bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microwave‐assisted ring‐opening copolymerization and property of polycarbonates
Authors: Feng Tian‐Ji , Mei Li‐Li , Liu Fan , Yan Guo‐Ping , Yuan Ye , Guo Qing‐Zhong
Published: April 2021

Recently, the microwave‐assisted heating method has become a commonly used and environmentally friendly heating technology in the field of organic and polymeric synthetic chemistry. A series of poly(5,5‐dimethyl trimethylenecarbonate‐co‐2‐phenyl‐5,5‐bis[oxymethyl] trimethylenecarbonate) (P[DTC‐co‐PTC]) were synthesized by microwave‐assisted ring‐opening polymerization of 5,5‐dimethyl trimethylene carbonate (DTC) and 2‐phenyl‐5,5‐bis(oxymethyl) trimethylene carbonate (PTC) using tin(II) 2‐ethylhexanoate and aluminum isopropoxidase, the catalysts. These co‐polycarbonates were further reduced by a palladium‐carbon catalyst (Pd/C catalyst, 10%) to make partly deprotected polycarbonates (HPDPC). These two co‐polycarbonates were characterized by gel permeation chromatography, 1HNMR, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV, differential scanning calorimetry, and automatic contact‐angle measurements. The influences of the microwave irradiation time, microwave power, monomer feed molar ratio, different catalysts, and monomer/catalyst feed molar ratio on the molecular weights of co‐polycarbonates were also investigated. In vitro water absorption, degradation and drug release tests indicated that partly deprotected co‐polycarbonate HPDPC possessed greater hydrophilicity, faster degradation rate, and faster drug release rate than that of corresponding P(DTC‐co‐PTC). Therefore, microwave‐assisted polymerization is a clean and cheap heating method and can be used for ring‐opening copolymerization of carbonates, which enhances the hydrophilicity and biodegradation rate of aliphatic polycarbonates.
Receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors for the treatment of osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma
Authors: Just Marissa A. , Van Mater David , Wagner Lars M.
Published: April 2021

Adjuvant chemotherapy for osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma consists of conventional cytotoxic regimens that have changed little over the past decades. There is an urgent need for agents that are more effective and have less long‐term toxicity. Receptor tyrosine kinases regulate cell growth and proliferation of these tumors, and small‐molecule inhibitors for many of these kinases are now available. In this article, we review published phase II trials for patients with recurrent disease and highlight the pathways targeted by available agents, as well as the toxicity and efficacy results seen to date. We also discuss the difficulties in identifying biomarkers to facilitate rational patient selection, as well as published and proposed strategies for how these inhibitors can be combined with conventional chemotherapy or other targeted agents. It is hoped future trials can capitalize on this growing experience to optimize the use of this exciting class of agents.
Direct writing polyvinylidene difluoride thin films by intercalation of nano‐ZnO
Authors: Chen Caifeng , Zhang Ruifang , Zhu Jiaguang , Qian Xinyi , Zhu Jing , Ye Xuan , Zhang Muyu
Published: April 2021

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is a preeminent pyrolytic and piezoelectric polymer. It has been widely studied as an ideal material for wearable flexible sensors or low‐power electronic equipment. PVDF/ZnO thin films were prepared by direct writing method, which promoted the ordered arrangement of PVDF molecular chains under the action of electric field and thus improved the crystallinity of the β phase. Meanwhile, the effects of intercalation of ZnO nanoparticles on the crystallinity of PVDF thin films were explored. The results show that appropriate addition of nano‐ZnO as nucleating agent can induce the crystallinity of the PVDF film obviously. While the additive amount of nanoparticles was 0.02 wt%, the relative β phase content of the PVDF film can reach 88.92%. Under the double action of adding ZnO nanoparticles and electric field assistance, the dielectric constant of the composite film increases from 6.9 (pure PVDF) to 12.4 (0.03 wt% ZnO) at a frequency of 1 kHz. The d33 value of the film without polarization is up to −9.1 pC/N, the output voltage is increased to 351 mV, and the conductivity of the composite film has been improved.
Miscibility, crystallization and mechanical properties of poly[(3‐hydroxybutyrate)‐co‐(4‐hydroxyvalerate)]/poly(propylene carbonate)/poly(vinyl acetate) ternary blends
Authors: Li Yi , Yao Shuangna , Han Changyu , Cheng Hongda
Published: April 2021

A ternary blend of poly[(3‐hydroxybutyrate)‐co‐(4‐hydroxyvalerate)] (P34HB), poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) and poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) was initially melt‐blended in an effort to obtain an excellent balance of mechanical performance. The effect of PVAc content on the miscibility, phase morphology, thermal behavior, isothermal melt crystallization and mechanical properties of P34HB/PPC/PVAc ternary blends was systematically investigated. Dynamic mechanical analysis indicated that P34HB and PPC were immiscible, and PVAc exhibited immiscibility with PPC. PVAc was selectively dispersed in the P34HB matrix and phase morphology was refined by reducing the interfacial tension. Moreover, the PVAc component suppressed the cold crystallization and reduced the isothermal melt crystallization rate of P34HB in the ternary blends. Unexpectedly, marked increases of 32.7% and 3025% were achieved in the tensile modulus and elongation of the ternary blend containing 20 wt% PVAc compared to neat P34HB. Meanwhile, the strength did not deteriorate. The unusual combination of high ductility, strength and modulus is of great potential for expanding the practical application of sustainable and biological polymers. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Tackling Covid‐19 using disordered‐to‐order transition of residues in the spike protein upon angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 binding
Authors: Yesudhas Dhanusha , Srivastava Ambuj , Sekijima Masakazu , Gromiha M. Michael
Published: April 2021

