bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2,3,5,4′‐Tetrahydroxystilbene‐2‐O‐β‐d‐glucoside promotes the effects of dental pulp stem cells on rebuilding periodontal tissues in experimental periodontal defects
Authors: Lin Chi‐Yu , Tsai Min‐Shi , Kuo Po‐Jan , Chin Yu‐Tang , Weng I‐Tsen , Wu Yen , Huang Haw‐Ming , Hsiung Chao‐Nan , Lin Hung‐Yun , Lee Sheng‐Yang
Published: August 2020

Background

This study aimed to investigate the regenerative effects of 2,3,5,4′‐tetrahydroxystilbene‐2‐O‐β‐d‐glucoside (THSG)‐treated human dental pulp stem cells (DPSC) on the healing of experimental periodontal defects in rats.

Methods

The maxillary first molars of 30 male Sprague–Dawley rats were extracted, and after healing, bilateral periodontal defects were surgically created mesially in second molars. The defects were treated with Matrigel (as control), DPSC, or DPSC + THSG. After 2 weeks, the healed defects were evaluated using microcomputed tomography and through histological and immunohistochemical analyses.

Results

In the microcomputed tomography analysis, more new bone formation in the DPSC and DPSC + THSG groups was observed compared with the control group. The periodontal bone supporting ratio in site with DPSC + THSG was significantly higher than that in DPSC. Histologically, an enhanced new bone formation and more significant periodontal attachment were observed in the DPSC + THSG group. The expression levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and osteopontin (OPN) in the DPSC + THSG group were significantly greater than those in other groups.

Conclusions

THSG‐revolutionized DPSCs significantly shortened the regenerative period of periodontal defects by enhancing the cell recruitment and possibly the angiogenesis in rat models, which illustrate the critical implications for a clinical application and provide a novel tactic for periodontitis treatment.
Effect of ultrasound‐assisted extraction on the structure and emulsifying properties of peanut protein isolate
Authors: Sun Xiaoyang , Zhang Wen , Zhang Lifen , Tian Shaojun , Chen Fusheng
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

With an increasing demand for edible protein, research on new extraction methods is attracting more attention. The effects of such methods on functional properties are important. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of ultrasound‐assisted extraction on the extraction efficiency, structure, and the emulsifying properties of peanut protein isolate (PPI).

RESULTS

Ultrasound‐assisted extraction significantly improved extraction efficiency and shortened the processing time. The nanostructure, molecular weight distribution, and particle size of PPI were altered by ultrasound‐assisted extraction. The emulsifying properties of the PPI from ultrasound‐assisted extraction were significantly improved compared with alkaline extraction. Peanut protein isolate had lower molecular weight fractions, higher levels of hydrophobic amino acids, and the highest fluorescence intensity with ultrasound intensity, temperature, and time of 3.17 W cm−3, 35 °C, and 30 min, respectively. These contributed to the higher emulsifying activity index and emulsifying stability index of the PPI emulsions. The uniform distribution of droplets and smaller particle size of the PPI emulsions was also observed.

CONCLUSION

The results suggested that ultrasound can be used to induce the conformational changes to modify the interfacial association between protein‐oil phases, thereby improving the emulsifying properties of peanut protein. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Essential oil from leaves of Eugenia calycina Cambes: Natural larvicidal against Aedes aegypti
Authors: Silva Marcus VSG , Silva Sheila A , Teixera Thaise Lara , De Oliveira Alberto , Morais Sérgio AL , Da Silva Claudio Vieira , Espindola Laila S , Sousa Raquel MF
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Eugenia calycina is an endemic species in the Brazilian savannah (the Cerrado) and it is threatened with extinction. Several species of Eugenia are used as insecticides or insect repellents. No data are available on the larvicidal activity of E. calycina. The chemical composition of the essential oil (EO) from leaves of Eugenia calycina was analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and the larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti larvae in the third stage of development was studied.

RESULTS

Oxygenated and non‐oxygenated sesquiterpenes were identified, and the main compounds were bicyclogermacrene, spathulenol, and β‐caryophyllene. The EO was fractionated in a chromatographic column and three compounds were isolated and identified: spathulenol, aromadendrane‐4β,10α‐diol, and 1β‐11‐dihydroxy‐5‐eudesmene. It is the first time that the last two compounds have been identified in E. calycina. The exposure times in the larvicidal test were 24 h and 48 h and the LC50 values obtained were 199.3 and 166.4 μg mL−1. The cytotoxicity of the EO in mammalian cells (HeLa and Vero) was evaluated for 24 and 48 h of incubation. The cytotoxic concentrations of the EO for HeLa and Vero cells (266.8 ± 46.5 and 312.1 ± 42.5 μg mL−1, respectively) in 48 h of exposure were higher than the LC50, showing low cytotoxicity at the concentration exhibiting larvicidal activity, resulting in a positive selectivity index.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that the EO of E. calycina showed high activity against the A. aegypti larvae but lower cytotoxicity to mammalian cells. The leaves of E. calycina are therefore a very promising source of natural larvicidal products. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
The publication of health sciences theses in Turkey: A study of Ege University
Authors: Karaca Ozan , Çalışkan S. Ayhan , Durak Halil İbrahim
Published: August 2020

