bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Critical Aspects of Metal–Organic Framework‐Based Materials for Solar‐Driven CO2 Reduction into Valuable Fuels
Authors: He Yiqiang , Li Chunguang , Chen Xiao‐Bo , Rao Heng , Shi Zhan , Feng Shouhua
Published: November 2020

Photoreduction of CO2 into value‐added fuels is one of the most promising strategies for tackling the energy crisis and mitigating the “greenhouse effect.” Recently, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been widely investigated in the field of CO2 photoreduction owing to their high CO2 uptake and adjustable functional groups. The fundamental factors and state‐of‐the‐art advancements in MOFs for photocatalytic CO2 reduction are summarized from the critical perspectives of light absorption, carrier dynamics, adsorption/activation, and reaction on the surface of photocatalysts, which are the three main critical aspects for CO2 photoreduction and determine the overall photocatalytic efficiency. In view of the merits of porous materials, recent progress of three other types of porous materials are also briefly summarized, namely zeolite‐based, covalent–organic frameworks based (COFs‐based), and porous semiconductor or organic polymer based photocatalysts. The remarkable performance of these porous materials for solar‐driven CO2 reduction systems is highlighted. Finally, challenges and opportunities of porous materials for photocatalytic CO2 reduction are presented, aiming to provide a new viewpoint for improving the overall photocatalytic CO2 reduction efficiency with porous materials.
White matter hyperintensities at critical crossroads for executive function and verbal abilities in small vessel disease
Authors: Camerino Ileana , Sierpowska Joanna , Reid Andrew , Meyer Nathalie H. , Tuladhar Anil M. , Kessels Roy P. C. , de Leeuw Frank‐Erik , Piai Vitória
Published: November 2020

The presence of white matter lesions in patients with cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is among the main causes of cognitive decline. We investigated the relation between white matter hyperintensity (WMH) locations and executive and language abilities in 442 SVD patients without dementia with varying burden of WMH. We used Stroop Word Reading, Stroop Color Naming, Stroop Color‐Word Naming, and Category Fluency as language measures with varying degrees of executive demands. The Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) was used as a control task, as it measures processing speed without requiring language use or verbal output. A voxel‐based lesion–symptom mapping (VLSM) approach was used, corrected for age, sex, education, and lesion volume. VLSM analyses revealed statistically significant clusters for tests requiring language use, but not for SDMT. Worse scores on all tests were associated with WMH in forceps minor, thalamic radiations and caudate nuclei. In conclusion, an association was found between WMH in a core frontostriatal network and executive‐verbal abilities in SVD, independent of lesion volume and processing speed. This circuitry underlying executive‐language functioning might be of potential clinical importance for elderly with SVD. More detailed language testing is required in future research to elucidate the nature of language production difficulties in SVD.
Turnover of local government core officials, political connections and the investment and financing of private‐sector enterprises
Authors: Yu Han , Nahm Abraham Y. , Song Zengji
Published: November 2020

In this study, we examined the power operation and policymaking mechanisms of local governments in China and analysed the sources of risk in macroeconomic policies. Based on the reality of local governance in China, this article defines political uncertainty as normal or abnormal changes in the Standing Members of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Provincial‐level Committee. We analysed the impact of turnovers of these local core officials upon the investment and financing of local private‐sector enterprises. We found that when changes in provincial inner core officials happened normally, the long‐term impact on the investment and financing of local private‐sector enterprises was not so obvious. However, when senior officials were investigated for corruption, the investment and financing of enterprises dropped significantly. For enterprises with personal political capital only, the impact of local core official turnover upon firm financing was even more pronounced. For private‐sector enterprises with partial state ownership, however, this negative impact was significantly weakened in the long term.
Effect of air‐abrasion at pre‐ and/or post‐sintered stage and hydrothermal aging on surface roughness, phase transformation, and flexural strength of multilayered monolithic zirconia
Authors: Yilmaz Ali Dogus , Okutan Yener
Published: November 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of air‐abrasion/sintering order and autoclave aging on the surface roughness (Ra), phase transformation, and biaxial flexural strength (BFS) of monolithic zirconia. A total of 104 monolithic zirconia specimens (Katana ML) were divided into eight groups according to airborne‐particle abrasion protocols and hydrothermal aging: control (non‐aged: C‐, aged: C+), air‐abrasion before sintering (BS‐, BS+), air‐abrasion after sintering (AS‐, AS+), and air‐abrasion before and after sintering (BAS‐, BAS+). A steam autoclave was used for accelerated aging, and Ra values were measured with a surface profilometer. All specimens were analyzed by X‐ray diffraction to determine any phase transformation on the zirconia surface. BFS was measured by using the piston‐on‐three‐balls method. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy were performed on one specimen per group. BS and BAS groups showed higher Ra values compared with groups C and AS. The aging process significantly increased the monoclinic phase content of all specimens. Lower monoclinic levels were found in AS+ and BAS+ compared with other aged groups. The AS groups exhibited higher flexural strength values relative to control groups, whereas BS groups exhibited significantly lower flexural strength values (p <.05). There was no reduction in flexural strength by using the BAS protocol. Air‐abrasion of zirconia at the pre‐sintered stage only is not recommended in clinical use because of the remarkable decrease in flexural strength.
Chronic stress reverses enhanced neophobia following an acute stressor in European starlings
Authors: de Bruijn Robert , Romero L. Michael
Published: November 2020

