bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modernizing Daily Function Assessment in Parkinson's Disease Using Capacity, Perception, and Performance Measures
Authors: Maetzler Walter , Rochester Lynn , Bhidayasiri Roongroj , Espay Alberto J. , Sánchez‐Ferro Alvaro , van Uem Janet M.T.
Published: November 2020

Many disease symptoms restrict the quality of life of the affected. This usually occurs indirectly, at least in most neurological diseases. Here, impaired daily function is interposed between the symptoms and the reduced quality of life. This is reflected in the International Classification of Function, Disability and Health model published by the World Health Organization in 2001. This correlation between symptom, daily function, and quality of life makes it clear that to evaluate the success of a therapy and develop new therapies, daily function must also be evaluated as accurately as possible. However, daily function is a complex construct and therefore difficult to quantify. To date, daily function has been measured primarily by capacity (clinical assessments) and perception (surveys and patient‐reported outcomes) assessment approaches. Now, daily function can be captured in a new dimension, that is, performance, through new digital technologies that can be used in the home environment of patients. This viewpoint discusses the differences and interdependencies of capacity, perception, and performance assessment types using the example of Parkinson's disease. Options regarding how future study protocols should be designed to get the most comprehensive and validated picture of daily function in patients are presented. © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Continuous body impedance measurement to detect bladder volume changes during urodynamic study: A prospective study in pediatric patients
Authors: Lee Sangyeop , Moon Junhyung , Shin Seung‐chul , Hwang Ji Hye , Lee Kyoungwoo , Lee Yong Seung
Published: November 2020

Aims

To assess the possibility of the body impedance (BI) reflecting bladder volumes (BV) in pediatric patients, the BI signals are measured continuously with the equipment that we have developed and reported previously, during the filling phase of urodynamic study (UDS).

Methods

A total of 30 children (5–12 years old) are included in this prospective study. The equipment uses two dry electrodes embedded inside a strap to collect impedance and electrocardiogram signals. The factors affecting baseline BI and its decreases during UDS have been investigated.

Results

The median age is 6.1 years and BI is accurately measured in 27 out of 30 patients (90.0% accuracy). The median value of baseline BI is 1958 Ω. It is higher when they are older, equal to or taller than 125 cm, or non‐neurogenic bladder patients. BI decreases as the bladder is filled with saline in 21 patients (77.8%), and remains constant in 6 patients (22.2%). The median age of the Decreased Group is significantly higher than that of Nondecreased Group (p = .036). Height of 125 cm or more is significant in the Decreased Group (p = .020). Heart rates also have been simultaneously measured and revealed a mild decrease during the filling phase.

Conclusions

The baseline BI is affected by the height and age of the children. BI is effectively measured and reflects a change in the BV in older children who are taller than 125 cm, with a small device using a smartphone and a strap.
Frequency and risk factors of pressure injuries in clinical settings of affiliated to Tabriz University of Medical Sciences
Authors: Aghazadeh AhmadMirza , Lotfi Mojgan , Asgarpour Hossein , Khajehgoodari Mohammad , Nobakht Afsaneh
Published: November 2020

Aim

Pressure injuries are considered a common and costly problem in the care of patients. Prevention and identification of risk factors for pressure injuries are very important due to the high cost of treatment and the adverse consequences of pressure injuries. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of pressure injuries and its risk factors in clinical settings of affiliated to Tabriz University of Medical Sciences.

Design

A descriptive‐analytical study.

Methods

This study was performed on 200 patients who were selected by random sampling. The data collection tool was a 3‐part questionnaire. Data were analysed using a t test, chi‐square, Fisher's exact test and logistic regression in SPSS v. 24.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 51.93 (SD 14.99) years. The rate of pressure injuries in this study was 19.5%. The most susceptible area for pressure injuries were sacral (35.89%) and gluteal (20.51%), respectively. The pressure injuries was significantly associated with Braden's criteria, age, disease diagnosis and length of hospital stay (p < .05). But there was no statistically significant difference between sex and incidence of pressure injuries (p > .05).
Extended RAS Analysis of the Phase III EPIC Trial: Irinotecan + Cetuximab Versus Irinotecan as Second-Line Treatment for Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Sobrero Alberto , Lenz Heinz-Josef , Eng Cathy , Scheithauer Werner , Middleton Gary , Chen Wenfeng , Esser Regina , Nippgen Johannes , Burris Howard
Published: November 2020

Background

The multicenter, open-label, randomized, phase III EPIC study (EMR 062202-025) investigated cetuximab plus irinotecan versus irinotecan in patients with epidermal growth factor receptor–detectable metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) that progressed on first-line fluoropyrimidine- and oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy; we report the outcomes of patients with RAS-wild-type (wt) disease.

Materials and Methods

Available DNA samples from RAS-unselected patients (n = 1,164 of 1,298 [89.7%]) were reanalyzed for RAS mutations using beads, emulsion, amplification, and magnetics. Baseline characteristics, efficacy, safety, and poststudy therapy were assessed. RAS-wt status was defined as a mutated RAS allele frequency of ≤5%, with all relevant alleles being analyzable.

