bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic implications of circadian clocks in neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Chang Yu Chen , Kim Jin Young
Published: December 2019

Circadian clocks, endogenous oscillators generating daily biological rhythms, have important roles in the nervous system to control diverse cellular processes—not only in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), where the master clocks reside to synchronize all circadian clocks in the body but also in other non‐SCN areas. Accumulating evidence has shown relationships between circadian abnormalities (e.g., sleep disturbances and abnormal rest–activity rhythms) and disease progressions in various neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's (PD) disease. Although circadian abnormalities were frequently considered as consequences of disease onsets, recent studies suggest altered circadian clocks as risk factors to develop neurodegenerative diseases via altered production or clearance rates of toxic metabolites like amyloid β. In this review, we will summarize circadian clock‐related pathologies in the most common neurodegenerative diseases in the central nervous system, AD and PD. Then, we will introduce the current clinical trials to rescue circadian abnormalities in AD and PD patients. Finally, a discussion about how to improve targeting circadian clocks to increase treatment efficiencies and specificities will be followed. This discussion will provide insight into circadian clocks as potential therapeutic targets to attenuate onsets and progressions of neurodegenerative diseases.
Multi‐scale climate processes and rainfall variability in Sumatra and Malay Peninsula associated with ENSO in boreal fall and winter
Authors: Qian Jian‐Hua
Published: December 2019

The impact of the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on seasonal rainfall variability over Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula (SMP) has been investigated from the perspective of multi‐scale physical processes, especially the diurnal cycle and daily weather types (WTs). Observations indicate that the rainfall variability associated with ENSO is not spatially coherent in the SMP in both September–November (SON) and December–February (DJF). Among the five WTs, there are more WT2 and fewer WT3 in the SON period of El Niño years, thus the seasonal rainfall anomaly pattern is similar to that of WT2, with wet anomalies in the western Malay Peninsula and northern Sumatra, and dry anomalies in southern Sumatra. In DJF of El Niño years, there is an area of wet anomalies in the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula and in central Sumatra, and slightly dry anomalies in the central Malay Peninsula and in northern Sumatra due to more days of WT4 and fewer days of WT3 and WT5. In the early northeast monsoon season (December–January) when the Inter‐Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is still north of or nearby the equator, the El Niño‐enhanced easterly wind anomaly at 850 hPa favours more frequent WT4 with more zonally oriented east‐northeasterly winds. This facilitates the propagation of rainfall from the area of above‐normal SSTs in the southern South China Sea towards Singapore and the adjacent seas, thus producing above‐normal rainfall. In February, however, more frequent WT4 will not enhance rainfall in the vicinity of Singapore because the ITCZ has already moved to the Southern Hemisphere, and the upstream area in the South China Sea is quite dry.
Layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly of a novel covalent organic frameworks microextraction coating for analyzing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from aqueous solutions via gas chromatography
Authors: Tian Yuan , Hou Yuxia , Yu Quan , Wang Xiaohao , Tian Mengkui
Published: December 2019

In this study, a new covalent organic framework, consisting of tetra(4‐aminophenyl)porphyrin and tris(4‐formyl phenyl)amine, was layer‐by‐layer immobilized on stainless‐steel wire as a coating for microextraction. The fabrication process was easy and controllable under mild conditions. The as‐grown fiber was applied to extract polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in aqueous solution via head‐space solid‐phase microextraction. Furthermore, it was analyzed by gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector. A wide linear range (0.1–50 µg/L), low limits of detection (0.006–0.024 µg/L, signal‐to‐noise ratio = 3), good repeatability (intra‐fiber, n = 6, 3.1–8.50%), and reproducibility (fiber to fiber; n = 3, 5.79–9.98%), expressed as relative standard deviations, demonstrate the applicability of the newly developed coating. This new material was successfully utilized in real sample extraction with a satisfactory result. Potential parameters affecting the extraction efficiency, including extraction temperature and extraction time, salt concentration, agitation speed, sample volume, desorption temperature, and time, were also optimized and discussed.
Cropland abandonment altered grassland ecosystem carbon storage and allocation and soil carbon stability in the Loess Hilly Region, China
Authors: Xu Hongwei , Wang Xiukang , Qu Qing , Zhai Jiaying , Song Yahui , Qiao LeiLei , Liu Guobin , Xue Sha
Published: December 2019

