bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Memristive Behavior Enabled by Amorphous–Crystalline 2D Oxide Heterostructure
Authors: Yin Xin , Wang Yizhan , Chang Tzu‐hsuan , Zhang Pei , Li Jun , Xue Panpan , Long Yin , Shohet J. Leon , Voyles Paul M. , Ma Zhenqiang , Wang Xudong
Published: April 2020

The emergence of memristive behavior in amorphous–crystalline 2D oxide heterostructures, which are synthesized by atomic layer deposition (ALD) of a few‐nanometer amorphous Al2O3 layers onto atomically thin single‐crystalline ZnO nanosheets, is demonstrated. The conduction mechanism is identified based on classic oxygen vacancy conductive channels. ZnO nanosheets provide a 2D host for oxygen vacancies, while the amorphous Al2O3 facilitates the generation and stabilization of the oxygen vacancies. The conduction mechanism in the high‐resistance state follows Poole–Frenkel emission, and in the the low‐resistance state is fitted by the Mott–Gurney law. From the slope of the fitting curve, the mobility in the low‐resistance state is estimated to be ≈2400 cm2 V−1 s−1, which is the highest value reported in semiconductor oxides. When annealed at high temperature to eliminate oxygen vacancies, Al is doped into the ZnO nanosheet, and the memristive behavior disappears, further confirming the oxygen vacancies as being responsible for the memristive behavior. The 2D heterointerface offers opportunities for new design of high‐performance memristor devices.
Heterostructures of 2D Molybdenum Dichalcogenide on 2D Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon: Superior Potassium‐Ion Storage and Insight into Potassium Storage Mechanism
Authors: Ma Mingze , Zhang Shipeng , Yao Yu , Wang Haiyun , Huang Huijuan , Xu Rui , Wang Jiawei , Zhou Xuefeng , Yang Wenjing , Peng Zhangquan , Wu Xiaojun , Hou Yanglong , Yu Yan
Published: April 2020

Constructing 2D heterostructure materials by stacking different 2D materials can combine the merits of the individual building blocks while eliminating their shortcomings. Dichalcogenides are attractive anodes for potassium‐ion batteries (KIBs) due to their high theoretical capacity. However, the practical application of dichalcogenide is greatly hampered by the poor electrochemical performance due to sluggish kinetics of K+ insertion and the electrode structure collapse resulting from the large K+ insertion. Herein, heterostructures of 2D molybdenum dichalcogenide on 2D nitrogen‐doped carbon (MoS2, MoSe2‐on‐NC) are prepared to boost their potassium storage performance. The unique 2D heterostructures possess built‐in heterointerfaces, facilitating K+ diffusion. The robust chemical bonds (CS, CSe, CMo bonds) enhance the mechanical strength of electrodes, thus suppressing the volume expansion. The 2D N‐doped carbon nanosheets interconnected as a 3D structure offer a fast diffusion path for electrons. Benefitting from these merits, both the MoS2‐on‐NC and the MoSe2‐on‐NC exhibit unprecedented cycle life. Moreover, the electrochemical reaction mechanism of MoSe2 is revealed during the process of potassiation and depotassiation.
Targeted Repair of Vascular Injury by Adipose‐Derived Stem Cells Modified with P‐Selectin Binding Peptide
Authors: Yan Hongyu , Mi Xingyan , Midgley Adam C. , Du Xinchen , Huang Ziqi , Wei Tingting , Liu Ruihua , Ma Tengzhi , Zhi Dengke , Zhu Dashuai , Wang Ting , Feng Guowei , Zhao Ying , Zhang Weiye , He Ju , Zhu Meifeng , Kong Deling , Wang Kai
Published: April 2020

Percutaneous coronary intervention for coronary artery disease treatment often results in pathological vascular injury, characterized by P‐selectin overexpression. Adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) therapeutic efficacy remains elusive due to poor ADSCs targeting and retention in injured vessels. Here, conjugated P‐selectin binding peptide (PBP) to polyethylene glycol‐conjugated phospholipid derivative (DMPE‐PEG) linkers (DMPE‐PEG‐PBP; DPP) are used to facilitate the modification of PBP onto ADSCs cell surfaces via hydrophobic interactions between DMPE‐PEG and the phospholipid bilayer. DPP modification neither has influence on ADSCs proliferation nor apoptosis/paracrine factor gene expression. A total of 5 × 10−6 m DPP‐modified ADSCs (DPP‐ADSCs) strongly binds to P‐selectin‐displaying activated platelets and endothelial cells (ECs) in vitro and to wire‐injured rat femoral arteries when administered by intra‐arterial injection. Targeted binding of ADSCs shields injury sites from platelet and leukocyte adhesion, thereby decreasing inflammation at injury sites. Furthermore, targeted binding of ADSCs recovers injured ECs functionality and reduces platelet‐initiated vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) chemotactic migration. Targeted binding of DPP‐human ADSCs to balloon‐injured human femoral arteries is also demonstrated in ex vivo experiments. Overall, DPP‐ADSCs promote vascular repair, inhibit neointimal hyperplasia, increase endothelium functionality, and maintain normal VSMCs alignment, supporting preclinical noninvasive utilization of DPP‐ADSCs for vascular injury.
The Role of Phosphate Group in Doped Cobalt Molybdate: Improved Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Performance
Authors: Zhao Siyu , Berry‐Gair Jasper , Li Wenyao , Guan Guoqiang , Yang Manni , Li Jianwei , Lai Feili , Corà Furio , Holt Katherine , Brett Dan J. L. , He Guanjie , Parkin Ivan P.
Published: April 2020

