bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monoclonal antibody 4B1 influences the pKa of Glu325 in lactose permease (LacY) from Escherichia coli: evidence from SEIRAS
Authors: Omeis Fatima , Santos Seica Ana Filipa , Ermolova Natalia , Kaback H. Ronald , Hellwig Petra
Published: August 2020

The monoclonal antibody 4B1 binds to a conformational epitope on the periplasmic side of lactose permease (LacY) of Escherichia coli and inhibits H+/lactose symport and lactose efflux under nonenergized conditions. At the same time, ligand binding and translocation reactions that do not involve net H+ translocation remain unaffected by 4B1. In this study, surface‐enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy applied to the immobilized LacY was used to study the pH‐dependent changes in LacY and to access in situ the effect of the 4B1 antibody on the pKa of Glu325, the primary functional H+‐binding site in LacY. A small shift of the pK value from 10.5 to 9.5 was identified that can be corroborated with the inactivation of LacY upon 4B1 binding.
An open‐source tool to visualize potential cone collisions while planning SRS cases
Authors: Licon Anna Laura , Alexandrian Ara , Saenz Daniel , Myers Pamela , Rasmussen Karl , Stathakis Sotirios , Papanikolaou Niko , Kirby Neil
Published: August 2020

Purpose

To create an open‐source visualization program that allows one to find potential cone collisions while planning intracranial stereotactic radiosurgery cases.

Methods

Measurements of physical components in the treatment room (gantry, cone, table, localization stereotactic radiation surgery frame, etc.) were incorporated into a script in MATLAB (MathWorks, Natick, MA) that produces three‐dimensional visualizations of the components. A localization frame, used during simulation, fully contains the patient. This frame was used to represent a safety zone for collisions. Simple geometric objects are used to approximate the simulated components. The couch is represented as boxes, the gantry head and cone are represented by cylinders, and the patient safety zone can be represented by either a box or ellipsoid. These objects are translated and rotated based upon the beam geometry and the treatment isocenter to mimic treatment. A simple graphical user interface (GUI) was made in MATLAB (compatible with GNU Octave) to allow users to pass the treatment isocenter location, the initial and terminal gantry angles, the couch angle, and the number of angular points to visualize between the initial and terminal gantry angle.

Results

The GUI provides a fast and simple way to discover collisions in the treatment room before the treatment plan is completed. Twenty patient arcs were used as an end‐to‐end validation of the system. Seventeen of these appeared the same in the software as in the room. Three of the arcs appeared closer in the software than in the room. This is due to the treatment couch having rounded corners, whereas the software visualizes sharp corners.

Conclusions

This simple GUI can be used to find the best orientation of beams for each patient. By finding collisions before a plan is being simulated in the treatment room, a user can save time due to replanning of cases.
Genetic variation contributes to gene expression response in ischemic stroke: an eQTL study
Authors: Amini Hajar , Shroff Natasha , Stamova Boryana , Ferino Eva , Carmona‐Mora Paulina , Zhan Xinhua , Sitorus Preston P. , Hull Heather , Jickling Glen C. , Sharp Frank R. , Ander Bradley P.
Published: August 2020

Objective

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) contribute to complex disorders such as ischemic stroke (IS). Since SNPs could affect IS by altering gene expression, we studied the association of common SNPs with changes in mRNA expression (i.e. expression quantitative trait loci; eQTL) in blood after IS.

Methods

RNA and DNA were isolated from 137 patients with acute IS and 138 vascular risk factor controls (VRFC). Gene expression was measured using Affymetrix HTA 2.0 microarrays and SNP variants were assessed with Axiom Biobank Genotyping microarrays. A linear model with a genotype (SNP) × diagnosis (IS and VRFC) interaction term was fit for each SNP‐gene pair.

Results

The eQTL interaction analysis revealed significant genotype × diagnosis interaction for four SNP‐gene pairs as cis‐eQTL and 70 SNP‐gene pairs as trans‐eQTL. Cis‐eQTL involved in the inflammatory response to IS included rs56348411 which correlated with neurogranin expression (NRGN), rs78046578 which correlated with CXCL10 expression, rs975903 which correlated with SMAD4 expression, and rs62299879 which correlated with CD38 expression. These four genes are important in regulating inflammatory response and BBB stabilization. SNP rs148791848 was a strong trans‐eQTL for anosmin‐1 (ANOS1) which is involved in neural cell adhesion and axonal migration and may be important after stroke.

Interpretation

This study highlights the contribution of genetic variation to regulating gene expression following IS. Specific inflammatory response to stroke is at least partially influenced by genetic variation. This has implications for progressing toward personalized treatment strategies. Additional research is required to investigate these genes as therapeutic targets.
Myths and misconceptions about hypnosis and suggestion: Separating fact and fiction
Authors: Lynn Steven Jay , Kirsch Irving , Terhune Devin B. , Green Joseph P.
Published: August 2020

We present 21 prominent myths and misconceptions about hypnosis in order to promulgate accurate information and to highlight questions for future research. We argue that these myths and misconceptions have (a) fostered a skewed and stereotyped view of hypnosis among the lay public, (b) discouraged participant involvement in potentially helpful hypnotic interventions, and (c) impeded the exploration and application of hypnosis in scientific and practitioner communities. Myths reviewed span the view that hypnosis produces a trance or special state of consciousness and allied myths on topics related to hypnotic interventions; hypnotic responsiveness and the modification of hypnotic suggestibility; inducing hypnosis; and hypnosis and memory, awareness, and the experience of nonvolition. By demarcating myth from mystery and fact from fiction, and by highlighting what is known as well as what remains to be discovered, the science and practice of hypnosis can be advanced and grounded on a firmer empirical footing.
Adaptive yaw stability control by coordination of active steering and braking with an optimized lower‐level controller
Authors: Ahmadian Narjes , Khosravi Alireza , Sarhadi Pouria
Published: August 2020

