bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Live porcine model for surgical training in tracheostomy and open‐airway surgery
Authors: Deonarain Ashley R. , Harrison Robert V. , Gordon Karen A. , Wolter Nikolaus E. , Looi Thomas , Estrada Marvin , Propst Evan J.
Published: October 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

To evaluate the validity of a live porcine model for surgical training in tracheostomy and open‐airway surgery.

Study Design

Prospective observational study.

Methods

Eleven expert otolaryngologists–head and neck surgeons rated a live porcine model's realism/anatomical accuracy (face validity) and perceived effectiveness as a training tool (content validity) for tracheostomy and laryngotracheoplasty using anterior costal cartilage and thyroid ala cartilage grafts using a 53‐item post‐trial questionnaire with a five‐point Likert scale.

Results

Experts rated the face validity of the live porcine model a median (interquartile range [IQR]) of 4/5 (4–5) and the content validity a median (IQR) of 5/5 (4–5) for each surgical procedure. Overall, 91% strongly agreed or agreed that the simulator would increase trainee competency for tracheostomy and laryngotracheoplasty using costal cartilage graft, and 82% strongly agreed or agreed that it would increase trainee competency for laryngotracheoplasty using thyroid ala cartilage graft.

Conclusions

The live porcine model has high face and content validity as a training tool for tracheostomy and laryngotracheoplasty using costal cartilage and thyroid ala cartilage grafts. This training model can help surgical trainees practice these complex, low‐frequency procedures.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 130: 2063–2068, 2020
Gastrostomy Utilization by Oropharyngeal Cancer Patients Is Partially Driven by Swallowing Function
Authors: Chhabria Karishma , Kansara Sagar , Badr Hoda , Stach Carol , Vernese Madeline , Lerner Allison , Harms Aaron , Hernandez David J. , Huang Andrew T. , Chen George , Parke Robert B. , Charnitsky Scott , Sandulache Vlad C.
Published: October 2019

Objective

Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) incidence is rapidly increasing, as are survival rates, in large part due to the human papillomavirus (HPV). Treatment intensity, however, has remained unchanged, making treatment‐related toxicity (i.e., dysphagia) a critical problem for an increasing number of patients. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether pretreatment objective swallowing measures can predict percutaneous fluoroscopic guided gastrostomy tube (PFG) utilization during OPSCC treatment.

Methods

Forty‐one newly diagnosed OPSCC patients treated with radiation underwent evaluation of swallow function with modified barium swallow study (MBSS) prior to and at completion of radiation treatment using the Dynamic Imaging Grade of Swallowing Toxicity (DIGEST); a subset of patients were evaluated using the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI).

Results

Patients were male (100%), primarily Caucasian (85.4%) and p16 positive (85.4%) with mean age of 65.7 years. PFG were placed in 70.7% patients (n = 29) and used by 63.4% (n = 26). Pre‐ and post‐treatment DIGEST scores were associated with T‐classification (t = −2.9, p = .001, t = −2.7, p = .01) and indicated deteriorating swallow function during treatment (mean change = 0.46 [t = −2.7, p = .01]). DIGEST and MDADI scores were generally not associated with patient PFG utilization. DIGEST and MDADI scores were significantly correlated prior to, but not following completion of treatment.

Conclusion

Pre‐treatment DIGEST and patient reported swallowing outcomes (MDADI) can be useful in identifying patients with unsafe and/or grossly inefficient swallowing function. However, objectively measured swallow function was not associated with PFG utilization. Development of PFG placement algorithms (reactive vs. prophylactic) therefore require additional inputs/metrics.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:2153–2159, 2020
Sub‐mesoscale fronts modify elephant seals foraging behavior
Authors: Rivière Pascal , Jaud Thomas , Siegelman Lia , Klein Patrice , Cotté Cédric , Le Sommer Julien , Dencausse Guillaume , Guinet Christophe
Published: October 2019

Sub‐mesoscale fronts—with scales from 1 to 50 km are ubiquitous in satellite images of the world oceans. They are known to generate strong vertical velocities with significant impacts on biogeochemical fluxes and pelagic ecosystems. Here, we use a unique data set, combining high‐resolution behavioral and physical measurements, to determine the effects of sub‐mesoscale structures on the foraging behavior of 12 instrumented female southern elephant seals. These marine mammals make long voyages (several months over more than 2000 km), diving and feeding continuously in the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. Our results show that elephant seals change their foraging behavior when crossing sub‐mesoscale fronts: They forage more and at shallower depths inside sub‐mesoscale fronts compared to nonfrontal areas, and they also reduce their horizontal velocity likely to concentrate on their vertical diving activity. The results highlight the importance of sub‐mesoscale fronts in enhancing prey accessibility for upper trophic levels, and suggest that trophic interactions are stimulated in these structures.
Corrosion behaviour and mechanism of 6082 aluminium alloy in NaCl and Na2SO4 etchants
Authors: Zhou Bin , Zhang Chi , Yang Li , Bai Di , Olugbade Emmanuel Oluwatobi , Huang Gen‐zhe
Published: October 2019

