bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent advances in the synthetic chemistry of 1,5‐benzothiazepines: A minireview
Authors: Devi Varsha , Singh Gurpreet , Monga Vikramdeep
Published: July 2020

Benzothiazepine, a prominent “drug prejudice core”, is a heterocyclic moiety of immense importance due to its presence in a wide range of bioactive compounds. They act as a primary “biolinker” in diverse synthetic routes to obtain bioactive molecules and serve as important templates in synthetic and medicinal chemistry. They are known to possess a plethora of pharmacological activities, which include Ca2+ channel blockers, CNS acting agents, anti‐HIV, ACE inhibitors, antimicrobial, antifungal, anticancer. Their promising behaviour as drug molecules led the scientific community to develop novel, mild, green, and highly efficient synthetic routes for their synthesis. The conventional synthesis generally involved the condensation of chalcones with 2‐aminothiophenol in the presence of acid/base with high‐temperature heating, mostly resulting in poor yields or mixtures. However, recent trends are replacing these conditions with mild and green conditions through organocatalysis or other methodologies. In this review, an attempt has been made by authors to summarize (a) Recent developments in the synthetic strategies of 1,5‐benzoathiazepines and its derivatives (b) Conventional methods for the synthesis of 1,5‐benzothiazepines including progress in the green chemistry routes (c) Applications of various metals and organocatalysts to achieve the enantioselective synthesis of title compounds.
Prognostic Value of Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Patients With AL Amyloidosis: Comparison of Different Techniques by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance
Authors: Wan Ke , Lin Jiayi , Guo Xinli , Song Rizhen , Wang Jie , Xu Yuanwei , Li Weihao , Cheng Wei , Sun Jiayu , Zhang Qing , Han Yuchi , Chen Yucheng
Published: July 2020

Background

Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is common in patients with amyloid light‐chain (AL) amyloidosis. While cardiac MRI is the reference standard tool for RV assessment, there are a number of measures of RV function that can be evaluated and it is yet unknown which of these results in the highest prognostic performance in AL amyloidosis.

Purpose

To examine the prognostic value of various measures of RV function in a bid to find which best predicts outcome in AL amyloidosis.

Study Type

Single‐center, prospective.

Subjects

In all, 129 patients (mean age, 58 ± 11 years; 61.2% men) with biopsy‐proven AL amyloidosis.

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0T / balanced steady‐state free‐precession cine.

Assessment

RV ejection fraction (EF), RV fractional area change (FAC), RV long axis strain (LAS), RV free wall longitudinal strain (FWS), RV global longitudinal strain (GLS), and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE).

Statistical Tests

Mann–Whitney U‐tests, Student's t‐tests, receiver‐operating characteristic curves, Kaplan–Meier curves, Cox proportional hazards regression models, and C‐statistics.

Results

During the median follow‐up period of 38.0 months (interquartile range, 18.5–58.0 months), all‐cause mortality occurred in 95 patients (73.6%). The RVEF, RVGLS, TAPSE, RVFAC, and RVFWS were significant predictors of outcome in univariate Cox regression (all P < 0.001). After adjusting for New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, Mayo staging 2004, left ventricular (LV) EF, and LV mass index, RVFWS (HR [hazard ratio] =1.074; 95% CI [confidence interval]: 1.041–1.108; P < 0.001) was an independent predictor of all‐cause mortality and had a higher C‐statistic (0.753) compared to the model including RVEF (C‐statistic = 0.724, P = 0.034), the model including RVFAC (C‐statistic = 0.723, P = 0.033), and the model including RVGLS (C‐statistic =0.733, P = 0.011).

Data Conclusion

RV dysfunction appears to be an independent determinant of outcome in patients with AL amyloidosis. RVFWS is a better predictor of all‐cause mortality than RVEF, RVFAC, or RVGLS.

Evidence Level

2

Technical Efficacy Stage

5
Development of an antioxidant formula based on peanut by‐products and effects on sensory properties and aroma stability of fortified peanut snacks during storage
Authors: Albergamo Ambrogina , Salvo Andrea , Carabetta Sonia , Arrigo Sara , Di Sanzo Rosa , Costa Rosaria , Dugo Giacomo , Russo Mariateresa
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

An antioxidant formula based on peanut skins and hulls was developed and characterized for total and single polyphenols, as well as antioxidant power, considering the contribution provided by each peanut by‐product. Subsequently, it was evaluated for its effect on the sensory properties and aroma stability of peanut bars over a 100‐day period. To this purpose, snacks fortified, or not, with the natural additive were experimentally produced.

RESULTS

Peanut hulls contributed to a greater extent than skins with respect to boosting the content of bioactives and the antioxidnt activity of the antioxidant formula, which was marked by a phenol content of (approximately 807 mg gallic acid equivalents g−1) and a 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl activity similar to that of butylated hydroxytoluene (85.96% and 89.30%, respectively).

