bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Importance of resection for locoregional disease control in Masaoka stage IVA thymic neoplasms
Authors: Corsini Erin M. , Mitchell Kyle G. , Hofstetter Wayne L. , Mehran Reza J. , Roth Jack A. , Sepesi Boris , Swisher Stephen G. , Vaporciyan Ara A. , Walsh Garrett L. , Antonoff Mara B. , Rice David C.
Published: May 2020

Background and Objectives

It is unclear if a specific strategy for simultaneous treatment of primary thymic neoplasms and pleural metastases confers benefit for Masaoka stage IVA disease. We reviewed our experience with thymic neoplasms with concurrent pleural metastases to identify factors influencing outcomes.

Methods

Records of patients who presented with stage IVA thymic neoplasms from 2000 to 2018 were assessed. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analyses were completed to determine predictors of progression‐free and overall survival.

Results

Forty‐eight patients were identified, including 34 (71%) who underwent surgery. Median overall and progression‐free survival were 123 and 21 months, respectively. The extent of resection varied, and was most commonly thymectomy plus partial pleurectomy (22, 65%). Median progression‐free survival for patients who underwent surgical resection versus those who had not was 24 versus 12 months (P = .018). Following surgical resection, mediastinal recurrence was uncommon (2, 6%, vs 7, 50% nonoperatively). Five‐year survival rates in these groups were suggestive of possible benefit to surgery (87% vs 68%).

Conclusions

Thymic neoplasms with pleural dissemination represents a treatment challenge. As part of a multidisciplinary approach, surgery appears to be associated with more favorable long‐term results, although selection bias may account for some of the survival differences observed.
Outcomes after completion thyroidectomy versus total thyroidectomy for differentiated thyroid cancer: A single‐center experience
Authors: Dedhia Priya H. , Stoeckl Elizabeth M. , McDow Alexandria D. , Pitt Susan C. , Schneider David F. , Sippel Rebecca S. , Long Kristin L.
Published: May 2020

Background

Thyroid cancer diagnoses are often discovered after diagnostic thyroid lobectomy. Completion thyroidectomy (CT) may be indicated for intermediate or high‐risk tumors to facilitate surveillance and/or adjuvant treatment. The completeness of thyroid resection and the safety of CT compared to total thyroidectomy (TT) is unclear. We assessed outcomes after TT or CT to determine completeness of resection and risk of complications.

Methods

Patients undergoing TT or CT between 2000 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Pathology, unstimulated thyroglobulin (uTg), parathyroid hormone (PTH), rates of hematoma, and recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury were compared.

Results

Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) was identified in 954 patients undergoing TT and 142 patients undergoing CT. Postoperative uTg at 6 months was not different between TT and CT, 0.2 vs 0.2 ng/mL, P = .37.

Transient hypoparathyroidism with immediate postoperative PTH less than 10 was more common after TT, 14.3 vs 6.0% (P = .009). No differences were noted regarding postoperative hematoma, transient RLN injury, permanent hypoparathyroidism, and permanent RLN injury.

Conclusions

If CT is required for DTC, a complete resection, as assessed by postoperative uTg, can be achieved. Furthermore, CT is significantly less likely to result in transient hypoparathyroidism and poses no additional risk of RLN injury, hematoma, or permanent hypoparathyroidism.
Formulation and characterization of cookies prepared from the composite flour of germinated kidney bean, chickpea, and wheat
Authors: Sibian Mandeep Singh , Riar Charanjit Singh
Published: May 2020

The objective of this study was to optimize the formulation of cookies from the composite flour of germinated kidney bean, chickpea, and wheat using response surface methodology (RSM). Snap force, spread ratio, and overall acceptability served as responses for the optimization of cookie formulation. Optimization and validation of central composite rotatable design (CCRD) of RSM concluded the feasibility of using 19.11 g of germinated kidney bean flour, 31.19 g of germinated chickpea flour, and 50.00 g of germinated wheat flour, per 100 g of flour composition for cookie preparation. Characterization of the novel formulated product was done by analyzing various attributes of flour and cookies. Optimized composite flour formulation (OCFF) exhibited appropriate functional and pasting characteristics required for cookie preparation. Optimized composite flour cookies (OCFCs) had a higher amount of protein (12.32 ± 0.11), fats (22.57 ± 0.23), and crude fiber (5.64 ± 0.02) content as compared with ungerminated wheat flour cookies (UWFCs). in vitro digestibility (carbohydrate and protein) was significantly higher in OCFCs owing to the utilization of geminated grain's flour. Amino acid content of germinated grains enhanced the total essential amino acids in OCFCs. Shelf life of the formulated product was acceptable for up to 90 days when stored at 25°C in aluminum‐laminated sealed bags.
Performance of hydrostatic and non‐hydrostatic dynamical cores in RegCM4.6 for Indian summer monsoon simulation
Authors: Maurya R. K. S. , Mohanty M. R. , Sinha P. , Mohanty U. C.
Published: May 2020