In this article, an integrated multiinput multioutput model reference adaptive control algorithm is presented based on active front steering and effective direct yaw moment distribution as an advanced driver assistance system. Vehicle parameter uncertainties in mass and tire‐road friction coefficient are considered through adaptation laws at the upper level in the control structure. The efficient distribution of yaw moment on the rear wheels is performed via a constrained optimization at the lower control level. Control commands are executed by additive steering angle on front wheels and brake torque applied on one of the rear wheels. Simulation results for different lateral maneuvers are employed for the evaluation of the proposed adaptive control method. The performance of the integrated control algorithm to enhance vehicle handling and stability is shown on various road conditions.
Optimal filtering and control for wireless networked closed‐loop control systems
Authors: Dong Jianhuai , Dong Zhixuan
Published: August 2020

This article studies the optimal filtering and control for wireless networked control systems (WNCSs). In WNCSs, packets may be lost in both control and feedback channels and user datagram protocol is usually used to improve the performance of the real‐time control. Relevant literature indicates that the conventional optimal filtering for such a system cannot be applied in practice due to the complex calculation with Gaussian mixtures. This paper proposes a novel scheme to realize the optimal filtering and the linear quadratic Gaussian control for WNCSs, in which the controlled node performs a local estimation and the remote‐control node performs the final estimation and control, and a synchronization of two estimators is guaranteed by a communication mechanism. An optimal filtering algorithm is developed, the stability condition of the filtering error covariance is obtained, optimal finite‐horizon and infinite‐horizon control are derived, and the stability of the closed‐loop control system is proved. Numerical simulations show the validity and feasibility of the theoretical results.
Highly Efficient Electrochemical CO2 Reduction Reaction to CO with One‐Pot Synthesized Co‐Pyridine‐Derived Catalyst Incorporated in a Nafion‐Based Membrane Electrode Assembly
Authors: Fujinuma Naohiro , Ikoma Atsushi , Lofland Samuel E.
Published: August 2020

There is great need for the development of an electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) process with high Faraday efficiency (FE), energy efficiency (EE), and current density for practical utilization of CO2. Here, a facile one‐pot synthesis of a catalyst is reported that is based on cobalt and poly‐4‐vinylpyridine that can perform CO2RR to CO predominantly with respect to the hydrogen evolution reaction in a nafion‐based membrane electrode assembly and can work in pH ranging from 2 to 7. Cell optimization results in CO2RR to CO with 92% FE and 58% EE at 85 mA cm−2, while showing no noticeable degradation in FE at 20 h. These characteristics are attributed to synthesis and processing conditions which promote nearly uniform coordination of pyridine moieties with Co at the nanoscale in order to produce the appropriate complex necessary for catalysis. Outstanding performance combined with the ease of production, scalability of the method, and accessibility of components pave the way toward the commercialization of an electrochemical CO2RR.
Energy Harvesting from Breeze Wind (0.7–6 m s−1) Using Ultra‐Stretchable Triboelectric Nanogenerator
Authors: Ren Zewei , Wang Ziming , Liu Zhirong , Wang Longfei , Guo Hengyu , Li Linlin , Li Site , Chen Xiangyu , Tang Wei , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: August 2020

Wind is one of the most important sources of green energy, but the current technology for harvesting wind energy is only effective when the wind speed is beyond 3.5–4.0 m s−1. This is mainly due to the limitation that the electromagnetic generator works best at high frequency. This means that light breezes cannot reach the wind velocity threshold of current wind turbines. Here, a high‐performance triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) for efficiently harvesting energy from an ambient gentle wind, especially for speeds below 3 m s−1 is reported, by taking advantage of the relative high efficiency of TENGs at low‐frequency. Attributed to the multiplied‐frequency vibration of ultra‐stretchable and perforated electrodes, an average output of 20 mW m−3 can be achieved with inlet wind speed of 0.7 m s−1, while an average energy conversion efficiency of 7.8% at wind speed of 2.5 m s−1 is reached. A self‐charging power package is developed and the applicability of the TENG in various light breezes is demonstrated. This work demonstrates the advantages of TENG technology for breeze energy exploitation and proposes an effective supplementary approach for current employed wind turbines and micro energy structure.
Behavior and cognitive functioning in Witteveen–Kolk syndrome
Authors: van Dongen Linde C. M. , Wingbermühle Ellen , Dingemans Alexander J. M. , Bos‐Roubos Anja G. , Vermeulen Karlijn , Pop‐Purceleanu Monica , Kleefstra Tjitske , Egger Jos I. M.
Published: August 2020

