bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct Observation of Large Atomic Polar Displacements in Epitaxial Barium Titanate Thin Films
Authors: Wu HsinWei , Lu Sirong , Aoki Toshihiro , Ponath Patrick , Wang Jian , Young Chadwin , Ekerdt John G. , McCartney Martha R. , Smith David J.
Published: June 2020

The development of ferroelectric perovskite oxides having a controlled polarization direction is an ongoing and challenging topic of research. Here direct observation of large atomic polar displacements, which correspond to a polar density of ≈0.9 C m−2 pointing upward, in an epitaxial BaTiO3 film grown by molecular beam epitaxy on a SrTiO3 substrate is reported. Aberration‐corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy is used to map the polarization displacement with unit‐cell resolution. Oxygen vacancies and other types of defects are examined and mapped using electron energy‐loss near‐edge structure analysis. The contributions from strain, strain gradient, and defects are quantitatively modeled in order to explain the large polarization. Calculations show that strain (through a defect dipole‐enhanced polarization) creates the large atomic polar displacements, and strain gradient (through inverse Vegard electrochemical strain effect) compensates the polarization. These two effects may explain the preferred polarization direction and the anomalous flexoelectric effect in ferroelectric thin films.
Core–Shell Dendritic Superstructural Catalysts by Design for Highly Efficient and Stable Electrochemical Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Liu Yifei , Li Weigu , Ma Yuhang , Fan Donglei (Emma)
Published: June 2020

Efficient, stable, and low‐cost oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts are in great demand for the practical application of electrochemical water splitting for energy conversion and storage. This work reports a rationally designed and innovatively fabricated 3D core–shell dendritically porous OER catalyst that exhibits outstanding and highly reproducible performance. The porous superstructure provides not only substantially enhanced loading capacity of electrochemical catalysts, but also easy access of electrolyte to active catalysts. With a facile and designed sulfurization process followed by anodization, core–shell (FeCoNi)OOH@dendritic foam can be obtained and exhibits a remarkably low overpotential of 204.4 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2, which are among the best of the reported FeCoNi OER catalysts. Such value is also highly reproducible and stable with over 18 h operation time. This excellent performance could be attributed to the synergism of trimetal chemistry, the unique structure with metal/metal sulfide as the conductive core and (oxy)hydroxide catalysts as the active shell, and the enhanced superstructural surface area. This work points toward a synergistic way based on rational design and innovative fabrication for creating scalable, stable, low‐cost, and high‐performance OER catalysts.
Ligand Functionalization in Zirconium‐Based Metal‐Organic Frameworks for Enhanced Carbon Dioxide Fixation
Authors: Sun Xiaodong , Shi Litong , Hu Haijun , Huang Hongwei , Ma Tianyi
Published: June 2020

Ligand functionalization has always been considered as an effective method for regulating the catalytic activity of the metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) materials. Herein, three stable zirconium‐based MOFs (Zr‐MOFs), constructed by the 10‐connected Zr6 cluster and different groups‐decorated V‐shaped ligands (H2L), are successfully synthesized through a facile ligand functionalization method. Subsequently, three isostructural Zr‐MOFs, including the parent structure Zr(H2L), amino‐decorated Zr(H2L) (NH2‐Zr(H2L)), and fluorine and amino bi‐decorated Zr(H2L) (F‐NH2‐Zr(H2L)), are employed as the platform for systematically investigating the effect of Lewis basic groups on the CO2 adsorption and separation behavior, more importantly the CO2 chemical fixation. Benefitting from the decorated Lewis basic groups, not only the CO2 adsorption enthalpy and selectivity over CH4 of NH2‐Zr(H2L) and F‐NH2‐Zr(H2L) are improved, but also their catalytic activities for cycloaddition of CO2 to form cyclic carbonates are significantly enhanced. Among them, F‐NH2‐Zr(H2L) exhibits the most effective performance for cycloaddition of CO2 and styrene epoxide, which can be attributed to the strong polarization between the CO2 molecule and the framework of F‐NH2‐Zr(H2L). Under a mild condition, the yield of F‐NH2‐Zr(H2L) for cycloaddition of CO2 with styrene epoxide can reach up to 97%, which surpasses most of the reported MOFs‐based catalysts.
Multiscale Analysis of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles in Tissue: Insights into Biodistribution and Biotransformation
Authors: Matter Martin T. , Li Jian‐Hao , Lese Ioana , Schreiner Claudia , Bernard Laetitia , Scholder Olivier , Hubeli Jasmin , Keevend Kerda , Tsolaki Elena , Bertero Enrico , Bertazzo Sergio , Zboray Robert , Olariu Radu , Constantinescu Mihai A. , Figi Renato , Herrmann Inge K.
Published: June 2020

