bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Restructuring of Nanoporous Gold Surfaces During Electrochemical Cycling in Acidic and Alkaline Media
Authors: Silva Olaya Alex Ricardo , Zandersons Birthe , Wittstock Gunther
Published: August 2020

The electrochemical behavior of nanoporous gold (NPG) obtained by dealloying a AgAu alloy has been investigated by means of cyclic voltammetry (CV) in 0.1 M H2SO4 and 0.1 M KOH solutions supplemented by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in order to understand different effects of the electrochemical treatment on the development of the surface structure of NPG. In order to reduce the IR drop caused by the high surface area of the bicontinuous network of pores and ligaments in NPG, NPG was transformed to a powder, from which a small portion was filled into a cavity microelectrode (CME). Additionally, this avoided sample‐to‐sample variation from the dealloying process because many fillings could be made from one NPG monolith. The cycling in 0.1 M H2SO4 led to restructuring of the surface to a more faceted one, only after the residual silver on the surface had been removed in the initial scan. The same cycling program in 0.1 M KOH did not cause restructuring. However, a transfer of the sample to 0.1 M H2SO4 could start the process. The ligament size did not change during restructuring. Additionally, it was found that residual Ag in NPG stabilizes the highly curved surfaces of the ligaments containing a high density of surface defects. The dissolution of the residual Ag in acid electrolytes lifts the blockage towards surface restructuring. These findings form a basis for understanding the electrochemical behavior of NPG and to devise appropriate treatments, for instance for their use in electrocatalysis.
Availability of Hydrogen Shapes the Microbial Abundance in Biofilm Anodes based on Geobacter Enrichment
Authors: Korth Benjamin , Kuchenbuch Anne , Harnisch Falk
Published: August 2020

Invited for this month's cover picture is the group of Prof. Dr. Falk Harnisch at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (Germany). The cover picture displays a biofilm anode obtained by electrochemically driven enrichment in a one‐chamber reactor that is dominated by Geobacter but also colonized by methanogens that cross feed from cathodic hydrogen. Read the full text of the Article at 10.1002/celc.202000731.
A “Polymer Template” Strategy for Carbonized Polymer Dots with Controllable Properties
Authors: Huo Zhiming , Xia Ling , Li Gongke , Xiao Xiaohua
Published: August 2020

Limited avenues are available for property control of carbonized polymer dots (PDs) owing to the unsatisfactory understanding of PDs“ formation. Herein, a de novo ”polymer template“ strategy is presented for PDs with customizable functional surface groups (FSG), size, and underlying fluorescence, with a detailed mechanism. The strategy relies on novel di‐active site polymers (DASPs) prepared from alkenyl azides via [3+2] cycloaddition and guanidino hydrolysis. Benefiting from these specific reactions, the DASPs were convenient for mass production and stable for storage, and could be transformed to PDs upon addition of nucleophilic agents through nucleophilic addition and substitution at 70 °C. By regulating the types of alkenyl azides, nucleophilic agents, and reaction conditions, the as‐prepare PDs could be tailored with controlled types of core, FSG, and particle size, as well as fluorescence properties of quantum yield from 8.2–55.6 %, and emission maximum from 380–500 nm. These specialties make this ”polymer template“ strategy a promising start for building PDs‐based sensor platforms. Moreover, the strategy could further our understanding towards PDs’ formation, and open up a new way to customize PDs for specific needs in the fields of analysis, catalysis, images, etc.
The HüGaProp‐Container: Analytical Infrastructure for the Carbon2Chem® Challenge
Authors: Salazar Gómez Jorge Iván , Klucken Christian , Sojka Martha , von der Waydbrink Gudrun , Schlögl Robert , Ruland Holger
Published: August 2020

The utilization of industrial off‐gases as raw material requires a detailed knowledge on their time‐depending composition, especially with regard to trace components. Within the framework of the HüGaProp project (Hüttengas Properties) a measuring container and the analytical methods for the characterization of trace components in the three raw metallurgical gases was developed. The mobile container is deployed in the project Carbon2Chem® to characterize the available off‐gases at a steel mill and provide fundamental data to determine the required gas cleaning as well as the background for the further process design.
Cyclic Octamer of Hydroxyl‐functionalized Cations with Net Charge Q=+8e Kinetically Stabilized by a ‘Molecular Island’ of Cooperative Hydrogen Bonds
Authors: Philipp Jule Kristin , Fritsch Sebastian , Ludwig Ralf
Published: August 2020

Cyclic octamers are well‐known structural motifs in chemistry, biology and physics. These include covalently bound cyclic octameric sulphur, cylic octa‐alkanes, cyclo‐octameric peptides as well as hydrogen‐bonded ring clusters of alcohols. In this work, we show that even calculated cyclic octamers of hydroxy‐functionalized pyridinium cations with a net charge Q=+8e are kinetically stable. Eight positively charged cations are kept together by hydrogen bonding despite the strong Coulomb repulsive forces. Sufficiently long hydroxy‐octyl chains prevent “Coulomb explosion” by increasing the distance between the positive charges at the pyridinium rings, reducing the Coulomb repulsion and thus strengthen hydrogen bonds between the OH groups. The eightfold positively charged cyclic octamer shows spectroscopic properties similar to those obtained for hydrogen‐bonded neutral cyclic octamers of methanol. Thus, the area of the hydrogen bonded OH ring represents a ‘molecular island’ within an overall cationic environment. Although not observable, the spectroscopic properties and the correlated NBO parameters of the calculated cationic octamer support the detection of smaller cationic clusters in ionic liquids, which we observed despite the competition with ion pairs wherein attractive Coulomb forces enhance hydrogen bonding between cation and anion.
Bromination Mechanism of closo‐1,2‐C2B10H12 and the Structure of the Resulting 9‐Br‐closo‐1,2‐C2B10H11 Determined by Gas Electron Diffraction
Authors: Holub Josef , Vishnevskiy Yury V. , Fanfrlík Jindřich , Mitzel Norbert W. , Tikhonov Denis , Schwabedissen Jan , McKee Michael L. , Hnyk Drahomír
Published: August 2020

