bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Probing the Spatial Heterogeneity of Carrier Relaxation Dynamics in CH3NH3PbI3 Perovskite Thin Films with Femtosecond Time‐Resolved Nonlinear Optical Microscopy
Authors: Yu Jin , Li Zhongguo , Liao Yuheng , Kolodziej Charles , Kuyuldar Seher , Warren Warren S. , Burda Clemens , Fischer Martin C.
Published: August 2019

The spatial heterogeneity of carrier dynamics in polycrystalline metal halide perovskite (MHP) thin films has a strong influence on photovoltaic device performance; however, the underlying cause is not yet clearly understood. Here, the sub‐micrometer scale mapping of charge carrier dynamics in CH3NH3PbI3 thin films using time‐resolved nonlinear optical microscopy, specifically transient absorption microscopy (TAM) with sub‐picosecond (ps) and time‐resolved photoluminescence (PL) microscopy with nanosecond temporal resolution is reported. To study the influence of physical morphology on charge carrier dynamics, MHP thin films having granular‐ and fibrous structures are investigated. On both types of films, spatial regions with short‐lived transient gain signals (fast nonradiative relaxation within ≈1 ps) typically show slower charge recombination via radiative relaxation, which is attributed to the presence of additional energy states near the band edge. In addition, fibrous films show longer PL lifetimes. Interestingly, the functional contrast shown in TAM images exhibits fundamental differences from the structural contrast shown in scanning electron microscopy images, implying that the variation of trap density in the bulk contributes to the observed spatial heterogeneity in carrier dynamics.
Thiocarbamate‐Directed ortho C−H Bond Alkylation with Diazo Compounds
Authors: Jin Shengnan , Chen Zhan , Zhao Yingwei
Published: August 2019

We herein report a rhodium catalysed insertion of C(sp2)−H bond into diazo derived carbenes directed by a thiocarbamate group. This reaction provides a direct and efficient pathway to the ortho alkylation of phenol derivatives with a broad substrate scope. The C−H activation process is accomplished through a reversible electrophilic rhodation.

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Decreased Synthesis Costs and Waste Product Toxicity for Lead Sulfide Quantum Dot Ink Photovoltaics
Authors: Moody Nicole , Yoon Dasol , Johnson Anna , Wassweiler Ella , Nasilowski Michel , Bulović Vladimir , Bawendi Moungi G.
Published: August 2019

Use of lead sulfide (PbS) colloidal quantum dot (QD) films as photoactive layers in photovoltaic (PV) devices typically requires replacement of native QD ligands with lead‐based capping ligands (i.e., PbX2, X = Br, I) for the best‐performing QD PVs. This ligand replacement process often requires additional solvents and toxic reagents. In the present study, an alternative PbS QD PV fabrication method with a lead‐free tetrabutylammonium iodide (TBAI) ligand source and lower material requirements and toxicity is demonstrated, yielding 10% power conversion efficient PVs with more than 1000 h of storage stability under ambient conditions. Evaluation of the economic and toxicological benefits of this new ligand exchange protocol reveals a 72% reduction in synthesis costs, an 80% reduction in solvent volumes, and a nearly 250‐fold reduction in lead waste generated compared to the previous PbX2‐based protocol for highest‐performing QD PVs. Most significantly, it is shown that unencapsulated PbS QD PVs made from this TBAI method leach less lead than U.S. Environmental Protection Agency limits and thus do not require hazardous waste disposal at the end of life. This finding implies a further decrease in expected device costs, extending progress toward large‐scale production of commercial PbS QD PVs with low environmental risk.
A multi‐scale analysis of the effect of complex viscoelastic models on Listeria dynamics and adaptation in co‐culture systems
Authors: Costello Katherine M. , Gutierrez‐Merino Jorge , Bussemaker Madeleine , Smet Cindy , Van Impe Jan F. , Velliou Eirini G.
Published: August 2019

Natural antimicrobials are of interest to replace traditional food decontamination methods: they are milder and maintain desirable sensory characteristics. However, efficacy can be affected by food structure/composition, thus structural effects in a co‐culture pathogen/microflora system are investigated. Listeria was grown planktonically (liquid broth) or on a biphasic viscoelastic system, in monoculture with/without artificial nisin, or in co‐culture with Lactococcus lactis (nisin/non‐nisin producing). Microbial growth kinetics were monitored and advanced microscopy techniques were utilized to quantify cellular interactions and spatial organization. Microstructural effects are observed on the kinetics, with differences in monoculture/co‐culture. Significant microscopic differences are observed in spatial organization and colony size. We are the first to observe changing growth location for all species in monoculture/co‐culture, with differences in colony size/organization through stationary phase. This study provides insight into the environmental stress response/adaptation of Listeria grown on structured systems in response to L. lactis and natural antimicrobials.
IRF2BPL gene mutation: Expanding on neurologic phenotypes
Authors: Shelkowitz Emily , Singh Jasleen K. , Larson Austin , Elias Ellen R.
Published: August 2019