Determining changes in grassland ecosystem carbon (C) storage and soil C stability after cropland abandonment is important for estimating the regional C budget and global C cycle. However, the understanding of ecosystem C storage and allocation and soil C stability along the grassland restoration chronosequence is insufficient. Thus, grasslands with different recovery years (0, 2, 5, 8, 11, 15, 18, 26, and 30 years) were chosen to monitor the dynamics of grassland ecosystem C storage, vegetation biomass C storage, soil C storage, and soil C stability in different soil depths, as well as a natural grassland (NG) reference. The results showed that aboveground biomass (AGB), belowground biomass (BGB), soil C storage, ecosystem C storage, the very labile fraction of oxidizable C (C1) (0–0.3 m layers), the labile fraction of oxidizable C (C2) (0–0.3 m layers), and the C management index increased with the recovery years. The vegetation species richness (R), vegetation species evenness (E), and vegetation species diversity (H′) initially increased, peaking at 18a and then decreasing with recovery years, but the soil C stability index (SI) at 0–0.3 m decreased over time. Additionally, the AGB, BGB, litter biomass (LB), R, H′, ecosystem C storage, and SI (0–0.3 m and 0.5–1.0 m layers) of 30‐year grassland (GL30) showed no significant differences relative to those found in the NG. Furthermore, the soil C sequestration rate decreased with decreasing soil depth, while the soil C stability increased. These results suggest an optimistic outlook for the recovery of ecosystem C, but the soil C under these conditions is unstable, posing a risk to soil C sequestration in abandoned cropland on the Loess Plateau without appropriate management.
Improving soil quality for higher grain yields in Chinese wheat and maize production
Authors: Pan Junxiao , Shang Yiwei , Zhang Wen Jie , Chen Xinping , Cui Zhenling
Published: December 2019

Improved soil quality is required to sustainably achieve food security. Although the recycling of organic materials to fields is considered a key practice for improving soil quality, the effects of this procedure on productivity shows inconsistent results from strongly positive to negative. A long‐term field experiment was conducted over six crop seasons to test the hypothesis that large improvements in grain yield and soil quality of organic recycling could be achieved under high‐yielding management practices. The performance parameters of crop and soil were examined after applying two different organic amendment treatments: the continual application of manure in each season (chemical fertilizer [CF] + manure), and one application of a large volume of peat and vermiculite (PV; CF + PV); controls received CF only. All three treatments were applied at an optimal N rate with high‐yield management procedures. Treatments with organic soil amendments increased grain yields by 2.5–2.9 Mg ha−1 yr−1 compared with CF alone. These high‐yield plots had higher levels of soil organic carbon (65.3–111.0% higher), less bulk density (7.2–13.8% lower), and a larger proportion of macroaggregates in the topsoil. Compared with CF + manure treatment, the CF + PV produced similarly improved yields and soil properties, but the soil microbial biomass carbon and microbial community structure (including richness and diversity) differed between treatments. The recycling of organic materials was found to reduce farm profitability due to increases in material costs and labour. Our study provides an opportunity to increase both productivity and soil quality under integrated management, and the data will help adequately inform policies and strategic plans for food security and land use.
On a terminal value problem for a generalization of the fractional diffusion equation with hyper‐Bessel operator
Authors: Tuan Nguyen Huy , Huynh Le Nhat , Baleanu Dumitru , Can Nguyen Huu
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we consider an inverse problem of recovering the initial value for a generalization of time‐fractional diffusion equation, where the time derivative is replaced by a regularized hyper‐Bessel operator. First, we investigate the existence and regularity of our terminal value problem. Then we show that the backward problem is ill‐posed, and we propose a regularizing scheme using a fractional Tikhonov regularization method. We also present error estimates between the regularized solution and the exact solution using two parameter choice rules.
A computer‐aided diagnosis system for differentiation and delineation of malignant regions on whole‐slide prostate histopathology image using spatial statistics and multidimensional DenseNet
Authors: Chen Chiao‐Min , Huang Yao‐Sian , Fang Pei‐Wei , Liang Cher‐Wei , Chang Ruey‐Feng
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a major health concern in aging males, and proper management of the disease depends on accurately interpreting pathology specimens. However, reading prostatectomy histopathology slides, which is basically for staging, is usually time consuming and differs from reading small biopsy specimens, which is mainly used for diagnosis. Generally, each prostatectomy specimen generates tens of large tissue sections and for each section, the malignant region needs to be delineated to assess the amount of tumor and its burden. With the aim of reducing the workload of pathologists, in this study, we focus on developing a computer‐aided diagnosis (CAD) system based on a densely connected convolutional neural network (DenseNet) for whole‐slide histopathology images to outline the malignant regions.

Methods

We use an efficient color normalization process based on ranklet transformation to automatically correct the intensity of the images. Additionally, we use spatial probability to segment the tissue structure regions for different tissue recognition patterns. Based on the segmentation, we incorporate a multidimensional structure into DenseNet to determine if a particular prostatic region is benign or malignant.

Results

As demonstrated by the experimental results with a test set of 2,663 images from 32 whole‐slide prostate histopathology images, our proposed system achieved 0.726, 0.6306, and 0.5209 in the average of the Dice coefficient, Jaccard similarity coefficient, and Boundary F1 score measures, respectively. Then, the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the proposed classification method were observed to be 95.0% (2544/2663), 96.7% (1210/1251), 93.9% (1334/1412), and 0.9831, respectively.

