bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Open Polarimeter: A High‐Resolution Instrument Made from Inexpensive Optomechanical Parts
Authors: Harvie Andrew J. , de Mello John C.
Published: February 2021

The Open Polarimeter (“Opol”) is a phase‐based, high‐resolution laser polarimeter formed from a small number of inexpensive optomechanical parts. The complete instrument can be assembled from scratch in less than two days for less than US$250, using only a 3D‐printer and a benchtop milling machine. However, despite its low cost, Opol achieves a high accuracy of a few millidegrees, comparable to far costlier commercial instruments. It is released here as open hardware, with technical diagrams, a full parts list, and source‐code for its firmware included as Supporting Information. Beyond polarimetry, Opol's easy‐to‐build and versatile optical mounting system is likely to prove useful for a wide variety of optical systems.
CVD Growth of Large‐scale and Highly Crystalline 2D Chromium Telluride Nanoflakes
Authors: Guo Yuxi , Kang Lixing , Yu Shaojia , Yang Jiefu , Qi Xiaofei , Zhang Zhiyong , Liu Zheng
Published: February 2021

Recently, 2D magnetic materials have attracted much attention due to their potential applications in spintronic devices. Chromium telluride (CrTe) flakes have been reported for hard magnetism with a strong perpendicular anisotropy. However, the synthesis of large‐scale CrTe nanoflakes on SiO2/Si substrate is still a challenge. Here, we report the synthesis of large‐scale CrTe nanoflakes with a size of up to ∼250 μm on a SiO2/Si substrate via chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Our work demonstrated an effective pathway to synthesize large‐scale 2D transition metal tellurides.
Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of the Senescence‐Associated Secretory Phenotype by Data‐Independent Acquisition
Authors: Neri Francesco , Basisty Nathan , Desprez Pierre‐Yves , Campisi Judith , Schilling Birgit
Published: February 2021

Cellular senescence is a complex stress response that induces an essentially permanent cell cycle arrest and a complex secretory phenotype termed the senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which drives numerous aging pathologies. Characterization of the SASP can provide insights into aging and disease mechanisms, aging biomarker candidates, and targets for counteracting the deleterious effects of senescent cells. Here we describe a mass spectrometry (MS)‐compatible protocol to (1) generate senescent cells using different stimuli, (2) collect conditioned medium containing proteins secreted by senescent cells (i.e., SASP), and (3) prepare the SASP for quantitative proteomic analysis using data‐independent acquisition (DIA) MS. © 2021 The Authors.

This article was corrected on 19 July 2022. See the end of the full text for details.

Basic Protocol 1: Generating ionizing radiation‐induced senescent and control cells

Alternate Protocol 1: Generating doxorubicin‐induced senescent and control cells

Alternate Protocol 2: Generating oncogenic RAS‐induced senescent and control cells

Alternate Protocol 3: Generating mitochondrial dysfunction‐induced senescent and control cells

Alternate Protocol 4: Generating atazanavir/ritonavir‐induced senescent and control cells

Support Protocol: A multiple‐assay approach to confirm the phenotype of senescent cells

Basic Protocol 2: Generating conditioned medium from senescent cells cultured in low serum and quiescent control cells

Alternate Protocol 5: Generating conditioned medium from senescent cells cultured in complete medium and quiescent control cells

Basic Protocol 3: Quantitative proteomic analysis of the SASP
Cap 1 Messenger RNA Synthesis with Co‐transcriptional CleanCap® Analog by In Vitro Transcription
Authors: Henderson Jordana M. , Ujita Andrew , Hill Elizabeth , Yousif‐Rosales Sally , Smith Cory , Ko Nicholas , McReynolds Taylor , Cabral Charles R. , Escamilla‐Powers Julienne R. , Houston Michael E.
Published: February 2021

Synthetic messenger RNA (mRNA)−based therapeutics are an increasingly popular approach to gene and cell therapies, genome engineering, enzyme replacement therapy, and now, during the global SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic, vaccine development. mRNA for such purposes can be synthesized through an enzymatic in vitro transcription (IVT) reaction and formulated for in vivo delivery. Mature mRNA requires a 5′‐cap for gene expression and mRNA stability. There are two methods to add a cap in vitro: via a two‐step multi‐enzymatic reaction or co‐transcriptionally. Co‐transcriptional methods minimize reaction steps and enzymes needed to make mRNA when compared to enzymatic capping. CleanCap® AG co‐transcriptional capping results in 5 mg/ml of IVT with 94% 5′‐cap 1 structure. This is highly efficient compared to first‐generation cap analogs, such as mCap and ARCA, that incorporate cap 0 structures at lower efficiency and reaction yield. This article describes co‐transcriptional capping using TriLink Biotechnology's CleanCap® AG in IVT. © 2021 The Authors.

This article was corrected on 22 November 2021 and 26 July 2022 . See the end of the full text for details.

