bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One‐pot synthesis of meso‐microporous ZSM‐5 and its excellent performance in VOCs adsorption/desorption
Authors: Dai Jiqiang , Zhao Cheng , Hu Xiaomei , Chen Dingsheng , Yun Junge , Liu Chengxian , Zhong Min , Huang Daojian , Cen Chaoping , Chen Zhihang
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

The meso‐microporous ZSM‐5 is used for treating the complicated industrial organic waste gas, owing to its good hydrophobicity, excellent thermal and hydrothermal stability, and lower mass transfer resistance than conventional ZSM‐5, resulting in its great adsorption property for volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In this paper, different types of meso‐microporous ZSM‐5 (NZ5, MZ5) were prepared using the templates and then characterized by X‐ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and so on. The adsorption/desorption performance and diffusion mechanism of VOCs on meso‐microporous ZSM‐5 were further investigated.

RESULTS

The meso‐microporous ZSM‐5 (MZ5), prepared with the cationic surfactant, contained not only large and uniform mesopores but also certain amounts micropores. Moreover, it exhibited excellence adsorption performance for organic molecules due to its relatively reasonable porous structure. The rich porous structure might mean that the cationic surfactant had better effects for producing mesopores in zeolite than the organic additives, such as phenyltriethoxy silane. More importantly, it showed the excellent thermal and hydrothermal stability and great desorption property, which was more than 95% within 20 min at 200 °C. Finally, the diffusion mechanism of toluene on the meso‐microporous ZSM‐5 was investigated, which was suitable for Fick's second law under the low adsorption pressure.

CONCLUSION

The meso‐microporous ZSM‐5 (MZ5, NZ5), prepared by hydrothermal synthesis method with the template, exhibited excellent adsorption/desorption performance, thermal and hydrothermal stability and lower mass transfer resistance than the conventional ZSM‐5 (CZ5) for handling the VOCs. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
YouTube use among dental students for learning clinical procedures: A multi‐institutional study
Authors: Burns Lorel E. , Abbassi Elham , Qian Xu , Mecham Anthony , Simeteys Paul , Mays Keith A.
Published: June 2020

Introduction

The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of YouTube as a learning tool for clinical procedures among third‐ and fourth‐year dental students.

Methods

A multiple choice survey was distributed through Qualtrics to third‐ and fourth‐year dental students at 5 United States dental schools. Questions pertaining to YouTube use were asked related to the following categories: demographic information, general YouTube use, YouTube use as a tool to learn clinical procedures, YouTube video sharing, and validity. Descriptive and quantitative analyses were performed.

Results

Data were collected in 2019 and 2020 from 479 third‐ and fourth‐year dental students (overall response rate 28.3%). Respondents ranged in age from under 23 to over age 50. Ninety‐five percent of respondents considered YouTube videos on clinical procedures to be a helpful learning tool, and 89% would like for their dental school to post tutorials to YouTube/social media. No statistically significant differences were found between dental institutions; however, a statistically significant difference between third‐ and fourth‐year students did exist regarding the frequency of YouTube use. While the use of YouTube as a learning tool for clinical procedures is high, 36% of students are uncertain about the evidence‐base of the videos.

Conclusions

As dental students use publicly available resources as adjuncts to the dental curriculum, it is important to analyze the quality of the material accessed. These findings may suggest a need for dental institutions to increase the development of evidence‐based instructional videos as a part of their clinical educational curriculums.
RAC2 and primary human immune deficiencies
Authors: Lougaris Vassilios , Baronio Manuela , Gazzurelli Luisa , Benvenuto Alessio , Plebani Alessandro
Published: June 2020

RAC2 is a GTPase that is exclusively expressed in hematopoietic cells. Animal models have suggested important roles for RAC2 in the biology of different cell types, such as neutrophils and lymphocytes. Primary immunodeficiencies represent “experimentum naturae” and offer priceless insight on the function of the human immune system. Mutations in RAC2 have been identified in a small number of patients giving rise to different forms of primary immunodeficiencies ranging from granulocyte defects caused by dominant negative mutations to combined immunodeficiency due to dominant activating mutations. This review will focus on the clinical and immunologic phenotype of patients with germline mutations in RAC2.
Ab initio calculation of the proton transfer reaction rate coefficients to volatile organic compounds related to cork taint in wine
Authors: Bhatia Manjeet , Biasioli Franco , Cappellin Luca , Piseri Paolo , Manini Nicola
Published: June 2020

We compute the proton transfer rates to a range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) related to cork taint in wine. These rates are useful to support quantification in proton‐transfer‐reaction mass spectrometry (PTR‐MS) and in selected‐ion flow‐tube mass spectrometry (SIFT‐MS). We apply the average dipole orientation theory and the parameterized trajectory method to evaluate the rate coefficients for proton transfer occurring in ion–molecule collision, from both H3O+ and NH
to the VOCs. The main input ingredients for these methods are the electric dipole moment and polarizability of the VOC molecules, which we evaluate by means of quantum chemical calculations based on density functional theory. We provide new data for proton transfer rate coefficients of compounds responsible for cork taint and off‐flavor in wine such as chloroanisoles, bromoanisoles, methylisoborneol, guaiacol, and terpenes.
Role of 5‐HT1A and 5‐HT3 receptors in serotonergic activation of sensory neurons in relation to itch and pain behavior in the rat
Authors: Domocos Dan , Selescu Tudor , Ceafalan Laura Cristina , Iodi Carstens Mirela , Carstens Earl , Babes Alexandru
Published: June 2020

Serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine, 5‐HT) released by platelets, mast cells, and immunocytes is a potent inflammatory mediator which modulates pain and itch sensing in the peripheral nervous system. The serotonergic receptors expressed by primary afferent neurons involved in these sensory functions are not fully identified and appear to be to a large extent species dependent. Moreover, the mechanisms through which 5‐HT receptor activation is coupled to changes in neuronal excitability have not been completely revealed. Using a combination of in vitro (calcium and voltage imaging and patch‐clamp) and in vivo behavioral methods, we used both male and female Wistar rats to provide evidence for the involvement of two 5‐HT receptor subtypes, 5‐HT1A and 5‐HT3, in mediating the sustained and transient effects, respectively, of 5‐HT on rat primary afferent neurons involved in pain and itch processing. In addition, our results are consistent with a model in which sustained serotonergic responses triggered via the 5‐HT1A receptor are due to closure of background potassium channels, followed by membrane depolarization and action potentials, during which the activation of voltage‐gated calcium channels leads to calcium entry. Our results may provide a better understanding of mammalian serotonergic itch signaling.
Hydrological changes during the Roman Climatic Optimum in northern Tuscany (Central Italy) as evidenced by speleothem records and archaeological data
Authors: Bini M. , Zanchetta G. , Regattieri E. , Isola I. , Drysdale R. N. , Fabiani F. , Genovesi S. , Hellstrom J. C.
Published: June 2020

Study of the climate in the Mediterranean basin during different historical periods has taken on a particular importance, particularly regarding its role (together with other factors) in the evolution of human settlement patterns. Although the Roman age is traditionally considered a period with a favourable climate, recent studies have revealed considerable complexity in terms of regional climate variations. In this paper, we compare the hydrological change from speleothem proxy records with flood reconstructions from archaeological sites for Northern Tuscany (central Italy). We identify a period of oscillating climatic conditions culminating in a multidecadal dry event during the 1st century bc, followed by a century of increased precipitation at the beginning of the Roman Empire and subsequently a return to drier conditions in the 2nd century ad. The period of rainfall increase documented by the speleothems agrees with both the archaeological flood record as well as historical flood data available for the Tiber River, ca. 300 km to the south. These data also suggest a return to wetter conditions following the 3nd and 4rd centuries ad.
Conjugation of ferulic acid onto pectin affected the physicochemical, functional and antioxidant properties
Authors: Wang Chun , Cai Wu‐Dan , Yao Jing , Wu Li‐Xia , Li Lin , Zhu Jie , Yan Jing‐Kun
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Pectin, as a functional ingredient, is best known as a gelling and thickening agent, stabilizer, and fat substitute in processed foods. The synthesis of pectin graft copolymers is considered one of the most fascinating ways to improve its physicochemical and functional properties. In this study, therefore, water‐soluble pectin or ultrasound‐treated pectins (UP30 and UP60) grafted with ferulic acid (FA) conjugates, pectin‐g‐FA, UP30‐g‐FA and UP60‐g‐FA, were synthesized via a free radical‐mediated grafting procedure, and their physicochemical, structural, and functional characteristics were investigated. Moreover, 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picryl‐hydrazyl (DPPH)‐radical scavenging activity, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay and ferric‐reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) assay were used to evaluate their antioxidant activities in vitro.

RESULTS

Results showed that FA was covalently grafted onto pectin or ultrasound‐treated pectins, and the grafting ratios of pectin‐g‐FA, UP30‐g‐FA and UP60‐g‐FA were 65.43 ± 1.30, 82.55 ± 1.71 and 75.82 ± 0.89 mg FA/g, respectively. Although the molecular weights, apparent viscosities, and thermal stabilities of the three FA‐grafted pectin conjugates decreased and their surface morphologies were different from those of native pectin and ultrasound‐treated pectins, they possessed prominent DPPH‐radical scavenging ability [half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.32 to 0.89 mg mL−1) and antioxidant capacity (TEAC of 100.02 to 153.42 μmol Trolox/g sample; FRAP: 166.41 to 270.27 μmol FeSO4/g sample). Their antioxidant potentials were positively correlated with the grafting ratio.

CONCLUSION

This study provided a promising strategy for the functionalization of pectin, and the prepared FA‐grafted pectin conjugates could be explored as functional ingredients that showed potential for applications in food and agriculture systems. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Vertical niche definition of test‐bearing protists (Rhizaria) into the twilight zone revealed by in situ imaging
Authors: Biard Tristan , Ohman Mark D.
Published: June 2020

