bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Walking Disabilities in Association With Tenosynovitis at the Metatarsophalangeal Joints: A Longitudinal Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study in Early Arthritis
Authors: Dakkak Yousra J. , Wouters Fenne , Matthijssen Xanthe M. E. , Reijnierse Monique , van der Helm‐van Mil Annette H. M.
Published: September 2020

Objective

The relationship between functional disability and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) inflammation has been studied for the hands, but has not been well established for the feet, even though walking difficulties are common. Therefore, our objective was to study whether walking difficulties were associated with MRI inflammation at metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints in early arthritis patients, at diagnosis and during 24 months of follow‐up.

Methods

A total of 532 consecutive patients presenting with early arthritis reported on the presence and severity of walking difficulties (Health Assessment Questionnaire question 4a, scale 0–3), and underwent unilateral contrast‐enhanced MRI of MTP joints 1–5 at baseline. In total, 107 patients had clinical and MRI data at follow‐up (4, 12, and 24 months). MRI inflammation (synovitis, tenosynovitis, and osteitis) was scored in line with the Rheumatoid Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scoring system. At baseline, the association of walking disability with MRI inflammation was assessed using regression. Longitudinally, the association between a change in walking disability with a change in MRI inflammation was studied with linear mixed models.

Results

At baseline, 81% of patients with walking disabilities had MRI inflammation at MTP joints, versus 68% without walking disabilities (P < 0.001). Total MRI inflammation (i.e., the sum of tenosynovitis, synovitis, and osteitis) was associated with severity of walking disability (β = 0.023, P < 0.001). Studying the MRI features separately, tenosynovitis, synovitis, and osteitis were all univariably associated with severity of walking disability (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P = 0.014, respectively). In multivariable analysis, the association was strongest for tenosynovitis. During follow‐up, a decrease in MTP inflammation was associated with a decrease in walking disability (β = 0.029, P = 0.001); in multivariable analyses only, tenosynovitis was independently associated (β = 0.073, P = 0.049).

Conclusion

Of the different inflamed tissues in MTP joints, predominantly MRI‐detected tenosynovitis was associated with walking disabilities. Likewise a reduction in tenosynovitis related to a decrease in walking disabilities. These results increase our understanding of the involvement of tenosynovitis in walking disabilities in early arthritis.
Powder Metallurgical Processing of MMC Pressure Springs Based on Zirconia and TRIP Steel
Authors: Oppelt Marie , Heuer Claudia , Brachhold Nora , Aneziris Christos G.
Published: September 2020

A novel powder metallurgical fabrication technology for the development of springs based on metastable austenitic steel and magnesia partially stabilized zirconia is introduced. The developed gel casting technique uses the gelation of alginates in contact with bivalent ions and allows the variation of fabrication parameter such as composition of the starting slurry, wire thickness, coil number, and distance between the single coils. The starting slurry contains 16‐7‐3 (Cr–Mn–Ni) steel and zirconia powders as well as sodium alginate and is subsequently injected into a hardener solution to form rubbery strands that are subsequently coiled around a mandrel to form a spring element. Afterward a two‐stage thermal process is performed. The sintered spring elements are characterized by a homogeneous microstructure, and the formation of manganese silicate is registered. In comparison to commercially available coil springs, the developed spring elements show similar deformation behavior up to a deformation of 50%. The composition which contains 10 vol% zirconia and 90 vol% steel particles shows an improved energy absorption capability with 0.19 kJ kg−1 compared with commercially available springs with 0.11 kJ kg−1, and therefore offers the potential for further investigations in the planned application in the area of crash absorbing structures.
High‐Performance Circularly Polarized Light‐Sensing Near‐Infrared Organic Phototransistors for Optoelectronic Cryptographic Primitives
Authors: Han Hyemi , Lee Yoo Jin , Kyhm Jihoon , Jeong Jae Seung , Han Jae‐Hoon , Yang Min Kyu , Lee Kyung Min , Choi Yeongyu , Yoon Tae‐Hoon , Ju Hyunsu , Ahn Suk‐kyun , Lim Jung Ah
Published: September 2020

Chiral photonics has emerged as a key technology for future optoelectronics, such as quantum information and encryption, by making use of photonic waves from enantiomeric structures. An inevitable challenge for realizing such chiral optoelectronics is the development of near‐infrared circularly polarized (NIR CP) light‐sensing photodetectors that convert optical power and circular polarization direction into distinguishable electrical signals. Herein, a simple and promising strategy for high‐performance NIR CP light‐sensing organic phototransistors (NIR CPL‐OPTRs) applicable to highly secure optoelectronic encryption is proposed. By directly assembling a standalone cholesteric liquid‐crystal network film in a thin‐film NIR CPL‐OPTR, remarkable responsivity and distinguishability are achieved. The synergetic effect of amplification of the photocurrent signal by the applied electric field and improved light absorption by the reduced reflection in the multilayered structure leads to high responsivity. As a proof‐of‐concept, the chiral phototransistor arrays are demonstrated as a physically unclonable function device and exhibit enhanced cryptographic characteristics.
NIR Light‐Driven Bi2Se3‐Based Nanoreactor with “Three in One” Hemin‐Assisted Cascade Catalysis for Synergetic Cancer Therapy
Authors: Niu Xiaoyan , Liu Yang , Li Xiaomin , Wang Wei , Yuan Zhi
Published: September 2020

