bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Process Variables on Budesonide Nanoparticles Using Factorial Design
Authors: Kuchekar Ashwin , Jathar Jayesh , Gawade Ashwini , Kuchekar Bhanudas
Published: March 2021

Aims: Nanoparticles are the colloidal carrier systems for delivery of poorly soluble drugs. Budesonide. (BUD) a corticosteroid practically insoluble in water is used in asthma treatment. The aim of the present research work was to develop and evaluate BUD nanoparticles.

Methodology: The prepared formulation was analyzed for % encapsulation efficiency, particle size analysis, zeta potential, polydispersity index (PDI), scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Poloxamer-188 was found in stabilizing BUD nanoparticles.

Results: The observed % encapsulation efficiency of the optimized batch was (82.95) %, particle size was 271.8 nm with PDI 0.456. Solvent injection method was successfully implemented to developed BUD nanoparticles poloxamer-188. Sonication time and amplitude played an important role in governing the particle size.

Conclusion: It can be inferred from the study that nanoparticles are a potential drug delivery method for poorly water-soluble drug delivery which can not only get impacted by formulation variables but also by process variables.
A Study of Self-Organization in Small Systems with Simple Dynamics
Authors: Oldham William J. B. , Rejcek James
Published: March 2021

Self-organization in small systems of particles with simple dynamic laws has been simulated.  The purpose of this work is to investigate self-organization in small systems where we could follow individual particles.  The intention is to look for pattern formation as the system evolves.  For the two kinds of systems studied, the motion and the final system state for various dynamic iterations are presented.  In the first system design, two kinds of particles are simulated.  Like particles have a repulsive force, while unlike particles have an attractive force.  Initially, the particles are randomly distributed in a two dimensional square bounded region, and then allowed to dynamically interact for a number of iterations.  In experiment 1 the particles have different polarity.  Using the inverse square law force, modified at short distances, most cases resulted in equilibrium with the particles of opposite polarity paired up. Since this was a state of equilibrium no more movement occurred.  In the second experiment, there are two groups of particles initially separated by a boundary.  The particles on each side of the boundary are further divided into two groups referred to as strong or weak particles.  In this experiment the resulting patterns were clusters of particles. The forces among all of the particles can be varied to study the configurations that result from the dynamics.  The results of the experiments are presented in graphical format.  The main conclusion is that this model can be used to study small dynamic systems.
Review on Strain Localization Phenomena Studied by High‐Resolution Digital Image Correlation
Authors: Weidner Anja , Biermann Horst
Published: March 2021

Herein, a comprehensive review on the application of digital image correlation (DIC) for investigations of strain localization phenomena in the field of materials science and engineering (MSE) is provided. The Review is divided into three parts. In Part 1, the method of DIC is reviewed in terms of basic principles, correlation algorithms, and sources of errors. Part 2 is focused on the application of DIC in the field of MSE. This part is subdivided into the application of DIC in 1) combination with optical microscopy and 2) in combination with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In Part 3, results of high‐resolution DIC obtained in combination with SEM are presented for high‐strength austenitic stainless steels—transformation‐induced plasticity steels and twinning‐induced plasticity steels—exhibiting microscopic strain localization phenomena. These investigations are supplemented by electron backscattered diffraction for interpretation of strain fields. Although DIC allows for both 2D and 3D calculations of displacement and strain fields, herein, 2D digital correlation is referred to only, as in particular with SEM only in‐plane displacements are calculated so far.
Shear‐Induced Assembly of Liquid Colloidal Crystals for Large‐Scale Structural Coloration of Textiles
Authors: Li Yichen , Fan Qingsong , Wang Xiaohui , Liu Guojin , Chai Liqin , Zhou Lan , Shao Jianzhong , Yin Yadong
Published: March 2021

Photonic crystals (PCs) constructed from colloidal building blocks have attracted increasing attention because their brilliant structural colors may find broad applications in paints, sensors, displays, and security devices. However, producing high‐quality structural colors on flexible substrates such as textiles in an efficient and scalable manner remains a challenge. Here a robust and ultrafast approach to produce industrial‐scale colloidal PCs by the shear‐induced assembly of liquid colloidal crystals of polystyrene beads pre‐formed spontaneously over a critical volume fraction is demonstrated. The pre‐crystallization of colloidal crystals allows their efficient assembly into large‐scale PCs on flexible fabric substrates under shear force. Further, by programming the wettability of the fabric substrate with hydrophilic–hydrophobic regions, this shear‐based assembly strategy can conveniently generate pre‐designed patterns of complex structural colors. This assembly strategy brings structural coloration to flexible fabrics at a scale suitable for commercial applications; therefore, it holds the potential to revolutionize the coloration technology in the textile industry.
Whole‐Voltage‐Range Oxygen Redox in P2‐Layered Cathode Materials for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Xun‐Lu , Wang Tian , Yuan Yifei , Yue Xin‐Yang , Wang Qin‐Chao , Wang Jun‐Yang , Zhong Jun , Lin Ruo‐Qian , Yao Yuan , Wu Xiao‐Jing , Yu Xi‐Qian , Fu Zheng‐Wen , Xia Yong‐Yao , Yang Xiao‐Qing , Liu Tongchao , Amine Khalil , Shadike Zulipiya , Zhou Yong‐Ning , Lu Jun
Published: March 2021

