bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MGMT promoter methylation analysis for allocating combined CCNU/TMZ chemotherapy: Lessons learned from the CeTeG/NOA‐09 trial
Authors: Tzaridis Theophilos , Schäfer Niklas , Weller Johannes , Steinbach Joachim‐Peter , Schlegel Uwe , Seidel Sabine , Sabel Michael , Hau Peter , Seidel Clemens , Krex Dietmar , Goldbrunner Roland , Tonn Jörg‐Christian , Grauer Oliver , Kebir Sied , Schneider Matthias , Schaub Christina , Vatter Hartmut , Coch Christoph , Glas Martin , Fimmers Rolf , Pietsch Torsten , Reifenberger Guido , Herrlinger Ulrich , Felsberg Jörg
Published: October 2020

The CeTeG/NOA‐09 trial showed a survival benefit for combined CCNU/TMZ therapy in MGMT‐promoter‐methylated glioblastoma patients (quantitative methylation‐specific PCR [qMSP] ratio > 2). Here, we report on the prognostic value of the MGMT promoter methylation ratio determined by qMSP and evaluate the concordance of MGMT methylation results obtained by qMSP, pyrosequencing (PSQ) or DNA methylation arrays (MGMT‐STP27). A potential association of qMSP ratio with survival was analyzed in the CeTeG/NOA‐09 trial population (n = 129; log‐rank tests, Cox regression analyses). The concordance of MGMT methylation assays (qMSP, PSQ and MGMT‐STP27) was evaluated in 76 screened patients. Patients with tumors of qMSP ratio > 4 showed superior survival compared to those with ratios 2‐4 (P = .0251, log‐rank test). In multivariate analysis, the qMSP ratio was not prognostic across the study cohort (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.88; 95% CI: 0.72‐1.08). With different cutoffs for qMSP ratio (4, 9, 12 or 25), the CCNU/TMZ benefit tended to be larger in subgroups with lower ratios (eg, for cutoff 9: HR 0.32 for lower subgroup, 0.73 for higher subgroup). The concordance rates with qMSP were 94.4% (PSQ) and 90.2% (MGMT‐STP27). Discordant results were restricted to tumors with qMSP ratios ≤4 and PSQ mean methylation rate ≤25%. Despite a shorter survival in MGMT‐promoter‐methylated patients with lower methylation according to qMSP, these patients had a benefit from combined CCNU/TMZ therapy, which even tended to be stronger than in patients with higher methylation rates. With acceptable concordance rates, decisions on CCNU/TMZ therapy may also be based on PSQ or MGMT‐STP27.
Regulation of ferroptosis by ncRNA: A new direction
Authors: Li Yujia , Shen Min , Jin Chun , Gao Liyuan , Liang Baoyu , Wang Zhenyi , Tan Shanzhong , Chen Anping , Zhang Feng , Zhang Zili , Zheng Shizhong
Published: October 2020

Ferroptosis is a metabolic disorder of lipid oxides in cells, which leads to abnormal metabolism under the catalysis of iron, which produces an expansive number of lipids, wrecks the redox in cells, attacks biological macromolecules and triggers cell death. This death process was marked by the increase of cytoplasmic and lipid reactive oxygen species, the decrease of mitochondria and the higher density of mitochondrial membrane. Non‐coding RNA (ncRNA) is a kind of small RNA molecules found in recent years, which can transcribe but do not encode proteins and have specific functions. These ncRNAs play a key role in controlling gene expression by combining with proteins or other molecules to turn genes on or off. Ferroptosis is viewed as a leap forward in the medication of tumors and some intractable maladies. Under the circumstances that there are still many mysteries in the study of ferroptosis, the research on the role of ncRNAs in ferroptosis is even less. By consulting the pertinent literature, this article reviews the research advance about ncRNAs on ferroptosis, which provides a new research direction and ideas for the study of ferroptosis.
An in vitro assessment of the response of THP‐1 macrophages to varying stiffness of a glycol‐chitosan hydrogel for vocal fold tissue engineering applications
Authors: Coburn Patrick Thomas , Herbay Alexandre Camille , Berrini Mattia , Li‐Jessen Nicole Y. K.
Published: October 2020

The physical properties of a biomaterial play an essential role in regulating immune and reparative activities within the host tissue. This study aimed to evaluate the immunological impact of material stiffness of a glycol‐chitosan hydrogel designed for vocal fold tissue engineering. Hydrogel stiffness was varied via the concentration of glyoxal cross‐linker applied. Hydrogel mechanical properties were characterized through atomic force microscopy and shear plate rheometry. Using a transwell setup, macrophages were co‐cultured with human vocal fold fibroblasts that were embedded within the hydrogel. Macrophage viability and cytokine secretion were evaluated at 3, 24, and 72 hr of culture. Flow cytometry was applied to evaluate macrophage cell surface markers after 72 hr of cell culture. Results indicated that increasing hydrogel stiffness was associated with increased anti‐inflammatory activity compared to relevant controls. In addition, increased anti‐inflammatory activity was observed in hydrogel co‐cultures. This study highlighted the importance of hydrogel stiffness from an immunological viewpoint when designing novel vocal fold hydrogels.
The phytoestrogen glabrene prevents osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats through upregulation of the canonical Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Jun , Deng Xinchang , Liang Xiao , Li Longying
Published: October 2020