The corrosion behaviour of 6082 aluminium alloy was studied by measuring the electrochemical impedance spectra and electrode polarization curves. After the electrochemical tests, a microstructural analysis of the samples was conducted by using optical microscopy and electron scanning microscopy techniques to determine the corrosion mechanism. The results show that the Nyquist plot of the electrochemical impedance data in the NaCl solution consists of high‐ and low‐frequency capacitive impedance loops. When ions are added to the NaCl etchant, the Nyquist plots of the electrochemical impedance data are composed of two different curves: a high‐frequency capacitive impedance loop and a low‐frequency inductive impedance loop. The corrosion current density increases with increasing concentration, and as a result, the corrosion resistance of the aluminium alloy decreases. The microstructures of 6082 aluminium alloy consist of Mg2Si secondary particles in a large α‐Al matrix. Pitting corrosion initially occurs at the boundary between the matrix and secondary particles because the electrode potentials of the matrix and secondary particles are different. Then, corrosion paths develop along the network‐like grain boundaries, and finally, massive network‐like corrosion occurs throughout the entire alloy.
On definability of types and relative stability
Authors: Verbovskiy Viktor
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we consider the question of definability of types in non‐stable theories. In order to do this we introduce a notion of a relatively stable theory: a theory is stable up to Δ if any Δ‐type over a model has few extensions up to complete types. We prove that an n‐type over a model of a theory that is stable up to Δ is definable if and only if its Δ‐part is definable.
DendriPeps: Expanding Dendrimer Functionality by Hybridizing Poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) Scaffolds with Peptide Segments
Authors: Smith Ryan J. , Gorman Christopher B. , Menegatti Stefano
Published: October 2019

In this work, the first synthesis of poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers whose branches are hybridized with peptide segments (DendriPeps) is reported. The intercalation of amino acids within the branches of PAMAMs provides supplementary internal functionalities to the coronal groups. Four DendriPep prototypes are synthesized with lysine or glutamic acid as “guest” amino acids, displaying, respectively, a primary amine or a carboxyl group, on generation (G)2 and G3 PAMAMs as host scaffolds. The precise control over the number, type, and topological placement of functional groups expands the functional behavior of DendriPeps beyond current PAMAM dendrimers toward new frontiers or colloids, drug delivery vectors, and catalysis.
Reversible Destabilization of UV‐Responsive Polymer Particles (Latex) using a Photoresponsive Surfactant
Authors: Jasinski Florent , Guimarães Thiago R. , David Samantha , Suniary Caroline , Funston Toby , Takahashi Yutaka , Kondo Yukishige , Zetterlund Per B.
Published: October 2019

Production of aqueous dispersions of polymeric nanoparticles via heterogeneous radical polymerization in emulsion‐type systems is of enormous commercial importance. The ability to reversibly destabilize such a latex is highly desirable, for example, to save transportation costs. Herein, a method for synthesis of photo‐responsive polymer latexes that can be destabilized (leading to sedimentation) by only using UV irradiation (no addition of chemicals or change in the experimental conditions) and subsequently redispersed by stirring under visible light irradiation is described. The destabilization/redispersion mechanism relies on photoinduced trans‐cis isomerization of the cationic diazene surfactant 2‐(4‐(4‐butylphenyl)diazenylphenoxy)ethyltrimethylammonium bromide (C4AzoTAB) used in conjunction with the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate. It is demonstrated that reversible destabilization can be achieved very rapidly (90 s residence time) employing continuous flow technology.
The CLN3 gene and protein: What we know
Authors: Mirza Myriam , Vainshtein Anna , DiRonza Alberto , Chandrachud Uma , Haslett Luke J. , Palmieri Michela , Storch Stephan , Groh Janos , Dobzinski Niv , Napolitano Gennaro , Schmidtke Carolin , Kerkovich Danielle M.
Published: October 2019

Background

One of the most important steps taken by Beyond Batten Disease Foundation in our quest to cure juvenile Batten (CLN3) disease is to understand the State of the Science. We believe that a strong understanding of where we are in our experimental understanding of the CLN3 gene, its regulation, gene product, protein structure, tissue distribution, biomarker use, and pathological responses to its deficiency, lays the groundwork for determining therapeutic action plans.

Objectives

To present an unbiased comprehensive reference tool of the experimental understanding of the CLN3 gene and gene product of the same name.

Methods

BBDF compiled all of the available CLN3 gene and protein data from biological databases, repositories of federally and privately funded projects, patent and trademark offices, science and technology journals, industrial drug and pipeline reports as well as clinical trial reports and with painstaking precision, validated the information together with experts in Batten disease, lysosomal storage disease, lysosome/endosome biology.

Results

The finished product is an indexed review of the CLN3 gene and protein which is not limited in page size or number of references, references all available primary experiments, and does not draw conclusions for the reader.

Conclusions

Revisiting the experimental history of a target gene and its product ensures that inaccuracies and contradictions come to light, long‐held beliefs and assumptions continue to be challenged, and information that was previously deemed inconsequential gets a second look. Compiling the information into one manuscript with all appropriate primary references provides quick clues to which studies have been completed under which conditions and what information has been reported. This compendium does not seek to replace original articles or subtopic reviews but provides an historical roadmap to completed works.
Association of IL‐10‐1082A/G polymorphism with cardiovascular disease risk: Evidence from a case–control study to an updated meta‐analysis
Authors: Lu Shijuan , Zhong Jianghua , Huang Kang , Zhou Honghao
Published: October 2019

Background

Previous studies have generated controversial results about the association of interleukin 10 (IL‐10) gene polymorphisms (−1082G/A) in the progression of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Therefore, this study processed a systemic meta‐analysis to verify this association.

