bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synaptic Plasticity in Semiconducting Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes Transistors
Authors: Talsma Wytse , van Loo Hilbert , Shao Shuyan , Jung Stefan , Allard Sybille , Scherf Ullrich , Loi Maria Antonietta
Published: October 2020

Recently, a significant amount of attention went toward the development of artificial neural networks, as these promise efficient computation for specific tasks that are expensive or even impossible for von Neumann architecture‐based computers. A considerable amount of research is conducted to develop materials in which layered neural networks are easily implemented. Herein, the use of high‐quality semiconducting single‐walled carbon nanotube (s‐SWCNT) inks to fabricate artificial synapses using simple bottom‐gate field‐effect transistors (FETs) is reported. The synapse utilizes the otherwise often dreaded hysteresis, the characteristic of the device structure, and the materials used therein. This hysteresis spans several orders of magnitude. The SWCNT synaptic transistor exhibits a clear spike‐time‐dependent plasticity (STDP), indicating the ability to achieve learning, following a mechanism similar to biological systems: asymmetric anti‐Hebbian learning. The very well‐defined STDP shape, together with the use of a simple pulse shape to obtain it, has not been reported previously for synaptic transistors. This represents a crucial step for further development of actual hardware implementation of artificial synapses in a more extensive, layered network. Interestingly, the time response of the device is very similar to the one of biological synapse, opening opportunities unavailable to CMOS emulations.
Haploinsufficiency of ATP6V0C possibly underlies 16p13.3 deletions that cause microcephaly, seizures, and neurodevelopmental disorder
Authors: Tinker Rory J , Burghel George J , Garg Shruti , Steggall Maggie , Cuvertino Sara , Banka Siddharth
Published: October 2020

We recently contributed to the description of eight individuals with a novel condition caused by 16p13.3 microdeletions encompassing TBC1D24, ATP6V0C, and PDPK1 and resulting in epilepsy, microcephaly and neurodevelopmental problems. The phenotypic spectrum, the minimum overlapping region and the underlying disease mechanism for this disorder remain to be clarified. Here we report a 3.5‐year‐old male, with microcephaly, autism spectrum disorder and a de novo 16p13.3 microdeletion. We performed detailed in silico analysis to show that the minimum overlapping region for the condition is ~80Kb encompassing five protein coding genes. Analysis of loss of function constraint metrics, transcript‐aware evaluation of the population variants, GeVIR scores, analysis of reported pathogenic point variants, detailed review of the known functions of gene products and their animal models showed that the haploinsufficiency of ATP6V0C likely underlies the phenotype of this condition. Protein–protein interaction network, gene phenology and analysis of topologically associating domain showed that it was unlikely that the disorder has an epistatic or regulatory basis. 16p13.3 deletions encompassing ATP6V0C cause a neurodevelopmental disorder. Our results broaden the phenotypic spectrum of this disorder and clarify the likely underlying disease mechanism for the condition.
Potential‐Dependent Morphology of Copper Catalysts During CO2 Electroreduction Revealed by In Situ Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Simon Georg H. , Kley Christopher S. , Roldan Cuenya Beatriz
Published: October 2020

Electrochemical AFM is a powerful tool for the real‐space characterization of catalysts under realistic electrochemical CO2 reduction (CO2RR) conditions. The evolution of structural features ranging from the micrometer to the atomic scale could be resolved during CO2RR. Using Cu(100) as model surface, distinct nanoscale surface morphologies and their potential‐dependent transformations from granular to smoothly curved mound‐pit surfaces or structures with rectangular terraces are revealed during CO2RR in 0.1 m KHCO3. The density of undercoordinated copper sites during CO2RR is shown to increase with decreasing potential. In situ atomic‐scale imaging reveals specific adsorption occurring at distinct cathodic potentials impacting the observed catalyst structure. These results show the complex interrelation of the morphology, structure, defect density, applied potential, and electrolyte in copper CO2RR catalysts.
Chemoproteomics‐Enabled De Novo Discovery of Photoswitchable Carboxylesterase Inhibitors for Optically Controlled Drug Metabolism
Authors: Dwyer Brendan G. , Wang Chao , Abegg Daniel , Racioppo Brittney , Qiu Nan , Zhao Zhensheng , Pechalrieu Dany , Shuster Anton , Hoch Dominic G. , Adibekian Alexander
Published: October 2020

Herein, we report arylazopyrazole ureas and sulfones as a novel class of photoswitchable serine hydrolase inhibitors and present a chemoproteomic platform for rapid discovery of optically controlled serine hydrolase targets in complex proteomes. Specifically, we identify highly potent and selective photoswitchable inhibitors of the drug‐metabolizing enzymes carboxylesterases 1 and 2 and demonstrate their pharmacological application by optically controlling the metabolism of the immunosuppressant drug mycophenolate mofetil. Collectively, this proof‐of‐concept study provides a first example of photopharmacological tools to optically control drug metabolism by modulating the activity of a metabolizing enzyme. Our arylazopyrazole ureas and sulfones offer synthetically accessible scaffolds that can be expanded to identify specific photoswitchable inhibitors for other serine hydrolases, including lipases, peptidases, and proteases. Our chemoproteomic platform can be applied to other photoswitches and scaffolds to achieve optical control over diverse protein classes.
Feuchteeinträge in die Außenwandkonstruktion von Untergeschossen aufgrund von Kletterpflanzen
Authors: Fischer Henriette , Blaha Alexander , Korjenic Azra
Published: October 2020

