bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of atomoxetine versus midodrine for neurogenic orthostatic hypotension
Authors: Byun Jung‐Ick , Kim Do‐Yong , Moon Jangsup , Shin Hye-Rim , Sunwoo Jun‐Sang , Lee Woo‐Jin , Lee Han‐Sang , Park Kyung‐Il , Lee Soon‐Tae , Jung Keun‐Hwa , Jung Ki‐Young , Kim Manho , Lee Sang Kun , Chu Kon
Published: December 2019

Objective

The efficacy and safety of 1‐month atomoxetine and midodrine therapies were compared. Three‐month atomoxetine and combination therapies were investigated for additional benefits.

Methods

This prospective open‐label randomized trial included 50 patients with symptomatic neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH). The patients received either atomoxetine 18 mg daily or midodrine 5 mg twice daily and were evaluated 1 and 3 months later. Those who still met the criteria for nOH at 1 month received both midodrine and atomoxetine for an additional 2 months, and if not, they continued their initial medication. The primary outcome was an improvement in orthostatic blood pressure (BP) drop (maximum BP change from supine to 3 min after standing) at 1 month. The secondary endpoints were symptom scores, percentage of patients with nOH at 1 and 3 months.

Results

Patients with midodrine or atomoxetine treatment showed comparative improvement in the orthostatic BP drop, and overall only 26.2% of the patients had nOH at 1 month, which was similar between the treatment groups. Only atomoxetine resulted in significant symptomatic improvements at 1 month. For those without nOH at 1 month, there was additional symptomatic improvement at 3 months with their initial medication. For those with nOH at 1 month, the combination treatment resulted in no additional improvement. Mild‐to‐moderate adverse events were reported by 11.6% of the patients.

Interpretation

One‐month atomoxetine treatment was effective and safe in nOH patients. Atomoxetine improved orthostatic BP changes as much as midodrine and was better in terms of ameliorating nOH symptoms.
Children's expectations and episodic reports over 12 weeks: Influences on memory for a specially designed pediatric examination
Authors: Baker‐Ward Lynne , Tyler Caroline Staneck , Coffman Jennifer L. , Merritt Kathy A. , Ornstein Peter A.
Published: December 2019

This investigation extended work on the linkage between knowledge and remembering by exploring the relation between generic and episodic memory representations. Thirty 6‐year‐old children experienced a mock physical examination with some expected components omitted and other unexpected actions included. Immediately and again after 12 weeks, the children reported the event, answered questions about what usually happens in an examination, and rated their confidence in aspects of their reports. They remembered more typical than atypical present components, that is, those included in the examination, and, over time, falsely reported more typical than atypical actions. The children produced intrusions of expected‐but‐omitted medical features at the delay but with lower confidence ratings than they provided for correctly recalled items. Performance on a source monitoring task was associated with aspects of the children's confidence ratings for intrusions. The findings provide evidence that the relation between episodic and generic representations is dynamic and suggest that the capacity to differentiate between them contributes to the development of accurate eyewitness memory.
HHS announces PrEP distribution effort as part of goal to reduce HIV cases
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: December 2019

Substance use treatment centers could play a role in identifying some of the 200,000 patients nationwide who may become eligible to receive no‐cost medication for the prevention of HIV. However, the drug will be intended under this initiative for only on‐label use, which does not encompass use to prevent HIV contracted through the sharing of needles by injection drug users.
Self‐Hydrophobization in a Dynamic Hydrogel for Creating Nonspecific Repeatable Underwater Adhesion
Authors: Han Lu , Wang Menghao , Prieto‐López Lizbeth Ofelia , Deng Xu , Cui Jiaxi
Published: December 2019

Adhesive hydrogels are widely applied for biological and medical purposes; however, they are generally unable to adhere to tissues under wet/underwater conditions. Herein, described is a class of novel dynamic hydrogels that shows repeatable and long‐term stable underwater adhesion to various substrates including wet biological tissues. The hydrogels have Fe3+‐induced hydrophobic surfaces, which are dynamic and can undergo a self‐hydrophobization process to achieve strong underwater adhesion to a diverse range of dried/wet substrates without the need for additional processes or reagents. It is also demonstrated that the hydrogels can directly adhere to biological tissues in the presence of under sweat, blood, or body fluid exposure, and that the adhesion is compatible with in vivo dynamic movements. This study provides a novel strategy for fabricating underwater adhesive hydrogels for many applications, such as soft robots, wearable devices, tissue adhesives, and wound dressings.
Coupling Piezocatalysis and Photocatalysis in Bi4NbO8X (X = Cl, Br) Polar Single Crystals
Authors: Hu Cheng , Huang Hongwei , Chen Fang , Zhang Yihe , Yu Hai , Ma Tianyi
Published: December 2019

