bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly Packed Monodisperse Porous Carbon Microspheres for Energy Storage in Supercapacitors and Li−S Batteries
Authors: Díez Noel , Sevilla Marta , Fuertes Antonio B.
Published: August 2020

Porous carbon microspheres and S/microspherical carbon composites with a highly packed hexagonal arrangement have been synthesized by chemical activation of precarbonized resorcinol‐formaldehyde spheres. Sodium thiosulphate is used as a harmless activating agent, S dopant and sulfur precursor. The porous microspheres exhibit large surface areas (2060–2340 m2 g−1) and adequate micro‐mesoporosity. They also have a notable amount of sulfur heteroatoms (5–7 %) and high electronic conductivity (2.3–3.1 S cm−1). The compact organization and suitable porosity of the microspheres allow competitive values of volumetric capacitance to be achieved when used in supercapacitors operating in aqueous and organic electrolytes (130 and 64 F cm−3, respectively), while maintaining good rate capability. In addition, the sulfur/spherical carbon composites with a sulfur content above 80 % are tested as cathode material in lithium‐sulfur batteries, demonstrating high sulfur utilization, large values of volumetric capacity (768 mAh cm−3) and stable long‐term cyclability (0.086 % capacity loss per cycle).
Tunable Synthesis of Hierarchical Yolk/Double‐Shelled SiOx@TiO2@C Nanospheres for High‐Performance Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Gong Qinghua , Wang Haiqing , Song Wenhua , Sun Bin , Cao Pei , Gu Shaonan , Sun Xuefeng , Zhou Guowei
Published: August 2020

This work reports the preparation of unique hierarchical yolk/double‐shelled SiOx@TiO2@C nanospheres with different voids by a facile sol‐gel method combined with carbon coating. In the preparation process, SiOx nanosphere is used as a hard template. Etch time of SiOx yolk affects the morphology and electrochemical performance of SiOx@TiO2@C. With the increase in etch time, the yolk/double‐shelled SiOx@TiO2@C with 15 and 30 nm voids and the TiO2@C hollow nanospheres are obtained. The yolk/double‐shelled SiOx@TiO2@C nanospheres exhibit remarkable lithium‐ion battery performance as anodes, including high lithium storage capacity, outstanding rate capability, good reversibility, and stable long‐term cycle life. The unique structure can accommodate the large volume change of the SiOx yolk, provide a unique buffering space for the discharge/charge processes, improve the structural stability of the electrode material during repeated Li+ intercalation/deintercalation processes, and enhance the cycling stability. The SiOx@TiO2@C with 30 nm void space exhibits a high discharge specific capacity of ≈1195.4 mA h g−1 at the current density of 0.1 A g−1 after 300 cycles and ≈701.1 mA h g−1 at 1 A g−1 for over 800 cycles. These results suggest that the proposed particle architecture is promising and may have potential applications in improving various high performance anode materials.
A Peptide Stapling Strategy with Built‐In Fluorescence by Direct Late‐Stage C(sp2)−H Olefination of Tryptophan
Authors: Liu Jiang , Liu Xin , Zhang Fangfang , Qu Jiaojiao , Sun Hongyan , Zhu Qing
Published: August 2020

Fluorescent stapled peptides are important chemical tools for detecting intracellular distribution, protein–protein interactions, and localization of target proteins. These peptides are usually labeled with bulky sized fluorophores through reactive functional groups, which may alter the physical properties and biological activities of peptides. Herein, a unique strategy is developed for synthesizing new stapled peptides with built‐in fluorescence. The stapled peptides were prepared through Rh‐catalyzed C(sp2)−H olefination in tryptophan (Trp) residues by using pyridine/pyrimidine as the directing groups under mild conditions. This method displays good regioselectivity and high efficiency. Furthermore, as a proof of concept for its biological applications, stapled peptides without additional fluorophore 9 a and 9 b were constructed for a cell imaging study. These peptides displayed strong binding affinity toward integrin αvβ3 in A549 cells by cell imaging experiments. Notably they demonstrated even better anticancer activity than commercial antagonist cyclic (RGDfK). The method will provide robust tools for the peptide macrocyclization field.
Outcome of catheter ablation in the very elderly‐insights from a large matched analysis
Authors: Willy Kevin , Frommeyer Gerrit , Dechering Dirk G. , Wasmer Kristina , Höwel Dennis , Welle Sarah S. , Bögeholz Nils , Ellermann Christian , Wolfes Julian , Rath Benjamin , Leitz Patrick R. , Köbe Julia , Lange Philipp S. , Müller Patrick , Reinke Florian , Eckardt Lars
Published: August 2020

Background

Ablation emerged as first line therapy in the treatment of various arrhythmias. Nevertheless, in older patients (pts), decision is often made pro drug treatment as more complications and less benefit are suspected.

Hypothesis

We hypothesized that different kind of ablations can be performed safely regardless of the pts age.

Methods

We enrolled all pts aged >80 years (yrs) who underwent ablation for three different arrhythmias (atrial flutter [AFL], atrioventricular nodal re‐entry tachycardia [AVNRT], ventricular tachycardia [VT]) between August 2002 and December 2018. Procedural data and outcome were compared with matched groups aged 60 to 80 years and 40 to 60 years, respectively. Periprocedural and in‐hospital complications were analyzed.

