bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laser Based Additive Manufacturing Technology for Fabrication of Titanium Aluminide-Based Composites in Aerospace Component Applications
Authors: Abiola Raji Sadiq , Patricia Idowu Popoola Abimbola , Leslie Pityana Sisa , Muhmmed Popoola Olawale , Olufemi Aramide Fatai , Tlotleng Monnamme , Kwamina Kum Arthur Nana
Published: October 2019

Titanium aluminides has the potential of replacing nickel-based superalloys in the aerospace industries because its density is almost half that of nickel-based alloys. Nevertheless, the room temperature properties (ductility) have made the wider application of this class of intermetallic alloy far from being realized. This has led to various research been carried out in adjusting the production processing and/or material through alloying, heat treatment, ingot metallurgy, powder metallurgy and most recently additive manufacturing processing. One of the additive manufacturing processing of titanium aluminide is laser engineered net shaping (LENS). It is used to produce components from powders by melting and forming on a substrate based on a computer-aided design (CAD) to shape the components. This contribution will focus on the laser processing of titanium aluminides components for aerospace applications. Also, the challenges confronting this processing techniques as well as suggested finding to solve the problems would be outlined. The objective of this work is to present an insight into how titanium aluminides components have been developed by researchers with emphasis on aerospace applications.
e-Governance and Anti-Corruption War in Africa: The Nigeria Experience
Authors: Sunday Ojo John
Published: October 2019

The failure of traditional governance model to provide solution to the contemporary challenges in the public sector has elicited the advent of sophisticated technological response that provides a placid environment for digitalizing public administration across the world. The development of ICTs therefore brings transformation in the way and manner of governing the citizens in Africa and the global community. The transition from governance to e-governance has been considered as a veritable instrument in ensuring transparency, accountability and effective service delivery in the public sector. The potency of ICTs as a supporting tool in curbing the pervasiveness of institutional corruption in Africa is acknowledged. Globally, Nigeria is recognized as one of the most corrupt countries in the world, corruption has been a major problem setting-back the advancement of the country. In taming the obnoxious trend, the recent public sector reform championed by the Nigerian government aimed at providing sanctity in the management and utilization of public resources with the application of ICTs geared toward combating corruption has gained momentum. These institutional reforms provide a platform for e-governance in managing public resources for the benefit of the citizenry. Therefore, this chapter provides a critical examination of e-governance model employed in tackling corruption in Nigerian public sector.
New Radiation Pattern-Reconfigurable 60-GHz Antenna for 5G Communications
Authors: I.A. Al-Yasir Yasir , A.H. Al-Behadili Hasanain , A. Sawadi Baha , Ojaroudi Parchin Naser , M. Abdulkhaleq Ahmed , S. Abdullah Abdulkareem , A. Abd-Alhameed Raed
Published: October 2019

Reconfigurable beam steering using circular disc microstrip patch antenna with a ring slot is proposed. The overall dimension of the antenna is 5.4 × 5.4 mm2 printed on 0.504 mm thick, RT5870 substrate with relative permittivity 2.3 and loss tangent 0.0012. The designed antenna operates at the expected 60 GHz 5G frequency band with a central coaxial probe feed. Two NMOS switches are utilized to generate three different beam patterns. Activating each switch individually results in a 70° shift in the main beam direction with constant frequency characteristics. The power gain is 3.9–4.8 dB in the three states of switch configurations. Simulated results in terms of return loss, peak gains and radiation pattern are presented and show good performance at the expected 60 GHz band for 5G applications.
Advanced Glycation End Products: Formation, Role in Diabetic Complications, and Potential in Clinical Applications
Authors: Khan Rujman , Yee Ooi Xin , Parvus Matthew , Valdez Laura , Tsin Andrew
Published: October 2019

Hyperglycemic conditions and disruptions to glucose-regulating pathways lead to increased formation of highly reactive aldehydes, methylglyoxal and glyoxal, which react with certain arginine and lysine residues in proteins to form advanced glycation end products (AGEs). These AGEs damage the integrity of the retinal vasculature predominantly through two mechanisms: non-receptor-mediated damage, which pertains to the interaction with extracellular matrix and its functional properties, and receptor-mediated damage through AGE interactions with their receptors (RAGE) on pericytes and Muller cells. Damage occurring between AGE and RAGE potentially generates reactive oxygen species, inflammatory cytokines, and growth factors. Both mechanisms result in increased permeability of endothelial tight junctions, and this increased permeability can lead to leaking and eventually ischemia. Once this ischemia becomes significant, neovascularization can occur, the hallmark of proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Current pharmaceutical studies have shown the potential of AGE inhibitors, such as aminoguanidine, in decreasing AGE production, thus minimizing its effects in hyperglycemic conditions. Other pharmaceutical interventions, such as Tanshinone IIA, aim to protect cells from the impacts of AGEs. Future research will not only continue to understand the properties of AGEs and their effects on diabetes and diabetic complications like diabetic retinopathy but will also explore how they impact other diseases.
Two new species of Lepidocyrtus Bourlet s. lat. (Collembola: Entomobryidae) from China
Authors: Ma Yitong
Published: October 2019

