bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrothermal synthesis of zeolite Y from green materials
Authors: Dasgupta Sudipta , Klunk Marcos Antônio , Das Mohuli , Xavier Soyane Juceli Siqueira , Chemale Farid , Wander Paulo Roberto , Moraes Carlos Alberto Mendes
Published: December 2020

Several probes have been conducted by the scientific community to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2). A zeolitic material is capable of CO2 adsorption with the aid of such technologies. Our present work is to efficiently synthesize zeolite Y with four Si/Al ratios (2.0, 2.5, 3.0, and 3.5) from green materials such as rice husk ash (source of Si) and metakaolin (source of Al). The method for preparing zeolite Y involves hydrothermal synthesis in a hydrodynamic reactor at 120°C temperature, for a reaction time of 24 hours. These synthetic zeolites represent high values for surface area as well as pore volume in micropore range and are compatible with the size of CO2 molecules. The zeolite Y (with Si/Al ratio 3.5) has an absorption capacity of 3.35 mmol CO2/g at (900 kPa) pressure, thereby demonstrating high efficiency for CO2 adsorption. The spectra of FTIR indicate Si‐OH‐Al groups, while the vibrations corresponding to Si‐O‐Si or Si‐O‐Al compounds display the characteristic structure of zeolite Y. Several tests have been conducted with the synthesized zeolites Y, which portrayed strong evidence of CO2 absorption abilities. Henceforth, it can be concluded that zeolites Y have significant potential for application in adsorption/desorption cycles of carbon dioxide.
Maximization of the profit and reactant conversion considering partial pressures in an ammonia synthesis reactor using a derivative‐free method
Authors: B. Matos Kennedy , P. Carvalho Esdras , A. S. S. Ravagnani Mauro
Published: December 2020

In the present paper, an optimization model is proposed for the ammonia synthesis reactor. The reversible exothermic reaction has nitrogen and hydrogen as reactants, at high temperatures, and high pressures with iron catalyst. Two different single‐objective optimization problems were considered, the maximization of the economic return and the maximization of the nitrogen conversion. The reaction rate model was defined as a function of partial pressures of the components. The problem was coded and solved in MATLAB using a derivative‐free method after reformulating a constrained optimization problem into an unconstrained one, by penalizing the infeasibilities of the constraints in the objective functions (barrier function). The main contributions of this paper are the combination of direct‐search methods in solving the optimization problem, the evaluation of the maximum ammonia production and the temperature profile. The optimal values found were better than the ones published in the literature.
Synthesis of titanium silicalite‐1 with high titanium content and its catalytic performance of propylene epoxidation
Authors: Gao Jiang , Gao Lin , Zhang Baoqiang , Wang Haoyu , Ma Weihua
Published: December 2020

Titanium silicalite‐1 (TS‐1) has unique catalytic properties for oxidation reactions due to the titanium atom in the framework. To increase the Ti content in the framework, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) was added as a surfactant to modify TS‐1 (PTS‐1). The titanium content in PTS‐1 as the active site in the catalytic reaction increased to 0.87 wt%, compared with the traditional TS‐1 which has a titanium content of 0.64 wt%. Simultaneously, the average particle size of PTS‐1 is reduced to 180 nm, compared with TS‐1 (230 nm). The increase in Ti content makes the Au loading increase; thus, Au/PTS‐1 shows higher catalytic performance for propylene epoxidation, and the propylene oxide (PO) formation rate increases from 95 gPOh−1kgCat−1 with Au/TS‐1 to 190 gPOh−1kgCat−1 with Au/PTS‐1. In addition, the mechanism for the modification of Ti content by PVP is proposed.
Prognostic effects of longitudinal changes in left ventricular ejection fraction with cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Zhang Nixiao , Cai Minsi , Hua Wei , Hu Yiran , Niu Hongxia , Cai Chi , Gu Min , Zhang Shu
Published: December 2020

Aims

Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is considered an indicator of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Longitudinal studies on the predictive value of LVEF are scarce. We aimed to comprehensively evaluate the prognostic role of LVEF in the outcomes of Chinese patients with CRT.

Methods and results

Three hundred ninety‐two patients were divided into three tertiles of LVEF: ≤25%, 25–30%, and 30–35%, and four groups by LVEF changes: <0% (negative response); ≥0% and ≤5% (non‐response); >5% and ≤15% (response); and >15% (super‐response). One hundred six patients were super‐responders. During a median follow‐up of 3.6 years, 141 reached the composite endpoint. Odds ratios (ORs) for super‐response depicted a reversed U‐shaped relationship for baseline LVEF with a peak at 25–30%. Independent predictors of super‐response were smaller left atrial diameter [odds ratio 0.897, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.844–0.955, P = 0.001], smaller left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter (OR 0.937, 95% CI 0.889–0.989, P = 0.018), and higher estimated glomerular filtration rate (OR 1.018, 95% CI 1.001–1.035, P = 0.042) in Tertile 1; atrial fibrillation (OR 0.278, 95% CI 0.086–0.901, P = 0.033), left bundle branch block (OR 4.096, 95% CI 1.046–16.037, P = 0.043), and left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter (OR 0.929, 95% CI 0.876–0.986, P = 0.016) in Tertile 2; while female sex (OR 2.778, 95% CI 1.082–7.132, P = 0.034) and higher systolic blood pressure (OR 1.045, 95% CI 1.013–1.079, P = 0.006) in Tertile 3. An inverse association with the composite endpoint was found in Tertile 1 vs. Tertile 2 (hazard ratio 1.934, 95% CI 1.248–2.996, P = 0.003). The prognostic effects of CRT response in Tertile 3 and Tertile 1 varied significantly (P for trend = 0.017 and <0.001). Among three tertiles in super‐responders, event‐free survival was similar (P for trend = 0.143).

