bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extension‐dominated improved dispersive mixing in single‐screw extrusion. Part 2: Comparative analysis with twin‐screw extruder
Authors: Pandey Vivek , Chen Hao , Ma Jiaxin , Maia João M.
Published: August 2020

In Part 1 of this work, the possibility of improving single‐screw extruders (SSE) better dispersive mixer was explored by harnessing extensional flows provided by the hyperbolic contracting–diverging channels of extensional mixing elements (EME). Addition of the EME to the pin screw generated enhanced breakup for polymer blends and nanocomposite systems without significant penalty in flow rate. In Part 2, experiments are performed on immiscible polymer blends (low‐viscosity ratio and high‐viscosity ratio) and nanocomposites on both SSE and twin‐screw extruder (TSE) with the same rotation speed and throughput. Morphological results show tremendous improvement in dispersive mixing capability of SSE when equipped with EME that are mainly comparable to conventional TSE that is, with kneading blocks as mixing sections, although not as good as TSEs equipped with EMEs. Mechanical results also show enhanced modulus when EME is used in SSE operations.
Freeze‐drying and mechanical redispersion of aqueous PEDOT:PSS
Authors: Xin Xing , Yu Jiarui , Gao Nan , Xue Zexu , Zhang Wenwen , Xu Jingkun , Chen Shuai
Published: August 2020

Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) films are attracting famous applications in antistatic coating, energy storage and conversion, printed electronics, and biomedical fields due to their conductivity, optical transparency and flexibility. However, PEDOT:PSS has poor dispersion stability during long‐term storage and transport. Moreover, the dried PEDOT:PSS films are insoluble in any solvent and cannot be redispersed again. In comparison to bake drying, here, a feasible strategy to achieve mechanically redispersed PEDOT:PSS with the help of freeze‐drying process was reported. The redispersed PEDOT:PSS can recover not only the initial characters such as pH, chemical composition, viscosity, and particle size under similar solid contents, but also conductivity and surface morphology of treated films. In addition, the treated film exhibits self‐healing properties similar to pristine film in terms of mechanical and electrical properties. This technology enables reuse and overcomes the technical problems of PEDOT:PSS dispersion, realizing real‐time processing to meet variable applications.
Enhanced thermal conductivity and isotropy of polymer composites by fabricating 3D network structure from carbon‐based materials
Authors: Li Qi , Tian Xiaojuan , Wu Ni , Li Yun , Pan Ting , Zhang Bing , Duan Yongli , Wang Shuyang , Li Yongfeng
Published: August 2020

Graphene‐based composite is promising as thermal interface material (TIM) due to its outstanding thermal properties. However, there are some bottlenecks to excellent performance, such as agglomeration of particles and undesirable voids between nanoplatelets. In this work, a composite with three‐dimensional (3D) thermally conductive network has been assembled, which combines three kinds of nanofillers varying geometric dimensions. Thermal conductivity (TC) of composite with graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and carbon‐nanotubes (CNTs) at a weight ratio of 3:1 is around 9% higher than that of GNP‐based composite. By the introduction of carbon spheres (CSs), the TC is further increased by 28%. The enhanced thermal property further demonstrated by FLIR infrared camera is attributed to the formation of 3D heat conduction paths by GNPs, CNTs, and CSs, where the GNPs play the role of thermally conductive backbones. The other two components are introduced to attenuate the aggregation and strong thermal anisotropy. Moreover, the TC is confirmed nearly isotropic, which is different from most graphene‐based TIMs because of the in‐plane alignment. Our results indicate that the apparent synergy endows this 3D nanofiller great potential for heat dissipation applications requiring heat removal in two directions.
The effects of marine protected areas on ecosystem recovery and fisheries using a comparative modelling approach
Authors: Vilas Daniel , Coll Marta , Corrales Xavier , Steenbeek Jeroen , Piroddi Chiara , Calò Antonio , Di Franco Antonio , Font Toni , Guidetti Paolo , Ligas Alessandro , Lloret Josep , Prato Giulia , Sahyoun Rita , Sartor Paolo , Claudet Joachim
Published: August 2020

The overexploitation of many marine resources and ecosystems calls for the development and implementation of measures to support their recovery and conservation.

The potential contributions to support fisheries and ecosystem recovery were assessed at the local level of the three multiple‐use marine protected areas (MPAs) of Cerbère‐Banyuls, Medes Islands, and Cap de Creus, located in the north‐western Mediterranean Sea.

For each MPA, a food‐web model accounting for each protection level (PL) was developed: the fully protected area (FPA), the partially protected area (PPA) and the unprotected area (UPA) surrounding the MPA. Using the resulting nine food‐web models, the ecosystem structure and functioning of each PL were compared and characterized, differences and similarities within and among the three MPAs were assessed, and ecosystem response to full protection was evaluated for the three MPAs.

Differences in terms of ecosystem structure and functioning were found among PLs. Overall, FPAs presented the most positive effect of protection in terms of ecosystem structure and functioning, followed by PPAs. However, the effects of protection on neighbouring UPAs were hardly noticeable.

Similarities between Cerbère‐Banyuls and Medes Islands MPAs were observed, while Cap de Creus MPA showed the least benefits from protection overall. These results are likely to be due to similarities in the configuration of the protected areas, the levels of enforcement and compliance, and the impact of recreational and small‐scale fisheries allowed in the PPAs and UPAs.

