bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ligand‐Modulated Excess PbI2 Nanosheets for Highly Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Huanhuan , Wang Zaiwei , Yang Zhen , Xu Yuzeng , Ding Yi , Tan Liguo , Yi Chenyi , Zhang Zhuang , Meng Ke , Chen Gang , Zhao Ying , Luo Yongsong , Zhang Xiaodan , Hagfeldt Anders , Luo Jingshan
Published: April 2020

Excess lead iodide (PbI2), as a defect passivation material in perovskite films, contributes to the longer carrier lifetime and reduced halide vacancies for high‐efficiency perovskite solar cells. However, the random distribution of excess PbI2 also leads to accelerated degradation of the perovskite layer. Inspired by nanocrystal synthesis, here, a universal ligand‐modulation technology is developed to modulate the shape and distribution of excess PbI2 in perovskite films. By adding certain ligands, perovskite films with vertically distributed PbI2 nanosheets between the grain boundaries are successfully achieved, which reduces the nonradiative recombination and trap density of the perovskite layer. Thus, the power conversion efficiency of the modulated device increases from 20% to 22% compared to the control device. In addition, benefiting from the vertical distribution of excess PbI2 and the hydrophobic nature of the surface ligands, the modulated devices exhibit much longer stability, retaining 72% of their initial efficiency after 360 h constant illumination under maximum power point tracking measurement.
Control of Unipolar/Ambipolar Transport in Single‐Molecule Transistors through Interface Engineering
Authors: Xin Na , Kong Xianghua , Zhang Yu‐Peng , Jia Chuancheng , Liu Lei , Gong Yao , Zhang Weining , Wang Shuopei , Zhang Guangyu , Zhang Hao‐Li , Guo Hong , Guo Xuefeng
Published: April 2020

To realize single‐molecule field‐effect transistors, a crucial test for evaluating the integrity of single‐molecule electronics into conventional circuit architectures, remains elusive. Though interfacial effect is widely accepted to be crucially important in electronic devices, rare reports have studied fine control of the interface in single‐molecule transistors. Through molecular engineering, different numbers of methylene groups are incorporated between the diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) kernel and anchor groups (AMn‐DPP, n = 0−3), and how the molecule–electrode interface affects the performance of single‐molecule transistors is investigated. Both experimental and theoretical data demonstrate that p‐type charge transport dominates in AM0‐DPP and AM1‐DPP single‐molecule transistors, while AM2‐DPP and AM3‐DPP systems exhibit ambipolar field‐effect behaviors, which is attributed to the HOMO‐pinning effect in AM0‐DPP and AM1‐DPP molecular junctions. Theoretical calculations show that the parity of the methylene number results in two different connection symmetries between the DPP kernel and graphene electrodes, and thus different electronic interactions, leading to different relative molecular energy‐level alignments form those of isolated molecules, which has never been reported before. These results provide crucial information for precise control of the interfaces in molecular junctions, new insight into building multifunctional graphene–organic hybrid electronic devices, and the design of functional organic materials.
Capacitive‐Type Two‐Axis Accelerometer with Liquid‐Type Proof Mass
Authors: Won Dong‐Joon , Huh Myoung , Lee Sangmin , Park Usung , Yoo Dongwoo , Kim Joonwon
Published: April 2020

Utilizing the advantages of a liquid metal (LM) (i.e., mercury) and its electro‐mechanical properties (i.e., high density, high surface tension, and high electrical conductivity), a novel capacitive‐type two‐axis accelerometer is proposed. The device employs a liquid‐type proof mass (i.e., liquid metal droplet) and is located in a cone‐shaped guiding channel. The Laplace pressure induced by the guiding channel and the LM droplet in the device acts as a spring due to the high surface tension of LM. To accurately set the spring constant of the device, a 2D mathematical model is established. Based on this mathematical model, the influence of the channel shape on device sensitivity is analyzed. Despite measuring the two‐axis accelerations using a single proof mass, the accelerometer yields a cross‐axis sensitivity of less than 1% for the x‐ and y‐axes. The accelerometer demonstrates an output similar to that of a reference accelerometer for a randomly applied acceleration. Owing to the nature of the liquid‐type proof mass, even if it is destroyed, its functionality is recovered by simply shaking the accelerometer. Finally, a 1.4% change in the accelerometer output is observed in the 15 000‐cycle test, and the device is applied to a maze escape game for verification.
Conduction Response in Highly Flexible Nonvolatile Memory Devices
Authors: Ren Shuxia , Li Zhenhua , Tang Lingzhi , Su Xiao , Zhang He , Zhang Guanglei , Zhang Han , Cao Guozhong , Zhao Jinjin
Published: April 2020

Resistive random access memories (RRAMs) are promising candidates for future nonvolatile memories. Here, a flexible nonvolatile resistive switching (RS) device is constructed by spin coating an RS film of graphene oxide (GO) incorporating with TiO2 nanoparticles, denoted as TGO, on an indium‐doped tin oxide electrode. The TGO film is highly flexible and optically transparent (92–98%), and the device demonstrates excellent RS characteristics (centralized SET and RESET voltages and large RS ratio) at a low voltage of 0.5 V. The RS behavior is found to originate from the migration and distribution of oxygen anions in the TGO film under an electric field. The oxygen anions extracted from TiO2 nanoparticle provide good chemical linkage for the development of sp2 filaments in the GO film, promoting the RS behavior. The findings of this study may also be very useful for researchers working on controlling magnetism in RRAM devices.
Stretchable Polymerized High Internal Phase Emulsion Separators for High Performance Soft Batteries
Authors: Danninger Doris , Hartmann Florian , Paschinger Werner , Pruckner Roland , Schwödiauer Reinhard , Demchyshyn Stepan , Bismarck Alexander , Bauer Siegfried , Kaltenbrunner Martin
Published: April 2020

