bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduction Kinetics and Mass Transport of ZnO Single Entities on a Hg Ultramicroelectrode
Authors: Karunathilake Nelum , Gutierrez‐Portocarrero Salvador , Subedi Pradeep , Alpuche‐Aviles Mario A.
Published: March 2020

We discuss the electrolysis mechanism of colloidal ZnO NPs (10 nm diam.) in CH3CN. Stripping the preconcentrated Zn(Hg) allows quantification of the ZnO electrolyzed during stochastic interactions with the Hg surface. We model the mass transport taking the charged agglomerates of ZnO NPs as ionic species to calculate their migration and diffusional contributions. In unsupported suspensions, the mobility and positive zeta potential enhance transport towards the Hg UME. The NP electrolysis generates ionic species, increasing the migration rate and allowing lower detection limits compared to weakly supported suspensions, where the electrolyte modifies agglomerate charge and colloidal properties. We determine the kinetic constant (kf, in cm/s) for the ZnO reduction from the electrolysis transient model for destructive collisions of single entities, corrected for the potentiostat time constant. While most reduction events happen within 100 ms, the single entity model is consistent with mass transport studies over longer experimental times (1800 s).
Two‐Dimensional MOF and COF Nanosheets: Synthesis and Applications in Electrochemistry
Authors: Wang Ji , Li Nan , Xu Yuxia , Pang Huan
Published: March 2020

Metal–organic framework (MOF) and covalent organic framework (COF) nanosheets are a new type of two‐dimensional (2D) materials with unique design principles and various synthesis methods. They are considered ideal electrochemical devices due to the ultrathin thickness, easily tunable molecular structure, large porosity and other unique properties. There are two common methods to synthesize 2D MOF/COF nanosheets: bottom‐up and top‐down. The top‐down strategy mainly includes ultrasonic assisted exfoliation, electrochemical exfoliation and mechanical exfoliation. Another strategy mainly includes interface synthesis, modulation synthesis, surfactant‐assisted synthesis. In this Review, the development of ultrathin 2D nanosheets in the field of electrochemistry (supercapacitors, batteries, oxygen reduction, and hydrogen evolution) is introduced, and their unique dimensional advantages are highlighted.
Following the Pathways of Plastic Litter – An international Citizen Science project for promoting K12 students’ scientific literacy
Authors: Kruse Katrin , Knickmeier Katrin , Honorato‐Zimmer Daniela , Gatta‐Rosemary Magdalena , Weinmann Anna , Kiessling Tim , Schöps Katrin , Thiel Martin , Parchmann Ilka
Published: March 2020

In dem Citizen‐Science‐Projekt „Dem Plastikmüll auf der Spur“ wurden Schülerinnen und Schüler gemeinsam mit ihren Lehrkräften in eine wissenschaftliche Untersuchung zur Erhebung von Mülldaten an deutschen und chilenischen Stränden eingebunden. Durch das Projekt wurden zum einen wissenschaftliche Daten erhoben, zum anderen wurde bei den Teilnehmenden das Verständnis des naturwissenschaftlichen Prozesses gefördert sowie ein Umdenken im eigenen Handeln antizipiert. Angeleitet durch ein Begleitbuch setzten sich die Schülerinnen und Schüler mit wichtigen fachwissenschaftlichen Grundlagen zum Meeresmüll auseinander, das bei der anschließenden Probennahme am Strand und der Auswertung der Daten benötigt wurde. Da das Projekt zeitgleich in Deutschland und Chile durchgeführt wurde, konnten sich die Teilnehmenden auf einer Projektwebseite über ihre Untersuchung austauschen und so einen Einblick in die Gegebenheiten des Partnerlandes bekommen.
Performance status and end‐of‐life care among adults with non–small cell lung cancer receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Petrillo Laura A. , El‐Jawahri Areej , Nipp Ryan D. , Lichtenstein Morgan R. L. , Durbin Sienna M. , Reynolds Kerry L. , Greer Joseph A. , Temel Jennifer S. , Gainor Justin F.
Published: March 2020

Background

Adults with impaired performance status (PS) often receive immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) despite limited efficacy data and unknown effects on end‐of‐life care.

Methods

This was a retrospective, single‐site study of 237 patients with advanced NSCLC who initiated ICI treatment from 2015 to 2017. Cox regression was used to compare the overall survival (OS) of patients who had impaired PS (≥2) at the start of ICI treatment with those who had PS 0 or 1 using Cox regression. Logistic regression was conducted to analyze the association between ICI use in the last 30 days of life and the use of end‐of‐life health care.

Results

The patient mean age at ICI initiation was 67 years (range, 37‐91 years), and 35.4% of patients had PS ≥2. Most patients (80.8%) received ICI as second‐line or later therapy. The median OS was 4.5 months in patients with PS ≥2 and 14.3 months in those with PS 0 or 1 (hazard ratio, 2.5; P < .0001). Among the patients who died (n = 184), 28.8% who had PS ≥2 received ICIs in their last 30 days of life compared with 10.8% of those who had PS 0 or 1 (P = .002). Receipt of ICI in the last 30 days of life was associated with decreased hospice referral (odds ratio, 0.29; P = .008) and increased in‐hospital deaths (odds ratio, 6.8; P = .001), independent of PS.

