bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Helicobacter pylori and Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Lee Ju Yup
Published: March 2020

Since its discovery, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) has played a central role in the pathogenesis of gastroduodenal diseases. Additionally, there have been many studies that demonstrated the role of H. pylori infection in extragastric diseases. Many research studies have confirmed an indirect association between the prevalence of H. pylori infection and the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs); however, the results are still conflicting. Most studies found that the involvement of H. pylori in this process was related to the chronic inflammation. This inflammation may facilitate the development of CVD-related atherosclerotic pathologies such as endothelial damage and chronic activation of coagulation cascade, etc. Furthermore, H. pylori infection is known to be associated with other vascular diseases such as cerebrovascular diseases and cardiac arrhythmias, especially atrial fibrillation. This review summarized the literature on the association of cardiovascular manifestations and H. pylori infection and provided information about the pathogenesis of this association.
Uma análise institucionalista do pacto federativo fiscal brasileiro
Authors: Dalmolin Marcelo Dalton , Carvalho Carlos Eduardo
Published: March 2020

Este artigo se propõe a analisar as instituições, em geral, e as instituições formais que conformam o modelo do pacto federativo fiscal brasileiro e seus efeitos nos orçamentos estaduais, em particular. Partindo-se da análise neo-institucionalista sobre o discurso do desenvolvimento, e das regras constitucionais e infraconstitucionais que deram forma ao pacto federativo, à distribuição de competências tributárias e à repartição das receitas tributárias vigentes na República Federativa do Brasil, examinam-se as informações constantes nos orçamentos dos Estados brasileiros de 2002 a 2013. Desta forma, procurou-se identificar os impactos deste modelo institucional, nos orçamentos dos entes subnacionais, agrupados nas regiões geopolíticas do Brasil, cotejando-se a estrutura da carga tributária brasileira e o volume de receitas públicas disponíveis para os Estados. Por fim, foram comparados os tributos federais arrecadados em cada unidade federativa, comparando-os com o volume de receitas disponíveis e o volume de gastos dos Estados, para cotejar o volume de tributos federais e estaduais arrecadados em comparação com o volume de despesas estaduais.
Лавовый дрейф вулканолога Попкова, "Природа"
Authors: Белоусов А.Б. , Белоусова М.Г.
Published: March 2020

В 1938 г сотрудники Камчатской вулканологической станции И.З.Иванов и В.Ф.Попков вошли в историю вулканологии, совершив двухкилометровый дрейф на активном лавовом потоке вулкана Ключевской. В статье опубликованы недавно найденные биографические данные Попкова, а также описание работы на лавовом потоке, обнаруженное в его полевых дневниках.
ПОСТОЯННЫ ЛИ КОСМОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ ПОСТОЯННЫЕ?, "Земля и Вселенная"
Authors: ВЕРХОДАНОВ Олег Васильевич
Published: March 2020

Сегодня даже дети знают, что Вселенная расширяется. А самые любопытные - что она расширяется с ускорением. Что стоит за этими словами Как астрономы описывают это расширение И в чем они сомневаются Давайте посмотрим, как вообще исследуют процесс расширения Вселенной.
A Study on the Improvement Plan of Classification System for Beam and Slab of Fire Resistance Construction in Building's Law
Authors: An Jaehong , Cho Gyuhwan , Yeo Inhwan
Published: March 2020

To guarantee evacuation time and prevent the spread of fire and the collapse of a building on fire, the main structure is designed based on the fire resistance construction, depending on the number of stories, the purpose, and the scale of the building. Further, the fire resistance construction plan is designed using prescriptive or performance methods. Domestic laws prescribe materials and recommend certain thickness of fire resistance constructions, without considering the fire-resistant performance time. Issues such as over-design or under-design and lack of consideration of the recent technological advancements in construction materials and techniques persist, as considerable time would have elapsed since the enactment of the law. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to make improved modifications to the Building Code for Fire resistance Construction prescribed in Article 3 of the current “Rules for the Standards of Escapes/ Fire-Proof Construction of Buildings and Others.”
Study on the Education and Training Course Planning on Basic Statistics of Storm and Flood Disaster Information
Authors: Lee Minho , Lee Gyungbin , Yoon Junghwan , Lee Jaenam
Published: March 2020

Recently, the public has been increasingly interested in disasters caused by climate change. In the case of Korea, there is a high level of damage caused by storms and floods, and education and training related to damage investigation and investigation methods are needed. In this study, we propose education and training plans for use in the field for damage caused by storm and flood disasters. In order to educate users on the basic statistics of disaster information for typhoons and flood disasters, education and training measures are needed based on practical contentthat can be used in relevant sites, as specific operational plans are necessary for the program. In addition, the education and training courses require learners to understand the knowledge and behavioral principles needed on the site, which enables them to utilize the practical classes on-site. This study presents the contents of overall planning and learning programs related to the operation of education and training courses in the basic statistics of storm and flood disaster information, and the research results will include a training program for the investigation of storm and flood damages thatcan be used to conduct education and training courses.
Reliability Assessment of Agricultural Reservoirs for Water Supply under Climate Change
Authors: Ko Dasang , Joo Yeongcheol , Lee Taesam
Published: March 2020