Oxygen‐redox of layer‐structured metal‐oxide cathodes has drawn great attention as an effective approach to break through the bottleneck of their capacity limit. However, reversible oxygen‐redox can only be obtained in the high‐voltage region (usually over 3.5 V) in current metal‐oxide cathodes. Here, we realize reversible oxygen‐redox in a wide voltage range of 1.5–4.5 V in a P2‐layered Na0.7Mg0.2[Fe0.2Mn0.6□0.2]O2 cathode material, where intrinsic vacancies are located in transition‐metal (TM) sites and Mg‐ions are located in Na sites. Mg‐ions in the Na layer serve as “pillars” to stabilize the layered structure during electrochemical cycling, especially in the high‐voltage region. Intrinsic vacancies in the TM layer create the local configurations of “□–O–□”, “Na–O–□” and “Mg–O–□” to trigger oxygen‐redox in the whole voltage range of charge–discharge. Time‐resolved techniques demonstrate that the P2 phase is well maintained in a wide potential window range of 1.5–4.5 V even at 10 C. It is revealed that charge compensation from Mn‐ and O‐ions contributes to the whole voltage range of 1.5–4.5 V, while the redox of Fe‐ions only contributes to the high‐voltage region of 3.0–4.5 V. The orphaned electrons in the nonbonding 2p orbitals of O that point toward TM‐vacancy sites are responsible for reversible oxygen‐redox, and Mg‐ions in Na sites suppress oxygen release effectively.
Thin Film NCM Cathodes as Model Systems to Assess the Influence of Coating Layers on the Electrochemical Performance of Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Hemmelmann Hendrik , Dinter Julius K. , Elm Matthias T.
Published: March 2021

A facile procedure is demonstrated to prepare lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide (NCM) thin film cathodes. Via a sol‐gel approach and subsequent spin‐coating, a crystalline and phase‐pure cathode layer is prepared without any further additives or binders. It is shown that the thin film cathodes are ideal model systems to access the effect of coating layers on electrochemical performance in lithium ion batteries. For this purpose, the thin films are coated with an ultrathin alumina layer using atomic layer deposition. The samples are structurally and electrochemically characterized, exhibiting comparable properties as cathodes prepared from powder. After cycling, post‐mortem analysis is conducted to investigate structural changes inflicted by the electrochemical treatment. The characterization reveals that uncoated samples exhibit severe structural changes due to cycling, while coated samples show only minor changes under the same conditions. Post‐mortem surface analysis using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirms the corrosion of the uncoated cathode and proofs the scavenging effect of alumina. The presented results provide a simple and versatile method to prepare thin film NCM model systems, which enable an accurate analysis of the cathode–electrolyte interface and thus allow to obtain a deeper understanding of the beneficial effect of coatings for next‐generation lithium ion batteries.
Recent Advances and Strategies for the Transition‐Metal‐Catalyzed C−H Functionalization of N‐Nitrosoanilines
Authors: Chaudhary Priyanka , Kandasamy Jeyakumar , Macabeo Allan Patrick G. , Tamargo Ramuel John Inductivo , Lee Yong Rok
Published: March 2021

The challenges faced in the activation and functionalization of C−H bonds while producing high‐value aromatic intermediates are significant for synthetic organic chemistry. This review summarizes the advancements made toward the C−H functionalization of N‐nitrosoanilines in the past decade, in which the nitroso group coordinates to a transition metal, such as rhodium, palladium, cobalt, iridium, and ruthenium, acting as a directing group to allow the activation of the ortho C−H bond. The versatility of this synthetic approach has led to the regio‐ and chemoselective introduction of various functional groups giving rise to aromatic congeners with diverse functional and structural properties. C−H functionalized nitroso compounds can be further transformed into valuable synthetic intermediates and unique heterocyclic compounds. A description of the mechanism underlying each reaction is also included. This review includes the following sections:

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DNA‐Grafted Hyaluronic Acid System with Enhanced Injectability and Biostability for Photo‐Controlled Osteoarthritis Gene Therapy
Authors: Chen Zhijie , Zhang Feng , Zhang Hongbo , Cheng Liang , Chen Kaizhe , Shen Jieliang , Qi Jin , Deng Lianfu , He Chuan , Santos Hélder A. , Cui Wenguo
Published: March 2021

Gene therapy is identified as a powerful strategy to overcome the limitations of traditional therapeutics to achieve satisfactory effects. However, various challenges related to the dosage form, delivery method, and, especially, application value, hampered the clinical transition of gene therapy. Here, aiming to regulate the cartilage inflammation and degeneration related abnormal IL‐1β mRNA expression in osteoarthritis (OA), the interference oligonucleotides is integrated with the Au nanorods to fabricate the spherical nucleic acids (SNAs), to promote the stability and cell internalization efficiency. Furthermore, the complementary oligonucleotides are grafted onto hyaluronic acid (HA) to obtained DNA‐grafted HA (DNAHA) for SNAs delivery by base pairing, resulting in significantly improved injectability and bio‐stability of the system. After loading SNAs, the constructed DNAHA‐SNAs system (HA‐SNAs) performs a reversible NIR‐triggered on‐demand release of SNAs by photo‐thermal induced DNA dehybridization and followed by post‐NIR in situ hybridization. The in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that this system down‐regulated catabolic proteases and up‐regulated anabolic components in cartilage over extended periods of time, to safeguard the chondrocytes against degenerative changes and impede the continual advancement of OA.
Single‐Ion Conducting Polymer Electrolytes for Solid‐State Lithium–Metal Batteries: Design, Performance, and Challenges
Authors: Zhu Jiadeng , Zhang Zhen , Zhao Sheng , Westover Andrew S. , Belharouak Ilias , Cao Peng‐Fei
Published: March 2021