Conclusions

Left ventricular ejection fraction of 25–30% is associated with a better prognosis of super‐response. Predictors of super‐response are different for LVEF tertiles. CRT responses would have better prognostic performance than LVEF tertiles at baseline, which should be considered when clinicians screening eligible patients for CRT.
Match statistics for sequence‐based alleles in profiles from forensic PCR‐mps kits
Authors: Young Brian , Marciano Michael , Crenshaw Karin , Duncan George , Armogida Luigi , McCord Bruce
Published: December 2020

The first autosomal sequence‐based allele (aka SNP‐STR haplotype) frequency database for forensic massively parallel sequencing (MPS) has been published, thereby removing one of the remaining barriers to implementing MPS in casework. The database was developed using a specific set of flank trim sites. If different trim sites or different kits with different primers are used for casework, then SNP‐STR haplotypes may be detected that do not have frequencies in the database. We describe a procedure to address calculation of match probabilities when casework samples are generated using an MPS kit with different trim sites than those present in the relevant population frequency database. The procedure provides a framework for comparison of any MPS kit or database combination while also accommodating comparison of MPS and CE profiles.
Flow‐through enzymatic reactors using polymer monoliths: From motivation to application
Authors: Mao Yuhong , Fan Rong , Li Renkuan , Ye Xiuyun , Kulozik Ulrich
Published: December 2020

The application of monolithic materials as carriers for enzymes has rapidly expanded to the realization of flow‐through analysis and bioconversion processes. This expansion is partly attributed to the absence from diffusion limitation in many monoliths‐based enzyme reactors. Particularly, the relatively ease of introducing functional groups renders polymer monoliths attractive as enzyme carriers. After summarizing the motivation to develop enzymatic reactors using polymer monoliths, this review reports the most recent applications of such reactors. Besides, the present review focuses on the crucial characteristics of polymer monoliths affecting the immobilization of enzymes and the processing parameters dictating the performance of the resulting enzymatic reactors. This review is intended to provide a guideline for designing and applying flow‐through enzymatic reactors using polymer monoliths.
Toward Large‐Scale Hydrogen Production from Water: What Have We Learned and What Are the Main Research Hurdles to Cross for Commercialization?
Authors: Idriss Hicham
Published: December 2020

The focus of this study is evaluating the status of the most promising methods for water splitting to H2 and O2 with their implementation in mind. These are thermochemical water splitting, photocatalytic (PC) and photo‐electrocatalytic (PEC) water splitting, and water electrolysis. In addition to evaluating their coherence, potential, and cost, some misconceptions in the PC H2 production from water over suspended powder catalysts are highlighted. A few needed research directions at the fundamental level together with the main hurdles to cross for large‐scale production are presented and in some cases discussed. Although an increasing level of activity has taken place in the last few years for large‐scale hydrogen production from water, this is still marginal (at the megawatt scale). A considerable investment in different technologies is needed for a noticeable impact on the environment to occur with an objective to decrease the world dependence on fossil fuels (the terrawatt scale).
On the assessment of seismic performance of bridge piers on caisson foundations subjected to strong ground motions
Authors: Gaudio Domenico , Rampello Sebastiano
Published: December 2020

Substructure method is widely used to evaluate the seismic performance of caisson foundations supporting bridge piers subjected to strong ground motions, mainly because of its simplicity. However, the strongly‐simplifying assumption of linear viscous‐elastic behaviour for the foundation soil limits its applicability to flexible systems subjected to low‐intensity earthquakes, for which irreversible strains and pore water pressure build‐up are not anticipated. Furthermore, lumped‐parameter models are typically adopted in calculations in which soil‐foundation compliance is reproduced via dynamic impedance functions, whose dependency on frequency of excitation is often neglected. Modification of free‐field motion leading to foundation input motion (FIM), due to the presence of caisson embedment, is also mostly ignored. The influence of these simplifying assumptions on the seismic performance of bridge piers on caisson foundations is assessed in this paper through a parametric study, where soil‐caisson‐bridge pier‐deck systems differing in geometric and mechanical properties are subjected to real seismic records. Dynamic analyses were carried out in the time domain with the finite element method, using a 3D continuum and a lumped‐parameter model for the foundation soil. In the 3D model both the linear viscous‐elastic and the nonlinear soil behaviour were assumed, while linear viscous‐elastic behaviour was assumed in the lumped‐parameter model. The influence of inelastic soil behaviour was assessed by comparing the seismic performance of the systems obtained with the 3D model, while the role of FIM was evaluated by comparing the results of the dynamic analyses computed assimilating the soil to a linear elastic medium.
Can night trading sessions improve forecasting performance of gold futures' volatility in China?
Authors: Yao Xuan , Hui Xiaofeng , Kang Kaican
Published: December 2020

