bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chinese Propolis: Ultrasound‐assisted enhanced ethanolic extraction, volatile components analysis, antioxidant and antibacterial activity comparison
Authors: Ding Qingzhi , Sheikh Arooj Rehman , Gu Xiangyue , Li Juan , Xia Kaihui , Sun Nianzhen , Wu Ricardo A. , Luo Lin , Zhang Yong , Ma Haile
Published: November 2020

This study was aimed to enhance the extraction yield of propolis samples using ultrasound technology, analyze the volatile compounds, and compare the antioxidant and antimicrobial effect of propolis extracts of different areas. Four propolis samples were collected from different regions of China, namely: Linqing, Shandong Province (LSP); Yingchun, Heilongjiang Province (YHP); Changge, Henan Province (CHP); and Raohe, Heilongjiang Province (RHP). The ultrasound extracts of CHP and RHP showed a higher total phenolic content (TPC) of 201.78 ± 4.60 mgGAE/g and 166.071 ± 1.53 mgGAE/g, total flavonoid content (TFC) of 519.77 ± 29.90 and 341.227 ± 10.82 mg quercetin/g respectively, as well as high antioxidant and antibacterial activity. Conventional extraction showed 15%–20% lower yield for TPC ranging from 72.02 ± 1.99 to 155.95 ± 3.69 mg GAE/g, TFC ranges from 129.675 ± 6.82 to 412.83 ± 12.14 mg quercetin/g, with lower antibacterial activity. The antioxidant activity of propolis extracts was determined by assays of reducing power, DPPH*, FRAP*, TEAC*, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity and superoxide anion scavenging activity. Collectively, the antioxidant activities of extracts from CHP and RHP were higher than those of the other two extracts(YHP and LSP). All the extracts showed high antimicrobial activity on Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Bacillus subtilis, but no effect on Escherichia coli. A total of 150 compounds in propolis were detected by GC/MS. Terpenes (RHP 34%, YHP 5%, LSP 18%, and CHP 12%) and alcohols (RHP 12%, YHP 13%, LSP 12%, and CHP 10%) showed the highest relative content among all other extracts.
Association between socioeconomic status and cognitive functioning among older adults in Ghana
Authors: Nutakor Jonathan Aseye , Dai Baozhen , Zhou Jianzai , Larnyo Ebenezer , Gavu Alexander Kwame , Asare Maxwell Kwabena
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Extensive analysis of the associations between socioeconomic status and cognition has been conducted among older adults. However, it is not clear whether associations in high‐income countries are similar in low‐and middle‐income countries. This research aims to investigate the association between the socioeconomic status of older adults in Ghana and their cognitive function by using a sample of older adults that is nationally representative.

Methods

Data were obtained from a sample of older Ghanaian adults (50+) from the Study of Global AGEing and Adult Health Wave 1 (n = 3710) of the World Health Organization. Objectively, cognition was measured by verbal recall, verbal fluency, forward digit span, and backward digit span, while variations in cognition overall were evaluated against socioeconomic factors using linear regression.

Results

Older age, older women, rural life, increasing memory difficulty, and being diagnosed with stroke were the most significant determinants of impaired cognitive function. Higher education and higher income were significantly associated with a better cognitive function than those with no formal education and low income.

Conclusions

These results provide new evidence for public health programs in Ghana and other low‐and middle‐income countries to tackle cognitive impairments in growing populations.
A biodiversity evaluation framework for restoration of aquatic macrophyte communities in shallow lakes driven by hydrological process management
Authors: Li Shuhan , Sun Tao , Yang Wei , Cui Baoshan , Yin Xinan
Published: November 2020

Macrophyte community diversity and composition respond to ecosystem conservation and local environmental factors. In this study, we developed a multidimensional diversity framework for macrophyte communities, including the taxonomic and functional alpha and beta diversity. We used the framework to explore the relationships among water level regimes and these diversity parameters in a case study of China's Baiyangdian Lake. Analysis of indicators of hydrologic alteration divided the water level from 1959 to 2019 into four regimes (dry, <6.42 m; low, 6.42–7.23 m; medium, 7.23–8.19 m; high, >8.19 m). Alpha and beta diversity were significantly higher in the medium regime than in the low and high regimes. Redundancy analysis indicated that the maximum water depth significantly affected taxonomic alpha diversity, and total nitrogen (TN) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentration significantly affected functional alpha diversity, respectively. Mantel tests showed that TN, Secchi depth (SD), and water depth in the high water level regime significantly increased the total beta diversity and turnover components. TN was the main factor that increased total taxonomic beta diversity. Water level regime mainly influenced interspecific relationships by changing the TN and COD concentration. The water level should be maintained between the medium and high water level regimes to promote restoration of the macrophyte community and improve ecosystem stability. The biodiversity evaluation framework would provide a deeper insight into the hydrological process management for restoration of aquatic macrophyte communities in shallow lakes.
New antiscatter grid design by optimization of strip thickness and height
Authors: Zhou Abel , Tan Qi , White Graeme L. , Davidson Rob
Published: November 2020