Metal oxide nanoparticles have emerged as exceptionally potent biomedical sensors and actuators due to their unique physicochemical features. Despite fascinating achievements, the current limited understanding of the molecular interplay between nanoparticles and the surrounding tissue remains a major obstacle in the rationalized development of nanomedicines, which is reflected in their poor clinical approval rate. This work reports on the nanoscopic characterization of inorganic nanoparticles in tissue by the example of complex metal oxide nanoparticle hybrids consisting of crystalline cerium oxide and the biodegradable ceramic bioglass. A validated analytical method based on semiquantitative X‐ray fluorescence and inductively coupled plasma spectrometry is used to assess nanoparticle biodistribution following intravenous and topical application. Then, a correlative multiscale analytical cascade based on a combination of microscopy and spectroscopy techniques shows that the topically applied hybrid nanoparticles remain at the initial site and are preferentially taken up into macrophages, form apatite on their surface, and lead to increased accumulation of lipids in their surroundings. Taken together, this work displays how modern analytical techniques can be harnessed to gain unprecedented insights into the biodistribution and biotransformation of complex inorganic nanoparticles. Such nanoscopic characterization is imperative for the rationalized engineering of safe and efficacious nanoparticle‐based systems.
Toward Fast Screening of Organic Solar Cell Blends
Authors: Levitsky Artem , Matrone Giovanni Maria , Khirbat Aditi , Bargigia Ilaria , Chu Xiaolei , Nahor Oded , Segal‐Peretz Tamar , Moulé Adam J. , Richter Lee J. , Silva Carlos , Stingelin Natalie , Frey Gitti L.
Published: June 2020

The ever increasing library of materials systems developed for organic solar‐cells, including highly promising non‐fullerene acceptors and new, high‐efficiency donor polymers, demands the development of methodologies that i) allow fast screening of a large number of donor:acceptor combinations prior to device fabrication and ii) permit rapid elucidation of how processing affects the final morphology/microstructure of the device active layers. Efficient, fast screening will ensure that important materials combinations are not missed; it will accelerate the technological development of this alternative solar‐cell platform toward larger‐area production; and it will permit understanding of the structural changes that may occur in the active layer over time. Using the relatively high‐efficiency poly[(5,6‐difluoro‐2,1,3‐benzothiadiazol‐4,7‐diyl)‐alt‐(3,3′′′‐di(2‐octyldodecyl)‐2,2′;5′,2′′;5′′,2′′′‐quaterthiophen‐5,5′′′‐diyl)] (PCE11):phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid‐methyl‐ester acceptor (PCBM) blend systems, it is demonstrated that by means of straight‐forward thermal analysis, vapor‐phase‐infiltration imaging, and transient‐absorption spectroscopy, various blend compositions and processing methodologies can be rapidly screened, information on promising combinations can be obtained, reliability issues with respect to reproducibility of thin‐film formation can be identified, and insights into how processing aids, such as nucleating agents, affect structure formation, can be gained.
Safe Spaces Embedded in Dangerous Contexts: How Chicago Youth Navigate Daily Life and Demonstrate Resilience in High‐Crime Neighborhoods
Authors: DaViera Andrea L. , Roy Amanda L. , Uriostegui Marbella , Fiesta Denise
Published: June 2020

Much is known about how experiences of community violence negatively affect youth, but far less research has explored how youth remain resilient while living in dangerous neighborhoods. This study addresses this need by analyzing in‐depth, geo‐narrative interviews conducted with 15 youth (60% Black, 27% Latinx, 53% female, 14 to 17 years old) residing in low‐income, high‐crime Chicago neighborhoods to explore youths’ perceptions of safety and strategies for navigating neighborhood space. After carrying geographical positioning system (GPS) trackers for an eight‐day period, youths’ travel patterns were mapped, and these maps were used as part of an interview with youth that explored daily routines, with special consideration paid to where and when youth felt safe. Drawing on activity settings theory and exploring youth voice, we find that experiences of community violence are commonplace, but youth describe how they have safe spaces that are embedded within these dangerous contexts. Perceptions of safety and danger were related to environmental, social, and temporal cues. Youth reported four overarching safety strategies, including avoidance, hypervigilance, self‐defense, and emotional management, but these strategies considerably varied by gender. We discuss implications for practice and future directions of research.

Highlights

This study explored Chicago youths' safety strategies and resilience in high‐crime neighborhoods.

Safe and dangerous spaces are embedded or overlapping settings.

All youth practiced safety strategies but they considerably varied by gender.

Perceptions are intersubjectively created due to the codes, rules, and norms of community life.

Violence is common and extreme in everyday life of this sample of Chicago adolescents.
Ultrasonographic assessment of aortic flow characteristics in a paediatric patient with sepsis treated with extracorporeal life support: defining the mixing zone
Authors: Reddan Tristan , Venugopal Prem S. , Powell Jennifer , Mattke Adrian C.
Published: June 2020

We describe a case of severe sepsis in a 14‐year‐old boy who was treated with veno‐arterial (VA) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. The haemodynamic challenges inherent to femoro‐femoral VA ECMO are discussed, and the use of ultrasonography to define the location of the mixing zone in the abdominal aorta is demonstrated. We propose that the use of ultrasound is able to assist clinicians in understanding perfusion of abdominal organs in the presence of suspected differential oxygenation.
Targeted 595‐gene genomic profiling demonstrates low tumor mutational burden in olfactory neuroblastoma
Authors: Friedman Jacob , Schumacher Jane K. , Papagiannopoulos Pete , Al‐Khudari Samer , Tajudeen Bobby A. , Batra Pete S.
Published: June 2020

Background

Olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) is a rare skull‐base malignancy associated with delayed local recurrence. Treatment options in recurrent disease are few and unreliable. We undertook analysis of the ONB exome and immune environment in order to identify potential future immunotherapy treatment options.