Results

Baseline characteristics were comparable between the groups (n = 452 patients with RAS-wt mCRC; cetuximab plus irinotecan n = 231, irinotecan n = 221) and between the RAS-wt and RAS-unselected populations. In the cetuximab plus irinotecan versus irinotecan arms, median overall survival was 12.3 versus 12.0 months, median progression-free survival (PFS) was 5.4 versus 2.6 months, and objective response rate (ORR) was 29.4% versus 5.0%, respectively. Quality of life (QoL) was improved in the cetuximab plus irinotecan arm. Serious adverse events occurred in 45.4% (cetuximab plus irinotecan) and 42.4% (irinotecan) of patients. In total, 47.1% of patients in the irinotecan arm received subsequent cetuximab therapy.

Conclusion

PFS, ORR, and QoL were improved with cetuximab plus irinotecan as a second-line treatment in patients with RAS-wt mCRC, confirming that cetuximab-based therapy is suitable in this population. Almost half of patients in the irinotecan arm received poststudy cetuximab, masking a potential overall survival benefit of cetuximab addition.

Implications for Practice

Cetuximab is approved for the treatment of RAS–wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). In this retrospective analysis of the phase III EPIC study (cetuximab plus irinotecan vs. irinotecan alone as second-line treatment in patients with RAS-unselected mCRC), the subgroup of patients with RAS–wild-type mCRC who received cetuximab plus irinotecan had improved progression-free survival, objective response rate, and quality of life compared with the RAS-unselected population. These findings suggest that cetuximab-based therapy is a suitable second-line treatment for patients with RAS–wild-type mCRC.
A developmental basis for the anatomical diversity of dermis in homeostasis and wound repair
Authors: Usansky Ivy , Jaworska Patrycja , Asti Ludovica , Kenny Fiona N , Hobbs Carl , Sofra Vasiliki , Song Hanfei , Logan Malcolm , Graham Anthony , Shaw Tanya J
Published: November 2020

The dermis has disparate embryonic origins; abdominal dermis develops from lateral plate mesoderm, dorsal dermis from paraxial mesoderm and facial dermis from neural crest. However, the cell and molecular differences and their functional implications have not been described. We hypothesise that the embryonic origin of the dermis underpins regional characteristics of skin, including its response to wounding. We have compared abdomen, back and cheek, three anatomical sites representing the distinct embryonic tissues from which the dermis can arise, during homeostasis and wound repair using RNA sequencing, histology and fibroblast cultures. Our transcriptional analyses demonstrate differences between body sites that reflect their diverse origins. Moreover, we report histological and transcriptional variations during a wound response, including site differences in ECM composition, cell migration and proliferation, and re‐enactment of distinct developmental programmes. These findings reveal profound regional variation in the mechanisms of tissue repair. © 2020 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Assessment of a computerized quantitative quality control tool for whole slide images of kidney biopsies
Authors: Chen Yijiang , Zee Jarcy , Smith Abigail , Jayapandian Catherine , Hodgin Jeffrey , Howell David , Palmer Matthew , Thomas David , Cassol Clarissa , Farris Alton B , Perkinson Kathryn , Madabhushi Anant , Barisoni Laura , Janowczyk Andrew
Published: November 2020

Inconsistencies in the preparation of histology slides and whole‐slide images (WSIs) may lead to challenges with subsequent image analysis and machine learning approaches for interrogating the WSI. These variabilities are especially pronounced in multicenter cohorts, where batch effects (i.e. systematic technical artifacts unrelated to biological variability) may introduce biases to machine learning algorithms. To date, manual quality control (QC) has been the de facto standard for dataset curation, but remains highly subjective and is too laborious in light of the increasing scale of tissue slide digitization efforts. This study aimed to evaluate a computer‐aided QC pipeline for facilitating a reproducible QC process of WSI datasets. An open source tool, HistoQC, was employed to identify image artifacts and compute quantitative metrics describing visual attributes of WSIs to the Nephrotic Syndrome Study Network (NEPTUNE) digital pathology repository. A comparison in inter‐reader concordance between HistoQC aided and unaided curation was performed to quantify improvements in curation reproducibility. HistoQC metrics were additionally employed to quantify the presence of batch effects within NEPTUNE WSIs. Of the 1814 WSIs (458 H&E, 470 PAS, 438 silver, 448 trichrome) from n = 512 cases considered in this study, approximately 9% (163) were identified as unsuitable for subsequent computational analysis. The concordance in the identification of these WSIs among computational pathologists rose from moderate (Gwet's AC1 range 0.43 to 0.59 across stains) to excellent (Gwet's AC1 range 0.79 to 0.93 across stains) agreement when aided by HistoQC. Furthermore, statistically significant batch effects (p < 0.001) in the NEPTUNE WSI dataset were discovered. Taken together, our findings strongly suggest that quantitative QC is a necessary step in the curation of digital pathology cohorts. © 2020 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Silicone composites cured under a high electric field: an electromechanical experimental study
Authors: Kumar Ajeet , Patra Karali , Hossain Mokarram
Published: November 2020