The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is a critical process in the electrolysis of water. Recently, much effort has been dedicated to developing low‐cost, highly efficient, and stable electrocatalysts. Transition metal phosphides are investigated intensively due to their high electronic conductivity and optimized absorption energy of intermediates in acid electrolytes. However, the low stability of metal phosphide materials in air and during electrocatalytic processes causes a decay of performance and hinders the discovery of specific active sites. The HER in alkaline media is more intricate, which requires further delicate design due to the Volmer steps. In this work, phosphorus‐modified monoclinic β‐CoMoO4 is developed as a low‐cost, efficient, and stable HER electrocatalyst for the electrolysis of water in alkaline media. The optimized catalyst shows a small overpotential of 94 mV to reach a current density of 10 mA cm−2 for the HER with high stability in KOH electrolyte, and an overpotential of 197 mV to reach a current density of 100 mA cm−2. Combined computational and in situ spectroscopic techniques show P is present as a surface phosphate ion; that electron holes localize on the surface ions and both (PO1−) and Co3+OH− are prospective surface active sites for the HER.
Recent Progress in High Linearly Fused Polycyclic Conjugated Hydrocarbons (PCHs, n > 6) with Well‐Defined Structures
Authors: Chen Wangqiao , Yu Fei , Xu Qun , Zhou Guofu , Zhang Qichun
Published: April 2020

Although polycyclic conjugated hydrocarbons (PCHs) and their analogues have gained great progress in the fields of organic photoelectronic materials, the in‐depth study on present PCHs is still limited to hexacene or below because longer PCHs are insoluble, unstable, and tediously synthesized. Very recently, various strategies including on‐surface synthesis are developed to address these issues and many higher novel PCHs are constructed. Therefore, it is necessary to review these advances. Here, the recent synthetic approach, basic physicochemical properties, single‐crystal packing behaviors, and potential applications of the linearly fused PCHs (higher than hexacene), including acenes or π‐extended acenes with fused six‐membered benzenoid rings and other four‐membered, five‐membered or even seven‐membered and eight‐membered fused compounds, are summarized.
Rational Design of Hydroxyl‐Rich Ti3C2Tx MXene Quantum Dots for High‐Performance Electrochemical N2 Reduction
Authors: Jin Zhaoyong , Liu Chuangwei , Liu Zaichun , Han Jingrui , Fang Yanfeng , Han Yaqian , Niu Yusheng , Wu Yuping , Sun Chenghua , Xu Yuanhong
Published: April 2020

To enable an efficient and cost‐effective electrocatalytic N2 reduction reaction (NRR) the development of an electrocatalyst with a high NH3 yield and good selectivity is required. In this work, Ti3C2Tx MXene‐derived quantum dots (Ti3C2Tx QDs) with abundant active sites enable the development of efficient NRR electrocatalysts. Given surface functional groups play a key role on the electrocatalytic performance, density functional theory calculations are first conducted, clarifying that hydroxyl groups on Ti3C2Tx offer excellent NRR activity. Accordingly, hydroxyl‐rich Ti3C2Tx QDs (Ti3C2OH QDs) are synthesized as NRR catalysts by alkalization and intercalation. This material offers an NH3 yield and Faradaic efficiency of 62.94 µg h−1 mg−1cat. and 13.30% at −0.50 V, respectively, remarkably higher than reported MXene catalysts. This work demonstrates that MXene catalysts can be mediated through the optimization of both QDs sizes and functional groups for efficient ammonia production at room temperature.
Elucidating the influence of resident seed and soil microbiota on the developing creeping bentgrass microbiome
Authors: Doherty Joseph R. , Crouch Jo Anne , Roberts Joseph A.
Published: April 2020

Characterization of the plant microbiome may allow for the development of diagnostic tools or improvements in plant health. To that end, this project sought to determine the influence that resident seed and soil microbiota exert on the developing creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L. cv. 007) microbiome. A sterile growth environment was created in a laminar flow hood. Sterile 50 ml conical tubes were filled with autoclaved or non‐autoclaved soil (85% sand and 15% peat) and seeded with 007 creeping bentgrass. Foliage and rhizosphere samples were taken at emergence, 2, 4, and 6 wk post‐emergence, and soil samples were taken at the conclusion of the experiment. Amplicon sequencing libraries were generated from extracted environmental DNA, sequenced using an Illumina MiSeq, and analyzed in R. After quality control 3.32 × 107 sequences were grouped into 2,273 bacterial and 303 fungal amplicon sequence variants (ASVs). Bacterial and fungal ASVs were predominantly members of the Proteobacteria and Eurotiomycetes, respectively. Over the 6‐wk sampling period the microbial communities were stable, with taxonomic shifts occurring mainly in low relative abundant taxa. Ordination of Bray‐Curtis distance matrices revealed significant differences in community centroids between grass planted in autoclaved and non‐autoclaved soil. However, taxonomic profiling showed these differences were due to shifts in taxa present at low relative abundances <.5%). Data show that the microbiota originating from the seed exerts only a minimal influence over the microbiome of developing creeping bentgrass compared to the soil microbiome.
Effects of inter‐species chromosome substitution on cottonseed mineral and protein nutrition profiles
Authors: He Zhongqi , Zhang Hailin , Fang David D. , Zeng Linghe , Jenkins Johnie N. , McCarty Jack C.
Published: April 2020

Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutumL.) is the major species of cotton due to its high yield and good adaptability. With much less land area, pima cotton (G. barbadenseL.) is also cultivated for its superior fibers. Existing research efforts have mainly focused on introgression of fiber quality traits from pima into upland cotton, with few on the seed mineral and protein contents. In this research, we used a multi‐parent advanced generation inter‐crossing (MAGIC) population that was derived from crosses between 18 pima cotton chromosome substitution lines and 3 Upland cultivars to understand the profile of the seed mineral and protein contents. We evaluated the contents of mineral and protein in the seeds of 21 parental and their 177 progenies. The profile patterns of these parameters were not always the same in the individual cottonseed samples. The contents of Ca, K, and B were different among both parental and progeny lines. In addition, the contents of Cu and Mn were also different (p ≤ .05) among the 21 parents. In contrast, there were four additional elements (Mg, Fe, Zn, and Ni) differing significantly in content among the progeny samples. These observations implied that chromosome substitution had impacts on the profile of the mineral nutrients in cottonseed. The data identifying the top five cotton lines with the highest and lowest contents of each element and protein provide a base for researchers and breeders to select better and/or preferred seed quality, in addition to the assurance of lint yield and quality, for further development.
The role of auxin in developmentally regulated programmed cell death in lace plant
Authors: Denbigh Georgia L. , Dauphinee Adrian N. , Fraser Meredith S. , Lacroix Christian R. , Gunawardena Arunika H. L. A. N.
Published: April 2020

Premise

Lace plant (Aponogeton madagascariensis) leaves are remodeled via developmental programmed cell death (PCD) to produce perforations located equidistantly between longitudinal and transverse veins. Auxin has been implicated in other developmental PCD processes in plants; however, the role of auxin in perforation formation in lace plant is unknown. Here the role of auxin in developmental PCD in lace plant was studied using two auxin inhibitors N‐1‐naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA), an auxin transport inhibitor, and auxinole, a potent auxin antagonist.

Methods

Sterile cultures of lace plants were propagated and treated with NPA or auxinole. Leaf length, leaf width, and number of perforations were then analyzed. Vein patterning and perforation area were further examined in NPA‐treated plants. Downstream PCD transduction events were investigated via spectrophotometric assays, histochemical staining, and immuno‐probing.

Results

Lace plants treated with NPA or auxinole produced leaves with fewer perforations compared to their respective controls. Although NPA treatment was insufficient to completely alter vein patterning, NPA‐treated leaves did have significantly more atypical areoles compared to control leaves. Events involved in perforation formation in lace plant leaves were altered following treatment with NPA, including anthocyanin production, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, and the release of mitochondrial cytochrome c.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that inhibition of auxin signaling disrupts several downstream features of the lace plant PCD signaling cascade and results in fewer or no perforations. Therefore, we concluded that auxin signaling is important for developmentally regulated PCD in lace plant leaves.
4H leukodystrophy caused by a homozygous POLR3B mutation: Further delineation of the phenotype
Authors: Verberne Eline A. , Dalen Meurs Lotje , Wolf Nicole I. , van Haelst Mieke M.
Published: April 2020

4H leukodystrophy, also known as Pol III‐related leukodystrophy, is a rare autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by hypomyelination, hypodontia, and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. It is caused by biallelic mutations in POLR3A, POL3RB, or POLR1C. So far, only two patients have been described with homozygosity for the common c.1568T>A (p.Val523Glu) POLR3B mutation, both of them showing a remarkably mild clinical course. Here, we report another patient with homozygosity for the same mutation, but with a more severe phenotype including ataxia, developmental delay, and intellectual disability. This information is of importance for clinicians to provide comprehensive counseling to patients with 4H leukodystrophy and their families.
Clitoral length in immature and mature captive tufted capuchin (Sapajus spp.) females: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Carosi Monica , Spani Federica , Ulland Amy E. , Scalici Massimiliano , Suomi Stephen J.
Published: April 2020

Quantitative data on female external genital morphology are sporadic in the primate literature, and the intraspecific and interfemale variation is especially under investigated (e.g., external clitoris length). Since in most anthropoid primate species female external genitals are relatively small and often hidden, for those species whose external clitoris is described as hypertrophic, external genital resemblance may represent a source of confusion in distinguishing the sexes at a distance. This is the case of both captive and wild tufted capuchin (Sapajus spp.) infants. We provided data on external clitoral length and investigated differences in this trait at different ages in a captive female tufted capuchin population. Since likely allometric growth describes changes in relative dimensions of parts of the body that are correlated with changes in overall size, clitoris length has been analyzed by using body weight as a covariate. We measured clitoral length by adapting a technique developed for spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta). Our results suggest that the small body size may be only in part responsible of the perception of long clitoris in female infants, since the clitoris is actually longer in immature females compared to adult ones and its size is inversely related to body weight. While the cross‐sectional nature of these data does not allow for conclusive interpretation of the results, we tentatively suggest this phenomenon as a transient male‐mimicry by immature females. Our study contributed to the description of normative data in a clitoral trait, thus providing foundation for future studies about causal mechanisms and possible adaptive function(s).
Contribution of mixed pathology to medial temporal lobe atrophy in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: de Flores Robin , Wisse Laura E.M. , Das Sandhitsu R. , Xie Long , McMillan Corey T. , Trojanowski John Q. , Robinson John L. , Grossman Murray , Lee Edward , Irwin David J. , Yushkevich Paul A. , Wolk David A.
Published: April 2020

