bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accuracy of Combined Measure of Serum Uric Acid and Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (β hCG) Versus Serum Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Alone as Prognostic Indicators of Pregnancy Outcome of Preeclampsia
Authors: Aigere E. O. S. , Allagoa D. O. , Kotingo E. L. , Obagah L. , Kasia B. E. , Oriji P. C.
Published: November 2020

Background: Measurement of variety of biological, biochemical and biophysical markers in pregnancy implicated in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia have been proposed to predict its development.

Aim: To evaluate the accuracy of combined measure of maternal serum uric acid level and quantitative serum beta hCG versus serum beta hCG alone as prognostic indicators of pregnancy outcome among preeclamptic patients at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa.

Methods: This is a hospital based prospective case control study by systematic sampling selection. The two groups comprised of 100 consecutive patients each, one with pre-eclampsia (study group) and the other without pre-eclampsia (control) admitted for management into the antenatal ward and labour ward over the seven-month period of the study. The values of their serum uric acid and beta hCG levels were evaluated on admission and followed up. Data entry and statistical analysis was done using statistical package for social science (windows version 22.0. SPSS Inc; Chicago, USA). Level of significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results: The mean quantitative serum β hCG level amongst the subjects (26776.6 ± 19590.5) was statistically significantly higher (p < 0.001) than the mean quantitative serum β hCG level amongst the control (7973.6 ± 4193.7). The prognostic accuracy in predicting pregnancy outcomes were: HELLP syndrome (0.33, 0.44), Eclampsia (0.50, 0.39), Acute Renal Failure (0.44, 0.33), IUGR (0.43, 0.39), IUFD (0.38, 0.27) and Birth Asphyxia (0.49, 0.38) respectively for combined measure of serum uric acid and serum β hCG, and serum β hCG alone.

Conclusion: Serum β hCG levels remains a useful prognostic indicator for feto-maternal outcome in preeclamptic women. However, combined measure of serum uric acid and serum β hCG level in prognosticating pregnancy outcome in preeclamptic women was shown to have a better accuracy than serum β hCG.
Asn‐linked N–acetylglucosamine of the amylin receptor 2 extracellular domain enhances peptide ligand affinity
Authors: Lee Sangmin
Published: November 2020

The calcitonin receptor (CTR) has a large extracellular domain (ECD) with multiple N‐glycosylation sites. An asparagine (Asn)‐linked N‐acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) of CTR ECD N130 was previously reported to enhance peptide hormone binding affinity for CTR ECD. CTR forms a complex with an accessory protein RAMP, and the RAMP:CTR complex gains affinity for peptide hormone amylin as the amylin receptor (AMY). Although N‐glycosylation of AMY ECD was reported to enhance peptide hormone affinity, it remains underexplored which N‐glycosites of AMY ECD are responsible for peptide affinity enhancement and it is unclear whether an Asn‐linked GlcNAc of the N‐glycosites plays a critical role. Here, I investigated the role of the Asn‐linked GlcNAc of CTR N130 in the affinity of an antagonistic amylin analog (AC413) for AMY2 ECD (the RAMP2 ECD:CTR ECD complex). I used Endo H‐treated CTR ECD in which N‐glycans were trimmed to an Asn‐linked GlcNAc on each of the N‐glycosites. I incubated Endo H‐treated CTR ECD with excess of glycan‐free RAMP2 ECD to produce the RAMP2 ECD:CTR ECD complex. Using this coincubation system, I found that the RAMP2 ECD complex with Endo H‐treated CTR ECD with N130D mutation showed a fourfold decrease in AC413 affinity compared with the RAMP2 ECD complex with Endo H‐treated CTR ECD WT. In contrast, RAMP2 ECD N‐glycosylation did not affect peptide binding affinity. These results indicate that the Asn‐linked GlcNAc of CTR N130 is an important peptide affinity enhancer for AMY2 ECD and reveals a significant role of the Asn‐linked GlcNAc in AMY2 function.
Examining assumptions of soil microbial ecology in the monitoring of ecological restoration
Authors: Hart Miranda M. , Cross Adam T. , D'Agui Haylee M. , Dixon Kingsley W. , Van der Heyde Mieke , Mickan Bede , Horst Christina , Grez Benjamin Moreira , Valliere Justin M. , Rossel Raphael Viscarra , Whiteley Andrew , Wong Wei San , Zhong Hongtao , Nevill Paul
Published: November 2020

1. Global interest in building healthy soils combined with new DNA sequencing technologies has led to the generation of a vast amount of soil microbial community (SMC) data.

2. SMC analysis is being adopted widely for monitoring ecological restoration trajectories. However, despite the large and growing quantity of soil microbial data, it remains unclear how these data inform and best guide restoration practice.

3. Here, we examine assumptions around SMC as a tool for guiding ecosystem restoration and evaluate the effectiveness of using species inventories of SMC as a benchmark for restoration success.

4. We investigate other approaches of assessing soil health, and conclude that we can significantly enhance the utility of species inventory data for ecological restoration by complementing it with the use of non‐molecular approaches.
Risdiplam treatment has not led to retinal toxicity in patients with spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Sergott Robert C. , Amorelli Giulia M. , Baranello Giovanni , Barreau Emmanuel , Beres Shannon , Kane Steven , Mercuri Eugenio , Orazi Lorenzo , SantaMaria Melissa , Tremolada Gemma , Santarsiero Diletta , Waskowska Agnieszka , Yashiro Shigeko , Denk Nora , Fürst‐Recktenwald Sabine , Gerber Marianne , Gorni Ksenija , Jaber Birgit , Jacobsen Bjoern , Mueller Lutz , Nave Stephane , Scalco Renata S. , Marzoli Stefania B. ,   the FIREFISH, SUNFISH, JEWELFISH Working Groups
Published: November 2020

Objective

Evaluation of ophthalmologic safety with focus on retinal safety in patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) treated with risdiplam (EVRYSDI®), a survival of motor neuron 2 splicing modifier associated with retinal toxicity in monkeys. Risdiplam was approved recently for the treatment of patients with SMA, aged ≥ 2 months in the United States, and is currently under Health Authority review in the EU.

