bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of chronic diseases on effect of breast cancer screening
Authors: Beau Anna‐Belle , Napolitano George M. , Ewertz Marianne , Vejborg Ilse , Schwartz Walter , Andersen Per K. , Lynge Elsebeth
Published: April 2020

Background

Although breast cancer screening reduces breast cancer mortality at the population level, subgroups of women may benefit differently. We investigated the impact of health status on the effect of breast cancer screening.

Methods

The study included 181 299 women invited in two population‐based screening programs in Denmark and 1 526 446 control subjects, followed from April 1981 to December 2014. Poisson regressions were used to compare the observed breast cancer mortality rate in women invited to screening with the expected rate in the absence of screening among women with and without chronic diseases. Chronic diseases were defined as any diagnosis in the Charlson Comorbidity Index during 4 years before the first invitation to screening.

Results

Almost 10% of women had chronic diseases before first invitation to screening. Whereas we observed a reduction in breast cancer mortality following invitation to screening of 28% (95% CI, 20% to 35%) among women without chronic diseases, only a 7% (95% CI, −39% to 37%) reduction was seen for women with chronic diseases (P‐value for interaction = .22). For participants, the reduction, corrected for selection bias, was 35% (95% CI 16% to 49%) for women without, and 4% (95% CI −146% to 62%) for women with chronic diseases (P‐value for interaction = .43).

Conclusion

Our data indicate a marginal effect of mammography screening on breast cancer mortality in women with chronic diseases. If our results are confirmed in other populations, the presence of chronic diseases will be an important factor to take into consideration in personalized screening.
A preliminary study of an online pain management programme for patients with ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Yu Kai‐Ching , Lo Lap‐Yan , Lin Muriel , Cheung Yim , Wong Siu‐Sing
Published: April 2020

This study was a preliminary attempt to develop and examine an online pain management programme incorporating mindfulness‐informed exercises (i.e. breathing and body scanning exercises) and CBT elements for ankylosing spondylitis patients. Thirty patients diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis participated in a five‐week online pain management programme, which was delivered primarily through a website. The materials covered by the website included breathing and body scanning exercises, mindful walking exercise, positive thinking and management of dysfunctional thinking. Each participant received instructions and reminders from a counselling psychologist through electronic communications each week. They completed the Brief Pain Inventory, Ryff's Psychological Well‐being Scale, Pain Self‐Efficacy Questionnaire, Pain Catastrophizing Scale and Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale‐Revised before and after the treatment programme. In addition, four face‐to‐face focus groups were conducted to yield supplementary qualitative findings. The overall results indicate that this online pain management programme can improve sleep quality and reduce pain interference and catastrophic responses to pain in ankylosing spondylitis patients, albeit being not very effective for mitigating the intensity of pain. Moreover, male and female patients can benefit equally from the online programme. Findings from the focus groups revealed some challenges faced by local patients when practising mindfulness‐informed exercises. Some solutions to those challenges were put forward in accordance with patients’ feedback.
Clinical impact of calcified nodule in patients with heavily calcified lesions requiring rotational atherectomy
Authors: Morofuji Toru , Kuramitsu Shoichi , Shinozaki Tomohiro , Jinnouchi Hiroyuki , Sonoda Shinjo , Domei Takenori , Hyodo Makoto , Shirai Shinichi , Ando Kenji
Published: April 2020

Objectives

We sought to evaluate the incidence and clinical impact of calcified nodule (CN) in patients with heavily calcified lesions requiring rotational atherectomy (RA).

Background

It remains unclear whether CN impacts adversely on clinical outcomes in patients with heavily calcified lesions.

Methods

Between January 2011 and February 2014, 264 patients after second‐generation drug‐eluting stent (DES) implantation following RA were retrospectively enrolled. CN was defined as a convex shape of the luminal side of calcium as assessed by intravascular ultrasound. The primary endpoint was the cumulative 5‐year incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), defined as a composite of cardiac death, clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CDTLR), and definite stent thrombosis (ST).

Results

CN was observed in 128 patients (48.5%) with heavily calcified lesions. Cumulative 5‐year incidence of MACE was significantly higher in the CN group than in the non‐CN group, mainly driven by a higher rate of CDTLR and ST (35.4% vs. 18.8%, p < .001; 23.2% vs. 7.9%, p < .001; 7.0% vs. 0.93%, p = .009, respectively). Independent risk factors of 5‐year MACE included hemodialysis (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.39, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 2.00–5.73, p < .001), CN (HR = 2.53, 95% CI: 1.49–4.27, p < .001), ostial lesion (HR = 3.02, 95% CI: 1.58–5.78, p = .001), left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40% (HR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.27–3.70, p = .005), and right coronary artery lesion (HR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.07–3.11, p = .03).

Conclusions

CN was observed in 48.5% of heavily calcified lesions, resulting in unfavorable long‐term clinical outcomes after second‐generation DES implantation following RA.
A small‐scale rapid screening protocol for quality traits of durum wheat
Authors: Sissons Mike , Smit Jenny , Kadkol Gururaj , Sissons Shaylene
Published: April 2020

Background and objectives

Durum breeders are interested in screening early‐generation lines for quality traits to eliminate low‐quality lines as soon as possible. However, this requires minimal sample usage and simple and discriminating tests. Due to insufficient quantities of sample available in the early stages of breeding process, a reliable and comprehensive evaluation of wheat functionality is needed. Moreover, this problem is further aggravated by the need to assess the quality of huge number of lines. This study describes a procedure to evaluate durum grain and wholemeal for key quality traits using rapid methods that have minimal sample requirements.

