bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cyclodextrin‐Based [c2]Daisy Chain Rotaxane Insulating Two Diarylacetylene Cores
Authors: Tsuda Susumu , Komai Yoshitsugu , Fujiwara Shin‐ichi , Nishiyama Yutaka
Published: October 2020

A [c2]daisy chain rotaxane with two diarylacetylene cores was efficiently synthesized in 53 % yield by capping a C2‐symmetric pseudo[2]rotaxane composed of two diarylacetylene‐substituted permethylated α‐cyclodextrins (PM α‐CDs) with aniline stoppers. The maximum absorption wavelength of the [c2]daisy chain rotaxane remained almost unchanged in various solvents, unlike that of the stoppered monomer, indicating that the two independent diarylacetylene cores were insulated from the external environment by the PM α‐CDs. Furthermore, the [c2]daisy chain rotaxane exhibited fluorescence emission derived from both diarylacetylene monomers and the excimer, which implies that the [c2]daisy chain structure can undergo contraction and extension. This is the first demonstration of a system in which excimer formation between two π‐conjugated molecules within an isolated space can be controlled by the unique motion of a [c2]daisy chain rotaxane.
Modular Production with Bio‐Based Resources in a Decentral Production Network
Authors: Finkbeiner Marco , Pannok Maik , Fasel Henrik , Riese Julia , Lier Stefan
Published: October 2020

The change in process industry from fossil resources to alternative feedstock is indispensable due to the scarcity of resources and global warming. This leads to new challenges for the production systems. On the market side, rapid innovation is accompanied by shorter product life cycles leading to an increasing uncertainty of demand in terms of product type, volume and location. Therefore, the following five elements are combined into a concept to address these challenges: transformable production systems, local bio‐based resources, CO2 as feedstock, renewable energy and decentral production network with local economies.
Polyoxygenated Cembranoids from Soft Coral Lobophytum Crassum and Their Anti‐tumoral Activities
Authors: Yin Fang‐Zhou , Huan Xia‐Juan , Mudianta I. Wayan , Miao Ze‐Hong , Wang Hong , Guo Yue‐Wei , Li Xu‐Wen
Published: October 2020

Main observation and conclusion

Four new cembranoids, 6‐oxo‐cembrene‐A (1), lobocrassins G—H (2—3), and 14‐epi‐lobophytolide B (4), along with eight known related compounds (5—12), were isolated from the South China Sea soft coral Lobophytum crassum. Their structures were established by extensive spectroscopic analysis and by comparison of the spectral data with those reported in the literatures. The absolute stereochemistry of 14‐epi‐lobophytolide B (4) was established by time‐dependent density functional theory electronic circular dichroism (TDDFT‐ECD) calculations, whereas that of three known metabolites (6, 11 and 12) was also determined, for the first time, by using modified Mosher's method and/or X‐ray diffraction analyses. In bioassay, the cembranoids 6, 7 and 12 showed significant anti‐tumoral activity against A549, HT‐29, SNU‐398 and Capan‐1 tumor cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 1.5 to 7.4 μmol/L. A preliminary structure‐activity relationship was also discussed.
A broad class of zero‐or‐one inflated regression models for rates and proportions
Authors: Queiroz Francisco F. , Lemonte Artur J.
Published: October 2020

We introduce a family of distributions with bounded support for continuous rates or proportions when the data contain zeros or ones. On the basis of this class of distributions, we propose a novel class of regression models which is useful for modelling fractional data observed on [0, 1) or (0, 1]. The response variable of the new class of regression models has a mixed continuous‐discrete distribution with probability mass at zero or one, and the parameters of the mixture distribution are modelled through regression structures involving covariates and unknown parameters. An advantage of this class of regression models is the ability to deal with atypical observations. We consider a frequentist approach to performing inferences, and the traditional maximum likelihood method is employed to estimate the regression parameters. We also propose a residual analysis for the novel class of regression models to assess departures from model assumptions. Additionally, global and local influence methods are discussed. An empirical application that employs real data is considered to illustrate the usefulness of the new class of regression models in practice.
Effects of COPD on in‐hospital outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve implantation: Results from the National Inpatient Sample database
Authors: Xiao Fei , Yang Jue , Fan Ruixin
Published: October 2020

Background

Comorbid chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) increases morbidity and mortality among aortic valve replacement patients undergoing conventional surgery. The impact of COPD in patients undergoing less invasive transcatheter aortic valve insertion (TAVI) is unclear.

Hypothesis

This study evaluates the in‐hospital outcomes of TAVI in patients with and without COPD.

Methods

This population‐based, retrospective study of 8466 TAVI patients (29.87% with COPD) evaluates the effects of COPD on short‐term clinical outcomes (in‐hospital mortality, length of hospital stay, and postoperative complications) using data from the National Inpatient Sample database from 2011 to 2014. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with in‐hospital mortality and postoperative complications. Linear regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with length of hospital stay.

Results

COPD is significantly associated with increased risk of respiratory complications and pneumonia after TAVI (aOR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.24‐1.64; P < .001) but not in‐hospital mortality, length of hospital stay, or non‐respiratory postoperative complications as compared to non‐COPD patients. Concomitant COPD is significantly associated with increased risk of respiratory complications or pneumonia after TAVI but may still be the best treatment option for some patients.

