bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contrast Reversal in Scanning Tunneling Microscopy and Its Implications for the Topological Classification of SmB6
Authors: Herrmann Hannes , Hlawenka Peter , Siemensmeyer Konrad , Weschke Eugen , Sánchez‐Barriga Jaime , Varykhalov Andrei , Shitsevalova Natalya Y. , Dukhnenko Anatoliy V. , Filipov Volodymyr B. , Gabáni Slavomir , Flachbart Karol , Rader Oliver , Sterrer Martin , Rienks Emile D. L.
Published: January 2020

SmB6 has recently attracted considerable interest as a candidate for the first strongly correlated topological insulator. Such materials promise entirely new properties such as correlation‐enhanced bulk bandgaps or a Fermi surface from spin excitations. Whether SmB6 and its surface states are topological or trivial is still heavily disputed however, and a solution is hindered by major disagreement between angle‐resolved photoemission (ARPES) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) results. Here, a combined ARPES and STM experiment is conducted. It is discovered that the STM contrast strongly depends on the bias voltage and reverses its sign beyond 1 V. It is shown that the understanding of this contrast reversal is the clue to resolving the discrepancy between ARPES and STM results. In particular, the scanning tunneling spectra reflect a low‐energy electronic structure at the surface, which supports a trivial origin of the surface states and the surface metallicity of SmB6.
Atomic‐Scale Spacing between Copper Facets for the Electrochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Jeong Hyung Mo , Kwon Youngkook , Won Jong Ho , Lum Yanwei , Cheng Mu‐Jeng , Kim Kwang Ho , Head‐Gordon Martin , Kang Jeung Ku
Published: January 2020

Copper (Cu) offers a means for producing value‐added fuels through the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2), i.e., the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR), but designing Cu catalysts with significant Faradaic efficiency to C2+ products remains as a great challenge. This work demonstrates that the high activity and selectivity of Cu to C2+ products can be achieved by atomic‐scale spacings between two facets of Cu particles. These spacings are created by lithiating CuOx particles, removing lithium oxides formed, and electrochemically reducing CuOx to metallic Cu. Also, the range of spacing (ds) is confirmed via the 3D tomographs using the Cs‐corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (3D tomo‐STEM), and the operando X‐ray absorption spectra show that oxidized Cu reduces to the metallic state during the CO2RR. Moreover, control of ds to 5–6 Å allows a current density exceeding that of unmodified CuOx nanoparticles by about 12 folds and a Faradaic efficiency of ≈80% to C2+. Density functional theory calculations support that ds of 5–6 Å maximizes the binding energies of CO2 reduction intermediates and promotes C–C coupling reactions. Consequently, this study suggests that control of ds can be used to realize the high activity and C2+ product selectivity for the CO2RR.
2,4‐Dichlorophenoxyacetic‐N‐methylmethanamine and haloxyfop‐P‐methyl interaction: Sequential and interval applications to effectively control sourgrass and fleabane
Authors: Leal Jéssica Ferreira Lourenço , Souza Amanda dos Santos , Ribeiro Samia Rayara de Sousa , de Oliveira Gabriella Francisco Pereira Borges , Araujo André Lucas Simões , Borella Junior , Langaro Ana Claudia , Machado Aroldo Ferreira Lopes , de Pinho Camila Ferreira
Published: January 2020

Sourgrass (Digitaria insularis L.) and fleabane (Conyza spp. L.) constitute a major challenge to weed management in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production systems in Brazil, especially when both are resistant to glyphosate and present concurrently. The aim of this study was to evaluate the interaction of haloxyfop‐P‐methyl [methyl(R)‐2{4‐{3‐chloro‐5(trifluoromethyl)‐2‐pyridyloxy] phenoxy} propanoate] and 2,4‐D [2,4‐Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid‐N‐methylmethanamine] to control sourgrass at three to four tillers and flowering stages and 12‐ to 15‐cm fleabane at vegetative stage. The experiments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replicates and were conducted twice. Treatments were composed of haloxyfop‐P‐methyl and 2,4‐D applied sequentially at 3‐, 6‐, and 12‐d intervals. Treatments also included an untreated check, haloxyfop‐P‐methyl, and 2,4‐D sequentially (without interval) and stand‐alone applications of both herbicides. All treatments across experiments completely controlled fleabane plants, except haloxyfop‐P‐methyl alone. Haloxyfop‐P‐methyl applied ≥6 d before 2,4‐D controlled flowering and three‐ to four‐tiller sourgrass plants at rates of 50 and 100%, respectively. Based on results of this study, haloxyfop‐P‐methyl should be applied ≥6 d before 2,4‐D in a sequential application structure to control fleabane and sourgrass (three or four tillers) when present concurrently.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Direct ortho C−H Thiolation of Cyclic N‐Sulfonyl Ketimines
Authors: Shi Guangrui , Khan Ruhima , Zhang Xuexin , Yang Yong , Zhan Yong , Li Juan , Luo Yang , Fan Baomin
Published: January 2020

An efficient method for the synthesis of thiolated cyclic N‐sulfonyl ketimines has been developed. The reaction proceeds via rhodium catalyzed C−H functionalization using disulfides in the presence of silver carbonate, silver triflate and copper acetate in toluene. The methodology showed broad substrate scope as a wide range of N‐sulfonyl ketimines participated in the reaction giving the thiolated products in up to 95%.
Lemur catta in small forest fragments: Which variables best predict population viability?
Authors: Gould Lisa , Cowen Laura L. E.
Published: January 2020

