bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2020 American College of Rheumatology Guideline for the Management of Reproductive Health in Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases
Authors: Sammaritano Lisa R. , Bermas Bonnie L. , Chakravarty Eliza E. , Chambers Christina , Clowse Megan E. B. , Lockshin Michael D. , Marder Wendy , Guyatt Gordon , Branch D. Ware , Buyon Jill , Christopher‐Stine Lisa , Crow‐Hercher Rachelle , Cush John , Druzin Maurice , Kavanaugh Arthur , Laskin Carl A. , Plante Lauren , Salmon Jane , Simard Julia , Somers Emily C. , Steen Virginia , Tedeschi Sara K. , Vinet Evelyne , White C. Whitney , Yazdany Jinoos , Barbhaiya Medha , Bettendorf Brittany , Eudy Amanda , Jayatilleke Arundathi , Shah Amit Aakash , Sullivan Nancy , Tarter Laura L. , Birru Talabi Mehret , Turgunbaev Marat , Turner Amy , D'Anci Kristen E.
Published: February 2020

Objective

To develop an evidence‐based guideline on contraception, assisted reproductive technologies (ART), fertility preservation with gonadotoxic therapy, use of menopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT), pregnancy assessment and management, and medication use in patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease (RMD).

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of evidence relating to contraception, ART, fertility preservation, HRT, pregnancy and lactation, and medication use in RMD populations, using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology to rate the quality of evidence and a group consensus process to determine final recommendations and grade their strength (conditional or strong). Good practice statements were agreed upon when indirect evidence was sufficiently compelling that a formal vote was unnecessary.

Results

This American College of Rheumatology guideline provides 12 ungraded good practice statements and 131 graded recommendations for reproductive health care in RMD patients. These recommendations are intended to guide care for all patients with RMD, except where indicated as being specific for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, those positive for antiphospholipid antibody, and/or those positive for anti‐Ro/SSA and/or anti‐La/SSB antibodies. Recommendations and good practice statements support several guiding principles: use of safe and effective contraception to prevent unplanned pregnancy, pre‐pregnancy counseling to encourage conception during periods of disease quiescence and while receiving pregnancy‐compatible medications, and ongoing physician‐patient discussion with obstetrics/gynecology collaboration for all reproductive health issues, given the overall low level of available evidence that relates specifically to RMD.

Conclusion

This guideline provides evidence‐based recommendations developed and reviewed by panels of experts and RMD patients. Many recommendations are conditional, reflecting a lack of data or low‐level data. We intend that this guideline be used to inform a shared decision‐making process between patients and their physicians on issues related to reproductive health that incorporates patients’ values, preferences, and comorbidities.
Supramolecular β‐Sheet Suckerin–Based Underwater Adhesives
Authors: Deepankumar Kanagavel , Lim Chanoong , Polte Ingmar , Zappone Bruno , Labate Cristina , De Santo Maria P. , Mohanram Harini , Palaniappan Alagappan , Hwang Dong Soo , Miserez Ali
Published: February 2020

Nature has evolved several molecular strategies to ensure adhesion in aqueous environments, where artificial adhesives typically fail. One recently‐unveiled molecular design for wet‐resistant adhesion is the cohesive cross‐β structure characteristic of amyloids, complementing the well‐established surface‐binding strategy of mussel adhesive proteins based on 3,4‐l‐dihydroxyphenylalanine (Dopa). Structural proteins that self‐assemble into cross β‐sheet networks are the suckerins discovered in the sucker ring teeth of squids. Here, light is shed on the wet adhesion of cross‐β motifs by producing recombinant suckerin‐12, naturally lacking Dopa, and investigating its wet adhesion properties. Surprisingly, the adhesion forces measured on mica reach 70 mN m−1, exceeding those measured for all mussel adhesive proteins to date. The pressure‐sensitive adhesion of artificial suckerins is largely governed by their cross‐β motif, as evidenced using control experiments with disrupted cross‐β domains that result in complete loss of adhesion. Dopa is also incorporated in suckerin‐12 using a residue‐specific incorporation strategy that replaces tyrosine with Dopa during expression in Escherichia coli. Although the replacement does not increase the long‐term adhesion, it contributes to the initial rapid contact and enhances the adsorption onto model oxide substrates. The findings suggest that suckerins with supramolecular cross‐β motifs are promising biopolymers for wet‐resistant adhesion.
Shaping the Contact between Li Metal Anode and Solid‐State Electrolytes
Authors: Duan Jian , Huang Liqiang , Wang Tengrui , Huang Yimeng , Fu Haoyu , Wu Wangyan , Luo Wei , Huang Yunhui
Published: February 2020

Scientific and technological interest in solid‐state Li metal batteries (SSLMBs) arises from their excellent safety and promising high energy density. However, the practical application of SSLMBs is hindered by poor contact between the Li metal anode (LMA) and solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs). To circumvent this limitation, a pattern‐guided approach that shapes the LMA/SSE contact is disclosed to offer fast Li ion conduction in the interface. A thermally‐treated copper foam is used as the lithophilic pattern to confine and guide Li for forming a tight contact with garnet‐type SSE. The contact can be easily manipulated according to the shape of lithiophilic pattern, facilitating cell assembly. The resulting Li|patterned garnet|Li symmetric cell exhibits an interfacial resistance of 9.8 Ω cm2, which is dramatically lower than that of 998 Ω cm2 for Li|pristine garnet|Li symmetric cell. Being used in Li–sulfur batteries, the patterned garnet effectively eliminates the polysulfide shuttle and enables stable cycling performance, showing a low capacity decay of 0.035% per cycle over 1000 cycles. The fundamental contact process of metallic anodes/SSEs is carefully investigated. This contact strategy provides a new design concept to improve the interface wettability via a lithiophilic pattern for a variety of SSEs that cannot wet with metallic anodes.
Uniformly Confined Germanium Quantum Dots in 3D Ordered Porous Carbon Framework for High‐Performance Li‐ion Battery
Authors: Wang Yan , Luo Sainan , Chen Min , Wu Limin
Published: February 2020

