bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-destructive Estimation of Spinach Leaf Area: Image Processing and Artificial Neural Network Based Approach
Authors: Mahanti Naveen Kumar , Konga Upendar , Chakraborty Subir Kumar , Babu V. Bhushana
Published: July 2020

Leaf area (LA) measurement provides valuable key information in understanding the growth and physiology of a plant. Simple, accurate and non-destructive methods are inevitable for leaf area estimation. These methods are important for physiological and agronomic studies. However, the major limitations of existing leaf area measurement techniques are destructive in nature and time consuming. Therefore, the objective of the present work is to develop ANN and linear regression models along with image processing techniques to estimate spinach leaf area making use of leaf width (LW) and length (LL) and comparison of developed models performance based on the statistical parameters. The spinach leaves were grown under different nitrogen fertilizer doses (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350 and 400 kg N/ha). The morphological parameters length (LL), width (LW) and area (LA) of leaves were measured using an image-processing software. The performance LA= -0.66+0.64 (LL × LW) (R2 = 0.98, RMSE = 3.25 cm2) equation was better than the other linear models. The performance of the ANN model (R2 = 0.99, RMSE = 3.10 cm2) was better than all other linear models. Therefore, developed models along with image processing techniques can be used as a non-destructive technique for estimation of spinach leaf area.
Response of Plant Spacing and Balanced Fertilization on Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.) in Red Laterite Zone of Purulia District of West Bengal
Authors: Mahato D. C. , Dutta D. , Maity L. , Biswas P. , Mahato B. , Ghosh Chinanshuk , Rahman F. H. , Thakur S. , Pradhan V. , Chakraborty A. , Bhattacharjya S. K. , Bhattacharjya M. K. , Patra S.
Published: July 2020

The experiment was conducted at Krishi Vigyan Kendra Kalyan, Purulia adopted village namely Jambad in Purulia District of West Bengal during kharif season of 2019. The experiment was laid out in nine strip plots with plot size of 48 sq m2. m including three different doses of Nutrients viz. N: P2O5:K2O - 120:60:60, 150:60:60 and 150:75:60 at densities comprising of 55,555 plants/ha (60 X 30 cm), 66,666 plants/ha (60 X 25 cm) and 83,333 plants/ ha (60 X 20 cm) by using of four row multi-crop planter with the objective of observing the effect of plant spacing on yield attributes and yield of maize hybrids. The yield attributing factor as cob length was determined and initially the yield was recorded for application of different doses of nutrients. In case of plant spacing with the optimum doses of nitrogen and phosphorus the only factor contributing to increase in grain yield per unit area was the number of plants grown in the area, so the maximum grain yield (7.5 t/ha) was obtained at (60 X 20 cm) spacing with application of nutrient doses of 150:75:60. Drastic reduction in grain yield occurred at wider plant spacing i.e. (60 X 30 cm). It was due to the reason that increase in cob length did not occur proportionately to the reduction in plant population.
Prediction of Weld Bead Geometry of Mild Steel Using Taguchi Technique and Multiple Regression Analysis
Authors: Odinikuku William E. , Udumebraye Joseph E. , Atadious David
Published: July 2020

The weld bead geometry is very important in predicting the quality of weld as cooling rate of the weld depends on it. For this purpose, the Taguchi technique was applied to determine optimum process parameters of weld bead geometry in submerged arc welding. The study involves using Taguchi’s L9 orthogonal arrays to conduct nine experiments on a 6 mm plate of IS2062 grade mild steel by using SKU MIL-SubArc AC/DC submerged arc welding machine with constant voltage. Three-levels of the four process parameters- arc voltage, welding current, welding speed and electrode stick out were considered and their effect on weld bead geometry−bead width, depth of penetration and weld reinforcement was observed. The signal to noise ratios was computed to determine the optimum parameters. From the results obtained, optimum process parameters of ,  and  was suggested for weld bead width, weld penetration and weld reinforcement respectively. Regression analysis is done to establish the relationship between the input parameters and geometrical parameters of weld bead. The proposed mathematical model can be used to predict bead width, weld penetration and weld reinforcement values for any given SAW welding conditions.
Global Citizenship Education Practices and Teacher Education: A Review of Literature
Authors: Ekanayake Kumari , Shukri Mohd , Khatibi Ali , Azam S. M. Ferdeous
Published: July 2020

Global Citizenship Education (GCE) is considered as the core purpose of education at all levels in this contemporary world by the global educational scholars. It is the education which focuses to generate empathetic world citizens with multiple coping skills, conducive to function instantly with the challenges and opportunities they encounter in the current world. This scenario demands innovations in teacher education to make the teachers competent in delivering such education to their students. This study intends to identify the relationship between global citizenship education and teacher education based on the literature review.
Common Drugs with Effective Off-Label Uses
Authors: Alshehri Mohammed M. , Mudawi Mahmoud M. E.
Published: July 2020

The term off-label drug use (OLDU) is utilized broadly in the medical literature. It is a polarizing term since it may be related to incredible advantage or harm to patients. OLDU is defined as drug uses that not included in the indications or dosage regimens listed in the drug labeling. The main issue with off-label use is that there is insufficient information supports the use of the drug so this review aims to give brief information about some common drugs with effective and useful off-label uses based on scientific study and to encourage the researcher to provide sufficient information for the physician and health care providers about off-label uses to decrease the risk of harm to the patients. There are many drugs with various off-label uses that play an important role clinically such as using atorvastatin in chronic heart failure (CHF) due to its pleiotropic action also it can show a significant reduction in the frequency of hospitalization due to CHF exacerbation. However, that make off-label uses an important is several diseases do not have approved drugs, partly because the diseases are rare or conducting clinical trials and marketing the drug for such diseases may not be gainful.
Analysis of Reported E-prescribing Medication Administration Errors at King Saud Medical City, Riyadh: A Cross-Sectional, Retrospective Study
Authors: Dossari Dalal Salem Al- , Alnami Mohammed Ibrahim , Qureshi Naseem Akhtar
Published: July 2020

