bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Reward Re‐Training protocol: A novel intervention approach designed to alter the reward imbalance contributing to binge eating during COVID‐19
Authors: Juarascio Adrienne S. , Michael Megan L. , Srivastava Paakhi , Manasse Stephanie M. , Drexler Sarah , Felonis Christina R.
Published: April 2021

Reduced exposure to social reward during the COVID‐19 pandemic may result in both reduced reward response to day‐to‐day life activities and elevated reward response to substances or naturally rewarding stimuli (e.g., food). The combined hypo‐ and hyper‐reward responses results in a reward imbalance, which has been noted as a relevant maintenance factor for eating disorders (EDs) characterized by binge eating. This registered report describes the protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing supportive therapy to a novel treatment targeting reward imbalance (Reward Re‐Training; RRT) for individuals with binge eating. Aims of the current study include to confirm feasibility and acceptability of RRT, to evaluate the ability of RRT to engage critical targets, and to provide preliminary estimates of efficacy in reducing ED symptoms at both posttreatment and 3‐month follow‐up.

Sixty participants will be randomized to either RRT or supportive therapy. For both conditions, treatment will be delivered in 10 weekly group outpatient therapy sessions conducted remotely using videoconferencing software. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, mid‐treatment, posttreatment, and 3‐month follow‐up to measure feasibility, acceptability, critical treatment targets (i.e., reward to day‐to‐day life activities, reward to palatable foods, social isolation, and loneliness), and ED symptoms.
Dinuclear Copper(II) Complexes with N,O Donor Ligands: Partial Ligand Hydrolysis and Alcohol Oxidation Catalysis
Authors: Barma Arpita , Bhattacharjee Aradhita , Roy Partha
Published: April 2021

Two copper(II) complexes [Cu2(L1)2] (1) and [Cu2(L2)2] (2) where H2L1=2‐hydroxy‐3‐((3‐hydroxy‐2,2‐dimethylpropylimino)methyl)‐5‐methylbenzaldehyde and H2L2=2‐hydroxy‐3‐(((1‐hydroxypropan‐2‐yl)imino)methyl)‐5‐methylbenzaldehyde have been synthesized and used as catalysts in alcohol oxidation. 2,6‐Diformyl‐4‐methylphenol (DFP) based Schiff‐base ligands, 3,3′‐(2‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐1,3‐phenylene)bis(methan‐1‐yl‐1‐ylidene)bis(azan‐1‐yl‐1‐ylidene)bis(2,2‐dimethylpropan‐1‐ol) (H3L′) and 2,2′‐(((2‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐1,3‐phenylene)bis(methanylylidene))bis(azanylylidene))bis(propan‐1‐ol) (H3L′′), undergo partial hydrolysis to convert one of the azomethine groups to aldehyde group to give H2L1 and H2L2, and then react with copper(II) acetate to yield complex 1 and 2, respectively. These complexes have been characterized by standard methods such as elemental analysis, room temperature magnetic studies, FT‐IR, UV‐vis, ESI‐mass spectral analyses, cyclic voltammogram, etc. The structures of dinuclear complexes with modified ligands have been confirmed by single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. Complex 1 and 2 have been used as catalysts for the oxidation of benzyl alcohol, 4‐methyl benzyl alcohol, 4‐methoxy benzyl alcohol, 4‐nitro benzyl alcohol and 4‐bromo benzyl alcohol to the corresponding aldehyde as the sole product. Efficiency of the catalyst depends on the chain length and substitution on the chain of the ligand.
Psychological and metabolic risk factors in older adults with a previous history of eating disorder: A cross‐sectional study from the Predimed‐Plus study
Authors: Vintró‐Alcaraz Cristina , Baenas Isabel , Lozano‐Madrid María , Granero Roser , Ruiz‐Canela Miguel , Babio Nancy , Corella Dolores , Fitó Montserrat , Martínez José Alfredo , Alonso‐Gómez Ángel M. , Wärnberg Julia , Vioque Jesús , Romaguera Dora , López‐Miranda José , Estruch Ramon , Bernal‐López María Rosa , Lapetra José , Sánchez‐Villegas Almudena , Bueno‐Cavanillas Aurora , Tur Josep A. , Martin‐Sánchez Vicente , Pintó Xavier , Delgado‐Rodríguez Miguel , Matía‐Martín Pilar , Vidal Josep , Cárdenas Jersy J. , Daimiel Lidia , Ros Emilio , Razquin Cristina , Díaz‐López Andrés , González José I. , Forcano Laura , Zulet María de los Ángeles , Bello‐Mora Maria C. , Valenzuela‐Guerrero Silvia , García de la Hera Manoli , Konieczna Jadwiga , García‐Ríos Antonio , Casas Rosa , Gómez‐Pérez Ana M. , García‐Arellano Ana , Bulló Mònica , Sorli José V. , Cuenca‐Royo Aida , Abete Itziar , Salaverria‐Lete Itziar , Basterra‐Gortari Francisco Javier , de la Torre Rafael , Salas‐Salvadó Jordi , Fernández‐Aranda Fernando
Published: April 2021

Goals

To explore affective and cognitive status, later in life, in individuals with and without previous history of eating disorder (ED), and also its association with higher risk for metabolic syndrome (MetS) symptomatology.

Methods

A cross‐sectional analysis of 6756 adults, aged 55–75 years with overweight/obesity and MetS participating in the Predimed‐Plus study was conducted. Participants completed self‐reported questionnaires to examine lifetime history of ED, according to DSM‐5 criteria, and other psychopathological and neurocognitive factors. Anthropometric and metabolic measurements were also collected.