Recently, dielectric elastomers (DEs) become enviable materials for the applications of electromechanical transducers. However, requirements of enhanced properties like high dielectric constants, low elastic moduli, high stretchability, and minimum viscous and dielectric losses are major challenges for actuator and generator applications. To enhance dielectric properties, particle‐filled DE can be prepared in the presence of an electric field during the curing process, which leads to aligned particles in a regular fashion. In this work, we develop a holistic experimental characterization approach to assess how particle alignments enhance mechanical, electrical and electro‐mechanical properties over the randomly particle filled composites. For that, a commercially available silicone polymer (Ecoflex) is used and filled with high dielectric constant barium titanate fillers. In order to substantiate electromechanical performance enhancements, mechanical, electrical, electro‐mechanical, and morphology experiments are conducted on both types of silicone composites. Dielectric composites prepared under an electric field during curing process outperform in almost all aspects of electromechanical tests. This comprehensive study provides a framework that will guide future dielectric composite preparations and electrical, mechanical, and electromechanical experiments especially for the oriented dipole fillers prepared under an electric field.
Effect of polyetherimide sizing on surface properties of carbon fiber and interfacial strength of carbon fiber/polyetheretherketone composites
Authors: Liu Hansong , Zhao Yan , Li Na , Li Shuang , Li Xuekuan , Liu Zhiwei , Cheng Sheng , Wang Kai , Du Shanyi
Published: November 2020

The sizing process is almost invariably performed after the manufacture of carbon fiber (CF) and the sizing agent takes the effect of protecting CF surface. However, the traditional sizing agent is not suitable for processing continuous CF reinforced thermoplastic composites (CFRTPs) with high processing temperature. In this work, polyetherimide (PEI) is chosen as the sizing agent for CF reinforced polyetheretherketone (CF/PEEK) composites, and the sizing content as well as the type of sizing agent (including solvent‐based and emulsion type) were systematically researched. After a series of characterization of CF surface properties and interfacial strength of CF/PEEK, the improvement of interfacial shear strength (IFSS) and mechanical performances of sized CF/PEEK proves the enhancement of interfacial adhesion after sizing. CF/PEEK composites which contain CF handled by emulsion type sizing agent have good mechanical properties, indicating that it has the potential to replace solvent‐based sizing agent. Besides, the miscible feature of PEEK with PEI, the raise of CF surface roughness and surface energy might cause the reinforcement of interfacial mechanical properties. This research may create a potential way for CF production field, aiming at improving the interfacial performance of CFRTPs.
Sirt3 regulates adipogenesis and adipokine secretion via its enzymatic activity
Authors: Ma Oanh , Le Truc , Talbott George , HoangThao Nguyen Tram , Ha Dorothy , Ho Linh
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this research was to identify if Sirt3 plays a role in marrow adipogenesis and adipokines secretion, especially adiponectin using bone marrow‐derived stroma (ST2) cell model. Sirt3 overexpression leads to a significant increase in adipogenesis compared to controls. The induction of adipogenesis by Sirt3 is associated with increased gene expression of adipocyte markers as well as adiponectin/adipokines. In sharp contrast, the inhibition of Sirt3 exhibited significantly decreased adipogenesis, adipocyte markers, and adiponectin/adipokines compared to the controls. Interestingly, perilipin 1 (Plin 1) expression was decreased in Sirt3 induction but increased in Sirt3 inhibition. One hundred and fifteen mitochondrial acetylated peptides from 67 mitochondrial proteins had lower levels of acetylation in adipocytes induced by Sirt3 overexpression (Sirt3OE) compared to the control. Of the 67 proteins less enriched in acetylation, 22 acetylated proteins were decreased by more than twofold. These proteins are considered potential Sirt3 substrates in adipogenesis. In conclusion, Sirt3 has a novel, important role in modulating adipogenesis and adiponectin/adipokine expression. The connection axis among Sirt3‐adipogenesis‐adipokines was linked to its substrates by mass spectrometry analysis. These findings contribute to the efforts of revealing Sirt3 functions and Sirt3 usage as a potential target for treatment of metabolic homeostasis and diseases including type 2 diabetes.
Enhancing Efficiency in Transparent Thin‐Film ZnO/P3HT Solar Cells by the Improved Crystalline Quality of ZnO
Authors: Zhang Ping , Wang Lijun , Guan Sujun , Naganuma Hirofumi , Tamamoto Yuri , Zhao Xinwei
Published: November 2020

Face to the suitable ZnO/P3HT heterojunction, improved crystalline quality of zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films is achieved by a simple and effective approach of extending the sputtering time, further the performance of transparent thin‐film solar cells (TFSCs) with P3HT/ZnO heterojunction is greatly enhanced. With extending the sputtering time, the continuous ZnO thin films of necessary thickness is formed on fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate and their crystalline quality is also significantly improved, while the grain size increases and become stable with longer than 60 min. The surface morphology of ZnO thin films with sputtering time of 90 min is smooth. With extending the sputtering time, ZnO thin films show excellent optical property. The improved crystalline quality of ZnO thin films obviously affect the performance of the P3HT‐ZnO SCs, reaching highest fill factor to 0.44, with the sputtering time of 90 min.
On the Behavior of β‐Cristobalite‐like Boron Arsenate when Subjected to Uniaxial Loading in Its [001] Direction and the Implications on Its “Negative” Characteristics
Authors: Grima-Cornish James N. , Vella-Żarb Liana , Grima Joseph N.
Published: November 2020