Realizing solid‐state lithium batteries with higher energy density and enhanced safety compared to the conventional liquid lithium‐ion batteries is one of the primary research and development goals set for next‐generation batteries in this decade. In this regard, polymer electrolytes have been widely researched as solid electrolytes due to their excellent processability, flexibility, and low weight. With high cationic transference numbers (tLi+close to 1), single‐ion conducting polymer electrolytes (SICPEs) have tremendous advantages compared to polymer electrolyte systems (tLi+ < 0.4) because of their potential to reduce the buildup of ion concentration gradients and suppress growth of lithium dendrites. The current review covers the fundamentals of SICPEs, including anionic unit synthesis, polymer structure design, and film fabrication, along with simulation and experimental results in solid‐state lithium–metal battery applications. A perspective on current challenges, possible solutions, and potential research directions of SICPEs is also discussed to provide the research community with the critical technical aspects that may advance SICPEs as solid electrolytes in next‐generation energy storage systems.
Coexistence of severe developmental delay, epilepsy, and hemangioma in Snijders Blok‐Fisher syndrome suggests the presence of a POU3F3‐related SNIBFIS endophenotype: A case report
Authors: Torun Deniz , Arslan Mutluay , Yüksel Zafer
Published: March 2021

POU3F3 proteins are eukaryotic transcription factors and contribute to the processes in the development of brain and kidney. Pathogenic POU3F3 variants cause a neurodevelopmental disorder called Snijders Blok‐Fisher syndrome (SNIBFIS). This article reports a new SNIBFIS case harboring a novel heterozygous c.1018_1019delCAinsTT (p.Gln340Leu) variant in the POU3F3 gene. This variant affects the α2 helix of POU‐S domain and is predicted to be “pathogenic” by multiple in‐silico tools. The proband had severe intellectual disability, hypotonia, autistic features, sleep disturbances, and dysmorphic features. The association with epilepsy and hemangioma like two of the three previously reported patients with mutations in the POU‐S domain was also a remarkable finding to understand the importance of POU‐S domain. This clinical report also highlights the interest of reinterpretation of molecular data and brings a new perspective to the genotype–phenotype relationship in “Snijders Blok‐Fisher syndrome”.
Rules of Nucleophilic Additions to Zigzag Nanographene Diones**
Authors: Ribar Peter , Valenta Leoš , Šolomek Tomáš , Juríček Michal
Published: March 2021

Nucleophilic addition of carbon‐centered nucleophiles to nanographene ketones represents a valuable late‐stage method for the functionalization of zigzag nanographenes, but its use is rare in the chemical literature. Using two model systems, non‐Kekulé triangulene‐4,8‐dione and Kekulé anthanthrone, we identify unexpected regioselectivities and uncover the rules that govern these reactions. Considering the large number of nanographene ketones that have been reported since the pioneering work of Eric Clar, this method enables synthesis and exploration of hitherto unknown functionalized nanographenes.
Pseudo Natural Products—Chemical Evolution of Natural Product Structure
Authors: Karageorgis George , Foley Daniel J. , Laraia Luca , Brakmann Susanne , Waldmann Herbert
Published: March 2021

Pseudo‐natural products (PNPs) combine natural product (NP) fragments in novel arrangements not accessible by current biosynthesis pathways. As such they can be regarded as non‐biogenic fusions of NP‐derived fragments. They inherit key biological characteristics of the guiding natural product, such as chemical and physiological properties, yet define small molecule chemotypes with unprecedented or unexpected bioactivity. We iterate the design principles underpinning PNP scaffolds and highlight their syntheses and biological investigations. We provide a cheminformatic analysis of PNP collections assessing their molecular properties and shape diversity. We propose and discuss how the iterative analysis of NP structure, design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of PNPs can be regarded as a human‐driven branch of the evolution of natural products, that is, a chemical evolution of natural product structure.
Optical Manipulation of Subcellular Protein Translocation Using a Photoactivatable Covalent Labeling System
Authors: Kowada Toshiyuki , Arai Keisuke , Yoshimura Akimasa , Matsui Toshitaka , Kikuchi Kazuya , Mizukami Shin
Published: March 2021

The photoactivatable chemically induced dimerization (photo‐CID) technique for tag‐fused proteins is one of the most promising methods for regulating subcellular protein translocations and protein–protein interactions. However, light‐induced covalent protein dimerization in living cells has yet to be established, despite its various advantages. Herein, we developed a photoactivatable covalent protein‐labeling technology by applying a caged ligand to the BL‐tag system, a covalent protein labeling system that uses mutant β‐lactamase. We further developed CBHD, a caged protein dimerizer, using caged BL‐tag and HaloTag ligands, and achieved light‐induced protein translocation from the cytoplasm to subcellular regions. In addition, this covalent photo‐CID system enabled quick protein translocation to a laser‐illuminated microregion. These results indicate that the covalent photo‐CID system will expand the scope of CID applications in the optical manipulation of cellular functions.
Selective Prebiotic Synthesis of α‐Threofuranosyl Cytidine by Photochemical Anomerization
Authors: Colville Ben W. F. , Powner Matthew W.
Published: March 2021

