bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Building commitment to change: Lessons from DBT
Authors: Gold Andrea L.
Published: February 2021

Every day in my work as a therapist, supervisor, and clinical team member, I seek out opportunities to assess and strengthen commitment in myself and others. Much of what I do to build commitment I learned from dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). DBT describes commitment as an intention to take specific actions (or inaction) as a clear plan toward one's goal. Here I share lessons on commitment work in psychotherapy, which I have drawn from my training in DBT, my clinical experiences treating individuals and families with severe anxiety and emotion dysregulation, and my experiences both receiving and providing supervision and consultation on interdisciplinary treatment teams. First, I frame and flesh out commitment in the broader context of DBT. Then, I describe specific commitment strategies taught and practiced in DBT.
Delivering exposure therapy via telehealth: Benefits and challenges
Authors: Schiavone Elena , Freeman Jennifer , O'Connor Erin
Published: February 2021

Since the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic, the need for anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) treatment for youth has persisted, if not increased. This pandemic has introduced new triggers, intensified existing worries, and infused broader uncertainty. New triggers include illness concerns (i.e., worries about contracting or spreading COVID‐19), social isolation, disruption of routine, and increased family conflict. In contrast, however, the pandemic has increased access to care for some via the expansion of telehealth services. This article details the benefits and challenges the authors have experienced delivering exposure therapy, a treatment that involves gradually confronting feared stimuli, via telehealth.
Keep your eye on…
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: February 2021

Increase in methamphetamine in OD data

Effects of early‐life stress in the father on the brain of the newborn

Ignoring pandemic rules leads to selfish teen behavior
Vascular complications with a plug‐based vascular closure device after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: Predictors and bail‐outs
Authors: van Wiechen Maarten P. , Kroon Herbert , Hokken Thijmen W. , Ooms Joris F. , de Ronde‐Tillmans Marjo J. , Daemen Joost , de Jaegere Peter P. , Van Mieghem Nicolas M.
Published: February 2021

Background

The MANTA vascular closure device (VCD) is dedicated to large bore access closure and associated with favorable results in selected study populations. Anatomical predictors for access site complications are lacking.

Aim

To evaluate MANTA in a real‐world population and identify predictors for vascular complications.

Methods

All patients undergoing transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) between January 2016 and May 2020 with MANTA closure were included. Baseline characteristics were collected, pre‐procedural computed tomography and post‐deployment femoral angiograms were analyzed for anatomical differences. The primary endpoint was a composite of access site related major and minor vascular complications at 30 days follow‐up according to the VARC‐2 definitions. Secondary endpoints included bleeding, time to hemostasis, procedural length and incomplete arteriotomy closure or arterial occlusion by angiography. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to compare all‐cause mortality for patients with and without an access site complication.

Results

The 512 patients underwent TAVR with MANTA access closure. Median age was 80 (IQR 75–85), 53% was male, median BMI was 26.4 kg/m2 (IQR 23.4–29.7). Access site related major‐ or minor vascular complication occurred in 20 (4%) and 23 (4%) of patients respectively. Median time to hemostasis was 42 s (IQR 28–98). Post deployment angiogram showed an occlusion in 24 patients (5%), incomplete closure in 60 patients (12%) or both in three patients (1%). Of these 87 patients, 36 (41%) had a vascular complication. Femoral artery diameter (OR 0.70 [0.53–0.93]), low‐ (OR 3.47 [1.21–10.00]) and high (OR 2.43 [1.16–5.10]) arteriotomies were independent predictors for vascular complications.

Conclusion

In this contemporary TAVR population, access‐site related complications occurred in 8% of patients and were mainly due to percutaneous closure device failure. Small artery diameter and off‐target punctures were independent predictors.
Subcutaneous C1‐Inhibitor Concentrate for prophylaxis during pregnancy and lactation in a patient with C1‐INH‐HAE
Authors: Andarawewa Shimalee , Aygören‐Pürsün Emel
Published: February 2021

Subcutaneous plasma‐derived human C1‐Inhibitor concentrate (pdC1INH) may be safe and effective for long‐term prophylaxis during pregnancy and lactation in hereditary angioedema patients.
Acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic Purpura diagnosed during first trimester of pregnancy with excellent outcome after plasma exchange and rituximab, a case report
Authors: Arzuaga‐Mendez Javier , Moreno Maite , Mateos‐Mazón Juan J. , Vara Miriam , Dueñas Marta , Del Orbe Rafael A. , Amutio Elena , Arrizabalaga Beatriz , García‐Ruiz Juan C.
Published: February 2021

Key Clinical Message

Acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is a life‐threatening condition that rarely presents during pregnancy. Early diagnosis and treatment with plasma exchange is needed to achieve a good pregnancy outcome.
Prenatal detection of a giant isolated coronary fistula
Authors: Walter Adeline , Calite Elina , Engels Alexander C. , Herberg Ulrike , Breuer Johannes , Willruth Arne , Berg Christoph , Geipel Annegret , Gembruch Ulrich
Published: February 2021

Prenatal detection of an isolated congenital coronary artery fistula (ICCAF) requires an examination of the affected fetal hemodynamic situation by the fistula. Early pediatric cardiological presentation is needed, since prenatal changes may have relevant postpartal consequences.
Clinical cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis concurrent with hydromyelia
Authors: Bogdanov Enver I. , Mendelevich Elena G. , Khabibrakhmanov Aydar N. , Bogdanov Shamil E. , Mukhamedzhanova Gyulnara R. , Mukhamedyarov Marat M.
Published: February 2021