Two new species of the genus Lepidocyrtus Bourlet, 1839 from southern China are described here: L. (Acrocyrtus) huizhouensis sp. nov. from Guangdong Province and L. (Setogaster) wanningensis sp. nov. from Hainan Province. Lepidocytus (Acrocyrtus) huizhouensis sp. nov. is the fourth species of the subgenus reported from China and L. (Setogaster) wanningensis sp. nov. is the first report of the subgenus from China.
TEORIA FEMINISTA E ENSINO DE FILOSOFIA
Authors: Santos Fernanda Gabriela Soares dos
Published: October 2019

O trabalho a seguir é uma introdução à teoria feminista, na medida em que foi idealizado para uma aula de qualquer um dos anos do Ensino Médio. O objetivo é iniciar as alunas e alunos nos estudos sobre Epistemologia e seus objetos, bem como problematizar a presença nas mulheres nas pesquisas Epistemológicas. Desde os primórdios científicos, quem foram os cânones da Ciência? Onde elas estavam? Colocados tais questionamentos, o segundo momento é apresentar aos educandos algumas inquietações sobre a ausência das mulheres na Epistemologia.
Science and political ideology: The example of Nazi Germany
Authors: Deichmann Ute
Published: October 2019

Although in their basic framework Nazi anti-Semitic and racist ideology and policies were not grounded in science, scientists not only supported them in various ways, but also took advantage of them, for example by using the new possibilities of unethical experimentation in humans that these ideologies provided. Scientists’ complicity with Nazi ideology and politics does, however, not mean that all sciences in Nazi Germany were ideologically tainted. I argue, rather, that despite the fact that some areas of science continued at high levels, science in Nazi Germany was most negatively affected not by the imposition of Nazi ideology on the conduct of science but by the enactment of legal measures that ensured the expulsion of Jewish scientists. The anti-Semitism of young faculty and students was particularly virulent. Moreover, I show that scientists supported Nazi ideologies and policies not only through so-called reductionist science such as eugenics and race-hygiene, but also by promoting organicist and holistic ideologies of the racial state.
Asymmetric ON-OFF processing of visual motion cancels variability induced by the structure of natural scenes
Authors: Chen Juyue , Mandel Holly B , Fitzgerald James E , Clark Damon A
Published: October 2019

Animals detect motion using a variety of visual cues that reflect regularities in the natural world. Experiments in animals across phyla have shown that motion percepts incorporate both pairwise and triplet spatiotemporal correlations that could theoretically benefit motion computation. However, it remains unclear how visual systems assemble these cues to build accurate motion estimates. Here, we used systematic behavioral measurements of fruit fly motion perception to show how flies combine local pairwise and triplet correlations to reduce variability in motion estimates across natural scenes. By generating synthetic images with statistics controlled by maximum entropy distributions, we show that the triplet correlations are useful only when images have light-dark asymmetries that mimic natural ones. This suggests that asymmetric ON-OFF processing is tuned to the particular statistics of natural scenes. Since all animals encounter the world’s light-dark asymmetries, many visual systems are likely to use asymmetric ON-OFF processing to improve motion estimation.
Drosophila macrophages switch to aerobic glycolysis to mount effective antibacterial defense
Authors: Krejčová Gabriela , Danielová Adéla , Nedbalová Pavla , Kazek Michalina , Strych Lukáš , Chawla Geetanjali , Tennessen Jason M , Lieskovská Jaroslava , Jindra Marek , Doležal Tomáš , Bajgar Adam
Published: October 2019

Macrophage-mediated phagocytosis and cytokine production represent the front lines of resistance to bacterial invaders. A key feature of this pro-inflammatory response in mammals is the complex remodeling of cellular metabolism towards aerobic glycolysis. Although the function of bactericidal macrophages is highly conserved, the metabolic remodeling of insect macrophages remains poorly understood. Here, we used adults of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster to investigate the metabolic changes that occur in macrophages during the acute and resolution phases of Streptococcus-induced sepsis. Our studies revealed that orthologs of Hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) are required for macrophage activation, their bactericidal function, and resistance to infection, thus documenting the conservation of this cellular response between insects and mammals. Further, we show that macrophages employing aerobic glycolysis induce changes in systemic metabolism that are necessary to meet the biosynthetic and energetic demands of their function and resistance to bacterial infection.
A prognostic nomogram for overall survival in male breast cancer with histology of infiltrating duct carcinoma after surgery
Authors: Chai Xin , Sun Mei-yang , Jia Hong-yao , Wang Min , Cao Ling , Li Zhi-wen , Wang Dun-wei
Published: October 2019

Objective

The study was designed to construct and validate a nomogram for predicting overall survival (OS) of male breast cancer (MBC) patients with infiltrating duct carcinoma (IDC).

Methods

The cohort was selected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2013. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard (PH) regression models were performed. A nomogram was developed based on the significant prognostic indicators of OS. The discriminatory and predictive capacities of nomogram were assessed by Harrell’s concordance index (C-index), calibration plots, area under the curve (AUC) and the decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

The median and maximal survival time of 1862 eligible patients were 49 and 131 months, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that age (P < 0.0001), marital status (P = 0.002), T stage (P < 0.0001), N stage (P = 0.021), M stage (P < 0.0001), progesterone receptor (PR) (P = 0.046), human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) (P = 0.009), and chemotherapy (P = 0.003) were independent prognostic indicators of IDC of MBC. The eight variables were then combined to construct a 3-and 5-year nomogram. The C-indexes of the nomogram were0.740 (95% confidence interval [CI] [0.709–0.771]) and 0.718 (95% CI [0.672–0.764]) for the internal validation and external validation, respectively. A better discriminatory capacity was observed in the nomogram compared with the SEER summary stage (P < 0.001) and AJCC TNM staging systems (6th edition;P < 0.001) with respect to OS prediction. Good consistency was detected between the nomogram prediction and actual findings, as indicated by calibration curves. The AUC for 3-and 5-year OS was 0.739 (95% CI [0.693–0.786]) and 0.764 (95% CI [0.725–0.803]) in the training cohort and 0.737 (95% CI [0.671–0.803]) and 0.735 (95% CI [0.678–0.793]) in the validation cohort, respectively. The DCA demonstrated that the survival nomogram was clinically useful.