The 2019‐novel coronavirus also known as severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is a common threat to animals and humans, and is responsible for the human SARS pandemic in 2019 to 2021. The infection of SARS‐CoV‐2 in humans involves a viral surface glycoprotein named as spike proteins, which bind to the human angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) proteins. Particularly, the receptor binding domains (RBDs) mediate the interaction and contain several disordered regions, which help in the binding. Investigations on the influence of disordered residues/regions in stability and binding of spike protein with ACE2 help to understand the disease pathogenesis, which has not yet been studied. In this study, we have used molecular‐dynamics simulations to characterize the structural changes in disordered regions of the spike protein that result from ACE2 binding. We observed that the disordered regions undergo disorder‐to‐order transition (DOT) upon binding with ACE2, and the DOT residues are located at functionally important regions of RBD. Although the RBD is having rigid structure, DOT residues make conformational rearrangements for the spike protein to attach with ACE2. The binding is strengthened via hydrophilic and aromatic amino acids mainly present in the DOTs. The positively correlated motions of the DOT residues with its nearby residues also explain the binding profile of RBD with ACE2, and the residues are observed to be contributing more favorable binding energies for the spike‐ACE2 complex formation. This study emphasizes that intrinsically disordered residues in the RBD of spike protein may provide insights into its etiology and be useful for drug and vaccine discovery.
Exploring the Interface Landscape of Noble Metals on Epitaxial Graphene
Authors: Shtepliuk Ivan , Ivanov Ivan G. , Pliatsikas Nikolaos , Iakimov Tihomir , Beshkova Milena , Sarakinos Kostas , Yakimova Rositsa
Published: April 2021

Understanding the interaction between noble metals (NMs) and epitaxial graphene is essential for the design and fabrication of novel devices. Within this framework, a combined experimental and theoretical investigation of the effect of vapor‐deposited NM (silver [Ag] and gold [Au]) nanostructures on the vibrational and electronic properties of monolayer epitaxial graphene (MLG) on 4H‐SiC is presented. Large sets of Raman scattering data are analyzed using supervised classification and statistical methods. This analysis enables identification of the specific Raman fingerprints of Au‐ and Ag‐decorated MLG originating from different dispersion interactions and charge transfer at the metal nanostructure/MLG interface. It is found that Raman scattering spectra of Au‐decorated MLG feature a set of allowed phonon modes similar to those in pristine MLG, whereas the stronger Ag physisorption triggers an activation of defect‐related phonon modes and electron doping of MLG. A principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) are leveraged to highlight the features in phonon dispersion of MLG that emanate from the NM deposition process and to robustly classify large‐scale Raman spectra of metal‐decorated graphene. The present results can be advantageous for designing highly selective sensor arrays on MLG patches decorated with different metals.
Influence of Local Lattice Distortion on Elastic Properties of Hexagonal Close‐Packed TiZrHf and TiZrHfSc Refractory Alloys
Authors: Meng Hong , Duan Jia-Ming , Chen Xiao-Tao , Jiang Shan , Shao Lin , Tang Bi-Yu
Published: April 2021

The unique mechanical properties and local lattice distortion (LLD) for hexagonal close‐packed (HCP) multiple principal element alloys (MPEAs) are very rarely studied so far. Employing density functional theory calculation based on special quasirandom structure, this work studies the influences of LLD on elastic properties for both novel hexagonal TiZrHf(Sc) MPEAs. Compared to the pristine structures, the lattice stability of distorted random structures is improved evidently. Moreover, LLD obviously lessens the shear elastic properties, which may be an ubiquitous phenomenon irrespective of the lattice types of MPEAs. These results also uncover the apparent improvement in malleable behavior and shear anisotropy for HCP MPEAs. So, the influence of LLD on elastic properties for HCP MPEAs is profound. The degree of LLD is further studied via the standard deviation of near‐neighbor (NN) and next NN bond length distributions as an effective indicator of LLD. More significant distortion uncovered in TiZrHf alloy corresponds consistently to the stronger effects of LLD in TiZrHf alloy. Bader's charge and charge density distribution also demonstrate the underlying impact on LLD for both HCP MPEAs, so electronic nature is a significant factor for LLD. The present study provides guideline for designing mechanical properties of TiZrHf‐based HCP MPEAs engineering materials.
A review on traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical research of dietary spice Cuminum cyminum L.
Authors: Singh Neetu , Yadav Surender Singh , Kumar Sanjiv , Narashiman Balasubramaniam
Published: April 2021

Cuminum cyminum L. is a versatile spice belonging to family Apiaceae. Though the plant has pan‐tropical distribution but it is indigenous to Egypt, the Mediterranean, and South Asian countries. It exhibits numerous culinary, traditional, and pharmacological attributes. Its traditional uses also validate its immense pharmacological potential. Cuminum cyminum is the hub of numerous bioactives such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and so forth. Cuminaldehyde is the major bioactive, rendered to most of its pharmacological as well as clinical significance. The present study comprised of current knowledge on its taxonomy, nutritional, traditional, phytochemistry, pharmacology (antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti‐inflammation, antidiabetic, wound healing, anticancer, etc.), toxicology, and clinical attributes. Besides, the mechanism of action is also well explained. The present study provides a rationale for further bioprospection of this wonder plant. Future studies are needed to fill the research gaps, particularly on relevant phytocompound isolation, their pre‐clinical and clinical characterization, evaluation, and structure–activity relationship. Moreover, well‐designed and highly appropriate clinical and placebo trials are still needed to demonstrate the trustworthy role of cumin on human health.
The effect of grapes/grape products on glycemic response: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Moodi Vihan , Abedi Sajjad , Esmaeilpour Mozhgan , Asbaghi Omid , Izadi Fatemeh , Shirinbakhshmasoleh Mina , Behrouzian Mahsa , Shahriari Ali , Ghaedi Ehsan , Miraghajani Maryam
Published: April 2021

