bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reevaluation of lymphovascular invasion in gastric cancer using endothelial markers D2‐40 and EVG: Enhanced detection, better predictor of lymph node metastasis and biological aggressiveness
Authors: Liu Jingdong , Li Haojie , Zhou Peng , Cai Tianyi , Tang Zhaoqing , Wang Yan , Cui Yuehong , Sun Yihong , Wang Xuefei
Published: March 2021

Background and Objectives

The diagnosis of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) is often inaccurate with routine histology. This study aimed to evaluate the use of immunohistochemistry (IHC) in detecting LVI and reevaluate the clinical implications of LVI in gastric cancer.

Methods

This prospective unrandomized cohort study analyzed the rates of LVI positivity and its relevance with other clinicopathologic features.

Results

Between November 2017 and April 2018, 558 patients undergoing curative gastrectomy were enrolled and assigned to the IHC group (n = 285) and hematoxylin–eosin group (n = 273). The use of IHC increased the rates of LVI positivity (60.8% vs. 43.3%, p < .001) and decreased the rates of undetermined LVI subtype (7.7% vs. 27.1%, p < .001). The LVI‐negative patients identified by IHC had fewer lymph node metastases (16.8% vs. 34.6%, p = .002) and earlier pathological stage (p = .004) than those identified by routine histology. The LVI‐positive patients identified by IHC had a higher percentage of perineural invasion (p = .019).

Conclusions

The use of endothelial markers significantly enhanced the detection of LVI. The LVI detected by IHC could be a better predictor of lymph node metastasis and biological aggressiveness in gastric cancer.
Pressmud alleviates soil sodicity stress in a rice–wheat rotation: Effects on soil properties, physiological adaptation and yield‐related traits
Authors: Sheoran Parvender , Kumar Arvind , Singh Anshuman , Kumar Ashwani , Parjapat Kailash , Sharma Raman , Singh Ranjay K. , Yadav Rajender Kumar , Dang Yash P. , Sharma Parbodh C.
Published: March 2021

We assessed the improvement potential of pressmud – a sugar industry waste – on soil properties, physiological adaptation and yield‐related traits in a rice–wheat rotation in sodicity‐affected Ghaghar basin of Haryana, India. Large‐scale (0.2–0.4 ha) participatory trials comprising two treatments, with (+PM) and without (–PM) pressmud, were conducted on 125 farmers' fields covering non‐sodic (NS), slightly sodic (SS) and moderately sodic (MS) soils. Pressmud application (10 Mg ha−1) led to appreciable reductions in soil pH (1.6–3.6%) and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP; 10.4–20.1%) with concomitant improvements in plant physiological and yield‐related traits across different soil alkali classes, albeit to a greater extent in SS and MS soils than in NS soils. Compared to prevailing farmers' practices (–PM), transformative improvements in mean leaf relative water content (RWC) (4 and 7%), membrane injury (MII) (−12 and −14%), photosynthetic rate (Pn) (21 and 25%), stomatal conductance (gS) (26 and 21%), transpiration rate (E) (38 and 22%), proline (P) (−19 and −20%) and Na+/K+accumulation in shoot (NaK_S) (−24 and −22%) and root (NaK_R) (−23 and −27%) were observed in both rice and wheat grown under PM ameliorated soils. On an average, rice and wheat yields were increased by 15.8 and 14.6% in SS and 18.9 and 16.7% in MS soils, respectively, with pressmud application. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed significant correlations among highly weighted variables including physiological and yield‐related traits to influence the rice–wheat productivity with PM addition in SS and MS soils. Sustained use of this organic waste in agricultural lands seems to be an affordable solution for overcoming sodicity‐induced land degradation, and achieving developmental goals of environmental and livelihood security.
pH‐Sensitive Polycations for siRNA Delivery: Effect of Asymmetric Structures of Tertiary Amine Groups
Authors: Yang Qinping , Dong Yanliang , Wang Xuanyu , Lin Zhihao , Yan Mingyu , Wang Weiwei , Dong Anjie , Zhang Jianhua , Huang Pingsheng , Wang Changrong
Published: March 2021

pH‐sensitive polyelectrolytes provide enormous opportunity for siRNA delivery. Especially, their tertiary amine structures can not only bind genes but also act as pH‐sensitive hydrophobic structure to control genes release. However, the influence of molecular structures on siRNA delivery still remains elusive, especially for the asymmetric alkyl substituents of the tertiary amine groups. Herein, a library of N‐methyl‐N‐alkyl aminoethyl methacrylate monomers (MsAM) with asymmetric alkyl substituents on the tertiary amine group is synthesized and used to prepare a series of tri‐block polycationic copolymers poly(aminoethyl methacrylate)‐block‐poly (N‐methyl‐N‐alkyl aminoethyl methacrylate)‐block‐poly(ethylene glycol methacrylate) (PAMA‐PMsMA‐PEG). And the properties of these polycations and their self‐assembled micelles are characterized, including molecular structure, proton buffering capacity, pH‐sensitivity, size, and zeta potential. With the length increase of one alkyl substituent, the proton buffering capacity of both monomers and polycations is demonstrated to be narrowed down. The siRNA delivery efficiency and cytotoxicity of these micelles are also evaluated on HepG2 cells. In particular, poly(aminoethyl methacrylate)‐block‐poly(N‐methyl‐N‐ethyl aminoethyl methacrylate)‐block‐poly(ethylene glycol methacrylate) (PAMA‐PMEMA‐PEG) elicited the best luciferase knockdown efficiency and low cytotoxicity. Besides, PAMA‐PMEMA‐PEG/siRRM2 also induced significant anti‐tumor activity in vitro. These results indicated PAMA‐PMEMA‐PEG has potential for further use in the design of gene vehicles with the improved efficiency of siRNA delivery.
On classical solutions for the fifth‐order short pulse equation
Authors: Coclite Giuseppe , di Ruvo Lorenzo
Published: March 2021