Conclusions

The nomogram was able to more accurately predict 3-and 5-year OS of MBC patients with IDC histology than were existing models.
Environmental filtering of body size and darker coloration in pollinator communities indicate thermal restrictions on bees, but not flies, at high elevations
Authors: McCabe Lindsie M. , Cobb Neil S. , Butterfield Bradley J.
Published: October 2019

Background

Bees and flies are the two most dominant pollinator taxa in mountain environments of the Southwest USA. Communities of both taxa change dramatically along elevation gradients. We examined whether bee and fly traits would also change along elevation gradients and if so, do they change in a predictable way related to a decrease in temperature as elevation increases.

Methods

We used insect body size and darkness traits as proxies for energetic requirements and indicators of cold tolerance in order to assess patterns of bee and fly community trait differences along an elevation gradient. We examined 1,922 individuals of bees and flies sampled along an elevation gradient ranging from 2,400 meters to 3,200 meters and from 9.6 °C to 5.2 °C mean annual temperature. We examined bees and flies separately using community weighted means (site-level trait values weighted by species abundance) and estimates of environmental filtering (quantified as the inverse of the standardized range of trait values).

Results

Bees and flies exhibited two somewhat distinct patterns; (1) Community weighted mean body volume and darkness of bees increased sharply at the highest elevation, and the intensity of environmental filtering also increased with elevation. This was due to both a change among bee populations within a species as well as species replacement at the highest elevation. (2) Community weighted mean body volume and darkness of flies also increased moderately with increasing elevation, but did not exhibit patterns of significant environmental filtering. In fact, the intensity of environmental filtering as indicated by the range of fly body volume weakened with elevation.

Conclusion

The increase in filter intensity at high elevations exhibited by bees suggests a significant limitation on the breadth of viable functional strategies for coping with extreme cold, at least within this regional species pool. Flies, on the other hand, do not appear to be limited by high elevations, indicating that the shift from bee to fly dominance at high elevations may be due, at least in part, to greater environmental constraints on bee adaptation to colder environments.
The relationships between water storage and biomass components in two conifer species
Authors: Zhou Lai , Saeed Sajjad , Sun Yujun , Zhang Bo , Luo Mi , Li Zhaohui , Amir Muhammad
Published: October 2019

Background

Water storage is a significant physiological index of vegetation growth. However, information on water storage at the individual tree level and its relationship to climatic conditions and productivity is scarce.

Methods

We performed a comparative analysis of water storage using field measurements acquired three age classes of Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) and Korean larch (Larix olgensis). The distributions of water storage, water content ratio and dry mass were presented, and regression analyses were used to confirm the relationships of water storage and water content ratio to dry mass components, respectively.

Results

Our results indicated that water was mostly concentrated in the stem xylem, which aligned well with the distribution of dry mass in both conifer species. However, the water storage of the stem xylem was always higher in Chinese fir than in Korean larch. The average water content ratio of both conifer species decreased with age, but that of Chinese fir was always higher than that of Korean larch. There was a significant difference in the water storage proportion in the components of Chinese fir (P< 0.001) and Korean larch (P< 0.001). The effects of age class on the water storage of Chinese fir (P= 0.72) and Korean larch (P= 0.077) were not significant. Interestingly, significant positive linear correlations were found between fine root water and leaf water and mass in Chinese fir (P< 0.001,R2≥ 0.57) and Korean larch (P< 0.001,R2≥ 0.74). The slopes showing that the linear relationship between tree size and water content ratio of stem xylem were always steeper than that of other components for the two conifers.

Conclusion

Our study indicates the similar water related characteristics and their close relations to biomass accumulation and growth in both fast growing species at contrasting climates, illustrating the same coherent strategies of fast growing conifers in water utilization.
Low fat diets increase survival of a mouse model of spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Deguise Marc‐Olivier , Chehade Lucia , Tierney Alexandra , Beauvais Ariane , Kothary Rashmi
Published: October 2019

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular disorder leading to paralysis and death. Recent evidence shows increased susceptibility to dyslipidemia and liver steatosis in patients. Here, we provide evidence that low fat diets nearly double survival in Smn2B/− mice, a model for SMA, independent of changes in SMN levels, liver steatosis, or enhanced hepatic functions. Liver damage and ketone levels were reduced, implying a lower reliance on fatty acid oxidation. This preclinical proof of concept study provides grounds for controlled clinical investigation of dietary needs and offers evidence to inform nutritional guidelines specific to SMA.
Engineering Molecular Machines for the Control of Cellular Functions for Diagnostics and Therapeutics
Authors: Zamat Ali , Zhu Linshan , Wang Yingxiao
Published: October 2019

