bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solid‐State Molecular Motions in Organic THz Generators
Authors: Kim Jongtaek , Park Young Choon , Seok Jin‐Hong , Jazbinsek Mojca , Kwon O‐Pil
Published: December 2020

Organic nonlinear optical salt crystals are widely used as efficient broadband THz generators. Although solid state molecular motions of organic crystals can greatly influence THz generation characteristics, their origin and effects on THz photonics are not clearly identified. In this work, the origin of solid‐state molecular motions of the state‐of‐the‐art nonlinear optical organic salt crystals and their effects on THz generation characteristics are theoretically investigated. A model crystal, HMQ‐TMS (2‐(4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxystyryl)‐1‐methylquinolinium 2,4,6‐trimethylbenzenesulfonate) with large macroscopic optical nonlinearity, which is very attractive for intense broadband and narrowband THz wave generation, is chosen. The solid‐state molecular vibrations of HMQ‐TMS crystals can be classified in three frequency regions: phonon mode region, intramolecular motion region, and their mixing region. For the first time for ionic organic crystalline THz generators, the contributions of cationic chromophores and anionic matchmakers on each of vibrational modes are quantitatively separated. In addition, the influence of solid‐state molecular vibrations of HMQ‐TMS crystals on the generated THz spectra is investigated. These results provide an essential information for design of new organic nonlinear optical salt crystals for THz generators as well as detectors and for optimization of THz generation performance.
Reconfigurable Beamforming Silicon Plasma Antenna with Vertical PIN Diode Array
Authors: Hur Jae , Nam In‐Joong , Cho Young‐Kyun , Kim Da‐Jin , Jo Eon‐Seok , Lee Seokmin , Kim Choong‐Ki , Lee Geon‐Beom , Kim Cheol Ho , Hyun Seok Bong , Kim Dongho , Choi Yang‐Kyu
Published: December 2020

For the first time, this study demonstrates a reconfigurable antenna with electrical beamforming that is entirely integrated by semiconductor microfabrication technology. In this paper, a vertical structured array of solid‐state plasma which acts as a reconfigurable conducting wall to control the main beam direction of an antenna is proposed. In many conventional works, insufficient electrical conductivity of turned‐on plasma channels at the planar surface of PIN diodes causes an inherent large loss and low radiation efficiency of silicon‐based antennas. However, in this study, the overall performance of the antenna is notably enhanced by adopting the vertical plasma channels which solve the lower electrical conductivity problem of the surface‐type plasma structure. Accordingly, the proposed antenna achieves a high realized gain of more than 5 dBi over a frequency range of 27.5–29.6 GHz, even though it is comprised of lossy silicon with high permittivity. In addition, the low cost and electrically reconfigurable antenna, which benefits from the highly precise semiconductor fabrication process, is applicable to sub‐THz applications with a lightweight and compact sized feature. This work paves the way to make silicon antennas with commercial microfabrication technology a next‐generation antenna.
Dissection of grain weight across the oat panicle
Authors: Haverroth Eduardo José , Musa Fabrício André , Coelho Filipe Kalikoski , Duarte Vanessa de Freitas , Pereira Mariana Barbosa , Pacheco Marcelo Teixeira , Federizzi Luiz Carlos , Delatorre Carla Andréa
Published: December 2020

The oat (Avena sativa L.) panicle develops from the tip to apex, resulting in differences in grain weight. A detailed dissection of grain weight across the panicle could reveal information to cope with stress. This study aimed to determine the principal grain‐filling component across the oat panicle and the effect of nitrogen (N) fertilizer dosage. Grain‐filling can be decomposed into grain‐filling rate and grain‐filling duration, as these processes result in different responses on final grain weight depending on the crop species. Experiments were conducted consecutively for 2 yr with seven oat genotypes and four N fertilizer rates. There were differences in the grain‐filling parameters depending on the grain position in the panicle, type of grain (primary or secondary), genotype, and N rate. The heaviest grains had higher initial grain weight and grain‐filling rate. The average grain‐filling rate had a significant linear correlation with grain weight, whereas the effective grain‐filling duration did not. Grain weight, average grain‐filling rate, and grain‐filling onset decreased basipetally. Lower N rates had longer effective grain‐filling duration but decreased the average grain‐filling rate. Our results indicate that the grain weight differences across the oat panicle and genotypes are mainly explained by grain‐filling rate, and there are differences in grain‐filling onset with no change in the effective grain‐filling duration.
Single nucleotide polymorphism‐based haplotypes associated with Meloidogyne javanica resistance in Brazilian soybean germplasm
Authors: Vinholes Patrícia , Rosado Renato D. S. , Borém Aluízio , Schuster Ivan , Roberts Philip
Published: December 2020

