bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 10‐Substituted Camptothecin Derivatives with Improved Water Solubility and Activity
Authors: Yang Xue‐Yan , Zhao Hong‐Yi , Lei Hao , Yuan Bo , Mao Shuai , Xin Minghang , Zhang San‐Qi
Published: November 2020

Despite remarkable clinical achievements, camptothecin (CPT) still suffers from poor solubility and severe toxicity. Therefore, it is necessary to redevelop CPT derivatives as supplementary antitumor agents with good water solubility and small side effects. In this work, 27 camptothecin derivatives were synthesized and screened for their cytotoxicity against A549 (lung) and HCT‐116 (colon) cancer cell lines. Among them, compound B7, 7‐ethyl‐10‐(2‐oxo‐2‐(4‐methylpiperidin‐1‐yl)ethoxy)camptothecin,was demonstrated in vitro to be a more potent antitumor agent than SN‐38 by comparison of their inhibitory activities against cell proliferation and colony formation and interference effect on process of cell cycle and cell apoptosis. Additionally, a molecular docking model revealed that B7 can interact with the topoisomerase I–DNA complex, and that the solubility of B7 reached 5.73 μg/mL in water. Moreover, B7 significantly inhibited tumor growth in an A549 xenograft model at dosages of 0.4 and 2.0 mg/kg, and exhibited minimum lethal doses comparable to those of irinotecan. These results indicated that B7, with improved solubility, enhanced activity and acceptable acute toxicity, can be used as a lead compound for the development of novel anticancer agents.
Treatment of COVID‐19 patients with the anti‐CD6 antibody itolizumab
Authors: Caballero Armando , Filgueira Lázaro M , Betancourt Julio , Sánchez Naivy , Hidalgo Carlos , Ramírez Alberto , Martinez Alejandro , Despaigne Rolando E , Escalona Alberto , Diaz Henrry , Meriño Elio , Ortega Lilia M , Castillo Ulises , Ramos Mayra , Saavedra Danay , García Yanelda , Lorenzo Geydi , Cepeda Meylán , Arencibia Maylén , Cabrera Leticia , Domecq Milagros , Estévez Daymys , Valenzuela Carmen , Lorenzo Patricia , Sánchez Lizet , Mazorra Zaima , León Kalet , Crombet Tania
Published: November 2020

Objectives

COVID‐19 can lead to a hyperinflammatory state. CD6 is a glycoprotein expressed on mature T lymphocytes which is a crucial regulator of the T‐cell activation. Itolizumab is a humanised antibody targeting CD6. Nonclinical and clinical data in autoimmune diseases indicate that it lowers multiple cytokines primarily involving the Th1/Th17 pathway. The primary objective of this study was to assess the impact of itolizumab in arresting the lung function deterioration of COVID‐19 patients. Secondary objectives included safety, duration of ventilation, 14‐day mortality and evaluation of interleukin 6 concentration.

Methods

Patients with confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 received itolizumab in combination with other therapies included in the national protocol for COVID‐19.

Results

Seventy critical, severe or moderate patients were treated with itolizumab in 10 Cuban hospitals. Median age was 68, and 94% had comorbidities. After 72 h, most patients improved the PO2/FiO2ratio and reduced FiO2 requirements. Ventilation time was 8 days for critical and 1 day for severe cases. Ten patients had related adverse events while 3 subjects developed related serious events. In 30 patients, interleukin 6 decreased in individuals with high level and did not change in those with lower concentration. Fourteen‐day lethality rate was 4% and 18% for moderate and severe patients, respectively. The proportion of moderate or severe patients with ventilation or death at day 14 was 9.8%. Time to treatment, neurological manifestations and biomarkers such as NLR were significantly associated with higher lethality.

Conclusions

The opportune administration of itolizumab might interrupt the hyperinflammatory cascade and prevent COVID‐19 morbidity and mortality.
Detecting the abuse of 19‐norsteroids in doping controls: A new gas chromatography coupled to isotope ratio mass spectrometry method for the analysis of 19‐norandrosterone and 19‐noretiocholanolone
Authors: Iannella Loredana , Colamonici Cristiana , Curcio Davide , Botrè Francesco , de la Torre Xavier
Published: November 2020

The detection of 19‐norsteroids abuse in doping controls currently relies on the determination of 19‐norandrosterone (19‐NA) by gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS). An additional confirmatory analysis by gas chromatography coupled to isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC‐C‐IRMS) is performed on samples showing 19‐NA concentrations between 2.5 and 15 ng/ml and not originated from pregnant female athletes or female treated with 19‐norethisterone. 19‐Noretiocholanolone (19‐NE) is typically produced to a lesser extent as a secondary metabolite. The aim of this work was to improve the GC‐C‐IRMS confirmation procedure for the detection of 19‐norsteroids misuse. Both 19‐NA and 19‐NE were analyzed as target compounds (TCs), whereas androsterone (A), pregnanediol (PD), and pregnanetriol (PT) were selected as endogenous reference compounds (ERCs). The method was validated and applied to urine samples collected by three male volunteers after the administration of nandrolone‐based formulations. Before the instrumental analysis, urine samples (<25 ml) were hydrolyzed with β‐glucuronidase from Escherichia coli and extracted with n‐pentane. Compounds of interest were purified through a single (for PT) or double (for 19‐NE, 19‐NA, A, and PD) liquid chromatographic step, to reduce the background noise and eliminate interferences that could have affect the accuracy of δ13C values. The limit of quantification (LOQ) of 2 ng/ml was ensured for both 19‐NA and 19‐NE. The 19‐NE determination could be helpful in case of “unstable” urine samples, in late excretion phases or when coadministration with 5α‐reductase inhibitors occur.
Landscape structure and population density affect intraspecific aggression in beavers
Authors: Mayer Martin , Aparicio Estalella Clàudia , Windels Steve K. , Rosell Frank N.
Published: November 2020