Findings

In this study, three new methods were developed to allow screening from limited amounts of grain (120 g). A new near‐infrared calibration to measure wet gluten from grain, an accurate prediction of semolina yellowness using wholemeal and a milling protocol using a Quadrumat Junior mill to predict Buhler semolina yield. Data provided by these new methods and other data proposed can be used to remove underperforming lines to reduce sample numbers for the next stage of yield trials and more detailed and costly testing for quality.

Conclusions

To improve the efficiency of selecting for quality in a durum breeding program where sample size is limited, new methods are described and validated on breeder's populations for quickly assessing wet gluten, yellowness, and milling potential.

Significance and novelty

A protocol to rapidly evaluate lines for key grain characteristics, wet gluten, yellowness, and milling potential to supplement NIR and small‐scale dough tests is described from 120 g of grain which can be achieved in less than 1 hr/sample. This should assist durum breeders to efficiently cull lines showing inferior quality to check varieties.
Photocatalytic Reductive Defluorination of Fluorinated Compounds in Aqueous Alcohol Suspensions of a Metal‐loaded Titanium(IV) Oxide
Authors: Fukui Makoto , Tanaka Atsuhiro , Kominami Hiroshi
Published: April 2020

Selective elimination of the fluorine element in organic fluorinated compounds under mild conditions is desired in order to resolve the environment and energy resource issues. Selective reductive defluorination of fluorine‐containing organic compounds in 2‐propanol‐water suspensions of metal‐loaded titanium(IV) oxide (TiO2) photocatalysts is described in this paper. The effects of different types of metal co‐catalysts, adsorption behavior of fluorobenzene (FB), stoichiometry, redox balance, scope, chemoselectivity and reaction temperature were examined. Photocatalytic defluorination of FB occurred over platinum‐loaded TiO2 at room temperature, and benzene and fluoride ion were produced with a high stoichiometry without degradation of the benzene structure, while hydrogen (H2) production occurred as a competitive electron‐consuming reaction. A slight elevation in the reaction temperature greatly accelerated defluorination and suppressed H2 evolution, resulting in FB defluorination free from H2 production at 333 K. Kinetic parameters of FB defluorination and H2 evolution were determined, and the results obtained are explained on the basis of these parameters.
Synthesis and Binding of Mannose‐Specific Synthetic Carbohydrate Receptors
Authors: Bravo M. Fernando , Palanichamy Kalanidhi , Shlain Milan A. , Schiro Frank , Naeem Yasir , Marianski Mateusz , Braunschweig Adam B.
Published: April 2020

Synthetic carbohydrate receptors (SCRs) that selectively recognize cell‐surface glycans could be used for detection, drug delivery, or as therapeutics. Here we report the synthesis of seven newC2hsymmetric tetrapodal SCRs. The structures of these SCRs possess a conserved biaryl core, and they vary in the four heterocyclic binding groups that are linked to the biaryl core via secondary amines. Supramolecular association between these SCRs and five biologically relevant C1‐O‐octyloxy glycans, α/β‐glucoside (α/β‐Glc), α/β‐mannoside (α/β‐Man), and β‐galactoside (β‐Gal), was studied by mass spectrometry,1H NMR titrations, and molecular modeling. These studies revealed that selectivity can be achieved in these tetrapodal SCRs by varying the heterocyclic binding group. We found thatSCR017(3‐pyrrole),SCR021(3‐pyridine), andSCR022(2‐phenol) bind only toβ‐Glc. SCR019(3‐indole) binds only toβ‐Man. SCR020(2‐pyridine) bindsβ‐Manandα‐Manwith a preference to the latter.SCR018(2‐indole) bindsα‐Manandβ‐Galwith a preference to the former. The glycan guests bound within their SCR hosts in one of three supramolecular geometries: center‐parallel, center‐perpendicular, and off‐center. Many host–guest combinations formed higher stoichiometry complexes, 2:1glycan⋅SCRor 1:2glycan⋅SCR, where the former are driven by positive allosteric cooperativity induced by glycan–glycan contacts.
Self‐Immolation of a Bacterial Dehydratase Enzyme by its Epoxide Product
Authors: Lence Emilio , Maneiro María , Sanz‐Gaitero Marta , van Raaij Mark J. , Thompson Paul , Hawkins Alastair R. , González‐Bello Concepción
Published: April 2020

Disabling the bacterial capacity to cause infection is an innovative approach that has attracted significant attention to fight against superbugs. A relevant target for anti‐virulence drug discovery is the type I dehydroquinase (DHQ1) enzyme. It was shown that the 2‐hydroxyethylammonium derivative 3 has in vitro activity since it causes the covalent modification of the catalytic lysine residue of DHQ1. As this compound does not bear reactive electrophilic centers, how the chemical modification occurs is intriguing. We report here an integrated approach, which involves biochemical studies, X‐ray crystallography and computational studies on the reaction path using combined quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics Umbrella Sampling Molecular Dynamics, that evidences that DHQ1 catalyzes its self‐immolation by transforming the unreactive 2‐hydroxyethylammonium group in 3 into an epoxide that triggers the lysine covalent modification. This finding might open opportunities for the design of lysine‐targeted irreversible inhibitors bearing a 2‐hydroxyethylammonium moiety as an epoxide proform, which to our knowledge has not been reported previously.
Interpretation of T‐wave inversion in physiological and pathological conditions: Current state and future perspectives
Authors: D'Ascenzi Flavio , Anselmi Francesca , Adami Paolo Emilio , Pelliccia Antonio
Published: April 2020

