bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrical Tuning of the Fifth‐Order Optical Nonlinearity of Antimony‐Doped Tin Oxide
Authors: Hou Ruipeng , Li Hui , Sun Yanhui , Diao Mengjuan , Liang Ying , Huang Zhipeng , Wang Jun , Humphrey Mark G. , Zhang Chi
Published: November 2020

In this work, the electrical tuning of the fifth‐order nonlinear absorption of antimony‐doped tin oxide (ATO) by ionic liquid gating is demonstrated. The pristine ATO film exhibits two‐photon‐induced excited‐state absorption (2PA‐ESA) with laser excitation at 1030 nm. The fifth‐order nonlinear absorption coefficient (γeff) of the ATO film can be monotonically modified in the range of 0.51 to 3.46 cm3 GW−2 by varying the sample bias, with a maximum enhancement factor of 6.8. The fundamental processes occurring during electrical tuning are revealed. The electrostatic and electrochemical capacitance is responsible for the modification in the number of free carriers in the conduction band of ATO. The electrical modulation of the nonlinear absorption of the ATO is ascribed to the voltage‐dependent diameter of the undepleted core of ATO. A smaller voltage results in the charging of ATO and a larger undepleted core, and consequently the size of the active component for 2PA‐ESA is larger. The electrochemical capacitance results from the chemisorption of H+ and OH− on the surface of the ATO, the larger water content in the ionic liquid affording a larger modulation range for the number of free carriers and the γeff.
Improving the Thermal Stability of Top‐Emitting Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes by Modification of the Anode Interface
Authors: Deng Yali , Keum Changmin , Hillebrandt Sabina , Murawski Caroline , Gather Malte C.
Published: November 2020

Top‐emitting organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) are of interest for numerous applications, in particular for displays with high fill factors. To maximize efficiency and luminance, molecular p‐doping of the hole transport layer (p‐HTL) and a highly reflective anode contact, for example, made from silver, are used. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is attractive for thin film encapsulation of OLEDs but generally requires a minimum process temperature of 80 °C. Here it is reported that the interface between the p‐HTL and the silver anode of top‐emitting OLEDs degrades during an 80 °C ALD encapsulation process, causing an over fourfold reduction in OLED current and luminance. To understand the underlying mechanism of device degradation, single charge carrier devices are investigated before and after annealing. A spectroscopic study of p‐HTLs indicates that degradation is due to the interaction between diffusing silver ions and the p‐type molecular dopant. To improve the stability of the interface, either an ultrathin MoO3 buffer layer or a bilayer HTL is inserted at the anode/organic interface. Both approaches effectively suppress degradation. This work shows a route to successful encapsulation of top‐emitting OLEDs using ALD without sacrificing device performance.
Soft Electronics Based on Liquid Conductors
Authors: Gui Qinyuan , He Yonglin , Wang Yapei
Published: November 2020

Soft electronics is an emerging field that is lending great convenience to daily life. Soft electronics have shown great potentials in health monitoring, soft robotics, the Internet of Things, and so forth. Though soft electronics based on solid conductors have been intensively investigated and some considerable progress has been achieved, the intrinsic shortcomings of solid conductors are becoming the Achilles’ heel of soft electronics. Fortunately, many of the disadvantages of solid conductors can be offset by liquid conductors. Following the attractive advantages of liquid materials, in particular high flexibility, infinite deformability, self‐healing, and ease of doping/being doped, this review article summarizes a history of soft electronics based on liquid conductors and introduces the most up‐to‐date liquid conducting materials together with their representative featured functions. Particular applications in sensors, batteries, supercapacitors, thermoelectric conversion, and even memory devices are discussed in detail to intuitively emphasize how liquid conductors benefit soft electronics. In addition, limitations of liquid conductors are also discussed, as well as the key challenges and some innovative strategies to overcome them. Finally, future perspectives are put forward to develop soft electronics that are fully composed of liquid circuits.
Reprogrammable Untethered Actuator for Soft Bio‐Inspired Robots
Authors: Yang Runhuai , Jin Miao , Jin Minmin , Qian Haisheng , Gao Qian , Jin Guoqing , Zhang Shiwu
Published: November 2020

The use of active materials for the actuators in soft robots allows for safe interactions and adaptable locomotion. However, stimulating the behavior of soft robots as well as reprogramming them and implementing reversible control in them remains a challenge. Herein, a method for fabricating soft, bio‐inspired, untethered, infrared‐driven actuators that exhibit reversible and reprogrammable behaviors is proposed. By exploiting the mismatch in the infrared‐driven thermomechanical responses of the two active materials constituting the bilayered soft actuator, reversible actuation can be realized. More importantly, the shape of robots based on this actuator can be reprogrammed such that they exhibit bio‐inspired locomotion specific to the environment. For instance, a soft robot based on the actuator can be made to exhibit several bio‐inspired functions, such as crawling, rolling, and object manipulation, in a complex environment. Furthermore, reversible and reprogrammable actuation can be achieved in untethered soft bio‐inspired robots using the bilayer of infrared‐actuated thermoresponsive materials, suggesting that other materials with similar properties can also be adopted in a similar method. The proposed method allows for the integration of different active materials toward the realization of infrared‐driven, untethered reversible, and reprogrammable actuators for soft bio‐inspired robots.
Surface Modification of Gallium‐Based Liquid Metals: Mechanisms and Applications in Biomedical Sensors and Soft Actuators
Authors: Kwon Ki Yoon , Truong Vi Khanh , Krisnadi Febby , Im Sooik , Ma Jinwoo , Mehrabian Nazgol , Kim Tae-il , Dickey Michael D.
Published: November 2020