Results

Of the whole sample, 24 individuals (0.35%) reported a previous history of ED. In this subsample, there were more women and singles compared to their counterparts, but they also presented higher levels of depressive symptoms and higher cognitive impairment, but also higher body mass index (BMI) and severe obesity, than those without lifetime ED.

Conclusions

This is one of the first studies to analyse the cognitive and metabolic impact of a previous history of ED. The results showed that previous ED was associated with greater affective and cognitive impairment, but also with higher BMI, later in life. No other MetS risk factors were found, after controlling for relevant variables.
From consumer to enterprise grade: How the choice of four UAS impacts point cloud quality
Authors: Stark Manuel , Heckmann Tobias , Piermattei Livia , Dremel Fabian , Kaiser Andreas , Machowski Patrick , Haas Florian , Becht Michael
Published: April 2021

Uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), combined with structure‐from‐motion photogrammetry, has already proven to be very powerful for a wide range of geoscience applications and different types of UAS are used for scientific and commercial purposes. However, the impact of the UAS used on the accuracy of the point clouds derived is not fully understood, especially for the quantitative analysis of geomorphic changes in complex terrain. Therefore, in this study, we aim to quantify the magnitude of systematic and random error in digital elevation models derived from four commonly used UAS (XR6/Sony α6000, Inspire 2/X4s, Phantom 4 Pro+, Mavic Pro) following different flight patterns. The vertical error of each elevation model is evaluated through comparison with 156 GNSS reference points and the normal distribution and spatial correlation of errors are analysed. Differences in mean errors (−0.4 to −1.8 cm) for the XR6, Inspire 2 and Phantom 4 Pro are significant but not relevant for most geomorphological applications. The Mavic Pro shows lower accuracies with mean errors up to 4.3 cm, thus showing a higher influence of random errors. QQ plots revealed a deviation of errors from a normal distribution in almost all data. All UAS data except Mavic Pro exhibit a pure nugget semivariogram, suggesting spatially uncorrelated errors. Compared to the other UAS, the Mavic Pro data show trends (i.e. differences increase with distance across the survey—doming) and the range of semivariances is 10 times greater. The lower accuracy of Mavic Pro can be attributed to the lower GSD at the same flight altitude and most likely, the rolling shutter sensor has an effect on the accuracy of the camera calibration. Overall, our study shows that accuracies depend highly on the chosen data sampling strategy and that the survey design used here is not suitable for calibrating all types of UAS camera equally.
Reduced order models for the incompressible Navier‐Stokes equations on collocated grids using a ‘discretize‐then‐project’ approach
Authors: Star Sabrina Kelbij , Sanderse Benjamin , Stabile Giovanni , Rozza Gianluigi , Degroote Joris
Published: April 2021

A novel reduced order model (ROM) for incompressible flows is developed by performing a Galerkin projection based on a fully (space and time) discrete full order model (FOM) formulation. This ‘discretize‐then‐project’ approach requires no pressure stabilization technique (even though the pressure term is present in the ROM) nor a boundary control technique (to impose the boundary conditions at the ROM level). These are two main advantages compared to existing approaches. The fully discrete FOM is obtained by a finite volume discretization of the incompressible Navier‐Stokes equations on a collocated grid, with a forward Euler time discretization. Two variants of the time discretization method, the inconsistent and consistent flux method, have been investigated. The latter leads to divergence‐free velocity fields, also on the ROM level, whereas the velocity fields are only approximately divergence‐free in the former method. For both methods, accurate results have been obtained for test cases with different types of boundary conditions: a lid‐driven cavity and an open‐cavity (with an inlet and outlet). The ROM obtained with the consistent flux method, having divergence‐free velocity fields, is slightly more accurate but also slightly more expensive to solve compared to the inconsistent flux method. The speedup ratio of the ROM and FOM computation times is the highest for the open cavity test case with the inconsistent flux method.
Image reconstruction for diffuse optical tomography using bi‐conjugate gradient and transpose‐free quasi minimal residual algorithms and comparison of them
Authors: Sevim Gençay , Üncü Yiğit Ali , Mercan Tanju , Canpolat Murat
Published: April 2021

Diffuse optical tomography (DOT) is a new emerging modality in the diagnosis of soft tissue abnormalities. DOT image quality substantially depends on the reconstruction stage. In the literature, there are many reconstruction algorithms used in DOT systems. However, some algorithms were improved for solving specific cases but still need to be improved. The bi‐conjugate gradient (BiCG) enhanced is one of the conjugate gradient (CG)‐based reconstruction techniques for non‐Hermitian systems. The BiCG provides a solution to a non‐Hermitian system. However, it has erratic convergence in some cases. Therefore, DOT images reconstructed by BiCG can be at the wrong location and is inaccurate in some cases. In this study, we used continuous‐wave diffuse optical tomography (CW‐DOT) to acquire measurements from breast tissue phantoms with single or double inclusion at different depths and center‐to‐center separations and we have used the transpose free quasi minimal residual (TFQMR) reconstruction algorithm, improved as an alternative to BiCG for the first time in the CW‐DOT system. Moreover, we have experimentally proved that TFQMR is superior to BiCG in some specific cases for the first time in CW‐DOT. Therefore, we concluded that TFQMR has the potential to be able to be used in the reconstruction stage in CW‐DOT.
Evaluation of the Effect of Mannuronic Acid as a Novel NSAID With Immunosuppressive Properties on Expression of SOCS1, SOCS3, SHIP1, and TRAF6 Genes and Serum Levels of IL‐6 and TNF‐α in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Najafi Soheil , Saadat Payam , Beladi Moghadam Nahid , Manoucherinia Ali , Aghazadeh Zahra , Vali Mohammadi Anita , Pashaiefar Hossein , Hosseini Mostafa , Mirshafiey Abbas
Published: April 2021