Boron arsenate (BAsO4) is a β‐cristobalite‐like material, which crystallizes in the space group. However, unlike β‐cristobalite itself, BAsO4 is well characterized and known to be stable and at ambient conditions. This work presents the results of extensive density functional theory (DFT)‐based simulations aimed at elucidating the nanoscale deformations that such crystals undergo when subjected to uniaxial tensile and compressive loads along their crystallographic [001] c‐direction. It is shown that such uniaxial loading results primarily in intra‐tetrahedral deformations rather than their tilting/rotations (which causes the auxeticity in the (001) plane). Through their analysis in isolation from other modes of deformation, this study gives a much better insight into such intra‐tetrahedral deformations and helps explain better the cause of the measured negative linear compressibility in the c‐direction at elevated pressures, which recently has been attributed to a “demi wine‐rack” mechanism caused by the same intra‐tetrahedral deformations.
Reduction of Nitroarenes via Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenation Using Formic Acid as Hydrogen Source: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Romero Angel H.
Published: November 2020

The reduction of nitroarenes to the corresponding aromatic amines is one of the most popular reactions in organic synthesis with significant application in pharmaceutical and manufacture industry. In the last decades, many efforts have been devoted to the design highly effective, chemoselective, low‐cost and eco‐friendly protocols. In this sense, the reduction of nitroarenes via transfer hydrogenation using formic acid as hydrogen source has gained great relevance with tremendous advance over the last year as an attractive and competitive strategy to classical protocols. The efforts have mainly been focused on the discovery of efficient catalyst based on advanced mesoporous support material loaded with transition metals or metallic nanoparticles, the optimization conditions for non‐supported catalyst as well as convenient energy source to achieve an efficient and selective catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) at room temperature. In the present review, several examples of reduction of nitroarenes using formic acid are shown as well as a comprehensive discussion about the role of catalyst, energy source and mechanism of reaction in the transfer hydrogenation process.
PROTAC: A Novel Technology for Drug Development**
Authors: Li Jie , Liu Jieqing
Published: November 2020

Proteolysis targeting chimeras(PROTACs)as a novel protein degradation technology is opening up a burgeoning field which will bring surprises to drug design and development. PROTACs have attracted a great deal of attention in drug discovery due to their unique mechanism. In recent years, studies on PROTAC have made increasing and vital progresses. In this review, we briefly describe the mechanism and development of PROTAC technology. Then, emphasis is placed on the application of PROTAC technology in several diseases including cancer, neuro‐degenerative diseases, autoimmune diseases and viral infections. In addition, a series of bio‐techniques relate to PROTACs established in recent years will also be discussed. Finally, we discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with PROTAC technology and analyze some potential future challenges.
Green Synthesis of AgNPs() Ultilizing Delonix Regia Extract as Anticancer and Antimicrobial Agents**
Authors: Abu‐Dief Ahmed M. , Abdel‐Rahman Laila H. , Abd‐El Sayed M. A. , Zikry Mallak Megalea , Nafady Ayman
Published: November 2020

Silver is an effective antimicrobial agent with low toxicity, which is important especially in the treatment of burn wounds where transient bacteremia is prevalent. In this research, the green method was employed to synthesis silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The synthesized AgNPs were characterized using IR, XRD, DLS and UV/Visible Spectrophotometery. XRD pattern of AgNPs has a face‐centered cubic (FCC) form and crystalline lattice with a crystallite size of 12 nm. FT‐IR spectra indicate the functional groups of phytochemical compounds at Delonix regia extract DRE and AgNPs. DLS showed the distribution of average particle size of AgNPs that have 11 nm mean size of the particle. The prepared AgNPs were screened for their cytotoxic effect against colon carcinoma cells (HCT‐ 116 cell line), hepatic cellular carcinoma cells (HepG‐2) and breast carcinoma cells (MCF‐7). The cytotoxic effect of AgNPs is close to the cytotoxic effect of Doxorubicin standard drug. The toxicity of the AgNPs was tested on bacterial species such as Gm (+) positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis) and Gm (‐) negative bacteria (Serrati amarcescence and Escherichia coli) and fungal species such as Candida albicans, Getrichm candidum and Aspergillus flavus. The antimicrobial activity of AgNPs was greater towards Gm (+) positive bacteria compared to Gm (‐) negative bacteria. These biological activities of the synthesized AgNPs could be promised to use it as a drug.
Structural and theoretical study of (4E,5Z)‐4,5‐dibenzylidene‐1,2,3,6,7,8‐hexahydroacridine
Authors: Tkachev Valeriy V. , Utenyshev Andrey N. , Kovalchukova Olga V.
Published: November 2020

