bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct translation of climbing fiber burst-mediated sensory coding into post-synaptic Purkinje cell dendritic calcium
Authors: Roh Seung-Eon , Kim Seung Ha , Ryu Changhyeon , Kim Chang-Eop , Kim Yong Gyu , Worley Paul F , Kim Sun Kwang , Kim Sang Jeong
Published: September 2020

Climbing fibers (CFs) generate complex spikes (CS) and Ca2+ transients in cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs), serving as instructive signals. The so-called 'all-or-none' character of CSs has been questioned since the CF burst was described. Although recent studies have indicated a sensory-driven enhancement of PC Ca2+ signals, how CF responds to sensory events and contributes to PC dendritic Ca2+ and CS remains unexplored. Here, single or simultaneous Ca2+ imaging of CFs and PCs in awake mice revealed the presynaptic CF Ca2+ amplitude encoded the sensory input’s strength and directly influenced post-synaptic PC dendritic Ca2+ amplitude. The sensory-driven variability in CF Ca2+ amplitude depended on the number of spikes in the CF burst. Finally, the spike number of the CF burst determined the PC Ca2+ influx and CS properties. These results reveal the direct translation of sensory information-coding CF inputs into PC Ca2+, suggesting the sophisticated role of CFs as error signals.
Trastornos linfoproliferativos en una cohorte de pacientes adultos con trasplante hepático atendidos en un hospital de referencia en Bogotá, Colombia
Authors: Jurado Leonardo F. , Gómez-Aldana Andrés , Tapias Mónica , Cáceres Daniela , Vera Alonso , López-Panqueva Rocío del Pilar , Andrade Rafael E.
Published: September 2020

Introducción. Los trastornos linfoproliferativos después de un trasplante se caracterizan por la proliferación descontrolada de linfocitos como consecuencia del tratamiento inmunosupresor posterior a este.Objetivo. Caracterizar clínica y patológicamente los casos de trastornos linfoproliferativos después de trasplante (Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorders, PTLD) en una cohorte de pacientes adultos con trasplante de hígado atendidos a lo largo de 15 años en el Hospital Universitario Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá.Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio observacional retrospectivo a partir de la revisión de las bases de datos de la Unidad de Trasplante Hepático y del Departamento de Patología del Hospital en busca de los casos de PTLD diagnosticados durante el periodo de estudio. Se recolectó la información epidemiológica, clínica y patológica, y se adelantaron los análisis estadísticos.Resultados. Durante el periodo de estudio, hubo 572 pacientes con trasplante de hígado, la incidencia de trastornos linfoproliferativos fue de 2,44 %, el 79 % en hombres, y la edad promedio en el momento del diagnóstico fue de 62,5 años. El 71 % de los casos se presentó durante los primeros 12 meses después del trasplante y el mismo porcentaje fue seropositivo para el virus de Epstein-Barr (EBV). El fenotipo patológico más frecuente fue el monomorfo y la mayoría de los tumores se detectaron en el hilio hepático. La supervivencia al año fue del 50 %.Conclusiones. Llamó la atención el alto porcentaje de casos de presentación temprana, así como la gran frecuencia de seropositividad para el EBV tanto en los donantes como en los receptores. Deben adelantarse estudios más detallados para una mejor comprensión de esta enfermedad en el país. Este es el primer análisis clínico y patológico de PTLD en pacientes con trasplante de hígado adelantado en Colombia hasta la fecha.
Histiocitosis congénita de células de Langerhans
Authors: Barrios Katherine , Patiño Oscar , Muñoz Nelson , Moneriz Carlos
Published: September 2020

La histiocitosis de células de Langerhans es una enfermedad poco frecuente, cuyas manifestaciones clínicas pueden aparecer en el periodo neonatal y varían desde lesiones óseas aisladas hasta un compromiso sistémico.Se describe un caso de histiocitosis de células de Langerhans y se revisa la literatura médica sobre las manifestaciones clínicas, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento. El paciente de un mes de nacido fue llevado a consulta por presentar adenopatías y lesiones en la piel que, inicialmente, fueron tratadas como reacción a una infección. La enfermedad continuó su progresión sin que hubiera mejoría con el tratamiento, hasta que el paciente falleció por falla respiratoria.La biopsia de ganglio linfático y la de piel revelaron infiltración de células atípicas, y la inmunohistoquímica resultó positiva para las proteínas S100, CD1 y CD68, con lo cual se confirmó el diagnóstico de histiocitosis de células de Langerhans.Esta alteración representa un gran desafío clínico, por lo que es importante alertar y sensibilizar al equipo médico para lograr un diagnóstico y un tratamiento más oportunos.
Predicting CoVID-19 community mortality risk using machine learning and development of an online prognostic tool
Authors: Das Ashis Kumar , Mishra Shiba , Saraswathy Gopalan Saji
Published: September 2020

Background

The recent pandemic of CoVID-19 has emerged as a threat to global health security. There are very few prognostic models on CoVID-19 using machine learning.

Objectives

To predict mortality among confirmed CoVID-19 patients in South Korea using machine learning and deploy the best performing algorithm as an open-source online prediction tool for decision-making.

Materials and Methods

Mortality for confirmed CoVID-19 patients (n = 3,524) between January 20, 2020 and May 30, 2020 was predicted using five machine learning algorithms (logistic regression, support vector machine, K nearest neighbor, random forest and gradient boosting). The performance of the algorithms was compared, and the best performing algorithm was deployed as an online prediction tool.

