bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study of Micro-crack on Surface Mount IC Package
Authors: Jr. Antonio Sumagpang , Gomez Frederick Ray , Jr. Edwin Graycochea
Published: May 2020

In integrated circuit (IC) manufacturing industry, package micro-crack and other crack-related flaws are common defect frequently encountered in trim and form process of a surface mount IC package. This paper focused on the prevention of the micro-crack occurrence as it affected the assembly yield performance of the device in focus. Process mapping and defect concentration diagram were done to isolate the location of the defect and the processes involved. Containment and corrective actions were employed to fully narrow down the defect occurrence.  Finally, a 99% improvement on defect parts per million (ppm) reduction was observed after implementation of all corrective actions.
Use of Enoxaparin in Obstetrics and Gynecology Department
Authors: Ahmed Nehad J.
Published: May 2020

Aims: This study aims to demonstrate the use of enoxaparin in obstetrics and gynecology department in Alkharj.

Methodology: This is a retrospective study was conducted in a public hospital in Alkharj city. The outpatient prescriptions were reviewed to evaluate the prescription patterns of enoxaparin. The data were collected and analyzed using Excel software, the descriptive data were represented by frequencies and percentages.

Results: About 86.32% of the prescriptions contain enoxaparin syringe were prescribed for female patients. The majority of enoxaparin prescriptions were from obstetrics & gynecology department (79.48%).Moreover, the majority of enoxaparin prescriptions were prescribed by consultants (62.39%).

Conclusion: The result of this study show that enoxaparin was prescribed commonly in the obstetrics and gynecology department for female patients because of its efficacy and safety profile. Enoxaparin is safer than other anticoagulants but still could cause many adverse effects so it is important to increase the health care professional awareness about its use.
Incidence of Candida Species Infections in a Military Hospital in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Ahmed Nehad J.
Published: May 2020

Aim: The present study aims to demonstrate the incidence of Candida species associated with infections in a Military hospital in Alkharj.

Methodology: This is a retrospective study that was conducted to assess the prevalence of Candida species in a Military hospital in Alkharj – Saudi Arabia. The isolates from various clinical specimens in 2018 and 2019 were studied.

Results: The percentage of candida species in the 2 years was 6.21% of isolates. The Candida albicans were 40.87% of the total Candida isolates. The majority of Candida species cultures were collected from wound/pus/skin or vagina and to lesser extent urine and lower respiratory tract.

Conclusion: Candida species are now common pathogens that cause infections specially in the gastrointestinal tract, vagina and at surgical site. It sometimes may lead to high morbidity and mortality rate. It is important to know the resistance rate for the fungi and it is important to start the implementation of antifungal treatment programs.
The Adverse Effect Reporting for the Most Commonly Used Antibiotics
Authors: Ahmed Nehad J. , Fouda Mohammed I. , Fouda Dina I. , Foudah Ahmed I.
Published: May 2020

Aim: Antibiotics save lives, but the excess use of antibiotics leads to more side effects. Patients benefit from medications but also complain about their adverse effects. This study aims to explore the reports of the adverse effects for the most commonly used antibiotics in Saudi Arabia.

Methodology: The Data regarding the adverse events reports were collected from The National Pharmacovigilance Center in Saudi Arabia. The data include the major allergic reactions and gastrointestinal side effects for the most commonly used antibiotic classes.

Results: The total number of allergic and gastrointestinal adverse effects in 2017 and 2018 for the included antibiotic drugs is 583 reports. The majority of the reports were for penicillin antibiotics (39.96) particularly Amoxicillin/Clavunate.

Conclusion: The most common adverse effects of antibiotics are allergic and gastrointestinal effects. It is important to report any adverse drug reactions either by health care providers or patients to the Saudi Pharmacovigilance Center.
Asymmetric Segregation of Age‐Induced Damage in Budding Yeast
Authors: Goodman Jay S , Ünal Elçin
Published: May 2020

Cellular damage follows an asymmetric pattern of inheritance in budding yeast. Age‐associated factors accrue in mother cells after each mitotic division, while the ensuing daughter cells are devoid of any damage. Mother cells retain dysfunctional organelles, including oxidised mitochondria, alkaline vacuoles and a nucleus with a weakened permeability barrier. The nucleus of the mother cell contains additional ageing factors such as misfolded proteins, ribosomal DNA (rDNA) circles and fragmented nucleoli. These factors persist throughout replicative ageing and may contribute to cellular senescence. Interestingly, protein aggregates and nucleolar aberrations retained in mitosis are excluded from the meiotic products, also known as gametes. This occurs by a five‐way nuclear division during meiosis II, where the genetic material destined for four gametes is physically separated away from the age‐induced damage through the formation of a fifth nuclear compartment, which eventually gets degraded during gamete maturation. As a result of this specialised nuclear division, meiotic progeny is born young, devoid of any preexisting damage.

Key Concepts

Age‐induced damage is asymmetrically retained in mother cells during mitosis.

Organelle function declines in mother cells as they undergo replicative aging.

A diffusion barrier at the bud neck, the region between the mother and daughter cell, facilitates the retention of nuclear and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) age‐induced damage.

Age‐induced damage from mother cells is not passed onto the meiotic products.