Photocatalytic semiconductor‐based nanoreactors, that convert nontoxic molecules into toxic ones for cancer therapy, have attracted great interest. However, its therapeutic efficiency is limited by the fast electron–hole recombination within a narrow bandgap, low oxidative damage of H2O2, and tumor hypoxia. Herein, aggregation‐limited hemin is introduced onto Bi2Se3 nanoparticles for successively solving these problems. The nanoreactor (Bi2Se3@hemin‐(G‐H)‐HA NPs) is obtained through adamantane modified hemin and β‐cyclodextrin modified hyaluronic acid complexing and wrapping on Bi2Se3 NPs via host–guest and electrostatic interaction. Once irradiated by NIR light, the hemin assists Bi2Se3 to separate electron–hole pairs and catalyze endogenous H2O to generate vast H2O2, resulting in a 3.9‐fold higher H2O2 generation than that of individual Bi2Se3. Subsequently, H2O2 is catalyzed by aggregation‐limited hemin to generate highly toxic •OH and •O2−, which improves the total reactive oxygen species generation of Bi2Se3@hemin‐(G‐H)‐HA by 10.8‐fold compared to that of Bi2Se3 NPs. Importantly, the cytotoxicity result exhibits a death rate of HepG2 cells of above 90%, even though in a simulated hypoxic environment. Additionally, the in vivo result indicates this nanoreactor realizes an synergetic anticancer effect with a tumor inhibition rate of 92.3%. Overall, such a nanoreactor with hemin‐assisted cascade catalysis is a promising candidate for improving therapeutic efficacy.
High‐Throughput Tumor‐on‐a‐Chip Platform to Study Tumor–Stroma Interactions and Drug Pharmacokinetics
Authors: Chi Chun‐Wei , Lao Yeh‐Hsing , Ahmed A. H. Rezwanuddin , Benoy Elizabeth C. , Li Chenghai , Dereli‐Korkut Zeynep , Fu Bingmei M. , Leong Kam W. , Wang Sihong
Published: September 2020

Drug screening in oncology, especially for triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC), has high demand but remains unsatisfactory. Currently available models are either nonrepresentative of the complex tumor microenvironment or only suitable for low throughput screening, resulting in a low‐yield success for drug development. To tackle these issues, the L‐TumorChip system is developed in this study. It is a three‐layered microfluidic tumor‐on‐a‐chip platform integrating tumor microvasculature and tumor–stromal microenvironment with high throughput screening capability. Its layered and modular design is readily scalable through simple integration of multiple units. Here, L‐TumorChip is validated with a TNBC model. The L‐TumorChip system emulates certain tumor–stroma complexities and tumor–endothelium interactions, including TNBC invasion through the leaky microvasculature and angiogenesis. Additionally, with this L‐TumorChip, the influence of different stromal cells, including normal fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells, and cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAF), on cancer cell growth as well as the stromal effects on drug responses to doxorubicin treatment is investigated. The presence of CAF delays drug pharmacokinetics, while apoptotic responses indicated by caspase‐3 activities are higher in coculture with normal fibroblasts. Collectively, the L‐TumorChip system represents a translational high‐throughput screening toolkit that enables drug screening with a scenario closer to the in vivo conditions. This potential use may therefore facilitate development of new cancer drugs.
Electromagnetically Transparent Graphene Respiratory Sensors for Multimodal Small Animal Imaging
Authors: Tweedie Martin E. P. , Kersemans Veerle , Gilchrist Stuart , Smart Sean , Warner Jamie H.
Published: September 2020

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) imaging with X‐rays are crucial diagnostic techniques in medicine, especially in oncology for evaluating the response to treatment. Body movement causes image blurring and synchronized gating to the respiratory and cardiac cycles is required. Degradation of MRI and CT imaging by the presence of metal in electronic respiratory sensors has limited their use, with a preference for pressure balloons for detecting respiration, but these are cumbersome and insensitive. Here, graphene's role is studied as an electromagnetically transparent electrode in a piezoelectric graphene respiratory sensor (GRS) device designed specifically for dual gated MRI and CT imaging of small animals. The GRS is integrated into a 3D‐printed cradle with all‐carbon‐based device life support (heating pad) and monitoring of small animals (electrocardiogram), enabling both heartbeat and respiration detection, significant improvements to throughput and reproducibility, and reduced animal suffering. This shows graphene's potential for a wide range of electromagnetic transparent electronics for medical imaging and diagnostics, beyond conventional metal electrodes.
Chelation Crosslinking of Biodegradable Elastomers
Authors: Chen Ying , Miller Paula G. , Ding Xiaochu , Stowell Chelsea E. T. , Kelly Katie M. , Wang Yadong
Published: September 2020

