bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Molecular CO2 Electroreduction Enabled by a Flexible Hydrophilic Channel for Relay Proton Shuttling
Authors: Williams Caroline K. , Lashgari Amir , Chai Jingchao , Jiang Jianbing “Jimmy”
Published: May 2020

The effects of primary and second coordination spheres on molecular electrocatalysis have been extensively studied, yet investigations of third functional spheres are rarely reported. Here, an electrocatalyst (ZnPEG8T) was developed with a hydrophilic channel as a third functional sphere that facilitates relay proton shuttling to the primary and second coordination spheres for enhanced catalytic CO2 reduction. Using foot‐of‐the‐wave analysis, the ZnPEG8T catalyst displayed CO2‐to‐CO activity (TOFmax) thirty times greater than that of the benchmark catalyst without a third functional sphere. A kinetic isotopic effect (KIE) study, in conjunction with voltammetry and UV/Vis spectroscopy, uncovered that the rate‐limiting step was not the protonation step of the metallocarboxylate intermediate, as observed in many other molecular CO2 reduction electrocatalysts, but rather the replenishment of protons in the proton‐shuttling channel. Controlled‐potential electrolysis using ZnPEG8T displayed a faradaic efficiency of 100 % for CO2‐to‐CO conversion at −2.4 V vs. Fc/Fc+. A Tafel plot was also generated for a comparison to other reported molecular catalysts. This report validates a strategy for incorporating higher functional spheres for enhanced catalytic efficiency in proton‐coupled electron‐transfer reactions.
Perfectionism and impulsivity based risk profiles in eating disorders
Authors: Soidla Kärol , Akkermann Kirsti
Published: May 2020

Objective

The categorical classification of eating disorders (ED) has several limitations, for example, high symptom variability within the diagnosis and limited predictive validity for treatment response. An alternative is classifying individuals with ED based on personality traits, which can reflect underlying etiological mechanisms. We aimed to find latent profiles based on facets of maladaptive and adaptive perfectionism, impulsivity and ED symptoms.

Method

The sample comprised of 274 women—164 had an ED diagnosis and 110 were controls. Two separate latent profile analyses were performed—one on the mixed sample (controls and individuals with ED) and the other on the sample of individuals with ED only.

Results

We identified a five‐class model to be the best fit for the mixed sample. The classes were: (a) moderately impulsive, (b) high functioning, (c) purely perfectionistic, (d) emotionally dysregulated, (e) behaviorally dysregulated. Among the individuals with ED, a four‐class solution was found to be the best fit. The classes were very similar in their response patterns on indicator variables to response patterns observed in the mixed sample, except the emotionally and behaviorally dysregulated classes that formed into one class.

Discussion

In addition to the well‐known high‐functioning, overcontrolled and undercontrolled classes, two to three undercontrolled classes (moderately impulsive, behaviorally, and emotionally dysregulated class) emerged. Those classes differentiated on perfectionism and impulsivity levels as well as on ED symptom severity and psychiatric comorbidities—all of which may influence maintenance of ED, appropriate treatment choice and therefore treatment response.
Triazole Appended Phosphines: Synthesis, Palladium Complexes, and Catalytic Studies
Authors: Mondal Dipanjan , Balakrishna Maravanji S.
Published: May 2020

The copper(I)‐catalyzed triazole formation from azides and terminal alkynes has received the benchmark of “click chemistry” because of its dependability and explicitness. The extensive utility of click chemistry in all aspects from making classical phosphine ligands, investigating its reactivity in serving as an effective catalyst for various organic transformations is well documented. Therefore, designing a decent ligand system with adequate nature and vast diversity is vital for having to deal with the demanding substrates in this area. Due to the benefits of broad functional group tolerance and the use of stable reagents, the Pd‐catalyzed organic transformations are most valuable in fine chemical synthesis and drug industry. The present review focuses mainly on the synthesis of a novel class of triazole based phosphines and their complexation behavior with palladium and catalytic applications.
Metal‐Addenda Substitution in Plenary Polyoxometalates and in Their Modular Transition Metal Analogues
Authors: Simms Charlotte , Kondinski Aleksandar , Parac‐Vogt Tatjana N.
Published: May 2020

For decades, the formal metal addenda substitution in the matrix of bulk metal oxides has been a prolific strategy to develop numerous (non‐)stoichiometric all‐inorganic compounds with tunable electronic and magnetic properties, and broad technological applications. In contrast to bulk mixed‐metal oxides, the formal metal‐addenda substitution in their molecular equivalents typically leads to stoichiometrically precise mixed‐metal cluster formulations which retain the overall structural topology of the monometallic archetype, but exhibit pronounced differences in terms of reactivity and spectroscopic properties. These mixed‐metal molecular metal oxides often show complex configurational isomerism that has been the subject of many experimental and theoretical studies. The mixed‐addenda metal‐oxo clusters are most prominent among the classical plenary (that contain no vacant metal sites) polyoxometalate (POMs) archetypes, which have emerging applications in homogeneous catalysis and material science (e.g. formation of open frameworks), and have also been explored in heterogeneous metal organic framework (MOF) catalysts. Therefore, this article provides comprehensive theoretical and experimental insights into the isomer problem of mixed‐addenda molecular metal oxides and their applications.
Prediagnostic serum selenium levels in relation to breast cancer survival and tumor characteristics
Authors: Sandsveden Malte , Nilsson Emelie , Borgquist Signe , Rosendahl Ann H. , Manjer Jonas
Published: May 2020