The structure of life's first genetic polymer is a question of intense ongoing debate. The “RNA world theory” suggests RNA was life's first nucleic acid. However, ribonucleotides are complex chemical structures, and simpler nucleic acids, such as threose nucleic acid (TNA), can carry genetic information. In principle, nucleic acids like TNA could have played a vital role in the origins of life. The advent of any genetic polymer in life requires synthesis of its monomers. Here we demonstrate a high‐yielding, stereo‐, regio‐ and furanosyl‐selective prebiotic synthesis of threo‐cytidine 3, an essential component of TNA. Our synthesis uses key intermediates and reactions previously exploited in the prebiotic synthesis of the canonical pyrimidine ribonucleoside cytidine 1. Furthermore, we demonstrate that erythro‐specific 2′,3′‐cyclic phosphate synthesis provides a mechanism to photochemically select TNA cytidine. These results suggest that TNA may have coexisted with RNA during the emergence of life.
An Artificial Phase‐Transitional Underwater Bioglue with Robust and Switchable Adhesion Performance
Authors: Xiao Lingling , Wang Zili , Sun Yao , Li Bo , Wu Baiheng , Ma Chao , Petrovskii Vladislav S. , Gu Xinquan , Chen Dong , Potemkin Igor I. , Herrmann Andreas , Zhang Hongjie , Liu Kai
Published: March 2021

Complex coacervation enables important wet adhesion processes in natural and artificial systems. However, existed synthetic coacervate adhesives show limited wet adhesion properties, non‐thermoresponsiveness, and inferior biodegradability, greatly hampering their translations. Herein, by harnessing supramolecular assembly and rational protein design, we present a temperature‐sensitive wet bioadhesive fabricated through recombinant protein and surfactant. Mechanical performance of the bioglue system is actively tunable with thermal triggers. In cold condition, adhesion strength of the bioadhesive was only about 50 kPa. By increasing temperature, the strength presented up to 600 kPa, which is remarkably stronger than other biological counterparts. This is probably due to the thermally triggered phase transition of the engineered protein and the formation of coacervate, thus leading to the enhanced wet adhesion bonding.
Unique Wolbachia strain wMelPlus increases heat stress resistance in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Burdina Elena V. , Bykov Roman A. , Menshanov Petr N. , Ilinsky Yury Yu. , Gruntenko Nataly Е.
Published: March 2021

Maternally inherited endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia infects Drosophila melanogaster populations worldwide. Its genetic diversity includes several closely related genotypes, which can be attributed to two main genotype groups: wMel and wMelCS. Here, we studied eight D. melanogaster lines carrying the nuclear background of wild type interbred Bi90 line and cytoplasmic backgrounds with or without Wolbachia of different origin, each of which belongs to wMelCS genotype group. We analyzed the effect these seven Wolbachia strains had on the heat stress resistance and dopamine metabolism in D. melanogaster females. Survival under heat stress (38°C, 3 h 30 min) was increased only in the line infected with bacteria of the wMelPlus strain. At the same time, the activity of alkaline phosphatase (an enzyme regulating the pool of dopamine precursor tyrosine) was increased under normal conditions in females infected with all strains under study and retained the response to heat stress typical for the uninfected line. Thus, we found the unique Wolbachia strain that provides an increase of the host stress resistance, and demonstrated that the mechanism of this resistance is not dopamine‐mediated.
Assessing the Reactivity of Hard Carbon Anodes: Linking Material Properties with Electrochemical Response Upon Sodium‐ and Lithium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Moon Hyein , Zarrabeitia Maider , Frank Erik , Böse Olaf , Enterría Marina , Saurel Damien , Hasa Ivana , Passerini Stefano
Published: March 2021

Hard carbon (HC) is the negative electrode (anode) material of choice for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). Despite its advantages in terms of cost and sustainability, a comprehensive understanding of its microstructure is not complete yet, thus hindering a rational design of high‐performance HC electrodes. In this study, rather than investigating how the precursor and synthesis method influence on the electrochemical properties of HC anodes, we examine the microstructure and surface chemistry of three optimized HC anodes obtained from different precursors by using different synthesis routes. The main goal is to evaluate the influence of the final materials properties (in their optimized state) on the electrochemical reactivity in lithium and sodium cells after a comprehensive structural characterization performed by means of X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and gas sorption measurements. The different electrochemical performance observed in terms of cycling stability and rate capability, and the stability of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formed on the various HCs have been comprehensively investigated. A correlation of the material properties with their electrochemical response upon sodium and lithium uptake and release is clarified. By comparing the Na‐ and Li‐ion storage behavior, a structure‐function relation is identified.
A product‐limit estimator of the conditional survival function when cure status is partially known
Authors: Safari Wende Clarence , López‐de‐Ullibarri Ignacio , Jácome María Amalia
Published: March 2021