Antiscatter grids are used in biomedical X‐ray imaging to improve image quality by reducing scatter radiation reaching the image receptor. However, this comes at the cost of increasing radiation exposure. Grid performance can be improved by optimizing strip‐thickness, which reduces radiation exposure, leading to greater benefits achieved by the grid. Evidence has shown that strip height may also affect grid performance. This work investigates optimization of grid performance by varying both the strip thickness and height for a constant grid‐ratio of 15:1 (r15). A series of grid designs using lead strips and carbon‐fiber‐interspace materials for grids for high‐energy use was evaluated. The performance of these designs was determined by adopting a Monte Carlo simulation. For each grid design, the signal‐to‐noise ratio improvement factor (KSNR) was determined. A maximum value of KSNR (1.895) was found among these designs at a strip height of 6.8 mm and a thickness of 66.8 μm. The best performance of the r15‐series grids is 6% greater than that of a grid design with a grid ratio of 15:1 and a strip frequency of 44 cm−1 (found in the literature); consequently, the transmission of scatter radiation is reduced by 40%. The results show that grid designs can be optimized by both the strip height and thickness. If the optimization of the strip height and thickness cannot be done simultaneously, the recommendation is to optimize the strip height for better radiation protection without compromising the grid performance. The findings provide useful guidance for designing high‐performance antiscatter grids to reduce radiation exposure of patients.
DementiaMRIimage classification using transformation technique based on elephant herding optimization with Randomized Adam method for updating the hyper‐parameters
Authors: Bharanidharan N , Rajaguru Harikumar
Published: November 2020

The primary objective of this research work is to build a binary classifier for categorizing the input brain magnetic resonanceimaging (MRI) images as either demented or nondemented with high accuracy. A novel hyper‐parameter updating method called Randomized Adam (RanAdam) is proposed for enhancing the dementia classification accuracy of elephant herding optimization algorithm and other swarm intelligence (SI) algorithms. Usually, Adam method is widely used in deep learning neural networks for hyper‐parameters updating, and it is ingenious to use Adam and its modified version called RanAdam as hyper‐parameters updating method for SI algorithms. The proposed RanAdam algorithm tries to find actual optimal values for hyper‐parameters near the optimal values given by Adam method through the Controlled Randomness procedure. This research work also compares dementia MRI image classification performance of elephant herding optimization‐based transformation technique with the standard clustering approaches and other transformation approaches. In this research work, 117 subjects (65 non‐dementia and 52 dementia subjects) acquired from the Open Access Series of Imaging Studies (OASIS) database is used. Two cases are analyzed in all the techniques: with and without statistical features. The highest accuracy of 90.6% is achieved by elephant herding optimization (EHO)‐based transformation technique combined with RanAdam for updating hyper‐parameters for the case without statistical features. To verify the efficiency of the proposed technique, a popular Pima diabetic dataset is considered in addition to the OASIS dementia dataset and 88% accuracy is earned for EHO‐based transformation technique combined with RanAdam.
A same‐day assay predicts apoptotic response to combined BCL‐2 and MCL‐1 BH3‐mimetic targeting in multiple myeloma cells
Authors: Grundy Martin , Al‐Kaisi Firas , Cull Joanna , Williams Cathy , Smith Dean , Seedhouse Claire H.
Published: November 2020

Recent advances in treatment options for multiple myeloma (MM) have positive impact on patient survival. However, there is a short fall of rapid and reliable assays that can predict patient response to novel agents. The anti‐apoptotic proteins B‐cell lymphoma‐2 (BCL‐2) and myeloid cell leukaemia‐1 (MCL‐1), are necessary for MM survival, although most myelomas are more dependent on MCL‐1. BCL‐2 inhibition alone yields significant cytotoxicity in only a minority of cases, therefore targeting both proteins simultaneously, is a therapeutic option. Venetoclax and S63845 are BCL‐2 and MCL‐1 targeting BH3‐mimetics which have demonstrated apoptotic synergy in MM. We investigated whether a novel short‐term flow cytometric cytochrome c release assay could predict response to dual BH3‐mimetic targeting in MM cells. Six human myeloma cell lines (HMCL) and seven primary samples were treated with venetoclax and S63845 alone or in combination. The 4‐hour assay confirmed the drug combination was synergistic in all HMCL tested. Annexin‐V data at 48 hours corresponded with 4‐hour response verifying the assay as a predictor of drug sensitivity. All primary samples responded to the drug combination, including samples with 1q gain and t(4;14) translocation. Normal stem cells were unaffected by the drug combination. We have developed a novel assay with the potential to predict response to therapy in MM cells.
Leishmania regulates host macrophage miRNAs expression by engaging transcription factor c-Myc
Authors: Nandan Devki , Rath Carolina Torturella , Reiner Neil E
Published: November 2020

Parasites of Leishmania genus have developed sophisticated strategies allowing them to deactivate their host macrophage to promote their survival. It has become clear that miRNAs play important roles in shaping innate and adaptive immune responses toward pathogens. It is not surprising that several pathogens including Leishmania have evolved the ability to regulate host macrophage miRNA expression in order to manipulate host cell phenotypes to their advantage. However, very little is known about the mechanisms used by intracellular pathogens to drive changes in host cell miRNA abundance. In this review, Leishmania exploitation of macrophage transcription factor c-Myc as a critical proxy virulence factor to regulate abundance of macrophage miRNAs influencing macrophage physiology to promote its survival will be discussed.
Non‐destructive detection of blueberry skin pigments and intrinsic fruit qualities based on deep learning
Authors: Mu Changhong , Yuan Zebin , Ouyang Xiuqin , Sun Pu , Wang Bo
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

This paper proposes a novel method to improve accuracy and efficiency in detecting the quality of blueberry fruit, taking advantage of deep learning in classification tasks. We first collected ‘Tifblue’ blueberries at seven different stages of maturity (10–70 days after full bloom) and measured the pigments of the blueberry skin and the total sugar and the total acid of the pulp. We then established a skin pigment contents prediction network (SPCPN), based on the correlation between the pigments and blueberry pictures, and also a fruit intrinsic qualities prediction network (FIQPN), based on the correlation between the pigments and fruit qualities. Finally, the SPCPN and FIQPN were consolidated into the blueberry quality parameters prediction network (BQPPN).