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is described as a chronic inflammatory, demyelinating disease of the central nervous system on an autoimmune basis, which is the most frequent reason for nontraumatic disability in youth. The efficacy and safety of β‐D‐nannuronic acid (M2000) as a novel immunosuppressive drug (patented PCT/EP2017/067920) has been shown in an experimental model of MS and also in a phase 2 clinical trial. The effects of M2000 on SOCS1, SOCS3, TRAF6, and SHIP1 gene expression and also serum levels of IL‐6 and TNF‐α in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis patients have been assessed in this study. In this study, 14 secondary progressive multiple sclerosis patients and 14 healthy subjects (as the control group) were recruited from the phase 2 clinical trial (Clinical Trial identifier, IRCT2016111313739N6). Gene expression of SOCS1, SOCS3, TRAF6, and SHIP1 was measured at baseline and after 6 months of therapy with M2000 using a quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction method. Furthermore, the serum levels of IL‐6 and TNF‐α were assessed by the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method. Our results showed that the gene expression of SOCS1, SOCS3, and SHIP1 was increased after 6 months of therapy with M2000 in MS patients. Moreover, the serum levels of IL‐6 and TNF‐α of patients declined compared with baseline, but this was not statistically significant. The results of this study demonstrated that M2000, with immunosuppressive properties, could upregulate SOCS1, SOCS3, and SHIP1 genes in patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.
Cyto–genotoxicity, antibacterial, and antibiofilm properties of green synthesized silver nanoparticles using Penicillium toxicarium
Authors: Korcan Safiye Elif , Kahraman Tuğba , Acikbas Yaser , Liman Recep , Ciğerci İbrahim Hakkı , Konuk Muhsin , Ocak İjlal
Published: April 2021

The fungi are becoming the distinguished organisms utilized in the biological synthesis of metallic nanoparticles because of their metal bioaccumulation ability. Addressed herein, the extracellular synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was carried out by using the cell‐free filtrate of Penicillium toxicarium KJ173540.1. P. toxicarium was locally isolated and identified using both classical and molecular methods according to ribosomal internal transcribed spacer area of 18S rDNA. The optimum conditions for the AgNPs synthesis were found as 0.25 mM AgNO3 concentrations with pH 12 values at 45°C after 64 hr incubation in dark. Biosynthesized AgNPs were characterized via microscopic and spectroscopic techniques such as transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer, and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. Zetasizer measurements presented that the high negative potential value (−18.1 mV) and PDI (0.495) supported the excellent colloidal nature of AgNPs with long‐range stability and high dispersity. AgNPs exhibited cyto–genotoxicity in Allium cepa root meristem cells by decreasing mitotic index and increasing chromosome aberrations in a dose‐dependent manner. Then, 100 and 50% concentration of biosynthesized AgNPs showed antibacterial activity on Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis. A decreasing biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa 80.69, 48.32, and 28.41% was also observed at 100, 50, and 25% of mycosynthesized AgNP, respectively.
Machine learning algorithm outperforms fibrosis markers in predicting significant fibrosis in biopsy‐confirmed NAFLD
Authors: Feng Gong , Zheng Kenneth I. , Li Yang‐Yang , Rios Rafael S. , Zhu Pei‐Wu , Pan Xiao‐Yan , Li Gang , Ma Hong‐Lei , Tang Liang‐Jie , Byrne Christopher D. , Targher Giovanni , He Na , Mi Man , Chen Yong‐Ping , Zheng Ming‐Hua
Published: April 2021

Background

The presence of significant liver fibrosis is a key determinant of long‐term prognosis in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We aimed to develop a novel machine learning algorithm (MLA) to predict fibrosis severity in NAFLD and compared it with the most widely used non‐invasive fibrosis biomarkers.

Methods

We used a cohort of 553 adults with biopsy‐proven NAFLD, who were randomly divided into a training cohort (n = 278) for the development of both logistic regression model (LRM) and MLA, and a validation cohort (n = 275). Significant fibrosis was defined as fibrosis stage F ≥ 2. MLA and LRM were derived from variables that were selected using a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression algorithm.

Results

In the training cohort, the variables selected by LASSO algorithm were body mass index, pro‐collagen type III, collagen type IV, aspartate aminotransferase and albumin‐to‐globulin ratio. The diagnostic accuracy of MLA showed the highest values of area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC: 0.902, 95% CI 0.869‐0.904) for identifying fibrosis F ≥ 2. The LRM AUROC was 0.764, 95% CI 0.710‐0.816 and significantly better than the AST‐to‐Platelet ratio (AUROC 0.684, 95% CI 0.605‐0.762), FIB‐4 score (AUROC 0.594, 95% CI 0.503‐0.685) and NAFLD Fibrosis Score (AUROC 0.557, 95% CI 0.470‐0.644). In the validation cohort, MLA also showed the highest AUROC (0.893, 95% CI 0.864‐0.901). The diagnostic accuracy of MLA outperformed that of LRM in all subgroups considered.