Basic Protocol 1: IVT with CleanCap

Basic Protocol 2: mRNA purification and analysis
Cytological clues to Alternaria alternata
Authors: Sinha Pallavi , Singh Meeta , Sagar Tanu , Jain Shyama , Bains Lovenish
Published: February 2021

Alternaria alternata is dematiaceous fungi affecting mainly immunocompromised host. It generally causes cutaneous infection in humans, but can cause fatal disease. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) has not been used widely for the diagnosis of dematiaceous fungi. Here, we present a case of Alternaria alternata in an immunocompetent patient diagnosed on cytology and culture.
Seeing the wood despite the trees: Exploring human disturbance impact on plant diversity, community structure, and standing biomass in fragmented high Andean forests
Authors: Calbi Mariasole , Fajardo‐Gutiérrez Francisco , Posada Juan Manuel , Lücking Robert , Brokamp Grischa , Borsch Thomas
Published: February 2021

High Andean forests harbor a remarkably high biodiversity and play a key role in providing vital ecosystem services for neighboring cities and settlements. However, they are among the most fragmented and threatened ecosystems in the neotropics. To preserve their unique biodiversity, a deeper understanding of the effects of anthropogenic perturbations on them is urgently needed. Here, we characterized the plant communities of high Andean forest remnants in the hinterland of Bogotá in 32 0.04 ha plots. We assessed the woody vegetation and sampled the understory and epiphytic cover. We gathered data on compositional and structural parameters and compiled a broad array of variables related to anthropogenic disturbance, ranging from local to landscape‐wide metrics. We also assessed phylogenetic diversity and functional diversity. We employed nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) to select meaningful variables in a first step of the analysis. Then, we performed partial redundancy analysis (pRDA) and generalized linear models (GLMs) in order to test how selected environmental and anthropogenic variables are affecting the composition, diversity, and aboveground biomass of these forests. Identified woody vegetation and understory layer communities were characterized by differences in elevation, temperature, and relative humidity, but were also related to different levels of human influence. We found that the increase of human‐related disturbance resulted in less phylogenetic diversity and in the phylogenetic clustering of the woody vegetation and in lower aboveground biomass (AGB) values. As to the understory, disturbance was associated with a higher diversity, jointly with a higher phylogenetic dispersion. The most relevant disturbance predictors identified here were as follows: edge effect, proximity of cattle, minimum fragment age, and median patch size. Interestingly, AGB was efficiently predicted by the proportion of late successional species. We therefore recommend the use of AGB and abundance of late successional species as indicators of human disturbance on high Andean forests.
Microstructure and adhesion characteristics of duplex coatings with different plasma‐nitrided layers and a Cr‐Al‐Ti‐B‐N physical vapor deposition coating
Authors: Dalke Anke , Weinhold Tom , Schramm Alexander , Wüstefeld Christina , Ratayski Ulrike , Sochora Vjaceslav , Biermann Horst , Rafaja David
Published: February 2021

A duplex treatment consisting of plasma nitriding (PN) and physical vapor deposition (PVD) significantly improves the thermal, tribological, and corrosion resistance of forming tools, and especially if they are intended for applications subject to high mechanical loads. This study investigates the influence of nitriding on the properties of a conventionally heat‐treated AISI D2 tool steel, coated with a Cr‐Al‐Ti‐B‐N layer, while the effect of the presence or absence of a compound layer is discussed. PN is performed at 510–520°C using different N2‐H2 gas mixtures. The Cr‐Al‐Ti‐B‐N layers are deposited at 480°C using a combination of cathodic arc evaporation and magnetron sputtering. The samples are characterized using electron probe microanalysis with wavelength‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, optical and scanning electron microscopy, glancing‐angle X‐ray diffraction, surface hardness measurements, profilometry, Rockwell indentation, and scratch tests. These techniques reveal relationships between the depth gradient of the chemical composition and microstructure of the nitrided interlayer, the adhesion of the PVD coating, and the hardness of the tool steel. Although the PVD process induces a structural transformation in the compound layer, this transition does not have a negative influence on the adhesion of the PVD coating.
The initial impact of the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic on epilepsy research
Authors: Volkers Nancy , Wiebe Samuel , Asadi‐Pooya Ali Akbar , Balagura Ganna , Gómez‐Iglesias Patricia , Guekht Alla , Hall Julie , Ikeda Akio , Jetté Nathalie , Kishk Nirmeen A. , Murphy Peter , Perucca Emilio , Pérez‐Poveda Juan Carlos , Sanya Emmanuel O. , Trinka Eugen , Zhou Dong , Cross J. Helen
Published: February 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has changed the face of many practices throughout the world. Through necessity to minimize spread and provide clinical care to those with severe disease, focus has been on limiting face‐to‐face contact. Research in many areas has been put on hold. We sought to determine the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on epilepsy research from international basic science and clinical researchers. Responses to five questions were solicited through a convenience sample by direct email and through postings on the ILAE social media accounts and an ILAE online platform (utilizing Slack). Information was collected from 15 respondents in 11 countries by email or via Zoom interviews between May 19, 2020, and June 4, 2020. Several themes emerged including a move to virtual working, project delays with laboratory work halted and clinical work reduced, funding concerns, a worry about false data with regard to COVID research and concern about research time lost. However, a number of positive outcomes were highlighted, not least the efficiency of online working and other adaptations that could be sustained in the future.
Mendelian randomisation with coarsened exposures
Authors: Tudball Matthew J. , Bowden Jack , Hughes Rachael A. , Ly Amanda , Munafò Marcus R. , Tilling Kate , Zhao Qingyuan , Davey Smith George
Published: February 2021