The fifth‐order short pulse equation models the nonlinear propagation of optical pulses of a few oscillations duration in dielectric media. In particular, it models the propagation of circularly and elliptically polarized few‐cycle solitons in a Kerr medium. In this paper, we prove the well‐posedness of the classical solutions for the Cauchy problem associated with this equation.
Extensions of the dynamic Newmark method for seismic stability analysis of a rock block
Authors: Fu Xiaodong , Du Wenjie , Sheng Qian , Chen Jian , Fang Qiang , Zhou Yongqiang
Published: March 2021

The Newmark sliding block method combined with block theory (referred to as the dynamic Newmark method) can be used to calculate the dynamic safety factor and the permanent displacement, which provides a quantitative tool to evaluate the dynamic stability of a rock block under seismic action. Frequent changes in the position of a rock block under seismic action may lead to the changes in contact areas and modes of contact between sliding faces. These problems that are not considered in the original dynamic Newmark method are solved to extend the dynamic Newmark method. First, the loop analysis method is introduced to obtain the contact polygonal faces of a sliding surface, and the simplex integration method is used to calculate the contact areas. Second, the reference point method is defined to identify the mode of contact between a structural plane and the surrounding rock mass, and the possible mode of motion of the rock block is determined. Based on these extensions of the dynamic Newmark method, an Extended Newmark Method (ENM) program is developed, and a verification example, three comparison cases, and an application are used to validate the correctness and effectiveness of the extended method. The results show that the ENM program can be used to calculate the effects of the change in contact areas and modes of contact on block motion, which better reflects the dynamic response of a rock block under seismic action compared with the original dynamic Newmark method.
Fabrication of microstructured electrodes via electroless metal deposition onto polydopamine‐coated polystyrene substrates and thermal shrinking
Authors: Gonzalez‐Martinez Eduardo , Saem Sokunthearath (Kevin) , Beganovic Nadine E. , Moran‐Mirabal Jose
Published: March 2021

The ability to provide high sensitivity with small footprints makes miniaturized electrodes key components of biosensing, wearable electronics and lab‐on‐a‐chip devices. Recently, thin film deposition onto polystyrene films, followed by thermal shrinking has been used to produce microstructured electrodes (MSEs) with high electroactive surface area (ESA). Nevertheless, the high cost associated with film deposition through evaporation used in microfabrication and the variability in performance of screen‐printed electrodes (SPEs) remain key barriers that limit their widespread deployment. Here, a simple and inexpensive method is developed for the solution‐based patterning of high‐quality metallic films on polystyrene substrates for MSE fabrication. The ESA of electrodes produced through this method is 2 × and 12 × larger than that of microstructured and planar electrodes produced through sputtering, respectively, and their cost is only 20% of sputtered ones. This methodology allows the fabrication of on‐chip microstructured electrochemical cells (SMECs) with excellent analytical performance (3% RSD inter‐day reproducibility and 0.3% RSD repeatability), superior to that of commercially available SPEs. In addition, the ESA of SMECs is significantly higher than that of SPEs, and they show excellent response toward dopamine detection. We anticipate that this solution‐based fabrication approach will expedite the development of miniaturized sensing platforms for point‐of‐care applications.
An analytical model for the progressive failure prediction of reinforced thermoplastic pipes under axial compression
Authors: Liu Wencheng , Wang Shuqing , Bu Jiarun , Ding Xindong
Published: March 2021

An analytical model is presented to predict the progressive failure of reinforced thermoplastic pipes (RTPs) under axial compression, in which the existing homogenization method and a nonlinear stiffness degradation model are combined to predict the continuum damage mechanical response in an iterative and cyclic way. As the homogenization method ignores the effect of the cross‐sectional curvature on the damage sequence, a stress correction factor is defined to consider this effect. Once corrected stresses satisfy Hashin‐Yeh failure criteria, the nonlinear stiffness degradation model is adopted to update the constitutive relationship established by the homogenization method. The proposed model is capable of identifying the damage location and failure mode, analyzing damage accumulation and predicting the ultimate compression. Meanwhile, ABAQUS Explicit quasi‐static analyses calling a user‐defined subroutine were conducted to capture the progressive failure mechanisms in 3D composites and verify the proposed model. The proposed model was found to give accurate prediction on the elastic stiffness, first ply failure, the damaged stiffness, the ultimate compression, and stress distributions. Furthermore, the effects of fiber's winding angles and the thickness‐radius ratios have been discussed, which illustrate that tensile failure mode would appear even when RTPs are under axial compression.
Enhancement of Nonlinear Absorption in Defect Controlled ZnO Polycrystalline Thin Films by Means of Co‐Doping
Authors: Ünlü Bekir Asilcan , Sener Deniz , Tekin Sezen , Yildiz Elif Akhuseyin , Karatay Ahmet , Serin Tülay , Elmali Ayhan
Published: March 2021

