bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microarchitectured Carbon Structures as Innovative Tissue‐Engineering Scaffolds
Authors: Islam Monsur , Lantada Andrés Díaz , Gómez Milagros Ramos , Mager Dario , Korvink Jan G.
Published: March 2020

Carbon is a promising material for tissue engineering due to its excellent bioactivity, and electrical and mechanical properties. Herein, 3D microarchitectured carbon structures are presented toward scaffolds for cell culturing. The 3D carbon microlattice architectures are fabricated by fabricating 3D architectures of an epoxy polymer by stereolithography, followed by pyrolysis at 900 °C in a nitrogen environment. The pyrolysis causes 64–80% shrinkage of the microlattices resulting in the formation of carbon microlattices with a minimum lattice element thickness of 103.22 ± 22.84 μm. The carbon microlattices exhibit several microstructural deformations including wavy and bent lattices, and hollow bulges along the microlattices. These hollow bulges become the weakest section of the microlattice architectures under compressive load. The microlattice architectures exhibit elastic modulus around 2.28 MPa, which is within the range of elastic modulus suitable for application in human tissue repair. Furthermore, the in vitro cytocompatibility of the carbon materials is analyzed by culturing osteoblast‐like murine MC3T3‐E1 cells on the carbon microlattice architecture. The results show that cells are able to adhere and survive on the carbon microlattices with high viability. These results are promising for future applicability of the carbon architectures for personalized scaffolds for tissue engineering.
Recent Developments of Planar Micro‐Supercapacitors: Fabrication, Properties, and Applications
Authors: Zhang Jihai , Zhang Gaixia , Zhou Tao , Sun Shuhui
Published: March 2020

The increasing development of wearable, portable, implantable, and highly integrated electronic devices has led to an increasing demand for miniaturization of energy storage devices. In recent years, supercapacitors, as an energy storage device, have received enormous attention owing to their excellent properties of quick charge and discharge, high power density, and long life cycle with minimal maintenance. Micro‐supercapacitors (MSCs) as a promising candidate for miniaturized energy storage components have undergone considerable theoretical and experimental investigations. Particularly, planar MSCs with a 2D architecture design have more attractive application prospects due to their flexible design and excellent electrochemical performance. However, the major drawbacks of MSCs are their intrinsically low energy density. For this reason, researchers have conducted much investigation to improve their energy density in order to promote their practical application. Herein, the recent development and progress of planar MSCs from the scope of the substrates, electrode materials, fabrication methods, electrochemical properties, and applications are discussed. Finally, the currently existing challenges and developments associated with planar MSCs are also discussed. All in all, planar MSCs have great application potential in various fields of electrochemical energy storage, self‐powered wireless sensors, and stimuli‐responsive and photoresponsive, alternating current line filtering.
Constructing Safe and Durable High‐Voltage P2 Layered Cathodes for Sodium Ion Batteries Enabled by Molecular Layer Deposition of Alucone
Authors: Kaliyappan Karthikeyan , Or Tyler , Deng Ya‐Ping , Hu Yongfeng , Bai Zhengyu , Chen Zhongwei
Published: March 2020

Sodium ion batteries are a promising next‐generation energy storage device for large‐scale applications. However, the high voltage P2–O2 phase transition (>4.25 V vs Na/Na+) and metal dissolution of P2 layered cathodes into the electrolyte result in severe capacity fading, which is a major setback to fabricate high energy devices. Hence, it is essential to design an appropriate strategy to enhance interfacial behaviors to obtain safe and stable high voltage sodium ion batteries. Herein, an ultrathin alucone layer deposited through molecular layer deposition (MLD) is employed to stabilize the structure of a P2‐type layered cathode cycled at a high cut‐off voltage (>4.45 V) for the first time. The alucone coated P2‐type Na0.66Mn0.9Mg0.1O2 (NMM) cathode exhibits an 86% capacity retention after 100 cycles between 2 and 4.5 V at 1 C, demonstrating substantial improvement compared to pristine (65%) and Al2O3‐coated (71%) NMM cathodes. Furthermore, the mechanically robust and conductive nature of the organometallic thin film enhances the rate capability relative to the pristine NMM electrode. This work reveals that the MLD of alucone on cathodes is a promising approach to improve the cycle stability of sodium ion batteries at high cut‐off voltages.
Recent Advances in Atomic‐Level Engineering of Nanostructured Catalysts for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction
Authors: Liu Huiling , Zhu Yating , Ma Jianmin , Zhang Zhicheng , Hu Wenping
Published: March 2020

Electrochemical reduction of CO2 into value‐added chemicals provides a promising approach to mitigate climate change caused by CO2 from excess consumption of fossil fuels. As the CO2 molecule is chemically inert and the reaction kinetics is sluggish, efficient electrocatalysts are thus highly required for promoting the conversion of CO2. With great efforts devoted to improving the catalytic performance, the development of electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction has gone from bulk metals with poor control to nanostructures with atomic precision. Nanostructured electrocatalysts with atomic precision are believed to be capable of combining the advantages of heterogeneous and homogenous catalysts. In this review, the recent advances in designing nanostructured electrocatalysts at the atomic level for boosting the catalytic performance toward CO2 reduction and revealing the structure–property relationship are summarized. The challenges and opportunities in the near future are also proposed for paving the development of electrocatalytic CO2 reduction.
Covalent Surface Modification Effects on Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes for Targeted Sensing and Optical Imaging
Authors: Chio Linda , Pinals Rebecca L. , Murali Aishwarya , Goh Natalie S. , Landry Markita P.
Published: March 2020