Powering soft embodiments of robots, machines and electronics is a key issue that impacts emerging human friendly forms of technologies. Batteries as energy source enable their untethered operation at high power density but must be rendered elastic to fully comply with (soft) robots and human beings. Current intrinsically stretchable batteries typically show decreased performance when deformed due to design limitations, mainly imposed by the separator material. High quality stretchable separators such as gel electrolytes represent a key component of soft batteries that affects power, internal resistance, and capacity independently of battery chemistry. Here, polymerized high internal phase emulsions (polyHIPEs) are introduced as highly ionically conductive separators in stretchable (rechargeable) batteries. Highly porous (>80%) separators result in electrolyte to polyHIPE conductivity ratios of below 2, while maintaining stretchability of ≈50% strain. The high stretchability, tunable porosity, and fast ion transport enable stretchable batteries with internal resistance below 3 Ω and 16.8 mAh cm−2 capacity that power on‐skin processing and communication electronics. The battery/separator architecture is universally applicable to boost battery performance and represents a step towards autonomous operation of conformable electronic skins for healthcare, robotics, and consumers.
Genetic analysis in the clinical management of biliary tract cancer
Authors: Wakai Toshifumi , Nagahashi Masayuki , Shimada Yoshifumi , Prasoon Pankaj , Sakata Jun
Published: April 2020

Biliary tract cancer (BTC) is clinically and pathologically heterogeneous and responds inadequately to treatment. A small section of patients develop resectable disease, although the relapse rates are high; the benefits of adjuvant capecitabine chemotherapy for BTC are now understood, and gemcitabine‐based combination chemotherapy is the first line of therapeutic strategy for BTC; however, alternative therapy for BTC is not known. Genomic profiling can provide detailed information regarding the carcinogenesis, identification, and therapy for BTC. Currently, confirmed restorative targets for BTC are lacking. In this review, we aimed to analyze the preclinical and clinical implications of a spectrum of genomic alterations associated with new potentially remedial targets. We focused on eight draggable genes for BTC, which were described as having evidence of therapeutic impact (evidence level 2A‐3B) based on the clinical practice guidance for next‐generation sequencing in cancer diagnosis and treatment; these include ERBB2, NTRK1, RNF43, CDK6, CDKN2B, FGFR2, IDH1, and IDH2. Moreover, some of the BTC present microsatellite instability, hypermutation, and germline variants, which we also reviewed. Finally, we discussed the therapeutic options based on the next‐generation sequencing findings in BTC. Studies have demonstrated that BTC includes subgroups with individually distinct driver mutations, most of which will be targeted with new treatment plans.
Faster Cortical Thinning and Surface Area Loss in Presymptomatic and Symptomatic C9orf72 Repeat Expansion Adult Carriers
Authors: Le Blanc Gabriella , Jetté Pomerleau Vincent , McCarthy Jillian , Borroni Barbara , van Swieten John , Galimberti Daniela , Sanchez‐Valle Raquel , LaForce Robert , Moreno Fermin , Synofzik Matthis , Graff Caroline , Masellis Mario , Tartaglia Maria C. , Rowe James B. , Vandenberghe Rik , Finger Elizabeth , Tagliavini Fabrizio , de Mendonça Alexandre , Santana Isabel , Butler Chris , Gerhard Alex , Danek Adrian , Levin Johannes , Otto Markus , Frisoni Giovanni , Sorbi Sandro , Rohrer Jonathan D. , Ducharme Simon ,   the Genetic Frontotemporal Dementia Initiative (GENFI)
Published: April 2020

Objective

C9orf72 expansion is the most common genetic cause of frontotemporal dementia (FTD). We examined aging trajectories of cortical thickness (CTh) and surface area in C9orf72 expansion adult carriers compared to healthy controls to characterize preclinical cerebral changes leading to symptoms.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Genetic Frontotemporal Dementia Initiative. T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging scans were processed with CIVET 2.1 to extract vertex‐wide CTh and cortical surface area (CSA). Symptomatic and presymptomatic subjects were compared to age‐matched controls using mixed‐effects models, controlling for demographic variables. Aging trajectories were compared between carriers and noncarriers by testing the “age by genetic status” interaction. False discovery rate corrections were applied to all vertex‐wide analyses.

Results

The sample included 640 scans from 386 subjects, including 54 symptomatic C9orf72 carriers (72.2% behavioral variant FTD), 83 asymptomatic carriers, and 249 controls (age range = 18–86 years). Symptomatic carriers showed fairly symmetric reduction in CTh/CSA in most of the frontal lobes, in addition to large temporoparietal areas. Presymptomatic subjects had reduced CTh/CSA in more restricted areas of the medial frontoparietal lobes, in addition to scattered lateral frontal, parietal, and temporal areas. These differences were explained by faster cortical thinning linearly throughout adulthood in a similar anatomical distribution, with differences emerging in the early 30s. CSA reduction was also faster in mutation carriers predominantly in the ventrofrontal regions.

