor cells (CTC) are isolated using folate receptor (FR) positivity, and then enriched and analyzed in relation to cancer gene expression, stage, and level of invasion. The average CTC concentration of patients with lung disease is 11.97 functional unit (FU) in a 3 mL sample of blood. FR‐positive CTC levels correlate with the expression of lung cancer driver genes tumor‐node‐matastasis (TNM) stage, and pleura invasion. The sensitivity of CTC levels to lung cancer diagnosis is 87.05%. Results from this study demonstrate that the determination of FR‐positive CTC concentration is a convenient and time‐saving strategy to improve the pathological diagnosis of pulmonary nodules.
Invasion and Defense Interactions between Enzyme‐Active Liquid Coacervate Protocells and Living Cells
Authors: Zhang Yanwen , Liu Songyang , Yao Yu , Chen Yufeng , Zhou Shaohong , Yang Xiaohai , Wang Kemin , Liu Jianbo
Published: May 2020

The design and construction of mutual interaction models between artificial microsystems and living cells have the potential to open a wide range of novel applications in biomedical and biomimetic technologies. In this study, an artificial form of invasion‐defense mutual interactions is established in a community of glucose oxidase (GOx)‐containing liquid coacervate microdroplets and living cells, which interact via enzyme‐mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS) damage. The enzyme‐containing coacervate microdroplets, formed via liquid–liquid phase separation, act as invader protocells to electrostatically bind with the host HepG2 cell, resulting in assimilation. Subsequently, the glucose oxidation in the liquid coacervates initiates the generation of H2O2, which serves as an ROS resource to block cell proliferation. As a defense strategy, introduction of catalase (CAT) into the host cells is exploited to resist the ROS damage. CAT‐mediated decomposition of H2O2 leads to the ROS scavenging and results in the recovery of cell viability. The results obtained in the current study highlight the remarkable opportunities for the development of mutual interacting communities on the interface of artificial protocells/living cells. They also provide a new approach for engineering cellular behaviors through exploiting artificial nonliving microsystems.
Leading edge erosion of wind turbine blades: Multiaxial critical plane fatigue model of coating degradation under random liquid impacts
Authors: Doagou‐Rad Saeed , Mishnaevsky Leon , Bech Jakob I.
Published: May 2020

A computational model of rain erosion of wind turbine blades is presented. The model is based on the transient fluid–solid coupled finite element (FE) analysis of rain droplet/coating interaction and fatigue degradation analysis. The fatigue analysis of the surface degradation is based on multiaxial fatigue model and critical plane theory. The random rain fields are constructed computationally, and the estimated droplet sizes are included in FE model to acquire a library of load histories. Subsequently, the resulted nonproportional multiaxial high cycle fatigue problem is solved to assess the damage and lifetimes of the coatings. The approach can be used to design new coating systems withstanding longer service times.
Biocontrol ability and action mechanisms of Aureobasidium pullulans GE17 and Meyerozyma guilliermondii KL3 against Penicillium digitatum DSM2750 and Penicillium expansum DSM62841 causing postharvest diseases
Authors: Agirman Bilal , Erten Huseyin
Published: May 2020