The structural, optical, and nonlinear optical absorption properties of ZnO polycrystalline thin films are investigated. Energy bandgap values are obtained with linear absorption spectrum and depending on either sole doping of Al or co‐doping, bandgap energies shift toward higher or lower energies. With Al‐only doping, bandgap of the ZnO thin film shifts toward higher energies which can be attributed to Moss–Burstein effect, and with co‐doping (Al–Cu or Al–Co) bandgap energies shift toward lower energies due to defect states residing within the bandgap. Urbach energies and grain sizes are calculated to study the effect of defect states on the nonlinear absorption, and these calculations indicate that co‐doping drastically reduces the grain size thereby increasing the contribution to the defect density by means of boundary defects. To analyze the transmission in open aperture Z‐scan data, a theoretical model incorporating one‐photon, two‐photon, and free‐carrier absorptions as well as their saturations is used. By this modeling, saturation intensity thresholds and effective nonlinear absorption coefficients are extracted from fitting of the experimental data. Highest saturation intensity threshold and effective nonlinear absorption coefficient are found for ZnO:(Al, Co) and ascribed to having the smallest bandgap energy and highest Urbach energy.
Search for relevant subsets of binary predictors in high dimensional regression for discovering the lead molecule
Authors: Mameli Valentina , Slanzi Debora , Poli Irene , Green Darren V.S.
Published: March 2021

One of the main problems that the drug discovery research field confronts is to identify small molecules, modulators of protein function, which are likely to be therapeutically useful. Common practices rely on the screening of vast libraries of small molecules (often 1–2 million molecules) in order to identify a molecule, known as a lead molecule, which specifically inhibits or activates the protein function. To search for the lead molecule, we investigate the molecular structure, which generally consists of an extremely large number of fragments. Presence or absence of particular fragments, or groups of fragments, can strongly affect molecular properties. We study the relationship between molecular properties and its fragment composition by building a regression model, in which predictors, represented by binary variables indicating the presence or absence of fragments, are grouped in subsets and a bi‐level penalization term is introduced for the high dimensionality of the problem. We evaluate the performance of this model in two simulation studies, comparing different penalization terms and different clustering techniques to derive the best predictor subsets structure. Both studies are characterized by small sets of data relative to the number of predictors under consideration. From the results of these simulation studies, we show that our approach can generate models able to identify key features and provide accurate predictions. The good performance of these models is then exhibited with real data about the MMP–12 enzyme.
Quantum Sensing of Insulator‐to‐Metal Transitions in a Mott Insulator
Authors: McLaughlin Nathan J. , Kalcheim Yoav , Suceava Albert , Wang Hailong , Schuller Ivan K. , Du Chunhui Rita
Published: March 2021

Nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers, optically active atomic defects in diamond, have attracted tremendous interest for quantum sensing, network, and computing applications due to their excellent quantum coherence and remarkable versatility in a real, ambient environment. Taking advantage of these strengths, this paper reports on NV‐based local sensing of the electrically driven insulator‐to‐metal transition (IMT) in a proximal Mott insulator. The resistive switching properties of both pristine and ion‐irradiated VO2 thin film devices are studied by performing optically detected NV electron spin resonance measurements. These measurements probe the local temperature and magnetic field in electrically biased VO2 devices, which are in agreement with the global transport measurement results. In pristine devices, the electrically driven IMT proceeds through Joule heating up to the transition temperature while in ion‐irradiated devices, the transition occurs nonthermally, well below the transition temperature. The results provide direct evidence for nonthermal electrically induced IMT in a Mott insulator, highlighting the significant opportunities offered by NV quantum sensors in exploring nanoscale thermal and electrical behaviors in Mott materials.
A case of acute inhalation injury caused by premeditated chlorine gas exposure
Authors: Katano Takuma , Murao Hiroto , Kato Toshio , Kubo Akihito , Ito Satoru
Published: March 2021

Chlorine is a toxic gas that causes severe inhalation injury. We report the case of a 43‐year‐old woman who inhaled chlorine gas generated by mixing household bleach and vinegar. She was referred to our hospital because she had developed respiratory failure. Chest computed tomography (CT) showed diffuse ground‐glass opacity and the tree‐in‐bud pattern. We diagnosed acute inhalation injury compatible with that due to chlorine gas exposure. Six days after admission, her respiratory symptoms and abnormal CT findings fully resolved without the use of bronchodilators or corticosteroids. This is the first report of a patient with acute inhalation injury caused by intentional chlorine gas exposure. It is considered that chlorine gas reached her respiratory tract and induced widespread injury from bronchioles to alveoli.
Pathway testing for longitudinal metabolomics
Authors: Ebrahimpoor Mitra , Spitali Pietro , Goeman Jelle J. , Tsonaka Roula
Published: March 2021

We propose a top‐down approach for pathway analysis of longitudinal metabolite data. We apply a score test based on a shared latent process mixed model which can identify pathways with differentially progressing metabolites. The strength of our approach is that it can handle unbalanced designs, deals with potential missing values in the longitudinal markers, and gives valid results even with small sample sizes. Contrary to bottom‐up approaches, correlations between metabolites are explicitly modeled leveraging power gains. For large pathway sizes, a computationally efficient solution is proposed based on pseudo‐likelihood methodology. We demonstrate the advantages of the proposed method in identification of differentially expressed pathways through simulation studies. Finally, longitudinal metabolite data from a mice experiment is analyzed to demonstrate our methodology.
Ratiometric Fluorescent Sensor for Al3+ Based on the Inner Filter and Static Quenching Effects of Carbon Dots Obtained from Neem Leaves
Authors: Wu Jiangyao , Zhang Yudong , Dong Yan , Zhi Shumin , Yang Xueyun , Yao Cheng
Published: March 2021