This review focuses on surface modifications to gallium‐based liquid metals (LMs), which are stretchable conductors with metallic conductivity and nearly unlimited extensibility due to their liquid nature. Despite the enormous surface tension of LM, it can be patterned into nonspherical shapes, such as wires, due to the presence of a native oxide shell. Incorporating inherently soft LM into elastomeric devices offers comfort, mechanical compliance, and stretchability. The thin oxide layer also enables the formation of stable liquid colloids and LM micro/nanosized droplets that do not coalesce easily. The oxide layer can also be exfoliated and chemically modified into semiconductor 2D materials to create and deposit atomically thin materials at room temperature. Thus, the interface and its manipulation are important. This review summarizes physical and chemical methods of modifying the surface of LM to tune its properties. The surface modification of LM provides unique applications, including use in soft biomedical sensors and actuators with mechanical properties similar to human tissue.
Advanced Deep Learning Spectroscopy of Scalogram Infused CNN Classifiers for Robust Identification of Post‐Hypoxic Epileptiform EEG Spikes
Authors: Abbasi Hamid , Gunn Alistair J. , Unsworth Charles P. , Bennet Laura
Published: November 2020

There is a lack of reliable prognostic biomarkers for hypoxic‐ischemic (HI) brain injury in preterm infants. Herein, spectrally detailed wavelet scalograms (WSs), derived from the 1024 Hz sampled electroencephalograms (EEG) of preterm fetal sheep after HI (n = 7), are infused into a high‐performance deep convolutional neural network (CNN) pattern classifier to identify high‐frequency spike transient biomarkers. The deep WS‐CNN pattern classifier identifies EEG spikes with remarkable accuracy of 99.81 = 0.15% (area under curve, AUC = 1.000), cross‐validated across 5010 EEG waveforms, during the first 6 h post‐HI (42 h total), an important clinical period for diagnosis of HI brain injury. Further, a feature‐fusion strategy is introduced to extract the spectrally dominant features of the raw EEG epochs to form robust 3D input matrix sets to be infused into the deep 2D‐CNNs for pattern classification. The results show that the proposed WS‐CNN approach is less sensitive to the potential morphological variations of spikes across all subjects compared to other deep CNNs and spectral‐fuzzy classifiers, allowing the user to flexibly choose an approach depending on their computational requirements. Collectively, the data provide a reliable framework that could help support well‐timed diagnosis of at‐risk neonates in clinical practice.
Clinical spectrum in multiple families with primary COQ10 deficiency
Authors: Hashemi Seyyed S. , Zare‐Abdollahi Davood , Bakhshandeh Mohammad K. , Vafaee Amirreza , Abolhasani Sona , Inanloo Rahatloo Kolsoum , DanaeeFard Fardad , Farboodi Niloofar , Rohani Mohammad , Alavi Afagh
Published: November 2020

Coenzyme Q10/COQ10, an essential cofactor in the electron‐transport chain is involved in ATP production. Primary COQ10 deficiency is clinically and genetically a heterogeneous group of mitochondrial disorders caused by defects in the COQ10 synthesis pathway. Its mode of inheritance is autosomal recessive and it is characterized by metabolic abnormalities and multisystem involvement including neurological features. Mutations in 10 genes have been identified concerning this group of diseases, so far. Among those, variants of the COQ7 gene are very rare and confined to three patients with Asian ancestry. Here, we present the clinical features and results of whole‐exome sequencing (WES) of three Iranian unrelated families affected by primary COQ10 deficiency. Three homozygous variants in COQ2, COQ4, and COQ7 genes were identified. Candidate variants of the COQ2 and COQ4 genes were novel and associated with the cerebellar signs and multisystem involvement, whereas, the known variant in COQ7 was associated with a mild phenotype that was initially diagnosed as hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP). This variant has already been reported in a Canadian girl with similar presentations that also originated from Iran suggesting both patients may share a common ancestor. Due to extensive heterogeneity in this group of disorders, and overlap with other mitochondrial/neurological disorders, WES may be helpful to distinguish primary coenzyme Q10 deficiency from other similar conditions. Given that some features of primary coenzyme Q10 deficiency may improve with exogenous COQ10, early diagnosis is very important.
Development and validation of the Uniform Data Set (v3.0) executive function composite score (UDS3‐EF)
Authors: Staffaroni Adam M. , Asken Breton M. , Casaletto Kaitlin B. , Fonseca Corrina , You Michelle , Rosen Howard J. , Boxer Adam L. , Elahi Fanny M. , Kornak John , Mungas Dan , Kramer Joel H.
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Cognitive composite scores offer a means of precisely measuring executive functioning (EF).

Methods

We developed the Uniform Data Set v3.0 EF composite score (UDS3‐EF) in 3507 controls from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center dataset using item‐response theory and applied nonlinear and linear demographic adjustments. The UDS3‐EF was validated with other neuropsychological tests and brain magnetic resonance imaging from independent research cohorts using linear models.