Recently, the frequency of drought occurrence and the resulting damage has increased due to climate change. Frequent severe droughts induce water shortages in agricultural reservoirs. The role of drought monitoring and prediction is critical for mitigating the effects of severe drought in agricultural areas. In this study, a compound standardized storage and precipitation index (CSSPI) was developed that adapted the existing drought index-the standardized precipitation index (SPI)-by adding hydrological data on storage rate. Furthermore, the future storage rate was simulated using autoregressive models (AR) to estimate the future CSSPI. A dataset containing records of reservoirs and precipitation at the three areas of Jungbu, Youngnam, and Honam was applied to estimate the current and future status of the CSSPI. The results indicate that the CSSPIs generated accurately present the past pattern of the observed data and that they can be considered as inputs for predicting future drought conditions.
Study on the Waste Information and Statistics Management for Efficient Disposal of Flood Waste
Authors: Lee Eun-han , Yi Waon-ho
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this study is to extract the current problems of flood damage treatment, which relates towaste from wind and water, and to present waste information and statistical management methods for efficient flood damage treatment through domestic and foreign case studies. Responses to flooding have been found to be inefficient due to systematic and comprehensive statistical data on floods, the absence of basic plans, and a lack of collaboration between waste disposal agencies and local governments. In order to efficiently dispose of flood waste, a system such as providing financial incentives to local governments, is necessary. For systematic planning, a quantitative method of calculating a certain amount of occurrence should be applied. In addition, in order to monitor the implementation of the basic plan, it is thought that systematic and rational statistical surveys need to be continuously conducted.
Dyadic nominations of bullying: Comparing types of bullies and their victims
Authors: Malamut Sarah T. , van den Berg Yvonne H. M. , Lansu Tessa A. M. , Cillessen Antonius H. N.
Published: March 2020

Previous studies indicate that when identifying individuals involved in bullying, the concordance between self‐ and peer‐ reports is low to moderate. There is support that self‐ and peer‐ identified victims constitute distinct types of victims and differ in adjustment. Likewise, differentiating between self‐ and peer‐ reports of bullying may also reveal distinct types of bullies. The goal of this study was to examine differences between types of bullies identified via dyadic nominations (self‐identified, victim‐identified, and self/victim identified). First, we examined the concordance between dyadic nominations of bullying and traditional measures of bullying (i.e., self‐ and peer‐reports). Second, we compared the behavioral profiles of the bully types to nonbullies, with a focus on aggressive behaviors and social status. Third, we examined whether the types of bullies targeted victims with different levels of popularity, as well as the role of their own popularity and prioritizing of popularity. Participants were 1,008 Dutch adolescents (50.1% male, Mage = 14.14 years, standard deviation [SD] = 1.30) who completed a classroom assessment of dyadic nominations, peer nominations, and self‐report items. Results indicated that victim identified and self/victim identified bullies were more aggressive, more popular, and less socially preferred than self‐identified bullies and nonbullies. Self/victim identified bullies targeted victims with the highest social status. The association between bully type and victims' popularity was further qualified by bullies' own popularity and the degree to which they prioritized popularity. Implications for the implementation of dyadic nominations are discussed.
Traumatic brain injury and adverse psychological effects: Examining a potential pathway to aggressive offending
Authors: Silver Ian A. , Nedelec Joseph L.
Published: March 2020

Contemporary scholarship has demonstrated an association between traumatic brain injury (TBI) during adolescence and aggressive offending. Research, however, has yet to identify any mechanisms linking TBI to subsequent aggressive offending. Consequently, the current study hypothesized that adverse psychological effects is one such pathway. The current study used the Pathways to Desistance data set (n = 416) to examine the pathway of TBI to aggressive offending through adverse psychological effects. The findings of the structural equation model supported the hypothesized association. Specifically, increased exposure to TBI was indirectly associated with aggressive offending through adverse psychological effects. An additional supplemental analysis illustrated that a direct link between TBI and aggressive offending did not exist for the analytical sample. The findings suggested that the neurological disruptions commonly associated with TBI could result in direct increases in negative psychological outcomes and indirect increases in subsequent negative behavioral outcomes.
Robust economic model predictive control of nonlinear networked control systems with communication delays
Authors: Mao Yawen , Liu Su , Liu Jinfeng
Published: March 2020

In this work, we consider economic model predictive control of nonlinear networked control systems subject to external disturbances and communication delays in both sensor‐to‐controller and controller‐to‐actuator channels. The problem is addressed in the framework of the min‐max model predictive control. First, a delay compensation strategy is proposed to minimize the impact of communication delays on the control performance. In the compensation strategy, once the receiver at the controller node receives a new state measurement, the controller generates a control sequence and sends the sequence to the actuator to compensate for delayed control inputs. Subsequently, the presence of disturbance is explicitly considered for robustness and the semi‐feedback min‐max optimization algorithm is used to design the control law based on the estimate of the current state reconstructed by the estimator. Furthermore, the input‐to‐state practical stability of the proposed approach is established by constructing a modified Lyapunov function. Simulation results of a numerical example and a chemical process example demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of our approach.
Effect of Heat Treatment on the Microstructure and Fracture Behaviors of a Ni–Cr–Fe Superalloy
Authors: Zhu Zhiyuan , Chen Jiahuan , Cai Yuanfei , Li Jianqiang , Shen Yang
Published: March 2020

