bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiolabeled hormones in insulin research, a minireview
Authors: Jiráček Jiří , Žáková Lenka , Marek Aleš
Published: October 2020

Preparation of both 125I‐labeled insulin and insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) was critical because it enabled a detailed characterization of binding properties of these important hormones towards their cognate transmembrane receptors. Binding modes of hundreds of hormone derivatives were analyzed using competition radioligand binding assays. This effort has resulted in development of six insulin analogs that are today clinically used for the treatment of diabetes. Here, we will briefly summarize a history of insulin research employing iodinated hormones.
Pregnancy outcome in women with Gaucher disease type 1 who had unplanned pregnancies during eliglustat clinical trials
Authors: Lukina Elena , Balwani Manisha , Belmatoug Nadia , Watman Nora , Hughes Derralynn , Gaemers Sebastiaan J. M. , Foster Meredith C. , Lewis Grace , Peterschmitt M. Judith
Published: October 2020

Gaucher disease type 1 (GD1) is an inherited lysosomal storage disorder caused by deficient enzymatic activity of acid β‐glucosidase, resulting in accumulation of its substrate glucosylceramide, leading to debilitating visceral, hematologic, and skeletal manifestations. Women with GD1 are at increased risk for complications during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum. Treatment with enzyme replacement therapy is generally recommended before and during pregnancy to reduce risks. Eliglustat, an oral substrate‐reduction therapy, is a first‐line treatment for adults with GD1 adults who have extensive, intermediate, or poor CYP2D6‐metabolizer phenotypes (>90% of patients). We report on pregnancy outcomes among women in eliglustat trials who had unplanned pregnancies and female partners of men in the trials. In four phase 2 and 3 eliglustat trials of 393 adults with GD1, women of childbearing potential were required to use contraception, have monthly pregnancy tests, and discontinue eliglustat promptly if pregnant. In phase 2 and 3 trials, 18 women had 19 pregnancies, resulting in 14 healthy infants from 13 pregnancies (one set of twins), three elective terminations, one ectopic pregnancy, one spontaneous abortion, and one in utero death. Median estimated eliglustat exposure duration during pregnancy was 38 days. In phase 1 trials (non‐GD1 subjects), one woman had a spontaneous abortion. Partners of 16 eliglustat‐treated men with GD1 had 18 pregnancies, all resulting in healthy infants. Eliglustat is not approved during pregnancy due to limited data. Guidelines for clinicians and patients with GD that address use of eliglustat in women of childbearing potential are needed.
Comparison of Modified NUTRIC, NRS‐2002, and MUST Scores in Iranian Critically Ill Patients Admitted to Intensive Care Units: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Majari Katrin , Imani Hossein , Hosseini Saeed , Amirsavadkouhi Ali , Ardehali Seyed Hossein , Khalooeifard Razieh
Published: October 2020

Background

There are no data on the validity of the modified Nutrition Risk in the Critically Ill (m‐NUTRIC)‐score and Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS‐2002)‐score in Iranian intensive care unit (ICU) patients. The Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) is still used in most Iranian ICUs. Our goal was to test the validity of these tools in the Iranian ICU population.

Methods

The association between nutrition risk scores and outcomes (longer length of stay [LOS], prolonged mechanical ventilation [MV], and 28‐day mortality) was assessed using the multivariable logistic regression. The performance of nutrition risk tools to predict 28‐day mortality was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic curve. A logistic regression model was used to test the interaction between nutrition risk category, energy adequacy, and 28‐day mortality.

Results

Four hundred forty patients were included. Both the m‐NUTRIC and NRS‐2002 scores were significantly associated with all 3 outcomes (all P < .001). However, no significant association was identified between the MUST and all 3 outcomes (P > .05).

The area under the curve for predicting 28‐day mortality was 0.806 (95% CI, 0.756–0.851), 0.695 (95% CI, 0.632–0.752), and 0.551 (95% CI, 0.483–0.612) for m‐NUTRIC, NRS‐2002, and MUST, respectively. Greater energy adequacy was associated with a lower 28‐day mortality rate in patients with high m‐NUTRIC but not in those with low m‐NUTRIC score (P interaction = .015).

Conclusion

In the Iranian ICU population, the m‐NUTRIC score may be a valid tool for identifying patients who would benefit from more aggressive nutrition therapy.
Evaluation of Elastographic Features in Complex Fibroadenomas With Radiologic‐Pathologic Correlation
Authors: Basara Akin Isil , Ozgul Hakan Abdullah , Guray Durak Merih , Balci Pinar
Published: October 2020

Fibroadenoma is the most common benign tumor of the breast, and complex fibroadenoma (CFA) is one of its variants. Of the fibroadenomas, 22% are CFAs, and in women with CFAs, the malignancy development is found to be higher than in women with noncomplex fibroadenomas. Although there is an increased risk of malignancy with CFAs, the imaging findings of CFAs are fundamentally similar to those of other variants of fibroadenomas. In the literature, B‐mode ultrasound features of CFAs were reported in detail. To our knowledge, there is no study that has specifically described the elastographic findings of CFAs. This article aims to illustrate the elastographic features of CFAs and to correlate radiologic and histopathologic findings of different cases.
Initiation and Termination in Styrene Free‐Radical Polymerization Initiated by Redox Initiation
Authors: Han Hongfei , Li Jianhan , Huang Wenyan , Jiang Qimin , Jiang Li , Xue Xiaoqiang , Yang Hongjun , Jiang Bibiao
Published: October 2020

