bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation and characterization of sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate/expanded graphite phase change energy storage composites
Authors: Lu Mengyao , Zhang Xuelai , Ji Jun , Zhang Yongyichuan
Published: August 2020

In order to solve the problems of high supercooling, poor thermal conductivity and phase separation after repeated use of Na2S2O3·5H2O with additives. In this paper, Na2S2O3·5H2O is used as the matrix phase change material, and 1% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, 3% SrCl2·6H2O, and 10% expanded graphite (EG) are added to prepare the modified Na2S2O3·5H2O composite phase change energy storage material. Based on the existing research, the effects of reducing supercooling, improving thermal conductivity, and improving stability are further optimized. The phase change temperature, supercooling degree, heat release time, phase change latent heat, and thermal conductivity of the material are tested by temperature data acquisition instrument, differential scanning calorimeter, hot disk thermal constant analyzer, and other instruments. The effect of EG on the thermal conductivity of the Na2S2O3·5H2O composite phase change energy storage material was explored from the microstructure through a digital scanning electron microscope; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy verified the composition of the composite phase change materials. After 200 cycles of melting and solidification, the improved composite phase change material has a phase change temperature of 43.49°C, a supercooling degree of 2.19°C, a phase change latent heat of 198.7 J/g, and a thermal conductivity of 3.42 W/m·K. Composite phase change material shows good thermal stability and provides strong support for phase change energy storage technology.
Effect of fused deposition modeling process parameters on the mechanical properties of recycled polyethylene terephthalate parts
Authors: Bakır Ali Alperen , Atik Resul , Özerinç Sezer
Published: August 2020

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) filaments made of recycled materials are desirable for environmentally friendly and sustainable manufacturing of prototypes and load‐bearing components in many applications. We investigate the effect of FDM process parameters on the mechanical properties of 3D‐printed parts made of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) filaments. Increasing the nozzle temperature from 230°C to 260°C improves the strength of the specimens by 100%. Using a raster orientation parallel to the loading direction improves the ductility by more an order of magnitude. Specimen orientation and infill ratio also influence the mechanical properties. The temperature and the orientation effects are related to the quality of fusion between the printed lines. A modified Gibson‐Ashby model correctly predicts the strength as a function of the infill ratio. Through the optimization of process parameters, the mechanical strength of 3D‐printed rPET structures can reach that of injection‐molded PET, making FDM a suitable manufacturing technique for load‐bearing applications.
Macroporous open cell polyester amphigel using citric acid and PEO: Solvent absorption, thermal behavior, and slow release of pesticide
Authors: Sarkar Dhruba Jyoti , Shakil Najam A. , Kumar Jitendra , Rana Virendra Singh , Kar Abhijit , Behera Bijay Kumar , Das Basanta Kumar
Published: August 2020

This article describes citric acid cross‐linked amphiphilic poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) macroporous open cell polyester amphigel, optimally synthesized using response surface methodology by applying central composite design to screen significant reaction parameters for maximizing percent water sorption. The chemical structure of the amphigel was confirmed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), FT‐IR and the thermal behavior was studied using thermo‐gravimetric and DSC. Due to amphiphilic nature, the amphigels also showed high chloroform (1151.33%–1193.33%) and water (755.33%–865%) absorption capacity. Thermal analysis revealed that amphigels are less thermal stability as compared to PEO, however, the degradation process was found to be multi step. The amphigel was effectively used as a carrier for easy loading of a hydrophobic pesticide and showed a slow release of the same.
An investigation of the synergistic effect between magnetite nanoparticles and polypyrrole in nanostructured layer‐by‐layer films
Authors: de Lima Lucas F. , Maciel Cristiane C. , Ferreira André L. , Rubira Rafael J. G. , Constantino Carlos J. L. , Ferreira Marystela
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we report the controlled fabrication of layer‐by‐layer (LbL) films deposited on gold substrates with three different supramolecular architectures using polypyrrole (Ppy) and magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4‐np), besides conventional poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) e poly(vinyl sulfonic acid) (PVS) polyelectrolytes, demonstrating the synergistic effect between Ppy and Fe3O4‐np such as a result of their interaction. Modified gold electrodes were analyzed by contact angle (wettability), surface plasmon resonance (SPR), raman spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The (Fe3O4‐np/Ppy)3 architecture was also evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. The modified gold electrodes present more homogeneous covering, higher electron transfer and a decrease of resistance with the incorporation of the nanostructured materials such as Ppy and Fe3O4‐np forming (Fe3O4‐np/Ppy)3 LbL film. The results carried out in this study suggest that the (Fe3O4‐np/Ppy)3 LbL film can be applied as a possible electrochemical or optical non‐enzymatic sensor for analytical detection.
Visible‐Light‐Activated C−C Bond Cleavage and Aerobic Oxidation of Benzyl Alcohols Employing BiMXO5 (M=Mg, Cd, Ni, Co, Pb, Ca and X=V, P)
Authors: Bhim Anupam , Sasmal Shreya , Gopalakrishnan Jagannatha , Natarajan Srinivasan
Published: August 2020