We introduce a nonparametric estimator of the conditional survival function in the mixture cure model for right‐censored data when cure status is partially known. The estimator is developed for the setting of a single continuous covariate but it can be extended to multiple covariates. It extends the estimator of Beran, which ignores cure status information. We obtain an almost sure representation, from which the strong consistency and asymptotic normality of the estimator are derived. Asymptotic expressions of the bias and variance demonstrate a reduction in the variance with respect to Beran's estimator. A simulation study shows that, if the bandwidth parameter is suitably chosen, our estimator performs better than others for an ample range of covariate values. A bootstrap bandwidth selector is proposed. Finally, the proposed estimator is applied to a real dataset studying survival of sarcoma patients.
Nonmotor symptom burden grading as predictor of cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Oikonomou Panteleimon , van Wamelen Daniel J. , Weintraub Daniel , Aarsland Dag , Ffytche Dominic , Martinez‐Martin Pablo , Rodriguez‐Blazquez Carmen , Leta Valentina , Borley Corinne , Sportelli Carolina , Trivedi Dhaval , Podlewska Aleksandra M. , Rukavina Katarina , Rizos Alexandra , Lazcano‐Ocampo Claudia , Ray Chaudhuri Kallol
Published: March 2021

Background

Identifying predictors of incident cognitive impairment (CI), one of the most problematic long‐term outcomes, in Parkinson's disease (PD) is highly relevant for personalized medicine and prognostic counseling. The Nonmotor Symptoms Scale (NMSS) provides a global clinical assessment of a range of NMS, reflecting NMS burden (NMSB), and thus may assist in the identification of an “at‐risk” CI group based on overall NMSB cutoff scores.

Methods

To investigate whether specific patterns of PD NMS profiles predict incident CI, we performed a retrospective longitudinal study on a convenience sample of 541 nondemented PD patients taking part in the Nonmotor Longitudinal International Study (NILS) cohort, with Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), NMSS, and Scales for Outcomes in PD Motor Scale (SCOPA Motor) scores at baseline and last follow‐up (mean 3.2 years) being available.

Results

PD patients with incident CI (i.e., MMSE score ≤ 25) at last follow‐up (n = 107) had severe overall NMSB level, significantly worse NMSS hallucinations/perceptual problems and higher NMSS attention/memory scores at baseline. Patients with CI also were older and with more advanced disease, but with no differences in disease duration, dopamine replacement therapy, sex, and comorbid depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that a comprehensive baseline measure of NMS and in particular hallucinations and perceptual problems assessed with a validated single instrument can be used to predict incident CI in PD. This approach provides a simple, holistic strategy to predict future CI in this population.
Impact of 6‐ versus 12‐month dual antiplatelet therapy on clinical prognosis in patients with high bleeding risk: Insights from the 4‐year results of the I LOVE IT 2 study
Authors: Zhang Jiaoyang , Qiu Miaohan , Na Kun , Ma Sicong , Jiang Zaixin , Li Jing , Li Yi , Han Yaling
Published: March 2021

Objectives

To explore the impact of 6‐ versus 12‐month dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) on the clinical prognosis of high bleeding risk (HBR) patients.

Background

The optimal DAPT duration after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in HBR patients is unclear.

Methods

This study is a post hoc analysis of the 4‐year clinical follow‐up results of the I LOVE IT 2 study. Prevalence and prognosis of HBR patients were explored, and clinical outcomes of HBR patients who underwent 6‐ versus 12‐month DAPT were compared. The primary outcome was Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) type 3 or 5 bleeding. The secondary outcomes were BARC type 2–5 bleeding and net clinical adverse events (NACE), defined as a composite of all‐cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), ischemia‐driven revascularization, stroke, stent thrombosis, or any bleeding events.

Results

HBR occurred in 440 of 2,737 patients (16.0%). HBR patients were associated with a higher risk of BARC type 3 or 5 bleeding (2.95 vs. 1.52%, p = .03), NACE (31.82 vs. 25.99%, p = .01), all‐cause death (5.68 vs. 3.13%, p = .008) and stroke (9.09 vs. 3.83%, p < .001) than non‐HBR patients at 4 years. There were no significant differences in BARC type 3 or 5 bleeding (3.07 vs. 2.76%, p = 1.00) or NACE rate (31.9 vs. 33.8%, p = .72) between patients who underwent 6‐ and 12‐month DAPT.

Conclusions

HBR patients are at a higher risk of long‐term bleeding and ischemic events than non‐HBR patients. The safety and efficacy of 6‐ and 12‐month DAPT were comparable in HBR patients.
Laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy and chemometric analysis of black toners for forensic applications
Authors: Ahmed Zakaria E. , Abdelhamid Mahmoud , Abdel‐Salam Zienab A. , Palleschi Vincenzo , Abdel‐Harith Mohamed
Published: March 2021

In the present work, laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was used to differentiate between different black toners of printers and photocopiers based on their elemental composition. Measurements were performed on 23 toner samples of different printers and six different photocopiers (of different brands and models). The LIBS spectra were compared to characterize each toner type. Multivariate statistical analysis based on PCA and graph clustering was used to develop a discrimination model between the toners in questioned documents. Good discrimination of both brand and model toners was obtained. The results may be beneficial for forensic applications in the investigations of questioned documents.
Importance of Time‐Dependent Wetting Behavior of Gas‐Diffusion Electrodes for Reactivity Determination
Authors: Bienen Fabian , Hildebrand Joachim , Kopljar Dennis , Wagner Norbert , Klemm Elias , Friedrich K. Andreas
Published: March 2021

