bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel approach for peptic ulcer perforation surgery
Authors: Ahmadinejad Mojtaba , Haji Maghsoudi Leila
Published: June 2020

A case of peritonitis following the repair of perforated peptic ulcer using omental flap. The revision surgery was performed using pedicled falciform ligament flap, and no postoperative and one‐month follow‐up complications were reported. In cases of perforated peptic ulcer that cannot be treated with omentopexy, use of a falciform ligament.
Arnold‐Chiari malformation type 1 as an unusual cause of acute respiratory failure: A case report
Authors: Khatib Mohamad Y. , Elshafei Moustafa S. , Shabana Amr M. , Mutkule Dnyaneshwar P. , Chengamaraju Dinesh , Kannappilly Nevin , Alaudeen Nazeer , Joshi Ruchir Milind , Naswhan Abdulqadir J.
Published: June 2020

The authors urge clinicians to consider the possibility of Arnold‐Chiari Malformation type 1 with other central causes especially in cases where acute respiratory failure is unexplainable.
JoyaPhos: An Atropisomeric Teraryl Monophosphine Ligand
Authors: Castrogiovanni Alessandro , Lotter Dominik , Bissegger Fabian R. , Sparr Christof
Published: June 2020

A topologically well‐defined atropisomeric teraryl monophosphine ligand system, prepared by a highly stereoselective arene‐forming aldol condensation combined with a direct ester‐to‐anthracene transformation, is described herein. The ligands were evaluated for gold(I)‐catalyzed [2+2] cycloaddition and cycloisomerization reactions as well as a unique intramolecular Pd‐catalyzed C−N cross‐coupling for the atroposelective synthesis of a N‐aryl‐indoline bearing a C−N stereogenic axis. The ligand structure induced up to 95:5 stereoselectivity in the asymmetric allylic alkylation reaction and features an interesting dynamic behavior as observed by X‐ray crystallographic studies.
Discovery of an Orally Active and Long‐Acting DPP‐IV Inhibitor through Property‐Based Optimization with an in Silico Biotransformation Prediction Tool
Authors: Zeng Shaogao , Dou Wenyuan , Li Manna , Zhou Yang , Guo Jiehuang , Zhao Nan , Huang Hong , Zhou Qiaoli , Hu Wenhui , Ma Yanfang , Zhao Xin , Xie Hui
Published: June 2020

Long‐acting dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors have emerged as promising molecules for interventions for type 2 diabetes. Once weekly dosing brings greater patient compliance and more stable glycemic control. Starting from our previous highly potent compound with a thienoprimidine scaffold, which is unfortunately severely hit by hepatic biotransformation, a lead compound was rapidly generated by drawing on the experience of our previously discovered long‐acting compounds with pyrrolopyrimidine scaffold. With the aid of an in silico biotransformation prediction tool, (R)‐2‐((2‐(3‐aminopiperidin‐1‐yl)‐4‐oxo‐6‐(pyridin‐3‐yl)thieno[3,2‐d]pyrimidin‐3(4H)‐yl)methyl)‐4‐fluorobenzonitrile was eventually generated and determined to have high potency, a fine pharmacokinetic profile, and a long‐acting in vivo efficacy.
Amelanotic melanoma recurrence diagnosed by fine‐needle aspiration cytology: A case report
Authors: Khairwa Anju
Published: June 2020

Amelanotic melanoma is a variant of malignant melanoma. Amelanotic melanoma has similar morphology of a wide variety of epithelial and non‐epithelial malignant tumours, variable cytomorphology of melanoma has been described on exfoliative and fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). Aim of index study to describe FNAC of a rare case of recurrent amelanotic melanoma of right lateral knee swelling. Case: A 37‐year‐old male presented right lateral knee multi‐nodular swelling last for 1 month with history of similar swelling 6 months back and operated. Histologically it was reported amelanotic malignant melanoma. FNAC revealed mordantly pleomorphic malignant cells predominantly plasmacytoid, plump shaped, prominent single to multiple nucleoli along with bi‐nucleated and multi‐nucleated tumour giant cells were also noted. Histology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) slides were reviewed and confirm the diagnosis. Concluded amelanotic melanoma has highly varied cytomorphology with multiple differential diagnosis and IHC markers are of great value for final diagnosis of it.
Estimating the drivers of species distributions with opportunistic data using mediation analysis
Authors: Huberman David B. , Reich Brian J. , Pacifici Krishna , Collazo Jaime A.
Published: June 2020

Ecological occupancy modeling has historically relied on high‐quality, low‐quantity designed‐survey data for estimation and prediction. In recent years, there has been a large increase in the amount of high‐quantity, unknown‐quality opportunistic data. This has motivated research on how best to combine these two data sources in order to optimize inference. Existing methods can be infeasible for large datasets or require opportunistic data to be located where designed‐survey data exist. These methods map species occupancies, motivating a need to properly evaluate covariate effects (e.g., land cover proportion) on their distributions. We describe a spatial estimation method for supplementarily including additional opportunistic data using mediation analysis concepts. The opportunistic data mediate the effect of the covariate on the designed‐survey data response, decomposing it into a direct and indirect effect. A component of the indirect effect can then be quickly estimated via regressing the mediator on the covariate, while the other components are estimated through a spatial occupancy model. The regression step allows for use of large quantities of opportunistic data that can be collected in locations with no designed‐survey data available. Simulation results suggest that the mediated method produces an improvement in relative MSE when the data are of reasonable quality. However, when the simulated opportunistic data are poorly correlated with the true spatial process, the standard, unmediated method is still preferable. A spatiotemporal extension of the method is also developed for analyzing the effect of deciduous forest land cover on red‐eyed vireo distribution in the southeastern United States and find that including the opportunistic data do not lead to a substantial improvement. Opportunistic data quality remains an important consideration when employing this method, as with other data integration methods.
Heart failure patients with atrial fibrillation benefit from remote patient management: insights from the TIM‐HF2 trial
Authors: Stegmann Tina , Koehler Kerstin , Wachter Rolf , Moeller Volker , Zeynalova Samira , Koehler Friedrich , Laufs Ulrich
Published: June 2020

