bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thirty‐day readmissions after transcatheter versus surgical mitral valve repair in high‐risk patients with mitral regurgitation: Analysis of the 2014–2015 Nationwide readmissions databases
Authors: Lima Fabio V. , Kolte Dhaval , Rofeberg Valerie , Molino Janine , Zhang Zheng , Elmariah Sammy , Aronow Herbert D. , Abbott J. Dawn , Ben Assa Eyal , Khera Sahil , Gordon Paul C. , Inglessis Ignacio , Palacios Igor F.
Published: December 2019

Objective

Determine the rates, reasons, predictors, and costs of 30‐day readmissions following transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) versus surgical mitral valve repair (SMVR) in the United States.

Background

Data on 30‐day readmissions after TMVR are limited.

Methods

High‐risk patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) undergoing TMVR or SMVR were identified from the 2014–2015 Nationwide Readmissions Databases. Multivariable stepwise regression models were used to identify independent predictors of 30‐day readmission. Risk of 30‐day readmission was compared between the two groups using univariate and propensity score adjusted regression models.

Results

Among 8,912 patients undergoing mitral valve repair during 2014–2015 (national estimate 17,809), we identified 7,510 (84.7%) that underwent SMVR and 1,402 (15.3%) that underwent TMVR. Thirty‐day readmission rates after SMVR and TMVR were 10.7% and 11.7%, respectively (unadjusted OR 1.11, 95% CI 0.89–1.39, p = .35). After propensity score adjustment, TMVR was associated with a lower risk of 30‐day readmissions compared with SMVR (adjusted OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.51–0.95, p = .02). Heart failure and arrhythmias were the leading cardiac reasons for readmission. Anemia and fluid and electrolyte disorder were independent predictors of 30‐day readmission after TMVR. Demographics, comorbidities, and length of stay were independent predictors of 30‐day readmission after SMVR.

Conclusions

One in 10 patients are readmitted within 30 days following TMVR or SMVR. Approximately half of the readmissions are for cardiac reasons. The predictors of 30‐day readmission are different among patients undergoing TMVR and SMVR, but can be easily screened for to identify patients at highest risk for readmission.
3D‐Graphene Decorated with g‐C3N4/Cu3P Composite: A Noble Metal‐free Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Riyajuddin Sk. , Tarik Aziz S. K. , Kumar Sushil , Nessim Gilbert D. , Ghosh Kaushik
Published: December 2019

Electrochemical water splitting, which generates both hydrogen and oxygen, using highly efficient and low‐cost noble metal‐free (Pt, Ru, Ir etc.) electrocatalyst is an economical and green approach for the alternative energy source. Due to their conductivity, durability and long‐term stability, carbonaceous containing hybrid materials are used as promising electrodes for total water splitting. Herein, the design of metal‐phosphide (Cu3P) with graphitic carbon‐nitride (g‐C3N4) nanocomposite on 3D‐graphene is reported, a new model electrocatalyst that in turn, render superior electrocatalytic performance with long‐term stability. The excellent electrocatalytic performance is analyzed in terms of overpotentials of 67 mV and 255 mV at a current density of 10 mA/cm2 with a small Tafel slope of 45 and 40 mV/dec for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), respectively. The overall water splitting performance has been tested in 1 M KOH electrolyte, and the catalyst exhibits a very low cell voltage of 1.54 V to achieve a current density of 10 mA/cm2 with impressive stability of at least 35 hours with no loss of potential. This work sheds new insight into the design and synthesis of highly stable electrocatalyst that could be an apt choice for an attractive paradigm for commercial water electrolysis in renewable electrochemical energy conversion.
Band‐Gap and Charge Transfer Engineering in Red Phosphorus‐Based Composites for Enhanced Visible‐Light‐Driven H2 Evolution
Authors: Xuan Ying , Quan Huiying , Shen Zhurui , Zhang Chenxi , Yang Xiyuan , Lou Lan‐Lan , Liu Shuangxi , Yu Kai
Published: December 2019

It is known that the low lifetime of photogenerated carriers is the main drawback of elemental photocatalysts. Therefore, a facile and versatile one‐step strategy to simultaneously achieve the oxygen covalent functionalization of amorphous red phosphorus (RP) and in situ modification of CdCO3 is reported. This strategy endows RP with enhanced charge carrier separation ability and photocatalytic activity by coupling band‐gap engineering and heterojunction construction. The as‐prepared nCdCO3/SO‐RP (n=0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0) composites exhibited excellent photocatalytic H2 evolution activity (up to 516.3 μmol g−1 h) from visible‐light‐driven water splitting (λ>400 nm), which is about 17.6 times higher than that of pristine RP. By experimental and theoretical investigations, the roles of surface oxygen covalent functionalization, that is, prolonging the lifetime of photogenerated carriers and inducing the negative shift of the conduction band potential, were studied in detail. Moreover, the charge transfer mechanism of these composites has also been proposed. In addition, these composites are stable and can be reused at least for three times without significant activity loss. This work may provide a good example of how to promote the activity of elemental photocatalysts by decorating their atomic structure.
Pd‐Catalyzed Dearomatization of Indole Derivatives via Intermolecular Heck Reactions†
Authors: Yang Ping , Xu Ren‐Qi , Zheng Chao , You Shu‐Li
Published: December 2019

