bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning Assembly Tasks in a Few Minutes by Combining Impedance Control and Residual Recurrent Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Kulkarni Padmaja , Kober Jens , Babuška Robert , Della Santina Cosimo
Published: September 2021

Adapting to uncertainties is essential yet challenging for robots while conducting assembly tasks in real‐world scenarios. Reinforcement learning (RL) methods provide a promising solution for these cases. However, training robots with RL can be a data‐extensive, time‐consuming, and potentially unsafe process. In contrast, classical control strategies can have near‐optimal performance without training and be certifiably safe. However, this is achieved at the cost of assuming that the environment is known up to small uncertainties. Herein, an architecture aiming at getting the best out of the two worlds, by combining RL and classical strategies so that each one deals with the right portion of the assembly problem, is proposed. A time‐varying weighted sum combines a recurrent RL method with a nominal strategy. The output serves as the reference for a task space impedance controller. The proposed approach can learn to insert an object in a frame within a few minutes of real‐world training. A success rate of 94% in the presence of considerable uncertainties is observed. Furthermore, the approach is robust to changes in the experimental setup and task, even when no retrain is performed. For example, the same policy achieves a success rate of 85% when the object properties change.
Organo‐photocatalytic Synthesis of 6‐β‐Disubstituted Phenanthridines from α‐Diazo‐β‐Keto Compounds and Vinyl Azides
Authors: Devi Lalita , Pokhriyal Ayushi , Shekhar Shashi , Kant Ruchir , Mukherjee Saptarshi , Rastogi Namrata
Published: September 2021

An efficient organo‐photocatalytic method for the synthesis of 6‐β‐disubstituted phenanthridines has been developed. The reaction documents unprecedented generation of enolate vinyl radicals from corresponding diazo compounds in the presence of photocatalyst Rh‐6G. Subsequent trapping of these radical intermediates by o‐aryl vinyl azides followed by intramolecular cyclization affords the final products in excellent yields and regioselectivity. The reaction is notable for its mild conditions, high yields and wide substrate scope.
Dichloro Butenediamides as Irreversible Site‐Selective Protein Conjugation Reagent
Authors: Laserna Victor , Abegg Daniel , Afonso Cláudia F. , Martin Esther M. , Adibekian Alexander , Ravn Peter , Corzana Francisco , Bernardes Gonçalo J. L.
Published: September 2021

We describe maleic‐acid derivatives as robust cysteine‐selective reagents for protein labelling with comparable kinetics and superior stability relative to maleimides. Diamide and amido‐ester derivatives proved to be efficient protein‐labelling species with a common mechanism in which a spontaneous cyclization occurs upon addition to cysteine. Introduction of chlorine atoms in their structures triggers ring hydrolysis or further conjugation with adjacent residues, which results in conjugates that are completely resistant to retro‐Michael reactions in the presence of biological thiols and human plasma. By controlling the microenvironment of the reactive site, we can control selectivity towards the hydrolytic pathway, forming homogeneous conjugates. The method is applicable to several scaffolds and enables conjugation of different payloads. The synthetic accessibility of these reagents and the mild conditions required for fast and complete conjugation together with the superior stability of the conjugates make this strategy an important alternative to maleimides in bioconjugation.
Accelerated Anti‐Markovnikov Alkene Hydrosilylation with Humic‐Acid‐Supported Electron‐Deficient Platinum Single Atoms
Authors: Liu Kairui , Badamdorj Bolortuya , Yang Fan , Janik Michael J. , Antonietti Markus
Published: September 2021

The hydrosilylation reaction is one of the largest‐scale applications of homogeneous catalysis, and Pt homogeneous catalysts have been widely used in this reaction for the commercial manufacture of silicon products. However, homogeneous Pt catalysts result in considerable problems, such as undesired side reactions, unacceptable catalyst residues and disposable platinum consumption. Here, we synthesized electron‐deficient Pt single atoms supported on humic matter (Pt1@AHA_U_400), and the catalyst was used in hydrosilylation reactions, which showed super activity (turnover frequency as high as 3.0×107 h−1) and selectivity (>99 %). Density functional theory calculations reveal that the high performance of the catalyst results from the atomic dispersion of Pt and the electron deficiency of the Pt1atoms, which is different from conventional Pt nanoscale catalysts. Excellent performance is maintained during recycle experiments, indicating the high stability of the catalyst.
Aggregation of Gold Nanoparticles Triggered by Hydrogen Peroxide‐Initiated Chemiluminescence for Activated Tumor Theranostics
Authors: Mao Qiulian , Fang Jing , Wang Anna , Zhang Yuqi , Cui Chaoxiang , Ye Shuyue , Zhao Yan , Feng Yali , Li Jiachen , Shi Haibin
Published: September 2021

Developing endogenous photo‐activated theranostic platforms to overcome the limitation of low tissue‐penetration from external light sources is highly significant for cancer diagnosis and treatment. We report a H2O2‐initiated chemiluminescence (CL)‐triggered nanoparticle aggregation strategy to activate theranostic functions of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for effective tumor imaging and therapy. Two types of AuNPs (tAuNP & mAuNP) were designed and fabricated by conjugating 2,5‐diphenyltetrazole and methacrylic acid onto the surface of AuNPs, respectively. Luminol was adsorbed onto the mAuNPs to afford self‐illuminating mAuNP/Lu NPs that could produce strong CL by reaction with H2O2 in the tumor microenvironment, which triggers significant aggregation of AuNPs resulting in enhanced accumulation and retention of AuNPs for activated photoacoustic imaging and photothermal therapy of tumors. We thus believe that this approach may offer a promising tool for effective tumor treatment.
Dissection of the Polar and Non‐Polar Contributions to Aromatic Stacking Interactions in Solution
Authors: Bravin Carlo , Piękoś Justyna A. , Licini Giulia , Hunter Christopher A. , Zonta Cristiano
Published: September 2021