Methods

Retrospective chart review and next‐generation targeted 595‐gene genomic profiling was performed on a cohort of 14 ONB cases utilizing Tempus proprietary DNA and RNA sequencing technology. Tempus analysis provided a measurement of tumor mutational burden (TMB) and composition of the immune cell infiltrate present in tumor samples. Clinically relevant genomic alterations and associated targeted therapies were identified using cancer.gov and clinicaltrials.gov. TMB was tested by univariate analysis against clinical stage, pathologic grade, recurrence risk, and immune cell infiltration.

Results

The mean age for the subjects was 50 years (range, 13 to 76 years) with a male:female ratio of 1:1. TMB for ONB samples ranged from 1.3 to 9.6 mutations/megabase (Mb) with mean of 3.8 mutations/Mb. Univariate analysis showed no association between TMB and tumor stage, pathologic grade, risk of recurrence, or immune cell infiltration. Genomic profile revealed that 6 of 13 tumors had genetic alterations with targeted therapies in clinical trials, whereas 1 tumor demonstrated KRAS Q61R mutation with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved targeted therapies.

Conclusion

TMB is a novel biomarker guiding the classification of neoplasms in the emerging era of immunotherapy. The characterization of ONB as a low‐TMB pathology contributes to the overall taxonomy of all cancers and suggests limited utility of immunotherapy treatment.
Cobalt‐Catalyzed C8‐Dienylation of Quinoline‐N‐Oxides
Authors: Shukla Rahul K. , Nair Akshay M. , Khan Salman , Volla Chandra M. R.
Published: June 2020

An efficient Cp*CoIII‐catalyzed C8‐dienylation of quinoline‐N‐oxides was achieved by employing allenes bearing leaving groups at the α‐position as the dienylating agents. The reaction proceeds by CoIII‐catalyzed C−H activation of quinoline‐N‐oxides and regioselective migratory insertion of the allene followed by a β‐oxy elimination, leading to overall dienylation. Site‐selective C−H activation was achieved with excellent selectivity under mild reaction conditions, and 30 mol % of a NaF additive was found to be crucial for the efficient dienylation. The methodology features high stereoselectivity, mild reaction conditions, and good functional‐group tolerance. C8‐alkenylation of quinoline‐N‐oxides was achieved in the case of allenes devoid of leaving groups as coupling partners. Furthermore, gram‐scale preparation and preliminary mechanistic experiments were carried out to gain insights into the reaction mechanism.
Interspecies differences on pharmacokinetics of rebamipide following oral administration to rats and dogs
Authors: Baek In‐hwan , Ha Dong Kyoung , Joo Da‐seul , Kim Min Ji
Published: June 2020

Rebamipide is used widely in East Asia for the treatment of gastric ulcers, acute gastritis, and exacerbated chronic gastritis. The objective of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetic (PK) properties of rebamipide following single oral administration in rats and dogs. Eleven rats and dogs received single oral administrations of rebamipide (35 mg/kg and 100 mg, respectively). Blood samples were collected according to the assigned schedule, and the plasma concentration of rebamipide was determined using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. A double‐peak phenomenon was observed in the PK profile of rebamipide in rats. In contrast, rebamipide showed a conventional PK profile without double peaks in dogs. The half‐life of rebamipide in rats (12.85 ± 7.86 h) was longer than that in dogs (5.62 ± 2.24 h), and the apparent total clearance (Clt/F) of rebamipide in rats (3.32 ± 1.18 L/h) was lower than that in dogs (105.01 ± 42.37 L/h). Simple allometric approaches showed that the correlation between body weight and Clt/F (R2 = 0.9287) among rats, dogs, and humans appeared satisfactory. This finding will help not only in understanding the pharmacology of rebamipide but also in establishing a strategy for in vivo evaluation of novel rebamipide formulations.
Noonan syndrome on the African Continent
Authors: Tekendo‐Ngongang Cedrik , Kruszka Paul
Published: June 2020

Background

Noonan syndrome is a common genetic syndrome caused by pathogenic variants in genes in the Ras/MAPK signaling pathway. The medical literature has an abundance of studies on Noonan syndrome, but few are from the African continent.

Methods

The medical literature was searched for studies on Noonan syndrome from the African continent and these reports were added to our experience in Africa. Facial analysis was reviewed from two previous reports from our group using a support vector machine (SVM) algorithm and an analysis using the Face2Gene convolutional neural network technology.

Results

Individuals with Noonan syndrome from reports in African populations have the classic phenotype characteristics including typical minor facial anomalies such as widely spaced eyes (31–100%), short stature (71–100%), and congenital heart disease with pulmonary stenosis found in 24–100% of patients. Similarly, the genotypes are similar with the majority of variants occurring in the gene PTPN11 (72%) and 36% of these variants occurred in the amino acid residue Asn308, which is most commonly found in other populations. The two separate facial analysis algorithms successfully discriminated Africans with NS from unaffected matched individuals with area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operator characteristic of 0.94 (SVM) and 0.979 for the Face2Gene research methodology.