A key assumption in Mendelian randomisation is that the relationship between the genetic instruments and the outcome is fully mediated by the exposure, known as the exclusion restriction assumption. However, in epidemiological studies, the exposure is often a coarsened approximation to some latent continuous trait. For example, latent liability to schizophrenia can be thought of as underlying the binary diagnosis measure. Genetically driven variation in the outcome can exist within categories of the exposure measurement, thus violating this assumption. We propose a framework to clarify this violation, deriving a simple expression for the resulting bias and showing that it may inflate or deflate effect estimates but will not reverse their sign. We then characterise a set of assumptions and a straight‐forward method for estimating the effect of SD increases in the latent exposure. Our method relies on a sensitivity parameter which can be interpreted as the genetic variance of the latent exposure. We show that this method can be applied in both the one‐sample and two‐sample settings. We conclude by demonstrating our method in an applied example and reanalysing two papers which are likely to suffer from this type of bias, allowing meaningful interpretation of their effect sizes.
Geochemical characteristics, palaeoenvironment, and provenance of marine mudstone in Shanxi Formation of Huaibei Coalfield, southern North China Plate
Authors: Li Jun , Gui Herong , Chen Luwang , Fang Pei , Li Guangping , Li Ruirui
Published: February 2021

During the Permian period of the southern China North Plate, a layer of marine mudstone (source rock) with oil and gas potential has been widely deposited, with a thickness of about 10.4 m, but their formation mechanism remains unclear. Here, through the application of various analysis techniques, the mineral composition of the mudstone and a series of related geochemical data are obtained to investigate their sedimentary environment and tectonic setting. Mineral composition analysis describes that marine mudstone is mainly composed of quartz, illite, kaolinite, montmorillonite, and other silicate minerals, while carbonate components such as calcite are rare. Meanwhile, the higher content of clay minerals promoted the organic matter during the deposition period enrichment. Indicators and diagrams (i.e., chemical index of alteration [CIA] [> 80], index of compositional variability [ICV] [~ 0.6], A‐CN‐K, Th/Sr vs. Zr/Sr) reveal that marine mudstone was deposited for the first time under strong weathering. Some trace element ratios and redox elements provide evidence that in warm and arid climates, mudstones are deposited under oxic‐anoxic conditions based on the participation of seawater, which is consistent with the conclusion of palaeomagnetics. The binary discriminant diagrams of Al2O3 versus TiO2, Hf‐La/Th versus Ni‐TiO2 suggest that the marine mudstone parent rock is felsic igneous rock, and the lithology may be granite. Combining the regional structural evolution and the direction of transgression during the sedimentary period, it is speculated that the provenance of marine mudstone is the North Qinling tectonic belt in the southwest of the study area and the Yinshan ancient land in the north.
Hydrological regimes in a tropical valley of New Caledonia (SW Pacific): Impacts of wildfires and invasive fauna
Authors: Tramier Caroline Marie Clémence , Genthon Pierre , Delvienne Quentin Réginald Camille Paul , Sauvan Nicolas Luc , Cassan Jean‐Jérôme Olivier , Ebrard Etienne , Dumas Pascal Sébastien , Queffélean Yann
Published: February 2021

In New Caledonia wildfires and invasive mammals (deer and wild pigs) constitute the major agents of land surface degradation. Our study reveals the linkage between land cover and water balance on the northeast coast of New Caledonia (2400 mm annual rainfall) located on a micaschist basement. The hydrological regime of characteristic and representative land surfaces is assessed using a 1‐year record from three 100 m2 plots each, located in a forest area degraded by an invasive fauna, in a woody savannah which is regularly burned, and in a healthy forest area. The three plots present highly contrasting hydrological regimes, with annual and maximum runoff/rain ratios during a rain event of, respectively, 0.82, 0.16, 0.03, and 2.7, 0.7, 0.2, for the degraded forest, the savannah and the healthy forest. Such results suggest that subsurface flow originating from the contributing area above the degraded forest plot should exfiltrate inside the plot. A conceptual model for the degraded forest plot shows that water exfiltrating inside the plot represents 61% of the observed runoff. In savannahs, water should mainly be transferred downstream by subsurface flow within a thick organic soil layer limited by an impervious clay layer at a 20–30 cm depth. Savannahs are generally located above forests and generate the transfer of rainwater to downslope forests. Exfiltration into the forests can be the result of this transfer and depends on the thickness and permeability of the forest topsoils and on topographic gradients. Water exfiltration in forest areas highly degraded by pigs and deer enhances erosion and increases further degradation. It probably also limits percolation in the areas located downstream by increasing the amount of superficial runoff concentrated in gullies.
Describing alpine lake influence on stream network temperatures: A statistical modelling approach
Authors: Carlson Samuel P. , Poole Geoffrey C.
Published: February 2021

