bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Long‐Term Stability of Initiating Monolayers in Surface‐Initiated Controlled Radical Polymerizations
Authors: Li Mingxiao , Fromel Michele , Ranaweera Dhanesh , Pester Christian W.
Published: August 2020

The reproducibility of polymer brush synthesis via surface‐initiated controlled radical polymerization is interrogated. Experiments compare the stability of initiating monolayers for surface‐initiated (SI) reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (SI‐RAFT) and SI atom transfer radical polymerization (SI‐ATRP). Initiator‐functionalized substrates are stored under various conditions and grafting densities of the resulting polymer brush films are determined via in situ ellipsometry. Decomposition of one of the examined SI‐RAFT initiators results in limited reproducibility for polymer brush surface modification. In contrast, initiators for SI‐ATRP show excellent stability and reproducibility. While both techniques bring inherent benefits and limitations, the described findings will help scientists choose the most efficient technique for their goals in chemical and topographical surface modification.
Molecular Damage Detection in an Elastomer Nanocomposite with a Coumarin Dimer Mechanophore
Authors: Zhang Yudi , Lund Ethen , Gossweiler Gregory R. , Lee Bobin , Niu Zhenbin , Khripin Constantine , Munch Etienne , Couty Marc , Craig Stephen L.
Published: August 2020

Molecular force probes that generate optical responses to critical levels of mechanical stress (mechanochromophores) are increasingly attractive tools for identifying molecular sites that are most prone to failure. Here, a coumarin dimer mechanophore whose mechanical strength is comparable to that of the sulfur–sulfur bonds found in vulcanized rubbers is reported. It is further shown that the strain‐induced scission of the coumarin dimer within the matrix of a particle‐reinforced polybutadiene‐based co‐polymer can be detected and quantified by fluorescence spectroscopy, when cylinders of the nanocomposite are subjected to unconstrained uniaxial stress. The extent of the scission suggests that the coumarin dimers are molecular “weak links” within the matrix, and, by analogy, sulfur bridges are likely to be the same in vulcanized rubbers. The mechanophore is embedded in polymer main chains, grafting agent, and cross‐linker positions in a polymer composite in order to generate experimental data to understand how macroscopic mechanical stress is transferred at the molecular scale especially in highly entangled cross‐linked polymer nanocomposite. Finally, the extent of activation is enhanced by approximately an order of magnitude by changing the regiochemistry and stereochemistry of the coumarin dimer and embedding the mechanophore at the heterointerface of the particle‐reinforced elastomer.
Prodromal Markers of Upper Limb Deficits in FMR1 Premutation Carriers and Quantitative Outcome Measures for Future Clinical Trials in Fragile X‐associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome
Authors: O'Keefe Joan A. , Bang Deborah , Robertson Erin E. , Biskis Alexandras , Ouyang Bichun , Liu Yuanqing , Pal Gian , Berry‐Kravis Elizabeth , Hall Deborah A.
Published: August 2020

Background

Fragile X‐associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS) is a rare, late‐onset neurodegenerative disorder characterized by tremor and cerebellar gait ataxia, affecting premutation carriers (PMC) of CGG expansions (range, 55–200) in the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene. Discovery of early predictors for FXTAS and quantitative characterization of motor deficits are critical for identifying disease onset, monitoring disease progression, and determining efficacy of interventions.

Methods

A total of 39 PMC with FXTAS, 20 PMC without FXTAS, and 27 healthy controls performed a series of upper extremity (UE) motor tasks assessing tremor, bradykinesia, and rapid alternating movements that were quantified using an inertial‐based sensor system (Kinesia One; Great Lakes NeuroTechnologies, Cleveland, OH, USA). Sub‐scores from the clinician‐rated FXTAS Rating Scale were correlated with the severity scores generated by the sensor system to determine its validity in FXTAS.

Results

PMC with FXTAS had significantly worse postural and kinetic tremor compared with PMC without FXTAS (P = 0.02, 0.03) and controls (P = 0.001, 0.0001), respectively, and slower finger tap (P = 0.001), hand movement (P = 0.0001), and rapid alternating movement speed (P = 0.003) and amplitude (P = 0.04) than controls. PMC without FXTAS had significantly worse right finger tap (P = 0.004), hand movement (P = 0.01), and rapid alternating movement speed (P = 0.003) and amplitude (P = 0.02) than controls. FXTAS Rating Scale subscores significantly correlated with all tremorography scores except for finger taps and left rapid alternating movement.

Conclusions

These findings support the use of inertial sensor quantification systems as promising measures for preclinical FXTAS symptom detection in PMC, characterization of the natural history of FXTAS, assessment of medication responses, and outcome assessment in clinical trials.
Double‐Blind, Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Trial of DA‐9701 in Parkinson's Disease: PASS‐GI Study
Authors: Choi Ji‐Hyun , Lee Jee‐Young , Cho Jin Whan , Koh Seong‐Beom , Yang Young Soon , Yoo Dalla , Shin Cheol‐Min , Kim Hee Tae
Published: August 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of DA‐9701 on gastrointestinal symptom‐related quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease on stable dopaminergic medications.

