bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incorporatingin situprey distribution into foraging habitat modelling for marine megafauna in the Solor waters of the Savu Sea, Indonesia
Authors: Putra Mochamad Iqbal Herwata , Mustika Putu Liza Kusuma
Published: July 2020

Many marine animals aggregate seasonally at predictable locations to exploit their prey in oligotrophic environments, making them vulnerable to human disturbance.

The foraging strategies and habitats of manta rays andStenellaspp. in the Solor waters were largely unknown, despite the importance of this information for their effective management, e.g. through the establishment of marine protected areas in this region.

Over the last few decades, the use of foraging habitat models in describing the foraging strategy and delineating the predicted habitats has grown in popularity. However, most of these studies have relied on remotely sensed data such as sea surface chlorophyll‐ato estimate prey distribution. Very few studies have used the distribution ofin situprey, which is that closer to the trophic level of modelled species, although such a strategy would improve model performance.

The study compares foraging habitat model performance for manta rays andStenellaspp. in the waters of Solor using remotely sensed sea surface chlorophyll‐aconcentrations andin situzooplankton biomass as proxies for prey quantities and distribution. A Maximum Entropy model that integrated species sightings with environmental predictors was used to quantify the importance of predictors in explaining habitat preference and distribution of manta rays andStenellaspp. and to compare model performance and predict foraging habitats.

Results indicate that the use of prey proxy closer to the trophic level of examined species improve model performance, ecological explanations, and spatial predictions.

The zooplankton biomass distribution performed much better in explaining the manta rays' habitats compared to that ofStenellaspp., indicating that a trophic level gap might influence the zooplankton's ability to predict foraging habitats ofStenellaspp.

This study highlights the importance of integrating foraging habitat models into marine protected area design to ensure the effectiveness of species management.
Defect‐Rich Copper‐doped Ruthenium Hollow Nanoparticles for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Electrocatalysis in Alkaline Electrolyte
Authors: Liang Jiashun , Zhu Lixing , Chen Shaoqing , Priest Cameron , Liu Xuan , Wang Hsing‐Lin , Wu Gang , Li Qing
Published: July 2020

It is of great importance to develop highly eﬃcient and stable Pt‐free catalysts for electrochemical hydrogen generation from water electrolysis. Here, monodisperse 7.5 nm copper‐doped ruthenium hollow nanoparticles (NPs) with abundant defects and amorphous/crystalline hetero‐phases were prepared and employed as efficient hydrogen evolution electrocatalysts in alkaline electrolyte. Specifically, these NPs only require a low overpotential of 25 mV to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in 1.0 M KOH and show acceptable stability after 2000 potential cycles, which represents one of the best Ru‐based electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution. Mechanism analysis indicates that Cu incorporation can modify the electronic structure of Ru shell, thereby optimizing the energy barrier for water adsorption and dissociation processes or H adsorption/desorption. Cu doping paired with the defect‐rich and highly open hollow structure of the NPs greatly enhances hydrogen evolution activity.
Modulation of Nuclearity in CuII−MnII Complexes of a N2O2 Donor Ligand Depending upon Carboxylate Anions: Structures, Magnetic Properties and Catalytic Oxidase Activities
Authors: Ganguly Sayantan , Mayans Júlia , Ghosh Ashutosh
Published: July 2020

Three new hetero‐metallic copper(II)‐manganese(II) complexes, [(CuL)2Mn3(C6H5CO2)6] (1), [(CuL)2Mn(CH3CO2)2] (2), and {[(CuL)2Mn(C6H5CH2CO2)2] ⋅ 2CH3CN} (3), have been synthesized using [CuL] as ‘‘metalloligand’’ (where H2L=N,N′‐bis(2‐hydroxynaphthyl‐methylidene)‐1,3‐propanediamine). Single‐crystal structural analyses show an almost linear penta‐nuclear structure for complex 1 where a square planar [CuL] unit is connected to each of the two terminal MnII ions of a linear, centrosymmetric [Mn3(benzoate)6] unit through the double phenoxido bridges. Both complexes 2 and 3 possess a linear tri‐nuclear structure where two terminal square‐pyramidal [CuL] units are bonded to the central MnII ion through double phenoxido oxygen atoms along with a syn‐syn bridging acetate (for 2)/phenyl acetate (for 3). All three complexes exhibit catecholase, and phenoxazinone synthase‐like activities under aerial conditions. For catecholase like activity, the turnover numbers (kcat) are 595, 40, and 205 h−1 whereas, for phenoxazinone synthase like activity, the turnover numbers are 25, 4, and 11 h−1 for complexes 1–3, respectively. The mechanism of both catalytic oxidase activities is proposed on the basis of mass spectral evidences. Variable‐temperature (2–300 K) dc molar magnetic susceptibility measurements of 1 reveal antiferromagnetic interactions between the Cu−Mn centres (J1=−29.3 cm−1), and also between the Mn−Mn centres of the [Mn3(benzoate)6] unit (J2=−0.68 cm−1). On increasing the magnetic field at 2 K, its ground spin state changes from S=3/2 to S=5/2 at 4 T, attributable to the low value of J2 which makes the excited spin states close in energy with the ground spin state. Complexes 2 and 3 show antiferromagnetic coupling interactions between the Cu−Mn pairs with J values of −9.51, and −5.32 cm−1, respectively.
Cellular and developmental basis of orofacial clefts
Authors: Ji Yu , Garland Michael A. , Sun Bo , Zhang Shuwen , Reynolds Kurt , McMahon Moira , Rajakumar Ratheya , Islam Mohammad S. , Liu Yue , Chen YiPing , Zhou Chengji J.
Published: July 2020

