bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Varian’s SmartAdapt for clinical use in radiation therapy for patients with thoracic lesions
Authors: Vickress Jason , Rangel Baltazar Maria Alejandra , Afsharpour Hossein
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Deformable image registration (DIR) is a required tool in any adaptive radiotherapy program to help account for anatomical changes that occur during a multifraction treatment. SmartAdapt is a DIR tool from Varian incorporated within the eclipse treatment planning system, that can be used for contour propagation and transfer of PET, MRI, or computed tomography (CT) data. The purpose of this work is to evaluate the registration and contour propagation accuracy of SmartAdapt for thoracic CT studies using the guidelines from AAPM TG 132.

Methods

To evaluate the registration accuracy of SmartAdapt the mean target registration error (TRE) was measured for ten landmarked 4DCT images from the https://www.dir‐labs.com/ which included 300 landmarks matching the inspiration and expiration phase images. To further characterize the registration accuracy, the magnitude of deformation for each 4DCT was measured and compared against the mean TRE for each study.

Contour propagation accuracy was evaluated using 22 randomly selected lung cancer cases from our center where there was either a replan, or the patient was treated for a new lesion within the lung. Contours evaluated included the right and left lung, esophagus, spinal canal, heart and the GTV and the results were quantified using the DICE similarity coefficient.

Results

The mean TRE from all ten cases was 1.89 mm, the maximum mean TRE per case was 3.8 mm from case #8, which also had the most landmark pairs with displacements >2 cm. For contour propagation accuracy, the DICE coefficient results for left lung, right lung, heart, esophagus, and spinal canal were 0.93, 0.94, 0.90, 0.61, and 0.82 respectively.

Conclusion

The results from our study demonstrate that for thoracic images SmartAdapt in most cases will be accurate to below 2 mm in registration error unless there is deformation greater than 2 cm.
Laser‐Assisted Thermal Exposure Lithography: Arbitrary Feature Sizes
Authors: Wang Zhengwei , Zheng Jinlun , Chen Guodong , Zhang Kui , Wei Tao , Wang Yang , Liu Xing , Mo Zhichang , Gao Tianyu , Wen Ming , Wei Jingsong
Published: February 2021

In traditional optical exposure lithography, the feature size is restricted by the Abbe limit, and it is difficult to obtain patterns with a feature size smaller or larger than the optical spot itself. Herein, a laser‐assisted thermal exposure lithography technique is reported where the feature size can be arbitrarily tuned and changed, and is not limited to the spot size. The minimum feature size of the obtained patterns is 90 nm, which is ≈1/7 of the laser spot size (0.62 μm). The corresponding aspect ratio is ≈1:1. The maximum feature size is 2.7 μm, which is ≈30 times the minimum feature size. A variety of multiscale and multifunctional structures with different feature sizes are obtained successfully through a high‐speed laser‐assisted thermal exposure system, where the writing speed is more than 10 m s−1. This method offers a pathway for direct laser writing with arbitrary feature sizes, high throughput, and low cost.
Polymeric Antioxidant Materials for Treatment of Inflammatory Disorders
Authors: Yeo Jiwon , Lee Junseok , Lee Sanggi , Kim Won Jong
Published: February 2021

Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) play a key role in physiological conditions as signaling molecules for regulating homeostasis in the human body. However, abnormally increased RONS levels can damage DNA, protein, and tissue, or even impair cellular signaling. Consequently, when this state is present for a long time, it can lead to severe inflammatory disorders, such as lupus, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and neurodegenerative disorders. Although antioxidant therapies have been developed for a long time to treat acute or chronic inflammatory diseases, small molecule‐based antioxidants showed relatively low therapeutic effects due to rapid clearance and low stability in the bloodstream. As one of the solutions to overcome such limitations, incorporating polymers would provide enhanced blood stability, bioavailability, and even enhanced therapeutic effects. Herein, diverse polymeric antioxidant materials are introduced that are categorized into simple loading strategies and polymers with inherent antioxidative activity. Further, preclinical and clinical studies of polymeric antioxidant materials for anti‐inflammatory therapy are discussed and a better direction is provided for these to be pursued and improved in anti‐inflammatory therapy.
Fe‐Based Catalysts for the Direct Photohydrogenation of CO2 to Value‐Added Hydrocarbons
Authors: Li Zhenhua , Liu Jinjia , Shi Run , Waterhouse Geoffrey I. N. , Wen Xiao‐Dong , Zhang Tierui
Published: February 2021

The solar‐driven conversion of CO2 into carbon‐based fuels and other valuable chemical feedstocks is actively being pursued as an approach for curbing greenhouse gas emissions. Herein, a series of novel Fe‐based catalysts with different chemical compositions are successfully fabricated through the hydrogen reduction of MgFeAl‐layered double hydroxide nanosheets at temperatures from 300 to 700 °C. The catalysts obtained are denoted herein as Fe‐x, where x is the reduction temperature in celsius. Fe‐500 offers outstanding activity for the photothermal conversion of CO2 to C2+ hydrocarbons under ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐Vis) irradiation (CO2 conversion 50.1%, C2+ selectivity 52.9%). Characterization studies using X‐ray diffraction, extended X‐ray absorption fine structure, Mössbauer spectroscopy, and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy determine that the Fe‐500 catalyst is comprised of Fe and FeOx nanoparticles on a MgO–Al2O3 mixed metal oxide support. Density functional theory calculations establish that heterostructures consisting of partially oxidized metallic Fe nanoparticles improve the CC coupling ability of CO2 hydrogenation intermediates, thus enhancing the selectivity to C2+ products. This work introduces a novel photothermal hydrogenation strategy for converting CO2 into valuable chemicals and also opens new avenues toward the development of related solar energy utilization schemes.
Thirty‐six years of no‐tillage regime altered weed population dynamics in soybean
Authors: Govindasamy Prabhu , Sarangi Debalin , Provin Tony , Hons Frank , Bagavathiannan Muthukumar
Published: February 2021