A comprehensive work‐up, clinical correlation, and differential diagnosis are needed to determine if abnormal findings such us hydromyelia in ALS patients are causative or incidental in order to rule out other, more curable conditions that resemble ALS.
Primary biliary cholangitis‐autoimmune hepatitis overlap syndrome: Case report and literature review
Authors: Razafindrazoto Chantelli Iamblaudiot , Rakotozafindrabe Andry Lalaina Rinà , Randriamifidy Nitah Harivony , Rasolonjatovo Anjaramalala Sitraka , Rabenjanahary Tovo Harimanana , Razafimahefa Soloniaina Helio , Ramanampamonjy Rado Manitrala
Published: February 2021

Paris criteria remain practical for retaining the diagnosis of overlap syndrome. While liver histology is mandatory, its absence should not be an obstacle to the diagnosis and delay the initiation of treatment in countries where biopsy not available.
Disseminated cryptococcosis in a deceased with HIV‐1 diagnosed by minimally invasive tissue sampling technique
Authors: Subedi Nuwadatta , Bhattarai Suraj , Ranabhat Sunita , Sharma Binita K. , Baral Madan P. , Upadhyaya Tirtha L.
Published: February 2021

Minimal invasive tissue sampling (MITS) technique detected HIV infection and disseminated cryptococcosis in an adult female with sudden death. A proper autopsy is essential to diagnose the exact cause of death and MITS can suffice in natural deaths.
Chronic vertebrobasilar insufficiency in subclavian steal syndrome
Authors: Phillips Stephanie , Memon Anza B.
Published: February 2021

Subclavian steal syndrome is a vascular disorder that consists of significant blood supply restriction with resultant insufficiency of the vertebrobasilar artery and the subclavian artery causing symptomatic insufficiency to the brain and upper extremity. It is important to recognize this condition in patients with subacute to chronic posterior circulation vascular insufficiency as early diagnosis and treatment can have good clinical outcomes (J Clin Neurosci. 2010;17:1339). CT angiogram of the head and neck should be considered in patients with chronic vertebrobasilar insufficiency to evaluate subclavian steal syndrome.
Biphasic Titania Derivatives of Titanium Metal‐Organic Framework Nanoplates for High‐Efficiency Photoreduction of Diluted CO2 to Methane
Authors: Zheng Ya‐Li , Ren Jia‐Tong , Zhou Liang , Yuan Kun , Sun Xiao‐Chen , Yin Hai‐Jing , Zhang Ya‐Wen
Published: February 2021

Exploring earth‐abundant materials for low concentration CO2 photoreduction is the key in the energy related field. Here, we demonstrated biphasic titania (anatase and rutile) derived from Ti‐based metal‐organic framework (MOF) nanoplates exhibited excellent performance in CO2 photoreduction without any co‐catalysts and sacrificial agents under ambient condition, the maximum CH4 production rate was up to 65.39 μmol g−1 h−1 with near 100 % electron selectivity as well as great stability. The activity of the optimal derivative was maintained well even in 1 % CO2 (CH4: 45.59 μmol g−1 h−1) and much better than that of commercial P25. The upgraded performance originated from the synergism between local anatase/rutile interface and numerous defective sites (Ti3+ and Ov), by promoting the separation and migration of photogenerated carriers, CO2 adsorption and activation, and H2O dissociation. Besides, a possible fast hydrodeoxygenation mechanism for methane formation was proposed according to in situ DRIFTS characterization.
Harnessing the Synergistic Interplay of Fischer‐Tropsch Synthesis (Fe‐Co) Bimetallic Oxides in Na‐FeMnCo/HZSM‐5 Composite Catalyst for Syngas Conversion to Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: Nawaz Muhammad Asif , Li Minzhe , Saif Maria , Song Guiyao , Wang Zihao , Liu Dianhua
Published: February 2021

The efficient conversion of syngas to aromatic hydrocarbons (STA) has attracted attention in recent years for its extensive utilization in the energy and defense sectors. In current study, the alloying of two active FT synthesis metal components (Fe−Co) was employed in Na‐FeMnCo/HZSM‐5 composite catalyst for STA process. Different calcination temperatures and Fe/Mn/Co molar ratios were modulated for harnessing the different Fe2O3/CoFe2O4/MnCo2O4 structures that possessed divergent structural, reduction, carburization and catalytic behaviors to give Fe3O4/FexC/CoxC reactive species. Herein, the effective inclusion of Co and Mn into Fe brought about the expedient geometric and electronic modulations for providing the homogenously distributed CoFe2O4 nanocrystals. This particular substitution of Fe played a vital role for tuning the density of oxygen vacancies, tailoring the reduction behavior of Fe‐Ox, giving the Fe−Co alloy structure, and adjusting the adsorption capabilities of catalytic surface that mainly dictate the concentration of active Fe5C2 phase. An escalated selectivity to olefinic intermediates and subsequent higher aromatics fractions (∼55 %) thus was imparted with an inhibited CO2 (21 %) generation by meliorating the different Fischer‐Tropsch/Aromatization reactions in stable CO conversion of ∼98 %.
Polymorphs of the Gadolinite‐Type Borates ZrB2O5 and HfB2O5 Under Extreme Pressure
Authors: Pakhomova Anna , Fuchs Birgit , Dubrovinsky Leonid S. , Dubrovinskaia Natalia , Huppertz Hubert
Published: February 2021