Widely present in nature and in manufactured goods, elastomers are network polymers typically crosslinked by strong covalent bonds. Elastomers crosslinked by weak bonds usually exhibit more plastic deformation. Here, chelation as a mechanism to produce biodegradable elastomers is reported. Polycondensation of sebacic acid, 1,3‐propanediol, and a Schiff‐base (2‐[[(2‐hydroxyphenyl) methylene]amino]‐1,3‐propanediol) forms a block copolymer that binds several biologically relevant metal ions. Chelation offers a unique advantage unseen in conventional elastomer design because one ligand binds multiple metal ions, yielding bonds of different strengths. Therefore, one polymeric ligand coordinated with different metal ions produces elastomers with vastly different characteristics. Mixing different metal ions in one polymer offers another degree of control on material properties. The density of the ligands in the block copolymer further regulates the mechanical properties. Moreover, a murine model reveals that Fe3+ crosslinked foam displays higher compatibility with subcutaneous tissues than the widely used biomaterial—polycaprolactone. The implantation sites restore to their normal architecture with little fibrosis upon degradation of the implants. The versatility of chelation‐based design has already shown promise in hydrogels and highly stretchy nondegradable polymers. The biodegradable elastomers reported here would enable new materials and new possibilities in biomedicine and beyond.
Mesoporous Nanoarchitectures for Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage
Authors: Yan Yuxing , Chen Guangrui , She Peihong , Zhong Guiyuan , Yan Wenfu , Guan Bu Yuan , Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: September 2020

Mesoporous materials have attracted considerable attention because of their distinctive properties, including high surface areas, large pore sizes, tunable pore structures, controllable chemical compositions, and abundant forms of composite materials. During the last decade, there has been increasing research interest in constructing advanced mesoporous nanomaterials possessing short and open channels with efficient mass diffusion capability and rich accessible active sites for electrochemical energy conversion and storage. Here, the synthesis, structures, and energy‐related applications of mesoporous nanomaterials are the main focus. After a brief summary of synthetic methods of mesoporous nanostructures, the delicate design and construction of mesoporous nanomaterials are described in detail through precise tailoring of the particle sizes, pore sizes, and nanostructures. Afterward, their applications as electrode materials for lithium‐ion batteries, supercapacitors, water‐splitting electrolyzers, and fuel cells are discussed. Finally, the possible development directions and challenges of mesoporous nanomaterials for electrochemical energy conversion and storage are proposed.
Experimental Observation of Intrinsic Light Localization in Photonic Icosahedral Quasicrystals
Authors: Sinelnik Artem D. , Shishkin Ivan I. , Yu Xiaochang , Samusev Kirill B. , Belov Pavel A. , Limonov Mikhail F. , Ginzburg Pavel , Rybin Mikhail V.
Published: September 2020

One of the most intriguing problems of light transport in solids is the localization that has been observed in various disordered photonic structures. The light localization in defect‐free icosahedral quasicrystals has recently been predicted theoretically without experimental verification. Herein, the fabrication of submicron‐size dielectric icosahedral quasicrystals is reported and the results of detailed studies of the photonic properties of these structures are demonstrated. The first direct experimental observation of intrinsic light localization in defect‐free quasicrystals is presented. This result is obtained in time‐resolved measurements at different laser wavelengths in the visible. The localization is linked with the aperiodicity of the icosahedral structure, which leads to uncompensated scattering of light from an individual structural element over the entire sphere, providing multiple scattering inside the sample and, as a result, the intrinsic localization of light.
High‐Speed Transmission Control in Gate‐Tunable Metasurfaces Using Hybrid Plasmonic Waveguide Mode
Authors: Lee Yohan , Yun Jeongse , Kim Sun‐Je , Seo Minjee , In Sungjun , Jeong Hee‐Dong , Lee Seung‐Yeol , Park Namkyoo , Chung Taek Dong , Lee Byoungho
Published: September 2020

Dynamic control of light based on gate‐tunable metasurfaces has revolutionized traditional optoelectronic devices due to its unprecedented compactness and versatile functionalities. However, these devices are typically based on metal‐insulator‐metal geometries that enable field‐effect modulation of only reflected light. Transmittance modulation techniques based on dielectric metasurfaces, despite their large modulation depth, have a disadvantage of low modulation speed due to high resistance of dielectric materials. Here, a high‐efficiency transmittance modulator that enables high switching speed, as well as large modulation depth, is demonstrated using indium‐tin‐oxide‐based metasurfaces. To realize these devices, the hybrid plasmonic waveguide mode is used which allows electromagnetic energy storage within the nanoscale permittivity‐tunable region between metal and high‐refractive dielectric layers. Experimental measurements reveal a change in the transmittance (≈33%) by applying 6 V gate bias, and a fast modulation speed (≈826 kHz of 3 dB cut‐off frequency). This work provides a promising avenue for developing ultracompact optical components such as dynamic holograms, lenses with active focal lengths, or spatial light modulators.
Dual‐Functioning Molecular Carrier of Superoxide Radicals for Stable and Efficient Lithium–Oxygen Batteries
Authors: Bae Youngjoon , Song Hyelynn , Park Hyeokjun , Lim Hee‐Dae , Kwon Hyuk Jae , Ko Youngmin , Huynh Chi , Ovalle‐Robles Raquel , Kim Yong Hyup , Im Dongmin , Kang Kisuk
Published: September 2020