9‐Br‐closo‐1,2‐C2B10H11 has been prepared and its gas‐phase structure has been examined by means of gas electron diffraction. The structure of the carbaborane core is similar to the structure of the parent compound, which is of C2v symmetry. A DFT‐based search for the corresponding reaction pathway of the bromination of closo‐1,2‐C2B10H12 revealed that the catalytic amount of aluminum reduces the barrier of the initial attack of the bromination agent toward the negatively charged part of the icosahedral carbaborane, i. e., the first transition state, from about 40 to about 27 kcalmol‐1. The Br−Br bond is weakened by an intermediate binding to the large π‐hole on the aluminum atom of AlBr3, which is the driving force for the AlBr3‐catalyzed bromination.
The importance of corporate social responsibility in achieving high corporate reputation
Authors: Sánchez‐Torné Isadora , Morán‐Álvarez Juan Carlos , Pérez‐López José A.
Published: August 2020

Increased global competitiveness has forced corporations to improve how they manage their resources, especially when it comes to resources that give them a competitive advantage. Corporate Reputation and Corporate Social Responsibility fulfill that role. This research aims to identify the dimensions that most influence Corporate Reputation and which can be most easily used to achieve a positive result. To do this, the data about 46 companies (from different sectors) contained in the 2015 report “The world's most reputable companies” by Reputation Institute was used. This report identifies seven dimensions which influence Corporate Reputation: products and services, innovation, workplace, governance, citizenship, leadership, and performance. The most important main conclusions are that (a) those companies in which the dimensions of Corporate Social Responsibility (workplace, governance, citizenship) were at an acceptable level, also had an acceptable level of Corporate Reputation. (b) Companies usually carry out passive Corporate Social Responsibility actions, such as those involving citizenship.
A unified approach to autonomous and nonautonomous models of circuit elements
Authors: Nałęcz Marek
Published: August 2020

This paper proposes a unified approach to both autonomous models of circuit elements and nonautonomous models which contain nullator‐norator pairs. The unification is based on voltage‐controlled current sources as the only kind of element utilized in autonomous models. It is shown that nonautonomous models are special (limit) cases of autonomous ones as some transadmittances of these sources tend from one to infinity. A systematic approach to the creation of models which consist solely of voltage‐controlled current sources and are based on multiport equations is presented and illustrated by examples. By replacing the sources with their unistor models and then by application of the known transformations to the resulting unistor graph, autonomous and nonautonomous unistor models of several basic circuit elements are obtained. Some of these models seem to be new.
Machine learning risk score for prediction of gestational diabetes in early pregnancy in Tianjin, China
Authors: Liu Hongwei , Li Jing , Leng Junhong , Wang Hui , Liu Jinnan , Li Weiqin , Liu Hongyan , Wang Shuo , Ma Jun , Chan Juliana CN , Yu Zhijie , Hu Gang , Li Changping , Yang Xilin
Published: August 2020

Aims

This study aimed to develop a machine learning–based prediction model for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in early pregnancy in Chinese women.

Materials and methods

We used an established population‐based prospective cohort of 19,331 pregnant women registered as pregnant before the 15th gestational week in Tianjin, China, from October 2010 to August 2012. The dataset was randomly divided into a training set (70%) and a test set (30%). Risk factors collected at registration were examined and used to construct the prediction model in the training dataset. Machine learning, that is, the extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) method, was employed to develop the model, while a traditional logistic model was also developed for comparison purposes. In the test dataset, the performance of the developed prediction model was assessed by calibration plots for calibration and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUR) for discrimination.

Results

In total, 1484 (7.6%) women developed GDM. Pre‐pregnancy body mass index, maternal age, fasting plasma glucose at registration, and alanine aminotransferase were selected as risk factors. The machine learning XGBoost model‐predicted probability of GDM was similar to the observed probability in the test data set, while the logistic model tended to overestimate the risk at the highest risk level (Hosmer–Lemeshow test p value: 0.243 vs. 0.099). The XGBoost model achieved a higher AUR than the logistic model (0.742 vs. 0.663, p < 0.001). This XGBoost model was deployed through a free, publicly available software interface (https://liuhongwei.shinyapps.io/gdm_risk_calculator/).

Conclusion

The XGBoost model achieved better performance than the logistic model.
Increased rates of eating disorders and their symptoms in women with major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders
Authors: Garcia Susana C. , Mikhail Megan E. , Keel Pamela K. , Burt S. Alexandra , Neale Michael C. , Boker Steven , Klump Kelly L.
Published: August 2020

Background

Individuals with eating disorders (EDs) have increased rates of major depressive disorder (MDD) and anxiety disorders. Yet, few studies have investigated rates of EDs and their symptoms in individuals presenting with MDD/anxiety disorders. Identifying potential disordered eating in people with MDD/anxiety disorders is important because even subclinical disordered eating is associated with reduced quality of life, and undiagnosed eating pathology may hinder treatment progress for both MDD/anxiety disorders and comorbid EDs.

