bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear Wavefront Control by Geometric‐Phase Dielectric Metasurfaces: Influence of Mode Field and Rotational Symmetry
Authors: Liu Bingyi , Sain Basudeb , Reineke Bernhard , Zhao Ruizhe , Meier Cedrik , Huang Lingling , Jiang Yongyuan , Zentgraf Thomas
Published: February 2020

Nonlinear Pancharatnam–Berry phase metasurfaces facilitate the nontrivial phase modulation for frequency conversion processes by leveraging photon‐spin dependent nonlinear geometric‐phases. However, plasmonic metasurfaces show some severe limitation for nonlinear frequency conversion due to the intrinsic high ohmic loss and low damage threshold of plasmonic nanostructures. Here, the nonlinear geometric‐phases associated with the third‐harmonic generation process occurring in all‐dielectric metasurfaces is studied systematically, which are composed of silicon nanofins with different in‐plane rotational symmetries. It is found that the wave coupling among different field components of the resonant fundamental field gives rise to the appearance of different nonlinear geometric‐phases of the generated third‐harmonic signals. The experimental observations of the nonlinear beam steering and nonlinear holography realized in this work by all‐dielectric geometric‐phase metasurfaces are well explained with the developed theory. This work offers a new physical picture to understand the nonlinear optical process occurring at nanoscale dielectric resonators and will help in the design of nonlinear metasurfaces with tailored phase properties.
Biodegradable Magnesium‐Based Implants in Orthopedics—A General Review and Perspectives
Authors: Wang Jia‐Li , Xu Jian‐Kun , Hopkins Chelsea , Chow Dick Ho‐Kiu , Qin Ling
Published: February 2020

Biodegradable Mg‐based metals may be promising orthopedic implants for treating challenging bone diseases, attributed to their desirable mechanical and osteopromotive properties. This Review summarizes the current status and future research trends for Mg‐based orthopedic implants. First, the properties between Mg‐based implants and traditional orthopedic implants are compared on the following aspects: in vitro and in vivo degradation mechanisms of Mg‐based implants, peri‐implant bone responses, the fate of the degradation products, and the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of Mg ions on osteogenesis. Then, the preclinical studies conducted at the low weight bearing sites of animals are introduced. The innovative strategies (for example, via designing Mg‐containing hybrid systems) are discussed to address the limitations of Mg‐based metals prior to their clinical applications at weight‐bearing sites. Finally, the available clinical studies are summarized and the challenges and perspectives of Mg‐based orthopedic implants are discussed. Taken together, the progress made on the development of Mg‐based implants in basic, translational, and clinical research has laid down a foundation for developing a new era in the treatment of challenging and prevalent bone diseases.
Recent Progress of Potentiating Immune Checkpoint Blockade with External Stimuli—an Industry Perspective
Authors: Xu Jun , Saklatvala Robert , Mittal Sachin , Deshmukh Smeet , Procopio Adam
Published: February 2020

The past decade has seen the materialization of immune checkpoint blockade as an emerging approach to cancer treatment. However, the overall response and patient survival are still modest. Various efforts to study the “cancer immunogram” have highlighted complex biology that necessitates a multipronged approach. This includes increasing the antigenicity of the tumor, strengthening the immune infiltration in the tumor microenvironment, removing the immunosuppressive mechanisms, and reducing immune cell exhaustion. The coordination of these approaches, as well as the ability to enhance them through delivery, is evaluated. Due to their success in multiple preclinical models, external‐stimuli‐responsive nanoparticles have received tremendous attention. Several studies report success in distantly located tumor regression, metastases, and reoccurrence in preclinical mouse models. However, clinical translation in this space remains low. Herein, the recent advancement in external‐stimuli‐responsive nanoconstruct‐synergized immune checkpoint blockade is summarized, offering an industry perspective on the limitations of current academic innovations and discussing challenges in translation from a technical, manufacturing, and regulatory perspective. These limitations and challenges will need to be addressed to establish external‐stimuli‐based therapeutic strategies for patients.
Emergence of common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album L.) is influenced by the landscape position in which seeds developed
Authors: Papiernik Sharon K. , Forcella Frank , Amundson Gary B.
Published: February 2020

In a 2‐yr field study, we evaluated the emergence and early growth of Chenopodium album L. (common lambsquarters) seedlings as affected by the landscape position in which the seeds (i) developed, (ii) overwintered, and (iii) were planted. Results indicated that a higher proportion of seeds originating from lower slope positions emerged compared with seeds originating from the backslope or upper slope. The timing of emergence was the same for all seed source locations. There was no influence of overwintering location on weed emergence. Regardless of the seed source, we observed faster emergence and growth of C. album planted in the lower slope, where soil conditions were more conducive to growth. These experiments will support the development of new strategies and decision aids to improve weed management.
Enhanced Performance of Organic Field‐Effect Transistor Memory by Hole‐Barrier Modulation with an N‐Type Organic Buffer Layer between Pentacene and Polymer Electret
Authors: Wang Yiru , Lu Chao , Kang Limin , Shang Shangyang , Yin Jiang , Gao Xu , Yuan Guoliang , Xia Yidong , Liu Zhiguo
Published: February 2020