Based on the results from previous high‐pressure experiments on the gadolinite‐type mineral datolite, CaBSiO4(OH), the behavior of the isostructural borates β‐HfB2O5 and β‐ZrB2O5 have been studied by synchrotron‐based in situ high‐pressure single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction experiments. On compression to 120 GPa, both borate layer‐structures are preserved. Additionally, at ≈114 GPa, the formation of a second phase can be observed in both compounds. The new high‐pressure modification γ‐ZrB2O5 features a rearrangement of the corner‐sharing BO4 tetrahedra, while still maintaining the four‐ and eight‐membered rings. The new phase γ‐HfB2O5 contains ten‐membered rings including the rare structural motif of edge‐sharing BO4 tetrahedra with exceptionally short B−O and B⋅⋅⋅B distances. For both structures, unusually high coordination numbers are found for the transition metal cations, with ninefold coordinated Hf4+, and tenfold coordinated Zr4+, respectively. These findings remarkably show the potential of cold compression as a low‐energy pathway to discover metastable structures that exhibit new coordinations and structural motifs.
Overview of N‐Rich Antennae Investigated in Lanthanide‐Based Temperature Sensing
Authors: Vanden Bussche Flore , Kaczmarek Anna M. , Van Speybroeck Veronique , Van Der Voort Pascal , Stevens Christian V.
Published: February 2021

The market share of noncontact temperature sensors is expending due to fast technological and medical evolutions. In the wide variety of noncontact sensors, lanthanide‐based temperature sensors stand out. They benefit from high photostability, relatively long decay times and high quantum yields. To circumvent their low molar light absorption, the incorporation of a light‐harvesting antenna is required. This Review provides an overview of the nitrogen‐rich antennae in lanthanide‐based temperature sensors, emitting in the visible light spectrum, and discusses their temperature sensor ability. The N‐rich ligands are incorporated in many different platforms. The investigation of different antennae is required to develop temperature sensors with diverse optical properties and to create a diverse offer for the multiple application fields. Molecular probes, consisting of small molecules, are first discussed. Furthermore, the thermometer properties of ratiometric temperature sensors, based on di‐ and polynuclear complexes, metal–organic frameworks, periodic mesoporous organosilicas and porous organic polymers, are summarized. The antenna mainly determines the application potential of the ratiometric thermometer. It can be observed that molecular probes are operational in the broad physiological range, metal–organic frameworks are generally very useful in the cryogenic region, periodic mesoporous organosilica show temperature dependency in the physiological range, and porous organic polymers are operative in the cryogenic‐to‐medium temperature range.
The Supramolecular Structural Chemistry of Pentafluorosulfanyl and Tetrafluorosulfanylene Compounds
Authors: Liebing Phil , Pitts Cody Ross , Reimann Marc , Trapp Nils , Rombach David , Bornemann Dustin , Kaupp Martin , Togni Antonio
Published: February 2021

The analysis of crystal structures of SF5‐ or SF4‐containing molecules revealed that these groups are often surrounded by hydrogen or other fluorine atoms. Even though fluorine prefers F⋅⋅⋅H over F⋅⋅⋅F contacts, the latter appeared to be important in many compounds. In a significant number of datasets, the closest F⋅⋅⋅F contacts are below 95 % of the van der Waals distance of two F atoms. Moreover, a number of repeating structural motifs formed by contacts between SF5 groups was identified, including different supramolecular dimers and infinite chains. Among SF4‐containing molecules, the study focused on SF4Cl compounds, including the first solid‐state structure analyses of these reactive species. Additionally, electrostatic potential surfaces of a series of Ph‐SF5 derivatives were calculated, pointing out the substituent influence on the ability of F⋅⋅⋅X contact formation (X=F or other electronegative atom). Interaction energies were calculated for different dimeric arrangements of Ph‐SF5, which were extracted from experimental crystal structure determinations.
Clinical and pathological differences between skin‐limited IgM/IgG vasculitis and skin‐limited IgA vasculitis
Authors: Kawamura Miho , Mizutani Yuki , Mizutani Yoko , Matsuyama Kanako , Shu En , Miyazaki Tatsuhiko , Seishima Mariko
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Cutaneous IgM/IgG vasculitis (IgM/IgG V) is characterized by leukocytoclastic vasculitis histologically and by IgM‐ or IgG‐ perivascular deposition. However, clinical differences between IgM/IgG V and skin‐limited IgA vasculitis (IgA V) have not been fully clarified. In the present study, we assessed the clinical and histopathological differences between IgM/IgG V and IgA V.

Methods

We examined 14 patients with IgM/IgG V and 24 patients with skin‐limited IgA V. The cases associated with systemic diseases were excluded. Clinical findings, laboratory data, and histological findings were compared between IgM/IgG V and IgA V groups.

Results

Livedo lesions appeared more often, and palpable purpura less often in IgM/IgG V. Localization of the lesions was more limited to the lower legs in IgM/IgG V. In laboratory data, there were no statistical differences in peripheral blood cell counts, IgG, IgA, and IgM levels between the two groups. Histopathological findings showed less infiltration of neutrophils, CD8+ T cells, and CD3+ T cells, and nuclear dusts in IgM/IgG V. Systemic steroids were administered significantly less frequently in IgM/IgG V cases, but the recurrence rate did not differ.

