bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perovskite Solar Cells with All‐Inkjet‐Printed Absorber and Charge Transport Layers
Authors: Schackmar Fabian , Eggers Helge , Frericks Markus , Richards Bryce S. , Lemmer Uli , Hernandez‐Sosa Gerardo , Paetzold Ulrich W.
Published: July 2020

One of the key challenges of perovskite photovoltaics is the scalable fabrication of high‐efficiency perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Not only the scalable deposition of high‐quality perovskite thin‐films itself, but also the adjacent charge extraction layers is pivotal. In this work, PSCs based on all‐inkjet‐printed absorber and extraction layers are presented, allowing for a scalable and material‐efficient deposition. The inkjet‐printed PSCs are of p–i–n‐architecture with a precursor‐based nickel oxide hole‐transport layer, a high‐quality inkjet‐printed triple‐cation (methylammonium, formamidinium, and cesium) perovskite absorber layer and a double layer electron‐transport layer of phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester and bathocuproine. The ink properties, inkjet parameters, and annealing procedure are optimized for each layer. PSCs with such inkjet‐printed absorber and charge carrier extraction layers demonstrate an efficiency of >17% with low hysteresis. Although printed in ambient atmosphere, the devices show excellent short‐term stability (40 h) even under elevated temperature (85 °C). These results are a promising next step on the way to fully inkjet‐printed perovskite solar cells, including both electrodes as well.
Period2 gene regulates diurnal changes of nasal symptoms in an allergic rhinitis mouse model
Authors: Cheng Feng‐Li , An Yun‐Fang , Han Zhuo‐Qin , Li Chao , Li Ze‐Qing , Yang Ping‐Chang , Zhao Chang‐Qing
Published: July 2020

Background

Allergic rhinitis (AR) symptoms exhibit prominent 24‐hour variations associated with the biological clock. Although endogenous glucocorticoids synchronize circadian oscillator in the nasal mucosa, the precise mechanism of AR remains unclear. Therefore, using a mouse model, we investigated the association between circadian‐clock genes and AR symptoms at various time‐points.

Methods

Based on the rhythmic secretion of corticosterone levels, we chose 2 time‐points, ZT4 (10:00 AM) and ZT16 (10:00 PM), to observe dynamic changes of nasal symptoms, immunologic responses, and circadian‐clock gene period (Per) expressions.

Results

In the AR group, nasal symptom scores at ZT4 were significantly higher than at ZT16, with a greater increase in eosinophils, mast cells, and total immunoglobulin E levels at ZT4. The scores had a negative correlation with fluctuation of corticosterone levels. T‐helper 1 (Th1) cell counts and interferon‐γ levels decreased significantly at ZT4 compared with ZT16 in the AR group, whereas Th2 cells; Th17 cells; and interleukin (IL)‐4, ‐13, and ‐17A levels increased significantly at ZT4 compared with ZT16. Furthermore, Per2 gene expression levels were attenuated at ZT4 and elevated at ZT16, but correlated negatively with Th2 and Th17 responses associated with Gata3 and Rorγt expression levels that were enhanced at ZT4 and reduced at ZT16 in the AR group.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the Per2 gene may influence diurnal variations of AR symptom severity, partially through its possible anti‐inflammatory effect on the circadian regulation of GATA3 and RORγt levels in immune cells. This further demonstrates the neural‐immune‐endocrinal mechanism of circadian rhythm in AR and sheds new light on chronotherapeutic approaches to AR.
Functionalization of Zirconium‐Based Metal–Organic Layers with Tailored Pore Environments for Heterogeneous Catalysis
Authors: Qiao Guan‐Yu , Yuan Shuai , Pang Jiandong , Rao Heng , Lollar Christina T. , Dang Dongbin , Qin Jun‐Sheng , Zhou Hong‐Cai , Yu Jihong
Published: July 2020

Intriguing properties and functions are expected to implant into metal–organic layers (MOLs) to achieve tailored pore environments and multiple functionalities owing to the synergies among multiple components. Herein, we demonstrate a facile one‐pot synthetic strategy to incorporate multiple functionalities into stable zirconium MOLs via secondary ligand pillaring. Through the combination of Zr6‐BTB (BTB=benzene‐1,3,5‐tribenzoate) layers and diverse secondary ligands (including ditopic and tetratopic linkers), 31 MOFs with multi‐functionalities were systematically prepared. Notably, a metal–phthalocyanine fragment was successfully incorporated into this Zr‐MOL system, giving rise to an ideal platform for the selective oxidation of anthracene. The organic functionalization of two‐dimensional MOLs can generate tunable porous structures and environments, which may facilitate the excellent catalytic performance of as‐synthesized materials.
A Phosphanyl‐Phosphagallene that Functions as a Frustrated Lewis Pair
Authors: Wilson Daniel W. N. , Feld Joey , Goicoechea Jose M.
Published: July 2020

Phosphagallenes (1 a/1 b) featuring double bonds between phosphorus and gallium were synthesized by reaction of (phosphanyl)phosphaketenes with the gallium carbenoid Ga(Nacnac) (Nacnac=HC[C(Me)N(2,6‐i‐Pr2C6H3)]2). The stability of these species is dependent on the saturation of the phosphanyl moiety. 1 a, which bears an unsaturated phosphanyl ring, rearranges in solution to yield a spirocyclic compound (2) which contains a P=P bond. The saturated variant 1 b is stable even at elevated temperatures. 1 b behaves as a frustrated Lewis pair capable of activation of H2 and forms a 1:1 adduct with CO2.
Single‐Molecule Analysis Determines Isozymes of Human Alkaline Phosphatase in Serum
Authors: Jiang Yu , Li Xiang , Walt David R.
Published: July 2020