Fassadenbegrünungen mittels Kletterpflanzen bieten die Möglichkeit auch im dicht verbauten Gebiet große Grünflächen kosteneffizient zu generieren. Häufig entstehen jedoch Bedenken, dass durch solche Begrünungen Schäden an Gebäuden entstehen können. Einer dieser Ängste ist der Eintrag von Feuchtigkeit aus dem angrenzenden Erdreich in die Außenwandkonstruktion von Bestandsgebäuden ohne ausreichender Feuchteabdichtung. Im Rahmen eines Forschungsprojekts an der TU Wien wurden an drei verschiedenen Außenwandkonstruktionen Temperatur‐ und Luftfeuchtigkeitsmessungen durchgeführt und jeweils eine begrünte mit einer nicht begrünten Fläche miteinander verglichen. Eine Verschlechterung der Feuchtesituation im Mauerwerk, welche auf die Begrünung zurückzuführen ist, wurde an keiner Außenwand festgestellt. Bauphysikalische Kenndaten für Kletterpflanzen konnten angenähert werden, was für weitere Simulationen von großer Bedeutung ist.
Informationspunkt “Step by Step” – das Siegerprojekt zum Urban hub für den Solar Decathlon 2021
Authors: Wehmeier Anne , Weber Andreas
Published: October 2020

Der im Jahr 2019 durch das BMWi ausgeschriebene Wettbewerb „info.energiewendebauen – An Urban hub for the SDE21!“ wurde ins Leben gerufen, um einen Informationspunkt für den Solar Decathlon Europe 21 zu entwerfen. Die Aufgabe bestand darin, einen architektonisch ansprechenden Entwurf für einen wiederverwendbaren und ressourceneffizienten Informationspunkt im urbanen Raum zu entwickeln. Ziel des sogenannten „Urban Hub“ ist es Informationen über den Solar Decathlon Europe 21 in Wuppertal in Verbindung mit energie‐ und ressourceneffizientem Bauen zur Verfügung zu stellen. In diesem Bericht wird der Entwurf des Siegerteams vorgestellt.
Magnetic microgels and nanogels: Physical mechanisms and biomedical applications
Authors: Sung Baeckkyoung , Kim Min‐Ho , Abelmann Leon
Published: October 2020

Soft micro‐ and nanostructures have been extensively developed for biomedical applications. The main focus has been on multifunctional composite materials that combine the advantages of hydrogels and colloidal particles. Magnetic microgels and nanogels can be realized by hybridizing stimuli‐sensitive gels and magnetic nanoparticles. They are of particular interest since they can be controlled in a wide range of biological environments by using magnetic fields. In this review, we elucidate physical principles underlying the design of magnetic microgels and nanogels for biomedical applications. Particularly, this article provides a comprehensive and conceptual overview on the correlative structural design and physical functionality of the magnetic gel systems under the concept of colloidal biodevices. To this end, we begin with an overview of physicochemical mechanisms related to stimuli‐responsive hydrogels and transport phenomena and summarize the magnetic properties of inorganic nanoparticles. On the basis of the engineering principles, we categorize and summarize recent advances in magnetic hybrid microgels and nanogels, with emphasis on the biomedical applications of these materials. Potential applications of these hybrid microgels and nanogels in anticancer treatment, protein therapeutics, gene therapy, bioseparation, biocatalysis, and regenerative medicine are highlighted. Finally, current challenges and future opportunities in the design of smart colloidal biodevices are discussed.
Process Modeling Issues in the Design of a Continuous‐Flow Process for the Production of Ibuprofen
Authors: Tripodi Antonio , Martinazzo Rocco , Ramis Gianguido , Rossetti Ilenia
Published: October 2020

The continuous‐flow production of active pharmaceutical ingredients is a spreading applicative research field. Process simulation tools are effective means for in silico process design, but care is needed. A paradigmatic example is the synthesis of ibuprofen. First, the most appropriate thermodynamic models must be selected. The rich databases now available to collect thermodynamic properties are often insufficient because unconventional molecules are usually part of the recipe or found as intermediates or products. Furthermore, in some reaction steps ionic properties may be needed rather than those of the neutral molecules. All these points need a careful optimization of the methods for the estimation of the properties, with possible huge discrepancies of the results.
A P2@Tunnel Heterostructure Cathode for High‐Performance Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Huang Qun , Feng Yiming , Xu Sheng , Xiao Lei , He Pingge , Ji Xiaobo , Wang Peng , Zhou Liangjun , Wei Weifeng
Published: October 2020

High‐working potential layered oxides as cathode materials have been considered as an effective way to improve the energy density of Na‐ion batteries (NIBs) to enhance their competitiveness as a promising alternative for lithium ion batteries in large‐scale energy storage applications. However, they generally suffer irreversible phase transition, large volume change and electrolyte corrosion when charged to high voltage (>4.2 V), resulting in poor cyclic stability. In this work, a P2@tunnel heterostructure cathode material is designed and obtained by wet chemistry combined with solid‐state reaction method. Moreover, partly of the Ti4+ ions which are designed for the tunnel structure is also doped into the P2 phase under high temperature annealing process, resulting in expanded crystal parameters and smooth charge‐discharge profiles. The stable tunnel structure layer can effectively protect the layered P2 type cathode material from corrosion by electrolyte upon high voltage and alleviate the crack propagated from the particle surface. Therefore, the P2@tunnel heterostructure cathode can still maintain a discharge capacity of 146.3 mAh g−1 while the discharge capacity of pristine P2 type cathode is only 114.4 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 0.25 C, it also reveals superior cyclic stability and rate performance compared to the pristine P2 type cathode.
Probing α‐Amino Aldehydes as Weakly Acidic Pronucleophiles: Direct Access to Quaternary α‐Amino Aldehydes by an Enantioselective Michael Addition Catalyzed by Brønsted Bases
Authors: García‐Urricelqui Ane , de Cózar Abel , Mielgo Antonia , Palomo Claudio
Published: October 2020

