bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modulating Single‐Atom Palladium Sites with Copper for Enhanced Ambient Ammonia Electrosynthesis
Authors: Han Lili , Ren Zhouhong , Ou Pengfei , Cheng Hao , Rui Ning , Lin Lili , Liu Xijun , Zhuo Longchao , Song Jun , Sun Jiaqiang , Luo Jun , Xin Huolin L.
Published: September 2020

The electrochemical reduction of N2 to NH3 is emerging as a promising alternative for sustainable and distributed production of NH3. However, the development has been impeded by difficulties in N2 adsorption, protonation of *NN, and inhibition of competing hydrogen evolution. To address the issues, we design a catalyst with diatomic Pd‐Cu sites on N‐doped carbon by modulation of single‐atom Pd sites with Cu. The introduction of Cu not only shifts the partial density of states of Pd toward the Fermi level but also promotes the d‐2π* coupling between Pd and adsorbed N2, leading to enhanced chemisorption and activated protonation of N2, and suppressed hydrogen evolution. As a result, the catalyst achieves a high Faradaic efficiency of 24.8±0.8 % and a desirable NH3 yield rate of 69.2±2.5 μg h−1 mgcat.−1, far outperforming the individual single‐atom Pd catalyst. This work paves a pathway of engineering single‐atom‐based electrocatalysts for enhanced ammonia electrosynthesis.
Bandgap Engineering of Hydroxy‐Functionalized Borophene for Superior Photo‐Electrochemical Performance
Authors: Wang Xin , Liang Junwu , You Qi , Zhu Jiaqi , Fang Feier , Xiang Yuanjiang , Song Jun
Published: September 2020

Two‐dimensional (2D) semiconducting boron nanosheets (few‐layer borophene) have been theoretically predicted, but their band gap tunability has not been experimentally confirmed. In this study, hydroxy‐functionalized borophene (borophene‐OH) with tunable band gap was fabricated by liquid‐phase exfoliation using 2‐butanol solvent. Surface‐energy matching between boron and 2‐butanol produced smooth borophene, and the exposed unsaturated B sites generated by B−B bond breaking during exfoliation coordinated with OH groups to form semiconducting borophene‐OH, enabling a tunable band gap of 0.65–2.10 eV by varying its thickness. Photoelectrochemical (PEC) measurements demonstrated that the use of borophene‐OH to fabricate working electrodes for PEC‐type photodetectors significantly enhanced the photocurrent density (5.0 μA cm−2) and photoresponsivity (58.5 μA W−1) compared with other 2D monoelemental materials. Thus, borophene‐OH is a promising semiconductor with great optoelectronic potential.
Fortified Coiled Coils: Enhancing Mechanical Stability with Lactam or Metal Staples
Authors: López‐García Patricia , de Araujo Aline D. , Bergues‐Pupo Ana E. , Tunn Isabell , Fairlie David P. , Blank Kerstin G.
Published: September 2020

Coiled coils (CCs) are powerful supramolecular building blocks for biomimetic materials, increasingly used for their mechanical properties. Here, we introduce helix‐inducing macrocyclic constraints, so‐called staples, to tune thermodynamic and mechanical stability of CCs. We show that thermodynamic stabilization of CCs against helix uncoiling primarily depends on the number of staples, whereas staple positioning controls CC mechanical stability. Inserting a covalent lactam staple at one key force application point significantly increases the barrier to force‐induced CC dissociation and reduces structural deformity. A reversible His‐Ni2+‐His metal staple also increases CC stability, but ruptures upon mechanical loading to allow helix uncoiling. Staple type, position and number are key design parameters in using helical macrocyclic templates for fine‐tuning CC properties in emerging biomaterials.
Activity‐Based NIR Enzyme Fluorescent Probes for the Diagnosis of Tumors and Image‐Guided Surgery
Authors: Li Haidong , Kim Dayeh , Yao Qichao , Ge Haoying , Chung Jeewon , Fan Jiangli , Wang Jingyun , Peng Xiaojun , Yoon Juyoung
Published: September 2020

Near‐infrared (NIR) activatable fluorescent probes have been considered to be the effective edge tools for the investigation of cell biology and disease diagnosis because of their outstanding advantages. Related genes involved in tumor genesis and progression regulate the overexpression of certain enzymes. Owing to the distinctive characteristics of quick reaction time and favorable pharmacokinetics, enzyme‐reactive NIR optical probes have shown great potential in the diagnosis of tumorigenesis and in image‐guided intraoperative surgeries with high signal‐to‐noise ratios. In this review, we mainly summarize the latest advancements in enzyme‐reactive NIR fluorescent probes from design strategy to biomedical application. Specifically, some challenges and prospects in this field are presented at the end of the review, which will be beneficial to innovatively construct new multifunctional fluorescent probes and actively promote their clinical transformation in the future.
Synthetic Biology Driven Biosynthesis of Unnatural Tropolone Sesquiterpenoids
Authors: Schotte Carsten , Li Lei , Wibberg Daniel , Kalinowski Jörn , Cox Russell J.
Published: September 2020