This study systematically investigated the effects of phytoestrogen glabrene on postmenopausal osteoporosis in an ovariectomy (OVX) rat model. Glabrene administration (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) for 13 weeks can significantly slow down the body weight gain and slightly increase the uterus weight of OVX rats. The increased levels of U‐Ca, U‐P levels, urine DPD/creatinine, serum ALP, OCN, triglycerides, and total cholesterol induced by OVX were dramatically inhibited in rats, whereas no difference occurred for S‐Ca and S‐P in all groups. Furthermore, glabrene can enhance bone mineral density of the right femur, fourth‐lumbar vertebra and tibia and improve biomechanical parameters, such as femoral neck loading force, three‐point bending of the tibia, and vertebral compression in OVX rats. Moreover, glabrene greatly suppressed the expression of TRAP protein but increased OPG and BGP protein expression in tibia tissue of OVX rats. In addition, OVX‐induced reduction of Lrp‐5, β‐catenin, Runx2, and Osx protein expression was all restored by glabrene treatment. The present study indicated that glabrene might be a potential alternative medicine for the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis via activation of the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway.
SP3 is associated with migration, invasion, and Akt/PKB signalling in MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells
Authors: Mansour Mohammed A.
Published: October 2020

Specificity proteins (SPs) have pro‐oncogenic functions in cancer cells, ranging from cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis. There is strong evidence that several antineoplastic drugs target depletion of SP proteins via different pathways. However, the mode of action of SP3 and the underlying consequences of its depletion are not well understood. Here, we demonstrate that SP3 is overexpressed in invasive breast cancer cells vs normal counterparts. The gene expression analysis from The Cancer Genome Atlas datasets indicated that SP3 is strongly correlated with Akt signalling‐related proteins, G protein subunit alpha 13, and RAB33B (RAB33B, member RAS oncogene family). RNA interference of SP3 decreased active phosphorylation of Akt at serine and threonine sites. These findings indicate that SP3 exhibits a pro‐oncogenic function, which clearly fits the description of an nononcogene addiction gene. Future analyses are prompted to uncover the SP3 gene regulation function and to reveal downstream targets of SP3 in breast cancer.
Laboratory markers associated with COVID‐19 progression in patients with or without comorbidity: A retrospective study
Authors: Chen Zaishu , Zhang Furong , Hu Weihua , Chen Qijian , Li Chang , Wu Longlong , Zhang Zhuheng , Li Bin , Ye Qifa , Mei Jin , Yue Jiang
Published: October 2020

Objectives

To investigate laboratory markers for COVID‐19 progression in patients with different medical conditions.

Methods

We performed a multicenter retrospective study of 836 cases in Hubei. To avoid the collinearity among the indicators, principal component analysis (PCA) followed by partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) was performed to obtain an overview of laboratory assessments. Multivariable logistic regression analysis and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis were respectively used to explore risk factors associated with disease severity and mortality. Survival analysis was performed in patients with the most common comorbidities.

Results

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and prealbumin were associated with disease severity in patients with or without comorbidities, indicated by both PCA/PLS‐DA and multivariable logistic regression analysis. The mortality risk was associated with age, LDH, C‐reactive protein (CRP), D‐dimer, and lymphopenia in patients with comorbidities. CRP was a risk factor associated with short‐term mortality in patients with hypertension, but not liver diseases; additionally, D‐dimer was a risk factor for death in patients with liver diseases.

Conclusions

Lactate dehydrogenase was a reliable predictor associated with COVID‐19 severity and mortality in patients with different medical conditions. Laboratory biomarkers for mortality risk were not identical in patients with comorbidities, suggesting multiple pathophysiological mechanisms following COVID‐19 infection.
SNHG5/miR‐582‐5p/RUNX3 feedback loop regulates osteogenic differentiation and apoptosis of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Zheng Jiwei , Guo Hongliang , Qin Ying , Liu Zongxiang , Ding Zhijiang , Zhang Lei , Wang Wanqing
Published: October 2020

Osteoporosis is one of the most prevailing orthopedic diseases that causes a heavy burden on public health. Given that bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are of immense importance in osteoporosis development, it is necessary to expound the mechanisms underlying BMSC osteoblastic differentiation. Although mounting research works have investigated the role of small nucleolar RNA host gene 5 (SNHG5) in various diseases, elucidations on its function in osteoporosis are still scarce. It was observed that SNHG5 and RUNX family transcription factor 3 (RUNX3) were remarkably elevated during osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs). Further, we disclosed that the silencing of SNHG5 suppressed osteogenic differentiation and induced apoptosis of hBMSCs. What's more, SNHG5 acted as a competing endogenous RNA to affect RUNX3 expression via competitively binding with microRNA (miR)‐582‐5p. RUNX3 was also confirmed to simulate the transcriptional activation of SNHG5. Finally, our findings manifested that the positive feedback loop of SNHG5/miR‐582‐5p/RUNX3 executed the promoting role in the development of osteoporosis, which shed light on specific molecular mechanism governing SNHG5 in osteogenic differentiation and apoptosis of hBMSCs and indicated that SNHG5 may represent a novel target for the improvement of osteoporosis therapy.
Tetrahydroxy stilbene glycoside attenuates acetaminophen‐induced hepatotoxicity by UHPLC‐Q‐TOF/MS‐based metabolomics and multivariate data analysis
Authors: Gao Yan , Li Jun‐Tong , Li Xiang , Li Xun , Yang Song‐Wei , Chen Nai‐Hong , Li Lin , Zhang Lan
Published: October 2020