Hydrogen peroxide and hydroperoxides with substituents of different size are combined with ferrous sulfate to form redox initiation systems, which are used to initiate the polymerization of styrene in emulsion. Gas chromatography and size‐exclusion chromatography are used to measure the monomer conversion and the molecular weight of the polystyrene. Nuclear magnetic resonance is used to identify the characteristic structures, quantitative information is used to understand the polymerization. The results suggest that the initiation of the primary radicals directly depend on the size of the substitute, hydroxyl radical shows almost no selectivity between head‐addition and tail‐addition during initiation (Fhi = 47.4%). But for primary radicals with big substitute groups, for example, t‐butyl and cumyl hydroperoxides, tail‐addition takes advantages over head‐addition during initiation (Fhi ≈80%). As for the termination mechanism, it mainly depends on the solubility of the peroxide in water, the interfacial area of the particle as well as the diffusion rate of the primary radical in aqueous phase. Primary termination dominates in the polymerization initiated by hydroperoxide with poor solubility in water, for example, Fpt = 75–80% for t‐butyl and cumyl hydroperoxides. But Fpt is only 18.3% in the polymerization initiated by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), indicating coupling termination predominately occurred because H2O2 has excellent solubility in water.
Large time behavior to a chemotaxis–consumption model with singular sensitivity and logistic source
Authors: Jia Zhe , Yang Zuodong
Published: October 2020

This paper studies the chemotaxis–consumption model with singular sensitivity and logistic source

under homogenous Neumann boundary condition in a smooth bounded domain
, with positive parameters χ, ϵ, μ, and f(u) ≃ uα, g(u) ≃ uβ for
and β > 0. It is shown that the system possesses a global classical solution when α < 1 and
. Furthermore, the asymptotic behavior of solutions is determined for 0 < α < 1 and 0 < β < α in a two‐dimensional setting, provided a sufficiently large μ.
Pelvic floor morphometrical and functional changes immediately after pelvic floor muscle training and at 1‐year follow‐up, in older incontinent women
Authors: Cacciari Licia P. , Morin Mélanie , Mayrand Marie‐Hélène , Tousignant Michel , Abrahamowicz Michal , Dumoulin Chantale
Published: October 2020

Aims

To compare the effects of group‐based and individual physiotherapy for stress or mixed urinary incontinence (UI) on pelvic floor morphometry, pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function, and related self‐efficacy, immediately after treatment and at 1 year.

Methods

This is a planned secondary analysis of the group rehabilitation or individual physiotherapy study, an assessor‐blinded, randomized, noninferiority trial. Eligible participants included 362 community‐dwelling older women with symptoms of stress/mixed UI. After learning how to contract PFMs, participants completed 12 weeks of PFM training, either individually (one‐on‐one) or as part of a group (eight women). Pelvic floor transperineal ultrasound volumes (morphometry), PFM intravaginal dynamometric data (function), and self‐efficacy in performing PFM exercises were acquired at baseline, posttreatment, and at 1 year.

Results

Groups were comparable at all time points. Immediately posttreatment, both groups demonstrated significant changes in pelvic floor morphometry during coughs, and in PFM function during contractions and coughs. Participants also reported improved self‐efficacy in performing PFM exercises. Results were sustained at 1 year. When participants coughed, pelvic floor structures were better supported (reflected by less caudal movement of the puborectalis sling and a smaller opening of the levator hiatus) in a pattern consistent with the “knack” strategy. Furthermore, both interventions resulted in stronger, faster, more coordinated, and more endurant PFMs.

Conclusion

In older women with stress or mixed UI, both individual and group‐based PFM training resulted in comparable improvements in overall PFM function, pelvic floor morphometry during coughs, and related self‐efficacy in performing PFM exercises, which were sustained at 1 year.
Numerical implementation of nonlinear system of fractional Volterra integral–differential equations by Legendre wavelet method and error estimation
Authors: Shen Lijing , Zhu Shuai , Liu Bingcheng , Zhang Zirui , Cui Yuanda
Published: October 2020

In the current study, a numerical scheme for solving the nonlinear system of fractional Volterra integro‐differential equations via Legendre wavelet is proposed. The Legendre wavelet operational matrix of fractional integration is derived and utilized to alter the main system to a system of algebraic equations. In addition, the error estimate of the original system is investigated in detail. Lastly, several numerical examples are set forth to test the proposed method and the obtained numerical results are compared with those from the CAS wavelet method.
Adapting the telephone assessment and skill‐building kit to the telehealth technology preferences of stroke family caregivers
Authors: Bakas Tamilyn , McCarthy Michael J. , Israel Jahmeel , Brehm Bonnie J. , Dunning Kari , Rota Matthew , Turner Mickenna , Miller Elaine L.
Published: October 2020