From a sensory perspective, the incorporation of the formulation in snacks caused only a slightly stronger perception of astringent and bitter notes. Pyrazines, phenol, furan and pyrrole derivatives defined the aroma of snacks, being more abundant in fortified than in conventional samples. Such volatiles faded over storage, with different trends in the examined products. For example, the sum of 2,5‐dimethylpyrazine, 2‐ethylpyrazine and 2,3‐dimethylpyrazine was 9.49 and 8.87 ppm at day 15; 5.57 and 7.16 ppm at day 45; and 5.03 and 4.65 ppm at day 100, respectively, in fortified and conventional snacks. Hydroxymethylfurfural decreased constantly over storage in conventional samples and only after day 45 in fortified bars.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the antioxidant formulation did not compromise the sensory desirability of peanut snacks and induced a preservative effect on their aroma, especially during the first 15 days of storage. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Canine models of spine disorders
Authors: Lee Naomi N. , Kramer Jacob S. , Stoker Aaron M. , Bozynski Chantelle C. , Cook Cristi R. , Stannard James T. , Choma Theodore J. , Cook James L.
Published: July 2020

Neck and low back pain are common among the adult human population and impose large social and economic burdens on health care and quality of life. Spine‐related disorders are also significant health concerns for canine companions with etiopathogeneses, clinical presentations, and diagnostic and therapeutic options that are very similar to their human counterparts. Historically, induced and spontaneous pathology in laboratory rodents, dogs, sheep, goats, pigs, and nonhuman primates have been used for study of human spine disorders. While each of these can serve as useful preclinical models, they all have inherent limitations. Spontaneously occurring spine disorders in dogs provide highly translatable data that overcome many of the limitations of other models and have the added benefit of contributing to veterinary healthcare as well. For this scoping review, peer‐reviewed manuscripts were selected from PubMed and Google Scholar searches using keywords: “intervertebral disc,” “intervertebral disc degeneration,” “biomarkers,” “histopathology,” “canine,” and “mechanism.” Additional keywords such as “injury,” “induced model,” and “nucleus degeneration” were used to further narrow inclusion. The objectives of this review were to (a) outline similarities in key features of spine disorders between dogs and humans; (b) describe relevant canine models; and (c) highlight the applicability of these models for advancing translational research and clinical application for mechanisms of disease, diagnosis, prognosis, prevention, and treatment, with a focus on intervertebral disc degeneration. Best current evidence suggests that dogs share important anatomical, physiological, histological, and molecular components of spinal disorders in humans, such that induced and spontaneous canine models can be very effective for translational research. Taken together, the peer‐reviewed literature supports numerous advantages for use of canine models for study of disorders of the spine when the potential limitations and challenges are addressed.
Impact of Psychologic Burden on Surgical Outcome in Empty Nose Syndrome
Authors: Huang Chien‐Chia , Wu Pei‐Wen , Fu Chia‐Hsiang , Huang Chi‐Che , Chang Po‐Hung , Lee Ta‐Jen
Published: July 2020

Objectives /Hypothesis

Empty nose syndrome (ENS) is a complicated condition currently thought to be caused by excessive surgical resection of turbinate tissue. Patients with ENS experienced significant psychological symptoms, such as depression and anxiety. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the psychological burden on the surgical outcome of ENS.

Study Design

Prospective case series in a tertiary medical center.

Methods

Patients with ENS were prospectively recruited between 2015 and 2018. Validated instruments including the Sinonasal Outcome Test‐25 (SNOT‐25), Beck Depression Inventory‐II (BDI‐II), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were used to evaluate patients with ENS prior to and 3, 6, and 12 months after nasal reconstruction surgery with submucosal Medpor implantation.

Results

A total of 54 ENS patients were enrolled during the study period. All three evaluations revealed significant improvement, and symptoms stabilized 3 months after surgery. Six months post‐operatively, SNOT‐25 scores were significantly associated with the pre‐operative BDI‐II and BAI scores (β = 0.64 and 0.87; P = .006 and <.001, respectively). Multivariate regression model revealed that only BAI scores were significantly associated with the six‐month post‐operative SNOT‐25 scores (adjusted β = 0.49, P = .036). Moreover, Spearman's correlation found close relationships between the post‐operative SNOT‐25 and the post‐operative BDI‐II and BAI scores (rs = 0.751 and 0.884, both P < .001).

Conclusions

Psychological evaluation can help predict surgical outcomes and identify patients with residual disease. These findings emphasize the importance of screening for psychological symptoms and structuring care by including psychological therapy in addition to surgery.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 131:E694–E701, 2021
A Population‐Based Analysis of Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of the Oral Cavity
Authors: Wang Yiting , Wang Shijie , Zhang Bingyang
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To identify survival outcomes for patients with mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) of the oral cavity and the effects of different prognostic factors on survival.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study using a national database.

Methods

Retrospective, population‐based cohort study of patients in the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database who were diagnosed with MEC of the oral cavity from 1973 to 2016. Overall survival (OS) and disease‐specific survival (DSS) were calculated.

Results

A total of 1693 patients with MEC of the oral cavity were included. Of those, there are 696 males and 997 females, the average age at diagnosis being 52.4 years. The vast majority of cases (86.4%) presented with stage I and stage II disease. A total of 206 patients had received both surgical and radiation therapy (RT), while 1338 patients just had undergone only surgery and 149 with no treatment. On multivariate analysis, advanced age, stage, and histologic grade were associated with worse OS and DSS. Surgical therapy was an independent favorable predictor of OS and DSS. For radiotherapy, multivariate analysis showed that it was associated with worse DSS, whereas there was no significant difference in OS.