Gametes generated by old mother cells are rejuvenated and have the same replicative lifespan as gametes generated by young mother cells.
Carbon Nanotubes and Drug Delivery
Authors: Maheshwari Nupur , Maheshwari Neelesh , Dhote Vinod , Mishra Dinesh K
Published: May 2020

The development of nanoparticles as drug carriers is being increased in the past decades as the efficient transport system for drug molecules which offer a variety of biotechnology applications. Among the various nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have emerged as most promising nanomaterials for biomedical applications and drug delivery due to their small size with large surface area, polyaromatic structure, the possibility of functionalisations and chemical stability which make them able to interact with various small molecules including drugs. The present review highlights different aspects of CNTs including functionalisation, cellular uptake and drug loading capacity along with their applications as potential cargo of therapeutic molecule in drug delivery.

Key Concepts

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are the most promising nanomaterials for biomedical applications.

Scientific community is focusing on the development of targeted drug delivery systems.

Single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have well‐defined dimensions as compared to multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and considered to be more stable nanostructure.

The length of the CNTs varies from micrometre to nanometres, which can be further shortened by any physical or chemical method.

The functionalised CNTs along with its void structure can provide more opportunities with improved and promising pharmacological applications.

The solubility and dispensability of CNTs can be improved or modulated by functionalisation approach, which provides longer stabilisation.

The functionalised CNTs have great permeability and it can easily cross the cell membranes.

Safety is the basic requirement of any material that is being used as a medicine.
Serial Femtosecond Crystallography: A Decade at the Forefront in Structural Biology
Authors: Fromme Petra , Graves William S , Martin‐Garcia Jose M
Published: May 2020

Exceptionally brilliant, femtosecond‐pulsed X‐ray sources, the X‐ray free‐electron lasers (XFELs), have brought a new way of conducting crystallography by probing nano/micrometre‐sized crystals in a serial fashion. Since the first XFEL, the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS), started operation in 2009, the serial femtosecond crystallography (SFX) technique has opened up new exciting opportunities for the determination of static structures as well as the structural dynamics of macromolecules. Here we gathers information from the greatest advances and exciting discoveries in the past 10 years in the emerging technology of SFX at XFELs as well as outlines the frontiers of this technology at upcoming compact pulsed X‐ray sources and its implementation at synchrotron radiation sources.

Key Concepts

Reviewed 10 years of successful science at X‐ray free‐electron lasers (XFELs).

Highlighted the major key advances of the SFX technique in the areas of sample delivery and data analysis.

Highlighted the breakthrough experiments to determine the structure of highly relevant therapeutic targets such as GPCRs.

Highlighted the breakthrough experiments to study structural dynamics of macromolecules using the time‐resolved technique.

Outlined the frontiers of serial crystallography technology at modern XFELs and compact instruments as well as its implementation at synchrotron radiation sources.
West Virginia ordered to allow father on Suboxone to adopt
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: May 2020

If you are taking medication to treat addiction, the state cannot use that to ban you from adopting a child. That's the underlying message in a landmark ruling against the West Virginia Bureau of Children and Families (BCF) by the federal government. The case involved an adoptive father taking Suboxone.
Defect Engineering of 2D Materials for Electrochemical Energy Storage
Authors: Liu Haipeng , Lei Wen , Tong Zhaoming , Li Xiaojian , Wu Zexing , Jia Quanli , Zhang Shaowei , Zhang Haijun
Published: May 2020

With the increasing demands for current clean energy technologies, researchers are paying more and more attention to the full utilization of energy storage devices. However, the development of energy storage technologies is still limited by different technical challenges that need to be well addressed. Owing to the high specific surface area, ultrahigh carrier mobility and excellent mechanical flexibility, 2D materials have shown prominent superiorities for a wide range of energy storage applications. For 2D materials, a series of intrinsic deficiencies such as comparatively low conductivity, sparse electroactive sites, and poor reversibility have been found to restrict their further applications in real devices. In particular, 2D materials could be further defectively engineered to achieve a meaningful breakthrough in further improving the power performance and cycle life that satisfies the industrial demands. For a comprehensive clarify of the defect effects, this review summarizes the controllable strategies to generate defects in 2D materials, along with various characterizations and applications to identify the mechanisms of defects on the improvement of electrochemical performance. Finally, future directions of defects engineering design and application prospects of defective 2D materials are provided.
Identifying the Crystalline Orientation of Mechanically Exfoliated Anisotropic Layered Materials through Their Morphologies
Authors: Wang Xia , Jiang Xiao‐Fang , Li Zongbao , Xue Yubin , Wu Jieyu , Wang Yongsong , Liu Xianhu , Xing Xiaobo , Tang Zhilie , Xue Ding‐Jiang
Published: May 2020

