bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organic σ‐Hole Containing Crystals with Enhanced Nonlinear Optical Response and Efficient Optical‐to‐THz Frequency Conversion
Authors: Kim Se‐In , Kim Won Tae , Seok Jin‐Hong , Jazbinsek Mojca , Yoon Woojin , Yu In Cheol , Yun Hoseop , Kim Dongwook , Rotermund Fabian , Kwon O‐Pil
Published: January 2020

A new approach for the molecular design of highly efficient nonlinear optical organic crystals is proposed by introducing substituents that form σ‐holes on both nonlinear optical cationic chromophores and aromatic anions. Introducing chlorinated substituents, in which a relatively positive σ‐hole and a negative belt coexist, provides selective reduction capability of specific π–π intermolecular interactions and simultaneous multiple secondary bonding capabilities. This leads to a crystalline state with enhanced first‐order hyperpolarizability βcrystal of chromophores that favors parallel chromophore alignment and suppression of molecular vibrations, which are optimal characteristics for electro‐optic and nonlinear optical applications, including efficient THz wave generation. Compared to benchmark nonhalogenated and fluorinated analogous crystals with state‐of‐the‐art macroscopic optical nonlinearity, σ‐hole containing chloro‐quinolinium crystals exhibit up to two times higher macroscopic nonlinear optical response and remarkably different crystal characteristics. As a result, a 0.16 mm thick chloro‐quinolinium crystal exhibits ≈22 times higher optical‐to‐THz conversion efficiency than the widely used 1.0 mm thick ZnTe inorganic crystal. Moreover, chloro‐quinolinium crystals exhibit very broad THz spectra, up to 8 THz with significantly different THz spectral shape compared to benchmark organic crystals, which is attributed to different phase matching between optical and THz frequencies and molecular vibration motions.
Theoretical Analysis of Surface Active Sites in Defective 2H and 1T′ MoS2 Polymorphs for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction: Quantifying the Total Activity of Point Defects
Authors: Ekspong Joakim , Gracia‐Espino Eduardo
Published: January 2020

Defect engineering is a common and promising strategy to improve the catalytic activity of layered structures such as MoS2, where in particular the 2H and 1T′ polymorphs have been under intense study for their activity toward the hydrogen evolution reaction. However, the large variety of defects, each with its own distinct and usually unknown effects, complicates the design and optimization of such defective materials. Therefore, it is relevant to characterize in detail the effect of individual defects and to be able to combine these observations to describe more complex materials, such as those seen experimentally. Therefore, nine point defects (antisites defects and vacancies) are theoretically studied on single layer 1T, 1T′, and 2H MoS2 polymorphs, and the variation and spatial distribution in the active sites are identified. It is found that all defective 1T′ monolayers exhibit an increase in the exchange current density of at least 2.3 times when compared to pristine 1T′ MoS2, even if a reduced number of active sites are observed. The results are later used to propose a methodology to study materials containing a mixture of crystal phases, or other alterations that cause inhomogeneous changes in the activity of catalytic sites.
Graphdiyne‐Based Monolayers as Promising Anchoring Materials for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries: A Theoretical Study
Authors: Muhammad Imran , Younis Umer , Xie Huanhuan , Kawazoe Yoshiyuki , Sun Qiang
Published: January 2020

High energy density, low cost, and environmental friendliness are required for modern energy‐storage technologies. The anchoring performance of newly fabricated porous triphenylene–graphdiyne (TPGDY), boron–graphdiyne (BGDY), and nitrogen–graphdiyne (NDGY–C18N6, NGDY–C24N4, and NGDY–C36N6) monolayers are studied by employing density functional theory (DFT). It is found that the porous graphdiyne‐based materials offer more space to accommodate lithium polysulfides with moderate adsorption energies and the anchoring performance changes with substrate and the size of Li2Sn molecules: BGDY has a strong chemical interaction with lithium polysulfides due to the large charge transfer as compared to others. The chemical interaction dominates in anchoring species Li2Sn with small size (n = 1, 2), whereas vdW interaction dominates for S8 and larger size Li2Sn (n = 6, 8) species. Furthermore, anchoring lithium polysulfides reduces the band gaps of the graphdiyne‐based materials and enhances the electronic conductivity. These intriguing features suggest that graphdiyne‐based porous 2D structures are promising anchoring materials for lithium–sulfur batteries.
Cationic Iron(III) Salt as an Initiator for Radical Cation‐induced [4+2] Cycloaddition
Authors: Horibe Takahiro , Ohmura Shuhei , Katagiri Kei , Ishihara Kazuaki
Published: January 2020

We developed a cationic iron(III) salt initiator for radical cation‐induced [4+2] cycloaddition. Fe(OTf)3 [or Fe(ClO4)3] behaves as a highly active oxidant for both electron‐deficient and electron‐rich dienophiles. The scope of substrates is much broader than with FeCl3 reported previously. With highly active Fe(OTf)3, we demonstrate a formal total synthesis of Heitziamide A.
Synthesis, characterization, thermal, computational and biological activity studies of new potential bioactive diorganotin (IV) nitrosubstitutedhydroxamates‐A comparative study
Authors: Choudhary Vineet Kumar , Bhatt Arvind Kumar , Dash Dibyajit , Sharma Neeraj
Published: January 2020

