bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histopathological Spectrum of Hysterectomy Specimens
Authors: Gupta Anil Kumar , Gupta Isha , Suri Anil Kumar
Published: May 2020

Aims: Aim of this retrospective study, was to analyze the histopathological spectrum among women who have underwent hysterectomies at our institution.

Study Design: All hysterectomies were included in this study. Except 7 vaginal hysterectomies, all were abdominal hysterectomies. Clinical history and other relevant data were obtained from the records of Department of Pathology of medical college hospital. Formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue sections stained with haematoxylin and eosin were examined and analysed for histopathological diagnosis.

Place and Duration of Study: Study was conducted at NC medical College, Panipat India during calendar year 2019.

Methodology: A total of 480(n=480) hysterectomies received during the study period. Mean age of the patient was 40.02 years ranging from 30 to 66 years. 176 (36.5%) hysterectomy specimens did have unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and 51 (10.6%) with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.

Results: Histopathologically, most common findings in hysterectomy specimens were chronic cervicitis in 396(82.5%), uterine fibroids in 251 (52.29%), adenomyosis in 24(5.0%) and endometrial hyperplasia in 18(3.75%). A total of 144 patients (30.0%) showed corpus luteum in their ovaries; of which cystic changes occurred in 28 (5.8%) and hemorrhagic luteal cysts in 13(2.70%) patients. Fallopian tubes, were pathologically unremarkable; 7(1.45%) patients had paratubal cysts. Ovarian neoplasms were accounted for only 1(0.2%) patient.

Conclusion: Histopathological diagnosis in present study were of benign in nature, requiring no further treatment and management beyond hysterectomy. Hysterectomies were performed in patients to improve the quality of life, to alleviate symptoms and occasionally as a life-saving measure.
Performance of Drought-tolerant Varieties of Maize (Zea mays L.) under Water Deficit Stress Condition in the North Region of Cameroon
Authors: Alioum Paul Sounou , Housseini Jacques Djida , Mafouasson Tontsa Noelle Hortense
Published: May 2020

Aims: The present study aimed to assess the performance of three drought-tolerant maize genotypes (DTSTRSYNY-2 (V1), WHITE DTSTRSYN (V2) and TZL COMP.4DTF2 (V3)) developed by IITA under water deficit stress conditions.

Place and Duration of Study: Experiment was carried out at Sanguere-Paul in the Soudano-Sahelian agro-ecological zone, North region, Cameroon from September to December 2019.

Methodology: Experimental design employed was the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) of 5 treatments corresponding to different maize varieties in 2 replicates. The drought-sensitive CMS 9015 (V4) and the drought-tolerant EVDT99 QPM W (V5) maize varieties performed by IRAD was used as negative and positive controls, respectively. For each maize variety, growth and production parameters were recorded alongside the experiment and grain yield was      calculated.

Results: Results showed that the three drought-tolerant maize genotypes and the positive control maize variety assessed significantly exhibited a good performance under water stress condition regarding the growth and production traits registered compared to the negative control. Concerning growth parameters, the drought-tolerant maize varieties V1, V2 and V3 presented short anthesis-silking interval (1-1.5 day), good plant aspect, low number of dried leaves above ear (8-15 leaves) and less dead plants (1.25 -1.50 plant)compared to the controls. For V1, V2 and V3 drought-tolerant maize varieties, high yields of 3.24, 3.58 and 3.73 ton/ha, respectively, were obtained compared to the controls(1.13 ton/ha for the negative control V4 and 2.27 ton/ha for the positive control V5).

Conclusion: Thus, the three drought-tolerant maize varieties showed good performance in the Soudano-Sahelian agro-ecological zone of Cameroon and should be adopted by farmers to increase and improve the maize production in the country, even under water deficit conditions.
Determination of the Effect of Green Roofs on Indoor Temperature by the Use of Simulation in a Tropical Landscape
Authors: Nyame-Tawiah D. , Attuah L. , Koranteng C.
Published: May 2020

Aims: To use a simulation base exploration to carry out 6 scenarios of green roof construction methods to determine the most efficient in improving indoor thermal comfort.

Study Design: Simulation Design was used as the study design.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Department of Horticulture – Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology located at Kumasi-Ghana between 2016 and 2019.

Methodology: A simulation experimental setup was done to run for 1 year to cover the two seasons in Ghana. Version 5.0.2 Design Builder and Energy Plus 5.8 was used to work on 6 scenarios using leaf area indexes (LAI) of 2 and 5 as well as soil depth (thickness) of (70-150 mm), 200 mm, 300 mm and 500 mm. Also a real life experiment was done at the Department of Horticulture by constructing 9 test cells and using treatments such as Portulaca grandiflora and Setcreasea purpurea to validate the results for the simulation. The time setup for the simulation was from 12.00 am to 11.59 pm.

Results: A leaf area indexes (LAI) of 5 and soil depth of 70 mm-150 mm recorded the lowest simulated temperature ranging from 26.26°C to 29.30°C for scenario one. For scenario two, a leaf area indexes (LAI) of 5 and a soil depth of 200mm recorded the lowest significantly (P≤0.05) indoor temperature in August (26.20°C) and the highest (29.26°C) in March. In February, June and August, significant differences (P≤0.05) were achieved by leaf area indexes (LAI) 5 and soil thickness 500 mm for scenario three. January, March to July indicated significant differences (P≤0.05) between the treatments leaf area indexes (LAI) 2 and soil thickness 300 mm and leaf area indexes (LAI) 5 and soil depth of 300 mm recorded 26.32°C to 29.33°C for August and March respectively for scenario four. A soil depth of 500 mm and leaf area indexes (LAI) of 2 gave significantly (P≤0.05) low temperatures indoors all year (26.27 to 29.32°C) for scenario five and in August leaf area indexes (LAI) 5 and soil thickness of 500 mm recorded the least temperature all year for scenario six.