This study illustrates that well‐enforced Mediterranean MPAs, even when small, can yield local positive impacts on the structure and functioning of marine ecosystems that can contribute to support local fisheries.
Weak connectivity and population cohesiveness in rudderfish Kyphosus sandwicensis (Teleostei: Kyphosidae) inhabiting remote oceanic islands
Authors: Valencia Evelyn , Meerhoff Erika , Díaz‐Cabrera Ernesto , Guerrero Felipe , Roja‐Hernández Noemi , Vega‐Retter Caren , Veliz David
Published: August 2020

Population connectivity has a fundamental role in metapopulation dynamics, with important implications in conservation. Easter Island (EI) and Salas y Gómez Island (SG) in the Pacific Ocean are ideal for the study of population connectivity because they are separated by 415 km and isolated from other islands in the Pacific Ocean by >2,000 km.

Considering that dispersal processes could play a critical role in the persistence of its populations, the connectivity pattern of the rudderfish Kyphosus sandwicensis was evaluated between EI and SG using both a population genetics and a biophysical modelling approach.

The variability in the control region of the mitochondrial DNA did not show a significant phylogeographical pattern, and the variability in 16 microsatellite loci suggested that individuals of K. sandwicensis located at EI and SG belong to the same genetic population. However, historical migration showed that 0.2% of the recruits at EI come from SG and that 0.15% at SG come from EI per year.

Using simulated larval release during September and a larval development of 30 days in the plankton, biophysical modelling did not detect migration between the islands. Furthermore, self‐recruitment shows interannual variation ranging from 5 to 10% of the total released larvae.

Whereas the genetic data showed a lack of population genetic structure but low connectivity of K. sandwicensis between EI and SG, the biophysical modelling showed null movement of particles between the islands. Stochastic movement of larvae or adults could explain the pattern observed, with rafting as an example. These low‐frequency and stochastic movements may be important in maintaining the cohesiveness between EI and SG.
Improvement of Severe Fatigue Following Nuclease Therapy in Patients With Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Posada James , Valadkhan Saba , Burge Daniel , Davies Kristen , Tarn Jessica , Casement John , Jobling Kerry , Gallagher Peter , Wilson Douglas , Barone Francesca , Fisher Benjamin A. , Ng Wan‐Fai
Published: August 2020

Objective

To assess the safety and efficacy of RSLV‐132, an RNase Fc fusion protein, in a phase II randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (SS).

Methods

Thirty patients with primary SS were randomized to receive treatment with RSLV‐132 or placebo intravenously once per week for 2 weeks, and then every 2 weeks for 12 weeks. Eight patients received placebo and 20 patients received RSLV‐132 at a dose of 10 mg/kg. Clinical efficacy measures included the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Sjögren’s Syndrome Disease Activity Index, EULAR Sjögren’s Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Fatigue (FACIT‐F), Profile of Fatigue (ProF), and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST).

Results

Patients randomized to receive RSLV‐132 experienced clinically meaningful improvements in the ESSPRI score (P = 0.27), FACIT‐F score (P = 0.05), ProF score (P = 0.07), and DSST (P = 0.02) from baseline to day 99, whereas patients who received placebo showed no changes in any of these clinical efficacy measures. This improvement was significantly correlated with increased expression of selected interferon‐inducible genes (Pearson’s correlations, each P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Administration of RSLV‐132 improved severe fatigue, as determined by 4 independent patient‐reported measures of fatigue, in patients with primary SS.
Benzylic Methylene Functionalizations of Diarylmethanes
Authors: Gulati Upma , Gandhi Radhika , Laha Joydev K.
Published: August 2020

Diarylmethanes are cardinal scaffolds by virtue of their unique structural feature including the presence of a benzylic CH2 group that can be easily functionalized to generate a variety of fascinating molecules holding immense importance in pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and material sciences. While the originally developed protocols for benzylic C−H functionalization in diarylmethanes employing base‐mediated and metal‐catalyzed strategies are still actively used, they are joined by a new array of metal‐free conditions, offering milder and benign conditions. With the recent surge of interest towards the synthesis of functionalized diarylmethanes, numerous choices are now available for a synthetic organic chemist to transform the benzylic C−H bond to C−C or C−X bond offering the synthesis of any molecule of choice. This review highlights benzylic methylene (CH2) functionalizations of diaryl/heteroarylmethanes utilizing various base‐mediated, transition‐metal‐catalyzed, and transition‐metal free approaches for the synthesis of structurally diverse important organic molecules, often with a high chemo‐, regio‐ and enantio‐selectivity. This review also attempts to provide analysis of the scope and limitations, mechanistic understanding, and sustainability of the transformations.
Panchromatic Organoboron Molecules with Tunable Absorption Spectra
Authors: Liu Fangbin , Liu Jun , Wang Lixiang
Published: August 2020

