bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bismuth Telluride/Half‐Heusler Segmented Thermoelectric Unicouple Modules Provide 12% Conversion Efficiency
Authors: Li Wenjie , Poudel Bed , Nozariasbmarz Amin , Sriramdas Rammohan , Zhu Hangtian , Kang Han Byul , Priya Shashank
Published: August 2020

The rapid enhancement of the thermoelectric (TE) figure‐of‐merit (zT) in the past decade has opened opportunities for developing and transitioning solid state waste heat recovery systems. Here, a segmented TE device architecture is demonstrated in conjunction with heterogeneous material integration that results in high unicouple‐level conversion efficiency of 12% under a temperature difference of 584 K. This breakthrough is the result of success in fabricating bismuth telluride/half‐Heusler segmented TE unicouple modules using a “hot‐to‐cold” fabrication technique that provides significantly reduced electrical and thermal contact resistance. Extensive analytical and finite element modeling is conducted to provide an understanding of the nature of thermal transport and contributions arising from various thermal and physical parameters. Bismuth telluride/half‐Heusler based segmented thermoelectric generators (TEGs) can provide higher practical temperature difference with optimum average zT across the whole operating range. These results will have immediate impact on the design and development of TEGs and in the general design of devices based upon heterostructures that take advantage of gradients in the figure of merit.
An alternative to polyethylene film mulch: Field evaluation of biodegradable film mulch on winter potato in the south of China
Authors: Yang Chong , Gao Xuhua , Huang Yaozhu , Xie Dong
Published: August 2020

Polyethylene (PE) film mulching (PM) contributes to the increase of crop yields and farmer incomes at the expense of environment. We performed a 2‐yr field experiment to evaluate the possibility of replacement of PM with poly(butylene‐adipate‐co‐terephthalate)‐based biodegradable film mulching (BM) for winter potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in the south of China. Both PM and BM treatments showed higher soil temperature and water content than no mulching (NM), and there was no significant difference between PM and BM before 60 d after sowing (DAS). Because of the breakdown of biodegradable film, reduced soil temperature and water content were observed in the BM treatment when compared to PM after 60 DAS, whereas no significant difference was observed in potato yield as well as marketable yield between PM and BM treatments, leading to higher water use efficiency in PM than BM. The net revenues of treatments BM and PM were increased by $1,015 and $1,720 ha−1 in growing season 2015–2016, and $967 and $1,295 ha−1 in 2016–2017, respectively, compared to NM. The PE film was barely degraded, whereas biodegradable film residue was reduced to an extremely low level with less than 5 kg ha−1 on field at 330 DAS. Therefore, BM is a viable and eco‐friendly alternative to PM for increasing yield of winter potato in the south of China.
Machinery utilization and management organization in Japanese rice farms: Comparison of single‐family, multifamily, and community farms
Authors: Yagi Hironori , Hayashi Tsuneo
Published: August 2020

Improving the efficiency of machinery utilization is crucial in modern arable farming. As farms expand in scale, they need more machines, and more complex forms of organization are required to manage the appropriate and efficient utilization of an increasing number of machinery. In this study, we investigated relatively large‐scale rice farms in Japan and assessed the relationship between the types of organization and farm attributes, such as farmland conditions and human resources. While adjusting this effect with propensity scores, we then estimated how the type of organization affects the number of major machines and machine workdays. When compared on a same‐scale, same condition basis, family farms were the most sparing in the use of machinery, and even the farmland concentration effect, achieved by community farms, could not compensate for this difference. Our findings also indicated that nonfamily farms achieved high levels of machinery utilization with a greater operational scale (L23, M11, Q12).
Role of Functionalized Pillararene Architectures in Supramolecular Catalysis
Authors: Wang Kaiya , Jordan Jacobs H. , Velmurugan Krishnasamy , Tian Xueqi , Zuo Minzan , Hu Xiao‐Yu , Wang Leyong
Published: August 2020

The many useful features possessed by pillararenes (PAs; e.g. rigid, capacious, and hydrophobic cavities, as well as exposed functional groups) have led to a tremendous increase in their popularity since their first discovery in 2008. In this Minireview, we emphasize the use of functionalized PAs and their assembled supramolecular materials in the field of catalysis. We aim to provide a fundamental understanding and mechanism of the role PAs play in catalytic process. The topics are subdivided into catalysis promoted by the PA rim/cavity, PA‐based nanomaterials, and PA‐based polymeric materials. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first overview on PA‐based catalysis. This Minireview not only summarizes the fabrications and applications of PAs in catalysis but also anticipates future research efforts in applying supramolecular hosts in catalysis.
Defects Enhance the Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Properties of MoS2‐based Materials
Authors: Cheng Yaojia , Song Haoqiang , Wu Han , Zhang Panke , Tang Zhiyong , Lu Siyu
Published: August 2020