Aims

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a frequent comorbidity in patients with heart failure (HF). HF patients with AF are characterized by high morbidity and increased risk of hospitalizations. We assessed the effects of remote patient management (RPM) in HF patients with AF compared with usual care (UC) in the TIM‐HF2 trial.

Methods and results

For this post‐hoc analysis, AF status at randomization was assessed in 1537 patients with HF. The primary outcome was the percentage of days lost due to unplanned cardiovascular hospital admissions or death of any cause.

Around 966 patients had sinus rhythm (SR) and 571 had AF. The analysis showed a significant interaction between heart rhythm and all‐cause mortality (P for interaction = 0.001). AF patients had more days lost due to unplanned cardiovascular hospitalization than SR patients (7.53%, CI 6.01–9.05 vs. 4.90%, CI 3.98–5.82, ratio 1.54, P = 0.004) and higher all‐cause mortality (11.9%, CI 9.4–14.9 vs. 8.5%, CI 6.8–10.4, HR 0.66, CI 0.47–0.94, P = 0.029). Patients with AF randomized to RPM had significantly less days lost due to unplanned cardiovascular hospital admissions or all‐cause death (5.64%, CI 3.81–7.48) than patients with AF randomized to UC (9.37%, CI 6.98–11.76, ratio 0.60, P = 0.015). No difference was seen in SR patients (UC: 5.25%, CI 3.93–6.58, RPM: 4.55%, CI 3.27–5.83, ratio 0.87, P = 0.452). All‐cause mortality in AF patients was reduced with 9.2% (CI 6.1–13.2) in the RPM group compared with 14.5% (CI 10.7–18.1) in the UC group (HR 0.60, CI 0.36–1.00, P = 0.050).

Conclusions

For patients with atrial fibrillation at study entry, RPM was associated with increased days alive out of hospital. Our results identify HF patients with atrial fibrillation as a promising target population for RPM.
Equity return predictability, its determinants, and profitable trading strategies
Authors: Rahman Md Lutfur , Khan Mahbub , Vigne Samuel A. , Uddin Gazi Salah
Published: June 2020

This paper explains cross‐market variations in the degree of return predictability using the extreme bounds analysis (EBA). The EBA addresses model uncertainty in identifying robust determinant(s) of cross‐sectional return predictability. Additionally, the paper develops two profitable trading strategies based on return predictability evidence. The result reveals that among the 13 determinants of the cross‐sectional variation of return predictability, only value of stock traded (a measure of liquidity) is found to have robust explanatory power by Leamer's (1985) EBA. However, Sala‐i‐Martin's (1997) EBA reports that value of stock traded, gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, level of information and communication technology (ICT) development, governance quality, and corruption perception are robust determinants. We further find that a strategy of buying (selling) aggregate market portfolios of the countries with the highest positive (negative) return predictability statistic in the past 24 months generates statistically significant positive returns in the subsequent 3 to 12 months. In the individual country level, a trading rule of buying (selling) the respective country's aggregate market portfolio, when the return predictability statistic turns out positive (negative), outperforms the conventional buy‐and‐hold strategy for many countries.
Chromosomal instability upregulates interferon in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Jin Ning , Lera Robert F. , Yan Rachel E. , Guo Fen , Oxendine Kim , Horner Vanessa L. , Hu Yang , Wan Jun , Mattison Ryan J. , Weaver Beth A. , Burkard Mark E.
Published: June 2020

Chromosome instability (CIN) generates genetic and karyotypic diversity that is common in hematological malignancies. Low to moderate levels of CIN are well tolerated and can promote cancer proliferation. However, high levels of CIN are lethal. Thus, CIN may serve both as a prognostic factor to predict clinical outcome and as a predictive biomarker. A retrospective study was performed to evaluate CIN in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Chromosome mis‐segregation frequency was correlated with clinical outcome in bone marrow core biopsy specimens from 17 AML cases. Additionally, we induced chromosome segregation errors in AML cell lines with AZ3146, an inhibitor of the Mps1 mitotic checkpoint kinase, to quantify the phenotypic effects of high CIN. We observed a broad distribution of chromosome mis‐segregation frequency in AML bone marrow core specimens. High CIN correlated with complex karyotype in AML, as expected, although there was no clear survival effect. In addition to CIN, experimentally inducing chromosome segregation errors by Mps1 inhibition in AML cell lines causes DNA damage, micronuclei formation, and upregulation of interferon stimulated genes. High levels of CIN appear to be immunostimulatory, suggesting an opportunity to combine mitotic checkpoint inhibitors with immunotherapy in treatment of AML.
Photovoltaic system configurations: an occupational health and safety assessment
Authors: Erten Begum , Utlu Zafer
Published: June 2020