Background: Drug prescription error is a medication error that most frequently happens in healthcare organizations and adversely affects the healthcare consumers. Most medication errors (MEs) but not all are captured and corrected before reaching the patient by designed system controls. Medication administration errors (MAEs) mostly are made by nurses but frequently reported by clinical pharmacists in hospitals in Saudi Arabia.

Objective: This study aimed to analyze exclusively the voluntarily reported drug administration errors in a tertiary care hospital in Riyadh city.

Methods: This cross-sectional, retrospective study evaluated consecutively collected medication administration report forms over a period of one year from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015.

Results: The number of MAEs occurring during stage of drug administration constituted 7.1% (n=971) of total medication errors (n=13677). The maximum number of MEs (n=6838, 50%) and MAEs (n=455, 46.9%) occurred during the 4th quarter of the year 2015. The most common MAE happened to be category C (n=888, 91.5%) which means error occurred, reached the patient but without causing any harm. Concerning MAE types, the most common error included wrong frequency (40%) followed by wrong drug (17%), wrong time of administration (16%) and wrong rate of infusion (10%). Nurses made the most of the errors (92.2%) while the clinical pharmacists reported the most MAEs (75.5%). High alert medications (HAM) errors constituted 32.3% (n=314) of MAEs (n=971) and most common HAM errors included the wrong route of administration of Lanus Insulin (15%) followed by Insulin Aspart (15%), Enoxaparin (13%) and Insulin Protamine-Nvomix (12%). Look-alike and sound-alike (LASA) errors constituted 55.2% of MAEs (971/536) and most common LASA drugs identified were Gentamycin (13%), Insulin Mixtard (11%), NPH Insulin (8%) Intralipid vial (8%) and Insulin regular (6%).

Conclusion: This retrospective study provides some important tentative pharmacovigilance insights into MAEs, which are partially comparable with current international trends in drug administration errors. Further studies on MAEs are warranted not only in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia but also other Gulf countries.
Estados Nacionais diante da escravidão contemporânea
Authors: Bourgeois Bénédicte
Published: July 2020

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Neuronal RNA‐binding protein dysfunction in multiple sclerosis cortex
Authors: Salapa Hannah E. , Hutchinson Catherine , Popescu Bogdan F. , Levin Michael C.
Published: July 2020

Objective

Neurodegeneration is thought to be the primary cause of neurological disability in multiple sclerosis (MS). Dysfunctional RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs) including their mislocalization from nucleus to cytoplasm, stress granule formation, and altered RNA metabolism have been found to underlie neurodegeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. Yet, little is known about the role of dysfunctional RBPs in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration in MS. As a follow‐up to our seminal finding of altered RBP function in a single case of MS, we posited that there would be evidence of RBP dysfunction in cortical neurons in MS.

Methods

Cortical neurons from 12 MS and six control cases were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNP A1) and TAR‐DNA‐binding protein‐43 (TDP‐43). Seven distinct neuronal phenotypes were identified based on the nucleocytoplasmic staining of these RBPs. Statistical analyses were performed by analyzing each phenotype in relation to MS versus controls.

Results

Analyses revealed a continuum of hnRNP A1 and TDP‐43 nucleocytoplasmic staining was found in cortical neurons, from neurons with entirely nuclear staining with little cytoplasmic staining in contrast to those with complete nuclear depletion of RBPs concurrent with robust cytoplasmic staining. The neuronal phenotypes that showed the most nucleocytoplasmic mislocalization of hnRNP A1 and TDP‐43 statistically distinguished MS from control cases (P < 0.01, P < 0.001, respectively).

Interpretation

The discovery of hnRNP A1 and TDP‐43 nucleocytoplasmic mislocalization in neurons in MS brain demonstrate that dysfunctional RBPs may play a role in neurodegeneration in MS, as they do in other neurological diseases.
Retraction: 3D Printing of Bilineage Constructive Biomaterials for Bone and Cartilage Regeneration
Authors: Deng Cuijun , Yao Qingqiang , Feng Chun , Li Jiayi , Wang Liming , Cheng Guofeng , Shi Mengchao , Chen Lei , Chang Jiang , Wu Chengtie
Published: July 2020

Adv. Funct. Mater. 2017, 27, 1703117

DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201703117

The above article, first published online on 31 July 2017 in Wiley Online Library (https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.201703117) and corrected on 19 March 2019 (https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.201900376) has been retracted by agreement with the authors, the journal Editor‐in‐Chief, and Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA. The retraction has been agreed upon due to several flawed figures as published in the article, containing duplicate images, which calls the validity of these data into question.