The efficacy of regional climate model RegCM4.6 using hydrostatic core resolutions at 36km (HY36) and 12km (HY12) and a non‐hydrostatic core resolution at 12km (NH12) is investigated by simulating the normal, excess and deficit monsoon seasons. The ERA‐Interim reanalysis data are used to drive the model and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and modern‐era retrospective analysis for research and applications (MERRA) rainfall data are used for precipitation verification. The heavy rainfall regions are well simulated in the high‐ compared with the coarse‐resolution simulations, with the maximum in the NH12. The non‐hydrostatic dynamics amalgamate the vertical acceleration with the orographic uplifting that causes more precipitation over hilly regions than that of the hydrostatic core. On the other hand, the lesser precipitation over northwest India is better portrayed in the HY12 than in the other two. Over central India, the HY36 performs better followed by the NH12; and the contrasting precipitation features are also well depicted in the HY36 and NH12. This is probably because of the better representation of large‐scale monsoon features, such as a monsoon trough in the HY36 and local‐scale convective activities in the NH12. Daily rainfall analysis also shows that the high‐resolution model is capable of capturing the active and break phases during the El Niño and La Niña seasons. The non‐hydrostatic model possesses good correlation co‐efficients >0.5 over the hydrostatic model with co‐efficients of 0.35. The analysis of upper air circulations and the derived parameters, including statistical tests, confirm that the RegCM4.6 with non‐hydrostatics is useful for orographic regions, hydrostatic at a coarse resolution and non‐hydrostatic at a finer resolution and could be suitable for plain regions.
QSPR Modeling of Liquid‐liquid Equilibria in Two‐phase Systems of Water and Ionic Liquid
Authors: Klimenko Kyrylo Oleksandrovych , Inês João Miguel , Esperança José Manuel Silva Simões , Rebelo Luís Paulo Nieto , Aires‐de‐Sousa João , Carrera Gonçalo Valente Silva Mariño
Published: May 2020

The increasing application of new ionic liquids (IL) creates the need of liquid‐liquid equilibria data for both miscible and quasi‐immiscible systems. In this study, equilibrium concentrations at different temperatures for ionic liquid+water two‐phase systems were modeled using a Quantitative‐Structure‐Property Relationship (QSPR) method. Data on equilibrium concentrations were taken from the ILThermo Ionic Liquids database, curated and used to make models that predict the weight fraction of water in ionic liquid rich phase and ionic liquid in the aqueous phase as two separate properties. The major modeling challenge stems from the fact that each single IL is characterized by several data points, since equilibrium concentrations are temperature dependent. Thus, new approaches for the detection of potential data point outliers, testing set selection, and quality prediction have been developed. Training set comprised equilibrium concentration data for 67 and 68 ILs in case of water in IL and IL in water modeling, respectively. SiRMS, MOLMAPS, Rcdk and Chemaxon descriptors were used to build Random Forest models for both properties. Models were subjected to the Y‐scrambling test for robustness assessment. The best models have also been validated using an external test set that is not part of the ILThermo database. A two‐phase equilibrium diagram for one of the external test set IL is presented for better visualization of the results and potential derivation of tie lines.
Regularity results for fractional diffusion equations involving fractional derivative with Mittag–Leffler kernel
Authors: Tran Bao Ngoc , Baleanu Dumitru , Le Thi Minh Duc , Nguyen Huy Tuan
Published: May 2020

This paper studies partial differential equation model with the new general fractional derivatives involving the kernels of the extended Mittag–Leffler type functions. An initial boundary value problem for the anomalous diffusion of fractional order is analyzed and considered. The fractional derivative with Mittag–Leffler kernel or also called Atangana and Baleanu fractional derivative in time is taken in the Caputo sense. We obtain results on the existence, uniqueness, and regularity of the solution.
An improved result for Klein–Gordon–Maxwell systems with steep potential well
Authors: Zhang Qiongfen , Gan Canlin , Xiao Ting , Jia Zhen
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we intend to study the following Klein‐Gordon‐Maxwell system:

By adopting some new analytical skills and employing variational methods, the existence of a ground state solution for the above system is established under suitable conditions on A and f. The range of ω is more wider than Liu et al., Theorem 1.1
Obesity is Associated with Worse Outcomes in COVID‐19: Analysis of Early Data from New York City
Authors: Hajifathalian Kaveh , Kumar Sonal , Newberry Carolyn , Shah Shawn , Fortune Brett , Krisko Tibor , Ortiz‐Pujols Shiara , Zhou Xi Kathy , Dannenberg Andrew J. , Kumar Rekha , Sharaiha Reem Z.
Published: May 2020

Objective

The 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) has triggered a rapidly expanding global pandemic in which patients exhibit a wide spectrum of disease severity. Given the high prevalence of obesity in the United States, we hypothesized that the presence of obesity may play a role in the clinical course of patients with COVID‐19.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of adult patients admitted with confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Demographics, clinical characteristics, laboratory data, and clinical outcomes were abstracted. BMI (kilograms per meter squared) was analyzed with regard to a composite outcome of intensive care unit (ICU) admission or death and intubation rate.

Results

About 770 patients were included (61% male, mean age 63.5 years). Patients with obesity were more likely to present with fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Obesity was also associated with a significantly higher rate of ICU admission or death (RR = 1.58, P = 0.002) even after adjusting for age, race, and troponin level.