This study aimed to determine the academic publication rate of health sciences graduate theses, as well as the factors that influence researchers to publish. The study took place in Ege University Institute of Health Sciences, Turkey, and used a correlated research model to analyse both qualitative and quantitative data. We obtained data from 159 graduate students selected from 437 who graduated between 1 September 2009 and 31 August 2014. From this group, 76 of the theses were published as 141 items. Of these, 93 (66%) were journal articles, of which 51 (36.2%) were published in journals indexed by Science Citation Index (SCI)/SCI‐Expanded/Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI). In the multiple regression analysis, we found that employment in a university increased the probability of producing publications from theses by 8.54 times (odds ratio [OR], 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.954–18.440) and that encouragement from a supervisor increased the same by 2.79 times (OR, 95% CI = 1.021–7.640). Reasons for not publishing their theses were classified into 11 items, of which thematic analysis showed that the most prominent reasons were lack of time (n = 18, 24.3%) and workload (n = 15, 20.2%). This suggests that interventions targeting these two factors may result in increased publication of theses.

Key points

Half of graduates' theses were converted into published items with no significant differences according to gender and graduate programme.

Successful publication of items derived from theses is positively influenced by employment in university and receiving encouragement from a supervisors.

The main reason for not publishing theses was workload and lack of time.
IL‐1RN gene polymorphisms reduces thyroid cancer risk in Chinese Han population
Authors: Li Huajing , Wu Yue , Zhao Ruimin , Chen Xin , Ren Wanli , Li Honghui , Han Peng , Shao Yuan , Wang Jiansheng
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of IL‐1RN polymorphisms on thyroid cancer (TC) risk in Han population. Genotypes of four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs17042888, rs928940, rs3181052, and rs452204) were analyzed by Agena MassARRAY. Meanwhile, we used the logistic regression to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and significant differences were evaluated by t test and χ2 test. Findings found that allele “G” of rs452204 and rs3181052 in interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1RN) reduced the risk of TC. (OR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.55‐0.94, p = .017; OR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.56‐0.94, p = .017, respectively). Hierarchical analysis indicated that three SNPs (rs17042888, rs3181052, and rs452204) significantly reduced the risk of TC among females or individuals older than 48 years (p < .05). Our findings indicate that IL‐1RN polymorphisms may contribute to a protective role against TC risk.
Radiomics‐based model for accurately distinguishing between severe acute respiratory syndrome associated coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and influenza A infected pneumonia
Authors: Zeng Qi‐Qiang , Zheng Kenneth I. , Chen Jun , Jiang Zheng‐Hao , Tian Tian , Wang Xiao‐Bo , Ma Hong‐Lei , Pan Ke‐Hua , Yang Yun‐Jun , Chen Yong‐Ping , Zheng Ming‐Hua
Published: August 2020

Clinicians have been faced with the challenge of differentiating between severe acute respiratory syndrome associated coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infected pneumonia (NCP) and influenza A infected pneumonia (IAP), a seasonal disease that coincided with the outbreak. We aim to develop a machine‐learning algorithm based on radiomics to distinguish NCP from IAP by texture analysis based on computed tomography (CT) imaging. Forty‐one NCP and 37 IAP patients admitted from January to February 6, 2019 admitted to two hospitals in Wenzhou, China. All patients had undergone chest CT examination and blood routine tests prior to receiving medical treatment. NCP was diagnosed by real‐time RT‐PCR assays. Eight of 56 radiomic features extracted by LIFEx were selected by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression to develop a radiomics score and subsequently constructed into a nomogram to predict NCP with area under the operating characteristics curve of 0.87 (95% confidence interval: 0.77‐0.93). The nomogram also showed excellent calibration with Hosmer‐Lemeshow test yielding a nonsignificant statistic (P = .904). The novel nomogram may efficiently distinguish between NCP and IAP patients. The nomogram may be incorporated to existing diagnostic algorithm to effectively stratify suspected patients for SARS‐CoV‐2 pneumonia.
Is pelvic floor muscle training able to alter the response of cardiovascular autonomic modulation and provide a possible cardiovascular benefit to pregnant women?
Authors: da Silva Corrêa Mikaela , Catai Aparecida M. , Milan‐Mattos Juliana C. , Porta Alberto , Driusso Patricia
Published: August 2020

Aims

To evaluate the acute and chronic effect of an exercise protocol of pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) contraction on the heart period (HP) and systolic arterial pressure (SAP) variabilities and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) at rest in pregnant women; and to evaluate if this progressive exercise protocol was well‐tolerated by the pregnant women studied.

Methods

We evaluated 48 women at 18 weeks of pregnancy by vaginal palpation, vaginal manometry, and cardiopulmonary exercise test. They were divided in control (CG; 31.75 ± 3.91 years) and training groups (TG; 30.71 ± 3.94 years). At 19 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, electrocardiogram and noninvasive peripheral SAP data were collected at rest before and after 10 PFM contractions. TG performed PFMT from the 20th to the 36th week. HP and SAP variabilities were analyzed by spectral and symbolic analysis. The baroreflex was evaluated by cross‐spectral analysis between the HP and SAP series.