Changes to tillage practices can impact weed species composition and population dynamics in arable fields. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the impact of long‐term (36 yr) no‐tillage (NT) and conventional‐tillage (CT) systems on weed species composition, density, seedling emergence, and diversity, in a continuous soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] system in Southeast Texas. Results from 2016 and 2017 observations showed that weed species composition varied between CT and NT, and the total density was greater in NT (14 and 86 plants m–2 for summer and winter annuals, respectively) compared to CT (3 and 45 plants m–2, respectively). Moreover, tall waterhemp [Amaranthus tuberculatus (Moq.) Sauer], prostrate spurge [Chamaesyce humistrata (Engelm. ex Gray) Small], and red sprangletop [Dinebra panicea (Retz.) P.M. Peterson & N. Snow] emergence was delayed in NT compared to CT. Vertical distribution (70‐cm depth) of viable weed seeds in the soil profile was also influenced by tillage regime; greater proportion of weed seeds were present on the soil surface (0–5 cm) in NT (57–80% among different species) compared to CT (38–56%). However, weed diversity indices did not differ between CT and NT. Results indicate that long‐term NT, even with herbicide management, can lead to greater weed densities with a shift towards small‐seeded annual species (common purslane [Portulaca oleraceae L.], parsley‐piert [Aphanes arvensis L.], cutleaf groundcherry [Physalis angulate L.]). Growers transitioning to NT should be cognizant of potential changes to weed population dynamics as a result of altered tillage regime and devise strategies for effective management.
Swine producer willingness to pay for Tier 1 disease risk mitigation under multifaceted ambiguity
Authors: Lee Jiwon , Schulz Lee L. , Tonsor Glynn T.
Published: February 2021

Understanding producers' risk perceptions of foreign animal diseases and their willingness to participate in prevention efforts is crucial for effective policymaking and communication strategies, yet there is limited empirical evidence to support initiatives. Using results from a 2017 survey of U.S. swine producers, we test whether producers' subjective risk perceptions affect their willingness to pay for interventions that could reduce potential foreign animal disease losses. Then, controlling for subjective risk perceptions, we determine the relative and total impacts of different representations of ambiguity on willingness to pay. Our results indicate that producers have a mean willingness to pay of $0.581 per pig per year. We find no difference in willingness to pay under alternative representations of ambiguity characterized by probability of occurrence, damage, and damage duration. Rather, a producer with a higher subjective belief in the probability of a foreign animal disease outbreak in the U.S. swine industry, a higher level of formal education, operating as a contractor or integrator, and owning a truck‐wash has a higher willingness to pay. Also, the number of market hogs sold annually is an important determinant of willingness to pay for foreign animal disease risk mitigation. [EconLit citations: D81, Q11, Q18]
Expanding the Structural Diversity of Protein Building Blocks with Noncanonical Amino Acids Biosynthesized from Aromatic Thiols
Authors: Wang Yong , Chen Xiaoxu , Cai Wenkang , Tan Linzhi , Yu Yutong , Han Boyang , Li Yuxuan , Xie Yuanzhe , Su Yeyu , Luo Xiaozhou , Liu Tao
Published: February 2021

Incorporation of structurally novel noncanonical amino acids (ncAAs) into proteins is valuable for both scientific and biomedical applications. To expand the structural diversity of available ncAAs and to reduce the burden of chemically synthesizing them, we have developed a general and simple biosynthetic method for genetically encoding novel ncAAs into recombinant proteins by feeding cells with economical commercially available or synthetically accessible aromatic thiols. We demonstrate that nearly 50 ncAAs with a diverse array of structures can be biosynthesized from these simple small‐molecule precursors by hijacking the cysteine biosynthetic enzymes, and the resulting ncAAs can subsequently be incorporated into proteins via an expanded genetic code. Moreover, we demonstrate that bioorthogonal reactive groups such as aromatic azides and aromatic ketones can be incorporated into green fluorescent protein or a therapeutic antibody with high yields, allowing for subsequent chemical conjugation.
The scattering of scalar fields in the Newtonian approximation
Authors: Chen Jian‐Ling , Gao Zhi‐Fu , Li Yong‐Hong , Ma Zi‐Wei
Published: February 2021

In this paper, by using a perturbation theory, we evaluate the scattering solution to Schrödinger equation under the Newtonian gravitational potential. We find that the scattering amplitude f(θ) depends on the potential U, which is composed of the external part Uex and the internal part Uin, respectively. The above results are related to the mass density of a rotating Maclaurin spheroid. In the future, we will further analyze the sensitivity of scattering amplitude to the change of average mass density of the spheroid.
Synthesis of Idebenonyl Ester Prodrugs and Their Evaluation of Cancer Cells In Vitro
Authors: Bae Song Mi , Choi Se Myeong , Won Yeong‐seon , Seo Kwon‐il , Jung Dai il , Song Ju Hyun , Cho Jong Hyun
Published: February 2021