Conclusions

Patients with comorbid COPD who receive TAVI have greater risk of developing postoperative respiratory complications and pneumonia. Vigilance for specific respiratory complications is highly warranted when treating this subgroup. Treatment decisions must be individualized.
5G NB‐IoT: Efficient network call admission control in cellular networks
Authors: Slalmi Ahmed , Chaibi Hasna , Saadane Rachid , Chehri Abdellah , Jeon Gwanggil
Published: October 2020

The International Telecommunications Union defines in its IMT‐2020 recommendations three types of use of 5G services: mMTC (massive Machine‐type Communications), eMBB (enhanced Mobile Broadband), and uRLLC (ultra‐Reliable Low Latency Communications). The mMTC service allows a considerable number of machines and devices to communicate while guaranteeing a good quality of service. The eMBB service allows very high data throughput, even at the cell border. The uRLLC service is used for ultra‐reliable communication for critical needs requiring very low latency. These services are provided separately in a given cell. However, the number of connected objects is starting to increase rapidly as well as the bit rates and energy consumption. The 5G network must make it possible to provide access to a vast number of users of its different service categories. Call admission control (CAC) techniques focus more on availability in terms of bit rate and coverage. In this article, we suggest an algorithm for modeling CAC in an area served by the three categories of services in a 5G access network, mainly based on minimum energy consumption. This technique will allow connected objects that consume low energy to connect to the network with an adequate quality of service and enable the development of the Internet of Things.
Catalytic Effect of Electric Fields on the Kemp Elimination Reactions with Neutral Bases
Authors: Acosta‐Silva Carles , Bertran Joan , Branchadell Vicenç , Oliva Antoni
Published: October 2020

The effect of solvent reaction fields and oriented electric fields on the Kemp elimination reaction between methylamine or imidazole and 5‐nitrobenzisoxazole has been theoretically studied. The Kemp reaction is the most widely used for the design of new enzymes. Our results, using the SMD continuous model for solvents, are in quite good agreement with the experimental fact that the rate of the analogous reaction with butylamine is one order of magnitude smaller in water than in acetonitrile. In the case of external electric fields, our results show that they can increase or decrease the energy barrier depending on the magnitude and orientation of the field. A duly oriented electric field may have a notable catalytic effect on the reaction. So, external electric fields and reaction fields due to the medium can contribute to the design of new enzymes. Several factors that must be taken into account to increase the catalytic effect are discussed.
The HOX⋯SO2 (X=F, Cl, Br, I) Binary Complexes: Implications for Atmospheric Chemistry
Authors: Kitzmiller Nathaniel L. , Wolf Mark E. , Turney Justin M. , Schaefer Henry F.
Published: October 2020

Sulfur dioxide and hypohalous acids (HOX, X=F, Cl, Br, I) are ubiquitous molecules in the atmosphere that are central to important processes like seasonal ozone depletion, acid rain, and cloud nucleation. We present the first theoretical examination of the HOX⋯SO2 binary complexes and the associated trends due to halogen substitution. Reliable geometries were optimized at the CCSD(T)/aug‐cc‐pV(T+d)Z level of theory for HOF and HOCl complexes. The HOBr and HOI complexes were optimized at the CCSD(T)/aug‐cc‐pV(D+d)Z level of theory with the exception of the Br and I atoms which were modeled with an aug‐cc‐pwCVDZ‐PP pseudopotential. 27 HOX⋯SO2 complexes were characterized and the focal point method was employed to produce CCSDT(Q)/CBS interaction energies. Natural Bond Orbital analysis and Symmetry Adapted Perturbation Theory were used to classify the nature of each principle interaction. The interaction energies of all HOX⋯SO2 complexes in this study ranged from 1.35 to 3.81 kcal mol−1. The single‐interaction hydrogen bonded complexes spanned a range of 2.62 to 3.07 kcal mol−1, while the single‐interaction halogen bonded complexes were far more sensitive to halogen substitution ranging from 1.35 to 3.06 kcal mol−1, indicating that the two types of interactions are extremely competitive for heavier halogens. Our results provide insight into the interactions between HOX and SO2 which may guide further research of related systems.
Distribution and Microstructure Analysis of Ceramic Particles in the Lead‐Free Solder Matrix
Authors: Pal Manoj Kumar , Gergely Gréta , Koncz‐Horváth Dániel , Gácsi Zoltán
Published: October 2020

The Sn‐3.5Ag‐0.5Cu (SAC305) solder alloy is a prominent candidate for the Pb‐free solder, and SAC305 solder is generally employed in today's electronic enterprise. In this study, the formation of intermetallic compounds (Cu6Sn5and Ag3Sn) in the solder (bulk area), average neighboring particle distance, and the morphological mosaic are examined by the addition of silicon carbide (SiC) and nickel‐coated SiC reinforcements within Sn‐3.5Ag‐0.5Cu solder. Results reveal that the addition of SiC and SiC(Ni) particles is associated with a small change to the average neighboring particle distance and a decrease in clustering rate to a certain limit of the Sn‐3.5Ag‐0.5Cu solder composites. Moreover, the development of the Cu6Sn5and the structure of the Ag3Sn are improved with the addition of SiC and Ni‐coated SiC.
Perfectionism, anorexia nervosa, and family treatment: How perfectionism changes throughout treatment and predicts outcomes
Authors: Welch Hannah A. , Agras W. Stewart , Lock James , Halmi Katherine A.
Published: October 2020

Objective

This study uses data from a multisite randomized clinical trial to study the role of perfectionism in family‐based treatment (FBT) for adolescent anorexia nervosa (AN). The main aim is to examine the role of baseline perfectionism in treatment response.