There is an attempt to reduce CO2 emissions caused by the use of fossil fuel worldwide and the negative consequences of global warming. Thus, renewable energy systems (RES) are an alternative for reducing fossil fuel use. In addition to being environmentally friendly, it is also important to ensure safety, reliability, and sustainability in the resources and systems used to achieve targets to reduce CO2 emissions by increasing RES use. Solar energy systems have an important share in RES investments and their scope of use is becoming widespread. However, employment rates are also increasing. Hence, the issue of protecting employees also gains importance. Moreover, photovoltaic (PV) systems require an accurate risk management process with a holistic approach since the design phase. Therefore, occupational health and safety (OHS) studies should be seen as an integral part of the whole. In this study, regulations and standards related to OHS in PV systems have been investigated. Studies have been evaluated in terms of human health, environmental, and economic effects. Regulations vary according to countries’ energy policies. Therefore, solutions are offered with national approaches to global problems. In this respect, the arrangements made at the national level have been investigated in Turkey and field observations have been made from an OHS perspective. The aim of this study is to support a holistic approach to the hazards and risks in PV systems and the sustainability of the systems. In this regard, the need for an inclusive basic guide is emphasized and a contribution is made to proactive approaches. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Employee stock options and the flawed use of the Black–Scholes option pricing model
Authors: Le Guyader Louis P. , Meyer Thomas O.
Published: June 2020

This article studies a well‐known, and flawed, use of the Black–Scholes model in reporting. It achieves two principal goals. First, it reports our critical analysis into the topic resulting from the combination of our fields’ expertise in it. Second, we report our study into an as‐yet undocumented example of that flaw. The flawed use of Black–Scholes leads to mark‐to‐model measurements errors in reporting, most notably in Earnings. Our analysis covers the major sources of the resulting mis‐measurement: the mismatch between the parametrization of Black–Scholes models versus the legal formulation of ESO contract terms; and the alteration of the models’ inputs mandated by regulators. These regulators asserted that the unavoidably incorrect values would be “sufficient” for reporting. Our study examines the infrequently studied “risk‐free rate” input to demonstrate that resulting mis‐measurements are readily quantifiable. We expect to continue this research into our fields’ disagreements on the use of the Black–Scholes class of option pricing models for reporting.
Two‐step calcination synthesis of Z‐scheme α‐Fe2O3/few‐layer g‐C3N4 composite with enhanced hydrogen production and photodegradation under visible light
Authors: Hou Minshuai , Cui Lifeng , Su Fengyun , Dong Xinfa , Dang Haifeng
Published: June 2020

Solar photocatalytic technology is of great significance for adjusting energy structure and environmental improvement. Developing an efficient and low‐cost photocatalyst is key to realizing the conversion of solar to chemical energy. In this study, α‐Fe2O3‐modified few‐layer g‐C3N4 hybrids (α‐Fe2O3/FL g‐C3N4) were successfully prepared by a two‐step calcination route with a mixture of α‐Fe2O3 and melamine. The samples were characterized by Thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, UV–Vis absorption spectrum, photoluminescence, and Time‐resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy; furthermore, their photoelectrochemical measurements and their photocatalytic performances were evaluated by visible light‐driven hydrogen evolution and degradation of RhB. The results showed that the hydrogen production activity and degradation ability of α‐Fe2O3/FL g‐C3N4 were significantly enhanced compared with those of α‐Fe2O3/multilayer g‐C3N4 (α‐Fe2O3/ML g‐C3N4) and FL g‐C3N4. The enhanced photoactivities were mainly attributed to the synergistic effect between the increased visible‐light absorption, enhanced surface area, and highly efficient electron transfer and separation on the Z‐type heterojunction interface. This work not only provides evidence for the formation of FL g‐C3N4 nanosheets using a thermal exfoliation method but also provides new insights into the interfacial charge carrier dynamics of Z‐scheme α‐Fe2O3/FL g‐C3N4 heterostructures for photocatalytic H2 generation and pollutant degradation.
Cytoskeletal regulation of dendritic cells: An intricate balance between migration and presentation for tumor therapy
Authors: Oliveira Mariana M S , Westerberg Lisa S
Published: June 2020

Dendritic cells (DCs) are the main players in many approaches for cancer therapy. The idea with DC tumor therapy is to promote activation of tumor infiltrating cytotoxic T cells that kill tumor cells. This requires that DCs take up tumor Ag and present peptides on MHC class I molecules in a process called cross-presentation. For this process to be efficient, DCs have to migrate to the tumor draining lymph node and there activate the machinery for cross-presentation. In this review, we will discuss recent progress in understanding the role of actin regulators for control of DC migration and Ag presentation. The potential to target actin regulators for better DC-based tumor therapy will also be discussed.
Innate lymphoid cell and adaptive immune cell cross-talk: A talk meant not to forget
Authors: Kumar V
Published: June 2020

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are a relatively new class of innate immune cells with phenotypical characters of lymphocytes but genotypically or functionally behave as typical innate immune cells. They have been classically divided into 3 groups (group 1 ILCs or ILC1s, group 2 ILCs or ILC2s, and group 3 ILCs or ILC3s). They serve as the first line of defense against invading pathogens and allergens at mucosal surfaces. The adaptive immune response works effectively in association with innate immunity as innate immune cells serve as APCs to directly stimulate the adaptive immune cells (various sets of T and B cells). Additionally, innate immune cells also secrete various effector molecules, including cytokines or chemokines impacting the function, differentiation, proliferation, and reprogramming among adaptive immune cells to maintain immune homeostasis. Only superantigens do not require their processing by innate immune cells as they are recognized directly by T cells and B cells. Thus, a major emphasis of the current article is to describe the cross-talk between different ILCs and adaptive immune cells during different conditions varying from normal physiological situations to different infectious diseases to allergic asthma.
Variation in soil geochemical properties and microbial communities in areas under land developed for educational use (university and other campuses)
Authors: Teng Yong , Zhou Qixing
Published: June 2020