Conclusion

MEC of the oral cavity is associated with a generally favorable prognosis. Advanced age, stage, and histologic grade were independent negative prognostic factors for survival, and surgery was the main treatment to improve survival.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E857–E863, 2021
Childbirth and Delayed Parkinson's Onset: A Reproducible Nonbiological Artifact of Societal Change
Authors: MacAskill Michael R. , Myall Daniel J. , Shoorangiz Reza , Anderson Tim J. , Pitcher Toni L.
Published: July 2020

Background

Uncontrolled studies have reported associations between later Parkinson's disease onset in women and a history of giving birth, with age at onset delayed by nearly 3 years per child. We tested this association in two independent data sets, but, as a control to test for nonbiological explanations, also included men with PD.

Methods

We analyzed valid cases from the Parkinson's Progressive Markers Initiative incident sample (145 women, 276 men) and a prevalent sample surveyed by the New Zealand Brain Research Institute (210 women, 394 men).

Results

The association was present in both women and men in the Parkinson's Progressive Markers Initiative study, and absent in both in the New Zealand Brain Research Institute study. This is consistent with generational differences common to men and women, which confound with age at onset in incident‐dominant samples.

Conclusions

Despite being replicable in certain circumstances, associations between childbirth and later PD onset are an artifact of generational cohort differences. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
A numerical study of boundary layer flow of viscous incompressible fluid past an inclined stretching sheet and heat transfer using nonpolynomial spline method
Authors: Begum Tahera , Khan Arshad , Ahmad Naseem
Published: July 2020

In the present paper, we study the boundary layer flow of viscous incompressible fluid over an inclined stretching sheet with body force and heat transfer. Considering the stream function, we convert the boundary layer equation into nonlinear third‐order ordinary differential equation together with appropriate boundary conditions in an infinite domain. The nonlinear boundary value problem has been linearized by using the quasilinearization technique. Then, we develop a nonpolynomial spline method, which is used to solve the flow problem. The convergence analysis of the method is also discussed. We study the velocity function for different angles of inclination and Froude number with the help of various graphs and tables. Then using these in heat convection flow, we obtain the expression for temperature field. Skin friction is also calculated. The various results have been given in tables. At last, we calculated the Nusselt number.
Volumetric imaging of myelin in vivo using 3D inversion recovery‐prepared ultrashort echo time cones magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Ma Ya‐Jun , Searleman Adam C. , Jang Hyungseok , Fan Shu‐Juan , Wong Jonathan , Xue Yanping , Cai Zhenyu , Chang Eric Y. , Corey‐Bloom Jody , Du Jiang
Published: July 2020

Direct myelin imaging is promising for characterization of multiple sclerosis (MS) brains at diagnosis and in response to therapy. In this study, a 3D inversion recovery‐prepared ultrashort echo time cones (IR‐UTE‐Cones) sequence was used for both morphological and quantitative imaging of myelin on a clinical 3 T scanner. Myelin powder phantoms with different myelin concentrations were imaged with the 3D UTE‐Cones sequence and it showed a strong correlation between concentrations and UTE‐Cones signals, demonstrating the ability of the UTE‐Cones sequence to directly image myelin in the brain. Quantitative myelin imaging with multi‐echo IR‐UTE‐Cones sequences show similar T2* values for a D2O‐exchanged myelin phantom (T2* = 0.33 ± 0.04 ms), ex vivo brain specimens (T2* = 0.20 ± 0.04 ms) and in vivo healthy volunteers (T2* = 0.254 ± 0.023 ms), further confirming the feasibility of 3D IR‐UTE‐Cones sequences for direct myelin imaging in vivo. In ex vivo MS brain study, signal loss is observed in MS lesions, which was confirmed with histology. For the in vivo study, the lesions in MS patients also show myelin signal loss using the proposed direct myelin imaging method, demonstrating the clinical potential for MS diagnosis. Furthermore, the measured IR‐UTE‐Cones signal intensities show a significant difference between normal‐appearing white matter in MS patients and normal white matter in volunteers, which cannot be found in clinical used T2‐FLAIR sequences. Thus, the proposed 3D IR‐UTE‐Cones sequence showed clinical potential for MS diagnosis with the capability of direct myelin detection of the whole brain.
The hemodynamic and metabolic effects of spironolactone treatment in acute kidney injury assessed by hyperpolarized MRI
Authors: Lindhardt Jakob Lykke , Nielsen Per Mose , Hansen Esben Søvsø Szocska , Qi Haiyun , Tougaard Rasmus Stilling , Mariager Christian Østergaard , Bertelsen Lotte Bonde , Kim Won Yong , Laustsen Christoffer
Published: July 2020