The high tendency of α‐amino aldehydes to undergo 1,2‐additions and their relatively low stability under basic conditions have largely prevented their use as pronucleophiles in the realm of asymmetric catalysis, particularly for the production of quaternary α‐amino aldehydes. Herein, it is demonstrated that the chemistry of α‐amino aldehydes may be expanded beyond these limits by documenting the first direct α‐alkylation of α‐branched α‐amino aldehydes with nitroolefins. The reaction produces densely functionalized products bearing up to two, quaternary and tertiary, vicinal stereocenters with high diastereo‐ and enantioselectivity. DFT modeling leads to the proposal that intramolecular hydrogen bonding between the NH group and the carbonyl oxygen atom in the starting α‐amino aldehyde is key for reaction stereocontrol.
Effiziente Gastrennung dank poröser Flüssigkeiten
Authors: Hoffmann Joachim
Published: October 2020

Ein Forscher des Karlsruher Instituts für Technologie (KIT) hat gemeinsam mit Partnern „poröse Flüssigkeiten‟ entwickelt: In einem Lösemittel schweben ‐ fein verteilt ‐ Nanoteilchen, die Gasmoleküle verschiedener Größen voneinander trennen. Denn die Teilc
Die 3‐D‐Filterstruktur macht den Unterschied
Authors: Krause Peter
Published: October 2020

Mit ihrer speziell ausgerichteten dreidimensionalen Fasermatrix verfügt die AS‐Tiefenfilterkerze von Wolftechnik über eine bis zu 5‐fach höhere Schmutzaufnahmekapazität gegenüber herkömmlich aufgebauten Tiefenfilterkerzen zur Klassifikation. Die 3‐D‐Filte
Prozesssicher entstauben im Dauerbetrieb
Authors: Ahrens Heike
Published: October 2020

Kontinuierlich steigende Anforderungen in der Pharmaindustrie an Energieeffizienz, Prozessoptimierung, Produktqualität, Arbeitsplatzsicherheit und Umweltschutz erfordern einen kritischen Blick auf die jeweils eingesetzte Luftfiltertechnik am Fertigungsort
Sicheres Handling von giftigen Fluidgemischen
Authors: Sonnenfroh Rainer
Published: October 2020

Ein Lösungskonzept für die leckagefreie Förderung von Fluidgemischen bei der Produktion von Weichmachern bietet Lewa mit hermetisch dichter Membranpumpentechnik an.
Produktivität im Abfüllprozess
Authors: Reznicek Janet
Published: October 2020

Sicheres Transportieren und Umfüllen von Schüttgut und Flüssigkeiten ermöglichen zwei neue Hebezeuge von Hovmand: Ein Eimerheber und eine mobile Kanister‐Abfüll‐Hilfe.
Purification of Yeast Spores to Investigate Their Dynamics of Activation
Authors: Plante Samuel , Landry Christian R.
Published: October 2020

Germination is an important developmental process that supports resumption of growth in dormant spores. The study of the mechanisms underlying germination requires a pure spore population devoid of other cell types. This article describes the sporulation of wild Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Saccharomyces paradoxus strains, and the isolation and purification of ascospores. We also describe a method to synchronously induce germination in a spore population as well as to measure spore activation. This procedure can be applied, for example, to the study of environmental conditions that trigger germination. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Sporulation

Basic Protocol 2: Spore purification

Basic Protocol 3: Germination induction

Support Protocol 1: Flow cytometry analysis

Support Protocol 2: Heat‐shock resistance measurement
Advances in the Synthesis of π‐Conjugated Polymers by Photopolymerization
Authors: Woods Eliot F. , Berl Alexandra J. , Kalow Julia A.
Published: October 2020

π‐Conjugated polymers (CPs) combine the flexibility, processability, and lightness of plastics with semiconducting properties for optoelectronic applications. These polymers are conventionally synthesized by thermal transition‐metal‐catalyzed polycondensation. Photochemical approaches to CPs offer the possibility of direct photopatterning, but present mechanistic challenges. Shimidzu first described the photopolymerization of thiophene derivatives in the 1990s, but the field lay dormant for many years. Recently, both oxidative and reductive photopolymerizations have been developed to access p‐type and n‐type materials. This Minireview summarizes these developments and the outlook for this nascent field.
Changes prompted by COVID‐19 offer lessons to diversify services for students
Authors: Bannister Mary
Published: October 2020

Kim Thompson, Senior Director of Disability Services at Seattle University, explained how her unit adapted while moving to a virtual platform.
Molecular characterization of HLA class II binding to the LAG‐3 T cell co‐inhibitory receptor
Authors: MacLachlan Bruce J. , Mason Georgina H. , Greenshields‐Watson Alexander , Triebel Frederic , Gallimore Awen , Cole David K. , Godkin Andrew
Published: October 2020