Conclusion

Few studies characterizing Noonan syndrome in Africans have been conducted, highlighting the need for more genetic and genomic research in African populations. Available clinical data, genotypes, and facial analysis technology data show that individuals of African descent with NS can be efficiently diagnosed using available standards.
Dynamic flux balance analysis of biomass and lipid production by Antarctic thraustochytrid Oblongichytrium sp. RT2316‐13
Authors: Shene Carolina , Paredes Paris , Flores Liset , Leyton Allison , Asenjo Juan A. , Chisti Yusuf
Published: June 2020

Production of biomass and lipids in batch cultures of the Antarctic thraustochytrid Oblongichytrium sp. RT2316‐13, is reported. The microorganism proved capable of producing nearly 67% docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and 15% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in its total lipid fraction. Biomass with a maximum total lipid content of 33.5% (wt/wt) could be produced at 15°C in batch culture using a medium containing glucose (20 g/L), yeast extract (10.5 g/L), and other minor components. A lower culture temperature (5°C) reduced biomass and lipid productivities compared to culture at 15°C, but enhanced the DHA and EPA content of the lipids by 6.4‐ and 3.3‐fold, respectively. Both a simple minimally structured mathematical model and a more complex genome‐scale metabolic model (GEM) allowed the fermentation profiles in batch cultures to be satisfactorily simulated, but the GEM provided much greater insight in the biochemical and physiological phenomena underlying the observed behavior. Unlike the simpler model, the GEM could be interrogated for the possible effects of various external factors such as oxygen supply, on the expected outcomes. In silico predictions of oxygen effects were consistent with literature observations for DHA producing thraustochytrids.
A novel pathogenic variant of SRD5A2 in an Iranian psuedohermaphrodite male
Authors: Dalili Setilla , Rabbani Bahareh , Hassanzadeh Rad Afagh , Koohmanaee Shaahin , Mahdieh Nejat
Published: June 2020

Deficiency of the 5‐alpha‐reductase may have an important role in 46,XY DSD in some cohorts. The prenatal ultrasonography and karyotyping can trigger the attention toward the presence of a DSD in fetus.
Tipifarnib in recurrent, metastatic HRAS‐mutant salivary gland cancer
Authors: Hanna Glenn J. , Guenette Jeffrey P. , Chau Nicole G. , Sayehli Cyrus M. , Wilhelm Christian , Metcalf Robert , Wong Deborah J. , Brose Marcia , Razaq Mohammad , Pérez‐Ruiz Elisabeth , Cohen Ezra E. W. , Aggarwal Rahul , Scholz Catherine , Gualberto Antonio , Ho Alan L.
Published: June 2020

Background

To the authors' knowledge, there are no approved therapies for recurrent, metastatic (R/M) salivary gland carcinoma (SGC), but molecularly targeted therapies warrant ongoing investigation. In the current study, the authors have reported on the efficacy of tipifarnib in patients with aggressive HRAS‐mutant, R/M SGC.

Methods

The current prospective, nonrandomized, multicenter, international cohort study involved 8 centers and was conducted from May 2015 to June 2019. The median follow‐up was 22 months (range, 6‐55 months). Subjects with HRAS‐mutant R/M SGC (any histology) and disease progression within the last 6 months were enrolled. Tipifarnib was dosed orally twice daily. The authors determined the objective response rate using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (version 1.1), duration of response, and molecular predictors of response.

Results

A total of 13 patients with R/M SGC were enrolled; all had received prior systemic therapy (1‐3 regimens). One objective response was observed; an additional 7 of 12 evaluable patients (58%) had stable disease as their best response with a median duration of 9 months (range, 3‐14 months). Five of 7 patients had >10% tumor regression and 6 of 7 had stable disease lasting >6 months. Q61R was the most frequent activating HRAS mutation noted (7 of 13 patients; 54%), but gene variant and allele frequency did not correlate with outcomes. The median progression‐free survival was 7 months (95% confidence interval, 5.9‐10.1 months), and the median overall survival was 18 months (95% confidence interval, 9.6‐22.4 months) with approximately 58.6% of patients alive at 1 year. Survival was similar regardless of HRAS mutant variant or co‐occurring PIK3CA alterations. No participant discontinued treatment because of toxicity.

Conclusions

Tipifarnib resulted in modest clinical activity with a promising disease control rate among patients with HRAS‐mutant, R/M SGC who developed disease progression within the last 6 months.
Packet‐level‐based traffic aggregation to optimize NDN content delivery
Authors: Huo Lingling
Published: June 2020

In recent years, named data networking (NDN) has been accepted as the most popular future paradigm and attracted much attention, of which the routing model contains interest forwarding and content delivery. However, interest forwarding is far from the bottleneck of routing optimization; instead, the study on content delivery can greatly promote routing performance. Although many proposals on content delivery have been investigated, they have not considered packet‐level caching and deep traffic aggregation, which goes against the performance optimization of content delivery. In this paper, we propose a packet‐level‐based traffic aggregation (PLTA) scheme to optimize NDN content delivery. At first, the packet format is devised, and data plane development kit (DPDK) is used to ensure same size for each packet. Then, the whole delivery scheme with traffic aggregation consideration is presented. The simulation is driven by the real YouTube dataset over Deltacom, NSFNET, and CERNET topologies, and the experimental results demonstrate that the proposed PLTA has better delivery performance than three baselines in terms of cache hit ratio, delivery delay, network load, and energy efficiency.
Gene flow and species delimitation in fishes of Western North America: Flannelmouth (Catostomus latipinnis) and Bluehead sucker (C. Pantosteus discobolus)
Authors: Bangs Max R. , Douglas Marlis R. , Chafin Tyler K. , Douglas Michael E.
Published: June 2020