Heterozygous loss of function variants in the IRF2BPL are a newly described cause of neurodevelopmental disabilities and epilepsy. As of 2019, fewer than 20 patients have been described in the published literature. This article reports an additional case of a patient with a pathogenic IRF2BPL variant and offers a comprehensive review of the published cases of individuals with IRF2BPL variants, in order to help expand the phenotype. The patient has a history of infantile spasms evolving into drug‐resistant epilepsy with underlying epileptic encephalopathy consistent with Lennox–Gastaut syndrome. While at the extreme end of the spectrum, his phenotype is consistent with those previously described. Our literature review highlights the wide range of phenotypes exhibited by those with diseases related to IRF2BPL gene variants. This article also briefly discusses other comorbidities seen in the patient and those previously reported. While the molecular underpinnings of the role of IRF2BPL gene in the central nervous system are newly established, the specifics of its effects elsewhere have yet to be delineated. Furthermore, its pathogenesis in other organ systems is not yet understood and could be of importance from a management perspective.
Syntheses of Orthogonally Protected d‐Galactosamine, d‐Allosamine and d‐Gulosamine Thioglycoside Building Blocks with N‐phthalimido Groups
Authors: Chatterjee Debnath , Nayak Sourav , Paul Abhijit , Yadav Somnath
Published: August 2019

Amino sugars, d‐galactosamine (2‐deoxy‐2‐aminogalactose), d‐allosamine (2‐deoxy‐2‐aminoallose) and d‐gulosamine (2‐deoxy‐2‐aminogulose) are components of several important carbohydrates of biologically relevant systems and in the area of therapeutics. In this work, we report the syntheses of their orthogonally protected N‐phthalimido thioglycoside derivatives from d‐glucosamine as building blocks for potential applications in further syntheses of their complex carbohydrates. The syntheses rely on installing orthogonal protections on N‐pthalimido glucosamine thioglycoside followed by Lattrell‐Dax inversions at C4 or C3, via the triflates, to yield d‐galactosamine or d‐allosamine, each of which is then readily converted to the d‐gulosamine derivative by inversions at either C3 of the former or C4 of the latter. The utility of the synthesized building blocks is also demonstrated by the stereoselective and exclusive synthesis of the β‐disaccharide in a proof of concept glycosylation reaction.
Utilizing Human Dermal Fibroblast Heterogeneity in Autologous Dermal Fibroblast Therapy: An Overcomplicated Strategy or a Promising Approach?
Authors: Zuo Yanhai , Wei Jianjun , Chen Hui
Published: August 2019

Although human dermal fibroblast heterogeneity has been acknowledged for several decades and a large body of in vitro studies has been performed with zonal dermal fibroblast, current autologous dermal fibroblast therapies do not reflect human dermal fibroblast heterogeneity. To determine if the utilization of human dermal fibroblast heterogeneity in autologous dermal fibroblast therapy is more of a translational perspective that may thus be more likely to make it to the clinic, this article critically reviews the previous studies on dermal fibroblast heterogeneity performed to date. We found that in vitro studies of human dermal fibroblast heterogeneity have run nearly parallel to the in vivo study of autologous dermal fibroblast therapy. Although several human to nude mice xenotransplantation experiments have been performed in different layers of human dermal fibroblast, their clinical significance remains to be considered. We conclude that there is still a great gap between basic experiments and the clinical employment of human dermal fibroblast heterogeneity. To overcome this, it is necessary to conduct clinical trials, which might be restricted by ethical issues. Alternatively, it might be easier to conduct in vivo studies in animal models. Based on our previous study of dermal fibroblast heterogeneity in pigs, we propose the use of pigs as a good animal model for dermal fibroblast heterogeneity. Time will show whether the utilization of human dermal fibroblast heterogeneity in autologous dermal fibroblast therapy is an overcomplicated strategy or a promising approach. Anat Rec, 302:2126–2131, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy
Entwicklungsstand neuer zerstörungsfreier Messmethoden in der Bauwerksuntersuchung
Authors: Walther Andrei , Eisenkrein‐Kreksch Helena
Published: August 2019

Die Zustandsermittlung von Bestandsbauwerken sowie die Qualitätssicherung der Instandsetzung an Betonbauwerken erfolgen durch umfangreiche Prüfungen. Zurzeit sind diese Verfahren meist durch viele zerstörende Prüfungen geprägt. In dem Beitrag soll auf neue Messmethoden eingegangen werden, die in den letzten Jahren entwickelt und teilweise bereits erfolgreich eingesetzt werden. Es werden drei Prüfmethoden vorgestellt, die in der Bauwerksdiagnostik relevant sind. Die Ortung von Spanngliedbrüchen in z. B. Spannbetonbrücken oder weitgespannten Bauteilen kann mittels magnetischem Streufeldverfahren erfolgen. Dadurch ist es möglich, auf eine zerstörende visuelle Prüfung am zu öffnenden Spannglied zu verzichten. Hohlstellen an unzugänglichen und hohen Betonbauteilen können durch thermografische Untersuchungen geortet werden. Dabei können an Bauwerken die Schäden infolge Bewehrungskorrosionen, die visuell noch nicht erkennbar sind, diagnostiziert und der Umfang der Schäden für eine Instandsetzungsmaßnahme ermittelt werden. Die Schichtdickenbestimmung an polymeren Beschichtungssystemen, die häufig im Bodenbereich eingesetzt werden, kann bis jetzt nur zerstörend mittels Bohrkernentnahme erfolgen. In einem Forschungsprojekt wurde ein Gerät entwickelt, das thermografisch die Schichtdicke zerstörungsfrei sehr präzise bestimmen kann. Diese Entwicklung wird ebenfalls in diesem Beitrag vorgestellt.
Genomic and metabolic analysis of Komagataeibacter xylinus DSM 2325 producing bacterial cellulose nanofiber
Authors: Jang Woo Dae , Kim Tae Yong , Kim Hyun Uk , Shim Woo Yong , Ryu Jae Yong , Park Jin Hwan , Lee Sang Yup
Published: August 2019

