bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Colon cancer detection by using Poincaré sphere and 2D polarimetric mapping of ex vivo colon samples
Authors: Ivanov Deyan , Dremin Viktor , Bykov Alexander , Borisova Ekaterina , Genova Tsanislava , Popov Alexey , Ossikovski Razvigor , Novikova Tatiana , Meglinski Igor
Published: May 2020

This work is dedicated to the diagnosis and grading of colon cancer by a combined use of Poincaré sphere and 2D Stokes vector polarimetry mapping approaches. The major challenge consists in exploring the applicability of polarized light for noninvasive screening of the histological abnormalities within the samples of biological tissues. Experimental studies were conducted in ex vivo colon sample, excised after surgical procedure for colon tumor removal of G2‐adenocarcinoma lesion. Polarimetric measurements in linear and circular regime were carried via personally developed polarimetric, optical set‐up, using supercontinuous fiber laser with irradiation fixed at 635 nm. We apply the Poincaré sphere and two‐dimensional Stokes vector scanning approach for screening the corresponding tissue samples. A comparison between linear and circular polarization states is made both for quantitative and qualitative evaluations. It is shown that circular polarization has better diagnostic capabilities than linear polarization, with higher dynamic ranges of the polarimetric parameters and better values of the diagnostic quantities. In addition to the standard polarimetry parameters, utilized as essential diagnostic markers, we apply statistical analysis to obtain more detailed information in frame of the applied diagnostic approach.
Overexpression of Foxc1 regenerates crushed rat facial nerves by promoting Schwann cells migration via the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Xia Wenzheng , Zhu Jin , Wang Xueyi , Tang Yinda , Zhou Ping , Wei Xiangyu , Chang Bowen , Zheng Xuan , Zhu Wanchun , Hou Meng , Li Shiting
Published: May 2020

Facial paralysis can result in severe implications for patients. A good prognosis depends on the degree of nerve regeneration. Schwann cells (SCs) play an important role in facial nerve development and regeneration through migration. Forkhead box C1 (Foxc1), a member of the forkhead transcription factor family, is implicated in cell migration. However, the role of Foxc1 in the progression after facial nerve crush remains unknown. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of Foxc1 overexpression on SC migration and recovery of facial nerves after crush injury. The rat facial nerve crush injury model was established through the use of unilateral surgery. The results showed that the expression of Foxc1 was increased in the surgery group compared to that of the control group. SCs were isolated from the sciatic nerves and cultured. Foxc1, delivered by an adeno‐associated virus in vivo, or adenovirus in vitro, both induced overexpression of Foxc1, and increased the expression of CXCL12 and β‐catenin. After the transfection of Foxc1, the migration of SC was increased both in vitro and in vivo, was reduced by the inhibition of CXCL12 or β‐catenin. The facial nerve function and the nerve axon remyelination of the rats transfected with Foxc1 were significantly improved after nerve crush injury. Overall, the results demonstrated that overexpression of Foxc1 promoted SC migration by regulating CXCL12 via the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, thus contributing to improved facial nerve function after crush injury.
Bank Accounts for All: How Do State Policies Matter?
Authors: Girard Tyler
Published: May 2020

This paper examines the relationship between state policies and bank account ownership in developing countries. While existing literatures broadly support a ‘market‐enabling’ approach, consisting of limited direct state intervention and proportionate regulation, statistical analyses frequently rely on problematic measurement techniques. This study adopts a novel and more comprehensive approach by using a modified index constructed from expert evaluations. Using ordinary least squares regression, the analysis suggests a positive relationship between a market‐enabling state policy framework and increased bank account ownership among the total population, but the relationship diminishes among key subpopulations: adult women, rural adults and the poorest 40 per cent of adults. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Do we Lead Together? Leadership Behavioral Integration and Coordination in Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
Authors: Roundy Philip T.
Published: May 2020

Entrepreneurial ecosystems are the systems of forces that encourage and sustain entrepreneurship in geographic areas. Vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystems exhibit coordination—participants engage in explicit attempts to organize, develop, and promote the ecosystem. Coordination involves ecosystem leaders; however, there is not a theory explaining the linkages between ecosystem leadership and coordination. To understand how ecosystem leaders promote coordination, the current paper proposes a model of entrepreneurial ecosystem behavioral integration. It is theorized that entrepreneurial ecosystem behavioral integration is influenced by leader and leadership‐group characteristics and, in turn, influences an ecosystem's cognitive, social, and cultural coordination. The model contributes to research at the intersection of leadership and entrepreneurship by delineating a precise and theoretically grounded conception of the connections between ecosystem leadership and coordination. A more nuanced understanding of coordination is provided by identifying its mechanisms and sub‐dimensions. The proposed theory charts a path for interdisciplinary research on leadership and entrepreneurial ecosystems and identifies practical implications for ecosystem leaders.
Mean Diffusivity in Striatum Correlates With Acute Neuronal Death but Not Lesser Neuronal Injury in a Pilot Study of Neonatal Piglets With Encephalopathy
Authors: Lee Jennifer K. , Liu Dapeng , Raven Erika P. , Jiang Dengrong , Liu Peiying , Qin Qin , Kulikowicz Ewa , Santos Polan T. , Adams Shawn , Zhang Jiangyang , Koehler Raymond C. , Martin Lee J. , Tekes Aylin
Published: May 2020

Background

Diffusion MRI is routinely used to evaluate brain injury in neonatal encephalopathy. Although abnormal mean diffusivity (MD) is often attributed to cytotoxic edema, the specific contribution from neuronal pathology is unclear.