Esterification of idebenone with commercially available straight‐chain aliphatic acids, branched‐chain aliphatic acids, aromatic acids, or nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs afforded their corresponding idebenonyl esters (5a–k) in good yield. The values of cell viability for RC‐58T cell at 50 μM were 86.3% for 5a, 75.9% for 5b, 23.4% for 5d, 61.2% for 5f, 67.9% for 5h, 70.6% for 5i, and 49.0% for 5j.
Multidisciplinary Treatment of Deep Non‐Carious Cervical Lesion With a CAD/CAM Chairside Restoration in Combination With Periodontal Surgery: A 60‐Month Follow‐Up Technique Report
Authors: Durán Juan C. , Alarcón Carolina , De la Jara Dolores , Pino Rodrigo , Lanis Alejandro
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Restoring function and esthetics are essential aspects of periodontology and restorative dentistry. Depending on their extension and the tissues involved, the treatment of non‐carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) associated with gingival recessions may require a multidisciplinary approach, and different periodontal and restorative techniques have been described.

Case Presentation

This case report presents an innovative approach to treat a deep NCCL combined with a gingival recession in a canine region of a female patient.

A Computer Aided Design – Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) chairside ceramic restoration in combination with mucogingival surgery procedures is described. A comprehensive analysis of the selected approach and its clinical implications is presented based on a 60‐month follow‐up.

Conclusions

After 60‐month follow‐up, clinical condition maintained stable, and a successful esthetic outcome was accomplished. Complete root coverage was achieved and kept throughout the whole period of tracing.
A Structural View on the Stereospecificity of Plant Borneol‐Type Dehydrogenases
Authors: Chánique Andrea M. , Dimos Nicole , Drienovská Ivana , Calderini Elia , Pantín Mónica P. , Helmer Carl P. O. , Hofer Michael , Sieber Volker , Parra Loreto P. , Loll Bernhard , Kourist Robert
Published: February 2021

The development of sustainable processes for the valorization of byproducts and other waste streams remains an ongoing challenge in the field of catalysis. Racemic borneol, isoborneol and camphor are currently produced from α‐pinene, a side product from the production of cellulose. The pure enantiomers of these monoterpenoids have numerous applications in cosmetics and act as reagents for asymmetric synthesis, making an enzymatic route for their separation into optically pure enantiomers a desirable goal. Known short‐chain borneol‐type dehydrogenases (BDHs) from plants and bacteria lack the required specificity, stability or activity for industrial utilization. Prompted by reports on the presence of pure (−)‐borneol and (−)‐camphor in essential oils from rosemary, we set out to investigate dehydrogenases from the genusSalviaand discovered a dehydrogenase with high specificity (E>120) and high specific activity (>0.02 U mg−1) for borneol and isoborneol. Compared to other specific dehydrogenases, the one reported here shows remarkably higher stability, which was exploited to obtain the first three‐dimensional structure of an enantiospecific borneol‐type short‐chain dehydrogenase. This, together with docking studies, led to the identification of a hydrophobic pocket in the enzyme that plays a crucial role in the stereo discrimination of bornane‐type monoterpenoids. The kinetic resolution of borneol and isoborneol can be easily integrated into the existing synthetic route from α‐pinene to camphor thereby allowing the facile synthesis of optically pure monoterpenols from an abundant renewable source.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Novel Ring‐Strained Noncanonical Amino Acids for Residue‐Specific Bioorthogonal Reactions in Living Cells
Authors: Reinkemeier Christopher D. , Koehler Christine , Sauter Paul F. , Shymanska Nataliia V. , Echalier Cecile , Rutkowska Anna , Will David W. , Schultz Carsten , Lemke Edward A.
Published: February 2021

Bioorthogonal reactions are ideally suited to selectively modify proteins in complex environments, even in vivo. Kinetics and product stability of these reactions are crucial parameters to evaluate their usefulness for specific applications. Strain promoted inverse electron demand Diels–Alder cycloadditions (SPIEDAC) between tetrazines and strained alkenes or alkynes are particularly popular, as they allow ultrafast labeling inside cells. In combination with genetic code expansion (GCE)‐a method that allows to incorporate noncanonical amino acids (ncAAs) site‐specifically into proteins in vivo. These reactions enable residue‐specific fluorophore attachment to proteins in living mammalian cells. Several SPIEDAC capable ncAAs have been presented and studied under diverse conditions, revealing different instabilities ranging from educt decomposition to product loss due to β‐elimination. To identify which compounds yield the best labeling inside living mammalian cells has frequently been difficult. In this study we present a) the synthesis of four new SPIEDAC reactive ncAAs that cannot undergo β‐elimination and b) a fluorescence flow cytometry based FRET‐assay to measure reaction kinetics inside living cells. Our results, which at first sight can be seen conflicting with some other studies, capture GCE‐specific experimental conditions, such as long‐term exposure of the ring‐strained ncAA to living cells, that are not taken into account in other assays.
Sol−Gel Processing of Water‐Soluble Carbon Nitride Enables High‐Performance Photoanodes**
Authors: Adler Christiane , Krivtsov Igor , Mitoraj Dariusz , dos Santos‐Gómez Lucía , García‐Granda Santiago , Neumann Christof , Kund Julian , Kranz Christine , Mizaikoff Boris , Turchanin Andrey , Beranek Radim
Published: February 2021