Interpretation

C9orf72 mutation carriers have faster cortical thinning and surface loss throughout adulthood in regions that show atrophy in symptomatic subjects. This suggests that the pathogenic effects of the mutation lead to structural cerebral changes decades prior to symptoms. ANN NEUROL 2020 ANN NEUROL 2020;88:113–122
Na2SiO3‐Catalyzed Glycerolysis of Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) Oil into Di‐ and Monoacylglycerols
Authors: Luo Jia , Wang Zeping , Deng Shangzhi , Zhang Fan , Bao Guirong , Mao Junni , Yang Wenjing
Published: April 2020

Direct glycerolysis of novel edible Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) seed oil (PvLO) into diacylglycerols (DAG) and monoacylglycerols (MAG) was studied over solid Na2SiO3 with or without microwave assistance. The glycerolysis yield was calculated by qualitative and semiquantitative analyses of 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and FT‐IR spectra. The yields of ~33% 1, 3‐DAG, ~16% 1, 2‐DAG, ~40% 1‐MAG, and ~2.3% 2‐MAG were achieved after 16 hours at 120 °C in three consecutive cycles using acetone, with an interesterification rate of 92%. The modified oil showed enhanced gelation ability at low temperatures. The yield of 1, 2‐DAG can be increased by adding acetone as solvent. The fatty acid compositions and unsaturated structure of lipids were less destroyed after alkaline glycerolysis. However, more α‐linolenic and linoleic acids were transferred to the sn‐2 position of glyceryl skeleton. The oxidative stability of the modified oil was still controllable. In summary, this work provides a feasible method to convert polyunsaturated plant oils into oils rich in DAG and MAG with less destructive impact on the olefinic structure of oil. Also, it provides a useful example of how to quickly evaluate the influence of chemical modification on the chemical structure of plant oils by using various spectral technologies.
Fabrication of chitosan particles through a coaxial nozzle under pressurized carbon dioxide
Authors: Diono Wahyu , Susilo Anthony , Machmudah Siti , Kanda Hideki , Goto Motonobu
Published: April 2020

The generation of chitosan particles through supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO2) antisolvent process was studied. The experiments were carried out at temperatures of 60–100°C and pressures of 15–25 MPa with a 15 ml min−1 CO2 flow rate. As a feed solution, chitosan powder was dissolved in acetic acid:water:ethanol. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations described that the precipitated chitosan products have irregular morphologies with the spherical, the spherical with fiber‐like, and the fiber‐like free‐spherical particles. Interestingly, hollow‐core chitosan particles generated when SCCO2 antisolvent treatments were performed at a temperature of 60°C and pressures of 20–25 MPa. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) spectra indicated that the structural properties of chitosan did not shift after the SCCO2 antisolvent treatment. The results exhibited that this SCCO2 antisolvent technique is likely to be fruitful for the generation of biopolymer particles with hollow‐core structures.
Fast and affordable recycling approach to electronic waste above the melting point using induction heat combined with centrifugal forces
Authors: Mandadi Gopi K. , Asmatulu Ramazan , Khan Waseem S. , Asmatulu Eylem
Published: April 2020

Increasing electronic waste (e‐waste) volume from the electronic industry and households has been creating primary health and environmental considerations because some of the e‐waste materials contain toxic substances. This study mainly focuses on the recovery of metals from e‐waste based on the melting temperatures of recyclable metals and centrifugal forces, thereby reducing the environmental pollution and recovering valuable metals for future use in the same or different industries. A perforated basket was designed and manufactured from stainless steel for feeding the chopped e‐waste. An induction furnace attached to a perforated basket was used to melt solder, aluminum, and other metals of the e‐waste. Around 95% of all metals was recovered from the e‐waste at different rotations (400–700 rpm) and temperatures (100–1,200°C) in less than a minute. The economic analysis indicated that this process was highly profitable and affordable for the future investment in the field. This study will also open new possibilities of extracting other metals from e‐waste by induction heats and centrifugal forces in affordable and fast manners for sustainable use of the electronic materials in the same or different industries.
Experimental investigation of additives enhanced vacuum flash evaporation for binary ice generation
Authors: Zheng Qinyue , Zhang Xuelai , Ji Jun , Zhou Xinchen
Published: April 2020

In this study, an experimental investigation was conducted into the characteristics of different varieties of additives (including CaCl2, ethanol, and TiO2 nanoparticles) in the vacuum ice‐making system under adsorption condition. The concentration of CaCl2, ethanol, and TiO2 nanoparticles were treated as experimental variables, while the supercooling degree, ice packing factor (IPF), flashing rate, thermal conductivity, and latent heat were taken as evaluation parameters. According to the experimental results, 0.20 wt% TiO2 nanoparticles and 1 wt% CaCl2 are applicable as additive, the former is superior to the latter, and ethanol is not suitable for use as additive. Under the optimal conditions, compared with distilled water, the supercooling degree, IPF, and thermal conductivity of TiO2 nanofluids are improved by 77.92%, 40.61%, and 57.23%, respectively; for CaCl2 solution, the supercooling degree and IPF are improved by 9.96% and 84.67%, respectively. Furthermore, though the flashing rate increases with the addition of additives, the flashing driving force remains sufficient. The latent heat of nanofluids is barely affected by the addition of nanoparticles. As the CaCl2 concentration is on the rise, both the thermal conductivity and the latent heat of CaCl2 solution show a decreasing trend.
Metabolomics approach based on utra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry with chemometrics methods for high‐throughput analysis of metabolite biomarkers to explore the abnormal metabolic pathways associated with myocardial dysfunction
Authors: Zhao Ling‐Kun , Zhao Yun‐Bo , Yu Peng‐Cheng , Zhang Peng‐Xia
Published: April 2020

Ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry‐based metabolomics can been used for discovery of metabolite biomarkers to explore the metabolic pathway of diseases. Identification of metabolic pathways is key to understanding the pathogenesis and mechanism of disease. Myocardial dysfunction induced by sepsis (SMD) is a severe complication of septic shock and represents major causes of death in intensive care units; however its pathological mechanism is still not clear. In this study, ultrahigh‐pressure liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry‐based metabolomics with chemometrics anaylsis and multivariate pattern recognition analysis were used to detect urinary metabolic profile changes in a lipopolysaccharide‐induced SMD mouse model. Multivariate statistical analysis including principal component analysis and orthogonapartial least squares discriminant analysis for the discrimination of SMD was conducted to identify potential biomarkers. A total of 19 differential metabolites were discovered by high‐resolution mass spectrometry‐based urinary metabolomics strategy. The altered biochemical pathways based on these metabolites showed that tyrosine metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, ubiquinone biosynthesis and vitamin B6 metabolism were closely connected to the pathological processes of SMD. Consequently, integrated chemometric analyses of these metabolic pathways are necessary to extract information for the discovery of novel insights into the pathogenesis of disease.
Cold‐inducible RNA‐binding protein contributes to intracerebral hemorrhage‐induced brain injury via TLR4 signaling
Authors: Zhou Kai , Cui Shengtao , Duan Wei , Zhang Jianrong , Huang Jiacheng , Wang Li , Gong Zili , Zhou Yu
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Excessive neuroinflammation aggravates the brain injury caused by intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), while the upstream mechanisms that initiate neuroinflammation remain unclear. Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling is important to trigger inflammatory responses in ICH, and cold‐inducible RNA‐binding protein (CIRP) has been shown as a novel ligand of TLR4 by recent studies. However, whether the CIRP could trigger the neuroinflammation via activating TLR4 signaling in ICH still needs to be investigated.

Methods

Human serum CIRP levels were measured using the ELISA kits. Western blot, FJB staining, brain water content, and neurological deficit scores were used to investigate the roles of CIRP in brain injury caused by ICH.

Result

First, we found increased CIRP levels in the blood of patients with ICH when compared to the control individuals, and the ICH patients with mRS > 2 have higher serum CIRP levels in contrast to those with mRS ≤ 2. In the ICH mice, we also found that brain CIRP protein and mRNA levels were also increased after ICH. Furthermore, using the CIRP−/− mice, we found that CIRP−/− mice had less brain damages showing in less FJB+ cells, reduced brain water content (BWC) and lower neurological deficit scores (NDS) compared to that in WT mice after ICH. Cytokines including IL‐6, TNF‐α, and IL‐1β from CIRP−/− mice were attenuated after ICH. CIRP−/− mice also exhibited reduced TLR4 expression which was accompanied by the decreased activity of NF‐κB. This suggests that TLR4 signaling might be involved in CIRP‐mediated inflammatory injury possibly via NF‐κB activation after ICH.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that CIRP may activate TLR4 signaling, and further inducing NF‐κB activation to increase the expression levels of cytokines and aggravate inflammatory injury in ICH. Targeting CIRP may be a promising strategy for ICH treatment.
Disparities in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma—The Significance of Hispanic Ethnicity, Subgroup Analysis, and Treatment Facility on Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Riner Andrea N. , Underwood Patrick W. , Yang Kai , Herremans Kelly M. , Cameron Miles E. , Chamala Srikar , Qiu Peihua , George Thomas J. , Permuth Jennifer B. , Merchant Nipun B. , Trevino Jose G.
Published: April 2020

Background

Disparities exist among patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Non‐White race is regarded as a negative predictor of expected treatment and overall survival. Data suggest that Academic Research Programs (ARP) provide better outcomes for minorities, but ethnic/minority outcomes are underreported. We hypothesize that outcomes among racially/ethnically diverse PDAC patients may be influenced by treatment facility.

Methods

The National Cancer Database was used to identify 170,327 patients diagnosed with PDAC between 2004 and 2015. Cox proportional‐hazard regression was used to compare survival between race/ethnic groups across facilities.

Results

In unadjusted models, compared to non‐Hispanic Whites (NHW), non‐Hispanic Blacks (NHB) had the worst overall survival (HR = 1.05, 95%CI: 1.03‐1.06, P < .001) and Hispanics had the best overall survival (HR = 0.92, 95%CI: 0.90‐0.94, P < .001). After controlling for socioeconomic and clinical covariates, NHB (HR = 0.95, 95%CI: 0.93‐0.96, P < .001) had better overall survival compared to NHW, and Hispanics continued to have the best comparative outcomes (HR = 0.84, 95%CI: 0.82‐0.86, P < .001). Among Hispanics, Dominicans and South/Central Americans lived the longest, at 10.25 and 9.82 months, respectively. The improved survival in Hispanics was most pronounced at ARP (HR = 0.80, 95%CI: 0.77‐0.84, P < .001) and Integrated Network Cancer Programs (HR = 0.78, 95%CI: 0.73‐0.84, P < .001). NHB had improved survival over NHW at Comprehensive Community Care Programs (HR = 0.96, 95%CI: 0.93‐0.98, P = .002) and ARP (HR = 0.96, 95%CI: 0.94‐0.98, P = .001), which was influenced by income, education, and surgical resection.

