bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving mother–infant interaction during infant feeding: A randomised controlled trial in a low‐income community in South Africa
Authors: Tomlinson Mark , Rabie Stephan , Skeen Sarah , Hunt Xanthe , Murray Lynne , Cooper Peter J
Published: July 2020

Background

Maternal–infant feeding interactions are a primary context for engagement between mothers and their infants, and constitute a unique space in which reciprocity, attunement and maternal sensitivity can be expressed. Increasingly, research demonstrates the importance of the psychological and social nature of the feeding context, and how it may be affected by maternal mental state, feeding skills and sensitivity. As such, feeding interactions may provide useful contexts for observations of maternal sensitivity, reflecting well on day‐to‐day maternal sensitivity.

Aims and Objectives

This paper is a post hoc examination of the impact of an intervention on maternal sensitivity during a feeding interaction when the infants were 6 months old.

Participants

A total of 449 women consented to participate in the original intervention and were randomly assigned to the intervention or control groups. Mothers and infants were assessed during pregnancy, and then at 2, 6, 12 and 18 months of infant age. At the 6 month follow‐up visit, 79% (354 out of 449) of the participants were retained. Post hoc analyses were conducted on the original sample to determine breastfeeding status. Sixty‐nine percent of the women completed the feeding observation at the 6 months follow‐up visit, of which 47% reported exclusively breastfeeding and 22% reported bottle‐feeding.

Results

Results demonstrated that during a feeding interaction, maternal sensitivity was significantly improved among non‐breastfeeding mothers who received the intervention. Particularly, maternal responsiveness to infant cues and synchronous interactions was higher among non‐breastfeeding intervention mothers compared to control group mothers. The results also show that non‐breastfeeding mothers who received the intervention were significantly less intrusive in their interactions with their infants.

Conclusion

The intervention had particular beneficial effects for mothers who were not breastfeeding and suggest that the intervention offered a protective effect for non‐breastfeeding mothers.
Brain‐targeted co‐delivery of β‐amyloid converting enzyme 1 shRNA and epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate by multifunctional nanocarriers for Alzheimer's disease treatment
Authors: Lv Lijie , Yang Fan , Li He , Yuan Jiuli
Published: July 2020

Progressive memory loss and cognitive dysfunction are hallmark clinical features of Alzheimer's disease (AD). As a possible treatment for AD, we developed an epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) and β‐site amyloid precursor protein (APP) cleaving enzyme 1 antisense (BACE1‐AS) shRNA‐encoded plasmid. The plasmid was loaded on to RVG29 peptide‐targeted multifunctional nanoparticles (NPs) (REGS‐PN). The polymeric NPs were characterized by flow cytometry, biocompatibility assay, pharmacokinetic analysis, Western blot analysis, and the Morris water maze (MWM) test. The differences in plasma and brain NP accumulation following intravenous administration showed a significantly longer circulation time for EGS‐PN and REGS‐PN in the blood stream. In contrast, free EGCG was rapidly eliminated from the circulation. REGS‐PM successfully travelled through the blood–brain barrier and was present at a higher concentration in the brain compared with both non‐targeted NPs and free EGCG. REGS‐PN administration to APPswe/PS1dE9 double transgenic mice (APP/PS1 mice) resulted in downregulation of the key enzyme in amyloid‐β formation (BACE1) and amyloid beta, indicating synergistic therapeutic activity. The MWM test revealed that simultaneous delivery of a therapeutic gene and EGCG (REGS‐PN) remarkably improved the spatial learning and memory capabilities of APP/PS1 mice as well as wild type mice compared with the free EGCG‐treated group. With these results, we propose that co‐delivery of a therapeutic gene (shRNA) and EGCG in a multifunctional nanocarrier could achieve higher therapeutic concentrations in the brain and could be an excellent strategy for AD treatment.
Maternal UPD of chromosome 7 in a patient with Silver‐Russell syndrome and Pendred syndrome
Authors: Zhang Chuan , Hao Shengju , Zhang Qinghua , Liu Furong , Zhou Bingbo , Xuan Feng , Xing Wang , Chen Xue , Wang Yan , Ma Panpan , Cao Zongfu , Ma Xu
Published: July 2020

Background

Silver‐Russell syndrome (SRS) is a heterogeneous imprinting disorder featuring severe intrauterine and postnatal growth retardation and dysmorphic features. Pendred syndrome (PDS) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the SLC26A4 gene characterized by sensorineural hearing loss.

Methods

Karyotyping analysis was performed to investigate any chromosomal abnormalities. Whole‐genome copy number variation and loss of heterozygosity were analyzed using an Affymetrix CytoScan 750 K Microarray. Variant screening was performed by targeted next‐generation sequencing on all known deafness‐causing genes.

Results

The proband was a patient with SRS caused by maternal uniparental disomy 7. The PDS of the proband was caused by homozygous variant c.919‐2A > G of SLC26A4; both mutated alleles were inherited from his mother.

Conclusion

This is the first report of uniparental disomy 7 leading to SRS and Pendred syndrome. Patients with intrauterine growth retardation or those born small for gestational age and exhibiting postnatal growth failure should undergo molecular testing to reach a clinical diagnosis.
Epidemiology and molecular identification of mycoplasma pneumoniae associated with respiratory infections in Zhejiang province, China, 2008‐2017
Authors: Jiang Qian , Yang Fangfang , Peng Yumeng , Dong XiaoYan , Ge Yumei
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of respiratory infections in humans. The aim of this study was to investigate the infection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) in patients with acute respiratory tract infections in Zhejiang Province from 2008 to 2017, and to provide evidence for the early diagnosis and prevention of MP pneumonia.