Reference

C. Deng, Q. Yao, C. Feng, J. Li, L. Wang, G. Cheng, M. Shi, L. Chen, J. Chang, C. Wu, Adv. Funct. Mater. 2017, 27, 1703117.
Selection of a Full Agonist Combinatorial Antibody that Rescues Leptin Deficiency In Vivo
Authors: Tao Pingdong , Kuang Yuanyuan , Li Yu , Li Wenping , Gao Zibei , Liu Lili , Qiang Min , Zha Zhao , Fan Kun , Ma Peixiang , Friedman Jeffrey M. , Yang Guang , Lerner Richard A.
Published: July 2020

Growth factor deficiency in adulthood constitutes a distinct clinical syndrome with significant morbidities including abnormal body composition, reduced energy, affective disturbances, dyslipidemia, and increased cardiovascular risk. Protein replacement therapies using recombinant proteins or enzymes represent the only approved treatment. Combinatorial antibodies have shown great promise as a new class of therapeutic molecules because they act as “mechanism‐based antibodies” with both agonist and antagonist activities. Using leptin, a key hormone in energy metabolism, as an example, a function‐guided approach is developed to select combinatorial antibodies with high potency and full agonist activity that substitute natural growth factors in vivo. The identified antibody shows identical biochemical properties and cellular profiles as leptin, and rescues leptin‐deficiency in ob/ob mice. Remarkably, the antibody activates leptin receptors that are otherwise nonfunctional because of mutations (L372A and A409E). Combinatorial antibodies have significant advantages over recombinant proteins for chronical usage in terms of immunological tolerance and biological stability.
Laser‐Assisted Ultrafast Exfoliation of Black Phosphorus in Liquid with Tunable Thickness for Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zheng Weiran , Lee Jeongyeon , Gao Zhi‐Wen , Li Yong , Lin Shenghuang , Lau Shu Ping , Lee Lawrence Yoon Suk
Published: July 2020

Few‐layer black phosphorus (BP) is an emerging 2D material suitable for energy applications. However, its controllable preparation remains challenging. Herein, a highly efficient route is presented for the scalable production of few‐layered BP nanosheets using a pulsed laser in low‐boiling point solvents. Changing the laser irradiation time, energy, and solvent type leads to precise control over the layer number and lateral size of the nanosheets with a narrow distribution. The process is understood by a plasma quenching mechanism and interlayer interaction weakened by the in situ generated vapor bubbles. The excellent control of the BP nanosheets enables morphological effects on Li‐ion battery performance to be studied. Low layer numbers benefit both charge transfer and Li+ ion diffusion, while a high aspect ratio can not only improve the charge transfer but also increase the Li+ ion diffusion path. This study delivers insights on the tailored fabrication of thin 2D materials using lasers for morphology‐dependent electrochemical energy conversion and storage.
Die Atomlagenabscheidung von Cobaltphosphid zum Zwecke einer effizienten Wasserspaltung
Authors: Zhang Haojie , Hagen Dirk J. , Li Xiaopeng , Graff Andreas , Heyroth Frank , Fuhrmann Bodo , Kostanovskiy Ilya , Schweizer Stefan L. , Caddeo Francesco , Maijenburg A. Wouter , Parkin Stuart , Wehrspohn Ralf B.
Published: July 2020

Wir berichten von der erstmaligen erfolgreichen Herstellung von Übergangsmetallphosphiden (TMP) mittels Atomlagenabscheidung (ALD). Ultradünne Co‐P Filme wurden mit PH3‐Plasma als der Phosphorquelle und einem zusätzlichen H2‐Plasma‐Schritt, der zum Entfernen von überschüssigem P aus den wachsenden Schichten dient, abgeschieden. Der optimierte ALD‐Prozess folgte dem selbstsättigenden Schicht‐für‐Schicht‐Wachstumsverhalten und die abgeschiedenen Co‐P‐Filme zeichneten sich durch hohe Reinheit und Glätte aus. Die mittels ALD abgeschiedenen Co‐P‐Filme zeigten bessere elektrochemische und photoelektrochemische Aktivitäten für die Wasserstoffentwicklungsreaktion als gleichartige Co‐P‐Filme, die mit der traditionellen Postphosphorisierungsmethode hergestellt wurden. Außerdem zeigen wir die Abscheidung in periodische Furchen. Dies demonstriert das breite und vielversprechende Anwendungspotential dieses ALD‐Prozesses für die gleichmäßige Beschichtung komplexer dreidimensionaler (3D) Strukturen mit TMP‐Filmen.
Making and Breaking Leupeptin Protease Inhibitors in Pathogenic Gammaproteobacteria
Authors: Li Jhe‐Hao , Oh Joonseok , Kienesberger Sabine , Kim Nam Yoon , Clarke David J. , Zechner Ellen L. , Crawford Jason M.
Published: July 2020

Leupeptin is a bacterial small molecule that is used worldwide as a protease inhibitor. However, its biosynthesis and genetic distribution remain unknown. We identified a family of leupeptins in gammaproteobacterial pathogens, including Photorhabdus, Xenorhabdus, and Klebsiella species, amongst others. Through genetic, metabolomic, and heterologous expression analyses, we established their construction by discretely expressed ligases and accessory enzymes. In Photorhabdus species, a hypothetical protein required for colonizing nematode hosts was established as a new class of proteases. This enzyme cleaved the tripeptide aldehyde protease inhibitors, leading to the formation of “pro‐pyrazinones” featuring a hetero‐tricyclic architecture. In Klebsiella oxytoca, the pathway was enriched in clinical isolates associated with respiratory tract infections. Thus, the bacterial production and proteolytic degradation of leupeptins can be associated with animal colonization phenotypes.
Template‐basierte Herstellung von 2D‐photonischen Superkristallen mit verstärkter spontaner Emission aus CsPbBr3‐Perowskit‐Nanokristallen
Authors: Vila‐Liarte David , Feil Maximilian W. , Manzi Aurora , Garcia‐Pomar Juan Luis , Huang He , Döblinger Markus , Liz‐Marzán Luis M , Feldmann Jochen , Polavarapu Lakshminarayana , Mihi Agustín
Published: July 2020