Witteveen–Kolk syndrome (WITKOS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by developmental delay/intellectual disability, facial dysmorphisms, and short stature. The syndrome is caused by loss of function of switch‐insensitive 3 transcription regulator family member A (SIN3A). Regarding behavioral functioning, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), obsessive–compulsive behaviors, as well as Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder symptoms (ADHD) have been suggested. The present study explores various aspects of neurocognitive functioning in five individuals (age range 10–23) with WITKOS. Medical records and results of extensive neuropsychological assessment are used to describe developmental trajectories and neurocognitive profiles. Systematic analysis of medical records displays developmental difficulties described as ASD or ADHD in childhood, sleep problems and internalizing problems during adolescence. Results of cognitive assessments indicate profoundly disabled (n = 1), mildly disabled (n = 2), borderline (n = 1), and average (n = 1) levels of intelligence. Furthermore, results indicate weaknesses in speed of information processing/sustained attention in all participants, and difficulties in planning and maintaining overview in three participants. Furthermore, parent reports of behavioral functioning primarily suggest problems in social functioning. Implications of both cognitive problems and social–emotional vulnerabilities for counseling are discussed and supplemented with suggestions for interventions.
A guide for an anatomically sensitive dentine microsampling and age‐alignment approach for human teeth isotopic sequences
Authors: Czermak Andrea , Fernández‐Crespo Teresa , Ditchfield Peter W. , Lee‐Thorp Julia A.
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Stable isotope analysis of sequential dentine samples is a potentially powerful method to reveal insights into early life‐histories of individuals in the past. Dentine incremental growth structures are complex, however, and current approaches that apply horizontal sectioning of demineralized tooth halves or quarters risk combining multiple growth layers and may include unwanted cementum or secondary dentine. They also require destruction of large parts of a tooth. Here, we present a less destructive and relatively straightforward protocol that reduces damage, increases temporal resolution, and improves the accuracy of age‐alignment between individuals.

Material and methods

We outline a protocol that includes the sampling of small (1 mm diameter) cylindrical plug transects from a thin section, along with an age‐alignment scheme predicated on average growth rates for dentine areas.

Results and discussion

The proposed protocol is readily applicable and more anatomically sensitive than horizontal slicing. Micro‐samples are smaller (in both length and depth), hence minimizing temporal overlap and avoid directions that may contravene growth pattern. They completely avoid areas where secondary and tertiary dentine or cementum can be deposited. Age‐alignment is improved by using growth ratios of anatomical tooth zones.

Conclusion

This method minimizes destruction, enables finer temporal resolution and facilitates data comparison. It can be readily combined with fluorescence imaging‐based or other pre‐screening methods of dentine collagen preservation.
Patient‐reported sleep outcomes lack association with mucosal eosinophilia or neutrophilia in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery
Authors: Farrell Nyssa Fox , Mace Jess C. , Sauer David A. , Thomas Andrew J. , Geltzeiler Mathew , Detwiller Kara Y. , Alt Jeremiah A. , Smith Timothy L.
Published: August 2020

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is associated with sleep dysfunction, but the underlying pathophysiology is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to determine if mucosal eosinophilia or neutrophilia were associated with sleep dysfunction severity or altered the improvement in sleep dysfunction following functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS).

Methods

A total of 104 patients with medically refractory CRS with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) and CRS without nasal polyposis (CRSsNP), completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) before and after FESS. Anterior ethmoid mucosa was collected during FESS and densest infiltrates of eosinophilia and neutrophilia per high‐power field (HPF) were determined by microscopy. Eosinophilic (>10 eosinophils/HPF) and neutrophilic (>4 neutrophils/HPF) CRS were then compared to preoperative and postoperative PSQI measures.

Results

Of 104 study participants, 88 (85%) reported preoperative PSQI scores consistent with “poor sleep,” (PSQI total > 5). The cohort overall demonstrated significant improvement in poor sleep (65%; χ2 = 12.03; p < 0.001) 16.8 ± 5.0 months after FESS. Regardless of nasal polyposis, neither eosinophilic nor neutrophilic CRS was associated with differences in mean postoperative PSQI improvement. However, in patients with neutrophilic CRSsNP, there was a significant relationship between severity of neutrophilia and improvement in sleep latency (R = –0.798, p = 0.003) and sleep efficacy (R = –0.777, p = 0.005).

Conclusion

Chronic inflammation has been hypothesized to play a pathophysiologic role in sleep dysfunction associated with CRS. This study suggests that in patients with medically refractory CRS, evidence of mucosal eosinophilia and neutrophilia lack strong associations with patient‐reported sleep dysfunction or improvements in sleep quality after FESS, overall. However, neutrophilia may impact sleep latency and efficacy in patients with CRSsNP.
Bispectral Circular Dichroic Coding Metasurfaces
Authors: Li Yongfeng , Pang Yongqiang , Wang Jiafu , Zheng Qiqi , Zheng Lin , Feng Maochang , Jing Yao , Zhang Jieqiu , Cui Tiejun , Qu Shaobo
Published: August 2020

The frequency‐dependent circular dichroism is proposed to extend the wave manipulating capability of coding metasurfaces. As a proof of concept, the bispectral circular dichroic coding metasurfaces (CDCMs) are realized using circular dichroism resonators (CDRs) implemented via introducing loss resistors into the circular polarization conversion resonators. The CDRs are distinguished into left‐handed CDRs and right‐handed CDRs. Left‐handed CDRs absorb left‐handed circularly polarized (LCP) wave and convert right‐handed circularly polarized (RCP) wave into LCP wave. Conversely, they are defined as right‐handed CDRs. Two bispectral CDRs are designed with the left‐handed (right‐handed) and right‐handed (left‐handed) working bands in 7–8.5 and 22.2–22.5 GHz, respectively. And then, 1 bit bispectral CDCM with 0101…/1010… coding sequence is designed. Simulated results indicate that the designed CDCM strongly absorb the incident LCP (RCP) waves in the frequency region 7–8.5 GHz (22.2–22.5 GHz), but the incident RCP (LCP) waves are anomalously reflected into four beams of the LCP (RCP) waves with high efficiency. The measured results agree well with the simulations. The results in this work may provide an effective solution for the inverse and helicity‐dependent manipulation of the electromagnetic waves in two distinct frequency regions.
Breakage of carbon nanotube agglomerates within polypropylene matrix by solid phase die drawing
Authors: Lin Xiang , Gong Min , Innes James , Spencer Paul , Coates Phil , Korde Sachin
Published: August 2020