Renal ischemia‐reperfusion injury (IRI) is one of the most common types of acute kidney injury. Spironolactone has shown promising kidney protective effects in renal IRI in rats. We investigated the hemodynamic and metabolic effects of spironolactone (100 mg/kg) administered immediately after 40 min unilateral kidney ischemia in rats. Hyperpolarized MRI using co‐polarized [1‐13C]pyruvate and [13C,15N2]urea as well as 1H dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) MRI was performed 24 h after induction of ischemia. We found a significant decrease in renal blood flow (RBF) in the ischemic kidney compared with the contralateral one measured using DCE and [13C,15N2]urea. The RBF measured using [1‐13C]pyruvate and [13C,15N2]urea was significantly altered by spironolactone. The RBFs in the ischemic kidney compared with the contralateral kidney were decreased similarly as measured using both [13C,15N2]urea and [1‐13C]pyruvate in the spironolactone‐treated group. Spironolactone treatment increased the perfusion‐corrected pyruvate metabolism by 54% in both the ischemic and contralateral kidney. Furthermore, we showed a correlation between vascular permeability using a histological Evans blue analysis and the ratio of the volumes of distribution (VoDs), ie VoD‐[13C,15N2]urea/VoD‐[1‐13C]pyruvate. This suggests that [13C,15N2]urea/[1‐13C]pyruvate VoD ratio may be a novel indicator of renal vascular permeability associated with renal damage in rodents.
Nonfragile predictive control for an omnidirectional rehabilitative training walker with constraints on the tracking errors of position and velocity
Authors: Sun Ping , Zhang Shuai , Wang Shuoyu , Chang Hongbin
Published: July 2020

Here, we propose a novel nonfragile predictive control method for an omnidirectional rehabilitative training walker. The aim of the study was to design a tracking controller that includes simultaneous constraints on the tracking errors in the position and velocity in order to guarantee safe system states for the omnidirectional walker. The nonfragile controller uses incremental control to solve the optimal quadratic program problem. The exponential stability of the system is guaranteed by constructing constraints on the trajectory‐tracking error and the velocity‐tracking error. Simulation and experimental testing were conducted to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method and verify that it can provide safe positions and velocities when applied to control the motion of an omnidirectional walker.
Hypoxic induction of CCN2 mRNA through p38 MAP kinase activation in the human chondrosarcoma‐derived cell line, HCS‐2/8
Authors: Yoshino Aya , Hashiguchi Shiho , Mano Ryosuke , Kondo Seiji , Kubota Satoshi , Takigawa Masaharu
Published: July 2020

CCN2/CTGF (cellular communication network factor 2/connective tissue growth factor) plays critical roles in cartilage development, maintenance, and regeneration. Hypoxia‐induced expression of CCN2 mRNA is regulated post‐transcriptionally in the human chondrosarcoma‐derived cell line, HCS‐2/8. In the present study, the hypoxia‐induced increase in CCN2 mRNA expression was assessed with quantitative real‐time PCR in HCS‐2/8 cells in the presence of inhibitors of mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Subsequently, the stability of CCN2 mRNA in hypoxia was evaluated with mRNA degradation assays in the presence or absence of the selective p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB203580. We detected phosphorylation of p38 MAPK by immunoblot analysis within 30 minutes in hypoxia, and we observed ~twofold higher CCN2 mRNA levels in hypoxia compared to normoxia. Blockade of p38 MAPK activation with 10 µmol/L SB203580 abolished this CCN2 induction. Furthermore, we found that inhibition of p38 MAPK suppressed the elongation of CCN2 mRNA half‐life in hypoxia. Taken together, these findings suggest that the molecular mechanism, by which CCN2 mRNA expression is increased in hypoxia, induces the activation of p38 MAPK leading to the post‐transcriptional regulation of the stability of CCN2 mRNA.
Role of osteoclasts in oral homeostasis and jawbone diseases
Authors: Omi Maiko , Mishina Yuji
Published: July 2020

The jawbone is a unique structure as it serves multiple functions in mastication. Given the fact that the jawbone is remodeled faster than other skeletal bones, bone cells in the jawbone may respond differently to local and systemic cues to regulate bone remodeling and adaptation. Osteoclasts are bone cells responsible for removing old bone, playing an essential role in bone remodeling. Although bone resorption by osteoclasts is required for dental tissue development, homeostasis and repair, excessive osteoclast activity is associated with oral skeletal diseases such as periodontitis. In addition, antiresorptive medications used to prevent bone homeostasis of tumors can cause osteonecrosis of the jaws that is a major concern to the dentist. Therefore, understanding of the role of osteoclasts in oral homeostasis under physiological and pathological conditions leads to better targeted therapeutic options for skeletal diseases to maintain patients’ oral health. Here, we highlight the unique features of the jawbone compared to the long bone and the involvement of osteoclasts in the jawbone‐specific diseases.
Optimal tax rate for growth in Ghana: An empirical investigation
Authors: Ofori‐Abebrese Grace , Baidoo Samuel Tawiah , Olesu Stephen Tetteh
Published: July 2020

The external debt burden of many developing countries has increased their borrowing risk and interest charges on loans. The 2007–2008 global financial crisis exposed the vulnerability of developing countries' dependence on the international financial market (IFM). Given the uncertainty and higher borrowing risk, which limit access to external funds, it has become necessary that developing countries increase their internally generated revenue through taxation to facilitate growth and development. For effective distributive effect of tax policy, the tax burden ought to be optimal. This study estimates the optimal tax rate that maximises the economic growth for Ghana, using quarterly data from 2007 to 2017. Based on Scully's model, the study concludes that for the economy to grow at an average rate of 8.88% instead of the current 6.25%, the optimal tax rate should be raised from the current 15.30% to 27.69%. For policy purposes, the study highlights the implication of ensuring efficiency in revenue mobilisation through taxation.
Preparation, characterization and cytotoxic applications of curcumin‐(±) α‐lipoic acid coloaded phosphorylated chitosan nanoparticles in MDA MB 231 breast cancer cell line
Authors: Gogoi Plabita , Dutta Anindita , Ramteke Anand , Maji Tarun Kumar
Published: July 2020