The root‐knot nematode (RKN) species Meloidogyne javanica (MJ) causes substantial root damage and yield loss in susceptible soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cultivars. In this study, a genome wide association study (GWAS) was undertaken to identify genomic regions controlling RKN resistance in a soybean association‐mapping panel, using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and haplotype information. This study was carried out with a sample (n = 124) from the Coodetec soybean gene bank, including some commercial Brazilian varieties. For the phenotypic evaluations MJ inoculum was obtained from roots of cultivar CD 206, a highly susceptible soybean used to maintain MJ for studies at Coodetec. The cultivars CD 208 and BRS CONQUISTA were used as resistant checks while CD 206, R7, and Nidera NA 5909 RG were used as susceptible checks and all 124 lines were genotyped with 6,000 SNP markers. MJ resistance determinants in the soybean panel were linked to SNPs with significant effects, with nine SNPs distributed along chromosomes 7, 13, and 20. The observed average MJ resistance in the group of soybean entries with haplotype GCT, ACC, ACT, and GCC in the markers Gm20_44446670_G_A, Gm13_29739984_C_A and Gm07_8166605_T_C, respectively, represents moderately resistant genotypes. Gm13_29739984_C_A and Gm07_8166605_T_C discriminated resistant and susceptible cultivars better than the marker Gm20_44446670_G_A. These results are particularly promising for soybean‐breeding programs, by not only identifying new resistance‐associated haplotypes, but also suggesting new genetic mechanisms in RKN‐resistance sources.
Plant growth regulator and low‐dose herbicide programs for annual bluegrass seedhead suppression in fairway and athletic‐height turf
Authors: Peppers John M. , Brewer John R. , Askew Shawn D.
Published: December 2020

Annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) seedhead suppression in fairway‐ or athletic‐height turf has become more challenging with the loss of mefluidide, leaving ethephon as the primary annual bluegrass seedhead suppression product. Ethephon programs to suppress annual bluegrass seedheads can cost up to 4.5 times more than that of mefluidide. New options are needed to either improve seedhead suppression programs on fairway‐ or athletic‐height turf or reduce cost associated with use on large areas. Six field research trials were conducted in Blacksburg, VA, to evaluate novel low‐dose herbicide programs and alternate plant growth regulators for mixture with and comparison to ethephon for annual bluegrass seedhead suppression and Kentucky bluegrass (P. pratensis L.) or creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) response. In two separate studies, ethephon applied in December, February, and March suppressed annual bluegrass seedheads 36–39% per day based on area under the progress curve (AUPC). When mixed with ethephon, ethofumesate at 420 g a.i. ha−1, trinexapac‐ethyl at 95 g a.i. ha−1, and prohexadione calcium at 174 g a.i. ha−1 increased seedhead suppression by 34, 14, and 16%, respectively, over that of ethephon alone. Endothall at 140 g a.i. ha−1 also improved seedhead suppression when mixed with ethephon but was too injurious to Kentucky bluegrass and creeping bentgrass turf for commercial use. These studies suggest that low‐dose herbicide treatments or additional plant growth regulator admixtures with ethephon can improve annual bluegrass seedhead suppression in fairway‐ or athletic‐height turf.
Suppression of Microdochium patch using rotations of mineral oil, sulfur, and phosphorous acid
Authors: Mattox Clint , Dumelle Michael , McDonald Brian , Gould Micah , Olsen Conner , Braithwaite Emily , Kowalewski Alec
Published: December 2020

Microdochium patch is a turfgrass disease caused by the fungal pathogen Microdochium nivale (Fr.) Samuels and I.C. Hallett that occurs in cool, humid conditions, which are commonplace in the U.S. Pacific Northwest and northern Europe. Pesticide restrictions in certain areas make suppressing Microdochium patch challenging, and alternative control methods are desired. Previous research has shown that mineral oil, S, and phosphorous acid (H3PO3) suppress Microdochium patch, but abiotic damage was associated with repeated mineral oil applications. Two field experiments in western Oregon focusing on the suppression of Microdochium patch and turfgrass quality on annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) greens are presented. The first experiment compared tank mixtures of mineral oil and S or mineral oil and H3PO3 in rotation with a tank mixture of S and H3PO3. The second experiment focused on seasonal rotations that excluded mineral oil in certain months and compared 2‐ and 3‐wk application frequencies. All rotations, in both experiments, suppressed Microdochium patch compared to the non‐treated control, although differences in turfgrass quality were observed. In the first experiment, green cover percentage was used to assess abiotic damage. A mineral oil and H3PO3 tank mixture rotated every 2 wk with S and H3PO3 resulted in the highest green cover percentage. In the second experiment, most of the applications made every 2 wk completely suppressed Microdochium patch. Two treatments applied every 2 wk that withheld mineral oil in the winter months resulted in turfgrass quality ratings considered acceptable for putting greens on all rating dates.
Incidence, clinical, risk factors and outcomes of Guillain‐Barré in Covid‐19
Authors: Fragiel Marcos , Miró Òscar , Llorens Pere , Jiménez Sònia , Piñera Pascual , Burillo Guillermo , Martín Alfonso , Martín‐Sánchez Francisco J. , García‐Lamberechts Eric J. , Jacob Javier , Alquézar‐Arbé Aitor , Juárez Ricardo , Jiménez Blas , Del Rio Rigoberto , Mateo Roca Miriam , García Arturo H. , López Laguna Nieves , Lopez Diez María P. , Pedraza García Jorge , Fernández de Simón Almela Amparo , Lopez Diaz Juan J. , Eiroa Hernández Patricia , Ruiz de Lobera Noemí , Porta‐Etessam Jesús , Fernández Pérez Cristina , Calvo Elpidio , González del Castillo Juan ,   SIESTA (Spanish Investigators in Emergency Situations Team) network
Published: December 2020