Method

Adolescents (N = 158; ages 12–18; 89.2% female) and their families were randomized to receive either FBT or systemic family treatment for AN. Eating disorder (ED) pathology, obsessive–compulsive symptoms, and perfectionism were assessed at baseline, end of treatment, and 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐up. Linear regression analyses were used to test whether perfectionism and obsessive–compulsive symptoms at baseline predict ED pathology at all timepoints. An independent samples t test was used to test whether there was a significant difference in the change in perfectionism in either treatment group.

Results

Baseline maladaptive perfectionism significantly predicted ED pathology but not ideal body weight at all timepoints. The model that included obsessive–compulsive symptoms also predicted ED pathology at all timepoints except 12‐month follow‐up. Perfectionism scores did not change during treatment regardless of treatment type.

Discussion

Baseline perfectionism predicted treatment response in this study. Interventions might target perfectionism to improve treatment response in AN.
Thermal response of two sexually dimorphic Calopteryx (Odonata) over an ambient temperature range
Authors: Schreiner Gretchen D. , Duffy Lucie A. , Brown Jonathan M.
Published: October 2020

Organisms may internally or behaviorally regulate their body temperatures or conform to the ambient air temperatures. Previous evidence is mixed on whether wing pigmentation influences thermoregulation in various odonates.

We investigated the thermal response of sympatric North American Calopteryx aequabilis and Calopteryx maculata with a thermal imaging study across a 25°C ambient temperature range.

We found that regressions of thorax temperature on ambient temperature standardized by species had similar slopes for male and female C. maculata, but females were consistently 1.5°C warmer than males. In contrast, the sexes of C. aequabilis differed in slope, with C. aequabilis females having a slope less than 1.0 and males having a slope greater than 1.0.

We found that regressions of thorax temperature on ambient temperature standardized by sex had similar slopes for males and females of both species, but C. maculata females were consistently 2.1°C warmer than C. aequabilis females.

Given that C. aequabilis is strongly sexually dimorphic in pigment, but C. maculata is not, our findings suggest that wing pigmentation may influence thermal response rate in sympatric populations of both species.
Reduction in heart failure hospitalization rate during coronavirus disease 19 pandemic outbreak
Authors: Severino Paolo , D'Amato Andrea , Saglietto Andrea , D'Ascenzo Fabrizio , Marini Claudia , Schiavone Marco , Ghionzoli Nicolò , Pirrotta Filippo , Troiano Francesca , Cannillo Margherita , Mennuni Marco , Rognoni Andrea , Rametta Francesco , Galluzzo Alessandro , Agnes Gianluca , Infusino Fabio , Pucci Mariateresa , Lavalle Carlo , Cacciotti Luca , Mather Paul J. , Grosso Marra Walter , Ugo Fabrizio , Forleo Giovanni , Viecca Maurizio , Morici Nuccia , Patti Giuseppe , De Ferrari Gaetano M. , Palazzuoli Alberto , Mancone Massimo , Fedele Francesco
Published: October 2020

Aims

The recent coronavirus disease 19 (COVID‐19) pandemic outbreak forced the adoption of restraint measures, which modified the hospital admission patterns for several diseases. The aim of the study is to investigate the rate of hospital admissions for heart failure (HF) during the early days of the COVID‐19 outbreak in Italy, compared with a corresponding period during the previous year and an earlier period during the same year.

Methods and results

We performed a retrospective analysis on HF admissions number at eight hospitals in Italy throughout the study period (21 February to 31 March 2020), compared with an inter‐year period (21 February to 31 March 2019) and an intra‐year period (1 January to 20 February 2020). The primary outcome was the overall rate of hospital admissions for HF. A total of 505 HF patients were included in this survey: 112 during the case period, 201 during intra‐year period, and 192 during inter‐year period. The mean admission rate during the case period was 2.80 admissions per day, significantly lower compared with intra‐year period (3.94 admissions per day; incidence rate ratio, 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.56–0.89; P = 0.0037), or with inter‐year (4.92 admissions per day; incidence rate ratio, 0.57; 95% confidence interval, 0.45–0.72; P < 0.001). Patients admitted during study period were less frequently admitted in New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class II compared with inter‐year period (P = 0.019). At covariance analysis NYHA class was significantly lower in patients admitted during inter‐year control period, compared with patients admitted during case period (P = 0.014).

Conclusions

Admissions for HF were significantly reduced during the lockdown due to the COVID‐19 pandemic in Italy.
10 year trends in hospitalization rates due to heart failure and related in‐hospital mortality in Poland (2010–2019)
Authors: Sierpiński Radosław , Sokolska Justyna M. , Suchocki Tomasz , Koń Beata , Urbański Filip , Kruk Marcin , Sokolski Mateusz , Ponikowski Piotr , Jankowska Ewa A.
Published: October 2020

Aims

Heart failure (HF) remains a major public health challenge worldwide. Contemporary epidemiological data on HF hospitalization rates and related in‐hospital mortality are scarce also in Poland. The aim of the study was to determine the trends in hospitalization rates due to HF and related in‐hospital mortality in Poland in the recent decade.