Theoretical and experimental work has revealed that a positively charged insulator layer formed by oxygen‐related defects near pentacene–dielectric interface in organic field‐effect‐transistors (OFETs) severely affects their performance. A novel OFET memory structure with an n‐type organic buffer layer at the pentacene/polymer interface is proposed. In this structure, electrons are induced on the surface of the n‐type organic layer near the interface due to the electrostatic field of the positively charged insulator and partly compensate the local positive charges at the interface, leading to a reduction in the height of hole barrier formed at the interface. On the other hand, the positive space charges will be induced in an extended region in n‐type organic layer due to the limited density of ionized donors, blocking the back transfer of holes to pentacene as a result of the thicker positively charged layer. This idea is implemented in the n‐type PTCDI‐C13‐buffered OFETs with poly(2‐vinyl naphthalene) (PVN) dielectric, in which greatly reduced P/E gate voltages, reliable P/E endurance of more than 10 000 cycles, and excellent retention time of more than 104 s with an ION/IOFF of more than 104 under a set of P/E pulses with low amplitudes and short pulses are achieved in air.
Topotactic Phase Transformation in Epitaxial SrCo1‐xFexO3−δ Thin Films
Authors: Nguyen Hien Thi Dieu , Granville Simon , Seidel Jan
Published: February 2020

Epitaxial perovskite (P) and brownmillerite (BM) SrCo0.67Fe0.33O3−δ thin films grown on (100) SrTiO3 substrates by pulsed laser deposition are investigated by detailed X‐ray diffraction, conductive AFM, and SQUID magnetometry measurements regarding their structural, electronic, and magnetic properties. A topotactic phase transition between P and BM phases can be utilized to oxidize the material to stoichiometric perovskite SrCoO3.0 by wet‐chemical oxidation with NaClO. The material exhibits weak magnetic properties up to room temperature and an additional clear ferromagnetic transition near 50 K.
Influence of nitrogen rate on winter canola production in the southeastern United States
Authors: Lin Yaru , Watts Dexter B. , Torbert H. Allen , Howe Julie A.
Published: February 2020

Canola (Brassica napinsL.) has the potential for being used in a double‐cropping system (two crops grown in 1 yr) as a winter crop in the humid subtropical southeastern U.S. climate, but little information is known about its nitrogen (N) management when grown in this region. Thus, a field study was conducted at two locations (Shorter, AL: Compass loamy sand; Prattville, AL: Lucedale fine sandy loam) in 2016 to determine the effect of different rates of N fertilizer on plant growth, seed yield, and N uptake of canola. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with four replications. The N rates included were 0, 68, 135, 180, 202, and 270 kg N ha−1. Linear‐plateau regression was used to evaluate the response of plant growth, seed yield, and N uptake to N rate. Overall, canola growth, yield, and N uptake were highly dependent on N fertility. Applying 180 kg N ha−1or more for canola production significantly increased plant height, plant biomass accumulation, seed yield, and N uptake compared with the unfertilized control at both locations. The linear‐plateau regression model indicated that the optimal N rate was 197–232 kg N ha−1for these southeastern U.S. soils. This study suggests that winter canola grown in a humid subtropical region of the United States can be a successful winter crop for a double‐crop production system and provide seed yields comparable to yields from major winter canola production areas.
Topography of polyp recurrence in eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Grayson Jessica W. , Li William , Ho Jacqueline , Alvarado Raquel , Rimmer Janet , Sewell William A. , Harvey Richard J.
Published: February 2020

Background

Eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (eCRS) is an inflammatory endotype of CRS. Contemporary treatment includes creation of a “neo‐sinus” cavity and postoperative corticosteroid irrigations. Not all patients gain control with local therapy. This study aims to determine, in patients with polyp recurrence, the most common sinuses involved.

Methods

A prospective case‐series was conducted on consecutive adult (≥18 years) post‐FESS eCRS patients followed for a minimum of 12 months. All patients had a neo‐sinus cavity created surgically and used corticosteroid irrigations daily for 3‐6 months, then tapered to disease control. Sinus cavities were assessed by endoscopy on last follow‐up. Polyp recurrence was defined as a score of 5 or 6 in the MLMES in ≥3 sinus cavities. Patient‐reported outcomes based on SNOT22 and NSS, frequency of corticosteroid irrigations, and courses of systemic antibiotics and corticosteroid were collected. The pattern of sinus involvement was analyzed.

Result

A total of 342 sinus cavities were assessed (mean ± standard deviation, 54.9 ± 13.4 years, 43.2% female). Polyp recurrence occurred in 4.3% (6.4% of patients, n = 7 unilateral) of sinus cavities. Frontal and ethmoid sinus cavities were most affected in those with polyp recurrence, compared to the maxilla and sphenoid (100% vs 100% vs 53% vs 53%, p < 0.01). Although those patients with polyp recurrence utilized more systemic corticosteroids courses per year (0.4 ± 0.4 vs 0.1 ± 0.3, p < 0.01), the use of corticosteroid irrigations was similar (% >4/week; 66.7% vs 48.9%, p = 0.13). Prior surgery was more common in patients with polyp recurrence (86.7% vs 53.5%, p = 0.01).

