bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The V‐Y advancement flap based on the dorsal carpal perforators for dorsal metacarpal reconstruction: Anatomical and clinical study
Authors: Hu Deqing , Chen Peng , Zhang Fei , Lin Haiqing , Zheng Heping , Zhou Xiao
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Soft‐tissue defects on the dorsal hand accompanied by exposed bone and tendon remain a challenge for plastic surgeons. The purpose of this study was to observe the morphological characteristics of the dorsal carpal perforators in the wrist and to design a V‐Y advancement flap based on the dorsal carpal perforators.

Materials and Methods

Thirty cadaveric hand specimens were dissected to observe the origin, course, branches, and anastomoses of the dorsal carpal perforators, and a V‐Y advancement flap was designed based on these perforators. Clinically, nine cases of dorsal hand defects were reconstructed with this flap.

Results

The dorsal carpal vascular network was formed by vascular anastomoses along the dorsal carpal branch of the radial artery, dorsal carpal branch of the anterior interosseous artery, ascending branch of the dorsal carpal perforator from the deep palmar arch, direct branch of the radial artery, dorsal carpal branch of the ulnar artery, posterior interosseous artery, and deep palmar branch of the ulnar artery; this network could be divided into a deep vascular network and superficial vascular network according to the anatomical plane. Among the perforators, the third and fourth perforators that pierce out bilaterally from the tendon of the extensor digitorium had a consistent occurrence rate (100%) with an outer diameter of 0.7 ± 0.3 mm and 0.6 ± 0.2 mm, respectively, and thus could be chosen as the vascular pedicle. In clinical applications, all flaps survived completely with excellent color and texture, a satisfactory appearance, and normal movement of the wrist joint.

Conclusions

A V‐Y advancement flap based on the dorsal carpal perforators can become a useful choice for the repair of dorsal metacarpal defects caused by trauma or dorsal metacarpal arterial flaps.
Biometry of thenar muscle origins on the flexor retinaculum
Authors: Loss Jeremy , Li Zong‐Ming
Published: January 2020

The transverse carpal ligament (TCL), the main part of the flexor retinaculum, serves as an anchor for the thenar muscles: abductor pollicis brevis (APB), superficial head of the flexor pollicis brevis (sFPB), and opponens pollicis (OPP). Biomechanically, the thenar muscles rely on their TCL anchoring to transmit muscle contractions distally for thumb force and motion production, and reciprocally, muscle contraction interacts with the TCL at the proximal end through the origins. However, scarce knowledge exists regarding the distribution pattern of the thenar muscle origins. The purpose of this study was to understand the anatomical interface between the thenar muscles and TCL by examining the origin distributions of the individual muscles. Ten cadaveric specimens were dissected for digitization of the muscle origins and TCL volar surface. Digitized data were used for mesh reconstruction and calculation of surface areas and centroids. The origin areas for APB, sFPB, and OPP were 105.8 ± 30.3, 64.6 ± 15.2, and 245.9 ± 70.7 mm2, respectively. The surface area of the TCL was 386.2 ± 86.9 mm2. The origin areas of APB and OPP on the TCL were comparable, 18.4 ± 4.8% and 17.3 ± 9.6% of the TCL area, respectively. The origin locations for APB, sFPB, and OPP were in proximal‐radial quadrant of the TCL, on distal aponeurosis outside the TCL, and around the ridge of trapezium, respectively. The knowledge of the anatomical interface provides a foundation for the understanding of biomechanical interactions between the muscles and ligaments and pathomechanical implications.
One‐year clinical outcome of biodegradable polymer sirolimus‐eluting stent in diabetic patients: Insight from the ULISSE registry (ULtimaster Italian multicenter all comerS Stent rEgistry)
Authors: Beneduce Alessandro , Ferrante Giuseppe , Ielasi Alfonso , Pivato Carlo A. , Chiarito Mauro , Cappelletti Alberto , Baldetti Luca , Magni Valeria , Prati Eugenio , Falcone Stefania , Pierri Adele , De Martini Stefano , Montorfano Matteo , Parisi Rosario , Rutigliano David , Locuratolo Nicola , Anzuini Angelo , Tespili Maurizio , Margonato Alberto , Benassi Alberto , Briguori Carlo , Reimers Bernhard , Fabbiocchi Franco , Bartorelli Antonio , Colombo Antonio , Godino Cosmo
Published: January 2020

Background

The ULISSE registry evaluated the real‐world performance of the Ultimaster® biodegradable polymer sirolimus‐eluting stent (BP‐SES) in a multicenter‐independent cohort of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, including a large proportion of diabetes mellitus (DM) patients.

Methods

In this subgroup analysis, 1,660 consecutive patients, 2,422 lesions, treated with BP‐SES enrolled in the ULISSE registry were divided in two groups: DM (485 patients, 728 lesions) and non‐DM (1,175 patients, 1,694 lesions). Primary endpoint was target lesion failure (TLF), a composite endpoint of cardiac‐death, target‐vessel myocardial infarction (TV‐MI), and clinically driven target lesion revascularization (TLR) at 1‐year. Secondary endpoint was TLR at 1‐year.

