bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dapagliflozin in heart failure with preserved and mildly reduced ejection fraction: rationale and design of the DELIVER trial
Authors: Solomon Scott D. , de Boer Rudolf A. , DeMets David , Hernandez Adrian F. , Inzucchi Silvio E. , Kosiborod Mikhail N. , Lam Carolyn S.P. , Martinez Felipe , Shah Sanjiv J. , Lindholm Daniel , Wilderäng Ulrica , Öhrn Fredrik , Claggett Brian , Langkilde Anna Maria , Petersson Magnus , McMurray John J.V.
Published: June 2021

Aims

Sodium–glucose co‐transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, originally developed as glucose‐lowering agents, have been shown to reduce heart failure hospitalizations in patients with type 2 diabetes without established heart failure, and in patients with heart failure with and without diabetes. Their role in patients with heart failure with preserved and mildly reduced ejection fraction remains unknown.

Methods

Dapagliflozin Evaluation to Improve the LIVEs of Patients With PReserved Ejection Fraction Heart Failure (DELIVER) is an international, multicentre, parallel group, event‐driven, randomized, double‐blind trial in patients with chronic heart failure and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) >40%, comparing the effect of dapagliflozin 10 mg once daily, vs. placebo, in addition to standard of care. Patients with or without diabetes, with signs and symptoms of heart failure, a LVEF >40%, elevation in natriuretic peptides and evidence of structural heart disease are eligible. The primary endpoint is time‐to‐first cardiovascular death or worsening heart failure event (heart failure hospitalization or urgent heart failure visit), and will be assessed in dual primary analyses – the full population and in those with LVEF <60%. The study is event‐driven and will target 1117 primary events. A total of 6263 patients have been randomized.

Conclusions

DELIVER will determine the efficacy and safety of the SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin, added to conventional therapy, in patients with heart failure and preserved and mildly reduced ejection fraction.
Flow cytometry data mining by cytoChain identifies determinants of exhaustion and stemness in TCR‐engineered T cells
Authors: Manfredi Francesco , Abbati Danilo , Cianciotti Beatrice Claudia , Stasi Lorena , Potenza Alessia , Ruggiero Eliana , Magnani Zulma , Carnevale Erica , Doglio Matteo , Noviello Maddalena , Tassi Elena , Balestrieri Chiara , Buonanno Silvia , Clemente Francesca , De Lalla Claudia , Protti Maria Pia , Mondino Anna , Casorati Giulia , Dellabona Paolo , Bonini Chiara
Published: June 2021

The phenotype of infused cells is a major determinant of Adoptive T‐cell therapy (ACT) efficacy. Yet, the difficulty in deciphering multiparametric cytometry data limited the fine characterization of cellular products. To allow the analysis of dynamic and complex flow cytometry samples, we developed cytoChain, a novel dataset mining tool and a new analytical workflow. CytoChain was challenged to compare state‐of‐the‐art and innovative culture conditions to generate stem‐like memory cells (TSCM) suitable for ACT. Noticeably, the combination of IL‐7/15 and superoxides scavenging sustained the emergence of a previously unidentified nonexhausted Fit‐TSCM signature, overlooked by manual gating and endowed with superior expansion potential. CytoChain proficiently traced back this population in independent datasets, and in T‐cell receptor engineered lymphocytes. CytoChain flexibility and function were then further validated on a published dataset from circulating T cells in COVID‐19 patients. Collectively, our results support the use of cytoChain to identify novel, functionally critical immunophenotypes for ACT and patients immunomonitoring.
A targeted ancestry informative InDels panel on capillary electrophoresis for ancestry inference in Asian populations
Authors: Zhu Qiang , Cao Yueyan , Zhang Shu , Huang Yuguo , Hu Yuhan , Zhou Yijun , Wang Haoyu , Wang Yufang , Zhang Ji
Published: June 2021

CE is the primary methodology used in forensic DNA typing. Alleles of commonly used types of genetic markers could be separated and detected via CE based on dye color and migration time. Insertion/deletion (InDel) is an ideal genetic marker for forensic DNA analysis due to their abundance in the human genome, low mutation rate, availability of their allele types via CE, and elimination of stutter peaks. Moreover, InDels could be used as ancestry informative markers since allele frequencies of InDels is different among geographically separated populations. Several ancestry informative insertion/deletion panels have been established based on CE platform to achieve the intercontinental populations distinction. However, improvements to differentiate intracontinental populations is few. In this study, 21 InDels with fixation index (FST) > 0.15 were selected and assembled into one ancestry informative insertion/deletion panel. Using well‐designed primers, those 21 InDels could be amplified successfully and genotyped on the CE platform accurately and completely. The panel showed a large FST distance distinction among the ten Asian populations. Using clustering analysis, ten Asian populations were classified into three subgroups: East Asian, Southeast Asian, and South Asian subgroups. To evaluate the panel's capability in ancestry inference, a validation experiment was undertaken with 319 individuals from four geographically separated populations in China. Four Chinese populations were classified into different ancestry subgroups and 81.8% test individuals’ ancestry could be inferred correctly. Our result showed that development of high ancestry informative InDels panel based on CE platform is a potential for individual ancestry inference among intracontinental populations.
Genetic toxicity testing using human in vitro organotypic airway cultures: Assessing DNA damage with the CometChip and mutagenesis by Duplex Sequencing
Authors: Wang Yiying , Mittelstaedt Roberta A. , Wynne Rebecca , Chen Ying , Cao Xuefei , Muskhelishvili Levan , Davis Kelly , Robison Timothy W. , Sun Wei , Schmidt Elizabeth K. , Smith Thomas H. , Norgaard Zachary K. , Valentine Charles C. , Yaplee Jeffry , Williams Lindsey N. , Salk Jesse J. , Heflich Robert H.
Published: June 2021