Tropolone sesquiterpenoids (TS) are an intriguing family of biologically active fungal meroterpenoids that arise through a unique intermolecular hetero Diels–Alder (hDA) reaction between humulene and tropolones. Here, we report on the combinatorial biosynthesis of a series of unprecedented analogs of the TS pycnidione 1 and xenovulene A 2. In a systematic synthetic biology driven approach, we recombined genes from three TS biosynthetic gene clusters (pycnidione 1, xenovulene A 2 and eupenifeldin 3) in the fungal host Aspergillus oryzae NSAR1. Rational design of the reconstituted pathways granted control over the number of hDA reactions taking place, the chemical nature of the fused polyketide moiety (tropolono‐ vs. monobenzo‐pyranyl) and the degree of hydroxylation. Formation of unexpected monobenzopyranyl sesquiterpenoids was investigated using isotope‐feeding studies to reveal a new and highly unusual oxidative ring contraction rearrangement.
The 2‐Pyridyl Problem: Challenging Nucleophiles in Cross‐Coupling Arylations
Authors: Cook Xinlan A. F. , de Gombert Antoine , McKnight Janette , Pantaine Loïc R. E. , Willis Michael C.
Published: September 2020

Azine‐containing biaryls are ubiquitous scaffolds in many areas of chemistry, and efficient methods for their synthesis are continually desired. Pyridine rings are prominent amongst these motifs. Transition‐metal‐catalysed cross‐coupling reactions have been widely used for their synthesis and functionalisation as they often provide a swift and tuneable route to related biaryl scaffolds. However, 2‐pyridine organometallics are capricious coupling partners and 2‐pyridyl boron reagents in particular are notorious for their instability and poor reactivity in Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reactions. The synthesis of pyridine‐containing biaryls is therefore limited, and methods for the formation of unsymmetrical 2,2′‐bis‐pyridines are scarce. This Review focuses on the methods developed for the challenging coupling of 2‐pyridine nucleophiles with (hetero)aryl electrophiles, and ranges from traditional cross‐coupling processes to alternative nucleophilic reagents and novel main group approaches.
Zwitterionic Polydopamine Engineered Interface for In Vivo Sensing with High Biocompatibility
Authors: Feng Taotao , Ji Wenliang , Zhang Yue , Wu Fei , Tang Qiao , Wei Huan , Mao Lanqun , Zhang Meining
Published: September 2020

Electrochemical sensing performance is often compromised by electrode biofouling (e.g., proteins nonspecific binding) in complex biological fluids; however, the design and construction of a robust biointerface remains a great challenge. Herein, inspired by nature, we demonstrate a robust polydopamine‐engineered biointerfacing, to tailing zwitterionic molecules (i.e., sulfobetaine methacrylate, SBMA) through Michael Addition. The SBMA‐PDA biointerface can resist proteins nonspecific binding in complex biological fluids while enhancing interfacial electron transfer and electrochemical stability of the electrode. In addition, this sensing interface can be integrated with tissue‐implantable electrode for in vivo analysis with improved sensing performance, preserving ca. 92.0% of the initial sensitivity after 2 h of implantation in brain tissue, showing low acute neuroinflammatory responses and good stability both in normal and in Parkinson′s disease (PD) rat brain tissue.
A new measure of treatment effect in clinical trials involving competing risks based on generalized pairwise comparisons
Authors: Cantagallo Eva , De Backer Mickaël , Kicinski Michal , Ozenne Brice , Collette Laurence , Legrand Catherine , Buyse Marc , Péron Julien
Published: September 2020

In survival analysis with competing risks, the treatment effect is typically expressed using cause‐specific or subdistribution hazard ratios, both relying on proportional hazards assumptions. This paper proposes a nonparametric approach to analyze competing risks data based on generalized pairwise comparisons (GPC). GPC estimate the net benefit, defined as the probability that a patient from the treatment group has a better outcome than a patient from the control group minus the probability of the opposite situation, by comparing all pairs of patients taking one patient from each group. GPC allow using clinically relevant thresholds and simultaneously analyzing multiple prioritized endpoints. We show that under proportional subdistribution hazards, the net benefit for competing risks settings can be expressed as a decreasing function of the subdistribution hazard ratio, taking a value 0 when the latter equals 1. We propose four net benefit estimators dealing differently with censoring. Among them, the Péron estimator uses the Aalen–Johansen estimator of the cumulative incidence functions to classify the pairs for which the patient with the best outcome could not be determined due to censoring. We use simulations to study the bias of these estimators and the size and power of the tests based on the net benefit. The Péron estimator was approximately unbiased when the sample size was large and the censoring distribution's support sufficiently wide. With one endpoint, our approach showed a comparable power to a proportional subdistribution hazards model even under proportional subdistribution hazards. An application of the methodology in oncology is provided.
Dynamic disk B‐spline curves
Authors: Zhang Yu , Wu Zhongke , Wang Xingce
Published: September 2020

A disk B‐spline curve (DBSC) is an extension of a B‐spline curve and is used to represent a two‐dimensional (2D) region. DBSC is a useful 2D geometric representation and is widely applied in the 2D art design area, such as computer calligraphy, 2D computer animation, and nonphotorealistic rendering. To enhance the flexibility of DBSC, in this article, we propose a physics‐based generalization of DBSC–dynamic DBSC (D‐DBSC), which extends the traditional DBSC in the time domain. We give the mathematical expression of D‐DBSC and prove its several mathematical properties. We derive the motion equations of D‐DBSC based on Lagrangian mechanics and investigate the motion equations when it is under linear geometric constraints. Last, a D‐DBSC physical simulation system based on finite difference method is presented.
Self‐determination, clean conscience, or social pressure? Underlying motivations for organic food consumption among young millennials
Authors: Sahelices‐Pinto César , Lanero‐Carrizo Ana , Vázquez‐Burguete José Luis
Published: September 2020