Tin foil and SnOx/C gas‐diffusions electrodes (GDEs) were investigated via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to extract the differential double‐layer capacitance (Cdl) as a measure of the wetted surface area. Time‐dependent Cdl values revealed an immediate stationary wetting for tin foil electrodes while a distinct increase of Cdl – which becomes stationary with time – was observed for GDEs. The time‐dependent wetting behavior of the GDEs was substantiated by physical post‐mortem characterization. Since the wetted surface area determines the number of reachable active sites the performance of GDEs should be normalized to the wetted surface area for evaluation of reactivity.
Charge‐Transfer‐Adaptable Double‐Strand Formation of a Porphyrin‐BODIPY‐Porphyrin Triad
Authors: Morisue Mitsuhiko , Kawanishi Miho , Kusukawa Takahiro
Published: March 2021

A quadrupolar porphyrin–BODIPY–porphyrin array (1) displayed a moderate negative solvatochromism. The elastic 3,4,5‐tri((S)‐dihydrocitronellyloxy)phenyl groups of 1 facilitated the solubility of such a polarized chromophore array in a nonpolar solvent, and 1 was assembled into a double‐strand as elucidated by extensive NMR spectroscopic experiments in [D8]toluene and electronic absorption spectra in cyclohexane. Thermodynamic analyses revealed a small entropy change upon double‐strand formation, indicating that cyclohexane did not preferably solvate the porphyrin rings and BODIPY segment presumably because of their polarized nature. At the same time, the significant enthalpy change likely explained the intermolecular attractive force, such as the BF2⋅⋅⋅Zn cation‐dipole interaction. The solvent polarity effect on the electronic spectra together with thermodynamic analyses suggested that the charge‐transfer (CT) character was decreased by the double‐strand formation in a nonpolar solvent. It was rationalized that insufficient solvent polarity stabilized the CT character of 1 only in part, and the residual polarization character might be stabilized by supramolecular assembly. The charge transfer character of 1 was stabilized by double‐strand formation which partially decreased the CT character enough to be stabilized by solvation with cyclohexane.
Thiol‐Ene Photopolymerization under Blue, Green and Red LED Irradiation
Authors: Peng X. , Zhang J. , Banaszak Holl M. M. , Xiao P.
Published: March 2021

Photopolymerization allows fast production of materials with special properties; however, a short wavelength of light is required for most commercial photoinitiating systems and the oxygen inhibition effect for the free radical polymerization has limited possible applications. Herein, we investigate thiol‐ene photopolymerization with various types of “ene” derivatives and thiols using our previously reported photoinitiator 2‐(4‐methoxystyryl)‐4,6‐bis(trichloromethyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine (triazine) alone or in combination with rubrene or 1,4‐bis(isopropylamino)anthraquinone (SB36) as the photoinitiating systems to trigger polymerization under irradiation with blue, green, and red LEDs. An analysis of photopolymerization kinetics and the effects of different light irradiation conditions, chemical structures, composites of “ene” and thiol monomers, and air on the thiol‐ene photopolymerization reaction are presented. Specifically, rates of photopolymerization of all thiol‐ene formulations decrease as the wavelength of irradiation increases and show no significant difference when polymerization occurs under air or in laminate. Mechanical properties and homogeneity of the photocured samples are analyzed and demonstrated that all thiol‐ene formulations appear to have a homogeneous network. Regarding mechanical properties, with a lower amount of thiol incorporated in the network, the storage modulus and the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the photocured product increased. Storage stability of thiol‐ene formulations is also studied and 5‐hydroxy‐1,4‐naphthoquinone (5HNQ), a naturally derived dye derivative, is found to be successful in inhibiting premature gelation in thiol‐ene systems without significantly affecting the photopolymerization performance.
Li‐Ion Intercalated Exfoliated WS2 Nanosheets with Enhanced Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Performance
Authors: Tian Li , Qiao Hui , Huang Zongyu , Qi Xiang
Published: March 2021

Tungsten disulfide (WS2) as a 2D layered material shows good application in the field of electrocatalysis due to its unique 2D structure, excellent electronic properties, and catalytic activity. However, the electrocatalytic performance of bulk WS2 materials is limited due to the lack of active sites. Hence, a few layers of WS2 nanosheets are prepared by a simple method of lithium (Li)‐ion intercalation exfoliation, and enhanced electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance is demonstrated compared to bulk WS2. This method can not only realize the large‐scale preparation of WS2 nanosheets, but also the obtained WS2 nanosheets have a larger lateral size, a good lattice structure, and no chemical impurities remain. Most importantly, it is realized that the reduction in the thickness of WS2 nanosheets will generate additional active sites from the ultrathin planar structure, thereby improving electrocatalytic activity. The exfoliated WS2 nanosheets show a smaller overpotential compared to the bulk WS2, the overpotential is about 320 mV at 10 mA cm–2. This work shows that Li‐ion intercalation exfoliated method is an efficient strategy to prepare 2D nanosheets materials and effectively improve its electrocatalytic performance.
Solvent‐Dependent Reactivity and Photochemistry of Dinuclear and Mononuclear Platinum(IV) Azido Triazaolato Complexes
Authors: Yao Kezi , Bertran Arnau , Morgan Jacques , Greenhalgh Charlotte , Edkins Katharina , Bowen Alice M. , Farrer Nicola J.
Published: March 2021