Methods and results

Data on HF hospitalizations and in‐hospital mortality in patients aged >17 years in Poland between 2010 and 2019 were obtained from the central database of the Polish National Health Fund. Hospitalizations with either primary or secondary diagnosis of HF were identified using the 10th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems codes (I50, I42, J81 with extensions, and R57.0). There were 4 259 698 HF hospitalizations and 608 577 in‐hospital deaths (14% in‐hospital mortality) reported during 2010–2019 in Poland. During this period, there was a steady increase in the number of HF hospitalizations per 1000 inhabitants in subsequent years, being more pronounced in men than in women (in 2019: 16 and 13 HF hospitalizations per 1000 inhabitants in men and women, respectively). The relative risk of HF hospitalization was higher in men than in women, and this gender‐related difference steadily increased from 9% in 2010 to 25% in 2019. During 2010–2019, there was an increase in the number of HF hospitalizations per 1000 inhabitants in subsequent age groups, with a trend being more pronounced in men than in women (129 and 99 HF hospitalizations per 1000 inhabitants in men and women aged ≥80 years, respectively). During this period, there was a slight increase in in‐hospital mortality during HF hospitalization in subsequent years, being more pronounced in women than in men (in 2019: 16% and 14% of in‐hospital mortality in women and men, respectively). The relative risk of in‐hospital mortality during HF hospitalization was higher in women than in men, and this gender‐related difference steadily increased from 8% in 2010 to 18% in 2019. During this period, in‐hospital mortality during HF hospitalization was ~12% for women and men aged 18–29 years, whereas the highest values of in‐hospital mortality reached ~19% for patients aged ≥80 years.

Conclusions

We have observed steady growing trends in HF hospitalization rates and related in‐hospital mortality in Poland over the last decade. Both age and gender have differentiated the reported epidemiological patterns.
Lateral left ventricular lead position is superior to posterior position in long‐term outcome of patients who underwent cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Behon Anett , Schwertner Walter Richard , Merkel Eperke Dóra , Kovács Attila , Lakatos Bálint Károly , Zima Endre , Gellér László , Kutyifa Valentina , Kosztin Annamária , Merkely Béla
Published: October 2020

Aims

Preferring side branch of coronary sinus during cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) implantation has been empirical due to the limited data on the association of left ventricular (LV) lead position and long‐term clinical outcome. We evaluated the long‐term all‐cause mortality by LV lead non‐apical positions and further characterized them by interlead electrical delay (IED).

Methods and results

In our retrospective database, 2087 patients who underwent CRT implantation were registered between 2000 and 2018. Those with non‐apical LV lead locations were classified into anterior (n = 108), posterior (n = 643), and lateral (n = 1336) groups. All‐cause mortality was assessed by Kaplan–Meier and Cox analyses. Echocardiographic response was measured 6 months after CRT implantation. During the median follow‐up time of 3.7 years, 1150 (55.1%) patients died—710 (53.1%) with lateral, 78 (72.2%) with anterior, and 362 (56.3%) with posterior positions. When we investigated the risk of all‐cause mortality, there was a significantly lower rate of death in patients with lateral LV lead location when compared with those with an anterior (P < 0.01) or posterior (P < 0.01) position. Multivariate analysis after adjustment for relevant clinical covariates such as age, sex, ischaemic aetiology, left bundle branch block morphology, atrial fibrillation, and device type revealed consistent results that lateral position is associated with a significant risk reduction of all‐cause mortality when compared with anterior [hazard ratio 0.69; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.55–0.87; P < 0.01] or posterior (hazard ratio 0.84; 95% CI 0.74–0.96; P < 0.01) position. When echocardiographic response was evaluated within the lateral group, patients with an IED longer than 110 ms (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.63; 95% CI 0.53–0.73; P = 0.012) showed 2.1 times higher odds of improvement in echocardiographic response 6 months after the implantation.

Conclusions

In this study, we proved in a real‐world patient population that after CRT implantation, lateral LV lead location was associated with long‐term mortality benefit and is superior to both anterior and posterior positions. Moreover, patients with this position showed the greatest echocardiographic response over 110 ms IED.
Natural history and impact of treatment with tafamidis on major cardiovascular outcome‐free survival time in a cohort of patients with transthyretin amyloidosis
Authors: Bézard Mélanie , Kharoubi Mounira , Galat Arnault , Poullot Elsa , Guendouz Soulef , Fanen Pascale , Funalot Benoit , Moktefi Anissa , Lefaucheur Jean‐Pascal , Abulizi Mukedaisi , Deux Jean‐François , Gendre Thierry , Audard Vincent , el Karoui Khalil , Canoui‐Poitrine Florence , Zaroui Amira , Itti Emmanuel , Teiger Emmanuel , Planté‐Bordeneuve Violaine , Oghina Silvia , Damy Thibaud
Published: October 2020

Aims

Hereditary (ATTRv) and wild‐type (ATTRwt) transthyretin amyloidosis are severe and fatal systemic diseases, characterised by amyloid fibrillar accumulation principally in the heart or peripheral nerves (or both). Since 2012, tafamidis has been used in France to treat patients with ATTRv with neuropathy (alone or combined with cardiomyopathy). Recently, the Phase III ATTR‐ACT trial showed that tafamidis decreased the relative risk of mortality in ATTR amyloidosis with cardiomyopathy. The aims of this study were to assess the clinical characteristics of ATTR amyloidosis in a real‐life population in comparison to the population included in the ATTR‐ACT trial and to assess the impact of tafamidis treatment on major cardiovascular outcome (MCO)‐free survival time without cardiac decompensation, heart transplant, or death.