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an important biomarker, as high levels of ALP in blood can indicate liver disease or bone disorders. However, current clinical blood tests only measure the total concentration of ALP but are unable to distinguish enzyme isotypes. Here, we demonstrate a novel and rapid approach to profile various ALP isozymes in blood via a single‐molecule‐analysis platform. The microarray platform provides enzyme kinetics of hundreds of individual molecules at high throughput. Using these single molecule kinetics, we characterize the different activity profiles of ALP isotypes. By analyzing both healthy and disease samples, we found the single molecule activity distribution of ALP in serum reflects the health status of patients. This result demonstrates the potential utility of the method for improving the conventional ALP test, as well as for analyzing other enzymatic biomarkers, including enzyme isotypes.
Lullabies and unconscious maternal phantasies: An exploratory and comparative study of traditional and contemporary songs
Authors: Vicente Henrique T. , Grasina Ana Alexandra G. , Vieira Cristina P. , Farate Carlos
Published: July 2020

The main purpose of this study was the identification of unconscious maternal phantasies in lullabies used by contemporary mothers and the exploration of differences and similarities with the phantasies unveiled in traditional bedtime songs, collected in ethnographic research, and used in a previous reference study. Participants included a total of 84 women aged between 22 and 47 years (M = 34.22; SD = 4.74) with children of both sexes aged 2–36 months (M = 19.01; SD = 10.79). A total of 70 songs were collected, which were the subject of content analysis and categorization by three independent judges. Data show that 54.8% of the mothers still use lullabies when they put their children to sleep, and that intergenerational transmission of songs is present through maternal lineage. As expected, regularities and differences were identified between the contents of contemporary and traditional lullabies, but regardless of variances in time and culture, both of them seem imbued by the mother's symbolic work through on the imaginary dimension of the child's (and her own's) internal object phantasies.
Progress and Perspective of Metal‐ and Covalent‐Organic Frameworks and their Derivatives for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Cui Xiang , Dong Hanghang , Chen Shuangqiang , Wu Minghong , Wang Yong
Published: July 2020

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) or covalent–organic frameworks (COFs) have gained increasing attentions due to their high surface area, tunable structure, highly ordered pores and functional composition. Besides their applications in gas adsorption and separation, hydrogen storage, optics, magnetism and drug delivery, they have been widely employed as cathodes, anodes and separators for the research and development in lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) due to the tunable structure, multi‐electron transfer, short pathway, and robust structural stability, etc. This review summarizes the general applied strategies and cases of MOF, COF and their composites as well as derivatives in LIBs. Compared to inorganic materials, the advantages of MOF/COF materials have made it possible to witness various successful cases with enhanced electrochemical performances. Moreover, this review provides some guidance for the controllable preparation and modification of MOF‐ and COF‐derived nanostructures through molecular engineering, rational design, and doping, as well as functional group modifications. In addition, we highlight timely progresses of the application of organic frameworks in LIBs, and also summarize many strategies of MOF/COF materials and their derivatives on enhancing the energy density, diffusion coefficient, rate performance and cycling stability for next‐generation LIBs with attractive features of high energy density, good rate performance, and superior cyclability.
Neuronal Compartmentalization: A Means to Integrate Sensory Input at the Earliest Stage of Information Processing?
Authors: Ng Renny , Wu Shiuan‐Tze , Su Chih‐Ying
Published: July 2020

In numerous peripheral sense organs, external stimuli are detected by primary sensory neurons compartmentalized within specialized structures composed of cuticular or epithelial tissue. Beyond reflecting developmental constraints, such compartmentalization also provides opportunities for grouped neurons to functionally interact. Here, the authors review and illustrate the prevalence of these structural units, describe characteristics of compartmentalized neurons, and consider possible interactions between these cells. This article discusses instances of neuronal crosstalk, examples of which are observed in the vertebrate tastebuds and multiple types of arthropod chemosensory hairs. Particular attention is paid to insect olfaction, which presents especially well‐characterized mechanisms of functional, cross‐neuronal interactions. These examples highlight the potential impact of peripheral processing, which likely contributes more to signal integration than previously considered. In surveying a wide variety of structural units, it is hoped that this article will stimulate future research that determines whether grouped neurons in other sensory systems can also communicate to impact information processing.
Reproducibility of graph measures at the subject level using resting‐state fMRI
Authors: Ran Qian , Jamoulle Tarik , Schaeverbeke Jolien , Meersmans Karen , Vandenberghe Rik , Dupont Patrick
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Graph metrics have been proposed as potential biomarkers for diagnosis in clinical work. However, before it can be applied in a clinical setting, their reproducibility should be evaluated.

Methods

This study systematically investigated the effect of two denoising pipelines and different whole‐brain network constructions on reproducibility of subject‐specific graph measures. We used the multi‐session fMRI dataset from the Brain Genomics Superstruct Project consisting of 69 healthy young adults.