During land development, some important changes take place in the soil environment. Understanding these responses is of great significance for solving local and global environmental issues caused during land development. Till now, studies within education parks or university/college towns, especially inside and outside of a campus, were rarely reported. Herein, treating a campus as a semi‐open and coupled system, we collected soil samples (109 sites) inside and outside of a campus to reveal the variation in their soil‐geochemical parameters, available microelements, and microbial communities. Results shown that soil samples inside of the campus had lower pH (p < .05), and had 0.6–0.9‐times as much soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen/phosphorus/potassium (TN/TP/TK), ammonium nitrogen (NH4+‐N), and available phosphorus/potassium (AvP/AvK) as samples from outside. However, most of the available microelements (ExchCa, AvMn, AvCu, AvSi and AvS) were slightly higher (1.0–1.2‐times) than for soil samples collected from outside, except for exchangeable magnesium (ExchMg), available iron and boron (AvFe and AvB). The soil microbial communities (8 phylum and 10 genus with the relative abundance ≥1%) possessed higher richness but lower diversity inside of the campus. This study provides an insight into responses of soil environments where there is land development for education.
Effects of lake warming on the seasonal risk of toxic cyanobacteria exposure
Authors: Hayes Nicole M. , Haig Heather A. , Simpson Gavin L. , Leavitt Peter R.
Published: June 2020

Incidence of elevated harmful algal blooms and concentrations of microcystin are increasing globally as a result of human‐mediated changes in land use and climate. However, few studies document changes in the seasonal and interannual concentrations of microcystin in lakes. Here, we modeled 11 yr of biweekly microcystin data from six lakes to characterize the seasonal patterns in microcystin concentration and to ascertain if there were pronounced changes in the patterns of potential human exposure to microcystin in lakes of central North America. Bayesian time series analysis with generalized additive models found evidence for a regional increase in microcystin maxima and duration but recorded high variation among lakes. During the past decade, warmer temperatures, but not nutrient levels, led to a marked increase in the number of days when concentrations exceeded drinking and recreational water thresholds set by the World Health Organization and United States Environmental Protection Agency.
Imaging the In Vivo Degradation of Tissue Engineering Implants by Use of Supramolecular Radiopaque Biomaterials
Authors: Talacua Hanna , Söntjens Serge H. M. , Thakkar Shraddha H. , Brizard Aurelie M. A. , van Herwerden Lex A. , Vink Aryan , van Almen Geert C. , Dankers Patricia Y. W. , Bouten Carlijn V. C. , Budde Ricardo P. J. , Janssen Henk M. , Kluin Jolanda
Published: June 2020

For in situ tissue engineering (TE) applications it is important that implant degradation proceeds in concord with neo‐tissue formation to avoid graft failure. It will therefore be valuable to have an imaging contrast agent (CA) available that can report on the degrading implant. For this purpose, a biodegradable radiopaque biomaterial is presented, modularly composed of a bisurea chain‐extended polycaprolactone (PCL2000‐U4U) elastomer and a novel iodinated bisurea‐modified CA additive (I‐U4U). Supramolecular hydrogen bonding interactions between the components ensure their intimate mixing. Porous implant TE‐grafts are prepared by simply electrospinning a solution containing PCL2000‐U4U and I‐U4U. Rats receive an aortic interposition graft, either composed of only PCL2000‐U4U (control) or of PCL2000‐U4U and I‐U4U (test). The grafts are explanted for analysis at three time points over a 1‐month period. Computed tomography imaging of the test group implants prior to explantation shows a decrease in iodide volume and density over time. Explant analysis also indicates scaffold degradation. (Immuno)histochemistry shows comparable cellular contents and a similar neo‐tissue formation process for test and control group, demonstrating that the CA does not have apparent adverse effects. A supramolecular approach to create solid radiopaque biomaterials can therefore be used to noninvasively monitor the biodegradation of synthetic implants.
PasT of Escherichia coli sustains antibiotic tolerance and aerobic respiration as a bacterial homolog of mitochondrial Coq10
Authors: Fino Cinzia , Vestergaard Martin , Ingmer Hanne , Pierrel Fabien , Gerdes Kenn , Harms Alexander
Published: June 2020

Antibiotic‐tolerant persisters are often implicated in treatment failure of chronic and relapsing bacterial infections, but the underlying molecular mechanisms have remained elusive. Controversies revolve around the relative contribution of specific genetic switches called toxin–antitoxin (TA) modules and global modulation of cellular core functions such as slow growth. Previous studies on uropathogenic Escherichia coli observed impaired persister formation for mutants lacking the pasTI locus that had been proposed to encode a TA module. Here, we show that pasTI is not a TA module and that the supposed toxin PasT is instead the bacterial homolog of mitochondrial protein Coq10 that enables the functionality of the respiratory electron carrier ubiquinone as a “lipid chaperone.” Consistently, pasTI mutants show pleiotropic phenotypes linked to defective electron transport such as decreased membrane potential and increased sensitivity to oxidative stress. We link impaired persister formation of pasTI mutants to a global distortion of cellular stress responses due to defective respiration. Remarkably, the ectopic expression of human coq10 largely complements the respiratory defects and decreased persister levels of pasTI mutants. Our work suggests that PasT/Coq10 has a central role in respiratory electron transport that is conserved from bacteria to humans and sustains bacterial tolerance to antibiotics.
Vibrios from the Norwegian marine environment: Characterization of associated antibiotic resistance and virulence genes
Authors: Håkonsholm Fredrik , Lunestad Bjørn Tore , Aguirre Sánchez Jose Roberto , Martinez‐Urtaza Jaime , Marathe Nachiket Prakash , Svanevik Cecilie Smith
Published: June 2020

