bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facile Synthesis of Sub‐Nanometric Copper Clusters by Double Confinement Enables Selective Reduction of Carbon Dioxide to Methane
Authors: Hu Qi , Han Zhen , Wang Xiaodeng , Li Guomin , Wang Ziyu , Huang Xiaowan , Yang Hengpan , Ren Xiangzhong , Zhang Qianling , Liu Jianhong , He Chuanxin
Published: July 2020

Previous density‐functional theory (DFT) calculations show that sub‐nanometric Cu clusters (i.e., 13 atoms) favorably generate CH4 from the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR), but experimental evidence is lacking. Herein, a facile impregnation‐calcination route towards Cu clusters, having a diameter of about 1.0 nm with about 10 atoms, was developed by double confinement of carbon defects and micropores. These Cu clusters enable high selectivity for the CO2RR with a maximum Faraday efficiency of 81.7 % for CH4. Calculations and experimental results show that the Cu clusters enhance the adsorption of *H and *CO intermediates, thus promoting generation of CH4 rather than H2 and CO. The strong interactions between the Cu clusters and defective carbon optimize the electronic structure of the Cu clusters for selectivity and stability towards generation of CH4. Provided here is the first experimental evidence that sub‐nanometric Cu clusters facilitate the production of CH4 from the CO2RR.
Antiretroviral and cytotoxic activities of Tityus obscurus synthetic peptide
Authors: da Mata Elida C. G. , Ombredane Alicia , Joanitti Graziella A. , Kanzaki L. I. B. , Schwartz Elisabeth F.
Published: July 2020

New drugs are constantly in demand, and nature's biodiversity is a rich source of new compounds for therapeutic applications. Synthetic peptides based on the transcriptome analysis of scorpion venoms of Tityus obscurus, Opisthacanthus cayaporum, and Hadrurus gertschi were assayed for their cytotoxic and antiretroviral activity. The Tityus obscurus scorpion‐derived synthetic peptide (FFGTLFKLGSKLIPGVMKLFSKKKER), in concentrations ranging from 6.24 to 0.39 μM, proved to be the most active one against simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) replication in the HUT‐78 cell line and in primary human leukocytes, with the lowest toxicity for these cells. The immune cellular response evaluated in primary human leukocytes treated with the most promising peptide and challenged with SIV infection exhibited production of cytokines such as interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, and interferon‐γ, which could be involved in cell defense mechanisms to overcome viral infection through proinflammatory and anti‐inflammatory pathways, similar to those evoked for triggering the mechanisms exerted by antiviral restriction factors.
Biegeverstärkung mit Carbonbeton
Authors: Müller Egbert , Schmidt Angela , Schumann Alexander , May Sebastian , Curbach Manfred
Published: July 2020

Die Biegeverstärkung von Stahlbetontragwerken mit Carbonbeton wurde in der Vergangenheit bereits umfangreich untersucht und auch in der Praxis schon mehrfach erfolgreich angewendet. Seit 2014 existiert außerdem eine allgemeine bauaufsichtliche Zulassung (Z‐31.10‐182) für die Verstärkung von Stahlbetonbauteilen mit textilbewehrtem Beton. Jedoch haben sich die Carbonbewehrungen in den vergangenen Jahren weiterentwickelt, weshalb im Rahmen des Projekts „C3 – Carbon Concrete Composite“ die Übertragbarkeit der bekannten Erkenntnisse auf zwei aktuelle Carbongelege mit unterschiedlichen Tränkungen untersucht wurde. Hierfür wurde ein umfangreiches Versuchsprogramm mit insgesamt 18 Großbauteilversuchen an der TU Dresden durchgeführt. Die erzielten Ergebnisse werden im vorliegenden Beitrag vorgestellt und diskutiert.
Assessment and treatment of elopement maintained by chase
Authors: Blowers Andrew P. , Rodriguez Nicole M. , Cohrs Victoria L. , Luczynski Kevin C. , Aragon Michael
Published: July 2020

Elopement can have serious or fatal consequences associated with leaving the presence of an adult or getting lost (e.g., traffic injury and drowning). Given the dangers associated with elopement, caregivers are likely to chase after their child when elopement occurs. Like other forms of attention that follow problem behavior, chasing and retrieving the child may serve as a reinforcer and therefore maintain elopement. However, no study to date has evaluated whether elopement is sensitive to positive reinforcement in the form of chase. We evaluated the effects of chase on elopement with an 8‐year old boy diagnosed with autism. Elopement was maintained, at least in part, by chase. We then conducted a treatment evaluation in which we tested the effects of various antecedent‐ and consequence‐based treatment components within a multiple schedule.
Social validity assessment of behavior data recording among human services care providers
Authors: Ricciardi Joseph N. , Rothschild Allison Weiss , Driscoll Natalie M. , Crawley Jillian , Wanganga Joshua , Fofanah David A. , Luiselli James K.
Published: July 2020

Care providers within human services organizations have many job responsibilities and performance expectations. In the present study, we conducted social validity assessment with 78 care providers concerning their attitudes and opinions about behavior data recording with adults who had intellectual disability and lived in community group homes. Specifically, the care providers responded to a written questionnaire that inquired about the practicality, training/supervision, and value of behavior data recording in the context of service delivery. Results indicated generally high approval of behavior data recording practices, purposes, and approaches to training. We discuss implications of these findings for implementing data recording by care providers and the contribution of social validity assessment to training and performance management within human services organizations.
A comparison of eflapegrastim to pegfilgrastim in the management of chemotherapy‐induced neutropenia in patients with early‐stage breast cancer undergoing cytotoxic chemotherapy (RECOVER): A Phase 3 study
Authors: Cobb Patrick Wayne , Moon Yong Wha , Mezei Klára , Láng István , Bhat Gajanan , Chawla Shanta , Hasal Steven J. , Schwartzberg Lee S.
Published: July 2020