Results

Final model fit was good‐to‐excellent: comparative fit index = 0.99; root mean squared error of approximation = 0.057. UDS3‐EF scores differed across validation cohorts (controls > mild cognitive impairment > Alzheimer's disease‐dementia ≈ behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia;P < 0.001). The UDS3‐EF correlated most strongly with other EF tests (βs = 0.50 to 0.85,Ps < 0.001) and more with frontal, parietal, and temporal lobe gray matter volumes (βs = 0.18 to 0.33,Ps ≤ 0.004) than occipital gray matter (β = 0.12,P = 0.04). The total sample needed to detect a 40% reduction in UDS3‐EF change (n = 286) was ≈40% of the next best measure (F‐words; n = 714).

Conclusions

The UDS3‐EF is well suited to quantify EF in research and clinical trials and offers psychometric and practical advantages over its component tests.
Tailored Catalytic Nanoframes from Metal–Organic Frameworks by Anisotropic Surface Modification and Etching for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Cai Ze‐Xing , Wang Zhong‐Li , Xia Yan‐Jie , Lim Hyunsoo , Zhou Wei , Taniguchi Ayano , Ohtani Masataka , Kobiro Kazuya , Fujita Takeshi , Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: November 2020

A facile anisotropic surface modification and etching strategy is presented for the synthesis of hollow structured ZIF‐67 nanoframes. The strategy uses structural and compositional distinctions between each crystallographic facet of truncated rhombic dodecahedrons ZIF‐67 (tZIF‐67 RDs) and the moderate coordinating and etching effects of cyanuric acid (CA). The CA can anisotropically modify and protect the {110} facets from etching, causing the six {100} facets be selectively etched via an inside‐out manner, and finally forming the hollow nanoframes. The surface‐modified hollow tZIF‐67 RDs can be facet‐selectively etched by metal salts in an outside‐in manner to give metal‐doped tZIF‐67 nanoframes. After calcination, the metal‐tZIF‐67 hybrids are converted into metal‐Co alloy/C composite catalysts with hollow nanoframed structures. The PtCo/C catalyst with only 5.9 wt % Pt exhibits high catalytic activities and stabilities in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in acidic solutions.
A Bidentate Iodine(III)‐Based Halogen‐Bond Donor as a Powerful Organocatalyst**
Authors: Heinen Flemming , Reinhard Dominik L. , Engelage Elric , Huber Stefan M.
Published: November 2020

In contrast to iodine(I)‐based halogen bond donors, iodine(III)‐derived ones have only been used as Lewis acidic organocatalysts in a handful of examples, and in all cases they acted in a monodentate fashion. Herein, we report the first application of a bidentate bis(iodolium) salt as organocatalyst in a Michael and a nitro‐Michael addition reaction as well as in a Diels–Alder reaction that had not been activated by noncovalent organocatalysts before. In all cases, the performance of this bidentate XB donor distinctly surpassed the one of arguably the currently strongest iodine(I)‐based organocatalyst. Bidentate coordination to the substrate was corroborated by a structural analysis and by DFT calculations of the transition states. Overall, the catalytic activity of the bis(iodolium) system approaches that of strong Lewis acids like BF3.
Opening Magnetic Hysteresis by Axial Ferromagnetic Coupling: From Mono‐Decker to Double‐Decker Metallacrown
Authors: Wang Jin , Li Quan‐Wen , Wu Si‐Guo , Chen Yan‐Cong , Wan Rui‐Chen , Huang Guo‐Zhang , Liu Yang , Liu Jun‐Liang , Reta Daniel , Giansiracusa Marcus J. , Wang Zhen‐Xing , Chilton Nicholas F. , Tong Ming‐Liang
Published: November 2020

Combining Ising‐type magnetic anisotropy with collinear magnetic interactions in single‐molecule magnets (SMMs) is a significant synthetic challenge. Herein we report a Dy[15‐MCCu‐5] (1‐Dy) SMM, where a DyIII ion is held in a central pseudo‐D5h pocket of a rigid and planar Cu5 metallacrown (MC). Linking two Dy[15‐MCCu‐5] units with a single hydroxide bridge yields the double‐decker {Dy[15‐MCCu‐5]}2 (2‐Dy) SMM where the anisotropy axes of the two DyIII ions are nearly collinear, resulting in magnetic relaxation times for 2‐Dy that are approximately 200 000 times slower at 2 K than for 1‐Dy in zero external field. Whereas 1‐Dy and the YIII‐diluted Dy@2‐Y analogue do not show remanence in magnetic hysteresis experiments, the hysteresis data for 2‐Dy remain open up to 6 K without a sudden drop at zero field. In conjunction with theoretical calculations, these results demonstrate that the axial ferromagnetic Dy–Dy coupling suppresses fast quantum tunneling of magnetization (QTM). The relaxation profiles of both complexes curiously exhibit three distinct exponential regimes, and hold the largest effective energy barriers for any reported d–f SMMs up to 625 cm−1.
Microstructural properties, thermal insulation and thermal degradation behavior of boron‐containingmonolithic novolac xerogels
Authors: Seraji Mohammad Mehdi , Arefazar Ahmad
Published: November 2020