In spite of the enormous promise that polymeric carbon nitride (PCN) materials hold for various applications, the fabrication of high‐quality, binder‐free PCN films and electrodes has been a largely elusive goal to date. Here, we tackle this challenge by devising, for the first time, a water‐based sol−gel approach that enables facile preparation of thin films based on poly(heptazine imide) (PHI), a polymer belonging to the PCN family. The sol−gel process capitalizes on the use of a water‐soluble PHI precursor that allows formation of a non‐covalent hydrogel. The hydrogel can be deposited on conductive substrates, resulting in formation of mechanically stable polymeric thin layers. The resulting photoanodes exhibit unprecedented photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance in alcohol reforming and highly selective (∼100 %) conversions with very high photocurrents (>0.25 mA cm−2 under 2 sun) down to <0 V vs. RHE. This enables even effective PEC operation under zero‐bias conditions and represents the very first example of a ‘soft matter’‐based PEC system capable of bias‐free photoreforming. The robust binder‐free films derived from sol−gel processing of water‐soluble PCN thus constitute a new paradigm for high‐performance ‘soft matter’ photoelectrocatalytic systems and pave the way for further applications in which high‐quality PCN films are required.
How good are clinicians in predicting the presence ofPseudomonasspp. in diabetic foot infections? A prospective clinical evaluation
Authors: Uçkay Ilker , Holy Dominique , Schöni Madlaina , Waibel Felix W. A. , Trache Tudor , Burkhard Jan , Böni Thomas , Lipsky Benjamin A. , Berli Martin C.
Published: February 2021

Introduction

The most frequently prescribed empirical antibiotic agents for mild and moderate diabetic foot infections (DFIs) are amino‐penicillins and second‐generation cephalosporins that do not coverPseudomonasspp. Many clinicians believe they can predict the involvement ofPseudomonasin a DFI by visual and/or olfactory clues, but no data support this assertion.

Methods

In this prospective observational study, we separately asked 13 experienced (median 11 years) healthcare workers whether they thought thePseudomonasspp. would be implicated in the DFI. Their predictions were compared with the results of cultures of deep/intraoperative specimens and/or the clinical remission of DFI achieved with antibiotic agents that did not coverPseudomonas.

Results

Among 221 DFI episodes in 88 individual patients, intraoperative tissue cultures grewPseudomonasin 22 cases (10%, including six bone samples). The presence ofPseudomonaswas correctly predicted with a sensitivity of 0.32, specificity of 0.84, positive predictive value of 0.18 and negative predictive value 0.92. Despite two feedbacks of the interim results and a 2‐year period, the clinicians' predictive performance did not improve.

Conclusion

The combined visual and olfactory performance of experienced clinicians in predicting the presence ofPseudomonasin a DFI was moderate, with better specificity than sensitivity, and did not improve over time. Further investigations are needed to determine whether clinicians should use a negative prediction of the presence ofPseudomonasin a DFI, especially in settings with a high prevalence of pseudomonal DFIs.
N,N,N′,N′‐Tetrakis(3‐isoquinolylmethyl)‐2,6‐lutidylenediamine (3‐isoTQLN): A Fluorescent Zn2+/Cd2+ Dual Sensor as a Hybrid of 2‐Quinolyl/1‐Isoquionolyl Counterparts TQLN/1‐isoTQLN
Authors: Mikata Yuji , Takekoshi Ayaka , Kaneda Minori , Yonemura Shizuka , Aono Yuri , Matsumoto Arimasa , Konno Hideo , Burdette Shawn C.
Published: February 2021

Fluorescence detection of Zn2+ and Cd2+ is of continuing interest due to their significant importance in biological and environmental sciences. Strict discrimination of Zn2+ and Cd2+ by fluorescent probe molecules has still been a challenging task because of the small difference in ionic radii of these group 12 metal ions. In this study, three heptadentate fluorescent probes with a common 2,6‐lutidylenediamine core and four quinoline/isoquinoline sidearms are presented. The N,N,N′,N′‐tetrakis(2‐quinolylmethyl)‐2,6‐lutidylenediamine (TQLN) exhibits Zn2+‐specific fluorescence enhancement via an excimer formation, while the N,N,N′,N′‐tetrakis(1‐isoquinolylmethyl)‐2,6‐lutidylenediamine (1‐isoTQLN) responds specifically to Cd2+ at the short wavelength region by monomer emission. The N,N,N′,N′‐tetrakis(3‐isoquinolylmethyl)‐2,6‐lutidylenediamine (3‐isoTQLN) responds to both Zn2+ and Cd2+ at different emission wavelengths, acting as a dual sensor with hybrid properties of TQLN and 1‐isoTQLN. Methoxy‐substituted derivatives of 1‐ and 3‐isoTQLN were also examined.
Symptom profiles and treatment status of older adults with chronic post‐traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Rutherford Bret R. , Zilcha‐Mano Sigal , Chrisanthopolous Marika , Salzman Chloe , Zhu Carlen , Cimino Nicolas , Yehuda Rachel , Neria Yuval , Roose Steven P.
Published: February 2021

Objective

Failure to diagnose and treat post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may help explain the substantial disability, increased cognitive decline, and adverse health outcomes suffered by older adults with this disorder. To evaluate this possibility, we examined symptom differences among older and younger individuals with PTSD and measured the frequency with which older adults receive standard of care treatment.

Methods

Clinician‐Administered PTSD Scale for DSM (CAPS) scores were compared between younger and older adults with PTSD. Profiles were calculated for the most dominant CAPS symptom cluster reported by each participant, and the age cutoff best differentiating symptom clusters between individuals was determined. Clinical interview data (older adult sample only) were evaluated by trained raters to determine rates at which PTSD participants accessed treatment.