The influences of the size and shape of the γ′ phase and the type and distribution of carbides on the fracture behavior of a new Ni–Cr–Fe superalloy subjected to four different solution aging treatments are examined. The γ′ phase and γ matrix of the L12‐ordered structure maintain a coherent orientation relationship on the {100} and {110} atomic planes according to transmission electron microscopy observations. The material becomes stronger because the movement of dislocations is hindered by the γ′ phase and MC (Nb‐rich, Ti‐rich) and M23C6 (Cr‐rich, Mo‐rich) carbides. The two‐stage aging system (850 °C × 4 h + 730 °C × 4 h) substantially increases the size of the γ′ phase. The solid solution sample shows a microporous‐aggregated ductile fracture, and the solution‐aged samples show a microporous‐aggregated crystalline fracture according to scanning electron microscopy observations. The fracture mechanism is also discussed.
High‐Performance CsPbIxBr3‐x All‐Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cells with Efficiency over 18% via Spontaneous Interfacial Manipulation
Authors: Zheng Yifan , Yang Xiaoyu , Su Rui , Wu Pan , Gong Qihuang , Zhu Rui
Published: March 2020

Cesium‐based all‐inorganic halide perovskites solar cells (PSCs) have recently attracted increasing attention. Currently, due to the existence of high defects density and unoptimized interfacial morphology, “state‐of‐the‐art” performances of all‐inorganic PSCs are still far away from their theoretical limits. Although commonly used two‐step passivation methods can effectively passivate the perovskite surface, they will inevitably detriment the original perovskite morphology due to the use of weak‐polarity solvents. This will potentially result in the unintentional doping, uncontrollable interfacial band alignment, and the additional defects formation. Hence, a spontaneous interfacial manipulation (SIM) method is developed to self‐organize a 2D/3D multidimensional perovskite top interface. It is demonstrated that the spontaneously formed ultrathin 2D perovskite can not only eliminate the interfacial defects, but also effectively prevent moisture penetration. As a result, a significant power conversion efficiency enhancement from 13.64% to over 18% is obtained along with greatly extended device lifetime, for CsPbIxBr3‐x‐based all‐inorganic PSC.
Stimuli‐Responsive Delivery of Growth Factors for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Qu Moyuan , Jiang Xing , Zhou Xingwu , Wang Canran , Wu Qingzhi , Ren Li , Zhu Jixiang , Zhu Songsong , Tebon Peyton , Sun Wujin , Khademhosseini Ali
Published: March 2020

Growth factors (GFs) play a crucial role in directing stem cell behavior and transmitting information between different cell populations for tissue regeneration. However, their utility as therapeutics is limited by their short half‐life within the physiological microenvironment and significant side effects caused by off‐target effects or improper dosage. “Smart” materials that can not only sustain therapeutic delivery over a treatment period but also facilitate on‐demand release upon activation are attracting significant interest in the field of GF delivery for tissue engineering. Three properties are essential in engineering these “smart” materials: 1) the cargo vehicle protects the encapsulated therapeutic; 2) release is targeted to the site of injury; 3) cargo release can be modulated by disease‐specific stimuli. The aim of this review is to summarize the current research on stimuli‐responsive materials as intelligent vehicles for controlled GF delivery; Five main subfields of tissue engineering are discussed: skin, bone and cartilage, muscle, blood vessel, and nerve. Challenges in achieving such “smart” materials and perspectives on future applications of stimuli‐responsive GF delivery for tissue regeneration are also discussed.
On the Controlled Loading of Single Platinum Atoms as a Co‐Catalyst on TiO2 Anatase for Optimized Photocatalytic H2 Generation
Authors: Hejazi Seyedsina , Mohajernia Shiva , Osuagwu Benedict , Zoppellaro Giorgio , Andryskova Pavlina , Tomanec Ondrej , Kment Stepan , Zbořil Radek , Schmuki Patrik
Published: March 2020

Single‐atom (SA) catalysis is a novel frontline in the catalysis field due to the often drastically enhanced specific activity and selectivity of many catalytic reactions. Here, an atomic‐scale defect engineering approach to form and control traps for platinum SA sites as co‐catalyst for photocatalytic H2 generation is described. Thin sputtered TiO2 layers are used as a model photocatalyst, and compared to the more frequently used (001) anatase sheets. To form stable SA platinum, the TiO2 layers are reduced in Ar/H2 under different conditions (leading to different but defined Ti3+‐Ov surface defects), followed by immersion in a dilute hexachloroplatinic acid solution. HAADF‐STEM results show that only on the thin‐film substrate can the density of SA sites be successfully controlled by the degree of reduction by annealing. An optimized SA‐Pt decoration can enhance the normalized photocatalytic activity of a TiO2 sputtered sample by 150 times in comparison to a conventional platinum‐nanoparticle‐decorated TiO2 surface. HAADF‐STEM, XPS, and EPR investigation jointly confirm the atomic nature of the decorated Pt on TiO2. Importantly, the density of the relevant surface exposed defect centers—thus the density of Pt‐SA sites, which play the key role in photocatalytic activity—can be precisely optimized.
Self‐Healing, High Adherent, and Antioxidative LbL Multilayered Film for Enhanced Cell Adhesion
Authors: Yuan Renqiang , Luo Chenxi , Yang Yifan , He Chunpeng , Lu Zuhong , Ge Liqin
Published: March 2020