Conclusion

Survival was improved at ARP for all populations. Hispanics had the best comparative overall survival. NHB had improved overall survival at higher volume centers, but this was dependent upon income, education, and surgical resection.
Composition, Chemical Variability and Biological Activity of Cymbopogon schoenanthus Essential Oil from Central Algeria
Authors: Malti Charaf Eddine Watheq , El Haci Imad Abdelhamid , Hassani Faiçal , Paoli Mathieu , Gibernau Marc , Tomi Félix , Casanova Joseph , Bekhechi Chahrazed
Published: April 2020

Cymbopogon schoenanthus (L.) Spreng. (Poaceae) is an aromatic plant whose aerial parts and rhizome produced an essential oil with pleasant odor. A chemical variability has been observed depending of the countries where the plant grows wild, including Algeria. The chemical compositions of 24 oil samples isolated from plants harvested in Central Algeria have been investigated, to evidence homogeneity or chemical variability within a given area of harvest. Twenty of these were dominated by cis‐ and trans‐p‐menth‐2‐en‐1‐ols (22.6 %±3.6 and 14.3 %±1.7, resp.) beside four atypical compositions. Otherwise, aerial parts and rhizomes produced similar essential oils. Lastly, a fair antimicrobial activity was measured against Staphylococcus aureus strain, while the antioxidant potential was low.
Retinoic acid induced 16 deficiency exacerbates high‐fat diet‐induced steatohepatitis in mice
Authors: Qian Chun‐Lin , Ding Cui‐Ling , Tang Hai‐Lin , Qi Zhong‐Tian , Wang Wen
Published: April 2020

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) associated with obesity may progress to non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Retinoic acid induced 16 (RAI16) plays an important role in cell apoptosis and is also a potential marker for HCC. Here we aimed to test the effect of RAI16 deficiency on liver pathology in high‐fat diet (HFD) fed mice. Wild type (WT) and RAI16 knockout (RAI16−/−) C57BL/6 mice were fed with HFD or chow for up to 12 months. With consumption of HFD diet, RAI16−/− mice on HFD developed much more excess fatty liver within 4 months than WT mice on HFD. The expressions of fatty acid synthesis associated molecules Ppar‐γ, Srebp‐1c and Fas were further increased in RAI16−/− mice compared with WT mice on HFD. Macrophage infiltration related molecules Mcp‐1 and F4/80 and pro‐inflammatory factor Lcn2 were significantly increased in RAI16−/− mice compared with WT mice on HFD. Conclusively, RAI16 deficiency exacerbated HFD‐induced liver injury, associated with increased inflammation. These findings indicate that RAI16 plays an important role in HFD‐induced liver pathology and might be considered as a target for treatment of NAFLD.

Significance

1. RAI16−/− mice on HFD developed much more excess fatty liver.

2. RAI16−/− mice showed more macrophage infiltration and proinflammation.
Unusual iodine‐131 postablation whole‐body scintigraphy patterns in patients after robot‐assisted/endoscopic thyroidectomy: Case series
Authors: Kim Mi Ra , Shim Hye‐kyung
Published: April 2020

Robot‐assisted/endoscopic thyroidectomy causes irritation due to instruments or implantation of thyroid tissue on the anterior chest wall and lower neck. We present three patients who exhibited unexpected focal lesions on postablation Iodine‐131 single‐photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography without biochemical and structural diseases. Meticulous surgical techniques are important to prevent complications.
Nickel 3D Structures Enhanced by Electrodeposition of Nickel Nanoparticles as High Performance Anodes for Direct Borohydride Fuel Cells
Authors: Braesch Guillaume , Oshchepkov Alexandr G. , Bonnefont Antoine , Asonkeng Fabrice , Maurer Thomas , Maranzana Gaël , Savinova Elena R. , Chatenet Marian
Published: April 2020

Direct borohydride fuel cell (DBFC) is a promising technology to power portable and mobile devices thanks to their high theoretical voltage and good energy density. Carbon‐supported electrodeposited nickel‐metal catalysts (NiED/C) exhibit fast kinetics for the borohydride oxidation reaction (BOR). One key is to deposit nickel‐metal on sufficiently open structures to make electrodes compatible with fast mass‐transfer, so as to further optimize the fuel cell performance. To that goal, Ni foams (NFM) or felts (NFT) can be used. Being inherently surface‐oxidized (passivated) and of too low developed area, these supports were enhanced by both oxides removal/depassivation (using electro‐assisted (or not) acid etching) and nickel electrodeposition, in order to exhibit the combined properties of fast diffusion medium and high‐surface area resulting in the highly‐active catalysts. After such enhancement, NiED/NFT shows superior performance in the BOR compared to carbon‐supported Ni catalysts. To make a fair comparison with PGM, Pt catalysts supported on open carbon structures were also studied and presented slightly smaller performance than the NiED/NFT electrodes, in particular in terms of open‐circuit potential and current density at high cell voltage.
Holistic view of the insulating layer on the thermal efficiency of a steel ladle lining
Authors: Campos Maria Gabriela Garcia , Dos Santos Matheus Felipe , Moreira Murilo Henrique , Angélico Ricardo Afonso , Sako Eric Yoshimitsu , Pandolfelli Victor Carlos
Published: April 2020