Women with lower levels of serum selenium (Se) may have a worse survival in breast cancer than women with higher levels, despite no difference in incidence of the disease. Our study was conducted to test whether Se is associated with the aggressiveness of breast tumors. Both the risk of having a tumor characteristic associated with worse prognosis, as well as the overall and breast cancer‐specific mortality, were studied. We identified breast cancer cases and controls within the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study, a population‐based cohort with 17 035 women recruited between 1991 and 1996. Inclusion criteria were incident breast cancer. Exclusion criteria were carcinoma in situ and bilateral breast cancer. Controls were selected among breast cancer‐free women both from matching (n = 694) as well as randomization (n = 492). After exclusion, 1066 cases remained and were compared to controls regarding their prediagnostic serum Se levels and subsequent risk of having a certain tumor characteristic or intrinsic subtype. We also followed breast cancer patients regarding overall and breast cancer‐specific mortality, comparing different Se quartiles. No association between serum Se quartile and any tumor characteristic or intrinsic subtype was found. Lower overall mortality was found among women in the highest Se quartile compared to the lowest using an adjusted Cox proportional hazards model, hazard ratio 0.63 (95% confidence interval: 0.44‐0.89). Similar results were seen for breast cancer‐specific mortality, 0.60 (0.37‐0.98). The results of our study support that Se is associated with a lower mortality in breast cancer, not related to established prognostic factors.
Real‐time stock transaction data distribution mechanism based on distributed network caching
Authors: Bai Wenjing
Published: May 2020

Stock transaction data transmission has extremely strong requirements for real‐time transmission. However, the volume of stock trading data continues to increase. The traditional end‐to‐end transmission mechanism has become difficult to meet the real‐time requirements of stock trading. In this paper, we propose an efficient stock transaction data transmission mechanism based on distributed network caching. By introducing elastic storage space at the edge, enabling intelligent transaction data push in the cloud, and introducing passive caching at the client, it effectively solves the real‐time requirement of stock transaction data transmission.
Bone-Specific Drugs and Osteonecrosis of Sites Other Than the Jaw: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Nordström Peter , Bergman Jonathan , Ballin Marcel , Björk Sabine , Nordström Anna
Published: May 2020

Bone-specific drugs (BSDs) increase the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), but whether they increase the risk of osteonecrosis at other sites is not known. Two studies, a cohort study and a case–control study, were conducted using registry data on everyone who was residing in Sweden on December 31, 2005, and who was 50 years of age or older at the time (n = 3,523,912). In the cohort study, individuals prescribed a BSD during the period 2006–2017 (n = 217,387) were 1:1 matched with nonusers on birth year, sex, hip fracture status, and Swedish or foreign origin. In the case–control study, individuals diagnosed with osteonecrosis during 2006–2017 (n = 12,614) were 1:1 matched with individuals without a diagnosis of osteonecrosis on birth year, sex, and Swedish or foreign background. In the cohort study, osteonecrosis was diagnosed in 983 BSD users and 214 nonusers (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 4.02; 95% CI, 3.32–4.87), during a mean treatment time of 2.8 years. A similar association was observed in a subcohort where all individuals diagnosed with cancer (HR 4.82; 95% CI, 2.52–9.22). The greatest difference in incidence between BSD users and nonusers was observed in patients with a femoral neck fracture that was not treated with total hip arthroplasty or hemiarthroplasty (incidence rate difference, 77.8 cases per 10,000 person-years, p < .05). The risk of osteonecrosis was higher in users of denosumab (HR 1.93; 95% CI, 1.33–2.79) and users of zoledronic acid (HR 1.95; 95% CI, 1.31–2.91) than in users of other BSDs. The increased risk of osteonecrosis decreased after the end of therapy (p < .001 for time trend). The results were confirmed in the case–control study. In summary, use of BSDs, especially more potent BSDs, is associated with increased risk of osteonecrosis of sites other than the jaw. This increased risk decreases after the final dose of BSD. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Fgfr3 Is a Positive Regulator of Osteoblast Expansion and Differentiation During Zebrafish Skull Vault Development
Authors: Dambroise Emilie , Ktorza Ivan , Brombin Alessandro , Abdessalem Ghaith , Edouard Joanne , Luka Marine , Fiedler Imke , Binder Olivia , Pelle Olivier , Patton E Elizabeth , Busse Björn , Menager Mickaël , Sohm Frederic , Legeai-Mallet Laurence
Published: May 2020

Gain or loss-of-function mutations in fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) result in cranial vault defects highlighting the protein's role in membranous ossification. Zebrafish express high levels of fgfr3 during skull development; in order to study FGFR3's role in cranial vault development, we generated the first fgfr3 loss-of-function zebrafish (fgfr3lof/lof). The mutant fish exhibited major changes in the craniofacial skeleton, with a lack of sutures, abnormal frontal and parietal bones, and the presence of ectopic bones. Integrated analyses (in vivo imaging and single-cell RNA sequencing of the osteoblast lineage) of zebrafish fgfr3lof/lof revealed a delay in osteoblast expansion and differentiation, together with changes in the extracellular matrix. These findings demonstrate that fgfr3 is a positive regulator of osteogenesis. We conclude that changes in the extracellular matrix within growing bone might impair cell–cell communication, mineralization, and new osteoblast recruitment. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Optimism and gratitude on suicide risk in Spanish adults: Evidence for doubling up or doubling down?
Authors: Sánchez‐Álvarez Nicolás , Extremera Natalio , Rey Lourdes , Chang Edward C. , Chang Olivia D.
Published: May 2020

Objective

The present study examines the role of optimism and gratitude as predictors of suicide risk, namely depressive symptoms and suicide ideation. Beyond their expected predictive role, optimism and gratitude were also hypothesized to interact together to predict both suicide risk outcomes.