Methods

Subjects included patients with SMA aged 2 months–60 years enrolled in the FIREFISH, SUNFISH, and JEWELFISH clinical trials for risdiplam. Ophthalmologic assessments, including functional assessments (age‐appropriate visual acuity and visual field) and imaging (spectral domain optical coherence tomography [SD‐OCT], fundus photography, and fundus autofluorescence [FAF]), were conducted at baseline and every 2–6 months depending on study and assessment. SD‐OCT, FAF, fundus photography, and threshold perimetry were evaluated by an independent, masked reading center. Adverse events (AEs) were reported throughout the study.

Results

A total of 245 patients receiving risdiplam were assessed. Comprehensive, high‐quality, ophthalmologic monitoring assessing retinal structure and visual function showed no retinal structural or functional changes. In the youngest patients, SD‐OCT findings of normal retinal maturation were observed. AEs involving eye disorders were not suggestive of risdiplam‐induced toxicity and resolved with ongoing treatment.

Interpretation

Extensive ophthalmologic monitoring conducted in studies in patients with SMA confirmed that risdiplam does not induce ophthalmologic toxicity in pediatric or adult patients with SMA at the therapeutic dose. These results suggest that safety ophthalmologic monitoring is not needed in patients receiving risdiplam, as also reflected in the United States Prescribing Information for risdiplam.
A Review of Piezoelectric and Magnetostrictive Biosensor Materials for Detection of COVID‐19 and Other Viruses
Authors: Narita Fumio , Wang Zhenjin , Kurita Hiroki , Li Zhen , Shi Yu , Jia Yu , Soutis Constantinos
Published: November 2020

The spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus has changed the lives of people around the world with a huge impact on economies and societies. The development of wearable sensors that can continuously monitor the environment for viruses may become an important research area. Here, the state of the art of research on biosensor materials for virus detection is reviewed. A general description of the principles for virus detection is included, along with a critique of the experimental work dedicated to various virus sensors, and a summary of their detection limitations. The piezoelectric sensors used for the detection of human papilloma, vaccinia, dengue, Ebola, influenza A, human immunodeficiency, and hepatitis B viruses are examined in the first section; then the second part deals with magnetostrictive sensors for the detection of bacterial spores, proteins, and classical swine fever. In addition, progress related to early detection of COVID‐19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is discussed in the final section, where remaining challenges in the field are also identified. It is believed that this review will guide material researchers in their future work of developing smart biosensors, which can further improve detection sensitivity in monitoring currently known and future virus threats.
Photocontrolled Light‐Harvesting Supramolecular Assembly Based on Aggregation‐Induced Excimer Emission
Authors: Li Jing‐Jing , Zhang Heng‐Yi , Liu Guoxing , Dai Xianyin , Chen Lei , Liu Yu
Published: November 2020

Photocontrolled light‐harvesting supramolecular assembly with aggregation‐induced excimer emission is fabricated by polyanionic γ‐cyclodextrin (COONa‐γ‐CD), pyrene derivative (PYC12), Nile red (NiR), and diarylethene derivative (DAE) in aqueous solution. Benefiting from the COONa‐γ‐CD‐induced aggregation of PYC12, the fluorescence can be modulated from monomeric state to assembled state with a large red‐shift around 100 nm, which exhibits aggregation‐induced excimer emission enhancement and makes PYC12 a remarkable energy donor. Subsequently, NiR can function as energy acceptor loaded into PYC12/COONa‐γ‐CD supramolecular assembly, and highly efficient energy transfer process occurs from PYC12/COONa‐γ‐CD to NiR, with energy transfer efficiency up to 83% at donor/acceptor ratio of 160:1. Moreover, multicolor tunable emission can be achieved simply by tuning the molar ratios of donor and acceptor, notably including white‐light emission. Interestingly, loading photoresponsive energy acceptor DAE into PYC12/COONa‐γ‐CD/NiR assembly endows the light‐harvesting system with excellent photocontrolled energy transfer, and this process can be efficiently regulated upon distinct light irradiation.
Changing Medical Education When Change Is Hard: Implementing an Interdepartmental Entrustable Professional Activity
Authors: Collins Eric , Stahl Christopher , Schnapp Benjamin , Westergaard Mary , Greenberg Jacob , Jung Sarah , Rosser Alexandra , Minter Rebecca , Hamedani Azita , Kraut Aaron
Published: November 2020

Background

Entrustable professional activities (EPAs) are a new tool for assessing learners that represents a significant movement in graduate medical education (GME) toward competency‐based assessment and serves as a bridge between milestones and clinical practice. Whenever a major change is implemented to any system, resistance to change is expected. Many change management models have been proposed to overcome this resistance; a newer model is outlined in the book Switch. The objective was to describe the change management principles used to institute an EPA.