The Rhizaria is a super‐group of amoeboid protists with ubiquitous distributions, from the euphotic zone to the twilight zone and beyond. While rhizarians have been recently described as important contributors to both biogenic silica and carbon fluxes, we lack the most basic information about their ecological habitats and preferences. Here, using in situ imaging (Underwater Vision Profiler 5), we characterize the vertical ecological niches of different test‐bearing pelagic rhizarian taxa in the southernCalifornia Current Ecosystem. We define three vertical layers between 0 and 500 m occupied, respectively, by (1) surface dwelling and mostly symbiont‐bearing rhizarians (Acantharia and Collodaria), (2) flux‐feeding phaeodarians in the lower epipelagic (100–200 m), and (3) Foraminifera and Phaeodaria populations adjacent to the oxygen minimum zone. We then use Generalized Additive Models to analyze the response of each rhizarian category to a suite of environmental variables. The models explain between 9% and 93% of the total variance observed for the different groups. While temperature and the depth of the deep chlorophyll maximum appear as the main abiotic factors influencing populations in the upper 200 m, dissolved silicon concentration is related to the abundance of mesopelagic phaeodarians, though it explains only a portion of the variance. The importance of biotic interactions (e.g., prey availability, predation, parasitism, symbiosis) is still to be considered, in order to fully incorporate the dynamics of test‐bearing pelagic rhizarians in ecological and biogeochemical models.
Annual patterns in phytoplankton phenology in Antarctic coastal waters explained by environmental drivers
Authors: van Leeuwe Maria A. , Webb Alison L. , Venables Hugh J. , Visser Ronald J.W. , Meredith Mike P. , Elzenga J. Theo M. , Stefels Jacqueline
Published: June 2020

Coastal zones of Antarctica harbor rich but highly variable phytoplankton communities. The mechanisms that control the dynamics of these communities are not well defined. Here we elucidate the mechanisms that drive seasonal species succession, based on algal photophysiological characteristics and environmental factors. For this, phytoplankton community structure together with oceanographic parameters was studied over a 5‐year period (2012–2017) at Rothera Station at Ryder Bay (Western Antarctic Peninsula). Algal pigment patterns and photophysiological studies based on fluorescence analyses were combined with data from the Rothera Time‐Series program. Considerable interannual variation was observed, related to variations in wind‐mixing, ice cover and an El Niño event. Clear patterns in the succession of algal classes became manifest when combining the data collected over the five successive years. In spring, autotrophic flagellates with a high light affinity were the first to profit from increasing light and sea ice melt. These algae most likely originated from sea‐ice communities, stressing the role of sea ice as a seeding vector for the spring bloom. Diatoms became dominant towards summer in more stratified and warmer surface waters. These communities displayed significantly lower photoflexibility than spring communities. There are strong indications for mixotrophy in cryptophytes, which would explain much of their apparently random occurrence. Climate models predict continuing retreat of Antarctic sea‐ice during the course of this century. For the near‐future we predict that the marginal sea‐ice zone will still harbor significant communities of haptophytes and chlorophytes, whereas increasing temperatures will mainly be beneficial for diatoms.
Noninvasive Assessment of Mycotic Nail Tissue Using an Ultraviolet Fluorescence Excitation Imaging System
Authors: Ortner Vinzent Kevin , Franco Walfre , Haedersdal Merete , Philipsen Peter Alshede
Published: June 2020

Background and Objectives

Mycological diagnosis of onychomycosis is based on direct microscopy using external fluorophores to visualize fungal tissue in nail samples and agar culture. Ultraviolet fluorescence excitation imaging (u‐FEI) has shown potential in monitoring biological processes by exploiting variations in autofluorescence. This study aimed at assessing the potential of a handheld u‐FEI system as a practical screening tool for fungal nail infections.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Ninety samples from 29 patients with microscopy‐confirmed fungal infection and 10 control samples from healthy participants were collected (n = 100). Using a prototype u‐FEI system (single bandpass 25 mm filter with a central pass wavelength of 340 nm and a bandwidth of 12 nm, 295 nm excitation flash, resolution of 640 × 480), images of all samples were acquired under standardized conditions. Average and maximum fluorescence intensity image values in arbitrary units (AU) of manually delineated regions of interests were quantitated and statistically assessed for significant differences between healthy and mycotic samples.

Results

UV‐images clearly depicted all 100 nail samples, with a visibly stronger signal in infected samples. Statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) in signal intensity between mycotic samples and healthy controls were observed for maximum and average fluorescence values. Mean fluorescence values of onychomycotic samples showed 23.9% higher maximum (mycotic: 34.9 AU [standard deviation [SD] 4.7]; healthy: 28.2 AU [SD 1.9]) and 10.2% higher average (mycotic: 27.6 AU [SD 2.0]; healthy: 25.0 AU [SD 0.7]) signal intensity values. Receiver operating characteristic curves demonstrated excellent discriminatory ability (area under the curve > 0.9). Analysis of fluorescence measurements of the reference standard demonstrated very low variation (coefficient of variation = 0.62%)

Conclusion

Quantitation of u‐FEI intensities enables differentiation between healthy and mycotic nail samples, constituting a potential point‐of‐care tool for cost‐effective screening for onychomycosis at a primary care level. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Carboxymethyl Cellulose‐Coated Tacrolimus Nonspherical Microcrystals for Improved Therapeutic Efficacy of Dry Eye
Authors: Zhang Caijie , Zheng Yingying , Li Min , Zhang Zhongfang , Chang Lianqing , Ai Mingyue , Wang Jingjie , Zhao Shaozhen , Li Chen , Zhou Zhimin
Published: June 2020