The new diorganotin (IV) complexes of composition [Me2SnCl(3,5‐(NO2)2C6H2(OH)CONHO)] (I) and [n‐Bu2SnCl(3,5‐(NO2)2C6H2(OH)CONHO)] (II) have been synthesized by the reactions of Me2SnCl2 and n‐Bu2SnCl2 with potassium 3,5‐dinitrosalicylhydroxamate [3,5‐(NO2)2C6H2(OH)CONHOK]‐ a ligand of biological significance bearing –NO2 and –OH substituents presumed to yield complexes with efficient bioactivity. The complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses, IR, 1H, 13C and 119Sn NMR and mass spectrometry in order to study the ligational behavior and probale geometry around tin as the ligand might show different bonding modes and geometry in complexes. The geometries of (I) and (II) have been computed using B3LYP/6–31 + G(d,p) set by DFT method and the vibrational frequencies, 1H and 13C NMR spectra compared with the experimental data. A comparison of computed bond lengths (C=O, C‐N, and N‐O) of (I) and (II) with that of free ligand, the Sn‐O bond lengths, bond angles coupled with 119Sn NMR and IR spectral data have suggested coordination through carbonyl and hydroxamic oxygens (O, O coordination) displaying five‐coordinate distorted trigonal‐bipyramidal geometry around tin. The thermal behavior of (I) and (II) has been studied by thermogravimetric techniques (TGA, DTG, DTA) and various kinetic parameters have been calculated. The electrochemical behavior of ligand, (I) and (II) studied by cyclic voltammetric technique has shown ligand centered redection. The HOMO‐LUMO energies and orbitals, global reactivity descriptors, various thermodynamic parameters and dipole moment (μ) have been computed to determin the molecular properties of complexes. The in vitro antimicrobial activity assay against bacteria and fungi by MIC method has indicated higher potency of (I) than (II). The in vitro cytotoxicity on human muscle rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) by MTT method and the antioxidant potential by DPPH free radical scavenging showed higher inhibitory effect of complexes than ligand.
Application of copper nanoparticles containing natural compounds in the treatment of bacterial and fungal diseases
Authors: Hemmati Saba , Ahany Kamangar Sheida , Ahmeda Ahmad , Zangeneh Mohammad Mahdi , Zangeneh Akram
Published: January 2020

The development of nanotechnology has generated different nanoscale‐sized materials, with metal‐based nanomaterials being some of the most interesting and promising. Thousands of articles in various specialized journals all over the world are dedicated to different metallic nanomaterials. Metallic nanomaterials are being widely researched, with gold‐, silver‐, iron‐, and copper‐based materials showing potential in medicine. Studies have demonstrated the effect of copper nanoparticles in medicinal herbs on the prevention, control, and treatment of microbial diseases. Experiments have examined the chemical characterization and assessment of the antioxidant, cytotoxicity, antibacterial, and antifungal activities of copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) using the aqueous extract of Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl flower. These nanoparticles were characterized by UV–visible spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), and X‐ray diffraction analysis. TEM and FE‐SEM images exhibited a uniform spherical morphology and diameters of 10–25 nm for the biosynthesized nanoparticles. FT‐IR results suggested polysaccharides and protein in S. lavandulifolia acted as reducing agents, reducing copper ions to Cu NPs. In vitro biological experiments indicated that Cu NPs have excellent antioxidant potential against 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl, antifungal effects against Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis, Candida guilliermondii, Candida glabrata, and Candida albicans, and antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus pneumonia, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, Proteus mirabilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These nanoparticles did not have cytotoxicity properties against human umbilical vein endothelial cells. These results indicate that the inclusion of S. lavandulifolia extract ameliorates the solubility of Cu NPs, which leads to a remarkable enhancement in fungicidal and bactericidal effects under in vitro conditions.
Use of species delimitation approaches to assess biodiversity in freshwater planaria (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida) from desert springs
Authors: Inoue Kentaro , Pohl Alexa L. , Sei Makiri , Lang Brian K. , Berg David J.
Published: January 2020

Chihuahuan Desert springs in New Mexico and Texas harbour many endemic aquatic species. Often, these taxa share similar phenotypic characters, making it difficult to assess biodiversity accurately. Even though free‐living planaria (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida) occur in high densities, they are often omitted from biodiversity assessments of freshwater habitats owing to a lack of expertise in identifying them and lack of concern for conservation of these poorly known organisms.

Using phylogenetic and species delimitation approaches, the diversity of planaria was examined from 12 springs in the northern Chihuahuan Desert. Mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences were used to reconstruct a phylogeny and then to delineate putative species from these springs via genetic distance and multispecies coalescent methods.

The results showed that the planaria in the northern Chihuahuan Desert probably belong to four putative species; three of these are locally endemic, and the other is widely distributed across the region. These putative species may have experienced different evolutionary histories primarily because the locally endemic taxa have limited dispersal capabilities.