Conclusion

The frontal and ethmoid sinuses were most affected in those patients with polyp recurrence. Whether the disease is more active in this location or topical therapy has limited access requires further evaluation.
How aggressive should resection of inverted papilloma be? Refinement of surgical planning based on the 25‐year experience of a single tertiary center
Authors: Ferrari Marco , Schreiber Alberto , Mattavelli Davide , Rampinelli Vittorio , Bertazzoni Giacomo , Tomasoni Michele , Gualtieri Tommaso , Nicolai Piero
Published: February 2020

Background

The technique for transnasal endoscopic resection of inverted papilloma (IP) has evolved considerably during the last 20 years. The aim of the present study is to retrospectively analyze a single tertiary center series, with special emphasis on assessing the value of an “insertion‐driven” technique on local control.

Methods

Patients undergoing endoscopic resection for IP at the University of Brescia during the period 1991 to 2015 were enrolled. Site of origin and extension of IPs were assessed, together with presence of dysplasia and carcinoma in situ. Patients were divided in 3 cohorts: (1) historical cohort (treated before 2008), (2) contemporary “centripetal” cohort (treated with a traditional technique after 2008), and (3) contemporary “insertion‐driven” cohort (treated with insertion‐driven resection). Groups were compared considering outcomes and complications.

Results

The series included 210 patients. Mean follow‐up was 77.8 months. Thirty‐eight (18.1%) patients showed precancerous changes. Maxillary involvement (p = 0.021) and presence of precancerous changes (p = 0.013) were significantly associated with a higher risk of recurrence. Five‐year local control rate before and after 2008 was 95.1% and 90.5%, respectively. The insertion‐driven cohort was associated with lower disease control when IPs involved the maxillary sinus. The rate of complications was 11.9%. The insertion‐driven cohort was associated with a lower rate of major complications (p = 0.098).

Conclusion

Preoperative evidence of precancerous changes and/or involvement of maxillary sinus should prompt the surgeon to address the disease more aggressively (centripetal resection). Preoperative imaging and biopsy with abundant material may optimize the chance to stratify patients eligible for less or more conservative approaches.
An Excimer Clamp for Measuring Damaged‐Base Excision by the DNA Repair Enzyme NTH1
Authors: Jun Yong Woong , Wilson David L. , Kietrys Anna M. , Lotsof Elizabeth R. , Conlon Savannah G. , David Sheila S. , Kool Eric T.
Published: February 2020

Direct measurement of DNA repair enzyme activities is important both for the basic study of cellular repair pathways as well as for potential new translational applications in their associated diseases. NTH1, a major glycosylase targeting oxidized pyrimidines, prevents mutations arising from this damage, and the regulation of NTH1 activity is important in resisting oxidative stress and in suppressing tumor formation. Herein, we describe a novel molecular strategy for the direct detection of damaged DNA base excision activity by a ratiometric fluorescence change. This strategy utilizes glycosylase‐induced excimer formation of pyrenes, and modified DNA probes, incorporating two pyrene deoxynucleotides and a damaged base, enable the direct, real‐time detection of NTH1 activity in vitro and in cellular lysates. The probe design was also applied in screening for potential NTH1 inhibitors, leading to the identification of a new small‐molecule inhibitor with sub‐micromolar potency.
Lysosomal‐targeted anticancer half‐sandwich iridium(III) complexes modified with lonidamine amide derivatives
Authors: Xie Yongkang , Zhang Shumiao , Ge Xingxing , Ma Wenli , He Xiaolin , Zhao Yao , Ye Juan , Zhang Hongmin , Wang Anwei , Liu Zhe
Published: February 2020

Ten half‐sandwich iridium complexes containing lonidamine amide derivatives were synthesized and characterized. Unlike lonidamine, which acts on mitochondria, its iridium complexes successfully targeted lysosomes and induced lysosomal damage. Antiproliferation studies showed that most of the complexes have higher anticancer activity against A549 and HeLa cells than cisplatin. The antitumor activity of complex 6 is 2.69 times that of cisplatin against A549 cells. We also performed antitumor tests on ligands L1 and L5, and proved that they exhibit excellent antitumor activity only after binding to the metal center. The bovine serum albumin (BSA) binding test showed that the complexes had the ability to bind to BSA, and they interact with BSA by a static mechanism. The complexes can also cause changes in mitochondrial membrane potential and can produce active oxygen species better than active control. NADH/NAD+ transformation experiments were used to determine if the production of ROS was caused by the transformation of NADH/NAD+. We also explored the way that the complexes enter cells.
Survey of Gross Anatomy Education in China: The Past and the Present
Authors: Pan San‐Qiang , Chan Lap Ki , Yan Yu , Yang Xuesong
Published: February 2020

Medical education in mainland China has undergone massive expansion and reforms in the past decades. A nation‐wide survey of the five‐year clinical medicine programs aimed to examine the course hours, pedagogies, learning resources and teaching staff of anatomy both at present and over the past three decades (1990–1999, 2000–2009, and 2010–2018). The directors or senior teachers from 90 out of the 130 five‐year clinical medicine programs were invited to fill out a factual questionnaire by email. Ultimately, sixty‐five completed questionnaires were received from 65 different schools. It was found that the total number of gross anatomy course hours has decreased by 11% in the past 30 years and that systematic and regional anatomy have been increasingly taught separately among the surveyed medical schools. Problem‐based learning has been adopted in thirty‐five (54%) of the surveyed schools, and team‐based learning is used in ten (15%) of the surveyed schools. The surveyed schools reported receiving more donated cadavers in recent years, with the average number increasing from 20.67 ± 20.29 in 2000–2009 to 36.10 ± 47.26 in 2010–2018. However, this has not resulted in a decrease in the number of students who needed to share one cadaver (11.85 ± 5.03 in 1990–1999 to 14.22 ± 5.0 in 2010–2018). A decreasing trend regarding the teacher‐student ratio (1:25.5 in 2000–2009 to 1:33.2 in 2010–2018) was also reported. The survey demonstrated the historical changes in gross anatomy education in China over the past thirty years.
Three-field versus two-field lymphadenectomy in transthoracic oesophagectomy for oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma: short-term outcomes of a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Li B , Hu H , Zhang Y , Zhang J , Miao L , Ma L , Luo X , Zhang Y , Ye T , Li H , Li Y , Shen L , Zhao K , Fan M , Zhu Z , Wang J , Xu J , Deng Y , Lu Q , Li H , Zhang Y , Pan Y , Liu S , Hu H , Shao L , Sun Y , Xiang J , Chen H
Published: February 2020