Dry eye (DE) is a highly prevalent ocular surface disease which affects the quality of life and results in low working efficiency. Frequent instillation is required due to low bioavailability of conventional eye drops. The aim of this study is to develop a novel formulation of tacrolimus (TAC), routinely prescribed for DE, by combination of the microcrystal technology and layer‐by‐layer assembly. First, nonspherical tacrolimus microcrystals (TAC MCs) are synthesized by antisolvent‐induced precipitation. These TAC MCs are modified by alternate deposition of poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) subsequently to obtain CMC‐coated TAC MCs (TAC‐(PAH/CMC)3). The resultant formulations are evaluated in vivo in a mouse DE model induced by an intelligently controlled environmental system. Compared with commercially available TAC eye drops and the TAC MCs counterpart, TAC‐(PAH/CMC)3 exhibits superior therapeutic performance with reduced drug instillation frequency, which is attributed to the nonspherical geometry of MCs, the lubricant, mucoadhesive effect of CMC, and the anti‐inflammatory function of TAC. Therefore, TAC‐(PAH/CMC)3 represents a better option for the management of DE.
Genomic insights into a plant growth‐promoting Pseudomonas koreensis strain with cyclic lipopeptide‐mediated antifungal activity
Authors: Gu Yilin , Ma Yi‐Nan , Wang Jing , Xia Zhenyuan , Wei Hai‐Lei
Published: June 2020

Strain S150 was isolated from the tobacco rhizosphere as a plant growth‐promoting rhizobacterium. It increased plant fresh weight significantly and lateral root development, and it antagonized plant pathogenic fungi but not phytobacteria. Further tests showed that strain S150 solubilized organic phosphate and produced ammonia, siderophore, protease, amylase, and cellulase, but it did not produce indole‐3‐acetic acid. Using morphology, physiological characteristics, and multi‐locus sequence analysis, strain S150 was identified as Pseudomonas koreensis. The complete genome of strain S150 was sequenced, and it showed a single circular chromosome of 6,304,843 bp with a 61.09% G + C content. The bacterial genome contained 5,454 predicted genes that occupied 87.7% of the genome. Venn diagrams of the identified orthologous clusters of P. koreensis S150 with the other three sequenced P. koreensis strains revealed up to 4,167 homologous gene clusters that were shared among them, and 21 orthologous clusters were only present in the genome of strain S150. Genome mining of the bacterium P. koreensis S150 showed that the strain possessed 10 biosynthetic gene clusters for secondary metabolites, which included four clusters of non‐ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) involved in the biosynthesis of cyclic lipopeptides (CLPs). One of the NRPSs possibly encoded lokisin, a cyclic lipopeptide produced by fluorescent Pseudomonas. Genomic mutation of the lokA gene, which is one of the three structural NRPS genes for lokisin in strain S150, led to a deficiency in fungal antagonism that could be restored fully by gene complementation. The results suggested that P. koreensis S150 is a novel plant growth‐promoting agent with specific cyclic lipopeptides and contains a lokisin‐encoding gene cluster that is dominant against plant fungal pathogens.
RETRACTED: Haplotypic diversity and population genetic study of a population in Kashi region by 27 Y‐chromosomal short tandem repeat loci
Authors: Liu Yaoshun , Jin Xiaoyue , Guo Yuxi , Zhang Xingrui , Zhu Wu , Zhang Wenli , Mei Ting
Published: June 2020

Background

Y‐chromosomal short tandem repeats (Y‐STRs) have been certified to be the serviceable markers for some paternity cases in the last few years.

Methods

We presented the gene diversity, haplotypic diversity, and forensic statistical parameters of 340 unrelated Uighur males from Kashi region based on the 27 Y‐STRs. Genomic DNA was extracted from bloodstain samples using the Chelex‐100 method and amplified by Yfiler® Plus PCR Amplification kit.

Results

Gene diversity values on the 27 Y‐STRs ranged from 0.4749 (at DYS437 locus) to 0.9416 (at DYS385a,b loci). According to forensic parameters of the 27 Y‐STR loci, 295 disparate haplotypes were acquired, 258 of which were unique. The haplotypic diversities and discrimination capacities at Yfiler plus 27 loci, Yfiler 17 loci, extended 11 loci, and minimal 9 loci were 0.9990 and 0.8676; 0.9961 and 0.6912; 0.9952 and 0.5941; and 0.9919 and 0.5676, respectively. Multidimensional scaling plot and neighbor‐joining tree between the studied Uighur group and 17 reference populations were conducted, and the obtained results indicated the Kashi Uighur group had the closer genetic relationships with Uighur groups living in different regions.

Conclusion

To sum up, the present study may provide valuable population data and background information of Kashi Uighur group.
Retracted: LncRNA SNHG4 promotes osteosarcoma proliferation and migration by sponging miR‐377‐3p
Authors: Huang Yi‐Feng , Lu Lei , Shen Hai‐Liang , Lu Xin‐Xiang
Published: June 2020

Background

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified as crucial regulatory factors in the occurrence and progression of osteosarcoma.

Methods

Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction was used for detecting small nucleolar RNA host gene 4 (SNHG4) and miR‐377‐3p in osteosarcoma cells and tissues. Kaplan–Meier method was applied for evaluating the association between SNHG4 expression and the overall survival of osteosarcoma patients. CCK8, EdU, flow cytometry, and transwell assay were performed to examine the cell proliferation, apoptosis, cycle, and migration of osteosarcoma cells.