Methods

MP‐DNA was detected in nasopharyngeal swabs of patients with acute respiratory tract infection by real‐time fluorescent PCR (TaqMan probe). Statistical analysis and epidemiological investigation were carried out on the test results.

Results

There were 10 296 patients with acute respiratory tract infection in Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital from 2008 to 2017, including 4387 females and 5909 males. A total of 1251 MP‐DNA–positive patients were detected, with a total positive rate of 12.2% (1251/10296). Among 1251 patients with MP infection, 571 were female positive, with an average positive rate of 13.0% (571/4387), and 680 were male positive, with a positive rate of 11.5% (680/5909). From 2008 to 2017, the positive rates were 22.8% (33 cases), 20.9% (211 cases), 20.9% (350 cases), 5.5% (70 cases), 11.7% (136 cases), 15.2% (190 cases), 7.8% (94 cases), 5.9% (62 cases), 7.8% (56 cases), and 6.0% (49 cases), respectively. Of 1251 MP‐DNA–positive patients, 1243 (99.4%) were younger than 18 years old.

Conclusions

Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection mainly occurs from late summer to autumn and in the age below 18 years, suggesting that early diagnosis and prevention of MP infection in adolescents should be emphasized.
Higher education and ethnicity: A case study with Aymara students
Authors: Álvarez Díaz Andrea , Storey Meza Roberto
Published: July 2020

We aim to understand the strategies that Aymara students have developed to overcome the vulnerability in access and permanence in higher education. For Aymara students, references external to the institution act as protection factors of the support network that decisively determine their adaptation to the educational environment. Methodologically, this study accounts for a case study in northern Chile regions, using biographical interviews to build the narrative regarding the university experience of the students. Main highlights establish that though ethnic–racial and socioeconomic dimensions intersect in the significance of student's vulnerability important sources of identity reinforce their resilience, subjectivities, and empowerment processes. We conclude that the learning experience is not developed exclusively in the educational institution, but it is the socioaffective space linked to the peers, the family and the community which have a decisive role, which in the case of the Aymara students, acquires an intercultural nature.
The effect of liquid medium on vibration and control of the AFM piezoelectric microcantilever
Authors: Korayem Alireza Habibnejad , Ghasemi Pouya , Korayem Moharam Habibnejad
Published: July 2020

This article investigates the vibration motion and control of the piezoelectric microcantilever (MC) of the atomic force microscope in the amplitude mode in a liquid environment for both free and forced vibrations. The modeled MC includes two electrode layers, a piezoelectric layer, and the geometric discontinuities as a result of these layers and the change in the MC cross section at the probe‐MC contact point is modeled. The equations of motion are derived using Hamilton's principle and then discretized with the aid of the finite element method. The system frequency and time response in the free vibration mode when placed in a liquid medium are compared with experimental results. Also, the sample surface topography in the noncontact mode, when passing through the surface roughness, has been modeled as rectangular and wedge‐shaped. Furthermore, the control of piezoelectric MC in two cases of near and far from the sample surface is examined. In the case of far from the surface, the system is controlled using the piezoelectric layer installed on the beam, whereas in the case of near the surface, the piezo is turned off due to the existence of nonlinear forces such as Van der Waals and Derjaguin, Muller, and Toporov contact forces and the control is achieved through the base excitation. For system control modeling, the robust fuzzy sliding mode control (FSMC) approach is utilized and the results are compared with those of the simple sliding mode control (SMC) as well as proportional, integral, and derivative control. The presented FSMC approach can remarkably reduce the chattering phenomenon at the SMC input in the liquid medium and accordingly improve the results compared to the other two methods.
Quality of life in postostomy surgery patients: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Aluzaite Kristina , Nuttall James W , O'Connor Maree , Harvie Ruth , Schultz Michael
Published: July 2020

Background and Aim

Ostomy is a radical treatment that is sometimes required due to severe inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colorectal cancer (CRC), and so on. Around 8000 people in New Zealand live with stoma bags. We studied factors associated with poor quality of life (QoL) in ostomy patients to improve patient care.

Methods

Eligible adult patients identified through the Southern District Health Board database were invited to participate. The survey consisted of the general stoma QoL, IBD, CRC QoL, and dietary and lifestyle questionnaires.

Results

Response rate was 54.5% (n = 241/448). Study participants were a mean (SD) 70.9 (14.2) years old, 60.6% were male, and 89.5% were New Zealand European; 52.5% of the study participants had a colostomy, and 56.4 and 22.4% received their stoma due to CRC and IBD, respectively. Median (first–third interquartile range) duration since ostomy for overall study sample was 6.9 (3.3–15.1) years. Mean (SD) Stoma‐QoL score for all the patients was 60.3 (10.8) points (scale 20–80). Stoma‐underlying disease (P = 0.28) and type of stoma (P = 0.60) were not associated with Stoma‐QoL scores. Older adults had higher Stoma‐QoL, IBD questionnaire and QLQ‐C30 quality‐of‐life scores; 73.1% received dietary recommendations for the stoma, And 56.4% changed their diet, 51.4% found it easy to adhere to dietary recommendations, and 9.2% found it quite/very difficult.