MoS2 have recently emerged as alternatives to noble metals as electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) owing to their abundance and low cost. Considering the shortcomings of MoS2, including insufficient active sites, inert basal plane, and poor conductivity, the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution properties of MoS2 can be improved in three ways: activating the inert basal plane to improve intrinsic activity, increasing active edge sites, and improving the conductivity. Defects can adjust the surface electronic structure of the crystal to bring the hydrogen adsorption free energy closer to zero. Therefore, current research has mainly used S‐vacancies to activate the inert basal surface of MoS2; used edge defects to increase the number of active sites; and used defective conductive carbon supports to improve the conductivity of MoS2‐based catalysts. This review introduces researches on improving the performance of MoS2 for HER by considering the purpose, characterization, and preparation of defects.
Verstärken von Stahlbetontragwerken mit Temperaturinduktion
Authors: Löschmann Jens , Clauß Felix , Mark Peter
Published: August 2020

Nachträgliche Verstärkungen wirken nicht für Eigengewichte. Ohne ein Anheben oder Vorspannen bleiben durch sie erzeugte Spannungen im Bestand eingeprägt und lagern sich erst bei erheblicher Rissbildung auf die Verstärkung um. Zur Lösung wird hier eine Temperierung von außen vorgeschlagen (Temperaturinduktion). Sie ist nutzbar für statisch unbestimmte Tragwerke und dient der Verstärkung der Biegetragfähigkeit mit nachträglich eingeschlitzter Bewehrung.

Grundprinzip ist das planmäßige Einbringen von Temperaturgradienten. Damit lassen sich Schnittgrößen beliebig verändern. Die Eigengewichtsmomente werden derart mit induzierten Zwangsspannungen aus der Temperatur überlagert, dass die zu verstärkenden Bereiche entlastet sind. Es folgen Verstärkung und Rückgang der Temperierung. Die Verstärkung ist dann bereits für die Aufnahme des Eigengewichts wirksam. Die Methode wird an einem Zweifeldträger im Labor umgesetzt und für die Verstärkung der Stützbewehrung bei hohen bzw. geringen Eigenlasten demonstriert.
Metabolite profiling of arginase inhibitor activity guided fraction of Ficus religiosa leaves by LC–HRMS
Authors: Shaikh Ayesha , Tekale Satishkumar , Wagh Sandip , Padul Manohar
Published: August 2020

Cardiovascular disease is one of the major causes of deaths worldwide. Increased arginase activity is associated with cardiovascular disease. The literature shows that plants are a good source of arginase inhibitors. Hence in the present work arginase inhibitor activity is studied from Ficus religiosa leaves. A fine powder of F. religiosa leaves was serially extracted in various solvents, viz. hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol. Out of those four solvent extracts, the one showing highest arginase inhibitor activity was loaded onto the column for further fractionation. Among the collected fractions, the one showing the highest activity was subjected to identification of metabolites by using LC–HRMS. Total compounds including acipimox, edoxudine, levulinic acid, hydroxyhydroquinone, ramiprilglucuronide, berberine, antimycin A, swietenine and some short peptides were identified from the fraction showing the highest arginase inhibitory activity. Identification of these metabolites from F. religiosa and their biological importance may help to promote its use as medicinal plant. Further purification and characterization of therapeutically novel molecules will be the subject of future work.
There is No test–retest reliability of brain activation induced by robotic passive hand movement: A functional NIRS study
Authors: Bae Sungjin , Lee Yonghee , Chang Pyung‐Hun
Published: August 2020

Introduction

The basic paradigm of rehabilitation is based on the brain plasticity, and for promoting it, test–retest reliability (TRR) of brain activation in which certain area of the brain is repeatedly activated is required. In this study, we investigated whether the robotic passive movement has the TRR of brain activation. While active training has been shown to have TRR, but there still have been arguments over the TRR by passive movement.

Methods

In order to test TRR, 10 repetitive sessions and various intervals (1 day, 3 days, 7 days, 23 days, 15 min, and 6 hr) were applied to five subjects, which had the same statistical power as applying two sessions to 50 subjects. In each session, three robot speeds (0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 Hz) were applied to provide passive movement using the robot. The fNIRS signal (oxy‐Hb) generated in the primary sensorimotor area (SM1) was measured on a total of 29 channels. At this time, we used activation maps and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values to examine the TRR and the effect of robot speeds and intervals on TRR.

Results

As a result, activation maps showed prominent variation regardless of robot speeds and interval, and the ICC value (=0.002) showed no TRR of brain activation for robotic passive movement.

Conclusion

The brain activation induced by the robotic passive movement alone has very poor TRR, suggesting that further enhancement is required to strengthen the TRR by complementing active user engagements.
A multicentre cross‐sectional observational study of cancer multidisciplinary teams: Analysis of team decision making
Authors: Soukup Tayana , Lamb Benjamin W. , Morbi Abigail , Shah Nisha J. , Bali Anish , Asher Viren , Gandamihardja Tasha , Giordano Pasquale , Darzi Ara , SA Green James , Sevdalis Nick
Published: August 2020

Background

Multidisciplinary teams (MDT) formulate expert informed treatment recommendations for people with cancer. We set out to examine how the factors proposed by the functional perspective of group decision making (DM), that is, interaction process, internal factors (factors emanating from within the group such as group size), external circumstances (factors coming from the outside of the team), and case‐complexity affect the quality of MDT decision making.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional observational study. Three cancer MDTs were recruited with 44 members overall and 30 of their weekly meetings filmed. Validated observational instruments were used to measure quality of DM, interactions, and complexity of 822 case discussions.

