bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends and sociodemographic factors of e‐cigarette use among adult daily smokers in South Korea
Authors: Lee Yen‐Han , Chiang Timothy , Kwon Elizabeth , Baik Sohye , Chang Yen‐Chang
Published: December 2019

Objective

Previous studies have identified the sociodemographic factors associated with e‐cigarette use among adolescents in South Korea. However, literature regarding e‐cigarette use among adult smokers remains limited in South Korea.

Methods

Applying four waves (2013‐2016) of The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (n = 3227), sociodemographic factors were included in the multivariable logistic regression model to study their relationships with e‐cigarette use among adult daily smokers.

Results

E‐cigarette use increased from approximately 21.2% to 34.6% from 2013 to 2016, respectively. Females had lower odds of e‐cigarette use (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.76; 95% CI, 0.58‐0.99, P < .05) compared with males. Older age was negatively associated with e‐cigarette use experience (all Ps < .01). Daily smokers with high school education or above all had higher odds of using e‐cigarettes compared those with elementary school education (all Ps < .05).

Conclusion

As this study examined the trends of e‐cigarette use and factors associated with e‐cigarette use among adult daily smokers in South Korea, further research is needed to investigate the long‐term effect of e‐cigarette use on smoking cessation in South Korea as well as other Asian countries.
Shuttling Catalyst: Facilitating C−C Bond Formation via Cross‐Couplings with a Thermoresponsive Polymeric Ligand
Authors: Wang Erfei , Zhang Jiawei , Zhong Zhuoran , Chen Kaixuan , Chen Mao
Published: December 2019

A poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) linked ortho‐MeO‐phenyldicyclohexylphosphine (MeO‐WePhos) ligand has been synthesized to promote Pd‐catalyzed carbon‐carbon bond formation by cross‐couplings including Sonogashira, Heck, Hiyama and Stille reactions, providing corresponding (hetero)aryl substituted alkynes, alkenes and bi(hetero)aryls in good to excellent isolated yields with low Pd loadings. Facilitated by the lower critical solution temperature behaviour of the polymeric monophosphine ligand, the metal‐complex could rapidly shuttle between organic and water phases as regulated by temperature, enabling highly efficient catalyst recycling via a simple phase separation. The chemical structure of ligand was determined by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐time of flight mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry and size‐exclusion chromatography measurements. Notably, as demonstrated by the inductively coupled plasma‐atomic emission spectrometry measurement, 98% Pd was kept in the water phase after 6 cycles of catalyst recycling experiments. Given the profound impact of transition‐metal‐catalyzed covalent bond formation and the increasing demand of sustainable chemistry, this work provides an alternative method to conduct cross‐couplings with a polymeric shuttling catalyst.
Photovoice as Multimodal Curriculum and Method for Community Change
Authors: Saal Leah Katherine , Gómez Margarita
Published: December 2019

The authors featured in this department column share instructional practices that support transformative literacy teaching and disrupt “struggling reader” and “struggling writer” labels.
In Dimmed Memory of Otto and Hayes: Workforce Literacy at Wanda's Fish Fry
Authors: Hruby George G. , Janks Hilary , Comber Barbara
Published: December 2019

This department explores critical perspectives on issues at the intersection of policy and practice in order to generate fresh questions about enduring dilemmas, new challenges, and debates.
Workshop on the characterization of fiber‐based scaffolds: Challenges, progress, and future directions
Authors: Garcia Lexi , Soliman Sherif , Francis Michael P. , Yaszemski Michael J. , Doshi Jayesh , Simon Carl G. , Robinson‐Zeigler Rebecca
Published: December 2019

A critical component of many tissue‐engineered medical products (TEMPs) is the scaffold or biomaterial. The industry's understanding of scaffold properties and their influence on cell behavior has advanced, but our technical capability to reliably characterize scaffolds requires improvement, especially to enable large‐scale manufacturing. In response to the key findings from the 2013 ASTM International Workshop of Standards and Measurements for Tissue Engineering Scaffolds, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), ASTM International, BiofabUSA, and the Standards Coordinating Body (SCB) organized a workshop in 2018 titled, “Characterization of Fiber‐Based Scaffolds”. The goal was to convene a group of 40 key industry stakeholders to identify major roadblocks in measurements of fiber‐based scaffold properties. This report provides an overview of the findings from this collaborative workshop. The four major consensus findings were that (a) there is need for a documentary standard guide that would aid developers in the selection of test methods for characterizing fiber‐based scaffolds; (b) there is a need for a strategy to assess the quality of porosity and pore size measurements, which could potentially be ameliorated by the development of a reference material; (b) there are challenges with the lexicon used to describe and assess scaffolds; and (d) the vast array of product applications makes it challenging to identify consensus test methods. As a result of these findings, a working group was formed to develop an ASTM Standard Guide for Characterizing Fiber‐Based Constructs that will provide developers guidance on selecting measurements for characterizing fiber‐based scaffolds.
Next‐generation QTAIM for scoring molecular wires in E‐fields for molecular electronic devices
Authors: Azizi Alireza , Momen Roya , Früchtl Herbert , van Mourik Tanja , Kirk Steven R. , Jenkins Samantha
Published: December 2019

