bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detectability of cerebellar activity with magnetoencephalography and electroencephalography
Authors: Samuelsson John G. , Sundaram Padmavathi , Khan Sheraz , Sereno Martin I. , Hämäläinen Matti S.
Published: March 2020

Electrophysiological signals from the cerebellum have traditionally been viewed as inaccessible to magnetoencephalography (MEG) and electroencephalography (EEG). Here, we challenge this position by investigating the ability of MEG and EEG to detect cerebellar activity using a model that employs a high‐resolution tessellation of the cerebellar cortex. The tessellation was constructed from repetitive high‐field (9.4T) structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of an ex vivo human cerebellum. A boundary‐element forward model was then used to simulate the M/EEG signals resulting from neural activity in the cerebellar cortex. Despite significant signal cancelation due to the highly convoluted cerebellar cortex, we found that the cerebellar signal was on average only 30–60% weaker than the cortical signal. We also made detailed M/EEG sensitivity maps and found that MEG and EEG have highly complementary sensitivity distributions over the cerebellar cortex. Based on previous fMRI studies combined with our M/EEG sensitivity maps, we discuss experimental paradigms that are likely to offer high M/EEG sensitivity to cerebellar activity. Taken together, these results show that cerebellar activity should be clearly detectable by current M/EEG systems with an appropriate experimental setup.
Factors affecting swallowing outcomes after total laryngectomy: Participant self‐report using the swallowing outcomes after laryngectomy questionnaire
Authors: Lee Mary T. , Govender Roganie , Roy Penny J. , Vaz Francis , Hilari Katerina
Published: March 2020

Background

Little is known about what factors affect patient‐reported swallowing outcome after total laryngectomy. We explored whether patient demographics, surgical variables, use of adjuvant treatment, and time since surgery were associated with patient‐reported swallowing outcome.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study of laryngectomees in eight UK hospitals. Demographic, treatment, and surgical variables were drawn from medical notes. The swallowing outcomes after laryngectomy (SOAL) questionnaire captured perceived swallowing outcome.

Results

Two hundred and twenty one participants had complete data on treatment‐related variables. In regression analysis, having a free jejunum flap repair and requiring chemoradiation were the only two variables that added significantly to the model of worse self‐reported swallowing outcome (R2 adjusted = .23, P < .001).

Conclusion

The SOAL is a sensitive measure of self‐reported swallowing outcome after laryngectomy. Type of surgical closure and the type of additional treatment influenced the swallowing outcome reported by patients. Changes in perceived swallowing function need to be routinely evaluated to inform clinical decision‐making and intervention.
Overview of computational models of hippocampus and related structures: Introduction to the special issue
Authors: Hasselmo Michael E. , Alexander Andrew S. , Dannenberg Holger , Newman Ehren L.
Published: March 2020

Extensive computational modeling has focused on the hippocampal formation and associated cortical structures. This overview describes some of the factors that have motivated the strong focus on these structures, including major experimental findings and their impact on computational models. This overview provides a framework for describing the topics addressed by individual articles in this special issue of the journal Hippocampus.
The association of clinically determined periodontal disease and edentulism with total cancer mortality: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III
Authors: Huang Yuhan , Michaud Dominique S. , Lu Jiayun , Platz Elizabeth A.
Published: March 2020

Increasing evidence supports a positive association between periodontal disease and total cancer risk. We evaluated the association of clinically assessed periodontal disease and a consequence, edentulism with total cancer mortality in participants without a prior cancer diagnosis in a U.S. nationally representative population. Included were 6,034 participants aged ≥40 years without a prior cancer diagnosis who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III. Periodontal health was measured by trained dentists. Cancer deaths (n = 702) were ascertained during a median of 21.3 years of follow‐up. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate the association of periodontal disease and edentulism with total cancer mortality using no periodontal disease/dentate as the reference and adjusting for potential demographic, lifestyle including smoking and social factor confounders. Fifteen percent had periodontitis and 17% were edentulous. Periodontitis was not statistically significantly associated with risk of total cancer death after multivariable adjustment. Edentulism was associated with an increased risk of cancer mortality (hazard ratio = 1.50, 95% confidence interval = 1.12–2.00) after multivariable adjustment, including in men and women and in each racial/ethnic group studied. The positive association was observed in overweight/obese participants but not participants with normal body mass index, more strongly in prediabetic/diabetic participants than in participants without diabetes and in ever cigarette smokers but not in never cigarette smokers. In this U.S. nationally representative population, those with edentulism, but not periodontal disease, had a higher risk of total cancer death, especially in those with shared risk factors for periodontal disease and cancer.
Using mHealth in postpartum women with pre‐eclampsia: Lessons learned from a qualitative study
Authors: Payakachat Nalin , Rhoads Sarah , McCoy Hannah , Dajani Nafisa , Eswaran Hari , Lowery Curtis
Published: March 2020

Objective

To explore perceptions and attitudes of postpartum women with pre‐eclampsia towards remote monitoring (mHealth) and communication with the call center.

Methods

A non‐randomized cohort study was conducted in postpartum hypertensive women, recruited from a tertiary hospital between October 2015 and February 2016. Participants were categorized into users (using mHealth) and non‐users (not using mHealth) to monitor vital signs at home over a 2‐week period after discharge. Non‐users were informed about functionality of mHealth. Both groups participated in a 30‐minute phone interview at the end of the study. Directed content analysis of interview transcripts was conducted.