We use heterogeneous autoregression (HAR) and two related HAR extension models to examine volatility forecasting performances before and after the launch of night trading sessions in the Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE) gold futures market. To capture fluctuations from external information and volatility of realized volatility (RV), we incorporate the trading volume and jumping into the HAR‐V‐J model in the first place and then incorporate a GARCH specification into the HAR‐GARCH model. Results showed that there were large fluctuations in SHFE gold futures market before the launch of night trading sessions and mostly stemmed from overnight fluctuation in the international gold futures market. After the launch of night trading sessions, the realized volatility has a clear trend of moderation. In the in‐sample estimation, both jump and external information are found to have significant explanatory power with the HAR‐V‐J model. Additionally, the volatility clustering and high persistence of the realized volatility were confirmed by the GARCH coefficients. Last but not the least, night trading sessions have significantly improved the out‐of‐sample forecasting performances of realized volatility models. Among them, the HAR‐V‐J model is the best‐performing model. This conclusion holds for various prediction horizons and has great practical values for investors and policymakers.
The effects of porosity and permeability changes on simulated supercritical CO2 migration front in tight glutenite under different effective confining pressures from 1.5 MPa to 21.5 MPa
Authors: Xu Liang , Li Qi , Myers Matthew , Tan Yongsheng , He Miao , Umeobi Happiness Ijeoma , Li Xiaochun
Published: December 2020

Depending on rock pore compressibility, a change in effective confining pressure (ECP) can have a significant influence on supercritical CO2 (SC‐CO2) migration characteristics in natural reservoirs. In this study, a tight glutenite sample was used to conduct porosity/permeability measurements under different ECPs of 1.5, 5.5, 9.5, 13.5, 17.5 and 21.5 MPa. Then a SC‐CO2 drainage core flooding experiment, which was monitored using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technique, was conducted at an ECP of 5.5 MPa. Measurement results show that the porosity and permeability of the sample were comparatively low (at an ECP of 1.5 MPa, 8.3% and 2.4 mD, respectively). With increasing ECP, the porosity/permeability decreased rapidly initially then more slowly at the larger ECP value. NMR results shows that SC‐CO2 preferentially displaced water creating flow channels inside the sample. At SC‐CO2 breakthrough, the average residual water saturation was 69.86%. Following breakthrough, SC‐CO2 continued to displace the water creating more substantial flow channels until they were sufficient to transport the SC‐CO2 at the fixed flow rate, resulting in a residual water saturation of 42.72%. A two‐dimensional computational model was then established based on these experimental results to simulate the fluid behaviors at an ECP of 5.5 MPa, and then the model was extended to different ECP values ranging from 1.5 to 21.5 MPa. Numerical simulation results show that SC‐CO2 displaced water in an inverted triangle‐like shape. Under different ECPs of 1.5, 5.5, 9.5, 13.5, 17.5 and 21.5 MPa, the simulated breakthrough times were 36.8, 44.6, 54.8, 56.4, 59.0 and 59.4 mins with an average SC‐CO2 saturation of 13.18, 16.71, 18.71, 19.72, 21.99 and 22.19%, respectively. SC‐CO2 breakthrough occurred quicker for lower ECP values resulting in a smaller SC‐CO2 saturation. Likewise, with larger ECP value, SC‐CO2 breakthrough occurred later, and a higher SC‐CO2 saturation was seen. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In‐depth analysis of thyroid cancer mortality
Authors: LaBarge Brandon , Walter Vonn , Bann Darrin V. , Goldenberg David
Published: December 2020

Background

There are reports of an increasing thyroid cancer mortality rate. This study aimed to analyze the latest trends in this rate over time and compare findings from different cancer registries.

Methods

Thyroid cancer incidence‐based mortality (IBM) rates were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program, including SEER‐9, SEER‐13, and SEER‐18. The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) thyroid cancer mortality rate was acquired for comparison. Statistical analysis was performed using the JoinPoint software.

Results

NCHS data revealed an overall annual percent change (APC) over 1987 to 2017 of 0.61 (P < .01), and the value was nearly four times greater for males compared to females. The overall IBM APC values for SEER‐9, SEER‐13, and SEER‐18 were also positive and statistically significant (P < .01).

Conclusions

The increased thyroid cancer mortality rate observed in previous studies continues to be statistically significant based on updated NCHS and SEER IBM data.
Don't forget eclampsia in the efforts to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality
Authors: Nicholson Wanda K. , Stones William , Visser Gerard H. A. , Barnea Eytan R. , Nassar Anwar H. ,   Federation International Gynecology and Obstetrics Safe Motherhood and Newborn Health Committee
Published: December 2020

Hypertensive disorders are a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite advances in prevention and clinical management, women in low‐resource countries continue to bear the burden of the sequelae of severe pre‐eclampsia–eclampsia. Sustainable strategies to improve the care of women with hypertensive disease, to identify those at risk for hypertensive disease, and to reduce the risk of eclampsia will require partnerships between clinicians and health policy makers. Resources are needed to scale up healthcare access and infrastructure, establish evidence‐based protocols for care, and ensure an adequate supply of equipment and drugs. Additionally, efforts for a sustained workforce of perinatal clinicians and staff trained in the assessment and management of hypertensive disease are needed. Effective postpartum care and monitoring are essential to prevent morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular disease. Culturally appropriate strategies are needed to educate women and their families on the symptoms of pre‐eclampsia to address delays in seeking care during pregnancy and postpartum. With targeted, sustained efforts and resources, eclampsia and its associated co‐morbidities can be preventable.
“I Learned the Rules”: Using a Critical Disciplinary Literacy Model to Foster Disciplinary Apprenticeship
Authors: Dyches Jeanne , Gunderson Mary Pat
Published: December 2020