Aromatic stacking interactions have been a matter of study and debate due to their crucial role in chemical and biological systems. The strong dependence on orientation and solvent together with the relatively small interaction energies have made evaluation and rationalization a challenge for experimental and theoretical chemists. We have used a supramolecular cage formed by two tris(pyridylmethyl)amines units to build chemical Double Mutant Cycles (DMC) for the experimental measurement of the free energies of π‐stacking interactions. Extrapolating the substituent effects to remove the contribution due to electrostatic interactions reveals that there is a substantial contribution to the measured stacking interaction energies which is due to non‐polar interactions (−3 to −6 kJ mol−1). The perfectly flat nature of the surface of an aromatic ring gives π‐stacking an inherent advantage over non‐polar interactions with alkyl groups and accounts for the wide‐spread prevalence of stacking interactions in Nature.
A Semi‐artificial Photoelectrochemical Tandem Leaf with a CO2‐to‐Formate Efficiency Approaching 1 %
Authors: Edwardes Moore Esther , Andrei Virgil , Oliveira Ana Rita , Coito Ana Margarida , Pereira Inês A. C. , Reisner Erwin
Published: September 2021

Semi‐artificial photoelectrochemistry can combine state‐of‐the‐art photovoltaic light‐absorbers with enzymes evolved for selective fuel‐forming reactions such as CO2 reduction, but the overall performance of such hybrid systems has been limited to date. Here, the electrolyte constituents were first tuned to establish an optimal local environment for a W‐formate dehydrogenase to perform electrocatalysis. The CO2 reductase was then interfaced with a triple cation lead mixed‐halide perovskite through a hierarchically structured porous TiO2 scaffold to produce an integrated photocathode achieving a photocurrent density of −5 mA cm−2 at 0.4 V vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode during simulated solar light irradiation. Finally, the combination with a water‐oxidizing BiVO4 photoanode produced a bias‐free integrated biophotoelectrochemical tandem device (semi‐artificial leaf) with a solar CO2‐to‐formate energy conversion efficiency of 0.8 %.
Spatiotemporal Control over Chemical Assembly in Living Cells by Integration of Acid‐Catalyzed Hydrolysis and Enzymatic Reactions
Authors: Yang Xuejiao , Lu Honglei , Tao Yinghua , Zhou Laicheng , Wang Huaimin
Published: September 2021

Spatiotemporal control of chemical assembly in living cells remains challenging. We have now developed an efficient and general platform to precisely control the formation of assemblies in living cells. We introduced an O‐[bis(dimethylamino)phosphono]tyrosine protection strategy in the self‐assembly motif as the Trojan horse, whereby the programmed precursors resist hydrolysis by phosphatases on and inside cells because the unmasking of the enzymatic cleavage site occurs selectively in the acidic environment of lysosomes. After demonstrating the multistage self‐assembly processes in vitro by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC‐MS), cryogenic electron microscopy (Cryo‐EM), and circular dichroism (CD), we investigated the formation of site‐specific self‐assembly in living cells using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), LC‐MS, and biological electron microscopy (Bio‐EM). Controlling chemical assembly in living systems spatiotemporally may have applications in supramolecular chemistry, materials science, synthetic biology, and chemical biology.
Thin‐Layer Chromatography and Coomassie Staining of Phospholipids for Fast and Simple Lipidomics Sample Preparation
Authors: Hofmann Tommy , Barth Marie , Meister Annette , Kastritis Panagiotis L. , Schmidt Carla
Published: September 2021

Lipids play major roles in basic cellular functions. Their analysis, therefore, gained importance; however, it is complicated by the high complexity of natural lipidomes. To overcome this challenge, pre‐separation of the lipids by thin‐layer chromatography (TLC) and high‐resolution mass spectrometry (MS) are often employed. Here, we explore Coomassie staining for TLC‐separated phospholipids and provide an extraction protocol of stained lipids for subsequent MS analysis. We exemplify our approach by analyzing lipid mixtures varying in complexity and found that TLC pre‐separation increases the number of identified lipid species and lipid classes. In addition, we identify and quantify lipids from polymer nanodiscs. In summary, Coomassie staining of TLC‐separated lipids is well‐suited for phospholipids, is compatible with MS, does not require specialized equipment and can be performed independently of subsequent MS experiments. We envision many future applications of our workflow.
Flexible and rigid polyurethane based polymer electrolyte for high‐performance lithium battery
Authors: Gao Yunqi , Feng Changhao , Wang Hairui , Xu Minghan , Zong Chengzhong , Wang Qingfu
Published: September 2021

