bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outstanding Low‐Temperature Performance of Structure‐Controlled Graphene Anode Based on Surface‐Controlled Charge Storage Mechanism
Authors: Lee Michael J. , Lee Kyungbin , Lim Jeonghoon , Li Mochen , Noda Suguru , Kwon Seok Joon , DeMattia Brianne , Lee Byeongyong , Lee Seung Woo
Published: January 2021

The energy and power performance of lithium (Li)‐ion batteries is significantly reduced at low‐temperature conditions, which is mainly due to the slow diffusion of Li‐ions in graphite anode. Here, it is demonstrated that the effective utilization of the surface‐controlled charge storage mechanism through the transition from layered graphite to 3D crumpled graphene (CG) dramatically improves the Li‐ion charge storage kinetics and structural stability at low‐temperature conditions. The structure‐controlled CG anode prepared via a one‐step aerosol drying process shows a remarkable rate‐capability by delivering ≈206 mAh g–1 at a high current density of 10 A g–1 at room temperature. At an extremely low temperature of −40 °C, CG anode still exhibits a high capacity of ≈154 mAh g–1 at 0.01 A g–1 with excellent rate‐capability and cycling stability. A combination of electrochemical studies and density functional theory (DFT) reveals that the superior performance of CG anode stems from the dominant surface‐controlled charge storage mechanism at various defect sites. This study establishes the effective utilization of the surface‐controlled charge storage mechanism through structure‐controlled graphene as a promising strategy to improve the charge storage kinetics and stability under low‐temperature conditions.
Advances in Micro/Nanoporous Membranes for Biomedical Engineering
Authors: Sun Meilin , Han Kai , Hu Rui , Liu Dan , Fu Wenzhu , Liu Wenming
Published: January 2021

Porous membrane materials at the micro/nanoscale have exhibited practical and potential value for extensive biological and medical applications associated with filtration and isolation, cell separation and sorting, micro‐arrangement, in‐vitro tissue reconstruction, high‐throughput manipulation and analysis, and real‐time sensing. Herein, an overview of technological development of micro/nanoporous membranes (M/N‐PMs) is provided. Various membrane types and the progress documented in membrane fabrication techniques, including the electrochemical‐etching, laser‐based technology, microcontact printing, electron beam lithography, imprinting, capillary force lithography, spin coating, and microfluidic molding are described. Their key features, achievements, and limitations associated with micro/nanoporous membrane (M/N‐PM) preparation are discussed. The recently popularized applications of M/N‐PMs in biomedical engineering involving the separation of cells and biomolecules, bioparticle operations, biomimicking, micropatterning, bioassay, and biosensing are explored too. Finally, the challenges that need to be overcome for M/N‐PM fabrication and future applications are highlighted.
Photophysics of 2D Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Lead Halide Perovskites: Progress, Debates, and Challenges
Authors: Gan Zhixing , Cheng Yingchun , Chen Weijian , Loh Kian Ping , Jia Baohua , Wen Xiaoming
Published: January 2021

2D organic–inorganic hybrid Ruddlesden–Popper perovskites (RPPs) have recently attracted increasing attention due to their excellent environmental stability, high degree of electronic tunability, and natural multiquantum‐well structures. Although there is a rapid development of photoelectronic applications in solar cells, photodetectors, light emitting diodes (LEDs), and lasers based on 2D RPPs, the state‐of‐the‐art performance is far inferior to that of the existing devices because of the limited understanding on fundamental physics, especially special photophysics in carrier dynamics, excitonic fine structures, excitonic quasiparticles, and spin‐related effect. Thus, there is still plenty of room to improve the performances of photoelectronic devices based on 2D RPPs by enhancing knowledge on fundamental photophysics. This review highlights the special photophysics of 2D RPPs that is fundamentally different from the conventional 3D congeners. It also provides the most recent progress, debates, challenges, prospects, and in‐depth understanding of photophysics in 2D perovskites, which is significant for not only boosting performance of solar cells, LEDs, photodetectors, but also future development of applications in lasers, spintronics, quantum information, and integrated photonic chips.
Highly Accessible Atomically Dispersed Fe‐Nx Sites Electrocatalyst for Proton‐Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell
Authors: Guo Jianing , Li Bingjie , Zhang Qiyu , Liu Qingtao , Wang Zelin , Zhao Yufei , Shui Jianglan , Xiang Zhonghua
Published: January 2021

Atomically dispersed transition metal‐Nx sites have emerged as a frontier for electrocatalysis because of the maximized atom utilization. However, there is still the problem that the reactant is difficult to reach active sites inside the catalytic layer in the practical proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) testing, resulting in the ineffective utilization of the deeply hided active sites. In the device manner, the favorite structure of electrocatalysts for good mass transfer is vital for PEMFC. Herein, a facile one‐step approach to synthesize atomically dispersed Fe‐Nx species on hierarchically porous carbon nanostructures as a high‐efficient and stable atomically dispersed catalyst for oxygen reduction in acidic media is reported, which is achieved by a predesigned hierarchical covalent organic polymer (COP) with iron anchored. COP materials with well‐defined building blocks can stabilize the dopants and
provide efficient mass transport. The appropriate hierarchical pore structure is proved to facilitate the mass transport of reactants to the active sites, ensuring the utilization of active sites in devices. Particularly, the structurally optimized HSAC/Fe‐3 displays a maximum power density of up to 824 mW cm−2, higher than other samples with fewer mesopores. Accordingly, this work will offer inspirations for designing efficient atomically dispersed electrocatalyst in PEMFC device.
High‐Efficacy and Polymeric Solid‐Electrolyte Interphase for Closely Packed Li Electrodeposition
Authors: Li Siyuan , Liu Qilei , Zhang Weidong , Fan Lei , Wang Xinyang , Wang Xiao , Shen Zeyu , Zang Xiaoxian , Zhao Yu , Ma Fuyuan , Lu Yingying
Published: January 2021