We diagnosed 11 Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) cases among 71,904 COVID patients attended at 61 Spanish emergency departments (EDs) during the 2‐month pandemic peak. The relative frequency of GBS among ED patients was higher in COVID (0.15‰) than non‐COVID (0.02‰) patients (odds ratio [OR] = 6.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.18–12.5), as was the standardized incidence (9.44 and 0.69 cases/100,000 inhabitant‐years, respectively, OR = 13.5, 95% CI = 9.87–18.4). Regarding clinical characteristics, olfactory–gustatory disorders were more frequent in COVID‐GBS than non‐COVID–GBS (OR = 27.59, 95% CI = 1.296–587) and COVID–non‐GBS (OR = 7.875, 95% CI = 1.587–39.09) patients. Although COVID‐GBS patients were more frequently admitted to intensive care, mortality was not increased versus control groups. Our results suggest SARS‐CoV‐2 could be another viral infection causing GBS. ANN NEUROL 2021;89:598–603
Robust PID controller design via dominant pole assignment for systems with parametric uncertainties
Authors: Dincel Emre , Söylemez Mehmet Turan
Published: December 2020

In this paper, a novel robust PID controller design technique is proposed for the parametric uncertain systems via the dominant pole assignment approach. In the closed‐loop, it is aimed that two poles are placed in the desired (dominant) region, and it is guaranteed that the remaining (unassigned) poles are located far away from the dominant pole region under all possible perturbations. The robust PID controller design technique is firstly given for the interval type characteristic polynomials with the help of vertex results. After that, the proposed method is generalized to cover the affine‐linear type characteristic polynomials. The method is based on the well‐known robust stability theorems and the generalized Nyquist theorem. The success of the proposed design technique is demonstrated on the control systems through simulation studies for both the interval and affine‐linear cases and compared with the other robust PID controllers from the literature. It is shown that the proposed robust PID controllers guarantee the desired pole configuration in the closed‐loop, and the closed‐loop performance specifications are satisfied even in the worst case.
Synthesis of blue fluorescent carbon dots and their application in detecting mercury and iodine based on “off–on” mode
Authors: Hao Xiaoliang , Dai Shujuan , Wang Jing , Fang Zhigang
Published: December 2020

In this study, a type of blue‐emission fluorescent carbon dot was synthesized using malic acid, urea, and water. This material demonstrates strong stability to heat, ionic strength, and time. It was found that mercury ions can quench the blue fluorescence of the material, and using iodine ions, the fluorescence can be recovered. Hence, we designed an “off–on” mode to detect mercury and iodine ions using the carbon dots. The results showed that this material exhibits good selectivity and recovery rate. Concurrently, imaging experiments showed that this material demonstrates low cytotoxicity and can be used in cell fluorescence imaging. The study concludes that this material has wider application prospects in the future.
Divergent Reactions of 2‐Aminophenol with α‐Bromoacetate: Asymmetric Synthesis of Two Regioisomeric 1,4‐Benzoxazinones
Authors: Kim Seo Yun , Han Gun Hee , Hong Su Kyung , Park Jieun , Park Yong Sun
Published: December 2020

2‐Aminophenol displays a diverse pattern of reactivity in the substitution reaction of α‐bromoacetate. The substitution under neutral or basic conditions results in the formation of 1,4‐benzoxazinones, whereas Lewis acid‐promoted substitution leads to Friedel–Crafts alkylation of 2‐aminophenol. Asymmetric synthesis of two regioisomeric 1,4‐benzoxazinones is accomplished from the nucleophilic substitution of highly diastereoenriched α‐aryl‐α‐bromoacetates with N‐alkyl‐2‐aminophenols under varied reaction conditions.
Short‐term meditation training influences brain energy metabolism: A pilot study on 31P MR spectroscopy
Authors: Gizewski Elke R. , Steiger Ruth , Waibel Michaela , Pereverzyev Sergiy , Sommer Patrick J. D. , Siedentopf Christian , Grams Astrid E. , Lenhart Lukas , Singewald Nicolas
Published: December 2020

Background

Meditation is increasingly attracting interest among neuroimaging researchers for its relevance as a cognitive enhancement technique and several cross‐sectional studies have indicated cerebral changes. This longitudinal study applied a distinct and standardized meditative technique with a group of volunteers in a short‐term training program to analyze brain metabolic changes.

Methods

The effect of 7 weeks of meditation exercises (focused attention meditation, FAM) was assessed on 27 healthy volunteers. Changes in cerebral energy metabolism were investigated using 31P‐MR spectroscopy. Metabolite ratios were compared before (T1) and after training (T2). Additional questionnaire assessments were included.