A total of 116 Vibrio isolates comprising V. alginolyticus (n = 53), V. metschnikovii (n = 38), V. anguillarum (n = 21), V. antiquarius (n = 2), and V. fujianensis (n = 2) were obtained from seawater, fish, or bivalve molluscs from temperate Oceanic and Polar Oceanic area around Norway. Antibiotic sensitivity testing revealed resistance or reduced susceptibility to ampicillin (74%), oxolinic acid (33%), imipenem (21%), aztreonam (19%), and tobramycin (17%). Whole‐genome sequence analysis of eighteen drug‐resistant isolates revealed the presence of genes like β‐lactamases, chloramphenicol‐acetyltransferases, and genes conferring tetracycline and quinolone resistance. The strains also carried virulence genes like hlyA, tlh, rtxA to D and aceA, E and F. The genes for cholerae toxin (ctx), thermostable direct hemolysin (tdh), or zonula occludens toxin (zot) were not detected in any of the isolates. The present study shows low prevalence of multidrug resistance and absence of virulence genes of high global concern among environmental vibrios in Norway. However, in the light of climate change, and projected rising sea surface temperatures, even in the cold temperate areas, there is a need for frequent monitoring of resistance and virulence in vibrios to be prepared for future public health challenges.
Comparison of BOLD and CBV using 3D EPI and 3D GRASE for cortical layer functional MRI at 7 T
Authors: Beckett Alexander J. S. , Dadakova Tetiana , Townsend Jennifer , Huber Laurentius , Park Suhyung , Feinberg David A.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Functional MRI (fMRI) at the mesoscale of cortical layers and columns requires both sensitivity and specificity, the latter of which can be compromised if the imaging method is affected by vascular artifacts, particularly cortical draining veins at the pial surface. Recent studies have shown that cerebral blood volume (CBV) imaging is more specific to the actual laminar locus of neural activity than BOLD imaging using standard gradient‐echo EPI sequences. Gradient and spin‐echo (GRASE) BOLD imaging has also shown greater specificity when compared with standard gradient‐echo EPI BOLD. Here we directly compare CBV and BOLD contrasts in high‐resolution imaging of the primary motor cortex for laminar functional MRI in four combinations of signal labeling, CBV using slice‐selective slab‐inversion vascular space occupancy (VASO) and BOLD, each with 3D gradient‐echo EPI and zoomed 3D‐GRASE image readouts.

Methods

Activations were measured using each sequence and contrast combination during a motor task. Activation profiles across cortical depth were measured to assess the sensitivity and specificity (pial bias) of each method.

Results

Both CBV imaging using gradient‐echo 3D‐EPI and BOLD imaging using 3D‐GRASE show similar specificity and sensitivity and are therefore useful tools for mesoscopic functional MRI in the human cortex. The combination of GRASE and VASO did not demonstrate high levels of sensitivity, nor show increased specificity.

Conclusion

Three‐dimensional EPI with VASO contrast and 3D‐GRASE with BOLD contrast both demonstrate sufficient sensitivity and specificity for laminar functional MRI to be used by neuroscientists in a wide range of investigations of depth‐dependent neural circuitry in the human brain.
Electrical resistivity monitoring of river–groundwater interactions in a Chalk river and neighbouring riparian zone
Authors: McLachlan P. , Chambers J. , Uhlemann S. , Sorensen J. , Binley A.
Published: June 2020

In the past several decades, there has been considerable interest in groundwater–surface water interactions and their ability to regulate and cycle nutrients and pollutants. These interactions are spatially and temporally complex, but electrical resistivity imaging can be a useful tool for their characterization. Here, an electrical resistivity imaging monitoring array was installed laterally across a groundwater‐dominated Chalk river and into the adjacent riparian wetland; data were collected over a period of 1 year. Independent inversions of data from the entire transect were performed to account for the changing river stage and river water conductivity. Additionally, data from just the riparian zone were inverted using a temporally constrained inversion, and the correlation between the riparian zone resistivity patterns and river stage was assessed using time‐series analysis. The river stage and the Chalk groundwater level followed similar patterns throughout the year, and both exhibited a sharp drop following cutting of in‐stream vegetation. For the independent inversions, fixing the river resistivity led to artifacts, which prevented reliable interpretation of dynamics in the riverbed. However, the resistivity structure of the riparian zone coincided well with the intrusively derived boundary between the peat and the gravel present at the field site. Time‐series analysis of the inverted riparian zone models permitted identification of seven units with distinct hydrological resistivity dynamics (five zones within the peat and two within the gravel). The resistivity patterns in the gravel were predominantly controlled by up‐welling of resistive groundwater and the down‐welling of more conductive peat waters following the river vegetation cutting event. In comparison, although the vegetation cutting influenced the resistivity dynamics in the peat zones, the resistivity dynamics were also influenced by precipitation events and increasing pore‐water conductivity, likely arising from biological processes. It is evident that such approaches combining electrical resistivity imaging and time‐series analysis are useful for understanding the spatial extent and timing of hydrological processes to aid in the better characterization of groundwater‐surface water interactions.
Can ultrasound irradiation be a therapeutic option for prostate cancer?
Authors: Maeshige Noriaki , Kitagawa Koichi , Yamasaki Saya , Ishii Aya , Shirakawa Toshiro , Yang Yong‐Ming , Sung Shian‐Ying , Chen Kuan‐Chou , Yuan Zhi‐Min , Shigemura Katsumi , Fujisawa Masato
Published: June 2020