The industrial application of lithium metal anode requires less side reaction between active lithium and electrolyte, which demands the sustainability of the electrolyte‐induced solid‐electrolyte interface. Here, through a new diluted lithium difluoro(oxalato)borate‐based (LiDFOB) high concentration electrolyte system, it is found that the oxidation behavior of aggregated LiDFOB salt has a great impact on solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation and Li reversibility. Under the operation window of Cu/LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 full cells (rather than Li/Cu configuration), a polyether/coordinated borate containing solid‐electrolyte interphase with inner Li2O crystalline can be observed with the increasing concentration of salt, which can be ascribed to the reaction between aggregated electron‐deficient borate species and electron‐rich alkoxide SEI components. The high Li reversibility (99.34%) and near‐theoretical lithium deposition enable the stable cycling of LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2/Li cells (N/P < 2, 350 Wh kg−1) under high cutoff voltage condition of 4.6 V and lean electrolyte condition (E/C ≈ 3.2 g Ah−1).
E‐Learning Three‐Dimensional Anatomy of the Brainstem: Impact of Different Microscopy Techniques and Spatial Ability
Authors: Cappellen van Walsum Anne‐Marie van , Henssen Dylan J.H.A.
Published: January 2021

Polarized light imaging (PLI) is a new method which quantifies and visualizes nerve fiber direction. In this study, the educational value of PLI sections of the human brainstem were compared to histological sections stained with Luxol fast blue (LFB) using e‐learning modules. Mental Rotations Test (MRT) was used to assess the spatial ability. Pre‐intervention, post‐intervention, and long‐term (1 week) anatomical tests were provided to assess the baseline knowledge and retention. One‐on‐one electronic interviews after the last test were carried out to understand the students’ perceptions of the intervention. Thirty‐eight medical students, (19 female and 19 males, mean age 21.5 ± SD 2.4; median age: 21.0 years) participated with a mean MRT score of 13.2 ± 5.2 points and a mean pre‐intervention knowledge test score of 49.9 ± 11.8%. A significant improvement in both, post‐intervention and long‐term test scores occurred after learning with either PLI or LFB e‐learning module on brainstem anatomy (both P < 0.001). No difference was observed between groups in post‐intervention test scores and long‐term test scores (P = 0.913 and P = 0.403, respectively). A higher MRT‐score was significantly correlated with a higher post‐intervention test score (rk = 0.321; P < 0.05, respectively), but there was not a significant association between the MRT‐ and the long‐term scores (rk = −0.078; P = 0.509). Interviews (n = 10) revealed three major topics: Learning (brainstem) anatomy by use of e‐learning modules; The “need” of technological background information when studying brainstem sections; and Mnemonics when studying brainstem anatomy. Future studies should assess the cognitive burden of cross‐sectional learning methods with PLI and/or LFB sections and their effects on knowledge retention.
Explaining high braking indices of magnetarsSGR0501+4516 and1E2259+586 using the double magnetic‐dipole model
Authors: Yan Fang‐Zhou , Gao Zhi‐Fu , Yang Wen‐Shen , Dong Ai‐Jun
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we attribute high braking indicesn > 3of two magnetars SGR 0501+4516 and 1E 2259+586 to the decrease in their inclination angles using the double magnetic‐dipole model proposed by Hamil et al. (2016). In this model, there are two magnetic moments inside a neutron star—one is generated by the rotation effect of a charged sphere,M1, and the other is generated by the magnetization of ferromagnetically ordered material,M2. Our calculations indicate that the magnetic momentM2would evolve toward alignment with the spin axis of the two magnetars and cause their magnetic inclination angles to decrease. We also define a ratioη = M2/M1, which reflects the magnetization degree, and find that the values ofηof the two magnetars are about two orders of magnitude higher than that of rotationally powered pulsar PSR J1640‐4631 withn = 3.15(3), assuming that they have the same rate of decrease in their inclination angles.
Plasma exchange as treatment for acute fatty liver disease of pregnancy
Authors: Aabdi Mohammed , Mellagui Yassine , Ouachaou Jamal , Ounci Essad , Bkiyar Houssam , Housni Brahim
Published: January 2021

Acute fatty liver disease of pregnancy AFLP is an obstetrical emergency, with severe complications that may include death. Management of AFLP is challenging and include plasma exchange which helps to improve the prognosis for both mother and fetus and delay liver transplantation.
Determination of ingredients in packaged pharmaceutical tablets by energy dispersive X‐ray diffraction and maximum likelihood principal component analysis multivariate curve resolution‐alternating least squares with correlation constraint
Authors: Kenny Peter S. , Crews Chiaki , Fearn Tom , Speller Robert D.
Published: January 2021