Cell adhesion acts as a complex process that is hardly promoted through surfaces with a single performance. Controlling the cell's adhesion on the interfaces between the synthetic materials and the biological environments remains a real challenge in the biomedical fields. Herein, based on RGD peptide modified carboxymethyl chitosan (CCS‐R) and dopamine modified oxidized alginate (OALG‐D), a layer‐by‐layer (LbL) self‐assemble multilayered (CCS‐R/OALG‐D)15 film is developed. The multifunctional (CCS‐R/OALG‐D)15 film with a self‐healing, highly adherent, biocompatible, and antioxidative biomatrix property for the cell adhesion is fabricated with the Schiff‐base bond, electrovalent bond, and hydrogen bond. The LbL multilayered film exhibits the significant cell adhesion ability for the normal human dermal fibroblast cells and the coral Acropopa formosa cells. Furthermore, it holds high self‐healing efficiency (88.8%), excellent adhesion strength (adhesive stress: 61.1 MPa), and outstanding antioxidation (free radical scavenging rate: 86.8%). Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the LbL multifunctional film, as a culture matrix, has prolonged the survival of the coral Acropopa formosa. Therefore, the incorporation of a self‐healing, high adhesion, superior cell adhesion, and antioxidation property into a single LbL self‐assembly film provides a promising platform for regenerative medicine.
Silylation of Aryl Chlorides by Bimetallic Catalysis of Palladium and Gold on Alloy Nanoparticles
Authors: Miura Hiroki , Masaki Yosuke , Fukuta Yohei , Shishido Tetsuya
Published: March 2020

Supported palladium‐gold alloy‐catalyzed cross‐coupling of aryl chlorides and hydrosilanes enabled the selective formation of aryl‐silicon bonds. Whereas a monometallic palladium catalyst predominantly promoted the hydrodechlorination of aryl chlorides and gold nanoparticles showed no catalytic activity, gold‐rich palladium‐gold alloy nanoparticles efficiently catalyzed the title reaction to give arylsilanes with high selectivity. A wide array of aryl chlorides and hydrosilanes participated in the heterogeneously‐catalyzed reaction to furnish the corresponding arylsilanes in 34–80% yields. A detailed mechanistic investigation revealed that palladium and gold atoms on the surface of alloy nanoparticles independently functioned as active sites for the formation of aryl nucleophiles and silyl electrophiles, respectively, which indicates that palladium and gold atoms on alloy nanoparticles work together to enable the selective formation of aryl‐silicon bonds.

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A Multiresolution Mesoscale Approach for Microscale Hydrodynamics
Authors: Montessori Andrea , Tiribocchi Adriano , Lauricella Marco , Bonaccorso Fabio , Succi Sauro
Published: March 2020

A new class of multiscale scheme is presented for micro‐hydrodynamic problems based on a dual representation of the fluid observables. The hybrid model is first tested against the classical flow between two parallel plates and then applied to a plug flow within a micrometer‐sized striction and a shear flow within a microcavity. Both cases demonstrate the capability of the multiscale approach to reproduce the correct macroscopic hydrodynamics also in the presence of refined grids (one and two levels), while retaining the correct thermal fluctuations, embedded in the multiparticle collision method. This provides the first step toward a novel class of fully mesoscale hybrid approaches able to capture the physics of fluids at the micro‐ and nanoscales whenever a continuum representation of the fluid falls short of providing the complete physical information, due to a lack of resolution and thermal fluctuations.
Optical Absorption‐Based In Situ Characterization of Halide Perovskites
Authors: Babbe Finn , Sutter‐Fella Carolin M.
Published: March 2020

Halide perovskites have emerged as materials for high‐performance optoelectronic devices. Often, progress made to date in terms of higher efficiency and stability is based on increasing material complexity, i.e., formation of multicomponent halide perovskites with multiple cations and anions. In this review article, the use of in situ optical methods, namely, photoluminescence (PL) and UV‐vis, that provide access to the relevant time and length scales to ascertain chemistry–property relationships by monitoring evolving properties is discussed. Additionally, because halide perovskites are electron/ion conductors and prone to solid‐state ion transport under various external stimuli, application of these optical methods in the context of ionic movement is described to reveal mechanistic insights. Finally, examples of using in situ PL and UV‐vis to study degradation and phase transitions are reviewed to demonstrate the wealth of information that can be obtained regarding many different aspects of ongoing research activities in the field of halide perovskites.
Strategic Halogen Substitution to Enable High‐Performance Small‐Molecule‐Based Tandem Solar Cell with over 15% Efficiency
Authors: Ryu Seung Un , Abbas Zaheer , Cho Ara , Lee HyunKyung , Song Chang Eun , Lee Hang Ken , Lee Sang Kyu , Shin Won Suk , Moon Sang‐Jin , Park Taiho , Kim Hong Il , Lee Jong‐Cheol
Published: March 2020

Small molecules have been recently highlighted as active materials owing to their facile synthesisis method, well‐defined molecular structure, and highly reproducible performance. In particular, optimizing bulk heterojunction (BHJ) morphologies is important to achieving high performance in solution‐processable small molecule solar cells (SM‐SCs). Herein, a series of benzodithiophene‐based active materials with different halogen atoms substituted at the end‐group, are reported, as well as how these halogen atoms affect the morphology of BHJ architectures through microstructure analyses. Materials with chlorine atoms show a well‐mixed morphology and interpenetrating networks when blended with [6,6]‐phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester, facilitating effective charge transportation. This controlled morphology helps attain excellent performance with a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 10.5% and a highest fill factor of 78.0% without additives. In addition, it can be applied to two‐terminal (2T)‐tandem solar cells, attaining an outstanding PCE of up to 15.1% with complementary absorption in the field of the 2T‐tandem solar cells introducing the SM‐SCs. These results suggest that tailoring interactions with halogen atoms is an effective way to control BHJ architectures, thereby achieving remarkable performance in SM‐SCs.
Cyclic Aminosilane‐Based Additive Ensuring Stable Electrode–Electrolyte Interfaces in Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Kim Koeun , Hwang Daeyeon , Kim Saehun , Park Sung O , Cha Hyungyeon , Lee Yoon‐Sung , Cho Jaephil , Kwak Sang Kyu , Choi Nam‐Soon
Published: March 2020