Conclusions

Our newly developed MLA algorithm has excellent diagnostic performance for predicting fibrosis F ≥ 2 in patients with biopsy‐confirmed NAFLD.
A CNT based VCO with extremely low phase noise and wide frequency range for PLL application
Authors: Sarbazi Hamed , Sabbaghi‐Nadooshan Reza , Hassanzadeh Alireza
Published: April 2021

Voltage controlled oscillators (VCOs) are used as key components in phase‐locked loop systems for generating stable oscillation signals. Since the digital electronics industry increasingly needs a faster operation, VCOs need to generate signals at higher frequencies. This paper presents a voltage controlled oscillator with a wide frequency range and very low phase noise by using carbon nanotube technology. The Stanford CNTFET model is implemented in Verilog‐A, and the proposed CNTFET VCO is simulated using ADS software. Simultaneous use of forward bulk biasing and an inductor yields a carbon nanotube oscillator with a frequency range of 6‐20 GHz and a phase noise of −123 dBc/Hz.
Impact of malnutrition diagnosed using Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria on clinical outcomes of patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Xu Li‐Bin , Shi Ming‐Ming , Huang Ze‐Xin , Zhang Wei‐Teng , Zhang Hui‐Hui , Shen Xian , Chen Xiao‐Dong
Published: April 2021

Objective

Our objective is to validate the effectiveness of the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria in malnutrition diagnosis compared with Patient‐Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG‐SGA) and assess the impact of malnutrition diagnosed using GLIM criteria on the clinical outcomes of patients with GC.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the data of 895 patients who underwent radical gastrectomy at the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University. Nutrition assessment was performed on all patients according to the GLIM criteria and PG‐SGA. The κ statistic was used to evaluate the agreement between two methods. Multivariate logistic regression and Cox regression based on single‐factor analysis were used to predict postoperative complications and overall survival rates.

Results

Based on the GLIM criteria, 38.3% of the patients were diagnosed as malnourished, including 21.7% Stage I (moderate malnutrition) and 16.6% Stage II (severe malnutrition). GLIM criteria had a moderate agreement with PG‐SGA (κ = 0.548). Patients in the Stage II malnutrition group had a higher incidence of complications, a longer postoperative length of stay, and higher hospitalization costs. Logistic regression showed that Stage II malnutrition was an independent risk predictor of postoperative complications (odds ratio, 3.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.18–4.94). Furthermore, Cox regression analysis showed that both Stage I (hazard ratio [HR], 1.52; 95% CI, 1.11–2.07; P = .009) and Stage II (HR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.34–2.53; P < .001) malnutrition were independent risk predictors of overall survival.

Conclusion

Diagnosis of malnutrition according to the GLIM criteria is useful in predicting the adverse postoperative clinical outcomes of patients with gastric cancer.
Cost‐effectiveness of ethanol lock prophylaxis to prevent central line–associated bloodstream infections in children with intestinal failure in the United States
Authors: Raghu Vikram Kalathur , Mezoff Ethan A. , Cole Conrad R. , Rudolph Jeffrey A. , Smith Kenneth J.
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) lead to significant morbidity and mortality in children with intestinal failure (IF). Ethanol lock prophylaxis (ELP) greatly reduces CLABSI frequency with minimal side effects. However, in the United States, a recently approved orphan drug designation for dehydrated alcohol has greatly increased 70% ethanol cost from about $10/day to $1000/day. We examined the cost‐effectiveness of ELP in relation to these changes.

Methods

We simulated a previously developed IF Markov model over 1 year. Costs were measured in 2020 US dollars and effectiveness in quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs). CLABSI rate with and without ELP was estimated from the largest available comparative observational study. The primary outcome was incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) between treatments. Secondary outcomes included CLABSI frequency. Sensitivity analyses on all model parameters were performed.

Results

In the base model, children with IF not using ELP accumulated $131,815 in costs and 0.32 QALYs per patient compared with $437,884 and 0.33 QALYs per patient in those using ELP. The ICER was nearly $17 million/QALY gained. ELP resulted in a 40% reduction in CLABSI frequency. ELP became cost‐effective at $68/day and cost‐saving at $63/day. Sensitivity analysis identified no other plausible parameter variation to reach the benchmark of $100,000/QALY gained.

Conclusions

At the current price, ELP is not cost‐effective for CLABSI prevention in children with IF in the United States. This study highlights the critical need for the approval of an affordable lock therapy option to prevent CLABSIs in these children.
The impact of donor breast milk on metabolic bone disease, postnatal growth, and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18 months’ corrected age
Authors: Kazmi Sadaf H. , Berman Sarah , Caprio Martha , Wachtel Elena V.
Published: April 2021

Background

Preterm infants are at risk for metabolic bone disease (MBD). Analysis of donor breast milk (DBM) shows lower levels of macronutrients compared with mother's own milk (MOM). The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of MBD, rate of postnatal growth, and long‐term neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants fed predominantly MOM vs DBM.

Methods

Retrospective observational study of infants born <1500g and <32 weeks at New York University Langone Health or Bellevue Hospital from January 2014 to January 2018. Infants were divided into two groups: those who received >70% of feeds with either MOM or DBM by 34 weeks’ corrected age (CA). MBD was assessed using alkaline phosphatase (AlkPO4) levels and radiographic findings. Data was also collected on growth, feeding tolerance, and long‐term neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Results

A total of 210 infants were included (MOM =156 and DBM =54). The DBM group had higher AlkPO4 levels for the first 3 weeks of life (P < .01). Growth was similar between the groups, and both groups demonstrated catch‐up growth after discharge. No difference was seen in feeding intolerance, incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis, or sepsis. The DBM group had lower cognitive (odds ratio [OR], 0.93 [0.88–0.98]; P < .01) and language (OR, 0.95 [0.90–0.99]; P < .01) scores at 18 months’ CA.