The level of Al3+ is an indicator for many diseases of human, so the selective and sensitive detection of Al3+ is critically important for human health. In this study, a simple and sensitive ratiometric fluorescent sensor for the detection of Al3+ in the aqueous solution was developed based on the inner filter effect (IFE) and static quenching effect (SQE) of the carbon dots (CDs) and fluorescein. The preparation of CDs was facile and green by a one‐step hydrothermal method, using the fresh Melia azedarach L. leaves as the raw material. The fluorescence of CDs at 430 nm was quenched owing to the combination of IFE and SQE while the fluorescence of fluorescein at 515 nm was enhanced upon adding fluorescein. Meanwhile, fluorescein interacted with Al3+ resulting in the quenching of the fluorescence of fluorescein at 515 nm and the recovering of the fluorescence of CDs at 430 nm with the addition of Al3+ into the system of CDs‐fluorescein. The linear range of the ratiometric fluorescent sensor (F515/F430) for Al3+ detection was 0–500 μM and the detection limit was 0.216 μM. Importantly, it had been successfully applied in the detection of Al3+ in the drinking and environmental water.
A Simple and Efficient Extraction Method for the Preconcentration of Copper in Tap Water and Linden Tea Samples Prior to FAAS Measurement
Authors: Demir Cansu , Öner Miray , Bodur Süleyman , Er Elif Öztürk , Bakırdere Sezgin
Published: March 2021

In this study, a simple, low‐cost and eco‐friendly analytical method namely syringe assisted pipette tip dispersive solid phase extraction (SA‐PT‐DSPE) combined with slotted quartz tube‐flame atomic absorption spectrometry (SQT‐FAAS) system was presented for the determination of copper at trace levels in linden tea and tap water samples. Under the optimal experimental conditions, limit of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) values obtained for the SA‐PT‐DSPE‐SQT‐FAAS system were calculated as 3.7 and 12.5 μg/L, respectively. The SA‐PT‐DSPE‐SQT‐FAAS system provided a 44.0‐folds improvement in detection power of the conventional FAAS. The recovery results for tap water samples were calculated close to 100 % via external calibration strategy. Negative matrix effects on the analyte were observed for linden tea samples. Therefore, recovery studies were performed by matrix matching calibration strategy and percentage recoveries were found to be between 88.0–102.0 % with low standard deviation values.
Ligand Exchange Reactions between Phosphonic Acids at TiO2 Nanoparticle Surfaces
Authors: Yamashita Shohei , Sudo Tatsuya , Kamiya Hidehiro , Okada Yohei
Published: March 2021

Understanding the surface chemistry of organic‐inorganic interfaces is a prerequisite for the design of novel nanohybrid materials. Herein, we disclose that phosphonate ligands tightly bind to TiO2 nanoparticle surfaces and cannot be displaced even through repetitive decantation by methanol. However, 1D 1H solution NMR analyses unambiguously show that they can be effectively exchanged by other phosphonic acids. A key enabler for successful measurements is the design and synthesis of a novel phosphonic acid ligand that stabilizes TiO2 nanoparticles in toluene to form homogeneous colloidal conditions.
Quantitative PCR of Small Nucleic Acids: Size Matters
Authors: Lim Jay Min , Tevatia Rahul , Saraf Ravi F.
Published: March 2021

Quantitative dysregulation in small nucleic acids (NA), such as microRNA (miRNA), extracted from minimally invasive biopsies, such as, blood, stool, urine, nose, throat, are promising biomarker for diseases diagnosis and management. We quantify the effect of the extra step of poly(A) ligation for cDNA synthesis and small size of the NA on the limit of quantification (LOQ) of quantitative PCR (qPCR), the gold standard to measure copy number. It was discovered that for small NA, the cycle threshold, Ct that is proportional to ‐log[c], where [c] is the concentration of the target NA exhibits a sharp transition. The results indicate that although the limit of detection (LOD) of qPCR can be in femtomolar range, the LOQ is significantly reduced by well over three orders of magnitude, in picomolar range. Specifically, the study reveals that the PCR product length is the primary reason the limitation on LOQ and is explicitly shown to be an important consideration for primer design for qPCR in general.
Metal–Organic Framework‐Based Materials for Solar Water Splitting
Authors: Li Xianlong , Wang Zhiliang , Wang Lianzhou
Published: March 2021

Solar‐driven water splitting is a promising way to produce renewable hydrogen. The design of efficient semiconductor photocatalysts plays a vital role in this process. The recent dynamic development of metal–organic framework (MOF) materials provides a good opportunity to design efficient composite photocatalysts toward solar water splitting. Herein, a critical review of the design and development of MOF/semiconductor composite photocatalysts for solar‐driven water splitting is presented. The designing strategies of MOF‐based composite photocatalysts, including the use of organic ligands, quantum dots and carbon‐based materials to form heterostructures, and the combination of MOF layers with semiconductors to fabricate thin‐film photoelectrodes for photoelectrochemical water splitting, are introduced. The remaining challenges and future perspectives of the MOF‐based composites with the hope of achieving improved solar water splitting are also discussed.
Corporate viability and sustainability: A case study in a Mexican corporation
Authors: Martinez‐Lozada Andrea C. , Espinosa Angela
Published: March 2021