Systematic variations in atmospheric heat exchange, surface residence time, and groundwater influx across montane stream networks commonly produce an increasing stream temperature trend with decreasing elevation. However, complex stream temperature profiles that differ from this common longitudinal trend also exist, suggesting that stream temperatures may be influenced by complex interactions among hydrologic and atmospheric processes. Lakes within stream networks form one potential source of temperature profile complexity due to the spatially variable contribution of lake‐sourced water to stream flow. We investigated temperature profile complexity in a multi‐season stream temperature dataset collected across a montane stream network containing many alpine lakes. This investigation was performed by making comparisons between multiple statistical models that used different combinations of stream and lake characteristics to represent specific hypotheses for the controls on stream temperature. The compared models included a set of models which used a topographically derived estimate of the hydrologic influence of lakes to separate and quantify the effects of stream elevation and lake source‐water contributions to longitudinal stream temperature patterns. This source‐water mixing model provided a parsimonious explanation for complex stream‐network temperature patterns in the summer and autumn, and this approach may be further applicable to other systems where stream temperatures are influenced by multiple water sources. Simpler models that discounted lake effects were more optimal during the winter and spring, suggesting that complex patterns in stream temperature profiles may emerge and subside temporally, across seasons, in response to diversity of water temperatures from different sources.
The euro to dollar exchange rate in the Covid‐19 era: Evidence from spectral causality and Markov‐switching estimation
Authors: Konstantakis Konstantinos N. , Melissaropoulos Ioannis G. , Daglis Theodoros , Michaelides Panayotis G.
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we analyse how the Covid‐19 pandemic changed the dynamics of the euro to dollar exchange rate. To do so, we make use of spectral non‐causality tests to uncover the determinants of the euro to dollar exchange rate, using data that cover the pre‐Covid‐19 and the actual Covid‐19 era, by considering the exchange rate movements of other currencies, the stock market index of S&P 500, and the price of oil and gold, as well as their realized volatilities. Based on our findings, the Covid‐19 pandemic has indeed significantly changed the determinants of the euro to dollar exchange rate. Also, to investigate the potential shifts in the regimes of the euro to dollar exchange rate, we formulate a Markov‐switching model with two regimes, based on the determinants that have been found in the previous step. Based on our findings, the duration of the high volatility state in the Covid‐19 era has doubled, from almost 3 to approximately 6 days, compared to the pre‐Covid‐19 era, whereas the high volatility state in the Covid‐19 era is characterized by a statistically significant higher range of volatility compared to the pre‐Covid‐19 era.
Do extreme shocks help forecast oil price volatility? The augmented GARCH‐MIDAS approach
Authors: Wang Lu , Ma Feng , Liu Guoshan , Lang Qiaoqi
Published: February 2021

Extreme shocks (e.g., wars and financial crises) cause violent fluctuations in crude oil volatility. In this paper, we first propose GARCH models in the framework of MIDAS augmented to include the impacts of extreme shocks on oil price volatility. In‐sample results show that extreme shocks can induce the additional volatility of crude oil. Further, the results from out‐of‐sample clearly indicate that the crude oil volatility is best fitted by the EGARCH‐MIDAS‐ES model, which incorporates asymmetric effects in the short‐term component and the significant effect of extreme shocks in the long‐term component. Additionally, robustness tests confirm that the augmented volatility models can produce better prediction results, both statistically and economically, than the conventional GARCH‐MIDAS model. Furthermore, we verify that negative extreme shocks can cause larger volatility, whereas positive extreme shocks of the same magnitude have smaller effects. Our contribution offers fresh insights into energy price volatility forecasting by considering extreme shocks.
The impact of foreign direct investment on the economic development of emerging countries of the European Union
Authors: Burlea‐Schiopoiu Adriana , Brostescu Simina , Popescu Liviu
Published: February 2021

Starting from the premise that the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) on the economies of the host countries is different from one economy to another, the aim is to evaluate the impact of a set of economic and social indicators on FDI and net income (% GDP–Gross Domestic Product) in emerging, ex‐socialist countries of the European Union. Using econometric models, we analysed the relationship between the evolution of the net FDI inflows and a number of statistical indicators. Our findings proved that there are similarities between the countries analysed, in terms of the evolution of net FDI inflows, with some differences being recorded for Hungary, where the evolution of net FDI inflows has major fluctuations. We found that the countries present both similarities and differences in terms of variables that affect FDI. The FDI net inflows (% GDP) are in seven, out of nine economies, positively influenced by GDP, as it follows: Bulgaria, Lithuania and Slovenia are FDI attractive by an increasing GDP rate, while Latvia, Poland and Romania react to a better GDP per capita. Hungary is the only one that is positively influenced by both GDP rate and GDP per capita. Moreover, a decreasing corruption perception index, country risk rating, income tax (% of commercial profit) and other taxes paid by companies (% commercial profit) can positively influence the inflows of FDIs in some of the analysed countries.
Fabrication and characterization of electrospun biopolyester/gelatin nanofibers
Authors: Ulker Turan Cansu , Guvenilir Yuksel
Published: February 2021