Although abundant germanium (Ge)‐based anode materials have been explored to obtain high specific capacity, high rate performance, and long charge/discharge lifespans for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), their performances are still far from satisfactory due to the intrinsic defects of Ge and the relatively intricate anode structure. To work out these issues, a 3D ordered porous N‐doped carbon framework with Ge quantum dots uniformly embedded (3DOP Ge@NC) as a binder‐free anode for LIBs via a facile polystyrene colloidal nanospheres template‐confined strategy is proposed. This unique structure not only facilitates Li‐ion diffusion and electron transport that can guarantee rapid de/alloying reaction, but also alleviates the huge volume changes during reactions and improves cycling stability. Notably, the resulting anode delivers a high specific reversible capacity (≈1160 mA h g−1 at 1 A g−1), superior rate properties (exceeding 500 mA h g−1 at 40 A g−1), and excellent cycling stability (over 90% capacity retention after 1200 cycles even at 5 A g−1). Furthermore, both the 3DOP Ge@NC anode with high areal mass loading (up to 8 mg cm−2) and the full cell coupled with LiFePO4 cathode display high capacity and cycling stability, further indicative of the favorable real‐life application prospects for high‐energy LIBs.
Ag Nanoparticles Cluster with pH‐Triggered Reassembly in Targeting Antimicrobial Applications
Authors: Xie Xianli , Sun TianCi , Xue Jingzhe , Miao Zhaohua , Yan Xu , Fang WeiWei , Li Qing , Tang Rupei , Lu Yang , Tang Longxiang , Zha Zhengbao , He Tao
Published: February 2020

Antibacterial efficiency can be effectively improved by applying targeting antibacterial materials and strategies. Herein, the successful synthesis of uniform pH‐responsive Ag nanoparticle clusters (AgNCs) is demonstrated, which can collapse and reassemble into nonuniform Ag NPs upon exposure to the acidic microenvironment of bacterial infections. This pH triggered reassembly contributes greatly to the improved antibacterial activities of AgNCs against both methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration against MRSA are as low as 4 and 32 µg mL−1 (which are 8 and 32 µg mL−1 for E. coli), respectively. In vivo skin wound healing experiments confirm AgNCs can serve as an effective wound dressing to accelerate the healing of MRSA infection. The development of responsive AgNCs offers new materials and strategies in targeting antibacterial applications.
Cellulose Nanofibril Hydrogel Promotes Hepatic Differentiation of Human Liver Organoids
Authors: Krüger Melanie , Oosterhoff Loes A. , van Wolferen Monique E. , Schiele Simon A. , Walther Andreas , Geijsen Niels , De Laporte Laura , van der Laan Luc J. W. , Kock Linda M. , Spee Bart
Published: February 2020

To replicate functional liver tissue in vitro for drug testing or transplantation, 3D tissue engineering requires representative cell models as well as scaffolds that not only promote tissue production but also are applicable in a clinical setting. Recently, adult liver‐derived liver organoids are found to be of much interest due to their genetic stability, expansion potential, and ability to differentiate toward a hepatocyte‐like fate. The current standard for culturing these organoids is a basement membrane hydrogel like Matrigel (MG), which is derived from murine tumor material and apart from its variability and high costs, possesses an undefined composition and is therefore not clinically applicable. Here, a cellulose nanofibril (CNF) hydrogel is investigated with regard to its potential to serve as an alternative clinical grade scaffold to differentiate liver organoids. The results show that its mechanical properties are suitable for differentiation with overall, either equal or improved, functionality of the hepatocyte‐like cells compared to MG. Therefore, and because of its defined and tunable chemical definition, the CNF hydrogel presents a viable alternative to MG for liver tissue engineering with the option for clinical use.
Atomic Doping and Anion Reconstructed CoF2 Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Dong Qiuchun , Su Tingting , Ge Wei , Ren Yanfang , Liu Yunlong , Wang Wenjun , Wang Qian , Dong Xiaochen
Published: February 2020

Electrocatalytic water splitting is one of the most promising green solutions for large‐scale hydrogen production, which has developed rapidly in recent years. The slow reaction rate of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) has become the bottleneck to improve the electrocatalytic efficiency. Herein, Fe‐doped CoF2 nanowire arrays on 3D nickel foam are prepared by two steps of hydrothermal reaction and fluorination process. The increased catalytic activity sites and accelerated charge transfer rate make the self‐supported Fe‐doped CoF2 electrode show excellent OER performance in alkaline electrolyte. An overpotential of 230 mV is only required to release a current density of 10 mA cm−2. The Tafel slope derived from the polarization curves is 59 mV dec−1, indicating outstanding electrochemical kinetics performance. A stable output current density of 84 mA cm−2 for more than 96 h is achieved under an invariant overpotential of 338 mV, attributing to the anion reconstruction making part of CoF2 transform into cobalt hydroxide and further improving its electrocatalytic performance.
Scanning Nanowire Probe Interferometer for Scalable Humidity Mapping
Authors: Kim Namho , Lee Junho , Yong Moon‐Jung , Yang Un , Kim Ji Tae , Kim Jonghwan , Weon Byung Mook , Kim Chong Cook , Je Jung Ho
Published: February 2020