Methods

A sample of 1,013 Spanish adults (521 females) participated in this study. The average age was 39.63 years old (standard deviation = 16.19; range 16–82).

Results

Results indicated that the optimism × gratitude interaction term significantly augmented the prediction of both depressive symptoms and suicide ideation. Specifically, pessimists presented with a higher risk of suicide, but the effect was weaker among those individuals with higher levels of gratitude. Alternatively, optimists with high gratitude showed the highest amount of protection from suicide risk.

Conclusions

Our findings are the first to show how optimism and gratitude might interact as a positive psychological variable to confer greater personal resources in protecting individuals against suicide risk.
Early and natural embryonic death in Lagostomus maximus: Association with the uterine glands, vasculature, and musculature
Authors: Acuña Francisco , Barbeito Claudio G. , Portiansky Enrique L. , Ranea Guadalupe , Nishida Fabian , Miglino María A. , Flamini Mirta A.
Published: May 2020

The uterus is an organ with great plasticity due to the morphological and physiological changes it experiences during the estrous cycle and pregnancy. In mammals, pregnancy requires diverse sex hormones, growth factors and cytokines, among others, for promoting uterine remodeling to favor implantation, placentation, and embryo/fetus survival and growth. The hystricognathi rodent Lagostomus maximus (plains viscacha) has a high rate of embryonic resorption. The cranial and middle implants are reabsorbed 25–35 days after intercourse while the caudal embryos continue with their development until two precocial offspring are born. So far, no uterine studies of non‐pregnant L. maximus females were performed to determine the possible existence of variations in the organ that could be related to the differential survival of the implants. We used ultrasonography, as well as morphological, morphometric, histochemical, lectinhistochemical, and immunohistochemical methods to study differences in the uterine glands (area), vasculature (area), and musculature (thickness) along the uterine horns in non‐pregnant females. Along the uterus, all these structures were in more advanced developmental condition in the caudal region as compared to more anterior positions. These regional variations could be decisive in explaining the reason why only caudal implantations come to term. In contrast, no differences in the in the luminal and glandular epithelial cells, nor in the degree of cell proliferation and apoptosis, and hormonal receptor staining were found. These parameters could be related to implantation along the uterine horns, but not to the differential survival of the implants.
Plasmid gene AZOBR_p60126 impacts biosynthesis of lipopolysaccharide II and swarming motility in Azospirillum brasilense Sp245
Authors: Petrova Lilia P. , Yevstigneyeva Stella S. , Borisov Igor V. , Shelud'ko Andrei V. , Burygin Gennady L. , Katsy Elena I.
Published: May 2020

The facultative plant endophyte Azospirillum brasilense Sp245 synthesizes two high‐molecular‐weight lipopolysaccharides, LPSI and LPSII, which comprise identical d‐rhamnan O‐polysaccharides and, presumably different core oligosaccharides. Previously, using random insertion mutagenesis, we constructed the LpsII− mutant KM139 of strain Sp245 that possessed an Omegon‐Km insertion in plasmid AZOBR_p6. Here, we found that in KM139, Omegon‐Km disrupted the coding sequence AZOBR_p60126 for a putative glycosyltransferase related to mannosyltransferases and rhamnosyltransferases. To verify its function, we cloned the AZOBR_p60126 gene of strain Sp245 in the expression vector plasmid pRK415 and transferred the construct pRK415–p60126 into KM139. In the complemented mutant KM139 (pRK415–p60126), the wild‐type LPSI+ LPSII+ profile was recovered. We also compared the swimming and swarming motilities of strains Sp245, Sp245 (pRK415), KM139, KM139 (pRK415), and KM139 (pRK415–p60126). All these strains had the same flagellar‐dependent swimming speeds, but on soft media, the LpsI+ LpsII− strains KM139 and KM139 (pRK415) swarmed significantly faster than the other LpsI+ LpsII+ strains. Such interstrain differences in swarming motility were more pronounced on 0.4% than on 0.5% soft agar plates. These data show that the AZOBR_p60126‐encoded putative glycosyltransferase significantly affects the lipopolysaccharide profile and, as a consequence, the social motility of azospirilla.
Morphological and structural response of Bacillus sp. SFC 500‐1E after Cr(VI) and phenol treatment
Authors: Fernandez Marilina , Paulucci Natalia S. , Reynoso Eugenia , Morales Gustavo M. , Agostini Elizabeth , González Paola S.
Published: May 2020

Bacillus sp. SFC 500‐1E, a bacterial strain isolated from tannery sediments, is able to remove Cr(VI) and simultaneously tolerate high concentrations of phenol. In this study, we used high‐resolution microscopies, fluorescence polarization techniques, and several biochemical approaches to improve our understanding about the adaptive mechanisms of this strain to survive in the presence of Cr(VI) and phenol, both individually and simultaneously. Among adaptive strategies developed by Bacillus sp. SFC 500‐1E, an increase in bacterial size, such as length, width, and height, and ultrastructural alterations, such as electron‐dense precipitates, the presence of exopolymers, and cell lysis, are noteworthy. The exopolymers observed were consistent with the extensive biofilm formation and exopolysaccharides and extracellular protein quantification. At the cell membrane level, a rapid rigidity was induced in Cr(VI) + phenol treatment. This effect was counteracted after 16 h by changes at the level of phospholipids, mainly in the composition of fatty acids (FAs); in particular, an increase in the unsaturated fatty acid/saturated fatty acid ratio was detected. This study shows evidence of some adaptive responses displayed by Bacillus sp. SFC 500‐1E, which allows it to survive in stressful conditions.
The effect of insect or microalga alternative protein feeds on broiler meat quality
Authors: Altmann Brianne A , Wigger Ruth , Ciulu Marco , Mörlein Daniel
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

