bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entwicklung einer Virtual Reality‐Umgebung zur interaktiven thermischen Raumsimulation
Authors: Nytsch‐Geusen Christoph , Mathur Kushagra
Published: December 2020

Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird ein Ansatz beschrieben, bei dem der Modellierungs‐ und Simulationsprozess für das Innenraumklima von Gebäuden vollständig in einer Virtual Reality (VR)‐Umgebung stattfindet. Auf diese Weise wird der Simulationsexperte bezüglich des Raumdesigns, der räumlichen Wahrnehmung und der Interaktion mit dem Raummodell immersiv eingebunden. Das durch die Interaktionen sich ergebende simulierte Innenraumklima und weitere Größen wie z. B. Energiebedarfe werden dem Nutzer in der VR‐Umgebung als Feedback visualisiert.

Zur softwaretechnischen Realisierung des beschriebenen Ansatzes wurde das Modelica‐Werkzeug Dymola mit der Spiele‐Engine Unity zu einem Gesamtsystem integriert, wobei zwischen beiden Programmen ein bidirektionaler Datenaustausch erfolgt. Die Basis der Berechnungen in Dymola bilden hierbei das thermische Gebäudemodell der Modelica‐Bibliothek BuildingSystems. In Unity wurde zur Realisierung der VR‐Simulationsumgebung ein Head‐Mounted Display eingebunden und die zwei Modi „Modelling” und „Simulation” prototypisch implementiert und in einem Simulationsszenario evaluiert.
Leveraging a phenome‐wide approach to identify novel exposure‐birth defect associations: A proof of concept using maternal smoking and a spectrum of birth defects
Authors: Langlois Peter H , Schraw Jeremy M , Hoyt Adrienne T , Lupo Philip J
Published: December 2020

Background

There are often questions about the impact of exposures on a range of birth defects, but there are few rigorous approaches for evaluating these associations. Using maternal smoking as an example we applied a phenome‐wide association study (PheWAS) approach to evaluate the impact of this exposure on a comprehensive range of birth defects.

Methods

Cases were obtained from the Texas Birth Defects Registry for the period 1999–2015. A total of 127 birth defects were examined. Maternal smoking at any time during the pregnancy was ascertained from the vital record. Data were randomly divided into discovery (60%) and replication (40%) partitions. Poisson regression models were run in the discovery partition, using a Bonferroni threshold of p < 3.9×10−4. Birth defects passing that threshold in adjusted models were evaluated in the replication partition using p < 0.05 to determine statistical significance.

Results

Four birth defects were positively and significantly associated with maternal smoking in both partitions: cleft palate, anomalies of the pulmonary artery, other specified anomalies of the mouth and pharynx, and congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. Obstructive defects of the renal pelvis and ureter showed consistent negative associations. All five defects exhibited significant dose–response relationships.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that a statistically rigorous approach can be applied to birth defects registry data to examine the association between specified exposures and a range of birth defects. While we confirmed previously reported associations, others were not validated, likely due to misclassification in exposure based on vital records.
Additive Fertigung im Betonbau: aktueller Stand
Authors: Vasilic Ksenija
Published: December 2020

Die Umsetzung innovativer Konzepte, wie digitale Betonherstellung und Prozessautomatisierung, könnte zu einer Steigerung der Produktivität und zu einer Verringerung des Materialbedarfs im Betonsektor führen. Die wissenschaftliche Fachwelt hat dieses Potenzial erkannt, sodass das globale Interesse und die Anzahl der Forschungs‐ und Entwicklungsaktivitäten zu diesem Thema exponentiell zunehmen. Aktuell werden bereits weltweit hochwertige digitale Fertigungskonzepte entwickelt und erfolgreich zum Drucken einiger Pilotprojekte eingesetzt. Dieser Beitrag gibt einen Überblick über die bekanntesten additiven Fertigungsverfahren im Betonbau und wesentliche Fallstudien. Darüber hinaus werden die offenen technischen und technologischen Fragen diskutiert. Dabei liegt der Schwerpunkt auf der Entwicklung praktischer Lösungen und deren Umsetzung im Betonsektor.
Using safety planning for aggressive behavior in youth: Applications to intensive treatment settings
Authors: Walters Anne S.
Published: December 2020

Aggression is an especially thorny symptom in the field of child mental health, cutting across a variety of psychiatric diagnoses and one of the most common reasons for referral for services. Associated with a variety of affects (anger, irritability, agitation, hostility), it is nonetheless poorly defined. Some writers distinguish “adaptive aggression” (benefit from an evolutionary standpoint) from “maladaptive aggression,” which is characteristic of those with psychiatric or neurological conditions. A discussion of the specifics of the concept is beyond the scope here, because ultimately it is the aggression that is fueled by angry affect that is the variety we are most often trying to manage in behavioral health settings and that contributes to extensive disruption in family, school, and community environments. Connor et al. (2019) call this variety impulsive aggression and define it as reactive and overt, and out of proportion to environmental precipitants. They also note that it is indicative of disorder severity. This is a useful description of the variety occurring most frequently in clinical contexts.
The rare multidrug cervical tubercular lymphadenitis in an infant from Iran: A case report and literature review
Authors: Keikha Masoud , Askarizadeh Fatemeh , Sasan Mohammad Saeed , Joghatayee Hossein , Soleimanpour Saman
Published: December 2020

