bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Straightforward method for calibration of mechanistic cation exchange chromatography models for industrial applications
Authors: Saleh David , Wang Gang , Müller Benedict , Rischawy Federico , Kluters Simon , Studts Joey , Hubbuch Jürgen
Published: February 2020

Mechanistic modeling of chromatography processes is one of the most promising techniques for the digitalization of biopharmaceutical process development. Possible applications of chromatography models range from in silico process optimization in early phase development to in silico root cause investigation during manufacturing. Nonetheless, the cumbersome and complex model calibration still decelerates the implementation of mechanistic modeling in industry. Therefore, the industry demands model calibration strategies that ensure adequate model certainty in a limited amount of time. This study introduces a directed and straightforward approach for the calibration of pH‐dependent, multicomponent steric mass action (SMA) isotherm models for industrial applications. In the case investigated, the method was applied to a monoclonal antibody (mAb) polishing step including four protein species. The developed strategy combined well‐established theories of preparative chromatography (e.g. Yamamoto method) and allowed a systematic reduction of unknown model parameters to 7 from initially 32. Model uncertainty was reduced by designing two representative calibration experiments for the inverse estimation of remaining model parameters. Dedicated experiments with aggregate‐enriched load material led to a significant reduction of model uncertainty for the estimates of this low‐concentrated product‐related impurity. The model was validated beyond the operating ranges of the final unit operation, enabling its application to late‐stage downstream process development. With the proposed model calibration strategy, a systematic experimental design is provided, calibration effort is strongly reduced, and local minima are avoided.
Integrative clinical and biopathology analyses to understand the clinical heterogeneity of infantile rhabdomyosarcoma: A report from the French MMT committee
Authors: Butel Thibault , Karanian Marie , Pierron Gaelle , Orbach Daniel , Ranchere Dominique , Cozic Nathalie , Galmiche Louise , Coulomb Aurore , Corradini Nadège , Lacour Brigitte , Proust Stéphanie , Guerin Florent , Boutroux Hélène , Rome Angélique , Mansuy Ludovic , Vérité Cécile , Defachelles Anne‐Sophie , Tirode Franck , Minard‐Colin Veronique
Published: February 2020

Background

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) in infants is a particular entity with various clinical presentations and outcomes. To better understand the clinical heterogeneity of RMS in infants, an integrative clinical, histological, and molecular analysis was performed.

Methods

From 1989 to 2015, 37 infants aged less than 6 months with a diagnosis of RMS and archival tumor materials were identified in France. Clinical data, central pathologic review, and molecular profile including RNA sequencing were analyzed.

Results

Nineteen patients (51%) had embryonal RMS (ERMS) (including three highly differentiated ERMS with PTCH deletion), eight (22%) had spindle cell RMS (SRMS) (three VGLL2‐, one NTRK‐, and two (B)RAF‐fusions), six (16%) had alveolar RMS (ARMS) (all FOXO1‐ or PAX3‐fusion), two had unclassified RMS, and two poorly differentiated RMS were retrospectively diagnosed as rhabdoid tumors (RT) with loss of INI1 expression. The two RT patients died of rapid disease progression. Five‐year event‐free (EFS) and overall survival (OS) for RMS were 62% (95%CI, 47‐82) and 52% (95%CI, 37‐72). Eleven patients (31%) relapsed and four (11%) had primary refractory disease (all ERMS). In univariate analysis, EFS and OS were only associated with histology subtype, with 100% survival of known fusion‐positive SRMS. RNA cluster expression showed three main clusters: ARMS, ERMS, and “VGLL2‐fusion” cluster, consisting of SRMS and ERMS.

Conclusions

Biopathology findings from this study support the different prognosis of infantile RMS. New fusion‐positive SRMS has a very good outcome which may allow more conservative treatment in the future.
Prognostic nomograms and Aggtrmmns scoring system for predicting overall survival and cancer‐specific survival of patients with kidney cancer
Authors: Zhou Yuan , Zhang Rentao , Ding Yinman , Wang Zhengquan , Yang Cheng , Tao Sha , Liang Chaozhao
Published: February 2020

Background

Currently, the prognosis of kidney cancer depends mainly on the pathological grade or tumor stage. Clinicians have few effective tools that can personalize and adequately evaluate the prognosis of kidney cancer patients.

Methods

A total of 70 481 kidney cancer patients were selected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database, among which patients diagnosed in 2005‐2011 (n = 42 890) were used to establish nomograms for overall survival (OS) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS), and those diagnosed in 2012‐2015 (n = 24 591) were used for external validation. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses were used to determine independent prognostic factors. Concordance index (C‐index), receiver operating characteristic curve, and calibration curve were used to evaluate the predictive capacity of the nomograms. We further reduced subgroup classification and used propensity score matching to balance clinical informations, and analyzed the effect of other variables on survival. We established a new kidney cancer prognostic score system based on the effect of all available variables on survival. Cox proportional hazard model and Kaplan‐Meier curves were used for survival comparison.