Discussions

We provide a detailed discussion on how our proposed system demonstrates considerable improvement compared with similar methods considered in previous researches as well as how it can be used for delineating malignant regions.
Acceptor Derivatization of the 4CzIPN TADF System: Color Tuning and Introduction of Functional Groups
Authors: Hundemer Fabian , Graf von Reventlow Lorenz , Leonhardt Céline , Polamo Mika , Nieger Martin , Seifermann Stefan M. , Colsmann Alexander , Bräse Stefan
Published: December 2019

We demonstrate modular modifications of the widely employed emitter 2,4,5,6‐tetra(9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)isophthalonitrile (4CzIPN) by replacing one or both nitrile acceptors with oxadiazole groups via a tetrazole intermediate. This allows the introduction of various functional groups including halides, alkynes, alkenes, nitriles, esters, ethers and a protected amino acid while preserving the thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) properties. The substituents control the emission maximum of the corresponding emitters, ranging between 472–527 nm, and show high solid‐state photoluminescence quantum yields up to 85 %. The TADF emission of two compounds, 4CzCNOXDtBu and 4CzdOXDtBu, a mono‐ and a bis‐oxadiazole substituted 4CzIPN is characterized in detail by time‐ and temperature‐dependent photoluminescence. Solution‐processed OLEDs comprising 4CzCNOXDtBu and 4CzdOXDtBu show a significant blue‐shift of the emission compared to the reference 4CzIPN, with external quantum efficiencies of 16 %, 5.9 % and 17 % at 100 cd m−2, respectively.
Prenatal imaging features and postnatal outcomes of isolated fetal duplex renal collecting system: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bascietto Francesca , Khalil Asma , Rizzo Giuseppe , Makatsariya Alexander , Buca Danilo , Silvi Claudia , Ucci Matteo , Liberati Marco , Familiari Alessandra , D'Antonio Francesco
Published: December 2019

Objectives

To perform a systematic review of studies reporting the outcome of fetuses with a prenatal diagnosis of isolated duplex collecting system (DCS).

Methods

Inclusion criteria were studies reporting the outcome of fetuses with a prenatal diagnosis of isolated DCS, defined as DCS not associated with other major structural anomalies at the time of diagnosis. The outcomes observed were: imaging features of DCS on prenatal ultrasound, associated anomalies detected exclusively at prenatal follow‐up ultrasound and at birth, abnormal karyotype, symptoms at birth (including vesicoureteral reflux [VUR] and urinary tract infections [UTI]), need for and type of surgical approach, complications after surgery, and accuracy of prenatal ultrasound in correctly identifying this anomaly.

Results

Eleven studies (284 fetuses with a prenatal diagnosis of DCS) were included. On ultrasound, DCS was associated with ureterocele in 70.7% and with megaureter in 36.6% of cases. Worsening of pelvic/ureteric dilatation was reported to occur in 41.3% of fetuses. At birth, 4.3% of fetuses affected by DCS showed associated renal anomalies. After birth, VUR and UTI presented in 51.3% and 21.7% of children respectively, while 33.6% required surgery. Prenatal diagnosis of DCS was confirmed in 90.9% of included cases.

Conclusion

DCS diagnosed prenatally is associated with a generally good outcome. Prenatal ultrasound has a good diagnostic accuracy, while detailed postnatal assessment is required in order to identify associated renal anomalies.
Content Evaluation of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency Websites
Authors: Patel Shiv J. , Abdullah Mohammed S. , Yeh Peter C. , Abdullah Zainub , Jayaram Prathap
Published: December 2019

Background

Prospective Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) applicants commonly view residency program websites to make informed decisions about where to submit their applications. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive review of the availability and accessibility of online content for PM&R residency programs.

Objective

To evaluate the comprehensiveness of PM&R residency websites to inform prospective applicants about the information readily available to them and identify deficient areas for program directors to address.

Design

Cross‐sectional analysis of residency program websites using quantitative and descriptive statistics.

Setting

World Wide Web (Internet).

Subjects

87 PM&R civilian residency program websites listed on the Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database (FREIDA).

Main Outcome Measurements

The presence or absence of 25 predetermined criteria on residency program websites.

Results

The individual residency program websites had a mean ± SD of 12.3 ± 4.3 (49.1%) of the 25 criteria sought. The programs ranged from having as few as one to as many as 19 of the 25 criteria. Twenty programs had 9 or fewer criteria, 35 programs had 10 to 14 criteria, 31 programs had 15 to 18 criteria, and one program had 19 criteria available online. No PM&R residency website had all 25 criteria. There was a significant association between a program's Doximity ranking as top 20 or not and the citation of published research projects by faculty on a PM&R website (P = .026), but the other 24 criteria had no significant associations.

Conclusions

Most PM&R residency websites currently do not include comprehensive information about their programs for prospective applicants.
Silver‐Mediated Growth of Chiral Ag/Au‐Cysteine Hybrid Nanospheres with Giant Chiroptical Response
Authors: Liu Huali , Li Zhen , Yan Yan , Zhao Jiaqi , Wang Yu
Published: December 2019

The chiral Ag/Au‐cysteine hybrid nanospheres (HNSs) have been prepared by using cysteine (Cys) as an inductive agent via wet chemistry methods. Unlike the case of the dipole approximation, the circular dichroism spectra can be divided into two components: 1) one region associated with the interband absorption enhanced optical activity of structural arrangement of Cys molecules at 200–320 nm; 2) another region corresponding to a ligand‐to‐metal charge transfer mixed with ligand‐to‐metal‐metal charge transfer excitation due to the synergetic interplay of the electrostatic interaction between Cys side chains and the Au(I)⋅⋅⋅Au(I) aurophilic attraction in the Au(I)‐Cys complexes, located at 350–400 nm. The chiroptical response increases dramatically with increasing the concentration of Au from 0.1 to 1.56 × 10−3 m, and subsequently decreases with further increasing the concentration of Au from 3.12 to 12.5 × 10−3 m, which is similar to the sergeants and soldiers effect of chiral polymer materials. Furthermore, the circinate‐like morphology of the alloyed nanospheres is strongly dependent on the presence of Ag and the chiral bimetal HNSs present excellent enantioselective recognition for amino acids in catalytic electrochemical reactions due to the specific activity and chiral active spots.
Low‐Cost and Extra‐Simple Preparation of Porous NiS2 Counter Electrode for High‐Efficiency Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Cao Dapeng , Li Xueyan , Yu Xiaohui , Cheng Na , Yang Ping , Mi Baoxiu , Gao Zhiqiang
Published: December 2019