Perowskit‐Nanokristalle (NCs) haben durch ihre vielfältigen optischen Eigenschaften das Feld optoelektronischer Bauelemente revolutioniert. Die Kontrolle und Erweiterung dieser Anwendungen erforderten jedoch oft eine bessere Strategie des Lichtmanagements. Wir zeigen in dieser Studie eine einfache Herangehensweise zur Konstruktion einer photonischen Architektur aus Perowskit‐Nanokristallen. Durch die direkte Anpassung des Materials wird die elektromagnetische Feldverteilung beeinflusst. Vorgefertigte Polydimethylsiloxan (PDMS)‐Templates werden zur Selbstorganisation von CsPbBr3‐Perowskit‐NCs einer Größe von 10 nm in großflächige (1 cm2) 2D‐photonische Kristalle mit einstellbarer Gitterkonstante (400–1700 nm) verwendet. Der photonische Kristall erleichtert die effiziente Kopplung des Lichts mit der Nanokristallschicht. Dabei wird das elektrische Feld im Nanokristallfilm verstärkt. Daraus resultierend zeigt der 2D‐photonische CsPbBr3‐Kristall im Gegensatz zu einem flachen Film von ungeordneten Nanokristallen verstärkte spontane Emission bei niedrigen optischen Anregungsintensitäten im nahen Infrarot‐Bereich. Dies wird einer verbesserten Mehrphotonen‐Absorption zugeschrieben, die durch das Einfangen des Lichts im photonischen Kristall verbessert wird.
Cs[Cl3F10]: Eine Verbindung mit propellerförmigem [Cl3F10]−‐Anion, die im außergewöhnlichen A[5]B[5]‐Strukturtyp kristallisiert
Authors: Scheibe Benjamin , Karttunen Antti J. , Müller Ulrich , Kraus Florian
Published: July 2020

Wird CsF mit flüssigem ClF3 im Überschuss umgesetzt, so kann das Salz Cs[Cl3F10] erhalten werden. Es enthält ein molekulares, propellerförmiges [Cl3F10]−‐Anion, in dem drei T‐förmig gebaute ClF3‐Moleküle an ein zentrales und somit μ3‐verbrückendes F‐Atom koordinieren. Dieses Heteropolyhalogenidanion stellt das erste Beispiel eines Interhalogenanions mit höherem ClF3‐Gehalt als dem [ClF4]−‐Anion dar. Weiterhin ist es die erste chlorhaltige Interhalogenspezies in der ein verbrückendes Fluoratom vorliegt. Die chemischen Bindungen zu diesem zentralen μ3‐F‐Atom sind praktisch ionisch und offenbar recht schwach, da die X‐F‐Bindungslängen (X=Cl, und auch berechnet für Br, I) der koordinierenden XF3‐Einheiten im Vergleich zu denen freier XF3‐Moleküle praktisch unverändert sind. Cs[Cl3F10] kristallisiert in einem bisher äußerst selten beobachteten A[5]B[5]‐Strukturtyp, in dem Kationen und Anionen jeweils pseudohexagonal gepackt vorliegen. Die Ionen weisen die Koordinationszahl fünf auf und befinden sich jeweils in den trigonal‐bipyramidalen Lücken der Packung der anderen Ionensorte.
Electron Microscopy Studies of Local Structural Modulations in Zeolite Crystals
Authors: Zhang Qing , Mayoral Alvaro , Li Junyan , Ruan Juanfang , Alfredsson Viveka , Ma Yanhang , Yu Jihong , Terasaki Osamu
Published: July 2020

Zeolites are widely used in catalysis, gas separation, ion exchange, etc. due to their superior physicochemical properties, which are closely related to specific features of their framework structures. Although more than two hundred different framework types have been recognized, it is of great interest to explore from a crystallographic perspective, the atomic positions, surface terminations, pore connectivity and structural defects that deviate from the ideal framework structures, namely local structural modulation. In this article, we review different types of local modulations in zeolite frameworks using various techniques, especially electron microscopy (EM). The most recent advances in resolving structural information at the atomic level with aberration corrected EM are also presented, commencing a new era of gaining atomic structural information, not only for all tetrahedral atoms including point vacancies in framework but also for extra‐framework cations and surface terminations.
Atomic Layer Deposition of Cobalt Phosphide for Efficient Water Splitting
Authors: Zhang Haojie , Hagen Dirk J. , Li Xiaopeng , Graff Andreas , Heyroth Frank , Fuhrmann Bodo , Kostanovskiy Ilya , Schweizer Stefan L. , Caddeo Francesco , Maijenburg A. Wouter , Parkin Stuart , Wehrspohn Ralf B.
Published: July 2020