RESULTS

The results showed that the anthocyanins in the blueberry skin were significantly correlated with the total sugar, total acid, and sugar / acid ratio of the fruit. After verification, the results also indicated that, for the prediction of anthocyanins, chlorophyll, and the anthocyanin / chlorophyll ratio, the SPCPN network model was found to achieve higher R2 (RMSE) values of 0.969 (0.139), 0.955 (0.005), 0.967 (15.4), respectively. The FIQPN network model was also able to evaluate the value of total sugar (R2 = 0.940, RMSE = 4.905), total acid (R2 = 0.930, RMSE = 2.034), and the sugar / acid ratio (R2 = 0.973, RMSE = 0.580).

CONCLUSION

The above results indicated the potential for utilizing deep learning technology to predict the quality indicators of blueberry before harvesting. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of microstructural features on the corrosion behavior of severely deformed Al–Mg–Si alloy
Authors: Orłowska Marta , Ura‐Bińczyk Ewa , Olejnik Lech , Lewandowska Małgorzata
Published: November 2020

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of severe plastic deformation processing and the changes in microstructure resulting therefrom on the corrosion resistance of an Al–Mg–Si alloy. The alloy was processed using incremental equal channel angular pressing, which caused a reduction in grain size from 15 to 0.9 µm. The grain refinement was accompanied by an increase in the number of grain boundaries and dislocations, and by changes in grain orientation. However, there was no change in the size and number of intermetallic particles, which presumably resulted in a constant number of galvanic couplings. Electrochemical experiments revealed only slight differences between the samples before and after processing. Higher potential transients/oscillations upon immersion and increased corrosion currents in the vicinity of corrosion potential point to slightly higher reactivity of the most refined material. This indicates that intermetallic particles are the most crucial microstructural elements in terms of corrosion resistance. Their impact exceeds that of grain boundaries, in particular, at the stage of corrosion initiation. The development of corrosion attack is controlled more by the microstructure of the matrix as the grain refinement resulted in a less pronounced corrosion attack in comparison with the coarse‐grained sample.
Spatial Distribution Changes and Habitat Use in Red Porgy in Waters off the Southeast U.S. Atlantic Coast
Authors: Smart Tracey I. , Bubley Walter J. , Glasgow Dawn M. , Reichert Marcel J. M.
Published: November 2020

Despite 30 years of relatively strict management measures, the Red Porgy Pagrus pagrus population off the southeast U.S. Atlantic coast has not met rebuilding goals and was still categorized as overfished over a decade after a moratorium (SEDAR 2020). The lack of recovery indicates that limiting fishing pressure is not enough to effectively manage population levels. Population size may be driven by spatial or habitat associations independent of fishing pressure. We defined spatial distribution and habitat associations of Red Porgy adults and recruits by using a 23-year, fishery-independent trap catch time series (1996–2019). Abundance of recruits was below the long-term average, and adults were declining for the last 8 years of the time series. In addition, the spatial distribution of recruits tended to contract to deeper waters in the center of the region when abundance was low, whereas adults remained relatively consistent in their spatial and depth distribution regardless of abundance. The independence between effective area occupied and adult abundance supports that adults persisted throughout the region, whereas recruit area occupied was proportional to abundance. Recruits and adults overlapped spatially, but there was some partitioning of habitats: recruits were more abundant in less-complex habitats (low benthic biota coverage and low availability of hard substrate) relative to more complex habitats, and adults were more abundant in more complex or warm habitats than in less-complex or cooler habitats. When overall abundance was reduced, adult abundance in more complex habitats became more similar to abundance in less-complex habitats, while there was little to no change in recruit habitat use. The center of the region had a high overlap of adults and recruits, particularly in times of reduced recruitment. If fishers cannot target adults only, there is high potential for bycatch mortality or reduced fitness for recruits, which would further reduce the likelihood of recovery.
Repeatability and reliability of GABA measurements with magnetic resonance spectroscopy in healthy young adults
Authors: Duda Jessica M. , Moser Amelia D. , Zuo Chun S. , Du Fei , Chen Xi , Perlo Sarah , Richards Christine E. , Nascimento Nara , Ironside Maria , Crowley David J. , Holsen Laura M. , Misra Madhusmita , Hudson James I. , Goldstein Jill M. , Pizzagalli Diego A.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) abnormalities have been implicated in a range of neuropsychiatric disorders. Despite substantial interest in probing GABA in vivo, human imaging studies relying on magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) have generally been hindered by technical challenges, including GABA’s relatively low concentration and spectral overlap with other metabolites. Although past studies have shown moderate‐to‐strong test‐retest repeatability and reliability of GABA within certain brain regions, many of these studies have been limited by small sample sizes.