Habitat fragmentation is an increasingly serious issue affecting primates in most regions where they are found today. Populations of Lemur catta (ring‐tailed lemur) in Madagascar's south‐central region are increasingly restricted to small, isolated forest fragments, surrounded by grasslands or small‐scale agriculture. Our aim was to evaluate the potential for population viability of L. catta in nine forest fragments of varying sizes (2–46 ha, population range: 6–210 animals) in south‐central Madagascar, using a set of comparative, quantitative ecological measures. We used Poisson regression models with a log link function to examine the effects of fragment size, within‐fragment food availability, and abundance of matrix resources (food and water sources) on L. catta population sizes and juvenile recruitment. We found a strong association between overall population size and (a) fragment size and (b) abundance of key food resources Melia azedarach and Ficus spp. (per 100 m along transect lines). Juvenile recruitment was also associated with fragment size and abundance of the two above‐mentioned food resources. When the largest population, an outlier, was removed from the analysis, again, the model containing fragment size and abundance of M. azedarach and Ficus spp. was the best fitting, but the model that best predicted juvenile recruitment contained only fragment size. While our results are useful for predicting population presence and possible persistence in these fragments, both the potential for male dispersal and the extent of human disturbance within most fragments play crucial roles regarding the likelihood of long‐term L. catta survival. While seven of the nine fragments were reasonably protected from human disturbance, only three offered the strong potential for male dispersal, thus the long‐term viability of many of these populations is highly uncertain.
Photocatalytic Conversion of Waste Plastics into C2 Fuels under Simulated Natural Environment Conditions
Authors: Jiao Xingchen , Zheng Kai , Chen Qingxia , Li Xiaodong , Li Yamin , Shao Weiwei , Xu Jiaqi , Zhu Junfa , Pan Yang , Sun Yongfu , Xie Yi
Published: January 2020

Reported here is the first highly selective conversion of various waste plastics into C2 fuels under simulated natural environment conditions by a sequential photoinduced C−C cleavage and coupling pathway, where single‐use bags, disposable food containers, food wrap films, and their main components of polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride can be photocatalytically transformed into CH3COOH without using sacrificial agents. As an example, polyethylene is photodegraded 100 % into CO2 within 40 h by single‐unit‐cell thick Nb2O5 layers, while the produced CO2 is further photoreduced to CH3COOH. Various methods and experiments disclose that O2 and .OH radicals trigger the oxidative C−C cleavage of polyethylene to form CO2, while other investigations show that the yielded CH3COOH stems from CO2 photoreduction by C−C coupling of .COOH intermediates. This two‐step plastic‐to‐fuel conversion may help to simultaneously address the white pollution crisis and harvest highly valuable multicarbon fuels in natural environments.
Assembly of the Thiolated [Au1Ag22(S‐Adm)12]3+ Superatom Complex into a Framework Material through Direct Linkage by SbF6− Anions
Authors: Chen Shuang , Du Wenjun , Qin Chenwanli , Liu Danyu , Tang Li , Liu Ying , Wang Shuxin , Zhu Manzhou
Published: January 2020

Building framework materials with desirable properties and enhanced functionalities with nanocluster/superatom complexes as building blocks remains a challenge in the field of nanomaterials. In this study, the chiral [Au1Ag22(S‐Adm)12]3+ nanocluster/superatom complex (SC, in which S‐Adm=1‐adamantanethiol) was employed as a building block to construct the three‐dimensional (3D) superatom complex inorganic framework (SCIF) materials SCIF‐1 and SCIF‐2 through inorganic SbF6− linkers. SCIF‐1 is racemic due to the assembly of two SC enantiomers in a single crystal. In SCIF‐2, the SC enantiomers are packed in separate crystals, thus producing larger channels and a circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) response. These two 3D SCIF materials exhibit unique sensitive photoluminescence (PL) in protic solvents. Our study provides a new pathway for creating novel open‐framework materials with superatom complexes and a foundation for the further development of 3D framework materials for sensing and other applications.
Ultra‐fast Cycling for Multiplexed Cellular Fluorescence Imaging
Authors: Ko Jina , Oh Juhyun , Ahmed Maaz S. , Carlson Jonathan C. T. , Weissleder Ralph
Published: January 2020

Rapid analysis of single and scant cell populations is essential in modern diagnostics, yet existing methods are often limited and slow. Herein, we describe an ultra‐fast, highly efficient cycling method for the analysis of single cells based on unique linkers for tetrazine (Tz)/trans‐cyclooctene (TCO)‐mediated quenching. Surprisingly, the quenching reaction rates were more than 3 orders of magnitude faster (t1/2<1 s) than predicted. This allowed multi‐cycle staining and immune cell profiling within an hour, leveraging the accelerated kinetics to open new diagnostic possibilities for rapid cellular analyses.
Facile amidation of esters with aromatic amines promoted by lanthanide tris (amide) complexes
Authors: Li Zhao , Guo Chenjun , Chen Jue , Yao Yingming , Luo Yunjie
Published: January 2020