Methods and results

From June 2008 to November 2018, 648 patients with ATTR amyloidosis (423 ATTRwt and 225 ATTRv) consecutively referred to the French Referral Center for cardiac amyloidosis were included. A total of 467 (72%) patients matched the inclusion criteria of the ATTR‐ACT trial. For the 631 patients with cardiomyopathy, tafamidis treatment was

associated with a longer median MCO‐free survival time (n = 98): 1565 (1010–2400) days vs. 771 (686–895) days without treatment (log‐rank P < 0.001). This association was confirmed after considering confounding factors (age at inclusion, N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide and amyloidosis type) with a propensity score (hazard ratio 0.546; P = 0.0132).

Conclusion

In a large cohort of ATTRwt and ATTRv patients, representative of the inclusion criteria of the ATTR‐ACT trial, the present results show an association between tafamidis treatment and a lower occurrence of cardiovascular outcomes in a real‐life population.
Recent Progress of Sn‐Based Derivative Catalysts for Electrochemical Reduction of CO2
Authors: Cheng Feng , Zhang Xinxin , Mu Kaiwen , Ma Xin , Jiao Mingyang , Wang Zhiheng , Limpachanangkul Paphada , Chalermsinsuwan Benjapon , Gao Ying , Li Yunhui , Chen Zhipeng , Liu Licheng
Published: October 2020

Using renewable electric power to drive CO2 electrochemical reduction to high‐value‐added chemical fuels can not only solve the problem of excessive emission of CO2, but also achieve the direct conversion of intermittent electrical energy to chemical energy, which is of great significance for controlling the carbon balance and optimizing the energy consumption structure. In recent years, various kinds of electrocatalysts have been used in the research of the CO2 electrochemical reduction reaction (CO2RR) and some progress has been made in key scientific issues such as improving selectivity and reducing the overpotential of reactions. Due to the low cost, environmental friendliness, and high selectivity to formic acid, Sn‐based catalysts are most likely to be applied in the CO2RR field on a large scale. Herein, the research progress of Sn‐based catalysts, including the research status of metallic tin catalysts, Sn‐based oxides, oxide‐derived tin catalysts, Sn‐based sulfides, and the four strategies commonly used to improve efficiency and selectivity are systematically summarized and discussed. In addition, the major challenges and several perspectives on the further research directions of Sn‐based catalysts for CO2RR are proposed.
Recent progress of triboelectric nanogenerators: From fundamental theory to practical applications
Authors: Luo Jianjun , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: October 2020

For the development of the internet of things (IoTs), big data, and artificial intelligence, widely distributed sensing network is the most essential element, which has to be driven by the energy storage unit, with a limited lifetime and environmental concerns. Given that the wide distribution and high mobility of these numerous sensors, the success of the IoTs and sustainable development of human society call for renewable distributed energy sources. Since triboelectrification effect is ubiquitous and universal in our living environment, the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) for mechanical energy harvesting and self‐powered sensing developed by Wang and co‐workers is one of the best choices for this energy for the new era. In this review, the recent progress of TENGs from fundamental theory to practical applications is systematically summarized. First, the mechanism of contact electrification, first principle theory, working principle, working modes, and figure of merits of the TENG are introduced. Furthermore, recent important progress in four major TENG applications, including micro/nano power sources, active self‐powered sensors, large‐scale blue energy, and direct high‐voltage power sources are reviewed. In the end, some perspectives and challenges for the future development of TENG are also discussed.

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Four new species in subsection Asterotricha for the genus Onosma L. (Boraginaceae) from flora of Iran
Authors: Attar Farideh , Sotoodeh Arash , Mirtadzadini Mansour
Published: October 2020

Onosma khorramabadensis, O. lorestanica, O. sahandica and O. kerendica are described and photographed as new species from Lorestan, Eest Azarbayejan and Kermanshah provinces of Iran. Based on Flora Iranica, all the new species can be placed in the sect. Onosma subsect. Asterotricha considering their stellate‐hairy tubercles on leaves.

The first new species has some similarities to Onosma bilabiata and O. elwendica based on having accrescent and two connected calyx lobes, but can be distinguished by its stem leaves shape and size, elongate inflorescence and more characters. O. lorestanica is close to O. elwendica by having spathulate leaves shape and nearly same fruiting calyx length; however it differs by its dense short capitate cyme in flowering time, tubercles density and rays arrangements on the tubercles. O. sahandica can be also close to O. bilabiata and O. elwendica for its fruiting calyx length and corolla color, but differs by having free calyx lobes and not accrescent at fruiting time. O. kerendica is related to O. cardiostegia by its habit and inflorescence shape, but can be distinguished by length of lowest bracts, its inflorescence size in fruiting time, pedicel length and filaments attachment place.

The recent introduced species, Onosma zagrica (Dehshiri, 2018) should be classified into subsection Asterotricha instead of being in subsection Onosma according to its description and type specimen examination.

