bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Progression of Plaque Burden of Intracranial Atherosclerotic Plaque Predicts Recurrent Stroke/Transient Ischemic Attack: A Pilot Follow‐Up Study Using Higher‐Resolution MRI
Authors: Shi Zhang , Li Jing , Zhao Ming , Zhang Xuefeng , Degnan Andrew J. , Mossa‐Basha Mahmud , Saloner David , Lu Jianping , Liu Qi , Zhu Chengcheng
Published: February 2021

Background

Patients with intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) have a high frequency of stroke recurrence. However, there has been little investigation into the prognostic value of higher‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR‐MRI).

Purpose

To investigate the use of intracranial atherosclerotic plaques features in predicting risk of recurrent cerebrovascular ischemic events using HR‐MRI.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Fifty‐eight patients with acute/subacute stroke (N = 46) or transient ischemic attack (N = 12).

Field Strength/Sequence

A 3.0 T, 3D time‐of‐flight gradient echo sequence and T1‐ and T2‐weighted fast spin echo sequences with 0.31 x 0.39 mm2 in‐plane resolution, twice (with >3 months between scans) following the initial event.

Assessment

Patients were also followed clinically for recurrent ischemic events for up to 48 months or until a subsequent event occurred. The degree of stenosis, plaque burden (PB), minimal lumen area (MLA), and contrast enhancement ratio were assessed at each scanning session and the percentage change of each over time was calculated.

Statistical Tests

Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were used to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for predicting recurrent events.

Results

The mean time interval between baseline and follow‐up MRI scans was 6.2 ± 4.1 months. After the second MRI scan, 20.7% of patients (N = 12) had experienced ipsilateral recurrent TIA/stroke within 10.9 ± 9.2 months. Univariable analyses showed that baseline triglyceride, percentage change of PB, and progression of PB were significantly associated with recurrent events (all P < 0.05). Multivariable Cox regression indicated that progression of PB (HR, 6.293; 95% CI, 1.620–24.444; P < 0.05) was a significant independent imaging feature for recurrent ischemic events.

Data Conclusion

Progression of PB was independently associated with recurrent ischemic cerebrovascular events. HR‐MRI may help risk stratification of patients at risk of recurrent stroke.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 4
Brain Abscess Apparent Diffusion Coefficient is Associated With Microbial Culture Yields
Authors: Toh Cheng Hong , Siow Tiing Yee , Wong Alex Mun‐Ching , Castillo Mauricio
Published: February 2021

Background

Obtaining pus for microbial cultures is one of the surgical aims in patients with brain abscess. Predictors of microbial yields are necessary as they help in treatment planning.

Purpose

To investigate the relationship between microbial culture yields of brain abscesses and their apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values and clinical characteristics.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

Eighty‐four patients diagnosed with brain abscess by surgery and histopathology (59 with positive abscess cultures).

Field Strength/Sequence

Diffusion‐weighted, T2‐weigthed, and contrast‐enhanced T1‐weighted imaging at 1.5 T and 3 T.

Assessment

Contrast‐enhanced T1‐weighted images were co‐registered to ADC maps. Three neuroradiologists determined abscess imaging characteristics (distribution, location, and ventricular rupture), and two measured abscess volumes and ADC values. Clinical characteristics collected included sex, age, fever, underlying diseases, infection sources, white blood cell count, percentage of segmented neutrophils, C‐reactive protein level, regimen and duration of empirical antibiotics, and types of surgery.

Statistical Tests

Interobserver differences were assessed with Fleiss kappa and intraclass correlation coefficients. The differences in clinical and imaging factors between the positive and negative culture groups were compared with Chi‐square analysis or Student's t test. All factors were subjected to multivariable logistic regression analysis to assess their associations with microbial culture yields, and factors with statistical significance were evaluated with receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to assess their diagnostic performance in discriminating the two groups.

Results

Mean ADC (×10−6 mm2/s) of culture‐negative abscesses (841 ± 173) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of culture‐positive abscesses (536 ± 90). On multivariable analysis, mean ADC was the only significant factor (P < 0.05) related to culture yields. With 660 as the cutoff value, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of ADC for discriminating culture yields were 93.2%, 88.0%, and 91.7%, respectively.

Data Conclusion

ADC could be used to discriminate between culture‐positive and culture‐negative abscesses.

Evidence Level

4

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
LC‐MALDI‐TOF ISD MS analysis is an effective, simple and rapid method of investigation for histones characterization: Application to EBV lymphoblastoid cell lines
Authors: De Benedittis Selene , Gaspari Marco , Magariello Angela , Spadafora Patrizia , Citrigno Luigi , Romeo Nelide , Qualtieri Antonio
Published: February 2021