In the present work, curcumin in combination with (±) α‐Lipoic acid were used as the active agents for the preparation of phosphorylated chitosan nanoparticle. Ionic gelation method was used for the successful fabrication of the nanoparticles. Effective incorporation of the drugs in the polymeric system was revealed by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and X‐ray diffractometry (XRD). Scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope and dynamic light scattering method were used to analyze the morphology and dimensional characteristics of the nanoparticles. The swelling degree and drug release mechanism were studied at pH 5.0 and 7.4 for different time periods by UV‐visible spectrophotometer. Cytotoxicity study was performed by MTT assay analysis on normal human lymphocyte and MDA MB 231 breast cancer cell line. Trypan blue dye exclusion assay was performed to confirm the anticancer effect of the nanoparticles. The properties of the prepared nanoparticles recommended their possible application as anticancer agents.
Your Personality does not Care Whether you Believe it Can Change: Beliefs about Whether Personality can Change do not Predict Trait Change among Emerging Adults
Authors: Hudson Nathan W. , Fraley R. Chris , Briley Daniel A. , Chopik William J.
Published: July 2020

Theorists have suggested that beliefs about whether personality can change might operate in a self–fulfilling fashion, leading to growth in personality traits across time. In the present two studies, we collected intensive longitudinal data from a total of 1339 emerging adults ( ns = 254 and 1085) and examined the extent to which both global beliefs that personality can change (e.g. ‘You can change even your most basic qualities’) and granular beliefs that the individual Big Five personality domains can change (e.g. ‘You can change how extraverted and enthusiastic you generally are’) predicted trait change across approximately 4 months. Results indicated that traits did change across time, yet beliefs that personality can change were almost completely unrelated to actual change in personality traits. Our findings suggest that personality development during emerging adulthood does not depend to any meaningful degree on whether or not individuals believe that their traits can change. © 2020 European Association of Personality Psychology
Comparative Study on the Gate‐Induced Electrical Instability of p‐Type SnO Thin‐Film Transistors with SiO2 and Al2O3/SiO2 Gate Dielectrics
Authors: Jang Younjin , Kim Jun Shik , Kang Sukin , Kim Jihun , Lee Yonghee , Kim Kwangmin , Kim Whayoung , Choi Heenang , Kim Nayeon , Eom Taeyong , Chung Taek-Mo , Jeon Woojin , Lee Sang Yoon , Hwang Cheol Seong
Published: July 2020

The gate‐induced electrical instability of SnO thin‐film transistors (TFTs) with SiO2 and Al2O3/SiO2 gate dielectric layers is evaluated. The hysteresis voltage (Vhy) and threshold voltage (Vth) in the transfer characteristics of SnO TFTs depend on the sweep range and rate of gate voltage (VGS). The TFT with an Al2O3/SiO2 gate dielectric layer exhibit reduced Vhy and stable Vth compared with the device without an Al2O3 layer. The introduction of an Al2O3 layer between the SnO channel and the SiO2 layer suppresses the electron and hole trapping at the channel/dielectric interface and contains mobile oxygen vacancies that counteract the hole trapping effect.
Robust model reference adaptive control for transient performance enhancement
Authors: Yang Jun , Na Jing , Gao Guanbin
Published: July 2020

To circumvent the potentially poor transient response induced by nonlinear uncertain dynamics in the adaptive control system, this article proposes a new model reference adaptive control design scheme to improve its transient control response. We first construct a compensator to online extract the undesired dynamics in the online learning, which is incorporated into the reference model and control simultaneously. Then, an error feedback term is incorporated into the reference model to speed up the convergence of both the compensator and tracking error. Moreover, a new leakage term containing the estimation error is constructed and then added in the adaptive law to guarantee the convergence of both the estimation error and tracking error. To further reveal the mechanisms behind these proposed methods, a new methodology to analyze the transient error bounds based on L2‐norm and Cauchy‐Schwartz inequality is also developed. Based on the analysis results, we find that the proposed methods can effectively reduce the bound of the tracking error and thus achieve an improved transient control performance without violating the system stability even with high‐gain adaptation. In addition, the frequency‐domain analysis is resorted to show the comparative responses of different adaptive laws, which indicate that the proposed adaptive law can maintain the stability margin even with a high‐gain learning rate. A numerical example is given to demonstrate improved control responses of these proposed schemes.
Adaptive leaderless consensus control of uncertain multiagent systems with unknown control directions
Authors: Cui Qian , Huang Jiangshuai , Gao Tingting
Published: July 2020

This article solves the leaderless consensus problem of a class of uncertain nonlinear multiagent systems with unknown control directions and unknown system parameters. Without using the Nussbaum function approach, a novel control scheme is proposed by means of the switching mechanism. The control algorithm guarantees that consensus errors converge to the origin asymptotically, and the amplitude of the control signals is much smaller compared with those using Nussbaum functions. The simulation results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Using transparent fish to observe barotrauma associated with downstream passage through hydropower turbines
Authors: Pflugrath Brett D. , Dowell Frederick E. , Brown Richard S.
Published: July 2020

