bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Squeezing flow analysis of MHD micropolar fluid on radial and angular velocity: A semianalytical approach
Authors: Pradhan S. R. , Baag S. , Mishra S. R. , Acharya M. R.
Published: August 2019

Squeezing flow of an unsteady micropolar fluid between two parallel disks has been analyzed in the current study. Transverse magnetic field and flow through the porous medium are also considered and discussed. Similarity transformation is adopted to formulate the governing equations that turn complex PDEs into nonlinear ODEs. These transformed equations are handled semianalytically by using the Adomian decomposition method (ADM). For computational purposes, various characterizing parameters are used and their behaviors are presented via plotting. Computations for the physical quantities of interest are obtained and shown in tables. The conformity of the present solution is obtained in comparison to an earlier study in a particular case and found to be in good agreement.
Osteoporosis Epidemiology Among Adults With Cerebral Palsy: Findings From Private and Public Administrative Claims Data
Authors: French Zachary P , Caird Michelle S , Whitney Daniel G
Published: August 2019

Individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) have an increased risk for the early development of osteoporosis; however, little is known about the epidemiology of osteoporosis for adults with CP, which is vital to inform clinical practice for osteoporosis prevention, treatment, and management. The purpose of this cross‐sectional study was to determine sex‐stratified prevalence of osteoporosis among adults with CP, as compared with adults without CP. Data from 2016 were extracted from Optum Clinformatics Data Mart (private insurance administrative claims data) and a random 20% sample from the fee‐for‐service Medicare (public insurance administrative claims data). Diagnostic codes were used to identify CP and osteoporosis diagnoses. Sex‐stratified prevalence of osteoporosis was compared between adults with and without CP for the following age groups: 18 to 30, 31 to 40, 41 to 50, 51 to 60, 61 to 70, and >70 years of age. The overall prevalence of osteoporosis was 4.8% for adults without CP (n = 8.7 million), 8.4% for privately insured adults with CP (n = 7,348), and 14.3% for publicly insured adults with CP (n = 21,907). Women and men with CP had a higher prevalence of osteoporosis compared with women and men without CP for all age groups. Finally, publicly insured women and men with CP had a higher prevalence of osteoporosis compared with privately insured women and men with CP for all age groups, except for the similar prevalence among the 18‐ to 30‐year age group. These findings suggest that osteoporosis is more prevalent among adults with CP compared with adults without CP. Study findings highlight the need for earlier screening and preventive medical services for osteoporosis management among adults with CP. © 2019 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Indoxyl sulfate‐induced calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells via the PI3K/Akt/NF‐κB signaling pathway
Authors: He Xin , Jiang Hongli , Gao Fanfan , Liang Shanshan , Wei Meng , Chen Lei
Published: August 2019

Vascular calcification (VC) is highly prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and contributes to their high rate of cardiovascular mortality. Indoxyl sulfate (IS) is a representative protein‐bound uremic toxin in CKD patients, which has been recognized as a major risk factor for VC. Recent studies have demonstrated that nuclear factor‐kappa B (NK‐κB) is highly activated in the chronic inflammation conditions of CKD patients and participated in the pathogenesis of VC. However, whether NK‐κB is involved in the progression of IS‐induced VC remains without elucidation. Here, we showed that NK‐κB activity was increased in the IS‐induced calcification of human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs). Blocking the NK‐κB with a selective inhibitor (Bay‐11‐7082) significantly relieved the osteogenic transdifferentiation of HASMCs, characterized by the downregulation of early osteogenic‐specific marker, core‐binding factor alpha subunit 1 (Cbfα1), and upregulation of smooth muscle α‐actin (α‐SMA), a specific vascular smooth muscle cell marker. Besides, IS stimulated the activation of PI3K/Akt signaling. Furthermore, LY294002, a specific inhibitor of PI3K/Akt pathway, attenuated the activation of NK‐κB and osteogenic differentiation of HASMCs. Together, these results suggest that PI3K/Akt/NK‐κB signaling plays an important role in the pathogenesis of osteogenic transdifferentiation induced by IS.
MRI in cardio‐oncology: A review of cardiac complications in oncologic care
Authors: Jeong Daniel , Gladish Gregory , Chitiboi Teodora , Fradley Michael G. , Gage Kenneth L. , Schiebler Mark L.
Published: August 2019

From detailed characterization of cardiac abnormalities to the assessment of cancer treatment‐related cardiac dysfunction, cardiac MRI is playing a growing role in the evaluation of cardiac pathology in oncology patients. Current guidelines are now incorporating the use of MRI for the comprehensive multidisciplinary approach to cancer management, and innovative applications of MRI in research are expanding its potential to provide a powerful noninvasive tool in the arsenal against cancer. This review focuses on the application of cardiac MRI to diagnose and manage cardiovascular complications related to cancer and its treatment. Following an introduction to current cardiac MRI methods and principles, this review is divided into two sections: functional cardiovascular analysis and anatomical or tissue characterization related to cancer and cancer therapeutics.

Level of Evidence: 5

Technical Efficacy Stage: 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1349–1366.
Changes of white matter integrity and structural network connectivity in nondemented cerebral small‐vessel disease
Authors: Liu Chengxia , Zou Lin , Tang Xiaoying , Zhu Wenhao , Zhang Guiling , Qin Yuanyuan , Zhu Wenzhen
Published: August 2019

Background

Previous studies have found widespread impairment of white matter (WM) integrity and disruption of structural network connectivity in cerebral small‐vessel disease, but have not evaluated these changes jointly in nondemented patients.