Energy dispersive X‐ray diffraction (EDXRD) and maximum likelihood principal component analysis multivariate curve resolution‐alternating least squares (MLPCA‐MCR‐ALS) with correlation constraint were used to quantify the composition of packaged pharmaceutical formulations. Recorded EDXRD profiles from unpackaged and packaged samples of ternary mixtures were modelled together in order to recover the concentrations as well as the pure profiles of the constituent compounds. MLPCA was used as a data pretreatment step to MCR‐ALS, accounting for the high noise and nonconstant variance observed in the EDXRD profiles and was shown to improve the resolution accuracy of MCR‐ALS for the data set. Local correlation constraints were applied in the MCR‐ALS procedure in order to model unpackaged and packaged samples simultaneously while accounting for the matrix effect of the packaging materials. The composition of the formulations was estimated with root‐mean‐square error of prediction for each component, including paracetamol, being approximately 2.5 %w/w for unpackaged and packaged samples. Paracetamol concentration was resolved simultaneously for the unpackaged and packaged samples to a greater degree of accuracy than achieved by partial least squares regression (PLSR) when modelling the contexts separately. By modelling the effects of the packaging and incorporating accurate reference information of unpackaged samples into the resolution of packaged samples, the potential of EDXRD and MLPCA‐MCR‐ALS for the identification and quantification of packaged solid‐dosage medicine in nondestructive screening and counterfeit medicine detection has been raised.
Safeguarding Climate Targets: Hydropower Flexibility Facilities
Authors: Bauhofer Peter , Zoglauer Michael
Published: January 2021

Starting from an electricity generation from renewable sources (RESE) of 74 % today (mainly by domestic hydropower), the Austrian climate and energy policy aims not less than 100 % by 2030. The additional generation from wind power and photovoltaics will increase the requirement for reasonable seasonal flexibility. Additional highly cost and energy efficient functional units of flexible hydropower assets will play a key role to meet future system needs in all time frames and to safeguard security of supply. The basic results of this study are a useful orientation for countries with high RESE penetration targets.
A new look at old problems: Ovarian function suppression in the real world
Authors: Sella Tal , Partridge Ann H.
Published: January 2021

There is concern that the addition of ovarian function suppression to the endocrine treatment of premenopausal patients with breast cancer will increase nonadherence to treatment in this population. Although nonadherence to oral endocrine therapy was fairly high in the first year in this study, it was not worse when it was combined with endocrine therapy.
Probing the Charge Transfer in a Frustrated Lewis Pair by Resonance Raman Spectroscopy and DFT Calculations
Authors: Marques Leandro Ramos , Ando Rômulo Augusto
Published: January 2021

A classical Lewis adduct derives from a covalent bond between a Lewis acid and a base. When the adduct formation is precluded by means of steric hindrance the association of the respective acid‐base molecular system is defined as a frustrated Lewis pair (FLP). In this work, the archetypal FLP Mes3P/B(C6F5)3 was characterized for the first time by resonance Raman spectroscopy, and the results were supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The charge transfer nature of the lowest energy electronic transition, from phosphine to borane, was confirmed by the selective enhancement of the Raman bands associated to the FLP chromophore at resonance condition. Herein, we demonstrate the use of resonance Raman spectroscopy as a distinguished technique to probe the weak interaction involved in FLP chemistry.
Increased rainfall variability and nitrogen deposition accelerate succession along a common sere
Authors: Ploughe Laura W. , Smith Nicholas G. , Schuster Michael J. , Dukes Jeffrey S.
Published: January 2021

Ongoing climate change is increasing rainfall variability in many parts of the world; in particular, the heaviest rainfall events are becoming heavier. In terrestrial ecosystems, nitrogen deposition is increasing as a result of emissions from fossil fuel burning and volatilization of nitrogen‐based fertilizers. These changes in the timing and rate of resource inputs can impact plant communities by altering competitive dynamics, succession, and community composition. In many systems, these are occurring alongside successional dynamics, making it difficult to tease apart mechanisms. Here, we resampled a nitrogen by rainfall variability manipulation experiment in a restored tallgrass prairie to examine the relative role of background community dynamics and treatment effects on plant diversity. During the treatment period, nitrogen addition and increased rainfall variability reduced diversity. Here, four and five years after the treatments were halted, we found similarly low levels of diversity across all treatments—an effect driven by dominance of a tall, fast‐growing, clonal forb, Solidago canadensis. The convergence of plots toward a low diversity state suggests that all experimental communities were gradually becoming dominated by S. canadensis, including in the absence of rainfall or nitrogen treatments. In contrast to short‐term findings from the same experiment, we conclude that our treatments accelerated succession toward a tall, clonal forb‐dominated community along an existing sere, but did not fundamentally alter longer‐term community composition—a result that was only apparent several years after the conclusion of the experiment. These findings reinforce the need to interpret the results from short‐term experimental manipulations within the context of long‐term successional change.
Application of transfer function for quick estimation of gas flow parameters—A useful model‐based approach to enhancing measurements
Authors: Szukiewicz Mirosław K. , Szałek Adrian
Published: January 2021

