bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
S6 ribosomal protein phosphorylation is associated with malignancy of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas
Authors: Hirashita Teijiro , Hirashita Yuka , Iwashita Yukio , Endo Yuichi , Kiyonaga Maki , Matsumoto Shunro , Hijiya Naoki , Moriyama Masatsugu , Murakami Kazunari , Inomata Masafumi
Published: June 2020

Background

Glucose metabolism of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) of the pancreas is unclear. S6 ribosomal protein (S6) phosphorylation is involved not only in controlling cell growth but also in glucose metabolism in cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of S6 phosphorylation and the significance of glucose metabolic changes in IPMN.

Methods

Records of 39 patients who underwent preoperative FDG‐PET and curative resection were enrolled in this study. S6 phosphorylation and GLUT1 expression were evaluated immunohistochemically in these patients. The effect of S6 phosphorylation on glucose uptake was examined in cancer cell lines. To examine the change of glucose metabolism in IPMN clinically, the relation between clinical factors including FDG‐PET and malignancy of IPMN was investigated.

Results

S6 phosphorylation and GLUT1 expression were significantly higher in carcinoma than in normal cells or adenoma. Cell lines with high level of S6 phosphorylation showed high glucose uptake, and inhibition of S6 phosphorylation reduced glucose uptake. In clinical examination, FDG‐PET was the independent factor related to the diagnosis of adenoma or carcinoma (odds ratio = 20.0, 95% confidence interval = 1.837‐539.9, P = .012). FDG‐PET detected carcinoma with a sensitivity of 81.8%, specificity of 96.4%, and accuracy of 92.3%.

Conclusion

S6 phosphorylation was associated with glucose uptake and malignancy of IPMN. Moreover, glucose uptake increased in malignant cells of IPMN, and FDG‐PET is useful for detecting malignancy of IPMN.
Magnetic Actuation Systems for Miniature Robots: A Review
Authors: Yang Zhengxin , Zhang Li
Published: June 2020

A magnetic field, which is transparent and relatively safe to biological tissue, is a powerful tool for remote actuation and wireless control of magnetic devices. Furthermore, miniature robots can access complex and narrow regions of the human body as well as manipulate down to subcellular entities; however, integrating onboard components is difficult due to their limited size. Combining these two technologies, magnetic miniature robots have undergone rapid development during the past two decades, mainly because of their high potential in medical and bioengineering applications. To improve the scientific and clinical outcomes of these tiny agents, developing suitable and reliable actuation systems is essential. As a newly emerging field that has progressed in recent years, magnetic actuation systems offer a harmless and effective approach for the remote control of miniature robots via a dynamic magnetic field. Herein, a review on the state‐of‐the‐art magnetic actuation systems for miniature robots is presented with the goal of providing readers with a better understanding of magnetic actuation and guidance for future system design.
Artificial Intelligence‐Based Clinical Decision Support for COVID‐19–Where Art Thou?
Authors: Unberath Mathias , Ghobadi Kimia , Levin Scott , Hinson Jeremiah , Hager Gregory D.
Published: June 2020

The COVID‐19 crisis has brought about new clinical questions, new workflows, and accelerated distributed healthcare needs. Although artificial intelligence (AI)‐based clinical decision support seemed to have matured, the application of AI‐based tools for COVID‐19 has been limited to date. In this perspective piece, the opportunities and requirements for AI‐based clinical decision support systems are identified and challenges that impact “AI readiness” for rapidly emergent healthcare challenges are highlighted.
Engaging with the Richmond Community to Reduce Pediatric Asthma Disparities: Findings from a Community‐engaged Needs Assessment
Authors: Everhart Robin S. , Haley Amber D. , Regan Gillian G. , Romo Stephanie , Dempster Katherine W. , Barsell D. Jeremy , Corona Rosalie , Mazzeo Suzanne E. , Schechter Michael S. ,   The Engaging Richmond Team
Published: June 2020

Childhood asthma disparities persist, with children living in low‐income areas experiencing worse morbidity. We partnered with a community‐academic research team and stakeholders to conduct a needs assessment to understand barriers and supports to asthma treatment. We convened a community advisory board, comprised of parents of children with asthma, youth with asthma, and members of key community organizations. Two focus groups with parents of children with asthma and four focus groups with youth with asthma were conducted, and a survey was administered to 100 parents. A visual mapping process was used to gather qualitative data about barriers, strategies, and outcomes, and allowed advisory board members to interpret focus group and survey data within the lived experiences of families. Focus group themes included parent stress/anxiety, concerns about school nurses, and lack of trust in providers. Findings from focus groups and surveys suggested that emergency department visits were not perceived negatively by families, although health providers and researchers generally view them as such. Public health implications include systemic changes that allow the healthcare system to address families’ acute needs and worry. A community program focused on education and coordination among families, schools, and medical homes might improve asthma outcomes at the population level.
Socioeconomic inequalities in children's health‐related quality of life according to weight status
Authors: Costa Diogo , Cunha Marina , Ferreira Cláudia , Gama Augusta , Machado‐Rodrigues Aristides M. , Rosado‐Marques Vítor , Mendes Larissa L. , Nogueira Helena , Pessoa Milene , Silva Maria‐Raquel G. , Velasquez‐Melendez Gustavo , Padez Cristina
Published: June 2020

Objectives

This study explores the association between socioeconomic position (SEP) and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) among Portuguese children according to their weight status.