Although ubiquitous in academic discourse for over a decade, disciplinary literacy scholarship has only recently begun to explicitly interrogate critical literacy as a discipline‐dependent set of dispositions, discourses, skills, and practices. Drawing from critical disciplinary literacy (CDL) theory, this article presents findings from a mini‐unit co‐designed and co‐taught by an Iowa state district court judge and literacy professor that sought to teach 24 U.S. History students the disciplinary particulars of applying critical literacies while reading legal opinions issued by an all‐male state Supreme Court. Analysis of student responses reveals that the CDL mini‐unit helped most students experience disciplinary belonging and develop text‐dependent skills; additionally, most students began to consider writers’ positionalities when sourcing legal opinions. Yet, a small group of students repudiated the CDL mini‐unit, evidenced through both resignation and overt resistance to discussing systems of power and oppression. Implications for secondary students and teachers are discussed.
A facile synthesis of pyrano[2,3‐d:6,5‐d′]dipyrimidines via microwave‐assisted multicomponent reactions catalyzed by β‐cyclodextrin
Authors: Avvadukkam Jayashree , Badiadka Narayana , Kunhanna Sarojini B. , Kumar Madan S.
Published: December 2020

A facile three‐component reaction of aromatic aldehyde, 2,2‐dimethyl‐1,3‐dioxane‐4,6‐dione, and 6‐amino‐1,3‐dimethyluracil was developed for the first time using β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) as a macrocyclic host for aldehyde and an efficient catalyst that leads to a batch of novel pyrano[2,3‐d:6,5‐d′]dipyrimidines (4a‐k). The synthesis was accomplished with the aid of microwave irradiations in solvent‐free conditions. The product obtained was in contrast to the previous report in which a similar reaction resulted in a mixture of benzylidenepyrimidine and bisaminopyrimidine analogs in the presence of triethylbenzylammonium chloride in an aqueous medium. The formation of the pyrano[2,3‐d:6,5‐d′]dipyrimidines may be in virtue of the property of β‐CD to construct new CC and CX (where X = heteroatom) bonds. Reusability of the catalyst up to three runs without any noteworthy change in catalytic activity is one of the main features of the reaction. Other noteworthy features are good to excellent yields, eco‐friendly procedure, non‐column chromatographic purification, and mild conditions.
Fluorine‐18 labeled aldehydes as prosthetic groups for oxime coupling with a FVIIa protein
Authors: Jeppesen Troels E. , Kristensen Jesper B. , Behrens Carsten , Madsen Jacob , Kjaer Andreas
Published: December 2020

18F‐labeled aldehydes can be utilized for oxime coupling with chemically sensitive proteins, such as coagulation factor VII (FVII), if they are sufficiently reactive and can react in an aqueous solvent. New 18F‐labeled nonvolatile aldehyde prosthetic groups derived from [18F]F‐Py‐TFP and spirocyclic iodonium (III)ylide precursors for late stage 18F‐labeling were developed. These precursors were characterized, 18F‐labeled, and compared in reactivity for oxime coupling. Oxime coupling was performed on an amino‐oxy modified inhibited factor VII (FVIIai‐ONH2) in low concentration to prove the applicability of the proposed method.
Ultrastructure of the rhyncheal apparatus and other structures of the scolex of Grillotia (Christianella) carvajalregorum (Cestoda: Trypanorhyncha)
Authors: Mutti Leonardo Damian , Ivanov Verónica Adriana
Published: December 2020

The scolex ultrastructure was studied in Grillotia (Christianella) carvajalregorum (Cestoda: Trypanorhyncha) using histochemistry and transmission electron microscopy. We show for the first time the presence of scolex glands arranged in two longitudinal acini at the pars vaginalis parenchyma. These glands, along with those scattered in bothrial parenchyma, produce potentially adhesive glycoprotein secretions that are discharged via ducts to the bothrial grooves and apex. A particular type of sensory receptor was found around frontal gland pores, with a possible function in regulating their secretion activity. The internal structure of microtriches varies according to their morphotype and distribution on the scolex, this study providing the first description of the ultrastructure of serrate lanceolate spinitriches. The projections that form serrate margins are an extension of the medulla, differing from similar projections of other spinitriches. The large caps observed in serrate lanceolate spinitriches may reflect their specialization in attachment to and abrasion of intestinal mucosa, while the short caps and large bases of acicular filitriches may reflect their involvement in nutrient absorption. We also describe the rhyncheal apparatus ultrastructure, showing a similar basic structure of tentacular walls than that of other trypanorhynchs. Some differences among species in the number of fibrous layers, composition of the apical cytoplasm and presence of microvilli‐like projections were discussed. Finally, our study describes in detail the internal ultrastructure of hollow hooks, evidencing the presence of cytoplasm, mitochondria and fibrils. The location of these fibrils may increase the area of contact surface of hooks on tentacles, possibly allowing for a higher tensile strength than that of solid hooks. We consider that gland location and shape, composition of tentacular wall layers, and hook internal structure may serve as useful characters for the taxonomy and phylogeny of Trypanorhyncha.