The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) to examine the effect of grapes/grape products supplementation on glycemic indices in adults. Our systematic search to find relevant RCTs was performed up to February 2020 using PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. Based on the heterogeneity between included studies, a random effects or a fixed model was applied in the meta‐analysis, and results were expressed as weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Twenty‐nine clinical trials (1,297 participants) fulfilled the eligibility criteria of the present meta‐analysis. Overall, the grapes/grape products supplementation significantly reduced homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) (WMD: −0.54, 95% CI: −0.91, −0.17, p = . 004) but did not affect fasting insulin levels (WMD: −0.90 μIU/ml, 95% CI: −1.04, 2.84, p = .362) and hemoglobin A1C (Hb1Ac) percentage (WMD: 0.00%, 95% CI: −0.10, 0.11, p = . 916) in the main analyses. In addition, changes to fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were in favor of the control group (WMD: 1.19 mg/dl, 95% CI: 0.05, 2.34, p = .041). We found that giving grapes/grape products to adults might have beneficial effects on the HOMA‐IR. Further, large‐scale RCTs with longer duration are required to confirm these results.
A review on herbal Nrf2 activators with preclinical evidence in cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Syed Abu Mohammad , Ram Chetan , Murty Upadhyayula Suryanarayana , Sahu Bidya Dhar
Published: April 2021

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are an ever‐growing problem and are the most common cause of death worldwide. The uncontrolled production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the activation of ROS associated with various cell signaling pathways with oxidative cellular damage are the most common pathological conditions connected with CVDs including endothelial dysfunction, hypercontractility of vascular smooth muscle, cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. The nuclear factor E2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a basic leucine zipper redox transcription factor, together with its negative regulator, kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1 (Keap1), which serves as a key regulator of cellular defense mechanisms to combat oxidative stress and associated diseases. Multiple lines of evidence described here support the cardiac protective property of Nrf2 in various experimental models of cardiac related disease conditions. In this review, we emphasized the molecular mechanisms of Nrf2 and described the detailed outline of current findings on the therapeutic possibilities of the Nrf2 activators specifically from herbal origin in various CVDs. Based on evidence from various preclinical experimental models, we have highlighted the activation of Nrf2 pathway as a budding therapeutic option for the prevention and treatment of CVDs, which needs further investigation and validation in the clinical settings.
Effects of 4d transition metals doping on the photocatalytic activities of anatase TiO2 (101) surface
Authors: Ren Yuehong , Han Qingzhen , Su Qiaozhi , Yang Jie , Zhao Yuehong , Wen Hao , Jiang Zhaotan
Published: April 2021

Aiming at improving the visible‐light photocatalytic activities of TiO2(101) surface we make an in‐depth study on the TiO2(101) doped with 4d transition metal (TM) atoms. It is shown that the 4d TM dopings can not only produce new impurity energy bands in the band gap but also result in the semiconductor–metal phase transition. Consequently, the visible‐light absorption is strongly strengthened due to the dopings of Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, and Ag, while it is only weakly improved for Tc, Ru, Rh, Pd, and Cd dopings. The improvement in visible‐light absorption can be attributed to the intraband or interband transition of electrons. Moreover, the photocatalytic activities are explored, and we find Y and Ag dopings can effectively enhance the photocatalytic activity of TiO2(101) surface. Thus the mechanism of improving photocatalytic activity of TiO2(101) has been clearly addressed, which is beneficial to further experimental and theoretical researches on TiO2 photocatalysts.
Long‐term organic management combined with conservation tillage enhanced soil organic carbon accumulation and aggregation
Authors: Littrell James , Xu Sutie , Omondi Emmanuel , Saha Debasish , Lee Jaehoon , Jagadamma Sindhu
Published: April 2021

Successful synergy between organic management and conservation tillage could provide the best agroecological benefits by minimizing the negative effects of both synthetic chemicals and intensive tillage on soils. We studied the long‐term impacts of conventional and organic crop management under different tillage regimes on soil organic C (SOC) and soil aggregation, leveraging Rodale Institute's long‐term Farming Systems Trial. The experiment was initiated in 1981 with three cropping systems under intensive tillage management: (a) conventional (3‐yr rotation of corn–corn–soybean) with synthetic fertilizer application, (b) organic–legume (4‐yr rotation of corn–oats–soybean/wheat–wheat) organic system with legume as sole N source, and (c) organic–manure (8‐yr rotation of soybean/wheat–wheat/hay–hay–hay–corn silage/wheat–wheat–corn–oats) organic system with composted manure and legumes as N sources. There were eight replications for each of these cropping systems when the trial was initiated in 1981. In 2008, four replicates of each cropping system treatment were placed under conservation tillage management. Soils were collected from 0 to 10‐, 10 to 20‐, and 20 to 30‐cm depths in 2018 and measured for total SOC, active SOC fractions (microbial biomass C, water extractable C, permanganate‐oxidizable C), aggregate size distribution, and wet aggregate stability. Overall, total and active SOC increased by 16–132% under organic management compared with conventional management and the increase was more pronounced under organic–manure treatment than organic–legume treatment. Results also showed that 10 yr of tillage treatments did not influence active and total SOC concentrations, but influenced dry aggregate size distribution and wet aggregate stability. This study suggests that in long‐term organic cropping systems, incorporated composted manure and perennial hay vs. legumes alone accumulated the greatest amount of SOC compared with conventional systems. Conservation tillage in organic systems improved aggregation; however, beyond 10 yr, it is necessary to reflect tillage effects on SOC.
Proteomic Exploration of Endocytosis of Framework Nucleic Acids
Authors: Tian Tian , Zhang Chengqian , Li Jiang , Liu Yifan , Wang Yue , Ke Xisong , Fan Chunhai , Lei Haozhi , Hao Piliang , Li Qian
Published: April 2021