Methods

The publication studies on the IL‐10 (−1082G/A) polymorphism and CVDs risk were obtained by searching PubMed and Embase databases. We analyzed the genotype data for meta‐analysis. The results were evaluated by odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Meanwhile, our meta‐analysis was also performed sensitivity analyses, heterogeneity test, and identification of publication bias.

Results

The present meta‐analysis suggested that the risk with allele G is lower than with allele A for CVD. The G allele of IL‐10 (−1082) could increase the risk of CVDs in the 31 case–control studies for all genetic models. (OR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.04–1.15 for the allele model A vs. G; OR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.72–1.04 for the dominant model GG+AG vs. AA; OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.02–1.05 for the recessive model GG vs. AG + AA; OR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.03–1.10 for the homozygote comparison model GG vs. AA; and OR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.73–1.06 for the heterozygote comparison model AG vs. AA).

Conclusions

In genetic models, the association between the IL‐10 (−1082G/A) polymorphism and CVDs risk was significant. This meta‐analysis proposes that the IL‐10 (−1082G/A) polymorphism may serve as a risk factor for CVDs.
ALU transposition induces familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Nfonsam Landry , Huang Lijia , Carson Nancy , McGowan‐Jordan Jean , Beaulieu Bergeron Melanie , Goobie Sharan , Conacher Susan , McCarty David , Benson Lee , Hewson Stacy , Zahavich Laura , Sinclair‐Bourque Elizabeth , Smith Amanda , Potter Ryan , Ghani Mahdi , Bronicki Lucas , Jarinova Olga
Published: October 2019

Background

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in the absence of predisposing cardiovascular conditions. Pathogenic variants in at least 16 cardiac sarcomeric genes have been implicated in HCM, most of which act in a dominant‐negative fashion. However loss‐of‐function (haploinsufficiency) is the most common disease mechanism for pathogenic variants in MYBPC3, suggesting that MYBPC3 complete deletion may play a role in HCM pathogenesis. Here, we investigate MYBPC3 complete deletion as a disease mechanism in HCM by analyzing two unrelated patients with confirmed diagnosis of HCM that tested negative by Sanger sequencing analysis.

Methods

MYBPC3 complete deletion was investigated by Multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) and microarray analyses. The mechanism of deletion was investigated by interrogating the SINEBase database.

Results

Patient‐1 was diagnosed with nonobstructive HCM in his mid‐40s while undergoing assessment for palpitations, and patient‐2 with obstructive HCM in his late‐20s while undergoing systolic heart murmur assessment for an unrelated illness. MLPA testing revealed a heterozygous deletion of all MYBPC3 exons in both patients. Subsequent microarray testing confirmed these deletions which extended beyond the 5′ and 3′ ends of MYBPC3. Genomic assessment suggested that these deletions resulted from Alu/Alu‐homologous recombination.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that haploinsufficiency resulting from MYBPC3 complete deletion, potentially mediated by Alu recombination, is an important disease mechanism in cardiomyopathy and emphasizes the importance of copy number variation analysis in patients clinically suspected of HCM.
A novel splice site mutation in the UBE2A gene leads to aberrant mRNA splicing in a Chinese patient with X‐linked intellectual disability type Nascimento
Authors: Ma Dingyuan , Tan Jianxin , Zhou Jing , Zhang Jingjing , Cheng Jian , Luo Chunyu , Liu Gang , Wang Yuguo , Xu Zhengfeng
Published: October 2019

Background

X‐linked intellectual disability type Nascimento (XIDTN), caused by mutations in ubiquitin‐conjugating enzyme E2A (UBE2A) gene, is characterized by moderate to severe intellectual disability, impaired speech, urogenital anomalies, skin abnormalities, and dysmorphic facial features.

Methods

Whole‐exome sequence was carried out in the patients, and the variant of disease‐associated gene in the patient and his parents was confirmed by Sanger sequencing. RNA transcript analysis by reverse transcription (RT)‐PCR was performed to assess the potential effects of the splice site mutation.

Results

A novel splicing mutation (c.331‐2A>G) in UBE2A gene, inherited from his mother, was identified in a Chinese boy with intellectual disability and impaired speech. Furthermore, brain magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple patchy hyperintensity in bilateral centrum ovale. RT‐PCR demonstrated that this variant generated a novel transcript with a deletion of 29 nucleotides in exon 6 (r.331_359del), resulting in a frameshift mutation (p.L112SfsX17).