Method

We compared rates of EDs (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge‐eating disorder, and other specified feeding and eating disorders) and their symptoms in 130 women with, and 405 women without, lifetime MDD or an anxiety disorder (generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive–compulsive disorder, social phobia, specific phobia, panic disorder, agoraphobia, or post‐traumatic stress disorder) recruited from the population‐based Michigan State University Twin Registry. Lifetime ED and MDD/anxiety diagnoses, and lifetime clinically significant disordered eating behaviors (e.g., binge eating, excessive exercise) were assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV (SCID).

Results

Among participants with lifetime MDD or any anxiety disorder, 13% met criteria for a lifetime ED and 39% reported engaging in at least one lifetime clinically significant disordered eating behavior (e.g., binge eating) on the SCID. In contrast, only 3% of participants without a history of MDD/an anxiety disorder met criteria for a lifetime ED, and only 11% reported lifetime clinically significant disordered eating behavior.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that women with MDD and anxiety disorders have elevated rates of EDs, and it is therefore imperative to screen for disordered eating in these populations.
Skull shape of a widely distributed, endangered marsupial reveals little evidence of local adaptation between fragmented populations
Authors: Viacava Pietro , Blomberg Simone P. , Sansalone Gabriele , Phillips Matthew J. , Guillerme Thomas , Cameron Skye F. , Wilson Robbie S. , Weisbecker Vera
Published: August 2020

The biogeographic distribution of diversity among populations of threatened mammalian species is generally investigated using population genetics. However, intraspecific phenotypic diversity is rarely assessed beyond taxonomy‐focused linear measurements or qualitative descriptions. Here, we use a technique widely used in the evolutionary sciences—geometric morphometrics—to characterize shape diversity in the skull of an endangered marsupial, the northern quoll, across its 5,000 km distribution range along Northern Australia. Skull shape is a proxy for feeding, behavior, and phenotypic differentiation, allowing us to ask whether populations can be distinguished and whether patterns of variation indicate adaptability to changing environmental conditions. We analyzed skull shape in 101 individuals across four mainland populations and several islands. We assessed the contribution of population, size, sex, rainfall, temperature, and geography to skull shape variation using principal component analysis, Procrustes ANOVA, and variation partitioning analyses. The populations harbor similar amounts of broadly overlapping skull shape variation, with relatively low geographic effects. Size predicted skull shape best, coinciding with braincase size variation and differences in zygomatic arches. Size‐adjusted differences in populations explained less variation with far smaller effect sizes, relating to changes in the insertion areas of masticatory muscles, as well as the upper muzzle and incisor region. Climatic and geographic variables contributed little. Strikingly, the vast majority of shape variation—76%—remained unexplained. Our results suggest a uniform intraspecific scope for shape variation, possibly due to allometric constraints or phenotypic plasticity beyond the relatively strong allometric effect. The lack of local adaptation indicates that cross‐breeding between populations will not reduce local morphological skull (and probably general musculoskeletal) adaptation because none exists. However, the potential for heritable morphological variation (e.g., specialization to local diets) seems exceedingly limited. We conclude that 3D geometric morphometrics can provide a comprehensive, statistically rigorous phenomic contribution to genetic‐based conservation studies.
Effectiveness of interventions based on patient empowerment in the control of type 2 diabetes in sub‐Saharan Africa: A review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Mogueo Amélie , Oga‐Omenka Charity , Hatem Marie , Kuate Defo Barthelemy
Published: August 2020

Background

It is estimated that 1.6 million deaths worldwide were directly caused by diabetes in 2016, and the burden of diabetes has been increasing rapidly in low‐ and middle‐income countries. This study reviews existing interventions based on patient empowerment and their effectiveness in controlling diabetes in sub‐Saharan Africa.

Method

PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, PsycINFO and Global Health were searched through August 2018, for randomized controlled trials of educational interventions on adherence to the medication plan and lifestyle changes among adults aged 18 years and over with type 2 diabetes. Random‐effects meta‐analysis was used.

Results

Eleven publications from nine studies involving 2743 participants met the inclusion criteria. The duration of interventions with group education and individual education ranged from 3 to 12 months. For six studies comprising 1549 participants with meta‐analysable data on glycaemic control (HbA1c), there were statistically significant differences between intervention and control groups: mean difference was −0.57 [95% confidence interval (CI) −0.75, −0.40] (P < .00001,I2 = 27%). Seven studies with meta‐analysable data on blood pressure showed statistically significant differences between groups in favour of interventions. Subgroup analyses on glycaemic control showed that long‐term interventions were more effective than short‐term interventions and lifestyle interventions were more effective than diabetes self‐management education.

