bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid and multiplex detection of nosocomial pathogens on a phage‐based magnetoresistive lab‐on‐chip platform
Authors: Cunha Alexandra P. , Henriques Raquel , Cardoso Susana , Freitas Paulo P. , Carvalho Carla M.
Published: May 2021

Nosocomial or hospital‐acquired infections (HAIs) have a major impact on mortality worldwide. Enterococcus and Staphylococcus are among the leading causes of HAIs and thus are important pathogens to control mainly due to their increased antibiotic resistance. The gold‐standard diagnostic methods for HAIs are time‐consuming, which hinders timely and adequate treatment. Therefore, the development of fast and accurate diagnostic tools is an urgent demand. In this study, we combined the sensitivity of magnetoresistive (MR) sensors, the portability of a lab‐on‐chip platform, and the specificity of phage receptor binding proteins (RBPs) as probes for the rapid and multiplex detection of Enterococcus and Staphylococcus. For this, bacterial cells were firstly labelled with magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) functionalized with RBPs and then measured on the MR sensors. The results indicate that the RBP‐MNPS provided a specific individual and simultaneous capture of more than 70% of Enterococcus and Staphylococcus cells. Moreover, high signals from the MR sensors were obtained for these samples, providing the detection of both pathogens at low concentrations (10 CFU/ml) in less than 2 h. Overall, the lab‐on‐chip MR platform herein presented holds great potential to be used as a point‐of‐care for the rapid, sensitive and specific multiplex diagnosis of bacterial infections.
Enzymatic Friedel‐Crafts Alkylation Using Squalene‐Hopene Cyclases
Authors: Henche Sabrina , Nestl Bettina M. , Hauer Bernhard
Published: May 2021

The Friedel‐Crafts alkylation constitutes one of the most important reactions for the formation of carbon‐carbon bonds. Here, we report the Friedel‐Crafts alkylation using squalene‐hopene cyclases, which provides a biological alternative to the traditional strategy. The squalene‐hopene cyclase from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius (AacSHC) and variants have been demonstrated to have a broad substrate and reaction scope, making them valuable for potential applications in biocatalysis. Notably, the Friedel‐Crafts alkylation of the substrate geranyl phenyl ether was found to be highly regioselective. Furthermore, squalene‐hopene cyclases exhibit promiscuous activity in catalyzing the hydration of geranyl phenyl ether in an aqueous buffer. Finally, we have analyzed the roles of various active‐site residues and studied their influence on the reaction and product specificity. These findings highlight the promise of enzymatic catalysis for enabling selective C−C bond formations.
Pseudocapacitive Redox Polymers as Battery Materials: A Proof‐of‐Concept All‐Polymer Aqueous Battery
Authors: Dieckhöfer Stefan , Medina Danea , Ruff Adrian , Conzuelo Felipe , Schuhmann Wolfgang
Published: May 2021

Redox polymers with distinct redox units have been long recognized for their pseudocapacitive and reversible charge storage behaviour. Many systems investigated so far have utilized organic electrolytes and/or have coupled a redox polymer half‐cell to a non‐polymer counter electrode. However, due to safety and sustainability considerations, aqueous electrolyte based charge storage in all‐polymer configurations is considered a promising option for possible future applications. We present a strategy based on pseudocapacitive charge storage in Osmium‐complex and viologen‐modified redox polymers with specifically designed poly(vinylimidazole)‐ and poly(vinylpyridine)‐based backbones. We couple both redox polymers in an aqueous battery configuration, demonstrating Nernst‐potential driven energy storage. Electrochemical characterization in a concentric three‐electrode Swagelok cell and coin cells reveals stable reversible capacities over more than 1800 cycles, with nearly quantitative coulombic efficiencies (>99.4 %) for the coin cells.
On the signal contribution function with respect to different norms
Authors: Neymeyr Klaus , Sawall Mathias , Olivieri Alejandro C.
Published: May 2021

The signal contribution function (SCF) in multivariate curve resolution evaluates signal portions of specific components either in absolute or in relative form related to the integrated signal of all components. In 1999, Gemperline used the summed signal data, and in 2001, Tauler worked with the square‐summed relative signal in order to determine the profiles that minimize, respectively maximize, the signal contribution. These profiles approximate the bands of all feasible profiles. Here, Gemperline's approach using the entrywise 1‐matrix norm is proved to provide accurate bounds for two‐component systems. This revives the approach of summed mass or absorption values with its potentially better chemical interpretability.
Novel Pyridine‐Containing Sultones: Structure‐Activity Relationship and Biological Evaluation as Selective AChE Inhibitors for the Treatment of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Zhang Hong , Wu Chengyao , Chen Xing , Zhang Ziwen , Jiang Xia , Qin Hua‐Li , Tang Wenjian
Published: May 2021

Novel pyridine‐containing sultones were synthesized and evaluated for their cholinesterase (ChE) inhibitory activity. Most of compounds showed selective acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity. The structure‐activity relationship (SAR) showed: (i) the fused pyridine‐containing sultones increase AChE inhibition, series B>series A; (ii) for series A, the effect of the 4‐substituent on AChE activity, p‐>m‐ or o‐; (iii) for series B, a halophenyl group increase activity. Compound B4 (4‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐2,2‐dioxide‐3,4,5,6‐tetrahydro‐1,2‐oxathiino[5,6‐h]quinoline) was identified as a selective AChE inhibitor (IC50=8.93 μM), and molecular docking studies revealed a good fit into TcAChE via hydrogen interactions between the δ‐pyridylsultone scaffold with Asp72, Ser122, Phe288, Phe290 and Trp84. Compound B4 showed reversible and non‐competitive (Ki=7.67 μM) AChE inhibition, nontoxicity and neuroprotective activity. In vivo studies confirmed that compound B4 could ameliorate the cognitive performance of scopolamine‐treated C57BL/6 J mice, suggesting a significant benefit of AChE inhibition for a disease‐modifying treatment of AD.
High‐performance SIMD modular arithmetic for polynomial evaluation
Authors: Fortin Pierre , Fleury Ambroise , Lemaire François , Monagan Michael
Published: May 2021