Epiphytic yeasts were isolated from different cultivars of apples and lemons and identified by a combination of PCR‐RFLP of 5.8S rRNA region and sequencing of D1/D2 domain of the 26S rRNA gene. Among 69 isolates, Aureobasidium pullulans GE17 and Meyerozyma guilliermondii KL3 strains showed the greatest antagonistic activity against two significant apple and lemon postharvest pathogens, Penicillium expansum DSM62841 (blue mold) and Penicillium digitatum DSM2750 (green mold), after preliminary screening. Yeasts were applied as single and mixed cultures with two different cell concentrations of 106 and 108 cells/ml in the present study. It was determined that antagonistic activity of two yeast strains studied emerged with a combination of several mechanisms of action including competition for space and nutrients, production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), secretion of extracellular lytic enzymes and inhibition of fungal spore germination. The highest inhibition of mycelial growth on P. expansum DSM62841 and P. digitatum DSM2750 (83.4% and 74.7%, respectively) was achieved by utilization of single culture of A. pullulans GE17. Otherwise, the application of mixed culture at the ratio of 108 cells/ml inhibited spore germination of both pathogens from 86% to 95%. Results of this study suggest that an increase in yeast cell concentrations positively affected their biocontrol activity against blue and green molds. According to the results, employing single culture of M. guilliermondii KL3 did not exhibit effective antagonistic activity against blue and green molds. However, utilization of A. pullulans GE17 alone and mixed culture showed succesfull controlling against both P. expansum DSM62841 and P. digitatum DSM2750.
Restructuring of Agriculture and the Rural World in Mediterranean EU Countries
Authors: Nori Michele , Farinella Domenica
Published: May 2020

Agriculture and rural development represent critical domains for the economy, the society as well as the ecosystems of Euro-Mediterranean countries. Important changes and challenges have though reconfigured food production, natural resource management as well as rural livelihoods in recent decades in the region.
Rural Origin Areas: Impacts and Practices
Authors: Nori Michele , Farinella Domenica
Published: May 2020

This chapter looks at the implications, impacts and consequences of rural migration on the areas of origin, where oftentimes portions of the family, and of the family assets, remain.
Eager for but Fearful of Communication
Authors: Song Ting , Mo Liting
Published: May 2020

Y, female, born in 1997. Has an elder sister. Grade II intellectual disability. Graduated from a special education school—Shanghai Primary Vocational and Technical School of Changning District. Started working at Shanghai Papa John’s in 2015.
Traveling for Auto Shows
Authors: Song Ting , Gu Yuan
Published: May 2020

JL, male, born in 1983. Grade IV intellectual disability. Graduated from a special education school—Shanghai Yangfan School of Yangpu District in 2000. Started working at Shanghai Papa John’s in 2009.
Simple Goal of Having a Stable Job
Authors: Shen Jingjing
Published: May 2020

W, male, born in 1987. The only child in the family. Grade IV intellectual disability. Dropped out of a regular school in 2003. Joined a Sunshine Home in Shanghai in 2007. Started working at a supermarket in Shanghai in 2008 and at Shanghai Papa John’s in 2009.
Hope to Visit Co-Worker’s Hometown
Authors: Lin Qi , Zhang Yi
Published: May 2020

H, male, born in 1991. The only child in the family. Mild intellectual disability. Graduated from a special education school—Shanghai Zhonghua Primary Vocational and Technical School in 2009 and started working at Shanghai Papa John’s in the same year.
Gauge theories on κ-Minkowski spaces: twist and modular operators
Authors: Mathieu Philippe , Wallet Jean-Christophe
Published: May 2020

Abstract

We discuss the construction of κ-Poincaré invariant actions for gauge theories on κ-Minkowski spaces. We consider various classes of untwisted and (bi)twisted differential calculi. Starting from a natural class of noncommutative differential calculi based on a particular type of twisted derivations belonging to the algebra of deformed translations, combined with a twisted extension of the notion of connection, we prove an algebraic relation between the various twists and the classical dimension d of the κ-Minkowski space(-time) ensuring the gauge invariance of the candidate actions for gauge theories. We show that within a natural differential calculus based on a distinguished set of twisted derivations, d=5 is the unique value for the classical dimension at which the gauge action supports both the gauge invariance and the κ-Poincaré invariance. Within standard (untwisted) differential calculi, we show that the full gauge invariance cannot be achieved, although an invariance under a group of transformations constrained by the modular (Tomita) operator stemming from the κ-Poincaré invariance still holds.
On renormalons of static QCD potential at u = 1/2 and 3/2
Authors: Sumino Yukinari , Takaura Hiromasa
Published: May 2020