Results

Among 108 individuals with PTSD, 69% of participants <67 years old had Criterion C (avoidance) symptoms as the most dominant cluster compared to 39% of participants ≥67 (p = 0.016). Eight percent of participants <67 years had Criterion E (hyperarousal) symptoms as the most dominant cluster compared to 30% of participants ≥67 (p = 0.016). Less than 25% of the older adults (N = 53 subsample) were receiving a first‐line pharmacotherapy option for PTSD, and 0% of participants were currently participating in an evidence‐based psychotherapy for PTSD.

Conclusions

Clinicians evaluating patients should be aware that different symptom profiles may be present between younger and older adults with PTSD. Despite their high risk for adverse neuropsychiatric and other health consequences, older adults with PTSD appear to infrequently receive first‐line clinical treatment.
Magnet effects of circuit breakers in electronic order‐driven markets: Evidence from China
Authors: Xiang Cheng , Lu Jing
Published: February 2021

Since the American stock market crash of 1987, circuit breakers have been used worldwide to protect markets against extreme concentrated volatility. The true effects of circuit breakers, however, remain controversial. We investigate four circuit‐breaker triggering events in early 2016 in China's A‐share market to examine the magnet effects of market‐wide circuit breakers. By performing more than 150,000 logit regressions on more than 30 million observations obtained from firm‐level tick‐by‐tick trading data, we find that the prices of A‐shares tend to fall further when the market approaches its downward breaker limits, which is consistent with the magnet effects hypothesis. The second layer of the breaker, which halts all trading for the rest of the day, induces larger magnet effects than the first layer, which suspends trading for 15 minutes. Our results remain robust after controlling for the potential magnet effects of firm‐specific price limits and the intraday momentum effects of positive feedback trading. Stocks with higher risk, higher attention, and lower liquidity are significantly more affected by magnet effects, while constituent stocks of the CSI 300, the designated benchmark market index of circuit breakers, are insignificantly less affected.
The impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on maternal mortality in Brazil: 523 maternal deaths by acute respiratory distress syndrome potentially associated with SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Nakamura‐Pereira Marcos , Knobel Roxana , Menezes Mariane O. , Andreucci Carla B. , Takemoto Maíra L. S.
Published: February 2021

Synopsis

During the study period, 523 pregnant or postpartum women died in Brazil due to confirmed COVID‐19 or undetermined etiology. This results in a projected COVID‐19 MMR of 17.5/100 000 or potentially even higher.
Front Cover Image
Authors: Zhao Xin‐Gang , Shi Zhiming , Wang Xinjiang , Zou Hongshuai , Fu Yuhao , Zhang Lijun
Published: February 2021

The easy transferability and feasible epitaxial growth of two‐dimensional semiconductors pave a promising way to further tune their optoelectronic properties by constructing van der Waals heterostructures. The authors herein performed a high‐throughput first‐principles study of electronic structure and optical properties of the layer‐by‐layer stacking heterostructing superlattices of two‐dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides. The indirect‐to‐direct band‐gap transition or even semiconductor‐to‐metal transition can be realized by varying component compositions of superlattices. The results provide useful guidance for engineering optoelectronic properties by forming heterostructures and superlattices in two‐dimensional semiconductors. (DOI: 10.1002/inf2.12155)

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Selective growths of single‐walled carbon nanotubes from mesoporous supports via CO disproportionation
Authors: Luo Yi‐Chia , Fu Yu‐Cian , Yann Hung , Mou Chung‐Yuan , Liu Yi‐Hsin
Published: February 2021

Mesopore‐confined cobalt catalysts are prepared to control diameters and chirality of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) via CO disproportionation. Here, we demonstrate four synthetic strategies of growing semiconducting as well as metallic SWCNTs catalyzed by the cobalt nanoparticles with defined locations and sizes. Co‐condensation (catalyst‐1,3) processes provide constrained environment for small catalysts that grow uniform diameters (0.82–0.83 nm) of (7,5) and (8,4) semiconducting SWCNTs. Alternatively, surface‐grafting (catalyst‐2) and ion‐exchange processes (catalyst‐4) provide spacious mesopores toward formation of poly‐dispersed catalysts that grow a mixture of SWCNTs with wide‐range diameter distributions (0.83, 1.2–1.34 nm). Raman and photoluminescence excitation rationally correlate Raman breathing mode vibration to individual chirality and diameters of these SWCNTs. Informative in situ X‐ray absorption experiments reveal H2‐pretreatment (300–700°C) effects toward different oxidation states, bond distances, and coordination numbers of the cobalt catalysts. The CO disproportionation (6 atm, 800°C) reaction provides suitable confined growth of SWCNTs via co‐condensation of cobalt catalysts into mesoporous materials.
Understanding the relationship between negative emotional eating and binge eating: The moderating effects of acting with awareness and non‐reactive mindfulness
Authors: Barnhart Wesley R. , Braden Abby L. , Dial Lauren A.
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Negative emotional eating and binge eating are positively related, occur in diverse populations, and may be driven by similar mechanisms. Mindfulness facets such as acting with awareness, describe, non‐judgement, non‐reactive, and observe may moderate the relationship between these maladaptive eating phenotypes.

Method

A cross‐sectional study assessed emotional eating‐depression (Emotional Eating Scale‐Revised, depression subscale), trait mindfulness facets (Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire‐Short Form), and binge eating severity (Binge Eating Scale) in adults (N = 258).