Conclusions

Based on these results, IgM/IgG V may be a clinically and histologically different entity from IgA V. However, further studies are necessary to define the differences between them more clearly.
Power‐to‐X: Alkane, Alkene und Wasserstoff aus biologischen Quellen
Authors: Koch Lorena , Girschik Aileen
Published: February 2021

Power‐to‐X zur Umwandlung von nicht verbrauchtem, regenerativ gewonnenem Strom in chemische Speicherstoffe gilt als Schlüsseltechnologie. Die aktuell angewendete Wasserelektrolyse setzt jedoch Sauerstoff frei, welcher energetisch nicht nutzbar ist. Aus diesem Grund forschten wir nach Lösungen, durch die bei gleichzeitiger Wirkungsgraderhöhung die Sauerstoffabscheidung unterdrückt wird. Unser entwickeltes Verfahren haben wir in ein von uns konzipiertes Nutzungskonzept integriert.
Numerical investigation of liquid‐liquid two‐phase separation and pressure drop characteristics in T‐junctions
Authors: Zhi Changshuang , Liu Liu , Chen Pengfan , Liu Yingwen
Published: February 2021

Based on the Eulerian and k − ε viscous models, a numerical model of liquid‐liquid two‐phase flow in a T‐junction was established. The simulation results were in reasonable agreement with the experimental data. The effects of the mass fraction taken off through branch and mixture velocity on the separation efficiency and pressure drop characteristics were investigated using the validated model. The results illustrate that the separation efficiency first increases and then decreases with an increase in the mass fraction taken off through branch. When the mass fraction taken off through branch is close to the inlet mass quality, the separation efficiency reaches its maximum. The maximum separation efficiency decreases with the increase of the mixture velocity. In addition, the pressure drop from the inlet to the outlet is primarily due to the local resistance at the intersection and frictional resistance in the pipe, and the pressure drop from the inlet to the branch is majorly caused by the gravity in the branch. It was observed that there is a vortex region at the inlet of the outlet pipe, causing pressure losses.
Teaching process design in a multidisciplinary capstone design course
Authors: Couturier Michel F. , Bendrich Guida
Published: February 2021

To increase the percentage of our graduates trained in a multidisciplinary setting, we have pooled resources from several departmental capstone design courses to create a common multidisciplinary course with a novel structure. The new course consists of multiple sections, one for each of the project types previously offered in the departmental courses. The new teaching platform has increased the choice of capstone design projects available to students and provides the flexibility to form multidisciplinary as well as mono‐disciplinary teams of students depending on the needs of the projects. In the process design section of the course, teams of four or five students work on design projects sponsored by industry and are co‐mentored by a practicing engineer and a faculty member. Seven evenly spaced milestones are used to pace students, guide mentors, and facilitate the progressive assembly of a high‐quality final report. Peer evaluations are also used to improve team dynamics and are combined with mentor ratings to derive individual grades from the assessment of team deliverables. The normalized peer ratings of effective team members follow a normal distribution with a mean of unity and a SD of 0.04, whereas the ratings of ineffective members fall below the distribution. Our collaborative approach for teaching process design provides a motivating educational experience to students and each of the course learning outcomes was achieved by over 95% of the students during the first two offerings of the course.
Particle image velocimetry (PIV) experimental investigation of flow structures and dynamics produced by a centripetal turbine
Authors: Jin Jie , Fan Ying
Published: February 2021

Turbines are capable of producing powerful radial discharge flow, which is why they are widely applied in such fields as chemical, petroleum, pharmaceutical, and so on. The centripetal turbine (CT) represents a new type of optimized turbine structure based on the Rushton turbine (RT). In order to reveal the characteristics of turbulence, centripetal and Rushton turbines were designed. The flow fields of impellers were measured by two‐dimensional particle image velocimetry (PIV), in combination with the time‐averaged method, phase‐resolved method, and proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) method for comparative analysis. Within the measured area, the time‐averaged velocity and phase‐resolved velocity of the CT is smaller compared to the RT. The numeric range of fluctuation velocity for the two types of impeller is basically the same, but the high‐value area of CT is more widely distributed. The swirling strength of the CT is significantly smaller than that of the RT. Besides, the wake structure is significantly weakened, which is conducive to reducing power consumption. The POD triple decomposition method proves effective in decoupling the instantaneous flow field into mean part, coherent part, and turbulence part. In each phase of blade passage, the turbulence part energy of the CT is considerably higher. For different blade passages, the cyclic variation of the CT is more significant. The flow field generated by the CT exhibits stronger eddy diffusion, which is conducive to mixing or reaction. It provides a basis for understanding the turbulent flow characteristics of CTs and impeller optimization.
Gelatin – an efficient separator for electrochemical experiments in school
Authors: Lüke Dennis , Oetken Marco
Published: February 2021

Durch das Gießen eines leitfähigen Gelatine‐Lyogels im Micro‐Scale‐Aufbau kann eine kostengünstige Zelle für elektrochemische Schulversuche hergestellt werden, die mit wenigen Millilitern Elektrolyt betrieben werden kann, Lernenden einen einfachen visuellen Zugang zur Phänomenebene der Halbzellreaktionen bietet, keine Bruchgefahr im Schüler*innen‐Experiment darstellt und zudem deutlich leistungsfähiger ist als ein vergleichbarer Aufbau im klassischen U‐Rohr.
Summit: Benchmarking Machine Learning Methods for Reaction Optimisation
Authors: Felton Kobi C. , Rittig Jan G. , Lapkin Alexei A.
Published: February 2021