Methods

A total of 1215 primary school‐aged children (mean age 8.78 years) from three Portuguese districts (Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra) were assessed during 2016/2017. Father and mother's education (low, medium, high) and work status (employed, unemployed/retired) were used as SEP indicators. Self‐reported HRQoL was assessed with the KIDSCREEN‐27. Height and weight were objectively measured and body mass index categorized in normal, overweight or obese. Age, sex, and district‐adjusted linear regression models were fitted to estimate associations between SEP indicators and HRQoL dimensions, according to weight status.

Results

We found that 24.9% of children were categorized as having overweight/obesity. The mean scores of the Physical Well‐Being, and School Environment dimensions of HRQoL were lower among children classified with overweight/obesity compared to children with normal weight (57.21 vs 54.11, P < .001 and 57.85 vs 56.04, P = .010, respectively). Father's education was significantly associated with all HRQoL dimensions in children with a normal weight, but the same was not observed among children presenting overweight/obesity. An increase in the level of maternal education was also significantly associated with all HRQoL dimensions among children classified with a normal weight, and only for the School Environment dimension among children classified with overweight/obesity.

Conclusions

These results suggest the presence of socioeconomic inequalities in self‐reported HRQoL from early age, particularly among children with normal weight.
Effects of a mixed‐subsistence diet on the growth of Hadza children
Authors: Pollom Trevor R. , Cross Chad L. , Herlosky Kristen N. , Ford Elle , Crittenden Alyssa N.
Published: June 2020

Introduction: We investigated the preliminary effects of dietary changes on the anthropometric measurements of child and adolescent Hadza foragers.

Methods: We conducted a cross‐sectional study comparing height and weight of participants (aged 0‐17 years) at two time points, 2005 (n = 195) and 2017 (n = 52), from two locations: semi‐nomadic “bush camps” and sedentary “village camps”. World Health Organization (WHO) calculators were used to generate standardized z‐scores for weight‐for‐height (WHZ), weight‐for‐age (WAZ), height‐for‐age (HAZ), and BMI‐for‐age (BMIFAZ). Cross tabulations were constructed for each measurement variable as a function of z‐score categories and the variables year, location, and sex.

Results: Residency in a village, and associated mixed‐subsistence diet, was associated with favorable growth, including greater WAZ (P < .001), HAZ (P < .001), and BMIFAZ (P = .004), but not WHZ (P = .717). Regardless of residency location, participants showed an improved WAZ (P = .021) and HAZ (P < .001) in the 2017 study year. We found no sex differences.

Discussion and Conclusion: These preliminary findings suggest that a mixed‐subsistence diet may confer advantages over an exclusive wild food diet, a trend also reported among other transitioning foragers.
Multimode Self‐Oscillating Vesicle Transformers
Authors: Shao Qing , Zhang Shaodong , Hu Zhen , Zhou Yongfeng
Published: June 2020

Engineering synthetic materials that mimic the complex rhythmic oscillatory behavior of living cells is a fundamental challenge in science and technology. Up to now, the reported synthetic model system still cannot compete with nature in oscillatory modes and amplitudes. Presented here is a novel alternating copolymer vesicle that exhibits drastic and multimode shape oscillations in real time, which are controlled by polymer concentrations and driven by the Belousov—Zhabotinsky oscillatory reaction, including swelling/deswelling, twisting/detwisting, stretching/shrinking, fusion/fission, and multiple division. Some of them, especially the fission oscillation, have not been observed before. In addition, the oscillation magnitude with regard to diameter is much larger than that of previously reported self‐oscillating vesicles. Such a self‐oscillating vesicle transformer would extend the complexity and capacity of membrane deformations in synthetic systems, approaching those of natural cells.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling of Alkenyl Carboxylates
Authors: Becica Joseph , Heath Oliver R. J. , Zheng Cameron H. M. , Leitch David C.
Published: June 2020

Carboxylate esters have many desirable features as electrophiles for catalytic cross‐coupling: they are easy to access, robust during multistep synthesis, and mass‐efficient in coupling reactions. Alkenyl carboxylates, a class of readily prepared non‐aromatic electrophiles, remain difficult to functionalize through cross‐coupling. We demonstrate that Pd catalysis is effective for coupling electron‐deficient alkenyl carboxylates with arylboronic acids in the absence of base or oxidants. Furthermore, these reactions can proceed by two distinct mechanisms for C−O bond activation. A Pd0/II catalytic cycle is viable when using a Pd0 precatalyst, with turnover‐limiting C−O oxidative addition; however, an alternative pathway that involves alkene carbopalladation and β‐carboxyl elimination is proposed for PdII precatalysts. This work provides a clear path toward engaging myriad oxygen‐based electrophiles in Pd‐catalyzed cross‐coupling.
Effect of Ionic Strength on Freeze–Thaw Stability of Glycosylated Soy Protein Emulsion
Authors: Wang Yuying , Wang Xiaodan , Wang Guorong , Wang Xibo
Published: June 2020

