bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilizing Design of Experiments Approach to Assess Kinetic Parameters for a Mn Homogeneous Hydrogenation Catalyst
Authors: van Schendel Robin K. A. , Yang Wenjun , Uslamin Evgeny A. , Pidko Evgeny A.
Published: August 2021

Homogeneous hydrogenation catalysts based on metal complexes provide a diverse and highly tunable tool for the fine chemical industry. To fully unleash their potential, fast and effective methods for the evaluation of catalytic properties are needed. In turn, this requires changes in the experimental approaches to test and evaluate the performance of the catalytic processes. Design of experiment combined with statistical analysis can enable time‐ and resource‐efficient experimentation. In this work, we employ a set of different statistical models to obtain the detailed kinetic description of a highly active homogeneous Mn (I) ketone hydrogenation catalyst as a representative model system. The reaction kinetics were analyzed using a full second order polynomial regression model, two models with eliminated parameters and finally a model which implements “chemical logic”. The coefficients obtained are compared with the corresponding high‐quality kinetic parameters acquired using conventional kinetic experiments. We demonstrate that various kinetic effects can be well captured using different statistical models, providing important insights into the reaction kinetics and mechanism of a complex catalytic reaction.
A Cyclometalated NHC Iridium Complex Bearing a Cationic (η5‐Cyclopentadienyl)(η6‐phenyl)iron Backbone**
Authors: Malchau Christian , Milbert Tom , Eger Tobias R. , Fries Daniela V. , Pape Pascal J. , Oelkers Benjamin , Sun Yu , Becker Sabine , Prosenc Marc H. , Niedner‐Schatteburg Gereon , Thiel Werner R.
Published: August 2021

Nucleophilic substitution of [(η5‐cyclopentadienyl)(η6‐chlorobenzene)iron(II)] hexafluorophosphate with sodium imidazolate resulted in the formation of [(η5‐cyclopentadienyl)(η6‐phenyl)iron(II)]imidazole hexafluorophosphate. The corresponding dicationic imidazolium salt, which was obtained by treating this imidazole precursor with methyl iodide, underwent cyclometallation with bis[dichlorido(η5‐1,2,3,4,5‐pentamethylcyclopentadienyl]iridium(III) in the presence of triethyl amine. The resulting bimetallic iridium(III) complex is the first example of an NHC complex bearing a cationic and cyclometallated [(η5‐cyclopentadienyl)(η6‐phenyl)iron(II)]+ substituent. As its iron(II) precursors, the bimetallic iridium(III) complex was fully characterized by means of spectroscopy, elemental analysis and single crystal X‐ray diffraction. In addition, it was investigated in a catalytic study, wherein it showed high activity in transfer hydrogenation compared to its neutral analogue having a simple phenyl instead of a cationic [(η5‐cyclopentadienyl)(η6‐phenyl)iron(II)]+ unit at the NHC ligand.
Tuning the Intrinsic Activity and Electrochemical Surface Area of MoS2 via Tiny Zn Doping: Toward an Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) Catalyst
Authors: Xu Jun , Zhao Zelin , Wei Wei , Chang Ganggang , Xie Zhizhong , Guo Wei , Liu Dan , Qu Deyu , Tang Haolin , Li Junsheng
Published: August 2021

Molybdenum sulfide (MoS2) is considered as an alternative material for commercial platinum catalysts for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Improving the apparent HER activity of MoS2 to a level comparable to that of Pt is an essential premise for the commercial use of MoS2. In this work, a Zn‐doping strategy is proposed to enhance the HER performance of MoS2. It is shown that tiny Zn doping into MoS2 leads to the enhancement of the electrochemical surface area, increases in proportion of HER active 1T phase in the material and formation of catalytic sites of higher intrinsic activity. These benefits result in a high‐performance HER electrocatalyst with a low overpotential of 190 mV(@10 mA cm−2) and a low Tafel slope of 58 mV dec−1. The origin for the excellent electrochemical performance of the doped MoS2 is rationalized with both experimental and theoretical investigations.
Discrete Oligomers and Polymers of Chloride Monohydrate Can Form in Encapsulated Environments: Structures and Infrared Spectra of [Cl4(H2O)4]4− and {[Cl(H2O)]−}∞
Authors: Senthooran Rathiga , Curnow Owen J. , Crittenden Deborah L.
Published: August 2021

A discrete tetrachloride tetrahydrate cluster, [Cl4(H2O)4]4−, was obtained with a partially‐fluorinated triaminocyclopropenium cation, [C3(N(CH2CF3)2)(NEt2)(NPr2)]+. The cluster consists of a [Cl2(H2O)2]2− square with each Cl− coordinated by another H2O bridged to another Cl−. A 1D polymer of chloride monohydrate, {[Cl(H2O)]−}∞, was obtained with [C3(N(CH2CF3)2)2(NBuMe)]+. The tetrameric and polymeric structures were found to be computationally‐unstable in the gas phase which indicates that an encapsulated environment is essential for their isolation. DFT and DFTB calculations were carried out on gas‐phase [Cl4(H2O)4]4− to assist the infrared assignments. Anharmonically‐corrected B3LYP transition frequencies were in close agreement with experiment, but DFTB models were only appropriate for qualitative interpretation. Solid‐state DFTB calculations allowed the vibrational modes to be assigned. The results found are consistent with “discrete” chloride hydrates.
Explaining the willingness of clinicians to work with patients with antisocial personality disorder using the theory of planned behaviour and emotional reactions
Authors: van Dam Arno , Rijckmans Madeleine , van den Bosch Louisa
Published: August 2021