Conclusion

Infants fed predominantly DBM had elevated AlkPO4 levels suggestive of MBD but did not develop osteopenia. Despite appropriate growth and comparable short‐term outcomes, infants fed DBM had lower cognitive and language scores at 18 months’ CA.
Latitudinal and depth patterns of soil microbial biomass carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in grasslands of an agro‐pastoral ecotone
Authors: Chen Xinyue , Zhang Hongjin , Yao Xiaodong , Zeng Wenjing , Wang Wei
Published: April 2021

Soil microbial biomass is a key soil driver in the management of ecosystem functioning. However, little is known about the spatial distribution of microbial biomass in frequently disturbed areas, such as agro‐pastoral ecotones. In this study, we sampled soil from natural grasslands across 56 sites in the agro‐pastoral ecotone of northern China at 0–10 and 10–20 cm soil depth. We measured microbial biomass carbon (MBC), nitrogen (MBN), and phosphorus (MBP) and possible drivers of responses. Both MBC and MBP showed a significant positive relationship with latitude at the regional scale, whereas MBN showed a non‐significant latitudinal pattern, independent of soil depth. The major influential factors for the latitudinal pattern of both MBC and MBN were soil total carbon content (STC), soil total nitrogen content (STN), and soil moisture, while the latitudinal pattern of MBP was influenced by STN, soil pH and mean annual temperature. Furthermore, MBC, MBN, and MBP decreased with increasing soil depth by 37.4%, 32.8%, and 21.5%, respectively. Interestingly, when microbial biomass was normalized by STC, STN, and soil total phosphorous content (STP), MBC/STC still significantly declined, whereas MBN/STN showed no significant difference and MBP/STP significantly increased with soil depth. The influential factor for the depth patterns of MBC, MBN, and MBP was soil substrate (as indicated by STC, STN, and STP). The findings of this study are helpful in understanding the spatial pattern of microbial biomass and its influencing factors in frequently disturbed areas.
Recent Advances in Injectable Dual Crosslinking Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Chu Wenlin , Nie Mingxi , Ke Xiang , Luo Jun , Li Jianshu
Published: April 2021

Injectable dual crosslinking hydrogels hold great promise to improve therapeutic efficacy in minimally invasive surgery. Compared with prefabricated hydrogels, injectable hydrogels can be implanted more accurately into deeply enclosed sites and repair irregularly shaped lesions, showing great applicable potential. Here, the current fabrication considerations of injectable dual crosslinking hydrogels are reviewed. Besides, the progress of the hydrogels used in corresponding applications and emerging challenges are discussed, with detailed emphasis in the fields of bone and cartilage regeneration, wound dressings, sensors and other less mentioned applications for their more hopeful employments in clinic. It is envisioned that the further development of the injectable dual crosslinking hydrogels will catalyze their innovation and transformation in the biomedical field.
Surface modification for Al alloy by volatile corrosion inhibitors from cyclohexylamine, octanoic acid, and their reaction product
Authors: Ma Tengfei , Zhang Hongliang , Gao Lixin , Zhang Daquan , Zhao Yanliang , Sun Min , Dai Yigang
Published: April 2021

The protection for Al alloy is investigated through vapor phase assembly technology. The corrosion resistance performance of the assembled Al alloys is compared by the electrochemical measurements as well as hydrogen evolution test. The assembly sequence affects the protection of the complex films formed on Al alloy surface. It indicates that the complex films of base and acid assembly components have better protection effects. The reactivity between the assembly components and the formation mechanism of the complex films is analyzed. The alternative assembly of acid and base components enhances the anticorrosion ability of Al alloys and becomes the promising method for the use of the salt‐type volatile corrosion inhibitor.
Combining Device‐Aided Therapies in Parkinson's Disease: A Case Series and a Literature Review
Authors: Boura Iro , Haliasos Nikolaos , Giannopoulou Ιrene‐Areti , Karabetsos Dimitrios , Spanaki Cleanthe
Published: April 2021

Background

Deep brain stimulation (DBS), levodopa‐carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) and subcutaneous apomorphine infusion are device‐aided therapies (DATs) for advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). We present a case series from the Cretan PD Registry who required 2 DATs for optimal management along with a systematic review of similar studies.

Cases

From 2009 to 2020, we retrospectively studied all PD patients who were simultaneously treated with 2 DATs. Six patients on DBS required an infusion treatment for persisting or re‐emergent fluctuations because of disease progression. Two patients on LCIG infusion received DBS as a levodopa‐sparing strategy because of drug‐induced complications. Fluctuations and quality of life improved in all patients.

Literature review

We identified 4 case series, 1 prospective and 1 retrospective study that included a total of 50 DBS‐treated patients who required an infusion therapy. Improvement in motor outcomes, assessed in different ways, was a constant finding.

Conclusions

Selected PD patients on 1 DAT may experience additional benefit from a second DAT, for several reasons along the course of their disease. Although infusion therapies optimize dopaminergic drug delivery in fluctuating DBS‐treated patients, DBS added on LCIG treatment has an additive symptomatic effect that allows levodopa dose reduction in patients with drug‐induced side effects.
Strategic outsourcing and quality choice: Is a vertical integration model sustainable?
Authors: Miyamoto Yoshinari
Published: April 2021

This paper uses two versions of a vertical product differentiation model with price competition to investigate how strategic behavior between rival firms influences which organizational production mode each firm adopts: that is, either vertical integration or outsourcing. We show that not only a symmetric configuration, where both high‐ and low‐quality firms outsource, but also an asymmetric configuration, where the high‐quality firm produces in‐house whereas the low‐quality firm outsources, are acceptable as a subgame‐perfect equilibrium outcome. We explore the implications of these results in light of the recent slump in business of Japanese electronics enterprises in the flat‐panel television industry.
Topology optimization of dynamic problems based on finite deformation theory
Authors: Ogawa Shun , Yamada Takayuki
Published: April 2021