Tetrahydroxy stilbene glycoside (TSG) is a main active compound in Polygonum multiflorum. Acetaminophen (APAP) is a well‐known analgesic and antipyretic drug. It is considered to be safe within a therapeutic range, in case of acute intoxication hepatotoxicity occurs. This present study aims to observe TSG‐provided alleviation on APAP‐induced hepatoxicity in C57BL/6 mice. APAP performs extensive necrosis and dissolves nucleus suggesting liver damage from hepatic histopathology. Serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and alkaline phosphatase analysis and liver histological evaluation showed that TSG reduced the hepatotoxicity induced by a toxic dose of APAP. Moreover, TSG alone had no hepatotoxicity. TSG eliminated hepatic glutathione depletion and cysteine adducts formation. It also reduced the expression of interleukin‐10 and lowered the production of reactive oxygen species in liver tissues. Luminex was used to detect cytokine production in different groups. Herein, we used an untargeted metabolomics approach by performing ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry on treated mice to identify metabolic disruptions under APAP and TSG. Major alterations were observed for purine metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and fatty acid metabolism. These data provide metabolic evidence and biomarkers in the liver that the ABC transporters, Glycine serine and threonine metabolism, and Choline metabolism in cancer changed the most. These targets of metabolites have the potential to improve our understanding of homeostatic. Meanwhile, these metabolites revealed that TSG can alleviate inflammation caused by APAP and promote the activity of intrinsic antioxidants. In summary, TSG can regulate lipid metabolism, promote the production of antioxidant enzymes, and decrease the inflammatory response.
The Effects of Clinical and Home‐based Physiotherapy Programs in Secondary Head and Neck Lymphedema
Authors: Ozdemir Kadirhan , Keser Ilke , Duzlu Mehmet , Erpolat Ozge P. , Saranli Uluc , Tutar Hakan
Published: October 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

To determine the effects of complex decongestive physiotherapy (CDP) and home programs on external lymphedema, staging of lymphedema, fibrosis, and three‐dimensional (3D) surface scanning and volume evaluation in head and neck lymphedema.

Study Design

A prospective randomized controlled study.

Methods

Twenty‐one patients were randomly divided into three groups: CDP (n:7), home program (n:7), and control (n:7). Assessment methods were applied at baseline and 4 weeks later for all groups. MD. Anderson Cancer Center Head and Neck Lymphedema Protocol was implemented to evaluate head and neck external lymphedema, staging of lymphedema, and fibrosis. A 3D scanner and a software were used to determine and calculate the volume of the head and neck region via 3D surface scanning. Head and neck external lymphedema and fibrosis assessment criteria were performed to evaluate visible soft tissue edema and the degree of stiffness.

Results

The severity and volume of lymphedema decreased in the CDP program group (P < .05). Besides, external lymphedema and fibrosis at submental region were decreased in both CDP program and home program groups (P < .05).

Conclusions

While the benefits of home program are limited, a CDP program may be more effective in the management of lymphedema and fibrosis in patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer.

The clinical trial registration number: NCT04286698, date: 02/25/2020, retrospectively registered.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E1550–E1557, 2021
Bounds on the spectra of Schur complements of large H‐TFETI‐DP clusters for 2D Laplacian
Authors: Dostál Zdeněk , Horák David , Brzobohatý Tomáš , Vodstrčil Petr
Published: October 2020

Bounds on the spectrum of Schur complements of subdomain stiffness matrices of the discretized Laplacian with respect to interior variables are important in the convergence analysis of finite element tearing and interconnecting (FETI)‐based domain decomposition methods. Here, we are interested in bounds on the regular condition number of Schur complements of “floating” clusters, that is, of matrices comprising the Schur complements of subdomains with prescribed zero Neumann conditions that are joined on the primal level by edge averages. Using some known results, angles of subspaces, and known bounds on the spectrum of Schur complements associated with square domains, we give bounds on the regular condition number of the Schur complement of some “floating” clusters arising from the discretization and decomposition of 2D Laplacian on domains comprising square subdomains. The results show that the condition number of the cluster defined on a fixed domain decomposed into m × m square subdomains joined by edge averages increases proportionally to m. The estimates are compared with numerical values and used in the analysis of H‐FETI‐DP methods. Though the research has been motivated by an effort to extend the scope of scalability of FETI‐based solvers to variational inequalities, the experiments indicate that H‐TFETI‐DP with large clusters can be useful for the solution of huge linear elliptic problems discretized by sufficiently regular grids.
Footbath as a safe, simple, and non‐pharmacological method to improve sleep quality of menopausal women
Authors: Aghamohammadi Vahideh , Salmani Roghayeh , Ivanbagha Reyhaneh , Effati daryani Fatemeh , Nasiri Khadijeh
Published: October 2020