Many clinicians seem to experience negative emotions towards patients with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), resulting in the exclusion of patients in many treatment programmes. The behaviour of individuals with ASPD has a significant impact on society, which affects ASPD patients and their environment, and therefore, the exclusion from programmes is a serious concern. Relatively, little is known about why some clinicians are willing to work with ASPD patients and others are not and what factors contribute to an increase in the motivation to do so. In this study, clinicians (n = 130) working in a regular and forensic mental health service in the Netherlands completed a questionnaire based on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and the Feeling Word Checklist and questions about the relevant experience gained and education received. The current study confirms the limited willingness to work with ASPD patients, especially in regular mental health care. Experience working with ASPD patients, education on cluster B personality disorders and having experienced verbal and/or physical violence in clinical practice did not fully explain whether or not clinicians were motivated to provide treatment to ASPD patients. TPB appeared to predict the intention to provide psychological therapy to ASPD patients adequately. The impact of positive emotions towards ASPD patients on providing treatment appeared to be stronger than negative emotions. This study provides more insight into why so few clinicians are willing to work with ASPD patients and what may increase motivation to include this group in treatment programmes.
The 4‐Hole‐Board Test for Assessment of Long‐Term Spatial Memory in Mice
Authors: d'Isa Raffaele , Comi Giancarlo , Leocani Letizia
Published: August 2021

The hole‐board test has been used in rodents since the early 60s to measure exploratory behavior, locomotor activity and cognitive function. The test is based on rodents’ natural curiosity and attraction for novelty. Basically, the hole‐board consists of a small square arena with an extractable platform as floor, which has a set of equally spaced circular holes on its surface.

In this article, we describe the protocol of a 4‐hole‐board test allowing the assessment of long‐term spatial memory in mice without the employment of water or food restriction, painful stimuli (as electrical shocks) or any aversive condition (as forced swimming or exposure to intense light). Four holes are present on the floor of the square arena (one for each of its four quadrants). Mice released in the arena spontaneously approach the holes and explore them by briefly inserting the snout inside, a behavior defined as nose‐poking (or head‐dipping). If, after 24 hr, rodents are re‐exposed to the hole‐board, the novelty of the holes decreases. Animals with an intact long‐term memory will show a reduction of the frequency of nose‐poking into the holes. The total number of nose‐pokes on day 1 is an index of exploration, while the percentage of decrease in nose‐poking on day 2 represents an index of long‐term spatial memory. Number of quadrant crossings is scored as a control measure for locomotor activity, which with the present protocol should remain stable across the days of testing.

Indeed, the 4‐hole‐board test represents a stress‐free and animal‐friendly option to evaluate long‐term spatial memory. In the present paper, we provide detailed description of the hole‐board apparatus and step‐by‐step protocol for assessment of spatial memory in mice. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Validation of the 4‐hole‐board

Basic Protocol 2: Evaluation of long‐term spatial memory through the 4‐hole‐board test
Noncosmetic applications of liposuction
Authors: Peros Ioannis , Lillis Patrick
Published: August 2021

Liposuction, a method widely known to be used for esthetic reasons, can have particularly beneficial results in cases of certain pathological conditions. These include gynecomastia, lipomas, lipoedema, axillary hyperhidrosis, hypertrophic insulin lipodystrophy, correction of depressed scars.
The patterns of vascular plant discoveries in China
Authors: Lu Muyang , Gao Lianming , Li Hongtao , He Fangliang
Published: August 2021

Aim

(1) To understand geographic patterns of species discovery by examining the effect of growth form, range size, and geographic distribution on discovery probability of vascular plant species in China; (2) to find out which taxa harbor the largest number of undiscovered species and where those species locate; and (3) to find out the determinants of province‐level mean discovery time and inventory completeness.

Location

China.

Methods

We compiled the discovery time and province‐level geographic distributions of ~31,000 vascular plant species described between 1753 and 2013 from Flora of China. We used a Cox proportional hazard model to determine the biological and geographic correlates of discovery probability. Accumulation curves of species discoveries were fitted by a logistic discovery model to estimate inventory completeness of different growth forms and of different provinces. We then used linear regression to identify the determinants of mean discovery time and beta regression to identify the determinants of inventory completeness.

Results

We found that species with larger range size and distributed in northeastern part of China have a higher discovery probability. Coastal species were discovered earlier than inland species. Trees and shrubs of seed plants have the highest discovery probability while ferns have the lowest discovery probability. Herbs have the largest number of undiscovered species in China. Most undiscovered species will be found in southwest China, where three global biodiversity hot spots locate. Spatial patterns of mean discovery time and inventory completeness are mainly driven by the total number of species, human population density in an area, and latitude and longitude of a province.