Neophobia is an animal's avoidance of novelty. Animals tend to respond to novel objects by increasing their latency to approach the objects, and they eventually habituate after repeated exposure by attenuating this increased approach latency. Interestingly, the physiological stress response does not appear to have a causal link to neophobia, although acute stress can prevent animals from habituating to novel objects, possibly through a permissive effect. Chronic stress can induce an anxiety‐like state in animals, while often disrupting the ability to respond to acute stress. We thus hypothesized that chronic stress may increase neophobia and tested this by inducing chronic stress in wild‐caught European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris). Four distinct anthropogenic stressors were administered daily for 30 min each in a randomized order for 21 days. We then evaluated whether exposure to chronic stress altered the latency to approach a novel object placed on or near a food dish presented after overnight fasting. Chronically stressed birds and nonstressed controls exhibited similar initial neophobic responses to novel objects and showed similar habituation in response to repeated exposure. However, when birds were exposed to 15 min of restraint before repeated exposure to the same object, habituation was eliminated in control birds (i.e., they continued to respond with neophobia), whereas chronically stressed birds continued to show habituation as measured by attenuated approach latencies. These results demonstrate that an acute stress response (restraint) has a different impact on neophobia depending upon whether the bird is or is not concurrently exposed to chronic stress.
Phase transitions in benzene under dynamic and static compression
Authors: Rao Usha , Chaurasia S. , Mishra Ajay K. , Pasley John
Published: November 2020

Phase transitions in liquid benzene under laser shocked conditions are studied using high‐resolution time‐resolved Raman spectroscopic technique. The C‐C ring breathing mode (υ1) of benzene at 993 cm−1 is analyzed to monitor the phase transitions occurring in the Raman spectra during shock wave propagation in the pressure range 1.3–5 GPa. Phase transition from liquid benzene to solid benzene (Phase I) is observed below 1.3 GPa, and above this pressure, another phase transition from Phases I and II occurs. We also performed Raman spectroscopic measurements under static compression employing diamond anvil cell (DAC) to compare the effect of shock wave on benzene with isothermal compression using DAC. In static pressure measurements, the first phase transition from liquid to solid benzene (orthorhombic) occurs at 0.3 GPa, and the second phase transition from benzene I (orthorhombic) to benzene Phase II (monoclinic) occurs at 2.3 GPa, which is higher than that observed in case of shock compression experiments. The observed high‐resolution spectrum enables us to determine the effect of pressure gradient upon the Raman spectrum of benzene in shocked condition. One‐dimensional radiation‐hydrodynamic simulations were performed to corroborate the Raman spectroscopic results under dynamic compression. Simulated spatial profiles of the shock wave propagation in benzene at different delay times are used to explain the observation of multiple Raman modes in the spectral region 990–1020 cm−1. It is understood that different regions of the sample experience distinct pressure due to shock pressure gradient across the sample. The new Raman modes appearing in this spectral region are attributed to the Raman signals due to phase transition and from differently shocked regions of benzene under dynamic compression. The effect of reflected shock wave from benzene‐glass interface manifested in terms of red shifting and intensity enhancement of Raman modes at higher pressure is explained in this study.
Reconstruction after periacetabular tumor resection with Lumic® endoprosthesis: What are the midterm results?
Authors: Erol Bulent , Sofulu Omer , Sirin Evrim , Saglam Fevzi , Buyuktopcu Omer
Published: November 2020

Introduction

This study aimed to analyze the midterm outcomes of LUMiC® endoprosthetic reconstruction following periacetabular resection of primary bone sarcomas and carcinoma metastases.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 21 patients (11 male [52.3%], 10 female [47.6%]; mean age 47 ± 16 years) for whom a LUMiC® endoprosthesis (Implantcast) was used to reconstruct a periacetabular defect after internal hemipelvectomy. The tumor was pathologically diagnosed as Ewing's sarcoma in six (28.5%), chondrosarcoma in 10 (47.6%), and bone metastasis from carcinoma in five (23.8%) patients.

Results

The median follow‐up of patients was 57.8 months (95% confidence interval: 51.9–63.7). The implant survival rate at 1, 2, and 5 years were 95.2%, 85.7%, and 80.9%, respectively. The overall complication rate was 33.3% (n = 7). Four (19%) complications resulted in reconstruction failure. Total reoperation rate was 28.5% (n = 6). The complications were soft tissue failure/dislocation in two patients, aseptic loosening in one, infection in two, and local recurrence in two. At the time of study, seven patients were alive with no evidence of disease, seven were alive with disease, and seven died of disease. The 5‐year overall survival rate and local recurrence‐free survival rates were 67% and 76%, respectively. The median Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score at final follow‐up was 70% (range: 50%–86.6%).