This paper reports on preliminary testing of the “Self‐Transformation Methodology” (STM) to rebalance an organisational structure in order to improve the effectiveness of corporate sustainability (CS) strategy implementation. It presents the results of a pilot study where it was possible to align CS strategy and organisational structure, clarifying the required adapting and learning organisational processes and closing the learning loop by continuously monitoring sustainability indicators during this process. Additionally, it reflects on the learning and needs for further developments of the methodology. This research contributes to CS and system thinking literature with an approach to address the challenges of integrating CS initiatives into the operation of a firm. The STM methodology has shown good potential for creating a more effective context for CS strategy implementation. The research scope is limited, and in consequence, more action research is required to fully apply the adjusted methodology to further corroborate the initial findings.
Mechanical Faults in Oil‐Immersed Power Transformers with Disc‐Type Windings Due to External Short Circuit
Authors: Miyazaki Satoru , Mizutani Yoshinobu , Ichikawa Michiharu
Published: March 2021

This study investigated mechanical faults in oil‐immersed power transformers with disc‐type windings. Short‐circuit tests were conducted on eight aged removed transformers. Before the short‐circuit tests, accelerated aging tests were conducted on all the transformers to discuss the life limit of transformers. Six out of eight transformers experienced the internal ground faults. Although the radial electromagnetic force and the tolerance of the insulation paper against it have been mainly focused in discussing the life of the power transformers, the ground faults were triggered by the crush of the pressboard by the axial electromagnetic force. The axial compressive stress applied to the pressboards varies from the transformer to the transformer, depending on the design of the windings. The transformer, whose axial compressive stress was relatively lower, passed the short‐circuit test. However, even for the similar deterioration degree of the pressboard, the transformer, whose axial compressive stress was relatively higher, experienced the ground fault. These results indicate that the axial compressive stress during an external short circuit and deterioration of the pressboard are critical factors that determine the life of transformers with disc‐type windings. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Multi‐Task and Attention Collaborative Network for Facial Emotion Recognition
Authors: Wang Xiaohua , Yu Cong , Gu Yu , Hu Min , Ren Fuji
Published: March 2021

Facial expression is one of the most direct and effective ways to recognize emotions, widely used in human‐computer interaction, affective computing, and other research fields. Expression recognition can be divided into discrete expression classification and continuous dimensional emotion recognition. Most of the existing multi‐dimensional emotional estimation only considers the data under laboratory conditions. In this paper, facial emotion estimation is performed based on real‐world images and combined with the advantages of multi‐task learning and attention mechanism. We improve the multi‐task attention network (MTAN) from two aspects: task and feature. At the aspect of the task, the multi‐task collaborative attention network (MTCAN), which is based on task correlation, is proposed to solve task deviation in multi‐task learning. At the aspect of the feature, based on MTCAN, we came up with MTACN, which used the self‐attention mechanism to measure the importance of each attention module for each specific task. Then, we can capture the local‐to‐global connection in one step and fully exploit the feature within different levels of each task. Experimental results on the AffectNet dataset show that the performance of the model is significantly better than the original network, and the Root‐mean‐square error and consistency correlation coefficient results are superior to other existing models. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Microstructural characterization of early Twentieth‐Century British period Indian copper coins
Authors: Verma Preeti , Lal Ghanshyam , Singh Manager
Published: March 2021

This investigation deals with the characterization of chemical composition, microstructural, and corrosion behavior of the Indian copper alloy coins belonging to the period of different British emperors (Edward VII, King George V & King George VI). Elemental analysis showed that coins were mainly made up of copper and tin, and other elements such as iron, zinc, nickel, and lead were present in traces. The reddish‐brown layer formed on all coins was identified as cuprite by XRD, and this layer provided protection to the coins. The microstructure consists of an equiaxed grain structure along with annealing twins, which indicate that coins were subjected to annealing heat treatment. The average grain size was measured using the linear intercept method, and the variation in the average grain size of the different coins may be due to the difference in the soaking temperature/time of annealing treatment. TEM study also confirms the formation of twins by showing the double spots in SAD. The higher value of hardness in the coin belonging to the Edward VII period may be attributed to higher tin and zinc content. The corrosion product of globular morphology was observed on the surface of coins. Optical microscopy of the cross‐section of the coins showed the intergranular corrosion phenomena.
Explorations of Linkages Between Intercultural Dialogue, Art, and Empathy
Authors: Lähdesmäki Tuuli , Koistinen Aino-Kaisa
Published: March 2021