Ni‐rich cathodes are considered feasible candidates for high‐energy‐density Li‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, the structural degradation of Ni‐rich cathodes on the micro‐ and nanoscale leads to severe capacity fading, thereby impeding their practical use in LIBs. Here, it is reported that 3‐(trimethylsilyl)‐2‐oxazolidinone (TMS‐ON) as a multifunctional additive promotes the dissociation of LiPF6, prevents the hydrolysis of ion‐paired LiPF6 (which produces undesired acidic compounds including HF), and scavenges HF in the electrolyte. Further, the presence of 0.5 wt% TMS‐ON helps maintain a stable solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI) at Ni‐rich LiNi0.7Co0.15Mn0.15O2 (NCM) cathodes, thus mitigating the irreversible phase transformation from layered to rock‐salt structures and enabling the long‐term stability of the SEI at the graphite anode with low interfacial resistance. Notably, NCM/graphite full cells with TMS‐ON, which exhibit an excellent discharge capacity retention of 80.4%, deliver a discharge capacity of 154.7 mAh g−1 after 400 cycles at 45 °C.
Selenium‐Mediated Cyclization Reaction of 2‐Vinylanilines with/without Isonitriles: Efficient Synthesis of 2‐Aminoquinoline/ 3‐Aryl‐1H‐indole Derivatives
Authors: Zhang Xi , Wang Yong‐Qing , Alduma Anwar L. , Arif S. H Ullah , Wang Xi‐Cun , Quan Zheng‐Jun
Published: March 2020

Herein, we report a non‐metal strategy for cyclization reactions of 2‐vinylanilines with/without isonitriles to synthesize 2‐aminoquinoline and 3‐aryl‐1H‐indole derivatives. A series of 2‐aminoquinolines were afforded in good to excellent yields in a direct, facile, and efficient approach by Se‐catalyzed isocyanide insertion with 2‐vinylanilines under an air atmosphere. This reaction not only used low toxicity Se as the catalyst, isocyanobenzene substrates were compatible too compared to previous report. Meanwhile, an intramolecular cyclization of 2‐vinylanilines was developed to give 3‐aryl‐1H‐indoles in moderate to good yields by using SeO2 as oxidant.
Enantioselective Catalytic Aldehyde α‐Alkylation/Semipinacol Rearrangement: Construction of α‐Quaternary‐δ‐Carbonyl Cycloketones and Total Synthesis of (+)‐Cerapicol
Authors: Yang Jie , Zhang Xiao‐Ming , Zhang Fu‐Min , Wang Shao‐Hua , Tu Yong‐Qiang , Li Zhen , Wang Xi‐Chao , Wang Hong
Published: March 2020

An enantioselective aldehyde α‐alkylation/semipinacol rearrangement was achieved through organo‐SOMO catalysis. The catalytically generated enamine radical cation serves as a carbon radical electrophile that can stereoselectively add to the alkene of an allylic alcohol and initiate ensuing ring‐expansion of cyclopropanol or cyclobutanol. This tandem reaction enables the production of a wide range of nonracemic functionalizable α‐quaternary‐δ‐carbonyl cycloketones in high yields and excellent enantioselectivity from simple aldehydes and allylic alcohols. As a key step, the intramolecular reaction was also successfully applied in the asymmetric total synthesis of (+)‐cerapicol.
Total Synthesis of the Cyclic Depsipeptide Vioprolide D via its (Z)‐Diastereoisomer
Authors: Grab Hanusch A. , Kirsch Volker C. , Sieber Stephan A. , Bach Thorsten
Published: March 2020

The first total synthesis of vioprolide D was accomplished in an overall yield of 2.0 % starting from methyl (2S)‐3‐benzyloxy‐2‐hydroxypropanoate (16 steps in the longest linear sequence). The cyclic depsipeptide was assembled from two building blocks of similar size and complexity in a modular, highly convergent approach. Peptide bond formation at the C‐terminal dehydrobutyrine amino acid of the northern fragment was possible via its (Z)‐diastereoisomer. After macrolactamization and formation of the thiazoline ring, the (Z)‐double bond of the dehydrobutyrine unit was isomerized to the (E)‐double bond of the natural product. The cytotoxicity of vioprolide D is significantly higher than that of its (Z)‐diastereoisomer.
Pneumothorax following serratus anterior plane block
Authors: Desai M. , Narayanan M. K. , Venkataraju A.
Published: March 2020

Serratus anterior plane blocks may provide analgesia for rib fractures, thoracic surgery and breast surgery. There remains uncertainty regarding the location of injection, be it superficial or deep to the serratus anterior muscle. We describe the case of a 63‐year‐old ASA physical status 3 woman undergoing a wire‐guided wide local excision of a right breast lump. A modified right serratus anterior plane block was performed under ultrasound guidance, injecting 20 ml of bupivacaine 0.25% deep to the serratus anterior muscle. No immediate complications were noted. Intra‐operatively the patient developed arterial desaturation associated with high airway pressures. A subsequent chest radiograph in the post‐anaesthetic care unit demonstrated a large right‐sided pneumothorax which was treated with immediate needle decompression and chest drain insertion. This is the first case of pneumothorax reported from this approach to serratus anterior plane blockade and serves as a reminder of a potential serious complication.
Improvement of polyamide/thermoplastic polyurethane blends with polyamide 6‐polyurethane copolymer prepared via suspension polymerization as compatibilizer
Authors: Zou Xiaoxuan , Liu Bin , Wen Jiaoxian , Zeng Wen , Jing Bo , Dai Wenli
Published: March 2020

