bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Micro‐Mesopores Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Combined Polar‐MoS2 as Host for High‐Performance Li‐S Batteries
Authors: Zhao Liping , Liu Gang , Xu Shuoyan , Zhao Ye , Wang Ya , Li Dan , Fu Fang , Zheng Yue , Xie Haiming , Zhang Peng
Published: March 2020

A composite of MoS2/MMNC (micro‐mesopores nitrogen‐doped carbon) was prepared through a simple hydrothermal method and utilized as a host for Li−S battery. The crystal structure of MoS2/MMNC−S composite were tested by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Raman Spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to characterize its morphology. The pore size distribution and weight ratio of sulfur were measured via N2 adsorption‐desorption isotherm and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), respectively. MoS2/MMNC−S composite showed a good electrochemical performance as the positive electrode for Li−S battery. The rate performance of the battery is ideal and the capacity retention is maintained at ∼ 90% after 200 cycles at 0.5 C.
Synthesis and Biological Studies of Some New Thiazoles, Hydrazones and Azine Derivatives Based on 3,5‐Diphenylcyclohex‐2‐en‐1‐one
Authors: Abdel‐Galil Ebrahim , Girges Margret M. , Said Gehad E.
Published: March 2020

3,5‐Diphenylcyclohex‐2‐en‐1‐one (1) was used as a starting material for the synthesis of new derivatives of hydrazones 3, 4, organic compounds that involves thiazole ring 5–8 and azine moieties 10–17. The biological activity, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and cytotoxicity values of the most active compounds of these derivatives were screened. Compounds 7 a, 7 b and 8 b revealed the best results against all screened biological activity. Derivatives 7 a, 7 b and 8 b revealed moderate to weak cytotoxicity.
Photo‐Dissociation of CO2 over Plasmonic RuO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Morais Eduardo , Ravindranathan Thampi K. , Sullivan James A.
Published: March 2020

The synthesis, characterisation and application of RuO2 nanoparticles through a facile hydrothermal preparation technique is described. The prepared solid is extensively characterised and shown to have a narrow size distribution (1.6–3.2 nm) and exhibit an intense surface plasmon resonance giving rise to an absorption band peaking at λ=424 nm. This material is applied in gas‐phase artificial photosynthesis reactions, and interestingly, the only products observed are CO and O2 (at a constant 2 : 1 ratio). Even though this RuO2 catalyst is unable to perform the water‐splitting step of the artificial photosynthesis reaction, it is active in the CO2 photo‐decomposition reaction (ΔG(298.15 K)=64.41 Kcal mol−1), and thus it may be a convenient catalyst for downstream production of methanol or hydrocarbons from a CO2 feedstock.
Core‐Shell Structured CoP@MoS2 Electrocatalysts for Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Chen Danyang , Xiao Jinghao , Zhou Hu , Yuan Aihua
Published: March 2020

The hierarchical CoP@MoS2 hybrid was constructed by a solvothermal reaction of MoS2 nanosheets and CoP nanocubes. The resultant product exhibited a well‐defined core‐shell structure, in which MoS2 sheets were decorated on the surface of CoP nanocubes. As electrocatalyts of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), the hybrid displayed a highly superior catalytic activity to pure MoS2 in acid media with a low overpotential of 201 mV at the current density of 10 mA cm−2, a small Tafel slope of 70.4 mV dec−1, and good stability. The excellent HER performance benefitted from the core‐shell morphology as well as the synergistic interaction between MoS2 and CoP components.
TiO2 Nanoparticles In Situ Formed on Ti3C2 Nanosheets by a One‐Step Ethanol‐Thermal Method for Enhanced Reversible Lithium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Jia Lin , Li Yali , Su Lijun , Liu Dequan , Fu Yujun , Li Junshuai , Yan Xingbin , He Deyan
Published: March 2020

MXenes, a family of two‐dimensional (2D) carbides, nitrides and carbonitrides, have been considered as promising anode materials for lithium‐ion (Li+) batteries due to their good flexibility and conductivity. Herein, we report a one‐step ethanol‐thermal method to form titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles on the surface of Ti3C2 nanosheets with less oxidation and high 2D structural integrity, and meanwhile investigate the properties of reversible Li+ storage. It indicates that a reversible specific capacity of 257.3 mAh g−1 at the current density of 50 mA g−1 can be delivered. Moreover, the specific capacity of 141.4 mAh g−1 with the coulombic efficiency of ∼100 % can be obtained even after 250 cycles at the current density as high as 1 A g−1. The improved capacity can be attributed to the synergetic effect that prevents stacking of the Ti3C2 nanosheets by the surface‐anchored TiO2 nanoparticles and meanwhile avoids agglomerating of TiO2 nanoparticles due to the existence of Ti3C2 nanosheets.
A Tetrakis(terpyridine) Ligand–Based Cobalt(II) Complex Nanosheet as a Stable Dual‐Ion Battery Cathode Material
Authors: Liu Yurong , Deng Wenwen , Meng Zhengong , Wong Wai‐Yeung
Published: March 2020