Conclusion

This study found high‐quality life scores in postostomy patients and no significant association between the underlying disease, time since ostomy, level of comorbidities, and how the appliance worked, which highlight the multifactorial nature of the quality of life concept and difficulties measuring it.
Efficacy and safety of elbasvir/grazoprevir in treatment‐naive Chinese adults with hepatitis C virus infection: A randomized trial
Authors: Wei Lai , Jia Ji Dong , Duan Zhong Ping , Wang Fu Sheng , Niu Jun Qi , Xie Wen , Huang Wen Xiang , Zhang Ming Xiang , Huang Yan , Wang Mao Rong , Wu Shan Ming , Zhao Ying Ren , Jia Zhan Sheng , Zhao Xu Min , Mu Sheng Mei , Liang Li Wen , Wang Zaiqi , Puenpatom Amy , Hwang Peggy , Robertson Michael N. , Ingravallo Paul , Asante‐Appiah Ernest , Wei Bo , Evans Barbara , Hanna George J. , Talwani Rohit
Published: July 2020

Background and Aim

In China, clinical experience with direct‐acting antiviral treatments for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is still emerging. C‐CORAL is a phase 3, multinational, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind trial of elbasvir/grazoprevir (EBR/GZR) in participants with HCV infection from the Asia‐Pacific region and Russia. Here, we report the data from participants enrolled in China.

Methods

Treatment‐naive participants with chronic HCV genotype (GT) 1, GT4, or GT6 infection were randomly assigned to receive 50 mg EBR/100 mg GZR for 12 weeks (immediate‐treatment group, ITG) or placebo followed by deferred treatment with EBR/GZR (deferred‐treatment group, DTG). The primary efficacy end‐point was sustained virologic response at 12 weeks after completing treatment (SVR12), and the primary safety end‐point was a comparison of safety between participants receiving EBR/GZR and placebo (NCT02251990; Protocol PN‐5172‐067).

Results

A total of 152 participants in China were randomly assigned (ITG, n = 115; DTG, n = 37). SVR12 was achieved in 96.7% (146/151) participants overall and in 97.3% (142/146) of those with GT1b infection. Four participants relapsed (GT1b, n = 3; GT6a, n = 1). Drug‐related AEs were reported in 25 (21.7%) and 9 (24.3%) participants receiving EBR/GZR and placebo, respectively; no drug‐related serious adverse events (AEs) occurred. Two (1.7%) participants receiving EBR/GZR had late hepatic transaminase elevations. Patient‐reported outcomes indicate improved quality of life at follow‐up week 4 in participants receiving EBR/GZR compared to placebo.

Conclusion

EBR/GZR administered for 12 weeks represents a highly effective and safe treatment option for Chinese individuals with HCV GT1 infection.
Regional climate model simulation of soil moisture and its application in drought reconstruction across China from 1911 to 2010
Authors: Wang Aihui , Kong Xianghui
Published: July 2020

Regional climate model has been widely used to simulate terrestrial water cycles, but its simulations used in the long‐term agriculture drought reconstruction have not been investigated in China. This study presents an analysis of soil moisture (SM) drought in China during 1911–2010 on the basis of the simulations from the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model driven by two twentieth century reanalysis products. Comparisons of modelled SM with station observations indicate that WRF has certain capability in reproducing its magnitudes and temporal variabilities. Model performance are greatly impacted by lateral boundary conditions. The average SM derived from two experiments is closer to observations than the individual one and thus they are then applied in drought investigation. During the study period, SM shows a wetting tendency from northwestern to central eastern China, while it displays a drying tendency in the northeast, western Tibetan Plateau, and part of southeastern China. The spatial pattern of number drought events resembles that of annual precipitation, showing an increasing tendency from northwestern (arid) to southeastern (humid) regions. In arid regions, drought events are generally prolonged and frequent but less severe. In humid regions, in contrast, drought events usually persist less than 6 months and are less frequent but relatively severe. During the examined 100‐year period, roughly 28.4, 28.9 and 38.4% of land areas in China show significant trends for duration, severity, and frequency, respectively (p > .8). Both drought duration and severity show decreasing tendencies in vast regions, and the land areas showing increased drought frequency is slightly less than that of areas showing its decreased tendency. This study is a first attempt to apply regional climate modelling to investigate a centennial long SM change in China and presents a new way to explore long‐term drought characteristics and their changes.
Graphene‐coated Au nanoparticle‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Zhang Yue‐Jiao , Chen Qing‐Qi , Chen Xing , Wang An , Tian Zhong‐Qun , Li Jian‐Feng
Published: July 2020

Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a powerful surface analytical technique; however, its lack of material and morphological generality is a longtime limitation. The invention of shell‐isolated nanoparticle‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SHINERS) using silica shell‐encapsulated Au nanoparticles (NPs) overcomes these problems. Whereas, it is difficult to obtain a silica shell (less than 1 nm thick) without pinholes for generating extremely high SERS enhancements. Graphene is one of the most promising two‐dimensional materials, which has a single‐atom layer thickness. Moreover, graphene can provide additional SERS chemical enhancement. Herein, we prepared graphene‐coated Au (Au@G) NPs via chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The graphene shell thickness could be controlled from a few layers to multilayers, and the Au@G SERS activities were characterized using mercaptobenzoic acid (MBA) as a probe molecule. Both the pH and high‐temperature stabilities of the Au@G nanoparticles were characterized. Also, Pt‐on‐Au@G satellite structures were developed via a self‐assembly method. Whereby Au@G nanoparticles were coated with Pt nanocatalysts, and this bifunctional SERS substrate could be used to monitor in situ catalytic reaction mechanisms occurring on the Pt surface.
Dual‐view integral imaging display based on point light sources
Authors: Wu Fei , Liu Ze‐Sheng , Yu Jun‐Sheng
Published: July 2020