Conclusions

Patients with obesity had an increased risk for critical illness leading to ICU admission or death compared with normal weight individuals. This study confirms that obesity is a major risk factor for COVID‐19 disease severity, significantly impacting disease presentation and critical care requirements.
Solid dispersion systems engineered from hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin and water‐soluble polymers for enhanced oral bioavailability of nimodipine
Authors: Boakye‐Yiadom Kofi Oti , Kesse Samuel , Aquib Md , Filli Mensura Sied , Farooq Muhammad Asim , Wang Bo
Published: May 2020

Nimodipine (NMD) is a calcium channel blocker that is used in the treatment of cerebrovascular disorders, such as stroke indicated for biological rhythm and neurological disorders. According to biopharmaceutical classification, NMD is categorized as a class ΙΙ drug, meaning it has a poor solubility profile. The objective of this experiment is to prepare multicomponent systems to enhance the solubility, dissolution, and bioavailability of NMD. Inclusion complex and solvent evaporation techniques have been exploited to overcome this challenge. in vitro dissolution studies and solubility, the profile was performed in three pH media (pH 7.5, 1.2, and 6.8). The drug release at (Q60min) for SD‐PVP3 was 33‐fold higher than pure NMD in double‐distilled water. The solubility of SD PVP3 was about 30 times higher than plain NMD in double‐distilled water. A pharmacokinetic study in rats indicated that the AUC0‐720 value of the inclusion complex (NMD‐KD) was 1.63‐fold higher than pure NMD. At the same time, the solid dispersion (NMD‐SD PVP3) was 3.94‐fold higher than that of plain NMD, indicating a significant increase in the bioavailability of NMD. The combination of the inclusion complex and solvent evaporation method led to the formation of new solid dispersions (SD PLX and SD PVP), which significantly increased the solubility, dissolution, and the oral bioavailability of NMD.
Condensation of chloromethanes and their binary systems with triphenylphosphine induced by low‐voltage discharges
Authors: Bodrikov Ivan V. , Titov Evgeniy Y. , Subbotin Andrey Y. , Grinvald Iosif I. , Titov Dmitry Y. , Razov Evgeny N.
Published: May 2020

Solid structures of different shapes, hydrogen chloride, and a small number of liquid products are formed from chloromethanes (CH2Cl2 and CHCl3) and binary systems with triphenylphosphine (CH2Cl2 + PPh3, CHCl3 + PPh3, and CCl4 + PPh3) under the action of a liquid‐phase low‐voltage discharge (60‐V DC). It is observed that triphenylphosphine additives sharply increase the reactivity of CCl4. Besides, a quantum chemical simulation of chloromethane transformation mechanism in the binary systems with triphenylphosphine is conducted, together with the likely mechanism of chloromethane conversion into active particles under the action of a liquid‐phase low‐voltage pulsed discharge.
Development of a fast‐switching dual (ESI/APCI) ionization source for liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: Brecht Dominik , Uteschil Florian , Schmitz Oliver J.
Published: May 2020

Rationale

High‐throughput liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) is an increasing topic in analytical chemistry. Especially the idle time of a mass spectrometer should be reduced for an efficient and cost‐saving use. Therefore, a fast‐switching dual ion source was developed, which uses the most important ionization techniques at atmospheric pressure, electrospray ionization (ESI) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI), with one or more LC systems.

Methods

The performance of the developed ion source is shown by infusion experiments and chromatographic analyses of different standard substances. A high‐throughput method is demonstrated by coupling two UHPLC systems to the dual ion source with a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer.

Results

No decrease in the ion abundance and a stable performance of the mass spectrometer are presented while using the dual ion source. Instrumental limits of detection are 30 ng L−1 for testosterone using ESI and 1 μg L−1 for vitamin D3 using APCI. A fast switching between two UHPLC systems and the dual ion source leads to a high sample throughput of 50 samples in 75 min with relative standard deviations for testosterone and vitamin D3 of 1.5% and 3.8%, respectively.

Conclusions

This work presents the development of a dual ESI and APCI ion source operating simultaneously or in switched mode. The results show sensitive and reliable performance as well as the hyphenation to one or more HPLC systems.
Shadow of the great firewall: The impact of Google blockade on innovation in China
Authors: Zheng Yanfeng , Wang Qinyu (Ryan)
Published: May 2020

Research summary

Building on the search‐based view of innovation, we develop a framework regarding how Google guides innovative search behavior. We exploit an exogenous shock, China's unexpected blockade of Google in 2014, and adopt a difference‐in‐differences approach with a matched sample of patents from China and nearby regions to test our predictions. Our analyses show that the blockade negatively affected inventors in China to search distantly in technological and cognitive spaces compared to those in the control group who were presumably unaffected by the event. The impact was less severe for inventors with larger collaboration networks but became more pronounced in technological fields proximate to science. Our findings contribute to innovative search literature and highlight the theoretical and practical importance of Internet technologies in developing valuable inventions.