Results

In our study, we found that lncRNA SNHG4 was highly expressed in osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines. Additionally, the SNHG4 expression was related to distant metastasis, TNM stage, and survival of osteosarcoma patients. Through SNHG4 knockdown, the proliferation of osteosarcoma cells was considerably restrained and the cell apoptosis was induced in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, downregulated SNHG4 inhibited the cell migration and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition in HOS and MG63 cells. In mechanism, we found that SNHG4 acts as a competing endogenous RNA to sponge miR‐377‐3p, which is downregulated in osteosarcoma. Our results showed that there is a negative correlation between SNHG4 and miR‐377‐3p expression in osteosarcoma patients.

Conclusion

Taken together, SNHG4 promotes cell proliferation and migration by sponging miR‐377‐3p in osteosarcoma.
Serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) variation and sensory processing sensitivity—Comparison with other anxiety‐related temperamental dimensions
Authors: Licht Cecilie L. , Mortensen Erik L. , Hjordt Liv V. , Stenbæk Dea S. , Arentzen Tine E. , Nørremølle Anne , Knudsen Gitte M.
Published: June 2020

Background

The short (s) allele of the 5‐HTTLPR polymorphism in the promoter region of the human serotonin transporter (5‐HTT) gene SLC6A4 has previously been associated with anxiety‐related personality dimensions. However, this relationship has not been confirmed in all studies and may be modified by environmental circumstances and/or psychiatric illness. This study examined whether the temperamental trait sensory processing sensitivity (SPS), characterized by increased responsivity to environmental stimuli, is related to 5‐HTTLPR/rs25531 genotype.

Methods

5‐HTTLPR and rs25531 genotypes, level of SPS, self‐reported Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO‐PI‐R) and Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) personality profiles, and symptoms of psychological distress (SCL‐90R Global Severity Index) were determined for 405 healthy volunteers.

Results

Sensory processing sensitivity was highly correlated with the anxiety‐related dimensions of the NEO‐PI‐R and the TCI models of personality, Neuroticism, and Harm Avoidance, respectively. However, the level of SPS was not associated with the combined 5‐HTTLPR and rs25531 s′/s′ genotype. Neuroticism and Harm Avoidance were also not associated with 5‐HTTLPR/rs25531 s′/s′ genotype. Correcting for symptoms of psychological distress had no effect on the relationships between personality and genotype.

Conclusion

The level of SPS was not associated with serotonin transporter gene variation. Further, combined 5‐HTTLPR and rs25531 genotype was not associated with other anxiety‐related dimensions.
MHD buoyancy‐driven flow in a nanoliquid filled‐square enclosure divided by a solid conductive wall
Authors: Tayebi Tahar , Chamkha Ali J.
Published: June 2020

This study is an attempt to understand the characteristics of heat transfer and flow by natural convection of Cu/H2O‐based nanoliquid filled‐square domain exposed to a horizontal magnetic field and containing various configurations of a conductive wall. The buoyancy‐driven flow inside the enclosure is activated by a horizontal temperature gradient between the two side vertical walls. A numerical solution of the governing equations in the dimensionless form is performed using the technique of finite volume discretization. The Corcione correlations are used to estimate the overall thermal conductivity and viscosity of the nanoliquid taking the regard the nanoparticle's Brownian motion. Impacts of diverse parameters of the study such as copper nanoparticles volumic concentration, Hartmann number, Rayleigh number, heat conductivity ratio, relative wall thickness, and its relative location on the thermos‐hydrodynamic characteristic are examined. The results indicated that the combined effects of the different configurations of the vertical conducting wall and other pertinent parameters can be an effective means in controlling flow characteristics and heat transfer rate within the system.
Shadow economy, corruption, and tax performance: A study of BRICS
Authors: Neog Yadawananda , Gaur Achal Kumar
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we analyse the effects of economic and political variables on tax revenue performance of BRICS for the period 1996–2017. After checking unit root and cointegration of the variables, this study employs fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS) to investigate long‐run impacts of the explanatory variables. Empirical results suggest us that, economic development, trade openness and control of corruption are revenue‐enhancing factors for BRICS, whereas the agriculture sector discourages the tax revenue performance. However, the size of the shadow economy in BRICS undermines the productive implication of corruption control and economic development in revenue generation. Based on the results, few policy options are also discussed in this paper.
Rivaroxaban was found to be noninferior to warfarin in routine clinical care: A retrospective noninferiority cohort replication study
Authors: Althunian Turki A. , de Boer Anthonius , Groenwold Rolf H. H. , Rengerink Katrien O. , Souverein Patrick C. , Klungel Olaf H.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To compare the effectiveness and safety of a drug in daily practice with the outcomes of a target non‐inferiority trial by rigorously mimickingin an observational study the trial's design features.

Methods

This cohort study was conducted using the British Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) to emulate the ROCKET AF (Rivaroxaban Once Daily Oral Direct Factor Xa Inhibition Compared with Vitamin K Antagonism for Prevention of Stroke and Embolism Trial in Atrial Fibrillation) trial. Patients with atrial fibrillation who were newly prescribed (>=12 months of no use) either rivaroxaban or warfarinfrom October 2008 to December 2017 were included. Non‐inferiority of rivaroxaban to warfarin in the prevention of stroke or systemic embolism was assessed in different analysis populations (intention‐to‐treat [ITT], per‐protocol [PP], and as‐treated populations) using a hazardratio (HR) of 1.46 as the non‐inferiority margin. Major bleeding (safety outcome) was also assessed and compared to that of the target trial. All outcomes were analyzed using Cox‐proportional hazard analyses.

