bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring sustainability risks: A rational myth?
Authors: Boiral Olivier , Talbot David , Brotherton Marie‐Christine
Published: May 2020

The objective of this paper is to investigate the rigorousness and reliability of sustainability rating agencies' evaluation of corporate sustainability risks. Using grounded theory, this study conducts a qualitative analysis of 32 semi‐structured interviews with practitioners involved in this activity and shows the trade‐offs and rational myths underlying this evaluation process. The image of rationality and rigorousness projected by sustainability risk measurements is mostly intended to address the increasing institutional pressures for reliable and comparable information, particularly from institutional investors and socially responsible investment decision makers. Nevertheless, risk analysts face serious challenges due to the lack of reliable information, the unpredictability of sustainability risks, the methodological issues related to the measurement process, and the complexity and context‐dependency of risk assessment. These challenges call into question the official and optimistic rhetoric of rating agencies. This study contributes to the literature on sustainability risks and rational myths in organizations. Managerial implications and avenues for future research are also discussed.
Newly synthesized peptide, Ara‐27, exhibits significant improvement in cell‐penetrating ability compared to conventional peptides
Authors: Min Sol , Kim Kichul , Ku Seockmo , Park Jeong‐Yoon , Seo Jeongmin , Roh Sangho
Published: May 2020

Cell‐penetrating peptides (CPPs) are short amino acid sequences known to act as a vehicle for enhancing the intracellular translocating efficiency of extracellular molecules. Although many groups have attempted to develop peptides with high cell‐penetrating efficiencies, very few have demonstrated efficient cellular uptake of CPPs at low concentrations. Here, we describe a newly synthesized peptide derived from Arabidopsis, Ara‐27, which exhibits significant improvement in cell‐penetrating efficiency compared to existing CPPs. The cell‐penetrating efficiency of Ara‐27 was compared with the commonly used Tat‐protein transduction domain (Tat‐PTD) and membrane translocating sequence (MTS) in human dermal fibroblast (HDF) and human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSC). Cell‐penetrating efficiency of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)‐labeled CPPs were assessed by flow cytometry and visualized by confocal microscopy. Flow cytometric analysis revealed >99% cell‐penetrating efficiency for 2 μM Ara‐27 in both HDF and hDPSC. In contrast, 2 μM Tat‐PTD and MTS showed <10% cell‐penetrating efficiency in both cells. In support, relative fluorescence intensities of FITC‐labeled Ara‐27 were around 8 to 22 times higher than those of Tat‐PTD and MTS in both cells. Confocal analysis revealed internalization of 0.2 and 2 μM Ara‐27 in both human cells, which was not observed for Tat‐PTD and MTS at either concentration. In conclusion, this study describes a novel CPP, Ara‐27, which exhibit significant improvement in intracellular uptake compared to conventional CPPs, without affecting cell viability. Thus, development of Ara‐27 based peptides may lead to improved delivery of functional cargo such as small molecules, siRNA, and drugs for in vivo studies.
Anatomic variations of the intrathoracic nerves and the neural connections of the second and third thoracic sympathetic ganglia to the brachial plexus
Authors: Won Hyung‐Jin , Choi Hoon‐Sung , Park Kyeong Han
Published: May 2020

Introduction

This study investigated morphological variations of the intrathoracic nerves and the neural connections of the second and third thoracic sympathetic ganglia to the brachial plexus based on the existence of the intrathoracic nerves and the rami communicantes.

Materials and methods

Fifty thoracic sympathetic trunks from 26 Korean adult cadavers were used.

Results

The first intrathoracic nerve connecting the first and second thoracic nerves was observed on 36 sides (72%), and the second intrathoracic nerve connecting the second and third thoracic nerves was found on three sides (6%). There were either one (62%) or two (10%) first intrathoracic nerves, and only one second intrathoracic nerve (6%). The neural connections of the second and third thoracic sympathetic ganglia to the first thoracic nerve were classified into three types based on the existence of the intrathoracic nerves: Type I (68%) had only the first intrathoracic nerve, Type II (26%) had no intrathoracic nerve, and Type III (6%) had both the first and second intrathoracic nerves. Types I, II, and III were further subdivided into 10, 6, and 3 types, respectively, according to the types of the rami communicantes arising from the second and third thoracic sympathetic ganglia.

Conclusions

Improved knowledge of the variations in intrathoracic nerves and upper thoracic sympathetic ganglia will be helpful to thoracic surgeons when they are disrupting the sympathetic supply to the hand for treating palmar hyperhidrosis, and contribute to successful diagnoses and treatments.
The concordance of treatment decision guided by OncotypeDX and the PREDICT tool in real‐world early‐stage breast cancer
Authors: Goldstein Daniel A. , Mayer Chen , Shochat Tzippy , Reinhorn Daniel , Moore Assaf , Sarfaty Michal , Yerushalmi Rinat , Goldvaser Hadar
Published: May 2020

Background

Decision‐making regarding adjuvant chemotherapy for early‐stage breast cancer can be guided by genomic assays such as OncotypeDX. The concordance of expected clinical decisions guided by OncotypeDX and prognostication online tools such as PREDICT is unknown.