The organotypic human air‐liquid‐interface (ALI) airway tissue model has been used as an in vitro cell culture system for evaluating the toxicity of inhaled substances. ALI airway cultures are highly differentiated, which has made it challenging to evaluate genetic toxicology endpoints. In the current study, we assayed DNA damage with the high‐throughput CometChip assay and quantified mutagenesis with Duplex Sequencing, an error‐corrected next‐generation sequencing method capable of detecting a single mutation per 107 base pairs. Fully differentiated human ALI airway cultures were treated from the basolateral side with 6.25 to 100 μg/mL ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) over a period of 28 days. CometChip assays were conducted after 3 and 28 days of treatment, and Duplex Sequencing after 28 days of treatment. Treating the airway cultures with EMS resulted in time‐ and concentration‐dependent increases in DNA damage and a concentration‐dependent increase in mutant frequency. The mutations observed in the EMS‐treated cultures were predominantly C → T transitions and exhibited a unique trinucleotide signature relative to the negative control. Measurement of physiological endpoints indicated that the EMS treatments had no effect on anti‐p63‐positive basal cell frequency, but produced concentration‐responsive increases in cytotoxicity and perturbations in cell morphology, along with concentration‐responsive decreases in culture viability, goblet cell and anti‐Ki67‐positive proliferating cell frequency, cilia beating frequency, and mucin secretion. The results indicate that a unified 28‐day study can be used to measure several important safety endpoints in physiologically relevant human in vitro ALI airway cultures, including DNA damage, mutagenicity, and tissue‐specific general toxicity.
Experimental study of spray analysis for Palmarosa biodiesel‐diesel blends in a constant volume chamber
Authors: Sathiyamoorthi Ramalingam , Sankaranarayanan Gomathinayakam , Munuswamy Dinesh Babu , Devarajan Yuvarajan
Published: June 2021

The diesel spray process is one of the critical development zones in terms of diesel engine‐out emission regulations. Detailed analysis of Palmarosa oil methyl esters fuel spray properties has been studied and made a comparison analysis with mineral diesel. Experiments under various injection pressures (200, 225, and 250 bars) have been investigated in a constant volume chamber (CVC). Studies have shown that the longest and shortest spray tip penetrations (STPs) for biodiesel and diesel were observed. A higher spray cone angle of about 17.5 ms for PMO fuels and 11.4 ms for diesel were found. The Sauter mean diameter for all test blends decreased with an increase in fuel injection pressure with the maximum reduction of 15 μm. Additionally, the spray volume of 0.4 cm3 and spray area of 5 cm2 increased respectively during 250 bars injection pressure. STP increased by 14.3 ms for Palmarosa oil methyl ester than diesel at 250 bars injection pressure. It is concluded that the fuel properties such as density and viscosity are the main influencing factors for spray analysis and play a significant role in the fuel injection system.
In vivo non‐contact measurement of human iris elasticity by optical coherence elastography
Authors: Ye Shuling , Zhou Yuheng , Bao Chenhong , Chen Yulei , Lu Fan , Zhu Dexi
Published: June 2021

Quantifying the mechanical properties of the iris can offer valuable insights into the pathophysiology of primary angle closure glaucoma. However, current techniques for iris elastography remain ex vivo with limited clinical applications. This article describes a proposition for a non‐contact and non‐invasive air‐puff optical coherence elastography (OCE) system that can evaluate iris elasticity in vivo. Ten eyes recruited from seven subjects underwent OCE imaging acquisition under three different illumination conditions. The Young's modulus of each eye was detected and shown to be inversely proportional to the iris length, indicating a relationship between mechanical properties and morphology of the iris. With its noninvasive and high‐resolution features, this air‐puff system shows great potential for applications in clinical ophthalmology.
The demographic characteristics, prognosis, and relationship with cancer subtypes of hospitalized COVID‐19 patients with malignancy: A single‐center experience
Authors: Değerli Ezgi , Derin Sümeyra , Oruç Kerem , Şengül Samancı Nilay , Bedir Şahin , Çelik Emir , Şentürk Öztaş Nihan , Alkan Gülin , Demirelli Fuat H. , Demirci Nebi S.
Published: June 2021