Results

We included 25,473 incident users of rivaroxaban (n=4,008) or warfarin(n=21,465). Similar to the trial, non‐inferiority in the primary out come was demonstrated in all three analysis populations: HR=1.04 (95%CI 0.84 to 1.30) (ITT), HR=0.98 (95%CI 0.70 to 1.38) (PP), and HR=1.11 (95%CI 0.86 to 1.42) (as‐treated). Risk of major bleeding was also similar to the target trial.

Conclusion

The results of this study provide supportive evidence to the effectiveness of rivaroxaban and adds knowledge on the usefulness of emulating a non‐inferiority trial to assess drug effectiveness.
Bearing‐only control of directed cycle formations: Almost global convergence and hardware implementation
Authors: Ko Gwihan , Hoang Trinh Minh , Ahn Hyo‐Sung
Published: June 2020

In this article, we study bearing‐only control of directed cyclic formations. First, we provide a necessary and sufficient condition on the bearing constraints so that the directed cycle formation of n‐agents in (n−1)‐dimensional space is infinitesimally bearing rigid. Second, a bearing‐only control law which only allows motions perpendicular to the desired bearing vector is proposed. Under this control law, the agents globally asymptotically converge to a desired formation which is fully determined from their initial positions and desired bearing vectors. Finally, the proposed formation control law is implemented on mobile robots to support the analysis.
A Glucose/Oxygen‐Exhausting Nanoreactor for Starvation‐ and Hypoxia‐Activated Sustainable and Cascade Chemo‐Chemodynamic Therapy
Authors: Guo Yuxin , Jia Hao‐Ran , Zhang Xiaodong , Zhang Xinping , Sun Qing , Wang Shao‐Zhe , Zhao Jing , Wu Fu‐Gen
Published: June 2020

Fenton reaction‐mediated chemodynamic therapy (CDT) can kill cancer cells via the conversion of H2O2 to highly toxic HO•. However, problems such as insufficient H2O2 levels in the tumor tissue and low Fenton reaction efficiency severely limit the performance of CDT. Here, the prodrug tirapazamine (TPZ)‐loaded human serum albumin (HSA)–glucose oxidase (GOx) mixture is prepared and modified with a metal–polyphenol network composed of ferric ions (Fe3+) and tannic acid (TA), to obtain a self‐amplified nanoreactor termed HSA–GOx–TPZ–Fe3+–TA (HGTFT) for sustainable and cascade cancer therapy with exogenous H2O2 production and TA‐accelerated Fe3+/Fe2+ conversion. The HGTFT nanoreactor can efficiently convert oxygen into HO• for CDT, consume glucose for starvation therapy, and provide a hypoxic environment for TPZ radical‐mediated chemotherapy. Besides, it is revealed that the nanoreactor can significantly elevate the intracellular reactive oxygen species content and hypoxia level, decrease the intracellular glutathione content, and release metal ions in the tumors for metal ion interference therapy (also termed “ion‐interference therapy” or “metal ion therapy”). Further, the nanoreactor can also increase the tumor’s hypoxia level and efficiently inhibit tumor growth. It is believed that this tumor microenvironment‐regulable nanoreactor with sustainable and cascade anticancer performance and excellent biosafety represents an advance in nanomedicine.
Intelligent supply chain performance measurement in Industry 4.0
Authors: Xie Yongping , Yin Yixuan , Xue Wei , Shi Hui , Chong Dazhi
Published: June 2020

The concept of Industry 4.0 has been widely recognized by the world since its introduction in 2011 Hannover Industrial Expo. Industry 4.0 strategy does not only revolutionize the manufacturing system and processes but also lead to the formation of the intelligent supply chain. Currently, Industry 4.0‐based intelligent supply chain has attracted a lot of attention from academia; however, studies on performance measurement indicator of intelligent supply chain are still lacking. To fill this gap, this paper first introduces the impact of Industry 4.0 on supply chain management. After analysing key characteristics of intelligent supply chain, the paper proposes a performance measurement indicator framework consisting of seven indicators. This indicator framework enriches the theoretical knowledge of supply chain performance evaluation and provides an efficient way to improve the operational performance of intelligent supply chain management.
Improving preclinical to clinical translation in Alzheimer's disease research
Authors: Sukoff Rizzo Stacey J. , Masters Andi , Onos Kristen D. , Quinney Sara , Sasner Michael , Oblak Adrian , Lamb Bruce T. , Territo Paul R ,   for the MODEL‐AD consortium
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Preclinical testing in animal models is a critical component of the drug discovery and development process. While hundreds of interventions have demonstrated preclinical efficacy for ameliorating cognitive impairments in animal models, none have confirmed efficacy in Alzheimer's disease (AD) clinical trials. Critically this lack of translation to the clinic points in part to issues with the animal models, the preclinical assays used, and lack of scientific rigor and reproducibility during execution. In an effort to improve this translation, the Preclinical Testing Core (PTC) of the Model Organism Development and Evaluation for Late‐onset AD (MODEL‐AD) consortium has established a rigorous screening strategy with go/no‐go decision points that permits unbiased assessments of therapeutic agents.