The synthesis, structure, optical and photocatalytic studies of a family of compounds with the general formula, BiMXO5; M=Mg, Cd, Ni, Co, Pb, Ca and X=V, P is presented. The compounds were prepared by regular solid‐state reaction of constituents in the temperature range of 720–810 °C for 24 h. The compounds were characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD) methods. The Rietveld refinement of the PXRD patterns have been carried out to establish the structure. The optical absorption spectra along with the colors in daylight have been explained employing the allowed d‐d transition. In addition, the observed colors of some of the V5+ containing compounds were explained using metal‐to‐metal charge transfer (MMCT) from the partially filled transition‐metal 3d orbitals to the empty 3d orbitals of V5+ ions. The near IR (NIR) reflectivity studies indicate that many compounds exhibit good NIR reflectivity, suggesting that these compounds can be employed as ‘cool pigments’. The experimentally determined band gaps of the prepared compounds were found to be suitable to exploit them for visible light activated photocatalysis. Photocatalytic C−C bond cleavage of alkenes and aerobic oxidation of alcohols were investigated employing visible light, which gave good yields and selectivity. The present study clearly demonstrated the versatility of the Paganoite family of compounds (BiMXO5) towards new colored inorganic materials, visible‐light photocatalysts and ‘cool pigments’.
Molybdenum‐tungsten Oxide Nanowires Rich in Oxygen Vacancies as An Advanced Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Tang Xinxin , Liu Jianglin , Zhan Ke , Sun Hao , Zhao Bin , Yan Ya
Published: August 2020

Electrolysis of water is a promising way to produce hydrogen fuel in large scale. The commercialization of this technology requires highly efficient non‐noble metal electrocatalysts to decease the energy input for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In this work, a novel nanowire structured molybdenum‐tungsten bimetallic oxide (CTAB‐D‐W4MoO3) is synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method followed with post annealing treatment. The obtained metal oxides feature with enhanced conductivity, rich oxygen vacancies and customized electronic structure. As such, the composite electrocatalyst exhibits excellent electrocatalytic performance for HER in an acidic environment, achieving a large current density of 100 mA cm−2 at overpotential of only 286 mV and a small Tafel slope of 71.2 mV dec−1. The excellent electrocatalytic HER performance of CTAB‐D‐W4MoO3 is attributed to the unique nanowire structure, rich catalytic active sites and promoted electron transfer rate.
Subinguinal orchiectomy—A minimally invasive approach to open surgery
Authors: Anderson Elliot , Pascoe Claire , Sathianathen Niranjan , Katz Darren , Murphy Declan , Lawrentschuk Nathan
Published: August 2020

Objectives

To determine the rate of morbidity and assess the oncological outcomes for the subinguinal orchidectomy technique.

Background

Radical inguinal orchiectomy is the definitive management for a testicular mass suspicious for malignancy. The standard approach involves the division of the spermatic cord at the internal inguinal ring. In addition to the morbidity of a significant incision through skin and fascia, a known complication is damage to the nerves within the canal leading to local hypoesthesia or persistent inguinal and scrotal neuralgia. The subinguinal orchiectomy technique avoids opening the inguinal canal by excising the spermatic cord at the external inguinal ring.

Methods

Patient data from three urologists who routinely perform subinguinal orchiectomies for suspected testicular malignancy was collected. A retrospective analysis between March 2011 and March 2019 was undertaken evaluating demographic, clinical, and histological data points. Descriptive analysis of oncological and surgical outcomes of subinguinal orchiectomy for testicular mass was performed. Descriptive analysis of oncological and surgical outcomes of subinguinal orchiectomy for testicular mass was performed.

Results

About 42 orchiectomies performed via the subinguinal approach were identified. The median age was 38 years (range 22‐72) and mean follow‐up time was 18.4 months (range 0.59‐61). Of the 38 patients with testicular cancer, histopathology showed 26 with pT1, 9 with pT2, and 3 with pT3 disease. Three patients had involvement of the cord, with one patient having a positive surgical margin secondary to venous invasion. No patients experienced neuropathic complications, hernia, or wound break down.

Conclusion

These data suggest that subinguinal orchiectomy provides acceptable oncological outcomes, comparable to a traditional technique, and may decrease the risk of neuropathic injury and incisional/inguinal hernia. Further investigation with a larger, prospective series is required.
Verformungsverhalten von Betonen mit ausgeprägtem plastischen Stauchvermögen
Authors: Plückelmann Sven , Breitenbücher Rolf
Published: August 2020

Für besondere Anwendungsfälle, wie beispielsweise Stauchschichten im Tunnelbau, liegen bereits erste Ansätze für Mörtel und Betone vor, die durch ein ausgeprägtes plastisches Stauchvermögen charakterisiert sind. Der vorliegende Beitrag beschreibt Versuche zum Stauchverhalten unter Querdehnungsbehinderung von stark porosierten Betonen mit geringer Druckfestigkeit (< 5 N/mm2). In die Versuche wurden Betone mit verschiedenen kompressiblen Additiven (Blähglas/EPS) und unterschiedlichen Wasserzementwerten einbezogen. Des Weiteren wurde das Verformungsverhalten sowohl unter Teilflächen‐ als auch Vollflächenbelastung untersucht, um unterschiedliche anwendungsbezogene Randbedingungen abzudecken. Auf Grundlage der ermittelten Spannungs‐Verformungskurven sowie Gefügeuntersuchungen von Proben vor und nach den Stauchversuchen konnten wesentliche Erkenntnisse zum Stauchverhalten der Betone gewonnen sowie material‐ und versuchstechnische Einflussfaktoren identifiziert werden.
Inflammation and behavioral symptoms in preoperational glioma patients: Is depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment related to markers of systemic inflammation?
Authors: Song Li , Quan Xingyun , Su Lin , Wang Ke , Wang Haorun , Wu Lihong , Chen Chaoyi , Li Shenjie , Xiang Wei , Chen Ligang , Zhou Jie
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Behavioral symptoms, including depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment, are common clinical symptoms of patients with glioma. However, the mechanisms underlying the behavioral symptoms of glioma patients remain unclear. In this study, we explore the correlation between markers of systemic inflammation and preoperational behavioral symptoms in glioma patients.