Two essential problems in computer algebra, namely polynomial factorization and polynomial greatest common divisor computation, can be efficiently solved thanks to multiple polynomial evaluations in two variables using modular arithmetic. In this article, we focus on the efficient computation of such polynomial evaluations on one single CPU core. We first show how to leverage SIMD (single instruction, multiple data) computing for modular arithmetic on AVX2 and AVX‐512 units, using both intrinsics and OpenMP compiler directives. Then we manage to increase the operational intensity and to exploit instruction‐level parallelism in order to increase the compute efficiency of these polynomial evaluations. All this results in the end to performance gains up to about 5x on AVX2 and 10x on AVX‐512.
Specific Versus Non‐specific Response in Exponential Molecular Amplification from Cross‐Catalysis: Modeling the Influence of Background Amplifications on the Analytical Performances
Authors: Branca Mathieu , Calvet Corentin , Limoges Benoît , Mavré François
Published: May 2021

Molecule based signal amplifications relying on an autocatalytic process may represent an ideal strategy for the development of ultrasensitive analytical or bioanalytical assays, the main reason being the exponential nature of the amplification. However, to take full advantage of such amplification rates, high stability of the starting co‐reactants is required in order to avoid any undesirable background amplification. Here, on the basis of a simple kinetic model of cross‐catalysis including a certain degree of intrinsic instability of co‐reactants, we highlight the key parameters governing the analytical response of the system and discuss the analytical performances that are expected from a given kinetic set. In particular, we show how the detection limit is directly related to the relative instability of reactants within each catalytic loop. The model is validated with an experimental dataset and is intended to serve as a guide in the design and optimization of autocatalytic molecular‐based amplification systems with improved analytical performances.
Germanium‐Based Halide Perovskites: Materials, Properties, and Applications
Authors: Chiara Rossella , Morana Marta , Malavasi Lorenzo
Published: May 2021

Perovskites are attracting an increasing interest in the wide community of photovoltaics, optoelectronic, and detection, traditionally relying on lead‐based systems. This Minireview provides an overview of the current status of experimental and computational results available on Ge‐containing 3D and low‐dimensional halide perovskites. While stability issues analogous to those of tin‐based materials are present, some strategies to afford this problem in Ge metal halide perovskites (MHPs) for photovoltaics have already been identified and successfully employed, reaching efficiencies of solar devices greater than 7 % at up to 500 h of illumination. Interestingly, some Ge‐containing MHPs showed promising nonlinear optical responses as well as quite broad emissions, which are worthy of further investigation starting from the basic materials chemistry perspective, where a large space for properties modulation through compositions/alloying/fnanostructuring is present.
Flavylium‐ and Silylrhodapolymethines In Excitation Multiplexing
Authors: Tian Conghe , Burgess Kevin
Published: May 2021

Creation of a flavylium polymethine dye set enabled selection of two fluorophores that match common lasers for exciting in the near‐IR II region. Using these, researchers cast a broad net to catch any wavelength emission in the near‐IR II region, and relied on selective excitation to multiplex; this is a paradigm shift away from multiplexing via discrimination of emission wavelengths. Excitation multiplexing with flavylium dyes is a new and exciting strategy, but not yet a perfect one; it requires discrete water soluble fluorophores, including one that is turned on at 808 nm.
Effects of perennial ryegrass competition on bermudagrass and hybrid bermudagrass cover, biomass, and total nonstructural carbohydrate accumulation
Authors: Peppers John M. , Mittlesteadt Tyler L. , Askew Shawn D.
Published: May 2021

To extend golf play in early summer or hasten athletic field preparation in late summer, turf managers often desire to allow perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) to persist and compete with overseeded bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L. Pers.) or hybrid bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon × C. transvaalensis Burtt Davy) during optimal growing conditions. Understanding how competition‐free growing degree‐days (CFGDD) influence bermudagrass total nonstructural carbohydrates (TNC), biomass, and visual green cover may aid in turf‐use scheduling. Twenty‐four weekly treatments of foramsulfuron eliminated perennial ryegrass competition in replicate plots and allowed assessment of competition‐free bermudagrass coverage, biomass, and TNC as related to cumulative heat and light units. Results from this study indicate that bermudagrass coverage is a function of cumulative CFGDD and competition‐free daily light integral (CFDLI) but is dependent on locations or years where cultivars or seasonal legacy are variable. At three locations, ‘Patriot’ and ‘Midiron’ hybrid bermudagrass and ‘Riviera’ bermudagrass required 603, 709, and 959 CFGDD and 2,447, 3,271, and 4,556 mol m–2 CFDLI to reach 97% coverage, respectively. Trends of TNC per unit area, however, continued to increase after full coverage was achieved and up to the point at which no more heat or light units were accumulated in fall. Absence of a clear asymptote in the trends suggests that heat or light units that were seasonally accumulated in Blacksburg, VA, were insufficient to achieve maximum bermudagrass carbohydrate reserves before winter dormancy.
Tailoring the Performance of ZnO for Oxygen Evolution by Effective Transition Metal Doping
Authors: Liang Qiuhua , Brocks Geert , Sinha Vivek , Bieberle‐Hütter Anja
Published: May 2021