Results

The analysis included 1191 patients (397 pts per group: 63% AFL, 23% AVNRT, 14% VT) who underwent ablation. Acute success was high in all types of arrhythmias irrespective of age (>80, 60‐80, 40‐60 years: AFL 97%/98%/98%, AVNRT 97%/95%/97%, VT 82%/86%/93%). Rate of periprocedural complications were similar in all groups treated for AFL and AVNRT. For VT ablations significant differences were noted between pts > 80 or 60 to 80 years and those aged 40‐60 years (16.1%/14.3%/3.6%). Most complications were infections and groin haematoma. No strokes, iatrogenic atrioventricular blocks and deaths related to the ablation occurred.

Conclusion

Ablation appears safe in pts > 80 years. Success rates were comparable to matched younger cohorts. A significant difference was observed for VT patients.
A Nickel‐ and Cerium‐Doped Zeolite Composite: An Affordable Cathode Material for Biohydrogen Production in Microbial Electrolysis Cells
Authors: Wang Jiaxin , Li Yanchun , Liu Miaomiao , Li Zhifang , Gao Xiaole , Yang Donghua
Published: August 2020

Microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) is one of the promising biohydrogen production technologies for which low‐cost cathode materials are required and developed to propel the rapid development of MECs. Herein, the preparation of a low‐cost Ce0.1−Ni−Y composite is reported by using Y zeolite as carrier loaded with nickel (Ni) and cerium (Ce) as active components and its prominent electrochemical performance. The XPS analysis reveals that strong electronic interaction between Ni and Ce makes a great contribution to the electrochemical performance enhancement. The Ce0.1−Ni−Y with a peak current density of 39.8 A⋅m−2 in LSV, Tafel slope of 40.81 mV⋅dec−1, ECSA of 34.3 and hydrogen yield of 0.312±0.013 m3⋅m−3 d−1 are significantly superior to that of its parent Ni−Y counterpart and rival the performance of commercially Pt/C, which renders it a very promising hydrogen evolution catalyst for MECs.
The rax homeobox gene is mutated in the eyeless axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum
Authors: Davis Erik S. , Voss Gareth , Miesfeld Joel B. , Zarate‐Sanchez Juan , Voss S. Randal , Glaser Tom
Published: August 2020

Background

Vertebrate eye formation requires coordinated inductive interactions between different embryonic tissue layers, first described in amphibians. A network of transcription factors and signaling molecules controls these steps, with mutations causing severe ocular, neuronal, and craniofacial defects. In eyeless mutant axolotls, eye morphogenesis arrests at the optic vesicle stage, before lens induction, and development of ventral forebrain structures is disrupted.

Results

We identified a 5‐bp deletion in the rax (retina and anterior neural fold homeobox) gene, which was tightly linked to the recessive eyeless (e) axolotl locus in an F2 cross. This frameshift mutation, in exon 2, truncates RAX protein within the homeodomain (P154fs35X). Quantitative RNA analysis shows that mutant and wild‐type rax transcripts are equally abundant in E/e embryos. Translation appears to initiate from dual start codons, via leaky ribosome scanning, a conserved feature among gnathostome RAX proteins. Previous data show rax is expressed in the optic vesicle and diencephalon, deeply conserved among metazoans, and required for eye formation in other species.

Conclusion

The eyeless axolotl mutation is a null allele in the rax homeobox gene, with primary defects in neural ectoderm, including the retinal and hypothalamic primordia.
Latent trajectories of eating disorder treatment response among female patients in residential care
Authors: Espel‐Huynh Hallie M. , Zhang Fengqing , Boswell James F. , Thomas John Graham , Thompson‐Brenner Heather , Juarascio Adrienne S. , Lowe Michael R.
Published: August 2020

Objective

Eating disorder (ED) treatment outcomes are highly variable from beginning to end of treatment; however, little is known about differential trajectories during the course of treatment. This study sought to characterize heterogeneous patterns of ED treatment response during residential care.

Method

Participants were adolescent girls and adult women (N = 360) receiving residential ED treatment for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge‐eating disorder, other specified feeding or eating disorder, unspecified feeding or eating disorder, or avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder. Self‐report symptom assessments were completed at admission, discharge, and approximately weekly throughout the residential stay to assess curvilinear patterns of change. Latent growth mixture modeling was applied to identify subgroups of patients with similar treatment response trajectories.

Results

Three latent groups emerged, including gradual response (58.3%; steady improvements from admission to discharge), rapid response (23.9%; steep early improvements that were maintained through discharge), and low‐symptom static response (17.8%; nearly nonclinical self‐reported symptoms at admission that remained static through discharge). Groups differed on important clinical characteristics, such as body mass index, endorsement of compensatory behaviors, severity of global ED psychopathology at admission, and degree of symptom improvement by end of treatment.

Discussion

Patients follow heterogeneous response patterns in residential ED treatment, and these patterns are associated with differential treatment outcome. Future work should explore whether these trajectories are associated with differential outcomes at follow‐up and whether tailoring clinical intervention to a patient's trajectory type can improve treatment response.
Inexpensive spot sampling provides unexpectedly effective indicators of watershed nitrogen status
Authors: Weller Donald E. , Jordan Thomas E.
Published: August 2020