Background

Focal therapies for prostate cancer (PC) can reduce adverse events and do not lead to androgen‐independent progression. Ultrasound could be used for cancer treatments if the repetition frequency is fitted to the purpose. We investigated the possible therapeutic effect of ultrasound irradiation on PC cells.

Materials and Methods

We irradiated two PC cell lines, androgen‐dependent LNCaP and ‐independent PC‐3 with ultrasound (3.0 W/cm2, 3 MHz, irradiation time rate: 20%) for 2 minutes for 1 day or 3 consecutive days at a repetition frequency of 1, 10, or 100 Hz in vitro. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were determined after irradiation.

Results

Cell proliferation of PC‐3 was significantly inhibited after 1 day (P < .0001) and 3 days (P < .0001) of 10 Hz ultrasound irradiation, and that of LNCaP after 1 day (P < .0001) and 3 days (P < .0001) of irradiation. LNCaP was more sensitive to ultrasound at both lower and higher cell density but PC‐3 was only sensitive at a lower cell density (P < .01). Irradiation with 10 Hz ultrasound‐induced significantly more PC‐3 apoptotic cells than control (1 day, P = .0137; 3 days, P = .0386) rather than irradiation with 1 Hz. Apoptosis via caspase‐3 was induced at 10 Hz in 1‐day (P < .05) irradiation in both cell lines.

Conclusions

Ultrasound irradiation with even 1 day of 10 Hz significantly inhibited cell proliferation in both LNCaP and PC‐3, especially by the remarkable induction of apoptosis in vitro. Our study indicated that ultrasound irradiation can be a therapeutic option for PC and further studies in vivo will be undertaken.
The crisis‐response match: An empirical investigation
Authors: Raithel Sascha , Hock Stefan J.
Published: June 2020

Research Summary

Prior crisis‐response literature outlines zones of conformity (i.e., response meets stakeholder expectations), underconformity (i.e., response falls short of expectations), and overconformity (i.e., response exceeds expectations). We utilize a mixed‐method approach to empirically test the impact of different response strategies on customers (Study 1: experiment) and investors (Study 2: event study). We not only find empirical support that a conforming strategy outperforms both nonconforming strategies concerning stakeholders' affective evaluations of reputation, but extend this proposition to stakeholders' cognitive evaluations of reputation and the financial implications for the firm. The most counterintuitive finding is that overconforming strategies result in lower firm reputation and stock returns relative to conforming strategies. Thus, exceeding stakeholder expectations during a crisis can have unintended negative consequences.

Managerial Summary

How should firms react to product recalls? Previous research suggests that exceeding expectations of external stakeholders should have a neutral or even positive impact on firm reputation and financial performance, while falling short of expectations should have a negative impact. In this article, we test the impact of different product recall strategies. The most counterintuitive finding is that exceeding stakeholder expectations during a product crisis can have unintended negative consequences on both customers and investors.
Lithiation Mechanism Change Driven by Thermally Induced Grain Fining and Its Impact on the Performance of LiMn2O4 in Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Lee Geun Jun , Abbas Muhammad A. , Lee Moo Dong , Lee Jeongmin , Lee Junghyun , Bang Jin Ho
Published: June 2020

The nature of precursors employed in the synthesis of lithium‐ion battery cathode materials is a crucial performance‐dictating factor. Therefore, it is of great importance to establish a way to manipulate the precursor and seek a comprehensive understanding of its influence on the electrochemical behavior of a targeted electrode material. A thermal route is herein demonstrated for the synthesis of lithium‐excess LiMn2O4 (LMO) by exploiting an intriguing thermal phenomenon, thermally induced grain fining, and sheds light on how it affects the mechanism and kinetics of lithiation, and, furthermore, the electrochemical behavior of LMO. Detailed insights into the lithiation mechanism and kinetics reveal that the use of a finely grained, porous Mn3O4, which possesses an open crystal structure, is a key to the success of incorporating excess Li. In addition, this in‐depth electrochemical investigation verifies a very recent theoretical prediction of faster Li diffusion kinetics enabled by excess Li.
Photogenerated Electron Transfer Process in Heterojunctions: In Situ Irradiation XPS
Authors: Zhang Peng , Li Yukun , Zhang Yongshang , Hou Ruohan , Zhang Xilai , Xue Chao , Wang Shaobin , Zhu Bicheng , Li Neng , Shao Guosheng
Published: June 2020