Conclusion

We conclude that LUMiC® endoprosthesis provides good functional outcomes and a durable reconstruct. Even though this reconstruction method presents some complications, it provides a stable pelvis in the management of periacetabular malignant tumors.
Phonation Threshold Pressure/Flow for Reflecting Glottal Closure in Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis
Authors: Jen Jung Hsuan , Chan Roger W. , Wu Chia‐Hsin , Wang Chi‐Te
Published: November 2020

Objective

Previous theoretical analysis predicted that phonation threshold flow (PTF) could be a more sensitive aerodynamic measure than phonation threshold pressure (PTP) for reflecting glottal incompetence. This study investigated the feasibility of whether PTP and PTF may differentiate subjects with unilateral adductor vocal fold paralysis and paresis (UAVFP) from those without, and whether PTP and PTF could reflect the extent of incomplete glottal closure associated with UAVFP.

Methods

PTP and PTF were quantified for 13 subjects with UAVFP and 21 control subjects with normal voice, and the normalized glottal gap area (NGGA) based on videostroboscopic image analysis was quantified for subjects with UAVFP.

Results

Significant differences in both PTP and PTF were found between subjects with UAVFP and control subjects. Receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated a higher discriminatory ability of PTP for differentiating subjects with UAVFP from those without (area under the curve of 0.905 for PTP, 0.678 for PTF), yet a significant positive correlation was found between PTF and NGGA (Spearman's ρ = 0.571) but not between PTP and NGGA (ρ = −0.364).

Conclusion

Results supported the feasibility of using PTP and PTF as potential diagnostic indicators for reflecting glottal closure in UAVFP, with PTP potentially more sensitive for differentiating subjects with and without incomplete glottal closure. These preliminary findings were limited by the small sample size, with further studies needed to verify whether PTF could be more sensitive for reflecting the extent of incomplete glottal closure, as predicted theoretically.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 131:E1598–E1604, 2021
Feature‐based automated segmentation of ablation zones by fuzzy c‐mean clustering during low‐dose computed tomography
Authors: Wu Po‐hung , Bedoya Mariajose , White Jim , Brace Christopher L.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Intra‐procedural monitoring and post‐procedural follow‐up is necessary for a successful ablation treatment. An imaging technique which can assess the ablation geometry accurately is beneficial to monitor and evaluate treatment. In this study, we developed an automated ablation segmentation technique for serial low‐dose, noisy ablation computed tomography (CT) or contrast‐enhanced CT (CECT).

Methods

Low‐dose, noisy temporal CT and CECT volumes were acquired during microwave ablation on normal porcine liver (four with non‐contrast CT and eight with CECT). Highly constrained backprojection (HYPR) processing was used to recover ablation zone information compromised by low‐dose noise. First‐order statistic features and normalized fractional Brownian features (NBF) were used to segment ablation zones by fuzzy c‐mean clustering. After clustering, the segmented ablation zone was refined by cyclic morphological processing. Automatic and manual segmentations were compared to gross pathology with Dice’s coefficient (morphological similarity), while cross‐sectional dimensions were compared by percent difference.

Results

Automatic and manual segmentations of the ablation zone were very similar to gross pathology (Dice Coefficients: Auto.‐Path. = 0.84 ± 0.02; Manu.‐Path. = 0.76 ± 0.03, P = 0.11). The differences in ablation area, major diameter and minor diameter were 17.9 ± 3.2%, 11.1 ± 3.2% and 16.2 ± 3.4%, respectively, when comparing automatic segmentation to gross pathology, which were lower than the differences of 32.9 ± 16.8%, 13.0 ± 9.8% and 21.8 ± 5.8% when comparing manual segmentation to gross pathology. Manual segmentations tended to overestimate gross pathology when ablation area was less than 15 cm2, but the automated segmentation tended to underestimate gross pathology when ablation zone is larger than 20 cm2.

Conclusion

Fuzzy c‐means clustering may be used to aid automatic segmentation of ablation zones without prior information or user input, making serial CT/CECT has more potential to assess treatments intra‐procedurally.
The level of competence of graduating nursing students in 10 European countries—Comparison between countries
Authors: Kajander‐Unkuri Satu , Koskinen Sanna , Brugnolli Anna , Cerezuela Torre MªAngeles , Elonen Imane , Kiele Viktorija , Lehwaldt Daniela , Löyttyniemi Eliisa , Nemcová Jana , de Oliveira Célia Simão , Palese Alvisa , Rua Marília , Salminen Leena , Šateková Lenka , Stubner Juliane , Sveinsdóttir Herdís , Visiers‐Jiménez Laura , Leino‐Kilpi Helena
Published: November 2020

Aim

To analyse graduating nursing students’ self‐assessed competence level in Europe at graduation, at the beginning of nursing career.

Design

An international cross‐sectional evaluative design.

Methods

Data were collected in February 2018–July 2019 from graduating nursing students in 10 European countries. Competence was assessed with a validated instrument, the Nurse Competence Scale (NCS). The sample comprised 3,490 students (response rate 45%), and data were analysed statistically.