Bacterial cellulose nanofiber (CNF) is a polymer with a wide range of potential industrial applications. Several Komagataeibacter species, including Komagataeibacter xylinus as a model organism, produce CNF. However, the industrial application of CNF has been hampered by inefficient CNF production, necessitating metabolic engineering for the enhanced CNF production. Here, we present complete genome sequence and a genome‐scale metabolic model KxyMBEL1810 of K. xylinus DSM 2325 for metabolic engineering applications. Genome analysis of this bacterium revealed that a set of genes associated with CNF biosynthesis and regulation were present in this bacterium, which were also conserved in another six representative Komagataeibacter species having complete genome information. To better understand the metabolic characteristics of K. xylinus DSM 2325, KxyMBEL1810 was reconstructed using genome annotation data, relevant computational resources and experimental growth data generated in this study. Random sampling and correlation analysis of the KxyMBEL1810 predicted pgi and gnd genes as novel overexpression targets for the enhanced CNF production. Among engineered K. xylinus strains individually overexpressing heterologous pgi and gnd genes, either from Escherichia coli or Corynebacterium glutamicum, batch fermentation of a strain overexpressing the E. coli pgi gene produced 3.15 g/L of CNF in a complex medium containing glucose, which was the best CNF concentration achieved in this study, and 115.8% higher than that (1.46 g/L) obtained from the control strain. Genome sequence data and KxyMBEL1810 generated in this study should be useful resources for metabolic engineering of K. xylinus for the enhanced CNF production.
Client descriptions of outcomes compared with quantitative data: A mixed‐methods investigation of a quantitative outcome measure
Authors: Leibert Todd W. , Powell Richard N. , Fonseca Fiona D.
Published: August 2019

Aim

In this mixed‐methods study, we examined client descriptions of counselling outcomes and how they corresponded with a quantitative measure of change (i.e., Outcome Questionnaire‐45; OQ‐45).

Method

Using purposeful sampling at a university counselling training centre, we compared 17 clients who had reliably improved, deteriorated or did not change to qualitative outcomes based on post‐counselling interviews using the Change Interview protocol.

Results

Qualitative outcomes included two Central change categories, the first of which included interpersonal, cognitive and behavioural, affective, and attitude changes. The second Central category of outcomes comprised four areas of change that varied by degree of change expressed (i.e., Problem Resolution, Confidence, Happiness and Changes Affirmed by Others). Congruence was not present between OQ‐45 and Central 1 changes but was present for three of the four Central 2 changes (Problem Resolution, Happiness and Changes Affirmed by Others), all correlating above .60.

Conclusion

OQ‐45 change scores showed congruence with three qualitative outcomes: degree of expressed improvement in Happiness, Problem resolution and changes noticed by significant others. However, the lack of congruence for Central 1 changes (i.e., Interpersonal, Cognitive and Behavioural, Affective, and Attitude Change) suggests a diverse range of outcomes important to clients that go undetected using the OQ‐45. We strongly encourage further mixed design research to better understand how best to appraise clinical improvement.
4‐Aminophthalimide Amino Acids as Small and Environment‐Sensitive Fluorescent Probes for Transmembrane Peptides
Authors: Wörner Samantha , Rönicke Franziska , Ulrich Anne S. , Wagenknecht Hans‐Achim
Published: August 2019

Fluorescence probing of transmembrane (TM) peptides is needed to complement state‐of‐the art methods—mainly oriented circular dichroism and solid‐state NMR spectroscopy—and to allow imaging in living cells. Three new amino acids incorporating the solvatofluorescent 4‐aminophthalimide in their side chains were synthesized in order to examine the local polarity in the α‐helical TM fragment of the human epidermal growth factor receptor. It was possible to distinguish their locations, either in the hydrophobic core of the lipid bilayer or at the membrane surface, by fluorescence readout, including blue shift and increased quantum yield. An important feature is the small size of the 4‐aminophthalimide chromophore. It makes one of the new amino acids approximately isosteric to tryptophan, typically used as a very small fluorescent amino acid in peptides and proteins. In contrast to the only weakly fluorescent indole system in tryptophan, the 4‐aminophthalimide moiety produces a significantly more informative fluorescence readout and is selectively excited outside the biopolymer absorption range.
Paravalvular leak closure of acute mitral valve ring dehiscence during mitral valve‐in‐ring procedure
Authors: Kanda Brinder S. , Hoyt Nicholas E. , Tavaf‐Motamen Houman
Published: August 2019

The replacement of surgically corrected mitral valves, also known as percutaneous transcatheter repair, is a relatively young field. Even though these procedures are usually successful, they can present significant intraoperative or postoperative challenges. To our knowledge, we present the first case of acute focal dehiscence of mitral ring repair during the mitral valve‐in‐ring procedure.
Synthesis of Benzo[b]azocin‐2‐ones by Aryl Amination and Ring‐Expansion of α‐(Iodophenyl)‐β‐oxoesters
Authors: Dierks Anna , Tönjes Jan , Schmidtmann Marc , Christoffers Jens
Published: August 2019