In the quest for active and inexpensive (photo)electrocatalysts, atomistic simulations of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are essential for understanding the catalytic process of water splitting at solid surfaces. In this paper, the enhancement of the OER by first‐row transition‐metal (TM) doping of the abundant semiconductor ZnO was studied using density functional theory (DFT) calculations on a substantial number of possible structures and bonding geometries. The calculated overpotential for undoped ZnO was 1.0 V. For TM dopants in the 3d series from Mn to Ni, the overpotentials decreased from 0.9 V for Mn and 0.6 V for Fe down to 0.4 V for Co, and rose again to 0.5 V for Ni and 0.8 V for Cu. The overpotentials were analyzed in terms of the binding to the surface of the species involved in the four reaction steps of the OER. The Gibbs free energies associated with the adsorption of these intermediate species increased in the series from Mn to Zn, but the difference between OH and OOH adsorption (the species involved in the first, respectively the third reaction step) was always in the range 3.0–3.3 eV, despite a considerable variation in possible bonding geometries. The bonding of the O intermediate species (involved in the second reaction step), which is optimal for Co, and to a somewhat lesser extend for Ni, then ultimately determined the overpotential. These results implied that both Co and Ni are promising dopants for increasing the activity of ZnO‐based anodes for the OER.
Generation and characterization of a tamoxifen‐inducible Vsx1‐CreERT2 line to target V2 interneurons in the mouse developing spinal cord
Authors: Baudouin Charlotte , Pelosi Barbara , Courtoy Guillaume E. , Achouri Younes , Clotman Frédéric
Published: May 2021

In the spinal cord, ventral interneurons regulate the activity of motor neurons, thereby controlling motor activities including locomotion. Interneurons arise during embryonic development from distinct progenitor domains orderly distributed along the dorso‐ventral axis of the neural tube. The p2 progenitor domain generates at least five V2 interneuron populations. However, identification and characterization of all V2 populations remain currently incomplete and the mechanisms that control their development remain only partly understood. In this study, we report the generation of a Vsx1‐CreERT2 BAC transgenic mouse line that drives CreERT2 recombinase expression mimicking endogenous Vsx1 expression pattern in the developing spinal cord. We showed that the Vsx1‐CreERT2 transgene can mediate recombination in V2 precursors with a high efficacy and specificity. Lineage tracing demonstrated that all the V2 interneurons in the mouse developing spinal cord derive from cells expressing Vsx1. Finally, we confirmed that V2 precursors generate additional V2 populations that are not characterized yet. Thus, the Vsx1‐CreERT2 line described here is a useful genetic tool for lineage tracing and for functional studies of the mouse spinal V2 interneurons.
The patterns of left ventricular alteration by adipose tissue distribution: implication for heart failure prevention
Authors: Cai Anping , Liu Lin , Zhou Dan , Zhou Yingling , Tang Songtao , Feng Yingqing
Published: May 2021

Aims

The current study aimed to evaluate the associations between general and abdominal obesity with left ventricular (LV) structure and function and whether these associations differed by sex.

Methods and results

This is a community‐based cross‐sectional study, and 971 hypertensive individuals without overt cardiovascular disease were included. General obesity was defined as body mass index (BMI) ≥ 28 kg/m2, and abdominal obesity was defined as waist circumference (WC) ≥ 90 cm for men and ≥85 cm for women. The associations between general and abdominal obesity with LV structure and function were examined using linear regression analysis, and the interaction by sex was performed. The mean age was 66.5 ± 11.4 years, and women accounted for 62%. General obese individuals (n = 205) were more likely to have concentric remodelling, LV hypertrophy, and worse diastolic function. Similar differences were observed in abdominal obese individuals (n = 593). General obesity was associated with LV end‐diastolic volume, LV mass, left atrial volume, and septal E/e' ratio after adjusting for WC and clinical covariates; and abdominal obesity was associated with septal e' velocity after adjusting for BMI and clinical covariates. The associations between general obesity with LV structure and function did not differ by sex, while the magnitudes of the associations between abdominal obesity with LV mass and septal e' velocity were greater in men.

Conclusions

General and abdominal obesity were associated with different patterns of LV structural and functional alterations, stressing the importance of incorporating BMI and WC measurements into assessing obesity‐related LV alterations.
Synthesis of 3‐Amino‐4‐iodothiophenes through Iodocyclization of 1‐(1,3‐Dithian‐2‐yl)propargylamines
Authors: Ismailoglu Eda , Mert Zeynep , Dinc Mert , Kaya Kerem , Yucel Baris
Published: May 2021

1‐(1,3‐Dithian‐2‐yl)propargylamines undergo iodo‐cylization regioselectively to afford tetrasubstituted 3‐amino‐4‐iodothiophenes in 30–87 % yields by iodide induced cleavage of dithiane ring in a bicyclic sulfonium intermediate. A mechanism for this unprecedented transformation was proposed and tentatively supported by the isolation of an intermediate structure. 1‐(1,3‐Dithian‐2‐yl)propargylamines were prepared in 30–94 % yields by Au‐catalyzed one‐pot, three‐component reaction of 1,3‐dithiane‐2‐carbaldehydes, amines, and alkynes so called A3‐coupling reaction.
Evidence for a gradient within the medial temporal lobes for flexible retrieval under hierarchical task rules
Authors: Brown Thackery I. , He Qiliang , Aselcioglu Irem , Stern Chantal E.
Published: May 2021