The present world has led in individuals to become ever more interested in the consumption of organic food. Accordingly, companies are incorporating these worries in their managerial decisions by paying special attention to market segmentation. In this context, a relevant target audience is that conformed by young Millennials, a group defined by its growing purchase power, its intense influence on societies, but also by its inconsistency in terms of pro‐environmental behaviors. In order to understand the mechanisms that rule the human behavior, motivations emerge as fair predictors of sustainable products consumption. Therefore, the present study aims at analyzing the motivations that stimulate young Millennials to purchase organic food. Hence, it was conducted a survey study with a total sample of 378 college students. Afterwards, once executed a cluster analysis, four differentiated groups were highlighted:amotivated(23.02%), who have no intention to perform any sort of organic purchase;socially‐influenced(24.34%), motivated to purchase organic due to social acceptance;self‐determined(25.92%), mainly autonomous in their organic food consumption; andconscience‐affected(26.72%), who behave organic for self‐esteem. Although data reveal the existence of an overall organic concern among the sample, onlyself‐determinedindividuals may be prone to maintain their behaviors among time since the intrinsic motivation they show is higher than that of the other groups. These findings are of undeniable interest. The study of the motivational system of young Millennials will allow companies in the organic food sector to adjust their offer to the relevant target and achieve an enduring organic consumption.
Predicting who benefits from mitral valve percutaneous repair: It's not just the valve
Authors: Anuwatworn Amornpol , Bailey Steven R.
Published: September 2020

Key Points

Patient adverse events are more frequent in those who do not have left ventricular negative remodeling (LVNR).

Baseline severity of tricuspid regurgitation predicts less likelihood of LV remodeling.

Why women are more likely to have LVNR is unexplained.
Multiple lymphomatous polyposis: A presentation for mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Gallivan Cory , Akbar Ali
Published: September 2020

Multiple lymphomatous polyposis is an uncommon presentation of mantle cell lymphoma, and when exhibited should prompt clinicians to incorporate mantle cell lymphoma into their differential workup.
Clopidogrel‐induced liver damage: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Eslami Vahid , Gheymati Azin
Published: September 2020

Liver damage is a rare side effect of clopidogrel. That is reversible in most cases. Considering the widespread use of this medication in cardiovascular diseases, the management of hepatotoxicity requires further meticulous investigation.
Lipoma of the nasal septum: A case report
Authors: Jahandideh Hesam , Dehghani Firouzabadi Fatemeh , Dehghani Firouzabadi Mohammad , Jan Delaram , Roomiani Maryam
Published: September 2020

Even routine diagnoses, such as septal deviation, which most people do not think need imaging, require careful examination because rare diagnoses such as lipoma may occur in the nose. Careful examination and imaging lead to the best treatment.
Rambutan‐like hierarchically porous carbon microsphere as electrode material for high‐performance supercapacitors
Authors: Shao Chunfeng , Qiu Shujun , Wu Guiming , Cui Boyang , Chu Hailiang , Zou Yongjin , Xiang Cuili , Xu Fen , Sun Lixian
Published: September 2020

Used as high‐performance electrodes, both structural and compositional alterations of carbon materials play very important roles in energy conversion/storage devices. Especially in supercapacitors, hierarchical pores and heteroatom doping in carbon materials are indispensable. Here the rambutan‐like hierarchically porous carbon microspheres (PCMs) have been constructed via a hydrothermal treatment, followed by carbonization/activation. The hierarchically porous microstructure is composed of three‐dimensional porous carbon networks, which give rise to a large surface area. Moreover, N and O functional groups are introduced in the as‐prepared samples, which could generate the extra pseudocapacitance. Benefitting from the interconnected hierarchical and open structure, PCM exhibits outstanding capacitive performance, for example, superior specific capacitance and rate capability (397 and 288 F g−1 at 0.5 and 20 A g−1, respectively), as well as long cycling stability (about 95% capacitance retention after 10,000 cycles). These encouraging results may pave an efficient way to fabricate advanced supercapacitors in the future.
Is Chemical Knowledge Tentative or Durable or Both? – Analysis of Preservice Science Teachers' Conceptions about the Tentativeness of Chemical Knowledge
Authors: Müller Stefan , Reiners Christiane S.
Published: September 2020

Die Vorläufigkeit naturwissenschaftlicher Erkenntnisse stellt aus wissenschaftstheoretischer Sicht ein entscheidendes Merkmal naturwissenschaftlicher Erkenntnisse dar. Vor dem Hintergrund aktueller Debatten um „Fake Science“ kommt ihr aber auch aus fachdidaktischer Sicht noch einmal eine besondere Bedeutung zu. Neben einem Vorschlag zur Klärung des Begriffs werden im Rahmen des Artikels Ergebnisse zweier qualitativer Studien vorgestellt. Diese zeigen, dass Lehramtsstudierende des Faches Chemie oftmals nur inkonsistente Ansichten über die Vorläufigkeit besitzen, die darüber hinaus relativ resistent gegenüber Veränderungen sind. Zur Förderung eines adäquaten Verständnisses ist neben einer intensiven und strukturierten Auseinandersetzung mit der Vorläufigkeit auch eine Thematisierung der Beständigkeit und Glaubwürdigkeit von naturwissenschaftlichen Erkenntnissen notwendig. Darüber hinaus werden im Artikel weitere Maßnahmen zur Verständnisförderung vorgestellt und diskutiert.
Wives of Chemists – more than just a side note in the biography of famous researchers. Dealing with gender issues in the chemistry lessons of secondary school
Authors: Helfensteller Ronny , Boeck Gisela
Published: September 2020