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (antibodies that block the T cell co‐inhibitory receptors PD‐1/PD‐L1 or CTLA‐4) have revolutionized the treatment of some forms of cancer. Importantly, combination approaches using drugs that target both pathways have been shown to boost the efficacy of such treatments. Subsequently, several other T cell inhibitory receptors have been identified for the development of novel immune checkpoint inhibitors. Included in this list is the co‐inhibitory receptor lymphocyte activation gene‐3 (LAG‐3), which is upregulated on T cells extracted from tumor sites that have suppressive or exhausted phenotypes. However, the molecular rules that govern the function of LAG‐3 are still not understood. Using surface plasmon resonance combined with a novel bead‐based assay (AlphaScreenTM), we demonstrate that LAG‐3 can directly and specifically interact with intact human leukocyte antigen class II (HLA‐II) heterodimers. Unlike the homologue CD4, which has an immeasurably weak affinity using these biophysical approaches, LAG‐3 binds with low micromolar affinity. We further validated the interaction at the cell surface by staining LAG‐3+ cells with pHLA‐II‐multimers. These data provide new insights into the mechanism by which LAG‐3 initiates T cell inhibition.
Measures of central sensitization and their measurement properties in musculoskeletal trauma: A systematic review
Authors: Middlebrook Nicola , Rushton Alison B , Abichandani Deepa , Kuithan Pauline , Heneghan Nicola R. , Falla Deborah
Published: October 2020

Background and Objective

Chronic pain following musculoskeletal trauma is common, which may partially be attributed to the early presence of central sensitization (CS). Multiple measures are suggested to assess clinical features of CS, yet no systematic review has evaluated the measurement properties of these measures in a musculoskeletal trauma population.

Databases and Data Treatment

This systematic review, which followed a published and PROSPERO registered protocol (CRD42018091531), aimed to establish the scope of CS measures used within a musculoskeletal trauma population and evaluate their measurement properties. Searches were conducted in two stages by two independent reviewers. The Consensus‐based Standards for the selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) checklist was used to evaluate risk of bias and overall quality was assessed using the modified Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation.

Results

From 86 studies, 30 different CS outcome measures were identified. Nine studies evaluated measurement properties of nine outcome measures; eight evaluated reliability and one evaluated construct validity. Measures included seven quantitative sensory testing methods (pressure, cold and electrical pain thresholds; warm, cold and vibration detection thresholds; vibration perception thresholds), pain drawings and a pinwheel. Risk of bias was assessed as doubtful/inadequate for all but one study, overall quality of evidence was low/very low for all measures. Reliability of measures ranged from poor to excellent.

Conclusions

Many measures are used to evaluate CS but with limited established measurement properties in musculoskeletal trauma. High quality research to establish measurement properties of CS outcome measures is required.
Copper Doped Li3VO4 as Anode Material for Lithium‐ion Batteries
Authors: Mulaudzi Isaac , Zhang Yi , Ndlovu Gebhu F. , Wu Yuping , Legodi Malebogo A. , van Ree Teunis
Published: October 2020

Li3VO4 has been considered as a promising anode material because of its high theoretical capacity (394mAh g−1) and zero strain during the charge and discharge processes. However, its electronic conductivity is low, which has led to an electrochemical performance unfavourable for practical application. In this work, copper‐doped Li3VO4 is prepared by a simple and inexpensive sol‐gel method. The doped Li3VO4 delivers high initial discharge and charge capacities of up to 63 mAh g−1 after 25 cycles for 5 % Cu‐doped material at a rate of 0.5 C. Conductive Cu is found to enable better Li+ ion storage due to the improved electronic conductivity, Li ion diffusion, and structural stability, improving cycling and rate performance. This work provides some hints for preparing Li3VO4 based anodes with high electrochemical performance.
The effect of gradient nonlinearities on fiber orientation estimates from spherical deconvolution of diffusion magnetic resonance imaging data
Authors: Guo Fenghua , de Luca Alberto , Parker Greg , Jones Derek K. , Viergever Max A. , Leemans Alexander , Tax Chantal M. W.
Published: October 2020

Gradient nonlinearities in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) cause spatially varying mismatches between the imposed and the effective gradients and can cause significant biases in rotationally invariant diffusion MRI measures derived from, for example, diffusion tensor imaging. The estimation of the orientational organization of fibrous tissue, which is nowadays frequently performed with spherical deconvolution techniques ideally using higher diffusion weightings, can likewise be biased by gradient nonlinearities. We explore the sensitivity of two established spherical deconvolution approaches to gradient nonlinearities, namely constrained spherical deconvolution (CSD) and damped Richardson‐Lucy (dRL). Additionally, we propose an extension of dRL to take into account gradient imperfections, without the need of data interpolation. Simulations show that using the effective b‐matrix can improve dRL fiber orientation estimation and reduces angular deviations, while CSD can be more robust to gradient nonlinearity depending on the implementation. Angular errors depend on a complex interplay of many factors, including the direction and magnitude of gradient deviations, underlying microstructure, SNR, anisotropy of the effective response function, and diffusion weighting. Notably, angular deviations can also be observed at lower b‐values in contrast to the perhaps common assumption that only high b‐value data are affected. In in vivo Human Connectome Project data and acquisitions from an ultrastrong gradient (300 mT/m) scanner, angular differences are observed between applying and not applying the effective gradients in dRL estimation. As even small angular differences can lead to error propagation during tractography and as such impact connectivity analyses, incorporating gradient deviations into the estimation of fiber orientations should make such analyses more reliable.
The apoptosis‐inducing factor family: Moonlighting proteins in the crosstalk between mitochondria and nuclei
Authors: Novo Nerea , Ferreira Patricia , Medina Milagros
Published: October 2020