Managerial summary

Inventors nowadays depend heavily on Internet search to access information and knowledge. They therefore become vulnerable to barriers imposed on their online search. In this study, we find that China's unexpected blockade of Google and its affiliated services altered the searching behavior of inventors in China such that they became less able to seek distant knowledge. This impact was further contingent on the availability of offline knowledge channels and the reliance of each technological field on science. We also find that the economic value of their inventions decreased due to the blockade. Our findings reveal a neglected but consequential aspect of Internet censorship beyond the commonly found media effect and offer important implications to practitioners and policymakers.
Separate quantification of anastrozole and letrozole by a novel stability‐indicating ultra‐fast LC method
Authors: Galla Vamsi Krishna , Jinka Rajeswari , Sahu Prafulla Kumar
Published: May 2020

A unified stability‐indicating method has been proposed using standardized ultra‐fast liquid chromatography conditions applicable to quantification of both anastrozole and letrozole in low dose pharmaceutical tablets. The drugs were subjected to chromatography one at a time following forced degradation at accelerated stress conditions. Separation of the main analyte from the possible degradation products was achieved on a Waters Aquity BEH C18 (50  ×  2.1 mm; 1.7 µm) column maintained at 40°C with gradient elution of mobile phase comprising solvent A (0.1% orthophosphoric acid and acetonitrile [70:30 v/v]) and solvent‐B (0.1% orthophosphoric acid and acetonitrile [30:70 v/v]) at a flow rate of 0.35 mL/min. Photo diode array detection of anastrozole and letrozole was made at 215 and 236 nm, respectively. The stress testing demonstrated that both the drugs are susceptible to degrade by base hydrolysis and oxidation. The method was also applied for cleaning validation (residue analysis) at 0.5 µg with a limit of quantification > 10 S/N for 0.1 µg of both drugs. The recovery assessed on two different surfaces of cGMP area (Stainless steel and Class‐A Glass) was satisfactory.
Development of a waste‐based eco‐friendly structural mortar without Portland cement and natural sand
Authors: Gholampour Aliakbar , Ozbakkaloglu Togay , Ngo Tuan D.
Published: May 2020

The aim of this study is to develop a new eco‐friendly structural mortar for reducing the CO2 emissions inherent in the use of cement in concrete together with the extraction of the nonrenewable natural sand (NS). This clean production is achieved by fully replacing cement with glass powder (GP), ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) and fly ash (FA) as industrial by‐products, and NS with glass sand (GS) and foundry sand (FS) as waste‐based sands. To this end, 26 mortar batches were prepared, and their compressive and direct tensile strength and flowability were studied. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy were employed to link the microstructure of the mortars with the obtained properties. The results show that waste‐based mortars (WBMs) with NS have a higher flowability compared with those with GS (up to 44%) and FS (up to 47%). The results also reveal that the strengths of WBMs with GS are identical to those with NS, whereas these properties of mortars containing FS are slightly lower (up to 6%). In addition, the results show that when 80% of cement is replaced with GGBS and 100% of NS is replaced with GS or FS, the strength marginally reduces (up to 7%) compared with the conventional mortar, which is attributed to their similar hydration products amounts at the interfacial transition zones of binder‐sand. At cement replacement levels of 90–100%, the strength of the WBMs degrades; however, the loss in strength is limited to ~20–30%. These promising results indicate the possibility of developing new eco‐friendly mortars for structural applications by completely replacing cement and NS with waste materials.
miR‐146a promotes proliferation, invasion, and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition in oral squamous carcinoma cells
Authors: Wang Fan , Ye Li‐Jun , Wang Feng‐Juan , Liu Hong‐Fang , Wang Xiao‐Long
Published: May 2020

Epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) is key to invasion and metastasis by oral squamous carcinoma (OSCC) cells. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) such as miRNA‐146a are known to be upregulated in OSCC. However, it is unclear whether they are involved in driving EMT. Here, we investigated the effect of miR‐146a overexpression on proliferation, migration, and EMT in OSCC cells. OSCC cells were transfected with a plasmid expressing miR‐146a precursor. Cell lines that stably overexpressed miRNA‐146a were assessed for proliferation, colony formation, and invasiveness in vitro. Expression of markers and regulators of EMT, cell motility, and invasion were measured by qRT‐PCR and western blot. Potential miRNA‐146a binding sites in the 3′UTR of ST8SIA4 were identified by bioinformatic analysis. To confirm that miRNA‐146a binds to and regulates ST8SIA4, we transfected OSCC cell lines with miRNA‐146a mimics and a luciferase reporter construct containing either the wild type or mutant 3′UTR of ST8SIA4. OSCC cell lines that overexpressed miR‐146a displayed higher proliferation, colony formation, invasion, and MMP‐2 activity than cells transfected with a control vector. Overexpression of miR‐146a also decreased expression of the epithelial cell marker E‐cadherin and increased expression of Twist1, a transcription factor that promotes EMT, as well as markers associated with mesenchymal cells (vimentin and N‐cadherin) and tumor invasion (p‐paxillin and p‐cortactin). Luciferase expression was lower in OSCC cells transfected with miRNA‐146a mimics or with luciferase constructs carrying the wild type, but not mutant, 3′UTR of ST8SIA4. Overexpression of miR‐146a promotes EMT phenotypes and may drive tumorigenesis and progression in OSCC, making it a useful target for future OSCC treatments.
Adipocyte Specific Signaling
Authors: Carrageta David F. , Oliveira Pedro F. , Monteiro Mariana P. , Alves Marco G.
Published: May 2020