Oftmals reicht die Zeit im Unterricht nicht aus, um mit der Lerngruppe noch zusätzliche Themen zu behandeln. Das ist vor allem dann der Fall, wenn es um Biografien berühmter Wissenschaftler*innen oder gar um gendergerechte Aspekte geht. Doch dass es durchaus lohnenswert sein kann, sich mit solchen Themen auf einer reflexiven Ebene auseinanderzusetzen, versucht der folgende Artikel zu zeigen. Nach einer kurzen theoretischen Abhandlung zum gendersensiblen Chemieunterricht und einer Zusammenfassung der Biografien von Antoine Laurent de Lavoisier (1743–1789) und seiner Ehefrau Marie‐Anne Lavoisier (1758–1836) werden einige kreative Arbeitsschritte vorgestellt, um mit den Schüler*innen über (historische) Geschlechterrollen zu reflektieren. Die entworfenen Materialien werden dabei nicht nur beschrieben, sondern stehen als Supporting Information zur Verfügung.
Intraoperative and early postoperative complications in postchemotherapy retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy among patients with germ cell tumors using validated grading classifications
Authors: Umbreit Eric C. , McIntosh Andrew G. , Suk‐ouichai Chalairat , Segarra Luis A. , Holland Levi C. , Fellman Bryan M. , Williams Stephen B. , Thomas Arun Z. , Tu Shi‐Ming , Pettaway Curtis A. , Pisters Louis L. , Ward John F. , Wood Christopher G. , Karam Jose A.
Published: September 2020

Background

Postchemotherapy retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy (PC‐RPLND) is an essential, yet potentially morbid, therapy for the management of patients with advanced germ cell tumors. In the current study, the authors sought to define the complication profile of PC‐RPLND using validated grading systems for intraoperative adverse events (iAEs) and early postoperative complications.

Methods

Between 2000 and 2018, all patients who underwent PC‐RPLND were analyzed for iAEs and early postoperative complications using the Kaafarani and Clavien‐Dindo classifications, respectively. Logistic regression models were conducted to assess patient and tumor factors associated with iAEs and postoperative complications.

Results

Of the 453 patients identified, 115 patients (25%) and 252 patients (56%), respectively, experienced an iAE and postoperative complication. Major iAEs (grade ≥3) were observed in 15 patients (3%) and major postoperative complications (grade ≥3) were noted in 80 patients (18%). The most common iAE was vascular injury (112 of 132 events; 85%), which occurred in 92 patients (20%), and the most frequent postoperative complication was ileus, which occurred in 121 patients (27%). Original and postchemotherapy retroperitoneal mass size, nonretroperitoneal metastases, intermediate and/or poor International Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative Group classification, previous RPLND, elevated tumor markers at the time of RPLND, and anticipated adjuvant surgical procedures increased the risk of both iAEs and postoperative complications. Patients who experienced an iAE were significantly more likely to experience a postoperative complication (odds ratio, 2.50; 95% confidence interval, 1.58‐3.97 [P < .001]).

Conclusions

In what to the authors' knowledge is the first analysis of PC‐RPLND using validated classifications for both iAEs and postoperative complications, advanced disease and surgical complexity significantly increased the risks of major iAEs and postoperative complications. Standardized reporting of adverse perioperative events allows providers and patients to appreciate the consequences of PC‐RPLND during counseling and decision making.
Transcriptomics reveals specific molecular mechanisms underlying transgenerational immunity in Manduca sexta
Authors: Roesel Charles L. , Rosengaus Rebeca B. , Smith Wendy , Vollmer Steven V.
Published: September 2020

The traditional view of innate immunity in insects is that every exposure to a pathogen triggers an identical and appropriate immune response and that prior exposures to pathogens do not confer any protective (i.e., adaptive) effect against subsequent exposure to the same pathogen. This view has been challenged by experiments demonstrating that encounters with sublethal doses of a pathogen can prime the insect's immune system and, thus, have protective effects against future lethal doses. Immune priming has been reported across several insect species, including the red flour beetle, the honeycomb moth, the bumblebee, and the European honeybee, among others. Immune priming can also be transgenerational where the parent's pathogenic history influences the immune response of its offspring. Phenotypic evidence of transgenerational immune priming (TGIP) exists in the tobacco moth Manduca sexta where first‐instar progeny of mothers injected with the bacterium Serratia marcescens exhibited a significant increase of in vivo bacterial clearance. To identify the gene expression changes underlying TGIP in M. sexta, we performed transcriptome‐wide, transgenerational differential gene expression analysis on mothers and their offspring after mothers were exposed to S. marcescens. We are the first to perform transcriptome‐wide analysis of the gene expression changes associated with TGIP in this ecologically relevant model organism. We show that maternal exposure to both heat‐killed and live S. marcescens has strong and significant transgenerational impacts on gene expression patterns in their offspring, including upregulation of peptidoglycan recognition protein, toll‐like receptor 9, and the antimicrobial peptide cecropin.
Atrial fibrillation, anticoagulation management and risk of stroke in the Cardiomyopathy/Myocarditis registry of the EURObservational Research Programme of the European Society of Cardiology
Authors: Mizia‐Stec Katarzyna , Caforio Alida L.P. , Charron Philippe , Gimeno Juan R. , Elliott Perry , Kaski Juan Pablo , Maggioni Aldo P. , Tavazzi Luigi , Rigopoulos Angelos G. , Laroche Cecile , Frigy Attila , Zachara Elisabetta , Pena‐Pena Maria Luisa , Olusegun‐Joseph Akinsanya , Pinto Yigal , Sala Simone , Drago Fabrizio , Blagova Olga , Reznik Elena , Tendera Michał
Published: September 2020

Aims

Cardiomyopathies are a heterogeneous group of disorders that increase the risk for atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of the study is to assess the prevalence of AF, anticoagulation management, and risk of stroke/transient ischaemic attack (TIA) in patients with cardiomyopathy.