Optical nanoscale technologies often implement covalent or noncovalent strategies for the modification of nanoparticles, whereby both functionalizations are leveraged for multimodal applications but can affect the intrinsic fluorescence of nanoparticles. Specifically, single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) can enable real‐time imaging and cellular delivery; however, the introduction of covalent SWCNT sidewall functionalizations often attenuates SWCNT fluorescence. Recent advances in SWCNT covalent functionalization chemistries preserve the SWCNT's pristine graphitic lattice and intrinsic fluorescence, and here, such covalently functionalized SWCNTs maintain intrinsic fluorescence‐based molecular recognition of neurotransmitter and protein analytes. The covalently modified SWCNT nanosensor preserves its fluorescence response towards its analyte for certain nanosensors, presumably dependent on the intermolecular interactions between SWCNTs or the steric hindrance introduced by the covalent functionalization that hinders noncovalent interactions with the SWCNT surface. These SWCNT nanosensors are further functionalized via their covalent handles with a targeting ligand, biotin, to self‐assemble on passivated microscopy slides, and these dual‐functionalized SWCNT materials are explored for future use in multiplexed sensing and imaging applications.
Bionanoparticle‐Based Delivery in Antihypertensive Vaccine Mediates DC Activation through Lipid‐Raft Reorganization
Authors: Hu Xiajun , Chen Xiao , Shi Xiaoli , Gao Jingwei , Ao Zhuo , Li Nan , Yuan Jinghe , Fang Xiaohong , Qiu Zhihua , Zhou Zihua , Liao Yuhua , Han Dong
Published: March 2020

Bionanoparticles (BNPs) are widely used as vaccine carriers. Compared with classic protein carriers, BNPs exhibit nanostructures that enable them to interaction with biointerface‐like cell membrane or membrane domains. An antihypertensive vaccine ATR‐NP is produced based on a virus‐like particle (VLP) Qβ carrier. Qβ shows great delivery efficiency and immunogenicity to antigen‐presenting cells (APCs) such as dendritic cells (DCs), and DC activation induced by ATR‐NP is highly dependent on membrane lipid rafts. Further studies reveal that ATR‐NP exhibits tight affinity to rafts, and interface effects between them prompt membrane phase separation and raft accumulation through NP‐induced membrane curvature change. Lipid rafts are accumulated and expanded together with a decline of their diffusion in membrane, which benefits signaling protein Src partition in rafts. The heterogeneous protein partition implies functional centralization for stronger signal transduction. In conclusion, targeting and reorganizing membrane domains such as lipid rafts suggests BNPs could be used as vaccine carriers and is a potent strategy for vaccine and other immunological agent design.
Extracellular Matrix Production by Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Hydrogels Facilitates Cell Spreading and Is Inhibited by FGF‐2
Authors: Horton Edward R. , Vallmajo‐Martin Queralt , Martin Ivan , Snedeker Jess G. , Ehrbar Martin , Blache Ulrich
Published: March 2020

In native tissues, the interaction between cells and the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM) is reciprocal, as cells not only receive signals from the ECM but also actively remodel it through secretion of cell‐derived ECM. However, very little is known about the reciprocal interaction between cells and their secreted ECM within synthetic biomaterials that mimic the ECM for use in engineering of tissues for regenerative medicine or as tissue models. Here, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels with fully defined biomaterial properties are used to investigate the emerging role of cell‐derived ECM on culture outcomes. It is shown that human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) secrete ECM proteins into the pericellular space early after encapsulation and that, even in the absence of material‐presented cell adhesion motifs, cell‐derived fibronectin enables cell spreading. Then, it is investigated how different culture conditions influence MSC ECM expression in hydrogels. Most strikingly, it is found by RNA sequencing that the fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF‐2) changes ECM gene expression and, in particular, decreases the expression of structural ECM components including fibrillar collagens. In summary, this work shows that cell‐derived ECM is a guiding cue in 3D hydrogels and that FGF‐2 is a potentially important ECM regulator within bioengineered cell and tissue systems.
Stretchable Cephalopod‐Inspired Multimodal Camouflage Systems
Authors: Xu Chengyi , Colorado Escobar Melvin , Gorodetsky Alon A.
Published: March 2020

Soft, mechanically deformable materials and systems that can, on demand, manipulate light propagation within both the visible and infrared (IR) regions of the electromagnetic spectrum are desirable for applications that include sensing, optoelectronics, robotics, energy conservation, and thermal management. However, the development of such technologies remains exceptionally difficult, with relatively few examples reported to date. Herein, this challenge is addressed by engineering cephalopod‐inspired adaptive camouflage platforms with multispectral functionality. First, stretchable copolymer membranes that feature outstanding unstrained protonic conductivities of up to ≈90 mS cm−1, demonstrate increases of ≈80% in their conductivities at strains of 200%, and exhibit no loss in electrical performance even under extreme elongations of 500% are described. Next, the membranes are used for the fabrication of mechanically and electrically actuated camouflage devices that function over an unprecedented spectral window; can simultaneously modulate their visible and IR specular‐to‐diffuse transmittance ratios by >3000‐fold and >4‐fold, respectively; feature rapid response times of ≈0.6 s; and exhibit good performance after repeated actuation. These findings may afford new scientific and technological opportunities not only for adaptive optics and photonics but also for any platform that can benefit from simultaneously controlling visible light and heat.
A High‐Performance Li–Mn–O Li‐rich Cathode Material with Rhombohedral Symmetry via Intralayer Li/Mn Disordering
Authors: Song Jin , Li Biao , Chen Yuyang , Zuo Yuxuan , Ning Fanghua , Shang Huaifang , Feng Guang , Liu Na , Shen Chongheng , Ai Xinping , Xia Dingguo
Published: March 2020