Background

The benefit and harm of three-field lymphadenectomy for oesophageal cancer are still unknown. The aim of this study was to compare overall survival and morbidity and mortality between three- and two-field lymphadenectomy in patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods

Between March 2013 and November 2016, patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the middle or distal oesophagus were assigned randomly to open oesophagectomy with three-field (cervical–thoracic–abdominal) or two-field (thoracic–abdominal) lymphadenectomy. No chemo(radio) therapy was given before surgery. This paper reports on the secondary outcomes of the study: pathology and surgical complications.

Results

Some 400 patients were randomized, 200 in each group. A median of 37 (i.q.r. 30–49) lymph nodes were dissected in the three-field group, compared with 24 (18–30) in the two-field group (P < 0·001). Some 43 of 200 patients (21·5 per cent) in the three-field group had cervical lymph node metastasis. More patients in the three-field group had pN3 disease: 21 of 200 (10·5 per cent) versus 10 of 200 (5·0 per cent) (P = 0·040). The rate and severity of postoperative complications were comparable between the two groups, except that six patients in the three-field arm needed reintubation compared with none in the two-field group (3·0 versus 0 per cent; P = 0·030). The 90-day mortality rate was 0 per cent in the three-field group and 0·5 per cent (1 patient) in the two-field group (P = 1·000).

Conclusion

Oesophagectomy with three-field lymphadenectomy increased the number of lymph nodes dissected and led to stage migration owing to a 21·5 per cent rate of cervical lymph node metastasis. Postoperative complications were largely comparable between two- and three-field lymphadenectomy. Registration number: NCT01807936 (https://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Emulsion‐based encapsulation of pluripotent stem cells in hydrogel microspheres for cardiac differentiation
Authors: Chang Samuel , Finklea Ferdous , Williams Bianca , Hammons Hanna , Hodge Alexander , Scott Samantha , Lipke Elizabeth
Published: February 2020

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, and current treatments are ineffective or unavailable to majority of patients. Engineered cardiac tissue (ECT) is a promising treatment to restore function to the damaged myocardium; however, for these treatments to become a reality, tissue fabrication must be amenable to scalable production and be used in suspension culture. Here, we have developed a low‐cost and scalable emulsion‐based method for producing ECT microspheres from poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)–fibrinogen encapsulated mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). Cell‐laden microspheres were formed via water‐in‐oil emulsification; encapsulation occurred by suspending the cells in hydrogel precursor solution at cell densities from 5 to 60 million cells/ml, adding to mineral oil and vortexing. Microsphere diameters ranged from 30 to 570 μm; size variability was decreased by the addition of 2% poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate. Initial cell encapsulation density impacted the ability for mESCs to grow and differentiate, with the greatest success occurring at higher cell densities. Microspheres differentiated into dense spheroidal ECTs with spontaneous contractions occurring as early as Day 10 of cardiac differentiation; furthermore, these ECT microspheres exhibited appropriate temporal changes in gene expression and response to pharmacological stimuli. These results demonstrate the ability to use an emulsion approach to encapsulate pluripotent stem cells for use in microsphere‐based cardiac differentiation.
Hinokiflavone induces apoptosis and inhibits migration of breast cancer cells via EMT signalling pathway
Authors: Huang Wenzhen , Liu Chi , Liu Fengen , Liu Zhiyong , Lai Guie , Yi Jian
Published: February 2020

Hinokiflavone is a natural product, isolated from Selaginella P. Beauv, Juniperus phoenicea and Rhus succedanea. Even though hinokiflavone was reported to possess cytotoxicity to many cancer cells, and has potential in cancer treatment, the anti‐proliferation and anti‐metastasis efficacy of hinokiflavone on human breast cancer cells has not a further research. In this study, we investigated the anti‐cancer activity of hinokiflavone in human breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Hinokiflavone exhibited a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner apoptosis induction by upregulating expression of Bax and downregulating Bcl‐2 in breast cancer cells. Furthermore, hinokiflavone significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of breast cancer cells by impairing the process of epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition. In addition, the tumour growth was distinctly inhibited by treatment of hinokiflavone in a xenograft tumour mouse model of MDA‐MB‐231 cells. Immunohistochemical analysis of tumour sections showed that MMP‐2+ cells and Ki‐67+ cells were remarkably decreased in tumour tissues of mice after treatment of hinokiflavone, indicating that hinokiflavone inhibits not only proliferation but also metastasis of breast cancer cells. Our study suggested that hinokiflavone can be a potential drug to breast cancer.