The effect of a varying, directional E
x, E
y, and E
z electric field on the ethene molecule was investigated using next‐generation quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM). Despite using low E‐field strengths that are within the realm of experiment and do not measurably alter the molecular geometry, significant changes to the QTAIM properties were observed. Using conventional QTAIM, the shifting of the C─C and C─H bond critical points (BCPs) demonstrates polarization through an interchange in the size of the atoms involved in a bond, since a BCP is located on the boundary between a pair of bonded atoms. Next‐generation QTAIM, however, demonstrates the polarization effect more directly with a change in morphology of the 3‐D envelope around the BCP. Modest increases of ≈ 2% in the ellipticity ε of the BCP were uncovered when the C─C bond was aligned parallel or anti‐parallel to the applied E
x‐field. Significant asymmetries were found in the response of the next‐generation QTAIM 3‐D paths of the C─H bonds to the applied E‐field. When the E‐field coincided with the C─C bond, the BCP moved in response and was accompanied by the envelope constructed from 3‐D next‐generation paths. The response displayed a polarization effect that increased with increasing magnitude of the E
x‐field parallel and anti‐parallel to the C─C bond. Our analysis demonstrates that next‐generation QTAIM is a useful tool for understanding the response of molecules to E‐fields, for example, for the screening of molecular wires for the design of molecular electronic devices. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Template‐engineered metal macrocyclic complexes: Synthesis and biological activity
Authors: Sangwan Vikas , Singh Dharam Pal
Published: December 2019

Three new azamacrocylic complexes of divalent transition‐metal ions were synthesized by taking Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) metal ions as templates. The macrocyclic ligand (12Z,52Z,54E)‐11,12,13,14,15,16,51,52,53,54,55,56‐dodecahydro‐2,4,6,8‐tetraaza‐1 (2,4),5(4,2)‐pyrimidine‐3,7(1,2)‐dibenzenacyclooctaphane‐16,56‐dione was derived from o‐phenylenediamine (OPD) and 2‐thiobarbituric acid (TBA). All the complexes were fully characterized through spectroscopic techniques and elemental analyses. The structures of the macrocyclic complexes were determined by IR, UV–vis, ESI‐MS, TGA, molar conductance, magnetic moment, and electron spin resonance data. On the basis of the above studies, the complexes may be formulated as [MLX2], in which L is a macrocyclic ligand and X = CH3COO−. All the macrocyclic complexes were biologically screened to evaluate their antimicrobial efficacy. DNA binding study of two representative complexes was performed by UV–vis titrations.
Circular RNA SMARCA5 correlates with favorable clinical tumor features and prognosis, and increases chemotherapy sensitivity in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Lu Qi , Fang Tao
Published: December 2019

Objective

This present study aimed to investigate the correlation of circular RNA SMARCA5 (circ‐SMARCA5) with clinicopathological features and overall survival (OS), and the effect of circ‐SMARCA5 on cell proliferation and chemotherapy sensitivity to cisplatin/gemcitabine in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC).

Methods

Totally 92 primary ICC patients who underwent resection were recruited, and their tumor tissues and adjacent tissues were collected for circ‐SMARCA5 detection. The effect of circ‐SMARCA5 on cell proliferation and chemotherapy sensitivity was detected after circ‐SMARCA5 overexpression plasmid transfection into TFK‐1 and HuH‐28 ICC cells.

Results

Circ‐SMARCA5 expression was reduced in ICC tumor tissues compared to adjacent tissues. Tumor circ‐SMARCA5 high expression was negatively associated with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score, T stage, N stage, TNM stage, and abnormal CA199 status. Furthermore, OS was increased in patients with tumor circ‐SMARCA5 high expression compared with those with low expression, and further multivariate Cox's regression demonstrated that tumor circ‐SMARCA5 high expression was an independent predictive factor for longer OS. In TFK‐1 and HuH‐28 ICC cells, circ‐SMARCA5 upregulation decreased cell proliferation, reduced relative cell viability in cisplatin‐treated as well as gemcitabine‐treated cells, and also decreased inhibitory concentration by 50% value (IC50) of cisplatin and gemcitabine.

Conclusion

The correlation of circ‐SMARCA5 with favorable clinical tumor features, survival profile, and its promoting effect on chemotherapy sensitivity implies its potential as a valuable biomarker in monitoring disease progression and prognosis of ICC.
Middle‐ and high‐molecular weight adiponectin levels in relation to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Lian Kun , Feng Yu‐Nan , Li Rong , Liu Hao‐Lin , Han Peng , Zhou Lei , Li Cheng‐Xiang , Wang Qin
Published: December 2019

Objective

Adiponectin (APN) circulates as high‐molecular weight (HMW), medium‐molecular weight (MMW), and low‐molecular weight (LMW) forms. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common cause of chronic liver disease. Currently, the role of LMW, MMW, and HMW APN remains largely unclear in NAFLD.

Methods

We examined the variation of these forms and analyzed the related clinical characteristics in NAFLD. A total of 63 male NAFLD patients (mean age: 43.00 ± 6.10 years) and 70 healthy male subjects (mean age: 42.53 ± 7.98 years) were included in the study. Total APN and other clinical characteristics were measured. The changes in HMW, MMW, and LMW APN were determined in NAFLD patients and NAFLD patients on a high‐fat diet, and the association between the groups was further analyzed.