Results

In total, 21 users and 16 non‐users participated in the interview. Both groups perceived that mHealth helped manage their condition. However, non‐users were concerned about the challenge of incorporating mHealth into their routine, whereas users mentioned that they liked using mHealth on a daily basis. They also stated that communication with nurses in the call center was helpful. Barriers identified by users included size of the blood pressure cuffs, size of the equipment set, wireless connection, and stress associated with mHealth monitoring. Users stated that they would have preferred using mHealth during pregnancy.

Conclusion

The findings provide useful insights to inform a successful remote monitoring program among perinatal and postpartum women.
Sensing properties of Pt@SnO2 core‐shell nanocomposite detecting epinephrine
Authors: Luk Hsiang‐Ning , Dai Tsai‐Hsuan , Wu Ren‐Jang , Chavali Murthy
Published: March 2020

This proposed Pt@SnO2 core‐shell nanocomposite material based electrochemical sensor towards epinephrine detection showed high sensitivity, repeatability and high stability. It can play a significant role for precision determination of epinephrine in the drug sample and can also used for either simultaneous determination or others like acetaminophen (AC) and dopamine (DA) in samples.
Population Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Ontamalimab (SHP647), a Fully Human Monoclonal Antibody Against Mucosal Addressin Cell Adhesion Molecule‐1 (MAdCAM‐1), in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn's Disease
Authors: Wang Yi , Marier Jean‐Francois , Lavigne Jean , Kassir Nastya , Martin Patrick
Published: March 2020

Ontamalimab (SHP647) is a fully human, immunoglobulin G2, antihuman mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule‐1 (MAdCAM‐1) monoclonal antibody being developed for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). A population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) analysis was conducted using clinical phase 2 study data to evaluate the PK and PD of ontamalimab following subcutaneous administrations of 7.5, 22.5, 75, and 225 mg every 4 weeks in patients with moderate to severe UC or CD. A total of 440 patients with UC (n = 249; 56.6%) or CD (n = 191; 43.4%) were included in the analysis. A 2‐compartment model with parallel linear and nonlinear elimination adequately characterized concentration‐time profiles of ontamalimab. The apparent clearance and volume of distribution were 0.0127 L/h (0.305 L/day) and 6.53 L, respectively. Apparent clearance and volume of distribution were mainly dependent on baseline albumin and body weight, respectively. No differences in the PK properties of ontamalimab were observed between patients with UC or CD. The presence of antidrug antibodies did not impact the PK of ontamalimab. Nonlinear elimination occurred at very low concentrations and was unlikely to contribute to the elimination half‐life under steady‐state conditions. A linear PK/PD model described the relationship between ontamalimab and free MAdCAM‐1. Minimum concentrations of ontamalimab at steady state following 75 mg every 4 weeks were associated with >95% suppression of circulating free MAdCAM‐1. The PK/PD properties characterized support phase 3 testing in UC and CD.
Effect of telmisartan and vitamin E on liver histopathology with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis: A randomized, open‐label, noninferiority trial
Authors: Alam Shahinul , Abrar Mushfiqul , Islam Saiful , Kamal Mohammad , Hasan Mohammad J , Khan Md. Abdullah S , Ahmad Nooruddin
Published: March 2020

Background and Aim

To compare the effect of telmisartan and vitamin E on liver histopathology of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) patients.

Methods

This noninferiority clinical trial was conducted for 1 year. Fatty liver patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) activity score (NAS) ≥ 5 (in liver biopsy) were selected. All methods were in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Patients who received telmisartan and vitamin E were denoted as Group‐T and Group‐E, respectively. Forty patients >18 years old were assigned and divided into two groups (20 in each group). Histological improvements were primary outcome measures.

Results

Significant improvement in NAS score was noted in both groups (Group E [GE]: 6 ± 0.8 to 4.36 ± 1.4; P = 0.00 and Group T [GT]: 5.6 ± 0.7to 4.9 ± 1.2; P = 0.03). Fibrosis score improved from 1.6 ± 0.5 to 1.5 ± 0.5 in GE and from 1.7 ± 0.9 to 1.5 ± 0.7 in GT (P = 0.67 and 0.42, respectively). Steatosis improved in GE from 2.07 ± 0.6 to 1.14 ± 0.66 (P = 0.00) and in GT from 1.94 ± 0.57 to 1.56 ± 0.8 (P = 0.05). Lobular inflammation improved from 2.0 ± 0.4 to 1.6 ± 0.5 in GE (P = 0.02) and from 1.9 ± 0.3 to 1.8 ± 0.4 in GT (P = 0.58). Ballooning score in GE decreased from 1.9 ± 0.3 to 1.7 ± 0.5 (P = 0.03), and in GT, it reduced from 1.9 ± 0.1 to 1.5 ± 0.5 (P = 0.19). NAS improvement was similar in GE (1.6 ± 1.2) and GT (0.6 ± 1.1; P = 0.07) when controlled for weight reduction.

Conclusion

Telmisartan was similar to vitamin E in improving the histology of NASH patients.
Up‐regulation of long noncoding RNA LINC00858 is associated with poor prognosis in gastric cancer
Authors: Ai Wen , Li Feng , Yu Hai‐Hua , Liang Zhi‐Hua , Zhao Hong‐Peng
Published: March 2020

Background

The present study aimed to investigated the expression pattern of long noncoding RNA LINC00858 (LINC00858) in gastric cancer (GC) patients and its feasibility as a new prognostic biomarker.