Introduction

It is unclear how different proteinopathies (tau, transactive response DNA‐binding protein 43 [TDP‐43], amyloid β [Aβ], and α‐synuclein) contribute to atrophy within medial temporal lobe (MTL) subregions in Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

We utilized antemortem structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data to measure MTL substructures and examined the relative contribution of tau, TDP‐43, Aβ, and α‐synuclein measured in post‐mortem tissue from 92 individuals with intermediate to high AD neuropathology. Receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curves were analyzed for each subregion in order to discriminate TDP‐43‐negative and TDP‐43‐positive patients.

Results

TDP‐43 was strongly associated with anterior MTL regions, whereas tau was relatively more associated with the posterior hippocampus. Among the MTL regions, the anterior hippocampus showed the highest area under the ROC curve (AUC).

Discussion

We found specific contributions of different pathologies on MTL substructure in this population with AD neuropathology. The anterior hippocampus may be a relevant region to detect concomitant TDP‐43 pathology in the MTL of patients with AD.
Maternal risk factors for theVACTERLassociation: AEUROCATcase–control study
Authors: van de Putte Romy , van Rooij Iris A.L.M. , Haanappel Cynthia P. , Marcelis Carlo L.M. , Brunner Han G. , Addor Marie‐Claude , Cavero‐Carbonell Clara , Dias Carlos M. , Draper Elizabeth S. , Etxebarriarteun Larraitz , Gatt Miriam , Khoshnood Babak , Kinsner‐Ovaskainen Agnieszka , Klungsoyr Kari , Kurinczuk Jenny J. , Latos‐Bielenska Anna , Luyt Karen , O'Mahony Mary T. , Miller Nicola , Mullaney Carmel , Nelen Vera , Neville Amanda J. , Perthus Isabelle , Pierini Anna , Randrianaivo Hanitra , Rankin Judith , Rissmann Anke , Rouget Florence , Schaub Bruno , Tucker David , Wellesley Diana , Wiesel Awi , Zymak‐Zakutnia Natalya , Loane Maria , Barisic Ingeborg , de Walle Hermien E.K. , Bergman Jorieke E.H. , Roeleveld Nel
Published: April 2020

Background

The VACTERL association (VACTERL) is the nonrandom occurrence of at least three of these congenital anomalies: vertebral, anal, cardiac, tracheoesophageal, renal, and limb anomalies. Despite suggestions for involvement of several genes and nongenetic risk factors from small studies, the etiology of VACTERL remains largely unknown.

Objective

To identify maternal risk factors for VACTERL in offspring in a large European study.

Methods

A case–control study was performed using data from 28 EUROCAT registries over the period 1997–2015 with case and control ascertainment through hospital records, birth and death certificates, questionnaires, and/orpostmortemexaminations. Cases were diagnosed with VACTERL, while controls had a genetic syndrome and/or chromosomal abnormality. Data collected included type of birth defect and maternal characteristics, such as age, use of assisted reproductive techniques (ART), and chronic illnesses. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate confounder adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

Results

The study population consisted of 329 VACTERL cases and 49,724 controls with recognized syndromes or chromosomal abnormality. For couples who conceived through ART, we found an increased risk of VACTERL (aOR 2.3 [95% CI 1.3, 3.9]) in offspring. Pregestational diabetes (aOR 3.1 [95% CI 1.1, 8.6]) and chronic lower obstructive pulmonary diseases (aOR 3.9 [95% CI 2.2, 6.7]) also increased the risk of having a child with VACTERL. Twin pregnancies were not associated with VACTERL (aOR 0.6 [95% CI 0.3, 1.4]).

Conclusion

We identified several maternal risk factors for VACTERL in offspring befitting a multifactorial etiology.
Bricolage in environmental entrepreneurship: How environmental innovators “make do” at the bottom of the pyramid
Authors: Musona Jackson , Sjögrén Helena , Puumalainen Kaisu , Syrjä Pasi
Published: April 2020

Previous studies have discussed extensively the development of business solutions in resource‐constrained environments. However, understanding how local entrepreneurs engaged in environmental innovation can overcome resource constraints at the bottom of the pyramid (BOP) remains an under‐researched area. Under the theoretical framework of bricolage, this study thus adopts a cross‐sector multiple case study approach to provide empirical evidence on how social and environmental entrepreneurs in Kenya design low‐cost solutions to environmental problems and for people at the BOP. The study considers environmental bricolage as a method of innovation ingenuity for social‐environmental entrepreneurs. Network, marketing, waste material, and skills and knowledge bricolage are identified as mechanisms for addressing resource challenges by social and environmental entrepreneurs when creating low‐cost and superior‐value solutions at the BOP. The study further highlights the critical role of boundary‐spanning organizations, the government, external knowledge, and technology.
Sustainability reporting quality and post‐audit financial reporting quality: Empirical evidence from the UK
Authors: Al‐Shaer Habiba
Published: April 2020