Results

Decreased levels of total APN and three APN isoforms were found in NAFLD. Significantly decreased levels of HMW (P < .01) and MMW (P < .001) were observed in NAFLD of high‐fat diet patients. In NAFLD patients, height (R = −.270, P = .032) and N‐epsilon‐(carboxymethyl) lysine (R = −.259, P = .040) significantly correlated with total APN. HMW APN was significantly associated with fasting plasma glucose (R = .350, P = .016), alanine aminotransferase (R = −.321, P = .029), and aspartate aminotransferase (R = −.295, P = .045). Additionally, MMW APN was significantly associated with total cholesterol (R = .357, P = .014) and high‐density lipoprotein (R = .556, P < .0001). Low‐density lipoprotein (R = −.283, P = .054) was also clearly associated with LMW APN in NAFLD patients.

Conclusion

These results suggest that HMW and MMW APN may be involved in the pathogenesis and progression of NAFLD.
Evaluation of clinical application of multi‐slice computerized tomography in primary retroperitoneal tumors
Authors: Feng Yuanchun , Zhang Wei , Luo Chenghua
Published: December 2019

Background

To accurately identify primary retroperitoneal tumors by multi‐slice spiral CT (MSCT) for better treatment.

Materials and Methods

The common types of 380 cases of primary retroperitoneal tumor, lesion sites, and MSCT features were compared with pathological results. Fisher's or chi‐square test approaches have been applied in this study.

Results

Multi‐slice computerized tomography multi‐directional reconstruction has a high accuracy for primary retroperitoneal tumors (95.7%). Seventy‐three liposarcoma cases were located in peri‐renal space, accounting for 76.8% (13/95) of the tumors in this region. Meanwhile, 65 cases of neurogenic tumors were located in the paravertebral column, accounting for 90.3% (65/72) of the tumors in this region. MSCT examination could effectively distinguish benign from malignant of primary retroperitoneal tumor (sensitivity = 87.2%, specificity = 82.7%, accuracy rate = 84.5%). Malignant tumors showed more irregularity shape than benign tumor (χ2 = 20.468, P < .001). 82.7% (191/231) of the malignant tumors showed adhesion or even invasion of surrounding tissues and organs (χ2 = 23.262, P < .001). Fat density of the lipoma is uniform, and lesion is not enhanced. Liposarcoma can be seen in varying proportions of fat and soft tissue density.

Conclusion

The accuracy of MSCT scan for retroperitoneal tumors is high. Meanwhile, the coincidence rate of qualitative diagnosis before operation and/or before biopsy is also high.
Micromorphology of osteoderms in Dasypodidae (Cingulata, Mammalia): Characterization and 3D‐reconstructions
Authors: Scarano Alejo C. , Ciancio Martin R. , Barbeito‐Andrés Jimena , Barbeito Claudio G. , Krmpotic Cecilia M.
Published: December 2019

Osteoderms are present in a variety of extinct and extant vertebrates, but among mammals, the presence of osteoderms is essentially restricted to armadillos (Cingulata, Dasypodidae). Osteoderms have been proposed to exhibit a variety of functionalities in Dasypodidae, mainly protection and thermoregulation, and they have been considered as one of the synapomorphies of this group. In this study, we use high‐resolution microcomputed tomography to describe the osteoderm micromorphology of several extant species of Dasypodidae in a comparative context. This study allowed the identification, 3D‐reconstruction and volume quantification of different internal structures of osteoderms as well as their interrelations. This detailed characterization of the internal osteoderm morphology was compared in a phylogenetic context to assess the evolutionary trends of the species involved. This enables the identification of distinctive patterns for the most widely recognized clades, the Dasypodinae and Euphractinae with a morphological homogeneity in the microstructure of their osteoderms, in comparison with Tolypeutinae where it has not been possible to establish a common morphological pattern. The most important features for linage differentiation is the degree of compaction of the osteoderms, the number of cavities and the development of hairs. It is likely that the differential development of the various structures occurred as adaptive response to climate changes.
Longer diagnosis‐to‐ablation time is associated with recurrence of atrial fibrillation after catheter ablation—Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Pranata Raymond , Chintya Veresa , Raharjo Sunu B. , Yamin Muhammad , Yuniadi Yoga
Published: December 2019

Background

Diagnosis‐to‐ablation time (DTAT) has been postulated to be one of the predictors of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence, and it is a “modifiable” risk factor unlike that of many electrocardiographic or echocardiographic parameters. This development may change our consideration for ablation. In this systematic review and meta‐analysis, we aim to analyze the latest evidence on the importance of DTAT and whether they predict the AF recurrence after catheter ablation.

Methods

We performed a comprehensive search on topics that assess diagnosis‐to‐ablation time (DTAT) and AF recurrence from inception up until August 2019 through PubMed, EuropePMC, Cochrane Central Database, and ClinicalTrials.gov.

Results

There was a total of 3548 patients from six studies. Longer DTAT was associated with increased risk for AF recurrence in all studies included. Meta‐analysis of these studies showed that DTAT had a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.19 [1.02, 1.39], P = .03; I2: 92% for AF recurrence. Upon sensitivity analysis by removing a study, HR became 1.24 [1.16, 1.32], P < .001; I2: 29%. Meta‐analysis on DTAT time >3 years had HR 1.73 [1.54, 1.93], P < .001; I2: 45% for the recurrence of AF. Upon subgroup analysis of data that compared >6 years to <1 year, the HR was 1.93 [1.62, 2.29], P < .001; I2: 0%.