Stream water quality data are essential for understanding watershed processes and managing water pollution, but the effort and expense of stream monitoring limit how many watersheds can be studied. For 59 small watersheds in the Chesapeake Bay drainage, we compared water quality measurements from inexpensive spot sampling to data from costly automated monitoring that used 1–3 yr of continuous flow measurement and weekly, temporally composited water sampling. Mean nitrogen (N) levels ranged from 0.01 to 16 mg N/L among streams. There were important temporal variations in N concentrations at each site, but the differences among sites were much greater. Spot samples were very effective at accurately and precisely placing average stream N levels within the N gradient among streams draining N‐enriched watersheds. Among watersheds, nitrate (NO3) and total N concentrations from spot samples were very strongly correlated with means from weekly composite sampling (R2 > 97%). We confirmed this result for independent data for 85 larger watersheds in the Chesapeake Bay Non‐tidal Network. NO3 concentration from a single March spot sample was highly correlated (R2 > 92%) with flow‐weighted average total N concentration synthesized from five years of monitoring. Spot sampling effectively quantifies average N status across N‐enriched watersheds because most N moves as dissolved NO3 in subsurface flow and that flux is much less variable than the episodic surface transport of particulate materials. For questions answered by quantifying average N levels, spot sampling can assess more watersheds at much lower cost than automated sampling, so it should be more widely used to support cost‐effective N research and management. For materials that are mainly bound to particulates, such as phosphorus, spot sampling is much less effective.
Treatment longevity and changes in surface fuel loads after pinyon–juniper mastication
Authors: Wozniak Samuel S. , Strand Eva K. , Johnson Timothy R. , Hulet April , Roundy Bruce A. , Young Kert
Published: August 2020

In the Intermountain West, land managers masticate pinyon pine (Pinus spp.) and juniper (Juniperus spp.) trees that have encroached sagebrush steppe communities to reduce canopy fuels, alter potential fire behavior, and promote growth of understory grasses, forbs, and shrubs. At three study sites in Utah, 45 sampling plots spanning a range of tree cover from 5% to 50% were masticated. We measured surface fuel load components three times over a 10‐yr period. We also measured tree cover, density, and height as indicators of treatment longevity. Changes in these variables were analyzed across the range of pre‐treatment tree cover using linear mixed effects modeling. We detected decreases in 1‐h down woody debris by 5–6 yr post‐treatment, and from 5–6 to 10 yr post‐treatment, but did not detect changes in 10‐h or 100 + 1000‐h down woody debris. By 10 yr post‐treatment, there was very little duff and tree litter left for all pre‐treatment tree cover values. Herbaceous fuels (all standing live and dead biomass) increased through 10 yr post‐treatment. At 10 yr post‐treatment, pinyon–juniper cover ranged 0–2.6%, and the majority of trees were <1 m in height. Given that 1‐h fuels were the only class of down woody debris that decreased, it may be beneficial to masticate woody fuels to the finest size possible. Decreases in 1‐h down woody debris and duff + litter fuels over time may have important implications for fire behavior and effects, but increases in herbaceous and shrub fuel loads should also be taken into account. At 10 yr post‐treatment, understory grasses and shrubs were not being outcompeted by trees, and average pinyon–juniper canopy cover was <1%. Therefore, tree regeneration was not sufficient to support a crown fire. In areas where sage‐grouse are a management concern, we recommend monitoring tree regeneration at mastication treatments at 10–15 yr post‐treatment.
Neighborhood context mediates probability of host tree mortality in a severe bark beetle outbreak
Authors: Buonanduci Michele S. , Morris Jenna E. , Agne Michelle C. , Harvey Brian J.
Published: August 2020

Understanding drivers of disturbances across scales is critical as environmental constraints change in a warming climate. Outbreaks of native bark beetles (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) are key natural disturbances that shape the structure and function of conifer forests across the northern hemisphere. While drivers of bark beetle outbreaks have been studied extensively at spatial scales ranging from stands to continents, within‐stand processes governing individual tree mortality in an outbreak are less well understood. Here, we use a spatially explicit long‐term monitoring dataset of a lodgepole pine (Pinus contortavar.latifolia) forest (>9000 individually mapped trees in three 2‐ha plots) impacted by a severe mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) outbreak to explore interactions among fine scale drivers of beetle‐caused tree mortality. Using a Bayesian spatial modeling approach, we evaluated how tree scale and tree neighborhood scale characteristics interact with tree size to mediate host tree susceptibility to mountain pine beetle outbreak in the Southern Rocky Mountains (USA). We found evidence that both tree growth rate preceding the outbreak and neighborhood structure (within a 10 meter radius of the host tree) mediate the effect of tree size, and that the direction and magnitude of these mediating effects vary with tree size. Tree scale mortality probability increased with pre‐outbreak growth rate for small to medium sized host trees (~10–25 cm diameter), but that same effect was not detected for large trees. Conversely, tree scale mortality probability increased with greater neighborhood density, with the most pronounced effects for medium to large sized host trees (~15–30 cm diameter). Within‐stand topographic variability was not an important predictor of mortality probability; among stands, however, the stand in the driest topographic position experienced the greatest overall mortality. By explicitly considering how within‐stand heterogeneity mediates individual tree scale susceptibility to bark beetle outbreak, our findings bridge an important gap in understanding multi‐scale drivers of disturbance dynamics.
Bacterial Cellulose Composite Solid Polymer Electrolyte With High Tensile Strength and Lithium Dendrite Inhibition for Long Life Battery
Authors: Li Yuhan , Sun Zongjie , Liu Dongyu , Lu Shiyao , Li Fei , Gao Guoxin , Zhu Min , Li Mingtao , Zhang Yanfeng , Bu Huaitian , Jia Zhiyu , Ding Shujiang
Published: August 2020