Conclusion

Ultimately, he was diagnosed with XIDTN by genetic analysis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of this syndrome in China with a confirmed molecular diagnosis. Our case not only expands the mutation spectrum of UBE2A, but also provides additional insights into the genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity of XIDTN as well as phenotype–genotype correlations in this disease.
Genetics of diabetic kidney disease: A follow‐up study in the Arab population of the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Osman Wael M. , Jelinek Herbert F. , Tay Guan K. , Hassan Mohamed H. , Almahmeed Wael , Khandoker Ahsan H. , Khalaf Kinda , Alsafar Habiba S.
Published: October 2019

Background

Two genome‐wide association studies in European and Japanese populations reported on new loci for diabetic kidney disease (DKD), including FTO. In this study, we have replicated these investigations on a cohort of 410 Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients of Arab origin from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Methods and Results

The cohort included 145 diabetic patients diagnosed with DKD and 265 diabetics free of the disease. In general, we were able to confirm the association between the FTO locus and DKD, as reported in the Japanese population. Specifically, there were significant associations with two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), namely rs1421086 (p = .013, OR = 1.52 depending on allele G, 95% CI: 1.09–2.11) and rs17817449 (p = .0088, OR = 1.55 depending on allele C, 95% CI: 1.12–2.14) of the FTO locus. Both SNPs were in linkage disequilibrium with rs56094641, also as reported in the Japanese population. While the alleles of both SNPs, which increase the risk of DKD, were associated with higher Body Mass Index (BMI), their associations with DKD were independent of the BMI effects.

Conclusions

This study confirms that FTO is a multiethnic locus for DKD which is independent from any influence of BMI and/or obesity.
Psychologists push to protect Medicare reimbursement following CMS proposal
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: October 2019

Psychologists who treat Medicare patients may be facing a 7% payment decrease in 2021 to ensure higher payments for evaluation and management (E/M) services, the most frequently provided services by physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, according to a proposed rule on the 2020 Physician Fee Schedule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
A simple design of SIW horn fed multibeam transmitarray antenna using transmission matrix approach
Authors: Xi Baokun , Cai Yang , Xue Qianzhong , Wang Yong , Yang Shaopeng , Zhang Rui
Published: October 2019

This article develops an efficient solution to design beam‐scanning transmitarray (TA). The four‐layer unit associated with the focal planar substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) array is presented and characterized. The proposed linearly polarized TA is implemented as four‐layer sheet admittance composed of the subwavelength unit, whose transmission feature would be accurate analyzed by the equivalent circuit model. The phase layout of TA is optimized by using the PMM method in order to achieve a wide scanning behavior and reduce the scan loss. Arc‐shaped SIW horn antenna array is adopted as the feeding source. Artificial impedance surfaces printed on either side against the low‐profile substrate results in a greatly enhanced radiation performance. The TA and feeds presented at 20 GHz are both fabricated using standard PCB processing. The measured results show a greatly improved ±45° scan range with the gain loss of 0.73 dBi by switching the SIW horn antenna. Good radiation and bandwidth characters are performed in all states of operation for both ports, confirmed the effectiveness of proposed design process.
Design of reconfigurable in‐phase/out‐of‐phase power divider with finite‐ground microstrip line‐based switchable phase inverters
Authors: Wu Han , Sun Sheng
Published: October 2019

In this letter, a switchable phase inverter is presented for the design of the reconfigurable in‐phase/out‐of‐phase power divider. Firstly, the in‐phase and out‐of‐phase power dividers are designed based on the finite‐ground microstrip line (FGMSL). Next, two FGMSL‐based switchable phase inverters are designed and installed at two sides of output ports, respectively. After compensating the parasitic effects of the switches and DC blocking capacitors, a wideband reconfigurable in‐phase/out‐of‐phase power divider is constructed. To validate this proposal, a prototype with power‐dividing ratio of 2:1 is finally designed, implemented, and fabricated. The measured and simulated results show a good agreement under both in‐phase and out‐of‐phase states. A measured bandwidth of 64% with better than 15 dB return loss and 20 dB isolation is obtained. Phase unbalances are less than 2.4° for in‐phase state and 4° for out‐of‐phase state, respectively, over a wide concerned frequency range.
Mutual coupling reduction between patch antennas based on microstrip structures
Authors: Hao Chuanhui , Zhou Ruicheng , Zheng Hongmei , Sun Xiaofan , Sun Xu‐bao
Published: October 2019

A practical design of reduction mutual coupling is presented between patch antenna elements by using symmetrical microstrip structures in the paper. The patch antenna design consists of the following: two antenna patches, a rectangular substrate plane, a pair of three orders symmetrical microstrips, and a common ground. By using the proposed scheme, approximately 35 dB mutual coupling reduction is achieved at central frequency of 7.3 GHz while maintaining gain of 2.3 dB and directivity of 5.53dBi. Return loss slightly decreases by 2.91 dB from −23.12 to −20.21 dB. In contrast, it exerts no effects on gain radiation characteristics in a no microstrip setup. Simulation results of this technique are verified validated using experimental measurements.
Design of multiple collar stay antennas for wireless wearable compact devices
Authors: Gautam Baishali , Verma Pooja , Singha Anindita , Islam Hashinur , Prakash Om , Das Saumya
Published: October 2019