A fundamental question in memory research is how the hippocampus processes contextual cues to retrieve distinct mnemonic associations. Prior research has emphasized the importance of hippocampal–prefrontal interactions for context‐dependent memory. Our fMRI study examined the human medial temporal lobes (MTL) and their prefrontal interactions when retrieving memories associated with hierarchically organized task contexts. Participants learned virtual object‐location associations governed by subordinate and superordinate task rules, which could be independently cued to change. On each fMRI trial, participants retrieved the correct object for convergent rule and location contextual information. Results demonstrated that hippocampal activity and hippocampal–prefrontal functional interconnectivity distinguished retrieval under different levels of hierarchically organized task rules. In explicit contrast to the hippocampal tail, anterior (body and head) regions were recruited specifically for superordinate changes in the contextual hierarchy. The hippocampal body also differed in its functional connectivity with the prefrontal cortex for superordinate versus subordinate changes. Our findings demonstrate a gradient in MTL for associative retrieval under changing task rules, and advance understanding of hippocampal–prefrontal interactions that support flexible contextual memory.
Complications of cytoreductive surgery plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: An evaluation of 100 cases
Authors: Akilli Huseyin , Gunakan Emre , Haberal Ali , Altundag Ozden , Kuscu Ulku Esra , Taskiran Cagatay , Ayhan Ali
Published: May 2021

Objective

To evaluate the perioperative outcomes and complications of patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis who underwent cytoreductive surgery plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).

Methods

This retrospective study included 100 patients operated on between 2016 and 2020. Patients’ characteristics, including age, comorbidities, chemotherapy history, treatment failures, cancer type, histology, platinum sensitivity, and perioperative complications, were documented. Perioperative complications were classified according to the Clavien‐Dindo classification.

Results

Median age was 58 years and median follow‐up time was 16 months. Eighty‐six (86%) patients had ovarian cancer; 11 (11%) experienced grade III–IV complications, and the only relevant factor was the presence of multiple metastasis (P = 0.031). Seven patients (7%) had surgical‐site infection; in multivariant analyses, only ostomy formation was found as an independent risk factor for surgical‐site infection (odds ratio [OR] 14.01; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.36–143.52; P = 0.024). Fifteen (15%) patients experienced elevated serum creatinine after surgery and the median time to creatinine elevation was 5 days postoperatively (range 3–15 days). In multivariant analyses, only age of of 58 years or more was found as a significant factor for the elevation of serum creatinine (OR 6.96; 95% CI 1.42–32.81; P = 0.014).

Conclusion

Our results showed that the presence of multiple metastases increased the risk of grade III–IV complications and age of 58 years or more was the leading risk factor for renal complications. However, we could not find a relation between postoperative complications and oncologic outcomes. HIPEC seems to be a safe approach in experienced hands.
Cell‐associated type I collagen in nondegenerate and degenerate human articular cartilage
Authors: Styczynska‐Soczka Katarzyna , Amin Anish K. , Hall Andrew C.
Published: May 2021

Chondrocytes with abnormal morphology are present in nondegenerate human cartilage suggesting dedifferentiation to a fibroblastic phenotype and production of a mechanically‐weakened matrix of unknown composition. We determined the relationship between in situ chondrocyte morphology, chondrocyte clusters, and levels of cell‐associated collagen type I. Chondrocyte morphology in fresh femoral head cartilage from 19 patients with femoral neck fracture and collagen type I labelling was identified with Cell TrackerTM fluorescence and immunofluorescence, respectively, in axial/coronal orientations using confocal microscopy with images analysed by ImarisTM. In axial images of grade 0 cartilage, 87 ± 8% were normal chondrocytes with a small (10 ± 6%) abnormal population possessing ≥1 cytoplasmic process. More normal chondrocytes (78 ± 11%) were collagen type I negative than those labelling positively (p < 0.001). For abnormal chondrocytes, 81 ± 14% labelled negatively for collagen type I compared to those labelling positively (19 ± 3%; p = 0.007; N(n)=11(3)). Overall, approximately 9% of the cells in normal cartilage labelled for collagen type I. With degeneration, the percentage of normal chondrocytes decreased (p < 0.001) but increased for abnormal cells (p = 0.036) and clusters (p = 0.003). A larger percentage of normal, abnormal and clustered chondrocytes now demonstrated collagen type I labelling (p = 0.004; p = 0.009; p = 0.001 respectively). Coronal images exhibited increased (p = 0.001) collagen type I labelling in the superficial zone of mildly degenerate cartilage with none in the mid or deep zones. These results show that collagen type I was identified around normal and abnormal chondrocytes in nondegenerate cartilage, which increased with degeneration. This suggested the presence of mechanically weak fibro‐cartilaginous repair tissue in otherwise macroscopically nondegenerate human cartilage which progressed with degeneration as occurs in osteoarthritis.
Colorings of complements of line graphs
Authors: Daneshpajouh Hamid Reza , Meunier Frédéric , Mizrahi Guilhem
Published: May 2021

Our purpose is to show that complements of line graphs (of graphs) enjoy nice coloring properties. We show that for all graphs in this class the local and usual chromatic numbers are equal. We also prove a sufficient condition for the chromatic number to be equal to a natural upper bound. A consequence of this latter condition is a complete characterization of all induced subgraphs of the Kneser graph that have a chromatic number equal to its chromatic number, namely . In addition to the upper bound, a lower bound is provided by Dol'nikov's theorem, a classical result of the topological method in graph theory. We prove the NP‐hardness of deciding the equality between the chromatic number and any of these bounds. The topological method is especially suitable for the study of coloring properties of complements of line graphs of hypergraphs. Nevertheless, all proofs in this article are elementary and we also provide a short discussion on the ability for the topological methods to cover some of our results.
Right Ventricular Function and T1‐Mapping in Boys With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Dual Seraina A. , Maforo Nyasha G. , McElhinney Doff B. , Prosper Ashley , Wu Holden H. , Maskatia Shiraz , Renella Pierangelo , Halnon Nancy , Ennis Daniel B.
Published: May 2021

Background

Clinical management of boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) relies on in‐depth understanding of cardiac involvement, but right ventricular (RV) structural and functional remodeling remains understudied.