Panchromatic molecules, e. g. organic small molecules with wide absorption spectra, are very desirable for solar energy‐related applications. Here, we report the development of a series of organoboron compounds composed of an organoboron core unit, two π‐bridging units and two electron‐withdrawing end‐capping units. All seven molecules have the HOMO localized on the core unit and the LUMO delocalized on the whole conjugated backbone. They exhibit wide absorption spectra consisting of two strong absorption bands with the full width at half maximum of ca. 280 nm. These panchromatic compounds can be used as electron acceptors in organic solar cells. We elucidate the relationship between the chemical structures and opto‐electronic properties of these organoboron panchromatic compounds. Increasing the electron‐withdrawing capability of the core units results in a downshifted HOMO level as well as blueshifted long‐wavelength absorption band with increased extinction coefficient. Extending the π‐bridging units causes an increased HOMO level and blueshifted long‐wavelength absorption band with increased extinction coefficients. Weakening the electron‐withdrawing capability of the end‐capping units leads to an upshifted LUMO level and blueshifted long‐wavelength absorption peak with decreased extinction coefficient. This work provides insight into the absorption spectrum manipulation of panchromatic molecules and would pave the way for the development of solar energy‐related applications.
Sensitive determination of NT‐proBNP for diagnosing abdominal aortic aneurysms incidence on interdigitated electrode sensor
Authors: Qiu Changcheng , Wang Xiao , Zhang Xia , Li Zhenhuan , Zhou Yiming , Kang Jie
Published: August 2020

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a vascular disease found to have progressive growth in the area of aorta. Rupturing of aorta causes excessive bleeding that leads to health‐related issues, which can be fatal sometimes. Therefore, it becomes important to make early diagnosis of AAA and its condition and start immediate treatment. Blood‐based biomarker helps to diagnose AAA and to monitor the condition after AAA surgery. N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) is a hormone produced in the heart in small quantities and increased when the heart needs to work harder. NT‐proBNP was proved to be strongly linked with AAA incidence. Moreover, quantifying the level of NT‐proBNP helps to determine the risk factors on cardiovascular system after the surgery. This work is quantifying the NT‐proBNP on interdigitated electrode sensor by using NT‐proBNP binding aptamer. The detection limit of NT‐proBNP was calculated as 1 pg/mL on a linear regression curve [y = 0.2148x + 0.8849; R² = 0.9049]. The linear range with dose‐dependent analysis was from 0.01 until 100 ng/mL. Moreover, the control experiment with complementary aptamer sequence did not show the current signal, specifying the detection of NT‐proBNP. This research benefits to identify the heart condition of patient after the removal of AAA.
TIMpuls Grundlagenforschung zum Brandschutz im Holzbau
Authors: Engel Thomas , Brunkhorst Sven , Steeger Felix , Winter Stefan , Zehfuß Jochen , Kampmeier Björn , Werther Norman
Published: August 2020

Im Rahmen dieses Beitrags wird das Forschungsprojekt TIMpuls vorgestellt und erste Ergebnisse der Grundlagenuntersuchungen und Brandversuche präsentiert. Der Fokus liegt hierbei auf Untersuchungen zum Abbrandverhalten von Holz, der Leistungsfähigkeit von Brandschutzbekleidungen und dem Nachbrandverhalten von Bauteilen aus Holz. Mittels Kleinbrandversuchen wurden Abbrandraten für verschiedene Holzarten unter Normbrandbeanspruchung bestimmt. In den Untersuchungen zur Leistungsfähigkeit von Brandschutzbekleidungen werden, neben den Grundlagen zur Ausbildung und Klassifizierung, Ergebnisse kleinskaliger Brandversuche dargestellt, mit deren Hilfe eine Bewertung der Leistungsfähigkeit ermöglicht wird. Weiterhin werden erste Erkenntnisse zum Nachbrandverhalten von Bauteilen aus Holz vorgestellt. Hierbei werden Randbedingungen zum Erreichen des Selbstverlöschens in Brandräumen, Erfahrungen zum Löschvorgang und konstruktive Maßnahmen zur Vermeidung von Hohlraumbränden diskutiert.
Vergleich der neuen Erdbebengefährdungskarten der Schweiz, Deutschlands, Österreichs und Frankreichs für die Nationalen Anhänge zum Eurocode 8
Authors: Grünthal Gottfried
Published: August 2020

Der Vergleich der neuen Erdbebengefährdungskarten für die Schweiz, Deutschland, Österreich und für Frankreich, die für die Nationalen Anhänge zum Eurocode 8 entwickelt wurden, ist Gegenstand dieser Studie. Die vorgestellte gemeinsame Karte überdeckt den südlichen Teil Deutschlands samt angrenzender Gebiete der genannten Nachbarländer. Die Parametrisierung der Karte erfolgt für die Spitzenbodenbeschleunigung, für eine mittlere Wiederholungsperiode von 475 Jahren, für Medianwerte und für einen Untergrund mit einer mittleren Scherwellengeschwindigkeit der obersten 30 m von 800 m/s. Entlang des Grenzverlaufs zwischen Deutschland und den südlichen Nachbarländern zeigen die Konturlinien der unabhängig voneinander berechneten Erdbebengefährdungskarten insgesamt eine erstaunlich gute Übereinstimmung. Das gilt insbesondere für Gebiete relativ erhöhter Erdbebengefährdung. Diese gute bis sehr gute Übereinstimmung kann als Indiz für die Belastbarkeit der Einschätzungen angesehen werden.
Unterschiede, Beziehungen und Gemeinsamkeiten der Erdbebenkarten nach bisherigem und neuem Nationalen Anhang zum Eurocode 8
Authors: Grünthal Gottfried , Bosse Christian
Published: August 2020