Methods

This multicenter, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, phase 4 trial included a total of 144 patients with Parkinson's disease with gastrointestinal dysfunctions based on predefined criteria. Participants were randomized to take either DA‐9701 or placebo for 4 weeks, and then both groups were administered DA‐9701 for an additional 8 weeks while antiparkinsonian medications were unchanged. The primary outcome measure was gastrointestinal symptoms and related quality‐of‐life changes assessed on the Korean Nepean dyspepsia index after 4 and 12 weeks of therapy. We also evaluated the impact of DA‐9701 therapy on parkinsonian motor symptoms at each time point.

Results

The gastrointestinal symptom‐related quality‐of‐life score significantly improved in the DA‐9701‐treated group compared with the placebo‐treated group after 4weeks (adjusted P = 0.012 by linear mixed effect model analysis). The overall gastrointestinal symptom and dyspepsia sum scores improved at 12 weeks after intervention in the DA‐9701‐first treated group (adjusted P = 0.002 and 0.014, respectively) and also in the placebo‐first treated group (adjusted P = 0.019 and 0.039) compared with the baseline. Parkinsonian motor severity was not significantly affected by DA‐9701 treatment in both groups at 4 and 12 weeks after intervention. There were no drug‐related serious adverse events throughout the trial.

Conclusions

DA‐9701 therapy improved gastrointestinal symptom‐related quality of life, and 12 weeks of daily administration can relieve the overall severity of gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease without affecting motor symptoms. (Clinical trial identifier: NCT02775591.) © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Functional Roles of B‐Vitamins in the Gut and Gut Microbiome
Authors: Uebanso Takashi , Shimohata Takaaki , Mawatari Kazuaki , Takahashi Akira
Published: August 2020

The gut microbiota produce hundreds of bioactive compounds, including B‐vitamins, which play significant physiological roles in hosts by supporting the fitness of symbiotic species and suppressing the growth of competitive species. B‐vitamins are also essential to the host and certain gut bacterium. Although dietary B‐vitamins are mainly absorbed from the small intestine, excess B‐vitamins unable to be absorbed in the small intestine are supplied to the distal gut. In addition, B‐vitamins are supplied from biosynthesis by distal gut microbiota. B‐vitamins in the distal colon may perform many important functions in the body. They act as 1) nutrients for a host and their microbiota, 2) regulators of immune cell activity, 3) mediators of drug efficacy, 4) supporters of survival, or the fitness of certain bacterium, 5) suppressors of colonization by pathogenic bacteria, and 6) modulators of colitis. Insights into basic biophysical principles, including the bioavailability of B‐vitamins and their derivatives in the distal gut are still not fully elucidated. Here, the function of single B‐vitamin in the distal gut including their roles in relation to bacteria are briefly reviewed. The prospect of extending analytical methods to better understand the role of B‐vitamins in the gut is also explored.
Corneal nerve tortuosity grading via ordered weighted averaging‐based feature extraction
Authors: Su Pan , Chen Tianhua , Xie Jianyang , Zheng Yalin , Qi Hong , Borroni Davide , Zhao Yitian , Liu Jiang
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Tortuosity of corneal nerve fibers acquired by in vivo Confocal Microscopy (IVCM) are closely correlated to numerous diseases. While tortuosity assessment has conventionally been conducted through labor‐intensive manual evaluation, this warrants an automated and objective tortuosity assessment of curvilinear structures. This paper proposes a method that extracts the image‐level features for corneal nerve tortuosity grading.

Methods

For an IVCM image, all corneal nerve fibers are first segmented and then, their tortuosity are calculated by morphological measures. The ordered weighted averaging (OWA) approach, and the k‐Nearest‐Neighbor guided dependent ordered weighted averaging (kNNDOWA) approach are proposed to aggregate the tortuosity values and form a set of extracted features. This is followed by running the Wrapper method, a supervised feature selection, with an aim to identify the most informative attributes for tortuosity grading.

Results

Validated on a public and an in‐house benchmark data sets, experimental results demonstrate superiority of the proposed method over the conventional averaging and length‐weighted averaging methods with performance gain in accuracy (15.44% and 14.34%, respectively).

Conclusions

The simultaneous use of multiple aggregation operators could extract the image‐level features that lead to more stable and robust results compared with that using average and length‐weighted average. The OWA method could facilitate the explanation of derived aggregation behavior through stress functions. The kNNDOWA method could mitigate the effects of outliers in the image‐level feature extraction.
Chemical recycling ofPET: A stepping‐stone toward sustainability
Authors: Shojaei Behrouz , Abtahi Mojtaba , Najafi Mohammad
Published: August 2020

This paper focuses explicitly on the chemical approaches involved in the recycling of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Due to the high rate of consumption as well as nonbiodegradability, PET plays a crucial role as one of the most significant sources of accumulated waste in the landfill which jeopardizes our planet. To address this issue as well as increased environmentally conscious, running out of landfill space, natural resource, and energy conservation, and producing value‐added chemicals to use as building block or co‐products, the chemical recycling methods have been evolved. Therefore, there has been an attempt to have a comprehensive review of the five types of conventional recycling methods namely hydrolysis, methanolysis, glycolysis, aminolysis, and ammonolysis studied by researchers over the last two decades. In this regard, the influence of diverse depolymerization reaction variables for instance, traditional catalyst, temperature profile, ionic liquid catalysts, phase transfer catalyst, microwave assistance, etc was reported. Moreover, the upsides and downsides of each technique were considered.
Local treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma of the female genital tract: Expert consensus from the Children's Oncology Group, the European Soft‐Tissue Sarcoma Group, and the Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studiengruppe
Authors: Lautz Timothy B. , Martelli Helene , Fuchs Joerg , Chargari Cyrus , Smeulders Naima , Granberg Candace F. , Wolden Suzanne L. , Sparber‐Sauer Monika , Hawkins Douglas S. , Bisogno Gianni , Koscielniak Ewa , Rodeberg David A. , Seitz Guido ,   for the INSTRuCT group
Published: August 2020