During craniofacial development, defective growth and fusion of the upper lip and/or palate can cause orofacial clefts (OFCs), which are among the most common structural birth defects in humans. The developmental basis of OFCs includes morphogenesis of the upper lip, primary palate, secondary palate, and other orofacial structures, each consisting of diverse cell types originating from all three germ layers: the ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. Cranial neural crest cells and orofacial epithelial cells are two major cell types that interact with various cell lineages and play key roles in orofacial development. The cellular basis of OFCs involves defective execution in any one or several of the following processes: neural crest induction, epithelial‐mesenchymal transition, migration, proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, primary cilia formation and its signaling transduction, epithelial seam formation and disappearance, periderm formation and peeling, convergence and extrusion of palatal epithelial seam cells, cell adhesion, cytoskeleton dynamics, and extracellular matrix function. The latest cellular and developmental findings may provide a basis for better understanding of the underlying genetic, epigenetic, environmental, and molecular mechanisms of OFCs.
Empirical Bayes small area prediction under a zero‐inflated lognormal model with correlated random area effects
Authors: Lyu Xiaodan , Berg Emily J. , Hofmann Heike
Published: July 2020

Many variables of interest in agricultural or economical surveys have skewed distributions and can equal zero. Our data are measures of sheet and rill erosion called Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation ‐ 2 (RUSLE2). Small area estimates of mean RUSLE2 erosion are of interest. We use a zero‐inflated lognormal mixed effects model for small area estimation. The model combines a unit‐level lognormal model for the positive RUSLE2 responses with a unit‐level logistic mixed effects model for the binary indicator that the response is nonzero. In the Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) data, counties with a higher probability of nonzero responses also tend to have a higher mean among the positive RUSLE2 values. We capture this property of the data through an assumption that the pair of random effects for a county are correlated. We develop empirical Bayes (EB) small area predictors and a bootstrap estimator of the mean squared error (MSE). In simulations, the proposed predictor is superior to simpler alternatives. We then apply the method to construct EB predictors of mean RUSLE2 erosion for South Dakota counties. To obtain auxiliary variables for the population of cropland in South Dakota, we integrate a satellite‐derived land cover map with a geographic database of soil properties. We provide an R Shiny application called viscover (available at https://lyux.shinyapps.io/viscover/) to visualize the overlay operations required to construct the covariates. On the basis of bootstrap estimates of the mean square error, we conclude that the EB predictors of mean RUSLE2 erosion are superior to direct estimators.
Synthesis, anticancer activity, and β‐lactoglobulin binding interactions of multitargeted kinase inhibitor sorafenib tosylate (SORt) using spectroscopic and molecular modelling approaches
Authors: Tanzadehpanah Hamid , Bahmani Asrin , Hosseinpour Moghadam Neda , Gholami Hamid , Mahaki Hanie , Farmany Abbas , Saidijam Massoud
Published: July 2020

Sorafenib tosylate (SORt) is an oral multikinase inhibitor used for treatment of advanced renal cell, liver, and thyroid cancers. In this study, this drug was synthesized and its antiproliferative activities against HCT116 and CT26 cells were assessed. The interaction of SORt with β‐lactoglobulin (BLG) was studied using different fluorescence techniques, circular dichroism (CD), zeta potential measurements, and docking simulation. The results of infrared (IR), mass, HNMR, and CNMR spectra demonstrated that the drug was produced with high quality, purity, and efficiency. SORt showed potent cytotoxicity against HCT116 and CT26 cells with IC50 of 8.12 and 5.42 μM, respectively. For BLG binding of SORt, the results showed that static quenching was the cause of the high affinity drug–protein interaction. Three‐dimensional fluorescence and synchronous spectra indicated that SORt conformation was changed at different levels. CD suggested that the α‐helix content remained almost constant in the BLG–SORt complex, whereas random coil content decreased. Zeta potential values of BLG were more positive after binding with SORt, due to electrostatic interactions between BLG and SORt. Thermodynamic parameters confirmed van der Waals and hydrogen bond interactions in the complex formation. Molecular modelling predicted the presence of hydrogen bonds and electrostatic forces in the BLG–SORt system, which was consistent with the experimental results.
Brain death following ingestion of E‐cigarette liquid nicotine refill solution
Authors: Scarpino Maenia , Bonizzoli Manuela , Lanzi Cecilia , Lanzo Giovanni , Lazzeri Chiara , Cianchi Giovanni , Gambassi Francesco , Lolli Francesco , Grippo Antonello
Published: July 2020

Background

The use of electronic cigarettes (e‐cigarettes) is very common worldwide. To date, an increase of nicotine intoxication following an accidental or intentional ingestion/injection of refill solution (e‐liquid) has been detected.

Case

A 23‐year‐old man presented with sudden loss of consciousness, bradycardia, and respiratory muscle paralysis after intentional ingestion of e‐liquid. Early clinical data, brain computed tomography, and neurophysiological tests (electroencephalogram [EEG] and somatosensory evoked potentials [SEPs]) did not show features with a poor neurological prognostic meaning of an hypoxic encephalopathy. After 4 days, the patient showed bilateral loss of the pupillary reflex, and severe and cytotoxic edema was detected on brain magnetic resonance imaging. SEPs showed a bilateral loss of cortical responses and EEG a suppressed pattern. Nine days after the onset of coma, the patient evolved toward brain death (BD).