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) as green oxidants are of great importance for environmental and biological applications. Photocatalysis is one of the major routes for ROS evolution, which is seriously restricted by rapid charge recombination. Herein, piezocatalysis and photocatalysis (i.e., piezo–photocatalysis) are coupled to efficiently produce superoxide radicals (•O2−), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and hydroxyl radicals (•OH) via oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), by using Bi4NbO8X (X = Cl, Br) single crystalline nanoplates. Significantly, the piezo‐photocatalytic process leads to the highest ORR performance of the Bi4NbO8Br nanoplates, exhibiting •O2−, H2O2, and •OH evolution rates of 98.7, 792, and 33.2 µmol g−1 h−1, respectively. The formation of a polarized electric field and band bending allows directional separation of charge carriers, promoting the catalytic activity. Furthermore, the reductive active sites are found enriched on all the facets in the piezo–photocatalytic process, also contributing to the ORR. By piezo–photodeposition of Pt to artificially plant reductive reactive sites, the Bi4NbO8Br plates demonstrate largely enhanced photocatalytic H2 production activity with a rate of 203.7 µmol g−1 h−1. The present work advances piezo–photocatalysis as a new route for ROS generation, but also discloses the potential of piezo–photocatalytic active sites enriching for H2 evolution.
Dendrite‐Free Potassium Metal Anodes in a Carbonate Electrolyte
Authors: Liu Pengcheng , Wang Yixian , Gu Qilin , Nanda Jagjit , Watt John , Mitlin David
Published: December 2019

Potassium (K) metal anodes suffer from a challenging problem of dendrite growth. Here, it is demonstrated that a tailored current collector will stabilize the metal plating–stripping behavior even with a conventional KPF6‐carbonate electrolyte. A 3D copper current collector is functionalized with partially reduced graphene oxide to create a potassiophilic surface, the electrode being denoted as rGO@3D‐Cu. Potassiophilic versus potassiophobic experiments demonstrate that molten K fully wets rGO@3D‐Cu after 6 s, but does not wet unfunctionalized 3D‐Cu. Electrochemically, a unique synergy is achieved that is driven by interfacial tension and geometry: the adherent rGO underlayer promotes 2D layer‐by‐layer (Frank–van der Merwe) metal film growth at early stages of plating, while the tortuous 3D‐Cu electrode reduces the current density and geometrically frustrates dendrites. The rGO@3D‐Cu symmetric cells and half‐cells achieve state‐of‐the‐art plating and stripping performance. The symmetric rGO@3D‐Cu cells exhibit stable cycling at 0.1–2 mA cm−2, while baseline Cu prematurely fails when the current reaches 0.5 mA cm−2. The half‐cells cells of rGO@3D‐Cu (no K reservoir) are stable at 0.5 mA cm−2 for 10 000 min (100 cycles), and at 1 mA cm−2 for 5000 min. The baseline 3D‐Cu, planar rGO@Cu, and planar Cu foil fails after 5110, 3012, and 1410 min, respectively.
Controllable Synthesis of Crystalline ReS2(1−x)Se2x Monolayers on Amorphous SiO2/Si Substrates with Fast Photoresponse
Authors: Kang Peipei , Nan Haiyan , Zhang Xiumei , Mo Haoxin , Ni Zhenhua , Gu Xiaofeng , Ostrikov Kostya (Ken) , Xiao Shaoqing
Published: December 2019

Re‐based transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) and alloys have many unusual features such as in‐plane anisotropic optical, electrical, and phonon properties and thus receive increasing research interest. However, the distorted 1T structure and the weaker interlayer coupling easily cause anisotropic growth and out‐of‐plane growth, making it particularly challenging to produce Re‐based TMD and alloy monolayers on amorphous SiO2/Si substrates. Here, a reliable method is developed for the synthesis of high‐quality and large‐size ReS2(1−x)Se2x monolayer crystals on SiO2/Si substrates by NaCl‐assisted, confined‐space chemical vapor deposition. The synergy of salt assistance with the confined reaction space facilitates the formation of intermediate metal oxychlorides and creates a relatively stable growth environment, finally leading to the successful synthesis of ReS2(1−x)Se2x monolayer crystals on SiO2/Si substrates. The as‐grown ReS2(1−x)Se2x monolayer alloys exhibit continuously variable composition, high crystal quality, and uniform distribution of Re, S, and Se elements. Furthermore, the ReS2(1−x)Se2x based photodetectors display good photoresponse to visible and near‐infrared light with a fast response of less than 15 ms. The salt‐assisted, confined‐space chemical vapor deposition provides a reliable way for the synthesis of large‐scale low‐lattice symmetry 2D materials on amorphous SiO2/Si substrates and opens up new prospects for Re‐based TMDs and alloys in optoelectronic devices.
2D Ductile Transition Metal Chalcogenides (TMCs): Novel High‐Performance Ag2S Nanosheets for Ultrafast Photonics
Authors: Feng Jiangjiang , Li Xiaohui , Shi Zhaojiang , Zheng Chuang , Li Xuwei , Leng Deying , Wang Yamin , Liu Jie , Zhu Lujun
Published: December 2019

As a member of the 2D transition metal chalcogenides (TMCs), 2D Ag2S with large absorption coefficient, broadband optical response, extraordinary metal‐like ductility, high plastic deformation strain, unique layered structure, and very low solubility has offered a platform for achieving tremendous success in various fields. Great achievements have been made in exploring the linear optical, mechanical, and photoelectric properties of 2D Ag2S nanosheets. However, the nonlinear optical properties of 2D Ag2S nanosheets and their applications in ultrafast photonics have not been studied. The saturable absorption property of 2D Ag2S nanosheets is experimentally illustrated at the telecommunication band with a large optical modulation depth of 15.5% and a low saturable intensity of 250.4 MW cm−2. Moreover, the 229th harmonic soliton molecule with repetition rate of 1.1 GHz based on 2D Ag2S saturable absorber is realized at the telecommunication band for the first time to the authors' knowledge. Thankfully, 2D Ag2S nanosheets display excellent nonlinear optical properties suggesting that this may open a new door for advanced photonic devices based on 2D Ag2S nanosheets.
Gold‐Catalyzed Atroposelective Synthesis of 1,1′‐Binaphthalene‐2,3′‐diols
Authors: Zhang Jianwei , Simon Martin , Golz Christopher , Alcarazo Manuel
Published: December 2019