Conclusion: From the exploration, a soil depth of 70 mm – 150 mm and a LAI of 5, LAI of 5 and soil depth of 200 mm and LAI of 2 and soil depth of 500 mm achieved the lowest temperature and performed better in terms of temperature reduction which will lead to thermal comfort of occupants.
Protein Gel Phase Transition: Toward Superiorly Transparent and Hysteresis‐Free Wearable Electronics
Authors: Chang Qiang , He Yunfan , Liu Yuqing , Zhong Wen , Wang Quan , Lu Feng , Xing Malcolm
Published: May 2020

The next generation of wearable electronics for health monitoring, Internet‐of‐Things system, “interface‐on‐invisible,” and green energy harvesting require electrically conductive material that is superiorly transparent, negligibly hysteretic, industrially feasible, and highly stretchable. The practical potential of ionic hydrogel is challenged with obvious hysteresis and a limited sensing range due to relative delamination and viscoelastic performance. Herein, a novel liquid conductor, termed as egg white liquid, is developed from self‐liquidation of egg white hydrogel, and the liquid not only inherits the designed architecture from a hydrogel predecessor but also achieves comparable conductivity (20.4 S m−1) to the ionic hydrogel and ultrahigh transparency (up to 99.8%) . Moreover, the 3D‐printed liquid–elastomer hybrid exhibits excellent conformability, remarkable sensitivity with negligible hysteresis (0.77%), and the capability of monitoring human motions and dynamic moduli is further demonstrated. The liquid nature inspires a gesture‐controlled touchless user interface for front‐end electronic systems. Furthermore, mechanical energy harvesting and pressure sensing are evidenced by exploiting this liquid conductor into a triboelectric nanogenerator. Notably, the as‐prepared liquid via subsequent phase transition possessing superior transparency, ultralow hysteresis, economic benefit, and unique liquid phase may potentially fuel the development of a new class of wearable electronics, human–machine interface, and clean energy.
A Novel Wide‐Bandgap Polymer with Deep Ionization Potential Enables Exceeding 16% Efficiency in Ternary Nonfullerene Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Ying , Liu Delong , Lau Tsz‐Ki , Zhan Lingling , Shen Dong , Fong Patrick W. K. , Yan Cenqi , Zhang Shaoqing , Lu Xinhui , Lee Chun‐Sing , Hou Jianhui , Chen Hongzheng , Li Gang
Published: May 2020

Ternary strategies have attracted extensive attention due to their potential in improving power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of single‐junction polymer solar cells (PSCs). In this work, a novel wide bandgap polymer donor (Egopt ≈ 2.0 eV) named PBT(E)BTz with a deep highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) level (≈−5.73 eV) is designed and synthesized. PBT(E)BTz is first incorporated as the third component into the classic PBDB‐T‐SF:IT‐4F binary PSC system to fabricate efficient ternary PSCs. A higher PCE of 13.19% is achieved in the ternary PSCs with a 5% addition of PBT(E)BTz over binary PSCs (12.14%). Similarly, addition of PBT(E)BTz improves the PCE for PBDB‐T:IT‐M binary PSCs from 10.50% to 11.06%. The study shows that the improved PCE in ternary PSCs is mainly attributed to the suppressed charge carrier recombination and more balanced charge transport. The generality of PBT(E)BTz as a third component is further evidenced in another efficient binary PSC system—PBDB‐TF:BTP‐4Cl: an optimized PCE of 16.26% is realized in the ternary devices. This work shows that PBT(E)BTz possessing a deep HOMO level as an additional component is an effective ternary PSC construction strategy toward enhancing device performance. Furthermore, the ternary device with 5% PBT(E)BTz displays better thermal and light stability over binary devices.
Multiarray Nanopattern Electronic Nose (E‐Nose) by High‐Resolution Top‐Down Nanolithography
Authors: Kang Hohyung , Cho Soo‐Yeon , Ryu Jin , Choi Junghoon , Ahn Hyunah , Joo Heeeun , Jung Hee‐Tae
Published: May 2020

An electronic nose (E‐nose) is an artificial sensing device that mimics the human olfactory system using a multiarray sensor system. However, since the design and fabrication of multiarray sensing channels are significantly limited because of the requirement of time‐consuming and nonuniversal processes, the development of commercializable and high‐throughput fabrication approaches are critically required. Herein, high‐resolution top‐down lithography is developed for E‐nose fabrication for the first time. Five different metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) nanopattern channels (NiO, CuO, Cr2O3, SnO2, and WO3) are fabricated into multiarray sensors with high‐throughput using a unique lithographic approach that utilizes the sputtering of grains of the metals via low‐energy ion plasma bombardment. The nanopattern channels show i) high‐resolutions (15 nm scale), ii) high‐aspect‐ratios (11; 14 nm width and 150 nm height), and iii) ultrasmall grains (5.1 nm) with uniformity on a cm2 scale, resulting in high sensitivity toward the target analytes. The E‐nose system, which is composed of five MOS nanopattern channels, can successfully distinguish seven different hazardous analytes, including volatile organic compounds and nitrogen‐containing compounds. It is expected that this unique lithography approach can provide a simple and reliable method for commercializable channel fabrication, and the E‐noses can have further applications in real‐life situations.
Controlled Release of Stem Cell Secretome Attenuates Inflammatory Response against Implanted Biomaterials
Authors: Mohammadi Mohammadreza , Luong Jennifer Cam , Rodriguez Samuel Mathew , Cao Rui , Wheeler Ashlyn Elizabeth , Lau Hien , Li Shiri , Shabestari Sepideh Kiani , Chadarevian Jean Paul , Alexander Michael , de Vos Paul , Zhao Weian , Lakey Jonathan Robert Tod
Published: May 2020