Methods

An initial screen evaluates drug stability, formulation, and pharmacokinetics (PK) to confirm appreciable brain exposure in the disease model at the pathologically relevant ages, followed by pharmacodynamics (PD) and predictive PK/PD modeling to inform the dose regimen for long‐term studies. The secondary screen evaluates target engagement and disease modifying activity using non‐invasive positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI). Provided the compound meets its “go” criteria for these endpoints, evaluation for efficacy on behavioral endpoints are conducted.

Results

Validation of this pipeline using tool compounds revealed the importance of critical quality control (QC) steps that researchers need to be aware of when executing preclinical studies. These include confirmation of the active pharmaceutical ingredient and at the precise concentration expected; and an experimental design that is well powered and in line with the Animal Research Reporting of In vivo Experiments (ARRIVE) guidelines.

Discussion

Taken together our experience executing a rigorous screening strategy with QC checkpoints provides insight to the challenges of conducting translational studies in animal models. The PTC pipeline is a National Institute on Aging (NIA)‐supported resource accessible to the research community for investigators to nominate compounds for testing (https://stopadportal.synapse.org/), and these resources will ultimately enable better translational studies to be conducted.
Comparison of Cox proportional hazards regression and generalized Cox regression models applied in dementia risk prediction
Authors: Goerdten Jantje , Carrière Isabelle , Muniz‐Terrera Graciela
Published: June 2020

Introduction

The frequently used Cox regression applies two critical assumptions, which might not hold for all predictors. In this study, the results from a Cox regression model (CM) and a generalized Cox regression model (GCM) are compared.

Methods

Data are from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), which includes approximately 140,000 individuals aged 50 or older followed over seven waves. CMs and GCMs are used to estimate dementia risk. The results are internally and externally validated.

Results

None of the predictors included in the analyses fulfilled the assumptions of Cox regression. Both models predict dementia moderately well (10‐year risk: 0.737; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.699, 0.773; CM and 0.746; 95% CI: 0.710, 0.785; GCM).

Discussion

The GCM performs significantly better than the CM when comparing pseudo‐R2 and the log‐likelihood. GCMs enable researcher to test the assumptions used by Cox regression independently and relax these assumptions if necessary.
Understanding HPC Benchmark Performance on Intel Broadwell and Cascade Lake Processors
Authors: Alappat Christie L. , Hofmann Johannes , Hager Georg , Fehske Holger , Bishop Alan R. , Wellein Gerhard
Published: June 2020

Hardware platforms in high performance computing are constantly getting more complex to handle even when considering multicore CPUs alone. Numerous features and configuration options in the hardware and the software environment that are relevant for performance are not even known to most application users or developers. Microbenchmarks, i.e., simple codes that fathom a particular aspect of the hardware, can help to shed light on such issues, but only if they are well understood and if the results can be reconciled with known facts or performance models. The insight gained from microbenchmarks may then be applied to real applications for performance analysis or optimization. In this paper we investigate two modern Intel x86 server CPU architectures in depth: Broadwell EP and Cascade Lake SP. We highlight relevant hardware configuration settings that can have a decisive impact on code performance and show how to properly measure on-chip and off-chip data transfer bandwidths. The new victim L3 cache of Cascade Lake and its advanced replacement policy receive due attention. Finally we use DGEMM, sparse matrix-vector multiplication, and the HPCG benchmark to make a connection to relevant application scenarios.
Scalable Hierarchical Aggregation and Reduction Protocol (SHARP)TM Streaming-Aggregation Hardware Design and Evaluation
Authors: Graham Richard L. , Levi Lion , Burredy Devendar , Bloch Gil , Shainer Gilad , Cho David , Elias George , Klein Daniel , Ladd Joshua , Maor Ophir , Marelli Ami , Petrov Valentin , Romlet Evyatar , Qin Yong , Zemah Ido
Published: June 2020

This paper describes the new hardware-based streaming-aggregation capability added to Mellanox’s Scalable Hierarchical Aggregation and Reduction Protocol in its HDR InfiniBand switches. For large messages, this capability is designed to achieve reduction bandwidths similar to those of point-to-point messages of the same size, and complements the latency-optimized low-latency aggregation reduction capabilities, aimed at small data reductions. MPI_Allreduce() bandwidth measured on an HDR InfiniBand based system achieves about 95% of network bandwidth. For medium and large data reduction this also improves the reduction bandwidth by a factor of 2–5 relative to host-based (e.g., software-based) reduction algorithms. Using this capability also increased DL-Poly and PyTorch application performance by as much as 4% and 18%, respectively. This paper describes SHARP Streaming-Aggregation hardware architecture and a set of synthetic and application benchmarks used to study this new reduction capability, and the range of data sizes for which Streaming-Aggregation performs better than the low-latency aggregation algorithm.
Muon g − 2 and scalar leptoquark mixing
Authors: Doršner Ilja , Fajfer Svjetlana , Sumensari Olcyr
Published: June 2020