During downstream passage at hydroelectric facilities, fish can be injured when exposed to rapid decompression; this is especially of concern when passing through turbines. The rapid decrease in pressure can cause barotrauma, as undissolved gas expands according to Boyle's law. However, it is difficult to see barotrauma occurring within the body of the fish in real time. In order to determine if transparent fish could provide greater insight into barotrauma, five species of transparent tropical fish were exposed to rapid decompressions so internal injuries could be viewed without causing further damage to the fish. Before and after photos were taken to review the injuries and high‐speed video allowed observations of barotrauma pathways in vivo. High‐speed video recordings showed the expansion of the swim bladder and subsequent venting of gas through the mouth and gills, and, when swim bladder rupture occurred, the expulsion of gas into the body cavity. Post‐decompression photographs show that many internal injuries were visible and included hemorrhaging and the presence of free intraperitoneal gas within the body cavity and tissues. These observations provide new opportunities to understand the effects of downstream passage through hydropower turbines and the pathways and effects of barotrauma in fish.
Soil‐test biological activity with the flush of CO2: VIII. Soil type and management diversity
Authors: Franzluebbers Alan J. , Pershing Mary R.
Published: July 2020

Soil‐test biological activity (STBA) is a key indicator describing the functions of soil to catabolize organic amendments, promote soil organic C sequestration, and cycle nutrients. We explored how climatic zone, land use, and physiographic region affected the relationship of STBA with several soil fertility properties and processes. Soils from Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia (wet climate) were Aquults, Fluvents, Udalfs, Udepts, and Udults and soils from Nebraska and Oklahoma (dry climate) were Udolls and Ustolls. Annual cropland and perennial pasture were the land uses. The Prairie region had silt loam and silty clay loams, the Ridge–Valley region had silt loams, and the Piedmont and Coastal Plain regions had fine sandy loam, loam, sandy clay loam, and sandy loams. Across all locations, STBA with the flush of CO2 during 3 d following rewetting of dried soil was most strongly associated with cumulative C mineralization, basal soil respiration, particulate organic C, potential N mineralization during 24 d of aerobic incubation, residual soil ammonium, soil microbial biomass C, and total soil N. Climatic zone modified the association between STBA and net N mineralization, possibly caused by greater N immobilization in drier soils with 2:1 clays. Physiographic region had a small effect on the relationship between STBA and net N mineralization. Land use did not alter this relationship significantly. Soil‐test biological activity was verified as a robust indicator of soil organic N supply, as well as of general soil biological condition to assess the soil's catabolic potential and potential C storage.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Direct Reductive Amination of Aldehydes and Ketones with Hydrosilanes
Authors: Nogues Christophe , Argouarch Gilles
Published: July 2020

The commercially available chlorodicarbonylrhodium(I) dimer was shown to be a highly active catalyst in the hydrosilylation of aldimines and ketimines under mild conditions. From these initial results, new procedures for the direct reductive amination of aldehydes and ketones employing this rhodium complex were developed with various primary and secondary amines in the presence of hydrosilanes.
Photocatalytic and Antibacterial Activity of Silver/Titanium Dioxide/Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Coated on Cotton Fabrics
Authors: Ansari Mohammad , Sajjadi Seyed Abdolkarim , Sahebian Samaneh , Heidari Elham Kamali
Published: July 2020

In this investigation Ag, TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized by simple and low cost methods and then, they were coated at different concentrations on cotton fabrics. Finally, their morphology, photocatalytic properties and antibacterial activity were assessed. Among them, TiO2 nanoparticles exhibited antibacterial activity under ultraviolet irradiations. The results revealed that the combination of Ag, TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles causes the formation of Schottky barrier between metal (Ag) and semiconductors (ZnO and TiO2). Besides, the results indicated that anatase and rutile types of TiO2 nanoparticles form defect at the interface of the phases acting as an electron sink and prevent electron‐hole recombination, and consequently improve photocatalytic properties. Moreover, the optimum photocatalytic and antibacterial activities were observed in the decorated fabrics containing 50 mg ZnO, 50 mg TiO2 and 7.34 mg Ag in 500 ml distilled water. This sample also showed higher antibacterial activity against Shigella than Salmonella Typhi.
Naphthalimide‐Benzothiazole Conjugate: A Dosimetric Probe for Colorimetric and Fluorometric Detection of Palladium
Authors: Pati Chiranjit , Raza Rameez , Ghosh Kumaresh
Published: July 2020

A naphthalimide‐benzothiazole conjugate 1 as a dosimetric probe has been designed and synthesized. The probe is sensitive to palladium species over a series of other metals in CH3CN‐HEPES buffer [4 : 1 v/v, pH 7.2, 10 mM, NaBH4 (10 mM), PPh3 (10 mM)] and reports the detection both by color and emission changes. Upon addition of increasing concentrations of palladium salts (c=1 x 10−3 M), compound 1 displays distinct absorption at 512 nm with a color change from light yellow to reddish pink. This was in sharp contrast to other metal ions where there was no color change of the solution of 1 as well as no absorption at 512 nm. In fluorescence, emission of the probe is reduced in presence of Pd(0) species. The probe acts as a dosimeter involving Pd‐induced deallylation reaction.
Synthesis of Z‐Scheme CuInS2@BiOBr Heterojunction Composite with Visible‐Light Activity
Authors: Tang Haiqin , Deng Yuehong , Zou Hao , Tan Yawen , Xiang Ye , Xu Yifeng , Wu Wan , Zhou Yi
Published: July 2020