Main Conclusions

Socioeconomic factors primarily determine the discovery patterns of vascular plants in China. Undiscovered species are most likely to be narrow‐ranged, inconspicuous endemic species such as herbs and ferns, which are prone to extinctions and locate in biodiversity hot spots in southwestern China.
Ecological processes associated with different animal taxa in urban environments
Authors: Evans Maldwyn John , Barton Philip S. , Westgate Martin J. , Soga Masashi , Fujita Go , Miyashita Tadashi
Published: August 2021

Urbanization is increasing globally with wide‐ranging consequences for biodiversity and the ecological processes it performs. Yet knowledge of the range of ecological processes supported by biodiversity in urban environments, and the different taxa that perform these processes is poorly understood. We used a text‐analysis approach to identify the research trends and gaps in knowledge in the literature on ecological processes provided by animals in urban environments. We found a divide in urban ecological processes research that grouped studies into those with an explicit link to ecological processes and those that focused on biodiversity and made an implicit link to ecological processes. We also found that the dominant taxa in urban ecological processes research were insects, which has more than twice as many studies as birds or mammals, potentially due to their recognized and explicit link to key processes and services (e.g., pollination, pollution biomonitoring) and disservices (e.g., pests, disease transmission). We found a further split between terrestrial and aquatic studies, with urban aquatic studies also declining in relative prevalence over the last 20 yr. To consolidate and advance research on ecological processes in urban environments, we suggest it will be important to bridge the divide between studies on explicit services and others on more general biodiversity. This might be achieved by placing greater focus on the processes provided by non‐insect taxa, and by integrating aquatic and terrestrial perspectives.
Bail‐out treatment of pulmonary embolism using a large‐bore aspiration mechanical thrombectomy device
Authors: Stadler Stefan , Debl Kurt , Ritzka Markus , Maier Lars Siegfried , Sossalla Samuel
Published: August 2021

We report on the first pulmonary embolism treatment via the large‐bore aspiration mechanical thrombectomy device (Inari FlowTriever®) outside the USA, in a resuscitated patient on veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA‐ECMO) suffering from severe and acute right heart failure. In this particular high‐risk patient population, where thrombolysis is mostly not applicable, this new technology could be a promising solution as the combination of large‐bore thrombus aspiration and extraction successfully removes large emboli. In our case, right ventricular function improved rapidly after the procedure, ECMO could be weaned, and the patient was dismissed 2 weeks after. In summary, we provide a new therapeutic option for the often difficult treatment of pulmonary embolism in high‐risk patients on VA‐ECMO.
A proactive fog service provisioning framework for Internet of Things applications: An autonomic approach
Authors: Faraji‐Mehmandar Mohammad , Jabbehdari Sam , Haj Seyyed Javadi Hamid
Published: August 2021

In recent years, Internet of Things (IoT) services have expanded to promote the quality of life in different areas. Cloud connectivity services are so popular now that they have prompted the experts to enhance cloud computing for its utilization in IoT, making everything online in the next few decades. For reducing latency, immediate processing, and network congestion, fog computing has emerged in which cloud computing is expanded to the edge of the network. On the other hand, concerning the limitations in fog hardware resources compared with the cloud, and the dynamic and unpredictable fog environment, the provision of dynamic fog services is a challenge. Automatic matching of the resources based on the workload oscillations of IoT applications leads to allocating minimum fog resources to IoT devices, therefore, the satisfaction of service level agreement (SLA) and quality of service (QoS) parameters.

The present article introduces a method based on the control monitoring‐analysis‐planning‐execution having shared knowledge‐base loop and presents an approach for dynamic resource provisioning based on autonomic computing and reinforcement learning techniques. The proposed scheme uses learning automata as a decision‐maker in the planning phase and time series prediction model in the analysis phase. The simulation test results indicated a reduced delay in service provisioning, total cost, and SLA violation compared with other approaches, highlighting the potential of fog computing in ensuring the QoS.
Effect of pinolenic acid on oxidative stress injury in HepG2 cells induced by H2O2
Authors: Zhao Yang , Liu Sainan , Sheng Zhili , Li Xue , Chang Yanan , Dai Weichang , Chang Sui Kiat , Liu Junmei , Yang Yuchun
Published: August 2021