We propose a dual‐view integral imaging display based on point light sources. The proposed dual‐view integral imaging display is composed of an organic light‐emitting diode and a liquid crystal panel. The point light sources are displayed on the organic light‐emitting diode. The elemental images 1 and 2, which are captured from three‐dimensional scenes 1 and 2, are alternatively aligned on the liquid crystal panel in the horizontal direction. Two adjacent elemental images 1 and 2 are coupled and corresponded to one point light source. The coupled elemental images 1 and 2 are illuminated by the corresponding point light source. It satisfies the practical applications that the viewing zones are respectively located at the left and right of the proposed dual‐view integral imaging display. A prototype of the proposed dual‐view integral imaging display is developed, and good verifying results are obtained.
Mortality of high‐risk orthopaedic oncology patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Stevenson Jonathan D. , Evans Scott , Morris Guy , Tillman Roger , Abudu Adesegun , Jeys Lee , Parry Michael
Published: July 2020

Background and Objectives

Should the threshold for orthopaedic oncology surgery during the coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic be higher, particularly in men aged 70 years and older? This study reports the incidence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) during, respiratory complications and 30‐day mortality during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

This prospective observational cohort study included 100 consecutive patients. The primary outcome measure was 14‐day symptoms and/or SARS‐CoV‐2 test. The secondary outcome was 30‐day postoperative mortality.

Results

A total of 100 patients comprising 35 females and 65 males, with a mean age of 52.4 years (range, 16‐94 years) included 16 males aged greater than 70 years. The 51% of patients were tested during their admission for SARS‐CoV‐2; 5% were diagnosed/developed symptoms of SARS‐CoV‐2 during and until 14 days post‐discharge; four were male and one female, mean age 41.2 years (range, 17‐75 years), all had primary malignant bone or soft‐tissue tumours, four of five had received immunosuppressive therapy pre‐operatively. The 30‐day mortality was 1% overall and 20% in those with SARS‐CoV‐2. The pulmonary complication rate was 3% overall.

Conclusions

With appropriate peri‐operative measures to prevent viral transmission, major surgery for urgent orthopaedic oncology patients can continue during the COVID‐19 pandemic. These results need validating with national data to confirm these conclusions.
Dried plum mitigates spinal cord injury‐induced bone loss in mice
Authors: Liu Xuhui , Liu Mengyao , Turner Russell , Iwaniec Urszula , Kim Hubert , Halloran Bernard
Published: July 2020

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is accompanied by rapid loss of bone and increased risk of low impact fractures. Current pharmacological treatment approaches have proven to be relatively ineffective in preventing or treating bone loss after SCI. Dietary supplementation with dried plum (DP) has been shown to have dramatic effects on bone in various other disease models. In this study, we tested the efficacy of DP in preventing bone loss after SCI and restoring bone that has already been lost in response to SCI. Male C57BL/6J mice (3‐month‐old) underwent SCI and were fed a diet containing 25% DP by weight or a control diet for up to 4 weeks to assess whether DP can prevent bone loss. To determine whether DP could restore bone already lost due to SCI, mice were put on a control diet for 2 weeks (to allow bone loss) and then shifted to a DP supplemented diet for an additional 2 weeks. The skeletal responses to SCI and dietary supplementation with DP were assessed using microCT analysis, bone histomorphometry and strength testing. Dietary supplementation with DP completely prevented the loss of bone and bone strength induced by SCI in acutely injured mice. DP also could restore a fraction of the bone lost and attenuate the loss of bone strength after SCI. These results suggest that dietary supplementation with DP or factors derived from DP may prove to be an effective treatment for the loss of bone in patients with SCI.
The Relevance of and Surgical Approach to the Suprahyoid Region in Thyroglossal Duct Surgery
Authors: Koempel Jeffrey A. , Brooks Jennifer , Snow Mikel H. , Osterbauer Beth , Garcia Erick , Bawab Ramzi , Shows Jared , Parham David
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Persistent or recurrent disease following excision of a thyroglossal duct cyst/sinus (TGDC) is often found in the suprahyoid region. Cadaver dissections were performed to identify and name important surgical landmarks in the suprahyoid area; a histopathologic analysis of surgical specimens was completed to determine the incidence and extent of microscopic disease; and clinical outcomes were compared to determine the efficacy of a specific anatomic dissection.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

Standardized dissections of four adult cadavers were performed. Consecutive surgical specimens were examined for evidence of microscopic TDGC disease in the suprahyoid region, measuring the greatest width and length of disease. A retrospective review of all consecutive TGDC procedures was completed.

Results

The important surgical landmarks in the suprahyoid area were identified in all cadavers. Microscopic disease in the suprahyoid area was found in 79% (37 of 47) of surgical specimens. The mean greatest length and width of microscopic disease was 12.4 mm and 1.4 mm, respectively. Following identification of these landmarks, the incidence of recurrent or persistent disease decreased (P = .02) from 5% (8 of 159) to 0% (0 of 112).