Discussion

Because nicotine intoxication might cause respiratory muscle paralysis, without cardiac arrest (CA), it would be important to understand the mechanisms underlying brain damage and to take into account that the current neurological prognostic evidence for hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy, based on data from patients who all experienced CA may not be reliable. Reporting cases of nicotine intoxication through e‐liquid is relevant in order to improve regulatory parameters for e‐liquid sale.
Impact of public health emergency response to COVID‐19 on management and outcome for NSTEMI patients in Beijing: A single‐center historic control
Authors: Liu Shuai , Song Chenxi , Yin Dong , Wang Yang , Zhao Yanyan , Yang Weixian , Qiao Shubin , Dou Kefei , Xu Bo
Published: July 2020

Background

During coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) epidemic, reducing the number of invasive procedure and choosing conservative medication strategy for patients with non‐ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) is unavoidable. Whether this relatively conservative strategy will impact in‐hospital outcome for NSTEMI patients remains unclear.

Methods and Results

The current study included all consecutive NSTEMI patients who visited the emergency department in Fuwai Hospital from February 1 to March 31, 2020 and all the NSTEMI patients in the same period of 2019 as a historical control. Very‐high‐risk patients were defined as clinical presentation of heart failure, cardiac shock, cardiac arrest, recurrent chest pain, and life‐threatening arrhythmias. The primary outcome was in‐hospital major adverse cardiac events (MACE), defined as a composite of all‐cause death, recurrent myocardial infarction, or heart failure. A total of 115 NSTEMI patients were enrolled since the outbreak of COVID‐19, and a total of 145 patients were included in the control group. There was a tendency toward higher MACE risk in 2020 compared with 2019 (18.3% vs. 11.7%, p = .14). Among very‐high‐risk patients, early percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) strategy in 2019 was associated with reduced MACE risk compared with delayed PCI in 2020 (60.6% [20/33] in 2020 vs. 27.9% [12/43] in 2019, p = .01).

Conclusions

COVID‐19 pandemic results in a significant reduction in immediate/early PCI and a trend toward higher adverse event rate during hospitalization, particular in very‐high‐risk patients.
Outcomes of percutaneous coronary interventions in patients with liver transplant
Authors: Shah Harshil , Ramineni Gowthami , Varghese Rinu , Thwe Ei Ei , Hassan Maysar , Abdul‐lattif Eahab , Shah Priyal , Sarker Khadiza , Patel Achint , Gandhi Darshan , Solanki Shantanu
Published: July 2020

Objective

Our aim is to describe characteristics of liver transplant patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) as well as in‐hospital outcomes including the mortality and peri‐procedural complications from the largest publicly available inpatient database in the United States from 2002 to 2014.

Background

Outcomes of PCI are well studied in patients with end‐stage liver disease but not well studied in patients who receive liver transplant (LT).

Methods

Data derived from Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) were analyzed for years 2002–2014. Adult Hospitalizations with PCI were identified using ICD‐9‐CM procedure codes. LT status and various complications were identified by using previously validated ICD‐9‐CM diagnosis codes. Endpoints were in‐hospital mortality and peri‐procedural complications. Propensity match analysis was performed to compare the endpoints between two groups.

Results

During the study period, 8,595,836 patients underwent PCI; 4,080 (0.04%) patients had prior LT status. 93% of patients were above age 59 years, 79% were males and 69% were nonwhites. Out of the total patients with LT status, 73% had hypertension, 57% had diabetes mellitus, and 47% had renal failure. Post‐PCI complications were studied further in both liver and non‐LT patients after 1:1 propensity match which showed the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) was higher in LT group (12.3 vs 10.7%, p = .024) but dialysis requiring AKI was similar.

Conclusion

Among the LT recipients undergoing PCI, majority were nonwhite males. Almost more than half of the recipients had diabetes mellitus and renal failure. Incidence of AKI was higher in LT group, but other peri‐procedural complications were comparable.
Applying concurrent multidisciplinary care to gender affirmation in transgender women: A case series
Authors: Lloyd Adam , Brenner Sara , Fein Lydia A. , Rosow David
Published: July 2020

Gender affirmation surgeries, though important for many transgender persons, can be numerous. Combining surgeries, as presented in this case series, affords many benefits to patients without increasing risk or complications.
Electronic Structure Based Intuitive Design Principle of Single‐Atom Catalysts for Efficient Electrolytic Nitrogen Reduction
Authors: Kumar Ritesh , Singh Abhishek K.
Published: July 2020