Results

Age, gender, marital status, surgery, grade, T stage, and M stage were included as independent risk factors in the nomograms. The favorable area under the curve (AUC) value (for OS, AUC = 0.812‐0.858; and for CSS, AUC = 0.890‐0.921), internal (for OS, C‐index = 0.776; and for CSS, C‐index = 0.856), and external (for OS, C‐index = 0.814‐0.841; and for CSS, C‐index = 0.894‐0.904) validation indicated that the proposed nomograms could accurately predict 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year OS and CSS of kidney cancer patients. The Aggtrmmns prognostic scoring system based on age, gender, race, marital status, grade, TNM stage, and surgery of kidney cancer patients could stage patients more explicitly than the AJCC staging system.

Conclusion

The nomogram and Aggtrmmns scoring system can predict OS and CSS in kidney cancer patients effectively, which may help clinicians personalize prognostic assessments and clinical decisions.
Regenerated Traumatic Bone Cyst With Platelet‐Rich Fibrin in the Mandible: A Case Report
Authors: Bernabeu‐Mira Juan Carlos , Soto‐Peñaloza David , Peñarrocha‐Oltra Sonia , Diago María Peñarrocha
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Traumatic bone cyst is a pseudocyst which is characterized as an asymptomatic unilocular single lesion with an empty cavity without epithelial lining. Its etiology is still debated, it is more frequent among young people and it is often localized in the posterior mandible zone. A case report is described about diagnosis and conservative treatment of a traumatic bone cyst in anterior zone of lower mandible.

Case Presentation

The report describes a 22‐year‐old female with a traumatic bone cyst in anterior mandible as accidental discovery from a routine orthopantomography. A conservative approach was conducted to treat the lesion through a submarginal incision, an osteotomy with ultrasound, a filling of the cavity with advanced platelet‐rich fibrin membranes, and repositioning of the cortical bone. The radiological follow‐up to 6 months confirmed the healing of the lesion.

Conclusion

The conservative approach through submarginal incision, osteotomy with ultrasound, filling with A‐PRF+ membranes and repositioning of cortical bone ensures optimal bone healing and avoids gingival recessions at six months follow‐up, showing to be a good alternative for satisfactory defect resolution in similar clinical cases.
Predictors of left ventricular reverse remodeling after percutaneous therapy for mitral regurgitation with the MitraClip system
Authors: Nita Nicoleta , Scharnbeck Dominik , Schneider Leonhard‐Moritz , Seeger Julia , Wöhrle Jochen , Rottbauer Wolfgang , Keßler Mirjam , Markovic Sinisa
Published: February 2020

Objectives

To investigate the predictors and clinical impact of left ventricular reverse remodeling (LVRR) after MitraClip (MC) therapy for degenerative (DMR) and functional mitral regurgitation (FMR).

Background

MC therapy induces LVRR in patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) at high‐risk for surgery. However, specific data on predictors of LVRR therapy are limited.

Methods

This study included 164 patients treated by MC implantation with complete clinical and echocardiographic evaluation at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. LVRR was defined as a decrease of ≥10% of the left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter after 12 months and was found in 49% of the patients.

Results

LVRR was associated with significantly reduced event rate 2 years after MC procedure. In the total cohort, multivariate regression analysis determined severe recurrent/residual MR after 12 months (p = .010, odds ratio [OR] = 0.26), male gender (p = .050, OR = 0.49) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <20% (p = .046, OR = 0.24) as predictors of absence of LVRR. In the subgroup analysis according to etiology of MR, multivariate regression analysis revealed severe recurrent/residual MR after 12 months (p = .04, OR = 0.184) to inversely predict LVRR only in the DMR subgroup. In FMR, residual severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) inversely predicts LVRR (p = .032, OR = 0.361).

Conclusions

LVRR occurs in half of the patients after MC and is associated with reduced MACCE rates at follow‐up. Combined information on residual/recurrent MR, baseline LVEF and gender predict LVRR after MC procedure. While residual/recurrent MR is the independent predictor for the absence of LVRR in DMR, in FMR only severe residual TR independently predict LVRR.
Combined and independent impact of coronary artery calcification and inflammation on risk for adverse cardiovascular events after percutaneous coronary intervention: Results from a large single‐center registry
Authors: Aoi Shunsuke , Baber Usman , Kovacic Jason C. , Mehran Roxana , Aquino Melissa , Dangas George , Sweeny Joseph , Vijay Pooja , Shah Srushti , Barman Nitin , Moreno Pedro , Kini Annapoorna S. , Sharma Samin K.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Our study investigated the impact of coronary artery calcification (CAC) and systemic inflammation on risks for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Background

CAC and systemic inflammation are known to be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events.

Methods

A total of 17,711 consecutive patients who underwent PCI in our hospital between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2015 were categorized according to the degree of CAC (moderate/severe vs. none/mild) and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) level (≥2 vs. <2 mg/L). MACE was defined as death, myocardial infarction (MI), or target vessel revascularization (TVR) occurring over 1 year.

Results

Within the four groups, patients with both moderate/severe CAC and elevated hsCRP (n = 1,814 [10.2%]) were older with more comorbid risk factors compared to those with moderate/severe CAC alone (n = 1,687 [9.5%]), elevated hsCRP alone (n = 7,597 [42.9%]) or neither abnormality (n = 6,613 [37.3%]). The analogous 1‐year MACE rates were 21.2, 14.9, 11.5, and 7.8%, respectively (p‐trend < .001). Results were unchanged after multivariable adjustment, suggesting synergistic adverse effects in patients with both CAC and elevated hsCRP.