Summary of main observation and conclusion

Pd‐catalyzed intermolecular dearomative Heck reaction of indoles with aryl iodides is described. The challenges on both reactivity and regioselectivity are addressed by the judicious regulation of the geometric and electronic properties of the substrates. An array of indoline derivatives bearing C2‐quaternary center is obtained in good to excellent yields (up to 93%) with exclusive regioselectivity under operationally simple conditions. The mechanistic proposal is supported by detailed DFT calculations.
PROTOCOL: Studies of the effectiveness of interventions to improve the welfare of those affected by, and at risk of, homelessness in high‐income countries: An evidence and gap map
Authors: White Howard , Saran Ashrita , Fowler Ben , Portes Audrey , Fitzpatrick Suzanne , Teixeira Ligia
Published: December 2019

Homelessness – people living on the street, in temporary accommodation, or at risk of losing their homes – is a persistent problem across the developed world. Policies and programmes to tackle homelessness should be informed by evidence of effectiveness. This is the protocol for an evidence and gap map for studies of the effectiveness of interventions to improve the welfare of those experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. We proposed a comprehensive search for studies, with systematic screening, coding and reporting. The available studies will be presented in an online interactive map together with a supporting report.
Comparison of usual care and the HEART score for effectively and safely discharging patients with low‐risk chest pain in the emergency department: would the score always help?
Authors: Wang Guangmei , Zheng Wen , Wu Shuo , Ma Jingjing , Zhang He , Zheng Jiaqi , Wang Jiali , Xu Feng , Chen Yuguo
Published: December 2019

Background

Triage decisions for chest pain patients receiving usual care are based on a dynamic and comprehensive strategy performed in the physician's mind. It remains controversial whether simple, structured risk tools can surpass real, complex judgments.

Hypothesis

The potentially used History, Electrocardiogram, Age, Risk factors, Troponin (HEART) score would help identify low‐risk patients for discharge.

Methods

Patients with acute, non‐traumatic chest pain managed according to usual care were consecutively enrolled in a tertiary university hospital in China from August 24, 2015 to September 30, 2017. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) included death, acute myocardial infarction, revascularization, and significant coronary stenosis (>50%) within 30 days. We compared the efficacy and safety of usual care and the potentially used HEART score in this population.

Results

Of 2185 patients analyzed, 926 (42.4%) patients were directly discharged by usual care, whereas HEART≤3 would have identified 524 (24.0%) patients as low‐risk (P < .001). The MACE rate in discharged patients was 2.2% (20/926) and would have been 5.2% (27/524) in those with HEART≤3 (P = .002). For discharged patients, the MACE rates in HEART≤3 vs HEART>3 groups were not significantly different (1.5% vs 2.7%, P = .225). Negative predictive value (NPV) was higher with usual care than with the HEART score (P = .003), but sensitivity was similar. For 340 patients with serial troponins, usual care was superior to the potentially used HEART score in regard to efficacy.

Conclusions

At this institution, usual care identified many more patients for discharge than the HEART score would have without apparently different outcomes in discharged patients with lower vs higher HEART scores. The HEART score would not appear to provide helpful risk stratification.
Systematic review of barriers and facilitators to clinical trial enrollment among adolescents and young adults with cancer: Identifying opportunities for intervention
Authors: Siembida Elizabeth J. , Loomans‐Kropp Holli A. , Trivedi Neha , O’Mara Ann , Sung Lillian , Tami‐Maury Irene , Freyer David R. , Roth Michael
Published: December 2019

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) are underrepresented in cancer clinical trials (CCTs). Limited trial enrollment slows progress in improving survival rates and prevents the collection of valuable biospecimens. A systematic literature review was conducted to assess barriers and facilitators to AYA enrollment in CCTs and to identify opportunities to improve enrollment. The PubMed MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and PsycINFO databases were searched to identify studies relevant to AYA CCT enrollment. Eligibility criteria included the qualitative and/or quantitative evaluation of barriers and facilitators to AYA enrollment. One hundred fifty‐five unique publications were identified; 13 were included in the final analysis. Barriers to AYA enrollment in CCTs included a lack of existing trials applicable to the patient population, limited access to available CCTs, and a lack of physician awareness of relevant trials. Facilitators of enrollment included optimizing the research infrastructure, improving the awareness of available CCTs among providers, and enhancing communication about CCTs between providers and patients. In conclusion, the limited available research reports institution‐ and patient‐level barriers and facilitators to AYA CCT enrollment. Because of persistent disparities in AYA enrollment, there is an urgent need to further identify the barriers and facilitators to AYA CCT enrollment to determine actionable areas for intervention.
Safety and Effectiveness of Dabigatran and Other Direct Oral Anticoagulants Compared With Warfarin in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Huybrechts Krista F. , Gopalakrishnan Chandrasekar , Bartels Dorothee B. , Zint Kristina , Gurusamy Venkatesh K. , Landon Joan , Schneeweiss Sebastian
Published: December 2019

The study objective was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of dabigatran and other direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) compared with warfarin among patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation using a prospective monitoring program. We implemented a cohort design with propensity score matching to compare initiators of DOACs and warfarin between 2010 and 2015 in two US healthcare databases. Proportional hazards regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for stroke and major bleeding. The final analyses included 29,448 dabigatran, 35,520 rivaroxaban, and 19,588 apixaban initiators, matched to warfarin initiators. The pooled HR for stroke was 0.75 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58–0.98) for dabigatran, 0.77 (95% CI 0.61–0.98) for rivaroxaban, and 0.69 (95% CI 0.50–0.96) for apixaban, consistent with findings from randomized trials. For major hemorrhage, the HRs were 0.72 (95% CI 0.65–0.80), 1.02 (95% CI 0.94–1.12), and 0.56 (95% CI 0.49–0.64), respectively, showing a decreased risk of major bleeding for both dabigatran and apixaban, as compared with trial evidence.
Inhibitory effect ofStreptococcus salivariusK12 and M18 on halitosis in vitro
Authors: Yoo Hyun‐Jun , Jwa Su‐Kyung , Kim Da‐Hui , Ji Yun‐Jeong
Published: December 2019

Background

The aim of the study was to observe the antimicrobial activity ofPorphyromonas gingivalisandTreponema denticolaas well as the effect on reducing volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs).