Results

The logistic regression algorithm was the best performer in terms of discrimination (area under ROC curve = 0.830), calibration (Matthews Correlation Coefficient = 0.433; Brier Score = 0.036) and. The best performing algorithm (logistic regression) was deployed as the online CoVID-19 Community Mortality Risk Prediction tool named CoCoMoRP (https://ashis-das.shinyapps.io/CoCoMoRP/).

Conclusions

We describe the development and deployment of an open-source machine learning tool to predict mortality risk among CoVID-19 confirmed patients using publicly available surveillance data. This tool can be utilized by potential stakeholders such as health providers and policymakers to triage patients at the community level in addition to other approaches.
Chemical Profiling of Roasted Mustard Oils of Khokana, Nepal
Authors: Dangol Sabita , Khanal Sumnath , Satyal Prabodh , Adhikari Achyut
Published: September 2020

Background: Khokana, commonly known as “the living museum” of Nepal is famous for “the roasted mustard oil”. People have been using oil for a long time ago and it is trusted that roasted mustard oil has many health benefits. Detail chemical profiling of roasted mustard oil of Khokana has not been reported yet.

Objectives: Detail chemical profiling of roasted mustard oil and chemical variations in different seeds available for roasting.

Methods: Three different roasted mustard oils (Nepali, Indian, and other origins seeds) were taken for chemical profiling of oil. The GC/MS of all samples was analyzed by the gas chromatography-mass spectrometer Shimadzu GCMS-QP2010 Ultra.

Results: The GC/MS of all samples were carried out and the GC-MS analysis revealed that Nepali (brown seed) and other origins (yellow seed) sample showed erucic acid as a major compound with almost 40-50%. Nepali oil showed gamma-tocopherol (<1%) which is a potent antioxidant. Whereas Indian mustard (black seed) oil showed cis-oleic acid as a major compound with 50-60% and Erucic acid was below 1% in Indian seed oil.
Bayesian Approach in Estimation of Shape Parameter of an Exponential Inverse Exponential Distribution
Authors: Sule Bashiru Omeiza , Adegoke Taiwo Mobolaji
Published: September 2020

Aims: This study aimed to obtain the shape parameter of an Exponential Inverted Exponential distribution using different prior distributions under different loss functions.

Methodology: The Bayes’ theorem was adopted to obtain the posterior distribution of the shape parameter of an Exponential inverted Exponential distribution for both non-information prior (such as Jeffreys prior, Hartigen prior and Uniform prior) and an informative prior (such as Gamma distribution and chi-square distribution). Different loss functions (such as Entropy loss function, Square error loss function, Al-Bayyati’s loss function and Precautionary loss function) were employed to obtain the estimate parameter of the shape parameter with an assumption that the scale parameter is known.

Results: The posterior distribution of the shape parameter of an Exponential Inverted Exponential distribution follows a Gamma distribution for all the prior distribution in the study. Also the Bayes estimate for the simulated datasets and real life dataset were obtained.

Conclusion: The Bayes’ estimates for different prior distribution under different loss functions are close to the true parameter value of the shape parameter. The estimators are then compared in terms of their Mean Square Error (MSE) which is computed using R programming language. We deduce that the MSE reduces as the sample size (n) increases.
A New Quantile Estimation Method of Weibull-Rayleigh Distribution
Authors: Ogunsanya A. S. , Akarawak E. E. E. , Yahya W. B.
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we compared different Parameter Estimation method of the two parameter Weibull-Rayleigh Distribution (W-RD) namely; Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE), Least Square Estimation method (LSE) and three methods of Quartile Estimators. Two of the quartile methods have been applied in literature, while the third method (Q1-M) is introduced in this work. The methods have been applied to simulate data. These methods of estimation were compared using Error, Mean Square Error and Total Deviation (TD) which is also known as Sum Absolute Error Estimate (SAEE). The analytical results show that the performances of all the parameter estimation methods were satisfactory with data set of Weibull-Rayleigh distribution while degree of accuracy is determined by the sample size. The proposed quartile (Q1-M) method has the least Total Deviation and MSE. In addition, the quartile methods perform better than MLE for the simulated data. In particular, the proposed quartile methods (Q1-M) have an added advantage of simplicity in usage than MLE methods.
Performance of White Maize under Different Spacing and Integrated Fertilizer Management
Authors: Ahmmed Tahmina , Ullah Md. Jafar , Mannan M. A. , Akter Mst. Shammi
Published: September 2020

An experiment was conducted during December, 2017 to May, 2018 at the Agronomy field of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka to evaluate the performance of white maize variety under different spacing and integrated fertilizer management. The experiment comprised two different factors; (1) two plant spacing viz. S1 (60 cm × 20 cm) and S2 (40 cm × 20 cm) and (2) four levels of integrated fertilizer application viz. T1: All chemical fertilizer (recommended dose), T2: maize straw compost +½ of recommended dose,T3: cowdung+½ of recommended dose and T4: vermicompost +½ of recommended dose. The experiment was set up in split plot design with three replications. Results revealed that both the individual and the interaction treatments had effect on different growth and yield parameters of white maize. In respect of the spacing effect, the wider spacing S1 showed higher plant height, number of leaves plant-1, cob length, cob circumference, number of grains cob-1, shelling percentage, 100 grains weight and harvest index where S2 showed higher grain yield. The integrated fertilizer had significant effect on different growth and yield parameters of white maize. In respect of the integrated fertilizer effect, the highest values in plant height, number of leaves plant-1, leaf area index and crop growth rate, cob length, cob circumference, number of grains cob-1, shelling percentage, 100 grains weight, grain yield, stover yield and biological yield were highest with T3 whereas, the lowest corresponding values were recorded from T2. Among the interaction treatments, higher seed yield was obtained with the interaction treatment S2T3 (10.01 t ha-1) while S1T2 showed significantly the lowest seed yield (5.27 t ha-1). The highest seed yield was mostly attributed to the number of grains per cob (328-433) and 100 seed weights (29.67-33.33 g).
COVID-19 Diagnosis, Treatments and Prevention: A Review
Authors: Chatterjee Soumik , Chatterjee Sabyasachi
Published: September 2020