The unique orientation‐dependent properties of in‐plane anisotropic 2D materials allow for designing novel electronic and optoelectronic devices that are hardly realized in isotropic materials. All such anisotropic studies and relevant applications require identification of the crystal orientation in advance. Although many methods have been developed to characterize the crystal orientation such as polarization‐resolved optical techniques, they usually suffer from the complex and time‐consuming process. Here, a convenient yet effective method is reported that the crystal orientation of mechanically exfoliated anisotropic 2D materials can be determined just through their morphologies. Using GeSe as an example, it is shown that the exfoliated flakes from bulk crystals naturally form long‐straight edges perpendicular to the direction with the lowest Young's modulus stemming from its in‐plane mechanical anisotropy, thus enabling the crystal orientation identification through the cleaved edges. This proposed method based on the facilely obtained anisotropic mechanical properties provides a fast, convenient, and non‐destructive approach for crystal orientation identification.
Catalyst‐ and Base‐Free Asymmetric Synthesis of Functionalized Prolines via One‐Pot Cascade Reactions
Authors: Cho Hyunkyung , Kim Jinju , Kim Jae Hyun , Song Yeonghun , Kim Sanghee
Published: May 2020

A one pot, three‐step cascade reaction to provide functionalized proline derivatives was developed. The Michael addition reaction of N‐allylated proline and activated alkyne forms a zwitterionic intermediate that further undergoes cyclization and [2,3]‐rearrangement to provide Cα‐alkylated proline bicyclic derivatives. This transformation was highly stereoselective and the chirality of the N‐allylated prolines was completely transferred to the product via a C−N−C chirality transfer process. The developed reaction is operationally simple and does not require any reagents other than the substrates.

magnified image
A New TBAF Complex, Highly Stable, Facile and Selective Source for Nucleophilic Fluorination: Applications in Batch and Flow Chemistry
Authors: Said Madhukar S. , Khonde Nilesh S. , Thorat Meghana N. , Atapalkar Ranjit S. , Kulkarni Amol A. , Gajbhiye Jayant , Dastager Syed G.
Published: May 2020

Natural polysaccharides supported tetrabutylammonium fluoride (TBAF) complexes are prepared and found to be highly stable and selective fluoride source for well‐renowned nucleophilic (SN2 type) fluorination reactions for the first time. Bacterial cellulose, plant cellulose, pectin, and starch derived TBAF complexes are synthesized, characterized (using SEM, TEM, and NMR techniques) and studied for their stability and reactivity. Heterogeneous bacterial cellulose‐TBAF complex (NBu4(Bac‐cell‐OH)F) 1 was found to be highly stable and non‐hygroscopic among all complexes, which gave high yields of fluorinated products in multi‐gram scale in shorter reaction time. The primarily developed batch protocol was extended to solid‐solid continuous flow reaction using an in‐house built screw reactor, which furnished products in a few seconds of residence time (tR=20–25 sec) and excellent yields.
Nickel (II) tetrapyridyl complexes as electrocatalysts and precatalysts for water oxidation
Authors: Li Qi‐Jun , Ren Ya‐Jie , Xie Qin , Wu Min , Feng Hua‐Xing , Zheng Li‐Mei , Zhang Hua‐Xin , Long Jin‐Qiao , Wang Tian‐Shun
Published: May 2020

Two nickel complexes, [Ni(tpen)](ClO4)2.0.5CH3COCH3 (1) and [Ni(tpbn)](ClO4)2 (2), of tetrapyridyl ligands N,N,N′,N′‐tetrakis(2‐pyridyl‐methyl)‐1,2‐ethanediamine (tpen) and N,N,N′,N′‐tetrakis(2‐pyridyl‐methyl)‐1,4‐butanediamine (tpbn) were prepared and their catalysis for water oxidation reaction (WOR) studied. In 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution (PBS) of pH 8.0, complex 1 is a homogeneous molecular catalyst with an overpotential of ~440 mV and a Faradaic efficiency of 89%. At pH ≥ 9.0, complex 1 degraded gradually during the catalytic process and formed NiOx composite (nickel oxide with general formula NixOyHz) active for WOR. In contrast, complex 2 deteriorated under measured conditions (pH 8.0–12.0) and formed NiOx composite active for WOR. The NiOx composite derived from 1 in 0.1 M PBS at pH 11.0 showed an activity with an overpotential of ~500 mV, a Tafel slope of ~90 mV/decade and a Faradaic efficiency of 97%. Mechanisms were proposed for water oxidation catalyzed by 1 and 2. This work revealed that the catalytic activity of the nickel complexes was related to the flexibility of the tetrapyridyl ligands and the adaptability of the coordination sphere of the nickel(II) center.
Role of metal co‐cations in improving CuY zeolite performance for DMC synthesis: A theoretical study
Authors: Zheng Huayan , Narkhede Nilesh , Zhang Guoqiang , Li Zhong
Published: May 2020

First principle calculations based on density functional theory are conducted to investigate the influence of metal cations including Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+, La (OH)2+ and Ce (OH)2+ in the small cage of zeolite on the electronic environment of adjacent active center, Cu+ in CuY zeolite as well as the process of CO insertion into CH3O to form CH3OCO for oxidative carbonylation of methanol. The study explains the theoretical reasons for the effects of metal cations on the catalytic activity of zeolites. It was found that, the presence of co‐cations in the small cage can affect the electronic properties and also the catalytic activity in two ways. Firstly, the presence of co‐cations, viz., Ca2+, Sr2+, Mg2+, Ba2+ and La species in small cage hinders the migration of active Cu+ cations from the super cage to small cage. Secondly, the co‐cations greatly affect the charge transfer from zeolite framework to Cu+ present in the adjacent super cage, leading to the increase of the net charge and binding energy of Cu+. The findings can improve the CO adsorption and insertion efficiencies, and the stability of transition states, which results in the enhanced catalytic activity of corresponding zeolites.
A Comparative Study of Physicochemical and Flavor Characteristics of Chicken Nuggets during Air Frying and Deep Frying
Authors: Cao Yi , Wu Gangcheng , Zhang Fei , Xu Lirong , Jin Qingzhe , Huang Jianhua , Wang Xingguo
Published: May 2020