Purpose

To determine whether MD from high‐resolution diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can detect variable degrees of neuronal degeneration and pathology in piglets with brain injury induced by excitotoxicity or global hypoxia‐ischemia (HI) with or without overt infarction.

Study Type

Prospective.

Animal Model

Excitotoxic brain injury was induced in six neonatal piglets by intrastriatal stereotaxic injection of the glutamate receptor agonist quinolinic acid (QA). Three piglets underwent global HI or a sham procedure. Piglets recovered for 20–96 hours before undergoing MRI (n = 9).

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0T MRI with DTI, T1‐ and T2‐weighted imaging.

Assessment

MD, fractional anisotropy (FA), and qualitative T2 injury were assessed in the putamen and caudate. The cell bodies of normal neurons, degenerating neurons (excitotoxic necrosis, ischemic necrosis, or necrosis–apoptosis cell death continuum), and injured neurons with equivocal degeneration were counted by histopathology.

Statistical Tests

Spearman correlations were used to compare MD and FA to normal, degenerating, and injured neurons. T2 injury and neuron counts were evaluated by descriptive analysis.

Results

The QA insult generated titratable levels of neuronal pathology. In QA, HI, and sham piglets, lower MD correlated with higher ratios of degenerating‐to‐total neurons (P < 0.05), lower ratios of normal‐to‐total neurons (P < 0.05), and greater numbers of degenerating neurons (P < 0.05). MD did not correlate with abnormal neurons exhibiting nascent injury (P > 0.99). Neuron counts were not related to FA (P > 0.30) or to qualitative injury from T2‐weighted MRI.

Data Conclusion

MD is more accurate than FA for detecting neuronal degeneration and loss during acute recovery from neonatal excitotoxic and HI brain injury. MD does not reliably detect nonfulminant, nascent, and potentially reversible neuronal injury.

Evidence Level

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:1216–1226.
Long‐Term Outcomes With Teduglutide From a Single Center
Authors: Puello Frances , Wall Elizabeth , Herlitz Jean , Lozano Edward S. , Semrad Carol , Micic Dejan
Published: May 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to quantify the long‐term clinical outcomes for individuals receiving teduglutide for short‐bowel syndrome (SBS).

Methods

A single‐center, retrospective study was performed for individuals commencing use of teduglutide between March 2013 and May 2019.

Results

Eighteen patients were included in the final analysis, among which the median duration of teduglutide administration was 3.2 (range, 0.6–6.2) years. Twelve of 16 (75%) patients at 12 months, 10 of 13 (76.9%) at 24 months, 7 of 10 (70%) at 36 months, and 3 of 3 (100%) at 60 months had a response to teduglutide therapy, defined as a >20% reduction in parenteral support (PS) requirement. Among responders at 12, 24, and 36 months, the presence of a colon‐in‐continuity, an ileocecal valve, a response at 3 months, the length of small bowel, nor the baseline volume affected response to therapy (P > .05 for all comparisons). Five (28%) patients were able to achieve freedom from PS, among which all had a history of Crohn's disease with loss of the ileocecal valve and among which 3 had a colon‐in‐continuity. Four of the 5 patients discontinued PS by 6 months of teduglutide therapy.

Conclusions

In a real‐world experience, teduglutide therapy results in rapid and sustained reductions in PS. Larger postmarketing studies will be required to reliably predict response to treatment and the factors associated with enteral autonomy.
Inhibition of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 attenuates 2,4,6‐trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid‐induced colitis via repressing toll‐like receptor 4/nuclear factor‐kappa B
Authors: Lei Lei , Li Xu , Yuan You‐Jun , Chen Zhi‐Li , He Jian‐Hua , Wu Jian‐Hua , Cai Xiao‐Sheng
Published: May 2020

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by recurring inflammatory disorders in digestive system, and devoid of effective treatment. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), stimulated via inflammation whose inhibition could decrease secretion of inflammatory factors. We then determined whether inhibition of PCSK9 could improve the inflammation. First, rats model of colitis was first established via administration of 2,4,6‐trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS), and then verified via determination of body weight loss, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and histopathological analysis of colonic damage. Results showed that treatment with TNBS induced a great body weight loss, MPO activity increase, and serious colonic damage, showing an obviously character of IBD. PCSK9 was elevated in TNBS‐induced rats, and PCSK9 inhibition delivered by adenovirus vector increased the body weight, decreased MPO activity, and ameliorated histological change of colon. Second, the protective effect of PCSK9 inhibition against TNBS‐induced colitis was accompanied by decrease of proinflammatory factors secretion, including tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐6, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1. TNBS could activate toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) signaling pathway, while PCSK9 inhibition suppressed activation of TLR4/NF‐κB in TNBS‐induced rats. In conclusion, PCSK9 inhibition attenuated TNBS‐induced rat colitis through anti‐inflammatory effect under inactivation of TLR4/NF‐κB, suggesting potential therapeutic strategy in IBD.
LncRNA MALAT1 promoted high glucose‐induced pyroptosis of renal tubular epithelial cell by sponging miR‐30c targeting for NLRP3
Authors: Liu Chan , Zhuo Hui , Ye Mu‐Yao , Huang Gu‐Xiang , Fan Min , Huang Xian‐Zhe
Published: May 2020