Results

The groups did not differ in relation to VO2, HP and SAP variabilities, and BRS at the beginning of the protocol. TG increased the endurance of the PFM after training. PFM contraction did not change the HP and SAP variabilities, and BRS at the 18th week. After the training, the TG presented lower SAP mean, lower BF of SAP variability, and higher BRS than CG.

Conclusions

Acute PFM contractions did not alter HP and SAP variabilities and BRS, but PFMT resulted in a lower SAP mean and higher BRS in trained pregnant when compared to the untrained.
Parsimonious discretization for characterizing multi‐exponential decay in magnetic resonance
Authors: Bonny Jean‐Marie , Traore Amidou , Bouhrara Mustapha , Spencer Richard G. , Pages Guilhem
Published: August 2020

We address the problem of analyzing noise‐corrupted magnetic resonance transverse decay signals as a superposition of underlying independently decaying monoexponentials of positive amplitude. First, we indicate the manner in which this is an ill‐conditioned inverse problem, rendering the analysis unstable with respect to noise. Second, we define an approach to this analysis, stabilized solely by the nonnegativity constraint without regularization. This is made possible by appropriate discretization, which is coarser than that often used in practice. Thirdly, we indicate further stabilization by inspecting the plateaus of cumulative distributions. We demonstrate our approach through analysis of simulated myelin water fraction measurements, and compare the accuracy with more conventional approaches. Finally, we apply our method to brain imaging data obtained from a human subject, showing that our approach leads to maps of the myelin water fraction which are much more stable with respect to increasing noise than those obtained with conventional approaches.
Solvability for indefinite mean‐field stochastic linear quadratic optimal control with random jumps and its applications
Authors: Tang Chao , Li Xueqin , Huang Tianmin
Published: August 2020

In this article, we study the open‐loop and closed‐loop solvability for indefinite mean‐field stochastic linear quadratic (MF‐SLQ) optimal control problem and its application in finance, where the controlled stochastic system is driven by a Brownian motion and a Poisson random martingale measure and also disturbed by some stochastic processes. The intrinsic property of stochastic systems results in the inequivalence of those two solvabilities, which is different from deterministic case. Based on a well‐posedness result of the problem, it is shown that the uniform convexity of cost functional is sufficient for the open‐loop solvability of the problem. By a matrix minimum principle, the necessity condition of regular solvability for a decoupled Riccati equation is established, meanwhile, the closed‐loop solvability is turned out to be equivalent to the regular solvability of Riccati equations with some constraints on the solutions of disturbances equations, moreover, the optimal closed‐loop strategy is characterized by regular solutions of Riccati equations and adapted solutions of disturbances equations. And then a mean‐variance model is considered to solve optimal portfolio selection strategy problem of the insurance company with liability. Our study fills a gap in the field of solvability for mean‐field stochastic optimal control with random jumps and provides a different way for solving mean‐variance portfolio selection model.
Training and education of pediatric radiation oncologists: A survey from the 2019 Pediatric Radiation Oncology Society meeting
Authors: Paulino Arnold C. , Dieckmann Karin , Esiashvili Natia , Mahajan Anita , Janssens Geert O. , Halperin Edward C. , Carrie Christian , Parkes Jeannette , Wolden Suzanne L. , Seiersen Klaus , Awrey Susan , Dieter‐Kortmann Rolf , Marcus Karen J.
Published: August 2020

To examine the educational background, clinical practice, and preferences regarding continuing medical education (CME) among radiation oncologists who attended the 2019 meeting of the Pediatric Radiation Oncology Society (PROS), a survey consisting of 20 questions was distributed asking for demographic and educational background, clinical practice, and preferences regarding pediatric radiation oncology CME. Of 188 participants, 130 (69.2%) returned the questionnaire. More than 80% reported access to CT simulation, three‐dimensional radiotherapy, and general anesthesia while <30% had access to intraoperative radiotherapy, proton, and heavy particle therapy. After residency, 12.1% did further training in pediatric radiation oncology. When asked about further training in pediatrics after residency, 88.8% answered that there should be a formal training program beyond residency in order to treat children. More than 75% acquired knowledge in pediatric radiation oncology through journals, books, live meetings, and tumor boards. The results of this survey may help Pediatric Radiation Oncology Society (PROS) in creating guidelines and recommendations for improvement in pediatric radiation oncology training and practice support as well as the development of CME activities most likely to benefit practitioners.
Reduced graphene oxide reinforced PET/PBT nanocomposites: Compatibilization and characterization
Authors: Ucpinar Durmaz Bedriye , Ozturk Canan , Aytac Ayse
Published: August 2020

This research work focused on the effects of different compatibilizers on the properties of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) reinforced poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) nanocomposites. The samples were prepared via melt compounding and injection molding methods. The Joncryl and glycidyl isooctyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (GPOSS) were used as compatibilizers at different loading levels (0.5%‐4%). The structural, thermal, mechanical, morphological, and electrical properties of the nanocomposites were investigated. The Fourier transform infrared analysis results revealed that no significant interaction was observed when GPOSS was added. On the other hand, there were more obvious changes in the peaks of the nanocomposite containing Joncryl. The thermal results showed that the compatibilizer addition caused small changes while rGO addition did not considerably affect the thermal stability of blend. The glass transition temperature of the nanocomposite significantly decreased with the addition of GPOSS. The tensile test indicated that compatibilizers improved the mechanical performance of PET/PBT/rGO nanocomposite.
Morphology, mechanical properties, and biodegradability of all‐cellulose composite films from oil palm empty fruit bunch
Authors: Zailuddin Nur Liyana Izyan , Osman Azlin Fazlina , Rahman Rozyanty
Published: August 2020