Conclusion

The majority of pediatric patients with a TGDC will have microscopic disease in the suprahyoid area. The surgical landmark of the fascial plane between the geniohyoid and genioglossus muscles demarcates the anterior and lateral borders of resection in the suprahyoid area. This approach can be used as a reliable and easily reproducible technique in TGDC surgery to increase confidence of achieving complete removal of disease in the suprahyoid area, avoiding persistent or recurrent disease and a revision procedure.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:553–558, 2021
Coordinating the ISM Code and OHSAS procedures to improve the occupational health and safety at sea
Authors: Gül Sait , Kabak Özgür , Topcu Y. Ilker
Published: July 2020

An occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS) is a set of people, resources, and policies interacting in an organized way to reduce damage and losses generated in the workplace. Although there are various OHSMSs in the shipping industry, the International Safety Management (ISM) Code which is managed by the International Maritime Organization is mandatory for all shipping companies. Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series (OHSAS) 18,001:2007 is a good alternative to strengthen the implementation performance of the ISM Code. An integrated ISM‐OHSAS safety system can potentially construct a more powerful and practical OHSMS by redesigning safety procedures in ships as a workplace. This study aims to build a more comprehensive OHSMS for assessing and improving the safety at sea by coordinating the constituents of the ISM Code and OHSAS. The criteria sets of both systems are analysed using a Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory approach to reveal the relations between each other. The result of the proposed approach that represents the connections among important safety constituents may be very useful especially for shipping companies for designing their safety management processes.
Recent advances in natural anti‐HIV triterpenoids and analogs
Authors: Wu Hai‐Feng , Morris‐Natschke Susan L. , Xu Xu‐Dong , Yang Mei‐Hua , Cheng Yung‐Yi , Yu Shi‐Shan , Lee Kuo‐Hsiung
Published: July 2020

The human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) epidemic is one of the world's most serious health challenges. Although combination antiretroviral therapy provides effective viral suppression, current medicines used against HIV cannot completely eradicate the infectious disease and often have associated toxicities and severe side effects in addition to causing drug resistance. Therefore, the continued development of new antiviral agents with diverse structures and novel mechanisms of action remains a vital need for the management of HIV/AIDS. Natural products are an important source of drug discovery, and certain triterpenes and their analogs have demonstrated potential as pharmaceutical precursors for the treatment of HIV. Over the past decade, natural triterpenoids and analogs have been extensively studied to find new anti‐HIV drugs. This review discusses the anti‐HIV triterpenoids and analogs reported during the period of 2009–2019. The article includes not only a comprehensive review of the recent anti‐HIV agent development from the perspective of medicinal chemistry, but also discusses structure–activity relationship analyses of the described triterpenoids.
Extended and unified local convergence of k‐step solvers for equations with applications
Authors: Behl Ramandeep , Argyros Ioannis K. , Alshomrani Ali Saleh
Published: July 2020

There is a plethora of k‐step solvers for equations involving operators on Banach spaces. Their convergence is estimated by adopting hypotheses on high‐order derivatives which are not even in these iterative solvers. In addition, no computable error bounds or information on the uniqueness of the solution based on Lipschitz‐type functions are given. Moreover, the choice of the initial guess is like shooting in the dark. Finally, the criteria of convergence differ from solver to solver, so no comparison can be made between their convergence domains. The novelty of our work is that we address these problems by introducing a generalized k‐step solver containing all previous k‐step solvers. Moreover, we address all previously stated problems in the earlier papers and utilizing weaker conditions that require only the continuity of the involved operator. Applications are also presented where we test the convergence criteria.
The correlation between the tooth wear of the first molar and the estimated age from the auricular surfaces in a Joseon Dynasty population, South Korea
Authors: Jeon Chae‐Lin , Pak Sunyoung , Woo Eun Jin
Published: July 2020

Dental wear is widely accepted as a physiological consequence of aging, and its evaluation can be a simple tool with which to estimate the age at death of an adult. However, previous studies indicate that age estimation based solely on dental wear is not reliable and does not clarify how the degrees of dental wear are used to reach a final age estimation. Furthermore, most techniques used to measure dental wear rely on an ordinal scale despite the fact that dental wear is a gradual loss. In the present study, we measured the area of exposed occlusal dentine using digital photographs and compared it with estimated age based on changes in the auricular surfaces of the ilia in order to evaluate the relationship between these variables. The amount of exposed dentine on the occlusal surface of the first molar and the degeneration on the auricular surfaces of ilia are moderately correlated. The age estimation method of dental wear should be combined with other methods that demonstrate a strong correlation with age.
Effect of benzotriazole‐protected platinum catalyst on flame retardancy and ceramic‐forming property of ceramifiable silicone rubber
Authors: Jiang Guo , Zhou Huihui , Liao Kai
Published: July 2020