Undoubtedly, cancer patients have suffered the most from the COVID‐19 pandemic process. However, cancer is a heterogeneous disease, and each patient has responded differently to COVID‐19. We aimed to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with cancer and COVID‐19. We retrospectively reviewed 45 cancer patients hospitalized in the Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty COVID‐19 department from March 23 to October 23, 2020. We analyzed the demographic characteristics, symptoms, laboratory findings, treatment, prognosis, and cancer subtypes of patients and mortality who were hospitalized for COVID‐19. Between March 23 and October 23, 2020, 45 hospitalized cancer patients who had laboratory‐confirmed COVID‐19 infection were included, with a median age of 60 years (range: 23–92). Patients were divided into two groups a survivor and a non‐survivor. Symptoms, demographic information, comorbidities, treatments for COVID‐19, and laboratory findings of the two groups were evaluated separately. Two parameters were found, which showed a significant difference between non‐survivors and survivors displaying a disadvantage for COPD and low platelet count (p = 0.044–0.038). The mortality rate of all patients was 66%. The presence of comorbidities such as COPD and low platelet count in cancer patients with COVID‐19 infection may draw the attention of physicians.
Vertical transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2: A prospective cross‐sectional study from a tertiary center
Authors: Sinaci Selcan , Ocal Doga F. , Seven Banu , Anuk Ali T. , Besimoglu Berhan , Keven Mehmet C. , Goncu Ayhan Sule , Akin Mustafa S. , Tayman Cuneyt , Keskin Huseyin L. , Yapar Eyi Elif G. , Dinc Bedia , Moraloglu Tekin Ozlem , Sahin Dilek
Published: June 2021

The aim was to investigate the association of the delivery mode and vertical transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) through the samples of vaginal secretions, placenta, cord blood, or amniotic fluid as well as the neonatal outcomes. This cross‐sectional study presents an analysis of prospectively gathered data collected at a single tertiary hospital. Sixty‐three pregnant women with confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) participated in the study. Vertical transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 was analyzed with reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) tests and blood tests for immunoglobulin G (IgG)–immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies. All patients were in the mild or moderate category for COVID‐19. Only one placental sample and two of the vaginal secretion samples were positive for SARS‐CoV‐2. Except for one, all positive samples were obtained from patients who gave birth by cesarean. All cord blood and amniotic fluid samples were negative for SARS‐CoV‐2. Two newborns were screened positive for COVID‐19 IgG–IgM within 24 h after delivery, but the RT‐PCR tests were negative. A positive RT‐PCR result was detected in a neof a mother whose placenta, cord blood, amniotic fluid, and vaginal secretions samples were negative. He died due to pulmonary hemorrhage on the 11th day of life. In conclusion, we demonstrated that SARS‐CoV‐2 can be detectable in the placenta or vaginal secretions of pregnant women. Detection of the virus in the placenta or vaginal secretions may not be associated with neonatal infection. Vaginal delivery may not increase the incidence of neonatal infection, and cesarean may not prevent vertical transmission. The decision regarding the mode of delivery should be based on obstetric indications and COVID‐19 severity.
The accuracy in determining pelvic tilt from anteroposterior pelvic radiographs in patients awaiting hip arthroplasty
Authors: Innmann Moritz M. , McGoldrick Niall P. , Ratra Akaash , Merle Christian , Grammatopoulos George
Published: June 2021

Spinopelvic mobility affects outcome after THA. Whether the sacro‐femoral‐pubic (SFP) angle, measured on AP radiographs, can be reliably used to estimate pelvic tilt (PT) in hip osteoarthritis patients is unknown. This study aimed to (1) validate the use of the SFP angle in the calculation of PT from AP radiographs, and (2) identify individual patient factors affecting the estimation of PT. A cohort of 100 patients awaiting THA for end‐stage hip osteoarthritis was prospectively studied. AP and lateral radiographs, taken in the standing and relaxed‐seated positions were evaluated for spinopelvic measurements (SFP, PT, and pelvic incidence [PI]). To validate the SFP angle, estimated PT values using the formula [PT = 75°‐SFP] were compared to the true, measured values from the lateral radiographs. Despite good agreement for the estimated and true PT (16.2 ± 5.9° vs. 15.5 ± 8.6°; p = .315), a significantly poorer agreement could be found between the two methods at high or low values of PT. Patient‐specific PI correlated with the difference between the two measurement methods (Pearson's r = −0.644; p < .001). However, the change in SFP angle equaled approximately the change in pelvic tilt (∆PT = 2°−∆SFP; Pearson's r = −0.934; p < .001). Absolute values for the sagittal PT should not be estimated from AP pelvic radiographs in patients awaiting total hip arthroplasty. However, the relative change in PT between different positions equals approximately the change in SFP angle. This may allow functional cup orientation after THA to be determined between different postures from an AP radiograph of the pelvis. The SFP angle has moderate accuracy in determining a patient's pelvic tilt; however, it can accurately determine a patient's change in pelvic tilt in different positions.
Different behavior of two iso‐structural zeolitic imidazolate frameworks in ethane–ethylene separation: Study of H2‐CO2 and CH4‐CO2 separation capacity
Authors: Autié‐Castro Giselle , Reguera Edilso , Rodríguez‐Castellón Enrique
Published: June 2021