Poly(ω‐pentadecalactone‐co‐ε‐caprolactone) copolymer (PDL‐CL) is an enzymatically synthesized aliphatic biopolyester, which has been participated in a nanofibrous structure for the first time. Electrospinning of this synthetic polymer by blending with a natural polymer such as gelatin (Gel) could provide new characteristics that are significant for biomedical applications, such as drug delivery, wound healing, and tissue engineering. In the present study, PDL‐CL/Gel nanofibrous membranes were successfully produced and characterized. The average diameter of nanofibers was 305.0 ± 45.5 nm that may be beneficial in applications mentioned above. In order to increase hydrolytic resistance, cross‐linking with glutaraldehyde vapor was applied. Cross‐linking for 2 h was enough to obtain a nanofibrous membrane that was able to resist in pH 7.4 phosphate buffered saline for 30 days. In addition, contact angle measurement results had shown that, cross‐linked nanofibrous membrane had good wettability, which is a required specification to be applied in biomedical field. Hence, this study provides an overview on fabrication of fine PDL‐CL/Gel nanofibers, which may have potential to be used in biomedical area.
Association of regular aerobic exercises and neuromuscular junction variants with incidence of frailty: an analysis of the Chinese Longitudinal Health and Longevity Survey
Authors: Zhang Yu‐Jie , Yao Yao , Zhang Pei‐Dong , Li Zhi‐Hao , Zhang Pei , Li Fu‐Rong , Wang Zheng‐He , Liu Dan , Lv Yue‐Bin , Kang Lin , Shi Xiao‐Ming , Mao Chen
Published: February 2021

Background

Candidate genes of neuromuscular junction (NMJ) pathway increased risk of frailty, but the extent and whether can be offset by exercises was unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between aerobic exercises and incident frailty regardless of NMJ pathway‐related genetic risk.

Methods

A cohort study on participants from Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey was conducted from 2008 to 2011. A total of 7006 participants (mean age of 80.6 ± 10.3 years) without frailty at baseline were interviewed to record aerobic exercise status, and 4053 individuals among them submitted saliva samples. NMJ pathway‐related genes were genotyped and weighted genetic risk scores were constructed.

Results

During a median follow‐up of 3.1 years (19 634 person‐years), there were 1345 cases (19.2%) of incident frailty. Persistent aerobic exercises were associated with a 26% lesser frailty risk [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.64–0.85]. This association was stronger in a subgroup of 1552 longevous participants (age between 90 and 111 years, adjusted HR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.60–0.87). High genetic risk was associated with a 35% increased risk of frailty (adjusted HR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.16–1.58). Of the participants with high genetic risk and no persistent aerobic exercises, there was a 59% increased risk of frailty (adjusted HR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.20–2.09). HRs for the risk of frailty increased from the low genetic risk with persistent aerobic exercise to high genetic risk without persistent aerobic exercise (P trend <0.001).

Conclusions

Both aerobic exercises and NMJ pathway‐related genetic risk were significantly associated with frailty. Persistent aerobic exercises can partly offset NMJ pathway‐related genetic risk to frailty in elderly people.
Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula diagnosed by transthoracic contrast echocardiography: A case report
Authors: Wang Jing , Zhang Jian , Wang Anlong , Wang Ceng
Published: February 2021

We report the case of a 38‐year‐old woman who was admitted due to right limb numbness. A right‐to‐left shunt (RLS) was detected by transthoracic contrast echocardiography (cTTE), and microbubbles appeared in the left heart seven cardiac cycles after opacification of the right heart, suggesting pulmonary arteriovenous fistula. This was supported by computed tomography angiography. She underwent thoracoscopic partial right lower pneumonectomy and recovered after surgery. At 1 year follow‐up, she had no relapse of stroke or cerebral infarction. This case shows the typical signs of pulmonary arteriovenous fistula on contrast‐enhanced trans‐thoracic echocardiography, which allowed an accurate and rapid diagnosis.
Elevated soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor serum levels indicate poor survival following transarterial chemoembolization therapy for hepatic malignancies: An exploratory analysis
Authors: Loosen Sven H , Schulze‐Hagen Max , Vucur Mihael , Gorgulho Joao , Paffenholz Pia , Benz Fabian , Mohr Raphael , Demir Münevver , Wree Alexander , Kuhl Christiane , Trautwein Christian , Tacke Frank , Bruners Philipp , Luedde Tom , Roderburg Christoph
Published: February 2021

Background and Aim

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) represents a standard of care for patients with intermediate‐stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or liver metastases. However, identification of the ideal candidates for TACE therapy remains challenging. The soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) has recently evolved as a prognostic marker in patients with cancer; however no data on suPAR in the context of TACE exists.

Methods

Serum levels of suPAR were measured by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in n = 48 TACE patients (HCC: n = 38, liver metastases: n = 10) before intervention and 1 day after TACE, as well as in 20 healthy controls.

Results

Serum levels of suPAR were significantly elevated in patients with liver cancer compared to healthy controls. Patients with or without an objective tumor response to TACE therapy had comparable levels of circulating suPAR. Importantly, baseline suPARs above the ideal prognostic cut‐off value (5.39 ng/mL) were a significant prognostic marker for reduced overall survival (OS) following TACE. As such, patients with initial suPAR levels >5.39 ng/mL showed a significantly reduced median OS of only 256 days compared to patients with suPAR serum levels below the cut‐off value (median OS: 611 days). In line with previous data, suPAR serum concentrations correlated with those of creatinine but were independent of tumor entity, leukocyte count, and C‐reactive protein in multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

Baseline suPAR serum levels provide important information on the postinterventional outcome of liver cancer patients receiving TACE.
Ustekinumab in Crohn's disease: Real‐world outcomes from the Sicilian network for inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Viola Anna , Muscianisi Marco , Macaluso Fabio S , Ventimiglia Marco , Cappello Maria , Privitera Antonino C , Magnano Antonio , Pluchino Dario , Magrì Giovanni , Ferracane Concetta , Mocciaro Filippo , Garufi Serena , Giuffrida Enrica , Costantino Giuseppe , Fiocco Gabriele , Grova Mauro , Guida Laura , Alibrandi Angela , Orlando Ambrogio , Fries Walter ,   the “Sicilian Network for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (SN‐IBD)”
Published: February 2021

Background and Aim

Ustekinumab is approved in Europe for the treatment of moderate to severe Crohn's disease (CD). Italian real‐life data are scarce, so the aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of ustekinumab in an Italian cohort of CD patients.