Melt blending of polyolefin/carbon nanotube (CNT) composites always leads to serious agglomeration of CNTs and hence inferior properties. Thus, well‐dispersed CNTs within matrix are urgently required during processing. In this work, effective breakage of CNT agglomerates was achieved by solid‐phase die drawing at a temperature below but near to the melting temperature of the matrix. Experimental results indicate that the incurred extensional stress provides a high orientation degree on the polypropylene (PP) matrix and consequently helps rupture CNT agglomerates, leading to improved alternating current（AC） conductivity by ~5–6 orders in magnitude. The reduced agglomerate ratio, the altered CNT networks (3D→2D), and the improved interfacial morphology between CNT and matrix are suggested to be responsible for the viscoelasticity variation of the composite melt and the improved property of PP/multiwalled CNTs (MWCNTs) composite. The initial loss of tensile ductility by the incorporation of MWCNTs is recovered by nearly 100%, which was attributed to the low agglomeration rate and improved interfacial morphology. This article provided the potential inspiration for the melt blending of polymer melt and CNTs.
Kinetics of the glass transition of styrene‐butadiene‐rubber: Dielectric spectroscopy and fast differential scanning calorimetry
Authors: Lindemann Niclas , Schawe Jürgen. E. K. , Lacayo‐Pineda Jorge
Published: August 2020

The glass transition is relevant for performance definition in rubber products. For extrapolation to high‐frequency behavior, time–temperature superposition is usually assumed, although most complex rubber compounds might be outside of its area of validity. Fast differential scanning calorimetry (FDSC) with cooling rates up to 1500 K/s and broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS) with frequencies up to 20 MHz are applied here to directly access both kinetics and dynamics of glass formation in a wide frequency range. For the first‐time, the relation between the thermal vitrification and the dielectric relaxation is studied on vulcanized styrene‐butadiene rubber, showing that both cooling rate and frequency dependence of its glass transition can be described by one single Vogel‐Fulcher‐Tammann‐Hesse equation. The results indicate the validity of the Frenkel‐Kobeko‐Reiner equation. Another focus is the sample preparation of vulcanized elastomers for FDSC and BDS as well as the temperature calibration below 0°C.
Preparation of phenylboronic acid‐based hydrogel microneedle patches for glucose‐dependent insulin delivery
Authors: Chen Xiang , Yu Haojie , Wang Li , Wang Nan , Zhang Qian , Zhou Weibin , Uddin Md Alim
Published: August 2020

There is a problem with directly loading insulin into the polymerized glucose‐responsive microneedle (MN) patch due to that polymerization conditions and solvents may damage the activity of insulin. In this study, we report a totally polymerized phenylboronic acid‐based MN patch, and insulin was directly loaded in MNs by a mild drop/dry procedure. MN patch was prepared by copolymerization of N‐isopropyl acrylamide, N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone, and 3‐acrylamidoephenylboronic acid in MN mold. The MN patch showed good glucose‐dependent swelling behavior in pH 9.0 at 27°C. After insulin loading procedure, insulin was distributed on and within the MNs. About 43.2% of total insulin was diffused into MNs' interior. As a result, the release of insulin on MNs' surface was uncontrolled by MNs and rapidly finished after ~10 min. However, the release of insulin within MNs was depended on glucose concentration, and insulin was released 1.6 times more at 4 g/L than at 1 g/L glucose concentration after 12 h. Although further improvements are needed to make MN patch responding in physiological environment, this work suggests a solution for directly loading insulin in polymerized glucose‐responsive MNs.
Range‐wide population genetics study informs on conservation translocations and reintroductions for the endangered Murray hardyhead (Craterocephalus fluviatilis)
Authors: Thiele Samantha , Adams Mark , Hammer Michael , Wedderburn Scotte , Whiterod Nick S. , Unmack Peter J. , Sasaki Minami , Beheregaray Luciano B.
Published: August 2020

Freshwater ecosystems worldwide harbour disproportionately high numbers of endemic species under threat from human activity, particularly accelerated habitat fragmentation. The Murray–Darling Basin in south‐eastern Australia, one of the country's largest and arguably its most vulnerable freshwater ecosystem, is inhabited by a number of small‐bodied fishes that are threatened with imminent extinction.

Here an extensive microsatellite dataset was used, supplemented by additional allozyme and mitochondrial DNA analyses, to assess the genetic diversity, population structure and contemporary migration patterns in the Murray hardyhead Craterocephalus fluviatilis, one of Australia's most threatened fishes.

Genetic diversity estimates, primarily based on 413 fish collected during the latter period of intense drought (1997–2010) from 23 sites and genotyped at 14 microsatellite loci, were higher than those previously detected for other regionally co‐occurring small‐bodied freshwater fishes.