Inflammatory response against implanted biomaterials impairs their functional integration and induces medical complications in the host's body. To suppress such immune responses, one approach is the administration of multiple drugs to halt inflammatory pathways. This challenges patient's adherence and can cause additional complications such as infection. Alternatively, biologics that regulate multiple inflammatory pathways are attractive agents in addressing the implants immune complications. Secretome of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) is a multipotent biologic, regulating the homeostasis of lymphocytes and leukocytes. Here, it is reported that alginate microcapsules loaded with processed conditioned media (pCM‐Alg) reduces the infiltration and/or expression of CD68+ macrophages likely through the controlled release of pCM. In vitro cultures revealed that alginate can dose dependently induce macrophages to secrete TNFα, IL‐6, IL‐1β, and GM‐CSF. Addition of pCM to the cultures attenuates the secretion of TNFα (p = 0.023) and IL‐6 (p < 0.0001) by alginate or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulations. Mechanistically, pCM suppressed the NfκB pathway activation of macrophages in response to LPS (p < 0.0001) in vitro and cathepsin activity (p = 0.005) in response to alginate in vivo. These observations suggest the efficacy of using MSC‐derived secretome to prevent or delay the host rejection of implants.
Structured Perovskite Light Absorbers for Efficient and Stable Photovoltaics
Authors: He Tingwei , Jiang Yuanzhi , Xing Xiangyu , Yuan Mingjian
Published: May 2020

Organic–inorganic hybrid lead‐halide perovskite materials (ABX3) have attracted widespread attention in the field of photovoltaics owing to their impressive optical and electrical properties. However, obstacles still exist in the commercialization of perovskite photovoltaics, such as poor stability, hysteresis, and human toxicity. A‐site cation engineering is considered to be a powerful tool to tune perovskite structures and the resulting optoelectronic properties. Based on the selection and combination of A‐site cations, three types of perovskite structures, i.e., 3D perovskite, reduced‐dimensional (2D/quasi‐2D) perovskite, and 2D/3D hybrid perovskite can be formed. Herein, the remarkable breakthroughs resulting from these three perovskite structures are summarized, and their corresponding properties and characteristics, as well as their intrinsic disadvantages, are highlighted. By summarizing recent research progress, a new viewpoint for improving the performance and stability of perovskite photovoltaics is provided.
Honeycomb RhI3 Flakes with High Environmental Stability for Optoelectronics
Authors: Wang Fakun , Zhang Zhuang , Zhang Yue , Nie Anmin , Zhao Wei , Wang Dong , Huang Fuqiang , Zhai Tianyou
Published: May 2020

The emerging 2D layered transition metal trihalides (MX3) have attracted extremely high interest given their exceptional structural and physical properties. Continuing to extend the library of 2D MX3 is essential for exploring new physical phenomena and enabling new functionality. Herein, the optical and electrical properties and the photodetection behavior of atomically thin RhI3 flakes exfoliated from bulk crystals are reported. This compound exhibits superior air and thermal stability, as well as thickness‐dependent bandgap from 1.1 (18L) to 1.4 eV (2L). Field‐effect transistors based on the few‐layer RhI3 flakes display n‐type semiconducting behavior with competitive mobility of 2.5 cm2 V−1 s−1 and ON/OFF current ratio of 4 × 104. Importantly, the outstanding responsivity of 11.5 A W−1 and high specific detectivity of 2 × 1010 Jones are recorded from the RhI3 photodetectors under 980 nm illumination at room temperature in air. These findings indicate a variety of potential applications of atomically thin RhI3 flakes in future 2D‐material‐based electronic and optoelectronic devices.
Underwater Superaerophobicity/Superaerophilicity and Unidirectional Bubble Passage Based on the Femtosecond Laser‐Structured Stainless Steel Mesh
Authors: Huo Jinglan , Yang Qing , Yong Jiale , Fan Peixun , Lu Yong feng , Hou Xun , Chen Feng
Published: May 2020

To control the behavior of underwater bubbles, stainless steel meshes are treated through femtosecond laser processing, and the bubble absorption, bubble interception, and unidirectional bubble passage are realized by using structured meshes. The surface of the mesh presents a micro–sub‐micro–nano trinary‐scale structure (microscale mesh wires, sub‐microripples, and nanoparticles) after one‐step laser ablation on both sides. The surface shows superhydrophilic in air and superaerophobic once immersed in water. After further modified with fluoroalkylsilane, the wettability of the sample surface is switched to be superaerophilic in water with bubble being absorbed by the sample. When a plenty of underwater bubbles arrive at the structured stainless steel mesh surface, they can be blocked by the underwater superaerophobic mesh but pass through the underwater superaerophilic mesh. In addition, after the mesh being treated only one side and further modified, it is to be Janus mesh and presents asymmetrical wettability of aerophilicity/superaerophilicity. The Janus mesh shows the unidirectional passage of underwater bubbles. Bubbles can only penetrate from aerophilic side to superaerophilic side, but be blocked from the other direction. The mesh is verified to be used to eliminate the stuck bubbles in the container.
Hyperbolic Metamaterial with Quantum Dots for Enhanced Emission and Collection Efficiencies
Authors: Kala Abhinav , Inam Faraz Ahmed , Biehs Svend‐Age , Vaity Pravin , Achanta Venu Gopal
Published: May 2020