Intraspecific competition plays an important role for territory acquisition and occupancy, in turn affecting individual fitness. Thus, understanding the drivers of intraspecific aggression can increase our understanding of population dynamics. Here, we investigated intraspecific aggression in Eurasian (Castor fiber) and North American (Castor canadensis) beavers that are both monogamous, territorial mammals. Combined, we examined tail scars from >1,000 beavers (>2,000 capture events) as part of two long‐term studies in Norway and the USA. We investigated the influence of landscape structure, population density, sex, age, and (for Eurasian beavers only) social status and group size on the number of tail scars caused by conspecifics. The number of tail scars was affected by population density in well‐connected landscape types (large lakes and rivers), but not in more isolated areas (ponds), where individuals generally had fewer tail scars. Further, the relationship of population density was not linear. In the North American beaver population occurring in large lakes, intraspecific aggression increased with population density. Conversely, in the saturated Eurasian beaver population, intraspecific aggression was in a negative relationship with population density (except at the highest densities), likely due to inverse density‐dependent intruder pressure via dispersers. Our findings emphasize that population density can affect intraspecific aggression depending on landscape structure, which might have important consequences for local patterns of dispersal, mate change, and territory occupancy, all of which can affect population dynamics.
Mathematical model of electromigration allowing the deviation from electroneutrality
Authors: Novotný Tomáš , Gaš Bohuslav
Published: November 2020

The structure of the double layer on the boundary between solid and liquid phases is described by various models, of which the Stern–Gouy–Chapman model is still commonly accepted. Generally, the solid phase is charged, which also causes the distribution of the electric charge in the adjacent diffuse layer in the liquid phase. We propose a new mathematical model of electromigration considering the high deviation from electroneutrality in the diffuse layer of the double layer when the liquid phase is composed of solution of weak multivalent electrolytes of any valence and of any complexity. The mathematical model joins together the Poisson equation, the continuity equation for electric charge, the mass continuity equations, and the modified G‐function. The model is able to calculate the volume charge density, electric potential, and concentration profiles of all ionic forms of all electrolytes in the diffuse part of the double layer, which consequently enables to calculate conductivity, pH, and deviation from electroneutrality. The model can easily be implemented into the numerical simulation software such as Comsol. Its outcome is demonstrated by the numerical simulation of the double layer composed of a charged silica surface and an adjacent liquid solution composed of weak multivalent electrolytes. The validity of the model is not limited only to the diffuse part of the double layer but is valid for electromigration of electrolytes in general.
Brain dysconnectivity relates to disability and cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Sjøgård Martin , Wens Vincent , Van Schependom Jeroen , Costers Lars , D'hooghe Marie , D'haeseleer Miguel , Woolrich Mark , Goldman Serge , Nagels Guy , De Tiège Xavier
Published: November 2020

The pathophysiology of cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS) is still unclear. This magnetoencephalography (MEG) study investigates the impact of MS on brain resting‐state functional connectivity (rsFC) and its relationship to disability and cognitive impairment. We investigated rsFC based on power envelope correlation within and between different frequency bands, in a large cohort of participants consisting of 99 MS patients and 47 healthy subjects. Correlations were investigated between rsFC and outcomes on disability, disease duration and 7 neuropsychological scores within each group, while stringently correcting for multiple comparisons and possible confounding factors. Specific dysconnections correlating with MS‐induced physical disability and disease duration were found within the sensorimotor and language networks, respectively. Global network‐level reductions in within‐ and cross‐network rsFC were observed in the default‐mode network. Healthy subjects and patients significantly differed in their scores on cognitive fatigue and verbal fluency. Healthy subjects and patients showed different correlation patterns between rsFC and cognitive fatigue or verbal fluency, both of which involved a shift in patients from the posterior default‐mode network to the language network. Introducing electrophysiological rsFC in a regression model of verbal fluency and cognitive fatigue in MS patients significantly increased the explained variance compared to a regression limited to structural MRI markers (relative thalamic volume and lesion load). This MEG study demonstrates that MS induces distinct changes in the resting‐state functional brain architecture that relate to disability, disease duration and specific cognitive functioning alterations. It highlights the potential value of electrophysiological intrinsic rsFC for monitoring the cognitive impairment in patients with MS.
Experimental investigation of esophageal reconstruction with electrospun polyurethane nanofiber and 3D printing polycaprolactone scaffolds using a rat model
Authors: Park Hanaro , Kim In Gul , Wu Yanru , Cho Hana , Shin Jung‐Woog , Park Su A , Chung Eun‐Jae
Published: November 2020

Background

We evaluated the outcome of esophageal reconstructions using tissue‐engineered scaffolds.