Reaction between the platinum(IV) azido complex trans,trans,trans‐[Pt(py)2(N3)2(OH)2] (1) and 1,4‐diphenyl‐2‐butyne‐1,4‐dione 2 in MeCN produces the intermediate peroxide‐bridged dimeric platinum(IV) azido triazolato species (5), which has been characterised by X‐ray crystallography. However, if the reaction between 1 and 2 is conducted in MeOH it results in decomposition. Over time in MeCN, dimer (5) converts into mononuclear complexes trans,trans,trans‐[Pt(py)2(N3)(triazole)(OH)2] (3 a/3 b), which are in dynamic exchange. If resuspended in protic solvents (MeOH,H2O), 3 a/3 b undergo a slow (22 d) irreversible rearrangement to a cyclised platinum(IV) species 4 which contains a formally N,O‐chelated ligand. Conversion of 3 a/3 b to 4 in d4‐MeOH can be accelerated (384x) by irradiation with visible light, although continued irradiation also produces N3. and OH. radicals, and the [4‐N3]+ species can be readily detected by ESI‐MS. Solvent choice significantly effects both the cycloaddition reaction between 1 and 2, and the stability of the resultant complexes.
Understanding Infection Progression under Strong Control Measures through Universal COVID‐19 Growth Signatures
Authors: Djordjevic Magdalena , Djordjevic Marko , Ilic Bojana , Stojku Stefan , Salom Igor
Published: March 2021

Widespread growth signatures in COVID‐19 confirmed case counts are reported, with sharp transitions between three distinct dynamical regimes (exponential, superlinear, and sublinear). Through analytical and numerical analysis, a novel framework is developed that exploits information in these signatures. An approach well known to physics is applied, where one looks for common dynamical features, independently from differences in other factors. These features and associated scaling laws are used as a powerful tool to pinpoint regions where analytical derivations are effective, get an insight into qualitative changes of the disease progression, and infer the key infection parameters. The developed framework for joint analytical and numerical analysis of empirically observed COVID‐19 growth patterns can lead to a fundamental understanding of infection progression under strong control measures, applicable to outbursts of both COVID‐19 and other infectious diseases.
Three scoria blocks from Māori occupation sites, New Zealand: Their petrography, mineralogy, geochemistry and attribution to a source locality in eastern Polynesia
Authors: Ramsay William R. H. , Collett Graeme S. , Ramsay Elizabeth G. , Kerby Georgia
Published: March 2021

We document the petrography, mineralogy, major, minor, trace elements,  and isotopic signatures of three shaped scoria blocks found within or associated with Māori occupation sites in southern New Zealand. Both mineralogy and geochemistry show that these scoria blocks have close affinities to alkaline lavas characteristic of intraplate, volcanic oceanic islands. Comparisons are made with broadly similar young alkaline associations on the mainland and off‐shore islands of New Zealand and it is shown that all three blocks are exotic. A number of young, east Pacific Islands are investigated and it is demonstrated that the closest comparison is with lavas from the Society Islands, French Polynesia. Geochemically it is difficult to identify which island in that group was the source but, predicated on the youthful appearance of these scoria blocks; it is suggested that the most likely location is the volcanically young island of Mehetia. This island is the location of a recent Strombolian pyroclastic event and scoria is a common rock associate of that island. These scoria blocks are the first pre‐European artefacts with secure archaeological contexts found in New Zealand, whose origins can reliably be traced to their source island group in the eastern Pacific.
Gene‐based analysis of bi‐variate survival traits via functional regressions with applications to eye diseases
Authors: Zhang Bingsong , Chiu Chi‐Yang , Yuan Fang , Sang Tian , Cook Richard J , Wilson Alexander F. , Bailey‐Wilson Joan E. , Chew Emily Y. , Xiong Momiao , Fan Ruzong
Published: March 2021

Genetic studies of two related survival outcomes of a pleiotropic gene are commonly encountered but statistical models to analyze them are rarely developed. To analyze sequencing data, we propose mixed effect Cox proportional hazard models by functional regressions to perform gene‐based joint association analysis of two survival traits motivated by our ongoing real studies. These models extend fixed effect Cox models of univariate survival traits by incorporating variations and correlation of multivariate survival traits into the models. The associations between genetic variants and two survival traits are tested by likelihood ratio test statistics. Extensive simulation studies suggest that type I error rates are well controlled and power performances are stable. The proposed models are applied to analyze bivariate survival traits of left and right eyes in the age‐related macular degeneration progression.
Acute esophageal necrosis complicated by refractory stricture formation
Authors: Sandhu Sunny , Wang Timothy , Prajapati Devang
Published: March 2021

Acute esophageal necrosis (AEN) is a rare presentation of severe esophageal injury. The optimal long‐term management of complications related to AEN, particularly stricture formation, are not well defined. We report a case of AEN in a patient who presented with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and had dysphagia due to refractory stricture formation after mucosal healing occurred. A 62‐year‐old male with diabetes mellitus presented with altered mental status. He was admitted for hypovolemic shock secondary to DKA and treated with vasopressors, fluid resuscitation, and insulin. After resolution of DKA, he reported persistent dysphagia. Upper endoscopy showed circumferential black mucosal discoloration throughout the entire esophagus that spared the gastroesophageal junction. He was diagnosed with AEN and was continued on a proton pump inhibitor and sucralfate with improvement in symptoms. Repeat endoscopy 4 weeks later showed a 10‐cm benign‐appearing stricture in the mid esophagus. He underwent dilation with temporary symptomatic relief; however, recurrence in symptoms has thus far necessitated a total of 10 repeat upper endoscopies, including repeat dilations along with local steroid injection therapy. AEN is a rare presentation of severe esophageal injury and is typically associated with severe hemodynamic compromise. Although most cases resolve with supportive care and mucosal healing, there is little information regarding prognosis and optimal management of complications, such as refractory esophageal strictures. We describe a case of AEN complicated by refractory symptomatic esophageal stricture despite several dilations and intralesional steroid injections and discuss our approach to treatment.
Meyniel's conjecture on graphs of bounded degree
Authors: Hosseini Seyyed Aliasghar , Mohar Bojan , Gonzalez Hermosillo de la Maza Sebastian
Published: March 2021