This contribution is the result of our progressive engagement to develop and to apply a top‐down liquid chromatography (LC) matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time‐of‐flight (TOF) (LC‐MALDI‐TOF) analysis for the histone post‐translational modifications (PTMs) and variants characterization, mainly in order to provide comprehensive and fast results. The histone post‐translational modifications and the differential expression of the histone variants play an essential role both in the DNA packaging mechanism in chromosomes and in the regulation of gene expression in different cellular processes, also in response to molecular agents of environmental origin. This epigenetic mechanism is widely studied in different field such as cellular differentiation, development and in the understanding of mechanisms underlying diseases. The characterization of histone PTMs has traditionally performed by antibodies‐based assay, but immunological methods have significant limits, and today systems that use mass spectrometry are increasingly employed. We evaluated an in‐source decay (ISD) analysis for the histone investigation on human lymphoblastoid cells, and by this approach, we were able to identify and quantify several PTMs such as the di‐methylation in the lysine 20 and the acetylation in the lysine 16 in H4 and the mono‐methylation, di‐methylation and trimethylations at K9 of the histone H3.1. Moreover, we detected and quantified in the same H2B spectrum the prevalent H2B 1C/2E type but also the minor H2B 1D, 1M and 1B/1L/1N, 1O/2F, 1J/1K variants. In this work, we show that MALDI‐ISD represents an excellent methodology to obtain global information on histone PTMs and variants from cells in culture, with rapidity and simplicity of execution. Finally, this is a useful approach to get label‐free relative quantitative data of histone variants and PTMs.
Astrocyte‐induced synapse formation and ischemic stroke
Authors: Yamagata Kazuo
Published: February 2021

Astrocytes are closely associated with the regulation of synapse formation and function. In addition, astrocytes have been shown to block certain brain impairments, including synaptic damage from stroke and other diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). Although astrocytes do not completely prevent synaptic damage, they appear to be protective and to restore synaptic function following damage. The purpose of this study is to discuss the role of astrocytes in synaptogenesis and synaptic damage in ischemic stroke. I detail the mechanism of action of the multiple factors secreted by astrocytes that are involved in synapse formation. In particular, I describe the characteristics and role in synapse formation of each secreted molecule related to synaptic structure and function. Furthermore, I discuss the effect of astrocytes on synaptogenesis and repair in ischemic stroke and in other CNS diseases. Astrocytes release molecules such as thrombospondin, hevin, secreted protein acidic rich in cysteine, etc., due to activation by ischemia to induce synaptic structure and function, an effect associated with protection of the brain from synaptic damage in ischemic stroke. In conclusion, I show that astrocytes may regulate synaptic transmission while having the potential to block and repair synaptic dysfunction in stroke‐associated brain damage.
Recombinant overexpression of the Escherichia coli acetyl‐CoA carboxylase gene in Synechocystis sp. boosts lipid production
Authors: Fathy Wael , Essawy Ehab , Tawfik Eman , Khedr Mohamed , Abdelhameed Mohamed S. , Hammouda Ola , Elsayed Khaled
Published: February 2021

Microalgae have received continued attention as a potential source for biofuel production. However, the lack of suitable strains that provide a lipid‐rich biomass and tolerate harsh condition inhibits their industrial application. This report describes an effort to transform Synechocystis sp. with genes encoding acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACC), a key regulatory enzyme in the lipogenesis pathway, from the white mustard plant (Sinapis alba) and the bacterium Escherichia coli DH5α using chitosan nanoparticles. Although a recombinant plasmid encoding S. alba ACC failed to express, successful transformation was achieved with a recombinant plasmid encoding E. coli DH5α ACC. The successful transformant, Synechocystis sp. PAK13, exhibited increased ACC expression compared with its wild‐type parent (11.8 vs. 7.2 ng), which significantly increased its lipid content (by 3.6‐fold). Synechocystis sp. PAK13 also exhibited a significant (20%) reduction in photosynthetic pigments, a 1.52‐fold higher glucose content and a 3.5‐fold lower sucrose content than the wild‐type. In conclusion, this report introduces a useful strategy to overexpress the ACC gene in microalgae, creating strains with improved lipid production that are suited to industrial applications.
The skeleton of a straight‐tusked elephant,Palaeoloxodon antiquus(Falconer and Cautley, 1847) from Selsey, England, and growth and variation inPalaeoloxodonof the European Pleistocene
Authors: Erkek Elizabeth E. , Lister Adrian M.
Published: February 2021

A partial skeleton of straight‐tusked elephant (Palaeoloxodon antiquus) excavated at Selsey beach (Sussex, UK) in 1961 is one of very few from Marine Isotope Stage 7 (MIS 7), ca. 240–200 ka, in Europe. Dental morphometrics, including X‐ray micro‐computed tomography, confirms the species identification. Age determination through dental wear and skeletal morphology, sex determination through pelvic anatomy, and body‐size measurements, together identify the individual as a female of approximately 30 years old with a live shoulder height of ca. 3 m and a body mass of ca. 5 t. Dental mesowear indicates mixed feeding with a significant proportion of grass, indicating selective feeding in a predominately forested environment. Although taphonomic conclusions are limited by the nature of the excavation, identification of 107 recovered skeletal elements indicates predominant preservation of the right side of the animal, suggesting death or burial on the right side in a shallow, slow‐moving freshwater environment, with possible removal of other elements by scavenging or decay. Combining the Selsey data with 29 comparative skeletons from across Europe, we demonstrate the validity of pelvic proportions for determining sex and provide a graphical representation of variation and growth rate in males and females of this species.
Nitriding synthesis and structural change of phosphorus nitrides at high pressures
Authors: Niwa Ken , Iijima Yasunori , Ukita Masaya , Toda Ryuta , Toyoura Kazuaki , Sasaki Takuya , Matsunaga Katsuyuki , Gaida Nico Alexander , Hasegawa Masashi
Published: February 2021