Cervical‐TB lymphadenitis is the most frequent extrapulmonary manifestation of tuberculosis infection. There are limited documents (only five documents) on multidrug‐resistant cervical tubercular lymphadenitis, but there is no evidence for MDR‐cervical tuberculosis lymphadenitis in infants, which may occur in TB endemic regions.
The clinical course and management of cervical cancer with splenic metastasis: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Liu Qing , Wang Ming , Gayam Vijay , Li Xiu‐lan , Wang Fu‐Chuan , Pan Calvin Q.
Published: December 2020

Adenovirus‐mediated herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene therapy (ADV‐TK) in combination with interventional treatment could relieve the symptoms in patients with widespread splenic metastasis.
Massive splenomegaly in hairy cell leukemia causing urinary retention
Authors: Ammad Ud Din Mohammad , Shapiro Joel , Sham Ronald
Published: December 2020

Hairy cell leukemia can cause massive splenomegaly which may lead to urinary retention and constipation. Patients usually require a splenectomy for relief of symptoms.
Duration of antifungal therapy for septic pulmonary embolism caused by Candida albicans from a central venous catheter: A case report
Authors: Okuno Daisuke , Oshima Kazuhiro , Miyazaki Taiga , Ashizawa Nobuyuki , Hirayama Tatsuro , Takazono Takahiro , Saijo Tomomi , Yamamoto Kazuko , Imamura Yoshifumi , Yamaguchi Hiroyuki , Sakamoto Noriho , Obase Yasushi , Izumikawa Koichi , Yanagihara Katsunori , Mukae Hiroshi
Published: December 2020

The treatment duration for candidemia with septic pulmonary embolism should be determined based on the clearance of fungus from the bloodstream and improvement of symptoms. The remaining lung nodules may not necessarily indicate persistent infection.
Electrocatalytic and Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution by Ni(II) and Cu(II) Schiff Base Complexes
Authors: Hong Xiao‐Shuo , Huo Debiao , Jiang Wen‐Jing , Long Wei‐Jian , Leng Ji‐Dong , Tong Lianpeng , Liu Zhao‐Qing
Published: December 2020

Homogeneous catalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) by five‐coordinate Schiff base complexes with first‐row transition metals (Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II)) were firstly investigated in organic medium. Both nickel and copper complexes revealed efficient electrocatalytic and photocatalytic HER activities. Cyclic voltammetry experiments and foot of wave analysis (FOWA) were applied to assess the electrocatalytic performance and to probe the catalytic mechanism. The Cu(II) and Ni(II) catalysts achieved maximum electrocatalytic HER turnover frequencies (TOFmax) of 70139.5 and 63827.5 s−1, respectively, in MeCN using acetic acid as a proton source. Photocatalytic HER investigation suggested a superior activity of the Cu(II) complex to the Ni(II) counterpart. In an aqueous three‐component system consisting of organic Eosin Y (EY2−) photosensitizer, trimethylamine (TEA) sacrificial donor, and the Cu(II) catalyst, a photocatalytic HER turnover number (TON) of 21 was obtained after 4 h irradiation under white LED light. Employing triethanolamine (TEOA) instead of TEA as a sacrificial donor substantially enhanced stability of the photocatalytic HER system, of which deactivation was not observed after 6 h photocatalysis. The photocatalytic HER reaction was monitored by time‐resolved UV‐vis spectra which suggested faster decomposition of EY2− in the presence of TEA than TEOA.
Controlling Spin‐Correlated Radical Pairs with Donor–Acceptor Dyads: A New Concept to Generate Reduced Metal Complexes for More Efficient Photocatalysis
Authors: Neumann Svenja , Wenger Oliver S. , Kerzig Christoph
Published: December 2020

One‐electron reduced metal complexes derived from photoactive ruthenium or iridium complexes are important intermediates for substrate activation steps in photoredox catalysis and for the photocatalytic generation of solar fuels. However, owing to the heavy atom effect, direct photochemical pathways to these key intermediates suffer from intrinsic efficiency problems resulting from rapid geminate recombination of radical pairs within the so‐called solvent cage. In this study, we prepared and investigated molecular dyads capable of producing reduced metal complexes via an indirect pathway relying on a sequence of energy and electron transfer processes between a Ru complex and a covalently connected anthracene moiety. Our test reaction to establish the proof‐of‐concept is the photochemical reduction of ruthenium(tris)bipyridine by the ascorbate dianion as sacrificial donor in aqueous solution. The photochemical key step in the Ru‐anthracene dyads is the reduction of a purely organic (anthracene) triplet excited state by the ascorbate dianion, yielding a spin‐correlated radical pair whose (unproductive) recombination is strongly spin‐forbidden. By carrying out detailed laser flash photolysis investigations, we provide clear evidence for the indirect reduced metal complex generation mechanism and show that this pathway can outperform the conventional direct metal complex photoreduction. The further optimization of our approach involving relatively simple molecular dyads might result in novel photocatalysts that convert substrates with unprecedented quantum yields.
Economies of Scale – Agitator Technology for World‐Scale Plants
Authors: Himmelsbach Werner , Gezork Klaus , Keller Wolfgang , Last Wolfgang , Multner Benjamin
Published: December 2020

Over the past 35 years, the cost benefit of the economies of scale has led in some industrial production processes to a more than tenfold increase in reactor volume. The article highlights this trend with the focus on three industrial examples: PET production, pressure oxidizing in the mining industry, and fermentation. It gives background information about the current trend and shows industrial examples of the world's largest plants, often referred to as world‐scale plants with their specific characteristics, challenges, and mixing and engineering solution.
Measurement of Relative Electrostatic Potential Difference for Coalescence Modeling
Authors: Leleu David , Pfennig Andreas
Published: December 2020