Diabetic nephropathy (DN), characterized by the chronic loss of kidney function during diabetes, is a long‐term kidney disease that affects millions of populations. However, the etiology of DN remains unclear. DN cell model was established by treating HK‐2 cells with high glucose (HG) in vitro. Expression of metastasis‐associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript‐1 (MALAT1), miR‐30c, nucleotide binding and oligomerization domain‐like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), caspase‐1, IL‐1β, and IL‐18 in treated HK‐2 cells were tested by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. HK‐2 cell pyroptosis was assessed using flow cytometry analysis. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity was examined with a LDH assay kit. Correlation among MALAT1, miR‐30c, and NLRP3 was examined via dual‐luciferase reporter assay. Here, we revealed that MALAT1 was upregulated, but miR‐30c was downregulated in HG‐treated HK‐2 cells, leading to upregulation of NLRP3 expression and cell pyroptosis. Knockdown of MALAT1 or overexpression of miR‐30c protected HK‐2 cells from HG‐induced pyroptosis. Meanwhile, we found that MALAT1 promoted NLRP3 expression by sponging miR‐30c through dual‐luciferase reporter assay. Moreover, the co‐transfection of sh‐MALAT1 and miR‐30c inhibitor could reverse the protective effects of the sh‐MALAT1 on the HG‐induced pyroptosis. These results confirmed that MALAT1 regulated HK‐2 cell pyroptosis by inhibiting miR‐30c targeting for NLRP3, contributing to a better understanding of DN pathogenesis and help to find out the effective treatment for DN.
Role of class I histone deacetylases in the regulation of maspin expression in prostate cancer
Authors: Shankar Eswar , Pandey Mitali , Verma Shiv , Abbas Ata , Candamo Mario , Kanwal Rajnee , Shukla Sanjeev , MacLennan Gregory T. , Gupta Sanjay
Published: May 2020

Maspin repression is frequently observed in prostate cancer; however, the molecular mechanism(s) causing the loss is not completely understood. Here, we demonstrate that inhibition of class I histone deacetylases (HDACs) mediates re‐expression of maspin which plays an essential role in suppressing proliferation and migration capability in prostate cancer cells. Human prostate cancer LNCaP and DU145 cells treated with HDAC inhibitors, sodium butyrate, and trichostatin A, resulted in maspin re‐expression. Interestingly, an exploration into the molecular mechanisms demonstrates that maspin repression in prostate tumor and human prostate cancer cell lines occurs via epigenetic silencing through an increase in HDAC activity/expression, independent of promoter DNA hypermethylation. Furthermore, transcriptional activation of maspin was accompanied with the suppression of HDAC1 and HDAC8 with significant p53 enrichment at the maspin promoter associated with an increase in histone H3/H4 acetylation. Our results provide evidence of maspin induction as a critical epigenetic event altered by class I HDACs in the restoration of balance to delay proliferation and migration ability of prostate cancer cells.
Two‐dimensional UTE overview imaging for dental application
Authors: Stumpf Kilian , Kaye Elena , Paul Jan , Wundrak Stefan , Pauly John M. , Rasche Volker
Published: May 2020

Purpose

To investigate the applicability of a 2D‐UTE half‐pulse sequence for dental overview imaging and the detection of signal from mineralized dental tissue and caries lesions with ultra‐short
as an efficient alternative to 3D sequences.

Methods

A modified 2D‐UTE sequence using 240‐µs half‐pulses for excitation and a reduction of the coil tune delay from the manufacturer preset value allowed for the acquisition of in vivo dental images with a TE of 35 µs at 1.5T. The common occurrence of out‐of‐slice signal for half‐pulse sequences was avoided by applying a quadratic‐phase saturation pulse before each half‐RF excitation. A conventional 2D‐UTE sequence with a TE of 750 µs, using slice selection rephasing, was used for comparison.

Results

Quadratic phase saturation pulses adequately improve the slice profile of half‐pulse excitations for dental imaging with a surface coil. In vivo images and SNR measurements show a distinct increase in signal in ultrashort
tissues for the proposed 2D‐UTE half‐pulse sequence compared with a 2D‐UTE sequence using conventional slice selection, leading to an improved detection of caries lesions.

Conclusion

The proposed pulse sequence enables the acquisition of in vivo images of a comprehensive overview of bone structures and teeth of a single side of the upper and lower jaw and signal detection from mineralized dental tissues in clinically acceptable scan times.
Dual‐Templating Approaches to Soybeans Milk‐Derived Hierarchically Porous Heteroatom‐Doped Carbon Materials for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yan Peng , Ye Huaibo , Han Yang , Wang Jingjing , Zheng Fenfen , Xiong Weiwei , Yang Hongxun , Zhang Junhao , Yuan Aihua , Wu Xingcai
Published: May 2020