Results

In all countries, graduating nursing students assessed their competence as good (range 50.0–69.1; VAS 0–100), albeit with statistically significant differences between countries. The assessments were highest in Iceland and lowest in Lithuania. Older students, those with working experience in health care, satisfied with their current degree programme, with excellent or good study achievements, graduating to 1st study choice and having a nursing career plan for future assessed their competence higher.
A numerical study on fractional differential equation with population growth model
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Shaw Pawan Kumar , Abdel‐Aty Abdel‐Haleem , Mahmoud Emad E.
Published: November 2020

In this work, we developed two efficient and fast numerical technique to solve an initial value problem (IVP) of the linear and nonlinear fractional differential equations (FDEs) of orderα, 0 < α < 1. Here we have used the arbitrary order derivatives in Riemann style. The proposed algorithm are very accurate and provides the solutions directly without perturbations, linearization, or any other assumptions. Illustrating examples with numerical comparisons between the proposed algorithm and the exact and/or Euler method and the improved Euler method (IEM) are given to reveal the efficiency and the accuracy of our algorithm. These scheme has quadratic and cubic convergence rate which is faster than the Euler method and IEM for solving the IVP of FDEs. Moreover, we have discussed the behaviors through graphical representation of the obtained solutions. Furthermore, both methods will be useful for the treatment of disease models for further study.
Hybrid silk fibroin–gelatin nanofibrous sheet for drug delivery and regenerative medicine: In‐vitro characterization and controlled release of simvastatin/protein
Authors: Hajiabbas Maryam , Alemzadeh Iran , Vossoughi Manouchehr
Published: November 2020

Blend drug‐loading method in electrospun scaffolds has gained much attention as a cost‐effective and simple delivery system in regenerative medicine. However, it has some drawbacks, such as the burst release of encapsulated drugs and denaturing active agents in harsh organic solvents. In this study, a new silk fibroin‐gelatin (SF–G) fibrous sheet has been introduced as an engineered scaffold and a straightforward drug delivery system for skin tissue engineering applications. The hybrid sheets have been prepared via co‐electrospinning and in‐situ crosslinking methods without corrosive solvents and toxic crosslinking agents. To evaluate the proposed scaffold as a controlled release system, the simvastatin (SIM), a poorly water‐soluble drug, and bovine serum albumin (BSA), a hydrophilic protein, have been selected as two model pharmaceutical ingredients. The physicochemical and mechanical properties, as well as the degradation profile of the hybrid sheets, indicate that the fabrication method, SF: G fibers volume ratio and degree of crosslinking are vital in controlling the different features of the prepared scaffolds. The obtained results demonstrate that the hybrid structure, type of fiber, and in‐situ crosslinking method provide an opportunity to adjust the release kinetics of encapsulated drug/protein within the fiber matrix. The in‐vitro analysis also demonstrates suitable bioactivity of the drug/protein‐loaded scaffolds. Therefore, this hybrid nanofibrous sheet may be considered a new candidate for biomedical applications and pharmaceutical science.
Cold atmospheric plasma jet array for transdermal drug delivery
Authors: Lv Yang , Nie Lanlan , Duan Jiangwei , Li Zhiyu , Lu Xinpei
Published: November 2020

Transdermal drug delivery (TDD) is an important drug delivery method, and cold atmospheric plasma has been proven its potential as a TDD approach. In this study, a 9‐channel plasma jet array was designed to enhance TDD efficiency. The Franz diffusion experiment showed that the TDD efficiency of the drug across the skin was enhanced about 2–110 times after the plasma jet array treatment. The histological analysis showed that the structure of the stratum corneum could be destroyed by the plasma. Further investigations indicated that the reactive oxygen species of the plasma jet play a key role in enhancing TDD efficiency. Our results indicated that the plasma jet array is a potential and effective TDD approach.
Efficiency of plasma‐processed air for biological decontamination of crop seeds on the premise of unimpaired seed germination
Authors: Wannicke Nicola , Wagner Robert , Stachowiak Joerg , Nishime Thalita M. C. , Ehlbeck Joerg , Weltmann Klaus‐Dieter , Brust Henrike
Published: November 2020

In this study, the antimicrobial effect of plasma‐processed air (PPA) generated by a microwave‐induced nonthermal plasma was investigated for preharvest utilization using three crop species: Barley, rape, and lupine. Bacillus atrophaeus spores were chosen as a model, inoculated onto seeds, and subsequently treated with PPA at two different flow rates, different filling regimes, and gas exposure times. PPA treatment was efficient in reducing viable spores of B. atrophaeus, reaching sporicidal effects in all species at certain parameter combinations. Maximum germination of seeds was strongly reduced in barley and rape seeds at some parameter combination, whereas it had a modest effect on lupine seeds. Seed hydrophilicity was not altered. Overall, PPA investigated in this study proved suitable for preharvest applications.
Heat of Formation of Triazole‐Based Salts: Prediction and Experimental Validation
Authors: Glorian Julien , Han Kyung‐Tae , Braun Silke , Baschung Barbara
Published: November 2020

This work contributes to the growing interest in predictions linked with energetic salts. A reliable method to accurately compute the heat of formation of triazole‐based salts was investigated. Calculations were based on Born‐Haber energy cycles: gas‐phase enthalpy of ions and lattice enthalpy were calculated separately. Ten triazole‐based salts were synthesized and fully characterized. Their heat of combustion was measured by bomb calorimeter. Gas‐phase heat of formation of cations and anions were computed at four different levels of theory: B3LYP 6‐31G(d,p), CBS‐4M, CBS‐QB3, and G4. Ionic volumes were calculated at the B3LYP 6‐31G(d,p) level with and without corrections. Lattice enthalpy estimations, based on calculated ionic volumes, were performed with the help of Jenkins and Gutowski methods. Combinations of the obtained results (gas‐phase enthalpy of ions and lattice enthalpy) were used in the Born‐Haber approach to predict solid phase enthalpy of formation of studied energetic salts. Direct comparison with experimental measurements enabled the identification of the most reliable path for energetic salt standard enthalpy of formation prediction.
Multiple origins of a single point mutation in the cotton bollworm tetraspanin gene confers dominant resistance to Bt cotton
Authors: Guan Fang , Hou Bofeng , Dai Xiaoguang , Liu Sitong , Liu Juanjuan , Gu Yan , Jin Lin , Yang Yihua , Fabrick Jeffrey A , Wu Yidong
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