The phase stability of γ‐P3N5 and the possible formation of new phosphorus nitrides were investigated via high‐pressure in situ Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction measurements, and first‐principles calculations up to approximately 80 GPa. In this study, γ‐P3N5 was synthesized via the direct nitridation of black phosphorus at a pressure approximately above 12 GPa. The Raman spectrum, bulk modulus (K0 = 130.27(43) GPa), and compression behaviors (order of axial compressibility: βc > βa > βb) were experimentally measured for the first time. These experimental results were in good agreement with those of first‐principles calculations. Our high‐pressure in situ measurements and first‐principles calculations revealed that γ‐P3N5 persisted up to 80 GPa at room temperature. The compression of γ‐P3N5 proceeded with the folding of the layer consisting of the corner‐ and edge‐sharing PN4 and PN5. The present findings indicate that the P–N bonding with a low coordination number (PN4 and PN5) is preferable and stabilized for phosphorus nitride over a wide pressure range. However, laser heating between 67 and 70 GPa in the presence of nitrogen resulted in the formation of new PxNy, which included the possibility of a new high‐pressure P3N5 phase. The Raman scattering measurements along with the decompression demonstrated that the local structure of the newly synthesized PxNy metastably persisted at atmospheric pressure. The present experimental and theoretical studies on phosphorus nitrides offer new insights into the high‐pressure behaviors of covalent compounds consisting of highly coordinated polyhedra.
A metabolomics approach to evaluate post‐fermentation enhancement of daidzein and genistein in a green okara extract
Authors: Gupta Sulagna , Chen Wei Ning
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Okara is a major agri‐industrial by‐product of the tofu and soymilk industries. Employing food‐wastes as substrates for the green production of natural functional compounds is a recent trend that addresses the dual concepts of sustainable production and a zero‐waste ecosystem.

RESULTS

Extracts of unfermented okara and okara fermented with Rhizopus oligosporus were obtained using ethanol as extraction solvent, coupled with ultrasound sonication for enhanced extraction. Fermented extracts yielded significantly better results for total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) than unfermented extracts. A qualitative liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (LC‐QTOF‐MS) analysis revealed a shift from glucoside forms to respective aglycone forms of the detected isoflavones, post‐fermentation. Since the aglycone forms have been associated with numerous health benefits, a quantitative high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was performed. Fermented okara extracts had daidzein and genistein concentrations of 11.782 ± 0.325 μg mL–1 and 10.125 ± 1.028 μg mL–1, as opposed to that of 6.7 ± 2.42 μg mL–1 and 4.55 ± 0.316 μg mL–1 in raw okara extracts, respectively. Lastly, the detected isoflavones were mapped to their metabolic pathways, to understand the biochemical reactions triggered during the fermentation process.

CONCLUSION

Fermented okara may be implemented as a sustainable solution for production of natural bioactive isoflavonoids genistein and daidzein. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Qualitative and quantitative profiles of jejunal oligosaccharides and cecal short‐chain fatty acids in broiler chickens receiving different dietary levels of fiber, protein and exogenous enzymes
Authors: Lin Yang , Olukosi Oluyinka A
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Dietary supplemental carbohydrases are able to degrade non‐starch polysaccharides and generate oligosaccharides in the gastrointestinal tract. This study was conducted to investigate the influence of dietary fiber and protein levels on growth performance, nutrient utilization, digesta oligosaccharides profile and cecal short‐chain fatty acid (SCFA) profile in broilers receiving diets supplemented with xylanase or protease individually or in combination.

RESULTS

Enzyme supplementation had no effect on growth performance. There was significant (P < 0.05) fiber × protein × xylanase interaction for ileal nitrogen digestibility and significant (P < 0.01) protein × xylanase × protease interaction for nitrogen‐corrected apparent metabolizable energy. Birds fed high‐fiber diets had higher (P < 0.05) jejunal oligosaccharides and cecal SCFA concentrations. Xylanase and protease combination produced the greatest pentose (Pent) levels in low fiber–adequate protein diets but lowest levels in highfiber–low protein diets. There was significant (P < 0.05) fiber × xylanase × protease interaction explained by the digesta concentrations of (Pent)3, (Pent)4 and (Pent)5 being greatest (P < 0.5) in protease‐only supplemented high‐fiber diets but lowest in protease‐only supplemented low‐fiber diets.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that, of all the factors investigated, dietary fiber level had the greatest effect on modulating digesta concentration of oligosaccharides and cecal SCFA. Evidence points to the fact that there is considerable capacity for generating pentose oligosaccharides in the digestive tract of broilers receiving diets rich in fibrous feedstuffs, and that this may have a beneficial effect on microbial profile in the digestive tract.

© 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Immunotherapy for Merkel cell carcinoma
Authors: Angeles Christina V. , Sabel Michael S.
Published: February 2021

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive form of skin cancer which, while chemosensitive, has high rates of relapse and chemoresistance, limiting the impact of chemotherapy. An immunogenic tumor, the management of advanced MCC has changed dramatically with the introduction of checkpoint inhibitors. This review will focus on the impact of immunotherapy in unresectable and metastatic MCC, ongoing research in the adjuvant and neoadjuvant settings, and future directions of immune‐based strategies for this challenging cancer.
Adjuvant immunotherapy for melanoma
Authors: Thomas Daniel , Bello Danielle M.
Published: February 2021

Surgical resection is the treatment for early cutaneous melanoma and is often curative. Some patients, however, will subsequently relapse. High‐risk features in the primary tumor and regional lymph node metastasis highlight patient subsets that are at increased risk for recurrent disease. Immunotherapy in the form of checkpoint inhibitors ipilimumab, nivolumab, and pembrolizumab have been shown to improve recurrence‐free survival for node‐positive melanoma in the adjuvant setting and will be the focus of this review.
Neoadjuvant therapy versus surgery first for ampullary carcinoma: A propensity score‐matched analysis of the NCDB
Authors: Guo Marissa , Beal Eliza W. , Miller Eric D. , Williams Terence M. , Tsung Allan , Dillhoff Mary , Ejaz Aslam , Pawlik Timothy M. , Cloyd Jordan M.
Published: February 2021

Background

The role of neoadjuvant therapy (NT) for ampullary carcinoma (AC) has not been clearly established.