Methods

GABA+ (macromolecular‐contaminated) test‐retest reliability and repeatability were assessed via a Meshcher‐Garwood point resolved spectroscopy (MEGA‐PRESS) MRS sequence in the rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC; n = 21) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC; n = 20) in healthy young adults. Data were collected on a 3T scanner (Siemens Prisma, Siemens Healthcare, Erlangen, Germany) and GABA+ results were reported in reference to both total creatine (GABA+/tCr) and water (GABA+/water).

Results

Results showed strong test‐retest repeatability (mean GABA+/tCr coefficient of variation [CV] = 4.6%; mean GABA+/water CV = 4.0%) and reliability (GABA+/tCr intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.77; GABA+/water ICC = 0.87) in the dlPFC. The rACC showed acceptable (but comparatively lower) repeatability (mean GABA+/tCr CV = 8.0%; mean GABA+/water CV = 7.5%), yet low‐moderate reliability (GABA+/tCr ICC = 0.40; GABA+/water ICC = 0.44).

Conclusion

The present study found excellent GABA+ MRS repeatability and reliability in the dlPFC. The rACC showed inferior results, possibly because of a combination of shimming impedance and measurement error. These data suggest that MEGA‐PRESS can be utilized to reliably distinguish participants based on dlPFC GABA+ levels, whereas the mixed results in the rACC merit further investigation.
Utility of neuromuscular ultrasound in the investigation of common mononeuropathies in everyday neurophysiology practice
Authors: Pelosi Luciana , Leadbetter Ruth , Mulroy Eoin
Published: November 2020

Introduction

In everyday clinical neurophysiology practice, mononeuropathies are evaluated primarily by traditional electrodiagnostic testing. We sought to assess the additional benefit of neuromuscular ultrasound (US) in this scenario.

Methods

All consecutive mononeuropathies undergoing combined US and electrodiagnostic evaluation over a 23‐mo period at a single neurophysiology practice were reviewed. Three independent examiners assessed how often US was: (a) “contributory” ‐ enabling a definite diagnosis not made by electrophysiology alone and/or impacting on the therapeutic decision, (b) “confirmatory” of the electrodiagnostic findings, but not adding further diagnostic or therapeutic information, or (c) “negative” ‐ missed the diagnosis.

Results

There were 385 studies included. US was “contributory” in 36%, “confirmatory” in 61% and “negative” in 3%.

Discussion

In this study of everyday neurophysiology practice, neuromuscular US contributed significant diagnostic or therapeutic information in over 1/3 of the investigations for common mononeuropathies. False negative US studies were uncommon in this setting.
Tumor Frameshift Mutation Proportion Predicts Response to Immunotherapy in Mismatch Repair-Deficient Prostate Cancer
Authors: Sena Laura A. , Fountain Julia , Isaacsson Velho Pedro , Lim Su Jin , Wang Hao , Nizialek Emily , Rathi Nityam , Nussenzveig Roberto , Maughan Benjamin L. , Velez Miguel Gonzalez , Ashkar Ryan , Larson Amanda C. , Pritchard Colin C. , Adra Nabil , Bryce Alan H. , Agarwal Neeraj , Pardoll Drew M. , Eshleman James R. , Lotan Tamara L. , Antonarakis Emmanuel S.
Published: November 2020

Background

Genomic biomarkers that predict response to anti-PD1 therapy in prostate cancer are needed. Frameshift mutations are predicted to generate more neoantigens than missense mutations; therefore, we hypothesized that the number or proportion of tumor frameshift mutations would correlate with response to anti-PD1 therapy in prostate cancer.

Methods

To enrich for response to anti-PD1 therapy, we assembled a multicenter cohort of 65 men with mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) prostate cancer. Patient characteristics and outcomes were determined by retrospective chart review. Clinical somatic DNA sequencing was used to determine tumor mutational burden (TMB), frameshift mutation burden, and frameshift mutation proportion (FSP), which were correlated to outcomes on anti-PD1 treatment. We subsequently used data from a clinical trial of pembrolizumab in patients with nonprostatic dMMR cancers of various histologies as a biomarker validation cohort.

Results

Nineteen of 65 patients with dMMR metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer were treated with anti-PD1 therapy. The PSA50 response rate was 65%, and the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 24 (95% confidence interval 16–54) weeks. Tumor FSP, more than overall TMB, correlated most strongly with prolonged PFS and overall survival (OS) on anti-PD1 treatment and with density of CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. High FSP similarly identified patients with longer PFS as well as OS on anti-PD1 therapy in a validation cohort.

Conclusion

Tumor FSP correlated with prolonged efficacy of anti-PD1 treatment among patients with dMMR cancers and may represent a new biomarker of immune checkpoint inhibitor sensitivity.