Conclusions

Adults with advanced NSCLC and impaired PS experience significantly shorter survival after ICI treatment and receive ICIs near death more often than those with better PS. Receipt of an ICI near death was associated with lower hospice use and an increased risk of death in the hospital. These results underscore the need for high‐quality communication about potential tradeoffs of ICIs, particularly among adults receiving ICIs as second‐line or later therapy.
Metal‐free Catalyst B2S Sheet for Effective CO2 Electrochemical Reduction to CH3OH
Authors: Tang Mengyu , Shen Haoming , Xie Huanhuan , Sun Qiang
Published: March 2020

Considering the problems of high costs, low catalytic activity and selectivity in the metal‐based catalysts for CO2 electroreduction, we apply boron‐containing metal‐free B2S sheet as an alternative to the traditional metal‐based catalysts. Reaction energy calculations identify the preferred “Formate” pathway for CO2 conversion to CH3OH on B2S, in which the thermodynamic energy barrier obtained by using the Computational Hydrogen Electrode model is 0.57 eV, and the kinetic energy barrier obtained by searching the transition states is 1.18 eV. Another possible reaction pathway, “RWGS+CO‐hydro”, is suppressed and the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) side reaction is nonspontaneous. Compared to Cu(211) with the highest catalytic activity among all transition metals, B2S sheet exhibits a better catalytic activity with a lower overpotential for CO2 reduction and a better selectivity that suppresses the non‐target reaction.
On bells, saliva, and abdominal pain or discomfort: Early aversive visceral conditioning and vulnerability for anorexia nervosa
Authors: Zucker Nancy L. , Bulik Cynthia M.
Published: March 2020

Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are common in anorexia nervosa (AN), can predate illness onset, complicate renourishment, and persist after recovery. We explore how, through processes of aversive visceral conditioning, early GI pain and discomfort may increase vulnerability to AN in some individuals. Processes include enhanced preoccupation with the gut resulting from aversive visceral memories and disruptions in the typical acquisition of self‐attunement when children learn to map and interpret interoceptive sensations and develop adaptive actions. We question whether a fear of weight gain, in some cases, may be an epiphenomenon of the recapitulation of actual or perceived GI symptoms that is especially relevant during puberty, especially in girls. This conceptualization has immediate clinical implications and offers ideas for future research. We propose that GI discomfort associated with renourishment may reignite prior aversive visceral experiences. We encourage development of a formulation that organizes the individual's current experience of the body with respect to these prior aversive experiences. Our conceptualization underscores the importance of assessment of GI experiences in individuals with AN; the examination of dietary strategies that minimize GI symptoms and enhance renourishment efficacy; and strategies that attempt to alter this aversive visceral conditioning by mapping sensations to meanings and adaptive actions.
IL‐17 regulates DC migration to the peribronchial LNs and allergen presentation in experimental allergic asthma
Authors: Jirmo Adan Chari , Busse Mandy , Happle Christine , Skuljec Jelena , Dalüge Kathleen , Habener Anika , Grychtol Ruth , DeLuca David S. , Breiholz Oliver D. , Prinz Immo , Hansen Gesine
Published: March 2020

IL‐17 is associated with different phenotypes of asthma, however, it is not fully elucidated how it influences induction and maintenance of asthma and allergy. In order to determine the role of IL‐17 in development of allergic asthma, we used IL‐17A/F double KO (IL‐17A/F KO) and WT mice with or without neutralization of IL‐17 in an experimental allergic asthma model and analyzed airway hyperresponsiveness, lung inflammation, T helper cell polarization, and DCs influx and activation. We report that the absence of IL‐17 reduced influx of DCs into lungs and lung draining LNs. Compared to WT mice, IL‐17A/F KO mice or WT mice after neutralization of IL‐17A showed reduced airway hyperresponsiveness, eosinophilia, mucus hypersecretion, and IgE levels. DCs from draining LNs of allergen‐challenged IL‐17A/F KO mice showed a reduction in expression of migratory and costimulatory molecules CCR7, CCR2, MHC‐II, and CD40 compared to WT DCs. Moreover, in vivo stimulation of adoptively transferred antigen‐specific cells was attenuated in lung‐draining LNs in the absence of IL‐17. Thus, we report that IL‐17 enhances airway DC activation, migration, and function. Consequently, lack of IL‐17 leads to reduced antigen‐specific T cell priming and impaired development of experimental allergic asthma.
Synthesis and Electronic Characterization of Iridium‐Aluminum and Rhodium‐Aluminum Heterobimetallic Complexes Bridged by 3‐Oxypyridine and 4‐Oxypyridine
Authors: Charles R. Malcolm , Tupkar Hrishikesh , Helland Sarah D. , Mercado Angel A. , Eckenhoff William T. , Schley Nathan D. , DeYonker Nathan J. , Brewster Timothy P.
Published: March 2020

We demonstrate the synthesis and characterization of regioisomeric late transition metal‐aluminum heterobimetallic complexes containing 3‐ and 4‐oxypyridine ligands which bridge between the aluminum and transition metal center (Rh or Ir). Combined experimental and theoretical data allow for direct comparison of the electronic effect of the two different aluminum‐containing ligands on the late transition metal center. In combination with electronic data regarding previously reported 2‐oxypyridine bridged systems, we report a measurable decrease in ligand donor power as the regiosubstitution of the oxypyridine bridge is varied from 2‐ to 4‐ to 3‐. In all cases, addition of aluminum is found have a minimal effect on the donor ability of the oxypyridine bridge in dichloromethane solution.
Performance characteristics of divergent chimney solar updraft tower plant
Authors: Das Pritam , V.P. Chandramohan
Published: March 2020