A novel, simple, and low‐ cost strategy is proposed to quickly prepare nickel sulfide counter electrodes (CEs) for dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). This method only involves drop coating of the mixture of nickel chloride and thiourea on an indium tin oxide substrate, followed by low‐ temperature air annealing to afford an efficient nickel sulfide CE. The thus fabricated porous nickel sulfide film shows high electrical conductivity, large ionic diffusion velocity, and excellent catalytic activity. Based on it, the DSSC device manifests an impressive power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 8.94%, significantly higher than that of the platinum device (8.09%). Considering the cheap and simple fabrication, this method is very promising for CEs and can be applied to other metal sulfides for a variety of applications, such as catalysis.
Development of sheet‐enhanced technique (Set) method for matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry
Authors: Nakashima Yuko , Eto Fumihiro , Ishihara Kazuku , Yamazaki Fumiyoshi , Sato Shumpei , Sakurai Takanobu , Kahyo Tomoaki , Setou Mitsutoshi
Published: December 2019

Rationale

The key to successful experiments in matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI‐IMS) is to apply the matrix uniformly to the sample. With the development of automated equipment, uniform matrix application has made great progress while the sample preparation required to acquire a better image becomes complicated.

Methods

The approach is to apply the matrix uniformly to tape and adhere it to the tissue section. We call this the sheet‐enhanced technique (Set) method.

Results

The Set method promotes ionization of biomolecules as well as the spray method. This procedure does not require the preparation and application of a matrix solution for each experiment, dramatically reducing the time and effort of matrix deposition.

Conclusions

In the present study, we have developed the Set method as a new matrix application method. The method promotes ionization of biomolecules as well as the spray method for MALDI‐IMS.
Effects of gonadotropin administration on clinical outcomes in clomiphene citrate‐based minimal stimulation cycle IVF
Authors: Karakida Shinya , Ezoe Kenji , Fukuda Junichiro , Yabuuchi Akiko , Kobayashi Tamotsu , Kato Keiichi
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Exogenous gonadotropins (EGn) have been used occasionally in clomiphene citrate (CC)‐based minimal stimulation cycles to compensate insufficient secretion of endogenous gonadotropin; however, the effectiveness of EGn supplementation remains unknown. In the present study, we assessed whether EGn improved pregnancy outcomes in CC‐based minimal stimulation cycles.

Methods

A total of 223 patients treated with CC and EGn (CC‐EGn group) were matched one to one to patients treated with CC only (CC group) by propensity score matching. Embryonic and pregnancy outcomes were retrospectively compared between the groups.

Results

The numbers of retrieved oocytes, fertilized oocytes, cleaved embryos, and cryopreserved blastocysts were increased in the CC‐EGn group compared with the CC group. However, the cumulative live birthrate was comparable between the two groups. Although the increased number of retrieved oocytes was correlated significantly with improvement of the cumulative live birthrate in both groups, the correlation tended to be lower in the CC‐EGn group than in the CC group (odds ratio, 1.193 vs 1.553).

Conclusions

In CC‐based minimal stimulation cycles, the stimulation should be started with CC only, and EGn administration should be scheduled only if insufficient secretion of endogenous gonadotropin is observed in the late follicular phase.
Satellite remote sensing reveals impacts from dam‐associated hydrological changes on chlorophyll‐a in the world's largest desert lake
Authors: Tebbs Emma J. , Avery Sean T. , Chadwick Michael A.
Published: December 2019

We present an approach that uses satellite products to derive models for predicting lake chlorophyll from environmental variables, and for investigating impacts of changing environmental flows. Lake Turkana, Kenya, is the world's largest desert lake, and environmental flows from the Omo River have been modified since 2015 by the Gibe III dam in Ethiopia. Using satellite remote sensing, we have evaluated the influence of these altered hydrological patterns on large‐scale lake phytoplankton concentrations for the first time. Prior to dam completion, strong seasonal cycles and large spatial gradients in chlorophyll have been observed, related to natural fluctuations in the Omo River's seasonal discharge. During this period, mean lake chlorophyll showed a strong relationship with both river inflows and lake levels. Empirical models were derived which considered multiple hydro‐climatic drivers, but the best model for predicting chlorophyll‐a was a simple model based on Omo River discharge. Application of this model to data for 2015–2016 estimated that during the filling of Gibe III annual mean Lake Turkana chlorophyll declined by 30%. Future water management scenarios based on Gibe III operations predict reduced seasonal chlorophyll‐a variability, while irrigation scenarios showed marked declines in chlorophyll‐a depending on the level of abstraction. These changes demonstrate how infrastructure developments such as dams can significantly alter lake primary production. Our remote sensing approach is easy to adapt to other lakes to understand how their phytoplankton dynamics may be affected by water management scenarios.
Optimization of SIMS analytical parameters for water content measurement of olivine
Authors: Zhang Wan‐Feng , Xia Xiao‐Ping , Eiichi Takahashi , Li Li , Yang Qing , Zhang Yan‐Qiang , Yang Ya‐Nan , Liu Ming‐Liang , Lai Chunkit
Published: December 2019

Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) has a wide range of applications in Earth Science research, thanks to its high precision and sensitivity, and its capacity in direct insitu micromeasurement. The technique is operated in ultra‐high vacuum (UHV) conditions, especially for the measurement of volatiles such as hydrogen, or the water content in nominally anhydrous minerals (NAMs). To minimize the water background and obtain accurate and precise water contents in NAMs (eg, olivine) critical parameters such as presputtering time, field aperture (FA), dynamic transfer on/off, and primary beam current intensity were investigated for a CAMECA IMS 1280‐HR system. When the chamber vacuum reaches approximately 2 × 10−9 mbar, we set the DTOS OFF, raster size to 50 μm and primary beam current to 5 nA, and used 2000 μm FA and 170‐second presputtering time. Consequently, an approximately 1.2 ppmw water background and 3.6 ppmw limit of detection (LOD) were yielded, from analyzing the San Carlos olivine. Meanwhile, the water content and homogeneity of a range of olivine minerals were characterized for potential use as reference materials for SIMS water content measurement. Olivine water content calibration curve was also established by comparing the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) results with the SIMS‐measured 16O1H−/16O− ratios. Accuracy and precision of water content measurement were estimated to be better than approximately 10% in this study.
Ternary g‐C3N4/ZnNCN@ZIF‐8 Hybrid Photocatalysts with Robust Interfacial Interactions and Enhanced CO2 Reduction Performance
Authors: Xie Yi , Zhuo Yifan , Liu Shengwei , Lin Yunan , Zuo Daren , Wu Xi , Li Chuanhao , Wong Po Keung
Published: December 2019

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the main greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and its concentration continues to rise, which has become a global environmental problem. The artificial photosynthesis technology involving the photocatalytic conversion of CO2 to solar fuels is one of the most promising strategies to reduce CO2 and utilize it to produce alternative chemical energy such as methane and methanol. Unfortunately, photocatalytic CO2 reduction performance based on graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) is usually limited by poor charge separation ability and limited CO2 adsorption ability. Herein, novel ternary g‐C3N4/ZnNCN@ZIF‐8 hybrid photocatalysts with robust interfacial interactions via ZnN bonding are constructed by sequential in situ interfacial reactions, to overcome the aforementioned two shortcomings and to enhance photocatalytic CO2 conversion efficiency. Because of the synergetic effects of g‐C3N4/ZnNCN interfacial Z‐scheme heterostructuring and surface‐passivated ZIF‐8 grafting in improving light harvesting ability, enhancing CO2 capture capacity, and promoting interfacial charge transfer efficiency, the photocatalytic CO2 reduction activity of novel ternary g‐C3N4/ZnNCN@ZIF‐8 hybrid photocatalyst is significantly improved by 104.6%, relative to that of g‐C3N4. This study will offer new insights for exploiting novel efficient g‐C3N4‐based hybrid photocatalyst systems for artificial photosynthesis and in modulating the complex photocatalytic processes systematically.
Ultrasound‐based risk model for preoperative prediction of lymph‐node metastases in women with endometrial cancer: model‐development study
Authors: Eriksson L. S. E. , Epstein E. , Testa A. C. , Fischerova D. , Valentin L. , Sladkevicius P. , Franchi D. , Frühauf F. , Fruscio R. , Haak L. A. , Opolskiene G. , Mascilini F. , Alcazar J. L. , Van Holsbeke C. , Chiappa V. , Bourne T. , Lindqvist P. G. , Van Calster B. , Timmerman D. , Verbakel J. Y. , Van den Bosch T. , Wynants L.
Published: December 2019

Objective

To develop a preoperative risk model, using endometrial biopsy results and clinical and ultrasound variables, to predict the individual risk of lymph‐node metastases in women with endometrial cancer.

Methods

A mixed‐effects logistic regression model for prediction of lymph‐node metastases was developed in 1501 prospectively included women with endometrial cancer undergoing transvaginal ultrasound examination before surgery, from 16 European centers. Missing data, including missing lymph‐node status, were imputed. Discrimination, calibration and clinical utility of the model were evaluated using leave‐center‐out cross validation. The predictive performance of the model was compared with that of risk classification from endometrial biopsy alone (high‐risk defined as endometrioid cancer Grade 3/non‐endometrioid cancer) or combined endometrial biopsy and ultrasound (high‐risk defined as endometrioid cancer Grade 3/non‐endometrioid cancer/deep myometrial invasion/cervical stromal invasion/extrauterine spread).