Biomass derived carbon materials are widely available, cheap and abundant resources. The application of these materials as electrodes for rechargeable batteries shows great promise. To further explore their applications in energy storage fields, the structural design of these materials has been investigated. Hierarchical porous heteroatom‐doped carbon materials (HPHCs) with open three‐dimensional (3D) nanostructure have been considered as highly efficient energy storage materials. In this work, biomass soybean milk is chosen as the precursor to construct N, O co‐doped interconnected 3D porous carbon framework via two approaches by using soluble salts (NaCl/Na2CO3and ZnCl2/Mg5(OH)2(CO3)4, respectively) as hard templates. The electrochemical results reveal that these structures were able to provide a stable cycling performance (710 mAh ⋅ g−1at 0.1 A ⋅ g−1after 300 cycles for HPHC‐a, and 610 mAh ⋅ g−1at 0.1 A ⋅ g−1after 200 cycles for HPHC‐b) in Li‐ion battery and Na‐ion storage (210 mAh ⋅ g−1at 0.1 A ⋅ g−1after 900 cycles for HPHC‐a) as anodes materials, respectively. Further comparative studies showed that these improvements in HPHC‐a performance were mainly due to the honeycomb‐like structure containing graphene‐like nanosheets and high nitrogen content in the porous structures. This work provides new approaches for the preparation of hierarchically structured heteroatom‐doped carbon materials by pyrolysis of other biomass precursors and promotes the applications of carbon materials in energy storage fields.
Efficacy of surgery combined with postoperative 125I interstitial brachytherapy for treatment of acinic cell carcinoma of the parotid gland in children and adolescents
Authors: Li Jing , Zhang Jie , Lyu Xiao‐Ming , Huang Ming‐Wei , Zheng Lei , Zhang Jian‐Guo
Published: May 2020

Background

Acinic cell carcinoma (AciCC) is rare in children; therefore, reaching a consensus on its management is challenging and radiotherapy is limited by concerns about long‐term toxicity. The purpose of this study is to analyze the effectiveness and safety of surgery plus postoperative 125I interstitial brachytherapy (IBT) for children and adolescents with AciCC of the parotid gland (PG) treated at a single institution.

Procedure

Sixteen patients ≤ 18 years old with AciCC of the PG treated with surgery plus 125I IBT from 2007 to 2018 were included. Surgery was the primary treatment; ten patients underwent total gross excision and six subtotal gross excision. The matched peripheral dose was 60‐120 Gy. Overall survival, disease‐free survival (DFS), local control rate, distant metastasis, and radiation‐associated toxicities were analyzed, and factors influencing outcomes were evaluated.

Results

During follow‐up (1.8‐12.6 years; mean, 6.3 years), lymph node metastasis was observed in one case, 2.6 years after 125I IBT treatment. The five‐year overall and DFS rates were 100% and 91.7%, respectively. On univariate analysis, tumor size ≥ 3 cm (100% vs 50%; P = 0.025) and extraglandular extension (100% vs 50%; P = 0.025) were significant prognostic indicators for DFS. No severe radiation‐associated complications occurred.

Conclusions

Children and adolescents with AciCC of the PG with high‐risk features can be managed using surgery plus postoperative 125I IBT with excellent local control. Radiation‐related complications were minor. Patients with facial nerve involvement can have their facial nerves preserved. Residual tumors can be safely managed using adjuvant 125I IBT.
Linking process indicators and clinical/safety outcomes to assess the effectiveness of abatacept (ORENCIA) patient alert cards in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Artime Esther , Kahlon Randip , Méndez Ignacio , Kou Tzuyung , Garrido‐Estepa Macarena , Qizilbash Nawab
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Patient alert cards (PACs) for abatacept (ORENCIA) inform patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs) about the risk of infections and allergic reactions. The study evaluates the effectiveness of the PACs in rheumatoid arthritis patients and HCPs, using process indicators (awareness, receipt, utility, knowledge, behaviour) and outcomes.

Methods

Surveys of patients and HCPs in five European countries. A retrospective chart review permitted linking clinical and safety outcomes with survey responses.

Results

Data on 190 patients and 79 HCPs (50 physicians and 29 nurses) were analysed. Sixty percent of patients were aware of the PAC, of whom 95% had received it. Knowledge of risk of infection was higher among patients who had received the PAC vs those who had not (64% vs 46%; P = .013). Infections leading to hospitalisation increased with decreasing patient survey global scores: scores of ≥67%, 34%‐67% and ≤ 33% were associated with hospitalisation rates of 2.5%, 5.2% and 8.4%, respectively (P = .4). Among HCPs 90% were aware and 68% had accessed the PAC. More nurses than physicians were aware (93% vs 88%), had accessed (78% vs 74%), read (90% vs 59%), distributed (81% vs 66%) and explained the content (94% vs 43%) of the PAC. Knowledge of risk of infection was higher among HCPs who had (91%) vs those who had not (73%) accessed the PAC (P = .053).

Conclusions

PACs were effective in improving knowledge of key safety messages in patients and HCPs. This novel study design bridges the gap of linking process indicators with outcomes in the same patients, thereby strengthening the clinical relevance of patient surveys.
Simulation of performance differences between offshore and land‐based photovoltaic systems
Authors: Golroodbari S. Zahra , van Sark Wilfried
Published: May 2020

The purpose of this study is to model, simulate, and compare the performance of a photovoltaics system on land and at sea. To be able to have a fair comparison the effect of sea waves, wind speed and relative humidity are considered in this model. The sea waves are modeled in the frequency domain, using a wave spectrum. The irradiation on a tilted surface for a floating system is calculated considering the tilt angle that is affected by the sea waves. Moreover, the temperature is estimated based on heat transfer theory and the natural cooling system for both floating and land‐based photovoltaic systems. Actual measured weather data from two different locations, one located at Utrecht University campus and the other one on the North Sea, are used to simulate the systems, thus making the comparison possible. Energy yield is calculated for these weather conditions. The results show that the relative annual average output energy is about 12.96% higher at sea compared with land. However, in some months, this relative output energy increases up to 18% higher energy yield at sea.
Framework for planning the delivery of psychosocial oncology services: An American psychosocial oncology society task force report
Authors: Pirl William F. , Greer Joseph A. , Gregorio Sharla Wells‐Di , Deshields Teresa , Irwin Scott , Fasciano Karen , Wiener Lori , Courtnage Tiffany , Padgett Lynne S. , Fann Jesse R.
Published: May 2020

Objective

While screening for psychosocial distress is now the standard of care in oncology, little guidance is available on how best to deliver services in response to identified needs. The American Psychosocial Oncology Society (APOS) convened a task force with the goal of creating a framework that could aid in planning services and justifying requests for resources.

