bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rational Design of 3D Hierarchical Ternary SnO2/TiO2/BiVO4 Arrays Photoanode toward Efficient Photoelectrochemical Performance
Authors: Pan Qin , Li Aoshuang , Zhang Yuanlu , Yang Yaping , Cheng Chuanwei
Published: December 2019

BiVO4 as a promising semiconductor absorber is widely investigated as photoanode in photoelectrochemical water splitting. Herein, the rational design of 3D hierarchical ternary SnO2/TiO2/BiVO4 arrays is reported as photoanode for photoelectrochemical application, in which the SnO2 hierarchically hollow microspheres core/nanosheets shell arrays act as conductive skeletons, while the sandwiched TiO2 and surface BiVO4 are working as hole blocking layer and light absorber, respectively. Arising to the hierarchically ordered structure and synergistic effect between each component in the composite, the ternary SnO2/TiO2/BiVO4 photoanode enables high light harvesting efficiency as well as enhanced charge transport and separation efficiency, yielding a maximum photocurrent density of ≈5.03 mA cm−2 for sulfite oxidation and ≈3.1 mA cm−2 for water oxidation, respectively, measured at 1.23 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode under simulated air mass (AM) 1.5 solar light illumination. The results reveal that electrode design and interface engineering play important roles on the overall PEC performance.
A child with autism, behavioral issues, and dysmorphic features found to have a tandem duplication within CTNND2 by mate‐pair sequencing
Authors: Miller Danny E. , Squire Audrey , Bennett James T.
Published: December 2019

We describe a 5‐year‐old male with developmental delay, behavioral problems, and dysmorphic features who was found by microarray to have a 93‐kb duplication of uncertain significance that fully encompasses the third exon of CTNND2 (delta catenin). Mate‐pair sequencing was used to determine that the duplication is tandem and is predicted to lead to CTNND2 haploinsufficiency. Haploinsufficiency for CTNND2 has been shown to result in developmental delay and intellectual disability, providing a unifying diagnosis for this patient. His features overlap those associated with the larger cri‐du‐chat deletion of this region, expanding the clinical phenotype of isolated CTNND2 variants. The use of mate‐pair sequencing to determine the orientation of the small duplication was essential to the diagnosis and avoided the use of exome sequencing, which would not have defined the arrangement of the duplication. This is only the second reported patient, to our knowledge, with a single exon duplication of CTNND2.
Persistent Borafluorene Radicals
Authors: Yang Wenlong , Krantz Kelsie E. , Freeman Lucas A. , Dickie Diane A. , Molino Andrew , Frenking Gernot , Pan Sudip , Wilson David J. D. , Gilliard Robert J.
Published: December 2019

N‐Heterocyclic carbene (NHC)‐ and cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene (CAAC)‐stabilized borafluorene radicals have been isolated and characterized by elemental analysis, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, UV/Vis absorption, cyclic voltammetry (CV), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, and theoretical studies. Both the CAAC–borafluorene radical (2) and the NHC–borafluorene radical (4) have a considerable amount of spin density localized on the boron atoms (0.322 for 2 and 0.369 for 4). In compound 2, the unpaired electron is also partly delocalized over the CAAC ligand carbeneC and N atoms. However, the unpaired electron in compound 4 mainly resides throughout the borafluorene π‐system, with significantly less delocalization over the NHC ligand. These results highlight the Lewis base dependent electrostructural tuning of materials‐relevant radicals. Notably, this is the first report of crystalline borafluorene radicals, and these species exhibit remarkable solid‐state and solution stability.
Salicylaldimine‐bridged dinuclear cyclopalladated complexes: Synthesis, characterization and BSA binding studies
Authors: Gao Yan , Zhang Saimeng , Li Xiaoguang , Jiang Shuyao , Yang Yajing , Chang Xiaohong
Published: December 2019

Salicylaldimine‐bridged dinuclear cyclopalladated complexes were synthesized by the reactions of cyclopalladated chloro dimers [Pd{(4‐R)C6H3CH=N‐C6H3–2,6‐i‐Pr2}(μ‐Cl)]2 (R = H; OMe) with salen‐based bridging ligands. The complexes were characterized by FTIR, NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and X‐ray crystallography. The binding interaction of cyclopalladated complexes to bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated by UV–vis, fluorescence and synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy. The experimental results showed that these Pd (II) complexes could bind to BSA with high affinity and quench its intrinsic fluorescence by a static or combined process. Also the interaction of Pd complexes with BSA affected the conformation of the tryptophan and tyrosine residues.
Enzymatic Synthesis of Ether Lipids Rich in Docosahexaenoic Acid with Squalene as Reaction Medium
Authors: Sun Zhaomin , Zhang Lingyu , Wang Yuming , Xue Changhu , Li Zhaojie , Wang Jingfeng
Published: December 2019