Results

Lymphadenectomy was performed in 691 women, of whom 127 had lymph‐node metastases. The model for prediction of lymph‐node metastases included the predictors age, duration of abnormal bleeding, endometrial biopsy result, tumor extension and tumor size according to ultrasound and undefined tumor with an unmeasurable endometrium. The model's area under the curve was 0.73 (95% CI, 0.68–0.78), the calibration slope was 1.06 (95% CI, 0.79–1.34) and the calibration intercept was 0.06 (95% CI, –0.15 to 0.27). Using a risk threshold for lymph‐node metastases of 5% compared with 20%, the model had, respectively, a sensitivity of 98% vs 48% and specificity of 11% vs 80%. The model had higher sensitivity and specificity than did classification as high‐risk, according to endometrial biopsy alone (50% vs 35% and 80% vs 77%, respectively) or combined endometrial biopsy and ultrasound (80% vs 75% and 53% vs 52%, respectively). The model's clinical utility was higher than that of endometrial biopsy alone or combined endometrial biopsy and ultrasound at any given risk threshold.

Conclusions

Based on endometrial biopsy results and clinical and ultrasound characteristics, the individual risk of lymph‐node metastases in women with endometrial cancer can be estimated reliably before surgery. The model is superior to risk classification by endometrial biopsy alone or in combination with ultrasound. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
A Comprehensive Study on Physical, Mechanical, and Thermal Properties of Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) Filled by Micro‐ and Nanoglass Flakes
Authors: Miri Fatemeh S. , Ehsani Morteza , Khonakdar Hossein A. , Kavyani Behjat
Published: December 2019

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) composites containing micro‐ and nanoglass flakes were prepared by melt blending. The percentage of nanoglass flakes was varied from 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 wt% and the concentration of microglass flakes was 1, 3, and 5 wt%. The effect of glass flake on morphology, physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of PET was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDXA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and tensile test. The observations showed that both types of particles were dispersed in PET, homogeneously, though microglass flakes had better dispersion compared with their nanosized counterparts. According to DSC thermogram, the crystallization rate and temperature of PET increased with incorporation of both types of glass flakes. The crystallization rate of PET was increased from 31.41% to 34.25% with the addition of 1 wt% of nanoglass flakes. Moreover, the onset of thermal degradation increased more than 9°C with the addition of micro‐ and nanoglass flakes. Based on the mechanical viewpoint, the Young's modulus of PET was improved by the addition of both micro‐ and nanoglass flakes. On the other hand, the tensile strength of PET was decreased from 45.4 MPa to 31.3 MPa using 1 wt% of nanoglass flakes. According to X‐ray diffractometry, using of micro‐ and nanoglass flakes resulted in the decrement of PET crystallites. Whereas, the size of crystallites was lower than microglass flakes, in the case of using nanoglass flakes. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 26:380–389, 2020. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Technology effects in repowering wind turbines
Authors: Lacal‐Arántegui Roberto , Uihlein Andreas , Yusta José María
Published: December 2019

This research investigates, analyses, and quantifies the technological effects of wind turbine repowering (ie, where old turbines are removed and new turbines are installed at the same or a very close location, including the enhanced performance in energy production). In these cases, it is assumed that both old and new turbines are subject to the same wind regime, other than because of technological elements, such as hub height, and thus it is possible to isolate the effects of new technology from the effect of changing local wind conditions. This research is based on the analysis of empirical data on repowering turbines in Denmark and Germany, and on historical production data available for the Danish component of the data set. Technological innovations are expected to enable new wind turbines to capture more energy at the repowering site, mostly through larger rotors and higher hub heights, and this is what this study has analysed. The results show that new turbines in repowering projects are twice as high, have three times the rotor diameter, nine times the swept area, six times the nominal power, and nine times as much electricity as the old turbines. However, the most significant improvement is probably the increase of capacity factor of 7.1% on a per‐turbine basis, or 9.7% on a per‐production basis.
Lactate: Fueling the fire starter
Authors: Certo Michelangelo , Marone Giancarlo , de Paulis Amato , Mauro Claudio , Pucino Valentina
Published: December 2019

It is becoming increasingly appreciated that intermediates of metabolic pathways, besides their anabolic and catabolic functions, can act as signaling molecules and influence the outcome of immune responses. Although lactate was previously considered as a waste product of glucose metabolism, accumulating evidence has highlighted its pivotal role in regulating diverse biological processes, including immune cell polarization, differentiation and effector functions. In addition, lactate is a key player in modulating tumor immune surveillance. Hence, targeting lactate‐induced signaling pathways is a promising tool to reduce inflammation, to prevent autoimmunity and to restore anti‐tumor immune response.