The game of Cops and Robbers is a well‐known pursuit‐evasion game played on graphs. It has been proved that cubic graphs can have arbitrarily large cop number , but the known constructions show only that the set is unbounded. In this paper, we prove that there are arbitrarily large subcubic graphs whose cop number is at least where . We also show that proving Meyniel's conjecture for graphs of bounded degree implies a weaker version of Meyniel's conjecture for all graphs.
Sensilla of the antenna and proboscis of Athetis lepigone (Möschler) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Hu Gui‐Lin , Zhang Chuan‐Min , Wang Zhong‐Quan , Chen Qing‐Xiao , Lu Ji‐Qi
Published: March 2021

Sensory structures on the antennae and mouthparts of insects are associated with various activities, such as host location, feeding, attracting a mate, and identifying a suitable oviposition site. Athetis lepigone (Möschler) is an important polyphagous Eurasian pest with more than 30 species of host plants. The larvae target bud leaves, prop roots, and tender stems of many agricultural crops, but the feeding habits of the adults remain poorly known. Aiming to understand the feeding behavior of the species, we investigated the fine morphology of its antennae and proboscis using scanning electron microscopy. The antennae of both sexes are filiform, and bear eight types of sensilla: Böhm's bristles, sensilla squamiformia, trichodea, chaetica, basiconica, coeloconica, styloconica, and auricillica. Sensilla trichodea are the most abundant among these sensillum types. The proboscis consists of two elongated, interlocked maxillary galeae that enclose the food canal by dorsal and ventral legulae. The external galeal surface is covered with numerous triangular microtrichia on Zone 1 and abundant blunt microbumps on Zone 2. The surface of the food canal bears closely connected and smooth semicircular ridges, gradually tapering toward the proboscis tip. Three types of sensilla are noticeable on the proboscis: sensilla trichodea, basiconica, and styloconica. We briefly discuss the putative functional significance of the antennal and proboscis sensilla and, based on the specific structural modifications of the proboscis, predict a flower‐visiting habit for A. lepigone.
Correction of Artifacts Induced by B0 Inhomogeneities in Breast MRI Using Reduced‐Field‐of‐View Echo‐Planar Imaging and Enhanced Reversed Polarity Gradient Method
Authors: Rodríguez‐Soto Ana E. , Fang Lauren K. , Holland Dominic , Zou Jingjing , Park Helen H. , Keenan Kathryn E. , Bartsch Hauke , Kuperman Joshua , Wallace Anne M. , Hahn Michael , Ojeda‐Fournier Haydee , Dale Anders M. , Rakow‐Penner Rebecca
Published: March 2021

Background

Diffusion‐weighted (DW) echo‐planar imaging (EPI) is prone to geometric distortions due to B0 inhomogeneities. Both prospective and retrospective approaches have been developed to decrease and correct such distortions.

Purpose

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the performance of reduced‐field‐of‐view (FOV) acquisition and retrospective distortion correction methods in decreasing distortion artifacts for breast imaging. Coverage of the axilla in reduced‐FOV DW magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and residual distortion were also assessed.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population/Phantom

Breast phantom and 169 women (52.4 ± 13.4 years old) undergoing clinical breast MRI.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 3.0 T/ full‐ and reduced‐FOV DW gradient‐echo EPI sequence.

Assessment

Performance of reversed polarity gradient (RPG) and FSL topup in correcting breast full‐ and reduced‐FOV EPI data was evaluated using the mutual information (MI) metric between EPI and anatomical images. Two independent breast radiologists determined if coverage on both EPI data sets was adequate to evaluate axillary nodes and identified residual nipple distortion artifacts.

Statistical Tests

Two‐way repeated‐measures analyses of variance and post hoc tests were used to identify differences between EPI modality and distortion correction method. Generalized linear mixed effects models were used to evaluate differences in axillary coverage and residual nipple distortion.

Results

In a breast phantom, residual distortions were 0.16 ± 0.07 cm and 0.22 ± 0.13 cm in reduced‐ and full‐FOV EPI with both methods, respectively. In patients, MI significantly increased after distortion correction of full‐FOV (11 ± 5% and 18 ± 9%, RPG and topup) and reduced‐FOV (8 ± 4% both) EPI data. Axillary nodes were observed in 99% and 69% of the cases in full‐ and reduced‐FOV EPI images. Residual distortion was observed in 93% and 0% of the cases in full‐ and reduced‐FOV images.

Data Conclusion

Minimal distortion was achieved with RPG applied to reduced‐FOV EPI data. RPG improved distortions for full‐FOV images but with more modest improvements and limited correction near the nipple.

Evidence Level

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1