Methods and results

Three thousand two hundred eight consecutive adult patients with cardiomyopathy (34.9% female; median age: 55.0 years) were prospectively enrolled as part of the EURObservational Research Programme Cardiomyopathy/Myocarditis Registry. At baseline, 903 (28.2%) patients had AF (29.4% dilated, 27.5% hypertrophic, 51.5% restrictive, and 14.7% arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, P < 0.001). AF was associated with more advanced New York Heart Association class (P < 0.001), increased prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and co‐morbidities, and a history of stroke/TIA (P < 0.001). Oral anticoagulation was administered in 71.7% of patients with AF (vitamin K antagonist: 51.6%; direct oral anticoagulant: 20.1%). At 1 year follow‐up, the incidence of cardiovascular endpoints was as follows: stroke/TIA 1.85% (AF vs. non‐AF: 3.17% vs. 1.19%, P < 0.001), death from any cause 3.43% (AF vs. non‐AF: 5.39% vs. 2.50%, P < 0.001), and death from heart failure 1.67% (AF vs. non‐AF: 2.44% vs. 1.31%, P = 0.033). The independent predictors for stroke/TIA were as follows: AF [odds ratio (OR) 2.812, P = 0.005], history of stroke (OR 7.311, P = 0.010), and anaemia (OR 3.119, P = 0.006).

Conclusions

The study reveals a high prevalence and diverse distribution of AF in patients with cardiomyopathies, inadequate anticoagulation regimen, and high risk of stroke/TIA in this population.
How do SYMPtoms and management tasks in chronic heart failure imPACT a person's life (SYMPACT)? Protocol for a mixed‐methods study
Authors: Austin Rosalynn C. , Schoonhoven Lisette , Richardson Alison , Kalra Paul R. , May Carl R.
Published: September 2020

Aims

Patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) struggle to follow self‐care plans, which may lead to worsening illness and poor quality of life. Burden of treatment (BoT) describes this workload and its impact on patients' lives. Suggesting the balance between a patient's treatment workload and their capability to manage it is crucial. If BoT is reduced, self‐care engagement and quality of life may improve. This article describes the SYMPACT study design and methods used to explore how symptoms and management tasks impact CHF patients' lives.

Methods and results

We used a sequential exploratory mixed‐methods design to investigate the interaction between symptoms and BoT in CHF patients.

Conclusions

If symptoms and BoT are intrinsically linked, then the high level of symptoms experienced by CHF patients may lead to increased treatment burden, which likely decreases patients' engagement with self‐care plans. SYMPACT may identify modifiable factors to improve CHF patients' experience.
A dynamic process for evaluating the reliability of fossil power plant assets
Authors: Palakodeti Satyanarayana R. , Raju P. K. , Guo Huairui
Published: September 2020

Budgets and maintenance programs in fossil power plants are frequently set based on engineering judgment rather than a Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA). Fossil power plants seldom use PRA due to a lack of practical processes, especially when field reliability data are not readily available. In the absence of field data, using general industry data may not be right for conducting PRA for a given organization as the operation and maintenance conditions significantly vary between organizations. To have a successful PRA, an organization needs to use its own field data, and have an efficient process for its organization. Studies have suggested using field data provides a robust model and accurate results. Use of Reliability Block Diagrams for Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability analysis is not new. However, applications of these techniques are new to fossil power plants. In this paper, we propose a practical process by integrating several existing reliability techniques for fossil plants to apply PRA. The process was tested at many power plants, and the results aligned well with the actual values. The methodology outlined in this paper is a forward‐looking tool for managers to predict system reliability, and proactively develop maintenance plans and budgets.
A retrospective analysis of ovarian response to gonadotropins after laparoscopic unilateral or bilateral salpingectomy for hydrosalpinges
Authors: Mizusawa Yuri , Matsumoto Yukiko , Kokeguchi Shoji , Shiotani Masahide
Published: September 2020

Background and Aims

We compared the effects of unilateral and bilateral salpingectomy for hydrosalpinx on ovarian function, oocyte retrieval, and embryogenesis.

Methods

We retrospectively examined the hospital records of 109 women with unilateral hydrosalpinx and 57 women with bilateral hydrosalpinges who had undergone in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment (280 oocyte retrieval cycles) between January 2011 and December 2018. We compared age at oocyte retrieval, level of anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) measured within 1 year of oocyte retrieval, duration of infertility, number of previous IVF treatments, level of follicle stimulating hormone, total gonadotropin dose, number of oocytes retrieved, fertilization rate, blastocyst formation rate, and peak serum estrogen concentration. This study was approved by the institutional review board.