The high‐performance ceramifiable silicone rubber was prepared by adding Karstedt's Catalyst which was protected by a complexing agent of benzotriazole, Pt/BTA, to the system of silicone rubber (SR)/aluminum hydroxide (ATH)/ZrSiO4/glass dust. In this work, effect of Pt/BTA on flame retardancy and ceramic‐forming property of ceramifiable silicone rubber and its mechanisms were investigated. When Pt/BTA content was 1137.75 ppm, Pt/BTA/SR/ATH/ZrSiO4 passed UL‐94V‐0 rating and SR/ATH/ZrSiO4 cannot be rated in the vertical burning test. The total heat release and total smoke production were significantly reduced when Pt/BTA was added. Pt/BTA/SR/ATH/ZrSiO4 composite can support its own weight when heat‐treated at 600°C, 800°C, and 1000°C and three‐point flexural strength of ceramics increased to 29.47 MPa, which was 102.68% higher than that of SR/ATH/ZrSiO4 When Pt/BTA content was 1137.75 ppm. The flame‐retardant mechanism is discussed via Thermogravimeter‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectra. A three‐dimensional network in residues is formed and dramatic depolymerization of polymer backbone can be controlled when Pt/BTA is added in composites. With the addition of Pt/BTA, increased carbon content and formed SiC and CC in residues enhence the quality of char layer, isolating heat and oxygen much more efficiently.
Making the most of small samples: Optimization of tissue allocation of pediatric solid tumors for clinical and research use
Authors: Pinches R. Seth , Clinton Catherine M. , Ward Abigail , Meyer Stephanie C. , Al‐Ibraheemi Alyaa , Forrest Suzanne J. , Strand Gianna R. , Detert Hillary , Piche‐Schulman Anne , Gill Kristen , Restrepo Tamara , Tavares Proulx Rosemarie , Perez‐Atayde Antonio R. , Vargas Sara O. , Shaikh Raja , Weldon Christopher , Alexandrescu Sanda , Hong Andrew L. , O'Neill Allison F. , Hollowell Monica , Harris Marian H. , Janeway Katherine A. , Crompton Brian D. , Church Alanna J.
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Tissue from pediatric solid tumors is in high demand for use in high‐impact research studies, making the allocation of tissue from an anatomic pathology laboratory challenging. We designed, implemented, and assessed an interdepartmental process to optimize tissue allocation of pediatric solid tumors for both clinical care and research.

Methods

Oncologists, pathologists, surgeons, interventional radiologists, pathology technical staff, and clinical research coordinators participated in the workflow design. Procedures were created to address patient identification and consent, prioritization of protocols, electronic communication of requests, tissue preparation, and distribution. Pathologists were surveyed about the value of the new workflow.

Results

Over a 5‐year period, 644 pediatric solid tumor patients consented to one or more studies requesting archival or fresh tissue. Patients had a variety of tumor types, with many rare and singular diagnoses. Sixty‐seven percent of 1768 research requests were fulfilled. Requests for archival tissue were fulfilled at a significantly higher rate than those for fresh tissue (P > .001), and requests from resection specimens were fulfilled at a significantly higher rate than those from biopsies (P > .0001). In an anonymous survey, seven of seven pathologists reported that the process had improved since the introduction of the electronic communication model.

Conclusions

A collaborative and informed model for tissue allocation is successful in distributing archival and fresh tissue for clinical research studies. Our workflows and policies have gained pathologists’ approval and streamlined our processes. As clinical and research programs evolve, a thoughtful tissue allocation process will facilitate ongoing research.
Quantification of phenolic acids by partial least squares Fourier‐transform infrared (PLS‐FTIR) in extracts of medicinal plants
Authors: Bensemmane Nachida , Bouzidi Naima , Daghbouche Yasmina , Garrigues Salvador , de la Guardia Miguel , El Hattab Mohamed
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Phenolic compounds are ubiquitous compounds found in all plants as their secondary metabolites. Phenols are becoming increasingly important particularly because of their beneficial effects on health.

Objective

To provide a faithful calibration model for the simultaneous determination and quantification of phenolic acids, as salicylic, vanillic, p‐hydroxybenzoic acids, eugenol and thymol in different extracts of medicinal plants, a comparative study was made between two methods of infrared measurements based on attenuated total reflectance (ATR) and transmission.

Methods

Characteristic absorbance peak heights of mid‐infrared spectra of individual phenolic acids were measured for the compounds. For partial least squares regression (PLS‐R) calibration mixtures of phenolic acids, wavenumber ranges, spectra pretreatment and number of latent variables, were assayed to improve the prediction capability of models using different spectral preprocessing techniques after mean centring of infrared data. Plant extracts were prepared by using water/methanol and ethanolic extraction solvents followed by Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR)‐spectrometry analysis. The concentrations of phenolic compounds contained in the extracts were obtained by using the best models selected of the PLS calibration.

Results

PLS‐ATR‐mid‐infrared (MIR) measurement provided the most accurate results and offers a good methodology for the determination of phenolic acids. The analysis showed that the rate of phenolic acids and monoterpenic phenols in extracts of medicinal plants is in the same range obtained with the Folin–Ciocalteu method, which confirm that the developed method using PLS is therefore, highly specific and selective.

Conclusion

The simultaneous direct quantification of various phenolic acids in different plant extracts was possible with a fast and simple methodology based on PLS‐ATR‐FTIR analysis.
An intriguing “reversible reaction” in the fragmentation of deprotonated dicamba and benzoic acid in a Q‐orbitrap mass spectrometer: Loss and addition of carbon dioxide
Authors: Chai Yunfeng , Chen Hongping , Lu Chengyin
Published: July 2020

Rationale

Loss of carbon dioxide is an important characteristic fragmentation reaction of deprotonated benzoic acid and its derivatives in electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. However, researchers have rarely noticed or believed that the loss of carbon dioxide in multistage mass spectrometry is a “reversible reaction,” that is, the fragment anion generated by carbon dioxide loss can capture another carbon dioxide to regenerate its precursor ion.