The results suggest the need for morphological examination in order to allow the description of these putative species. This study not only uses DNA barcoding to estimate accurately the total diversity of freshwater planaria before conventional species identification, but also identifies hidden biodiversity in springs of the northern Chihuahuan Desert. These ecosystems require aggressive conservation action to protect vulnerable habitats that contain a wealth of endemic species.
Biodiversity, ecology, fisheries, and use and trade of Tetraodontiformes fishes reveal their socio‐ecological significance along the tropical Brazilian continental shelf
Authors: Eduardo Leandro Nole , Bertrand Arnaud , Frédou Thierry , Lira Alex Souza , Lima Rayssa Siqueira , Ferreira Beatrice Padovani , Menard Frédéric , Lucena‐Frédou Flávia
Published: January 2020

Tetraodontiformes fishes play a critical role in benthic and demersal communities and are facing threats due to anthropogenic impacts and climate change. However, they are poorly studied worldwide. To improve knowledge on the socio‐ecological significance and conservation of Tetraodontiformes a review of literature addressing the diversity, ecology, use and trade, conservation, and main threats of Tetraodontiformes combined with a comprehensive in situ dataset from two broad‐range multidisciplinary oceanographic surveys performed along the Tropical Brazilian Continental Shelf was undertaken.

Twenty‐nine species were identified, being primarily found on coral reefs and algal ecosystems. At these habitats, tetraodontids present highly diversified trophic categories and might play an important role by balancing the marine food web

Coral reef ecosystems, especially those near to the shelf break, seem to be the most important areas of Tetraodontiformes fishes, concentrating the highest values of species richness, relative abundance and the uncommon and Near Threatened species.

Ninety per cent of species are commonly caught as bycatch, being also used in the ornamental trade (69%) and as food (52%), serving as an important source of income for artisanal local fisheries.

Tetraodontiformes are threatened by unregulated fisheries, overexploitation, bycatch, and habitat loss due to coral reef degradation and the potential effects of climate change. These factors are more broadly impacting global biodiversity, food security, and other related ecosystem functions upon which humans and many other organisms rely.

We recommend the following steps that could improve the conservation of Tetraodontiformes along the tropical Brazilian Continental shelf and elsewhere: (i) data collection of the commercial, incidental, ornamental and recreational catches; (ii) improvement of the current legislation directed at the marine ornamental harvesting; (iii) increase efforts focused on the education and conservation awareness in coastal tourism and communities; and, most important, (iv) creation of marine reserves networks in priority areas of conservation, protecting either the species and key habitats for its survival.
Neurosensory and Sinus Evolution as Tyrannosauroid Dinosaurs Developed Giant Size: Insight from the Endocranial Anatomy of Bistahieversor sealeyi
Authors: McKeown Matthew , Brusatte Stephen L. , Williamson Thomas E. , Schwab Julia A. , Carr Thomas D. , Butler Ian B. , Muir Amy , Schroeder Katlin , Espy Michelle A. , Hunter James F. , Losko Adrian S. , Nelson Ronald O. , Gautier D. Cort , Vogel Sven C.
Published: January 2020

Tyrannosaurus rex and other tyrannosaurid dinosaurs were apex predators during the latest Cretaceous, which combined giant size and advanced neurosensory systems. Computed tomography (CT) data have shown that tyrannosaurids had a trademark system of a large brain, large olfactory bulbs, elongate cochlear ducts, and expansive endocranial sinuses surrounding the brain and sense organs. Older, smaller tyrannosauroid relatives of tyrannosaurids developed some, but not all, of these features, raising the hypothesis that tyrannosaurid‐style brains evolved before the enlarged tyrannosaurid‐style sinuses, which might have developed only with large body size. This has been difficult to test, however, because little is known about the brains and sinuses of the first large‐bodied tyrannosauroids, which evolved prior to Tyrannosauridae. We here present the first CT data for one of these species, Bistahieversor sealeyi from New Mexico. Bistahieversor had a nearly identical brain and sinus system as tyrannosaurids like Tyrannosaurus, including a large brain, large olfactory bulbs, reduced cerebral hemispheres, and optic lobes, a small tab‐like flocculus, long and straight cochlear ducts, and voluminous sinuses that include a supraocciptal recess, subcondyar sinus, and an anterior tympanic recess that exits the braincase via a prootic fossa. When characters are plotted onto tyrannosauroid phylogeny, there is a two‐stage sequence in which features of the tyrannosaurid‐style brain evolved first (in smaller, nontyrannosaurid species like Timurlengia), followed by features of the tyrannosaurid‐style sinuses (in the first large‐bodied nontyrannosaurid tyrannosauroids like Bistahieversor). This suggests that the signature tyrannosaurid sinus system evolved in concert with large size, whereas the brain did not. Anat Rec, 303:1043–1059, 2020. © 2020 American Association for Anatomy
Anatomy of the neural endocranium, parasphenoid and stapes of Diadectes absitus (Diadectomorpha) from the early Permian of Germany based on the high‐resolution X‐ray microcomputed tomography
Authors: Klembara Jozef , Hain Miroslav , Čerňanský Andrej , Berman David S. , Henrici Amy C.
Published: January 2020