Distribution map, micrographs of details of important characteristics and a diagnostic key are presented.
Influence of elasticity in an inclined annulus of nanofluid with peristaltic transport
Authors: Sreenadh Sreedharamalle , Sumalatha Baina , Srinivas Akkiraju Naga Satya
Published: October 2020

Peristaltic transport of Newtonian nanofluid in an inclined annulus terms of radii regarding peristalsis and elasticity. It is noticed that with an increase in amplitude ratio, flux is getting enhanced in the absence of nanoparticles when compared with viscous fluid with nanoparticles. Our results reduce to the corresponding ones of Rubinow and Keller as a special case for the viscous flow in an elastic tube. The effect of various emerging parameters bounded by two concentric cylinders is studied under the assumption of long wavelength and dominance of viscous effects over inertial effects. The outer cylinder is elastic in nature and has a sinusoidal wave traveling down in its wall, whereas the inner cylinder is rigid. Analytical solutions have been established for velocity, flux, pressure rise, temperature distribution, and nanoparticle concentration. The flux, pressure rise, and frictional forces have been obtained in on the flow characteristic are presented and discussed. Obtained results may be useful in understanding the behavior of peristaltic transport of blood flow in small blood vessels and blood flow through elastic arteries.
Numerical investigation of natural convection of a non‐Newtonian nanofluid in an F‐shaped porous cavity
Authors: Almensoury Mushtaq F. , Hashim Atheer S. , Hamzah Hameed K. , Ali Farooq H.
Published: October 2020

This study numerically investigates the free convective heat transfer of a non‐Newtonian nanofluid through an F‐shaped porous cavity. The thermal conditions of the walls of the cavity are assigned as TC and TH for the cold right wall and the hot left wall, respectively, and the remaining walls of the cavity are assigned as insulated walls. The model for this investigation is designed, implemented, and analyzed by COMSOL Multiphysics. The Galerkin finite element method is used to model and solve the governing equations of the flow and heat transfer process inside the porous media. Physical parameters are presented in the following order: and . The goal of this study is to study the influence of geometry configuration (F shape) and the above parameters on the flow structure, isotherms, and heat transfer. These parameters have been taken into account to investigate their effects on this kind of heat transfer mechanism. Results show that the addition of nanoparticles plays a significant role in changing heat transfer rates. In addition, an increase in the aspect ratio (AR) leads to create narrow areas, which promotes the stagnation zones, thus decreasing the distance between cold and hot walls. This, in turn, enhances the flow uniformity. Moreover, it has been generally concluded that the Nusselt number and velocity rates are directly proportional to the AR, Darcy number (Da), and Rayleigh number (Ra), and negatively proportional to the power‐law index (); however, there are some exceptions and unusual behaviors noticed and explained through the paper.
Epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition in oral squamous cell carcinoma: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Ling Zihang , Cheng Bin , Tao Xiaoan
Published: October 2020

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common malignancy representing 90% of all forms of oral cancer worldwide. Although great efforts have been made in the past decades, the 5‐year survival rate of OSCC patients is no more than 60% due to tumor metastasis and subsequent recurrence. The metastasis from the primary site is due to a complex process known as epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). During the EMT, epithelial cells gradually acquire the structural and functional characteristics of mesenchymal cells, leading to the upregulation of cell migration and the promotion of tumor cell dissemination. Therefore, EMT attracted broad attention due to its close relationship with cancer invasion and metastasis. Therefore, in the present review, an extensive description of the current research on OSCC and the role of EMT in this cancer type is provided, including diverse EMT markers, regulatory networks and crucial EMT‐inducing transcription factors in OSCC. Moreover, a brief summary was made regarding the current application of EMT‐correlated indexes in the prognostic analysis of OSCC patients, and the potential therapeutic approaches against OSCC and difficulties in the development of an effective anti‐EMT treatment are discussed. Our aim is to provide novel insights to develop new strategies to combat OSCC by targeting EMT.
Filgrastim associations with CAR T‐cell therapy
Authors: Gaut Daria , Tang Kevin , Sim Myung Shin , Duong Tuyen , Young Patricia , Sasine Joshua
Published: October 2020

Little is known about the benefits and risks of myeloid growth factor administration after chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‐cell therapy for diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). We present a retrospective analysis among 22 relapsed/refractory DLBCL patients who received CAR T‐cell therapy with axicabtagene ciloleucel. Filgrastim was administered by physician discretion to seven patients (31.8%), and the median duration of neutropenia after lymphodepleting therapy was significantly shorter for those patients who received filgrastim (5 vs 15 days, P = .016). Five patients (22.7%) developed infection in the 30 days post‐CAR T‐cell therapy with three patients being Grade 3 or higher. There was no difference in the incidence and severity of infection based on filgrastim use (P = .274, P = .138). Among the seven patients that received filgrastim, six patients (85.7%) and four patients (57.1%) had evidence of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell‐associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), respectively. Among the 15 patients that did not receive filgrastim, 8 patients (53.3%) and 7 patients (46.7%) had evidence of CRS and ICANS, respectively. There was no significant difference in the incidence of developing CRS or ICANS between the group of patients that received filgrastim and those that did not (P = .193, P = .647). However, there was a significant increase in the severity of CRS for patients that received filgrastim compared to those that did not (P = .042). Filgrastim administration after CAR T‐cell therapy may lead to an increase in severity of CRS without decreasing infection rates.
A new approach to exchange rate forecast: The role of global financial cycle and time‐varying parameters
Authors: Raheem Ibrahim D. , Vo Xuan Vinh
Published: October 2020