At the core of chemical engineering, process design is fundamental to reach a goal of productivity. Axial dispersion is one of the key phenomena that can affect productivity. Therefore, its characterization is necessary for adequate modeling and designing devices. Applications of the transfer function (TF) to the derivation of a high precision model of tracer flow and, next, determination of an axial dispersion coefficient in a commercial measurement system are presented. A TF concept makes easier customization of model ideas to different systems and consequently allows for obtaining a model that matches in the best way a physical system. The method takes advantage of the efficient numerical algorithm by den Iseger, that is; inverse Laplace transform to solve the model both at the stage of model development (boundary value problem) and model application (inverse boundary value problem). As a result, a very precise model of commercial measurement instrument was developed and, next, it was employed to the determination of axial dispersion coefficients for an empty tube and packed bed. The method presented is precise in a wide range of operating conditions. The paper shows that mathematical modeling can be exploited to enhance measurements for a commercial measurement instrument, that is, unlock the system's full potential with no equipment design changes. The method is also a good alternative to computational fluid dynamics for high precision calculations—it fits experimental results better than a CFD model.
Adsorption behaviors of phenol onto gasification residual cokes with different structural and surface properties
Authors: Xu Bing , Yang Mingkun , Cao Xiaojing , Shi Changliang , Xing Baolin , Chen Lunjian , Wang Xiaojiao
Published: January 2021

With steam and CO2as gasification agents, four types of gasification cokes were prepared from lignite and anthracite to investigate the adsorption behaviors of phenol onto cokes with different structural and surface properties. The textural parameters indicated that the prepared coke samples presented specific surface areas of 155.37–573.52 m2/g and total pore volumes of 0.080–0.422 cm3/g. The presence of phenolic, carboxylic, lactonic, and basic groups in samples was identified by Boehm titration. For the same type of coal, cokes prepared by steam presented a higher surface area and pore volume, and lower concentrations of both acidic and total functional groups compared with those of cokes prepared by CO2. In the phenol adsorption tests, cokes prepared by steam showed better removal efficiency, reaching approximately 100% for 1 h of contact time. Coke samples prepared from lignite by steam presented the maximum adsorption capacity of 77.22 mg/g. The adsorption capacity increased as the concentrations of basic groups increased, but decreased with the increase in both acidic groups and the ratio of acidic to basic groups. Phenol adsorption was correctly adjusted by the pseudo‐second‐order equation, with the corresponding coefficient (R2) reaching approximately 1, and fitted with the Langmuir, Temkin, and Freundlich models.
From straight to deeply incised meandering channels: Slope impact on sinuosity of confined streams
Authors: Dente Elad , Lensky Nadav G. , Morin Efrat , Enzel Yehouda
Published: January 2021

Meandering channels and valleys are dominant landscape features on Earth. Their morphology and remnants potentially indicate past base‐level fluctuations and changing regional slopes. The prevailing presence of meandering segments in low‐slope areas somewhat confuses the physically based relationships between slope and channel meandering. This relationship underlies a fundamental debate: do incised sinuous channels actively develop during steepening of a regional slope, or do they inherit the planform of a preexisting sinuous channel through vertical incision? This question was previously explored through reconstructed evolution of meandering rivers, numerical simulations, and controlled, scaled‐down laboratory experiments. Here, we study a rare, field‐scale set of a dozen adjacent perennial channels, evolving in recent decades in a homogeneous erodible substrate in response to the Dead Sea level fall (> 30 m over 40 years). These channels are fed by perennial springs and have no drainage basin or previous fluvial history; they initiated straight and transformed into incising meandering channels following the emergence of the preexisting lake bathymetry, which resulted in increased channel lengths and regional slopes at different rates for each channel. This field setting allows testing the impact of changing regional slope on the sinuosity of a stream in the following cases: (a) relatively long and low‐gradient shelf‐like margins, (b) a sharp increase in the basinward gradient at the shelf‐slope transition, and (c) gradually steepening slopes. Under a stable and low valley slope, the channels mainly incise vertically, inheriting a preexisting sinuous pattern. When the regional slope steepens, the channels start to meander, accompanying the vertical incision. The highest sinuosity evolved in the steepest channel, which also developed the deepest and widest valley. These results emphasize the amplifying impact of steepening regional slope on sinuosity. This holds when the flow is confined and chute cutoffs are scarce.
A new species of Alopecurus (Poaceae) from Central European Russia
Authors: Agafonov V. A. , Laktionov A. P. , Alexeev Yu. E. , Mavrodiev E. V.
Published: January 2021

Alopecurus tzvelevii, a new species from Central European Russia, is described. It is closely related to A. pratensis but differs in its smaller spikelets which are brownish (not green) when mature, shorter anthers, and the distribution of hairs along the glume keel which are located along the entire glume in A. tzvelevii, but do not reach the glume tips in A. pratensis. The new species is endemic to the steppe zone of the Central Black Earth Region of European Russia. It prefers meadows with rich and wet soils, frequently with above‐average levels of salinity. The species is named in honor of Prof. Nikolai Nikolaievich Tzvelev (1925 – 2015), an outstanding Russian botanist.
Studies on the Homalomeneae (Araceae) of Borneo XXV – A remarkable new kerangas‐associated Homalomena [Chamaecladon Clade] from Sabah
Authors: Wong Sin Yeng , Jyloerica Joling , Boyce Peter C.
Published: January 2021

Homalomena portae‐inferni is described and illustrated as a new species of the Chamaecladon Clade with scintillating‐velutinous foliage restricted to lowland kerangas, and compared with the three morphologically most similar species on Borneo, and with the single other Chamaecladon species described from the Tawau Hills National Park.
A new Urospatha Schott (Araceae: Lasioideae) from the Caribbean Slope of Panama and Colombia
Authors: Croat Thomas B. , Ortiz Orlando O. , Cedeño‐Fonseca Marco , Scherberich David
Published: January 2021