Conclusion

This review supports the findings that interventions based on patient empowerment may improve glycaemia (HbA1c) and blood pressure in patients with diabetes. The long‐term and lifestyle interventions appear to be the most effective interventions for glycaemic control.
Treatment and management of primary antibody deficiency: German interdisciplinary evidence‐based consensus guideline
Authors: Hanitsch Leif , Baumann Ulrich , Boztug Kaan , Burkhard‐Meier Ulrike , Fasshauer Maria , Habermehl Pirmin , Hauck Fabian , Klock Gerd , Liese Johannes , Meyer Oliver , Müller Rainer , Pachlopnik‐Schmid Jana , Pfeiffer‐Kascha Dorothea , Warnatz Klaus , Wehr Claudia , Wittke Kirsten , Niehues Tim , von Bernuth Horst
Published: August 2020

This evidence‐based clinical guideline provides consensus‐recommendations for the treatment and care of patients with primary antibody deficiencies (PADs). The guideline group comprised 20 clinical and scientific expert associations of the German, Swiss, and Austrian healthcare system and representatives of patients. Recommendations were based on results of a systematic literature search, data extraction, and evaluation of methodology and study quality in combination with the clinical expertise of the respective representatives. Consensus‐based recommendations were determined via nominal group technique. PADs are the largest clinically relevant group of primary immunodeficiencies. Most patients with PADs present with increased susceptibility to infections, however immune dysregulation, autoimmunity, and cancer affect a significant number of patients and may precede infections. This guideline therefore covers interdisciplinary clinical and therapeutic aspects of infectious (e.g., antibiotic prophylaxis, management of bronchiectasis) and non‐infectious manifestations (e.g., management of granulomatous disease, immune cytopenia). PADs are grouped into disease entities with definitive, probable, possible, or unlikely benefit of IgG‐replacement therapy. Summary and consensus‐recommendations are provided for treatment indication, dosing, routes of administration, and adverse events of IgG‐replacement therapy. Special aspects of concomitant impaired T‐cell function are highlighted as well as clinical data on selected monogenetic inborn errors of immunity formerly classified into PADs (APDS, CTLA‐4‐, and LRBA‐deficiency).
The pathophysiological nature of sarcomeres in trigger points in patients with myofascial pain syndrome: A preliminary study
Authors: Jin Feihong , Guo Yaqiu , Wang Zi , Badughaish Ahmed , Pan Xin , Zhang Li , Qi Feng
Published: August 2020

Background

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) has a high global prevalence and is associated with myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in taut bands or nodules. Little is known about the aetiology. The current study assessed the pathophysiological characteristics of MTrPs in MPS patients.

Methods

Biopsies of the trapezius muscle were collected from the MTrPs of MPS patients (MTrP group; n = 29) and from healthy controls (control group; n = 24), and their morphologies were analysed via haematoxylin‐eosin (H&E) and Masson staining. A protein microarray was used to detect the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) family proteins. mRNA and long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) sequencing and analysis were conducted, and immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were used to examine the expression of EphB and Rho family proteins.

Results

Abnormally contracted sarcomeres showed enlarged, round fibres without inflammation or fibrosis. An lncRNA‐mRNA network analysis revealed activation of muscle contraction signalling pathways in MTrP regions. Among RTK family proteins, 15 exhibited increased phosphorylation, and two exhibited decreased phosphorylation in the MTrP regions relative to control levels. In particular, EphB1/EphB2 phosphorylation was increased on the muscle cell membranes of abnormal sarcomeres. RhoA and Rac1, but not cell division control protein 42 (Cdc42), were activated in the abnormal sarcomeres.

Conclusions

EphB1/EphB2 and RhoA/Rac1 might play roles in the aetiology of abnormally contracted sarcomeres in MTrPs without inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrotic adhesion.

Significance

Contracted sarcomeres were found in MTrP regions, which is consistent with the MTrP formation hypothesis. EphB1/EphB2 and RhoA/Rac1 might play roles in the sarcomere contractile sites of MTrPs, which may be promising therapeutic targets.
Asymmetric Porous Polybenzimidazole Membranes with High Conductivity and Selectivity for Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Zeng Lin , Ren Yuxun , Wei Lei , Fan Xinzhuang , Zhao Tianshou
Published: August 2020

Developing functional membrane with high conductivity and excellent stability is critical for improving the performance of vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs). Herein, an asymmetric porous polybenzimidazole (PBI) membrane composed of an ultra‐thin dense layer and a sponge‐like porous layer is proposed and prepared. The dense layer takes the main role of inhibiting vanadium crossover, whereas the porous layer provides not only a fast proton conduction channel but also a mechanical support to the dense layer. Hence, the asymmetric PBI membrane exhibits a high proton conductivity (36.4 mS cm−1 at room temperature) and an extremely low vanadium permeability (0.26 × 10−7 cm2 min−1). The VRFB with this membrane achieves an energy efficiency of 83.17% at 400 mA cm−2 and 78.59% at 500 mA cm−2. Furthermore, the battery enables to be continuously cycled for 1600 times without a significant degradation at 400 mA cm−2. All these results prove that the PBI membrane with an asymmetric porous structure is an ideal membrane for redox flow batteries.
Metal–Molybdenum Sulfide Nanosheet Arrays Prepared by Anion Exchange as Catalysts for Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Ma Shengyu , Zhuo Qiming , Li Wenlong , Zhao Yilong , Zhou Dinghua , Shan Yu , Li Fusheng , Sun Licheng
Published: August 2020