Eflapegrastim (Rolontis®) is a novel, long‐acting hematopoietic growth factor consisting of a recombinant human granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor (rhG‐CSF) analog conjugated to a human IgG4 Fc fragment via a short polyethylene glycol linker. We report results from a second pivotal, randomized, open‐label, Phase 3 study comparing the efficacy and safety of eflapegrastim to pegfilgrastim for reducing the risk of chemotherapy‐induced neutropenia. Patients with Stage I to IIIA early‐stage breast cancer (ESBC) were randomized 1:1 to fixed‐dose eflapegrastim 13.2 mg (3.6 mg G‐CSF) or pegfilgrastim (6 mg G‐CSF) administered one day after standard docetaxel/cyclophosphamide (TC) therapy for four cycles. The primary objective was to demonstrate noninferiority (NI) of eflapegrastim compared to pegfilgrastim in mean duration of severe neutropenia (DSN; Grade 4) in Cycle 1. A total of 237 eligible patients were randomized 1:1 to receive either eflapegrastim (n = 118) or pegfilgrastim (n = 119). Cycle 1 severe neutropenia was observed in 20.3% (n = 24) of patients receiving eflapegrastim and 23.5% (n = 28) receiving pegfilgrastim. The DSN of eflapegrastim in Cycle 1 was noninferior to pegfilgrastim with a mean difference of −0.074 days (NI P‐value < .0001). Noninferiority was maintained throughout the four treatment cycles (P < .0001 in all cycles). Other efficacy endpoints results were comparable between treatment arms, and adverse events, irrespective of causality and grade, were comparable between treatment arms. The results demonstrate noninferior efficacy and comparable safety for eflapegrastim, at a lower G‐CSF dose, vs pegfilgrastim. The potential for the increased potency of eflapegrastim to deliver improved clinical benefit warrants further clinical study.
Developing a holistic contingency plan: Challenges and dilemmas for cancer patients during the COVID‐19
Authors: Constantinou Constantina , Kolokotroni Ourania , Mosquera Maria‐Cecilia , Heraclides Alexandros , Demetriou Christiana , Karayiannis Peter , Quattrocchi Annalisa , Charalambous Andreas
Published: July 2020

During the first quarter of 2020 the world is experiencing a pandemic of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome‑Coronavirus‑2 (SARS‑CoV‑2), a novel beta coronavirus that is responsible for the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID‐19). The COVID‐19 pandemic revealed that healthcare systems around the world were not prepared to deal with either the direct effects of the pandemic or with the indirect effects that are imposed on the health of patients with chronic disorders such as cancer patients. Some challenges and dilemmas currently faced during the pandemic include the management of cancer patients during the treatment and follow‐up phases, the assessment of the safety of treatments currently used for the management of SARS‑CoV‑2 for use in cancer patients, the development of psychoeducation and emotional support for cancer patients and the safe conduct of clinical trials involving participation of cancer patients. Evidence from the literature supports the need for the urgent development of a holistic contingency plan which will include clear guidelines for the protection and comprehensive care of cancer patients. The implementation of such a plan is expected to have many beneficial effects by mainly minimizing the increased morbidity and mortality of cancer patients that could result as an adverse consequence of the COVID‐19 or future pandemics.
Haploidentical related donor vs matched sibling donor allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome aged over 50 years: A single‐center retrospective study
Authors: Huang Jiafu , Huang Fen , Fan Zhiping , Xu Na , Xuan Li , Liu Hui , Shi Pengcheng , Jiang Ling , Zhang Yu , Sun Jing , Liu Qifa
Published: July 2020

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT) is a potentially curative therapeutic option for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Increasing data suggest that haploidentical donor (HID) transplantation achieve comparable outcomes with HLA‐matched sibling donor (MSD) in adult AML/MDS. This retrospective study compared the outcomes of AML or MDS patients age ≥50 years underwent HID and MSD transplantation. One hundred and fifty‐six patients were enrolled in this study, including 75 HID and 81 MSD transplantation. The 100‐day cumulative incidence of II‐IV° acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) was 33.3 ± 5.4% vs 22.2 ± 4.6%, respectively, in HID and MSD groups (P = .066), and III‐IV° acute GVHD was not significantly different between two groups (5.3%±2.6% vs 6.2%±2.7%, respectively, P = .823). The 2‐year cumulative incidence of limited and extensive chronic GVHD was not statistically different in HID and MSD groups (20.9 ± 5.5% vs 18.9 ± 4.8% and 13.0 ± 4.7% vs 19.7 ± 5.0%, P = .889 and P = .269, respectively). The 2‐year cumulative incidences of relapse (27.0 ± 5.6% vs 22.7 ± 5.1%, P = .509), 2‐year overall survival (63.0 ± 5.8% vs 66.7 ± 5.4%, P = .454), 2‐year transplant‐related mortality (17.2 ± 4.6% vs 17.4 ± 4.4%, P = .847), 2‐year progression‐free survival (59.3 ± 5.8% vs 64.5 ± 5.4%, P = .437), 2‐year GVHD‐free relapse‐free survival (42.6 ± 5.9% vs 40.9 ± 5.6%, P = .964) were not significantly different in the two groups. The present data showed equivalent outcomes in AML or MDS patients age ≥50 years underwent HID and MSD transplantation.
What claims are made about clients and therapists’ experiences of psychotherapy environments in empirical research? A systematic mixed‐studies review and narrative synthesis
Authors: Morrey Tara , Larkin Michael , Rolfe Alison
Published: July 2020

Aims

To synthesise and evaluate evidence about experiences of psychotherapy environments.