This study used Soy Protein Isolate (SPI), Soy Protein Isolate Hydrolysates (SPH) and Dextran (D) as raw materials. Covalent compounds were prepared by grafting soy protein isolate and soy protein isolate hydrolysate with dextran by water‐heating method, which were SPI‐D and SPH‐D, respectively. The effect of ionic strength (0–500 mM) on the freeze–thaw stability of SPI, SPI‐D, and SPH‐D emulsions was investigated. Fourier transform infrared analysis and Fluorescence emission spectroscopy analysis indicated that the structure of the protein changed. In this study, it was found that with the increase of ionic strength, the zeta potential of the three samples presented a downward trend and the surface hydrophobicity first decreased and then increased. The addition of ions effectively improved the freeze–thaw stability of the emulsions. The particle size of the emulsions changed little after freeze–thaw cycles, and coalescence degree, creaming index, and oiling off significantly decreased. Especially when the ionic strength reached 300 mM, the degree of coalescence was 248.46%, 170.92%, and 167.77%, respectively, and the oiling off was also reduced by 68.52%, 68.25%, and 59.92%, respectively. The creaming index of the SPI emulsion was 48.49% lower than the creaming index without ions. However, when the ionic strength exceeded 300 mM, the coalescence degree, creaming index, and oiling off of the emulsions increased. Optical microstructures also found that at ionic strength of 300 mM, the oil droplets produced by the three kinds of emulsion after freeze–thaw were smaller than those without ions.
Highly Diastereoselective Synthesis of Polycyclic Indolines through Formal [4+2] Propargylic Cycloaddition of Indoles with Ethynyl Benzoxazinanones
Authors: Shao Wen , Xu‐Xu Qing‐Feng , You Shu‐Li
Published: June 2020

A formal [4+2] propargylic annulation of indoles and pyrrole with ethynyl benzoxazinanones was described. This protocol provides a concise synthesis of tetrahydro‐5H‐indolo[2,3‐b]quinolines and tetrahydro‐3H‐pyrrolo[3,2‐b]quinoline, the core structures of alkaloid frameworks, featuring excellent yields, high diastereoselectivity, mild conditions and wide substrate scope.
Structural elucidation of selenocysteine insertion machinery of microalgal selenoprotein T and its transcriptional analysis
Authors: Reshma Ragini , Kumari Sunitha , Arumugam Muthu
Published: June 2020

Essential trace element selenium in association with selenoproteins, which is found in almost all organisms except higher plants and fungi, is involved in various biological functions. Advancement in the field of whole genome sequencing and data analyzing bioinformatic tools led to the accumulation of genome information of organisms. However, selenoproteins are unique and it needs specialized genomics tool for its identification as well as characterization. In this study, the presence of selenoprotein T (SelT) from Scenedesmus quadricauda was shown for the first time with experimental evidence and compared with SelT of marine microalgae Nannochloropsis oceanica. Along with SelT, all the associated machineries required to synthesize the selenoproteins were also identified. Also, the present study tried to explicate the evolutionary relatedness of SelT of these two organisms with other known bacteria and eukaryotes. Transcript level analysis in S. quadricauda under endoplasmic reticulum stress showed a 1.2 ± 0.28‐fold increase in SelT expression. Thus, it provided the first experimental evidence on SelT expression from microalgae.
Transient expression of the full‐length glycoprotein from infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus in bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) leaves via agroinfiltration
Authors: Fazeli Leila , Golkar Pooran , Mirakhorli Neda , Jalali Seyed Amir Hossein , Mohammadinezhad Rezvan
Published: June 2020

The glycoprotein of infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV), the causative agent of acute disease in salmonids, is the only structural protein of the virus that can induce protective immunity in the fish host. Here, the reliability of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) plant for the production of this viral protein was examined by the transient expression method. Using the syringe agroinfiltration method, leaves of bean plants were transformed with the expression construct encoding the full‐length of IHNV glycoprotein (IHNV‐G) gene. Furthermore, the transformation efficacy of two infiltration buffers including PBS‐A (PBS+acetosyringone) and MMS‐A (MES buffer + MgSO4 + sucrose + acetosyringone) was compared. The analysis of mRNA and dot‐blot assay confirmed the transcription and translation of IHNV‐G protein in bean leaves. Moreover, Western blotting verified the production of intact, full‐length (∼57 kDa) IHNV‐G protein in the agroinfiltrated plants. Of note, the production level of IHNV‐G using MMS‐A agroinfiltration buffer was approximately five times higher compared to PBS‐A buffer (0.48 vs. 0.1% of total soluble protein), indicating the effect of infiltration buffer on the transient transformation efficiency. The recombinant protein was purified at the final yield of 0.35 μg/g of fresh leaf tissue, using nickel affinity chromatography. The present work is the first report describing the feasibility of the plant expression platform for the production of IHNV‐G protein, which can be served as an oral vaccine against IHNV infection.
Differences of connectivity between ESRD patients with PD and HD
Authors: Park Bong Soo , Seong Myungjun , Ko Junghae , Park Si Hyung , Kim Yang Wook , Hwan Kim Il , Park Jin Han , Lee Yoo Jin , Park Seongho , Park Kang Min
Published: June 2020

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate alterations in structural and functional brain connectivity between patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) who were undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD).

Methods

We enrolled 40 patients with ESRD who were undergoing PD (20 patients) and HD (20 patients). We also enrolled healthy participants as a control group. All of the subjects underwent diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI). Using data from the structural and functional connectivity matrix based on DTI and rs‐fMRI, we calculated several network measures using graph theoretical analysis.