Results

Emotional eating‐depression was less strongly associated with binge eating severity in participants with higher acting with awareness mindfulness. Emotional eating‐depression was more strongly associated with binge eating severity in participants with higher non‐reactive mindfulness.

Conclusions

Acting with awareness and non‐reactive mindfulness may be important treatment targets in concurrent presentations of emotional eating‐depression and binge eating.
“I had hope. I loved this city once.”: A mixed methods study of hope within the context of poverty
Authors: Clark Rachael S. , Stubbeman Bobbie L.
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this emergent mixed methods study was to measure hope in individuals living in poverty and to explore potential contextual influences on hope. We used a sequential mixed methods study in which the quantitative phase was administered first followed by a qualitative phase. Participants in impoverished areas scored higher in hope than a comparison group of university students. In a follow‐up qualitative phase, participants named contributors to and detractors from hope that included experiences driven by environmental factors. Findings were organized according to Ecological Systems Theory (EST). Participants named factors from all levels of EST, and interactions between levels were evident. These results and findings support the inclusion of relevant contextual factors in psychological inquiry, and we suggest deliberate inclusion of individuals from all socioeconomic groups in future positive psychological research.
Connection of COX‐2 variants to ankylosing spondylitis susceptibility
Authors: Liu Hongyun , Wang Bin , Zhang Qiliang
Published: February 2021

This study aimed to explore the associations of COX‐2 polymorphisms rs5275, rs20417, and rs2745557 with the susceptibility to ankylosing spondylitis among Chinese Han people. Polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR/RFLP) was adopted for genotyping COX‐2 polymorphisms rs5275, rs20417, and rs2745557 among 109 AS patients and 122 healthy controls. Genotype distribution in the control group was examined for these three polymorphisms to test whether it conformed to Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) expectation. A χ2‐test was employed to compare genotype and allele frequencies between the two groups. Besides this, logistic regression analyses were also performed to adjust age and gender. A p less than .05 represented a significant level. Genotype distribution of our studied polymorphisms showed fine conformity to HWE in the controls. An increasing effect on AS risk was detected for the polymorphism rs5275 under GG versus AA contrast (crude: OR, 3.040; 95% CI, 1.015–9.104), and the adjustment for age and gender did not change such a relationship (adjusted OR, 3.307; 95% CI, 1.065–10.268). After adjusting age and gender, both polymorphisms of rs20417 and rs2745557 demonstrated a negative relationship with the disease susceptibility. The GC genotype and C allele of rs20417 reduced the disease risk to 0.248 (adjusted: 95% CI, 0.089–0.692) and 0.269 (95% CI, 0.098–0.733), respectively, while the AA genotype and A allele of the latter to 0.413 (adjusted: 95% CI, 0.191–0.893) and 0.676 (adjusted: 95% CI, 0.466–0.981), respectively. Among Chinese Han people, COX‐2 polymorphism rs5275 may contribute to increased risk of developing AS, while the polymorphisms rs20417 and rs2745557 may offer protection against disease incidence.
Cerebellopontine Angle and Internal Auditory Canal Lipomas: Case Series and Systematic Review
Authors: Totten Douglas J. , Manzoor Nauman F. , Perkins Elizabeth L. , Labadie Robert F. , Bennett Marc L. , Haynes David S.
Published: February 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

Cerebellopontine angle (CPA) and internal auditory canal (IAC) lipomas are rare, benign tumors comprising 0.08% of all intracranial tumors and can be mistaken for other, more common lesions of the CPA/IAC such as vestibular schwannoma. The purpose of this study was to review the literature and assess the evolution of CPA/IAC lipoma diagnosis and management. In addition, we present 17 new lipomas, matching the largest known case series of this rare tumor.

Study Design

Retrospective case series and systematic review.

Methods

Systematic review of the literature was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar. References from identified articles were also reviewed to identify potential additional manuscripts. Manuscripts and abstracts were reviewed to identify unique cases. For the case series, the charts of all CPA/IAC lipoma patients seen at a single institution from 2006–2019 were manually reviewed. Logistic regression and chi‐squared analysis were performed where appropriate.

Results

A total of 219 unique lipomas have been reported in the literature, including 17 presented in this study. Surgical management has been performed in 46% of cases and has been conducted less often in recent decades, likely due to improved radiographic diagnostic capabilities and understanding of surgical outcomes. Surgical management is associated with worse neurologic outcomes (P = .002) and has become less common in recent decades. Although growth is unlikely, it has been demonstrated in patients into their 30s.

Conclusions

Accurate radiographic diagnosis is imperative for appropriate patient management, as CPA/IAC lipomas should typically be managed through observation and serial imaging whereas vestibular schwannomas and other CPA/IAC lesions may require microsurgical or radiosurgical intervention depending on growth and symptomatology. Laryngoscope, 131:2081–2087, 2021
A robust model predictive control framework for the regulation of anesthesia process with Propofol
Authors: Ntouskas Sotiris , Sarimveis Haralambos
Published: February 2021