Methods

We performed a retrospective single‐center cohort study comprising all women with estrogen receptor (ER) positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) negative, node negative disease, whose tumors were sent for OncotypeDX analysis. Expected decision on adjuvant chemotherapy was evaluated using OncotypeDX and using PREDICT. The concordance between these two tools was calculated. The impact on concordance of prespecified features was assessed, including age, tumor size, intensity of ER and progesterone receptor (PR), grade, Ki67 and perineural and lymphovascular invasion.

Results

A total of 445 women were included. Overall concordance was 75% (K = 0.284). The concordance was significantly higher for grade 1 disease compared to grade 2‐3 (93% vs 72%, P < .001), tumor ≤ 1 cm compared to >1 cm (85% vs 72%, P = .009), PR positive compared to PR negative (78% vs 58%, P < .001) and ki67 < 10% compared to ≥10% (92% vs 63%, P < .001). The intensity of ER and the presence of perineural or lymphovascular invasion had no significant impact on concordance.

Conclusions

Compared to PREDICT, using OncotypeDx in node negative, ER positive disease is expected to change the clinical decision in a quarter of patients. The concordance between OncotypeDx and PREDICT is influenced by pathological features. In patients with very low risk, treatment decisions may be made based solely on clinical risk assessment.
Radiation pneumonitis in lung cancer patients treated with chemoradiation plus durvalumab
Authors: Shaverdian Narek , Thor Maria , Shepherd Annemarie F. , Offin Michael D. , Jackson Andrew , Wu Abraham J. , Gelblum Daphna Y. , Yorke Ellen D. , Simone Charles B. , Chaft Jamie E. , Hellmann Matthew D. , Gomez Daniel R. , Rimner Andreas , Deasy Joseph O.
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Durvalumab after concurrent chemoradiation (cCRT) is now standard of care for unresected stage III non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, there is limited data on radiation pneumonitis (RP) with this regimen. Therefore, we assessed RP and evaluated previously validated toxicity models in predicting for RP in patients treated with cCRT and durvalumab.

Methods

Patients treated with cCRT and ≥ 1 dose of durvalumab were evaluated to identify cases of ≥ grade 2 RP. The validity of previously published RP models was assessed in this cohort as well a reference cohort treated with cCRT alone. The timing and incidence of RP was compared between cohorts.

Results

In total, 11 (18%) of the 62 patients who received cCRT and durvalumab developed ≥ grade 2 RP a median of 3.4 months after cCRT. The onset of RP among patients treated with cCRT and durvalumab was significantly longer vs the reference cohort (3.4 vs 2.1 months; P = .01). Numerically more patients treated with cCRT and durvalumab developed RP than patients in the reference cohort (18% vs 9%, P = .09). Among patients treated with cCRT and durvalumab, 82% (n = 9) were responsive to treatment with high‐dose glucocorticoids. Previously published RP models widely underestimated the rate of RP in patients treated with cCRT and durvalumab [AUC ~ 0.50; p(Hosmer‐Lemeshow): 0.98‐1.00].

Conclusions

Our data suggest a delayed onset of RP in patients treated with cCRT and durvalumab vs cCRT alone, and for RP to develop in a greater number of patients treated with cCRT and durvalumab. Previously published RP models significantly underestimate the rate of symptomatic RP among patients treated with cCRT and durvalumab.
Sickle cell disease in children and adolescents
Authors: Mannix Margaret
Published: May 2020

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic illness characterized by changes in the blood's hemoglobin such that its shape “sickles” with hook‐like edges, rather than smooth edges, which prevents smooth blood flow. When the cells block blood flow, people usually experience pain. Pain in SCD can be acute and chronic (with chronic pain more likely in adolescence). Acute pain crises, or vaso‐occlusive episodes, can lead to hospitalizations and missed school time. Acute chest syndrome (ACS) is a leading cause of death in SCD and is characterized by abnormal chest X‐ray, pain, fever, and anemia. Other concerns for children and adolescents with SCD are silent or overt strokes, organ damage, and increased risk for infection.
Importance of physical activity in physical and mental health
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: May 2020

Underscoring the importance physical activity plays in children's overall health, including their social and cognitive development, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has issued new recommendations on physical activity.
Supporting youth and families during COVID‐19
Authors: Walters Anne
Published: May 2020

Natural disaster is defined as “severe disruption, ecological and psychosocial, which greatly exceeds the coping capacity of the affected community.” The COVID‐19 pandemic meets criteria for a natural disaster in its potential for collateral damage to mental health for children and adults. The economic downturn, job loss, financial stressors, day‐to‐day disruptions to life, and barrage of frightening news is challenging for all of us, and more so for those suffering from mental illness.
Life threatening bilateral renal trauma in a child
Authors: Macheka Kudzai T. , Dube Daud Athanasius
Published: May 2020

Hematuria in children resulting from trauma should be promptly evaluated. Inappropriate management may result in undesirable consequences. Clinicians should have high index of suspicion for genitourinary injuries in pediatric patients. A case is presented of a boy saved by appropriate management following prompt action resulting from high index of suspicion.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Characterization of High‐Capacity Structured Packing
Authors: Manh Tran Dinh , Nam Nguyen Dang , Babazadeh Houman , Moradi Rasoul
Published: May 2020