As an alternative to cost‐ and energy intensive Haber‐Bosch process, the implementation of electrolytic ammonia synthesis from dinitrogen molecule has been a long‐sought goal. State‐of‐the‐art electrocatalysts for nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) face not only activity but also selectivity problem with the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Recently, single‐atom catalysts (SACs) have emerged as promising for various reactions as they combine the best of homogenous and heterogenous catalysts. The reason for their high activity compared to their bulk and nanoparticle counterparts are yet to be completely understood. Inspired by the structure of nitrogenase FeMo cofactor, here we studied 13 transition metals anchored on MoS2 monolayer at Mo‐top positions, as possible electrolytic NRR catalysts using first‐principles methods. Employing the implicit solvation model, we calculated free energy barriers for proton abstraction by N2 molecule in end‐on configuration and adsorption free energy of hydrogen on all SACs. Based on these two parameters, Fe, Co, and Ru were found to be the most active and highly selective electrolytic NRR catalysts. Compared with other mechanisms, the limiting potentials (and hence activity) for enzymatic mechanism were found to be higher on these three SACs, with Ru SAC having a very low overpotential of 0.38 V vs SHE. Bader charge transferred from transition metal to N2 molecule and group number of transition metals correlate strongly with the NRR activity and hence emerge as two key descriptors for catalytic activity. These intuitive principles for rational designing of promising alternatives to the currently used bulk Ru(0001) catalyst could accelerate the search for highly efficient and selective SACs for electrolytic NRR.
Mesophilic and Thermophilic Anaerobic Digestion of Model Kitchen Waste with Variation of Fat Content
Authors: Sobon‐Mühlenbrock Elena , Schlienz Markus , Greger Manfred
Published: July 2020

Anaerobic digestion of model kitchen waste (MKW) produced on basis of real kitchen waste (KW) is studied in batch tests. The impact of fat content of three MKWs (14.7 %, 23 %, and 27.2 % rapeseed oil content) on the biogas production at mesophilic and thermophilic conditions and two loadings is examined. The loading of 5 gVSL−1 leads to fast degradation under both temperature modes and the volume of biogas produced is only weakly correlated to the oil content. For the loading of 25 gVSL−1 a strong retardation of biogas production, high concentration of volatile fatty acids and no correlation of oil content is observed.
Asymmetric Deoxygenative Cyanation of Benzyl Alcohols Enabled by Synergistic Photoredox and Copper Catalysis†
Authors: Chen Hong‐Wei , Lu Fu‐Dong , Cheng Ying , Jia Yue , Lu Liang‐Qiu , Xiao Wen‐Jing
Published: July 2020

Summary of main observation and conclusion

An enantioselective deoxygenative cyanation of benzyl alcohols was accomplished for the first time through the synergistic photoredox and copper catalysis. This reaction features the use of organic photosensitizer and low‐cost 3d metal catalyst, simple and safe operations, and extremely mild conditions. A variety of chiral benzyl nitriles were produced in generally good yields and high level of enantiocontrols from readily available feedstocks (22 examples, up to 93% yield and 92% ee).
On variable ordination of Cholesky‐based estimation for a sparse covariance matrix
Authors: Kang Xiaoning , Deng Xinwei
Published: July 2020

Estimation of a large sparse covariance matrix is of great importance for statistical analysis, especially in high‐dimensional settings. The traditional approach such as the sample covariance matrix performs poorly due to the high dimensionality. The modified Cholesky decomposition (MCD) is a commonly used method for sparse covariance matrix estimation. However, the MCD method relies on the order of variables, which often is not available or cannot be pre‐determined in practice. In this work, we solve this order issue by obtaining a set of covariance matrix estimates based on assuming different orders of variables used in the MCD. Then we consider an ensemble estimator as the “centre” of such a set of covariance matrix estimates with respect to the Frobenius norm. Our proposed method not only ensures that the estimator is positive definite, but also captures the underlying sparse structure of the covariance matrix. Under some regularity conditions, we establish both algorithmic and asymptotic convergence of the proposed method. Its merits are illustrated via simulation studies and a practical example using data from a prostate cancer study.
Oxygen Vacancy‐Engineered Ti−Mo−Ni Ternary Oxide Nanotubes as Binder‐Free Supercapacitor Electrodes with Exceptional Potential Window
Authors: Deyab Nourhan M. , Ahmed Nashaat , Allam Nageh K.
Published: July 2020

The charge storage performance of metal oxides as electrochemical supercapacitor electrodes is limited by their poor conductivity and limited operating potential window. Herein, we report on the oxygen‐vacancy engineering of Ti−Mo−Ni−O nanotubes via hydrogen annealing to boost their capacitive performance. Hydrogen treatment of the nanotubes resulted in 110% increase in specific capacitance as compared to the air‐annealed counterpart with excellent stability over 3700 cycles and an exceptional capacitance retention of 99%. The observed enhancement can be ascribed to the faradaic capacitance contribution from the several redox pairs of Nickel, Molybdenum, and Ti3+. This was further confirmed via the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements, revealing a drastic decrease in the internal resistance upon hydrogen treatment. We hope our demonstrated two‐step interfacial engineering opens a new strategy to design high performance electrode materials for advanced electrochemical supercapacitors.
Synthesis and Antitumor Activity Evaluation of Cyclometalated 2H‐Indazole Ruthenium(II) and Iridium(III) Complexes
Authors: Rao Ramdas Nishanth , Panchangam Rajeeva Lochana , Manickam Venkatraman , Balamurali Musuvathi Motilal , Chanda Kaushik
Published: July 2020