Die Karte der spektralen elastischen Antwortbodenbeschleunigungen zum Entwurf des neuen Nationalen Anhangs zum EC 8 (E DIN EN 1998‐1/NA:2018‐10) hat in Anwenderkreisen einige Diskussionen ausgelöst. Diese bezogen sich insbesondere auf den Vergleich zur Erdbebenzonenkarte des bisherigen Nationalen Anhangs (DIN EN 1998‐1/NA:2011‐01). Grundsätzlich ist zu betonen, dass ein direkter Zusammenhang zwischen den beiden Karten nicht hergestellt werden kann, da diese auf sehr unterschiedlichen Parametrisierungen basieren. Um für weitere Diskussionen eine sachliche Grundlage zu schaffen, werden in diesem Beitrag die grundlegenden Charakteristika beider Berechnungsmodelle, d. h. zu den Erdbebenkarten des bisherigen und des neuen NA, gegenübergestellt. Des Weiteren werden vier Varianten vorgestellt, wie zumindest auf indirektem Wege die beiden unterschiedlichen Kartentypen in Beziehung gesetzt werden können. Im Ergebnis zeigen die Varianten, dass sie einem gemeinsamen Trend folgen.
Encapsulating Oxygen‐Deficient TiNb24O62 Microspheres by N‐Doped Carbon Nanolayer Boosts Capacity and Stability of Lithium‐Ion Battery
Authors: Jiang Jiangmin , Li Zhiwei , Nie Guangdi , Nie Ping , Pan Zhenghui , Kou Zongkui , Chen Qiang , Zhu Qi , Dou Hui , Zhang Xiaogang , Wang John
Published: August 2020

Most of the insertion anode materials are approaching their specific capacity limitations. TiNb24O62, combining the merits of high theoretical capacity, large working potential and excellent safety, is a promising candidate for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, its poor intrinsic conductivity and relatively sluggish reaction kinetics hinder its wide applications. Herein, we encapsulate the oxygen‐deficient TiNb24O62 microspheres by highly conductive N‐doped carbon nanolayer (DTNO@NC), where TiNb24O62 is purposely made to exhibit oxygen deficiency, by aerosol spray followed by co‐carbonization of the electronically coupled polydopamine (PDA) coating layer. The oxygen‐deficient engineering for TiNb24O62 improves the intrinsic conductivity and active sites, while the PDA derived N‐doped carbon coating layer not only stabilizes the interface between the electrode and electrolyte, but also further enhances the overall conductivity. As a result, the as‐fabricated DTNO@NC electrode delivers excellent Li+ ion storage capacity (270 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1) and superior cycling lifespan (capacity retention of 90 % after 1000 cycles). This work demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating an oxygen‐deficient structure of intercalation‐type anode material with a carbon encapsulating nanolayer in enabling the overall energy storage performance.
An evaluation of and preference for variations of the Good Behavior Game with students with autism
Authors: Vargo Kristina , Brown Christina
Published: August 2020

The Good Behavior Game (GBG) has been implemented in numerous classrooms to decrease problem behavior. Despite the vast amount of literature, the effects of the inclusion of technology on disruptive behavior and student preference with students with autism have not been studied extensively. In this study, we compared the efficacy of the traditional GBG with technology‐enhanced GBG variations (ClassDoJo and ClassBadges) using a multielement design embedded within a reversal design with six male high school students diagnosed with autism. Results showed that all three GBG variations were similarly effective in decreasing disruptive behaviors. We then assessed individual preference for the GBG variations using a group‐oriented concurrent‐chains arrangement. All students demonstrated repeated preference for one GBG variation. These findings support the inclusion of technology‐enhanced GBG variations in special education classrooms with students with autism. Additionally, these results provide further evidence of the utility and applicability of the group‐oriented concurrent‐chains procedure.
Exosome: From leukemia progression to a novel therapeutic approach in leukemia treatment
Authors: Gholipour Elham , Sarvarian Parisa , Samadi Parisa , Talebi Mehdi , Movassaghpour Aliakbar , Motavalli Roza , Hojjat‐Farsangi Mohammad , Yousefi Mehdi
Published: August 2020

Exosomes, as small vesicles, are released by tumor cells and tumor microenvironment (cells and function as key intercellular mediators and effects on different processes including tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, drug resistance, and evasion from immune system. These functions are due to exosomes' biomolecules which make them as efficient markers in early diagnosis of the disease. Also, exosomes have been recently applied in vaccination. The potential role of exosomes in immune response toward leukemic cells makes them efficient immunotherapeutic agents treating leukemia. Furthermore, variations in exosomes contents make them beneficial to be used in treating different diseases. This review introduces the role of exosomes in the development of hematological malignancies and evaluates their functional role in the treatment of these malignancies.
Stay calm and focus on the learning outcomes: Tools for taking biophysical chemistry online
Authors: Ballester Maria , Van Hoozen Brian , Sikora Arthur K.
Published: August 2020

Course specific learning outcomes are an important tool to define the scope of a course and can be very helpful when designing experiments and assessments. With slight modification, these learning outcomes can serve as a guide when transitioning to the distance learning format especially in courses with a traditional lab. Here we present such an example for the biophysical chemistry course.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis care in Saudi Arabia: A survey of providers’ perceptions
Authors: Abuzinadah Ahmad R. , AlShareef Aysha A. , AlKutbi Abdullah , Bamaga Ahmed K. , Alshehri Ali , Algahtani Hussein , Cupler Edward , Alanazy Mohammed H.
Published: August 2020

Objective

Provision of care for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is complex and requires the contribution of multiple healthcare professionals. Several international ALS care measures were developed to ensure optimal care for ALS patients. We looked at the rate of inconsistency in providing standard ALS care measures in Saudi Arabia (SA).