Methods

We examined LINC00858 expression in GC tissues and matched normal tissues from 189 patients using a quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. The correlations of LINC00858 levels in GC patients with clinicopathologic features were analyzed using a chi‐squared test. The influence of LINC00858 on the overall survival rate of GC patients was precisely calculated using Kaplan–Meier methods (log rank tests). Multivariate Cox regression assays were carried out for the identification of the independent risk factors for GC.

Results

We observed that LINC00858 was distinctly up‐regulated in GC tissues compared to adjacent non‐tumor specimens (p < 0.01). Higher expression of LINC00858 in GC was found to be associated with TNM stage (p = 0.003) and lymphatic metastasis (p = 0.007). Using Kaplan–Meier assays, we found that patients with high expression levels of LINC00858 had a distinctly poor overall survival and disease‐free survival compared to those with low expression levels of LINC00858 (p = 0.0102). Multivariate analyses confirmed that LINC00858 (p < 0.05) was an independent prognosis factor for GC patients.

Conclusions

The data obtained in our study indicate that LINC00858 may be used as a novel prognostic indicator in GC patients.
Preparation of 2,5‐disubstituted pyrimidines from vinamidinium salts and synthesis of novel disulfane derivatives
Authors: Rafiee Samani Ziba , Mehranpour Abdolmohammad , Hasaninejad Alireza
Published: March 2020

Novel pyrimidine derivatives were prepared from the reaction of 2‐substituted 1,3‐bis(dimethylamino)‐trimethinium salts with thiourea or guanidine in the presence of ethyl‐diisopropylamine in ethanol at reflux, and also some 5‐substituted pyrimidine‐2‐thiols has been used for the synthesis of novel disulfane compounds. Infrared, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass spectral data confirm the molecular structures of the newly synthesized compounds. The ultraviolet spectral behavior of these compounds was examined in DMSO and the ƛmax of these compounds was studied.
Cardiometabolic risk factor clustering in patients with deficient branched‐chain amino acid catabolism: A case‐control study
Authors: Gancheva Sofiya , Caspari Daria , Bierwagen Alessandra , Jelenik Tomas , Caprio Sonia , Santoro Nicola , Rothe Maik , Markgraf Daniel F. , Herebian Diran , Hwang Jong‐Hee , Öner‐Sieben Soner , Mennenga Jasmin , Pacini Giovanni , Thimm Eva , Schlune Andrea , Meissner Thomas , vom Dahl Stephan , Klee Dirk , Mayatepek Ertan , Roden Michael , Ensenauer Regina
Published: March 2020

Classical organic acidemias (OAs) result from defective mitochondrial catabolism of branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs). Abnormal mitochondrial function relates to oxidative stress, ectopic lipids and insulin resistance (IR). We investigated whether genetically impaired function of mitochondrial BCAA catabolism associates with cardiometabolic risk factors, altered liver and muscle energy metabolism, and IR. In this case‐control study, 31 children and young adults with propionic acidemia (PA), methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) or isovaleric acidemia (IVA) were compared with 30 healthy young humans using comprehensive metabolic phenotyping including in vivo 31P/1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy of liver and skeletal muscle. Among all OAs, patients with PA exhibited abdominal adiposity, IR, fasting hyperglycaemia and hypertriglyceridemia as well as increased liver fat accumulation, despite dietary energy intake within recommendations for age and sex. In contrast, patients with MMA more frequently featured higher energy intake than recommended and had a different phenotype including hepatomegaly and mildly lower skeletal muscle ATP content. In skeletal muscle of patients with PA, slightly lower inorganic phosphate levels were found. However, hepatic ATP and inorganic phosphate concentrations were not different between all OA patients and controls. In patients with IVA, no abnormalities were detected. Impaired BCAA catabolism in PA, but not in MMA or IVA, was associated with a previously unrecognised, metabolic syndrome‐like phenotype with abdominal adiposity potentially resulting from ectopic lipid storage. These findings suggest the need for early cardiometabolic risk factor screening in PA.
Coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) and neonate: What neonatologist need to know
Authors: Lu Qi , Shi Yuan
Published: March 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) cause china epidemics with high morbidity and mortality, the infection has been transmitted to other countries. About three neonates and more than 230 children cases are reported. The disease condition of the main children was mild. There is currently no evidence that SARS‐CoV‐2 can be transmitted transplacentally from mother to the newborn. The treatment strategy for children with Coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) is based on adult experience. Thus far, no deaths have been reported in the pediatric age group. This review describes the current understanding of COVID‐19 infection in newborns and children.
Efficacy of soil‐borne Enterobacter sp. for carbofuran degradation: HPLC quantitation of degradation rate
Authors: Ekram Md. Akhtar‐E , Sarker Indrani , Rahi Md. Sifat , Rahman Md. Atikur , Saha Ananda K. , Reza Md. Abu
Published: March 2020