Results

In binary networks, the test–retest variability for global measures was large at low density irrespective of the denoising strategy or the type of correlation. Weighted networks showed very low test–retest values (and thus a good reproducibility) for global graph measures irrespective of the strategy used. Comparing the test–retest values for different strategies, there were significant main effects of the type of correlation (Pearson correlation vs. partial correlation), the (partial) correlation value (absolute vs. positive vs. negative), and weight calculation (based on the raw (partial) correlation values vs. based on transformed Z‐values). There was also a significant interaction effect between type of correlation and weight calculation. Similarly as for the binary networks, there was no main effect of the denoising pipeline.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that normalized global graph measures based on a weighted network using the absolute (partial) correlation as weight were reproducible. The denoising pipeline and the granularity of the whole‐brain parcellation used to define the nodes were not critical for the reproducibility of normalized graph measures.
Light Runs Across Iron Catalysts in Organic Transformations
Authors: Zhou Wen‐Jun , Wu Xu‐Dong , Miao Meng , Wang Zhe‐Hao , Chen Liang , Shan Si‐Yi , Cao Guang‐Mei , Yu Da‐Gang
Published: July 2020

Over the past decades, organometallic complexes with precious elements, such as ruthenium and iridium, are widely used as visible‐light photoredox catalysts. Recently, more and more complexes based on earth‐abundant and inexpensive elements have been used as sensitizers in photochemistry. Although the photoexcited state lifetimes of iron complexes are typically shorter than those of traditional photosensitizers, the utilization of iron catalysts in photochemistry has sprung up owing to their abundance, low price, nontoxicity, and novel properties, including exhibiting ligand to metal charge transfer states. This concept focuses on recent advances in light‐driven iron catalysis in organic transformations, including iron/photoredox dual catalysis, light‐induced iron photoredox catalysis and light‐induced generation of active iron catalysts. The prospect for the future of this field is also discussed.
Iridium‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Hydrogenation of Indole and Benzofuran Derivatives
Authors: Ge Yao , Wang Zheng , Han Zhaobin , Ding Kuiling
Published: July 2020

Enantioselective hydrogenation of a broad spectrum of N‐, O‐, and S‐containing aromatic benzoheterocycles or nonaromatic unsaturated heterocycles has been realized by using an Ir/SpinPHOX (SpinPHOX=spiro[4,4]‐1,6‐nonadiene‐based phosphine‐oxazoline) complex as the catalyst, affording an array of the corresponding chiral benzoheterocycles (30 examples) with excellent enantioselectivities (>99 % ee in most cases) and turnover numbers up to 500.
Rin in die Kartoffeln, raus aus den Kartoffeln
Authors: Emden Markus , Hild Pitt , Kallinna Kirsten , Murer Livia
Published: July 2020

Anliegen der in loser Folge erscheinenden Versuche ist es, Impulse für chemische Versuche zu geben, die gefahrlos zu Hause mit haushaltsüblichen Gegenständen durchgeführt werden können. Sie können damit als Quelle für das gemeinsame Ausprobieren mit Kindern zuhause dienen, in Kindergärten oder an Schulen sowie zur Verwendung bei Tagen der offenen Tür. Ein Stückweit sind sie zu verstehen als Antwort auf den oft gehörten Satz: „Ach, Du bist Chemiker/in? Dann mach doch mal eben ein Experiment.“
Homogeneity testing under finite location‐scale mixtures
Authors: Chen Jiahua , Li Pengfei , Liu Guanfu
Published: July 2020

The testing problem for the order of finite mixture models has a long history and remains an active research topic. Since Ghosh & Sen (1985) revealed the hard‐to‐manage asymptotic properties of the likelihood ratio test, many successful alternative approaches have been developed. The most successful attempts include the modified likelihood ratio test and the EM‐test, which lead to neat solutions for finite mixtures of univariate normal distributions, finite mixtures of single‐parameter distributions, and several mixture‐like models. The problem remains challenging, and there is still no generic solution for location‐scale mixtures. In this article, we provide an EM‐test solution for homogeneity for finite mixtures of location‐scale family distributions. This EM‐test has nonstandard limiting distributions, but we are able to find the critical values numerically. We use computer experiments to obtain appropriate values for the tuning parameters. A simulation study shows that the fine‐tuned EM‐test has close to nominal type I errors and very good power properties. Two application examples are included to demonstrate the performance of the EM‐test.
Physical activity, health‐related quality of life, and adjuvant endocrine therapy–related symptoms in women with hormone receptor–positive breast cancer
Authors: Sheppard Vanessa B. , Dash Chiranjeev , Nomura Sarah , Sutton Arnethea L. , Franco Robert Lee , Lucas Alexander , Ross Masey , Adams‐Campbell Lucile
Published: July 2020

Background

Physical activity (PA) is recommended for women with breast cancer (BC); however, data are sparse on the association of PA with quality of life (QOL) and patient‐reported symptoms for women on adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET).

Methods

Women with hormone receptor–positive BC who were taking AET completed standardized surveys about their health‐related QOL, AET‐related symptoms, and levels of PA using validated measures. A Wald chi‐square test and an analysis of variance were used to assess associations with PA and independent variables. Generalized linear regression analyses assessed associations between PA, QOL, and AET‐related symptoms.

Results

The analytic cohort included 485 Black and White women. Black race, a high body mass index (BMI), and being on aromatase inhibitors (vs tamoxifen) were associated with lower PA in a bivariate analysis. In a multivariate analysis, lower self‐reported PA was associated with a high BMI (P = .02) and chemotherapy uptake (P = .006). Better health‐related QOL (P = .01), less severe overall AET‐related symptoms (P = .02), and less severe gynecological symptoms (P = .03) were associated with increasing levels of moderate PA.