To investigate the effect and mechanism of pinolenic acid (PNA) on H2O2‐induced oxidative stress injury in HepG2 cells. Methods: PNA was used to regulate oxidative stress injury of HepG2 cells induced by H2O2. Quantification of cell survival rate, accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and expression levels of anti‐oxidation‐related genes were determined using MTT, fluorescent probe technology (DCFH‐DA), and real‐time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain technology (qRT‐PCR) method, respectively. Meanwhile, the activity of intracellular antioxidant enzymes was determined by biochemical methods. The results showed that PNA improved the survival rate of HepG2 cells induced by H2O2 (29.59%, high‐dose group), reduced the accumulation of intracellular ROS (65.52%, high‐dose group), and reduced the level of intracellular malondialdehyde (MDA; 65.52%, high‐dose group). All these results were dose‐dependent, which indicated that PNA can improve oxidative stress damage of cells. Furthermore, the mechanism of PNA regulating oxidative stress was investigated from the gene level. Results showed that under supplementation of PNA, the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) had been improved (39.74%, 17.58%, and 23.83%, high‐dose group). Further studies on gene expression which controls the activity of antioxidant enzymes showed that under the regulation of PNA, the expression level of Keap1 gene was decreased, while Nrf2 gene was increased. The expression levels of HO‐1 and NQO1 in the downstream of Nrf2 were increased. Results indicated that under the regulation of PNA, Nrf2 was separated from Keap1, entered the nucleus, bound to ARE, and up‐regulated the expression levels of HO‐1 and NQO1 genes. Conclusion: PNA has a conspicuous improvement effect on oxidative stress damage induced by H2O2 in HepG2 cells. We also found the antioxidant mechanisms of PNA where it protected cells from oxidative stress damage by causing nuclear translocation of Nrf2 gene and up‐regulated the expression levels of antioxidant enzymes in the downstream. This shows that PNA prevented oxidative stress by mediating the Keap1/Nrf2 transcriptional pathway and down‐regulating enzyme activities.
Quantifying the impact of effective stress on changes in elastic wave velocities due to CO2injection into a depleted carbonate reef
Authors: Raziperchikolaee Samin , Singh Vivek , Kelley Mark
Published: August 2021

The interpretation of time‐lapse seismic monitoring of CO2sequestration has typically focused on mapping the saturation and pressure changes. However, elastic wave velocity and associated seismic attribute variation also depend on the poroelastic response to CO2injection. In this study, we investigated the impact of effective stress changes on elastic wave velocity responses during CO2storage within a carbonate reef of the Michigan basin. The geomechanical multiphase flow modeling combined with the experimental measurements were used to investigate the impact of effective stress on changes in velocities. We measured the ultrasonic compressional (Vp) and shear (Vs) wave velocities in cores acquired from the carbonate formations under different stress‐pressure scenarios. Experimental scenarios were applied by changing the effective stress and pore pressure conditions simulating injection into the depleted reservoir. Experimental results show that incorporating stress changes of injection avoids overestimation of changes in velocities due to considering only pore pressure effects. Coupled multiphase flow – geomechanical simulations were performed to assess stress and saturation change during CO2injection. We discussed expected changes in elastic wave velocities using combined simulation results with experimental ones. The simulation results show that both effective stress and saturation changes contribute to changes in velocities in the main reservoir. Effective stress is the dominant parameter that contributes to changes in velocities in the upper formations. Results of this work show that quantifying the poroelastic effect of stress on elastic wave velocities changes can lead to a better interpretation of changes in seismic attributes during CO2injection. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long‐term slip rate estimation for Erciş Fault in East Anatolian Compressive Tectonic Block from geologic and geomorphologic field evidence
Authors: Sağlam Selçuk Azad , Kul Ahmet Özkan
Published: August 2021

The Erciş Fault, which bounds the northern part of the Lake Van Basin, is approximately 50 km long with right‐lateral strike‐slip movement in a N30‐50°W direction. The Erciş Fault starts in the northwest, south of Girekol Volcano, and extends to the Turkey‐Iran border, and together with the Çaldıran Fault forms the tectonic boundary between the Turkey‐Iran Block and Lesser Caucasus‐Talesh Block. Offset riverbeds, fault‐controlled drainage systems, deformed alluvial fans along the faults, Plio‐Quaternary volcanics, and volcanic structures are geomorphic and tectonic features that show that the Erciş Fault is active in the region. This fault has played an active role in the deformation of the Eastern Anatolian Plateau, which developed as a result of collision of the Arabian and Eurasian plates. In this study, the role of the Erciş Fault in the tectonic evolution of the region was investigated using geologic, geomorphologic, and remote sensing analysis methods. According to the morphometric indices used in the study, values of 1 < Smf < 2.1, 0.2 < Vf < 3.29, 0.3 < HI < 0.5, 25 < SL < 850 and 100 < Ksn < 600 were obtained. Results show that the area has an extremely young topography and is actively uplifting. It has been determined that the uplift rate in the region has increased in the northwest and south‐east compared to other areas and is more than 0.5 mm yr−1. According to the remote sensing and field studies, an approximately 850 m right‐lateral offset is observed in the Deliçay River, which is cut by the Erciş Fault, and that the long‐term slip rate of the Erciş Fault is 2.02 ± 0.12 mm yr−1.
The role of actualized collective efficacy in perceptions of neighborhood insecurity and future prospects
Authors: Dulin Adam
Published: August 2021

This article examines the impact of collective efficacy on perceptions of crime‐related insecurity at three different levels: (1) the home; (2) the neighborhood; and (3) neighborhood future. In contrast to previous research, this analysis reconceptualizes collective efficacy by adopting an action orientation that allows for the analysis of collective efficacy as a neighborhood mobilization process referred to as actualized collective efficacy. Nation‐wide survey data from Mexico was utilized to develop three different hierarchical models for each of the three levels of insecurity. Results demonstrated that different indicators of actualized collective efficacy have distinct impacts on the different levels of perception of insecurity. Specifically, demonstrated neighborhood capacity to address civil concerns reduced perceptions of neighborhood insecurity while demonstrated capacity targeting criminal concerns improved perceptions of a neighborhood's future as it relates to crime. However, no effects were detected for perceptions of insecurity within the home.
The multidimensional role of the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway in human malignancies
Authors: Hiremath Ishita S. , Goel Arul , Warrier Sudha , Kumar Alan Prem , Sethi Gautam , Garg Manoj
Published: August 2021