Significance of the study

Hinokiflavone significantly inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells. In addition, hinokiflavone remarkably inhibited migration and invasion of breast cancer cells via EMT signalling pathway. It is worth noting that hinokiflavone possesses anti‐tumour effect in tumour mouse xenograft model of breast cancer. Overall, our results indicated that hinokiflavone may be a potential anticancer drug for breast cancer treatment.
Multiple unplanned readmissions after discharge for an admission with percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Kwok Chun Shing , Chatterjee Saurav , Bagur Rodrigo , Sharma Kamal , Alraies M. Chadi , Fischman David , Savage Michael , Mohamed Mohamed , Shoaib Ahmad , Patel Tejas , Mamas Mamas A.
Published: February 2020

Objective

This study aims to describe temporal trends, characteristics, and clinical outcomes of patients with more than one unplanned readmission within 30 and 180 days after admission with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Background

There is limited understanding of multiple readmissions after PCI.

Methods

Patients undergoing PCI between 2010 and 2014 in the U.S. Nationwide Readmission Database were evaluated for unplanned readmissions at 30 and 180 days after discharge. Trends in multiple readmissions, characteristics of patients, and causes of first readmissions are described.

Results

A total of 2,324,194 patients were included in the analysis of 30‐day unplanned readmissions and 1,327,799 patients in the analysis of 180‐day unplanned readmission. The proportions of patients with a single readmission and multiple readmissions within 30 days were 8.5 and 1.0% and at 180 days were 15.4 and 9.1%, respectively. Common reasons for first readmission among patients with multiple readmissions were coronary artery disease, including angina, heart failure, and acute myocardial infarction. Factors associated with multiple readmissions were discharge against medical advice, discharge to care home, renal failure, and liver failure. The total cost of multiple readmissions is significant, with an increase from ~$20,000 for no readmission to over $60,000 at 30‐day follow up and $86,000 at 180‐day follow up.

Conclusions

Multiple readmissions are rare within 30 days after PCI but increase to nearly 1 in 10 patients at 180 days, and 20–25% of patients who have multiple readmissions are readmitted for the same cause as for the first and second readmissions.
Ligand‐Guided Growth of Alloyed Shells on Intermetallic Seeds as a Route toward Multimetallic Nanocatalysts with Shape‐Control
Authors: Bueno Sandra L. A. , Gamler Jocelyn T. L. , Skrabalak Sara E.
Published: February 2020

Shape‐controlled core@shell PdCu@PtCu nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by seed‐mediated co‐reduction. Specifically, cubic‐shaped NPs were achieved by selecting tetraoctylammonium bromide (TOAB) and triphenylphosphine (TPP) as capping ligands. Their roles were investigated by incorporating independently each ligand into the reaction and analyzing the products by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). This analysis revealed that the quasi‐spherical PdCu seeds acquired cubic shapes during the synthesis and directed shell deposition. This process was mediated by TPP, which was central to achieving monodisperse NPs with shape‐control. The synthesis conditions were modified to tune both the thickness and composition of the shells. Evaluation of the NPs as catalysts for the electrooxidation of formic acid found that the NPs with the thinnest Pt‐rich shells gave the highest specific activity, with the nanocubic shape also enhancing performance with respect to the spherical counterpart. These results highlight the benefits of integrating compositional, architectural, and shape‐control all in one NP construct.
Yttrium Doped Copper (II) Oxide Hole Transport Material as Efficient Thin Film Transistor
Authors: Baig Sadia , Kumar Pankaj , Ngai Jenner , Li Yuning , Ahmed Safeer
Published: February 2020

This work reports development of yttrium doped copper oxide (Y−CuO) as a new hole transport material with supplemented optoelectronic character. The pure and Y‐doped CuO thin films are developed through a solid‐state method at 200 °C and recognized as high performance p‐channel inorganic thin‐film transistors (TFTs). CuO is formed by oxidative decomposition of copper acetylacetonate, yielding 100 nm thick and conductive (40.9 S cm−1) compact films with a band gap of 2.47 eV and charge carrier density of ∼1.44×1019 cm−3. Yttrium doping generates denser films, Cu2Y2O5 phase in the lattice, with a wide band gap of 2.63 eV. The electrical conductivity increases nine‐fold on 2 % Y addition to CuO, and the carrier density increases to 2.97×1021 cm−3, the highest reported so far. The TFT devices perform remarkably with high field‐effect mobility (μsat) of 3.45 cm2 V−1 s−1 and 5.3 cm2 V−1 s−1, and considerably high current‐on/off ratios of 0.11×104 and 9.21×104, for CuO and Y−CuO films, respectively (at −1 V operating voltage). A very small width hysteresis, 0.01 V for CuO and 1.92 V for 1 % Y−CuO, depict good bias stability. Both the devices work in enhancement mode with stable output characteristics for multiple forward sweeps (5 to −60 V) at −1Vg.
Vibrational spectral fingerprinting for chemical recognition of biominerals
Authors: Calzolari Arrigo , Pavan Barbara , Curtarolo Stefano , Buongiorno Nardelli Marco , Fornari Marco
Published: February 2020