Transformation of β‐oxoesters with PhI(OCOCF3)2 leads to α‐(ortho‐iodophenyl)‐β‐oxoesters. These materials are the starting point for the synthesis of 6‐carboxybenzo[b]azocin‐2‐ones by a sequence of aryl amination and ring transformation. This reaction sequence starts with copper‐catalyzed formation of N‐alkyl anilines from the iodoarenes and primary amines in the presence of K3PO4 as stoichiometric base. The intermediate products underwent ring transformation by addition of the nitrogen into the carbonyl group of the cycloalkanone, furnishing benzo‐annulated eight‐membered ring lactams. Under the same reaction conditions, the cyclohexanone and cycloheptanone derivatives gave no aminated products, but ring‐transformed to benzofuran derivatives. The title compounds of this investigation contain two points for further diversification (the lactam nitrogen and the carboxylate function), thus, the suitability of this compound class as a scaffold was proven by appropriate functionalizations. The first series of derivatizations of the scaffold was initiated by hydrogenolytic debenzylation of N‐benzyl derivative to provide the NH‐congener, which could be deprotonated with LDA and alkylated at nitrogen to give further examples of this compound class. Secondly, the ester function was submitted to saponification and the resulting carboxylic acid could be amidated using HATU as coupling reagent to furnish different amides.
BN‐ and BO‐Doped Inorganic–Organic Hybrid Polymers with Sulfoximine Core Units
Authors: Brosge Felix , Lorenz Thomas , Helten Holger , Bolm Carsten
Published: August 2019

While polysulfones constitute a class of well‐established, highly valuable applied materials, knowledge about polymers based on the related sulfoximine group is very limited. We have employed functionalized diaryl sulfoximines and a p‐phenylene bisborane as building blocks for unprecedented BN‐ and BO‐doped alternating inorganic–organic hybrid copolymers. While the former were accessed by a facile silicon/boron exchange protocol, the synthesis of polymers with main‐chain B–O linkages was achieved by salt elimination.
Cover Picture: Synergistically Directed Assembly of Aromatic Stacks Based Metal‐Organic Frameworks by Donor‐Acceptor and Coordination Interactions (Chin. J. Chem. 9/2019)
Authors: Wang Xi , Zhang Ying , Chang Ze , Huang Hui , Liu Xiao‐Ting , Xu Jialiang , Bu Xian‐He
Published: August 2019

The cover picture shows a synergistically directed assembly route towards novel multi‐component coordination architectures driven by aromatic donor‐acceptor and coordination interactions. The huge structural discrepancies between coronene donor present and absent experiments clearly prove the significance of aromatic donor‐accepter pairs and their inherent cooperation mechanism in these assembly processes. More details are discussed by Bu et al. on page 871–877.

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Stable atypical chest pain with negative anatomical or functional diagnostic test: Diagnosis no matter what or prevention at any cost?
Authors: Cosmi Deborah , Mariottoni Beatrice , Cosmi Franco
Published: August 2019

Background

Approximately 1% to 2% of patients with stable atypical chest pain (SACP) experienced a major coronary event, even after a negative functional or anatomical test.

Methods

Over the past 15 years, 1706 patients with SACP evaluated in our clinics underwent functional stress testing or coronary computed tomographic angiography (CTA). In these patients, we also assessed the presence of three major modifiable lifestyle‐related risk factors (cigarette smoking, low intake of fruit and vegetables, and physical inactivity). Patients were stratified according to the presence of at least one risky lifestyle factor or no risky lifestyle factors. Functional or anatomical tests were positive in 170 patients (10%). We followed the remaining 1536 patients with negative tests for 1 year to evaluate the incidence of major coronary events.

Results

The percentage of patients reporting major coronary events was 1.2% in the group with risky lifestyles and 0.2% in the non‐risky lifestyle group (P < .01). Events were more common in smokers.

Conclusions

Patients with SACP, when functional or anatomical tests are negative, have a residual risk of fatal and non‐fatal cardiovascular events of 1% at 1 year of follow‐up. People with incorrect lifestyles, especially smokers, have a higher risk of events. We think that in this population, a more effective intervention on lifestyles could be the key to reduce major cardiovascular events.
Medium‐term effects of active management on the structure of mature Douglas‐fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) stands
Authors: Williams Neil , Powers Matthew
Published: August 2019

We developed an observational study to (1) examine differences in the structure of mature Douglas‐fir stands representing thinned, structural retention harvest and unmanaged conditions, and (2) assess the extent to which active management in mature stands expedites development of old‐growth structure, relative to two old‐growth indices. Time since treatment averaged 38 and 22 yr in thinned and retention harvest conditions, respectively, and stand age ranged from 106 to 193 yr when sampled. Differences in stand structure were apparent between all three management conditions, with attributes associated with stumps, live tree diameter diversity, understory vegetation, and vertical foliage structure being the strongest individual drivers of these differences. Mean old‐growth index scores were lower than expected of true old‐growth for each of the management conditions examined here, but were not significantly different between thinned and unmanaged stands. Our results suggest thinning in mature stands may promote certain elements of old‐growth structure, including foliage height diversity, but also indicate the need for provisions against the depletion of dead wood resources. Stumps are an understudied dead wood structure, and in actively managed mature stands, our results imply that stumps may provide a degree of functional substitution where down log availability is low.
Local temporal trajectories explain population‐level responses to climate change in saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea)
Authors: Rodríguez‐Buriticá Susana , Winkler Daniel E. , Webb Robert H. , Venable D. Lawrence
Published: August 2019