Patients and Methods

Patients (n = 71) who had recently undertaken imaging (i.e., CT, MRI) for suspected glioma had a face‐to‐face interview, completed self‐report scales, and provided blood samples. Furthermore, we tested blood samples by a protein chip to select differential inflammatory cytokines and further confirm such differences using liquid‐phase chip technology.

Results

The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment in glioma patients prior to surgery in this study was 53.5%, 70.4%, and 32.4%, respectively. The increased levels of IFN‐γ were positively correlated with clinical symptoms of depression in the glioma patients. Moreover, increased IL‐2 levels were negatively associated with anxiety symptoms (p = .00) and positively correlated with cognitive impairment in glioma patients.

Conclusion

This study suggests that systemic inflammation is associated with behavioral symptoms in glioma patients. This provides further evidence of the contribution of inflammatory markers to psychological symptoms in the context of physical conditions and lays the foundation for the development of further treatments of the behavioral symptoms in glioma patients.
Using Mutability Landscapes To Guide Enzyme Thermostabilization
Authors: Guo Chao , Ni Yan , Biewenga Lieuwe , Pijning Tjaard , Thunnissen Andy‐Mark W. H. , Poelarends Gerrit J.
Published: August 2020

Thermostabilizing enzymes while retaining their activity and enantioselectivity for applied biocatalysis is an important topic in protein engineering. Rational and computational design strategies as well as directed evolution have been used successfully to thermostabilize enzymes. Herein, we describe an alternative mutability‐landscape approach that identified three single mutations (R11Y, R11I and A33D) within the enzyme 4‐oxalocrotonate tautomerase (4‐OT), which has potential as a biocatalyst for pharmaceutical synthesis, that gave rise to significant increases in apparent melting temperature Tm (up to 20 °C) and in half‐life at 80 °C (up to 111‐fold). Introduction of these beneficial mutations in an enantioselective but thermolabile 4‐OT variant (M45Y/F50A) afforded improved triple‐mutant enzyme variants showing an up to 39 °C increase in Tm value, with no reduction in catalytic activity or enantioselectivity. This study illustrates the power of mutability‐landscape‐guided protein engineering for thermostabilizing enzymes.
Photoswitchable Lipids
Authors: Morstein Johannes , Impastato Anna C. , Trauner Dirk
Published: August 2020

Photoswitchable lipids are emerging tools for the precise manipulation and study of lipid function. They can modulate many aspects of membrane biophysics, including permeability, fluidity, lipid mobility and domain formation. They are also very useful in lipid physiology and enable optical control of a wide array of lipid receptors, such as ion channels, G protein‐coupled receptors, nuclear hormone receptors, and enzymes that translocate to membranes. Enzymes involved in lipid metabolism often process them in a light‐dependent fashion. Photoswitchable lipids complement other functionalized lipids widely used in lipid chemical biology, including isotope‐labeled lipids (lipidomics), fluorescent lipids (imaging), bifunctional lipids (lipid–protein crosslinking), photocaged lipids (photopharmacology), and other labeled variants.
How Transfer Partnerships Support More Equitable Baccalaureate Attainment
Authors: Bragg Debra D.
Published: August 2020

This chapter makes the case for the urgency to address the racial transfer gap that pervades the vertical transfer function involving community colleges and universities. Lessons from research on high‐performing transfer partnerships lay a foundation for transfer policies and practices described in other chapters in this volume of New Directions for Community Colleges (NDCC).
A Continuum of Transfer Partnerships: Toward Intentional Collaborations to Improve Transfer Outcomes
Authors: Yeh Theresa Ling , Wetzstein Lia
Published: August 2020

This chapter builds upon past research on community colleges and four‐year baccalaureate degree‐granting institutions’ efforts to improve transfer. We present a framework that describes multiple types of collaborative relationships between institutions and share strategies for practitioners to develop partnerships.
Impact of thoracic aortic aneurysm on outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A nationwide cohort analysis
Authors: Kassis Nicholas , Saad Anas M. , Ahuja Keerat Rai , Gad Mohamed M. , Abdelfattah Omar M. , Isogai Toshiaki , Shekhar Shashank , Krishnaswamy Amar , Svensson Lars , Unai Shinya , Kapadia Samir R.
Published: August 2020

Background

The use of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has expanded to patient populations of varying surgical risk in light of recent clinical trials, yet its role in patients with aortic stenosis and coexisting thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is not well‐delineated. We aimed to evaluate whether risk factors and in‐hospital outcomes vary between TAVR patients with and without an unruptured TAA.

Methods

The Nationwide Readmissions Database was queried for patients hospitalized between January 2012 and December 2017 who underwent TAVR with and without an unruptured TAA. In‐hospital outcomes were compared between cohorts after adjusting for sex, comorbidities, and TAVR approach, and in a subgroup analysis that excluded those with bicuspid aortic valves.