Research Highlights

This is the first description of scolex internal ultrastructure in Grillotia carvajalregorum, showing the presence of glands arranged in two longitudinal acini at the pars vaginalis parenchyma, with potentially adhesive functions.

The internal ultrastructure of serrate lanceolate spinitriches and acicular filitriches may reflect their specialization in attachment to the host intestinal mucosa and their involvement in nutrient absorption, respectively.

Internally, hollow hooks have cytoplasm with mitochondria and fibrils, which are more widely distributed than in solid hooks, possibly increasing their tensile strength.
Safety of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation without pre‐ or peri‐procedural imaging for the detection of left atrial thrombus in the era of uninterrupted anticoagulation
Authors: Efremidis Michael , Bazoukis George , Vlachos Konstantinos , Prappa Efstathia , Megarisiotou Athanasia , Dragasis Stylianos , Ramirez F. Daniel , Bourier Felix , Mililis Panagiotis , Saplaouras Athanasios , Tse Gary , Liu Tong , Efremidis Theodore , Kitsoulis Panagiotis , Thomopoulos Costas , Sideris Antonios , Letsas Konstantinos P.
Published: December 2020

Background

The need for pre‐ or peri‐procedural imaging to rule out the presence of left atrial thrombus in patients undergoing catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) is unclear in the era of uninterrupted direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) regimen. We sought to examine the safety of catheter ablation in appropriately selected patients with paroxysmal AF without performing screening for left atrial thrombus.

Patients and Methods

Consecutive patients planned for radiofrequency AF catheter ablation between January 2016 and June 2020 were enrolled, and prospectively studied. All subjects were receiving uninterrupted anticoagulation with DOACs for at least 4 weeks before the procedure. All subjects were in sinus rhythm the day of the procedure. The primary outcome of the study was ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) during at 30 days.

Results

A total of 451 patients (age 59.7 ± 10.2 years, 289 males) with paroxysmal AF were included in the study. The mean CHA2DS2‐VASc score was 1.4 ± 1.2. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction and left atrial diameter were 60 ± 5% and 39.3 ± 4 mm, respectively. Regarding the anticoagulation regimen, apixaban was used in 197 (43.6%) patients, rivaroxaban in 148 (32.8%) patients, and dabigatran in 106 (23.5%) patients. None of the patients developed clinical ischemic stroke or TIA during the 30‐day post‐discharged period.

Conclusions

Catheter ablation can be safely performed in low‐risk patients with paroxysmal AF without imaging for the detection of left atrial thrombus in the era of uninterrupted DOAC anticoagulation.
Dominant United States Cold‐Season near surface temperature anomaly patterns derived from kernel methods
Authors: Mercer Andrew E.
Published: December 2020

Cold season (December – February) 2‐m temperatures have a far‐reaching impact on critical infrastructure; medium or long‐term predictability would thus be an invaluable asset. However, a better understanding of the most prevalent underlying temperature patterns is needed before improvements in predictability are possible. Previous studies have shown that cluster analysis preprocessed with principal component analysis (PCA) can help identify the most prevalent spatial patterns within different atmospheric datasets. Additionally, nonlinear variability can be identified when coupling cluster analysis with PCA preprocessing based on the kernel matrix from support vector machines (known as KPCA). In this study, these methods were employed to create an updated 2‐m cold season temperature climatology.Temperatures were quantified using NCEP/NCAR global reanalysis data spanning 1948–2017. Kernel and rotated PCA combined with k‐means cluster analysis was tested against cluster analysis with no PCA preprocessing to identify the fields that best characterize the underlying climatological structures within the 2‐m temperature data. Four patterns emerged from the analysis. Two patterns were primarily constrained to years early in the study period that had a strong relationship with phasing in the North Atlantic Oscillation and the Arctic Oscillation. A third pattern revealed the anomalous warming along the West Coast that has been increasingly observed in recent years, while a fourth showed a broad anomalous warm region centered on the Midwest that expanded across most of the eastern two‐thirds of the nation. These final two patterns were weakly related to phasing within the Pacific North American teleconnection and phasing of the El Niño Southern Oscillation. Most years in the final two clusters occurred post 1990, demonstrating suggesting these anomalous warming patterns are becoming more prevalent in recent decades. These patterns can be used in future work to inform medium‐ and long‐term forecasting applications.
Creative, Antagonistic, and Angry? Exploring the Roots of Malevolent Creativity with a Real‐World Idea Generation Task
Authors: Perchtold‐Stefan Corinna M. , Fink Andreas , Rominger Christian , Papousek Ilona
Published: December 2020