Excessive use of pesticides in agricultural fields is a matter of great concern for living beings as well as the environment across the world, in particular, the third world countries. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find out an effective way to degrade these hazardous chemicals from the soil in an environment‐friendly way. In the current project, a bacterial species were isolated through enrichment culture from carbofuran‐supplemented rice‐field soil and identified as a carbofuran degrader. The rate of carbofuran degradation by this bacterial species was evaluated using reverse‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC), which confirmed the ability to utilize as a carbon source up to 4 µg/ml of 99% technical grade carbofuran. The morphological, physiological, biochemical characteristics and phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA sequence showed that this strain belongs to the genus of Enterobacter sp. (sequence accession number LC368285 in DDBJ), and the optimum growth condition for the isolated strain was 37°C at pH 7.0. Moreover, an antibiotic sensitivity test showed that it was susceptible to azithromycin, penicillin, ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, and gentamycin, and the minimal inhibitory concentration value of gentamycin was 400 μg/ml against the bacteria. It shows beyond doubt from the RP‐HPLC quantification that the isolated bacterium has the ability to detoxify carbofuran (99% pure). Finally, the obtained results imply that the isolated strain of Enterobacter can be used as a potential and effective carbofuran degrader for bioremediation of contaminated sites through bioaugmentation.
Development of a solid‐phase microextraction LC–MS/MS method for determination of oxidative stress biomarkers in biofluids
Authors: Kahremanoglu Kubra , Temel Ezgi Rana , Korkut Tamara Ecem , Nalbant Atakan Arda , Azer Bersu Baştuğ , Durucan Caner , Volkan Murvet , Boyaci Ezel
Published: March 2020

Recently the connection between oxidative stress and various diseases, including cancer and Alzheimer's, attracts notice as a pathway suitable for diagnostic purposes. 8‐Oxo‐deoxyguanosine and 8‐oxo‐deoxyadenosine produced from the interaction of reactive oxygen species with DNA become prominent as biomarkers. Several methods have been developed for their determination in biofluids, including solid‐phase extraction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. However, still, there is a need for reliable and fast analytical methods. In this context, solid‐phase microextraction offers many advantages such as flexibility in geometry and applicable sample volume, as well as high adaptability to high‐throughput sampling. In this study, a solid‐phase microextraction method was developed for the determination of 8‐oxo‐deoxyguanosine and 8‐oxo‐deoxyadenosine in biofluids. The extractive phase of solid‐phase microextraction consisted of hydrophilic–lipophilic balanced polymeric particles. In order to develop a solid‐phase microextraction method suitable for the determination of the analytes in saliva and urine, several parameters, including desorption solvent, desorption time, sample pH, and ionic strength, were scrutinized. Analytical figures of merit indicated that the developed method provides reasonable interday and intraday precisions (<15% in both biofluids) with acceptable accuracy. The method provides a limit of quantification for both biomarkers at 5.0 and 10.0 ng/mL levels in saliva and urine matrices, respectively.
Resveratrol and its dimers ε‐viniferin and δ‐viniferin in red wine protect vascular endothelial cells by a similar mechanism with different potency and efficacy
Authors: Wu Che Wei , Nakamoto Yoshihiro , Hisatome Takumaru , Yoshida Shigeki , Miyazaki Hitoshi
Published: March 2020

Red wine compounds have been reported to reduce the rate of atherosclerosis by inducing nitric oxide (NO) production and antioxidant enzyme expression in vascular endothelial cells (VECs). The present study compared the effects of the three red wine compounds resveratrol and its dimers, ε‐viniferin and δ‐viniferin, on VECs function for the first time. Both 5 μM ε‐viniferin and δ‐viniferin, but not 5 μM resveratrol, significantly stimulated wound repair of VECs. Increased levels of wound repair induced by 10 and 20 μM ε‐viniferin were significantly higher than those stimulated by 10 and 20 μM resveratrol, respectively. These stimulatory effects of the three compounds were suppressed by the NO synthase inhibitor L‐NAME. When VECs were exposed to each compound, endothelial NO synthase was activated and the expression of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and HO‐1 was induced. Addition of the SIRT1 and HO‐1 inhibitors EX527 and ZnPPiX, respectively, suppressed wound repair stimulated by the three compounds, demonstrating that SIRT1 and HO‐1 are involved in these wound repair processes. Furthermore, each compound induced the suppression of H2O2‐dependent reduction of cell viability as well as the expression of the antioxidant enzyme catalase. These data suggest that not only resveratrol, but also its dimers, ε‐viniferin and δ‐viniferin, may be effective in preventing atherosclerosis by a similar molecular mechanism with different potency and efficacy.
Variability approaching the thermal limits can drive diatom community dynamics
Authors: Anderson Stephanie I. , Rynearson Tatiana A.
Published: March 2020

Organismal distributions are largely mediated by temperature, suggesting thermal trait variability plays a key role in defining species' niches. We employed a trait‐based approach to better understand how inter‐ and intraspecific thermal trait variability could explain diatom community dynamics using 24 strains from 5 species in the diatom genus Skeletonema, isolated from Narragansett Bay (NBay), where this genus can comprise up to 99% of the microplankton. Strain‐specific thermal reaction norms were generated using growth rates obtained at temperatures ranging from −2°C to 36°C. Comparison of thermal reaction norms revealed inter‐ and intraspecific similarities in the thermal optima, but significant differences approaching the thermal limits. Cellular elemental composition was determined for two thermally differentiated species and again, the most variation occurred approaching the thermal limits. To determine the potential impact of interspecific variability on community composition, a species succession model was formulated utilizing each species' empirically determined thermal reaction norm and historical temperature data from NBay. Seasonal succession in the modeled community resembled the timing of species occurrence in the field, but not species' relative abundance. The model correctly predicted the timing of the dominant winter–spring species, Skeletonema marinoi, within 0–14 d of its observed peak occurrence in the field. Interspecific variability approaching the thermal limits provides an alternative mechanism for temporal diatom succession, leads to altered cellular elemental composition, and thus has the potential to influence carbon flux and nutrient cycling, suggesting that growth approaching the thermal limits be incorporated into both empirical and modeling efforts in the future.
Phasic Knee Bending Dystonic and Parkinsonian Gait: A Characteristic Finding in X‐Linked Dystonia Parkinsonism
Authors: Stephen Christopher D. , Go Criscely L. , Acuna Patrick , Sharma Nutan
Published: March 2020

Background

X‐linked dystonia parkinsonism (XDP) is a rare disorder characterized by adult‐onset, progressive dystonia that, over time, is combined with or replaced by features of parkinsonism. Gait impairment is common.