Results

Among 171,011 TAVR patients, 1,677 (1%) presented with TAA. Patients with TAA were younger (median age 80 vs. 82 years, p < .001) and more likely to have bicuspid aortic valves (9.3% vs. 0.9%, p < .001). Among patients with aneurysm, 2.6% died, 2.2% developed stroke, 1% developed aortic dissection, and 1.4% experienced cardiac tamponade while hospitalized. After adjusting for age, sex, bicuspid aortic valve, and all comorbidities, TAA was associated with significantly higher risk of post‐TAVR aortic dissection (OR = 2.117, 95% CI [1.304–3.435], p = .002) and cardiac tamponade (OR = 1.682, 95% CI [1.1–2.572], p = .02).

Conclusions

While the overall incidence of post‐TAVR complications is low, patients with an unruptured TAA should be carefully considered by the Heart Team in weighing the additional risks of aortic dissection and cardiac tamponade after TAVR with those associated with surgery.
Superaerophobic Platinum Nanosheets Arrays on Conductive Microgrids: A Highly Efficient Electrocatalytic Electrode for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Jin Jiao , Xiao Tianliang , Luo Rifeng , Nie Xiaoyan , Wang Yao , Liu Zhaoyue
Published: August 2020

The characteristics of electrolyte wetting and gas release are of vital importance for the electrocatalytic activity of a hydrogen evolution electrode (HEE). Herein, we reported a strategy to synergistically optimize the electrolyte wetting and gas release of a HEE to enhance its electrocatalytic activity. In our work, Pt nanosheets arrays were electrochemically deposited on a conductive substrate of Au microgrid to form a HEE. The micropores of Au grids induced discontinuous solid/liquid two‐phase contact lines in microscale, which facilitated the wetting of proton‐contained electrolyte. Simultaneously, the superaerophobicity of HEE promoted the release of hydrogen gas products. The joint improvement on electrolyte wetting and gas release enhanced the current density of hydrogen evolution reaction at a high overpotential by ∼300 % when compared with Pt nanosheets arrays on a flat Au substrate.
Mechanistic Insights into the Rh(I)/Rh2(II)‐Catalyzed Divergent Ring‐Opening of Cyclopropenes: A Computational Study
Authors: Kou Luyao , Dai Ping , Bao Xiaoguang
Published: August 2020

The mechanisms of transition‐metal‐catalyzed cyclopropenes involved reactions are complicated since diversified active intermediates could be potentially formed. Herein, computational studies were performed to gain mechanistic insights into the Rh(I)‐ and Rh2(II)‐catalyzed regioselective ring‐opening of allylic cyclopropenecarboxylate (1) and further rearrangement to form Δβ,γ butenolides. For the Rh(I)‐catalyzed ring‐opening of cyclopropene moiety of 1, an unusual oxidative addition of C−C σ bond of the three‐membered ring onto Rh(I) to form the intermediate with a C−Rh σ bond and a π…Rh interaction is proposed. While, for the Rh2(II)‐catalyzed reaction, it is more feasible for the cyclopropene moiety of 1 to convert to the Rh2(II) vinyl carbene intermediate. Despite the formation of different key intermediates for the Rh(I) and Rh2(II)‐catalyzed ring‐opening reactions, the subsequent intramolecular nucleophilic cyclization to form furan derivatives is similar. In addition, the origins of different regioselectivities for the Rh(I) and Rh2(II)‐catalyzed reactions are revealed.
In Cellulo Generation of Fluorescent Probes for Live‐Cell Imaging of Cylooxygenase‐2
Authors: Kaur Jatinder , Bhardwaj Atul , Wuest Frank
Published: August 2020

Live‐cell imaging with fluorescent probes is an essential tool in chemical biology to visualize the dynamics of biological processes in real‐time. Intracellular disease biomarker imaging remains a formidable challenge due to the intrinsic limitations of conventional fluorescent probes and the complex nature of cells. This work reports the in cellulo assembly of a fluorescent probe to image cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2). We developed celecoxib‐azide derivative 14, possessing favorable biophysical properties and excellent COX‐2 selectivity profile. In cellulo strain‐promoted fluorogenic click chemistry of COX‐2‐engaged compound 14 with non/weakly‐fluorescent compounds 11 and 17 formed fluorescent probes 15 and 18 for the detection of COX‐2 in living cells. Competitive binding studies, biophysical, and comprehensive computational analyses were used to describe protein‐ligand interactions. The reported new chemical toolbox enables precise visualization and tracking of COX‐2 in live cells with superior sensitivity in the visible range.
A Bayesian mixture of experts approach to covariate misclassification
Authors: Xia Michelle , Richard Hahn P. , Gustafson Paul
Published: August 2020

This article considers misclassification of categorical covariates in the context of regression analysis; if unaccounted for, such errors usually result in mis‐estimation of model parameters. With the presence of additional covariates, we exploit the fact that explicitly modelling non‐differential misclassification with respect to the response leads to a mixture regression representation. Under the framework of mixture of experts, we enable the reclassification probabilities to vary with other covariates, a situation commonly caused by misclassification that is differential on certain covariates and/or by dependence between the misclassified and additional covariates. Using Bayesian inference, the mixture approach combines learning from data with external information on the magnitude of errors when it is available. In addition to proving the theoretical identifiability of the mixture of experts approach, we study the amount of efficiency loss resulting from covariate misclassification and the usefulness of external information in mitigating such loss. The method is applied to adjust for misclassification on self‐reported cocaine use in the Longitudinal Studies of HIV‐Associated Lung Infections and Complications.
Stability and Cell Permeability of Sulfonyl Fluorides in the Design of Lys‐Covalent Antagonists of Protein‐Protein Interactions
Authors: Gambini Luca , Udompholkul Parima , Salem Ahmed F. , Baggio Carlo , Pellecchia Maurizio
Published: August 2020