The International Soft‐Tissue Sarcoma Consortium (INSTRuCT) was founded as an international collaboration between different pediatric soft‐tissue sarcoma cooperative groups (Children's Oncology Group, European Pediatric Soft‐Tissue Sarcoma Group, and Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studiengruppe). Besides other tasks, a major goal of INSTRuCT is to develop consensus expert opinions for best clinical treatment. This consensus paper for patients with rhabdomyosarcoma of the female genital tract (FGU‐RMS) provides treatment recommendations for local treatment, long‐term follow‐up, and fertility preservation. Therefore, a review of the current literature was combined with recommendations of the treatment protocols of the appropriate clinical trials. Additionally, opinions of international FGU‐RMS experts were incorporated into recommendations. Results were that the prognosis of FGU‐RMS is favorable with an excellent response to chemotherapy. Initial complete surgical resection is not indicated, but diagnosis should be established properly. In patients with tumors localized at the vagina or cervix demonstrating incomplete response after induction chemotherapy, local radiotherapy (brachytherapy) should be carried out. In patients with persistent tumors at the corpus uteri, hysterectomy should be performed. Fertility preservation should be considered in all patients. In conclusion, for the first time, an international consensus for the treatment of FGU‐RMS patients could be achieved, which will help to harmonize the treatment of these patients in different study groups.
Safety and efficacy of gamma‐secretase inhibitor nirogacestat (PF‐03084014) in desmoid tumor: Report of four pediatric/young adult cases
Authors: Takahashi Takuto , Prensner John R. , Robson Caroline D. , Janeway Katherine A. , Weigel Brenda J.
Published: August 2020

Systemic therapy for pediatric desmoid tumors has been challenged by a lack of high‐quality clinical evidence and potential adverse effects. The gamma‐secretase inhibitor nirogacestat has shown promising efficacy in adults. We report four cases of pediatric and young adult desmoid tumor patients (three with familial adenomatous polyposis [FAP] syndrome) who received nirogacestat on compassionate use. After a median of 13.5 months (range 6‐18), three had durable benefit: a complete response (Case 1); a partial response (Case 2); stable disease (Case 3). The fourth had disease progression after a partial response. No patient experienced grade 3 or 4 adverse events.
Psychological adjustment outcomes among pediatric brain tumor survivors: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Sharkey Christina M. , Espeleta Hannah C. , Traino Katherine A. , Roberts Caroline M. , Perez Megan N. , Bakula Dana M. , Chaney John M. , Alderson R. Matt , Mullins Larry L.
Published: August 2020

Background

Pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTS) are at significant risk for psychological adjustment difficulties, including greater depressive and anxious symptomology. Systematic reviews have identified this heightened risk among youth with medical conditions, but these reviews have not been specific to PBTS. Therefore, the current study aimed to directly examine the psychological adjustment of PBTS as compared to healthy peers.

Procedure

A systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted using PubMed, PsychInfo, and Academic Search Premier databases. The search yielded 2833 articles, with 22 articles meeting inclusion criteria.

Results

A statistically significant overall medium effect size (Hedge's g = 0.32) indicated that PBTS exhibited poorer overall psychological adjustment relative to healthy comparison groups. Studies that included younger children were associated with larger between‐group differences. When evaluating specific outcomes, PBTS had relatively higher levels of depressive symptoms (Hedge's g = 0.36), anxious symptoms (Hedge's g = 0.11), and general distress (Hedge's g = 0.22), but not more externalizing problems.

Conclusions

The present study confirmed that PBTS are indeed at greater risk for psychological adjustment difficulties relative to healthy comparison groups. These findings highlight the importance of psychosocial screening among this population. Given that depressive symptoms were the most elevated relative to healthy peers, investigation of such symptomatology among PBTS is particularly important.
Engineering Maize rayado fino virus for virus‐induced gene silencing
Authors: Mlotshwa Sizolwenkosi , Xu Junhuan , Willie Kristen , Khatri Nitika , Marty DeeMarie , Stewart Lucy R.
Published: August 2020