In the 2000s, European societies have transformed quickly due to the networked global economy, deepening a European integration process, forced and voluntary movement of people to and within Europe, and influence of social media on culture, communication, and society. Europe has become an increasingly diverse and pluricultural continent where many people simultaneously identify with multiple different cultural and social groups. In such “super-diversified” (Vertovec in New complexities of cohesion in Britain: Super-diversity, transnationalism and civil-integration, Communities and Local Government Publications, Wetherby, 2007) European societies diversity itself is broad, multidimensional, and fluid (Vertovec in New complexities of cohesion in Britain: Super-diversity, transnationalism and civil-integration, Communities and Local Government Publications, Wetherby, 2007; Blommaert and Rampton in Language and Superdiversity. Diversities 13(2):1–21, 2011). Different social locations and identities intersect within them—whether cultural, ethnic, national, social, religious, or linguistic. At the same time, however, European societies have faced the rise of diverse populist and radical right-wing movements promoting profoundly monoculturalist views and cultural purism. What are the means to confront this polarization of views and attitudes in Europe?
Ultralight scalars in leptonic observables
Authors: Escribano Pablo , Vicente Avelino
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Many new physics scenarios contain ultralight scalars, states which are either exactly massless or much lighter than any other massive particle in the model. Axions and majorons constitute well-motivated examples of this type of particle. In this work, we explore the phenomenology of these states in low-energy leptonic observables. After adopting a model independent approach that includes both scalar and pseudoscalar interactions, we briefly discuss the current limits on the diagonal couplings to charged leptons and consider processes in which the ultralight scalarϕis directly produced, such asμ→eϕ, or acts as a mediator, as inτ→μμμ. Contributions to the charged leptons magnetic and electric moments are studied as well.
(5d RG-flow) trees in the tropical rain forest
Authors: van Beest Marieke , Bourget Antoine , Eckhard Julius , Schäfer-Nameki Sakura
Published: March 2021

Abstract

5d superconformal field theories (SCFTs) can be obtained from 6d SCFTs by circle compactification and mass deformation. Successive decoupling of hypermultiplet matter and RG-flow generates a decoupling tree of descendant 5d SCFTs. In this paper we determine the magnetic quivers and Hasse diagrams, that encode the Higgs branches of 5d SCFTs, for entire decoupling trees. Central to this undertaking is the approach in [1], which, starting from the generalized toric polygons (GTPs) dual to 5-brane webs/tropical curves, provides a systematic and succinct derivation of magnetic quivers and their Hasse diagrams. The decoupling in the GTP description is straightforward, and generalizes the standard flop transitions of curves in toric polygons. We apply this approach to a large class of 5d KK-theories, and compute the Higgs branches for their descendants. In particular we determine the decoupling tree for all rank 2 5d SCFTs. For each tree, we also identify the flavor symmetry algebras from the magnetic quivers, including non-simply-laced flavor symmetries.
Determination of the possible quantum numbers for the newly observed Ξb(6227)0 state
Authors: Azizi K. , Sarac Y. , Sundu H.
Published: March 2021

Abstract

The LHCb Collaboration recently reported the observation of a new excited bottom baryon Ξb(6227)0and announced an improvement in the measurements related to the previously observed Ξb(6227)−state. We conduct an analysis for Ξb(6227)0state considering it as isospin partner of the Ξb(6227)−resonance and possibly 1Por 2Sexcited state with spinJ=$$ \frac{3}{2} $$32. The corresponding masses for both possibilities have consistent results with the experimental data, indicating that only with the mass sum rules, one can not make exact decision on the nature and quantum numbers of this state. To go further, the decays of these possible excited states to$$ {\Xi}_b^{-}{\pi}^{+} $$Ξb−π+final state are also considered and the relevant strong coupling constants are extracted from the light cone sum rules. The obtained decay width values support the possibility of Ξb(6227)0to be the 1Pexcited state of Ξb(5945)0baryon.
The enteric nervous system in gastrointestinal disease etiology
Authors: Holland Amy Marie , Bon-Frauches Ana Carina , Keszthelyi Daniel , Melotte Veerle , Boesmans Werend
Published: March 2021

A highly conserved but convoluted network of neurons and glial cells, the enteric nervous system (ENS), is positioned along the wall of the gut to coordinate digestive processes and gastrointestinal homeostasis. Because ENS components are in charge of the autonomous regulation of gut function, it is inevitable that their dysfunction is central to the pathophysiology and symptom generation of gastrointestinal disease. While for neurodevelopmental disorders such as Hirschsprung, ENS pathogenesis appears to be clear-cut, the role for impaired ENS activity in the etiology of other gastrointestinal disorders is less established and is often deemed secondary to other insults like intestinal inflammation. However, mounting experimental evidence in recent years indicates that gastrointestinal homeostasis hinges on multifaceted connections between the ENS, and other cellular networks such as the intestinal epithelium, the immune system, and the intestinal microbiome. Derangement of these interactions could underlie gastrointestinal disease onset and elicit variable degrees of abnormal gut function, pinpointing, perhaps unexpectedly, the ENS as a diligent participant in idiopathic but also in inflammatory and cancerous diseases of the gut. In this review, we discuss the latest evidence on the role of the ENS in the pathogenesis of enteric neuropathies, disorders of gut–brain interaction, inflammatory bowel diseases, and colorectal cancer.
Cerebrovascular Complications and Vessel Wall Imaging in COVID-19 Encephalopathy—A Pilot Study
Authors: Uginet Marjolaine , Breville Gautier , Hofmeister Jérémy , Machi Paolo , Lalive Patrice H. , Rosi Andrea , Fitsiori Aikaterini , Vargas Maria Isabel , Assal Frederic , Allali Gilles , Lovblad Karl-Olof
Published: March 2021

Background and Purpose

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is associated with several complications of the central nervous system (CNS), including acute encephalopathy.

Methods

In this pilot study, we report a series of 39 patients (66.5 ± 9.2 years; 10.3% female) with acute encephalopathy, who underwent a standard brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 1.5 T during the acute symptomatic phase. In addition to diffusion-weighted imaging, MR angiography and susceptibility-weighted images, high-resolution vascular black blood sequences (in 34 cases) were used to investigate the vasculature of the brain.