Coalescence is strongly affected by trace components. Studies suggest the usage of the Derjaguin‐Landau‐Verwey‐Overbeek force in coalescence modeling. Thus, data regarding the electrostatic potential are needed. Determination of the partition coefficient of a charged dye dissolved in salt‐containing two‐phase systems allows to evaluate the electrostatic potential difference relative to a reference system by evaluation with the extended Albertsson model. The corresponding first settling tests show the strong effect of the relative electrostatic potential difference on the dispersion behavior.
Plant‐wide optimization based on interval number for beneficiation and metallurgy
Authors: Yuan Qingyun , Liu Tan , Wang Yonggang , Wang Lina
Published: December 2020

Considering the difficulty of accurate online‐measurement of some key variables in the plant‐wide process of beneficiation and metallurgy, the quantitative models of some procedures are difficult to establish and the plant‐wide optimization control based on the quantitative models is difficult to realize. To address the problem, a plant‐wide optimization method based on interval numbers is proposed. Firstly, through analyzing the plant‐wide process of beneficiation and metallurgy, the framework of plant‐wide optimization based on interval number is given. Secondly, according to expert knowledge and the site workers' experience, the fuzzy qualitative model of the flotation process is established. Combining the quantitative model of the subsequent metallurgy process with the qualitative model of the flotation process, the plant‐wide optimization problem of beneficiation and metallurgy is established with the maximum economic benefits as the objective. Thirdly, for each output mode of the fuzzy qualitative model, interval number is used to represent the key variables that cannot be measured online, and combining the optimization algorithm based on interval number with the hierarchical decomposition optimization method, an optimization method is proposed to realize the plant‐wide optimization of beneficiation and metallurgy. Finally, compared with the conventional plant‐wide optimization method and the original hierarchical decomposition optimization method, the simulation results show that the proposed optimization method has a wider applicability, especially with its advantages in solving optimization problems with uncertainty.
Gas‐liquid‐liquid flow patterns and extraction in a rotating microchannel extractor
Authors: Fan Chunxin , Ma Rui , Wang Yubin , Luo Jianhong , Komarneni Sridhar
Published: December 2020

The flow patterns of gas‐liquid‐liquid three‐phase fluids in the rotating microchannel extractor (RME) were studied in this paper. The kerosene‐water system without mass transfer and the 2%P507‐22%NaH2PO4 system with mass transfer were considered. The influence of interfacial tension, microchannel structure, and rotation rate on three‐phase flow patterns were investigated. Eight different flow patterns such as droplet‐continuous flow, long droplet‐continuous flow, filiform parallel‐continuous flow, filiform parallel‐filiform parallel flow, small droplet‐continuous flow, filiform parallel‐small droplet flow, small droplet‐small droplet flow, and continuous‐filiform parallel flow were observed. The results showed that the proposed universal flow pattern map can effectively predict the flow patterns of the two systems and the small droplet‐small droplet flow has the best effect of extracting Fe3+ from the 2%P507‐22%NaH2PO4 system. The traditional first‐order equilibrium extraction efficiency was 102% while the percentage extraction was up to 85% (14.4 mg/L) after one stage extraction and about 97.9% (2.0 mg/L) after two‐stage extraction.
Use of risk scores to identify lower and higher risk subsets among COMPASS‐eligible patients with chronic coronary syndromes. Insights from the CLARIFY registry
Authors: Darmon Arthur , Ducrocq Gregory , Jasilek Adam , Feldman Laurent , Sorbets Emmanuel , Ferrari Roberto , Ford Ian , Tardif Jean‐Claude , Tendera Michal , Fox Kim M. , Steg Philippe Gabriel
Published: December 2020

Background

The COMPASS trial showed a reduction of ischemic events with low‐dose rivaroxaban and aspirin in chronic coronary syndromes (CCS) compared with aspirin alone, at the expense of increased bleeding.

Hypothesis

The CHA2DS2VaSc Score, REACH Recurrent Ischemic (RIS), and REACH Bleeding Risk Score (BRS) could identify patients with a favorable trade‐off between ischemic and bleeding events, among COMPASS‐eligible patients.

Methods

We identified the COMPASS‐eligible population within the CLARIFY registry (>30.000 patients with CCS). High‐bleeding risk patients (REACH BRS > 10) were excluded, as in the COMPASS trial. Patients were categorized as low (0–1) or high (≥ 2) CHA2DS2VaSc; low (0–12) or intermediate (13–19) REACH RIS, and low (0–6) or intermediate (7–10) REACH BRS. Ischemic outcome was the composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction or stroke. Bleeding was defined as serious bleeding (haemorrhagic stroke, hospitalization for bleeding, transfusion).

Results

The COMPASS‐eligible population comprised 5.142 patients with ischemic and bleeding outcome of 2.3 (2.1–2.5) and 0.5 (0.4–0.6) per 100 patient‐years, respectively. Patients with intermediate REACH RIS (n = 1934 [37.6%]) had the higher ischemic risk (3.0 [2.6–3.4]) with similar bleeding risk (0.5 [0.4–0.7]) as the overall population. Patients with low CHA2DS2VaSc (n = 229 [4.4%]) had a very low ischemic risk (0.6 [0.3–1.3]) with similar bleeding risk (0.5 [0.2–1.1]).