Method

Partial esophageal defects were reconstructed with the following scaffolds; animals were grouped (n = 7 per group) as follows: (a) normal rats; (b) rats implanted with three‐dimensional printing (3DP) polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds; (c) with human adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cell (ADSC)‐seeded 3DP PCL scaffolds; (d) with polyurethane (PU)‐nanofiber(Nf) scaffolds; and (e) with ADSC‐seeded PU‐Nf scaffolds.

Results

The esophageal defects were successfully repaired; however, muscle regeneration was greater in the 3DP PCL + ADSC groups than in the PU‐Nf + ADSC groups (P < .001). Regeneration of the epithelium was greater in PU‐Nf and PU‐Nf + ADSC groups than in the 3DP PCL and 3DP PCL + ADSC groups (P < .001).

Conclusion

A tendency for more re‐epithelization was observed with the PU‐Nf scaffolds, while more muscle regeneration was achieved with the 3DP PCL scaffolds.
Impact of cascade reservoirs on continuity of river water temperature: A temperature trend hypothesis in river
Authors: Xu You , Guo Xiaojuan , Dan Yong , Yang Zhengjian , Ma Jun , Liu Defu , Xu Yaqian
Published: November 2020

Water temperature is an important habitat factor in river ecosystems that exhibits the characteristics of continuous change. Dam construction disrupts the continuity of river water temperature and reset it, thus exerting sharp rise/decrease on the characteristics of water temperature change. The effect of a dam on river continuity is directly related to the dam size. To explain this relationship, two rivers in China were selected: one river without reservoirs and one river with cascade reservoirs. Through the analysis of the longitudinal change of water temperature in free‐flowing rivers, we found that water temperature changes continuously and steadily in the longitudinal direction. Based on this, a temperature trend hypothesis in river was proposed, and the discontinuity of the water temperature in the reservoir section was evaluated. The results are as follows: (1) In mixed reservoirs, river water temperature remained as continuous as free‐flowing rivers. However, the river water temperature had a large discontinuity in the stratified reservoir. (2) Water residence time was used as an indicator of the continuity of reservoir water temperature. (3) Selective withdrawal of stratified reservoirs in January could not remove the discontinuity caused by itself, but it worked in June.
Unraveling the Global Warming Mitigation Potential from Recycling Subway-Related Excavated Soil and Rock in China Via Life Cycle Assessment
Authors: Zhang Ning , Zhang Hui , Schiller Georg , Feng Haibo , Gao Xiaofeng , Li Enming , Li Xiujie
Published: November 2020

Many cities across China are investing in subway projects, resulting in much subway construction activity, which has experienced a surge over the past decade. The construction activities inevitably cause a dramatic quantity of subway-related excavated soil and rock (ESR). How to manage it with minimal environmental impact on our urban ecosystem remains an open question. The present study evaluates global warming potential (GWP, expressed by CO2 eq) from different ESR recycling and landfilling scenarios via a life cycle assessment (LCA) model based on primary field investigation combined with the LCA software database. The study results illustrate that recycling ESR can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In comparison with traditional construction materials, the scenarios found that a cumulative amount of 1.1 to 1.5 million tonnes (Mt) of CO2 eq emissions could have been mitigated by using ESR generated between 2010 and 2018 to produce baking-free bricks and recycled baked brick. Using cost–benefit analysis, potential economic benefits from recycled sand and baking-free bricks are found to reach US$9 million annually. The findings of this study could provide better recycling options for ESR-related stakeholders. It is important to mention that there still is much work to be done before this recycling work can be popularized in China. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:639–650. © 2020 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC)

KEY POINTS

This study focuses on the global warming potential (GWP) assessment of excavated soil and rock (ESR). Cumulative CO2 mitigation potential by recycling ESR was calculated. More than US$8 million profit could have been reached annually between 2006 and 2018. Cumulative CO2 mitigation potential could have been as high as 1.5 Mt from 2010 to 2018.
What do productivity indices tell us? A case study of U.S. industries
Authors: Madigu Godfrey , Gil‐Alana Luis A.
Published: November 2020

We use fractional integration as a more general approach in order to examine productivity in U.S. manufacturing firms. We find that contrary to the standard analysis based on time trends with I(0) errors, many manufacturing U.S. industries are highly productive with positive productivity shocks causing permanent effects in the series. This implies that for recovery, policy interventions are necessary in these industries in the event of negative shocks.
The effects of stimulus magnitude and duration during pretrial delivery of preferred items to increase compliance
Authors: Hodges Ansley C. , Shuler Ashley , Wilder David A. , Ertel Hallie
Published: November 2020

Previous research has suggested that the response‐independent delivery of preferred stimuli can increase compliance to low‐probability instructions, although these results have been mixed. Two variables that might affect compliance during this procedure are the magnitude and duration of access to the stimuli. In the current study, we evaluated stimulus magnitude and duration of access during pretrial delivery of preferred items on compliance among children with autism. In Experiment 1, we compared high and low magnitude edible stimuli. In Experiment 2, we compared long and short durations of access to leisure stimuli. Results show that high magnitudes and long durations of access to preferred stimuli delivered once immediately before a low‐probability instruction increased compliance more than low magnitudes and short durations of access to preferred stimuli. We discuss the implications and possible mechanisms responsible for these results.
Physico‐chemical characterization and tissue healing changes byHancornia speciosaGomes latex biomembrane
Authors: Pegorin Giovana S. , Leite Marcel N. , Antoniassi Marcio , Chagas Ana Laura D. , Santana Luísiane A. , Garms Bruna C. , Marcelino Mônica Y. , Herculano Rondinelli D. , Cipriani Frade Marco Andrey
Published: November 2020