Results

The full regression model with the variables proposed by the functional perspective was significant, R2 = 0.52, F(20, 801) = 43.47, P < .001, adjusted R2 = 0.51. Positive predictors of DM quality were asking questions (P = .001), providing answers (P = .001), team size (P = .007), gender balance (P = .003), and clinical complexity (P = .001), while negative socioemotional reactions (P = .007), gender imbalance (P = .003), logistical issues (P = .001), time‐workload pressures (P = .002), and time spent in the meeting (P = .001) were negative predictors. Second half of the meetings also saw significant decrease in the DM quality (P = .001), interactions (P = .001), group size (P = .003), and clinical complexity (P = .001), and an increase in negative socioemotional reactions (P = .001) and time‐workload pressures (P = .001).

Discussion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to attempt to assess the factors proposed by the functional perspective in cancer MDTs. One novel finding is the effect of sociocognitive factors on team DM quality, while another is the cognitive‐catch 22 effect: while the case discussions are significantly simpler in the second half of the meeting, there is significantly less time left to discuss the remaining cases, further adding to the cognitive taxation in teams who are now rapidly attempting to close their time‐workload gap. Implications are discussed in relation to quality and safety.
Long‐term trends in sex difference in bladder cancer survival 1975‐2009: A population‐based study in Osaka, Japan
Authors: Aoe Jo , Ito Yuri , Fukui Keisuke , Nakayama Masashi , Morishima Toshitaka , Miyashiro Isao , Sobue Tomotaka , Nakayama Tomio
Published: August 2020

In Japan, a study using population‐based cancer registry data from six prefectures revealed a difference in bladder cancer survival between men and women. However, the period of the study was limited to 1993‐2006. The recent introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors, which have proved to be effective for the treatment for bladder cancer, has led to a rising demand for analysis of long‐term trends in net survival in order to accurately assess the effect of the new treatment. The aim of the present study was to examine long‐term trends in sex difference in bladder cancer net survival using large‐scale population‐based cancer registry data from Osaka, Japan (17,500 cases from 1975 to 2009). We also evaluated sex difference in bladder cancer survival after adjustment for stage, histologic type, and other prognostic factors. We showed the long‐term trend of five‐year net survival for each stage and found that women had poorer five‐year net survival than men for the whole study period. The risk of death from bladder cancer was higher among men than women even after adjusting for period at diagnosis, histologic type, stage, age group, and treatment (Excess hazard ratios: 1.17; 95% Confidence interval: 1.10‐1.25).
Prognostic value of MRI‐determined cervical lymph node size in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Huang Cheng‐Long , Chen Yang , Guo Rui , Mao Yan‐Ping , Xu Cheng , Tian Li , Liu Li‐Zhi , Lin Ai‐Hua , Sun Ying , Ma Jun , Tang Ling‐long
Published: August 2020

Objectives

To investigate the prognostic value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐determined cervical lymph node (CLN) size in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 2066 patients with NPC treated with intensity‐modulated radiotherapy, and randomly divided them into two groups, in a 1:1 ratio. One group was used for training (the training group), and the other one was for internal validation (the validation group). All patients had undergone MRI examination and the maximal axial diameters (MAD) of the axial plane of all positive nodes had been measured and recorded.

Results

Of 683 patients with CLN metastases in the training group (n = 1033), MAD = 4 cm was associated with worse OS (64.7% vs 84.6%, P < .001), DFS (55.9% vs 76.3%, P = .001), and DMFS (67.6% vs 86.1%, P = .001). Multivariate analysis showed that MAD = 4 cm was a significant negative prognostic factor for OS (HR = 2.058; P = .025), DFS (HR = 1.727; P = .049), and DMFS (HR = 2.034; P = .036). When MRI‐determined MAD = 4 cm was classified as N3 in the N classification, the OS, DFS, DMFS, and RRFS survival curves were well separated. The OS, DFS, DMFS, and RRFS concordance indexes were not statistically different between the proposed N staging system and the UICC/AJCC staging system in the training group, or between the training group and the validation group (all P = .05).

Conclusion

MAD = 4 cm on axial MRI slices can be recommended as a prognostic factor in future versions of the UICC/AJCC NPC staging system.
Hybrid features for skeleton‐based action recognition based on network fusion
Authors: Chen Zhangmeng , Pan Junjun , Yang Xiaosong , Qin Hong
Published: August 2020

In recent years, the topic of skeleton‐based human action recognition has attracted significant attention from researchers and practitioners in graphics, vision, animation, and virtual environments. The most fundamental issue is how to learn an effective and accurate representation from spatiotemporal action sequences towards improved performance, and this article aims to address the aforementioned challenge. In particular, we design a novel method of hybrid features' extraction based on the construction of multistream networks and their organic fusion. First, we train a convolution neural networks (CNN) model to learn CNN‐based features with the raw skeleton coordinates and their temporal differences serving as input signals. The attention mechanism is injected into the CNN model to weigh more effective and important information. Then, we employ long short‐term memory (LSTM) to obtain long‐term temporal features from action sequences. Finally, we generate the hybrid features by fusing the CNN and LSTM networks, and we classify action types with the hybrid features. The extensive experiments are performed on several large‐scale publically available databases, and promising results demonstrate the efficacy and effectiveness of our proposed framework.
Phenols and γ‐Lactams from the Aerial Part of Pseudolysimachion linariifolium subsp. dilatatum
Authors: Xue Haibing , Liu Jingwen , Ma Ganghua , Zhou Xiaoyi , Sun Liqin , Shi Yingying , Zhu Weiliang , Chen Kaixian , Zhang Liuqiang , Li Yiming
Published: August 2020