The presence of T‐wave inversion (TWI) at 12‐lead electrocardiogram (ECG) in competitive athletes is one of the major diagnostic challenges for sports physicians and consulting cardiologists. Indeed, while the presence of TWI may be associated with some benign conditions and it may be occasionally seen in healthy athletes presenting signs of cardiac remodeling, it may also represent an early sign of an underlying, concealed structural heart disease or life‐threatening arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathies, which may be responsible for exercise‐related sudden cardiac death (SCD). The interpretation of TWI in athletes is complex and the inherent implications for the clinical practice represent a conundrum for physicians. Accordingly, the detection of TWI should be viewed as a potential red flag on the ECG of young and apparently healthy athletes and warrants further investigations because it may represent the initial expression of cardiomyopathies that may not be evident until many years later and that may ultimately be associated with adverse outcomes. The aim of this review is, therefore, to report an update of the literature on TWI in athletes, with a specific focus on the interpretation and management.
Biosafety in the preparation and processing of cytology specimens with potential coronavirus (COVID‐19) infection: Perspectives from Taiwan
Authors: Chen Chien‐Chin , Chi Chia‐Yu
Published: April 2020

This commentary focuses on the cytopathology laboratory, the authors' experiences with coronavirus (COVID‐19) in Taiwan, and current guidelines on COVID‐19 infection prevention and control. The objective of this report is to provide cytopathology professionals a timely, in‐depth, evidence‐based review of biosafety practices for those at risk for coronavirus (COVID‐19) infection.
Design of Hollow Nanofibrous Structures using Electrospinning: An Aspect of Chemical Sensor Applications
Authors: Cho Hee‐Jin , Kim Yoon Hwa , Park Seyeon , Kim Il‐Doo
Published: April 2020

Chemical gas sensors have attracted much attention with the purposes of environmental hazardous gas detection and health monitoring via exhaled breath analysis. In particular, semiconducting metal oxide (SMO)‐based chemiresistors have been considered as one of the most attractive sensing platforms owing to its simple operation, low cost, ease of miniaturization and integration to mobile devices. However, SMO‐based sensors suffer from sluggish gas reactions and poor responses. To enhance their sensing characteristics, one‐dimensional (1D) nanostructures with large surface area and high porosity are desired, since sensing reactions with analytes mainly occur at the surface of the sensing layers. In addition, uniform catalyst functionalization on SMO supports is beneficial in terms of gas response, reaction speed, and selectivity. In this review, we comprehensively highlight recent progresses on diverse hollow 1D nanofibrous structures prepared using a well‐reputed technique of electrospinning, and their unique morphological advantages as highly sensitive chemical sensing layers. Finally, future perspectives on the synthesis and sensing characterizations of hollow nanofibrous sensing materials functionalized with robust catalysts are discussed.
A news image captioning approach based on multimodal pointer‐generator network
Authors: Chen Jingqiang , Zhuge Hai
Published: April 2020

News image captioning aims to generate captions or descriptions for news images automatically, serving as draft captions for creating news image captions manually. News image captions are different from generic captions as news image captions contain more detailed information such as entity names and events. Therefore, both images on news and the accompanying text are the source of generating caption of news image. Pointer‐generator network is a neural method defined for text summarization. This article proposes the Multimodal pointer‐generation network by incorporating visual information into the original network for news image captioning. The multimodal attention mechanism is proposed by splitting attention into visual attention paid to the image and textual attention paid to the text. The multimodal pointer mechanism is proposed by using both textual attention and visual attention to compute pointer distributions, where visual attention is first transformed into textual attention via the word‐image relationships. The multimodal coverage mechanism is defined to reduce repetitions of attentions or repetitions of pointer distributions. Experiments on theDailyMailtest dataset and the out‐of‐domainBBCtest dataset show that the proposed model outperforms the original pointer‐generator network, the generic image captioning method, the extractive news image captioning method, and theLDA‐based method accordingBLEU,METEOR, andROUGL‐Levaluations. Experiments also show that the proposed multimodal coverage mechanisms can improve the model, and that transforming visual attention to pointer distributions can improve the model.
Control of Intrachain Morphology in the Formation of Polyfluorene Aggregates on the Single‐Molecule Level
Authors: Wilhelm Philipp , Blank Dominik , Lupton John M. , Vogelsang Jan
Published: April 2020

Controlling the morphology of π‐conjugated polymers for organic optoelectronic devices has long been a goal in the field of materials science. Since the morphology of a polymer chain is closely intertwined with its photophysical properties, it is desirable to be able to change the arrangement of the polymers at will. We investigate the π‐conjugated polymer poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorene) (PFO), which can exist in three distinctly different structural phases: the α‐, β‐, and γ‐phase. Every phase has a different chain structure and a unique photoluminescence (PL) spectrum. Due to its unique properties and the pronounced spectral structure‐property relations, PFO can be used as a model system to study the morphology of π‐conjugated polymers. To avoid ensemble averaging, we examine the PL spectrum of single PFO chains embedded in a non‐fluorescent matrix. With single‐molecule spectroscopy the structural phase of every single chain can be determined, and changes can be monitored very easily. To manipulate the morphology, solvent vapor annealing (SVA) was applied, which leads to a diffusion of the polymer chains in the matrix. The β‐ and γ‐phases appear during the self‐assembly of single α‐phase PFO chains into mesoscopic aggregates. The extent of β‐ and γ‐phase formation is directed by the solvent‐swelling protocol used for aggregation. Aggregation unequivocally promotes formation of the more planar β‐ and γ‐phases. Once these lower‐energy more ordered structural phases are formed, SVA cannot return the polymer chain to the less ordered phase by aggregate swelling.
Feasibility of N2 Reduction on the V Anchored 1T−MoS2 Monolayer: A Density Functional Theory Study
Authors: Yang Lei , Chen Fengxiang , Song Erhong , Yuan Zhifei , Xiao Beibei
Published: April 2020