Conclusion

Longer DTAT time is associated with an increased risk of AF recurrence. Hence, determining management at the earliest possible moment to avoid delay is of utmost importance.
Did the Harappan settlement of Dholavira (India) collapse during the onset of Meghalayan stage drought?
Authors: Sengupta Torsa , Deshpande Mukherjee Arati , Bhushan Ravi , Ram F. , Bera M. K. , Raj Harsh , Dabhi Ankur J. , Bisht R. S. , Rawat Y. S. , Bhattacharya S. K. , Juyal Navin , Sarkar Anindya
Published: December 2019

Radiocarbon dating of archaeological carbonates from seven cultural stages of Dholavira, Great Rann of Kachchh (GRK), the largest excavated Harappan settlement in India, suggests the beginning of occupation at ~5500 years BP (pre‐Harappan), and continuation until ~3800 years BP (early part of the Late Harappan period). The settlement rapidly expanded under favourable monsoonal climate conditions when architectural elements such as the Citadel, Bailey, Lower and Middle Town were added between the Early and mid‐Mature Harappan periods. Abundant local mangroves grew around the GRK sustaining prolific populations of the edible gastropod Terebralia palustris. Oxygen isotope (δ18O) sclerochronology of Early Harappan gastropod shell suggests seasonal mixing of some depleted (δ18O ~ −12‰) river water in summer/monsoon months (through ancient Saraswati and/or Indus distributary channels) with seawater that periodically inundated the GRK. Evaporation from this semi‐enclosed water body during the non‐monsoon months enriched the δ18O of water/shell carbonates. The humid fluvial landscape possibly changed due to a catastrophic drought driving the final collapse of the settlement of Dholavira exactly at the onset of the Meghalayan (Late Holocene) stage (~4300–4100 years BP). Indeed, Dholavira presents a classic case for understanding how climate change can increase future drought risk as predicted by the IPCC working group. Copyright © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Some results on generalized Dunkl–Lipschitz spaces
Authors: Kallel Samir
Published: December 2019

In this paper we study certain relations between the Dunkl–Sobolev classes of fractional order and the generalized Dunkl–Lipschitz classes . Next, we show a Dunkl–Hardy–Littlewood theorem for k‐temperatures and its dual. Also, we give some theorems on Dunkl convolutions of Dunkl–Lipschitz functions. Finally, we establish some results concerning the Dunkl transforms of functions and distributions belonging to generalized Dunkl–Lipschitz spaces.
Classification of Laguerre–Hahn orthogonal polynomials of class one
Authors: Filipuk G. , Rebocho M. N.
Published: December 2019

We study orthogonal polynomials related to Stieltjes functions satisfying Riccati type differential equations with polynomial coefficients, , with . We derive recurrences for the three‐term recurrence relation coefficients of the orthogonal polynomials, including connections with some forms of discrete Painlevé equations.
Kinetic Evolution in Metal‐Dependent Self‐Assembly of Peptide–Terpyridine Conjugates
Authors: Sahoo Jugal Kishore , VandenBerg Michael A. , Webber Matthew J.
Published: December 2019

Nature realizes impressive structures and emergent functions through precisely organized non‐covalent interactions, and this inspires the use of supramolecular motifs to engineer new materials. Herein, an amphiphilic peptide–terpyridine conjugate is reported that forms 1D nanostructures leading to hydrogels. Upon the addition of metal, a slow kinetic transition occurs, resulting in nanostructures which are dictated by the chosen metal binding to the terpyridine ligand. As such, bis‐complex formation between terminal terpyridines redirects the assembly from peptide‐driven 1D structures to an assortment of new nanostructures which evolve and appear over the course of weeks. Studies where pre‐existing peptide structures are disrupted prior to metal addition yield these same structures right away, further confirming the kinetically labored pathway to their formation when beginning from an assembled state.
Gut microbiota of provisioned and wild rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) living in a limestone forest in southwest Guangxi, China
Authors: Chen Ting , Li Yuhui , Liang Jipeng , Li Youbang , Huang Zhonghao
Published: December 2019

The gut microbiota plays an important role in animal health and is strongly affected by the environment. Captivity and human source food have been shown to influence drastically the gut microbiota composition and function of wild animals. Therefore, in the present study, the gut microbiota of provisioned and wild populations of limestone‐living rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) were compared using high‐throughput 16S rRNA sequencing and bioinformatic analyses. The results indicated that provisioned macaques had a higher microbial richness than wild macaques, but there was no significant difference in the evenness of the gut microbiota between the two populations. Provisioned macaques also showed a higher abundance of Firmicutes and a lower abundance of Bacteroidetes than wild macaques. Functional analysis revealed that wild macaques had enriched microbial pathways involved in glycan biosynthesis and metabolism, transport and catabolism, and the digestive and endocrine systems, while provisioned macaques were richer in pathways associated with signaling molecules and interaction, neurodegenerative diseases. These differences were likely due to modification of the gut microbiota of the provisioned macaques to enable the digestion of new foods.
Gain enhancement of a quad notched CPW fed UWB antenna
Authors: Suraj Priyadarshi , Gupta Vibha R.
Published: December 2019