Methods

Ten experts from multiple disciplines within psychosocial oncology served on the task force, first meeting together as a larger group over 2 days to set an agenda and then subsequently working in smaller teams to execute the goals. The task force used consensus methods for developing recommendations.

Results

Three principles were identified for the framework. First, psychosocial oncology is a key component of population health, and population‐based approaches to care delivery are required. Second, several key parameters shape psychosocial oncology services: resources, aims, and scope. To guide resource allocation, example priorities were identified for the aims and scope of services. Finally, cancer care centers should strive to ensure the delivery of high‐quality psychosocial oncology care across all components of care. A range of practices was ranked by their potential contributions to achieving that goal.

Conclusions

This framework may aid in planning, evaluating, and refining the delivery of responsive psychosocial oncology services.
Effects of Nigella sativa on glycemic control, lipid profiles, and biomarkers of inflammatory and oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials
Authors: Hallajzadeh Jamal , Milajerdi Alireza , Mobini Moein , Amirani Elaheh , Azizi Susan , Nikkhah Elhameh , Bahadori Babak , Sheikhsoleimani Razieh , Mirhashemi Seyyed Mehdi
Published: May 2020

The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to evaluate the effects of Nigella sativa (N. sativa) on glycemic control, lipid profiles, and biomarkers of inflammatory and oxidative stress. Two independent authors systematically examined online databases consisting of, EMBASE, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from inception until October 30, 2019. Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool was applied to assess the methodological quality of the studied trials. The heterogeneity among the included studies were assessed using the Cochrane's Q test and I‐square (I2) statistic. Data were pooled using a random‐effects model and weighted mean difference (WMD) was considered as the overall effect size. A total of 50 trials were included in this meta‐analysis. We found a significant reduction in total cholesterol (WMD: −16.80; 95% CI: −21.04, −12.55), triglycerides (WMD: −15.73; 95% CI: −20.77, −10.69), LDL‐cholesterol (WMD: −18.45; 95% CI: −22.44, −14.94) and VLDL‐cholesterol (WMD: −3.72; 95% CI: −7.27, −0.18) following supplementation with N. sativa. In addition, there was significant reductive effect observed with N. sativa on fasting glucose (WMD: −15.18; 95% CI: −19.82, −10.55) and HbA1C levels (WMD: −0.45; 95% CI: −0.66, −0.23). Effects of N. sativa on CRP (WMD: −3.61; 95% CI: −9.23, 2.01), TNF‐α (WMD: −1.18; 95% CI: −3.23, 0.86), TAC (WMD: 0.31; 95% CI: 0.00, 0.63), and MDA levels (WMD: −0.95; 95% CI: −2.18, 0.27) were insignificant. This meta‐analysis demonstrated the beneficial effects of N. sativa on fasting glucose, HbA1c, triglycerides, total‐, VLDL‐, LDL‐cholesterol levels.
Prisoner Labor Throughout the Life Cycle of Disasters
Authors: Purdum J. Carlee , Meyer Michelle A.
Published: May 2020

Disaster impacts are on the rise, along with the costs to mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from these events. Inmates housed in prisons are a source of low‐cost labor for various tasks before, during, and after disasters. However, little is known about whether states plan to use inmate labor for emergency management needs. This paper responds to this gap through a content analysis of the inclusion of inmates as a labor resource in U.S. state‐level Emergency Operations Plans. Results show a majority of states include inmates in their plans and that inmates are a source of labor throughout the entire life cycle of a disaster. Further, planning documents include 34 different tasks that inmates may be assigned. States’ disaster experience, rates of incarceration, rates of minority incarceration, imprisonment costs, and region related to the inclusion of inmate labor in these plans. This research raises questions about how inmate labor may offset against the rising costs of disasters during a time when mass incarceration is under increased scrutiny. Furthermore, prisoners, who are disproportionately poor and minority, may be exposed to undue risks from this labor if the plans are implemented as written—increasing their social vulnerability to disasters.
Non‐Isothermal Curing Kinetics of Alkali‐Treated Alfa Fibers/Polybenzoxazine Composites Using Differential Scanning Calorimetry
Authors: Bessa Wissam , Trache Djalal , Derradji Mehdi , Tarchoun Ahmed F.
Published: May 2020