The development of metallic lithium anode is restrained by lithium dendrite growth during cycling. The solid polymer electrolyte with high mechanical strength and lithium ion conductivity could be applied to inhibit lithium dendrite growth. To prepare the high‐performance solid polymer electrolyte, the environment‐friendly and cheap bacterial cellulose (BC) is used as filler incorporating with PEO‐based electrolyte owing to good mechanical properties and Li salts compatibility. PEO/LiTFSI/BC composite solid polymer electrolytes (CSPE) are prepared easily by aqueous mixing in water. The lithium ion transference number of PEO/LiTFSI/BC CSPE is 0.57, which is higher than PEO/LiTFSI solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) (0.409). The PEO/LiTFSI/BC CSPE exhibits larger tensile strength (4.43 MPa) than PEO/LiTFSI SPE (1.34 MPa). The electrochemical window of composite electrolyte is widened 1.43 V by adding BC. Density functional theory calculations indicate that flex of PEO chains around Li atoms is suppressed, suggesting the enhanced lithium ion conductivity. Frontier molecular orbitals results suggest that an unfavorable intermolecular charge transfer lead to achieve higher potential for BC composite electrolyte. All solid‐state Li metal battery with PEO/LiTFSI/BC CSPE delivers longer cycle life for 600 cycles than PEO/LiTFSI SPE battery (50 cycles). Li symmetrical battery using PEO/LiTFSI/BC CSPE could be stable for 1160 h.
Themes of Contemporary Inland Fisheries Goals
Authors: Aldridge Caleb A , Miranda Leandro E , Colvin Michael E
Published: August 2020

Goals are important for the effective execution of public trust responsibilities by state inland fisheries bureaus, but formulating meaningful goals is not simple. Often bureaus look to their past and to their sister bureaus in neighboring states when crafting goals for their own freshwater resources. Herein, we review the goal themes of fisheries bureaus using publicly available documents and guided by previous literature. We test whether goals exhibit geographic patterns, presuming that differences and similarities in climate, natural resources, and people determine, to various degrees, the goal themes across the United States. We identified nine distinct goal themes, but found that they do not form clear geographic patterns, which contrasts with a similar analysis conducted in the 1970s. Since the 1970s, fisheries bureau goals have expanded and regionalism in goals has vanished. We suggest that changes in perspectives and communication technology, as well as provisions within nationwide funding mechanisms, have led to goals becoming more homogenous across the USA and more diverse within each bureau.
Effect of potato flour on quality and staling properties of wheat–potato flour bread
Authors: Ju Qian , Li Yaoxi , Sun Huaxing , Chen Jincheng , Yuan Yanqiu , Hu Yayun , Fujita Kaori , Luan Guangzhong
Published: August 2020

To elucidate the impact of potato flour (PF) on quality changes and staling characteristics of the composite bread from wheat–potato flour (WPF), the physicochemical (specific volume, colority, sensory value, texture, and viscosity) properties, and staling (X‐ray diffraction and water migration) properties of bread were investigated. The quality of composite bread was comparable to wheat bread when addition level of PF at 20%, but decreased when the addition level increased to 30% or more, and became unacceptable at 50%. A chewy mouthfeel and an elastic and none‐crumbly texture were observed on composite bread, which had higher hardness than wheat bread, and could keep on both longer linear distance and higher linear force during compression test. It indicated that such new parameters other than hardness should be introduced to coordinate with the texture quality of composite bread. During storage, the higher addition level of PF significantly decreased crystallinity of composite bread and slowed water migration rate from the crumb to crust, suggesting that PF had antistaling effect on composite bread, which was further emphasized by the fact that the setback value of the WPF decreased with the increase of PF addition.
Dietary effects on breast cancer molecular subtypes, a 1:2 paired case–control study
Authors: Yuan Guohai , Zhang Jingjing , Ren Yi , Ding Wei , Du Yan , Zhang Lu , Shao Jihong
Published: August 2020

To explore the associations between dietary factors and breast cancer (BC) molecular subtypes. The retrospective cases were confirmed by pathological diagnosis with breast cancer were gathered in two major hospitals in Xuzhou city, China, from 2015 to 2016. These cases were classified by the meeting standard of 13th St Gallen: luminal A, luminal B, Her‐2 overexpression, and triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtypes. A 1:2 paired retrospective case–control study with 210 cases and 420 controls was conducted to evaluate individual dietary intake, by food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and estimate odds ratios (ORs), by the Cox regression model. For overall breast cancer patients, the more frequency of red meat (OR = 1.002, 95% CI = 1.001–1.004) and salted food (OR = 1.003, 95% CI = 1.001–1.005) were statistically significantly associated with a greater risk of breast cancer. Beans (OR = 0.997, 95% CI = 0.995–0.999), white meat (OR = 0.993, 95% CI = 0.989–0.997), aquatic products (OR = 0.990, 95% CI = 0.984–0.996), vegetables (OR = 0.999, 95% CI = 0.999–0.999), fruit (OR = 0.998, 95% CI = 0.997–0.999), and green tea (OR = 0.997, 95% CI = 0.994–0.999) were significantly associated with a lower risk of breast cancer. For luminal breast cancer patients, beans (OR = 0.997, 95% CI = 0.994–0.999), white meat (OR = 0.992, 95% CI = 0.987–0.997), green tea (OR = 0.995, 95% CI = 0.991–0.999), and milk (OR = 0.998, 95% CI = 0.996–0.999) were protective factors. While for nonluminal breast cancer, red meat was not included in the equation, and beans (OR = 0.989, 95% CI = 0.981–0.997), white meat (OR = 0.989, 95% CI = 0.981–0.998), vegetables (OR = 0.998, 95% CI = 0.997–0.999), and milk (OR = 0.994, 95% CI = 0.989–0.999) still showed a significantly reduced risk of nonluminal breast cancer. Different dietary factors revealed different effects on the etiology of breast cancer. Red meat may be a specific risk factor for luminal‐type breast cancer.
Murine induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived neuroimmune cell culture models emphasize opposite immune‐effector functions of interleukin 13‐primed microglia and macrophages in terms of neuroimmune toxicity
Authors: Quarta Alessandra , Meese Tim , Pieters Zoë , Van Breedam Elise , Le Blon Debbie , Van Broeckhoven Jana , Hendrix Sven , Goossens Herman , Hens Niel , Berneman Zwi , Van Nieuwerburgh Filip , Ponsaerts Peter
Published: August 2020