The novel wire gauze structured packing, PACK‐860, was characterized by means of numerical methods. The main features of PACK‐860 such as height equivalent to a theoretical plate (HETP) and dry/wet pressure drop were evaluated. The flow structure in this packing was described by numerical simulation. To estimate the amount of HETP and dry/wet pressure drop, three‐dimensional computational fluid dynamics (3D CFD) modeling with the Eulerian‐Eulerian multiphase approach was applied. The average relative errors between the results obtained from CFD simulation and experimental findings for mass transfer efficiency and wet and dry pressure drop were assessed. Numerical observations were found to agree well with the empirical results, proving the reliability of CFD simulations for modeling separation processes.
Inline Measurement of the Residence Time Distribution in High‐Pressure Extraction Columns
Authors: Brockkötter Johannes , Welkner-Hoffmann André , Jupke Andreas
Published: May 2020

Axial backmixing lowers the efficiency of packed countercurrent high‐pressure extraction columns. To quantify backmixing, a method of measuring the residence time distribution and calculating the axial dispersion coefficient in high‐pressure extraction columns is introduced. Using a design of experiments, the effect of supercritical and liquid mass flow rates as well as the pressure at a constant temperature on the mean residence time and the axial dispersion coefficient are evaluated for the system water/supercritical CO2. The experimental data is correlated to the Reynolds and Schmidt number.
Ultra‐low thermal expansion behavior of spark plasma sintered Sn‐doped ZrMo2O8
Authors: Ramamurthy Jayanth R. , Kumar Ravi
Published: May 2020

Sn‐doped ZrMo2O8 exhibits a coefficient of thermal expansion that is tunable based on the amount of Sn present in the Zr lattice sites. The current study focuses on the facile sintering of this material using spark plasma sintering (SPS) process. Powder particles of the material were produced by co‐precipitation, and the formation of the desired cubic phase was confirmed using X‐ray diffraction. The powder particles were sintered using SPS at different temperatures to identify the optimum sintering conditions. The extremely high rate of heating during SPS process enables complete sintering while retarding the decomposition reactions. It was noticed that attaining dense phase pure samples is strongly dependent on the sintering conditions. The results from the dilatometry carried out on the sintered pellets resulted in ultra‐low thermal expansion coefficients in the order of 10−7/°C for the samples sintered at 500°C. Comparisons with other commercially available low coefficient of thermal expansion materials highlight the advantage of the current work.
Neuroarchitecture of the central complex in the brain of the honeybee: Neuronal cell types
Authors: Hensgen Ronja , England Laura , Homberg Uwe , Pfeiffer Keram
Published: May 2020

The central complex (CX) in the insect brain is a higher order integration center that controls a number of behaviors, most prominently goal directed locomotion. The CX comprises the protocerebral bridge (PB), the upper division of the central body (CBU), the lower division of the central body (CBL), and the paired noduli (NO). Although spatial orientation has been extensively studied in honeybees at the behavioral level, most electrophysiological and anatomical analyses have been carried out in other insect species, leaving the morphology and physiology of neurons that constitute the CX in the honeybee mostly enigmatic. The goal of this study was to morphologically identify neuronal cell types of the CX in the honeybee Apis mellifera. By performing iontophoretic dye injections into the CX, we traced 16 subtypes of neuron that connect a subdivision of the CX with other regions in the bee's central brain, and eight subtypes that mainly interconnect different subdivisions of the CX. They establish extensive connections between the CX and the lateral complex, the superior protocerebrum and the posterior protocerebrum. Characterized neuron classes and subtypes are morphologically similar to those described in other insects, suggesting considerable conservation in the neural network relevant for orientation.
A discrete event model for analysis and verification of time‐constrained business processes
Authors: Boukelkoul Sofiane , Maamri Ramdane , Chihoub Mohamed
Published: May 2020

In the purpose of analyzing and checking time constraints in business processes, we propose to model and simulate them in the “discrete event system specification” (DEVS) formalism. The proposed model will contain atomic DEVS models representing the activities, supervised by, other DEVS control models, and based on one to one mapping. Hence, guaranteeing a close concordance with the temporal requirements. Thus, the simulation of the model results in outputs about the successful execution regarding to the temporal constraints soundness. Therefore, the modeler will be able to predict unsuitable temporal behavior. Thus, the model responds to the lack of modeling tools that do not offer enough formal specification of time constraints at the earlier phases of design as in, the standard “business process management notation.” The proposed model handles different type of time constraints in business process such as intra‐activities, inter‐activities, and inter‐process time constraints. The proposed model is implemented into JAVADEVS using DEVS‐Suite platform.
Generalized Synthesis to Produce Transparent Thin Films of Ternary Metal Oxide Photoelectrodes
Authors: Lhermitte Charles R. , Polo Annalisa , Yao Liang , Boudoire Florent A. , Guijarro Nestor , Sivula Kevin
Published: May 2020