Methods

Case series of 4 XDP patients with a unique gait disorder.

Results

The patients displayed a characteristic gait disorder with combined dystonic and parkinsonian gait features, with phasic knee bending. Of these patients, all had parkinsonism and three‐quarters had prominent dystonic features, but 1 had predominant parkinsonism and subtle dystonic features.

Conclusion

Although XDP is a classic form of dystonia parkinsonism, some cases can mimic idiopathic Parkinson's disease. We describe a gait disorder which appears unique to XDP, involving phasic dystonic knee bending superimposed on parkinsonian shuffling, and may help clinically differentiate one of our parkinsonian‐predominant patients from more‐common forms of parkinsonism. The gait is distinct from other complex dystonic disorders with gait involvement.
The effects of intermediate principle stress on the mechanical behavior of transversely isotropic rocks: Insights from DEM simulations
Authors: Faizi Saad Ali , Kwok Chung Yee , Duan Kang
Published: March 2020

The discrete element method (DEM) is used to study the response of anisotropic rocks under true triaxial testing. Numerical samples of seven different bedding orientations (β = 0o, 15o, 30o, 45o, 60o, 75o, and 90o) are created. Six series of test simulations (σ3 = 0, 10, 30, 50, 70, and 100 MPa) are conducted on each sample, with five different σ2 values, varied from σ3 to σ1. The effects of anisotropy and intermediate stress on the peak strength, brittle‐ductile transition, and degree of anisotropy are subsequently explained through underlying micromechanics. Results show a “fan‐shaped” variation of the peak strength with σ2, displaying an ascending‐then‐descending trend. An increasing brittleness with σ2 is observed at lower confining pressures for all, but medium anisotropy angles. For higher confining pressures, increasing ductility with σ2 is seen for every anisotropy angle. A U‐shaped variation of peak strength with anisotropy angles is noted that flattens under high intermediate stress. Hence, for numerical models of Posidonia shale under normalized σ2 higher than 0.76, the anisotropy effect is found to be negligible. Micromechanical analyses reveal that the stress asymmetry, suppression of weak plane action as well as the localization and coalescence of microcracks in the intact rock matrix, due to σ2, are the contributors towards the obtained trends. Since existing failure criteria do not weigh in these features in geotechnical assessments, this paper helps future studies by providing a deeper understanding of these effects and a comprehensive data set for the analyses of anisotropic rocks under polyaxial stress conditions.
Analytical solution for longitudinal seismic response of long tunnels subjected to Rayleigh waves
Authors: Yang Yusheng , Yu Haitao , Yuan Yong , Zhao Mi
Published: March 2020

The longitudinal seismic response of a long tunnel subjected to Rayleigh waves is investigated in this paper. The tunnel is assumed to be infinitely long, has a uniform cross section, and rests on a viscoelastic foundation. The free‐field deformation under Rayleigh waves traveling parallel to the tunnel axis is decomposed into two directions, namely, the axial motion and the vertical motion, and transformed into dynamic loads imposed on the tunnel. Based on the Fourier and Laplace integral transform techniques, the governing equations of tunnels are simplified into algebraic equations, and the analytical solutions are obtained with the convolution theorem. The final solutions of the tunnel responses in terms of deflection, velocity, acceleration, axial force, bending moment, and shear force are investigated. The proposed solution is verified by comparison of its results and those from the finite element program ABAQUS. Further parametric analysis is carried out to investigate the influence of soil‐structure relative stiffness ratio and wave frequency on dynamic longitudinal responses of the tunnel.
Pricing strategy and collusion in a market with delay sensitivity
Authors: Ravner Liron , Shamir Noam
Published: March 2020

Collusion describes a situation in which firms coordinate their strategies to increase their profit compared with the competitive outcome. In this work, we explore the incentives and ability of service providers, serving delay‐sensitive customers to form a cartel. To do so, we develop an infinitely repeated game in which two service providers, each modeled as an M/M/1 queue, interact in the market repeatedly. We demonstrate that the incentives to collude depend on the competitive landscape in the market. When the competition in the market is high the incentives to form a cartel are strong since the cartel allows the service providers to extract all the surplus from the customers. However, operating under these market conditions does not imply that the ability to collude exists as well. We discuss the effect of market parameters such as delay sensitivity, service value and capacity level on the ability of the service providers to collude. We show that a high service value, high delay sensitivity and asymmetric capacity levels can actually hurt the service providers as they may impede their ability to form the cartel. We further discuss the welfare implications of collusive behavior, and the way it affects the incentives to invest in capacity.
Molecular and Supramolecular Multiredox Systems
Authors: Shukla Jyoti , Singh Vijay Pal , Mukhopadhyay Pritam
Published: March 2020