In order to combat environmental and food security concerns associated with the increasing demand for soymeal related to increasing meat consumption, this study determines the chicken meat quality derived when soymeal is substituted for either partially de‐fatted Hermetia illucens larval meal or spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) in broiler diets. Physicochemical parameters, sensory traits, and fatty acid composition of the meat are investigated, as well as an experiment to evaluate the impact of highly oxygenated atmosphere versus vacuum‐bag packaging on shelf life was conducted.

RESULTS

Hermetia illucens did not compromise quality; meat was slightly more yellow (higher b*), had a slightly decreased pH, and was less adhesive during chewing compared to the soy‐fed control. Furthermore, Hermetia illucens resulted in higher saturated fatty acids proportions in thigh meat. Spirulina resulted in redder (higher a*) and more yellow (higher b*) meat with a slightly increased umami and chicken flavour. Spirulina‐fed chicken meat had higher lipid oxidation levels compared to the control after being packaged in a highly oxygenated atmosphere; although, differences between the spirulina‐fed and control fatty acid composition in thigh meat were minor.

CONCLUSION

Both alternative protein feeds show potential to replace soymeal in broiler diets; however, they do result in moderately altered products.
Thermal unimolecular decomposition of ethyl 2‐furoate and its reactivity toward OH radicals: A theoretical study
Authors: Mai Tam V.‐T. , Lin Kuang C. , Huynh Lam K.
Published: May 2020

Mechanism and kinetics of the thermal pyrolysis of ethyl 2‐furoate were studied in a wide range of conditions (ie, 500‐1500 K and 1‐7600 Torr) using the accurate dual‐level theory CCSD(T)&MP2(FC)//B3LYP/aug‐cc‐pVTZ and state‐of‐the‐art Rice‐Ramsperger‐Kassel‐Marcus based master equation rate model including hindered internal rotation and tunneling treatments. The predicted rate coefficients are found to be in accordance with the experimental data. The mechanism details are revealed as (i) the major decomposition channel occurs via a six‐center transition state with the barrier energy of 48.3 kcal/mol at 0 K, leading to the formation of C2H4 and 2‐furoic acid and (ii) pressure has a slightly positive effect on the rate constant, particularly at the high temperature. Also, the reactivity of ethyl 2‐furoate toward OH radicals was discussed in the first place.
Oxymetazoline and Energy‐Based Therapy in Patients with Rosacea: Evaluation of the Safety and Tolerability in an Open‐Label, Interventional Study
Authors: Tanghetti Emil A. , Goldberg David J. , Dover Jeffrey S. , Geronemus Roy G. , Bai Zane , Alvandi Nancy , Shanler Stuart D.
Published: May 2020

Background and Objectives

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of oxymetazoline hydrochloride cream, 1% (oxymetazoline) when used as an adjunctive treatment with energy‐based therapy for patients with moderate to severe facial erythema associated with rosacea.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

In this Phase 4, multicenter, interventional, open‐label study, eligible patients received one of four energy‐based therapies (potassium titanyl phosphate laser, intense pulsed light therapy, pulsed‐dye laser Vbeam Perfecta, or pulsed‐dye laser Cynergy) on day 1 and day 29 and once‐daily application of oxymetazoline on days 3 through 27 and days 31 through 56. Improvement from baseline in Clinician Erythema Assessment (CEA) score, patient satisfaction measures, incidence of treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs), and worsening from baseline on dermal tolerability assessments and the Clinician Telangiectasia Assessment (CTA) were assessed. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics.

Results

A total of 46 patients (mean age, 51.1 years; 78.3% female) enrolled in this study. Similar numbers of patients received each of the energy‐based therapies in addition to oxymetazoline. All patients demonstrated an improvement from baseline in CEA during the study with 39 of 43 evaluable patients (90.7%) demonstrating an improvement 6 hours posttreatment on day 56. Most patients were satisfied or very satisfied with treatment at the end of the study. All TEAEs were mild or moderate in severity. Some patients experienced worsening in dermal tolerability assessment symptoms (range: 4–21 patients; 8.7–45.7%). Worsening in CEA and CTA were each reported by three patients (6.5%) at any time during the study.

Conclusions

Treatment with oxymetazoline as adjunctive therapy with energy‐based therapy was safe, well tolerated, and reduced facial erythema in patients with moderate to severe persistent facial erythema associated with rosacea. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals LLC
Preparation of Cellulose Insulating Paper with Low Dielectric Constant by BTCA Esterification Crosslinking
Authors: Mo Yang , Yang Lijun , Hou Wei , Zou Tiantian , Huang Youyu , Liao Ruijin
Published: May 2020