A 3D computational model was developed to investigate the influence of divergence angle of chimney (θch) on the flow and performance characteristics of solar updraft tower (SUT) plant. The diameters of the chimney (Dch)i and air entrance gap (e) selected for numerical simulations were 0.6 m and 0.1 m, respectively. Parametric study was carried out by varying θch from 1° to 5° for different solar fluxes (600‐1200 Wm−2) and the outcomes were compared with cylindrical chimney (θch = 0°) SUT (CC‐SUT) plant. The effect of ambient temperature on the performance was also studied. A turbulent model (renormalization group k‐ɛ) was incorporated for considering the turbulence effect. Discrete ordinates model was used for estimation of radiation heat transfer inside the setup. It was found that the velocity of air at the chimney base was enhanced by 59.4% compared to a CC‐SUT plant. From the parametric study, it was observed that θch = 2° gives superior performance to the system than any other angle. Also, maximum performance was achieved at higher solar flux (I). The average absorber plate temperature increased from 313.3 to 350.3 K with increase in solar flux from 600 to 1200 Wm−2. The overall efficiency, and theoretical and actual power outputs of the divergent chimney‐SUT system were estimated and they were 0.0278%, 4.01 and 2.68 W, respectively. The net exergy efficiency (ψnet) of the system increased from 0.98% to 19.41% with increase in I from 600 to 1200 Wm−2 at θch = 2°. There was 55.2% increase in ψnet when θch increased from 1° to 2° and at I = 1200 Wm−2. Correlations were developed for the prediction of ψnet for different θch and at different I.
Studying human and nonhuman primate evolutionary biology with powerful in vitro and in vivo functional genomics tools
Authors: Grogan Kathleen E. , Perry George H.
Published: March 2020

In recent years, tools for functional genomic studies have become increasingly feasible for use by evolutionary anthropologists. In this review, we provide brief overviews of several exciting in vitro techniques that can be paired with “‐omics” approaches (e.g., genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics) for potentially powerful evolutionary insights. These in vitro techniques include ancestral protein resurrection, cell line experiments using primary, immortalized, and induced pluripotent stem cells, and CRISPR‐Cas9 genetic manipulation. We also discuss how several of these methods can be used in vivo, for transgenic organism studies of human and nonhuman primate evolution. Throughout this review, we highlight example studies in which these approaches have already been used to inform our understanding of the evolutionary biology of modern and archaic humans and other primates while simultaneously identifying future opportunities for anthropologists to use this toolkit to help answer additional outstanding questions in evolutionary anthropology.
Phase 1 study of epacadostat in combination with atezolizumab for patients with previously treated advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer
Authors: Hellmann Matthew D. , Gettinger Scott , Chow Laura Q. M. , Gordon Michael , Awad Mark M. , Cha Edward , Gong Xiaohua , Zhou Gongfu , Walker Chris , Leopold Lance , Heist Rebecca S.
Published: March 2020

Epacadostat is a potent and highly selective inhibitor of indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase 1 (IDO1). Here we report results from the open‐label, dose‐escalation, Phase 1b ECHO‐110 study evaluating epacadostat plus atezolizumab in patients with previously treated Stage IIIB/IV nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Eligible patients had received ≥1 prior line of platinum‐based chemotherapy (≥2 cycles) and no prior checkpoint/IDO inhibitors treatment. Oral epacadostat (25, 50, 75, 100, 200 or 300 mg) was administered twice daily (BID) with intravenous atezolizumab 1,200 mg every 3 weeks (Q3W). Primary endpoints were safety, tolerability and dose‐limiting toxicities (DLTs). Twenty‐nine patients received ≥1 dose of treatment. The maximum tolerated dose of epacadostat was not reached. Two patients had DLTs: one patient with Grade 3 dehydration and hypotension (epacadostat 200 mg BID); one patient with Grade 3 hyponatremia and Grade 4 autoimmune encephalitis (epacadostat 300 mg BID). Twenty‐three patients (79%) had treatment‐related adverse events (AEs); seven patients (24%) experienced Grade 3/4 events; five patients (17%) discontinued treatment due to treatment‐related AEs. No fatal treatment‐related AEs occurred. One patient achieved a partial response (objective response rate, 3%), which was maintained for 8.3 months; eight patients had stable disease. Baseline tumoral programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) and IDO expression were low among patients with evaluable samples (1 of 23 expressed PD‐L1; 5 of 17 expressed IDO). Epacadostat pharmacokinetics was comparable to historical controls. Epacadostat, at doses up to 300 mg BID, combined with atezolizumab 1,200 mg Q3W was well tolerated in patients with previously treated NSCLC, although clinical activity was limited.
Mustard oil consumption, cooking method, diet and gallbladder cancer risk in high‐ and low‐risk regions of India
Authors: Mhatre Sharayu , Rajaraman Preetha , Chatterjee Nilanjan , Bray Freddie , Goel Mahesh , Patkar Shraddha , Ostwal Vikas , Patil Prachi , Manjrekar Ankita , Shrikhande Shailesh V. , Badwe Rajendra , Dikshit Rajesh
Published: March 2020