This article is characterized under:

Biological Mechanisms > Metabolism
Der Non-Suizid-Vertrag auf dem Prüfstand
Authors: Gerstl Lisa
Published: December 2019

Die Behandlung suizidaler Patien_innen birgt eine Komponente, die nicht in jeder Psychotherapie zum Ausdruck kommt: die Bedrohung des Lebens der Patient_innen sowie damit einhergehend die Angst der Behandler_innen um die Patient_innen bzw. vor rechtlichen Folgen. Auf Grund dessen kommen in solchen Behandlungen oft Non-Suizid-Verträge (NSV) zum Einsatz. Die Intention solch einer Intervention kann in der Aufrechterhaltung des therapeutischen Prozesses und in der Absicherung von Leib und Leben der Patient_innen gesehen werden. Im Rahmen des vorliegenden Artikels wird der Ausgangspunkt sowie die Verbreitung der Intervention NSV aufgezeigt. Anschließend werden ausgewählte Studien präsentiert, die Wirkfaktoren (Haupt-Wirkung, Neben-Wirkung, Wechsel-Wirkung und Schäden) ausgearbeitet und Implikationen für die Praxis, unter Anlehnung an alternative Interventionen bei der Arbeit mit suizidalen Patient_innen, gegeben. Die Diskussion der Ergebnisse ausgewählter Studien zeigt, dass der Einsatz eines NSV kritisch gesehen werden muss, da er oft unreflektiert erfolgt und NSV sich förderlich, aber genauso schädlich auf die Suizidalität auswirken können.
Clinical efficacy and safety of dotinurad, a novel selective urate reabsorption inhibitor, in Japanese hyperuricemic patients with or without gout: an exploratory, randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group early phase 2 study
Authors: Hosoya Tatsuo , Sano Takafumi , Sasaki Tomomitsu , Fushimi Masahiko , Ohashi Tetsuo
Published: December 2019

Background

Dotinurad, a novel selective urate reabsorption inhibitor (SURI) that has a future potential for the treatment of hyperuricemia, reduces serum uric acid levels by selectively inhibiting urate transporter 1 (URAT1). We evaluated the efficacy and safety of dotinurad in hyperuricemic Japanese patients with or without gout.

Methods

The study design was an exploratory, early phase 2 study that ran for 8 weeks. It was a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study, and performed in a dose escalation manner. There were four study arms consisting of dotinurad 1, 2, or 4 mg, and placebo. The primary endpoint was the percent change in serum uric acid level from the baseline to the final visit. The secondary endpoint was the percentage of patients achieving a serum uric acid level ≤ 6.0 mg/dL at the final visit.

Results

A total of 80 hyperuricemic patients with or without gout were enrolled and randomly assigned to the dotinurad or placebo groups. The mean percent change in serum uric acid level from the baseline to the final visit in the dotinurad 1, 2, 4 mg, and placebo groups was 37.03%, 50.91%, 64.37%, and 0.85%, respectively. The percentages of patients achieving a serum uric acid level ≤ 6.0 mg/dL at the final visit in each group were 75.0%, 89.5%, 95.2%, and none, respectively. The incidence of adverse events was comparable among all groups.

Conclusion

Dotinurad has a substantial serum uric acid lowering effect in patients with hyperuricemia. No serious adverse event was found.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier

NCT02344862
Impact of the invasive alien topmouth gudgeon (Pseudorasbora parva) and its associated parasite Sphaerothecum destruens on native fish species
Authors: Spikmans Frank , Lemmers Pim , op den Camp Huub J. M. , van Haren Emiel , Kappen Florian , Blaakmeer Anko , van der Velde Gerard , van Langevelde Frank , Leuven Rob S. E. W. , van Alen Theo A.
Published: December 2019

The Asian cyprinid Pseudorasbora parva is considered to be a major threat to native fish communities and listed as an invasive alien species of European Union concern. Our study aims to gain evidence-based knowledge on the impact of both P. parva and its parasite Sphaerothecum destruens on native fish populations by analysing fish assemblages and body condition of individuals of native fish species in floodplain water bodies that were invaded and uninvaded by P. parva. We explored the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques to detect S. destruens. Prevalence of S. destruens in native fish species was assessed. Fish samplings showed significantly negative correlations between the abundance of P. parva and the native Leucaspius delineatus, and Pungitius pungitius and three biodiversity indices of the fish assemblages (Simpson’s diversity index, Shannon–Wiener index and evenness). Contrastingly, the abundances of the native Gasterosteus aculeatus and P. parva were positively related. In nearly all isolated water bodies with P. parva, this species is outnumbering native fish species. No effect of P. parva presence was found on body condition of native fish species. Sphaerothecum destruens was demonstrated to occur in both P. parva and G. aculeatus. Gasterosteus aculeatus is suggested to be an asymptomatic carrier that can aid the further spread of S. destruens. Analysis of eDNA proved to be a promising method for early detection of S. destruens, here showing that S. destruens presence coincided with P. parva presence. The ongoing invasion of both P. parva and S. destruens is predicted to pose a significant risk to native fish communities.
The “value” of values-driven data in identifying Indigenous health and climate change priorities
Authors: Donatuto Jamie , Campbell Larry , Trousdale William
Published: December 2019

Scholars worldwide have stated that some of the most devastating health impacts from climate change are experienced by Indigenous peoples. Yet, climate change health assessments rely primarily on technical data from climate models, with limited local knowledge and little to no values-driven community data. Values-driven data provide important information about how people define what health means, their health priorities, and preferred actions to maintain or improve health. The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community (Washington State, USA) developed and implemented a climate change health assessment founded on values-driven data. Successfully eliciting, structuring, and ultimately summarizing community values were achieved by incorporating tools and techniques from western disciplines (e.g., decision science, behavioral research) with local indigenous ways of learning and sharing. Results demonstrate that the assessment meaningfully engaged community members and effectively added their knowledge and values into the decision process. The assessment results protect and strengthen Swinomish community health and well-being by elevating health priorities, focusing limited energy and resources, ensuring that community members and others are working toward common goals, and establishing agreement around intended outcomes/results.
Clear cell chondrosarcoma in Von Hippel-Lindau disease
Authors: Dreijerink Koen M. A. , van Leeuwaarde Rachel S. , Hackeng Wenzel M. , Giles Rachel H. , de Leng Wendy W. J. , Jutte Paul C. , Suurmeijer Albert J. H. , van Nesselrooij Bernadette P. M. , Brosens Lodewijk A. A.
Published: December 2019