Population demography is typically assumed to be strongly influenced by climatic factors, particularly with succulent plants and cacti. The saguaro cactus (Carnegiea gigantea) is a long‐lived columnar cactus of the Sonoran Desert that experiences episodic recruitment and mortality. Previous studies have attributed long‐term changes in saguaro populations to climatic factors, including increased germination and establishment during wet periods and mortality and reduced establishment during droughts and extreme freezes. We used a 48‐yr data set of marked individuals at the Desert Laboratory in Tucson, Arizona, to test the hypothesis that local, temporal population trajectories are mediated by topographic heterogeneity that interacts with fluctuating climatic conditions. We tested the influence of local slope and aspect vs. climatic variability on a population of saguaro using >5800 marked individuals that have been measured since 1964. We examined the relationship between demography and climatic variables (drought, precipitation, and extreme temperatures) and found significant differences in growth and survival among aspects and among census periods. Saguaro population growth was higher during wet and cool periods (e.g., 1964–1970), and changes in age structures suggest that topographic differences interact with climatic fluctuations to produce unexpected demographic patterns including large recruitment events during periods of relatively unfavorable climate conditions. Our results highlight the importance of long‐term data to detect demographic responses to climate that could not be predicted from short‐term studies of plant physiology and population demography.
The impact of ultrasound‐guided continuous serratus anterior plane block versus intravenous patient‐controlled analgesia on the incidence and severity of post‐thoracotomy pain syndrome: A randomized, controlled study
Authors: Reyad Raafat M. , Shaker Ehab H. , Ghobrial Hossam Z. , Abbas Dina N. , Reyad Ehab M. , Abd Alrahman Abd Alrahman M. , AL‐Demery Amr , Issak Emad R. H.
Published: August 2019

Objective

The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate U/S guided serratus anterior plane catheter block (SAPB) versus patient‐controlled analgesia (PCA) on the emergence of post‐thoracotomy pain syndrome (PTPS) after thoracotomies for thoracic tumours.

Methods

This trial included 89 patients with chest malignancies, scheduled for thoracotomy were randomly allocated into two groups: Group A "PCA–group N=44" receiving patient‐controlled analgesia and group B "SAPB group N=45" where analgesia was provided by SAPB. The primary outcome measure was the assessment for the possible emergence of PTPS at 12 weeks. The secondary outcome measures were pain relief measured using visual analog scale (VAS) score, Quality of life was assessed using Flanagan Quality of Life Scale (QOLS) and Activity level was assessed using Barthel Activity of daily living (ADL) score.

Results

At week 8, PTPS incidence was significantly (p = .037) higher in the PCA group (45%) than in the SAPB group (24%) with a relative risk of 1.38 and 95% CI (1.01–1.9) while the incidence of PTPS at week 12 was significantly (p = .035) higher in the PCA group (43%) than in the SAPB group (22%) with a relative risk of 2.38 and 95% CI (1.23–4.57). The need for pain therapy in PTPS patients was significantly lower in the SAPB group (17.7%) than the PCA group (38.6%) (p = .028) at week 12. Pain intensity: VAS‐R and VAS‐D (pain scores at rest and with activity, respectively) was comparable (p > .05) between both groups at 6, 12, 18 and 24 hr, however VAS was significantly higher in the PCA group at week 8 (p = .046) and week 12 (p = .032) . Both groups were comparable regarding ADL and QOL scores (p > .05).

Conclusion

Serratus anterior plane block is assumed to be a good alternative for post‐thoracotomy analgesia following thoracotomies. The current work hypothesized that SAPB for a week postoperatively, may reduce the emergence of PTPS and may reduce the demand for pain therapy in those patients.

Significance statement

The current work hypothesized that SAPB for a week postoperatively, is a good loco‐regional alternative for post‐thoracotomy analgesia following thoracotomies for chest malignancies, it may reduce the emergence of PTPS and the demand for pain therapy in these patients.
Compaction control of secondary materials used in earthworks
Authors: Huber Stefan , Henzinger Christoph , Heyer Dirk
Published: August 2019

Compaction control is a fundamental part of quality assurance for earthworks and essential to ensuring the long‐term stability and serviceability of earth structures. As the testing of relative compaction for coarse‐grained materials is time‐consuming, plate load tests are typically used for this purpose. Practical experience shows that the compaction control of secondary materials using plate load tests is not as straightforward as suggested in earthwork specifications. Unfortunately, these subtleties are not widely known and typically lead to rejection of the compacted layers, despite the material having been compacted thoroughly. This paper summarizes the findings of compaction field tests on several secondary materials that were field‐compacted to varying dry densities. Field testing of the compacted layers included the determination of dry density and plate load tests (static and dynamic). The results of these field tests are presented and discussed here and show that the parameters provided by plate load tests do not relate to the dry densities of the materials tested in the same way as they do for natural materials. Suggestions are provided concerning the most viable way of conducting compaction control of secondary materials within the earthwork specifications of Germany and Austria.
A non‐Fourier heat flux model for magnetohydrodynamic micropolar liquid flow across a coagulated sheet
Authors: Kumar K. Anantha , Sugunamma V. , Sandeep N.
Published: August 2019