Pathologies associated with calcified tissue, such as osteoporosis, demand in vivo and/or in situ spectroscopic analysis to assess the role of chemical substitutions in the inorganic component. High energy X‐ray or NMR spectroscopies are impractical or damaging in biomedical conditions. Low energy spectroscopies, such as IR and Raman techniques, are often the best alternative. In apatite biominerals, the vibrational signatures of the phosphate group are generally used as fingerprint of the materials although they provide only limited information. Here, we have used first principles calculations to unravel the complexity of the complete vibrational spectra of apatites. We determined the spectroscopic features of all the phonon modes of fluoroapatite, hydroxy‐apatite, and carbonated fluoroapatite beyond the analysis of the phosphate groups, focusing on the effect of local corrections induced by the crystalline environment and the specific mineral composition. This provides a clear and unique reference to discriminate structural and chemical variations in biominerals, opening the way to a widespread application of non‐invasive spectroscopies for in vivo diagnostics, and biomedical analysis.
Genomic Stability Testing of Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: McIntire Erik , Taapken Seth , Leonhard Kimberly , Larson Anna Lisa
Published: February 2020

Pluripotent stem cell (PSC) cultures are subjected to selective pressures that can result in acquisition and expansion of recurrent genetic abnormalities at any time. These recurrent abnormalities enhance the variant cells harboring them with a competitive advantage over wild‐type cells. Variant cells can eventually supplant wild‐type cells entirely and become fixed in culture. Such variants can impact the efficacy of PSCs in research and clinical applications. Therefore, routine genomic characterization is required for reliable and effective use of PSCs. In this article we describe the capabilities and limitations of several assays commonly used for assessing PSC genomic stability. Based on this analysis, we provide a recommendation for integrating assays into a comprehensive testing regimen that maximizes coverage while minimizing cost. © 2020 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Corporate social responsibility and employee behavior: Evidence from mediation and moderation analysis
Authors: Lu Jintao , Ren Licheng , Zhang Chong , Wang Chunyan , Ahmed Rizwan R. , Streimikis Justas
Published: February 2020

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become a prominent subject due to its major implication for the practitioners in the corporate arena. Based on the theory of engagement, theory of social exchange, and theory of social identity, a conceptual framework was established in this study to evaluate the employee engagement (EE), and organizational commitment (OC) as a resultant of CSR initiatives. The study further examined the impact of distributive justice (DJ), procedural justice (PJ), and job satisfaction (JS) as mediating variables, and the influence of collectivism (COL) as a moderating variable between CSR initiatives and OC and EE. Data from 989 employees of the Pakistani pharmaceutical industry was collected and analyzed using the structural equation modeling and exploratory and confirmatory inferential models. Results demonstrate that CSR initiatives have a significant positive impact on OC and EE. Similarly, the mediation of JS, PJ, and DJ was established between the exogenous and the endogenous variables. Finally, the COL has a significant impact as a moderating variable between CSR initiatives, and OC and EE. The conclusions obtained in this study provide significantly practical and theoretical implications for managers of involved firms to improve employee behavior, mold employee attitude, and enhance organizational performance via CSR strategy, especially for firms located in countries along the route of belt and road initiative.
Mellitic Triimides Showing Three One‐Electron Redox Reactions with Increased Redox Potential as New Electrode Materials for Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Min Dong Joo , Lee Kyunam , Park Soo Young , Kwon Ji Eon
Published: February 2020

The mellitic triimide (MTI) bearing three imide groups on a benzene core with C3 symmetry is proposed as a new building block for organic electrode materials in lithium‐ion batteries. MTI was anticipated to deliver a higher theoretical specific capacity of up to 282 mAh g−1 with increased reduction potentials compared with the well‐known pyromellitic diimide building block bearing two imide groups because the additional imide group can accept one more electron and provide an electron‐withdrawing effect. A model compound, ethyl‐substituted mellitic triimide (ETTI), shows three well distinguished and reversible one‐electron redox reactions at −0.97, −1.62, and −2.34 V versus Ag/Ag+ in 0.1 m tetrabutylammonium hexafluorophosphate electrolyte, but the redox potentials were increased in 2 m lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide electrolyte: −0.60 V, −0.86 V, and −1.42 V vs. Ag/Ag+. The DFT calculations revealed that the unique C3 symmetric structural design leads to the higher reduction potential of MTI in the Li‐based electrolyte by formation of a stable 7‐membered ring with a Li ion and the two carbonyl oxygen atoms from the adjacent imide groups. In a Li‐ion coin cell, the ETTI electrode delivered a specific capacity of 176 mAh g−1, corresponding to 81 % of capacity utilization, with three clear voltage plateaus. The higher average discharge voltage (2.41 V vs. Li/Li+) of ETTI allows it to deliver one of the highest specific energies (421 Wh kg−1) among reported diimide‐based electrode materials. Finally, its redox mechanism was investigated by ex situ FTIR measurements and DFT calculations.
Identifying duration criteria for eating‐disorder remission and recovery through intensive modeling of longitudinal data
Authors: De Young Kyle P. , Kambanis P. Evelyna , Bottera Angeline R. , Mancuso Christopher , Thomas Jennifer J. , Franko Debra L. , Herzog David B. , Walker D. Catherine , Anderson Drew , Eddy Kamryn T.
Published: February 2020

Objective

Outcome states, such as remission and recovery, include specific duration criteria for which individuals must be asymptomatic. Ideally, duration criteria provide predictive validity to outcome states by reducing symptom‐return risk. However, available research is insufficient for deriving specific recommendations for remission or recovery duration criteria for eating disorders.