The search for new high‐performance and low‐cost cathode materials for Li‐ion batteries is a challenging issue in materials research. Commonly used cobalt‐ or nickel‐based cathodes suffer from limited resources and safety problems that greatly restrict their large‐scale application, especially for electric vehicles and large‐scale energy storage. Here, a novel Li–Mn–O Li‐rich cathode material with symmetry is developed via intralayer Li/Mn disordering in the Mn‐layer. Due to the special atomic arrangement and higher symmetry with respect to the C2/m symmetry, the oxygen redox activity is modulated and the Li in the Li‐layer is preferentially thermodynamically extracted from the crystal structure instead of Li in the Mn‐layer. The as‐obtained material delivers a reversible capacity of over 300 mAh g−1 at 25 mA g−1 and rate capability of up to 260 mAh g−1 at 250 mA g−1 within 2.0–4.8 V. The excellent performance is attributed to its highly structural reversibility, mitigation of Jahn–Teller distortion, lower bandgap, and faster Li‐ion 2D channels during the lithium‐ion de/intercalation process. This material is not only a promising cathode material candidate but also raises new possibilities for the design of low‐cost and high‐performance cathode materials.
Sequential Cleavage of Lignin Systems by Nitrogen Monoxide and Hydrazine
Authors: Hofmann Laura Elena , Hofmann Dagmar , Prusko Lea , Altmann Lisa‐Marie , Heinrich Markus R.
Published: March 2020

The cleavage of representative lignin systems has been achieved in a metal‐free two‐step sequence first employing nitrogen monoxide for oxidation followed by hydrazine for reductive C−O bond scission. In combining nitrogen monoxide and lignin, the newly developed valorization strategy shows the particular feature of starting from two waste materials, and it further exploits the attractive conditions of a Wolff‐Kishner reduction for C−O bond cleavage for the first time.

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High Visible‐Light‐Stimulated Plasticity in Optoelectronic Synaptic Transistors for Irradiation History‐Dependent Learning
Authors: Wu Mingze , Shang Shangyang , Wei Qi , Liu Chang , Li Aidong , Gao Xu , Wang Suidong , Yin Jiang , Xia Yidong , Liu Zhiguo
Published: March 2020

Recent years have witnessed the emergence of visible‐light‐stimulated synaptic transistors, which has potential for the construction of visual cognition and light‐controlled neuromorphic hardware. Efforts are made to improve the visible light‐stimulated plasticity by boosting the synaptic weight after optical neural activities. However, such modulation at the expense of increased initial synaptic weight before the stimuli still results in the limited plasticity. Here, instead of employing those inherent interfacial trap‐induced effects that raise the activated synaptic weight, it is demonstrated that an interfacial modification to inhibit them can greatly reduce the initial synaptic weight. Hence, with the assistance of the charge‐trapping memory effect, the initial and the activated synaptic weight can be modulated, leading to a significantly enhanced plasticity. Such enhancement is accomplished in a type of pentacene‐based synaptic transistors in which a visible‐light‐triggered plasticity above 108% (at 0 V gate voltage and −1 V source–drain voltage) can be achieved under a moderate optoelectronic stimulus. As a demonstration, long‐term potentiation is implemented to showcase synaptic responses with high plasticity after repeated light‐triggered neural activities, suggesting the proposed mechanism and design paradigm would be beneficial for future optical neuromorphic architectures.
Zwitterionic Sulfobetaine Hydrogel Electrolyte Building Separated Positive/Negative Ion Migration Channels for Aqueous Zn‐MnO2 Batteries with Superior Rate Capabilities
Authors: Mo Funian , Chen Ze , Liang Guojin , Wang Donghong , Zhao Yuwei , Li Hongfei , Dong Binbin , Zhi Chunyi
Published: March 2020

Hydrogel electrolytes have attracted increasing attention due to their potential uses in the fabrication of flexible solid‐state batteries. However, the development of hydrogel electrolytes is still in the initial stage and the number of available strategies is limited. Ideally, the hydrogel electrolyte should exhibit suitable ionic conductivity rate, mechanical strength, and biocompatibility for safety. In this study, a zwitterionic sulfobetaine/cellulose hydrogel electrolyte is fabricated using raw materials from natural plants, which exhibits a good biocompatibility with mammalian cells. The intrinsic zwitterionic groups on sulfobetaine chains can provide separated ion migration channels for positive and negative ions, which largely facilitates electrolyte ion transport. A solid‐state Zn‐MnO2 battery with a fabricated zwitterionic gel electrolyte exhibits a very high rate performance. It exhibits a specific capacity of 275 mA h at 1 C. Even up to 30 C, a high capacity of 74 mA h is maintained during the charging–discharging for up to 10 000 cycles. For wearable applications, the flexible solid‐state batteries can be used as reliable and portable sources to power different wearable electronics such as a commercial smart watch, electroluminescent panel, and color electroluminescence line, which shows their large potentials for use in next‐generation flexible and wearable battery technologies.
Long‐term perennial management and cropping effects on soil microbial biomass for claypan watersheds
Authors: Alagele Salah M. , Anderson Stephen H. , Udawatta Ranjith P. , Veum Kristen S. , Rankoth Lalith M.
Published: March 2020