Transition‐metal phosphides (TMP) prepared by atomic layer deposition (ALD) are reported for the first time. Ultrathin Co‐P films were deposited by using PH3 plasma as the phosphorus source and an extra H2 plasma step to remove excess P in the growing films. The optimized ALD process proceeded by self‐limited layer‐by‐layer growth, and the deposited Co‐P films were highly pure and smooth. The Co‐P films deposited via ALD exhibited better electrochemical and photoelectrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activities than similar Co‐P films prepared by the traditional post‐phosphorization method. Moreover, the deposition of ultrathin Co‐P films on periodic trenches was demonstrated, which highlights the broad and promising potential application of this ALD process for a conformal coating of TMP films on complex three‐dimensional (3D) architectures.
Pseudo‐Membrane Jackets: Two‐Dimensional Coordination Polymers Achieving Visible Phase Separation in Cell Membrane
Authors: Ohtani Ryo , Kawano Kenichi , Kinoshita Masanao , Yanaka Saeko , Watanabe Hikaru , Hirai Kenji , Futaki Shiroh , Matsumori Nobuaki , Uji‐i Hiroshi , Ohba Masaaki , Kato Koichi , Hayami Shinya
Published: July 2020

Cell membranes contain lateral systems that consist of various lipid compositions and actin cytoskeleton, providing two‐dimensional (2D) platforms for chemical reactions. However, such complex 2D environments have not yet been used as a synthetic platform for artificial 2D nanomaterials. Herein, we demonstrate the direct synthesis of 2D coordination polymers (CPs) at the liquid‐cell interface of the plasma membrane of living cells. The coordination‐driven self‐assembly of networking metal complex lipids produces cyanide‐bridged CP layers with metal ions, enabling “pseudo‐membrane jackets” that produce long‐lived micro‐domains with a size of 1–5 μm. The resultant artificial and visible phase separation systems remain stable even in the absence of actin skeletons in cells. Moreover, we show the cell application of the jackets by demonstrating the enhancement of cellular calcium response to ATP.
Grubbs Metathesis Enabled by a Light‐Driven gem‐Hydrogenation of Internal Alkynes
Authors: Biberger Tobias , Zachmann Raphael J. , Fürstner Alois
Published: July 2020

[(NHC)(cymene)RuCl2] (NHC=N‐heterocyclic carbene) complexes instigate a light‐driven gem‐hydrogenation of internal alkynes with concomitant formation of discrete Grubbs‐type ruthenium carbene species. This unorthodox reactivity mode is harnessed in the form of a “hydrogenative metathesis” reaction, which converts an enyne substrate into a cyclic alkene. The intervention of ruthenium carbenes formed in the actual gem‐hydrogenation step was proven by the isolation and crystallographic characterization of a rather unusual representative of this series carrying an unconfined alkyl group on a disubstituted carbene center.
Electrocatalysis as the Nexus for Sustainable Renewable Energy: The Gordian Knot of Activity, Stability, and Selectivity
Authors: Masa Justus , Andronescu Corina , Schuhmann Wolfgang
Published: July 2020

The use of renewable energy by means of electrochemical techniques by converting H2O, CO2 and N2 into chemical energy sources and raw materials, is the basis for securing a future sustainable “green” energy supply. Some weaknesses and inconsistencies in the practice of determining the electrocatalytic performance, which prevents a rational bottom‐up catalyst design, are discussed. Large discrepancies in material properties as well as in electrocatalytic activity and stability become obvious when materials are tested under the conditions of their intended use as opposed to the usual laboratory conditions. They advocate for uniform activity/stability correlations under application‐relevant conditions, and the need for a clear representation of electrocatalytic performance by contextualization in terms of functional investigation or progress towards application is emphasized.
LeafMachine: Using machine learning to automate leaf trait extraction from digitized herbarium specimens
Authors: Weaver William N. , Ng Julienne , Laport Robert G.
Published: July 2020

Premise

Obtaining phenotypic data from herbarium specimens can provide important insights into plant evolution and ecology but requires significant manual effort and time. Here, we present LeafMachine, an application designed to autonomously measure leaves from digitized herbarium specimens or leaf images using an ensemble of machine learning algorithms.

Methods and Results

We trained LeafMachine on 2685 randomly sampled specimens from 138 herbaria and evaluated its performance on specimens spanning 20 diverse families and varying widely in resolution, quality, and layout. LeafMachine successfully extracted at least one leaf measurement from 82.0% and 60.8% of high‐ and low‐resolution images, respectively. Of the unmeasured specimens, only 0.9% and 2.1% of high‐ and low‐resolution images, respectively, were visually judged to have measurable leaves.

Conclusions

This flexible autonomous tool has the potential to vastly increase available trait information from herbarium specimens, and inform a multitude of evolutionary and ecological studies.
Breast cancer survivors' risk of interval cancers and false positive results in organized mammography screening
Authors: Njor Sisse Helle , Vejborg Ilse , Larsen Mette Bach
Published: July 2020

Background

Breast cancer survivors are increasing followed for new breast cancers / recurrences by mammography screening only. We aimed at assessing how often breast cancer survivors get a false positive or false negative result at mammography screening.

Methods

All mammography screenings performed between 2007 and 2017 in the Danish national mammography screening programme were included. Screenings in women with a breast cancer diagnosis prior to invitation were included in the “breast cancer survivors” group, while remaining screenings were included in the “no previous breast cancer” group. We compared the proportion of false positive screenings and the proportion of breast cancers detected at screening among breast cancer survivors and women without previous breast cancer. The analyses were further stratified according to whether the women had a diagnostic breast imaging in the 21 months prior to the screening.

Results

At initial screenings, breast cancer survivors had a significant lower false positive risk than other women, while the risk was similar at subsequent screenings. Breast cancer survivors had a significant lower proportion of breast cancers detected at screening compared to other women. This was true both for women who had a diagnostic breast imaging in the 21 months prior to screening and those who did not.