Methods

Studies were identified from systematic literature searches of PsycINFO, ASSIA and Web of Science. Selected studies were published in English between 2002 and 2016. Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. A quality appraisal process indicated that the quality of evidence was 'moderate' across included papers.

Findings

In the narrative synthesis, we use the concept 'mereology' to underscore the mutually constitutive relationship between person, world and practice. In this context, themes of relating, containment and process each highlight the integral and nuanced influences of the environment on the therapeutic endeavour.

Conclusions

In therapeutic training, it would be beneficial to utilise the concept of a 'mereological system' (reflecting how a person and their environment shape each other and constitute a whole) to show how environmental features may affect clinical practice. Designers may also benefit from using this concept for the purpose of improving therapeutic environments. Further research that explores features of the therapy as part of a mereological system may pinpoint other aspects that facilitate beneficial therapy outcomes.
Rate, causes, and predictors of 90‐day readmissions and the association with index hospitalization coronary revascularization following non‐ST elevation myocardial infarction in the United States
Authors: Sreenivasan Jayakumar , Abu‐Haniyeh Ahmed , Hooda Urvashi , Khan Muhammad Shahzeb , Aronow Wilbert S. , Michos Erin D. , Cooper Howard A. , Panza Julio A.
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To assess the causes and predictors of readmission after NSTEMI.

Background

Studies on readmissions following non‐ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) are limited. We investigated the rate and causes for readmission and the impact of coronary revascularization on 90‐day readmissions following a hospitalization for NSTEMI in a large, nationally representative United States database.

Methods

We queried the National Readmission Database for the year 2016 using appropriate ICD‐10‐CM/PCS codes to identify all adult admissions for NSTEMI. We determined the 90‐day readmissions for major adverse cardiac events (MACE). All‐cause readmission was a secondary endpoint. The association between coronary revascularization and the likelihood of readmission was analyzed using multivariate Cox regression analysis.

Results

A total of 296,965 adult discharges following an admission for NSTEMI were included in this study. The rate of readmissions for MACE was 5.2% (n = 15,637) and for any cause was 18.0% (n = 53,316). 38% of MACE readmissions and 40% of all‐cause readmissions occurred between 30‐ and 90‐days following the index hospitalization. During index hospitalization, 51.0% underwent coronary revascularization (40.8% with PCI and 10.2% with CABG). This was independently predictive of a lower risk of 90‐day readmission for MACE (adjusted HR 0.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.56–0.63, p < .001) and for any cause (adjusted HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.63–0.67, p < .001). In‐hospital mortality for MACE readmissions was significantly higher compared to that of index hospitalization (3.8% vs. 2.6%, p < .001).

Conclusion

Readmissions following NSTEMI carry higher mortality than the index hospitalization. Coronary revascularization for NSTEMI is associated with a lower readmission rate at 90 days.
Clinical and procedural characteristics of COVID‐19 patients treated with percutaneous coronary interventions
Authors: Siudak Zbigniew , Grygier Marek , Wojakowski Wojciech , Malinowski Krzysztof P. , Witkowski Adam , Gąsior Mariusz , Dudek Dariusz , Bartuś Stanisław
Published: July 2020

Background

COVID‐19 pandemic has affected healthcare systems worldwide. Resources are being shifted and potentially jeopardize safety of non‐COVID‐19 patients with comorbidities. Our aim was to investigate the impact of national lockdown and SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic on percutaneous treatment of coronary artery disease in Poland.

Methods

Data on patients who underwent percutaneous coronary procedures (angiography and/or percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI]) were extracted for March 13–May 13, 2020 from a national PCI database (ORPKI Registry) during the first month of national lockdown and compared with analogous time period in 2019.

Results

Of 163 cardiac catheterization centers in Poland, 15 (9.2%) were indefinitely or temporarily closed down due to SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic. There were nine physicians (9 of 544; 1.7%) who were infected with SARS‐CoV‐2. There were 13,750 interventional cardiology procedures performed in Poland in the analyzed time period. In 66% of cases an acute coronary syndrome was diagnosed, and in the remaining 34% it was an elective procedure for the chronic coronary syndrome in comparison to 50% in 2019 (p < .001). There were 362 patients (2.6% of all) with COVID‐19 confirmed/suspected who were treated in interventional cardiology centers and 145 with ST‐Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) diagnosis (6% of all STEMIs).