The current study aimed to investigate the role of cooking with mustard oil and other dietary factors in relation to gallbladder cancer (GBC) in high‐ and low‐incidence regions of India. A case–control study was conducted including 1,170 histologically confirmed cases and 2,525 group‐matched visitor controls from the largest cancer hospital in India. Dietary data were collected through a food frequency questionnaire. For oil consumption, we enquired about monthly consumption of 11 different types of cooking oil per family and the number of individuals usually sharing the meal to estimate per‐individual consumption of oil. Information about method of cooking was also requested. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) quantifying the association of GBC risk consumption of different types of oil, method of cooking, and dietary food items, were estimated using logistic regression models, after adjusting for potential confounders. High consumption of mustard oil was associated with GBC risk in both high‐ and low‐risk regions (OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 0.99–1.78; OR = 3.01, 95% CI = 1.66–5.45), respectively. An increased risk of GBC was observed with deep frying of fresh fish in mustard oil (OR = 1.57, 95% CI = 0.99–2.47, p‐value = 0.052). A protective association was observed with consumption of leafy vegetables, fruits, onion and garlic. No association was observed between consumption of meat, spicy food, turmeric, pulses or with any other oil as a cooking medium. The effect of high consumption of mustard oil on GBC risk, if confirmed, has implications for the primary prevention of GBC, via a reduced consumption.
Dibutyltin alters immune cell production of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL) 1β and IL‐6: role of mitogen‐activated protein kinases and changes in mRNA
Authors: Sushak Linda , Gabure Sahra , Maise JaQuel , Arnett Jessica , Whalen Margaret M.
Published: March 2020

Dibutyltin (DBT) is used to stabilize plastics and as a deworming agent in some poultry. It is found in human blood (levels as high as 0.3 μM). Interleukin (IL) 1β (IL‐1β) and IL‐6 are pro‐inflammatory cytokines produced by lymphocytes, monocytes, and other cells. Elevated levels of IL‐1β and IL‐6 have been associated with pathologies including rheumatoid arthritis and cancers. DBT was shown to decrease IL‐1β and IL‐6 secretion from immune cells at higher concentrations while causing increases at lower concentrations. However, it was not clear if these changes were due to DBT's alteration of the secretory process or due its ability to change cellular synthesis/production of these proteins. This study addresses this question, as well as mechanisms for any observed changes in synthesis/production. Monocyte‐depleted peripheral blood mononuclear cells (MD‐PBMCs) were exposed to DBT at concentrations of 5, 2.5, 1, 0.5, 0.25, 0.1, and 0.05 μM for 1, 6, and 24 h and the production (combination of secreted and intracellular levels from the same cells) of both IL‐1β and IL‐6 were measured. Effects of selected DBT exposures on cytokine production were also examined in PBMCs and DBT's effects were similar when monocytes were present. The 24‐h exposures to DBT decreased production of both IL‐1β and IL‐6 at the two highest concentrations but increased production at lower concentrations. Both decreases and increases in cytokine production appear to be explained by DBT‐induced changes in mRNA levels. DBT‐induced increases in cellular production of the cytokines appear to require p38 and ERK1/2 MAPK pathways.
Smartphone‐based spectral imaging otoscope: System development and preliminary study for evaluation of its potential as a mobile diagnostic tool
Authors: Cavalcanti Thiago C. , Kim Sewoong , Lee Kyungsu , Lee Sang‐Yeon , Park Moo Kyun , Hwang Jae Youn
Published: March 2020

We develop a novel smartphone‐based spectral imaging otoscope for telemedicine and examine its capability for the mobile diagnosis of middle ear diseases. The device was applied to perform spectral imaging and analysis of an ear‐mimicking phantom and a normal and abnormal tympanic membrane for evaluation of its potential for the mobile diagnosis. Spectral classified images were obtained via online spectral analysis in a remote server. The phantom experimental results showed that it allowed us to distinguish four different fluids located behind a semitransparent membrane. Also, in the spectral classified images of normal ears (n = 3) and an ear with chronic otitis media (n = 1), the normal and abnormal regions in each ear could be quantitatively distinguished with high contrast. These preliminary results thus suggested that it might have the potentials for providing quantitative information for the mobile diagnosis of various middle ear diseases.
Enhanced spatial resolution for snapshot hyperspectral imaging of blood perfusion and melanin information within human tissue
Authors: He Qinghua , Liu Teng , Wang Ruikang K.
Published: March 2020

We report a reconstruction method to achieve high spatial resolution for hyperspectral imaging of chromophore features in skin in vivo. The method utilizes an established structure‐adaptive normalized convolution algorithm to reconstruct high spatial resolution of hyperspectral images from snapshot low‐resolution hyperspectral image sequences captured by a snapshot spectral camera. The reconstructed images at chromophore‐sensitive wavebands are used to map the skin features of interest. We demonstrate the method experimentally by mapping the blood perfusion and melanin features (moles) on the facial skin. The method relaxes the constrains of the relatively low spatial resolution in the snapshot hyperspectral camera, making it more usable in imaging applications.
Synthesis, antifungal and antibacterial activity of calix[4]arene‐based 1,3,4‐oxadiazole derivatives
Authors: Dono Gezelbash Zahra , Akbari Dilmaghani Karim
Published: March 2020

We describe the synthesis of some novel p‐tert‐butylcalix[4]arene‐based (5‐aryl‐1,3,4‐oxadiazol‐2‐yl)2‐chloroethanethioate derivatives (4a–e). These compounds were synthesized by the reaction of tetra‐tert‐butyl calix[4]arene (1) with (5‐aryl‐1,3,4‐oxadiazol‐2‐yl)2‐chloroethanethioate (3a–e) in the presence of potassium carbonate as a weak base and dry acetone as the solvent. All the newly synthesized calix[4]arene derivatives were characterized by elemental analysis and various spectroscopic methods such as FT‐IR, 1H NMR,13C NMR, DEPT, and ESI‐MS. The synthesized compounds were tested in vitro for their antibacterial and antifungal activities against Escherichia coli and Aspergillus fumigates in comparison with enrofloxacin and amphotericin as reference drugs, which are normally used for treating such infections. The synthesized compounds showed different inhibition zones against the tested bacteria and fungi. Compound 4c was found to be most effective against A. fumigates, whereas compound 4e was found to be equally effective against E. coli and A. fumigates.
Hammett and Brown correlations in the structure and electronic properties of H2Si=SiHAr (Ar = p‐C6H4X; X = NH2, OH, Me, H, F, Cl, CHO, COOH, CN, NO2) molecules
Authors: Samavat Simin , Ghiasi Reza , Mohtat Bita
Published: March 2020