Purpose

To jointly investigate the microstructural impairment of WM and the related alterations of structural network topology in nondemented cerebral small‐vessel disease (CSVD‐ND).

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Thirty‐seven CSVD‐ND patients and 34 elderly controls, who were age‐, sex‐, and education‐matched.

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0T/diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).

Assessment

Clinical characteristics, lacunar infarct, and white matter hyperintensity (WMH) was assessed. A multiatlas likelihood fusion (MALF) algorithm was used for DTI‐based brain segmentation and network node defining. Then the alterations of WM integrity and structural network topology were investigated jointly.

Statistical Tests

Student'st‐test, chi‐square test, Mann–WhitneyU‐test, linear regression, Pearson correlation, and multiple comparison correction.

Results

Decreased fractional anisotropy and increased trace values were observed in predefined structures (P< 0.05, familywise error rate‐corrected), including major commissural fibers, projection fibers, and some association fibers. Topologically, both groups showed small‐worldness. CSVD‐ND patients showed reduced global and local efficiency (P< 0.001). Despite widespread impairment of WM integrity, CSVD‐ND patients only showed reduced nodal efficiency in the right superior occipital gyrus and the right lingual gyrus (P< 0.05, familywise error rate‐corrected). The nodal local efficiency of the right precuneus was associated with the processing speed after adjusting the effect of lacunar infarct and WMH (r= –0.499,P= 0.038).

Data Conclusion

WM integrity was widely impaired in nondemented CSVD patients but structural network connectivity was relatively preserved. DTI may potentially provide information for the pathophysiology of CSVD in the nondemented phase.

Level of Evidence:1

Technical Efficacy:Stage 3

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:1162–1169.
On the economics of additive manufacturing: Experimental findings
Authors: Baumers Martin , Holweg Matthias
Published: August 2019

Additive manufacturing offers great potential for both product and process innovation in manufacturing across a wide range of industry sectors. To date, most applications that have been reported use additive manufacturing to produce either customized parts or produce at small scale, while the volume manufacture of standard parts largely remains a conjecture. In this article, we report on a series of experiments designed to elucidate how quantity, quality and cost relate in additive manufacturing processes. Our findings show that traditional economies of scale only partially apply to additive manufacturing processes. We also identify four build failure modes and quantify their combined effect on unit cost, exposing an unusual property whereby the cost‐optimal operating point occurs below maximum machine capacity utilization. Furthermore, once additive manufacturing technology is used at full capacity utilization, we find no evidence of a positive effect of increased volume on unit cost. We do, however, identify learning curve effects related to process repetition and operator experience. Based on our findings we propose a set of general characteristics of the additive manufacturing process for further testing.
Effects of smoking on non‐surgical periodontal therapy in patients with periodontitis Stage III or IV, and Grade C
Authors: Kanmaz Burcu , Lappin David F. , Nile Christopher J. , Buduneli Nurcan
Published: August 2019

Background

To evaluate possible effects of smoking on clinical, biochemical, and microbiological outcomes of non‐surgical periodontal treatment in patients with periodontitis Stage III or IV and Grade C.

Methods

Conventional quadrant‐wise non‐surgical periodontal treatment was performed and whole‐mouth periodontal measurements were recorded at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months after completion of treatment. Saliva, gingival crevicular fluid, subgingival plaque, and blood samples were obtained at the same time points. Inflammatory cytokine levels, presence, and quantities of 11 different bacterial species were determined. Smoking status was validated by cotinine assay.

Results

Fourteen smoker and 13 non‐smoker patients completed the study protocol and revealed similar clinical findings except for the higher plaque scores in the non‐smokers at 6 months (P <0.01). Significant differences were found between the study groups in biofluid cytokine levels at 1 and 3 months (P <0.01). Gram‐negative bacteria were more abundant in the smokers at baseline and so were Gram‐positive bacteria in the non‐smokers (P <0.01). Gram‐negative bacteria repopulated in the smokers faster than in the non‐smokers (P <0.01).

Conclusions

The present findings suggest that smoker patients with periodontitis Stage III and IV, Grade C respond well to the non‐surgical periodontal treatment during the 6‐month follow‐up. However, smokers exhibit faster repopulation of Gram‐negative bacteria.
Lingual frenuloplasty with myofunctional therapy: Exploring safety and efficacy in 348 cases
Authors: Zaghi Soroush , Valcu‐Pinkerton Sanda , Jabara Mia , Norouz‐Knutsen Leyli , Govardhan Chirag , Moeller Joy , Sinkus Valerie , Thorsen Rebecca S. , Downing Virginia , Camacho Macario , Yoon Audrey , Hang William M. , Hockel Brian , Guilleminault Christian , Liu Stanley Yung‐Chuan
Published: August 2019

Background

Ankyloglossia is a condition of altered tongue mobility due to the presence of restrictive tissue between the undersurface of the tongue and the floor of mouth. Potential implications of restricted tongue mobility (such as mouth breathing, snoring, dental clenching, and myofascial tension) remain underappreciated due to limited peer‐reviewed evidence. Here, we explore the safety and efficacy of lingual frenuloplasty and myofunctional therapy for the treatment of these conditions in a large and diverse cohort of patients with restricted tongue mobility.