Low round‐trip efficiency and poor cycle stability remain the major challenges associated with lithium–oxygen (Li–O2) batteries. These issues are primarily triggered by or correlated to the radical species produced during the operation of Li–O2 cells, which lead to significant deterioration of the electrolytes and air electrodes. Regulation of the reactivity of these radical species would thus open up opportunities to suppress such side reactions. Herein, a dual‐functioning molecule that is capable of mitigating the reactivity of radical species produced in a Li–O2 cell by reversibly forming stable intermediate complex during both the discharge and charge processes is introduced. Specifically, 5,5‐dimethyl‐1‐pyrroline N‐oxide (DMPO) is exploited, which has been widely used as a chemical agent to detect oxygen radicals, to induce the reversible formation of an intermediate complex, DMPO–O2−, in the presence of superoxide radicals. It is demonstrated that DMPO mediates the O2−‐involved electrochemical reaction, leading to significant suppression of side reactions and a remarkably improved oxygen efficiency. Unexpectedly, it is also observed that upon charging, DMPO actively scavenges the superoxides from the surface of discharge products, thus substantially lowering the charging overpotential. The combined radical mediation and scavenging of superoxides result in cycle stability of a practical Li–O2 cell over 200 cycles with a specific capacity of 1000 mAh g−1. The findings indicate the importance of controlling the reactivity of radical species and suggest a new pathway toward the realization of stable and efficient Li–O2 batteries.
Limitations of Charge Transfer State Parameterization Using Photovoltaic External Quantum Efficiency
Authors: Armin Ardalan , Zarrabi Nasim , Sandberg Oskar J. , Kaiser Christina , Zeiske Stefan , Li Wei , Meredith Paul
Published: September 2020

Free carrier photogeneration in bulk‐heterojunction solar cells composed of blends of acceptor and donor organic semiconductors proceeds via intermolecular charge transfer (CT) states. Non‐adiabatic Marcus theory has proven valid to explain the absorption and emission of these sub‐gap states which have extremely weak emission probabilities and absorption cross sections making them difficult to probe directly using optical spectroscopy. Therefore, the CT state parameters involved in the Marcus model are often extracted from fittings on the photovoltaic external quantum efficiency (EQEPV) and electroluminescence. These two spectra are (ideally) interrelated via the so‐called reciprocity principle. In this paper, the limitations of such an approach are demonstrated, in particular the impact of simple low finesse cavity interference effects acting as an uneven spectral filter for emission and absorption. This can produce almost spurious CT state parameterization with, for example, relative errors as large as 90% in absorption coefficients obtained from EQEPV. It is shown how these limitations can be partially lifted using an iterative transfer matrix approach applied to the EQEPV.
Rice yield response to potassium: An economic analysis
Authors: Popp Michael P. , Slaton Nathan A. , Norsworthy Jacob S. , Dixon Bruce
Published: September 2020

Potassium fertilizer represents a non‐trivial input cost in rice (Oryza sativa L.) production and its rate recommendation is often based on yield and K deficiency observations alone. However, profit‐maximizing fertilizer‐K rate not only hinges on the yield response to both initial available soil K and applied fertilizer K, but also the crop value and fertilizer cost. To that end, K application rate studies for rice, performed across 91 site‐years from 2001 to 2018, allowed estimation of a generic yield response curve to calculate profit‐maximizing K rates for producers in the mid‐southern United States. To determine whether those calculation efforts are justified, we compared profit‐maximizing fertilizer‐K rates to those currently recommended. Using rice prices and yields, fertilizer‐K cost, and a range of initial soil‐test K values, as observed over the last 10 yr, we find that current fertilizer‐K rate recommendations are too high. Profit‐maximizing rates added from US$0.88 ha−1 at initial Mehlich‐3 K availability values of 75 mg K kg−1 to $28.19 ha−1 at 105 mg K kg−1 on average. The corresponding fertilizer‐K reductions were 0.35 and 56 kg K ha−1, respectively, resulting in attendant yield penalties of only 4 kg ha−1 and 105 kg ha−1. Hence, performing soil tests and using decision support software to obtain profit‐maximizing fertilizer‐K rates is expected to enhance producer profit at rice yield penalties that are smaller than fertilizer cost savings. While profit‐maximizing rate recommendations do vary in a field with varying available soil K, using the mid‐range estimate rather than variable‐rate technology was deemed most feasible.
Photo isomerization of cis‐cyclooctene to trans‐cyclooctene: Integration of a micro‐flow reactor and separation by specific adsorption
Authors: Shahbazali Elnaz , Billaud Emilie M. F. , Fard Arash Sarhangi , Meuldijk Jan , Bormans Guy , Noel Timothy , Hessel Volker
Published: September 2020

Liquid‐phase adsorption has hardly been established in micro‐flow, although this constitutes an industrially vital method for product separation. A micro‐flow UV‐photo isomerization process converts cis‐cyclooctene partly into trans‐cyclooctene, leaving an isomeric mixture. Trans‐cyclooctene adsorption and thus separation was achieved in a fixed‐bed micro‐flow reactor, packed with AgNO3/SiO2 powder, while the cis‐isomer stays in the flow. The closed‐loop recycling‐flow has been presented as systemic approach to enrich the trans‐cyclooctene from its cis‐isomer. In‐flow adsorption in recycling‐mode has hardly been reported so that a full theoretical study has been conducted. This insight is used to evaluate three process design options to reach an optimum yield of trans‐cyclooctene. These differ firstly in the variation of the individual residence times in the reactor and separator, the additional process option of refreshing the adsorption column under use, and the periodicity of the recycle flow.
0.7 Å Resolution Electron Tomography Enabled by Deep‐Learning‐Aided Information Recovery
Authors: Wang Chunyang , Ding Guanglei , Liu Yitong , Xin Huolin L.
Published: September 2020