Using squalene as reaction medium was tried for the enzymatic synthesis of ether lipids rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) via transesterification of alkylglycerols (AKG) obtained from shark liver oil and DHA‐enriched ethyl esters (DHA‐EE) from Schizochytrium sp. The effects of reaction time, temperature, molar ratio (AKG /DHA‐EE), and enzyme dosage were investigated. DHA conversion of 74.47% was achieved for 48 hours of reaction at 60 °C using a molar ratio of 1:2 and an enzyme dosage of 30% based on AKG in the presence of squalene with Lipozyme® 435 (Novozymes, Tianjin, China) as the catalyst. With a high boiling point, squalene could act as a solvent without being vaporized from the reaction system under vacuum and improve the operational stability of immobilized lipase, which may be useful for enzymatic reactions under vacuum for lipid modification with byproducts of low boiling points.
Osteology of the Late Triassic Bipedal Archosaur Poposaurus gracilis (Archosauria: Pseudosuchia) from Western North America
Authors: Schachner Emma R. , Irmis Randall B. , Huttenlocker Adam K. , Sanders Kent , Cieri Robert L. , Fox Marilyn , Nesbitt Sterling J.
Published: December 2019

Poposaurus gracilis is a bipedal pseudosuchian archosaur that has been poorly understood since the discovery of the holotype fragmentary partial postcranial skeleton in 1915. Poposaurus. gracilis is a member of Poposauroidea, an unusually morphologically divergent clade of pseudosuchians containing taxa that are bipedal, quadrupedal, toothed, edentulous, and some individuals with elongated thoracic neural spines (i.e., sails). In 2003, a well preserved, fully articulated, and nearly complete postcranial skeleton of P. gracilis was discovered with some fragmentary cranial elements from the Upper Triassic Chinle Formation of Grand Staircase‐Escalante National Monument of southern Utah, USA. The aim of this work is to describe the osteology of this specimen in detail and compare P. gracilis to other closely related pseudosuchian archosaurs. The open neurocentral sutures throughout the majority of the vertebral column, the small size of this individual, and the presence of seven evenly spaced cyclic growth marks in the histologically sectioned femur indicate that this specimen was a skeletally immature juvenile, or subadult when it died. The pes of P. gracilis contains multiple skeletal adaptations and osteological correlates for soft tissue structures that support a hypothesis of digitigrady for this taxon. When coupled with the numerous postcranial characters associated with cursoriality, and the many anatomical traits convergent with theropod dinosaurs, this animal likely occupied a similar ecological niche with contemporaneous theropods during the Late Triassic Period. Anat Rec, 303:874–917, 2020. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy
Establishment of patient‐derived xenograft model of peritoneal mucinous carcinomatosis with signet ring cells and in vivo study on the efficacy and toxicity of intraperitoneal injection of 5‐fluorouracil
Authors: Lin Yu‐Lin , Zhang Jue , Yan Feng‐Cai , Jiang Xi , Ma Ru , Yang Zhi‐Ran , Xu Hong‐Bin , Peng Zheng , Chen Qian , Li Yan
Published: December 2019

Background

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is an indolent malignancy and insensitive to systemic chemotherapy. The authors established patient‐derived xenograft (PDX) model of PMP, and evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) in this model.

Methods

Human PMP sample was collected to establish subcutaneous (s.c.) and i.p. model. In vivo study of i.p. injection of 5‐FU was performed in i.p. model, with experimental peritoneal cancer index (ePCI) score and pathological examinations for evaluating the efficacy and toxicity.

Results

Both s.c. and i.p. models were constructed. The average passage interval of s.c. model was 44.2 ± 5.2 days, and the i.p. model was characterized by disseminated solid tumor nodules in abdominal‐pelvic cavity. Both models were diagnosed as peritoneal mucinous carcinomatosis with signet ring cells (PMCA‐S). Immunohistochemical characteristics was similar to human. GNAS mutation was detected in both model and patient. In the in vivo study, average ePCI of treatment group was lower than control and vehicle group (P = .004). Histopathology revealed obvious tumor necrosis in treatment group, and decreased Ki67 positive rate (P = .010). In toxicity study, 5‐FU significantly influenced body weight (P = .010) and 1 animal from treatment group died on day 14. Congestive splenomegaly was observed (88.9%). Hepatotoxicity presented as acidophilic body (55.6%), cholestasis (100%), bile canaliculus hyperplasia and obstruction (22.2%), and lymphocyte accumulation (77.8%).

Conclusions

PDX model of PMCA‐S was established successfully, and i.p. 5‐FU could inhibit tumor proliferation and progression, with decreased Ki67 positive rate and ePCI score. Hepatotoxicity was the main side effect.
A Trifunctional Linker for Palmitoylation and Peptide and Protein Localization in Biological Membranes
Authors: Syga Łukasz , de Vries Reinder H. , van Oosterhout Hugo , Bartelds Rianne , Boersma Arnold J. , Roelfes Gerard , Poolman Bert
Published: December 2019

Attachment of lipophilic groups is an important post‐translational modification of proteins, which involves the coupling of one or more anchors such as fatty acids, isoprenoids, phospholipids, or glycosylphosphatidyl inositols. To study its impact on the membrane partitioning of hydrophobic peptides or proteins, we designed a tyrosine‐based trifunctional linker. The linker allows the facile incorporation of two different functionalities at a cysteine residue in a single step. We determined the effect of the lipid modification on the membrane partitioning of the synthetic α‐helical model peptide WALP with or without here and in all cases below; palmitoyl groups in giant unilamellar vesicles that contain a liquid‐ordered (Lo) and liquid‐disordered (Ld) phase. Introduction of two palmitoyl groups did not alter the localization of the membrane peptides, nor did the membrane thickness or lipid composition. In all cases, the peptide was retained in the Ld phase. These data demonstrate that the Lo domain in model membranes is highly unfavorable for a single membrane‐spanning peptide.
Phototemtide A, a Cyclic Lipopeptide Heterologously Expressed from Photorhabdus temperata Meg1, Shows Selective Antiprotozoal Activity
Authors: Zhao Lei , Vo Tien Duy , Kaiser Marcel , Bode Helge B.
Published: December 2019