A detailed anatomy of the braincase and stapes of the subadult specimen of Diadectes absitus from early Permian sediments of Germany are described for the first time based on the high‐resolution X‐ray microcomputed tomography. In contrast to previous studies of Diadectes, the bones of the braincase (opisthotic, prootic, supraoccipital, basioccipital, exoccipital, basisphenoid, and sphenethmoid), and parasphenoid of D. absitus are not co‐ossified, but suturally defined. This has allowed for a reconstruction of a complete braincase with all sutures between the individual bones. The opisthotic, prootic, and supraocciptal contain a well‐preserved endosseous labyrinth. The three‐dimensional‐reconstruction of its cavities shows a well‐preserved vestibule, three semicircular canals, and well‐developed cochlear recess. In addition, a shallow subarcuate fossa is present on the ventral surface of the supraoccipital, which lies medial to the anterior semicircular canal. A typical feature of the diadectid braincase is the presence of the otic tube leading from the fenestra vestibuli to the vestibule. A revision of the topology of this structure is presented here. Here, we describe new structures of the stapes, especially in its proximal portion, as well as its position to the fenestra vestibuli. These structures are described for the first time not only in D. absitus, but for the genus.
The how and why of integrated reporting in a public health care organization: The stakeholders' perspective
Authors: Marasca Stefano , Montanini Lucia , D'Andrea Alessia , Cerioni Eva
Published: January 2020

Despite the widespread calls for in‐depth case studies on adoption of the International Integrated Reporting Council Framework, in practice, it appears to be underexplored, above all in the public sector. Our aim is to explore how and why a public health care organization (PHO) has chosen to adopt the practice of integrated reporting, and we then delve into whether the PHO's perception of the document's value coincides with that of the stakeholders, who are its recipients. Often, society's perception of value can differ considerably from an organization's. Thus, for our research purposes, a case study was examined, adopting a qualitative approach and action research methodology. Our findings demonstrate the centrality of the value created for patients and of the “normative” scenario that takes place during the implementation of an integrated report in a PHO. Moreover, the concept of legitimacy was found to be virtually synonymous with institutionalization.
Maximizing antibody production in a targeted integration host by optimization of subunit gene dosage and position
Authors: Carver Joe , Ng Domingos , Zhou Michelle , Ko Peggy , Zhan Dejin , Yim Mandy , Shaw David , Snedecor Brad , Laird Michael W. , Lang Steven , Shen Amy , Hu Zhilan
Published: January 2020

Historically, therapeutic protein production in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells has been accomplished by random integration (RI) of expression plasmids into the host cell genome. More recently, the development of targeted integration (TI) host cells has allowed for recombination of plasmid DNA into a predetermined genomic locus, eliminating one contributor to clone‐to‐clone variability. In this study, a TI host capable of simultaneously integrating two plasmids at the same genomic site was used to assess the effect of antibody heavy chain and light chain gene dosage on antibody productivity. Our results showed that increasing antibody gene copy number can increase specific productivity, but with diminishing returns as more antibody genes are added to the same TI locus. Random integration of additional antibody DNA copies in to a targeted integration cell line showed a further increase in specific productivity, suggesting that targeting additional genomic sites for gene integration may be beneficial. Additionally, the position of antibody genes in the two plasmids was observed to have a strong effect on antibody expression level. These findings shed light on vector design to maximize production of conventional antibodies or tune expression for proper assembly of complex or bispecific antibodies in a TI system.
Knockdown of Trop2 inhibits proliferation and migration and induces apoptosis of endometrial cancer cells via AKT/β‐catenin pathway
Authors: Sun Xiaotong , Xing Guangyang , Zhang Cui , Lu Kun , Wang Yuqiong , He Xiyan
Published: January 2020

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynaecologic malignancy in western countries and has been reported to account for about 7% of female malignant tumours and 20% to 30% of female genital system malignant tumours. Accumulating evidence showed the expression of human trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 (Trop2) was abnormal in many cancers; however, the expression and role of Trop2 in EC are not clear. The Trop‐2 protein expression was detected by western blot in EC cells. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration were measured by CCK‐8, flow cytometry, and Transwell assay, respectively. The epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and AKT/β‐catenin signalling pathway–related proteins in EC cell lines were detected by western blot assay following Trop2 gene silencing. The present study revealed that the Trop2 protein was highly expressed in EC cell lines compared with human endometrial epithelial cells. The Trop2 mRNA and protein were obviously decreased following transfection with Trop2‐siRNA sequence in KLE and Ishikawa cells. Meanwhile, Trop2 gene silencing in KLE and Ishikawa cells strongly inhibited cell proliferation and migration and increased cell apoptosis. Investigation into the molecular mechanism indicated that the Trop2 gene silencing suppressed EMT and AKT/β‐catenin signalling pathway activation.