Methods

The model introduced in Switch was used as a framework for implementing a trauma resuscitation EPA in a joint effort between the departments of surgery and emergency medicine (EM) at the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics. The Department of Emergency Medicine used the principles of change management, completing 295 faculty evaluations of trauma resuscitations compared to the Department of Surgery, whose faculty completed 50 evaluations between the study period of July 2018 through October 2019. A survey completed winter 2019 of EM faculty was used to determine the most important principles toward successful implementation.

Results

Twenty‐seven of 35 (78% response rate) of EM faculty identified key concepts from Switch as being instrumental in the successful implementation. Internal discussion of the implementation approach used by the Department of Surgery identified several limitations that would have been overcome by using these same change management principles.

Conclusion

We conclude that the principles of change management provide a useful framework for successfully implementing EPAs into GME.
Objective sleep measures after endoscopic sinus surgery in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Little Ryan E. , Alt Jeremiah A. , Ramakrishnan Vijay R. , Platt Michael P. , Schlosser Rodney J. , Storck Kristina A. , Soler Zachary M.
Published: November 2020

Background

Poor sleep quality is common in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Prior studies have demonstrated improvements in patient‐reported measures of sleep quality following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of ESS on objective sleep parameters and identify any associations between specific objective measures and patient characteristics, comorbidities, and patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs).

Methods

Adults with CRS undergoing ESS were prospectively enrolled from 4 centers across North America. Any subject previously diagnosed with a known primary sleep disorder was excluded. Objective sleep indices were recorded using a portable sleep diagnostic device preoperatively and postoperatively. Patient‐reported outcome instruments were completed including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22).

Results

Thirty‐six patients (mean age 47 years, 56% male) completed baseline and postoperative sleep studies with mean ± standard deviation (SD) follow‐up 9.6 ± 7.7 months. Mean PSQI and SNOT‐22 before and after ESS was 10.2 ± 3.9 vs 7.8 ± 4.4 (p = 0.001); and 54.6 ± 14.6 vs 28.5 ± 15.3 (p < 0.001), respectively. Total sleep time, sleep latency, and awakenings after sleep onset did not change following ESS (all p > 0.5) despite improvements in PSQI and SNOT‐22. Changes in PSQI did not correlate with comorbidities or objective sleep indices (all p > 0.1).

Conclusion

In this multicenter prospective cohort, objective sleep indices were not improved following ESS for CRS despite significant improvements in patient‐reported sleep quality and CRS‐specific QOL.
Looking Back, and Looking Forward on Appointments and Tribunal Composition
Authors: Samuel Adam
Published: November 2020

“Arbitration is only as good as the arbitrators” is a timeworn cliché. But like most such expressions, it is true.
Nerve growth factor (NGF) pathway biomarkers in Down syndrome prior to and after the onset of clinical Alzheimer's disease: A paired CSF and plasma study
Authors: Pentz Rowan , Iulita M. Florencia , Ducatenzeiler Adriana , Videla Laura , Benejam Bessy , Carmona‐Iragui María , Blesa Rafael , Lleó Alberto , Fortea Juan , Cuello A. Claudio
Published: November 2020

Background

The discovery that nerve growth factor (NGF) metabolism is altered in Down syndrome (DS) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains offered a framework for the identification of novel biomarkers signalling NGF deregulation in AD pathology.

Methods

We examined levels of NGF pathway proteins (proNGF, neuroserpin, tissue plasminogen activator [tPA], and metalloproteases [MMP]) in matched cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)/plasma samples from AD‐symptomatic (DSAD) and AD‐asymptomatic (aDS) individuals with DS, as well as controls (HC).

Results

ProNGF and MMP‐3 were elevated while tPA was decreased in plasma from individuals with DS. CSF from individuals with DS showed elevated proNGF, neuroserpin, MMP‐3, and MMP‐9. ProNGF and MMP‐9 in CSF differentiated DSAD from aDS (area under the curve = 0.86, 0.87). NGF pathway markers associated with CSF amyloid beta and tau and differed by sex.

Discussion

Brain NGF metabolism changes can be monitored in plasma and CSF, supporting relevance in AD pathology. These markers could assist staging, subtyping, or precision medicine for AD in DS.
Copper‐Mediated Dichotomic Borylation of Alkyne Carbonates: Stereoselective Access to (E)‐1,2‐Diborylated 1,3‐Dienes versus Traceless Monoborylation Affording α‐Hydroxyallenes
Authors: Guo Kun , Kleij Arjan W.
Published: November 2020

A mild copper‐mediated protocol has been developed for borylation of alkynyl cyclic carbonates. Depending on the nature of the borylating reaction partner, either stereoselective diborylation of the propargylic surrogate takes place, providing convenient access to (E)‐1,2‐borylated 1,3‐dienes, or traceless monoborylation occurs, which leads to α‐hydroxyallenes as the principal product. The dichotomy in this borylation protocol has been scrutinized by several control experiments, illustrating that a relatively small change in the diboron(4) reagent allows for competitive alcohol‐assisted protodemetalation to forge an α‐hydroxyallene product under ambient conditions.
Quadrupole detection FT‐ICR mass spectrometry offers deep profiling of residue oil: A systematic comparison of 2ω 7 Tesla versus 15 Tesla instruments
Authors: Ge Jinfeng , Ma Chao , Qi Yulin , Wang Xiaowei , Wang Wei , Hu Miao , Hu Qiaozhuan , Yi Yuan‐Bi , Shi Dejun , Yue Fu‐Jun , Li Si‐Liang , Volmer Dietrich A.
Published: November 2020