The utilization of live cells as therapeutic materials provides controllability and complexity unmatched by small molecules and biologic agents. Recent advancements have shown that the manipulation of live cells can allow the development of powerful tools for the diagnosis of disease, production of biologics, and application as therapeutics. The field of cellular engineering has rapidly evolved and advanced to provide immuno‐oncological relief through various genetic circuits and targeting motifs. In utilizing living materials comprised of cells, complex reactions and responsive elements can be created to generate novel controllable systems. This review discusses the general principles of cellular engineering in the clinical space and highlights its utilization in chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‐cell therapy. In particular, the review focuses on the control systems implemented on CAR T‐cells to mitigate adverse effects and increase the potency of therapy.
Recent Advances in the Bias Stress Stability of Organic Transistors
Authors: Park Sangsik , Kim Seung Hyun , Choi Hyun Ho , Kang Boseok , Cho Kilwon
Published: October 2019

In this progress report, recent advances in the development of organic transistors with superior bias stress stability and in the understanding of the charge traps that degrade device performance under prolonged bias stress are reviewed, with a particular focus on materials science and engineering methods. The phenomenological aspects of bias stress effects and the experimental methods for investigating charge traps are described. The recent progress in the bias stress stability of organic transistors is discussed in terms of those components that are the main focus of attempts to improve bias stress stability, i.e., organic semiconductor layers, gate dielectrics, and source/drain contacts. A brief summary of this progress is presented and the outlook for future research in this field is assessed. This report aims to summarize recent progress in this field and to provide some guidelines for studying bias stress–induced charge‐trapping phenomena.
Synthesis of Phosphoryl‐Substituted Benzimidazo[2,1‐a]isoquinolin‐6(5H)‐ones from 2‐Arylbenzoimidazoles and Diarylphosphine Oxides
Authors: Sun Kai , Si Ya‐Feng , Chen Xiao‐Lan , Lv Qi‐Yan , Peng Yu‐Yu , Qu Ling‐Bo , Yu Bing
Published: October 2019

An efficient and convenient silver‐catalyzed procedure was developed for the synthesis of various phosphoryl‐substituted benzimidazo[2,1‐a]isoquinoline‐6(5H)‐ones from diarylphosphine oxides and 2‐arylbenzoimidazoles. Moreover, the phosphoryl‐substituted indolo[2,1‐a]isoquinolin‐6(5H)‐ones could also be achieved by using this strategy under mild reaction conditions in the presence of AgNO3/K2S2O8.
Spin Polarization and Spin‐Flip Through Phosphorene Superlattice
Authors: Boroughani Atena , Faizabadi Edris
Published: October 2019

The spin‐dependent transport properties, including spin polarization and spin‐flip for phosphorene superlattice in the presence of an extrinsic Rashba spin‐orbit interaction (RSOI) based on the transfer matrix method, are studied. The results show that the number of barriers in the superlattice structure plays a dominant role in output spin polarization, which can be used in designing optimized spintronic devices. In addition, by controlling on the Rashba strength, an incident spin‐up electron can be transmitted as a spin‐down electron. Also, it enables to convert the unpolarized incident electronic beam (with zero spin polarization) into an arbitrary output spin polarization, which plays a significant role in qubit circuits.
Antithrombotic strategies after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: Insights from a network meta‐analysis
Authors: Kuno Toshiki , Takagi Hisato , Sugiyama Takehiro , Ando Tomo , Miyashita Satoshi , Valentin Nelson , Shimada Yuichi J. , Kodaira Masaki , Numasawa Yohei , Kanei Yumiko , Hayashida Kentaro , Bangalore Sripal
Published: October 2019

Objectives

We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of different antithrombotic strategies in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) using network meta‐analyses.

Background

Meta‐analyses comparing single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) vs. dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), ± oral anticoagulant (OAC) was conducted to determine the appropriate post TAVI antithrombotic regimen. However, there was limited direct comparisons across the different therapeutic strategies.

Methods

MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched through December 2018 to investigate the efficacy and safety of different antithrombotic strategies (SAPT, DAPT, OAC, OAC + SAPT, and OAC + DAPT) in patients undergoing TAVI. The main outcome were all‐cause mortality, major or life‐threatening bleeding events, and stroke.

Results

Our search identified 3 randomized controlled trials and 10 nonrandomized studies, a total of 20,548 patients who underwent TAVI. All OACs were vitamin K antagonists. There was no significant difference on mortality except that OAC + DAPT had significantly higher rates of mortality compared with others (p < .05, I2 = 0%). SAPT had significantly lower rates of bleeding compared with DAPT, OAC+SAPT, and OAC+DAPT (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.59 [0.46‐0.77], p < .001, HR: 0.58 [0.34‐0.99], p = .045, HR: 0.41 [0.18‐0.93], p = .033, respectively, I2 = 0%). There was no significant difference on stroke among all antithrombotic strategies.