Methods

Patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy for AC between 2004 and 2016 were identified in the National Cancer Database. Overall survival (OS) was compared between those who received NT before resection and those who underwent surgery first (SF). Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed using age, pathologic T and N stage, and tumor differentiation.

Results

Among 8688 patients with AC, 175 (2.0%) received NT before surgery. While patients who received NT were younger (p = .022) and more likely to have nodal metastasis (43.3% vs. 35.1%, p < .001), there was no difference in OS on univariate (43 vs. 33 months; hazard ratio [HR]: 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.88–1.37, p = .401) or multivariate (HR: 1.09, 95% CI: 0.88–1.36, p = .416) analysis between groups. After PSM, there remained no difference in OS between NT or SF groups on univariate (37 vs. 32 months; HR: 1.20, 95% CI: 0.87–1.64, p = .350) or multivariate (HR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.71–1.38, p = .943) analysis.

Conclusion

NT followed by surgery was not associated with improved survival outcomes compared with SF among patients with localized AC. While NT is an acceptable alternative for patients with advanced disease, SF should remain the standard of care.
Jet flow rate and needle position govern distal airway pressures during low‐frequency jet ventilation
Authors: Pertile Joshua , Smith Bradford , Mellenthin Michelle , Wagner Jennifer , DeBoer Emily M. , Fink Daniel S.
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Although jet ventilation is frequently used during surgery for airway stenosis, little is known about distal airway pressures during jet ventilation. The objective of the study is to determine how jet pressure, flow rate, and position of the ventilation needle relate to distal airway pressure magnitude and homogeneity.

Methods

Two 3D models of the first five generations of the human airway tree were created. One is a duplicate of a human airway from a 15‐year‐old healthy male's computed tomography scan, and the other is an idealized symmetric model of human lung morphometry. Pressure transducers measured fifth‐generation distal airway pressures in both models. A computer‐controlled jet needle positioning system was used to ventilate the lung casts. The effects of jet needle position, jet pressure, and jet flow rate on distal airway pressure and homogeneity were measured.

Results

Total entrained jet flow rate was the most reliable predictor of distal airway pressure. Pressure supplied to the jet ventilation needle had a positive linear relationship with distal airway pressure; however, this relationship was dependent on the jet needle flow resistance. As the ventilation needle moved closer to the tracheal wall, ventilation homogeneity decreased. Depth into the trachea was positively correlated with sensitivity of the needle to the tracheal wall.

Conclusion

In this model, total entrained jet flow rate is a more robust predictor of distal airway pressure than jet inlet pressure. More homogeneous ventilation was observed in our model with the ventilation needle centered in the proximal region of the trachea.
Toward a better understanding of fish‐based contribution to ocean carbon flux
Authors: Saba Grace K. , Burd Adrian B. , Dunne John P. , Hernández‐León Santiago , Martin Angela H. , Rose Kenneth A. , Salisbury Joseph , Steinberg Deborah K. , Trueman Clive N. , Wilson Rod W. , Wilson Stephanie E.
Published: February 2021

Fishes are the dominant vertebrates in the ocean, yet we know little of their contribution to carbon export flux at regional to global scales. We synthesize the existing information on fish‐based carbon flux in coastal and pelagic waters, identify gaps and challenges in measuring this flux and approaches to address them, and recommend research priorities. Based on our synthesis of passive (fecal pellet sinking) and active (migratory) flux of fishes, we estimated that fishes contribute an average (± standard deviation) of about 16.1% (± 13%) to total carbon flux out of the euphotic zone. Using the mean value of model‐generated global carbon flux estimates, this equates to an annual flux of 1.5 ± 1.2 Pg C yr−1. High variability in estimations of the fish‐based contribution to total carbon flux among previous field studies and reported here highlight significant methodological variations and observational gaps in our present knowledge. Community‐adopted methodological standards, improved and more frequent measurements of biomass and passive and active fluxes of fishes, and stronger linkages between observations and models will decrease uncertainty, increase our confidence in the estimation of fish‐based carbon flux, and enable identification of controlling factors to account for spatial and temporal variability. Better constraints on this key component of the biological pump will provide a baseline for understanding how ongoing climate change and harvest will affect the role fishes play in carbon flux.
Virtual Growing Pains: Initial Lessons Learned from Organizing Virtual Workshops, Summits, Conferences, and Networking Events during a Global Pandemic
Authors: Meyer Michael F. , Ladwig Robert , Dugan Hilary A. , Anderson Alyssa , Bah Abdou R. , Boehrer Bertram , Borre Lisa , Chapina Rosaura J. , Doyle Chris , Favot Elizbaeth J. , Flaim Giovanna , Forsberg Philip , Hanson Paul C. , Ibelings Bas W. , Isles Peter , Lin Fang‐Pang , Lofton Dendy , Moore Tadhg N. , Peel Sara , Peters Jody A. , Pierson Don , de Senerpont Domis Lisette N. , Schloss Jeffrey A. , Shikhani Muhammed , Smagula Amy P. , Stockwell Jason D. , Thomas Perry , Thomas R. Quinn , Tietjen Todd , Weathers Kathleen C.
Published: February 2021