A highly atroposelective (up to 97 % ee) Au‐catalyzed synthesis of 1,1′‐binaphthalene‐2,3′‐diols is reported starting from a range of substituted benzyl alkynones. Essential for the achievement of high enantioselectivity during the key assembly of the naphto‐3‐ol unit is the use of TADDOL‐derived α‐cationic phosphonites as ancillary ligands. Preliminary results demonstrate that the transformation of the obtained binaphthyls into axially chiral monodentate phosphines is possible without degradation of enantiopurity.
Novel 2‐formylpyridine 4‐allyl‐S‐methylisothiosemicarbazone and Zn(II), Cu(II), Ni(II) and Co(III) complexes: Synthesis, characterization, crystal structure, antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiproliferative activity
Authors: Balan Greta , Burduniuc Olga , Usataia Irina , Graur Vasilii , Chumakov Yurii , Petrenko Peter , Gudumac Valentin , Gulea Aurelian , Pahontu Elena
Published: December 2019

New zinc (II), copper (II), nickel (II) and cobalt (III) complexes, [Zn (HL)2]I2 (1), [Cu (HL)Cl2] (2), [Cu (HL)Br2] (3), [Cu (HL)(H2O)2](ClO4)2 (4), [Ni (HL)2]I2·H2O (5), [Co(L)2]Cl (6), [Co(L)2]NO3 (7), [Co(L)2]I·[Co(L)2](I3) (8) were obtained with 2‐formylpyridine 4‐allyl‐S‐methylisothiosemicarbazone (HL). The isothiosemicarbazone ligand was characterized by NMR (1H and 13C), IR spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction. All the complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV–Vis, ESI‐MS spectroscopy, molar conductivity, magnetic susceptibility measurements. X‐ray diffraction analysis on the monocrystal and powder elucidated the structure of the complexes 1, 5, 7 and 8.

The ligand and the complexes were tested for their antioxidant and antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Candida albicans. Also, the antiproliferative properties of these compounds on human leukemia HL‐60, human cervical epithelial HeLa, human epithelial pancreatic adenocarcinoma BxPC‐3, human muscle rhabdomyosarcoma spindle, large multinucleated RD cells and normal MDCK cells have been investigated. The nickel complex 5 and cobalt complexes 6, 7 showed promising antiproliferative activity and low toxicity.
Development and tuning of Matrimid membrane oxygenators with improved biocompatibility and gas permeance by plasma treatment
Authors: Khosravifard Sahar , Hosseini Seyed Saeid , Boddohi Soheil
Published: December 2019

In this study, a commercial polyimide is examined in the capacity of membrane oxygenator. The effects of polymer concentration, cosolvent, and nonsolvent additives in dope solution on the performance and morphology of membranes are investigated. In order to improve the performance, surface modification is carried out by using plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The obtained results reveal that CO2 permeance decreased from 495 to 78 GPU upon increasing Matrimid concentration at constant tetrahydrofuran (THF) and ethanol (EtOH) concentrations. It was also found that increasing nonsolvent concentration as well as decreasing cosolvent concentration in dope led to increase in membrane gas permeance. According to morphological characterizations, increase in polymer concentration resulted in transformation of membranes from porous into spongy like microstructure with formation of a denser skin layer. In addition, membrane porosity and mean pore size reduced by increasing THF and decreasing EtOH concentrations. On the other hand, plasma treatment successfully introduced fluorine groups onto the membrane surface which promoted biocompatibility of the membranes. Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy results revealed that fluorination of membrane surface was attained up to 23% and contact angle of membrane enhanced up to 120°. Membrane permeance was also increased slightly upon modification. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48824.
Optimization of water flux and salt rejection properties of polyamide thin film composite membranes
Authors: Azizi Jaber , Sharif Alireza
Published: December 2019

Optimizing synthesis factors of polyamide top layers is an important requirement in the design of thin film composite (TFC) membranes. In this research, the top layer fabrication method (conventional, heat curing, and spin coating), type of acid acceptor (sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, and triethylamine), type of organic phase solvent (hexane, heptane, and mixed hexane/heptane), and concentration of surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (0, 0.5, and 1 wt %) are selected as the control parameters of this synthesis and optimized using the Taguchi approach. The analysis of variance shows that the layer fabrication method is the most influential parameter on water flux and salt (NaCl) rejection of TFCs. Furthermore, although the type of organic solvent has not a significant contribution to the water flux, it is another significant factor affecting the rejection. The optimized membrane is then used to construct structure–property relationships and to understand the influence of each individual factor on the desalination performance. Accordingly, a TFC membrane with the top layer fabricated by the heat curing method, in the presence of Na2CO3 as the acid acceptor, hexane as the organic phase solvent and 0.5 wt % of the surfactant is prepared that shows water permeance of 2.73 L m−2 h−1 bar−1 and NaCl rejection of 98.1%. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48858.
A data management workflow of biodiversity data from the field to data users
Authors: Hackett Rachel A. , Belitz Michael W. , Gilbert Edward E. , Monfils Anna K.
Published: December 2019

Premise

Heterogeneity of biodiversity data from the collections, research, and management communities presents challenges for data findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability. Workflows designed with data collection, standards, dissemination, and reuse in mind will generate better information across geopolitical, administrative, and institutional boundaries. Here, we present our data workflow as a case study of how we collected, shared, and used data from multiple sources.