Metal–molybdenum sulfide (MMoSx)‐based catalysts exhibit good performance over a wide pH range toward hydrogen evolution with relatively low overvoltage requirements. Therefore, they are considered as suitable alternatives to Pt as catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction. Herein, self‐supported amorphous CuMoSx and NiMoSx nanosheet arrays are prepared on copper foam (CF) and nickel foam (NF), respectively, through an anion‐exchange strategy. CF and NF are first converted into CuTCNQ and NiTCNQ nanowire arrays (TCNQ = tetracyanoquinodimethane), which are then in situ reacted with (NH4)2MoS4 solution to generate amorphous CuMoSx/CF and NiMoSx/NF nanosheets, respectively, as efficient electrocatalysts for H2 generation. NiMoSx/NF exhibits a superior catalytic activity to CuMoSx/CF in 0.5 m H2SO4 solution, as CuMoSx/CF requires overpotentials (η) of 213 and 275 mV to obtain current densities of 10 and 50 mA cm−2, respectively, whereas NiMoSx/NF only requires η of 174 and 248 mV to receive the same current densities, respectively. Furthermore, these electrodes exhibit considerable long‐term electrochemical durability. Herein, an effective and easy‐to‐operate strategy for the construction of self‐supported metal–molybdenum sulfide nanosheet arrays films toward a highly efficient electrochemical hydrogen generation reaction is provided.
Three‐Dimensional Wettable Carbon Felt Host for Stable Lithium Metal Anode
Authors: Qin Liguang , Zhang Hongyuan , Sun Shangqi , Chen Jian
Published: August 2020

Lithium (Li) metal possesses a high specific capacity and low electrochemical potential, which is promising as an anode material for Li metal–based batteries. However, dendritic lithium deposition and “dead Li” formation during cycling severely restricte its practical applications. Herein, a nickel (Ni)‐coated carbon felt as the host is used for prefilling Li via a facile thermal infusion strategy, through which a Ni‐coated carbon felt (CFt/Ni–Li) composite anode is achieved. The obtained anode exhibits an ultrastable voltage profile with an ultralow hysteresis (40 mV at 10 mA cm−2) beyond 200 cycles in symmetric cells due to the good confinement of Li metal in the conductive carbon felt frameworks. Moreover, the porous carbon felt not only provides good electronic connection but also the space for accommodating volume expansion which leads to low dimensional change and the inhibition of Li dendrite growth. When paired with a LiFePO4 (LFP) cathode, the CFt/Ni–Li anode shows better rate capability and long‐term cycling stability after 600 cycles at 1C. An important strategy for the design of stable Li metal anodes is provided, which is significant for practical applications of advanced Li metal batteries.
New High‐Bandgap 8,10‐Dihydro‐9H‐Bistieno[2′,3′:7.8;3″,2″:5.6]Naphtho[2,3‐d] Imidazole‐9‐One‐Based Donor–Acceptor Copolymers for Nonfullerene Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Keshtov Muhammed L. , Kuklin Sergei A. , Ostapov Ilya E. , Makhaeva Elena E. , Suthar Rakesh , Dou Chuandong , Sharma Ganesh D.
Published: August 2020

Three D–A conjugated copolymers based on the same 8,10‐dihydro‐9H‐bisthieno[2′,3′:7.8;3″,2″:5.6]naphtho[2,3‐d]imidazol‐9‐one (DTNIA) acceptor unit and different donor units, i.e., 2‐dodecylbenzo[1,2‐b:3,4‐b′:6,5‐b″]trithiophene (3TB) (P1), 5,6‐dioctylnaphtho[2,1‐b:3,4‐b′]dithiophene (DTN) (P2), and 4,5‐diundecylbenzo[2,1‐b:3,4‐b′]dithiophene (DTB) (P3), are formulated and synthesized. All the copolymers exhibit deep highest occupied molecular energy levels of −5.43, −5.50, and −5.51 eV for P1, P2, and P3, respectively, and show an optical bandgap of 2.18, 2.12, and 2.11 eV, for P1, P2, and P3, respectively. These copolymers are used as donors for the construction of polymer solar cells combining ITIC‐m as an electron acceptor. The optimized polymer solar cells based on P1:ITIC‐m, P2:ITIC‐m, and P3:ITIC‐m realize overall power conversion efficiency of ≈9.62%, 12.84%, and 11.80%, respectively. The greater value of open circuit voltage for P2 and P3 relative to P1 may be due to the deeper highest occupied molecular orbital energy level of P2 and P3 as compared to P1. The highest power conversion efficiency for the P2‐based polymer solar cells may be originated from the denser π–π stacking distance and relatively improved crystallinity, which are advantageous for balanced charge transport, resulting in a comparatively high fill factor and short circuit current.
A Flexible Bilayer Actuator Based on Liquid Crystal Network and PVDF–TrFE for Low‐Grade Waste Heat Harvesting
Authors: Han Ying , Jiang Chunli , Fu Hanmei , Luo Chunhua , Lin Hechun , Peng Hui
Published: August 2020

Flexible low‐grade waste heat generators are a promising device that can both recycle thermal energy and exhibit elasticity, are light weight, and have easily customized shapes. However, most thermal energy recovery technologies only work at large temperature gradients. Herein, a dynamic generator based on liquid crystal network (LCN) and poly(vinylidenedifluoride–trifluoroethylene) (PVDF–TrFE) is reported. The generator can operate in a temperature of ≈30 °C with a temperature difference of 6 K. LCN expands and shrinks in the temperature fluctuation, which is beneficial for PVDF–TrFE exposure to greater temperature changes. The device is found to exhibit a maximum output voltage of ≈4.5 mV based on pyroelectric and piezoelectric effect. This simple strategy may broaden applications of liquid crystalline actuators for harvesting low‐grade waste heat.
A multi‐proxy based high‐resolution stratigraphical analysis of the possible Palaeocene–Eocene boundary interval, Salt Range, Pakistan
Authors: Hanif Muhammad , Sabba Mahnoor , Ali Nowrad , Rahman Maqsood Ur , Ali Fahad , Swati Muhammad Azhar Farooq
Published: August 2020