This study examines whether firms that appear to exhibit high sustainability reporting quality are less likely to engage in earnings management activities, thereby delivering financial information that is more transparent and reliable than that delivered by firms that do not produce high‐quality sustainability reports. I also investigate whether the association between sustainability reporting quality and post‐audit financial reporting quality is conditional on audit effort. Analysis of data drawn from FTSE 350 companies covering 2007 to 2018 indicates that firms that produce high‐quality sustainability reports are significantly and negatively associated with earnings management metrics. More importantly, this association is moderated by audit effort, measured by audit fees, suggesting that sustainability reporting quality reflects factors considered by auditors in their audit risk assessment practices. These results remain robust after several sensitivity analyses. I conclude that firms that devote more resources to producing high‐quality sustainability reports are likely to demonstrate an overall commitment to quality that alleviates auditors' concerns about the opportunistic use of sustainability reporting and reduces business risk, thereby reducing the effort auditors expend to verify financial reports.
The impacts of perceived moral obligation and sustainability self‐identity on sustainability development: A theory of planned behavior purchase intention model of sustainability‐labeled coffee and the moderating effect of climate change skepticism
Authors: Chen Mei‐Fang
Published: April 2020

This study sought to elucidate the antecedents that may influence the effect of people's purchase behavior on the Earth's sustainable development. It included people's perceived moral obligation and sustainability self‐identity in the theory of planned behavior (TPB) model to investigate attitudes among the Taiwanese public's attitude toward purchasing sustainability‐labeled coffee and their purchase intentions. The moderating effect of climate change skepticism is also considered in this study. A total of 745 nationwide and self‐reported questionnaire valid data was collected in Taiwan. Hierarchical and moderated regression analysis results indicated that the components of the TPB model had positive influences on the public's purchase intention. The public's perceived moral obligation and sustainability self‐identity, proposed for inclusion in the TPB model, had significant and positive influences on purchase intention. The extended TPB model has higher explanatory power than that of the original model. The positive relationship between sustainability self‐identity and intention to purchase sustainability‐labeled coffee was moderated by climate change skepticism. This study provides marketers and the players in the supply chain with a comprehensive framework for understanding the influence of perceived moral obligation and sustainability self‐identity on purchase intention toward sustainability‐labeled products. In addition, this study responds to a call for a more thorough investigation of the effect of people's skepticism about climate change in the context of ethical and sustainable consumption decision‐making processes.
Classification of the “human tail”: Correlation between position, associated anomalies, and causes
Authors: Tojima Sayaka , Yamada Shigehito
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Numerous case reports have indicated that the “human tail” is not always a harmless protrusion but can be associated with anomalies such as occult dysraphic malformations. However, the definition and classification of this anomaly have not been discussed. A prevailing hypothesis is that the “human tail” is a residual embryonic tail. Herein, we attempted to classify and define the human tail and investigate the frequency of this anomaly.

Materials and Methods

We first defined the human tail as a protrusion on the dorsal side of the lumbar, sacrococcygeal, and para‐anal regions identified after birth. We collected case reports written in English, Japanese, French, German, and Italian that were published from the 1880s to the present.

Results

We discovered two important findings: (a) the cause of this anomaly may differ even though the “tails” resemble each other closely in appearance and (b) its position tends to be correlated with the type of anomaly and its associated cause. We propose a new classification of the human tail based on these findings.

Conclusion

Our classification may facilitate more accurate treatment and precise case descriptions of the human tail.
Sihler's staining of the cutaneous nerves of the leg and its implications for sensory reconstruction
Authors: Lai Baian , Zhang Yunqiang , Li Hui , Yuan Wei , Yang Shengbo
Published: April 2020

Introduction

This study aimed to reveal the entire cutaneous nerve distribution pattern of the leg and provide a morphological basis for sensory reconstruction during skin flap transplantation.

Materials and Methods

Twelve adult cadavers were fixed with formalin, and the whole leg skin with subcutaneous fat was removed close to the muscle surface. The cutaneous nerves were visualized using modified Sihler's staining to reveal the distribution and innervation density of the cutaneous nerves.

Results

The saphenous nerve innervated the anterior part, 82.2% of the upper‐middle region of the lateral part of the anterolateral leg, and the upper 63.4% of the medial posterior leg. The superficial peroneal nerve innervated 90.1% of the lateral lower one‐third of the anterolateral leg. The medial sural cutaneous nerve covered 26.4% of the posterior leg. The lateral sural cutaneous nerve covered 42.3% (approximately 28.6% overlap with the saphenous nerve) of the upper‐middle region of the anterolateral and posterolateral leg. The number of branches differed between certain cutaneous nerves in the leg. Communications were observed between the arborizations of the four cutaneous nerves mentioned above. The highest density of primary and secondary nerve branches was observed in the upper one‐third of the lateral posterior leg. The upper one‐third of the posteromedial leg contained the highest density of intracutaneous nerve branches and highest number of total nerve branches.

Conclusions

These results may be used to map sensory regions when designing leg skin flaps for reconstruction surgery to obtain improved sensory recovery.
Inadvertent aortocoronary arteriovenous fistula after CABG: Systematic review of case reports
Authors: Chen Kai , Scridon Tudor , Chait Robert
Published: April 2020

Objective

To summarize published case reports of aortocoronary arteriovenous fistula (ACAVF) after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG).

Background

Inadvertent ACAVF is a rare complication following CABG. However, the incidence continues to rise, and its management details and clinical outcomes have not been well described.

Methods

To identify all published cases of ACAVF following CABG, PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus were searched through November 2019. We defined ACAVF as inadvertent attachment of the grafting vessel onto a cardiac vein instead of targeted coronary artery. A systematic review was performed to identify the incidence, clinical features, and management outcomes.