Novel Coronavirus are very harmful virus. This viruses have positive single stranded RNA genome and enveloped which is called nucleocapsid. The family of this virus is Coronaviridae. This virus originated from species of avian and mammalian. This virus effect on upper respiratory tract in humans. Many species of these novel coronaviruses (HCoVs) are named as HCoV-HKU1, HCoV-NL63. Predominant species of this virus is Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV) across the world.  In both adults and childrens HCoV-HKU1 sp. is causes for chronic pulmonary disease and HCoV-NL63 species causes for upper and lower respiratory tract disease. Most recent species of this virus is MERS-CoV. This species caused for acute pneumonia and occasional renal failure. The new strain of novel Coronavirus is SARS-CoV-2. This strain causes for the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). This disease named by the World Health Organization. Now world fighting against COVID-19 and according to the recent statistics report of world about the COVID-19 cases approx 22.6M confirmed cases and 792K death cases appeared and recovered 14.5M. COVID-19 disease starts to spread from December 2019 from china. Covid-19 disease is emerged in Wuhan seafood market at Wuhan of South China and then rapidly spread throughout the world. The corona virus outbreak has been declared a public health emergency of International concern by World Health Organization (WHO). In this article we summarize the current clinical characteristics of coronavirus and diagnosis, treatments and prevention of COVID-19 disease. In this review article, we analyze data from various Research Reports like WHO guidelines and other articles. It is very important to the readers that new data of COVID-19 updating nearly every hour of day regarding clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment strategies, and outcomes COVID-19 disease. The degree of COVID-19 disease varying throughout the world. COVID-19 affected patient shows various symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, breathlessness, fatigue, and malaise among others. The COVID-19 disease is being treated through general treatment like symptomatic treatment, by using antiviral drugs, oxygen therapy and by the immune system. There is no vaccine or therapeutic strategies for deal with this disease yet. In this critical situation preventive measures must be require.  A very important issue in preventing viral infection is hand hygiene. There are other entities that people can boosting the immune system and help in infection prevention.
Evaluation of Yields of Selected Upland Rice (Oryza sativa L) Varieties in a Humid Environment
Authors: Nwonuala A. I. , Gbaraneh L. D.
Published: September 2020

This study is aimed to evaluate the yield performance of 12 varieties of upland rice and to assess the agronomic traits that contribute to yield performance of these varieties. A 2-year field experiment was conducted in the Teaching and Research Farm of the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The twelve varieties which made up the twelve treatments were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated three times. The experimental site was loamy sand, medium acidic with the soil pH reduced in the second cropping season (pH 4.9 in 2012; and pH 4.8 in 2013). The varieties differed significantly amongst themselves in panicle weight, number of fertile spikelets, grain length/breath ratio, 1000 grain weight in 2012 and 2013 planting and grain yield in 2012 planting season. The ITA 321 had the highest yield of 10300.33 kg/ha in 2012 and 10533.33 kg/ha in 2013 followed by NERICA 1 having 9066.67 kg/ha (2012) and 9133.33 kg/ha (2013). The NERICA 2,3,4,5 and 6 also belonged to the high yielding group while APO, Vandana,  IR68 and ITA 150 recorded lower yields. Results of this evaluation have shown that ITA 321 and NERICA 1 can be grown in the tropical rainforest zone for paddy grain yield rather than ITA 150 which are already in use in this agro-ecological zone. They are recommended also for adoption and use in rice production instead of the popular ITA 150.
Determinants of the Physician Global Assessment of Disease Activity and Influence of Contextual Factors in Early Axial Spondyloarthritis
Authors: Hirano Fumio , Landewé Robert B. M. , van Gaalen Floris A. , van der Heijde Désirée , Gaujoux‐Viala Cécile , Ramiro Sofia
Published: September 2020

Objective

To investigate determinants of the physician global assessment (PhGA) of disease activity and the influence of the contextual factors on this relationship in patients with early axial spondyloarthritis (SpA).

Methods

Five‐year data of DESIR, a cohort of early axial SpA, were analyzed. Univariable generalized estimating equations (GEEs) were used to investigate contributory explanatory effects of various potential determinants of PhGA. Effect modification by contextual factors (age, sex, and educational level) was tested, and if significant, models were stratified. Autoregressive GEE models (i.e., models adjusted for PhGA at the previous time point) were used to confirm a longitudinal relationship.

Results

A total of 708 patients were included. Higher Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index individual questions, swollen joint count in 28 joints (SJC28), tender joint count in 53 joints, Maastricht Ankylosing Spondylitis Enthesitis Score, C‐reactive protein (CRP) level, and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index score were associated with a higher PhGA. Sex and age were effect modifiers of SJC28; the contributory effect of SJC28 was largest in the younger male stratum (β = 1.07 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.71, 1.43]), and the smallest in the older female stratum (β = 0.13 [95% CI 0.04, 0.22]). Autoregressive GEE models revealed the same determinants as having a longitudinal association with PhGA and the same pattern of effect modification.