Linariifolioside II (1) and (2S)‐2‐hydroxy‐5‐oxoproline methyl ester (2), two new compounds along with 13 known compounds were obtained from the aerial part of Pseudolysimachion linariifolium Holub subsp. dilatatum (Nakai & Kitag.) D.Y. Hong. Their chemical structures were revealed mainly through NMR and MS data. The absolute configuration of 2 was deduced by comparing its experimental CD with the calculated ECD spectra. At a concentration of 1 mm, total antioxidant capacities of compounds 1–15 were measured using a rapid ABTS method in vitro. Compounds 1, 3–5, and 11–14 exhibited approximately equal antioxidant capacity to that of vitamin C (Vc).
Site‐Selective Peptide Macrocyclization
Authors: Wills Rachel , Adebomi Victor , Raj Monika
Published: August 2020

Cyclized peptides have seen a rise in popularity in the pharmaceutical industry as drug molecules. As such, new macrocyclization methodologies have become abundant in the last several decades. However, efficient methods of cyclization without the formation of side products remain a great challenge. Herein, we review cyclization approaches that focus on site‐selective chemistry. Site selectivity in macrocyclization decreases the generation of side products, leading to a greater yield of the desired peptide macrocycles. We will also take an in‐depth look at the new exclusively intramolecular N‐terminal site‐selective CyClick strategy for the synthesis of cyclic peptides. The CyClick method uses imine formation between an aldehyde and the N terminus. The imine is then trapped by a nucleophilic attack from the second amidic nitrogen in an irreversible site‐selective fashion.
Moving beyond the mechanistic structures: The role of inclusive leadership in developing change‐oriented organizational citizenship behaviour
Authors: Younas Amjad , Wang Daoping , Javed Basharat , Zaffar Muhammad Adeel
Published: August 2020

In this study, we explore the relationship between inclusive leadership and change‐oriented organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB) with the mediating roles of behavioural integrity and trust in leadership. Data were collected from 151 supervisor–subordinate dyads from small and medium enterprises in Pakistan. The results revealed that inclusive leadership is positively related to change‐oriented OCB. Our study reaffirms the indirect effect of the inclusive leadership on change‐oriented OCB via behavioural integrity and trust in leadership. Finally, the results supported the chain of causality: sequential mediation of behavioural integrity, and trust in leadership between inclusive leadership and change‐oriented OCB. Causal attribution theory is used to support the findings. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Whatsoever things are true: Hypothesis, artefact, and bias in chemical engineering research
Authors: Gray Murray R.
Published: August 2020

For experimental research to offer valuable insights and predictions, its results and interpretation need to be properly validated. When the experiments deal with complex systems, such as biological materials, multicomponent mixtures, or multiple phases, the use of the rigorous scientific method is essential. Setting and testing hypotheses and design of experimental programs to include formal positive and negative experiments helps to identify artefacts and to minimize the influence of the biases of the investigators that can invalidate the results of studies. The literature has many examples of well‐executed studies, but there is much less discussion of the pitfalls and traps that can beset experimental research. This paper presents cases in the area of chemical reaction engineering and biochemical engineering. Experimental designs are presented that were successful in validating results by using positive and negative controls. Case studies of experimental artefacts that were published suggest that the biases of the investigators were important in failing to fully verify experimental observations. Both strong experimental designs to identify artefacts and publication of negative results are important in avoiding the persistence of what Stephen Poole calls “zombie ideas”. These zombie ideas may be benign, or they may lead to considerable wasted effort on studies with no chance of success. Graphical representations and schematics are extremely valuable in communicating results and making them memorable, but they can also be seductive in misleading researchers.
Temperature Effects on the Fracture Dynamics and Elastic Properties of Popgraphene Membranes
Authors: Pereira Júnior Marcelo L. , Ribeiro Júnior Luiz A. , Brandão Wjefferson H. S. , Aguiar Acrisio L. , Galvão Douglas S. , de Sousa José M.
Published: August 2020

Popgraphene (PopG) is a new 2D planar carbon allotrope which is composed of 5–8–5 carbon rings. PopG is intrinsically metallic and possesses excellent thermal and mechanical stability. In this work, we report a detailed study of the thermal effects on the mechanical properties of PopG membranes using fully‐atomistic reactive (ReaxFF) molecular dynamics simulations. Our results showed that PopG presents very distinct fracture mechanisms depending on the temperature and direction of the applied stretching. The main fracture dynamics trends are temperature independent and exhibit an abrupt rupture followed by fast crack propagation. The reason for this anisotropy is due to the fact that y‐direction stretching leads to a deformation in the shape of the rings that cause the breaking of bonds in the pentagon‐octagon and pentagon‐pentagon ring connections, which is not observed for the x‐direction. PopG is less stiff than graphene membranes, but the Young's modulus value is only 15 % smaller.
Buffer Influence on the Amino Acid Silica Interaction
Authors: Bag Saientan , Rauwolf Stefan , Suyetin Mikhail , Schwaminger Sebastian P. , Wenzel Wolfgang , Berensmeier Sonja
Published: August 2020