Methods

Data of patients with CD who started using ustekinumab were extracted from the cohort of the Sicilian Network for Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Primary end‐points were steroid‐free clinical remission at 8, 24, and 52 weeks of therapy and reduction of C‐reactive protein. Secondary end‐points were treatment response, treatment persistence at 12 months, and safety.

Results

A total of 131 patients (males 56%; mean age 46 years ±15) were included. All patients were biologics experienced except for one. At 24 and 52 weeks, 40% and 43% of patients achieved steroid‐free clinical remission, and 64% and 62% had clinical response, respectively. At the end of follow‐up, there was a significant reduction of steroid use (P = 0.012) and of the Harvey‐Bradshaw Index (P = 0.001). The probability of persistence in therapy with ustekinumab after 12 months of treatment was 89%. The only factor associated with discontinuation was older age.

Conclusions

Data from our real‐life cohort of treatment‐refractory CD patients suggest the satisfactory effectiveness and safety profile of ustekinumab.
Surgical approaches for minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy: A systematic review
Authors: Ban Daisuke , Garbarino Giovanni Maria , Ishikawa Yoshiya , Honda Goro , Jang Jin‐Young , Kang Chang Moo , Maekawa Aya , Murase Yoshiki , Nagakawa Yuichi , Nishino Hitoe , Ohtsuka Takao , Yiengpruksawan Anusak , Endo Itaru , Tsuchida Akihiko , Nakamura Masafumi ,   Study group of Precision Anatomy for Minimally Invasive Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic surgery (PAM‐HBP surgery)
Published: February 2021

Background

Minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MIDP) was initially performed for benign tumors, but recently its indications have steadily broadened to encompass other conditions including pancreatic malignancies. Thorough anatomical knowledge is mandatory for precise surgery in the era of minimally invasive surgery. However, expert consensus regarding anatomical landmarks to facilitate the safe performance of MIDP is still lacking.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed using keywords to identify articles regarding the vascular anatomy and surgical approaches/techniques for MIDP.

Results

All of the systematic reviews revealed that MIDP was not associated with an increase in postoperative complications. Moreover, most showed that MIDP resulted in less blood loss than open surgery. Regarding surgical approaches for MIDP, a standardized stepwise procedure improved surgical outcomes, including blood loss, operative time, and major complications. There are two approaches to the splenic vessels, superior and inferior; however, no study has ever directly compared them with respect to clinical outcomes. The morphology of the splenic artery affects the difficulty of approaching the artery's root. To select an appropriate dissecting layer when performing posterior resection, thorough knowledge of the anatomy of the fascia, left renal vein/artery, and left adrenal gland is needed.

Conclusions

In MIDP, a standardized approach and precise knowledge of anatomy facilitates safe surgery and has the advantage of a shorter learning curve. Anatomical features and landmarks are particularly important in cases of radical MIDP and splenic vessel preserving MIDP.
Precision vascular anatomy for minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy: A systematic review
Authors: Nishino Hitoe , Zimmitti Giuseppe , Ohtsuka Takao , Abu Hilal Mohammed , Goh Brian K. P. , Kooby David A. , Nakamura Yoshiharu , Shrikhande Shailesh V. , Yoon Yoo‐Seok , Ban Daisuke , Nagakawa Yuichi , Nakata Kohei , Endo Itaru , Tsuchida Akihiko , Nakamura Masafumi ,   Study group of Precision Anatomy for Minimally Invasive Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic surgery (PAM‐HBP surgery)
Published: February 2021

Background

Minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MIDP) is increasingly performed worldwide; however, the surgical anatomy required to safely perform MIDP has not yet been fully considered. This review evaluated the literature concerning peripancreatic vascular anatomy, which is considered important to conduct safe MIDP.

Methods

A database search of PubMed and Ichushi (Japanese) was conducted. Qualified studies investigating the anatomical variations of peripancreatic vessels related to MIDP were evaluated using SIGN methodology.

Results

Of 701 articles yielded by our search strategy, 76 articles were assessed in this systematic review. The important vascular anatomy required to recognize MIDP included the pancreatic parenchymal coverage on the root and the running course of the splenic artery, branching patterns of the splenic artery, confluence positions of the left gastric vein and the inferior mesenteric vein, forms of pancreatic veins including the centro‐inferior pancreatic vein, characteristics of the left renal vein, and collateral routes perfusing the spleen following Warshaw's technique. Very few articles evaluating the relationship between the anatomical variations and surgical outcomes of MIDP were found.