Conclusions

Intermediate REACH RIS identified potential optimal candidates for adjunction of low‐dose rivaroxaban while patients with low CHA2DS2VaSc score .appears unlikely to benefit from the COMPASS regimen. None of the three risk scores predicted the occurrence of serious bleeding.
Getting a Grip on the Undrugged: Targeting β‐Catenin with Fragment‐Based Methods
Authors: Kessler Dirk , Mayer Moriz , Zahn Stephan K. , Zeeb Markus , Wöhrle Simon , Bergner Andreas , Bruchhaus Jens , Ciftci Tuncay , Dahmann Georg , Dettling Maike , Döbel Sandra , Fuchs Julian E. , Geist Leonhard , Hela Wolfgang , Kofink Christiane , Kousek Roland , Moser Franziska , Puchner Teresa , Rumpel Klaus , Scharnweber Maximilian , Werni Patrick , Wolkerstorfer Bernhard , Breitsprecher Dennis , Baaske Philipp , Pearson Mark , McConnell Darryl B. , Böttcher Jark
Published: December 2020

Aberrant WNT pathway activation, leading to nuclear accumulation of β‐catenin, is a key oncogenic driver event. Mutations in the tumor suppressor gene APC lead to impaired proteasomal degradation of β‐catenin and subsequent nuclear translocation. Restoring cellular degradation of β‐catenin represents a potential therapeutic strategy. Here, we report the fragment‐based discovery of a small molecule binder to β‐catenin, including the structural elucidation of the binding mode by X‐ray crystallography. The difficulty in drugging β‐catenin was confirmed as the primary screening campaigns identified only few and very weak hits. Iterative virtual and NMR screening techniques were required to discover a compound with sufficient potency to be able to obtain an X‐ray co‐crystal structure. The binding site is located between armadillo repeats two and three, adjacent to the BCL9 and TCF4 binding sites. Genetic studies show that it is unlikely to be useful for the development of protein–protein interaction inhibitors but structural information and established assays provide a solid basis for a prospective optimization towards β‐catenin proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) as alternative modality.
Triage process for the assessment of coronavirus disease 2019‐positive patients with cancer: The ONCOVID prospective study
Authors: Indini Alice , Cattaneo Monica , Ghidini Michele , Rijavec Erika , Bareggi Claudia , Galassi Barbara , Gambini Donatella , Ceriani Rosalia , Ceriotti Ferruccio , Berti Emilio , Grossi Francesco
Published: December 2020

Background

Patients with cancer are considered at high risk for the novel respiratory illness coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). General measures to keep COVID‐19–free cancer divisions have been adopted worldwide. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of triage to identify COVID‐19 among patients with cancer.

Methods

From March 20 to April 17, 2020, data were collected from patients who were treated or followed at the authors' institution in a prospective clinical trial. The primary endpoint was to estimate the cumulative incidence of COVID‐19–positive patients who were identified using a triage process through the aid of medical and patient questionnaires. Based on a diagnostic algorithm, patients with suspect symptoms underwent an infectious disease specialist's evaluation and a COVID‐19 swab. Serologic tests were proposed for patients who had symptoms or altered laboratory tests that did not fall into the diagnostic algorithm but were suspicious for COVID‐19.

Results

Overall, 562 patients were enrolled. Six patients (1%) were diagnosed with COVID‐19, of whom 4 (67%) had the disease detected through telehealth triage, and 2 patients (33%) without suspect symptoms at triage had the disease detected later. Seventy‐one patients (13%) had suspect symptoms and/or altered laboratory tests that were not included in the diagnostic algorithm and, of these, 47 patients (73%) underwent testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 antibody: 6 (13%) were positive for IgG (n = 5) or for both IgM and IgG (n = 1), and antibody tests were negative in the remaining 41 patients.

Conclusions

The triage process had a positive effect on the detection of COVID‐19 in patients with cancer. Telehealth triage was helpful in detecting suspect patients and to keep a COVID‐19–free cancer center. The overall incidence of COVID‐19 diagnosis (1%) and antibody positivity (13%) in patients with suspect symptoms was similar to that observed in the general population.
Designing low‐diameter interconnection networks with multi‐ported host‐switch graphs
Authors: Yasudo Ryota , Nakano Koji , Koibuchi Michihiro , Matsutani Hiroki , Amano Hideharu
Published: December 2020

A host‐switch graph was originally proposed as a graph that represents a network topology of a computer systems with 1‐port host computers and‐port switches. It has been studied from both theoretical and practical aspects in terms of the diameter, the average shortest path length, and the performance of real applications. In recent high‐performance computing systems, however, a host computer is connected to multiple switches by using InfiniBand, NVSwitch, or Omni‐Path, and consequently they provide high bandwidths. Since a host‐switch graph cannot represent such systems, this article extends a host‐switch graph so that it can represent such systems. As a result, a host‐switch graph can include multi‐ported hosts. Furthermore, we propose to use multi‐port hosts for reducing the diameter. We show that the diameter minimization is equivalent to solving the degree diameter problem for bipartite graphs of diameter three. Our experimental results show that we can drastically reduce the diameter as well as increasing the bandwidth and improves performance of MPI applications by up to 162% as compared with networks with single‐ported hosts.
A framework for fostering transparency in shared artificial intelligence models by increasing visibility of contributions
Authors: Barclay Iain , Taylor Harrison , Preece Alun , Taylor Ian , Verma Dinesh , de Mel Geeth
Published: December 2020