Developing facile approaches to prepare non‐light‐scattering ternary oxide thin film photoelectrodes is an important goal for solar water splitting tandem cells. Herein, a novel synthesis route is reported that employs ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to enable compatible water solubility of diverse metal cations, which affords transparent films by solution processing. By using BiVO4 as a model material, a remarkable improvement in transparency is demonstrated, quantified by the direct transmittance at 600 nm of >80 % versus the <10 % observed with state‐of‐the‐art electrodeposited thin films while maintaining reasonable solar‐driven oxidation photocurrents (1.75 mA cm−2 in the presence of a sulfite hole scavenger). Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the synthesis technique can be applied in a general fashion towards the synthesis of diverse n‐ and p‐type metal oxide materials, such as ZnFe2O4 and CuFeO2.
A novel approach of tensor‐based data missing estimation for Internet of Vehicles
Authors: Zhang Ting , Zhang Degan , Gao Jinxin , Chen Jie , Jiang Kaiwen
Published: May 2020

In the face of the current huge amount of intelligent traffic data, collecting and statistical processing is a necessary and important process. But the inevitable data missing problem is the current research focus. In this paper, a novel approach of tensor‐based data missing estimation for Internet of Vehicles is proposed for the problem of missing the Internet of Vehicles data: Integrated Bayesian tensor decomposition (IBTD). In the data model construction stage, the random sampling principle is used to randomly extract the missing data to generate a subset of data. And the optimized Bayesian tensor decomposition algorithm is used for interpolation. Introduce the integration idea, analyze, and sort the error results after multiple interpolations, consider the space‐time complexity, and choose the optimal average to get the best result. The performance of the proposed model was evaluated by mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and root mean square error (RMSE). The experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively interpolate the traffic data sets with different missing quantities and get good interpolation results.
Discriminant analysis and interpretation of nuclear chromatin distribution and coarseness using gray‐level co‐occurrence matrix features for lobular endocervical glandular hyperplasia
Authors: Kanai Ryo , Ohshima Kengo , Ishii Keiko , Sonohara Masaki , Ishikawa Masahiro , Yamaguchi Masahiro , Ohtani Yuhi , Kobayashi Yukihiro , Ota Hiroyoshi , Kimura Fumikazu
Published: May 2020

Background

Lobular endocervical glandular hyperplasia (LEGH) is a disease considered to be the origin of tumorigenesis of minimal deviation adenocarcinoma, which has characteristic expression in the gastric pyloric mucosa. It is difficult to diagnose by nuclear findings because of lower nuclear atypia. In this study, nuclei of endocervical (EC) and LEGH cells were digitized, and nuclear information was quantified from nuclear images and objectively evaluated using a computer. We examined whether it is possible to distinguish between EC and LEGH cells, which is difficult by human eyes.

Methods

Signal intensity, morphological features, Otsu thresholding technique and gray‐level co‐occurrence matrix (GLCM) features were calculated from nuclei of EC and LEGH cells on cytology microscopic images. Then, discriminant analysis was performed using the significant difference test and linear support vector machine (LSVM).

Results

GLCM features in LEGH cells were higher than those in EC cells. The nuclei of LEGH cells had a higher frequency of signal value pairs with a larger signal value difference than that of EC cells. Therefore, LEGH cell nuclei are thought to have more chromatin granules, and the chromatin is coarse and granular. Moreover, in the LSVM discriminant analysis, the accuracy of GLCM calculated using these features was 85.4%.

Conclusion

In this study, GLCM accurately demonstrated the nuclear chromatin distribution and coarseness. Discriminant analysis of EC and LEGH cells using GLCM features is useful.
Postmortem metabolomics: Correlating time‐dependent concentration changes of xenobiotic and endogenous compounds
Authors: Brockbals Lana , Staeheli Sandra N. , Kraemer Thomas , Steuer Andrea E.
Published: May 2020

Postmortem redistribution (PMR) describes the artificial postmortem concentration changes of xenobiotics that may pose major challenges in forensic toxicology. Only a few studies have systematically investigated time‐dependent postmortem drug concentration changes so far and the a posteriori estimation of the occurrence of PMR is not yet possible. In this context, the general concept that postmortem biochemical changes in blood might parallel drug redistribution mechanisms seems promising. Thus, the current study investigated the possible correlations between time‐dependent postmortem concentration changes of xenobiotic and endogenous compounds; exemplified for authentic morphine (n = 19) and methadone (n = 11) cases. Peripheral blood samples at two time‐points postmortem were analyzed for morphine and methadone concentrations and an (un)targeted postmortem metabolomics approach was utilized to combine targeted quantitative analysis of 56 endogenous analytes and untargeted screening for endogenous compounds (characterizing 1174 features); liquid and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was used respectively. Individual statistically significant correlations between morphine/methadone and endogenous compounds/features could be determined. Hence, the general applicability of the proposed concept could successfully be confirmed. To verify the reproducibility and robustness of the correlating behavior, a larger dataset must be analyzed next. Once a marker/set of markers is found (e.g. robust correlation with specific xenobiotic or xenobiotic class), these could be used as surrogates to further study the time‐dependent PMR in a broader variety of cases (e.g. independent of a xenobiotic drug present). A crucial next step will also be the attempt to create a statistical model that allows a posteriori estimation of PMR occurrence of xenobiotics to assist forensic toxicologists in postmortem case interpretation.
A change domain‐based model repair method via Petri nets
Authors: Yu Lei , Liu Qingzhi , Hua Rong , Fu You
Published: May 2020

Processes in the Internet of things can be represented by Petri net. Based on the behavior process model of Petri net, a model‐based repair method based on change domain is proposed. By using the corresponding relation of consistency analysis between source model and target model, the suspicious area of source model is first found out, and then the suspicious area is gradually narrowed by algorithm until the range of change area is finally determined and the minimum change area is found. Then, the variation areas in the model are repaired based on the compactness. Finally, the proposed method is verified and analyzed with a practical application.
Construct validity, sensitivity and specificity of the USCD Performance‐based Skill Assessment 2 in a mixed Portuguese sample
Authors: da Motta Carolina , Castilho Paula , Pato Michele T. , Barreto Carvalho Célia
Published: May 2020

Assessment batteries of functional capacity provide robust indicators of real‐world functioning in major psychiatric illnesses and important information on an individual's ability to live autonomously and pursue relevant psychosocial goals.