Methods

Four hundred twenty consecutive patients (ages 29 months to 79 years) treated with myofunctional therapy and lingual frenuloplasty for indications of mouth breathing, snoring, dental clenching, and/or myofascial tension were surveyed. All procedures were performed by a single surgeon using a scissors and suture technique. Safety and efficacy was assessed >2 months postoperatively by means of patient‐reported outcome measures.

Results

In all, 348 surveys (83% response rate) were completed showing 91% satisfaction rate and 87% rate of improvement in quality of life through amelioration of mouth breathing (78.4%), snoring (72.9%), clenching (91.0%), and/or myofascial tension (77.5%). Minor complications occurred in <5% of cases including complaints of prolonged pain or bleeding, temporary numbness of the tongue‐tip, salivary gland issues, minor wound infection or inflammation, and need for revision to excise scar tissue. There were no major complications.

Conclusion

Lingual frenuloplasty with myofunctional therapy is safe and potentially effective for the treatment of mouth breathing, snoring, clenching, and myofascial tension in appropriately selected patient candidates. Further studies with objective measures are merited.

Level of Evidence

3
How progressive vegetation die‐off in a tidal marsh would affect flow and sedimentation patterns: A field demonstration
Authors: Schepers Lennert , Van Braeckel Alexander , Bouma Tjeerd J. , Temmerman Stijn
Published: August 2019

Coastal marshes provide valuable ecosystem functions, but some are facing increasing risks of vegetation loss due to sea level rise and other stressors. A key question is how tidal flow and sedimentation patterns are affected by the spatiotemporal patterns of vegetation loss, as sediment accretion with sea level rise largely affects the potential for marsh recovery. Here, we performed a field study in a macrotidal reed marsh and simulated typical spatiotemporal patterns of vegetation loss by consecutive mowing. For each mowing pattern, the spatial patterns of flow velocities and sedimentation rates were recorded. Our results indicate that initial vegetation loss in inner marsh portions, with an intact vegetation belt alongside channel edges, has limited effect on tidal flows over the marsh. However, subsequent creation of unvegetated corridors connecting the bare inner marsh and the channels increases flow velocities in these corridors but not in remaining vegetation patches. Finally, when all vegetation is removed, sheet flow occurs over the whole marsh instead of concentrated channel flow. Effects on spatial sedimentation patterns are complex and not significant on all measuring locations. Nevertheless, our study indicates that complete vegetation removal results in redistributed sedimentation patterns, with a general tendency of locally reduced sedimentation rates close (< 15 m) to channels and increased sediment supply to inner marshes 15–50 m from channels. Our results highlight that feedbacks between spatial patterns of vegetation loss, tidal sediment transport, and deposition are key to understanding and mitigating risks of marsh loss in face of sea level rise.
Characterization of a novel autonomous analyzer for seawater total alkalinity: Results from laboratory and field tests
Authors: Seelmann Katharina , Aßmann Steffen , Körtzinger Arne
Published: August 2019

High‐quality seawater total alkalinity (AT) measurements are essential for reliable ocean carbon and acidification observations. Well‐established manual multipoint potentiometric titration methods already fulfill these requirements. The next step in the improvement of these observations is the increase of the spatial and temporal measuring resolution with minimal personnel and instrumental effort. For this, a rapid, automated underway analyzer meeting the same high requirements as the traditional method is necessary. In this study, we carried out a comprehensive characterization of the flow‐through analyzer CONTROS HydroFIA® TA (Kongsberg Maritime Contros GmbH, Kiel, Germany) for automated seawater AT measurements in the laboratory and in field with overall more than 5000 measurements. Under laboratory conditions, the analyzer featured a precision of ± 1.5 μmol kg−1 and an accuracy of ± 1.0 μmol kg−1, combined in an uncertainty of 1.6 – 2.0 μmol kg−1. High precision (± 1.1 μmol kg−1) and accuracy (−0.3 ± 2.8 μmol kg−1), and low uncertainty (2.0 – 2.5 μmol kg−1) were also achieved during field trials of 4 and 6 weeks duration. Although a linear drift appears to be the typical behavior of the system, this can be corrected for by regular reference measurements giving consistent measurement results. Another advantage of regular reference measurements is the early detection of any kind of malfunction due to its direct impact on the measurement performance. Based on the present study, recommendations for automated long‐term deployments are provided in order to gain optimal performance characteristics, aiming at the requirements for AT measurements.
Invertibility of 2 × 2 operator matrices
Authors: Huang Junjie , Sun Junfeng , Chen Alatancang , Trunk Carsten
Published: August 2019

Properties of right invertible row operators, i.e., of 1 × 2 surjective operator matrices are studied. This investigation is based on a specific space decomposition. Using this decomposition, we characterize the invertibility of a 2 × 2 operator matrix. As an application, the invertibility of Hamiltonian operator matrices is investigated.
Effect of fiber orientation on surface microscopic characteristics of surface grinding of unidirectional C/SiC composites
Authors: Zhang L. , Wang S. , Huo J. , Zhang J. , Wang N. , Chen X.
Published: August 2019