Significance of the study

These findings suggested that Trop2 silencing inhibited EC cell proliferation and migration and promoted cell apoptosis. The mechanism might be related to the inhibition of the AKT/β‐catenin signalling pathway in EC cells. Therefore, Trop2 may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of EC.
Sebaceous neoplasms: Just the thin end of the wedge
Authors: Kyriakou Aikaterini , Galanis Nikiforos , Stavride Eliza , Patsatsi Aikaterini , Lazaridou Elizabeth , Tsiridis Eleftherios
Published: January 2020

The presence of sebaceous neoplasm should alert physicians to thoroughly investigate for underlying malignancies. Awareness on MTS should be raised within physicians, since this may be just the thin end of the wedge.
Kinetic and CFD Modeling of Exhaust Gas Reforming of Natural Gas in a Catalytic Fixed‐Bed Reactor for Spark Ignition Engines
Authors: Arman Abdulwahid , Hagos Ftwi Yohaness , Abdullah Abdul Adam , Aziz Abd Rashid Abd , Mamat Rizalman , Cheng Chin Kui , Vo Dai-Viet N.
Published: January 2020

Fuel reforming is an attractive method for performance enhancement of internal combustion engines fueled by natural gas, since the syngas can be generated inline from the reforming process. In this study, 1D and 2D steady‐state modeling of exhaust gas reforming of natural gas in a catalytic fixed‐bed reactor were conducted under different conditions. With increasing engine speed, methane conversion and hydrogen production increased. Similarly, increasing the fraction of recirculated exhaust gas resulted in higher consumption of methane and generation of H2 and CO. Steam addition enhanced methane conversion. However, when the amount of steam exceeded that of methane, less hydrogen was produced. Increasing the wall temperature increased the methane conversion and reduced the H2/CO ratio.
The development of industrial (thermal) processes in the context of sustainability: The case for microwave heating
Authors: Chaouki Jamal , Farag Sherif , Attia Mai , Doucet Jocelyn
Published: January 2020

The volumetric, uniform, and selective heating of microwaves is a novel technique with the potential to be established in a wide range of applications. The individual interaction of each phase/component of multiphase/multicomponent systems with microwaves creates more than a temperature in the system. Having a high local temperature on an active site that is a strong microwave receptor promotes catalytic and non‐catalytic reactions. The relatively low temperature of the bulk material(s) restricts the undesirable secondary reactions correspondingly. This finding has already led to several applications. In this work, the fundamentals of microwave heating and their prospective applications are debated. Select lab‐scale results of metal and sulphur removal from petroleum oil, pyrolysis of lignin, and dry reforming of methane are demonstrated. The expected impacts of microwaves on other multiphase reactions are proposed.
Prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy in patients with non‐ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction: 2‐year findings from EPICOR Asia
Authors: Zou Yanan , Yang Shuang , Wang Shipeng , Lv Bo , Xiu Lili , Li Lulu , Lee Stephen W.‐L. , Chin Chee Tang , Pocock Stuart J. , Huo Yong , Yu Bo
Published: January 2020

Background

Patients with non‐ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) have a generally poor prognosis and antithrombotic management patterns (AMPs) used post‐acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remain unclear. Duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) and patient characteristics was evaluated in NSTEMI patients enrolled in EPICOR Asia.

Hypothesis

Patients stopping DAPT early may benefit from more intensive monitoring.

Methods

EPICOR Asia was a prospective, real‐world, primary data collection, cohort study in adults with an ACS, conducted in eight countries/regions in Asia, with 2 year follow‐up. Eligible patients were hospitalized within 48 hours of symptom onset and survived to discharge. We describe AMPs and baseline characteristics in NSTEMI patients surviving ≥12 months with DAPT duration ≤12 and > 12 months post‐discharge. Clinical outcomes (composite of death, myocardial infarction, and stroke; and bleeding) were also explored.

Results

At discharge, 90.8% of patients were on DAPT (including clopidogrel, 99%). At 1‐ and 2‐year follow‐up, this was 79.2% and 60.0%. Patients who stopped DAPT ≤12 months post‐discharge tended to be older, female, less obese, have prior cardiovascular disease, and have renal dysfunction. While causality cannot be inferred, the incidence of the composite endpoint over the subsequent 12 months was 10.6% and 3.1% with shorter vs longer use of DAPT, and mortality risk over the same period was 8.4% and 1.6%.

Conclusions

Over 90% of NSTEMI patients were discharged on DAPT, with 60% on DAPT at 2 years. Patients stopping DAPT early were more likely to have higher baseline risk and may therefore benefit from more intensive monitoring during long‐term follow‐up.
Risk stratification in patients undergoing interventional left atrial appendage occlusion—Prognostic impact of EuroSCORE II
Authors: Gotzmann Michael , Choudhury Dinah S. , Hogeweg Maximilian , Heringhaus Florian , Mügge Andreas , Pflaumbaum Andreas
Published: January 2020

Background

Interventional closure of the left atrial appendage (LAA) is an alternative option to stroke prophylaxis, particularly in multimorbid patients with a high risk of bleeding under oral anticoagulation. Due to the multiple comorbidities, the prognosis of patients is reduced, and the clinical benefit of the procedure is therefore questionable in the individual patient.

Hypothesis

The present study aims to identify independent preprocedural risk factors to improve risk stratification in these highly selected patients.

Methods

This study consecutively included 128 patients who received an interventional LAA occlusion with Amplatzer device (St Jude Medical, St Paul, Minnesota). The preinterventional risk assessment was performed with the logistic European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) II. The primary endpoint was all‐cause mortality. Secondary endpoints were thromboembolic events and severe bleeding.