The development of new polymer electrolytes is greatly significant due to the improvement of the energy density and safety of lithium batteries. Comparing with a single polymer electrolyte, the composite polymer electrolyte has better performance, especially some based on the concept of rigid–flexible coupling polymer electrolytes. In this study, a series of polyurethane with various proportion of soft and rigid segments are synthesized and used as a composite polymer electrolyte (C‐PU) together with cellulose membrane. The optimized polymer electrolyte C‐PU20 (with 20 wt% of the hard segment) exhibits high ionic conductivity of 2.4 mS/cm at 25°C and wide electrochemical stability window up to 4.8 V. Moreover, the C‐PU20 electrolyte for LiFePO4/Li cell shows more fantastic cycling performance with capacity retention of 96% after 300 cycles at 0.5 C and better C‐rate capability compared with the pristine cellulose membrane. All the findings indicate that the C‐PU20 electrolyte is a very prospective polymer electrolyte for high‐performance lithium batteries.
Orthotopic bladder substitution: Surgical aspects and optimization of outcomes
Authors: Thakare N. , Lamb B. W. , Biers S.
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Orthotopic bladder substitution (OBS) is a management option for urinary diversion in men and women undergoing cystectomy. The aim of the procedure is to provide a functional continent urinary reservoir of adequate capacity, compliance and low pressure. We have provided a narrative review of the existing literature and highlighted areas where improvement and standardization can be recommended.

Methods

Literature search included database search for publications from January 1970 to November 2020, using keywords including OBS, bladder reconstruction, neobladder, radical cystectomy, robotic cystectomy, intracorporeal neobladder, surgical technique, patient selection and outcomes.

Results

Due to various factors including indications, operative technique and risk of complications, OBS is an enormous undertaking and commitment for patients, surgeons and health professionals involved in the care pathway. The main considerations for patient selection, the technical elements of the procedure and the rationale behind these are discussed. Previously considered to be a choice for a select few, the inclusion criteria have expanded over the last decade. Similarly, surgical techniques including the choice and configuration of bowel segments, construction of anastomosis and nerve or organ sparing procedures have evolved over the years. Minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic assisted surgery has added further perspectives to the existing literature on OBS. Understanding the principles of operative techniques and assessing the best evidence to influence patient management is crucial as it has a major impact on clinical outcomes. Peri‐ and post‐operative care, focused on the prevention of complications and morbidity, affects long‐term functional and oncological outcomes, which ultimately dictates the quality of life.

Conclusions

This concise overview of OBS literature highlights the importance of pre‐operative, peri‐operative, and post‐operative aspects with regards to the optimization of patient care. To achieve the best results, meticulous attention should be paid in all these areas, surgical and multi‐disciplinary. Patient education and counseling, with shared decision making are central to the success of the procedure.
Exploring multidimensional characteristics in cervicogenic headache: Relations between pain processing, lifestyle, and psychosocial factors
Authors: Mingels Sarah , Dankaerts Wim , van Etten Ludo , Bruckers Liesbeth , Granitzer Marita
Published: September 2021

Objective

Although multidimensional interventions including physiotherapy, psychology, and education are generally recommended in managing headache, and to prevent chronification, such approach is lacking in cervicogenic headache (CeH). Therefore, exploring CeH within a biopsychosocial framework is deemed an essential first step.

Methods

Non‐randomized cross‐sectional design to compare pain processing, lifestyle, and psychosocial characteristics between 18 participants with CeH (CeH group) (40.2 ± 10.9 years) and 18 matched controls (control group) (39.2 ± 13.1 years). Pain processing characteristics included degree of central sensitization (Central Sensitization Inventory), and (extra)‐cephalic pressure pain thresholds (kPa/cm²/s). Lifestyle characteristics included sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), physical activity, screen time, and sedentary time (hours a week). Psychosocial characteristics included degree of depression, anxiety and stress (Depression Anxiety Stress Scale‐21), and quality of life (Headache Impact Test‐6).

Results

Pain processing characteristics: More (p = .04) participants in the CeH group showed higher degrees of central sensitization compared to the control group. Lower (p < .05) (extra)‐cephalic pressure pain thresholds were revealed in the CeH group compared to the control group for each muscle. Lifestyle and psychosocial characteristics: Compared to the control group, sleep quality and headache‐related quality of life were worse (p < .0001) in the CeH group. Severe to extreme stress was experienced by more participants in the CeH group (p = .02). Further, significant relations between pain processing and (1) lifestyle characteristics and (2) psychosocial characteristics were seen in the CeH group.

Conclusion

Exploring multidimensional characteristics in CeH exposed relations between pain processing, lifestyle, and psychosocial characteristics. These novel findings fill a gap in the current scientific literature, and highlight the need for outcome research targeting lifestyle and psychosocial factors.
Profile, treatment patterns, and influencing factors of anthracycline use in breast cancer patients in China: A nation‐wide multicenter study
Authors: Guo Fengzhu , Yi Zongbi , Wang Wenna , Han Yiqun , Yu Pei , Zhang Su , Ouyang Quchang , Yan Min , Wang Xiaojia , Hu Xichun , Jiang Zefei , Huang Tao , Tong Zhongsheng , Wang Shusen , Yin Yongmei , Li Hui , Yang Runxiang , Yang Huawei , Teng Yuee , Sun Tao , Cai Li , Li Hongyuan , Chen Xi , He Jianjun , Liu Xinlan , Yang Shune , Fan Jinhu , Qiao Youlin , Wang Jiayu , Xu Binghe
Published: September 2021

Background

Anthracycline‐based chemotherapy (ABC) is one of the standard therapies against breast cancer. However, few guidelines are currently available to optimize the use of ABC. Therefore, the present analysis aimed at determining the profile and treatment patterns of ABC and the association of clinicopathological characteristics with ABC selection.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the data of a nation‐wide multicenter epidemiological study, which collected the medical records of breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy in different settings from seven geographic regions in China (NCT03047889).