A new cyclic lipopeptide, phototemtide A (1), was isolated from Escherichia coli expressing the biosynthetic gene cluster pttABC from Photorhabdus temperata Meg1. The structure of 1 was elucidated by HR‐ESI‐MS and NMR experiments. The absolute configurations of amino acids and 3‐hydroxyoctanoic acid in 1 were determined by using the advanced Marfey's method and comparison after total synthesis of 1, respectively. Additionally, three new minor derivatives, phototemtides B–D (2–4), were identified by detailed HPLC–MS analysis. Phototemtide A (1) showed weak antiprotozoal activity against Plasmodium falciparum, with an IC50 value of 9.8 μm. The biosynthesis of phototemtides A–D (1–4) was also proposed.
The ARAHKEY technique: A novel method for the management of access site bleeding during percutaneous transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Honda Yohsuke , Araki Motoharu , Yamawaki Masahiro , Hirano Keisuke , Kobayashi Norihiro , Sakamoto Yasunari , Mori Shinsuke , Tsutsumi Masakazu , Makino Kenji , Ito Yoshiaki
Published: December 2019

Objective

This retrospective study assessed the safety and efficacy of the ARAHKEY (ARterial sealing with Additional Hemostatic device Kissing with Extravascular and suture‐based device deeplY) technique during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Background

Access site complications are still a major issue to be solved during TAVR using a large caliber sheath.

Methods

From February 2014 to June 2019, a total of 302 patients underwent TAVR in our hospital. Twenty‐five patients (10.2% of patients who underwent percutaneous transfemoral TAVR [n = 246]) were treated using the ARAHKEY technique, which is the additional use of Exoseal for the common femoral artery puncture site when hemostasis was not achieved with ProGlide alone.

Results

Complete hemostasis was achieved in all patients (100%). The mean procedural time for hemostasis was 9.8 ± 4.5 min. No complications, including recurrent bleeding, infection, and late acquired hematoma, were observed in this study cohort.

Conclusion

The ARAHKEY technique is a safe method and should be considered as a secondary option when hemostasis is not achieved with ProGlide during TAVR.
Use of carotid and axillary artery approach for stenting the patent ductus arteriosus in infants with ductal‐dependent pulmonary blood flow: A multicenter study from the congenital catheterization research collaborative
Authors: Bauser‐Heaton Holly , Qureshi Athar M. , Goldstein Bryan H. , Glatz Andrew C. , Nicholson George T. , Meadows Jeffrey J. , Depaolo John S. , Aggarwal Varun , McCracken Courtney E. , Mossad Emad B. , Wilson Elizabeth C. , Petit Christopher J.
Published: December 2019

Background

Carotid artery (CA) and axillary artery (AA) access are increasingly used for transcatheter stenting of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), although reports are limited.

Methods

The Congenital Catheterization Research Collaborative (CCRC) reviewed multicenter data from infants who underwent PDA stenting via the CA or AA approach from 2008 to 2017, and compared outcomes to those of infants undergoing PDA stenting via the femoral artery (FA) approach. Post‐procedure ultrasound (US) imaging was reviewed.

Results

Forty‐nine infants underwent PDA stenting from the CA (n = 43) or AA (n = 6) approach, compared with 55 infants who underwent PDA stenting from the FA approach. The PDA was the sole pulmonary blood flow (PBF) source in 61% of infants in the CA/AA cohort, compared with 33% of the FA cohort (p < .01). Ductal tortuosity for CA/AA cohort was Type I (straight) in 10 (20%), Type II (one turn) in 17 (35%), and Type III (multiple turns) in 22 (45%) infants and reflected a greater degree of tortuosity when compared to the FA cohort (p < .01). In 17 infants with CA/AA approach, the “flip technique” was used, and was associated with shorter procedure times for highly tortuous PDA (Type III) patients. Rates of procedural complications were similar across access sites. Most common complications were access site injury (thrombus or bleeding) and stent malposition. No complications were specifically related to the “flip technique.”

Conclusions

Use of CA and AA approach for PDA stenting was found to be more commonly employed in sole source PBF and highly tortuous PDAs. Procedural modifications such as the “flip technique” may lead to shorter procedure times. CA and AA approaches are associated with a similar burden of procedural or late complications. Post‐procedural surveillance of the CA and AA is suggested, given the incidence of vascular findings on US.
Pharmacist assisted vape taper and behavioral support for cessation of electronic nicotine delivery system use
Authors: Sahr Michelle , Kelsh Shelby E. , Blower Noah
Published: December 2019

Tapering of vaping, reducing nicotine concentration and restricting vaping times, coupled with behavioral counseling may be effective for cessation of electronic nicotine delivery system use.
Mesostructured Hollow Siliceous Spheres for Adsorption of Dyes
Authors: Soltani Roozbeh , Marjani Azam , Hosseini Mina , Shirazian Saeed
Published: December 2019

A facile and one‐pot strategy for the preparation of novel diamino‐functionalized hollow siliceous spheres (DAF‐HSS) is suggested. Field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) images of DAF‐HSS showed a monodispersed hollow sphere morphology. Also, TEM images revealed that the DAF‐HSS has a porous structure with parallel semi‐long‐range channels. DAF‐HSS material was used as an adsorbent for the removal of hazardous monocationic dyes in aqueous solution. Neutral red (NR) and crystal violet (CV) were selected as model compounds. Isotherm and kinetic studies were carried out and their different linear forms were applied and compared. The equilibrium data fitted better with the Langmuir model.
Light to moderate amount of lifetime alcohol consumption and risk of cancer in Japan
Authors: Zaitsu Masayoshi , Takeuchi Takumi , Kobayashi Yasuki , Kawachi Ichiro
Published: December 2019

Background

Even light to moderate alcohol consumption has been shown to increase cancer incidence. However, this association has not been well characterized in Japan.