Skin wounds have been a public health concern of high frequency, in addition to requiring intensive and expensive care. The natural rubber latex (NRL) fromHancornia speciosaGomes has been used to treat many problems in traditional medicine and also present healing properties, antifungal and anti‐inflammatory activity and antinociceptive effects. The purpose of this study was to characterize the new biomembrane from the NRL ofH. speciosa(HS) by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and mechanical strength test and to investigate its biological properties by the cytotoxicity assay and in vivo healing activity. The results showed that the HS biomembrane exhibited characteristic bands of the main componentcis‐1,4‐polyisoprene. Besides, its Young modulus was close to human skin with adhesive‐compatible mechanical characteristics. The cytotoxicity assays revealed that the HS biomembrane was not toxic to fibroblast cells neither using agar diffusion test nor MTT assay. Furthermore, the HS biomembrane stimulated the inflammatory cells and the angiogenesis, increased significantly the collagenesis and improved the quality of heal until the remodeling phase induced by implants in mice. Thus, this biomembrane has proven to be a safe and biocompatible biomaterial with healing potential, becoming an effective and low‐cost alternative for the treatment of skin wounds.
Stabilization of novel N‐heterocyclic germylenes: A computational perspective
Authors: Zhao Kangping , Zhang Yannan , Ma Yuan , Jin Zhimei , Sheykhahmad Fatima Rashid
Published: November 2020

In this theoretical survey, N‐heterocyclic Germylenes (NHGes; 1–13) are compared and contrasted at DFT. All singlet (s) and triplet (t) states of NHGes turn out as minima for showing no negative force constant on their energy surfaces. Yet, only s states appear as global minima. From thermodynamic view point, the scrutinized NHGes show singlet‐triplet energy gap (ΔEs–t) larger than that of VI and VII germylenes, in the range of 51.45–60.37 versus 49.72 and 42.83 kcal/mol, respectively. In addition, all species are found less stable than NHGes synthesized by Veith (V) and more stable than the NHGes synthesized by Herrmann (VI) and Driess (VII) and so except for 9s–13s structures, reminder singlet divalent species have minimum vibrational frequencies (υmin) more than 100 cm−1. From kinetic view point, the ΔEHOMO–LUMO (band gap) of all singlet NHGes under study is higher than that of Driess's germylene. Henceforth, 1s–8s structures as stable molecules satisfy the identified conditions by Hoffmann, Schleyer, and Schaefer. Dimer of the singlet 1H‐4‐germapyridine‐4‐ylidene (1s), is found 11.44 kcal/mol less thermodynamically stable than its corresponding aromatic monomer. Endothermicity of head‐to‐head dimerization indicates that the reaction is unfavorable for 1, just as 8, while exothermicity shows that head‐to‐head dimerization is favorable for the others especially 9. This survey indicates the substitution effects of fused rings on thermodynamic and kinetic stabilities of NHGes hoping to prompt the experimental attentions toward them.
Sarcopenia: prevalence, associated factors, and the risk of mortality and disability in Japanese older adults
Authors: Kitamura Akihiko , Seino Satoshi , Abe Takumi , Nofuji Yu , Yokoyama Yuri , Amano Hidenori , Nishi Mariko , Taniguchi Yu , Narita Miki , Fujiwara Yoshinori , Shinkai Shoji
Published: November 2020

Background

There is limited evidence on sarcopenia in Asian populations. This study aimed to clarify the prevalence, associated factors, and the magnitude of association with mortality and incident disability for sarcopenia and combinations of its components among Japanese community‐dwelling older adults.

Methods

We conducted a 5.8 year prospective study of 1851 Japanese residents aged 65 years or older (50.5% women; mean age 72.0 ± 5.9) who participated in health check‐ups. Sarcopenia was defined according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 algorithm. Appendicular lean mass index (ALMI) was measured using direct segmental multi‐frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to identify associations of sarcopenia and the combinations of its components with all‐cause mortality and incident disability.

Results

The prevalence of sarcopenia was 11.5% (105/917) in men and 16.7% (156/934) in women. Significant sarcopenia‐related factors other than ageing were hypoalbuminaemia, cognitive impairment, low activity, and recent hospitalization (all P‐values <0.05) among men and cognitive impairment (P = 0.004) and depressed mood (P < 0.001) among women. Individuals with sarcopenia had higher risks of mortality [hazard ratios (95% confidence interval): 2.0 (1.2–3.5) in men and 2.3 (1.1–4.9) in women] and incident disability [1.6 (1.0–2.7) in men and 1.7 (1.1–2.7) in women]. Compared with the individuals without any sarcopenia components, those having low grip strength and/or slow gait speed without low ALMI tended to have an increased risk of disability [1.4 (1.0–2.0), P = 0.087], but not mortality [1.3 (0.8–2.2)]. We did not find increased risks of these outcomes in participants having low ALMI in the absence of low grip strength and slow gait speed [1.2 (0.8–1.9) for mortality and 0.9 (0.6–1.3) for incident disability].