This study aims to decrease the dielectric constant of kraft paper by 1,2,3,4‐butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA) esterification crosslinking. Kraft paper samples are treated with various concentrations of BTCA to prepare modified paper with different reaction degrees. Morphology and surface chemical composition are characterized. The dielectric constant and loss of the plain and modified paper are also investigated. Results show that esterification occurs successfully between cellulose molecular chain and BTCA. The intrinsic dielectric constant and loss of 6 g L−1 BTCA‐treated paper decrease by 23.5% and 36.3%, respectively, at 50 Hz. The esterification can reduce the hydroxyl amounts on cellulose. The formed crosslinking network between the cellulose chains restricts the cellulose orientation polarization, thereby reducing cellulose polarizability. The electrical strength, mechanical properties, and thermal behavior of the samples are explored to evaluate comprehensively the modifying effect. BTCA esterification crosslinking proves to be a promising method for decreasing the dielectric constant of kraft paper.
Characteristic basis functions enhanced compressive sensing for solving the bistatic scattering problems of three‐dimensional targets
Authors: Wang Zhong‐Gen , Nie Wen‐Yan , Lin Han
Published: May 2020

In this letter, the characteristic basis functions (CBFs) are utilized to enhance the compressive sensing (CS) technique to analyze the bistatic scattering problems of three‐dimensional targets. The CS technique can efficiently analyze the bistatic scattering problems by establishing an underdetermined linear equation instead of traditional full‐rank dense impedance matrix equation. However, the CS method is limited to two‐dimensional targets. The reason is that the induced currents of the three‐dimensional target expressed by Rao‐Wilton‐Glisson basis functions are not sparse on the commonly sparse basis, since the field source has no orderly distribution when the target is modeled and discretized by commercial software. In order to solve this problem, the CBFs are used in this letter as the sparse basis to improve the sparsity of the induced currents. The numerical results of different targets are presented to validate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method.
A multiobjective optimization approach for linear quadratic Gaussian/loop transfer recovery design
Authors: Kumar Lalitesh , Kumar Prawendra , Dhillon Sukhwinder Singh
Published: May 2020

This article bestows the linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG)/Loop Transfer Recovery (LTR) optimal controller design for a perturbed linear system having insufficient information about systems states through a multiobjective optimization approach. A Kalman filter observer is required to estimate the unknown states at the output from the noisy data. However, the main downside of the LQG controller's is that its robustness cannot be guaranteed because it consists of linear quadratic regulator (LQR) and Kalman observer, and due to observer incorporation within the LQR framework results in loss of robustness which is undesirable. Therefore, it is necessary to recover the robustness by tuning the controller which further plays havoc with system performance and control effort for certain plants. The present work addresses the investigation of the trade‐off between multiobjective indexes (formulated on the basis of robustness, optimal control, and performances) through three multiobjective optimization algorithms as NSGA‐II, multiobjective simulated annealing and multiobjective particle swarm optimization. The tuned parameters meet the competitive multiobjective performance indexes that are verified through simulation results. The Pareto front with multiple solutions helps to design a robust controller depending on the weightage given to the respective performance indexes. Simulation results reveal that the proposed multiobjective control strategy helps in recovering the characteristics of LQG/LTR.
Consider the Value of Remote‐Disconnect Meters
Authors: Berenson Chase
Published: May 2020

Return‐on‐investment analysis can help utilities determine if deploying remote‐disconnect meters is worthwhile
A Small Master Meter Test Uncovered a Big Problem
Authors: Collett John
Published: May 2020

Concerned about increased nonrevenue water, a water utility in North Carolina conducted a water audit to determine the cause and devise a solution.
Biocompatible contactless electrically responsive hydrogel‐based force maker
Authors: Shklyar Tatyana F , Orkhey Ekaterina A , Safronov Alexander P , Blyakhman Felix A
Published: May 2020

We present a biocompatible contactless gel actuator based on poly(methacrylic acid) with magnesium counterions (MgPMA) that, being placed in sodium chloride solution, is able to generate a high value of active mechanical force in a DC electric field. Force generation of the gel goes simultaneously with its swelling due to the osmotic pressure provided by the ionic exchange in the MgPMA polyelectrolyte matrix induced by the electric current. An increase in the charge density of the polymeric network enhances the mechanical stiffness of the gel, which provides negative feedback to force generation. The extent of such influence depends on the networking density of the gel matrix. As a result, soft MgPMA gels with low networking density show higher level of force generation than dense gels with high networking density. It is shown that cylindrical gel samples ofca8 mm in length andca11 mm in diameter immersed in NaCl solution some distance apart from platinum electrodes are able to exert a force of up to 0.4 N in a DC electric field for a constant length of sample with a rate ofca1.0 mN per second on average.
The hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin‐minoxidil inclusion complex improves the cardiovascular and proliferative adverse effects of minoxidil in male rats: Implications in the treatment of alopecia
Authors: Maqoud Fatima , Zizzo Nicola , Mele Antonietta , Denora Nunzio , Passantino Giuseppe , Scala Rosa , Cutrignelli Annalisa , Tinelli Antonella , Laquintana Valentino , la Forgia Flavia , Fontana Sergio , Franco Massimo , Lopedota Angela Assunta , Tricarico Domenico
Published: May 2020