Palm oil plantations are very important in that they supply vegetable oil globally. However, increased production of palm oil prompts the accumulation of large lignocelluloses residues in the form of oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB). This study explored the advantages of using OPEFB in the production of all‐cellulose composite (ACC) films. The isolation process of the raw OPEFB fiber was carried out using a chemical process to extract OPEFB nanocellulose. ACC films from OPEFB and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) were prepared using a dimethylacetamide (DMAC) and lithium chloride solvent system whereby the partially dissolved cellulose was transformed into the matrix phase surrounding the remaining nondissolved fiber. ACC films with 1% (wt/vol) OPEFB and 3% (wt/vol) MCC were prepared and the effects of chemical treatment of the OPEFB cellulose on the mechanical properties, crystalline structure, morphology, moisture absorption and soil biodegradability of the ACC film were investigated. The tensile strength of the ACC film was tremendously improved by chemical treatment. For instance, when acetic acid was used to treat the nanocellulose, the resultant film showed 279% increment in tensile strength value. However, formic acid‐treated films demonstrate greater moisture uptake and soil biodegradation rate. The findings could be related to the alterations of hydroxyl group composition in the nanocellulose and variation in dissolution rate of the nanocellulose during chemical treatment.
Design, synthesis, characterization, and in vitro cytotoxic activity evaluation of 1,2‐disubstituted benzimidazole compounds
Authors: Akkoç Senem
Published: August 2020

A series of 2‐p‐tolyl‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazole derivatives were synthesized and characterized. For finding an effective anticancer drug, which could be used in future generations, the developed heterocyclic compounds were screened in the human epithelial breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF‐7) and human liver epithelial hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2) using the MTT assay method. Two positive control drugs were used for comparison with the compounds. The substituents on the 1‐ and 2‐positions of the benzimidazole core had an important effect on the antiproliferation of cancerous cells. According to the results obtained, a compound, namely, 1‐(4‐methylbenzyl)‐2‐p‐tolyl‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazole, which has electron donating groups (CH3) in the para position of a phenyl ring, showed higher cytotoxic activities compared to other compounds towards liver and breast cell lines. The compounds were found to have more cytotoxicity in HepG2 rather than MCF‐7.
Highly active and thermo‐stable iminopyridyl vanadium oxychloride catalyzed isoprene polymerization
Authors: Zhao Mengmeng , Wang Liang , Mahmood Qaiser , Jing Chuyang , Zhu Guangqian , Zhang Xianhui , Chen Xiao , Wang Qinggang
Published: August 2020

Stereoregular polymerizations are of high importance, which disclosing the relationships between microstructures and physical properties of polymers. In this contribution, a series of iminopyridyl vanadium oxychloride complexes V1–V8 (R = H, R1 = CH2Ph for V1; R = H, R1 = CHPh2 for V2; R = H, R1 = octamyl for V3; R = H, R1 = Ph for V4; R = H, R1 = 4‐OMe‐C6H4 for V5; R = H, R1 = 4‐CF3C6H4 for V6; R = H, R1 = 2,4,6‐Ph3C6H2 for V7 and R = Me, R1 = Ph for V8) have been prepared, and were investigated for their catalytic capacity of isoprene polymerization. A single crystal structure of V7′ was reported, which was reduced from V(v) to V(iv) in the oxidation state of vanadium central atom. The catalytic activity was up to 408 kg (mol V)−1 hr−1, when V4 was used. The catalyst V6 was found to be highly thermo‐stable with excellent activity even at 100°C. Most importantly, resultant polymers mainly possessed cis‐1,4 units (up to 75%) with 25% side‐chain 3,4 functional group, which is particularly important component to enhance the application of these synthetic rubbers.
Improved Exploding Properties of Al/Cu Multilayer Initiators
Authors: Wang Yao , Guo Fei , Wang Wanjun , Li Yong , Zhou Qin , Xing Zongren , Wang Liang , Gao Yuan
Published: August 2020

Reactive multilayer films (RMFs) are widely used for energetic initiator applications, the reaction behavior and mechanism are systematically researched for ignition. Recently, Investigation into exploding plasma fields has been carried out based on Al/Ni RMFs. However, few papers are concerned about Al/Cu multilayers for exploding initiators. In this paper, an investigation on the influence of Al/Cu multilayers additives on initiators is described in detail. The Al/Cu multilayers are deposited by magnetron sputtering technology and their structure is confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. The periodic multilayer structure with controlled thickness is visible. The initiator containing Al/Cu multilayers exhibits improved exploding properties with a short exploding time, low matching charging voltages, and high flyer velocities in comparison with Cu layers or Al layer‐based initiators. Meanwhile, the flyer kinetic energy increase of up to 30 mJ indicates that this improvement could not come from the Al−Cu alloying reaction alone. The 1‐D non‐stationary acceleration model confirms that the composite electrical behavior is a factor contributing to improved flyer kinetic energy. The ultra‐high‐speed camera system is employed to observe the flyer launching process accelerated by the exploding plasma. The smaller barrel diameter is beneficial for controlling the shearing process to keep good integrity of the flyer. Overall, the electrical exploding properties of initiators can be enhanced substantially based on Al/Cu multilayers.
Reliable and Tunable Elastic Interface States in Soft Metamaterials
Authors: Niu Hao , Li Shuaifeng , Zang Jianfeng
Published: August 2020