Ceramic matrix composites have complex structures. For exploring the impact factors of machined surface quality and material removal mechanism, its internal structure must be decoupled, and then a unidirectional C/SiC composite was designed and fabricated in this paper. Through a series of representative surface grinding experiments, the machined surface of the composites was characterized by 3D profile test, and the microscopic characteristics and material removal mechanism of the grinding surface were discussed in detail. The results showed that the fiber orientation had a significant effect on the surface quality, and the order of 3D surface roughness was longitudinal > normal > transverse. On the basis of the systematic analysis of the microscopic characteristics of the machined surface, the brittle fracture was the dominant form of material removal in grinding process. Further, combined with 3D surface profile and surface micromorphology, the effect of fiber orientation on the removal mechanism of composites was revealed. The results not only enrich the machinability and improve the surface quality of unidirectional C/SiC composites, but also provide some guidance for grinding of the woven composites.
Alterations in Blood Monocyte Functions in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Nissen Sara Konstantin , Shrivastava Kalpana , Schulte Claudia , Otzen Daniel Erik , Goldeck David , Berg Daniela , Møller Holger Jon , Maetzler Walter , Romero‐Ramos Marina
Published: August 2019

Background

PD is a multisystem disease where both central and peripheral nervous systems are affected. This systemic involvement also includes the immune response in PD, which implicates not only microglia in the brain, but also peripheral immune cells, such as monocytes; however, this aspect has been understudied.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate the PD‐related changes in peripheral immune cells, their responsiveness to stimulation, and their ability to release immunomodulatory molecules that might have consequences for the disease progression.

Methods

Using flow cytometry, we investigated the monocytic population in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from PD patients and healthy individuals. We also evaluated the in vitro response to inflammogen lipopolysaccharides and to fibrillar α‐synuclein by measuring the expression of CD14, CD163, and HLA‐DR and by analysis of soluble immune‐related molecules in the supernatant.

Results

Peripheral blood immune cells from PD patients had lower survival in culture, but showed a higher monocytic proliferative ability than control cells, which was correlated with shorter disease duration and late disease onset. In addition, PD patients’ cells were less responsive to stimulation, as shown by the lack of changes in CD163 and CD14 expression, and by the absence of significant upregulation of anti‐inflammatory cytokines in culture. Moreover, PD peripheral immune cells shed lower in vitro levels of soluble CD163, which suggests a less responsive monocytic population and/or an activation status different from control cells. Interestingly, some of the results were sex associated, supporting a differential immune response in females versus males.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that PD involves monocytic changes in blood. These cells show reduced viability and are unresponsive to specific stimuli, which might have a relevant consequence for disease progression. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Solving a class of nonautonomous difference equations by generalized invariants
Authors: Stević Stevo
Published: August 2019

By using generalized invariants, we describe a method for solving a class of higher‐order nonautonomous difference equations. Solvability of the equations of order two, three, and four are studied in detail. Our results explain and extend some problems in the literature. As far as we know, the case when the order is four is considered for the first time in this paper. For the equations of second order, we also give an explanation how they can be obtained in a natural way.
System of Riemann‐Liouville fractional differential equations with nonlocal boundary conditions: Existence, uniqueness, and multiplicity of solutions
Authors: Padhi Seshadev , B.S.R.V. Prasad , Mahendru Divya
Published: August 2019

We study the existence, uniqueness, and multiplicity of positive solutions for a system of Riemann‐Liouville fractional differential equations with multipoint boundary conditions. We use Schauder's and Avery Henderson fixed point theorem to prove our results.
Design of a very high frequency stretchable inverted conical helical antenna for maritime search and rescue applications
Authors: Kang Eunjung , Min William , Choo Hosung , Park Jong‐Eon
Published: August 2019

The design of a stretchable inverted conical helical antenna (SICHA) applicable to maritime search and rescue is proposed, and the gain and the reflection coefficient are obtained at a resonant frequency of 156 MHz. The optimized top and bottom diameters of the SICHA are 36 and 18 mm, respectively, and its height is 115 mm, which is much shorter than a quarter‐wavelength monopole. Finally, we simulate the outdoor propagation of electromagnetic waves with the SICHA; both the simulated and measured received power intensities are similarly reduced as the distance between the two antennas increases.
Enhancement pattern mapping technique for improving contrast‐to‐noise ratios and detectability of hepatobiliary tumors on multiphase computed tomography
Authors: Park Peter C. , Choi Gye W. , M. Zaid Mohamed , Elganainy Dalia , Smani Danyal A. , Tomich John , Samaniego Ray , Ma Jingfei , Tamm Eric P. , Beddar Sam , Koay Eugene J.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Currently, radiologists use tumor‐to‐normal tissue contrast across multiphase computed tomography (MPCT) for lesion detection. Here, we developed a novel voxel‐based enhancement pattern mapping (EPM) technique and investigated its ability to improve contrast‐to‐noise ratios (CNRs) in a phantom study and in patients with hepatobiliary cancers.

Methods

The EPM algorithm is based on the root mean square deviation between each voxel and a normal liver enhancement model using patient‐specific (EPM‐PA) or population data (EPM‐PO). We created a phantom consisting of liver tissue and tumors with distinct enhancement signals under varying tumor sizes, motion, and noise. We also retrospectively evaluated 89 patients with hepatobiliary cancers who underwent active breath‐hold MPCT between 2016 and 2017. MPCT phases were registered using a three‐dimensional deformable image registration algorithm. For the patient study, CNRs of tumor to adjacent tissue across MPCT phases, EPM‐PA and EPM‐PO were measured and compared.