Developing efficient electrocatalysts for nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) at ambient conditions is crucial for NH3 synthesis. In this manuscript, the NRR performance of the transition metal anchored MoS2 monolayer with 1T atomic structure (1T−MoS2) is systematically evaluated by density functional theory computations. Our results reveal that the V decorated 1T−MoS2 exhibits the outstanding catalytic activity toward NRR via distal mechanism where the corresponding onset potential is 0.66 V, being superior to the commercial Ru material. Furthermore, the powerful binding energy between the V atom and the 1T−MoS2 provides the good resistance against clustering of the V dopant, indicating its stability. Overall, this work provides a potential alternative for the application of NH3 synthesis.
Fenoxaprop combined with urea improves photosynthesis, weed control, and yield of potato
Authors: Zhang Jinhua , Yang Wanming , Zhou Zhefeng
Published: April 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of combined application of fenoxaprop (fenoxaprop‐p‐ethyl) and urea on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) photosynthesis, weed control, and yield. The optimal sequence and dosage of the urea and fenoxaprop combination on potato production was investigated using different concentrations of urea (0, 1, 2, 4, and 8 g L−1) and fenoxaprop (0, 1.33, 2.66, 5.32, and 7.98 ml L−1) in a randomized block experiment. Potato plant photosynthesis levels, weed control efficacy, and potato yield were explored through the analysis of chlorophyll content index (CCI), photosynthetic parameters, weed‐related statistics, and polynomial regression. The results showed fenoxaprop stress not only reduced indices such as the CCI and net photosynthetic rate (Pn) but also decreased the activity, maximum photochemical efficiency, and quantum efficiency of Photosystem II, and the photochemical quenching coefficient. Urea at concentrations of 1–4 g L−1 antagonized the toxicity of fenoxaprop, whereas 8‐g L−1 urea aggravated herbicide toxicity. Compared with fenoxaprop treatment alone, the combination of 4‐g L−1 urea and 1.33‐ml L−1 fenoxaprop significantly increased the Pn of potato plants, weed control efficacy, and potato tuber yield by 36.12, 11.35, and 11%, respectively. Furthermore, treatment with urea first, followed by fenoxaprop, displayed greater efficacy in weed control than fenoxaprop followed by urea. Taken together, urea at concentrations of 1–4 g L−1 may alleviate the side effects of fenoxaprop on potato seedlings. Meanwhile, urea treatment (4 g L−1) followed by fenoxaprop (1.33 ml L−1) may be the optimal combination for potato production.
Bulk and Surface Properties Regulation of Single/Double Perovskites to Realize Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Reactivity
Authors: Sun Hainan , Hu Bin , Guan Daqin , Hu Zhiwei , Fei Liangshuang , Li Mengran , Peterson Vanessa K. , Lin Hong‐Ji , Chen Chien‐Te , Ran Ran , Zhou Wei , Shao Zongping
Published: April 2020

Perovskite‐based oxides have emerged as promising oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts. The performance is closely related to the lattice, electronic, and defect structure of the oxides, which determine surface and bulk properties and consequent catalytic activity and durability. Further, interfacial interactions between phases in a nanocomposite may affect bulk transportation and surface adsorption properties in a similar manner to phase doping except without solubility limits. Herein, we report the development of a single/double perovskite nanohybrid with limited surface self‐reconstruction capability as an OER electrocatalyst. Such superior performance arises from a structure that maintains high crystallinity post OER catalysis, in addition to forming an amorphous layer following the self‐reconstruction of a single perovskite structure during the OER process. In situ X‐ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy and high‐resolution synchrotron‐based X‐ray diffraction reveal an amorphization process in the hybrid single/double perovskite oxide system that is limited in comparison to single perovskite amorphization, ensuring high catalytic activity.
Microfilaria in urine cytology: Report of three cases with review of literature
Authors: Sarangi Jayati , Arava Sudheer , Kumar Hemanth
Published: April 2020

Lymphatic filariasis is a major public health problem in the developing countries. In India, around 90% of the cases are attributed to Wuchereria bancrofti species morphologically identified as sheathed parasites with tail tip free of nuclei. Microfilariae have been described in urine specimens from patients with chylous and achylous hematuria as well as in a spectrum of other body fluids. Case reports describe their presence in aspirates from numerous neoplasms. However, their association with urothelial carcinoma in urine sediment has been rather rare with only three cases described previously. We report three cases of filariasis in urine cytology, one of which was associated with atypical urothelial cells. Our aim is to stress on the possibility of concomitant filariasis in body fluids and aspirates with other significant findings, especially in endemic areas. Identification of the same renders complete diagnosis and proper treatment to the patient.
Protect me from my selfie: Examining the association between photo‐based social media behaviors and self‐reported eating disorders in adolescence
Authors: Lonergan Alexandra R. , Bussey Kay , Fardouly Jasmine , Griffiths Scott , Murray Stuart B. , Hay Phillipa , Mond Jonathan , Trompeter Nora , Mitchison Deborah
Published: April 2020

Objective

This study examined whether social media behaviors were associated with higher odds of meeting criteria for an eating disorder and whether gender moderated these relationships.