Methods

In 2012, we initiated the collection of biodiversity data relating to Michigan prairie fens, including data on plant communities and the federally endangered Poweshiek skipperling (Oarisma poweshiek).

Results

Over 23,000 occurrence records were compiled in a database following Darwin Core standards. The records were linked with media and biological, chemical, and geometric measurements. We published the data as Global Biodiversity Information Facility data sets and in Symbiota SEINet portals.

Discussion

We highlight data collection techniques that optimized transcription time, including the use of predetermined and controlled vocabulary, Darwin Core terms, and data dictionaries. The validity and longevity of our data were supported by voucher specimens, metadata with measurement records, and published manuscripts detailing methods and data sets. Key to our data dissemination was cooperation among partners and the utilization of dynamic tools. To increase data interoperability, we need flexible and customizable data collection templates, coding, and enhanced communication among communities using biodiversity data.
Plot Locator: An app for locating plots in the field
Authors: Boudell Jere A. , Middleton Beth A.
Published: December 2019

Premise

One of the challenges in field biology is locating previously sampled plots. The Plot Locator app was developed to assist field biologists with plot identification and location, with or without GPS or online connectivity.

Methods and Results

The Plot Locator Android app helps users locate field plots by creating a searchable database that stores study area information, such as site/plot names and numbers, distances from landmarks, optional cardinal directions and GPS coordinates, and field notes. A GPS assist and Google Maps can also be used with the app when connectivity is available. All study location data and field notes are stored in a downloadable CSV file on the user's device.

Conclusions

The Plot Locator app provides a comprehensive searchable database of study area information, plot location information, and location aids, which are easily accessed in the field.
Total controllability and observability for dynamic systems with non‐instantaneous impulses on time scales
Authors: Kumar Vipin , Malik Muslim
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we establish the total controllability and observability results for a dynamic system with non‐instantaneous impulses on time scales in a finite dimensional space
. This paper consists of two segments: the first segment of the work is concerned with total controllability and the other segment with total observability analysis. The tools for study include variation of parameter and Gramian matrix. Some theoretical as well as numerical examples with simulation for two time scales
and
are given to illustrate the application of these results.
MXene‐Based Anodes for Metal‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Greaves Michael , Barg Suelen , Bissett Mark A.
Published: December 2019

2D transition metal carbides and nitrides (MXenes) are electrochemically active materials capable of exhibiting pseudocapacitance. Multilayer MXenes are similar to graphite, but with larger interlayer spacing and surface functionalities which allow them to readily disperse in water and undergo a range of reactions without compromising their electrical conductivity. The large interlayer spacing enables MXenes to readily intercalate large ions, and form composites with materials such as graphene, metal oxides, transition metal dichalcogenides and silicon, with which they make electrodes able to deliver exceptional capacities at high power rates over thousands of cycles. Research into MXenes for energy storage has grown exponentially since 2011, and it is now necessary, especially for readers new to the field, to review progress made in more specific areas. This critical review will therefore analyse the progress made in developing MXene‐based batteries, focusing solely on anodes developed for metal‐ion batteries such as Li‐ion, Na‐ion and K‐ion.
Effect of Bi3+ addition on the upconversion luminescence properties of NaYbF4:Er
Authors: Agarwalla Sandeep K. , Ruz Priyanka , Mohanty Jyotirmayee , Sridhar G. , Sudarsan V.
Published: December 2019

In this study, Bi3+ incorporation in NaYbF4:Er lattice and its influence on upconversion luminescence properties have been investigated in detail using techniques such as temperature‐dependent luminescence, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The study was carried out to develop phosphors with improved upconversion luminescence. From photoluminescence and lifetime measurements it is inferred that luminescence intensity from NaYbF4:Er increases with Bi3+ addition. The sample containing 50 at.% Bi3+ ions exhibited optimum upconversion luminescence. Increased distance between Yb3+–Yb3+ and Er3+–Er3+ due to Bi3+ incorporation into the lattice and associated decrease in the extent of dipolar interaction/self‐quenching are responsible for increase in lifetime values and luminescence intensities from Er3+ ions. Incorporation of Bi3+ into NaYbF4:Er lattice reduced self‐quenching among Yb3+–Yb3+ions and this facilitated energy transfer from Yb3+ to Er3+. This situation also explains decrease in the extent of temperature‐assisted quenching of emission from thermally coupled 2H11/2 and 4S3/2 levels of Er3+. Based on Rietveld refinement of XRD patterns it was confirmed that a maximum of 10 at.% of Bi3+added was incorporated into the NaYbF4:Er lattice and the remaining complex co‐exists as a BiOF phase. These results are of significant interest in the area of development of phosphors based on Yb3+–Er3+ upconversion luminescence.
Application of Ausubel cognitive assimilation theory in teaching/learning medical biochemistry and molecular biology
Authors: Tian Zhijie , Zhang Kun , Zhang Tao , Dai Xiaozhen , Lin Juan
Published: December 2019