Results

EPM resulted in statistically significant CNR improvement (P < 0.05) for tumor sizes down to 3 mm, but the CNR improvement was significantly affected by tumor motion and image noise. Eighty‐two of 89 hepatobiliary cases showed CNR improvement with EPM (PA or PO) over grayscale MPCT, by an average factor of 1.4, 1.6, and 1.5 for cholangiocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and colorectal liver metastasis, respectively (P < 0.05 for all).

Conclusions

EPM increases CNR compared with grayscale MPCT for primary and secondary hepatobiliary cancers. This new visualization method derived from MPCT datasets may have applications for early cancer detection, radiomic characterization, tumor treatment response, and segmentation.

Implications for patient care

We developed a voxel‐wise enhancement pattern mapping (EPM) technique to improve the contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) of multiphase CT. The improvement in CNR was observed in datasets of patients with cholangiocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and colorectal liver metastasis. EPM has the potential to be clinically useful for cancers with regard to early detection, radiomic characterization, response, and segmentation.
Vector analysis of pole–pole array for determining the 3D boundary of object
Authors: Nemtsova Olga , Zhurbin Igor , Zlobina Anna
Published: August 2019

An algorithm is proposed for the interpretation of resistivity data that allows the 3D parameters (the boundary in plan view and the depth range) of an anomalous resistivity object in a heterogeneous medium to be determined. The proposed method is based on a vector analysis of the apparent resistivity of soil obtained by a pole–pole survey within the measurement window. In the first stage of the algorithm, in each measurement window, the radius vector is calculated, and as a result, vector images of the main directions of change in the resistivity of the medium are constructed. This allows us to estimate the location of a local anomalous object and to correlate the resistivity of the object with that of the background medium. With a consistent variation in the effective depth of investigation, a set of vector images is formed that characterizes the apparent resistivity distribution in the soil layers. Mathematical analysis of the vector images by using the scalar product allows us to estimate the depth range of the anomalous object. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm has been proven on synthetic models and in comprehensive investigations of archaeological sites. The proposed method does not allow the true resistivity of an anomalous object to be determined, which is a disadvantage. However, this simple algorithm for processing and analysing shallow electrical prospecting data can be directly used at the preliminary data processing stage during a field survey. First, a pole–pole array can be rapidly operated by a single person; second, the user does not need special knowledge in the field of electrical resistivity data processing. The estimated 3D boundaries of local objects will make it possible to determine the area of interest for further detailed surveying and to justify all the parameters of the measurement technique (distance between electrodes, depth range etc.).
The Supramolecular Self‐Assembly of Aminoglycoside Antibiotics and their Applications
Authors: Jadhav Ratan W. , Kobaisi Mohammad Al , Jones Lathe A. , Vinu Ajayan , Bhosale Sheshanath V.
Published: August 2019

Aminoglycosides, a class of antibiotics that includes gentamicin, kanamycin, neomycin, streptomycin, tobramycin and apramycin, are derived from various streptomyces species. Despite the significant increase in the antibacterial resistant pathogens, aminoglycosides remain an important class of antimicrobial drugs due to their unique chemical structure which offers a broad spectrum of activity. The modification of antibiotics and their subsequent use in supramolecular chemistry is rarely reported. Given the importance of aminoglycosides, here we give a brief overview on the modification of 4,5‐ and 4,6‐disubstituted deoxystreptamine classes of aminoglycosides through supramolecular chemistry and their potential for real world applications. We also make the case that the work in this area is gaining momentum, and there are significant opportunities to meet the challenges of modern antibiotics through the modification of aminoglycosides by harnessing the advantages of supramolecular chemistry.
Brief Ultrasound‐Aided Teaching to Improve the Accuracy and Confidence of Resident Musculoskeletal Palpation
Authors: Sederberg Mark , Liem Brian , Tarkhan Aliasghar , Gessel Trevor , LaCourse Matthew , Latzka Erek
Published: August 2019

Background

Multiple studies demonstrate poor musculoskeletal palpation accuracy of physiatry residents. With the growing use of ultrasound clinically, it could serve as a powerful educational tool. However, there are no published studies examining the efficacy of ultrasound‐aided education at the bedside, where much learning takes place during postgraduate training.

Objective

To determine if brief ultrasound‐aided teaching improves residents' accuracy and confidence of musculoskeletal palpation.

Design

Before/After Trial.

Setting

Academic Institution.

Participants

Ten physical medicine and rehabilitation residents were voluntary participants.

Intervention

Each resident was given a survey to assess confidence in palpating the hook of the hamate and medial calcaneal tubercle. They then attempted to palpate and place a marker over these two structures in a model patient. Marker placement accuracy was verified by ultrasound. Faculty spent less than 1 minute per landmark, sonographically teaching its correct localization. The resident, after moving to a new model patient, was then re‐tested on accurate marker placement for both landmarks. A repeat survey to assess confidence was administered.

Main Outcome Measurements

Preintervention and postintervention accuracy and confidence of correct localization of both landmarks.