Urospatha caribaea, a new foliose emergent macrophyte species from Panama and Colombia is described and illustrated. This species inhabits wetlands, along rivers or in floodplain forests in Bocas del Toro (Panama) and Necoclí (Colombia) and is related to U. sagittifolia (Rudge) Schott, a widespread species from South America. This new taxon increases the number of species in Urospatha to thirteen, most of them present in South America.
Beyond Allylic Alkylation: Applications of Trost Chemistry in Complex Molecule Synthesis
Authors: Tracy Jacob S. , Kalnmals Christopher A. , Toste F. Dean
Published: January 2021

During his fifty‐five year tenure, Prof. Barry M. Trost has made countless advancements in the fields of synthetic method development and complex molecule total synthesis. In addition to his well‐known contributions in the areas of allylic alkylation and transition metal‐catalyzed cycloisomerization reactions, Prof. Trost has developed many other useful synthetic methods as well. Although less prominent than some of his hallmark transformations, these reactions are no less significant and have enjoyed widespread adoption by the synthetic community. This review highlights many of these unsung processes – including several reduction/oxidation reactions, metal‐catalyzed alkene‐alkyne and alkyne‐alkyne couplings, phosphine‐catalyzed redox isomerizations, and methods for determining absolute stereochemistry – and their utility in the total synthesis of natural products, pharmaceuticals, and other complex bioactive molecules.
Alliance ruptures in cognitive‐behavioral therapy: A cognitive conceptualization
Authors: Okamoto Annika , Kazantzis Nikolaos
Published: January 2021

The therapeutic relationship is crucial to the ethical and effective practice of any psychotherapy. In Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) as formulated by Aaron T. Beck, the generic elements of the relationship including expressed empathy, expressions of positive regard, agreement on goals, and agreement on tasks within a therapeutic bond were considered a necessary condition for change. Alliance ruptures can therefore have a detrimental effect on therapy if left unrepaired. This article contributes to the In‐Session issue on rupture repairs by outlining the role of the alliance as a component of the therapeutic relationship in CBT and illustrates how ruptures can be identified and effectively resolved through detailed case examples. Given the central importance of using collaborative empiricism and Socratic dialogue for the therapeutic relationship in CBT, we demonstrate the distinctive role of these elements in repairing ruptures.
Involvement of ocular surface in graft‐versus‐host disease: An update from immunopathogenesis to treatment
Authors: Bruscolini Alice , Gharbiya Magda , Sacchetti Marta , Plateroti Rocco , Ralli Massimo , Moramarco Antonietta , Greco Antonio , Lambiase Alessandro
Published: January 2021

Graft‐versus‐host disease is a common complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and the ocular surface is a main target of inflammatory reaction.
Precision Dosing for Tacrolimus Using Genotypes and Clinical Factors in Kidney Transplant Recipients of European Ancestry
Authors: Al‐Kofahi Mahmoud , Oetting William S. , Schladt David P. , Remmel Rory P. , Guan Weihua , Wu Baolin , Dorr Casey R. , Mannon Roslyn B. , Matas Arthur J. , Israni Ajay K. , Jacobson Pamala A.
Published: January 2021

Genetic variation in the CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 (CYP3A4/5) genes, which encode the key enzymes in tacrolimus metabolism, is associated with tacrolimus clearance and dose requirements. Tacrolimus has a narrow therapeutic index with high intra‐ and intersubject variability, in part because of genetic variation. High tacrolimus clearance and low trough concentration are associated with a greater risk for rejection, whereas high troughs are associated with calcineurin‐induced toxicity. The objective of this study was to develop a model of tacrolimus clearance with a dosing equation accounting for genotypes and clinical factors in adult kidney transplant recipients of European ancestry that could preemptively guide dosing. Recipients receiving immediate‐release tacrolimus for maintenance immunosuppression from 2 multicenter studies were included. Participants in the GEN03 study were used for tacrolimus model development (n = 608 recipients) and was validated by prediction performance in the DeKAF Genomics study (n = 1361 recipients). Nonlinear mixed‐effects modeling was used to develop the apparent oral tacrolimus clearance (CL/F) model. CYP3A4/5 genotypes and clinical covariates were tested for their influence on CL/F. The predictive performance of the model was determined by assessing the bias (median prediction error [ME] and median percentage error [MPE]) and the precision (root median squared error [RMSE]) of the model. CYP3A5*3, CYP3A4*22, corticosteroids, calcium channel blocker and antiviral drug use, age, and diabetes significantly contributed to the interindividual variability of oral tacrolimus apparent clearance. The bias (ME, MPE) and precision (RMSE) of the final model was good, 0.49 ng/mL, 6.5%, and 3.09 ng/mL, respectively. Prospective testing of this equation is warranted.
Effect of diode laser‐assisted bleaching on the bond strength of different adhesive systems to enamel: Interfacial SEM analysis
Authors: Cevval Ozkocak Begum Busra , Aytac Bal Fatma
Published: January 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of diode laser‐assisted bleaching on the shear bond strength (SBS) of different adhesive systems to enamel and examine the adhesive enamel interface under scanning electron microscope (SEM). 180 incisor teeth were randomly divided into three bleaching groups: (1) Unbleached control group, (2) Opalescence Boost (OB) 40%, and (3) Diode laser‐assisted LaserWhite20 (LW20) 45%. After bleaching, each group was divided into two subgroups according to waiting time: immediately or 7 days' delay. The six groups were then divided into three subgroups based on the adhesive procedure: Single Bond 2 (SB2), Clearfil SE Bond (CSB), and Clearfil Universal Bond (CUB). After adhesive procedures, composite resin cylinders were bonded to the enamel surfaces. All specimens were subjected to a SBS test after 24 hr of storage in water. Data were analysed using three‐way variance analysis (p < .05). Specimens were examined under a stereomicroscope and SEM. There was a significant difference between the groups bonded immediately and 7 days after bleaching (p < .05). SB2 after 7 days showed the highest SBS values (19.24 ± 2.18), whereas CUB showed the lowest values in both bleaching treatments and control groups (10.84 ± 1.66). SEM analysis of the unbleached specimens revealed long tags and uniform hybrid layer compared OB and LW20 bleaching groups. LW20 and OB bleaching adversely affected SBS to enamel when bonded immediately. Diode laser‐assisted bleaching might be an alternative option due to the short working time but delaying bonding for 7 days after bleaching may not be enough for ideal adhesion.