Efficient cell internalization of framework nucleic acid nanostructures free of transfection agents provides new opportunities for developing biocompatible and intelligent nanoprobes and drug delivery carriers. Here, a proteomic identification method to screen target proteins that interact with tetrahedral DNA nanostructures (TDNs) during the process of endocytosis by combining drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) with liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) techniques, is reported. It is found that that caveolin‐1 (CAV1) and macropinocytosis‐related protein sorting nexin5 (SNX5) are associated with the endocytosis of TNDs, which is further validated by microscale thermophoresis (MST) analysis. CAV1‐ and SNX5‐ knockout experiments reveal that both caveolae‐mediated endocytosis and macropinocytosis mediate the cellular uptake of TDNs, which complement previous findings with fluorescence tracing methods. This method provides a generic strategy to analyze cellular internalization process of DNA nanostructures for biomedical applications.
Fabrication and Characterization of FAxCs1−xPbI3 Polycrystal Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Gao Caiyun , Shao Zhipeng , Sun Xiuhong , Li Zhipeng , Rao Yi , Lv Peiliang , Wei Yijin , Chen Chen , Liu Dachang , Wang Xiao , Sun Mingliang , Cui Guanglei , Pang Shuping
Published: April 2021

FA
x
Cs1−x
PbI3 perovskites were considered promising candidates to accomplish the goals of high photoelectric conversion efficiency with great stability. Limited by the phase separation during fabrication through the conventional one‐step method, the FA
x
Cs1−x
PbI3 perovskites with the x ratio lower than 0.7 were barely studied. Herein, the full‐scale mixed cation‐doped FA
x
Cs1−x
PbI3 perovskites are synthesized and studied. The bandgap of FA
x
Cs1−x
PbI3 perovskites gradually decreases from 1.69 to 1.58 eV with x increasing from 0.15 to 0.75, along with phase structure changes from tetragonal (β) to cubic (α). Under humidity or UV irradiation, the FA
x
Cs1−x
PbI3 perovskites phase separates to FA0.92Cs0.08PbI3 perovskite and δ‐CsPbI3. The FA0.60Cs0.40PbI3 perovskite solar cells exhibit more stable efficiency, the champion device reaches a power conversion efficiency of 20.40%. Meanwhile, the unencapsulated devices keep 90% of the initial efficiency when stored in air for 30 days, showing the potential for high stability photovoltaic devices.
Effect of Nitrogen on the Hot Deformation Behavior of 0.4C–13Cr Martensitic Stainless Steel
Authors: Liu Weijian , Li Jing , Li Shouhui , Li Jihui , Li Xuejun
Published: April 2021

The hot deformation behaviors of 0.4C–13Cr martensitic stainless steel at the nitrogen contents of 0.13% and 0.03%, respectively, are investigated at the deformation condition featuring the temperature range of 1223–1523 K and the strain rate range of 0.01–10 s−1. The variation of flow stress curves of experimental steels with different nitrogen contents is systematically analyzed. According to the flow stress curves, the activation energies determined by regression analysis are 472.77 and 411.58 kJ mol−1 for 0.4C–13Cr steel with N contents of 0.13% and 0.03%, respectively. It demonstrates that the deformation resistance of 0.4C–13Cr steel improves with the increase in nitrogen content. The reason is related to the pinning effect of solid solution nitrogen atoms, and Cr2N particles on dislocations and grain boundaries. The dynamic recrystallization (DRX) kinetics models of experimental steels are established. Furthermore, the microstructures of experimental steels are also analyzed. The result shows that the pinning effect caused by nitrogen also plays an important role in the development of DRX and microstructure evolution. The more nitrogen addition in 0.4C–13Cr steel, the earlier achievement of DRX onset, the slower the DRX kinetics and the finer the microstructure.
Study on the Pneumatic Lime Injection in the Electric Arc Furnace Process: An Evaluation on the Performance Benefits
Authors: Mombelli Davide , Dall'Osto Gianluca , Villa Giacomo , Mapelli Carlo , Barella Silvia , Gruttadauria Andrea , Angelini Lorenzo , Senes Christian , Bersani Massimiliano , Frittella Piero , Moreschi Roberto , Marras Roberto , Bruletti Giorgio
Published: April 2021