Results

At 1‐year follow‐up TLF occurred in 5% overall patients and was significantly higher in DM patients (8 vs. 3.7%; p = .001), due to more cardiac deaths (3.4 vs. 1.1%; p = .002). TLR occurred in 3.2% overall patients, and it was not significantly higher in DM compared to non‐DM patients (4.4 vs. 2.8%; p = .114). The incidence of stent thrombosis was low and similar between groups (0.4 vs. 0.9%; p = .526). Insulin‐treated DM (ITDM) patients showed higher rate of TLF as compared to non‐ITDM patients (13 vs. 6.5%; p = .041), but similar rate of TLR (6 vs. 4%; p = .405). After adjustment for relevant comorbidities, DM was not significantly associated with TLF or cardiac death in patients undergoing BP‐SES implantation.

Conclusions

This study is the first all‐comers evaluation of BP‐SES in DM patients. Our findings show that DM patients, mostly those with ITDM, still represent a vulnerable population and experience significantly higher rate of TLF. Overall BP‐SES efficacy is considerable, although not statistically significant higher rate of TLR is still present in DM compared to non‐DM patients.
Heterostructured Hybrid rGO@α‐MnO2/rGO@δ‐MnO2 Nanoflower: An Efficient Catalyst for Aerobic Solvent‐Free N‐Alkylation Reactions and Energy Storage Material
Authors: Chaudhuri Haribandhu , Karak Niranjan
Published: January 2020

A new reduced graphene oxide (rGO) based bi‐phasic crystal of MnO2, namely α‐MnO2 nanorods and δ‐MnO2 nanoflakes containing heterostructured hybrid nanoflower rGO@α‐MnO2/rGO@δ‐MnO2 has been fabricated through a facile hydrothermal method followed by annealing treatment. The successful synthesis of the hybrid material was studied by XRD, Raman, BET, FESEM with EDX, FTIR and TEM analyses. An efficient N‐alkylation reaction of substituted aromatic amines with aromatic alcohols was carried out under solvent‐free aerobic conditions in the presence of catalytic amount of rGO@α‐MnO2/rGO@δ‐MnO2. The catalyst shows excellent activity in terms of high yields (up to 98 %), short reaction time (10 h) along with a simple work‐up process. The spent material can be regenerated several times without causing any serious decrease in catalytic activity. Moreover, cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge‐discharge (GCD), and cyclic stability techniques were executed to evaluate the performances of rGO@α‐MnO2, rGO@δ‐MnO2, and rGO@α‐MnO2/rGO@δ‐MnO2 as energy storage materials. Among all those materials, rGO@α‐MnO2/rGO@δ‐MnO2 exhibited a proficient specific capacitance, CS (267 F/g at 1 A/g) along with excellent cycling ability (∼83 % retention up to 10000 cycles). The superb electrochemical performance of rGO@α‐MnO2/rGO@δ‐MnO2 might be ascribed to the combination of bi‐phasic α‐MnO2 and δ‐MnO2 with rGO sheets, resulting in a flower‐like structure.
Thermochromie und die Funktionsweise von Thermopapier
Authors: Jonas Albert , Rubner Isabel , Oetken Marco
Published: January 2020

Thermopapiere werden zum schnellen Ausdruck von Belegen eingesetzt. Sie enthalten ein thermochromes Dreikomponentengemisch aus Leukofarbstoff und einem sauren phenolischen Entwickler, eingearbeitet in einen langkettigen Alkohol, das Solvens. Der Entwickler ist wegen der Verkapselung des Leukofarbstoffs im Solvens nicht in der Lage, diesen zu protonieren und damit in seine farbige Form überzuführen. Erst durch Einwirkung von Hitze schmilzt das Solvens, wodurch die Farbreaktion des Entwicklers mit dem Leukofarbstoff ermöglicht wird. In diesem Beitrag werden thermochrome Dreikomponentengemische aus Kristallviolettlacton (CVL) als Leukofarbstoff, Alkylgallat als Entwickler und 1‐Tetradecanol als Solvens vorgestellt, die sich sehr gut dazu eignen, den Einfluss der Löslichkeit vom Entwickler im Solvens in Abhängigkeit der Alkylkettenlängendifferenz ihrer Moleküle auf das thermochrome Verhalten experimentell zu zeigen. Auch der Einfluss hoher bzw. geringer Solvensanteile auf den Farbkontrast wird deutlich. Wir untersuchen, weshalb heißes Wasser Thermopapier schwarz färbt, heißes Öl hingegen keine Farbreaktion auslöst, womit die Thematik um thermochrome Gemische für die Schule in einen interessanten Kontext mit starkem Alltagsbezug gesetzt wird.
Eine Heizdecke für Pilze
Authors: Tetsch Larissa
Published: January 2020

Dunkle Farben absorbieren mehr Sonnenstrahlung als helle. Das nutzen viele wechselwarme Tiere, um sich schneller aufzuwärmen. Pilze scheinen da keine Ausnahme zu sein. Je kälter die Gegend, desto mehr Melanin bilden sie in ihren Fruchtkörpern und erhöhen so ihren Fortpflanzungserfolg.
Determination of Space‐Time Structures from Gravitational Perturbations
Authors: Uhlmann Gunther , Wang Yiran
Published: January 2020

We study inverse problems for the Einstein equations with source fields in a general form. Under a microlocal linearization stability condition, we show that by generating small gravitational perturbations and measuring the responses near a freely falling observer, one can uniquely determine the background Lorentzian metric up to isometries in a region where the gravitational perturbations can travel to and return. We apply the result to two concrete examples when the source fields are scalar fields (i.e., Einstein–scalar field equations) and electromagnetic fields (i.e., Einstein‐Maxwell equations). © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Parallel extraction of Regions‐of‐Interest from social media data
Authors: Belcastro Loris , Kechadi M. Tahar , Marozzo Fabrizio , Pastore Luca , Talia Domenico , Trunfio Paolo
Published: January 2020