Results

The participants performed FAM daily. Depression and anxiety scores revealed a lower level of state anxiety at T2 compared to T1. From T1 to T2, energy metabolism ratios showed the following differences: PCr/ATP increased right occipitally; Pi/ATP decreased bilaterally in the basal ganglia and temporal lobe on the right; PCr/Pi increased in occipital lobe bilaterally, in the basal ganglia and in the temporal lobe on the right side. The pH decreased temporal on the left side and frontal in the right side. The observed changes in the temporal areas and basal ganglia may be interpreted as a higher energetic state, whereas the frontal and occipital areas showed changes that may be related to a down‐regulation in ATP turnover, energy state, and oxidative capacity.

Conclusions

The results of the current study indicate for the first time in a longitudinal study that even short‐term training in FAM may have considerable effects on brain energy state with different local energy management in specific brain regions. Especially higher energetic state in basal ganglia may represent altered function in their central role in complex cerebral distributed networks including frontal and temporal areas. Further studies including different forms of relaxation techniques should be performed for more specific and reliable insights.
Chronic hyperglycemia before acute ischemic stroke impairs the bilateral cerebrovascular response to exercise during the subacute recovery period
Authors: Kaufman Carolyn S. , Bai Stephen X. , Eickmeyer Sarah M. , Billinger Sandra A.
Published: December 2020

Background and Purpose

Chronic hyperglycemia contributes to cerebrovascular dysfunction by damaging blood vessels. Poor glucose control has been tied to impairments in cerebral blood flow, which may be particularly detrimental for people recovering from major cerebrovascular events such as acute ischemic stroke. In this secondary analysis, we explore for the first time the connection between chronic hyperglycemia before acute stroke and the cerebrovascular response (CVR) to exercise 3 and 6 month into the subacute recovery period.

Methods

We recorded middle cerebral artery velocity (MCAv) using transcranial Doppler ultrasound bilaterally at rest and during moderate‐intensity exercise in stroke patients at 3 (n = 19) and 6 (n = 12) months post‐stroke. We calculated CVR as the difference between MCAv during steady‐state exercise and resting MCAv. We obtained hemoglobin A1c levels (HbA1c; a measure of blood glucose over the prior 3 months) from the electronic medical record (EMR) and divided participants by HbA1c greater or less than 7%.

Results

Participants with high HbA1c (>7%) at the time of acute stroke had significantly lower CVR to exercise for both the stroke‐affected (p = .009) and non‐affected (p = .007) hemispheres at 3 months post‐stroke. These differences remained significant at 6 months post‐stroke (stroke‐affected, p = .008; non‐affected, p = .016).

Conclusions

Patients with chronic hyperglycemia before acute ischemic stroke demonstrated impaired cerebrovascular function during exercise months into the subacute recovery period. These findings highlight the importance of maintaining tight glucose control to reduce morbidity and improve recovery post‐stroke and could have implications for understanding cerebrovascular pathophysiology.
Brain features of nearly drug‐naïve female monozygotic twins with first‐episode schizophrenia and the classification accuracy of brain feature patterns: A pilot study
Authors: Zhang Tao , Song Jie , Chen Ce , Li Ran , Li Yachen , Sun Yun , Fang Tao , Xu Weiwei , Tian Hongjun , Zhuo Chuanjun
Published: December 2020

Background

Data on differences in brain features between monozygotic (MZ) twins with and without schizophrenia are scarce.

Methods

We compared brain features of female MZ twins with and without first‐episode schizophrenia and healthy controls (n = 20 each). Voxel‐based morphometry and tract‐based spatial statistics were used to analyze differences in brain structure. Whole‐brain effective connectivity (EC) and functional connectivity (FC) networks were constructed using resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI) data.

Results

Female twins with schizophrenia exhibited abnormal gray matter volume (GMV) in the basal ganglia and prefrontal and parietal cortices, impairments in the arcuate fasciculus, and significant disruptions (primarily decreases) in nine EC networks. They exhibited rs‐EC alterations involving the limbic areas and subcortex. Combined rs‐EC and rs‐FC data distinguished twins with first‐episode schizophrenia with high accuracy. Combined consideration of structural and functional features enabled the distinction of female MZ twins with schizophrenia from those without schizophrenia and healthy controls with 100% accuracy.

Conclusions

Female MZ twins with schizophrenia exhibited increased GMV, white matter impairment, and disruptions in EC and FC networks. The combination of rs‐EC + rs‐FC data could distinguish female twins with schizophrenia from twins without schizophrenia and healthy controls with 97.4% accuracy, and the addition of structural brain features yielded a 100% accuracy rate. These findings may provide pivotal insight for further study of the mechanisms underlying schizophrenia.
Leonurine, a potential drug for the treatment of cardiovascular system and central nervous system diseases
Authors: Huang Lu , Xu Ding‐Qiao , Chen Yan‐Yan , Yue Shi‐Jun , Tang Yu‐Ping
Published: December 2020