Cellular models of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)‐derived microglia and macrophages are an emerging toolbox to investigate neuroinflammation in vitro. We previously demonstrated that murine iPSC‐microglia and iPSC‐macrophages display phenotypical activation properties highly comparable to microglia and macrophages in vivo. Here we extended the characterization of iPSC‐microglia and iPSC‐macrophages with the analysis of their transcriptome profile. Next, these cellular models were employed to evaluate neuroimmune toxicity in vitro and to investigate the immune‐modulatory properties of interleukin 13 (IL13), a cytokine known for its ability to protect against neuroinflammation‐induced pathology by modulating microglia and macrophage activation. iPSC‐microglia and iPSC‐macrophages, in co‐culture with astrocyte‐committed neural stem cells (NSC), were (pre)treated with IL13 and stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon γ (IFNγ), to assess how IL13 modulates their inflammatory response. Additionally, the use of luciferase‐expressing NSC (Luc‐NSC) allowed real‐time monitoring of immune‐mediated neurotoxicity. Despite the known anti‐inflammatory properties of IL13, iPSC‐microglia primed with IL13 before LPS + IFNγ stimulation significantly increased NO secretion. This was associated with a marked reduction of the luminescence signal produced by Luc‐NSC. Interestingly, we observed that IL13 signaling has a divergent functional outcome in microglia as compared to macrophages, as for the latter no major alterations in NO release and Luc‐NSC viability were observed upon IL13 (pre)treatment. Finally, the striking IL13‐induced upregulation of NO secretion by microglia under pro‐inflammatory conditions was confirmed in vivo, where intracerebral delivery of IL13 increased inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA expression. Concluding, we applied iPSC‐derived neuroimmune cell culture models to identify distinct neuroimmune (toxicity) responses of microglia and macrophages to IL13‐based immune modulation.
Assessment of haptic memory using somatosensory change‐related cortical responses
Authors: Sugiyama Shunsuke , Kinukawa Tomoaki , Takeuchi Nobuyuki , Nishihara Makoto , Shioiri Toshiki , Inui Koji
Published: August 2020

Haptic memory briefly retains somatosensory information for later use; however, how and which cortical areas are affected by haptic memory remain unclear. We used change‐related cortical responses to investigate the relationship between the somatosensory cortex and haptic memory objectively. Electrical pulses, at 50 Hz with a duration of 500 ms, were randomly applied to the second, third, and fourth fingers of the right and left hands at an even probability every 800 ms. Each stimulus was labeled as D (preceded by a different side) or S (preceded by the same side). The D stimuli were further classified into 1D, 2D, and 3D, according to the number of different preceding stimuli. The S stimuli were similarly divided into 1S and 2S. The somatosensory‐evoked magnetic fields obtained were divided into four components via a dipole analysis, and each component's amplitudes were measured using the source strength waveform. The results showed that the preceding event did not affect the amplitude of the earliest 20–30 ms response in the primary somatosensory cortex. However, in the subsequent three components, the cortical activity amplitude was largest in 3D, followed by 2D, 1D, and S. These results indicate that such modulatory effects occurred somewhere in the somatosensory processing pathway higher than Brodmann's area 3b. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate the existence of haptic memory for somatosensory laterality and its impact on the somatosensory cortex using change‐related cortical responses without contamination from peripheral effects.
Use of intraoperative neural monitoring for prognostication of recovery of vocal mobility and reduction of permanent vocal paralysis after thyroidectomy
Authors: Thong Gerard , Brophy Catherine , Sheahan Patrick
Published: August 2020

Introduction

The benefits of intraoperative neural monitoring (IONM) of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) on post‐thyroidectomy vocal cord palsy (VCP) rates are contentious. We wished to study impact of IONM on permanent VCP after thyroidectomy.

Methods

Retrospective review of prospective series of 1011 (1539 nerves‐at‐risk) patients undergoing thyroidectomy without (418, group 1) and with (583, group 2) IONM.

Results

There were three recognized nerve injuries in group 1, vs one in group 2 (P = .3). There were no differences in overall VCP rates. However, patients in group 2 with immediate postoperative VCP had higher likelihood of full recovery than patients in group 1 (55 of 56 vs 23 of 29 patients, P = .01), and lower incidence of total permanent VCP (2 of 917 vs 9 of 647 patients, P = .01).

Conclusion

Among patients with immediate postoperative VCP after thyroidectomy, IONM is associated with a higher likelihood of regaining normal vocal function. This may be related to better identification of RLN branching in IONM cases.
Uretero‐arterial fistula treated with endovascular stent graft following multiple interventions
Authors: Kaneko Tomoyuki , Sakamoto Akihiko , Yamada Yukio , Yamamoto Masayoshi , Kondo Hiroshi , Nakagawa Tohru
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Uretero‐arterial fistula is a rare life‐threatening condition. Its diagnosis and management remains a challenge for urologists.