Conclusion

Patients’ subjective symptoms, peripheral arthritis and enthesitis, higher CRP level, and impaired spinal mobility contribute to explaining PhGA in patients with early axial SpA, irrespective of sex and age. Intriguingly, physicians consider the presence of swollen joints as more important in males than in females.
Multidimensional Health Assessment Questionnaire as an Effective Tool to Screen for Depression in Routine Rheumatology Care
Authors: Morlà Rosa M. , Li Tengfei , Castrejon Isabel , Luta George , Pincus Theodore
Published: September 2020

Objective

To analyze the use of the Multidimensional Health Assessment Questionnaire (MDHAQ) to screen for depression, as compared to 2 reference standards, the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ‐9) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale depression domain (HADS‐D).

Methods

Patients from Barcelona with a primary diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or spondyloarthritis (SpA) completed the MDHAQ, the PHQ‐9 (depression ≥10), and the HADS‐D (depression ≥8) measures. The MDHAQ includes 2 depression items, 1 in the patient‐friendly HAQ, scored in a 4‐point format from 0 to 3.3, and a yes/no item on a 60‐symptom checklist. Percentage agreement and kappa statistics quantified the agreement between 6 screening criteria: yes on the 60‐symptom checklist, a score of ≥1.1, a score of ≥2.2 on a 4‐point scale, and either a response of yes on the 60‐symptom checklist or scores of ≥2.2, PHQ‐9 ≥10, and HADS‐D ≥8.

Results

Depression screening was positive according to 6 criteria in 19.6–32.4% of 102 patients with RA, and 27.9–44.8% of 68 with SpA (total = 170). All MDHAQ scores, including depression items, were higher in patients with SpA compared to patients with RA, and within each diagnostic group in patients who met PHQ‐9 ≥10 and HADS‐D ≥8 depression screening criteria. The highest percentage agreement between an MDHAQ screening criterion versus PHQ‐9 ≥10 was 83.3% for either an answer of yes on the 60‐symptom checklist or a score of ≥2.2 on a 4‐point scale, which we have termed MDHAQ‐Dep. The agreement of MDHAQ‐Dep versus HADS‐D ≥8 was 81.7%, similar to the agreement of PHQ‐9 ≥10 versus HADS‐D ≥8, which was 82.2%. Kappa measures of agreement were 0.63 for MDHAQ‐Dep versus PHQ‐9 ≥10, 0.60 for MDHAQ‐Dep versus HADS‐D ≥8, and 0.62 for PHQ‐9 ≥10 versus HADS‐D ≥8.

Conclusion

A positive MDHAQ‐Dep response (either an answer of yes on a 60‐symptom checklist or a score of ≥2.2 on a 4‐point scale) yielded similar results to PHQ‐9 ≥10 or HADS‐D ≥8 to screen for depression in these RA and SpA patients.
Metabolism Balance Regulation via Antagonist‐Functionalized Injectable Microsphere for Nucleus Pulposus Regeneration
Authors: Xu Yichang , Gu Yong , Cai Feng , Xi Kun , Xin Tianwen , Tang Jincheng , Wu Liang , Wang Zhen , Wang Fei , Deng Lianfu , Pereira Catarina Leite , Sarmento Bruno , Cui Wenguo , Chen Liang
Published: September 2020

Antagonist therapy represents a potential treatment for extracellular matrix (ECM) metabolic imbalance via the specific binding of inflammatory factors resulting from inflammation. However, the short half‐life of antagonist bioactivity creates challenges for their clinical application. Herein, bovine serum albumin nanoparticles (BNP) encapsulating recombinant human soluble tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor type II (rhsTNFRII) are grafted onto microfluidic poly(l‐lactic acid) (PLLA) porous microspheres through chemical bonds, constructing antagonist‐functionalized injectable porous microspheres (MS‐BNP) for in situ injection into the nucleus pulposus (NP), aimed at regulating the metabolic balance of ECM, thus inhibiting intervertebral disc degeneration. Several binding sites within the BNPs improve encapsulation efficiency, promote the sustained release of rhsTNFRII, and regulate ECM metabolism in the NP. Moreover, PLLA porous microspheres display excellent injectability and porosity and demonstrate efficient and uniform loading of nanoparticles through chemical grafting. By delivering MS‐BNP into the NP, a suitable environment is created in situ. Immunohistochemical analysis at 4 and 8 weeks shows that compared with other experimental groups, the expression of TNF‐α is significantly inhibited for 6.11–15.65 folds and 4.59–22.14 folds, respectively, and a significant regeneration in NP occurred. This work proposes a novel porous microsphere therapy functionalized by antagonist molecules for the treatment of ECM metabolic disorders, caused by chronic inflammatory responses.
Redox MXene Artificial Synapse with Bidirectional Plasticity and Hypersensitive Responsibility
Authors: Wei Huanhuan , Yu Haiyang , Gong Jiangdong , Ma Mingxue , Han Hong , Ni Yao , Zhang Shuo , Xu Wentao
Published: September 2020