Conclusion

Patients who underwent TAVI had similar all‐cause mortality rates among different antithrombotic strategies except OAC+DAPT. Patients on SAPT had significantly lower bleeding risk than those on DAPT, OAC + SAPT, and OAC + DAPT. Our results suggest SAPT is the preferred regimen when there is no indication for DAPT or OAC. When DAPT or OAC is indicated, DAPT + OAC should be avoided.
Percutaneous closure of patent ductus arteriosus in premature infants: A French national survey
Authors: Malekzadeh‐Milani Sophie , Akhavi Ahmad , Douchin Stéphanie , Dauphin Claire , Chalard Aurélie , Mauran Pierre , Bouvaist Hélène , Bonnet Damien , Boudjemline Younes
Published: October 2019

Background

Transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in premature infants has been shown to be feasible in small series. Outcomes in larger series are currently lacking.

Material

All premature infants (< 36 weeks GA) who underwent transcatheter PDA closure were included in a multicenter French national survey. Demographic data (gestational age [GA], birth weight [BW]) and procedural data (weight [PW], age at procedure [AP], procedural success, fluoroscopy time, and type of device) were collected. Outcomes and procedural complications were reviewed.

Results

Between September 2013 and June 2017, 102 patients were included. In 71 cases, PDA pharmacological closure had been attempted. Mean GA was 27 ± 2.9 weeks. Mean BW and PW were 1,040 ± 715 g and 1,543 ± 698 g, respectively. Mean AP was 39 ± 26 days. Number of premature infants <1 kg, between 1 and 2 kg, and > 2 kg was 21, 59, and 22, respectively. Mean fluoroscopic time was 6.5 min. Success rate was 99%. Device‐ or procedure‐related complications were reported in nine patients (8.9%) including three LPA stenoses (requiring surgery in two and balloon dilatation in one), two neo‐coarctations (one requiring subsequent surgery), and three instances of tricuspid valve regurgitation at follow‐up. Seven deaths were reported, none being related to the procedure. Mean follow‐up was 39.75 ± 13.1 months.

Conclusion

In this large series of premature infants undergoing transcatheter PDA closure, it was demonstrated that this procedure can be performed successfully in the vast majority of patients with an acceptable complication rate. Future efforts should focus on minimizing complications, particularly device‐related vascular stenoses.
Application of transcatheter valves for aortic valve replacement in pediatric patients: A case series
Authors: Sinha Sanjay , Khan Asra , Qureshi Athar M. , Suh William , Laks Hillel , Aboulhosn Jamil , Biniwale Reshma , Adachi Iki , Fernando Anisha , Levi Daniel
Published: October 2019

Objectives

To describe our initial experience with pediatric transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Background

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been approved and used to treat calcific aortic stenosis in adult patients. Select pediatric patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) who are poor candidates for conventional surgical aortic valve replacement can benefit from TAVR.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed to identify and describe pediatric patients with CHD who underwent transcatheter or hybrid aortic valve replacement using a Melody Valve (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN), or Sapien S3/XT valve (Edwards Life sciences LLC, Irvine, CA). Patients in whom transcatheter valves were implanted on cardiopulmonary bypass were included. Imaging data, procedural elements, and clinical follow‐up data were collected to evaluate acute and short‐term results.

Results

A total of eight pediatric patients underwent treatment of aortic valvular disease using balloon expandable valves and delivery systems. Two patients had Melody valve implantation and six received a Sapien valve (one XT/five S3). In one patient, a Melody valve was placed surgically, failed, and was replaced with a Sapien valve 2 years later. Two patients were treated using a standard transfemoral route, four had the valve delivered on cardiopulmonary bypass via a median sternotomy, one was placed with a transapical approach, and one via a carotid cut down. Patients were followed for an average 16 months (range 1–208 weeks). There were no early or late deaths in this cohort. There were no embolic events, and all valves worked well in the immediate postoperative period. Both Melody implants developed moderate to severe regurgitation at 2 years and 4 years, respectively, and both required replacement at that time. One Sapien 3 valve developed a paravalvular leak that required reintervention within 6 months of implantation.

Conclusions

Transcatheter valves offer a reasonable alternative to traditional surgical aortic valve replacement in certain pediatric patients who are suboptimal surgical candidates. Hybrid approaches and valve delivery on cardiopulmonary bypass has been used in smaller patients. Long‐term performance of these valves in young patients has not been studied.
Primary Sjögren's syndrome with multiple calcifications in parotid glands
Authors: Kondo Keisuke , Kaneko Takahiro , Horie Norio
Published: October 2019

Dispersed calcifications in bilateral parotid glands may strongly suggest Sjögren's syndrome (SS), since the occurrence of bilateral calcifications in other salivary gland diseases is rare. This association between parotid calcifications and SS would thus represent highly useful information for the diagnosis of SS.
Comprehensive Methodology for the Investigation of Mercury Adsorption on Activated Carbons
Authors: Ambrosy Jonas , Pasel Christoph , Luckas Michael , Bittig Margot , Bathen Dieter
Published: October 2019

In mercury adsorption on activated carbons both physisorptive and chemisorptive mechanisms play a role. The systematic investigation of Hg0 chemisorption is difficult because equilibrium capacities cannot be determined due to slow adsorption mechanisms. Therefore, the present publication suggests a three‐step approach: 1) Breakthrough curves are used to assess the dynamics of Hg0 adsorption. 2) The contributions of physisorption and chemisorption can be distinguished by coupled adsorption and desorption experiments. 3) Temperature programmed desorption (TPD) experiments are performed to get information about specific chemisorptive binding sites on the surface. This approach was tested on four characteristic examples of impregnated and non‐impregnated activated carbons.
Rhenium‐Catalyzed Decarboxylative Tri‐/Difluoromethylation of Styrenes with Fluorinated Carboxylic Acid‐Derived Hypervalent Iodine Reagents
Authors: Wang Yin , Yang Yunhui , Wang Congyang
Published: October 2019