The 3D determination of a nanomaterial's atomic structure is crucial for understanding their physical, chemical, and electronic properties. Electron tomography, as an important 3D imaging method, offers a powerful method to probe the 3D structure of materials from nanoscale to atomic scale. However, the grand challenge—the missing‐wedge‐induced information loss and artifacts—has greatly hindered them from obtaining 3D atomic structures with high contrast, high precision, and high fidelity. Herein, for the first time, by combining atomic electron tomography with an artificially intelligent “deepfake” neural network, this work demonstrates that the resolution of 3D imaging can be improved down to 0.71 Å, which is a record high resolution achieved by electron tomography. It is also shown that the lost information in reconstructed tomograms can be effectively recovered by only acquiring data from −50 to +50 ° (44% reduction of dosage compared with −90 to +90 ° full tilt series). In contrast to conventional methods, the deep‐learning model shows outstanding performance for both macroscopic objects and atomic features solving the long‐standing dosage and missing‐wedge problems in electron tomography. This work provides important guidance for the application of machine learning methods to tomographic imaging atomic‐scale features in nanomaterials.
Neighborhood Risk Factors for Recidivism: For Whom do they Matter?
Authors: Jacobs Leah A. , Skeem Jennifer L.
Published: September 2020

Justice‐involved people vary substantially in their risk of reoffending. To date, recidivism prediction and prevention efforts have largely focused on individual‐level factors like antisocial traits. Although a growing body of research has examined the role of residential contexts in predicting reoffending, results have been equivocal. One reason for mixed results may be that an individual’s susceptibility to contextual influence depends upon his or her accumulated risk of reoffending. Based on a sample of 2218 people on probation in San Francisco, California, this study draws on observational and secondary data to test the hypothesis that individual risk moderates the effect of neighborhood factors on recidivism. Results from survival analyses indicate that individual risk interacts with neighborhood concentrated disadvantage and disorder—and these factors increase recidivism among people relatively low in individual risk, but not those at higher risk. This is consistent with the disadvantage saturation perspective, raising the possibility that some people classified as low risk might not recidivate but for placement in disadvantaged and disorderly neighborhoods. Ultimately, residential contexts “matter” for lower risk people and may be useful to consider in efforts to prevent recidivism.
COVID‐19‐related financial stress associated with higher likelihood of depression among pregnant women living in the United States
Authors: Thayer Zaneta M. , Gildner Theresa E.
Published: September 2020

Objectives

The COVID‐19 pandemic has led to unprecedented levels of unemployment and financial strain for many Americans. Among the individuals impacted by financial strain are pregnant women, for whom added financial stress may be particularly impactful due to the costs associated with prenatal care and providing for a newborn. Financial stress has been previously associated with elevated depression symptoms among pregnant women, which could have significant impacts on birth outcomes and long‐term offspring health. However, the impacts of COVID‐19‐associated financial stress on maternal depression in pregnancy has not been investigated.

Methods

Here, we evaluated whether COVID‐19‐associated financial stress was associated with increased likelihood of a clinically significant depression score (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Score ≥ 15) among pregnant women living in the United States during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Data come from an online survey administered to a convenience sample in April 2020 (N = 2099).

Results

Forty‐three percent of participants reported experiencing financial stress as a result of the pandemic, while 24% of participants had a clinically significant depression score. COVID‐19‐related financial stress was significantly associated with increased likelihood of a clinically significant depression score, even after adjustment for covariates including participant education and income (adjusted Odds Ratio: 2.23, 95% CI = 1.80, 2.77,P < .001).

Conclusions

Financial stress caused by the COVID‐19 pandemic is associated with more than two times the likelihood of depression during pregnancy, which could impact birth outcomes and long‐term offspring health.
Association of subjective olfactory dysfunction and 12‐item odor identification testing in ambulatory COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Prajapati Divya P. , Shahrvini Bita , MacDonald Bridget V. , Crawford Kayva L. , Lechner Matt , DeConde Adam S. , Yan Carol H.
Published: September 2020

Background

Acute loss of smell and taste are well‐recognized symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), yet the correlation between self‐reported and psychophysical olfactory function remains unclear. Understanding the reliability of self‐reported smell loss in ambulatory cases can assess the utility of this screening measure.

Methods

A prospective, longitudinal study evaluating patient‐reported and measured olfactory function using the validated 12‐item Brief Smell Identification Test (BSIT) was conducted on adult outpatients with COVID‐19. Patient‐reported olfaction scores using a visual analog scale (VAS) were obtained at baseline, time of COVID‐19 testing, and time of BSIT completion. Linear associations between VAS and BSIT were evaluated using Spearman's correlation coefficient and the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of VAS scores were calculated. Logistic regression identified characteristics associated with accurate assessment of olfactory function.