Bright, room‐temperature stable, on‐demand, and highly directional light sources are essential for quantum optical technologies. A design methodology to enhance the emission and collection efficiencies for given collection optics is proposed and demonstrated. Hyperbolic metamaterials (HMMs) offer manipulation of local density of states to improve the emission as well as coupling of emission to high‐K modes. However, metallic losses limit the efficiencies achieved. The HMM structure designed for large, broadband Purcell enhancement with limited metallic losses as well as HMM and antenna design to optimize the collection efficiency is presented. 200 times emission enhancement is reported from CdSeS/ZnS core/shell alloyed quantum dots embedded in a planar HMM structure with cylindrical silver (Ag) patch antenna on the top. 40% collection efficiency is demonstrated for a lens with a numerical aperture of 0.9 and the emission enhancement is about an order of magnitude higher than the previous reports.
Improved Photoelectric Performance of UV Photodetector Based on ZnO Nanoparticle‐Decorated BiOCl Nanosheet Arrays onto PDMS Substrate: The Heterojunction and Ti3C2Tx MXene Conduction Layer
Authors: Ouyang Weixin , Chen Jiaxin , He Jr‐Hau , Fang Xiaosheng
Published: May 2020

Large‐area BiOCl nanosheet arrays grown on Cu substrate are transferred onto the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate, while the as‐fabricated BiOCl/PDMS photodetector (PD) yields negligible photocurrents under UV light illumination. The introduction of a Ti3C2Tx MXene conduction layer at the interface increases both the photocurrent and dark current by 2–3 orders of magnitude. But this PD suffers from a large dark current (6.7 pA), a low on–off ratio (2.4), and a long decay time (6.87 s) under 350 nm light illumination at 5 V. After the deposition of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs), the optimized PD achieves a low dark current of 86 fA, a high on–off ratio of 7996.5, and a short decay time of 0.93 s. Additionally, the elimination of the Ti3C2Tx MXene layer causes decreased photocurrent and prolonged decay time. The greatly improved photoresponse and response speed of these PDs are ascribed to the increased light absorption brought by the ZnO NPs, the improved carrier separation promoted by the ZnO–BiOCl heterojunction, and the efficient carrier pathways provided by the Ti3C2Tx MXene conduction layers. The construction of heterojunctions and introduction of conduction additives improve the photodetecting performance of these BiOCl‐based PDs, promoting their practical applications in the photoelectric devices.
Auto‐Oxidative Povarov/Aromatization Tandem Reaction of Glycine Derivatives with Enamides: Acylamino as both Activating and Leaving Group
Authors: Huang Songhai , Bao Xiazhen , Fu Ying , Zhang Yongxin , Quan Zhengjun , Huo Congde
Published: May 2020

The auto‐oxidative Povarov/aromatization tandem reaction of N‐aryl glycine derivatives with enamides yields a series of complex quinoline derivatives in good yields. The reactions are performed using only catalytic amount of Brønsted acid and O2. The acylamino group is used as both activating and leaving group to improve the reaction efficiency in this transformation.
Core‐shell microgel stabilized silver nanoparticles for catalytic reduction of aryl nitro compounds
Authors: Naseem Khalida , Begum Robina , Farooqi Zahoor H. , Wu Weitai , Irfan Ahmad
Published: May 2020

Silver nanoparticles loaded into shell of poly (styrene‐N‐isopropylmethacrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid) core shell [P (SNA‐CS)] gel particles were synthesized and analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Catalytic activity of Ag@P (SNA‐CS) particles was investigated by reducing p‐nitroaniline (p‐NA) into p‐aminoaniline (p‐AA) in the presence of sodium borohydride (NaBH4) reductant. Molecules of the substrate adsorbed on the surface of silver nanoparticles interact with borohydride ions (BH4−) to form p‐AA. Other nitroarenes like o‐nitroaniline (o‐NA), p‐nitrophenol (p‐NP) o‐nitrophenol (o‐NP), 2,4‐dinitrophenol(2,4‐DNP) were also reduced into their corresponding aryl amines using Ag@P (SNA‐CS) composite microgels as catalyst. Reported catalyst efficiently reduced the nitro aromatic compounds individually as well as simultaneously at ambient temperature. Effect of different reaction conditions (catalyst dose, concentration of NaBH4 and concentration of p‐NA) on reaction completion time, value of apparent rate constant (kapp) and reduction efficiency of the catalyst for reduction of p‐NA was also demonstrated. Ag@P (SNA‐CS) catalyst was found to be able to retain activity up to four cycles.
Knowledge gaps and risks associated with premise plumbing drinking water quality
Authors: Julien Ryan , Dreelin Erin , Whelton Andrew J. , Lee Juneseok , Aw Tiong Gim , Dean Kara , Mitchell Jade
Published: May 2020

Sustainability, water conservation, water efficiency, and green infrastructure have led to significant decreases in the quantity of water used in buildings. In addition, changes in water usage, building design, plumbing material selection, and high‐efficiency fixtures contribute to water age and potential chemical and microbiological contamination. Through a literature review and stakeholder workshop with representatives from the public and private sectors, this article explores the current state of the science on plumbing safety. Results indicate that links between water usage, design, and material selection and water quality must be established with data‐driven methods to support risk assessment and risk management decisions. Of particular interest is a better understanding of the contribution of water usage and piping materials to the proliferation of opportunistic pathogens. This article will help further efforts to evaluate these pathogenic risks, a critical need as drinking water regulations have primarily focused on exposure through ingestion.
„Was er angriff, wurde sein eigen“ – Händels Exzerpierpraxis im Horizont der Genieästhetik
Authors: Hirschmann Wolfgang
Published: May 2020