Leonurus japonicus Houtt., a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, is often used as a gynecological medicine with the effect of promoting blood circulation, regulating menstruation, clearing heat, and detoxificating. As the most important alkaloid in L. japonicus, leonurine has a wide range of biological activities, such as antioxidation, anti‐inflammation, and anti‐apoptosis. Cardiovascular system and central nervous system diseases are arrogant killers that threaten human lives and health around the world, but many drugs for treating them have certain side effects. This paper reviews the potential therapeutic effects of leonurine on cardiovascular system and central nervous system diseases, summarizes the previous research progress, and focuses on its therapeutic effect in various diseases. Although leonurine plays a prominent role in the treatment of cardiovascular system and central nervous system diseases, there are still some shortages, such as low bioavailability, weak transmembrane ability, and poor fat solubility. Therefore, the structure modification of leonurine may solve these problems and provide reference value for the development of new drugs. At present, leonurine is in clinical trial, and it is hoped that our summary will help to provide guidance for its future research on the basic science and clinical application.
Prosumer's commitment model: The case of a biodiesel cooperative
Authors: Fabila‐Rodríguez Karla , Lobato‐Calleros Odette , Ruiz‐Morales Mariana , Brun‐Battistini Dominique
Published: December 2020

Consumers are becoming more aware of their role in the propagation of environmental issues, the transition from passive consumer to prosumer is emerging, and it is of interest to know the commitment factors that leads the biodiesel prosumer to act in favor of an organization which they belong in order to achieve one goal in common and contribute to local sustainable development. In this research, the prosumer is the one who participates as a member and consumer of a biodiesel cooperative. The prosumer's commitment is made up of two components: (i) nonactive or affective, identification with the organization, and (ii) active or participatory, action towards certain goals. The objectives of the investigation are to evaluate the biodiesel prosumer's commitment and know its causes and effects. The hypotheses on the causes and results of the prosumer's commitment are postulated in a structural equation model (SEM), whose theoretical basis corresponds to the double role of the prosumer: member and client of the cooperative. The SEM is evaluated from the perspective of the prosumer based on mixed methodology and partial least square (PLS). The proposed SEM explains 78% (R2= 0.78) of the variability of the contribution of the biodiesel cooperative to local sustainable development, where this contribution is directly and significantly impacted by the two components of the commitment. This case study identifies dimensions that lead the biodiesel prosumer to commit in the cocreation and consumption of renewable fuel, which gives more opportunities for long‐term survival of this initiative in a competitive market.
Curriculum analysis and design, implementation, and validation of a STEAM project through educational robotics in primary education
Authors: Vicente Francisco Ruiz , Zapatera Llinares Alberto , Montes Sánchez Nicolas
Published: December 2020

Technological changes pose the need to redefine educational models, incorporating programs, and methodologies, so that students acquire the scientific‐technological competencies required in today's society. The objective of the research is aimed at establishing a generic method to develop STEAM projects, which are consistent with current curricula and at experimentally testing its validity by developing a STEAM project for a Primary Education class. As an example, and without loss of generality, the method proposed in this article is used to develop STEAM projects from the curriculum in the 4th, 5th, and 6th year of Primary Education in Spain. As a result, 11 areas of opportunity were detected, understood as areas that meet the necessary conditions to become the main theme of a STEAM project, and from which the “Sustainability” area was selected to develop a STEAM project. The project consists of an educational robotics kit, including a board that simulates a city and a robot programmed to travel on the board and activate the different elements that will make it a sustainable city. This first experience was carried out in a classroom with 30 students of 5th year, who showed great interest in the project and achieved a very satisfactory performance.
Impact of dietary interventions in inborn errors of metabolism in paediatric dentistry: Review of the literature and case series
Authors: Hirst Lorna , Mubeen Suhaym , Chakrapani Anupam
Published: December 2020

Dietary modifications in certain IEMs are highly cariogenic, subsequently posing a significant risk to dental health. Multidisciplinary input is imperative to ensure metabolic dietary needs are met, whilst complementing dental preventive regimes.
Fischer‐Tropsch Wax from Renewable Resources as an Excellent Feedstock for the Steam‐Cracking Process
Authors: Karaba Adam , Rozhon Jakub , Patera Jan , Hájek Jiří , Zámostný Petr
Published: December 2020

A heavy side‐product of the Fischer‐Tropsch (FT) process called waxes are potential renewable feedstocks for the steam‐cracking process. Samples of FT wax and distillation cuts thereof were investigated using laboratory pyrolysis in order to compare their pyrolysis performance with traditional steam‐cracking feedstocks, i.e., primary naphtha and hydrocracking products. At 815 °C, waxes provided significantly higher yields of the desired products ethylene and propylene, and lower yields of oil compared to traditional feedstocks. The yields of waxes blended in traditional feedstocks and the sensitivity of cracking product yields to temperature and residence time were also examined experimentally.
Support vector regression that takes into consideration the importance of explanatory variables
Authors: Kaneko Hiromasa
Published: December 2020

Support vector regression (SVR) is able to consider the nonlinear relationship between explanatory variables X and a target variable y to build a regression model with high predictive accuracy. Additionally, y values predicted with SVR models for new samples can exceed the actual y values in training data. However, because the Gaussian kernel, which is a kernel function generally used in SVR, is based on the Euclidean distance between samples, it is unable to consider the importance of X when building the regression model. Therefore, in this study, the focus was on the importance of X that can be calculated by random forests (RF), and a novel SVR method, called variable importance‐considering support vector regression (VI‐SVR), was proposed based on this importance. Because X is weighted based on importance, the greater the importance of X, the greater its contribution to the predicted value. Analysis using the spectral, quantitative structure–property relationship (QSPR), and quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) datasets confirmed that the predictive accuracy of VI‐SVR was better than that of SVR. VI‐SVR Python code is available at https://github.com/hkaneko1985/dcekit.
Primo Levi: A frustrated stereochemist?—Insight in hindsight
Authors: Cravotto Giancarlo , Cintas Pedro
Published: December 2020