“Didn't understand or not fully understand” is the most common situation that students experience when they learn medical biochemistry and molecular biology (MBMB). Therefore, the primary task of teaching MBMB is to help students overcome the difficulties in “conceptual understanding.” The core of the solution to these problems lies in the acquisition and application of cognitive skills. The key to applying Ausubel cognitive assimilation theory (A's CAT) is to expand the knowledge capacity of students’ cognitive structure through the purposeful “production” and employment of advanced organizers, with which students can replace “rote learning” with “meaningful learning” and ultimately develop an interest in MBMB courses. The results showed that the application of A's CAT did not only encourage the students to use cognitive skills to learn and understand MBMB knowledge and overcome the barrier to learning that results from the characteristics of the MBMB course, but also expanded and deepened the MBMB course contents. As a branch of learning theory, A's CAT provides practical methods for the several hypotheses of learning theory. Among these, the advanced organizer strategy realizes the organization and reorganization of new knowledge; the progressive differentiation strategy reduces the difficulty of complex and abstract knowledge; the implementation of the advanced organizer strategy and integrative reconciliation strategy forms the concept map. Taken together, the application of A's CAT includes cognitive strategy and metacognitive strategy when the cognitive process is conducted in a meaningful way. More importantly, application of A's CAT guides students to participate in active learning and builds “scaffolding” for the teaching/learning MBMB of student‐centered goals.
Three‐year clinical outcome of biodegradable hybrid polymer Orsiro sirolimus‐eluting stent and the durable biocompatible polymer Resolute Integrity zotarolimus‐eluting stent: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kim Soo‐Hyun , Kang Si‐Hyuck , Lee Joo Myung , Chung Woo‐Young , Park Jin Joo , Yoon Chang‐Hwan , Suh Jung‐Won , Cho Young‐Seok , Doh Joon‐Hyung , Cho Jin Man , Bae Jang‐Whan , Youn Tae‐Jin , Chae In‐Ho
Published: December 2019

Aims

We compared long‐term clinical outcomes between patients treated with Orsiro sirolimus‐eluting stent (O‐SES) and those treated with durable biocompatible polymer Resolute Integrity zotarolimus‐eluting stent (R‐ZES).

Methods and Results

The ORIENT trial was a randomized controlled noninferiority trial to compare angiographic outcomes between O‐SES and R‐ZES. We performed a post hoc analysis of 3‐year clinical outcomes and included 372 patients who were prospectively enrolled and randomly assigned to O‐SES (n = 250) and R‐ZES (n = 122) groups in a 2:1 ratio. The primary endpoint was target lesion failure defined as a composite of cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and target lesion revascularization. At 3 years, target lesion failure occurred in 4.7% and 7.8% of O‐SES and R‐ZES groups, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.58; 95% confidence intervals, 0.24–1.41; p = .232 by log‐rank test). Secondary endpoints including cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and target lesion revascularization showed no significant differences between the groups. Stent thrombosis occurred in two patients in R‐ZES group (0.0% vs. 1.6%, p = .040).

Conclusion

This study confirms long‐term safety and efficacy of the two stents. We found a trend for lower target lesion failure with O‐SES compared to R‐ZES, although statistically insignificant.
Evaluation of variation in Ethiopian sorghum injera quality with new imaging techniques
Authors: Fox Glen , Nugusu Yohannes , Nida Habte , Tedessa Taye , McLean Greg , Jordan David
Published: December 2019

Background and Objectives

Injera (a fermented pancake‐like product) is a traditional food in Ethiopia but is traditionally made from tef (Eragrostis tef). But sorghum also a traditional Ethiopian crop can be used although considered having a lower quality. A 139 sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) cultivars and their corresponding injera were tested for a range of chemical tests, namely total starch, amylose, and tannin contents, plus a newly developed image analysis program to provide objective measures of the injera.

Findings

The results showed several sorghums were superior to tef in making injera, based on the chemical, image, and/or sensory analysis. Tannin content was highly positively correlated with color and negatively with taste, while high starch content was more related to softness and rollability. The imaging analysis also provided a rapid and more objective assessment of injera. Two sensory traits, color and eye evenness, were strongly positively correlated to the image data, through L*, a* and b*, and average pixel count per “eye,” respectively.

Conclusions

Quality testing involving human sensory panels within a breeding program is time consuming, costly and can be impractical for the selection of superior lines from large numbers of selection candidates to the next stage. Objective tests such as imaging analysis can be used at earlier stages in the breeding program which would allow breeding lines with suitable injera quality to be progressed. This would result in new sorghum varieties with fresh injera quality similar too or better than tef.

Significance and novelty

A new image analysis program compliments chemical analysis for early screening of sorghums for injera, saving time and costs.
Wrinkled Perovskite La0.9Mn0.6Ni0.4O3−δ Nanofibers as Highly Efficient Electrocatalyst for Rechargeable Li−O2 Batteries
Authors: Guo Shuai , Zou Lu , Wang Ziling , Sun Mingjie , Chen Yao , Chi Bo , Pu Jian , Li Jian
Published: December 2019

The design of high‐performance electrocatalysts is crucial to the capacity performance and cycle stability of Li−O2 batteries. Herein, wrinkled perovskite La0.9Mn0.6Ni0.4O3−δ nanofibers (LMN NFs) are synthesized by electrospinning method as cathode catalyst for Li−O2 batteries. In comparison with La0.9Mn0.6Ni0.4O3−δ nanoparticles synthesized by traditional sol‐gel method (LMN NPs), the batteries with the LMN NFs catalyst exhibit the larger specific discharge capacity (9397 mAh g−1), better cycle stability (100 cycles) and lower voltage gap (1.111 V) at a current density of 300 mA g−1. The improvement of electrochemical performance is correlated with the structure of wrinkled nanofibers that provides abundant active sites and sufficient provision for Li2O2 deposition. The research provides a highly efficient perovskite‐type electrocatalyst for rechargeable Li−O2 batteries.
Iron‐Catalyzed Oxidative C−C Cross‐Coupling Reaction of Tertiary Anilines with Hydroxyarenes by Using Air as Sole Oxidant**
Authors: Purtsas Alexander , Kataeva Olga , Knölker Hans‐Joachim
Published: December 2019