Conclusions

Among women taking AET, moderate levels of PA may be associated with fewer medication‐related symptoms and overall better ratings of health‐related QOL. Because of the low levels of PA observed in the sample overall and particularly for Black women, identifying successful strategies to promote PA are needed.
Bulk‐immiscible AgRh Alloy Nanoparticles as a Highly Active Electrocatalyst for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Darling Albert J. , Stewart Shea , Holder Cameron F. , Schaak Raymond E.
Published: July 2020

Alloying metals can achieve enhanced kinetics for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), but most known HER alloy catalysts combine metals that are miscible in the bulk. Theoretical studies suggest that bulk‐immiscible AgRh alloys will exhibit near‐zero hydrogen binding energies, which is important for high‐performing HER catalysts. Current routes to AgRh nanoparticles yield only small quantities or require specialized setups. Here, we establish a ligand‐free, scalable synthesis of AgRh nanoparticles and demonstrate their catalytic viability for the HER under acidic conditions. AgRh nanoparticle electrodes exhibited low operating potentials with current densities of −10 and −100 mA/cm2 at overpotentials of −17 and −32 mV, respectively. The electrodes were highly durable with very little change in overpotentials required to maintain hydrogen production for 24 h and after 400 successive cycles. These results establish bulk‐immiscible AgRh alloys as promising non‐Pt HER catalysts.
Deficits in the IgG+ memory B‐cell recovery after anthracycline treatment is confined to the spleen of rhesus macaques
Authors: Lasaviciute Gintare , Bricaud Andréas L , Hellgren Fredrika , Ingelman‐Sundberg Hanna M , Eksborg Staffan , Jonker Margreet , Haanstra Krista G , Hed Myrberg Ida , Sverremark‐Ekström Eva , Loré Karin , Saghafian‐Hedengren Shanie , Nilsson Anna
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Loss of vaccine‐induced antibodies (Abs) after chemotherapy against paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is common and often necessitates re‐immunisation after cessation of treatment. Even so, some ALL survivors fail to mount or to maintain protective Abs. Germinal centres (GCs) are clusters of proliferating B cells in follicles of secondary lymphoid tissues (SLTs) formed during adaptive immune responses and the origins of long‐lived memory B and plasma cells that are the source of Abs. Furthermore, productive GC reactions depend on T follicular helper (TFH) cells. To understand why chemotherapy induces deficits in Ab responses, we examined how SLTs were affected by chemotherapy.

Methods

Rhesus macaques were infused with either three cycles of the anthracycline doxorubicin or saline, followed by immunisation with a de novo and booster antigen. Spleen and lymph nodes were removed, and memory B, bulk T and TFH cells were examined.

Results

Despite adequate GC morphology, a diminished memory and IgG+ B‐cell population along with diminished total and booster vaccine‐specific IgG‐producing memory B cells were noted in the spleens of macaques with past doxorubicin exposure compared to the saline‐treated controls (P < 0.05). Intact bulk T and TFH cells were found in the SLTs of treated macaques, which displayed higher CD40L upregulation capacity by their splenic CXCR5+ helper T cells (P < 0.01). In contrast to the spleen, the immune cell populations studied were comparable between the lymph nodes of both saline‐ and doxorubicin‐treated macaques.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the splenic memory B‐cell subset, compared to its lymph node counterpart, is more severely altered by anthracycline treatment.
Odonate species occupancy frequency distribution and abundance–occupancy relationship patterns in temporal and permanent water bodies in a subtropical area
Authors: Renner Samuel , Dalzochio Marina Schmidt , Périco Eduardo , Sahlén Göran , Suhonen Jukka
Published: July 2020

This paper investigates species richness and species occupancy frequency distributions (SOFD) as well as patterns of abundance–occupancy relationship (SAOR) in Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) in a subtropical area. A total of 82 species and 1983 individuals were noted from 73 permanent and temporal water bodies (lakes and ponds) in the Pampa biome in southern Brazil. Odonate species occupancy ranged from 1 to 54. There were few widely distributed generalist species and several specialist species with a restricted distribution. About 70% of the species occurred in <10% of the water bodies, yielding a surprisingly high number of rare species, often making up the majority of the communities. No difference in species richness was found between temporal and permanent water bodies. Both temporal and permanent water bodies had odonate assemblages that fitted best with the unimodal satellite SOFD pattern. It seems that unimodal satellite SOFD pattern frequently occurred in the aquatic habitats. The SAOR pattern was positive and did not differ between permanent and temporal water bodies. Our results are consistent with a niche‐based model rather than a metapopulation dynamic model.
Urine N‐terminal pro b‐type natriuretic peptide is predictive of heart failure‐related emergency department visits
Authors: Chen Ju‐Yi , Lee Shuenn‐Yuh , Tsai Wei‐Chuan , Lin Chia‐Yu , Shieh Meng‐Dar , Ciou Ding‐Siang
Published: July 2020

Aims

Emergency department (ED) visits for decompensated heart failure (HF) are frequent and associated with poor long‐term outcomes in patients with HF. Serum N‐terminal pro b‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) is widely used to assist diagnosis and predict clinical outcomes in HF patients. Few studies have investigated the use of urine NT‐proBNP as an HF biomarker. This study aims to assess the value of urine NT‐proBNP for predicting ED visits for decompensated HF as compared with that of serum NT‐proBNP.

Methods and results

This study included 122 HF patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (<50%). Serum and urine NT‐proBNP levels were measured. Baseline data included demographics, comorbidities, and co‐medications. Medical records were used to determine the incidence of visits to the ED for decompensated HF during the 3 months following the last visit. We observed significantly higher levels of both serum and urine NT‐proBNP in patients with subsequent ED visits than in those without. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that urine NT‐proBNP/creatinine ratio (OR, 1.031; 95% CI, 1.001–1.061; P = 0.046) but not serum NT‐proBNP was an independent factor associated with subsequent ED visits. According to receiver‐operating characteristic‑area under the curve analysis, the optimal cut‐off value of urine NT‐proBNP/creatinine ratio for predicting subsequent heart‐failure related ED visits was 0.272 pg/μg Cr (area under the curve, 0.675; P = 0.011).