Research is currently witnessing more investigations into malevolent creativity—creativity that is used to intentionally harm others. Inspired by previous methods to measure malevolent creativity, in the present study, we introduce a real‐world behavioral task designed to capture individuals’ capacity for using creativity for the purpose of attaining malevolent goals in response to everyday, provocative situations. In a sample of 105 students, we found malevolent creativity positively correlated with fluency in conventional creative ideation, as well as with self‐reported typical malevolent creativity behavior in daily life. Moreover, performance on the malevolent creativity task showed positive correlations with the maladaptive personality trait of antagonism (PID‐5) as well as individuals’ state anger at the beginning of the experiment. Further, our multiple regression analysis revealed that conventional creative ideation, antagonistic personality, and state anger all explained unique, non‐overlapping variance in the capacity for implementing malevolent creativity. As a whole, these findings suggest that different cognitive and affective factors, along with specific personality traits may each contribute to the expression of malevolent creativity in distinct ways. Future investigations striving to further decode the destructive potential of individuals toward others may benefit from this validated behavioral measurement approach to malevolent creativity.
Plasmonic nanoplatforms: From surface‐enhanced Raman scattering sensing to biomedical applications
Authors: Cupil‐Garcia Vanessa , Strobbia Pietro , Crawford Bridget M. , Wang Hsin‐Neng , Ngo Hoan , Liu Yang , Vo‐Dinh Tuan
Published: December 2020

In this work, we present an overview of the development and application of surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and plasmonic nanoplatforms developed in our laboratory in recent years. We have developed a wide variety of plasmonics‐active substrates and nanoparticle‐based sensing platforms including inverse molecular sentinels (iMS) utilizing gold nanostars (AuNS) and nanorattle DNA sensors (NR). These platforms have been used for a wide variety of applications, such as monitoring genomic biomarkers in plants for renewable bioenergy research, point‐of‐care diagnostics of infectious diseases (dengue and malaria), and detection of cancer biomarkers for gastrointestinal and head and neck cancers. Applications of plasmonic AuNS in bioimaging, photothermal therapy (PTT), and immunotherapy are also presented. An interesting advance was the development of AuNS‐mediated PTT in combination with immunotherapy, a method referred to as Synergistic Immuno Photothermal Nanotherapy (SYMPHONY), which broadens and significantly enhances the efficacy of immunotherapy. This review highlights various applications of the unique plasmonics‐enabled sensing and therapeutic nanotechnologies that contribute to the lasting legacy of the discovery of SERS.
An Interaction Model of Environmental and Psychological Factors Influencing Refugee Mental Health
Authors: Kashyap Shraddha , Keegan David , Liddell Belinda J , Thomson Ted , Nickerson Angela
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we draw on empirical research and theoretical models of refugee and posttrauma mental health to propose the “Psychological Interaction with Environment (PIE) Matrix Model” of refugee mental health. This model focuses on the mental health of adult refugees and proposes that psychological factors and the external environment interact to influence mental health outcomes and functioning for individuals with refugee backgrounds. Environmental factors include adversity faced before, during, and after the migration journey, including adversity faced in a resettlement or postdisplacement environment. Psychological factors refer to psychological (i.e., cognitive and emotional) mechanisms that individuals may use to cope with adversity. We posit that individuals from refugee backgrounds are likely to show individual differences in psychological processes that may protect against or underpin the development and maintenance of psychopathology following exposure to trauma and displacement. The PIE Matrix Model proposes a framework to guide intervention by identifying key pathways by which psychological and environmental factors impact one another. We suggest that psychological interventions can be targeted according to the kind and level of support different individuals may require, based on individualized and context‐driven assessments of the interaction between environmental and psychological factors at any given point in time. This model draws on existing models of refugee adaptation and highlights the need for longitudinal and experimental research to explain the interaction between these factors and their causal impact on refugee mental health.
Analysis of Brazilian public policies which aim to support participatory construction of the National Plan for Soil and Water Sustainable Management
Authors: Stuchi Julia F. , Hernández David G. , de Andrade Aluísio G. , Monteiro Joyce M. G. , Hissa Helga R.
Published: December 2020

This study analyzes relevant federal public policies for soil and water conservation in Brazil. The Federal Court of Auditors reported that the lack of a national policy for soil and water conservation in the Country poses a considerable risk of degradation of soil and water resources, despite the existence of legal instruments. This study aims to outline and build upon previous experiences related to the participatory formulation of the new Brazilian National Plan for Soil and Water Sustainable Management (NP). We selected seven current public policies at the federal level involving conservation of soil and water resources in rural areas. We carried out content analysis for each of the selected policies using a qualitative‐interpretive treatment, starting from six analytical axes proposed for the NP. The six axes are Legislation, Prevention, Conservation, Recovery, Monitoring, and Integration. Five keywords were identified for each axis. The analysis produced a score to measure the adherence of keywords in the public policies. This manuscript shows: (a) the importance of all the policies analyzed as significant contributions for the construction of the new NP; (b) the gaps of these policies regarding the six strategic axes provided by the NP; (c) how to turn strengths and gaps of the policies into recommendations and opportunities for a more robust NP. There is need for greater commitment of relevant stakeholders in the construction of the policy and in the decision‐making process to improve the sustainable management of soil and water resources in Brazil.
A second regularized trace formula for a higher order differential operator
Authors: Gül Erdal
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we obtain a second regularized trace formula onL2([0, π]; H)for a higher order self‐adjoint differential operator with unbounded operator‐valued coefficient, whereHis a separable Hilbert space.
Recovering the initial value for a system of nonlocal diffusion equations with random noise on the measurements
Authors: Triet Nguyen Anh , Binh Tran Thanh , Phuong Nguyen Duc , Baleanu Dumitru , Can Nguyen Huu
Published: December 2020