The crystal and molecular structure of (4E,5Z)‐4,5‐dibenzylidene‐1,2,3,6,7,8‐hexahydroacridine as a biologically active substance with potential antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and anti‐microbial activity is reported. The title compound is found to be non‐planar. The rings are twisted around the central fragment of the molecule by 54.0 and 32.5°. The dihedral angle between the two phenyl rings is 23°. In crystal, the molecules are packed in head‐to‐head stacks along the b‐axis with no intermolecular H‐bonds. DFT B3LYP theoretical modeling with the LANL2DZ basis is performed and a topological analysis of the electron density distribution is carried out in the framework of the Bader QTAIM theory for both isolated molecules and dimeric associates forming stacks in the crystal. It is found that some intermolecular and intramolecular non‐valent interactions are to some extent related to the formation of weak covalent interactions in the intermolecular and intramolecular space.
Microwave‐Assisted TBHP‐Mediated Synthesis of 2‐Amino‐1,3,4‐oxadiazoles in Water
Authors: Kumar Sigalapalli Dilep , Kadagathur Manasa , Sujat Shaikh Arbaz , Jadhav Govinda S. , Bakchi Bulti , Nagendra Babu Bathini , Tangellamudi Neelima D.
Published: November 2020

A one‐pot synthesis of 2‐amino‐1,3,4‐oxadiazoles has been achieved from the corresponding isothiocyanates and hydrazides in the presence of tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) and water under microwave irradiation. The thiosemicarbazides intermediate could be derived in situ which underwent an intramolecular cyclodesulfurization under microwave irradiation. Apart from being simpler and green, this method offers significant advantages, such as short reaction times, economy and no requirement for a catalyst, with easy workup procedures to afford a variety of 2‐amino‐1,3,4‐oxadiazoles in significantly high yields (85–98 %). Spectroscopic techniques were employed to elucidate the chemical structures of the final compounds and ESI‐MS technique was employed to establish the formation of thiosemicarbazide intermediate and requirement of oxygen source for the completion of reaction and the most plausible reaction mechanism.
Tantalum Oxide Nanoparticles Prepared from Imidazolium Ionic Liquids as Active Hybrid Materials for Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Dyes
Authors: Kray Luciana J. , Souza Virgínia S. , Galdino Nathália M. , Scholten Jackson D.
Published: November 2020

Tantalum oxide nanoparticles prepared from the hydrolysis of 1‐alkyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexachlorotantalate ionic liquids showed an unprecedented efficiency for the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue and methyl orange dyes in aqueous solutions. Indeed, the photodegradation of these aqueous dyes (up to 94 %) promoted by the Ta2O5 nanoparticles occurred in shorter reaction times when compared to commercially available Ta2O5 under the same reaction conditions. Moreover, the presence of residual ionic liquid and the pH of the medium seem to play significant roles in the photodegradation process. In particular, a significant synergistic effect occurred when the remaining ionic liquid and HCl are present at the surface of the hybrid nanoparticles. This effect provided favorable hydrophilic regions and pH conditions for the photodegradation of the dyes.
Thermoelectric, Electronic, and Optical Response of Nanostructured Al‐doped ZnO @ 2D‐TiC Composite
Authors: Manyedi Sechaba , Anku William W. , Kiarii Ephraim M. , Govender Penny P.
Published: November 2020

ZnO is one of the sought‐out materials for thermoelectricity. This study investigates the effect of aluminum doping, and titanium carbide (TiC) modification on the thermoelectric properties of ZnO through the synthesis of undoped ZnO, Al‐doped ZnO (Al‐ZnO), and TiC modified Al‐doped ZnO (TiC@Al‐ZnO) nanocomposite by the hydrothermal method and mechanical alloying. XRD, TEM, and SEM were used for structural and morphological studies. The electrical and thermal conductivity measurements on the nanocomposite were obtain using Van der pauw 4 probe collinear method. A decrease in thermal conductivity of ZnO from 7.62 to 5.75 W/cm K is observed after been modified with Al and TiC. TiC@Al‐ZnO nanocomposite exhibits the lowest thermal conductivity and highest power factor than Al‐doped ZnO. Furthermore, the impact of TiC and Al revealed an enormous effect on the Seebeck coefficient of ZnO reaching 105 μV K−1 AT 960 K, and a figure of merit value of 0.28 at 960 K. The increase in negative Seebeck coefficients suggests that the amount of active charge carrier, with significant energy, was temperature and structure depend. The experimental data obtained in this work showed the effect of both Al concentration and TiC nanosheet reinforcement on the thermoelectric properties of ZnO.
Properties of a Newly Identified Acetyl Esterase and Its Degradation of Diisobutyl Phthalate
Authors: Guan Ziran , Dai Shuang , Yao Qian , Zong Wei , Deng Zujun , Liu Shan , Yun Jeonyun , Xiao Xiong , Liu Liyang , Li He
Published: November 2020

Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are attracting growing attention because of environmental pollution and their harms to mammals, and diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP) in PAEs is still little studied. Biodegradation is a fast, efficient and inexpensive treatment preferentially used to deal with the pollution of PAEs. In this study, the recombinant esterase Est824 was obtained by heterologous expression and purification. The optimal reaction temperature and pH of the enzyme are 40 °C and 8.0 respectively. The enzyme reserves activity above 70 % in metal ion solutions at varying concentrations and thus shows high metal ion resistance. In high‐concentration salt solutions, the enzyme activity remains above 50 %, indicating that the enzyme has strong salt tolerance. The response surface method was used to optimize the fermentation conditions. With the Box‐Behnken design, the esterase yield was 1003.54 U/L. The DiBP degradation effect of the enzyme was detected by HPLC, and the degradation rate was 100 %. Therefore, the enzyme has good industrial application prospects and may be a potential candidate for the degradation of PAEs.
Activated Carbon from Renewable Sugarcane Straw: Support for Ru catalyst in glycerol hydrogenolysis to 1,2 Propanodiol, Ethyleneglycol and Propanols
Authors: Silveira Felipe J. L. , Moreira Carla R. , Grecy Izabela D. B. , Gaspar Alexandre B.
Published: November 2020