The Palaeocene–Eocene boundary (PEB) interval has been recognized in the Patala Formation, Nammal Gorge Section, Pakistan using lithostratigraphy, stable carbon isotope stratigraphy and integrated biostratigraphy. Four distinct lithological units are identified in the Patala Formation in stratigraphic order from bottom to top; unit‐1 to unit‐4. The top of unit‐3 hosts three closely spaced unconformities demarcated as U1, U2, and U3. The PEB interval is represented by a negative shift of 1.61‰ in δ13CV‐PDB representing the carbon isotopic excursion (CIE) in unit‐2. Based on the encountered foraminifera, dinocysts, and calcareous nannoplanktons, the following biozones are identified across the PEB; two larger benthonic foraminiferal (LBF) zones (SBZ4 and SBZ5), the zonal boundary slightly postdating the CIE, two smaller benthonic foraminiferal zones (BB1 and BB2), three planktonic foraminiferal zones (P4/P5 + E1), four dinocysts zones (Pak‐DV, Pak‐DVI, Pak‐DVII, Pak‐DVIII), and two calcareous nannoplankton subzones (NP9a and NP9b). The following protist, dinocyst and calcareous nannoplanktons encountered in the studied interval advocates for the placement of the possible PEB at the level between samples NAM‐SH‐07 and 08; 1—presence of the smaller benthonic foraminifera Angulogavelinella avnimelechi diagnostic of the base of the CIE and the benthonic extinction event (BEE) Tethys wide, 2—presence of the cosmopolitan and the PEB diagnostic dinocyst species ‘Axiodinium augustum’, 3—presence of the PEB diagnostic Rhomboaster‐Discoaster calcareous nannoplankton assemblage. The LBF species Alveolina vredenburgi [a marker species of the Larger Foraminiferal Turnover (LFT) associated with the Palaeocene Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) and PEB in western Tethys] occurs slightly above the onset of the CIE. Previously reported compositional change in the LBF assemblage from the Salt Range [i.e. the replacement of the Palaeocene orbitoidiform LBF (Setia and Orbitosiphon) by the Eocene LBF (Orthophragminids, Alveolina, Nummulites and Assilina)] also postdates the PEB interval here. The late appearance of Alveolina vredenburgi and the compositional change in the LBF after the onset of the CIE are attributed to the facies variation across the PEB reflecting fluctuating depositional environment due to the active tectonic across this interval. This fluctuation is evident from the smaller benthonic and planktonic foraminiferal dominating assemblages in unit‐2 representing bathyal settings followed by LBF dominating unit‐3 representing shallow carbonate platform settings. The change in LBF assemblage closely resembles the well‐known LFT associated with the PETM as well as the carbonate platform stage III and the PEB reported from other Tethyan sections.
Prevalence and risk factors of delirium in psychogeriatric outpatients
Authors: Quispel‐Aggenbach Daisy W. P. , Schep‐de Ruiter Esther P. R. , van Bergen Wilma , Bolling J. Rob , Zuidema Sytse U. , Luijendijk Hendrika J.
Published: August 2020

Background

Delirium is a serious neuropsychiatric syndrome, which requires timely treatment. However, it is easily missed, especially in older patients with premorbid cognitive disorders.

Objectives

The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of delirium in older outpatients with and without dementia.

Method

We assessed 444 patients referred to the memory clinic of a psychiatric hospital between March 2013 and March 2014. Demographic information, medical history, impairments in daily living activities and referral information were registered. Patients underwent a psychiatric examination using the Delirium Rating Scale‐Revised‐98 and cognitive tests, a physical examination and laboratory tests. We recorded medication use and changes before and after the onset of symptoms.

Results

Among the 444 outpatients, 85 had probable delirium (prevalence of 19%), and 10 had subsyndromal delirium (2%). The most common triggers were infection (42%), drug‐intoxication or withdrawal (22%), and metabolic/endocrine disturbance (12%). Age (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.02‐1.11) and prior delirium (OR 3.34, 95% CI 1.28‐8.69) were independent non‐modifiable factors associated with an increased risk of delirium. The only independent modifiable risk factor was infection (OR 17.31, 95% CI 8.44‐35.49).

Conclusions

A delirium was detected in one of five patients referred for dementia screening. Most patients could be treated at home. Age and prior delirium were predictive of an increased risk of delirium.
The scale of COVID‐19 graphs affects understanding, attitudes, and policy preferences
Authors: Romano Alessandro , Sotis Chiara , Dominioni Goran , Guidi Sebastián
Published: August 2020

Mass media routinely present data on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) diffusion with graphs that use either a log scale or a linear scale. We show that the choice of the scale adopted on these graphs has important consequences on how people understand and react to the information conveyed. In particular, we find that when we show the number of COVID‐19 related deaths on a logarithmic scale, people have a less accurate understanding of how the pandemic has developed, make less accurate predictions on its evolution, and have different policy preferences than when they are exposed to a linear scale. Consequently, merely changing the scale the data is presented on can alter public policy preferences and the level of worry about the pandemic, despite the fact that people are routinely exposed to COVID‐19 related information. Providing the public with information in ways they understand better can help improving the response to COVID‐19, thus, mass media and policymakers communicating to the general public should always describe the evolution of the pandemic using a graph on a linear scale, at least as a default option. Our results suggest that framing matters when communicating to the public.
A role for the Sts phosphatases in negatively regulating IFNγ‐mediated production of nitric oxide in monocytes
Authors: Parashar Kaustubh , Carpino Nicholas
Published: August 2020