Results

The measures of global structural connectivity were significantly different between the patients with ESRD who were undergoing PD and healthy subjects. The global efficiency and local efficiency in the patients with PD were significantly decreased compared with those in healthy participants. However, all of the measures of global structural connectivity in the patients with HD were not different from those in healthy participants. Conversely, in the global functional connectivity, the characteristic path length was significantly increased and the small‐worldness index was decreased in patients with HD. However, the measures of the global functional connectivity in the patients with PD were not different from those in healthy subjects.

Conclusion

This study revealed that alterations in structural and functional connectivity in patients who were undergoing PD and HD were different than those in healthy controls. These findings suggest that brain networks may be affected by different types of renal replacement therapy.
Mental health status of the general population, healthcare professionals, and university students during 2019 coronavirus disease outbreak in Jordan: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Naser Abdallah Y. , Dahmash Eman Zmaily , Al‐Rousan Rabaa , Alwafi Hassan , Alrawashdeh Hamzeh Mohammad , Ghoul Imene , Abidine Anwer , Bokhary Mohammed A. , AL‐Hadithi Hadeel T. , Ali Dalia , Abuthawabeh Rasha , Abdelwahab Ghada Mohammad , Alhartani Yosra J. , Al Muhaisen Haneen , Dagash Ayah , Alyami Hamad S.
Published: June 2020

Background

The emergence of COVID‐19 global pandemic coupled with high transmission rate and mortality has created an unprecedented state of emergency worldwide. This global situation may have a negative impact on the psychological well‐being of individuals which in turn impacts individuals' performance. This study aims to explore the prevalence of depression and anxiety among the GP, HCPs, and USs during COVID‐19 outbreak, and to identify key population(s) who might need psychological intervention.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study using an online survey was conducted in Jordan between 22 and 28 March 2020 to explore the mental health status (depression and anxiety) of the general population, healthcare professionals, and university students during the COVID‐19 outbreak. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder‐7 (GAD‐7) were used to assess depression and anxiety among the study participants. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of depression and anxiety.

Results

The prevalence of depression and anxiety among the entire study participants was 23.8% and 13.1%, respectively. Anxiety was most prevalent across university students 21.5%, followed by healthcare professionals 11.3%, and general population 8.8%. Females among healthcare professionals and university students, divorced healthcare professionals, pulmonologists, and university students with history of chronic disease were at higher risk of developing depression. Females, divorced participants among the general population, and university students with history of chronic disease and those with high income (≥1,500 JD) were at higher risk of developing anxiety.

Conclusions

During outbreaks, individuals are put under extreme stressful condition resulting in higher risk of developing anxiety and depression particularly for students and healthcare professionals. Policymakers and mental healthcare providers are advised to provide further mental support to these vulnerable groups during this pandemic.
An environmental perspective extends market orientation: Green innovation sustainability
Authors: Wang Chao Hung
Published: June 2020

Though there has been much research into green performance, few studies have analyzed whether a green market orientation (GMO) is important. In this study, we propose and test a model that links three subconstructs of GMO (i.e., green customer orientation, green interfunctional orientation, and green competitor orientation) and green performance. The mediating role of green innovation and if there is a missing link between these relationships is also tested. By decomposing the components of GMO and introducing green innovation as a mediator, the results contribute to a more nuanced understanding of how and why green innovation is important in the linkage between GMO and green innovation. Using a survey of 248 high‐tech firms in Taiwan, the results highlight three subconstructs of GMO in facilitating green innovation and green performance. Green innovation fully mediates the association between green interfunctional orientation and green performance. However, green innovation only partially mediates the effects of green customer orientation and green competitor orientation on green performance.
Sex differences in solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas: A population‐based study
Authors: Wu Jiali , Mao Yize , Jiang Yiquan , Song Yunda , Yu Ping , Sun Shuxin , Li Shengping
Published: June 2020

Objective

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) of the pancreas is a rare tumor. This study aims to examine the clinicopathological features and surgical treatments of SPN and compare the clinical behavior and prognosis between men and women with SPN.

Methods

We collected the population data of patients with SPN diagnosed between 2004 and 2017 from the SEER database. The Kaplan‐Meier method was used to analyze overall survival (OS) and disease‐specific survival (DSS), and log‐rank tests were used to evaluate the differences between subgroups. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to screen out prognostic risk factors of SPN.

Results

A total of 378 patients with SPN were included, with 246 (65.1%) female patients. 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year overall survival rates were 98.9%, 95.7%, and 93.7%, respectively. Survival analysis revealed that regardless of stage, patients with SPN who underwent surgical interventions still had a significantly better prognosis than those without surgical interventions (P < .001). The patients with lymphatic dissection had a significantly better prognosis than those without lymphatic dissection (P < .001). Moreover, compared with female patients, male patients had significantly poorer OS and DSS (P < .001). Female SPN showed a bimodal age‐frequency distribution with early‐onset incidence at 28 years and late‐onset peak incidence at 62 years, while male SPN presented a unimodal distribution with peak incidence at approximately age 64 years. In female patients, the tumor size in premenopausal females (<65 years old) was significantly larger than that in postmenopausal females (≥65 years old) (P < .001). Clinicopathological characteristic profiles were different not only between male SPN and premenopausal female SPN but also between premenopausal and postmenopausal female SPN.