In this work, a series of novel C−N cyclometalated 2H‐indazole Ru(II) and Ir(III) complexes were synthesized, wherein chelating ligands with substituents like H, and isopropyl group in the R4 position of the phenyl ring of the 2H‐indazole chelating ligand are present. The cytotoxicity of Ru(II) and Ir(III) complexes has been evaluated against different human cancer cell lines (HeLa, MCF‐7, and A549) in a concentration‐dependent manner. The new iridium complex with isopropyl substituent in the phenyl ring of the 2H‐indazole moiety showed good cytotoxic activity against MCF‐7 cells with an IC50 value 3.5 μM. The complex also exhibited cytotoxicity comparable to that of cisplatin. The ability of this compound inducing apoptosis was tested by nuclear condensation, cell membrane blebbing and caspase 3/7 activation. Further, this iridium complex is capable of inhibiting cancer cell migration when tested in MCF‐7 cell line. Subsequently, we have studied the DNA binding and protein binding ability of the newly synthesized iridium complex.
Channel aware wireless body area network with cognitive radio technology in disaster cases
Authors: Cicioğlu Murtaza , Çalhan Ali
Published: July 2020

Today, developments in wireless technologies and the increase in disaster cases reveal the necessity of various wireless technologies cooperation. Several technologies are able to cooperate with each other for eHealth, IoT, and so forth applications in disaster cases with the pros and cons of today's communications. Wireless Body Area Networks (WBAN) and cognitive radio (CR) are promising technologies that can be used together to troubleshoot communication problems and make rescue operations successful in disaster situations. WBAN is a radio frequency‐based wireless network technology that aims to monitor the functions and conditions of the human body through the sensor nodes that form a network. CR proposes solutions to current problems of wireless communications such as spectrum scarcity and inefficient use of the spectrum. In this study, CR‐based WBAN architecture is proposed in disaster cases, and so the emergency, time‐critical, and vital signs of WBAN users (endangered people and rescue team members) are able to reach the health unit or disaster management unit in an opportunistic way. CR technology is integrated with a WBAN architecture utilizing the CSMA/C‐based IEEE 802.15.6 standard, and performance analysis is executed with the Riverbed Modeler simulation software. Furthermore, using the channel bonding technique, the throughput, the delay, the packet delivery ratios, and energy consumption ratios of the proposed architecture are investigated. According to the results, it was found that CR‐based WBAN architecture was 25% more successful in energy efficiency and 5% more successful in packet delivery ratio with channel bonding technique than the traditional WBAN.
Microtubules provide guidance cues for myofibril and sarcomere assembly and growth
Authors: Dhanyasi Nagaraju , VijayRaghavan K. , Shilo Ben‐Zion , Schejter Eyal D.
Published: July 2020

Background

Muscle myofibrils and sarcomeres present exceptional examples of highly ordered cytoskeletal filament arrays, whose distinct spatial organization is an essential aspect of muscle cell functionality. We utilized ultra‐structural analysis to investigate the assembly of myofibrils and sarcomeres within developing myotubes of the indirect flight musculature of Drosophila.

Results

A temporal sequence composed of three major processes was identified: subdivision of the unorganized cytoplasm of nascent, multi‐nucleated myotubes into distinct organelle‐rich and filament‐rich domains; initial organization of the filament‐rich domains into myofibrils harboring nascent sarcomeric units; and finally, maturation of the highly‐ordered pattern of sarcomeric thick (myosin‐based) and thin (microfilament‐based) filament arrays in parallel to myofibril radial growth. Significantly, organized microtubule arrays were present throughout these stages and exhibited dynamic changes in their spatial patterns consistent with instructive roles. Genetic manipulations confirm these notions, and imply specific and critical guidance activities of the microtubule‐based cytoskeleton, as well as structural interdependence between the myosin‐ and actin‐based filament arrays.

Conclusions

Our observations highlight a surprisingly significant, behind‐the‐scenes role for microtubules in establishment of myofibril and sarcomere spatial patterns and size, and provide a detailed account of the interplay between major cytoskeletal elements in generating these essential contractile myogenic units.
Proposal of micro plasma extraction device by autonomous trigger control
Authors: Naito Hiroki , Okamoto Shunya , Ukita Yoshiaki
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we report on the development of a microfluidic device, which extracts plasma from low‐volume whole blood (10 μL), and is aimed at integration with microfluidic system for micro analytical systems. The device autonomously separates blood cells and transfers the separated plasma by steady rotation. Based on the original autonomous fluidic control theory, we developed the principle of automatic timed injection of pressurizing medium into the separation chamber. This realizes the transferring of separated plasma from blood separation chamber to the other place, after separating blood cells by centrifugal force. Through the demonstration on a polydimethylsiloxane microfluidic device, we confirmed that the automatic plasma extraction was successfully implemented as designed. The efficiency of separation was evaluated on the basis of the concentrations of blood cells in samples before and after extraction, and the rate of blood cell removal was 98.5%.
Porous Bamboo‐Derived Carbon as Selenium Host for Advanced Lithium/Sodium–Selenium Batteries
Authors: Ma Chenhui , Wang Helei , Zhao Xiaosen , Wang Xin , Miao Yongqiang , Cheng Lu , Wang Chunzhong , Wang Lei , Yue Huijuan , Zhang Dong
Published: July 2020