In this article, a compact quad notched CPW fed ultrawideband (UWB) antenna of the size 35.4 × 26.6 × 1.6 mm3 with improved gain characteristic is proposed. The designed antenna has bandwidth ranging from 2.85 GHz to 11.45 GHz with the notching capability at WiMAX, C‐band, WLAN and downlink of X‐band for satellite communication. The gain of the antenna is improved by using two antennas in the stacked configuration without raising the overall size of the antenna in horizontal plane and maintaining the impedance matching over the ultrawideband range. The prototype of the proposed antenna has been fabricated on FR4 substrate and its performance parameters are measured and compared with the simulated results, which are in good agreement. The simulated and measured result shows the improvement of antenna peak gain by 4.2 dBi and thus improving the peak gain by 162%. The proposed antenna is an excellent candidate for the high gain UWB portable communication devices in the environment having different narrow interfering bands of WiMAX, C‐band, WLAN, and downlink X‐band of satellite communication.
Medial femoral cutaneous nerve conduction study with distal recording: A novel technique
Authors: Geney‐Castro David Ernesto , Vanegas‐Muñóz Jesús , Plata‐Contreras Jesús , Salinas‐Duran Fabio
Published: December 2019

Background

A new technique to obtain the sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) of the medial femoral cutaneous nerve is described.

Methods

SNAPs were recorded from 104 subjects with a bar recording electrode 10 cm proximal to the patella along an imaginary line drawn between the medial edge of the patella and the femoral pulse below the inguinal ligament. Stimulation was applied 14 cm proximal to the recording point.

Results

There were 104 healthy subjects. Onset latency of the SNAPs was 2.20 ± 0.16 ms (mean ± SD), peak latency was 2.70 ± 0.16 ms, peak‐to‐peak amplitude was 7.5 ± 3.0 μV, and conduction velocity was 51.5 ± 3.0 m/s. The side‐to‐side difference in the mean amplitude was 22.27 ± 13.6%.

Conclusions

This new technique is easy, reliable, and reproducible, and should prove useful for the evaluation of neuropathies of the medial femoral cutaneous nerve.
Quantitative T1 mapping indicates tumor infiltration beyond the enhancing part of glioblastomas
Authors: Nöth Ulrike , Tichy Julia , Tritt Stephanie , Bähr Oliver , Deichmann Ralf , Hattingen Elke
Published: December 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether maps of quantitative T1 (qT1) differences induced by a gadolinium‐based contrast agent (CA) are better suited than conventional T1‐weighted (T1w) MR images for detecting infiltration inside and beyond the peritumoral edema of glioblastomas. Conventional T1w images and qT1 maps were obtained before and after gadolinium‐based CA administration in 33 patients with glioblastoma before therapy. The following data were calculated: (i) absolute qT1‐difference maps (qT1 pre‐CA ‐ qT1 post‐CA), (ii) relative qT1‐difference maps, (iii) absolute and (iv) relative differences of conventional T1w images acquired pre‐ and post‐CA. The values of these four datasets were compared in four different regions: (a) the enhancing tumor, (b) the peritumoral edema, (c) a 5 mm zone around the pathology (defined as the sum of regions a and b), and (d) the contralateral normal appearing brain tissue. Additionally, absolute qT1‐difference maps (displayed with linear gray scaling) were visually compared with respective conventional difference images. The enhancing tumor was visible both in the difference of conventional pre‐ and post‐CA T1w images and in the absolute qT1‐difference maps, whereas only the latter showed elevated values in the peritumoral edema and in some cases even beyond. Mean absolute qT1‐difference values were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in the enhancing tumor (838 ± 210 ms), the peritumoral edema (123 ± 74 ms) and in the 5 mm zone around the pathology (81 ± 31 ms) than in normal appearing tissue (32 ± 35 ms). In summary, absolute qT1‐difference maps—in contrast to the difference of T1w images—of untreated glioblastomas appear to be able to visualize CA leakage, and thus might indicate tumor cell infiltration in the edema region and beyond. Therefore, the absolute qT1‐difference maps are potentially useful for treatment planning.
Gossip algorithm with nonuniform clock distribution: Optimization over classical and quantum networks
Authors: Jafarizadeh Saber
Published: December 2019

Distributed gossip algorithm has been studied for practical implementation of fundamental algorithms employed for collaborative processing. This paper focuses on optimizing the convergence rate of the gossip algorithm for both classical and quantum networks. By modifying the rate of the Poisson process, a new model of the gossip algorithm with nonuniform clock distribution is proposed which can reach the optimal convergence rate of the continuous‐time consensus algorithm. For quantum gossip algorithm, the evolution equation of the quantum gossip algorithm is transformed to the state update equation of the classical gossip algorithm. Defining the quantum gossip operator, the original optimization problem is formulated as a convex optimization problem, where the analytical answer is provided for a series of topologies. It is shown that the optimal results obtained for uniform clock distribution are suboptimal compared to those of the nonuniform one and for nonuniform distribution the optimal answer is not unique. Based on the optimal continuous‐time consensus algorithm and the detailed balance property, an effective method of obtaining one of these optimal answers is proposed.
Hippo pathway effectors YAP1/TAZ induce an EWS–FLI1‐opposing gene signature and associate with disease progression in Ewing sarcoma
Authors: Rodríguez‐Núñez Pablo , Romero‐Pérez Laura , Amaral Ana T , Puerto‐Camacho Pilar , Jordán Carmen , Marcilla David , Grünewald Thomas GP , Alonso Javier , de Alava Enrique , Díaz‐Martín Juan
Published: December 2019