Methods

A 5‐point response survey was distributed to practicing neurologists in SA. They were asked to grade their perceived consistency of accessibility for 19 items of ALS care measures at their center. The list of ALS care measures items was derived from international ALS guidelines.

Results

The response rate from neurologists was 47.3% (62/131), and the responses of 39 neurologists who follow ALS cases were included. Most of the selected ALS care measure items, 63.1% (12/19), were perceived by 50% or more of the ALS care providers to be not consistently accessible to their patients. The perception of ALS care providers of the inconsistent accessibility for ALS patients to ALS care measures was high for communication devices (92.3%), supportive equipment such as motorized wheelchairs (76.9%), end‐of‐life discussion (74.4%), and respiratory monitoring (66.7%).

Conclusion

Our data show that ALS patients in SA do not have consistent access to the recommended ALS care measures.
Corporate governance reform and overstatement of compliance: Illustrations from an emerging economy
Authors: Islam Md Tariqul , Rahman Mahfuzur , Saha Shrabani
Published: August 2020

This paper examines the effect of corporate governance (CG) reform on the window dressing of compliance in the context of an emerging economy, Bangladesh. In particular, this study investigates the true level of compliance concerning the three internal governance mechanisms, such as board independence, CEO duality and formation of audit committee before and after the reform enacts. By using content analysis of 194 non‐financial listed companies between 2007 and 2017, this study observes the extent of overstatements in compliance statements along with the nature of firms that are involved in it. After the regulatory shift in 2012, requiring more independent directors into the board and external certification of compliance statements, it was found that the extent of window dressing in compliance statements declined considerably over time. Moreover, government firms are found to make more proportionate overstatements compared to family and others (non‐family and foreign companies). counterparts. The fall in window dressing indicates that the companies' fabricating efforts in CG compliance are challenged by the regulatory change in a formal legal environment.
Customizable and scalable automated assessment of C/C++ programming assignments
Authors: Delgado‐Pérez Pedro , Medina‐Bulo Inmaculada
Published: August 2020

The correction of exercises in programming courses is a laborious task that has traditionally been performed in a manual way. This situation, in turn, delays the access by students to feedback that can contribute significantly to their training as future professionals. Over the years, several approaches have been proposed to automate the assessment of students' programs. Static analysis is a known technique that can partially simulate the process of manual code review performed by lecturers. As such, it is a plausible option to assess whether students' solutions meet the requirements imposed on the assignments. However, implementing a personalized analysis beyond the rules included in existing tools may be a complex task for the lecturer without a mechanism that guides the work. In this paper, we present a method to provide automated and specific feedback to immediately inform students about their mistakes in programming courses. To that end, we developed the CAC++ library, which enables constructing tailored static analysis programs for C/C++ practices. The library allows for great flexibility and personalization of verifications to adjust them to each particular task, overcoming the limitations of most of the existing assessment tools. Our approach to providing specific feedback has been evaluated for a period of three academic years in a course related to object‐oriented programming. The library allowed lecturers to reduce the size of the static analysis programs developed for this course. During this period, the academic results improved and undergraduates positively valued the aid offered when undertaking the implementation of assignments.
The impact of routine Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) use on overall survival in cancer patients: Results of a population‐based retrospective matched cohort analysis
Authors: Barbera Lisa , Sutradhar Rinku , Seow Hsien , Mittmann Nicole , Howell Doris , Earle Craig C. , Li Qing , Thiruchelvam Deva
Published: August 2020

Background

The Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) is a validated instrument whose use has been standardized in the Ontario cancer system to measure symptoms among ambulatory cancer patients. The objective was to examine the effect of ESAS exposure on overall survival. We hypothesized, a priori, that patients exposed to ESAS would have higher rates of overall survival than those who were not exposed.

Methods

This was a retrospective matched cohort study of adults diagnosed with cancer between 2007 and 2015. Patients were considered exposed if they were screened with ESAS at least once during the study period. Their first ESAS screening date defined the index date. Each exposed patient was matched randomly to a cancer patient without ESAS using a combination of hard matching (4 variables) and propensity score matching (14 variables). Kaplan‐Meier curves and multivariable Cox regression were used to evaluate the impact of ESAS exposure on survival.

Results

There were 128,893 pairs well matched on all baseline characteristics. The probability of survival within the first 5 years was higher among those exposed to ESAS compared to those who were not (81.9% vs. 76.4% at 1 year, 68.3% vs. 66.1% at 3 years, 61.9% vs. 61.4% at 5 years, P‐value < .0001). In the multivariable Cox regression model, ESAS was significantly associated with a decreased mortality risk (HR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.47‐0.49).

Conclusions

Our results show that ESAS exposure is associated with improved survival in cancer patients. This provides real world evidence of the impact of routine symptom assessment in cancer care.
Screening and bioinformatics analysis of a ceRNA network based on the circular RNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs in pan‐cancer
Authors: Chen Zhanghan , Huang Jie , Feng Yanling , Li Zehuan , Jiang Ying
Published: August 2020

Background

The pan‐cancer analysis has recently brought us into a novel level of cancer research. Nowadays, the Circular RNAs (circRNAs) is becoming increasingly important in the occurrence and progression of tumors. Nevertheless, the specific expression patterns and functions of circRNAs in the pan‐cancer remains unclear. Here we aimed to explore the expression patterns and functions of circRNAs in pan‐cancer.