This study proposes a topology optimization method for dynamic problems based on the finite deformation theory to derive a structure that can reduce deformations for arbitrary dynamic loads that have large deformations. To obtain a structure that can minimize deformations due to dynamic loading for the isotropic hyperelastic model, the square norm of dynamic compliance is set as the objective function. A sensitivity analysis method of the equation of motion, based on Newmark's method for unknown displacements, is presented in the current study. The analysis is carried out by developing a general design sensitivity equation that can accurately account for the response of the structure to dynamic loading and simultaneously display a high affinity for the general constitutive law by using the adjoint variable method. The accuracy of the obtained sensitivity is verified by using the finite difference method as a benchmark. Numerical examples are then used to demonstrate the validity of the proposed method. The results show that the proposed method is able to derive optimization results according to the magnitude of the applied load.
Effectiveness of Alpelisib + Fulvestrant Compared with Real-World Standard Treatment Among Patients with HR+, HER2–, PIK3CA-Mutated Breast Cancer
Authors: Turner Stuart , Chia Stephen , Kanakamedala Hemanth , Hsu Wei-Chun , Park Jinhee , Chandiwana David , Ridolfi Antonia , Yu Chu-Ling , Zarate Juan Pablo , Rugo Hope S.
Published: April 2021

Background

The BYLieve trial (NCT03056755) confirmed efficacy and safety of alpelisib with fulvestrant for hormone receptor–positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor-2–negative (HER2−), PIK3CA-mutated advanced breast cancer (ABC), after cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor (CDK4/6i) with an aromatase inhibitor (AI) as immediate prior therapy. Further analyses were performed to compare efficacy from BYLieve with effectiveness of standard treatment in the real-world setting.

Materials and Methods

Patients who progressed on a CDK4/6i plus AI and were treated with alpelisib with fulvestrant in BYLieve were matched with a real-world patient cohort who received standard-of-care from a deidentified clinico-genomics database (CGDB). Primary and secondary endpoints were to compare progression-free survival (PFS), estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and the proportion of patients remaining progression-free at 6 months, respectively, between the two cohorts.

Results

A total of 855 patients with PIK3CA-mutant disease who had prior CDK4/6i plus hormone therapy were selected from the CGDB; further matching to 120 patients from BYLieve selected 95 patients without exposure to HER2-targeting agents, clinical study drug, or alpelisib. In unadjusted and postmatching results, primary and secondary endpoints favored treatment with alpelisib with fulvestrant in BYLieve more than standard treatments in the real-world cohort. Postadjustment, median PFS for patients treated with alpelisib in BYLieve was 7.3 versus 3.7 months in the real-world cohort, and 6-month PFS was 54.6% versus 40.1%, respectively.

Conclusion

Matched/weighted analysis comparing BYLieve with the real-world setting further supports the clinical benefit of alpelisib with fulvestrant for treatment of HR+, HER2−, PIK3CA-mutant ABC after CDK4/6i treatment.

Implications for Practice

Approximately 40% of patients with hormone receptor–positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor-2–negative (HER2−) advanced breast cancer (ABC) have PIK3CA-mutated tumors, which have been associated with endocrine therapy resistance. Alpelisib, an α-selective phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase inhibitor, demonstrated significantly improved progression-free survival in SOLAR-1 and demonstrated clinical efficacy in BYLieve when combined with fulvestrant. Data are limited in comparing the efficacy of alpelisib combined with fulvestrant with effectiveness of standard therapy after CDK4/6i treatment. Using real-world data, this is the first analysis comparing alpelisib combined with fulvestrant with standard treatments for HR+, HER2−, PIK3CA-mutant ABC in the post-CDK4/6i setting.
A policy impact tool: Measuring the policy impact of public participation in deliberative e‐rulemaking
Authors: Deligiaouri Anastasia , Suiter Jane
Published: April 2021

This paper aims to integrate epistemic versions of deliberative democracy into policy studies in order to develop a policy impact tool (PIT) for e‐rulemaking initiatives. In building its argumentation, the paper assesses and engages with epistemic democracy and online deliberation design while considering policy‐related dilemmas and the specific challenges of deliberative e‐rulemaking. The PIT aims to introduce a concise procedure along with a number of basic indicators that can be used to understand and evaluate the quality of discourse and the policy potential of deliberative e‐rulemaking. In order to build this tool, (a) we rely on the importance of comparative text analysis; (b) we develop a threads index, which will categorize citizens' input in the major arguments spelt out in the deliberation; (c) we propose argumentation and discourse analysis to evaluate arguments vis a vis their justification and identify the policy‐valuable arguments and; (d) we provide a concise procedure and the benchmark for the assessment of the policy potential and impact of the preceding deliberation.
Preparation of Meldrum's acid‐functionalized polyimides exhibiting organo‐soluble, reactive, self‐crosslinkable, and colorless features
Authors: Huang Chien‐Ho , Liu Ying‐Ling
Published: April 2021