The design and synthesis of molecular and supramolecular multiredox systems have been summarized. These systems are of great importance as they can be employed in the next generation of materials for energy storage, energy transport, and solar fuel production. Nature provides guiding pathways and insights to judiciously incorporate and tune the various molecular and supramolecular design aspects that result in the formation of complex and efficient systems. In this review, we have classified molecular multiredox systems into organic and organic‐inorganic hybrid systems. The organic multiredox systems are further classified into multielectron acceptors, multielectron donors and ambipolar molecules. Synthetic chemists have integrated different electron donating and electron withdrawing groups to realize these complex molecular systems. Further, we have reviewed supramolecular multiredox systems, redox‐active host‐guest recognition, including mechanically interlocked systems. Finally, the review provides a discussion on the diverse applications, e. g. in artificial photosynthesis, water splitting, dynamic random access memory, etc. that can be realized from these artificial molecular or supramolecular multiredox systems.
Thin Coatings of α‐ and β‐Bi2O3 by Ultrasonic Spray Coating of a Molecular Bismuth Oxido Cluster and their Application for Photocatalytic Water Purification Under Visible Light
Authors: Hofmann Max , Rößner Leonard , Armbrüster Marc , Mehring Michael
Published: March 2020

Invited this month′s cover picture are the groups of Professor Michael Mehring and Professor Marc Armbrüster at Chemnitz University of Technology. The cover pictures shows a graffiti displaying a distinctive part of the city center of the town. The artwork is oversprayed with the letters “TUC” (Technische Universität Chemnitz) using an bismuth oxido cluster from solution to obtain a yellow semiconductor coating of bismuth oxide, used to degrade the medicinal drug ethinyl estradiol under visible light irradiation. Read the full text of their Full Paper at 10.1002/open.201900323.
Sonne oder Treibhauseffekt?
Authors: Kleidon Axel
Published: March 2020

Die Verbrennung von fossilen Energieträgern hat den atmosphärischen Treibhauseffekt verstärkt, was zur Erderwärmung führt. Doch woher wissen wir, dass der Treibhauseffekt einen so entscheidenden Einfluss auf das Klima hat? Alternativ könnte auch eine ansteigende Sonnenaktivität hinter der Erwärmung stecken. Doch ein erhöhter Treibhauseffekt wirkt sich anders auf das Erdklima aus als eine verstärkte Sonneneinstrahlung. Charakteristisch für den Treibhauseffekt ist zum Beispiel, dass sich die kälteren Regionen in Richtung der Pole stärker erwärmen, obwohl sie geringerer Solarstrahlung ausgesetzt sind. Warum das so ist, lässt sich mit einer relativ einfachen Energiebilanz zeigen, die wesentlichen Terme der Erwärmung und Kühlung berücksichtigt. Dieser Artikel stellt diesen Ansatz vor und demonstriert damit, dass die Oberflächentemperatur wesentlich vom Treibhauseffekt bestimmt wird.
Der das Röntgenlicht beugt
Authors: Loos Andreas
Published: March 2020

Einer seiner Brüder wird Präsident des Massachusetts Institute of Technology, der andere Präsident des State College of Washington. Er selbst übernimmt die Leitung der Washington University, und alle drei Brüder sind in Princeton promoviert worden. Der Vater ist Philosophieprofessor und Presbyter‐Seelsorger, die Mutter, eine Mennonitin und Pazifistin, wird als „American Mother of the Year“ geehrt. Später wird einer der Söhne des Gesuchten das Philosophiedepartment der Vanderbilt University führen. Kurz: Seine Familie ist amerikanisch‐ideal, makellos, bildungsnah, christlich und birgt ordentlich Chef‐Potenzial.
Assessment of early lung disease in young children with CF: A comparison between pressure‐controlled and free‐breathing chest computed tomography
Authors: Oudraad Merel C. J. , Kuo Wieying , Rosenow Tim , Andrinopoulou Eleni‐Rosalina , Stick Stephen M. , Tiddens Harm A. W. M.
Published: March 2020

Background

Chest computed tomography (CT) in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) is sensitive in detecting early airways disease. The pressure‐controlled CT‐protocol combines a total lung capacity scan (TLC PC‐CT) with a near functional residual capacity scan (FRC PC‐CT) under general anesthesia, while another CT‐protocol is acquired during free breathing (FB‐CT) near functional residual capacity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity in detecting airways disease of both protocols in two cohorts.

Methods

Routine PC‐CTs (Princess Margaret Children's Hospital) and FB‐CTs (Erasmus MC—Sophia Children's Hospital) were retrospectively collected from CF children aged 2 to 6 years. Total airways disease (%disease), bronchiectasis (%Bx), and low attenuation regions (%LAR) were scored on CTs using the Perth‐Rotterdam annotated grid morphometric analysis‐CF method. The Wilcoxon signed‐rank test was used for differences between TLC and FRC PC‐CTs and the Wilcoxon rank‐sum test for differences between FRC PC‐CTs and FB‐CTs.

Results

Fifty patients with PC‐CTs (21 male, aged 2.5‐5.5 years) and 42 patients with FB‐CTs (26 male, aged 2.3‐6.8 years) were included. %Disease was higher on TLC PC‐CTs compared with FRC PC‐CTs (median 4.51 vs 2.49; P < .001). %Disease and %Bx were not significantly different between TLC PC‐CTs and FB‐CTs (median 4.51% vs 3.75%; P = .143 and 0.52% vs 0.57%; P = .849). %Disease, %Bx, and %LAR were not significantly different between FRC PC‐CTs and FB‐CTs (median 2.49% vs 3.75%; P = .055, 0.54% vs 0.57%; P = .797, and 2.49% vs 1.53%; P = .448).