The exploration of curing process of benzoxazine resins, which possess outstanding features, is crucial for practical and advanced applications. In this study, bisphenol A‐aniline based benzoxazine (BA‐a) composites reinforced with alkali treated alfa fibers (TAF) were prepared. The influence of different loadings of the TAF on the curing kinetics of BA‐a was investigated using non‐isothermal differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) at different heating rates. Isoconversional integral methods or model free kinetics, namely, the iterative Kissinger‐Akahira‐Sunose (it‐KAS), iterative Flynn‐Wall‐Ozawa (it‐FWO), Sbirrazzuoli methodology (VYA/CE) and Trache‐Abdelaziz‐Siwani (TAS) methods have been applied to the experimental data in order to evaluate the curing kinetic parameters. The study revealed that the presence of TAF improved the crosslinking reaction of benzoxazine and reduced the activation energy. The pre‐exponential factor exhibited the same trend as the activation energy. The reaction model, examined for all composites, showed that all systems were accurately presented by an autocatalytic reaction model. The Avrami‐Erofeev model was the most appropriate for describing the cure kinetics and revealed a good agreement with experimental data.
Synthesis and Anti‐Proliferative Activity of a Triazole‐Fused Thymidine Analogue
Authors: Rahman Atikur , Sharma Priyanka , Kaur Navneet , Shanavas Asifkhan , Neelakandan Prakash P.
Published: May 2020

Here we report the synthesis of two‐an acyclic and a macrocyclic‐analogues of thymidine linked to a triazole moiety. The new molecules were synthesized through an intramolecular 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction of the diazido derivative of thymidine with a suitable alkyne. The acyclic nucleoside showed dose dependent cytotoxicity against glioblastoma and breast cancer cells by causing significant cellular damage as studied with confocal laser scanning microscopy. In silico induced fit molecular docking studies showed poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) as a potential target of the acyclic nucleoside. On the other hand, both the analogues showed no toxicity against normal fibroblast cells.
Highly‐Transparent and True‐Colored Semitransparent Indoor Photovoltaic Cells
Authors: Yin Hang , Ho Johnny Ka Wai , Piradi Venkatesh , Chen Song , Zhu Xunjin , So Shu Kong
Published: May 2020

Organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells are promising indoor light energy harvesters because organic materials absorb strongly in the visible range. An indoor photovoltaic (IPV) device is an effective tool for the remote off‐grid wireless charging. However, as the indoor light fluxes are much weaker than the 1‐Sun condition, high‐performance indoor cells should have large areas in order to generate appreciable energies. They would then appear as flat, but expansive and dark objects if deployed indoors. Their presence would then alter the indoor lighting environment and affect visual perceptions. This work addresses the lighting and perception issues of IPV cells in three ways. i) A concept is proposed such that a high‐efficiency, semitransparent indoor OPV cell should possess an absorbance which is mismatched with the emission spectra of the light sources. ii) It is demonstrated that bulk heterojunction (BHJ) OPV solar cells with porphyrin donors can serve as high‐transparency and high‐efficiency indoor light harvesters. iii) Quantitative assessment criteria are presented for the transparency and chromaticity of an indoor semitransparent OPV cell, demonstrating that porphyrin‐based P2:PC71BM semitransparent BHJ cells can achieve a power conversion efficiency (PCE) exceeding 10%, and an illuminance transparency ~65%, while preserving the color perception of the light sources.
Emergence of Ferroelectricity in Halide Perovskites
Authors: Shahrokhi Shamim , Gao Wenxiu , Wang Yutao , Anandan Pradeep Raja , Rahaman Md Zahidur , Singh Simrjit , Wang Danyang , Cazorla Claudio , Yuan Guoliang , Liu Jun‐Ming , Wu Tom
Published: May 2020

Perovskite oxides such as PbZrxTi1−xO3 (PZT) and BaTiO3 show excellent dielectric, piezoelectric, pyroelectric, and ferroelectric properties simultaneously and have been widely used in capacitor, sensor, actuator, motor, surface acoustic wave devices, and energy storage applications. Recently, a variety of solution‐processed halide perovskite materials have been discovered to exhibit fascinating properties such as high charge mobility, strong light absorption, and even ferroelectricity. In this review, the recent progress on two classes of halide perovskite ferroelectrics is summarized. The first class is organo‐lead halide perovskite semiconductor such as MAPbI3 (MA=CH3NH3+), which is intensively pursued for solar cell and light emitting diode applications. Dynamic ferroelectric polarization is believed to be one of the essential factors to protect carriers from being scattered by charged defects in these halide perovskites. The second class is normal/multilayered halide perovskite ferroelectrics with large polarization or strong piezoelectricity. The piezoelectric coefficient of these latter perovskites can be as high as ≈1540 pC N−1, comparable to those of PZT‐based ferroelectrics. Multiaxial polarizations and morphotropic phase boundaries are also demonstrated in such halide perovskites. Overall, the fast development of halide perovskite ferroelectrics opens a new avenue for not only advancing fundamental materials science but also designing novel electronic and photoelectric devices.
Configurable three‐way model merging
Authors: Sharbaf Mohammadreza , Zamani Bahman
Published: May 2020