Chicken nuggets were air‐fried and deep‐fried for various times at the same temperature. The moisture content, oil content, color, texture, volatile compounds, and lipids degradation of the chicken nuggets were investigated. The evolution rate of the moisture content, oil content, color, and texture were much higher during deep frying than during air frying. Air frying required more time to produce similar quality attributes as those of deep‐fried chicken nuggets. On average, the oil content of the air‐fried chicken nuggets was 25% lower than that of the deep‐fried chicken nuggets. Of the 74 volatile compounds identified in the fried chicken nuggets, aldehydes, hydrocarbons, and heterocycles were the main flavor contributors. The total amount of volatile compounds and aldehydes detected in the air‐fried chicken nuggets was much lower than that in the deep‐fried samples, but the number of heterocycles produced by the Maillard reaction was higher during air frying. Sensory evaluation revealed that the air‐fried chicken nuggets had lower oiliness and crispness, and 9 min was the optimal frying time to obtain air‐fried chicken nuggets with similar sensory attributes (color, odor, juiciness, and overall acceptance) as those of the best deep‐fried chicken nuggets. Air frying was a healthier frying method for the production of fried chicken nuggets, which could reduce oxidative degradation of lipids in chicken nuggets.
Electrospun nanofibrous polyvinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene membranes for oil–water separation
Authors: Zaidouny Lamiss , Abou‐Daher Mohamad , Tehrani‐Bagha Ali R. , Ghali Kamel , Ghaddar Nesreen
Published: May 2020

Effective separation of oil from water is of significant importance globally for various applications such as wastewater treatment, oil spill cleanup, and oil purification. Among the numerous approaches for oil removal, membrane separation is considered one of the most promising approaches due to its selectivity and ease of operation. Electrospinning is a promising technique for producing polymeric membranes with tunable structures with interconnected pores, large surface area, and high porosity. In this study, hydrophobic poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF‐HFP) nanofibrous membranes were electrospun and used for this purpose. The effects of various parameters (e.g., polymer concentration, applied voltage, tip to collector distance, and feed rate) were investigated to find the optimum electrospinning conditions. Further, the electrospun membranes were characterized according to average fiber diameter, morphology, average pore size, and wettability to identify the combinations most likely to succeed in oil–water filtration. The physical–chemical properties of the membranes (i.e., thickness, areal density, porosity, average pore size, water/oil contact angle, hydrostatic pressure head, and oil filtration flux) were studied based on standard test methods. The separation efficiency of eight electrospun membranes with various pore sizes and average fiber diameters were tested for diesel/water mixtures. A linear relation was found between the initial oil flux and the average pore size of the membranes. The maximum oil filtration flux of about 224 L/m2/h, achieving over 75% oil recovery in 10 min, was obtained for the electrospun membrane with the average pore size of 4.5 μm. The membranes were successfully used for eight consecutive oil–water separation cycles without noticeable loss of flux.
The psychoanalytic encounter with settler colonialism in Palestine/Israel
Authors: Kemp Martin
Published: May 2020

The paper explores the relationship between the legacy of Western imperialism and the complicity of the “international community” in the settler colonial project taking place in Palestine/Israel. It analyzes some key aspects of Western discourse that inhibit an appreciation of non‐Zionist perspectives, and which obstruct action to challenge the systemic human rights abuses to which Palestinians are subject. It argues that psychoanalysis, as a discipline and a profession, participates in a wider societal failure, adapting itself to priorities that conflict with its ostensible ethical foundations. Recent years have seen a strengthening of the worldwide movement in support of Palestinian rights in general, and the growth of activism within the mental health community in particular. The exchanges between activists and mainstream professional organizations are here interrogated to identify key points of contention. The paper considers the impact of the settler colonial enterprise on Israeli society as a whole, and on the politics of Israeli psychoanalysis, to support the argument that neutrality is not an option for the international mental health community. It concludes that principled engagement initiatives are necessary to meet mental health workers' professional responsibilities to do no harm, and to contribute to the future health of the relationship between Palestinian and Jewish Israeli societies.
Targeting Gamma‐Related Pathophysiology in Autism Spectrum Disorder Using Transcranial Electrical Stimulation: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Kayarian Fae B. , Jannati Ali , Rotenberg Alexander , Santarnecchi Emiliano
Published: May 2020