Implications for Practice

Given the modest efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) in unselected patients with advanced prostate cancer, biomarkers of ICI sensitivity are needed. To facilitate biomarker discovery, a cohort of patients with DNA mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) prostate cancer was assembled, as these patients are enriched for responses to ICI. A high response rate to anti-PD1 therapy in these patients was observed; however, these responses were not durable in most patients. Notably, tumor frameshift mutation proportion (FSP) was identified as a novel biomarker that was associated with prolonged response to anti-PD1 therapy in this cohort. This finding was validated in a separate cohort of patients with nonprostatic dMMR cancers of various primary histologies. This works suggests that FSP predicts response to anti-PD1 therapy in dMMR cancers, which should be validated prospectively in larger independent cohorts.
Standardized Supportive Care Documentation Improves Safety of High-Dose Methotrexate Treatment
Authors: Alsdorf Winfried H. , Karagiannis Panagiotis , Langebrake Claudia , Bokemeyer Carsten , Frenzel Christian
Published: November 2020

Background

High-dose (HD) methotrexate (MTX) is an essential component of treatment protocols in acute lymphoblastic leukemia, aggressive lymphoma, and osteosarcoma. However, delayed MTX clearance may lead to life-threatening toxicities. Administration of supportive therapy for HD-MTX is complex, and insufficient supportive care increases the risk of MTX toxicity. To improve patient safety, we investigated the implementation of a checklist and urine alkalinization protocol in addition to standard supportive care during HD-MTX therapy.

Materials and Methods

The intervention included individualized patient checklists for control of adequate supportive care for every HD-MTX treatment cycle and a urine alkalinization protocol for documentation and guidance during urine alkalinization therapy. The impact of these tools on the rate of adverse events (acute renal injury, delayed MTX clearance) was retrospectively assessed in patients treated from April 2017 to April 2019 (intervention group) and compared with patients treated from January 2015 to March 2017 who received standard supportive care for HD-MTX according to a standard operating procedure (SOP).

Results

In total, 118 patients received 414 HD-MTX cycles in the intervention group compared with 108 patients with 332 treatment cycles in the SOP group. Delayed MTX clearance was observed in 2.6% of treatment cycles in the intervention cohort opposed to 15.2% of cycles in the SOP group. The rate of acute kidney injury was also significantly reduced in the intervention group (6.2%. vs. 0.7%). The use of carboxypeptidase as rescue treatment for severe renal impairment and insufficient MTX clearance was necessary in five cases in the SOP group and in only two cycles within the intervention group.

Conclusion

The use of standardized documentation for supportive care during HD-MTX therapy is recommended to minimize the risk of adverse events.

Implications for Practice

High-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) is a commonly used treatment in several cancer types. Distinct supportive measures are necessary to minimize the risk of HD-MTX side effects, which can be life-threatening. Supportive care consists of certain examinations and interventions before starting HD-MTX and permanent alkalinization of the urine, as this greatly increases the elimination of MTX and decreases the risk of kidney injury. After implementing a checklist for control of supportive care and a urine alkalinization protocol to optimize urine alkalinization, a significant decrease of side effects was observed in comparison to the standard of care; therefore, the use of a safety checklist and alkalinization protocol is recommended for all patients who receive HD-MTX.
Study on properties of polylactic acid/lemongrass fiber biocomposites prepared by fused deposition modeling
Authors: Jing Huaishuai , He Hui , Liu Hao , Huang Bai , Zhang Cheng
Published: November 2020

In this paper, poly(lactic acid) grafted with maleic anhydride (PLA‐g‐MAH) was prepared by melt grafting, and added into poly(lactic acid)/lemongrass fiber (PLA/LF) biocomposites after analyzing the chemical properties of LF. The effect of PLA‐g‐MAH on the properties of PLA/LF biocomposites was studied. Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to characterize the crystallinity, isothermal crystallization behavior, thermal stability and microstructure of the biocomposites. In addition, the mechanical properties of biocomposites prepared by fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing technology were also characterized. The results show that, the contents of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin are 22.5%, 36.4%, and 22.8%, respectively in the composition of LF. With the addition of LF, the flexural modulus, crystallinity and crystallization rate of biocomposites are improved. After PLA‐g‐MAH was added, the crystallization rate of PLA is further slightly increased, but the crystallinity is not changed much. The mechanical properties of the PLA/LF biocomposites are improved to the greatest extent when 5 wt% PLA‐g‐MAH was added. PLA‐g‐MAH can significantly reduce the internal cavity and fiber peeling phenomenon, and there is no obvious gap between phases so that interface compatibility of PLA and LF is improved obviously.
SMTP‐44D improves diabetic neuropathy symptoms in mice through its antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities
Authors: Shinouchi Ryosuke , Shibata Keita , Hashimoto Terumasa , Jono Shiori , Hasumi Keiji , Nobe Koji
Published: November 2020

Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is one of the major complications of diabetes. However, there are few approved effective therapies for painful or insensate DN. Recent studies have implicated oxidative stress and inflammation in the pathogenesis of DN, and suppressing these could be an important therapeutic strategy. We previously reported that Stachybotrys microspora triprenyl phenol‐44D (SMTP‐44D) exhibits both antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of SMTP‐44D in a mouse model of streptozotocin‐induced DN. SMTP‐44D was administered for 3 weeks after the disease induction, and its effects were evaluated on the basis of mechanical and thermal thresholds, blood flow in the bilateral hind paw, and blood flow and conduction velocity in the sciatic nerve. Furthermore, the levels of inflammatory factors, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6 and malondialdehyde (MDA), in the sciatic nerve were assessed. Neurological degeneration was assessed by measuring myelin thickness and g‐ratio in the sciatic nerve. SMTP‐44D treatment significantly improved allodynia, hyperalgesia, blood flow, and conduction velocity in DN model mice in a dose‐dependent manner. Neurological degeneration was also significantly improved, accompanied by decreased levels of inflammatory factors (TNF‐α, 57.8%; IL‐1β, 51.4%; IL‐6, 62.8%; and MDA, 40.7% reduction rate against the diabetes mellitus + normal saline group). Thus, SMTP‐44D can improve allodynia and hyperalgesia in DN without affecting the body weight and blood glucose levels, which may be due to its antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties. In conclusion, SMTP‐44D could be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of DN.
High‐Frequency Contactless Characterization of 2D Materials. Graphene, WS2
Authors: Arcos David , Nuño Daniel , Santos Maria C. , Ametller Lluís , Ferrer-Anglada Núria
Published: November 2020