Maize rayado fino virus (MRFV) is the type species of the genus Marafivirus in the family Tymoviridae. It infects maize (Zea mays), its natural host, to which it is transmitted by leafhoppers including Dalbulus maidis and Graminella nigrifrons in a persistent‐propagative manner. The MRFV monopartite RNA genome encodes a precursor polyprotein that is processed into replication‐associated proteins. The genome is encapsidated by two carboxy co‐terminal coat proteins, CP1 and CP2. Cloned MRFV can be readily transmitted to maize by vascular puncture inoculation (VPI), and such virus systems that can be used in maize are valuable to examine plant gene function by gene silencing. However, the efficacy of marafiviruses for virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) has not been investigated to date. To this end, MRFV genomic loci were tested for their potential to host foreign insertions without attenuating virus viability. This was done using infectious MRFV clones engineered to carry maize phytoene desaturase (PDS) gene fragments (ZmPDS) at various genomic regions. Several MRFV‐PDS constructs were generated and tested for infectivity and VIGS in maize. This culminated in identification of the helicase/polymerase (HEL/POL) junction as a viable insertion site that preserved virus infectivity, as well as several sites at which sequence insertion caused loss of virus infectivity. Transcripts of viable constructs, carrying PDS inserts in the HEL/POL junction, induced stable local and systemic MRFV symptoms similar to wild‐type infections, and triggered PDS VIGS initiating in veins and spreading into both inoculated and noninoculated leaves. These constructs were remarkably stable, retaining inserted sequences for at least four VPI passages while maintaining transmissibility by D. maidis. Our data thus identify the MRFV HEL/POL junction as an insertion site useful for gene silencing in maize.
Novel gelatin–graphene oxide crosslinking induced by nonthermal atmospheric pressure plasma for alendronate delivery system
Authors: Nguyen Hieu T. , Bolouki Nima , Manga Yankuba B. , Hsieh Jang‐Hsing , Chuang Er‐Yuan , Chen Chih‐Hwa
Published: August 2020

Nonthermal atmospheric pressure plasma processes, including an interaction between plasma and liquid phases, are employed to induce crosslinked gelatin–graphene oxide composite hydrogels. The properties of thin‐film hydrogel‐forming postplasma treatment are analyzed by infrared spectroscopy, rheology, scanning electron microscope, and in vitro studies. The plasma‐treated hydrogel (PT) exhibits an excellent gel strength with storage modulus up to 341 kPa and thermal stability of gel–sol transition at 65°C, elongated degradation time, and favorable cell viability. The practical application of PT demonstrates an efficient encapsulation and sustainable release of alendronate for at least 21 days. The results show that using nonthermal plasmas can be regarded as an alternative physical method to fabricate composite hydrogels for promising applications in drug carriers and biomedicine.
Analyzing the local basis set superposition error for CO adsorbed on rutile(110)
Authors: Dononelli Wilke , Klüner Thorsten
Published: August 2020

One of the main tasks of quantum chemistry is to predict total energies for a given system within an almost nonapproximate method for a complete basis set. Unfortunately, although computational power is growing, approximate methods such as MP2 or CCSD(T) still have to be used as higher‐level methods such as full CI are computationally too demanding. Nevertheless, when using these approximations, at least an almost‐complete basis set should be used in order to avoid errors from basis set superposition or incompleteness. The aim of this work is to introduce a new method to analyze the local basis set superposition error (LBSSE) using local counterpoise corrections in order to converge a basis set for a given compound. Using this approach, we are able to define a basis set composition for a CO molecule adsorbed on rutile(110), which can be regarded as complete. In the presented work, CO adsorbed on rutile(110) and CO2 adsorbed on a model Ti3O9 cluster will be used as case examples. Therefore, in addition to a new LBSSE analysis method, adsorption energies of CO on rutile(110) at the MP2 and CCSD levels of theory are presented.
Soil microbial community responses to nitrogen application in organic and conventional rice production
Authors: Li Xiufen , Dou Fugen , Guo Jingqi , Velarca Mariana Valdez , Chen Kun , Gentry Terry , McNear David
Published: August 2020

With increasing demand for organic rice (Oryza sativa L.), there is a pressing need for more research on the effects of management practices on soil nutrient cycling and health in organic production. Soil microbial community could be used as an indicator of soil nutrient status and health; however, in drill‐seeded, delay‐flooded organic rice systems, how a soil microbial community responds to changes in soil properties under different nitrogen (N) management practices is not yet well understood. A greenhouse trial with four replications was conducted to study the effects of a cropping system (organic system receiving an organic certified soil amendment, Nature Safe [N–P–K, 13–0–0]; conventional system receiving a urea [46–0–0] fertilizer), N rate (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 kg N ha−1), and rice cultivation (RiceTec XP753 and no plant [control]) on phospholipid‐derived fatty acids profiling of soil microbial community structure at four growth stages of rice. Soil total microbial biomass (TMB) was significantly affected by the interaction of N rate × rice cultivation and the main effect of growth stage. Total microbial biomass was higher in soils with rice cultivation and soils with high N rates but lower at the growth stages after dry–wet alternations. Cropping system did not affect TMB, but its interaction with rice cultivation or growth stage significantly affected microbial community structure. The fungi/bacteria ratio linearly increased with increasing N rate and was significantly lower at heading than the other stages. Variations in microbial community structure strongly correlated to changes in soil pH, electrical conductivity, and total dissolved N induced by different management practices. This work clearly shows the responses of soil parameters, TMB, and community structure to N rate at different growth stages of organic and conventional rice, which is crucial for refining the criteria and making improved management decisions in organic rice production.
The role of mitochondrial proteases in leukemic cells and leukemic stem cells
Authors: Mirali Sara , Schimmer Aaron D.
Published: August 2020

The biological function of most mitochondrial proteases has not been well characterized. Moreover, most of the available information on the normal function of these proteases has been derived from studies in model organisms. Recently, the mitochondrial proteases caseinolytic protease P (CLPP) and neurolysin (NLN) have been identified as therapeutic targets in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Both proteases are overexpressed in approximately 40% of AML patients. Mechanistically, CLPP and NLN maintain the integrity of the mitochondrial respiratory chain: CLPP cleaves defective respiratory chain proteins, while NLN promotes the formation of respiratory chain supercomplexes. In this review, we highlight the functional consequences of inhibiting and activating mitochondrial proteases and discuss their potential as therapeutic targets in AML.