Conclusions

Due to SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic there was an absolute reduction in the number of interventional procedures both acute and elective in comparison to 2019 and a significant shift into acute procedures. COVID‐19 confirmed/suspected patients do not differ in terms of procedural and baseline characteristics and reveal similar outcomes when treated with percutaneous coronary interventions.
Paterson‐Brown Kelly Syndrome (also commonly known as Plummer‐Vinson Syndrome)
Authors: Goh Wilson Guo Wei , Ng Deborah Chieh Yih , Ng Jun Xuan , Lim Kheng Tian
Published: July 2020

The dysphagia in this condition is usually associated with iron deficiency anemia and esophageal webs. Iron supplementation and regular surveillance are required for monitoring of malignant transformation into esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
Mechanism and Origins of Product Selectivity of Au‐Catalyzed Coupling Benzisoxazoles with Ynamides: A Computational Study
Authors: Li Ting , Rong Wei , Zhang Tian , Li Juan
Published: July 2020

Au(I)‐catalyzed coupling of benzisoxazoles and ynamides was recently reported to synthesize challenging indoloquinoline core structures. In this report, we employed DFT methods to elucidate the mechanistic details of this reaction. The results reveal that the catalytic cycle involves initial coupling of ynamide with benzisoxazole, simultaneous ring opening of the isoxazole unit and attack of the dimethoxybenzene (DMOB) unit to gold carbenoid, proton transfer from the DMOB group to hydroxyl group, thioether migration, ring closure, and proton transfer. The experimentally observed ligand‐controlled product selectivity is reproduced well by the calculations. The product selectivity‐determining step is the ring opening of the isoxazole unit. The flexible P(t‐Bu)2(o‐biphenyl) ligand facilitates the approach of the DMOB group to gold carbenoid, which brings about significant C−H/π interactions in the transition state for ring opening, and thus leads to the indoloquinoline product. The rigid 1,3‐bis(diisopropylphenyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidene ligand prefers keeping the DMOB group away from the gold carbenoid, which can cause strong orbital interaction in the transition state for ring opening, and thus results in indole product.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Synthesis of N‐(Hetero)aryl Carbamates from Cyanate Salts and Phenols Activated with Cyanuric Chloride
Authors: Dindarloo Inaloo Iman , Esmaeilpour Mohsen , Majnooni Sahar , Reza Oveisi Ali
Published: July 2020

A simple and efficient domino reaction has been designed and employed for the one‐pot synthesis of N‐(hetero)aryl carbamates through the reaction between alcohols and in‐situ produced (hetero)aryl isocyanates in the presence of a nickel catalyst. The phenolic C−O bond was activated via the reaction of phenol with cyanuric chloride (2,4,6‐trichloro‐1,3,5‐triazine (TCT)) as an inexpensive and readily available reagent. This strategy provides practical access to N‐(hetero)aryl carbamates in good yields with high functional groups compatibility.
Activated‐Carbon Nanofibers/Graphene Nanocomposites and Their Adsorption Performance Towards Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Othman Faten Ermala Che , Yusof Norhaniza , Ismail Ahmad Fauzi
Published: July 2020

Activated‐carbon nanofibers (ACNFs) provide a relatively new, modified structure of carbon‐based adsorbents that have the ability to adsorb carbon dioxide due to their high specific surface area, wide distribution of porous structures, and high volume of active sites. In this study, cost‐effective agricultural waste‐based graphene synthesized from rice husk ashes was used as additive to enhance the ACNF properties. ACNF/graphene (gACNF) is still a relatively unexplored adsorbent. The resultant gACNF exhibited better thermal stability properties, with higher yield, larger specific surface area, and higher micropore volume. These properties are the main factors contributing to their enhanced adsorption performance towards CO2.
Handling (Nano)Silver as Antimicrobial Agent: Therapeutic Window, Dissolution Dynamics, Detection Methods and Molecular Interactions
Authors: Abram Sarah‐Luise , Fromm Katharina M.
Published: July 2020

Silver is an antimicrobial agent well known since antiquity. With the emergence of multiresistant bacteria, it has come back into the focus of research, and ionic as well as nano‐sized silver have been studied in vitro and in vivo. The results are controversial, silver being discussed as the “silver bullet” or a “wolf in sheep's clothing”. A thorough search of literature from chemistry, materials and environmental science, biology and medicine led to this Review which summarizes the potential use of silver and its compounds in medicine, ongoing processes of dissolution and the different methods by which this usefulness can be evaluated. It also highlights the therapeutic window of silver, mechanistic interactions of silver and biological media as well as best practices for handling silver in a biomedical environment. This Review reflects the current knowhow and observations, and may thus give hints and guidelines to understand and interpret the observed effects.
Influence of Reaction Conditions on the Settling Behavior of Liquid‐Liquid Dispersions
Authors: Kaiser Teresa , Kabatnik Christoph , Jupke Andreas
Published: July 2020

The settling behavior of liquid‐liquid dispersions at ambient temperature and pressure is well investigated. However, little is known about the settling behavior of those systems at high pressure and high temperature. In this work, a novel stainless steel settling cell is presented, enabling investigations on liquid‐liquid settling behavior at high pressures up to 130 bar. The settling behavior of a promising CO2 hydrogenation reaction system is investigated by sequentially determining influences of dissolved CO2, side components, and temperature.
Allosteric Molecular Switches in Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors
Authors: Orgován Zoltán , Ferenczy György G. , Keserű György M.
Published: July 2020

Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGlu) are class C G protein‐coupled receptors of eight subtypes that are omnipresently expressed in the central nervous system. mGlus have relevance in several psychiatric and neurological disorders, therefore they raise considerable interest as drug targets. Allosteric modulators of mGlus offer advantages over orthosteric ligands owing to their increased potential to achieve subtype selectivity, and this has prompted discovery programs that have produced a large number of reported allosteric mGlu ligands. However, the optimization of allosteric ligands into drug candidates has proved to be challenging owing to induced‐fit effects, flat or steep structure‐activity relationships and unexpected changes in theirpharmacology. Subtle structural changes identified as molecular switches might modulate the functional activity of allosteric ligands. Here we review these switches discovered in the metabotropic glutamate receptor family..
Comparative cost‐effectiveness of mailed fecal immunochemical testing (FIT)–based interventions for increasing colorectal cancer screening in the Medicaid population
Authors: Wheeler Stephanie B. , O’Leary Meghan C. , Rhode Jewels , Yang Jeff Y. , Drechsel Rebecca , Plescia Marcus , Reuland Daniel S. , Brenner Alison T.
Published: July 2020

Background

Mailed reminders to promote colorectal cancer (CRC) screening by fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) have been shown to be effective in the Medicaid population, in which screening is underused. However, little is known regarding the cost‐effectiveness of these interventions, with or without an included FIT kit.