Abstract

We investigate the

$$ u=1/2\left[\mathcal{O}\left({\Lambda}_{\mathrm{QCD}}\right)\right] $$

u
=
1
/
2

O

Λ
QCD

and

$$ u=3/2\left[\mathcal{O}\left({\Lambda}_{\mathrm{QCD}}^3\right)\right] $$

u
=
3
/
2

O

Λ
QCD
3

renormalons in the static QCD potential in position space and momentum space using the OPE of the potential-NRQCD effective field theory. This is an old problem and we provide a formal formulation to analyze it. In particular we present detailed examinations of the u = 3/2 renormalons. We clarify how the u = 3/2 renormalon is suppressed in the momentum-space potential in relation with the Wilson coefficient V

A
(r). We also point out that it is not straightforward to subtract the IR renormalon and IR divergences simultaneously in the multipole expansion. Numerical analyses are given, which clarify the current status of our knowledge on the perturbative series. The analysis gives a positive reasoning to the method for subtracting renormalons used in recent α

s
(M

Z
) determination from the QCD potential.
Three-point functions in $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 4 SYM at finite Nc and background independence
Authors: Suzuki Ryo
Published: May 2020

Abstract

We compute non-extremal three-point functions of scalar operators in

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 4 super Yang-Mills at tree-level in g
YM and at finite N

c
, using the operator basis of the restricted Schur characters. We make use of the diagrammatic methods called quiver calculus to simplify the three-point functions. The results involve an invariant product of the generalized Racah-Wigner tensors (6j symbols). Assuming that the invariant product is written by the Littlewood-Richardson coefficients, we show that the non-extremal three- point functions satisfy the large N

c
background independence; correspondence between the string excitations on AdS5
× S5 and those in the LLM geometry.
On the convergence of Lawson methods for semilinear stiff problems
Authors: Hochbruck Marlis , Leibold Jan , Ostermann Alexander
Published: May 2020

Since their introduction in 1967, Lawson methods have achieved constant interest in the time discretization of evolution equations. The methods were originally devised for the numerical solution of stiff differential equations. Meanwhile, they constitute a well-established class of exponential integrators, which has turned out to be competitive for solving space discretizations of certain types of partial differential equations. The popularity of Lawson methods is in some contrast to the fact that they may have a bad convergence behaviour, since they do not satisfy any of the stiff order conditions. The aim of this paper is to explain this discrepancy. It is shown that non-stiff order conditions together with appropriate regularity assumptions imply high-order convergence of Lawson methods. Note, however, that the term regularity here includes the behaviour of the solution at the boundary. For instance, Lawson methods will behave well in the case of periodic boundary conditions, but they will show a dramatic order reduction for, e.g., Dirichlet boundary conditions. The precise regularity assumptions required for high-order convergence are worked out in this paper and related to the corresponding assumptions for splitting schemes. In contrast to previous work, the analysis is based on expansions of the exact and the numerical solution along the flow of the homogeneous problem. Numerical examples for the Schrödinger equation are included.
Convergence of a finite volume scheme for a system of interacting species with cross-diffusion
Authors: Carrillo José A. , Filbet Francis , Schmidtchen Markus
Published: May 2020

In this work we present the convergence of a positivity preserving semi-discrete finite volume scheme for a coupled system of two non-local partial differential equations with cross-diffusion. The key to proving the convergence result is to establish positivity in order to obtain a discrete energy estimate to obtain compactness. We numerically observe the convergence to reference solutions with a first order accuracy in space. Moreover we recover segregated stationary states in spite of the regularising effect of the self-diffusion. However, if the self-diffusion or the cross-diffusion is strong enough, mixing occurs while both densities remain continuous.
Simultaneous determination of vitamin B6 and catechins in dietary supplements by ZIC-HILIC chromatography and their antioxidant interactions
Authors: Sentkowska Aleksandra , Piwowarczyk Sylwia , Pyrzyńska Krystyna
Published: May 2020

Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry was employed for simultaneous determination of vitamin B6 and catechins in dietary supplements. The obtained results clearly shows the potential of the application of alcohol eluent (instead mainly used acetonitrile) as a component of an with zwitterionic stationary phase. The limits of detection on ZIC-HILIC column were 0.01 mg/L for catechins and vitamins B (only for pyridoxal phosphate was 0.10 mg/L). The investigations between green tea extract (GTE) and vitamin B were also evaluated using isobolographic analysis as well as the interaction indexes. Antioxidant activities of single components and their mixtures were determined by DPPH assay. It was found that the mixtures of GTE and vitamin B acted synergistically. In comparison to GTE alone, faster DPPH radical bleaching of the mixtures was observed in the presence of different forms of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine, pyridoxal, or pyridoxal phosphate), particularly for pyridoxal.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients suffering from musculoskeletal tumours
Authors: Thaler Martin , Khosravi Ismail , Leithner Andreas , Papagelopoulos Panayiotis J. , Ruggieri Pietro
Published: May 2020

Background

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on musculoskeletal tumor service by conducting an online survey of physicians.

Methods

The survey was conducted among the members of the ISOLS (International Society of Limb Salvage) and the EMSOS (European Musculo-Skeletal Oncology Society). The survey consisted of 20 questions (single, multiple-response, ranked): origin and surgical experience of the participant (four questions), potential disruption of healthcare (12 questions), and influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the particular physician (four questions). A matrix with four different response options was created for the particular surgical procedures).

Results

One hundred forty-nine physicians from five continents completed the survey. Of the respondents, 20.1% and 20.7% stated that surgery for life-threatening sarcomas were stopped or delayed, respectively. Even when the malignancy was expected to involve infiltration of a neurovascular bundle or fracture of a bone, still 13.8% and 14.7% of the respondents, respectively, stated that surgery was not performed. In cases of pending fractures of bone tumors, 37.5 to 46.2% of operations were canceled.

Conclusion

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic caused a significant reduction in healthcare (surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy) for malignancies of the musculoskeletal system. Delaying or stopping these treatments is life-threatening or can cause severe morbidity, pain, and loss of function. Although the coronavirus disease causes severe medical complications, serious collateral damage including death due to delayed or untreated sarcomas should be avoided.
Implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) applications in radiology: hindering and facilitating factors
Authors: Strohm Lea , Hehakaya Charisma , Ranschaert Erik R. , Boon Wouter P. C. , Moors Ellen H. M.
Published: May 2020

Objective

The objective was to identify barriers and facilitators to the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) applications in clinical radiology in The Netherlands.

Materials and methods

Using an embedded multiple case study, an exploratory, qualitative research design was followed. Data collection consisted of 24 semi-structured interviews from seven Dutch hospitals. The analysis of barriers and facilitators was guided by the recently published Non-adoption, Abandonment, Scale-up, Spread, and Sustainability (NASSS) framework for new medical technologies in healthcare organizations.

Results

Among the most important facilitating factors for implementation were the following: (i) pressure for cost containment in the Dutch healthcare system, (ii) high expectations of AI’s potential added value, (iii) presence of hospital-wide innovation strategies, and (iv) presence of a “local champion.” Among the most prominent hindering factors were the following: (i) inconsistent technical performance of AI applications, (ii) unstructured implementation processes, (iii) uncertain added value for clinical practice of AI applications, and (iv) large variance in acceptance and trust of direct (the radiologists) and indirect (the referring clinicians) adopters.

Conclusion

In order for AI applications to contribute to the improvement of the quality and efficiency of clinical radiology, implementation processes need to be carried out in a structured manner, thereby providing evidence on the clinical added value of AI applications.

Key Points

• Successful implementation of AI in radiology requires collaboration between radiologists and referring clinicians.

• Implementation of AI in radiology is facilitated by the presence of a local champion.