Purpose

To evaluate several analysis methods and identify the most reliable one to measure RV pre‐ and postcontrast T1 (RV‐T1) and to characterize myocardial remodeling in the RV of boys with DMD.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Boys with DMD (N = 27) and age‐/sex‐matched healthy controls (N = 17) from two sites.

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0 T using balanced steady state free precession, motion‐corrected phase sensitive inversion recovery and modified Look‐Locker inversion recovery sequences.

Assessment

Biventricular mass (Mi), end‐diastolic volume (EDVi) and ejection fraction (EF) assessment, tricuspid annular excursion (TAE), late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), pre‐ and postcontrast myocardial T1 maps. The RV‐T1 reliability was assessed by three observers in four different RV regions of interest (ROI) using intraclass correlation (ICC).

Statistical Tests

The Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare RV‐T1 differences between DMD boys with negative LGE(−) or positive LGE(+) and healthy controls. Additionally, correlation of precontrast RV‐T1 with functional measures was performed. A P‐value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

A 1‐pixel thick RV circumferential ROI proved most reliable (ICC > 0.91) for assessing RV‐T1. Precontrast RV‐T1 was significantly higher in boys with DMD compared to controls. Both LGE(−) and LGE(+) boys had significantly elevated precontrast RV‐T1 compared to controls (1543 [1489–1597] msec and 1550 [1402–1699] msec vs. 1436 [1399–1473] msec, respectively). Compared to healthy controls, boys with DMD had preserved RVEF (51.8 [9.9]% vs. 54.2 [7.2]%, P = 0.31) and significantly reduced RVMi (29.8 [9.7] g vs. 48.0 [15.7] g), RVEDVi (69.8 [29.7] mL/m2 vs. 89.1 [21.9] mL/m2), and TAE (22.0 [3.2] cm vs. 26.0 [4.7] cm). Significant correlations were found between precontrast RV‐T1 and RVEF (β = −0.48%/msec) and between LV‐T1 and LVEF (β = −0.51%/msec).

Data Conclusion

Precontrast RV‐T1 is elevated in boys with DMD compared to healthy controls and is negatively correlated with RVEF.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Percutaneous and Open Tracheostomy in Patients With COVID‐19: The Weill Cornell Experience in New York City
Authors: Long Sallie M. , Feit Noah Z. , Chern Alexander , Cooley Victoria , Hill Shanna S. , Rajwani Kapil , Schenck Edward J. , Stiles Brendon , Tassler Andrew B.
Published: May 2021

Objective

Report long‐term tracheostomy outcomes in patients with COVID‐19.

Study Design

Review of prospectively collected data.

Methods

Prospectively collected data were extracted for adults with COVID‐19 undergoing percutaneous or open tracheostomy between April 4, 2020 and June 2, 2020 at a major medical center in New York City. The primary endpoint was weaning from mechanical ventilation. Secondary outcomes included sedation weaning, decannulation, and discharge.

Results

One hundred one patients underwent tracheostomy, including 48 percutaneous (48%) and 53 open (52%), after a median intubation time of 24 days (IQR 20, 31). The most common complication was minor bleeding (n = 18, 18%). The all‐cause mortality rate was 15% and no deaths were attributable to the tracheostomy. Eighty‐three patients (82%) were weaned off mechanical ventilation, 88 patients (87%) were weaned off sedation, and 72 patients (71%) were decannulated. Censored median times from tracheostomy to sedation and ventilator weaning were 8 (95% CI 6–11) and 18 (95% CI 14–22) days, respectively (uncensored: 7 and 15 days). Median time from tracheostomy to decannulation was 36 (95% CI 32–47) days (uncensored: 32 days). Of those decannulated, 82% were decannulated during their index admission. There were no differences in outcomes or complication rates between percutaneous and open tracheostomy. Likelihood of discharge from the ICU was inversely related to intubation time, though the clinical relevance of this was small (HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.943–0.998; P = .037).

Conclusion

Tracheostomy by either percutaneous or open technique facilitated sedation and ventilator weaning in patients with COVID‐19 after prolonged intubation. Additional study on the optimal timing of tracheostomy in patients with COVID‐19 is warranted.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 131:E2849–E2856, 2021
Inhibiting Wnt/beta‐catenin in CTNNB1‐mutated endometrial cancer
Authors: Moroney Marisa R. , Woodruff Elizabeth , Qamar Lubna , Bradford Andrew P. , Wolsky Rebecca , Bitler Benjamin G. , Corr Bradley R.
Published: May 2021