Inspired by the flexibility of the bottom‐up approach in terms of selecting molecular components and thus tailoring functionalities, a terpyridine derivative (1,2,4,5‐tetrakis(4‐(2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridyl)phenyl)benzene) (Tetra‐tpy) is synthesized and coordinated with Co(II) ion to self‐assemble into a nanosheet Co‐sheet by a facile interface‐assisted synthesis. The bis(terpyridine)‐Co(II) complex nanosheet formed not only shows good stability, but also features the layered structure and rich electrochemical activity inherited from the embedded Co(terpyridine)2motif. Thus, Co‐sheet can serve as a cathode material for a dual‐ion battery prototype, which exhibits a high utilization of redox‐active sites, good cycling stability, and rate capability, thus expanding the potential application of this kind of easily prepared metal‐complex nanosheets in the field of energy storage.
Identifying the Intrinsic Relationship between the Restructured Oxide Layer and Oxygen Evolution Reaction Performance on the Cobalt Pnictide Catalyst
Authors: Lyu Yanhong , Zheng Jianyun , Xiao Zhaohui , Zhao Shiyong , Jiang San Ping , Wang Shuangyin
Published: March 2020

Cobalt pnictides show good catalytic activity and stability on oxygen evolution reaction (OER) behaviors in a strong alkaline solution. Identifying the intrinsic composition/structure‐property relationship of the oxide layer on the cobalt pnictides is critical to design better and cheaper electrocatalysts for the commercial viability of OER technologies. In this work, the restructured oxide layer on the cobalt pnictides and its effect on the activity and mechanism for OER is systematically analyzed. In‐situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and near edge x‐ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectra indicate that a higher OER performance of cobalt pnictides than Co3O4 is attributed to the more structural disorder and oxygen defect sites in the cobalt oxide layer evolved from cobalt pnictides. Using angle resolved x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (AR‐XPS) further demonstrates that the oxygen defect sites mainly concentrate on the subsurface of cobalt oxide layer. The current study demonstrated promising opportunities for further enhancing the OER performance of cobalt‐based electrocatalysts by controlling the subsurface defects of the restructured active layer.
Cu2MoS4/Au Heterostructures with Enhanced Catalase‐Like Activity and Photoconversion Efficiency for Primary/Metastatic Tumors Eradication by Phototherapy‐Induced Immunotherapy
Authors: Chang Mengyu , Hou Zhiyao , Wang Man , Wang Meifang , Dang Peipei , Liu Jianhua , Shu Mengmeng , Ding Binbin , Al Kheraif Abdulaziz A. , Li Chunxia , Lin Jun
Published: March 2020

Photoimmunotherapy can not only effectively ablate the primary tumor but also trigger strong antitumor immune responses against metastatic tumors by inducing immunogenic cell death. Herein, Cu2MoS4 (CMS)/Au heterostructures are constructed by depositing plasmonic Au nanoparticles onto CMS nanosheets, which exhibit enhanced absorption in near‐infrared (NIR) region due to the newly formed mid‐gap state across the Fermi level based on the hybridization between Au 5d orbitals and S 3p orbitals, thus resulting in more excellent photothermal therapy and photodynamic therapy (PDT) effect than single CMS upon NIR laser irradiation. The CMS and CMS/Au can also serve as catalase to effectively relieve tumor hypoxia, which can enhance the therapeutic effect of O2‐dependent PDT. Notably, the NIR laser‐irradiated CMS/Au can elicit strong immune responses via promoting dendritic cells maturation, cytokine secretion, and activating antitumor effector T‐cell responses for both primary and metastatic tumors eradication. Moreover, CMS/Au exhibits outstanding photoacoustic and computed tomography imaging performance owing to its excellent photothermal conversion and X‐ray attenuation ability. Overall, the work provides an imaging‐guided and phototherapy‐induced immunotherapy based on constructing CMS/Au heterostructures for effectively tumor ablation and cancer metastasis inhibition.
Narrowband and Pure Violet Organic Emitter with a Full Width at Half Maximum of 14 nm and y Color Coordinate of Below 0.02
Authors: Lee Ha Lim , Chung Won Jae , Lee Jun Yeob
Published: March 2020

Violet organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) with a very narrow emission spectrum with a full width at half maximum of 14 nm and y color coordinate of 0.02 are developed using a indolo[3,2,1‐jk]carbazole‐derived pure violet emitter. The violet emitter, 2,5,13,16‐tetra‐tert‐butylindolo[3,2,1‐jk]‐indolo[1′,2′,3′:1,7]indolo[2,3‐b]carbazole (tDIDCz), is designed to have a very rigid molecular structure driven by the multiresonance‐type core structure through the alternating carbon and nitrogen atoms. The violet emitter is decorated with t‐butyl groups to prevent intermolecular aggregation and packing, which allow pure violet emission without excimer emission. The violet OLEDs derived from the tDIDCz emitter show a violet color coordinate of (0.164, 0.018) with a narrow emission spectrum and a full width at half maximum of 14 nm (105 meV). The external quantum efficiency of the pure violet OLEDs is 3.3%. This is the first work reporting pure violet emission without any ultraviolet emission below 380 nm and blue emission above 450 nm by showing a very narrow emission spectrum.
Epitaxial Growth of Rectangle Shape MoS2 with Highly Aligned Orientation on Twofold Symmetry a‐Plane Sapphire
Authors: Ma Zongpeng , Wang Shiyao , Deng Qixin , Hou Zhufeng , Zhou Xing , Li Xiaobo , Cui Fangfang , Si Huayan , Zhai Tianyou , Xu Hua
Published: March 2020