Conclusions

The presence of both moderate/severe CAC and systemic inflammation confers a synergistic effect on risk for MACE following PCI, indicating the need for novel or more intense therapeutic interventions to mitigate risk in such patients.
Abnormal dot plots on current automated blood cell analyzer helped to yeast detection
Authors: Gérard Delphine , Lesesve Jean‐Francois
Published: February 2020

Compromised data are usually flagged by instruments. This is the first report of yeast detection using the new launched Sysmex XN analyzer.
Electrochemical Characterization of Current‐Producing Human Oral Pathogens by Whole‐Cell Electrochemistry
Authors: Naradasu Divya , Guionet Alexis , Okinaga Toshinori , Nishihara Tatsuji , Okamoto Akihiro
Published: February 2020

Extracellular electron transfer (EET) via cell‐bound redox enzymes and/or redox shuttles is extensively studied in environmental bacteria. Meanwhile, EET capable pathogens have been identified in the human gut. However, other EET‐capable bacterial niches where possible biofilm infections are prominent have scarcely been explored. Herein, we electrochemically characterized human oral biofilm pathogens, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis, to examine their EET capability. Both strains showed current production with the electrode poised at +0.4 V vs. a standard hydrogen electrode, which was associated with a decrease in electron‐donor concentration, coupled with the appearance of oxidative peaks in differential pulse (DP) and cyclic voltammograms (CV). Addition of antibiotics that suppress the biosynthesis of membrane or protein showed a significant current decrease, demonstrating that current production reflects the cellular activity in these pathogens. DPV‐ and CV‐based kinetic analyses supported by transmission electron microscopy of the cells stained for transition metals suggest a potential EET mechanism associated with the presence of redox enzymes on the cell membrane. These results could be the basis to reevaluate human oral pathogens from an electroactive point of view. The identified electrochemical activity of the two strains can be an effective test for assessing the impact of antibacterial compounds on the pathogen cellular activity on an electrode.
Portable Microalgal Biosensor for Herbicide Monitoring
Authors: Boron Ignacio , Juárez Angela , Battaglini Fernando
Published: February 2020

The need for in‐situ and real‐time tools to monitor the fate of pesticides in extensive areas is of great concern to preserve the environment in countries where agroindustry represents an essential part of its economy. In this work, we present the construction of a portable system based on the reversible photosynthesis inhibition produced by herbicides on microalgae, using atrazine as a model compound. The decrease in oxygen production due to the photosynthesis inhibition is electrochemically detected using an automated flow system. The system presented here involves the immobilization of microalgae in a polyelectrolyte‐surfactant‐carbon nanotube self‐assembled material cast on a screen‐printed graphite electrode; these components contribute to the stability and sensitivity of the whole device. The system presents a limit of detection of 0.11 μM, showing an excellent performance in river samples. The sensor maintains its integrity after five months immersed in a freshwater algae medium at room temperature. These features are key to install this system along the course of a river at a low cost, allowing early detection of polluted areas and long term environmental studies.
Bright Luminescent Platinum(II)‐Biaryl Emitters Synthesized Without Air‐Sensitive Reagents
Authors: Wakasugi Chuei , Yoshida Masaki , Sameera W. M. C. , Shigeta Yasuhiro , Kobayashi Atsushi , Kato Masako
Published: February 2020

Transition‐metal complexes bearing biaryl‐2,2′‐diyl ligands tend to show intense luminescence. However, difficulties in synthesis have prevented their further functionalization and practical applications. Herein, a series of platinum(II) complexes bearing biaryl‐2,2′‐diyl ligands, which have never been prepared in air, were synthesized through transmetalation and successive cyclometalation of biarylboronic acids. This approach does not require any air‐ or moisture‐sensitive reagents and features a simple synthesis even in air. The resulting (Et4N)2[Pt(m,n‐F2bph)(CN)2] (m,n‐F2bph=m,n‐difluorobiphenyl‐2,2′‐diyl) complexes exhibit intense green emissions with high quantum efficiencies of up to 0.80 at 298 K. The emission spectral fitting and variable‐temperature emission lifetime measurements indicate that the high quantum efficiency was achieved because of the tight packing structure and strong σ‐donating ability of bph.
Thermorheological properties of asphalt binders
Authors: Gunay Taylan , Tomkovic Tanja , Hatzikiriakos Savvas G.
Published: February 2020

The rheological properties of different types of asphalt binders were studied and compared considering their constituents and physical characteristics. The saturate, aromatic, resin, and asphaltene (SARA) analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) have shown their individual constituents and two distinct glass transition temperatures, indicating the phase changes of the two main components of the asphalt binders, namely asphaltenes and maltenes. Rheological characterization was performed over a wide range of temperatures (−10°C‐60°C) showing that these materials may exhibit viscoelastic solid to viscous liquid behaviour. Master curves of complex viscosity, storage modulus, and loss modulus were constructed by applying the time‐temperature superposition principle, which was found applicable over the temperature range considered. Stress relaxation and steady‐shear test were applied to the samples in order to determine their rheological behaviour in the nonlinear viscoelastic regime (viscosity and nonlinear relaxation modulus). The rheological results were modelled and revealed that the Kaye‐Bernstein‐Kearsley‐Zappas (K‐BKZ) constitutive equation is suitable in representing the rheological behaviour of asphalts. The SARA analysis and rheological measurements were found to be compatible.
Strain pattern and T‐wave alterations are predictors of mortality and poor neurologic outcome following stroke
Authors: Braga Gabriel P. , Gonçalves Renato S. , Minicucci Marcos F. , Bazan Rodrigo , Zornoff Leonardo A. M.
Published: February 2020

Background

Stroke is associated with electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities. However, the role of strain pattern as predictor of poor neurologic outcome and mortality after stroke has not yet been demonstrated.