Materials and methods

AfterP. gingivalisandT. denticolawere cultured with or withoutStreptococcus salivariusK12 and M18, VSCs were measured by Oral Chroma. In order to analyze the mechanism for malodor control, the antimicrobial activity ofS. salivariusK12 and M18 againstP. gingivalisandT. denticolawas assessed. SPSS 21.0 was used for data analysis with the Kruskal–Wallis and Jonckheere–Terpstra tests. Mann–Whitney test was applied for post hoc analysis.

Results

P. gingivalisandT. denticolaVSC levels were reduced by high concentrations ofS. salivariusK12 and M18 during coculture. The concentrations were lower than those of single culture (p< .05). An antimicrobial effect was detected onP. gingivalis, andT. denticolaby 50%S. salivariusK12 and M18. The spent culture medium and whole bacteria ofS. salivariusK12 and M18 reduced the levels of VSCs below the amount in a single culture ofP. gingivalisandT. denticola(p< .05).

Conclusion

S. salivariusK12 and M18 decreased the levels of VSCs originating fromP. gingivalisandT. denticola.
A Self‐Polymerized Nitro‐Substituted Conjugated Carbonyl Compound as High‐Performance Cathode for Lithium‐Organic Batteries
Authors: Li Qiang , Wang Haidong , Wang Heng‐guo , Si Zhenjun , Li Chunping , Bai Jie
Published: December 2019

Conjugated carbonyl compounds have received much attention as cathode materials for developing green lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, their high dissolution and poor electronic conductivity in organic electrolyte restrict their further application. Herein, a self‐polymerized nitro‐substituted conjugated carbonyl compound (2,7‐dinitropyrene‐4,5,9,10‐tetraone, PT‐2 NO2) is applied as a high‐performance cathode material for LIBs. PT‐2 NO2 exhibits a high reversible capacity of 153.9 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1 after 120 cycles, which is higher than that of other substituted compounds. Detailed characterization and theoretical calculations have testified that PT‐2 NO2 is transformed into an azo polymer through an irreversible reductive coupling reaction in the first discharge process, and then carbonyl and azo groups reversibly react with Li ions in subsequent cycles. In addition, this azo polymer is also synthesized and applied as the electrode material, which shows similar electrochemical performance to PT‐2 NO2 but with higher initial coulombic efficiency. Thus, this work provides a simple but effectively way to construct organic cathode materials with multiple redox sites for green and high‐performance LIBs.
Characterizing impulsivity and resting‐state functional connectivity in normal‐weight binge eaters
Authors: Oliva Rossella , Morys Filip , Horstmann Annette , Castiello Umberto , Begliomini Chiara
Published: December 2019

Objective

Binge eating is characterized by episodes of uncontrolled eating, within discrete periods of time. Although it is usually described in obese individuals or as a symptom of Binge Eating Disorder (BED), this behavior can also occur in the normal‐weight (NW) population. An interesting premise suggests that impulsivity might contribute to the onset of binge eating and the progression toward weight gain. Drawing upon this evidence, here we explored impulsivity in NW individuals reporting binge‐eating episodes through a functional connectivity approach. We hypothesized that, even in the absence of an eating disorder, NW binge eaters would be characterized by connectivity pattern changes in corticostriatal regions implicated in impulsivity, similarly to the results described in BED individuals.

Methods

A resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging study tested 39 NW men and women, with and without binge eating (binge eaters, BE and non‐BE). Brain functional connectivity was explored by means of graph theoretic centrality measures and traditional seed‐based analysis; trait impulsivity was assessed with self‐report questionnaires.

Results

The BE group was characterized by a higher degree of trait impulsivity. Brain functional connectivity measures revealed lower degree centrality within the right middle frontal gyrus, left insula/putamen and left temporoparietal regions and a lower functional connectivity between the right middle frontal gyrus and right insula in the BE group.

Discussion

The results support previous evidence on BED of altered functional connectivity and higher impulsivity at the roots of overeating behavior, but further extend this concept excluding any potential confounding effect exerted by the weight status.
Human papillomavirus types in cervical dysplasia among young HPV‐vaccinated women: Population‐based nested case–control study
Authors: Kann Hanna , Hortlund Maria , Eklund Carina , Dillner Joakim , Faust Helena
Published: December 2019