The development of catalysts capable of catalyzing amidation of esters with amines to construct amides under mild conditions is of great importance. Compared to aliphatic amines, the direct catalytic amidation of esters with less nucleophilic aromatic amines is rather difficult. Employing simple lanthanide tris (amide) complexes Ln[N (SiMe3)2]3(μ‐Cl)Li (THF)3 as the catalysts, it was found a broad range of aromatic amines and esters were efficiently converted into various amides in good yields under mild conditions. A plausible mechanism for this transformation was experimentally supported as starting from an amide exchange reaction between the lanthanide tris (amide) complex and the substrate amine.
Strengthening ceramic surfaces with the use of resin cements based on thiourethane oligomers
Authors: Correr‐Sobrinho Lourenco , Costa Ana R. , Fugolin Ana P. , Borges Lincoln P. S. , Ferracane Jack L. , Pfeifer Carmem S.
Published: January 2020

This study evaluated the effects of thiourethane (TU) additives on the flexural strength (σf) and elastic modulus (Ef) of a resin cement, and on a possible strengthening of ceramic restorations.

Methods

Two TUs (ARomatic and ALiphatic) were added at 0 (control—EC) or 20 wt% to photopolymerizable resin cements. RelyX Ultimate (RU) was the commercial control. Flexural strength (σf) and elastic modulus (Ef) of the cements were measured in three‐point bending (n = 8). Biaxial flexural strength (σbf) of ceramic discs with and without cement layering were determined using a ball‐on‐ring setup. The σbf of cement‐coated specimens was calculated at positions z = 0 (ceramic surface, bonded interface) and z = −t2 (cement surface above ring). Data were analyzed with one‐way ANOVA/Tukey test (α = .05).

Results

σf of AR was significantly higher than for AL and RU, and Ef was lower. The Ef of RU was significantly higher than all other groups. At z = 0, all resin‐coated groups had higher σbf. The σbf of RU, AR, and AL were significantly higher than EC and unfilled resin group. At z = −t2, RU had significantly higher σbf.

Significance

All resin cements were able to strengthen the ceramic, with the TU‐modified material presenting similar results to the commercial material.
Beyond cholesterol metabolism: The pleiotropic effects of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9). Genetics, mutations, expression, and perspective for long‐term inhibition
Authors: Cesaro Arturo , Bianconi Vanessa , Gragnano Felice , Moscarella Elisabetta , Fimiani Fabio , Monda Emanuele , Scudiero Olga , Limongelli Giuseppe , Pirro Matteo , Calabrò Paolo
Published: January 2020

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has a crucial role in lipid metabolism, particularly due to its function in low‐density lipoprotein receptor degradation. Gain‐of‐function genetic mutations of PCSK9 result in autosomal dominant familial hypercholesterolemia, characterized by high levels of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) and clinical signs of early atherosclerosis. In recent years, PCSK9 has become an important therapeutic target for cholesterol‐lowering therapy. Particularly, its inhibition with monoclonal antibodies has shown excellent efficacy in decreasing LDL‐C and reducing cardiovascular events. However, PCSK9, first identified in the brain, seems to be a ubiquitous protein with different tissue‐specific functions also independent of cholesterol metabolism. Accordingly, it appears to be involved in the immune response, haemostasis, glucose metabolism, neuronal survival, and several other biological functions. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the genetics, biochemical structure, expression, and function of PCSK9 and discusses the potential implications of its long‐term pharmacological inhibition.
An Invariable Temperature during the Phase Transition of W Doped VO2 Film
Authors: Hong Seong‐Cheol , Lee Myeongsoon , Kim Don
Published: January 2020

The phase transition temperature of the functional VO2 films was adjusted to near room temperature by the W6+ doping. The V1−xW
xO2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.04) films were deposited by the one‐step thermal decomposition process (30 min at 793 K) on a sapphire (0001) substrate under inert conditions. The electrical resistivity of the films showed that the ending point of the metal to insulator transition (TCE) of the pure VO2 phase transition, which appeared at ~310 K, was shifted down to ~265 K along with the increased doping level of W. The hysteresis gap between cooling and heating cycles in the plot of temperature vs. electrical resistivity for the films decreased from ~25 to ~2 K by the increased W level. The transition temperature shift and the hysteresis gap decrement were also observed in the measurement of infrared (IR) transmittance near the transition temperature. The degree of IR (1550 nm) transmittance of the VO2 film in the low‐temperature region was decreased from ~80 to ~40% by the W doping, but nearly the same transmittance in the high‐temperature region. Even though the characteristics of the transition in resistivity and transmittance measurements were greatly altered by the W doping, the starting point of the metal to insulator transition (TCS) was nearly constant, TCS ~338 K.
Validated LC–MS/MS method for quantitation of a selective JAK1 inhibitor, filgotinib in rat plasma, and its application to a pharmacokinetic study in rats
Authors: Dixit Abhishek , Kiran Vinay , Gabani Bhavesh Babulal , Mohd Zainuddin , Trivedi Ravi Kumar , Mullangi Ramesh
Published: January 2020