The delimitation of species boundaries, particularly those obscured by reticulation, is a critical step in contemporary biodiversity assessment. It is especially relevant for conservation and management of indigenous fishes in western North America, represented herein by two species with dissimilar life histories codistributed in the highly modified Colorado River (i.e., flannelmouth sucker, Catostomus latipinnis; bluehead sucker, C. (Pantosteus) discobolus). To quantify phylogenomic patterns and examine proposed taxonomic revisions, we first employed double‐digest restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD), yielding 39,755 unlinked SNPs across 139 samples. These were subsequently evaluated with multiple analytical approaches and by contrasting life history data. Three phylogenetic methods and a Bayesian assignment test highlighted similar phylogenomic patterns in each, but with considerable difference in presumed times of divergence. Three lineages were detected in bluehead sucker, supporting elevation of C. (P.) virescens to species status and recognizing C. (P.) discobolus yarrowi (Zuni bluehead sucker) as a discrete entity. Admixture in the latter necessitated a reevaluation of its contemporary and historic distributions, underscoring how biodiversity identification can be confounded by complex evolutionary histories. In addition, we defined three separate flannelmouth sucker lineages as ESUs (evolutionarily significant units), given limited phenotypic and genetic differentiation, contemporary isolation, and lack of concordance (per the genealogical concordance component of the phylogenetic species concept). Introgression was diagnosed in both species, with the Little Colorado and Virgin rivers in particular. Our diagnostic methods, and the agreement of our SNPs with previous morphological, enzymatic, and mitochondrial work, allowed us to partition complex evolutionary histories into requisite components, such as isolation versus secondary contact.
Patterns of host–parasite associations in tropical lice and their passerine hosts in Cameroon
Authors: Gajdošová Magdalena , Sychra Oldřich , Kreisinger Jakub , Sedláček Ondřej , Nana Eric Djomo , Albrecht Tomáš , Munclinger Pavel
Published: June 2020

Coevolutionary processes that drive the patterns of host–parasite associations can be deduced through congruence analysis of their phylogenies. Feather lice and their avian hosts have previously been used as typical model systems for congruence analysis; however, such analyses are strongly biased toward nonpasserine hosts in the temperate zone. Further, in the Afrotropical region especially, cospeciation studies of lice and birds are entirely missing. This work supplements knowledge of host–parasite associations in lice using cospeciation analysis of feather lice (genusMyrsideaand theBrueeliacomplex) and their avian hosts in the tropical rainforests of Cameroon. Our analysis revealed a limited number of cospeciation events in both parasite groups. The parasite–host associations in both louse groups were predominantly shaped by host switching. Despite a general dissimilarity in phylogeny for the parasites and hosts, we found significant congruence in host–parasite distance matrices, mainly driven by associations betweenBrueelialice and passerine species of the Waxbill (Estrildidae) family, andMyrsidealice and their Bulbul (Pycnonotidae) host species. As such, our study supports the importance of complex biotic interactions in tropical environments.
Genetic evidence for sexual reproduction and multiple infections of Norway spruce cones by the rust fungus Thekopsora areolata
Authors: Capador Hernán , Samils Berit , Kaitera Juha , Olson Åke
Published: June 2020

Rust fungi are obligate parasites, of plants, with complex and in many cases poorly known life cycles which may include host alteration and up to five spore types with haploid, diploid, and dikaryotic nuclear stages. This study supports that Thekopasora areolata, the causal agent of cherry‐spruce rust in Norway spruce, is a macrocyclic heteroecious fungus with all five spore stages which uses two host plants Prunus padus and Picea abies to complete its life cycle. High genotypic diversity without population structure was found, which suggests predominantly sexual reproduction, random mating and a high gene flow within and between the populations in Fennoscandia. There was no evidence for an autoecious life cycle resulting from aeciospore infection of pistillate cones that would explain the previously reported rust epidemics without the alternate host. However, within cones and scales identical multilocus genotypes were repeatedly sampled which can be explained by vegetative growth of the fertilized mycelia or repeated mating of mycelium by spermatia of the same genotype. The high genotypic diversity within cones and haplotype inference show that each pistillate cone is infected by several basidiospores. This study provides genetic evidence for high gene flow, sexual reproduction, and multiple infections of Norway spruce cone by the rust fungus T. areolata which expands the general understanding of the biology of rust fungi.
Electrochemical Detections of Tea Polyphenols: A Review
Authors: Saikrithika Sairaman , Senthil Kumar Annamalai
Published: June 2020

Tea, contains an abundant amount of polyphenols, has many health benefits, and acts as a remedy for many diseases, including cardiovascular and neurological disorders. In this article, we have reviewed the reported electrochemical techniques for the detection of tea polyphenols under the sub‐headings, separation coupled with electrochemical detection, direct electrochemical detection, bioelectrochemical sensing, simultaneous electrochemical detection and flow injection analysis.
Electropreconcentration diagrams to optimize molecular enrichment with low counter pressure in a nanofluidic device
Authors: Ngom Sokhna‐Mery , Flores‐Galicia Fatima , Delapierre François‐Damien , Pallandre Antoine , Gamby Jean , Le Potier Isabelle , Haghiri‐Gosnet Anne‐Marie
Published: June 2020