Results

Of the women with unilateral hydrosalpinx, no significant differences were observed in ovarian response, rate of fertilization or rate of blastocyst production between the 21 women (24 cycles) who had undergone unilateral salpingectomy and the 88 women (146 cycles) who had not. Of the women with bilateral hydrosalpinges, the 13 (24 cycles) who had undergone bilateral salpingectomy had slightly lower AMH levels and significantly fewer oocytes retrieved (5.5 ± 3.9 vs 8.3 ± 5.5; P = .0068) than the 44 women (86 cycles) who had not had a salpingectomy. Women who had undergone bilateral salpingectomy also had significantly lower peak serum estrogen concentrations than those who had not undergone salpingectomy (1876.1 ± 765.9 vs 2489.5 ± 1551.4; P = .009).

Conclusion

In women with hydrosalpinx, bilateral salpingectomy may reduce ovarian function and response to gonadotropins, especially the number of oocytes retrieved. Unilateral salpingectomy does not have these effects.
Social IoT data mining and cyber‐crime forensics under complex cloud environment
Authors: Cai Yijun , Li Dian , Wang Yuyue
Published: September 2020

Computer forensics is accompanied by the development of computer technology and the emergence of a new form of crime, network crime. The computer log provides a lot of evidence for the computer system to attack crime. Due to the particularity of information technology, it also brings huge information security risks in the whole information process. There are more and more new types of criminal activities which take computer network information system as criminal object and computer network information system as criminal tool. Therefore, it is of great practical significance to crack down on computer network crimes and ensure information security for national economic development and social stability. Different from the traditional social crime, cyber crime is a typical high‐tech crime. The evidence of network crime is transmitted and stored in the form of binary digital data through computers or related network devices in the network. The network forensics model based on data mining technology proposed in this paper applies data mining technology to the evidence analysis of network forensics, and makes full use of various mining modes of data mining technology.
More, Faster, Neater: Middle School Students’ Self‐Assessed Literacy Concerns
Authors: Williamson Thea , LeeKeenan Kira , Peixoto Sinélia
Published: September 2020

We explored how a group of 105 diverse middle‐school students self‐assessed their work as readers and writers during a summer enrichment program. Findings from the study revealed hauntings related to youth perceptions of language and literacy, evidence of a ghostly presence of standard language ideology. In the self‐assessments, youth discussed speed and volume, in addition to surface features of language, more frequently than meaning‐related aspects of literacy. These findings indicate the persistence of traditional definitions of literacy and thus the need for teaching that disrupts narrow understandings about the nature of reading, writing, and language.
In vitro methodology for medical device material thrombogenicity assessments: A use condition and bioanalytical proof‐of‐concept approach
Authors: Wolf Michael F. , Girdhar Gaurav , Anderson Arielle A. , Ubl Samantha R. , Thinamany Sinduja , Jeffers Hannah N. , DeRusha Courtney E. , Rodriguez‐Fernandez Jenny , Hoffmann Sebastian , Strief Carrie A.
Published: September 2020

Device manufacturers and regulatory agencies currently utilize expensive and often inconclusive in vivo vascular implant models to assess implant material thrombogenicity. We report an in vitro thrombogenicity assessment methodology where test materials (polyethylene, Elasthane™ 80A polyurethane, Pebax®), alongside positive (borosilicate glass) and negative (no material) controls, were exposed to fresh human blood, with attention to common blood‐contact use conditions and the variables: material (M), material surface modification (SM) with heparin, model (Mo), time (T), blood donor (D), exposure ratio (ER; cm2 material/ml blood), heparin anticoagulation (H), and blood draw/fill technique (DT). Two models were used: (1) a gentle‐agitation test tube model and (2) a pulsatile flow closed‐loop model. Thrombogenicity measurements included thrombin generation (thrombin‐antithrombin complex [TAT] and human prothrombin fragment F1.2), platelet activation (β‐thromboglobulin), and platelet counts. We report that: (a) thrombogenicity was strongly dependent (p < .0001) on M, H, and T, and variably dependent (p < .0001 – > .05) on Mo, SM, and D (b) differences between positive control, test, and negative control materials became less pronounced as H increased from 0.6 to 2.0 U/ml, and (c) in vitro‐to‐in vivo case comparisons showed consistency in thrombogenicity rankings on materials classified to be of low, moderate, and high concern. In vitro methods using fresh human blood are therefore scientifically sound and cost effective compared to in vivo methods for screening intravascular materials and devices for thrombogenicity.
Full‐thickness tissue engineered oral mucosa for genitourinary reconstruction: A comparison of different collagen‐based biodegradable membranes
Authors: Schwab Roxana , Heller Martin , Pfeifer Céline , Unger Ronald E. , Walenta Stefan , Nezi‐Cahn Sandra , Al‐Nawas Bilal , Hasenburg Annette , Brenner Walburgis
Published: September 2020

Tissue engineering is a method of growing importance regarding clinical application in the genitourinary region. One of the key factors in successfully development of an artificially tissue engineered mucosa equivalent (TEOM) is the optimal choice of the scaffold. Collagen scaffolds are regarded as gold standard in dermal tissue reconstruction. Four distinct collagen scaffolds were evaluated for the ability to support the development of an organotypical tissue architecture. TEOMs were established by seeding cocultures of primary oral epithelial cells and fibroblasts on four distinct collagen membranes. Cell viability was assessed by MTT‐assay. The 3D architecture and functionality of the tissue engineered oral mucosa equivalents were evaluated by confocal laser‐scanning microscopy and immunostaining. Cell viability was reduced on the TissuFoil E® membrane. A multi‐stratified epithelial layer was established on all four materials, however the TEOMs on the Bio‐Gide® scaffold showed the best fibroblast differentiation, secretion of tenascin and fibroblast migration into the membrane. The TEOMs generated on Bio‐Gide® scaffold exhibited the optimal cellular organization into a cellular 3D network. Thus, the Bio‐Gide® scaffold is a suitable matrix for engineering of mucosa substitutes in vitro.
Acquired factor XIII deficiency in patients under therapeutic plasma exchange: A poorly explored etiology
Authors: Chuliber Fernando Andrés , Penchasky Diana , Santoro Diego Mario , Viñuales Susana , Otero Victoria , Villagra Iturre Maximiliano , Privitera Verónica , Mezzarobba Daniela , Burgos Pratx Leandro , López Marina Sol , Barrera Luis , Schutz Natalia , Arbelbide Jorge , Martinuzzo Marta
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Factor XIII (FXIII) deficiency may cause bleeding under certain clinical circumstances. Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) may lead to a transient deficiency.