Mass resolving power is one of the key features of Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT‐ICR MS), which enables the molecular characterization of complex mixtures. Quadrupole (2ω) detection provides a significant step forward in FT‐ICR MS performance, as it doubles the resolving power for a given signal acquisition time. Whether this 2ω detection technique truly substitutes for a higher magnetic field remains unknown however. In this study, a residue oil sample was characterized using both a 2ω 7 Tesla FT‐ICR and a 15 Tesla FT‐ICR instrument, and analytical figures of merit were systematically compared. It was shown that 2ω 7T FT‐ICR MS provided comparable performance in the deep profiling of the complex oil sample, with better signal intensities and reproducibilities for absorption‐mode processing. The 15T FT‐ICR MS gave more precise measurements with better estimates of the sample's elemental compositions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first published study, which thoroughly compared the performance of 2ω detection on a low magnetic field instrument with that of a high magnetic field FT‐ICR‐MS.
Gold(I) complexes bearing ring‐fused benzoxazine‐derived triazolylidenes and their use in C–N bond‐forming processes
Authors: Campos‐Dominguez Emmanuel , Vasquez‐Perez Jose , Rojas‐Lima Susana , Lopez‐Ruiz Heraclio , Mendoza‐Espinosa Daniel
Published: November 2020

We report the synthesis and full characterization of a novel series of ring‐fused benzoxazine‐derived triazolium salts (1a–c) and their corresponding triazolylidene gold(I) complexes (2a–c). All new compounds were fully characterized by means of 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, elemental analyses, and mass spectroscopy and in the case of triazoliums 1a and 1b by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The new triazolylidene gold complexes (2a–c) were tested as precatalysts in the hydroamination and hydrohydrazination of terminal alkynes employing aniline derivatives and hydrazine as nitrogen sources, respectively.
Fault detection of FWTPs in coal‐fired power plants using K‐WD‐KPCA in consideration of multiple operation conditions
Authors: Tang Yuling , Zhang Shirong
Published: November 2020

In coal‐fired power plants, the feed water treatment processes (FWTPs) supply qualified water to utility boilers. The faults of an FWTP may endanger the whole power plant. The classical PCA‐/KPCA‐based fault detection algorithms are valid mainly under single operation condition. When they are put to a practical FWTP, they cannot deal with the problems as treatment route switching, multiple operation conditions, process fluctuations, and process nonlinearity. In this paper, k‐means, wavelet denoise (WD), and KPCA are integrated together to form a new algorithm as K‐WD‐KPCA. It is expected to deal with the process nonlinearity through KPCA, cope with the multiple operation conditions through k‐means, and relieve the process fluctuations through WD. In the experiments on the data sets collected from a practical FWTP, the multiple operation conditions are classified into three categories; consequently, three KPCA models are trained and correspondingly scheduled for online condition matching. WD is further used to denoise the real‐time T2 and SPE statistics. Results show that the WD part of K‐WD‐KPCA algorithm can indeed lower the false alarm rate without reducing its fault detection performance. Finally, the proposed K‐WD‐KPCA algorithm is coded into a software platform and deployed to a coal‐fired power plant containing 2 × 1000 MW generation units. The effectiveness of the K‐WD‐KPCA algorithm is convinced through field application results.
Rheological and thermal properties of polypropylene blends based in a low molecular weight EVA
Authors: Ferrofino Aníbal G. , Failla Marcelo D. , Quinzani Lidia M.
Published: November 2020

Blends of polypropylene (PP) and poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) (EVA) having a PP/EVA viscosity ratio of 240 were prepared by melt mixing. EVA concentration varies from 2 to 26 wt%. All blends display two‐phase structure with quasi‐spherical EVA domains evenly distributed in the PP matrix. The diameter of the domains increases with EVA concentration from about 0.4 to 6 μm. Each component crystallizes separately. The melting temperature of PP phase is no noticeably affected by the presence of EVA while the crystallization one gradually increases by 4°C. The dynamic moduli of the blends are well predicted by the emulsion model of Palierne, revealing that the system PP/EVA has a very small interfacial tension. The thermal degradation behavior of the blends, determined by thermogravimetry, shows that the deacylation process in EVA is not affected by the presence of PP while the beginning of the degradation process of PP is increased by up to 20°C due to the presence of EVA. This effect goes along with an increment in the maximum degradation rate of PP.
Integrating geophysical survey and excavation at the Freston Early Neolithic causewayed enclosure, Suffolk (UK)
Authors: Schofield Tim , Carter Tristan , Jackson Nathaniel , Moir Rose
Published: November 2020

A 2019 geophysical survey of part of the 8.55‐ha Freston interrupted ditch system (Suffolk), which integrated reconnaissance fluxgate gradiometry with earth resistance meter techniques, produced a fine‐grained geo‐spatial resolution site plan to undertake a pilot‐study research excavation. The features targeted comprised four ditch termini of the enclosure, with the aim being to test the long‐established hypothesis that the monument represented an Early Neolithic causewayed enclosure. Although the geophysical survey successfully located the ditch termini and linear trends indicative of the internal palisade trench, the magnetic data in particular further suggested the presence of numerous pit‐like anomalies both within and outside of the enclosure. The combined survey data also detailed for the first time an approximately 70‐m‐long curvilinear low‐resistance ditch‐like anomaly that appears to precede the interrupted ditch system. The working hypothesis is that this represents a ditch flanking a long barrow, a type of communal Early Neolithic mortuary monument that typically predate the construction of causewayed enclosures across southern Britain. The subsequent 6‐week excavation achieved its aims by recovering diagnostic Early Neolithic (earlier 4th millennium cal BC) material culture from the ditch fills.
Total Syntheses of 4′,6′‐Dimethoxy‐2'‐Hydroxy‐3′,5′‐Dimethylchalcone Derivatives
Authors: Lee Hana , Park Rae Yeon , Park Kwangyong
Published: November 2020