Sustainable vegetative management plays a significant role in improving soil quality in degraded agricultural landscapes by enhancing soil microbial biomass. This study investigated the effects of grass buffers (GBs), biomass crops (BCs), grass waterways (GWWs), and agroforestry buffers (ABs) on soil microbial biomass and soil organic C (SOC) compared with continuous corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotation (row crop [RC]) on claypan soils. The RC, AB, GB, GWW, and BC treatments were established in 1991, 1997, 1997, 1997, and 2012, respectively, and are located at Greenley Memorial Research Center in Missouri. Soil samples were collected in May 2018 from the 0‐ to 10‐cm depth at summit, backslope, and footslope landscape positions. Within AB treatment, soils were collected from the 50‐cm and 150‐cm tree distance. Total microbial biomass and biomass of gram‐positive bacteria, gram‐negative bacteria, actinomycetes, rhizobia, fungi, arbuscular mycorrhizae, saprophytes, and protozoa were determined by phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis. Results showed that soil microbial biomass and SOC across all microbial groups were significantly higher (P < .01) under perennial vegetation treatments compared with RC. The footslope position exhibited the highest total microbial biomass compared with the summit and backslope positions. The sampling distance of 50 cm from the tree base demonstrated 16% greater total microbial biomass and 15% higher SOC compared with 150 cm. These findings highlight the influence of landscape on soil biological properties and show that perennial vegetation systems have the potential to increase soil microbial biomass and enhance agricultural sustainability in degraded RC systems.
Endoscopic management of gastro‐bronchial fistula following two‐stage esophagectomy using over‐the‐scope‐clip (OTSC): Case series
Authors: Tan Chih Y. , Kyaw Htet A. , Farhangmehr Neda , Tang Cheuk‐Bong , Jayanthi Naga V.
Published: March 2020

Post‐esophagectomy gastro‐bronchial fistula (GBF) has significant morbidity and mortality. Management of GBF remains non standardized due to its rarity and limited available evidence. Reoperation and surgical repair have been the main approach. More recently, multimodal endoscopic treatment is gaining popularity as primary treatment option due to its relatively non invasiveness, increasing evidence of success rate, and reduced morbidity. We present a case series of post‐esophagectomy GBF managed endoscopically using over‐the‐scope‐clip (OTSC). A dedicated, prospective, and contemporaneous regional upper gastrointestinal cancer database was searched to identify post‐esophagectomy GBF from January 2015 to December 2017. Clinical notes and investigation images of identified cases were analyzed. Three patients developed post‐esophagectomy GBF during the study period. The mean age of patients was 53. The mean time of GBF diagnosis was 233 days (range: 20‐608). Two patients had endoscopic stent placement prior to OTSC application. Primary technical success was achieved in all patients. No adverse events were reported. Two patients had complete healing of GBF and the mean healing time was 15 days (range: 6‐24). One patient who had significant co‐morbidities (peripheral arterial disease, diabetes, hepatitis C, rheumatoid arthritis, and heavy smoker) developed a persistent leak of GBF and died from a cardiac event. GBF and its surgical treatment are associated with high morbidity and mortality. We present this case series where two out of three patients with GBF were successfully treated with this modality. Endoscopic therapy incorporating OTSC placement is a feasible option in the management of post‐esophagectomy GBF. Further studies are required to understand and establish its role in the treatment algorithm of post‐esophagectomy GBF.
Expanding the phenotypic and genotypic spectrum of Wiedemann–Steiner syndrome: First patient from India
Authors: Arora Veronica , Puri Ratna D. , Bijarnia‐Mahay Sunita , Verma Ishwar C.
Published: March 2020

Wiedemann–Steiner syndrome (WWS) is a rare disorder characterized by hypotonia, postnatal growth restriction, striking facial dysmorphism, and hirsutism. It is caused by heterozygous pathogenic variants in KMT2A. This gene has an established role in histone methylation, which explains the overlap of WWS with syndromes caused by genes involved in chromatin remodeling. We describe an infant with a novel single base pair deletion in KMT2A with features consistent with WWS, as well as additional features of stenosis of aqueduct of Sylvius and broad toes. The usefulness of Face2Gene as a tool for identification of dysmorphology syndromes is discussed, as in this patient, it suggested WWS as the top candidate disorder. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first patient of WWS reported from India, with a novel genotype and expanded phenotype.
Recent advances with alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes and their inhibitors
Authors: Zaher Dana M. , El‐Gamal Mohammed I. , Omar Hany A. , Aljareh Sarah N. , Al‐Shamma Salma A. , Ali Aya J. , Zaib Sumera , Iqbal Jamshed
Published: March 2020

Alkaline phosphatases are found in different living species and play crucial roles in various significant functions, such as hydrolyzing a variable spectrum of phosphate‐containing physiological compounds, contributing to DNA synthesis, bone calcification, and attenuation of inflammation. They are homodimeric enzymes; each subunit contains one magnesium ion and two zinc ions crucial for the catalytic activity of the enzyme. Alkaline phosphatases exist in four distinct isoenzymes (placental, intestinal, germ cell, and tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatases), which are expressed by four different genes; each one of them has distinguished functions. Any disturbance in the gene expression of alkaline phosphatase eventually induces serious disease conditions. Thus, the need to explore new lead inhibitors has increased recently. In this literature review, we aim to investigate the role of alkaline phosphatase in different diseases and physiological conditions and to study the structure–activity relationships of recently reported inhibitors. We focused on the lead compounds reported in the last 5 years (between 2015 and 2019).
Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, and Subsequent Risk for Incident Rheumatoid Arthritis Among Women: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ford Julia A. , Liu Xinyi , Chu Su H. , Lu Bing , Cho Michael H. , Silverman Edwin K. , Costenbader Karen H. , Camargo Carlos A. , Sparks Jeffrey A.
Published: March 2020

Objective

Inflamed airways are hypothesized to contribute to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis due to RA‐related autoantibody production, and smoking is the strongest environmental RA risk factor. However, the role of chronic airway diseases in RA development is unclear. We undertook this study to investigate whether asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were each associated with RA.