Conclusion

This study shows that breast cancers survivors have a smaller amount of their new breast cancers detected at mammography screening, when compare to the amount of new breast cancers detected at mammography screening among women without previous breast cancer. The lower sensitivity does not seem to be due to different behavior among breast cancer survivors.
Genetic‐Code‐Expansion Strategies for Vaccine Development
Authors: Fok Jelle A. , Mayer Clemens
Published: July 2020

Abstract: By providing long‐term protection against infectious diseases, vaccinations have significantly reduced death and morbidity worldwide. In the 21st century, (bio)technological advances have paved the way for developing prophylactic vaccines that are safer and more effective as well as enabling the use of vaccines as therapeutics to treat human diseases. Here, we provide a focused review of the utility of genetic code expansion as an emerging tool for the development of vaccines. Specifically, we discuss how the incorporation of immunogenic noncanonical amino acids can aid in eliciting immune responses against adverse self‐proteins and highlight the potential of an expanded genetic code for the construction of replication‐incompetent viruses. We close the review by discussing the future prospects and remaining challenges for the application of these approaches in the development of both prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines in the near future.
Human Cellular Retinol Binding Protein II Forms a Domain‐Swapped Trimer Representing a Novel Fold and a New Template for Protein Engineering
Authors: Ghanbarpour Alireza , Santos Elizabeth M. , Pinger Cody , Assar Zahra , Hossaini Nasr Seyedmehdi , Vasileiou Chrysoula , Spence Dana , Borhan Babak , Geiger James H.
Published: July 2020

Domain‐swapping is a mechanism for evolving new protein structure from extant scaffolds, and has been an efficient protein‐engineering strategy for tailoring functional diversity. However, domain swapping can only be exploited if it can be controlled, especially in cases where various folds can coexist. Herein, we describe the structure of a domain‐swapped trimer of the iLBP family member hCRBPII, and suggest a mechanism for domain‐swapped trimerization. It is further shown that domain‐swapped trimerization can be favored by strategic installation of a disulfide bond, thus demonstrating a strategy for fold control. We further show the domain‐swapped trimer to be a useful protein design template by installing a high‐affinity metal binding site through the introduction of a single mutation, taking advantage of its threefold symmetry. Together, these studies show how nature can promote oligomerization, stabilize a specific oligomer, and generate new function with minimal changes to the protein sequence.
Are unusual ultrastructural features occurring in the pollen endomembrane system of Cyperaceae and other angiosperms?
Authors: Rocha Danilo M. , Vanzela André L. L. , Mariath Jorge E. A.
Published: July 2020

Cyperaceae representatives present peculiar microsporogenesis and microgametogenesis, which raises the question of how regular the sedge pollen is. In order to answer this question, preanthesis pollen grains of Cyperaceae individuals were analyzed under different tools such as light and transmission electron microscopy, which included cytochemistry and immunogold procedures. The results showed that maturing pollen in Cyperaceae presents some unusual endomembrane behaviors. Endoplasmic reticulum and dictyosomes are concerned in classic secretion pathways in vegetative cells, and possibly the late breakdown of degenerative microspores. However, cortical and concentric endoplasmic reticulum are also present and are possibly related to other functions aside the biosynthetic pathway. Unconventional secretion of large membrane‐bound bodies containing cell wall precursors was also observed and confirmed by immunogold. However, since these bodies most likely receive material from dictyosomes, as observed in silver nitrate reaction, the “unconventional” status of this secretion is debatable. Reports of the literature show that these unusual endomembrane formations are not exclusive of the sedge pollen, but little attention have been given to them so far. This could represent an opportunity to re‐examine our understanding on the endomembrane system in pollen cells in general.
Monitoring and treatment disparities for youth on antipsychotics
Authors: Fatica Jack
Published: July 2020

The need for effective interventions in the management of neuropsychiatric conditions in youths has led to increased use of psychotropic medications, particularly antipsychotics. Several are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for administration in youths to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autism‐related irritability, and Tourette's disorder. However, by and large, these medications are used off‐label to target dysregulated conduct or emotional features such as aggression (48% of treated symptoms), irritability (19%), and impulsivity (11%). Only 5% of prescriptions are for FDA‐approved indications.
Technical and Economic Analysis of Conventional and Supercritical Transesterification for Biofuel Production
Authors: Nguyen Dinh Duc , Habibi Ali , Ghadami Azam , Pirouzfar Vahid , Su Chia-Hung
Published: July 2020

The transesterification process with potassium hydroxide (KOH) catalyst and the methanol supercritical process were evaluated by Aspen HYSYS software. Castor oil and methanol were used as feed and alcohol. In order to accomplish verification, the simulation results were compared to a laboratory research. For economic analysis, these results were transferred to Aspen Economic Analyzer software. Piping and process equipment cost were calculated for the two processes. Additionally, direct and indirect costs of these processes were estimated.
Establishing Primary Cultures of Trunk Neural Crest Cells
Authors: Duband Jean‐Loup , Nekooie‐Marnany Nioosha , Dufour Sylvie
Published: July 2020