Since Edward Young's Conjectures on Original Composition published in 1759 the concept of original genius has been at the centre of considerations concerning creative processes. And George Frideric Handel's compositions were regarded not only by his contemporaries, but also by subsequent generations as an epitome of the creative power of a sublime artistic personality individualized in every sense. This image of the composer as a musical hero faltered in the course of the 19th century when it became known to what large extent Handel had taken excerpts from other composers’ works and based his own compositions on these borrowings. The argumentative tension resulting from the confrontation between claim of originality and borrowing practice can by retraced in Handel's Wirkungsgeschichte better than in any other reception history of an 18th‐century artist. Moreover it can be shown that scholarly attempts to explain Handel's art of excerption have focused on the paradigm of the original genius until our days: aesthetic contemplation turns into history of humanities. Based on a selection of symptomatic documents the following article will exemplify and discuss these issues finally sketching some consequences for the analysis and interpretation of Handel's borrowing practice against the background of ars excerpendi.
Patterns of recurrence after curative D2 resection for gastric cancer: Implications for postoperative radiotherapy
Authors: Xu Jing , Shen Li , Shui Yongjie , Yu Wei , Guo Qingqu , Yu Risheng , Wu Yulian , Wei Qichun
Published: May 2020

Background

High‐quality randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the benefit of radiotherapy (RT) in patients with radical resected gastric cancer (GC), however, utilization rates of postoperative RT remain remarkably low. Patterns, incidences, and time of recurrence provide biological bases for clinical monitoring of GC patients and guiding potential complementary therapies. Thus, the aim of this study is to understand the location of locoregional recurrence which may allow individualized RT strategies and minimize radiation‐related toxic effects.

Methods

A relatively large sample of GC patients in a single institution who had undergone curative D2 resection was retrospectively reviewed and the relevant recurrence patterns were illustrated. Independent recurrence‐related risk factors were analyzed by logistic regression analysis. New logistic regression models were further developed to predict the probability of recurrence.

Results

Overall, among 776 GC patients who had continuous and complete follow‐up data, 300 cases relapsed after curative resection. Lymphovascular invasion, lymph node metastases, and tumor stage were indicators for early recurrence. Peritoneal, regional, local, and distant recurrence initially occurred in 51 (6.6%), 151 (19.4%), 56 (7.2%), and 164 (21.1%) patients, respectively. Among patients with regional recurrence, the most common sites were lymph node stations 16a2, 8, 12, 16b1, and 9. Remnant stomach recurrence was not so prominent that it seemed reasonable to be excluded from an irradiation field for patients with negative surgical/pathologic margins.

Conclusions

For GC patients who underwent radical D2 resection, distant and regional recurrences were still common. Besides, optimizing regional control of lymph nodes outside the D2 dissected area was crucial for rational design of the RT field. Furthermore, the new logistic regression models might act as useful tools to evaluate recurrence risk and determine which patients should receive postoperative chemoradiotherapy.
Consumer preference for bio‐based batteries
Authors: Choi Youngran , Chen Kuan‐Ju , Marsh Thomas L.
Published: May 2020

Growing concern about the degradation of the environment and public health has called into question the use of conventional household batteries that are consumed and then typically discarded. Because most conventional batteries are not recycled, they end up in landfills where they decompose, potentially leaching harmful chemicals into the surrounding soil. Bio‐based batteries, which are made from agricultural by‐products, have been designed to help meet the need for household batteries while using sustainable, safe technology. This research examines the links between consumer willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) for bio‐based batteries and consumer characteristics and preferences for certain product attributes and environmentally‐friendly practices. We designed a nationwide survey and analyzed the survey data using the dichotomous‐choice contingent valuation method. The results show an increase in the estimated WTP in the Midwest and South in response to an information treatment about bio‐based batteries. Overall, U.S. consumers concerned about green production and recycling practices are willing to pay a premium for bio‐based batteries. Our results provide essential information for quantitatively assessing the potential market impact of bio‐based batteries, for developing effective management and marketing strategies to reach various consumer groups, and for efficiently establishing sustainable policies and regulations.
Diversity of Physiological and Biochemical Characters of Microdochium Fungi
Authors: Gavrilova Olga P. , Orina Aleksandra S. , Kessenikh Elizaveta D. , Gustyleva Lyudmila K. , Savelieva Elena I. , Gogina Nadezhda N. , Gagkaeva Tatiana Yu.
Published: May 2020

The biological characterization of Microdochium majus, M. nivale, and M. seminicola strains with wide geographical origins showed the diversity of their pathogenic properties and metabolite compounds, allowing them to exist in their habitats. Significant differences in the ability of Microdochium fungi to cause lesions on wheat and oat leaves were found. The intensity of symptoms depended on the species and substrate origin of the strains. On average M. seminicola strains were able to cause less leaf necrosis than M. majus and M. nivale. The volatile organic compound (VOC) profile of Microdochium fungi included 29 putative fungal metabolites. The spectrum of the identified VOCs in M. seminicola strains was much richer than that in M. majus and M. nivale strains. In addition, the strains of M. seminicola emitted at least six sesquiterpenes. Mycotoxin analysis by HPLC/MS/MS revealed that the analyzed Microdochium strains did not produce any toxic metabolites typically produced by filamentous fungi.
Suprasternal access for transcatheter aortic valve implantation: All ways lead to Rome
Authors: Saia Francesco , Leone Alessandro
Published: May 2020

Key Points

What the article teaches. Suprasternal (SS) access to the innominate artery is an easy and very safe approach for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) when transfemoral (TF) access is not feasible.