Methods

We combined our microarray with seven circRNA arrays from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and transcriptome profiles were acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. A circRNA‐miRNA‐mRNA network was created and analyzed using multiple bioinformatic approaches including Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis, Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) database, cytoHubba and MCODE app. Cell function assays including CCK‐8 analysis, colony formation, and transwell assay were used to explore pan‐circRNAs’ functions.

Results

A panel of 6 circRNAs, 11 miRNAs, and 318 mRNAs was found to be differentially expressed (DE) in pan‐cancer. A circRNA‐miRNA‐mRNA network was also constructed. Then, a circRNA‐miRNA‐hub gene network was created according to 5 pan‐circRNAs, 8 pan‐miRNAs, and 16 pan‐mRNAs. Enrichment analysis pointed out the possible association of DEmRNAs with pan‐cancer is transcriptional misregulation in cancer. Overexpression of hsa_circ_0004639 and silence of hsa_circ_0008310 can inhibit the malignant biological properties of cancer cells.

Conclusions

Six pan‐circRNAs were discovered and their regulating mechanisms were predicted. Those findings together will give a new insight into pan‐cancer research and present potential therapy targeting as well as promising biomarkers.
Singlet‐Oxygen Generation by Peroxidases and Peroxygenases for Chemoenzymatic Synthesis
Authors: Ingenbosch Kim N. , Quint Stephan , Dyllick‐Brenzinger Melanie , Wunschik Dennis S. , Kiebist Jan , Süss Philipp , Liebelt Ute , Zuhse Ralf , Menyes Ulf , Scheibner Katrin , Mayer Christian , Opwis Klaus , Gutmann Jochen S. , Hoffmann‐Jacobsen Kerstin
Published: August 2020

Singlet oxygen is a reactive oxygen species undesired in living cells but a rare and valuable reagent in chemical synthesis. We present a fluorescence spectroscopic analysis of the singlet‐oxygen formation activity of commercial peroxidases and novel peroxygenases. Singlet‐oxygen sensor green (SOSG) is used as fluorogenic singlet oxygen trap. Establishing a kinetic model for the reaction cascade to the fluorescent SOSG endoperoxide permits a kinetic analysis of enzymatic singlet‐oxygen formation. All peroxidases and peroxygenases show singlet‐oxygen formation. No singlet oxygen activity could be found for any catalase under investigation. Substrate inhibition is observed for all reactive enzymes. The commercial dye‐decolorizing peroxidase industrially used for dairy bleaching shows the highest singlet‐oxygen activity and the lowest inhibition. This enzyme was immobilized on a textile carrier and successfully applied for a chemical synthesis. Here, ascaridole was synthesized via enzymatically produced singlet oxygen.
Transradial versus transfemoral access: The dispute continues
Authors: Postalian Alexander , Krajcer Zvonimir
Published: August 2020

Key Points

Transradial access was associated with fewer vascular complications than transfemoral access assisted by with vessel plug and suture closure devices.

Confounding variables, such as case complexity and sheath size used, affect the external validity of the results.

Further research is required to establish best access practices. In the meantime, radial artery access appears to be the safer approach when technically feasible.
Drug‐eluting stents in diabetic patients: Are we still treading water?
Authors: Chiarito Mauro , Mehran Roxana
Published: August 2020

Key Points

Diabetic patients are frequently affected by coronary artery disease (CAD) and are at increased risk of CAD‐related adverse events, even after drug‐eluting stent (DES) implantation. If currently available DES have similar safety and efficacy in diabetic and nondiabetic patients is still debated.

This prospective, multicenter registry showed similar 3‐year outcome in patients undergoing different DES implantation, although diabetic patients, especially those requiring insulin treatment, had significantly higher risk of adverse events than nondiabetic patients.

Specific efforts to improve the performance of DES in diabetic patients are mandatory to adequately address the unsolved issue of diabetic patients affected by CAD.
Impella RP for treatment of right ventricular shock: Appropriate unloading never gets old
Authors: Goldstein James A. , Hanson Ivan
Published: August 2020

Key Points

Rapid restoration of hemodynamics is key to successful shock management.

The failing right ventricular (RV) is resilient and recovers if hemodynamics are supported while the underlying insulting cause is alleviated.

Inotropic/vasopressor drugs constitute a “double‐edged sword” that augment hemodynamics, but exacerbate myocardial and multiorgan injury.

Impella RP mechanical support for RV shock stabilizes hemodynamics and is associated with favorable clinical outcomes.
Radial artery intervention: Facile for you is best for me, too
Authors: Butman Samuel M.
Published: August 2020

Key Points

If you have transitioned to the radial artery as the preferred approach, congratulations.

If you are in training or currently transitioning, good for you, too. Your patient satisfaction scores are going to rise, and complications will be less frequent.

If you are still a femoral first, you are as old or older than me, and you should master this approach soon before you retire. Left radial approach is pretty much just like femoral, but with fewer complications.
TAVR patients count on their thrombocytes: Platelets count is accountable for the outcomes!
Authors: Oliveira Fredric Assis , Lemos Pedro A.
Published: August 2020

Key Points

Chronic thrombocytopenia is frequent in patients undergoing TAVR in the real world.

Chronic thrombocytopenia is associated with worse in‐hospital outcomes after TAVR.