The polyamide 6‐polyurethane copolymer (PA6‐b‐PU‐b‐PA6) was synthesized through anionic suspension polymerization and then mixed with polyamide 6/thermoplastic polyurethane (PA6/TPU) and polyamide 6, 6/thermoplastic polyurethane (PA66/TPU) blends using as the compatibilizer. The results show that the PA6‐b‐PU‐b‐PA6 copolymers powders several can be obtained through suspension polymerization using dimethicone as disperse medium. The average diameter of PA6‐b‐PU‐b‐PA6 copolymer powders decreased with the increasing of PU content. With the addition of PA6‐b‐PU‐b‐PA6, the TPU phase dispersed more uniformly in PA6 or PA66 matrix, and the size of TPU dispersed phase decreased obviously. The PA6‐b‐PU‐b‐PA6 copolymer with higher PU content shows better compatibilizing effect. Addition of PA6‐b‐PU‐b‐PA6 can improve both strength and toughness of the PA/TPU blends. When the amount of PA6‐PU25% copolymer was 5 phr, the tensile strength and notched impact strength of PA6/TPU/PA6‐PU25% blends increased 29 and 159.4%, respectively, compared to the PA6/TPU blend without compatibilizer.
An interview‐based approach assessing interactions between seals and small‐scale fisheries informs the conservation strategy of the endangered Mediterranean monk seal
Authors: Karamanlidis Alexandros A. , Adamantopoulou Styliani , Kallianiotis Argyris A. , Tounta Eleni , Dendrinos Panagiotis
Published: March 2020

Small‐scale fisheries may pose a serious threat to the conservation of marine mammals. At the same time various factors have led to the decline of small‐scale fisheries, often making them unsustainable. Current rates of biodiversity loss and the reduction of fish stocks and fisheries dictate a thorough understanding of fisheries‐related issues and the implementation of effective management actions.

The Mediterranean monk seal is one of the most endangered marine mammals on Earth; its survival in the eastern Mediterranean Sea is threatened by negative interactions with fisheries. A nationwide questionnaire survey among fishers and port police authorities was carried out in Greece to describe the main characteristics of small‐scale fisheries, and to understand the nature and assess the magnitude of negative interactions between the monk seal and these fisheries. Questionnaire information was verified by a second round of interviews during landings.

The main attributes of the fishers, their fishing boats, and their practices were characteristic of the small‐scale fisheries sector. Overfishing was considered the main reason for fish‐stock reduction, and negative interactions with marine mammals was considered the main issue for the fishing sector.

Monk seals were present, caused damage, and got accidentally entangled in fishing gear throughout Greece. Damage to fishing gear was recorded mainly during spring and summer, and on average affected 21% of all fishing trips and 1% of nets deployed during a fishing trip.

Based on these results, the implementation of general and specific nationwide fishery management and conservation actions are proposed. These actions are mainly aimed at improving fish stock status, changing the behaviour of the fishers, and mitigating seal–fishery interactions in Greece, while promoting the recovery of the Mediterranean monk seal in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.
Finite‐time adaptive fault‐tolerant control for rigid spacecraft attitude tracking
Authors: Gao Shihong , Jing Yuanwei , Liu Xiaoping , Dimirovski Georgi M.
Published: March 2020

This paper provides a new solution for the finite‐time attitude maneuvers of rigid spacecraft. Uncertainties involving unknown inertial parameters, external disturbances and actuator failures are taken into account. With an effort to achieve attitude tracking despite the impact of uncertainties, a non‐singular terminal sliding mode (NTSM) manifold consisting of attitude errors and angular velocity errors is first constructed. After that, a simple but efficient adaptive updating law is derived to estimate the upper bound of the lumped unknown function in the derivative of sliding surface. Combining NTSM technology and pure adaptive control, a chattering‐free fault‐tolerant controller is presented. The premise assumptions on uncertainties in most of the existing achievements are eliminated, which makes the controller less constrained and more practical. The rigorous proof of finite‐time stability is provided and the convergent regions of tracking errors are explicitly expressed. Finally, numerical simulation is conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme and the comparison experiments with relevant literature demonstrate the satisfactory performances.
Chicago's Response to a Hexavalent Chromium Spill
Authors: Manley Sophie Frances , Conner Randy , Holthouse Putz Andrea R.
Published: March 2020

Key Takeaways

Water utilities can proactively develop and refine emergency response protocols to best respond to and learn from water quality events.

Managers can plan for potential treatment changes by understanding the underlying mechanisms affecting fluctuations in source water quality.

Protecting source water entails assessing high‐risk sites, such as industrial facilities, monitoring their surrounding water, and implementing emergency response protocols.
Analysis of Water Utility Websites Reveals Missed Opportunities
Authors: Vedachalam Sridhar , Kirchoff Matthew
Published: March 2020

Key Takeaways

Websites of randomly selected water utilities were evaluated using criteria based on measures of public health and equity.

Most of the websites surveyed adequately provided content but did not score well in customer accessibility or social media presence.