Methods

We performed a prospective cohort study of 205,153 women in the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS, 1988–2014) and NHSII (1991–2015). Exposures were self‐reported physician‐diagnosed asthma or COPD confirmed by validated supplemental questionnaires. The primary outcome was incident RA confirmed by medical record review by 2 rheumatologists. Covariates (including smoking pack‐years/status) were assessed via biennial questionnaires. Multivariable hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for RA were estimated using Cox regression.

Results

We identified 15,148 women with confirmed asthma, 3,573 women with confirmed COPD, and 1,060 incident RA cases during 4,384,471 person‐years (median 24.0 years/participant) of follow‐up in the NHS and NHSII. Asthma was associated with increased RA risk (HR 1.53 [95% CI 1.24–1.88]) compared to no asthma/COPD after adjustment for covariates, including smoking pack‐years/status. Asthma remained associated with increased RA risk when analyzing only never‐smokers (HR 1.53 [95% CI 1.14–2.05]). COPD was also associated with increased RA risk (HR 1.89 [95% CI 1.31–2.75]). The association of COPD with RA was most pronounced in the subgroup of ever‐smokers age >55 years (HR 2.20 [95% CI 1.38–3.51]).

Conclusion

Asthma and COPD were each associated with increased risk of incident RA, independent of smoking status/intensity and other potential confounders. These results provide support for the hypothesis that chronic airway inflammation may be crucial in RA pathogenesis.
Rational Synthesis of 5,5,5‐Tricyclic Fused Thia‐heptaphyrin (1.1.1.1.1.1.0) From a Helical Oligopyrrin Hybrid
Authors: Fu Yating , Liu Xiujun , Li Chengjie , Tong Zhangfa , Baryshnikov Glib , Ågren Hans , Li Qizhao , Xie Yongshu
Published: March 2020

Oxidation of a thiophene‐hexapyrrane hybrid S‐P6 afforded a stable conjugated open‐chain thiaheptapyrrolic helix 1 with the terminal thiophene and confused pyrrole units lying at a long distance that is adverse for further cyclization. Chelation of 1 with copper(II) ion afforded 1‐Cu, which exhibits more distant terminal units. Interestingly, further oxidation of 1 triggered an intramolecular C−N fusion reaction to afford a unique 5,5,5‐tricyclic fused linear thiaheptapyrrin 2, with the two terminals positioned in proximity, which favors the oxidative ring‐closure reaction to give a unique 5,5,5‐tricyclic fused thiaheptaphyrin (1.1.1.1.1.1.0) 3 under air. The inner‐fusion strategy for positioning the reactive sites in proximity to promote oxidative cyclization offers a new approach for constructing large porphyrinoids through conjugated oligopyrrins without the assistance of metal ions.
On the relation between the cause‐specific hazard and the subdistribution rate for competing risks data: The Fine–Gray model revisited
Authors: Putter Hein , Schumacher Martin , van Houwelingen Hans C.
Published: March 2020

The Fine–Gray proportional subdistribution hazards model has been puzzling many people since its introduction. The main reason for the uneasy feeling is that the approach considers individuals still at risk for an event of cause 1 after they fell victim to the competing risk of cause 2. The subdistribution hazard and the extended risk sets, where subjects who failed of the competing risk remain in the risk set, are generally perceived as unnatural . One could say it is somewhat of a riddle why the Fine–Gray approach yields valid inference. To take away these uneasy feelings, we explore the link between the Fine–Gray and cause‐specific approaches in more detail. We introduce the reduction factor as representing the proportion of subjects in the Fine–Gray risk set that has not yet experienced a competing event. In the presence of covariates, the dependence of the reduction factor on a covariate gives information on how the effect of the covariate on the cause‐specific hazard and the subdistribution hazard relate. We discuss estimation and modeling of the reduction factor, and show how they can be used in various ways to estimate cumulative incidences, given the covariates. Methods are illustrated on data of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation.
Nationwide study of the impact of D2 lymphadenectomy on survival after gastric cancer surgery
Authors: Kung C-H , Tsai J A , Lundell L , Johansson J , Nilsson M , Lindblad M
Published: March 2020

Background

Gastrectomy including D2 lymphadenectomy is regarded as the standard curative treatment for advanced gastric cancer in Asia. This procedure has also been adopted gradually in the West, despite lack of support from RCTs. This study sought to investigate any advantage for long-term survival following D2 lymphadenectomy in routine gastric cancer surgery in a Western nationwide population-based cohort.

Methods

All patients who had a gastrectomy for cancer in Sweden in 2006–2017 were included in the study. Prospectively determined data items were retrieved from the National Register of Oesophageal and Gastric Cancer. Extent of lymphadenectomy was categorized as D1+/D2 or the less extensive D0/D1 according to the Japanese Gastric Cancer Association classification. Overall survival was analysed and, in addition, a variety of possible confounders were introduced into the Cox proportional hazards regression model.