In this paper, CuInS2 was grown on the surface of flower‐shaped BiOBr by a two‐step hydrothermal method for the first time, and a direct Z‐scheme CuInS2@BiOBr heterojunction structure with close interface contact was successfully prepared. The formation of heterojunctions improves the efficiency of photogenerated carrier transport and separation. Under the visible light irradiation for 75 min, the optimal 5 wt % CuInS2@BiOBr composite material can degrade RhB to 97 %. Radical trapping experiment is shown that holes and superoxide radicals are the main active materials in photocatalytic processes, and a direct Z‐scheme photocatalytic mechanism is proposed.
(−)‐β‐Pinene‐based π‐Allylpalladium Complex‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Allylation of Bis‐Imines
Authors: Fernandes Rodney A. , Nallasivam Jothi L.
Published: July 2020

(−)‐β‐Pinene‐based η3‐π‐allylpalladium complex has shown the efficacy in the catalytic asymmetric allylation of para‐ and meta‐xylene spaced bis‐arylimines. The complex has catalyzed asymmetric allylation of various bis‐imines in the presence of allyltributylstannane and two equivalents of water to furnish chiral bis‐homoallylamines in moderate to good yields (up to 70%) and enantioselectivities up to 98.6 : 1.4 er.
Dual‐steel frame consisting of moment‐resisting frame and shape memory alloy braces subjected to near‐field earthquakes
Authors: Beiraghi Hamid , Zhou Hao
Published: July 2020

In this paper, concentric braced frames are combined with moment‐resisting frame (MRF) as a dual system subjected to near‐field (NF) pulse‐like and far‐field ground motions. The braced frame in this system configuration consists of steel buckling‐restrained braces (BRB model), braces with shape memory alloy (SMA model), or combination of BRB and SMA braces (COMBINED model). Some prototype structures of the proposed systems are designed according to the code recommendations. Then, the nonlinear models of the considered structures are developed in SeismoStruct software, and nonlinear time history analysis (NLTHA) is implemented. NLTHA is performed subjected to earthquake record sets at maximum considered earthquake (MCE) and design base earthquake (DBE) levels, and responses of the systems are investigated and compared with each other. Among the examined models, the SMA and COMBINED models exceed the CP level subjected to NF‐MCE record set. Therefore, more investigation is needed for using short‐segment SMA braces in the dual‐steel frames in NF area.
Plumbagin protects the myocardial damage by modulating the cardiac biomarkers, antioxidants, and apoptosis signaling in the doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity in rats
Authors: Li Zhe , Chinnathambi Arunachalam , Ali Alharbi Sulaiman , Yin Fuyu
Published: July 2020

Cardiovascular disease created enormous health and economic burdens worldwide, which is responsible for the highest mobility and mortality that results in nearly 6.2% of in‐hospital deaths every year. Plumbagin is a major bioactive compound that occurs in the Plumbago indica and P. zeylanica with numerous therapeutic benefits. The current research exploration was planned to investigate the therapeutic role of plumbagin against doxorubicin stimulated cardiotoxicity in rats. The cardiotoxicity was stimulated to the rats by administering the 2.5 mg/kg of doxorubicin for 14 days with concurrent supplementation with plumbagin. The hemodynamic parameters were studied by using the tail‐cuff plethysmography. The lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status was examined by the standard procedures. The myocardial function and damage markers were assessed with the help of commercial kits. The expression status of inflammatory markers and PI3K/Akt signaling markers were investigated by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and western blotting analysis, respectively. The plumbagin supplementation appreciably regained the body weight and heart weight of the investigational animals. Hemodynamic parameters and antioxidants statuses were escalated by the plumbagin treatment. The severe elevation in the cardiac damage markers and inflammatory markers were noticeably ameliorated by the plumbagin treatment. The plumbagin treatment also assuaged the overexpression of inflammatory and apoptotic proteins in the heart tissues of doxorubicin‐challenged rats. The histopathological analysis revealed that the plumbagin appreciably protected the heart tissues from the doxorubicin‐induced damages. The findings of this exploration evidenced that plumbagin treatment attenuated the doxorubicin‐stimulated cardiotoxicity in rats.
Impact of gestational diabetes mellitus on fetal cardiac morphology and function: cohort comparison of second‐ and third‐trimester fetuses
Authors: Yovera L. , Zaharia M. , Jachymski T. , Velicu‐Scraba O. , Coronel C. , de Paco Matallana C. , Georgiopoulos G. , Nicolaides K. H. , Charakida M.
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To assess differences in cardiac morphology and function in fetuses of mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) compared to controls, and to assess whether, in women with GDM, fetal cardiac changes are accentuated with advancing gestational age.

Methods

We studied 112 women with GDM and 224 women with uncomplicated pregnancy at 24–40 weeks' gestation. In all fetuses, a standard four‐chamber oblique view was obtained and offline speckle‐tracking analysis was performed to measure right and left endocardial global longitudinal strain (GLS) and tricuspid and mitral annular plane systolic excursion. Global sphericity index was also calculated. Echocardiographic parameters were compared between GDM fetuses and controls at two gestational time periods of 24 + 0 to 32 + 0 weeks and 32 + 1 to 40 + 1 weeks.