The role of β‐catenin/TCF transcriptional activity in endometrial cancer (EC) recurrence is not well understood. We assessed the impact of Wnt/β‐catenin inhibition in EC models. In an analysis of the Cancer Genome Atlas, we confirmed that CTNNB1 mutations are enriched in recurrent low‐risk EC and showed that aberrant Wnt/β‐catenin pathway activation is associated with recurrence. We studied CTNNB1‐wildtype (HEC1B, Ishikawa) and CTNNB1‐mutant (HEC108, HEC265, HEC1B‐S33Y, Ishikawa‐S33Y) EC cell lines. Dose response curves were determined for 5 Wnt/β‐catenin pathway inhibitors (Wnt‐C59, XAV‐939, PyrPam, PRI‐724, SM04690). XAV939, Wnt‐C59 and PyrPam inhibited function upstream of β‐catenin transcriptional activity and were ineffective at inhibiting cell viability. In contrast, PRI724 and SM04690 indirectly inhibited β‐catenin transcriptional activity and significantly reduced cell viability in CTNNB1‐mutant cell lines. Treatment with SM04690 reduced cell viability (Licor Cell stain) in all EC cell lines, but viability was significantly lower in CTNNB1‐mutant cell lines (p < 0.01). Mechanistically, SM04690 significantly inhibited proliferation measured via 5′‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine incorporation and reduced T cell factor (TCF) transcriptional activity. HEC1B, HEC1B‐S33Y and HEC265 tumor‐bearing mice were treated with vehicle or SM04690. Tumors treated with SM04690 had smaller mean volumes than those treated with vehicle (p < 0.001, p = 0.014, p = 0.06). In HEC1B‐S33Y and HEC265 tumors, SM04690 treatment significantly reduced Ki67 H‐scores compared to vehicle (p = 0.035, p = 0.024). Targeting the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway in CTNNB1‐mutant EC effectively inhibited proliferation and β‐catenin/TCF transcriptional activity and blunted tumor progression in in vivo models. These studies suggest β‐catenin transcriptional inhibitors are effective in EC and particularly in CTNNB1‐mutant EC, highlighting a potential therapeutic vulnerability for treatment of CTNNB1‐mutant EC.
Other comprehensive income, corporate governance, and firm performance in China
Authors: Wang Yan , Shan Yuan George , He Zhuqian , Zhao Changheng
Published: May 2021

This research is based on a data set comprising 6260 firm‐year observations from listed companies on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges during 2009–2015, and the results indicate that other comprehensive income (OCI) disclosure generally improves firm performance, whereas earnings management reduces firm performance. The study also finds that OCI disclosure and corporate governance are complementary in restraining earnings manipulation and promoting firm performance, and there is a causal relationship between OCI disclosure and earnings management to affect firm performance.
The actuality of resilience, social support and quality of life among patients with inflammatory bowel disease in China
Authors: Dai Weiwei , Zeng Yufeng , Liang E. , Zhou Qiuhong , Zhang Lei , Peng Jie
Published: May 2021

Aim

This study was conducted to increase knowledge on the actuality of resilience, social support and quality of life among inflammatory bowel disease patients in China to provide evidence for psychological support.

Design

Using convenience sampling, 249 outpatients and inpatients with inflammatory bowel disease from a hospital who completed the questionnaires were enrolled in the analytic questionnaire‐based study.

Methods

Demographic information forms, Resilience Scale for Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Social Support Rating Scale and Short Health Scale were administered.

Results

It was found that the resilience of patients with inflammatory bowel disease should be enhanced. When considering factors that influence resilience, the place of residence (living in rural areas) and utilization of social support should be considered. Resilience demonstrated a positive correlation with utilization of social support, and different place of residence was related to resilience. Targeted interventions should be implemented to increase patients’ resilience and quality of life.
Do the customer relationship benefits influence expectation of continuity? Adoption of social customer relationship management to promote eco‐friendly products
Authors: Oluwajana Dokun , Adeshola Ibrahim , Olowu Gbolahan
Published: May 2021

Social media and customer relationships have become ubiquitous, and every organization now depends on both to manage and meet their organizational targets. Most organizations are now finding it necessary to adopt Social Customer Relationship Management (SCRM) to improve their marketing strategies and facilitate customer expectation of continuity. In essence, there has been a public interest in using SCRM on eco‐friendly brands, and these have become inevitable for the new generation of sustainable marketing organizations. This study investigates the effectiveness of SCRM benefits and examines the relationships among customer commitment, customer trust, customer relationship satisfaction, customer relationship quality, and expectation of continuity. The results revealed that relationship benefits positively influence commitment, trust, satisfaction, and relationship quality; likewise, they influence customer expectation of continuity, except trust, which is not significant. The study provides recommendations for managers to maximize the advantages of the relationship to the expectation of continuity.
Association between musculoskeletal function and postural balance in patients with long‐lasting dizziness. A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Haukanes Linda , Knapstad Mari Kalland , Kristiansen Lene , Magnussen Liv Heide
Published: May 2021

Background and purpose

Reduced balance and musculoskeletal pain are frequently reported among patients with long‐lasting dizziness. However, the association between musculoskeletal function and postural sway among these patients has not been examined. The objective of this study was to examine if there is an association between aspects of musculoskeletal function and postural balance in patients with long‐lasting dizziness.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study, using data of 105 outpatients with long‐lasting dizziness. Aspects of musculoskeletal function was assessed by examining body flexibility, grip strength, preferred and fast walking speed, in addition to musculoskeletal pain. Musculoskeletal pain was evaluated using the Subjective Health Complaints questionnaire. Postural balance was assessed by path length of postural sway by using a balance platform on both firm and soft surfaces, with eyes open and closed. The association between musculoskeletal function and postural sway was assessed using linear regression analyses.

Results

When adjusting for age and gender we found that on a firm surface, there was an association between increased musculoskeletal pain and increased postural sway measured with eyes open (p = 0.038). In addition, there was an association between decreased body flexibility and decreased postural sway with eyes open (p = 0.025). On a soft surface, decreased fast walking speed was associated with increased postural sway with eyes open (p = 0.027). In addition, decreased grip strength was associated with increased postural sway on a soft surface with eyes closed (p = 0.015).