Family caregivers exhibit a wide variety of needs and concerns while providing care to stroke survivors after discharge to the home setting. We report the results of two related studies utilizing a multimethod design in which stroke family caregivers (N = 12; N = 10) were interviewed using open‐ended questions, followed by written caregiver ratings regarding the types of telehealth technologies they preferred for the telephone assessment and skill‐building kit (TASK III). Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis procedures with a provisional “start list” of codes in a matrix template based on the types of telehealth technologies in the rating forms. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze ratings with response scales ranging from 1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree. Average ratings for the telehealth technologies for the TASK III resource guide were obtained for the mailed hard copy binder (M = 3.58–4.13; SD = 0.35–1.00), an interactive website (https://www.task3web.com/; M = 3.86–4.17; SD = .72–1.07), an eBook (M = 3.17–3.67; SD = 0.84–1.17), and a USB drive (M = 3.75–4.00; SD = .82–.96). Average ratings for the telehealth technologies for the TASK III calls with the nurse were obtained for the use of a telephone (M = 4.36–5.00; SD = 0.00–0.89), FaceTime on an iOS device (e.g., iPhone or iPad; M = 3.73–4.40; SD = 0.79–0.98), or online videoconferencing (M = 3.17–3.50; SD = 0.82–1.47). Qualitative data revealed a wide variety of preferences for each type of telehealth technology, with advantages and disadvantages of each. The findings underscored the importance of offering multiple telehealth technology options to stroke family caregivers. Future studies are recommended that employ randomized control trial methodology to test theoretically‐based interventions that are based on stroke family caregiver preferences for telehealth technologies.
In vitro Selection of Chemically Modified DNAzymes
Authors: Huang Po‐Jung Jimmy , Liu Juewen
Published: October 2020

DNAzymes are in vitro selected DNA oligonucleotides with catalytic activities. RNA cleavage is one of the most extensively studied DNAzyme reactions. To expand the chemical functionality of DNA, various chemical modifications have been made during and after selection. In this review, we summarize examples of RNA‐cleaving DNAzymes and focus on those modifications introduced during in vitro selection. By incorporating various modified nucleotides via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or primer extension, a few DNAzymes were obtained that can be specifically activated by metal ions such as Zn2+ and Hg2+. In addition, some modifications were introduced to mimic RNase A that can cleave RNA substrates in the absence of divalent metal ions. In addition, single modifications at the fixed regions of DNA libraries, especially at the cleavage junctions, have been tested, and examples of DNAzymes with phosphorothioate and histidine‐glycine modified tertiary amine were successfully obtained specific for Cu2+, Cd2+, Zn2+, and Ni2+. Labeling fluorophore/quencher pair right next to the cleavage junction was also used to obtain signaling DNAzymes for detecting various metal ions and cells. Furthermore, we reviewed work on the cleavage of 2′‐5′ linked RNA and L‐RNA substrates. Finally, applications of these modified DNAzymes as biosensors, RNases, and biochemical probes are briefly described with a few future research opportunities outlined at the end.
Investigation of Commercial Graphenes
Authors: Parker Stewart F. , Leich Valeri , Hönig Jonas , Albers Peter W.
Published: October 2020

For graphene to achieve its full scientific and commercial potential, reliable mass production of the material on the multi‐tonne scale is essential. We have investigated five samples of graphene obtained from commercial sources that state they can supply the product on the tonne scale per annum. From electron microscopy at the micrometre to the nanometre scale, and neutron vibrational spectroscopy, we find that none of the materials examined were 100 % isolated graphene sheets. In all cases, there was a substantial content of graphite‐like material. The samples exhibited varying oxygen contents, this could be present as carboxylic acid (although other oxygenates, quinones, phenols may also be present) or water. We emphasise that INS spectroscopy is particularly useful for the investigation of inorganic materials that will be used commercially: it provides atomic scale information from macroscopic (10’s of g) amounts of sample, thus ensuring that the results are truly representative.
Metal Assisted Synthesis of Cationic Sulfidobismuth Cubanes in Ionic Liquids
Authors: Knies Maximilian , Groh Matthias F. , Pietsch Tobias , Lê Anh Mai , Ruck Michael
Published: October 2020

Bi2S3 was dissolved in the presence of either AuCl/PtCl2 or AgCl in the ionic liquids [BMIm]Cl ⋅ xAlCl3 (BMIm=1‐n‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium; x=4–4.3) through annealing the mixtures at 180 or 200 °C. Upon cooling to room temperature, orange, air‐sensitive crystals of [BMIm](Bi4S4)[AlCl4]5 (1) or Ag(Bi7S8)[S(AlCl3)3]2[AlCl4]2 (2) precipitated, respectively. 1 did not form in the absence of AuCl/PtCl2, suggesting an essential role of the metal cations. X‐ray diffraction on single‐crystals of 1 revealed a monoclinic crystal structure that contains (Bi4S4)4+ heterocubanes and [AlCl4]− tetrahedra as well as [BMIm]+ cations. The intercalation of the ionic liquid was confirmed via solid state NMR spectroscopy, revealing unusual coupling behavior. The crystal structure of 2 consists of (Bi7S8)5+ spiro‐dicubanes, [S(AlCl3)3]2− tetrahedra triples, isolated [AlCl4]− tetrahedra, and heavily disordered silver(I) cations. No cation ordering took place in 2 upon slow cooling to 100 K.
Low Temperature Activation of Tellurium and Resource‐Efficient Synthesis of AuTe2 and Ag2Te in Ionic Liquids
Authors: Grasser Matthias A. , Pietsch Tobias , Brunner Eike , Doert Thomas , Ruck Michael
Published: October 2020