Results

During a follow‐up of 781 ± 498 days the primary endpoint (all‐cause mortality) was reached in 35 patients (27%). The only independent predictor of mid‐term mortality was a logistic EuroSCORE II > 2% (Hazard risk [HR] 4.55, confidence interval [CI] 1.599‐12.966, P = .005). In our study, 33 patients (26%) suffered from end‐stage renal disease which was not associated with increased mortality (P = .371), increased thromboembolic events (P = .475), or severe bleeding (P = .613).

Conclusions

In patients undergoing interventional LAA occlusion, preprocedural assessment of logistic EuroSCORE II provide independent prognostic information. This parameter might help to improve risk stratification in these highly selected patients. In contrast, terminal renal failure was not associated with a significantly worse outcome.
Alveolar ridge preservation with a collagen cone: Histological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical results of a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Schnutenhaus Sigmar , Edelmann Cornelia , Dreyhaupt Jens , Rudolph Heike , Luthardt Ralph G. , Goetz Werner
Published: January 2020

Objectives

The objective of the present study was to examine the influence of a combination material of a collagen cone and a collagen membrane on the healing process of extraction sockets with regard to histological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical parameters.

Materials and methods

In a prospective randomized clinical study, 10 patients (test group) received a collagen combination material after tooth removal. The extraction sockets of 10 other patients (control group) were left to heal without further intervention. Eleven ±1 weeks after tooth extraction, histological biopsies were performed in both groups at the time of implant placement. Subsequently, the biopsies were evaluated semiquantitatively in terms of histological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical parameters for the identification of factors of bone metabolism and vascularization.

Results

No significant difference between test and control group were found for any parameter. According to the descriptive data, the use of a collagen combination material seems to result in slightly higher values of the osteogenic Runt‐related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) and vascularization.

Conclusion

The histological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical analysis of ARP with a collagen cone combined with a collagen membrane showed no significant differences in terms of bone metabolism and vascularization.
Cytologic features of sebaceous, lymphadenoma, and sebaceous lymphadenocarcinoma: Differential diagnostic considerations
Authors: Vazmitsel Maryna , Esebua Magda , Layfield Lester J.
Published: January 2020

Background

Sebaceous lymphadenomas and sebaceous lymphadenocarcinomas are uncommon neoplasms occurring predominately within the parotid gland. Cytomorphology of these neoplasms is rarely reported. Occasional reports have discussed the cytomorphological features of these neoplasms but criteria distinguishing sebaceous lymphadenomas from lymphadenocarcinomas have not been described.

Methods

The senior authors' consultation files and records of the University of Missouri were searched for all cases with a diagnosis of sebaceous adenoma, lymphadenoma, lymphadenocarcinoma, and adenocarcinoma. Slides from these cases were reviewed by the authors for cytologic features characteristic of these neoplasms. These features were compared with other salivary gland lesions in the differential diagnosis and for utility in separating benign from malignant sebaceous neoplasms.

Results

Three sebaceous lymphadenomas and one sebaceous lymphadenocarcinoma were found. Smears contained large numbers of mature lymphocytes dispersed in a watery or bloody background. Scattered among the lymphoid cells were small nests of epithelial cells characterized by a finely to coarsely vacuolated cytoplasm. The majority of cells contained bland nuclei with finely granular chromatin and conspicuous nucleoli. A second population of small basaloid cells was present. The single sebaceous lymphadenocarcinoma had a similar cytomorphology.

Conclusions

Sebaceous lymphadenomas can be distinguished from other neoplasms within the differential diagnosis due to their prominent lymphoid background and population of epithelial cells with a finely to coarsely vacuolated cytoplasm. The nuclei are bland but have conspicuous nucleoli. Based on our small series, cytomorphologic features are inadequate to definitively separate sebaceous lymphadenomas from lymphadenocarcinomas.
Crowdsourced Research: Vulnerability, Autonomy, and Exploitation
Authors: Kwek Adrian
Published: January 2020

The use of crowd workers as research participants is fast becoming commonplace in social, behavioral, and educational research, and institutional review boards are encountering more and more research protocols concerning these workers. In what sense are crowd workers vulnerable as research participants, and what should ethics reviewers look out for in evaluating a crowdsourced research protocol? Using the popular crowd‐working platform Amazon Mechanical Turk as the key example, this article aims to provide a starting point for a heuristic for ethical evaluation. The first part considers two reputed threats to crowd workers’ autonomy—undue inducements and dependent relationships—and finds that autonomy‐focused arguments about these factors are inconclusive or inapplicable. The second part proposes applying Alan Wertheimer's analysis of exploitation instead to frame the ethics of crowdsourced research. The article then provides some concrete suggestions for ethical reviewers based on the exploitation framework.
Influence of body mass and environmental conditions on winter mortality risk of a northern ungulate: Evidence for a late‐winter survival bottleneck
Authors: Kautz Todd M. , Belant Jerrold L. , Beyer Dean E. , Strickland Bronson K. , Duquette Jared F.
Published: January 2020

A relationship between winter weather and survival of northern ungulates has long been established, yet the possible roles of biological (e.g., nutritional status) and environmental (e.g., weather) conditions make it important to determine which potential limiting factors are most influential.