The separation of ethane–ethylene mixtures was evaluated using two zeolitic imidazolate frameworks, which are only different from the assemble metal, as stationary phase from inverse gas chromatography data. The chromatographic profiles exhibited peaks adequately resolved. Separation is attributed to the pore sizes of the adsorbents that discern between ethane and ethylene molecule shapes and closed kinetic diameters. The adsorption heats were estimated for each probe molecule from the slopes of the straight lines at four temperatures. The evaluated materials are iso‐structural compounds with the unique difference of assembling metal (cobalt and zinc). Cobalt material showed atypical adsorption of ethane over ethylene, which was observed taking into account the retarded elution of the paraffin. Therefore, the anomalous behavior could be ascribed to the presence of cobalt(II). Structural characterization of both materials was performed by X‐ray powder diffraction, X‐ray photoelectronic spectroscopy, and thermogravimetry, while morphological characterization was performed by scanning electron microscopy. H2‐CO2 and CH4‐CO2 mixtures separation were also evaluated by inverse gas chromatography. Both materials were able to separate these two mixtures. CO2 was the highest retained probe molecule due to the presence of quadrupole moment.
Reconstruction of dietary habits in the Early Bronze Age of Anatolia through the analysis of dental caries and wear
Authors: Koruyucu Meliha Melis , Erdal Yılmaz Selim
Published: June 2021

Studies have shown that there is a direct and strong relationship between dental pathology, dietary habits, and subsistence economies. Dental caries, the most frequently used bioanthropological data source for determining the dietary habits of past people, provides considerable information about the types of foods predominantly consumed. On the other hand, analyzing dental wear provides an insight into food preparation techniques. In this study, the dental caries and wear on the dentition of individuals from İkiztepe, Bakla Tepe, and Titriş Höyük, dated to the Late Chalcolithic (3500–3000 bc) and the Early Bronze Age (3100–2000 bc), were analyzed to examine potential differences in their dietary habits. The highest caries frequency was observed at Bakla Tepe (10%), followed by İkiztepe with 6.8% and then Titriş Höyük with 4.2%. Stable isotope analyses previously carried out on the same populations suggest a homogenous, predominantly terrestrial C3‐based mixed diet. However, statistically significant differences in caries frequencies and caries surface and depth scores suggest that there are interpopulation differences regarding the amount of carbohydrate and protein in their diet. The dental wear of all populations can be considered as slight, which indicates the consumption of well‐processed, soft, and fine‐grained foods. However, İkiztepe, with the highest mean value of dental wear (x¯: 3.14), is an exception within the sample populations (Bakla Tepe: 2.93; Titriş Höyük: 2.85) examined in this study. Differences in the economic and ecological characteristics of these settlements were effective in explaining the differences observed in dental caries and wear. Although C3‐based foods were common for all of the populations, the relative amount they were consumed is likely different for each sample population, suggesting heterogeneity within and between populations with regard to consumed resources.
Comparative Genomic Analysis of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: Biopsy Type, Ancestry, and Testing Patterns
Authors: Israel Mason A. , Danziger Natalie , McGregor Kimberly A. , Murugesan Karthikeyan , Gjoerup Ole , Sokol Ethan S. , Tukachinsky Hanna , Kurzrock Razelle , Kato Shumei , Sicklick Jason K. , Nimeiri Halla S. , Oxnard Geoffrey R. , Ross Jeffrey S.
Published: June 2021

Background

At diagnosis, the majority of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHCC) present with advanced disease and a poor prognosis. Comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) early in the disease course may increase access to targeted therapies and clinical trials; however, unresolved issues remain surrounding the optimal biopsy type to submit for CGP.

Patients and Methods

Mutational frequencies between primary tumor biopsies (Pbx), metastatic biopsies (Mbx), and liquid biopsies (Lbx) in 1,632 patients with IHCC were compared.

Results

Potentially actionable alterations were found in 52%, 34%, and 35% of patients in the Pbx, Mbx, and Lbx cohorts, respectively. In Pbx, Mbx, and Lbx, FGFR2 rearrangements were found in 9%, 6%, and 4%, and IDH1 mutations were identified in 16%, 5%, and 9% patients, respectively. Moreover, alterations in FGFR2 and IDH1 were significantly associated with distinct ancestries, including 2.1-fold enrichment for FGFR2 rearrangements in patients with African ancestry and 1.5-fold enrichment for IDH1 mutations in patients with admixed American (Hispanic) ancestry. Finally, the publication of biomarker-driven clinical trials in IHCC correlated with changing CGP testing patterns. Significant correlations between patient characteristics and IHCC trial disclosures were observed, including a significant decrease from time between biopsy and CGP testing, and more frequent testing of primary versus metastatic samples.

Conclusion

Overall, because of the high likelihood of identifying actionable genomic alterations, CGP should be considered for the majority of patients with inoperable IHCC, and Lbx and Mbx can be considered as part of the diagnostic suite.

Implications for Practice

Comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) should be considered for all patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHCC) or suspected IHCC, as actionable alterations were commonly found in multiple genes and a wide variety of FGFR2 fusion partners were identified. The disclosure of IHCC trial data correlated with increased use of CGP, an encouraging trend that moves new therapeutic options forward for rare cancers with a rare biomarker. Although tissue from the primary lesion may identify actionable alterations at higher rates, CGP of a liquid biopsy or metastatic site can be considered, particularly if the primary tissue block is exhausted.
Transitional care in diabetes: a quest for the Holy Grail
Authors: Zaidi Reza
Published: June 2021

The age of emerging adulthood is a period of multiple transformations for young people. It is also fraught with challenges for those living with diabetes and for health care providers. Moving from a well‐supported family and health care environment to that of growing independence and autonomy has been shown to result in sub‐optimal glycaemic outcomes, pitfalls in care and rising risk of diabetes‐related emergencies and complications when transition is ineffective. The provision of paediatric and adult diabetes care has crucial differences but, also, opportunities to be similar.