Significance statement Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive hematological malignancy. Despite recent advances and new therapies for this disease, the prognosis for most patients with AML remains poor. Understanding the biology of this disease is important for developing new therapies. Recently, AML cells and stem cells have been shown to have unique mitochondrial properties, which can be therapeutically targeted. One of these properties is an increased reliance on the mitochondrial matrix proteases, caseinolytic protease P and neurolysin. This perspective discusses the effects of genetically and chemically dysregulating mitochondrial proteases in AML. Moreover, this study considers the potential of targeting mitochondrial proteases as a novel therapeutic strategy.
Electrolyte‐Dependent Sodium Ion Transport Behaviors in Hard Carbon Anode
Authors: Lee Min Eui , Lee Sang Moon , Choi Jaewon , Jang Dawon , Lee Sungho , Jin Hyoung‐Joon , Yun Young Soo
Published: August 2020

A comprehensive study is conducted on hard carbon (HC) series samples by tuning the graphitic local microstructures systematically as an anode for SIBs in both carbonate‐ (CBE) and glyme‐based electrolytes (GBE). The results reveal more detailed charge storage characters of HCs on the LVP section. 1) The LVP capacity is closely related to the prismatic surface area to the basal plane as well as the bulk density, regardless of electrolyte systems. 2) The glyme‐sodium ion complex can facilitate sodium ion delivery into the internal closed pores of the HCs along with not well‐ordered graphitic structures. 3) The glyme‐mediated sodium ion‐storage behavior causes significant decreases in both surface film resistance and charge transfer resistance, leading to enhanced rate capability. 4) The LVP originates from the formation of pseudo‐metallic sodium nanoclusters, which are the same in a CBE and GBE. These results provide insight into the sodium ion‐storage behaviors of HCs, particularly on the interrelationship between graphitic local microstructures and electrolyte systems. In addition, a high‐performance HC anode with a plateau capacity of ≈300 mA h g−1 is designed based on the information, and its workability is demonstrated in a full‐cell SIB device.
Rethinking Nano‐TiO2 Safety: Overview of Toxic Effects in Humans and Aquatic Animals
Authors: Luo Zhen , Li Zhuoqing , Xie Zhe , Sokolova Inna M. , Song Lan , Peijnenburg Willie J. G. M. , Hu Menghong , Wang Youji
Published: August 2020

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano‐TiO2) are widely used in consumer products, raising environmental and health concerns. An overview of the toxic effects of nano‐TiO2 on human and environmental health is provided. A meta‐analysis is conducted to analyze the toxicity of nano‐TiO2 to the liver, circulatory system, and DNA in humans. To assess the environmental impacts of nano‐TiO2, aquatic environments that receive high nano‐TiO2 inputs are focused on, and the toxicity of nano‐TiO2 to aquatic organisms is discussed with regard to the present and predicted environmental concentrations. Genotoxicity, damage to membranes, inflammation and oxidative stress emerge as the main mechanisms of nano‐TiO2 toxicity. Furthermore, nano‐TiO2 can bind with free radicals and signal molecules, and interfere with the biochemical reactions on plasmalemma. At the higher organizational level, nano‐TiO2 toxicity is manifested as the negative effects on fitness‐related organismal traits including feeding, reproduction and immunity in aquatic organisms. Bibliometric analysis reveals two major research hot spots including the molecular mechanisms of toxicity of nano‐TiO2 and the combined effects of nano‐TiO2 and other environmental factors such as light and pH. The possible measures to reduce the harmful effects of nano‐TiO2 on humans and non‐target organisms has emerged as an underexplored topic requiring further investigation.
WS2 Nanotubes: Electrical Conduction and Field Emission Under Electron Irradiation and Mechanical Stress
Authors: Grillo Alessandro , Passacantando Maurizio , Zak Alla , Pelella Aniello , Di Bartolomeo Antonio
Published: August 2020

This study reports the electrical transport and the field emission properties of individual multi‐walled tungsten disulphide (WS2) nanotubes (NTs) under electron beam irradiation and mechanical stress. Electron beam irradiation is used to reduce the nanotube‐electrode contact resistance by one‐order of magnitude. The field emission capability of single WS2 NTs is investigated, and a field emission current density as high as 600 kA cm−2 is attained with a turn‐on field of ≈100 V μm−1 and field‐enhancement factor ≈50. Moreover, the electrical behavior of individual WS2 NTs is studied under the application of longitudinal tensile stress. An exponential increase of the nanotube resistivity with tensile strain is demonstrated up to a recorded elongation of 12%, thereby making WS2 NTs suitable for piezoresistive strain sensor applications.
Horizontal Single Belt Casting of Thin Strips of an Advanced High Strength Steel (Fe–21%Mn–2.5%Al–2.8%Si–0.08%C wt%)
Authors: Niaz Usman , Minea Isac Mihaiela , Guthrie Roderick I. L.
Published: August 2020