The electrical conductivity of two‐dimensional (2D) materials without any electrical contact can be obtained using two different methods: the terahertz time domain spectroscopy (THz‐TDS) method, in the range from GHz up to 2 THz, and with a rutile dielectric resonator (RDR), in which case the conductivity is obtained at the resonant frequency of the device, close to 9.0 GHz. In one case (THz‐TDS in a transmission setup), the sample is directly focused. In the other case (RDR), the sample is placed inside the resonant cavity working at mode and must have exactly the same surface size as the cavity, 12 × 12 mm in our device. From the Q factor variation of the resonant cavity due to the sample, its surface resistance is extracted. These measurements are performed on different 2D materials: graphene and . Both methods are analyzed and compared. For few‐layer 2D samples, the THz‐TDS method is suitable.
Football transfer fee premiums and Europe's big five
Authors: Depken Craig A. , Globan Tomislav
Published: November 2020

This article studies the transfer market for international football players. Analyzing a sample of 5,760 player transfers over 14 years, we provide evidence that clubs in English football pay larger transfer fee premiums compared to clubs in the top leagues of France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. While the popular press often mentions the English premiums, we empirically demonstrate both their existence and their causal source. Using annual data, we show that the dramatic increase in English premiums is causally linked to the 2012 television contracts the EPL signed with domestic and international broadcasters. These findings have policy implications for the clubs, players, and governing bodies of European football, as well as indirect consequences for export‐oriented football clubs.
Flower‐Like Superstructures: Structural Features, Applications and Future Perspectives
Authors: Bhosale Sheshanath V. , Al Kobaisi Mohammad , Jadhav Ratan W. , Jones Lathe A.
Published: November 2020

Mimicking natural objects such as flowers, is an objective of scientists not only because of their attractive appearance, but also to understand the natural phenomena that underpin real world applications such as drug delivery, enzymatic reactions, electronics, and catalysis, to name few. This article reviews the types, preparation methods, and structural features of flower‐like structures along with their key applications in various fields. We discuss the various types of flower‐like structures composed of inorganic, organic‐inorganic hybrid, inorganic‐protein, inorganic‐enzyme and organic compositions. We also discuss recent development in flower‐like structures prepared by self‐assembly approaches. Finally, we conclude our review with the future prospects of flower‐like micro‐structures in key fields, being biomedicine, sensing and catalysis.
Confining Sulfur in N‐Doped Hollow Porous Carbon Spheres for Improved Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Xiao Yingbo , Guo Sijia , Li Dixiong , Wang Jia , Li Xin , Ouyang Yuan , Zeng Qinghan , He Wenchao , Zhang Qi , Huang Shaoming
Published: November 2020

Rationally designing sulfur host which allows fast redox kinetics and can confine soluble polysulfides (PSs) is crucial for high‐performance lithium‐sulfur batteries (LSBs). Herein, N‐doped hollow porous carbon spheres (NHPCS) with large specific surface area (1526 m2 g−1) and strong interaction toward PSs were fabricated by a template method and applied as an efficient sulfur host. Benefiting from the hollow porous structure and function design, the NHPCS shows a high sulfur loading of 78.9 wt.% and improved adsorption capacity for PSs. Finally, the LSBs with the S@NHPCS as the cathode exhibit higher initial capacity of 1263 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C and lower decay rate (0.07 % per cycle) than S@CNT after 500 cycles at 1 C.
Islands in cosmology
Authors: Hartman Thomas , Jiang Yikun , Shaghoulian Edgar
Published: November 2020

Abstract

A quantum extremal island suggests that a region of spacetime is encoded in the quantum state of another system, like the encoding of the black hole interior in Hawking radiation. We study conditions for islands to appear in general spacetimes, with or without black holes. They must violate Bekenstein’s area bound in a precise sense, and the boundary of an island must satisfy several other information-theoretic inequalities. These conditions combine to impose very strong restrictions, which we apply to cosmological models. We find several examples of islands in crunching universes. In particular, in the four-dimensional FRW cosmology with radiation and a negative cosmological constant, there is an island near the turning point when the geometry begins to recollapse. In a two-dimensional model of JT gravity in de Sitter spacetime, there are islands inside crunches that are encoded at future infinity or inside bubbles of Minkowski spacetime. Finally, we discuss simple tensor network toy models for islands in cosmology and black holes.
Automated Perfusion Calculations vs. Visual Scoring of Collaterals and CBV-ASPECTS
Authors: Psychogios Marios-Nikos , Sporns Peter B. , Ospel Johanna , Katsanos Aristeidis H. , Kabiri Reza , Flottmann Fabian A. , Menon Bijoy K. , Horn Mackenzie , Liebeskind David S. , Honda Tristan , Ribo Marc , Ruiz Manuel Requena , Kabbasch Christoph , Lichtenstein Thorsten , Maurer Christoph J. , Berlis Ansgar , Hellstern Victoria , Henkes Hans , Möhlenbruch Markus A. , Seker Fatih , Ernst Marielle S. , Liman Jan , Tsivgoulis Georgios , Brehm Alex
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Use of automated perfusion software has gained importance for imaging of stroke patients for mechanical thrombectomy (MT). We aim to compare four perfusion software packages: 1) with respect to their association with 3‑month functional outcome after successful reperfusion with MT in comparison to visual Cerebral Blood Volume - Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (CBV-ASPECTS) and collateral scoring and 2) with respect to their agreement in estimation of core and penumbra volume.