Due to the adverse effects of medication we decided to provide a safe, economic, and easy intervention to decrease sleep problems in menopausal women. This trial aimed to determine the effect of footbath on sleep disturbance in postmenopausal women. One hundred menopausal women were randomly stratified using a permuted block randomization procedure by Random Allocation Software, and assigned to one of two study groups: control (without intervention, n = 50) and intervention (footbath, n = 50). The footbath group was asked to lie their feet into the warm water for 20 min in a container with a depth of 10 cm one hour before the usual sleeping time for 6 weeks. To assess sleep quality, we used the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI). To evaluate severity of menopause symptoms, the Greene scale was applied. Before the intervention, 96% of the subjects in the footbath group and 94% in the control group were poor sleepers. The results of analysis of covariance showed significant improvement in sleep quality and decrease in severity of menopause signs in the footbath group compared to the control group. At the baseline, there was a statistically significant correlation between the severity of menopause signs and the global score of PSQI in all study individuals (p ≤ .001, r = .464). The present study findings showed that footbath intervention enhanced sleep quality in menopausal women. Thus, footbath as a safe, simple, and non‐pharmacological application can improve quality of life in postmenopausal women and inhibit problems due to inadequate sleep quality.
Using conjoint analysis to examine bias in referral to a behavior intervention program
Authors: Noltemeyer Amity , Kunesh Claire , Harper Erin , Davis Darrel R.
Published: October 2020

Research in the United States suggests that teachers view Black students' misbehavior as more likely to reoccur, but such research has not disentangled the effect of race from related factors. We used conjoint analysis to experimentally test the effect of multiple student characteristics on the chances of being referred for a behavior intervention program. Although preservice teacher participants were not more likely to refer Black students, they were more likely to refer students who had lower grades, lived in poverty, lived with a single mother, and had been retained. We interpret these results and highlight directions for future research and practice.
Nusinersen for spinal muscular atrophy type 1: Real‐world respiratory experience
Authors: Lavie Moran , Diamant Nir , Cahal Michal , Sadot Efraim , Be'er Moria , Fattal‐Valevski Aviva , Sagi Liora , Domany Keren A. , Amirav Israel
Published: October 2020

Background

The emergence of new treatments for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is revolutionary, especially for SMA type 1 (SMA1). Data on respiratory outcomes remain sparse and rely mostly on randomized clinical trials. We report our experience of Nusinersen‐treated SMA1 patients in real‐world settings.

Methods

Data from SMA1 patients treated with Nusinersen were prospectively collected between 1/2017 and 1/2020. Respiratory variables included the use of assisted ventilation, the use of mechanical insufflation‐exsufflation (MIE), respiratory complications, and death or treatment cessation due to respiratory reasons.

Results

Twenty SMA1 patients were assessed before and after 2 years of Nusinersen treatment which was initiated at a median age of 13.5 months (range, 1–184). At baseline, 16 patients were using assisted ventilation, eight noninvasive and eight invasive. Twelve patients were using permanent ventilation and four partial ventilation. After 2 years of treatment, there was no change in respiratory support among ventilated patients. All four patients who were free from respiratory support at baseline required the initiation of assisted ventilation during the study period. All 20 patients used MIE after 2 years of treatment. Two patients died from acute respiratory failure and one sustained severe brain injury. Four patients had chronic and/or recurrent atelectasis.

Conclusion

Most of our patients were stable in their need for assisted ventilation and did not worsen as expected in SMA1, nor did they improve as might be hoped. Future studies are needed to determine if earlier treatment with Nusinersen might result in respiratory outcomes superior to those reported in this real‐life study.
Evolution of Low‐Frequency Vibrational Modes in Ultrathin GeSbTe Films
Authors: Zallo Eugenio , Dragoni Daniele , Zaytseva Yuliya , Cecchi Stefano , Borgardt Nikolai I. , Bernasconi Marco , Calarco Raffaella
Published: October 2020

GeSbTe (GST) phase‐change alloys feature layered crystalline structures made of lamellae separated by van der Waals (vdW) gaps. This work sheds light on the dependence of interlamellae interactions at the vdW gap on film thickness of GST alloys as probed by vibrational spectroscopy. Molecular beam epitaxy is used for designing GST layers down to a single lamella. By combining density‐functional theory and Raman spectroscopy, a direct and simple method is demonstrated to identify the thickness of the GST film. The shift of the vibrational modes is studied as a function of the layer size, and the low‐frequency range opens up a new route to probe the number of lamellae for different GST compositions. Comparison between experimental and theoretical Raman spectra highlights the precision growth control obtained by the epitaxial technique.
Transient Polarization Reversal using an Intense THz Pulse in Silicon‐Doped Lead Germanate
Authors: Bilyk Vladislav , Mishina Elena , Sherstyuk Natalia , Bush Alexander , Ovchinnikov Andrey , Agranat Mikhail
Published: October 2020