This research presents numerical modeling and experimental results on thin strips of Fe–21%Mn–2.5%Al–2.8%Si–0.08%C wt% steel, obtained using the horizontal single belt casting (HSBC) process. The free stream of the molten metal, exiting from a nozzle slot, was observed to be highly unstable and nonuniform, after interacting with a 30° inclined refractory plane of a delivery system. However, increasing the inclination of the refractory plane to 45°–60° allows the falling molten metal free stream to become much more stable and less fluctuating. In addition, the molten metal can undergo a hydraulic jump when impacting and flowing down these inclined refractory planes. These hydraulic jumps result in the generation of free surface waves, which travel further downstream. Fortunately, these instabilities are not usually detrimental to the surface quality of the casting, as they are rapidly damped, to disappear within a short distance, prior to solidification. The types and numbers of solid phases then forming for this steel, under the relevant Scheil cooling conditions, are determined using FactSage software. The surface roughness of the cast strip was evaluated using a Nanovea 3D surface profilometer. Microstructures of the cast and heat‐treated strips were determined using Optical and Electron microscopes.
Racial Disparities in COVID‐19 Mortality Among Essential Workers in the United States
Authors: Rogers Tiana N. , Rogers Charles R. , VanSant‐Webb Elizabeth , Gu Lily Y. , Yan Bin , Qeadan Fares
Published: August 2020

Racial disparities are apparent in the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in the United States, yet the factors contributing to racial inequities in COVID‐19 mortality remain controversial. To better understand these factors, we investigated racial disparities in COVID‐19 mortality among America's essential workers. Data from the American Community Survey and Current Population Survey was used to examine the correlation between the prevalence of COVID‐19 deaths and occupational differences across racial/ethnic groups and states. COVID‐19 mortality was higher among non‐Hispanic (NH) Blacks compared with NH Whites, due to more NH Blacks holding essential‐worker positions. Vulnerability to coronavirus exposure was increased among NH Blacks, who disproportionately occupied the top nine essential occupations. As COVID‐19 death rates continue to rise, existing structural inequalities continue to shape racial disparities in this pandemic. Policies mandating the disaggregation of state‐level data by race/ethnicity are vital to ensure equitable and evidence‐based response and recovery efforts.
A Rump‐mount Harness Design Improvement for Greater Sage‐grouse
Authors: Kircher Alyssa A. , Apa Anthony D. , Walker Brett L. , Lutz R. Scott
Published: August 2020

Marking birds with radiotransmitters to ascertain movements and demographic parameters has been a common practice for >50 years. Previous research provides evidence that transmitters may negatively affect some avian species, including gallinaceous birds. Investigators now commonly use rump‐mount transmitters with leg‐loop harnesses to monitor greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), but there is concern about effects of such harnesses with no published protocols for harness construction or attachment. During spring 2017–2019, we captured male greater sage‐grouse on or near strutting grounds in Moffat County, Colorado, USA. In 2017, we deployed 20 very‐high‐frequency transmitters on male greater sage‐grouse with elasticized Teflon™‐ribbon harnesses, but discovered marked birds sustained skin abrasions and lacerations. After this discovery, we modified the harness to use ribbon sheathed with tubing. We used the modified harness on 129 males in 2018 and 2019. We found few to no abrasions or lacerations on 8 out of 8 recaptured males with the modified harness, whereas only 1 out of 7 recaptured males fitted with the original elasticized ribbon harness had few to no abrasions or lacerations. Our findings suggest that sheathing the ribbon used to build the leg loops improves the commonly used elasticized‐ribbon design. We suggest investigators planning to use rump‐mount harnesses on male and female greater sage‐grouse to consider adopting our design, develop and test a new or improved design, and carefully consider harness materials, construction, and fit prior to deployment. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Worldline master formulas for the dressed electron propagator. Part I. Off-shell amplitudes
Authors: Ahmadiniaz N. , Guzmán V.M. Banda , Bastianelli F. , Corradini O. , Edwards J.P. , Schubert C.
Published: August 2020

Abstract

In the first-quantised worldline approach to quantum field theory, a long-standing problem has been to extend this formalism to amplitudes involving open fermion lines while maintaining the efficiency of the well-tested closed-loop case. In the present series of papers, we develop a suitable formalism for the case of quantum electrodynamics in vacuum (part one and two) and in a constant external electromagnetic field (part three), based on second-order fermions and the symbol map. We derive this formalism from standard field theory, but also give an alternative derivation intrinsic to the worldline theory. In this first part, we use it to obtain a Bern-Kosower type master formula for the fermion propagator, dressed with N photons, in terms of the “N -photon kernel,” where off-shell this kernel appears also in “subleading” terms involving only N − 1 of the N photons. Although the parameter integrals generated by the master formula are equivalent to the usual Feynman diagrams, they are quite different since the use of the inverse symbol map avoids the appearance of long products of Dirac matrices. As a test we use the N = 2 case for a recalculation of the one-loop fermion self energy, in D dimensions and arbitrary covariant gauge, reproducing the known result. We find that significant simplification can be achieved in this calculation by choosing an unusual momentum-dependent gauge parameter.
All-mass n-gon integrals in n dimensions
Authors: Bourjaily Jacob L. , Gardi Einan , McLeod Andrew J. , Vergu Cristian
Published: August 2020