The pneumatic lime injection during the electric arc furnace (EAF) process by insufflation lances mounted on the furnace walls has gained much interest in the latest years. The main advantages, in comparison to the traditional procedure of lime lumps addition within the scrap bucket, can be summarized in raw materials consumption reduction, foaming benefits, operational cost benefits, and improvement in environmental aspects. In the proposed work, the advantages of a new lime injection system developed by Unicalce S.p.A. and installed on a 90 t EAF of Acciaierie di Calvisano are analyzed. Data from more than 1200 heats are acquired and compared with the traditional practice from an energetically and emissions point of view. To evaluate the benefits on the slag foamability, several slag samples, taken at the beginning and at the end of refining stage, are analyzed through isothermal solubility diagrams (ISDs). The ISD analysis results are then compared and validated with the total harmonic distortion (THD) of the arc in the corresponding heat. The upgrade to lime injection drives to considerable savings in electrical consumptions, oxygen, methane, and lime, with an overall save of more than 4,000 t year−1of equivalent CO2.
Influence of Wet–Dry Cycling on the Self‐Assembly and Physicochemical Properties of Model Protocellular Membrane Systems
Authors: Sarkar Susovan , Dagar Shikha , Rajamani Sudha
Published: April 2021

Wet‐dry cycles are hypothesized to facilitate fundamental steps towards the emergence of life on prebiotic Earth. Multiple wet–dry cycles have been demonstrated to promote biopolymer formation. However, the effect of recurring wet‐dry cycles on the self‐assembly and physicochemical properties of model protocellular membranes remains somewhat obscure. Towards this end, we evaluated the structural and chemical stability of composite model protocell membrane systems composed of single chain amphiphiles, under wet‐dry cycles. The change in membrane properties, size and encapsulation was also investigated. Model protocellular membrane systems were found to reassemble into vesicles even over multiple cycling. Wet‐dry cycling induced compositional changes in the membranes, leading to changes in their physicochemical properties. Multiple cycles were also found to increase vesicular encapsulation of calcein. This work outlines how wet‐dry cycling on the early Earth could have helped in the formation of protocellular entities and their evolution on prebiotic Earth.
Enhanced volatile fatty acids accumulation in anaerobic digestion through arresting methanogenesis by using hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Xu Yanran , He Zhen
Published: April 2021

Volatile fatty acids (VFAs) can be accumulated as a final product of anaerobic digestion via arresting methanogenesis. Herein, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was studied to inhibit methanogenesis for enhancing VFA accumulation with glucose as a substrate. The addition of 0.06 wt.% H2O2 significantly reduced methane production and led to a VFAs concentration of 1233.1 ± 55.9 mg L−1, much higher than 429.3 ± 5.6 mg L−1 in the control that did not have H2O2 addition. The dominated VFAs with H2O2 were acetic acid and propionic acid. A low H2O2 dosage of 0.03 wt.% produced 466.3 ± 3.9 mg L−1 more VFAs than that of O2 addition at the similar (theoretical) dosage, but when the dosage was relatively higher, the VFA accumulation with O2 addition became more than that with H2O2 addition, likely because of stronger oxidation of VFAs by the overly added H2O2. A hypothetical mechanism for H2O2 inhibition suggests that at a low H2O2 concentration the inhibition is mainly toward methanogenesis to limit their consumption of VFAs and a high H2O2 concentration starts to inhibit hydrolysis and acidogenesis and/or oxidize VFAs. Those results encourage further exploration of H2O2‐based arresting methanogenesis for VFAs production.
The World Bank and Indigenous Peoples
Authors: Davis Shelton H.
Published: April 2021

This article traces the evolution of the World Bank policy on indigenous people. In 1982, the World Bank issued a brief operational policy statement which outlined procedures for protecting the rights of so-called “tribal people” in Bank-financed development projects. Experience has shown, the World Bank directive stated, “that, unless special measures are adopted, tribal people are more likely to be harmed than helped by development projects that are intended for beneficiaries other than themselves. Therefore, whenever tribal peoples may be affected, the design of projects should include measures or components necessary to safeguard their interests, and, whenever feasible, to enhance their well-being.” This protectionist approach emerged from the Bank’s experiences primarily in Latin America where there are well-rooted historical and legal antecedents. Over time, however, the Bank’s approach has evolved to reflect the diversity of indigenous cultures, with more of an emphasis on informed engagement and expanding access to benefits from development rather than on protection alone.
Social Sciences at the World Bank and the Broadening of the Development Paradigm
Authors: Serageldin Ismail
Published: April 2021

I joined the World Bank in 1972 as a ‘Young Professional’, recruited right after my graduate studies at Harvard. Over the years the Bank entrusted me with diverse jobs and responsibilities, mostly in the Middle East and Africa regions, regarded as the most difficult. This broad spectrum of assignments exposed me to many types of the Bank’s activities, each one a school for understanding complexity and a place of experiential enrichment.
The Direct and Major Operational Relevance of Social Assessments
Authors: Brown Jonathan C.
Published: April 2021

Do international development agencies listen to the people they are trying to help? And if they listen, do they really hear? And if they hear, do they understand and follow up in ways that affect what we do?
Geografische Analysen für evidenzbasierte Public-Health-Interventionen: Das Beispiel Identifikation und Typisierung von Risikoclustern für Masern, Mumps und Röteln
Authors: Völker Sebastian , Hammerschmidt Reinhard , Spura Anke
Published: April 2021

Hintergrund

Idealerweise sollten Gesundheitsangebote und -maßnahmen zur Verbesserung der Impfquoten auf lokale Zielpopulationen, z. B. in räumlichen Clustern, zugeschnitten werden. Bisher wurden räumliche Cluster der Unterimmunisierung jedoch kaum beachtet und auf Basis kleinräumiger Daten typisiert.