Tunable elastic interface states in soft materials have been successfully observed in experiments recently, which provides great application potentials in dynamic vibration energy‐harvesting devices or mechanical control of soft robotics. However, the generation of the proposed tunable elastic interfacial states relies on two differently deformed soft periodic phononic crystals, and complicated mechanical loadings and external installations are inevitable, which are indeed difficult to generate and manipulate. Herein, the dynamically adjustable elastic localized states are implemented in a more reliable and convenient way, which is readily modulated simply through compressing or stretching a mirror‐symmetric metamaterial composite simultaneously. The primitive cell of the soft periodic structures is inspired by the symmetry‐broken hexagonal boron nitride structure. Repeatable and reversible frequency shift and switch on–off characteristics of the interface states are observed during the dynamical regulation process, which is used in the dynamic elastic filter or divider devices. The feasibility of utilizing mirror operation to produce the interface states is clearly demonstrated, which effectively reduces the geometry and configuration design during the manufacturing process. The mirror method is also generalized to other periodic photonic and phononic crystals for the generation of additional multiple tunable interface states.
Phytochemical constituents, biological activities, and health‐promoting effects of the genusOriganum
Authors: Sharifi‐Rad Mehdi , Berkay Yılmaz Yakup , Antika Gizem , Salehi Bahare , Tumer Tugba Boyunegmez , Kulandaisamy Venil Chidambaram , Das Gitishree , Patra Jayanta Kumar , Karazhan Natallia , Akram Muhammad , Iqbal Mehwish , Imran Muhammad , Sen Surjit , Acharya Krishnendu , Dey Abhijit , Sharifi‐Rad Javad
Published: August 2020

Origanumspecies are mostly distributed around the Mediterranean, Euro‐Siberian, and Iran‐Siberian regions. Since time immemorial, the genus has popularly been used in Southern Europe, as well as on the American continent as a spice now known all over the world under the name “oregano” or “pizza‐spice.”Origanumplants are also employed to prepare bitter tinctures, wines, vermouths, beer, and kvass. The major components ofOriganumessential oil are various terpenes, phenols, phenolic acids, and flavonoids with predominant occurrence of carvacrol and thymol (with reasonable amounts ofp‐cymen and ‐terpinene) or of terpinene‐4‐ol, linalool, and sabinene hydrate. Many species ofOriganumgenus are used to treat kidney, digestive, nervous, and respiratory disorders, spasms, sore throat, diabetes, lean menstruation, hypertension, cold, insomnia, toothache, headache, epilepsy, urinary tract infections, etc.Origanumessential oil showed potent bioactivities owing to its major constituents' carvacrol, thymol, and monoterpenes. Several preclinical studies evidenced its pharmacological potential as antiproliferative or anticancer, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, anti‐obesity, renoprotective, antiinflammatory, vasoprotective, cardioprotective, antinociceptive, insecticidal, and hepatoprotective properties. Its nanotechnological applications as a promising pharmaceutical in order to enhance the solubility, physicochemical stability, and the accumulation rate of its essential oils have been investigated. However,Origanumhas been reported causing angioedema, perioral dermatitis, allergic reaction, inhibition of platelet aggregation, hypoglycemia, and abortion. Conclusive evidences are still required for its clinical applications against human medical conditions. Toxicity analyses and risk assessment will aid to its safe and efficacious application. In addition, elaborate structure–activity studies are needed to explore the potential use ofOriganum‐derived phytochemicals as promising drug candidates.
A nonparametric method for value function guided subgroup identification via gradient tree boosting for censored survival data
Authors: Zhang Pingye , Ma Junshui , Chen Xinqun , Shentu Yue
Published: August 2020

In randomized clinical trials with survival outcome, there has been an increasing interest in subgroup identification based on baseline genomic, proteomic markers, or clinical characteristics. Some of the existing methods identify subgroups that benefit substantially from the experimental treatment by directly modeling outcomes or treatment effect. When the goal is to find an optimal treatment for a given patient rather than finding the right patient for a given treatment, methods under the individualized treatment regime framework estimate an individualized treatment rule that would lead to the best expected clinical outcome as measured by a value function. Connecting the concept of value function to subgroup identification, we propose a nonparametric method that searches for subgroup membership scores by maximizing a value function that directly reflects the subgroup‐treatment interaction effect based on restricted mean survival time. A gradient tree boosting algorithm is proposed to search for the individual subgroup membership scores. We conduct simulation studies to evaluate the performance of the proposed method and an application to an AIDS clinical trial is performed for illustration.
A New DC Electric Field Sensor and Direct Measurements of Ionosphere Sq Electric Fields
Authors: Tsutsui Minoru , Kaji Ryosaku
Published: August 2020