Design of wearable antennas for various uses demands satisfactory and reliable antenna performance for a long period time. Generally, microstrip patch antennas with textile material as a substrate are used for many wearable applications. But the characteristics of the textile materials like absorption of water, porousness of fabric material, thickness of fabric along with the movement of the human body leads to shifting of operating frequency, bandwidth, return loss, and the polarization of antenna. To resolve these issues, light weight, low profile, compact, rigid antennas have been developed in this research work. Collar stay of formal shirts has been considered to develop two conformal wearable microstrip antennas for ISM band and Wi‐Fi applications separately. The proposed conformal antennas yield a 10 dB impedance bandwidth of 30 and 76 MHz with center frequency 2.1 and 5.2 GHz, respectively. The maximum gain achieved with the proposed structures is 3.56 and 4.88 dBi for 2.1 and 5.2 GHz, respectively. Measurement of specific absorption rate (SAR) on an artificial human head model has also been conducted for 2.1 GHz antenna on software platform to justify the acceptance of proposed antenna for wearable applications. It is found that the electromagnetic energy absorbed by the head model is restricted to a maximum SAR value 0.127 and 0.066 W/kg over 1 and 10 g average tissue mass respectively at 2.1 GHz. The antenna radiation pattern under wearable condition has also been presented.
Pin‐loaded triple‐mode patch resonator for bandpass filter design
Authors: Qiu Lei‐Lei , Zhu Lei
Published: October 2019

In this letter, a pin‐loaded triple‐mode square patch resonator is proposed for bandpass filter (BPF) design. By loading short‐circuited pins underneath the patch, the patch resonator not only enables DC‐blocking, but also brings out one additional resonant mode, thus a triple‐mode patch resonator can be formed up under operation with a pair of degenerate modes. According to the field distributions, these three resonant modes can be tuned by virtue of loaded slots and pins, while these two degenerate modes can be properly split by offset‐positioning the two sets of pins. In final, a pin‐loaded triple‐mode patch BPF is designed, fabricated and measured to validate the predicted results.
A method for ordinal outcomes: The ordered stereotype model
Authors: Fernandez Daniel , Liu Ivy , Costilla Roy
Published: October 2019

Objective: The collection and use of ordinal variables are common in many psychological and psychiatric studies. Although the models for continuous variables have similarities to those for ordinal variables, there are advantages when a model developed for modeling ordinal data is used such as avoiding “floor” and “ceiling” effects and avoiding to assign scores, as it happens in continuous models, which can produce results sensitive to the score assigned. This paper introduces and focuses on the application of the ordered stereotype model, which was developed for modeling ordinal outcomes and is not so popular as other models such as linear regression and proportional odds models. This paper aims to compare the performance of the ordered stereotype model with other more commonly used models among researchers and practitioners.

Methods: This article compares the performance of the stereotype model against the proportional odd and linear regression models, with three, four, and five levels of ordinal categories and sample sizes 100, 500, and 1000. This paper also discusses the problem of treating ordinal responses as continuous using a simulation study. The trend odds model is also presented in the application.

Results: Three types of models were fitted in one real‐life example, including ordered stereotype, proportional odds, and trend odds models. They reached similar conclusions in terms of the significance of covariates. The simulation study evaluated the performance of the ordered stereotype model under four cases. The performance varies depending on the scenarios.

Conclusions: The method presented can be applied to several areas of psychiatry dealing with ordinal outcomes. One of the main advantages of this model is that it breaks with the assumption of levels of the ordinal response are equally spaced, which might be not true.
Trendbericht Makromolekulare Chemie
Authors: Gallei Markus , Schmidt Bernhard , Barz Matthias
Published: October 2019

Biopolymere und biomedizinische Anwendung von Polymeren: Selbstorganisation DNA‐basierter Architekturen, mit denen sich komplexe Nanostrukturen herstellen lassen. Polymeranalytik: Superauflösungsfluoreszenzmikroskopie verrät die Vernetzungsstruktur von Mikrogelen und korreliert die Struktur mit den Eigenschaften. Polymerhybride und Kompositmaterialien: lokal kontrollierte Polymeranlagerung an Silicapartikeln. Synthesestrategien: lebende One‐Pot‐ Reaktionen, die chemische Funktionalitäten einbinden oder definierte Blockcopolymere liefern. Außerdem: mizellare photonische Kristalle.
Scientific Breakfast ‐‐ der Gaschromatograph auf dem Frühstücksbrettchen
Authors: Happel Oliver
Published: October 2019

Ein selbstgebauter Gaschromatograph kann im Chemieunterricht eine Alternative zur gängigen Dünnschichtchromatographie sein. Das Gerät passt auf ein Frühstücksbrettchen und bringt überraschend empfindliche Nachweise, zum Beispiel auf Brenngase oder Ethanol in Getränken.
Ordnung in der Ordnung
Authors: Clemens Oliver , Kunkel Nathalie
Published: October 2019

Magnetische Werkstoffe sind fundamental für technische Anwendungen wie Datenspeicher und Windenergie. Magnetische Eigenschaften entstehen durch die relative Ausordnung von magnetischen Momenten auf paramagnetischen Atomen oder Ionen im Festkörper. Um diese Ausordnungen der Spins im Gitter zu verstehen, sind klassische Symmetrieelemente zu erweitern.
Amerikanisches Peptidsymposium mit starker deutscher Beteiligung
Authors: Beck‐Sickinger Annette
Published: October 2019

Mehr als 600 Wissenschaftler und Wissenschaftlerinnen aus aller Welt trafen sich Ende Juni beim Amerikanischen Peptidsymposium (APS) in Monterey in Kalifornien, um sich bei der sechstägigen Konferenz über Synthese, Testung und Anwendungen von Peptiden auszutauschen.
Zartschmelzend oder krümelig
Authors: Hupach Sascha
Published: October 2019