Software development is a collaborative activity that requires teams of software engineers to cooperate and work in parallel on versions of models. However, model management techniques such as model differencing, merging, and versioning have turned out to be difficult challenges, due to the complexity of operations and graph‐like nature of models. Therefore, a well‐developed support for model merging process, as well as conflict management, is highly desired. This paper presents a novel process for model merging, called the Epsilon‐based Three‐way Merging Process (E3MP) process. Model merging is a significant problem where there are different versions of a system model amongst modeler teams. E3MP includes three components implemented into the Epsilon framework. First, modelers can define domain‐specific rules that customize the merging process. Second, E3MP enables an automated method for syntactic and semantic conflict detection amongst different versions of the system model. Third, E3MP puts forward a pattern‐based approach for conflict resolution. We applied two generic benchmarks to assess conflict detection and resolution capabilities of our approach and carried out an initial scalability evaluation for the model merge with large models and large change sets. The results of our experiments revealed that the proposed process allows generating consistent and semantically correct merged models.
Highly sensitive lipid detection and localization in atherosclerotic plaque with a dual‐frequency intravascular photoacoustic/ultrasound catheter
Authors: Cao Yingchun , Alloosh Mouhamad , Sturek Michael , Cheng Ji‐Xin
Published: May 2020

Intravascular photoacoustic/ultrasound (IVPA/US) is an emerging hybrid imaging modality that provides specific lipid detection and localization, while maintaining co‐registered artery morphology, for diagnosis of vulnerable plaque in cardiovascular disease. However, current IVPA/US approaches based on a single‐element transducer exhibit compromised performance for lipid detection due to the relatively low contrast of lipid absorption and conflicting detection bands for photoacoustic and ultrasound signals. Here, we present a dual‐frequency IVPA/US catheter for highly sensitive detection and precision localization of lipids. The low‐frequency transducer provides enhanced photoacoustic sensitivity, while the high‐frequency transducer maintains state‐of‐the‐art spatial resolution for ultrasound imaging. The boosted capability of IVPA/US imaging enables a multi‐scale analysis of lipid distribution in swine with coronary atherosclerosis. The dual‐frequency IVPA/US catheter has a diameter of 1 mm and flexibility to easily adapt to current catheterization procedures and is a significant step toward clinical diagnosis of vulnerable plaque.
Multifunctional perennial production systems for bioenergy: performance and progress
Authors: Englund Oskar , Dimitriou Ioannis , Dale Virginia H. , Kline Keith L. , Mola‐Yudego Blas , Murphy Fionnuala , English Burton , McGrath John , Busch Gerald , Negri Maria Cristina , Brown Mark , Goss Kevin , Jackson Sam , Parish Esther S. , Cacho Jules , Zumpf Colleen , Quinn John , Mishra Shruti K.
Published: May 2020

As the global population increases and becomes more affluent, biomass demands for food and biomaterials will increase. Demand growth is further accelerated by the implementation of climate policies and strategies to replace fossil resources with biomass. There are, however, concerns about the size of the prospective biomass demand and the environmental and social consequences of the corresponding resource mobilization, especially concerning impacts from the associated land‐use change. Strategically integrating perennials into landscapes dominated by intensive agriculture can, for example, improve biodiversity, reduce soil erosion and nutrient emissions to water, increase soil carbon, enhance pollination, and avoid or mitigate flooding events. Such “multifunctional perennial production systems” can thus contribute to improving overall land‐use sustainability, while maintaining or increasing overall biomass productivity in the landscape. Seven different cases in different world regions are here reviewed to exemplify and evaluate (a) multifunctional production systems that have been established to meet emerging bioenergy demands, and (b) efforts to identify locations where the establishment of perennial crops will be particularly beneficial. An important barrier towards wider implementation of multifunctional systems is the lack of markets, or policies, compensating producers for enhanced ecosystem services and other environmental benefits. This deficiency is particularly important since prices for fossil‐based fuels are low relative to bioenergy production costs. Without such compensation, multifunctional perennial production systems will be unlikely to contribute to the development of a sustainable bioeconomy.

This article is categorized under:

Bioenergy > Systems and Infrastructure

Bioenergy > Climate and Environment

Energy Policy and Planning > Climate and Environment
KdV-charged black holes
Authors: Dymarsky Anatoly , Sugishita Sotaro
Published: May 2020

Abstract

We construct black hole geometries in AdS3 with non-trivial values of KdV charges. The black holes are holographically dual to quantum KdV Generalized Gibbs Ensemble in 2d CFT. They satisfy thermodynamic identity and thus are saddle point configurations of the Euclidean gravity path integral. We discuss holographic calculation of the KdV generalized partition function and show that for a certain value of chemical potentials new geometries, not the conventional BTZ ones, are the leading saddles.
Optimal pricing of alpine ski passes in the case of crowdedness and reduced skiing capacity
Authors: Haugom Erik , Malasevska Iveta , Lien Gudbrand
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we estimate price-response functions for a ski resort using a conjoint framework. The analysis is based on survey data from 350 skiers at a large ski resort in the inland region of Norway. The results suggest that the waiting time at the main lifts (crowdedness) and the proportion of slopes open affect the optimal (profit-maximizing) price the ski resort should charge for a one-day ski pass. The results of this study support previous findings from the literature using alternative methodological approaches and can be used directly by ski resort managers when developing new pricing schemes for their ski resort.
Hanging drop cathode-atmospheric pressure glow discharge as a new method of sample introduction for inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry
Authors: Swiderski Krzysztof , Welna Maja , Greda Krzysztof , Pohl Pawel , Jamroz Piotr
Published: May 2020