• Evidence on the clinical added value of AI in radiology is needed for successful implementation.
PSA, stage, grade and prostate cancer specific mortality in Asian American patients relative to Caucasians according to the United States Census Bureau race definitions
Authors: Deuker Marina , Stolzenbach L. Franziska , Pecoraro Angela , Rosiello Giuseppe , Luzzago Stefano , Tian Zhe , Saad Fred , Chun Felix K.-H. , Karakiewicz Pierre I.
Published: May 2020

Background

The United States Census Bureau recommends distinguishing between “Asians” vs. “Native Hawaiians or Other Pacific Islanders” (NHOPI). We tested for prognostic differences according to this stratification in patients with prostate cancer (PCa) of all stages.

Methods

Descriptive statistics, time-trend analyses, Kaplan–Meier plots and multivariate Cox regression models were used to test for differences at diagnosis, as well as for cancer specific mortality (CSM) according to the Census Bureau’s definition in either non-metastatic or metastatic patients vs. 1:4 propensity score (PS)-matched Caucasian controls, identified within the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database (2004–2016).

Results

Of all 380,705 PCa patients, NHOPI accounted for 1877 (0.5%) vs. 23,343 (6.1%) remaining Asians vs. 93.4% Caucasians. NHOPI invariably harbored worse PCa characteristics at diagnosis. The rates of PSA ≥ 20 ng/ml, Gleason ≥ 8, T3/T4, N1- and M1 stages were highest for NHOPI, followed by Asians, followed by Caucasians (PSA ≥ 20: 18.4 vs. 14.8 vs. 10.2%, Gleason ≥ 8: 24.9 vs. 22.1, vs. 15.9%, T3/T4: 5.5 vs. 4.2 vs. 3.5%, N1: 4.4 vs. 2.8, vs. 2.7%, M1: 8.3 vs. 4.9 vs. 3.9%). Despite the worst PCa characteristics at diagnosis, NHOPI did not exhibit worse CSM than Caucasians. Moreover, despite worse PCa characteristics, Asians exhibited more favorable CSM than Caucasians in comparisons that focussed on non-metastatic and on metastatic patients.

Conclusions

Our observations corroborate the validity of the distinction between NHOPI and Asian patients according to the Census Bureau’s recommendation, since these two groups show differences in PSA, grade and stage characteristics at diagnosis in addition to exhibiting differences in CSM even after PS matching and multivariate adjustment.
Maternal caffeine intake during pregnancy and child neurodevelopment up to eight years of age—Results from the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study
Authors: Berglundh Sofia , Vollrath Margarete , Brantsæter Anne Lise , Brandlistuen Ragnhild , Solé-Navais Pol , Jacobsson Bo , Sengpiel Verena
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Current knowledge of the effect of prenatal caffeine exposure on the child’s neurodevelopment is contradictory. The current study aimed to study whether caffeine intake during pregnancy was associated with impaired child neurodevelopment up to 8 years of age.

Method

A total of 64,189 full term pregnancies from the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study were included. A validated food-frequency questionnaire administered at gestational week 22 was used to obtain information on maternal caffeine intake from different sources. To assess child neurodevelopment (behaviour, temperament, motor development, language difficulties) validated scales were used to identify difficulties within each domain at 6, 18, 36 months as well as 5 and 8 years of age. Adjusted logistic regression models and mixed linear models were used to evaluate neurodevelopmental problems associated with maternal caffeine intake.

Results

Prenatal caffeine exposure was not associated with a persistently increased risk for behaviour, temperament, motor or language problems in children born at full-term. Results were consistent throughout all follow-ups and for different sources of caffeine intake. There was a minor trend towards an association between consumption of caffeinated soft drinks and high activity level, but this association was not driven by caffeine.

Conclusion

Low to moderate caffeine consumption during pregnancy was not associated with any persistent adverse effects concerning the child’s neurodevelopment up to 8 years of age. However, a few previous studies indicate an association between high caffeine consumption and negative neurodevelopment outcomes.