Results

In total, 3393 patients were included, with 2917 treated with ABC. Among them, 553 (89.8%), 2165 (81.7%), and 814 (25.7%) were subjected to ABC as neoadjuvant, adjuvant, and advanced chemotherapy, respectively. The most frequently used regimens were anthracycline‐taxane‐based combinations for neo‐ and adjuvant chemotherapy, along with taxanes and oral fluorouracils for the palliative stages. In the overall cohort, patients aged < 40 or 40‐65 (p < 0.001), in premenopause (p < 0.001), without comorbidities (p = 0.016), with invasive ductal carcinoma (p= 0.001), high lymph node involvement (p < 0.001), in the pTNM stage II, III, or IV versus stage I (p < 0.001), subjected to mastectomy (p < 0.001) or subjected to sentinel lymph node biopsy combined with axillary lymph node dissection (p = 0.044), or with a decreased disease‐free survival (p < 0.001) were more likely to be recommended to ABC.

Conclusion

Taken together, ABC remained the mainstay of breast cancer treatment, especially in neo and adjuvant therapy. ABC was mainly used as a combination therapy, and the correlation between influencing factors and ABC choice varied during different settings, indicating the preference and different perspectives of medication considered by medical oncologists regarding the use ABC in China.
Sulindac and vitamin D3 synergically inhibit proliferation of MCF‐7 breast cancer cell through AMPK/Akt/β‐catenin axis in vitro
Authors: Poursoltani Faezeh , Nejati Vahid , Pazhang Yaghub , Rezaie Jafar
Published: September 2021

Breast cancer is associated with a high rate of recurrence, resistance therapy and mortality worldwide. We aimed at investigating the inhibitory effects of Sulindac and vitamin D3 (VD) on MCF‐7 human breast cancer cells. MCF‐7 cells were cultured with different concentrations of Sulindac and VD over a period of 24, 48 and 72 hours for cell viability and IC50 experiments. Hochst staining was used to evaluate apoptosis, whereas quantitative PCR (qPCR) was performed to measure mRNA levels of BCL‐2 and BAX genes. Immunofluorescence staining was used to monitor intracellular β‐catenin expression. The protein levels of AKT, AMPK and P65 were measured by western blotting. The result showed that cell viability decreased in treated cells dose/time dependently (P < .05). Hochst staining showed an increase in fragmented nuclei in treated cells. The expression of BCL‐2 and BAX genes decreased and increased in treated cells, respectively (P < .05). Immunofluorescence staining indicated that the expression of β‐catenin significantly reduced in treated cells. The AKT‐1/p‐Akt‐1 and AMPK/p‐AMPK ratio increased in treated cells (P < .05), but the P65/p‐P65 ratio did not change significantly (P > .05). Our results indicated that the combination of Sulindac and VD has a growth‐inhibiting effect on MCF‐7 cells through AMPK/Akt/β‐catenin axis.
Fast Pyrolysis of Flax Shive in a Screw‐Type Reactor
Authors: Lugovoy Yury V. , Chalov Kirill V. , Tarabanko Valery E. , Stepacheva Antonina A. , Kosivtsov Yury Yu.
Published: September 2021

A novel screw‐type reactor for the fast pyrolysis of agricultural waste (flax shive) is described. A preliminary study on the influence of process parameters on the yield, composition, and properties of pyrolysis products was carried out. Based on the results obtained, the optimal conditions of fast pyrolysis of flax shive particles in terms of feedstock particle size, solid residence time, and process temperature were identified. Considering the construction, the developed reactor seems to be close to the screw fluidized bed and auger reactor and is characterized by a simple design and operation control. Moreover, the proposed reactor can be used for continuous pyrolysis without any significant modification.
All‐Solid‐State Chloride‐Ion Battery with Inorganic Solid Electrolyte
Authors: Sakamoto Ryo , Shirai Nobuaki , Inoishi Atsushi , Okada Shigeto
Published: September 2021

Chloride‐ion batteries have some attractive properties such as high energy density and low cost. However, they have poor cycle performance because chloride as an active material tends to dissolve into a polar solvent. Herein, an all‐solid‐state chloride‐ion battery is demonstrated with KCl‐doped PbCl2 as a solid electrolyte to suppress the dissolution of chloride. The all‐solid‐state cell with BiCl3 as the cathode had an initial discharge capacity of 187 mAh g−1, which corresponds to 73 % of the theoretical capacity of BiCl3. Moreover, it exhibited better cyclability compared to the previously reported non‐aqueous cell with BiCl3 cathode. During the charge‐discharge process, XRD and XPS analysis confirmed the unique behavior of conversion reaction by Cl− anion, where Bi is produced by discharging and BiCl3 returns by charging.
A Pyrene‐Modified Serinol Nucleic Acid Nanostructure Converts the Chirality of Threoninol Nucleic Acids into Circularly Polarized Luminescence Signals
Authors: Kashida Hiromu , Nishikawa Keiji , Ito Yuka , Murayama Keiji , Hayashi Ichiyo , Kakuta Takahiro , Ogoshi Tomoki , Asanuma Hiroyuki
Published: September 2021