METHODS

The authors conducted a cost‐effectiveness analysis of a randomized controlled trial that compared the effectiveness of a reminder + FIT intervention versus a reminder‐only intervention in increasing FIT screening. The analysis compared the costs per person screened for CRC screening associated with the reminder + FIT versus the reminder‐only alternative using a 1‐year time horizon. Input data for a cohort of 35,000 unscreened North Carolina Medicaid enrollees ages 52 to 64 years were derived from the trial and microcosting. Inputs and outputs were estimated from 2 perspectives—the Medicaid/state perspective and the health clinic/facility perspective—using probabilistic sensitivity analysis to evaluate uncertainty.

Results

The anticipated number of CRC screenings, including both FIT and screening colonoscopies, was higher for the reminder + FIT alternative (n = 8131; 23.2%) than for the reminder‐only alternative (n = 5533; 15.8%). From the Medicaid/state perspective, the reminder + FIT alternative dominated the reminder‐only alternative, with lower costs and higher screening rates. From the health clinic/facility perspective, the reminder + FIT versus the reminder‐only alternative resulted in an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio of $116 per person screened.

Conclusions

The reminder + FIT alternative was cost saving per additional Medicaid enrollee screened compared with the reminder‐only alternative from the Medicaid/state perspective and likely cost‐effective from the health clinic/facility perspective. The results also demonstrate that health departments and state Medicaid programs can efficiently mail FIT kits to large numbers of Medicaid enrollees to increase CRC screening completion.
A novel differentially private advising framework in cloud server environment
Authors: Shen Sheng , Zhu Tianqing , Ye Dayong , Wang Minghao , Zuo Xuhan , Zhou Andi
Published: July 2020

Due to the rapid development of the cloud computing environment, it is widely accepted that cloud servers are important for users to improve work efficiency. Users need to know servers' capabilities and make optimal decisions on selecting the best available servers for users' tasks. We consider the process of learning servers' capabilities by users as a multiagent reinforcement learning process. The learning speed and efficiency in reinforcement learning can be improved by sharing the learning experience among learning agents which is defined as advising. However, existing advising frameworks are limited by the requirement that during advising all learning agents in a reinforcement learning environment must have exactly the same actions. To address the above limitation, this article proposes a novel differentially private advising framework for multiagent reinforcement learning. Our proposed approach can significantly improve the application of conventional advising frameworks when agents have one different action. The approach can also widen the applicable field of advising and speed up reinforcement learning by triggering more potential advising processes among agents with different actions.
Transition‐Metal‐Mediated versus Tetrazine‐Triggered Bioorthogonal Release Reactions: Direct Comparison and Combinations Thereof
Authors: Mancuso Francesca , Rahm Michal , Dzijak Rastislav , Mertlíková‐Kaiserová Helena , Vrabel Milan
Published: July 2020

Bioorthogonal cleavage reactions are gaining popularity in chemically inducible prodrug activation and in the control of biomolecular functions. Despite similar applications, these reactions were developed and optimized on different substrates and under different experimental conditions. Reported herein is a side‐by‐side comparison of palladium‐, ruthenium‐ and tetrazine‐triggered release reactions, which aims at comparing the reaction kinetics, efficiency and overall advantages and limitations of the methods. In addition, we disclose the possibility of mutual combination of the cleavage reactions. Finally, we compare the efficiency of the bioorthogonal deprotections in cellular experiments, which revealed that among the three methods investigated, the palladium‐ and the tetrazine‐promoted reaction can be used for efficient prodrug activation, but only the tetrazine‐triggered reactions proceed efficiently inside cells.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacological Properties of Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine in the Context of COVID‐19 Infection
Authors: Nicol Melanie R. , Joshi Abhay , Rizk Matthew L. , Sabato Philip E. , Savic Radojka M. , Wesche David , Zheng Jenny H. , Cook Jack
Published: July 2020

Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are quinoline derivatives used to treat malaria. To date, these medications are not approved for the treatment of viral infections, and there are no well‐controlled, prospective, randomized clinical studies or evidence to support their use in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Nevertheless, chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are being studied alone or in combination with other agents to assess their effectiveness in the treatment or prophylaxis for COVID‐19. The effective use of any medication involves an understanding of its pharmacokinetics, safety, and mechanism of action. This work provides basic clinical pharmacology information relevant for planning and initiating COVID‐19 clinical studies with chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine, summarizes safety data from healthy volunteer studies, and summarizes safety data from phase II and phase II/III clinical studies in patients with uncomplicated malaria, including a phase II/III study in pediatric patients following administration of azithromycin and chloroquine in combination. In addition, this work presents data describing the proposed mechanisms of action against the severe acute respiratory distress syndrome coronavirus–2 and summarizes clinical efficacy to date.
Fine Tuning of the HOMO–LUMO Gap of 6‐(Thiophen‐2‐yl) indolizino[3,2‐c]quinolines and their Self‐Assembly to Form Fluorescent Organic Nanoparticles: Rational Design and Theoretical Calculations
Authors: Park Jaehyun , Lee Ji Hye , Lim Bumhee , Lee Na Keum , Sim Gyuseok , Ryu Seol , Kim Ikyon , Hwang Hyonseok , Lee Jeeyeon
Published: July 2020