For many, 2020 was a year of abrupt professional and personal change. For the aquatic sciences community, many were adapting to virtual formats for conducting and sharing science, while simultaneously learning to live in a socially distanced world. Understandably, the aquatic sciences community postponed or canceled most in‐person scientific meetings. Still, many scientific communities either transitioned annual meetings to a virtual format or inaugurated new virtual meetings. Fortunately, increased use of video conferencing platforms, networking and communication applications, and a general comfort with conducting science virtually helped bring the in‐person meeting experience to scientists worldwide. Yet, the transition to conducting science virtually revealed new barriers to participation whereas others were lowered. The combined lessons learned from organizing a meeting constitute a necessary knowledge base that will prove useful, as virtual conferences are likely to continue in some form. To concentrate and synthesize these experiences, we showcase how six scientific societies and communities planned, organized, and conducted virtual meetings in 2020. With this consolidated information in hand, we look forward to a future, where scientific meetings embrace a virtual component, so to as help make science more inclusive and global.
Three‐Year Results of Facial Photoaging in Asian Patients After Alexandrite 755 nm Picosecond Laser With Diffractive Lens Array: A Split‐Face, Single‐Blinded, Randomized Controlled Comparison
Authors: Yu Wenyou , Zhu Jiafang , Yu Wenxin , Shang Ying , Lyu Dongze , Lin Xiaoxi , Xu Hui , Zhang Zhen
Published: February 2021

Background and Objective

The long‐term efficacy of a picosecond alexandrite laser (PSAL) with a diffractive lens array (DLA) for the treatment of photoaging is absent. To observe the long‐term efficacy of PSAL for the treatment of photoaging.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Each patient (n = 10) received 10 treatments at 2‐week intervals. One side of the face was randomly selected for treatment. At 1, 3, 6, and 36 months after the final treatment, two blinded physicians evaluated photographs with four clinical indicators of photoaging (dyschromia, skin texture, skin laxity, and rhytids). A quartile scale was used.

Results

At baseline, there were no significant differences in dyschromia, skin texture, facial laxity, or rhytids between the treated and control sides (P > 0.05). Picosecond laser‐treated side showed 0.85 and 1.05 (both P < 0.05) better for dyschromia at 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐up, and 0.6 (P < 0.05) better for skin texture at 6‐month follow‐up. At 36‐month follow‐up, the degree of photoaging is intensified on the control side while the rejuvenation efficacy maintained on the treated side, with 1.4, 0.75, and 0.8 (all P < 0.05) better for dyschromia, skin texture, and rhytids relative to the control side measures.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate the long‐term efficacy and safety of PSAL with DLA for the treatment of facial photoaging. Limitation: Small sample size and the lack of objective evaluation. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Flexible Oxygen‐Bridged Porous Organic Polymers for Adsorping and Fluorescence Sensing Iodine and the Formation of Liquid Complexes of POPs‐(Poly)Iodide Anions
Authors: Geng Tong‐Mou , Liu Min , Hu Chen , Zhu Feng
Published: February 2021

Three flexible oxygen‐bridged porous organic polymers (TPG, HCCPA, and HPG) have been synthesized by nucleophilic substitution polymerization reactions. The three POPs display efficient and reversible adsorption of radioactive I2 in vapor and solution. In iodine vapor at 350 K, the maximum iodine adsorption capacities of TPG, HCCPA, and HPG are 5.29, 4.08, and 1.63 g g−1, respectively. The strong affinities for I2 are mainly due to the charge transfer of the POPs to iodine. Interestingly, with the decrease of iodine adsorption, charge transfer complexes of TPG, HCCPA, and HPG exhibit liquid, semi‐solid, and solid states, respectively. Furthermore, the three POPs have been found to fluorescently detect molecular iodine. The S–V quenching constants of TPG, HCCPA, and HPG are 2.01 × 104, 1.14 × 104, and 1.44 × 103 L mol−1, respectively. Their sensitivities decrease with the decrease of iodine adsorption. Pleasingly, HCCPA can sense molecular iodine by fluorescence in aqueous solution. Most probably, this is the first example of POPs used for fluorescent sensing molecular iodine in aqueous solution. Both TPG and HCCPA act as efficient adsorbents and chemical sensors of iodine.
On meromorphic solutions of non‐linear differential equations of Tumura–Clunie type
Authors: Heittokangas J. , Latreuch Z. , Wang J. , Zemirni M. A.
Published: February 2021

Meromorphic solutions of non‐linear differential equations of the form are investigated, where is an integer, h is a meromorphic function, and is differential polynomial in f and its derivatives with small functions as its coefficients. In the existing literature this equation has been studied in the case when h has the particular form , where are small functions of f and are entire functions. In such a case the order of h is either a positive integer or equal to infinity. In this article it is assumed that h is a meromorphic solution of the linear differential equation with rational coefficients , and hence the order of h is a rational number. Recent results by Liao–Yang–Zhang (2013) and Liao (2015) follow as special cases of the main results.
Direct Synthesis of Methyl Chlorosilanes from Pd‐Mg‐SiO2 Substrates Using Mechanochemistry
Authors: Sparschu Wendy , Larsen Robert , Katsoulis Dimitris
Published: February 2021