In Homo sapiens, the apoptosis‐inducing factor (AIF) family is represented by three different proteins, known as AIF, AMID and AIFL, that have in common the mitochondrial localisation in healthy cells, the presence of FAD‐ and NADH‐dependent domains involved in an ‐albeit yet not well understood‐ oxidoreductase function and their capability to induce programmed cell death. AIF is the best characterised family member, while the information about AMID and AIFL is much scarcer. Nonetheless, available data support different roles as well as mechanisms of action of their particular apoptogenic and redox domains regarding both pro‐apoptotic and anti‐apoptotic activities. Moreover, diverse cellular functions, to date far from fully clarified, are envisaged for the transcripts corresponding to these three proteins. Here, we review the so far available knowledge on the moonlighting human AIF family from their molecular properties to their relevance in health and disease, through the evaluation of their potential cell death and redox functions in their different subcellular locations. This picture emerging from the current knowledge of the AIF family envisages its contribution to regulate signalling and transcription machineries in the crosstalk among mitochondria, the cytoplasm and the nucleus.
Cellular effects of nicotine salt‐containing e‐liquids
Authors: Ghosh Arunava , Beyazcicek Ozge , Davis Eric S. , Onyenwoke Rob U. , Tarran Robert
Published: October 2020

“Pod‐based” e‐cigarettes such as JUUL are currently the most prevalent electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) in the United States. JUUL‐type ENDS utilize nicotine salts protonated with benzoic acid rather than freebase nicotine. However, limited information is available on the cellular effects of these products. Cytoplasmic Ca2+ is a universal second messenger that controls many cellular functions including cell growth and cell death. Of note, dysregulation of cell Ca2+ homeostasis has been linked with several disease processes including autoimmune disease and several types of cancer. We exposed HEK293T cells and THP‐1 macrophage‐like cells to different JUUL e‐liquids. We evaluated their effects on cellular viability and Ca2+ signaling by measuring fluorescence from calcein‐AM/propidium iodide and Fluo‐4, respectively. E‐liquid autofluorescence was used to look for e‐liquid permeation into cells. To identify the mechanisms behind the Ca2+ responses, different inhibitors of Ca2+ channels and phospholipase C signaling were used. JUUL e‐liquids caused significant cytotoxic effects, with “Mint” flavor being the most cytotoxic. The Mint flavored e‐liquid also caused a significant elevation in cytoplasmic Ca2+. Using autofluorescence, the permeation of JUUL e‐liquids into live cells was confirmed, indicating that intracellular organelles are directly exposed to e‐liquids. Further studies identified the endoplasmic reticulum as being the source of e‐liquid‐induced changes in cytoplasmic Ca2+. Nicotine salt‐based e‐liquids cause cytotoxicity and elevate cytoplasmic Ca2+, indicating that they can exert biological effects beyond what would be expected with nicotine alone. These effects are flavor‐dependent, and we propose that flavored e‐liquids be reassessed for potential lung toxicity.
Serum IL‐36 cytokines levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and their association with obesity, insulin resistance, and inflammation
Authors: Li Yan , Chen Sisi , Zhao Tingqi , Li Mingcai
Published: October 2020

Background

The interleukin (IL)‐36 cytokines include IL‐36α, IL‐36β, IL‐36γ, and IL‐36Ra. Little was known about their roles in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

The study included 40 T2DM patients and 42 healthy control subjects. The anthropometric and biochemical measurements were performed using automatic biochemical analyzer, high‐performance liquid chromatography, and electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Circulating IL‐36α, IL‐36γ, IL‐36Ra, and IL‐17 levels were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Serum IL‐36α, IL‐36γ, and IL‐17 levels in T2DM patients were significantly higher than those in controls, whereas serum IL‐36Ra levels in T2DM patients were lower. Correlation analysis showed that serum IL‐36α was positively correlated with high sensitivity C‐reactive protein. Serum IL‐36α was negatively correlated with IL‐36Ra. Serum IL‐17 was negatively correlated with low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that T2DM patients displayed increased IL‐36α and IL‐36γ expression and decreased IL‐36Ra expression. Moreover, the inflammatory cytokine levels were directly proportional to the inflammation and blood lipid levels. Our results suggest that IL‐36 cytokines may be a new target for the diagnosis or treatment of T2DM.
Failure to find a distance effect in pigeon choice: Manipulating amount and delay of reinforcement
Authors: Sanabria Federico , Bell Matthew C.
Published: October 2020

The choice behavior of primates, including humans, displays a distance effect: Latency to choose between alternatives appears to increase with smaller differences in value. There is, so far, no demonstration of this effect in birds. Tests of distance effects in birds have been conducted in binary choice situations with a dominant alternative, where one alternative is superior to the other in all aspects that meaningfully contribute to value (e.g., provides access to the same reinforcer, but with a shorter delay). The present study considers the possibility that including dominant alternatives in choice tests precludes distance effects. Four pigeons were presented with binary choices between alternatives that varied in amount and delay. Some choices had a dominant alternative (smaller–sooner or larger–later vs. smaller–later) and some did not (smaller–sooner vs. larger–later). Across phases, only the delay to the smaller–sooner reinforcer varied. Distance effects were expected to be expressed as longer latencies as choice between smaller–sooner and larger–later reinforcers approached indifference. Despite the sensitivity of choice to differences in amount and delay, no distance effect was observed. Alternative explanations for the failure to find a distance effect in pigeon choice, including the Sequential Choice Model (SCM), are discussed.
Weakened impact of autumn Arctic sea ice concentration change on the subsequent winter Siberian High variation around the late‐1990s
Authors: Chen Shangfeng , Wu Renguang , Chen Wen , Song Linye , Cheng Wei , Shi Wenjing
Published: October 2020