A new type of DC electric field sensor has been developed. It is not mill type electric field sensor whose principle is to measure electric potentials in the atmosphere. The new type DC sensor can directly detect electric fields in all spaces. For minimizing disturbances of electric field configuration in the space, the new type sensor uses a simple linear dipole antenna. The key point in the detection method is to measure a potential difference between only two equipotential lines connecting to each dipole element. The validity of the configuration of equipotential lines around the dipole elements was confirmed by numerical analysis. It has been confirmed that angular dependence of the DC electric field intensities measured by a prototype of the new sensor was consistent with theoretical one. Then we began to observe natural DC electric fields in electrically quiet environment, installing its practical three antennas (5 m tip‐to‐tip) orthogonal with each other. We have found, from the measured electric fields, that behaviors of the measured electric fields suggest those of ionosphere Sq (solar quiet) electric fields. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Bioinspired superwetting surfaces for biosensing
Authors: Zhu Hai , Huang Yu , Lou Xiaoding , Xia Fan
Published: August 2020

Inspired by nature, scientists and researchers have studied the wetting behaviors on various creatures and mimicked their structures to fabricate diverse functional superwetting materials. As one kind of emerging application, the bioinspired superwettable surfaces used for biosensing have been aroused wide interests. In this review, we summarized the recent developments of bioinspired superwettable surfaces in the field of biosensing. In the first part, superwettable creatures in nature, namely, superhydrophobic self‐cleaning lotus leaf, high‐adhesion superhydrophobic rose petal, amphiphobic springtail, patterned wetting desert beetles, slippery pitcher plant, were introduced. In sequence, we successively described the special wetting models of superhydrophobicity, superamphiphobicity, responsive wettability, patterned wettability, and slipperiness. Then, biosensing applications based on the respective patterned wettable, superhydrophobic, responsive wettable, and slippery substrates that were combined with the common detection approaches (colorimetry, fluorescence, surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), electrochemistry) were shown in detailed. At last, an insight of remaining challenges and future development for bioinspired superwetting materials applied in biosensing was provided.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Photocatalytic Activities of BiVO4 by Carbon Adsorption Hydrothermal Method
Authors: Niu Y. T. , Guo G. B.
Published: August 2020

A new idea of prepared method for BiVO4 nano‐powders hydrothermal synthesis process was developed to avert the existent shortcomings of hydrothermal method. The thermal stability, phase structure, light absorption property, and morphology of the catalyst prepared were characterized by thermogravimetric analyzer (TG), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet visible spectrophotometer (UV/Vis), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), respectively. Using methyl orange (MO) as the target degradation material and a 500‐W dysprosium lamp as the visible light source to investigate photocatalytic performance of BiVO4. We successfully prepared BiVO4 powders with small particle size, less agglomeration and uniform distribution by carbon adsorption hydrothermal method, and the absorption wavelength of light was red‐shifted, these all rendered the absorption capacity of visible light region enhancing with 94 % high photocatalytic degradation rate of methyl orange at 60 min. And the possible mechanism was also discussed in this study.
Thermo‐electric response in 2D hexagonal QC exhibiting piezoelectric effect
Authors: Wang Wenshuai , Li Caiqi , Zhou Yue‐Ting
Published: August 2020

Based on the theory of quasicrystal (QC) with piezoelectric effect, the general solutions of a two‐dimensional hexagonal QC under the thermo‐electric loadings are derived by using the strict operator theory and the generalized Almansi theorem. Based on the general solutions, two potential functions are introduced, and the basic solutions of QC are obtained according to the boundary conditions of the point source acting on the infinite body and the semi‐infinite body. Numerical examples are given to analyze the variations of temperature, displacement and stress of phonon field, electric field potential, and electric displacement.
A generalized method for all-loop results in λ-models
Authors: Sagkrioti Eftychia
Published: August 2020

Abstract

We compute the anomalous dimension of the single current operator in the case of single and doubly deformed asymmetric λ-models with a general deformation matrix. Our method uses the underlying geometry of the coupling space, as well as an auxiliary group interaction, which completely decouples from the asymmetric model in a specific limit, consistent with the Renormalization Group flow. Our results are valid to all orders in the deformation parameters and leading order to the levels of the underlying current algebras. We specialize our general result to several models of particular interest that have been constructed in the literature and for which these anomalous dimensions were not known.
An approach to BPS black hole microstate counting in an N = 2 STU model
Authors: Cardoso G.L. , Nampuri S. , Polini D.
Published: August 2020

Abstract

We consider four-dimensional dyonic single-center BPS black holes in the N = 2 STU model of Sen and Vafa. By working in a region of moduli space where the real part of two of the three complex scalars S, T , U are taken to be large, we evaluate the quantum entropy function for these BPS black holes. In this regime, the subleading corrections point to a microstate counting formula partly based on a Siegel modular form of weight two. This is supplemented by another modular object that takes into account the dependence on Y
0, a complex scalar field belonging to one of the four off-shell vector multiplets of the underlying supergravity theory. We also observe interesting connections to the rational Calogero model and to formal deformation of a Poisson algebra, and suggest a string web picture of our counting proposal.
Calculation of Hydroacoustic Propagation and Conversion to Seismic Phases at T-Stations
Authors: Stevens Jeffry L. , Hanson Jeffrey , Nielsen Peter , Zampolli Mario , Le Bras Ronan , Haralabus Georgios , Day Steven M.
Published: August 2020