How it will impact practice. In experienced hands, SS TAVI could become the preferred alternative approach for non‐TF TAVI.

What new research/study would help answer the question posed. The hypothesis of superior safety of SS access for TAVI in comparison with other non‐TF approaches should be investigated in dedicated studies.
Role of simulators on structural training
Authors: Cilingiroglu Mehmet , Marmagkiolis Konstantinos
Published: May 2020

Key Points

Structural heart interventions are a rapidly evolving field in the treatment of complex heart diseases.

While the number of dedicated fellowship programs keep increasing, there are important limitations on the number and diversity in certain structural heart procedures.

Procedural specific simulation technology offer a safer, comprehensive and controlled training opportunity.
The bicuspid aortic valve: Still a toothy problem
Authors: Lisko John , Block Peter C.
Published: May 2020

Key Points

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an acceptable treatment alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement in selected patients with a bicuspid aortic valve.

TAVR appears to have acceptable mid‐term outcomes in patients with bicuspid aortic stenosis.

A large‐scale, randomized, clinical trial is necessary to better define the role of TAVR for patients with bicuspid aortic stenosis.
Taking the kidney to heart
Authors: Ooi Yinn Shaung , Gray William A.
Published: May 2020

Key Points

Growing evidence supports the role of Impella in the prevention of acute kidney injury in high‐risk percutaneous interventions (HR‐PCIs).

The Mehran contrast‐induced nephropathy risk score may serve as a helpful risk stratification tool in discerning patients undergoing HR‐PCI who may benefit from renal protection with Impella support.

Further research is warranted to validate this renal protection strategy.
Homogenization, Linearization, and Large‐Scale Regularity for Nonlinear Elliptic Equations
Authors: Armstrong Scott , Ferguson Samuel J. , Kuusi Tuomo
Published: May 2020

We consider nonlinear, uniformly elliptic equations with random, highly oscillating coefficients satisfying a finite range of dependence. We prove that homogenization and linearization commute in the sense that the linearized equation (linearized around an arbitrary solution) homogenizes to the linearization of the homogenized equation (linearized around the corresponding solution of the homogenized equation). We also obtain a quantitative estimate on the rate of this homogenization. These results lead to a better understanding of differences of solutions to the nonlinear equation, which is of fundamental importance in quantitative homogenization. In particular, we obtain a large‐scale C0, 1 estimate for differences of solutions—with optimal stochastic integrability. Using this estimate, we prove a large‐scale C1, 1 estimate for solutions, also with optimal stochastic integrability. Each of these regularity estimates are new even in the periodic setting. As a second consequence of the large‐scale regularity for differences, we improve the smoothness of the homogenized Lagrangian by showing that it has the same regularity as the heterogeneous Lagrangian, up to C2, 1. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Corrosion‐Free EMF Measurements of Zinc‐Based Intermetallic Compounds at Ambient Temperature
Authors: Kriegel René , Armbrüster Marc
Published: May 2020

The front cover artwork is provided by the group of Prof. Armbrüster (TU Chemnitz). The image illustrates the determination of the chemical activity of elements in intermetallic compounds by corrosion‐free EMF measurements. Read the full text of the Article at 10.1002/cphc.201901218.
2‐Formyl‐dATP as Substrate for Polymerase Synthesis of Reactive DNA Bearing an Aldehyde Group in the Minor Groove
Authors: Krömer Matouš , Brunderová Mária , Ivancová Ivana , Poštová Slavětínská Lenka , Hocek Michal
Published: May 2020

2‐Formyl‐2′‐deoxyadenosine triphosphate (dCHOATP) was synthesized and tested as a substrate in enzymatic synthesis of DNA modified in the minor groove with a reactive aldehyde group. The multistep synthesis of dCHOATP was based on the preparation of protected 2‐dihydroxyethyl‐2′‐deoxyadenosine intemediate, which was triphosphorylated and converted to aldehyde through oxidative cleavage. The dCHOATP triphosphate was a moderate substrate for KOD XL DNA polymerase, and was used for enzymatic synthesis of some sequences using primer extension (PEX). On the other hand, longer sequences (31‐mer) with higher number of modifications, or sequences with modifications at adjacent positions did not give full extension. Single‐nucleotide extension followed by PEX was used for site‐specific incorporation of one aldehyde‐linked adenosine into a longer 49‐mer sequence. The reactive formyl group was used for cross‐linking with peptides and proteins using reductive amination and for fluorescent labelling through oxime formation with an AlexaFluor647‐linked hydroxylamine.
Herbage accumulation, canopy characteristics, and nutritive value of tropical grasses in the Amazon biome
Authors: Tesk Cátia R. M. , Abreu Joadil G. , Pereira Dalton H. , Sollenberger Lynn E. , Matta Frederico de P. , Pedreira Bruno C.
Published: May 2020