Results

We used McNemar's and Wilcoxon's tests to determine whether the intervention improved the location accuracy and confidence of successful palpation, respectively. Confidence level of correct localization of two landmarks improved on average from 4.3 to 8.15 on a scale of 10 after intervention. Of 20 palpation attempts, 11 correctly placed the marker postintervention after an incorrect placement, 8 made no change, and one changed from correct to incorrect placement. The odds of improvement in accuracy was 11 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.60‐473.47, P < .01). Both tests showed significant improvements after the intervention at the significance level of .05.

Conclusions

Brief, ultrasound‐aided teaching increases accuracy and confidence of residents' musculoskeletal palpation.
Beyond Breitbart: Comparing Right‐Wing Digital News Infrastructures in Six Western Democracies
Authors: Heft Annett , Mayerhöffer Eva , Reinhardt Susanne , Knüpfer Curd
Published: August 2019

Right‐wing online news media have emerged in many countries as an important force in the media landscape, positioning themselves as an alternative to a perceived political and media mainstream. This article studies these sites as a cornerstone of right‐wing digital news infrastructures in six Western democracies (Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Austria, the United Kingdom, and the United States). Drawing on content analyses of websites and social media accounts on Facebook and Twitter as well as on audience metrics, the article analyses content supply and audience demand structures, as well as organizational and thematic characteristics of seventy alternative right‐wing online news sites. We find that a country’s media and political context, in particular the representation of right‐wing positions in the political and legacy media sphere, can explain variation in the supply of—and demand for—right‐wing news across countries, but is mitigated by transnational audiences. At the same time, we can account for cross‐national heterogeneity of news sites, ranging from sites with a “normalized” appearance to more radical sites that clearly set themselves apart from legacy news outlets in terms of their thematic categories, their funding strategy, and their organizational transparency, leading to various types of digital right‐wing “alternatives” to mainstream news.
Kinetic Study of Curing Bisphenol A Dicyanate Ester with Ionic Liquid Additive
Authors: Zhai Chunhao , Quitevis Edward L. , Simon Sindee L.
Published: August 2019

A kinetic study of the trimerization reaction of bisphenol A dicyanate ester with an aromatic imidazolium‐based ionic liquid (IL) as additive is performed using dynamic and isothermal differential scanning calorimetry. The reaction follows second‐order autocatalytic kinetics, and a slight acceleration effect is observed in the presence of the aromatic IL relative to the neat resin. The activation energy also increases with the IL additive, whereas the glass transition temperature (Tg) is depressed, consistent with the Fox equation and a homogeneous one‐phase material. A model incorporating diffusion effects is able to describe the dynamic and isothermal curing data for both the neat resin system and that containing aromatic IL. A comparison with aliphatic‐based IL additive indicates that the reaction is more accelerated with aliphatic IL than with the aromatic IL in spite of the fact that the aliphatic additive phase separates during cure. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 1315–1324
Role of radiotherapy in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma in advanced stages on complete response after administration of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone, and rituximab
Authors: Aviles Agustin , Calva Angel , Neri Natividad , Cleto Sergio , Silva Luis
Published: August 2019

Objective

The role of radiotherapy (RT) as adjuvant therapy in patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma and nodal bulky disease at diagnosis remains unclear. Thus, we carried out an open‐label clinical trial to assess if RT in patients with complete response after immunochemotherapy (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) improves progression‐free survival and overall survival.

Methods

Patients with complete response after six cycles of rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone were randomly assigned to receive RT (involved field, 30 Gy) at sites of nodal bulky disease (tumor size >10 cm) as adjuvant treatment.

Results

Between June 2006 and December 2010, 258 patients were included in the study; 127 received RT and 131 did not receive RT (control group). The actuarial curves showed a 5‐year progression‐free survival of 87% (95% confidence interval [CI] 76–97%) in the RT group, which was significantly different from that in the control group, which was 45% (95% CI 32–60%) (P < 0.001). Furthermore, overall survival in the RT group was significantly better than that in the control group (91% [95% CI 84–99%] vs 59% [95% CI 52–66%]; P < 0.001). RT was well tolerated. Acute toxicity was mild, and late toxicities were not noted.

Conclusions

RT in patients with complete response and nodal bulky nodal disease improved progression‐free survival and overall survival, with minimal toxicity. Thus, adjuvant RT should be considered as part of the initial treatment in this patient setting, even in the rituximab era.
Optimal designs for regional bridging studies using the Bayesian power prior method
Authors: Nagase Mario , Ueda Shinya , Higashimori Mitsuo , Ichikawa Katsuomi , Dunyak James , Al‐Huniti Nidal
Published: August 2019

As described in the ICH E5 guidelines, a bridging study is an additional study executed in a new geographical region or subpopulation to link or “build a bridge” from global clinical trial outcomes to the new region. The regulatory and scientific goals of a bridging study is to evaluate potential subpopulation differences while minimizing duplication of studies and meeting unmet medical needs expeditiously. Use of historical data (borrowing) from global studies is an attractive approach to meet these conflicting goals. Here, we propose a practical and relevant approach to guide the optimal borrowing rate (percent of subjects in earlier studies) and the number of subjects in the new regional bridging study. We address the limitations in global/regional exchangeability through use of a Bayesian power prior method and then optimize bridging study design with a return on investment viewpoint. The method is demonstrated using clinical data from global and Japanese trials in dapagliflozin for type 2 diabetes.
The Propagation of the Conducting Zone of Layer‐by‐Layer PANI‐rGO Composite Films
Authors: Zeng Xiangdong , Zhou Kun , Lu Pufei
Published: August 2019