A diagnosis of clear cell chondrosarcoma of the ulna was made in a patient with Von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL). After surgery, genetic analysis of the tumor tissue showed loss of heterozygosity at the VHL gene locus. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed loss of expression of the VHL protein in the tumor cells. In addition, abundant Cyclin D1 expression in the tumor was observed. Chondrosarcoma has been described before in a VHL patient and VHL protein expression has been correlated to tumor grade in a series of sporadic chondrosarcomas. In this report, we show that clear cell chondrosarcoma may be a rare but canonical VHL manifestation through a cell-autonomous mechanism involving somatic loss-of-heterozygosity of the VHL tumor suppressor gene. We discuss the relevance of this observation with regard to the pathogenesis of clear cell chondrosarcoma in the context of VHL.
Detailed Barkhausen noise and microscopy characterization of Jominy end-quench test sample of CF53 steel
Authors: Santa-aho Suvi , Sorsa Aki , Honkanen Mari , Vippola Minnamari
Published: December 2019

Jominy end-quench test samples from CF53 were used for studying the relationship of microstructural changes with the magnetic Barkhausen noise (BN) response.
As the Barkhausen noise method is sensitive to both stress and microstructural state, it can be applied for material characterization. This study presents observations from BN measurements with different sensors and from different locations (as-quenched and ground) on the sample surface. Detailed microstructural characterization with a scanning electron microscope and a transmission electron microscope was carried out to correlate the BN responses with the microstructural features. In addition, residual stresses were measured by X-ray diffraction. The results indicate that the ground surface displayed mainly the effect of the grinding compressive stress state, while the as-quenched surface had variations due to higher microstructure sensitivity. An important finding of the results was that the sensitivity of BN to different surface conditions varied: The BN response in the ground area was mainly generated by both the residual stress and the microstructural effect, whereas for the as-quenched surface the microstructural effect was more evident.
A review of immersive virtual reality serious games to enhance learning and training
Authors: Checa David , Bustillo Andres
Published: December 2019

The merger of game-based approaches and Virtual Reality (VR) environments that can enhance learning and training methodologies have a very promising future, reinforced by the widespread market-availability of affordable software and hardware tools for VR-environments. Rather than passive observers, users engage in those learning environments as active participants, permitting the development of exploration-based learning paradigms. There are separate reviews of VR technologies and serious games for educational and training purposes with a focus on only one knowledge area. However, this review covers 135 proposals for serious games in immersive VR-environments that are combinations of both VR and serious games and that offer end-user validation. First, an analysis of the forum, nationality, and date of publication of the articles is conducted. Then, the application domains, the target audience, the design of the game and its technological implementation, the performance evaluation procedure, and the results are analyzed. The aim here is to identify the factual standards of the proposed solutions and the differences between training and learning applications. Finally, the study lays the basis for future research lines that will develop serious games in immersive VR-environments, providing recommendations for the improvement of these tools and their successful application for the enhancement of both learning and training tasks.
From risk perception to risk governance in nanotechnology: a multi-stakeholder study
Authors: Porcari Andrea , Borsella Elisabetta , Benighaus Christina , Grieger Khara , Isigonis Panagiotis , Chakravarty Somik , Kines Pete , Jensen Keld Alstrup
Published: December 2019

Nanotechnology is widely used in several industrial and consumer sectors and has the potential to grow further and expand globally. An exploration of stakeholder (SH)’s perceptions is essential to ensuring that robust risk governance processes are in place for nanotechnology and nano-related products. In response, numerous studies have been conducted to investigate SH’s perceptions of nanotechnology and nano-related products over the past 15 years. To build on this work and to capture current perceptions across a wide panel of SHs, we conducted a multi-national and cross-sectoral SH study of awareness, perceptions and opinions regarding the use and potential impact on society and the environment of nanomaterials (NMs) and nano-related products, and SH’s expectations about risk governance. The study was conducted using both quantitative and qualitative inquiries and targeted more than 3000 SHs across different sectors in a total of 15 countries. Results showed a tendency towards more convergence of opinions amongst all the relevant SHs and the public respondents than in past studies. There was consensus on the crucial importance of having unbiased, scientific and trustable information regarding the potential impacts of NMs and nano-related products on the environment, health and safety. SHs were interested in having more internationally harmonised and robust regulation for NMs and nano-related products; improved scientific evidence on nanomaterial hazards, exposures and effects; as well as specific guidance on the safe use of NMs. Overall, this work provides an updated scenario of SHs’ perceptions regarding nanotechnology and nano-related products, underscoring the importance of including SH needs in effective risk governance strategies.