Ziel der Arbeit

Anhand des Beispiels der Impfung gegen Masern, Mumps und Röteln (MMR) bei Kindern sollen in der vorliegenden Studie 1. die räumliche Verteilung nicht ausreichender MMR-Impfungen in Westfalen-Lippe kleinräumig identifiziert, 2. spezifische, räumliche Risikocluster mit nicht ausreichendem Impfschutz aufgezeigt und 3. räumlich-nachbarschaftliche Einflussfaktoren der unterschiedlichen Risikocluster als Ansatzpunkte für Public-Health-Interventionen beschrieben werden.

Material und Methoden

Grundlage waren Abrechnungsdaten der Kassenärztlichen Vereinigung Westfalen-Lippe (KVWL). Es wurden Geburtsjahrgangskohorten 2013–2016 von gesetzlich versicherten Kindern gebildet und auf Postleitzahlenebene (n = 410) aggregiert. Es wurden statistisch signifikante, räumlich kompakte Cluster und relative Risiken (RR) der Unterimmunisierung identifiziert. Lokale Risikomodelle wurden in binär logistischen Regressionen auf Basis von räumlich-nachbarschaftlichen Variablen geschätzt.

Ergebnisse und Diskussion

Für die Impfquoten „mindestens eine MMR-Impfung“ und „beide MMR-Impfungen“ wurden jeweils 2 signifikante Cluster der Unterimmunisierung identifiziert. Signifikante Risikofaktoren für niedrige Impfquoten umfassten Altersstruktur, sozioökonomische Variablen, Einwohnerdichte, medizinische Versorgung und Werthaltung. Die vorgeschlagene Methodik ist geeignet, räumliche Variationen des Impfverhaltens auf Basis der identifizierten Typologien für gezielte evidenzbasierte Interventionen zu beschreiben.
Implementation of evidence-based health promotion and disease prevention interventions: theoretical and practical implications of the concept of transferability for decision-making and the transfer process
Authors: Schloemer Tamara , De Bock Freia , Schröder-Bäck Peter
Published: April 2021

Evidence-based health promotion and disease prevention require incorporating evidence of the effectiveness of interventions into policy and practice. With the entry into force of the German Act to Strengthen Health Promotion and Prevention (PrävG), interventions that take place in people’s everyday living environments have gained in importance. Decision-makers need to assess whether an evidence-based intervention is transferable to their specific target context. The Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA) recommends that transferability of an intervention should be clarified before any decision to implement it. Furthermore, transferability needs to be finally determined after an evaluation in the target context. In this article, we elaborate on theoretical and practical implications of the concept of transferability for health promotion and disease prevention based on the Population–Intervention–Environment–Transfer Models of Transferability (PIET-T). We discuss how decision-makers can anticipate transferability prior to the intervention transfer with the help of transferability criteria and how they can take transferability into account in the further process. This includes the steps of the analysis of a health problem and identification of effective interventions, the steps of the initial transferability assessment and identification of the need for adaptation, and the steps of the implementation and evaluation. Considering transferability is a complex task that comes with challenges. But it offers opportunities to select a suitable intervention for a target context and, in the transfer process, to understand the conditions under which the intervention works in this context. This knowledge helps to establish an evidence base, which is practically relevant.
Familial Non‐Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma in Pediatric Age: Our Surgical Experience
Authors: Spinelli Claudio , Piccolotti Irene , Bertocchini Alessia , Morganti Riccardo , Materazzi Gabriele , Tonacchera Massimo , Strambi Silvia
Published: April 2021

Background

The purpose of the article was to evaluate the existence of significant clinical, pathological and prognostic differences between familial and sporadic form of pediatric non‐medullary thyroid carcinoma, in order to tailor the therapeutic strategy to be adopted for patients with family history.

Methods

We analyzed the records of 76 pediatric patients that underwent surgery for differentiated thyroid cancer from 2014 to 2019 at the Surgical Pathology Department of the University of Pisa, Italy. Among these, 20 (26,3%) had positive family history (familial non‐medullary thyroid carcinoma—FNMTC group) while 56 (73.7%) were affected by sporadic forms (sporadic non‐medullary thyroid carcinoma—SNMTC group).

Results

In our study, the correlation between the FNMTC and the SNMTC group showed no difference in terms of tumor features like multifocality, bilaterality, capsular/extracapsular invasion and the presence of vascular emboli. A statistical significance, on the other hand, was revealed by observation of clinical outcomes, such as distant metastasis (p = 0,022), persistence of disease (p = 0,054) and necessity of radioiodine sessions (p = 0,005).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that family history may have an independent role on the outcome, expressing its action through an intrinsic more aggressive biological behavior. Therefore, familial non‐medullary thyroid carcinoma in children represents a nosological entity that requires an accurate pre‐operative evaluation, an adequate surgical strategy and a careful follow up.
Altersepilepsie
Authors: Rohracher Alexandra , Trinka Eugen
Published: April 2021