Primo Levi (1919–1987) has become an iconic figure at the intersection of chemistry and culture. Levi has long been praised for his autobiographical account as survivor in Auschwitz and by his literary masterpiece “The Periodic Table.” Little is however known beyond such facts, especially his academic period and early research on stereochemistry at the University of Turin, which were abruptly truncated by the racial laws and WWII. Even if, later on, Primo Levi succeeded as industrial chemist, he had a vivid interest in molecular asymmetry that lasted through his entire life. This concise paper highlights a little known academic period in the midst of social and political upheaval. Levi left us his humanity in an otherwise tortuous life, and his literature took inspiration from chemistry; perhaps as a metaphor connecting the physical world and people's life.
Lead I R‐wave amplitude to distinguish ventricular arrhythmias with lead V3 transition originating from the left versus right ventricular outflow tract
Authors: Wang Jue , Miao Chenglong , Yang Guangmin , Xu Lu , Xing Ru , Jia Yan , Zhang Ruining , Wang Yanwei , Huang Liu , Liu Suyun
Published: December 2020

Background

The electrophysiology algorithm for localizing left or right origins of outflow tract ventricular arrhythmias (OT‐VAs) with lead V3 transition still needs further investigation in clinical practice.

Hypothesis

Lead I R‐wave amplitude is effective in distinguishing the left or right origin of OT‐VAs with lead V3 transition.

Methods

We measured lead I R‐wave amplitude in 82 OT‐VA patients with lead V3 transition and a positive complex in lead I who underwent successful catheter ablation from the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT). The optimal R‐wave threshold was identified, compared with the V2S/V3R index, transitional zone (TZ) index, and V2 transition ratio, and validated in a prospective cohort study.

Results

Lead I R‐wave amplitude for LVOT origins was significantly higher than that for RVOT origins (0.55 ± 0.13 vs. 0.32 ± 0.15 mV; p < .001). The area under the curve (AUC) for lead I R‐wave amplitude as assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was 0.926, with a cutoff value of ≥0.45 predicting LVOT origin with 92.9% sensitivity and 88.2% specificity, superior to the V2S/V3R index, TZ index, and V2 transition ratio. VAs in the LVOT group mainly originated from the right coronary cusp (RCC) and left and right coronary cusp junction (L‐RCC). In the prospective study, lead I R‐wave amplitude identified the LVOT origin with 92.3% accuracy.

Conclusion

Lead I R‐wave amplitude provides a useful and simple criterion to identify RCC or L‐RCC origin in OT‐VAs with lead V3 transition.
Predictors of rhythm outcomes after cardiac resynchronization therapy in atrial fibrillation patients: When should we use an atrial lead?
Authors: Nedios Sotirios , Doering Michael , Darma Angeliki , Lucas Johannes , Dinov Borislav , Arya Arash , Dagres Nikolaos , Hindricks Gerhard , Bollmann Andreas , Richter Sergio , Bode Kerstin
Published: December 2020

Background

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is widely used in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients and could impact rhythm stability.

Hypothesis

We aimed to identify predictors of sinus rhythm (SR) stability or AF progression in a real‐word cohort of CRT‐AF patients.

Methods

From 330 consecutive implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator implantations due to ischemic or dilated cardiomyopathy, 65 (20%) patients with AF history (paroxysmal, n = 32) underwent a CRT implantation with an atrial electrode and were regularly followed every 4–6 months. Rhythm restoration was attempted for most AF patients based on symptoms, biventricular pacing (BP), and lack of thrombi.

Results

After 33 months, 18 (28%) patients progressed to permanent mode switch (MS≥99%) and 20 (31%) patients had stable SR (MS < 1%). Logistic regression showed that history of persistent AF (OR: 8.01, 95%CI: 2.0–31.7, p = .003) is associated with higher risk of permanent MS. In persistent AF patients, a bigger left atrium (OR: 1.2 per mm, 95%CI: 1.03–1.4, p = .025) and older age (OR: 1.15 per life‐year, 95%CI: 1.01–1.3, p = .032) were predictors of future permanent MS. Paroxysmal AF at implantation (OR: 5.96, 95%CI: 1.6–21.9, p = .007) and increased BP (OR: 1.4 per 1%, 95%CI: 1.05–1.89, p = .02) were associated with stable SR. In persistent AF patients, stable SR correlated with higher BP (98 ± 2 vs. 92 ± 8%, p < .001).