Future research is necessary to establish a better way of conducting and monitoring these patients.
Impact of chronic kidney disease on in‐hospital outcomes and readmission rate after edge‐to‐edge transcatheter mitral valve repair
Authors: Sawalha Khalid , Al‐Akchar Mohammad , Ibrahim Abdisamad , Buhnerkempe Michael , Koester Cameron , Salih Mohsin , Bhattarai Mukul , Tandan Nitin , Bhatt Deepak L. , Hafiz Abdul Moiz
Published: August 2020

Background

Transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) is a treatment option for patients with 3+ or greater mitral regurgitation who cannot undergo mitral valve surgery. Outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end stage renal disease (ESRD) are unclear. We sought to evaluate the TMVR in‐hospital outcomes, readmission rates and its impact on kidney function.

Methods

Data from 2016 National Readmission Database was used to obtain all patients who underwent TMVR. Patients were classified by their CKD status: no CKD, CKD, or ESRD. The primary outcomes were: in‐hospital mortality, 30‐ and 90‐day readmission rate, and change in CKD status on readmission. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess in‐hospital, readmission outcomes and kidney function stage.

Results

A total of 4,645 patients were assessed (mean age 78.5 ± 10.3 years). In‐hospital mortality was higher in patients with CKD (4.0%, odds ratio [OR]:2.01 [95% CI, confidence interval: 1.27–3.18]) and ESRD (6.6%, OR: 6.38 [95% CI: 1.49–27.36]) compared with non‐CKD (2.4%). 30‐day readmission rate was higher in ESRD versus non‐CKD patients (17.8% vs. 10.4%, OR: 2.24 [95% CI: 1.30–3.87]) as was 90‐day readmission (41.2% vs. 21% OR: 2.51 [95% CI:1.70–3.72]). Kidney function improved in 25% of patients with CKD stage 3 and in 50% with CKD stage 4–5 at 30‐and 90‐day readmission. Incidence of AKI, major bleeding, and respiratory failure were higher in CKD group.

Conclusions

Patients with CKD and ESRD have worse outcomes and higher readmission rate after TMVR. In patients who were readmitted after TMVR, renal function improved in some patients, suggesting that TMVR could potentially improve CKD stage.
A unique case of hemolytic‐uremic syndrome secondary to enteropathogenic E Coli
Authors: Nelson Blessie Elizabeth , Hong Angelina , Iqbal Fatima , Jana Bagi
Published: August 2020

Causative factors of HUS due to infection are not limited to classic EHEC and Shigella infection. Understanding the effects of EPEC‐related HUS and its complications is imperative for early diagnosis and treatment to mitigate long‐term sequelae.
Noble‐metal‐free MOF Derived ZnS/CeO2 Decorated with CuS Cocatalyst Photocatalyst with Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production Character
Authors: Wang Xiao‐li , Xiao Yang , Yu Hui , Yang Ying , Dong Xiang‐ting , Xia Long
Published: August 2020

Inspired by the rich morphology of ZnO and cation‐exchange technology, regular dodecahedron‐like CeO2/ZnO was obtained by the calcination of Ce doped ZIF‐8 precursor in this study, and CeO2/ZnS was obtained by the in‐situ vulcanization of CeO2/ZnO. This design not only maintained the morphology of ZIF‐8, but also enhanced the oxidation‐reduction capacity of the catalyst. When the Ce content was 10 wt %, 10‐CeO2/ZnS sample showed the best photocatalytic hydrogen production performance in all X−CeO2/ZnS samples. Loading of co‐catalysts can effectively enhance the surface hydrogen reduction in photocatalytic water splitting by introducing a positive Schottky barrier. CuS was regarded as a promising cocatalyst to replace the noble metals due to its low cost and equivalent or even better performance. The in‐situ cation exchange method was used to load co‐catalyst CuS on the 10‐CeO2/ZnS composites to obtain the 10‐CeO2/ZnS‐CuS composites which had the large specific surface area, regular dodecahedral structure and much excellent photolysis of water to produce hydrogen characters. This work provided a new strategy for the advantages combining of co‐catalyst, p‐n junction as well as the porous structure to enhance the photocatalytic characters.
Atomically Precise Metal Nanoclusters: Novel Building Blocks for Hierarchical Structures
Authors: Bonacchi Sara , Antonello Sabrina , Dainese Tiziano , Maran Flavio
Published: August 2020

Atomically precise ligand‐protected nanoclusters (NCs) constitute an important class of compounds that exhibit well‐defined structures and, when sufficiently small, evident molecular properties. NCs provide versatile building blocks to fabricate hierarchical superstructures. The assembly of NCs indeed offers opportunities to devise new materials with given structures and able to carry out specific functions. In this Concept article, we highlight the possibilities offered by NCs in which the physicochemical properties are controlled by the introduction of foreign metal atoms and/or modification of the composition of the capping monolayer with functional ligands. Different approaches to assemble NCs into dimers and higher hierarchy structures and the corresponding changes in physicochemical properties are also described.
Ultrafast Charge Delocalization Dynamics of Ambient Stable CsPbBr3 Nanocrystals Encapsulated in Polystyrene Fiber
Authors: Babu K. Justice , Kaur Gurpreet , Biswal Liza , De Goutam , Ghosh Hirendra N.
Published: August 2020