Objectives

This study explores the psychometric properties of the Portuguese USCD Performance‐based Skill Assessment 2 (UPSA‐2‐PT) in a mixed sample of Portuguese participants.

Method

A sample of 110 participants, 37 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, 27 first‐degree relatives of patients and 46 controls were administered the UPSA‐2‐PT and self‐report questionnaires. The UPSA‐2‐PT reliability was assessed through inter‐rater reliability and internal consistency, convergent validity with community integration and a receiver operating curve analysis was conducted to establish scores' sensitivity and specificity. Youden's Index was used to determine an optimal UPSA‐2‐PT cutoff score.

Results

Findings show an excellent inter‐rater reliability, good internal consistency and construct validity, consistent with previous studies in Western countries. The UPSA‐2‐PT also showed a good discriminant ability between patients and controls, and an overall percentage of correct classification of 86.7% based on the 81.59 cutoff.

Discussion

Findings are congruous with previous versions, strengthening the body of evidence supporting the construct validity and providing a useful tool for research and clinical purposes to practitioners.
Nitrates Do Not Affect Bone Density or Bone Turnover in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bolland Mark J , House Meaghan E , Horne Anne M , Pinel Veronica , Gamble Greg D , Grey Andrew , Reid Ian R
Published: May 2020

Organic nitrates have been reported to have significant effects on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover in previous clinical trials. However, results are inconsistent and some trials with strikingly positive results have been retracted because of scientific misconduct. As preparation for a potential fracture prevention study, we set out to determine the lowest effective dose and the most effective and acceptable nitrate preparation. We undertook a 1-year, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of three different nitrate preparations and two different doses in osteopenic postmenopausal women, with a planned 1-year observational extension. The primary endpoint was change in BMD at the lumbar spine, and secondary endpoints included BMD changes at other sites, changes in bone turnover markers, and adverse events. A total of 240 eligible women who tolerated low-dose oral nitrate treatment in a 2-week run-in period were randomized to five different treatment groups or placebo. Over 12 months, there were no statistically significant between-group differences in changes in BMD at any site and no consistent differences in bone turnover markers. When the active treatment groups were pooled, there were also no differences in changes in BMD or bone turnover markers between nitrate treatment and placebo. Eighty-eight (27%) women withdrew during the run-in phase, with the majority because of nitrate-induced headache, and 41 of 200 (21%) women randomized to nitrate treatment withdrew or stopped study medication during the 1-year study compared with 1 of 40 (2.5%) in the placebo group. In summary, organic nitrates do not have clinically relevant effects on BMD or bone turnover in postmenopausal women and were poorly tolerated. These results call into question the validity of previous clinical research reporting large positive effects of nitrates on BMD and bone turnover. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Strain and strain rate echocardiography variables in adult Wilson's disease patients: A speckle tracking echocardiography study
Authors: EFE Süleyman Cagan , Gurbuz Ahmet Seyfettin , Ozturk Semi , Demir Kadir
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Although the hepatic and neurological consequences of Wilson's disease (WD) have been investigated in detail, its cardiac involvement remains little studied. Our aim was to investigate potential cardiac differences in strain (ST) and strain rate (STR) echocardiography in adult WD patients compared with controls.

Methods

We included 30 patients with WD and a control group of 26 sex and age matched healthy adults. None of the subjects in either group had cardiac complaint. WD patients were clinically evaluated by a neurologist and undergone cranial magnetic resonance imaging. They were then divided into two groups according to the presence (NW) or absence (non‐NW) of neurological involvement. Standard and advanced speckle tracking echocardiographic evaluations were performed in each group according to guidelines.

Results

Left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic diameters and wall thickness measurements were within normal limits and did not differ significantly between the groups (P > .05). Neither atrial peak longitudinal and circumferential ST variables nor LV global and longitudinal ST and STR variables showed significant differences between the NW, the non‐NW, and the control group (P > .05).