Neural crest cells constitute a unique population of progenitor cells with extensive stem cell capacities able to navigate throughout various environments in the embryo and are a source of multiple cell types, including neurons, glia, melanocytes, smooth muscles, endocrine cells, cardiac cells, and also skeletal and supportive tissues in the head. Neural crest cells are not restricted to the embryo but persist as well in adult tissues where they provide a reservoir of stem cells with great therapeutic promise. Many fundamental questions in cell, developmental, and stem cell biology can be addressed using this system. During the last decades there has been an increased availability of elaborated techniques, animal models, and molecular tools to tackle neural crest cell development. However, these approaches are often very challenging and difficult to establish and they are not adapted for rapid functional investigations of mechanisms driving cell migration and differentiation. In addition, they are not adequate for collecting pure populations of neural crest cells usable in large scale analyses and for stem cell studies. Transferring and adapting the neural crest system in tissue culture may then represent an attractive alternative, opening up numerous prospects. Here we describe a simple method for establishing primary cultures of neural crest cells derived from trunk neural tubes using the avian embryo as a source of cells. This protocol is suited for producing pure populations of neural crest cells that can be processed for cytological, cellular, and functional approaches aimed at characterizing their phenotype, behavior, and potential. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol: Primary cultures of avian trunk neural crest cells

Support Protocol: Adaptations for immunofluorescence labeling and videomicroscopy
Designing Hole Transport Materials with High Hole Mobility and Outstanding Interface Properties for Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Jiang Rui , Zhu Rui , Li Ze‐Sheng
Published: July 2020

Organic–inorganic halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have attracted much attention due to their rapid increase in power conversion efficiencies (PCEs), and many efforts are devoted to further improving the PCEs. Designing highly efficient hole transport materials (HTMs) for PSCs may be one of the effective ways. Herein we theoretically designed three new HTMs (FDT−N, FDT−O, and FDT−S) by introducing a nitrogen‐phenyl group, an oxygen atom, and a sulfur atom into the spiro core of an experimentally synthesized HTM (FDT), respectively. And then we performed quantum chemical calculation to study their application potential. The results show that the devices with FDT−O and FDT−S instead of FDT may have higher open circuit voltages owing to their lower highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy levels. Moreover, FDT−S exhibits the best hole transport performance among the studied HTMs, which may be due to the significant HOMO‐HOMO overlap in the hole hopping path with the largest transfer integral. Furthermore, the results on interface properties indicate that introducing oxygen and sulfur atoms can enhance the MAPbI3/HTM interface interaction. The present work not only offers two promising HTMs (FDT−O and FDT−S) for PSCs but also provides theoretical help for subsequent research on HTMs.
Unexpected food web responses to low dissolved oxygen in an estuarine fjord
Authors: Moriarty Pamela E. , Essington Timothy E. , Horne John K. , Keister Julie E. , Li Lingbo , Parker‐Stetter Sandra L. , Sato Mei
Published: July 2020

In coastal marine ecosystems, the depletion of dissolved oxygen can cause behavioral and distributional shifts of organisms and thereby alter ecological processes. We used the spatiotemporal variation in the onset and intensity of low dissolved oxygen in Hood Canal, Washington, USA, to investigate consequences of seasonally reduced oxygen on fish–zooplankton predator–prey interactions. By simultaneously monitoring densities of zooplankton (primarily the euphausiid; Euphausia pacifica) and zooplanktivorous fish (Pacific herring, Clupea pallasii, and Pacific hake, Mercluccius productus), and the feeding of zooplanktivorous fish, we could separate the effects of dissolved oxygen on fish–zooplankton interactions from other seasonal changes. We expected that fish predators (especially Pacific herring) would be less abundant and have lower feeding rates when oxygen levels declined below biological thresholds, and that this would result in increased zooplankton abundance in areas with lowest dissolved oxygen. However, these expectations were not borne out. Overall, there was mixed evidence for an effect of dissolved oxygen on many of our response variables, and when effects were detected, they were frequently in the opposite direction of our expectations. Specifically, the pelagic fish community became more abundant (as measured by increasing acoustic backscatter), which was particularly pronounced for Pacific herring. Zooplankton had weak evidence for a response to dissolved oxygen, but the direction was negative instead of positive. Although predator feeding composition was unrelated to dissolved oxygen, stomach fullness (an index of feeding intensity) of Pacific herring declined, as per our expectations. These unexpected findings highlight the importance of in situ measurements of multiple aspects of predator–prey linkages in response to environmental stress to enhance our ability to predict ecological consequences of declining oxygen.
The use of the CALL Risk Score for predicting mortality in Brazilian heart failure patients
Authors: Nakazone Marcelo Arruda , Otaviano Ana Paula , Machado Maurício Nassau , Bestetti Reinaldo Bulgarelli
Published: July 2020

Aims

This study aimed to develop and validate a simple method for predicting long‐term all‐cause mortality in ambulatory patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) residing in an area where Chagas disease is endemic, which will be important not only for patients living in Latin America but also to those living in developed non‐endemic countries.

Methods and results

A total of 677 patients with a wide spectrum of aetiologies for left ventricular systolic dysfunction and receiving optimized evidence‐based treatment for CHF were prospectively followed for approximately 11 years. We established a risk score using Cox proportional hazard regression models. After multivariable analysis, four variables were independently associated with mortality and included in the CALL Risk Score: Chagas cardiomyopathy aetiology alone [hazard ratio, 3.36; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.61–4.33; P < 0.001], age ≥60 years (hazard ratio, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.06–1.74; P = 0.016), left anterior fascicular block (hazard ratio, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.27–2.11; P < 0.001), and left ventricular ejection fraction <40% (hazard ratio, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.30–2.28; P < 0.001). The internal validation considered the bootstrapping, a resampling technique recommended for prediction model development. Hence, we established a scoring system attributing weights according to each risk factor: 3 points for Chagas cardiomyopathy alone, 1 point for age ≥60 years, and 2 points each for left anterior fascicular block and left ventricular ejection fraction <40%. Three risk groups were identified: low risk (score ≤2 points), intermediate risk (score of 3 to 5 points), and high risk (score ≥6 points). High‐risk patients had more than two‐fold increase in mortality (26.9 events/100 patient‐years) compared with intermediate‐risk patients (10.1 events/100 patient‐years) and almost seven‐fold increase compared with low‐risk patients (4.3 events/100 patient‐years). The CALL Risk Score data sets from the development and internal validation cohorts both displayed suitable discrimination c‐index of 0.689 (95% CI, 0.688–0.690; P < 0.001) and 0.687 (95% CI, 0.686–0.688; P < 0.001), respectively, and satisfactory calibration [Greenwood–Nam–D'Agostino test (8) = 7.867; P = 0.447] and [Greenwood–Nam–D'Agostino test (8) = 10.08; P = 0.273], respectively.