Filgotinib is a selective JAK1 (Janus kinase) inhibitor, filed in Japan for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. In this paper, we report a validated liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry for the quantification of filgotinib in rat plasma using tofacitinib as an internal standard (IS) as per the Food and Drug Administration regulatory guidelines. Filgotinib and the IS were extracted from rat plasma using ethyl acetate as an extraction solvent and chromatographed using an isocratic mobile phase (0.2% formic acid:acetonitrile; 20:80, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.9 mL/min on a Gemini C18 column. Filgotinib and the IS were eluted at ~1.31 and 0.89 min, respectively. The MS/MS ion transitions monitored were m/z 426.3 → 291.3 and m/z 313.2 → 149.2 for filgotinib and the IS, respectively. The calibration range was 0.78–1924 ng/mL. No matrix effect and carryover were observed. Intra‐ and inter‐day accuracies and precisions were within the acceptance range. Filgotinib was stable for three freeze–thaw cycles: on bench‐top up to 6 h, in an autosampler up to 21 h, and at −80°C for 1 month. This novel method has been applied to a pharmacokinetic study in rats.
Generalized cutaneous metastases of breast cancer: An uncommon presentation
Authors: Chraiet Nesrine , Zenzri Yosr , Bouaziz Hanen , Sassi Imen , Guebsi Azza , Kamoun Salma , Rahal Khaled , Mezlini Amel
Published: January 2020

Cutaneous metastases are rare and represent a sign of poor prognosis. They are a sign of widespread disease. Breast cancer is the most common neoplasm leading to their appearance. Palliative care is the treatment of choice.
Late‐Stage 18O Labeling of Primary Sulfonamides via a Degradation–Reconstruction Pathway
Authors: Reilly Sean W. , Bennett Frank , Fier Patrick S. , Ren Sumei , Strotman Neil A.
Published: January 2020

A late‐stage 18O labeling approach of sulfonamides that employs the corresponding unlabeled molecule as the starting material was developed. Upon deamination of the sulfonamide, a sulfinate intermediate was isotopically enriched using eco‐friendly reagents H218O and 15NH3(aq) to afford a M+5 isotopologue of the parent compound. This degradation–reconstruction approach afforded isolated yields of up to 96 % for the stable isotope labeled (SIL) sulfonamides, and was compatible with multiple marketed therapeutics, including celecoxib, on a gram scale. The SIL products also exhibited no 18O/16O back exchange under extreme conditions, further validating the utility of this green strategy for drug labeling for both in vitro and in vivo use. This procedure was also adapted to include pharmaceutically relevant methyl sulfones by using 13CH3, affording M+5 isotopic enrichment, thereby illustrating the broad utility of this methodology.
DNA‐Based Asymmetric Inverse Electron‐Demand Hetero‐Diels–Alder
Authors: Mansot Justine , Lauberteaux Jimmy , Lebrun Aurélien , Mauduit Marc , Vasseur Jean‐Jacques , Marcia de Figueiredo Renata , Arseniyadis Stellios , Campagne Jean‐Marc , Smietana Michael
Published: January 2020

While artificial cyclases hold great promise in chemical synthesis, this work presents the first example of a DNA‐catalyzed inverse electron‐demand hetero‐Diels–Alder (IEDHDA) between dihydrofuran and various α,β‐unsaturated acyl imidazoles. The resulting fused bicyclic O,O‐acetals containing three contiguous stereogenic centers are obtained in high yields (up to 99 %) and excellent diastereo‐ (up to >99:1 dr) and enantioselectivities (up to 95 % ee) using a low catalyst loading. Most importantly, these results show that the concept of DNA‐based asymmetric catalysis can be expanded to new synthetic transformations offering an efficient, sustainable, and highly selective tool for the construction of chiral building blocks.
RNA Methylation m6A: A New Code and Drug Target?
Authors: Lai Gan‐Qiang , Zhou Lin‐Lin , Yang Cai‐Guang
Published: January 2020

The m6A‐RNA modification is a dynamic and reversible process, which has emerged as a new RNA code for the regulation of gene expression. The functional network of methyltransferases (writers), demethylases (erasers), and binding proteins (readers) modulate the level of m6A modification. Dysfunction of RNA methylation has been associated with various fundamental biological processes and human diseases. Herein, we briefly introduce an understanding‐enabled manipulation on m6A‐RNA modification with an emphasis on the use of small‐molecule intervention.
Sexual dimorphic distribution of cannabinoid 1 receptor mRNA in adult C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Liu Xue , Li Xulin , Zhao Gaoyang , Wang Feng , Wang Liping
Published: January 2020

The cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1R) is the most abundant G protein‐coupled receptor in the brain and plays crucial roles in emotion and behavior by modulating or mediating synaptic transmission and plasticity. Differences in CB1R density between male and female rodents may be associated with distinct behavioral phenotypes. In the rat brain, CB1R expression is significantly lower in the prefrontal cortex and amygdala of estrus females than in males. However, differences in CB1R distribution due to sex over the whole mouse brain are still largely unknown. Here, we systemically investigated the expression of CB1R mRNA in the brains of both male and female adult C57BL/6J mice using fluorescence in situ hybridization. There were significantly more CB1R positive cells in males than in females in the orbital cortex, insular cortex, cingulate cortex, piriform cortex, secondary visual cortex, caudate putamen (striatum), and ventral hippocampal CA1. There were significantly more CB1R mRNA cells in females than males in the fornix and dorsal hypothalamus. However, in some regions, strong hybridization signals without sex differences were detected, such as in the motor cortex, septum, medial habenular nucleus, and inferior colliculus. Moreover, female mice displayed different CB1R mRNA expression patterns in the medial amygdala, basolateral amygdala, and parabrachial nucleus during different phases of the estrous cycle. These findings provide a basis for understanding sexual dimorphism in physiological and pathological brain functions related to CB1R.
Crosstalk: The diversity of melanopsin ganglion cell types has begun to challenge the canonical divide between image‐forming and non‐image‐forming vision
Authors: Sondereker Katelyn B. , Stabio Maureen E. , Renna Jordan M.
Published: January 2020