Enhancement of thermal stability‐insulation performance of hyper porous materials is the premier issue to design of novel porous thermal protection systems. Boron‐containing monolithic novolac xerogels (BCNXs) were synthesized using sol–gel networking of novolac resin with hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) and boric acid at the solvent saturated vapor atmosphere (SSVA). The aim was to elucidate the effect of higher crosslinking density and thermal stable boron containing chemical bonds on the microstructure, thermal conductivity, and thermal oxidation stability of novolac xerogels. The results of FESEM and BET analysis showed that the microstructural characteristics of xerogels are significantly depend on the HMTA and boric acid concentration. The thermogravimetric results were analyzed using characteristic kinetic temperature (CKT)‐characteristic kinetic temperature range (CKTR) approximations. The effect of micromorphology of xerogels on the thermal conductivity was investigated. The effective thermal conductivity of samples were in the range of 0.031–0.048 W/m K.
Enabling Mg‐Based Ionic Liquid Electrolytes for Hybrid Dual‐Ion Capacitors
Authors: Meister Paul , Küpers Verena , Kolek Martin , Kasnatscheew Johannes , Pohlmann Sebastian , Winter Martin , Placke Tobias
Published: November 2020

We report on the reversible (de)intercalation of TFSI− anions from a Mg‐based ionic liquid electrolyte, Mg(TFSI)2 in Pyr14TFSI, in graphite
activated carbon hybrid dual‐ion capacitor (DIC) cells. The role of different pseudo reference electrodes (PREs) including Ag‐wire and Li metal is discussed regarding the comparability of different battery cells. We show that an Ag‐wire PRE is not suitable for the designated purpose, while the use of a Li metal PRE results in high reproducibility. Mg‐based DIC cells are compared with cells based on pure Pyr14TFSI and LiTFSI‐Pyr14TFSI electrolytes, and with graphite
Li metal dual‐ion cells employing LiTFSI‐Pyr14TFSI. At 5.2 V vs. Li|Li+, Mg‐containing DIC cells reveal an improved performance compared to Li‐based cells, i. e., higher capacity (87 vs. 85 mAh g−1) and higher Coulombic efficiency (98 vs. 96 %). These results may pave the way to further studies and performance improvements of Mg‐based batteries and to hybrid DIC chemistries with other cations, especially multi‐valent ones.
Techno‐economic analysis of sugar production from lignocellulosic biomass with utilization of hemicellulose and lignin for high‐value co‐products
Authors: Ou Longwen , Dou Chang , Yu Ju‐Hyun , Kim Hoyong , Park Yong‐Cheol , Park Sunkyu , Kelley Stephen , Lee Eun Yeol
Published: November 2020

Sugar derived from lignocellulosic biomass is an important intermediate product, often used for the production of biofuels and value‐added chemicals. It is therefore essential to understand and reduce the production costs of sugar derived from lignocellulosic biomass. This study evaluates the economic feasibility of a biorefinery producing sugar from lignocellulosic biomass using a combination of autohydrolysis and mechanical refining pretreatment. This biorefinery is self‐sufficient in energy, producing excess electricity for sale. The minimum sugar selling price (MSSP) that achieves a zero net present value is $446/metric ton. The possibility of using the two main by‐products, dissolved hemicellulose and lignin, for the production of high‐value products, xylitol and polyol, is also evaluated. When dissolved hemicellulose is used for xylitol production, the MSSP decreases to $347/metric ton. When lignin is liquefied to produce polyol, the MSSP is further reduced to $342/metric ton. External energy (natural gas) must be purchased if xylitol and polyol are produced. An analysis of capital and operating costs reveals that, although the production of xylitol and polyol incurs additional capital investment, their correspondingly high values outweigh the additional capital costs. Sensitivity analysis results indicate that efficient recovery and recycling of expensive chemicals like acetone and glycerol are key to the success of the biorefinery. Yields of xylitol and polyol also have strong impacts on the process economics. © 2020 Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd
The relationship between social roles and psychosocial adjustment in women with HIV: A structural equation model
Authors: Harifi Shadi , SeyedAlinaghi SeyedAhmad , Qorbani Mostafa , Mahmoodi Zohreh
Published: November 2020

Background

The human immunodeficiency virus is a unique social phenomenon that affects almost all the aspects of the social and economic life of individuals. The present study was conducted for the path analysis of the relationship between social roles and psychosocial adjustment in women with AIDS.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted in 2019 on 240 women with HIV who referred to the Counseling Center for Behavioral Diseases of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran. The eligible individuals entered the study through convenience sampling, and data were collected using five questionnaires, including the Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale, the Perceived Social Support Scale, the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scales, the Illness Perception Questionnaire, the Experiences in Close Relationship Scale, and a socio‐demographic checklist. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16 and Lisrel 8.8 software.

Results

According to the results of the path analysis, internal health locus of control and patient's age have a significant positive relationship with psychosocial adjustment only through the direct path, and among them, patient's age has the greatest positive and direct relationship (B = 0.139). In the indirect path, education, external health locus of control, anxiety in experiences of close relationships, and perceived support have the greatest relationship with psychosocial adjustment, and among these variables, education has the highest positive relationship (B = 0.06). Illness perception, avoidance in experiences of close relationships, and chance locus of health control are associated with psychosocial adjustment through both direct and indirect paths, and among these variables, chance locus of health control has the greatest overall relationship with psychosocial adjustment (B = 0.238).