Method

Australian adolescents (N = 4,209; 53.15% girls) completed the self‐report photo investment and manipulation scales. Additional self‐report items assessed avoidance of posting selfies and investment in others' selfies. Eating disorders were identified by the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire and other self‐report measures aligned with diagnostic and statistical manual for mental disorders‐5 criteria.

Results

A multinomial logistic regression examining the effect of avoidance of posting selfies, photo investment, photo manipulation, and investment in others' selfies on the likelihood of meeting criteria for an eating disorder, compared to no disorder, was significant (χ2[42] = 1,128.93, p < .001). Greater avoidance was associated with higher odds of meeting criteria for all disorders except clinical/subclinical binge‐eating disorder and purging disorder. Increased photo investment was related to greater odds of meeting criteria for all disorders. A similar relationship emerged for photo manipulation, with the exception of clinical/subclinical binge‐eating disorder, and unspecified feeding and eating disorder. Investment in others' selfies was associated with higher odds of meeting criteria for all disorders except clinical/subclinical anorexia nervosa and purging disorder. There was a significant interaction between gender and avoidance (χ2[1] = 5.23, p = .025, OR = 1.74), whereby boys were more likely to meet criteria for clinical/subclinical anorexia nervosa in the context of greater avoidance of posting selfies.

Discussion

Appearance‐related social media behaviors may be indicative of eating disorder risk. Implications for clinicians and advancements for social media screening tools are discussed.
Does rapid utilization of elevated nutrient availability allow eucalypts to dominate in the tropical savannas of Australia?
Authors: Paramjyothi Harinandanan , Murphy Brett P. , Lawes Michael J. , Rossiter‐Rachor Natalie A. , Richards Anna E.
Published: April 2020

Northern Australia's savannas are among the most fire‐prone biomes on Earth and are dominated by eucalypts (Eucalyptus and Corymbia spp.). It is not clear what processes allow this group to dominate under such extreme fire frequencies and whether a superior ability to compete for nutrients and water might play a role. There is evidence that eucalypts are adapted to frequent fires; juvenile eucalypts escape the fire trap by growing rapidly in height between fires. However, non‐eucalypts are less able to escape the fire trap and tend to have stand structures strongly skewed toward suppressed juveniles. The mechanisms that drive these contrasting fire responses are not well understood. Here, we describe the results of a controlled glasshouse seedling experiment that evaluated the relative importance of nutrient and water availability in determining height growth and biomass growth of two eucalypt and one noneucalypt tree species, common in northern Australian savannas. We demonstrate that growth of eucalypt seedlings is particularly responsive to nutrient addition. Eucalypt seedlings are able to rapidly utilize soil nutrients and accumulate biomass at a much greater rate than noneucalypt seedlings. We suggest that a seasonal spike in nutrient availability creates a nutrient‐rich microsite that allows eucalypt seedlings to rapidly gain height and biomass, increasing their likelihood of establishing successfully and reaching a fire‐resistant size. Our results extend our understanding of how eucalypts dominate northern Australian savannas under extremely high fire frequencies.
Cardiac‐peripheral transvenous gradients of microRNA expression in systolic heart failure patients
Authors: Ben‐Zvi Inbar , Volinsky Natalia , Grosman‐Rimon Liza , Haviv Izhak , Rozen Guy , Andria Nizar , Asulin Nofar , Margalit Nufar , Marai Ibrahim , Amir Offer
Published: April 2020

Aims

The aims of the study are to assess the levels of coronary sinus (CS) miRNAs of systolic heart failure (HF) patients in samples obtained during cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device implantation and compare them to the peripheral systemic venous miRNA expression.

Methods and Results

The cardiac specific miRNA levels were assessed in 60 patients, 39 HF patients with reduced ejection fraction and 21 control patients. The levels of four cardiac specified miRNAs (miR‐21‐5p, miR‐92b‐3p, miR‐125b‐5p, and miR‐133a‐3p) were compared between the peripheral samples of HF and controls and between peripheral venous in CS in the HF groups. Compared with controls, HF patients had higher peripheral serum venous levels of miR‐125b‐5p and miR‐133‐3p. In the HF group, the levels of expression were higher for miR‐125b‐5p and lower for miR‐92, and miR‐21‐5p in the CS, compared with the peripheral venous circulation.

Conclusions

The differences in miRNA expressions in CS compared with those in the periphery suggest that changes that may occur at the levels of the myocardial tissue in HF may be more relevant to our understanding of the biological linkage between miRNA expression and HF, than the traditional analysis of systemic serum miRNA expression.
Group 4 Organometallics Supported by Sterically Hindered β‐Diketonates
Authors: Hopkins Emily J. , Krajewski Sebastian M. , Crossman Aaron S. , Maharaj Franklin D. R. , Schwanz Logan T. , Marshak Michael P.
Published: April 2020