In this work, we present a robust Model Predictive Control (MPC) strategy based on linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) for the intravenous administration of Propofol, a drug which is used for anesthesia during surgeries. The controller is designed for a population of patients and takes into account constraints on the amount of administered drug and on the drug concentration profile. A detailed compartmental mathematical model available in the literature is adjusted to the available data and provides the future predictions of the process. In the context of the application, only the depth of anesthesia (BIS index) is assumed to be measured—as it is common in practice. The state of the system (drug amount in organs) is estimated in real‐time by incorporating a state observer. The derived control scheme, along with the designed state observer are able to deal with major challenges in controlling the depth of anesthesia which are inter‐ and intra‐patient variability, model nonlinearity, and model uncertainty. The controller is able to satisfy the divergent characteristics of the patients of the dataset, while satisfying in parallel all the imposed constraints. Moreover, we show that by considering smaller groups of patients with similar characteristics the corresponding responses are significantly improved.
Heavy Chalcogenide‐Based Ionic Liquids in Syntheses of Metal Chalcogenide Materials near Room Temperature
Authors: Guschlbauer Jannick , Sundermeyer Jörg
Published: February 2021

This minireview describes two strategically different and unexplored approaches to use ionic liquids (IL) containing weakly solvated and highly reactive chalcogenide anions [E‐SiMe3]− and [E−H]− of the heavy chalcogens (E=S, Se, Te) in materials synthesis near room temperature. The first strategy involves the synthesis of unprecedented trimethylsilyl chalcogenido metalates Cat+[M(E‐SiMe3)n]− (Cat=organic IL cation) of main group and transition metals (M=Ga, In, Sn, Zn, Cu, Ag, Au). These fully characterized homoleptic metalates serve as thermally metastable precursors in low‐temperature syntheses of binary, ternary and even quaternary chalcogenide materials such as CIGS and CZTS relevant for semiconductor and photovoltaics (PV) applications. Furthermore, thermally and protolytically metastable coinage metalates Cat+[M(ESiMe3)2]− (M=Cu, Ag, Au; E=S, Se) are accessible. Finally, the use of precursors BMPyr[E‐SiMe3] (E=Se,Te; BMPyr=1‐butyl‐1‐methylpyrrolidinium) as sources of activated selenium and tellurium in the synthesis of high‐grade thermoelectric nanoparticles Bi2Se3 and Bi2Te3 is shortly highlighted. The second synthesis strategy involves the metalation of ionic liquids Cat[S−H] and Cat[Se−H] by protolytically highly active metal alkyls or amides RnM. This rather general approach towards unknown chalcogenido metalates Catm[Rn‐1M(E)]m (E=S, Se) will be demonstrated in a research paper following this short review head‐to‐tail.
Impact of economic policy uncertainty on dividend decision: A moderating role of board financial expertise
Authors: Sarwar Bushra , Hassan Marria
Published: February 2021

Increased competition in the world of emerging financial markets has highlighted the need for more strategic and far‐sighted decisions. Living in a constrained economy investor has always been sensitive about the dividend patterns offered by the firm. Current study focuses on the moderating role of board financial expertise (BFE) on dividend decision of the firm during economic policy uncertainty (EPU), by taking data for 517 nonfinancial listed firms from year 2007–2015. Study presents its empirical model in two forms based on dividend initiation (Di) by nondividend payer firms and dividend termination (Dt) by already dividend paying firms during EPU. Logit model was employed to access the effect of explanatory variables on the probability of terminating the dividend by dividend payers and probability of initiating the dividend by nondividend payers during EPU. The results indicate that firms terminate dividend at the time of uncertainty, but when BFE was introduced as a moderator, previously nonpayer firms initiate dividend and previously payer firms sustain dividends payments at the time of EPU that remains robust with the inclusion of additional CEO level and corporate governance variables. Study further confirms during the EPU, dividend decisions in turn significantly affect firm value as supported by expectancy theory. Results suggest that BFE can be an important signal for keen market participants in deciding future dimensions of a firm.
Who knows, who cares? Untangling ecological knowledge and nature connection among Amazonian colonist farmers
Authors: Mikołajczak Katarzyna , Lees Alexander C. , Barlow Jos , Sinclair Frazer , Trindade de Almeida Oriana , Souza Agnis C. , Parry Luke
Published: February 2021

Conservationists often assume that connection with and caring about nature's well‐being is strongly linked to ecological knowledge. Existing evidence on the link between ecological knowledge and psychological nature connection is mixed, geographically limited to countries in the Global North, and does not scrutinise potential differences in determinants of ecological knowledge and nature connection.

We investigate the relationship between psychological nature connection and ecological knowledge of local bird species, and assess their associations with potential drivers, including access to, contact with, and reliance on nature and socio‐demographic characteristics. Our study is carried among a novel participant population of colonist farmers living along a major deforestation frontier in the Brazilian Amazon.

Our study context has high conservation relevance and provides an ideal setting to assess the extent to which conservation psychology's insights from the Global North hold true elsewhere. Tropical farm‐forest frontiers suffer from intense habitat and biodiversity loss, and farmers with migrant origins are important yet rarely studied conservation stakeholders. Importantly, farmers' experiences of nature are likely to vary considerably due to the wide range of socio‐demographic, economic, geographical and cultural diversity.

Interviewees scored highly on two indices of nature connection, but scores were higher among older people and those with greater contact with nature. Bird identification knowledge was generally low to moderate, and higher among men and younger people. Species more frequently recognised were regionally common, larger‐bodied or associated with non‐forest habitats.