Protein‐surface interactions are exploited in various processes in life sciences and biotechnology. Many of such processes are performed in presence of a buffer system, which is generally believed to have an influence on the protein‐surface interaction but is rarely investigated systematically. Combining experimental and theoretical methodologies, we herein demonstrate the strong influence of the buffer type on protein‐surface interactions. Using state of the art chromatographic experiments, we measure the interaction between individual amino acids and silica, as a reference to understand protein‐surface interactions. Among all the 20 proteinogenic amino acids studied, we found that arginine (R) and lysine (K) bind most strongly to silica, a finding validated by free energy calculations. We further measured the binding of R and K at different pH in presence of two different buffers, MOPS (3‐(N‐morpholino)propanesulfonic acid) and TRIS (tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane), and find dramatically different behavior. In presence of TRIS, the binding affinity of R/K increases with pH, whereas we observe an opposite trend for MOPS. These results can be understood using a multiscale modelling framework combining molecular dynamics simulation and Langmuir adsorption model. The modelling approach helps to optimize buffer conditions in various fields like biosensors, drug delivery or bio separation engineering prior to the experiment.
Mechanochemical Synthesis of Zero Dimensional Organic‐Inorganic Metal Halide Hybrids
Authors: Ben‐Akacha Azza , Zhou Chenkun , Chaaban Maya , Beery Drake , Lee Sujin , Worku Michael , Lin Xinsong , Westphal Riona , Ma Biwu
Published: August 2020

Mechanochemical synthesis has emerged as a facile method for the preparation of a wide range of organic, inorganic, and polymeric materials. Here, we report the use of mechanochemical synthesis for the preparation of ionically bonded organic metal halide hybrids with a zero‐dimensional (0D) structure at the molecular level. (Ph4P)2SbCl5 and (Ph4P)2MnCl4 were synthesized by grinding appropriate ratios of organic halide salt Ph4PCl with inorganic metal halide salts SbCl3 and MnCl2, respectively. The structural and photophysical properties of mechanochemically synthesized (Ph4P)2SbCl5 and (Ph4P)2MnCl4 were characterized, which are almost identical to those of single crystals prepared by slow solution growth. By reacting Ph4PCl with both SbCl3 and MnCl2, we have been able to produce a mixture of two 0D organic metal halide hybrids that exhibit a dual emission covering a wide range of the spectrum with Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) coordinates of (0.4898, 0.4800). Our work has clearly established mechanochemical synthesis as an effective method to produce ionically bonded organic‐inorganic hybrids.
Modeling and simulation of photon‐coupled, fluorescent photoswitchable protein logic
Authors: Rakos Balázs
Published: August 2020

Today's society has an ever‐increasing demand for smaller‐scale, lower‐energy‐consuming, cheaper, and faster computing and digital signal processing systems. Photon‐coupled, fluorescent photoswitchable protein‐based architectures are promising candidates for the fulfillment of these requirements. In order to properly design digital circuits based on the aforementioned building blocks, an efficient simulation procedure is needed. We present a simple, differential equation‐based model, suitable for the design and simulation of such structures. It characterizes the radiation‐induced switching, the form‐dependent fluorescence, and the effect of photon coupling in a fast and efficient manner. The applicability of the model is demonstrated through simulations of the OR and NOR logic gates consisting of readily available, fluorescent photoswitchable proteins. It can be a potential design tool for future molecular logic circuitry based on such molecules.
Ensemble Adaboost classifier for accurate and fast detection of botnet attacks in connected vehicles
Authors: Rehman Javed Abdul , Jalil Zunera , Atif Moqurrab Syed , Abbas Sidra , Liu Xuan
Published: August 2020

The key characteristic of smart cities (ie, connectivity and intelligence) has enabled connected vehicles to work together to accomplish complex jobs that they are unable to perform individually. Connectivity not only being an inevitable blessing but also poses growing cybersecurity challenges for connected vehicles. The overall risk of connected vehicles is wide as the cybercriminals are nowadays applying versatile approaches (botnets, phishing, zero‐days, rootkits, etc) to disrupt their communication. The botnet, capable of launching distributed denial of service attack, is a potential threat for any connected ecosystem due to its excessive capabilities of using maximum compromised devices. Hence, the detection of botnet attacks has become a pinnacle point for cybersecurity analysts. Existing studies lack in detecting botnet at the earliest and accurately. This article presents an approach to detect the botnet attacks at an early stage and accurately utilizing typical network traffic and temporal features. The proposed approach use machine learning algorithms for the detection of botnet attack(s) and present a detailed comparison of the decision tree, probabilistic neural network, sequential minimal optimization, and Adaboost classifiers, as well as comparison of the proposed approach with existing studies in this domain, is also done. Furthermore, it investigates the role of temporal features for botnet detection. The proposed approach accomplishes the promising true positive rate of 99.7%. Results show that our methodology is efficient compared with the existing studies.
Yes‐Associated Protein Is Crucial for Constitutive Androstane Receptor‐Driven Hepatocyte Proliferation But Not for Induction of Drug Metabolism Genes in Mice
Authors: Bhushan Bharat , Molina Laura , Koral Kelly , Stoops John W. , Mars Wendy M. , Banerjee Swati , Orr Anne , Paranjpe Shirish , Monga Satdarshan P. , Locker Joseph , Michalopoulos George K.
Published: August 2020