A range of scalp electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities correlates with the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Among these are alterations of brain oscillations in the gamma‐frequency EEG band in adults and children with ASD, whose origin has been linked to dysfunctions of inhibitory interneuron signaling. While therapeutic interventions aimed to modulate gamma oscillations are being tested for neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, and frontotemporal dementia, the prospects for therapeutic gamma modulation in ASD have not been extensively studied. Accordingly, we discuss gamma‐related alterations in the setting of ASD pathophysiology, as well as potential interventions that can enhance gamma oscillations in patients with ASD. Ultimately, we argue that transcranial electrical stimulation modalities capable of entraining gamma oscillations, and thereby potentially modulating inhibitory interneuron circuitry, are promising methods to study and mitigate gamma alterations in ASD. Autism Res 2020, 13: 1051‐1071. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

Brain functions are mediated by various oscillatory waves of neuronal activity, ranging in amplitude and frequency. In certain neuropsychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease, reduced high‐frequency oscillations in the “gamma” band have been observed, and therapeutic interventions to enhance such activity are being explored. Here, we review and comment on evidence of reduced gamma activity in ASD, arguing that modalities used in other disorders may benefit individuals with ASD as well.
Targeted Discovery of Tetrapeptides and Cyclic Polyketide‐Peptide Hybrids from a Fungal Antagonist of Farming Termites
Authors: Schalk Felix , Um Soohyun , Guo Huijuan , Kreuzenbeck Nina B. , Görls Helmar , de Beer Z. Wilhelm , Beemelmanns Christine
Published: May 2020

Herein, we report the targeted isolation and characterization of four linear nonribosomally synthesized tetrapeptides (pseudoxylaramide A–D) and two cyclic nonribosomal peptide synthetase‐polyketide synthase‐derived natural products (xylacremolide A and B) from the termite‐associated stowaway fungus Pseudoxylaria sp. X187. The fungal strain was prioritized for further metabolic analysis based on its taxonomical position and morphological and bioassay data. Metabolic data were dereplicated based on high‐resolution tandem mass spectrometry data and global molecular networking analysis. The structure of all six new natural products was elucidated based on a combination of 1D and 2D NMR analysis, Marfey's analysis and X‐ray crystallography.
Evaluation of the palatability and biofunctionality of brown rice germinated in red onion solution
Authors: Nakamura Sumiko , Kaneko Kentaro , Mitsui Toshiaki , Ohtsubo Ken'ichi
Published: May 2020

Background and objectives

Brown rice grains are not considered suitable as table rice despite its high nutritional value. In previous studies, we have shown that red onion solution accelerated rice seed germination. In this study, we investigated the effect of germination in red onion solution on high‐quality brown rice, black rice, and giant embryo rice, examining biofunctional components, physical properties, and palatability after cooking.

Findings

Germination in red onion solution increased the antioxidant capacity and γ‐aminobutyric acid content in rice, even when cooked, compared with germination in water. Moreover, the cooked rice after germination in red onion solution was slightly softer and stickier than that germinated in water.

Conclusions

We found that germination of brown rice in red onion solution produced a palatable and biofunctional product. Acceleration of germination by the red onion solution may be due to an increase in phytohormones through stimulation of signal transduction.

Significance and novelty

Palatability and biofunctionality were improved by germinating three kinds of brown rice in the red onion solution. The hypothesis for the acceleration of germination by the red onion was proposed that the phytohormone and protein kinase take important roles from the results of proteomic analysis.
The Promotional Effect of Ag in Pd‐Ag/Carbon Nanotube‐Graphene Electrocatalysts for Alcohol and Formic Acid Oxidation Reactions
Authors: Rajesh D. , Mahendiran C. , Suresh C.
Published: May 2020

Herein, we report the fascinating properties of carbon nanotube‐graphene sheet (CNTs‐GS) as a support matrix for embedded palladium and palladium‐silver (Pd−Ag) nanoparticles. The prepared materials were tested towards small molecule electro‐oxidation reactions. The chemical reduction method is used to incorporate Pd−Ag(x) nanoparticles (xwt %=0, 5, 10, 15, 20) on CNTs‐GS surface. The Pd−Ag(x)/CNTs‐GS electro catalysts were characterized by various physicochemical analysis. The catalytic performances of Pd−Ag(x)/CNTs‐GS electrocatalysts were tested towards electrochemical oxidation of alcohols and formic acid. The electrochemical results illustrated that the activity was increased by the addition of Ag on Pd/CNTs‐GS electrocatalyst. The Pd−Ag(10)/CNTs‐GS materials showed excellent performance towards, ethanol, methanol and formic acid oxidations (128.23,72.26 and 101.02 mA cm−2) when compared with Pd/CNTs‐GS (53.54,33.40 and 45.63 mA cm−2) and Pd/C (25.86, 16.93 and 17.32 mA cm−2) respectively. The Pd−Ag(10)/CNTs‐GS catalyst showed high stability and resistance to CO poisoning during the oxidation process due to the fact that Ag is an attractive co catalyst and high synergistic interaction existed between silver and palladium. Therefore, the combination of palladium with Ag nanoparticles can be a more favorable for ethanol, methanol and formic acid fuel cell systems.
Cancer diagnostic profile in children with structural birth defects: An assessment in 15,000 childhood cancer cases
Authors: Schraw Jeremy M. , Desrosiers Tania A. , Nembhard Wendy N. , Langlois Peter H. , Meyer Robert E. , Canfield Mark A. , Rasmussen Sonja A. , Chambers Tiffany M. , Spector Logan G. , Plon Sharon E. , Lupo Philip J.
Published: May 2020

Background

Birth defects are established risk factors for childhood cancer. Nonetheless, cancer epidemiology in children with birth defects is not well characterized.