Results

At 24 + 0 to 32 + 0 weeks, we phenotyped 43 fetuses from mothers with GDM and 71 from uncomplicated pregnancies, and, at 32 + 1 to 40 + 1 weeks, we phenotyped 69 fetuses from mothers with GDM and 153 from women with uncomplicated pregnancy. In fetuses of mothers with GDM, compared to controls, right ventricular functional indices were consistently lower both at 24 + 0 to 32 + 0 weeks and at 32 + 1 to 40 + 1 weeks. Right ventricular GLS was reduced in the GDM group at 24 + 0 to 32 + 0 weeks (adjusted mean difference, 0.7%; 95% CI, 0.3–1.1%) and at 32 + 1 to 40 + 1 weeks (adjusted mean difference, 0.9%; 95% CI, 0.6–1.1%). Fetal left ventricular global longitudinal function was similar in GDM pregnancies compared with controls, with the exception of the contractility of the left ventricular basal segment, which was reduced. Global sphericity index was reduced in GDM pregnancies only at 32 + 1 to 40 + 1 weeks (adjusted mean difference, −0.4; 95% CI, −0.7 to 0.1).

Conclusions

The offspring of women with GDM are at high risk for development of cardiovascular disease in childhood and early adulthood. Our study demonstrates that GDM is associated with a reduction mainly in fetal right ventricular function, compared to controls, and this response is not exaggerated with increasing gestational age. Further studies are needed to determine whether fetuses with the observed alterations in cardiac function are those at highest risk for subsequent development of cardiovascular disease. © 2020 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Swimming nanorobots for opening a cell membrane mechanically
Authors: Wang Wei , Wu Zhiguang , He Qiang
Published: July 2020

Swimming nanorobots performing efficient self‐propulsion in various biofluids have drawn tremendous attention over 15 years due to their application including active drug delivery, precise cell manipulation, noninvasive surgery, rapid biosensor, and mobile in vivo imaging in the field of biomedicine. However, there are still many challenges in using swimming nanorobots in practice for active drug delivery and therapy, such as biocompatibility of chemical fuels or externally physical fields, biodegradation of synthetic materials, biofouling in bodily fluids, in vivo imaging of swimming nanorobots, and self‐navigation for active targeting. In this review, we highlight the mechanical drilling of cell membranes by swimming nanorobots and discuss the issues, because the cell membranes are one of the key barriers for intracellular drug delivery and drug delivery efficiency of swimming nanorobots. We will summarize the recent advances in swimming nanorobots with different propulsion mechanism and introduce the fundamental issues of interaction between swimming nanorobot and cell membrane. Then, the process, mechanism, and optimization of mechanically opening a cell membrane by swimming nanorobots are discussed and the perspective on the challenge and solution is also included. Such swimming nanorobots capable of mechanically opening a cell membrane could help to better understand the biophysical property of cells and pave the development of precision medicine.
NAFLD and cardiovascular diseases: a clinical review
Authors: Kasper Philipp , Martin Anna , Lang Sonja , Kütting Fabian , Goeser Tobias , Demir Münevver , Steffen Hans-Michael
Published: July 2020

Non-alcoholic fatty liver DISEASE (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in Western countries and affects approximately 25% of the adult population. Since NAFLD is frequently associated with further metabolic comorbidities such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or dyslipidemia, it is generally considered as the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome. In addition to its potential to cause liver-related morbidity and mortality, NAFLD is also associated with subclinical and clinical cardiovascular disease (CVD). Growing evidence indicates that patients with NAFLD are at substantial risk for the development of hypertension, coronary heart disease, cardiomyopathy, and cardiac arrhythmias, which clinically result in increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The natural history of NAFLD is variable and the vast majority of patients will not progress from simple steatosis to fibrosis and end stage liver disease. However, patients with progressive forms of NAFLD, including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and/or advanced fibrosis, as well as NAFLD patients with concomitant types 2 diabetes are at highest risk for CVD. This review describes the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms linking NAFLD and CVD, discusses the role of NAFLD as a metabolic dysfunction associated cardiovascular risk factor, and focuses on common cardiovascular manifestations in NAFLD patients.
Was King Ludwig II of Bavaria misdiagnosed by Gudden and his colleagues?
Authors: Steinberg Reinhard , Falkai Peter
Published: July 2020

In 1886, Bernhard von Gudden and three other expert psychiatrists diagnosed the Bavarian King Ludwig II with “paranoia (madness),” a diagnosis that the Bavarian government used to justify removing Ludwig from power. Although Ludwig was not evaluated in detail by the psychiatrists, in their opinion, sworn eyewitness accounts and general knowledge about Ludwig’s behavior provided sufficient grounds for the diagnosis. Ludwig was a great admirer of the musician, Richard Wagner, and shared some of his ideas of an idealistic society. At first, he identified with Wagner’s opera heroes, and he became Wagner’s patron sponsor for life. However, he grew increasingly interested in an absolutist state, envisioning himself as a monarch with a role similar to that of Louis XIV. His multiple building projects, for which he incurred much debt, his conviction that he was descended from the Bourbons through baptism, his increasingly abnormal behavior, and his hallucinations together formed the basis for the psychiatrists’ diagnosis. Although not mentioned in the expert opinion, Ludwig’s homophilic behavior—a scandal at the time—was probably also an important reason for his removal from office. A review of the psychiatric knowledge and societal philosophy of the time indicates that the psychiatrists were correct with their diagnosis in their time.