Case presentation

A 64‐year‐old man presented to our hospital with gross hematuria. He had history of rectal cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by low anterior resection and chronic ureteral stenting for bilateral ureteral strictures. He developed recurrent hemorrhagic shocks due to sudden massive gross hematuria. Repeated computed tomography and angiography could not identify the source of bleeding. After prophylactic embolization of the right renal artery and right nephrectomy, angiography finally revealed a uretero‐arterial fistula from the right external iliac artery. Percutaneous balloon‐expandable covered stent graft was used to successfully treat the fistula.

Conclusions

Urologists should consider possible uretero‐arterial fistula in patients with recurrent hematuria along with several risk factors and convincing medical history.
Beneficial effect of sodium thiosulfate extends beyond myocardial tissue in isoproterenol model of infarction: Implication for nootropic effects
Authors: Ravindran Sriram , Gopalakrishnan Senthilkumar , Kurian Gino A.
Published: August 2020

One of the common negative impacts in the management of acute myocardial infarction is cognitive decline. Using the rat model of isoproterenol (ISO)‐induced myocardial infarction, we assessed the cardioprotective effect of sodium thiosulfate (STS) and its influence on cognition. STS treatment reduced the cardiac infarct size by 75%, injury markers (lactate dehydrogenase: 60%, creatine kinase‐muscle/brain: 44%) release in the blood, maintain the heart rate within a normal range (365 ± 10 bpm) and minimize postinfarction hypertrophic changes in comparison with the ISO group. At the cellular level, the heart from these rats had reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) (25%), caspase‐9 (60%), and improved mitochondrial function (restored electron transport chain function and copy number) compared to ISO hearts. The brain of STS‐treated rats also showed a reduction in ROS (45%), caspase‐9 (37%), and improved mitochondrial function relative to the brain of the ISO group, particularly limited to the striatum region, and these rats showed improved cognitive ability. Predominantly, the STS treatment reduced the reference memory defects observed in comparison to rats challenged by ISO. Furthermore, elevated circulating mitochondrial DNA and ATP were found in ISO‐challenged rats, which indicate the cardiac mitochondria linked damage‐associated patterns were restored to the sham level when pretreated with STS. We found increased H2S, a well‐known metabolite of STS with a neuroprotective role in the brain after STS administration, hinting at a possible secondary defense mechanism. In conclusion, the STS mediated cardioprotection and its nootropic effects are primarily mediated via the improvement of mitochondrial function and reduction of oxidative stress.
Analysis of serum gastrin‐17 and Helicobacter pylori antibody in healthy Chinese population
Authors: Liu Wenjun , Sun Youxiang , Yuan Yulin
Published: August 2020

Background

Gastrin‐17 (G‐17) and Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) antibody are widely used in the screening of gastric diseases, especially in gastric cancer. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the value of G‐17 and H pylori antibody in gastric disease screening.

Methods

Healthy males and females (1368 and 1212, respectively) aged between 21‐80 years were recruited for the study. Serum G‐17 value was measured using ELISA, and H pylori antibodies were measured using Western blotting. Statistical analyses were performed using the chi‐square, Mann‐Whitney U, and Kruskal‐Wallis H tests.

Results

Serum G‐17 level was higher in the H pylori‐positive group than in the negative group. Serum G‐17 level was higher in the type 1 H pylori‐positive group than in the type 2 H pylori‐positive group. Further, serum G‐17 level was higher in females than in males and showed significant differences among different age‐groups, with changes in trend proportional to the age. The positive rate of H pylori infection in all the subjects was 58.29% and did not show a significant difference between males and females. However, it showed significant differences among different age‐groups, with the changing trend proportional to the age.

Conclusion

Analysis of serum G‐17 level and H pylori antibody typing is valuable in gastric disease screening. Every laboratory should establish its own reference interval for G‐17 level.
Identification of novel variants in Iranian consanguineous pedigrees with nonsyndromic hearing loss by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Bitarafan Fatemeh , Seyedena Seyed Yousef , Mahmoudi Mahdi , Garshasbi Masoud
Published: August 2020

Background

The extremely high genetic heterogeneity of hearing loss due to diverse group of genes encoding proteins required for development, function, and maintenance of the complex auditory system makes the genetic diagnosis of this disease challenging. Up to now, 121 different genes have been identified for nonsyndromic hearing loss (NSHL), of which 76 genes are responsible for the most common forms of NSHL, autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss (ARNSHL).

Methods

After excluding mutations in the most common ARNSHL gene, GJB2, by Sanger sequencing, genetic screening for a panel of genes responsible for hereditary hearing impairment performed in 9 individuals with ARNSHL from unrelated Iranian consanguineous pedigrees.

Results

One compound heterozygote and eight homozygote variants, of which five are novel, were identified: CDH23:p.(Glu1970Lys), and p.(Ala1072Asp), GIPC3:p.(Asn82Ser), and (p.Thr41Lys), MYO7A:p.[Phe456Phe]; p.[Met708Val], and p.(Gly163Arg), TECTA:p.(Leu17Leufs*19), OTOF:c.1392+1G>A, and TRIOBP:p.(Arg1068*). Sanger sequencing confirmed the segregation of the variants with the disease in each family.