Methods

The fragmentation of the [M − H]− ions of dicamba (3,6‐dichloro‐2‐methoxybenzoic acid) and benzoic acid was performed with an electrospray ionization hybrid quadrupole‐orbitrap mass spectrometer. The structural confirmation of the precursor ions and their product ions was supported by accurate mass (elemental composition) analysis. Pseudo‐MS3 experiments (in‐source collision‐induced dissociation as MS2) and isotope labelling experiments were used to confirm the addition of carbon dioxide to the product ions in MS2.

Results

In the fragmentation of deprotonated dicamba (m/z 219), the relative abundance of the precursor ion does not decrease significantly or even increases as the collision energy increases. When the m/z 145 and 175 product ions were isolated in the mass analyzer, the ions 44 m/z units larger (m/z 189 and 219) were generated spontaneously, indicating the formation of carbon dioxide adduct ions. In the fragmentation of deprotonated [carboxyl‐13C]‐benzoic acid (m/z 122), a deprotonated [carboxyl‐12C]‐benzoic acid ion (m/z 121) was generated which was derived from 13CO2 loss and 12CO2 addition. The isotope labelling experiment further supports the formation of CO2‐attached ions in the fragmentation of deprotonated benzoic acids.

Conclusions

Under collisional activation, deprotonated dicamba and benzoic acids easily undergo carbon dioxide loss, but the decarboxylated product anions have an appropriate nucleophilicity to carbon dioxide and they can capture a background carbon dioxide molecule remaining in the vacuum system to regenerate the precursor ions. This study provides a new and deeper understanding of the gas‐phase chemistry of deprotonated benzoic acid derivatives in mass spectrometry.
A case of non‐severe COVID‐19 complicated by pulmonary embolism
Authors: Akiyama Yuto , Horiuchi Kohei , Kondo Yasushi , Kabata Hiroki , Ishii Makoto , Fukunaga Koichi
Published: July 2020

Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is rapidly spreading worldwide. A typical clinical manifestation of COVID‐19 is pneumonia, which can progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome and respiratory failure. Recent studies have reported that COVID‐19 is often accompanied by coagulopathy, and a significant number of patients with severe or critical COVID‐19 develop concomitant thrombosis, including pulmonary embolism (PE). However, there are limited reports of the incidence of PE in non‐severe COVID‐19 patients. Here, we report a case of non‐severe COVID‐19 complicated by PE, which indicates that the possibility of PE should consistently be considered, even in non‐severe cases of COVID‐19 without any risk of thrombosis.
Data rate for output feedback consensus of uncertain nonlinear multiagent systems
Authors: Ran Maopeng , Xie Lihua
Published: July 2020

This article considers the data rate problem for output feedback consensus of uncertain nonlinear multiagent systems. Each agent is modeled by an nth order integrator with unknown nonlinear dynamics and unmeasurable states. An (n+2)th order extended state observer (ESO) is first designed to estimate the unmeasurable agent states and the unknown nonlinear dynamics. Based on the output of the ESO and a dynamic encoding and decoding scheme, a distributed consensus protocol is proposed. It is shown that, for a connected undirected network with nth order uncertain nonlinear agents, consensus can be guaranteed with merely one bit information exchange between each pair of adjacent agents at each time step.
Review process for complying with new Title IX regulations
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: July 2020

Your institution has until Aug. 14 to comply with the new Title IX regulations issued by the Department of Education. To help colleges and universities comply with the changes, a webinar panel of education and employment attorneys with McGuireWoods LLP discussed the topic.
Develop successful interview strategies for virtual and traditional formats
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: July 2020

Even pre‐pandemic, the job‐search process often included at least one interview via phone or video. But now in light of social distancing measures and travel restrictions, video interviews have become more commonplace than ever.
Challenges reveal effective leadership strategies
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: July 2020

When college campuses had to make the unexpected shift to working and learning online due to the COVID‐19 crisis, student affairs professionals throughout the country rose to the challenge.
Synthesis of Controllable Nickel Chalcogenide Nano‐Hollow Spheres and Their Tunable Absorbing Properties
Authors: Li Chao‐Qin , Li Xiao , Yang Shu‐Hao , Wang Hui‐Ya , Wang Guang‐Sheng
Published: July 2020

A series of nickel chalcogenide compounds (NiS2, NiS, NiO and NiSe2) with nanoscale hollow sphere structure have been successfully designed and fabricated by a simple and effective hydrothermal process. By appropriately adjusting the reaction temperature, we have obtained chalcogenide nickel nanomaterials with uniform size and controllable morphology. Subsequently, the electromagnetic wave absorption properties of nickel chalcogenide nano‐hollow sphere compounded with paraffin and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) were investigated in a frequency range of 2–18 GHz. Under the same filling amount, the optimal absorbing performance of PVDF‐based composites can all exceed −10dB, which is significantly better than paraffin‐based composites. Therefore, PVDF‐based composites are more conducive to microwave absorption performance than paraffin‐based composites. Interestingly, the optimal effective frequency bandwidth of NiS/PVDF nanocomposites with 20 wt% filler content covers 5.0 GHz at a thin coating layer of 2.0 mm, and the corresponding reflection loss value can reach −36.3 dB at 15.2 GHz. Moreover, the fundamental attenuation mechanisms are discussed in detail.
One‐pot, Direct Synthesis of 3‐Hydroxy‐3‐aryl‐1‐indanones and their 2‐Benzylidene Derivatives from 2‐Alkynylbenzophenones
Authors: Santhi Jampani , Baire Beeraiah
Published: July 2020