Hypothesis

ECG abnormalities, with a particular focus on ST‐segment changes, are predictors of mortality and neurologic disability 90 days after stroke.

Methods

Patients with up to 24 hours of stroke were prospectively recruited. An ECG was taken at the time of admission. The patients' clinical evolution was evaluated during hospitalization and after discharge by means of a prescheduled return in 90 days. The degree of disability was measured by the modified Rankin scale (mRs). In relation to the mRs, patients were divided into those with scores from 0 to 2 and those with scores equal to or greater than 3 at the end of the observation period.

Results

Of the 112 patients studied, 29 (25.8%) died during the study period. Patients who died presented higher National Institute of Health Stroke Scale and mRs scores on admission, elevated biomarkers of myocardial necrosis, and abnormalities on the ECG. The prevalence of ECG abnormalities was 63%. A logistic regression model showed that strain pattern and T‐wave alterations were predictors of mortality (odds ratio [OR]: 12.970, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.519‐110.723, P = .019; OR: 3.873, 95% CI: 1.135‐13.215, P = .031, respectively) and mRs at 90 days (OR: 12.557, 95% CI: 1.671‐94.374, P = .014; OR: 15.970, 95% CI: 3.671‐69.479, P < .001, respectively) after stroke, adjusted by sex, age, stroke subtype, entrance NIH, previous mRs score, and stroke thrombolysis.

Conclusion

Strain pattern and T‐wave alterations were predictors of mortality and poor neurologic outcome 90 days after stroke.
Potassium and Residue Management Options to Enhance Productivity and Soil Quality in Zero Till Maize–Wheat Rotation
Authors: Madar Raghavendra , Singh Yudh Vir , Meena Mahesh Chand , Das Tapas Kumar , Gaind Sunita , Verma Rakesh Kumar
Published: February 2020

Crop residue burning and imbalanced use of chemical fertilizers in intensive cereal–cereal rotations are present ecological threats in any agro‐ecosystem of the world. Therefore, identification of best suitable agricultural practices can be a feasible option. The present experiment was initiated in 2013 and consisted of four residue levels (0, 2, 4, and 6 Mg ha−1) and five potassium (K) levels (0, 50, 100, 150% recommended dose of K and 50%RDK+K solubilizing bacteria, KSB). Crop residue (CR) and K management significantly improve crop and soil quality associated parameters. Among the treatments, maximum increase in crop growth, physiological parameters, grain yield, quality aspects, and water productivity are recorded with the application of 4–6 Mg ha−1 CR. Application of 50%RDK+KSB also significantly increases crop and soil related parameters. Soil quality indicators (bulk density, pH, electrical conductivity, and available micronutrients) do not vary significantly with CR and K management. Change in soil organic carbon status, soil enzymes, and potassium‐solubilizing bacterial count are significantly increased with 4–6 Mg ha−1 CR and application of 50%RDK+KSB, and this is in accordance with correlation study carried out. Therefore, it is concluded that CR retention (4–6 Mg ha−1) and reduction of inorganic K fertilizer by 50% and inoculation of KSB enhance the soil quality indicators and thereby improve crop growth, physiological parameters, grain yield, and quality aspects along with water productivity under zero till maize–wheat rotation.
Health‐related quality of life among breast cancer survivors and noncancer controls over 10 years: Pink SWAN
Authors: Avis Nancy E. , Levine Beverly , Goyal Neha , Crawford Sybil L. , Hess Rachel , Colvin Alicia , Bromberger Joyce T. , Greendale Gail A.
Published: February 2020

Background

The goal of this study was to compare health‐related quality of life (HRQL) from diagnosis to 10 years postdiagnosis among breast cancer survivors (BCS) and women without cancer over the same period and to identify BCS subgroups exhibiting different HRQL trajectories.

Methods

Our analysis included 141 BCS and 2086 controls from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN), a multiracial/ethnic cohort study of mid‐life women assessed approximately annually from 1995 to 2015. Pink SWAN participants reported no cancer at SWAN enrollment and developed (cases) or did not develop (controls) incident breast cancer after enrollment. We assessed HRQL with SF‐36 Mental Component Summary and Physical Component Summary scores. We modeled each as a function of case/control status, years since diagnosis, years since diagnosis squared, and the interaction terms between case/control status and the 2 time variables in linear models. We characterized heterogeneity in postdiagnosis HRQL of cases using group‐based trajectories.

Results

BCS had significantly lower HRQL compared with controls at diagnosis and 1 year postdiagnosis. By 2 years, BCS and controls no longer differed significantly. Among BCS, 2 trajectory groups were identified for both scores. For the Mental Component Summary, 88.4% of BCS had consistently good and 11.6% had very low scores. For the Physical Component Summary, 73.9% had good scores, and 26.1% had consistently low scores. Prediagnosis perceived stress and current smoking were related to being in the low mental trajectory group, and a higher number of comorbidities was related to being in the low physical trajectory group.