In the fine chemicals industry, reaction screening and optimisation are essential to development of new products. However, this screening can be extremely time and labor intensive, especially when intuition is used. Machine learning offers a solution through iterative suggestions of new experiments based on past experimental data, but knowing which machine learning strategy to apply in a particular case is still difficult. Here, we develop chemically‐motivated virtual benchmarks for reaction optimisation and compare several strategies on these benchmarks. The benchmarks and strategies are encompassed in an open‐source framework named Summit. The results of our tests show that Bayesian optimisation strategies perform very well across the types of problems faced in chemical reaction optimisation, while many strategies commonly used in reaction optimisation fail to find optimal solutions.
Helical Nanofibers Formed by Palladium‐Mediated Assembly of Organic Homochiral Macrocycles Containing Binaphthyl and Pyridyl Units
Authors: Agnes Marco , Arabi Ameneh , Caricato Marco , Nitti Andrea , Dondi Daniele , Yannakopoulou Konstantina , Patrini Maddalena , Pasini Dario
Published: February 2021

Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of homochiral macrocycles, in which molecular rigidity, combined with the presence of multiple functional groups, allow for the assembly of helical nanostructures. 1,1’‐bi‐2‐naphthol (Binol) units are used as robust chirality inducers, and pyridyl units embedded within the molecular frameworks allow the assembly, upon coordination with Pd(II) metal ions, of the macrocyclic building blocks. CD and NMR spectroscopies show the formation of ordered 1D assembly in solution. AFM studies indicate that the molecular systems are capable of forming nanoscale structures. The effective transfer of chiral information results in helical nanofibers, with lengths ranging from a few hundreds of nanometers to some micrometers. AFM line profiles reveal a helical longitudinal period of about 50 nm and a transverse width of 25 to 45 nm after deconvolution.
Evaluation Strategies for Triple‐Drug Combinations against Carbapenemase‐Producing Klebsiella Pneumoniae in an In Vitro Hollow‐Fiber Infection Model
Authors: Garcia Estefany , Diep John K. , Sharma Rajnikant , Hanafin Patrick O. , Abboud Cely S. , Kaye Keith S. , Li Jian , Velkov Tony , Rao Gauri G.
Published: February 2021

Mounting antimicrobial resistance to carbapenemase‐producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (CPKP) highlights the need to optimize currently available treatment options. The objective of this study was to explore alternative dosing strategies that limit the emergence of resistance to preserve the utility of last‐line antibiotics by: (i) evaluating the pharmacodynamic (PD) killing activity of simulated humanized exposures to monotherapy and two‐drug and three‐drug combinations against CPKP bacterial isolates with different resistance mechanisms; and (ii) optimizing polymyxin B (PMB) exposure simulated in the three‐drug combination regimens to maximize the killing activity. Two CPKP clinical isolates (BAA2146 (NDM‐1) and BRKP76 (KPC‐2)) were evaluated over 168 hours using a hollow‐fiber infection model simulating clinically relevant PMB, fosfomycin, and meropenem dosing regimens. PMB‐based three‐drug combinations were further optimized by varying the initial exposure (0–24 hours) or maintenance dose received over the duration of treatment. The area under the bacterial load‐versus‐time curve (AUCFU) was used to determine PD activity. Overall reductions in PMB exposure ranged from 2 to 84%. BAA2146 and BRKP76 had median (range) AUCFUs of 11.0 (10.6–11.6) log10 CFU hour/mL and 7.08 (7.04–11.9) log10 CFU hour/mL, respectively. The PMB “front loaded” 2.5 mg/kg/day + 0.5 mg/kg maintenance dose in combination with meropenem and fosfomycin was a promising regimen against BRKP76, with an overall reduction in PMB exposure of 56% while still eradicating the bacteria. Tailored triple‐combination therapy allows for the optimization of dose and treatment duration of last‐line agents like PMB to achieve adequate drug exposure and appropriate PD activity while minimizing the emergence of resistance.
Photochemical Control of Drug Efficacy: A Comparison of Uncaging and Photoswitching Ifenprodil on NMDA Receptors
Authors: Thapaliya Ek Raj , Mony Laetitia , Sanchez Roberto , Serraz Benjamin , Paoletti Pierre , Ellis‐Davies Graham C. R.
Published: February 2021

Ifenprodil is an important negative allosteric modulator of the N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor. We have synthesized caged and photoswitchable derivatives of this small molecule drug. Caged ifenprodil was biologically inert before photolysis, and UV irradiation efficiently released the drug allowing selective inhibition of GluN2B‐containing NMDA receptors. Azobenzene‐modified ifenprodil, on the other hand, is inert in both its trans and cis configurations, although in silico modeling predicted the trans form to be able to bind to the receptor. The disparity in effectiveness between the two compounds reflects, in part, the inherent ability of each method in manipulating the binding properties of drugs. With appropriate structure‐activity relationship uncaging enables binary control of effector binding, whereas photoswitching using freely diffusible chromophores shifts the dose‐response curve of drug‐receptor interaction. Our data suggest that the efficacy of pharmacophores having a confined binding site such as ifenprodil can be controlled more easily by uncaging in comparison to photoswitching.
Expeditious Extraction of Histones from Limited Cells or Tissue Samples and Quantitative Top‐Down Proteomic Analysis
Authors: Holt Matthew V. , Wang Tao , Young Nicolas L.
Published: February 2021