In this analysis, a heat transfer extrusion system was made by using a modified heat flux model, namely, the Cattaneo‐Christov heat flux. In the present study, we examined the effect of Arrhenius activation energy on magnetohydrodynamic mixed convection stagnation point flow of a micropolar fluid over a variable thickened surface in the attendance of Brownian motion. The fluid motion is assumed to be steady and laminar. The combined influence of heat and mass transfer aspects are scrutinized. First, suitable transformations are considered to modify the governing partial differential equations as ordinary differential equations and revealed by the consecutive application of numerical procedures like shooting and Runge‐Kutta‐Fehlberg. Graphs are delineated to scrutinize the effects of sundry dimensionless parameters on the flow fields. We found that, the present results made a good agreement with the existing results. We observed that there is an enhancement in the fields of concentration with thermophoresis and activation energy parameters but an opposite trend is noticed for the Brownian motion parameter. Also, it is interesting to note that the buoyancy and the primary slip parameters are increasing functions of velocity fields.
Memory Quilts and Hope Chests: Adult Learners Craft Counterstories in Their Community Museum
Authors: Gruen Rachael , Killian Lund Virginia
Published: August 2019

The authors describe how a community museum created and curated by adult education students acted as an innovative and student‐centered model to support learners in developing and demonstrating their literacy skills and knowledges. Using a case study approach to document and analyze students’ counterstories (i.e., stories that disrupt dominant narratives), the authors highlight the ways in which creating and curating a community museum leveraged adult students’ expertise and opened opportunities for meaningful civic action through counterstorying. The authors aim to provide adult literacy educators with a concrete example of how an expansive understanding of literacy skills within their curriculum, including the literacies of making and design, can support students’ development of relevant content literacies and workforce competencies, including researching, multimodal composing, speaking, and collaborating.
Detoxification of poly(methyl methacrylate) bone cement by natural antioxidant intervention
Authors: Choppadandi Mounika , More Namdev , Kapusetti Govinda
Published: August 2019

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) bone cement is the most widely used grouting material in the joint arthroplasties and vertebroplasties. The present investigation has been carried out to scavenge the radicals and monomer by addition of an antioxidant to minimize the toxicity of bone cement (BC). The in silico studies were employed to determine the potent natural antioxidant at physiological conditions. The antioxidant methionine demonstrated a strong binding affinity with free radicals and methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer than cysteine. The designated amount of methionine was optimized by various assay methods and >2% methionine shows strong scavenging capacity in BC. Moreover, the antioxidant‐loaded BC (ABC) demonstrated similar handling, physicochemical and mechanical properties to pristine bone cement. Significantly, the developed formulation shows superior biological characteristics such as cell proliferation (2 ± 1 BC and 6 ± 1 ABC), adhesion (0.32 ± 0.02 BC and 0.54 ± 0.01 ABC), and cell viability (81 ± 2% BC and 93 ± 1% ABC) toward human osteoblast‐like cells (MG‐63). Therefore, the novel antioxidant bone cement is a potential candidate for various orthopedic applications to eliminate the adverse effects, related to residual toxic radical and monomer in bone cement.
Zoledronate for the Prevention of Bone Loss in Women Discontinuing Denosumab Treatment. A Prospective 2-Year Clinical Trial
Authors: Anastasilakis Athanasios D , Papapoulos Socrates E , Polyzos Stergios A , Appelman-Dijkstra Natasha M , Makras Polyzois
Published: August 2019

Cessation of denosumab treatment is associated with increases in bone turnover above baseline values and rapid bone loss. We investigated the efficacy of zoledronate to prevent this bone loss in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis who were treated with denosumab (mean duration 2.2 years) and discontinued treatment after achieving osteopenia. Women were randomized to receive a single 5-mg infusion of zoledronate (ZOL) (n = 27) or two additional 60-mg injections of denosumab (Dmab) (n = 30). Both groups were followed for a total period of 24 months. At 24 months lumbar spine–bone mineral density (LS-BMD) was not different from baseline in the ZOL group, but decreased in the Dmab group by (mean ± SD) 4.82% ± 0.7% (p < 0.001) from the 12-month value; the difference in BMD changes between the two groups, the primary endpoint of the study, was statistically significant (p = 0.025). Results of femoral neck (FN)-BMD changes were similar. ZOL infusion was followed by small but significant increases in serum procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP) and C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX) during the first year and stabilization thereafter. In the Dmab group, bone turnover marker values did not change during the first 12 months but increased significantly at 15 months and in the majority of women these remained elevated at 24 months. Neither baseline nor 12-month bone turnover marker values were associated with BMD changes in either group of women. In the Dmab group, three patients sustained vertebral fractures (two patients multiple clinical, one patient morphometric) whereas one patient in the ZOL group sustained clinical vertebral fractures 12 months after the infusion. In conclusion, a single intravenous infusion of ZOL given 6 months after the last Dmab injection prevents bone loss for at least 2 years independently of the rate of bone turnover. Follow-up is recommended, because in a few patients ZOL treatment might not have the expected effect at 2 years. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Divagations about the periodic table: Boolean hypercube and quantum similarity connections
Authors: Carbó‐Dorca Ramon , Chakraborty Tanmoy
Published: August 2019

In this study, several simple aspects associated with the periodic table (PT) of the elements are commented. First, the connection of the PT with the structure of a seven‐dimensional Boolean hypercube leads afterward to discuss the nature of those PT elements bearing prime atomic numbers. Second, the use of quantum similarity (QS) to obtain an alternative insight on the PT element relations will be also developed. The foundation of the second part starts admitting that any element of the PT can be attached to a schematic electronic density function, constructed with a single Gaussian function: a Gaussian atomic density function, allowing to consider the PT elements as a set of quantum objects, and permits a straightforward construction of a QS matrix. Such QS scheme can be applied to the whole PT or to any subset of it. Manipulation of the QS matrices attached to any quantum object set allows the evaluation of statistical‐like values, acting as coordinates to numerically or graphically represent the chosen PT atomic element sets. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pivotal Role of Nonmetal Atoms in the Stabilities, Geometries, Electronic Structures, and Isoelectronic Chemistry of Sc3X@C80 (X = C, N, and O)
Authors: Zhao Yao‐Xiao , Li Meng‐Yang , Xiong Yi‐Ming , Rahmani Shirin , Yuan Kun , Zhao Rui‐Sheng , Ehara Masahiro , Nagase Shigeru , Zhao Xiang
Published: August 2019