Melanopsin ganglion cells have defied convention since their discovery almost 20 years ago. In the years following, many types of these intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) have emerged. In the mouse retina, there are currently six known types (M1–M6) of melanopsin ganglion cells, each with unique morphology, mosaics, connections, physiology, projections, and functions. While melanopsin‐expressing cells are usually associated with behaviors like circadian photoentrainment and the pupillary light reflex, the characterization of multiple types has demonstrated a reach that may extend far beyond non‐image‐forming vision. In fact, studies have shown that individual types of melanopsin ganglion cells have the potential to impact image‐forming functions like contrast sensitivity and color opponency. Thus, the goal of this review is to summarize the morphological and functional aspects of the six known types of melanopsin ganglion cells in the mouse retina and to highlight their respective roles in non‐image‐forming and image‐forming vision. Although many melanopsin ganglion cell types do project to image‐forming brain targets, it is important to note that this is only the first step in determining their influence on image‐forming vision. Even so, the visual system has canonically been divided into these two functional realms and melanopsin ganglion cells have begun to challenge the boundary between them, providing an overlap of visual information that is complementary rather than redundant. Further studies on these ganglion cell photoreceptors will no doubt continue to illustrate an ever‐expanding role for melanopsin ganglion cells in image‐forming vision.
Leptomeningeal metastatic cells adopt two phenotypic states
Authors: Remsik Jan , Chi Yudan , Tong Xinran , Sener Ugur , Derderian Camille , Park Abigail , Saadeh Fadi , Bale Tejus , Boire Adrienne
Published: January 2020

Background

Leptomeningeal metastasis (LM), or spread of cancer cells into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), is characterized by a rapid onset of debilitating neurological symptoms and markedly bleak prognosis. The lack of reproducible in vitro and in vivo models has prevented the development of novel, LM‐specific therapies. Although LM allows for longitudinal sampling of floating cancer cells with a spinal tap, attempts to culture patient‐derived leptomeningeal cancer cells have not been successful.

Aim

We, therefore, employ leptomeningeal derivatives of human breast and lung cancer cell lines that reproduce both floating and adherent phenotypes of human LM in vivo and in vitro.

Methods and Results

We introduce a trypsin/EDTA‐based fractionation method to reliably separate the two cell subsets and demonstrate that in vitro cultured floating cells have decreased proliferation rate, lower ATP content, and are enriched in distinct metabolic signatures. Long‐term fractionation and transcriptomic analysis suggest high degree plasticity between the two phenotypes in vitro. Floating cells colonize mouse leptomeninges more rapidly and associate with shortened survival. In addition, patients harboring LM diagnosed with CSF disease alone succumbed to the disease earlier than patients with adherent (MRI positive) disease.

Conclusion

Together, these data support mechanistic evidence of a metabolic adaptation that allows cancer cells to thrive in their natural environment but leads to death in vitro.
A new method to realize nonrational driving‐point functions
Authors: Kumar Abhimanyu , Ganguli Souvik
Published: January 2020

This paper presents a new synthesis procedure for nonrational driving‐point functions by defining and using the
operator. The operator is defined, and its properties are explored. Applying the Stieltjes transform on the
operator, the Padé approximant or the continued fraction form of the nonrational network function can be achieved with reduced computational complexity. Thus, the classical Foster and Cauer form or other techniques may be applied to synthesize network functions. The application of this work is demonstrated by considering certain functions such as the square root, inverse tangent, logarithm, and Lambert's W function. A set of conditions called synthesis criteria is proposed, which should be satisfied by a nonrational function to be realizable.
Highly invasive tree species are more dependent on mutualisms
Authors: Moyano Jaime , Rodriguez‐Cabal Mariano A. , Nuñez Martin A.
Published: January 2020

Why some species become invasive while others do not remains an elusive question. It has been proposed that invasive species should depend less on mutualisms, because their spread would then be less constrained by the availability of mutualistic partners. We tested this idea with the genus Pinus, whose degree of invasiveness is known at the species level (being highly and negatively correlated with seed size), and which forms obligate mutualistic associations with ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF). Mycorrhizal dependence is defined as the degree to which a plant needs the mycorrhizal fungi to show the maximum growth. In this regard, we use plant growth response to mycorrhizal fungi as a proxy for mycorrhizal dependence. We assessed the responsiveness of Pinus species to EMF using 1,206 contrasts published on 34 species, and matched these data with data on Pinus species invasiveness. Surprisingly, we found that species that are more invasive depend more on mutualisms (EMF). Seedling growth of species with smaller seeds benefited more from mutualisms, indicating a higher dependence. A higher reliance on EMF could be part of a strategy in which small‐seeded species produce more seeds that can disperse further, and these species are likely to establish only if facilitated by mycorrhizal fungi. On the contrary, big‐seeded species showed a lower dependence on EMF, which may be explained by their tolerance to stressful conditions during establishment. However, the limited dispersal of larger seeds may limit the spread of these species. We present strong evidence against a venerable belief in ecology that species that rely more on mutualisms are less prone to invade, and suggest that in certain circumstances greater reliance on mutualists can increase spread capacity.
Predicting construction labor productivity using lower upper decomposition radial base function neural network
Authors: Golnaraghi Sasan , Moselhi Osama , Alkass Sabah , Zangenehmadar Zahra
Published: January 2020