Geotagged data gathered from social media can be used to discover places‐of‐interest (PoIs) that have attracted many visitors. Since a PoI is generally identified by geographical coordinates of a single point, it is hard to match it with people trajectories. Therefore, we define an area, called region‐of‐interest (RoI), represented by the boundaries of a PoI. The main goal of this study is to discover RoIs from PoIs using spatial data mining techniques. In this paper, we propose a new parallel method for extracting RoIs from social media datasets. It consists of two main steps: (i) automatic keyword extraction and data grouping and (ii) parallel RoI extraction. The first step extracts keywords identifying the PoIs; these keywords are used to group social media items according to the places they refer to. The second step uses a Parallel Clustering Approach (ParCA) of spatial dataset to identify RoIs. ParCA exploits a parallel execution of DBSCAN on subsets of data to generate subclusters on each processing node and then merge overlapping subclusters to form global clusters. ParCA was implemented using the MapReduce model. Experiments performed over a set of PoIs in the city of Rome using social media data show that our approach is highly scalable and reaches an accuracy of 79% in detecting RoIs. On a parallel computer with 50 cores, we obtained a speedup of 52 by processing large datasets divided into 32 splits, compared with the execution time registered when each dataset is not partitioned.
N‐Doped Graphene Supported on Metal‐Iron Carbide as a Catalyst for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction: Density Functional Theory Study
Authors: Patniboon Tipaporn , Hansen Heine Anton
Published: January 2020

The development of an efficient electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is essential for the commercialization of fuel‐cell technologies. Iron carbide encapsulated in N‐doped graphene (NG/Fe3C) has been recognized recently as a promising ORR catalyst. In this study, the stability and catalytic activity of N‐doped graphene supported on metal–iron carbide (NG/M_Fe3C) toward the ORR are investigated by using DFT calculations. The NG/M_Fe3C heterostructure is modeled by substituting Fe atoms in the Fe3C substrate near the NG/Fe3C interface by metal atoms M (M=Cr–Mn, Co–Zn, Nb–Mo, Ta–W). The calculations show that the introduction of the metal atoms M alters the work function of the overlayer N‐doped graphene, which is found to correlate with the binding strength of the ORR intermediates. The introduction of Ni or Co atoms at the interface improves the ORR activity of the NG/Fe3C and stabilizes the heterostructure. The ORR activity increases as the concentration of Ni or Co atoms near the interface increases, and the stable heterostructure is available in a wide range of substituted concentrations. These results suggest approaches to improve the ORR activity of NG/Fe3C catalysts.
Is cannabidiol a drug acting on unconventional targets to control drug‐resistant epilepsy?
Authors: Rocha Luisa , Frías‐Soria Christian Lizette , Ortiz José G. , Auzmendi Jerónimo , Lazarowski Alberto
Published: January 2020

Cannabis has been considered as a therapeutic strategy to control intractable epilepsy. Several cannabis components, especially cannabidiol (CBD), induce antiseizure effects. However, additional information is necessary to identify the types of epilepsies that can be controlled by these components and the mechanisms involved in these effects. This review presents a summary of the discussion carried out during the 2nd Latin American Workshop on Neurobiology of Epilepsy entitled “Cannabinoid and epilepsy: myths and realities.” This event was carried out during the 10th Latin American Epilepsy Congress in San José de Costa Rica (September 28, 2018). The review focuses to discuss the use of CBD as a new therapeutic strategy to control drug‐resistant epilepsy. It also indicates the necessity to consider the evaluation of unconventional targets such as P‐glycoprotein, to explain the effects of CBD in drug‐resistant epilepsy.
2‐arachidonoylglycerol reduces chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan production by astrocytes and enhances oligodendrocyte differentiation under inhibitory conditions
Authors: Feliu Ana , Mestre Leyre , Carrillo‐Salinas Francisco J. , Yong V. Wee , Mecha Miriam , Guaza Carmen
Published: January 2020

The failure to remyelinate and regenerate is a critical impediment to recovery in multiple sclerosis (MS), resulting in severe dysfunction and disability. The chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) that accumulate in MS lesions are thought to be linked to the failure to regenerate, impeding oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) differentiation and neuronal growth. The potential of endocannabinoids to influence MS progression may reflect their capacity to enhance repair processes. Here, we investigated how 2‐arachidonoylglycerol (2‐AG) may affect the production of the CSPGs neurocan and brevican by astrocytes in culture. In addition, we studied whether 2‐AG promotes oligodendrocyte differentiation under inhibitory conditions in vitro. Following treatment with 2‐AG or by enhancing its endogenous tone through the use of inhibitors of its hydrolytic enzymes, CSPG production by rat and human TGF‐β1 stimulated astrocytes was reduced. These effects of 2‐AG might reflect its influence on TGF‐β1/SMAD pathway, signaling that is involved in CSPG upregulation. The matrix generated from 2‐AG‐treated astrocytes is less inhibitory to oligodendrocyte differentiation and significantly, 2‐AG administration directly promotes the differentiation of rat and human oligodendrocytes cultured under inhibitory conditions. Overall, the data obtained favor targeting the endocannabinoid system to neutralize CSPG accumulation and to enhance oligodendrocyte differentiation.
Mild cognitive impairment, psychiatric symptoms, and executive functioning in patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Petkus Andrew J. , Filoteo J. Vincent , Schiehser Dawn M. , Gomez Megan E. , Hui Jennifer S. , Jarrahi Behnaz , McEwen Sarah , Jakowec Michael W. , Petzinger Giselle M.
Published: January 2020

Objective

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and psychiatric symptoms (anxiety, depression, and apathy) are common in Parkinson's disease (PD). While studies have supported the association between psychiatric symptoms and cognitive performance in PD, it is unclear if the magnitude of link between psychiatric symptoms and cognitive health is stronger by MCI status. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between cognitive performance and psychiatric symptoms in PD and whether MCI status moderates this association.