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines protect against infections with the most oncogenic HPV types, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cervical cancer. We investigated whether development of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) lesions in HPV‐vaccinated women is associated with vaccine‐targeted HPV types or not. Linkage of the Swedish vaccination and cervical screening registries identified all females born 1980–2000 who had been HPV vaccinated before December 31, 2014 (n = 305,320) and had attended cervical screening in 2006–2018 (n = 79,491). We further selected women HPV vaccinated below 17 years of age and screened in the capital region (n = 5,874). Among those, 125 developed CIN and had a cervical cryopreserved sample available (42.5% of all eligible CIN cases). After 1:2 matching to disease‐free HPV vaccinated controls (n = 242), samples were analyzed for HPV DNA and associations between HPV type and CIN diagnosis were estimated with conditional logistic regression. Vaccine‐targeted HPV types were rare among both CIN cases (2.4% HPV16, 0.8% HPV18) and their matched controls (0.4% HPV16 and 18). No woman had HPV6 or 11. The CIN lesions were associated with the nonvaccine HPV types 31, 33, 42, 45, 51, 52, 56, 59 and 66. CIN lesions among young HPV vaccinated women are mostly attributable to infection with nonvaccine HPV types. The phenomenon may be important for surveillance and design of cervical cancer control strategies.
The term structure of sovereign credit default swap and the cross‐section of exchange rate predictability
Authors: Calice Giovanni , Zeng Ming
Published: December 2019

We provide novel evidence on exchange rate predictability by using the term premia of the sovereign credit default swap (CDS). Using a sample of 29 countries, we find that the sovereign CDS term premia significantly predict the exchange rates out‐of‐sample. On average, a steeper CDS spread curve for a country predicts its currency appreciation against the U.S. dollar (USD). Empirically, although the sovereign CDS level mainly reflects global risk, the information in the term premia of the sovereign CDS spreads reveals country‐specific risk. Notably, the predictive power of the term premia is robust after controlling for the sovereign CDS level and other conventional global macroeconomic and financial factors. Further analysis shows that the information in the sovereign CDS term premia is also helpful for forecasting international stock market returns.
Spot urine protein‐to‐creatinine ratio as a diagnostic test in pre‐eclampsia: A gold standard?
Authors: Berthet Angélique , Bartolo Stéphanie , Subtil Damien , Clouqueur Elodie , Garabedian Charles , Azaïs Henri
Published: December 2019

Objective

To determine the diagnostic accuracy and optimal threshold of the spot protein‐to‐creatinine ratio (PCR) compared to the gold standard, 24‐hour proteinuria (24HP) in patients with suspected pre‐eclampsia.

Methods

A prospective observational study was performed from June 2015 to May 2017 consisting of patients hospitalized for suspected pre‐eclampsia in a tertiary care referral center. To compare the two diagnostic tests, a spot urine sample was obtained to perform the PCR before starting the collection of the 24HP. Only patients who had both tests were analyzed.

Results

In total, 148 patients (216 samples) were included. The two tests were highly correlated (r=0.80, P<0.001). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and the area under the curve (AUC=0.92) highlighted the accuracy of PCR in diagnosing significant proteinuria and thus pre‐eclampsia. The optimal cut‐off using the Liu method was 56.9 mg/mmol (sensitivity=79.3%, specificity=91.5%).

Conclusion

The results suggest that PCR could replace 24HP when diagnosing proteinuria in pre‐eclampsia. Moreover, it is a simple test, easy to realize and standardize, and cheap with no need for systematic hospitalization. The best cut‐off should be chosen by thinking about the risks for adverse maternal and/or fetal outcomes. The test may help to optimize medical care in pre‐eclampsia worldwide.
Environmental exposure of arsenic and fluoride and their combined toxicity: A recent update
Authors: Mondal Paritosh , Chattopadhyay Ansuman
Published: December 2019

Environmental exposure to arsenic (As) and fluoride (F) in the recent year has been increased because of excessive use of naturally contaminated ground water. Surface water is also regularly contaminated with these elements in various industrial areas. Arsenicosis and fluorosis upon individual exposure of As and F are reported in many studies. A syndrome of endemic As poisoning and fluorosis occurs during concurrent exposure of As and F. Previous reports showed synergistic, antagonistic and independent effects of these two compounds, although few recent reports also revealed antagonistic effects after co‐exposure. Interaction during intestinal absorption and influence of F on As metabolism might be the cause of antagonism. The synergism/antagonism is thought to depend on the dose and duration of the co‐exposure. However, the detailed mechanism is still not fully understood and needs further studies. Removal technologies of As and F from contaminated water is available but removal of such contaminants from food is yet to be developed. Antioxidants are useful to mitigate the toxic effects of As and F. This review focused on the effect of co‐exposure, amelioration as well as removal techniques of As and F.
Simultaneous removal of NO and SO2 from flue gas by FeIIEDTA/sodium dithionite solutions
Authors: He Feiqiang , Zhu Xinyu , Chen Xianchun , Qian Yong , Ding Jianhua
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

The SO2 and NO emitted from coal‐fired power plants have caused serious air pollution in China. FeIIEDTA complexation technology is one of the most promising processes to realize the simultaneous removal of SO2 and NO. However, FeIIEDTA is easily oxidized to FeIIIEDTA, causing loss of activity, which limits its further application. To solve this problem, sodium dithionite (SD) combined with FeIIEDTA was used for the simultaneous removal of SO2 and NO.

RESULTS

Results showed that the SO2 removal efficiencies were ≈92–99% in all experiments, whereas the NO removal fluctuated substantially under different operating conditions. Specifically, SD can markedly improve NO removal efficiency, and the optimal FeIIEDTA:SD ratio was 3 mmol L–1:0.026 mol L–1. With increasing temperature, pH value, SO2 concentration or O2 concentration, the NO removal efficiency increased first and then decreased. As the NO concentration increased, the NO removal efficiency continually decreased. Finally, based on the analysis of different ion concentrations, the main products were identified as sulfite, sulfate, ammonium, nitrite and nitrate.