The synthesis, characterization, and reactivity of group 4 organometallics supported by β‐diketonates is reported. Sterically hindered β‐diketonates, such as 2,6‐dimesitylbenzoyl pinacolone (L1) and 2,6‐dimesitylbenzoyl acetylmesitylene (L2), preclude the formation of tetrakis‐ and tris‐chelates, halting at cis‐octahedrally coordinated M(Ln)2Cl2 (M = Ti, Zr, Hf; Ln = L1, L2). Metathesis with benzylmagnesium chloride affords M(Ln)2Bn2 (M = Zr, Hf) and the reduced Ti(L1)2Bn(THF) species. These are the first structurally‐characterized metal alkyl complexes exclusively supported by β‐diketonates among the group 4 metals. Thermolysis of Zr(Ln)2Bn2 complexes results in unimolecular migratory insertion reaction, forming an enone by‐product and ZrO2. Combined Eyring analyses and computational investigations suggest the bond rearrangements are initiated by an initial benzyl migration reaction to the less hindered carbonyl group on the ligand. Activation of M(Ln)2Bn2 (M = Zr, Hf) in the presence of olefins resulted in similar oxygen abstraction. Implications and prospects for β‐diketonate‐supported catalysis are discussed.
Constitution and Conductivity of Metalloporphyrin Tapes
Authors: Bengasi Giuseppe , Quétu Louise , Baba Kamal , Ost Alexander , Cosas Fernandes João P. , Grysan Patrick , Heinze Katja , Boscher Nicolas D.
Published: April 2020

Metalloporphyrin tapes form in a solvent‐free oxidative chemical vapor deposition process on glass substrates. The metal center (M = NiII, CuII, ZnII, CoII, PdII, FeIIICl, 2H) in the 5,15‐disubstituted porphyrin monomer affects the initial C–C coupling step and consequently the formation of triply or doubly linked porphyrin tapes as well as the interchain interaction in the tape as shown by optical spectroscopy, high resolution mass spectrometry and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Optical spectroscopy and conductive atomic force microscopy reveal that these factors influence the near‐infrared absorbance and the electrical conductivity of the films. Consequently, the metal ion of the metalloporphyrin allows tuning of the macroscopic properties of the thin films composed of metalloporphyrin tapes.
Self‐Assembly of Simple Corroles, via Hydrogen Bonding and Coordination
Authors: Gross Zeev , Sharma Vinay Kumar , Saltsman Irena , Chen Qiu‐Cheng , Fridman Natalia
Published: April 2020

The unique properties of pyrazole raised the interest of preparing a corrole containing one such moiety on its C10 position. Its single‐crystal X‐ray structure uncovers it to be a dimer wherein the two monomeric units are held together by very strong corrole‐pyrazole NH···N hydrogen bonding interactions that lead to a very well self‐assembled network. The corresponding gallium(III) complex is isolated as a trimer in which all hydrogen bonding interactions are between the pyrazole subunits. In contrast, a tetrameric coordination complex is formed from the gallium(III) complex of a corrole with a pyridyl moiety on C10.
Synthesis of Spirocyclic β‐ and γ‐Sultams by One‐Pot Reductive Cyclization of Cyanoalkylsulfonyl Fluorides
Authors: Stepannikova Kateryna O. , Vashchenko Bohdan V. , Grygorenko Oleksandr O. , Gorichko Marian V. , Cherepakha Artem Yu. , Moroz Yurii S. , Volovenko Yulian M. , Zhersh Serhii
Published: April 2020

One‐pot intramolecular cyclization of novel sp3‐enriched cyanoalkylsulfonyl fluorides into spirocyclic β‐ or γ‐sultams is disclosed. The method relies on nitrile group reduction followed by sulfonylation of amino group thus formed upon mild conditions (NaBH4, NiCl2·6H2O in MeOH). Cyclization proceeds smoothly with considerable efficiency (48–84 %, 10 examples) on up to 30 g scale. The cyanoalkylsulfonyl fluoride intermediates can be obtained via S‐nucleophilic substitution in β‐functionalized alkanenitriles or double alkylation of α‐alkylthioacetonitrile, followed by oxidative chlorination with Cl2 and further reaction with KHF2. The title mono‐ and bifunctional sultams are advanced sp3‐enriched building blocks for drug discovery and organic synthesis providing novel substitution patterns and frameworks mimicking saturated nitrogen heterocycles such as pyrrolidine/pyrrolidone.
Semipinacol Rearrangement Induced by Cleavage of Dibromocyclopropane
Authors: Kurimoto Michitaka , Nakajima Daisuke , Nishiyama Yoshitake , Yokoshima Satoshi
Published: April 2020

A novel semipinacol rearrangement using dibromocyclopropanes as sources of carbocations was developed. Heating dibromocyclopropanes bearing a 1‐hydroxyalkyl group with silver perchlorate and 2,6‐lutidine induced cleavage of the cyclopropane ring to form allyl cations, which underwent 1,2‐shift of a substituent at the α‐position of the hydroxy group to give β,γ‐unsaturated carbonyl compounds having a quaternary carbon at the α‐position. Because the products have convertible functional groups such as bromo, vinyl, and formyl groups, the method is expected to be applicable to the synthesis of various molecules.
Cost‐effective energy harvesting at ultra‐high concentration with duplicated concentrated photovoltaic solar cells
Authors: El‐Gahouchi Mohamed , Aziziyan Mohammad Reza , Arès Richard , Fafard Simon , Boucherif Abderraouf
Published: April 2020

Concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) systems are one of the few technologies that can provide cost reduction while offering efficiency improvement. In this respect, the resistive losses are some of the main limiting factors, which restrict the efficiency improvement and the cost reduction at ultrahigh concentrations (UHCs). In this work, we propose and investigate new designs consisting of duplicated junction solar cells. The approach can resolve the issues related to the resistive losses. Simulation results, based on Shockley‐Queisser limit, demonstrate that the detrimental effects of series resistance losses in the degradation of efficiency at UHC factor can be mitigated with this strategy. The modeled structures are composed of multiple junctions of materials (GaInP, GaAs, and Ge), which are lattice‐matched to Ge or GaAs. These results illustrate the potential of duplicated junction designs for enhancing efficiency of III‐V solar cells under high concentrations, exceeding 1000 suns (under AM1.5D solar spectrum at 300 K). Finally, a relative cost calculation indicates that more than 30% of cost reduction can be achieved using these designs at UHCs.
Nafion‐coated LiNi0.80Co0.15Al0.05O2 (NCA) cathode preparation and its influence on the Li‐ion battery cycle performance
Authors: Yiğitalp Ayça , Taşdemir Adnan , Alkan Gürsel Selmiye , Yürüm Alp
Published: April 2020

One of the main problems of LiNi0.80Co0.15Al0.05O2 (NCA) materials is the side reactions occurring during battery cycling. These side reactions result in capacity fading, which in turn decreases the life span of the battery. Conventionally, for nickel‐rich cathodes, an inorganic layer is used as a protective layer. Applying these layers may require additional complicated steps. To overcome this problem, we focused on coating the NCA electrode with a polymeric ion conductive layer that can easily be applied. For this purpose, using an ion‐conductive polymer is a novel approach. We used Nafion as the protective layer on NCA electrodes. While the Nafion layer can protect the surface against the side reactions, it does not prevent the Li+ ion flow. Following this purpose, we synthesized NCA by a modified co‐precipitation method followed by sintering at 750°C. After the preparation of the NCA cathodes, we coated the surfaces with a more straightforward drip coating. The Nafion‐coated electrodes delivered a superior electrochemical performance with 100% of discharge capacity retention even after 100 cycles at 0.1C. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed that the Nafion coating could effectively prevent passive layer formation, which causes capacity fading.
Simulation of hybrid two‐tank storage concentrated solar plant using supercritical carbon dioxide in TRNSYS
Authors: Ahmad Ali , Abas Naeem , Sarosh Ali , Saleem Muhammad Shoaib
Published: April 2020

To meet heating demand without global warming is a huge target for the energy community these days. To attain this challenge, solar energy harvesting to meet domestic hot water demand is a promising solution. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is becoming ever more significant as heat transporting fluid. Simulation‐based efficiency assessment models are requisite for analogous advances. This research presents a dynamic simulation model of high temperature concentrated solar plant using directly heated molten salt to indirectly power a supercritical CO2 Brayton cycle. Target of the study is to achieve 1 MW generation and simulation work is performed in TRNSYS computer software. The operating conditions for the plant cycle and efficiency for indirectly heated CO2 recompression Brayton cycle are also calculated with the help of engineering equation solver. The system is divided into three major loops: solar thermal heat collection, power generation, and heat recovery. Results have shown overall cycle efficiency up to 40%. During the day hours from 4688 to 4697, receiver provides a constant outlet temperature of 700°C with a fluid inlet flow rate of 15 kg/s and mediating fluid after exchanging heat enters the receiver's end at 524°C. An optimized value of 2.9 is selected as pressure ratio to meet supercritical conditions at the compressor inlet. Output power generated is 3.035 MW with turbine efficiency is 92%. The power calculated for main compressor and recompressor are 0.68 and 0.228 MW, respectively.
Spring‐network model of red blood cell: From membrane mechanics to validation
Authors: Jančigová Iveta , Kovalčíková Kristína , Bohiniková Alžbeta , Cimrák Ivan
Published: April 2020

Red blood cell membrane is highly elastic and proper modeling of this elasticity is essential for biomedical applications that involve computational experiments with blood flow. Inseparable and often some of the most difficult parts of modeling process are verification and validation. In this work, we present a revised model, which uses a spring network to represent the cell membrane immersed in a fluid and has been successfully used in blood flow simulations. We demonstrate the validation steps by first deriving the theoretical relations between the bulk properties of elastic membranes—shear modulus and area compressibility modulus—and parameters of the model that enter the nonlinear stretching and local area conservation computational moduli. We verify the theoretically derived relations using computer simulations of deformable triangular mesh. We calibrate the model by performing a computational version of the optical tweezers experiment. And finally, we validate the modeled cell behavior by investigating the cell rotation frequency when it is subjected to shear flow and cell deformation in narrow channels. The supplementary material contains an extensive dataset that can be used for setting different elastic properties for each cell in simulations of dense suspensions, while still conforming to the biological data. This work contains a complete model development process: From modelling of basic mechanical concepts (the spring network) and advanced biomechanical concepts (such as elasticity of the membrane), through calibration process towards the final stage of model validation.
Novel renal medullary carcinoma cell lines, UOK353 and UOK360, provide preclinical tools to identify new therapeutic treatments
Authors: Wei Darmood , Yang Youfeng , Ricketts Christopher J. , Vocke Cathy D. , Ball Mark W. , Sourbier Carole , Wangsa Darawalee , Wangsa Danny , Guha Rajarshi , Zhang Xiaohu , Wilson Kelli , Chen Lu , Meltzer Paul S. , Ried Thomas , Thomas Craig J. , Merino Maria J. , Linehan W. Marston
Published: April 2020