Our objective was to examine the potential effects of individual (body mass and age) and extrinsic (winter severity and snowmelt conditions) factors on the magnitude and timing of mortality for adult (>2.5 years old) female white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus [Zimmerman, 1780]) during February–May in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, USA.

One hundred and fifty deer were captured and monitored during 2009–2015 in two areas with varying snowfall. February–May survival ranged from 0.24 to 0.89 (mean = 0.69) across years. Mortality risk increased 1.9% with each unit increase in cumulative winter severity index, decreased 8.2% with each cumulative snow‐free day, and decreased 4.3% with each kg increase in body mass. Age and weekly snow depth did not influence weekly deer survival. Predation, primarily from coyote (Canis latrans [Say, 1823]) and wolves (Canis lupus [L., 1758]), accounted for 78% of known‐cause mortalities.

Our results suggest that cumulative winter severity, and possibly to a lesser degree deer condition entering winter, impacted deer winter survival. However, the timing of spring snowmelt appeared to be the most influential factor determining late‐winter mortality of deer in our study. This supports the hypothesis that nutrition and energetic demands from weather conditions are both important to northern ungulate winter ecology. Under this model, a delay of several weeks in the timing of spring snowmelt could exert a large influence on deer survival, resulting in a survival bottleneck.
Efficient sustainable algorithm for numerical solution of nonlinear delay Fredholm‐Volterra integral equations via Haar wavelet for dense sensor networks in emerging telecommunications
Authors: Amin Rohul , Nazir Shah , García‐Magariño Iván
Published: January 2020

Emerging technologies such as cloud computing, integration of Internet of Things, data science, self‐powered data centers, dense sensor network, artificial intelligence convergence, machine learning and deep learning, self‐service IT for business users and others play an important role in daily life. Dense sensor networks (DSNs) can be useful in fields such as structured health monitoring and turbine blades monitoring. Given the high number of sensors and the required small size, these sensors usually have very low processing capabilities for fitting to the size restrictions and limiting the production costs of the whole DSN. In this context, algorithms need to be really efficient so the algorithms can be achieved. This article focuses on providing an efficient algorithm for solving integral equations that can be useful in common problems in for emerging telecommunications. More concretely, this article presents an efficient numerical scheme for solution of nonlinear delay Fredholm integral equations, nonlinear delay Volterra integral equations and nonlinear delay Fredholm Volterra integral equations which are based on the use of Haar wavelets. Maximum absolute errors and experimental rates of convergence are computed using different numbers of collocation points.Numerical examples are given to show the computational efficiency of the proposed method. The numerical results exhibit that the technique is efficient and effective. The proposed research work can be used in wireless sensor network, emerging technologies, hereditary's phenomena in physics and heat transfer problems, electron emission and X‐rays radiography.
Child health as human capital
Authors: Currie Janet
Published: January 2020

Child health is increasingly understood to be a critical form of human capital, but only recently have we begun to understand how valuable it is and how its development could be better supported. This article provides an overview of recent work that demonstrates the key role of public insurance in supporting longer term human capital development and points to improvements in child mental health as an especially important mechanism.
Outcomes of Childhood Cholestasis in Alagille Syndrome: Results of a Multicenter Observational Study
Authors: Kamath Binita M. , Ye Wen , Goodrich Nathan P. , Loomes Kathleen M. , Romero Rene , Heubi James E. , Leung Daniel H. , Spinner Nancy B. , Piccoli David A. , Alonso Estella M. , Guthery Stephen L. , Karpen Saul J. , Mack Cara L. , Molleston Jean P. , Murray Karen F. , Rosenthal Philip , Squires James E. , Teckman Jeffrey , Wang Kasper S. , Thompson Richard , Magee John C. , Sokol Ronald J. ,   for the Childhood Liver Disease Research Network (ChiLDReN)
Published: January 2020

Alagille syndrome (ALGS) is an autosomal dominant multisystem disorder with cholestasis as a defining clinical feature. We sought to characterize hepatic outcomes in a molecularly defined cohort of children with ALGS‐related cholestasis. Two hundred and ninety‐three participants with ALGS with native liver were enrolled. Participants entered the study at different ages and data were collected retrospectively prior to enrollment, and prospectively during the study course. Genetic analysis in 206 revealed JAGGED1 mutations in 91% and NOTCH2 mutations in 4%. Growth was impaired with mean height and weight z‐scores of <−1.0 at all ages. Regression analysis revealed that every 10 mg/dL increase in total bilirubin was associated with a decrease in height z‐score by 0.10 (P = 0.03) and weight z‐score by 0.15 (P = 0.007). Total bilirubin was higher for younger participants (P = 0.03) with a median of 6.9 mg/dL for those less than 1 year old compared with a median of 1.3 mg/dL for participants 13 years or older. The median gamma glutamyl transferase also dropped from 612 to 268 in the same age groups. After adjusting for age, there was substantial within‐individual variation of alanine aminotransferase. By 20 years of age, 40% of participants had developed definite portal hypertension. Estimated liver transplant–free survival at the age of 18.5 years was 24%. Conclusions: This is the largest multicenter natural history study of cholestasis in ALGS, demonstrating a previously underappreciated burden of liver disease with early profound cholestasis, a second wave of portal hypertension later in childhood, and less than 25% of patients reaching young adulthood with their native liver. These findings will promote optimization of ALGS management and development of clinically relevant endpoints for future therapeutic trials.
Co‐Doped MoSe2 Nanoflowers as Efficient Catalysts for Electrochemical Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) in Acidic and Alkaline Media
Authors: Zimron Oded , Zilberman Tamar , Kadam Sunil R. , Ghosh Sirshendu , Kolatker Shay‐Lee , Neyman Alevtina , Bar‐Ziv Ronen , Bar‐Sadan Maya
Published: January 2020