Conclusions

Japanese older men and women meeting Asian criteria of sarcopenia had increased risks of all‐cause mortality and disability. There were no significant increased risks of death or incident disability for both participants with muscle weakness and/or low performance without low muscle mass and those with low muscle mass with neither muscle weakness nor low performance. Further studies are needed to examine the interaction between muscle loss, muscle weakness, and low performance for adverse health‐related outcomes.
Evaluation of natural dyes Curcuma longa and Nyctanthes arbor‐tristis with different mordants on plant tissues under fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Shet Verenkar Nikita G. , Sellappan Krishnan
Published: November 2020

The study reveals the effect of natural dyes Curcuma longa (rhizome) and Nyctanthes arbor‐tristis (corolla tube) on various plant tissues under fluorescence microscopy. The results indicated that the auto‐fluorescence was seen in some of the tissues of unstained monocot and dicot stem sections. The use of Curcuma longa dye along with different chemical mordants leads to various colors and intensity of fluorescence under different excitation filters (violet: 400–450; blue: 450–500; green: 500–570; yellow: 570–610 and red: 610–750 nm) examined. The extract of Nyctanthes arbor‐tristis along with the mordants lead to bluish‐orange fluorescence of vascular tissues under violet excitation filter. Among the dyes evaluated, Nyctanthes arbor‐tristis showed better fluorescence than the Curcuma longa dye. Hence, the dye extracted from the corolla tube of Nyctanthes arbor‐tristis is a potential natural dye and could be used as biological stain for staining plant tissues.
Quantification of carboxyl‐functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes in plant tissues with programmed thermal analysis
Authors: Nava Valeria , Das Kamol , Amin Vinay , Gronstal Steven , Wang Xiaoliang , Chow Judith C. , Watson John G. , Yang Yu
Published: November 2020

In this study, carboxyl functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes (c‐MWCNTs) in plant (lettuce [Lactuca sativa Bionda Ricciolina]) tissues were quantitatively analyzed with programmed thermal analysis coupled with a sequential digestion. Programmed thermal analysis evidenced a linear relationship between c‐MWCNT–bound C and elemental C detected. A detection limit of 114–708 μg C g−1 plant tissues (dry mass) was achieved for analysis of c‐MWCNTs. The method was demonstrated using the tissues of lettuce cultured hydroponically for 3 wk with c‐MWCNTs at an exposure of 10 and 20 μg ml−1. This quantitative analysis can be used to provide insights into carbon nanotube exposure through agricultural products and promote its sustainable application.
Simulating the effect of glenohumeral capsulorrhaphy on kinematics and muscle function
Authors: Fox Aaron S. , Bonacci Jason , Gill Stephen D. , Page Richard S.
Published: November 2020

This study aimed to use a predictive simulation framework to examine shoulder kinematics, muscular effort, and task performance during functional upper limb movements under simulated selective glenohumeral capsulorrhaphy. A musculoskeletal model of the torso and upper limb was adapted to include passive restraints that simulated the changes in shoulder range of motion stemming from selective glenohumeral capsulorrhaphy procedures (anteroinferior, anterosuperior, posteroinferior, posterosuperior, and total anterior, inferior, posterior, and superior). Predictive muscle‐driven simulations of three functional movements (upward reach, forward reach, and head touch) were generated with each model. Shoulder kinematics (elevation, elevation plane, and axial rotation), muscle cost (i.e., muscular effort), and task performance time were compared to a baseline model to assess the impact of the capsulorrhaphy procedures. Minimal differences in shoulder kinematics and task performance times were observed, suggesting that task performance could be maintained across the capsulorrhaphy conditions. Increased muscle cost was observed under the selective capsulorrhaphy conditions, however this was dependent on the task and capsulorrhaphy condition. Larger increases in muscle cost were observed under the capsulorrhaphy conditions that incurred the greatest reductions in shoulder range of motion (i.e., total inferior, total anterior, anteroinferior, and total posterior conditions) and during tasks that required shoulder kinematics closer to end range of motion (i.e., upward reach and head touch). The elevated muscle loading observed could present a risk to joint capsule repair. Appropriate rehabilitation following glenohumeral capsulorrhaphy is required to account for the elevated demands placed on muscles, particularly when a significant range of motion loss presents.
An International Survey of Clinicians’ Experience Caring for Patients Receiving Home Parenteral Nutrition for Chronic Intestinal Failure During the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Allan Philip J. , Pironi Loris , Joly Francisca , Lal Simon , Van Gossum André ,   the Home Artificial Nutrition & Chronic Intestinal Failure special interest group of ESPEN
Published: November 2020

Background

This survey of centers caring for patients receiving home parenteral nutrition (HPN) was conducted to assess the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) crisis on the management of these patients regarding provision of care, monitoring, regular follow‐up, and any changes to service infrastructure.

Methods

A survey was devised and publically published on the Research Electronic Data Capture database management system, with individual centers responding to a public link.