Results

In 29 out of 34 patients with COVID-19 encephalopathy (85%) with high-resolution vessel wall imaging, we found a circular enhancement and thickening of the basilar and vertebral arteries, without any correlation with ischemia or microbleeds (reported in 21% and 59%, respectively).

Conclusion

We report a high prevalence of vascular changes suggestive of endotheliitis as reported in other organs. This could suggest an inflammatory mechanism underlying this encephalopathy.
Development of a quantification method for fouling deposits using phosphorescence
Authors: Deponte H. , Augustin W. , Scholl S.
Published: March 2021

Particulate fouling on structured surfaces is typically quantified using the integral thermal or mass-based fouling resistance. The observed geometries may be structures that can improve the heat transfer in heat exchangers (e.g., dimples), cavities in components, or more complex geometries. However, due to limited accessibility or the requirement for a locally resolved measurement, the existing quantification methods may not be applicable to structured surfaces. For this reason, a new method is needed for the quantification for fouling deposits. In this study, dimpled surfaces were evaluated by measuring the integral thermal and mass-based fouling resistance and comparing it with the local fouling resistance inside and around the dimple. This comparison was carried out online with the Phosphorescent Fouling Quantification method developed for this purpose, using phosphorescent particles to quantify the deposited mass. The mass-based fouling resistance can be calculated using computer-aided image analysis. The measurements for the evaluation were conducted on dimpled surfaces, which produced a characteristic fouling pattern. With the new method a reduced surface coverage from up to 33.3 % was observed, which led to lower fouling resistances downstream of the dimple compared to a plain surface. These results confirm earlier numerical and experimental findings, suggesting an advantage of dimpled surfaces over other surface structures with respect to thermo-hydraulic efficiency as well as reduced fouling. Thus, the Phosphorescent Fouling Quantification method provides the possibility of calculating values for local fouling resistances on structured surfaces, as well as the possibility of optimizing surface structures to minimize fouling propensity.
Value of bowel preparation techniques for prostate MRI: a preliminary study
Authors: Schmidt Cynthia , Hötker Andreas M. , Muehlematter Urs J. , Burger Irene A. , Donati Olivio F. , Barth Borna K.
Published: March 2021

Background

Bowel preparation before multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) of the prostate is performed widely, despite contradictory or no evidence for efficacy.

Purpose

To investigate the value of hyoscine N-butylbromide (HBB), microenema (ME) and ‘dietary restrictions’ (DR) for artifact reduction and image quality (IQ) in mpMRI of the prostate.

Study type

Retrospective.

Population

Between 10/2018 and 02/2020 treatment-naïve men (median age, 64.9; range 39.8–87.3) who underwent mpMRI of the prostate were included. The total patient sample comprised of n = 180 patients, who received either HBB, ME, were instructed to adhere to DR, or received a combination of those measures prior to the MR scan.

Field strength/sequence

T2-weighted imaging (T2w), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) scanned on two 3T systems.

Assessment

A radiologist specialized in urogenital imaging (R1) and a senior radiology resident (R2) visually assessed IQ parameters on transversal T2w, DWI and ADC maps on a 5-point Likert-like scale.

Statistical tests

Group comparison between IQ parameters was performed on reader level using Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests. Binary univariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess independent predictors of IQ. Interrater agreement was assessed using Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC).

Results

‘DWI geometric distortion’ was significantly more pronounced in the HBB+/ME−/DR− (R1, 3.6 and R2, 4.0) as compared to the HBB−/ME+/DR− (R1, 4.2 and R2, 4.6) and HBB+/ME+/DR− (R1, 4.3 and R2, 4.7) cohort, respectively. Parameters ‘DWI IQ’ and ‘Whole MRI IQ’ were rated similarly by both readers. ME was a significant independent predictor of ‘good IQ’ for the whole MRI for R1 [b = 1.09, OR 2.98 (95% CI 1.29, 6.87)] and R2 [b = 1.01, OR 2.73 (95% CI 1.24, 6.04)], respectively.

Data conclusion

ME seems to significantly improve image quality of DWI and the whole mpMRI image set of the prostate. HBB and DR did not have any benefit.
Total sacrectomy with a combined antero-posterior surgical approach for malignant sacral tumours
Authors: Pu Feifei , Zhang Zhicai , Wang Baichuan , Wu Qiang , Liu Jianxiang , Shao Zengwu
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To investigate the indications, approaches, resection methods, and complications of total sacrectomy with a combined antero-posterior approach for malignant sacral tumours.

Methods

Fourteen cases of primary malignant sacral tumours treated with total sacrectomy between January 2012 and 2018 were retrospectively analysed. All patients presented with pre-operative lumbosacral pain or constipation. A combined antero-posterior approach was used for tumour resection, and the spinal pedicle screw rod system was used to achieve ilio-lumbar stability. The visual analogue scale (VAS) and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scores were used to assess pain and lower limb function, respectively. The mean operative time and intra-operative blood loss were 6.54 hours and 2935 mL, respectively. The mean follow-up period was 62 months.