Transgenic crops producing insecticidal proteins derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are used globally to kill key insect pests and provide numerous benefits, including improved pest management, increased profits, reduced insecticide use, and increased biological control. Unfortunately, such benefits are rapidly being lost by the evolution of Bt resistance by pests.

RESULTS

The main strategy to delay resistance relies on the use of non‐Bt refuge plants to produce sufficient susceptible insects that mate with rare resistant insects emerging from Bt crops, essentially diluting and/or removing resistance alleles from pest populations. A key assumption for the success of this refuge strategy is that inheritance of resistance is recessive. In China, dominant resistance to Cry1Ac Bt cotton by the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera is increasing and is associated with a mutation in the tetraspanin HaTSPAN1 gene, conferring more than 125‐fold resistance. Here, we used amplicon sequencing to test the hypotheses that the HaTSPAN1 mutation either arose from a single event and spread or that the mutation evolved independently several times throughout northern China. From three laboratory strains and 28 field populations sampled from northern China, we identified six resistant and 50 susceptible haplotypes. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that the HaTSPAN1 mutation arose from at least four independent origins and spread to their current distributions.

CONCLUSION

The results provide valuable information about the evolutionary origins of dominant resistance to Cry1Ac Bt cotton in northern China and offer rationale for the rapid increase in field‐evolved resistance in these areas, where the implementation of additional practical resistance management is needed. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Molecular investigation of adequate sources of mesenchymal stem cells for cell therapy of COVID-19-associated organ failure
Authors: Desterke Christophe , Griscelli Frank , Imeri Jusuf , Marcoux Paul , Lemonnier Thomas , Latsis Theodoros , Turhan Ali G. , Bennaceur-Griscelli Annelise
Published: November 2020

The use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) derived from several sources has been suggested as a major anti-inflammation strategy during the recent outbreak of coronavirus-19 (COVID-19). As the virus enters the target cells through the receptor ACE2, it is important to determine if the MSC population transfused to patients could also be a target for the virus entry. We report here that ACE2 is highly expressed in adult bone marrow, adipose tissue, or umbilical cord-derived MSC. On the other hand, placenta-derived MSC express low levels of ACE2 but only in early passages of cultures. MSC derived from human embryonic stem cell or human induced pluripotent stem cells express also very low levels of ACE2. The transcriptome analysis of the MSCs with lowest expression of ACE2 in fetal-like MSCs is found to be associated in particularly with an anti-inflammatory signature. These results are of major interest for designing future clinical MSC-based stem cell therapies for severe COVID-19 infections.
Supramolecular adhesive materials from small‐molecule self‐assembly
Authors: Shi Chen‐Yu , Zhang Qi , Tian He , Qu Da‐Hui
Published: November 2020

Developing high‐performance adhesive materials not only aims at industrial and social requirements but also bears the fundamental importance of understanding the chemical factors of biological adhesion to develop biomimetic adhesive materials. Owing to the wide development of supramolecular chemistry, numerous supramolecular tools are exploited and proved to be reliable in the replacement of traditional covalent materials by reversible noncovalent or dynamic covalent materials. Taking advantage of these ready‐to‐use supramolecular toolboxes, supramolecular adhesive materials are rising and promising toward “smart” adhesives, that is, enabling responsiveness, reversibility, and recyclability. Compared with polymeric adhesive materials, low‐molecular‐weight adhesives feature chemically precise structure, easier engineering by molecular design, and hence higher reproducibility. However, it remains highly challenging to make high‐performance adhesive materials by low‐molecular‐weight feedstocks. This review will focus on the recent advancement in the construction of supramolecular adhesive materials by small‐molecule self‐assembly. The design guidelines and consideration on the molecular scale will be discussed and summarized on how to enhance the strength of adhesives. Meanwhile, owing to the dynamic nature of supramolecular self‐assembly, several “smart” functions of such materials will be presented, such as stimuli–responsiveness and adaptiveness. Finally, current challenges and future perspectives of this emerging field will be proposed.
Solar‐Driven Photocatalytic Disinfection Over 2D Semiconductors: The Generation and Effects of Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Liu Yue , Zeng Xiangkang , Hu Xiaoyi , Xia Yun , Zhang Xiwang
Published: November 2020