Epilepsien stellen nach Demenzen und Schlaganfall die dritthäufigste neurologische Krankheitsgruppe bei älteren Menschen dar. Die Inzidenz der Epilepsien steigt im Alter, sodass aufgrund demografischer Entwicklungen in den kommenden Jahren mit einer weiteren Zunahme älterer Patienten mit Epilepsie zu rechnen ist. Die häufigsten Ursachen der Altersepilepsie stellen zerebrovaskuläre Erkrankungen und Demenzen dar. Anfälle bei älteren Menschen werden oft spät erkannt. Das Auftreten eines Status epilepticus ist bei älteren Patienten häufiger und mit erhöhter Morbidität und Letalität vergesellschaftet. Die medikamentöse Behandlung älterer Patienten wird durch Komorbiditäten und Polypharmazie erschwert, wobei Antiepileptika mit geringem Interaktionsprofil und guter Verträglichkeit zur Behandlung der Altersepilepsie gewählt werden sollten. Levetiracetam und Lamotrigin sind aufgrund geringer Interaktionen und guter Verträglichkeit Antiepileptika erster Wahl beim älteren Patienten.
NSD3-NUTM1-rearranged carcinoma of the median neck/thyroid bed developing after recent thyroidectomy for sclerosing mucoepidermoid carcinoma with eosinophilia: report of an extraordinary case
Authors: Agaimy Abbas , Tögel Lars , Stoehr Robert , Meidenbauer Norbert , Semrau Sabine , Hartmann Arndt , Mantsopoulos Konstantinos
Published: April 2021

Sclerosing mucoepidermoid carcinoma with eosinophilia (SMECE) is an exceedingly rare low-grade thyroid malignancy of unknown histogenesis. NUT carcinoma is another rare, highly aggressive neoplasm with predilection for the midline, defined by recurrent NUTM1 fusions. The bromodomain family genes (BRD4 or BRD3) and rarely NSD3, ZNF532, or others are known fusion partners. We describe an extraordinary case of a 42-year-old female with a thyroid SMECE treated by thyroidectomy and neck dissection. She presented 6 months later with extensive midline recurrence encasing/compressing the trachea. Biopsy revealed poorly differentiated carcinoma with abrupt squamous differentiation, suggestive of NUT carcinoma. Immunohistochemistry confirmed expression of monoclonal NUT antibody. Targeted RNA sequencing revealed the NSD3-NUTM1 fusion in the NUT carcinoma, but not in the SMECE. This unique case highlights unusual sequential origin of two exceptionally rare entities at same anatomic site and underlines the necessity of sampling unexpectedly aggressive recurrences of otherwise indolent malignancies.
The rate and associated risk factors for acute carpal tunnel syndrome complicating a fracture of the distal radius
Authors: Leow Jun Min , Clement Nicholas D. , McQueen Margaret M. , Duckworth Andrew D.
Published: April 2021

Background

Acute carpal tunnel syndrome (ACTS) is a known complication of distal radius fractures. This study aimed to document the demographics, range of presenting symptoms and risk factors of patients who develop ACTS following a fracture of the distal radius.

Methods

A retrospective review of 1189 patients with an acute distal radius fracture treated in the study centre over a one-year period were identified. Demographic and clinical variables were collected and compared between controls (did not develop ACTS) and those patients who did develop ACTS to identify factors associated with developing ACS.

Results

There were 51 (4.3%) distal radius fractures complicated by ACTS. The mean age of patients who developed ACTS was 56 years (range, 16–89) and 73% were female. The median time of onset post-injury was one week (range, 1–12). There was no association between patient background and comorbidities with the development of ACTS. AO-OTA Type C fractures had significantly increased rates of developing ACTS.

Conclusion

Four percent of distal radius fractures were complicated by ACTS. There was no association between patient background and comorbidities with the development of ACTS. AO-OTA type C complete articular fractures had a significantly higher rate of ACTS. A suggested treatment algorithm for patients presenting with ACTS has been presented.

Level of evidence:

III.
Clinical usefulness of eribulin as first- or second-line chemotherapy for recurrent HER2-negative breast cancer: a randomized phase II study (JBCRG-19)
Authors: Aogi Kenjiro , Watanabe Kenichi , Kitada Masahiro , Sangai Takafumi , Ohtani Shoichiro , Aruga Tomoyuki , Kawaguchi Hidetoshi , Fujisawa Tomomi , Maeda Shigeto , Morimoto Takashi , Sato Nobuaki , Takao Shintaro , Morita Satoshi , Masuda Norikazu , Toi Masakazu , Ohno Shinji
Published: April 2021

Background

Anthracycline (A) or taxane T-based regimens are the standard early-line chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer (BC). A previous study has shown a survival benefit of eribulin in heavily pretreated advanced/recurrent BC patients. The present study aimed to compare the benefit of eribulin with treatment of physician’s choice (TPC) as first- or second-line chemotherapy for recurrent HER2-negative BC.

Methods

Patients with recurrent HER2-negative BC previously receiving anthracycline and taxane AT-based chemotherapy in the adjuvant or first-line setting were eligible for this open-label, randomized, parallel-group study. Patients were randomized 1:1 by the minimization method to receive either eribulin (1.4 mg/m2 on day one and eight of each 21-day cycle) or TPC (paclitaxel, docetaxel, nab-paclitaxel or vinorelbine) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints included time to treatment failure (TTF), overall response rate (ORR), duration of response, and safety (UMIN000009886).

Results

Between May 2013 and January 2017, 58 patients were randomized, 57 of whom (26 eribulin and 31 TPC) were analyzed for efficacy. The median PFS was 6.6 months with eribulin versus 4.2 months with TPC (hazard ratio: 0.72 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.40–1.30], p = 0.276). Median TTF was 6.0 months with eribulin versus 3.6 months with TPC (hazard ratio: 0.66 [95% CI, 0.39–1.14], p = 0.136). Other endpoints were also similar between groups. The most common grade ≥ 3 adverse event was neutropenia (22.2% with eribulin versus 16.1% with TPC).