Increased adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) systems into scientific workflows will result in an increasing technical debt as the distance between the data scientists and engineers who develop AI system components and scientists, researchers and other users grows. This could quickly become problematic, particularly where guidance or regulations change and once‐acceptable best practice becomes outdated, or where data sources are later discredited as biased or inaccurate. This paper presents a novel method for deriving a quantifiable metric capable of ranking the overall transparency of the process pipelines used to generate AI systems, such that users, auditors and other stakeholders can gain confidence that they will be able to validate and trust the data sources and contributors in the AI systems that they rely on. The methodology for calculating the metric, and the type of criteria that could be used to make judgements on the visibility of contributions to systems are evaluated through models published at ModelHub and PyTorch Hub, popular archives for sharing science resources, and is found to be helpful in driving consideration of the contributions made to generating AI systems and approaches toward effective documentation and improving transparency in machine learning assets shared within scientific communities.
C−C Coupling Reactions for the Synthesis of Two‐Dimensional Conjugated Polymers
Authors: Wen Ju , Zhu Ling , Li Ming
Published: December 2020

Extension of conjugated polymers from 1D to 2D can not only significantly enhance the dissociation of charge and excitons, but also induce other advantages, such as high in‐plane mechanical strength, large specific surface area and porosity, and more active centers. 2D conjugated polymers can be divided into C−C bonded 2D polymers based on C−C coupling reactions, and heteroatomic bonded 2D polymers based on reversible heteroatom coupling reactions. C−C bonded 2D polymers are generally more stable than heteroatomic bonded 2D polymers as the latter bonds are easily hydrolyzed. This Review mainly summarizes C−C coupling reactions that are suitable for synthesizing 2D conjugated polymers, and the properties of these 2D conjugated polymers are also introduced.
Craniofacial growth predictors for class II and III malocclusions: A systematic review
Authors: Jiménez‐Silva Antonio , Carnevali‐Arellano Romano , Vivanco‐Coke Sheilah , Tobar‐Reyes Julio , Araya‐Díaz Pamela , Palomino‐Montenegro Hernán
Published: December 2020

Objective

To evaluate the validity of craniofacial growth predictors in class II and III malocclusion.

Material and methods

An electronic search was conducted until August 2020 in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, EBSCOhost, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Bireme, Lilacs and Scielo including all languages. The articles were selected and analyzed by two authors independently and the selected studies was assessed using the 14‐item Quality Assessment Tool for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS‐2). The quality of evidence and strength of recommendation was assessed by the GRADE tool.

Results

In a selection process of two phases, 10 articles were included. The studies were grouped according to malocclusion growth predictor in (1) class II (n = 4); (2) class III (n = 5) and (3) class II and III (n = 1). The predictors were mainly based on data extracted from cephalometries and characterized by: equations, structural analysis, techniques and computer programs among others. The analyzed studies were methodologically heterogeneous and had low to moderate quality. For class II malocclusion, the predictors proposed in the studies with the best methodological quality were based on mathematical models and the Fishman system of maturation assessment. For class III malocclusion, the Fishman system could provide adequate growth prediction for short‐ and long‐term.

Conclusions

Because of the heterogeneity of the design, methodology and the quality of the articles reviewed, it is not possible to establish only a growth prediction system for class II and III malocclusion. High‐quality cohort studies are needed, well defined data extraction from cephalometries, radiographies and clinical characteristics are required to design a reliable predictor.
The impact of vaping on periodontitis: A systematic review
Authors: Figueredo Carlos Alberto , Abdelhay Nancy , Figueredo Carlos Marcelo , Catunda Raisa , Gibson Monica Prasad
Published: December 2020

Background and objective

While tobacco cigarette smoking has been proven to be a risk factor for periodontitis, limited information is available regarding vaping, a new alternative to smoking that has been branded as less harmful. Several important in vitro studies have shown that vaping has a similarly damaging effect as cigarette smoking on the health of the periodontium. However, a comprehensive review is lacking in this field. Therefore, we aimed to systematically review the literature about the impact of vaping on periodontitis.

Methods

The research question was created using the PICOs format. A systematic search of the following electronic databases was performed up to March 2020: Medline, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane, and grey literature. Human studies that assessed periodontal status (plaque index, bleeding on probing, clinical attachment loss, marginal bone loss, and probing depth) in e‐cigarette users compared to non‐smokers (control group) were assessed based on an estimate of fixed effects. The weights of the studies were calculated based on their risks of bias.

Results

After duplicates were removed, 1,659 studies were screened and 8 case–control studies that investigated the relationship between vaping and periodontal parameters in humans were selected after their risk of bias assessment. Estimated effects of vaping after weighting results based on their standard deviation showed increased plaque, marginal bone loss, clinical attachment loss, pocket depth, and reduced bleeding on probing.