The processes of dynamic polarization switching induced by the strong electric field of a nearly single‐cycle terahertz (THz) pulse are studied in a classical ferroelectric silicon‐doped lead germanate single crystal, Pb5(Ge0.74Si0.26)3O11, in THz pump–second‐harmonic‐generation (SHG) probe geometry depending on the pulse electric field strength (0.05–15.6 MV cm−1). Since the pump parameters correspond to the region of phonon excitations for a given material, THz‐induced polarization is explained by a dynamic change in the ferroelectric order parameter. Numerical solutions of the Landau–Khalatnikov equation using the thermodynamic potential constants for this material show that the effect of powerful THz pulses leads to polarization modulations and a strong nonlinear response, and is in good agreement with the experimental results. Oscillations of the nonlinear optical response after the end of the THz pulse are found, which can be associated with the excitation of the phonon mode in the crystal.
Identifying the relationship between postoperative urinary continence and residual urethra stump measurements in robot assisted radical prostatectomy patients
Authors: Beulens Alexander J. W. , Brinkman Willem M. , Umari Paolo , Koldewijn Evert L. , Hendrikx Ad J. M. , van Basten Jean Paul , van Merriënboer Jeroen J. G. , van der Poel Henk G. , Bangma Chris , Wagner Cordula
Published: October 2020

Objective

To investigate the feasibility of urethral stump length and width measurements in recorded videos of robot assisted radical prostatectomy procedures using the Kinovea software and to assess if these measurements could be used as predictors of postoperative urinary continence.

Methods

Fifty‐three patients were selected from an institutional database of 1400 cases and included in the study. All videos were analysed using the computer software ‘Kinovea’. All measurements were performed using the inserted bladder catheter as a reference point.

Results

The reference point (bladder catheter) was available in 33 out of 53 patients. The median surgical urethral length (SUL) was significantly higher in the continent group (1050 vs. 1294 mm, p = 0.018). The urethral width measurements did not show a difference between the groups. In order to validate the Kinovea software as an accurate tool for the measurement of the urethral stump length and width results were correlated with the magnetic resonance imaging measurements of the urethra.

Conclusions

The results of this study showed a significantly longer median SUL incontinent patients.
Design and analysis considerations for utilizing a mapping function in a small sample, sequential, multiple assignment, randomized trials with continuous outcomes
Authors: Hartman Holly , Tamura Roy N. , Schipper Matthew J , Kidwell Kelley M.
Published: October 2020

Small sample, sequential, multiple assignment, randomized trials (snSMARTs) are multistage trials with the overall goal of determining the best treatment after a fixed amount of time. In snSMART trials, patients are first randomized to one of three treatments and a binary (e.g. response/nonresponse) outcome is measured at the end of the first stage. Responders to first stage treatment continue their treatment. Nonresponders to first stage treatment are rerandomized to one of the remaining treatments. The same binary outcome is measured at the end of the first and second stages, and data from both stages are pooled together to find the best first stage treatment. However, in many settings the primary endpoint may be continuous, and dichotomizing this continuous variable may reduce statistical efficiency. In this article, we extend the snSMART design and methods to allow for continuous outcomes. Instead of requiring a binary outcome at the first stage for rerandomization, the probability of staying on the same treatment or switching treatment is a function of the first stage outcome. Rerandomization based on a mapping function of a continuous outcome allows for snSMART designs without requiring a binary outcome. We perform simulation studies to compare the proposed design with continuous outcomes to standard snSMART designs with binary outcomes. The proposed design results in more efficient treatment effect estimates and similar outcomes for trial patients.
Two‐Dimensional Covalent‐Organic Frameworks for Photocatalysis: The Critical Roles of Building Block and Linkage
Authors: Lin Huaxing , Chen Chunping , Zhou Tianhua , Zhang Jian
Published: October 2020

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are a class of crystalline porous materials which contain organic build blocks linked via covalent bonds to form ordered and periodic structures. In recent years, 2D COFs have been developed as promising heterogeneous photocatalysts due to their extended π‐conjugated skeletons, high surface area, tunable structure, regular pore structure, and high crystallinity. Herein, recent advances in the design and synthesis of 2D COFs for photocatalysts are surveyed, the illustration of the structural features and synthetic strategy is focused on, and the relationship between the construction and property of 2D COFs for photocatalytic water splitting, CO2 reduction, organic transformation, and degradation of organic pollutants is elucidated. This overview is expected to provide clues to rational design and synthesis of ultra‐stable, high crystalline, and high‐performance 2D COFs for photocatalytic applications.
Determination of Molar Substitution of γ‐Hydroxypropyl Starch
Authors: Liu Xue‐Li , Zhang Kun , Hu Yu , Zhang Zhengjuan , Chen Jun , Ma TianLin , Wang JiaJia
Published: October 2020

A new class of hydroxypropyl starch, γ‐hydroxypropyl starch (γ‐HPS), is synthesized by using 3‐chloropropanol as the etherifying reagent. Two independent procedures for the determination of the number of moles of alkylene oxide combined per anhydroglucose unit (molar substitution, MS) in γ‐HPS are described. The feasibility of the Zeisel‐gas chromatographic technique and colorimetric determination are testified, and especially in the second approach, the stability and accuracy of dehydration process are also investigated. The concentrated sulfuric acid dehydration oxidation is replaced with 2‐iodoxybenzoic acid oxidation while retaining the same acid degradation and the same ninhydrin color reaction. Furthermore, the reliability and the range of application of the methods are tested by analyzing three samples of γ‐HPS and unmodified starch derivatives, and the results indicate that values of MS are in good agreement with each testing method.
Recent Electrokinetic and Microfluidic Strategies for Detection of Amyloid Beta Peptide Biomarkers: Towards Molecular Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Van Thanh Nguyen Ngoc , Taverna Myriam , Smadja Claire , Mai Thanh Duc
Published: October 2020