Methods

This retrospective, multicenter cohort study (2015–2019) analyzed data from 8 centers. We included patients who were functionally independent before and underwent successful MT of the middle cerebral artery. Primary outcome measurements were the relationship of core and penumbra volume calculated by each software, qualitative assessment of collaterals and CBV-APECTS with 3‑month functional outcome and disability (modified Rankin scale >2). Quantitative differences between perfusion software measurements were also assessed.

Results

A total of 215 patients (57% women, median age 77 years) from 8 centers fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Multivariable analyses showed a significant association of RAPID core (common odds ratio, cOR 1.02; p = 0.015), CBV-ASPECTS (cOR 0.78; p = 0.007) and collaterals (cOR 0.78; p = 0.001) with 3‑month functional outcome (shift analysis), while RAPID core (OR 1.02; p = 0.018), CBV-ASPECTS (OR 0.77; p = 0.024), collaterals (OR 0.78; p = 0.007) and OLEA core (OR 1.02; p = 0.029) were significantly associated with 3‑month functional disability. Mean differences on core estimates between VEOcore and RAPID were 13.4 ml, between syngo.via and RAPID 30.0 ml and between OLEA and RAPID −3.2 ml.

Conclusion

Collateral scoring, CBV-ASPECTS and RAPID were independently associated with functional outcome at 90 days. Core and Penumbra estimates using automated software packages varied significantly and should therefore be used with caution.
Re-directing socialist persuasion through affective reiteration: a discourse analysis of ‘Socialist Memes’ on the Chinese internet
Authors: Zhang Ruichen
Published: November 2020

Previous research has noted the ambiguous persuasive potentials of reiteration: repeating a statement, slogan or image can work both positively and negatively, can both help and hinder the effectiveness of a political message. Considering that repeated propaganda in China is broadly ineffective in generating wholehearted public support, this article is interested in how and when repetition does achieve meaningful persuasion. Drawing on affect theory to address these multiple potentials, it critically reconsiders the nature of persuasion itself, arguing that affective engagement is crucial in sustaining and consolidating temporary tendencies that lead to alteration in the social fabric. Looking at humorous ‘socialist memes’ popularised on the Chinese internet in recent years, the article conducts a discourse analysis on the patterns they reveal to break down this reiterative practice as an unfolding event, revealing how its humour disrupts official language and engages the public affectively. It argues that practice of repeating these memes produces interpretive ambiguities around the official language, and in doing so re-directs socialist persuasion towards a liberalised end.
Temporal discounting and smoking cessation: choice consistency predicts nicotine abstinence in treatment-seeking smokers
Authors: Grosskopf Charlotte M. , Kroemer Nils B. , Pooseh Shakoor , Böhme Franziska , Smolka Michael N.
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Smokers discount delayed rewards steeper than non-smokers or ex-smokers, possibly due to neuropharmacological effects of tobacco on brain circuitry, or lower abstinence rates in smokers with steep discounting. To delineate both theories from each other, we tested if temporal discounting, choice inconsistency, and related brain activity in treatment-seeking smokers (1) are higher compared to non-smokers, (2) decrease after smoking cessation, and (3) predict relapse.

Methods

At T1, 44 dependent smokers, 29 non-smokers, and 30 occasional smokers underwent fMRI while performing an intertemporal choice task. Smokers were measured before and 21 days after cessation if abstinent from nicotine. In total, 27 smokers, 28 non-smokers, and 29 occasional smokers were scanned again at T2. Discounting rate k and inconsistency var(k) were estimated with Bayesian analysis.

Results

First, k and var(k) in smokers in treatment were not higher than in non-smokers or occasional smokers. Second, neither k nor var(k) changed after smoking cessation. Third, k did not predict relapse, but high var(k) was associated with relapse during treatment and over 6 months. Brain activity in valuation and decision networks did not significantly differ between groups and conditions.

Conclusion

Our data from treatment-seeking smokers do not support the pharmacological hypothesis of pronounced reversible changes in discounting behavior and brain activity, possibly due to limited power. Behavioral data rather suggest that differences between current and ex-smokers might be due to selection. The association of choice consistency and treatment outcome possibly links consistent intertemporal decisions to remaining abstinent.
Asymptotic Performance of Port-Based Teleportation
Authors: Christandl Matthias , Leditzky Felix , Majenz Christian , Smith Graeme , Speelman Florian , Walter Michael
Published: November 2020