Für Lebensmittelhersteller ist die Partikelgrößenverteilung ein wichtiges Qualitätskriterium, denn sie bestimmt das Mundgefühl bei Schokolade oder verhindert, dass Milch aufrahmt. Statische Laserbeugung ist dafür das Werkzeug im Labor.
The forwarder planning problem in a two‐echelon network
Authors: Di Francesco Massimo , Gaudioso Manlio , Gorgone Enrico , Zuddas Paola
Published: October 2019

This paper is motivated by the case of a forwarder dealing with inland transportation planning, from a seaport, of inbound containers filled with pallets having different destinations in the land‐side. Although the forwarder is not the owner nor controls any vehicle, he is required to plan both the assignment of containers to intermediate depots, where the pallets are unpacked, and the assignment of pallets to the vehicles used for the distribution from depots to consignees. We present a mathematical model supporting the forwarder in this two‐echelon network to minimize assignment costs, while accounting for a balanced workload among all carriers involved in this distribution scheme. We discuss a tailor‐made implementation of the model in a realistic context and present a heuristic method to solve realistic‐sized instances. Our computational experiments confirm the viability of this method.
Development and validation of a complex intervention: A physical exercise programme aimed at delaying the functional decline in frail older adults
Authors: Santos‐Rocha Rita , Freitas Joana , Ramalho Fátima , Pimenta Nuno , Costa Couto Filipa , Apóstolo João
Published: October 2019

Aim

To develop and validate a physical exercise programme aimed at delaying the functional decline in frail older adults.

Design

The revised guideline of Criteria for Reporting the Development and Evaluation of Complex Interventions in health care was followed.

Methods

The physical exercise programme was designed and validated by exercise specialists to be implemented by healthcare professionals. The physical exercise programme underwent three stages of development, piloting and evaluation. It includes a portfolio of exercises in different support materials (posters, e‐book and website). A testing intervention was delivered to the target population.

Results

The Criteria for Reporting the Development and Evaluation of Complex Interventions in health care process has the potential to help practitioners in developing and planning complex interventions, such as an exercise programme. Its components can be adjusted to the context and to the characteristics of the target population. A study protocol and a pilot study will be developed to test the effectiveness of the physical exercise programme on delaying the functional decline of frail older adults.
Impact of Acipimox Therapy on Free Fatty Acid Efflux and Endothelial Function in the Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Aday Aaron W. , Goldfine Allison B. , Gregory Justin M. , Beckman Joshua A.
Published: October 2019

Objective

Insulin resistance is associated with increased lipolysis and elevated concentrations of free fatty acids (FFA), which in turn contribute to impaired vascular function. It was hypothesized that lowering FFA with acipimox, a nicotinic acid derivative that impairs FFA efflux, would improve endothelial function, measured by flow‐mediated dilation (FMD), in individuals with metabolic syndrome.

Methods

A total of 18 participants with metabolic syndrome and 17 healthy controls were enrolled and treated with acipimox 250 mg orally every 6 hours or placebo for 7 days in a randomized, double‐blind, crossover trial.

Results

Acipimox reduced FFA concentrations among individuals with metabolic syndrome to near normal levels (P = 0.01), but there was no change among healthy controls (P = 0.17). Acipimox did not improve endothelial‐dependent FMD in either group (metabolic syndrome: P = 0.42; healthy controls: P = 0.16), although endothelial‐independent nitroglycerin‐mediated dilation among those with metabolic syndrome tended to increase (20.3%, P = 0.06). There were no changes in blood lipids or markers of inflammation following therapy. There was minimal correlation between change in FMD and baseline measures of BMI ( ρ = −0.09) or waist circumference ( ρ = −0.15).

Conclusions

In groups with normal or elevated baseline FFA, short‐term reductions do not improve endothelial function assessed by FMD.
In situ fabrication of wood flour/nano silica hybrid and its application in polypropylene‐based wood‐plastic composites
Authors: Ma Yuanbin , He Hui , Huang Bai , Jing Huaishuai , Zhao Zijin
Published: October 2019

Wood‐plastic composites are attracting great interest from society due to their recycling nature and excellent processability. Also, nano silica can be used as reinforcing filler for wood‐plastic composites. However, it is difficult to achieve a fine nano silica dispersion within the wood‐plastic composites. In this article, the alkali treatment and sol‐gel method were combined to modify the wood flour(WF) in situ to prepare WF/silica hybrid, and the hybrid was used as reinforcing filler for polypropylene‐based wood‐plastic composites. The physicochemical properties of WF/silica hybrid were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Subsequently, the mechanical properties, Vicat softening temperature, oxidation induction time and thermal decomposition behavior of polypropylene‐based wood‐plastic composites were characterized. The test results were compared with polypropylene‐based wood‐plastic composites blended with nano silica. Compared with the wood‐plastic composites blended with commercial silica, the composites filled with hybrid filler have better mechanical performances and thermal stability. The addition of hybrid is also beneficial to improving the thermal oxygen resistance of the composites. We envision that the present work offers novel insights to prepare high‐performance wood‐plastic composites.
Estimation of high‐dimensional propensity scores with multiple exposure levels
Authors: Eberg Maria , Platt Robert W. , Reynier Pauline , Filion Kristian B.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Little information is available on the performance of high‐dimensional propensity scores (HDPS) in settings with more than two exposure levels. Our objective was to adapt the HDPS algorithm to allow for the inclusion of multilevel treatments and compare estimates obtained via this approach with those obtained via pairwise comparisons in a case study using real‐world data.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of cardiovascular events associated with three smoking cessation drugs (varenicline, bupropion, nicotine replacement therapy [NRT]) using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink. We applied the binary HDPS algorithm adjusted for pre‐specified and empirically‐selected covariates to cohorts formed by each treatment pair. We then constructed multinomial HDPS models on a cohort of new users of any of the three drugs, adjusting for predefined covariates and different combinations of empirically‐selected covariates. After trimming the area of non‐overlap of the HDPS distributions, the effects of the study drugs on cardiovascular events were estimated with the Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for propensity score category.