The low temperature syntheses of AuTe2 and Ag2Te starting from the elements were investigated in the ionic liquids (ILs) [BMIm]X and [P66614]Z ([BMIm]+=1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium; X = Cl, [HSO4]−, [P66614]+ = trihexyltetradecylphosphonium; Z = Cl−, Br−, dicyanamide [DCA]−, bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide [NTf2]−, decanoate [dec]−, acetate [OAc]−, bis(2,4,4‐trimethylpentyl)phosphinate [BTMP]−). Powder X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy revealed that [P66614]Cl is the most promising candidate for the single phase synthesis of AuTe2 at 200 °C. Ag2Te was obtained using the same ILs by reducing the temperature in the flask to 60 °C. Even at room temperature, quantitative yield was achieved by using either 2 mol % of [P66614]Cl in dichloromethane or a planetary ball mill. Diffusion experiments, 31P and 125Te‐NMR, and mass spectroscopy revealed one of the reaction mechanisms at 60 °C. Catalytic amounts of alkylphosphanes in commercial [P66614]Cl activate tellurium and form soluble phosphane tellurides, which react on the metal surface to solid telluride and the initial phosphane. In addition, a convenient method for the purification of [P66614]Cl was developed.
Export diversification and economic growth: A review and future research agenda
Authors: Sarin Vishal , Mahapatra Sushanta Kumar , Sood Naveen
Published: October 2020

The prime purpose of the article is to revisit past studies related to the link between export instability, export diversification, and economic growth. In this regard, an extensive literature survey has been made across academic journals that provided structured, comprehensive, and chronological findings and results. The authors have examined and reviewed the full text of eighty‐eight important and relevant research articles published in various scholarly journals. Most of the articles provided robust evidence about positive impact of export diversification on economic growth and mixed results regarding the impact of export instability on economic growth. The paper also attempts to find the areas where the existing literature is silent or throws light that needs to be further examined with future research in this area. Since literature gives little evidence on various aspects of export diversification and economic growth from the perspective of a group of emerging economies identified by UNCTAD and IMF, therefore, the article recommends future research in this context to explore this less unexplored area.
Investigation of cell‐free poly lactic acid/nanoclay scaffolds prepared via thermally induced phase separation technique containing hydroxyapatite nanocarriers of erythropoietin for bone tissue engineering applications
Authors: Salehi Majid , Bastami Farshid , Rezai Rad Maryam , Nokhbatolfoghahaei Hanieh , Paknejad Zahrasadat , Nazeman Pantea , Hassani Ali , Khojasteh Arash
Published: October 2020

The use of cell‐free scaffolds containing bioactive molecules having a controlled released pattern has been proposed as a promising approach in field of tissue engineering. This system would eliminate the challenges associated with cell implantation. For bone tissue engineering, in particular, the environment in favor of both de novo bone formation and vascularization are considered critical approach. Erythropoietin (EPO) has been shown to have bone‐related pleiotropic effects. However, due to the adverse systemic side effect, its local administration with controlled release has been recommended. This study aimed to fabricate erythropoietin (EPO)‐releasing poly lactic acid (PLA)/nanoclay (NC)/nanohydroxyaptitite (nHA) as a new scaffold for bone tissue engineering application. PLA/NC/nHA‐EPO scaffolds were fabricated using thermally induced phase separation technique. The fabricated scaffolds were first characterized in terms of morphology and physical properties, as well as their EPO realizing pattern. Then, their biocompatibility was assessed in response to the MG‐63 human osteoblast‐like cell line. Finally, its bone regeneration capability was evaluated in a rat calvarial model. The result showed that the fabricated scaffolds presented acceptable physical properties with the sustained release of EPO. The in vitro biocompatibility was also approved. Their bone regeneration in rat calvaria showed that the PLA/NC/nHA‐EPO scaffolds were significantly able to generate bone formation (41% after 8 weeks). Also, the formation of new vessels and capillaries were evident. The presence of osteoblast in the defect also confirmed that the EPO was potent in inducing mesenchymal stem cells chemotaxis. The PLA/NC/nHA containing EPO could be a promising cell‐free bioscaffold for bone tissue regeneration.
Improvement of aldehyde‐functional polybenzoxazine processability and mechanical properties achieved by 5‐aminoindole/benzoxazine copolymerization
Authors: Xu Yi , Yang Nan , Liu Yujia , Li Zhengbai , He Qiang , Li Chao
Published: October 2020

5‐Aminoindole is designed for aldehyde‐functional benzoxazine (PHB‐a) copolymerization due to the special reaction between the indole and aldehyde groups, and the copolymerization with benzoxazine monomers. The curing and mechanical behavior and thermal properties of the cured resins are investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,1H NMR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, dynamic mechanical analysis, tensile tests and thermogravimetric analysis. The resulting networks show better processability and mechanical properties without obvious degradation in thermal performance. The low curing temperature (70 °C) of PHB‐a is achieved after incorporation of 5‐aminoindole. An elongation rate of 2.54% and a forcing break of around 72.3 MPa are achieved, while neat poly(PHB‐a) is brittle and failed in the grips. Furthermore, its glass transition temperature is maintained up to 234 °C. These findings open a new way to realize low‐temperature curing and to improve the mechanical properties of brittle polybenzoxazine resins under the premise of maintaining good thermal stability. © 2020 Society of Industrial Chemistry
Preparation and characterization of polyurethane foams containing microencapsulated phase change materials for thermal energy storage and thermal regulation
Authors: Liao Honghui , Liu Yuan , Chen Rong , Wang Qi
Published: October 2020