Quantum teleportation is one of the fundamental building blocks of quantum Shannon theory. While ordinary teleportation is simple and efficient, port-based teleportation (PBT) enables applications such as universal programmable quantum processors, instantaneous non-local quantum computation and attacks on position-based quantum cryptography. In this work, we determine the fundamental limit on the performance of PBT: for arbitrary fixed input dimension and a large number N of ports, the error of the optimal protocol is proportional to the inverse square of N. We prove this by deriving an achievability bound, obtained by relating the corresponding optimization problem to the lowest Dirichlet eigenvalue of the Laplacian on the ordered simplex. We also give an improved converse bound of matching order in the number of ports. In addition, we determine the leading-order asymptotics of PBT variants defined in terms of maximally entangled resource states. The proofs of these results rely on connecting recently-derived representation-theoretic formulas to random matrix theory. Along the way, we refine a convergence result for the fluctuations of the Schur–Weyl distribution by Johansson, which might be of independent interest.
Sonographic evaluation of lateral meniscal extrusion: implementation and validation
Authors: Winkler Philipp W. , Csapo Robert , Wierer Guido , Hepperger Caroline , Heinzle Bernhard , Imhoff Andreas B. , Hoser Christian , Fink Christian
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Meniscal extrusion (ME) is an important indicator of and prognostic factor for various knee pathologies. To date, no standardized protocol for the ultrasound-based examination of lateral ME exists. The purpose of the present study was to test the reliability and validity of lateral ME measurements using a standardized ultrasound-based examination protocol.

Materials and Methods

A group consisting of 11 healthy volunteers (Group I, male and female, 18–45 years) as well as a group of 10 consecutive patients who had undergone all-inside lateral meniscal radial tear repair were included (Group II, male and female, 23–43 years). Lateral ME, the main outcome parameter, was measured by ultrasound (US; both groups) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; Group II only). Both knees of all subjects were examined in an unloaded state and under axial compression of the knee (50% of body weight). Repeated measurements obtained in Group I by 2 observers were used for reliability testing, and the validity of US was assessed through comparison with MRI data (Group II).

Results

A total of 66 US images of Group I, obtained by each observer, were analyzed for reliability testing. Forty US and MR images of Group II were assessed for validation. Results showed good interrater (ICC = 0.904) and excellent intrarater (ICC = 0.942) reliability of US-based measurements of lateral ME. Agreement with MRI results was poor (ICC = 0.439), with US systematically overestimating results by 1.1 mm on average.

Conclusions

Ultrasound is a reliable, quick and cost-effective technique for lateral ME measurement, but results are not readily comparable with MRI.

Trial registration

The study was registered in the European Union Clinical Trials Register (EudraCT-Number: 2017-005037-24).
Labordiagnostik in der Intensivmedizin
Authors: Petros Sirak , Weidhase Lorenz
Published: November 2020

Die sorgfältige Anamneseerhebung und die klinische Untersuchung bleiben nach wie vor die wichtigsten diagnostischen Säulen. In der Intensiv- und Notfallmedizin werden zahlreiche Laborparameter erhoben. Die Rate an übermäßigen Laboranordnungen während der Patientenaufnahme beträgt fast 50 %. Oft sind die anamnestischen Angaben unzureichend, um eine gezielte Labordiagnostik vorzunehmen. Die Sorge, etwas zu übersehen, führt auch zu einer erweiterten Diagnostik. Zur Vereinfachung der Behandlungsabläufe werden oft a priori festgelegte Laborprofile benutzt, die symptombezogen angeordnet sind. Zahlreiche Laborparameter sind bei kritisch kranken Patienten außerhalb des Normbereichs. Allerdings wird der Normbereich anhand der Daten gesunder Personen definiert, der jedoch eine klare Unterscheidung zwischen Stressadaptation und klinisch relevanten korrekturbedürftigen Störungen nicht erlaubt. Die pathophysiologischen Veränderungen in vielen Körperregionen infolge der akuten Schädigung, der Reaktion des Organismus und auch der Therapiemaßnahmen führen zu Veränderungen zahlreicher Laborparameter. Ziellose Laborentnahmen tragen zur iatrogenen Anämie und zum Kostenanstieg bei. Außerdem werden die Ergebnisse solcher Entnahmen entweder kaum wahrgenommen oder können im schlimmsten Fall weitere unnötige diagnostische Schritte bzw. eine nicht gerechtfertigte Therapiemaßnahme verursachen. Die Point-of-Care-Labordiagnostik zur Einschätzung der zellulären Homöostase, die die Blutgasanalyse, ein Blutbild sowie die Bestimmung der Serumelektrolyte und des Serumlaktats beinhaltet, sowie die Laborparameter zur Berechnung der intensivmedizinisch relevanten Scores sind einheitlich erforderlich. Darüber hinaus sollte jedoch die Labordiagnostik bezogen auf konkrete klinische Fragestellung klug gewählt werden.
Der Brexit zwischen britischem Autonomiestreben und Handelsgewinnen
Authors: Schäfer Hans-Bernd , Kämmerer Jörn Axel
Published: November 2020

In den Verhandlungen zwischen der Europäischen Union und dem Vereinigten Königreich um ihre künftigen Rechts- und Wirtschaftsbeziehungen geht es nicht nur um ökonomische Vorteile, sondern auch um die Vereinbarkeit von Rechtskulturen. Die Brexiteers verteidigen britisches Recht und den britischen Parlamentarismus gegen eine nicht nur bei der Rechtsetzung, sondern auch bei der Rechtsprechung integrationistische überstaatliche Entwicklung. Die britische Regierung lehnt für die Zukunft jegliche Rolle des Europäischen Gerichtshofs für die Gestaltung der Beziehungen mit der EU ab. Dies begrenzt die Möglichkeiten, ökonomische Vorteile zu verwirklichen.