Histones are the primary protein component of chromatin and are involved in virtually all DNA‐templated processes. Histones are abundantly post‐translationally modified by a variety of chromatin‐modifying machinery. These post‐translational modifications (PTMs) are recognized by a range of “reader” proteins, which recruit additional proteins to specific locations on chromatin and impart precise and powerful effects on gene regulation. Each PTM typically exerts a positive or negative effect on transcription, and recent studies have shown that histone PTMs function in a combinatorial histone code: that is, histone PTMs function in combination to exert precise DNA‐templated regulation. Thus, there is a need to identify and understand proteoforms, or unambiguously defined single protein molecules with all combinations of modifications. Top‐down proteomics is currently the only viable approach for identifying and quantitating histone proteoforms, and mass spectrometry instruments have become sufficiently powerful to perform these quantitative analyses in a robust and high‐throughput fashion. These recent innovations have enabled new experimental directions in chromatin research but have also introduced temporal and other constraints. This has led us to develop the protocols described here, which increase throughput, reduce sample requirements, and maintain robust quantitation. Although originally designed for high‐throughput quantitative top‐down proteomics, the protocols described here are useful for a wide range of chromatin biology applications. Starting with small amounts of cells or tissue, we describe two basic protocols for exceptionally rapid and efficient nuclei isolation, acid extraction of histones, and high‐performance liquid chromatography fractionation of histones into histone families. We additionally describe the quantitative top‐down proteomic analysis of histone H4 proteoforms. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

This article was corrected on 19 July 2022. See the end of the full text for details.

Basic Protocol 1: Nuclei isolation and acid extraction of histones from mammalian cells in culture/tissues

Basic Protocol 2: HPLC fractionation of histones and histone H4 HPLC‐MS/MS

Support Protocol: Preparation of intact H3 histone tails by Glu‐C digestion
Laboratory Maintenance and Culturing of the Nematode‐Trapping Fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora
Authors: Lin Hung‐Che , Hsueh Yen‐Ping
Published: February 2021

Nematode‐trapping fungi (NTF) and nematodes are common and sympatric in nature. The molecular basis that underlies this interkingdom predator–prey interaction remains largely uncharacterized. Both NTF and nematodes can be easily isolated from soil samples. NTF do not form traps in nutrient‐rich environments, yet trap morphogenesis can be observed under nutrient‐poor conditions and upon simultaneous sensing of the nematode cues. Here, we present protocols for laboratory maintenance and culturing of the model NTF Arthrobotrys oligospora. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

This article was corrected on 19 July 2022. See the end of the full text for details.

Basic Protocol 1: Growth of nematode‐trapping fungi on solid medium

Basic Protocol 2: Growth of nematode‐trapping fungi in liquid medium

Basic Protocol 3: Collection of conidia from solid medium

Support Protocol 1: Preparation of Miracloth filter funnel

Basic Protocol 4: Induction of trap morphogenesis

Alternate Protocol: Quantitative measurement of trap induction

Support Protocol 2: Preparation of synchronized C. elegans L4

Basic Protocol 5: Establishing C. elegans survival rate upon exposure to A. oligospora

Basic Protocol 6: Storage of nematode‐trapping fungi strains
Identification of tolerance to metribuzin and imazethapyr herbicides in faba bean
Authors: Abou‐Khater Lynn , Maalouf Fouad , Patil Somanagouda B. , Balech Rind , Nacouzi Diana , Rubiales Diego , Kumar Shiv
Published: February 2021

Weeds cause serious constraint to faba bean (Vicia fabaL.) productivity. Broad weed control is hampered by the availability of postemergence herbicides to control them, as the current faba bean cultivars are highly susceptible to them. Therefore, the deployment of postemergence herbicide tolerance is desirable in faba bean. To address this, 130 accessions were screened for their response in mature plants under field conditions to the recommended dosage of two herbicides, metribuzin at 250 g a.i. ha−1and imazethapyr at 75 g a.i. ha−1at Marchouch and Terbol stations. The recorded herbicide damage score (HDS) varied from 1 (no visual damage) to 5 (full damage with death of more than 50% of plants) at both locations. Low but highly significant (p< .01) and positive correlation (+0.26) was obtained between the recorded HDS at both locations. Both herbicides significantly delayed flowering and maturity time occurrence, reduced plant height and grain yield, and increased number of branches. Reduction index (RI) correlated positively with HDS score at Terbol station in different seasons and at Marchouch in 2016–2017 seasons. Eleven tolerant accessions were identified and further evaluated to 1×, 1.5×, and 2× of recommended dose of both herbicides. The results indicated that the harmful effect of herbicides on grain yield reduction intensified from 13.4 to 27.2% and from −7.6 to 1.8% as the dose of metribuzin and imazethapyr increased respectively from 250 to 500 g a.i. ha−1and from 75 to 150 g a.i. ha−1. Tolerance to metribuzin and imazethapyr in eight faba bean accessions was confirmed with no significant reduction in grain yield.
Bottom‐up Approach for Designing Cobalt Tungstate Nanospheres through Sulfur Amendment for High‐Performance Hybrid Supercapacitors
Authors: Patil Swati J. , Chodankar Nilesh R. , Huh Yun Suk , Han Young‐Kyu , Lee Dong Weon
Published: February 2021

Nanofabrication of heteroatom‐doped metal oxides into a well‐defined architecture via a “bottom‐up” approach is crucial to overcome the boundaries of the metal oxides for energy storage systems. In the present work, this issue was addressed by developing sulfur‐doped bimetallic cobalt tungstate (CoWO4) porous nanospheres for efficient hybrid supercapacitors via a single‐step, ascendable bottom‐up approach. The combined experimental and kinetics studies revealed enhanced electrical conductivity, porosity, and openness for ion migration after amendments of the CoWO4 via sulfur doping. As a result, the sulfur‐doped CoWO4 nanospheres exhibited a specific capacity of 248.5 mA h g−1 with outstanding rate capability and cycling stability. The assembled hybrid supercapacitor cell with sulfur‐doped CoWO4 nanospheres and activated carbon electrodes could be driven reversibly in a voltage of 1.6 V and exhibited a specific capacitance of 177.25 F g−1 calculated at 1.33 A g−1 with a specific energy of 63.41 Wh kg−1 at 1000 W kg−1 specific power. In addition, the hybrid supercapacitor delivered 94.85 % initial capacitance over 10000 charge‐discharge cycles. The excellent supercapacitive performance of sulfur‐doped CoWO4 nanospheres may be credited to the sulfur doping and bottom‐up fabrication of the electrode materials.
A data‐independent 9T SRAM cell with enhanced ION/IOFF ratio and RBL voltage swing in near threshold and sub‐threshold region
Authors: Gupta Monica , Gupta Kirti , Pandey Neeta
Published: February 2021