Adipocytes are the most abundant cells within the adipose tissue and are the cell type responsible for the tissue dynamic metabolic and endocrine activity. Under energy surplus conditions, the adipocyte is able to suffer hypertrophy in order to accommodate energy in form of lipids. Simultaneously, new adipocytes are differentiated through a complex and specific process, known as adipogenesis. While this process seems clear for white adipocytes in white adipose tissue, brown adipocytes and brown adipose tissue have distinct characteristics and function. Brown adipocytes are not related with fat accumulation but rather with thermogenesis, a process defined by a rapidly oxidization of lipids in order to produce heat. Additionally, a class of beige adipocytes, which are inducible thermogenic adipocytes originating from white adipose tissue and phenotypically distinct from both, have been described though how these are originated and which are the main functions are still matters of discussion. Interestingly, the induction of thermogenesis seems to improve insulin resistance, adiposity and hyperlipidemia. Thus, inducing the browning of white adipocytes to beige adipocytes is thought to be promising to improve the common metabolic disorders, such as obesity or metabolic syndrome. This chapter focuses on the specific signaling and regulatory control of adipocyte functions, particularly adipogenesis and adipocyte browning. Emerging insights of these processes are herein discussed, as promising therapeutic targets for obesity and other common metabolic disorders.
Cell Signaling Within Endocrine Glands: Thyroid, Parathyroids and Adrenal Glands
Authors: Pereira Sofia S. , Lobato Carolina B. , Monteiro Mariana P.
Published: May 2020

Despite the fact that there can be argued that no single cell in the human body can be devoid of molecular tools that fit into the broad definition of an endocrine function, some organs are primarily dedicated to hormone secretion and are therefore designated endocrine glands. Under regulation by pituitary gland (reviewed on the previous chapter), three peripheral organs are exclusively devoted to endocrine functions: the thyroid, the parathyroid and the adrenal glands. This Chapter  on endocrine system will cover the signaling pathways implied in these three organs, with identification of their particular and shared features.
AdS3/CFT2 at higher genus
Authors: Eberhardt Lorenz
Published: May 2020

Abstract

We continue our study of the worldsheet theory of superstrings on AdS3
× S3
× 𝕋4 in the tensionless limit [1]. We consider the theory on higher genus surfaces. We give evidence that the worldsheet correlators localise on certain worldsheets that cover the boundary of AdS3 holomorphically. This simplifies the string moduli space integral dramatically to a finite sum. This property shows that the higher genus corrections of the string worldsheet reproduce the structure of the 1/N corrections in the dual symmetric orbifold CFT Sym
N
(𝕋4).
CP asymmetry in the angular distribution of τ → KSπντ decays
Authors: Chen Feng-Zhi , Li Xin-Qiang , Yang Ya-Dong
Published: May 2020

Abstract

In this work, we study the C P asymmetry in the angular distribution of τ → K

S

πν

τ
decays, taking into account the known C P violation in

$$ {K}^0-{\overline{K}}^0 $$

K
0

−

K
¯

0

mixing. It is pointed out for the first time that, once the well-measured C P violation in the neutral kaon system is invoked, a non-zero C P asymmetry would appear in the angular observable of the decays considered, even within the Standard Model. By employing the reciprocal basis, which is most convenient when a K

S(L) is involved in the final state, the C P -violating angular observable is derived to be two times the product of the time-dependent C P asymmetry in K → π
+
π

−
and the mean value of the angular distribution in

$$ {\tau}^{\pm}\to {K}^0\left({\overline{K}}^0\right){\pi}^{\pm }{\overline{\nu}}_{\tau}\left({\nu}_{\tau}\right) $$

τ
±

→

K
0

K
¯

0

π
±

ν
¯

τ

ν
τ

decays. Compared with the Belle results measured in four different bins of the K π invariant mass, our predictions lie within the margins of these measurements, except for a 1.7 σ deviation for the lowest mass bin. While being below the current Belle detection sensitivity that is of

$$ \mathcal{O} $$

O

(10
−3), our predictions are expected to be detectable at the Belle II experiment, where

$$ \sqrt{70} $$

70

times more sensitive results will be obtained with a 50 ab
−1 data sample.
Geometrical four-point functions in the two-dimensional critical Q-state Potts model: connections with the RSOS models
Authors: He Yifei , Grans-Samuelsson Linnea , Jacobsen Jesper Lykke , Saleur Hubert
Published: May 2020

Abstract

The “bootstrap determination” of the geometrical correlation functions in the two-dimensional Potts model proposed in a paper by Picco et al. [1] was later shown in [2] to be incorrect, the actual spectrum of the model being considerably more complex than initially conjectured. We provide in this paper a geometrical interpretation of the four- point functions built in [1], and explain why the results obtained by these authors, albeit incorrect, appeared so close to those of their numerical simulations of the Potts model. Our strategy is based on a cluster expansion of correlation functions in RSOS minimal models, and a subsequent numerical and algebraic analysis of the corresponding s-channel spectrum, in full analogy with our early work on the Potts model [2]. Remarkable properties of the lattice amplitudes are uncovered, which explain in particular the truncation of the spectrum of [2] to the much simpler one of the RSOS models, and which will be used in a forthcoming paper to finally determine the geometrical four-point functions of the Potts model itself.
Open-string non-associativity in an R-flux background
Authors: Lüst Dieter , Malek Emanuel , Plauschinn Erik , Syväri Marc
Published: May 2020