The lining design of steel ladles has a major impact on the performance of these metallurgical vessels. For instance, their better thermal performance is mainly related to the refractory materials applied in the lining, which requires continuous quality and cost optimizations. In this study, different refractory linings were investigated in order to understand their effect on the thermal performance of the steel ladle, that is, on the control of the average steel and shell temperatures, effect on the amount of stored energy in the refractory lining and on the cycling energy consumption. The influence of distinct configurations of insulating materials (position, thickness, and types) on those parameters was investigated by heat transfer simulations using numerical tools. The results pointed out the insulating materials efficiency on reducing the shell temperatures and increasing the average steel temperature. However, the benefits of applying the insulator with thicknesses over 21 mm or applying it at the bottom are less significant. The application of the foam insulator at unusual positions showed promising results, such as between the safety and working layer and at the hot face. The former position enhanced the performance during pre‐heating whereas the latter significantly increased the steel temperature (34°C). Consequently, the study pointed out new designs for the project of steel ladle linings, improving their efficiency, targeting solutions for saving energy, and reducing the environmental impacts.
Development of Single‐Molecule Magnets†
Authors: Shao Dong , Wang Xin‐Yi
Published: April 2020

Single‐molecule magnets (SMMs) are paramagnetic molecules that can be magnetized below a certain temperature and have potential applications in high‐density information storage, magnetic qubits, spintronic devices, etc. The discovery of the first SMM, Mn12, opened a new era of molecular magnetism and promoted collaborative researches between chemists and physicists for their exotic quantum as well as classical magnetic properties. In the recent past, great efforts have been made to develop strategies for constructing new SMMs with high energy barriers (Ueff) and blocking temperatures (TB), resulting in great and fast development of SMMs. In this concise review, we highlight the main synthetic approaches and representative results in the design and synthesis of high performance SMMs. We hope to give the readers a basic understanding of SMMs and a snapshot of the representative researches on SMMs from a perspective of synthetic chemists.
Training oncology physicians to advise their patients on complementary and integrative medicine: An implementation study for a manual‐guided consultation
Authors: Witt Claudia M. , Helmer Stefanie M. , Schofield Penelope , Wastell Marisa , Canella Claudia , Thomae Anita V. , Rogge Alizé A.
Published: April 2020

Background

The unmonitored use of complementary medicine in patients with cancer can be associated with an increased risk of safety‐related issues, such as lower adherence to conventional cancer therapies. Training oncology physicians to advise their patients about the effectiveness and safety of these therapies could improve this situation.

Methods

The objective of this study was to develop and pretest a consultation framework that has high potential to be widely implemented. The framework comprises: 1) a systematically developed and tested, manualized, guided consultation; and 2) blended learning training (e‐learning and communication skills training workshop) to upskill oncology physicians in advising their patients on complementary and integrative medicine (CIM). For this implementation study, mixed methods were used to develop the manual (literature review, consensus procedure, pilot testing) and the training (questionnaires and interviews with oncology physicians and patients with cancer and an examination of the skills in a setting with standardized patients).

Results

The training was tested with 47 oncology physicians from across Germany. The manual‐guided consultation (context: general information on the setting and communication techniques; inform: consultation duration and content; capture: previous CIM use; prioritize: focus on consultation; advise: evidence‐based CIM recommendations; discuss, advise, accept, or advise against other CIM; concretize advice: summary and implementation; and monitor: documentation) was considered suitable. The structure and time frame (maximum, 20 minutes) of the consultation as well as the training were feasible and well accepted.

Conclusions

The current study demonstrates that the KOKON‐KTO framework (a German acronym for Competence Network for Complementary Medicine ‐ Consultation Training for Oncology Physicians) is suitable for training oncology physicians. Its implementation can lead to better physician‐patient communication about CIM in cancer.
Patient‐reported outcomes from KATHERINE: A phase 3 study of adjuvant trastuzumab emtansine versus trastuzumab in patients with residual invasive disease after neoadjuvant therapy for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–positive breast cancer
Authors: Conte PierFranco , Schneeweiss Andreas , Loibl Sibylle , Mamounas Eleftherios P. , von Minckwitz Gunter , Mano Max S. , Untch Michael , Huang Chiun‐Sheng , Wolmark Norman , Rastogi Priya , D’Hondt Veronique , Redondo Andrés , Stamatovic Ljiljana , Bonnefoi Hervé , Castro‐Salguero Hugo , Fischer Hans H. , Wahl Tanya , Song Chunyan , Boulet Thomas , Trask Peter , Geyer Charles E.
Published: April 2020

Background

The phase 3 KATHERINE trial demonstrated significantly improved invasive disease–free survival with adjuvant trastuzumab emtansine (T‐DM1) versus trastuzumab in patients with HER2‐positive early breast cancer and residual invasive disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus HER2‐targeted therapy.