In this study, we designed and synthesized novel 6‐(thiophen‐2‐yl) indolizino[3,2‐c]quinolines (IQs) guided by density functional theory (DFT) calculations and explored the optical properties of the IQ derivatives together with fractional atomic orbital contribution (FAOC) analysis. In accordance with the DFT predictions, the designed compound, IQ‐C9, with a methoxycarbonyl (MC) group attached to the C9 position of the IQ scaffold, displayed improved fluorescence quantum yields (QY) in solution and in the solid state along with bathochromic shifts compared to previous analogues. TEM images demonstrated that IQ‐C9 forms well‐defined nanoparticle structures (dimensions: 20×50 nm, aspect ratio: 2.3) in aqueous solution. Confocal images of IQ‐C9‐treated MCF7 cells revealed colocalization of IQ‐C9 with lipid droplets, highly dynamic subunits within cells involved in various metabolic disorders and cancers. Our results demonstrated that the analyses based on the FAOC coefficients and molecular orbital (MO) energy levels can be used as a computational method to predict spectral shifts for fluorophores and to design novel fluorescent probes for tracking dynamic cellular processes.
Combined In Situ XRD and Ex Situ TEM Studies of Thin Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 Films Grown by PLD on MgO
Authors: Bauer Sondes , Rodrigues Adriana , Jin Xiaowei , Schneider Reinhard , Müller Erich , Gerthsen Dagmar , Baumbach Tilo
Published: July 2020

Dielectric barium strontium titanate films were deposited on MgO (001) substrate by pulsed‐laser deposition (PLD) and monitored in situ by means of reflection high‐energy electron diffraction and time‐resolved X‐ray diffraction (TRXRD). TRXRD showed two growth periods of the BSTO film and a transformation in the crystalline structure was detected as the thickness exceeds 80 nm. The occurrence of two different crystalline regions, namely BSTO1 and BSTO2 was proved by X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Ex situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques, including diffraction‐contrast as well as high‐resolution TEM, nanobeam electron diffraction, and scanning TEM in combination with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy reveal structural and microchemical peculiarities of the BSTO film. By these TEM analyses, the presence of the two different regions BSTO1 and BSTO2 within the PLD‐grown BSTO layer was demonstrated. Regions of phase BSTO2 were found on top of nanoscaled MgO islands formed on the substrate surface during annealing at high temperature. While the majority phase BSTO1 has a single‐crystalline structure over wide ranges, BSTO2 regions seem to be poly‐ or even nanocrystalline, and the chemical composition of the two phases is also different. The transition in the growth periods is presumably related to the occurrence of BSTO2 regions during layer growth.
Association mapping and genomic prediction for ear rot disease caused byFusarium verticillioidesin a tropical maize germplasm
Authors: Kuki Maurício Carlos , Pinto Ronald José Barth , Bertagna Filipe Augusto Bengosi , Tessmann Dauri José , Teixeira do Amaral Antônio , Scapim Carlos Alberto , Holland James Brendan
Published: July 2020

Fusarium ear rot (FER), caused byFusarium verticillioides(Sacc.) Nirenberg, is one of the major ear diseases that affect both yield and grain quality in maize (Zea maysL.), especially in tropical environments.Fusariumgenetic resistance is a complex trait, controlled by several small‐effect genes and strongly influenced by the environment. We applied a comprehensive genome‐wide association study and genomic prediction for ear rot and starburst symptoms, using 291,633 high‐quality single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) markers in 320 tropical maize inbred lines, in two distinct locations in Brazil's southern region. Three SNPs were significantly associated with starburst symptoms, each associated with 6–8% of the phenotypic variance, and with gene models that have expression levels in ears, pericarp, and kernels, corresponding to disease infection period and suggesting some role in FER resistance. No significant SNP was associated with FER, which is an indication that the genetic architecture for this trait is highly polygenic, with potentially many variants having small effects that are not detectable in the association mapping analysis. We observed genomic prediction accuracies ranging from 0.34 to 0.4 for FER and starburst, respectively. Further research is required to validate these significant SNPs and their relationship to genes affecting FER resistance, and also to improve genomic prediction accuracies across different genetic backgrounds.
Secretory carcinoma of salivary type in a lymph node presenting as a neck cyst diagnosed by cytology: A case report
Authors: Hrudka Jan , Drozenová Jana , Sýba Jaroslav , Gregová Mária , Dundr Pavel
Published: July 2020

Secretory carcinoma (SC) is a relatively recently described salivary gland adenocarcinoma characterized by ETV6‐NTRK3 gene fusion and, in most cases, indolent clinical behavior. Morphologically, the tumor shows a glandular architecture and the presence of monophasic tumor cells with vacuolated cytoplasm, low‐grade nuclear atypia, and mucin production, with possibly a tubular, papillary, or cystic arrangement. In this article, we describe a case of a 52‐year old man with SC involving a neck lymph node clinically manifesting as a slowly growing cystic neck mass without recent proof of the primary tumor, but with a history of a parotid gland “cystadenopapilloma,” which had been removed 35 years prior. A fine‐needle aspiration biopsy revealed a diagnosis of SC. Subsequent histopathological examination after lymph node dissection confirmed the diagnosis. The tumor showed typical features of SC, including immunohistochemical positivity for NTRK and NTRK3 gene rearrangement, detected using in situ hybridization. We discuss that the tumor may be a late metastasis occurring 35 years after resection of undiagnosed salivary SC or a primary SC arising from heterotopic salivary tissue within a lymph node. Differential diagnostic considerations and review of relevant literature are included.
Large‐scale connectivity, cryptic population structure, and relatedness in Eastern Pacific Olive ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea)
Authors: Silver‐Gorges Ian , Koval Julianne , Rodriguez‐Zarate Clara J. , Paladino Frank V. , Jordan Mark
Published: July 2020