A mild procedure for the oxidative C−C cross‐coupling of tertiary anilines with phenols is described which provides the products generally in high yields and with excellent selectivity. The reaction is catalyzed by the hexadecafluorinated iron–phthalocyanine complex FePcF16 in the presence of substoichiometric amounts of methanesulfonic acid and ambient air as sole oxidant.
Alkaline Water Electrolysis: Efficient Bridge to CO2‐Emission‐Free Economy
Authors: Lüke Lukas , Zschocke Andrei
Published: December 2019

Water electrolysis is a key technology to realize sector coupling and renewables integration. To establish CO2‐free or ‐reduced value chains as well as carbon capture and utilization, “green hydrogen” is the essential element, serving as fuel, energy carrier, and feedstock for “green chemicals”. As a well‐developed technology, alkaline water electrolysis (AWE) enables industrial scale hydrogen production in high purity. The electrolyzers are highly dynamic in operation and can also serve as primary control reserve, thus further stabilizing the power grid.
The outer dynein arm assembly factor CCDC103 forms molecular scaffolds through multiple self‐interaction sites
Authors: King Stephen M. , Patel‐King Ramila S.
Published: December 2019

CCDC103 is a small protein with unusual biophysical properties that is required for outer dynein arm assembly on ciliary axonemes. Mutations in both human and zebrafish CCDC103 proteins lead to primary ciliary dyskinesia. Previous studies revealed that this protein can oligomerize and appears to be arrayed along the entire length of the ciliary axoneme. CCDC103 also binds purified microtubules directly and indeed stabilizes them. Here we use biochemical approaches to identify two regions of CCDC103 that mediate self‐interaction. In both cases, these associations are stable to heating in the presence of detergent and are not disrupted by strong reducing agents. One interaction region consists of a 27‐residue inherently disorder segment that can mediate heat/detergent‐resistant dimerization when attached to unrelated monomeric proteins. The second interface includes the C‐terminal RPAP3_C alpha helical domain. Our data suggest that CCDC103 can form an unconventional polymer and we propose models for how the monomers might be organized. We also use molecular modeling of the RPAP3_C domain to determine the structural consequences of the pathogenic H154P mutation found in human PCD patients.
11C Radiolabeling of anle253b: a Putative PET Tracer for Parkinson's Disease That Binds to α‐Synuclein Fibrils in vitro and Crosses the Blood‐Brain Barrier
Authors: Maurer Andreas , Leonov Andrei , Ryazanov Sergey , Herfert Kristina , Kuebler Laura , Buss Sabrina , Schmidt Felix , Weckbecker Daniel , Linder Ruth , Bender Dirk , Giese Armin , Pichler Bernd J. , Griesinger Christian
Published: December 2019

There is an urgent clinical need for imaging of α‐synuclein (αSyn) fibrils, the hallmark biomarker for Parkinson's disease, in neurodegenerative disorders. Despite immense efforts, promising tracer candidates for nuclear imaging of αSyn are rare. Diphenyl pyrazoles are known modulators of αSyn aggregation and thus bear potential for non‐invasive detection of this biomarker in vivo. Here we demonstrate high‐affinity binding of the family member anle253b to fibrillar αSyn and present a high‐yielding site‐selective radiosynthesis route for 11C radiolabeling using in‐situ generated [11C]formaldehyde and reductive methylation. Radio‐HPLC of the tracer after incubation with rat serum in vitro shows excellent stability of the molecule. Positron emission tomography in healthy animals is used to assess the pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of the tracer, showing good penetration of the blood–brain barrier and low background binding to the non‐pathological brain.
Symptom burden among older breast cancer survivors: The Thinking and Living With Cancer (TLC) study
Authors: Mandelblatt Jeanne S. , Zhai Wanting , Ahn Jaeil , Small Brent J. , Ahles Tim A. , Carroll Judith E. , Denduluri Neelima , Dilawari Asma , Extermann Martine , Graham Deena , Hurria Arti , Isaacs Claudine , Jacobsen Paul B. , Jim Heather S. L. , Luta George , McDonald Brenna C. , Patel Sunita K. , Root James C. , Saykin Andrew J. , Tometich Danielle B. , Zhou Xingtao , Cohen Harvey J.
Published: December 2019

Background

Little is known about longitudinal symptom burden, its consequences for well‐being, and whether lifestyle moderates the burden in older survivors.

Methods

The authors report on 36‐month data from survivors aged ≥60 years with newly diagnosed, nonmetastatic breast cancer and noncancer controls recruited from August 2010 through June 2016. Symptom burden was measured as the sum of self‐reported symptoms/diseases as follows: pain (yes or no), fatigue (on the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy [FACT]‐Fatigue scale), cognitive (on the FACT‐Cognitive scale), sleep problems (yes or no), depression (on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale), anxiety (on the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory), and cardiac problems and neuropathy (yes or no). Well‐being was measured using the FACT‐General scale, with scores from 0 to 100. Lifestyle included smoking, alcohol use, body mass index, physical activity, and leisure activities. Mixed models assessed relations between treatment group (chemotherapy with or without hormone therapy, hormone therapy only, and controls) and symptom burden, lifestyle, and covariates. Separate models tested the effects of fluctuations in symptom burden and lifestyle on function.