Methods

Based on a nationwide, hospital‐based data set (2005‐2016), a multicenter case‐control study was conducted (63,232 cancer cases and 63,232 controls matched for sex, age, admission date, and admitting hospital). The total amount of lifetime alcohol consumption (drink‐years) was recalled for each patient by multiplication of the daily amount of standardized alcohol use (drinks per day) and the duration of drinking (years). Odds ratios (ORs) were estimated for overall and specific cancer sites via conditional logistic regression with restricted cubic splines, with adjustments made for smoking, occupational class, and comorbidities. Lifetime abstainers served as the reference group.

Results

Spline curves showed a dose‐response association with overall cancer risk: the minimum risk was at 0 drink‐years, and the OR at 10 drink‐years was 1.05 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04‐1.06). In comparison with lifetime abstainers, the OR for >0 to 20 drink‐years was 1.06 (95% CI, 1.01‐1.11). Those who drank 2 drinks or fewer per day had elevated odds for overall cancer risk across all duration‐of‐drinking categories. The same patterns were observed at light to moderate levels of drinking for most gastrointestinal/aerodigestive cancers as well as breast and prostate cancers. Analyses stratified by sex, different drinking/smoking behaviors, and occupational class mostly showed the same patterns for overall cancer incidence associated with light to moderate levels of drinking.

Conclusions

In Japan, even light to moderate alcohol consumption appears to be associated with elevated cancer risks.
A unified heuristic bat algorithm to optimize the LEACH protocol
Authors: Cai Xingjuan , Geng Shaojin , Wu Di , Wang Lei , Wu Qidi
Published: December 2019

Wireless sensor networks (WSN) have high value in the field of wireless communications. As the earliest WSN clustering protocol, Low Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy (LEACH) can effectively reduce the energy consumption of data transmission in sensor networks. However, LEACH has some problems such as cluster head nodes are unevenly distributed. In this paper, a unified heuristic bat algorithm (UHBA) is proposed to optimize elections in cluster heads. This algorithm guarantees that the election of cluster heads can freely transform both global search and local search. Meanwhile, comparing with several other variants of the bat algorithm in CEC2013 test suite, it can be seen from results that UHBA has better performance. Moreover, the application of the algorithm on LEACH is better than other algorithms, which further proves that the algorithm has better results.
Maternal diet affects juvenile Carpetan rock lizard performance and personality
Authors: Horváth Gergely , Rodríguez‐Ruiz Gonzalo , Martín José , López Pilar , Herczeg Gábor
Published: December 2019

Differences in both stable and labile state variables are known to affect the emergence and maintenance of consistent interindividual behavioral variation (animal personality or behavioral syndrome), especially when experienced early in life. Variation in environmental conditions experienced by gestating mothers (viz. nongenetic maternal effects) is known to have significant impact on offspring condition and behavior; yet, their effect on behavioral consistency is not clear. Here, by applying an orthogonal experimental design, we aimed to study whether increased vitamin D3content in maternal diet during gestation (vitamin‐supplemented vs. vitamin control treatments) combined with corticosterone treatment (corticosterone‐treated vs. corticosterone control treatments) applied on freshly hatched juveniles had an effect on individual state and behavioral consistency of juvenile Carpetan rock lizards (Iberolacerta cyreni). We tested the effect of our treatments on (a) climbing speed and the following levels of behavioral variation, (b) strength of animal personality (behavioral repeatability), (c) behavioral type (individual mean behavior), and (d) behavioral predictability (within‐individual behavioral variation unrelated to environmental change). We found higher locomotor performance of juveniles from the vitamin‐supplemented group (42.4% increase), irrespective of corticosterone treatment. While activity personality was present in all treatments, shelter use personality was present only in the vitamin‐supplemented × corticosterone‐treated treatment and risk‐taking personality was present in corticosterone control treatments. Contrary to our expectations, behavioral type was not affected by our treatments, indicating that individual quality can affect behavioral strategies without affecting group‐level mean behavior. Behavioral predictability decreased in individuals with low climbing speed, which could be interpreted as a form of antipredator strategy. Our results clearly demonstrate that maternal diet and corticosterone treatment have the potential to induce or hamper between‐individual variation in different components of boldness, often in interactions.
Forest birds exhibit variable changes in occurrence during a mountain pine beetle epidemic
Authors: Mosher Brittany A. , Saab Victoria A. , Lerch Michael D. , Ellis Martha M. , Rotella Jay J.
Published: December 2019