Functional polyimides (PIs) having some desired properties, for example, organo‐solubility, chemical reactivity, crosslinkable feature, and high transparency in visible region, are attractive for specific applications. This work reports an effort to integrate the above‐mentioned properties in one polyimide through introduction of Meldrum's acid (MA) moieties to polyimide chains with using a MA‐containing diamine (MADA) as a monomer. The polyimide prepared with MADA and 4,4′‐(hexafluoroisopropylidene) diphthalic anhydride (6FDA) (PI[MADA‐6FDA]) has a number‐averaged molecular weight of 56,800 g mol−1, shows good solubility in tetrahydrofuran and aprotic high polar solvents, and exhibits post‐reactivity/crosslinkability through MA‐mediated ketene chemistry. Crosslinked PI(MADA‐6FDA) film shows a glass transition temperature of 289°C, a dielectric constant of about 2.78, and high flexibility bearing a near‐180° bending. The MA‐mediated ketene chemistry contributes to in situ building up covalent linkages between PI chains and silica nanoparticles (SNPs) in preparation of PI/SNPs nanocomposite films (NCF). Formation of the PI/SNPs NCFs enhances the thermal and mechanical properties, reduces the dielectric constants, and increases the transparency. The properties of the MA‐functionalized PI are attractive for further studies on their applications.
Decoupling and Integrability of Nonassociative Vacuum Phase Space Gravitational Equations With Star and R‐flux Parametric Deformations
Authors: Veliev Elşen Veli , Bubuianu Laurenţiu , Vacaru Sergiu I.
Published: April 2021

We prove that nonassociative star deformed vacuum Einstein equations can be decoupled and integrated in certain general forms on phase spaces involving real R‐flux terms induced as parametric corrections on base Lorentz manifold spacetimes. The geometric constructions are elaborated with parametric (on respective Planck, ℏ, and string, , constants) and nonholonomic dyadic decompositions of fundamental geometric and physical objects. This is our second partner work on elaborating nonassociative geometric and gravity theories with symmetric and nonsymmetric metrics, (non) linear connections, star deformations defined by generalized Moyal‐Weyl products, endowed with quasi‐Hopf algebra, or other type algebraic and geometric structures, and all adapted to nonholonomic distributions and frames. We construct exact and parametric solutions for nonassociative vacuum configurations (with nontrivial or effective cosmological constants) defined by star deformed generic off‐diagonal (non) symmetric metrics and (generalized) nonlinear and linear connections. The coefficients of geometric objects defining such solutions are determined by respective classes of generating and integration functions and constants and may depend on all phase space coordinates [spacetime ones, ; and momentum like variables, )]. Quasi‐stationary configurations are stated by solutions with spacetime Killing symmetry on a time like vector but with possible dependencies on momentum like coordinates on star deformed phase spaces. This geometric techniques of decoupling and integrating nonlinear systems of physically important partial differential equations (the anholonomic frame and connection deformation method, AFCDM) is applied in our partner works for constructing nonassociative and locally anisotropic generalizations of black hole and cosmological solutions and elaborating geometric flow evolution and classical and quantum information theories.
Proteomic analysis of extracellular vesicles identified PI3K pathway as a potential therapeutic target for cabazitaxel‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Hishida Seiji , Kawakami Kyojiro , Fujita Yasunori , Kato Taku , Takai Manabu , Iinuma Koji , Nakane Keita , Tsuchiya Tomohiro , Koie Takuya , Miura Yuri , Ito Masafumi , Mizutani Kosuke
Published: April 2021

Background

Cabazitaxel (CBZ) is now widely used for prostate cancer (PC) patients resistant to docetaxel (DOC), however, most patients eventually acquire resistance. It will, therefore, be of great benefit to discover novel therapeutic target for the resistance. We aimed to identify candidate therapeutic targets for CBZ‐resistance by proteomic analysis of extracellular vesicles (EVs) isolated from serum of DOC‐resistant PC patients who later developed CBZ‐resistance as well as those harvested from culture medium of DOC‐ and CBZ‐resistant PC cell lines.

Methods

Using T‐cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain‐containing protein 4 (Tim4) conjugated to magnetic beads, EVs were purified from serum of PC patients with DOC‐resistance that was collected before and after acquiring CBZ‐resistance and conditioned medium of DOC‐resistant (22Rv1DR) and CBZ‐resistant (22Rv1CR) PC cell lines. Protein analysis of EVs was performed by nanoLC‐MS/MS, followed by a comparative analysis of protein expression and network analysis. The cytotoxic effect of a phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase (PI3K) inhibitor, ZSTK474, was evaluated by WST‐1 assay. The expression and phosphorylation of PI3K and PTEN were examined by western blot analysis.

Results

Among differentially regulated proteins, 77 and 61 proteins were significantly increased in EVs from CBZ‐resistant PC cell line and patients, respectively. A comparison between the two datasets revealed that six proteins, fructose‐bisphosphate aldolase, cytosolic nonspecific dipeptidase, CD63, CD151, myosin light chain 9, and peroxiredoxin‐6 were elevated in EVs from both cell line and patients. Network analysis of the increased EV proteins identified pathways associated with CBZ‐resistance including PI3K signaling pathway. ZSTK474 significantly inhibited growth of 22Rv1CR cells and improved their sensitivity to CBZ. In 22Rv1CR cells, PI3K was activated and PTEN that inhibits PI3K was deactivated.