Among all neurodegenerative diseases, Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the most prevalent worldwide, with a huge burden to the society and no efficient AD treatment so far. Continued efforts have been being made towards early and powerful diagnosis of AD, in the hope for a successful set of clinical trials and subsequently AD curative treatment. Towards this aim, detection and quantification of amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and other biofluids, which are established and validated biomarkers for AD, have drawn attention of the scientific community and industry over almost two decades. In this work, an overview on our major contributions over 15 years to develop different electrokinetic and microfluidic strategies for Aβ peptides detection and quantification is reported. Accordingly, discussions and viewpoints on instrumental and methodological developments for microscale electrophoresis, microfluidic designs and immuno‐enrichment / assays on magnetic beads in microchannels for tracing Aβ peptides in CSF are given in this review.
Controlling Complexation Behavior of Early Lanthanides via the Subtle Interplay of their Lewis Acidity with the Chemical Stability of 5,5'‐(Azobis)tetrazolide
Authors: Weinberger Peter , Giester Gerald , Steinhauser Georg
Published: October 2020

Two novel nitrogen‐rich lanthanide compounds of 5,5'‐(azo bis)tetrazolide (ZT) were synthesized and structurally characterized. The dinuclear, isostructural compounds [Ce2(ZT)2CO3(H2O)12] · 4 H2O (1) and [Pr2(ZT)2CO3(H2O)12]·4H2O (2) were synthesized via two independent routes. Compound 1 was obtained after partial Lewis acidic decomposition of ZT by CeIV in aqueous solution of (NH4)2Ce(NO3)6 and Na2ZT. Compound 2 was obtained by crystallization from aqueous solutions of Pr(NO3)3, Na2ZT, and Na2CO3. By X‐ray diffraction analysis at 200 K, it was found that the trivalent lanthanide cations are bridged by a bidentate carbonato ligand and each cation is further coordinated by six H2O ligands and one ZT ligand thus being ninefold coordinated.
Verification Artifacts in Cooperative Verification: Survey and Unifying Component Framework
Authors: Beyer Dirk , Wehrheim Heike
Published: October 2020

The goal ofcooperativeverification is to combine verification approaches in such a way that they work together to verify a system model. In particular, cooperative verifiersprovideexchangeable information (verification artifacts)toother verifiers orconsumesuch informationfromother verifiers with the goal of increasing the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the verification process.

This paper first gives an overview over approaches for leveraging strengths of different techniques, algorithms, and tools in order to increase the power and abilities of the state of the art in software verification. To limit the scope, we restrict our overview to tools and approaches for automatic program analysis. Second, we specifically outline cooperative verification approaches and discuss their employed verification artifacts. Third, we formalize all artifacts in a uniform way, thereby fixing their semantics and providing verifiers with a precise meaning of the exchanged information.
Calculating the primary Lund Jet Plane density
Authors: Lifson Andrew , Salam Gavin P. , Soyez Grégory
Published: October 2020

Abstract

The Lund-jet plane has recently been proposed as a powerful jet substructure tool with a broad range of applications. In this paper, we provide an all-order single logarithmic calculation of the primary Lund-plane density in Quantum Chromodynamics, including contributions from the running of the coupling, collinear effects for the leading parton, and soft logarithms that account for large-angle and clustering effects. We also identify a new source of clustering logarithms close to the boundary of the jet, deferring their resummation to future work. We then match our all-order results to exact next-to-leading order predictions. For phenomenological applications, we supplement our perturbative calculation with a Monte Carlo estimate of non-perturbative corrections. The precision of our final predictions for the Lund-plane density is 5−7% at high transverse momenta, worsening to about 20% at the lower edge of the perturbative region, corresponding to transverse momenta of about 5 GeV. We compare our results to a recent measurement by the ATLAS collaboration at the Large-Hadron Collider, revealing good agreement across the perturbative domain, i.e. down to about 5 GeV.
Causality and stability in relativistic viscous non-resistive magneto-fluid dynamics
Authors: Biswas Rajesh , Dash Ashutosh , Haque Najmul , Pu Shi , Roy Victor
Published: October 2020