Abstract

We explore the correspondence between one-loop Feynman integrals and (hyperbolic) simplicial geometry to describe the all-mass case: integrals with generic external and internal masses. Specifically, we focus on n-particle integrals in exactly n space-time dimensions, as these integrals have particularly nice geometric properties and respect a dual conformal symmetry. In four dimensions, we leverage this geometric connection to give a concise dilogarithmic expression for the all-mass box in terms of the Murakami-Yano formula. In five dimensions, we use a generalized Gauss-Bonnet theorem to derive a similar dilogarithmic expression for the all-mass pentagon. We also use the Schläfli formula to write down the symbol of these integrals for all n. Finally, we discuss how the geometry behind these formulas depends on space-time signature, and we gather together many results related to these integrals from the mathematics and physics literature.
Transorale Resektion von supraglottischen Larynxkarzinomen mit dem Flex Robotic System
Authors: Mattheis S. , Lang S. , Holtmann L. , Haßkamp P. , Hussain T.
Published: August 2020

Das Flex Robotic System der Fa. Medrobotics, Raynham, MA, USA, bietet die Möglichkeit der flexiblen transoralen endoskopischen Resektion von Kopf-Hals-Tumoren. Die vorliegende Arbeit zeigt funktionelle und erste onkologische Ergebnisse der flexiblen transoralen roboterassistierten Chirurgie bei der Resektion von supraglottischen Larynxtumoren. Im Zeitraum von Juli 2014 bis Februar 2020 wurden an der Klinik der Autoren bei 32 Patienten supraglottische Karzinome (T1 = 11; T2 = 20; T3 = 1) mit dem Flex Robotic System reseziert. Im Rahmen einer prospektiven Studie wurden die Durchführbarkeit, Komplikationen sowie onkologische Ergebnisse untersucht. Bei allen Patienten konnten die Tumoren gut dargestellt und die Operation erfolgreich durchgeführt werden. In schwer darstellbaren anatomischen Regionen wie aryepiglottische Falte oder Petiolus ermöglichte das System eine sehr gute Visualisierung der Tumoren. Es traten keine schweren unerwünschten Ereignisse auf. Das Gesamtüberleben nach 2 Jahren betrug 88 %, die lokale Tumorkontrolle nach 2 Jahren 94 %. Die vorliegende Studie belegt die erfolgreiche Resektion von supraglottischen Tumoren mit dem Flex Robotic System mit sehr guter lokaler Tumorkontrolle.
Das Mikrodeletionssyndrom 20q11–q12
Authors: Weiss Deike , Kortüm Fanny , Driemeyer Joenna , Kloth Katja
Published: August 2020

Dieser Artikel beschreibt das Spektrum des seltenen, aber rekurrenten Mikrodeletionssyndrom 20q11–q12 anhand der Fallbeschreibung eines Jungen mit charakteristischem Phänotyp. Der Patient weist eine milde kombinierte Entwicklungsverzögerung, einen Kleinwuchs, Mikrozephalie, milde Ptosis, Knick-Senk-Füße und eine sehr helle (nichtfamiliäre) Komplexion (Haut, Haare, Iris) mit milden fazialen Auffälligkeiten auf. Eine Trio-Exom-Analyse identifizierte eine De-novo-Mikrodeletion in 20q11.23–q12. Retrospektiv entspricht insbesondere der faziale Phänotyp exakt dem vormals beschriebenen; der Fall hätte ggf. mittels syndromologischer Verdachtsdiagnose und Array-Analyse gelöst werden können.
Is Elective Cancer Surgery Safe During the COVID‐19 Pandemic?
Authors: Ji Chenchen , Singh Kaushiki , Luther Alison Zoe , Agrawal Avi
Published: August 2020

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has resulted in a significant decrease in the number of elective cancer operations performed. Cancer patients are felt to be a high‐risk group for COVID‐19, and therefore, concerns have been raised regarding the safety of operating during this time; however, the potential risk of cancer progression if untreated must also be considered. The aim of this study was therefore to identify the incidence of COVID‐19 post‐operatively in patients undergoing elective cancer surgery of all types.

Methods

Data were collected on all patients who had an elective therapeutic cancer operation in a single large district general hospital, where standard COVID‐19 precautions were in place, between 01/02/2020 and 27/4/2020, Follow‐up was for a minimum of 2 weeks post‐discharge. The primary outcome was the incidence of COVID‐19 during the follow‐up period.

Results

A total of 621 elective cancer surgeries, from a range of specialities, were performed during the study period, with 55% (n = 341) being done as day cases. None of the patients were positive for COVID‐19 post‐operatively using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction testing.

Conclusions

The risk of COVID‐19 following elective cancer surgery in this group of high‐risk patients appears to be minimal in this study. With further precautions being introduced to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID‐19, an increase in the rate of elective cancer surgery should be a current priority for all hospitals where possible.
A Spanner for the Day After
Authors: Buchin Kevin , Har-Peled Sariel , Oláh Dániel
Published: August 2020

We show how to construct a $$(1+\varepsilon )$$

(
1
+
ε
)

-spanner over a set $${P}$$
P
of n points in $${\mathbb {R}}^d$$

R

d

that is resilient to a catastrophic failure of nodes. Specifically, for prescribed parameters $${\vartheta },\varepsilon \in (0,1)$$

ϑ
,
ε
∈
(
0
,
1
)