Conclusion

Based on the results, social roles and physical health are directly/indirectly associated with psychosocial adjustment, which emphasizes the need to pay more attention to all three aspects of psychosocial health, especially in this vulnerable group of the society.
The influence of countries' climate change‐related institutional profile on voluntary environmental disclosures
Authors: Mateo‐Márquez Antonio J. , González‐González José M. , Zamora‐Ramírez Constancio
Published: November 2020

This paper analyzes how the regulative, normative, and cultural dimensions of institutions exert pressure both on companies' decisions to voluntarily disclose environmental information and on the quality of the information disclosed. Prior research has focused on the influence of economic, disclosure, and generic institutional determinants, although little attention has been paid to the analysis of the influence exerted by climate change‐related institutional pillars. The results show that the three institutional pillars have different effects as regards both the decision to respond and the quality of disclosure. The regulative pillar positively influences the response decision but does not influence disclosure quality. The normative pillar positively affects both the propensity of companies to disclose and the quality of the information reported. Meanwhile, the cultural pillar positively influences disclosure quality, but it has no effect on firms' decisions to disclose environmental information. This paper is the first to analyze whether the institutional profile of climate change in different countries influences voluntary environmental disclosures.
Performance of the Wingman catheter in peripheral artery chronic total occlusions: Short‐term results from the international Wing‐It trial
Authors: Laird John R. , Mathews S. Jay , Brodmann Marianne , Soukas Peter A. , Schmidt Andrej ,   The Wing‐It Trial Investigators
Published: November 2020

Objectives

To determine the safety and effectiveness of a peripheral artery chronic total occlusion (CTO) crossing catheter following failed crossing attempts with standard guidewires.

Background

CTO crossing remains a challenge during peripheral artery interventions.

Methods

In this prospective, international, single‐arm study, patients with a peripheral artery CTO that was uncrossable with standard guidewires were treated with a crossing catheter (Wingman, Reflow Medical). The primary efficacy endpoint of CTO crossing success was compared to a performance goal of 70.7%. The primary composite safety endpoint (major adverse event [MAE], clinically significant perforation or embolization, or grade C or greater dissection) was assessed over a 30‐day follow‐up period and compared to a performance goal of 13.0%.

Results

A total of 85 patients were treated using the Wingman catheter for peripheral artery CTO crossing. Key patient characteristics were mean age of 71±9 years, 66% male, and mean lesion length of 188±94 mm in the superficial femoral artery (71%), popliteal artery (15%), or infrapopliteal arteries (14%). Both primary endpoints of the trial were met¾CTO crossing success was 90% (lower confidence limit=82.5%) and 5 primary safety events occurred in 4 (4.8%) patients (upper confidence limit=10.7%). Over 30 days of follow‐up, Rutherford score decreased by at least 2 categories in 74% patients; the percentage of patients with normal hemodynamics assessed with the ankle‐brachial index increased from 1% to 51%.

Conclusions

Among patients with a CTO that was unable to be crossed with a standard guidewire, the Wingman catheter was able to cross 90% of occlusions with a favorable safety profile.
Coronary sinus anatomical features: Description and procedural implications during coronary sinus Reducer implantation
Authors: Wilgenhof Adriaan , Zivelonghi Carlo , Verheye Stefan , Vermeersch Paul , Scott Benjamin , Convens Carl , Timmers Leo , Leenders Geert , Kuijk Jan Peter Van , Stella Pieter , Agostoni Pierfrancesco
Published: November 2020

Objectives

We hypothesized that some coronary sinus (CS) anatomies allow a more straightforward CS Reducer (CSR) implantation.

Background

Recent decades have seen a rise in patients with chronic angina. When complete revascularization and maximal medical therapy fail to reduce symptoms, CSR has become a new therapeutic option.

Methods

We identified a classical C‐shape—a near horizontal course of the proximal portion of a circular CS—in a retrospective analysis of 47 CSR implantations and compared the procedural time, fluoroscopic time, contrast use, presence of valves or bifurcations and procedural complications with the non‐C‐shape CS anatomy.

Results

We found a significant difference in procedural (20.0 [19.0–24.7] min vs. 24.5 [20.7–51.0] min; p = .028 and fluoroscopic time (9.5 [7.5–14.5] min vs. 11.0 [7.9–30.0] min; p = .016). There was no significant difference in contrast use. The presence of bifurcations or valves along the CS course did not influence the procedural timings.

Conclusion

This study is the first systematic evaluation of CS anatomy and its procedural implications. We identified a favorable C‐shape anatomy which allows for a more straightforward implantation. Operators should be aware of the different implications of CS anatomy, their influence on guiding catheter stability and overall procedure complexity.
Total Synthesis and Structure Revision of Halioxepine
Authors: Poock Caroline , Kalesse Markus
Published: November 2020

The first total synthesis of halioxepine is accomplished using a 1,4‐addition for constructing the quaternary center at C10 and a halo etherification for the generation of the tertiary ether at C7. The correct structure of halioxepine was determined by assembling different enantiomeric building blocks and by changing the relative configuration between C10 and C15.
Benzimidazole and Benzoxazole Zinc Chelators as Inhibitors of Metallo‐β‐Lactamase NDM‐1
Authors: Jackson Abigail C. , Pinter Tyler B. J. , Talley Daniel C. , Baker‐Agha Adnan , Patel Dhruvil , Smith Paul J. , Franz Katherine J.
Published: November 2020