Methods/Design

Participants (N = 187) completed a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment that included measures of attention, language, executive function (EF), visuospatial ability, episodic memory, and psychiatric symptoms. Participants were classified as PD‐MCI (N = 73) or PD‐normal cognition (NC; N = 114). Linear regression analyses were conducted to examine the association between psychiatric symptoms and cognitive performance and the moderating effect of PD‐MCI status.

Results

There were no differences in mean psychiatric symptoms between PD‐MCI and PD‐NC. Psychiatric symptoms were predominantly associated with worse EF. The magnitude of the association between anxiety and worse EF was larger in participants with PD‐MCI compared with PD‐NC. A multivariable regression analysis examining the independent contributions of each symptom demonstrated the most robust association between EF and anxiety.

Conclusions

Symptoms of anxiety, depression, and apathy are associated with worse executive functioning in individuals with PD. PD‐MCI may be important in moderating the association between cognitive performance, specifically anxiety, and EF. Factors that promote cognitive resilience may serve as key therapeutic modalities in managing neuropsychiatric symptoms in PD.
How do Admiral Nurses and care home staff help people living with dementia and their family carers prepare for end‐of‐life?
Authors: Moore Kirsten J. , Crawley Sophie , Cooper Claudia , Sampson Elizabeth L. , Harrison‐Dening Karen
Published: January 2020

Objectives

To explore current practice and the role of UK care homes and Admiral Nurses in helping people living with dementia and their family carers prepare for end‐of‐life.

Methods

We conducted an online survey with all UK Admiral Nurses (59% response rate) and a random sample of Gold Standards Framework accredited care homes in England and Wales (38% response rate). We used descriptive statistics to report survey findings.

Results

While respondents commonly discussed the progressive nature of dementia with people living with dementia and family carers, they less frequently spoke to people with dementia or carers about the nature of dementia as life shortening, terminal, or a disease you can die from. Admiral Nurses highlighted that where service models reduced continuity of care, opportunities for ongoing discussion and developing relationships that supported these discussions were reduced. Admiral Nurses and care homes raised concerns about conversations being left too late, when the person with dementia no longer had capacity to engage. There was a high level of agreement with all European Association of Palliative Care and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) statements presented regarding end‐of‐life care planning and discussions.

Conclusions

Our survey of care homes and Admiral Nurses, combined with findings from our previous survey of UK memory services, increases our understanding of how services help people with dementia and family carers prepare for end‐of‐life. We found fragmentation across the service system, lack of continuity, and tensions regarding when these conversations should be initiated and by whom.
Biologic and Checkpoint Inhibitor‐Induced Liver Injury: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Shah Parth , Sundaram Vinay , Björnsson Einar
Published: January 2020

Biologics are among the most commonly prescribed medications for several chronic inflammatory diseases. Tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors, more so than other agents, have been observed to cause drug‐induced liver injury. Additionally, because the approval and popularity of checkpoint inhibitors have grown, similar patterns of liver injury have been documented, with a majority of cases describing immune‐mediated hepatitis. Although the exact mechanism of injury is unknown, various host and medication characteristics play a role in the outcome of the molecular cascade invoked by biologics. Prognosis is usually favorable with cessation of the offending agent, but cases of acute liver failure requiring liver transplantation have also been observed. Therefore, algorithms have been created to assist clinicians in treating drug‐induced autoimmune hepatitis, mostly with corticosteroids. Additionally, case reports have documented successfully rechallenging patients with a different biologic without recurrence of liver injury, but data are limited. Further investigation is warranted regarding the potential for cross‐reactivity and mechanism of injury to develop guidelines to aid clinicians in further management of these patients.
Tolloid‐Like 1 Negatively Regulates Hepatic Differentiation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Through Transforming Growth Factor Beta Signaling
Authors: Kiso Ayumi , Toba Yukiko , Tsutsumi Susumu , Deguchi Sayaka , Igai Keisuke , Koshino Saki , Tanaka Yasuhito , Takayama Kazuo , Mizuguchi Hiroyuki
Published: January 2020

Single nucleotide polymorphisms in Tolloid‐like 1 (TLL1) and the expression of TLL1 are known to be closely related to hepatocarcinogenesis after hepatitis C virus elimination or liver fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. TLL1 is a type of matrix metalloprotease and has two isoforms in humans, with the short isoform showing higher activity. However, the functional role of TLL1 in human liver development is unknown. Here, we attempted to elucidate the function of human TLL1 using hepatocyte‐like cells generated from human pluripotent stem cells. First, we generated TLL1‐knockout human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and found that hepatic differentiation was promoted by TLL1 knockout. Next, we explored TLL1‐secreting cells using a model of liver development and identified that kinase insert domain receptor (FLK1)‐positive cells (mesodermal cells) highly express TLL1. Finally, to elucidate the mechanism by which TLL1 knockout promotes hepatic differentiation, the expression profiles of transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ), a main target gene of TLL1, and its related genes were analyzed in hepatic differentiation. Both the amount of active TGFβ and the expression of TGFβ target genes were decreased by TLL1 knockout. It is known that TGFβ negatively regulates hepatic differentiation. Conclusion: TLL1 appears to negatively regulate hepatic differentiation of human iPS cells by up‐regulating TGFβ signaling. Our findings will provide new insight into the function of TLL1 in human liver development.
Financial inclusion and human development in frontier countries
Authors: Ofosu‐Mensah Ababio Josephine , Attah‐Botchwey Edward , Osei‐Assibey Eric , Barnor Charles
Published: January 2020