Conclusions

Our data suggest that FRC PC‐CTs are less sensitive than TLC PC‐CTs and that FB‐CTs have similar sensitivity to PC‐CTs in detecting lung disease. FB‐CTs seem to be a viable alternative for PC‐CTs to track CF lung disease in young patients with CF.
Early inhaled budesonide in extremely preterm infants decreases long‐term respiratory morbidity
Authors: Tukova Jana , Smisek Jan , Zlatohlavkova Blanka , Plavka Richard , Markova Daniela
Published: March 2020

Background

There is no strict correlation between early bronchopulmonary dysplasia and long‐term respiratory disease. Early inhaled corticosteroids seem to reduce the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, but the long‐term outcome remains unknown.

Research Question

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of early inhaled corticosteroids on chronic respiratory morbidity.

Methods

Fifty‐nine survivors from the Prague cohort included in Neonatal European Study of Inhaled Steroids underwent further follow‐up comprising of respiratory morbidity monitoring during the first 2 years of life followed by objective lung function testing performed at the age of 5.9 years (range 5‐7 years). Both outcomes were pursued and finalized before the unblinding of budesonide subgroups.

Results

Fifty randomized (budesonide vs placebo group, 56% vs 44%) survivors were included in the study. Spirometry was successfully performed in 48 children. No statistically significant differences were found in the lung function test (forced expiratory flow [FEF] ‐ FEF75, FEF50, FEF25, and FEF25‐75; FEV1, forced vital capacity [FVC], FEV1/FVC) although mild trend to the improvement of expiratory flow pattern was observed in the budesonide group (median z‐score of FEV1/FVC −0.376 vs −0.983, P = .13; median z‐score of FEF25‐75 −1.004 vs −1.458, P = .13; median z‐score of FEF75 −0.527 vs −0.996, P = .17). Children assigned to budesonide had a significantly lower rate of symptoms of chronic lung disease (34.6% vs 68.2%; P = .04) than children assigned to placebo.

Interpretation

Our study suggests that early inhaled budesonide was associated with the trend to the improvement of functional lung parameters and with a lower rate of symptoms of chronic lung disease within the first 2 years of life.
Impact of mannose‐binding lectin 2 gene polymorphisms on disease severity in noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in children
Authors: Dogru Deniz , Polat Sanem E. , Tan Çağman , Tezcan İlhan , Yalçın Sıddıka S. , Utine Eda , Oğuz Berna , Yaz İsmail , Emiralioğlu Nagehan , Hızal Mina , Yalçın Ebru , Özçelik Uğur , Çağdaş Deniz , Kiper Nural
Published: March 2020

Background

Mannose‐binding lectin (MBL) is a complement protein involved in the innate immune system, and is associated with some chronic respiratory diseases including noncystic fibrosis (non‐CF) bronchiectasis in adults. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of MBL2 gene polymorphisms in children with non‐CF bronchiectasis, and the effect of MBL deficiency on disease severity.

Methods

Fifty children with non‐CF bronchiectasis (bronchiectasis group) and 50 healthy controls (control group) were included. The demographic findings, number of acute pulmonary exacerbations in the previous year, airway cultures, pulmonary function tests, and radiologic scores of the bronchiectasis group were recorded. DNA extraction was performed in both groups and MBL2 gene polymorphisms in codons 52, 54, 57 in exon 1 and H/L, Y/X in the promoter region were studied using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Haplotypes were made by genotypes, and MBL serum expression was classified according to the genotypes in the literature.

Results

The bronchiectasis group consisted of 23 (46%) patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia, 5 (10%) with primary immunodeficiency diseases, and 22 (44%) with idiopathic bronchiectasis. There were no statistically significant differences between the bronchiectasis and control groups in terms of allele and genotype frequencies of polymorphisms in codons 52, 54, 57 in exon 1 and promoter H/L. However, the YX heterozygote genotype was more frequent in the control group (82%) compared with the bronchiectasis group (50%) (P = .002). The frequency of patients with intermediate serum MBL expression genotype was higher in the bronchiectasis group (20%) than in the control group (0%) (P = .001). In the bronchiectasis group, there were no significant differences in growth, annual pulmonary exacerbation rates in the last year, pulmonary function tests, radiologic scores, and microbiologic findings between low, intermediate, and high‐expressing genotypes.

Conclusions

In children with non‐CF bronchiectasis, MBL genotype was different from healthy controls. MBL deficiency associated only with MBL genotype was not related to disease severity in this group of patients.
Dual ecosystem services of syrphid flies (Diptera: Syrphidae): pollinators and biological control agents
Authors: Dunn Lucinda , Lequerica Manuel , Reid Chris R , Latty Tanya
Published: March 2020

With increasing worldwide pressure on bee pollinator populations and an increase in insecticide resistance amongst pest insects, there is a growing need for diversification of pollinator and pest control systems. Syrphid flies (Diptera: Syrphidae) contribute ecosystem services to agroecosystems through their supporting roles as crop pollinators and predators of pests. Adult syrphids are important pollinators with high floral visitation rates and pollen carrying capacity, while predatory syrphid larvae are natural biological control agents, reducing aphid populations in both field and laboratory conditions. The present challenge is to determine whether syrphid flies have the potential for application as pollinators and in integrated pest management schemes as biological control agents. Currently, there are gaps in research that are hindering the use of syrphids as dual service providers. Such gaps include a lack of knowledge of syrphid floral preferences, the role and viability of adult syrphids as pollinators in natural and agro‐ecological pollinator networks, and the predatory efficiency of larvae in field and glasshouse conditions. By reviewing relevant literature, we demonstrate syrphid flies have the potential to be used as pollinators and biological control agents. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Magnetic Skyrmion Spin‐Torque Nano‐Oscillators
Authors: Guslienko Konstantin Y.
Published: March 2020