Results

Outcome models adjusted for multinomial HDPS estimated treatment effects that were slightly more protective than those estimated in pairwise comparisons (varenicline vs NRT: HRMultinomial = 0.60‐0.62, HRPairwise = 0.64; bupropion vs NRT: HRMultinomial = 0.70‐0.72, HRPairwise = 0.76). Trimming rates were similar between the two approaches.

Conclusions

The extension of HDPS to multilevel exposures is a valid and practical approach to confounder control that may be useful when comparing different classes of drugs prescribed for the same indication or different molecules within a given drug class.
Introducing “best single template” models as reference baseline for the Continuous Automated Model Evaluation (CAMEO)
Authors: Haas Juergen , Gumienny Rafal , Barbato Alessandro , Ackermann Flavio , Tauriello Gerardo , Bertoni Martino , Studer Gabriel , Smolinski Anna , Schwede Torsten
Published: October 2019

Critical blind assessment of structure prediction techniques is crucial for the scientific community to establish the state of the art, identify bottlenecks, and guide future developments. In Critical Assessment of Techniques in Structure Prediction (CASP), human experts assess the performance of participating methods in relation to the difficulty of the prediction task in a biennial experiment on approximately 100 targets. Yet, the development of automated computational modeling methods requires more frequent evaluation cycles and larger sets of data. The “Continuous Automated Model EvaluatiOn (CAMEO)” platform complements CASP by conducting fully automated blind prediction evaluations based on the weekly pre‐release of sequences of those structures, which are going to be published in the next release of the Protein Data Bank (PDB). Each week, CAMEO publishes benchmarking results for predictions corresponding to a set of about 20 targets collected during a 4‐day prediction window. CAMEO benchmarking data are generated consistently for all methods at the same point in time, enabling developers to cross‐validate their method's performance, and referring to their results in publications. Many successful participants of CASP have used CAMEO—either by directly benchmarking their methods within the system or by comparing their own performance to CAMEO reference data. CAMEO offers a variety of scores reflecting different aspects of structure modeling, for example, binding site accuracy, homo‐oligomer interface quality, or accuracy of local model confidence estimates. By introducing the "bestSingleTemplate" method based on structure superpositions as a reference for the accuracy of 3D modeling predictions, CAMEO facilitates objective comparison of techniques and fosters the development of advanced methods.
Probabilistic temperature forecasting with a heteroscedastic autoregressive ensemble postprocessing model
Authors: Möller Annette , Groß Jürgen
Published: October 2019

Weather prediction today is performed with numerical weather prediction (NWP) models. These are deterministic simulation models describing the dynamics of the atmosphere, and evolving the current conditions forward in time to obtain a prediction for future atmospheric states. To account for uncertainty in NWP models it has become common practice to employ ensembles of NWP forecasts. However, NWP ensembles often exhibit forecast biases and dispersion errors, thus require statistical postprocessing to improve reliability of the ensemble forecasts. This work proposes an extension of a recently developed postprocessing model utilizing autoregressive information present in the forecast error of the raw ensemble members. The original approach is modified to let the variance parameter depend on the ensemble spread, yielding a two‐fold heteroscedastic model. Furthermore, an additional high‐resolution forecast is included into the postprocessing model, yielding improved predictive performance. Finally, it is outlined how the autoregressive model can be utilized to postprocess ensemble forecasts with higher forecast horizons, without the necessity of making fundamental changes to the original model. We accompany the new methodology by an implementation within the R package ensAR to make our method available for other researchers working in this area. To illustrate the performance of the heteroscedastic extension of the autoregressive model, and its use for higher forecast horizons we present a case‐study for a dataset containing 12 years of temperature forecasts and observations over Germany. The case‐study indicates that the autoregressive model yields particularly strong improvements for forecast horizons beyond 24 h.
The role of relationship scope in sustaining relational contracts in interfirm networks
Authors: Argyres Nicholas , Bercovitz Janet , Zanarone Giorgio
Published: October 2019

Research summary

A key strategic decision for many firms is the scope of their relationships with partners. Existing theories of relationship scope are limited in that they disregard the facts that: (a) most firms transact within networks of multiple partners, and (b) these partnerships often involve two‐sided moral hazard. We develop a theory of partnership scope in interfirm networks that addresses these deficiencies. We show how, by broadening the scope of business it conducts with its partners, a firm can reduce externalities between them, and thereby sustain self‐enforcing exchange relationships (“relational contracts”) in which both parties cooperate with each other repeatedly and maximize the value created. We discuss numerous settings in which our model applies, including franchising, supply chains, and platform‐based ecosystems.