The efficacy of minoxidil (MXD) ethanolic solutions (1%‐5% w/v) in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia is limited by adverse reactions. The toxicological effects of repeated topical applications of escalating dose (0.035%‐3.5% w/v) and of single and twice daily doses (3.5% w/v) of a novel hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin MXD GEL formulation (MXD/HP‐β‐CD) and a MXD solution were investigated in male rats. The cardiovascular effects were evaluated by telemetric monitoring of ECG and arterial pressure in free‐moving rats. Ultrasonographic evaluation of cardiac morphology and function, and histopathological and biochemical analysis of the tissues, were performed. A pharmacovigilance investigation was undertaken using the EudraVigilance database for the evaluation of the potential cancer‐related effects of topical MXD. Following the application of repeated escalating doses of MXD solution, cardiac hypertrophy, hypotension, enhanced serum natriuretic peptides and K+‐ion levels, serum liver biomarkers, and histological lesions including renal cancer were observed. In addition, the administration of a twice daily dose of MXD solution, at SF rat vs human = 311, caused reductions in the systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure of the rats (−30.76 ± 3%, −28.84 ± 4%, and −30.66 ± 5%, respectively, vs the baseline; t test P < .05). These effects were not reversible following washout of the MXD solution. Retrospective investigation showed 32 cases of cancer associated with the use of topical MXD in humans. The rats treated with MXD HP‐β‐CD were less severely affected. MXD causes proliferative adverse effects. The MXD HP‐β‐CD inclusion complex reduces these adverse effects.
Quantum Transport in Nanostructures of 3D Topological Insulators
Authors: Giraud Romain , Dufouleur Joseph
Published: May 2020

Quantum transport measurement is an efficient tool to unveil properties of topological surface states in 3D topological insulators. Herein, experimental and theoretical results are reviewed, presenting first some methods for the growth of nanostructures. The effect of the disorder and the band bending is discussed in details both experimentally and theoretically. Then, the focus is put on disorder and quantum confinement effect in topological surface states of 3D topological insulators narrow nanostructures. Such effect can be revealed by investigating quantum interferences at very low temperature such as Aharonov–Bohm oscillations or universal conductance fluctuations.
Constrained percolation, Ising model, and XOR Ising model on planar lattices
Authors: Li Zhongyang
Published: May 2020

We study site percolation models on planar lattices including the [m,4,n,4] lattice and the square tilings on the Euclidean plane () or the hyperbolic plane (), satisfying certain local constraints on degree‐4 faces. These models are closely related to Ising models and XOR Ising models (product of two i.i.d Ising models) on regular tilings of or . In particular, we obtain a description of the numbers of infinite “+” and “−” clusters of the ferromagnetic Ising model on a vertex‐transitive triangular tiling of for different boundary conditions and coupling constants. Our results show the possibility that such an Ising configuration has infinitely many infinite “+” and “−” clusters, while its random cluster representation has no infinite open clusters. Percolation properties of corresponding XOR Ising models are also discussed.
Charge transfer characteristics of F6TCNNQ–gold interface
Authors: Kuhrt Robert , Hantusch Martin , Knupfer Martin , Büchner Bernd
Published: May 2020

The metal–organic interface between polycrystalline gold and hexafluorotetracyanonaphthoquinodimethane (F6TCNNQ) was investigated by photoelectron spectroscopy with the focus on the charge transfer characteristics from the metal to the molecule. The valence levels, as well as the core levels of the heterojunction, indicate a full electron transfer and a change in the chemical environment. The changes are observed in the first F6TCNNQ layers, whereas for further film growth, only neutral F6TCNNQ molecules could be detected. New occupied states below the Fermi level were observed in the valence levels, indicating a lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) occupation due to the charge transfer. A fitting of the spectra reveals the presence of a neutral and a charged F6TCNNQ molecules, but no further species were present.
Simple Chemical Modification Using Perfluoroalkyl‐Substituted Stable Nitrile N‐Oxide on Bulk Surface via Catalyst‐Free Click Reaction
Authors: Wang Chen‐Gang , Cheawchan Sumitra , Qiagedeer Airong , Monjiyama Shunsuke , Uchida Satoshi , Koyama Yasuhito , Takata Toshikazu
Published: May 2020

Fluorinated surfaces show favorable physical properties for material applications. However, fluorination processes of bulk surfaces using conventional reagents require skilled techniques and special equipment. Herein, we demonstrate highly efficient surface modification using a new fluorination tool, perfluoroalkyl‐substituted stable nitrile N‐oxide. The nitrile N‐oxide is successfully synthesized in one‐pot by exploiting 1,1‐diphenylnitroethene as the precursor of nitrile N‐oxide. The nitrile N‐oxide exhibits not only high reactivity but also thermal stability, which enables the simple chemical modification of allyl group‐modified rigid surfaces without catalysts or byproducts. The surface is analysed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry, and contact angle measurements, providing clear evidence that the perfluoroalkyl groups are densely integrated on the bulk surface as a result of the efficient covalent bond formation.
A Highly Sensitive and Selective Fluorescent Sensor for Zinc(II) Ions Based on a 1,2,3‐Triazolyl‐Functionalized 2,2’‐Dipicolylamine (DPA)
Authors: Waheed Abdul , Ahmad Tauqir , Haroon Muhammad , Ullah Nisar
Published: May 2020

The design and synthesis of a new triazolyl‐DPA (TAZDPA) based Zn2+ fluorescent sensor is reported. The structural architect of TAZDPA contains 2,2’‐dipicolylamine (DPA) and 1,2,3‐triazolyl moiety as chelators, which synergistically coordinate with Zn2+, resulting in dramatic fluorescent emission enhancement and a notable bathochromic shift due to the inhibition of photoinduced electron transfer (PET) process. Solution state structural characterization and molecular modeling of TAZDPA suggest that N3 of 1,2,3‐triazolyl moiety and DPA coordinate with Zn2+ to afford five‐membered coordination ring. The binding behavior and stoichiometry of the TAZDPA/Zn2+complex was studied by Job's plot, which suggested 1 : 1 stoichiometry. The nature of binding behavior of TAZDPA with Zn2+ was validated by 1H‐NMR that revealed a distinct downfield shift of DPA and triazolyl protons. Under physiological condition, TAZDPA displayed high selectivity for Zn2+ over a wide range of competing common cations, exhibiting ultra‐sensitivity with a limit of detection (LOD) of 8.3×101 nM. This implies that TAZDPA can detect chronic Zn2+ concentration for freshwater (>1.84 μM) denoted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
A Study of the Effects of the Lewis Acid Catalysts on Oxa‐Diels‐Alder Reactions through Molecular Electron Density Theory
Authors: Emamian Saeedreza , Domingo Luis R. , Javad Hosseini Seyed , Ali‐Asgari Safa
Published: May 2020