Recently we reported on aryl‐fluorosulfates as possible stable and effective electrophiles for the design of lysine covalent, cell permeable antagonists of protein–protein interactions (PPIs). Here we revisit the use of aryl‐sulfonyl fluorides as Lys‐targeting moieties, incorporating these electrophiles in XIAP (X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein) targeting agents. We evaluated stability in buffer and reactivity with Lys311 of XIAP of various aryl‐sulfonyl fluorides using biochemical and biophysical approaches, including displacement assays, mass spectrometry, SDS gel electrophoresis, and denaturation thermal shift measurements. To assess whether these modified electrophilic “warheads” can also react with Tyr, we repeated these evaluations with a Lys311Tyr XIAP mutant. Using a direct cellular assay, we could demonstrate that selected agents are cell permeable and interact covalently with their intended target in cell. These results suggest that certain substituted aryl‐sulfonyl fluorides can be useful Lys‐ or Tyr‐targeting electrophiles for the design of covalent pharmacological tools or even future therapeutics targeting protein–protein interactions.
Clinical and Model‐Based Evaluation of the Effect of Glasdegib on Cardiac Repolarization From a Randomized Thorough QT Study
Authors: Masters Joanna C. , Shaik Naveed , Mendes da Costa Laure , Hee Brian , LaBadie Robert R.
Published: August 2020

Glasdegib is a potent, selective oral inhibitor of the Hedgehog signaling pathway. This phase 1 double‐blind thorough QT study (NCT03162900) evaluated the effects of glasdegib on QTc interval. The study enrolled 36 healthy volunteers to receive a single dose of 150 mg glasdegib (representing a therapeutic dose), 300 mg glasdegib (representing a supratherapeutic dose), 400 mg moxifloxacin (positive control), or placebo under fasted conditions. The study demonstrated that therapeutic and supratherapeutic doses of glasdegib had no significant effect on QTc interval; the upper bound of the 2‐sided 90% confidence intervals (CIs) for all time‐matched least‐squares mean differences in QT interval corrected using Fridericia's formula (QTcF) between glasdegib and placebo was below the prespecified criterion of 20 milliseconds (Food and Drug Administration correspondence reviewed and accepted). Based on an exposure–response analysis, glasdegib was determined not to have a meaningful effect on heart rate (change in RR interval). The mean (90%CI) model‐derived baseline and placebo‐adjusted QTcF at the average maximum observed concentration values corresponding to therapeutic and supratherapeutic glasdegib doses was 7.3 milliseconds (6.5‐8.2 milliseconds) and 13.7 milliseconds (12.0‐15.5 milliseconds), respectively. Together these results demonstrated that following therapeutic and supratherapeutic glasdegib dosing, the change in QTc from baseline was well below the 20‐millisecond threshold of clinical concern in oncology.
Building Blocks of Hybrid Perovskites: A Photoluminescence Study of Lead‐Iodide Solution Species
Authors: Shargaieva Oleksandra , Kuske Lena , Rappich Jörg , Unger Eva , Nickel Norbert H.
Published: August 2020

In this work, we present a detailed investigation of the optical properties of hybrid perovskite building blocks, [PbI2+n]n−, that form in solutions of CH3NH3PbI3 and PbI2. The absorbance, photoluminescence (PL) and photoluminescence excitation (PLE) spectra of CH3NH3PbI3 and PbI2 solutions were measured in various solvents and a broad concentration range. Both CH3NH3PbI3 and PbI2 solutions exhibit absorption features attributed to [PbI3]1− and [PbI4]2− complexes. Therefore, we propose a new mechanism for the formation of polymeric polyiodide plumbates in solutions of pristine PbI2. For the first time, we show that the [PbI2+n]n− species in both solutions of CH3NH3PbI3 and PbI2 exhibit a photoluminescence peak at about 760 nm. Our findings prove that the spectroscopic properties of both CH3NH3PbI3 and PbI2 solutions are dominated by coordination complexes between Pb2+ and I−. Finally, the impact of these complexes on the properties of solid‐state perovskite semiconductors is discussed in terms of defect formation and defect tolerance.
Should personal practice be part of cognitive behaviour therapy training? Results from two self‐practice/self‐reflection cohort control pilot studies
Authors: Scott Jane , Yap Keong , Bunch Katie , Haarhoff Beverly , Perry Helen , Bennett‐Levy James
Published: August 2020

There are good theoretical and empirical grounds to suggest that personal practices (PPs; e.g., self‐practice/self‐reflection [SP/SR] programmes, meditation programmes and personal therapy) can have a positive impact on therapist skills and client outcomes. However, to date, a weakness in many PP studies is the lack of cohort control groups. The two pilot studies reported in this paper examined SP/SR programmes integrated into postgraduate psychology training and are the first to include cohort control groups. Study 1 compared outcomes of students assigned to either SP/SR (n = 17) or a cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) book study group (n = 13) during their first clinical placement. Study 2 compared outcomes of students who completed the SP/SR programme as part of CBT training (n = 12) with participants who completed the same CBT training in the previous year without an SP/SR programme (n = 17). Significant improvements in therapist confidence for the SP/SR groups were found in both studies. Study 2 also showed significantly higher therapist self‐awareness and lower burnout scores in the SP/SR group. These studies are limited by their small sample size and the lack of random allocation. Nevertheless, they provide preliminary empirical evidence demonstrating large effects of PP on trainees' personal and therapist selves and offer a basis for further research using randomized controlled designs with larger sample sizes.
Genetic diversity in historical and modern wheat varieties of the U.S. Pacific Northwest
Authors: Sthapit Sajal R. , Marlowe Karol , Covarrubias Dolores C. , Ruff Travis M. , Eagle Jonathan D. , McGinty Emma M. , Hooker Marcus A. , Duong Ngoc B. , Skinner Daniel Z. , See Deven R.
Published: August 2020