Conclusions

Eribulin seemed to improve PFS or TTF compared with TPC without statistical significance. Further validation studies are needed.
Evaluation of flood damage reduction throughout Japan from adaptation measures taken under a range of emissions mitigation scenarios
Authors: Yamamoto Tao , Kazama So , Touge Yoshiya , Yanagihara Hayata , Tada Tsuyoshi , Yamashita Takeshi , Takizawa Hiroyuki
Published: April 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of climate change on flood damage and the effects of mitigation measures and combinations of multiple adaptation measures in reducing flood damage. The inundation depth was calculated using a two-dimensional unsteady flow model. The flood damage cost was estimated from the unit evaluation value set for each land use and prefectures and the calculated inundation depth distribution. To estimate the flood damage in the near future and the late twenty-first century, five global climate models were used. These models provided daily precipitation, and the change of the extreme precipitation was calculated. In addition to the assessment of the impacts of climate change, certain adaptation measures (land-use control, piloti building, and improvement of flood control level) were discussed, and their effects on flood damage cost reduction were evaluated. In the case of the representative concentration pathway (RCP) 8.5 scenario, the damage cost in the late twenty-first century will increase to 57% of that in the late twentieth century. However, if mitigation measures were to be undertaken according to RCP2.6 standards, the increase of the flood damage cost will stop, and the increase of the flood damage cost will be 28% of that in the late twentieth century. By implementing adaptation measures in combination rather than individually, it is possible to keep the damage cost in the future period even below that in the late twentieth century. By implementing both mitigation and adaptation measures, it is possible to reduce the flood damage cost in the late twenty-first century to 69% of that in the late twentieth century.
Feature extraction by grammatical evolution for one-class time series classification
Authors: Mauceri Stefano , Sweeney James , Nicolau Miguel , McDermott James
Published: April 2021

When dealing with a new time series classification problem, modellers do not know in advance which features could enable the best classification performance. We propose an evolutionary algorithm based on grammatical evolution to attain a data-driven feature-based representation of time series with minimal human intervention. The proposed algorithm can select both the features to extract and the sub-sequences from which to extract them. These choices not only impact classification performance but also allow understanding of the problem at hand. The algorithm is tested on 30 problems outperforming several benchmarks. Finally, in a case study related to subject authentication, we show how features learned for a given subject are able to generalise to subjects unseen during the extraction phase.
Composite Indicators to Measure Quality of Working Life in Europe: A Systematic Review
Authors: Stefana Elena , Marciano Filippo , Rossi Diana , Cocca Paola , Tomasoni Giuseppe
Published: April 2021

In the last two decades, Quality of Working Life (QWL) has become a core element of the European social model and the European Employment Strategy. “More and better jobs” is a strategic goal promoted within Europe for emphasising the attention in QWL. However, there is a large debate in the literature on the definition of QWL, its dimensions, and consequently on the methods to use for its measurement. To the best of our knowledge, the systematic reviews currently available in the literature on QWL measurement in European organisations investigate only a particular industry and/or working population. Moreover, they do not focus specifically on composite indicators, although they appear promising in facilitating QWL understanding and comparisons for supporting decision-makers and policy makers. To overcome these gaps, we conducted a systematic review to identify composite indicators for measuring QWL in European organisations. The review returned 19 studies that are analysed based on a set of factors related to QWL locutions, index name, geographical area, industry or population, level of analysis, dimensions, type of data, inputs, outputs, and test and/or validation. The results highlight a significant heterogeneity among the indicators, confirming the lack of an agreed upon QWL composite indicator for Europe. Such heterogeneity concerns also QWL dimensions. A critical comparison of the different composite indicators is provided, along with a unifying proposal of QWL macro-dimensions. Several gaps in the literature are pointed out suggesting directions for future research.
Well done (for someone of your gender)! Experimental evidence of teachers’ stereotype-based shifting standards for test grading and elaborated feedback
Authors: Schuster Carolin , Narciss Susanne , Bilz Jessica
Published: April 2021

In three experiments (Ns = 327/137/210), we investigated whether test grades and elaborated feedback in a stereotypically male (Math) and a stereotypically female subject (German) are biased by the student’s gender. For this purpose, pre-service teachers graded and provided written feedback on tests which were allegedly from boys or girls. In addition, participants’ belief in stereotypes was measured in Study 1 and 2 and manipulated in Study 3 to test its moderating role. A meta-analysis across the three studies confirmed the following pattern: a small to moderate stereotype-contrasting grading bias, if the evaluators endorsed stereotypes, but no bias if they did not. Tests from the gender that, according to the stereotype, is weaker in the domain, were graded better. Study 1 and 3 further showed that the supposedly weaker gender received more elaborated feedback. The results are discussed in terms of shifting standards and previous findings in gender bias in school.
Observing a superposition
Authors: Skokowski Paul
Published: April 2021

The bare theory is a no-collapse version of quantum mechanics which predicts certain puzzling results for the introspective beliefs of human observers of superpositions. The bare theory can be interpreted to claim that an observer can form false beliefs about the outcome of an experiment which produces a superpositional result. It is argued that, when careful consideration is given to the observer’s belief states and their evolution, the observer does not end up with the beliefs claimed. This result leads to questions about whether there can be any allure for no-collapse theories as austere as the bare theory.