Selenium (Se) has received extensive attention as the most competitive cathode material for next generation high‐energy batteries. However, the shuttle effect of polyselenide and volume change lead to inferior electrochemical properties. To solve these issues, a porous bamboo‐derived carbon (PBC) with abundant meso/micropores is prepared as a framework to effectively encapsulate elemental selenium. For Li–Se batteries, Se/PBC electrode delivers an outstanding capacity of 509 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 0.2 C (1 C = 675 mA g−1) with a low capacity fade of 0.036% per cycle. The Se/PBC composite also reveals a satisfied electrochemical performance for Na–Se batteries with an excellent capacity of 409 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 0.2 C. Moreover, Se/PBC electrode also presents excellent long‐term cycle performance and rate performance at 15 C for Li–Se batteries and 10 C for Na–Se batteries. The outstanding properties are attributed to the specific 3D structure and high conductivity of PBC, which significantly inhibits the shuttle effect and enhances the reaction kinetics. Herein, not only the great application potential of bamboo in energy storage systems is demonstrated, but also an effective approach and low‐cost strategy for improving the performance of lithium/sodium–selenium batteries is offered.
Superior three‐dimensional perovskite catalyst for catalytic oxidation
Authors: Han Ning , Wang Shuo , Yao Zhengxin , Zhang Wei , Zhang Xuan , Zeng Lin , Chen Ruofei
Published: July 2020

Due to the fact that traditional heavy metal‐based catalysts toward wastewater treatment could cause the problem of secondary contamination, it is imperative to seek for more eco‐friendly catalysts to address this tricky issue. Recently, numerous novel metal‐based heterogeneous catalysts, especially perovskite oxides, have been widely investigated for the activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS), which is significant in the removal of organic pollutants. Here, we report a novel perovskite oxide (La0.7Sr0.3)CoO3‐δ (LSC)‐based 3D ceramic hollow fiber catalyst for aqueous‐phase advanced oxidation. Through it cooperating with PMS, the methylene blue (20 ppm) can be completely degraded only about 30 minutes. The mechanism of advanced oxidation process is explored via the electron paramagnetic resonance test on the active species. In addition, it also displays high activity for the degradation of other pollutes, such as tetrabromobisphenol A and rhodamine B. This study provides a new strategy to effectively degrade contaminant via introducing 3D ceramic catalysts.

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Steam reforming of tar from raw coke oven gas over bifunctional catalysts: Reforming performance for H2 production
Authors: Zhang Weidong , Xie Huaqing , Yu Zhenyu , Wang Panlei , Wang Zhengyu , Yu Qingbo
Published: July 2020

In this article, the bifunctional NiO/CaO@C12A7 catalysts having reforming catalytic effect and CO2 adsorption effect were prepared with co‐precipitation method, and were used in the sorption‐enhanced steam reforming process of tar from RCOG for hydrogen production. Among six kinds of samples with different load ratios, the catalyst with the CaO:C12A7:NiO ratio of 70:15:15 showed the best catalytic performance for the steam reforming of tar to produce H2 as well as the excellent characterization. Under the action of this catalyst, the H2 yield obtained from the steam reforming process of 1‐methylnaphthalene (C11H10) as the tar model compound were higher than that from the common steam reforming process, and the best H2 yield was obtained at the reforming temperature of 750°C, the S/C ratio of 12 and the WHSV of 0.055 hr−1, with the value of 83.9%.
Paper mill wastewater treatment by Fe2+ and heat‐activated persulfate oxidation: Process modeling and optimization
Authors: Can‐Güven Emine , Guvenc Senem Yazici , Kavan Nihal , Varank Gamze
Published: July 2020

This study investigated Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and turbidity removal from paper mill industry wastewater via Fe2+/heat‐activated persulfate oxidation. A mathematical model was developed, and the process variables (pH, reaction time, PS/COD, Fe2+ concentration for Fe2+‐activated PS, and temperature for heat‐activated PS) were optimized using the Response Surface Methodology and Central Composite Design methods. Under the optimum conditions, respectively, 70.9 and 99.4% COD and turbidity removal efficiencies were obtained for Fe2+‐activated PS oxidation, while 56.1 and 98.9% COD and turbidity removal efficiencies were determined for heat‐activated PS oxidation. The results indicated that both processes are efficient for paper mill industry wastewater treatment, and central composite design is an appropriate method for designing and optimizing process parameters.
Sonochemical production of hydrogen: A numerical model applied to the recovery of aqueous methanol waste under oxygen‐argon atmosphere
Authors: Kerboua Kaouther , Hamdaoui Oualid , Al‐Zahrani Saeed
Published: July 2020

The present paper consists of a numerical simulation that investigates the opportunity to treat wastewater contaminated with methanol by sonolysis. The technique offers a double benefit in regard to two axes: methanol degradation and hydrogen emergence. The adopted model based on the simultaneous evolutions of bubble dynamics, physical and chemical kinetics as well as thermodynamics parameters inside the bubble, resulted in very interesting trends of methanol degradation efficiency and percentage of recovery to hydrogen. On one hand, the sonolysis of wastewater containing 6 to 40% (vol/vol) of methanol conducts to more than 90% of elimination efficiency under an atmosphere of 40% molar of argon. On the other hand, hydrogen production attains an optimum within a solution of 40% (vol/vol) of methanol under 50% molar of argon. The best combination of both axes is retrieved in the case of wastewater containing 20% (vol/vol) of methanol and saturated with 70% molar of argon; it leads to the elimination of 99.9% of the alcohol, and the conversion of the equivalent of 59% of the molar yield of degraded methanol to hydrogen.
Multi‐source ambient energy harvester based on RF and thermal energy: Design, testing, and IoT application
Authors: Bakytbekov Azamat , Nguyen Thang Q. , Li Weiwei , Lee Cottrill Anton , Zhang Ge , Strano Michael S. , Salama Khaled N. , Shamim Atif
Published: July 2020