The layer‐by‐layer polyaniline‐reduced graphene oxide (PANI‐rGO) films with the thickness of micron and millimeter level are prepared by a simple method. The electrochemical performances of the films are carried out by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. In micron level films, rGO promotes the propagation of the conducting zone of PANI‐rGO films. The micron level PANI‐rGO film resistance is reduced 10 times than that of pure PANI film. The specific capacitance can be up to 1000 F⋅g−1. However, the films with millimeter thickness have no such role. The specific capacitance is only one fifth of the micron level thickness film. This is due to the lossing of electroactive PANI in the film. And the amount of rGO in the PANI‐rGO composite and the thickness of the films have no effect on the oxidation activation energy of PANI.
Novel Cu1‐xZnxS (x=0,0.01, …, 0.1) Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Spectroscopic Analysis, Photocatalytic and Anticancer Activities
Authors: Alemi Abdolali , Sharabiyani Mohammadali Abdollahpour Aghdam , Teymouri Elaheh , Sadeghi Leila
Published: August 2019

Abstract: CuS (CS) and Cu1‐xZnxS (CZS) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized for the first time by a hydrothermal method from decomposition of tris(thiourea) copper (I) sulphate complex with zinc nitrate hydrate for 8 hours at 140 °C. The products have been identified by using X‐Ray diffraction analysis (XRD). These XRD patterns showed that the CS and CZS nanoparticles have a well‐ordered covellite structure with high purities. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) showed that by increasing dopant concentration, the size of Cu1‐xZnxS (x=0.01, 0.05, 0.1) nanoparticles is increased. Optical properties and band gaps were calculated with diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) and photoluminescence (Pl), so nanoparticles with high dopant concentration (x=10%) had less band gap values. In photocatalyst studies, the CZS (x=10%) species can remove 95% Methylene Blue (MB) in the presence of H2O2 under UV light in 90 minutes. Furthermore, the CZS (x=1% ‐ 10%) NPs have excellent potential to eliminate of Hep G2 cancer cells.
An Efficient A3 Coupling Catalyst Based on a Silver Complex Bearing N‐Heterocyclic Carbene and Homoscorpionate Bis(3‐methyl‐mercaptoimidazolyl)borate Ligands
Authors: Neshat Abdollah , Afrasi Mahmoud , Gilanchi Shirin , Gholinejad Mohammad
Published: August 2019

Reaction of Ag(IPr)(Cl), 1 [IPr=1,3‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidene] with sodium precursors Na(mim) [mim=dihydrobis(methimazolyl)borate] and Na(Bb) [Bb=dihydrobis(2‐mercapto‐benzothiazolyl)borate] formed two novel silver complexes [Ag(IPr)(mim)], 2 and [Ag(IPr)(Bb)], 3. These complexes catalyzed three‐component coupling reaction of a series of aldehydes with alkynes and amines. The efficiency of these novel catalysts compared with that of 1 and Au(IPr)(Cl), 4.
Acid‐Catalyzed Cascade Reaction of 4‐Aminobutanal Derivatives with (Hetero)aromatic Nucleophiles: A Versatile One‐Pot Access to 2‐(Hetero)arylpyrrolidines.
Authors: Smolobochkin Andrey V. , Rizbayeva Tanzilya S. , Melyashova Anna S. , Burilov Alexander R. , Pudovik Michail A. , Sinyashin Oleg G. , Gazizov Almir S.
Published: August 2019

2‐(Hetero)arylpyrrolidine fragment is found in a diverse array of biologically active molecules, both natural and unnatural. In recent years, a substantial increase in number of approved drugs featuring this scaffold is observed. Developing methods for the synthesis of such compounds has been essential for making progress in this field. Most of these methods require usage of metal catalysts and introduce additional chemical steps to obtain appropriately substituted starting compounds. This microreview details the one‐pot approach for the synthesis of pyrrolidine derivatives possessing (hetero)aromatic substituent at the second position of pyrrolidine ring based on usage of readily available N‐substituted 4,4‐diethoxybutan‐1‐amines and (hetero)aromatics as starting compounds and Bronsted acids as catalysts.
Synthesis, Characterization and Theoretical Investigation on Thiazoline‐Derived Palladium‐Complexes‐Catalyzed Denitrogenative Cross‐Coupling of Aryl Halides with Arylhydrazines
Authors: Sudharsan Murugesan , Thirumoorthy Krishnan , Nethaji Munirathinam , Suresh Devarajan
Published: August 2019