Conclusion

Our echocardiographic study showed no detectable difference between adult WD patients with or without neurological involvement and healthy subjects.
One‐potCuAAC synthesis of (1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐1‐yl)methyl‐1,3,4/1,2,4‐oxadiazoles starting from available chloromethyl‐1,3,4/1,2,4‐oxadiazoles
Authors: Pokhodylo Nazariy T. , Savka Roman D. , Shyyka Olga Ya. , Obushak Mykola D.
Published: May 2020

The one‐pot CuAAC synthesis of (1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐1‐yl)methyl‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole and (1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐1‐yl)methyl‐1,2,4‐oxadiazole derivatives via three‐component reaction of consequent nucleophilic substitution of chlorine, with azide, and its further “click” reaction, with alkynes, in the presence of CuI was studied. The utility of newly synthesized 2‐(azidomethyl)‐1,3,4/1,2,4‐oxadiazoles and chloromethyl‐1,3,4/1,2,4‐oxadiazole derivatives was explored, and their limitations were determined. Novel 5‐([4‐aryl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐1‐yl]methyl)‐3‐(aryl)‐1,2,4‐oxadiazoles, 2‐([4‐aryl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐1‐yl]methyl)‐5‐(aryl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazoles were obtained in good yields.
Dehydration‐fragmentation mechanism of cathinones and their metabolites in ESI‐CID
Authors: Matsuta Shuntaro , Shima Noriaki , Kakehashi Hidenao , Ishikawa Akari , Asai Ryutaro , Nitta Atsushi , Wada Misato , Nakano Shihoko , Kamata Hiroe , Nishiyama Yoshio , Nagatani Hirohisa , Imura Hisanori , Katagi Munehiro
Published: May 2020

Various cathinone‐derived designer drugs (CATs) have recently appeared on the drug market. This study examined the mechanism for the generation of dehydrated ions for CATs during electrospray ionization collision‐induced dissociation (ESI‐CID). The generation mechanism of dehydrated ions is dependent on the amine classification in the cathinone skeleton, which is used in the identification of CATs. The two hydrogen atoms eliminated during the dehydration of cathinone (primary amine) and methcathinone (secondary amine) were determined, and the reaction mechanism was elucidated through the deuterium labeling experiments. The hydrogen atom bonded to the amine nitrogen was eliminated with the proton added during ESI, in both of the tested compounds. This provided evidence that CATs with tertiary amine structures (such as dimethylcathinone and α‐pyrrolidinophenones [α‐PPs]) do not undergo dehydration. However, it was shown that the two major tertiary amine metabolites (1‐OH and 2″‐oxo) of CATs generate dehydrated ions in ESI‐CID. The dehydration mechanisms of the metabolites of α‐pyrrolidinobutiophenone (α‐PBP) belongs to α‐PPs were also investigated. Stable‐isotope labeling showed the dehydration of the 1‐OH metabolite following a simple mechanism where the hydroxy group was eliminated together with the proton added during ESI. In contrast, the dehydration mechanism of the 2″‐oxo metabolite involved hydrogen atoms in three or more locations along with the carbonyl group oxygen, indicating that dehydration occurred via multiple mechanisms likely including the rearrangement reaction of hydrogen atoms. These findings presented herein indicate that the dehydrated ions in ESI‐CID can be used for the structural identification of CATs.
Optical phonon modes in 1:2 ordered trigonal Ba3MgNb2O9 perovskite: Synergy of both classical and quantum methods
Authors: Ferrer Mateus M. , Sambrano Julio R. , Hernandes Antonio C. , Rodrigues João E. F. S.
Published: May 2020

Ba3MgNb2O9 is a double perovskite niobate with a trigonal structure with space group D3d3. Such a niobium‐based compound has a great potential for applications as microwave dielectrics in the telecommunication industry. In this work, we report the lattice dynamics calculation results using a Short‐Range Force Field Model and Density Functional Theory to represent the optical phonon modes at Γ‐point of the Brillouin zone. The classical method uses the nearest neighbor interactions through the interatomic force constants to describe the local order for Raman and infrared spectra. At the same time, density functional theory methods took into account two functionals (PBE and B3LYP) in order to provide the optical modes through second derivatives of the total energy. In both methods, theoretical optical modes are in good agreement with reported experimental data. The combination of both classical and quantum theoretical methods provided basis for a systematic discussion on the origin of the optical modes including the prediction of the dielectric tensor. We believe that this work presents useful information about the structural and vibrational characterization of Ba3MgNb2O9 perovskite and possible targeting for its application as microwave dielectrics for the communication technology.
Prospective First‐Trimester Ultrasound Imaging of Low Implantation and Placenta Accreta Spectrum
Authors: Happe Sarah K. , Rac Martha W. F. , Moschos Elysia , Wells C. Edward , Dashe Jodi S. , McIntire Donald D. , Twickler Diane M.
Published: May 2020

Objectives

To prospectively evaluate low implantation of the gestational sac and other first‐trimester ultrasound (US) parameters for prediction of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS).

Methods

Women with a diagnosis of low implantation on clinically indicated first‐trimester US underwent a transvaginal US examination at 10 to 13 weeks’ gestation to assess the trophoblast location, anechoic areas, bridging vessels, and smallest myometrial thickness (SMT). The placental location was evaluated in the second trimester, and serial US examinations were performed in cases of low placentation. Placenta accreta spectrum was based on clinical findings and confirmed by histologic results.

Results

Of 68 women, 40 (59%) had prior cesarean delivery (CD). Hysterectomy was performed in 8, all with prior CD. Of these, 7 (88%) had US suspicion of PAS. In 16 with prior CD and basalis overlying the internal os, 9 (56%) had second‐trimester placenta previa, and 7 of 9 (78%) underwent hysterectomy with pathologic confirmation of PAS. Of 28 without prior CD, there were no cases of persistent low placentation in the third trimester regardless of the trophoblast location. Ultrasound parameters associated with PAS were a smaller distance from the inferior trophoblastic border to the external os, disruption of the bladder‐serosal interface, bridging vessels, anechoic areas, and the SMT. In women with prior CD, use of the SMT in the sagittal plane yielded an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.96 (95% confidence interval, 0.91–1.00).