Transition care in diabetes needs to adopt the fundamental principles of teamwork, shared goals and an overall holistic care to allow a seamless transfer of care. Copyright © 2021 John Wiley & Sons.
Dying, dignity and diabetes
Authors: James June
Published: June 2021

In 2019, the International Diabetes Federation attributed 4.2 million deaths due to diabetes.1 In the United States, diabetes was said to be the seventh leading cause of death in 2017; this information was based on over 83,000 death certificates.2 Over half a million people died in the United Kingdom3 in 2017 and, in the same year, 117,000 of these individuals had diabetes.4 The cause of death in these individuals is not usually attributed to acute diabetes complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state (HHS) or hypoglycaemia, but to the long‐term complications which occur in individuals living with the condition such as cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease and dementia or respiratory disease or cancer. A holistic approach to the care of people living with diabetes as they near the end of their lives is important if acute metabolic complications, unnecessary treatment regimens and excessive monitoring are to be avoided.5 Individuals with diabetes will undoubtedly face additional psychological and clinical challenges as they enter end of life care. This article takes a practical approach to end of life care in people with diabetes; it includes national and international recommendations and simple algorithms developed to support health care professionals caring for these individuals. Copyright © 2021 John Wiley & Sons.
Asthma and pulmonary tuberculosis: misdiagnosis or coexistence
Authors: Nguyen‐Ho Lam , Nguyen‐Tiet Au , Chang Yoon‐Seok
Published: June 2021

Asthma and pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) are disease entities with different pathogenesis. However, endobronchial tuberculosis (EBTB), a peculiar form of PTB, can mimic the symptoms of asthma. Although uncommon, the coexistence of asthma and PTB can appear. We report three cases of PTB. The first two cases with EBTB were misdiagnosed as asthma and the third case with asthma developed PTB four months after high‐dose inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) therapy. The first two cases presented with chronic cough up mucopurulent/purulent sputum and localized wheezing which revealed diagnostic clues. The third case presented with dry cough and showed a positive bronchodilator response and the right pulmonary apical fibrosis which could be associated with quiescent tuberculous infection. EBTB should be included in the differential diagnosis of asthma. Although rare, physicians should be aware that PTB can also be developed during the treatment course of asthma.
In Situ Liquid‐Phase Growth Strategies of g‐C3N4Solar‐Driven Heterogeneous Catalysts for Environmental Applications
Authors: Zhang Shijie , He Zuoli , Xu Shasha , Li Xuan , Zhang Jing , Zhan Xuepeng , Dai Mingchong , Wang Shuguang
Published: June 2021

Liquid‐phase growth strategies have received considerable attention as a promising method for the in situ synthesis of heterostructures owing to their unique advantages such as precise microstructure control, high productivity, low cost, and high stability. In situ liquid‐phase growth methods have been utilized in the synthesis of various graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4)‐based heterogeneous nanostructures to improve the separation efficiency of photogenerated electron–hole pairs by rapid charge transfer at the interfaces. Herein, recent in situ strategies for the liquid‐phase growth of g‐C3N4heterogeneous photocatalysts are summarized. The photocatalytic performance for the pollutant degradation and energy fuel production of these heterogeneous catalysts is discussed. Finally, the perspectives and opportunities on the challenges and future directions of the in situ liquid‐phase growth strategy of building heterogeneous nanostructures with a strongly connected interface are presented.
The overall crystallization behavior of polyethylene/wax blends as phase change materials for thermal energy storage: A mini review
Authors: Gumede Thandi Patricia
Published: June 2021

This review paper deals with the overall crystallization behavior of polyethylene/wax blends as phase change materials (PCMs) for thermal energy storage with the determination of their thermal properties. The addition of molten wax to the polyethylenes decreases the crystallization and melting temperatures of the blends. However, incorporating fillers to the polyethylene/wax blends can either decrease or increase the crystallization and melting temperatures of the composites depending on the filler type. The normalized enthalpy values of linear low‐density polyethylene showed no significant change when increasing the wax content. On the contrary, the normalized enthalpy values of the wax in the blends were lesser than that of pure wax and increased with increasing wax content. Since the wax in the blend had a lower crystallinity compared to pure wax, this influences its effectiveness as a PCM for thermal energy storage. The effect of different polyethylenes on the wax morphology gave rise to enhance phase separation when wax was blended to high‐density polyethylene as compared to the other polyethylenes. On the contrary, the effect of various waxes on the morphology of polyethylene resulted in different morphologies due to the molecular weight of the wax used and the structure of the polyethylene chain. The addition of fillers to the polyethylene (PE)/wax samples resulted in enhanced phase separation. The overall isothermal crystallization rate and the equilibrium melting temperature of PEs in the PEs/wax blends were depressed by wax addition due to the wax dilution effect.
Effects of mRNA Modifications on Translation: An Overview
Authors: Roy Bijoyita
Published: June 2021

The mRNA epitranscriptome imparts diversity to gene expression by installing chemical modifications. Advances in detection methods have identified chemical modifications in eukaryotic, bacterial, and viral messenger RNAs (mRNAs). The biological functions of modifications in mRNAs still remain to be understood. Chemical modifications are introduced in synthetic mRNAs meant for therapeutic applications to maximize expression from the synthetic mRNAs and to evade the host immune response. This overview provides a background of chemical modifications found in mRNAs, with an emphasis on pseudouridine and its known effects on the mRNA life cycle, its potential applications in synthetic mRNA, and the methods used to assess its effects on mRNA translation.
Analysis of Cell Cycle Progression in the Budding Yeast S. cerevisiae
Authors: Pirincci Ercan Deniz , Uhlmann Frank
Published: June 2021