Conclusion

This study concluded that there is not enough evidence to fully characterize the impacts of vaping on periodontitis. However, within the limitations of our review and the selected included studies, the available results point to increased destruction of the periodontium leading to the development of the disease.
Synthesis of a Stable Solid Acid Catalyst from Chloromethyl Polystyrene through a Simple Sulfonation for Pretreatment of Lignocellulose in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Hu Jinke , Wang Qiong , Wang Wen , Xu Zihan , Fu Juan , Xu Qingli , Wang Zhongming , Yuan Zhenhong , Shen Fei , Qi Wei
Published: December 2020

A stable solid acid catalyst, SCPR140‐1, was synthesized from chloromethyl polystyrene resin (CPR) and used for catalytic pretreatment of corncob in aqueous solution. Under the optimized pretreatment condition, 73.07 % of xylose was directly obtained, and the enzymatic digestibility of treated residue reached up to 94.65 %, indicating that the SCPR140‐1 had high selectivity for xylose production and effectively deconstructed the structure of corncob. The −CH2Cl group of CPR was substituted by −SO3H through the sulfonation, and the −SO3H was stably bound on the catalyst during the pretreatment process. Compared with other similar reports, the SCPR140‐1 was not only synthesized through a simpler process but also had a more stable catalytic activity during multiple recycling runs.
Reducing Energy Loss in Organic Solar Cells by Changing the Central Metal in Metalloporphyrins
Authors: Cuesta Virginia , Singhal Rahul , de la Cruz Pilar , Sharma Ganesh D. , Langa Fernando
Published: December 2020

The effect of central donor core on the properties of A‐π‐D‐π‐A donors, where D is a porphyrin macrocycle, cyclopenta[2,1‐b:3,4‐b’]dithiophene is the π bridge, and A is a dicyanorhodanine terminal unit, was investigated for the fabrication of the organic solar cells (OSCs), along [6,6]‐phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) as electron acceptor. A new molecule consisting of Ni‐porphyrin central donor core (VC9) showed deep HOMO energy level and OSCs based on optimized VC9:PC71BM realized overall power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 10.66 % [short‐circuit current density (JSC)=15.48 mA/cm2, fill factor (FF)=0.65] with high open circuit voltage (VOC) of 1.06 V and very low energy loss of 0.49 eV, whereas the Zn‐porphyrin analogue VC8:PC71BM showed PCE of 9.69 % with VOC of 0.89 V, JSC of 16.25 mA/cm2 and FF of 0.67. Although the OSCs based on VC8 showed higher JSC in comparison to VC9, originating from the broader absorption profile of VC8 that led to more exciton generation, the higher value of PCE of VC9 is owing to the higher VOC and reduced energy loss.
Increasing power efficiency in the design of a low power and low phase noise CMOS LC oscillator
Authors: Soleymani Kebria Saeed , Ghonoodi Hojat
Published: December 2020

This study developed a local oscillator (LO) with low phase noise and low power consumption. The proposed oscillator core comprises a pair of cross‐coupled transistors, which are fed by another pair of transistors that injects current at moments close to the peak of output voltage. The position of the current injection transistors, which are inserted in series with the cross‐coupled transistors, affects the waveform of current injected into an inductive–capacitive (LC) tank. Installing a capacitor on the source node of the cross‐coupled transistors increases the current injected into the LC tank and thereby augments the output voltage amplitude and power efficiency of the LO. The resonator phase shift and Q can be corrected by adjusting the source capacitance, which filters noise. These changes reduce the phase noise to −123.4 dBc/Hz at a frequency offset of 1 MHz and improve oscillator performance with a figure of merit equal to −193.5 dBc/Hz. To evaluate the LC tank, a 5 GHz LO was simulated at 1.8 V power supply and 2.5 mW power consumption. The simulation was conducted using a practical 0.18 complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor model manufactured by the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. The simulation results confirmed the analytical findings.
Performance evaluation of beamforming for network throughput enhancement
Authors: Lema Gebrehiwet Gebrekrstos
Published: December 2020

With the advancement of mobile networks, the demand for increased throughput is continuously rising. Throughput is the amount of error‐free bits transmitted in a given period of time. Heterogeneous networks (HetNet) are widely accepted to enhance the throughput as they do have low pathloss among the others. HetNet deploys another cell under the coverage area of the macro cell. The HetNet offloads the macro cell that avoids congestion and enhances the coverage of the network. In HetNet, however, intercell interference is a major challenge that adversely degrades the throughput. In this paper, coordinated multipoint transmission (CoMP) along with a coordinated beamforming (CBF) is integrated to mitigate the intercell interference (ICI). In general, the results have shown that the proposed technique has resulted into significant interference reduction and hence improved throughput and spectral efficiency.
Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of breast, pleura, and retroperitoneum diagnosed from pleural fluid cytology
Authors: Rajagopal Meyyappa Devan , Stephen Norton , Gochhait Debasis , Srinivas Bheemanathi Hanuman , Siddaraju Neelaiah , Dubashi Biswajit
Published: December 2020

Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS) is a malignant small blue round cell tumor which is commonly seen in head and neck region. Breast and pleural involvement are uncommon. Rhabdomyosarcoma has been rarely reported in the body fluids like ascitic, pleural, and cerebrospinal fluid. In this article, we report an interesting case of ERMS which had deceptive small blue round cells in pleural fluid. The cytomorphological features along with a panel of immunocytochemical markers helped in arriving at the definite diagnosis. Later, biopsy from the breast lump and retroperitoneal mass also revealed the same tumor. This case is reported since it is rare to find sarcoma cells in pleural fluid and highlight the diagnostic difficulties faced during interpretation.
Diagnostic utility of endoscopic brush cytology in upper gastrointestinal malignancies
Authors: Bhutani Namita , Kumar Raj , Arora Sunil , Poswal Pooja , Singla Sham
Published: December 2020

Introduction

The advent of endoscopy and endoscopic biopsy has greatly facilitated the detection and diagnosis of gastrointestinal neoplasms. Brush cytology often complements and increases the sensitivity and specificity of detection of GIT lesions in many ways.