Results

A total of 1677 patients underwent gastrectomy, of whom 471 (28·1 per cent) were classified as having a D1+/D2 and 1206 (71·9 per cent) a D0/D1 procedure. D1+/D2 lymphadenectomy was not associated with higher 30- or 90-day postoperative mortality. Median overall survival for D1+/D2 lymphadenectomy was 41·5 months with a 5-year survival rate of 43·7 per cent, compared with 38·5 months and 38·5 per cent respectively for D0/D1 (P = 0·116). After adjustment for confounders, in multivariable analysis survival was significantly higher after D1+/D2 than following D0/D1 lymphadenectomy (hazard ratio 0·81, 95 per cent c.i. 0·68 to 0·95; P = 0·012).

Conclusion

This national registry study showed that long-term survival after gastric cancer surgery was improved after gastrectomy involving D1+/D2 lymphadenectomy compared with D0/D1 dissection.
Contemporary trend of acute kidney injury incidence and incremental costs among US patients undergoing percutaneous coronary procedures
Authors: Prasad Anand , Rosenthal Ning A. , Kartashov Alex , Knish Kimberly , Dreyfus Jill
Published: March 2020

Objectives

To assess national trends of acute kidney injury (AKI) incidence, incremental costs, risk factors, and readmissions among patients undergoing coronary angiography (CAG) and/or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) during 2012–2017.

Background

AKI remains a serious complication for patients undergoing CAG/PCI. Evidence is lacking in contemporary AKI trends and its impact on hospital resource utilization.

Methods

Patients who underwent CAG/PCI procedures in 749 hospitals were identified from Premier Healthcare Database. AKI was defined by ICD‐9/10 diagnosis codes (584.9/N17.9, 583.89/N14.1, 583.9/N05.9, E947.8/T50.8X5) during 7 days post index procedure. Multivariable regression models were used to adjust for confounders.

Results

Among 2,763,681 patients, AKI incidence increased from 6.0 to 8.4% or 14% per year in overall patients; from 18.0 to 28.4% in those with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and from 2.4 to 4.2% in those without CKD (all p < .001). Significant risk factors for AKI included older age, being uninsured, inpatient procedures, CKD, anemia, and diabetes (all p < .001). AKI was associated with higher 30‐day in‐hospital mortality (ORadjusted = 2.55; 95% CI: 2.40, 2.70) and readmission risk (ORadjusted = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.50, 1.55). The AKI‐related incremental cost during index visit and 30‐day readmissions were estimated to be $8,416 and $580 per inpatient procedure and $927 and $6,145 per outpatient procedure. Overall excess healthcare burden associated with AKI was $1.67 billion.

Conclusions

AKI incidence increased significantly in this large, multifacility sample of patients undergoing CAG/PCI procedures and was associated with substantial increase in hospital costs, readmissions, and mortality. Efforts to reduce AKI risk in US healthcare system are warranted.
Lipase‐oxovanadium heterogeneous catalysis system: a robust protocol for the dynamic kinetic resolution of sec‐alcohols
Authors: De Almeida Laiza A. , Marcondes Thayna H. , Milagre Cintia D. F. , Milagre Humberto M. S.
Published: March 2020

Herein, we present a robust and eco‐friendly dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) protocol for secondary alcohols using a combined heterogeneous catalytic CAL−B/VOSO4 system at 50 °C in the relatively green solvent heptane. This catalytic system is active and chemo‐ and enantioselective for up to 5 cycles. A set of 13 aromatic and heteroaromatic secondary alcohols were evaluated to determine the substrate scope. The performance of the combined CAL−B/VOSO4 system was improved by employing a low‐cost, homemade Teflon tube to compartmentalize the catalysts in one‐pot conditions, making this system for up to 8 reaction cycles.
Towards a High‐Performance Lithium‐Metal Battery with Glyme Solution and an Olivine Cathode
Authors: Wei Shuangying , Inoue Shoichi , Di Lecce Daniele , Li Zhenguang , Tominaga Yoichi , Hassoun Jusef
Published: March 2020

High‐performance lithium‐metal batteries are achieved by using a glyme‐based electrolyte enhanced with a LiNO3 additive and a LiFePO4 cathode. An optimal electrolyte formulation is selected upon detailed analysis of the electrochemical properties of various solutions formed by dissolving respectively lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI), lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI), and lithium bis(pentafluoroethanesulfonyl)imide (LiBETI) either in diethylene glycol dimethyl ether or in triethylene glycol dimethyl ether and by adding LiNO3. A thorough investigation shows evidence of efficient ionic transport, a wide stability window, low reactivity with lithium metal, and cathode/electrolyte interphase characteristics that are strongly dependent on the glyme chain length. The best Li/LiFePO4 battery delivers 154 mAh g−1 at C/3 (1 C=170 mA g−1) without any decay after 200 cycles. Tests at 1 C and 5 C show initial capacities of about 150 and 140 mAh g−1, a retention exceeding 70 % after 500 cycles, and suitable electrode/electrolyte interphases evolution.
All‐Inorganic Single‐Ion Magnets in Ceramic Matrices
Authors: Zykin Mikhail A. , Kazin Pavel E. , Jansen Martin
Published: March 2020