Substituent effect on the structure and electronic properties of H2Si=SiHAr (Ar = p‐C6H4X; X = NH2, OH, Me, H, F, Cl, CHO, COOH, CN, NO2) molecules are studied at the CAM‐B3LYP/6‐311G(d,p) level of theory. Energy decomposition analysis (EDA) is used as a useful tool for illustrating the interaction between H2Si and SiHAr fragments in HArSi=SiH2 molecules. Energetic analysis reveals that the singlet state of the fragments is more stable than triplet state. Also, interactions are stronger in the presence of electron‐withdrawing groups (EWGs) in comparison to electron donating groups (EDGs). EDG and EDG effects are investigated on the stability of fragments, frontier orbital energy, distortion, HOMO–LUMO gap, electron‐donating (ω−) and electron‐accepting (ω+) powers of the studied molecules. Then, the correlations between these calculated parameters with the Hammett and Brown constants (σp and σp+, respectively) are provided. Also, time‐dependent density functional theory method (TD‐DFT) is employed for the determination of the strongest absorption band values (λmax,el) of these molecules. This absorption band is attributed to the HOMO →LUMO transition.
Design, synthesis of tri‐substituted pyrazole derivatives as promising antimicrobial agents and investigation of structure activity relationships
Authors: Reddy Guda Mallikarjuna , Garcia Jarem Raul , Yuvaraja Gutha , Venkata Subbaiah Munagapati , Wen Jet‐Chau
Published: March 2020

The major diseases spread in the environment only because of microbes. Even, intensive care units in the hospitals are polluted by microorganisms, particularly, Gram‐positive bacteria. Although many antibiotics are existed, there is a need to develop up to date microbial‐resistant agents. Hence, the current study aimed to develop prominent antimicrobial drug‐related compounds. Thus, a novel series of tri‐substituted analogs and their intermediates were synthesized. In addition, total new compounds were screened for their antimicrobial assay and identified as the most efficient biologically active compounds. Moreover, minimal inhibitory antimicrobial activity and appropriate structure activity relationships were investigated. From the results it was observed that, viability of Gram‐positive bacteria was most powerfully affected by all active compounds. Finally, this research demonstrated that, these biologically energetic amalgams can be utilized for further preclinical studies with the ambition of standing unique inventive drugs.
The transmission and diagnosis of 2019 novel coronavirus infection disease (COVID‐19): A Chinese perspective
Authors: Han Yu , Yang Hailan
Published: March 2020

2019 novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2), which originated in Wuhan, China, has attracted the world's attention over the last month. The Chinese government has taken emergency measures to control the outbreak and has undertaken initial steps in the diagnosis and treatment of 2019 novel coronavirus infection disease (COVID‐19). However, SARS‐CoV‐2 possesses powerful pathogenicity as well as transmissibility and still holds many mysteries that are yet to be solved, such as whether the virus can be transmitted by asymptomatic patients or by mothers to their infants. Our research presents selected available cases of COVID‐19 in China to better understand the transmission and diagnosis regarding this infectious disease.
Risk stratification for central conventional chondrosarcoma of bone: A novel system predicting risk of metastasis and death in the Cancer Registry of Norway cohort
Authors: Thorkildsen Joachim , Taksdal Ingeborg , Bjerkehagen Bodil , Norum Ole‐Jacob , Myklebust Tor Age , Zaikova Olga
Published: March 2020

Background and Objectives

Interobserver variability in histological grading of central conventional chondrosarcoma (CCCS) limits the quality of patient information and research progression. We aim to quantify known and new prognostic variables and propose a risk stratification model.

Method

We selected 149 cases from the Cancer Registry of Norway. Cox proportional hazard models were estimated. Based on these results a dichotomous risk classification was proposed and presented by Kaplan‐Meier estimates for rates of local recurrence, metastasis, and disease‐specific survival.

Results

The influence of axial skeletal location (Hazard ratio [HR] = 19.06), a soft tissue component ≥1 cm (HR = 13.45), and histological grade 3 (HR = 16.46) are all significant in predicting the rate of metastasis. The creation of a variable combining axial skeletal location and a soft tissue component ≥1 cm strongly predicts the risk of metastasis (HR = 14.02; P < .001) and death (HR = 2.74; P = .030) at multivariate analysis, making the histological grade insignificant. Together with metastasis at diagnosis (HR = 285.65; P < .001), this forms the basis of our proposed risk stratification, producing a small high‐risk group (39 cases with 33% risk of metastasis) and a large low‐risk group (103 cases with 2% risk of metastasis) without a histological grade.

Conclusion

Axial skeletal location and a soft tissue component ≥1 cm combined divides a CCCS cohort into low‐ and high‐risk groups without a histological grade.
Log odds of positive lymph nodes predicts survival in patients treated with neoadjuvant therapy followed by esophagectomy
Authors: Ye Guanzhi , Chen Zhencong , Wang Lin , Hu Zhengyang , Bian Yunyi , Yang Xiaodong , Lu Tao , Zhan Cheng , Lin Zongwu , Wang Qun
Published: March 2020

Background and Objectives

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the log odds of positive lymph nodes (LODDS) in survival prediction of patients with esophageal carcinoma receiving neoadjuvant therapy, compared with N descriptor and positive lymph node ratio (LNR).