In this work, we study the final value problem for a system of parabolic diffusion equations. In which, the final value functions are derived from a random model. This problem is severely ill‐posed in the sense of Hadamard. By nonparametric estimation and truncation methods, we offer a new regularized solution. We also investigate an estimate of the error and a convergence rate between a mild solution and its regularized solutions. Finally, some numerical experiments are constructed to confirm the efficiency of the proposed method.
MnO‐Inlaid hierarchically porous carbon hybrid for lithium‐sulfur batteries
Authors: Liu Weilin , Fan Xiaojing , Xu Bin , Chen Peng , Tang Dejian , Meng Fancheng , Zhou Rulong , Liu Jiehua
Published: December 2020

Lithium‐sulfur batteries possess great prospects in next‐generation energy‐storage devices though there are still some tough challenges currently. In this paper, MnO‐inlaid hierarchically porous carbon hybrid is prepared by a one‐pot solid‐state method and followed with annealing treatment. The MnO nanoparticles are synthesized via glucose‐derived carbon reduction with salt as the template. The resultant carbon‐coated MnO, which owns a hierarchical porous structure, benefits to alleviate the shuttle effect of lithium‐sulfur battery and immobilize the soluble polysulfide to improve the electrochemical performance by both physical limitation and chemisorption. As a result, the cathode MnO‐PC/S reveals a high initial discharge capacity of 1384 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C and a high retention capacity of 593 mAh g−1 over 200 cycles.
RETRACTED: Asymptotic behavior of the solution of a singularly perturbed general boundary value problem with boundary jumps
Authors: Nurgabyl Duisebek N. , Uaissov Alpamys B.
Published: December 2020

It is known that the study of boundary value and mixed problems for integrable linear equations encounters significant difficulties of a fundamental nature. Exceptions are problems with boundary conditions of a special type, which are often called integrable or linearizable. The purpose of this article is to study the asymptotic behaviors of solutions of singularly perturbed general boundary value problems with boundary jumps for higher‐order equations. Using the Schlesinger–Birghof theorem, we constructed a fundamental system of solutions of a homogeneous perturbed equation of conditionally stable type in the critical case. Initial boundary functions are constructed based on the fundamental system of solutions. An analytical representation is found, the existence and uniqueness of a solution to this boundary value problem are proved. Asymptotic estimates of the solution and its derivatives are derived from the analytical representation of the solution of the given boundary value problem. The limit passage of solution of the perturbed problem to the solution of the unperturbed problem is proved. The conditions of the existence of jumps are found. The values of boundary jumps are determined. As a result, a class of boundary value problems is highlighted that has possessing of phenomenon of boundary jumps.
ADAURA: Mature Enough for Publication, Not for Prime Time
Authors: Addeo Alfredo , Banna Giuseppe Luigi , Friedlaender Alex
Published: December 2020

This commentary addresses the challenges related to using suboptimal endpoints to justify expedited approval of new drug therapies.
How we approach malignant infantile osteopetrosis
Authors: Even‐Or Ehud , Stepensky Polina
Published: December 2020

Malignant infantile osteopetrosis (MIOP) is a rare hereditary disorder characterized by excessive bone overgrowth due to a defect in bone marrow resorption by osteoclasts. In most cases, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) may correct bone metabolism but the rapidly progressing nature of this condition necessitates early diagnosis and prompt treatment to minimize irreversible cranial nerve damage. The management of patients with MIOP presents many unique challenges. In this review, the clinical management of patients with MIOP is discussed, including diagnosis, preparation for HSCT and special transplant considerations, management of unique HSCT complications, and long‐term follow‐up.
Thyroid hormone replacement therapy in pregnancy and motor function, communication skills, and behavior of preschool children: The Norwegian Mother, Father, and Child Cohort Study
Authors: van den Broek Sophie , Lupattelli Angela , Frank Anna S. , Haug Line Småstuen , Nordeng Hedvig
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Limited research has focused on the association between prenatal thyroid hormone replacement therapy (THRT) and motor function, communication skills, and behavior in preschool children. Here, we estimated the association between THRT during pregnancy and the first trimester and these developmental outcomes.

Methods

This study was based on the Norwegian Mother, Father, and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) and other national registries. We included mother–child pairs exposed to THRT during pregnancy (n = 663), after delivery (n = 728), or unexposed (n = 28 040). Exposure to THRT was defined according to filled prescriptions. Child outcomes, presented as T‐score differences, were parent‐reported using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and Child Behavior Checklist.

Results

Of 29 431 mother–child pairs, 2.3% were prenatally exposed to THRT. We found no difference between prenatally exposed and unexposed children in regards to gross motor function (β: 0.17, 95% CI −1.19, 1.54), fine motor function (β: −0.17, 95% CI −1.14, 0.80), communication (β: −0.31, 95% CI −1.58, 0.96), externalizing (β: −0.03, 95% CI −1.07, 1.01), internalizing (β: 0.89, 95% CI −0.20, 1.97), or social behaviors (β: −0.04, 95% CI −0.92, 0.84). Somatic complaints were higher in THRT‐exposed children (β: 0.98, 95% CI 0.08, 1.87), and children whose mothers were exposed after delivery had more sleep problems than unexposed children (β: 0.99, 95% CI 0.24, 1.74).