The exchange rate disconnect puzzle argues that macroeconomic fundamentals are not able to accurately predict exchange rate. Recent studies have shown that the puzzle could be upturned if: (a) the dataset is structured in a panel form; (b) the model is based on the portfolio balance theory (PBT); (c) factor models are employed and (d) time‐varying parameter (TVP) regression is used. This study combines these strands of the literature. Essentially, the study conjectures that Global Financial Cycle (GFCy), drawing inspiration from PBT, has some predictive information content on exchange rate. Using dataset from 25 countries, we produced some mixed results. On the whole, the GFCy is able to produce lower forecast error, as compared to the that of benchmark model. However, its effectiveness is dependent upon the regression type (TVP vs. Panel Fixed Effect); forecast horizons (short vs. long); the sample period (early vs. late) and measures of GFCy. The results are robust to a number of checks.
Triple novelty block detection and classification approach for lung tumor analysis
Authors: Rani K. Vijila , Dayana C. Thinkal , Therese P. Sujatha , Prince M. Eugine
Published: October 2020

Recently the increased utilization of computer‐aided detection is more helpful to assist the radiologist, recognize the minute lung lesion. In this research article, we propose three novel block detection methods for lung lesion segmentation. First, an automatic algorithm for lung lesion detection and segmentation by using histogram‐based affine‐invariant detection (HAID) is proposed. HAID is a novel segmentation technique that applies enhanced maximally stable extremal region algorithm results to segment the lung lesion. The lung lesions are segmented with an accuracy of 91.5% and false positives per scan is 5.52. To reduce the false positives per scan of lung tumor segmentation, a spatial constraint‐based new fuzzy clustering (SCNFC) approach is then proposed. The experimental results proved the efficiency of the SCNFC technique in the successful segmentation of lung tumor tissues with high accuracy and reduced the false positive per scan (95.21% and 3.69 for a database of simulated computed tomography images). Finally, firefly search‐based Macqueen's K‐means clustering algorithm (FSMKC) is proposed. The performance of the FSMKC method is evaluated on series assessments using the Lung Image Database Consortium dataset (1505 images) and it achieved the accuracy of 97.18% and 96.28% of sensitivity with only 2.27 false positives per scan.
In vivo osseointegration and erosion of nacre screws in an animal model
Authors: Kün‐Darbois Jean‐Daniel , Libouban Hélène , Camprasse Georges , Camprasse Serge , Chappard Daniel
Published: October 2020

The use of resorbable devices for osteosynthesis has become a subject of interest. Nacre has been proposed as a resorbable and osteoconductive material favoring bone apposition without triggering an inflammatory reaction. We compared the in vivo osseointegration and erosion of nacre screws in an animal model with titanium screws. Implantation of similar nacre and titanium screws was performed in the femoral condyles of adult rats. Animals (n = 41) were randomized in four groups sacrificed at day one, 1, 6, and 12 months. Microcomputed tomography (microCT) allowed 3D morphometry of erosion of nacre. Osseointegration was measured as the volume of trabecular bone bone volume/tissue volume (BV/TV) in a standardized volume of interest around each screw. Undecalcified bone histology was also done. Gross examination revealed a similar clinical osseointegration for titanium and nacre screws. A progressive erosion of nacre screws, but no erosion of titanium screws, was observed in microCT. The volume of nacre screws progressively decreased over time whereas no modification occurred for titanium. For titanium screws, BV/TV remained stable throughout the study. For nacre screws, the BV/TV decrease was not statistically different. A significant difference was found between nacre and titanium screws at 6 months but not at 12 months. The screw heads, outside the bone shaft, were not eroded even after 12 months. Erosion of nacre occurred during the entire study period, only within the bone shaft in direct contact with bone marrow. Bone apposition was observed on nacre surfaces without signs of erosion. Nacre is a promising biomaterial in maxillofacial surgery.
Changes in clients and therapists experiences of therapeutic distance during psychodynamic therapy
Authors: Egozi Sharon , Tishby Orya , Wiseman Hadas
Published: October 2020

Attachment theory provides a framework for examining closeness–distance experiences in the development of the therapeutic relationship.

Objective

To examine changes in clients' and therapists' experiences of therapeutic distance along with psychodynamic therapy. Hypotheses: Clients' and therapists' comfort with closeness and distance will increase, and the client's autonomy and engagement will increase with time.

Method

A total of 67 clients and their 27 therapists underwent Relationship Paradigm interviews in which they told narratives about their experience with each other, three times during therapy. The narratives were rated on the Therapeutic Distance Scale‐Observer (TDS‐O) version.

Results

Growth curve analysis of the TDS‐O ratings showed that clients decrease in perceiving therapists as too distant and increase in engagement. Therapists showed a decrease in perceiving clients as too close and an increase in granting autonomy and engagement. A clinical illustration depicts these experiences in a client–therapist dyad.