Recent epidemics of mountain pine beetles (Dendroctonus ponderosae) have fundamentally altered forests of the Intermountain West, impacting management decisions related to fire, logging, and wildlife conservation. We evaluated how a recent mountain pine beetle epidemic influenced the site occupancy of 39 avian species in forests dominated by ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) on the Helena National Forest, Montana. Point count data were collected during the avian breeding seasons (May–July) of 2003–2006 (pre‐epidemic) and 2009–2011 (during‐epidemic). We used a community‐level Bayesian hierarchical model accounting for imperfect detection to obtain occupancy estimates for all detected forest birds. Our model for site occupancy included the annual presence of mountain pine beetles, the proportion of ponderosa pine at sites, the interaction between the two, and a random effect of year. We observed changes in occurrence over the study period for 23 of 39 species, including shifts toward and away from beetle‐killed ponderosa pine. Community turnover increased during the epidemic and then returned quickly to pre‐epidemic levels. Our results illustrate the myriad habitat preferences of the small landbird community and suggest that a mosaic of disturbed conifer, intact live conifer, and adjacent aspen forests will be critical for the persistence of populations of native avifauna in the Intermountain West.
Spatial variability of historical fires across a red pine–oak landscape, Pennsylvania,USA
Authors: Marschall Joseph M. , Stambaugh Michael C. , Jones Benjamin C. , Abadir Erin
Published: December 2019

Long‐term, ecosystem‐specific fire regime information improves natural community restoration and management by providing a basis for scientifically reasoned fire management prescriptions. Historical fire regimes can be reconstructed to sub‐annual resolution using fire‐scarred trees, and while such reconstructions have become increasingly prevalent across the easternUSA, little information regarding how they vary at landscape scale is available. Most studies report fire regime characteristics (i.e., frequency, seasonality) at site‐composite levels, commonly at ≤1 km2spatial resolution. In this study, we analyzed the historical spatial variation of fire regime characteristics over the past four centuries (1620CEto present) in a red pine/oak landscape (30.75 km2) in north‐central Pennsylvania,USA. Fire event data were reconstructed based on fire scars and locations of 192 living and dead red pines. The spatial and temporal distributions of fire scars revealed a historical fire regime dominated by frequent, dormant season fires most often detected at relatively small spatial extents and by relatively few trees. There was, however, evidence of less frequent, relatively large fires that scarred high percentages of trees. These fire regime characteristics likely resulted in a spatially and temporally transient patchwork of varying vegetation age and structures resulting in a heterogeneous landscape. At the landscape scale, fire frequency changed with human cultures, while fire spatial extent and scarring patterns appeared to be modulated by drought conditions. Results from this study show historical precedence for landscape‐scale burning across a broad range of drought conditions and spatial extents, which should be considered when designing fire‐management and ecosystem restoration objectives.
Prognostic utility of diastolic dysfunction and speckle tracking echocardiography in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Hansen Sune , Brainin Philip , Sengeløv Morten , Jørgensen Peter Godsk , Bruun Niels Eske , Olsen Flemming Javier , Fritz‐Hansen Thomas , Schou Morten , Gislason Gunnar , Biering‐Sørensen Tor
Published: December 2019

Aims

We hypothesized that grading of diastolic dysfunction (DDF) according to two DDF grading algorithms and strain imaging yields prognostic information on all‐cause mortality in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Methods and results

We enrolled ambulatory HFrEF (left ventricular ejection fraction < 45%; N = 1 065) patients who underwent echocardiography and speckle tracking assessment of global longitudinal strain (GLS). Patients were stratified according to DDF grades (Grades I–III) according to two contemporary DDF grading algorithms. Prognostic performance was assessed by C‐statistics. Of the originally 1 065 enrolled patients, a total of 645 (61%) patients (age: 67 ± 11 years, male: 72%, ejection fraction: 27 ± 9%) were classified according to both DDF grading algorithms. Concordance between the algorithms was moderate (kappa = 0.48) and the reclassification rate was 33%. During a median follow‐up of 3.3 years (1.9, 4.7 years), 101 (16%) died from all causes. When comparing DDF Grade I vs. Grade III, both algorithms provided prognostic information [Nagueh: (hazard ratio) HR 2.09, 95% confidence interval (CI),1.32–3.31, P = 0.002; Johansen: HR 2.47, 95% CI, 1.57–3.87, P < 0.001]. However, when comparing DDF Grade II vs. Grade III, only the Johansen algorithm yielded prognostic information (Nagueh: HR 1.04, 95% CI, 0.60–1.77, P = 0.90; Johansen: HR 2.26, 95% CI, 1.35–3.77, P = 0.002). We found no difference in prognostic performance between the two algorithms (C‐statistics: 0.604 vs. 0.623, P = 0.24). Assessed by C‐statistics, the most powerful predictors of the endpoint from the two algorithms were E/e'‐ratio (C‐statistics: 0.644), tricuspid regurgitation velocity (C‐statistics: 0.625) and E/A‐ratio (C‐statistics: 0.602). When adding GLS to a combination of these predictors, the prognostic performance increased significantly (C‐statistics: 0.705 vs. C‐statistics: 0.634, P = 0.028).