Results

A total of 48 post‐CABG ACAVF cases were gathered. Among these patients, the mean age was 61.9 years and 79.2% were men. Most common presenting symptoms were chest pain (60.4%) and dyspnea (27.1%). The average onset of symptoms was 3 years; however, 54.2% of patients developed symptoms within the first year. The majority of cases reported targeted native vessel LAD during CABG (62.5%). Of these cases, 9 (18.8%) were managed conservatively, 8 (16.7%) chose to undergo surgery including ligation of fistula and repeat CABG, and 27 (56.3%) underwent percutaneous closure. Among these patients 13 cases (27.1%) were managed with coil embolization, 5 (10.4%) with balloon embolization, 5 (10.4%) were treated with a covered stent, and 4 (8.3%) used a vascular plug. There were no reported complications following treatment in this group.

Conclusions

Inadvertent ACAVF are rare following CABG. Percutaneous closure was feasible and safe in treating these patients.
Young woman with Guillain‐Barré syndrome and cervical transverse myelitis—A new GBS variant, not coincidence
Authors: Gharzeddine Jenna , Renner Brian , Wassall Natalie , Tran Kristen , Liu Antonio
Published: April 2020

A case of antibody proven Guillain Barré Syndrome in a previously healthy young female with extra clinical features, scans, and physical exam findings consistent with cervical spine and cervical medullary junction myelitis, together a new variant to consider.
Extramammary Paget’s disease of the vulva: Persistent vulvar itching requires a skin biopsy!
Authors: Vera‐Kellet Cristián , Hasbún Catalina
Published: April 2020

Our case highlights the need to perform a skin biopsy in patients presenting with persistent vulvar itching, especially if they have not responded to conventional treatment for benign conditions.
Laryngeal tuberculosis mimicking malignancy: A case report
Authors: Eltilib Mohamed , Boyd William , Saramago Israel , Askin Frederic , Zamora Carlos
Published: April 2020

Laryngeal involvement in tuberculosis is rare and may mimic malignancy. We report the case of a 26‐year‐old female who presented with sore throat for several months. CT revealed an infiltrative laryngeal mass and upper lobe pulmonary opacities. Laryngoscopic biopsy confirmed necrotizing granulomatous inflammation with positive culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Techno‐Economic Analysis for Production of L‐Arabitol from L‐Arabinose
Authors: Murzin Dmitry Yu. , Daigue Emilien , Slotte Robert , Sladkovskiy Dmitry A. , Salmi Tapio
Published: April 2020

The process design for synthesis of arabitol by hydrogenation of arabinose on a supported ruthenium catalyst is described. Aspen HYSYS software was used to design an arabitol production plant for subsequent generation of hydrogen through aqueous phase reforming (APR). The process design included hydrogen recycling requiring a flash drum and recompression. The total costs of arabitol were estimated to be substantially dependent on the feedstock costs and are closely related to arabinose feed cost. Feasible production of hydrogen using APR requires efficient extraction of hemicellulose from lignocellulosic biomass and subsequent hydrolysis.
Pembrolizumab for the treatment of programmed death–ligand 1‒positive advanced carcinoid or pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: Results from the KEYNOTE‐028 study
Authors: Mehnert Janice M. , Bergsland Emily , O’Neil Bert H. , Santoro Armando , Schellens Jan H. M. , Cohen Roger B. , Doi Toshihiko , Ott Patrick A. , Pishvaian Michael J. , Puzanov Igor , Aung Kyaw L. , Hsu Chiun , Le Tourneau Christophe , Hollebecque Antoine , Élez Elena , Tamura Kenji , Gould Marlena , Yang Ping , Stein Karen , Piha‐Paul Sarina A.
Published: April 2020

Background

Despite a protracted disease course and multiple available therapies, patients with well‐differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) inevitably experience disease progression. Programmed death–ligand 1 (PD‐L1) has been associated with NET progression and prognosis. The multicohort, phase 1 KEYNOTE‐028 study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02054806) evaluated the activity and safety of the anti–programmed cell death protein 1 immunotherapy pembrolizumab in patients with well‐differentiated or moderately‐differentiated NETs.

Methods

Patients with PD‐L1–positive, locally advanced or metastatic carcinoid or well–differentiated or moderately‐differentiated pancreatic NETs (pNETs) were enrolled into separate cohorts and received pembrolizumab at a dose of 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks for up to 2 years. The objective response rate was the primary endpoint (as per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1, by investigator review). Safety was a secondary endpoint.

Results

Of 170 and 106 patients, respectively, who had evaluable samples among those screened for the carcinoid and pNET cohorts, 21% and 25%, respectively, had PD‐L1–positive tumors; of these, 25 and 16 patients, respectively, were eligible and treated. The median follow‐up was 20 months (range, 2‐35 months) and 21 months (range, 5‐32 months), respectively. The objective response rate was 12.0% (95% CI, 2.5%‐31.2%) and 6.3% (95% CI, 0.2%‐30.2%), respectively; 3 partial responses occurred among the carcinoid cohort and 1 among the pNET cohort. The median duration of response in the carcinoid cohort was 9.2 months (range, 6.9‐11.1 months), and was not reached in the pNET cohort. No complete responses occurred. Treatment‐related adverse events occurred in 68% and 69% of patients, respectively, most often diarrhea (7 patients in the carcinoid cohort and 4 patients in the pNET cohort) and fatigue (6 patients in each cohort). Hypothyroidism was the most common immune‐mediated adverse event (5 patients in the carcinoid cohort and 2 patients in the pNET cohort).