Methods

Patients who received taxane‐ and trastuzumab‐containing neoadjuvant therapy (with/without anthracyclines) and had residual invasive disease (breast and/or axillary nodes) at surgery were randomly assigned to 14 cycles of adjuvant T‐DM1 (3.6 mg/kg intravenously every 3 weeks) or trastuzumab (6 mg/kg intravenously every 3 weeks). The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire–Core 30 (QLQ‐C30) and breast cancer module (QLQ‐BR23) were completed at screening, at day 1 of cycles 5 and 11, within 30 days after study drug completion, and at 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐up visits.

Results

Of patients who were randomly assigned to T‐DM1 (n = 743) and trastuzumab (n = 743), 612 (82%) and 640 (86%), respectively, had valid baseline and ≥1 postbaseline assessments. No clinically meaningful changes (≥10 points) from baseline in mean QLQ‐C30 and QLQ‐BR23 scores occurred in either arm. More patients receiving T‐DM1 reported clinically meaningful deterioration at any assessment point in role functioning (49% vs 41%), appetite loss (38% vs 28%), constipation (47% vs 38%), fatigue (66% vs 60%), nausea/vomiting (39% vs 30%), and systemic therapy side effects (49% vs 36%). These differences were no longer apparent at the 6‐month follow‐up assessment, except for role functioning (23% vs 16%).

Conclusion

These data suggest that health‐related quality of life was generally maintained in both study arms over the course of treatment.
Task‐based parallel strategies for computational fluid dynamic application in heterogeneous CPU/GPU resources
Authors: Leandro Nesi Lucas , da Silva Serpa Matheus , Mello Schnorr Lucas , Navaux Philippe Olivier Alexandre
Published: April 2020

Parallel applications executing in contemporary heterogeneous clusters are complex to code and optimize. The task‐based programming model is an alternative to handle the coding complexity. This model consists of splitting the problem domain into tasks with dependencies through a directed acyclic graph, and submit the set of tasks to a runtime scheduler that maps each task dynamically to resources. We consider that computational fluid dynamics applications are typical in scientific computing but not enough exploited by designs that employ the task‐based programming model. This article presents task‐based parallel strategies for a simple CFD application that targets heterogeneous multi‐CPU/multi‐GPU computing resources. We design, develop, evaluate, and compare the performance of three parallel strategies (naive, ghost‐cells, and arrow) of a task‐based heterogeneous (CPU and GPU) application that simulates the flow of an incompressible Newtonian fluid with constant viscosity. All implementations rely on the StarPU runtime, and we use the StarVZ toolkit to conduct comprehensive performance analysis. Results indicate that the ghost cell strategy provides the best speedup (77×) considering the simulation time when the GPU resources still have available memory. However, the arrow strategy achieves better results when the simulation data increases.
Multidomain security authentication for the Internet of things
Authors: Zhang Qikun , Zhao Kunyuan , Kuang Xiaohui , Li Yongjiao , Zheng Yuanpan , Yuan Junling , Wang Ruifang
Published: April 2020

With the rapid development of Internet of Things (IoT) information technology, the IoT has become a key infrastructure for telemedicine, smart home, and intelligent transportation. One of the key technologies for these applications is information sharing and interoperation among multiple domains. However, the security and privacy issues of multidomain interaction face severe security challenges. Aiming at these problems, an certificateless multidomain authentication technology is proposed for IoT. Bilinear mapping and short signature technology are used to realize mutual authentication among entities in different domains, which protects secure data sharing and secure interoperability among domains. Certificateless multidomain authentication can avoid inherent security risks of key escrow in existing identity‐based authentication. And it also solves complex certificate management and network bottlenecks problems in traditional certificate‐based authentication. The proof and analysis show that the proposed scheme has good security and performance, it supports anonymous authentication among entities, and it is also suitable for large‐scale distributed network security alliance authentication mechanism.
Preparation of Recombinant Membrane Proteins from Pichia pastoris for Molecular Investigations
Authors: Guyot Lucile , Hartmann Lucie , Mohammed‐Bouteben Sarah , Caro Lydia , Wagner Renaud
Published: April 2020

Pichia pastoris is a eukaryotic microorganism reputed for its ability to mass‐produce recombinant proteins, including integral membrane proteins, for various applications. This article details a series of protocols that progress towards the production of integral membrane proteins, their extraction and purification in the presence of detergents, and their eventual reconstitution in lipid nanoparticles. These basic procedures can be further optimized to provide integral membrane protein samples that are compatible with a number of structural and/or functional investigations at the molecular level. Each protocol provides general guidelines, technical hints, and specific recommendations, and is illustrated with case studies corresponding to several representative mammalian proteins. © 2020 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Basic Protocol 1: Production of membrane proteins in a P. pastoris recombinant clone using methanol induction

Basic Protocol 2: Preparation of whole‐membrane fractions

Alternate Protocol 1: Preparation of yeast protoplasts

Basic Protocol 3: Extraction of membrane proteins from whole‐membrane fractions

Basic Protocol 4: Purification of membrane proteins

Alternate Protocol 2: Purification of membrane proteins from yeast protoplasts

Alternate Protocol 3: Simultaneous protoplast preparation and membrane solubilization for purification of membrane proteins