Conclusions

Evaluation of DDF in patients with HFrEF yields prognostic information on all‐cause mortality. Furthermore, adding GLS to contemporary algorithms of DDF adds novel prognostic information.
In‐situ formation and intercalation of carbon dots induced high‐yield 1T‐molybdenum disulfide as electrode materials
Authors: Xie Fei , Wang Guoyu , Zhao Tianlei , Wang Qiyang , Yan Manqing , Bi Hong , Tang Longxiang
Published: December 2019

Herein, carbon dots/octahedral molybdenum disulfide hybrids (CDs@1T‐MoS2) were successfully fabricated via a facile hydrothermal method by the induction of carbon dots. In this method, CDs as a core in this system were first synthesized via hydrothermal method of citric acid (CA). Their morphology and properties were analyzed using X‐Ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Xray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements. Results indicated that the high yield (about 78%) and ultrathin sheets octahedral 1T‐MoS2 were obtained by introducing CDs fabricated by hydrothermal CA. Importantly, this work effectively solves the aggregation of non‐substituted MoS2 sheets via in‐situ formation, intercalation and exfoliation of CDs and achieves MoS2 sheet‐based electrode materials with big specific surface area and high specific capacitance as well as good rate capability and excellent cycling stability. Among binary CDs@1T‐MoS2 hybrids, the S4 hybrid especially exhibits the highest specific capacitance of 380 F/g at a current density of 0.5 A/g and the best cycle stability with keeping 97% after 2000 charge‐discharge cycles. The outstanding performances of the CDs@1T‐MoS2 hybrids were mainly attributed to the awesome synergistic effects between CDs and 1T‐MoS2. And these multifunctional CDs@1T‐MoS2 hybrids have great potential applications in supercapacitance electrode material, microwave adsorption, and catalytic degradation.
Decoding and mapping task states of the human brain via deep learning
Authors: Wang Xiaoxiao , Liang Xiao , Jiang Zhoufan , Nguchu Benedictor A. , Zhou Yawen , Wang Yanming , Wang Huijuan , Li Yu , Zhu Yuying , Wu Feng , Gao Jia‐Hong , Qiu Bensheng
Published: December 2019

Support vector machine (SVM)‐based multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) has delivered promising performance in decoding specific task states based on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of the human brain. Conventionally, the SVM‐MVPA requires careful feature selection/extraction according to expert knowledge. In this study, we propose a deep neural network (DNN) for directly decoding multiple brain task states from fMRI signals of the brain without any burden for feature handcrafts. We trained and tested the DNN classifier using task fMRI data from the Human Connectome Project's S1200 dataset (N = 1,034). In tests to verify its performance, the proposed classification method identified seven tasks with an average accuracy of 93.7%. We also showed the general applicability of the DNN for transfer learning to small datasets (N = 43), a situation encountered in typical neuroscience research. The proposed method achieved an average accuracy of 89.0 and 94.7% on a working memory task and a motor classification task, respectively, higher than the accuracy of 69.2 and 68.6% obtained by the SVM‐MVPA. A network visualization analysis showed that the DNN automatically detected features from areas of the brain related to each task. Without incurring the burden of handcrafting the features, the proposed deep decoding method can classify brain task states highly accurately, and is a powerful tool for fMRI researchers.
When ignorance is bliss: Intentional agnosticism in drug approval
Authors: Litvin Valentyn
Published: December 2019

In developed nations, public health agencies typically use data from randomized controlled trials to evaluate new drugs. However, these trials routinely exclude populations to which clinicians prescribe approved drugs, meaning some patients are treated with drugs, which were approved on the basis of another group's treatment response. Despite having opportunities to change, some health agencies have not mandated greater inclusion in drug trials and appear to prefer remaining ignorant of some populations' treatment effects when approving a drug. To explore this decision, I introduce a novel mechanism by which a health agency would choose to be intentionally agnostic regarding a population's treatment response. The main contribution of this paper is in showing how ambiguity about on‐label and off‐label prescription rates could possibly encourage population exclusion in drug approval trials even in the absence of concerns about trial necessity or cost.
Welfare consequences of access to health insurance for rural households: Evidence from the New Cooperative Medical Scheme in China
Authors: Sun Jessica Ya
Published: December 2019

This study evaluates the welfare benefits of the New Cooperative Medical Scheme (NCMS), the main public health insurance plan for the rural population in China. The findings show that the value of the NCMS to recipients is slightly lower than the government's costs of implementation, ranging from 0.79 to 0.97 per RMB of the resource cost of the NCMS. The estimated moral hazard costs are low compared with the total benefits. It is also estimated that the benefits originating from the NCMS's insurance function only constitute 20% of the total benefits, suggesting a need for higher generosity levels among rural households. Our results shed new light on the welfare effects of access health insurance among low‐ and middle‐income households.
Mycophenolic Acid and Its Pharmacokinetic Drug‐Drug Interactions in Humans: Review of the Evidence and Clinical Implications
Authors: Benjanuwattra Juthipong , Pruksakorn Dumnoensun , Koonrungsesomboon Nut
Published: December 2019

Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is an immunosuppressive agent commonly prescribed during posttransplant periods for the prevention of acute and chronic rejection following organ transplantation. Compelling evidence has demonstrated a pivotal role of the exposure level of MPA in determining the rate of allograft rejection as well as the incidence of adverse outcomes, such as gastrointestinal complaints and myelosuppression. Because MPA has wide interindividual pharmacokinetic (PK) variability, the importance of maintaining the MPA concentration levels within its therapeutic range is clear. In addition, due to its complex PKs, MPA is prone to inadvertently develop PK drug‐drug interactions (DDIs) with many agents, some of which are commonly used in organ transplant recipients. Failure to acknowledge such clinically significant PK DDIs between MPA and other coadministered drugs could potentially lead to devastating outcomes, ie, the occurrence of acute and chronic allograft rejection or the development of severe adverse events. The rationale to avoid concomitant use of certain drugs with MPA has been established; however, there is a lack of comprehensive literature to guide clinicians and medical professionals on the recognition and monitoring of potential PK DDIs when MPA is prescribed. In this article we comprehensively review, summarize, and discuss previous clinical studies that investigated the impact of coadministered drugs on the PK of MPA, with a major focus on the PK DDIs between MPA and commonly coadministered drugs.
Reminders of One's Middle Name Result in Decreased Indulgence
Authors: Siddiqui Rafay A. , Ling Christopher , May Frank
Published: December 2019

This research investigates the effects of reminding consumers of their middle name. The authors hypothesize that because it is a common parenting strategy to use a child's middle name when disciplining him/her after he/she has done something wrong, consumers possess an association between “middle name” and “guilt.” Thus, exposure to one's middle name will automatically trigger feelings of guilt. In turn, consumers will engage in consumption that will mitigate this guilt. Five studies provide evidence of the proposed association and demonstrate that reminders of one's middle name lead to increased guilt and decreased preference for indulgent consumption, as well as an increase in virtuous behavior. Contributions emerge for the literatures on names and self‐control.
An expeditious synthesis of 2,3‐dihydroquinozoline‐4(1H)‐ones using graphene‐supported sulfonic acid
Authors: Gajare Shivanand , Jagadale Megha , Naikwade Altafhusen , Bansode Prakash , Patil Pradnya , Rashinkar Gajanan
Published: December 2019

Graphene‐supported sulfonic acid (Gr@SO3H) has been prepared by covalent grafting of (3‐mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane in the matrix of graphene followed by treatment with sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide. Gr@SO3H has been successfully characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, Fourier transform Raman (FT‐Raman) spectroscopy, CP‐MAS13C NMR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET) analysis, and X‐ray diffractometer (XRD) analysis. Gr@SO3H served as a robust heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of bioactive 2,3‐dihydroquinazolin‐4(1H)‐ones from anthranilamide and aryl aldehydes in ethanol. Recyclability experiments were executed successfully for six consecutive runs.
New and convergent synthesis of saflufenacil
Authors: Wang Bin , Mao Yongjun , Liu Xiangyu , Zhao Zhiwei , Bu Lehao , Wang Han
Published: December 2019

A new, practical, and hundred‐gram scale synthesis of saflufenacil, a protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) inhibitor herbicide, is described. The key intermediate N‐methyl‐N‐isopropyl sulfamide (12) is obtained from sulfuryl chloride isocyanate, t‐butanol, and N‐methyl‐N‐isopropylamine in 74.8% yield over 3 steps. Saflufenacil is prepared in 48.6% yield over 8 steps and 98.7% purity (HPLC).
Solvent‐free synthesis and 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reactions of N‐methyl‐C‐(2‐furyl) nitrone in a ball mill and anticancer activities of the new cycloadducts
Authors: Chakraborty Bhaskar
Published: December 2019

An efficient method of mechanochemistry for the synthesis of N‐methyl‐C‐(2‐furyl) nitrone and intermolecular 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reactions with activated alkenes and electron deficient alkynes has been studied by employing ball milling technique. This method is found to accelerate significantly the reaction rate and improved yields of isoxazolidine and isoxazoline derivatives. A comparative study with the corresponding solvent‐free microwave‐induced reaction showed the superiority of the ball milling method. Significant anticancer activity of the new molecules have made this protocol more attractive. All the new isoxazolidine and isoxazoline derivatives have been screened for anticancer activities and were found to be active.
The digitalization of operations and supply chain management: Theoretical and methodological implications
Authors: Holmström Jan , Holweg Matthias , Lawson Benn , Pil Frits K. , Wagner Stephan M.
Published: December 2019

The digitalization of intra‐ and inter‐organizational processes offers significant opportunity for research in the field of operations and supply chain management (OSCM). This essay summarizes the contributions of the special issue articles, highlighting their focus on additive manufacturing and the encapsulation of design and production information in a digital artifact. We conceptualize the digital artifact as containing the digital genes of the associated physical object. Digital encapsulation thus involves the integration of product design information with additional information on how that design is to be translated into a physical object, delivered to the customer, and used. Building on insights from the special issue articles, we identify three pathways by which digital encapsulation affects OSCM practice, as well as theory elaboration and extension. First, digital encapsulation allows each unique digitally encapsulated artifact to be acted on independently by OSCM systems. Second, digital encapsulation enables the redistribution of activities across organizational and geographic landscapes. Third, digital encapsulation facilitates interactivity of the digital artifact with external environment inputs. We conclude with a number of directions for future research.
When do appointments of corporate sustainability executives affect shareholder value?
Authors: Arora Priyank , Hora Manpreet , Singhal Vinod , Subramanian Ravi
Published: December 2019