Research on transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) has been accelerated by the development of large‐scale synthesis based on chemical vapor deposition (CVD) growth. However, in most cases, CVD‐grown TMDs are composed of randomly oriented grains, and thus contain many distorted grain boundaries (GBs), which seriously degrade their electrical and photoelectrical properties. Here, the epitaxial growth of highly aligned MoS2 grains is reported on a twofold symmetry a‐plane sapphire substrate. The obtained MoS2 grains have an unusual rectangle shape with perfect orientation alignment along the [1‐100] crystallographic direction of a‐plane sapphire. It is found that the growth temperature plays a key role in its orientation alignment and morphology evolution, and high temperature is beneficial to the initial MoS2 seeds rotate to the favorable orientation configurations. In addition, the photoluminescence quenching of the well‐aligned MoS2 grains indicates a strong MoS2−substrate interaction which induces the anisotropic growth of MoS2, and thus brings the formation of rectangle shape grains. Moreover, the well‐aligned MoS2 grains splice together without GB formation, and thus that has negligible effect on its electrical transport properties. The progress achieved in this work could promote the controlled synthesis of large‐area TMDs single crystal film and the scalable fabrication of high‐performance electronic devices.
In situ Observation of Electrodeposited Bimetallic p‐Si Micropillar Array Photocathode for Solar‐Driven Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Tung Ching-Wei , Hou Cheng-Hung , Lin Han-Ting , Zheng Yixin , Huang Yu-Ping , Liao Yen-Fa , Shiue Jing-Jong , Chen Hao Ming
Published: March 2020

The integration of Earth‐abundant materials with light‐harvesting absorbers to create a high‐efficiency photocathode is a promising approach for solar‐driven water splitting. It is essential for such systems to provide a practical photocurrent response and overpotential for driving hydrogen production. Herein, electrodeposited Ni–M (M = Co, Fe, Mo) is investigated as a surface catalyst onto p‐type silicon micropillar arrays for solar‐driven hydrogen evolution, and the generation of catalytic active species by in situ and ex situ tracking methods is directly observed. The dynamic electronic and atomic structures of highly active surface catalysts are identified during photocatalysis in alkaline condition. Furthermore, the incorporation of high‐valence Mo species acts as a key promoter for triggering the in situ formation of active Ni2+ species on the surface of alloys. These findings offer guidelines for the design and development of highly efficient catalytic photocathodes.
Deployment of a cloud pipeline for real‐time visual inspection using fast streaming high‐definition images
Authors: Srivastava Aishwarya , Aggarwal Siddhant , Apon Amy , Duffy Edward , Kennedy Ken , Luckow Andre , Posey Brandon , Ziolkowski Marcin
Published: March 2020

We investigate the challenges of building an end‐to‐end cloud pipeline for real‐time intelligent visual inspection system for use in automotive manufacturing. Current methods of visual detection in automotive assembly are highly labor intensive, and thus prone to errors. An automated process is sought that can operate within the real‐time constraints of the assembly line and can reduce errors. Components of the cloud pipeline include capture of a large set of high‐definition images from a camera setup at the assembly location, transfer and storage of the images as needed, execution of object detection, and notification to a human operator when a fault is detected. The end‐to‐end execution must complete within a fixed time frame before the next car arrives in the assembly line. In this article, we report the design, development, and experimental evaluation of the tradeoffs of performance, accuracy, and scalability for a cloud system.
The overlooked aquatic green algal component of early terrestrial environments: Triskelia scotlandica gen. et sp. nov. from the Rhynie cherts
Authors: Strullu‐Derrien Christine , Le Hérissé Alain , Goral Tomasz , Spencer Alan R.T. , Kenrick Paul
Published: March 2020

As a large majority of modern green algae are freshwater rather than marine, it can be hypothesized that algae were an important component of early terrestrial environments. However, this component remains overlooked as algal affinities are difficult to decipher, due to the lack of distinctive characters observable in standard light microscopy. Herein, we use a new approach to studying microfossils from the Devonian (407 Ma) Rhynie cherts, renowned as one of the earliest exceptionally preserved terrestrial ecosystem. Using data from confocal laser scanning microscopy, the microfossils were reconstructed in 3D allowing us to gather information on morphological and physiological traits. We document Triskelia scotlandica gen. et sp. nov., which is the resting stage of a new species of microalgae. Numerous individuals were discovered preserved inside the remains of a flooded plant aerial axis. They are shown to be spheroidal to ellipsoidal walled cells, with a pseudo‐reticulate surface ornamentation and occasional large openings probably resulting from the germination process. We draw comparison with fossil and modern microorganisms demonstrating morphological convergences in wall ornament and physiological traits, especially with zygospores of modern Chlorophyta. Our description of Triskelia leads us to critically evaluate the Rhynie chert fossils Cymatiosphaera and Pterospermella. We conclude that it is unlikely that the Rhynie cherts contained prasinophycean algae of these types. We suggest that our microfossils are Chlorophyta (green algae) incertae sedis that were highly adapted to the special ecological conditions encountered in a geothermal wetland.
Investigation on Microstructure and Properties of Low‐Carbon Wear‐Resistant Steels with Addition of Cr and Ni
Authors: Yao Zishan , Tian Junyu , Chen Xin , Wei Zhirui , Wang Jun , Xu Guang
Published: March 2020