Forage species diversification reduces risk associated with forage–livestock production. In the Amazon biome, an alternative is needed to ‘Marandu’ palisadegrass [Urochloa brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) R.D. Webster] because of Marandu death syndrome. Our objective was to compare herbage accumulation (HA), canopy characteristics, and nutritive value of Marandu with two alternative grasses, ‘Guará’ (Paspalum regnellii Mez) and ‘Tupi’ [Urochloa humidicola (Rendle) Morrone & Zuloaga]. During 2 yr, grasses were clipped to a 12‐cm stubble height every 28 (rainy season) or 42 d (dry season). Annual HA did not differ across years for Guará (13.7 Mg dry matter [DM] ha−1) and Tupi (12.2 Mg DM ha−1); however, Marandu HA was 30% less in the second than the first year. Marandu had greatest annual HA in the first year (15.5 Mg DM ha−1), and Guará was superior to the other grasses in the second year (13.5 Mg DM ha−1). Tupi had the least leaf proportion among grasses in both rainy and dry seasons, and its leaf proportion was greater in the dry than rainy season (715 vs. 610 g kg−1). Greatest stem proportion was observed in Tupi and the least stubble mass occurred in Guará (2000 kg DM ha−1). When differences in crude protein occurred, Tupi concentrations (80–130 g kg−1) were less than either Guará (97–157 g kg−1) or Marandu (81–139 g kg−1). Overall, Tupi and Guará HA and nutritive value support their recommendation as alternatives to Marandu monoculture in Amazon forage‐based livestock systems.
Pickering/Non‐Pickering Emulsions of Nanostructured Sulfonated Lignin Derivatives
Authors: Ghavidel Nasim , Fatehi Pedram
Published: May 2020

Sulfoethylated lignin (SEKL) polymeric surfactant and sulfoethylated lignin nanoparticles (N‐SEKL) with a size of 750±50 nm are produced by using a facile green process involving a solvent‐free reaction and acidification‐based fractionation. SEKL forms a liquid‐like conventional emulsion with low viscosity that has temporary stability (5 h) at pH 7. However, N‐SEKL forms a gel‐like, motionless, and ultra‐stable Pickering emulsion through a network of interactions between N‐SEKL particles, which creates steric hindrance among the oil droplets at pH 3. The deposition of SEKL and N‐SEKL on the oil surface is monitored by a using a quartz crystal microbalance. Experimentally, the formation of emulsions at pH 7 is found to be reversible owing to the low adsorption energy ΔE of SEKL on the oil droplet (ΔE≈15 kBT), which is determined with the help of three‐phase contact‐angle measurements. However, the high desorption energy (ΔE≈6.0×105 kBT) of N‐SEKL makes it irreversibly adsorb on the oil droplets. SEKL is too hydrophilic to attach to the oil interface (ΔE≈0) and thus does not facilitate emulsion formation at pH 11. Therefore, it is feasible to apply SEKL for the formulation of Pickering or non‐Pickering emulsions in the form of nanoparticles or polymeric surfactants, depending on the targeted application.
Highly Efficient Cleavage of Ether Bonds in Lignin Models by Transfer Hydrogenolysis over Dual‐Functional Ruthenium/Montmorillonite
Authors: Xue Zhimin , Yu Haitao , He Jing , Zhang Yibin , Lan Xue , Liu Rundong , Zhang Luyao , Mu Tiancheng
Published: May 2020

Cleavage of ether bonds is a crucial but challenging step for lignin valorization. To efficiently realize this transformation, the development of robust catalysts or catalytic systems is required. In this study, montmorillonite (MMT)‐supported Ru (denoted as Ru/MMT) is fabricated as a dual‐functional heterogeneous catalyst to cleave various types of ether bonds through transfer hydrogenolysis without using any additional acids or bases. The prepared Ru/MMT material is found to efficiently catalyze the cleavage of various lignin models and lignin‐derived phenols; cyclohexanes (fuels) and cyclohexanols (key intermediates) are the main products. The synergistic effect between electron‐enriched Ru and the acidic sites on MMT contributes to the excellent performance of Ru/MMT. Systematic studies reveal that the reaction proceeds through two possible reaction pathways, including the direct cleavage of ether bonds and the formation of intermediates with one hydrogenated benzene ring, for all examined types of ether bonds, namely, 4‐O‐5, α‐O‐4, and β‐O‐4.
Fine needle aspiration cytology of polymorphous adenocarcinoma of the salivary glands: A report of 11 patients and review of the literature
Authors: Jiménez‐Heffernan José A. , Rodríguez‐García Ana M. , González‐Peramato Pilar , López‐Ferrer Pilar , Muñoz‐Hernández Patricia , Gordillo Carlos H. , Viguer José M. , Vicandi Blanca
Published: May 2020

Background

Polymorphous adenocarcinoma (PAC) is a rare malignant tumor of the minor salivary glands. It has an infiltrative growth, variable architectural patterns, neurotropism and cellular monomorphism. Approximately 75% of the cases show a specific mutation in the protein kinase D1 (PRKD1) gene. Reflecting the rarity of the tumor and intraoral location, the cytologic experience is limited with few reported series. In this study we analyze our cytologic experience to determine if a preoperative diagnosis is possible.

Methods

A retrospective study of 11 patients with PAC in which a cytologic study was available. A review of the literature was also performed.

Results

Our study shows that PAC has relatively constant cytological features. The analysis of the cytological literature although it shows some heterogeneity, also reveals repetitive cytological findings. Smears are cellular with irregular groups some showing pseudopapillary branching morphology. Monolayered clusters and small acinar structures are also present. Most cases have small metachromatic globules embedded within the groups determining a cylindromatous pattern. Tumoral cells are small and uniform with scarce to moderate cytoplasm. Nuclei are round and oval with occasional grooves and small nucleoli.