Sugarcane straw is an important agricultural residue in the ethanol industry. In this work, an activated carbon with high surface area was prepared by activating this straw with H3PO4 (CP) and used as support for Ru catalysts. A commercial activated carbon (CA) was used for comparison. Ru/activated carbons were prepared using RuCl3 (RuCAC) and Ru(NO)(NO3)3 (RuCAN, RuCPN) and characterized by textural analysis, XRF, Boehm titration, pyridine FTIR, TPD−He, TPR, H2‐chemisorption, SEM and TEM. The catalysts were tested in the glycerol hydrogenolysis under different conditions of T, P and glycerol concentration. In the standard condition, 200 °C, 50 bar and 10 vol % glycerol (GLY), the activity was strongly influenced by the availability of Ru sites on the catalysts surface and acidity following the order RuCPN>RuCAC>RuCAN. Ethylene glycol (EG) formation in RuCAC and RuCPN catalysts was related to metallic sites instead of acidic sites. The formation of 1,2‐propanediol (1,2PD) instead of 1,3‐propanediol was ascribed to predominance of Lewis sites. Reactions with GLY, 1,2PD and EG allowed to propose a reaction scheme comprising the formation of intermediates.
Rapid and Resilient Detection of Toxin Pore Formation Using a Lipid Bilayer Array
Authors: Ito Yoshihisa , Osaki Toshihisa , Kamiya Koki , Yamada Tetsuya , Miki Norihisa , Takeuchi Shoji
Published: November 2020

An artificial cell membrane is applied to study the pore formation mechanisms of bacterial pore‐forming toxins for therapeutic applications. Electrical monitoring of ionic current across the membrane provides information on the pore formation process of toxins at the single pore level, as well as the pore characteristics such as dimensions and ionic selectivity. However, the efficiency of pore formation detection largely depends on the encounter probability of toxin to the membrane and the fragility of the membrane. This study presents a bilayer lipid membrane array that parallelizes 4 or 16 sets of sensing elements composed of pairs of a membrane and a series electrical resistor. The series resistor prevents current overflow attributed to membrane rupture, and enables current monitoring of the parallelized membranes with a single detector. The array system shortens detection time of a pore‐forming protein and improves temporal stability. The current signature represents the states of pore formation and rupture at respective membranes. The developed system will help in understanding the toxic activity of pore‐forming toxins.
Understanding the Work Function Modification by a Self‐assembled Polyvinylpyrrolidone Layer in Inverted Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Qilun , Wang Chuanfei , Liu Xianjie , Fahlman Mats
Published: November 2020

Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) has been successfully used as the cathode interfacial layer (CIL) in organic solar cells (OSCs) for work function (WF) modification. However, detailed insight into the effect of a PVP interlayer on the physicochemical properties of the indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode in inverted OSCs (I‐OSCs) is still largely absent. Herein, the ITO/PVP interface is investigated by photoelectron spectroscopy and the mechanisms for the energy level alignment of PVP on different substrates in general are unraveled. The results indicate that the dipole formation that reduces the WF is driven by not only the directional intrinsic molecular dipole moments associated with the γ‐lactam of PVP, but also an additional dipole step with the same direction created by the image charges in the contacting (semi‐)conductor layer. In addition, high‐performance inverted OSCs (I‐OSCs) are achieved by introducing a self‐assembled ultrathin PVP layer using a simple immersion method. This work provides enhanced understanding of the PVP‐based CIL and demonstrates its great potential in I‐OSC fabrication, which can pave the way to simplified manufacturing of low‐cost and large‐area devices in organic electronic technologies.
Unraveling the Microstructure of Layered Metal Halide Perovskite Films
Authors: Duim Herman , ten Brink Gert H. , Adjokatse Sampson , de Kloe René , Kooi Bart J. , Portale Giuseppe , Loi Maria A.
Published: November 2020

Layered metal halide perovskites are attractive semiconductors for different optoelectronic applications owing to their large structural versatility and rich photophysics. As is the case for the more conventional 3D perovskites, thin films of these materials can be deposited directly from solution. While much attention is focused on thin film microstructure and its relation to device performance for 3D perovskites, relatively little is known about the microstructure of layered perovskites. Herein, a combination of polarized Raman spectroscopy, electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and grazing‐incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (GIWAXS) is used to unravel the microstructure of blade‐coated films of phenylethylammonium lead iodide ((PEA)2PbI4). For the first time, the feasibility of constructing absolute orientation maps of layered organic–inorganic perovskites using EBSD is demonstrated. Blade‐coated films of (PEA)2PbI4 are shown to possess a strong texture, in which the inorganic planes are oriented parallel to the substrate with only minor variations from perfect [001]‐alignment. Both EBSD and Raman spectroscopy show that there is no preferred orientation of grains in the in‐plane direction. Using GIWAXS, this texture is found to extend throughout the bulk of the film. Understanding and optimizing the texture of thin films is crucial for the further development of layered perovskite devices.
Metal–Organic Framework‐Based Hybrid Frameworks
Authors: Shan Yuying , Chen Liyu , Pang Huan , Xu Qiang
Published: November 2020