Discussion

The findings from this study imply that musculoskeletal function may associate with postural sway in patients with long‐lasting dizziness, although the associations were weak.
Dexamethasone promotes the endoplasmic reticulum stress response of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells by activating the PERK‐Nrf2 signaling pathway
Authors: Cheng Suoli , Liu Xueqin , Gong Fan , Ding Xiaoling , Zhou Xuebing , Liu Cuiyun , Zhao Fei , Li Xiaoliang , Shi Jiandang
Published: May 2021

The pathogenesis of steroid‐induced avascular necrosis of femoral head (SANFH) is complex, and there is a lack of effective early prevention method. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of dexamethasone (DEX) on the biological behavior of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and to explore the possibility of DEX in the clinical treatment of SANFH. The effect of DEX on the proliferation of BMSCs was evaluated by Counting Kit‐8 assay, western blot assay, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Flow cytometry and western blot assay were performed to detect the effect of DEX on the apoptosis of BMSCs. Quantitative real‐time PCR and western blot assay were performed to detect the effect of DEX on the expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)‐related genes. Immunoblotting analysis was conducted for detecting the nuclear‐cytoplasmic distribution of Nrf2. DEX could significantly inhibit the proliferation of BMSCs and promote apoptosis of BMSCs. DEX could increase the expression of PERK, ATF6, and IRE1a, and induce nuclear translocation of Nrf2. The addition of ML385 could reverse the effect of DEX on BMSCs. DEX could activate the PERK‐Nrf2 pathway to promote ERS and finally affect the cell proliferation and apoptosis of BMSCs.
Implementation of High‐Performance Solution‐Processed Amorphous Indium–Gallium–Zinc–Oxide Thin‐Film Transistors with Low Charge Traps by Microwave Heat Treatment of Low Thermal Budget
Authors: Min Jin-Gi , Cho Won-Ju
Published: May 2021

Herein, high‐performance solution‐processed amorphous indium–gallium–zinc–oxide (a‐IGZO) thin‐film transistors (TFTs) with low trap densities due to post‐deposition annealing (PDA) are processed with a low‐thermal‐budget microwave (MW) heat treatment. To verify the MW effectiveness, the composition ratio of a‐IGZO thin films and the electrical characteristics of TFTs prepared by conventional thermal annealing (CTA) are compared. An X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis reveals that MW annealing (MWA) improves the film quality more effectively than CTA. a‐IGZO TFTs treated by MWA or CTA are fabricated to evaluate their electrical characteristics. MWA is more effective than CTA in improving the performance, such as hysteresis, subthreshold swing (SS), field effect mobility (μ
FE), and on/off current ratio (I
on/I
off). MWA provides lower interfacial trap density (D
it) and volume trap density (N
t) than CTA. To evaluate instability, the threshold voltage (V
TH) shift is monitored using positive and negative gate‐bias stress tests. MWA demonstrates better reliability than CTA. In conclusion, high‐performance solution‐based a‐IGZO TFTs can be implemented by lowering the charge traps in the a‐IGZO channel using MWA.
Simple Exfoliation of Bulk Gallium Selenide to Single/Few Layers by a Temperature‐Adjustment Bath‐Ultrasonic Treatment
Authors: Qi Xiaofei , Gao Mingyang , Ding Cong , Zhang Wen , Qu Rui , Guo Yuxi , Gao Hong , Zhang Zhiyong
Published: May 2021

2D layered materials, such as gallium selenide (GaSe), if exfoliated adjustably, exhibit several excellent properties, offering great potential for diverse uses. Herein, bulk GaSe is exfoliated by a novel temperature‐adjustment bath‐ultrasonic method. The obtained single to few layers of high‐quality GaSe nanosheets are deposited on a silicon/silicon dioxide (Si/SiO2) wafer and characterized by different methods to demonstrate the bath‐temperature non‐monotonic effect on the quality of nanoflakes. The optimal bath‐ultrasonic experimental scheme of GaSe nanosheet preparation is proposed. The adjustment of temperature shows effective control over the micromorphology of the exfoliated GaSe material, especially the thickness of the nanosheets. Through atomic force microscopy (AFM) characterization of all samples, it can be observed that the nanosheets exhibit a uniform thickness, which means that this novel temperature‐adjustment exfoliation method is of general significance. It is found that the bath temperature of the ultrasonic process plays an important role in the synthesis of samples. A reasonable exfoliation mechanism of 2D ultrathin nanosheets is proposed and the energetics of the bath‐ultrasonic process are discussed.
Molecular design of long intra‐annular nitrogen chains: 3H‐tetrazolo[1,5‐d]tetrazole‐based high‐energy‐density materials
Authors: Zhao Xiuxiu , Zhang Yingchao , Xie Congxia , Tan Long
Published: May 2021