Methods

Patients with esophageal carcinoma receiving neoadjuvant therapy from 2004 to 2015 were reviewed in Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. The receiver operating characteristics curve and area under the curve (AUC) were used to compare discriminatory power among N descriptor, LNR, and LODDS. The goodness of fit was measured using the −2 log‐likelihood ratio (–2LLR).

Results

About 2239 patients with a 22 months median follow‐up and a 37.8% 5‐year overall survival rate were included. LODDS had the best discriminatory power and goodness of fit (LODDS vs N descriptor, AUC 0.666 vs 0.626, −2LLR 15 680.402 vs 15 746.162; LODDS vs LNR, AUC 0.666 vs 0.635, −2LLR 15 680.402 vs 15 712.379; all P < .001). LODDS was the best for fewer than 15 lymph nodes retrieved (LODDS vs N descriptor, AUC 0.652 vs 0.618, P < .001; LODDS vs LNR, AUC 0.652 vs 0.625, P = .005). The prognosis of patients without metastatic nodes could be discriminated by LODDS.

Conclusions

LODDS could better predict survival of patients with esophageal carcinoma receiving neoadjuvant therapy.
New genetic variations discovered in KRAS wild‐type cetuximab resistant chinese colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Jing Changwen , Wang Ting , Ma Rong , Cao Haixia , Wang Zhuo , Liu Siwen , Chen Dan , Zhang Junying , Wu Yang , Zhang Yuan , Wu Jianzhong , Feng Jifeng
Published: March 2020

To perform a comprehensive genomic analysis of colorectal cancer (CRC) tumor to detect genetic variants and identify novel resistant mutations associated with cetuximab‐resistance in CRC patients. A retrospective study was performed using whole exome sequencing (WES) to identify common genetic factors from 22 cetuximab‐sensitive and 10 cetuximab‐resistant patients. In all 10 cetuximab‐resistant patients, we discovered there are 37 significantly mutated genes (SMGs). CYP4A11 was the most frequently mutated gene in cetuximab‐resistant patients. BCAS1 and GOLGA6L1 were found to be among the second group of frequently mutated genes with a frequency of 60%. After cosine similarity analysis, three mutational signatures (signature a, b, and c) were found in all CRC tumors, similar to signature 1, 5, and 6 in COSMIC, respectively. Gene ontology analysis was performed on SMGs and found 12 enriched GO terms. Four genes are enriched in six specific Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway groups, including the metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450, steroid hormone biosynthesis, retinol metabolism, and drug metabolism. Our data supports a network composed of SMGs and cellular signaling pathways that have been positively linked to the mechanisms of cetuximab resistance. These involve DNA damage repair, angiogenesis, invasion, drug metabolism, and the CRC tumor microenvironment. There is a SMG, OR9G1 correlated with survival rates of KRAS wild‐type colon adenocarcinoma patients. These findings support further investigation using WES in a prospective clinical study of cetuximab resistance CRC, to further identify, confirm, and extend the clinical significance of these and other potentially important new candidate predictive biomarkers of cetuximab response.
Association of Tripartite Motif Containing 11 rs564309 With Tau Pathology in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Authors: Valentino Rebecca R. , Koga Shunsuke , Heckman Michael G. , Brushaber Danielle E. , Diehl Nancy N. , Walton Ronald L. , Dickson Dennis W. , Ross Owen A.
Published: March 2020

Background

Intronic variant rs564309 in tripartite motif containing 11 (TRIM11) is associated with clinical phenotypic differences in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), whereby the minor allele (A) is more common in atypical PSP than typical PSP (PSP‐Richardson's syndrome). However, rs564309 has not been investigated relative to neuropathological outcomes.

Objective

Evaluate the association of rs564309 with the neuropathologically assessed severity of tau pathology, as measured by semi‐quantitative scores for neurofibrillary tangles, tufted astrocytes, neuropil threads, and oligodendroglial coiled bodies.

Methods

797 neuropathologically confirmed PSP cases were genotyped for TRIM11 rs564309 and assessed for tau pathology across 20 neuroanatomical regions. Tau pathology measures and age at death were examined for association with TRIM11 rs564309‐A using multivariable linear regression models.

Results

TRIM11 rs564309‐A was associated with increased neurofibrillary tangles pathology (P = 0.050), but was not significantly associated with age at death, neuropil threads, coiled bodies, or tufted astrocytes tau pathology scores.

Conclusions

TRIM11 rs564309 may influence burden of neurofibrillary tangles tau pathology in PSP; further study is warranted. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Lack of Asymmetry of Nigrostriatal Dopaminergic Function in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Garrido Alicia , Iranzo Alex , Stefani Ambra , Serradell Mònica , Muñoz‐Lopetegi Amaia , Marrero Paula , Högl Birgit , Gaig Carles , Santamaria Joan , Tolosa Eduard , Poewe Werner ,   for the Sleep Innsbruck Barcelona (SINBAR) Group
Published: March 2020

Objective

In right‐handed patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) or isolated rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, dopamine transporter (DAT) [(123)I]β‐carboxymethyoxy‐3‐β‐(4‐iodophenyl) tropane single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) shows predominant nigrostriatal deficit in the left striatum. This suggests that in PD patients, the nigrostriatal system of the dominant hemisphere is more susceptible to disease‐related dysfunction. To confirm this hypothesis, we investigated whether the nigrostriatal function is symmetric in healthy controls and in patients with PD.