Artificial synapses are key elements for the nervous system which is an emulation of sensory and motor neuron signal transmission. Here, the design and fabrication of redox‐behavior the metal carbide nanosheets, termed MXene artificial synapse, which uses a highly‐conductive MXene electrode, are reported. Benefiting from the special working mechanism of ion migration with adsorption and insertion, the device achieves world‐record power consumption (460 fW) of two‐terminal synaptic devices, and so far, the bidirectionally functioned synaptic device could effectively respond to ultra‐small stimuli at an amplitude of ±80 mV, even exceeding that of a biological synapse. Potential applications have also been demonstrated, such as dendritic integration and memory enhancement. The special strategy and superior electrical characteristics of the bidirectionally functioned electronic device pave the way to high‐power‐efficiency brain‐inspired electronics and artificial peripheral systems.
Bioinspired Design of Graphene‐Based Materials
Authors: Christian Meganne , Mazzaro Raffaello , Morandi Vittorio
Published: September 2020

It can be difficult to know where to begin when considering the research opportunities of a material with such outstanding potential as graphene. When searching for a “killer application,” the researcher often neglects to query the world around them, forgetting that nature has been evolving for billions of years to elegantly solve every day problems. Bioinspiration is an intelligent strategy to nucleate new ideas and speed up the innovation process by providing ready‐made prototypes. Graphene is uniquely placed to take advantage of this approach thanks to its superlative properties and versatile nature. In this review, the state‐of‐the‐art in the bioinspired design of graphene‐based materials has been analyzed, and three distinct sources of inspiration have been identified: natural functions, such as adhesion and actuation; natural structures, such as layers and pores; and natural processes, such as surface functionalization and biomineralization. Implementing this philosophy into further graphene research will provide new ways to solve problems and suggest novel applications that may not otherwise be considered.
Mimicking the Nitric Oxide‐Releasing and Glycocalyx Functions of Endothelium on Vascular Stent Surfaces
Authors: Lyu Nan , Du Zeyu , Qiu Hua , Gao Peng , Yao Qin , Xiong Kaiqin , Tu Qiufen , Li Xiangyang , Chen Binghai , Wang Miao , Pan Guoqing , Huang Nan , Yang Zhilu
Published: September 2020

Endothelium can secrete vasoactive mediators and produce specific extracellular matrix, which contribute jointly to the thromboresistance and regulation of vascular cell behaviors. From a bionic point of view, introducing endothelium‐like functions onto cardiovascular stents represents the most effective means to improve hemocompatibility and reduce late stent restenosis. However, current surface strategies for vascular stents still have limitations, like the lack of multifunctionality, especially the monotony in endothelial‐mimic functions. Herein, a layer‐by‐layer grafting strategy to create endothelium‐like dual‐functional surface on cardiovascular scaffolds is reported. Typically, a nitric oxide (NO, vasoactive mediator)‐generating compound and an endothelial polysaccharide matrix molecule hyaluronan (HA) are sequentially immobilized on allylamine‐plasma‐deposited stents through aqueous amidation. In this case, the stents could be well‐engineered with dual endothelial functions capable of remote and close‐range regulation of the vascular microenvironment. The synergy of NO and endothelial glycocalyx molecules leads to efficient antithrombosis, smooth muscle cell (SMC) inhibition, and perfect endothelial cell (EC)‐compatibility of the stents in vitro. Moreover, the dual‐functional stents show efficient antithrombogenesis ex vivo, rapid endothelialization, and long‐term prevention of restenosis in vivo. Therefore, this study will provide new solutions for not only multicomponent surface functionalization but also the bioengineering of endothelium‐mimic vascular scaffolds with improved clinical outcomes.
Fully Solution Processed Pure α‐Phase Formamidinium Lead Iodide Perovskite Solar Cells for Scalable Production in Ambient Condition
Authors: Yang Fu , Dong Lirong , Jang Dongju , Tam Kai Cheong , Zhang Kaicheng , Li Ning , Guo Fei , Li Cong , Arrive Charline , Bertrand Mélanie , Brabec Christoph J. , Egelhaaf Hans‐Joachim
Published: September 2020

Manufacturing commercially viable perovskite solar cells still requires appropriate low‐temperature and scalable deposition processes to be developed. While α‐phase FAPbI3 has higher thermal stability and broader absorption than MAPbI3, there still is no report of a pure α‐phase FAPbI3 perovskite film obtained by a scalable printing method. Moreover, spontaneous conversion of the α‐phase to non‐perovskite δ‐phase under ambient conditions poses a serious challenge for practical applications. Herein, a scalable and fully solution based printing method for the fabrication of pure α‐phase FAPbI3 perovskite solar cells is reported. Through adding N‐methyl pyrrolidone and methylammonium chloride to the dimethylformamide based precursor solution to control the crystallization, and vacuum or air‐flow assisted film drying, pure α‐FAPbI3 phase is obtained by doctor blading. The resulting α‐FAPbI3 film is highly stable, with no δ‐FAPbI3 phase being formed even after keeping it in an ambient atmosphere over a period of 200 days without encapsulation. In addition, a fully solution processed PSC with a PCE of 16.1% is processed by the vacuum assisted method, and 17.8% by the air‐flow assisted method. Replacing silver with a printed carbon electrode provides a stable PCE up to 15% for the vacuum assisted and 16.4% for the air‐flow assisted method, which is the highest performance of FAPbI3 solar cells to date. Compared with MAPbI3, the fully printed FAPbI3 perovskite devices exhibit a remarkable thermal stability in humid atmospheres which makes them a promising candidate for scalable production and commercialization.
The Electronic Structure of MAPI‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells: Detailed Band Diagram Determination by Photoemission Spectroscopy Comparing Classical and Inverted Device Stacks
Authors: Hellmann Tim , Das Chittaranjan , Abzieher Tobias , Schwenzer Jonas A. , Wussler Michael , Dachauer Ralph , Paetzold Ulrich W. , Jaegermann Wolfram , Mayer Thomas
Published: September 2020