All‐inorganic single‐ion magnets representing paramagnetic ions incorporated in a crystalline diamagnetic matrix are reviewed. Key results and advantages of this approach in comparison with the common strategy based on molecular metal–organic complexes are considered, and some unsolved problems and future perspectives are discussed.
TMDs beyond MoS2 for Electrochemical Energy Storage
Authors: Soares Davi Marcelo , Mukherjee Santanu , Singh Gurpreet
Published: March 2020

Atomically thin sheets of two‐dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have attracted interest as high capacity electrode materials for electrochemical energy storage devices owing to their unique properties (high surface area, high strength and modulus, faster ion diffusion, and so on), which arise from their layered morphology and diversified chemistry. Nevertheless, low electronic conductivity, poor cycling stability, large structural changes during metal‐ion insertion/extraction along with high cost of manufacture are challenges that require further research in order for TMDs to find use in commercial batteries and supercapacitors. Here, a systematic review of cutting‐edge research focused on TMD materials beyond the widely studied molybdenum disulfide or MoS2 electrode is reported. Accordingly, a critical overview of the recent progress concerning synthesis methods, physicochemical and electrochemical properties is given. Trends and opportunities that may contribute to state‐of‐the‐art research are also discussed.
A Sandwich Azobenzene–Diamide Dimer for Photoregulated Chloride Transport
Authors: Ahmad Manzoor , Metya Surajit , Das Aloke , Talukdar Pinaki
Published: March 2020

There has been a tremendous evolution for artificial ion transport systems, especially gated synthetic systems, which closely mimic their natural congeners. Herein, we demonstrate a trans‐azobenzene‐based photoregulatory anionophoric system that transports chloride by forming a sandwich dimeric complex. Further studies confirmed a carrier‐mediated chloride‐anion antiport mechanism, and the supramolecular interactions involved in chloride recognition within the sandwich complex were revealed from theoretical studies. Reversible trans–cis photoisomerization of the azobenzene was achieved without any significant contribution from the thermal cis→trans isomerization at room temperature. Photoregulatory transport activity across the lipid bilayer membrane inferred an outstanding off‐on response of the azobenzene photoswitch.
Luminescent Anion Sensing by Transition‐Metal Dipyridylbenzene Complexes Incorporated into Acyclic, Macrocyclic and Interlocked Hosts
Authors: Knighton Richard C. , Dapin Sophie , Beer Paul D.
Published: March 2020

A series of novel acyclic, macrocyclic and mechanically interlocked luminescent anion sensors have been prepared by incorporation of the isophthalamide motif into dipyridylbenzene to obtain cyclometallated complexes of platinum(II) and ruthenium(II). Both the acyclic and macrocyclic derivatives 7⋅Pt, 7⋅Ru⋅PF6, 10⋅Pt and 10⋅Ru⋅PF6 are effective sensors for a range of halides and oxoanions. The near‐infra red emitting ruthenium congeners exhibited an increased binding strength compared to platinum due to the cationic charge and thus additional electrostatic interactions. Intramolecular hydrogen‐bonding between the dipyridylbenzene ligand and the amide carbonyls increases the preorganisation of both acyclic and macrocyclic metal derivatives resulting in no discernible macrocyclic effect. Interlocked analogues were also prepared, and preliminary luminescent chloride anion spectrometric titrations with 12⋅Ru⋅(PF6)2 demonstrate a marked increase in halide binding affinity due to the complementary chloride binding pocket of the [2]rotaxane. 1H NMR binding titrations indicate the interlocked dicationic receptor is capable of chloride recognition even in competitive 30 % aqueous mixtures.
Histopathology‐validated machine learning radiographic biomarker for noninvasive discrimination between true progression and pseudo‐progression in glioblastoma
Authors: Akbari Hamed , Rathore Saima , Bakas Spyridon , Nasrallah MacLean P. , Shukla Gaurav , Mamourian Elizabeth , Rozycki Martin , Bagley Stephen J. , Rudie Jeffrey D. , Flanders Adam E. , Dicker Adam P. , Desai Arati S. , O’Rourke Donald M. , Brem Steven , Lustig Robert , Mohan Suyash , Wolf Ronald L. , Bilello Michel , Martinez‐Lage Maria , Davatzikos Christos
Published: March 2020

Background

Imaging of glioblastoma patients after maximal safe resection and chemoradiation commonly demonstrates new enhancements that raise concerns about tumor progression. However, in 30% to 50% of patients, these enhancements primarily represent the effects of treatment, or pseudo‐progression (PsP). We hypothesize that quantitative machine learning analysis of clinically acquired multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) can identify subvisual imaging characteristics to provide robust, noninvasive imaging signatures that can distinguish true progression (TP) from PsP.

Methods

We evaluated independent discovery (n = 40) and replication (n = 23) cohorts of glioblastoma patients who underwent second resection due to progressive radiographic changes suspicious for recurrence. Deep learning and conventional feature extraction methods were used to extract quantitative characteristics from the mpMRI scans. Multivariate analysis of these features revealed radiophenotypic signatures distinguishing among TP, PsP, and mixed response that compared with similar categories blindly defined by board‐certified neuropathologists. Additionally, interinstitutional validation was performed on 20 new patients.

Results

Patients who demonstrate TP on neuropathology are significantly different (P < .0001) from those with PsP, showing imaging features reflecting higher angiogenesis, higher cellularity, and lower water concentration. The accuracy of the proposed signature in leave‐one‐out cross‐validation was 87% for predicting PsP (area under the curve [AUC], 0.92) and 84% for predicting TP (AUC, 0.83), whereas in the discovery/replication cohort, the accuracy was 87% for predicting PsP (AUC, 0.84) and 78% for TP (AUC, 0.80). The accuracy in the interinstitutional cohort was 75% (AUC, 0.80).