Abstract

We derive the commutation relations for open-string coordinates on D-branes in non-geometric background spaces. Starting from D0-branes on a three-dimensional torus with H -flux, we show that open strings with end points on D3-branes in a three-dimensional R-flux background exhibit a non-associative phase-space algebra, which is similar to the non-associative R-flux algebra of closed strings. Therefore, the effective open-string gauge theory on the D3-branes is expected to be a non-associative gauge theory. We also point out differences between the non-associative phase space structure of open and closed strings in non-geometric backgrounds, which are related to the different structure of the world-sheet commutators of open and closed strings.
On plane-symmetric rigid-body motions
Authors: Bayril D. , Selig J. M.
Published: May 2020

This work studies the neglected subject of plane symmetric rigid-body motions. A plane symmetric motion is generated by reflecting a rigid body in successive planes of a one parameter family of planes. To make this a rigid-body motion we begin by reflecting the body in a fixed initial plane before reflecting in the next plane of the family. In particular the twist velocity and fixed axodes of these motion are investigated. Three families of planes can be associated to a space curve, the osculating, normal and rectifying planes. The plane symmetric motions generated by each of these families is investigated. The acceleration centre of the general plane symmetric motion is found together with some other properties of the acceleration of this motion. Special curves are known that have partner curves, the relationship between motions defined by some of these curves and their partners is studied. Finally, line symmetric motions generated by the normal and binormal lines to a curve are studied as combinations of pairs of plane symmetric motions.
Correction to: War trauma in Homer’s Iliad: a trauma registry perspective
Authors: Chicco Maria , Tebala Giovanni D.
Published: May 2020

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake. The presentation of Table 1 was incorrect. The corrected Table 1 is given below.
Reagent-free total protein quantification of intact extracellular vesicles by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy
Authors: Szentirmai Veronika , Wacha András , Németh Csaba , Kitka Diána , Rácz Anita , Héberger Károly , Mihály Judith , Varga Zoltán
Published: May 2020

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid bilayer–bounded particles that are actively synthesized and released by cells. The main components of EVs are lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids and their composition is characteristic to their type and origin, and it reveals the physiological and pathological conditions of the parent cells. The concentration and protein composition of EVs closely relate to their functions; therefore, total protein determination can assist in EV-based diagnostics and disease prognosis. Here, we present a simple, reagent-free method based on attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy to quantify the protein content of EV samples without any further sample preparation. After calibration with bovine serum albumin, the protein concentration of red blood cell–derived EVs (REVs) were investigated by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. The integrated area of the amide I band was calculated from the IR spectra of REVs, which was proportional to the protein quantity in the sample‚ regardless of its secondary structure. A spike test and a dilution test were performed to determine the ability to use ATR-FTIR spectroscopy for protein quantification in EV samples, which resulted in linearity with R2 values as high as 0.992 over the concentration range of 0.08 to 1 mg/mL. Additionally, multivariate calibration with the partial least squares (PLS) regression method was carried out on the bovine serum albumin and EV spectra. R2 values were 0.94 for the calibration and 0.91 for the validation set. The results indicate that ATR-FTIR measurements provide a reliable method for reagent-free protein quantification of EVs.
Differences in the sensitivity of classically and alternatively activated macrophages to TAK1 inhibitor-induced necroptosis
Authors: Varga Zsófia , Molnár Tamás , Mázló Anett , Kovács Ramóna , Jenei Viktória , Kerekes Krisztina , Bácsi Attila , Koncz Gábor
Published: May 2020

Controlling the balance of pro-inflammatory M1 versus anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages may have paramount therapeutic benefit in cardiovascular diseases, infections, cancer and chronic inflammation. The targeted depletion of different macrophage populations provides a therapeutic option to regulate macrophage-mediated functions. Macrophages are highly sensitive to necroptosis, a newly described regulated cell death mediated by receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (RIPK1), RIPK3 and mixed lineage kinase domain like pseudokinase. Antagonists of inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (SMAC mimetics) block RIPK1 ubiquitination, while TGF-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) inhibitors prevent the phosphorylation of RIPK1, resulting in increased necroptosis. We compared the sensitivity of monocyte-derived human M1 and M2 cells to various apoptotic and necroptotic signals. The two cell types were equally sensitive to all investigated stimuli, but TAK1 inhibitor induced more intense necroptosis in M2 cells. Consequently, the treatment of co-cultured M1 and M2 cells with TAK1 inhibitor shifted the balance of the two populations toward M1 dominance. Blockage of either Aurora Kinase A or glycogen synthase kinase 3β, two newly described necroptosis inhibitors, increased the sensitivity of M1 cells to TAK1-inhibitor-induced cell death. Finally, we demonstrated that in vitro differentiated tumor-associated macrophages (TAM-like cells) were as highly sensitive to TAK1 inhibitor-induced necroptosis as M2 cells. Our results indicate that at least two different necroptotic pathways operate in macrophages and the targeted elimination of different macrophage populations by TAK1 inhibitor or SMAC mimetic may provide a therapeutic option to regulate the balance of inflammatory/anti-inflammatory macrophage functions.
Functional outcome after corrective osteotomy for malunion of the distal radius: a randomised, controlled, double-blind trial
Authors: Andreasson Ingrid , Kjellby-Wendt Gunilla , Fagevik Olsén Monika , Aurell Ylva , Ullman Michael , Karlsson Jón
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this randomised, controlled, double-blind trial was to evaluate functional outcome during the first year after corrective osteotomy for malunited distal radius fractures, with or without filling the osteotomy void.