Billions of wireless sensing devices must be powered for IoT applications. Collecting energy from the ambient environment to power sensor nodes is a promising solution. Solar energy has been one of the main sources of ambient energy due to its availability, higher power density, and the maturity of the solar photovoltaic industry. However, there are many scenarios (indoor environment, outdoor environment during nighttime, poor weather conditions, underground, etc) where ambient solar energy is either not available or not sufficient for practical applications. For such scenarios, other renewable sources of energy must be sought. Typically, not enough power is collected from one ambient source to charge sensor nodes for continuous operation. In this work, we present a multi‐source energy harvester that collects RF and thermal energy (both available 24 hours) from the ambient environment simultaneously. The RF energy harvester is multi‐band and collects power from GSM (900, 1800 MHz) and 3G (2100 MHz). The thermal harvester converts diurnal temperature fluctuations to electrical energy using high thermal effusivity phase change material. Extensive field testing has been performed in three different conditions—outdoors, indoors, and buried underground—to highlight the usefulness of the multi‐source energy harvester in all these environments. When one source is disabled, the harvester still generates energy from the remaining active source and can enable continuous operation of futuristic IoT sensors. As a proof of concept, a real‐world IoT application is demonstrated, where temperature and humidity sensors are powered by the multi‐source energy harvester. Continuous robust operation of the sensors and wireless data transmission after each 3.7 seconds are expected when both harvesters operate in full mode. Scenarios, where only single thermal energy harvester or only single RF energy harvester operates, are also demonstrated and data transmission with average time intervals of 30 seconds and 9 minutes is achieved, respectively.
A robust overset assembly method for multiple overlapping bodies
Authors: Hu Zhiyuan , Xu Guohua , Shi Yongjie
Published: July 2020

A robust overset assembly method allowing for multiple overlapping bodies is presented. This method extends the overset assembly method to deal with the interference between objects and prevents the failure of the search for donor cells due to the complex shape of the models. The donor cells are searched before identifying the boundary of the chimera interpolation. By selecting interpolation cells only in areas with donor cells, the final overset interpolation boundary cells can always find their donor cells, which prevents orphan points and achieves excellent robustness. First, the implementation of the proposed assembly method is described in detail. Subsequently, the usability and efficiency of the method are verified using several cases. Finally, the integration strategy of the computational fluid dynamics solver based on overset interpolation with the modification of the boundary type is described and verified using practical cases with overlapping bodies. The results demonstrate the applicability of the proposed overset grid assembly method.
Petrogenesis of Cretaceous granites in the southern Sulu Orogen: Implications for the flare‐up of post‐collisional magmatism
Authors: Chen Yulei , Wang Tao , Dong Yunxi , Wang Yan , Du Shenmeng , Du Jinzhi , Yang Tao
Published: July 2020

To well understand the dynamic mechanism of Cretaceous magmatism flare‐up in the southern Sulu Orogen (SSO), the ages and petrogenesis of Qingyun monzogranites and the other coeval granitic plutons in the SSO are investigated herein through an integrated study of petrology, geochemistry, geochronology, and Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotopes. The studied granites are characterized by high Si, weak peraluminous, poor Fe and Mg, rich alkaline and high K. They are also characterized by enriched light rare earth element (LREE) and depleted heavy rare earth element (HREE), with the strong fractionation between LREE and HREE [(La/Yb)N = 19.71–45.78]. Besides, the rocks are depleted in HFSEs (i.e., Ta, Nb, Ti, and P) and relatively enriched in Pb and LILEs (i.e., Rb, Th, and K), with moderate negative Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.62–0.72). The lithogeochemical characteristics indicate that they are highly differentiated I‐type granite. Zircon U–Pb dating shows the age of monzogranite is 126.7 ± 1.0 Ma, which formed by magmatism in the Early Cretaceous. In addition, all the samples have low (206Pb/204Pb)i, (207Pb/204Pb)i, and (208Pb/204Pb)i (15.927–16.173, 15.356–15.383, and 37.084–37.412, respectively), similar to coeval felsic and mafic rocks from the Sulu Orogen and the North China Craton (NCC). Moreover, they display negative εHf(t) values (−21.53 to −34.43) with TDM2 model ages (2.55–3.35 Ga). Both the εHf(t) and TDM2 model ages indicate that they are derived from partial melting of the NCC Neoarchean continental crust. Therefore, it is believed that the rocks are primarily derived from partial melting of lower crust in granulite facies beneath the moderate pressure (0.8–1.3 GPa), corresponding to a depth of 35–45 km, within an extensional tectonic environment. The mineral fractional crystallization could occur in the diagenetic process. The delamination of lithosphere and the underplating of upwelling asthenospheric magma, which are reinforced by the subduction of the Palaeo‐Pacific Plate, could be the main factors to lead to partial melting of lower crust.
The minimum clinically important difference on the sleep disorders inventory for people with dementia
Authors: Webster Lucy , Martin Alice , Livingston Gill
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Sleep disturbances in dementia causes distress to people with dementia and their family carers and are associated with care home admission. The Sleep Disorders Inventory (SDI) is a validated questionnaire of sleep disturbances in dementia often used to measure treatment effectiveness, but the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) is unknown.