Conclusion

In patients with AF undergoing CRT implantation, persistent AF, LA dilatation and advanced age relate to future permanent MS (AF), whereas high BP promotes SR stability. These findings could facilitate the management of CRT‐AF patients and guide therapy in order to maximize its effect on rhythm.
Dual‐Mechanism Quenched Fluorogenic Probe Provides Selective and Rapid Detection of Cathepsin L Activity**
Authors: Schleyer Kelton A. , Fetrow Ben , Zannes Fatland Peter , Liu Jun , Chaaban Maya , Ma Biwu , Cui Lina
Published: December 2020

Cathepsin L (CTL) is a cysteine protease demonstrating upregulated activity in many disease states. Overlapping substrate specificity makes selective detection of CTL activity difficult to parse from that of its close homologue CTV and the ubiquitous CTB. Current probes of CTL activity have limited applications due to either poor contrast or extra assay steps required to achieve selectivity. We have developed a fluorogenic probe, CTLAP, that displays good selectivity for CTL over CTB and CTV while exhibiting low background fluorescence attributed to dual quenching mechanisms. CTLAP achieves optimum CTL selectivity in the first 10 min of incubation, thus suggesting that it is amenable for rapid detection of CTL, even in the presence of competing cathepsins.
Radiotherapy management of rectal cancer in the backdrop of the COVID pandemic
Authors: Lewis Shirley , Talapatra Kaustav
Published: December 2020

Background

COVID‐19 outbreak was declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. Over the last 3 months, the pandemic has challenged the diagnosis and treatment of all cancer, including rectal cancer. Constraints in resources call for a change in the treatment strategy without compromising efficacy.

Recent Findings

Delivery of shorter treatment schedules for radiotherapy offers advantages like short overall treatment time, improved throughput on the machine, improved compliance and reduced risk of transmission of COVID 19. Other strategies include delaying surgery, reducing the intensity of chemotherapy and adoption of organ preservation approach.

Conclusion

The curative treatment of rectal cancer should not be hindered during the COVID pandemic, and modifications in the multi‐modality treatment will help achieve quality care.
An online cognitive authentication and trust evaluation application programming interface for cognitive security gateway based on distributed massive Internet of Things network
Authors: Chen Hsing‐Chung , Yang Wei‐Ju , Chou Chao‐Lung
Published: December 2020

As the number of Internet of massive Things (IoT) applications grows in vehicles, factory machinery, smart buildings, and city infrastructure, a secure and automated solution of enabling a mesh network for transactional processes is a significant demand. However, the trust evaluation among those unknown IoT devices which communicate to each other are still the high demand in distributed massive IoT network. In this paper, an online cognitive authentication and trust evaluation decision application programming interface (API) for Cognitive Security Gateway (CSG) based on distributed massive IoT network is proposed. The online cognitive security APIs consisting of cognitive authentication sub‐API, cognitive trust evaluation sub‐API and cognitive authorization sub‐API are designed for distributed massive IoT applications. The modified electronic product code (EPC) Class1Gen2 tags generated by CSG server is and proposed to be the online identity for the system used. Moreover, both the security analyses and trust evaluations for the CSG are discussed. Finally, the proposed system is shown that it is an appropriate solution for solving the online authentication problem in distributed cognitive IoT network.
Cytohistopathologic correlation of ovarian mesonephric‐like carcinoma and female adnexal tumor of probable Wolffian origin
Authors: Qazi Muhammad , Movahedi‐Lankarani Saeid , Wang Brant G
Published: December 2020

Recently we encountered two cases with mesonephric features, mesonephric‐like carcinoma (MLC) of the ovary, and female adnexal tumor of probable Wolffian origin (FATWO). They are thought to be related to mesonephric remnants (or Wolffian duct remnants). Herein we describe the cytohistolgical features, differential diagnoses, and potential pitfalls in diagnosis of these neoplasms. On cytological examination, the case of MLC showed tight 3‐dimensional clusters of overlapping round cells, corresponding to solid growth pattern seen on histological examination. Tubular architecture and papillary formations composed of neoplastic cells of medium size with scant cytoplasm were readily identified. Intraluminal eosinophilic secretions were better seen on histological examination. Additionally, areas resembling features of papillary thyroid carcinoma were noted. Mitoses and apoptotic bodies were not identified on cytology but seen on histological sections. The neoplastic cells were positive for CK7, CD10, PAX‐8, TTF‐1, and GATA‐3, and negative for ER, PR, and WT‐1 immunostains. In contrast to MLC, cytological examination of FATWO showed smaller oval to spindle monotonous cells without mitotic figures. Some cells contained paranuclear vacuoles and were arranged individually or in loose cohesive clusters. Other cells were closely associated with pericellular hyalinized basement membrane‐like material and they were arranged in cohesive clusters as well. On histological examination, similar to MLC, the FATWO had areas with thyroid‐like features, such as, intraluminal eosinophilic secretions, paranuclear vacuoles, in the background of collagenous stroma. The neoplastic cells were positive for CK AE1/AE3, calretinin, WT‐1, inhibin, and CD10, and negative for CK7, PAX‐8, GATA‐3, ER, PR, and C‐kit immunostains.
Environment‐induced changes in reproductive strategies and their transgenerational effects in the three‐spined stickleback
Authors: Álvarez‐Quintero Náyade , Velando Alberto , Noguera Jose C. , Kim Sin‐Yeon
Published: December 2020