Conclusion

SPN presents indolent behavior and predominantly occurs in young women. Regardless of stage, surgical intervention is recommended. Moreover, our study is the first large enough study to demonstrate sex‐related discrepancies in SPN. Thus, different treatment strategies should be designed for patients of different sexes at different ages and hormone therapy is a promising approach for SPN.
Bivariate Metal–Organic Frameworks with Tunable Spin‐Crossover Properties
Authors: Gong Yu , Li Zhi‐Hua , Yan Xiaodong , Wang Ya‐Qin , Zhao Chen‐Yang , Han Wang‐Kang , Hu Qing‐Tao , Lu Hui‐Shu , Gu Zhi‐Guo
Published: June 2020

In this work, pyrazine (A), aminopyrazine (B), quinoxaline (C), and 5,6,7,8‐tetrahydroquinoxaline (D) have been screened out among a large number of pyrazine derivatives to construct Hofmann‐type metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) Fe(L)[M(CN)4] (M=Pt, Pd) with similar 3D pillared‐layer structures. X‐ray single‐crystal diffraction reveals that the alternate linkage between M and FeII ions through cyano bridges forms the 2D extended metal cyanide sheets, and ligands A–D acted as vertical columns to connect the 2D sheets to give 3D pillared‐layer structures. Subsequently, a series of bivariate MOFs were constructed by pairwise combination of the four ligands A–D, which were confirmed by 1H NMR, PXRD, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy. The results demonstrated that ligand size and crystallization rate play a dominant role in constructing bivariate Hofmann‐type MOFs. More importantly, the spin‐crossover (SCO) properties of the bivariate MOFs can be finely tuned by adjusting the proportion of the two pillared ligands in the 3D Hofmann‐type structures. Remarkably, the spin transition temperatures, Tc↑ and Tc↓ of Fe(A)x(B)1−x[Pt(CN)4] (x=0 to 1) can be adjusted from 239 to 254 K and from 248 to 284 K, respectively. Meanwhile, the width of the hysteresis loops can be widened from 9 to 30 K. Changing Pt to Pd, the hysteresis loops of Fe(A)x(B)1−x[Pd(CN)4] can be tuned from 9 (Tc↑=215 K, Tc↓=206 K) to 24 K (Tc↑=300 K, Tc↓=276 K). This research provides wider implications in the development of advanced bistable materials, especially in precisely regulating SCO properties.
Gas‐Phase Transformation of Fluorinated Benzoporphyrins to Porphyrin‐Embedded Conical Nanocarbons
Authors: Lungerich Dominik , Hitzenberger Jakob Felix , Ruppel Michael , Döpper Tibor , Witt Matthias , Ivanović‐Burmazović Ivana , Görling Andreas , Jux Norbert , Drewello Thomas
Published: June 2020

Geodesic nitrogen‐containing graphene fragments are interesting candidates for various material applications, but the available synthetic protocols, which need to overcome intrinsic strain energy during the formation of the bowl‐shaped skeletons, are often incompatible with heteroatom‐embedded structures. Through this mass spectrometry‐based gas‐phase study, we show by means of collision‐induced dissociation experiments and supported by density functional theory calculations, the first evidence for the formation of a porphyrin‐embedded conical nanocarbon. The influences of metalation and functionalization of the used tetrabenzoporphyrins have been investigated, which revealed different cyclization efficiencies, different ionization possibilities, and a variation of the dissociation pathway. Our results suggest a stepwise process for HF elimination from the fjord region, which supports a selective pathway towards bent nitrogen‐containing graphene fragments.
Separation Units 4.0: Eine große Chance in der Megakrise
Authors: Zeck Sebastian , Bart Hans‐Jörg , Grünewald Marcus
Published: June 2020

No abstract.
Dynamic nonlinear batch process fault detection and identification based on two‐directional dynamic kernel slow feature analysis
Authors: Zhang Hanyuan , Deng Xiaogang , Zhang Yunchu , Hou Chuanjing , Li Chengdong
Published: June 2020

The batch process generally covers high nonlinearity and two‐directional dynamics: time‐wise dynamics, which correspond to inherently time‐varying dynamics resulting from the slowly varying underlying driving forces within each batch duration; and batch‐wise dynamics, which are associated with different operating modes among different batches. However, most existing dynamic nonlinear monitoring methods cannot extract the slowly varying underlying driving forces of the nonlinear batch process and rarely tackle the batch‐wise dynamic characteristics among batch runs. In order to address these issues, a new monitoring scheme based on two‐directional dynamic kernel slow feature analysis (TDKSFA) is developed by combining kernel SFA with a global modelling strategy. In the TDKSFA method, kernel SFA is integrated with the ARMAX time series model to mine the nonlinear and time‐wise dynamic properties within a batch run due to its capability of extracting the slowly varying underlying driving forces. Furthermore, the global modelling strategy is presented to handle the batch‐wise dynamics among batches by calculating the total average kernel matrix of all training batches. After the slow features are extracted, Hotelling's T2 and SPE statistics are built to detect faults. To solve the issue of fault variable nonlinear identification, a novel nonlinear contribution plot inspired by the pseudo‐sample variable projection trajectories in the TDKSFA model is further proposed to identify fault variables. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of the TDKSFA‐based fault diagnosis strategy is demonstrated through a numerical system and the penicillin fermentation process.
Green Synthesized AgNPs Embedded in COF: An Efficient Catalyst for the Synthesis of 2‐Oxazolidinones and α‐Alkylidene Cyclic Carbonates via CO2 Fixation
Authors: Islam Sk. Safikul , Biswas Surajit , Ali Molla Rostam , Yasmin Nasima , Islam Sk. Manirul
Published: June 2020