The investigations on wear resistance, mechanical properties, and microstructure of three steels with different additions of chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) are conducted. Continuous cooling treatment is conducted to obtain martensitic/bainitic dual‐phase microstructure, and wear behavior is analyzed. The results indicate that Ni addition has no significant influence on the strength, hardness, and elongation but improves the low‐temperature impact toughness and reduces the weight loss due to the decrease in spalling wear. In addition, composite addition of Cr and Ni enhances strength, hardness, and elongation but decreases low‐temperature impact toughness. Although the weight loss of sample with the composite addition of Cr and Ni is small in the early stage of wear, the lower impact toughness results in the increase in chiseling wear, and the wear rate increases in the later stage of wear.
Voltage unbalance suppression method in distribution line by constantly installing capacitor
Authors: Fujita Yu , Kobayashi Hiroshi , Aoki Mutsumi , Uenishi Hirokazu
Published: March 2020

In recent years, a rapid spread of residential photovoltaic power systems (PVs) causes voltage imbalance in distribution systems. For this reason, it has become difficult to control voltage in distribution systems to within the allowable range. Therefore, the authors have proposed a system for suppressing the voltage unbalance using single‐phase static capacitors (SCs). The purpose of the system (SC system) is to suppress voltage imbalance by controlling single‐phase SCs in each phase, and its effect has been confirmed by the previous authors' study. On the other hand, as a result of analyzing the voltage measured on some distribution lines, the authors found that it is not necessary to control single‐phase SCs in each phase because the voltage imbalance hardly changes throughout a day. In this paper, an alternative method for suppressing the voltage imbalance by constantly installing single‐phase SCs on distribution lines is proposed in order to realize at a lower cost than the previous SC system. In addition, the authors verify the effect of the method on the actual distribution lines. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Image‐guided tumor surgery: The emerging role of nanotechnology
Authors: Wojtynek Nicholas E. , Mohs Aaron M.
Published: March 2020

Surgical resection is a mainstay treatment for solid tumors. Yet, methods to distinguish malignant from healthy tissue are primarily limited to tactile and visual cues as well as the surgeon's experience. As a result, there is a possibility that a positive surgical margin (PSM) or the presence of residual tumor left behind after resection may occur. It is well‐documented that PSMs can negatively impact treatment outcomes and survival, as well as pose an economic burden. Therefore, surgical tumor imaging techniques have emerged as a promising method to decrease PSM rates. Nanoparticles (NPs) have unique characteristics to serve as optical contrast agents during image‐guided surgery (IGS). Recently, there has been tremendous growth in the volume and types of NPs used for IGS, including clinical trials. Herein, we describe the most recent contributions of nanotechnology for surgical tumor identification.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease

Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanoscale Tools and Techniques in Surgery

Diagnostic Tools > in vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging
Tailoring nanoparticles based on boron dipyrromethene for cancer imaging and therapy
Authors: Lin Wenhai , Colombani‐Garay Daniel , Huang Ling , Duan Chunying , Han Gang
Published: March 2020

Boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY), as a traditional fluorescent dye, has drawn increasing attention because of its excellent photophysical properties like adjustable spectra and outstanding photostability. BODIPY dyes could be assembled into nanoparticles for cancer imaging and therapy via rational design. In this review, the bio‐applications of BODIPY‐containing nanoparticles are introduced in detail, such as cellular imaging, near‐infrared fluorescence imaging, computed tomography imaging, photoacoustic imaging, phototherapy, and theranostics. The construction strategies of BODIPY‐containing nanoparticles are emphasized so the review has three sections—self‐assembly of small molecules, chemical conjugation with hydrophilic compounds, and physical encapsulation. This review not only summarizes various and colorific bio‐applications of BODIPY‐containing nanoparticles, but also provides reasonable design methods of BODIPY‐containing nanoparticles for cancer theranostics.

This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > in vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging
Aspirin and the chemoprevention of cancers: A mathematical and evolutionary dynamics perspective
Authors: Komarova Natalia L. , Boland C. Richard , Goel Ajay , Wodarz Dominik
Published: March 2020

Epidemiological data indicate that long‐term low dose aspirin administration has a protective effect against the occurrence of colorectal cancer, both in sporadic and in hereditary forms of the disease. The mechanisms underlying this protective effect, however, are incompletely understood. The molecular events that lead to protection have been partly defined, but remain to be fully characterized. So far, however, approaches based on evolutionary dynamics have not been discussed much, but can potentially offer important insights. The aim of this review is to highlight this line of investigation and the results that have been obtained. A core observation in this respect is that aspirin has a direct negative impact on the growth dynamics of the cells, by influencing the kinetics of tumor cell division and death. We discuss the application of mathematical models to experimental data to quantify these parameter changes. We then describe further mathematical models that have been used to explore how these aspirin‐mediated changes in kinetic parameters influence the probability of successful colony growth versus extinction, and how they affect the evolution of the tumor during aspirin administration. Finally, we discuss mathematical models that have been used to investigate the selective forces that can lead to the rise of mismatch‐repair deficient cells in an inflammatory environment, and how this selection can be potentially altered through aspirin‐mediated interventions.