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) based materials are considered as highly active alternatives to the precious Pt‐based catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In particular, MoSe2 emerges as a promising catalyst due to its abundance and electrochemical stability, but further modifications are still required to enhance its performance, specifically in alkaline conditions. Here, we developed a method to obtain MoSe2 with two cobalt doping patterns: homogeneously doped and edge doped nanoflowers, with abundant edge sites and extended surface area. The results show that low concentration of doping enhances the catalytic activity toward HER. Incorporation of cobalt as a substituent dopant within the layered structure of MoSe2 appears to have two major contributions: it changes the chemical environment providing more active sites with favored hydrogen adsorption properties, and improves the charge transfer resistance and thus facilitates the HER kinetics. Moreover, the homogeneous and edge‐doped nanoflowers show different pH‐dependence of HER activity. Edge‐doped samples exhibit significantly improved performance in acidic medium, while the overpotential increases in alkaline environment upon doping. A mechanistic explanation of the observed effect is proposed. This work opens up an additional path for improving the catalytic activity of TMDCs in acidic or alkaline medium using a simple and facile method with only small quantities of dopants.
Study on the potential mechanism of anti‐inflammatory activity of covalently immobilized hyaluronan and heparin
Authors: AlKhoury Hala , Hautmann Adrian , Erdmann Frank , Zhou Guoying , Stojanović Sanja , Najman Stevo , Groth Thomas
Published: January 2020

Inflammation and subsequent fibrotic encapsulation that occur after implantation of biomaterials are issues that fostered efforts in designing novel biocompatible materials to modulate the immune response. In this study, glycosaminoglycans (GAG) like hyaluronic acid (HA) and heparin (Hep) that possess anti‐inflammatory activity were covalently bound to NH2‐modified surfaces using EDC/NHS cross‐linking chemistry. Immobilization and physical surface properties were characterized by atomic forces microscopy, water contact angle studies and streaming potential measurements demonstrating the presence of GAG on the surfaces that became more hydrophilic and negatively charged compared to NH2‐modified. THP‐1 derived macrophages were used here to study the mechanism of action of GAG to affect the inflammatory responses illuminated by studying macrophage adhesion, the formation of multinucleated giant cells (MNGCs) and IL‐1β release that were reduced on GAG‐modified surfaces. Detailed investigation of the signal transduction processes related to macrophage activation was performed by immunofluorescence staining of NF‐κB (p65 subunit) together with immunoblotting. We studied also association and translocation of FITC‐labeled GAG. The results show a significant decrease in NF‐κB level as well as the ability of macrophages to associate with and take up HA and Hep. These results illustrate that the anti‐inflammatory activity of GAG is not only related to making surfaces more hydrophilic, but also their active involvement in signal transduction processes related to inflammatory reactions, which may pave the way to design new anti‐inflammatory surface coatings for implantable biomedical devices.
Etching anisotropic surface topography onto fibrin microthread scaffolds for guiding myoblast alignment
Authors: Carnes Meagan E. , Pins George D.
Published: January 2020

To regenerate functional muscle tissue, engineered scaffolds should impart topographical features to induce myoblast alignment by a phenomenon known as contact guidance. Myoblast alignment is an essential step towards myotube formation, which is guided in vivo by extracellular matrix structure and micron‐scale grooves between adjacent muscle fibers. Fibrin microthread scaffolds mimic the morphological architecture of native muscle tissue and have demonstrated promise as an implantable scaffold for treating skeletal muscle injuries. While these scaffolds promote modest myoblast alignment, it is not sufficient to generate highly functional muscle tissue. The goal of this study is to develop and characterize a new method of etching the surface of fibrin microthreads to incorporate aligned, sub‐micron grooves that promote myoblast alignment. To generate these topographic features, we placed fibrin microthreads into 2‐(N‐morpholino)ethane‐sulfonic acid (MES) acidic buffer and evaluated the effect of buffer pH on the generation of these features. Surface characterization with atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy indicated the generation of aligned, sub‐micron sized grooves on microthreads in MES buffer with pH 5.0. Microthreads etched with surface features had tensile mechanical properties comparable to controls, indicating that the surface treatment does not inhibit scaffold bulk properties. Our data demonstrate that etching threads in MES buffer with pH 5.0 enhanced alignment and filamentous actin stress fiber organization of myoblasts on the surface of scaffolds. The ability to tune topographic features on the surfaces of scaffolds independent of mechanical properties provides a valuable tool for designing microthread‐based scaffolds to enhance regeneration of functional muscle tissue.