Ecological knowledge of birds and nature connection were not correlated, and they did not have any predictors in common. Our results indicate that colonist farmers are capable of forming strong connections with nature, even if they rarely possess detailed knowledge of local forest biodiversity. Considering the complex and apparently context‐dependent relationship between knowing and caring about nature, it is unwise to assume that changing one would automatically affect the other.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Characterization of the Hexanitrate Esters of Sugar Alcohols
Authors: McLennan Lindsay , Brown‐Nash Audreyana , Busby Taylor , Canaria Jeffrey , Kominia Athina , Smith James L. , Oxley Jimmie C. , Dubnikov Faina , Kosloff Ronnie , Zeiri Yehuda
Published: February 2021

The hexanitrates of the six‐carbon sugars mannitol and sorbitol were prepared and studied to gain insight in their relative stabilities. Synthesis and characterization of these materials resulted in the identification of two new crystalline polymorphs, one for each hexanitrate. Mannitol hexanitrate (MHN) exposed to elevated temperatures exhibited a different structure when measured by x‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy; however, no differences were observed in the thermal behavior. Sorbitol hexanitrate (SHN) has two distinct crystalline polymorphs that result in different melting behavior and differences in Raman and XRD. Thermal stability of these hexanitrates was also examined; despite being isomers, SHN and MHN differ in their long‐term thermal stability.
New insights into the role of the Nrf2 signaling pathway in green tea catechin applications
Authors: Talebi Marjan , Talebi Mohsen , Farkhondeh Tahereh , Mishra Gaurav , İlgün Selen , Samarghandian Saeed
Published: February 2021

Nuclear factor‐erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcriptional signaling pathway that plays a crucial role in numerous clinical complications. Pivotal roles of Nrf2 have been proved in cancer, autoimmune diseases, neurodegeneration, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, renal injuries, respiratory conditions, gastrointestinal disturbances, and general disorders related to oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, gelatinolysis, autophagy, and fibrogenesis processes. Green tea catechins as a rich source of phenolic compounds can deal with various clinical problems and manifestations. In this review, we attempted to focus on intervention between green tea catechins and Nrf2. Green tea catechins especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) elucidated the protective role of Nrf2 and its downstream molecules in various disorders through Keap‐1, HO‐1, NQO‐1, GPx, GCLc, GCLm, NF‐kB cross‐link, kinases, and apoptotic proteins. Subsequently, we compiled an updated expansions of the Nrf2 role as a gate to manage and protect different disorders and feasible indications of green tea catechins through this signaling pathway. The present review highlighted recent evidence‐based data in silico, in vitro, and in vivo studies on an outline for future clinical trials.
Synergies of Fe Single Atoms and Clusters on N‐Doped Carbon Electrocatalyst for pH‐Universal Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Liu Mengjie , Lee Jeongyeon , Yang Tsung‐Cheng , Zheng Fangyuan , Zhao Jiong , Yang Chia‐Min , Lee Lawrence Yoon Suk
Published: February 2021

Single atomic metal–N–C materials have attracted immense interest as promising candidates to replace noble metal‐based electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The coordination environment of metal–N–C active centers plays a critical role in determining their catalytic activity and durability, however, attention is focused only on the coordination of metal atoms. Herein, Fe single atoms and clusters co‐embedded in N‐doped carbon (Fe/NC) that deliver the synergistic enhancement in pH‐universal ORR catalysis via the four‐electron pathway are reported. Combining a series of experimental and computational analyses, the geometric and electronic structures of catalytic sites in Fe/NC are revealed and the neighboring Fe clusters are shown to weaken the binding energies of the ORR intermediates on Fe–N sites, hence enhancing both catalytic kinetics and thermodynamics. This strategy provides new insights into the understanding of the mechanism of single atom catalysis.
Kreuzfahrtterminal Warnemünde: Abfertigung, kommunale Nutzung, Landmark
Authors: Fourmont Marcus , Mennenga Haiko
Published: February 2021

Die steigenden Schiffsanläufe und Passagierzahlen in Rostock‐Warnemünde, einem der bedeutendsten Standorte für den Kreuzfahrttourismus im Ostseeraum, erforderten eine Erweiterung und Modernisierung der Infrastruktur. Das neue Cruise‐Terminal wurde 2020 eröffnet. Trotz der in diesem Jahr geringeren Auslastung durch die weltweite Corona‐Pandemie bleibt die Nachfrage und Prognose für den Ostseeraum hoch. Die Gestaltung des Gebäudes folgt den Anforderungen der unterschiedlichen Nutzungen im Jahresverlauf als EU‐Außengrenze und kommunaler Veranstaltungsraum. Die Windlasten waren aufgrund der exponierten Lage in unmittelbarer Küstennähe sowie durch die Position der Schiffe im Bezug zum Gebäude versuchsgestützt zu ermitteln. Der gewünschte repräsentative Charakter des Gebäudes, kombiniert mit einer komplizierten Gründungssituation, erzeugt ein außergewöhnliches Tragwerk in Stahlbauweise. In diesem Beitrag wird detailliert auf die anspruchsvolle Tragwerksplanung eingegangen.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of $$T_2$$- and Diffusion Anisotropy Using a Tiltable Receive Coil
Authors: Tax Chantal M. W. , Kleban Elena , Baraković Muhamed , Chamberland Maxime , Jones Derek K.
Published: February 2021

The anisotropic microstructure of white matter is reflected in various MRI contrasts. Transverse relaxation rates can be probed as a function of fibre-orientation with respect to the main magnetic field, while diffusion properties are probed as a function of fibre-orientation with respect to an encoding gradient. While the latter is easy to obtain by varying the orientation of the gradient, as the magnetic field is fixed, obtaining the former requires re-orienting the head. In this work we deployed a tiltable RF-coil to study$$T_2$$T2- and diffusional anisotropy of the brain white matter simultaneously in diffusion-$$T_2$$T2correlation experiments.