Conclusion

Although the majority of BCS have HRQL similar to non‐cancer controls after 2 years, subgroups of BCS continue to have low HRQL. Prediagnosis stress, comorbidities, and smoking are vulnerability factors for long‐term, low HRQL in BCS.
Pharmacokinetics of Cenobamate: Results From Single and Multiple Oral Ascending‐Dose Studies in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Vernillet Laurent , Greene Stephen A. , Kamin Marc
Published: February 2020

Cenobamate (YKP3089) is an antiepileptic drug recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of focal (partial‐onset) seizures in adults. The objectives of a first‐in‐human single‐ascending‐dose study and 3 multiple‐ascending‐dose studies were to characterize the pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of cenobamate after single‐dose and multiple‐dose administration in healthy subjects. The 4 randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind studies were conducted in 210 healthy subjects receiving single (5 to 750 mg) or multiple (50 to 600 mg/day) oral doses of cenobamate or placebo using capsule formulation. Safety assessments included treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and laboratory evaluations. Maximum plasma concentrations of cenobamate were observed between 0.8 and 4.0 hours after oral administration. Cmax increased in a dose‐proportional manner for single‐ and multiple‐dose administration across all tested doses. Although the AUC of cenobamate increased in a more than dose‐proportional manner after single‐dose administration, a dose‐proportional increase in cenobamate AUCτ was observed after multiple dosing from 50 to 500 mg/day. Cenobamate exhibited low oral clearance (decreasing from approximately 1.4 to 0.50 L/h with dose increase) and long terminal half‐life (range, approximately 30 to 76 hours with increasing dose). Steady‐state was attained after approximately 2 weeks, and the accumulation ratio was approximately 5 over the 50 to 300 mg/day range. The pharmacokinetic characteristics of cenobamate are consistent with once‐daily dosing. Most TEAEs were mild in severity, 2 serious TEAEs were reported, and no deaths occurred across all studies. Except for multiple daily doses of 600 mg, all doses were generally well tolerated.
Deep Eutectic Solvent‐Assisted Synthesis of Ternary Heterojunctions for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction and Photocatalysis
Authors: Jaihindh Dhayanantha Prabu , Manikandan Arumugam , Chueh Yu‐Lun , Fu Yen‐Pei
Published: February 2020

Hierarchical nano‐/microstructured photocatalysts have drawn attention for enhanced photocatalytic performance. Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have been used as a green sustainable media to act as both solvent and structure‐inducing agent in the synthesis of hierarchical nanomaterials. In this work, the DESs‐assisted synthesis of flower‐structured BiOCl/BiVO4 (BOC/BVO) with g‐C3N4 (BOC/BVO/g‐CN) ternary heterojunctions was achieved by using a simple wet‐chemical method, providing good acidic and alkaline oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts. BOC/BVO/g‐CN‐15 achieved an enhanced photocatalytic activity for OER with an overpotential of 570 mV in 1 m H2SO4 and 220 mV in 1 m KOH electrolyte at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 with excellent stability and extraordinary durability of the catalyst. The ternary heterojunctions displayed extended lifetimes for photogenerated charges and enhanced the separation efficiency of photogenerated electron–hole pairs, which is helpful to enhance the photocatalytic OER. Furthermore, the photocatalytic performance of the ternary heterojunctions in aqueous solution was demonstrated through photocatalytic dye degradation of methyl orange (MO) as a model pollutant, resulting in 95 % degradation of 20 ppm of MO in 210 min under the irradiation of a 35 W Xe arc lamp. This work not only provides new insight into the design of catalysts by using green solvents but also into the design of highly efficient metal‐free OER photocatalysts for applications in acidic and alkaline media.
Disentangling direct and indirect effects of habitat fragmentation on wild plants' pollinator visits and seed production
Authors: Lázaro Amparo , Fuster Francisco , Alomar David , Totland Ørjan
Published: February 2020

Habitat fragmentation threatens plant and pollinator communities, as well as their interactions. However, the effects of landscape fragmentation on the pollination of wild plant species are not well understood yet, partly because there are many correlated features in fragmented landscapes (e.g., decreased patch size, increased isolation, and patch complexity) whose influences are difficult to disentangle. Using a structural equation modeling approach, we assessed the direct and indirect effects of landscape fragmentation (patch size, isolation and complexity, percentage of surrounding land in forest) on the abundance, functional‐group richness, and evenness of pollinators of 24 habitat fragments within an agricultural landscape in Southern Norway. In addition, we studied how these variables affected visitation rates (visits per flower) and seed production (seed set, seed mass) in the four most abundant plant species in the area. Flower abundance was higher in larger and complex patches and decreased with the percentage of forest in the surroundings, while flower richness increased with patch complexity. We found a direct negative relationship between patch complexity and the overall number of pollinator visits that the habitat fragments received. Apart from this direct landscape effect, pollinator visits were mostly affected by the floral communities, with overall flower abundance and richness increasing both total number of pollinator visits and pollinator‐group richness, and flower richness having an additional negative influence on pollinator‐group evenness. Interestingly, we did not find any direct link between visitation rates and reproductive success for any of the study plant species. Instead, several landscape variables directly affected species seed production, although the effects of landscape on seed production were highly species specific. Patch complexity had a negative effect on seed production in two of the four focal species, while other components of the landscape had species‐specific effects. Increasing fragmentation of agricultural landscapes affects pollination interactions at the community level and the reproduction of wild plants. However, understanding the effects of fragmentation on seed production requires going beyond estimating visitation rates, since landscape effects on plant reproduction are not always related to overall interaction frequencies.
Multiscale drivers of phytoplankton communities in north‐temperate lakes
Authors: Loewen Charlie J. G. , Wyatt Faye R. , Mortimer Colleen A. , Vinebrooke Rolf D. , Zurawell Ron W.
Published: February 2020