Polyurethane (PU) foam is widely used as a thermal insulating material but it does not possess thermal energy storage and thermal regulation properties. In the present work, the phase change material stearic acid (SA) is microencapsulated with melamine‐formaldehyde resin and then introduced into PU prepolymer to fabricate composite foams. In this way, the phase change properties of SA are successfully infused into the PU foams, leading to improved heat storage and thermal regulation ability. The phase change enthalpy of composite PU foams can be facilely tailored from 3.45 to 14.59 J g−1 by changing the loading fraction of microcapsules, allowing an adjustable thermal energy storage and thermal regulation capacity. The composite PU foams exhibit good thermal reliability after 100 cycles of thermal testing. Morphology observation confirms strut rupture and broken cells as well as the distribution of the incorporated microcapsules inside the cell struts. It is found that the added microcapsules have a small influence on the foam density and thermal conductivity. Finally, the microcapsules present a marked effect on the mechanical properties, with an increased elastic modulus from 3.52 to 4.21 MPa and decreased compression strength from 0.29 to 0.13 MPa. We believe that our efforts on the design and development of composite PU foams with thermal energy storage and thermal regulation properties will contribute to broaden the application scope of PU foams. © 2020 Society of Industrial Chemistry
Measuring health‐related quality of life in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors with the National Institutes of Health Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System®: Comparing adolescent, emerging adult, and young adult survivor perspectives
Authors: Siembida Elizabeth J. , Reeve Bryce B. , Zebrack Brad J. , Snyder Mallory A. , Salsman John M.
Published: October 2020

Objective

Our knowledge of symptom burden and functioning among adolescent and young adult (AYA; diagnosed ages 15–39) cancer survivors has been hindered by variability in health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) measurement associated with developmental and disease heterogeneity among AYAs. We aimed to examine the variability in domain‐specific aspects of HRQOL as a function of cancer type and developmental stage to clarify commonalities and differences using the NIH Patient‐Reported Outcome Measurement Information System®.

Methods

Five hundred seventy‐two AYAs were recruited by an online research panel using stratified sampling (treatment status: on vs. off; developmental stage: adolescents, emerging adults, young adults). Participants completed questionnaires that included sociodemographic characteristics, clinical history, and the adult version of the Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System®‐29 (PROMIS‐29). Generalized linear models were run for each HRQOL domain and included treatment status, developmental stage, and cancer type (hematologic vs. solid tumor) and their interactions as independent variables.

Results

There were no significant differences in any HRQOL domain by cancer type, and few significant differences were observed in PROMIS domains between developmental groups among on‐treatment AYA survivors. In contrast, off‐treatment emerging adults and young adults reported significantly higher symptoms and worse functioning compared to adolescents (all ps ≤ 0.003).

Conclusions

AYAs diagnosed in different developmental stages, particularly among off‐treatment survivors, experienced diverse constellations of symptoms and functioning, and developmental stage was a more critical predictor of HRQOL than cancer type. These results suggest that supportive care interventions developed for AYA cancer survivors must be tailored and flexible by developmental stage and treatment status.
Biosynthesis of depsipeptides, or Depsi: The peptides with varied generations
Authors: Alonzo Diego A. , Schmeing T. Martin
Published: October 2020

Depsipeptides are compounds that contain both ester bonds and amide bonds. Important natural product depsipeptides include the piscicide antimycin, the K+ ionophores cereulide and valinomycin, the anticancer agent cryptophycin, and the antimicrobial kutzneride. Furthermore, database searches return hundreds of uncharacterized systems likely to produce novel depsipeptides. These compounds are made by specialized nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs). NRPSs are biosynthetic megaenzymes that use a module architecture and multi‐step catalytic cycle to assemble monomer substrates into peptides, or in the case of specialized depsipeptide synthetases, depsipeptides. Two NRPS domains, the condensation domain and the thioesterase domain, catalyze ester bond formation, and ester bonds are introduced into depsipeptides in several different ways. The two most common occur during cyclization, in a reaction between a hydroxy‐containing side chain and the C‐terminal amino acid residue in a peptide intermediate, and during incorporation into the growing peptide chain of an α‐hydroxy acyl moiety, recruited either by direct selection of an α‐hydroxy acid substrate or by selection of an α‐keto acid substrate that is reduced in situ. In this article, we discuss how and when these esters are introduced during depsipeptide synthesis, survey notable depsipeptide synthetases, and review insight into bacterial depsipeptide synthetases recently gained from structural studies.
HoloYolo: A proof‐of‐concept study for marker‐less surgical navigation of spinal rod implants with augmented reality and on‐device machine learning
Authors: von Atzigen Marco , Liebmann Florentin , Hoch Armando , Bauer David E. , Snedeker Jess Gerrit , Farshad Mazda , Fürnstahl Philipp
Published: October 2020

Background

Existing surgical navigation approaches of the rod bending procedure in spinal fusion rely on optical tracking systems that determine the location of placed pedicle screws using a hand‐held marker.

Methods

We propose a novel, marker‐less surgical navigation proof‐of‐concept to bending rod implants. Our method combines augmented reality with on‐device machine learning to generate and display a virtual template of the optimal rod shape without touching the instrumented anatomy. Performance was evaluated on lumbosacral spine phantoms against a pointer‐based navigation benchmark approach and ground truth data obtained from computed tomography.

Results

Our method achieved a mean error of 1.83 ± 1.10 mm compared to 1.87 ± 1.31 mm measured in the marker‐based approach, while only requiring 21.33 ± 8.80 s as opposed to 36.65 ± 7.49 s attained by the pointer‐based method.