Bacterial expression of β‐lactamases, which hydrolyze β‐lactam antibiotics, contributes to the growing threat of antibacterial drug resistance. Metallo‐β‐lactamases, such as NDM‐1, use catalytic zinc ions in their active sites and hydrolyze nearly all clinically available β‐lactam antibiotics. Inhibitors of metallo‐β‐lactamases are urgently needed to overcome this resistance mechanism. Zinc‐binding compounds are promising leads for inhibitor development, as many NDM‐1 inhibitors contain zinc‐binding pharmacophores. Here, we evaluated 13 chelating agents containing benzimidazole and benzoxazole scaffolds as NDM‐1 inhibitors. Six of the compounds showed potent inhibitory activity with IC50 values as low as 0.38 μM, and several compounds restored the meropenem susceptibility of NDM‐1‐expressing E. coli. Spectroscopic and docking studies suggest ternary complex formation as the mechanism of inhibition, making these compounds promising for development as NDM‐1 inhibitors.
Mobile messenger–initiated reminders improve longitudinal adherence in a community‐based, opportunistic colorectal cancer screening program: A single‐blind, crossover randomized controlled study
Authors: Lam Thomas Y. T. , Wu Peter I. , Tang Raymond S. Y. , Luk Arthur K. C. , Ng Simpson , Sung Joseph J. Y.
Published: November 2020

Background

The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is a cost‐effective colorectal cancer (CRC) screening tool. However, longitudinal adherence, a factor that is critical to the success to any FIT‐based screening program, often is poor. The authors hypothesized that reminders sent via mobile messengers, such as WhatsApp, improve such adherence.

Methods

In the current single‐blind, randomized study, subjects from an opportunistic FIT screening program who had a negative FIT result the year prior were randomly allocated (1:1) to receive either a 1‐off reminder via the WhatsApp messenger (WR) 1 month prior to the due appointments or no reminder (NR). All subjects were blinded to study participation and group allocation. At 24 months after randomization, a crossover of intervention was performed among those individuals who remained in the FIT program. The primary outcome was FIT adherence, defined as the pick‐up and on‐time return of the FIT. The secondary outcome was FIT adherence after the crossover.

Results

A total of 500 subjects were randomized to receive WR (250 subjects) or NR (250 subjects). Three individuals were excluded from analysis (1 died and 2 underwent colonoscopy). Both the FIT pick‐up rate (80.3% vs 59.3%; P < .001) and return rate (79.9% vs 57.3%; P < .001) were significantly higher in the WR group compared with the NR group. After crossover of intervention (452 subjects), the WR group again was found to have a higher FIT pick‐up rate (79.1% vs 52.9%; P < .001) and return rate (78.2% vs 52.4%; P < .001).

Conclusions

Text reminders sent via mobile messenger appear to improve the longitudinal adherence to FIT‐based opportunistic CRC screening programs. The routine use of this technology in CRC screening should be considered.
Quantitative trait locus mapping for resistance to heat‐induced seed degradation and low seed phytic acid in soybean
Authors: Gillman Jason D. , Chebrolu Kranthi , Smith James R.
Published: November 2020

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] reproductive structures are temperature‐sensitive, with a reproductive optimum of 22 to 24 °C. Currently, parts of the US soybean growing region experience consistent late‐season drought stress, resulting in the adoption of agronomic practices that favor early maturity groups. This approach is the Early Soybean Production System and has boosted yields and on‐farm returns on investment. However, seeds produced under this system develop under higher temperatures than standard practices, and frequently have decreased seed quality, loss of value, and unacceptable germination rates. Climate change may result in more widespread late‐season drought and elevated temperatures during seed filling. The ancestors of all modern US high‐yielding soybean lines lack substantial resistance to heat‐induced seed degradation, but an unadapted plant introduction (PI 587982A) can maintain ∼95% quality and germination under the same conditions. Inconsistent germination and emergence defects are associated with increased bioavailable phosphorus and reduced phytic acid. To evaluate these traits’ interaction, a backcross recombinant inbred line population was developed, and emergence and germination were evaluated in seed produced in six greenhouse and field environments. Two mutant alleles (lpa1a and lpa2a) were linked to decreased germination and emergence; this effect was pronounced under elevated temperatures. A novel major‐effect heat tolerance quantitative trait locus derived from PI 587982A was identified and found to be associated with positive effects on overall germination and emergence. These results open the potential application of marker‐assisted selection for tolerance to elevated temperatures and may accelerate the development of germplasm and cultivars with high‐quality seed.
A design of EEGNet‐based inference processor for pattern recognition of EEG using FPGA
Authors: Tsukahara Akihiko , Anzai Yuki , Tanaka Keita , Uchikawa Yoshinori
Published: November 2020

In recent years, brain‐machine interface (BMI) is attracting attention. BMI is a technology that enables machine operation using biological signals such as EEG. For further advancement of BMI technology, there is a need for advanced BMI devices. Therefore, the purpose of this study is development of BMI hardware specialized for handling EEG as an interface for human adaptive mechatronics (HAM) that know human's state and operate according to the state. As one of the examinations, we are constructing a pattern recognition processor for EEG in real time on Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), which is an LSI that can reconfigure the processor. This paper reports on the designed EEGNet processor and the result of logic circuit simulation and implementation.
Clinical characteristics and outcomes of black African heart failure patients with preserved, mid‐range, and reduced ejection fraction: a post hoc analysis of the THESUS‐HF registry
Authors: Dzudie Anastase , Hongieh Abanda Martin , Nkoke Clovis , Barche Blaise , Damasceno Albertino , Edwards Christopher , Davison Beth , Cotter Gad , Sliwa Karen ,   THEUS‐HF investigators
Published: November 2020

Aims

Limited data are available on clinical characteristics and prognosis of heart failure (HF) in black African populations especially with respect to current classifications and HF management guidelines.