Water utilities can take steps to improve communication with the public, better promote public health, and build consumer trust.
Synthesis and Characterization of an Amino‐oxy‐modified Sphingosine‐1‐Phosphate Derivative that Can Replace Thiolated‐S1P in Competitive ELSIA
Authors: Park Ji‐Hye , Lee Yeji , Kim Eunjin , Kim Yong‐Tae , Hong In Seok
Published: March 2020

Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) is a signaling molecule that has various roles in vivo. Recently, S1P has emerged as a biomarker in the early diagnosis of osteoporosis and cancer. A competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assay kit for detecting S1P in blood or in various samples is now commercially available. Competitive ELISA requires an anti‐S1P antibody and S1P‐coated microtiter plates. The antigenic derivative used here is the thiolated‐S1P in which a sulfur hydryl group is introduced at the terminal end of the S1P hydrophobic chain. However, the sulfur hydryl group is easily oxidized, and its solubility in water is considerably low, making it difficult to handle. In this study, amino‐oxy‐modified S1P derivatives that can replace thiolated‐S1P were synthesized. Amino‐oxy groups are easy to attach to proteins and other polymers without any linker, and are easy to handle because they are not easily oxidized, and soluble in water. The synthesized S1P derivative was directly immobilized on a microtiter plate, and an ELISA assay was performed which obtained comparable results with the conventional thiolated‐S1P reference. It is expected that the anti‐S1P antibody can be easily induced by attaching this amino‐oxy‐modified S1P to reduced carrier proteins.
Mental health and quality of life in firefighters working on the scene in South Korea: Focus on the capital area and growth promotion area
Authors: Jang Woo‐Hyuk , Kim Da‐Som , Park Hye‐Won , Kim Ji‐Hoon
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Today, firefighters' work areas are expanding into various fields. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of mental health on quality of life between firefighters in the capital area and in the growth promotion area.

Method

A survey was conducted with 206 firefighters including 110 firefighters in the capital area and 96 firefighters in the growth promotion area through a questionnaire.

Result

The differences in mental health based on working areas between firefighter groups have been identified. In addition, among the factors affecting the quality of life among firefighter, the factor most closely associated with quality of life was “sociopsychological health stress,” followed by “occupational stress,” “depression,” and “working area.”

Conclusion

There is a need for research into mental health interventions appropriate for regional characteristics of each region regarding the implementation of mental health management by working area.
Up‐regulation of indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) expression and catalytic activity is associated with immunosuppression and poor prognosis in penile squamous cell carcinoma patients
Authors: Zhou Qiang‐hua , Han Hui , Lu Jia‐bin , Liu Ting‐yu , Huang Kang‐bo , Deng Chuang‐zhong , Li Zai‐shang , Chen Jie‐ping , Yao Kai , Qin Zi‐ke , Liu Zhuo‐wei , Li Yong‐hong , Guo Sheng‐jie , Ye Yun‐lin , Zhou Fang‐jian , Liu Ran‐yi
Published: March 2020

Background

Indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) and tryptophan (Trp) catabolism have been demonstrated to play an important role in tumor immunosuppression. This study examined the expression and catalytic activity of IDO1 in penile squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC) and explored their clinical significance.

Methods

IDO1 expression level, serum concentrations of Trp and kynurenine (Kyn) were examined in 114 PSCC patients by immunohistonchemistry and solid‐phase extraction‐liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. The survival was analyzed using Kaplan‐Meier method and the log‐rank test. Hazard ratio of death was analyzed via univariate and multivariate Cox regression. Immune cell types were defined by principal component analysis. The correlativity was assessed by Pearson's correlation analysis.

Results

The expression level of IDO1 in PSCC cells was positively correlated with serum Kyn concentration and Kyn/Trp radio (KTR; both P < 0.001) but negatively correlated with serum Trp concentration (P = 0.001). Additionally, IDO1 up‐regulation in cancer cells and the increase of serum KTR were significantly associated with advanced N stage (both P < 0.001) and high pathologic grade (P = 0.008 and 0.032, respectively). High expression level of IDO1 in cancer cells and serum KTR were associated with short disease‐specific survival (both P < 0.001). However, besides N stage (hazard radio [HR], 6.926; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.458‐19.068; P < 0.001) and pathologic grade (HR, 2.194; 95% CI, 1.021‐4.529; P = 0.038), only serum KTR (HR, 2.780; 95% CI, 1.066‐7.215; P = 0.036) was an independent predictor for PSCC prognosis. IDO1 expression was positively correlated with the expression of interferon‐γ (IFNγ, P < 0.001) and immunosuppressive markers (programmed cell death protein 1, cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte‐associated protein 4 and programmed death‐ligand 1 and 2; all P < 0.05), and the infiltration of immune cells (including cytotoxic T lymphocytes, regulatory T lymphocytes, tumor‐associated macrophages, and myeloid‐derived suppressor cells; all P < 0.001) in PSCC tissues. Furthermore, the expression of IDO1 was induced by IFNγ in a dose‐dependent manner in PSCC cells.