The synthesis of important organic chemicals through sustainable and green methods is always demanding for the scientific community. Fixation of carbon dioxide for this purpose is very attractive as CO2 is non‐toxic, easily available, naturally abundant, recyclable, non‐flammable and an inexpensive C1 resource, and also the concentration of CO2 (most responsible greenhouse gas) is reduced. This article demonstrates the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by an eco‐friendly method and incorporation of the particles into a covalent organic framework in order to obtain a sustainable heterogeneous catalyst, AgN@COF. The catalyst has been characterized in detail by FT‐IR,UV‐Vis. spectroscopy, FE‐SEM, TEM, EDAX, XPS, PXRD, ICP‐AES, TG‐DTA and N2 absorption‐desorption studies. The synthesized catalyst is able to fix CO2 to terminal propargylic amine and propargylic alcohol for the production of 2‐oxazolidinones and α‐alkylidene cyclic carbonates, respectively, through two different catalytic pathways. In both catalytic protocols, one atmospheric carbon dioxide was used. Production of α‐alkylidene cyclic carbonates occurred at room temperature and solvent‐free condition, and 2‐oxazolidinones were obtained under mild reaction conditions. Moreover, the catalyst is recyclable and reusable. Its catalytic efficacy was preserved even after the use of six consecutive catalytic cycles.
Olfaction at depth: Cribriform plate size declines with dive depth and duration in aquatic arctoid carnivorans
Authors: Bird Deborah J. , Hamid Iman , Fox‐Rosales Lester , Van Valkenburgh Blaire
Published: June 2020

It is widely accepted that obligate aquatic mammals, specifically toothed whales, rely relatively little on olfaction. There is less agreement about the importance of smell among aquatic mammals with residual ties to land, such as pinnipeds and sea otters. Field observations of marine carnivorans stress their keen use of smell while on land or pack ice. Yet, one dimension of olfactory ecology is often overlooked: while underwater, aquatic carnivorans forage “noseblind,” diving with nares closed, removed from airborne chemical cues. For this reason, we predicted marine carnivorans would have reduced olfactory anatomy relative to closely related terrestrial carnivorans. Moreover, because species that dive deeper and longer forage farther removed from surface scent cues, we predicted further reductions in their olfactory anatomy. To test these hypotheses, we looked to the cribriform plate (CP), a perforated bone in the posterior nasal chamber of mammals that serves as the only passageway for olfactory nerves crossing from the periphery to the olfactory bulb and thus covaries in size with relative olfactory innervation. Using CT scans and digital quantification, we compared CP morphology across Arctoidea, a clade at the interface of terrestrial and aquatic ecologies. We found that aquatic carnivoran species from two lineages that independently reinvaded marine environments (Pinnipedia and Mustelidae), have significantly reduced relative CP than terrestrial species. Furthermore, within these aquatic lineages, diving depth and duration were strongly correlated with CP loss, and the most extreme divers, elephant seals, displayed the greatest reductions. These observations suggest that CP reduction in carnivorans is an adaptive response to shifting selection pressures during secondary invasion of marine environments, particularly to foraging at great depths. Because the CP is fairly well preserved in the fossil record, using methods presented here to quantify CP morphology in extinct species could further clarify evolutionary patterns of olfactory loss across aquatic mammal lineages that have independently committed to life in water.
Atrial fibrillation ablation in heart failure patients: improved systolic function after cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation
Authors: Pott Alexander , Jäck Saskia , Schweizer Christiane , Baumhardt Michael , Stephan Tilman , Rattka Manuel , Weinmann Karolina , Bothner Carlo , Scharnbeck Dominik , Keßler Mirjam , Rottbauer Wolfgang , Dahme Tillman
Published: June 2020

Aims

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) are the most common cardiac diseases and often coexist leading to increased mortality and morbidity compared with AF patients without HF. As shown previously, AF ablation using radio frequency (RF) in HF patients leads to a reduction of AF burden, an increase of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and consequently to reduced hospitalization and mortality. Previous AF ablation studies on HF patients have been liberal about additional targets beyond pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Thus, the aim of this study was to assess systematically the impact of a straightforward PVI‐only strategy on LVEF, NYHA functional class, and cardiovascular hospitalization rate in HF patients.

Methods and results

Out of 414 consecutive patients undergoing PVI, only with the cryoballoon 113 patients with reduced LVEF [mean: 38.4 ± 10.8%, reduced ejection fraction (rEF) group] and 301 patients with normal LVEF (>55%) at baseline were identified [normal ejection fraction (nEF) group]. Remarkably, even though freedom from arrhythmia recurrence after 1 year was significantly lower in the rEF group (64.9%) compared with the nEF group (71.2%, P = 0.036), mean LVEF improved from 38.4 ± 10.8% to 52.5 ± 17.2% (P < 0.001) after cryoballoon ablation in the rEF group. Accordingly, HF‐related symptoms as well as hospitalization rate declined significantly in the rEF group during follow‐up compared with baseline.