Photoelectron transfer between heterojuctions is an important process for photocatalysis, and identification of the electron transfer process provides valuable information for catalyst design. Herein, Ti3C2, one of the widely used two‐dimensional materials, is used to produce a heterojunction of TiO2 and Ti3C2 by an in situ growth method and the photogenerated electrons transfer between the two components for photocatalytic water splitting to hydrogen is investigated. Theoretical simulation and experimental tests proclaim that electrons transfer from Ti3C2 to TiO2 forms an internal electric field, which implies that there exists the driving force of electronic movement from TiO2 to Ti3C2. In situ irradiation X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy shows the binding energies of TiC (in Ti3C2) and TiO (in TiO2) move toward negative and positive positions, respectively, verifying the photogenerated electrons produced from TiO2 and transferring to Ti3C2 driven by the internal electric field. In addition, the amount of TiO2 nanoparticles also affects the hydrogen evolution rate. Several parallel experiments are designed to uncover the fact that less or excess amount of TiO2 nanoparticles leads to a tinier shift of binding energy, which hints the quantity of heterojunction is a considerable factor in photocatalytic performance. This work develops a new method to directly monitor the photoelectron transfer process between heterojuctions.
Mapping developmental trajectories and subtype diversity of normal and glaucomatous human retinal ganglion cells by single-cell transcriptome analysis
Authors: Teotia Pooja , Niu Meng , Ahmad Iqbal
Published: June 2020

Glaucoma is characterized by a progressive degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), leading to irreversible vision loss. Currently, there is no effective treatment for RGC degeneration. We used a disease-in-a-dish stem cell model to examine the developmental susceptibility of RGCs to glaucomatous degeneration, which may inform on the formulation of therapeutic approaches. Here, we used single-cell transcriptome analysis of SIX6 risk allele (SIX6risk allele) primary open angle glaucoma patient-specific and control hRGCs to compare developmental trajectories in terms of lineage- and stage-specific transcriptional signature to identify dysregulated stages/genes, and subtype composition to estimate the relative vulnerability of RGCs to degeneration because their ability to regenerate axons are subtype-specific. The developmental trajectories, beginning from neural stem cells to RGCs, were similar between SIX6risk allele and control RGCs. However, the differentiation of SIX6risk allele RGCs was relatively stalled at the retinal progenitor cell stage, compromising the acquisition of mature phenotype and subtype composition, compared with controls, which was likely due to dysregulated mTOR and Notch signaling pathways. Furthermore, SIX6risk allele RGCs, as compared with controls, expressed fewer genes corresponding to RGC subtypes that are preferentially resistant to degeneration. The immature phenotype of SIX6risk allele RGCs with underrepresented degeneration-resistant subtypes may make them vulnerable to glaucomatous degeneration.
TiAlN‐Beschichtungen mittels hoch‐energetischer Kathodenzerstäubung
Authors: Tillmann Wolfgang , Stangier Dominic , Grisales Diego
Published: June 2020

Hochenergetische Plasmen stellen nach aktuellen Erkenntnissen ein vielversprechendes tribologisches Eigenschaftsprofil für nitridische Hartstoffschichten und deren Anwendungen dar. Jedoch resultiert aus der gesteigerten Ionisationsrate ein hohes Niveau an Druckeigenspannungen in TiAlN‐Dünnschichten (σTiAlN ∼ –6000 MPa), welches die Haftung zwischen Substrat und Beschichtung negativ beeinflussen und zu Delamination und Schädigung führen kann. In diesem Zusammenhang belegen die durchgeführten Untersuchungen, dass durch eine hybride Prozessführung, die aus der synchronen Verwendung von Gleichstrom (DC)‐ und Hochleistungs‐Impuls‐Kathodenzerstäubung (HiPIMS) besteht, eine Reduktion des Eigenspannungszustands in der Schicht erfolgen kann. Dies ermöglicht die Vorteile beider Technologien zu vereinen und somit TiAlN‐Dünnschichten für ein erweitertes Einsatzspektrum als tribologische Beschichtung für wärmebehandelte Werkzeugstähle zu qualifizieren.
Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Tetraalkylammonium Salts of the Weakly Coordinating Anion [Al(OTeF5)4]–
Authors: Kotsyuda Sofiya , Wiesner Anja , Steinhauer Simon , Riedel Sebastian
Published: June 2020

The weakly coordinating properties of the [Al(OTeF5)4]– anion were studied by the synthesis and characterization of its tetraalkylammonium salts [NAlk4][Al(OTeF5)4] [Alk4 = –(CH3)4, –(C2H5)4, –(C2H5)3CH3, –(C3H7)4, –(C4H9)4]. The one‐pot synthesis includes formation of the Brønsted acid in 1,2–difluorobenzene, H[Al(OTeF5)4](solv.), and its reaction with [NAlk4]Cl [Alk4 = –(CH3)4, –(C2H5)4, –(C2H5)3CH3, –(C3H7)4, –(C4H9)4] to the corresponding salts. Single crystals were obtained for [N(C4H9)4][Al(OTeF5)4] and characterized by X‐ray diffraction analysis.
Preparation and Crystal Growth of Transition Metal Dichalcogenides
Authors: Schmidt Marcus , Gooth Johannes , Binnewies Michael
Published: June 2020

Dichalcogenides are known from almost all transition metals. The representatives of this class of compounds show a number of interesting physical and chemical properties depending on their constituent transition metal and crystal structure, which makes them interesting for basic studies and applications in high‐end electronics, spintronics, optoelectronics, energy storage, flexible electronics, DNA sequencing and personalized medicine to this day. Many of these properties and effects can only be investigated on chemically and crystallographically pure samples ‐ usually on single crystals. The vast majority of these compounds can be crystallized using chemical vapour transport. However crystallization from the melt is also possible in a considerable number of compounds, including the frequently used self‐flux technique. For several compounds the crystallization from different solvents or solvent mixtures by means of solvothermal or hydrothermal synthesis is described.
Assessment of a GNSS/INS/Wi-Fi Tight-Integration Method Using Support Vector Machine and Extended Kalman Filter
Authors: Mendonça Marco , Santos Marcelo C.
Published: June 2020