Conclusions

Pembrolizumab demonstrated antitumor activity in a subset of patients with NETs and was well‐tolerated.
Identification of circulating tumor cells using 4‐color fluorescence in situ hybridization: Validation of a noninvasive aid for ruling out lung cancer in patients with low‐dose computed tomography–detected lung nodules
Authors: Katz Ruth L. , Zaidi Tanweer M. , Pujara Deep , Shanbhag Namita D. , Truong Duy , Patil Shekhar , Mehran Reza J. , El‐Zein Randa A. , Shete Sanjay S. , Kuban Joshua D.
Published: April 2020

Background

Approximately one third of needle biopsies that are performed to rule out malignancy of indeterminate pulmonary nodules detected radiologically during lung cancer screening are negative, thus exposing cancer‐free patients to risks of pneumothorax, bleeding, and infection. A noninvasive confirmatory tool (eg, liquid biopsy) is urgently needed in the lung cancer diagnosis setting to stratify patients who should receive biopsy versus those who should be monitored.

Methods

A novel antigen‐independent, 4‐color fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)‐based method was developed to detect circulating tumor cells (CTCs) with abnormalities in gene copy numbers in mononuclear cell–enriched peripheral blood samples from patients with (n = 107) and without (n = 100) lung cancer.

Results

Identification of CTCs using FISH probes at 10q22.3/CEP10 and 3p22.1/3q29 detected lung cancer cases with 94.2% accuracy, 89% sensitivity, and 100% specificity compared with biopsy.

Conclusion

The high accuracy of this liquid biopsy method suggests that it may be used as a noninvasive decision tool to reduce the frequency of unnecessary needle biopsy in patients with benign pulmonary lesions.
The impact of color preference on adolescent children's choice of furniture
Authors: Jiang Liling , Cheung Vien , Westland Stephen , Rhodes Peter A. , Shen Liming , Xu Lei
Published: April 2020

It is widely believed that children will choose furniture that has the same color as their preferred color. Furthermore, for different categories of furniture, the color they preferred for furniture is consistent. A study of 508 adolescent Chinese children between the ages of 12 and 16 has been carried out to explore whether color preference influences their choice of furniture when they are provided with various color options (16 chromatic and five achromatic colors). This work tested six items of furniture in two functional spaces (study and bedroom space). Findings indicate that adolescent children's color preferences did indeed affect their furniture choice, but the extent varies with the categories of furniture. Furthermore, this study reveals that children's preference for furniture in different functional spaces is slightly different. Some effects of gender and age were also explored. This work discusses the implications of adolescent color preference and color choice for children's furniture color design.
Production of F(ab′)2 from Monoclonal and Polyclonal Antibodies
Authors: Rosenstein Shai , Vaisman‐Mentesh Anna , Levy Limor , Kigel Aya , Dror Yael , Wine Yariv
Published: April 2020

Antibodies are widely used in therapeutic, diagnostic, and research applications, and antibody derivatives such as F(ab′)2 fragments are used when only a particular antibody region is required. F(ab′)2 can be produced through antibody engineering, but some applications require F(ab′)2 produced from an original formulated antibody or directly from a polyclonal antibody pool. The cysteine protease immunoglobulin‐degrading enzyme (IdeS) from Streptococcus pyogenes digests immunoglobulin G (IgG) specifically and efficiently to produce F(ab′)2. Here we detail the production and purification of recombinant IdeS; its utilization to digest monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies to F(ab′)2 fragments; and F(ab′)2 purification through consecutive affinity chromatography steps. The resultant F(ab′)2 exhibit high purity, retain antigen‐binding functionality, and are readily utilizable in various downstream applications. © 2020 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Basic Protocol: Production and purification of F(ab′)2 fragments from monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies using IdeS

Alternate Protocol: Purification of polyclonal antigen–specific F(ab′)2 fragments from human serum or secretions

Support Protocol: Production and purification of IdeS
Neuronavigation‐Guided rTMS for the Treatment of Depressive Patients With Suicidal Ideation: A Double‐Blind, Randomized, Sham‐Controlled Trial
Authors: Pan Fen , Shen Zhe , Jiao JianPing , Chen Jinkai , Li Shangda , Lu Jing , Duan Jinfeng , Wei Ning , Shang Desheng , Hu Shaohua , Xu Yi , Huang Manli
Published: April 2020

During the last decade, the problem of suicide has become more serious in individuals with depression. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an effective treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD). This study aims to investigate the efficacy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐based neuronavigation‐guided daily high‐dose rTMS for rapidly improving suicidal ideation in treatment‐naive patients with MDD. In the present 1‐week double‐blind study, 42 treatment‐naive patients with MDD with suicidal ideation were randomly assigned to the treatment of escitalopram oxalate tablets (10 mg/d) in combination with either active (n = 21) or sham (n = 21) rTMS. The TMS coil was positioned over a specified target location (−44, 40, and 29) in left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex based on MRI data. The severity of suicidal ideation was measured by the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSI). The 24‐item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD‐24) and Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) were utilized to assess the severity of depression. The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Continuous Performance Test, and Stroop Color–Word Test were adopted to assess executive function. In contrast to the sham group, the active rTMS group showed a significantly greater BSI score reduction at the third day and the seventh day (P < 0.001). Moreover, the active rTMS group showed a significantly greater HAMD (P < 0.001) and MADRS (P < 0.001) score reduction at the seventh day in comparison to the sham group. The present findings suggested that the neuronavigation‐guided high‐dose rTMS may be a novel method to rapidly reduce suicidal ideation and mitigate depressive symptoms.
Coding structure of JMVDC along saliency mapping: a prespective compression technique
Authors: Manasa Veena T. , Satya Narayana D. , Giri Prasad M. N.
Published: April 2020