The thermodynamic and dynamic stabilities of Sc3X@C80 (X = C, N, and O) are explored via density functional theory combined with statistical thermodynamic analysis and ab initio molecular dynamics. It is the first time to comprehensively consider the effect of nonmetal atoms on trimetallic endohedral clusterfullerenes. Relative to Sc3X@Ih (31924)‐C80 (X = N and O) with general six‐electron transfer, an intriguing electronic structure of unexplored Sc3C@D5h (31923)‐C80 with thermodynamic and dynamic stabilities is clearly disclosed. Natural bond orbitals and charge decomposition analysis simultaneously suggest that one unpaired electron appears on the cage for neutral Sc3C@D5h (31923)‐C80, which could be prospectively stabilized by effective exohedral derivatization and ionization in the future. Moreover, isoelectronic endohedral clusterfullerenes, (Sc3C@C80)−, Sc3N@C80, and (Sc3O@C80)+, are also uniquely taken into account. The geometries, electronic structures, reactivities, and reactive sites of isoelectronic species are examined, and it turns out that all the three isoelectronic species would rather electrophilic than nucleophilic reactions. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
New lower bounds on the size of (n,r)‐arcs in PG(2,q)
Authors: Braun Michael
Published: August 2019

An ‐arc in is a set of points such that each line contains at most of the selected points. It is well known that ‐arcs in correspond to projective linear codes. Let denote the maximal number of points for which an ‐arc in exists. In this paper we obtain improved lower bounds on by explicitly constructing ‐arcs. Some of the constructed ‐arcs correspond to linear codes meeting the Griesmer bound. All results are obtained by integer linear programming.
Screening populations at high risk for soft tissue sarcoma and surveillance following soft tissue sarcoma resection
Authors: Witt Russell G. , Baldini Elizabeth H. , Raut Chandrajit P.
Published: August 2019

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are a rare and diverse group of tumors that affect both adult and pediatric populations. This review discusses current screening recommendations for populations at increased risk for STS, including those with genetic predispositions. We also review surveillance guidelines for those at risk for recurrence following curative‐intent surgery.
Green Synthesis of Glycopolymers Using an Enzymatic Approach
Authors: Adharis Azis , Loos Katja
Published: August 2019

β‐Glucosidase and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) are used as biocatalysts in aqueous solution for the enzymatic synthesis of glycomonomers and the respective enzymatic polymerization toward glycopolymers. The biocatalytically synthesized monomers contain (meth)acrylate functionalities that are able to be polymerized by an enzyme‐initiated polymerization using an HRP/hydrogen peroxide/acetylacetone ternary system. The structure of the glycomonomers and the respective glycopolymers as well as the monomer conversion after the reaction are determined by1H NMR spectroscopy. The synthesized glycopolymers have a dispersity and a number‐average molecular weight up to 5.8 and 297 kg mol−1, respectively. Thermal and degradation properties of the glycopolymers are studied by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. In addition, preparation of glycopolymers via conventional free radical polymerization is performed and the properties of the obtained polymers are compared with the enzymatically synthesized glycopolymers.
Parkinsonism and spastic paraplegia type 7: Expanding the spectrum of mitochondrial Parkinsonism
Authors: De la Casa‐Fages Beatriz , Fernández‐Eulate Gorka , Gamez Josep , Barahona‐Hernando Raúl , Morís Germán , García‐Barcina María , Infante Jon , Zulaica Miren , Fernández‐Pelayo Uxoa , Muñoz‐Oreja Mikel , Urtasun Miguel , Olaskoaga Ander , Zelaya Victoria , Jericó Ivonne , Saez‐Villaverde Raquel , Catalina Irene , Sola Emma , Martínez‐Sáez Elena , Pujol Aurora , Ruiz Montserrat , Schlüter Agatha , Spinazzola Antonella , Muñoz‐Blanco Jose Luis , Grandas Francisco , Holt Ian , Álvarez Victoria , López de Munaín Adolfo
Published: August 2019

Background

Pathogenic variants in the spastic paraplegia type 7 gene cause a complicated hereditary spastic paraplegia phenotype associated with classical features of mitochondrial diseases, including ataxia, progressive external ophthalmoplegia, and deletions of mitochondrial DNA.

Objectives

To better characterize spastic paraplegia type 7 disease with a clinical, genetic, and functional analysis of a Spanish cohort of spastic paraplegia type 7 patients.