Concentration polarization (CP)‐based focusing electrokinetics nanofluidic devices have been developed in order to simultaneously detect and enrich highly diluted analytes on‐a‐chip. However, stabilization of focal points over long time under the application of the electric field remains as a technical bottleneck. If pressure‐assisted preconcentration methods have been proposed to stabilize propagating modes at low inverse Dukhin number , these recent protocols remain laborious for optimizing experimental parameters. In this paper, “electric field E/counter‐pressure P” diagrams have been established during pressure‐assisted electro‐preconcentration of fluorescein as a model molecule. Such E/P diagram allows direct observation of the region for which the optimal counter‐pressure P leads to a stable focusing regime. This region of stable focusing is shown to vary depending of the nanoslit length (100 μm < Lnanoslit < 500 μm) and the nature of the background electrolyte (KCl and NaCl). Longer nanoslits (500 μm) produce stabilization at low counter‐pressure P, whereas NaCl offers a narrower region of stable focusing in the E/P diagram compared to KCl. Finally, the ability of such pressure‐assisted protocol to concentrate negatively charged proteins has been tested with a more applicative protein, i.e., ovalbumin. The corresponding E/P diagram confirms the existence of the stable focusing regime at both low electric field E (≤20 V) and counter‐pressure P (≤0.4 bar). With an enrichment factor as high as 70 after 2 min for ovalbumin at a concentration of 10 μM, such pressure‐assisted nanofluidic electro‐preconcentration protocol appears very promising to concentrate and detect biomolecules.
Robustness of simplified analysis methods for rocking structures on compliant soil
Authors: Sieber Max , Klar Sebastian , Vassiliou Michalis F. , Anastasopoulos Ioannis
Published: June 2020

Recognizing the beneficial effect of nonlinear soil–foundation response has led to a novel design concept, termed ‘rocking isolation’. The analysis and design of such rocking structures require nonlinear dynamic time history analyses. Analyzing the entire soil–foundation–structure system is computationally demanding, impeding the application of rocking isolation in practice. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop efficient simplified analysis methods. This paper assesses the robustness of two simplified analysis methods, using (i) a nonlinear and (ii) a bilinear rocking stiffness combined with linear viscous damping. The robustness of the simplified methods is assessed by (i) one‐to‐one comparison with a benchmark finite element (FE) analysis using a selection of ground motions and (ii) statistical comparison of probability distributions of response quantities, which characterize the time history response of rocking systems. A bridge pier (assumed rigid) supported on a square foundation, lying on a stiff clay stratum, is used as an illustrative example. Nonlinear dynamic FE time history analysis serves as a benchmark. Both methods yield reasonably accurate predictions of the maximum rotation θmax. Their stochastic comparison with respect to the empirical cumulative distribution function of θmax reveals that the nonlinear and the bilinear methods are not biased. Thus, both can be used to estimate probabilities of exceeding a certain threshold value of θ. Developed in this paper, the bilinear method is much easier to calibrate than the nonlinear, offering similar performance.
Numerical investigation of casing shear deformation due to fracture/fault slip during hydraulic fracturing
Authors: Meng Hu , Ge Hongkui , Fu Dengwei , Wang Xiaoqiong , Shen Yinghao , Jiang Zhenxin , Wang Jianbo
Published: June 2020

The frequent occurrence of casing failure has significantly affected the development of shale gas in the Sichuan Basin. Based on engineering and geology analyses, natural fracture/fault slip leads to casing shear deformation during hydraulic fracturing. Hence, natural fracture/fault slip and casing‐cement sheath‐formation assembly finite element models were established to quantitatively examine the characteristics of natural fracture/fault slip and mechanisms of casing shear deformation. Many factors, such as formation elastic property, in situ stress, natural fracture/fault geometry property, fluid pressure, casing elastic property, cement sheath elastic property, and well trajectory, were considered. The simulated results were in good agreement with the field data. The results indicated that natural fracture/fault slip leads to a sharp increase in casing deformation and stress in the adjacent region. Furthermore, factor sensitivity analysis results showed that a higher fluid pressure, larger fracture length, larger fracture dip angle, higher in situ stress difference, lower formation Young's modulus, and shorter distance from the wellbore to the center of the slip surface lead to severe casing stress and deformation. The countermeasures for preventing casing shear deformation involve decreasing the fracturing treatment pressure, reducing the crossing angle between the wellbore and natural fracture/fault, maintaining a safe distance from the wellbore to the large fracture/fault center, and adopting “balanced stress” fracturing operation. Hence, this study proposes a reasonable method to evaluate casing shear damage under hydraulic fracturing.
Application of globally available, coarse‐resolution digital elevation models for delineating valley bottom segments of varying length across a catchment
Authors: Khan Sana , Fryirs Kirstie A.
Published: June 2020

The worldwide availability of digital elevation models (DEMs) has enabled rapid (semi‐)automated mapping of earth surface landforms. In this paper, we first present an approach for delineating valley bottom extent across a large catchment using only publicly available, coarse‐resolution DEM input. We assess the sensitivity of our results to variable DEM resolution and find that coarse‐resolution datasets (90 m resolution) provide superior results. We also find that LiDAR‐derived DEMs produce more realistic results than satellite‐derived DEMs across the full range of topographic settings tested. Satellite‐derived DEMs perform more effectively in moderate topographic settings, but fail to capture the subtleties of valley bottom extent in mild gradient, low‐lying topography and in narrow headwater reaches. Second, we present a semi‐automated technique within ArcGIS for delineating valley bottom segments using DEM‐derived network scale metrics of valley bottom width and slope. We use an unsupervised machine‐learning technique based on the k‐means clustering algorithm to solve a conundrum in GIS‐based geomorphic analysis of rivers: the delineation of valley bottom segments of variable length. The delineation of valley bottom segments provides a coarse‐scale entry point into automated geomorphic analysis and characterization of river systems. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Imaging genomics discovery of a new risk variant for Alzheimer's disease in the postsynaptic SHARPIN gene
Authors: Soheili‐Nezhad Sourena , Jahanshad Neda , Guelfi Sebastian , Khosrowabadi Reza , Saykin Andrew J. , Thompson Paul M. , Beckmann Christian F. , Sprooten Emma , Zarei Mojtaba ,   the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging
Published: June 2020