Method

We intensively modeled the relation between duration criteria length and rates of remission, recovery, and subsequent symptom return in longitudinal data from a treatment‐seeking sample of women with anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN). We hypothesized that the length of the duration criterion would be inversely associated with both rates of remission and recovery and with subsequent rates of symptom return.

Results

Generalized estimating equations supported our hypotheses for all investigated eating‐disorder features except for symptom return when using the Psychiatric Status Rating for AN.

Discussion

We recommend that 6 months be used for remission definitions applied to binge eating, purging, and BN symptom composite measures, whereas no duration criteria be used for low weight and AN symptom composites. We further recommend that 6 months be used for recovery definitions applied to BN symptom composites and AN symptom composites, whereas 18 months be used for individual symptoms of binge eating, purging, and low weight. The adoption of these duration criteria into comprehensive definitions of remission and recovery will increase their predictive validity, which in turn, maximizes their utility.
One‐year mortality after implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator placement within the Veterans Affairs Health System
Authors: Fudim Marat , Carlisle Matthew A. , Devaraj Srikant , Ajam Tarek , Ambrosy Andrew P. , Pokorney Sean D. , Al‐Khatib Sana M. , Kamalesh Masoor
Published: February 2020

Aims

Implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) therapy reduces mortality in patients with heart failure and current guidelines advise implantation of ICDs in patients with a life expectancy of >1 year. We examined trends in all‐cause mortality in patients who underwent primary or secondary prevention ICD placement in the Veterans Affairs (VA) Health System.

Methods and results

US veterans receiving a new ICD placement for primary or secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death between January 2007 and January 2015, who had heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) were included in the analysis. We assessed all‐cause mortality 1 year post‐ICD implantation. ICD implantation and HFrEF diagnosis were established with associated ICD‐9 codes. The VA death registry was utilized to identify mortality rates following ICD placement. Results were subsequently age‐stratified. There were 17 901 veterans with HFrEF with ICD placement nationwide. There was no statistically significant difference in 1‐year mortality from 2007 (13.1%) to 2014 (13.4%, P > 0.05). There was a significant increase in 1‐year mortality in patients in the oldest age quartile (81.6 years, 32.3% mortality) compared to the youngest quartile (55.5 years, 7% mortality). The finding of diverging clinical outcomes extended to the 30‐day but also 8‐year mark.

Conclusions

Our data suggest there is a high 1‐year mortality in aging HFrEF patients undergoing primary and secondary prevention ICD placement. This highlights the importance of developing better predictive models for mortality in our ICD eligible patient population.
Process optimization and comparative study on naphthalene biodegradation in anaerobic, anoxic, and aerobic moving bed bioreactors
Authors: Yadu Aparna , Sahariah Biju Prava , Anandkumar Jayapal
Published: February 2020

The present work focuses on biodegradation of naphthalene by using batch moving bed bioreactor (MBBR) with mixed microbial consortia maintained in anaerobic, anoxic, and aerobic conditions. All the three reactors were exposed to 10 to 100 mg/L of naphthalene. An acclimatized microbial consortium was able to degrade the naphthalene nearly 90% to 94.8% and remove 76% to 91% chemical oxygen demand (COD) in anaerobic, anoxic, and aerobic reactors at 24 hours retention time (RT). Response surface methodology (RSM) was used for the optimization of process parameters using Design Expert 10 software. The optimum process parameters predicted by RSM for 100 mg/L influent naphthalene concentration is 18 hours RT to achieve 94.69% and 99.04% removal in anaerobic and aerobic reactor, whereas the optimum RT is found as 8 hours in anoxic reactor with 95.67% naphthalene removal. The design of experiment by RSM suggests that quadratic model can be best fitted to the present experimental study.
Supramolecular and Hybrid Bonding Polymers
Authors: Stupp Samuel I. , Clemons Tristan D. , Carrow James K. , Sai Hiroaki , Palmer Liam C.
Published: February 2020

Staudinger established a century ago the existence of covalent macromolecules, work that led to the development of transformative materials of great benefit to society and a “quantum leap” in our understanding of biological systems. Over the past few decades the concept of supramolecular polymers has emerged–chemical systems in which structural units bond strongly to each other non‐covalently. These dynamic systems actually exist in the natural world and can create soft materials with structures, properties, and functions beyond the ones we know in Staudinger polymers. We reflect here on the potential of novel systems in which covalent and supramolecular polymers are chemically integrated and describe them as hybrid bonding polymers. This paper describes the concept with recent examples from the Stupp laboratory, and discusses their potential functions as robotic materials that mimic living matter and structures that offer new ideas on how to recycle and reuse soft materials.
Improved automated detection of glaucoma by correlating fundus and SD‐OCT image analysis
Authors: Shehryar Tehmina , Akram Muhammad U. , Khalid Samina , Nasreen Shamila , Tariq Anum , Perwaiz Aqib , Shaukat Arslan
Published: February 2020