Herein is reported a circularly polarized luminescent (CPL) probe that can respond to the chirality of nucleic acids. An achiral nanostructure was prepared by the hybridization of symmetric serinol nucleic acid (SNA) containing pyrene‐modified residues. When chiral oligomers that were complementary to the SNA were added, they induced helicity into the SNA nanowire. Efficient circular dichroism (CD) signal amplification was observed when pyrene was attached to uracil bases through a rigid alkynyl linker. Both CPL and CD signals were observed; they depended on the chirality of the added acyclic threoninol nucleic acid (aTNA) oligomer. This system can be used to convert the chirality of chiral biomolecules into chiroptical signals.
Cross‐Coupling through Ag(I)/Ag(III) Redox Manifold
Authors: Demonti Luca , Saffon‐Merceron Nathalie , Mézailles Nicolas , Nebra Noel
Published: September 2021

In ample variety of transformations, the presence of silver as an additive or co‐catalyst is believed to be innocuous for the efficiency of the operating metal catalyst. Even though Ag additives are required often as coupling partners, oxidants or halide scavengers, its role as a catalytically competent species is widely neglected in cross‐coupling reactions. Most likely, this is due to the erroneously assumed incapacity of Ag to undergo 2e− redox steps. Definite proof is herein provided for the required elementary steps to accomplish the oxidative trifluoromethylation of arenes through AgI/AgIII redox catalysis (i. e. CEL coupling), namely: i) easy AgI/AgIII 2e− oxidation mediated by air; ii) bpy/phen ligation to AgIII; iii) boron‐to‐AgIII aryl transfer; and iv) ulterior reductive elimination of benzotrifluorides from an [aryl‐AgIII‐CF3] fragment. More precisely, an ultimate entry and full characterization of organosilver(III) compounds [K]+[AgIII(CF3)4]− (K‐1), [(bpy)AgIII(CF3)3] (2) and [(phen)AgIII(CF3)3] (3), is described. The utility of 3 in cross‐coupling has been showcased unambiguously, and a large variety of arylboron compounds was trifluoromethylated via [AgIII(aryl)(CF3)3]− intermediates. This work breaks with old stereotypes and misconceptions regarding the inability of Ag to undergo cross‐coupling by itself.
ChemiTEM – Transmission Electron Microscopy Optimized for Chemistry and Material Science
Authors: Hetaba Walid , Imlau Robert , Duarte‐Correa Liseth , Lamoth Maximilian , Kujawa Stephan , Lunkenbein Thomas
Published: September 2021

Invited for this month's cover is the group of Walid Hetaba and Thomas Lunkenbein at the Max‐Planck‐Institutes in Berlin and Mülheim (Germany). The cover picture shows the ChemiTEM acquisition workflow in a tablet app in front of a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Additionally, the results obtained by a TEM‐expert and by non‐expert TEM users are shown left and right of the microscope, respectively. It symbolises that using the ChemiTEM workflows, non‐expert TEM users can proficiently use a TEM and generate data which is of comparable quality as the data obtained by a TEM‐expert. Furthermore, the training time of the users is reduced and electron microscopical investigations can be performed with much higher efficiency. ChemiTEM extends the TEM user base and makes this instrument a versatile standard lab tool. Read the full text of their Full Paper at 10.1002/cmtd.202100001.
Changes in tongue pressure and dysphagia at oral cancer patients by palatal augmentation prosthesis
Authors: Kuniyuki Izumita , Hisaoka Takuma , Ikeda Ryoukichi , Suzuki Jun , Sato Naoko , Tagaino Ryo , Kambayashi Tomonori , Hirano‐Kawamoto Ai , Ohta Jun , Ohkoshi Akira , Ishii Ryo , Shitraishi Naru , Kato Kengo , Koyama Shigeto , Sasaki Keiichi , Katori Yukio
Published: September 2021

Background

The palatal augmentation prosthesis (PAP) is an intraoral prosthesis used in the treatment of dysphagia.

Aim

The objective of the study is to examine the effect of PAP using tongue pressure and the Videofluoroscopic Dysphagia Scale (VDS) to understand the precise mechanism for improvement in swallowing function with PAP for oral cancer at retrospective survey.

Methods and results

Fifteen patients were provided PAPs. Tongue pressure and VDS were evaluated with and without PAP. After intervention with PAP, tongue pressure significantly increased as compared to when without PAP (p < .05). The total mean VDS score with PAP was found to have significantly improved (p < .05). The mean VDS score of the oral phase also significantly improved with the PAP compared to without the PAP group (p < .05). Significant differences (p < .01) were found in each category, such as tongue to palate contact and pyriform sinus residue.

Conclusion

PAP can improve tongue pressure, tongue to palate contact, and pyriform sinus residue.
CO2 Capture, Separation and Reduction on Boron‐Doped MoS2, MoSe2 and Heterostructures with Different Doping Densities: A Theoretical Study
Authors: Qu Mengnan , Xu Shaohua , Du Aijun , Zhao Chongjun , Sun Qiao
Published: September 2021