Results

A total of 78 adult and pediatric centers worldwide contributed to the survey, representing ≥3500 patients’ experiences. Centers reported infrastructure maintenance for Parenteral Nutrition (PN) bag deliveries to patients (60, 76.92%) or delivery of ancillary items (57, 73.08%), home delivery and HPN administration (65, 83.33%), and home care nurse shortages (25, 32.05%). Routine follow‐up of HPN patients changed to either all telemed or mixed with emergency clinic review (70, 89.74%). In 26 centers (33.33%), HPN for newly discharged patients with benign conditions was reduced or stopped. Based on clinical history, the centers reported psychological distress for patients (52, 66.67%), with anxiety, worry, concern, and apprehension reported most frequently (37 of 52, 71.15%) but also fear (10 of 52, 19.23%), depression (5 of 52, 9.62%), and issues related to isolation/confinement (12 of 52, 23.08%).

Conclusions

The COVID‐19 pandemic was reported by clinicians to have had a far‐reaching adverse impact on patients receiving HPN, especially their safety in terms of provision of personal protective equipment, PN bags, available nursing staff, and psychological well‐being. Healthcare systems responded to the challenge and presented new ways of working.
Homicide as a Source of Posttraumatic Stress?: A Meta‐Analysis of the Prevalence of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder After Committing Homicide
Authors: Badenes‐Ribera Laura , Molla‐Esparza Cristian , Longobardi Claudio , Sánchez‐Meca Julio , Fabris Matteo Angelo
Published: November 2020

There is a growing body of literature on the diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after committing homicide that has examined the prevalence of this phenomenon among individuals who have been convicted, but these studies considerably vary. The present study was the first meta‐analysis to synthesize scientific evidence regarding the prevalence of offense‐related PTSD among convicted killers. A total of 691 articles were identified through an initial screening process, and the final analysis included 11 studies that met the analysis criteria. We examined the prevalence of PTSD after committing homicide and explored how these rates varied by sample type, offender type, diagnosis timeframe, and diagnosis type. Among adult offenders, the pooled prevalence was 42.6%, 95% CI [38.0%, 47.4%], for current full‐criteria homicide‐related PTSD and 13.1%, 95% CI [9.9%, 17.2%], for current partial‐criteria homicide‐related PTSD. For mixed offenders (i.e., killers and violent offenders), the pooled prevalence of current full‐criteria offense‐related PTSD was 33.1% (95% CI [14.1, 59.8]). Thus, we found that PTSD prevalence was higher in killers than mixed offenders, although this difference was not statistically significant. Finally, among youth mixed offenders, the pooled prevalence for current full‐criteria offense‐related PTSD was 5.3%, 95% CI [2.9%, 9.5%]. These findings provide evidence of the high rate of this phenomenon, especially among convicted adults.
All‐in‐One: Sensing, Adsorptive Removal, and Photocatalytic Degradation of Nitro‐Explosive Contaminants by Microporous Polycarbazole Polymer
Authors: Manna Anupam , Das Monojit , Mukherjee Soumya , Das Sanjib
Published: November 2020

A highly multitasking 3D polycarbazole based microporous organic polymer (ACzMOP) is rationally prepared via a low‐cost FeCl3 catalyzed polymerization route utilizing a newly developed Td ‐symmetric adamantane core tetracarbazolic monomer. The nitrogen‐rich ACzMOP integrated with photo‐redox active electron‐rich π‐conjugated polycarbazole modules featuring large BET surface area of 1568 m 2 g −1, pore volume of 1.58 cc g −1, excellent physicochemical stability, and strong fluorescence in both aqueous and solid phases. Aqueous suspension including ACzMOP coated paper strip is highly responsive to the aqueous solution of nitroaromatics especially 2,4‐dinitrotoluene, an unavoidable intermediate of 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene contamination, with ultra‐trace level detection capability (up to 0.32 ppb). The thin layer of solid polymer is capable of detecting nitroaromatic vapors, especially nitrotoluenes in a very sensitive manner. Moreover, the polymer exhibit record uptake of nitrotoluenes and nitrophenols with maximum uptake capability up to 510 mg g −1  setting a new benchmark among known porous materials. The polymer efficiently degrades toxic 4‐nitrophenol to the value‐added 4‐aminophenol precursor (TOF = 0.143 h −1) via photocatalytic pathway. For the very first time, ACzMOP as a single material system is capable of efficiently sensing and removing all sorts of nitroaromatic contaminations with regenerability under mild washing/vacuum conditions.
Tough Pill to Swallow: Postextubation Dysphagia and Nutrition Impact in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Dobak Stephanie , Kelly Daniel
Published: November 2020

More than 5 million patients are admitted to US intensive care units (ICUs) each year. Many of these patients have risk factors for dysphagia. Dysphagia must be promptly addressed and appropriately treated to avoid the deleterious impacts of aspiration and malnutrition. Therefore, clinicians must be aware of ways to identify and treat dysphagia. This review will highlight the risk factors, mechanisms, and impact of dysphagia in the ICU as well as provide screening, diagnostic, and management options.
Rot‐free mixed finite elements for gradient elasticity at finite strains
Authors: Riesselmann Johannes , Ketteler Jonas W. , Schedensack Mira , Balzani Daniel
Published: November 2020