This study empirically investigates whether the level of human development drives greater financial inclusion, and vice versa in the contexts of frontier markets. The dynamic panel generalized methods of moments (System‐GMM) methodology is employed to analyze data spanning from 2005 to 2014 for twenty (20) frontier markets by Standard and Poor's Indices. The study finds that human development is a catalyst for financial inclusion scale‐up in the banking industry, which in turn, augments the development process. It establishes fresh evidence that income level, financial literacy, and healthy lives are the decisive factors for financial inclusion scale‐up in the banking industry. It finds new evidence that the underlying cause of low financial inclusion is low human development. The study concludes that low human development causes low financial inclusion. Also, promoting financial inclusion through the banking sector is very instrumental to stimulating human development, thus the reverse applies in frontier markets. The study implies that low living standards, poor health, high illiteracy, and deprived well‐being and freedom largely account for low financial inclusion hence its spillover effect of having low human development in frontier market countries.
RGD‐functionalized supported lipid bilayers modulate pre‐osteoblast adherence and promote osteogenic differentiation
Authors: Verstappen Johanna F. M. , Jin Jianfeng , Koçer Gülistan , Haroon Mohammad , Jonkheijm Pascal , Bakker Astrid D. , Klein‐Nulend Jenneke , Jaspers Richard T.
Published: January 2020

Biomaterial integration into bone requires optimal surface conditions to promote osteoprogenitor behavior, which is affected by integrin‐binding via arginine‐glycine‐aspartate (RGD). RGD‐functionalized supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) might be interesting as biomaterial coating in bone regeneration, because they allow integration of proteins, for example, growth factors, cytokines, and/or antibacterial agents. Since it is unknown whether and how they affect osteoprogenitor adhesion and differentiation, the aim was to investigate adhesion, focal adhesion formation, morphology, proliferation, and osteogenic potential of pre‐osteoblasts cultured on RGD‐functionalized SLBs compared to unfunctionalized SLBs and poly‐l‐lysine (PLL). After 17 hr, pre‐osteoblast density on SLBs without or with RGD was similar, but lower than on PLL. Cell surface area, elongation, and number and size of phospho‐paxillin clusters were also similar. Cells on SLBs without or with RGD were smaller, more elongated, and had less and smaller phospho‐paxillin clusters than on PLL. OPN expression was increased on SLBs with RGD compared to PLL. Moreover, after 1 week, COL1a1 expression was increased on SLBs without or with RGD. In conclusion, pre‐osteoblast adhesion and enhanced differentiation were realized for the first time on RGD‐functionalized SLBs, pointing to a new horizon in the management of bone regeneration using biomaterials. Together with SLBs nonfouling nature and the possibility of adjusting SLB fluidity and peptide content make SLBs highly promising as substrate to develop innovative biomimetic coatings for biomaterials in bone regeneration.
Fabrication of multifunctional cellulose/TiO2/Ag composite nanofibers scaffold with antibacterial and bioactivity properties for future tissue engineering applications
Authors: Ashraf Roqia , Sofi Hasham S. , Akram Towseef , Rather Hilal Ahmad , Abdal‐hay Abdalla , Shabir Nadeem , Vasita Rajesh , Alrokayan Salman H. , Khan Haseeb A. , Sheikh Faheem A.
Published: January 2020

In the present work, a novel strategy was explored to fabricate nanofiber scaffolds consisting of cellulose assimilated with titanium dioxide (TiO2) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs). The concentration of the TiO2NPs in the composite was adjusted to 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 wt % with respect to polymer concentration used for the electrospinning of colloidal solutions. The fabricated composite scaffolds were dispensed to alkaline deacetylation using 0.05 M NaOH to remove the acetyl groups in order to generate pure cellulose nanofibers containing TiO2NPs. Moreover, to augment our nanofiber scaffolds with antibacterial activity, the in situ deposition approach of using Ag NPs was utilized with varied molar concentrations of 0.14, 0.42, and 0.71 M. The physicochemical properties of the nanofibers were identified by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and contact angle meter studies. This demonstrated the presence of both TiO2and Ag NPs and complete deacetylation of nanofibers. The antibacterial efficiency of the nanofibers was scrutinized againstEscherichia coliandStaphylococcus aureus, revealing proper in situ deposition of Ag NPs and confirming the nanofibers are antibacterial in nature.The biocompatibility of the scaffolds was accustomed using chicken embryo fibroblasts, which confirmed their potential role to be used as wound‐healing materials. Furthermore, the fabricated scaffolds were subjected to analysis in simulated body fluid at 37°C to induce mineralization for future osseous tissue integration. These results indicate that fabricated composite nanofiber scaffolds with multifunctional characteristics will have a highest potential as a future candidate for promoting new tissues artificially.
Somatic mismatch repair testing in evaluation of Lynch syndrome: The gap between preferred and current practices
Authors: Williams Danielle , Vilar Eduardo , Shakrukh Hashmi S. , Choates Meagan , Noblin Sarah , Mork Maureen
Published: January 2020