Conclusions

For HF patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, a single measurement of urinary NT‐proBNP/creatinine ratio is predictive of subsequent ED visits for decompensated HF. This non‐invasive and easy measurement may be a clinically useful tool for monitoring clinical outcomes and identifying a subset of patients at higher risk of ED visits within a short time.
Young patients with heart failure: clinical characteristics and outcomes. Data from the Swedish Heart Failure, National Patient, Population and Cause of Death Registers
Authors: Basic Carmen , Rosengren Annika , Alehagen Urban , Dahlström Ulf , Edner Magnus , Fu Michael , Novak Masuma , Zverkova Sandström Tatiana , Schaufelberger Maria
Published: July 2020

Aims

The prevalence and hospitalizations of patients with heart failure (HF) aged <55 years have increased in Sweden during the last decades. We aimed to compare characteristics of younger and older patients with HF, and examine survival in patients <55 years compared with matched controls.

Methods and results

All patients ≥18 years in the Swedish Heart Failure Register from 2003 to 2014 were included. Data were merged with National Patient and Cause of Death Registers. Among 60 962 patients, 3752 (6.2%) were <55 years, and were compared with 7425 controls from the Population Register. Compared with patients ≥55 years, patients <55 years more frequently had registered diagnoses of obesity, dilated cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease, and an ejection fraction <40% (9.8% vs. 4.7%, 27.2% vs. 5.5%, 3.7% vs. 0.8%, 67.9% vs. 45.1%, respectively; all P < 0.001). One‐year all‐cause mortality was 21.2%, 4.2%, and 0.3% in patients ≥55 years, patients <55 years, and controls <55 years, respectively (all P < 0.001). Patients <55 years had a five times higher mortality risk compared with controls [hazard ratio (HR) 5.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.45–6.74]; the highest HR was in patients 18–34 years (HR 38.3, 95% CI 8.70–169; both P < 0.001). At the age of 20, the estimated life‐years lost was up to 36 years for 50% of patients, with declining estimates with increasing age.

Conclusion

Patients with HF <55 years had different comorbidities than patients ≥55 years. The highest mortality risk relative to that of controls was among the youngest patients.
Severity of subjective forgetfulness is associated with high dietary intake of copper in Japanese senior women: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Odai Tamami , Terauchi Masakazu , Suzuki Risa , Kato Kiyoko , Hirose Asuka , Miyasaka Naoyuki
Published: July 2020

This study investigated the relationship between subjective forgetfulness and the dietary intake of various nutrients in middle‐aged and senior women. A cross‐sectional study of the first‐visit records of 245 Japanese women aged 40 or over was performed. The severity of subjective forgetfulness was classified according to the Menopausal Health‐Related Quality of Life Questionnaire: none and mild (“unforgetful”) or moderate and severe (“forgetful”). Dietary consumption of nutrients was estimated using the brief‐type self‐administered diet history questionnaire. The associations between the severity of subjective forgetfulness and intake of 43 major nutrients were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analysis separately performed for two age groups: middle‐aged (40–54 years, N = 166) and senior (55 years or over, N = 79). No nutrients were found to be significantly associated with subjective forgetfulness in the middle‐aged group. In senior women, a significant positive relationship between the intake of copper and forgetfulness was found (adjusted odds ratio per 10 mg/kJ increase in copper intake: 1.25; 95% confidence interval: 1.08–1.50). Thus, high copper intake is positively associated with the severity of forgetfulness in Japanese senior women. Reducing copper consumption could help improve this symptom in this population.
Effect of ball milling on the thermal conductivity and viscosity of Indian coal fly ash nanofluid
Authors: Kanti Praveen , Sharma K. V. , Ramachandra C. G. , Minea Alina Adriana
Published: July 2020

The present study investigates the effect of ball milling on thermal conductivity and viscosity of stable nanofluid of fly ash from Indian coal. The particle size of fly ash decreased from micron size to 89, 55.5, and 11.5 nm with reduction by 55, 90, and 434 times, respectively, due to ball milling for 30, 40, and 60 hours. The surfactant Triton X‐100 was used to attain stability of 0.1% and 0.5% volume concentration of fly ash nanofluid. The samples were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and zeta potential analysis. The outcome reveals that the thermal conductivity of fly ash nanofluid increases with temperature, volume concentration, and reduction in particle size. A maximum enhancement in thermal conductivity of 11.9% with 11.5‐nm nanofluid sample and 5.4% with 89‐nm nanofluid sample for 0.5% concentration at 60°C is observed. The viscosity of fly ash nanofluid increases with concentration and varies inversely with particle size and temperature. A difference of 1.6% in viscosity is observed between the values obtained with 11.5 and 89 nm nanofluid samples for 0.5% concentration at 30°C.
Stability and thermophysical properties of fly ash nanofluid for heat transfer applications
Authors: Kanti Praveen , Sharma K. V. , Ramachandra C. G. , Panitapu Bhramara
Published: July 2020

Improving the performance of heat transfer fluids is altogether significant. The best approach for improving the thermal conductivity is the addition of nanoparticles to the base fluid. In the present study, specific heat, dynamic viscosity, and thermal conductivity of water‐based Indian coal fly ash stable nanofluid for 0.1% to 0.5% volume concentration in the temperature range of 30 to 60°C has been investigated. To evaluate an average particle diameter of 11.5 nm, the fly ash nanoparticles were characterized with scanning electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. Using zeta potential, the stability of nanofluid in the presence of surfactant Triton X‐100 was tested. Thermal conductivity and viscosity of fly ash nanofluid increased, while specific heat decreased as volume concentration increased. The effect of temperature on the fly ash nanofluid was directly proportional to its thermal conductivity and specific heat and inversely proportional to viscosity.
Carbon quantum dots‐embedded electrospun antimicrobial and fluorescent scaffold for reepithelialization in albino wistar rats
Authors: Kanagasubbulakshmi Sankaralingam , Lakshmi Krishnasamy , Kadirvelu Krishna
Published: July 2020