High power conversion efficiency (PCE) perovskite solar cells (PSCs) rely on optimal alignment of the energy bands between the perovskite absorber and the adjacent charge extraction layers. However, since most of the materials and devices of high performance are prepared by solution‐based techniques, a deposition of films with thicknesses of a few nanometers and therefore a detailed analysis of surface and interface properties remains difficult. To identify the respective photoactive interfaces, photoelectron spectroscopy measurements are performed on device stacks of methylammonium‐lead‐iodide (MAPI)‐based PSCs in classical and inverted architectures in the dark and under illumination at open‐circuit conditions. The analysis shows that vacuum‐deposited MAPI perovskite absorber layers are n‐type, independent of the architecture and of the charge transport layer that it is deposited on (n‐type SnO2 or p‐type NiOx). It is found that the majority of the photovoltage is formed at the n‐MAPI/p‐HEL (hole extraction layer) junction for both architectures, highlighting the importance of this interface for further improvement of the photovoltage and therefore also the PCE. Finally, an experimentally derived band diagram of the completed devices for the dark and the illuminated case is presented.
Reversible (De)Intercalation of Hydrated Zn2+ in Mg2+‐Stabilized V2O5 Nanobelts with High Areal Capacity
Authors: Wang Na , Sun Congli , Liao Xiaobing , Yuan Yifei , Cheng Hongwei , Sun Qiangchao , Wang Bingliang , Pan Xuelei , Zhao Kangning , Xu Qian , Lu Xionggang , Lu Jun
Published: September 2020

The rechargeable aqueous zinc ion battery (ZIB) is regarded as one of the most promising candidates for large‐scale energy storage applications due to its low‐cost and eco‐friendly properties. However, the development of a suitable cathode operating with high areal capacity and uncovering the relevant reaction mechanisms remain challenging. Herein, the application of Mg0.26V2O5·0.73H2O (MVO) nanobelts as a ZIB cathode is demonstrated. In situ FT‐IR reveals the shift of OH stretching from 3350 cm−1 to 3200 cm−1, corresponding to the hydration shell of Zn2+, while in situ Raman suggests the interlayer charges creening effect, which would boost the intercalation of hydrated Zn2+. Density function theory reveals that the hydrated Zn2+ can lower the Coulombic repulsion at the electrode‐electrolyte interface and circumvents the desolvation penalty of hydrated Zn2+ during the (de)intercalation process. Additionally, excellent structure stability and large interlayer spacing guarantee the highly reversible (de)intercalation of hydrated Zn2+. Therefore, the MVO nanobelts exhibit a high areal capacity of 2.12 mAh cm−2 at 0.05 A g−1, outstanding cycling stability of 2500 cycles at 10 A g−1 with a mass loading of 5 mg cm−2. It is believed that the use of hydrated intercalation charge carriers will boost further studies in other multivalent rechargeable batteries.
Boosting the Optimization of Lithium Metal Batteries by Molecular Dynamics Simulations: A Perspective
Authors: Sun Yawen , Yang Tingzhou , Ji Haoqing , Zhou Jinqiu , Wang Zhenkang , Qian Tao , Yan Chenglin
Published: September 2020

The Li metal battery is attracting more and more attention in the field of electric vehicles because of its high theoretical capacity and low electrochemical potential. But its inherent disadvantages including uncontrolled lithium dendrites, high chemical activity, and large volume changes hold back the large‐scale application of stable Li metal anodes. Recently, various computational studies have been used to facilitate the rationalization of experimental observed phenomenon. In this review, the progress of molecular dynamics simulations in Li metal batteries is highlighted. Molecular dynamics simulations can predict how selected atoms in different systems of Li metal battery will move over time based on a general model of the physics governing interatomic interactions. The analysis of the transport structure of Li ions, the electrochemical process at electronic, atomic, or molecular level, the Li+ transport mechanism, and the Li deposition behavior are described in detail. Some suggestions are also made about the further potential of molecular dynamics simulations do in Li metal batteries are also made.
Macroscopic Displacement Reaction of Copper Sulfide in Lithium Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: Santhosha Aggunda L. , Nazer Nazia , Koerver Raimund , Randau Simon , Richter Felix H. , Weber Dominik A. , Kulisch Joern , Adermann Torben , Janek Jürgen , Adelhelm Philipp
Published: September 2020

Copper sulfide (CuS) is an attractive electrode material for batteries, thanks to its intrinsic mixed conductivity, ductility and high theoretical specific capacity of 560 mAh g−1. Here, CuS is studied as cathode material in lithium solid‐state batteries with an areal loading of 8.9 mg cm−2 that theoretically corresponds to 4.9 mAh cm−2. The configuration of the cell is LiLi3PS4[CuS (70 wt%) + Li3PS4 (30 wt%)]. No conductive additive is used. CuS undergoes a displacement reaction with lithium, leading to macroscopic phase separation between the discharge products Cu and Li2S. In particular, Cu forms a network of micrometer‐sized, well‐crystallized particles that seems to percolate through the electrode. The formed copper is visible to the naked eye. The initial specific discharge capacity at 0.1 C is 498 mAh g(CuS)−1, i.e., 84% of its theoretical value. The initial Coulomb efficiency (ICE) reaches 95%, which is higher compared to standard carbonate‐based liquid electrolytes for the same cell chemistry (≈70%). After 100 cycles, the specific capacity reaches 310 mAh g(CuS)−1. With the current composition, the cell provides 58.2 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 7 W kg−1, which is superior compared to other transition metal sulfide cathodes.
Challenges in Recruiting U.S. Farmers for Policy‐Relevant Economic Field Experiments
Authors: Weigel Collin , Paul Laura A. , Ferraro Paul J. , Messer Kent D.
Published: September 2020