Chalcone derivatives afford several pharmacological activities. However, a general synthetic method for 2',4'‐dihydroxy‐6'‐methoxy‐3',5'‐dimethylchalcone (DMC) derivatives has not been reported thus far. To address this, the preparation of 4',6'‐dimethoxy‐2'‐hydroxy‐3',5'‐dimethylchalcone (MDMC) derivatives, modified compounds of DMC, in excellent overall yields is reported herein. These compounds have recently attracted growing attention due to their various pharmacological activities. Di‐O‐methyl‐dimethylphloroacetophenone, the key intermediate containing the B‐ring moiety, was fabricated by four efficient reaction steps from commercially available phloroglucinol in a 50.1% isolated yield overall. Our synthetic route, which constructs the chalcone skeleton in the final stage via a Claisen–Schmidt condensation of the key intermediate with the desired benzaldehyde derivative, can rapidly produce a vast library of DMC derivatives.
Favorable response to immunotherapy in a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor with temozolomide‐induced high tumor mutational burden
Authors: Cao Yanshuo , Ma Yutong , Yu Jiangyuan , Sun Yu , Sun Tingting , Shao Yang , Li Jie , Shen Lin , Lu Ming
Published: November 2020

Neuroendocrine neoplasm of the pancreas is a rare tumor with limited treatment options. Among such tumors, treatment for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PanNET) G3 is the most difficult. Temozolomide (TMZ) is commonly used to treat PanNET. However, TMZ may cause tumor gene alkylation, which induces drug resistance and rapid disease progression. Herein, we present a case of a female who was diagnosed with PanNET G3 and achieved a partial response to toripalimab, an anti‐programmed cell death‐ligand 1 (anti‐PD‐L1) monoclonal antibody, after multiple cycles of TMZ treatment. Genomic profiling revealed that compared with the patient's samples collected at baseline, the post‐TMZ‐treatment samples had markedly higher levels of tumor mutational burden (TMB) associated with characteristic alkylating mutational signature representing a positive correlation with favorable response to anti‐PD‐1 treatment. In addition, we observed a germline truncating mutation of MUTYH (W156*) that was considered to be pathogenic and potentially conferred to genomic instability. This case suggests that anti‐PD‐1 therapy could be a treatment option for PanNET patients with increased TMB after TMZ‐based treatment.
Smoking status before and after colorectal cancer diagnosis and mortality in Korean men: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Jang Doeun , Choe Sunho , Park Ji Won , Jeong Seung‐Yong , Shin Aesun
Published: November 2020

Background

Smoking is a well‐known risk factor for colorectal cancer incidence; however, the effect of smoking before and after cancer diagnosis on mortality has not been addressed well. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the association of prediagnosis and postdiagnosis smoking status and mortality among colorectal cancer patients.

Methods

A retrospective cohort consisted of 37,079 male colorectal cancer patients. Smoking status was defined from information within 2 years of colorectal cancer diagnosis for prediagnosis and at least 1 year later for postdiagnosis. The prediagnostic and postdiagnostic smoking status were categorized into four groups (nonsmoker/nonsmoker, nonsmoker/smoker, smoker/nonsmoker, and smoker/smoker). Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using the Cox proportional hazard model.

Results

During a median of 6.3 years of follow‐up, a total of 3980 deaths and 2137 deaths from colorectal cancer occurred. The number of prediagnosis smokers were 11,100 and 62.4% of them quitted smoking after the diagnosis. Significantly elevated mortality rate in prediagnosis smokers was observed regardless of postdiagnosis smoking status (smoker/nonsmoker [HR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.20–1.41] and smoker/smoker [HR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.09–1.34]). Among patients treated with surgical operation only, those who quit smoking after diagnosis showed lower mortality rates compared to continual smokers (HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.67–0.96).

Conclusions

Smoking before cancer diagnosis rather than postdiagnosis has stronger impact on prognosis colorectal cancer patients, and quitting smoking may improve survival, especially among early stage colorectal cancer patients.
The mental health impact of parole on families of indeterminate‐sentenced prisoners in England and Wales
Authors: Straub Christina , Annison Harry
Published: November 2020

Background

The indeterminate sentence of Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP), was created in England and Wales in 2003. After its abolition in 2012, many IPP‐prisoners have become stuck in the prison system, facing considerable problems of sentence progression. The extant literature makes clear that the uncertainty and hopelessness caused by the indeterminacy of the IPP sentence are compounded by the negative impacts experienced by families and others providing support to people serving these sentences.

Aims

The mental strains caused for family members by the IPP sentence were examined. Of particular interest is the role and weight of the parole process experience, and its potential mental and physiological health impact on families.

Methods

This article draws on findings from two qualitative research projects conducted with families of prisoners serving the IPP sentence in England and Wales. Their experiences will be examined by reference to literature on the mental health impact of indeterminate sentences on prisoners and their families and the wider literature on the symbiotic harms of imprisonment for families. The aim was to add to this by focusing on families' experiences of cumulative stress caused by the sentence.

Findings

We demonstrate that the IPP parole process exerts specific weight and mental strains on family members occupying the negative end of the stress spectrum. Drawing on a body of neuroscientific, neuroendocrinological and criminological literature, we argue that these mental health impacts on families may represent a public health risk in need of practical and policy mitigation.