Quantifying humidity has long been an unavoidable task in science, industry, and society. Recent developments of nanoscience and technology that deal with ultrasmall droplets have aroused interest in microscopic moisture. Utilization of nanomaterials has been emerging as a promising strategy to miniaturize hygrometers for high‐sensitive, ultrasmall‐area sensing. However, a lack of high‐precision, on‐demand position control of sensing nanomaterials makes it difficult to explore spatial distribution of humidity at the micro‐ and nanoscale. Here, a scanning probe hygrometry (SPH) is developed that enables not only micro/nanoresolution but also scalable spatial mapping of humidity distribution. The SPH is realized with an unprecedented scanning nanowire probe interferometer (NPI) that is produced by direct 3D nanoprinting of a moisture‐sensitive polymer on a tapered optical fiber. Notably, the interferometric response of the NPI probe in ultrasmall areas quantitatively depends on humidity, arising from its refractive index change and volumetric swelling. By scanning the NPI probe and reading out the interferometric signals, multiscale spatial mapping of humidity distribution with versatile scanning steps from ≈102 nm to a few mm is demonstrated. The NPI is expected to provide a new nanoscale metrology that can answer fundamental questions about evaporation‐related science and engineering.
Sensitive and Fast Direct Conversion X‐Ray Detectors Based on Single‐Crystalline HgI2 Photoconductor and ZnO Nanowire Vacuum Diode
Authors: Zhang Zhipeng , Zhang Zhaojun , Zheng Wei , Wang Kai , Chen Huanjun , Deng Shaozhi , Huang Feng , Chen Jun
Published: February 2020

Photoconductive cold cathode X‐ray detectors are highly promising for use in medical diagnosis, industrial inspection, and scientific research applications. However, development of highly sensitive, fast, and stable direct conversion X‐ray detectors remains very challenging because of structural and material limitations. This article presents a direct conversion X‐ray detector based on a HgI2 crystal and a ZnO nanowire vacuum diode with sensitivity of 6.8 × 103 µCGyair−1 cm−2, which is nearly two orders of magnitude higher than that of a commercial a‐Se X‐ray detector. The X‐ray detector, which uses a high‐crystallization HgI2 photoconductor, shows a response time of 0.24 ms, thus significantly outperforming the polycrystalline HgI2 X‐ray detector. In addition, the current limitation between the HgI2 photoconductor and the ZnO nanowire cold cathodes guaranteed device reliability under high applied electric fields for practical applications. The findings presented in this work demonstrate that the proposed X‐ray detector based on the HgI2 photoconductor and the ZnO nanowire vacuum diode is highly efficient and stable.
Indirekte und direkte Anknüpfung von Übergangsmetallen an Silicoide
Authors: Poitiers Nadine E. , Giarrana Luisa , Leszczyńska Kinga I. , Huch Volker , Zimmer Michael , Scheschkewitz David
Published: February 2020

Ungesättigte, ladungsneutrale Siliciumcluster (Silicoide) sind wichtige Zwischenprodukte bei der Gasphasenabscheidung an der Grenze zwischen Molekülen und Materialien. Mit den stabilen Zirconocen‐ und Hafnocensubstituierten Derivaten berichten wir nun über die ersten Beispiele mit direkt gebundenen Übergangsmetallfragmenten, die aus dem ligato‐lithiierten Si6‐Silicoid (1Li) und Cp2MCl2 (M=Zr, Hf) leicht zugängig sind. Ladungsneutrale Silicoidliganden mit angehängter Tetrylenfunktionalität werden durch die Umsetzung von 1Li mit Amidinato‐Chlortetrylenen (PhC(NtBu)2ECl (E=Si, Ge, Sn) erhalten, was zudem die prinzipielle Kompatibilität solcher niedervalenter Funktionalitäten mit dem ungesättigten Si6‐Clustergerüst beweist. Die ausgeprägten Donoreigenschaften der Tetrylen/Silicoid‐Hybride ermöglichen deren Koordination an das Fe(CO)4‐Fragment.
Application of nano‐scale zero‐valent iron adsorbed on magnetite nanoparticles for removal of carbon tetrachloride: Products and degradation pathway
Authors: Lv Xiaofan , Prastistho Widyawanto , Yang Qi , Tokoro Chiharu
Published: February 2020