Previous studies suggested that autumn Arctic sea ice concentration (SIC) change around the Kara–Laptev seas has a marked impact on the following winter Siberian High (SH). This analysis reveals that the autumn Arctic SIC‐winter SH connection experienced a marked interdecadal weakening around the late‐1990s according to observational and reanalysis data. Before the late‐1990s, autumn Arctic SIC loss induces pronounced Arctic warming via modulating surface heat fluxes and reduces poleward meridional temperature gradient, which leads to weakening of westerly winds over mid‐latitude Eurasia and contributes to formation of a high‐pressure ridge around Ural mountain. The Ural high‐pressure ridge provides a favourable dynamical condition for the amplification of SH. Consequently, the autumn Arctic SIC‐winter SH connection is strong. In addition, the North Atlantic is dominated by a marked triple sea surface temperature anomaly pattern from autumn to winter, which also partly contributes to a strengthened SH via modulating the Ural high‐pressure ridge. After the late‐1990s, Arctic warming and atmospheric anomalies over Eurasia related to the autumn Arctic SIC loss are much weaker. Accordingly, the autumn Arctic SIC‐winter SH connection is very weak. Changes in the autumn Arctic SIC‐related Arctic warming and atmospheric anomalies are suggested to be related to differences in the autumn Arctic SIC anomalies, with a much weaker amplitude and northward retreat after than before the late‐1990s. Further analysis indicates that the weaker autumn Arctic SIC anomalies over Kara–Laptev seas after the late‐1990s is related to the northward retreat of the mean Arctic SIC.
Direct statistical downscaling of monthly streamflow from atmospheric variables in catchments with differing contributions from snowmelt
Authors: Huang Shaochun , Lawrence Deborah , Irene Brox Nilsen , Li Hong
Published: October 2020

The climate–hydrological modelling chain is the most widely used approach for assessing likely future changes in streamflow but is also associated with large uncertainties. We present an alternative approach for modelling monthly streamflow directly from large‐scale atmospheric variables using statistical downscaling to streamflow for 42 catchments with flow generation regimes ranging from largely snowmelt‐driven to entirely rainfall‐driven. It aims to find the most appropriate combination of predictors and methods, which can best include information pertaining to snow storage and provide robust streamflow simulations under changing climate conditions. The effects of selection of probable predictors (five groups of potential variables from reanalysis data, three moving windows, calibration periods of two different lengths) and methods (eight combinations of pre‐processing methods and statistical models) were considered. Results indicate that the following selection of probable predictors gave a good and robust model performance: a combination of 13 independent climate variables and their lagged information, a 3‐month moving window and a calibration period of 31 years. Three combinations of methods performed best: (a) principal component analysis (PCA) and the relevance vector machine (RVM) statistical model using gridded data, (b) PCA and RVM using interpolated data and (c) the Pearson correlation analysis and RVM using interpolated data. Monthly streamflow was well reproduced for most catchments, with a median NSE (Nash and Sutcliffe efficiency) of 0.82 and PBIAS (percentage bias) of 0 in the calibration period and a median NSE over 0.60 and PBIAS less than −6 in the validation period. The best performance of the methods was associated with snow‐dominated catchments in inland regions. We also established that lagged information on atmospheric variables gave better results than snow variables from reanalysis data. The poorest results were associated with rainfall‐dominated catchments, and this was strongly correlated with the inter‐ versus the intra‐annual variability in monthly streamflow.
Service Dogs for Veterans and Military Members With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Replication With the PTSD Checklist for DSM‐5
Authors: Jensen Clare L. , Rodriguez Kerri E. , O'Haire Marguerite E.
Published: October 2020