Implications

There is a pressing need for recognition of what are often hidden symbiotic harms experienced by families of people sentenced to IPP. Families require more information as well as considerably greater practical and emotional support on an institutional and communal level.
Aminopolysiloxane as Cu2O Photocathode Overlayer: Photocorrosion Inhibitor and Low Overpotential CO2‐to‐formate Selectivity Promoter
Authors: Galante Miguel T. , Santiago Patrícia V. B. , Yukuhiro Victor Y. , Silva Leonardo A. , Dos Reis Natália A. , Pires Cléo T. G. V. M. T. , Macedo Nadia G. , Costa Luelc S. , Fernandez Pablo S. , Longo Claudia
Published: November 2020

Cu2O, a photoactive p‐type semiconductor based on earth‐abundant elements, shows promising features for photoelectrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (PEC CO2RR). However, despite the broad light absorption and appropriate conduction band edge energy, it promptly undergoes photocorrosion in PEC CO2RR conditions. Herein, we evaluate an amine‐functionalized polysiloxane (AF−PSi) as both protective layer and PEC CO2RR promoter via amine‐CO2 adduct formation. Electrochemistry experiments and X‐ray diffraction showed that photostability is significantly enhanced with AF−PSi overlayer. Electrolyses experiments under visible light irradiation indicated selective production of formate with faradaic efficiency of 61 % at low overpotential. Detailed in situ FTIR studies revealed that amine groups bind to CO2 to form carbamate species and that this process is favoured by cathodic polarization, confirming the dual role of AF−PSi layer.
Ethanol Steam Reforming on CexMyO2 (M: Cu, Zn, and Mn) Solid Solution Catalysts
Authors: Sohrabi Soheila , Irankhah Abdullah
Published: November 2020

The effects of Cu, Zn, and Mn on CeO2 in ethanol steam reforming for hydrogen production were evaluated. Solid solution catalysts were analyzed by Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller method, X‐ray diffraction, temperature‐programmed reduction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X‐ray. CeMn oxide showed the highest conversion and hydrogen yield. The entrance of Mn to the ceria lattice could enhance the catalyst reducibility. An increase of the Ce/Mn ratio led to high methane selectivity. Mn conducted the reaction to more CO2 generation and was also an effective metal for ethanol steam reforming reaction by adsorbing steam and the ability of oxygen mobility. Ce0.3Mn0.7 oxide provided moderate ethanol conversion and hydrogen yield. The catalyst exhibited higher conversion but lower hydrogen yield by adding Ni.
Large‐eddy simulation of downhole flow: The effects of flow and rotation rates
Authors: Borges Jonatas Emmanuel , Padilla Elie Luis Martínez , Lourenço Marcos Antonio Souza , Micallef Christopher
Published: November 2020

The present paper concerns large‐eddy simulations of turbulent downhole flow for six Reynolds numbers and five Taylor numbers. Swirl parameter within the range (0‐0.98), which compares the effects of the rotation and the flow rates, was evaluated. In this work, the fluid is injected through the drill pipe and then accelerated by the nozzle. As the fluid discharges from the nozzle, a high speed jet is generated in the downhole region, the fluid then impinges the bottomhole surface and finally flows out the downhole region through the annulus. The nozzle is represented by a sudden contraction. The dynamic sub‐grid scale model has been used to calculate the turbulent viscosity. The immersed boundary method is employed to represent the solid walls of the proposed geometry. Coherent structures appear as spiral rolls into the nozzle and their inclination angles depend on the rotational speed. When the rotational speed increases, these structures are more aligned with the tangential direction. Due to the geometry of the problem, a toroidal vortex takes place and it grows as the Reynolds number increases. The magnitude of the velocity fluctuations increase in the jet region and near the sidewall with increasing flow rate; it also increased in the jet region with increasing rotational speeds. The impact force and the peak pressure on the impacted surface increases with increasing flow rates. Good agreement of the impact force with other works supports the present work methodology.
Multispecies genotype × environment interaction for turfgrass quality in five turfgrass breeding programs in the southeastern United States
Authors: Gouveia Beatriz Tomé , Rios Esteban Fernando , Nunes José Airton Rodrigues , Gezan Salvador A. , Munoz Patricio R. , Kenworthy Kevin E. , Unruh J. Bryan , Miller Grady L. , Milla‐Lewis Susana R. , Schwartz Brian M. , Raymer Paul L. , Chandra Ambika , Wherley Benjamin G. , Wu Yanqi , Martin Dennis L. , Moss Justin Q.
Published: November 2020

In breeding programs, superior parental genotypes are used in crosses to generate novel genetic variability for new selection cycles. Genotypes are usually more adapted to environments where the breeding program is located, since selections are performed under specific agroecosystems. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of bermudagrass (Cynodon Rich. species), St. Augustinegrass [Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walter) Kuntze], seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum Sw.), and zoysiagrass (Zoysia Willd. species) breeding lines from five different breeding programs (North Carolina State University, Oklahoma State University, Texas A&M University System, University of Florida, and University of Georgia) across the southeastern United States. Three breeding nurseries for each species were evaluated for 2 yr at eight locations: Citra and Hague, FL; College Station and Dallas, TX; Griffin and Tifton, GA; Stillwater, OK; and Jackson Springs, NC. Turfgrass quality (TQ) was evaluated (rated on a 1–9 scale) across repeated measurements over time. Data were analyzed using mixed models, and principal component analyses were performed using predicted genotypic values. The narrowest range in variation for TQ performance was observed in seashore paspalum breeding lines, whereas greater variation was observed for St. Augustinegrass and zoysiagrasses. St. Augustinegrass presented the lowest genotype × environment interaction in all nurseries. Specific adaptability was not observed for the lines developed by different breeding programs, with the exception of the bermudagrass lines from Oklahoma State University in Nursery 3.
Mass cytometry analysis of blood immune cells from psoriasis patients on biological therapy
Authors: Solberg Silje Michelsen , Aarebrot Anders Krogh , Sarkar Irene , Petrovic Aleksandra , Sandvik Lene Frøyen , Bergum Brith , Jonsson Roland , Bryceson Yenan Troy , Appel Silke
Published: November 2020