Conclusion

Our results suggests that the combination of augmented reality and machine learning has the potential to replace conventional pointer‐based navigation in the future.
Stationary target localization and circumnavigation by a non‐holonomic differentially driven mobile robot: Algorithms and experiments
Authors: Wang Lei , Zou Yao , Meng Ziyang
Published: October 2020

This article addresses a surveillance problem where the goal is to achieve a circular motion around a target by a non‐holonomic differentially driven mobile robot. The available information for the mobile robot includes its own position, velocity with respect to the inertial frame, and the bearing angle of the target in its body frame. Since the target position is unavailable, an estimator is first proposed to localize it. Then a two‐step controller is given to drive the mobile robot to move onto a circular trajectory with a desired radius around it. It is shown that the proposed algorithm guarantees the convergence of the estimation error to a small neighborhood of zero and the motion of the robot to a small neighborhood of a designed radius. The performance of the proposed algorithm is first verified by simulations. Then, several experiments on a differentially driven mobile robot, Pioneer 3‐DX, are presented to further validate the proposed algorithm.
Assessment of Notch Effect Based on Finite Element Analysis and Digital Image Correlation Technique
Authors: Kumar Abhay , Chaitanya Gudibanda Maruthi Sri Krishna , Goyal Sunil , Goswami Mohit , Kumar Anish , Ul Harmain Ghulam Ashraf
Published: October 2020

Triaxial state of stress experienced by structural components due to complex geometry, discontinuities, or type of loading can be studied by tensile testing of notched specimens. Herein, assessment of tensile deformation of 316LN austenitic stainless under the uniaxial and triaxial stresses is presented based on finite element (FE) analysis and digital image correlation (DIC). To study their effects, notches of different root radii are incorporated in flat smooth specimens. The strength of the material increases in the presence of notch. Among the various constitutive expressions, the Swift equation provides a better representation of the tensile response for the smooth specimen. The analysis is further extended by incorporating Swift equation parameters as the deformation model in the FE analysis for notched specimens. The tensile response of the notched specimens is predicted well using the FE analysis. The in‐house algorithm is developed for DIC and used to estimate the strain in smooth and notched specimens by speckle‐pattern image analysis. The total displacement of smooth and notched specimens obtained from the FE analysis and DIC technique is comparable to the experimental results. Both the techniques complemented each other in understanding the deformation behavior of the steel.
Robust Recolonization of Pacific Lamprey Following Dam Removals
Authors: Hess Jon E. , Paradis Rebecca L. , Moser Mary L. , Weitkamp Laurie A. , Delomas Thomas A. , Narum Shawn R.
Published: October 2020

Removal of two dams in the Elwha River basin, Washington, started one of the largest river restoration projects ever attempted in the Pacific Northwest. These dams had eliminated Pacific Lamprey Entosphenus tridentatus populations upstream. After the dam removals, larval production increased in the upper watershed, but the sources and numbers of new adult spawners were unknown. We applied genetic stock identification (GSI), parentage assignment (PA), and sibship assignment (SA) methods to (1) determine the origins of Pacific Lamprey larvae and juveniles, (2) quantify the increase in numbers of successful Elwha River spawners (i.e., effective number of breeders [Nb]) and assess whether the current numbers of spawners have reached levels equivalent to those of neighboring undammed basins, and (3) determine the relative productivity of streams within the Elwha River and how overall productivity originating from this system may be distributed across the broader surrounding region. We utilized a highly accurate set of 263 single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci to perform PA and SA (>99% accuracy rate) and an additional set of 28 SNPs for GSI. Our results showed that a single stream (Indian Creek) was the source of 41% of larval and juvenile production in the Elwha River. Our Nb estimates for the Elwha River indicated a 12‐fold increase in Nb during the 3 years after dam removal, with recent Nb estimates matching those of neighboring Olympic Peninsula basins. These results indicate rapid recolonization potential for this highly dispersive species, and high productivity within the Elwha River suggests that restoring passage to adequate habitat is a highly effective approach for re‐establishing populations of Pacific Lamprey in coastal systems.
SH3PXD2A‐AS1/miR‐330‐5p/UBA2 ceRNA network mediates the progression of colorectal cancer through regulating the activity of the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Guo Shuang , Zhu Kong‐xi , Yu Wei‐hua , Wang Teng , Li Shuai , Wang Yun‐xia , Zhang Chen‐chen , Guo Jian‐qiang
Published: October 2020

Long non‐coding RNAs have important roles in the occurrence and progression of various cancers. However, the molecular mechanism of lncRNAs in colorectal cancer (CRC) is not well illustrated. Thus, we used bioinformatics methods to find potential lncRNAs associated with CRC progression, and chose SH3PXD2A‐AS1 as a candidate for further analysis. The roles of SH3PXD2A‐AS1 in CRC cells were determined by CCK‐8, transwell invasion, wound healing and flow cytometry assays. Besides, we established the CRC tumor models in nude mice to study the effect of SH3PXD2A‐AS1 on the tumor growth. Based on the ceRNA hypothesis, we used miRDB and miRTarBase websites to identify the SH3PXD2A‐AS1‐related ceRNA regulatory network, and measured the roles of this network in CRC cells. The results revealed that the expression profiles of SH3PXD2A‐AS1 from GEO and TCGA databases showed an aberrant high level in CRC tissues compared with colorectal normal tissues. SH3PXD2A‐AS1 over‐expression was also found in CRC cells. SH3PXD2A‐AS1 knockdown inhibited the CRC cellular proliferation, invasion and migration but induced apoptosis. Besides, SH3PXD2A‐AS1 knockdown also suppressed the growth of CRC tumors. Furthermore, SH3PXD2A‐AS1 could function as a ceRNA of miR‐330‐5p. Additionally, UBA2 was proved to be a target gene of miR‐330‐5p. Moreover, SH3PXD2A‐AS1 knockdown downregulated UBA2 expression through sponging miR‐330‐5p to inactivate the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting the cell growth and promoting apoptosis. Therefore, the SH3PXD2A‐AS1/miR‐330‐5p/UBA2 network could regulate the progression of CRC through the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. These findings offer new sights for understanding the pathogenesis of CRC and provide potential biomarkers for CRC treatment.
Outcome of monochorionic twin pregnancy complicated by Type‐III selective intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Shinar S. , Xing W. , Pruthi V. , Jianping C. , Slaghekke F. , Groene S. , Lopriore E. , Lewi L. , Couck I. , Yinon Y. , Batsry L. , Raio L. , Amylidi‐Mohr S. , Baud D. , Kneuss F. , Dekoninck P. , Moscou J. , Barrett J. , Melamed N. , Ryan G. , Sun L. , Van Mieghem T.
Published: October 2020