To develop evidence‐based agricultural policies, researchers increasingly use insights from economic field experiments. These insights are often limited by the challenges of recruiting large and representative samples of farmers. To improve the effectiveness and cost efficiency of farmer recruitment, researchers should apply the same experimental methods to the recruitment process that they apply to their main research questions. Here we experimentally evaluate ten recruiting strategies in two large‐scale, high stakes experiments. We find that monetary incentives and reminders are effective, but costly. Costless strategies, such as prominently citing a well‐known institution as the sponsor, had positive but small, effects on recruitment.
Effect of highly effective modulator therapy on quality of life in adults with cystic fibrosis
Authors: DiMango Emily , Spielman Daniel B. , Overdevest Jonathan , Keating Claire , Francis Sarah Fracasso , Dansky David , Gudis David A.
Published: September 2020

Background

Elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor is a highly effective modulator that improves function of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein, resulting in improved pulmonary function in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). We hypothesize that improvements in lung function are associated with improvements in health‐related quality of life and sinonasal health. The aim of this study is to measure the effect of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor on patient‐reported sinonasal and overall quality of life, and to determine the relationship between changes in these 2 outcome measures.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted at an accredited adult CF care center. Participants completed the 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) and the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire–Revised (CFQ‐R), a validated patient‐reported outcome metric for CF patients, at baseline and at 3 months after initiation of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor.

Results

Forty‐three individuals completed the study. There was significant improvement in nearly all domains of the SNOT‐22 and CFQ‐R after 3 months of therapy. SNOT‐22 improved from 34.8 to 24.4 (p = 0.000003). Mean baseline FEV‐1 improved from 65% to 76% predicted (p = 0.0000005). The greatest effect was seen in those participants previously taking modulator therapy. Linear regression between the change in SNOT‐22 individual domains and the CFQ‐R respiratory domain revealed the strongest correlation between the extranasal domain score and the respiratory domain of the CFQ‐R (R2 = 0.24).

Conclusion

CF patients taking elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor experience a significant improvement in both sinonasal and health‐related quality of life.
Plasticization of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) with triethyl citrate: Thermal and mechanical properties, morphology, and kinetics of crystallization
Authors: Umemura Rodrigo T. , Felisberti Maria Isabel
Published: September 2020

Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), is one important biopolymer and a promising alternative to petroleum‐based plastics. In this article, formulations of PHB and triethyl citrate (TEC) as plasticizer were prepared by melt extrusion. The effect of TEC on the mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of PHB was investigated by tensile tests, impact resistance, dynamic‐mechanical analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, polarized optical microscopy, and small‐ and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering. TEC acted as an efficient plasticizer for PHB, imparting gradual changes in the properties as the mass fraction of TEC increased. A reduction in the elastic modulus, an increase in the intensity of β relaxation indicated a higher capacity of mechanical energy dissipation for the formulations containing higher mass fractions of TEC. TEC reduced its glass transition and melting temperatures, contributing to the increase of the processing window of the temperature and minimizing thermal degradation of PHB. TEC had a strong influence on the kinetics of crystallization, the morphology of the spherulites, and the crystalline structural parameters, such as long period, crystalline lamella, and interlamellar amorphous region thicknesses. Our study clarifies how the morphology of the PHB crystalline phase evolves in the presence of the plasticizer and with the time of crystallization.
Sequential detection of parameter changes in dynamic conditional correlation models
Authors: Pape Katharina , Galeano Pedro , Wied Dominik
Published: September 2020

A multivariate monitoring procedure is presented to detect changes in the parameter vector of the dynamic conditional correlation model. The procedure can be used to detect changes in both the conditional and unconditional variances as well as in the correlation structure of the model. The detector is based on the contributions of individual observations to the gradient of the quasi‐log‐likelihood function. More precisely, standardized derivatives of quasi‐log‐likelihood contributions at time points in the monitoring period are evaluated at parameter estimates calculated from a historical period. The null hypothesis of a constant parameter vector is rejected if these standardized terms differ too much from zero. Critical values are obtained via a parametric bootstrap‐type procedure. Size and power properties of the procedure are examined in a simulation study. Finally, the behavior of the proposed monitoring scheme is illustrated with a group of asset returns.
Metabolomics and correlation network analysis of follicular fluid reveals associations between l‐tryptophan, l‐tyrosine and polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Hou Entai , Zhao Yue , Hang Jing , Qiao Jie
Published: September 2020