Background and Aims

Constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) agonists, such as 1,4‐bis [2‐(3,5‐dichloropyridyloxy)] benzene (TCPOBOP), are known to cause robust hepatocyte proliferation and hepatomegaly in mice along with induction of drug metabolism genes without any associated liver injury. Yes‐associated protein (Yap) is a key transcription regulator that tightly controls organ size, including that of liver. Our and other previous studies suggested increased nuclear localization and activation of Yap after TCPOBOP treatment in mice and the potential role of Yap in CAR‐driven proliferative response. Here, we investigated a direct role of Yap in CAR‐driven hepatomegaly and hepatocyte proliferation using hepatocyte‐specific Yap‐knockout (KO) mice.

Approach and Results

Adeno‐associated virus 8‐thyroxine binding globulin promoter‐Cre recombinase vector was injected to Yap‐floxed mice for achieving hepatocyte‐specific Yap deletion followed by TCPOBOP treatment. Yap deletion did not decrease protein expression of CAR or CAR‐driven induction of drug metabolism genes (including cytochrome P450 [Cyp] 2b10, Cyp2c55, and UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase 1a1 [Ugt1a1]). However, Yap deletion substantially reduced TCPOBOP‐induced hepatocyte proliferation. TCPOBOP‐driven cell cycle activation was disrupted in Yap‐KO mice because of delayed (and decreased) induction of cyclin D1 and higher expression of p21, resulting in decreased phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein. Furthermore, the induction of other cyclins, which are sequentially involved in progression through cell cycle (including cyclin E1, A2, and B1), and important mitotic regulators (such as Aurora B kinase and polo‐like kinase 1) was remarkably reduced in Yap‐KO mice. Microarray analysis revealed that 26% of TCPOBOP‐responsive genes that were mainly related to proliferation, but not to drug metabolism, were altered by Yap deletion. Yap regulated these proliferation genes through alerting expression of Myc and forkhead box protein M1, two critical transcriptional regulators of CAR‐mediated hepatocyte proliferation.

Conclusions

Our study revealed an important role of Yap signaling in CAR‐driven hepatocyte proliferation; however, CAR‐driven induction of drug metabolism genes was independent of Yap.
Influence of carbon nanotubes on heat transfer in MHD nanofluid flow over a stretchable rotating disk: A numerical study
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad S. , Mustafa Irfan , Riaz Iram , Ghaffari Abuzar , Khan Waqar A.
Published: August 2020

The transfer of heat is an important phenomenon in the several areas due to its numerous applications in industries. Several fluids like water, ethylene glycol and oil, and so on have very‐low thermal conductivities due to which the transfer of heat in these fluids become very low. To enhance heat transfer rate, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) including single‐walled CNTs and multi‐walled CNTs are suspended into base fluids, this mixture is known as nanofluid. The aim of this study is to examine the heat transfer rate of nanofluid in the presence of CNTs over a stretchable rotating disk. The mathematical model, developed by Tiwari and Das, is used and solved numerically by using the shooting method. The impacts of governing constraints on the dimensionless velocities, temperature, skin friction, and Nusselt number are investigated. It is noted that heat transfer rate increases by enhancing the concentration of CNTs into base fluids. The numerical results show that the solid volume fraction of the CNTs augment heat transfer rate more in ethylene glycol as compared with water.
MHD mixed convective radiative flow of Eyring‐Powell fluid over an oscillatory stretching sheet using bivariate spectral method on overlapping grids
Authors: Mkhatshwa Musawenkhosi P. , Motsa Sandile S. , Sibanda Precious
Published: August 2020

The bivariate spectral quasilinearization method (BSQLM) on overlapping grids is presented and applied in the analysis of unsteady magnetohydrodynamic mixed convection flow of Eyring‐Powell fluid over an oscillatory stretching sheet embedded in a non‐Darcy porous medium with nonlinear radiative heat flux and variable thermophysical properties. The fluid properties, namely the fluid viscosity, thermal conductivity, and mass diffusivity, are assumed to vary with temperature. It is assumed that the first‐order chemical reaction with heat generation/absorption takes place in the flow. The flow domain is subject to uniform transverse magnetic field perpendicular to the stretching surface. The transformed flow equations are solved numerically using BSQLM on overlapping grids. The convergence properties and accuracy of the method are assessed. The proposed method is computationally efficient, and it gives stable and highly accurate results after few iterations and using few grid points in each subinterval. The improved accuracy rests upon the use of the overlapping grid, which produces sparse coefficient matrices that are easy to invert and have small condition numbers. The effects of physical parameters on the flow fields, local skin friction, the Nusselt number, and the Sherwood number are exhibited through graphs and tables. Amongst other findings, we found that the amplitude of the fluid flow along with flow characteristics may efficiently improve through the utilization of variable fluid viscosity. Heat and mass transportation processes enhance with the inclusion of nonlinear radiative heat flux, temperature‐dependent thermal conductivity, and mass diffusion coefficient, whereas they diminish with the increase in the local inertia coefficient. The current flow analysis can be useful in various engineering applications including paper production, polymer solution, glass blowing, extrusion of thermal system manufacturing process, and heat transportation enhancement.
Determining the causality between U.S. presidential prediction markets and global financial markets
Authors: Abolghasemi Yaser , Dimitrov Stanko
Published: August 2020