Methods and results

In this post hoc analysis, African patients admitted with acute HF and enrolled in the THESUS‐HF registry in one of 12 hospitals in 9 countries were classified as having preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (HFpEF), mid‐range LVEF (HFmrEF), and reduced LVEF (HFrEF) based on echocardiography performed close to the time of admission. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, management, and 60 and 180 day outcomes were compared between the groups. Of 888 patients with LVEF available, there were 472 (53.2%) with HFrEF, 174 (19.6%) with HFmrEF, and 243 (27.3%) with HFpEF. History of atrial fibrillation was higher in patients with HFmrEF (28.5%) than in patients with HFrEF (14.5%). Patients with HFrEF had a larger mean LV systolic diameter (54.1 ± 9.67 mm) than patients with HFmrEF (42.9 ± 8.47 mm), who had a larger mean LV diameter than patients with HFpEF (32.6 ± 8.64 mm); a similar pattern with LV diastolic diameter was observed. The mean posterior diastolic wall thickness (10.2 ± 2.94 mm) was lower in patients with HFrEF than in those with HFmrEF (11.1 ± 2.59 mm) and HFpEF (11.2 ± 2.90 mm). Patients with HFpEF were less likely to use angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blockers, and aldosterone inhibitors, and more likely to use beta‐blockers than those with HFrEF at either admission or discharge/Day 7. Death or readmission rates through Day 60 and 180 day death rates did not differ significantly among the groups; unadjusted hazard ratios relative to patients with HFrEF were 1.32 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.84–2.08] and 1.24 (95% CI 0.82–1.89) for 60 day death or readmission and 0.92 (95% CI 0.59–1.43) and 0.78 (95% CI 0.51–1.20) for 180 day death in patients with HFmrEF and HFpEF, respectively.

Conclusions

Classification by LVEF according to European Society of Cardiology guidelines revealed some differences in clinical presentation but similar mortality and rehospitalization rates across all EF groups in Africans admitted for HF.
Comprehensive plasma metabolites profiling reveals phosphatidylcholine species as potential predictors for cardiac resynchronization therapy response
Authors: Yang Shengwen , Hu Yiran , Zhao Junhan , Jing Ran , Wang Jing , Gu Min , Niu Hongxia , Chen Liang , Hua Wei
Published: November 2020

Aims

This study aimed to identify the plasma metabolite fingerprint in patients with heart failure and to develop a prediction tool based on differential metabolites for predicting the response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).

Methods and results

We prospectively recruited 32 healthy individuals and 42 consecutive patients with HF who underwent CRT between January 2018 and January 2019. Peripheral venous blood samples, clinical data, and echocardiographic signatures were collected before CRT implantation. Liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry was used to perform untargeted metabolites profiling for peripheral plasma under ESI+ and ESI− modes. After 6 month follow‐up, patients were categorized as CRT responders or non‐responders based on the alterations of echocardiographic characteristics. Compared with healthy individuals, patients with HF had distinct metabolomic profiles under both ESI+ and ESI− modes, featuring increased free fatty acids, carnitine, β‐hydroxybutyrate, and dysregulated lipids with heterogeneous alterations such as phosphatidylcholines (PCs) and sphingomyelins. Disparities of baseline metabolomics profile were observed between CRT responders and non‐responders under ESI+ mode but not under ESI− mode. Further metabolites analysis revealed that a group of 20 PCs metabolites under ESI+ mode were major contributors to the distinct profiles between the two groups. We utilized LASSO regression model and identified a panel of four PCs metabolites [including PC (20:0/18:4), PC (20:4/20:0), PC 40:4, and PC (20:4/18:0)] as major predictors for CRT response prediction. Among our whole population (n = 42), receive operating characteristics analysis revealed that the four PCs‐based model could nicely discriminate the CRT responders from non‐responders (area under the curve = 0.906) with a sensitivity of 83.3% and a specificity of 90.0%. Cross‐validation analysis also showed a satisfactory and robust performance of the model with the area under the curve of 0.910 in the training dataset and 0.880 in the testing dataset.

Conclusions

Patients with HF held significantly altered plasma metabolomics profile compared with the healthy individuals. Within the HF group, the non‐responders had a distinct plasma metabolomics profile in contrast to the responders to CRT, which was characterized by increased PCs species. A novel predictive model incorporating four PCs metabolites performed well in identifying CRT non‐responders. These four PCs might severe as potential biomarkers for predicting CRT response. Further validations are needed in multi‐centre studies with larger external cohorts.
Renin profiling predicts neurohormonal response to sacubitril/valsartan
Authors: Vergaro Giuseppe , Sciarrone Paolo , Prontera Concetta , Masotti Silvia , Musetti Veronica , Valleggi Alessandro , Giannoni Alberto , Senni Michele , Emdin Michele , Passino Claudio
Published: November 2020

Aims

Clinical trials and observational cohorts show that beneficial effects of sacubitril/valsartan are less strong in an appreciable proportion of patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Lower blood pressure and impaired renal function predict suboptimal sacubitril/valsartan titration and a less favourable response. Circulating renin encompasses neurohormonal activation, intravascular volume, and renal function. We hypothesized that renin may predict response to sacubitril/valsartan, assessed by changes in N‐terminal fraction of pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP).