Conclusions

Children prenatally exposed to THRT have developmental outcomes as positive as unexposed children on motor function, communication, and behavior. The association with somatic complaints and sleep were not clinically relevant.
Pollen as a potential indicator of the origin of massive ice in northwest Siberia
Authors: Vasil'chuk Alla C. , Vasil'chuk Yurij K.
Published: December 2020

Pollen and spores collected from massive ice bodies in northwest Siberia were studied with the aim to provide a cryogenic indication of their origin. We discuss perennial massive ice, which may occur as lenses, layers, or irregular masses in the frozen ground and may be buried or intrasedimental. Pollen assemblages in massive ice deposits of Holocene age indicated a nonglacial origin of the ice. Pollen assemblages from glacial snow cover and snow patches on tundra were analyzed to reveal signs of buried ice. This approach allowed us to assess the nature of several massive ice bodies as intrasedimental and buried, and demonstrated how pollen may be used as an indicator for the origin of massive ice in northwest Siberia.
Thermal runaway risk analysis in styrenic block copolymer production
Authors: Rodriguez‐Guadarrama Luis
Published: December 2020

Styrenic butadiene block copolymers are an important family of commercial materials in the category of thermoplastic elastomers. These elastomers are made of separate polymeric blocks. At the beginning, there is a hard polystyrene block and in the middle, there is a polybutadiene block. Butadiene is the monomer in highest concentration in regular styrenic block copolymers. The main risk linked to the production of styrenic block copolymers on an industrial scale is the loss of control of the reactor temperature, which may lead to a temperature increase resulting in a pressure increase above its design pressure during the formation of the polybutadiene block. Fatal accidents have occurred in some chemical plants due to runaway butadiene polymerization. Critical parameters that characterize thermal runaway for the anionic polymerization of butadiene in batch reactors were established for different scale reactors: laboratory, pilot and industrial reactors. Runaway and safe conditions are identified based on the pattern of temperature and conversion trajectories near complete butadiene conversion. The resulting is useful for establishing runaway diagrams for the anionic polymerization of butadiene in batch reactors using dimensionless parameters: reaction sensitivity and cooling intensity.
Theoretic quantum analysis of mechanical and electronic properties of TiAl‐M (M = Mo, W, Cu and Zn)
Authors: Ouadah Ouahiba , Merad Ghouti , Si Abdelkader Hayet
Published: December 2020

TiAl alloys provide a significantly higher creep resistance at high temperatures. However, the low ductility of these alloys at room temperature is considered as a drawback when used as a turbine blade coating material. One way to increase the ductility is by introducing solutes in the chemical composition of TiAl. Surprisingly, a ductility promotion can be achieved through a phase transition from L10 to B2 phase when the concentrations of Mo, W, and Cu are about 12, 11 and 12.5 at.%, respectively, while there is no phase transformation for TiAl with the presence of Zn. This study will tackle the reason of this behavior by analyzing the enthalpy of formation, mechanical and thermodynamic properties, and electronic structure by performing first‐principles calculations.
Novel sample treatment method for the determination of free (E)‐4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal in meat products by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry using 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal‐d3 as internal standard
Authors: Ma Jingjing , Geng Zhiming , Sun Chong , Li Pengpeng , Zhang Muhan , Wang Daoying , Xu Weimin
Published: December 2020

Rationale

(E)‐4‐Hydroxy‐2‐nonenal (HNE) is a reactive secondary product of lipid oxidation with biological significance. The analysis of HNE is a challenge due to its volatility and high activity. Developing sample preparation and analytical tools for the determination of free HNE is crucial for better understanding the actual level of free HNE in meat products.

Methods

Liquid nitrogen freezing, subzero‐temperature extraction and derivatization were employed for meat sample treatment. Liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization in negative ion mode was used for the determination of free HNE after isotope‐coded derivatization.

Results

High repeatability and good recoveries with a limit of quantification as low as 0.25 pmol/g were found. Nineteen out of 24 samples, including chilled/processed meat products and meat‐based instant foods, were found to contain free HNE with a range of 0.014–1.160 nmol/g.

Conclusions

The proposed method showed satisfactory reliability, sensitivity and accuracy. We believe that such a sample preparation strategy will provide a powerful tool for better understanding the actual level of free HNE in meat products.
Hepatitis B virus pre‐S region: Clinical implications and applications
Authors: Sun Huizhen , Chang Le , Yan Ying , Wang Lunan
Published: December 2020

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major threat to global public health, which can result in many acute and chronic liver diseases. HBV, a member of the family Hepadnaviridae, is a small enveloped DNA virus containing a circular genome of 3.2 kb. Located upstream of the S‐open‐reading frame of the HBV genome is the pre‐S region, which is vital to the viral life cycle. The pre‐S region has high variability and many mutations in the pre‐S region are associated with several liver diseases, such as fulminant hepatitis (FH), liver cirrhosis (LC), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In addition, the pre‐S region has been applied in the development of several pre‐S‐based materials and systems to prevent or treat HBV infection. In conclusion, the pre‐S region plays an essential role in the occurrence, diagnosis, and treatment of HBV‐related liver diseases, which may provide a novel perspective for the study of HBV infection and relevant diseases.