The conventional 8T SRAM cell with isolated read port is suggested as an alternative to overcome the read‐write conflicts associated with 6T SRAM cell. However, in near threshold and sub‐threshold regions, 8T cell performance is limited by reduced ION/IOFF ratio, deteriorated RBL voltage swing, data dependency, and higher read failures, although the existing SRAM cells address some of these issues but still suffer from degraded performance due to the trade‐off between leakage and read currents. In this paper, a 9T SRAM cell with novel read port is proposed that aims for low and data‐independent leakages, high ION/IOFF ratio, and large RBL voltage swing in near threshold and sub‐threshold regions. The performance of the proposed cell is compared with 7T, 8T, 9T, and 10T cells at 32 nm technology node by simulating a column of 128 cells to demonstrate its versatility over others. The proposed cell shows enhanced ION/IOFF ratio (71.2X), large RBL voltage swing and data‐independent leakages at VDD = 0.3 V in comparison to the conventional 8T SRAM cell. The results at different PVT corners are also captured to validate the impeccable performance of the proposed cell irrespective of operating conditions.
Preclinical evaluation of cancer immune therapy using patient‐derived tumor antigen‐specific T cells in a novel xenograft platform
Authors: Shenoy Gautam N , Greene Christopher J , Bhatta Maulasri , Baroja Miren L , Loyall Jenni L , Balu‐Iyer Sathy V , Kelleher Raymond J , Carreno Beatriz M , Linette Gerald P , Shultz Leonard D , Bankert Richard B
Published: February 2021

Objectives

With a rapidly growing list of candidate immune‐based cancer therapeutics, there is a critical need to generate highly reliable animal models to preclinically evaluate the efficacy of emerging immune‐based therapies, facilitating successful clinical translation. Our aim was to design and validate a novel in vivo model (called Xenomimetic or ‘X’ mouse) that allows monitoring of the ability of human tumor‐specific T cells to suppress tumor growth following their entry into the tumor.

Methods

Tumor xenografts are established rapidly in the greater omentum of globally immunodeficient NOD‐scid IL2Rγnull (NSG) mice following an intraperitoneal injection of melanoma target cells expressing tumor neoantigen peptides, as well as green fluorescent protein and/or luciferase. Changes in tumor burden, as well as in the number and phenotype of adoptively transferred patient‐derived tumor neoantigen‐specific T cells in response to immunotherapy, are measured by imaging to detect fluorescence/luminescence and flow cytometry, respectively.

Results

The tumors progress rapidly and disseminate in the mice unless patient‐derived tumor‐specific T cells are introduced. An initial T cell‐mediated tumor arrest is later followed by a tumor escape, which correlates with the upregulation of the checkpoint molecules programmed cell death‐1 (PD‐1) and lymphocyte‐activation gene 3 (LAG3) on T cells. Treatment with immune‐based therapies that target these checkpoints, such as anti‐PD‐1 antibody (nivolumab) or interleukin‐12 (IL‐12), prevented or delayed the tumor escape. Furthermore, IL‐12 treatment suppressed PD‐1 and LAG3 upregulation on T cells.

Conclusion

Together, these results validate the X‐mouse model and establish its potential to preclinically evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of immune‐based therapies.
2.5‐MeV neutron source controlled by high‐intensity pulsed laser generating plasma
Authors: Torrisi L. , Torrisi A.
Published: February 2021

A laptop neutron source suited for the most demanding field or laboratory applications is presented. It is based on laser ablation of CD2 primary targets, plasma acceleration of the D+ ions, and their irradiation of secondary CD2 targets. The deuterium–deuterium (D‐D) fusion reaction is induced in the secondary target, according to the values of fusion cross‐section versus deuteron energy, which show a significant probability also at relatively low ion energies. The experiments were completed in the PALS laboratory, Prague, detecting monoenergetic neutrons at 2.45 MeV with an emission flux of about 109 neutrons per laser shot. Other experiments demonstrating the possibility to induce D‐D events were performed at IPPLM, Warsaw, and at INFN‐LNS, Catania, where the deuterons were accelerated at about 4 MeV and 50 keV, respectively. In the last case, a low laser intensity and a post‐ion acceleration system were employed. A special interaction chamber, under vacuum, is proposed to develop a new source of monochromatic neutrons or thermalized distribution of neutrons
Using priority queuing for congestion control in IoT‐based technologies for IoT applications
Authors: Oyewobi Stephen S. , Djouani Karim , Kurien Anish Matthew
Published: February 2021