Over the last two decades, firms have been appointing corporate sustainability executives (CSEs) to be part of their top management teams. Although there is a vast literature on sustainable practices and their relationships with various measures of firm performance, little is known about the nature of the empirical link between CSE appointments and financial performance. We add to the understanding of this link by estimating the stock market reactions to a sample of 115 announcements of CSE appointments made by firms during the period 2000–2018. Our findings using event study methodology, followed by regression analyses, suggest that although the stock market reaction to CSE appointments is not significantly different from zero, the stock market reacts more, or less positively under certain firm‐ and industry‐specific conditions. We find that the stock market reaction is more positive in instances where the announcing firms faced a prior adverse sustainability‐related incident, and less positive for announcing firms that operate in industries that face relatively higher levels of regulatory sanctions. Also, we find that the stock market reaction is more positive when firms announce CSE appointments with focused as compared to broad responsibilities. Additionally, we find that CSE appointments are associated with subsequent improvements in operating performance—partly driven by a decrease in total costs and partly by an increase in sales. Overall, our findings support the strategy of appointing CSEs to top management teams and enable executives and stakeholders to more deeply understand the shareholder value and operating performance effects of appointing CSEs.
Amniotic Suspension Allograft Modulates Inflammation in a Rat Pain Model of Osteoarthritis
Authors: Kimmerling Kelly A. , Gomoll Andreas H. , Farr Jack , Mowry Katie C.
Published: December 2019

Osteoarthritis (OA) affects over 301 million adults worldwide. Inflammation is a recognized component of the OA process; two potent pro‐inflammatory cytokines involved in OA are interleukin‐1β and tumor necrosis factor‐α. Placental‐derived tissues and fluids are known to contain anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory cytokines and growth factors. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anti‐inflammatory effects of amniotic suspension allograft (ASA) in an in vivo model of OA; we evaluated pain, function, and cytokine levels following ASA treatment in the rat monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) OA pain model. Rats were injected with 2 mg of MIA, which causes pain, cartilage degeneration, and inflammation, followed by treatment with saline, triamcinolone (positive control), or ASA 7 days following disease induction with MIA. Behavioral assays, including gait analysis, mechanical pain threshold, incapacitance, and swelling were evaluated, along with histology and serum and synovial fluid biomarkers. Treatment with ASA resulted in significant improvements in pain threshold, while weight bearing aversion and swelling were significantly decreased. There were no differences between groups in total joint score after histological grading. Serum biomarkers did not show differences, indicating a lack of systemic response; however, synovial fluid levels of IL‐10 were significantly increased in animals treated with ASA. ASA treatment significantly reduced pain, weight‐bearing aversion and swelling. This study provides mechanistic data regarding potential therapeutic effects of ASA in OA and preliminary evidence of the anti‐inflammatory nature of ASA. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 38:1141‐1149, 2020
Endoscopic Versus Microscopic Management of Attic Cholesteatoma: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Das Arindam , Mitra Sandipta , Ghosh Debasish , Sengupta Arunabha
Published: December 2019

Objectives

To compare endoscopic transcanal approach to attic cholesteatoma with conventional microscopic transcanal technique

Methods

Seventy‐eight patients diagnosed with attic cholesteatoma were randomly assigned into two groups—one undergoing endoscopic approach and the other microscopic technique. The two groups were compared in terms of area of exposure, access to hidden areas in terms of Middle Ear Structural Visibility Index (MESVI), intraoperative time, postoperative pain, vertigo, long‐term hearing, and surgical outcomes.

Results

The mean area of exposure in endoscopic atticotomy required was less than that in microscopic group and was found to be statistically significant. The median MESVI for endoscopic group better than that for microscopic group (P < .0001). The mean operating time in endoscopic approach was less than that in case of microscopic approach, with P < .05. The median postoperative pain score in the endoscopic group was less than that in microscopic group (P < .05). No significant difference was found between two groups in terms of vertigo experienced at the end of first week and air‐bone gap closure. When long‐term surgical outcomes were assessed at 1 year, in endoscopic group, one patient had disease recurrence, one cartilage displacement, one perforation, and two had retraction pocket formation. In the microscopic group, two patients had recurrence, four cartilage displacement, one perforation, and five retraction pocket formation.

Conclusion

Endoscopic management of limited attic cholesteatoma has definite advantages over the conventional microscopic approach.

Level of Evidence

1 Laryngoscope, 130:2461–2466, 2020
Characterization of the corrosion performances of as‐cast Mg–Al and Mg–Zn magnesium alloys with microarc oxidation coatings
Authors: Xue Yuna , Pang Xin , Jiang Bailing , Jahed Hamid , Wang Di
Published: December 2019

In the present study, corrosion‐protective microarc oxidation (MAO) coatings were prepared on AZ31B, AZ80, and ZK60 cast magnesium alloy substrates in an alkaline silicate electrolyte. The corrosion performances of the uncoated and MAO‐coated alloys were investigated using electrochemical and salt spray chamber corrosion tests. The microstructure characterization and experimental results show that among the three alloys studied, the ZK60 Mg alloy exhibited the best and AZ31B the least corrosion resistance under the salt spray conditions. The MAO coating provided robust corrosion protection of the Mg substrates and resulted in a significant decrease in the corrosion rate of the alloys by 3–4 orders of magnitude. The MAO coating on ZK60 alloy showed better corrosion protectiveness than that on the AZ series alloys due to the incorporation of different alloying elements in the coating, especially the Zn and Al elements, which are from the Mg substrate. The corrosion performances and mechanisms of the uncoated and MAO‐coated Mg alloys are interpreted in terms of the microstructure and phase/chemical compositions of both the substrates and coatings.