Loss of crop genetic diversity due to modern plant breeding is an enduring global concern. The U.S. Pacific Northwest (PNW) is an important wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)‐producing region. We examined population structure and changes in genomic‐level and agroecosystem‐level genetic diversity of PNW wheat over the past 120 yr. Wheat varieties were slightly structured by spring and winter growth habit, but not by geographic origin or period of variety release. At the genomic level, we did not find long‐term shifts in gene diversity in either spring or winter wheat, but fluctuations were significant within market classes and within the most widely grown spring and winter varieties. Diversity in hard red spring (HRS) wheat peaked in 1970–1999 and since dropped below the level of varieties before 1930. Hard red winter (HRW) in 2000–2019 is more diverse than before 1930, whereas soft white spring (SWS) and soft white winter (SWW) are at the same level of diversity in 2000–2019 as they were before 1930. The most widely grown spring varieties had the lowest diversity in 1930–1969, whereas the most widely grown winter varieties had the lowest diversity in 2000–2019. At the agroecosystem level, Simpson's index of diversity (1 − D) has been on a rising trend since the 1990s as the dominance of acreages by a few varieties has become less common. Cultivation of multiple market classes and periodic incorporation of new germplasm by breeding programs have been able to maintain the quantitative level of genetic diversity in PNW wheat over time.
Corporate social responsibility's influence on firm risk and firm performance: the mediating role of firm reputation
Authors: Rehman Zia ur , Khan Asad , Rahman Asim
Published: August 2020

The aim of the article is to analyze the influence of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives by firm on firm performance and firm risk. Moreover, the mediating role of firm reputation in CSR/performance and CSR/risk relationship is also examined. Data were collected from European and Asian firms listed on Fortune's Most Admired Countries for the period 2014–2018. Using logit regression model and OLS regressions, we find that CSR has a significant positive influence on firm reputation and firm performance whereas on firm risk it is negative. Based on our results, we also confirm that firm reputation does mediate the relationship between CSR‐firm performance and CSR‐firm risk. This study adds to CSR related literature by providing more reliable and objective evidence on the role of firm reputation in CSR engagement and also provides direction for future studies in this context.
Promoting employees' environmental performance in hospitality industry through environmental attitude and ecological behavior: Moderating role of managers' environmental commitment
Authors: Tariq Muhammad , Yasir Muhammad , Majid Abdul
Published: August 2020

This study attempts to examine the association among employees' environmental attitude (EEA), employees' ecological behavior (EEB) and employees' environmental performance (EEP). Moreover, the mediating role of EEB between EEA and EEP is also tested. The contingent effect of managers' environmental commitment (MEC) on the relationship between EEA and EEB is also tested. Data were collected from 317 employees of 65 small and medium size hotels operating in the tourist destinations of Pakistan. Correlation, linear regression and SEM were conducted for the purpose of data analysis. Findings revealed a direct effect of EEA on EEB and EEP. In addition, the results confirm that EEB positively mediates EEA and EEP. Moreover, the findings confirmed that MEC strengthens the relationship between EEA and EEB. The results suggest that small and medium size hotels must pay more attention towards employee regarding their environmental attitude and behavior that ensure the protection of natural environment. Moreover, employees with higher level of motivation due to their knowledge, awareness and concern for environment contribute in a better way for EP.
Evaluation of Caspase‐3 Activity During Apoptosis with Fluorescence Lifetime‐Based Cytometry Measurements and Phasor Analyses
Authors: Nichani Kapil , Li Jianzhi , Suzuki Miho , Houston Jessica P.
Published: August 2020

Caspase‐3 is a well‐described protease with many roles that impact the fate of a cell. During apoptosis, caspase‐3 acts as an executioner caspase with important proteolytic functions that lead to the final stages of programmed cell death. Owing to this key role, caspase‐3 is exploited intracellularly as a target of control of apoptosis for therapeutic outcomes. Yet the activation of caspase‐3 during apoptosis is challenged by other roles and functions (e.g., paracrine signaling). This brief report presents a way to track caspase‐3 levels using a flow cytometer that measures excited state fluorescence lifetimes and a signal processing approach that leads to a graphical phasor‐based interpretation. An established Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) bioprobe was used for this test; the connected donor and acceptor fluorophore is cleavable by caspase‐3 during apoptosis induction. With the cell‐by‐cell decay kinetic data and phasor analyses we generate a caspase activation trajectory, which is used to interpret activation throughout apoptosis. When lifetime‐based cytometry is combined with a FRET bioprobe and phasor analyses, enzyme activation can be simplified and quantified with phase and modulation data. We envision extrapolating this approach to high content screening, and reinforce the power of phasor approaches with cytometric data. Analyses such as these can be used to cluster cells by their phase and modulation “lifetime fingerprint” when the intracellular fluorescent probe is utilized as a sensor of enzyme activity. © 2020 The Authors. Cytometry Part A published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.
Postsecondary education, COVID‐19, and students with disabilities
Authors: Charmatz Marc
Published: August 2020