Nano‐scale zero‐valent iron (nZVI) attached to Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe0@Fe3O4), which has better dispersibility and a larger specific surface area than the nanoparticles alone, were prepared and applied to the reductive dechlorination of carbon tetrachloride (CT). CT removal efficiencies by Fe0@Fe3O4 composites with different ratios of the two components were compared. Under optimum conditions, when the Fe0/Fe3O4 ratio was 1:2, almost no CT was detected after 50 min and it took only about 30 min to reach a removal efficiency of 90%, compared with 120 min for an Fe0/Fe3O4 ratio of 1:4. An increase in the amount of nZVI in the catalyst effectively improved the removal of CT and accelerated the reaction rate. Chloroform was the main product. Compared with Fe3O4 alone, a significant increase in the solution concentrations of ferrous and ferric ions occurred in the Fe0@Fe3O4 system: both Fe2+ and Fe3+ reached their maximum concentrations at 60 min and then tended to decline over the next 60 min. The increase in Fe2+ concentration was attributed to the reaction between nZVI and CT, which produces ferrous ions when electrons transfer from Fe0 to organic chlorides. Synergistic effects between the composite constituents promoted the relative rates of mass transfer to reactive sites and Fe2+ generated in solution facilitated the reduction of chlorinated organic pollutants by magnetite. Thus, Fe0@Fe3O4 nanoparticles effectively achieved reductive dechlorination of CT and provide an improved nZVI catalyst for the remediation of chlorinated organic compounds.
High energy storage capacitance of defluorinated polyvinylidene fluoride and polyvinylidene fluoride blend alloy for capacitor applications
Authors: Lu Hongwei , Du Jianxin , Zhang Huilong , Guo Xiaojie , Du Jiayou , Zhang Yishan , Li Chenxiang , Dong Linxi , Chen Yingxin
Published: February 2020

With the development of high energy density and high dielectric materials, the potential applications in modern microelectronics and power systems are receiving more and more attention. It has been found herein that the elimination reaction can occur by placing polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) in an aqueous solution of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and potassium hydroxide. Moreover, the combination of dehydrofluorinated polyvinylidene fluoride (MD‐PVDF) and untreated PVDF can efficiently increase the dielectric constant and the storage density. When the content of MD‐PVDF reaches 5%, the storage density is the largest, that is, at the field strength of 400 MV m−1, the storage density can reach 12 J cm−3. This work provides a novel approach to improve the energy storage performance of polymer dielectrics.
Knocking down the sex peptide receptor by dsRNA feeding results in reduced oviposition rate in olive fruit flies
Authors: Gregoriou Maria‐Eleni , Mathiopoulos Kostas D.
Published: February 2020

Insect pests can cause crop damage in yield or quality, resulting in profit losses for farmers. The primary approach to control them is still the use of chemical pesticides resulting in significant hazards to the environment and human health. Biological control and the sterile insect technique are alternative strategies to improve agriculture protection. However, both strategies have significant limitations. A newly introduced approach that could be both effective and species‐specific is the RNA interference mechanism. One key point for the success of this strategy is the delivery method of double‐strand RNA (dsRNA) to the insects. A method of dsRNA delivery to insects with potential use in the field is the oral delivery, feeding the insects engineered microorganisms that produce dsRNA. Here, we present the first protocol for dsRNA feeding using modified bacteria, in the olive fruit fly, the most important insect pest of cultivated olives. We chose to target the sex peptide receptor gene. The sex peptide receptor interacts with the sex peptide, a peptide that is responsible for the postmating behavior in the model organism, Drosophila melanogaster. Feeding the female olive fruit fly with bacteria that produced dsRNA for the sex peptide receptor gene resulted in the development of female insects with significantly lower oviposition rates. Administration of dsRNA producing bacteria in insect diet against target genes that lead to genetic sexing or female‐specific lethality could be added in the armory of control methods.
Association Between Race and Radiographic, Symptomatic, and Clinical Hand Osteoarthritis: A Propensity Score–Matched Study Using Osteoarthritis Initiative Data
Authors: Pishgar Farhad , Kwee Robert M. , Haj‐Mirzaian Arya , Guermazi Ali , Haugen Ida K. , Demehri Shadpour
Published: February 2020

Objective

To determine the associations between Black race and the presence of radiographic, symptomatic, and clinical hand osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

Using available hand radiographs from the Osteoarthritis Initiative cohort (total 4,699; n = 849 Black subjects [18.1%], n = 3,850 non‐Black subjects [81.9%]), a propensity score–matching method was used to match Black subjects with non‐Black subjects for known potential risk factors of hand OA (age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, excessive occupation‐ or recreation‐related hand use, and knee OA). Posteroanterior radiographs of subjects’ dominant hands were reviewed by a musculoskeletal radiologist in a blinded manner. To assess the severity of hand OA, the modified Kellgren/Lawrence (K/L) radiographic OA scoring scale (grades 0–4) was used, and the presence of erosive OA in the hand joints was recorded. Associations between race and the severity of hand OA (measured as the summed modified K/L grade), presence of radiographic hand OA (modified K/L grade ≥2), presence of erosive hand OA, presence of symptomatic hand OA (radiographic OA with hand pain), and presence of clinical hand OA (indicated by clinical findings of Heberden's nodes in the hands) were studied using regression models. In these models, beta coefficients or odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated for the associations between Black race and any of these radiographic and symptomatic hand OA phenotypes.

Results

Black subjects had less severe hand OA (β = –1.93 [95% CI –2.53, –1.34]), as well as a lower risk of developing radiographic hand OA (OR 0.79 [95% CI 0.66, 0.94]), erosive hand OA (OR 0.23 [95% CI 0.11, 0.47]), symptomatic hand OA (OR 0.63 [95% CI 0.49, 0.82]), and clinical hand OA (OR 0.49 [95% CI 0.41, 0.60]), as compared to non‐Black subjects.