An organism may increase its fitness by changing its reproductive strategies in response to environmental cues, but the possible consequences of those changes for the next generation have rarely been explored. By using an experiment on the three‐spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus), we studied how changes in the onset of breeding photoperiod (early versus late) affect reproductive strategies of males and females, and life histories of their offspring. We also explored whether telomeres are involved in the within‐ and transgenerational effects. In response to the late onset of breeding photoperiod, females reduced their investment in the early clutches, but males increased their investment in sexual signals. Costs of increased reproductive investment in terms of telomere loss were evident only in the late females. The environmentally induced changes in reproductive strategies affected offspring growth and survival. Most notably, offspring growth rate was the fastest when both parents experienced a delayed (i.e., late) breeding photoperiod, and survival rate was the highest when both parents experienced an advanced (i.e., early) breeding photoperiod. There was no evidence of transgenerational effects on offspring telomere length despite positive parents–offspring relationships in this trait. Our results highlight that environmental changes may impact more than one generation by altering reproductive strategies of seasonal breeders with consequences for offspring viability.
Habitat selection by a threatened desert amphibian
Authors: Hinderer Ross K. , Litt Andrea R. , McCaffery Magnus
Published: December 2020

Habitat degradation and fragmentation are major drivers of amphibian declines. The loss of environmental features that allow for movement between water sources may be particularly detrimental for amphibians in arid environments. Climate changes will increase the importance of microhabitats to amphibians. Enhancing areas to facilitate movement may be a necessary conservation strategy for many animal species that depend on wetlands, including federally threatened Chiricahua leopard frogs (Lithobates chiricahuensis). Habitat preferences of this frog species are not well understood. We sought to better understand fine‐scale habitat selection, to inform conservation of Chiricahua leopard frogs.

We conducted our study on the Ladder Ranch, a privately owned working bison ranch in New Mexico, USA that supports a large proportion of the remaining Chiricahua leopard frogs in the state.

We attached radio transmitters to 44 frogs during summer 2014. We located each frog daily for up to 8 weeks (median = 30 days). We assessed fine‐scale habitat selection by comparing characteristics at each frog location and a random location 5 m away using conditional logistic regression.

Frogs preferred features that likely reduce desiccation, even after accounting for the presence of water. Frogs selected areas with more low‐lying cover, especially aquatic vegetation and woody debris, a tree overstory, and a mud substrate.

We recommend managing potential movement corridors for Chiricahua leopard frogs by ensuring the presence of muddy creek bottoms, woody debris, riparian overstory, low‐lying ground cover, and pools. Microclimates created by these features seem especially valuable given warming temperatures and modified precipitation regimes, resulting in decreased surface water, soil moisture, and vegetation cover. Retaining or creating preferred habitat features and microclimates in areas between water sources may increase connectivity among isolated populations of Chiricahua leopard frogs and could improve persistence and recovery of other water‐obligate species in arid landscapes.
Assessment of renewable energy transition in Moroccan electricity sector using a system dynamics approach
Authors: Chentouf Mohammed , Allouch Mohamed
Published: December 2020

Morocco is one of the major importers of conventional fuels in the MENA region. In fact, ensuring energy security in the western kingdom is placing a heavy burden on economic balances, while generating many environmental impacts and social discrepancies. The local government has been striving to reduce its GHG emissions coming mainly from activities related to the field of energy harvesting. The current research work aims to evaluate technical, economic, social, and environmental impacts of the ongoing transition toward renewable energy (RE) deployment in Morocco. We used the system dynamics approach in order to study different interactions of the components of the Moroccan electricity sector and their behaviors on this complex system under various scenarios. The results showed that 35 MtCO2 of avoided emissions can be ensured up to 2030 if renewable installed capacity reaches 15.72 GW by the same year. On the other hand, demand is estimated to be reduced by almost 30 TWh if robust measures were taken turning the country into an electricity exporter of up to 8.67 TWh by 2030. Finally, while research and development activities are expected to decrease RE plants construction costs by almost 700 million USD, nearly 448.986 renewable jobs can be created by 2030.
MoO2/C hybrid synthesized by a facile molten‐salt‐assisted approach for high‐performance lithium‐ion batteries
Authors: Gao Shasha , Tang Yakun , Zhao Hongyang , Liu Lang , Gu Yahong , Sheng Rui
Published: December 2020

To combat the serious agglomeration and growth of the active materials, huge volume expansion and sluggish kinetics of metal oxides in the process of Li+ insertion/extraction, constructing hybrid nanostructures aiming to anchor active materials has been pursued. However, it is still limited in terms of capacity decay and complex preparation process. Herein, the hybrid MoO2/C is synthesized through a novel molten‐salt‐assisted approach, in which isolated small MoO2 nanoparticles were anchored on the well‐developed coal‐based porous carbon framework. The novel MoO2/C electrodes demonstrate enhanced electrochemical performance as Li+ battery anodes with a higher capacity of 960 mAh g−1 at 200 mA g−1, which is attributed to the synergistic effect for the uniform dispersion of MoO2 nanoparticles and coal‐based porous carbon layer with abundant active contact sites, which is better by far than the currently reported MoO2‐based electrode. Meanwhile, the hybrid MoO2/C exhibited improved extrinsic capacitive characteristics. Therefore, the hybrid MoO2/C constructed by the simple low cost strategy can be a prospective Li‐ion battery anode.