Several signaling pathways have been identified as important for developmental processes. One of such important cascades is the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway, which can regulate various physiological processes such as embryonic development, tissue homeostasis, and tissue regeneration; while its dysregulation is implicated in several pathological conditions especially cancers. Interestingly, deregulation of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway has been reported to be closely associated with initiation, progression, metastasis, maintenance of cancer stem cells, and drug resistance in human malignancies. Moreover, several genetic and experimental models support the inhibition of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway to answer the key issues related to cancer development. The present review focuses on different regulators of Wnt pathway and how distinct mutations, deletion, and amplification in these regulators could possibly play an essential role in the development of several cancers such as colorectal, melanoma, breast, lung, and leukemia. Additionally, we also provide insights on diverse classes of inhibitors of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, which are currently in preclinical and clinical trial against different cancers.
Myocardial findings evaluated by echocardiography in cardiac sarcoidosis: A report of seven cases
Authors: Akamatsu Kanako , Ito Takahide , Terasaki Fumio , Hoshiga Masaaki
Published: August 2021

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disease of unknown cause. With cardiac sarcoidosis (CS), patients represent a wide range of cardiac manifestations from subtle to overt morphological and functional abnormalities. The advent of ultrasound technologies has enabled to identify not only typical findings to CS such as basal thinning of the ventricular septum, but also subclinical myocardial alterations. Based on our recent experiences, we currently introduce a variety of myocardial manifestations evaluated by echocardiography on seven CS patients being selected. Most of the patients exhibited typical cardiac involvement and the remaining fairly unusual.
The WASp L272P gain-of-function mutation alters dendritic cell coordination of actin dynamics for migration and adhesion
Authors: Oliveira Mariana MS , Kung Shin-Yu , Moreau Hélène D , Maurin Mathieu , Record Julien , Sanséau Doriane , Nylén Susanne , Lennon-Duménil Ana-Maria , Westerberg Lisa S
Published: August 2021

Dendritic cells (DCs) devoid of the actin regulator Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASp) show reduced directed migration and decreased formation of podosome adhesion structures. We examined DCs expressing a gain-of-function mutation in WASp, WASp L272P, identified in X-linked neutropenia patients. Analysis of WASp L272P DCs was compared to WASp-deficient DCs to examine how WASp activity influences DC migratory responses. In confined space, WASp-deficient DCs had increased migration speed whereas WASp L272P DCs had similar average speed but increased speed fluctuations, reduced displacement, and atypical rounded morphology, compared to wild-type (WT) DCs. Using an ear inflammation model and flow cytometry analysis, WT, WASp-deficient, and WASp L272P DCs were found to migrate in comparable numbers to the draining lymph nodes (LNs). However, histology analysis revealed that migratory DCs of WASp deficient and WASp L272P mice were mainly located in the collagenous capsule of the LN whereas WT DCs were located inside the LN. Analysis of ultrastructural features revealed that WASp L272P DCs had reduced cell area but formed larger podosome structures when compared to WT DCs. Together, our data suggest that WASp activity regulates DC migration and that loss-of-function and gain-of-function in WASp activity lead to different and phenotype-specific DC migratory behavior.
Comparison of whole breast dosimetry techniques – From 3DCRT to VMAT and the impact on heart and surrounding tissues
Authors: Lamprecht Brock , Muscat Erika , Harding Amanda , Howe Kate , Brown Elizabeth , Barry Tamara , Mai G Tao , Lehman Margot , Bernard Anne , Hargrave Catriona , Harvey Jennifer
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Various techniques for whole breast radiation therapy (WBRT) have been reported to increase dose to contralateral tissues. Heart dose is of critical importance as there is no apparent dose threshold below which there is no risk. The aim of this study was to compare planning techniques for WBRT that achieves the best target dosimetry and lowest organ at risk (OAR) dose.

Methods

Thirty early‐stage whole breast patient datasets, 15 each left‐ and right‐sided cases, were retrospectively selected. Five techniques were generated for each data set: three‐dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT), hybrid intensity modulated radiation therapy (HYI), hybrid volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) – (HYV), reduced arc VMAT – bowtie (BT), and BT flattening filter free (FFF) – (BTFFF). Plan goals and OARs were evaluated and compared between techniques.

Results

BT had the highest median conformity index (CI) values (0.82, IQR: 0.80–0.85 left and 0.83, IQR 0.80–0.86 right). BT recorded lower mean heart doses (median value 1.19Gy, IQR: 0.90–1.55), and BTFFF recorded lower heart V2.5 Gy, V5 Gy; median 3.96% (IQR: 2.90–6.80) and 0.90% (IQR: 0.50–1.50) respectively for left‐sided patients. There was a statistically significant difference in all ipsilateral lung measures, (p < 0.001) with BTFFF producing significantly lower doses across all measures: mean, V5 Gy, V10 Gy and V20 Gy.