Materials and Methods

The present prospective study was conducted in the Department of Pathology in collaboration with Department of Gastroenterology at S.G.T. Medical College and University, Gurugram. A total of 50 patients suspected of having upper gastrointestinal malignancies formed the study group. After taking the detailed history, patients were subjected to endoscopy using flexible video endoscope. After brushing, biopsies were taken from the lesions and preserved in 10% formalin. The aim of the study was to evaluate the utility of endoscopic brush cytology in diagnosing upper gastrointestinal malignancies and its comparison with endoscopic biopsy.

Results

In the present study, a total of 50 cases constituted the study group, during the period of 2018‐2019, with the age of patients ranging from 30 to 85 years. Mean age at presentation was 58 years. The most frequent age group affected was 41‐60 (44%) and most of them were men (66%). The sensitivity and positive predictive value in our study is 84.4% and 97.4%, respectively, while the specificity and negative predictive value is 100% and 50%, respectively.

Conclusion

To conclude, brush cytology is a reliable, simple, safe, rapid, noninvasive yet effective, and inexpensive method of detecting malignancy of upper gastrointestinal tract.
The postnatal testosterone rebound in first‐time fathers and the quality and quantity of paternal care
Authors: Corpuz Randy , D’Alessandro Sophia , Collom Gillian K. S.
Published: December 2020

In human males, testosterone (T) decreases in the period following the birth of offspring. This decline has been widely interpreted as a facultative neuroendocrine response that facilitates parenting effort. Conversely, research on if (or when) this decline in T would be followed by an eventual recovery and subsequent shift away from parenting effort is lacking. In a U.S. community sample of 225 males transitioning to first‐time fatherhood, we measured T at three occasions: third trimester, infant 3 months postnatal, and infant 9–10 months postnatal. Using a piecewise latent growth curve model (GCM), we detected a T rebound from when infants were 3 months old to when infants were 9‐10 months old. The slope of this rebound was able to predict paternal care using two distinct measures: (a) an experience sampling method (ESM) that gathered data on paternal time allocation over the course of the study period and (b) independent coders rating fathers for the quality of paternal care during a structured task designed to elicit an infant fear response. As predicted, the more accelerated one’s T rebound (slope), the less time fathers invested in their infants across the study period. However, we found a positive relationship between T rebound and quality of paternal care during a challenging activity. Discussion will focus on nuanced reasons that contribute to these findings as well as speculate on the ultimate function of a human paternal T rebound.
Treg cell therapy: How cell heterogeneity can make the difference
Authors: Giganti Giulio , Atif Muhammad , Mohseni Yasmin , Mastronicola Daniela , Grageda Nathali , Povoleri Giovanni AM , Miyara Makoto , Scottà Cristiano
Published: December 2020

CD4+CD25highCD127low/−FOXP3+ T regulatory cells are responsible for maintaining immune tolerance and controlling excessive immune responses. Treg cell use in pre‐clinical animal models showed the huge therapeutic potential of these cells in immune‐mediated diseases and laid the foundations for their applications in therapy in humans. Currently, there are several clinical trials utilizing the adoptive transfer of Treg cells to reduce the morbidity in autoimmune disorders, allogeneic HSC transplantation, and solid organ transplantation. However, a large part of them utilizes total Treg cells without distinction of their biological variability. Many studies on the heterogeneity of Treg cell population revealed distinct subsets with different functions in the control of the immune response and induction of peripheral tolerance. Some of these subsets also showed a role in controlling the general homeostasis of non‐lymphoid tissues. All these Treg cell subsets and their peculiar properties can be therefore exploited to develop novel therapeutic approaches. This review describes these functionally distinct subsets, their phenotype, homing properties and functions in lymphoid and non‐lymphoid tissues. In addition, we also discuss the limitations in using Treg cells as a cellular therapy and the strategies to enhance their efficacy.
Isomerism and Biradical Character of Tetrapnictide Dianions: A Computational Study
Authors: Coburger Peter , Wolf Robert , Grützmacher Hansjörg
Published: December 2020

We present a computational study on tetrapnictide dianions Pn42– (Pn = P, As, Sb, Bi), using density functional theory (DFT), coupled‐cluster [DLPNO‐CCSD(T)] and complete active space self‐consistent field (CASSCF) methods. Environmental effects such as solvation and coordination of counterions are included. The calculations reveal that out of three isomers (square‐planar, butterfly and capped‐triangle), the square planar isomers are generally the most stable. The counterion (Li+ and Mg2+) used in the calculations have a substantial effect on the relative stabilities. The square planar isomers show considerable biradical character. Calculated reactions toward alkenes indicate that this unusual electronic structure has significant implications on the reactivity of the Pn42– dianions.
Synthesis of Chiral Nematic Mesoporous Metal and Metal Oxide Nanocomposites and their Use as Heterogeneous Catalysts
Authors: Walters Christopher M. , Adair Keegan R. , Hamad Wadood Y. , MacLachlan Mark J.
Published: December 2020

We report the synthesis of chiral nematic mesoporous metal and metal oxide nanocomposites containing zinc or copper prepared through a vacuum‐assisted loading of the metal precursor into a chiral nematic mesoporous silica template followed by high‐temperature treatment. Significant metal loading into the template was achieved after a single loading cycle (up to 55 % of the pore volume) as confirmed by nitrogen sorption measurements. Growth of the metal nanoparticles was contained within the porous silica template, and subsequent removal of the template afforded free‐standing chiral nematic metal oxide films with surface areas up to 200 m2/g. To demonstrate the utility of these high surface area materials, we used the prepared CuO material as a heterogeneous catalyst for click reactions. Our prepared CuO showed excellent activity (95 % conversion after seven hours) when compared to commercially available CuO nanoparticles (20 % conversion after 24 hours) owing to its considerably higher surface area. Moreover, the prepared CuO material maintained high activity (>70 % conversion) after four cycles.
Microfluidic Visible‐Light Paternò–Büchi Reaction of Oxindole Enol Ethers
Authors: Franceschi Pietro , Mateos Javier , Vega‐Peñaloza Alberto , Dell'Amico Luca
Published: December 2020