CONCLUSION

The synergistic mechanism of SD and FeIIEDTA on SO2 and NO was investigated. SD can regenerate FeIIEDTA solution by reducing FeIIIEDTA and FeIIEDTA‐NO. These fundamental findings can offer valuable guidance for industrial denitrification and desulfurization by mixed FeIIEDTA and SD systems. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Transthoracic parametric Doppler for bedside diagnosis of pulmonary embolism: A pilot study
Authors: Javitt Marcia C. , Daniels Lydia , Andraous Maisa , Chulsky Semyon , Schatzberger Rachel , Beck‐Razi Nira , Guralnik Ludmilla , Oklander Boris , Palti Yoram , Ofran Yishai , Gaitini Diana
Published: December 2019

Transthoracic parametric Doppler (TPD), unlike conventional ultrasonography, measures signals originating from movements of pulmonary blood vessel walls. In this pilot study, we tested TPD in 15 patients diagnosed with pulmonary embolism on computed tomography pulmonary angiography. Results were mapped to the upper, middle, and lower thirds of the right lung. In the lower third, TPD yielded 100% specificity and positive predictive value for acute pulmonary embolism. If validated in a larger series, this rapid bedside technique might obviate the need for computed tomography in specific cases. This could be advantageous in patients who are unstable, in intensive care, or have allergies to iodinated contrast material.
Tensions in the productivity of design task tinkering
Authors: Quan Gina M. , Gupta Ayush
Published: December 2019

Background

Tinkering, an ad hoc approach to solving a problem, involves manipulating objects to characterize and build knowledge about a particular system in an exploratory way, often with the goal of getting some product/idea to produce desired behavior. Tinkering contrasts more deliberate activity toward understanding how a phenomenon works.

Purpose

Some researchers have argued that tinkering is an unproductive engineering design practice because it does not always lead to progress in design and/or conceptual learning while others have argued for tinkering as a productive design practice. We speak to this disagreement regarding the productivity of tinkering for novice designers by closely analyzing tinkering episodes.

Design/Method

We present a microgenetic account of two tinkering episodes to contribute to a more refined understanding of what tinkering is. The research setting is in a summer camp for high school girls using a design‐based Arduino component.

Results

Our analyses demonstrate that tinkering is neither universally productive nor unproductive in engineering design; we show that tinkering can help participants make progress toward some instructional goals such as supporting the engagement of students in some engineering design practices. We also show that tinkering can hinder progress toward other goals such as developing a robust solution to a design problem.

Conclusions

We argue for a more nuanced understanding of productivity (of tinkering and other design practices), which is local and defined with respect to specific goals and actors.
Uncovering the metaphysics of psychological warfare: The social science behind the Psychological Strategy Board's operations planning, 1951–1953
Authors: Kemmis Gabrielle
Published: December 2019

In April 1951 president Harry S. Truman established the Psychological Strategy Board to enhance and streamline America's sprawling psychological warfare campaign against the USSR. As soon as the Board's staff began work on improving US psychological operations, they wondered how social science might help them achieve their task. Board Director, Gordon Gray, asked physicist turned research administrator Henry Loomis to do a full review of America's social science research program in support of psychological operations. Loomis willingly accepted the task. This paper documents Loomis's investigation into America's social science research program. It uncovers the critical role that government departments had in the creation of research in the early 1950s and thus highlights that the government official is an important actor in the history of social science and the application of social science to psychological operations at the beginning of the Cold War.
Selective extraction of fungicide carbendazim in fruits using β‐cyclodextrin based molecularly imprinted polymers
Authors: Farooq Saqib , Nie Jiyun , Cheng Yang , Bacha Syed Asim Shah , Chang Weixia
Published: December 2019

Considering the importance of developing a new analytical approach for pesticide residue detection for the sake of ensuring food safety, a β‐cyclodextrin based molecularly imprinted polymer was prepared for selective determination of carbendazim. The polymers consist of a porous and hollow structure demonstrating the selective abundant adsorption sites for carbendazim molecule. The selectivity and adsorption capacity of the imprinted polymers were analyzed with dispersive solid‐phase extraction and analyzed with high performance liquid chromatography coupled with ultraviolet. The results of imprinted polymers were higher than non‐imprinted polymers with the maximum adsorption capacity of 3.65 mg/g within 30 min of total adsorption time. The reusability of the imprinted polymers was determined to evaluate its effectiveness and stability, which proved that the polymers lost 10% efficiency within seven consecutive recycles. The developed method displayed good linearity over the concentration range of 0.05–2.0 mg/L. The recovery percentage of 81.33–97.23 with relative standard deviations of 1.49–4.66% was obtained from spiked apple, banana, orange, and peach samples with a limit of detection of 0.03 mg/L and a limit of quantification of 0.10 mg/L (signal to noise ratio = 3/10). The overall performance of the proposed method evident that this technique provided a desirable outcome and it can be used as a convenient approach, as it qualifies the analytical standards.
Report released on global campaign to change MH conversation
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: December 2019

Bolstering mental health awareness in schools, assessing the mental health of persons entering the criminal justice system and creating the 988 suicide hotline were among the recommendations highlighted in a new report released Dec. 17 by Give an Hour, a national nonprofit that provides free mental health services to veterans, their families and other populations.
Evaluation of dual release of stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 and basic fibroblast growth factor with nerve conduit for peripheral nerve regeneration: An experimental study in mice
Authors: Shintani Kosuke , Uemura Takuya , Takamatsu Kiyohito , Yokoi Takuya , Onode Ema , Okada Mitsuhiro , Tabata Yasuhiko , Nakamura Hiroaki
Published: December 2019

Background

The development of drug delivery systems has enabled the release of multiple bioactive molecules. The efficacy of nerve conduits coated with dual controlled release of stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 (SDF‐1) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) for peripheral nerve regeneration was investigated.