Molecular mechanisms underlying Alzheimer's disease (AD) are difficult to investigate, partly because diagnosis lags behind the insidious pathological processes. Therefore, identifying AD neuroimaging markers and their genetic modifiers may help study early mechanisms of neurodegeneration. We aimed to identify brain regions of the highest vulnerability to AD using a data‐driven search in the AD Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI, n = 1,100 subjects), and further explored genetic variants affecting this critical brain trait using both ADNI and the younger UK Biobank cohort (n = 8,428 subjects). Tensor‐Based Morphometry (TBM) and Independent Component Analysis (ICA) identified the limbic system and its interconnecting white‐matter as the most AD‐vulnerable brain feature. Whole‐genome analysis revealed a common variant in SHARPIN that was associated with this imaging feature (rs34173062, p = 2.1 × 10−10). This genetic association was validated in the UK Biobank, where it was correlated with entorhinal cortical thickness bilaterally (p = .002 left and p = 8.6 × 10−4 right), and with parental history of AD (p = 2.3 × 10−6). Our findings suggest that neuroanatomical variation in the limbic system and AD risk are associated with a novel variant in SHARPIN. The role of this postsynaptic density gene product in β1‐integrin adhesion is in line with the amyloid precursor protein (APP) intracellular signaling pathway and the recent genome‐wide evidence.
Local inequality and departures from publicly provided health care in Canada
Authors: Isabelle Maripier , Stabile Mark
Published: June 2020

This paper examines the relationship between changes in income inequality and the provision of resources in a health care system (the public‐private mix). Specifically, we investigate whether increases in income inequality, as separate from overall income levels and growth, have changed the availability of both private clinics and privately financed physicians in a context where the dominant market player is the public system. Our findings provide reasonable evidence that increases in income inequality have led to substantial increases in both. We find that moving from median level of inequality across neighborhoods to the top 1% level of inequality increases the probably of a private clinic by 40% and the probability of having physicians who have opted out of the public system by 170%.
Head and neck cancer radiotherapy amid COVID‐19 pandemic: Report from Milan, Italy
Authors: Alterio Daniela , Volpe Stefania , Marvaso Giulia , Turturici Irene , Ferrari Annamaria , Leonardi Maria Cristina , Lazzari Roberta , Fiore Massimo Sarra , Bufi Giammaria , Cattani Federica , Arrobbio Camilla , Patti Filippo , Casbarra Alessia , Cavallo Iacopo , Mastrilli Fabrizio , Orecchia Roberto , Jereczek‐Fossa Barbara Alicja
Published: June 2020

Background

Management of head and neck cancers (HNC) in radiation oncology in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) era is challenging. Aim of our work is to report organization strategies at a radiation therapy (RT) department in the first European area experiencing the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

We focused on (a) dedicated procedures for HNC, (b) RT scheduling, and (c) health care professionals' protection applied during the COVID‐19 breakdown (from March 1, 2020 to April 30, 2020).

Results

Applied procedures are reported and discussed. Forty‐three patients were treated. Image‐guided, intensity modulated RT was performed in all cases. Median overall treatment time was 50 (interquartile range: 47‐54.25) days. RT was interrupted/delayed in seven patients (16%) for suspected COVID‐19 infection. Two health professionals managing HNC patients were proven as COVID‐19 positive.

Conclusion

Adequate and well‐timed organization allowed for the optimization of HNC patients balancing at the best of our possibilities patients' care and personnel's safety.
A phase II study of anlotinib in 45 patients with relapsed small cell lung cancer
Authors: Wu Di , Nie Jun , Hu Weiheng , Dai Ling , Zhang Jie , Chen Xiaoling , Ma Xiangjuan , Tian Guangming , Han Jindi , Han Sen , Long Jieran , Wang Yang , Zhang Ziran , Fang Jian
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this prospective phase II clinical trial was to investigate the efficacy and safety of anlotinib in patients with relapsed small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Forty‐five patients with relapsed SCLC were enrolled and treated with anlotinib (one cycle of 12 mg daily for 14 days, discontinued for 7 days, and repeated every 21 days) until disease progression or intolerance of treatment. The primary end point was progression‐free survival (PFS). Secondary end points were overall survival (OS), disease control rate (DCR), objective control rate (ORR) and toxicity. The median PFS was 4.1 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.4‐5.8) and the median OS was 6.1 months (95% CI 2.2‐10.0). The OS for the limited‐stage subgroup was significantly longer than that of the extensive‐stage subgroup (P = .02). The DCR was 67%, and the ORR was 11%. The most common adverse event was hypertension (13%), which was controlled well with antihypertensive drugs. In conclusion, anlotinib has likely efficacy in patients with relapsed SCLC, and the side effects can be well tolerated. A longer OS was observed in limited‐stage SCLC patients treated with anlotinib.
The use of cinematherapy to illustrate systemic resilience
Authors: Eppler Christie , Hutchings Jen
Published: June 2020