YAP1 and TAZ (WWTR1) oncoproteins are the final transducers of the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway. Deregulation of the pathway leads to YAP1/TAZ activation fostering tumorigenesis in multiple malignant tumor types, including sarcoma. However, oncogenic mutations within the core components of the Hippo pathway are uncommon. Ewing sarcoma (EwS), a pediatric cancer with low mutation rate, is characterized by a canonical fusion involving the gene EWSR1 and FLI1 as the most common partner. The fusion protein is a potent driver of oncogenesis, but secondary alterations are scarce, and little is known about other biological factors that determine the risk of relapse or progression. We have observed YAP1/TAZ expression and transcriptional activity in EwS cell lines. Analyses of 55 primary human EwS samples revealed that high YAP1/TAZ expression was associated with progression of the disease and predicted poorer outcome. We did not observe recurrent SNV or copy number gains/losses in Hippo pathway‐related loci. However, differential CpG methylation of the RASSF1 locus (a regulator of the Hippo pathway) was observed in EwS cell lines compared with mesenchymal stem cells, the putative cell of origin of EwS. Hypermethylation of RASSF1 correlated with the transcriptional silencing of the tumor suppressor isoform RASFF1A, and transcriptional activation of the pro‐tumorigenic isoform RASSF1C, which promotes YAP1/TAZ activation. Knockdown of YAP1/TAZ decreased proliferation and invasion abilities of EwS cells and revealed that YAP1/TAZ transcription activity is inversely correlated with the EWS–FLI1 transcriptional signature. This transcriptional antagonism could be explained partly by EWS–FLI1‐mediated transcriptional repression of TAZ. Thus, YAP1/TAZ may override the transcriptional program induced by the fusion protein, contributing to the phenotypic plasticity determined by dynamic fluctuation of the fusion protein, a recently proposed model for disease dissemination in EwS. © 2019 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Absolute electroluminescence imaging with distributed circuit modeling: Excellent for solar‐cell defect diagnosis
Authors: Hong Jianyu , Wang Youyang , Chen Yuanjing , Hu Xiaobo , Weng Guoen , Chen Shaoqiang , Akiyama Hidefumi , Zhang Yingbin , Zhang Bo , Chu Junhao
Published: December 2019

Spatially resolved absolute electroluminescence (EL) imaging demonstrates the localized EL intensity and the uniformity of solar cells. Combined with two‐dimensional (2‐D) distributed circuit network modeling, detailed and important information that is contained in experimental data can be extracted for in‐depth understanding of solar cell performances. Herein, we measured the absolute EL images of three different solar cells (Si, GaAs, and Cu (In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS)) and observed the different injection‐current‐dependent EL intensities of the defect points (dark or bright) on the solar cells. The origins of these defects were attributed to different defect types according to our established 2‐D distributed equivalent circuit model. The results demonstrated that the combination of absolute EL imaging and distributed circuit modeling yielded accurate quantitative diagnoses of the electrical defects in solar cells.
Pressure Cycling Technology Assisted Mass Spectrometric Quantification of Gingival Tissue Reveals Proteome Dynamics during the Initiation and Progression of Inflammatory Periodontal Disease
Authors: Bao Kai , Li Xiaofei , Kajikawa Tetsuhiro , Toshiharu Abe , Selevsek Nathalie , Grossmann Jonas , Hajishengallis George , Bostanci Nagihan
Published: December 2019

Understanding the progression of periodontal tissue destruction is at the forefront of periodontal research. The authors aimed to capture the dynamics of gingival tissue proteome during the initiation and progression of experimental (ligature‐induced) periodontitis in mice. Pressure cycling technology (PCT), a recently developed platform that uses ultra‐high pressure to disrupt tissues, is utilized to achieve efficient and reproducible protein extraction from ultra‐small amounts of gingival tissues in combination with liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (MS). The MS data are processed using Progenesis QI and the regulated proteins are subjected to METACORE, STRING, and WebGestalt for functional enrichment analysis. A total of 1614 proteins with ≥2 peptides are quantified with an estimated protein false discovery rate of 0.06%. Unsupervised clustering analysis shows that the gingival tissue protein abundance is mainly dependent on the periodontitis progression stage. Gene ontology enrichment analysis reveals an overrepresentation in innate immune regulation (e.g., neutrophil‐mediated immunity and antimicrobial peptides), signal transduction (e.g., integrin signaling), and homeostasis processes (e.g., platelet activation and aggregation). In conclusion, a PCT‐assisted label‐free quantitative proteomics workflow that allowed cataloging the deepest gingival tissue proteome on a rapid timescale and provided novel mechanistic insights into host perturbation during periodontitis progression is applied.
Room‐Temperature Magnetoelectric Response in Molecular–Ionic Ferroelectric‐Based Magnetoelectric Composites
Authors: Li Dong , Zhao Xue-Mei , Zhao Hai-Xia , Ren Yan-Ping , Long La-Sheng , Zheng Lan-Sun
Published: December 2019