Methods

In 113 right‐handed healthy controls and 279 right‐handed early‐PD patients, we examined the striatal dopaminergic terminals function in each hemisphere using DAT‐SPECT.

Results

In the controls, DAT‐SPECT showed symmetric specific binding ratios in the putamen and caudate nucleus of each hemisphere. In patients with PD, the specific binding ratio was lower in the left than in the right putamen.

Conclusions

Right‐handed healthy controls have symmetric nigrostriatal dopaminergic function. The left hemispheric predominance of nigrostriatal deficit seen in right‐handed premotor and manifest PD represents an early pathological feature of the disease. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Long‐term variability and trends of extended winter snowfall in Turkey and the role of teleconnection patterns
Authors: Baltaci Hakki , Arslan Hilal , Akkoyunlu Bulent Oktay , Gomes Helber Barros
Published: March 2020

In this study, a climatological analysis of daily new snow cover data from 93 meteorological stations (10–2,400 m above sea level) over Turkey during the winter (December–March) period of 1967–2006 is presented. Series of snow cover depth (SCD) (≥1 cm) and number of snowy days (SDs) were analysed to determine the variability and statistically significant trends in the snow climatology. The results showed an inverse relation between SDs and SCD over the central (CAR) and eastern (EAR) Anatolian regions. While positive trends in SDs were observed in the CAR (77% of all stations), the new SCD decreased in time. On the other hand, the intensity of the daily snowfall over the EAR increased due to decreasing (increasing) SD (SCD) trends in the region, especially between the 500 and 1,000 m layer. It was found that higher SCDs occur in the EAR during winter with positive patterns in the east Atlantic/western Russia. The daily mean sea level pressure composite maps of high SCD (>5 cm) show that strong northeasterly flows enable the penetration of cold polar air to the EAR due to the interaction between the Siberian high‐pressure centre over Europe and the low‐pressure centre over the Caspian Sea. These results help further understanding of the regional variation of the snowfall pattern in Turkey and its response to global climatic change.
Some observations of low level wind shear at the Hong Kong International Airport in association with tropical cyclones
Authors: Chan P. W. , Li Q. S.
Published: March 2020

In summer, Hong Kong is affected by tropical cyclones moving northwestwards over the northern part of the South China Sea. They may bring strong southeasterly airflow to the territory. The wind is disturbed by complex terrain to the south of the Hong Kong International Airport, resulting in turbulent airflow in the airport area and leading to the occurrence of low level wind shear and turbulence. This study documents the observations of wind shear at the airport in some recent cases of tropical cyclones in Hong Kong. The alerts from three operational wind shear algorithms are described, based on anemometers, the light detection and ranging system and microwave radar. The situations at the maximum wind shear magnitudes are presented. This is followed by a statistical analysis of the occurrences of wind shear against the wind shear magnitude and sign. A logarithmic relation between the two is found, and it is applicable for all tropical cyclone cases under study and different wind shear algorithms. However, there is no uniform equation for the logarithmic distribution, apart from the case of laser radar wind shear alerts for headwind loss. Finally, the accuracy of wind shear alerts of one tropical cyclone case is presented by comparison with pilot wind shear reports. It is hoped that the documentation in this study could serve as a useful reference to aviation weather forecasters at other airports with similar wind shear situations, as well as contributing to an improved understanding of the statistical behaviour of the wind shear phenomenon.
An E‐band digitally controlled oscillator with effective tuning bank
Authors: Tang Lu , Liu Peng , Zhang Youming , Tang Xusheng , Xia Sicong , Huang Fengyi , Zhang Changchun
Published: March 2020

An E‐band digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) with effective tuning bank is presented and fabricated in 40 nm CMOS technology. The DCO is promoted with an effective fine tuning bank based on a binary‐weighted switched capacitors array connected with the secondary coil of an effective flipped stacked transformer with weak mutual coupling factor to improve the tradeoff relationship among tuning range, circuit complexity and frequency resolution. The measured best fine tuning step of the DCO is 2.21 MHz. The operating frequencies range of the DCO covers from 76.61 to 84.51 GHz. The DCO also achieves a figure of merit normalized for area (FoMA) of −185.1 dBc/Hz.
Weight Gain and Growth After Fundoplication in the Pediatric Patient: A Case Report in the Pediatric Patient With Cystic Fibrosis and Literature Review
Authors: Gomes Allison , Lapin Craig , Ziegler Jane
Published: March 2020

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is common among infants, but when symptoms become troublesome, that is defined as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Making a diagnosis of GERD is difficult because there is no gold standard. GERD can be especially problematic for infants with cystic fibrosis (CF). There are signs and symptoms (ie, malnutrition, recurring aspiration pneumonias, refusal to eat, wheezing, coughing, and asthma) in addition to invasive and noninvasive methods used to determine a diagnosis. The treatments for GERD span from nonpharmacological to surgical, with a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication being the gold standard of surgical intervention. Although surgical interventions have been demonstrated to reduce symptoms associated with GERD, there is little known about the weight/growth‐related outcomes. This case report discusses an infant with CF and GERD requiring multiple interventions and ultimately a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication and the weight changes from presurgery to postsurgery. The case report is expanded upon with a structured literature review of fundoplication and growth studies. There were 4 available studies that assessed changes in weight/growth before and after fundoplication among children with GERD. Because of the heterogeneity of the nutrition outcomes used, the weight/growth benefits after fundoplication are unclear at this time. Further research in needed to assess the nutrition outcomes among patients with GERD requiring fundoplication.
Global cluster synchronization in finite time for complex dynamical networks with hybrid couplings via aperiodically intermittent control
Authors: Yang Qijng , Wu Huaiqin , Cao Jinde
Published: March 2020