Conclusion

In contrast to the well‐established association between Black race and knee or hip OA, the findings of this study suggest that the risk of hand OA is lower in Black subjects compared to non‐Black subjects, which is not mediated by known hand OA risk factors. Future studies are warranted to determine the mediating protective factors for hand OA among Black subjects.
The stability of Twitter metrics: A study on unavailable Twitter mentions of scientific publications
Authors: Fang Zhichao , Dudek Jonathan , Costas Rodrigo
Published: February 2020

This study investigated the stability of Twitter counts of scientific publications over time. For this, we conducted an analysis of the availability statuses of over 2.6 million Twitter mentions received by the 1,154 most tweeted scientific publications recorded by Altmetric.com up to October 2017. The results show that of the Twitter mentions for these highly tweeted publications, about 14.3% had become unavailable by April 2019. Deletion of tweets by users is the main reason for unavailability, followed by suspension and protection of Twitter user accounts. This study proposes two measures for describing the Twitter dissemination structures of publications: Degree of Originality (i.e., the proportion of original tweets received by an article) and Degree of Concentration (i.e., the degree to which retweets concentrate on a single original tweet). Twitter metrics of publications with relatively low Degree of Originality and relatively high Degree of Concentration were observed to be at greater risk of becoming unstable due to the potential disappearance of their Twitter mentions. In light of these results, we emphasize the importance of paying attention to the potential risk of unstable Twitter counts, and the significance of identifying the different Twitter dissemination structures when studying the Twitter metrics of scientific publications.
Unexpected loss of sensitivity to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist activity of mecamylamine and dihydro‐β‐erythroidine in nicotine‐tolerant mice
Authors: de Moura Fernando B. , Wilkerson Jenny L. , McMahon Lance R.
Published: February 2020

Objectives

There is a long‐standing interest in developing nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) antagonists for concomitant use with nAChR agonists (e.g., nicotine replacement) as complementary smoking cessation aids. Previous studies demonstrate that daily nicotine treatment confers tolerance to some effects of nicotine, as well as cross‐tolerance to other nAChR agonists. The current study assessed the extent to which antagonism of nicotine varies as a function of daily nicotine treatment.

Methods

Schedule‐controlled responding and hypothermia were selected for study because they have been previously used to examine the pharmacology of nicotine, and both are sensitive to the development nicotine tolerance. The rate‐decreasing and hypothermic effects of nicotine, as well as antagonism of those effects, were examined in C57BL/6J mice before, during treatment with, and after discontinuation of three daily injections of 1.78 mg/kg nicotine. The nonselective nAChR antagonist mecamylamine and the β2 nAChR antagonist dihydro‐β‐erythroidine (DHβE) were studied in combination with nicotine.

Results

The ED50 values of nicotine to produce rate‐decreasing and hypothermic effects were, respectively, 0.44 and 0.82 mg/kg prior, 1.6 and 3.2 mg/kg during, and 0.74 and 1.1 mg/kg after discontinuation of daily nicotine treatment. Prior to daily nicotine treatment, mecamylamine decreased response rate and rectal temperature. However, during daily nicotine, mecamylamine (up to 5.6 mg/kg) only decreased rectal temperature. DHβE (up to 5.6 mg/kg) when studied prior to daily nicotine decreased rectal temperature, but that decrease was abolished during chronic nicotine treatment. Mecamylamine and DHβE antagonized the rate‐decreasing and hypothermic effects of nicotine before and after daily nicotine; however, during daily nicotine, mecamylamine and DHβE antagonized only the hypothermic effects of nicotine.

Conclusions

The differential antagonism of rate‐decreasing and hypothermic effects implicates differential involvement of nAChR subtypes. The decreased capacity of mecamylamine and DHβE to antagonize nicotine during chronic nicotine treatment may indicate that their effectiveness as smoking cessations might vary as a function of nicotine tolerance and dependence.
Entrepreneurial finance and new venture success ‐ the moderating role of government support
Authors: Anwar Muhammad , Tajeddini Kayhan , Ullah Rizwan
Published: February 2020

The high failure ratio in newly born ventures across the globe has been raised a challenging question. Numerous strategies have been introduced to enhance the survival of new ventures in the long run, but the results are fragmented. The research model examined the influence of entrepreneurial finance on new venture success. The model also considered a moderating role of government support while predicting ventures success. This area is under‐researched particularly in the context of Pakistan; therefore, this research may contribute to the existing body of knowledge to appraise the industry in Pakistan. Data were collected from 182 new ventures operating in an emerging economy in Pakistan and analyzed by SmartPLS. The results indicate that entrepreneurial finance and government support have a significant influence on new venture success. Moderation analysis demonstrates that government support strengthens the relationship between entrepreneurial finance and new venture success. The findings suggest implications for policymakers to initiate effective policies and programs for newly started ventures regarding financial and nonfinancial support; in this backdrop, the incubation services are important.
Spotlight on Large Surface Copper Cluster Role of Cu‐SAPO‐34 Catalyst in Standard NH3‐SCR Performances
Authors: Pétaud Guillaume , Gaillard François , Tayakout Melaz , Gil Sonia , Giroir‐Fendler Anne
Published: February 2020