This article is categorized under:

Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Mechanistic Models

Analytical and Computational Methods > Analytical Methods

Analytical and Computational Methods > Computational Methods
The composition and technology of polychrome enamels on Chinese ruby‐backed plates identified through nondestructive micro‐X‐ray fluorescence
Authors: Norris Dana , Braekmans Dennis , Domoney Kelly , Shortland Andrew
Published: March 2020

This research presents non‐destructive analyses of Chinese enamelled copper and porcelain decorated with polychrome enamels. This study utilises two key, high‐value art works with complex enamelling in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum (London, UK) to elucidate the composition and technology of objects with ruby‐backed decoration. These plates date from early Qing dynasty and are associated with the Yongzheng (1723–1735) and early Qianlong (1735–1796) periods. The goal of this research is to investigate the hypothesis that ruby‐backed plates in these two mediums are decorated with the same enamels and possibly manufactured in mutual enamelling workshops, which is a current topic of debate among scholars. Ten different enamel colours and the gilding on each plate were analysed and evaluated with micro‐X‐ray fluorescence to study the opacifiers and pigments. The results show that the enamels on these two works utilise the same opacifier and the consistent pigments in the white, ruby, pink, green, yellow, turquoise green, and blue enamels. Compositional differences were identified in the underdrawings, purple enamels, and gilding. The results demonstrate that Chinese painted enamels and overglazes on porcelain share mutual technology in most, but not all, of the polychrome decoration, which impacts upon our knowledge of technological organisation in the manufacture of these objects. Micro‐X‐ray fluorescence has been shown to be an effective and robust technique for the nondestructive study of decorative surfaces in these two material types.
Inequivalent Goldstone hierarchies for spontaneously broken spacetime symmetries
Authors: Finelli Bernardo
Published: March 2020

Abstract

The coset construction is a powerful tool for building theories that non-linearly realize symmetries. We show that when the symmetry group is not semisimple and includes spacetime symmetries, different parametrizations of the coset space can prefer different Goldstones as essential or inessential, due to the group’s Levi decomposition. This leads to inequivalent physics. In particular, we study the theory of a scalar and vector Goldstones living in de Sitter spacetime and non-linearly realizing the Poincaré group. Either Goldstone can be seen as inessential and removed in favor of the other, yet the thery can be healthy with both kept dynamical. The corresponding coset space is the same, up to reparametrization, as that of a Minkowski brane embedded in a Minkowski bulk, but the two theories are inequivalent.
Different Rescue Approaches of Migrated Woven Endobridge (WEB) Devices: an Animal Study
Authors: Simgen Andreas , Kettner Michael , Dietrich Philipp , Tomori Toshiki , Mühl-Benninghaus Ruben , Bhogal Pervinder , Laschke Matthias W. , Menger Michael D. , Reith Wolfgang , Yilmaz Umut
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Treatment of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms using the Woven Endobridge (WEB) device has become broadly accepted. Feared complications with the potential of increased poor clinical outcome include dislocations and migration of the device. This study was carried out to determine the effectiveness of a variety of different strategies to rescue migrated WEB devices.

Methods

In a porcine model, WEB devices of different sizes (SL [single layer] 3.5 × 2mm and SL 4.0 × 3 mm, SL 8 × 5 mm and SLS 8 mm [single layer spherical]) were placed into both the subclavian and axillary arteries. A total of 32 rescue maneuvers (8 per rescue device) were performed. Small WEBs were rescued using reperfusion catheters (RC) (SOFIA Plus and JET 7), larger WEBs were rescued using dedicated rescue devices (Microsnare and Alligator). Rescue rates, times, attempts and complications were assessed.

Results

Rescue attempts of migrated WEBs were successful in all cases (100%). Rescue time (p = 0.421) and attempts (p = 0.619) of small WEBs using RCs were comparable without significant differences. Aspiration alone was not successful for larger WEBs. Rescue of larger WEBs was slightly faster (122.75 ± 41.15 s vs. 137.50 ± 54.46 s) with fewer attempts (1 vs. 1.37) when using the Microsnare compared to the Alligator device. Complications such as entrapment of the WEB in the RCs, vasospasm, perforation, or dissection were not observed.

Conclusion

Rescue of migrated WEB devices is a feasible and effective method and 100% successful rescue rates and appropriate rescue times can be achieved for small WEBs using RCs and for larger WEBs using dedicated rescue devices (Microsnare and Alligator).
Risk stratification of pulmonary toxicities in the combination of whole lung irradiation and high-dose chemotherapy for Ewing sarcoma patients with lung metastases: a review
Authors: Scobioala Sergiu , Eich Hans Theodor
Published: March 2020

Background

Whole lung irradiation (WLI) represents an important part of multimodal therapy in Ewing sarcoma (EwS) patients diagnosed with pulmonary metastases. This review discusses pulmonary toxicity in EwS patients with pulmonary metastases treated with WLI, who received different modes of high-dose chemotheray (HD-Cth).

Methods

Literature was compiled using the Cochrane Library, PubMed database, and the National Institute of Health (NIH) clinical trials register. Relevant patient information, including nature of HD-Cth, acute and late lung toxicities, and pulmonary function disorders, was selected from the above databases.

Results

Nine reports with a total of 227 patients, including 57 patients from a single randomized trial were included in this review. No acute or chronic symptomatic pulmonary toxicities were observed in patients that received WLI after HD busulfan-melphalan (HD-Bu/Mel), but 8% of these patients were diagnosed with asymptomatic restrictive lung disease. Grade 1 or 2 acute or chronic lung adverse effects were observed in up to 30% of patients that received WLI after HD treosulfan/Mel (HD-Treo/Mel) or HD etoposide (E)/Mel. Interstitial pneumonitis was present in 9% of patients treated concurrently with E/Mel and total body irradiation (TBI) with 8 Gy. Radiation doses as well as time between HD-Cth and WLI were both identified as significant risk factors for pulmonary function disorders.