The skyrmion oscillation frequency and steady orbit radius in ultrathin ferromagnetic layer of circular nanopillar are calculated in response to a spin‐polarized current. The analytical model of the rigid skyrmion motion is used. It is shown that the steady skyrmion oscillations with a frequency of about 1 GHz exist within finite range of the current. The case of the current perpendicular to the free layer plane and two types of the reference layer polarizations, uniform and vortex‐like, are considered. The first critical current can be very low in the case of zero difference between the skyrmion and vortex helicities. The second critical current is considered as a current of the skyrmion expelling from the free layer (dot). The oscillation frequency increases essentially with the current increasing. It is a function of the skyrmion equilibrium radius, dot radius, and the dot magnetic parameters.
Asynchronous control for two‐dimensional hidden Markovian jump systems with partly known mode observation conditional probabilities
Authors: Zhu Jin , Li Chaoxiang , Dullerud Geir E.
Published: March 2020

This study focuses on the asynchronous control problem for two‐dimensional discrete‐time hidden Markovian jump systems where the mode observation conditional probability matrix is partly known. Considering the original system modes are invisible, the observed modes emitted from an observer serve as an alternative for stability analysis and controller design where a mode observation conditional probability matrix is constructed to characterize the emission between system modes and observed modes. Specially, only partly known information of the mode observation conditional probability matrix is accessible. With the introduction of the free‐connection weighting matrices, the asymptotic mean square stability criterion is firstly derived based on Lyapunov method. This introduction provides a further degree of relaxation and less conservatism is therefore achieved. Secondly, we present synthesis conditions for asynchronous state feedback controller design given in terms of a set of interconnected linear matrix inequalities. Moreover, cluster concept based on the partitions of observed modes is adopted which helps to decrease the number of controllers and simplify the design complexity. A numerical example, regarding the cases with and without clustering of the observed modes, is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
N‐Doped Carbon Material Derived from Riboflavin as Host of Sulfur for Enhanced Lithium‐Sulfur Battery
Authors: Zhang Qian , Wu Lingshan , Jiang Wei , Tang Shuihua
Published: March 2020

Lithium‐sulfur battery still has several critical challenges, which severely restrict its practical applications. Nitrogen‐doped carbon material (N−C) has not only good electronic conductivity but also stronger chemical adsorption with intermediates of polysulfides, thus can effectively alleviate the shuttle effect. Riboflavin with advantages of cheap and nontoxic carbon/nitrogen source will be used to synthesize N−C, and will be firstly applied as sulfur host. The obtained N−C/S electrode shows initial capacity of 773.6 mAh g−1 at 0.5 C and capacity retention of 76.6% after 100 cycles, the capacity retention capability is much better than that of XC‐72/S electrode with same sulfur content. Even at bigger current density of 1 C, the specific capacity of the battery is still up to 353.3 mAh g−1. This excellent performance of the N−C/S electrode is ascribed to strong chemical binding of polysulfides to N−C.
Solid‐Phase Synthesis of Clickable Psicofuranose Glycocarbamates and Application of Their Self‐Assembled Nanovesicles for Curcumin Encapsulation
Authors: Vangala Madhuri , Yousf Saleem , Chugh Jeetender , Hotha Srinivas
Published: March 2020

Among the cyclic forms of carbohydrates, pyranoside derivatives have widely contributed to the well‐defined nanoassemblies. However, nanoassemblies originating from furanoside derivatives/oligomers, excluding nucleosides are underrepresented. Herein, we discuss the design and solid‐phase synthesis of homoligomers of a new class of clickable psicofuranose glycocarbamates that display nanovesicular/spherical nanostructures, an occurrence rarely observed in furanoside oligomers. The key intermediate, D‐(‐)‐fructose derived 2‐azido psicofuranose carbonate, was converted into dimeric and tetrameric azido‐glycocarbamates on solid‐phase which on subsequent “Click” reaction provided triazolyl glycocarbamates. These amphiphilic glycocarbamates self‐assembled into thermally and proteolytically stable spherical vesicles of 200‐800 nm size with visible hollow nature in CH3OH and tightly packed sphericals in CH3OH‐H2O. These nanostructures are characterized by various microscopy techniques. Effect of Cu+2 and Zn+2 ions, various cationic stimuli on the morphology of these nanostructures was studied. Hydrophobic drug curcumin was encapsulated in the hollow vesicles and release of the drug was investigated.
Ultrasonic‐Ball Milling: A Novel Strategy to Prepare Large‐Size Ultrathin 2D Materials
Authors: Shi Dong , Yang Mingzhi , Chang Bin , Ai Zizheng , Zhang Kang , Shao Yongliang , Wang Shouzhi , Wu Yongzhong , Hao Xiaopeng
Published: March 2020

Large‐size ultrathin 2D materials, with extensive applications in optics, medicine, biology, and semiconductor fields, can be prepared through an existing common physical and chemical process. However, the current exfoliation technologies still need to be improved upon with urgency. Herein, a novel and simple “ultrasonic‐ball milling” strategy is reported to effectively obtain high quality and large size ultrathin 2D materials with complete lattice structure through the introduction of moderate sapphire (Al2O3) abrasives in a liquid phase system. Ultimately numerous high‐quality ultrathin h‐BN, graphene, MoS2, WS2, and BCN nanosheets are obtained with large sizes ranging from 1–20 µm, small thickness of ≈1–3 nm and a high yield of over 20%. Utilizing shear and friction force synergistically, this strategy provides a new method and alternative for preparing and optimizing large size ultrathin 2D materials.