A prosthetic scaffold development using fluorescent nanofiber is reported for an enhanced reepithelialization in wistar albino rats. In this study, a novel approach was followed to construct the biocompatible fluorescent nanofiber that will be helpful to monitor the tissue regeneration process. Here, a multifunctional carbon quantum dots (CQDs)‐embedded electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofiber was fabricated and characterized using standard laboratory techniques. The biodegradation ability was assessed by simulated body fluid thereby analyzing porosity and water absorption capacity of the material. The fluorescent scaffold was tested for cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity using bacterial and fibroblast cells and fluorescent stability was analyzed by bioimaging of animal and bacterial cells. Tissue regeneration capability of the developed scaffold was evaluated using wistar albino rats. Unlike biomicking scaffolds, the CQDs‐embedded PAN‐based substrate has given dual support by enhancing reepithelialization without growth factors and acted as an antimicrobial agent to provide contamination free tissue regeneration. Scaffolds were examined by using histostaining techniques and scanning electron microscopy to observe the reepithelialization in the regenerated tissues. The novel approach for developing infection free soft tissue regeneration was found to be phenomenal in scaffold development.
In vitro and in vivo study on the osseointegration of BCP‐coated versus uncoated nondegradable thermoplastic polyurethane focal knee resurfacing implants
Authors: Jeuken Ralph M. , Roth Alex K. , Peters Marloes J.M. , Welting Tim J.M. , van Rhijn Lodewijk W. , Koenen Jac , Peters Ruud J.R.W. , Thies Jens C. , Emans Pieter J.
Published: July 2020

Focal knee resurfacing implants (FKRIs) are intended to treat cartilage defects in middle‐aged patients. Most FKRIs are metal‐based, which hampers follow‐up of the joint using magnetic resonance imaging and potentially leads to damage of the opposing cartilage. The purpose of this study was to develop a nondegradable thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) FKRI and investigate its osseointegration. Different surface roughness modifications and biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) coating densities were first tested in vitro on TPU discs. The in vivo osseointegration of BCP‐coated TPU implants was subsequently compared to uncoated TPU implants and the titanium bottom layer of metal control implants in a caprine model. Implants were implanted bilaterally in stifle joints and animals were followed for 12 weeks, after which the bone‐to‐implant contact area (BIC) was assessed. Additionally, 18F‐sodium‐fluoride (18F‐NaF) positron emission tomography PET/CT‐scans were obtained at 3 and 12 weeks to visualize the bone metabolism over time. The BIC was significantly higher for the BCP‐coated TPU implants compared to the uncoated TPU implants (p = .03), and did not significantly differ from titanium (p = .68). Similar 18F‐NaF tracer uptake patterns were observed between 3 and 12 weeks for the BCP‐coated TPU and titanium implants, but not for the uncoated implants. TPU FKRIs with surface modifications could provide the answer to the drawbacks of metal FKRIs.
The practical integration of a hybrid model of ultrasound‐guided peripheral venous access in a large apheresis center
Authors: Barth David , Nemec Rosaleen M. , Cho Dennis D. , Slomer Adam , Cojocari Eduard , Kim Kyuho , McLean Lianne D. , Patriquin Christopher J.
Published: July 2020

Background

Apheresis treatments require adequate venous access using peripheral intravenous (PIV) catheterization or central venous catheters (CVC). Ultrasound‐guided PIV (USGPIV) can be used to decrease the need of CVC insertions for apheresis procedures.

Method

A hybrid model of USGPIV and standard of care (SOC) for PIV access was developed. Nurses performed USGPIV on all patients considered for PIV access if felt SOC PIV access was not possible. Information was collected regarding nurses’ confidence with access, number of attempts required, site of access, complications, and need for CVC.

Results

In all, 226 PIV access attempts were made during a 2‐month period. All apheresis procedure types were represented. A total 65% were accessed by SOC and 35% by USGPIV. USGPIV was successful on first try on 90% draw/inlet access and 87% successful on first try on return access. Access above the antecubital fossa was required in 31% of USGPIV for draw/inlet veins, and 22% of return veins. Nurses’ confidence with accessing PIV was increased by USGPIV, based on 7‐point Likert scale assessments. During the recording period, 2/226 (0.9%) apheresis procedures required a CVC. In a separate cohort of only hematopoietic progenitor cell collections, CVC insertion was required in 44/238 (18.5%) patients, in 7 months prior to adoption of USGPIV and 5/152 (3.3%) patients in 7 months following adoption of USGPIV.

Conclusion

A hybrid model of using SOC and USGPIV for PIV access for apheresis procedures resulted in decreased need for CVC access, high levels of successful initial access attempts, and increased nursing confidence in PIV access.
Molecular allergen sensitization of Aspergillus fumigatus between allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and A fumigatus‐sensitized asthma in Guangzhou, Southern China
Authors: Luo Wenting , Hu Haisheng , Wu Zehong , Wei Nili , Huang Huimin , Zheng Peiyan , Liu Yong , Sun Baoqing
Published: July 2020

Background

Few studies have assessed the sensitization of mycotic allergens and Aspergillus fumigatus molecular allergens. This study aimed to investigate the relationships of A fumigatus components and mycotic allergens in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) patients and A fumigatus (Af)‐sensitized asthma patients.