CsPbBr3 nanocrystals (NCs) encapsulated in a transparent polystyrene (PS) fiber matrix (CsPbBr3@PS) have been synthesized to protect the NCs. The ultrafast charge delocalization dynamics of the embedded NCs have been demonstrated, and the results are compared with the pristine CsPbBr3 in toluene. The electrospinning method was employed for the preparation of CsPbBr3@PS fibers by using a polystyrene solution doped with pre‐synthesized CsPbBr3 and characterized by XRD, HRTEM, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Energy level diagrams of CsPbBr3 and PS suggest that CsPbBr3@PS fibers make a type I core–shell structure. The carrier cooling for CsPbBr3@PS fibers is found to be much slower than pure CsPbBr3 NCs. This observation suggests that photoexcited electrons from CsPbBr3 NCs get delocalized from the conduction band of the perovskite to lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of the PS fiber matrix. The CsPbBr3@PS fibers possess remarkable stability under ambient conditions as well as in water over months. The clear understanding of charge carrier relaxation dynamics of CsPbBr3 confined in PS fibers could help to design robust optoelectronic devices.
The brain of the African wild dog. II. The olfactory system
Authors: Chengetanai Samson , Bhagwandin Adhil , Bertelsen Mads F. , Hård Therese , Hof Patrick R. , Spocter Muhammad A. , Manger Paul R.
Published: August 2020

Employing a range of neuroanatomical stains, we detail the organization of the main and accessory olfactory systems of the African wild dog. The organization of both these systems follows that typically observed in mammals, but variations of interest were noted. Within the main olfactory bulb, the size of the glomeruli, at approximately 350 μm in diameter, are on the larger end of the range observed across mammals. In addition, we estimate that approximately 3,500 glomeruli are present in each main olfactory bulb. This larger main olfactory bulb glomerular size and number of glomeruli indicates that enhanced peripheral processing of a broad range of odorants is occurring in the main olfactory bulb of the African wild dog. Within the accessory olfactory bulb, the glomeruli did not appear distinct, rather forming a homogenous syncytia‐like arrangement as seen in the domestic dog. In addition, the laminar organization of the deeper layers of the accessory olfactory bulb was indistinct, perhaps as a consequence of the altered architecture of the glomeruli. This arrangement of glomeruli indicates that rather than parcellating the processing of semiochemicals peripherally, these odorants may be processed in a more nuanced and combinatorial manner in the periphery, allowing for more rapid and precise behavioral responses as required in the highly social group structure observed in the African wild dog. While having a similar organization to that of other mammals, the olfactory system of the African wild dog has certain features that appear to correlate to their environmental niche.
Testing the performance of CIECAM02 from 100 to 3500 cd/m2
Authors: Bao Wenyu , Wei Minchen
Published: August 2020

Color appearance models were developed to characterize the color attributes of stimuli under different viewing conditions based on data collected through magnitude estimation or color matching experiments. Although human beings experience very high light levels under daylight and the reproduction of colors under daylight is important in the color and imaging industries, the existing color appearance models were developed based on the data that were collected under the conditions with luminance levels below 700 cd/m2 due to the lack of facilities to produce stable illumination at high light levels. A recent study investigating color preference of an artwork under a wide range of light levels from 20 to 15 000 lx suggested that CIECAM02 cannot accurately characterize the color appearance under extremely high light levels. This study was designed to directly test the performance of CIECAM02 from 100 to 3500 cd/m2. Human observers performed color match for four hues under a series pairs of adapting conditions with a haploscopic viewing condition. It was found that CIECAM02 had the best performance in characterizing the hue angles but the worse performance in characterizing the brightness with a maximum underprediction around 200% across a wide range of luminance. This was mainly due to the fact that CIECAM02 was developed based on the data collected under relatively low adapting luminance levels. The color appearance model that was proposed to use the adapting luminance levels in characterizing the cone compression in the postadaptation process was found to have a much better performance in characterizing the brightness.
A scalable lock on NUMA multicore
Authors: Yi ZhengMing , Yao YiPing
Published: August 2020

Modern NUMA multicore architectures exhibit complicated memory behavior, such as cache coherence invalidation and nonuniform memory access where the access from a core to its local memory is significantly faster than crossnode access to memory on a different NUMA node. The complicated memory behavior has a large impact on the efficiency of locking synchronization, which affects the performance of parallel applications. Prior works offer several efficient designs to improve locking performance such as delegation schemes. However, the existing delegation schemes either occupy computing cores or provide nonscalable performance, or offer less portability. In this work, we present a NUMA‐aware delegation lock that occupies no cores while offering scalable performance under high contention for NUMA multicore machines. The new lock is a variant of an efficient FFWD lock, and inherits its performance features, such as buffering responses within a NUMA node to minimize cache coherence traffic. Unlike FFWD, the new lock employs hierarchical NUMA‐aware memory allocation and NUMA‐aware dynamic server thread technique, to reduce crossnode communication between client and server threads. Our evaluation shows that the new lock outperforms FFWD under high contention, achieving the significant performance gains when compared with other state‐of‐the‐art locks.
Implication and Inhibition Boolean Logic Gates Mimicked with Enzyme Reactions
Authors: Kaniewska Klaudia , Bollella Paolo , Katz Evgeny
Published: August 2020

The enzyme system mimicking Implication (IMPLY) and Inhibition (INHIB) Boolean logic gates has been designed. The same enzyme system was used to operate as the IMPLY or INHIB gate simply by reformulating the input signals. The optical analysis of the logic operation confirmed the output generation as expected for the studied logic gates. The conceptual approach to the IMPLY and INHIB logic gates allows their construction with many other enzymes operating in a similar way.