Method

Patients were randomised to receive a HydroSet bone substitute or no graft. Cortical contact was maintained and stabilisation of the osteotomy was carried out with a DiPhos R- or RM Plate. To evaluate subjective functional outcome, the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE), the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (Q-DASH), the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and the RAND-36 were used. Moreover, range of motion and grip strength were measured by blinded evaluators. Evaluations were made pre-operatively and three, six and 12 months post-operatively.

Results

There were no significant differences between the groups at any time point post-operatively with respect to any of the PROMs that were used or range of motion or grip strength (p > 0.05). In both groups, there was a significant improvement at the 12-month follow-up compared with pre-operatively for the PRWE, the Q-DASH and the COPM satisfaction scores. The RAND-36 revealed no significant differences except for two domains, in which there was an improvement in the treatment group (p < 0.05). For grip strength and for range of motion in all movement directions, except dorsal extension, there was a significant improvement in both groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

There is no significant difference in functional outcome during the first year after corrective open-wedge distal radius osteotomy, where cortical contact is maintained, regardless of whether or not bone substitute to fill the void is used.
Exposure–response analysis of endoxifen serum concentrations in early-breast cancer
Authors: Sanchez-Spitman Anabel Beatriz , Moes Dirk-Jan A. R. , Swen Jesse J. , Dezentjé Vincent O. , Lambrechts Diether , Neven Patrick , Gelderblom Hans , Guchelaar Henk-Jan
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Tamoxifen is part of endocrine therapy in breast cancer treatment. Studies have indicated the use of endoxifen concentrations, tamoxifen active metabolite, to guide tamoxifen efficacy. Three endoxifen thresholds have been suggested (5.9 ng/ml, 5.2 ng/ml and 3.3 ng/ml) for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). Our aim was to validate these thresholds and to examine endoxifen exposure with clinical outcome in early-breast cancer patients using tamoxifen.

Methods

Data from 667 patients from the CYPTAM study (NTR1509) were available. Patients were stratified (above or below), according to the endoxifen threshold values for tamoxifen efficacy and tested by Cox regression. Logistic regressions to estimate the probability of relapse and tamoxifen discontinuation were performed.

Results

None of the thresholds showed a statistically significant difference in relapse-free survival: 5.2 ng/ml threshold: hazard ratio (HR): 2.545, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.912–7.096, p value: 0.074; 3.3 ng/ml threshold: HR: 0.728; 95% CI 0.421–1.258, p value: 0.255. Logistic regression did not show a statistically significant association between the risk of relapse (odds ratio (OR): 0.971 (95% CI 0.923–1.021, p value: 0.248) and the risk for tamoxifen discontinuation (OR: 1.006 95% CI 0.961–1.053, p value: 0.798) with endoxifen concentrations.

Conclusion

Our findings do not confirm the endoxifen threshold values for TDM nor does it allow definition of a novel threshold. These findings indicate a limited value of TDM to guide tamoxifen efficacy.
Expression of the cancer stem cell marker SSEA1 is associated with poor survival in metastatic high-grade serous carcinoma
Authors: Davidson Ben , Holth Arild , Dong Hiep Phuc
Published: May 2020

The objective of the present study was to perform a quantitative analysis of cancer stem cell (CSC) marker expression in ovarian carcinoma effusions. The clinical role of SSEA1 in metastatic high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) was additionally analyzed. CD133, Nanog, SOX2, Oct3/4, SSEA1, and SSEA4 protein expressions were quantitatively analyzed using flow cytometry (FCM) in 24 effusions. SSEA1 expression by immunohistochemistry was analyzed in 384 HGSC effusions. Highly variable expression of CSC markers by FCM was observed, ranging from 0 to 78% of Ber-EP4-positive cells in the case of CD133, with the largest number of negative specimens seen for SSEA4. SSEA1 expression by immunohistochemistry was found in HGSC cells in 336/384 (89%) effusions, most commonly focally (< 5% of cells). SSEA1 was overexpressed in post-chemotherapy disease recurrence specimens compared with chemo-naïve HGSC effusions tapped at diagnosis (p = 0.029). In univariate survival analysis, higher SSEA1 expression was significantly associated with poor overall survival (p = 0.047) and progression-free survival (p = 0.018), though it failed to retain its prognostic role in Cox multivariate survival analysis in which it was analyzed with clinical parameters (p = 0.059 andp = 0.111 for overall and progression-free survival, respectively). In conclusion, CSC markers are variably expressed in ovarian carcinoma effusions. SSEA1 expression is associated with disease progression and poor survival in metastatic HGSC. Silencing this molecule may have therapeutic relevance in this cancer.
Neonatal resuscitation guideline adherence: simulation study and framework for improvement
Authors: Binkhorst Mathijs , van de Wiel Irene , Draaisma Jos M. T. , van Heijst Arno F. J. , Antonius Tim , Hogeveen Marije
Published: May 2020