Materials and methods

Sixty‐two C57BL6 mice were used for peripheral nerve regeneration with a nerve conduit (inner diameter, 1 mm, and length, 7 mm) and an autograft. The mice were randomized into five groups based on the different repairs of nerve defects. In the group of repair with conduits alone (n = 9), a 5‐mm sciatic nerve defect was repaired by the nerve conduit. In the group of repair with conduits coated with bFGF (n = 10), SDF‐1 (n = 10), and SDF‐1/bFGF (n = 10), it was repaired by the nerve conduit with bFGF gelatin, SDF‐1 gelatin, and SDF‐1/bFGF gelatin, respectively. In the group of repair with autografts (n = 10), it was repaired by the resected nerve itself. The functional recovery, nerve regeneration, angiogenesis, and TGF‐β1 gene expression were assessed.

Results

In the conduits coated with SDF‐1/bFGF group, the mean sciatic functional index value (−88.68 ± 10.64, p = .034) and the axon number (218.8 ± 111.1, p = .049) were significantly higher than the conduit alone group, followed by the autograft group; in addition, numerous CD34‐positive cells and micro vessels were observed. TGF‐β1 gene expression relative values in the conduits with SDF‐1/bFGF group at 3 days (7.99 ± 5.14, p = .049) significantly increased more than the conduits alone group.

Conclusion

Nerve conduits coated with dual controlled release of SDF‐1 and bFGF promoted peripheral nerve regeneration.
Assessment and correction of macroscopic field variations in 2D spoiled gradient‐echo sequences
Authors: Soellradl Martin , Lesch Andreas , Strasser Johannes , Pirpamer Lukas , Stollberger Rudolf , Ropele Stefan , Langkammer Christian
Published: December 2019

Purpose

To model and correct the dephasing effects in the gradient‐echo signal for arbitrary RF excitation pulses with large flip angles in the presence of macroscopic field variations.

Methods

The dephasing of the spoiled 2D gradient‐echo signal was modeled using a numerical solution of the Bloch equations to calculate the magnitude and phase of the transverse magnetization across the slice profile. Additionally, regional variations of the transmit RF field and slice profile scaling due to macroscopic field gradients were included. Simulations, phantom, and in vivo measurements at 3 T were conducted for and myelin water fraction (MWF) mapping.

Results

The influence of macroscopic field gradients on and myelin water fraction estimation can be substantially reduced by applying the proposed model. Moreover, it was shown that the dephasing over time for flip angles of 60° or greater also depends on the polarity of the slice‐selection gradient because of phase variation along the slice profile.

Conclusion

Substantial improvements in accuracy and myelin water fraction mapping coverage can be achieved using the proposed model if higher flip angles are required. In this context, we demonstrated that the phase along the slice profile and the polarity of the slice‐selection gradient are essential for proper modeling of the gradient‐echo signal in the presence of macroscopic field variations.
The Effect of Sediment Cover and Female Characteristics on the Hatching Success of Walleye
Authors: Gatch Alexander J. , Koenigbauer Scott T. , Roseman Edward F. , Höök Tomas O.
Published: December 2019

Natural and anthropogenic sources of sedimentation have the potential to degrade spawning habitat and negatively affect incubating fish embryos. Walleye Sander vitreus are lithophilic broadcast spawners that use specific spawning habitats that are vulnerable to degradation caused by deposition of suspended sediments. We measured the effect of different types of sediment cover on hatching success of Walleye eggs and assessed whether differences in female Walleye (female length and mean egg size) account for tolerance to sediment cover. Experiments were carried out in 2018 to test the effect of sediment cover on hatching success and in 2019 to test how female identity and female length or mean egg size may interact with sediment cover to influence hatching success. Eggs in both experiments were exposed to instantaneous sediment cover (0–7 mm) of either sand or silt from fertilization until day 15 of incubation. Results indicated that Walleye eggs were sensitive to silt cover (71% mortality with 2 mm of silt cover) but not sand cover (47% mortality with 7 mm of sand cover). Hatching success differed significantly among individual females. Although there was an indication that hatching success was marginally negatively related to female length and positively related to mean egg size, sediment cover seemed to have similar effects on eggs, regardless of female length or egg size. Susceptibility of Walleye eggs to mortality caused by sediment cover further underscores the need to limit large-scale sediment loading and resuspension in aquatic systems.
The Societal Value of Broader Access to Antiobesity Medications
Authors: Kabiri Mina , Sexton Ward Alison , Ramasamy Abhilasha , van Eijndhoven Emma , Ganguly Rahul , Smolarz B. Gabriel , Zvenyach Tracy , Goldman Dana P. , Baumgardner James R.
Published: December 2019

Objective

Obesity and its complications place an enormous burden on society. Yet antiobesity medications (AOM) are prescribed to only 2% of the eligible population, even though few individuals can sustain weight loss using other strategies alone. This study estimated the societal value of greater access to AOM.