The International Monitoring System (IMS) hydroacoustic network consists of six hydrophone stations and 5 T-stations. The IMS T-stations are high-frequency seismic stations (sample rates of 100 Hz) situated on islands or coastal stations and intended primarily to capture impulsive signals from in-water explosions. However, while there are numerous recordings of impulsive-like signals from in-water explosions at the hydrophone stations, recordings of this type of signal at the T-stations are rare. This is because the conversion of the hydroacoustic to a seismic signal as it propagates from ocean to land is inefficient, characterized both by complex geologic and topographic features and by strong attenuation. To improve the understanding of this signal conversion at T-stations, we performed numerical calculations using the spectral element code SPECFEM2D, modelling the acoustic signal as it propagates from the deep ocean through the ocean/land interface and finally, as an elastic signal, to the T-station. Environmental information from a variety of sources was gathered to construct the earth and ocean models used in the calculations. The goal of this work is to provide a set of calculated waveforms to complement the limited set of observed waveforms and to assist in the characterization of arrivals from explosion-generated hydroacoustic waves recorded at the T-stations.
Review of available national guidelines for obstetric anal sphincter injury
Authors: Roper Joanna C. , Amber Nirmala , Wan Osanna Yee Ki , Sultan Abdul H. , Thakar Ranee
Published: August 2020

Introduction and hypothesis

Obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIs) are the most severe form of perineal trauma with potentially devastating effects on a mother’s quality of life. There are various national guidelines available for their management. The aim of this study was to review and compare recommendations from published national guidelines regarding management and prevention of OASI.

Methods

We searched the PUBMED, EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL and COCHRANE databases from January 2008 till October 2019 using relevant Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), including all subheadings. The guideline characteristics were mapped and methodological quality assessed with the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II tool by three independent reviewers. To compare the methodological quality of the guidelines, the interpretation of the six domain scores were taken into consideration. By consensus of the authors, a score of 70% was taken as a cut-off, and scores above this were considered ‘high quality’.

Results

Thirteen national guidelines on perineal trauma were included and analysed. Nine of these were specific to OASI. There is wide variation in methodological quality and evidence used for recommendations. AGREE scores for overall guideline assessment were > 70% in eight of the guidelines, with Australia-Queensland, Canada, the UK and USA scoring highest.

Conclusions

The wide variation in methodological quality and evidence used for recommendations suggests that there is a need for an agreed international guideline. This will enable healthcare practitioners to follow the same recommendations, with the most recent evidence, and provide evidence-based care to all women globally.
Risk Factors for Readmission After Short‐Hospital‐Stay Laparoscopic Appendectomy
Authors: Angeramo Cristian A. , Dreifuss Nicolas H. , Olivero Ayelen A. , Sadava Emmanuel E. , Schlottmann Francisco
Published: August 2020

Background

Single‐day discharge is a common practice among patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy (LA). We aimed to determine risk factors associated with readmission in patients with short hospital stay after LA.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent LA during the period 2006–2019. Patients with length of hospital stay shorter than 24 h were included. Demographics, operative variables, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine risk factors for readmission.

Results

A total of 2009 LA were performed during the study period; 1506 (75%) patients had short hospital stay and were included in the analysis. Median age was 31 (14–85) years, and 720 (48%) were female. Mild peritonitis was diagnosed in 423 (28%) patients, and 121 (8%) had gangrenous/perforated appendicitis. Mean surgical time was 51(14–180) min. Conversion rate was 0.4%. There were 143 (9%) postoperative complications, including 29 (1.9%) patients with postoperative intra‐abdominal abscess. Nine patients (0.6%) underwent reoperation, and only 26 (1.7%) patients were readmitted. The mean time to hospital readmission was 6 (1–14) days. Although age >50 years, obesity, mild peritonitis, and complicated appendicitis were more frequent among patients readmitted, only age >50 years (OR 3.54 95% CI 1.51–8.30) and mild peritonitis (OR 6.16 95% CI 1.80–34.93) were found as independent risk factors for readmission.

Conclusion

Most patients undergoing LA can be safely discharged within 24 h of admission. Patients over 50 years old and/or with localized peritonitis have significantly higher risk of readmission and therefore may need a closer postoperative follow‐up.
Understanding the complexities of Bluetooth for representing real-life social networks
Authors: Simoski Bojan , Klein Michel C.A. , Araújo Eric Fernandes de Mello , van Halteren Aart T. , van Woudenberg Thabo J. , Bevelander Kirsten E. , Buijzen Moniek , Bal Henri
Published: August 2020