Results

A total of 81 polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐confirmed COVID‐19 positive subjects, of whom 54 self‐reported smell loss, were prospectively recruited ≤5 days from diagnosis date between May 8, 2020, and July 8, 2020. Self‐reported smell loss had good discriminative ability in identifying abnormal BSIT (area under receiver operating curve [AUC] 0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.71 to 0.92). A VAS <5 demonstrated sensitivity of 0.62 and specificity of 0.94 for predicting hyposmia (BSIT ≤8) with accuracy of 82.7%, whereas a VAS <9 had highest sensitivity at 0.86. Moderate bivariate linear associations were found between VAS and BSIT scores (rs = 0.59, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Self‐reported olfactory loss associated with COVID‐19 has a strong ability to predict abnormal olfactory function though the 2 measures are moderately correlated. Subjective olfactory assessment is useful in screening olfactory dysfunction at early disease time points when psychophysical testing cannot be conducted.
Unconventional Phonon Blockade in a Tavis–Cummings Coupled Optomechanical System
Authors: Yang Jun‐Ya , Jin Zhao , Liu Jin‐Song , Wang Hong‐Fu , Zhu Ai‐Dong
Published: September 2020

A phonon blockade is achieved in a hybrid optomechanical system including an ensemble of two‐level quantum emitters. The introduction of the ensemble of quantum emitters sets up a mechanism of quantum destructive interference within the system, by which the phonon statistical characteristic exhibits strong antibunching under the condition of weak driving and weak coupling. By analyzing the analytic solution of the second‐order correlation function, the optimal parametric condition for ideal phonon blockade effect is obtained. The numerical simulation of the second‐order correlation function perfectly accord with the analytical solution. The validity of the effective Hamiltonian is proved by the numerical simulations with quantum master equation. The proposed scheme provides a possible way to realize the single‐phonon source experimentally.
Nanoscale Hyperspectral Imaging of Amyloid Secondary Structures in Liquid
Authors: Lipiec Ewelina , Kaderli Janina , Kobierski Jan , Riek Roland , Skirlińska‐Nosek Katarzyna , Sofińska Kamila , Szymoński Marek , Zenobi Renato
Published: September 2020

Abnormal aggregation of amyloid‐β is a very complex and heterogeneous process. Owing to methodological limitations, the aggregation pathway is still not fully understood. Herein a new approach is presented in which the secondary structure of single amyloid‐β aggregates is investigated with tip‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) in a liquid environment. Clearly resolved TERS signatures of the amide I and amide III bands enabled a detailed analysis of the molecular structure of single aggregates at each phase of the primary aggregation of amyloid‐β and also of small species on the surface of fibrils attributed to secondary nucleation. Notably, a β‐sheet rearrangement from antiparallel in protofibrils to parallel in fibrils is observed. This study allows better understanding of Alzheimer's disease etiology and the methodology can be applied in studies of other neurodegenerative disorders.
NIR‐sensibilisierte kationische und hybride radikalische/kationische Polymerisation und Vernetzung
Authors: Pang Yulian , Shiraishi Atsushi , Keil Dietmar , Popov Sergey , Strehmel Veronika , Jiao Hongjun , Gutmann Jochen S. , Zou Yingquan , Strehmel Bernd
Published: September 2020

Die NIR‐sensibilisierte kationische Polymerisation verläuft effizient mit Epoxiden, einem Vinylether und Oxetan mit einem Heptacyanin als Sensibilisator und Iodoniumsalz als Coinitiator. Das Anion wurde von fluorierten Phosphaten (a: [PF6]−, b: [PF3(C2F5)3]−, c: [PF3(n‐C4F9)3]−), Aluminaten (d: [Al(O‐t‐C4F9)4]−, e: [Al(O(C3F6)CH3)4]−) und einem Methid [C(O‐SO2CF3)3]− (f) ausgewählt. Der Vinylether zeigte die beste Effizienz in der kationischen Polymerisation, gefolgt von Oxetanen und Oxiranen. DFT‐Rechnungen ermöglichten eine Abschätzung des elektrostatischen Potentials für jedes Anion, wobei d eine bessere Reaktivität als e und b bewirkte. Die Bildung interpenetrierender Polymernetzwerke (IPNs) erfolgte unter Verwendung von Trimethylolpropantriacrylat und Epoxiden im Fall einer NIR‐sensibilisierten Polymerisation erfolgreich mit d als Gegenion für das Initiatorsystem. Keine IPN‐Bildung wurde bei UV‐LED‐Initiierung unter Verwendung der gleichen Monomere mit Thioxanthon/Iodoniumsalz beobachtet. Die Belichtung wurde mit neuen NIR‐LEDs durchgeführt, die bei 805 oder 870 nm emittieren.
Regio‐ and Enantioselective Ni‐Catalyzed Formal Hydroalkylation, Hydrobenzylation, and Hydropropargylation of Acrylamides to α‐Tertiary Amides
Authors: Shi Lou , Xing Ling‐Ling , Hu Wen‐Bo , Shu Wei
Published: September 2020

The development of enantioselective alkyl–alkyl cross‐couplings with coinstantaneous formation of a stereogenic center without the use of sensitive organometallic species is attractive yet challenging. Herein, we report the intermolecular regio‐ and enantioselective formal hydrofunctionalizations of acrylamides, forging a stereogenic center α‐position to the newly formed Csp3–Csp3 bond for the first time. The use of a newly developed chiral ligand enables the electronically‐reversed formal hydrofunctionalizations, including hydroalkylation, hydrobenzylation, and hydropropargylation, offering an efficient way to access diverse enantioenriched amides with a tertiary α‐stereogenic carbon center which is facile to racemize. This operationally simple protocol allows for the anti‐Markovnikov enantioselective hydroalkylation, and unprecedented hydrobenzylation, hydropropargylation under mild conditions with excellent functional group compatibility, delivering a wide range of amides with excellent levels of enantioselectivity.
The coercive control of Daniel and Magdalena Lucek: A case of child abuse as tangential spouse abuse
Authors: Stark Evan
Published: September 2020