Basic Protocol 5: Reconstitution of detergent‐purified membrane proteins in lipid nanoparticles
The Impact of Electronic Effects on Photolysis: A Model Study on the 4,5‐Dimethoxy‐2‐nitrobenzyl Caged N‐Phenylpyrimidine‐2‐amine Scaffold
Authors: Kirschner Stefan , Döbber Alexander , Krebs Melanie , Witt Christopher , Hartke Bernd , Peifer Christian
Published: April 2020

Caging of pharmacologically active compounds is an interesting approach in biological chemistry and such photoactivatable compounds are also being developed towards novel therapeutic prodrug concepts. In this study we investigated the photolysis of the commonly used 4,5‐dimethoxy‐2‐nitrobenzyl (DMNB) caging moiety attached to the NH‐nitrogen of the pharmacologically relevant N‐phenylpyrimidine‐2‐amine scaffold. Based on this concept, a small set of para‐phenyl substituted derivatives with varying I/M effects (inductive/mesomeric electron‐donating/withdrawing effects) was designed, synthesized and parameters of the photolysis were determined. Hammett constants were related to photokinetic measurements, revealing electron donating effects to be unfavorable for the photolysis reaction. Our findings suggest electronic features of the entire molecule should be taken into account when considering its suitability for the caging concept. The results may also serve as a guideline to make relevant choices for DMNB applications in classical protecting group chemistry.
Family conflict/child psychopathology main risk factors for suicidality in young children
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: April 2020

The main risk factors for suicidality in children are child psychopathology and child‐reported family conflict, researchers using a large database funded by the National Institutes of Health have found. The study, published in Lancet Psychiatry, looked at both child‐reported and caregiver‐reported suicidality, with different risks for each. But regardless of informant, child psychopathology and child‐reported family conflict were most robust in terms of risk.
Initial axon growth rate from embryonic sensory neurons is correlated with birth date
Authors: Horton Anthony R. , Davies Alun M.
Published: April 2020

Axon growth rate from different populations of sensory neurons is correlated with the distance they have to grow to reach their targets in development: neurons with more distant targets extend axons at intrinsically faster rates. With growth of the embryo, later‐born neurons within each population have further to extend their axons to reach their targets than early‐born neurons. Here we examined whether the axon growth rate is related to birth date by studying the axon growth from neurons that differentiate in vitro from precursor cells isolated throughout the period of neurogenesis. We first showed that neurons that differentiated in vitro from different precursor cell populations exhibited differences in axon growth rate related to in vivo target distance. We then examined the axon growth rate from neurons that differentiate from the same precursor population at different stages throughout the period of neurogenesis. We studied the epibranchial placode precursors that give rise to nodose ganglion neurons in the chicken embryo. We observed a highly significant, threefold difference in axon growth rate from neurons that differentiate from precursor cells cultured early and late during the period of neurogenesis. Our findings suggest that intrinsic differences in axon growth rate are correlated with the neuronal birth date.
Synthesis of Nonulosonic Acids
Authors: Pradhan Kabita , Kulkarni Suvarn S.
Published: April 2020

Bacterial cell‐surface nonulosonic acids are unique in their structural complexity and their biological roles in life processes. Their presence at the non‐reducing end of bacterial cell surface glycans makes them key players in infections related to various multidrug‐resistant pathogens. These glycans are difficult to isolate from natural sources in pure form. Also, due to their complicated structures, access to these rare sugars through synthesis is highly challenging. The most well‐studied bacterial nonulosonic acid is pseudaminic acid which has been synthesized by many groups and reviewed very recently. In this minireview, we discuss the recent advances in the synthesis of remaining nonulosonic acids viz. legionaminic acid, acinetaminic acid, and fusaminic acid.
PIG‐A gene mutation as a genotoxicity biomarker in human population studies: An investigation in lead‐exposed workers
Authors: Cao Yiyi , Wang Tuanwei , Xi Jing , Zhang Guanghui , Wang Tongshuai , Liu Weiying , You Xinyue , Zhang XinYu , Xia Zhaolin , Luan Yang
Published: April 2020

The rodent Pig‐a gene mutation assay has demonstrated remarkable sensitivity in identifying in vivo mutagens, while much less is known about the value of the human PIG‐A assay for risk assessment. To obtain more evidence of its potential as a predictive biomarker for carcinogen exposure, we investigated PIG‐A mutant frequencies (MFs), along with performing the Comet assay and micronucleus (MN) test, in 267 workers occupationally exposed to lead. Multivariate Poisson regression showed that total red blood cell PIG‐A MFs were significantly higher in lead‐exposed workers (10.90 ± 10.7 × 10−6) than in a general population that we studied previously (5.25 ± 3.6 × 10−6) (p < .0001). In contrast, there was no increase in lymphocyte MN frequency or in DNA damage as measured by percentage comet tail intensity in whole blood cells. Current year worker blood lead levels (BLL), an exposure biomarker, were elevated (232.6 ± 104.6 μg/L, median: 225.4 μg/L); a cumulative blood lead index (CBLI) also was calculated based on a combination of current and historical worker BLL data. Chi‐square testing indicated that PIG‐A MFs were significantly related to CBLI (p = .0249), but independent of current year BLL (p = .4276). However, % comet tail intensity and MN frequencies were better associated with current year BLL than CBLI. This study indicates that the PIG‐A assay could serve as biomarker to detect the genotoxic effects of lead exposure and demonstrates that a battery of genotoxicity biomarkers having mechanistic complementarity may be useful for comprehensively monitoring human carcinogenic risk.