Abstract

We investigate the causality and the stability of the relativistic viscous non-resistive magneto-hydrodynamics in the framework of the Israel-Stewart (IS) second-order theory, and also within a modified IS theory which incorporates the effect of magnetic fields in the relaxation equations of the viscous stress. We compute the dispersion relation by perturbing the fluid variables around their equilibrium values. In the ideal magnetohydrodynamics limit, the linear dispersion relation yields the well-known propagating modes: the Alfvén and the magneto-sonic modes. In the presence of bulk viscous pressure, the causality bound is found to be independent of the magnitude of the magnetic field. The same bound also remains true, when we take the full non-linear form of the equation using the method of characteristics. In the presence of shear viscous pressure, the causality bound is independent of the magnitude of the magnetic field for the two magneto-sonic modes. The causality bound for the shear-Alfvén modes, however, depends both on the magnitude and the direction of the propagation. For modified IS theory in the presence of shear viscosity, new non-hydrodynamic modes emerge but the asymptotic causality condition is the same as that of IS. In summary, although the magnetic field does influence the wave propagation in the fluid, the study of the stability and asymptotic causality conditions in the fluid rest frame shows that the fluid remains stable and causal given that they obey certain asymptotic causality condition.
A more natural composite Higgs model
Authors: Cheng Hsin-Chia , Chung Yi
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Composite Higgs models provide an attractive solution to the hierarchy problem. However, many realistic models suffer from tuning problems in the Higgs potential. There are often large contributions from the UV dynamics of the composite resonances to the Higgs potential, and tuning between the quadratic term and the quartic term is required to separate the electroweak breaking scale and the compositeness scale. We consider a composite Higgs model based on the SU(6)/Sp(6) coset, where an enhanced symmetry on the fermion resonances can minimize the Higgs quadratic term. Moreover, a Higgs quartic term from the collective symmetry breaking of the little Higgs mechanism can be realized by the partial compositeness couplings between elementary Standard Model fermions and the composite operators, without introducing new elementary fields beyond the Standard Model and the composite sector. The model contains two Higgs doublets, as well as several additional pseudo-Nambu-Goldstone bosons. To avoid tuning, the extra Higgs bosons are expected to be relatively light and may be probed in the future LHC runs. The deviations of the Higgs couplings and the weak gauge boson couplings also provide important tests as they are expected to be close to the current limits in this model.
Reggeon field theory and self duality: making ends meet
Authors: Kovner Alex , Levin Eugene , Li Ming , Lublinsky Michael
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Motivated by the question of unitarity of Reggeon Field Theory, we use the effective field theory philosophy to find possible Reggeon Field Theory Hamiltonians HRFT. We require that HRFT is self dual, reproduce all known limits (dilute-dense and dilute-dilute) and exhibits all the symmetries of the JIMWLK Hamiltonian. We find a family of Hamiltonians which satisfy all the above requirements. One of these is identical in form to the so called “diamond action” discussed in [67, 68]. However we show by explicit calculation that the so called “diamond condition” is not satisfied beyond leading perturbative order.
Minimum standards for reporting outcomes of surgery in urogynaecology
Authors: Toozs-Hobson Philip , Bach Fiona , Daly J. Oliver , Klarskov Niels
Published: October 2020

Introduction and hypothesis

The IUGA special interest group (SIG) identified a need for a minimum data set (MDS) to inform outcome measurements to be included and simplify data capture and standardise reporting for data collection systems. To define a minimum data set for urogynaecological surgical registries.

Methods

Existing registries provide an inventory of items. A modified Delphi approach was used to identify a MDS. At each stage reviewers ranked data points and used free text to comment. The rating used a scale of 0–10 at each review and a traffic light system rated the scores as desirable, highly desirable and mandatory. The scores were collated and reported back to clinicians prior to the further rounds. Outliers were highlighted and reviewers re-assessed prior to repeating the process. A comparison of the MDS was made with published outcomes.

Results

Reviewers were from the outcome SIG with emphasis on widespread representation. Fifteen clinicians from eight countries were involved. Four reviewers dissected the existing databases. Eighty data points were considered in four categories, background, preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative. Consensus was reached by the third round. Two points were added on review (date of surgery and urodynamics). Three background points, five preoperative points, seven intraoperative points and nine postoperative points were identified giving 24 minimum data points in the final recommendation.

Conclusions

An MDS has been developed for urogynaecological surgical registries. These should be mandatory points which then allow larger varying points to be assessed. These points correspond well to data points used in published papers from established databases.
Glassforming Liquids, Amorphous and Semicrystalline Polymers: Exploring their Energy Landscape and Dynamical Heterogeneity by Multi-frequency High-Field EPR
Authors: Bercu Vasile , Massa Carlo Andrea , Pizzanelli Silvia , Pardi Luca , Leporini Dino , Martinelli Massimo
Published: October 2020

We review past and recent work carried out on viscous liquids, amorphous and semicrystalline polymers by multifrequency high-field electron paramagnetic resonance (HF-EPR) facility in Pisa. The emphasis is on the enhanced ability to provide fine details of the reorientation process of the paramagnetic guest, the spin probe, revealing features driving the dynamics of the host system, including the energy-barrier distribution of glassy polymers, the dynamical heterogeneity of semicrystalline polymers, and the dynamical changes occurring at the critical temperature predicted by the ideal mode-coupling theory.
Unexpected photosensitivity of the well-characterized heme enzyme chlorite dismutase
Authors: Mahor Durga , Püschmann Julia , Adema Diederik R. , Strampraad Marc J. F. , Hagedoorn Peter-Leon
Published: October 2020

Chlorite dismutase is a heme enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of the toxic compound ClO2−(chlorite) to innocuous Cl−and O2. The reaction is a very rare case of enzymatic O–O bond formation, which has sparked the interest to elucidate the reaction mechanism using pre-steady-state kinetics. During stopped-flow experiments, spectroscopic and structural changes of the enzyme were observed in the absence of a substrate in the time range from milliseconds to minutes. These effects are a consequence of illumination with UV–visible light during the stopped-flow experiment. The changes in the UV–visible spectrum in the initial 200 s of the reaction indicate a possible involvement of a ferric superoxide/ferrous oxo or ferric hydroxide intermediate during the photochemical inactivation. Observed EPR spectral changes after 30 min reaction time indicate the loss of the heme and release of iron during the process. During prolonged illumination, the oligomeric state of the enzyme changes from homo-pentameric to monomeric with subsequent protein precipitation. Understanding the effects of UV–visible light illumination induced changes of chlorite dismutase will help us to understand the nature and mechanism of photosensitivity of heme enzymes in general. Furthermore, previously reported stopped-flow data of chlorite dismutase and potentially other heme enzymes will need to be re-evaluated in the context of the photosensitivity.