In the present study, the catalytic role and behavior of different copper cluster configurations during NH3 SCR, NO and NH3 oxidation reactions will be studied in detail. For this purpose, two preparation methods were performed. The physico‐chemical and surface properties were characterized by different techniques, such as XRD, ICP, N2 ads/des, HR‐TEM, XPS, NMR, ex‐situ/in‐situ DRIFT, NH3 TPD and H2 TPR, in order to evaluate the impact of copper incorporation method on redox active sites, and, as a consequence, to better understand the mechanism of the NH3 SCR reaction.
Multiporous Carbon Encapsulated Ni Nanoparticles Promoting Glycerol Valorisation towards Hydrogenation against Rearrangement†
Authors: Zhang Bin , Chen Bin , Douthwaite Mark , Tang Lipeng , Zhang Yibo , Wang Meng , Ma Ding
Published: February 2020

Summary of main observation and conclusion

A dual‐templating method was used to synthesize a series of hierarchical carbon supports containing different proportions of spherical macropores (ca. 200 nm in diameter) and mesoporous channels (ca. 4 nm in diameter). These and some other conventional carbon materials were subsequently impregnated with Ni and tested for the conversion of glycerol. The hierarchical catalysts exhibited a significantly higher conversion (96%) and selectivity (77%) to 1,2‐propanediol, and the specificity selectivity coefficient (6.1) towards 1,2‐propanediol against lactic acid was three times higher than that observed over a conventional Ni/Cmicro catalyst (2.1). The enhanced performance of these materials, compared with the Ni nanoparticles supported on conventional carbon supports, was attributed to their high surface areas (> 1110 m2∙g−1) and large pore volumes (ca. 0.4 cm3∙g−1) permitting greater accessibility of substrate and/or intermediates to Ni active sites. Given that the concentration of accessible Ni sites in these materials is higher, a competitive benzilic‐acid‐rearrangement reaction to produce lactic acid was suppressed, leading to an enhanced hydrogenation selectivity to 1,2‐propanediol. This study evidences the potential benefits, which can be established from utilizing hierarchical support materials in the valorization of biomass.
Novel Chiral Ligands‐Enabled Transition‐Metal‐Catalyzed Asymmetric C—H Borylation
Authors: Zhan Miao , Song Peidong , Jiao Jiao , Li Pengfei
Published: February 2020

Although C—H borylation has been recognized as an efficient approach to organoboron compounds, the asymmetric variants have emerged only very recently. These results pointed out that the development of novel chiral ligands was pivotal to the success of asymmetric C—H borylation. Herein, a brief summary and comments on the key progresses are presented.
Ground‐ and Excited‐State Symmetry Breaking and Solvatofluorochromism in Centrosymmetric Pyrrolo[3,2‐b]pyrroles Possessing two Nitro Groups
Authors: Łukasiewicz Łukasz G. , Rammo Matt , Stark Charlie , Krzeszewski Maciej , Jacquemin Denis , Rebane Aleksander , Gryko Daniel T.
Published: February 2020

Six centrosymmetric pyrrolo[3,2‐b]pyrroles possessing either two nitro or two CF3SO2 strong electron‐withdrawing groups have been synthesized in a straightforward manner from simple building blocks and their one and two‐photon properties investigated. Although two‐photon absorption maxima clearly correspond to the S0→S2 transition, there is always a considerable shoulder at the region related to the S0→S1 transition. This fact clearly points to a small degree of symmetry breaking in the ground state which becomes more prevalent in the excited state. The systems showing the strongest excited‐state symmetry breaking have also been identified by first principles calculations. Both experimental data and theoretical calculations (performed with time‐dependent density functional theory) have revealed that changing the degree of conjugation between the nitro−aryl substituents and the core enables fine‐tuning of not only emission wavelengths but also the solvent dependent fluorescence intensity. Although there is no charge‐transfer between electron‐withdrawing 4‐cyanophenyl substituents located on nitrogen atoms and the core, nevertheless, their presence modifies the absorption and emission maxima. These groups also enable a record high fluorescence quantum yield in toluene (0.97) to be reached. By probing ground‐state symmetry by two‐photon absorption and excited‐state symmetry by solvatofluorochromism, we are able to obtain insight regarding the pathway of the molecule during and after the electronic transition.
Regulatory T cells in solid organ transplantation
Authors: Atif Muhammad , Conti Filomena , Gorochov Guy , Oo Ye Htun , Miyara Makoto
Published: February 2020

The induction of graft tolerance remains the holy grail of transplantation. This is important as chronic allograft dysfunction and the side effects of immunosuppression regimens place a major burden on the lives of transplant patients and their healthcare systems. This has mandated the need to understand the immunobiology of graft rejection and identify novel therapeutics. Regulatory T (Treg) cells play an important role in modulating pro‐inflammatory microenvironments and maintaining tissue homeostasis. However, there are fundamental unanswered questions regarding Treg cell immunobiology. These cells are a heterogeneous entity with functionally diverse roles. Moreover, the adoption of novel deeper immunophenotyping and genomic sequencing technologies has identified this phenotype and function to be more complex than expected. Hence, a comprehensive understanding of Treg cell heterogeneity is needed to safely and effectively exploit their therapeutic potential. From a clinical perspective, the recent decade has seen different clinical teams commence and complete first‐in‐man clinical trials utilising Treg cells as an adoptive cellular therapy. In this review, we discuss these trials from a translational perspective with an important focus on safety. Finally, we identify crucial knowledge gaps for future study.
Small mammal species richness and turnover along elevational gradient in Yulong Mountain, Yunnan, Southwest China
Authors: Chen Zhongzheng , Li Xueyou , Song Wenyu , Li Quan , Onditi Kenneth , Khanal Laxman , Jiang Xuelong
Published: February 2020