We wanted to assess newborn life support (NLS) knowledge and guideline adherence, and provide strategies to improve (neonatal) resuscitation guideline adherence. Pediatricians completed 17 multiple-choice questions (MCQ). They performed a simulated NLS scenario, using a high-fidelity manikin. The literature was systematically searched for publications regarding guideline adherence. Forty-six pediatricians participated: 45 completed the MCQ, 34 performed the scenario. Seventy-one percent (median, IQR 56–82) of the MCQ were answered correctly. Fifty-six percent performed inflation breaths ≤ 60 s, 24% delivered inflation breaths of 2–3 s, and 85% used adequate inspiratory pressures. Airway patency was ensured 83% (IQR 76–92) of the time. Median events/min, compression rate, and percentage of effective compressions were 138/min (IQR 130–145), 120/min (IQR 114–120), and 38% (IQR 24–48), respectively. Other adherence percentages were temperature management 50%, auscultation of initial heart rate 100%, pulse oximeter use 94%, oxygen increase 74%, and correct epinephrine dose 82%. Ten publications were identified and used for our framework. The framework may inspire clinicians, educators, researchers, and guideline developers in their attempt to improve resuscitation guideline adherence. It contains many feasible strategies to enhance professionals’ knowledge, skills, self-efficacy, and team performance, as well as recommendations regarding equipment, environment, and guideline development/dissemination.

Conclusion: NLS guideline adherence among pediatricians needs improvement. Our framework is meant to promote resuscitation guideline adherence.

What is Known:• Inadequate newborn life support (NLS) may contribute to (long-term) pulmonary and cerebral damage.• Video-based assessment of neonatal resuscitations has shown that deviations from the NLS guideline occur frequently; this assessment method has its audiovisual shortcomings.

What is New:• The resuscitation quality metrics provided by our high-fidelity manikin suggest that the adherence of Dutch general pediatricians to the NLS guideline is suboptimal.• We constructed a comprehensive framework, containing multiple strategies to improve (neonatal) resuscitation guideline adherence.
The implications of complexity for humanitarian logistics: a complex adaptive systems perspective
Authors: Schiffling Sarah , Hannibal Claire , Tickle Matthew , Fan Yiyi
Published: May 2020

In this study we argue that recognising humanitarian logistics (HL) as a complex system is a key step in developing supply chain design and management strategies that meet the needs of stakeholders. This study draws on complex adaptive systems theory to examine the characteristics and implications of complexity for HL. Through case-study research of humanitarian responses in Haiti and Pakistan, characteristics of complexity across organisational boundaries are identified. We find that the complexity of the context impacts the outcome of the humanitarian response and conclude that HL must not only react to its environment, it must also create its environment. As HL must work within significantly differing environments to create solutions, the standardised approaches used to manage supply chains are less desirable. While this paper focuses on HL, wider applicability to other complex logistics operations is also discussed, informing the design and management of contextually specific supply chains.
NADES-based fractionation of biomass to produce raw material for the preparation of cellulose acetates
Authors: Soto-Salcido L. A. , Anugwom I. , Ballinas-Casarrubias L. , Mänttäri M. , Kallioinen M.
Published: May 2020

Waste biomass (agave bagasse) and native birch wood were used as raw materials for a novel fractionation and derivation process to produce cellulose acetates (CAs). During the first stage of the fractionation process, a significant amount of hemicelluloses and lignin were dissolved from the biomass using a natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES) that consisted of a mixture of choline chloride and lactic acid with the molar ratio of 1:9. Then, the residual solid material was delignified by bleaching it with a mixture of acetic acid and sodium chlorite. The fractionation process generated differently purified pulps (celluloses) which were converted to CAs. The crystallinity index, polymerization degree, chemical composition, and thermal properties of the differently purified pulps and CAs were analyzed to evaluate the efficacy of the acetylation process and to characterize the CAs. The chemical derivation of the differently purified cellulose samples generated CAs with different degrees of substitution (DSs). The more purified the cellulose sample was, the higher its DS was. Moreover, some differences were observed between the acetylation efficiencies of birch and agave bagasse. Typically, cellulose purified from birch by treating it with NADES followed by bleaching was acetylated more completely (DS = 2.94) than that derived from agave bagasse (DS = 2.45). These results revealed that using green solvents, such as NADES, to treat both agave bagasse (waste biomass) and birch wood, allowed pure fractions to be obtained from biomass, and thus, biomass could be valorized into products such as CAs, which present a wide range of applications.
Enhancing packaging board properties using micro- and nanofibers prepared from recycled board
Authors: Laitinen Ossi , Suopajärvi Terhi , Liimatainen Henrikki
Published: May 2020

In this study, cellulose microfibers and cellulose nanofibers (CNF) prepared from recycled boxboard pulp using a mechanical fine friction grinder were used as reinforcements in a board sheet. Micro- and nanofibers manufactured by mechanical grinding have typically broad particle size distribution, and they can contain both micro- and nano-sized fibrils. Deep eutectic solvent of choline chloride and urea was used as a non-hydrolytic pretreatment medium for the CNF, and reference CNF were used without any chemical pretreatment. The CNF were ground using three grinding levels (grinding time) and their dosage in the board varied from 2 to 6 wt%. The results indicate that the board properties could be tailored to obtain a balance between the processability and quality of the products by adjusting the amount of CNF that was added (2–6 wt%). A preliminary cost assessment indicated that the most economical way to enhance the board strength properties was to add around 4% of CNF with a moderate grinding level (i.e., grinding energy of 3–4 kWh/kg). Overall, the strength properties of the manufactured board sheets improved by several dozen percentages when CNF was used as the reinforcement.