Solar‐driven photocatalysis has been developing as a sustainable process and it holds appreciable promise to address the pollutants and risks posed by biohazards. The unique geometrical and electric features of 2D semiconductors have nurtured a variety of advanced photocatalytic bactericides where oxidative oxygen species are generated as the main disinfection reagents. Herein, the state‐of‐the‐art progress of solar‐driven photocatalytic disinfection based on 2D semiconductors with an emphasis on the generation and effects of various reactive oxygen species is summarized. Moreover, the immobility of the photocatalyst for practical applications is discussed. Finally, perspectives and challenges are presented to guide future research on photocatalytic disinfection.
Emissive Supramolecular Systems Based on Reversible Bond Formation and Noncovalent Interactions
Authors: Horiuchi Shinnosuke , Umakoshi Keisuke
Published: November 2020

Noncovalent interactions and reversible bond formations are widely seen in natural systems for the construction of sophisticated molecular systems that perform various biological processes. Inspired by the natural systems, luminescent supramolecular systems constructed by coordination‐driven self‐assembly and homometallic metal‐metal interations have been studied increasingly. These supramolecular systems show fascinating luminescent behaviors that are not observed from single components. This review summarizes our progress in the development of two types of unique luminescent supramolecular systems. The mononuclear Pt(II) complex units can sandwich coinage metal ions to form heteropolynuclear complexes involving heterometallic metal‐metal interactions. A close proximity of the two or three different metal ions by the noncovalent forces lead to orbital overlapping among the coinage metal ions and the Pt(II) complex units, showing emission color change accompanied with structural transformation and reversible metal binding behaviors. Emissive host‐guest systems consisting of mononuclear metal complexes and a hydrogen‐bonded capsule are also developed, that show a unique encapsulation‐induced emission enhancement (EIEE) behavior.
Melengestrol acetate contraceptive implant use in colobus monkeys (Colobus guereza): Patterns through time and differences in reproductive potential and live births
Authors: McDonald Monica M. , Agnew Mary K. , Asa Cheryl S. , Powell David M.
Published: November 2020

Melengestrol acetate (MGA) implants are progestin‐based reversible contraceptives used to manage fertility in zoo populations. Although it is recommended that MGA implants should be replaced every 2 years, the duration of efficacy has not been systematically evaluated in most species. Anecdotal reports for Old World monkeys indicate that reproduction may be suppressed longer if the implant is not removed. This study uses Guereza colobus monkey (Colobus guereza) as a model Old World monkey species to examine the effects of MGA implants on reproductive potential. In particular, we investigate whether the probability of reproducing (pR) and rates of stillbirth differ among (1) non‐implanted females, (2) females who have had MGA implants removed, and (3) females whose implants were left in past expiration. We found no significant difference in pR between non‐implanted and implant‐removed groups, but when implants were left in past expiration, the pR was significantly lower than in other groups. Both parity and age significantly impacted pR for the non‐implanted group (i.e., younger females and those who were parous increased pR), but neither were significant factors for the implant‐removed group. Stillbirth rates were significantly higher post‐contraception as compared with pre‐contraception. These results support similar analyses in other taxa that show a shorter time to reversal after MGA contraception when implants are removed, making this a good contraceptive option for females likely to receive a breeding recommendation, especially when a more predictable time to reversal is important.
The twisted structure of the fetal calcaneal tendon is already visible in the second trimester
Authors: Szaro Paweł , Witkowski Grzegorz , Ciszek Bogdan
Published: November 2020

Introduction

The progress in morphological science results from the greater possibilities of intra-pubic diagnosis and treatment of congenital disabilities, including the motor system. However, the structure and macroscopic development of the calcaneal tendon have not been investigated in detail. Studies on the adult calcaneal tendon showed that the calcaneal tendon is composed of twisted subtendons. This study aimed to investigate the internal structure of the fetal calcaneal tendon in the second trimester.

Materials and methods

Thirty-six fetuses fixed in 10% formaldehyde were dissected using the layer-by-layer method and a surgical microscope.

Results

The twisted structure of the calcaneal tendon was revealed in all specimens. The posterior layer of the calcaneal tendon is formed by the subtendon from the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle. In contrast, the anterior layer is formed by the subtendon from the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle. The subtendon from the soleus muscle constitutes the anteromedial outline of the calcaneal tendon. The lateral outline of the calcaneal tendon is formed by the subtendon originating from the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle. In contrast, the medial outline is formed by the subtendon from the soleus muscle. In most of the examined limbs, the plantaris tendon attached to the tuber calcanei was not directly connected to the calcaneal tendon.

Conclusions

The twisted structure of the subtendons of the fetal calcaneal tendon is already visible in the second trimester and is similar to that seen in adults.
Prognostic significance and therapeutic potential of the immune checkpoint VISTA in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Hou Zelin , Pan Yu , Fei Qinglin , Lin Yali , Zhou Yuanyuan , Liu Ying , Guan Hongdan , Yu Xunbin , Lin Xianchao , Lu Fengchun , Huang Heguang
Published: November 2020

Objective

V-domain Ig suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) is a novel immune checkpoint protein that belongs to the B7 family. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance and therapeutic potential of VISTA in patients with pancreatic cancer.

Methods

Using immunohistochemistry (IHC), we examined the expression of VISTA and demonstrated the associations between the VISTA and overall survival in 223 PDAC patients from 2 different unrelated retrospective cohorts. The multiplex immunofluorescence was performed to illuminate the relationship between VISTA expression and tumor-infiltrating immune cell subclusters of PDAC. We also verified the findings in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. The anti-tumor effect of anti-VISTA therapy was studied by the mouse model with liver metastases of PDAC.