Lynch syndrome (LS) is a hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome primarily defined by increased risk for colorectal and uterine cancers. Individuals with germline pathogenic variants in the mismatch repair (MMR) genes (MLH1, MSH2/EPCAM, MSH6, and PMS2) are diagnosed with LS and recommended high‐risk screening protocols to increase prevention and early detection of LS‐related cancers. Tumor testing can help identify those at high risk for LS, but sometimes creates uncertainty with discordant screening and germline results, or unexplained mismatch repair deficiency (UMMRD). Somatic testing for MMR genes may help resolve UMMRD, potentially clarifying LS status and modifying cancer surveillance. However, guidelines for such testing are currently limited. This survey of cancer genetic counselors (GCs) aimed to examine current versus preferred ordering practices and interpretation of somatic MMR testing results in LS evaluation. Two hundred eligible GCs practicing in the United States and Canada were recruited from the National Society of Genetic Counselors. Participants answered questions regarding ordering practices, barriers to somatic MMR testing, theoretical scenarios, and desire for further guidelines. Statistical analysis was performed using chi‐square, Fisher's exact, and Wilcoxon rank‐sum tests, while themes were identified from free‐text responses. Most respondents did not include somatic MMR testing in the LS work‐up, despite three‐quarters reporting they were ‘somewhat comfortable’ or ‘extremely comfortable’ with interpreting these results. Approximately half of participants indicated interest in ordering concurrent somatic MMR and germline testing for each of the four theoretical scenarios. Over three‐quarters of individuals reported barriers to ordering somatic MMR testing, with cost and coordinating tissue samples most commonly cited. The frequently reported laboratory‐ and insurance‐related barriers may contribute to the gap between preferred and current ordering practices for somatic MMR testing. Nearly all respondents endorsed additional guidelines for this testing, which could reduce barriers and inform screening recommendations for patients with UMMRD and their family members.
Jacobi Elliptic Function Solutions and Traveling Wave Solutions of the (2 + 1)‐Dimensional Gardner‐KP Equation
Authors: Boateng Kwasi , Yang Weiguo , Yaro David , Otoo Michael Ezra
Published: January 2020

The fully integrable KP equation is one of the models that describes the evolution of nonlinear waves, the expansion of the well‐known KdV equation, where the impacts of surface tension and viscosity are negligible. This paper uses the Modified Extended Direct Algebraic (MEDA) method to build fresh exact, periodic, trigonometric, hyperbolic, rational, triangular and soliton alternatives for the (2 + 1)‐dimensional Gardner KP equation. These solutions that we discover in this article will help us understand the phenomena of the (2 + 1)‐dimensional Gardner KP equation. Comparing the study in this paper and existing work, we find more exact solutions with soliton and periodic structures and the rational function solution in this paper is more general than the rational solution in existing literature. Most of the Jacobi elliptic function solutions and the mixed Jacobi elliptic function solutions to the (2 + 1)‐dimensional Gardner KP equation discovered in this paper, to the best of our highest understanding are not seen in any existing paper until now.
Trendbericht Anorganische Chemie: Hauptgruppen
Authors: Hering‐Junghans Christian , Sindlinger Christian
Published: January 2020

Hauptgruppen: erste Reduktion heteroatomsubstituierter polyaromatischer Kohlenwasserstoffe; ein zweikerniger Mg‐Komplex, der Fluorbenzol aktiviert; ein phosphan‐ und carbenstabilisiertes Aggregat vier formal nullwertiger Boratome in einem Molekül und persistente, acyclische Germanium(I)‐Radikale. Koordinationschemie und Bioanorganik: eine kristalline Ringprobe;1H‐NMR‐Verschiebungen von minus 3500 ppm; 3d‐Metalle für Photochemie, Homogenkatalyse und Magnetismus; mehrfachgebundene Komplexe mit mehr als sechs d‐Elektronen und Metalloenzyme mit künstlichen Cofaktoren.
So eine Schwärmerei
Authors: Groß Michael
Published: January 2020

Insektenschwärme sind bereits umfassend untersucht. Bei Fischen, Vögeln und Menschen erleichtert jetzt eine neue Technik, die zugleich umfassend und detailliert ist, die Analyse des Kollektivverhaltens. Dabei sind chemische Signalstoffe wichtig.
Mädchen besser als Jungen
Authors: Tomann Rebecca
Published: January 2020

Insgesamt schneiden Schüler in Chemie schlechter ab.
Ein paar Schippchen weniger
Authors: Osterath Brigitte
Published: January 2020

Phosphor ist lebensnotwendig. Gleichzeitig ist Phosphat eine begrenzte Ressource, und ein Zuviel in der Umwelt lässt etwa Algen zu sehr blühen. Wissenschaftler erkunden Wege, in der Landwirtschaft an diesem Rohstoff zu sparen.
50 Jahre Mitgliedschaft in der CG/GDCh – Wir gratulieren!
Authors: Schreiner Peter R. , Koch Wolfram
Published: January 2020