Conclusion

The risk of adverse lung effects after WLI depends on several factors, including cumulative radiation dose and dose per fraction, HD-Cth regimen, and time interval between HD-Cth and WLI. A cumulative radiation dose of up to 15 Gy and a time interval of at least 60 days can potentially lead to a reduced risk of pulmonary toxicities. No evident adverse lung effects were registered in patients that received simultaneous therapy with HD-Cth and TBI. However, pulmonary function testing and lung toxicity reports were lacking for most of these patients.
Spinalanästhesieinduzierte Hypotension bei Sectio caesarea
Authors: Fantin R. , Ortner C. M. , Klein K. U. , Putz G. , Marhofer D. , Jochberger S.
Published: March 2020

Eine arterielle Hypotension nach Durchführung einer Spinalanästhesie im Rahmen einer Sectio caesarea kann maternale sowie fetale Nebenwirkungen verursachen. Aktuelle Leitlinien empfehlen eine kontinuierliche und vorzugsweise prophylaktische Anwendung von Vasopressoren, insbesondere α‑Agonisten wie Phenylephrin. Neben einer linkslateralen Uterusverschiebung wird ein „intravenous preloading“ mit Kolloiden oder ein „coloading“ mit Kristalloiden nahegelegt. Zielwert ist, den arteriellen systolischen Blutdruck ≥90 % des ermittelten Ausgangswertes zu halten bzw. einen Abfall auf <80 % des Ausgangswertes zu verhindern. Dafür wird eine prophylaktische Zufuhr von Phenylephrin via Perfusor mit verstellbarer Laufrate empfohlen. Diese sollte mit einer Dosierung von 25–50 µg/min nach intrathekaler Injektion des Lokalanästhetikums unverzüglich gestartet und nach Vitalwerten titriert werden. Schwangere mit kardialen Vorerkrankungen gilt es, präoperativ individuell zu evaluieren.
Deep model predictive flow control with limited sensor data and online learning
Authors: Bieker Katharina , Peitz Sebastian , Brunton Steven L. , Kutz J. Nathan , Dellnitz Michael
Published: March 2020

The control of complex systems is of critical importance in many branches of science, engineering, and industry, many of which are governed by nonlinear partial differential equations. Controlling an unsteady fluid flow is particularly important, as flow control is a key enabler for technologies in energy (e.g., wind, tidal, and combustion), transportation (e.g., planes, trains, and automobiles), security (e.g., tracking airborne contamination), and health (e.g., artificial hearts and artificial respiration). However, the high-dimensional, nonlinear, and multi-scale dynamics make real-time feedback control infeasible. Fortunately, these high-dimensional systems exhibit dominant, low-dimensional patterns of activity that can be exploited for effective control in the sense that knowledge of the entire state of a system is not required. Advances in machine learning have the potential to revolutionize flow control given its ability to extract principled, low-rank feature spaces characterizing such complex systems. We present a novel deep learning model predictive control framework that exploits low-rank features of the flow in order to achieve considerable improvements to control performance. Instead of predicting the entire fluid state, we use a recurrent neural network (RNN) to accurately predict the control relevant quantities of the system, which are then embedded into an MPC framework to construct a feedback loop. In order to lower the data requirements and to improve the prediction accuracy and thus the control performance, incoming sensor data are used to update the RNN online. The results are validated using varying fluid flow examples of increasing complexity.
A Systematic Review and Network‐Meta‐Analysis of Gastro‐Enteric Reconstruction Techniques Following Pancreatoduodenectomy to Reduce Delayed Gastric Emptying
Authors: Kamarajah Sivesh K. , Bundred James R. , Alessandri Giorgio , Robinson Stuart M. , Wilson Colin H. , French Jeremy J. , Pandanaboyana Sanjay
Published: March 2020

Introduction

This network meta‐analysis aimed to identify the reconstruction technique associated with lowest rates of DGE following pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) from randomised controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods

A systematic literature search of PubMed, Embase and MEDLINE databases was carried out using the PRISMA framework to identify all RCTs comparing reconstruction techniques of gastrojejunostomy after PD, with overall DGE as the primary endpoint. The primary outcome measure was overall DGE. Secondary outcomes were grade B/C DGE, duration of nasogastric tube, time to solid food intake, overall and grade B/C pancreatic fistula, bile leaks, reoperation, length of hospital stay and in‐hospital mortality.

Results

The search strategy identified eight RCTs including 761 patients. Six RCTs compared antecolic (n = 291 patients) and retrocolic Billroth II (n = 289 patients) reconstruction (n = 6 studies), and two RCTs compared antecolic Billroth II (n = 92 patients) and Roux‐en‐Y (n = 89 patients) reconstruction. Overall, antecolic Billroth II ranked best for overall and grade B/C DGE, bile leak, surgical site infection, length of stay and in‐hospital mortality. Roux‐en‐Y was best for overall and grade B/C pancreatic fistula.