Methods

Serum sIgE levels of Penicillium chrysogenum, Cladosporium herbarum, Mucor racemosus, Candida albicans, Alternaria alternata, Helminthosporium halodes, and A fumigatus allergen components (Asp f 1, Asp f 2, Asp f 3, Asp f 4, and Asp f 6) were measured via the ImmunoCAP assay in 18 ABPA and 54 Af‐sensitized asthma patients in Guangzhou city, China.

Results

94.44% of ABPA patients and 87.04% of Af‐sensitized asthma patients were co‐sensitized to at least one other fungal allergen. The positive rates of Asp f 1 (88.89% vs 59.26%, P < .05), Asp f 2 (66.67% vs 33.33%, P < .05), Asp f 4 (61.11% vs 33.33%, P < .05), and Asp f 6 (66.67% vs 14.81%, P < .001) in ABPA patients were higher than those in Af‐sensitized asthma patients. IgE levels of Asp f 1 (P < .05), Asp f 4 (P < .05), and Asp f 6 (P < .001) were higher in ABPA patients than in Af‐sensitized asthma patients. Optimal scale analysis showed that ABPA was more relevant to Af components (Cronbach's alpha = 90.7%).

Conclusion

The A fumigatus components and their relationships with various mycotic allergens were different in ABPA and Af‐sensitized asthma patients. This finding may help local doctors in the diagnosis and immunotherapy of fungal allergies.
Echo Time‐Dependence of Observed Lung T1 in Patients With Cystic Fibrosis and Correlation With Clinical Metrics
Authors: Triphan Simon M.F. , Stahl Mirjam , Jobst Bertram J. , Sommerburg Olaf , Kauczor Hans‐Ulrich , Schenk Jens‐Peter , Alrajab Abdulsattar , Eichinger Monika , Mall Marcus A. , Wielpütz Mark O.
Published: July 2020

Background

Noninvasive monitoring of early abnormalities and therapeutic intervention in cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease using MRI is important. Lung T1 mapping has shown potential for local functional imaging without contrast material. Recently, it was discovered that observed lung T1 depends on the measurement echo time (TE).

Purpose

To examine TE‐dependence of observed T1 in patients with CF and its correlation with clinical metrics.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

In all, 75 pediatric patients with CF (8.6 ± 6.1 years, range 0.1–23 years), with 32 reexamined after 1 year.

Field Strength/Sequence

Patients were examined at 1.5T using an established MRI protocol and a multiecho inversion recovery 2D ultrashort echo time (UTE) sequence for T1(TE) mapping at five TEs including TE1 = 70 μs.

Assessment

Morphological and perfusion MRI were assessed by a radiologist (M.W.) with 11 years of experience using an established CF‐MRI scoring system. T1(TE) was quantified automatically. Clinical data including spirometry (FEV1pred%) and lung clearance index (LCI) were collected.

Statistical Tests

T1(TE) was correlated with the CF‐MRI score, clinical data, and LCI.

Results

T1(TE) showed a different curvature in CF than in healthy adults: T1 at TE1 was shorter in CF (1157 ms ± 73 ms vs. 1047 ms ± 70 ms, P < 0.001), but longer at TE3 (1214 ms ± 72 ms vs. 1314 ms ± 68 ms, P < 0.001) and later TEs. The correlations of T1(TE) with patient age (ρTE1‐TE5 = −0.55, −0.44, −0.24, −0.30, −0.22), and LCI (ρTE1‐TE5 = −0.43, −0.42, −0.33, 0.27, −0.22) were moderate at ultra‐short to short TE (P < 0.001) but decreased for longer TE. Moderate but similar correlations at all TE were found with MRI perfusion score (ρTE1‐TE5 = −0.43, −0.51, −0.47, −0.46, −0.44) and FEV1pred% (ρTE1‐TE5 = +0.44, +0.44, +0.43, +0.40, +0.39) (P < 0.05).

Data Conclusion

TE should be considered when measuring lung T1, since observed differences between CF and healthy subjects strongly depend on TE. The different variation of correlation coefficients with TE for structural vs. functional metrics implies that TE‐dependence holds additional information which may help to discern effects of tissue structural abnormalities and abnormal perfusion.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy Stage

1 J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2020;52:1645–1654.
Comparison of Biparametric and Multiparametric MRI for Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer Detection With PI‐RADS Version 2.1
Authors: Tamada Tsutomu , Kido Ayumu , Yamamoto Akira , Takeuchi Mitsuru , Miyaji Yoshiyuki , Moriya Takuya , Sone Teruki
Published: July 2020

Background

Biparametric MRI (bpMRI) without dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI (DCE‐MRI) results in an elimination of adverse events, shortened examination time, and reduced costs, compared to multiparametric MRI (mpMRI). The ability of bpMRI to detect clinically significant prostate cancer (csPC) with the Prostate Imaging and Reporting Data System version 2.1 (PI‐RADS v2.1) compared to standard mpMRI has not been studied extensively.

Purpose

To compare the interobserver reliability and diagnostic performance for detecting csPC of bpMRI and mpMRI using PI‐RADS v2.1.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

In all, 103 patients with elevated prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels who underwent mpMRI and subsequent MRI‐ultrasonography fusion‐guided prostate‐targeted biopsy (MRGB) with or without prostatectomy.

Field Strength/Sequences

T2‐weighted imaging (T2WI), diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI), and DCE‐MRI at 3T.