Endangered species are grouped into genetically discrete populations to direct conservation efforts. Mitochondrial control region (mtCR) haplotypes are used to elucidate deep divergences between populations, as compared to nuclear microsatellites that can detect recent structuring. When prior populations are unknown, it is useful to subject microsatellite data to clustering and/or ordination population inference. Olive ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) are the most abundant sea turtle, yet few studies have characterized olive ridley population structure. Recently, clustering results of olive ridleys in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean suggested weak structuring (FST = 0.02) between Mexico and Central America. We analyzed mtCR haplotypes, new microsatellite genotypes from Costa Rica, and preexisting microsatellite genotypes from olive ridleys across the Eastern Tropical Pacific, to further explore population structuring in this region. We subjected inferred populations to multiple analyses to explore the mechanisms behind their structuring. We found 10 mtCR haplotypes from 60 turtles nesting at three sites in Costa Rica, but did not detect divergence between Costa Rican sites, or between Central America and Mexico. In Costa Rica, clustering suggested one population with no structuring, but ordination suggested four cryptic clusters with moderate structuring (FST = 0.08,p < .001). Across the Eastern Tropical Pacific, ordination suggested nine cryptic clusters with moderate structuring (FST = 0.103,p < .001) that largely corresponded to Mexican and Central American populations. All ordination clusters displayed significant internal relatedness relative to global relatedness (p < .001) and contained numerous sibling pairs. This suggests that broadly dispersed family lineages have proliferated in Eastern Tropical Pacific olive ridleys and corroborates previous work showing basin‐wide connectivity and shallow population structure in this region. The existence of broadly dispersed kin in Eastern Tropical Pacific olive ridleys has implications for management of olive ridleys in this region, and adds to our understanding of sea turtle ecology and life history, particularly in light of the natal‐homing paradigm.
Evidence of a spatial auto‐correlation in the browsing level of four major European tree species
Authors: Hagen Robert , Suchant Rudi
Published: July 2020

The contribution of spatial processes to the spatial patterns of ecological systems is widely recognized, but spatial patterns in the ecology of plant‐herbivore interactions have rarely been investigated quantitatively owing to limited budget and time associated with ecological research. Studies of the level of browsing on various tree species reported either no spatial auto‐correlation or a small effect size. Further, the effects of disturbance events, such as hurricanes, which create large forest openings on spatial patterns of herbivory are not well understood.

In this study, we used forest inventory data obtained from the federal state of Baden‐Württemberg (Southern Germany) between 2001 and 2009 (grid size: 100 × 200 m) and thus, after hurricane Lothar struck Southern Germany in 1999. We investigated whether the browsing level of trees (height ≤ 130 cm) in one location is independent of that of the neighborhood.

Our analyses of 1,758,622 saplings (187.632 sampling units) of oak (Quercus), fir (Abies), spruce (Picea), and beech (Fagus) revealed that the browsing level is characterized by a short distance spatial auto‐correlation.

The application of indicator variables based on browsed saplings should account for the spatial pattern as the latter may affect the results and therefore also the conclusions of the analysis.
Tropical understory herbaceous community responds more strongly to hurricane disturbance than to experimental warming
Authors: Kennard Deborah K. , Matlaga David , Sharpe Joanne , King Clay , Alonso‐Rodríguez Aura M. , Reed Sasha C. , Cavaleri Molly A. , Wood Tana E.
Published: July 2020

The effects of climate change on tropical forests may have global consequences due to the forests’ high biodiversity and major role in the global carbon cycle. In this study, we document the effects of experimental warming on the abundance and composition of a tropical forest floor herbaceous plant community in the Luquillo Experimental Forest, Puerto Rico. This study was conducted within Tropical Responses to Altered Climate Experiment (TRACE) plots, which use infrared heaters under free‐air, open‐field conditions, to warm understory vegetation and soils + 4°C above nearby control plots. Hurricanes Irma and María damaged the heating infrastructure in the second year of warming, therefore, the study included one pretreatment year, one year of warming, and one year of hurricane response with no warming. We measured percent leaf cover of individual herbaceous species, fern population dynamics, and species richness and diversity within three warmed and three control plots. Results showed that one year of experimental warming did not significantly affect the cover of individual herbaceous species, fern population dynamics, species richness, or species diversity. In contrast, herbaceous cover increased from 20% to 70%, bare ground decreased from 70% to 6%, and species composition shifted pre to posthurricane. The negligible effects of warming may have been due to the short duration of the warming treatment or an understory that is somewhat resistant to higher temperatures. Our results suggest that climate extremes that are predicted to increase with climate change, such as hurricanes and droughts, may cause more abrupt changes in tropical forest understories than longer‐term sustained warming.
Advanced Strategies of Passivating Perovskite Defects for High‐Performance Solar Cells
Authors: Sun Chuang , Xu Lei , Lai Xilin , Li Zhengping , He Ming
Published: July 2020