A large room‐temperature magnetoelectric response is crucial for the practical application of magnetoelectric materials. However, such a response has never been achieved in molecular–ionic ferroelectric‐based laminated magnetoelectric composites. Herein, the laminated magnetoelectric composite of Metglas/1 (1 = [N(CH3)4][GaBrCl3] and Metglas = an amorphous FeBSi alloy) is prepared by combining the molecular–ionic ferroelectric 1 with Metglas in the longitudinally magnetized and transversely poled (L–T) mode. The room‐temperature magnetoelectric response of the composite is up to 8.74 V Oe−1 cm−1 at the resonance frequency (≈45 kHz), representing the largest room‐temperature magnetoelectric response reported for the molecular–ionic ferroelectric‐based laminated magnetoelectric composites to date.
Examining model error in potential temperature and potential vorticity weather forecasts at different lead times
Authors: Martínez‐Alvarado Oscar , Sánchez Claudio
Published: December 2019

The examination of model error is fundamental to improve weather forecasts at any time‐scale. Here, model errors for two forecast lead times (12, 24 hr) at the grid‐point level are analysed using (a) the total Eulerian changes in variables, such as potential temperature and potential vorticity (PV), both conserved under adiabatic, frictionless conditions, and (b) Lagrangian diabatic tracers. The latter refines the Eulerian analysis by decomposing the total Eulerian changes into materially conserved and diabatically generated components. For both analyses, the behaviour of a theoretical unbiased model, for which the only assumption is that forecast error is zero when averaged over a large number of cases, is used as a reference. Deviations from this theoretical behaviour are used to highlight conditions leading to large errors. The analyses are performed on a set of forecasts produced with the UK Met Office Unified Model for a 25‐day period during the NAWDEX (North Atlantic Waveguide and Downstream Impact Experiment) field campaign (16 September–22 October 2016). The Eulerian approach indicates that changes in potential temperature and PV are underestimated with respect to the theoretical behaviour of an unbiased model. The grid points with the largest changes in 12 hr forecasts have the largest underestimation in the 24 hr forecast, highlighting the importance of the underestimation for the most dynamically and thermodynamically active grid points. The Lagrangian‐tracer investigation reveals very large deviations from the theoretical behaviour of an unbiased model regardless of the level of Eulerian change, in particular for PV, and an unrealistic similarity in magnitude between parametrized diabatic changes of PV in the 24 hr and 12 hr forecasts. This is at odds with what would be otherwise required to obtain unbiased behaviour. Addressing the deviations from the behaviour of a theoretical unbiased model found in this work could be a step forward towards an operational unbiased model.
Molecular design of novel indacenodithiophene‐based organic dyes for efficient dye‐sensitized solar cells applications
Authors: Fan Wen‐Jie , Zhao Dan , Liu Na , Tan Da‐Zhi , Chen Yong‐Gang
Published: December 2019

Indacenodithiophene (IDT)‐based high‐efficiency photovoltaics have received increasing attention recently. This paper reports a density functional theory investigation of the electronic and optical properties of three IDT‐based organic dyes together with the dye/(TiO2)46 interface. In order to enhance the photoelectric properties of IDT dyes, this paper considers two methods for the structure modification of the experimentally reported dye DPInDT (J. Org. Chem. 2011, 76, 8977): the extension of the conjugation length by dithienothiophene as well as the heteroatom substitution of the bridging atoms by electron‐rich nitrogen atoms. Our calculations show that both methods obviously affect the distributions of the molecular orbitals and notably red shift the absorption peaks of around 20 nm, with the former method demonstrating enhanced light harvesting efficiency. The structure modifications proposed also enhance the emission spectrum properties for IDT‐based organic dyes. The calculated ultrafast injection time of electrons from the excited state of IDT dyes to the (TiO2)46 belongs to the femtosecond order of magnitude, and is ideal for efficient photoelectric conversion process in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) applications. The IDT dyes designed in this paper have good electronic and spectroscopic properties. This study is expected to provide useful guidance for the development of novel IDT dyes for applications in DSSCs.
Representations and descriptors unifying the study of molecular and bulk systems
Authors: Rossi Kevin , Cumby James
Published: December 2019

Establishing a unified framework for describing the structures of molecular and periodic systems is a long‐standing challenge in physics, chemistry, and material science. With the rise of machine learning methods in these fields, there is a growing need for such a method. This perspective aims to discuss the development and use of three promising approaches—topological, atom‐density, and symmetry‐based—for the prediction and rationalization of physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of atomistic systems across different scales and compositions.
Generation of Non‐Classical Light Using Semiconductor Quantum Dots
Authors: Trivedi Rahul , Fischer Kevin A. , Vučković Jelena , Müller Kai
Published: December 2019

Sources of non‐classical light are of paramount importance for future applications in quantum science and technology such as quantum communication, quantum computation and simulation, quantum sensing, and quantum metrology. This Review is focused on the fundamentals and recent progress in the generation of single photons, entangled photon pairs, and photonic cluster states using semiconductor quantum dots. Specific fundamentals which are discussed are a detailed quantum description of light, properties of semiconductor quantum dots, and light–matter interactions. This includes a framework for the dynamic modeling of non‐classical light generation and two‐photon interference. Recent progress is discussed in the generation of non‐classical light for off‐chip applications as well as implementations for scalable on‐chip integration.
Complexation and stability of the fungicide penconazole in the presence of zinc and copper ions
Authors: Kovač Ishak , Jakl Michal , Fanfrlík Jindřich , Andrushchenko Valery , Jaklová Dytrtová Jana
Published: December 2019

Rationale

For the risk assessment of penconazole in the environment and the evaluation of the possible consequences of its use, it is important to determine how its reactivity and degradation are influenced by metals commonly found in nature, such as copper and zinc.