The direct reaction of methyl chloride with magnesium and palladium infused silica substrates to synthesize methyl chlorosilanes is reported. First, high energy ball milling on solid Mg‐SiO2 mixtures produces elemental silicon and MgO. When PdCl2 is infused into the mixture, after additional ball milling and high‐temperature reduction under H2, dipalladium silicide (Pd2Si) is produced. The silicon of the Pd2Si readily reacts with MeCl under Müller–Rochow reaction conditions, to produce methyl chlorosilanes at yield ratios analogous to those of the traditional process. The dominant product is Me2SiCl2 (selectivity > 30%), followed by MeSiCl3 and Me3SiCl, with minor amounts of the remaining chlorosilanes. Silicon conversion exceeds 20% for most of the substrates. The elemental palladium, which remains within the Pd‐Mg‐SiO2 contact mass is re‐converted to Pd2Si at the next H2/high‐temperature treatment and reacts again with MeCl to repeat the methyl chlorosilane production. In principle, the resulting cycle of the mechanochemically induced formation of Pd2Si followed by the reaction with MeCl can be repeated until the starting SiO2 converts completely to methyl chlorosilanes.
Influence of material condition and chemical composition on the properties of plasma‐nitrided austenitic steels
Authors: Musekamp J. , Hoche H. , Schmitt T. , Reinders P.‐M. , Oechsner M. , Kästner P. , Bräuer G.
Published: February 2021

Plasmanitrieren bietet großes Potenzial, die Verschleißeigenschaften von austenitischen Stählen zu verbessern. Es werden neben den Werkstoffen 1.4307 und 1.4404 die Titan‐stabilisierten Güten 1.4541 und 1.4571 betrachtet, um insbesondere den Einfluss der Titanstabilisierung auf das Nitrierergebnis und das Korrosionsverhalten zu untersuchen. Außerdem wurde untersucht, inwieweit der Herabsetzung der Korrosionseigenschaften durch kaltumformungs‐induzierte Defektstrukturen durch die Titanstabilisierung begegnet werden kann. Im Vergleich zu den Werkstoffen 1.4307 und 1.4404 wird bei beiden titanstabilisierten austenitischen Stählen weniger Stickstoff in Bereichen mit Umformmartensit und niedrigen Nitriertemperaturen eingebaut, während an Gleitbändern eine erhöhte Eindiffusion von Stickstoff zu beobachten ist. Die Korrosionsbeständigkeit verbessert sich generell durch die hier verwendeten Plasmanitrierparameter. Generell bewirkt eine höhere Dicke der beim Plasmanitrieren erzeugten S‐Phase eine bessere Korrosionsbeständigkeit sowie eine höhere Oberflächenhärte. Die Titanstabilisierung hemmt die Stickstoffdiffusion bei hohen Umformmartensitgehalten und niedrigen Nitriertemperaturen und fördert die Diffusion an Gleitlinien.
Slip‐resistant connections in hot‐dip galvanized steel bridge constructions
Authors: Schudlich A.‐K. , Klein M. , Oechsner M. , Grote J. , Ungermann D.
Published: February 2021

Economic efficiency and sustainability in bridge construction are, in addition to the cost of new building, determined by the incurred maintenance costs. Hot‐dip galvanized bridge constructions can achieve a corrosion protection period in the magnitude of their lifetime (≥ 100 years). Hot‐dip galvanized steel structures are well established and state of the art for public and industrial buildings. Various research projects demonstrate hardly any losses on the fatigue strength compared to the non‐galvanized steel components. Welded site joints of hot‐dip galvanized components require a complex pre‐ and post‐treatment of the corrosion protection. Nevertheless, on‐site applied corrosion protection cannot reach the protection durability of a hot‐dip galvanizing. This technological restriction can be avoided by the use of hot‐dip galvanized bolted connections. Slip‐resistant pre‐stressed connections are proved successful in steel bridge construction. Major scientific investigations are not yet available for the use of slip‐resistant connections for hot‐dip galvanized joints. Technical and scientific foundations for the application of hot‐dip galvanized bolted connections in cyclically loaded steel and composite bridge constructions, based on the European standard for steel constructions, are investigated within the scope of a research project at the MPA. The provision of construction and design recommendations is the goal of this project.
Temperature influence on the development of interdiffusion phenomena in MCrAlY‐coated nickel‐based superalloys
Authors: Elsaß M. , Kontermann C. , Oechsner M.
Published: February 2021

In this work, the interdiffusion between a MCrAlY‐bond coat and two different nickel‐based superalloys is evaluated at three temperatures, 950 °C, 980 °C, and 1,050 °C. Of primary interest is the evolution of Kirkendall‐porosity, the β‐depleted zone in the bond coat and the β’‐ depleted zone in the superalloy. The three phenomena arise near the interface between bond coat and superalloy as a result of interdiffusion between both materials and are detrimental to the coating‐substrate system. The evolution of the interdiffusion phenomena is highly dependent on the alloy composition of the materials as well as the annealing temperature. It has been found that not only the temperature dependency of the diffusion coefficient but also the temperature dependent element activities are an important factor when evaluating the interdiffusion phenomena. It has further been shown that at lower temperatures the amount of Kirkendall‐porosity per volume fraction is higher than at higher temperatures, even though the overall amount of porosity is lower. Different equilibrium concentrations of main alloying elements and a correspondingly lower over‐saturation of vacancies have been identified as the main explanation.
Inhibition of BRAF and ERK1/2 has synergistic effects on thyroid cancer growth in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Hicks Hannah M. , McKenna Logan R. , Espinoza Veronica L. , Pozdeyev Nikita , Pike Laura A. , Sams Sharon B. , LaBarbera Daniel , Reigan Philip , Raeburn Christopher D. , E. Schweppe Rebecca
Published: February 2021