Prediction markets trade securities with final prices contingent on the outcome of future events, for example, who will win the next political election. We show how the outcome of a United States presidential election, information captured by prediction markets, impacts global financial markets. We investigate the existence of a causal relationship between various prediction markets and global financial markets time series for over 27 different countries and regions using Dow Jones Global Indexes. We construct vector auto‐regressive models and use the Toda–Yamamoto causality test to deal with non‐stationary time series. Preliminary results indicate that prediction markets may be used to predict some global financial markets.
Bioethics training in reproductive health in Mexico
Authors: Ortiz‐Millán Gustavo , Kissling Frances
Published: August 2020

Bioethical approaches to reproductive health have been of utmost importance for the last three decades in Mexico. As Mexican laws regarding abortion, assisted reproduction, and conscientious objection have been modified, a number of social actors with an interest in these areas have realized that they have to educate the different agents who take part in these procedures in a bioethical approach to reproductive health and rights. This strategy was first used in Mexico by the Catholic Church and many Catholic universities. Advocates, scientists, and feminist organizations, as well as some public universities, have also realized that a grounding in bioethics could help health providers to have an ethical frame that supports the provision of abortion services. Bioethics is also a good framework for supporting the legalization of abortion and for more liberal laws regarding assisted reproduction. So, for the last few years, one of the priorities of these two sides, Catholic and secular groups, has been to train healthcare personnel, lawyers, and members of ethics committees and members of Congress in the application of their respective bioethical perspectives.
IL‐18 and infections: Is there a role for targeted therapies?
Authors: Vecchié Alessandra , Bonaventura Aldo , Toldo Stefano , Dagna Lorenzo , Dinarello Charles A. , Abbate Antonio
Published: August 2020

Interleukin (IL)‐18 is a pro‐inflammatory cytokine belonging to the IL‐1 family, first identified for its interferon‐γ‐inducing properties. IL‐18 regulates both T helper (Th) 1 and Th2 responses. It acts synergistically with IL‐12 in the Th1 paradigm, whereas with IL‐2 and without IL‐12 it can induce Th2 cytokine production from cluster of differentation (CD)4+ T cells, natural killer (NK cells, NKT cells, as well as from Th1 cells. IL‐18 also plays a role in the hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, a life‐threatening condition characterized by a cytokine storm that can be secondary to infections. IL‐18‐mediated inflammation was largely studied in animal models of bacterial, viral, parasitic, and fungal infections. These studies highlight the contribution of either IL‐18 overproduction by the host or overresponsiveness of the host to IL‐18 causing an exaggerated inflammatory burden and leading to tissue injury. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). The damage in the later phase of the disease appears to be driven by a cytokine storm, including interleukin IL‐1 family members and secondary cytokines like IL‐6. IL‐18 may participate in this hyperinflammation, as it was previously found to be able to cause injury in the lung tissue of infected animals. IL‐18 blockade has become an appealing therapeutic target and has been tested in some IL‐18‐mediated rheumatic diseases and infantile‐onset macrophage activation syndrome. Given its role in regulating the immune response to infections, IL‐18 blockade might represent a therapeutic option for COVID‐19, although further studies are warranted to investigate more in detail the exact role of IL‐18 in SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.
The flavonoids of Sophora flavescens exerts anti-inflammatory activity via promoting autophagy of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin-stimulated macrophages
Authors: Kan Lea Ling-Yu , Liu Dehua , Chan Ben Chung-Lap , Tsang Miranda Sin-Man , Hou Tianheng , Leung Ping Chung , Lam Christopher Wai-Kei , Wong Chun Kwok
Published: August 2020

Tuberculosis (TB), a highly infectious air-borne disease, has remained a global health problem. Conventional treatment and preventions such as antibiotics and Bacilli Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine can be unreliable. In view of the increasing prevalence of anti-TB drug resistance, adjunctive therapy may be necessary to shorten the recovery time. We have previously shown that flavonoids in the medicinal herb Sophora flavescens exhibit anti-inflammatory and bactericidal activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular and cellular characteristics of flavonoids of S. flavescens (FSF) in BCG-stimulated macrophages for assessing their roles in anti-inflammation and autophagy. Mouse alveolar macrophage (MH-S) cell line and primary mouse peritoneal macrophages were stimulated in vitro with heat-inactivated BCG and treated with FSF, with or without autophagy inhibitor Bafilomycin A1 (BafA1). Gene expression was analyzed using quantitative PCR, and cytokine/chemokine release was analyzed by Milliplex assay and ELISA. Autophagy-related proteins were quantified by Western blot and flow cytometry, and autophagolysosomes were detected using fluorescence microscopy. In both MH-S cell line and mouse peritoneal macrophages stimulated by heat-inactivated BCG, FSF was found to up-regulate autophagy-related proteins microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3) and protein 62 (p62), and suppress the induced proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α, CCL5, and IL-6. FSF actively modulates immune processes through suppressing BCG-mediated inflammation by promoting autophagy in MH-S cells and mouse peritoneal macrophages. We suggest that FSF may be useful as an adjunctive therapeutic agent for TB infection by modulating cell survival through autophagy and reducing inflammation.
Mismatch between circulating cytokines and spontaneous cytokine production by leukocytes in hyperinflammatory COVID-19
Authors: Kahn Robin , Schmidt Tobias , Golestani Karan , Mossberg Anki , Gullstrand Birgitta , Bengtsson Anders A , Kahn Fredrik
Published: August 2020