The effects of the Lewis acid (LA) AlCl3catalyst on the oxa‐Diels‐Alder (ODA) reaction of 2‐aryl‐butadiene1toward benzaldehyde2have been studied within the molecular electron density theory at the M06‐2X/6‐311G(d,p) computational level. Coordination of the LA AlCl3to the carbonyl oxygen of benzaldehyde2not only considerably accelerates the reaction, but also facilitates the ODA reaction along a high polar two‐step mechanism. The complete regioselectivity andendo‐stereoselectivity experimentally observed are explained through Parr functions, respectively, non‐covalent interactions analyses. Electron localization function topological analysis along the most favorablemeta/endoreaction path permits characterizing the C‐C and C‐O single bond formation along this two‐step mechanism.
Signature quality attributes of CD146+ mesenchymal stem/stromal cells correlate with high therapeutic and secretory potency
Authors: Bowles Annie C. , Kouroupis Dimitrios , Willman Melissa A. , Perucca Orfei Carlotta , Agarwal Ashutosh , Correa Diego
Published: May 2020

CD146+ bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (BM-MSCs) play key roles in the perivascular niche, skeletogenesis, and hematopoietic support; however, comprehensive evaluation of therapeutic potency has yet to be determined. In this study, in vitro inflammatory priming to crude human BM-MSCs (n = 8) captured a baseline of signature responses, including enriched CD146+ with coexpression of CD107aHigh, CXCR4High, and LepRHigh, transcriptional profile, enhanced secretory capacity, and robust immunomodulatory secretome and function, including immunopotency assays (IPAs) with stimulated immune cells. These signatures were significantly more pronounced in CD146+ (POS)-sorted subpopulation than in the CD146− (NEG). Mechanistically, POS BM-MSCs showed a markedly higher secretory capacity with significantly greater immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory protein production upon inflammatory priming compared with the NEG BM-MSCs. Moreover, IPAs with stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells and T lymphocytes demonstrated robust immunosuppression mediated by POS BM-MSC while inducing significant frequencies of regulatory T cells. in vivo evidence showed that POS BM-MSC treatment promoted pronounced M1-to-M2 macrophage polarization, ameliorating inflammation/fibrosis of knee synovium and fat pad, unlike treatment with NEG BM-MSCs. These data correlate the expression of CD146 with innately higher immunomodulatory and secretory capacity, and thus therapeutic potency. This high-content, reproducible evidence suggests that the CD146+ (POS) MSC subpopulation are the mediators of the beneficial effects achieved using crude BM-MSCs, leading to translational implications for improving cell therapy and manufacturing.
Mindestmengen in der chirurgischen Behandlung des Lungenkarzinoms
Authors: Robold Tobias , Ried Michael , Neu Reiner , Hofmann Hans-Stefan
Published: May 2020

Hintergrund

Im Rahmen der aktuellen Diskussion des G‑BA zur Einführung neuer Mindestmengenregelungen (MMR) in Deutschland untersucht die vorliegende Studie das Meinungsbild aktiver Thoraxchirurgen zu Mindestmengen (MM) bei der operativen Behandlung des Lungenkarzinoms.

Methoden

Die Auswahl der thoraxchirurgischen Zentren für die Onlinebefragung erfolgte auf Basis des Krankenhausverzeichnisses 2017 (Bundesamt für Statistik), der Lungenkrebszentren (Deutsche Krebsgesellschaft), der zertifizierten Kompetenzzentren Thoraxchirurgie (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Thoraxchirurgie), der Kliniken mit thoraxchirurgischem Schwerpunkt und der deutschen Universitätskliniken. Abgefragt wurde der potenzielle Einfluss einer MMR auf die Ergebnisqualität, Versorgungsqualität, ökonomische Aspekte und auf die Versorgungsstruktur. Des Weiteren wurde eine Empfehlung für eine MM gefordert und aktuelle Ausnahmeregelungen bewertet.

Ergebnisse

Es wurden 145 Kliniken (Rücklaufquote 85 %) mit 454 Thoraxchirurgen (Rücklaufquote 54 %) kontaktiert. Bei hoher Akzeptanz von MM zur Verbesserung der Ergebnisqualität erwarten 78,4 % der befragten Operateure eine Zentralisierung der chirurgischen Versorgung, welche jedoch nach Aussage von 70,1  % zu keiner Verschlechterung der Versorgung von Lungenkrebspatienten führen würde. Etwa 46,1 % der Teilnehmer rechnen mit einer ökonomischeren Versorgung und 83,3 % sprachen sich für die Einführung einer MMR mit einer durchschnittlichen MM von 67 anatomischen Lungenresektionen pro Jahr und pro Zentrum aus.