Conclusions

Proteomic analysis of serum EVs was successfully accomplished by using Tim‐4 as a tool to isolate highly purified EVs. Our results suggest that the combination use of CBZ and PI3K inhibitor could be a promising treatment option for CBZ‐resistant PC patients.
First‐Principles Study of the Effects of Interstitial H and Point Vacancies on the p‐Type of Conductive Properties of Be/Mg/Ca‐Doped GaN
Authors: Yin Xiang , Hou Qingyu , Chen Hao
Published: April 2021

Obtaining a reliable positive‐type (p‐type) GaN semiconductor is difficult because of the unipolarity of GaN. This difficulty is one of the bottlenecks restricting the development of GaN‐based optoelectronic devices. To address this problem, this paper adopted the method of generalized gradient approximation (GGA) plane wave ultrasoft pseudopotential based on the framework of density functional theory to construct Ga35MN36, Ga34MN36, and Ga34MHiN36 (M = Be/Mg/Ca; Hi = interstitial hydrogen) models. Ga35MN35 and Ga35MHiN35 (M = Be/Mg/Ca) models were also constructed. Results of our calculations indicated that the Ga35MN35 and Ga35MHiN35 (M = Be/Mg/Ca) models cannot achieve a p‐type doping system. Furthermore, the formation energy of Ga34MN36 and Ga34MHiN36 (M = Be/Mg/Ca) systems was greater under Ga‐rich conditions than that under N‐rich conditions, indicating that both doping systems more readily formed and had a more stable structure under N‐rich conditions. Moreover, the formation energy of Ga34MHiN36 (M = Be/Mg/Ca) system was lower than that of Ga34MN36 (M = Be/Mg/Ca) system, and the existence of interstitial H proved to be beneficial to the improvement in system stability. The Ga34CaHiN36 system had the largest hole mobility and the best conductivity. Therefore, the Ga34CaHiN36 system is an ideal material for the application of conductive GaN devices. This study provides guidance into the preparation of p‐type conductive GaN materials.
High‐Aspect‐Ratio TiO2 Nanotube Layers via Galvanostatic Anodization in an Electrolyte Containing Lactic Acid
Authors: Alijani Mahnaz , Sopha Hanna , Ng Siowwoon , Rodriguez-Pereira Jhonatan , Macak Jan M.
Published: April 2021

1D TiO2 nanotubes (TNTs) produced by anodization of Ti have attracted significant research and technological interest due to their excellent properties suitable for numerous applications. A huge challenge that remains is to develop reproducible protocols for the synthesis of extremely high aspect ratio (HAR) TNT layers. A new strategy for the growth of HAR TNT layers based on galvanostatic anodization of Ti in NH4F/ethylene‐glycol‐based electrolyte with the addition of lactic acid (LA) is described. The results show that the addition of LA to the electrolyte can effectively prevent the dielectric breakdown during the anodization at elevated current densities. In comparison with the LA‐free electrolyte, robust HAR TNT layers as thick as ≈44 μm can be produced within 15 min.
Formation and decay of intersystem crossing receiver triplet state in terthiophene and quaterthiophene
Authors: R. S. Lekshmi , Vennapusa Sivaranjana Reddy
Published: April 2021

Experimental triplet quantum yields of terthiophene and quaterthiophene are investigated based on the combined analysis of computed energetics, spin‐orbit coupling constants, and quantum dynamics simulations. We discuss the triplet state generation via the S1‐T3 intersystem crossing pathway. Initial Franck–Condon conditions are employed while performing the wavepacket dynamics in the triplet manifold. The wavepacket evolving on T3 state exhibits a similar electronic population decay profile in both molecules. Finally, we illustrate how the triplet quantum yield quantity depends on the two processes: the triplet state formation and its decay.
Induced magnetic states upon electron–hole injection at B and N sites of hexagonal boron nitride bilayer: A density functional theory study
Authors: Chettri B. , Patra P. K. , Lalmuanchhana  , Lalhriatzuala  , Verma Swati , Rao B. Keshav , Verma Mohan L. , Thakur Vishal , Kumar Narender , Hieu Nguyen N. , Rai D. P.
Published: April 2021

We have reported the electronic, magnetic and optical properties of carbon doped bilayer hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) using thedensity functional theory. A single C‐doping at B/N sites gives the large band gap similar to dilute magnetic semiconducting behaviour with a finite net magnetic moment of 1.001 and 0.998μB, respectively. For double doping at B/N sites the net magnetic moment increases to 1.998 and 1.824μB, respectively. Upon C‐doping at N‐site, we obtained transition from non‐magnetic semiconductor (pristine) → magnetic semiconductor (1C) → half‐metal ferromagnetic (2C) → metal (3C). In case of the B site, we observed metallic behaviour for 2C‐doping. As 1,2 C‐doping at the B site reduces the energy band gap from 1.8 eV to 0.81 eV, falls in the visible range and offers an opportunity to utilized as a photocatalyst material. C‐doped systems show a magnetic semiconducting behavior crucial for spintronic applications.
Estimating Coherence Measures with Untrusted Devices
Authors: Zhang Xingjian , Liu Yunchao , Yuan Xiao
Published: April 2021

The superposition of quantum states, quantified by coherence, is a fundamental feature to distinguish quantum mechanics from classical theories. Estimations of coherence with perfectly characterised devices have been well‐studied. However, imperfections or malfunctions of realistic measurement devices might nullify the characterization. Device‐independent (DI) tests allow to witness and quantify the quantum feature of a system, such as entanglement, without trusting the implementation devices. Although DI test is a powerful tool in many quantum information tasks, it generally requires nonlocal settings. Little is known if single party coherence can be witnessed and estimated via untrusted devices. In this work, coherence witnesses and estimations with untrusted devices are systematically studied. First, a no‐go theorem for detecting existences of single party coherence via a DI or semi DI means is proven. A general prepare‐and‐measure semi DI scheme for witnessing and estimating the amount of coherence is then proposed. How to estimate the relative entropy and the l1 norm of single party coherence with analytical and numerical approaches is shown. As coherence is an essential resource for tasks such as quantum random number generation and quantum key distribution, it is expected that this result may shed light on designing new quantum cryptographic schemes.