The Internet of Things (IoT) connect millions of devices in diverse areas such as smart cities, e‐health, transportation and defense to meet a wide range of human needs. To provide these services, a large amount of data needs to be transmitted to the IoT network servers. However, the IoT networks suffer from limited resources such as buffer size, node processing capabilities, and server capacities adversely affecting throughputs, latency, and energy consumption. Additionally, the ensuing heavy network traffic due to large amount of data transmitted results in congestion which degrades IoT network performance. Therefore, innovative congestion control techniques, e.g., queue management approach needs to be developed to overcome congestion problems in IoT networks. In this paper, a novel priority queuing technique (Npqt++) is developed to control congestion in IoT networks. The Npqt++ implements a preemptive/nonpreemptive discipline with a discretion rule to classify network traffic based on their real‐time requirement into priority groups. If the discretion rule for low priority packets is satisfied, high priority packets are pushed to the front of the queue; otherwise, they wait in the queue. Our approach significantly outperforms existing techniques in terms of throughput, delay, and energy consumption.
Spectrum sensing challenges & their solutions in cognitive radio based vehicular networks
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Asif , Md Noor Rafidah , Azzuhri Saaidal Razalli , Z'aba Muhammad Reza , Ahmedy Ismail , Yau Kok‐Lim Alvin , Chembe Christopher
Published: February 2021

Vehicular ad hoc network (VANET) has been established to mitigate road collisions and traffic congestion and provide infotainment facilities to users. Allocated channels to VANET, which is the DSRC (Dedicated Short‐Range Communication), are not adequate for the full implementation of VANET. Cognitive radio (CR) can be used to alleviate this issue. CR is a programmable and intelligent radio system capable of reaching various frequency ranges. CR needs to conduct spectrum sensing to get these bands. A vehicle fitted with a CR can sense the licensed spectrum to locate the vacant spectrum (which is not used by any licensed user) when the DSRC is wholly occupied. Compared to other CR networks, VANET faces specific additional difficulties related to spectrum sensing, such as periodic topological shifts due to high‐speed mobility, multipath fading and shadowing issues, and heterogeneous quality of service (QoS) specifications. This paper explains these problems in depth. All the problems and issues were explored from the perspective of the CR focused on VANET. Probable ideas and directions to overcome these problems have also been presented. We have provided a conceptual framework for spectrum sensing. The framework resolves a variety of issues and concerns that are discussed in the paper. It gives much better results than conventional sensing techniques.
Naringin treatment improved main clozapine‐induced adverse effects in rats; emphasis on weight gain, metabolic abnormalities, and agranulocytosis
Authors: George Mina Y. , Menze Esther T. , Esmat Ahmed , Tadros Mariane G. , El‐Demerdash Ebtehal
Published: February 2021

Schizophrenia is one of the major neuropsychiatric disorders affecting people worldwide. Unfortunately, currently available antipsychotic medications possess several side effects. Among them, clozapine is one of the atypical antipsychotics prescribed in schizophrenia wing to its blocking effect on dopamine (D2) and serotonin (5‐HT1c) receptors. However, it has been recently reserved for resistant schizophrenia due to its several side effects. The current research aimed at investigating potential naringin add‐on benefit to cease the main side effects of clozapine in ketamine‐induced psychosis in rats. In this study, schizophrenia was induced in rats via ketamine administration that could promote neuropathological patterns of schizophrenia. Afterwards, clozapine and naringin were administered to rats in order to improve such effects induced by ketamine. Clozapine administration promoted weight gain, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and agranulocytosis. However, naringin was able to reduce such adverse effects when added to clozapine treatment. Naringin increased total leukocyte count preventing agranulocytosis either when administered alone or in combination with clozapine. In addition, via its metabolic activities, naringin treatment lowered serum total cholesterol and triglycerides levels. Moreover, naringin prevented weight gain when administered. Finally, naringin reduced serum glucose level preventing hyperglycemia associated with clozapine treatment. Collectively, these findings may suggest that naringin possesses a potential add‐on benefit to clozapine in treatment of schizophrenia.
Complications seen with the use of intense pulsed light sources
Authors: Agaronov Anna E. , Gold Michael
Published: February 2021

Background

The use of intense pulsed light sources has been booming in the world of cosmetic dermatology. Despite advances in technology and benefits for a wide range of skin conditions, complications do occur.

Objective

To assess complications associated with intense pulsed light sources in cosmetic dermatology to provide clinicians with reference to achieve better patient outcomes.

Methods

A literature review of complications associated with intense pulsed light sources.

Results

Notable complications include pigmentary changes, crusting, burns, zebra appearance, folliculitis, acne, leukotrichia, paradoxical hypertrichosis, scarring, infection, and ophthalmic injury.

Conclusion

Clinicians using intense pulsed light sources should be aware of complications associated with their use to take precautions and implement preventative strategies to avoid adverse effects and long‐term consequences.
Do dried blood spots have the potential to support result management processes in routine sports drug testing?—Part 2: Proactive sampling for follow‐up investigations concerning atypical or adverse analytical findings
Authors: Thevis Mario , Kuuranne Tiia , Thomas Andreas , Geyer Hans
Published: February 2021

Capillary blood sampled as dried blood spot (DBS) has shown substantial potential as test matrix in sports drug testing in various different settings, enabling the analysis of numerous different drugs and/or their respective metabolites. In addition to established beneficial aspects of DBS specimens in general (such as the minimally invasive and non‐intrusive nature, and simplified sample transport), a yet unexplored advantage of DBS in the anti‐doping context could be the opportunity of preserving a source of information complementary to routine doping controls performed in urine or venous blood. Whenever follow‐up investigations are warranted or required, frequently collected and stored (but yet not analyzed) DBS samples could be target‐tested for the compound(s) in question, in order to contribute to results management and decision‐making processes.