Objectives

To describe the clinical evolution of patients with acquired FXIII deficiency secondary to TPE.

Methods

We respectively studied a cohort of consecutive patients from 2014 to 2019 who were treated with TPE with FXIII levels <50%. The FXIII was measured after the start of the TPE course, on days between the TPE sessions, due to suspected acquired deficiency. All TPE were performed using continuous flow cell separator. In all cases, the initial replacement fluid applied was albumin. Apheresis procedures were held at 24to 48 hours intervals.

Results

Eighteen patients were included, 13 of them were recipients of kidney transplants. The main TPE prescription was humoral rejection. Median FXIII at diagnosis (measured on days between sessions of the TPE course) was 19%(IQR17‐25). The median of apheresis procedures before measurement of FXIII was 3(IQR2‐4). Among the total cohort, 10 patients suffered hemorrhages. None of the patients without history of kidney transplants had bleeding (n = 5), however, 10/13 with kidney transplants did. Five kidney transplant patients received therapy with FXIII concentrate because of life‐threatening bleeding. In all cases, the bleeding stopped within the first 24 hours. All patients had their FXIII levels measured again after finishing the TPE course, with normal results.

Conclusions

TPE is an under‐diagnosed cause of acquired FXIII deficiency since routine coagulation tests remain unaltered. It might cause major bleeding, particularly in patients with a recent history of surgery like kidney transplants.
The expression of miRNA‐146a‐5p and its mechanism of treating dry eye syndrome
Authors: Yin Liang , Zhang Mingxue , He Tiangeng , Chen Song
Published: September 2020

Objective

Dry eye syndrome in which tear fluid quality or abnormality, or kinetic abnormality is caused by various reasons, resulting in decreased tear film stability. In recent years, more and more results from the studies indicate that miRNA alterations are involved in dry eye syndrome. And miRNA‐146a‐5p is a key regulator to regulate the inflammatory response. In this paper, we demonstrated whether miRNA‐146a‐5p could cure dry eye syndrome by regulating target genes based on network analysis.

Methods

In current study, we collected the blood of patients with dry eye disease served as a model group; the blood of healthy people was served as control group. The expression of miRNA‐146a‐5p in the patients was detected by RT‐PCR, the genes controlled by miRNA‐146a‐5p were predicted by TargetScan, miRDB, miRWalk, and PicTar databases, and the genes regulated by miRNA‐146a‐5p which relative with dry eye disease were selected by drawing Venn diagram.

Results

The comparison of the general information between patients and healthy people was no significant difference, and it indicated that the two groups were comparable. The results of databases showed that IRAK1 was one of the target genes regulated by miRNA‐146a‐5p, and it is related to dry eye disease. The expression of miRNA‐146a‐5p was negatively related to IRAK1 mRNA and protein, while IRAK1 had a positive correlation with IL‐6, TNF‐α, and CBP proteins.

Conclusion

These results emphasized that miRNA‐146a‐5p could inhibit the expression of IRAK1, IL‐6, TNF‐α, and CBP to help reduce the inflammatory response in dry eye syndrome.
A new prenatal sonographic sign of epidermolysis bullosa
Authors: Chen Daniela , Zuckerman Shachar , Akerman Yehudit , Shen Ori
Published: September 2020

We report on the prenatal sonographic appearance of epidermolysis bullosa (EB). The third viable pregnancy of a consanguineous couple was found at 23 weeks to have dysplastic external ears and nose. The neonate was born at 33 weeks and was found to have junctional EB with pyloric atresia. On reviewing the 23‐week ultrasound images, skin denudation was evident. This is a report of visualization of skin denudation in EB. When EB is suspected prenatally, special attention should be given to the visualization of skin surfaces.
Microstructure and in‐situ tensile strength of propodus of mantis shrimp
Authors: Zhao Qian , Chang Yanjiao , Lin Zhaohua , Zhang Zhihui , Han Zhiwu , Ren Luquan
Published: September 2020