Population structure analyses identified a subtle primary split between ‘lower Murray’ (lower river reaches) versus ‘upstream Murray’ (upper river reaches) and a total of nine genetically similar sub‐populations. This includes unexpected sub‐population differentiation in the Lower Lakes, a region at the terminus of the Murray–Darling Basin that most often has inter‐connected habitat.

Very low levels of contemporary migration were detected between most inferred populations (<2%) during the drought, with all exceptions involving moderate levels of migration from an upstream sub‐population into an adjacent downstream sub‐population.

This article describes how these genetic data have guided translocation and reintroduction efforts in recent years. We advocate the use of assisted gene flow as a central component of continuing efforts to rescue this species from imminent extinction.
Utilization of a Crown Ether/Amine‐Type Rotaxane as a Probe for the Versatile Detection of Anions and Acids by Thin‐Layer Chromatography
Authors: Miyagawa Shinobu , Kimura Masaki , Kagami Shin , Kawasaki Tsuneomi , Tokunaga Yuji
Published: August 2020

A crown ether/amine‐type [2]rotaxane was synthesized and utilized as a probe for the detection of acids and anions. The addition of acids to the amine‐type [2]rotaxane solution generated corresponding crown ether/ammonium‐type [2]rotaxanes, which were purified by silica gel column chromatography as ammonium salts. The isolated yields of the [2]rotaxanes, possessing a variety of anions, depended on the acidity and polarity of the counter anions. The behaviours of the ammonium‐type [2]rotaxanes on thin‐layer chromatography (TLC) silica gel reflected the properties of the counter anions. The treatment of the amine‐type [2]rotaxane with acids afforded the corresponding ammonium‐type [2]rotaxanes bearing several different anions. The ammonium‐type [2]rotaxanes behaved similarly to the purified [2]rotaxanes on the TLC silica gel. Furthermore, we succeeded in the analysis of anions using mixtures of the amine‐type [2]rotaxane and salts in an appropriate solvent. We demonstrated the detection of anions by the combination of TLC and the utilization of the [2]rotaxane probe.
Overview of the Synthesis and Structure of Calix[n]quinones (n=4, 6, 8)
Authors: Hu Pandeng , Cui Huamin , Huang Weiwei , Guo Wenfeng
Published: August 2020

Calix[n]quinones, a class of cyclic oligomers composed of p‐benzoquinone structures connected by methylene, have multi‐conjugated carbonyl structures and adjustable cavities, which make their synthesis extremely attractive. In this minireview, synthetic methods of calix[n]quinones and recent synthetic experience of our group are summarized. The merits and demerits of various synthetic methods are briefly reviewed as well. When synthesizing calix[n]quinone (n≥6) with a larger ring, the reduction‐oxidation method is considered to be the most recommended.
Amidinato Germylene‐Zinc Complexes: Synthesis, Bonding, and Reactivity
Authors: Yadav Sandeep , Kumar Rohit , Vipin Raj K. , Yadav Prashant , Vanka Kumar , Sen Sakya S.
Published: August 2020

Despite the explosive growth of germylene compounds as ligands in transition metal complexes, there is a modicum of precedence for the germylene zinc complexes. In this work, the synthesis and characterization of new germylene zinc complexes [PhC(NtBu)2Ge{N(SiMe3)2}→ZnX2]2 (X= Br (2) and I (3)) supported by (benz)‐amidinato germylene ligands are reported. The solid‐state structures of 2 and 3 have been validated by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies, which revealed the dimeric nature of the complexes, with distorted tetrahedral geometries around the Ge and Zn center. DFT calculations reveal that the Ge–Zn bonds in 2 and 3 are dative in nature. The reaction of 2 with elemental sulfur resulted in the first structurally characterized germathione stabilized ZnBr2 complexes PhC(NtBu)2Ge(=S){N(SiMe3)2}→ZnBr2 (5). Therefore, the Ge=S in 5 is in‐between Ge–S single and Ge=S double bond length, owing to the coordination of a sulfur lone pair of electrons to ZnBr2.
Model predictive zone control with soft constrained appending margin
Authors: Guan Shouping , Wu Xiangchen , Wu Zhicheng
Published: August 2020

In industrial processes, zone control is often applied to some control systems that do not have set‐point control requirements. Zone control involves constraining controlled variables within a range of feasible solutions, so there is a tension between interval constraint intensity and interval feasibility. To meet the requirements of interval feasibility, general control schemes often soften constraint intensity, resulting in frequent constraint violations. However, for some irreversible processes such as chemical and biochemical processes, violating constraint can lead to unpredictable results. This study attempts to solve this problem through improving the performance index of general model predictive controls with soft constraints. This goal is achieved through introducing additional margin to controlled variables in order to strengthen control intensity without increasing computational complexity. This approach effectively reduced the frequency of zone violations and the size of output errors, and guaranteed zone feasibility. Furthermore, this approach was implemented without significant increase in energy consumption and actuator operation. The stability of the algorithm was proven using Lyapunov theorem. Comparative simulation results demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed method compared with conventional methods.
Reibungswinkel und Kohäsion von RSS‐Flüssigboden nach dynamischer Belastung
Authors: Mähner Dietmar , Dorgeloh Marius , Lengers Jacob
Published: August 2020