The cell cycle is an ordered series of events by which cells grow and divide to give rise to two daughter cells. In eukaryotes, cyclin–cyclin-dependent kinase (cyclin–Cdk) complexes act as master regulators of the cell division cycle by phosphorylating numerous substrates. Their activity and expression profiles are regulated in time. The budding yeast S. cerevisiae was one of the pioneering model organisms to study the cell cycle. Its genetic amenability continues to make it a favorite model to decipher the principles of how changes in cyclin-Cdk activity translate into the intricate sequence of substrate phosphorylation events that govern the cell cycle. In this chapter, we introduce robust and straightforward methods to analyze cell cycle progression in S. cerevisiae. These techniques can be utilized to describe cell cycle events and to address the effects of perturbations on accurate and timely cell cycle progression.
How Does the Sovereign Money System Work?
Authors: Stellinga Bart , de Hoog Josta , van Riel Arthur , de Vries Casper
Published: June 2021

This chapter addresses the broad outlines of a sovereign money system as advocated in recent proposals. In such a system, money can only be created by the central bank, and the institutions that lend money (we call them financing institutions) are strictly separated from those that make up the payment system. We do not delve into the details of each proposal but focus on their overarching characteristics. We first outline what these proposals imply for the payment system as well as for investing and lending. We then turn to the government’s role and responsibilities in the new system, including how money is created and enters society, and discuss transition paths to the new system.
Correction to: Rotator Cuff
Authors: Llopis Eva , Perez Alexeys , Cerezal Luis
Published: June 2021

https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-71281-5
Extended Non-destructive Testing for the Bondline Quality Assessment of Aircraft Composite Structures
Authors: Malinowski Paweł H. , Wandowski Tomasz , Ostachowicz Wiesław M. , Sagnard Maxime , Berthe Laurent , Ecault Romain , Solodov Igor , Segur Damien , Kreutzbruck Marc
Published: June 2021

We present the results of extended non-destructive testing (ENDT) methods for bond line quality assessment in adhesive joints. The results presented were derived for important application scenarios with regards to aircraft manufacturing and the in-service repair of composite structures. The electromechanical impedance (EMI), laser shock adhesion testing (LASAT), and nonlinear ultrasound scanning (NUS) were used on flat coupon samples, scarfed samples, and curved samples. The EMI method applied to the flat coupons showed some relation of the frequency shift to the level of contamination. For the curved samples, there was insufficient sensitivity to differentiate distinct levels of contamination, while for scarfed samples in most cases both detection and distinction were possible. The LASAT method gave good results for the coupon samples, which were also in accordance with the results of the $${\text{G}}_{\text{IC}}$$

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IC

and $${\text{G}}_{\text{IIC}}$$

G
IIC

tests. For coupon samples with multiple contaminations, we obtained results with varying significance. In the case of NUS, the measurements revealed an increase in nonlinearity affected by contamination at the interphase between the CFRP adherend and the adhesive layer for the majority of scenarios comprising single contamination of flat coupons and scarfed samples. The effect of multiple contaminations was a decrease in nonlinearity for the curved samples.
Pendeln, Umziehen oder die Zweitwohnung? Quantitative Annäherungen an multilokale Lebensweisen
Authors: Albrecht Martin , Dittrich-Wesbuer Andrea
Published: June 2021

Steigende Mobilität ist ein Megatrend unserer Zeit. Dies betrifft auch das Wohnen – häufige Umzüge und Wohnen auf Zeit werden für immer mehr Menschen zum Alltag. In diesem Trend liegt das multilokale Wohnen. Doch wie viele multilokal Lebende gibt es und was lässt sich über diese Gruppe aussagen? Diesen Fragen widmet sich Kapitel 3. Der Beitrag fasst im ersten Teil die Erkenntnisse aus Forschungsarbeiten sowie nutzbare Zahlen der amtlichen Statistik zusammen. Im zweiten Teil wird die Datenlage im Landkreis Diepholz im Detail betrachtet. Vorgestellt wird ein speziell entwickeltes Tool, das eine erste Annäherung an die mögliche quantitative Entwicklung von multilokalen Arrangements auf der regionalen Ebene ermöglicht. Insgesamt kontrastiert der Beitrag, dass auf allen Ebenen erhebliche Kenntnisdefizite und Datenlücken bestehen und plädiert für eine differenzierte, quantitative und qualitative Aspekte umfassende, Beschäftigung mit dieser zukunftsweisenden Thematik.
Der Lebensalltag von Multilokalen. Qualitative Annäherungen im Landkreis Diepholz
Authors: Greinke Lena , Lange Linda
Published: June 2021