Multiple factors operating across different spatial and temporal scales affect β‐diversity, the variation in community composition among sites. Disentangling the relative influence of co‐occurring ecological drivers over broad biogeographic gradients and time is critical to developing mechanistic understanding of community responses to natural environmental heterogeneity as well as predicting the effects of anthropogenic change. We partitioned taxonomic β‐diversity in phytoplankton communities across 75 north‐temperate lakes and reservoirs in Alberta, Canada, using data‐driven, spatially constrained null models to differentiate between spatially structured, spatially independent, and spuriously correlated associations with a suite of biologically relevant environmental variables. Phytoplankton β‐diversity was largely independent of space, indicating spatial processes (e.g., dispersal limitation) likely play a minor role in structuring communities at the regional scale. Our analysis also identified seasonal differences in the importance of environmental factors, suggesting a general shift toward greater relevance of local, in‐lake (e.g., nutrients and Secchi depth) over regional, atmospheric and catchment‐level (e.g., monthly solar radiation and grassland coverage) drivers as the open‐water growing season progressed. Several local and regional variables explained taxonomic variation jointly, reflecting climatic and land‐use linkages (e.g., air temperature and water column stability or pastureland and nutrient enrichment) that underscore the importance of understanding how phytoplankton communities integrate, and may serve as sentinels of, broader anthropogenic changes. We also discovered similar community composition in natural and constructed water bodies, demonstrating rapid filtering of regional species to match local environmental conditions in reservoirs comparable to those in natural habitats. Finally, certain factors related to human footprint (e.g., cropland development) explained the composition of bloom‐forming and/or toxic cyanobacteria more than the overall phytoplankton community, suggesting their heightened importance to integrated watershed management.
Fuel treatment effectiveness in the context of landform, vegetation, and large, wind‐driven wildfires
Authors: Prichard Susan J. , Povak Nicholas A. , Kennedy Maureen C. , Peterson David W.
Published: February 2020

Large wildfires (>50,000 ha) are becoming increasingly common in semiarid landscapes of the western United States. Although fuel reduction treatments are used to mitigate potential wildfire effects, they can be overwhelmed in wind‐driven wildfire events with extreme fire behavior. We evaluated drivers of fire severity and fuel treatment effectiveness in the 2014 Carlton Complex, a record‐setting complex of wildfires in north‐central Washington State. Across varied topography, vegetation, and distinct fire progressions, we used a combination of simultaneous autoregression (SAR) and random forest (RF) approaches to model drivers of fire severity and evaluated how fuel treatments mitigated fire severity. Predictor variables included fuel treatment type, time since treatment, topographic indices, vegetation and fuels, and weather summarized by progression interval. We found that the two spatial regression methods are generally complementary and are instructive as a combined approach for landscape analyses of fire severity. Simultaneous autoregression improves upon traditional linear models by incorporating information about neighboring pixel burn severity, which avoids type I errors in coefficient estimates and incorrect inferences. Random forest modeling provides a flexible modeling environment capable of capturing complex interactions and nonlinearities while still accounting for spatial autocorrelation through the use of spatially explicit predictor variables. All treatment areas burned with higher proportions of moderate and high‐severity fire during early fire progressions, but thin and underburn, underburn only, and past wildfires were more effective than thin‐only and thin and pile burn treatments. Treatment units had much greater percentages of unburned and low severity area in later progressions that burned under milder fire weather conditions, and differences between treatments were less pronounced. Our results provide evidence that strategic placement of fuels reduction treatments can effectively reduce localized fire spread and severity even under severe fire weather. During wind‐driven fire spread progressions, fuel treatments that were located on leeward slopes tended to have lower fire severity than treatments located on windward slopes. As fire and fuels managers evaluate options for increasing landscape resilience to future climate change and wildfires, strategic placement of fuel treatments may be guided by retrospective studies of past large wildfire events.
Mapping the estuarine ecosystem service of pollutant removal using empirically validated boosted regression tree models
Authors: Lohrer Andrew M. , Stephenson Fabrice , Douglas Emily J. , Townsend Michael
Published: February 2020