Graphic abstract

Illumination of recombinantly expressedAzospira oryzaeChlorite dismutase (AoCld) with a high-intensity light source, common in stopped-flow equipment, results in disruption of the bond between FeIIIand the axial histidine. This leads to the enzyme losing its heme cofactor and changing its oligomeric state as shown by spectroscopic changes and loss of activity.
On the Difference Between the Tensile Stiffness of Bulk and Slice Samples of Microstructured Materials
Authors: Glüge Rainer , Altenbach Holm , Mahmood Nasir , Beiner Mario
Published: October 2020

Many materials with a microstructure are statistically inhomogeneous, like casting skins in polymers or grain size gradients in polycrystals. It is desirable be able to account for the structural gradient. The first step is to measure the location dependent properties, for example by tensile testing of thin slices. Unfortunately, the slices properties can differ significantly from the bulk properties, since the slices lack a scale separation in one direction. For Polypropylen, we measured that Young’s modulus of the slices is approximately 70% of the respective bulk value. We have identified three significant effects, all making the slices appear softer than the bulk material:

Load path confinement:The approximate plane stress forces the load path through a softer phase where in 3D-of-plane load distribution is possible.

Free lateral straining:In thin slices, small regions can contract freely, while phases have to contract concurrently in the bulk. Therefore, when two phases have very different Poisson ratios, the bulk appears stiffer than a slice.

Topological changes upon slicing:Interpenetrating phases in the bulk can show features of a matrix-inclusion-structure in the slices.

We examine and quantify these effects in the linear elastic range for matrix-inclusion-structures and an interpenetrating-phase-structure. Some approaches on how the slice- vs bulk difference can be estimated are given.
Power in office: presidents, governments, and parliaments in the institutional design of contemporary democracies
Authors: Ieraci Giuseppe
Published: October 2020

The institutional design of democratic regimes has attracted much attention from a legal and political perspective, because it affects the actual distribution of power among political actors and the effectiveness of their decisions. The article advances a classification of the democratic institutional design, with particular reference to the triangular interactions among Presidents, Governments, and Parliaments. Moving from the assumption that the arrangements among these three top political institutions identify the main patterns of the democratic government, the distinction among Parliamentary, Presidential, and Semi-Presidential systems set by the constitutional law is rejected and a new classification schema is advanced. In this new perspective, the institutional design of democracy consists of the institutional roles of authority, procedural resources attached to them and arenas of confrontation among the roles.
What influences PhD graduate trajectories during the degree: a research-based policy agenda
Authors: McAlpine Lynn , Castello Montserrat , Pyhaltö Kirsi
Published: October 2020

During the past two decades, PhD graduate numbers have increased dramatically with graduates viewed by governments as a means to advance the knowledge economy and international competitiveness. Concurrently, universities have also invested in policies to monitor satisfaction, retention, and timely completion—and researchers have expanded the study of PhD experience. We, as such researchers, have increasingly received invitations from university decision-makers to present research evidence which might guide their doctoral programs. Their interest provoked us to do a qualitative systematized review of research on doctoral experience—seeking evidence of practices that influenced retention, satisfaction, and completion. The result contributes a synthesis of the critical research evidence that could be used to inform doctoral education policy. We also demonstrate the possibilities of such evidence by suggesting some potential recommendations, while recognizing that there is no direct relationship between research results and their transformation into particular institutional contexts in ways that enhance doctoral experience. We hope our initiative will be taken up and extended by other researchers, particularly the research gaps we note, so we can collectively support the use of research evidence to influence both doctoral policies and practices—with the goal to better prepare PhD researchers for their futures and better support their supervisors.
Feature Extraction for Medical CT Images of Sports Tear Injury
Authors: Nie Qi , Zou Ye-bing , Lin Jerry Chun-Wei
Published: October 2020

Analysis of medical CT images directly affects the accuracy of clinical case diagnosis. Therefore, feature extraction problem of medical CT images is extremely important. A feature extraction algorithm for medical CT images of sports tear injury is proposed. First, CT images are decomposed into a low frequency component and a series of high frequency components in different directions by wavelet fast decomposition method. The high- and low-frequency information of CT images is enhanced by wavelet layered multi-directional image enhancement algorithm, and the multi-scale enhancement for medical CT images of sports tear injury is completed. Then, edge of the enhanced CT images is extracted using an image edge extraction algorithm based on extended mathematical morphology. Finally, based on the extracted edge information of CT images, feature extraction for medical CT images of sports tear injury is completed by the NSCT-GLCM based CT image feature extraction algorithm. Research results show that the proposed algorithm effectively extracts CT image features of sports tear injury and provides auxiliary information for doctor diagnosis.