Colleges and universities face immense challenges as the 2020–21 academic year approaches. Ensuring that students with disabilities have a safe, healthy learning environment for both educational and noneducational programs and activities is an essential ingredient of a school's mission to provide quality services during this difficult period.
Inclusive instruction and design for health science lectures
Authors: Petersen Kristina H.
Published: August 2020

Faculty members wholeheartedly engaged in teaching are dedicated to utilizing instructional methods that best help students achieve learning outcomes. Inclusive instruction derives from Universal Design principles as applied to education: Course design and instruction should be planned strategically to ensure students from diverse backgrounds can fully access the course curriculum. Whereas accommodations are prescriptive, specifically tailored to support the needs of each individual, the intentional and anticipatory design of UD aims to meet the varied needs of all students. As courses are designed, deliberate choices can be made to prevent barriers imposed by a “one size fits all” instructional model.
A comparison of food‐based decision‐making between restricting and binge‐eating/purging subtypes of anorexia nervosa
Authors: Uniacke Blair , Slattery Reile , Walsh B. Timothy , Shohamy Daphna , Foerde Karin , Steinglass Joanna
Published: August 2020

Objective

By definition, restricting (ANR) and binge‐eating/purging (ANBP) subtypes of anorexia nervosa (AN) differ in some manifestations of maladaptive eating behavior. This study aimed to determine whether the groups differ in the choices they make about what to eat, and whether there are differences in valuation related to food choice, using an experimental paradigm.

Method

Inpatients with ANR (n = 40) and ANBP (n = 46) participated in a Food Choice Task. During the task, participants rated 76 food images for healthiness and tastiness, and choice preferences. Groups were compared in percent selection of high‐fat and low‐fat foods, value ratings of foods, and engagement of self‐control in food choice.

Results

There were no differences between AN subtypes in healthiness or tastiness ratings, or in tendency to limit choice of high‐fat foods. There was no difference between the groups in measures of self‐control in food choice.

Discussion

Individuals with ANR and ANBP similarly manifest reduced choices of high‐fat foods, with similar tendencies to undervalue the tastiness of high‐fat foods. These results suggest that while individuals with ANR and ANBP differ across a range of clinical characteristics, the decision‐making process associated with the maladaptive restriction of high‐fat foods characteristic of AN is shared by both subtypes.
T1 and T2 mapping to detect chronic inflammation in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Emrich Tilman , Hahn Felix , Fleischmann David , Halfmann Moritz C. , Düber Christoph , Varga‐Szemes Akos , Escher Felicitas , Pefani Evgenia , Münzel Thomas , Schultheiss Heinz‐Peter , Kreitner Karl‐Friedrich , Wenzel Philip
Published: August 2020

Aims

The purpose of this retrospective single‐centre study was to evaluate the non‐invasive detection of endomyocardial biopsy (EMB)‐established chronic myocardial inflammation in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) using T1 and T2 mapping.

Methods and results

The study population consisted of 52 retrospectively identified HFrEF patients who underwent EMB and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging at 3 Tesla. EMB was defined according to the position statement of the European Society of Cardiology and served as reference to identify inflammation in all patients. A control group of healthy volunteers with prior cardiac magnetic resonance imaging studies (n = 58) was also identified. Global and segmental T1 and T2 values as well as septal measurements and tissue heterogeneity parameters were calculated.

Out of the 52 patients with HFrEF, 33 patients had myocardial inflammation detected by EMB, while 19 patients were EMB negative for inflammation. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 31% in both groups (P = 0.97). Global T1 and T2 values in HFrEF patients were significantly higher compared with healthy controls (T1 1275 ± 69 ms vs. 1,175 ± 44 ms, P < 0.001; T2 40.0 ± 3.4 ms vs. 37.9 ± 1.6 ms, P < 0.001). The distribution of T1 and T2 values between patients with and without EMB‐proven chronic myocardial inflammation was not statistically different when regarding global (T1 1292 ± 71 ms vs. 1266 ± 67 ms, P = 0.26; T2 40.0 ± 2.6 ms vs. 40.0 ± 3.9 ms, P = 1.0), septal (T1 1299 ± 63 ms vs. 1289 ± 76 ms, P = 0.76; T2 40.1 ± 3.5 ms vs 40.0 ± 6.4 ms, P = 0.49) or maximum segmental values (T1 1414 ± 111 ms vs. 1363 ± 88 ms, P = 0.15; T2 47.3 ± 5.2 ms vs. 48.8 ± 11.8 ms, P = 0.53). Mean absolute deviation of segmental T1 and T2 values and log‐transformed pixel‐wise standard deviation as parameters of tissue heterogeneity did not reveal statistical significant differences between inflammation‐positive and inflammation‐negative HFrEF patients (all P > 0.4).

Conclusions

Conventionally performed quantitative T1 and T2 mapping values significantly correlated with prevalence of HFrEF but did not discriminate HFrEF patients with or without chronic myocardial inflammation in our cohort. This suggests that EMB is the preferred method to detect chronic myocardial inflammation in HFrEF.
Cardiac resynchronization therapy in New York Heart Association class‐IV patients dependent on intravenous drugs or invasive supportive treatments
Authors: Lee Seong Soo , Kwon Hee‐Jin , Park Kyoung‐Min , On Young Keun , Kim June Soo , Park Seung‐Jung
Published: August 2020

Aims

We sought to evaluate the effectiveness of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in far‐advanced heart failure (FA‐HF) patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class‐IV status and dependency on intravenous drugs (IVDs) and/or invasive supportive treatments (ISTs).