Conclusion

Antecolic Billroth II gastroenteric reconstruction is associated with the lowest rates of delayed gastric emptying after PD amongst the currently available techniques of gastrojejunostomy reconstructions.
District General Hospital Surgical Capacity and Mortality Trends in Patients with Acute Abdomen in Malawi
Authors: Purcell Laura N. , Robinson Brittany , Msosa Vanessa , Gallaher Jared , Charles Anthony
Published: March 2020

Background

The burden of emergency general surgery conditions is high in sub‐Saharan Africa, and poor access to surgical care leads to poor patient outcomes. We examined the trends in mortality in patients presenting with an acute abdomen to a referral hospital.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of the prospectively collected Kamuzu Central Hospital Acute Care Surgery database was performed (January 2014 to July 2019). Bivariate analysis was conducted by year of admission. A multivariate Poisson regression was performed to identify predictors of mortality.

Results

During the study, 2509 patients with acute abdomen presented. The majority of patients presenting were transferred from outside hospitals (n = 2097, 83.9%). Mortality was highest in patients with preoperative diagnosis of peritonitis (n = 119, 22.2%), bowel obstruction (n = 214, 18.7%), and volvuli (n = 51, 18.6%). There was no difference in mortality by year, p = 0.1. On multivariate Poisson regression, there was an increased relative risk of mortality with being transferred (RR 1.31, 95% CI 1.12–1.55, p = 0.002), as well as undergoing an operation within 1–2 days (RR 1.48, 95% CI 1.16–1.87, p < 0.001) and >2 days (RR 1.46, 95% CI 1.17–1.82, p = 0.001) after presentation.

Conclusion

The majority of patients in our study who presented with an acute abdomen were transferred from district hospitals, which resulted in high mortality due to delays in surgical care. Therefore, the WHO's recommendation that the majority of district hospitals perform the Bellwether procedures does not occur in district hospitals in central Malawi. District hospitals require significant resource investment to reduce transfers needs and patient mortality.
PIWIL-2 and piRNAs are regularly expressed in epithelia of the skin and their expression is related to differentiation
Authors: Pammer Johannes , Rossiter Heidi , Bilban Martin , Eckhart Leopold , Buchberger Maria , Monschein Laura , Mildner Michael
Published: March 2020

PIWI proteins play multiple roles in germline stem cell maintenance and self-renewal. PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) associate with PIWI proteins, form effector complexes and maintain genome integrity and function in the regulation of gene expression by epigenetic modifications. Both are involved in cancer development. In this study, we investigated the expression of PIWIL-2 and piRNAs in normal human skin and epithelial tumors and its regulation during keratinocyte (KC) differentiation. Immunohistochemistry showed that PIWIL-2 was regularly expressed in the epidermis and adnexal tissue with strongest expression in sebaceous glands. Cell culture studies revealed an association of PIWIL-2 expression with the state of differentiated KC. In contrast, the PIWIL-2 expression pattern did not correlate with stem cell compartments or malignancy. piRNAs were consistently detected in KC in vitro by next-generation sequencing and the expression levels of numerous piRNAs were regulated during KC differentiation. Epidermal piRNAs were predominantly derived from processed snoRNAs (C/D-box snoRNAs), tRNAs and protein coding genes. Our data indicate that components of the PIWIL-2—piRNA pathway are present in epithelial cells of the skin and are regulated in the context of KC differentiation, suggesting a role of somatic gene regulation. However, putative roles in the maintenance of stem cell compartments or the development of malignancy in the skin were not supported by this study.
Mongolian spots as a finding in forensic examinations of possible child abuse–implications for case work
Authors: Kettner Mattias , Birngruber Christoph G. , Niess Constanze , Baz-Bartels Marco , Bunzel Lena , Verhoff Marcel A. , Lux Constantin , Ramsthaler Frank
Published: March 2020

Mongolian spots (MS) are congenital dermal conditions resulting from neural crest-derived melanocytes migration to the skin during embryogenesis. MS incidences are highly variable in different populations. Morphologically, MS present as hyperpigmented maculae of varying size and form, ranging from round spots of 1 cm in diameter to extensive discolorations covering predominantly the lower back and buttocks. Due to their coloring, which is also dependent on the skin type, MS may mimic hematoma thus posing a challenge on the physician conducting examinations of children in cases of suspected child abuse. In the present study, MS incidences and distribution, as well as skin types, were documented in a collective of 253 children examined on the basis of suspected child abuse. From these data, a classification scheme was derived to document MS and to help identify cases with a need for recurrent examination for unambiguous interpretation of initial findings alongside the main decisive factors for re-examination such as general circumstances of the initial examination (e. g., experience of the examiner, lighting conditions) and given dermatological conditions of the patient (e. g., diaper rash).
Information collected during the post-breeding season guides future breeding decisions in a migratory bird
Authors: Tolvanen Jere , Morosinotto Chiara , Forsman Jukka T. , Thomson Robert L.
Published: March 2020