Drawing on a model developed by the author, coercive control was adapted in 2012 as the framework for a new “cross governmental” response in the health and social services to woman and child abuse in Great Britain, including changes in the criminal laws. I illustrate the forensic utility of the coercive control framework by applying it to explore the circumstances leading up to the murder of 4‐year old, Daniel Pelka (DP), in Coventry, England in 2009 and to critique the response by the various service providers to the family and the Crown's decision to try Daniel's mother, Magdalena Lucek, for the murder. Had the new approach been in place when the Lucek case came to public attention, the coercive control could have been recognized and effectively addressed.
Enabling High Capacity and Coulombic Efficiency for Li‐NCM811 Cells Using a Highly Concentrated Electrolyte
Authors: Philip Maria A. , Haasch Richard T. , Kim Jutae , Yang Jianzhong , Yang Rachel , Kochetkov Ivan R. , Nazar Linda F. , Gewirth Andrew A.
Published: September 2020

Lithium metal batteries suffer from dendrite formation and the associated safety hazards of thermal runaway reactions. In this study, we report the performances of a highly concentrated electrolyte (HCE) and a dilute LiPF6 electrolyte in lithium metal cells using LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2. While the HCE exhibits lower bulk ionic conductivity than the dilute LiPF6 electrolyte, the cell conductivity is higher for the HCE system, indicating higher thermodynamic stability of the electrolyte against the electrodes. Full cell cycling demonstrates higher capacity for the HCE system, which declines as a function of cycle number due to the formation of decomposition products, similar to the dilute LiPF6 system. The origin of the enhanced performance is the higher stability of the HCE against a Li metal anode as compared to the dilute LiPF6 electrolyte. Cycling at higher temperatures further enhances the performance of the HCE, which is more thermally stable than the dilute LiPF6 electrolyte.
Preliminary investigation of two functional assessment methods for people with dementia: Effectiveness and acceptability
Authors: Sharp Rebecca A. , Lucock Zoe R. , Jones Robert S. P.
Published: September 2020

Many functional assessment procedures have been developed and validated for use with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. However, there is a paucity of research exploring the utility and social acceptability of functional assessment methods for people with dementia. We conducted direct observations in the natural environment to produce data for conditional probability analyses and an experimental functional analysis of the behavior of two women with dementia. We found that the conditional probability analysis yielded similar conclusions about function as the data from the experimental functional analysis for both participants. Importantly, staff rated the direct observations as more socially acceptable. We also report barriers to conducting both methods in older adult settings that warrant further exploration, including the use of the assessments with people with dementia and intact vocal verbal repertoires.
Dynamic changes of bone metastasis predict bone‐predominant status to benefit from radium‐223 dichloride for patients with castration‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Hashimoto Kohei , Miyoshi Yasuhide , Shindo Tetsuya , Hori Masakazu , Tsuboi Yasumasa , Kobayashi Ko , Fukuta Fumimasa , Tanaka Toshiaki , Miyamoto Shintaro , Maehana Takeshi , Okada Manabu , Nishiyama Naotaka , Yanase Masahiro , Kato Ryuichi , Hotta Hiroshi , Kunishima Yasuharu , Takahashi Atsushi , Hinotsu Shiro , Sakata Koh‐ichi , Kitamura Hiroshi , Uemura Hiroji , Masumori Naoya
Published: September 2020

Background

To best employ radium‐223 dichloride (Ra‐223) for patients with castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and bone metastasis, we investigated the bone‐predominant status in patients treated with Ra‐223.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 127 CRPC patients who underwent treatment with Ra‐223. The patients were divided into three groups based on the types of dynamic changes of bone metastasis between diagnosis and just before Ra‐223: (a) only known lesions; (b) de novo lesions; (c) new progressive lesions. We developed the risk assessment using predictive factors based on progression‐free survival (PFS).

Results

During the median follow‐up period of 10.4 months, the median PFS in the only known lesions group was 11.3 months compared to 8.1 months in the de novo lesions group and 5.1 months in the new progressive lesions group (P < .001). In multivariate analysis, the type of the new progressive lesions in bone metastasis (HR 1.45, 95% CI 1.13‐1.66, P = .003), performance status of >1 (HR 1.74, 95% CI 1.04‐2.89, P = .034), PSA value of >100 ng/mL (HR 1.59, 95% CI 1.02‐2.50, P = .043), and PSA doubling time (PSADT) of <3 months (HR 1.53, 95% CI 1.11‐2.03, P = .007) were independent unfavorable predictive factors for PFS. The risk assessment for PFS was highlighted when the type of dynamic changes of bone metastasis was combined with PSADT just before Ra‐223 treatment. This was associated with non‐bone metastasis progression, especially visceral metastasis, and overall survival.