Resilience is the process of coping with and overcoming adversity, finding purpose in the face of suffering, and preparing for the future with a focus on interconnections and personal strengths. Being resilient is the ability to flourish in the face of trauma or hardship. The traits and processes of resilience are woven throughout the filmLittle Miss Sunshine. As characters deal with suffering, they also embody systemic strengths, which align with the current resilience research. This paper explores the use of cinematherapy to illustrate concepts of resilience in systemic therapy and in training relational therapists.
Splenic Switch‐Off for Determining the Optimal Dosage for Adenosine Stress Cardiac MR in Terms of Stress Effectiveness and Patient Safety
Authors: Giusca Sorin , Wolf David , Hofmann Nina , Hagstotz Saskia , Forschner Monika , Schueler Melanie , Nunninger Peter , Kelle Sebastian , Korosoglou Grigorios
Published: June 2020

Background

Adenosine stress MRI is well established for the evaluation of known and suspected coronary artery disease. However, a proportion of patients might be “under‐stressed” using the standard adenosine dose.

Purpose

To compare three different adenosine dosages for stress MRI in terms of stress adequacy based on splenic switch‐off (SSO) and limiting side effects.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

In all, 100 patients were randomized in group 1 (33 pts), group 2 (34 pts), and group 3 (33 pts), receiving dosages of 140 μg/kg/min, 175 μg/kg/min, or 210 μg/kg/min, respectively. SSO was evaluated visually and quantitatively.

Sequence

Stress perfusion was performed using a 1.5T scanner in three short axes using a standard single‐shot, saturation recovery gradient‐echo sequence.

Assessment

Three blinded experienced operators evaluated SSO on stress and rest perfusion acquisitions in the three groups. The signal intensity of the spleen and myocardium and the presence of inducible ischemia and late gadolinium enhancement were assessed.

Statistical Analysis

T‐test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), chi‐squared test, and Pearson's correlation coefficient.

Results

SSO was present more frequently in patients receiving 175 μg/kg/min and 210 μg/kg/min (31/33 [94%] and 27/29 [93%], respectively) compared to those receiving the standard dose (19/33 [58%], P < 0.05). A positive stress result was noted in 3/33 (9%) patients receiving 140 μg/kg/min vs. 9/33 (27%) patients receiving 175 μg/kg/min and 10/31 (33%) patients receiving 210 μg/kg/min (P < 0.05 for all, P < 0.05 for group 1 vs. groups 2, 3). The relative decrease of splenic signal intensity at hyperemia vs. baseline was significantly lower in group 1 compared to groups 2 and 3 (−33% vs. −54%, −56%, respectively; P < 0.05). No adverse events during scanning were noted in groups 1 and 2, whereas in group 3 four examinations were stopped due to severe dyspnea (n = 2) and AV‐blockage (n = 2).

Data Conclusion

A dosage of 175 μg/kg/min adenosine results in a higher proportion of SSO, which may be an indirect marker of adequate coronary vasodilatation and simultaneously offers similar safety compared to the standard 140 μg/kg/min dosage.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy Stage

2 J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2020;52:1732–1742.
Direct arterial damage and neurovascular unit disruption by mechanical thrombectomy in a rat stroke model
Authors: Sasaki Ryo , Yamashita Toru , Tadokoro Koh , Matsumoto Namiko , Nomura Emi , Omote Yoshio , Takemoto Mami , Hishikawa Nozomi , Ohta Yasuyuki , Abe Koji
Published: June 2020

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is a standard treatment for acute ischemic stroke that could cause hemorrhagic complications. We aimed to evaluate the pathology of MT‐induced arterial damage and neurovascular unit (NVU) disruption in relation to tissue‐type plasminogen activator (tPA) injection for acute ischemic stroke. We induced transient middle cerebral artery occlusion in male SHR/Izm rats for 2 hr. This was followed by reperfusion with/without tPA (3 mg/kg) and “rough suture” insertion that mimicked MT once or thrice (MT1 or MT3). Compared with the control group, the tPA + MT3 group presented with an increase in the cerebral infarct and hemorrhage with severer IgG leakage. Moreover, structural damage reaching the tunica media was detected in the MT3 and tPA + MT3 groups. The tPA + MT3 group presented with increased matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression with some MMP9‐positive cells expressing a neutrophil marker myeloperoxidase. Furthermore, basal lamina detachment from astrocyte foot processes was observed in the tPA + MT1 and tPA + MT3 groups. These findings suggest that MT causes direct arterial damage, as well as VEGF and MMP9 upregulation, which results in NVU disruption and hemorrhagic complications in acute ischemic stroke, especially when combined with tPA.
A Novel Three‐Dimensional‐Printed Ultrasound‐Guided Hip Arthrocentesis Model
Authors: Chiem Alan T. , Lister James P. , Singh Manpreet , Alegria‐Leal Elitzander , Morales Jonathan , Salibian Raffi , Deshmukh Monica , Basaure Carlos , Kim Henry , Stark Elena
Published: June 2020

When evaluating patients with hip pain, clinicians may be trained to both evaluate for a hip effusion and perform ultrasound‐guided arthrocentesis to evaluate the etiology of the effusion. We present a novel 3‐dimensional‐printed hip arthrocentesis model, which can be used to train clinicians to perform both tasks under ultrasound guidance. Our model uses a combination of a 3‐dimensional‐printed hip joint, as well as readily available materials such as an infant Ambu (Ballerup, Denmark) bag, syringe, intravenous line kit, and silicone. We present our experience so that others may use and adapt our model for their training purposes.