Wir feiern das Jahr der Polymere 2020 – Hermann Staudinger veröffentlichte vor 100 Jahren die Arbeit „Über Polymerisation“, in der er die wahre Natur der Polymere erkannte. In diesem besonderen Jahr gratulieren wir herzlich unseren Kolleginnen und Kollegen zu ihren Goldenen Jubiläen in der GDCh oder zu ihren 50‐jährigen Mitgliedschaften in der Chemischen Gesellschaft der DDR (CG) und nach der Wiedervereinigung in der GDCh:
Enzyme‐treated Tunisian Alfa fibers reinforced polylactic acid composites: An investigation in morphological, thermal, mechanical, and water resistance properties
Authors: Werchefani Mouna , Lacoste Catherine , Elloumi Ahmed , Belghith Hafedh , Gargouri Ali , Bradai Chedly
Published: January 2020

The present work is a comparative study of the impact of different Alfa fiber modifications on fiber properties, as well as on polylactic acid (PLA) composites behaviors. A specific process that combines successively mechanical, chemical, and enzymatic treatments (xylanase and pectinase) was employed to optimize the performances of Alfa fibers. The treatments reduced the levels of lignin, hemicellulose, and pectin in the fibers. This reduction was associated with a rise of defibrillation degree, an increase of cellulose content and an enhancement of thermal stability, as shown with SEM observations, biochemical composition determination, FTIR measurements and thermo‐gravimetric analyzer results. Bio‐composites were fabricated using a twin‐screw extruder and an injection‐molding machine with a fiber load of 20%. Tensile, flexural and water absorption tests revealed an improvement of mechanical strengths and water resistance for the treated fibers composites, with the enzyme treatment being the most efficient. SEM analysis showed a better impregnation and distribution of enzyme treated fibers within the matrix. An improvement of the thermal properties of composites filled with Alfa treated fibers was noticed when compared with untreated fibers composites. The data indicated that the technology of enzymes can be used as a powerful and eco‐friendly approach to treat natural fibers and to increase their potential of reinforcement.
The Blue Light District
Authors: Pelaprat Jean‐Michel , Zediker Mark , Finuf Matt , Fritz Robert
Published: January 2020

Nuburu introduced the first highpower blue laser to the industrial marketplace in 2017. It quickly became clear that the high‐brightness blue laser is well‐suited to address the materials processing challenges of a certain class of metals, primarily copper, but also aluminum and gold. As electronics become more prominent in everything from refrigerators to automobiles, copper, aluminum, and gold processing becomes increasingly important. Blue laser technology has rapidly improved in both power and brightness, bringing high quality and greater speed to a new range of applications.
Digital Holographic Microscopy
Authors: Kemper Björn , Illy Elizabeth
Published: January 2020

Imaging without labeling has received increasing attention during the last few years as a minimally invasive modality to observe proteins, cells, and tissues, and to study biological specimens with minimized modification and sample preparation requirements. Within the last decade, quantitative phase imaging (QPI) has been continuously improved for the purposes of high‐resolution, label‐free quantitative microscopy [1]. QPI is minimally invasive. This means that samples under investigation are, for example, not influenced by fluorophores or dyes which can change physiological processes or affect the behavior of samples, like cellular motility or migration. Moreover, QPI requires only low light intensities for object illumination. Thus, potential harm from light to an investigated sample, which can cause, amongst other things, cell death or photo damage, is minimized. This is an essential precondition for the long‐term monitoring of biological samples such as living cell cultures in life sciences and biomedicine.
Advantages of Active Optical Cables for Industrial Applications
Authors: Lohse Abongwa , Silva Jamie M.
Published: January 2020

Active optical cables transmit signals using photons instead of electrons. A couple of advantages arise when using optical fibers instead of copper wires when transmitting high speed data signals over extended reach. When using optical cables with standard electrical interfaces, with protocols such as USB or the Thunderbolt∗) protocol, they can be seamlessly used with existing devices. At the same time, new applications and system architectures will come up, which will benefit from optical fiber communication technologies.
Thermodynamic properties of gaseous BaSnO2 and Ba2O2 studied by Knudsen effusion mass spectrometry
Authors: Emelyanova Ksenia A. , Shugurov Sergey M. , Panin Andrej I. , Lopatin Sergey I. , Panaeva Maria A.
Published: January 2020

Rationale

BaSnO3 is an interesting technical and industrial ceramic, with uses in many areas of electronic technology. Currently, there is great interest in this ceramic material because of its potential as a transparent conductive oxide. Due to its good chemical stability, it is also used as a surface processing material in the synthesis of electroluminophores. When heated, the stannates of alkaline earth metals can pass into the vapor phase with or without dissociation. Until the present investigation, gaseous salts where SnO plays the role of an anion‐forming oxide had been unknown. The formation enthalpy of gaseous Ba2O2 also needed to be determined.

Methods

Knudsen effusion mass spectrometry was used to determine the partial pressures of vapor species, equilibrium constants and enthalpies of the studied gas‐phase reactions, as well as the formation and atomization enthalpies of gaseous BaSnO2 and Ba2O2: a mixture of BaO and SnO2 was evaporated from a platinum effusion cell. For the evaporation of gold (pressure standard), a molybdenum effusion cell was used. A theoretical study of gaseous BaSnO2 and Ba2O2 was performed by several quantum chemistry methods.

Results

Ba, BaO, Ba2O2, SnO and BaSnO2 were found to be the main species in the vapor over the BaO–SnO2 mixture in the temperature range of 1680–1920 K. The standard formation enthalpies of gaseous BaSnO2 and Ba2O2 were determined on the basis of the equilibrium constants of the studied gas‐phase reactions. Energetically favorable structures of these gaseous species were found and vibrational frequencies were evaluated in the harmonic approximation. The formation enthalpy of gaseous Ba2O2 was clarified; in addition, the formation enthalpies of gaseous SrSnO3 and CaSnO3 were estimated.