Methods

We triangulated three investigative methods to determine the MCID of the SDI. Using data on SDI from a randomised controlled trial (RCT) with 62 participants in an intervention for sleep disorders in dementia, we (1) calculated distribution‐based values where MCID = 0.33 of a SD (SD) (2) an anchor based approach using quality of life (measured using DEMQOL‐Proxy) as an anchor. We also employed a Delphi consensus process asking 12 clinicians, sleep researchers and family carers to rate which changes on vignettes were equivalent to a MCID.

Results

We found that 0.33 SD in the SDI = 4.86. Reduction in SDI total score was not significantly correlated with improvement in DEMQOL‐Proxy (Pearson's correlation = −0.01; P = 0.96) score. The Delphi consensus required two rounds to reach a consensus and concluded that changes equivalent to three points on the SDI equated to the MCID.

Conclusions

Taking into account both the distribution‐based values and the Delphi process we used a whole number at the midpoint and judged the minimum clinically important difference MCID to be equal to four points. We note the clinicians and carers opinions from the Delphi process determined the MCID to be lower at three points.
Abnormal Liver Tests in COVID‐19: A Retrospective Observational Cohort Study of 1,827 Patients in a Major U.S. Hospital Network
Authors: Hundt Melanie A. , Deng Yanhong , Ciarleglio Maria M. , Nathanson Michael H. , Lim Joseph K.
Published: July 2020

Background and Aims

The coronavirus‐19 disease (COVID‐19) pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality attributable to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and multiorgan failure. Liver injury has been reported as a nonpulmonary manifestation of COVID‐19, but characterization of liver test abnormalities and their association with clinical outcomes is incomplete.

Approach and Results

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 1,827 patients with confirmed COVID‐19 who were hospitalized within the Yale‐New Haven Health System between March 14, 2020 and April 23, 2020. Clinical characteristics, liver tests (aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alanine aminotransferase [ALT], alkaline phosphatase [ALP], total bilirubin [TBIL], and albumin) at three time points (preinfection baseline, admission, and peak hospitalization), and hospitalization outcomes (severe COVID‐19, intensive care unit [ICU] admission, mechanical ventilation, and death) were analyzed. Abnormal liver tests were commonly observed in hospitalized patients with COVID‐19, both at admission (AST 66.9%, ALT 41.6%, ALP 13.5%, and TBIL 4.3%) and peak hospitalization (AST 83.4%, ALT 61.6%, ALP 22.7%, and TBIL 16.1%). Most patients with abnormal liver tests at admission had minimal elevations 1‐2× the upper limit of normal (ULN; AST 63.7%, ALT 63.5%, ALP 80.0%, and TBIL 75.7%). A significant proportion of these patients had abnormal liver tests prehospitalization (AST 25.9%, ALT 38.0%, ALP 56.8%, and TBIL 44.4%). Multivariate analysis revealed an association between abnormal liver tests and severe COVID‐19, including ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and death; associations with age, male sex, body mass index, and diabetes mellitus were also observed. Medications used in COVID‐19 treatment (lopinavir/ritonavir, hydroxychloroquine, remdesivir, and tocilizumab) were associated with peak hospitalization liver transaminase elevations >5× ULN.

Conclusions

Abnormal liver tests occur in most hospitalized patients with COVID‐19 and may be associated with poorer clinical outcomes.
Perceived work‐life balance: Exploring the experiences of professional Moroccan women
Authors: Lekchiri Siham , Eversole Barbara A. W.
Published: July 2020

The present study aims to understand how professional Moroccan women working in various sectors perceive their current work‐life balance (WLB). While gender equity and women's empowerment have been rising in the past few years in Morocco, there may still be challenges faced to accomplish their career and family roles. An exploratory approach to the study has been employed in order to unveil the various barriers hindering women's WLB within the Moroccan organizational context. Using structured interviews, participants were given an opportunity to review what they believe is important in achieving a good WLB. A total of 45 women participants have voluntarily engaged in an interview that lasted between 30 and 45 min. Findings from this investigation revealed that the overwhelming women's family responsibilities and the requirements of their professional obligations lead to a disproportionate burden on them, resulting in difficulty to manage both roles successfully therefore causing an imbalanced work‐life. The study offers valuable insights on how women view their current WLB and reflects on possible mechanisms to improve it. Understanding women's perceptions of their own WLB can facilitate the identification of strategies and policies geared toward the retention of women in the workforce, and Moroccan organizations can develop and implement HRD strategies and policies that are geared toward creating a workplace that is more supportive of women's professional and personal goals.
Who drives the dance? Further insights from a time‐frequency wavelet analysis of the interrelationship between stock markets and uncertainty
Authors: Ben Amar Amine , Carlotti Jean‐Étienne
Published: July 2020

Using multivariate continuous wavelet tools this paper empirically investigates the strength and the magnitude of the relation between two measures of uncertainty, namely economic policy uncertainty index and implied volatility index, and stock market returns in Europe and United States. The multiple wavelet coherency not only highlights a significant contagion effect between the US and the European stock markets in times of crisis, but also indicates that the intensity of the interdependence between the stock markets and uncertainty indices is more persistent in times of stress and crisis periods. The results also indicate that, both in the U.S. and Europe, when partial coherencies are significant, the partial phase‐differences consistently highlight a negative co‐movement between the stock markets returns and their corresponding implied volatilities, with the implied volatility indices leading the stock markets for most of the time span and across all frequency bands at which the stocks and the fear indices have co‐moved significantly. The wavelet partial gain suggests that the European stock market is relatively more resilient than the U.S. stock market.