Summary of main observation and conclusion

Herein, unprecedented rhenium‐catalyzed decarboxylative oxytri‐/difluoromethylation and Heck‐type trifluoromethylation of styrenes have been developed by using hypervalent iodine(III) reagents derived from cheap, stable, and easy‐handling fluorinated carboxylic acids. Mechanistic studies revealed a radical decarboxylative trifluoromethylation pathway occurring in these reactions.
Recent Advances in Atmospheric Ionization Mass Spectrometry: Developments and Applications
Authors: Li Yuling , Cao Yuqi , Guo Yinlong
Published: October 2019

When did you start the research about mass spectrometry?

We paid attention to mass spectrometry and then designed a new method, called intermittent electrospray for mass spectrometry, dating back to 18 years ago. It has the property of high sensitivity and advantages for protein analysis.

Why do you get into mass spectrometry? Could you please share some experiences with our readers?

For passion and responsibility. No matter what happens, just always keep thinking.

What is the most important personality for scientific research?

Forward‐looking vision, keen insight, divergent thinking and down‐to‐earth work.

What is the most favorite chemistry developed in your research group?

We have been working on detecting active transient intermediates and organic reaction mechanisms. It is a big challenge for us initially because of weak foundation, but every time we put all efforts to find problem and solve it.

How do you deal with the relationship with your students?

Accept and make suggestions like friends.

What are your research interests focus on recently?

Recently, our group have focused on the development of novel and efficient mass spectrometry technologies like atmospheric ionization mass spectrometry to settle some unsolved problems in analytical chemistry, organic chemistry and biological researches.
Degradation of Coking Wastewater under Microwave Irradiation in the Presence of Modified Activated Carbon
Authors: Gao Yu , Zou Donglei , Liu Yuzhi , Guan Heda , Sun Wentian
Published: October 2019

In this study, a new material consisting of activated‐carbon‐containing magnetic oxide is prepared for assisted microwave (MW) irradiation treatment of coking wastewater. The optimum condition for degrading coking wastewater is 98.14% chemical oxygen demand (COD), under which 87.57% ammonia nitrogen (NH3–N) can be removed. The results are verified by GC–MS, showing that most organic pollutants can be adsorbed by modified activated carbon (MAC). The surface morphology and elemental composition of MAC before and after microwave irradiation and adsorption is determined by scanning electron microscopy. After microwave irradiation, many apertures of pores looked relatively large. It can be shown that MAC as a catalyst in the microwave‐assisted treatment process has many advantages, including rapid degradation of COD and NH3–N. In conclusion, microwave‐irradiation‐assisted MAC treatment of coking wastewater is a novel technology that is economical, efficient, and has broad prospects for development.
A revised order of subunits in mammalian septin complexes
Authors: Mendonça Deborah C. , Macedo Joci N. , Guimarães Samuel L. , Barroso da Silva Fernando L. , Cassago Alexandre , Garratt Richard C. , Portugal Rodrigo V. , Araujo Ana P. U.
Published: October 2019

Septins are GTP binding proteins considered to be novel components of the cytoskeleton. They polymerize into filaments based on hexameric or octameric core particles in which two copies of either three or four different septins, respectively, assemble into a specific sequence. Viable combinations of the 13 human septins are believed to obey substitution rules in which the different septins involved must come from distinct subgroups. The hexameric assembly, for example, has been reported to be SEPT7–SEPT6–SEPT2–SEPT2–SEPT6–SEPT7. Here, we have replaced SEPT2 by SEPT5 according to the substitution rules and used transmission electron microscopy to demonstrate that the resulting recombinant complex assembles into hexameric particles which are inverted with respect that predicted previously. MBP‐SEPT5 constructs and immunostaining show that SEPT5 occupies the terminal positions of the hexamer. We further show that this is also true for the assembly including SEPT2, in direct contradiction with that reported previously. Consequently, both complexes expose an NC interface, as reported for yeast, which we show to be more susceptible to high salt concentrations. The correct assembly for the canonical combination of septins 2‐6‐7 is therefore established to be SEPT2–SEPT6–SEPT7–SEPT7–SEPT6–SEPT2, implying the need for revision of the mechanisms involved in filament assembly.
Bioequivalence Study of 2 Formulations of Rivaroxaban, a Narrow‐Therapeutic‐Index Drug, in Healthy Chinese Subjects Under Fasting and Fed Conditions
Authors: Ding Sijia , Wang Lu , Xie Lijun , Zhou Sufeng , Chen Juan , Zhao Yuqing , Deng Wenjie , Liu Yun , Zhang Hongwen , Shao Feng
Published: October 2019