Methods

By using a well‐established simulation model (The Health Economics Medical Innovation Simulation), the societal value of AOM for the cohort of Americans aged ≥ 25 years in 2019 was quantified. Four scenarios with differential uptake among the eligible population (15% and 30%) were modeled, with efficacy from current and next‐generation AOM. Societal value was measured as monetized quality of life, productivity gains, and savings in medical spending, subtracting the costs of AOM.

Results

For the 217 million Americans aged ≥ 25 years, AOM generated $1.2 trillion in lifetime societal value under a conservative scenario (15% annual uptake using currently available AOM). The introduction of next‐generation AOM increased societal value to $1.9 to $2.5 trillion, depending on uptake. Finally, societal value was higher for younger individuals and Black and Hispanic individuals compared with White individuals.

Conclusions

This study suggests that AOM provide substantial gains to patients and society. Policies promoting broader clinical access to and use of AOM warrant consideration to reach national goals to reduce obesity.
Risk factors associated with delayed methotrexate clearance and increased toxicity in pediatric patients with osteosarcoma
Authors: Young Elizabeth P. , Cheng W. Susan , Bernhardt Melanie B. , Wang Lisa L. , Rainusso Nino , Foster Jennifer H.
Published: December 2019

High‐dose methotrexate (HD‐MTX; 12 g/m2) is part of standard therapy for pediatric osteosarcoma (OS). Risk factors associated with MTX toxicity in children with OS are not well defined. We investigated the association between peak MTX levels (four‐hour) and delayed MTX clearance or treatment toxicity. Information was retrieved from electronic medical records of 33 OS patients treated with HD‐MTX at Texas Children's Hospital from 2008 to 2015. We found that the four‐hour MTX level did not contribute to toxicity or delayed MTX clearance. We demonstrated that certain demographic characteristics are associated with delayed clearance and increased toxicity.
Colombia's cyberinfrastructure for biodiversity: Building data infrastructure in emerging countries to foster socioeconomic growth
Authors: De Vega Jose J. , Davey Robert P. , Duitama Jorge , Escobar Dairo , Cristancho‐Ardila Marco A. , Etherington Graham J. , Minotto Alice , Arenas‐Suarez Nelson E. , Pineda‐Cardenas Juan D. , Correa‐Alvarez Javier , Camargo Rodriguez Anyela V. , Haerty Wilfried , Mallarino‐Robayo Juan P. , Barreto‐Hernandez Emiliano , Muñoz‐Torres Monica , Fernandez‐Fuentes Narcis , Di Palma Federica ,   the Colombian Cyberinfrastructure Consortium for Biodiversity
Published: December 2019

Societal Impact Statement

Colombia is a “megadiverse” country with vast natural resources. A history of recent conflict means that information is only now being collected on the natural capital of regions that were previously unexplored. Better access to data, tools, and expertise is required for evidence‐supported decisions on the conservation of these resources. The development of a bespoke cyberinfrastructure could help fulfill this need by providing access to digital resources in a collaborative cyberenvironment. We outline key priorities and develop a reference framework for building cyberinfrastructure in Colombia. This framework could be applied to other fields and countries to promote knowledge exchange, scientific innovation, and socioeconomic growth.
Glycated Plasma Proteins as More Sensitive Markers for Glycemic Control in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Zhang Lina , Zhang Qibin
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is used clinically for diagnosis and therapeutic management of diabetes. However, HbA1c reflects average blood glucose level over a long period. The aim of this study is to look for short period, more sensitive protein markers that correlate better with glycemic level.

Experimental Design

The glycated proteome of human plasma from type 1 diabetic individuals with good and poor (n = 20 each) glycemic control are analyzed using an online two‐dimensional proteomics approach. Selected glycated peptides are further validated for their potential as candidate biomarkers using parallel reaction monitoring.

Results

305 glycated peptides are quantified and 290 are significantly increased in samples with poor glycemic control. 76 of the 88 selected glycated peptides have receiver operating characteristic area under curve (AUC) values greater than 0.8. Six validated glycated peptides with high AUC show high correlation with HbA1c and have higher fold changes between poor and good glycemic control than HbA1c. The parent proteins have half‐lives shorter than HbA1c.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Using an advanced proteomics platform for protein glycation analysis, glycated peptides and proteins are identified that are promising as more sensitive, shorter term indicators of glycemic control in diabetic patients than the commonly used HbA1c.
Improved Performance of Hybrid Organic/Inorganic p–n Heterojunction White Light‐Emitting Diodes with 4,4′‐Cyclohexane‐1,1‐diylbis[N,N‐bis(4‐methylphenyl)aniline] as a Multifunctional Hole Transport Layer
Authors: Wang Danbei , Liu Bin , Zhang Hongmei , Zhao Hong , Tao Tao , Xie Zili , Zhang Rong , Zheng Youdou
Published: December 2019