Organic–inorganic halide perovskite (OIHP) solar cells have garnered great attention in the last decade since they continuously approach the Shockley–Queisser Limit. Compared with conventional organic and inorganic semiconductors, OIHPs possess the high tolerance on defects due to the dominated intrinsically shallow‐level carrier‐trapping centers. However, the existence of defects still causes the ion migration, produces the hysteresis effect, and accelerates the film degradation, eventually suppressing the device efficiency and stability. In this Review Article, we summarize recent impressive advance on passivating OIHP defects and discuss the future horizon of exploiting high‐efficiency and long‐stability OIHP solar cells in terms of defect managements.
The importance of heart rate in isoprenaline‐induced takotsubo‐like cardiac dysfunction in rats
Authors: Ali Anwar , Redfors Björn , Lundgren Joel , Alkhoury Jessica , Oras Jonatan , Gan Li‐Ming , Omerovic Elmir
Published: July 2020

Aims

Takotsubo syndrome (TS) is an acute cardiac syndrome characterized by regional myocardial akinesia that cannot be attributed to a culprit lesion in coronary arteries. Cardiac overstimulation by catecholamines in the setting of stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of TS. While catecholamine‐induced alterations in cardiac contractility have been studied as part of the causal pathway in TS, the importance of catecholamine‐mediated tachycardia has not been studied. Our aim was to explore whether the reduction in heart rate, either by pharmacological suppression of the sinoatrial node with ivabradine or by surgical induction of third‐degree atrioventricular block, prevents isoprenaline‐induced TS‐like akinesia in an experimental animal model.

Methods and results

We used 142 female Sprague–Dawley rats in two separate protocols. The TS‐like phenotype was induced by an intraperitoneal bolus dose of isoprenaline (ISO) 50 mg/kg. In the first protocol, we randomized 54 rats to ivabradine 10 min before ISO (IVAB1), ivabradine 10 min after ISO (IVAB2), or saline 10 min before ISO (CONTROL). In the second protocol, we randomized 88 rats to surgically induced complete heart block (CHB) or sham operation (CTRL) 10 min before the administration of ISO. All drugs were administered intraperitoneally. We recorded heart rate and blood pressure invasively in the right carotid artery. Cardiac morphology and function were evaluated by high‐resolution echocardiography (VisualSonics 770 VEVO, Toronto, Ontario, Canada) 90 min after ISO injection. IVAB1 and IVAB2 rats had significantly lower heart rate and less pronounced TS‐like cardiac dysfunction than CONTROL. CHB rats had a lower (54%) heart rate, and no animal developed left ventricular akinesia. In the first protocol, the CONTROL group had a median degree of akinesia of 10.2 [inter‐quartile range (IQR) 0.0–18.6]. The IVAB1 group showed a median of akinesia of 0% (IQR 0.0–0.0, P < 0.001 vs. CONTROL). In the IVAB2 group, 5% had TS‐like dysfunction (P = 0.001). Ejection fraction was higher in both the IVAB1 (92%, IQR 89–95) and IVAB2 groups (93%, IQR 87–96) than in the CONTROL group (78%, IQR 63–87, P < 0.05). In the second protocol, the median degree of akinesia in the CTRL group was 21.9% (IQR 8.9–24.6). In the CHB group, no rat developed akinesia (median 0%; IQR 0.0–0.0, P < 0.001 vs. CONTROL). Ejection fraction was higher in the CHB group (90%, IQR 87–92) than in the CTRL group (51%, IQR 87–92, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Isoprenaline‐induced TS‐like cardiac dysfunction can be prevented by lowering heart rate. Tachycardia may be an important part of the causal pathway in TS.
Alkyl‐Spacer Enhancement in Performance of Light‐Emitting Electrochemical Cells
Authors: Shiu Ler‐Chun , Chang Bo‐Ren , Hsiao Miles C. ‐S. , Sie Wu‐Sian , Wu Ming‐Lun , Huang Li‐Xian , Wang Cheng‐Ming , Lee Gene‐Hsiang , Chang I‐Jy , Su Hai‐Ching , Shiu Kom‐Bei
Published: July 2020

Synthetic, structural, photophysical, and electrochemical study of [Ir(ppy)2(py)2](BF4) (1(BF4)) and four di‐N–N‐bridged complexes of [Ir(ppy)2(bpa)]2(BF4)2 (2A(BF4)2), [Ir(ppy)2((cis‐bpe))]2(BF4)2 (2B(BF4)2), [Ir(ppy)2(tmp)]2(BF4)2 (2C(BF4)2), and [Ir(ppy)2(bpy)]4(BF4)4 (3(BF4)4) are described with Hppy = 2‐phenylpyridine, py = pyridine, N–N = dipyridyl ligands of 1,2‐bis(4‐pyridyl)ethane (bpa), cis‐1,2‐bis(4‐pyridyl)ethylene (cis‐bpe), 1,3‐di(4‐pyridyl)propane (tmp), and 4,4'‐dipyridine (bpy). Five single‐crystal structures of 1(PF6), 2A(NO3)2, 2A(PF6)2, 2B(PF6)2, and 3(NO3)4 were determined, supporting the dibridged structures and presence of a variety of stereoisomers. Application of four luminescent complexes, 1(BF4), 2A(BF4)2, 2C(BF4)2, and 3(BF4)4, in solid‐state light‐emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) is reported. The work demonstrates an effective approach to realize efficient LECs based on dibridged di‐ and multinuclear cationic transition‐metal complexes with a suitably long alkyl spacer in the bridging ligand.