This study aimed to evaluate the bioequivalence (BE) of 2 formulations of the 10‐mg rivaroxaban tablet. The study was a randomized, open‐label, 4‐period, crossover study that included 28 healthy subjects in fasting or fed conditions. The pharmacokinetic parameters were determined based on the concentrations of rivaroxaban using high‐performance liquid chromatography with a tandem mass spectrometer detector. In each of the 4 study periods with fasting or fed conditions, a single dose of test or reference product was administered. Rivaroxaban concentrations in plasma were determined using a validated liquid chromatography with a tandem mass spectrometer detector method. The pharmacokinetic parameters assessed were the area under the plasma concentration‐time curve (AUC0‐t, AUC0‐∞), the peak plasma concentration of the drug (Cmax), time to achieve Cmax, elimination half‐life, within‐subject variability of test drug, and within‐subject variability of reference drug. The geometric mean ratio (90%CI) of the test drug/reference drug for rivaroxaban was 90.38% to 103.60% for AUC0‐t in fasting conditions and 90.13% to 100.42% in fed conditions. The AUC0‐∞s were 89.94% to 102.50% and 90.14% to 100.45% under fasting and fed conditions, respectively. The Cmax values were 90.58% to 105.01% and 96.36% to 108.07% in these 2 conditions, respectively. All 90%CIs for test drug/reference drug geometric mean ratio were ≤2.5. The 90%CIs for test/reference AUC ratio and Cmax ratio were within the acceptable range for BE. There were no adverse events encountered during this BE study. The study's results indicated that the 2 formulations of the rivaroxaban tablet were bioequivalent.
In Situ Methylation Transforms Aggregation‐Caused Quenching into Aggregation‐Induced Emission: Functional Porous Silsesquioxane‐Based Composites with Enhanced Near‐Infrared Emission
Authors: Yan Yehao , Laine Richard M. , Liu Hongzhi
Published: October 2019

Methylation of TPA‐DCM (2‐(2,6‐bis‐4‐(diphenylamino)stryryl‐4H‐pyranylidene)malononitrile) that exhibits aggregation‐caused quenching (ACQ) results in the fluorophore M‐TPA‐DCM (2‐(2,6‐bis((E)‐4‐(di‐p‐tolylamino)‐styryl)‐4H‐pyran‐4‐ylidene]malononitrile) that shows aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) and NIR fluorescence and has a conjugated “D‐π‐A‐π‐D” electronic configuration. Friedel‐Crafts reaction of TPA‐DCM and octavinylsilsesquioxane (OVS) resulted in a family of porous materials (TPAIEs) that contain the M‐TPA‐DCM motif and show large Stokes shifts (180 nm), NIR emission (670 nm), tunable porosity (SBET from 160 to 720 m2 g−1, pore volumes of 0.13–0.55 cm3 g−1), as well as high thermal stability (400 °C, 5 % mass loss, N2). As a simple test case, one of TPAIE materials was used to sense Ru3+ ions with high selectivity and sensitivity.
2 D Hybrid of Ni‐LDH Chips on Carbon Nanosheets as Cathode of Zinc–Air Battery for Electrocatalytic Conversion of O2 into H2O2
Authors: Huang Junheng , Chen Junxiang , Fu Changle , Cai Pingwei , Li Yan , Cao Linlin , Liu Wei , Yu Peng , Wei Shiqiang , Wen Zhenhai , Li Jinghong
Published: October 2019

It remains great challenge to develop precious‐metal‐free electrocatalysts to implement high‐activity electrochemical conversion of O2 into value‐added hydroperoxide species (HO2−), which are vulnerable when exposed to various transition‐metal‐based catalysts. A strategy based on steric hindrance and layered nickel‐based layered double hydroxide (Ni‐LDH) induction has been developed for one‐pot inlaying high‐density ultrathin 2 D Ni‐LDH chips on in situ‐grown carbon nanosheets (Ni‐LDH C/CNSs). The resulting material exhibits high electrocatalytic selectivity with a faradaic efficiency up to 95 % for oxygen reduction into peroxide and attains a fairly high mass activity of approximately 22.2 A g−1, outperforming most metal‐based catalysts reported previously. Systematic studies demonstrate that the greatly increased defect concentration at Ni edge sites of Ni‐LDH chips results in more active sites, which contributes a favorable thermodynamically neutral adsorption of OOH* and adsorbed H2O2 molecules relatively weakly. Additionally, the modified CNSs effectively suppress H2O2 decomposition and avoid O−O bond cleavage to produce H2O by steric effects. The synergistic effect of CNSs and Ni‐LDH chips therefore leads to high activity and high selectivity in a two‐electron pathway. A proof‐of‐concept zinc–air fuel cell is proposed and set up to demonstrate the feasibility of green synthesis of peroxide, generating an impressive H2O2 production rate of 5239.67 mmol h−1 gcat.−1.
Strongly Coupled MoS2 Nanocrystal/Ti3C2 Nanosheet Hybrids Enable High‐Capacity Lithium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Hu Zhongli , Kuai Xiaoxiao , Chen Juntong , Sun Pengfei , Zhang Qiaobao , Wu Hong‐Hui , Zhang Li
Published: October 2019

Smart integration of transition‐metal sulfides/oxides/nitrides with the conductive MXene to form hybrid materials is very promising in the development of high‐performance anodes for next‐generation Li‐ion batteries (LIBs) owing to their advantages of high specific capacity, favorable Li+ intercalation structure, and superior conductivity. Herein, a facile route was proposed to prepare strongly coupled MoS2 nanocrystal/Ti3C2 nanosheet hybrids through freeze‐drying combined with a subsequent thermal process. The Ti3C2 host could enhance the reaction kinetics and buffer the volume change of MoS2 at a low content (8.87 wt %). Thus, the MoS2/Ti3C2 hybrids could deliver high rate performance and excellent cycling durability. As such, high reversible capacities of 835.1 and 706.0 mAh g−1 could be maintained after 110 cycles at 0.5 A g−1 and 1390 cycles at 5 A g−1, respectively, as well as an outstanding rate capability with a capacity retention over 65.8 % at 5 A g−1. This synthetic strategy could be easily extended to synthesize other high‐performance MXene‐supported hybrid electrode materials.
Introduction to a special issue on eating disorders and related symptomatology in male populations
Authors: Murray Stuart B. , Griffiths Scott , Lavender Jason M.
Published: October 2019

Objective

It is our sincere pleasure to introduce a special issue of the International Journal of Eating Disorders focused on eating disorders and related symptoms in male populations.