Electrically driven hybrid organic/inorganic white light‐emitting diodes (WLEDs) with low‐cost, easy fabrication, and excellent electroluminescence (EL) performance have attracted tremendous attention recently. However, many issues, especially imbalanced carrier injection, have limited their development, so further research is needed. Herein, 4,4′‐cyclohexane‐1,1‐diylbis[N,N‐bis(4‐methylphenyl)aniline] (TAPC) with a large bandgap is introduced as a multifunctional hole transport layer (MHTL) for efficient hybrid organic/inorganic WLEDs. Optimized hybrid WLEDs with TAPC are achieved with a peak current efficiency of 20.6 cd A−1 and a near purity white light with color coordinates of (0.32, 0.33). They exhibit better EL performance than those without TAPC. This proves that an optimized TAPC layer can effectively reduce electron overflow and improve hole injection to acquire much better charge balance in the emitting layers. Such good results will significantly promote the design and fabrication of phosphor‐free WLEDs with high performance.
A Lithium‐Organic Primary Battery
Authors: Sun Pengfei , Bai Panxing , Chen Zifeng , Su Hai , Yang Jixing , Xu Kang , Xu Yunhua
Published: December 2019

Lithium primary batteries are still widely used in military, aerospace, medical, and civilian applications despite the omnipresence of rechargeable Li‐ion batteries. However, these current primary chemistries are exclusively based on inorganic materials with high cost, low energy density or severe safety concerns. Here, a novel lithium‐organic primary battery chemistry that operates through a synergetic reduction of 9,10‐anthraquinone (AQ) and fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) is reported. In FEC‐presence, the equilibrium between the carbonyl and enol structures is disabled, and replaced by an irreversible process that corresponds to a large capacity along with methylene and inorganic salts (such as LiF, Li2CO3) generated as products. This irreversible chemistry of AQ yields a high energy density of 1300 Wh/(kg of AQ) at a stable discharge voltage platform of 2.4 V as well as high rate capability (up to 313 mAh g−1 at a current density of 1000 mA g−1), wide temperature range of operation (−40 to 40 °C) and low self‐discharge rate. Combined with the advantages of low toxicity, facile and diverse synthesis methods, and easy accessibility of AQ, Li‐organic primary battery chemistry promises a new battery candidate for applications that requires low cost, high environmental friendliness, and high energy density.
Vertical Orientated Dion–Jacobson Quasi‐2D Perovskite Film with Improved Photovoltaic Performance and Stability
Authors: Li Fengzhu , Zhang Jie , Jo SaeByeok , Qin Minchao , Li Zhen , Liu Tiantian , Lu Xinhui , Zhu Zonglong , Jen Alex K.‐Y.
Published: December 2019

Dion–Jacobson (DJ) phase 2D layered perovskites with diammonium organic cations demonstrate improved stability over 3D perovskites under thermal/photo/moisture stresses. However, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of DJ phase perovskite solar cells (PVSCs) is often limited by the poor charge transport across the perovskite layers due to the crystal growth direction that tends to be parallel to the substrate. Here, a simple and effective method is demonstrated by employing a NH4SCN additive to facilitate the orientation of perovskite crystal growth to be perpendicular to the substrate. Also, the layer number distribution can be narrowed to around n = 3 and n = 4 with NH4SCN addition. The device derived from the quasi‐2D DJ (BDA)(MA)4Pb5I16 perovskite film processed with NH4SCN shows a PCE of 14.53%, which is among the highest values reported for 2D PVSCs prepared at room temperature. Moreover, the device retains 85% of its initial PCE after 900 h storage in ambient conditions with a humidity level of 50 ± 5%. These results demonstrate that this attractive approach will enable highly efficient and stable PVSCs to be made for renewable energy applications.
Determination of Al2O3 Activity by Reference Slag Method in CaO–SiO2–Al2O3–MgO Melts for Blast Furnace Slag with High Al2O3 at 1873 K
Authors: Hu Xinguang , Zheng Haiyan , Guo Yongchun , Jiang Xin , Gao Qiangjian , Shen Fengman
Published: December 2019

With the increase in using high Al2O3 iron ore, the content of Al2O3 in blast furnace slag has increased sharply in recent years. Thus, the activity of high Al2O3 slag in the blast furnace slag system needs further study. Herein, the activity of Al2O3 () in CaO–SiO2–Al2O3–MgO slag equilibrated with molten Cu at 1873 K is determined by applying the reference slag method. Isoactivity contours for Al2O3 in the (CaO + MgO)–SiO2–Al2O3 pseudoternary system are achieved for blast furnace slag, and the effects of R (mass% CaO/mass% SiO2) and MgO/Al2O3 on the activity of Al2O3 are discussed. When Al2O3 = 20 wt% and MgO/Al2O3 = 0.4, with R increasing from 1.10 to 1.30, the activity of Al2O3 decreases from 0.0423 to 0.0244. When Al2O3 = 20 wt% and R = 1.25, with MgO/Al2O3 increasing from 0.35 to 0.55, the activity of Al2O3 decreases from 0.0470 to 0.0366. The reference slag method, herein, is feasible based on the experimental results and the reference slag method is simple, reasonable, and of high accuracy.
Disciplinary Literacy in a Second‐Grade Classroom: A Science Inquiry Unit
Authors: Welsh Kate Muir , Brock Cynthia H. , Robertson Dana A. , Thrailkill Laurie (Darian)
Published: December 2019

The limited time available to teach content area subjects, given the intense demands for literacy and math instruction, is a common concern in U.S. elementary schools. Unfortunately, this is especially true in schools that serve students who are less economically advantaged. With time being a perennial concern for educators, integrated disciplinary literacy instruction is an alternative way to conceptualize content area and literacy instruction. The authors' purpose in this article is to show how a second‐grade teacher meaningfully used literacy as a tool in a science inquiry unit focused on environmental stewardship.