Results

None of the patients died peri-operatively. At the last follow-up, ten patients were continuously disease-free, three were alive with disease, and one died of disease from lung metastasis. Tumour recurrence occurred in three patients. The MSTS scores ranged from 6 to 28 (20.00–93.33%, 6/30–28/30) with an average of 20 (66.67%, 20/30). Seven patients could walk independently in public, five could only walk at home using a walking aid, and two could only lie down and stand for a short time. Thirteen patients developed post-operative complications such as skin necrosis, screw loosening, connecting rod fracture, neuropathic pain, sciatic nerve injury, dysuria, and urinary incontinence.

Conclusion

Total sacrectomy can effectively treat malignant sacral tumours with good resection boundaries and prognosis. However, the high incidence of post-operative complications may impact post-operative neurological function.
Skeletal muscle fat quantification by dual-energy computed tomography in comparison with 3T MR imaging
Authors: Molwitz I. , Leiderer M. , McDonough R. , Fischer R. , Ozga A-K. , Ozden C. , Tahir E. , Koehler D. , Adam G. , Yamamura J.
Published: March 2021

Objectives

To quantify the proportion of fat within the skeletal muscle as a measure of muscle quality using dual-energy CT (DECT) and to validate this methodology with MRI.

Methods

Twenty-one patients with abdominal contrast-enhanced DECT scans (100 kV/Sn 150 kV) underwent abdominal 3-T MRI. The fat fraction (DECT-FF), determined by material decomposition, and HU values on virtual non-contrast-enhanced (VNC) DECT images were measured in 126 regions of interest (≥ 6 cm2) within the posterior paraspinal muscle. For validation, the MR-based fat fraction (MR-FF) was assessed by chemical shift relaxometry. Patients were categorized into groups of high or low skeletal muscle mean radiation attenuation (SMRA) and classified as either sarcopenic or non-sarcopenic, according to the skeletal muscle index (SMI) and cut-off values from non-contrast-enhanced single-energy CT. Spearman’s and intraclass correlation, Bland-Altman analysis, and mixed linear models were employed.

Results

The correlation was excellent between DECT-FF and MR-FF (r = 0.91), DECT VNC HU and MR-FF (r = - 0.90), and DECT-FF and DECT VNC HU (r = − 0.98). Intraclass correlation between DECT-FF and MR-FF was good (r = 0.83 [95% CI 0.71–0.90]), with a mean difference of - 0.15% (SD 3.32 [95% CI 6.35 to − 6.66]). Categorization using the SMRA yielded an eightfold difference in DECT VNC HU values between both groups (5 HU [95% CI 23–11], 42 HU [95% CI 33–56], p = 0.05). No significant relationship between DECT-FF and SMI-based classifications was observed.

Conclusions

Fat quantification within the skeletal muscle using DECT is both feasible and reliable. DECT muscle analysis offers a new approach to determine muscle quality, which is important for the diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of sarcopenia, as a comorbidity associated with poor clinical outcome.

Key Points

• Dual-energy CT (DECT) material decomposition and virtual non-contrast-enhanced DECT HU values assess muscle fat reliably.

• Virtual non-contrast-enhanced dual-energy CT HU values allow to differentiate between high and low native skeletal muscle mean radiation attenuation in contrast-enhanced DECT scans.

• Measuring muscle fat by dual-energy computed tomography is a new approach for the determination of muscle quality, an important parameter for the diagnostic confirmation of sarcopenia as a comorbidity associated with poor clinical outcome.
Computed Tomography Findings as Determinants of Local and Systemic Inflammation Biomarkers in Interstitial Lung Diseases: A Retrospective Registry-Based Descriptive Study
Authors: Lang David , Akbari Kaveh , Horner Andreas , Hepp Magdalena , Kaiser Bernhard , Pieringer Herwig , Lamprecht Bernd
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the association of peripheral blood (PBL) and broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) biomarkers with inflammatory versus fibrotic high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings in interstitial lung disease (ILD) patients.

Methods

HRCT findings of 127 consecutive ILD-board patients were semi-quantitatively evaluated: reticulation/honeycombing (RET), traction bronchiectasis (TBR) and emphysema (EMP) were classified as non-inflammatory/fibrotic; consolidations (CON), ground glass opacities (GGO), parenchymal nodules (NDL) and mosaic attenuation (MOS) as active inflammatory. Each HRCT finding was assessed in six distinct lung regions, resulting scores were graded as minimal (0–1 regions involved), medium (2–4) or extensive (5–6). Associations of routinely assessed PBL/BAL biomarkers with these HRCT scores were evaluated using Spearman correlation coefficients and graphical presentation; significance was tested by applying Kruskal–Wallis tests.

Results

Blood neutrophil, lymphocyte and eosinophil fraction, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and BAL lymphocyte fraction consistently showed opposite correlations with inflammatory versus non-inflammatory/fibrotic HRCT finding scores. Blood lymphocyte fraction significantly differed by graded GGO (p = 0.032) and CON (p = 0.027) extent, eosinophil fraction by TBR (p = 0.006) and NLR by CON (p = 0.009). C-reactive protein was significantly related to GGO (p = 0.023) and CON (p = 0.004), BAL lymphocyte fraction to GGO (p = 0.017) extent.

Conclusion

Blood lymphocyte and eosinophil fraction, NLR, CRP and BAL lymphocyte fraction may aid to differentiate inflammatory from non-inflammatory/fibrotic ILD patterns.

Trial registration

This evaluation was based on data from the ILD registry of Kepler University Hospital Linz, as approved by the ethics committee of the Federal State of Upper-Austria (EK Number. I-26-17).