Methods and results

Among 305 patients who underwent CRT implantation between October 2005 to December 2019, we identified 17 FA‐HF patients with NYHA class‐IV status and dependency on IVDs (inotropes, diuretics, vasopressors, or vasodilators) and/or ISTs (extracorporeal membranous oxygenator or continuous renal replacement therapy). All patients (median age = 68.7 years, non‐ischaemic cardiomyopathy = 15) remained dependent on several IVDs (2.2 ± 1.3 per patient) and/or ISTs for 11.3 ± 7.8 days due to multiple tapering failure (4.3 ± 3.2 per patient) before CRT implantation. However, 14 (82%) patients were successfully weaned from IVDs/ISTs within 5.2 ± 5.3 days following CRT, and 12 (71%) stayed alive for more than 1 year free of ventricular assist device or heart transplantation with symptom improvement (≥1 NYHA class) and a reduced annual HF hospitalization rate (P = 0.002). Considerable improvements in ventricular systolic function (P = 0.004) and volumetric reverse remodelling (P = 0.007) were noticed during the long‐term follow‐up period (35 ± 15 months post‐CRT). The ventricular assist device/heart transplantation/death‐free survival rate post‐CRT was 71% and 65% at 1 and 3 years, respectively.

Conclusions

Cardiac resynchronization therapy implantation may be a feasible treatment that can offer short‐term and long‐term clinical benefits for NYHA class‐IV FA‐HF patients who are dependent on IVDs/ISTs. When considering treatment options, CRT should not be prematurely excluded solely based on a patient's dependency on IVDs/ISTs without first attempting to identify favourable CRT response factors.
Overview of cell balancing methods for Li‐ion battery technology
Authors: S Hemavathi
Published: August 2020

Li‐ion batteries are influenced by numerous features such as over‐voltage, undervoltage, overcharge and discharge current, thermal runaway, and cell voltage imbalance. One of the most significant factors is cell imbalance which varies each cell voltage in the battery pack overtime and hence decreases battery capacity rapidly. To increase the lifetime of the battery pack, the battery cells should be frequently equalized to keeps up the difference between the cells as small as possible. There are different techniques of cell balancing have been presented for the battery pack. It is classified as passive and active cell balancing methods based on cell voltage and state of charge (SOC). The passive cell balancing technique equalizing the SOC of the cells by the dissipation of energy from higher SOC cells and formulates all the cells with similar SOC equivalent to the lowest level cell SOC. The active cell balancing transferring the energy from higher SOC cell to lower SOC cell, hence the SOC of the cells will be equal. This review article introduces an overview of different proposed cell balancing methods for Li‐ion battery can be used in energy storage and automobile applications.
Game theoretic application for energy efficient mobility handling in wireless sensor network
Authors: Maheshwari Prachi , Sharma Ajay K. , Verma Karan
Published: August 2020

Wireless sensor network (WSN) are used to sense, process, and send important information relating to surrounding environment. In these network, one of the important issue is timely delivery of packets to destination and thus avoiding packet loss when sensor nodes are mobile. Most of the current research does not allow handling of packets of mobile sensor nodes till next Time‐division multiple access (TDMA) schedule. In this work, we investigate the problem of allocating reserved slots to mobile nodes which come in vicinity of new cluster head in currenTDMAschedule only. We model allocation of reserved slots to mobile nodes as cooperative game. We then propose cooperative coordination scheme to allow cooperation among mobile sensor nodes for accessing of reserved slots with the objective of avoiding unnecessary delay and packet loss in the network. We consider solution for both the cases when reserved slot is limited to 1 and when reserved slots are more than 1. We then propose evolutionary game theory‐based slot allocation scheme for calculation of probability by solving nash equilibrium point. This probability is used by mobile nodes to send data packets to new cluster head. Our scheme avoids end to end delay of packets and network congestion due to buffer overflows. We then present extensive simulation results comparing our scheme with existing techniques. The results show higher performance in terms of average residual energy, network lifetime and packet delivery ratio etc.
A nondestructive testing method for soluble solid content in Korla fragrant pears based on electrical properties and artificial neural network
Authors: Lan Haipeng , Wang Zhentao , Niu Hao , Zhang Hong , Zhang Yongcheng , Tang Yurong , Liu Yang
Published: August 2020

The detection of soluble solid content in Korla fragrant pear is a destructive and time‐consuming endeavor. In effort to remedy this, a nondestructive testing method based on electrical properties and artificial neural network was established in this study. Specifically, variations of electrical properties (e.g., equivalent parallel capacitance, quality factor, loss factor, equivalent parallel resistance, complex impedance, and equivalent parallel inductance) of Korla fragrant pears with accumulated temperature were tested using a workbench developed by ourselves. After that the characteristic variables of electrical properties were constructed by principal component analysis (PCA). In addition, three models were constructed to predict SSC in Korla fragrant pears based on the characteristic variables: general regression neural network (GRNN), back‐propagation neural network (BPNN), and adaptive network fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). The results indicated that the GRNN model has the best prediction effects of SSC (R2 = 0.9743, RMSE = 0.2584), superior to that of the BPNN and ANFIS models. Results facilitate a successful, alternative application for rapid assessment of SSC of the maturation stage Korla fragrant pear.