Breeding habitat choice and investment decisions are key contributors to fitness in animals. Density of individuals is a well-known cue of habitat quality used for future breeding decisions, but accuracy of density cues decreases as individuals disperse from breeding sites. Used nests remain an available information source also after breeding season, but whether such information is used for breeding decisions is less well known. We experimentally investigated whether migratory, cavity-nesting pied flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca) prospect potential breeding sites after breeding season and use old nests as a cue for future breeding decisions. In late summer 2013, forest sites were assigned to four treatments: (1) sites including nest boxes with old nests of heterospecifics (tits), (2) sites including suitable but empty nest boxes, (3) sites with unsuitable nest boxes, or (4) sites without any nest boxes. In the following year, we investigated pied flycatcher habitat choice and reproductive investment according to these “past” cues while also controlling for additional information sources present during settlement. Flycatchers preferred sites where tits had been perceived to breed in the previous year, but only if great tits were also currently breeding in the site and had a relatively high number of eggs. Old flycatchers avoided sites previously treated with suitable but empty cavities, whereas young flycatchers preferred sites where tits had apparently bred in the previous year. Also egg mass, but not clutch size or clutch mass, was affected by the combination of past treatment information and current tit abundance.
Two-stage hybrid Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy as surgical strategy to reduce postoperative morbidity for high-risk patients
Authors: Bartella I. , Brinkmann S. , Fuchs H. , Leers J. , Schlößer H. A. , Bruns C. J. , Schröder W.
Published: March 2020

Background

Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy (ILE) is the standard surgical care for esophageal cancer patients but postoperative morbidity impairs quality of life and reduces long-term oncological outcome. Two-stage ILE separating the abdominal and thoracic phase into two distinct surgical procedures has proven to enhance microcirculation of the gastric conduit and therefore most likely reduces complications. However, two-stage ILE has not been evaluated systematically in selected groups of patients scheduled for this procedure. This investigation aims to demonstrate the feasibility of two-stage ILE in high-risk patients.

Patients and methods

In this retrospective analysis of data obtained from a prospective database, a consecutive series of 275 hybrid ILE (hILE) were included. Patients were divided into two groups based on one- or two-stage hILE. Postoperative complications were assessed according to ECCG (Esophageal Complication Consensus Group) criteria and compared using the Clavien–Dindo score. Indication for two-stage esophagectomy was classified as pre- or intraoperative decision.

Results

34 out of 275 patients (12.7%) underwent two-stage hILE. Patients of the two-stage group were significantly older. In 21 of 34 patients (61.8%) the decision for a two-stage procedure was made prior to esophagectomy, in 13 (38.2%) patients intraoperatively after completion of the laparoscopic gastric mobilization. The most frequent preoperative reason to select the two-stage procedure was a stenosis of the coeliac trunc and superior mesenteric artery (n = 10). The predominant cause for an intraoperative change of strategy was a laparoscopically diagnosed hepatic fibrosis/cirrhosis (n = 5).Overall morbidity and major’ complications (CD > IIIa) were comparable for both groups (11.7% in both groups). The overall anastomotic leak rate was 12.4% and was non-significant lower for the two-stage procedure.

Conclusion

Two-stage hILE is a feasible concept to individualize the surgical treatment of patients with well-defined clinical risk factors for postoperative morbidity. It can also be applied after completion of the abdominal phase of IL esophagectomy without compromising the patient safety.
Dysploidy and polyploidy trigger strong variation of chromosome numbers in the prayer-plant family (Marantaceae)
Authors: Winterfeld Grit , Ley Alexandra , Hoffmann Matthias H. , Paule Juraj , Röser Martin
Published: March 2020

Karyotype analyses in species of the family Marantaceae (550 species, 31 genera) were conducted to shed light on the reported strong variation of chromosome number and size and the occurrence of polyploidy. Special attention was paid to the alterations in basic chromosome numbers, karyotypes and ploidy levels. Taxon sampling covered the whole distribution area of Marantaceae in Africa, Asia and America. We applied mitotic chromosome counting using conventional rapid squash techniques in 43 accessions (39 species, 16 genera), evaluated literature records for 51 species and conducted karyotype analyses. Eleven different somatic chromosome numbers were found (2n = 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 33, 44, 36, 52, 65, 72). Based on the presumed basic chromosome numbers ofx = 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, this may correspond to diploid, triploid, tetraploid, pentaploid and octoploid levels, respectively. Dysploid variation, polyploidy and, to a lesser extend, hybridization may be the main factors in chromosome number evolution of the family. Our results also point to a certain degree of association with species diversification and geographical patterns.
Online sexual harassment and negative mood in Croatian female adolescents
Authors: Mitchell Kirstin , Štulhofer Aleksandar
Published: March 2020

Online sexual harassment (OSH) appears to be a relatively frequent phenomenon, particularly for older adolescents. It is also a gendered experience. Compared to their male peers, female adolescents are more likely to experience OSH and find it upsetting. This study sought to explore the role of resilience in explaining the association between online sexual harassment (OSH) and negative mood (i.e., depression and anxiety symptoms) among female adolescents. Using data from a panel sample of 477 female Croatian adolescents (age at baseline = 15.8 years; SD = 0.48) and two-wave cross-lagged path analysis, we investigated OSH, changes in depression/anxiety symptoms, association between OSH and negative mood, and the role of resilience. During the 26-month period under observation, OSH and negative mood were associated cross-sectionally, but not longitudinally. This suggests the negative mood effects of OSH exposure may be short-lived or that factors other than OSH explain changes in negative mood over time. Resilience was consistently and negatively associated with negative mood, but not OSH. In adolescent girls with low levels of resilience, OSH was associated with negative mood; no such relationship was observed among their highly resilient peers. Experiences other than OSH appear to be more pertinent in predicting symptoms of negative mood in older adolescent girls over time. Given that resilience attenuated the relationship between OSH and negative mood, efforts to increase resilience to online challenges may be more helpful than efforts to limit or control young people’s online exposure.