Methods

Using data from population‐based registries in 4 US states, this study compared children with cancer but no birth defects (n = 13,111) with children with cancer and 1 or more nonsyndromic birth defects (n = 1616). The objective was to evaluate cancer diagnostic characteristics, including tumor type, age at diagnosis, and stage at diagnosis.

Results

Compared with the general population of children with cancer, children with birth defects were diagnosed with more embryonal tumors (26.6% vs 18.7%; q < 0.001), including neuroblastoma (12.5% vs 8.2%; q < 0.001) and hepatoblastoma (5.0% vs 1.3%; q < 0.001), but fewer hematologic malignancies, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia (12.4% vs 24.4%; q < 0.001). In age‐stratified analyses, differences in tumor type were evident among children younger than 1 year and children 1 to 4 years old, but they were attenuated among children 5 years of age or older. The age at diagnosis was younger in children with birth defects for most cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, astrocytoma, medulloblastoma, ependymoma, embryonal tumors, and germ cell tumors (all q < 0.05).

Conclusions

The results indicate possible etiologic heterogeneity in children with birth defects, have implications for future surveillance efforts, and raise the possibility of differential cancer ascertainment in children with birth defects.

Lay Summary

Scientific studies suggest that children with birth defects are at increased risk for cancer. However, these studies have not been able to determine whether important tumor characteristics, such as the type of tumor diagnosed, the age at which the tumor is diagnosed, and the degree to which the tumor has spread at the time of diagnosis, are different for children with birth defects and children without birth defects.

This study attempts to answer these important questions. By doing so, it may help scientists and physicians to understand the causes of cancer in children with birth defects and diagnose cancer at earlier stages when it is more treatable.
Bioequivalence Study of 2 Capsule Formulations of Fingolimod 0.5 mg Assessing Both Parent Drug and Active Metabolite in New Zealand Healthy Subjects (Truncated Design)
Authors: Hung Noelyn Anne , Costa Fernando Guillermo , Hung Cheung‐Tak , Rosenberg Mónica Esther
Published: May 2020

Fingolimod is indicated for the treatment of patients with the relapsing‐remitting form of multiple sclerosis. The primary study objective was to evaluate the bioequivalence of a test formulation, 0.5 mg fingolimod HCl capsule (Lebrina, Asofarma Sociedad Anónima Industrial y Comercial, Argentina) relative to a reference formulation, 0.5 mg fingolimod capsule (Gilenya, Novartis Pharmaceutical, Australia). In a single‐center, randomized, single‐dose, single‐blinded, 2‐way crossover study, 33 New Zealand healthy subjects of both sexes were enrolled to receive a 0.5‐mg dose of 3 capsules of each fingolimod formulation under fasting conditions, with a 42‐day washout period between administrations. Additional pharmacokinetic information regarding its main active metabolite, fingolimod phosphate, was also provided. The point estimate and 90% confidence intervals of the ratios of maximum concentration and area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time 0 to 72 hours were 99.07 (95.83‐102.41) and 97.64 (95.33‐100.00) for fingolimod, and 95.60 (90.95‐100.49) and 98.54 (96.19‐100.96), for fingolimod phosphate. Primary parameters, maximum concentration and area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time 0 to 72 hours for fingolimod and fingolimod phosphate were found to have no significant difference when test and reference formulations were compared. Fingolimod and fingolimod phosphate of both formulations were within the accepted 90% confidence interval limits of 80.00% and 125.00%. No significant differences between the test and reference drug products were detected in any of the pharmacokinetic parameters estimated. Notwithstanding the primary conclusion of bioequivalence is focused on the measurement of the parent compound, compliance with the same criteria by the active metabolite reinforces the comparability between the pharmacokinetic profiles of both formulations (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03757338).
Epidemiology, pathophysiology and contemporary management of cardiogenic shock – a position statement from the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology
Authors: Chioncel Ovidiu , Parissis John , Mebazaa Alexandre , Thiele Holger , Desch Steffen , Bauersachs Johann , Harjola Veli‐Pekka , Antohi Elena‐Laura , Arrigo Mattia , Ben Gal Tuvia , Celutkiene Jelena , Collins Sean P. , DeBacker Daniel , Iliescu Vlad A. , Jankowska Ewa , Jaarsma Tiny , Keramida Kalliopi , Lainscak Mitja , Lund Lars H , Lyon Alexander R. , Masip Josep , Metra Marco , Miro Oscar , Mortara Andrea , Mueller Christian , Mullens Wilfried , Nikolaou Maria , Piepoli Massimo , Price Susana , Rosano Giuseppe , Vieillard‐Baron Antoine , Weinstein Jean M. , Anker Stefan D. , Filippatos Gerasimos , Ruschitzka Frank , Coats Andrew J.S. , Seferovic Petar
Published: May 2020