Conclusions

Risk assessment in combination with dynamic changes of bone metastasis and PSADT determines the bone‐predominant metastasis type to benefit from Ra‐223.
A public health approach to cervical cancer screening in Africa through community‐based self‐administered HPV testing and mobile treatment provision
Authors: Nakalembe Miriam , Makanga Philippa , Kambugu Andrew , Laker‐Oketta Miriam , Huchko Megan J. , Martin Jeffrey
Published: September 2020

The World Health Organization (WHO) refers to cervical cancer as a public health problem, and sub‐Saharan Africa bears the world's highest incidence. In the realm of screening, simplified WHO recommendations for low‐resource countries now present an opportunity for a public health approach to this public health problem. We evaluated the feasibility of such a public health approach to cervical cancer screening that features community‐based self‐administered HPV testing and mobile treatment provision. In two rural districts of western‐central Uganda, Village Health Team members led community mobilization for cervical cancer screening fairs in their communities, which offered self‐collection of vaginal samples for high‐risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) testing. High‐risk human papillomavirus‐positive women were re‐contacted and referred for treatment with cryotherapy by a mobile treatment unit in their community. We also determined penetrance of the mobilization campaign message by interviewing a probability sample of adult women in study communities about the fair and their attendance. In 16 communities, 2142 women attended the health fairs; 1902 were eligible for cervical cancer screening of which 1892 (99.5%) provided a self‐collected vaginal sample. Among the 393 (21%) women with detectable hrHPV, 89% were successfully contacted about their results, of which 86% returned for treatment by a mobile treatment team. Most of the women in the community (93%) reported hearing about the fair, and among those who had heard of the fair, 68% attended. This public health approach to cervical cancer screening was feasible, effectively penetrated the communities, and was readily accepted by community women. The findings support further optimization and evaluation of this approach as a means of scaling up cervical cancer control in low‐resource settings.
Profile of Terpenoid Compounds Mediating a Plant‐Herbivore Interaction: Screening by Static Headspace Solid‐Phase Microextraction‐Gas Chromatography/Q‐ToF Mass Spectrometry
Authors: García‐Díaz Esmeralda , Trejo Rodolfo , Tafoya Felipe , Aragón‐García Agustín , Elizalde‐González María P.
Published: September 2020

Conotrachelus dimidiatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) interacts with immature guava fruits (Psidium guajava L.) for feed, sleep, mate and oviposit. Determination of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by the insect and immature fruits can help improve understanding of plant‐insect and intraspecific insect interactions between females and males of C. dimidiatus. Daytime fruit setting emissions of immature guava consist mainly of limonene, caryophyllene, and aromadendrene. In addition to the host's volatiles, the aim of this study was to assess the VOCs released by the insect. Static headspace‐solid phase microextraction (SHS‐SPME), combined with gas chromatography/quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (GC/Q‐ToF‐MS), allowed the identification of the C10 terpenoids: grandlure I, II, II, IV, grandisoic acid, papayanol and papayanal bioactive compounds released by female and male C. dimidiatus under laboratory conditions. These chemical compounds are candidates for the preparation of a lure formulation.
Microbial Cell Factories for Tetrahydroisoquinoline Alkaloid Production
Authors: Kulagina Natalja , Papon Nicolas , Courdavault Vincent
Published: September 2020

For decades, plants have represented an inexhaustible source of natural products used in various sectors such as health and industry. However, one recurring problem is the low accumulation of these compounds in planta and, therefore, their production costs and supply. In recent years, unprecedented hope has been brought by the metabolic engineering of microorganisms, which opens up prospects for supply of these molecules at lower cost with high added value. However, many of these productions remained at a laboratory scale. In a recent article published in Nature Communication, Vincent J. J. Martin's team has developed an optimized yeast strain capable of synthesizing not only a huge amount of (S)‐reticuline, a major precursor of the plant tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloid series, but also a whole range of new‐to‐nature compounds from this prominent family of natural products. This synthesis, reaching industrial scales, thus paves the way to efficient production in microbial cell factories.
Selective Affimers Recognise the BCL‐2 Family Proteins BCL‐xL and MCL‐1 through Noncanonical Structural Motifs**
Authors: Miles Jennifer A. , Hobor Fruzsina , Trinh Chi H. , Taylor James , Tiede Christian , Rowell Philip R. , Jackson Brian R. , Nadat Fatima A. , Ramsahye Pallavi , Kyle Hannah F. , Wicky Basile I. M. , Clarke Jane , Tomlinson Darren C. , Wilson Andrew J. , Edwards Thomas A.
Published: September 2020

Abstract: The BCL‐2 family is a challenging group of proteins to target selectively due to sequence and structural homologies across the family. Selective ligands for the BCL‐2 family regulators of apoptosis are useful as probes to understand cell biology and apoptotic signalling pathways, and as starting points for inhibitor design. We have used phage display to isolate Affimer reagents (non‐antibody‐binding proteins based on a conserved scaffold) to identify ligands for MCL‐1, BCL‐xL, BCL‐2, BAK and BAX, then used multiple biophysical characterisation methods to probe the interactions. We established that purified Affimers elicit selective recognition of their target BCL‐2 protein. For anti‐apoptotic targets BCL‐xL and MCL‐1, competitive inhibition of their canonical protein‐protein interactions is demonstrated. Co‐crystal structures reveal an unprecedented mode of molecular recognition; where a BH3 helix is normally bound, flexible loops from the Affimer dock into the BH3 binding cleft. Moreover, the Affimers induce a change in the target proteins towards a desirable drug‐bound‐like conformation. These proof‐of‐concept studies indicate that Affimers could be used as alternative templates to inspire the design of selective BCL‐2 family modulators and more generally other protein‐protein interaction inhibitors.