A rapid and efficient one‐pot strategy for the synthesis of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐aryl‐1‐indanones, directly from the corresponding 2‐alkynylbezophenones via a sequential carbonyl directed regioselective hydration followed by an intramolecular Aldol reaction has been reported. Further this strategy has also been extended for the efficient conversion of these 3‐hydroxy‐3‐aryl‐1‐indanone units into biologically important 2‐benzylidene‐3‐hydroxy‐3‐aryl‐1‐indanone derivatives, employing an intermolecular Aldol condensation reaction, both in a stepwise manner as well as one pot strategy. The process exhibits very good substrate scope and high reaction yields under mild reaction conditions.
Remediation of Toxic Dye Pollutants by Using Graphene‐Based Adsorbents
Authors: Lokhande Kshama D. , Pethsangave Dattatray A. , Kulal Dnyaneshwar K. , Some Surajit
Published: July 2020

In this article, we report a facile strategy for the synthesis of G@SiO2‐AR by using silica nanoparticles, which are coated with graphene and alkyd resin. During the synthesis of G@SiO2‐AR, the silica particles have been prepared in situ by hydrolysis of tetraethyl ortho silicate (TEOS). The G@SiO2‐AR has been employed to remove the methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solution. G@SiO2‐AR has a strong affinity to adsorb MB as MB is a cationic dye and it is strongly attracted by anions induced by deprotonation of acid functionality on GO. The detailed adsorption characteristics of G@SiO2‐AR, such as adsorption kinetic and adsorption isotherm has been investigated. The efficiency of dye adsorption on a G@SiO2‐AR has been investigated under various parameters such as contact time, temperature, and pH. The adsorption experiment has been carried out by keeping the constant adsorbent dose in 50 mL of 50 ppm dye solution with varying time intervals such as 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 min at room temperature. We got better results at 20 min and the dye removal efficiency of G@SiO2‐AR and SiO2@AR is 95.08 % and 87.32 % respectively at room temperature. Also, we carried out the same experiment at different temperatures ranging from 298, 308 and 318 K, out of which the highest adsorption efficiency of above‐mentioned adsorbents has been observed at 318 K up to 99.72 % and 93.16 % respectively. Kinetic data has been shown that the adsorption phenomenon follows the pseudo‐second order kinetic model, while adsorption isotherm follows the Langmuir adsorption isotherm.
Recent Advances in Synthesis of 3,4‐Dihydroisoquinolin‐1(2H)‐one
Authors: Kulkarni Mahesh R. , Gaikwad Nitin D.
Published: July 2020

The 3,4‐dihydroisoquinolin‐1(2H)‐one motifs found in many natural products, synthetic molecules with a diverse range of the biological activities and represent a privilege scaffold. Thereby the number of the innovative synthetic methodologies has been reported for constructions of this scaffold, which includes metal catalyzed and metal free method, multicomponent, domino one pot protocol, oxidation, Friedel‐Crafts type of cyclization. In the recent years many general protocols for the construction of this scaffold were reported in the literature and there is no focussed individual review for the 3,4‐dihydroisoquinolin‐1(2H)‐one since 2001. This review focuses on the reports describing the new method for the synthesis of 3,4‐dihydroisoquinolin‐1(2H)‐one, published since 2001 to till date. In this review, we approach method of the synthesis of 3,4‐dihydroisoquinolin‐1(2H)‐one according to the strategy used for its synthesis, which includes, the intramolecular cyclization of carbamate/ urea/ thiourea/ isocyanate/ azidoamide, carbonylation/ carbomylation/ carbonyl insertion, metal catalyzed protocols by C−H activation by directing group, metal free domino procedures and oxidations of isoquinoline derivatives that were included in recent publications. Moreover, the reports published since 2001 for the synthesis of the chiral 3,4‐dihydroisoquinolin‐1(2H)‐one are included.
One‐Pot Construction of Bis‐Heterocycles through Isocyanide Based Multicomponent Reactions
Authors: Ishwar Bhat Subrahmanya
Published: July 2020

Bis‐heterocycles (BHCs) are hybrid molecules comprising two linked, bound, spacer, or fused heterocyclic skeletons. In recent years, these compounds have attracted increased attention of scientific communities because of their improved potential applications than their discrete units. The emergence of numerous synthetic protocols utilizing Isocyanide as one of the components in multicomponent reactions has unleashed innumerable openings to design and synthesize diverse heterocyclic scaffolds and thus Isocyanide based multicomponent reactions (IMCRs) are leading today's MCR chemistry. To date, there has not been any exclusive review on the construction of BHCs via direct IMCRs or its combination with other reaction sequences in one‐pot. This article presents the first overview of IMCRs such as Ugi, Groebke‐Blackburn‐Bienaymé (GBBR), their sequential combination with other reactions, and new IMCRs established for the one‐pot synthesis of BHCs in the last two decades.