Psychiatric service dogs are an emerging complementary intervention for veterans and military members with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Recent cross‐sectional studies have documented significant, clinically relevant effects regarding service dogs and PTSD symptom severity. However, these studies were conducted using the PTSD Checklist (PCL) for the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The present study aimed to replicate and advance these findings using the latest version of the PCL for the fifth edition of the DSM (PCL‐5). Participants included 186 military members and veterans who had received a PTSD service dog (n = 112) or who were on the waitlist to receive one in the future (n = 74). A cross‐sectional design was used to investigate the association between having a service dog and PCL‐5 total and symptom cluster scores. After controlling for demographic variables, there was a significant association between having a service dog and lower PTSD symptom severity both in total, B = ‐14.52, p < .001, d = ‐0.96, and with regard to each symptom cluster, ps < .001, ds = ‐0.78 to ‐0.94. The results replicated existing findings using the largest sample size to date and the most recent version of the PCL. These findings provide additional preliminary evidence for the efficacy of service dogs as a complementary intervention for military members and veterans with PTSD and add to a growing body of foundational research serving to rationalize investment in the further clinical evaluation of this emerging practice.
Competency‐Based Assessment Tool for Pediatric Esophagoscopy: International Modified Delphi Consensus
Authors: Faucett Erynne A. , Wolter Nikolaus E. , Balakrishnan Karthik , Ishman Stacey L. , Mehta Deepak , Parikh Sanjay , Nguyen Lily H. P. , Preciado Diego , Rutter Michael J. , Prager Jeremy D. , Green Glenn E. , Pransky Seth M. , Elluru Ravi , Husein Murad , Roy Soham , Johnson Kaalan E. , Friedberg Jacob , Johnson Romaine F. , Bauman Nancy M. , Myer Charles M. , Deutsch Ellen S. , Gantwerker Eric A. , Willging J. Paul , Hart Catherine K. , Chun Robert H. , Lam Derek J. , Ida Jonathan B. , Manoukian John J. , White David R. , Sidell Douglas R. , Wootten Christopher T. , Inglis Andrew F. , Derkay Craig S. , Zalzal George , Molter David W. , Ludemann Jeffrey P. , Choi Sukgi , Schraff Scott , Myer Charles M. , Cotton Robin T. , Vijayasekaran Shyan , Zdanski Carlton J. , El‐Hakim Hamdy , Shah Udayan K. , Soma Marlene A. , Smith Marshall E. , Thompson Dana M. , Javia Luv Ram , Zur Karen B. , Sobol Steven E. , Hartnick Christopher J. , Rahbar Reza , Vaccani Jean‐Philippe , Hartley Benjamin , Daniel Sam J. , Jacobs Ian N. , Richter Gresham T. , de Alarcon Alessandro , Bromwich Matthew A. , Propst Evan J.
Published: October 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

Create a competency‐based assessment tool for pediatric esophagoscopy with foreign body removal.

Study Design

Blinded modified Delphi consensus process.

Setting

Tertiary care center.

Methods

A list of 25 potential items was sent via the Research Electronic Data Capture database to 66 expert surgeons who perform pediatric esophagoscopy. In the first round, items were rated as “keep” or “remove” and comments were incorporated. In the second round, experts rated the importance of each item on a seven‐point Likert scale. Consensus was determined with a goal of 7 to 25 final items.

Results

The response rate was 38/64 (59.4%) in the first round and returned questionnaires were 100% complete. Experts wanted to “keep” all items and 172 comments were incorporated. Twenty‐four task‐specific and 7 previously‐validated global rating items were distributed in the second round, and the response rate was 53/64 (82.8%) with questionnaires returned 97.5% complete. Of the task‐specific items, 9 reached consensus, 7 were near consensus, and 8 did not achieve consensus. For global rating items that were previously validated, 6 reached consensus and 1 was near consensus.

Conclusions

It is possible to reach consensus about the important steps involved in rigid esophagoscopy with foreign body removal using a modified Delphi consensus technique. These items can now be considered when evaluating trainees during this procedure. This tool may allow trainees to focus on important steps of the procedure and help training programs standardize how trainees are evaluated.

Level of Evidence

5. Laryngoscope, 131:1168–1174, 2021
Impact of intradetrusor botulinum toxin A injections on serum and urinary concentrations of nerve growth factor and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor in patients with multiple sclerosis and neurogenic detrusor overactivity
Authors: Philippova Ekaterina S. , Bazhenov Igor V. , Ziryanov Alexander V. , Bazarny Vladimir V.
Published: October 2020

Aims

To evaluate the practical relevance of changes in serum and urinary neurotrophins levels in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) after intradetrusor injections of botulinum toxin A (BoNTA).

Methods

The study included 36 patients with MS and NLUTD and 20 controls. The patients with NLUTD received intradetrusor injection of BoNTA (200 U). The nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were measured in serum and urine at baseline and then at 1, 3, and 6 months by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Urinary NGF and BDNF were normalized to creatinine (NGF/Cr, BDNF/Cr). Patients' assessment included urodynamic examination and Neurogenic Bladder Symptom Score (NBSS).

Results

After BoNTA injections, no significant changes were observed in the serum NGF and BDNF or the urinary BDNF/Cr. The urinary NGF/Cr was significantly higher in MS patients (1.23 ± 0.34) at baseline compared with controls (0.084 ± 0.02; p = .021). The urinary NGF/Cr decreased to 0.51 ± 0.12 (p = .001) and 0.53 ± 0.32 (p = .005) at 1 and 3 months, increasing to 1.12 ± 0.49 (p = .003) at 6 months. The urinary NGF/Cr level at baseline demonstrated a low diagnostic accuracy in predicting a better response to the BoNTA treatment (area under the curve = 0.661; p = .047) and no correlation with the urodynamic parameters.

Conclusions

The urinary NGF/Cr at baseline or its reduction at the first month following treatment does not serve as a predictor for the response to the BoNTA injections or for urodynamic changes.
Permanent urethral ligation after AUS cuff erosion: Is it ready for prime time?
Authors: Van Dyke Maia , Ortiz Nicolas , Baumgarten Adam , Ward Ellen , Baker Ryan , Hudak Steven , Morey Allen
Published: October 2020

Aims

Although artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) has long been the gold standard treatment for severe stress urinary incontinence, poor tissue quality in patients with prior cuff erosions may preclude this option. Formal supravesical diversion and/or bladder neck closure comprise alternative salvage options but are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We review our experience with permanent urethral ligation (PUL) among patients deemed not to be candidates for AUS replacement following cuff erosion.