Der folgende Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit dem Einfluss von dynamischen Lasten auf den Reibungswinkel und die Kohäsion von Flüssigboden. Im Fokus der vorgestellten Untersuchungen lag die Beständigkeit der genannten bodenmechanischen Parameter gegenüber simulierten Schienenverkehrslasten, wie sie bspw. für Sohlauffüllungen unter Schienenverkehrswegen in Tunneln anzunehmen sind. Auf diese Zielstellung und auf die beim Tunnelbau überwiegend vorkommenden Bodenarten wurden angepasste Flüssigbodenrezepturen entwickelt. Dynamisch belastete und nicht belastete Probekörper wurden hergestellt und nach einer 28‐tägigen Lagerung hinsichtlich ihrer Kohäsion und ihres Reibungswinkels miteinander verglichen. Für die gewählten Randbedingungen konnte dabei kein nachteiliger Einfluss der dynamischen Belastung auf die untersuchten Rezepturen festgestellt werden.
Baugrundverbesserung mit Sandsäulen in weichen organischen Böden
Authors: Ney Marcel , Rackwitz Frank
Published: August 2020

Im Beitrag wird ein Bemessungsansatz für die Verbesserungswirkung organischer Böden durch Sandsäulen basierend auf den Ergebnissen einer Reihe von klein‐ und mittelmaßstäblichen Modellversuchen vorgestellt. Wesentliches Ziel der Modellversuche war die Antwort auf die Fragestellung nach der formstabilen Herstellbarkeit von nicht ummantelten Sandsäulen in weichen organischen Böden sowie deren resultierendes Last‐Verformungsverhalten. Gegenstand der Untersuchungen war, neben dem Einfluss des gewählten Säulenherstellungsverfahrens, der Einfluss des organischen Anteils des Bodens als auch des gewählten Flächenverhältnisses. Die Ergebnisse der Modellversuche wurden in einer Modellfamilie zusammengefasst und auf In‐situ‐Verhältnisse extrapoliert. Als Grundlage eines Bemessungskonzepts wurde das in der Praxis für Baugrundverbesserungen etablierte Verfahren nach Priebe gewählt, dessen Erweiterung auf der Grundlage der eigenen Untersuchungsergebnisse erfolgte. Die Plausibilität und Validität der vorgeschlagenen Erweiterung konnte mit den Setzungsmessungen eines großmaßstäblichen Modellversuchs als auch anhand eines Bauvorhabens aus dem Straßenbau nachgewiesen werden. Abschließend wird auf die noch offengebliebenen Fragen zu dieser Baugrundverbesserungsmethode eingegangen.
Left atrial size and risk of recurrent ischemic stroke in cardiogenic cerebral embolism
Authors: Quan Weiwei , Yang Xuezhi , Li Youyu , Li Jia , Ye Weiyi , Zhang Ou , Zhang Xu
Published: August 2020

Background

Left atrial enlargement (LAE) was reported to be associated with ischemic stroke and its recurrence. Limited data are available on the relationship of LAE and cardiogenic cerebral embolism (CCE). Our aim is to access the association of left atrial size and the recurrence of ischemic stroke in CCE.

Methods

We prospectively included 303 CCE patients who underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Left atrial size was estimated with left atrial diameter (LAD), diameter/height (LAD/H), and left atrial diameter/body surface area (LAD/BSA). The endpoint was one‐year recurrent ischemic stroke. Cox proportional hazard models were performed to access the association between left atrial size and recurrent ischemic stroke.

Results

During follow‐up, 27 patients suffered recurrent ischemic stroke. In multivariate COX regression models adjusted for confounders including age, gender, hypertension, diabetes, and history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), platelet count, fasting blood glucose (FBG), antithrombotic drugs at discharge, stroke volume, and cardiac output, LAD, LAD/H, and LAD/BSA all were independent risk factors of recurrent ischemic stroke [LAD: HR 1.065, 95% CI (1.006–1.128), p = .029; LAD/H: HR 1.157, 95% CI (1.066–1.255), p < .001; LAD/BSA: HR 1.128, 95% CI (1.059–1.202), p < .001]. Receiver‐operator characteristic curves showed that LAD/BSA had better predicting effect. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.543 [95%CI (0.444–0.642), p = .461) for LAD, 0.626 [95%CI (0.530–0.723), p = .03] for LAD/H, and 0.655 [95%CI (0.558–0.752), p = .008] for LAD/BSA.

Conclusion

LAE is an independent risk factor for one‐year recurrence of ischemic stroke in patients with CCE.
Anatomical study of the soleus: Application to improved imaging diagnoses
Authors: Kimura Naoaki , Kato Kota , Anetai Hidaka , Kawasaki Yuto , Miyaki Takayuki , Kudoh Hiroyuki , Sakai Tatsuo , Ichimura Koichiro
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Strains of the soleus are widely found both in amateur and professional athletes. For their accurate regional diagnoses, understanding the anatomy of the spatial relationship between muscular fibers and tendinous structures is important because their interfaces are susceptible sites to muscle strains. Therefore, this study evaluated the precise architecture of the soleus.

Materials and Methods

We evaluated the precise anatomical architecture of the soleus in 87 formaldehyde‐fixed soleus muscles. To calculate mean relative physiological cross‐sectional area of each muscular fiber compartment, we measured the fiber length, volume, and pennation angle in isolated compartments.