A novel microfluidic visible‐light process for the functionalisation of oxindoles is reported. The chemistry is based on the reactivity of the corresponding enol ethers, which participate in a site‐, regio‐ and diastereoselective [2+2] heterocycloaddition (Paternò–Büchi) process. The mild reaction conditions, the use of available ketones, together with the high generality (23 examples) and robustness (up to gram scale) make this process a useful synthetic platform for the construction of structurally strained heterocycles.
Hot deformation characteristics and kinetics analysis for Ni‐based corrosion resistant alloy
Authors: Wang Lei , Liu Feng , Chen Hongyuan , Chi Qiang
Published: December 2020

The hot deformation characteristics of Nickel‐based corrosion resistant alloy was studied in the temperature range of 1050°C to 1200°C and the strain rate range of 0.001 to 0.1 second−1 by employing hot compression tests. The results show that the peak stress increases with decreasing temperature and increasing strain rate, and the apparent activation energy is about 409 kJ/mol. Based on the Avrami equation through using the critical strain (εc) and the strain for 50% DRX (ε0.5), a kinetic model for dynamic recrystallization (DRX) was established, where the model parameters could be obtained using the modified Zener‐Hollomon parameter (Z*). Applying the model, the predicted value of the steady‐state strain (εss) and the strain for maximum softening rate (εm) agree well with the experimental results. Accordingly, the relationship between εm and ε0.5 is established, which is mainly dependent on the Avrami exponent (n). When n < 3.25, εm becomes less than ε0.5 and the difference in between decreases with increasing the strain rate or decreasing the deformation temperature. Finally, through observing DRX microstructure under different deformation conditions, a power law relation between DRX grain size (Ddrx) and Z*, with an exponent of −0.36, was found.
Thermo‐mechanical behaviour of cross‐laminated timber slabs under standard and natural fires
Authors: Mindeguia Jean‐Christophe , Mohaine Siyimane , Bisby Luke , Robert Fabienne , McNamee Robert , Bartlett Alastair
Published: December 2020

The results presented in this paper are part of a multi‐partner collaborative project named ‘The Épernon Fire Tests Programme’, the purpose of which is to analyse the different behaviours of combustible and non‐combustible loaded structures when they are tested under standard and ‘natural’ fires. The project has several objectives, such as quantification of the energy participation of combustible materials in fire tests, the influence of combustible surfaces and ventilation factors on the dynamics of compartment fires, and the thermo‐mechanical behaviour of concrete and timber elements under natural fires. This paper focuses on the thermo‐mechanical behaviour of cross‐laminated timber (CLT) slabs under standard and natural fires. The objective is to provide new experimental data on the behaviour of unprotected CLT slabs exposed to fire. In addition, we present a detailed analysis of the thermo‐mechanical behaviour of the slabs, particularly aimed at better understanding the mechanical failures of some of the slabs during and after fire exposure.
Impact of yoga and exercises on polycystic ovarian syndrome risk among adolescent schoolgirls in South India
Authors: Selvaraj Valarmathi , Vanitha Jain , Dhanaraj Fabiola M. , Sekar Prema , Babu Anitha Rajendra
Published: December 2020

Background

To identify the adolescent school girls with risk for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), assess their risk status, and evaluate the impact of lifestyle modifications on PCOS risk reduction.

Methods

An experimental research was conducted among adolescent girls belonging to two Government run schools in Tiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu state, India, from 6 June to 9 December 2016. A standard risk assessment questionnaire was adopted for risk assessment after making few modifications (Cronbach alpha 0.86). The experimental group received lifestyle modifications (yoga for two months and walking exercise for two months), with no such intervention provided for the control group. The impact of these interventions was assessed in terms of risk minimization and a P value less than .05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

A total of 204 (control—102; experimental—102) girls with statistically insignificant difference in demographic features were studied. During the pretest, 85.2% (n = 87) in the experimental group and 83.3% (n = 85) the controls had “moderate risk” for PCOS. Girls with “high risk” level of PCOS were 14.8% (n = 15) and 15.7% (n = 17) in the experimental group and the control group, respectively. In posttest‐1 (after yoga sessions) risk assessment, 71.6% had “moderate risk,” 5.9% had “high risk” in the experimental group, whereas 87.3% had “moderate risk” and 12.7% had “high risk” in the control group. In posttest‐2 (after exercise sessions) risk assessment, 48% had “moderate risk” and 0% had high risk in the experimental group, whereas 88.2% were “moderate risk” and 11.8% were “high risk” in the control group. Repeated measure ANOVA with Greenhouse‐Geisser correction showed mean risk reduction score statistically significant between pretest and post‐test (33.38 ± 7.28 vs 22.75 ± 12.09, respectively mean difference is 10.63: F = 236.12 P < .001), suggesting a positive correlation with the intervention.

Conclusions

Yoga and exercise were beneficial in minimizing PCOS risk, as reflected in the risk assessment score. More such interventions, covering different schools, could provide larger health benefits.