Conclusions

The results of the present study suggest that catheter ablation restricted to a straightforward PVI‐only strategy using the cryoballoon leads to improved left ventricular ejection fraction as well as improvement of NYHA functional class and increased freedom from cardiovascular rehospitalization.
Heart failure and sleep‐disordered breathing: susceptibility to reduced muscle strength and preclinical congestion (SICA‐HF cohort)
Authors: Bekfani Tarek , Schöbel Christoph , Pietrock Charlotte , Valentova Miroslava , Ebner Nicole , Döhner Wolfram , Schulze P. Christian , Anker Stefan D. , von Haehling Stephan
Published: June 2020

Aims

Increased sympathetic activation in patients with heart failure (HF) and sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB) provokes cardiac decompensation and protein degradation and could lead to muscle wasting and muscle weakness. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in body composition, muscle function, and the susceptibility of preclinical congestion among patients with HF and SDB compared with those without SDB.

Methods and results

We studied 111 outpatients with stable HF who were enrolled into the Studies Investigating Co‐morbidities Aggravating Heart Failure. Echocardiography, short physical performance battery (SPPB), cardiopulmonary exercise testing, dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), tests of muscle strength, and polygraphy were performed. SDB was defined as apnoea/hypopnoea index (AHI) >5 per hour of sleep. Central sleep apnoea (CSA) and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) were defined as AHI >50% of central or obstructive origin, respectively. A total of 74 patients (66.7%) had any form of SDB [CSA (24 patients, 32.4%), OSA (47 patients, 63.5%)]. Patients with SDB showed increased muscle weakness (chair stand), reduced muscle strength, and lower values of SPPB score (P < 0.05). Patients with SDB did not show overt clinical signs of cardiac decompensation compared with those without SDB (P > 0.05) but had increased amounts of water (total body water, intracellular, and extracellular) measured using BIA (P < 0.05). Increased amounts of total body water were associated with the severity of SDB and inversely with muscle strength and exercise capacity measured by anaerobic threshold (P < 0.05). Altogether, 17 patients had muscle wasting. Of these, 11 (65%) patients had SDB (statistically not significant).

Conclusions

SDB is highly prevalent in patients with HF. Patients with SDB have lower muscle strength and tend to be more susceptible to preclinical congestion.
Primary Vinyl Ethers as Acetylene Surrogate: A Flexible Tool for Deuterium‐Labeled Pyrazole Synthesis
Authors: Ledovskaya Maria S. , Voronin Vladimir V. , Polynski Mikhail V. , Lebedev Andrey N. , Ananikov Valentine P.
Published: June 2020

A novel synthetic path to 1,3‐disubstituted pyrazoles and their deuterated derivatives was developed. It is based on the reaction of vinyl ethers with hydrazonoyl chlorides in the presence of triethylamine. The reaction mechanism, clarified by the joint experimental and computational study, involves 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of the in situ generated nitrile imines to vinyl ethers and subsequent cleavage of alcohol from the formed alkoxypyrazoline. The results highlight the possibility of using vinyl ethers as acetylene surrogate and provide a novel access to pyrazoles, 4,5‐dideuteropyrazoles and their regioselectively labeled derivatives, 5‐deuteropyrazoles.
The social network of solidarity with migrants: The role of perceived injunctive norms on intergroup helping behaviors
Authors: Roblain Antoine , Hanioti Mado , Paulis Emilien , Van Haute Emilie , Green Eva G. T.
Published: June 2020

Using an ego‐centered network approach, we examine across two studies whether and how injunctive network norms—behaviors that are approved by alters—are related to majority members’ decisions to participate in helping actions supporting migrants. We hypothesize that the more people perceive their personal social networks as positive toward humanitarian actions for migrants, the more they consider their opinions on migration issues as self‐defining, and the more they are willing to mobilize in helping behaviors. With a name generator approach, we collected personal social network data among majority members of Belgian, mobilized volunteers (Study 1, N = 204) and Swiss, non‐mobilized participants (Study 2, N = 247). Results demonstrate the impact of injunctive network norms in promoting and maintaining helping actions for migrants, and the role of self‐defining attitudes. Overall, the results highlight the importance of injunctive norms within personal social networks for participation in intergroup helping behaviors.
Microbial Fuel Cells: Nanomaterials Based on Anode and Their Application
Authors: Liu Yuanfeng , Zhang Xiuling , Zhang Qichun , Li Congju
Published: June 2020