Methods

Genetic analysis was performed in patients suspecting hereditary spastic paraplegia and in 1 patient with parkinsonism and Pisa syndrome, through next‐generation sequencing, whole‐exome sequencing, targeted Sanger sequencing, and multiplex ligation‐dependent probe analysis, and blood mitochondrial DNA levels determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Thirty‐five patients were found to carry homozygous or compound heterozygous pathogenic variants in the spastic paraplegia type 7 gene. Mean age at onset was 40 years (range, 12–63); 63% of spastic paraplegia type 7 patients were male, and three‐quarters of all patients had at least one allele with the c.1529C>T (p.Ala510Val) mutation. Eighty percent of the cohort showed a complicated phenotype, combining ataxia and progressive external ophthalmoplegia (65% and 26%, respectively). Parkinsonism was observed in 21% of cases. Analysis of blood mitochondrial DNA indicated that both patients and carriers of spastic paraplegia type 7 pathogenic variants had markedly lower levels of mitochondrial DNA than control subjects (228 per haploid nuclear DNA vs. 176 vs. 573, respectively; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Parkinsonism is a frequent finding in spastic paraplegia type 7 patients. Spastic paraplegia type 7 pathogenic variants impair mitochondrial DNA homeostasis irrespective of the number of mutant alleles, type of variant, and patient or carrier status. Thus, spastic paraplegia type 7 supports mitochondrial DNA maintenance, and variants in the gene may cause parkinsonism owing to mitochondrial DNA abnormalities. Moreover, mitochondrial DNA blood analysis could be a useful biomarker to detect at risk families. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Levator ani muscle injury and risk for urinary and fecal incontinence in parous women from a normal population, a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Mathew Seema , Guzmán Rojas Rodrigo A. , Salvesen Kjell A. , Volløyhaug Ingrid
Published: August 2019

Aims

To study possible associations between levator ani muscle (LAM) injury and urinary incontinence (UI) and fecal incontinence (FI) and possible associations between bladder neck descent (BND), urethral funneling, and UI.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of 608 women with first delivery in 1990 to 1997 assessed in 2013 to 2014. The Urinary Distress Inventory (UDI‐6) and Colorectal Anal Distress Inventory (CRADI‐8) were used to quantify symptoms (range, 0‐100). The proportion of women with UI and FI was calculated. LAM injury, BND ≥25 mm, and funneling were diagnosed with transperineal ultrasound. Women with LAM injury, BND, and urethral funneling were compared to those without, using the Mann‐Whitney U test (symptom scores) and multiple logistic regression analysis (UI and FI).

Results

Four‐hundred ninety‐three (81%) women had intact LAM and 113 (19%) had LAM injury. They had similar median (range) UDI‐6 score 8.3 (0‐75) vs 4.2 (0‐62.5), P = .35, and CRADI‐8 score 6.3 (0‐78.1) vs 6.3 (0‐62.5), P = .90. Three hundred eleven out of six hundred (52%) women had UI and 65 of 594 (11%) had FI. This was similar for women with intact vs injured LAM; UI 53% vs 49%, P = .67; FI 11% vs 12%, P = .44 and with and without BND; stress UI 42% vs 42%, P = .93; urge UI 29% vs 35%, P = .34. Stress UI was more common in women with urethral funneling (50% vs 40%), odds ratio 1.56 (95% confidence interval: 1.03‐2.37), P = .04.

Conclusion

We found no associations between LAM injury and symptoms of UI and FI 15 to 24 years after the first delivery, but urethral funneling was associated with stress UI.
Development of Bifacial n‐Type Front‐and‐Back Contact Cells with Phosphorus Back Surface Field via Mask‐Free Approaches
Authors: Chen Ning , Wang Er-Chien , Yan Xia , Shanmugam Vinodh , Nagarajan Balaji , Zhang Lin , Gong Xinxin , Zhang Xinyu , Wang Qi , Jin Hao , Duttagupta Shubham
Published: August 2019

Industrial bifacial n‐type front‐and‐back contact (nFAB) solar cells consist of a boron‐doped p+ emitter and a phosphorus‐doped n+ back surface field (BSF). A conventional BSF formation method with tube‐based POCl3 diffusion typically requires the use of a masking layer to protect the front emitter against cross doping or two wet‐chemical etching steps. Herein, two alternative mask‐free BSF formation approaches are investigated, either via phosphorus ion implantation or atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (APCVD) of phosphosilicate glass (PSG). The fabricated cells indicate comparable efficiencies achievable by mask‐free methods, as compared with conventional tube‐based POCl3 diffusion. In addition, the APCVD process is further improved by optimizing the phosphorus contents in the PSG layer. Cell performances with different phosphorus contents and thus different BSF sheet resistances are studied. A lower phosphorus content (higher BSF's sheet resistance) improves cells' Jsc, whereas a higher phosphorous content results in high fill factor (FF) due to better rear contact resistance and low BSF sheet resistance. The optimized condition results in nFAB cell with a peak efficiency of 21.4% and FF values over 81.0%.
Direct Probing of Grain Boundary Resistance in Chemical Vapor Deposition‐Grown Monolayer MoS2 by Conductive Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Giannazzo Filippo , Bosi Matteo , Fabbri Filippo , Schilirò Emanuela , Greco Giuseppe , Roccaforte Fabrizio
Published: August 2019

Grain boundaries (GBs) of transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers (MLs) play an important role in many charge transport phenomena observed in 2D materials. Herein, nanoscale resolution current mapping by conductive atomic force microscopy (CAFM) is used for direct probing of the resistance associated with GBs in ML MoS2 grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) onto a SiO2/Si substrate. Local current–voltage (I–V) characteristics acquired within individual adjacent MoS2 domains allow extracting the metal/MoS2 Schottky barrier height (ΦB ≈ 0.3 eV), as well as the intradomains and GB resistance contributions. The high value of GB resistance (≈6 times the value measured on an individual domain) can be responsible, in part, for the low field‐effect mobility (μ ≈ 0.12 cm2 V−1s−1) measured on back‐gated ML CVD MoS2 field‐effect transistors.