The disease COVID-19 has developed into a worldwide pandemic. Hyperinflammation and high levels of several cytokines, for example, IL-6, are observed in severe COVID-19 cases. However, little is known about the cellular origin of these cytokines. Here, we investigated whether circulating leukocytes from patients with COVID-19 had spontaneous cytokine production. Patients with hyperinflammatory COVID-19 (n = 6) and sepsis (n = 3) were included at Skåne University Hospital, Sweden. Healthy controls were also recruited (n = 5). Cytokines were measured in COVID-19 and sepsis patients using an Immulite immunoassay system. PBMCs were cultured with brefeldin A to allow cytokine accumulation. In parallel, LPS was used as an activator. Cells were analyzed for cytokines and surface markers by flow cytometry. High levels of IL-6 and measurable levels of IL-8 and TNF, but not IL-1β, were observed in COVID-19 patients. Monocytes from COVID-19 patients had spontaneous production of IL-1β and IL-8 (P = 0.0043), but not of TNF and IL-6, compared to controls. No spontaneous cytokine production was seen in lymphocytes from either patients or controls. Activation with LPS resulted in massive cytokine production by monocytes from COVID-19 patients and healthy controls, but not from sepsis patients. Finally, monocytes from COVID-19 patients produced more IL-1β than from healthy controls (P = 0.0087) when activated. In conclusion, monocytes contribute partly to the ongoing hyperinflammation by production of IL-1β and IL-8. Additionally, they are responsive to further activation. This data supports the notion of IL-1β blockade in treatment of COVID-19. However, the source of the high levels of IL-6 remains to be determined.
Natural killer cell impairment in ovarian clear cell carcinoma
Authors: Patrizi Ornella , Rampinelli Fabio , Coltrini Daniela , Pesce Silvia , Carlomagno Simona , Sivori Simona , Pascale Andre , Marcenaro Emanuela , Parolini Silvia , Tabellini Giovanna
Published: August 2020

In the present study, we report the analysis of NK cells derived from patients suffering from a rare ovarian cancer histotype of clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) resistant to conventional chemotherapies. We analyzed the phenotype of NK cells derived from peripheral blood (PB) and peritoneal fluid (PF) and evaluated cytotoxic interactions between NK cells and autologous tumor cells (ATC) derived from patients. We provided evidence of impaired degranulation capacity of NK cells derived from patients’ PF in the presence of ATC. Analyzing tumor cell ligands recognized by NK cell receptors, we found that ATC are characterized by an HLA class I+ phenotype (although the level of HLA-I expression varies among all patients) and by a heterogeneous expression of ligands for activating NK receptors (from normal to decreased expression of some markers). Furthermore, we observed a down-regulation of crucial NK cell activating receptors, primarily DNAX Accessory Molecule-1 (DNAM-1), on tumor-associated NK cells. Based on these results, we propose that this severe lysis defect may be due to both negative interactions between HLA-I-specific inhibitory NK cell receptors/HLA-I molecules and to defective interactions between activating NK receptors and cognate ligands. In conclusion, for the first time, the phenotypic and functional properties of tumor-associated NK cells and their ATC derived from PF of patients with advanced stage of OCCC were characterized. Taken together results indicate altered interactions between NK cells and ATC and shed light on the aggressive mechanisms of this cancer histotype. Further studies on this rare tumor will be helpful to improve and define more effective therapies.
What are the predictors of emergency department utilization and readmission following extremity bone sarcoma resection?
Authors: Wellings Elizabeth P. , Wagner Eric R. , Wilke Benjamin K. , Asante Dennis , Sangaralingham Lindsey R. , Rose Peter S. , Moran Steven L. , Houdek Matthew T.
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Treatment for bone sarcomas are large undertakings. Emergency department (ED) visits and unplanned hospital readmissions are a potential target for cost containment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk factors for ED visits and unplanned readmissions following extremity bone sarcoma surgery.

Methods

Data from Optum Labs Data Warehouse, a national administrative claims database, was analyzed to identify patients with extremity bone sarcomas from 2006 to 2017. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with ED visits and readmissions.

Results

Of 1390 (743 males, 647 female) adult patients, 137 (12%) visited the ED and 245 (18%) were readmitted within 30 days of discharge. The most common indication for ED visits (n = 63, 45.9%) and readmission (n = 119, 48.5%) were complications of surgery. Length of stay >10 days was associated with ED utilization (OR, 1.83; P = .01) and readmission (OR, 4.47; P < .001).

Conclusion

One in ten patients will use the ED, and one in five patients will be readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of discharge following extremity bone sarcoma surgery. Length of stay was associated with ED visits and readmission. These patients could be targeted with alternative management strategies in the outpatient setting with early clinical follow‐up to minimize readmission.