Assessment

Three readers independently assessed each suspected PC lesion, assigning a score of 1–5 for T2WI, a score of 1–5 for DWI, and positive and negative for DCE‐MRI according to PI‐RADS v2.1 and determined the overall PI‐RADS assessment category of bpMRI (T2WI and DWI) and mpMRI (T2WI, DWI, and DCE‐MRI). The reference standard was MRGB or prostatectomy‐derived histopathology.

Statistical Testing

Statistical analysis was performed using the kappa statistic and McNemar and Delong tests.

Results

Of the 165 suspected PC lesions in 103 patients, 81 were diagnosed with csPC and 84 with benign conditions. Interobserver variability of PI‐RADS assessment category showed good agreement for bpMRI (kappa value = 0.642) and mpMRI (kappa value = 0.644). For three readers, the diagnostic sensitivity was significantly higher for mpMRI than for bpMRI (P < 0.001 to P = 0.016, respectively), whereas diagnostic specificity was significantly higher for bpMRI than for mpMRI (P < 0.001 each). For three readers, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was higher for bpMRI than for mpMRI; however, the difference was significant only for Reader 1 and Reader 3 (Reader 1: 0.823 vs. 0.785, P = 0.035; Reader 2: 0.852 vs. 0.829, P = 0.099; and Reader 3: 0.828 vs. 0.773, P = 0.002).

Data Conclusion

For detecting csPC using PI‐RADS v2.1, the interobserver reliability and diagnostic performance of bpMRI was comparable with those of mpMRI.

Level of Evidence

4

Technical Efficacy Stage

2
Conformally mapped polynomial chaos expansions for Maxwell's source problem with random input data
Authors: Georg Niklas , Römer Ulrich
Published: July 2020

Generalized Polynomial Chaos (gPC) expansions are well established for forward uncertainty propagation in many application areas. Although the associated computational effort may be reduced in comparison to Monte Carlo techniques, for instance, further convergence acceleration may be important to tackle problems with high parametric sensitivities. In this work, we propose the use of conformal maps to construct a transformed gPC basis, in order to enhance the convergence order. The proposed basis still features orthogonality properties and hence, facilitates the computation of many statistical quantities such as sensitivities and moments. The corresponding surrogate models are computed by pseudo‐spectral projection using mapped quadrature rules, which leads to an improved cost accuracy ratio. We apply the methodology to Maxwell's source problem with random input data. In particular, numerical results for a parametric finite element model of an optical grating coupler are given.
Climatology of atmospheric rivers in the Asian monsoon region
Authors: Liang Ju , Yong Yangyang
Published: July 2020

The climatology of atmospheric rivers (ARs) and their roles on precipitation extremes have been extensively researched over western North America and Europe, yet ARs in Asia, especially for those affecting the densely populated countries including Bangladesh, China, India, Thailand and Vietnam are not adequately understood. Here, the climatological characteristics of landfalling ARs, including their frequency and intensity, in the Asian monsoon region for the period 1979–2017 are investigated using the ECMWF ERA‐Interim reanalysis dataset. The inter‐annual variability of landfalling ARs associated with the combination of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Quasi‐Biennial Oscillation (QBO) is presented. The results suggest frequent AR activities over southern India, Indochina Peninsula, southern China, Korea and Japan from May to September. ARs are found to contribute up to 44% of the total summer precipitation over the coastal regions of East Asia and up to 36% in South Asia. Also, ARs are associated with up to 68% of the summer extreme precipitation amount in East Asia and 52–56% in South Asia. The connection between ARs and extreme precipitation is partly explained by the increased precipitation efficiency when ARs occur, indicating a stronger ability of the atmospheric dynamical factors to deplete moisture and generate strong precipitation. The analyses of the combined ENSO–QBO effects on ARs show that ARs in the subtropics tend to become less frequent in the years preceded by an El Niño event due to the weakening of the low‐level monsoonal flows associated with the weakened land–sea thermal contrast and upper‐level tropical easterly jet, and such modulations tend to become more significant under the easterly phase of QBO.
Key statistical characteristics of the mesoscale convective systems generated over the Tibetan Plateau and their relationship to precipitation and southwest vortices
Authors: Mai Zi , Fu Shen‐Ming , Sun Jian‐Hua , Hu Liang , Wang Xiu‐ming
Published: July 2020

Based on hourly geostationary satellite temperature‐of‐black‐body data, 9,754 mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) are found to form over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) during 16 warm seasons. In the whole study period, neither the occurrence numbers of these MCSs nor their other key characteristics are found to have a significant trend of increasing/decreasing. The MCSs can form anywhere over the TP, and ~6.6% of them can move eastward and vacate the TP (defined as the eastward‐moving type [EMT]). The EMTs' mean occurrence frequency and lifespan are ~0.3 per day and ~12.0 hr, respectively. Compared to the MCSs that do not vacate the TP, the EMTs usually have stronger intensity, longer lifespan, and develop more rapidly but generate in a drier environment. The vacating stage of an EMT usually begins in the latter half of its lifespan, and an EMT tends to reach its maximum cloud area when it is about to vacate the TP. After vacating the TP, an EMT usually weakens at first and then enhances again. Vorticity budget indicates that the convergence‐related horizontal shrinking and the convection‐related vertical vorticity transport govern the cyclonic‐vorticity increase/maintenance associated with the longer‐lived EMTs. Of all the EMTs, only ~8% are associated with southwest vortices (SWVs), and the precipitation related to these EMTs contributes ~20% to the local hourly heavy precipitation. Compared to the EMTs that are not related to SWVs, those that are generally vacate the TP sooner, last longer having vacated the TP, and have longer whole lifespans.