Understanding the species diversity patterns along elevational gradients is critical for biodiversity conservation in mountainous regions. We examined the elevational patterns of species richness and turnover, and evaluated the effects of spatial and environmental factors on nonvolant small mammals (hereafter “small mammal”) predicted a priori by alternative hypotheses (mid‐domain effect [MDE], species–area relationship [SAR], energy, environmental stability, and habitat complexity]) proposed to explain the variation of diversity. We designed a standardized sampling scheme to trap small mammals at ten elevational bands across the entire elevational gradient on Yulong Mountain, southwest China. A total of 1,808 small mammals representing 23 species were trapped. We observed the hump‐shaped distribution pattern of the overall species richness along elevational gradient. Insectivores, rodents, large‐ranged species, and endemic species richness showed the general hump‐shaped pattern but peaked at different elevations, whereas the small‐ranged species and endemic species favored the decreasing richness pattern. The MDE and the energy hypothesis were supported, whereas little support was found for the SAR, the environmental stability hypothesis, and the habitat complexity. However, the primary driver(s) for richness patterns differed among the partitioning groups, with NDVI (the normalized difference vegetation index) and MDE being the most important variables for the total richness pattern. Species turnover for all small mammal groups increased with elevation, and it supported a decrease in community similarity with elevational distance. Our results emphasized for increased conservation efforts in the higher elevation regions of the Yulong Mountain.
The immune checkpoint receptor associated phosphatases SHP‐1 and SHP‐2 are not required for γδT17 cell development, activation, or skin inflammation
Authors: Kadekar Darshana , Agerholm Rasmus , Viñals Monica Torrellas , Rizk John , Bekiaris Vasileios
Published: February 2020

IL‐17‐producing gamma delta (γδT17) cells are innate lymphocytes critical for antibacterial protection at barrier surfaces such as the skin but also highly pathogenic during inflammation. It is therefore important to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms that could counter‐balance overt γδT17 cell activation. Immune checkpoint receptors (ICRs) deliver inhibitory signals to activated lymphocytes and have been implicated as negative regulators of mouse γδT17 cells. In this report, we investigated the cytokine signals that induce ICR expression on γδT17 cells and studied the in vivo role of the Src‐homology‐2 phosphatases 1 and 2 (SHP‐1 and SHP‐2) in the context of γδT17‐induced psoriasis. We found that surface expression of ICRs can be induced by cytokines; however, SHP‐1 or SHP‐2 could not inhibit γδT17 responses. In this regard, conditional deletion of SHP‐1, SHP‐2, or both did no impact γδT17 cell development, expansion, cytokine production, or skin pathology.
The morphology and geomorphic evolution of a large chain‐of‐ponds river system
Authors: Williams Rory T. , Fryirs Kirstie A.
Published: February 2020

Rivers with discontinuous watercourses are part of the spectrum of river diversity. Chain‐of‐ponds types contain irregularly spaced, steep‐sided ponds that are separated by preferential flow paths on swampy valley fill. They often contain endangered ecological communities and are receiving greater attention for conservation and restoration. Very little is known about how these river types form, how they have evolved and how they function. Here we present the Late‐Quaternary evolution of one of the last remaining large‐scale chain‐of‐ponds systems in Australia, the Mulwaree Ponds. The chain‐of‐ponds was fully formed by 4.5 ka, with the position and alignment of the ponds being related to the position of pools of a palaeo‐river that is up to 100 ka old. Contemporary hydrogeomorphic processes are insufficient to create the ponds, but sufficient to maintain and keep them open. The phases of evolution for this chain‐of‐ponds system are synchronous with Late‐Quaternary changes in fluvial activity documented for other rivers in southeastern Australia. The ponds at Mulwaree have significant preservation potential over thousands of years. In the current landscape they are rare forms, providing significant grounds for conservation and protection of their distinctive geodiversity. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
From subduction to post‐collision: Early Permian‐middle Triassic magmatic records from Langshan Belt, Central Asian Orogenic Belt
Authors: Wang Wenlong , Teng Xuejian , Liu Yang , Wang Rui , Cheng Yinhang , Xin Houtian , Wang Shuqing
Published: February 2020

We performed geochronological and geochemical analyses of granitoids in the Langshan Tectonic Belt (LTB), southwest of the Solonker suture zone, for the determination of its age, petrogenesis, and tectonic setting, which are crucial for unravelling the Permian tectonic evolution in the south‐eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). It is indicated by zircon U–Pb ages together with previous ages that the Permian igneous rocks within the LTB can be grouped into two episodes. The Early‐Middle Permian (~281–268 Ma) granitic intrusive rocks are mainly I‐type granitoids characterized by lithophile element enrichments, high‐field‐strength element depletions, and obvious negative Nb‐Ta‐Ti anomalies. These granitic intrusive rocks are further high‐K calc‐alkaline, arc‐related granitoids. In contrast, the Late Permian‐Middle Triassic (~260–241 Ma) granitoids contain relatively high SiO2, Al2O3, and Sr contents, but relatively low Y (Yb) contents and Mg# values, resembling the post‐collisional granitoids. Hf isotopic compositions of the two‐stage granitoids show similar features with both positive and negative values. The εHf(t) values of the four samples from −2.6 to +4.8 record predominantly Meso–Neoproterozoic crust components. According to the regional geological investigations and geochemical data, we suggest that the Early‐Middle Permian arc‐like granitoids formed in continental arc setting, which represents the final stage of Paleo‐Asian Oceanic subduction, and then the Late Permian‐Middle Triassic adakitic granitoids were probably formed in a post‐collisional setting due to the final closure of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean.
AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) regulates astrocyte oxidative metabolism by balancing TCA cycle dynamics
Authors: Voss Caroline M. , Andersen Jens V. , Jakobsen Emil , Siamka Olga , Karaca Melis , Maechler Pierre , Waagepetersen Helle S.
Published: February 2020

AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an important energy sensor located in cells throughout the human body. From the periphery, AMPK is known to be a metabolic master switch controlling the use of energy fuels. The energy sensor is activated when the energy status of the cell is low, initiating energy‐producing pathways and deactivating energy‐consuming pathways. All brain cells are crucially dependent on energy production for survival, and the availability of energy substrates must be closely regulated. Intriguingly, the role of AMPK in the regulation of brain cell metabolism has been sparsely investigated, particularly in astrocytes. By investigating metabolism of 13C‐labeled energy substrates in acutely isolated hippocampal slices and cultured astrocytes, with subsequent mass spectrometry analysis, we here show that activation of AMPK increases glycolysis as well as the capacity of the TCA cycle, that is, anaplerosis, through the activity of pyruvate carboxylase (PC) in astrocytes. In addition, we demonstrate that AMPK activation leads to augmented astrocytic glutamate oxidation via pyruvate recycling (i.e., cataplerosis). This regulatory mechanism induced by AMPK activation is mediated via glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) shown in a CNS‐specific GDH knockout mouse. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that AMPK regulates TCA cycle dynamics in astrocytes via PC and GDH activity. AMPK functionality has been shown to be hampered in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease and our findings may therefore add to the toolbox for discovery of new metabolic drug targets.
Seeing your own or someone else's hand moving in accordance with your action: The neural interaction of agency and hand identity
Authors: Uhlmann Lukas , Pazen Mareike , van Kemenade Bianca M. , Steinsträter Olaf , Harris Laurence R. , Kircher Tilo , Straube Benjamin
Published: February 2020

Forward models can predict sensory consequences of self‐action, which is reflected by less neural processing for actively than passively generated sensory inputs (BOLD suppression effect). However, it remains open whether forward models take the identity of a moving body part into account when predicting the sensory consequences of an action. In the current study, fMRI was used to investigate the neural correlates of active and passive hand movements during which participants saw either an on‐line display of their own hand or someone else's hand moving in accordance with their movement. Participants had to detect delays (0–417 ms) between their movement and the displays. Analyses revealed reduced activation in sensory areas and higher delay detection thresholds for active versus passive movements. Furthermore, there was increased activation in the hippocampus, the amygdala, and the middle temporal gyrus when someone else's hand was seen. Most importantly, in posterior parietal (angular gyrus and precuneus), frontal (middle, superior, and medial frontal gyrus), and temporal (middle temporal gyrus) regions, suppression for actively versus passively generated feedback was stronger when participants were viewing their own compared to someone else's hand. Our results suggest that forward models can take hand identity into account when predicting sensory action consequences.
Evaluation of the quality of the information received during head and neck cancer announcement: Prospective two‐center study
Authors: Thibouw François , Duvillard Christian , Thibouw David , Bertaut Aurélie , Blanc Julie , Vulquin Noémie , Chevalier Cédric , Guigou Caroline , Folia Mireille
Published: February 2020

Background

Providing patient with cancer with appropriate information following the disclosure of a cancer diagnosis has multiple benefits. The objective was to evaluate the quality of the information received during an announcement for head and neck cancer and to determine predictive factors.

Methods

We conducted a prospective two‐center study using self‐questionnaires to assess the patient's perception of the quality of the announcement.

Results

Satisfaction scores on the information provided about the overall disease were 7.7/10.

The main positive predictors of quality were a satisfactory consultation setting (P = .004), assessment of pain by a physician (P = .04), physician availability (P = .003), accurate information about tumor stage, quality of information regarding the type (P < .0001) and purpose (P = .001) of treatment and its side effects (P = .006), and the interview with the oncology nurse coordinator (P < .05).

Conclusions

Patients who received the announcement of head and neck cancer perceived the information received during the pretherapeutic period as satisfactory.
In vitro studies of solution precursor plasma‐sprayed copper‐doped hydroxyapatite coatings with increasing copper content
Authors: Unabia Romnick B. , Candidato Rolando T. , Pawłowski Lech , Salvatori Roberta , Bellucci Devis , Cannillo Valeria
Published: February 2020

In this present study, in vitro characterization on bioactivity and biocompatibility of the copper‐doped hydroxyapatite (Cu‐HA) coatings deposited onto Ti6Al4V alloy with increasing copper content obtained using solution precursor plasma spray process were evaluated under simulated body fluid (SBF) and cytotoxicity tests. The growth of flake‐like structures was observed at the coatings' surface after 7 days of immersion in SBF. Elemental composition analysis showed a calcium‐deficient carbonate‐containing apatite for the grown layer. Broadening of the HA peaks were also observed in the X‐ray diffraction patterns and infrared absorption spectra of the immersed coatings associated with the possible formation of an amorphous layer at the surface of the coatings. Copper incorporation does not alter the bioactivity of HA but only slowed down for 10 mol% copper content. Cytotoxicity evaluation using MTT assays showed that 3 mol% Cu‐HA coating was not toxic under in vitro characterizations.