Effects of microstructure and phase component on mechanical property of spearer propodus of mantis shrimp were investigated. The spearer propodus consisted of three layers including epicuticle (outer layer), exocuticle (middle layer), and endocuticle (inner layer). The outer layer was composed of fluorapatite, which was treated as permeability barrier to environment. The compact middle layer and inner layer were constituted of chitin‐protein fibers, which exhibited the layered spiral structure. Under the in‐situ tensile test environment, spearer propodus owned high mechanical strength, which bore maximum tensile fore of 320 N. In the in‐situ tensile process, cracks extended along with zigzag lines on spearer propodus surface. The middle layer and inner layer resisted the damage of force via the fracture and pulling of fibers. The crack deflection and delamination phenomena were the mechanical property mechanisms of spearer propodus of mantis shrimp. The investigations provided typical bionic models for the design and preparation of bionic structure materials, bionic anti‐impact materials, and bionic soft materials in engineering fields.
Correlation of the BI‐RADS assessment categories of Papua New Guinean women with mammographic parenchymal patterns, age and diagnosis
Authors: Pape Ruth , Spuur Kelly Maree , Wilkinson Jenny Maree , Umo Pius
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Women with increased breast density are at increased risk of breast cancer. The aim of this research is to evidence for the first time the mammographic breast findings of Papua New Guinean (PNG) women and the relationship between Breast Imaging‐Reporting and Data System (BI‐RADS) assessment, mammographic parenchymal patterns (MPPs) and age.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 1357 mammograms of women imaged at the Pacific International Hospital (PIH) from August 2006 to July 2010 was undertaken. Mammographic findings were categorised using the BI‐RADS Atlas® 5th Edition. MPPs were recorded for each woman using the Tabár Pattern I‐V classification system. Age was recorded in years. Statistical analysis was by descriptive analysis and Kruskal–Wallis with Dunn’s post‐test and Spearman’s rho correlation for inferential analysis.

Results

True pathological findings (benign and malignant); BI‐RADS 2–5 were noted in 111 women (8.2%); 1242 (91.5%) were negative. BI‐RADS categories for malignancy were reported in 16 (88.9%) of women aged 30 to 60 years. The lower risk Tabár Type I, II and III MPPs were associated with 94.4% (n = 17) of malignancies. Linear correlations between variables were weak and not statistically significant: age and Tabár pattern r = 0.031, P = 0.0261; age and BI‐RADS r = 0.018, P = 0.517; Tabár pattern and BI‐RADS r = 0.020, P = 0.459 (n = 1357).

Conclusion

There was no correlation demonstrated between BI‐RADS category, age and MPP. Importantly, there was no correlation demonstrated between BI‐RADS categories 4 and 5 for breast malignancy and high‐risk Tabár Type IV and V MPPs. The results of this study again reflect that the incidence of breast cancer in PNG cannot be explained by breast density and suggest that any formalised screening program in PNG has a target age group aimed at women younger than that of Western screening programs.
Complete clinical response of a neglected cutaneous melanoma with combined radiotherapy and immunotherapy: A case report
Authors: Gorayski Peter , Dzienis Marcin
Published: September 2020

The treatment of patients with advanced melanoma has undergone a dramatic change over the past decade. Apart from refining the radiotherapy techniques, the repertoire of systemic treatments expanded from largely futile cytotoxic chemotherapy to substantially more effective MAP kinase and immune checkpoint inhibitors (Immunotargets Ther, 7, 2018)1. We report a case which exemplifies the improved efficacy as well as increased complexity of therapeutic decision‐making. A 71‐year‐old man presented with neglected fungating and bleeding malignant melanoma, which resulted in severe anaemia with consequent cardiac dysfunction. There was limited distant spread. Patient was treated with combined radiotherapy and immunotherapy: 55 Gray in 20 fractions over four weeks using 3D‐conformal technique followed by an anti‐PD1 antibody (pembrolizumab, Keytruda® Merck/MSD, Kenilworth N.J.; 2 mg/kg 3‐weekly). A surgical approach to provide haemostasis and cosmesis was considered, but would be associated with significant morbidity, prolonged recovery and functional impairment and would not have altered patient survival. The sequential radioimmunotherapy resulted in a complete response. Radiotherapy was completed with only mild skin toxicity. Immunotherapy was complicated by diarrhoea, which necessitated withdrawal of the medication but was controlled with steroids. The non‐operative treatment resulted in excellent oncological, functional and cosmetic outcome, with acceptable toxicity. Due to increasing complexity of melanoma therapy, a multidisciplinary approach is of paramount importance.
Comparison between 2D and 3D MEDIC for human cervical spinal cord MRI at 3T
Authors: Asiri Abdullah , Dimpudus Franky , Atcheson Nicole , Al‐Najjar Aiman , McMahon Katie , Kurniawan Nyoman D.
Published: September 2020

Introduction

High‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the cervical spinal cord is important to provide accurate diagnosis and pathological assessment of injuries. MEDIC (Multiple Echo Data Image Combination) sequences have been used in clinical MRI; however, a comparison of the performance of 2D and 3D MEDIC for cervical spinal cord imaging has not been reported. The aim of this study is to compare axial 2D and 3D MEDIC for the visualisation of the grey matter (GM) and white matter (WM) of the human cervical spinal cord.

Methods

Eight healthy participants were scanned using Siemens Prismafit 3T MRI. T2*‐weighted gradient spoiled 2D and 3D MEDIC sequences were acquired at 0.4 × 0.4 × 3.0 and 0.3 × 0.3 × 3.0 mm resolutions, with the acquisition times of 6 and 7 min, respectively. Quantitative analyses of the images were made based on the image signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) and non‐uniformity (NU). Two independent radiologists (CS and FN), each provided Likert scoring assessments of anatomical visibility of the GM and WM structures and image clarity for all samples.

Results

Quantitative evaluation showed that 3D MEDIC provided higher SNR, higher CNR and lower NU than 2D MEDIC. However, 2D MEDIC provided better anatomical visibility for the GM, WM and CSF, and higher image clarity (lower artefacts) compared to 3D MEDIC.

Conclusions

2D MEDIC provides better information for depicting the internal structures of the cervical spinal cord compared to 3D MEDIC.