Designing high‐performance materials for CO2 capture and conversion is of great significance to reduce the greenhouse effect and alleviate the energy crisis. The strategy of doping is widely used to improve activity and selectivity of the materials. However, it is unclear how the doping densities influence the materials’ properties. Herein, we investigated the mechanism of CO2 capture, separation and conversion on MoS2, MoSe2 and Janus MoSSe monolayers with different boron doping levels using density functional theory (DFT) simulations. The results indicate that CO2, H2 and CH4 bind weakly to the monolayers without and with single‐atom boron doping, rendering these materials unsuitable for CO2 capture from gas mixtures. In contrast, CO2 binds strongly to monolayers doped with diatomic boron, whereas H2 and CH4 can only form weak interactions with these surfaces. Thus, the monolayers doped with diatomic boron can efficiently capture and separate CO2 from such gas mixtures. The electronic structure analysis demonstrates that monolayers doped with diatomic doped are more prone to donating electrons to CO2 than those with single‐atom boron doped, leading to activation of CO2. The results further indicate that CO2 can be converted to CH4 on diatomic boron doped catalysts, and MoSSe is the most efficient of the surfaces studied for CO2 capture, separation and conversion. In summary, the study provides evidence for the doping density is vital to design materials with particular functions.
FPGA implementation of high‐speed tunable IIR band pass notch filter for identification of hot‐spots in protein
Authors: Pathak Vikas , Nanda Satyasai Jagannath , Joshi Amit Mahesh , Sahu Sitanshu Sekhar
Published: September 2021

Localization of hot spots in a protein sequence is an important problem for understanding complex 3D structure of amino acid sequence (due to which biological functionality of protein is performed by their mutual interactions). Several digital signal processing (DSP) techniques like digital filtering, wavelet, and Fourier transforms have been used for finding the hot‐spot locations. Fast processing of these longer protein sequences is desirable. Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) implementation of Infinite Impulse Response (IIR) band pass notch (BPN) digital filter (tuned automatically by characteristics frequency of protein family) is carried out in this paper for further speed‐up of this protein analysis process. Performance of proposed filter system (implemented on Zynq series Zybo board FPGA) is further improved using retiming, which has significantly increased the maximum clock frequency from 34.304 to 54.812 MHz. Simulation of both MATLAB and FPGA hardware implementation for BPN IIR filter is executed on 10 protein functional groups. The simulation results predict the same hot‐spots locations as mentioned in ASEdb data base, but the Hardware BPN IIR filter (proposed in this paper) is 190 to 278 times faster as compared to its MATLAB counterpart. Some additional new hot‐spot locations (not mentioned in ASEdb data base) have been determined by our proposed hardware filter, which can be the probable hot‐spots for newly identified proteins.
A survey of 5G millimeter wave, massive multiple‐input multiple‐output, and vehicle‐to‐vehicle channel measurements and models
Authors: Eldowek Basim Mohammed , Bauomy Nariman Abd El‐Salam , El‐Rabaie El‐Sayed M. , Abd El‐Atty Saied M. , Abd El‐Samie Fathi E.
Published: September 2021

There is no doubt that the world evolves nowadays in the digital communications era. This opens the horizon to research and investment in new promising technologies like 5G and beyond cellular networks that are able to increase the subscribers' data rates in all communication systems. The aim of 5G and beyond cellular networks is to provide anywhere and anytime connectivity. By combining the enormous available bandwidth in millimeter wave (mmWave) frequencies with high multiplexing gains achieved by large antenna arrays in multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) systems, these technologies can significantly improve network throughput, increase network power, boost energy and spectral efficiency, and enhance network coverage. Furthermore, ultra‐reliable vehicular communication and high capacity would be essential features of communication networks beyond 5G. Fortunately, when vehicles are moving on the road and communicating with each other, the vehicular communication issue becomes more challenging. Among the several new technologies expected to play significant roles in the 5G and beyond systems, this paper focused on summarizing the state‐of‐the‐art mmWave, vehicle‐to‐vehicle (V2V), and massive MIMO measurements and models. We introduce a detailed overview of each of the three technologies individually. Besides, novel taxonomies for the 5G channel measurements, objectives, and model types are provided. We expect that mmWave‐based massive MIMO technology enables real‐time channel estimation and ultra‐precise beamforming, and thus enables better service coverage. Finally, challenges and future research directions for 5G channel measurements and models are presented.
Impact of hybridized rider optimization with cuckoo search algorithm on optimal VANET routing
Authors: Gnanasekar Tony Santhosh , Samiappan Dhandapani
Published: September 2021

VANET routing is a serious concern due to some of the limitations in terms of routing costs. More research has already worked on VANET routing strategies for enhancing the performance of the network. However, optimal route selection is a tedious or complex issue in this scenario. To cope with this issue, this research work attempts to introduce a new VANET routing model that considers certain network quality measures such as congestion, travel, collision, and QoS awareness cost. A new cost model is designed based on the given constraints. Along with this, the fuzzification of the QoS factor is considered along with the total routing cost. This work determines the optimal route selection with minimized routing cost by employing a novel optimization algorithm called Rider Integrated Cuckoo Search (RI‐CS) that hybridizes the concept of Rider Optimization Algorithm (ROA) and Cuckoo Search (CS). Finally, the performance of the proposed RI‐CS is analyzed against the conventional models like Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Firefly algorithm (FA), Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO), Whale Optimization Algorithm (WAO), ROA, CS, Mean Computing Jaya Algorithm (MC‐JA), and Grey Updated Butterfly Operator (GU‐BO) in terms of certain cost analysis.
Permanent endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage using a novel spiral stent (IYO‐stent)
Authors: Takano Yuichi , Noda Jun , Yamawaki Masataka , Azami Tetsushi , Kobayashi Takahiro , Niiya Fumitaka , Maruoka Naotaka , Yamagami Tatsuya , Nagahama Masatsugu
Published: September 2021

Background and aim

Endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage (ETGBD) is widely performed. However, there is no consensus on the appropriate diameter, length, and shape of the stent that should be used in this procedure. In addition, there are limited data on the outcomes of permanent ETGBD. In our facility, a stent with a novel spiral structure (IYO‐stent) is permanently placed in patients with acute cholecystitis who are not indicated for surgery. This study examined the efficacy and safety of the IYO‐stent in cases of permanent ETGBD.