Results

All groups reported high baseline symptoms, and levels remained high over time; differences between survivors and controls were most notable for cognitive and sleep problems, anxiety, and neuropathy. The adjusted burden score was highest among chemotherapy‐exposed survivors, followed by hormone therapy‐exposed survivors versus controls (P < .001). The burden score was related to physical, emotional, and functional well‐being (eg, survivors with lower vs higher burden scores had 12.4‐point higher physical well‐being scores). The composite lifestyle score was not related to symptom burden or well‐being, but physical activity was significantly associated with each outcome (P < .005).

Conclusions

Cancer and its treatments are associated with a higher level of actionable symptoms and greater loss of well‐being over time in older breast cancer survivors than in comparable noncancer populations, suggesting the need for surveillance and opportunities for intervention.
Candidates for photic entrainment pathways to the circadian clock via optic lobe neuropils in the Madeira cockroach
Authors: Arnold Thordis , Korek Sebastian , Massah Azar , Eschstruth David , Stengl Monika
Published: December 2019

The compound eye of cockroaches is obligatory for entrainment of the Madeira cockroach's circadian clock, but the cellular nature of its entrainment pathways is enigmatic. Employing multiple‐label immunocytochemistry, histochemistry, and backfills, we searched for photic entrainment pathways to the accessory medulla (AME), the circadian clock of the Madeira cockroach. We wanted to know whether photoreceptor terminals could directly contact pigment‐dispersing factor‐immunoreactive (PDF‐ir) circadian pacemaker neurons with somata in the lamina (PDFLAs) or somata next to the AME (PDFMEs). Short green‐sensitive photoreceptor neurons of the compound eye terminated in lamina layers LA1 and LA2, adjacent to PDFLAs and PDFMEs that branched in LA3. Long UV‐sensitive compound eye photoreceptor neurons terminated in medulla layer ME2 without direct contact to ipsilateral PDFMEs that arborized in ME4. Multiple neuropeptide‐ir interneurons branched in ME4, connecting the AME to ME2. Before, extraocular photoreceptors of the lamina organ were suggested to send terminals to accessory laminae. There, they overlapped with PDFLAs that mostly colocalized PDF, FMRFamide, and 5‐HT immunoreactivities, and with terminals of ipsi‐ and contralateral PDFMEs. We hypothesize that during the day cholinergic activation of the largest PDFME via lamina organ photoreceptors maintains PDF release orchestrating phases of sleep–wake cycles. As ipsilateral PDFMEs express excitatory and contralateral PDFMEs inhibitory PDF autoreceptors, diurnal PDF release keeps both PDF‐dependent clock circuits in antiphase. Future experiments will test whether ipsilateral PDFMEs are sleep‐promoting morning cells, while contralateral PDFMEs are activity‐promoting evening cells, maintaining stable antiphase via the largest PDFME entrained by extraocular photoreceptors of the lamina organ.
A blue can conceal another! Noninvasive multispectroscopic analyses of mixtures of indigo and Prussian blue
Authors: Biron Carole , Mounier Aurélie , Le Bourdon Gwénaëlle , Servant Laurent , Chapoulie Rémy , Daniel Floréal
Published: December 2019

Blue colors were sparsely used in the first colored Japaneseukiyo‐eprints but became predominant during the 19th century, mainly due to the integration of the synthetic Prussian blue in the palette of the printers around 1830. For a long time, researchers have assumed that the traditional Japanese organic blue colorants such as indigo were substituted by cheaper Prussian blue. Some analytical studies conducted on such artworks showed evidence of the common use of indigo and Prussian blue in Japanese paintings, alone or mixed together. Recent measurements carried out on bluish areas of anukiyo‐edesigned by Utamaro showed the simultaneous use of the two pigments. However, if visible reflectance spectroscopy suggested the single use of Indigo, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) also indicated the presence of Prussian blue. These results question about the possible identification of all the pigments of a colored mixture by using a single analytical technique. Without using FTIR spectroscopy, the Prussian blue would not have been detected, whereas on infrared spectra the expected specific bands ascribed to indigo are not identified. The objective of this work is to investigate mixtures of pigments, using noninvasive spectroscopic techniques in order to assess their limits of detection. Fluorimetry, hyperspectral imaging, and infrared spectroscopies have been performed on three color charts made of indigo, Prussian blue, and mixtures of them at different proportions of matter. The results emphasize the systematic identification of Prussian blue thanks to infrared spectroscopy, whereas the identification of indigo, mixed with Prussian blue, appears to be more challenging.
Charge controlled delay element enabled widely linear power efficient MPCG‐MDLL in 1.2V, 65nm CMOS
Authors: Kammari Raviteja , Pasupureddi Vijaya Sankara Rao
Published: December 2019