Method

Contributions focused on three main themes among male populations: (a) the nature of eating disorder symptoms and recovery; (b) long‐term outcomes following eating disorders treatment; and (c) muscularity‐oriented symptoms of eating pathology.

Results

The contributions to this special issue highlight the importance of better understanding how eating disorder symptoms manifest, may be maintained, and respond to treatment among male populations. Findings across the articles demonstrate some similarities between male and female samples with respect to core eating disorder symptoms, as well as important differences, particularly with respect to muscularity‐oriented disordered eating. Findings related to treatment outcome also highlight the suboptimal long‐term remission rates and elevated mortality among male inpatients with eating disorders.

Discussion

The diverse range of samples, methodologies, and research questions addressed within this collection of papers demonstrates the breadth of the important scientific work on this topic. As eating disorders and related symptoms in male populations continue to be underrecognized and underserved, we hope that this special issue will encourage further high‐quality clinical research in this area.
Temporal Trends (1981–2013) of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Total Fluorine in Baltic cod (Gadus morhua)
Authors: Schultes Lara , Sandblom Oskar , Broeg Katja , Bignert Anders , Benskin Jonathan P.
Published: October 2019

Temporal trends from 1981 to 2013 of 28 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were investigated in liver tissue of cod (Gadus morhua) sampled near southeast Gotland, in the Baltic Sea. A total of 10 PFASs were detected, with ∑28PFAS geometric mean concentrations ranging from 6.03 to 23.9 ng/g ww. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was the predominant PFAS, which increased at a rate of 3.4% per year. Most long-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids increased at rates of 3.9 to 7.3% per year except for perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), which did not change significantly over time. The perfluoroalkyl acid precursors perfluorooctane sulfonamide (FOSA) and 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid were detected, of which the former (FOSA) declined at a rate of –4.4% per year, possibly reflecting its phase-out starting in 2000. An alternate time trend analysis from 2000 to 2013 produced slightly different results, with most compounds increasing at slower rates compared to the entire study period. An exception was perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), increasing at a faster rate of 3.7% measured from 2000 on, compared to the 3.0% per year measured starting from 1981. Analysis of the total fluorine content of the samples revealed large amounts of unidentified fluorine; however, its composition (organic or inorganic) remains unclear. Significant negative correlations were found between concentrations of individual PFASs (with the exception of PFOS) and liver somatic index. In addition, body length was negatively correlated with PFOA and perfluorononanoate, but positively correlated with perfluorododecanoate (PFDoDA) and FOSA. Additional studies on endocrine, immunological, and metabolic effects of PFAS in marine fish are essential to assess the environmental risk of these substances. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:300–309. © 2019 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.

Abstract

Increasing trends for most long-chain perfluoroalkyl acids and declining FOSA concentrations were detected in Baltic cod liver, along with correlations of certain PFASs with body length and liver somatic index.
Functional characterization of a candidate tumor suppressor gene, Mirror Image Polydactyly 1, in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Leong Merrin M.L. , Cheung Arthur K.L. , Kwok Tommy C.T. , Lung Maria L.
Published: October 2019

Mirror Image Polydactyly 1 (MIPOL1) is generally associated with congenital anomalies. However, its role in cancer development is poorly understood. Previously, by utilizing the functional complementation approach, microcell‐mediated chromosome transfer (MMCT), a tumor suppressor gene, MIPOL1, was identified. MIPOL1 was confirmed to be downregulated in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells and tumor tissues, and re‐expression of MIPOL1 induced tumor suppression. The aim of the current study is to further elucidate the functional tumor suppressive role of MIPOL1. In our study, with an expanded sample size of different clinical stages of NPC tumor tissues, we further confirmed the downregulation of MIPOL1 in different cancer stages. MIPOL1 re‐expression down‐regulated angiogenic factors and reduced phosphorylation of metastasis‐associated proteins including AKT, p65, and FAK. In addition, MIPOL1 was confirmed to interact with a tumor suppressor, RhoB, and re‐expression of MIPOL1 enhanced RhoB activity. The functional role of MIPOL1 was further validated by utilizing a panel of wild‐type (WT) and truncated MIPOL1 expression constructs. The MIPOL1 tumor‐suppressive effect can only be observed in the WT MIPOL1‐expressing cells. In vitro and nude mice in vivo functional studies further confirmed the critical role of WT MIPOL1 in inhibiting migration, invasion and metastasis in NPC. Overall, our study provides strong evidence about the tumor‐suppressive role of MIPOL1 in inhibiting angiogenesis and metastasis in NPC.