Conclusions

First‐trimester low implantation increases the risk of persistent placenta previa and PAS in women with prior CD. All parameters were associated with PAS, the most predictive being the SMT.
Liver Transplant Survivorship
Authors: Lai Jennifer C. , Ufere Nneka N. , Bucuvalas John C.
Published: May 2020

For both children and adults with end‐stage liver disease, liver transplantation represents a lifelong treatment, not a cure. The physical and psychological process of undergoing transplantation begins well before the surgery itself. Concerns regarding suffering and death from end‐stage liver disease are replaced by a lifelong need for multiple medications, ongoing monitoring of graft function, and heightened vigilance for complications related not only to the transplant itself but to longterm immunosuppression. The psychological toll from the entire transplant experience on the patient and caregivers, as well as the strain that such a major treatment places on these human interactions can leave emotional scars that persist longer than the surgical healing process itself. The concept of survivorship, originally applied to patients with cancer, acknowledges the ongoing spectrum of care and support that patients and their caregivers require to optimize longterm outcomes after serious medical treatment. Transplant survivorship would expand the focus of care of a patient with end‐stage liver disease beyond disease‐specific issues and survival alone. This viewpoint explores the need for such a construct in the field of liver transplantation to promote a more holistic approach that encompasses the overall physical, psychological, social, and spiritual well‐being of the liver transplant patient.
Recent Advances of pH‐Induced Charge‐Convertible Polymer‐Mediated Inorganic Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Yang Hong Yu , Li Yi , Lee Doo Sung
Published: May 2020

The incorporation of functional polymers and inorganic nanoparticles into nanoplatforms has the potential to produce personalized nanomedicine systems for further biomedical applications. Polymers that endow inorganic nanoparticles with unique surface properties for prolonged blood circulation and improved tumor targeting and cellular uptake are especially desired. pH‐induced charge‐switchable polymers are sensitive to the pH of the tumor environment and maintain a negative or neutral charge in blood circulation, increasing their circulation time and enhancing tumor accumulation via the enhanced permeability and retention effect. This type of polymer further transforms its charge to positive in acidic tumor locations to promote cellular uptake. Furthermore, the combination of pH‐induced charge‐switchable polymers with various inorganic nanoparticles (e.g., magnetic nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, quantum dots, and upconversion materials) activates their intrinsic functions in in situ diagnosis and disease therapy. This review briefly overviews the recent progress in the development and application of various pH‐induced charge‐convertible polymers functionalized with different types of inorganic nanoparticles for different biomedical applications. More importantly, future developments in this field are also discussed.
Can Ferroelectricity Improve Organic Solar Cells?
Authors: Abdu‐Aguye Mustapha , Doumon Nutifafa Y. , Terzic Ivan , Dong Jingjin , Portale Giuseppe , Loos Katja , Koster L. Jan Anton , Loi Maria Antonietta
Published: May 2020

Blends of semiconducting (SC) and ferroelectric (FE) polymers have been proposed for applications in resistive memories and organic photovoltaics (OPV). For OPV, the rationale is that the local electric field associated with the dipoles in a blend could aid exciton dissociation, thus improving power conversion efficiency. However, FE polymers either require solvents or processing steps that are incompatible with those required for SC polymers. To overcome this limitation, SC (poly(3‐hexylthiophene)) and FE (poly(vinylidene fluoride‐trifluoroethylene)) components are incorporated into a block copolymer and thus a path to a facile fabrication of smooth thin films from suitably chosen solvents is achieved. In this work, the photophysical properties and device performance of organic solar cells containing the aforementioned block copolymer consisting of poly(vinylidene fluoride‐trifluoroethylene): P(VDF‐TrFE), poly(3‐hexylthiophene): P3HT and the electron acceptor phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester: [60]PCBM are explored. A decrease in photovoltaic performance is observed in blends of the copolymer with P3HT:[60]PCBM, which is attributed to a less favorable nanomorphology upon addition of the copolymer. The role of lithium fluoride (the cathode modification layer) is also clarified in devices containing the copolymer, and it is demonstrated that ferroelectric compensation prevents the ferroelectricity of the copolymer from improving photovoltaic performance in SC‐FE blends.
A 1 V 25 to 30 GHz three‐stage linear CMOS power amplifier using driver stage RF predistortion technique
Authors: Choi Sunkyu , Kim Hyeon‐June , Lee Eun‐Gyu , Choi Han‐Woong , Lim Jeong‐Taek , Kim Choul‐Young
Published: May 2020