Schlussfolgerung

Eine MMR zur chirurgischen Therapie des Lungenkarzinoms findet unter aktiven Thoraxchirurgen eine hohe Akzeptanz. Die geforderte MM (n = 67) liegt etwas unter der Vorgabe für chirurgische Primärfälle eines zertifizierten Lungenkrebszentrums.
Microglial-specific depletion of TAK1 is neuroprotective in the acute phase after ischemic stroke
Authors: Zeyen Thomas , Noristani Rozina , Habib Shahin , Heinisch Ole , Slowik Alexander , Huber Michael , Schulz Jörg B. , Reich Arno , Habib Pardes
Published: May 2020

Transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) is upregulated after cerebral ischemia and contributes to an aggravation of brain injury. TAK1 acts as a key regulator of NF-ΚB and the MAP kinases JNK and p38 and modulates post-ischemic neuroinflammation and apoptosis. Microglia are the main TAK1-expressing immunocompetent cells of the brain. However, little is known about the function and regulation of microglial TAK1 after cerebral ischemia. Tamoxifen-dependent conditional depletion of TAK1 in microglial cells was induced in Cx3cr1creER-Tak1fl/fl mice. The creER-negative Tak1fl/fl mice and vehicle-treated (corn oil) mice served as control groups. A transient intraluminal middle cerebral artery occlusion of 30 min followed by 6 h and 72 h of reperfusion was performed in male mice. Oxygen-glucose-deprivation (OGD) was performed with primary cortical glial cell cultures to examine the effect of microglial-specific and general (5Z-7-Oxozeaenol) TAK1 inhibition after different reperfusion times (1 h, 6 h, and 72 h). Cx3cr1creER-Tak1fl/fl mice showed reduced infarct sizes and improved neurological outcomes compared to the control group. The mRNA and protein levels of pro-inflammatory Il1b/IL-1β and Tnf/TNF-α in the peri-infarct zones of microglial-specific TAK1-depleted mice were significantly reduced. Furthermore, TAK1 depletion in vitro led to reduced cell death rates after OGD. Moreover, hypoxia-mediated activation of TAK1 and its downstream signalling proteins, JNK and p38, were dampened by microglial TAK1 depletion. In contrast, 5Z-7-Oxozeaenol-induced pharmacological inhibition of TAK1 completely diminished MAPK-signalling including the kinases JNK and p38 in all cells. Microglial TAK1 depletion abrogates post-ischemic neuroinflammation and apoptosis in the acute phase, hence might be considered as a potential target in the treatment of cerebral hypoxia.

Key messages

TAK1 is activated after cerebral ischemia and induces MAP kinases p38 and JNK.

Activated TAK1 increases apoptosis rate and the level pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α.

Microglial cells seem to be the main source of TAK1-mediated post-ischemic neuroinflammation.

Microglial-specific TAK1-depletion mediates sustainable neuroprotective effects, which might be superior to global TAK1 inhibition.
From tolerance allocation to tolerance-cost optimization: a comprehensive literature review
Authors: Hallmann Martin , Schleich Benjamin , Wartzack Sandro
Published: May 2020

It is widely acknowledged that the allocation of part tolerances is a highly responsible task due to the complex repercussions on both product quality and cost. As a consequence, since its beginnings in the 1960s, least-cost tolerance allocation using optimization techniques, i.e. tolerance-cost optimization, was continuously in focus of numerous research activities. Nowadays, increasing cost and quality pressure, availability of real manufacturing data driven by Industry 4.0 technologies, and rising computational power result in a continuously growing interest in tolerance-cost optimization in both research and industry. However, inconsistent terminology and the lack of a classification of the various relevant aspects is an obstacle for the application of tolerance-cost optimization approaches. There is no literature comprehensively and clearly summarizing the current state of the art and illustrating the relevant key aspects. Motivated to overcome this drawback, this article provides a comprehensive as well as detailed overview of the broad research field in tolerance-cost optimization for both beginners and experts. To facilitate the first steps for readers who are less familiar with the topic, the paper initially outlines the fundamentals of tolerance-cost optimization including its basic idea, elementary terminology and mathematical formulation. These fundamentals serve as a basis for a subsequent detailed discussion of the key elements with focus on the different characteristics concerning the optimization problem, tolerance-cost model, technical system model and the tolerance analysis model. These aspects are gathered and summarized in a structured mind map, which equips the reader with a comprehensive graphical overview of all the various facets and aspects of tolerance-cost optimization. Beside this, the paper gives a retrospect of the past fifty years of research in tolerance cost-optimization, considering 290 relevant publications. Based thereon, current issues and future research needs in tolerance-cost optimization were identified.
Fungal RNA editing: who, when, and why?
Authors: Teichert Ines
Published: May 2020

RNA editing occurs in all kingdoms of life and in various RNA species. The editing of nuclear protein-coding transcripts has long been known in metazoans, but was only recently detected in fungi. In contrast to many metazoan species, fungal editing sites occur mostly in coding regions, and therefore, fungal editing can change protein sequences and lead to modified or new functions of proteins. Indeed, mRNA editing is thought to be generally adaptive on fungi. Although RNA editing has been detected in both, Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, there seem to be considerable differences between these two classes of fungi concerning the types, the timing, and the purpose of editing. This review summarizes the characteristics of RNA editing in fungi and compares them to metazoan species and bacteria. In particular, it will review cellular processes affected by editing and speculate on the purpose of editing for fungal biology with a focus on the filamentous ascomycetes.

Key Points

• Fungi show various types of mRNA editing in nuclear transcripts.

• Fungal editing leads to proteome diversification.

• Filamentous ascomycetes may require editing for sexual sporulation.

• Wood-degrading basidiomycetes may use editing for adaptation to different substrates.