Results

The posterior soleus surface was covered by a broad aponeurotic posterior insertion tendon (PIT), which continued inferiorly to the insertion tendon. The anterior surface had three aponeurotic origin tendons, lateral origin tendon (LOT), medial origin tendon (MOT), and tendinous arch, which were arranged along the soleus margins. The anterior bipennate muscle portion (ABP), surrounded by the three origin structures, terminated as the sagittal insertion tendon (SIT), which continued inferiorly to PIT. The posterior main muscle portion behind LOT and MOT was separated into lateral and medial portions by the SIT. The soleus thus possessed a broad musculotendinous junction. Furthermore, ABP exhibited wide structural diversity in shape and size: in extreme cases, it was duplicated or absent.

Conclusion

Systematic anatomical descriptions of the soleus will be useful for accurate regional diagnosis of its strains with magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography.
Social media filters risk First Amendment scrutiny
Authors: Steinbaugh Adam
Published: August 2020

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit declined in March to revisit its finding that President Donald Trump's practice of blocking his critics on Twitter violates the First Amendment. Barring an intervention by the Supreme Court, this developing application of the First Amendment to social media may leave public universities and colleges — the vast majority of which block particular words or users on their official Facebook and Twitter accounts — exposed to liability.
Ensure accessibility when moving to online formats
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: August 2020

Online classes can be presented in a way that benefits everyone and meets the needs of students with disabilities, and it's not as hard as it seems, according to Tom Thibodeau, Assistant Provost at the New England Institute of Technology and co‐author of UDL in the Cloud! How to Design and Deliver Online Education Using Universal Design for Learning. He provided the following tips for incorporating Universal Design principles in online teaching in a webinar hosted by the Online Learning Consortium:
Dining halls must consider students with food allergies
Authors: Charmatz Marc
Published: August 2020

A student with celiac disease alleged the University of Maryland violated Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act by failing to provide her with a gluten‐free diet, causing her to become seriously ill. See Hannah Smith v. University of Maryland, College Park, No. 8:20‐cv‐00433‐TDC (D. Md. 02/20/20).
A case report of pregnancy and paliperidone palmitate 3‐monthly long‐acting injection
Authors: de Azevedo Avelar Rita , Luengo Corbal Antonio , Heitor Maria João
Published: August 2020

This clinical case reports the use of paliperidone palmitate 3‐monthly long‐acting injection during pregnancy without known adverse effects on the baby's development.
Porous Carbon Networks Decorated with Cobalt on CoFe2O4 as an Air‐Breathing Electrode for High‐Capacity Rechargeable Lithium‐Air Batteries: Role of Metallic Cobalt Nanoparticles
Authors: Athika Mattath , Elumalai Perumal
Published: August 2020

The development of cost‐effective efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts for metal‐air batteries is an important aspect for its commercialization. We demonstrate the effect of Co nanoparticles and/or the porous carbon matrix in pristine CoFe2O4 (CFO) electrocatalysts towards the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The Co/CoFe2O4‐carbon network (CCFOC) with a high surface area and good conductivity offered more active sites for oxygen adsorption as well as accelerated electron transfer kinetics, leading to superior ORR and OER activities. A Li‐air battery split cell was fabricated using the CCFOC as an air‐breathing electrode, which exhibited a high discharge capacity of 4320 mAh g−1 at a high current density of 100 mA g−1 with an acceptable cycling stability and columbic efficiency. The fabricated coin cell or the split cell Li‐air battery could power a commercial 2.8 V green LED bulb continuously for more than 6 h.
Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence and Electroluminescence of N‐Doped Graphene Quantum Dots Fabricated from an Electrochemical Exfoliation Process in Nitrogen‐Containing Electrolytes
Authors: Chu Kenneth , Adsetts Jonathan R. , He Shuijian , Zhan Ziying , Yang Liuqing , Wong Jonathan M. , Love David A. , Ding Zhifeng
Published: August 2020

Artificial lighting sources are one of the most important technological developments for our modern lives; the search for cost‐effective and efficient luminophores is therefore crucial to a sustainable future. Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are carbon‐based nanomaterials that exhibit exceptional optical and electronic properties, making them a prime candidate for a luminophore in a light‐emitting device. Nitrogen‐doped GQDs fabricated from a facile top‐down electrochemical exfoliation process with a nitrogen‐containing electrolyte in this report showed strong photoluminescent emission at 450 nm, and electrogenerated chemiluminescence at 660 nm in the presence of benzoyl peroxide as a coreactant. When introduced into solid‐state light‐emitting electrochemical cells, for the first time, the GQDs displayed a broad white emission centered at 610 nm, corresponding to Commision Internationale de l'eclairage (CIE) colour coordinates of (0.38, 0.36).
Myocardial infarction classification and its implications on measures of cardiovascular outcomes, quality, and racial/ethnic disparities
Authors: Hilliard Aaron L. , Winchester David E. , Russell Tanya D. , Hilliard Rosland D.
Published: August 2020

Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the United States, with approximately 805 000 cumulative deaths from myocardial infarctions (MI) from 2005 to 2014. Gender and racial/ethnic disparities in MI diagnoses are becoming more evident in quality review audits. Although recent changes in diagnostic codes provided an improved framework, clinically distinguishing types of MI remains a challenge. MI misdiagnoses and health disparities contribute to adverse outcomes in cardiac medicine. We conducted a literature review of relevant biomedical sources related to the classification of MI and disparities in cardiovascular care and outcomes. From the studies analyzed, African Americans and women have higher rates of mortality from MI, are more probably to be younger and present with other comorbidities and are less probably to receive novel therapies with respect to type of MI. As high‐sensitivity troponin assays are adopted in the United States, implementation should account for how race and sex differences have been demonstrated in the reference range and diagnostic threshold of the newer assays. More research is needed to assess how the complexity of health disparities contributes to adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Creating dedicated medical quality teams (physicians, nurses, clinical documentation improvement specialists, and medical coders) and incorporating a plan‐do‐check‐adjust quality improvement model are strategies that could potentially help better define and diagnose MI, reduce financial burdens due to MI misdiagnoses, reduce cardiovascular‐related health disparities, and ultimately improve and save lives.
Differential impact of prognostic parameters in hormone receptor–positive lobular breast cancer
Authors: Christgen Matthias , Gluz Oleg , Harbeck Nadia , Kates Ronald E. , Raap Mieke , Christgen Henriette , Clemens Michael , Malter Wolfram , Nuding Benno , Aktas Bahriye , Kuemmel Sherko , Reimer Toralf , Stefek Andrea , Krabisch Petra , Just Marianne , Augustin Doris , Graeser Monika , Baehner Frederick , Wuerstlein Rachel , Nitz Ulrike , Kreipe Hans ,   the West German Study Group PlanB Investigators
Published: August 2020

Background

Invasive lobular breast cancer (BC) is the second most common BC subtype. Prognostic parameters (tumor classification, lymph node status, histologic grade, Oncotype DX recurrence score [RS], progesterone receptor status, and Ki67 index) were retrospectively studied in a large, prospective clinical trial encompassing 2585 patients who had hormone receptor‐positive early BC (the West German Study Group PlanB trial).

Methods

BCs were centrally reviewed and classified as lobular (n = 353; 14%) or nonlobular (n = 2232; 86%). The median follow‐up was 60 months. Five‐year disease‐free survival (DFS) estimates were obtained using the Kaplan‐Meier method. Prognostic parameters were evaluated using Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

Lobular BC was associated with higher tumor classification, higher lymph node status, lower histologic grade, lower Ki67 index, and low or intermediate RS. The prevalence of high RS (RS range, 26‐100) was 3‐fold lower in patients who had lobular BC compared with those who had nonlobular BC (8% vs 24%; P < .001). However, 5‐year DFS estimates for lobular and nonlobular BC were similar (92.1% and 92.3%, respectively; P = .673). In multivariate analyses, prognostic parameters for DFS in lobular BC included grade 3 (hazard ratio, 5.06; 95% CI, 1.91‐13.39) and a pathologic lymph node status (pN) of pN3 (hazard ratio, 12.16; 95% CI, 3.87‐38.24), but not RS. By contrast, prognostic parameters in nonlobular BC included grade 3 (hazard ratio, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.11‐2.44), pN3 (hazard ratio, 3.68; 95% CI, 1.60‐8.46), and high RS (hazard ratio, 2.49; 95% CI, 1.69‐3.68).

Conclusions

Lobular BC is associated with low and intermediate RS, although 5‐year DFS is similar to that of nonlobular BC. The effect of the RS in lobular BC appears to be distinct from that in nonlobular BC. For risk assessment, the RS needs to be complemented by clinicopathologic parameters for therapy decision making.
A global care package for women: Gender‐neutral human papillomavirus eradication
Authors: Ueda Stefanie M. , Temkin Sarah M.
Published: August 2020

Global cervical human papillomavirus eradication is within our reach. Unique barriers, including the gender of the patients with this disease, have impeded global cervical cancer prevention, treatment, and elimination.
Clinical outcomes of solid organ transplant recipients with metastatic cancers who are treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors: A single‐center analysis
Authors: Owoyemi Itunu , Vaughan Lisa E. , Costello Collin M. , Thongprayoon Charat , Markovic Svetomir N. , Herrmann Joerg , Otley Clark C. , Taner Timucin , Mangold Aaron R. , Leung Nelson , Herrmann Sandra M. , Kukla Aleksandra
Published: August 2020

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer therapy, but to the authors' knowledge, limited data exist regarding the safety and efficacy of these agents in transplant recipients. Herein, the authors have reported their experience with 17 patients who were treated with ICIs for metastatic malignancies after undergoing solid organ transplantation.

Methods

Data were abstracted for solid organ transplant recipients who received ICIs for the treatment of malignancy between January 1, 2016, and September 30, 2019. The authors identified 7 kidney, 8 liver, and 2 heart transplant recipients. Outcomes of interest were adverse drug reactions, cancer progression, and patient survival.

Results

The most common malignancies treated with ICIs were metastatic squamous cell carcinoma (5 patients; 29%) and hepatocellular carcinoma (5 patients; 29%), which were noted exclusively among liver transplant recipients. The median duration on ICIs was 1.7 months (interquartile range, 0.4‐7.6 months). Five patients (29%) developed adverse reactions, including 4 patients (24%) with immune‐related adverse events(irAEs), 3 patients (18%) with acute allograft rejections, 1 patient (6%) with autoimmune colitis, and 1 patient (6%) with ICI‐induced cardiotoxicity (the patient was a heart transplant recipient). The cumulative incidence of cancer progression was 50% and 69%, respectively, at 6 months and 12 months. Eleven patients (65%) died over the median follow‐up period of 4.6 months (interquartile range, 1.5‐13.2 months) from the time of ICI initiation, with cancer progression being the most common cause of death.

Conclusions

ICIs can be used as individualized therapy in selected patients who have undergone solid organ transplantation but more studies are needed to determine how best to use these agents to improve outcomes further.