Methods

From a single‐center database of 396 patients undergoing AUS from 2014 to 2020, 20 men underwent PUL with suprapubic tube (SPT) diversion. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were evaluated. Quality of life (QOL) was assessed using chart review, Michigan Incontinence Symptom Index (M‐ISI), and Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI‐I).

Results

PUL resulted in continence in 18 (90%) men; 15 after the initial surgery and three after repeat ligation. Patients were elderly (average age 75) with significant comorbidities. A total of 11 (55.5%) patients experienced complications in the 90‐day postoperative period (seven Clavien‐Dindo Grade II, four Grade III). Over an average follow‐up of 30.3 months (interquartile range: 15.75–48.75), four patients underwent cystectomy and one underwent perineal urethrostomy. In the remaining patients managed by PUL, 13 had satisfactory M‐ISI scores and indicated overall improvement on PGI‐I.

Conclusions

For men with AUS cuff erosion who are poor candidates for replacement, PUL with chronic SPT drainage represents an acceptable alternative option to restore continence and improve QOL. Though complications are not uncommon, the morbidity profile still compares favorably to more invasive formal urinary diversion.
Seeking a strategic cross boundary solution to the Indus Water basin sharing decisions
Authors: Ahmed Sheharyar , Iqbal Javed , Ul Haq Zahoor
Published: October 2020

Indus Basin is the second largest river basin in Asia shared by China, India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Rapid climatic changes and exponential population growth have put tremendous pressure on the already depleting water resources in Indus Basin. The absence of supra‐national authority and a basin‐wide cooperation agreement is further exaggerating Basin's challenges. Moreover, an already existing Indus Water Treaty, a bilateral treaty signed between India and Pakistan is proving to be insufficient to regulate the water supply amidst the growing political tensions among the Indus riparian. To address this cross‐boundary issue, armed with game theory‐based strategies, this research proposes optimal water allocation solutions. The study adopted Bankruptcy and Asymmetric Nash bargaining solutions to determine optimal water allocations/Pareto‐optimal solutions. The results show that the optimal allocation for Pakistan and India are 181.95 and 101.95 km3 respectively, while for Afghanistan and China, the optimal allocation was found to be 2.99 and 0.11 km3 respectively. The sensitivity analysis reveals that the water allocations of Pakistan and India are sensitive to their respective changes in water claims, while insensitive to the changes in water claim of Afghanistan and China. The findings of the study can be used for negotiations and have the potential to serve as a major tool in bringing stability in the region by allocating the water optimally.
Submillimeter features on injected acrylonitrile butadiene styrene parts: Visualization of the flow and numerical simulation
Authors: Brulez Anne‐Catherine , Boschard Cedric , Larochette Mathieu , Benayoun Stephane
Published: October 2020

Numerical simulation of classical dimension parts with micrometric textures on their surface is still difficult to master. The limit condition of the calculations, and in particular, the implemented values, characteristics of the polymer and thermal exchanges (polymer/mold) strongly impact the results. Starting from a model with a 370 μm wide rib, by means of a numerical simulation, a study was done on the evolution of the material flow front velocities and the flow lengths in both the macroscopic part and the microgroove. This innovative visualization mold design was used to determine the velocities from an experimental perspective and to discuss the calculation conditions. On the one hand, there are significant differences regarding the choice of the no flow temperature (~ 40 K) used in the calculation code, the analytical heat transfer equation as well as the experimental results. On the other hand, according to the no flow temperature, it may be necessary to consider, during the filling phase, a perfect mold/polymer thermal contact in the groove. Depending in particular on the injection velocity and the geometry of the micro textures, a characteristic time can be determined which defines an optimal operating point for the topographic texture of the part.
Derivatization increases mosquito larvicidal activity of the sesquiterpene lactone parthenin isolated from the invasive weed Parthenium hysterophorus
Authors: Milugo Trizah K , Tchouassi David P , Kavishe Reginald A , Dinglasan Rhoel R , Torto Baldwyn
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

Extracts of the invasive weed Parthenium hysterophorus (Asteraceae) have been shown to possess larvicidal activity against a wide range of disease vectors. However, the phytochemicals responsible for the larvicidal activity from this plant remain unidentified. Here, we isolated the major sesquiterpene lactone, parthenin (1) from the plant and synthesized two derivatives [ethylene glycol (2) and azide (3) derivatives] targeting the α,β‐unsaturated carbonyl group, previously known to account for its biological activity such as toxicity towards cells and microorganism. All three compounds were screened for larvicidal activity against the African malaria vector Anopheles gambiae.

RESULTS

The larval mortality of ethylene glycol derivative (2) and 2α‐azidocoronopilin (3) were approximately two–four‐fold higher than that of parthenin (1) and neem oil with LC50 values of 37 and 66 mg L−1, respectively. Parthenin (1) and the positive control, neem oil, had comparable median lethal concentration (LC50) values of 154 and 121 mg L−1, respectively. In assays with binary combinations of the three compounds, larvicidal activity followed the order: parthenin (1) + 2α‐azidocoronopilin (3) (LC50 = 14 mg L−1) > parthenin (1) + ethylene glycol derivative (2) (LC50 = 109 mg L−1), > blend of 2α‐azidocoronopilin (3) and ethylene glycol derivative (2) (LC50 = 200 mg L−1).

CONCLUSION

Structural modification of parthenin (1) through addition of hydroxyl groups increases its larvicidal effects. These findings advance the use of structural modification approach in the development of lead chemical molecules for potential exploitation in larval source management.