Conclusions

The precise knowledge of peripancreatic vessels is important to adequately complete MIDP. More detailed anatomic analyses and descriptions will benefit surgeons and their patients who are facing these operations.
Developing character and entrepreneurship among young men in a fishing community in West Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Stanford Richard J. , Febriamansyah Rudi , Prayanda Ibnu Riyadhie , Henri Erikson
Published: February 2021

The causes of poverty in fishing communities are frequently multidimensional. Poverty alleviation interventions, however, are often monodimensional, mainly providing physical assets such as fishing equipment. Such interventions fail to address human, social and institutional weaknesses and, perversely, may increase fishing effort and exacerbate poverty. To address one gap in current poverty alleviation efforts, human capacity potential and weaknesses among young men in an Indonesian fishing village were explored, by interviewing youth and elders. A teaching curriculum was developed, which includes practical skills on developing a business, financial management, marketing and material addressing character issues such as honesty, integrity and self‐esteem.
Cutaneous inputs from perineal region facilitate spinal locomotor activity and modulate cutaneous reflexes from the foot in spinal cats
Authors: Merlet Angèle N. , Harnie Jonathan , Macovei Madalina , Doelman Adam , Gaudreault Nathaly , Frigon Alain
Published: February 2021

It is well known that mechanically stimulating the perineal region potently facilitates hindlimb locomotion and weight support in mammals with a spinal transection (spinal mammals). However, how perineal stimulation mediates this excitatory effect is poorly understood. We evaluated the effect of mechanically stimulating (vibration or pinch) the perineal region on ipsilateral (9–14 ms onset) and contralateral (14–18 ms onset) short‐latency cutaneous reflex responses evoked by electrically stimulating the superficial peroneal or distal tibial nerve in seven adult spinal cats where hindlimb movement was restrained. Cutaneous reflexes were evoked before, during, and after mechanical stimulation of the perineal region. We found that vibration or pinch of the perineal region effectively triggered rhythmic activity, ipsilateral and contralateral to nerve stimulation. When electrically stimulating nerves, adding perineal stimulation modulated rhythmic activity by decreasing cycle and burst durations and by increasing the amplitude of flexors and extensors. Perineal stimulation also disrupted the timing of the ipsilateral rhythm, which had been entrained by nerve stimulation. Mechanically stimulating the perineal region decreased ipsilateral and contralateral short‐latency reflex responses evoked by cutaneous inputs, a phenomenon we observed in muscles crossing different joints and located in different limbs. The results suggest that the excitatory effect of perineal stimulation on locomotion and weight support is mediated by increasing the excitability of central pattern‐generating circuitry and not by increasing excitatory inputs from cutaneous afferents of the foot. Our results are consistent with a state‐dependent modulation of reflexes by spinal interneuronal circuits.
Process characterization and optimization of cold brew coffee: effect of pressure, temperature, time and solvent volume on yield, caffeine and phenol content
Authors: Kyroglou Smaro , Thanasouli Konstantina , Vareltzis Patroklos
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Cold brew coffee, based on cold extraction, is rapidly attracting consumers' preference worldwide. Low total solids yield and long extraction times (up to 24 h) are the main drawbacks of this process. Five different treatments were investigated: the traditional cold extraction method, freezing, lyophilization of coffee beans, use of chaotropic salt and reduced pressure extraction. The latter was optimized by applying a Box–Behnken design. Pressure, vacuum cycles, duration of each cycle and mass of ground coffee to water ratio were the optimization parameters. Yield, caffeine and phenol concentration were the response variables.

RESULTS

Caffeine concentration and yield were significantly affected by vacuum cycles and by the combination of vacuum cycles and duration of each cycle. Validation of the derived quadratic models for each response variable was performed. Optimum values for highest extraction yield (22%) and phenol concentration as well as mass transfer coefficients of phenol and caffeine were also determined.

CONCLUSIONS

Extraction under reduced pressure might be the best treatment for the acceleration of cold brew coffee extraction. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Association between imaging response and survival following neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with resectable colorectal liver metastases: A cohort study
Authors: Behrenbruch C. , Prabhakaran S. , Udayasiri D D. , Michael M. , Hollande F. , Hayes I. , Heriot A. G. , Knowles B. , Thomson B. N.
Published: February 2021

Background

The association between the imaging response (structural or metabolic) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (neoCT) before colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) and survival is unclear.

Method

A total of 201 patients underwent their first CRLM resection. A total of 94 (47%) patients were treated with neoCT. A multivariable, Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was performed to compare overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) between response groups.

Results

Multivariable regression analysis of the CT/MRI (n = 94) group showed no difference in survival (OS and PFS) in patients who had stable disease/partial response (SD/PR) or complete response (CR) versus patients who had progressive disease (PD) (OS: HR, 0.36 (95% CI: 0.11–1.19) p = .094, HR, 0.78 (95% CI: 0.13–4.50) p = .780, respectively), (PFS: HR, 0.70 (95% CI: 0.36–1.35) p = .284, HR, 0.51 (0.18–1.45) p = .203, respectively). In the FDG‐PET group (n = 60) there was no difference in the hazard of death for patients with SD/PR or CR versus patients with PD for OS or PFS except for the PFS in the small CR subgroup (OS: HR, 0.75 (95% CI: 0.11–4.88) p = .759, HR, 1.21 (95% CI: 0.15–9.43) p = .857), (PFS: HR, 0.34% (95% CI: 0.09–1.22), p = .097, HR, 0.17 (95% CI: 0.04–0.62) p = .008, respectively).