Construction labor productivity is affected by many factors such as scope changes, weather conditions, managerial policies, and operational variables. Labor productivity is critical in project development. Its modeling, however, can be a very complex task for it requires consideration of the factors stated above. In this article, a novel methodology is proposed for quantifying the impact of multiple factors on productivity. The data used in the present study was prepared using data processing techniques and was subsequently used in the development of a predictive model for labor productivity utilizing radial basis function neural network. The model focuses on labor productivity in a formwork installation using data gathered from two high‐rise buildings in the downtown area of Montreal, Canada. The predictive capability of the developed model is then compared with other techniques including adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system, artificial neural network, radial basis function (RBF), and generalized regression neural network. The results show that LU‐RBF predicts productivity more accurately and thus can be utilized members of project teams to validate the estimated productivity based on available data. The advantages and limitations of the proposed model are discussed in this article.
Yield curve risks in currency carry forwards
Authors: Baek Seungho , Lee Jeong Wan , Oh Kyong Joo , Lee Myoungji
Published: January 2020

We provide empirical evidence that cross‐country yield curve gaps (parallel gap, twist gap, and butterfly gap) are predictive to the expected currency carry premiums using currency forward contracts. We find that the expected currency gains are more notable as these yield curve risk factors at time t indicate short‐term bond prices of investment currencies to go up (positive parallel movement, negative twist, and positive butterfly). We also find carry gains are more sensitively affected by cross‐country monetary shocks than currency‐country inflation pressures and business cycles. Our findings support that cross‐country yield curve risk premiums still exist even after considering transaction costs.
Examining Studio Ghibli’s Animated Films: A Study of Students’ Viewing Paths and Creative Projects
Authors: Williams Wendy R.
Published: January 2020

Being literate in today’s world involves more than reading and writing traditional works in print. Students need experiences with a range of multimodal narratives, including animation. Multimodal narratives offer many entry points for engagement, and design plays an important role as readers/viewers navigate their way through these works and make meaning. This qualitative study took place in the U.S. Southwest and involved 20 university students enrolled in a Studio Ghibli Films course. Analysis of coursework using grounded theory and open coding revealed that participants designed nine viewing paths to interpret the films, approaching animated works as narratives, multimodal compositions, cultural/historical artifacts, transformed source materials, products of a director, objects of value, conversations between texts, commentaries, and personal experiences. Participants also composed a wide variety of creative projects that drew on their out‐of‐school interests. Animated works, such as the films of Studio Ghibli, have great potential in education.
Retracted: Long noncoding RNA RHPN1‐AS1, induced by KDM5B, is involved in breast cancer via sponging miR‐6884‐5p
Authors: Liang Dong , Liu Hui , Yang Qinheng , He Yaning , Yan Yuan , Li Na , You Wei
Published: January 2020

The above article, published online in Journal of Cellular Biochemistry on 31 January 2020 in Wiley Online Library (https://doi.org/10.1002/jcb.29645), has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the journal's Editor in Chief, Prof. Dr. Christian Behl, and Wiley Periodicals LLC.

The authors asked to retract their article after substantial mistakes in experimental data were found, thus the results are considered to be invalid.
Muscle regeneration in adiponectin knockout mice showed early activation of anti‐inflammatory response with perturbations in myogenesis
Authors: Mosele Francielle C. , Bissi Ricci Rafael , Abreu Phablo , Rosa Neto José C.
Published: January 2020

Activation, proliferation, and differentiation of satellite cells can be influenced by extracellular factors, such as adiponectin. This adipokine has been proposed as a regulator of in vitro myogenesis, but its action on in vivo regeneration is not still elucidated. We used C57BL/6 (wild‐type [WT]) and adiponectin knockout (AdKO) mice injured with barium chloride at periods of 3, 7, and 14 days after injury. The AdKO presented a higher number of centralized nuclei after 7 days, and a reduction in myogenic genes was observed after 3 days. Moreover, these mice presented an increase in anti‐inflammatory cytokines after 3 and 7 days, and an increase in the M2 gene marker and proinflammatory cytokines after 7 days. The WT demonstrated an increase in adiponectin messenger RNA after 7 days. These results demonstrate that adiponectin is important in tissue remodeling during regeneration and that its deficiency does not compromise the maturation of muscle fibers, due to an increase in anti‐inflammatory response; however, there is a possible impairment in proinflammatory response and an increase in centralized myonuclei.
Recurrent breast amyloidosis associated with Sjögren's syndrome: A case report with description of the radiologic‐pathologic correlation
Authors: Lee Geon Yang , Ryu Jung Kyu , Lim Sung‐Jig
Published: January 2020

We describe the case of a 41‐year‐old woman with primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) who presented multiple recurrences of breast amyloidosis. Each recurrence of breast amyloidosis showed different sonographic features, potentially mimicking malignancy. We briefly discuss the possible cause of this variability in imaging features based on the radiologic‐histologic correlation.
Incidence, treatment and outcome of abdominal metastases in extremity soft tissue sarcoma: Results from a multi‐centre study
Authors: Smolle Maria A. , Schaffler Angelika , Leithner Andreas , Van Praag Veroniek M. , Bergovec Marko , Szkandera Joanna , Liegl‐Atzwanger Bernadette , Niethard Maya , Tunn Per‐Ulf , Van De Sande Michiel , Andreou Dimosthenis
Published: January 2020

Background and Objectives

Abdominal metastases (AM) from soft tissue sarcoma (STS) are rare and prognosis is poor. The aims of the study were to (a) identify risk factors for the development of AM and to (b) investigate the outcome of AM‐patients.