Conclusion

Finding more variants and expanding the spectrum of hearing impairment mutations can increase the diagnostic value of molecular testing in the screening of patients and can improve counseling to minimize the risk of having affected children for at risk couples.
Emerging trends of culturing microalgae for fish‐rearing environment protection
Authors: Yang Limin , Li Huankai , Lu Qian , Zhou Wenguang
Published: August 2020

The application of microalgae biotechnology, which can recover nutrients from wastewater, improve water quality, and feed some aquatic animals, is becoming an emerging trend in the development of eco‐friendly aquaculture. Previous studies explored a variety of models to support the use of microalgae in aquaculture practice, verifying the feasibility and advantages of microalgae‐based aquaculture. However, a couple of bottlenecks and problems jeopardizing the application of microalgae biotechnology in aquaculture are discovered in the research and industrial practice. This work, hence, summarizes the research progress and the current opinions relating with the microalgae‐based aquaculture and proposes some critical thoughts about the bottlenecks challenging its industrial implementation. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)
Variants in multiple genes are associated with esophageal cancer risk in a Chinese Han population: A case–control study
Authors: Xiong Zichao , Wu Jiamin , Sun Yao , Bai Mei , Niu Fanglin , Jin Tianbo
Published: August 2020

Background

The present study investigated whether 16 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), selected based on minor allele frequencies, Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and reported SNPs related to the susceptibility of certain gastrointestinal cancer, were associated with esophageal cancer (EC) risk in a Chinese Han population.

Methods

We genotyped 16 SNPs among 506 cases and 507 controls using Agena MassARRAY (Agena, San Diego, CA, USA). The association between 16 SNPs and EC risk was analyzed by a chi‐squared test and genetic model analysis. Logistic regression analysis was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

rs1050631 and the rs6214 were associated with a decreased EC risk (OR = 0.75, p = 0.038; OR = 0.74, p = 0.045, respectively). In stratification analysis, the rs9868873 was associated with an increased EC risk (age < 64 years) (OR = 5.03, p = 0.005). The rs6214 was associated with a decreased EC risk (age < 64 years) (OR = 0.59, p = 0.025). The rs861530 was significantly associated with a decreased EC risk (age ≥ 64 years) (OR = 0.67, p = 0.046). rs1050631 was associated with a decreased EC risk in males (OR = 0.71, p = 0.034). In the stratified analysis of clinical stage III/IV, the rs1800566 was associated with a decreased EC risk (OR = 0.49, p = 0.024). Finally, the rs1052133 was associated with an elevated EC risk in the stratified analysis of lymph node metastasis (OR = 1.73, p = 0.025).

Conclusions

The findings of the present study demonstrate that SLC39A6, IGF1, SEMA5B, XRCC3, NQO1 and OGG1 polymorphisms were associated with EC risk under multiple models.
Investigation of Aortic Wall Thickness, Stiffness and Flow Reversal in Patients With Cryptogenic Stroke: A 4D Flow MRI Study
Authors: Jarvis Kelly , Soulat Gilles , Scott Michael , Vali Alireza , Pathrose Ashitha , Syed Amer Ahmed , Kinno Menhel , Prabhakaran Shyam , Collins Jeremy D. , Markl Michael
Published: August 2020

Background

Stroke etiology is undetermined in approximately one‐sixth to one‐third of patients. The presence of aortic flow reversal and plaques in the descending aorta (DAo) has been identified as a potential retrograde embolic mechanism.

Purpose

To assess the relationships between aortic stiffness, wall thickness, and flow reversal in patients with cryptogenic stroke and healthy controls.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Twenty one patients with cryptogenic stroke and proven DAo plaques (69 ± 9 years, 43% female), 18 age‐matched controls (age: 65 ± 8 years, 61% female), and 14 younger controls (36 ± 9 years, 57% female).

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5T; 4D flow MRI and 3D dark blood T1‐weighted turbo spin echo MRI of the aorta.

Assessment

Noncontrast aortic 4D flow MRI to measure 3D flow dynamics and 3D dark blood aortic wall MRI to assess wall thickness. 4D flow MRI analysis included automated quantification of aortic stiffness by pulse wave velocity (PWV) and voxelwise mapping of the flow reversal fraction (FRF).

Statistical Tests

Analysis of variance (ANOVA) or Kruskal–Wallis tests, Student's unpaired t‐tests or Wilcoxon rank‐sum tests, regression analysis.

Results

Aortic PWV and FRF were statistically higher in patients (8.9 ± 1.7 m/s, 18.4 ± 7.7%) than younger controls (5.3 ± 0.8 m/s, P < 0.0167; 8.5 ± 2.9%, P < 0.0167), but not age‐matched controls (8.2 ± 1.6 m/s, P = 0.22; 15.6 ± 5.8%, P = 0.22). Maximum aortic wall thickness was higher in patients (3.1 ± 0.7 mm) than younger controls (2.2 ± 0.2 mm, P < 0.0167) and age‐matched controls (2.7 ± 0.5 mm) (P < 0.0167). For all subjects, positive relationships were found between PWV and age (R2 = 0.71, P < 0.05), aortic wall thickness (R2 = 0.20, P < 0.05), and FRF (R2 = 0.47, P < 0.05). Patients demonstrated relationships between PWV and FRF in the ascending aorta (R2 = 0.32, P < 0.05) and arch (R2 = 0.24, P < 0.05).