Mutations in the BRAF gene are highly prevalent in thyroid cancer. However, the response rate of thyroid tumors to BRAF‐directed therapies has been mixed. Increasingly, combination therapies inhibiting the MAPK pathway at multiple nodes have shown promise. Recently developed ERK1/2 inhibitors are of interest for use in combination therapies as they have the advantage of inhibiting the most downstream node of the MAPK pathway, therefore preventing pathway reactivation. Here, we examined the effect of combined BRAF inhibition (dabrafenib) and ERK1/2 inhibition (SCH772984) on the growth and survival of a panel of BRAF‐mutant thyroid cancer cell lines using in vitro and in vivo approaches. We found that resistance due to MAPK pathway reactivation occurs quickly with single‐agent BRAF inhibition, but can be prevented with combined BRAF and ERK1/2 inhibition. Combined inhibition also results in synergistic growth inhibition, decreased clonogenic survival, and enhanced induction of apoptosis in a subset of BRAF‐mutant thyroid cancer cells. Finally, combined inhibition of BRAF and ERK1/2 results in enhanced inhibition of tumor growth in an anaplastic thyroid cancer in vivo model. These results provide key rationale to pursue combined BRAF and ERK1/2 inhibition as an alternative therapeutic strategy for BRAF‐mutant advanced thyroid cancer patients.
Evidence for Non‐Mendelian Inheritance in Spastic Paraplegia 7
Authors: Estiar Mehrdad A. , Yu Eric , Haj Salem Ikhlass , Ross Jay P. , Mufti Kheireddin , Akçimen Fulya , Leveille Etienne , Spiegelman Dan , Ruskey Jennifer A. , Asayesh Farnaz , Dagher Alain , Yoon Grace , Tarnopolsky Mark , Boycott Kym M. , Dupre Nicolas , Dion Patrick A. , Suchowersky Oksana , Trempe Jean‐Francois , Rouleau Guy A. , Gan‐Or Ziv
Published: February 2021

Background

Although the typical inheritance of spastic paraplegia 7 is recessive, several reports have suggested that SPG7 variants may also cause autosomal dominant hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP).

Objectives

We aimed to conduct an exome‐wide genetic analysis on a large Canadian cohort of HSP patients and controls to examine the association of SPG7 and HSP.

Methods

We analyzed 585 HSP patients from 372 families and 1175 controls, including 580 unrelated individuals. Whole‐exome sequencing was performed on 400 HSP patients (291 index cases) and all 1175 controls.

Results

The frequency of heterozygous pathogenic/likely pathogenic SPG7 variants (4.8%) among unrelated HSP patients was higher than among unrelated controls (1.7%; OR 2.88, 95% CI 1.24–6.66, P = 0.009). The heterozygous SPG7 p.(Ala510Val) variant was found in 3.7% of index patients versus 0.85% in unrelated controls (OR 4.42, 95% CI 1.49–13.07, P = 0.005). Similar results were obtained after including only genetically‐undiagnosed patients. We identified four heterozygous SPG7 variant carriers with an additional pathogenic variant in known HSP genes, compared to zero in controls (OR 19.58, 95% CI 1.05–365.13, P = 0.0031), indicating potential digenic inheritance. We further identified four families with heterozygous variants in SPG7 and SPG7‐interacting genes (CACNA1A, AFG3L2, and MORC2). Of these, there is especially compelling evidence for epistasis between SPG7 and AFG3L2. The p.(Ile705Thr) variant in AFG3L2 is located at the interface between hexamer subunits, in a hotspot of mutations associated with spinocerebellar ataxia type 28 that affect its proteolytic function.

Conclusions

Our results provide evidence for complex inheritance in SPG7‐associated HSP, which may include recessive and possibly dominant and digenic/epistasis forms of inheritance. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Temporal and spatial analysis of thermal stress and its trend in Iran
Authors: Mohammadi Bakhtiyar , Barnameh Samireh , Matzarakis Andreas
Published: February 2021

The study was conducted to determine thermal stress and its trend in Iran. The atmospheric variables of 304 synoptic stations, including mean temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and cloudiness, for the period 1961–2010, were used to identify the thermal stress conditions in Iran. These data were prepared on a daily basis from the Iran Meteorological Organization. Physiologically equivalent temperature (PET) and standard effective temperature (SET*) were used to identify thermal stress. Also, thermal stress was studied with a simple linear regression method and at a 95% confidence level. The results of the study revealed that in Iran each location can experience different types of environmental conditions throughout the year. At a specified time, thermal stresses of different intensities can be seen. The other results showed that the mountainous regions, especially the highlands of the northwest, along with the Zagros and Alborz mountains, had the highest co‐efficient of variability (> 50%). Also, the southern regions of Iran have both monthly and annual scales with the least co‐efficient of variability (< 20%) in bioclimatic conditions. In general, a diversity of bioclimatic conditions is evident in Iran both temporally and spatially. The other part of the study determined that heat and cold stress and heat comfort had a positive trend (fewer than 60 stations) in parts of Iran, a negative trend in some other parts (more than 50 stations), and no specific trend in the remaining parts (more than 250 stations). Most of the northern stations, especially on the Caspian coast, have been shown to have a positive trend in the event of cold stress. Indeed, extreme bioclimatic conditions (very cold and hot conditions) have been rising in both the southern and northern latitudes of the country. Even in southern parts, a positive trend of cold and very cold conditions can be observed at some stations.
Nonlocal electromagnetic instability of carbon nanotube‐based nano‐sensor
Authors: Koochi Ali , Goharimanesh Masoud , Gharib Mohammad Reza
Published: February 2021