Introduction

The atypical Sts phosphatases negatively regulate signaling pathways in diverse immune cell types, with two of their molecular targets being the related kinases Syk and Zap‐70. Mice lacking Sts expression (Sts−/−) are resistant to infection by the live vaccine strain (LVS) of Francisella tularensis. Although the mechanisms underlying the enhanced resistance of Sts−/− mice have not been definitively established, Sts−/− bone marrow‐derived monocytes (BMMs) demonstrate greater clearance of intracellular LVS following ex vivo infection, relative to wild type cells. To determine how the Sts proteins regulate monocyte bactericidal properties, we analyzed responses of infected cells.

Methods

Monocyte bacterial clearance was assayed using ex vivo coculture infections followed by colony‐forming unit analysis of intracellular bacteria. Levels of gene expression were quantified by quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction, levels of Nos2 protein levels were quantified by Western blot analysis, and levels of nitric oxide (NO) were quantified directly using the Griess reagent. We characterized monocyte cytokine production via enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

We demonstrate that Sts−/− monocyte cultures produce elevated levels of interferon‐γ (IFNγ) after infection, relative to wild type cultures. Sts−/− monocytes also demonstrate heightened responsiveness to IFNγ. Specifically, Sts−/− monocytes produce elevated levels of antimicrobial NO following IFNγ stimulation, and this NO plays an important role in LVS restriction. Additional IFNγ‐stimulated genes, including Ip10 and members of the Gbp gene family, also display heightened upregulation in Sts−/− cells. Both Sts‐1 and Sts‐2 contribute to the regulation of NO production, as evidenced by the responses of monocytes lacking each phosphatase individually. Finally, we demonstrate that the elevated production of IFNγ‐induced NO in Sts−/− monocytes is abrogated following chemical inhibition of Syk kinase.

Conclusion

Our results indicate a novel role for the Sts enzymes in regulating monocyte antibacterial responses downstream of IFNγ.
The impact of mandatory K‐IFRS adoption on IPO underpricing
Authors: Lee Hyun Duk , Oh Frederick Dongchuhl , Park Junghum
Published: August 2020

This paper examines whether mandatory Korean International Financial Reporting Standards (K‐IFRS) adoption in Korea reduces initial public offering (IPO) underpricing. We find that IPO underpricing has increased following the mandatory adoption of K‐IFRS in 2011. We also show that this relation is more pronounced for non‐chaebol firms, firms not backed by venture capital, and firms in concentrated industries. This suggests that the negative impact of K‐IFRS adoption is concentrated on the firms with a greater pre‐adoption information asymmetry. Our results indicate that some policy consideration is needed in order to help investors adapt to the newly adopted standards, especially to those related to firms seeking to go public. (JEL G38, M48).
Deep convolutional neural network recovers pure absorbance spectra from highly scatter‐distorted spectra of cells
Authors: Magnussen Eirik Almklov , Solheim Johanne Heitmann , Blazhko Uladzislau , Tafintseva Valeria , Tøndel Kristin , Liland Kristian Hovde , Dzurendova Simona , Shapaval Volha , Sandt Christophe , Borondics Ferenc , Kohler Achim
Published: August 2020

Infrared spectroscopy of cells and tissues is prone to Mie scattering distortions, which grossly obscure the relevant chemical signals. The state‐of‐the‐art Mie extinction extended multiplicative signal correction (ME‐EMSC) algorithm is a powerful tool for the recovery of pure absorbance spectra from highly scatter‐distorted spectra. However, the algorithm is computationally expensive and the correction of large infrared imaging datasets requires weeks of computations. In this paper, we present a deep convolutional descattering autoencoder (DSAE) which was trained on a set of ME‐EMSC corrected infrared spectra and which can massively reduce the computation time for scatter correction. Since the raw spectra showed large variability in chemical features, different reference spectra matching the chemical signals of the spectra were used to initialize the ME‐EMSC algorithm, which is beneficial for the quality of the correction and the speed of the algorithm. One DSAE was trained on the spectra, which were corrected with different reference spectra and validated on independent test data. The DSAE outperformed the ME‐EMSC correction in terms of speed, robustness, and noise levels. We confirm that the same chemical information is contained in the DSAE corrected spectra as in the spectra corrected with ME‐EMSC.
Autofocusing technologies for whole slide imaging and automated microscopy
Authors: Bian Zichao , Guo Chengfei , Jiang Shaowei , Zhu Jiakai , Wang Ruihai , Song Pengming , Zhang Zibang , Hoshino Kazunori , Zheng Guoan
Published: August 2020

Whole slide imaging (WSI) has moved digital pathology closer to diagnostic practice in recent years. Due to the inherent tissue topography variability, accurate autofocusing remains a critical challenge for WSI and automated microscopy systems. The traditional focus map surveying method is limited in its ability to acquire a high degree of focus points while still maintaining high throughput. Real‐time approaches decouple image acquisition from focusing, thus allowing for rapid scanning while maintaining continuous accurate focus. This work reviews the traditional focus map approach and discusses the choice of focus measure for focal plane determination. It also discusses various real‐time autofocusing approaches including reflective‐based triangulation, confocal pinhole detection, low‐coherence interferometry, tilted sensor approach, independent dual sensor scanning, beam splitter array, phase detection, dual‐LED illumination and deep‐learning approaches. The technical concepts, merits and limitations of these methods are explained and compared to those of a traditional WSI system. This review may provide new insights for the development of high‐throughput automated microscopy imaging systems that can be made broadly available and utilizable without loss of capacity.
Physicochemical damage and early‐stage biological response to X‐ray radiation studied in prostate cancer cells by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Roman Maciej , Wrobel Tomasz P. , Panek Agnieszka , Paluszkiewicz Czeslawa , Kwiatek Wojciech M.
Published: August 2020