Conclusions

The CALL Risk Score represents a simple and validated method with a limited number of non‐invasive variables that successfully predicts long‐term all‐cause mortality in a real‐world cohort of patients with CHF. Patients with CHF stratified as high risk according to the CALL Risk Score should be monitored and aggressively managed, including those with CHF secondary to Chagas disease.
Biventricular imaging markers to predict outcomes in non‐compaction cardiomyopathy: a machine learning study
Authors: Rocon Camila , Tabassian Mahdi , Tavares de Melo Marcelo Dantas , de Araujo Filho Jose Arimateia , Grupi Cesar José , Parga Filho Jose Rodrigues , Bocchi Edimar Alcides , D'hooge Jan , Salemi Vera Maria Cury
Published: July 2020

Aims

Left ventricular non‐compaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC) is a genetic heart disease, with heart failure, arrhythmias, and embolic events as main clinical manifestations. The goal of this study was to analyse a large set of echocardiographic (echo) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) parameters using machine learning (ML) techniques to find imaging predictors of clinical outcomes in a long‐term follow‐up of LVNC patients.

Methods and results

Patients with echo and/or CMRI criteria of LVNC, followed from January 2011 to December 2017 in the heart failure section of a tertiary referral cardiologic hospital, were enrolled in a retrospective study. Two‐dimensional colour Doppler echocardiography and subsequent CMRI were carried out. Twenty‐four hour Holter monitoring was also performed in all patients. Death, cardiac transplantation, heart failure hospitalization, aborted sudden cardiac death, complex ventricular arrhythmias (sustained and non‐sustained ventricular tachycardia), and embolisms (i.e. stroke, pulmonary thromboembolism and/or peripheral arterial embolism) were registered and were referred to as major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in this study. Recruited for the study were 108 LVNC patients, aged 38.3 ± 15.5 years, 48.1% men, diagnosed by echo and CMRI criteria. They were followed for 5.8 ± 3.9 years, and MACEs were registered. CMRI and echo parameters were analysed via a supervised ML methodology. Forty‐seven (43.5%) patients had at least one MACE. The best performance of imaging variables was achieved by combining four parameters: left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (by CMRI), right ventricular (RV) end‐systolic volume (by CMRI), RV systolic dysfunction (by echo), and RV lower diameter (by CMRI) with accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity rates of 75.5%, 77%, 75%, respectively.

Conclusions

Our findings show the importance of biventricular assessment to detect the severity of this cardiomyopathy and to plan for early clinical intervention. In addition, this study shows that even patients with normal LV function and negative late gadolinium enhancement had MACE. ML is a promising tool for analysing a large set of parameters to stratify and predict prognosis in LVNC patients.
Combined amiodarone and digitalis therapy before heart transplantation is associated with increased post‐transplant mortality
Authors: Rivinius Rasmus , Helmschrott Matthias , Rahm Ann‐Kathrin , Darche Fabrice F. , Thomas Dierk , Bruckner Tom , Doesch Andreas O. , Ehlermann Philipp , Katus Hugo A. , Zitron Edgar
Published: July 2020

Aims

Amiodarone and digitalis are frequently used drugs in patients with heart failure. Both have separately been linked to reduced post‐transplant survival, but their combined impact on mortality after HTX remains uncertain. This study investigated the effects of combined amiodarone and digitalis use before HTX on post‐transplant outcomes.

Methods and results

This registry study analysed 600 patients receiving HTX at Heidelberg Heart Center between 1989 and 2016. Patients were stratified by amiodarone and digitalis use before HTX. Analysis included patient characteristics, medication, echocardiographic features, heart rates, permanent pacemaker implantation, atrial fibrillation, and post‐transplant survival including causes of death. One hundred eighteen patients received amiodarone before HTX (19.7%), hereof 67 patients with digitalis (56.8%) and 51 patients without digitalis before HTX (43.2%). Patients with and without amiodarone before HTX showed a similar 1 year post‐transplant survival (72.0% vs. 78.4%, P = 0.11), but patients with combined amiodarone and digitalis before HTX had a worse 1 year post‐transplant survival (64.2%, P = 0.01), along with a higher percentage of death due to transplant failure (P = 0.03). Echocardiographic analysis of these patients showed a higher percentage of an enlarged right ventricle (P = 0.02), left atrium (P = 0.02), left ventricle (P = 0.03), and a higher rate of reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (P = 0.03). Multivariate analysis indicated combined amiodarone and digitalis use before HTX as a significant risk factor for 1 year mortality after HTX (hazard ratio: 1.69; 95% confidence interval: 1.02–2.77; P = 0.04).

Conclusions

Combined pre‐transplant amiodarone and digitalis therapy is associated with increased post‐transplant mortality.