Methods

Seven‐hundred‐sixty‐nine STS‐patients with localised disease at diagnosis treated at three tumour centres (2000‐2016) were retrospectively included (409 males; mean age, 55.6 years [range, 8‐96 years]; median follow‐up, 4.1 years [interquartile‐range, 2.5‐6.6 years]).

Results

Two‐hundred‐two patients (26.3%) developed secondary metastases, and 24 of them AM (3.1%). Ten patients developed first AM (FAM) after a mean of 2.4 years and 14 patients late AM (LAM, after being diagnosed with metastases to other sites) after a mean of 2.0 years. Patients with liposarcoma had a significantly higher risk of developing AM (P = .007), irrespective of grading. There was no difference in post‐metastasis‐survival (PMS) between patients with AM at any time point and those with metastases to other sites (P = .585). Patients with LAM or FAM showed no difference in post‐abdominal‐metastasis‐survival (P = .884).

Conclusions

Survival in patients with AM is poor, irrespective of whether they develop secondarily to other metastases or not. Patients at high‐risk of AM (ie, liposarcoma) may be followed‐up regularly by abdominal‐ultrasound/CT.
Multivisceral resection vs standard gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma
Authors: Dias Andre R. , Pereira Marina A. , Oliveira Rodrigo J. , Ramos Marcus F. K. P. , Szor Daniel J. , Ribeiro Ulysses , Zilberstein Bruno , Cecconello Ivan
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Multivisceral resection (MVR) is potentially curative for selected gastric cancer patients, supposedly at the cost of increased complications. However, current data comparing MVR to standard gastrectomy (SG) is lacking.

Objectives

Compare complications and survival after MVR and SG.

Methods

In a retrospective cohort of 1015 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma, 58 underwent MVR and 466 SG. Groups were compared concerning their characteristics, complications, and survival.

Results

One hundred seventy‐six patients had postoperative complications. Major complications were more frequent after MVR (P = .002). Surgical mortality was 8.6% and 4.9% for MVR and SG (P = .221). Older age, higher morbidities, and MVR were independent risk factors for major complications. The odds ratio for major complications was 5.89 for MVR with one or two organs and 38.01 for MVR with three or more organs. The pancreas was the most commonly removed organ and pT4b disease were confirmed in 34 (58.6%) of the MVR cases. Disease‐free survival (DFS) was lower in MVR patients (51% vs 77.8%; P < .001), being worse according to the number of organs resected. In pN+ patients, DFS was worse after MVR. DFS was equivalent to pT4b and non‐pT4b in the MVR group.

Conclusions

Increased morbidity and lower survival are expected for gastric cancer patients undergoing MVR.
Recyclable and Dual Cross‐Linked High‐Performance Polymer with an Amplified Strength–Toughness Combination
Authors: Du Mengqi , Yang Li , Liao Cong , Diangha Tasah Philas , Ma Yuanchi , Zhang Lin , Lan Yang , Chang Guanjun
Published: January 2020

Supramolecular chemistry has provided versatile and affordable solutions for the design of tough, flexible polymers. However, application of supramolecular chemistry has been limited to the production of rigid, high‐performance polymers due to weak segment mobility. This paper describes a new method of toughening rigid high‐performance polymers using the synergistic effect between dual Cu2+‐coordination bonds as a crosslink. These dual Cu2+‐coordination cross‐linked high‐performance polymers are a class of rigid polymers with an outstanding combination of strength and toughness. The distinct lifetimes and binding strengths of the dual Cu2+‐coordination bonds in a rigid polymer network elicit different dynamic behaviors to improve its energy dissipation and mechanical properties. Moreover, the reformation and removal of Cu2+‐coordination bonds by pyrophosphoric acid endows these cross‐linked high‐performance polymers with recyclability.
A fast Fourier transform based direct solver for the Helmholtz problem
Authors: Toivanen Jari , Wolfmayr* Monika
Published: January 2020

This article is devoted to the efficient numerical solution of the Helmholtz equation in a two‐ or three‐dimensional (2D or 3D) rectangular domain with an absorbing boundary condition (ABC). The Helmholtz problem is discretized by standard bilinear and trilinear finite elements on an orthogonal mesh yielding a separable system of linear equations. The main key to high performance is to employ the fast Fourier transform (FFT) within a fast direct solver to solve the large separable systems. The computational complexity of the proposed FFT‐based direct solver is operations. Numerical results for both 2D and 3D problems are presented confirming the efficiency of the method discussed.
A framework for robust quadratic optimal control with parametric dynamic model uncertainty using polynomial chaos
Authors: Lefebvre Tom , De Belie Frederik , Crevecoeur Guillaume
Published: January 2020