Conclusion

There was no convincing evidence of association between imaging response to neoCT and survival following CRLM resection.
Passivated graphene quantum dots for carbaryl determination in juices
Authors: Soriano M. Laura , Jiménez‐Sánchez Andrés , Cárdenas Soledad
Published: February 2021

This paper reports a simple method for the preparation of suitable graphene quantum dots after surface passivation, to be used for the determination of carbaryl in juice samples. A comparison of synthetic conditions for the preparation of graphene quantum dots following the top‐down approach is described. In the one‐step route selected, evaluation of diverse reaction time for cutting and modulating the oxidizing sites in the broken pieces of the initial graphene layer is conducted with a mixture of concentrated acids. Exploring the passivation effect on the purified graphene quantum dots, we demonstrated the suitability of the selected graphene quantum dots for practical application in the detection of carbaryl using fluorometric detection. Higher sensitivity was achieved after 8 min of contact, in which graphene quantum dots promotes the degradation of carbaryl into naphthol, being the latter responsible for the analytical signal. The detection and quantification limits were 0.36 and 1.21 μg/L, respectively, being the response linear up to 26 μg/L with excellent precision (better than 3.2% at the limit of detection). The recovery of the analyte from commercial juice samples (91.4–96.7%) testifies to the applicability of the proposal for the analytical problem selected.
Influence mechanism of online consumer comments on e‐retailer
Authors: Liu Yong , Gan Wen‐xue , Ren Wen‐wen
Published: February 2021

Online consumer comments can reduce the uncertainty of consumers' purchasing behaviors and provide much more important reference for consumers to make purchasing decisions, and some online consumer comments have the positive and negative effects, and then some online retailers often take different actions to respond to consumers' online comments. To describe and analyze the influence mechanism of online comments on the consumers and retailers, we establish a two‐stage theoretical model by introducing product–demand mismatch and exploit it to analyze the impact of different quality online comments on online retailer and discuss the online retailer's decisions.
Technical Note: Induced radioactivity in stereotactic body radiation therapy with a flattening‐filter‐free 10 MV beam model
Authors: Wang Huidong , Chen Kunzhi , Shi Yinghua , Huang Xiaolong , Sun Wuji , Hou Kairan , Jin Yongli , Jiang Xin , Yang Dong , Dong Lihua
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The induced radioactivity in stereotactic body radiation therapy with a flattening‐filter‐free 10 MV beam model (10 FFF SBRT) was investigated for the risk to therapists.

Methods

This study was performed on a Varian TrueBeam linac. The induced radioisotopes were identified by γ spectroscopy. The dose rate from the induced activity was measured for 12 treatment cycles in 4 h continuously. The impacts of the characteristic factors of 10 FFF SBRT on the dose rate were investigated, including monitor units (MU), beam rate, field size, and flattening filter. The dose rate was compared between the SBRT plans and conventional fractionation plans. A mathematical model was used to analyze the results and estimate the annual dose to therapists.

Results

(a) The induced radioisotopes included 24Na, 28Al, 38Cl, 56Mn, 66Cu, 187W, and 196Au. (b) In 4 h, the total dose contribution ratios were more than 70% for 28Al, about 20% for 56Mn, and 10% for all other long‐lived radioisotopes, combining doses at the isocenter and end of the treatment couch. (c) The dose rate showed a nonlinear growth with increasing MU and beam rate. The variation of the dose rate was complicated with the jaw field and not sensitive to the MLC field. The removal of the flattening filter reduced the dose rate by about 40%. The dose level of SBRT was two to three times that of conventional fractionation. (d) The estimated annual dose to therapists was up to 0.20 mSv/y.

Conclusions

The induced radioactivity in 10 FFF SBRT was higher compared with that in 10 MV conventional fractionation. More MU and higher beam rate were the primary factors that caused the increase. The therapists should wait longer after beam‐off to reduce the occupational dose. In addition, aluminum and manganese should be less used in the treatment room.
A hybrid level set method for the integrated optimization of structural topology and multicomponent layout
Authors: Li Xiaopeng , Gao Liang , Zhou Ying , Li Hao
Published: February 2021

A hybrid level set method is proposed for devising structures with embedded components, where the supporting structure as well as the positions and orientations of the components are optimized simultaneously. Two different types of level sets, namely the explicit and implicit level set are introduced to respectively represent the components and supporting structure. In this fashion, smooth geometries and clear interfaces for both the components and their underpinning structure can be obtained, which can facilitate the following analysis or manufacture of the optimized design. The positions and orientation of the components are described by a set of explicit level sets. To facilitate the solution of these multiconstraint optimization problems, a parametric mechanism is formulated by approximating the implicit level sets with the Gaussian radial basis function. Distinguished from the existing approaches, we use two different sets of design variables in a uniform optimization loop, that is, the geometric parameters for the positions and orientations of the components, and the expansion coefficients of the level set interpolation for the supporting structure. In this way, the overall design variables for the optimization problem can be greatly reduced. Several examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed method.