Methods

Changes in the reactivity of penconazole in the presence of zinc/copper ions were studied using electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry and density functional theory calculations.

Results

Many penconazole complexes with copper and zinc ions were created; a comparison of the elements showed that a few complexes were formed analogously (doubly charged complexes with four penconazole molecules, singly charged complexes with chlorine as a counterion and singly charged complexes with deprotonated penconazole as a counterion). The metal complexes with different structures indicated different reactivity of penconazole with copper and zinc.

Conclusions

The experimental and computational approaches have revealed different changes in the structure of penconazole. In the Zn(II) complex, penconazole deprotonated to stabilise the bond to Zn(II). In the Cu(II) complex, it loses one chlorine atom, creates an additional ring between the triazole ring and the phenyl ring, and/or creates a double bond in the short aliphatic chain.
Assessment of Creativity in K‐12 Education: A Scoping Review
Authors: Bolden Benjamin , DeLuca Christopher , Kukkonen Tiina , Roy Suparna , Wearing Judy
Published: December 2019

Over the past two decades, creativity has emerged as one of the core 21stcentury learning objectives within K‐12 education systems around the world. While some literature has demonised assessment as something that inhibits creativity, a growing body of research supports feedback‐driven teaching—also known as formative assessment orassessment for learning—as an effective pedagogical approach across contexts and content areas. Given this empirical foundation, we propose that assessment for learning holds powerful potential for helping students to learn about being creative. To examine intersections of creativity and assessment in K‐12 educational contexts, we carried out the scoping review study reported here, with the aim of advancing understanding of how assessment can support and promote creativity in classroom contexts. Fifty‐one research articles were selected for review, based on inclusion criteria which required that articles (a) reported the collection and analysis of quantitative or qualitative data, (b) addressed K‐12 classroom or extra‐curricular contexts, (c) addressed the formative or summative assessment of creativity for pedagogical intent, (d) were peer‐reviewed, and (e) were published in English. Analysis of the research revealed two dominant and consistent themes. Firstly, multiple studies indicated the importance of defined criteria for effective and useful creativity assessment within K‐12 classroom contexts. Secondly, a number of studies identified the particular value of self‐assessment and/or reflection in supporting creativity. We discuss implications of these findings in relation to educational policies and practices that seek to promote creativity, and areas for future research.
Factors influencing the municipal equality index as a measure of equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, and questioning people
Authors: Buchanan Stan , Emery Lori
Published: December 2019

Writing in the wake of Obergefell v. Hodges (2015), we review the current literature on the state of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, and questioning (LGBTQ) rights in the United States. From the information gleaned, we move on to build and test a model to identify the forces that might shape the continuing struggle for LGBTQ equality under the law, using the Human Rights Campaign's Municipal Equality Index (MEI) as a standard. We find that religion, political affiliation, region, education, race, age, personal beliefs, and practices are all significant factors in shaping municipal policies that might bear on the equality of LGBTQ citizens. We conclude with a few remarks on the continuing struggle.
2D Antimony–Arsenic Alloys
Authors: Fortin‐Deschênes Matthieu , Waller Olga , An Qi , Lagos Maureen J. , Botton Gianluigi A. , Guo Hong , Moutanabbir Oussama
Published: December 2019

Alloying in group V 2D materials and heterostructures is an effective degree of freedom to tailor and enhance their physical properties. Up to date, black arsenic‐phosphorus is the only 2D group V alloy that has been experimentally achieved by exfoliation, leaving all other possible alloys in the realm of theoretical predictions. Herein, the existence of an additional alloy consisting of 2D antimony arsenide (2D‐AsxSb1−x) grown by molecular beam epitaxy on group IV semiconductor substrates and graphene is demonstrated. The atomic mixing of As and Sb in the lattice of the grown 2D layers is confirmed by low‐energy electron diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The As content in 2D‐AsxSb1−x is shown to depend linearly on the As4/Sb4 deposition rate ratio and As concentrations up to 15 at% are reached. The grown 2D alloys are found to be stable in ambient conditions in a timescale of weeks but to oxidize after longer exposure to air. This study lays the groundwork for a better control of the growth and alloying of group V 2D materials, which is critical to study their basic physical properties and integrate them in novel applications.
Determining if simulation is effective for training in ultrasound: A narrative review
Authors: Bradley Kate , Quinton Ann , Aziz Aamer
Published: December 2019

Simulation allows students to learn fundamental skills, such as trial and error, critical thinking, and cognitive and motor skills in a safe environment that closely represents reality. Presently, there are large amounts of literature surrounding simulation in the health and medical field. The aim of this paper is to review the current literature surrounding simulation in medical ultrasound to assess if simulation is effective in teaching sonography skills, and if simulation can be used as a substitute for educating sonography students. A search for literature was conducted through databases such as PubMed, MEDLINE, and CINAHL. Key search terms included ultrasonography [MeSH] and simulation training [MeSH]. Overall, 19 studies were utilised in this review. All the literature concluded that simulation positively affects the learning process of ultrasound trainees. Furthermore, simulation is proven to be a highly valuable tool, which could replace some clinical hours and result in superior student outcomes compared with traditional teaching methods. Simulation however cannot replace traditional teaching methods entirely, and further research is needed to assess how to effectively incorporate simulation into ultrasound education.