Carbon nanotube (CNT) manufactured nano‐sensors have the potential for innovative applications and can be used in biological porous and particle accelerometer sensors. For these applications, the external magnetic field might affect the performance of these instruments. In this paper, the fundamental equations of motion of a doubly clamped CNT‐based nano‐sensor are calculated with regard to the nonlocal elasticity by using Hamilton's principle and Euler–Bernoulli beam model. By developing Maxwell's equation, we investigate the Lorentz forces due to an external magnetic field. We also incorporated the influence of the structural damping and van der Waals force in the developed model. Next, the system's nonlinearity is defined using von Karman nonlinear strains. A Galerkin procedure is developed for solving the system's nonlinear governing equation. Then, the impacts of underlying parameters such as material length scale, van der Waals force, damping, and the longitudinal magnetic field on the electromagnetic dynamic instability of the nano‐sensor are examined. Finally, a closed‐form solution for the oscillation behavior of CNT is presented by employing the homotopy perturbation method. The obtained results are validated by comparing with those available in the literature as well as a numerical solution. The outcomes demonstrated that the magnetic flux could drastically affect the nano‐sensor's dynamic instability voltage.
Shell equations in terms of Günter's derivatives, derived by the Γ‐convergence
Authors: Duduchava Roland , Buchukuri Tengiz
Published: February 2021

A mixed boundary value problem (BVP) for the Láme equation in a thin layer
around a surface
with the Lipshitz boundary is investigated. The main goal is to find out what happens when the thickness of the layer tends to 0, that is, h→0. To this end, we reformulate BVP into an equivalent variational problem and prove that the energy functional has the Γ‐limit being the energy functional on the mid‐surface
. The corresponding BVP on
, considered as the Γ‐limit of the initial BVP, is written in terms of Günter's tangential derivatives on
and represents a new form of the shell equation. It is shown that the Neumann boundary condition from the initial BVP on the upper and lower surfaces transforms into a right‐hand side term of the basic equation of the limit BVP.
Numerical simulation of the temperature field of the stadium building foundation in frozen areas based on the finite element method and proper orthogonal decomposition technique
Authors: Song Zhengyuan , Li Huanrong
Published: February 2021

This paper is mainly concerned with the development and design of a reduced order model in numerical simulation of the unsteady temperature field of the stadium building foundation in frozen areas, based the finite element (FE) method and proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) with the snapshot technique. We first derive the standard FE formulation of the unsteady temperature field and compute its FE full solutions, from which we choose a few spatio‐temporal solutions as snapshots. Based on POD technique, we then build a set of optimal POD bases maximizing the energy content in the original ensemble data, and in the new space spanned by the POD basis, we establish a low‐order numerical model of reduced‐order finite element (ROFE) formulation of the unsteady temperature field. And we prove the error estimates of the ROFE solutions of the unsteady temperature field. Finally, numerical tests are provided to simulate the temperature field of crushed stone clay under the natural pavement near the foundation of a stadium building in a frozen soil area of the northwest of Sichuan province in China.
Fully tunable filter‐antenna with microstrip and quarter‐mode substrate‐integrated waveguide hybrid structure
Authors: Yu Mengyuan , You Bin , Cheng Lin
Published: February 2021

This letter proposed a filter‐antenna with continuously adjustable center frequency and bandwidth. The proposed filter‐antenna employs a hybrid structure of a microstrip and quarter‐mode substrate‐integrated waveguide (QSIW). The simulation and test results show that the CF of the filter‐antenna can be continuously tuned between 1.35GHz and 1.472GHz, and the 10‐dB BW is continuously tuned between 30 MHz‐104 MHz. The simulated antenna radiation pattern can maintain good stability in the adjustable range.
Dual‐band terahertz metamaterial absorber using hexagon graphene structure
Authors: Lu Zhonghao , Yang Yong‐Gang , Huang Jian‐Lin
Published: February 2021

A dual‐band terahertz metamaterial absorber using one‐layer periodically patterned hexagon graphene structure is proposed. By periodically loading six graphene stubs to the honeycomb hexagon graphene structure without increase of the overall size, a new high‐frequency absorption peak will be obtained to realize a dual‐band frequency response. By tuning the structural parameters or Fermi energy levels of the presented terahertz metamaterial absorber, both of the two absorption bands will be changed to the required working frequencies for design specifications. Moreover, the proposed terahertz metamaterial absorber has the properties of polarization independence and incident angle insensitivity, which are of great significance in the applications of some detecting and sensing systems. This work will be a good candidate for the design guidance of various metamaterial absorbers using graphene with single or dual absorption bands.