Psoriasis is a chronic immune‐mediated skin disease accompanied by systemic inflammation and comorbidities. We analyzed peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in the search for immune signatures and biomarkers related to psoriasis severity and treatment effect. Thirty‐two patients with psoriasis and 10 matched healthy controls were included. PBMCs were collected before and after initiation of anti‐TNF, anti‐IL‐17 or anti‐IL‐12/23 treatment and analyzed utilizing 26‐parameter mass cytometry. The number of circulating Th17, Th22, Th9, and cytotoxic T cells were increased in severe psoriasis. Intracellular pp38 and pERK in T helper cells were associated with disease severity. Differences between responders and nonresponders regarding cell composition and intracellular signaling were identifiable already at inclusion. Biological treatment induced memory cells, restored inhibitory PD‐1 function of T cells, and reduced a potential pro‐atherogenic profile in monocytes. In conclusion, these results indicate amelioration of systemic inflammation in psoriasis after biological treatment. Such broad immune profiling may enable prospective stratification of patients regarding future treatment response. Successful early intervention may lead to a healthier trajectory with favorable implications on later comorbidities.
Physicochemical Properties of Palm Oil‐Based Puff Pastry Model Margarines Related to Their Baking Performance in Long‐Term Storage
Authors: Detry Roxane , Van Hoed Vera , Sterckx Jérôme , Deledicque Catherine , Sato Kiyotaka , Blecker Christophe , Danthine Sabine
Published: November 2020

Developing trans‐free alternative fat solutions suitable for specific applications remains a challenge in edible fats and other domains. This is particularly true for palm oil‐based puff pastry margarines, which suffer from post crystallization problems, leading to dramatic loss of functionality. This research is aimed at investigating the influence of triacylglycerol (TAG) compositions of palm oil‐based puff pastry margarines on the physical properties of the fat crystal network, which determine the functionality of such products. Three model puff pastry margarines are produced at pilot scale under the same crystallization conditions. They share the same fatty acid composition and close solid fat content (SFC) profiles, whereas the proportions of major TAG (tripalmitoylglycerol (PPP), 1,3‐di‐palmitoyl‐2‐oleoylglycerol (POP), 1,2‐di‐palmitoyl‐3‐oleoylglycerol (PPO), 1,2‐dioleoyl‐3‐palmitoylglycerol (POO)) are different. Polymorphism, melting profile, hardness, microscopic structures, and baking performance (puffing effect) of the model fats are examined during a period of 6 months. The following results are obtained: 1) The TAG composition significantly influences the post crystallization processes occurring in palm oil‐based margarines. 2) High amounts of POP show negative influences. 3) The proportions of POP, PPO, and PPP should be carefully balanced to prevent detrimental crystal network rearrangements, leading to textural modifications (hardness increase) and significant reduction in baking performance.

Practical Applications : The results presented in this work could be helpful for edible fat products developers, especially for roll‐in fat applications. This research provides an overview of the relevant properties to study for the assessment of puff pastry margarine functionality. It also highlights the importance of ensuring long‐term stability of palm oil‐based fat products. Finally, it emphasizes that certain combinations of fat materials should be avoided to maintain the quality of palm oil‐based puff pastry margarines.
Improving the monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons production from fast pyrolysis of biomass over Fe‐modified ZSM‐5 catalysts
Authors: Sun Laizhi , Wang Zhibin , Chen Lei , Yang Shuangxia , Xie Xinping , Zhao Baofeng , Si Hongyu , Li Jian , Hua Dongliang
Published: November 2020

Fe‐modified ZSM‐5 (Fe/ZMS‐5) catalysts were prepared and used during catalytic fast pyrolysis of biomass (CFP) to achieve high yields of monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (MAHs) and inhibit the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The catalytic effects on the yield and selectivity of aromatic hydrocarbons (aromatics) under various reaction conditions were evaluated. Under the optimal reaction conditions at 600°C and mass ratio of catalyst to biomass (catalyst/biomass) of 10/1, the 15 wt% Fe/ZMS‐5 catalyst displayed the highest productions of MAHs and PAHs with the values of 212.2 mg and 94.5 mg per gram biomass, corresponding to the MAHs selectivity of 69.2%, which were significantly higher than those obtained over ZSM‐5 alone. The origins of aromatic hydrocarbons were explored by CFP of three typical components of biomass. Combined the characterization and reaction performance of catalysts, the catalytic mechanisms of Fe/ZSM‐5 catalyst for biomass pyrolysis to produce aromatic hydrocarbons were put forward.
Quantification of permafrost creep provides kinematic evidence for classifying a puzzling periglacial landform
Authors: Hu Yan , Liu Lin , Wang Xiaowen , Zhao Lin , Wu Tonghua , Cai Jialun , Zhu Xiaofan , Hao Junming
Published: November 2020