Wi-Fi derived positions have been used in the past few years as a complementary source of positioning information for GNSS and Inertial Systems (INS). Ubiquitous positioning that transitions from indoors to outdoors and vice-versa is currently a hot topic of research. In this context, this study aims to analyze the potential of directional antennas sequentially tracking Wi-Fi signals on the 11 channels around the 2.4 GHz frequency in order to serve as an integrated signal for GNSS and INS positioning. Considering, as an example, a single point positioning (SPP) strategy coupled with an INS, the use of directional antennas can be beneficial in order to provide absolute directions of travel by the means of a Support Vector Machine (SVM) lane matching. In order to test the given hypothesis, real-world experiments were performed in areas with and without obstruction in an urban environment. Using a post-processed, smoothed in both forward and backward modes, and finally edited post-processed kinematic (RTK) solution as a reference, the solution integrating SPP GNSS, INS and Wi-Fi was assessed in terms of accuracy. Preliminary results show that such a combination of the directional antennas along with GNSS and INS and their respective SVM and EKF filters, can provide sub-meter accuracy at all times without the need of precise orbits or differential corrections, increasing solution availability, reliability and accuracy on a scalable and cost-effective way.
Towards an amplitude analysis of the decay $$ {\varLambda}_b^0\to {pK}^{-}\gamma $$
Authors: Albrecht Johannes , Amhis Yasmine , Beck Anja , Benito Carla Marin
Published: June 2020

Abstract

The helicity formalism applied to the radiative decay

$$ {\varLambda}_b^0\to {pK}^{-}\gamma $$

Λ
b
0

→

pK
−

γ

is presented for the first time in this paper. The aim is to provide the necessary formalism to be able to resolve the resonant pK

−
structures at the photon pole by means of an amplitude analysis. Experimental effects, such as resolution, are also discussed.
Non-integrable Dimers: Universal Fluctuations of Tilted Height Profiles
Authors: Giuliani Alessandro , Mastropietro Vieri , Toninelli Fabio Lucio
Published: June 2020

We study a class of close-packed dimer models on the square lattice, in the presence of small but extensive perturbations that make them non-determinantal. Examples include the 6-vertex model close to the free-fermion point, and the dimer model with plaquette interaction previously analyzed in previous works. By tuning the edge weights, we can impose a non-zero average tilt for the height function, so that the considered models are in general not symmetric under discrete rotations and reflections. In the determinantal case, height fluctuations in the massless (or ‘liquid’) phase scale to a Gaussian log-correlated field and their amplitude is a universal constant, independent of the tilt. When the perturbation strength $$\lambda $$
λ
is sufficiently small we prove, by fermionic constructive Renormalization Group methods, that log-correlations survive, with amplitude A that, generically, depends non-trivially and non-universally on $$\lambda $$
λ
and on the tilt. On the other hand, A satisfies a universal scaling relation (‘Haldane’ or ‘Kadanoff’ relation), saying that it equals the anomalous exponent of the dimer–dimer correlation.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in children: a systematic review of imaging findings
Authors: Shelmerdine Susan C. , Lovrenski Jovan , Caro-Domínguez Pablo , Toso Seema ,   Collaborators of the European Society of Paediatric Radiology Cardiothoracic Imaging Taskforce, Alexopoulou Efi , Almanza Judith , Calder Alistair D. , Ciet Pierluigi , Damasio Beatrice , Desoky Sarah M. , Gomez-Pastrana David , Goo Hyun Woo , Gorkem Sureyya Burcu , Hirsch Franz Wolfgang , Kellenberger Christian , Mahani Maryam Ghadimi , Navallas Maria , Owens Catherine M. , Raissaki Maria , Riaza Lucia , van Rijn Rick R. , van Schuppen Joost , Secinaro Aurelio , Toma Paolo , Ugas Charcape Carlos S.
Published: June 2020

Background

COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus infection that can cause a severe respiratory illness and has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). Because children appear to be less severely affected than adults, their imaging appearances have not been extensively reported.

Objective

To systematically review available literature regarding imaging findings in paediatric cases of COVID-19.

Materials and methods

We searched four databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane, Google Scholar) for articles describing imaging findings in children with COVID-19. We included all modalities, age <18 years, and foreign language articles, using descriptive statistics to identify patterns and locations of imaging findings, and their association with outcomes.

Results

Twenty-two articles were included, reporting chest imaging findings in 431 children, of whom 421 (97.7%) underwent CT. Criteria for imaging were lacking. At diagnosis, 143/421 (34.0%) had a normal CT. Abnormalities were more common in the lower lobes and were predominantly unilateral. The most common imaging pattern was ground-glass opacification (159/255, 62.4%). None of the studies described lymphadenopathy, while pleural effusions were rare (three cases). Improvement at follow-up CT imaging (3–15 days later) was seen in 29/100 (29%), remained normal in 25/100 (25%) and progressed in 9/100 (9%).

Conclusion

CT chest findings in children with COVID-19 are frequently normal or mild. Lower lobes are predominantly affected by patchy ground-glass opacification. Appearances at follow-up remain normal or improve in the majority of children. Chest CT imaging adds little to the further management of the patient and should be reserved for severe cases or for identifying alternative diagnoses.