Conclusions

Therapists' awareness of clients' changing needs of closeness and autonomy may enhance attunement.
Target identification of a novel unsymmetrical 1,3,4‐oxadiazole derivative with antiproliferative properties
Authors: Weidong Lyu , Sanna Luca , Bordoni Valentina , Tiansheng Zeng , Chengxun Li , Murineddu Gabriele , Pinna Gerard A. , Kelvin David J. , Bagella Luigi
Published: October 2020

1,3,4‐Oxadiazole derivatives are widely used in research on antineoplastic drugs. Recently, we discovered a novel unsymmetrical 1,3,4‐oxadiazole compound with antiproliferative properties called 2j. To further investigate its possible targets and molecular mechanisms, RNA‐seq was performed and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained after treatment. Data were analyzed using functional (Gene Ontology term) and pathway (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) enrichment of the DEGs. The hub genes were determined by the analysis of protein‐protein interaction networks. The connectivity map (CMap) information provided insight into the model action of antitumor small molecule drugs. Hub genes have been identified through function gene networks using STRING analysis. The small molecular targets obtained by CMap comparison showed that 2j is a tubulin inhibitor and it acts mainly affecting tumor cells through the cell cycle, FoxO signaling pathway, apoptotic, and p53 signaling pathways. The possible targets of 2j could be TUBA1A and TUBA4A. Molecular docking results indicated that 2j interacts at the colchicine‐binding site on tubulin.
Impact of oil contamination on ecological functions of peat soils from West Siberia of Russia
Authors: Kovaleva Ekaterina I. , Trofimov Sergey Ya. , Zhongqi Cheng
Published: October 2020

For more than a century, the need for energy has exerted high demand on oil production and led to significant negative impacts on soil and water resources. The aim of our work was to assess such impacts on the ecological functions of oil‐contaminated soils in West Siberia of Russia. The total petroleum hydrocarbons (PHC) content in contaminated soils varied between 3.7 and 390 g kg−1. Although peat had the ability to absorb some PHC, excess oil migrated in soil both downward and laterally. Catalase activity, soil respiration activity (basal respiration [BR], microbial biomass carbon [Cmic], and specific respiration activity [qCO2]), and Enchytraeus albidus survival and reproduction rates showed significant negative correlations with PHC concentrations, and thus they can be used as guides for establishing acceptable PHC limits in peat soils. Based on the Logit model, the concentration of PHC in peat soil that corresponds to ∼20% reduction on functions (worm reproduction, catalase activity, and basal respiration) is about 40–50 g kg−1. The concentrations of PHC that will result in 80% functional reductions (i.e., near‐complete loss on functional activities) are worm production (177 g kg−1), catalase activity (123 g kg−1), and basal respiration (311 g kg−1). This study provides quantitative understanding of the ecological impact of PHC contamination on peat soils and thus helps to establish science‐based guidelines for the protection of ecological functions and services of peatland soils.
Successful esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection with a transoral endoscope after stepwise scope bougienage of post‐endoscopic submucosal dissection stricture
Authors: Takita Maiko , Ohata Ken , Negishi Ryoju , Minato Yohei , Muramoto Takashi
Published: October 2020

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for extensive esophageal cancer inevitably causes a post‐ESD stricture. It may be difficult to perform additional ESD if a new lesion develops on the anus side of the post‐ESD stricture. We sometimes perform balloon dilation of post‐ESD stricture in advance, so we could perform ESD using a transoral scope; however, there is a risk of balloon dilation causing severe tearing of the lesions if it is located near the stricture. A 68‐year‐old man who had undergone ESD for esophageal cancer several times was diagnosed with early esophageal cancer. The lesion was located near the anus side of the post‐ESD stricture. Unfortunately, the lesion was located on another post‐ESD scar. Although ESD using a transnasal scope was a useful option, it was expected to be challenging as the submucosal layer was thought to have severe fibrosis. We attempted to perform ESD with a transoral endoscope after stepwise scope bougienage of post‐ESD stricture.
Automated Grading of Lumbar Disc Degeneration Using a Push‐Pull Regularization Network Based on MRI
Authors: Gao Fei , Liu Shui , Zhang Xiaodong , Wang Xiaoying , Zhang Jue
Published: October 2020

Background

Lower back pain is one of the most widely experienced health problems and is strongly associated with intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. The quantification of the degeneration is valuable for estimation of the material properties of the IVDs and then to perform biomechanical simulation of the spinal conditions and treatments. The MR image characteristics of relatively high intraclass variability and small interclass differences pose challenges for the classification algorithm to perform automatic grading of degenerated IVD.

Purpose

To assess the feasibility and improvement of a computer‐assisted IVD degeneration grading method based on proposed push‐pull regularization (PPR) strategy.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

In total, 500 subjects (350 for training, 70 for validation, and 80 for test in a 10‐time 10‐fold cross validation setting) with varied lumbar disorders were included.

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0T; T2‐weighted spin echo sequence.

Assessment

IVD degeneration grading was taken as a classification task of five classes according to the Pfirrmann grading system in this study. The classification results of deep‐learning models with and without PPR were compared with the classifications made by three experienced spinal radiologists.

Statistical Tests

Paired t‐tests.

Results

The classification results show that in four classical CNN models of VGG‐M, VGG‐16, GoogleNet, and ResNet‐34, by embedding a PPR strategy, the accuracies of grade II and III IVD classification were improved by more than 10% (P < 0.05), and that the overall accuracy (grades I to V) was improved by over 8% (P < 0.05).

Data Conclusion

The embedded PPR significantly improved the classification performance, which enhanced CNN representation capability for IVD degeneration grading.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy Stage

1