Research Highlights

Bleaching agents containing high concentration hydrogen peroxide reduces the enamel bond strength of adhesive systems.

Postponing composite restorations for 7 days after bleaching may not be sufficient to achieve ideal adhesion.

Diode laser‐assisted bleaching may be preferred as an alternative bleaching method today due to its ability to shorten the operation time and cause minimal morphological changes on the enamel surface.
Outcome predictors of influenza for hospitalization and mortality in children
Authors: Ozsurekci Yasemin , Aykac Kubra , Bal Fatma , Bayhan Cihangul , Basaranoglu Sevgen T. , Alp Alpaslan , Cengiz Ali Bulent , Kara Ates , Ceyhan Mehmet
Published: January 2021

Severity of disease caused by influenza virus and the influencing factors that may be different. Moreover, the disease course actually may not be determined specifically in children because of lower seroprotection rates of children. Herein, the results clinic and outcome data of children with influenza from Turkey were reported. We present here the results from 2013 to 2017. Nasopharyngeal swab samples of the children with influenza were investigated via multiplex polymerase chain reaction. A total of 348 children were diagnosed with influenza; 143 (41.1%) were influenza A, 85 (24.4%) were influenza B, and 120 (34.5%) were mixt infection with other respiratory viruses. Fifty‐four percent of children admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) were under 2 years of age (p = .001). Having an underlying disease was detected as the main predictor for both hospitalization and ICU stay according to multiple logistic regression analysis (odds ratio [OR], 11.784: 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.212–26.643; p = .001 and OR, 4.972: 95% CI, 2.331–10.605; p = .001, respectively). Neurological symptoms most frequently seen in cases who died (44.4%; p = .02). Lymphopenia was relatively higher (55.6%) and thrombocytopenia was most frequently seen in cases who died (77.8%) with a significant ratio (p = .001). Underlying diseases was found a risk factor for influenza being hospitalized and being admitted to ICU. Children under 2 years of age and with underlying diseases should be vaccinated particularly in countries where the influenza vaccination is still not routinely implemented in the immunization schedule.

Highlights Underlying diseases is a risk factor for influenza to be hospitalized and admitted to ICU. Influenza vaccination is of great importance to prevent life‐threatening complications of influenza, particularly in children require ICU admission. The possibility to reduce the outpatient visit number by vaccination has a great impact on disease burden in addition to the underestimated crucial social benefits, as well.
LncRNA‐GAS5 related to the processes of recurrent pregnancy loss by regulating Th1/Th2 balance
Authors: Wang Miao‐Miao , Zhong Ji‐Xiang , Xiang Yuan‐Yuan
Published: January 2021

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is defined as three or more consecutive spontaneous loss of pregnancy and the reason of 50% RPL is unknown. GAS5 is a long non‐coding RNA, which has been found to be an immune responses regulator and to be relate to autoimmune diseases. However, the roles of GAS5 during the pathophysiological processes of RPL is unclear. In the present study, the levels of GAS5 were examined in the plasma and trophoblasts from 30 patients with RPL and 15 healthy controls. GAS5 was found overexpressed in patients with RPL and positively correlated with the protein levels of TNF‐α in the plasma and trophoblasts. Predicted by bioinformatics tools and confirmed by luciferase assay, GAS5 was identified to function as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) binding with miR‐140‐5p and protects TNF‐α expression in HTR‐8/SVneo cells and primary trophoblasts. Activated Naïve T cells co‐cultured with the medium from GAS5 overexpression HTR‐8/SVneo cells or primary trophoblasts exhibited Th1 bias by expression more IFN‐γ, TNF‐α and less IL‐4, IL‐10. In conclusion, GAS5 was overexpressed in the plasma and trophoblasts from RPL patients, which contributes to Th1 bias by binding with miR‐140‐5p.
AFRICA'S BUSINESS REVOLUTION HAS BEGUN
Authors: Leke Acha
Published: January 2021