Conclusion

Quantitative mpMRI analysis via machine learning reveals distinctive noninvasive signatures of TP versus PsP after treatment of glioblastoma. Integration of the proposed method into clinical studies can be performed using the freely available Cancer Imaging Phenomics Toolkit.
Transcervical sonography and human papillomavirus 16 E6 antibodies are sensitive for the detection of oropharyngeal cancer
Authors: Lang Kuhs Krystle A. , Wood C. Burton , Wiggleton Jamie , Aulino Joseph M. , Latimer Brian , Smith Derek K. , Bender Noemi , Rohde Sarah , Mannion Kyle , Kim Young , Sinard Robert , Langerman Alexander , Fleischer Arthur , Fakhry Carole , Waterboer Tim , Netterville James L.
Published: March 2020

Background

Human papillomavirus 16 (HPV‐16) E6 seropositivity is a promising early marker of human papillomavirus–driven oropharyngeal cancer (HPV‐OPC), yet more sensitive imaging modalities are needed before screening is considered. The objective of this study was to determine the sensitivity of transcervical sonography (TCS) for detecting clinically apparent HPV‐OPC in comparison with computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET)/CT.

Methods

Fifty‐one patients with known or suspected HPV‐OPC without prior treatment underwent oropharyngeal TCS and blood collection (for HPV multiplex serology testing). Eight standard sonographic images were collected; primary‐site tumors were measured in 3 dimensions if identified. Each patient underwent a full diagnostic workup as part of standard clinical care. The pathologic details, HPV status, final staging, and imaging findings were abstracted from the medical record. The sensitivity of each imaging modality was compared with the final clinical diagnosis (the gold standard).

Results

Twenty‐four base of tongue cancers (47%), 22 tonsillar cancers (43%), and 2 unknown primary cancers (4%) were diagnosed; 3 patients (6%) had no tumors. All p16‐tested patients were positive (n = 47). Primary‐site tumors were correctly identified in 90.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 78.6%‐96.7%) with TCS, in 69.4% (95% CI, 54.6%‐81.7%) with CT, and in 83.3% (95% CI, 68.6%‐93.0%) with PET/CT. TCS identified tumors in 10 of 14 cases missed by CT and recognized the absence of tumors in 3 cases for which CT or PET/CT was falsely positive. The smallest sonographically identified primary‐site tumor was 0.5 cm in its greatest dimension; the average size was 2.3 cm. Among p16‐positive patients, 76.1% (95% CI, 61.2%‐87.4%) were seropositive for HPV‐16 E6.

Conclusions

TCS and HPV‐16 E6 antibodies are sensitive for the diagnosis of HPV‐OPC.
Auxiliary bridge arm–based switching control for optimal unloading transient performance of multiphase buck converters
Authors: Lu Weiguo , Qu Xueji , Ma Junwen
Published: March 2020

For a low‐conversion ratio buck converter, the step‐down (unloading) transient lasts much longer than the step‐up transient for the same change of the load. Regarding this issue, an auxiliary bridge arm (ABA) multiphase buck converter with switching control scheme is proposed for the optimal unloading transient performance. With the ABA, the input voltage is reversely connected into the inductor current freewheeling loop during the unloading transient. In this case, the fall slew rate of the inductor current increases, because of the voltage across the inductor increase. Meanwhile, the capacitor‐charge balance theory is used to calculate the switching moment and achieve the minimum settling time and the voltage overshoots. Finally, a 12‐ to 3.3‐V two‐phase synchronous buck converter prototype is built. The experimental results show that the settling time and the voltage deviation are both improved over 50% compared with that of the average current sharing scheme and the time‐optimal control scheme.
Assessing cetacean populations using integrated population models: an example with Cook Inlet beluga whales
Authors: Jacobson Eiren K. , Boyd Charlotte , McGuire Tamara L. , Shelden Kim E. W. , Himes Boor Gina K. , Punt André E.
Published: March 2020

Effective conservation and management of animal populations requires knowledge of abundance and trends. For many species, these quantities are estimated using systematic visual surveys. Additional individual‐level data are available for some species. Integrated population modeling (IPM) offers a mechanism for leveraging these data sets into a single estimation framework. IPMs that incorporate both population‐ and individual‐level data have previously been developed for birds, but have rarely been applied to cetaceans. Here, we explore how IPMs can be used to improve the assessment of cetacean populations. We combined three types of data that are typically available for cetaceans of conservation concern: population‐level visual survey data, individual‐level capture–recapture data, and data on anthropogenic mortality. We used this IPM to estimate the population dynamics of the Cook Inlet population of beluga whales (CIBW;Delphinapterus leucas) as a case study. Our state‐space IPM included a population process model and three observational submodels: (1) a group detection model to describe group size estimates from aerial survey data; (2) a capture–recapture model to describe individual photographic capture–recapture data; and (3) a Poisson regression model to describe historical hunting data. The IPM produces biologically plausible estimates of population trajectories consistent with all three data sets. The estimated population growth rate since 2000 is less than expected for a recovering population. The estimated juvenile/adult survival rate is also low compared to other cetacean populations, indicating that low survival may be impeding recovery. This work demonstrates the value of integrating various data sources to assess cetacean populations and serves as an example of how multiple, imperfect data sets can be combined to improve our understanding of a population of interest. The model framework is applicable to other cetacean populations and to other taxa for which similar data types are available.