Energetic compounds containing long nitrogen chain, have been a research hotspot. Fused heterocycles are stable due to their aromatic systems. Compounds obtained by combining long nitrogen chain and fused ring can not only retain good energetic property, but also ensure better stability. In this work, eight fused heterocycle‐based energetic compounds, 3H‐tetrazolo[1,5‐d]tetrazole (1) and its derivatives (2–8), were designed, containing a nitrogen chain with seven nitrogen atoms. The HOF, thermal stability, and energetic properties of these compounds were studied using the DFT method. The results show that the introduction of –NO2, –N3, –NF2, –ONO2, and –NHNO2 groups greatly increased the density, HOF, detonation velocity, and detonation pressure. The densities of 3, 5, 7, and 8 fall within the range designated for high‐energy‐density materials. The calculated detonation velocities of the compounds 3 and 8 are as high as 9.86 and 9.78 km s−1, which are superior to that of CL‐20. Kinetic study of the thermal decomposition mechanism indicates that the N–R bonds may not be the weakest bonds in these compounds. The tetrazole ring opening of the heterocycle‐based energetic compounds, followed by N2 elimination, is predicted to be the primary decomposition channel, regardless of whether substituent groups are present.
Gellan‐Gum and LiTFSI‐Based Solid Polymer Electrolytes for Electrochromic Devices
Authors: Isfahani Vahideh Bayzi , Pereira Rui F. P. , Fernandes Mariana , Sabadini Rodrigo C. , Pereira Sónia , Dizaji Hamid Rezagholipour , Arab Ali , Fortunato Elvira , Pawlicka Agnieszka , Rego Rosa , de Zea Bermudez Verónica , Silva Maria M.
Published: May 2021

It has been long recognized that solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are potentially interesting for solid‐state electrochemical devices. Gellan gum (Ge)‐based SPEs, plasticized with glycerol (Gly) and doped with lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfone)imide (LiTFSI) were prepared by the solvent casting technique, and their properties were evaluated. LiTFSI‐based SPE systems exhibit, on the average, higher conductivities than similar systems with other lithium salts. The structure, morphology, complex impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and thermal stability of the new electrolyte system were characterized. Electrochromic devices (ECDs) were built with optimized electrolyte samples and their performance was analyzed. The samples were applied in small ECDs with glass/ITO/CeO2‐TiO2/SPE/Prussian blue/ITO/glass configuration. The devices presented a two‐modulation operation: a semi‐bright mode (−2.5 V) and a dark mode (+0.5 V). The best results were obtained with the ECD containing the GeGly1Li2.4 electrolyte, for which the transmittance (T) values in the bleached and colored states were ca. 33.4/43.0 % and 5.4/8.8 % at 555/1000 nm, respectively. These results correspond to ΔT and ΔOD values of 28.0/34.2 % and 0.79/0.69, respectively, which give quite high CEin and CEout values of −4925 cm2 C−1 for bleaching (Qin=−272.1 μC cm−2), and 2062 cm2 C−1 for coloring (Qout=650.0 μC cm−2), at 630 nm. This electro‐optical performance suggests that the proposed SPE systems are promising materials to be further investigated and applied in ECDs.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Novel C(formyl)‐C(aryl)/C(aryl)‐N(amine) Coupling Sequence Between 2‐(Methylamino)nicotinaldehyde and 3‐Bromo‐2‐chlorothiophene: An Efficient Construction of 4‐Pyridone Fused Hybrid Scaffolds
Authors: Morja Mayur I. , Chauhan Prakashsingh M. , Chikhalia Kishor H.
Published: May 2021

An unique cyclization reaction between very simple starting materials such as 2‐ (methylamino)nicotinaldehyde and 3‐bromo‐2‐chlorothiophene has been reported. This strategy offers a facile access to a plethora of thieno[2,3‐b][1,8]naphthyridin‐4(9H)‐one derivatives, which are highly anticipating in pharmaceutical science as potential biologically active candidates.
Green Synthesis of Carbon Quantum Dots Doped on Nickel Oxide Nanoparticles as Recyclable Visible Light Photocatalysts for Enhanced Degradation of Malachite Green
Authors: Pebdeni Azam Bagheri , Khurshid Chrow Ahmed , Abkenar Shiva Dehghan , Hosseini Morteza
Published: May 2021

In the present study, carbon quantum dots/nickel oxide composites were successfully synthesized by a simple approach. Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) were prepared via a hydrothermal method from Nigella sativa seeds. Then, CQDs were attached to nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO) as a new class of photocatalytic materials, which can easily be recycled after photodegradation by applying a magnetic field. Nanocomposites were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier‐ transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV‐Visible and fluorescence spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of the composites was assessed using malachite green (MG) as the target pollutant under visible light irradiation. Our results presented that the powder form of the CQDs/NiO composites exhibited outstanding photocatalytic activity for three cycles and could be well restored through the applied magnetic field after photodegradation. About 98 % degradation of MG dye in the solution was confirmed after 60 min of visible light exposure.
Self‐assembled CoSe2 Microspheres with Intrinsic Peroxidase Mimicking Activity for Efficient Degradation of Variety of Dyes
Authors: Khagar Prerna , Pratap Umesh R. , Zodape Sangesh P. , Wankhade Atul V.
Published: May 2021

In this investigation, we report a new and greener self‐assembly of CoSe2 microsphere (CoSe2 MS) without assistance of harmful reducing and structure‐directing agents (SDA). Intrinsic peroxidase mimicking activity of synthesized CoSe2 MS was evaluated for 3,3,5,5′‐tetramethylbenzidine as a substrate by monitoring the absorbance of oxidized product at 653 nm. The smaller Michalis Menten constant (Km) for CoSe2 MS catalyzed reaction (0.371 mM), than the natural Horse Radish Peroxidase (HRP) enzyme, signifies the high substrate affinity of CoSe2 MS than HRP. Further, intrinsic peroxidase activity was assessed using emission intensity enhancement of terephthalic acid (TA) in presence of CoSe2 MS and H2O2 with time due to the production of .OH radicals and subsequent hydroxylation of TA. CoSe2 MS was further employed for organic dyes degradation in presence of H2O2, where cationic and anionic dyes degraded within 120 min with the highest degradation efficiency of 99.45 % for malachite green.