Framework materials, such as metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs), offer huge potential for applications in many aspects due to their well‐defined topologies, high crystallinity, inherent porosity, and chemical tunability. One advanced concept of further functionalizing the single framework materials is to construct hybrid frameworks (e.g., MOF‐on‐MOF, MOF‐on‐COF, and COF‐on‐MOF). Herein, different MOF‐based hybrid frameworks with complex compositions and well‐designed structures show excellent properties that cannot be achieved by single framework materials. The synthetic approaches of MOF‐based hybrid frameworks and their related applications are summarized. The opportunities and challenges for MOF‐based hybrid frameworks are also discussed.
BMS modular diaries: torus one-point function
Authors: Bagchi Arjun , Nandi Poulami , Saha Amartya , Zodinmawia
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Two dimensional field theories invariant under the Bondi-Metzner-Sachs (BMS) group are conjectured to be dual to asymptotically flat spacetimes in three dimensions. In this paper, we continue our investigations of the modular properties of these field theories. In particular, we focus on the BMS torus one-point function. We use two different methods to arrive at expressions for asymptotic structure constants for general states in the theory utilising modular properties of the torus one-point function. We then concentrate on the BMS highest weight representation, and derive a host of new results, the most important of which is the BMS torus block. In a particular limit of large weights, we derive the leading and sub-leading pieces of the BMS torus block, which we then use to rederive an expression for the asymptotic structure constants for BMS primaries. Finally, we perform a bulk computation of a probe scalar in the background of a flatspace cosmological solution based on the geodesic approximation to reproduce our field theoretic results.
The unique Polyakov blocks
Authors: Sleight Charlotte , Taronna Massimo
Published: November 2020

Abstract

In this work we present a closed form expression for Polyakov blocks in Mellin space for arbitrary spin and scaling dimensions. We provide a prescription to fix the contact term ambiguity uniquely by reducing the problem to that of fixing the contact term ambiguity at the level of cyclic exchange amplitudes — defining cyclic Polyakov blocks — in terms of which any fully crossing symmetric correlator can be decomposed. We also give another, equivalent, prescription which does not rely on a decomposition into cyclic amplitudes. We extract the OPE data of double-twist operators in the direct channel expansion of the cyclic Polyakov blocks using and extending the analysis of [1, 2] to include contributions that are non-analytic in spin. The relation between cyclic Polyakov blocks and analytic Bootstrap functionals is underlined.
The intergenerational effects of birth order on education
Authors: Havari Enkelejda , Savegnago Marco
Published: November 2020

We study the intergenerational effect of birth order on educational attainment using rich data from different European countries included in the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). The survey allows us to link two or more generations in different countries. We use reduced-form models linking children’s education to parents’ education, controlling for a large number of characteristics measured at different points in time. We find that not only are parents who are themselves firstborns better educated, on average, but they also have more-educated children compared with laterborn parents (intergenerational effect). Results are stronger for mothers than for fathers, and for daughters than for sons. In terms of heterogeneous effects, we find that girls born to firstborn mothers have higher educational attainment than girls born to laterborn mothers. We do not find evidence for potential channels other than parental education that could explain the intergenerational effect of parental birth order.
Cluster–galaxy weak lensing
Authors: Umetsu Keiichi
Published: November 2020

Weak gravitational lensing of background galaxies provides a direct probe of the projected matter distribution in and around galaxy clusters. Here, we present a self-contained pedagogical review of cluster–galaxy weak lensing, covering a range of topics relevant to its cosmological and astrophysical applications. We begin by reviewing the theoretical foundations of gravitational lensing from first principles, with a special attention to the basics and advanced techniques of weak gravitational lensing. We summarize and discuss key findings from recent cluster–galaxy weak-lensing studies on both observational and theoretical grounds, with a focus on cluster mass profiles, the concentration–mass relation, the splashback radius, and implications from extensive mass-calibration efforts for cluster cosmology.
FDG PET/CT parameters and correlations with tumor-absorbed doses in a phase 1 trial of 177Lu-lilotomab satetraxetan for treatment of relapsed non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Løndalen Ayca , Blakkisrud Johan , Revheim Mona-Elisabeth , Madsbu Ulf Erik , Dahle Jostein , Kolstad Arne , Stokke Caroline
Published: November 2020

Purpose

177Lu-lilotomab satetraxetan targets the CD37 antigen and has been investigated in a first-in-human phase 1/2a study for relapsed non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Tumor dosimetry and response evaluation can be challenging after radioimmunotherapy (RIT). Changes in FDG PET/CT parameters after RIT and correlations with tumor-absorbed doses has not been examined previously in patients with lymphoma. Treatment-induced changes were measured at FDG PET/CT and ceCT to evaluate response at the lesion level after treatment, and correlations with tumor-absorbed doses were investigated.