Managerial summary

A key strategic decision for many firms is the number of transactions or activities they conduct with a given supplier, business customer, or company that sells complementary products or services. We offer a theory to explain why firms often prefer relationships with broader scope. Whereas other theories are based on the ability to leverage partner knowledge or cheaper supervision, our theory is based on the concept of a “relational contract”, in which a firm and its partner cooperate with each other repeatedly according to an informal agreement between them. We show that under relational contracting, broader scope relationships encourage better mutual cooperation than narrow scope relationships, thereby maximizing the value created by them. We discuss how our model applies to franchising, supply chains, and platform‐based ecosystems.
Solid/Solid Interfacial Architecturing of Solid Polymer Electrolyte–Based All‐Solid‐State Lithium–Sulfur Batteries by Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Fan Zengjie , Ding Bing , Zhang Tengfei , Lin Qingyang , Malgras Victor , Wang Jie , Dou Hui , Zhang Xiaogang , Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: October 2019

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs)‐based all‐solid‐state lithium–sulfur batteries (ASSLSBs) have attracted extensive research attention due to their high energy density and safe operation, which provide potential solutions to the increasing need for harnessing higher energy densities. There is little progress made, however, in the development of ASSLSBs to improve simultaneously energy density and long‐term cycling life, mostly due to the “shuttle effect” of lithium polysulfide intermediates in the SPEs and the low interfacial compatibility between the metal lithium anode and the SPE. In this work, the issues of solid/solid interfacial architecturing through atomic layer deposition of Al2O3 on poly(ethylene oxide)‐lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide SPE surface are effectively addressed. The Al2O3 coating promotes the suppression of lithium dendrite formation for over 500 h. ASSLSBs fabricated with two layers of Al2O3‐coated SPE deliver high gravimetric/areal capacity and Coulombic efficiency, as well as excellent cycling stability and extremely low self‐discharge rate. This work provides not only a simple and effective approach to boost the electrochemical performances of SPE‐based ASSLSBs, but also enriches the fundamental understanding regarding the underlying mechanism responsible for their performance.
Ultrafine Co3O4 Nanoparticles within Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Matrix Derived from Metal–Organic Complex for Boosting Lithium Storage and Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Zhang Jingyuan , Qian Bin , Sun Shuo , Tao Shi , Chu Wangsheng , Wu Dajun , Song Li
Published: October 2019

Transition metal oxides have recently received great attention for application in advanced lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Herein, the ethylenediaminetetraacetic cobalt complex as a precursor to synthesize ultrafine Co3O4 nanoparticles encapsulated into a nitrogen‐doped carbon matrix (NC) composites is presented. The as‐prepared Co3O4/NC‐350 obtained by pyrolysis at 350 °C demonstrates superior rate performance (372 mAh g−1 at 5.0 A g−1) and high cycling stability (92% capacity retention after 300 cycles at 1.0 A g−1) as anode for LIBs. When evaluated as an electrocatalyst for OER, the Co3O4/NC‐350 achieves an overpotential of 298 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2. The NC‐encapsualted porous hierarchical structure assures fast and continuous electron transportation, high activity sites, and strong structural integrity. This works offers novel complex precursors for synthesizing transition metal–based electrodes for boosting electrochemical energy conversion and storage.
Human induced pluripotent stem cell line with genetically encoded fluorescent voltage indicator generated via CRISPR for action potential assessment post-cardiogenesis
Authors: Sun Yao-Hui , Kao Hillary K.J. , Chang Che-Wei , Merleev Alexander , Overton James L. , Pretto Dalyir , Yechikov Sergey , Maverakis Emanual , Chiamvimonvat Nipavan , Chan James W. , Lieu Deborah K.
Published: October 2019

Genetically encoded fluorescent voltage indicators, such as ArcLight, have been used to report action potentials (APs) in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs). However, the ArcLight expression, in all cases, relied on a high number of lentiviral vector-mediated random genome integrations (8-12 copy/cell), raising concerns such as gene disruption and alteration of global and local gene expression, as well as loss or silencing of reporter genes after differentiation. Here, we report the use of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 nuclease technique to develop a hiPSC line stably expressing ArcLight from the AAVS1 safe harbor locus. The hiPSC line retained proliferative ability with a growth rate similar to its parental strain. Optical recording with conventional epifluorescence microscopy allowed the detection of APs as early as 21 days postdifferentiation, and could be repeatedly monitored for at least 5 months. Moreover, quantification and analysis of the APs of ArcLight-CMs identified two distinctive subtypes: a group with high frequency of spontaneous APs of small amplitudes that were pacemaker-like CMs and a group with low frequency of automaticity and large amplitudes that resembled the working CMs. Compared with FluoVolt voltage-sensitive dye, although dimmer, the ArcLight reporter exhibited better optical performance in terms of phototoxicity and photostability with comparable sensitivities and signal-to-noise ratios. The hiPSC line with targeted ArcLight engineering design represents a useful tool for studying cardiac development or hiPSC-derived cardiac disease models and drug testing.
Cancer survivorship: living with and beyond cancer
Authors: Watts Eric
Published: October 2019

Cancer survivorship is becoming an increasingly important part of a cancer patient's journey. Here the author discusses how it should now be recognised as part of the overall cancer care package, with the aim of supporting patients' health and wellbeing beyond chemotherapy.