Data Conclusion

This study showed the utility of 4D flow MRI for evaluating aortic PWV and voxelwise flow reversal. Positive relationships between aortic PWV, wall thickness, and flow reversal support the hypothesis that aortic stiffness is involved in this retrograde embolic mechanism.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy Stage

1
Role of Point‐of‐Care Lung and Inferior Vena Cava Ultrasound in Clinical Decisions for Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department With Symptoms of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure
Authors: Hacıalioğulları Fakiye , Yılmaz Fevzi , Yılmaz Aykut , Sönmez Bedriye Müge , Demir Tayfun Anıl , Karadaş Mehmet Akif , Duyan Murat , Ayaz Gizem , Özdemir Metin
Published: August 2020

Objectives

This prospective study was performed to evaluate the diagnostic role of point‐of‐care lung ultrasound (LUS) and inferior vena cava (IVC) ultrasound in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF).

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted between January 2018 and November 2018 on patients with a diagnosis of ADHF in the emergency department (ED). On admission, LUS findings, inspiratory and expiratory IVC diameters, and the inferior vena cava collapsibility index (IVCCI) were obtained. After therapeutic interventions, third‐hour changes in LUS and the IVC index and the treatment response were assessed.

Results

Eighty patients were enrolled. Forty‐six (58%) patients had an ejection fraction (EF) greater than 40%, and 34 (42%) had an EF of less than 40%. Significant differences were detected between the admission and third‐hour inspiratory IVC diameter, expiratory IVC diameter, and IVCCI (P = .001). There was no correlation between the EF and inspiratory IVC diameter (r = −0.03; P = .976), expiratory IVC diameter (r = −109; P = .336), or IVCCI (r = −0.72; P = .523) and between the B‐type natriuretic peptide level and inspiratory IVC diameter (r = −0.58; P = .610), expiratory IVC diameter (r = −0.33; P = .774), or IVCCI (r = −0.78; P = .493) either. A comparison of admission and third‐hour numbers of B‐lines on LUS imaging showed a significant decrease in the number of B‐lines in all zones at the end of 3 hours (P = .001). A significant difference existed between the hospitalized and discharged patients with respect to IVC diameters and number of B‐lines.

Conclusions

In the ED setting, an assessment of B‐lines and measurement of IVC diameters are better markers than the B‐type natriuretic peptide level, EF, or chest x‐ray for diagnosis of ADHF and can be used to make decisions for hospitalization or discharge from the ED.
Distal Biceps Brachii Tendon Insertion
Authors: Draghi Ferdinando , Bortolotto Chandra , Ferrozzi Guia
Published: August 2020

Different ultrasound approaches have been proposed to evaluate the distal biceps brachii tendon, such as lateral, posterior, medial, and anterior, all allowing good visualization of the distal biceps tendon and its pathologic appearances. Here we describe a new method of ultrasound evaluation of the distal biceps tendon insertion with the patient in the so‐called crab position. The crab position is used to evaluate the posterior compartment of the elbow but also the lateral and medial compartments. This position allows for coverage of 75% the elbow in a single position, with less discomfort for the patient and a fair amount of saved time. In this position, after the evaluation of the common extensor tendon in the long axis, turning the transducer 90° and moving it distally allows for optimal visualization of the distal biceps brachii tendon in the axial plane. It is a simple, quick approach that allows for excellent visualization of the insertion of the distal biceps brachii tendon while avoiding an anisotropic effect.
Maxwell Meets Marangoni—A Review of Theories on Laser‐Induced Periodic Surface Structures
Authors: Bonse Jörn , Gräf Stephan
Published: August 2020

Surface nanostructuring enables the manipulation of many essential surface properties. With the recent rapid advancements in laser technology, a contactless large‐area processing at rates of up to m2 s−1 becomes feasible that allows new industrial applications in medicine, optics, tribology, biology, etc. On the other hand, the last two decades enable extremely successful and intense research in the field of so‐called laser‐induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS, ripples). Different types of these structures featuring periods of hundreds of nanometers only—far beyond the optical diffraction limit—up to several micrometers are easily manufactured in a single‐step process and can be widely controlled by a proper choice of the laser processing conditions. From a theoretical point of view, however, a vivid and very controversial debate emerges, whether LIPSS originate from electromagnetic effects or are caused by matter reorganization. This article aims to close a gap in the available literature on LIPSS by reviewing the currently existent theories of LIPSS along with their numerical implementations and by providing a comparison and critical assessment of these approaches.
Passivation behaviors of 6082 aluminium alloy under stress corrosion process
Authors: Zhou Bin , Yang Li , Yang Shou‐bing , Zhang Chi , Li Yan‐zhou , Bai Di , Huang Gen‐zhe
Published: August 2020

We systematically studied the passivation process of 6082 aluminium alloy under the bending stress situation by combining electrochemical measurement techniques with three‐point bending stress fixture designed by our lab, and then examined the microstructures of corroded specimens to analyze electrochemical corrosion mechanism in 1.5% NaCl solution. The results show that secondary Mg2Si phase acts as the anodic electrode, leading to the self‐corrosion of Mg2Si phase. As a result, the spots of self‐corroded Mg2Si phase within grains act as initial pitting corrosion site, combined with tiny, massive precipitated Mg2Si particles at the grain boundaries and bending stress, leading to the failure of surface of the 6082 aluminium alloy. The corrosion current density increases from 3.422 × 10−7 to 13.77 × 10−7 A/cm2 when bending stress level was increased from 0% up to 100% of yield stress. Passive film formation process occurred between polarization potential area of −1.05 and −0.65 V. Sectional microstructural investigations show that the corrosion starts penetrating vertically into the material before it develops corrosion paths extending parallel to the surface, leading to massive stress‐induced corrosion cracks. The maximum corrosion depth increases from ∼24 μm on specimen without any stress applied to 85 μm when bending stress of 100% yield strength is applied.