The author believes that the world's businesses can help accelerate the development of Africa and improve the lives of its 1.2 billion people. The article, adapted from the author's book Africa's Business Revolution: How to Succeed in the World's Next Big Growth Market, cites extensive research from McKinsey & Company, where he is chairman of its Africa practice. He notes that the COVID‐19 crisis has accelerated the business innovations underway across Africa. The continent's population will double over the next 30 years, making Africa an exception in a world of slowing population growth. McKinsey's research shows that Africa is home to over 400 companies earning revenues of $1 billion or more and nearly 700 companies with revenue greater than $500 million. These companies are increasingly regional or pan‐African. A number of successful African companies are described, including Nigeria‐based Dangote Industries, which manufactures commodities, including cement, sugar, and flour, in massive volumes. Also, South Africa–based MTN, the mobile‐phone company with more than 200 million subscribers in 22 nations in Africa and the Middle East; and Ethiopian Airlines, which has driven an aggressive expansion strategy that nearly tripled its passenger numbers from 3.1 million in 2010 to 8.8 million in 2017.
A Modified Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Rating Scale
Authors: Grötsch Marie‐Therese , Respondek Gesine , Colosimo Carlo , Compta Yaroslau , Corvol Jean Christophe , Ferreira Joaquim , Huber Meret Koroni , Klietz Martin , Krey Lea F.M. , Levin Johannes , Jecmenica‐Lukic Milica , Macías‐García Daniel , Meissner Wassilios G. , Mir Pablo , Morris Huw , Nilsson Christer , Rowe James B. , Seppi Klaus , Stamelou Maria , van Swieten John C. , Wenning Gregor , Del Ser Teodoro , Golbe Lawrence I. , Höglinger Günter U. ,   for the Describe PSP Study Group, the ProPSP Study Group, and the Movement Disorder Society–Endorsed PSP Study Group
Published: January 2021

Background

The Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Rating Scale is a prospectively validated physician‐rated measure of disease severity for progressive supranuclear palsy. We hypothesized that, according to experts' opinion, individual scores of items would differ in relevance for patients' quality of life, functionality in daily living, and mortality. Thus, changes in the score may not equate to clinically meaningful changes in the patient's status.

Objective

The aim of this work was to establish a condensed modified version of the scale focusing on meaningful disease milestones.

Methods

Sixteen movement disorders experts evaluated each scale item for its capacity to capture disease milestones (0 = no, 1 = moderate, 2 = severe milestone). Items not capturing severe milestones were eliminated. Remaining items were recalibrated in proportion to milestone severity by collapsing across response categories that yielded identical milestone severity grades. Items with low sensitivity to change were eliminated, based on power calculations using longitudinal 12‐month follow‐up data from 86 patients with possible or probable progressive supranuclear palsy.

Results

The modified scale retained 14 items (yielding 0–2 points each). The items were rated as functionally relevant to disease milestones with comparable severity. The modified scale was sensitive to change over 6 and 12 months and of similar power for clinical trials of disease‐modifying therapy as the original scale (achieving 80% power for two‐sample t test to detect a 50% slowing with n = 41 and 25% slowing with n = 159 at 12 months).

Conclusions

The modified Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Rating Scale may serve as a clinimetrically sound scale to monitor disease progression in clinical trials and routine. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
A novel Xp11.22–22.33 deletion suggesting a possible mechanism of congenital cervical spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Liu Jingwei , Wang Kelai , Li Baomin , Yang Xiaofan
Published: January 2021

Background

Congenital cervical spinal muscular atrophy (CCSMA) is a rare, nonprogressive, neurogenic disorder characterized by symmetric arthrogryposis and motor deficits mainly confined to upper extremities. Since its first proposal by Darwish et al. 39 years ago, only few cases have ever been reported. Vascular insult to the anterior horn of cervical spinal cord during fetal development was speculated to be the cause, however, the exact pathogenesis is still not well understood.

Methods

In this study, whole‐exome sequencing (WES) and copy number variation (CNV) analysis were conducted on a definitive CCSMA patient, confirmed by the clinical manifestations and other supplementary examinations.

Results

On physical examination, the patient was mainly characterized by symmetric, congenital, nonprogressive contractures, hypotonia, and muscle weakness mainly confined to the upper limbs, which were further supported by MRI and electromyography. Neuromuscular biopsy of the deltoid muscle demonstrated the type 1 myofiber predominance without any infiltration of inflammatory cells. The WES and CNV analysis unveiled a de novo Xp11.22–22.33 deletion. On further examination of the genes contained within this segment, we recognize UBA1 gene as the most likely pathogenic gene. Ubiquitin‐like modifier activating enzyme 1 is encoded by UBA1 gene (MIM 314370) located in Xp11.3 and is a critical protein that plays a vital role in ubiquitin‐proteasome system and autophagy. It is well documented that UBA1 gene mutation causes X‐linked infantile spinal muscular atrophy (XL‐SMA), which manifests phenotypes of arthrogryposis, hypotonia, and myopathic face. Type 2 XL‐SMA, which follows a nonprogressive and nonlethal course is very similar to the presentations of CCSMA.