Conclusion

Overall BT and BTFFF techniques produced lower OAR doses and equivalent PTV coverage for WBRT. BT and BTFFF techniques increased contralateral lung and breast doses; however, these were within prescribed tolerances and comparable to results published in the literature.
Inter‐Group Social Behavior, Contact Patterns and Risk for Pathogen Transmission in Cape Buffalo Populations
Authors: Wielgus Elodie , Caron Alexandre , Bennitt Emily , De Garine‐Wichatitsky Michel , Cain Bradley , Fritz Herve , Miguel Eve , Cornélis Daniel , Chamaillé‐Jammes Simon
Published: August 2021

In social species, the transmission and maintenance of infectious diseases depends on the contact patterns between individuals within groups and on the interactions between groups. In southern Africa, the Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer caffer) is a vector for many pathogens that can infect sympatric livestock. Although intra‐group contact patterns of Cape buffalo have been relatively well described, how groups interact with each other and risks for pathogen transmission remain poorly understood. We identified and compared spatial behavior and contact patterns between neighboring groups of Cape buffalo under contrasting environments: within the seasonally flooded environment of the Okavango Delta in Botswana and the semi‐arid environment of northern Kruger National Park in South Africa. We used telemetry data collected between 2007 and 2015 from 10 distinct groups. We estimated seasonal overlap and proximity between home ranges of pairwise neighboring groups, and we quantified seasonal contact patterns between these groups. We defined contact patterns within variable spatiotemporal windows compatible with the transmission of diseases carried by the Cape buffalo: bovine tuberculosis, brucellosis, and Rift Valley fever (mosquito‐borne transmission). We examined the effects of habitat and distance to water on contact location. In both study populations, neighboring buffalo groups were highly spatially segregated in the dry and rainy seasons. Inter‐group contact patterns were characterized by very few direct and short‐term indirect (within 0–2 days) contacts, lasting on average 1 hour and 2 hours, respectively. Contact patterns were generally consistent across populations and seasons, suggesting species‐specific behavior. In the drier study site, the probability of indirect and vector‐borne contacts generally decreased during the dry season with increasing distance to water. In the seasonally flooded area, only the probability of vector‐borne contact decreased with increasing distance to water. Our results highlight the importance of dry season water availability in influencing the dynamics of indirectly transmitted Cape buffalo pathogens but only in areas with low water availability. The results from this study have important implications for future modeling of pathogen dynamics in a single host, and the ecology and management of Cape buffalo at the landscape level. © 2021 The Authors. The Journal of Wildlife Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of The Wildlife Society.
Asymmetric Incorporation of Silver Nanoparticles in Polymeric Assemblies by Coassembly of Tadpole‐Like Nanoparticles and Amphiphilic Block Copolymers
Authors: Huo Haohui , Li Zepeng , Tan Tianyi , Chen Long , Ungar Goran , Hoogenboom Richard , Zhang Qilu , Liu Feng
Published: August 2021

A general approach to asymmetrically localize nanoparticles (NPs) in larger polymeric nanostructures is demonstrated by coassembly of tadpole‐like silver NPs (AgNPs) and amphiphilic block copolymers (BCPs). The tadpole‐like AgNPs are prepared by template synthesis using a tailor‐made A(BC)20 star polymer, namely poly(ethylene glycol)[poly(acrylic acid)‐block‐polystyrene]20 [PEG(PAA‐b‐PS)20], as template resulting in AgNPs decorated with twenty short PS chains and one long PEG chain, named Ag@PEG(PS)20. The asymmetric distribution of these AgNPs in various polymeric nanostructures, e.g., spherical micelles, cylindrical micelles, vesicles, and sponge phase, is achieved via coassembly of the as‐prepared Ag@PEG(PS)20 and PEG‐b‐PS in solution driven by the anisotropic nature of the Ag@PEG(PS)20. This report not only provides a new strategy for the fabrication of tadpole‐like NPs but also offers opportunity for off‐center distributing NPs in hybrid assemblies, which may find applications in, e.g., sensing, catalysis, and diagnostics.
Digital Numbers Constructed by Fine Patterned Polydopamine on DNA Templates
Authors: Zhang Meizhou , Wang Shuangshuang , Li Longjie , Li Mengran , Cheng Xinyi , Shi Yiwei , Wu Yuzhou
Published: August 2021

Using DNA nanostructures as templates to synthesize shape‐controlled polydopamine (PDA) is a promising strategy to realize the fabrication of exquisite PDA nanomaterials. However, previous studies using small DNA tiles as templates could only afford very simple structures such as lines and crosses due to the limited space on the template and the relatively low resolution of the PDA nanopatterns. Therefore, the best resolution of the PDA nanostructures that can be achieved by this technique is carefully investigated. And by connecting several DNA tiles together, larger DNA templates are built up and achieve the synthesis of complicated digital nanopatterned PDA structures.
Developing a Generative Model Utilizing Self‐attention Networks: Application to Materials/Drug Discovery
Authors: Kondo Masakazu
Published: August 2021