, the computed spanner $${G}$$
G
has $$\begin{aligned} {{\mathcal {O}}}\bigl (\varepsilon ^{-O(d)} {\vartheta }^{-6} n(\log \log n)^6 \log n \bigr ) \end{aligned}$$

O

(

ε

-
O
(
d
)

ϑ

-
6

n

(
log
log
n
)

6

log
n

)

edges. Furthermore, for anyk, and any deleted set $${{B}}\subseteq {P}$$

B
⊆
P

of k points, the residual graph $${G}\setminus {{B}}$$

G
\
B

is a $$(1+\varepsilon )$$

(
1
+
ε
)

-spanner for all the points of $${P}$$
P
except for $$(1+{\vartheta })k$$

(
1
+
ϑ
)
k

of them. No previous constructions, beyond the trivial clique with $${{\mathcal {O}}}(n^2)$$

O
(

n
2

)

edges, were known with this resilience property (i.e., only a tiny additional fraction of vertices, $$\vartheta |B|$$

ϑ
|
B
|

, lose their distance preserving connectivity). Our construction works by first solving the exact problem in one dimension, and then showing a surprisingly simple and elegant construction in higher dimensions, that uses the one-dimensional construction in a black-box fashion.
Segmentation of the fascia lata and reproducible quantification of intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) of the thigh
Authors: Chaudry Oliver , Friedberger Andreas , Grimm Alexandra , Uder Michael , Nagel Armin Michael , Kemmler Wolfgang , Engelke Klaus
Published: August 2020

Objective

To develop a precise semi-automated segmentation of the fascia lata (FL) of the thigh to quantify IMAT volume in T1w MR images and fat fraction (FF) in Dixon MR images.

Materials and methods

A multi-step segmentation approach was developed to identify fibrous structures of the FL and combining them into a closed 3D surface. 23 healthy young men with low and 50 elderly sarcopenic men with moderate levels of IMAT were measured by T1w and 6pt Dixon MRI at 3T. 20 datasets were used to determine reanalysis precision errors. IMAT volume was compared using the new FL segmentation versus an easier to segment but less accurate, tightly fitting envelope of the thigh muscle ensemble.

Results

The segmentation was successfully applied to all 73 datasets and took about 7 min per 28 slices. In particular, in elderly subjects, it includes a large amount of adipose tissue below the FL typically not accounted for in other segmentation approaches. Inter- and intra-operator RMS-CVs were 0.33% and 0.14%, respectively, for IMAT volume and 0.04% and 0.02%, respectively, for FFMT.

Discussion

The FL segmentation is an important step to quantify IMAT with high precision and may be useful to investigate effects of aging and treatment on changes of IMAT and FF. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT2857660, August 5, 2016.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT2857660, August 5, 2016.
Polyprenol-Based Lipofecting Agents for In Vivo Delivery of Therapeutic DNA to Treat Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Gawrys Olga , Rak Monika , Baranowska Iwona , Bobis-Wozowicz Sylwia , Szaro Karolina , Madeja Zbigniew , Swiezewska Ewa , Masnyk Marek , Chmielewski Marek , Karnas Elzbieta , Kompanowska-Jezierska Elzbieta
Published: August 2020

Development of efficient vectors for transfection is one of the major challenges in genetic engineering. Previous research demonstrated that cationic derivatives of polyisoprenoids (PTAI) may serve as carriers of nucleic acids. In the present study, the effectiveness of two PTAI-based formulations (PTAI-6–8 and 10–14) was investigated and compared to the commercial reagents. The purpose of applied gene therapy was to enhance the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) in the renal medulla of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and to test its potential as a novel antihypertensive intervention. In the first part of the study (in vitro), we confirmed that PTAI-based lipoplexes efficiently transfect XC rat sarcoma cells and are stable in 37 °C for 7 days. In the in vivo experiments, we administered selected lipoplexes directly to the kidneys of conscious SHR (via osmotic pumps). There were no blood pressure changes and VEGF-A level in renal medulla was significantly higher only for PTAI-10–14-based formulation. In conclusion, despite the promising results, we were not able to achieve VEGF-A expression level high enough to verify VEGF-A gene therapy usefulness in SHR. However, results of our study give important indications for the future development of PTAI-based DNA carriers and kidney-targeted gene delivery.
The Importance of Professional Discourse for the Continual Advancement of Practice Standards: The RBT® as a Case in Point
Authors: Leaf Justin B. , Leaf Ronald , McEachin John , Bondy Andy , Cihon Joseph H. , Detrich Ronnie , Eshleman John , Ferguson Julia L. , Foxx Richard M. , Freeman B. J. , Gerhardt Peter , Glenn Sigrid S. , Miller Megan , Milne Christine M. , Mountjoy Toby , Parker Tracee , Pritchard Joshua , Ross Robert K. , Saunders Melissa S. , Streff Todd
Published: August 2020

The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB®) created a third level of certification, the Registered Behavior Technician™ (RBT®) in 2014. The RBT® was created based upon the requests of stakeholders who wanted to credential those individuals who make direct contact with clients under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst®. There has been tremendous growth in the number of RBTs® with over 60,000 individuals certified to date. The BACB® recently sent out a newsletter outlining changes to the RBT® certification, including the processes of training, supervising, and becoming an RBT®. These changes represent a number of potential concerns. The purpose of this paper is to highlight these concerns and to propose solutions to improve the RBT® certification.