Cardiogenic shock (CS) is a complex multifactorial clinical syndrome with extremely high mortality, developing as a continuum, and progressing from the initial insult (underlying cause) to the subsequent occurrence of organ failure and death. There is a large spectrum of CS presentations resulting from the interaction between an acute cardiac insult and a patient's underlying cardiac and overall medical condition. Phenotyping patients with CS may have clinical impact on management because classification would support initiation of appropriate therapies. CS management should consider appropriate organization of the health care services, and therapies must be given to the appropriately selected patients, in a timely manner, whilst avoiding iatrogenic harm. Although several consensus‐driven algorithms have been proposed, CS management remains challenging and substantial investments in research and development have not yielded proof of efficacy and safety for most of the therapies tested, and outcome in this condition remains poor. Future studies should consider the identification of the new pathophysiological targets, and high‐quality translational research should facilitate incorporation of more targeted interventions in clinical research protocols, aimed to improve individual patient outcomes. Designing outcome clinical trials in CS remains particularly challenging in this critical and very costly scenario in cardiology, but information from these trials is imperiously needed to better inform the guidelines and clinical practice.
The goal of this review is to summarize the current knowledge concerning the definition, epidemiology, underlying causes, pathophysiology and management of CS based on important lessons from clinical trials and registries, with a focus on improving in‐hospital management.
Physicochemical properties of SARS‐CoV‐2 for drug targeting, virus inactivation and attenuation, vaccine formulation and quality control
Authors: Scheller Christin , Krebs Finja , Minkner Robert , Astner Isabel , Gil‐Moles Maria , Wätzig Hermann
Published: May 2020

The material properties of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and its proteins are discussed. We review the viral structure, size, rigidity, lipophilicity, isoelectric point, buoyant density and centrifugation conditions, stability against pH, temperature, UV light, gamma radiation, and susceptibility to various chemical agents including solvents and detergents. Possible inactivation, downstream, and formulation conditions are given including suitable buffers and some first ideas for quality‐control methods. This information supports vaccine development and discussion with competent authorities during vaccine approval and is certainly related to drug‐targeting strategies and hygienics. Several instructive tables are given, including the pI and grand average of hydropathicity (GRAVY) of SARS‐CoV‐1 and ‐2 proteins in comparison. SARS‐CoV‐1 and SARS‐CoV‐2 are similar in many regards, so information can often be derived. Both are unusually stable, but sensitive at their lipophilic membranes. However, since seemingly small differences can have strong effects, for example, on immunologically relevant epitope settings, unevaluated knowledge transfer from SARS‐CoV‐1 to SARS‐CoV‐2 cannot be advised. Published knowledge regarding downstream processes, formulations and quality assuring methods is, as yet, limited. However, standard approaches employed for other viruses and vaccines seem to be feasible including virus inactivation, centrifugation conditions, and the use of adjuvants.
Commercialization of Organic Photovoltaics and Its Product Integration: A Perspective Focusing on Durability
Authors: Subramaniam Sri Vishnu , Kutsarov Dimitar , Sauermann Tobias , Meier Sebastian B.
Published: May 2020

Energy is a vital commodity for modern society, and it is clear that the growing demand must be satisfied using renewable sources. Traditional photovoltaics, relying exclusively on feed‐in tariffs, are inadequate as cost and logistics involved in transporting electricity from solar farms to locations where it is finally needed are undervalued. A more synergistic approach is required where alternative technologies start conforming to already existing objects or structures to generate power directly at the point of use. Organic photovoltaics's (OPV) unique characteristics make it a vital component in every product that demands energy. With that said, it is not of relevance to generate maximum energy, it is rather important to provide an adequate amount to power a desired application. However, it is finally important that functionality can be warranted over the lifetime of the product. This article provides a perspective on the durability of OPV from a product and integration standpoint with key insights into the driving factors for the commercialization of OPV. It is highlighted that stability is a complex topic involving many different aspects and that it cannot be broken down to just a simple efficiency decrease over time in consequence of device exposure to defined stress conditions.
Development of sorghum‐based shortbread biscuits from “muskwari” flour
Authors: Djoulde Darman Roger , Sidoine Matsowa Bouopda , Lendzemo Venassius Wirnkar
Published: May 2020

In order to produce biscuits from off‐season sorghum, a local “Muskwari” sorghum was milled and sieved. This flour was used to produce shortbread biscuits with different substitutions rates of wheat flour to that of sorghum. The standard formulation of this same type of shortbread biscuits was used and biscuits were produced with incorporation rates of wheat flour to that of sorghum, from 0% to 100%, with a gap of 10 between two consecutives percentages. The technological characterization of the sorghum flour produced indicates a good water absorption capacity, and interesting solubility index and swelling rate. Technological aspect indicated that by changing speed and kneading time, resting the dough, it is possible to produce 100% sorghum flour shortbread biscuits. Shortbread biscuits made from 70% of wheat flour incorporation had the best average scores for overall preference criteria (6.97 ± 1.30), color (7.1 ± 1.45), and texture (6.62 ± 1.54). For smell and taste criteria, the 40% biscuits and the witness received the highest average scores, respectively, namely 6.77 ± 1.55 for smell and 7.12 ± 1.29 for taste. Analysis of the nutritional and energy intake of the control biscuit and the 70% substitution revealed that between the two, the latter had a significantly higher intake of total carbohydrates (58.51 g), dietary fiber (2.15 g), and total energy (454.1 kcal
Geochemical and isotopic compositions of East Rift lavas from the Manus Basin: Implications for the origin of subduction components
Authors: Wang Xiong , Huang Peng , Huang Haijun , Hu Ningjing
Published: May 2020