Conclusions

The thermal stability of gaseous BaSnO2 was confirmed by Knudsen effusion mass spectrometry. The reaction enthalpies of gaseous BaSnO2 from gaseous barium and tin oxides were theoretically evaluated and the obtained values were found to be in reasonable agreement with the experimental ones.
Opportunities for women in the green economy and environmental sectors
Authors: Nhamo Godwell , Mukonza Chipo
Published: January 2020

South Africa's National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998) recognises the important role of women and youth in environmental management and development. To this end, significant strides have been made by the country in gender mainstreaming. The “Environment Sector Gender Framework” and the “Framework and Strategy Toward Gender Mainstreaming in the Environment Sector 2016–2021” are some of the policy frameworks that have been implemented. In addition, a number of initiatives and programmes such as the Green Fund, established in April 2012, the Groen Sebenza Learnership Programme, and environmental conservation through the Expanded Public Works Programme have been developed. Using a mixed method research design approach, the paper attempts to answer the following questions: Are the concerns and perspectives of women sufficiently integrated in the green economy and environmental sector policies and programmes? What green economy and environmental sector projects are women involved in and what is the proportion of women involved in such projects? Through simple random sampling, the study established that space has been created for women involvement in the green economy and environmental sectors. However, there still remains a need to raise awareness of the available opportunities and interventions to build capacity at project conceptualisation and management levels. The involvement of women further requires meaningful public participation, social inclusion, and the devolution and decentralisation of decision‐making processes.
Does university entrepreneurial orientation matter? Evidence from university performance
Authors: Balasubramanian Sandhya , Yang Yi , Tello Steven
Published: January 2020

Research Summary

As a firm‐level attribute, entrepreneurial orientation (EO)'s beneficial relationship to firm performance has been established in the corporate sector; however, its implications in other sectors including university settings remain a rather underexplored area. Based on a sample of 107 universities in the United States, we examine the impact of EO on a wide range of university performance measures from commercialization of intellectual property to more comprehensive university performance metrics. Our findings underscore the critical importance of EO in the context of universities and also reveal the moderation effects of university characteristics such as size and the presence of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) focus.

Managerial Summary

This study examines the impact of EO on university performance. Our findings can be of significance to higher education administrators in several ways. First, we draw attention to the need to recognize university EO as the glue that binds resources together for discovery and exploitation of opportunities. Furthermore, the evidence connecting EO to the U.S. News and World rankings demonstrates that leveraging university EO has potential to impact metrics that many of its stakeholders pay attention to. In addition, our findings suggest that large universities and those with a STEM focus are able to better leverage the EO shift upward in their rankings, which provides guidance for university administrators on how to strategically create and develop new academic programs.
Entrepreneurial orientation: The necessity of a multilevel conceptualization
Authors: Wales William J. , Covin Jeffrey G. , Monsen Erik
Published: January 2020

Research Summary

An original and clarifying conceptualization of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) is advanced based upon three fundamental ways in which entrepreneurship can be manifest as an organizational attribute: as top management style, organizational configuration, and new entry initiatives. We leverage this conceptualization to examine the presumed state of irreconcilable differences between the Miller (1983)/Covin and Slevin (1989) and Lumpkin and Dess (1996) conceptualizations of EO. This research proposes that these conceptualizations are reconcilable when the problem is reframed to consider how EO is manifest as an organizational attribute at and across multiple levels of analysis. Like the blind men and the elephant, these works have drawn attention to different aspects of a broader phenomenon. How EO as a multifaceted organizational attribute shapes future scholarly dialogue is discussed.

Managerial Summary

The concept of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) has been proposed as a way of envisioning what it means for organizations to “be entrepreneurial.” There is more than one answer to this question. This paper describes three principal ways entrepreneurship‐as‐an‐organizational attribute has been discussed, including illustrative examples from real‐world businesses. One perspective recognizes the entrepreneurial aspect of organizations by considering top management style; a second perspective recognizes that organizations manifest entrepreneurship through a configuration of key organizational elements; and a third perspective looks to evidence of the organization's entry into new offerings and domains of operation as indicative of entrepreneurship. All three manifestations of “being entrepreneurial” are part of the current conversation on EO. This paper recognizes the conceptual legitimacy and practical interdependence of these distinct perspectives.
A Novel Recyclable Ni/Cu/Fe Termetallic Nanocatalyst for the Synthesis of Propargylamines through the A3‐Coupling Reactions
Authors: Daryanavard Marzieh , Ataei Ali , Sheykhabadi Parvan Ghaderi , Rafiee Ezzat , Joshaghani Mohammad
Published: January 2020

A novel Ni/Cu/Fe nanocatalyst was prepared via a three‐step procedure for the A3‐coupling reaction of an aldehyde, an amine, and a terminal alkyne to synthesize the corresponding propargylamine. Oleic acid was used in the second step to avoid aggregation of CuFe2O4 nanoparticles. The prepared NiO/OA‐CuFe2O4 (Ni/Cu/Fe) was characterized using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy/wavelength dispersive X‐ray (SEM/WDX), particle size analyzer, fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). A variety of propargylamines was synthesized using a very small amount of this efficient and inexpensive nanocatalyst in toluene as the solvent at 100 °C. Due to high magnetic properties of the prepared catalyst, its isolation and recycle were very easy, and it was used in five repetitive cycles.