Objective

Type‐III selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR) is associated with a high and unpredictable risk of fetal death and fetal brain injury. The objective of this study was to describe the prospective risk of fetal death and the risk of adverse neonatal outcome in a cohort of twin pregnancies complicated by Type‐III sIUGR and treated according to up‐to‐date guidelines.

Methods

We reviewed retrospectively all monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies complicated by Type‐III sIUGR managed at nine fetal centers over a 12‐year period. Higher‐order multiple gestations and pregnancies with major fetal anomalies or other monochorionicity‐related complications at initial presentation were excluded. Data on fetal and neonatal outcomes were collected and management strategies reviewed. Composite adverse neonatal outcome was defined as neonatal death, invasive ventilation beyond the resuscitation period, culture‐proven sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis requiring treatment, intraventricular hemorrhage Grade > I, retinopathy of prematurity Stage > II or cystic periventricular leukomalacia. The prospective risk of intrauterine death (IUD) and the risk of neonatal complications according to gestational age were evaluated.

Results

We collected data on 328 pregnancies (656 fetuses). After exclusion of pregnancies that underwent selective reduction (n = 18 (5.5%)), there were 51/620 (8.2%) non‐iatrogenic IUDs in 35/310 (11.3%) pregnancies. Single IUD occurred in 19/328 (5.8%) pregnancies and double IUD in 16/328 (4.9%). The prospective risk of non‐iatrogenic IUD per fetus declined from 8.1% (95% CI, 5.95–10.26%) at 16 weeks, to less than 2% (95% CI, 0.59–2.79%) after 28.4 weeks and to less than 1% (95% CI, –0.30 to 1.89%) beyond 32.6 weeks. In otherwise uncomplicated pregnancies with Type‐III sIUGR, delivery was generally planned at 32 weeks, at which time the risk of composite adverse neonatal outcome was 29.0% (31/107 neonates). In twin pregnancies that continued to 34 weeks, there was a very low risk of IUD (0.7%) and a low risk of composite adverse neonatal outcome (11%).

Conclusions

In this cohort of twin pregnancies complicated by Type‐III sIUGR and treated at several tertiary fetal centers, the risk of fetal death was lower than that reported previously. Further efforts should be directed at identifying predictors of fetal death and optimal antenatal surveillance strategies to select a cohort of pregnancies that can continue safely beyond 33 weeks' gestation. © 2020 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
A note on extremely primitive affine groups
Authors: Burness Timothy C. , Thomas Adam R.
Published: October 2020

Let G be a finite primitive permutation group on a set $$\Omega $$
Ω
with non-trivial point stabilizer $$G_{\alpha }$$

G
α

. We say that G is extremely primitive if $$G_{\alpha }$$

G
α

acts primitively on each of its orbits in $$\Omega {\setminus } \{\alpha \}$$

Ω
\
{
α
}

. In earlier work, Mann, Praeger, and Seress have proved that every extremely primitive group is either almost simple or of affine type and they have classified the affine groups up to the possibility of at most finitely many exceptions. More recently, the almost simple extremely primitive groups have been completely determined. If one assumes Wall’s conjecture on the number of maximal subgroups of almost simple groups, then the results of Mann et al. show that it just remains to eliminate an explicit list of affine groups in order to complete the classification of the extremely primitive groups. Mann et al. have conjectured that none of these affine candidates are extremely primitive and our main result confirms this conjecture.
Endothelial sprouting, proliferation, or senescence: tipping the balance from physiology to pathology
Authors: Mühleder Severin , Fernández-Chacón Macarena , Garcia-Gonzalez Irene , Benedito Rui
Published: October 2020

Therapeutic modulation of vascular cell proliferation and migration is essential for the effective inhibition of angiogenesis in cancer or its induction in cardiovascular disease. The general view is that an increase in vascular growth factor levels or mitogenic stimulation is beneficial for angiogenesis, since it leads to an increase in both endothelial proliferation and sprouting. However, several recent studies showed that an increase in mitogenic stimuli can also lead to the arrest of angiogenesis. This is due to the existence of intrinsic signaling feedback loops and cell cycle checkpoints that work in synchrony to maintain a balance between endothelial proliferation and sprouting. This balance is tightly and effectively regulated during tissue growth and is often deregulated or impaired in disease. Most therapeutic strategies used so far to promote vascular growth simply increase mitogenic stimuli, without taking into account its deleterious effects on this balance and on vascular cells. Here, we review the main findings on the mechanisms controlling physiological vascular sprouting, proliferation, and senescence and how those mechanisms are often deregulated in acquired or congenital cardiovascular disease leading to a diverse range of pathologies. We also discuss alternative approaches to increase the effectiveness of pro-angiogenic therapies in cardiovascular regenerative medicine.
Maximal regularity for elliptic operators with second-order discontinuous coefficients
Authors: Metafune G. , Negro L. , Spina C.
Published: October 2020