Many recent studies have concluded that subduction components exist in the mantle source of the Manus back‐arc basin lavas; however, the origin of these components remains an ongoing controversy. The East Rift at the eastern end of the Manus Basin is ideal for investigating the subduction components because of its unique geographic location. In this study, 10 samples from the East Rift were selected for geochemical and isotopic analysis. The results show that these samples can be compositionally divided into basaltic andesite and dacite belonging to the medium‐K calc‐alkaline series. Furthermore, the parental magma experienced fractional crystallization. The analyses also indicate that the subduction components came from the Solomon Plate and consist of altered oceanic crust (AOC) and sediments. The AOC materials entered the mantle source through fluids, while the sedimentary materials were transferred as melts. Assuming 5% partial melting of the sediments and 1% fluid production from the AOC in a modal melting process of an eclogitic source, the results of endmember modelling of Pb isotopic data reveal that the subduction components beneath the East Rift area consist of approximately 60–65% AOC fluids and 35–40% sediment melts and that the source contains approximately 1–5% subduction components.
Predicting individual improvement in schizophrenia symptom severity at 1‐year follow‐up: Comparison of connectomic, structural, and clinical predictors
Authors: Kottaram Akhil , Johnston Leigh A. , Tian Ye , Ganella Eleni P. , Laskaris Liliana , Cocchi Luca , McGorry Patrick , Pantelis Christos , Kotagiri Ramamohanarao , Cropley Vanessa , Zalesky Andrew
Published: May 2020

In a machine learning setting, this study aims to compare the prognostic utility of connectomic, brain structural, and clinical/demographic predictors of individual change in symptom severity in individuals with schizophrenia. Symptom severity at baseline and 1‐year follow‐up was assessed in 30 individuals with a schizophrenia‐spectrum disorder using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale. Structural and functional neuroimaging was acquired in all individuals at baseline. Machine learning classifiers were trained to predict whether individuals improved or worsened with respect to positive, negative, and overall symptom severity. Classifiers were trained using various combinations of predictors, including regional cortical thickness and gray matter volume, static and dynamic resting‐state connectivity, and/or baseline clinical and demographic variables. Relative change in overall symptom severity between baseline and 1‐year follow‐up varied markedly among individuals (interquartile range: 55%). Dynamic resting‐state connectivity measured within the default‐mode network was the most accurate single predictor of change in positive (accuracy: 87%), negative (83%), and overall symptom severity (77%) at follow‐up. Incorporating predictors based on regional cortical thickness, gray matter volume, and baseline clinical variables did not markedly improve prediction accuracy and the prognostic utility of these predictors in isolation was moderate (<70%). Worsening negative symptoms at 1‐year follow‐up were predicted by hyper‐connectivity and hypo‐dynamism within the default‐mode network at baseline assessment, while hypo‐connectivity and hyper‐dynamism predicted worsening positive symptoms. Given the modest sample size investigated, we recommend giving precedence to the relative ranking of the predictors investigated in this study, rather than the prediction accuracy estimates.
EEG source‐space synchrostate transitions and Markov modeling in the math‐gifted brain during a long‐chain reasoning task
Authors: Zhang Li , Gan John Q. , Zhu Yanmei , Wang Jing , Wang Haixian
Published: May 2020

To reveal transition dynamics of global neuronal networks of math‐gifted adolescents in handling long‐chain reasoning, this study explores momentary phase‐synchronized patterns, that is, electroencephalogram (EEG) synchrostates, of intracerebral sources sustained in successive 50 ms time windows during a reasoning task and non‐task idle process. Through agglomerative hierarchical clustering for functional connectivity graphs and nested iterative cosine similarity tests, this study identifies seven general and one reasoning‐specific prototypical functional connectivity patterns from all synchrostates. Markov modeling is performed for the time‐sequential synchrostates of each trial to characterize the interstate transitions. The analysis reveals that default mode network, central executive network (CEN), dorsal attention network, cingulo‐opercular network, left/right ventral frontoparietal network, and ventral visual network aperiodically recur over non‐task or reasoning process, exhibiting high predictability in interactively reachable transitions. Compared to non‐gifted subjects, math‐gifted adolescents show higher fractional occupancy and mean duration in CEN and reasoning‐triggered transient right frontotemporal network (rFTN) in the time course of the reasoning process. Statistical modeling of Markov chains reveals that there are more self‐loops in CEN and rFTN of the math‐gifted brain, suggesting robust state durability in temporally maintaining the topological structures. Besides, math‐gifted subjects show higher probabilities in switching from the other types of synchrostates to CEN and rFTN, which represents more adaptive reconfiguration of connectivity pattern in the large‐scale cortical network for focused task‐related information processing, which underlies superior executive functions in controlling goal‐directed persistence and high predictability of implementing imagination and creative thinking during long‐chain reasoning.