Multilokalität ist ein quantitativ und qualitativ bedeutsames Phänomen in der Gesellschaft und Wissenschaft. In diesem Kapitel werden einer Triangulation folgend die Methoden der schriftlichen Haushaltsbefragung, qualitativer Interviews und Akteursbeteiligung zur Erforschung multilokaler Lebensweisen reflektiert. Aus verschiedenen Perspektiven werden die Auswirkungen von Mehrörtigkeit mithilfe der Themenfelder Wohnen und bürgerschaftliches Engagement diskutiert.
R-CHOP intensification with mid-cycle methotrexate and consolidating AraC/TT with BCNU/aHSCT in primary aggressive lymphoma with CNS involvement
Authors: Steinhardt Maximilian J. , Krummenast Franziska C. , Rosenwald Andreas , Gerhard-Hartmann Elena , Heidemeier Anke , Einsele Hermann , Topp Max S. , Duell Johannes
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Patients suffering from aggressive systemic peripheral lymphoma with primary central nervous system involvement (PCL) are a rare and sparsely investigated population. Recommended treatment regimens include a combination of intrathecal and systemic chemotherapy as well as whole brain radiotherapy while offering relatively poor survival.

Methods

We conducted a single-center retrospective study that analyzed safety and outcome of 4 + 4 cycles Rituximab (R)-CHOP and R-high-dose Methotrexate (HD-MTX) for newly diagnosed, transplant-eligible patients (“Ping-Pong”), followed by Cytarabine (AraC)/Thiotepa (TT), BCNU/TT, and autologous hematologic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT). We retrospectively analyzed a set of 16 patients with high–intermediate or high-risk IPI status.

Results

Overall response rate to Ping-Pong was 100% measured by CT/MRI, including 93.75% complete remissions after BCNU/TT followed by PBSCT. One patient failed to qualify for high-dose chemotherapy due to progression when receiving Cytarabine/TT. All patients experienced grade III adverse events, 3 of them a grade IV adverse event. Estimated progression-free survival is 93.75% after a 4.8-year follow-up currently.

Conclusion

Our study suggests high effectivity of R-CHOP with mid-cycle MTX with aHSCT consolidation towards acceptable OS results in this challenging patient population.
Bounds on the Lattice Point Enumerator via Slices and Projections
Authors: Freyer Ansgar , Henk Martin
Published: June 2021

Gardner et al. posed the problem to find a discrete analogue of Meyer’s inequality bounding from below the volume of a convex body by the geometric mean of the volumes of its slices with the coordinate hyperplanes. Motivated by this problem, for which we provide a first general bound, we study in a more general context the question of bounding the number of lattice points of a convex body in terms of slices, as well as projections.
Diabetes mellitus as a risk factor for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: a meta-analysis
Authors: Gu Jialin , Lu Hong , Chen Chen , Gu Zhancheng , Hu Miao , Liu Ling , Yu Jialin , Wei Guoli , Huo Jiege
Published: June 2021

Background

To identify the association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and the risk of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

An electronic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Wanfang database, the VIP Journals database (CQVIP), the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database, and the China Biology Medicine database (Sinomed) between January 2010 and January 2021. Articles were included if they investigated CIPN and DM. Stata 15.1 was used to analyze the data.

Results

We examined 8923 cancer patients from 25 studies comprising 9 cohort studies and 16 case–control studies. Meta-analysis showed that there was a statistically significant positive correlation between DM and CIPN (odds ratio [OR] = 1.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.38–1.85, P < 0.001). Egger’s test (P = 0.824) showed no evidence of publication bias. The positive associations did not significant differ by study type, study quality, evaluation instrument, and type of antineoplastic drug. Omission of any single study had little effect on the combined risk estimate. Little evidence of heterogeneity was observed.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis provides evidence of a significant positive association between DM and risk of CIPN. Furthermore, a more detailed evaluation is warranted for cancer patients with diabetes when they are treated with antineoplastic drugs that have the potential to cause peripheral neuropathy.
$$\rho $$–Meson Form-factors in Point form of Poincaré-Invariant Quantum Mechanics
Authors: Haurysh V. Yu. , Andreev V. V.
Published: June 2021

Form-factors investigation of $$\rho ^{\pm }$$

ρ
±

–mesons was carried out within the framework of the relativistic quark model, based on point form of Poincaré-invariant quantum mechanics taking into account the internal structure of constituent quarks. It is shown that the parameters of the model obtained from the condition of the agreement of theoretical calculations with experimental data on leptonic decays for light $$\pi ^{\pm }$$

π
±

— and $$\rho ^{\pm }$$

ρ
±

–mesons lead to the results correlating with calculations in models based on light-front and instant forms of dynamics. The proposed scheme for the combined description of lepton transitions of pseudoscalar and vector mesons that is based on point form of dynamics, leads to the results on the magnetic moment of $$\rho ^{\pm }$$

ρ
±

–meson correlating with the experimental data and other models.
Defining the niche for niche construction: evolutionary and ecological niches
Authors: Trappes Rose
Published: June 2021

Niche construction theory (NCT) aims to transform and unite evolutionary biology and ecology. Much of the debate about NCT has focused on construction. Less attention has been accorded to the niche: what is it, exactly, that organisms are constructing? In this paper I compare and contrast the definition of the niche used in NCT with ecological niche definitions. NCT’s concept of the evolutionary niche is defined as the sum of selection pressures affecting a population. So defined, the evolutionary niche is narrower than the ecological niche. Moreover, when contrasted with a more restricted ecological niche concept, it has a slightly different extension. I point out three kinds of cases in which the evolutionary niche does not coincide with realized ecological niches: extreme habitat degradation, commensalism, and non-limiting or super-abundant resources. These conceptual differences affect the role of NCT in unifying ecology and evolutionary biology.
Social Accountability, Ethics, and the Occupy Wall Street Protests
Authors: Neu Dean , Saxton Gregory D. , Rahaman Abu S.
Published: June 2021