Results

The VISTA protein was highly expressed in 25.6% of tumor cells (TCs), 38.1% of immune cells, and 26.0% of endothelial cells in 223 PDAC tumor tissues. VISTA expression in TCs was significantly associated with prolonged overall survival. Multiplex immunofluorescence analysis revealed that VISTA level was positively correlated with CD68+ macrophages, CD3+ T cells, and CD19+ B cells in PDAC. However, a higher expression level of VISTA was detected in tumor-infiltrating CD68+ macrophages than in CD3+ T and CD19+ B cells. Furthermore, anti-VISTA antibody treatment significantly reduced the number of metastatic nodules in livers of mouse models of PDAC with liver metastases.

Conclusion

VISTA expressed in TCs is associated with a favorable prognosis in PDAC. Moreover, immunotherapy with anti-VISTA antibodies may potentially be an effective treatment strategy against PDAC.
Public perceptions of adult ADHD: Indications of stigma?
Authors: Godfrey Emmet , Fuermaier Anselm B. M. , Tucha Lara , Butzbach Marah , Weisbrod Matthias , Aschenbrenner Steffen , Tucha Oliver
Published: November 2020

Stigmatization represents a major barrier to treatment seeking across mental disorders. Despite this, stigma research on individual mental disorders remains in its infancy. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults also represents an under-researched area—being far less studied than its child counterpart. This study examined the current state of public perceptions towards adult ADHD. A simulation group consisting of 105 participants performed the Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale (WFIRS) and Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS) as though they had ADHD. These scores were compared to a group consisting of 98 individuals with adult ADHD and a group of 117 healthy individuals both groups being instructed to complete the WFIRS and CAARS to the best of their abilities. Simulators were found to overestimate impairments in adult ADHD (to a large effect) in the domains of hyperactivity, DSM-IV hyperactivity-impulsivity, DSM-IV total, work, school, (to a medium effect) in family and social, and (to a negligible-small effect) in inattention, impulsivity, DSM-IV inattention, and life skills when compared to the ADHD group, and in all domains (to a large effect) when compared to the control group. Current and retrospective ADHD symptoms were found to be associated with more accurate perceptions in a number of domains. Evidence for the presence of perceptions considered to be stigmatizing was found, with largest effects present in the domains of hyperactivity, impulsivity, impairments at work, school, and engagement in risky behaviour.
Molekulare therapeutische Stratifizierung des nichtkleinzelligen Lungenkarzinoms
Authors: Lang Susanne M. , Rachow Tobias
Published: November 2020

Hintergrund

Die Therapiemöglichkeiten des nichtkleinzelligen Lungenkarzinoms (NSCLC) im Stadium IV haben sich in den letzten Jahren rasant entwickelt. Das Überleben der Patienten wurde durch die zielgerichtete Behandlung von Tumoren mit EGFR-, BRAF-Mutationen, EML4/ALK- und ROS1-Translokationen verbessert. Durch die Entwicklung neuer Therapieoptionen wird die molekulare Stratifizierung der Therapie für den behandelnden Arzt immer schwieriger.

Ziel der Arbeit

Die Übersicht gibt einen aktuellen Überblick über die molekular stratifizierten therapeutischen Optionen beim NSCLC.

Ergebnisse

Durch reversible EGFR-Tyrosinkinaseinhibitoren (TKI) ließ sich das Überleben von NSCLC-Patienten mit EGFR-Mutation verlängern. Im Verlauf kommt es jedoch unweigerlich zur Resistenzentwicklung, die durch irreversible EGFR-TKI z. T. überwunden werden konnte. Aktuelle Studien zeigen einen möglichen Vorteil der Kombination von TKI mit Angiogeneseinhibitoren oder Chemotherapie. Bei EML4-/ALK- (und ROS1-)positiven NSCLC war der Multityrosinkinaseinhibitor Crizotinib als Erstes verfügbar. Potentere Zweitgenerations-ALK-TKI vermochten die Crizotinibresistenz zu durchbrechen. Mit der Einführung eines hochpotenten Drittgenerations-TKI konnten weitere ALK-Resistenzen überwunden werden. Für BRAF-, HER2-, MET-Exon-14-Skipping und RET-Mutationen stehen zielgerichtete Substanzen zur Verfügung, die z. T. bereits zugelassen sind. Larotrectinib erhielt als erste Substanz in der EU eine tumorunabhängige Zulassung für NTRK-positive Tumoren.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Weiterentwicklung zielgerichteter Therapien erfordern die molekulare Analyse des Tumorgewebes und molekulare Stratifizierung der Therapie. Unklar bleiben die optimale Therapiesequenz und mögliche Verbesserungen durch Kombinationstherapien.
Ermittlung der Grenzflächenpressung von Bauteilwerkstoffen in Schraubenverbindungen an Ringproben bei erhöhter Temperatur bis 300 °C
Authors: Kempf Andreas , Klein Marcus , Oechsner Matthias
Published: November 2020

Im Fokus des Leichtbaus stellt die Bewertung der Flächenpressung in druckbeanspruchten Kontaktflächen von Schraubenverbindungen eine Herausforderung an den Konstrukteur dar, um das Werkstoffpotential des Bauteils für eine Gewichtsreduktion optimal auszunutzen.