This article presents a three‐stage 25 to 30 GHz linear CMOS power amplifier (PA) for fifth‐generation (5G) applications. In order to improve the linearity by compensating AM‐AM/AM‐PM distortion, we propose a driver stage RF predistortion technique in which a first drive amplifier (DA) operates in class C mode and a second DA operates in class A mode. By enhancing the linearity with the technique, the PA can be operated at more deep class‐AB bias condition with less back‐off. As a result, the efficiency of the PA at operating output power can thus be increased. The PA with the predistortion technique is designed and fabricated in bulk 65 nm 1 V CMOS process. The linear PA achieves 16.9 dBm Psat with 34.5% power‐added efficiency (PAE) and 15.9 dBm P1dB with 32% PAE at 27 GHz. At an average power of 9.3 dBm, the PA achieves the EVM of −25 dBc and PAE of 11.4% at 27 GHz.
The Diabetes Risk and Determinants of Transition from Metabolically Healthy to Unhealthy Phenotypes in 49,702 Older Adults: 4‐Year Cohort Study
Authors: Feng Siyuan , Gong Xiaowen , Liu Hongwei , Lu Rui , Duan Tongqing , Wang Mengyang , Wang Jiao , Wang Hui , Chen Jiageng , Liu Yuanyuan , Li Changping , Ma Jun , Liu Hongyan , Wu Linna , Lin Yao , Hou Fang , Zhang Yourui , Liu Hao , Lu Chunlan , Yu Pei , Cui Zhuang
Published: May 2020

Objective

This study aimed to assess whether metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) increases the risk of diabetes and to explore how the occurrence of metabolic disorders affects the risk of diabetes and which factors determine metabolic health.

Methods

This study examined 49,702 older people without diabetes via the Binhai Health Screening Program in Tianjin.

Results

Compared with individuals with metabolic health and normal weight, the risk of diabetes was increased in older adults with MHO (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.786, 95% CI: 1.407‐2.279) but was not significantly increased when metabolic health was characterized by the absence of metabolic abnormalities. The older adults who were initially affected by MHO and then converted to having an unhealthy phenotype had a higher diabetes risk than older individuals with stable and healthy normal weight (HR: 3.727, 95% CI: 2.721‐5.105). Waist circumference was an independent predictor of the transition from a metabolically healthy status to an unhealthy status in all BMI categories (odds ratio: 1.059, 95% CI: 1.026‐1.032).

Conclusions

The MHO phenotype was associated with an increased incidence of diabetes in older adults. The presence of metabolic disorders in the group with MHO was associated with an increased diabetes risk and was predicted by the waist circumference at baseline.
The influence of amino substituents on the signal‐output, selectivity, and sensitivity of a hydroxyaromatic 1,2,3‐triazolyl chemosensor for anions—A structure–property relationship investigation
Authors: Ghosh Debanjana , Landge Shainaz , Zhu Lei , Ofulue Unodinma , Akinsoji Oluwagbotemi A. , Govan Richard D. , Ugboya Aikohi , Hernandez Vincent , Yates Kayley , Henderson Arneshia , Aiken Karelle S.
Published: May 2020

The influence of strongly electron donating amino groups on a hydroxyaromatic 1,2,3‐triazolyl anion chemosensor was investigated with spectroscopic studies (ultraviolet‐visible [UV‐vis], fluorescence, and nuclear magnetic resonance [NMR]) and computational analyses. This work focused on 2‐, 3‐ and 4‐amino derivatives of the parent molecule, 2‐(4‐phenyl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐1‐yl)phenol (PTP). The effect on signal‐output, selectivity, sensitivity, and the mechanism of response was explored. In all cases, the incorporation of the amino group enhances fluorescence during anion detection while retaining key properties (the receptor site, a blue‐fluorescent response, and the ability to detect F−, H2PO4−, and AcO−—strongest response to F−). Specifically, sensitivity to F− is impacted by the amino group's location. The 2‐amino is most responsive to F−, more than PTP and the other amino regioisomers. Results from this work are important for developing predictive, structure‐signal tuning models, which will be used in the targeted design of sensors based on the PTP scaffold.
Back Cover
Authors: Zhang Kun , Chen Mengli , Wang Hao , Duan Wenbo , Wang Qiang , Li Fen , Deng Denghui , Bandason Elizabeth , Wu Shaoying
Published: May 2020

The back cover image is based on the Research Article Molecular characterization and functional expression of voltagegated sodium channel variants in Apolygus lucorum (Meyer‐Dür) by Kun Zhang et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.5748.

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Extended filtering high‐gain output feedback controller for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems subject to external disturbances
Authors: Ma Tong
Published: May 2020

In this article, an extended filtering high‐gain output feedback controller is developed for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems subject to external disturbances. The nonlinearities under consideration satisfy a semiglobal Lipschitz condition. The proposed control architecture integrates the extended state observer (ESO), high gain, and low‐pass filter together. None of them is used alone. The ESO can not only estimate the unknown internal state, but also deliver a good property of disturbance rejection simultaneously due to the presence of high gain. Since the high gain deteriorates the robustness of the system, a low‐pass filtering mechanism is added in the control law to filter away aggressive signals and recover the robustness. The filtering control law is designed to compensate the nonlinear uncertainties and deliver a good tracking performance with guaranteed stability. The matched uncertainties are canceled directly by adopting their opposite in the control signal, whereas a dynamic inversion of the system is required to eliminate the effect of the mismatched uncertainties on the output. Since the virtual reference system defines the best performance that can be achieved by the closed‐loop system, the uniform performance bounds are derived for the states and control signals via comparison. Numerical examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the novel design via comparisons with the model reference adaptive control method and L1 adaptive controller.