This study examines the 3.5 m+ English-language original tweets that occurred during the 2011 Occupy Wall Street protests. Starting from previous research, we analyze how character terms such as “the banker,” “politician,” “the teaparty,” “GOP,” and “the corporation,” as well as concept terms such as “ethics,” “fairness,” “morals,” “justice,” and “democracy” were used by individual participants to respond to the Occupy Wall Street events. These character and concept terms not only allowed individuals to take an ethical stance but also accumulated into a citizen’s narrative about social accountability. The analysis illustrates how the centrality of the different concepts and characters in the conversation changed over time as well as how the concepts ethics, morals, fairness, justice, and democracy participated within the conversation, helping to amplify the ethical attributes of different characters. These findings contribute to our understanding of how demands for social accountability are articulated and change over time.
Structural, electrical and electrochemical studies of ionic liquid-based polymer gel electrolyte using magnesium salt for supercapacitor application
Authors: Gupta Ashish , Jain Amrita , Tripathi S. K.
Published: June 2021

In the present studies, the effect of ionic liquid 1-Ethyl-2,3-dimethylimidazoliumtetrafluoroborate (EDiMIM)(BF4) on ionic conductivity of gel polymer electrolyte using poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) [PVdF(HFP)] and magnesium perchlorate [Mg(ClO4)2] as salt was investigated. The maximum room temperature ionic conductivity for the optimized system was found to be of the order of 8.4 × 10–3 S cm−1. The optimized composition reflects Vogel-Tammann-Fulcher (VTF) behavior in the temperature range of 25 °C to 100 °C. The X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy studies confirm the uniform blending of ionic liquid, polymer, and salts along with the enhanced amorphous nature of the optimized system. Dielectric and modulus spectra studies provide the information of electrode polarization as well as dipole relaxation properties of polymeric materials. The optimized electrolyte system possesses a sufficiently large electrochemical window of the order of 6.0 V with stainless steel electrodes.
Bevacizumab in recurrent high-grade glioma: a single institution retrospective analysis on 92 patients
Authors: Detti Beatrice , Scoccianti Silvia , Teriaca Maria Ausilia , Maragna Virginia , Lorenzetti Victoria , Lucidi Sara , Bellini Chiara , Greto Daniela , Desideri Isacco , Livi Lorenzo
Published: June 2021

Background

High-grade gliomas are among the most aggressive central nervous system primary tumors, with a high risk of recurrence and a poor prognosis. Re-operation, re-irradiation, chemotherapy are options in this setting. No-best therapy has been established. Bevacizumab was approved on the basis of two Phase 2 trials that evaluated its efficacy in patients with recurrent glioblastoma.

Materials and methods

We have retrospectively review data of patients with high-grade glioma treated at our institution that undergone radiological or histological progression after at least one systemic treatment for recurrent disease. Bevacizumab was administered alone or in combination with chemotherapy until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Bevacizumab regimen was analyzed to assess PFS and OS. Histological, molecular and clinical features of the entire cohort were collected.

Results

We reviewed data from 92 patients, treated from April 2009 to November 2019, with histologically confirmed diagnosis of high-grade gliomas and recurrent disease. A PFS of 55.2%, 22.9% and 9.6% was observed at 6, 12 and 24 months, respectively. Performance status, age at diagnosis (< 65 or > 65 ys.) and use of corticosteroids during bevacizumab therapy were strongly associated with PFS. The OS was 74.9% at 6 months, 31.7% at 12 months, 10.1% at 24 months. In our cohort, 51.1% were long-term responders (PFS > 6 months). Globally, bevacizumab treatment was well tolerated.

Conclusion

Our analysis confirms the efficacy of bevacizumab in recurrent high-grade glioma patients with an acceptable toxicity profile, in keeping with its known safety in the literature.
Evolutionary Computation in Social Propagation over Complex Networks: A Survey
Authors: Zhao Tian-Fang , Chen Wei-Neng , Ma Xin-Xin , Wu Xiao-Kun
Published: June 2021

Social propagation denotes the spread phenomena directly correlated to the human world and society, which includes but is not limited to the diffusion of human epidemics, human-made malicious viruses, fake news, social innovation, viral marketing, etc. Simulation and optimization are two major themes in social propagation, where network-based simulation helps to analyze and understand the social contagion, and problem-oriented optimization is devoted to contain or improve the infection results. Though there have been many models and optimization techniques, the matter of concern is that the increasing complexity and scales of propagation processes continuously refresh the former conclusions. Recently, evolutionary computation (EC) shows its potential in alleviating the concerns by introducing an evolving and developing perspective. With this insight, this paper intends to develop a comprehensive view of how EC takes effect in social propagation. Taxonomy is provided for classifying the propagation problems, and the applications of EC in solving these problems are reviewed. Furthermore, some open issues of social propagation and the potential applications of EC are discussed. This paper contributes to recognizing the problems in application-oriented EC design and paves the way for the development of evolving propagation dynamics.