A new generative model, in which the Variational Autoencoder network is combined with the Transformer architecture, is developed. The proposed model, the Variational Autoencoding Transformer (VAT), is applied to the task of generating molecules, showing that, with proper training, the VAT model can not only produce similar molecules to input ones with high accuracy but also generate new molecules from a predefined prior almost perfectly. A desirable aspect of our VAT is that no heuristic setting is necessary for optimal performance, which suggests that the model can readily be available to a variety of datasets. As practical directions toward materials/drug discovery, two strategies: a fine‐tuning method for directed molecular generation and a method of mixing molecules in the latent space, are demonstrated.
Follow the protocol and kickstart the heart—Intensive care nurses’ reflections on being part of rescue situations in interdisciplinary teams
Authors: Olsson Annakarin , Sjöberg Fredric , Salzmann‐Erikson Martin
Published: August 2021

Aim

To describe intensive care nurses' reflections on being part of interdisciplinary emergency teams involved in in‐hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Design

A qualitative descriptive design. Methods: Eighteen intensive care nurses from two regions and three hospitals in Sweden were interviewed. The data were analysed with General Inductive Analysis.

Results

The work for intensive care nurses in the emergency team was reflected in three phases: prevention, intervention and mitigation—referred as before, during and after the CPR situation.

Conclusions

The findings describe the complexity of being an intensive care nurse in an interdisciplinary emergency team, which entails managing advanced care with limited and unknown resources in a non‐familiar environment. The present findings have important clinical implications concerning the value of having debriefing sessions to reflect on and to talk about obstacles to and prerequisites for performing successful resuscitation.
Effect of amount of hydrated water and mobility of hydrated poly(2‐methoxyethyl acrylate) on denaturation of adsorbed fibrinogen
Authors: Ueda Tomoya , Murakami Daiki , Tanaka Masaru
Published: August 2021

In this study, a blood‐compatible polymer, poly(2‐methoxyethyl acrylate) (PMEA), was grafted onto a gold substrate with various grafting densities (σ) (σ = 0–0.18 chains nm−2), and the amount of hydrated water and mobility of the polymer chain interacting with water molecules were quantitatively evaluated using a quartz crystal microbalance with an admittance system. The amount of hydrated water decreased with increasing σ. By contrast, the mobility of the hydrated PMEA was maximum at σ ≈ 0.12 chains nm−2, revealing that the amount of high‐mobility water at σ = 0.12 was higher than that at other densities. The degree of denaturation of the adsorbed fibrinogen was evaluated based on the hydrodynamic water ratio and viscoelasticity, and was found to increase with increasing σ. The denaturation of adsorbed fibrinogen was suppressed when both the amount of hydrated water and the mobility of hydrated PMEA were high. This study demonstrates that the interfacial state of the polymer chains hydrated in water is important for blood compatibility.
A comprehensive chemical and pharmacological review of three confusable Chinese herbal medicine—Aucklandiae radix, Vladimiriae radix, and Inulae radix
Authors: Zhuang Kaiyan , Xia Qing , Zhang Shanshan , Maharajan Kannan , Liu Kechun , Zhang Yun
Published: August 2021

Aucklandiae radix (AR, Muxiang), vladimiriae radix (VR, Chuanmuxiang), and inulae radix (IR, Tumuxiang) are widely used in clinical or folk medicine in China. Their Chinese names all have the Chinese character “Muxiang,” which makes it confusable in usage, especially AR and VR, because VR was used as a substitute for AR during a historical period. The National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China has approved AR as a functional food. However, VR and IR are not listed. Many research articles on three kinds of “Muxiang” have been published. However, no review was appeared to compare similarities and differences among the three kinds of “Muxiang.” Here, the morphological characterization, phytochemistry, and pharmaceutical effects of AR, VR, and IR were reviewed. We found that only six compounds were common in the three species. Twenty‐six compounds were common to AR and VR. Twenty‐two compounds were common to AR and IR. Only seven compounds were common to VR and IR. The extracts of AR, VR, and IR were all reported with antiinflammatory effects, which is the most important activity of “Muxiang” species. The volatile oil of AR, VR, and IR had antibacterial activities. Extracts of AR and VR showed anti‐gastric ulcers and anti‐diarrhea effects. Extracts of AR and IR exhibited anticancer effects. In addition, AR extract had liver protective effect. It is worth mentioning that costunolide and dehydrocostus lactone, which were the common representative compounds of “Muxiang” species, showed antiinflammatory, anticancer, anti‐gastric ulcers, and liver protective effects. This review will be a benefit reference for correct understanding and application of the three “Muxiang” species.
Early remodeling of the colonic mucosa after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells transplantation: An open‐label controlled pilot study on 19 patients
Authors: Coron Emmanuel , Esnaud Elise , Chevallier Patrice , Bessard Anne , Perez Cuadrado‐Robles Enrique , David Grégoire , Bossard Céline , Brégéon Jérémy , Jarry Anne , Neunlist Michel , Quénéhervé Lucille
Published: August 2021

Background

Graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD), particularly acute digestive GVHD (aDGVHD), is a severe complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT). It is necessary to identify predictive factors of GVHD to adapt prophylactic treatment.

Objective

In this context, our pilot study aimed (i) to determine whether an early remodeling of the colonic mucosa occurred after allo‐HSCT and (ii) to identify potential predictive mucosal markers of aDGVHD after allo‐HSCT.