Conclusion

The phenotypic similarities between this CCSMA case and XL‐SMA prompt us to hypothesize a possible connection between UBA1 gene deficit and the pathogenesis of CCSMA. Our study is the first to demonstrate that CCSMA might have a genetic etiology, thus, expanding our insights into the underlying cause of CCSMA.
Acting SAMHSA head welcomed as first person in recovery in new position
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: January 2021

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced last month Tom Coderre as acting assistant secretary for mental health and substance use, citing his decades‐long experience in public, private and nonprofit service. Coderre is also the first person in recovery to lead SAMHSA.
Straying and Life History of Adult Steelhead in a Small California Coastal Stream Revealed by Otolith Natural Tags and Genetic Stock Identification
Authors: Donohoe Christopher J. , Rundio David E. , Pearse Devon E. , Williams Thomas H.
Published: January 2021

Straying has been difficult to study directly in natural steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss populations. We analyzed an opportunistic sample of seven adult steelhead from a small basin on the Big Sur coast of California to determine their life history traits, including whether they were strays. Otolith natural tags (87Sr/86Sr) and genetic stock identification indicated that all seven adults were strays from at least six different sources. Three adults strayed from nearby streams (<72 km) on the Big Sur coast, while three strayed from distant sources, including the Klamath River (680 km to the north); the source of one stray could not be identified. Six strays were progeny of steelhead mothers, but one was the offspring of a nonanadromous mother. Six were female and one was male, and all that could be genotyped were homozygous (n = 4) or heterozygous (n = 2) for the anadromy-associated haplotype in a migration-associated genomic region. While the opportunistic nature and small size of the sample prevents us from inferring the rate of straying into the basin, our study nonetheless demonstrates that steelhead may stray across greater distances than generally has been appreciated and that nonanadromous females can produce anadromous offspring that stray, thus providing connectivity among basins.
Wet‐chemistry approach for the synthesis of single phase ferromagnetic Co3C nanoparticle
Authors: Shen Xianfeng , Ma Chenwei , Suo HaiYun , Zhang Tianfu , Yan Lai , Huang Lichun , Zhou Jianqiang , Wen Xiaodong , Li Yongwang , Yang Yong
Published: January 2021

Cobalt carbides nanoparticles have great potential as novel materials in magnetic fields. However, it is difficult to synthesize single phase cobalt carbides, especially Co3C. In this paper, we propose a one‐pot wet‐chemistry approach to synthesize single phase ferromagnetic Co3C without using any alkali as nucleation solvent. The particle size of Co3C nanoparticle is about 3 nm. The magnetic properties of Co3C nanoparticles are measured at 300 K from –30 to 30 kOe. Compared with Co2C, Co3C exhibits a large saturation magnetization of 46.1 emu g–1 and a high coercivity of 1.5 kOe. Small amount of carbon and small particle size of the Co3C nanoparticle are believed to contribute to large magnetization and high coercivity. Magnetic measurements also reveal the spin glass behavior caused by the small Co3C nanoparticle at the spin freezing temperature of 43 K. This work provides a facile method to synthesize single phase Co3C nanoparticle which is applicable in magnetic field.
Detection and evaluation of the fibers' deposition parameters during wet filament winding
Authors: Hopmann Christian , Magura Nadine , Rozo Lopez Nicolas , Schneider Daniel , Fischer Kai
Published: January 2021

Wet filament winding technology has been extensively used for the manufacture of rotationally symmetric parts made of fiber‐reinforced plastics (FRP). As the design and modeling of FRP‐parts require numerous assumptions, deviations between calculated and achieved mechanical properties are expected. One aspect that contributes to this discrepancy is the assumption of a homogeneous rectangular cross‐section of the fiber‐band. In this work, the fiber‐band geometry in a wet‐winding process of carbon fiber cylinders is analyzed. An Infrared‐optical system for the detection of the fiber bandwidth and winding‐angle is implemented. The influence of the winding speed and the resin temperature is analyzed. An image processing algorithm for the automatic measurement of the fiber's bandwidth and winding‐angle is developed. Manual and adaptive gamma corrections are implemented to improve image quality. A parameter study for the suitable selection of image processing parameters is performed.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization in cystic fibrosis: Impact on neutrophil functions and cytokine secretion capacity
Authors: Aslanhan Umit , Cakir Erkan , Pur Ozyigit Leyla , Kucuksezer Umut Can , Gelmez Yusuf Metin , Yuksel Mine , Deniz Gunnur , Cetin Aktas Esin
Published: January 2021

Background

Chronic colonization with Pseudomonas (P.) aeruginosa worsens the prognosis of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. This study aims to analyze the functional properties of neutrophils in CF patients with P. aeruginosa colonization.

Methods

Patients with CF (n = 16) were grouped by positivity of P. aeruginosa in sputum culture, as positive (P.+) or negative (P.−), then compared with age and sex matched healthy controls (n = 8). Adhesion molecules, apoptotic index, intracellular CAP‐18, interleukin 8 (IL‐8), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) levels of neutrophils, following P. aeruginosa and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) stimulation, were analyzed by flow cytometry. IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α, and IL‐17 plasma levels were determined by Luminex.

Results

Patients with CF had increased phagocytosis of Escherichia coli and P. aeruginosa, upregulated oxidative burst and chemotaxis. Increased neutrophil apoptosis was noted in CF patients. In unstimulated conditions, higher levels of CD16+TNF‐α+ and CD16+IL‐8+ neutrophils were determined, whereas bacteria and LPS stimulation significantly decreased secretion of CAP‐18 from CD16+ neutrophils of CF patients. Plasma levels of IL‐1β, TNF‐α and IL‐17 in P.+ patients were higher than in P.− group.

Conclusion

Our findings confirm inadequate neutrophil defense towards pathogens in CF. A significant difference in migration, phagocytosis, oxidative burst, percentage of IL‐8 producing neutrophils, IL‐1β, TNF‐α, and IL‐17 secretions were noted among CF patients according to their colonization status, which might induce a further destructive effect on airways, resulting in an unfavorable prognosis for children with CF who also have colonization.