Summarizing of multi‐see video and penetrating information depicts an augmentation of the high‐performance video coding (HPVC) criterion. Multi‐see recordings taken by numerous cameras of the same scene from various positions and edges progress towards becoming feasible since little estimated and less value cameras are accessible. Multi‐see video enables the customers to unreservedly change their viewpoints whenever they need to see the scene from any position. For profundity coding, new intracoding modes, an altered movement pay, and movement vector coding and also the idea of movement parameter legacy are a piece of the HPVC expansion. A novel encoder control utilizes see blend improvement, which ensures that amazing middle of the road perspectives can be produced in view of the decoded information. The bit stream arrange bolsters the extraction of halfway piece streams, with the goal that traditional latest video standards like 2D, stereo, multi‐see in addition to profundity organization can be de‐transmit from a solitary piece stream. We proposed a novel saliency detection technique for stereoscopic pictures, which depends on local‐global differentiation highlights, trailed by encompassing district improvement and stereo focus earlier upgrade and furthermore we have proposed an algorithm that effectively chooses a near‐optimalinterview PS and related texture and profundity QPs, at GOP level, when the MVD information organize is utilized for IMVS frameworks. Objective and subjective outcomes are introduced, exhibiting that the proposed approach gives half piece rate investment funds in correlation with JMVDC simulcast and 22% in examination with a direct multi‐see expansion of JMVDC without the recently created coding instruments.
Studies on reproductive strategies of Vitex negundo L. var. heterophylla (Franch.) Rehder (Lamiaceae) based on morphological characteristics and SSR markers
Authors: Sun Xiaohan , Wang Feng , Cui Rong , Liu Xiao , Li Xiangxiang , Dong Jibin , Sun Lu , Qin Siqi , Wang Renqing , Zheng Peiming , Wang Hui
Published: April 2020

Vitex negundo L. var. heterophylla (Franch.) Rehder (Lamiaceae) is an important tree species for soil and water conservation, yet the reproductive ecology of this species remains to be elucidated. To investigate the reproductive traits of V. negundo var. heterophylla, the phenology, morphological characteristics (a suite of characters was assessed: floral morphology, nectar production, pollen viability, and stigma receptivity) and mating system of this species were systematically revealed for the first time in this study. Phenological observations, morphological measurements, and nectar production analysis were conducted during anthesis. Pollen viability and stigma receptivity at different flowering stages were measured by biochemical methods. Finally, genetic analysis based on SSR markers was used to reveal the mating system; outcrossing index and pollen‐ovule ratio were also calculated to help analysis. V. negundo var. heterophylla showed several obvious characteristics of outcrossing, such as abundant and attractive flowers, secreting nectar, and emitting scent. In addition, mechanisms such as homogamy and a short anther‐stigma distance that can promote self‐fertilization were also identified in this species. The coexistence of selfing and outcrossing characteristics demonstrates a predominantly outcrossed mixed mating system (outcrossing rate, t = 95%). The scientific information provided by this study may contribute to conservation of V. negundo var. heterophylla from a reproductive perspective.
Interspecific and interpopulation variation in individual diet specialization: Do environmental factors have a role?
Authors: Lunghi Enrico , Manenti Raoul , Cianferoni Fabio , Ceccolini Filippo , Veith Michael , Corti Claudia , Ficetola Gentile Francesco , Mancinelli, Giorgio
Published: April 2020

Individual diet specialization (IS) has important community‐ and population‐level implications and its ecological drivers are actively investigated. Here, to test the hypothesis that local environmental conditions may influence IS in wild populations, we analyzed the stomach contents of 395 individuals from eight populations of five allopatric species of European cave salamanders (genusHydromantes). We assessed whether their degree of individual diet specialization (1) scaled positively with the respective niche widths, in agreement with Van Valen’s niche variation hypothesis (NVH), and (2) could be predicted by satellite‐derived climatic and vegetation characteristics of the sites where the populations live. Consistent with the NVH, the degree of individual diet specialization increased with the populations’ total niche width. Furthermore, two variables describing local nonarboreal vegetation cover and habitat heterogeneity successfully predicted the variation in individual specialization across the eight populations. Climatic factors had a generally low predictive power, with individual specialization in low‐ and high‐elevation populations showing contrasting patterns of co‐variation with air temperature in the warmest quarter of the year. However, independently from elevation, specialization peaked under conditions of high nonarboreal vegetation cover and high precipitation regimes. We discussed the results against two mutually nonexclusive scenarios hypothesizing different mechanisms linking environmental factors to salamanders’ trophic strategy at an individual and population level. We concluded that satellite‐derived climatic and vegetation variables to date generally adopted to model Grinnellian niches might also be useful in predicting spatial variations in dietary habits of populations, that is, their Eltonian niches.