Bluetooth (BT) data has been extensively used for recognizing social patterns and inferring social networks, as BT is widely present in everyday technological devices. However, even though collecting BT data is subject to random noise and may result in substantial measurement errors, there is an absence of rigorous procedures for validating the quality of the inferred BT social networks. This paper presents a methodology for inferring and validating BT-based social networks based on parameter optimization algorithm and social network analysis (SNA). The algorithm performs edge inference in a brute-force search over a given BT data set, for deriving optimal BT social networks by validating them with predefined ground truth (GT) networks. The algorithm seeks to optimize a set of parameters, predefined considering some reliability challenges associated to the BT technology itself. The outcomes show that optimizing the parameters can reduce the number of BT data false positives or generate BT networks with the minimum amount of BT data observations. The subsequent SNA shows that the inferred BT social networks are unable to reproduce some network characteristics present in the corresponding GT networks. Finally, the generalizability of the proposed methodology is demonstrated by applying the algorithm on external BT data sets, while obtaining comparable results.
Deep odontogenic infections—identifying risk factors for nosocomial pneumonia
Authors: Rautaporras Niina , Furuholm Jussi , Uittamo Johanna , Saloniemi Mikko , Puolakka Tuukka , Snäll Johanna
Published: August 2020

Objectives

To evaluate occurrence and risk factors for pneumonia in patients with deep odontogenic infection (OI).

Materials and methods

All patients treated for deep OIs and requiring intensive care and mechanical ventilation were included. The outcome variable was diagnosis of nosocomial pneumonia. Primary predictor variables were re-intubation and duration of mechanical ventilation. The secondary predictor variable was length of hospital stay (LOHS). The explanatory variables were gender, age, current smoking, current heavy alcohol and/or drug use, diabetes, and chronic pulmonary disease.

Results

Ninety-two patients were included in the analyses. Pneumonia was detected in 14 patients (15%). It was diagnosed on postoperative day 2 to 6 (median 3 days, mean 3 days) after primary infection care. Duration of mechanical ventilation (p = 0.028) and LOHS (p = 0.002) correlated significantly with occurrence of pneumonia. In addition, re-intubation (p = 0.004) was found to be significantly associated with pneumonia; however, pneumonia was detected in 75% of these patients prior to re-intubation. Two patients (2%) died during intensive care unit stay, and both had diagnosed nosocomial pneumonia. Smoking correlated significantly with pneumonia (p = 0.011).

Conclusion

Secondary pneumonia due to deep OI is associated with prolonged hospital care and can predict the risk of death. Duration of mechanical ventilation should be reduced with prompt and adequate OI treatment, whenever possible. Smokers with deep OI have a significantly higher risk than non-smokers of developing pneumonia.

Clinical relevance

Nosocomial pneumonia is a considerable problem in OI patients with lengthy mechanical ventilation. Prompt and comprehensive OI care is required to reduce these risk factors.
Aggression subtypes relate to distinct resting state functional connectivity in children and adolescents with disruptive behavior
Authors: Werhahn Julia E. , Mohl Susanna , Willinger David , Smigielski Lukasz , Roth Alexander , Hofstetter Christoph , Stämpfli Philipp , Naaijen Jilly , Mulder Leandra M. , Glennon Jeffrey C. , Hoekstra Pieter J. , Dietrich Andrea , Kleine Deters Renee , Aggensteiner Pascal M. , Holz Nathalie E. , Baumeister Sarah , Banaschewski Tobias , Saam Melanie C. , Schulze Ulrike M. E. , Lythgoe David J. , Sethi Arjun , Craig Michael C. , Mastroianni Mathilde , Sagar-Ouriaghli Ilyas , Santosh Paramala J. , Rosa Mireia , Bargallo Nuria , Castro-Fornieles Josefina , Arango Celso , Penzol Maria J. , Zwiers Marcel P. , Franke Barbara , Buitelaar Jan K. , Walitza Susanne , Brandeis Daniel
Published: August 2020

There is increasing evidence for altered brain resting state functional connectivity in adolescents with disruptive behavior. While a considerable body of behavioral research points to differences between reactive and proactive aggression, it remains unknown whether these two subtypes have dissociable effects on connectivity. Additionally, callous-unemotional traits are important specifiers in subtyping aggressive behavior along the affective dimension. Accordingly, we examined associations between two aggression subtypes along with callous-unemotional traits using a seed-to-voxel approach. Six functionally relevant seeds were selected to probe the salience and the default mode network, based on their presumed role in aggression. The resting state sequence was acquired from 207 children and adolescents of both sexes [mean age (standard deviation) = 13.30 (2.60); range = 8.02–18.35] as part of a Europe-based multi-center study. One hundred eighteen individuals exhibiting disruptive behavior (conduct disorder/oppositional defiant disorder) with varying comorbid attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms were studied, together with 89 healthy controls. Proactive aggression was associated with increased left amygdala–precuneus coupling, while reactive aggression related to hyper-connectivities of the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) to the parahippocampus, the left amygdala to the precuneus and to hypo-connectivity between the right anterior insula and the nucleus caudate. Callous-unemotional traits were linked to distinct hyper-connectivities to frontal, parietal, and cingulate areas. Additionally, compared to controls, cases demonstrated reduced connectivity of the PCC and left anterior insula to left frontal areas, the latter only when controlling for ADHD scores. Taken together, this study revealed aggression-subtype-specific patterns involving areas associated with emotion, empathy, morality, and cognitive control.