Conclusions

IFNγ‐induced IDO1 plays a crucial role in immunoediting and immunosuppression in PSCC. Additionally, serum KTR, an indicator of IDO1 catabolic activity, can be utilized as an independent prognostic factor for PSCC.
Machine learning driven interpretation of computational fluid dynamics simulations to develop student intuition
Authors: Patterson Nathan J.
Published: March 2020

Employers need engineers capable of leveraging CFD simulations to make intelligent design decisions, but undergraduate computational fluid dynamics (CFD) courses are not adequately preparing students for this type of work. CFD courses commonly familiarize students with topics, such as method derivation, domain creation, boundary conditions, mesh convergence, turbulence models, numerical convergence, and error analysis. This approach is an effective way to teach novices how CFD software works and how to prepare CFD analyses. However, it neglects development of higher level CFD skills and intuition important to engineering analysis and design, deferring this task to future study and training. This paper introduces the “Machine Learning Driven Interpretation of Fluid Dynamics Simulations to Develop Student Intuition” (MIFoS) software, a program designed to help CFD novices develop the high‐level skills and intuition that employers need in their engineers. A data‐driven approach was used to create the MIFoS software, which allows the submission of arbitrary geometries, automates an external flow simulation, and returns expert‐level graphical interpretation of simulation data. MIFoS's automated CFD simulation and feedback space allows novices to experiment with expert‐level suggestions on their own designs, enabling the skill and intuition development typically gained through years of study, practice, and expert guidance.
Up‐regulation of SNHG16 induced by CTCF accelerates cardiac hypertrophy by targeting miR‐182‐5p/IGF1 axis
Authors: Wang Dong , Lin Bin , Zhang Wen , Wang Xiaofeng
Published: March 2020

Long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) SNHG16 has been reported to be significant regulators in multiple cancers. However, never has the relationship between it and cardiac hypertrophy been studied until now. In this study, angiotensin II (Ang II)‐treated cardiomyocytes isolated from neonatal mice were used as a model of cardiac hypertrophy in vitro. Real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to measure the expression of SNHG16, miR‐182‐5p, and insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF1). The relationship between SNHG16 and its downstream genes were corroborated by RNA pull‐down and luciferase reporter experiments. Western blot was conducted to detect the expression of markers of hypertrophy. The results disclosed that SNHG16 expression was in a high level in the cardiac hypertrophic model. Down‐regulation of SNHG16 could decline the expression of hypertrophic markers and reduce cell surface area induced by Ang II. Moreover, SNHG16 was discovered to be activated by transcription factor CCCTC‐binding factor. In addition, SNHG16 could enlarge cell surface area and increase the expression of hypertrophic markers by inhibiting miR‐182‐5p expression in Ang II‐treated cardiomyocytes. Finally, overexpression of IGF1 could rescue the effects of silenced SNHG16 on cardiac hypertrophy cells. In brief, our study illustrated that silenced SNHG16 repressed Ang II‐imposed cardiac hypertrophy via targeting miR‐182‐5p/IGF1 axis.
Pathway Dependence in Redox‐Driven Metal–Organic Gels
Authors: Panja Santanu , Adams Dave J.
Published: March 2020

Pathway dependence is common in self‐assembly. Herein, the importance of pathway dependence for redox‐driven gels is shown by constructing a FeII/FeIII redox‐based metal–organic gel system is shown. In situ oxidation of the FeII ions at different rates results in conversion of a FeII gel into a FeIII organic gel, which controls the material properties, such as gel stiffness, gel strength, and an unusual swelling behaviour, is described. The rate of formation of FeIII ions determines the extent of intermolecular interactions and so whether gelation or precipitation occurs.
Isolation and identification of sapotexanthin 5,6‐epoxide and 5,8‐epoxide from red mamey (Pouteria sapota)
Authors: Murillo Enrique , Agócs Attila , Nagy Veronika , Király Sándor Balázs , Kurtán Tibor , Toribio Eunice Molinar , Lakey‐Beitia Johant , Deli József
Published: March 2020

Two new carotenoids, sapotexanthin 5,6‐epoxide and sapotexanthin 5,8‐epoxide, have been isolated from the ripe fruits of red mamey (Pouteria sapota). Sapotexanthin 5,6‐epoxide was also prepared by partial synthesis via epoxidation of sapotexanthin, and the (5R,6S) and (5S,6R) stereoisomers were identified by high‐performance liquid chromatography–electronic circular dichroism (HPLC‐ECD) analysis. Spectroscopic data of the natural and semisynthetic derivatives obtained by acid‐catalyzed rearrangement of cryptocapsin 5,8‐epoxide stereoisomers were compared for structural elucidation.
Characterization of the mechanism of interaction between α1‐acid glycoprotein and lipid membranes by vacuum‐ultraviolet circular‐dichroism spectroscopy
Authors: Matsuo Koichi , Kumashiro Munehiro , Gekko Kunihiko
Published: March 2020

α1‐Acid glycoprotein (AGP) interacts with lipid membranes as a peripheral membrane protein so as to decrease the drug‐binding capacity accompanying the β→α conformational change that is considered a protein‐mediated uptake mechanism for releasing drugs into membranes or cells. This study characterized the mechanism of interaction between AGP and lipid membranes by measuring the vacuum‐ultraviolet circular‐dichroism (VUVCD) spectra of AGP down to 170 nm using synchrotron radiation in the presence of five types of liposomes whose constituent phospholipid molecules have different molecular characteristics in the head groups (e.g., different net charges). The VUVCD analysis showed that the α‐helix and β‐strand contents and the numbers of segments of AGP varied with the constituent phospholipid molecules of liposomes, while combining VUVCD data with a neural‐network method predicted that these membrane‐bound conformations comprised several common long helix and small strand segments. The amino‐acid composition of each helical segment of the conformations indicated that amphiphilic and positively charged helices formed at the N‐ and C‐terminal regions of AGP, respectively, were candidate sites for the membrane interaction. The addition of 1 M sodium chloride shortened the C‐terminal helix while having no effect on the length of the N‐terminal one. These results suggest that the N‐ and C‐terminal helices can interact with the membrane via hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions, respectively, demonstrating that the liposome‐dependent conformations of AGP analyzed using VUVCD spectroscopy provide useful information for characterizing the mechanism of interaction between AGP and lipid membranes.