Methods

We retrospectively examined patients who underwent permanent ETGBD using the IYO‐stent from April 2018 to December 2020.

Results

Eleven patients were included in this study. The technical success and the clinical success rate were 91%. One patient had a post‐procedure adverse event (post‐endoscopic sphincterotomy bleeding). Within the median observation period of 312 days (range: 109–742), late adverse events, including cholangitis (n = 1) and incomplete stent migration (n = 1), were observed. However, none of the patients experienced cholecystitis relapse.

Conclusion

Permanent ETGBD with IYO‐stent is an effective treatment for the patients with acute cholecystitis who are not indicated for surgery.
Psoriasis comorbidities and clinical implications when using biologics
Authors: Kang Julianna S. , Balogh Esther A. , Feldman Steven R.
Published: September 2021

Background

Psoriasis is a cutaneous inflammatory disorder with associated comorbidities which can influence treatment options. Biologics are immune‐modifying agents that can improve or worsen pre‐existing psoriasis comorbidities. The risks associated with a particular biologic agent and its effects on a comorbidity can guide treatment decisions and direct further workup to screen for markers of these comorbidities.

Methods

A literature search was performed to develop treatment recommendations for psoriasis patients in the background of common comorbidities when considering biologic agents.

Results

Psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, metabolic syndrome, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, depression, and malignancies are comorbidities associated with psoriasis that can be affected by certain biologic agents.

Conclusion

Considerations to make when treating a patient with psoriasis include the severity of disease, the presence of comorbidities, and symptomology that can interact with biologic agents.
The effect of altered flow regimes on aquatic primary producer communities: Diatoms and macrophytes
Authors: Goldenberg‐Vilar Alejandra , Delgado Cristina , Peñas Francisco J. , Barquín José
Published: September 2021

Rivers are intensively managed worldwide through unprecedented flow regime alterations on a global scale. This has led to an increasing interest in the development of quantitative tools to assess the ecological response of organisms to flow alteration. To date, studies reflect a large diversity of responses that make the intensity and prevalence of effects difficult to generalize. The present study analysed how flow alterations caused by dams affect the structure, composition and traits of diatoms and macrophytes in three Spanish river basins (Cantabric, Ebro and Duero). By using a control‐impact design based mainly in hydrological similarity, our results showed consistent patterns of change in diatom and macrophyte communities. Our study showed a shift from resistant traits such as non‐colonial diatom forms and crust‐forming algae, which are adapted to the extreme events and natural dynamism of unregulated rivers, towards planktonic diatoms, free‐floating algae and the mass development of aquatic plants in hydrological altered sites. Both communities shared common thresholds of response to altered hydrological attributes that could be considered in a flow management context. The hydrological indices that impacted diatom and macrophyte communities the most were related with the magnitude and duration of minimum flows. However, our results also show that it is important to consider the interrelationships between the different hydrological attributes such as the seasonal variability of monthly flows, the magnitude of maximum annual extremes, the timing of flow events, and the frequency and rate of flow changes.
Identifying climate‐resistant vernal pools: Hydrologic refugia for amphibian reproduction under droughts and climate change
Authors: Cartwright Jennifer , Morelli Toni Lyn , Grant Evan H. Campbell
Published: September 2021

Vernal pools of the northeastern United States provide important breeding habitat for amphibians but may be sensitive to droughts and climate change. These seasonal wetlands typically fill by early spring and dry by mid‐to‐late summer. Because climate change may produce earlier and stronger growing‐season evapotranspiration combined with increasing droughts and shifts in precipitation timing, management concerns include the possibility that some pools will increasingly become dry earlier in the year, potentially interfering with amphibian life‐cycle completion. In this context, a subset of pools that continues to provide wetland habitat later into the year under relatively dry conditions might function as ecohydrologic refugia, potentially supporting species persistence even as summer conditions become warmer and droughts more frequent. We used approximately 3000 field observations of inundation from 449 pools to train machine‐learning models that predict the likelihood of pool inundation based on pool size, day of the year, climate conditions, short‐term weather patterns, and soil, geologic and landcover attributes. Models were then used to generate predictions of pool wetness across five seasonal time points, three short‐term weather scenarios and four sets of downscaled climate projections. Model outputs are available through a website allowing users to choose the inundation thresholds, time points, weather scenarios and future climate projections most relevant to their management needs. Together with long‐term monitoring of individual pools at the site scale, this regional‐scale study can support amphibian conservation by helping to identify which pools may be most likely to function as ecohydrologic refugia from droughts and climate change.
Yield and costs of molecular diagnostics on thyroid cytology slides in the Netherlands, adapting the Bethesda classification
Authors: Aydemirli Mehtap Derya , Snel Marieke , van Wezel Tom , Ruano Dina , Obbink Christianne M. H. , van den Hout Wilbert B. , Schepers Abbey , Morreau Hans
Published: September 2021

Objective

To evaluate our institutional experience with molecular diagnostics (MD) on thyroid cytology smears, evaluate the costs and describe MD guided clinical management of indeterminate Bethesda III/V thyroid nodules.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of 164 Bethesda III or V thyroid cytopathology reports subjected to MD from 2013 to 2020, that altered Bethesda classification or management. MD consisted of mutation and gene fusion analysis by next‐generation sequencing (NGS) of morphologically analysed and selected cytological slides. Findings were modelled to nationwide data on Bethesda incidences from ‘the Dutch Pathology Registry’ PALGA, and costs were estimated.