Humans rely on the natural environment and benefit from the goods and services provided by natural ecosystems. Quantification and mapping of ecosystem services (ES) is required to better protect valued ES benefits under pressure from anthropogenic activities. The removal of excess nitrogen, a recognized catchment‐derived pollutant, by biota in estuarine soft sediments is an important ES that potentially ameliorates the development of eutrophication symptoms. Here, we quantified estuarine benthic sediment characteristics and denitrification enzyme activity (DEA), a proxy of inorganic N removal, at 109 sites in four estuaries to develop a general (“global”) model for predicting DEA. Our initial global model for linking DEA and environmental characteristics had good explanatory power, with sediment mud content having the strongest influence on DEA (60%), followed by sediment organic matter content (≈35%) and sediment chlorophyllacontent (≈5%). Predicted and empirically evaluated DEA values in a fifth estuary (Whitford,n = 90 validation sites) were positively correlated (r = 0.77), and the fit and certainty of the model (based on two types of uncertainty measures) increased further after the validation sites were incorporated into it. The model tended to underpredict DEA at the upper end of its range (at the muddier, more organically enriched sites), and the relative roles of the three environmental predictors differed in Whitford relative to the four previously sampled estuaries (reducing the explained deviance relative to the initial global model). Our detailed quantification of DEA and methodological description for producing empirically validated maps, complete with uncertainty information, represents an important first step in the construction of nutrient pollution removal ES maps for use in coastal marine spatial management. This technique can likely be adapted to map other ecosystem functions and ES proxies worldwide.
Super broadband acoustic impedance matching by MUT‐type acoustic metamaterial
Authors: Tanaka Hiroki , Machida Shuntaro
Published: February 2020

We show the structure and matching theory of MUT‐type acoustic matching device. A simulation model of the finite element method was constructed and the following evaluations were made: (1) analysis of the stress distribution inside the proposed device in order to find the mechanism of ultrasound propagation, (2) comparison of the performance as an acoustic matching device with the conventional matching layer method in ultrasound frequency, and (3) dependence of acoustic matching performance on design parameters. The MUT‐type acoustic matching device based on the proposed design guidance showed higher acoustic transmittance and wider bandwidth than the conventional 1/4 wavelength acoustic matching system.
Global miRNA and mRNA expression profiles identify miRNA‐26a‐2‐3p‐dependent repression of IFN signature in systemic sclerosis human monocytes
Authors: Ciechomska Marzena , Wojtas Bartosz , Swacha Monika , Olesinska Marzena , Benes Vladimir , Maslinski Wlodzimierz
Published: February 2020

Dysregulation in type I IFN and IFN‐stimulated genes (ISGs) induced by monocytes is one of the key features of systemic sclerosis (SSc) pathogenesis. Abnormalities in microRNA (miRNA) expression are related to excessive IFN production, however the role of miRNA remains largely elusive in SSc monocytes. This study explores global miRNA‐mRNA profiling of SSc monocytes and functional attenuation of IFN and ISGs by specific miRNAs. Global sequencing of mRNA (mRNA‐seq) and miRNA (miRNA‐seq) samples were performed simultaneously on healthy controls and SSc monocytes. Following computational analysis, selected miRNAs–mRNA candidates were validated, correlated with clinical parameters, and tested by functional assays. Transcriptomics data and qPCR analysis confirmed IFN signature in SSc but not in rheumatoid arthritis monocytes. Based on miRNA‐seq analysis, five miRNAs were selected for further validation. Only the expression patterns of miRNA‐26a‐2‐3p and miRNA‐485‐3p were confirmed and negatively correlated with clinical parameters. Exogenous delivery of miRNA‐26a‐2‐3p to TLR‐stimulated monocytic THP‐1 cells specifically inhibited ISGs but not inflammasome activity in functional assays. In conclusion, our miRNA–mRNA co‐sequencing and functional analysis identify miRNA‐26a‐2‐3p as a new candidate, which is predicated to negatively regulate ISGs. This implies that reduced expression of miRNA‐26a‐2‐3 may be involved in pathogenic IFN signature in SSc monocytes.
The Structure of the Dipolar Bond in the Rare Earth Nitrilotris(Methylene Phosphonate)s with Different Oxygen Coordination Symmetries
Authors: Lomova Natalia V. , Chausov Feodor F. , Somov Nikolay V. , Isupov Nikita Yu. , Vorob'yov Vasily L. , Porsev Vitaly E.
Published: February 2020

The electronic structure of 16 complex compounds of RE (Y, La–Tb) with the same ligand – nitrilotris(methylenephosphonic acid) [NTP, N(CH2PO3)3H6] and with different coordination symmetries of the RE atom is investigated. The structure of XP‐spectra of a valence band in this area significantly differs for structures with non‐octahedral O‐coordination of the RE atom, on the one hand, and those with pseudo‐octahedral O‐coordination of the RE atom, on the other hand. In the XP‐spectra of non‐octahedral O‐coordination complexes the O2s‐states have a maximum at EB = 24–26 eV and are poorly overlapped with Ln5p‐states. For pseudo‐octahedral O‐coordination structures a wide strip is observed in the field of EB = 20–28 eV corresponding to an overlap M5p‐ and O2s‐states with formation of internal valence molecular orbitals (IVMO). Apparently, in pseudo‐octahedral O‐coordination structures the arrangement of O atoms agrees with the octahedral symmetry of RE p‐orbitals and leads to the formation of IVMO M5p+O2s.
In Vitro Antioxidant Properties of Berry Leaves and Their Inhibitory Effect on Lipid Peroxidation of Thigh Meat from Broiler Chickens
Authors: Varzaru Iulia , Untea Arabela Elena , Saracila Mihaela
Published: February 2020