Conclusion

PAC has characteristic cytological features that together with its location in minor salivary gland must make us consider it preoperatively. It may resemble basal cell adenoma and epithelial‐rich pleomorphic adenoma so we should be cautious in the final diagnosis. Whenever possible, the characteristic cytomorphology of PCA should make us evaluate the mutational status of PRKD1 gene since it may permit a more accurate diagnosis.
The developmental precursors of blunted cardiovascular responses to stress
Authors: Loeb Emily L. , Davis Alida A. , Narr Rachel K. , Uchino Bert N. , Kent de Grey Robert G. , Allen Joseph P.
Published: May 2020

Blunted cardiovascular responses to stress have been associated with both mental and physical health concerns. This multi‐method, longitudinal study examined the role of chronic social‐developmental stress from adolescence onward as a precursor to these blunted stress responses. Using a diverse community sample of 184 adolescents followed from age 13 to 29 along with friends and romantic partners, this study found that high levels of parental psychological control at age 13 directly predicted a blunted heart rate response and indirectly predicted blunted respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) reactivity under stress. Heart rate effects were mediated via indicators of a developing passive response style, including observational measures of withdrawal during conflict with friends and romantic partners, social disengagement, and coping with stressors by using denial. RSA effects were mediated via withdrawal during conflict with romantic partners and coping by using denial. The current findings are interpreted as suggesting a mechanism by which a key social/developmental stressor in adolescence may alter relational and ultimately physiological patterns of stress responding into adulthood.
Adolescent and Parent Perceptions about Participation in Biomedical Sexual Health Trials
Authors: Landers Sara E. , Francis Jenny K. R. , Morris Marilyn C. , Mauro Christine , Rosenthal Susan L.
Published: May 2020

Given the burden of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections among adolescents who are legal minors, it is critical that they be included in biomedical sexual health trials to ensure that new prevention and treatment interventions are safe, effective, and acceptable for their use. However, adolescents are often not well represented in clinical trials. We provide an overview of the available evidence regarding adolescent and parent willingness for adolescents to participate in biomedical sexual health trials, parental involvement in the permission‐consent process, management of differences and discord among adolescents and parents, and parental involvement throughout the study period. We also outline recommendations for current practice and areas for future research.
Are shed hair genomes the most effective noninvasive resource for estimating relationships in the wild?
Authors: Khan Anubhab , Patel Kaushalkumar , Bhattacharjee Subhadeep , Sharma Sudarshan , Chugani Anup N. , Sivaraman Karthikeyan , Hosawad Vinayak , Sahu Yogesh Kumar , Reddy Goddilla V. , Ramakrishnan Uma
Published: May 2020

Knowledge of relationships in wild populations is critical for better understanding mating systems and inbreeding scenarios to inform conservation strategies for endangered species. To delineate pedigrees in wild populations, study genetic connectivity, study genotype‐phenotype associations, trace individuals, or track wildlife trade, many identified individuals need to be genotyped at thousands of loci, mostly from noninvasive samples. This requires us to (a) identify the most common noninvasive sample available from identified individuals, (b) assess the ability to acquire genome‐wide data from such samples, and (c) evaluate the quality of such genome‐wide data, and its ability to reconstruct relationships between animals within a population.

We followed identified individuals from a wild endangered tiger population and found that shed hair samples were the most common compared to scat samples, opportunistically found carcasses, and opportunistic invasive samples. We extracted DNA from these samples, prepared whole genome sequencing libraries, and sequenced genomes from these.

Whole genome sequencing methods resulted in between 25%–98% of the genome sequenced for five such samples. Exploratory population genetic analyses revealed that these data were free of holistic biases and could recover expected population structure and relatedness. Mitochondrial genomes recovered matrilineages in accordance with long‐term monitoring data. Even with just five samples, we were able to uncover the matrilineage for three individuals with unknown ancestry.

In summary, we demonstrated that noninvasive shed hair samples yield adequate quality and quantity of DNA in conjunction with sensitive library preparation methods, and provide reliable data from hundreds of thousands of SNPs across the genome. This makes shed hair an ideal noninvasive resource for studying individual‐based genetics of elusive endangered species in the wild.
Pt‐doped NiO Nanoparticle‐Ionic Liquid Modified Electrochemical Sensor: A Powerful Approach for Determination of Epinine in the Presence of Phenylephrine as two Blood Pressure Raising Drugs
Authors: Tavana Toktam , Rezvani Ali Reza , Karimi‐Maleh Hassan
Published: May 2020

A new and progressive electroanalytical sensor was made by the incorporation of Pt‐doped NiO nanoparticle (Pt‐NiO‐NPs) into carbon paste electrode (CPE) amplified with 1‐hexyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (1H3MTFB) as a conductive binder. The Pt‐NiO‐NPs/1H3MTFB/CPE caused an extraordinary rise in the oxidation peak current of epinine (∼4.6 times) and simultaneous reduction in the oxidation over‐potential of catecholamine drug (∼120 mV). SWV method was employed to investigate the ability of Pt‐NiO‐NPs/1H3MTFB/CPE as an electroanalytical sensor in the determination of epinine in the presence of phenylephrine as two blood pressure raising drugs with ΔE=280 mV for the first time. Experimental results pertinent to SW voltammetric investigation reveal a linear relation between epinine and phenylephrine currents and drugs concentration in the rages 0.004–450 and 0.02–350 μM, respectively.
Offer virtual reality tours to attract prospects who can't make it to campus
Authors: Pavlik Amelia
Published: May 2020

A rite of passage every high school student should get to experience, regardless of economic status — that's how Carol Cutler White feels about campus tours. And that was one of the driving forces behind the virtual reality campus tour app White helped create for the University of North Carolina System.