In this article, we investigate the cluster synchronization in finite time for nonlinear complex dynamical networks (CDNs) with hybrid couplings via aperiodically intermittent control. First, a new lemma with respect to the convergence in finite time is developed for the nonnegative continuous functions. Second, the classification controller, which is dependent of the coupling of the dynamic nodes among different clusters, is designed to realize the cluster synchronization goal. Third, by means of the Lyapunov functional approach, the inequality analysis technique, and the proposed lemmas, the global cluster synchronization conditions in finite time are addressed in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) for CDNs via discontinuous feedback control scheme with integral terms. Moreover, the global cluster synchronization conditions in finite time is also achieved in the form of LMIs for CDNs with hybrid couplings via aperiodically intermittent control. In addition, the settling time, which is closely related to the topological structure of networks and the maximum ratio of the rest width to the aperiodic time span, is estimated accurately. Finally, the effectiveness of theoretical results is verified by two simulation examples.
Modulation of the internal structure and surface properties of natural and synthetic polymer matrices by graphene oxide doping
Authors: Andreeva Tonya D. , Dér András , Kelemen Lóránd , Krastev Rumen , Taneva Stefka G.
Published: March 2020

Controlling the surface properties and structure of thin nanosized coatings is of primary importance in diverse engineering and medical applications. Here we report on how the nanostructure, growth mechanism, thickness, roughness, and hydrophilicity of nanocomposites composed of weak natural or strong synthetic polyelectrolytes (PE) can be tailored by graphene oxide (GO) doping. GO reverses the build‐up mechanism affecting the internal structure and the hydrophilicity in a way depending on the type of the PE‐matrix. The extent of GO‐adsorption and its impact on the surface morphology was found to be independent on the type of the underlying PE‐matrix. The nanostructure of the hybrid films is not significantly altered when a single surface‐exposed GO‐layer is deposited, while increasing the number of embedded GO‐layers leads to pronounced surface heterogeneity. These results are expected to have valuable impact on the construction strategies of coatings with tunable surface properties.
Cover Image, Volume 69, Issue 4
Authors: Jin Chenhao , Leng Xuefei , Zhang Manwen , Wang Yanshai , Wei Zhiyong , Li Yang
Published: March 2020

The cover image is based on the Research Article Fully biobased biodegradable poly(l‐lactide)‐b‐poly(ethylene brassylate)‐b‐poly(l‐lactide) triblock copolymers: Synthesis and investigation of relationship between crystallization morphology and thermal properties by Chenhao Jin et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/pi.5958.

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Fast Capacitive Energy Storage and Long Cycle Life in a Deintercalation–Intercalation Cathode Material
Authors: Wang Lecai , Li Li , Wang Hanyong , Yang Jingbo , Ma Yitian , Wu Jiawei , Wu Feng , Chen Renjie
Published: March 2020

Ni‐rich Li‐ion cathode materials promise high energy density, but are limited in power density and cycle life, resulting from their poor dynamic characteristics and quick degradation. On the other hand, capacitor electrode materials promise high power density and long cycle life but limited capacities. A joint energy storage mechanism of these two kinds is performed in the material‐compositional level in this paper. A valence coupling between carbon π‐electrons and O2− is identified in the as‐prepared composite material, using a tracking X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy strategy. Besides delivering capacity simultaneously from its LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 and capacitive carbon components with impressive amount and speed, this material shows robust cycling stability by preventing oxygen emission and phase transformation via the discovered valence coupling effect. Structural evolution of the composite shows a more flattened path compared to that of the pure LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2, revealed by the in situ X‐ray diffraction strategy. Without obvious phase transformation and losing active contents in this composite material, long cycling can be achieved.
Regulating Surface and Grain‐Boundary Structures of Ni‐Rich Layered Cathodes for Ultrahigh Cycle Stability
Authors: Cheng Xu , Liu Meng , Yin Jingyun , Ma Chuansheng , Dai Yanzhu , Wang Deyu , Mi Shaobo , Qiang Wenjiang , Huang Bingxin , Chen Yanan
Published: March 2020

The wide applications of Ni‐rich LiNi1‐x‐yCoxMnyO2 cathodes are severely limited by capacity fading and voltage fading during the cycling process resulting from the pulverization of particles, interfacial side reactions, and phase transformation. The canonical surface modification approach can improve the stability to a certain extent; however, it fails to resolve the key bottlenecks. The preparation of Li(Ni0.4Co0.2Mn0.4)1‐xTixO2 on the surface of LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 particles with a coprecipitation method is reported. After sintering, Ti diffuses into the interior and mainly distributes along surface and grain boundaries. A strong surface and grain boundary strengthening are simultaneously achieved. The pristine particles are fully pulverized into first particles due to mechanical instability and high strains, which results in serious capacity fading. In contrast, the strong surface and the grain boundary strengthening can maintain the structural integrity, and therefore significantly improve the cycle stability. A general and simple strategy for the design of high‐performance Ni‐rich LiNi1‐x‐yCoxMnyO2 cathode is provided and is applicable to surface modification and grain‐boundary regulation of other advanced cathodes for batteries.