The present study is designed to evaluate the antioxidant compounds from bilberry, cranberry, and raspberry leaves in connection with their radical scavenging activities, and their potential in inhibiting the lipid peroxidation of thigh meat from broiler chickens. For this purpose, plant extracts are analyzed regarding the content in bioactive compounds, antioxidant properties analysis including 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl, superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radical‐scavenging activities. Lipid peroxidation is induced by an Fe+3/ascorbic acid system and the inhibitory effects of plants extracts are assessed using thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS) as biomarkers for quantifying lipid oxidation in meat. The overview of the analyzed antioxidant compounds shows that cranberry leaves present the highest concentrations of vitamin E, β‐carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin, and polyphenols and a total antioxidant capacity with 52% higher than bilberry and 360% than raspberry. Bilberry leaves extract shows the strongest effect (p < 0.0001) in inhibiting meat lipid peroxidation.

Practical Applications: The results demonstrate the positive effect of the selected berry leaves in the oxidative stability of broiler chicken meat under in vitro conditions, and may be suggested as an alternative source of natural antioxidants for animal nutrition, with benefits in inhibiting and delaying oxidation, and also enhancing the nutritional value of meat.
In Situ Investigations of Simultaneous Two‐Layer Slot Die Coating of Component‐Graded Anodes for Improved High‐Energy Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Diehm Ralf , Kumberg Jana , Dörrer Christopher , Müller Marcus , Bauer Werner , Scharfer Philip , Schabel Wilhelm
Published: February 2020

The use of thicker electrodes can contribute to a reduction in cell costs. However, the properties of the electrode must be kept in view to be able to meet the performance requirements. Herein, the possibility of simultaneous multilayer slot die coating is investigated to improve the electrode properties of medium‐ and high‐capacity anodes. The stable coating window of the two‐layer slot die coating process is investigated to produce property‐graded multilayer electrodes. Electrodes with different styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) gradients are investigated with regard to adhesive force and electrochemical performance. An increase in the adhesive force of up to 43.5% and an increase in the discharge capacity is observed.
Characterization of a natural zeolite with inverse gas chromatography to assess its feasibility as adsorbent
Authors: Díez Eduardo , Gómez José María , Rodríguez Araceli , Martínez Almudena , Sáez Patricia
Published: February 2020

In this work, the dispersive and specific components of the surface energy of clinoptilolite have been obtained by means of IGC technique with the aim of assessing its potential as adsorbent to remove metallic cations from aqueous solutions. The obtained values of the dispersive component range from 22 to 36 mJ/m2, in agreement with the fact that clinoptilolite removal of metal ions takes place mainly due to physisorption. In relation to acid–base properties, the acidic and basic constants of clinoptilolite were found to be KA = 52.4 and KD = 1.5, indicating that this solid is adequate for the removal of metallic cations from aqueous solutions due its acidic surface character.
Removal of titanium dioxide nanoparticles from wastewater using traditional chemical coagulants and chitosan
Authors: Punzi Vito L. , Kungne Vanessa Z. , Skaf Dorothy W.
Published: February 2020

Alum and ferric chloride were used individually as coagulants to remove P25 TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) from a simulated wastewater. Previous studies have addressed the use of alum, polyaluminum chloride, chitosan, and polyaluminum chloride with chitosan for coagulation of NPs. A goal of this study was to reduce chemical usage associated with wastewater treatment by examining the coagulation effectiveness of chitosan in conjunction with alum. To further reduce chemical consumption during coagulation, the initial solution pH was limited to 6 or 8. A range of alum doses removed NPs from pH 8 wastewater to achieve residual turbidity <1 NTU. NP removal from pH 6 solutions produced water with residual turbidity <2 NTU only at lower initial NP concentrations. For pH 8 solutions, ferric chloride produced treated water with residual turbidity <1 NTU but at higher doses than required for alum. While chitosan alone did not significantly reduce turbidity, the use of alum and chitosan together reduced the optimal alum dose by 10% and also reduced alum treatment acidification. Therefore, the use of chitosan in coagulation can potentially reduce chemical usage during water treatment and the energy and water consumption associated with chemical production. Use of alum with low chitosan concentrations produces faster settling floc, which can potentially reduce settling tank volume and produce an effluent containing lower aluminum concentrations.
Multi‐site aerodynamic optimization of wind turbine blades for maximum annual energy production in East Iran
Authors: Azizi Mahdi , Jahangirian Alireza
Published: February 2020

Aerodynamic optimization of a horizontal axis wind turbine blade is performed for maximizing total annual energy production in three different sites located in the east part of Iran. While most researches have focused on the optimization of wind turbine blades for a specific location or air velocity, the main objective in practical problems is to find the best single design for multiple locations giving the highest energy output. The current paper addresses this issue and shows that multi‐site optimization of wind turbine blades is the key to maximizing energy extraction at multiple sites while reducing the manufacturing costs by proposing one optimum blade for all sites. In order to achieve this goal, the known Riso wind turbine blade is used as the base geometry and is optimized using a modified blade element momentum (BEM) theory and genetic algorithm. The objective function is maximizing sum of energy production at the selected sites. Blade twist and chord length distributions are chosen as design parameters. By running various optimization cases, it is shown that the multi‐site optimum blade has the highest sum of annual energy production by 4.45% increase compared with the Riso wind turbine blade.