Renal medullary carcinoma (RMC) is a rare, aggressive disease that predominantly afflicts individuals of African or Mediterranean descent with sickle cell trait. RMC comprises 1% of all renal cell carcinoma diagnoses with a median overall survival of 13 months. Patients are typically young (median age—22) and male (male:female ratio of 2:1) and tumors are characterized by complete loss of expression of the SMARCB1 tumor suppressor protein. Due to the low incidence of RMC and the disease's aggressiveness, treatment decisions are often based on case reports. Thus, it is critical to develop preclinical models of RMC to better understand the pathogenesis of this disease and to identify effective forms of therapy. Two novel cell line models, UOK353 and UOK360, were derived from primary RMCs that both demonstrated the characteristic SMARCB1 loss. Both cell lines overexpressed EZH2 and other members of the polycomb repressive complex and EZH2 inhibition in RMC tumor spheroids resulted in decreased viability. High throughput drug screening of both cell lines revealed several additional candidate compounds, including bortezomib that had both in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity. The activity of bortezomib was shown to be partially dependent on increased oxidative stress as addition of the N‐acetyl cysteine antioxidant reduced the effect on cell proliferation. Combining bortezomib and cisplatin further decreased cell viability both in vitro and in vivo that single agent bortezomib treatment. The UOK353 and UOK360 cell lines represent novel preclinical models for the development of effective forms of therapy for RMC patients.
Analysis of prehistoric brown earth paleosols under the podzol soils of Exmoor, UK
Authors: Carey Christopher , White Hayley , Macphail Richard , Bray Lee , Scaife Rob , Coyle McClung Lisa , Macleod Alison
Published: April 2020

The deforestation of the upland landscapes in southwest Britain during prehistory is an established archaeological narrative, documenting human impacts on the environment and questioning the relationship of prehistoric societies to the upland landscapes they inhabited. Allied to the paleoenvironmental analyses of pollen sequences, which have provided the evidence of this change, there has been some investigation of prehistoric paleosols fossilized under principally Bronze Age archaeological monuments. These analyses identified brown earth soils that were originally associated with temperate deciduous woodland, on occasion showing evidence of human impacts such as tilling. However, the number of analyses of these paleosols has been limited. This study presents the first analysis of a series of pre‐podzol brown earth paleosols on Exmoor, UK, two of which are associated with colluvial soil erosion sediments before the formation of peat. This study indicates these paleosols are spatially extensive and have considerable potential to inform a more nuanced understanding of prehistoric human impacts on the upland environments of the early‐mid Holocene and assess human agency in driving ecosystem change.
Landslide impact on the archaeological site of Mitla, Oaxaca
Authors: Garduño‐Monroy Victor Hugo , Macías José Luis , Morelli Stefano , Figueroa‐Soto Angel , Ruiz‐Figueroa Alejandro , Robles‐Camacho Jasinto , Veronica Pazzi
Published: April 2020

Some large landslide deposits are recognized within and around the Mitla archaeological site, which is located in a very seismically active region cut by the Tehuacan‐Oaxaca fault system. Previous studies have shown that this fault system has produced coseismic ruptures and associated earthquakes in the past. Our work on the Mitla landslide deposits clearly demonstrates that their morphology and nature are typical of dry‐rock avalanches. Thus, collapses of rock already weakened by alteration and/or weathering, and unstably mobilized by intense rainfall, are discarded as possible triggers of the avalanche events. We instead propose that the landslides were triggered by earthquake activity. Moreover, our data indicate that part of the original Mitla settlement lies buried under a large rock‐avalanche deposit produced sometime during the post‐Classic period (900–1520 AD). At that time, the city of Mitla was inhabited by over 10,000 people as estimated from archaeological reconstructions. This devastating landslide almost entirely obliterated Mitla, which at the time of the Spanish arrival still existed as a city, but much reduced in area and populations.
Isotopic chemostratigraphy and biostratigraphy of Lower Cretaceous Alisitos Formation (Punta China section), Baja California, Mexico
Authors: Madhavaraju Jayagopal , Scott Robert W. , Selvaraj Kandasamy , Lee Yong IL , Löser Hannes
Published: April 2020

Nine units of carbonate rocks are recognized, of which the highest five units are examined here under biostratigraphical and chemostratigraphical aspects in order to infer mid‐Cretaceous OAE intervals in Punta China section, Baja California. The biota in Units 5, 6, 7, and 8 show low diversity, while Unit 9 is characterized by a high diversity of microfossils. Benthic foraminiferal assemblage and rudist genera identified in Unit 9 indicate a lower Albian age. Lithofacies and fossil assemblages suggest that the depositional environment was a shallow marine shelf or platform adjacent to caprinid buildups. The limestones of the Alisitos Formation show both negative and positive δ13C values that range between −0.9 and + 7.5‰. Large variations in δ18O values are noticed in the limestone units (−7.9 to −2.2‰). The 87Sr/86Sr ratios of the bulk limestone samples vary between 0.706662 and 0.707305. Most of the limestones have lower 87Sr/86Sr ratios that may be the result of inclusion of less radiogenic strontium from the volcanic rocks. One limestone sample from Unit 7 has a relatively pristine 87Sr/86Sr ratio (0.707305) whose numerical age is 111.61 Ma. The carbon‐isotope curve reveals the presence of two episodes of oceanic anoxic subevents in the studied section. The lower part of Unit 9 has significant negative carbon isotope excursion (CIE) that correlated with the Paquier subevent. Similarly, another negative CIE is also observed in the upper part of Unit 9, which suggests a correlation with Leenhardt subevent.