Methods

Forty-five tumors in 16 patients, with different pre-treatment and pre-dosing regimens, were included. Dosimetry was performed based on multiple SPECT/CT images. FDG PET/CT was performed at baseline and at 3 and 6 months. SUVmax, MTV, TLG, and changes in these parameters were calculated for each tumor. Lesion response was evaluated at 3 and 6 months (PET3monthsand PET6months) based on Deauville criteria. Anatomical changes based on ceCT at baseline and at 6 and 12 months were investigated by the sum of perpendiculars (SPD).

Results

Tumor-absorbed doses ranged from 35 to 859 cGy. Intra- and interpatient variations were observed. Mean decreases in PET parameters from baseline to 3 months were ΔSUVmax-3months61%, ΔMTV3months80%, and ΔTLG3months77%. There was no overall correlation between tumor-absorbed dose and change in FDG PET or ceCT parameters at the lesion level or significant difference in tumor-absorbed doses between metabolic responders and non-responders after treatment.

Conclusion

Our analysis does not show any correlation between tumor-absorbed doses and changes in FDG PET or ceCT parameters for the included lesions. The combination regimen, including cold antibodies, may be one of the factors precluding such a correlation. Increased intra-patient response with increased tumor-absorbed doses was observed for most patients, implying individual variations in radiation sensitivity or biology.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.govIdentifier (NCT01796171). Registered December 2012
Quantification of perivascular inflammation does not provide incremental prognostic value over myocardial perfusion imaging and calcium scoring
Authors: Bengs Susan , Haider Achi , Warnock Geoffrey I. , Fiechter Michael , Pargaetzi Yves , Rampidis Georgios , Etter Dominik , Wijnen Winandus J. , Portmann Angela , Osto Elena , Treyer Valerie , Benz Dominik C. , Meisel Alexander , Fuchs Tobias A. , Gräni Christoph , Buechel Ronny R. , Kaufmann Philipp A. , Pazhenkottil Aju P. , Gebhard Catherine
Published: November 2020

Aims

Perivascular fat attenuation index (FAI) has emerged as a novel coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA)–based biomarker predicting cardiovascular outcomes by capturing early coronary inflammation. It is currently unknown whether FAI adds prognostic value beyond that provided by single-photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging (SPECT-MPI) and CCTA findings including coronary artery calcium scoring (CACS).

Methods and results

A total of 492 patients (mean age 62.5 ± 10.8 years) underwent clinically indicated multimodality CCTA and electrocardiography (ECG)-gated 99mTc-tetrofosmin SPECT-MPI between May 2005 and December 2008 at our institution, and follow-up data on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) was obtained for 314 patients. FAI was obtained from CCTA images and was measured around the right coronary artery (FAI[RCA]), the left anterior descending artery (FAI[LAD]), and the left main coronary artery (FAI[LMCA]). During a median follow-up of 2.7 years, FAI[RCA] > − 70.1 was associated with an increased rate of MACE (log rank p = 0.049), while no such association was seen for FAI[LAD] or FAI[LMCA] (p = NS). A multivariate Cox regression model accounting for cardiovascular risk factors, CCTA and SPECT-MPI findings identified FAI[RCA] as an independent predictor of MACE (HR 2.733, 95% CI: 1.220–6.123, p = 0.015). However, FAI[RCA] was no longer a significant predictor of MACE after adding CACS (p = 0.279). A first-order interaction term consisting of sex and FAI[RCA] was significant in both models (HR 2.119, 95% CI: 1.218–3.686, p = 0.008; and HR 2.071, 95% CI: 1.111–3.861, p = 0.022).

Conclusion

FAI does not add incremental prognostic value beyond multimodality MPI/CCTA findings including CACS. The diagnostic value of FAI[RCA] is significantly biased by sex.
CTLA4 promoter methylation predicts response and progression-free survival in stage IV melanoma treated with anti-CTLA-4 immunotherapy (ipilimumab)
Authors: Fietz Simon , Zarbl Romina , Niebel Dennis , Posch Christian , Brossart Peter , Gielen Gerrit H. , Strieth Sebastian , Pietsch Torsten , Kristiansen Glen , Bootz Friedrich , Landsberg Jennifer , Dietrich Dimo
Published: November 2020

Anti-CTLA-4-antibodies can induce long-lasting tumor remissions. However, only a few patients respond, necessitating the development of predictive companion biomarkers. Increasing evidence suggests a major role of epigenetics, including DNA methylation, in immunology and resistance to immune checkpoint blockade. Here, we tested CTLA4 promoter methylation and CTLA-4 protein expression as predictive biomarkers for response to anti-CTLA-4 immunotherapy. We identified retrospectively N = 30 stage IV melanoma patients treated with single-agent anti-CTLA-4 immunotherapy (ipilimumab). We used quantitative methylation-specific PCR and immunohistochemistry to quantify CTLA4 methylation and protein expression in pre-treatment samples. CTLA4 methylation was significantly higher in progressive as compared to responding tumors and significantly associated with progression-free survival. A subset of infiltrating lymphocytes and tumor cells highly expressed CTLA-4. However, CTLA-4 protein expression did not predict response to treatment. We conclude that CTLA4 methylation is a predictive biomarker for response to anti-CTLA-4 immunotherapy.