Abstract

The observed muon anomalous magnetic moment deviates from the Standard Model predictions. There are two scalar leptoquarks with simultaneous couplings to the quark-muon pairs of both chiralities that can singly explain this discrepancy. We discuss an alternative mechanism that calls for the mixing of two scalar leptoquarks of the same electric charge through the interaction with the Higgs field, where the two leptoquarks separately couple to the quark-muon pairs of opposite chirality structures. Three scenarios that satisfy this requirement are S
1 & S
3,

$$ {\tilde{S}}_1 $$

S
˜

1

& S
3, and

$$ {\tilde{R}}_2 $$

R
˜

2

& R
2, where the first scenario is realised with the up-type quarks running in the loops while the other two scenarios proceed through the down-type quark loops. We introduce only two non-zero Yukawa couplings to the relevant quarks and a muon, at the time, to study ability of these three scenarios to explain (g − 2)
μ
and be in accord with available experimental constraints. We find that the S
1 & S
3 scenario with the top-quark loops is consistent with all existing measurements. The

$$ {\tilde{S}}_1 $$

S
˜

1

& S
3 and

$$ {\tilde{R}}_2 $$

R
˜

2

& R
2 scenarios can accommodate the observed discrepancy through the bottom-quark loops but exhibit significant tension with the existing data on the high-p

T
dilepton-tails at LHC for the required values of Yukawa couplings and leptoquark masses.
Bootstraps to strings: solving random matrix models with positivity
Authors: Lin Henry W.
Published: June 2020

Abstract

A new approach to solving random matrix models directly in the large N limit is developed. First, a set of numerical values for some low-pt correlation functions is guessed. The large N loop equations are then used to generate values of higher-pt correlation functions based on this guess. Then one tests whether these higher-pt functions are consistent with positivity requirements, e.g., (tr M
2k

) ≥ 0. If not, the guessed values are systematically ruled out. In this way, one can constrain the correlation functions of random matrices to a tiny subregion which contains (and perhaps converges to) the true solution. This approach is tested on single and multi-matrix models and handily reproduces known solutions. It also produces strong results for multi-matrix models which are not believed to be solvable. A tantalizing possibility is that this method could be used to search for new critical points, or string worldsheet theories.
Prospects of light sterile neutrino searches in long-baseline neutrino oscillations
Authors: Reyimuaji Yakefu , Liu Chun
Published: June 2020

Abstract

The neutrino oscillation probabilities in vacuum and matter are discussed, considering the framework of three active and one light sterile neutrinos. We study in detail the rephasing invariants and CP asymmetry observables, and investigate the four-neutrino oscillations in long-baseline neutrino experiments, such as DUNE, NOνA and T2HK. Our results show that the matter effect enhances quite a significantly the oscillation probabilities of electron neutrino and electron antineutrino appearance channels within a certain energy range, while no considerable change arises in the CP asymmetry analysis due to the matter effect. Moreover, separation between the results with and without the sterile neutrino is not so significant and that is also affected by CP-violating phases. Comparing the results for these three experiments, all of them have similar features, nevertheless, sizes and separations of the oscillation probabilities in DUNE are bit larger.
Die Einführung der Antipsychotika an der Neurologisch-Psychiatrischen Klinik der Universität Leipzig und ihre Auswirkungen auf andere Therapieformen sowie auf die Verweildauern und Verlegungen
Authors: Oeser Christian , Steinberg Holger
Published: June 2020

Ziel

Die Auswirkungen der Einführung der Antipsychotika auf die psychiatrische Versorgung in einer Klinik sollen erstmals überhaupt untersucht werden – konkret in der Neurologisch-Psychiatrischen Klinik der Universität Leipzig von 1946 bis 1965.

Forschungsfragen

Zu welchem Zeitpunkt wurden welche Antipsychotika erstmals eingesetzt, in welchem Umfang und wie wirkte sich dies auf den Einsatz der traditionellen Therapieformen aus.

Material und Methode

Nach psychopathologischen Kriterien wurden 306 Fälle aus dem Bestand an Patientenakten aus dem Archiv der Klinik ausgewählt und anhand der Fragestellungen systematisch erfasst.

Ergebnisse

Der Einsatz der Antipsychotika begann ab 1953 mit zunehmender Häufigkeit und Dauer. Traditionelle Therapien und Antipsychotika wurden häufig in Kombination eingesetzt. Insbesondere der Einsatz von Antipsychotika und Elektrokrampftherapie stellte die neue Basistherapie dar. Eine Herabsenkung der Verweildauer konnte nicht nachgewiesen werden. Ab 1955 erfolgten jedoch weniger Verlegungen in die Landesheilanstalten und mehr Patienten konnten als „gebessert“ in die Häuslichkeit entlassen werden. Ab 1961 konnten erste Vermerke zu Entlassungsmedikationen gefunden werden und es fanden sich Hinweise auf ambulant durchgeführte Behandlungen wie z. B. auch Krampftherapien.

Diskussion

Die Erleichterung der psychischen Rehabilitation durch die Antipsychotika kann nicht direkt belegt werden, jedoch liegt es nahe, dass die Gabe über eine zeitlich begrenzte „Kur“ hinaus zu dieser Entwicklung und auch zur Etablierung ambulanter Strukturen beigetragen haben. Somit konnte sowohl ein Einschnitt in der psychiatrischen Behandlung als auch ein Wandel für die Patienten selbst ausgemacht werden.