Wirkt neben den in der Regel bei der Montage vorherrschenden Raumtemperaturverhältnissen im Betrieb zusätzlich eine thermische Beanspruchung auf die Komponenten, ist von einer veränderten Druckbeanspruchbarkeit der geklemmten Bauteile auszugehen. Im Gegensatz zur Zugbeanspruchbarkeit liegen nur begrenzt Kennwerte für die Druckbeanspruchbarkeit bei erhöhter Temperatur vor. Zudem werden Werte vorranging an Vollzylinderproben, nicht an Proben mit einem Durchgangsloch und somit nicht an bauteilrelevanter Struktur einer Schraubenverbindung ermittelt. Dies führt in der Folge zur Verwendung von konservativen Richtwerten oder ungenauen Annahmen. In diesem Beitrag wird eine Erweiterung der beiden Prüfmethoden zur Ermittlung der Grenzflächenpressung bis 300 °C vorgestellt, welche in der Richtlinie 2230 Blatt 1, Ausgabe November 2015 des Vereins Deutscher Ingenieure e. V. (VDI) referenziert sind. Es sind Ergebnisse für zwei Stahl- und einen Aluminiumwerkstoff in Abhängigkeit der Prüftemperatur dargestellt. Des Weiteren werden Untersuchungen mit unterschiedlichen Prüfgeschwindigkeiten bei kontinuierlicher Versuchsführung sowie Prüfungen zur Untersuchung des Werkstoffverhaltens im diskontinuierlichen Druckversuch mit Haltezeiten bei erhöhter Temperatur vorgestellt.
Analytical stability in the Caledonian Symmetric Five-Body Problem
Authors: Steves B. A. , Shoaib M. , Sweatman Winston L.
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we develop an analytical stability criterion for a five-body symmetrical system, called the Caledonian Symmetric Five-Body Problem (CS5BP), which has two pairs of equal masses and a fifth mass located at the centre of mass. The CS5BP is a planar problem that is configured to utilise past–future symmetry and dynamical symmetry. The introduction of symmetries greatly reduces the dimensions of the five-body problem. Sundman’s inequality is applied to derive boundary surfaces to the allowed real motion of the system. This enables the derivation of a stability criterion valid for all time for the hierarchical stability of the CS5BP. We show that the hierarchical stability depends solely on the Szebehely constant $$C_0$$

C
0

which is a dimensionless function involving the total energy and angular momentum. We then explore the effect on the stability of the whole system of varying the relative sizes of the masses. The CS5BP is hierarchically stable for $$C_0 > 0.065946$$

C
0

>
0.065946

. This criterion can be applied in the investigation of the stability of quintuple hierarchical stellar systems and symmetrical planetary systems.
Studying Nonverbal Synchrony in Couple Therapy—Observing Implicit Posture and Movement Synchrony
Authors: Nyman-Salonen Petra , Tourunen Anu , Kykyri Virpi-Liisa , Penttonen Markku , Kaartinen Jukka , Seikkula Jaakko
Published: November 2020

Research on nonverbal synchrony (movement coordination) in psychotherapy has recently attracted increased attention. Nonverbal synchrony has been shown to relate to the therapeutic alliance and outcome. However, research on nonverbal synchrony in couple therapy remains scarce. In this study, we examined the therapy process of one couple in detail and created a coding scheme to depict posture and movement synchrony. In this case study, we found that the relationship between nonverbal synchrony and the therapeutic alliance was complex. During the therapy process, the amount of nonverbal synchrony varied, as did the participants’ evaluations of the alliance. In couple therapy nonverbal synchrony could affect both the persons involved in it and the persons observing it. In one of the sessions, almost all the synchronies occurred between the female client and one of the therapists, and all except the female client evaluated the alliance to be weaker. In this case study, there were two therapists present, and the co-therapists’ synchrony was found to be important for the male client’s evaluations of the alliance. When there was more synchrony between the therapists, he evaluated the alliance to be stronger. Interestingly, the co-therapists’ synchrony seemed to peak in sessions that succeeded sessions with a weaker alliance, as if the therapists were implicitly making a joint effort to strengthen the alliance. A short episode from one session is given to illustrate the findings. Our coding scheme enables studying nonverbal synchrony (posture and movement synchrony) in couple therapy and combining the research results to other temporally precise data obtained from the sessions. More research is needed to validate the method.
Ontological Categorizations and Selection Biases in Cosmology: The Case of Extra Galactic Objects
Authors: Valore Paolo , Dainotti M. G. , Kopczyński Oskar
Published: November 2020

One of the innovative approaches in contemporary philosophical ontology consists in the assumption of a plurality of ontologies based on different metaphysical presuppositions. Such presuppositions involve, among others, the identification of relevant properties for the objects of our domain as a guiding principle in uncovering what it is to be considered intrinsic and what could be the mere effect of selection preferences based on objective or subjective criteria. A remarkable example of the application of a background metaphysical theory in astrophysics is the problem of selection biases in detecting cosmological objects, such as supernovae, galaxies and gamma-ray bursts. We will show that it is valuable to be aware of the importance of uncovering this type of background theory to better understand selection effects and to promote a novel approach in scientific research.