Results

82 of 164 cases received an upgrade in Bethesda class. Twenty cases changed from Bethesda III to IV/V, 62 from Bethesda III or V to VI, and 72 remained unaltered. We estimate net savings with implementing MD, by preventing 454 repeat cytology and 326 (diagnostic) hemithyroidectomies, to be at least 2 million Euro annually in the Netherlands. Per Bethesda III and V patient, net savings would be about 100 Euro and 4100 Euro, respectively.

Conclusion

NGS‐based MD on nucleic acids extracted directly from cytology slides is a feasible and cost saving tool for personalized management in indeterminate Bethesda III/V thyroid cytology. Based on the interpretation of our retrospective data, we assume that this approach results in less disease burden for the patient, reduced surgical interventions and complication risks, reduced sick leave, among others. Further evaluation of structural implementation of the presented approach in routine thyroid Bethesda III/V cytology in a prospective setting is warranted.
Capillary electromigration methods for food analysis and Foodomics: Advances and applications in the period February 2019–February 2021
Authors: Valdés Alberto , Álvarez‐Rivera Gerardo , Socas‐Rodríguez Bárbara , Herrero Miguel , Cifuentes Alejandro
Published: September 2021

This work presents a revision of the main applications of capillary electromigration methods in food analysis and Foodomics. Articles that were published during the period February 2019‐February 2021 are included. The work shows the multiple CE methods that have been developed and applied to analyze different types of molecules in foods. Namely, CE methods have been applied to analyze amino acids, biogenic amines, carbohydrates, chiral compounds, contaminants, DNAs, food additives, heterocyclic amines, lipids, secondary metabolites, peptides, pesticides, phenols, pigments, polyphenols, proteins, residues, toxins, vitamins, small organic and inorganic compounds, as well as other minor compounds. The last results on the use of CE for monitoring food interactions and food processing, including recent microchips developments and new applications of CE in Foodomics, are discussed too. The new procedures of CE to investigate food quality and safety, nutritional value, storage and bioactivity are also included in the present review work.
Experimental investigation of pulse‐type ground motion effects on a steel building with nonlinear viscous dampers
Authors: Dong Baiping , Ricles James M. , Phillips Brian M.
Published: September 2021

Near‐fault pulse‐type ground motions have characteristics that are substantially different from ordinary far‐field ground motions. It is essential to understand the unique effects of pulse‐type ground motions on structures and include the effects in seismic design. This paper investigates the effects of near‐fault pulse‐type ground motions on the structural response of a 3‐story steel structure with nonlinear viscous dampers using the real‐time hybrid simulation (RTHS) testing method. The structure is designed for 75% of the code‐specified design base shear strength. In the RTHS, the loop of action and reaction between the experimental and numerical partitions are executed in real time, accurately capturing the velocity pulse effects of pulse‐type ground motions. A set of 10 unscaled pulse‐type ground motions at the design basis earthquake (DBE) level is used for the RTHS. The test results validated that RTHS is a viable method for experimentally investigating the complicated structural behavior of structures with rate‐dependent damping devices, and showed that the dampers are essentially effective in earthquake hazard mitigation effects involving pulse‐type ground motions. The average peak story drift ratio under the set of pulse‐type ground motions is 1.08% radians with a COV value less than 0.3, which indicated that structural system would achieve the ASCE 7–10 seismic performance objective for Occupancy Category III structures under the DBE level pulse‐type ground motions. Additionally, a nonlinear Maxwell model for the nonlinear viscous dampers is validated for future structural reliability numerical studies involving pulse‐type ground motions.
Response to letter to the editor (HED‐21‐0700)
Authors: Low Christopher M. , Choby Garret
Published: September 2021

See page 2001
Computational Study of Benzosultam Formation through Gold(I)‐Catalyzed Ammoniumation/Nucleophilic Substitution Reaction
Authors: Pertschi Romain , de Aguirre Adiran , Pale Patrick , Blanc Aurélien , Poblador Bahamonde Amalia I.
Published: September 2021

The Au(I)‐catalyzed reactions of (2‐alkynyl)phenylsulfonyl azetidines bearing terminal and non‐terminal alkynes in the presence of methanol as protic nucleophile to form benzosultams derivatives were studied by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Our study highlights that gold(I) catalyzed nucleophilic addition of the nitrogen on the alkyne is favored over the direct ring opening of the azetidine by methanol, confirming the ammonium‐based mechanism. In addition, the reverse regioselectivity observed experimentally where non‐terminal alkynes favors the formation of 6‐endo‐dig‐benzosultams while terminal alkynes favor 5‐exo‐dig products is also explored through two different scenarios. The first one embraces the classical activation of the alkyne by a single Au(I) species while the second one tackles the formation of a σ,π‐digold acetylide complex. Calculations identify both pathways as competitive although only mono Au(I) complexes can lead to final products, in good agreement with experimental observation. Further details on the importance of the presence of an excess of the protic nucleophile on the protodemetallation step and the final aminal formation is also discussed.