Methods and results

We performed a prospective, open‐label, real‐life cohort study. The study population consisted of 80 consecutive HFrEF patients (age 66 ± 10 years, 83% men) planned to initiate sacubitril/valsartan. Clinical and biohumoral assessment, including a full neurohormonal panel, was performed at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 month follow‐up. Response to sacubitril/valsartan was defined as ≥30% reduction in NT‐proBNP levels from baseline to 6 months. Patients in the lower renin tertile had higher blood pressure and plasma sodium concentration (all P < 0.05). At follow‐up, 38 patients (48%) were classified as responders. Circulating renin was lower in the responder group compared with non‐responders (19.8 mU/L, IQR 3.7–78.0 mU/L vs. 55.0 mU/L, IQR 16.4–483.1 mU/L; P = 0.004). After adjustment for age, renal function, and blood pressure, renin was independently associated to response to sacubitril/valsartan (P = 0.018).

Conclusions

In our preliminary study, we show that circulating renin predicts reduction in NT‐proBNP levels after sacubitril/valsartan initiation in HFrEF patients. Renin assessment might be useful to discriminate potential responders from the subgroup with a weaker expected benefit, thus needing a closer, tailored management strategy.
MicroRNA profiling as a novel diagnostic tool for identification of patients with inflammatory and/or virally induced cardiomyopathies
Authors: Aleshcheva Ganna , Pietsch Heiko , Escher Felicitas , Schultheiss Heinz‐Peter
Published: November 2020

Aims

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) might be used as prospective biomarkers for the identification of unexplained heart failure caused by a viral and/or inflammatory process. The aim of this study was to identify and to evaluate prognostic miRNAs in serum of patients with inflammatory heart diseases diagnosed by endomyocardial biopsies.

Methods and results

After TaqMan® OpenArray® screening of 754 unique circulating miRNAs in serum of biopsy‐proven patients [184 patients with inflammatory and/or virally induced myocardial diseases (DCMi), 25 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and 25 healthy donors], we identified seven miRNAs of interest (P < 0.05). These data have been verified by single qRT–PCR assays in other biopsy‐proven patients (159 patients with viral and/or inflammatory myocardial diseases, 46 patients with DCM, and 60 healthy donors). The expression of let‐7f, miR‐197, miR‐223, miR‐93, and miR‐379 allowed us to differentiate between patients with a virus and/or inflammation and healthy donors (P < 0.05) with the specificity over 93%. Based on the expression of miR‐21 and miR‐30a‐5p, we could sort out patients with DCM from all other study groups (P < 0.05) with the specificity over 95%.

Conclusions

This miRNA profile provides for the first time a new non‐invasive diagnostic perspective to identify patients with intramyocardial inflammation and/or viral persistence only from single serum sample, independently of prescribed therapy and time of symptoms onset. It allows the early finding of those patients relevant for myocardial biopsy for exact diagnosis and further proscription of causal aetiology‐driven specific treatment.
Prognostic value of the H2FPEF score in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Ludwig Sebastian , Pellegrini Costanza , Gossling Alina , Rheude Tobias , Voigtländer Lisa , Bhadra Oliver D. , Linder Matthias , Kalbacher Daniel , Koell Benedikt , Waldschmidt Lara , Schirmer Johannes , Seiffert Moritz , Reichenspurner Hermann , Blankenberg Stefan , Westermann Dirk , Conradi Lenard , Joner Michael , Schofer Niklas
Published: November 2020

Aims

The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of the H2FPEF score in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for severe aortic stenosis (AS) and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (EF).

Methods and results

In this multicentre study, a total of 832 patients from two German high‐volume centres, who received TAVI for severe AS and preserved EF (≥50%), were identified for calculation of the H2FPEF score. Patients were dichotomized according to low (0–5 points; n = 570) and high (6–9 points; n = 262) H2FPEF scores. Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses were applied to assess the prognostic impact of the H2FPEF score. We observed a decrease in stroke volume index (−2.04 mL/m2/point) and mean transvalvular gradients (−1.14 mmHg/point) with increasing H2FPEF score translating into a higher prevalence of paradoxical low‐flow, low‐gradient AS among patients with high H2FPEF score. One year after TAVI, the rates of all‐cause (low vs. high H2FPEF score: 8.0% vs. 19.4%, P < 0.0001) and cardiovascular (CV) mortality (1.9% vs. 9.0%, P < 0.0001) as well as the rate of CV mortality or rehospitalization for congestive heart failure (6.4% vs. 23.2%, P < 0.0001) were higher in patients with high H2FPEF score compared with those with low H2FPEF score. After multivariable analysis, a high H2FPEF score remained independently predictive of all‐cause mortality [hazard ratio 1.59 (1.28–2.35), P = 0.018] and CV mortality or rehospitalization for congestive heart failure [hazard ratio 2.92 (1.65–5.15), P < 0.001]. Among the H2FPEF score variables, atrial fibrillation, pulmonary hypertension, and elevated left ventricular filling pressure were the strongest outcome predictors.

Conclusions

The H2FPEF score serves as an independent predictor of adverse CV and heart failure outcome among TAVI patients with preserved EF. A high H2FPEF score is associated with the presence of paradoxical low‐flow, low‐gradient AS, the HFpEF in patients with AS. By identifying patients in advanced stages of HFpEF, the H2FPEF score might be useful as a risk prediction tool in patients with preserved EF scheduled for TAVI.