Mechanical processes operating on the slope surface or at depth control the dynamics of alpine landforms and hold critical information of their geomorphological characteristics, yet they often lack systematic quantification and in‐depth interpretation. This study aims to address a long‐standing issue concerning geomorphological classification from a kinematic perspective. A group of periglacial landforms consisting of several lobes were discovered in the East Kunlun Mountains of China 30 years ago but were ambiguously classified as rock glaciers and later as gelifluction deposits. Here, we use satellite Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar to quantitatively characterize the spatial and temporal changes of the surface movement of these landforms. We observe that: (1) its 17 lobes show a pattern of landform‐scale and uniform surface movement, especially during May to October; (2) the lobes move at a spatial mean downslope velocity of 10 to 60 cm/yr and a maximum velocity as high as 100 cm/yr in summer; (3) the landforms are nearly inactive from winter to late spring. Based on these observations, we postulate that the movement of the lobes are driven by deep‐seated permafrost creep which typically occurs in rock glaciers. The debris of Lobe No.4 is composed of both boulders and pebbles supported by fine‐grained matrix generated from the in situ weathering process. It develops a talus‐like oversteepened front around 40° and a convex transverse profile perpendicular to the creep direction, which are also characteristic features of a rock glacier. Piecing these observations together, we identify Lobe No.4 as a debris‐mantled‐slope‐connected rock glacier, with the gelifluction process occurring on the surface as small‐scale and discrete events. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recent advances in smooth muscle tumors with PGR and PLAG1 gene fusions and myofibroblastic uterine neoplasms
Authors: Chiang Sarah
Published: November 2020

Uterine epithelioid and myxoid leiomyosarcomas and inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors are rare mesenchymal neoplasms. Next‐generation sequencing recently detected novel PGR fusions in uterine epithelioid leiomyosarcomas that demonstrate characteristic rhabdoid and spindled morphology. PLAG1 gene fusions have also been identified in a subset of myxoid leiomyosarcomas and are associated with PLAG1 overexpression. ALK rearrangements underpin the vast majority of uterine inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors, which demonstrate morphologic, and immunohistochemical features similar to those of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors elsewhere. This review summarizes the morphologic, immunophenotypic, and molecular genetic features of PGR fusion‐positive epithelioid leiomyosarcoma, PLAG1 fusion‐positive myxoid leiomyosarcoma, and inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors of the uterus.
Essay for the Rosarium Philosophicum on Electrochemistry Electrochemical Analysis – What it was, is, and Possibly will be
Authors: Scholz Fritz
Published: November 2020

In this essay a survey of the development of electrochemical analysis is given for the last two hundred years. It is shown that the great breakthroughs in this discipline were not predictable, as in all other sciences. The two centuries have led to an enormous diversification of electroanalytical techniques and analytical targets for which electroanalytical techniques can be applied most beneficially. Maintaining the experimental and theoretical expertise as part of the chemistry curricula at Universities is identified as a main task, now and in future.
Arrests and indictments of corporate insiders, ownership structure, and corporate governance: Evidence from Korea
Authors: Kim Jaemin , Kim Joon‐Seok
Published: November 2020

We find evidence that higher insider ownership is significantly associated with lower incidences of insider arrests and indictments in the Korean stock market for the period of 2000 through 2015. This evidence is robust to different measures of insider ownership: Cash flow rights, control rights, wedge, and managerial ownership. Our findings are consistent with the view that the larger ownership combined with longer tenure of corporate insiders, while potentially entrenching insiders, extend the time horizon of these insiders so that they have stronger incentives to minimize the incidences of severe and serious corporate crimes, as reflected in insider arrests and indictments, that can substantially harm long‐term firm value.
Isoagglutinin removal by plasma centrifugation or filtration (single or double): A prospective study in a single center
Authors: Naciri Bennani Hamza , Noble Johan , Chevallier Eloi , Terrec Florian , Motte Lionel , Giroux‐Lathuile Claudine , Bugnazet Mathilde , Imerzoukene Farida , Janbon Bénédicte , Malvezzi Paolo , Rostaing Lionel , Jouve Thomas
Published: November 2020

Introduction

ABO‐incompatible (ABOi) kidney transplantation, a well‐established procedure, has good long‐term results provided pretransplant desensitization that includes immunosuppression and apheresis.

Objective

To compare, within the first pretransplant apheresis session given to 29 ABOi kidney‐transplant candidates, the effect on isoagglutinin titers (both IgG and IgM isotypes) of three modalities: centrifugation therapeutic plasmapheresis (cTP; n = 10), filtration TP (fTP; n = 9), and double‐filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP; n = 10).

Results

The three groups were comparable according to baseline demographics. Treated plasma volumes were similar across the three groups, that is, 4111 ± 403 mL (cTP), 3861 ± 282 mL (fTP), and 3699 ± 820 mL (DFPP): that is, 54 ± 7, 53 ± 7, and 53 ± 10 mL/kg respectively. One session of centrifugation or filtration TP reduced IgG anti‐A/anti‐B isoagglutinin titer by ~4, whereas one DFPP session reduced it by ~2. One session of cTP reduced IgM anti‐A isoagglutinin titer by a little less than 4, whereas fTP and DFPP sessions reduced it by ~3. There were no statistical differences across the three groups regarding isoagglutinin rebound (IgG and IgM). However, isoagglutinin IgG rebound was >4 dilutions for anti‐B titers compared with ~2 dilutions for anti‐A titers. The median decreases in IgG level were −3.9 g/L (DFPP), −5.9 g/L (cTP), and − 6.06 g/L (fTP) (p = ns). Median fibrinogen depletions were ~ 60% (fTP), 64% (DFPP), and 76% (cTP).

Conclusions

Isoagglutinin depletions within the first apheresis session were similar across cTP, fTP, and DFPP: this was numerically lower for DFPP.