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) exhibit great potential to generate power through organic wastewater treatment. Limitations have restricted the advanced development of MFCs, including low power density, expensive electrode materials, and the challenge to manufacture MFCs in large scale. However, the introduction of advanced anode materials, especially porous and nanostructured materials, is believed to be an effective way to solve the problems, as they can promote bacteria extracellular electron transfer (EET) because of their unique physical, chemical, and electrical properties. Nanostructured materials, including carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene, activated carbon fiber, metal, metal oxides and conductive polymers, show many appreciable properties such as good conductivity, large specific surface area, and excellent catalytic activity. Additionally, nanomaterials with unique electrochemical properties provide strong charge interactions with organic compounds and the direct electrochemistry process between bacteria and the anode. This Review comprehensively focuses on the recent development of modification of nanostructured anode materials in view of crucial intrinsic factors to enhance electricity output. Furthermore, the enhanced performance of MFCs and the corresponding known mechanism is also discussed, which enables active bacteria to facilitate electron transfer. Finally, promising strategies to modify anode nanomaterials for future research are presented.
Combined effect of external mixture formation and cooled exhaust gas recirculation on engine performance and emissions characteristics of partially pre‐mixed charged compression ignition engine
Authors: Bhurat Swapnil S. , Pandey Shyam , Chintala Venkateshwarlu
Published: June 2020

The present experimental study was aimed to investigate the combined effect of external mixture formation and cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) on performance and emissions characteristics of partially homogeneous charge compression ignition (PCCI) engine. A conventional single‐cylinder four‐stroke compression ignition engine was modified to operate on PCCI mode with the supply of diesel fuel vapor via intake manifold during suction stroke. A Homogenous air‐fuel charge was produced by using a retrofit system to provide fuel vapor. The engine was operated in two modes, direct injection (DI)‐EGR and PCCI (DI‐fuel vapor‐EGR) mode, and then results were compared with DI (conventional) mode. Constant 10% EGR was maintained during DI‐EGR and PCCI modes. Compared to conventional mode, in PCCI mode at full engine load, NOx and smoke opacity were decreased by 2.39 g kW−1 hr−1 and 27% respectively, and the marginal penalty in HC and CO emissions by 0.4 and 0.1 g kW−1 hr−1 was observed. Brake thermal efficiency was slightly reduced by 2.5% compared to DI mode.
Experimental investigation of multi‐stage solar still using phase‐change material
Authors: Ghadamgahi Majid , Ahmadi‐Danesh‐Ashtiani Hossein , Delfani Shahram
Published: June 2020

In the present study, a five‐stage solar still is investigated in which paraffin wax was considered as the phase change material. Considering the climatic conditions of Iran and its locating in an arid area and shortage of freshwater resources, it is essential to produce freshwater from saline water resources. So, herein, a multi‐stage solar still as a commonly used water desalination apparatus with paraffin wax phase change materials was designed, fabricated, and tested. On the back of the collector absorber, the paraffin wax was applied for storing the additional solar energy. The results showed that the application of paraffin‐wax phase‐change agent leads to a 15% increase in freshwater production. The quantity of water generated was also studied in the flow rates of 0.7, 1.3, and 1.8 L/min with and without phase change materials. The results showed that the highest quantity of water produced is obtained in the 1.3 L/min flow rate. Finally, the quantity of water generated in the five stages of the desalination process was separately measured and found that the water produced in the first stage was 70% of the total water.
A high‐order phase‐field based lattice Boltzmann model for simulating complex multiphase flows with large density ratios
Authors: Li Qiao‐Zhong , Lu Zhi‐Liang , Zhou Di , Niu Xiao‐Dong , Guo Tong‐Qin , Du Bing‐Chen
Published: June 2020

Based on phase‐field theory, we develop a simple and robust single relaxation time (SRT) lattice Boltzmann (LB) model for simulating complex multiphase flows with large density ratios (up to 2000). The approach utilizes two LB equations (LBE), one is used to describe the interface behavior and the other is used to calculate the hydrodynamic properties. To improve the accuracy and stability in capturing interface, the high‐order LB model derived through the fourth‐order Chapman‐Enskog expansion analysis is applied to Cahn‐Hilliard equation. For solution of the flow field, a modified particle distribution function in the pressure‐velocity formulation is constructed to correctly consider the effect of local density variation and continuous pressure field. With such improvement, the proposed multiphase LB model is able to maintain numerical stability for the problem with very large density ratio, lower relaxation parameter and complex interface. For validation, a series of benchmark cases are carried out. Specially, the full potential of the proposed model is validated by bubble bursting at a free surface, bubble rising and droplet splashing with a density ratio of 2000. In all test cases, the obtained numerical results agree well with the reference data or the analytical solutions.
A new BISARMA time series model for forecasting mortality using weather and particulate matter data
Authors: Leiva Víctor , Saulo Helton , Souza Rubens , Aykroyd Robert G. , Vila Roberto
Published: June 2020

The Birnbaum–Saunders (BS) distribution is a model that frequently appears in the statistical literature and has proved to be very versatile and efficient across a wide range of applications. However, despite the growing interest in the study of this distribution and the development of many articles, few of them have considered data with a dependency structure. To fill this gap, we introduce a new class of time series models based on the BS distribution, which allows modeling of positive and asymmetric data that have an autoregressive structure. We call these BS autoregressive moving average (BISARMA) models. Also included is a thorough study of theoretical properties of the proposed methodology and of practical issues, such as maximum likelihood parameter estimation, diagnostic analytics, and prediction. The performance of the proposed methodology is evaluated using Monte Carlo simulations. An analysis of real‐world data is performed using the methodology to show its potential for applications. The numerical results report the excellent performance of the BISARMA model, indicating that the BS distribution is a good modeling choice when dealing with time series data with positive support and asymmetrically distributed. Hence, it can be a valuable addition to the toolkit of applied statisticians and data scientists.