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine and metabolic disorder in women of reproductive age. Some studies have investigated metabolic alterations in plasma and follicular fluid from PCOS patients, but they did not control for obesity or insulin resistance (IR); additionally, correlation analysis of metabolites is sparse. Accordingly, in this study, we aimed to examine metabolic differences owing to the pathogenesis of PCOS, identify the hub metabolites and investigate its associations with androgens. We applied GC–MS platform coupled with a correlation network approach to analyze follicular fluid samples from 32 PCOS patients without obesity and IR and 31 healthy women. Thirty significantly altered metabolites in PCOS patients were enriched in amino acid metabolism. l‐Phenylalanine, l‐tryptophan, pyroglutamic acid, l‐tyrosine, l‐leucine and l‐valine were screened as hub metabolites in metabolic correlation network. Among them, increased l‐tryptophan and l‐tyrosine were altered hub metabolites, and they had a more significant impact on the metabolic change of PCOS. In addition, l‐tryptophan and l‐tyrosine were significantly positively associated with serum androgens levels in the PCOS. Our results suggest that disorders of amino acid metabolism, especially tryptophan and tyrosine metabolism, might play an important role in the development of PCOS in predisposed women without obesity and IR.
Long noncoding RNA TCONS_00026334 is involved in suppressing the progression of colorectal cancer by regulating miR‑548n/TP53INP1 signaling pathway
Authors: Zhu Mingming , Luo Yang , Xu Antao , Xu Xitao , Zhong Ming , Ran Zhihua
Published: September 2020

Recently, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) were recognized as significant therapeutic targets in tumors. Our previous microarray analysis showed that lncRNA TCONS_000026334 expression was reduced in metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues. The objective of this study was to research the biological functions of TCONS_000026334 and the potential mechanism during the development of CRC. TCONS_00026334 transcription levels were detected in CRC tissues from 86 patients and different CRC cell lines. The clinical prognosis factors related to TCONS_00026334 expression were then analyzed. TCONS_000026334 was overexpressed from plasmid pcDNA3.1‐TCONS_ 000026334 or knocked down using a small interfering RNA (siRNA). Furthermore, bioinformatics approach and luciferase reporter gene assays were utilized to search for candidate miRNAs of TCONS_00026334 and identify the downstream target genes. The results indicated that TCONS_00026334 expression in 86 CRC tissues was markedly lower than that in non‐cancerous tissues. The aberrant expression of TCONS_00026334 correlated negatively with larger tumor size, distant metastasis, serological carcinoembryonic antigen level, and unfavorable survival of patients with CRC. TCONS_00026334 overexpression could inhibit the aggressive phenotypes of CRC in vitro and in vivo. Conversely, TCONS_00026334 silencing accelerated CRC cell proliferation and invasion. We then verified that TCONS_00026334 upregulated the expression level of TP53INP1, a target gene of miR‐548n, via direct binding to miR‐548n as a competing endogenous RNA. Taken together, our study showed that TCONS_00026334 acts as an anti‐tumor and anti‐metastatic gene by regulating the miR548n/TP53INP1 axis in the development of CRC.
Expectations of Career Counseling and Their Effect on Client Satisfaction
Authors: Chiesa Rita , Petruzziello Gerardo , Mariani Marco Giovanni , Guglielmi Dina
Published: September 2020

Although there has been growing attention to clients' expectations of career counseling, more research is necessary to clarify the role of these expectations in shaping client satisfaction at the end of the intervention. On the basis of expectation confirmation theory, this study examined the indirect effect of clients' initial expectations on overall satisfaction through the perceived performance and final confirmation of expectations. We also explored whether this indirect effect is dependent on counselors' initial expectations. Longitudinal data were collected on 83 counselor‐client dyads involved in a career counseling intervention in northeast Italy. Results confirmed that clients' initial expectations predicted overall satisfaction with the intervention through the subsequent mediation of perceived performance and confirmation of clients' expectations. The moderating role of the counselors' initial expectations was not confirmed. These findings imply that career counselors should invest their efforts in managing clients' expectations.
Mining the past to treat the present, ever mindful of the future: Low‐dose radiotherapy and COVID‐19 pneumonia
Authors: Skinner Heath D.
Published: September 2020

This editorial discusses an interim analysis of the clinical trial by Hess et al. The trial examines the use of low‐dose radiotherapy in the treatment of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pneumonia.
Cancer patients' experiences with medicinal cannabis–related care
Authors: Braun Ilana M. , Nayak Manan M. , Revette Anna , Wright Alexi A. , Chai Peter R. , Yusufov Miryam , Pirl William F. , Tulsky James A.
Published: September 2020

Background

Little is known about medical cannabis (MC)–related care for patients with cancer using MC.

Methods

Semistructured telephone interviews were conducted in a convenience sample of individuals (n = 24) with physician‐confirmed oncologic diagnoses and state/district authorization to use MC (Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Oregon, New York, and Washington, DC) from April 2017 to March 2019. Standard qualitative techniques were used to assess the degree of MC‐related health care oversight, MC practices, and key information sources.

Results

Among 24 participants (median age, 57 years; range, 30‐71 years; 16 women [67%]), MC certifications were typically issued by a professional new to a patient's care after a brief, perfunctory consultation. Patients disclosed MCuse to their established medical teams but received little medical advice about whether and how to use MC. Patients with cancer used MC products as multipurpose symptom management and as cancer‐directed therapy, sometimes in lieu of standard‐of‐care treatments. Personal experimentation, including methodical self‐monitoring, was an important source of MC know‐how. Absent formal advice from medical professionals, patients relied on nonmedical sources for MC information.

Conclusions

Patients with cancer used MC with minimal medical oversight. Most received MC certifications through brief meetings with unfamiliar professionals. Participants desired but were often unable to access high‐quality clinical information about MC from their established medical teams. Because many patients are committed to using MC, a product sustained by a growing industry, medical providers should familiarize themselves with the existing data for MM and its limitations to address a poorly met clinical need.