Through enrichment of the elastic potential by the second‐order gradient of deformation, gradient elasticity formulations are capable of taking nonlocal effects into account. Moreover, geometry‐induced singularities, which may appear when using classical elasticity formulations, disappear due to the higher regularity of the solution. In this contribution, a mixed finite element discretization for finite strain gradient elasticity is investigated, in which instead of the displacements, the first‐order gradient of the displacements is the solution variable. Thus, theC1continuity condition of displacement‐based finite elements for gradient elasticity is relaxed toC0. Contrary to existing mixed approaches, the proposed approach incorporates a rot‐free constraint, through which the displacements are decoupled from the problem. This has the advantage of a reduction of the number of solution variables. Furthermore, the fulfillment of mathematical stability conditions is shown for the corresponding small strain setting. Numerical examples verify convergence in two and three dimensions and reveal a reduced computing cost compared to competitive formulations. Additionally, the gradient elasticity features of avoiding singularities and modeling size effects are demonstrated.
A three‐dimensional enhanced dual‐porosity and dual‐permeability approach for hydromechanical modeling of naturally fractured rocks
Authors: Rueda Julio , Mejia Cristian , Noreña Nilthson , Roehl Deane
Published: November 2020

The natural fracture system plays an important role in the development of naturally fractured reservoirs. Traditionally, those reservoirs are simulated using dual‐porosity and dual‐permeability models. Conventional dual‐porosity models adopt over‐simplifications in terms of characterization of the fractured system. Generally, they focus on the hydraulic problem and do not consider the rock and fracture deformability. Besides, those models assume equally sized block matrix and orthogonal fracture sets with uniform properties. This work proposes a new hydromechanical formulation to represent a fractured porous formation more realistically using the finite element method. The enhanced dual‐porosity and dual‐permeability (EDPDP) model allows incorporating multiblock domains formed by several multiscale fracture sets with arbitrary orientations, permeabilities, and sizes. The fully coupled hydromechanical formulation includes fracture orientations and stress‐induced aperture changes to update stiffness and permeability tensors. The EDPDP model is implemented in an in‐house framework to study the effects of fractures with multiple scales on a hydrocarbon reservoir's hydromechanical behavior. We compare the proposed model against the discrete fracture method to assess its accuracy. The comparative results show excellent agreement and validated the fully coupled hydromechanical formulations. Finally, we present a case study of a reservoir that contains multiple sets of fractures with different scales and arbitrary orientation to demonstrate the applicability and robustness of the proposed model.
Effects of adding different concentrations of block copolymers in epoxy matrix nanocomposites with carbon allotropic nanoparticles
Authors: Schuster Marcia Bär , Abreu Iury Körting de , Becker Daniela , Coelho Luiz A. F.
Published: November 2020

This work investigates the role of different concentrations of a polyester‐polyurethane‐based block copolymer (BCP) on epoxy resin nanocomposites with allotropic carbon nanoparticles (graphene nanoplatelets [GNPs] or carbon nanotubes [CNTs]) on thermal, morphological, and mechanical properties, focusing on fracture toughness and its mechanisms. Amounts of BCP corresponding to 1x, 5x, and 10x the mass of nanoparticles were added. Nanocomposites with a low concentration of BCP (1x) were stronger than the neat epoxy, while high concentrations of BCP (10x) yielded a negative effect for both studied carbon nanoparticles. Fracture toughness (KIc) performed better at a 5x BCP concentration and this effect was greater for the system with CNTs. Likewise, for the GIc, the best results were seen in nanocomposites with 5x BCP, with a greater increase in the system with GNPs. In all nanocomposite systems with BCPs, the soft phase self‐arrangement mechanisms, that is, debonding/cavitation and consequent voids on the fracture surface, were verified.
Electromagnetic interference shielding response of multiwall carbon nanotube/polypropylene nanocomposites prepared via melt processing technique
Authors: Kaushal Ashish , Singh Vishal
Published: November 2020

The present study tells about dc conductivity, mechanical, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding response of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) reinforced polypropylene nanocomposites prepared via melt processing technique using a twin‐screw extruder. The tensile strength of the nanocomposites shows improvement by 27% compared to the sample with no filler added (PCN0). The incorporation of MWCNT leads to a boost in electrical conductivity from 2.07 × 10−10 to 4.21 × 10−6 S/cm. The maximum EMI shielding effectiveness obtained at 5 wt% of MWCNT load valued −21.07 in the X‐band (8.2‐12.4 GHz) frequency range, measured using the vector network analyzer. The results concluded that the prepared nanocomposite is suitable to be used as a mechanically durable shielding material to fulfill the industrial needs of shielding.
Fetal teratomas – A retrospective observational single‐center study
Authors: Simonini Corinna , Strizek Brigitte , Berg Christoph , Gembruch Ulrich , Mueller Andreas , Heydweiller Andreas , Geipel Annegret
Published: November 2020

Objective

Evaluation of course and outcome of pregnancies with prenatally diagnosed fetal teratomas of various locations in a single center between 2002 and 2019.

Methods

Retrospective observational single‐center study including prenatally suspected or diagnosed fetal teratomas. Focus was put on ultrasound findings during pregnancy. Complications, need for intervention and outcomes were compared according to tumor location.

Results

79 cases of fetal teratomas were seen at our center between 2002 and 2019. Most frequent tumor locations were the sacrococcygeal region (59.5%), neck (20.2%) and oropharynx (7.6%). Complications mainly included polyhydramnios and cardiac compromise. Need for intervention during pregnancy was significantly higher in pericardial teratomas. Preterm birth before 37 and early preterm birth before 32 weeks occurred in 72.7% and 29.1%, respectively. Major causes of perinatal death were tumor bleeding in sacrococcygeal teratomas (SCTs) and respiratory failure in cervical and oropharyngeal teratomas.