This work reports the use of hanging drop cathode-atmospheric pressure glow discharge (HDC-APGD) as a new method of sample introduction for inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The developed arrangement was characterized by a low sample uptake (0.56 mL min−1) and the fact that the entire sample solution volume was consumed by the discharge. This resulted in a very high transport efficiency of analytes from the sample solution into the ICP torch (usually > 80%). Under the optimal operating conditions of HDC-APGD, intensities of emission lines of studied elements were, on average, 2 times higher as compared to those obtained with conventional pneumatic nebulization (PN). Moreover, in the case of I and Y, the observed signal enhancements were even higher, i.e., 6.2 and 6.1 times, respectively. It was also shown that in the case of B and some elements that are known to form different volatile species (Ag, Bi, Cd, Hg, Os, Pb, and Se), the presence of low molecular weight organic compounds in the sample solution, i.e., CH3OH, C2H5OH, HCOOH, CH3COOH, or HCHO, resulted in the additional enhancement of their signals. It was especially evident in the case of Hg for which a 8.6-fold signal enhancement in the presence of HCOOH was noticed. The system presented herein was distinguished from other competitive APGD-type discharges because it could be successfully used for the determination of a vast group of elements, including alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, transition metals, and non-metals.
Expression of immune checkpoints and T cell exhaustion markers in early and advanced stages of colorectal cancer
Authors: Saleh Reem , Taha Rowaida Z. , Toor Salman M. , Sasidharan Nair Varun , Murshed Khaled , Khawar Mahwish , Al-Dhaheri Mahmood , Petkar Mahir Abdulla , Abu Nada Mohamed , Elkord Eyad
Published: May 2020

Despite recent advances in colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment, a large proportion of patients show limited responses to therapies, especially in advanced stages. There is an urgent need to identify prognostic biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets in advanced stages, aiming to improve the efficacy of current treatments. We aimed to determine prognostic biomarkers in tumor tissue and circulation of CRC patients, with a special focus on T cell exhaustion markers. We found that mRNA levels of PD-1, TIM-3, CTLA-4, TIGIT, CD160, CD244, KLRG1, TOX2, TOX3, Ki-67, and PRDM1 were elevated in CRC tumor tissues. We also investigated differences in gene expression between early and advanced disease stages. We found that TOX and potentially TIM-3, CTLA-4, VISTA, TIGIT, KLRG1, TOX2, SIRT1, Ki-67, and Helios mRNA levels in tumor tissue were elevated in advanced disease stages, suggesting their potential roles in CRC progression. In contrast, PD-1 and CD160 levels in tumor tissue were downregulated in advanced stages. In the circulation of CRC patients, mRNA levels of PD-1, VISTA and LAG-3 were higher than those of healthy individuals. Moreover, in circulation, PD-1, CTLA-4 and TIGIT mRNA levels were reduced in advanced stages. Interestingly, levels of PD-1 in both tumor tissue and circulation were reduced in advanced stages, suggesting that targeting PD-1 in patients with advanced stages could be less effective. Altogether, these findings suggest some potential T cell exhaustion markers that could be utilized as prognostic biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets for CRC. However, further investigations and validations in larger cohorts are required to confirm these findings.
The Diagnostic Utility of Splenectomy in Idiopathic Splenomegaly
Authors: Naples Robert , Bertke Alexander , Fafaj Aldo , Zolin Samuel J. , Thomas Jonah D. , Petro Clayton , Krpata David , Prabhu Ajita S. , Rosen Michael J. , Rosenblatt Steven
Published: May 2020

Introduction

With increasing frequency, patients with idiopathic splenomegaly are referred to surgeons for splenectomy. We evaluated the diagnostic utility of splenectomy and feasibility of a minimally invasive approach in the face of idiopathic splenomegaly.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 68 patients who underwent splenectomy for idiopathic splenomegaly. The primary endpoint was the rate of definitive diagnosis based on final surgical pathology of the removed spleen.

Results

Preoperative workup included a bone marrow biopsy and peripheral blood smear in 93% and 100% of patients, respectively, with none having lymphadenopathy warranting biopsy. Splenectomy provided a definitive diagnosis for 44 (64.7%) patients. Of these, 34 (50%) patients had an underlying malignancy, of which more than half were splenic marginal zone lymphoma. There were 33 (48.5%) laparoscopic, 23 (33.8%) open, 10 (14.7%) laparoscopic converted to open, and two (2.9%) laparoscopic hand‐assist cases. Conversion to open was due to splenic size [median craniocaudal length 21.8 cm (cm)] in eight and staple line bleeding at the splenic hilum in two patients. Overall, the laparoscopic approach was completed in patients with a smaller splenic size compared to open (median craniocaudal length 15.2 vs. 26.0 cm, p < 0.0001). The open group had one (1.5%) intra‐operative mortality due to uncontrollable hemorrhage. Thirty‐day complication rates were similar for laparoscopic and open approaches (p = 0.10).

Conclusion

Splenectomy is an effective diagnostic modality in determining a pathologic cause for splenomegaly in this patient population. Laparoscopic splenectomy can be performed safely in appropriate cases with craniocaudal splenic size having the largest influence on surgical approach.
Correction to: Comparison of Clinical Outcomes Between Surgical Gastrostomy and Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy with Introducer Technique in Patients with Upper Aerodigestive Malignancies: A Single‐Center Analysis
Authors: Chang Arunchai , Watcharamon Chomduan , Rattanasupa Attapon , Thongsonkleeb Kittikarn , Chowdok Bunlue , Khaimook Araya , Ovartlarnporn Bancha , Prachayakul Varayu
Published: May 2020

In the original version of this article, there were data missing from Table 3. Following is the corrected table. The original article has been updated.