Exposure to ionizing radiation significantly affects biochemistry of cancer cells. The effect of irradiation can be divided into two stages, that is, the physicochemical stage and the biological response. Both effects induce different biochemical changes in the cells and should be analyzed as two separate phenomena. Thus, in the current study, Raman spectroscopy of prostate cancer cells fixed before (the physicochemical damage model) and just after (the biological response model) irradiation was undertaken to compare biochemical composition of irradiated cancer cells at both stages. Spectroscopic analysis of the cells was performed separately for cytoplasmic and nuclear regions. Biochemical changes of irradiated cells were analyzed using partial least squares regression (PLSR) method on the basis of the collected Raman spectra. Regression coefficients were therefore used to describe differences and similarities between biochemical composition of cancer cells undergoing the physicochemical stage and biological response. Additionally, PLSR models of both phenomena were compared for linear dose‐dependence and a cross prediction.
17β‐Estradiol via Orai1 activates calcium mobilization to induce cell proliferation in epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Lv Xiaoyu , Miao Chunlei , Liu Mengyan , Wang Xinbo , Wang Lin , Wang Di
Published: August 2020

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most lethal estrogen‐sensitive gynecological cancer. Studies have reported that estrogen induces rapid cellular calcium mobilization in cells and can determine the fate of a cell. We found that estrogen increased the calcium release‐activated calcium channel modulator 1 (Orai1) protein expression levels in SK‐OV‐3 cells. However, to date, there has been no research on the functional relationship and molecular mechanism of estrogen‐regulating Orai1 during EOC development. In our study, Orai1 had a high expression level in high‐grade serous ovarian tumor tissues and SK‐OV‐3 cells. Estrogen promoted cell proliferation and migration while inhibiting cell apoptosis in SK‐OV‐3 cells. Orai1 silencing suppressed estrogen‐induced cell migration and proliferation. Overexpression of Orai1, however, enhanced the ability of 17β‐estradiol (E2) to exert its function. Estrogen induced rapid calcium influx in SK‐OV‐3 cells. Knockdown of Orai1 in SK‐OV‐3 cells blocked E2‐induced stored‐operated Ca2+ influx. The messenger RNA expression of caspase 3, matrix metallopeptidase 1, and cyclin‐dependent kinase 6 were regulated via Orai1 under E2 treatment. Our results suggest that estrogen, by regulating Orai1, induced calcium influx to determine cell fate.
Spin‐inversion mechanisms in O2 binding to a model heme compound: A perspective from nonadiabatic wave packet calculations
Authors: Saito Kohei , Watabe Yuya , Miyazaki Takaaki , Takayanagi Toshiyuki , Hasegawa Jun‐ya
Published: August 2020

Spin‐inversion dynamics in O2 binding to a model heme complex, which consisted of Fe(II)‐porphyrin and imidazole, were studied using nonadiabatic wave packet dynamics calculations. We considered three active nuclear degrees of freedom in the dynamics, including the motions along the Fe–O distance, Fe–O–O angle, and Fe out‐of‐plane distance. Spin‐free potential energy surfaces for the singlet, triplet, quintet, and septet states were developed using density functional theory calculations, and spin–orbit coupling elements were obtained from CASSCF‐level electronic structure calculations. The spin‐inversion mainly occurred between the singlet state and one of the triplet states due to large spin–orbit couplings and the contributions of other states were extremely small. The present quantum dynamics calculations suggested that the narrow crossing region model plays a dominant role in the O2 binding dynamics. In addition, the one‐dimensional Landau–Zener model underestimated the nonadiabatic transition probability.
Clinician‐collected urethra swab: A good alternative sample type using cobas 4800 system for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in men
Authors: Wang Qing‐Yong , Zheng Lu‐Qing , Li Rong‐Hai , Zheng Ying , Chen Xun , Li Qi
Published: August 2020

Background

Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are being used increasing to detection of CT (Chlamydia trachomatis) and NG (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) infections for superior sensitivity and specificity than other tests. Male first‐void urine (FVU) sample is the optimal sample type for detection of CT and NG by NAATs. Although not being the recommended by NAATs, clinician‐collected urethra swab (CCUS) is perhaps a good alternative sample type compared with the FVU sample in men.

Methods

Paired samples (FVU and CCUS) from one hundred male outpatients were simultaneously detected by urine pattern and swab pattern using cobas 4800 CT/NG assay on cobas 4800 system for the detection of CT and NG, respectively. And twenty‐one positive controls were also detected on cobas 4800 system.

Results

The CT/NG cycle thresholds (Ct) value of urine pattern is lower than that of swab pattern for the same positive samples (clinical samples and positive controls) on the cobas 4800 CT/NG assay. The final CT/NG results of two sample patterns from patients were highly consistent except for four discordant results.

Conclusion

CCUS is validated for a good alternative sample type for the CT/NG detection on the cobas 4800 system in this study.