Glaucoma is a multifactorial ocular disease. Ophthalmologists mostly use fundus or optical coherence tomography (OCT) for diagnosis of glaucoma. In this study, a hybrid computer‐aided‐diagnosis (H‐CAD) system has been proposed that integrates both fundus and OCT imaging technologies for reliable diagnosis of glaucoma. Fundus module inspects the outer layer of eye's posterior part. It considers a variety of structural and textural features and makes a decision using support vector machine (SVM). In OCT module, the cup to disc ratio (CDR) has been computed by examining the internal layers of the retina. The cup contour has been extracted from inner‐limiting‐membrane (ILM) layer using a set of novel techniques for the calculation of cup diameter. Similarly, in the disc diameter calculation the retinal‐pigment‐epithelium (RPE) layer termination points have been identified by a number of innovative strategies to locate disc margin. Furthermore, a new criterion based on the mean value of RPE‐layer end points has been proposed for the determination of cup edges. A local‐dataset annotated by four ophthalmologists has been used for evaluation of proposed H‐CAD system. The evaluations and results have shown that the final result of H_CAD system is more trustable than its contemporary automated models.
Efficacy of albumin and compounded plasma for plasma exchange in acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Hou Ruiqin , Tian Wenqin , Qiao Rui , Zhang Jie
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare life‐threatening thrombotic microangiopathy. Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is the first‐line treatment for TTP. In our institution, albumin plus plasma (fresh frozen plasma [FFP] and/or cryoprecipitate‐reduced plasma [CRP]) has been used as replacement fluid since 2014. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of albumin combined with plasma as TPE for TTP.

Material and Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 20 patients admitted to our institution due to an acute episode of TTP between January 1, 2014 and February 1, 2019. They were divided into two groups according to the replacement fluid protocols: (a) albumin plus FFP (1:1) and (b) albumin plus mixed plasma [ie, albumin and FFP with CRP (2:1:1)] groups. Data on patient characteristics, replacement parameters, outcome, and hemorrhage risk were collected and analyzed.

Results

There were no significant differences in treatment outcomes between the two groups (P > .05). However, the albumin plus mixed plasma group tended to require fewer plasma exchanges (median, 4) and shorter time to response (median, 15 days) compared to albumin plus FFP group (median, 6; 31 days). Although the cumulative survival of the albumin plus mixed plasma group was higher than the other group starting from day 23 after treatment, we did not observe significant difference (P = .50). No significant increase in the risk for hemorrhage was observed in either group.

Conclusions

The therapeutic efficacy of albumin and mixed plasma (2:1:1) is not inferior to that of albumin and FFP (1:1), and it can be used in treating TTP.
Passive anti‐C acquired in the setting of Rh immune globulin administration following Rh mismatched apheresis platelet transfusion: A case series
Authors: Sostin Nataliya , Ross Rebecca , Balbuena‐Merle Raisa , Hendrickson Jeanne E. , Tormey Christopher A.
Published: February 2020

Rh immune globulin (RhIG) may be administered to Rh(D)‐negative recipients of Rh(D)‐positive platelet (PLT) transfusions to mitigate anti‐D alloantibody formation. We report a series of seven patients in which anti‐C was detected as a result of RhIG administered as immunoprophylaxis following Rh‐mismatched apheresis PLT transfusion, persisting for a range of 27 to 167 days post‐RhIG. The passively transferred anti‐C antibodies created complexities for subsequent transfusion support. Based on these challenges, in combination with emerging evidence supporting an extremely low anti‐D alloimmunization risk following Rh‐mismatched apheresis PLTs, we have changed our practice and now limit RhIG immunoprophylaxis in this setting to women of reproductive age. In summary, the blood bank and apheresis communities should be aware that passive transfer of non‐D antibodies is possible following RhIG administration. This phenomenon represents a compelling reason to consider the risk/benefit ratio of RhIG and to limit its use to situations in which it is clinically necessary.
Excitation energies expressed as orbital energies of Kohn–Sham density functional theory with long‐range corrected functionals
Authors: Hirao Kimihiko , Chan Bun , Song Jong‐Won , Bhattarai Kamala , Tewary Subrata
Published: February 2020

A new simple and conceptual theoretical scheme is proposed for estimating one‐electron excitation energies using Kohn–Sham (KS) solutions. One‐electron transitions that are dominated by the promotion from one initially occupied orbital to one unoccupied orbital of a molecular system can be expressed in a two‐step process, ionization, and electron attachment. KS with long‐range corrected (LC) functionals satisfies Janak's theorem and LC total energy varies almost linearly as a function of its fractional occupation number between the integer electron points. Thus, LC reproduces ionization energies (IPs) and electron affinities (EAs) with high accuracy and one‐electron excitation energies are expressed as the difference between the occupied orbital energy of a neutral molecule and the corresponding unoccupied orbital energy of its cation. Two such expressions can be used, with one employing the orbital energies for the neutral and cationic systems, while the other utilizes orbital energies of just the cation. Because the EA of a molecule is the IP of its anion, if we utilize this identity, the two expressions coincide and give the same excitation energies. Reasonable results are obtained for valence and core excitations using only orbital energies.
A catalytic synthesis of dihydrofuran‐3(2H)‐imine skeletons from isocyanides, terminal alkynes, and oxiranes
Authors: Samzadeh‐Kermani Alireza , Poorhabibi‐Zarandi Marjan
Published: February 2020

In this catalytic multicomponent reaction, the nucleophilicity of terminal alkynes and isocyanides towards oxiranes has been explored. The reaction outcome depends highly on solvent, bases, and catalysts sources. An array of terminal alkynes, isocyanides, and oxiranes has been examined to explore the of this transformation. The reactions proceeded through SN2 path and in regioselective manner.