Methods

Between day 21 and day 28 after the allo‐HSCT, 19 allo‐HSCT patients were included and had a rectosigmoidoscopy with probe‐based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE) recording and biopsies. Sixteen patients were included in the control group. Morphological (pCLE), functional (intestinal permeability), and inflammatory parameters (cytokine multiplex immunoassay) were assessed.

Results

Among allo‐HSCT patients, 11 patients developed GVHD, and 6 of them developed aDGVHD. Morphological and functional changes of the colonic mucosa occurred after allo‐HSCT. Indeed, the perimeter of colonic crypts was significantly increased in allo‐HSCT patients compared to controls as well as crypt lumen fluorescein leakage (53% vs. 9%), whereas crypts sphericity, roundness, Feret diameter, and mean vessel area were significantly decreased in allo‐HSCT patients compared to the control group. In addition, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), IL‐33, and IL‐15 levels in the supernatants of 24 h explant cultures of colonic biopsies were significantly increased in allo‐HSCT patients compared to controls. Finally, there was no difference in pCLE parameters, intestinal permeability, and inflammatory cytokines between patients who developed aDGVHD and those who did not.

Conclusion

This pilot study identified early colonic mucosa remodeling after allo‐HSCT conditioning therapy, that is morphological and functional mucosal alterations as well as mucosal inflammation. As to whether these changes are first steps in GVHD initiation and could be considered as predictive biomarkers of aDGVHD need to be determined in a larger cohort of patients.
Irritable bowel syndrome and risk of glaucoma: An analysis of two independent population‐based cohort studies
Authors: McPherson Zachary E. , Sørensen Henrik T. , Horváth‐Puhó Erzsébet , Agar Ashish , Coroneo Minas T. , White Andrew , Francis Ian C. , Pasquale Louis R. , Kang Jae H. , Pettersson Sven , Talley Nicholas J. , McEvoy Mark A.
Published: August 2021

Objective

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic disorder associated with an abnormal gastrointestinal microbiome. Microbiome–host interactions are known to influence organ function including in the central nervous system; thus, we sought to identify whether IBS may be a risk factor for the development of glaucoma.

Design

Two prospective cohort studies.

Subjects

The 1958 United Kingdom Birth Cohort (UKBC; 9091 individuals) and the Danish National Registry of Patients (DNRP; 62,541 individuals with IBS and 625,410 matched general population cohort members).

Methods

In the UKBC, participants were surveyed throughout life (including at ages 42 and 50). The DNRP contains records of hospital‐based contacts and prescription data from the national prescription database.

Main Outcome Measure

The main outcome measure was incidence of glaucoma. In the UKBC, incident glaucoma at age 50 (n = 48) was determined through comparison of survey responses at ages 42 and 50 years. In the DNRP, glaucoma was assessed by hospital diagnosis (n = 1510), glaucoma surgery (n = 582) and initiation of glaucoma medications (n = 1674).

Results

In the UKBC, the odds ratio (OR) of developing glaucoma between ages 42 and 50 in persons with a chronic IBS diagnosis was increased [OR: 5.84, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.26–15.13]. People with an IBS diagnosis in the DNRP had a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.35 for developing physician‐diagnosed glaucoma (95% CI: 1.16–1.56), an HR of 1.35 for undergoing glaucoma surgery (95% CI: 1.06–1.70) and an HR of 1.19 for initiating glaucoma medication (95% CI: 1.03–1.38).

Conclusions

In two large European cohort studies, IBS is a risk factor for glaucoma.
A review presenting production, characterization, and applications of biopolymer curdlan in food and pharmaceutical sectors
Authors: Aquinas Natasha , Bhat M Ramananda , Selvaraj Subbalaxmi
Published: August 2021

Curdlan is an exopolysaccharide, specifically a homopolysaccharide, with a high molecular weight that is made up entirely of monomeric glucose molecules connected by β-1,3-glycosidic bonds. Curdlan was first isolated in 1962 by Harada and his colleagues from Alcaligenes faecalis var myxogenes 10C3. Microbial synthesis of this curdlan is mainly associated with soil bacteria. Preliminary screening of curdlan-producing microorganisms is done on aniline blue media. The aniline blue positive microorganisms are subjected to submerged fermentation for the production of curdlan. To improve the yield of curdlan produced, various optimization techniques are employed such as Plackett–Burman, response surface methodology, and others. Curdlan can be characterized by its morphology, gel strength, its infrared, and magnetic resonances among many other characteristics. Due to its distinctive physicochemical and rheological properties, it has gained immense popularity in the food, biomedical, and pharmaceutical sectors. However, curdlan’s functionality can be improved by chemically modifying curdlan to obtain grafted curdlan, hydrogels, and nanocomposites which are discussed in detail herewith. Curdlan was authorized to be used in the food industry by the United States Food and Drug Administration in 1996 and also in 1989 in Taiwan, Japan, and Korea. Over the years, many patents using curdlan have also been filed from different parts of the world. This review provides information about its structure, biosynthesis, production strategies, optimization, characterization, applications, and patents.

Graphic abstract