We propose a framework tailored to robust optimal control (OC) problems subject to parametric model uncertainty of system dynamics. First, we identify a generic class of robust objective kernels that are based on the class of deterministic quadratic objectives. It is demonstrated how such kernels can be expressed as a function of the stochastic moments of the state and how the objective terms relate to the robustness and performance of the optimal solution. Second, we engage the generalized polynomial chaos (gPC) framework to propagate uncertainty along the state trajectory. Integrating both frameworks makes way to reformulate the problem as a deterministic OC problem in function of the gPC expansion coefficients that can be solved using existing methods. We apply the framework to solve the problem of robust optimal startup behavior of a nonlinear mechanical drivetrain that is subject to a bifurcation in its dynamics.
Burden and quality of life in caregivers of patients with amputated diabetic foot
Authors: Costa Suely , Leite Ângela , Pinheiro Mariana , Pedras Susana , Pereira M. Graça
Published: January 2020

Informal caregivers of chronically ill patients often report burden and poor quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of caring on caregivers of amputated patients with type 2 diabetes and diabetic foot. A cross‐sectional study included a convenience sample of 110 caregivers who answered: the Burden Assessment Scale, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales, the Social Support Satisfaction Scale, the Family Assessment Device, and the Short Form Health Survey. Multiple linear hierarchical regressions were performed to identify the variables that contributed to the burden and the physical and mental quality of life. Differences in burden as well as physical and mental quality of life were found, according to several caregivers’ sociodemographic characteristics. Lower social support, more distress, and caregiver's perception of the impact of caring on the family dynamics contributed to burden. Lower distress and not having a chronic illness besides diabetes explained the physical quality of life whereas exercise and lower distress explained mental quality of life. To promote quality of life in caregivers and reduce the burden associated with caregiving, interventions should focus on social support, distress, and the practice of exercise.
Expanded carrier screening for preconception reproductive risk assessment: Prevalence of carrier status in a Mexican population
Authors: Hernandez‐Nieto Carlos , Alkon‐Meadows Tamar , Lee Joseph , Cacchione Teresa , Iyune‐Cojab Esther , Garza‐Galvan Maria , Luna‐Rojas Martha , Copperman Alan B , Sandler Benjamin
Published: January 2020

Objective

Genetic carrier screening has the potential to identify couples at risk of having a child affected with an autosomal recessive or X‐linked disorder. However, the current prevalence of carrier status for these conditions in developing countries is not well defined. This study assesses the prevalence of carrier status of selected genetic conditions utilizing an expanded, pan‐ethnic genetic carrier screening panel (ECS) in a large population of Mexican patients.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of all patients tested with a single ECS panel at an international infertility center from 2012 to 2018 were included, and the prevalence of positive carrier status in a Mexican population was evaluated.

Results

Eight hundred five individuals were analyzed with ECS testing for 283 genetic conditions. Three hundred fifty‐two carriers (43.7%) were identified with 503 pathogenic variants in 145 different genes. Seventeen of the 391 participating couples (4.34%) were identified as being at‐risk couples. The most prevalent alleles found were associated with alpha thalassemia, cystic fibrosis, GJB2 nonsyndromic hearing loss, biotinidase deficiency, and familial Mediterranean fever.

Conclusion

Based on the prevalence and severity of Mendelian disorders, we recommend that couples who wish to conceive regardless of their ethnicity background explore carrier screening and genetic counseling prior to reproductive medical treatment.
Insulin Glargine in Critically ill Patients: Once/Day versus Twice/Day Dosing
Authors: Fox Marlena A. , Perry Melanie C. , Liu‐DeRyke Xi
Published: January 2020

Objective

Twice/day dosing of insulin glargine has been used to treat hyperglycemia in clinical practice; however, data supporting its use in the critically ill population are lacking. This study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of twice/day insulin glargine in critically ill patients.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted in adult patients admitted to the intensive care units between February 2013 and June 2017 who received insulin glargine twice/day or 40 units or more once/day for 48 hours or longer. Post cardiovascular surgery patients were excluded. Data were collected for up to 14 patient‐days. The efficacy outcomes included the incidence of hyperglycemia (blood glucose [BG] above 180 mg/dl), predose hyperglycemia rate (BG above 180 mg/dl within 4 hrs before the dose), and BG variability (standard deviation). The safety outcome was assessed by the development of hypoglycemia (BG below 70 mg/dl).

Results

A total of 58 patients (twice/day = 23; once/day = 35) were included in the analysis. Demographics were similar between the groups including history of diabetes mellitus, baseline hemoglobin A1C, and home insulin use. No difference was observed between the twice/day and once/day groups in the mean BG (153 vs 154 mg/dl, p=0.95, respectively), and BG variability (46 vs 44 mg/dl, p=0.29, respectively). Although the overall incidence of hyperglycemia was similar between twice/day and once/day groups (96% vs 97%, p=1.00, respectively), the twice/day group had a significantly lower predose hyperglycemia rate (twice/day 0.27 vs once/day 0.43, p=0.02). Additionally, the twice/day group did not experience an increased incidence of hypoglycemia (twice/day 23% vs once/day 34%, p=0.57) or hypoglycemia without having anything by mouth (twice/day 0% vs once/day 9%, p=0.27).

Conclusions

This is the first study demonstrating that twice/day insulin glargine reduced the rate of predose hyperglycemia without increasing the risk of hypoglycemia in critically ill patients. A large randomized study is needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of twice/day glargine in the critically ill.