In this work, a robust, low‐power, widely linear multiphase clock generation and multiplying delay‐locked loop (MPCG‐MDLL) architecture is realized, using a new differential charge‐mode delay element circuit topology. The heart of any MPCG‐MDLL architecture is the delay element, and hence, the characteristics of the delay element influence the overall performance of the MPCG‐MDLL, in terms of its specifications such as peak‐to‐peak jitter, lock range, delay range, control voltage range, and power consumption. The proposed eight‐phase MPCG‐MDLL along with the charge‐mode delay element outperforms the conventional MPCG‐MDLLs that deploy delay elements such as a current‐starved inverter (CSI), wide‐range CSI, triply controlled delay cell, digital‐controlled delay element, and the like. The eight‐phase MPCG‐MDLL along with the new charge‐mode delay element circuit topology is implemented in 1.2‐V, 65‐nm CMOS technology. The performance results show that the eight‐stage delay line has a delay range from 640 to 960 ps over the rail‐to‐rail control voltage range. The implemented MPCG‐DLL is robust over process, voltage, and temperature (PVT) corners and exhibits a lock range of 400 MHz and a peak‐to‐peak jitter of less than 60 fs for all the DLL output phases and peak‐to‐peak jitter of 0.54 and 1.24 ps for the synthesized 5‐GHz clocks for an input reference clock frequency of 1.25 GHz. The MPCG‐MDLL consumes 4.74 mW of power and occupies an area of 0.017 mm2.
The clustering of voltage‐gated sodium channels in various excitable membranes
Authors: Eshed‐Eisenbach Yael , Peles Elior
Published: December 2019

In excitable membranes, the clustering of voltage‐gated sodium channels (VGSC) serves to enhance excitability at critical sites. The two most profoundly studied sites of channel clustering are the axon initial segment, where action potentials are generated and the node of Ranvier, where action potentials propagate along myelinated axons. The clustering of VGSC is found, however, in other highly excitable sites such as axonal terminals, postsynaptic membranes of dendrites and muscle fibers, and pre‐myelinated axons. In this review, different examples of axonal as well as non‐axonal clustering of VGSC are discussed and the underlying mechanisms are compared. Whether the clustering of channels is intrinsically or extrinsically induced, it depends on the submembranous actin‐based cytoskeleton that organizes these highly specialized membrane microdomains through specific adaptor proteins.
Fluctuated water depth with high nutrient concentrations promote the invasiveness ofWedelia trilobatain Wetland
Authors: Sun Jianfan , Javed Qaiser , Azeem Ahmad , Ullah Ikram , Saifullah Muhammad , Kama Rakhwe , Du Daolin
Published: December 2019

The distribution of invasive and native species in wetlands is determined by hydrological conditions; whereas conditions such as water depth fluctuations, variations in the nutrient concentrations are expected to affect the growth and physiological traits of plants. For the assessment of such effects, we conduct greenhouse experiment with three factors; 1) water depth of 5 cm and 15 cm (static and fluctuated); 2) three levels of nutrient concentrations (i) full‐strength Hoagland solution (N1), (ii) ¼‐strength Hoagland solution (N2), and (iii)1/8‐strength Hoagland solution (N3); and 3) species, invasiveWedelia trilobata(L.) and its congener, nativeWedelia chinensis(Osbeck.) under mono and mixed culture. Water depth of 5 cm combined with any of the nutrient treatments significantly restrained the photosynthesis, intracellular CO2concentration and leaf chlorophyll of bothW. trilobataandW. chinensis. Increase in the water depth to 15 cm with low‐nutrient treatment N3 did not sustain the physiological traits ofW. chinensisunder mono and mixed planting. A great loss was noted in the growth ofW. chinensisat 15 cm static and fluctuated water depth with low‐nutrient treatment (N3) and under mixed culture. In addition, water depth fluctuations with both low‐ and high‐nutrient treatments significantly affected the root‐shoot ratio, relative growth rate, and interspecific interaction among these two species.W. trilobatabenefited more from competitive interaction index (CII) under fluctuated water depth at 15 cm with high nutrients, and the value of CII was clearly positive. Therefore, higher competitive ability may contribute to the invasiveness ofW. trilobatain wetlands.
Prolargin and matrix metalloproteinase‐2 in heart failure after heart transplantation and their association with haemodynamics
Authors: Ahmed Abdulla , Ahmed Salaheldin , Arvidsson Mattias , Bouzina Habib , Lundgren Jakob , Rådegran Göran
Published: December 2019

Aims

Remodelling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is a key mechanism involved in the development and progression of heart failure (HF) but also functional in associated pulmonary hypertension (PH). Our aim was to identify plasma ECM proteins associated to end‐stage HF and secondary PH in relation to haemodynamics, before and after heart transplantation (HT).

Methods and results

Twenty ECM plasma proteins were analysed with proximity extension assay in 20 controls and 26 HF patients pre‐HT and 1 year post‐HT. Right heart catherization haemodynamics were assessed in the patients during the preoperative evaluation and at the 1 year follow‐up post‐HT. Plasma levels of prolargin and matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) were elevated (P < 0.0001) in HF patients compared with controls and decreased (P < 0.0001) post‐HT towards controls' levels. The decrease in prolargin post‐HT correlated with improved mean right atrial pressure (rs = 0.63; P = 0.00091), stroke volume index (rs = −0.73; P < 0.0001), cardiac index (rs = −0.64; P = 0.00057), left ventricular stroke work index (rs = −0.49; P = 0.015), and N‐terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (rs = 0.7; P < 0.0001). The decrease in MMP‐2 post‐HT correlated with improved mean pulmonary artery pressure (rs = 0.58; P = 0.0025), mean right atrial pressure (rs = 0.56; P = 0.0046), pulmonary artery wedge pressure (rs = 0.48; P = 0.016), and N‐terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (rs = 0.56; P = 0.0029).

Conclusions

The normalization pattern in HF patients of plasma prolargin and MMP‐2 post‐HT towards controls' levels and their associations with improved haemodynamics indicate that prolargin and MMP‐2 may reflect, in part, the aberrant ECM remodelling involved in the pathophysiology of HF and associated PH. Their potential clinical use as biomarkers or targets for future therapy in HF and related PH remains to be investigated.