Conclusion

There is a high need for intervention in pregnancies complicated by fetal teratomas. Pericardiocentesis in pericardial teratomas is often inevitable to reduce the risk of intrauterine demise. Amniotic fluid drainage in associated severe polyhydramnios helps to reduce the risk of preterm birth, a major cause of additional morbidity and mortality. MRI in supplement to prenatal ultrasound is useful in fetal teratomas of the neck and oropharynx in order to plan delivery.
Let your maps be fuzzy!—Class probabilities and floristic gradients as alternatives to crisp mapping for remote sensing of vegetation
Authors: Feilhauer Hannes , Zlinszky András , Kania Adam , Foody Giles M. , Doktor Daniel , Lausch Angela , Schmidtlein Sebastian
Published: November 2020

Mapping vegetation as hard classes based on remote sensing data is a frequently applied approach, even though this crisp, categorical representation is not in line with nature's fuzziness. Gradual transitions in plant species composition in ecotones and faint compositional differences across different patches are thus poorly described in the resulting maps. Several concepts promise to provide better vegetation maps. These include (1) fuzzy classification (a.k.a. soft classification) that takes the probability of an image pixel's class membership into account and (2) gradient mapping based on ordination, which describes plant species composition as a floristic continuum and avoids a categorical description of vegetation patterns. A systematic and comprehensive comparison of these approaches is missing to date. This paper hence gives an overview of the state of the art in fuzzy classification and gradient mapping and compares the approaches in a case study. The advantages and disadvantages of the approaches are discussed and their performance is compared to hard classification (a.k.a. crisp or boolean classification). Gradient mapping best conserves the information in the original data and does not require an a priori categorization. Fuzzy classification comes close in terms of information loss and likewise preserves the continuous nature of vegetation, however, still relying on a priori classification. The need for a priori classification may be a disadvantage or, in other cases, an advantage because it allows using categorical input data instead of the detailed vegetation records required for ordination. Both approaches support spatially explicit accuracy analyses, which further improves the usefulness of the output maps. Gradient mapping and fuzzy classification offer various advantages over hard classification, can always be transformed into a crisp map and are generally applicable to various data structures. We thus recommend the use of these approaches over hard classification for applications in ecological research.
Data visualization case studies for high‐dimensional data validation
Authors: Williams Aaron R.
Published: November 2020

Microsimulation and synthetic data are often high dimensional, requiring extensive validation and exploration to compare results against certain benchmarks. In both cases, validation is necessary to ensure that the many univariate distributions and multivariate relationships in the new data are similar to the many univariate distributions and multivariate relationships in the underlying data. This article illustrates some data visualization techniques for comparing a generated sample or population against a known reference sample or population. For implementation ease, we also outline an iterative workflow built with R Markdown that can be shared publicly on GitHub or privately with Amazon Web Services S3. The lessons learned from this work apply to any analysis that compares multiple data sets, deals with high‐dimensional data, or involves summarizing iterations of analyses.
Studies on cyclic behavior of tripod suction bucket foundation system supporting offshore wind turbine using centrifuge model test
Authors: Jeong Yeong‐Hoon , Ko Kil‐Wan , Kim Dong‐Soo , Kim Jae‐Hyun
Published: November 2020

To be competitive in offshore wind energy production, safe and economical foundation design is essential. In recent years, tripod suction bucket foundations have been considered as an alternative to conventional foundations owing to their unique features suitable for offshore construction environments, economic installation, and high overturning resistance. However, it is difficult to accurately predict the behavior of tripod foundation because the load acting on the tripod is complex in HVM (i.e., horizontal, vertical, and moment loads) and the response varies depending on the size and direction of the load. Moreover, it is harder to analyze because the effects of cyclic loads must be considered in an offshore environment. This study, therefore, has investigated the behavior of the tripod suction bucket foundation under cyclic loadings. To analyze the complex responses of the tripod foundation in detail, the overall behavior of the tripod foundation system was observed based on the compression–pullout behavior of a single bucket. Moment–rotation responses, the cyclic stiffness, and permanent displacements of the tripod foundation are evaluated by analyzing the vertical behavior of the single‐bucket foundations as well as the rotational behavior of the tripod foundation. A number of centrifuge model tests were carried out with different loading conditions (i.e., loading amplitudes and directions). It was confirmed that the cyclic behavior of the tripod bucket foundation is significantly affected by loading amplitudes and directions. Furthermore, this study emphasized the importance of considering load characteristics when designing the tripod foundation.
Charged current Drell-Yan production at N3LO
Authors: Duhr Claude , Dulat Falko , Mistlberger Bernhard
Published: November 2020

Abstract

We present the production cross section for a lepton-neutrino pair at the Large Hadron Collider computed at next-to-next-to-next-to-leading order (N3LO) in QCD perturbation theory. We compute the partonic coefficient functions of a virtual W± boson at this order. We then use these analytic functions to study the progression of the perturbative series in different observables. In particular, we investigate the impact of the newly obtained corrections on the inclusive production cross section of W± bosons, as well as on the ratios of the production cross sections for W+, W− and/or a virtual photon. Finally, we present N3LO predictions for the charge asymmetry at the LHC.