We prove maximal regularity for parabolic problems associated to the second-order elliptic operator $$\begin{aligned} L =\Delta +(a-1)\sum _{i,j=1}^N\frac{x_ix_j}{|x|^2}D_{ij}+c\frac{x}{|x|^2}\cdot \nabla -b|x|^{-2} \end{aligned}$$

L
=
Δ
+

(
a
-
1
)

∑

i
,
j
=
1

N

x
i

x
j

|
x
|

2

D

ij

+
c

x

|
x
|

2

·
∇
-
b

|
x
|

-
2

with $$a>0$$

a
>
0

and $$b,\ c$$

b
,

c

real coefficients.
Color spectra algorithm of hyperspectral wood dyeing using particle swarm optimization
Authors: Wu Machao , Guan Xuemei , Li Wenfeng , Huang Qinglong
Published: October 2020

To improve the accuracy and practicality of the intelligent color-matching application of wood dyeing technology, Fraxinus mandshurica veneer was selected as the dyeing material. First, based on the Friele model and Stearns–Noechel model, the model parameters were cyclically assigned to calculate the optimal fixed parameter values and predictions. Then, particle swarm algorithm was used to optimize two algorithm models, the obtained reflectance curve was fit, and the color differences were calculated according to the human eye-based CIEDE2000 color difference evaluation standard formula. Last, the two formulas to predict the color difference and spectral reflectance were compared. First, the two optimization algorithms were compared according to the size of the fitted color difference value, and then, the most accurate optimization algorithm was selected. When the model parameters were fixed, the average fitted color difference was 0.8202. After optimizing the Friele model, the average fitted color difference was 0.7287, and after optimizing the Stearns–Noechel model, the average fitted color difference was 0.6482. It was concluded that the improved Stearns–Noechel model based on particle swarm method was more accurate than the Friele model for wood color matching.
MRI-visible perivascular spaces as an imaging biomarker in Fabry disease
Authors: Lyndon D. , Davagnanam I. , Wilson D. , Jichi F. , Merwick A. , Bolsover F. , Jager H. R. , Cipolotti L. , Wheeler-Kingshott C. , Hughes D. , Murphy E. , Lachmann R. , Werring D. J.
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder resulting in vascular glycosphingolipid accumulation and increased stroke risk. MRI findings associated with FD include white matter hyperintensities (WMH) and cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), suggesting the presence of cerebral small vessel disease. MRI-visible perivascular spaces (PVS) are another promising marker of small vessel disease associated with impaired interstitial fluid drainage. We investigated the association of PVS severity and anatomical distribution with FD.

Patients and methods

We compared patients with genetically proven FD to healthy controls. PVS, WMH, lacunes and CMBs were rated on standardised sequences using validated criteria and scales, blinded to diagnosis. A trained observer (using a validated rating scale), quantified the total severity of PVS. We used logistic regression to investigate the association of severe PVS with FD.

Results

We included 33 FD patients (median age 44, 44.1% male) and 20 healthy controls (median age 33.5, 50% male). Adjusting for age and sex, FD was associated with more severe basal ganglia PVS (odds ratio (OR) 5.80, 95% CI 1.03–32.7) and higher total PVS score (OR 4.03, 95% CI 1.36–11.89). Compared with controls, participants with FD had: higher WMH volume (median 495.03 mm3 vs 0, p = 0.0008), more CMBs (21.21% vs none, p = 0.04), and a higher prevalence of lacunes (21.21% vs. 5%, p = 0.23).

Conclusions

PVS scores are more severe in FD than control subjects. Our findings have potential relevance for FD diagnosis and suggest that impaired interstitial fluid drainage might be a mechanism of white matter injury in FD.
Existence of continuous right inverses to linear mappings in finite-dimensional geometry
Authors: Kiselman Christer Oscar , Melin Erik
Published: October 2020

A linear mapping of a compact convex subset of a finite-dimensional vector space always possesses a right inverse, but may lack a continuous right inverse, even if the set is smoothly bounded. Examples showing this are given, as well as conditions guaranteeing the existence of a continuous right inverse.
Texture and magnetic anisotropy of YBa2Cu3O7-x film on MgO substrate
Authors: Cornejo H. Sanchez , De Los Santos Valladares L. , Barnes C. H. W. , Moreno N. O. , Domínguez A. Bustamante
Published: October 2020

The texture and magnetic anisotropy of a YBa2Cu3O7-x (YBCO) film growth onto a MgO substrate are analyzed in order to understand the relation between them. X-ray diffraction shows the presence of the (00l) reflections from the YBCO layer with a grain’s fraction value 98%. Rocking Curves (RC) measurements reveal an out-of-plane texture with a full width at the half maximum of 0.81°, revealing a high uniaxial texture in the YBCO film. The temperature dependence of the susceptibility measurements obtained under many applied fields along Hext ||c-axis and Hext||ab-plane reveals strong relationship between the uniaxial texture and the magnetic anisotropy, confirming the high ordering of the CuO2 superconducting planes. In addition, the critical current density values are obtained from the hysteresis loops and compared to similar YBCO films with uniaxial and biaxial texture reported elsewhere.