Homo‐ and heteroleptic palladium(II) complexes of thiazoline derived ligand were synthesized and their catalytic application was reported. The reactions of [1‐(C3H4NS)‐2‐OH‐C6H4] (2) with PdCl2 and [(1‐(CH3)2NCH2C6H4)PdCl]2 in 2:1 molar ratios afforded the homoleptic palladium complex, [Pd{κ12, κ12‐N,O‐(1‐(C3H4NS)‐2‐O‐C6H4)2}] (3) and the heteroleptic palladium complex [{κ12‐N,O‐(1‐(C3H4NS)‐2‐O‐C6H4)}Pd{(κ22‐N,C‐(1‐(CH3)2NCH2C6H4)}] (4) respectively. Equimolar reactions of 2 with PdCl2 and 8‐quinolinol or 2‐methyl‐8‐quinolinol under reflux condition produced the heteroleptic palladium complexes [{κ12‐N,O‐(1‐(C3H4NS)‐2‐O‐C6H4)}Pd{(κ22‐N,O‐(8‐O‐C9H6‐1‐N)}] (5) or [{κ12‐N,O‐(1‐(C3H4NS)‐2‐O‐C6H4)}Pd{(κ22‐N,O‐(8‐O‐2‐CH3‐C9H5‐1‐N)}] (6) in good yields. The molecular structures of ligand 2 and palladium complexes 3–6 were confirmed through multinuclear NMR spectroscopic techniques and further the crystal structure for palladium complexes 3 and 4 were established. Under the optimized reaction condition, the heteroleptic palladium complex 4 display an excellent catalytic activity with a maximum turn over frequency of 49.5 h−1 for the conversion of bi‐aryls from aryl halides and unactivated phenylhydrazine. The energies, activation barriers and transition state structures of reaction involved in the catalytic cycle were assessed by utilizing quantum chemical method to confirm Csp2‐Csp2 bond formation reaction catalyzed by heteroleptic palladium complex 4.
Charge‐Accumulation Effect in Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Heterobilayers
Authors: Ye Tong , Li Junze , Li Dehui
Published: August 2019

Charge transfer in transition‐metal‐dichalcogenides (TMDs) heterostructures is a prerequisite for the formation of interlayer excitons, which hold great promise for optoelectronics and valleytronics. Charge accumulation accompanied by a charge‐transfer process can introduce considerable effect on interlayer exciton‐based applications; nevertheless, this aspect has been rarely studied up to date. This work demonstrates how the charge accumulation affects the light emission of interlayer excitons in van der Waals heterobilayers (HBs) consisting of monolayer WSe2 and WS2. As excitation power increases, the photoluminescence intensity of interlayer excitons increases more rapidly than that of intralayer excitons. The phenomenon can be explained by charge‐accumulation effect, which not only increases the recombination probability of interlayer excitons but also saturates the charge‐transfer process. This scenario is further confirmed by a careful examination of trion binding energy of WS2, which nonlinearly increases with the increase of the excitation power before reaching a maximum of about 75 meV. These investigations provide a better understanding of interlayer excitons and trions in HBs, which may provoke further explorations of excitonic physics as well as TMDs‐based devices.
Atomically Sharp Dual Grain Boundaries in 2D WS2 Bilayers
Authors: Chen Jun , Jung Gang Seob , Ryu Gyeong Hee , Chang Ren‐Jie , Zhou Si , Wen Yi , Buehler Markus J. , Warner Jamie H.
Published: August 2019

It is shown that tilt grain boundaries (GBs) in bilayer 2D crystals of the transition metal dichalcogenide WS2 can be atomically sharp, where top and bottom layer GBs are located within sub‐nanometer distances of each other. This expands the current knowledge of GBs in 2D bilayer crystals, beyond the established large overlapping GB types typically formed in chemical vapor deposition growth, to now include atomically sharp dual bilayer GBs. By using atomic‐resolution annular dark‐field scanning transmission electron microscopy (ADF‐STEM) imaging, different atomic structures in the dual GBs are distinguished considering bilayers with a 3R (AB stacking)/2H (AA′ stacking) interface as well as bilayers with 2H/2H boundaries. An in situ heating holder is used in ADF‐STEM and the GBs are stable to at least 800 °C, with negligible thermally induced reconstructions observed. Normal dislocation cores are seen in one WS2 layer, but the second WS2 layer has different dislocation structures not seen in freestanding monolayers, which have metal‐rich clusters to accommodate the stacking mismatch of the 2H:3R interface. These results reveal the competition between maintaining van der Waals bilayer stacking uniformity and dislocation cores required to stitch tilted bilayer GBs together.
WSe2 Homojunction Devices: Electrostatically Configurable as Diodes, MOSFETs, and Tunnel FETs for Reconfigurable Computing
Authors: Pang Chin‐Sheng , Chen Chin‐Yi , Ameen Tarek , Zhang Shengjiao , Ilatikhameneh Hesameddin , Rahman Rajib , Klimeck Gerhard , Chen Zhihong
Published: August 2019

In this paper, electrostatically configurable 2D tungsten diselenide (WSe2) electronic devices are demonstrated. Utilizing a novel triple‐gate design, a WSe2 device is able to operate as a tunneling field‐effect transistor (TFET), a metal–oxide–semiconductor field‐effect transistor (MOSFET) as well as a diode, by electrostatically tuning the channel doping to the desired profile. The implementation of scaled gate dielectric and gate electrode spacing enables higher band‐to‐band tunneling transmission with the best observed subthreshold swing (SS) among all reported homojunction TFETs on 2D materials. Self‐consistent full‐band atomistic quantum transport simulations quantitatively agree with electrical measurements of both the MOSFET and TFET and suggest that scaling gate oxide below 3 nm is necessary to achieve sub‐60 mV dec−1 SS, while further improvement can be obtained by optimizing the spacers. Diode operation is also demonstrated with the best ideality factor of 1.5, owing to the enhanced electrostatic control compared to previous reports. This research sheds light on the potential of utilizing electrostatic doping scheme for low‐power electronics and opens a path toward novel designs of field programmable mixed analog/digital circuitry for reconfigurable computing.