bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What Caging Force Cells Feel in 3D Hydrogels: A Rheological Perspective
Authors: Ciccone Giuseppe , Dobre Oana , Gibson Graham M. , Rey Jose Manuel , Gonzalez–Garcia Cristina , Vassalli Massimo , Salmeron–Sanchez Manuel , Tassieri Manlio
Published: July 2020

It has been established that the mechanical properties of hydrogels control the fate of (stem) cells. However, despite its importance, a one‐to‐one correspondence between gels' stiffness and cell behavior is still missing from literature. In this work, the viscoelastic properties of poly(ethylene‐glycol) (PEG)‐based hydrogels are investigated by means of rheological measurements performed at different length scales. The outcomes of this work reveal that PEG‐based hydrogels show significant stiffening when subjected to a compressional deformation, implying that conventional bulk rheology measurements may overestimate the stiffness of hydrogels by up to an order of magnitude. It is hypothesized that this apparent stiffening is caused by an induced “tensional state” of the gel network, due to the application of a compressional normal force during sample loading. Moreover, it is shown that the actual stiffness of the hydrogels is instead accurately determined by means of both passive‐video‐particle‐tracking (PVPT) microrheology and nanoindentation measurements, which are inherently performed at the cell's length scale and in absence of any externally applied force in the case of PVPT. These results underpin a methodology for measuring hydrogels' linear viscoelastic properties that are representative of the mechanical constraints perceived by cells in 3D hydrogel cultures.
Low‐Damaged Layer‐by‐Layer Etching of Large‐Area Molybdenum Disulfide Films via Mild Plasma Treatment
Authors: Chee Sang‐Soo , Ham Moon‐Ho
Published: July 2020

Controlling the number of layers of 2D transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) film is indispensable for optoelectronic applications because of their layer‐dependent optical features. However, most of methodologies on controlling TMDC layers induce undesirable defect formation and are performed on TMDC flakes, obtained from mechanical exfoliation. These limitations make practical TMDC‐based optoelectronic applications more difficult. Herein, layer‐by‐layer etching methodology of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) films is developed using mild sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) plasma treatment. It is confirmed that the number of layers is successfully controlled from trilayer to monolayer by increasing plasma treatment time, while preserving overall film quality. Such low‐damaged layer‐by‐layer etching is attributed to this mild plasma etching system to only introduce the chemical reaction between ionized fluorine and MoS2, without physical damage to MoS2. Electrical properties of layer‐controlled MoS2 devices are also investigated, achieving comparatively high field‐effect mobilities of 16.2, 8.84, and 2.87 cm2 V−1 s−1 for tri‐, bi‐, and monolayer MoS2, respectively. This finding provides the possibility of realizing layer‐by‐layer engineering of 2D TMDCs.
Nonreciprocal Transmission and Nonreciprocal Entanglement in a Spinning Microwave Magnomechanical System
Authors: Yang Zhi‐Bo , Liu Jin‐Song , Zhu Ai‐Dong , Liu Hong‐Yu , Yang Rong‐Can
Published: July 2020

This study presents nonreciprocal transmission and nonreciprocal magnon–phonon entanglement in a spinning microwave magnomechanical system. This system consists of microwave photons, magnon modes, and phonons. These are created by the vibrational mode of a yttrium iron garnet sphere. This investigation reveals that nonreciprocity is caused by the light that is circulating in a resonator that is experiencing a Fizeau shift. This leads to a difference in the effective detuning frequency of the photon for forwarding and backward drives. A super‐strong transmission isolation rate (>100 dB) and a strong entanglement isolation rate (≈50 dB) are obtained by applying the experimental parameters. This scheme opens a new route for exploiting a variety of nonreciprocal effects, and it provides the theoretical basis for the design and realization of magnetically controllable isolators and diodes.
An Endo‐Selective Epoxide‐Opening Cascade for the Fast Assembly of the Polycyclic Core Structure of Marine Ladder Polyethers
Authors: Li Feng‐Xing , Ren Shu‐Jian , Li Pei‐Fang , Yang Peng , Qu Jin
Published: July 2020

The rapid synthesis of marine ladder polyethers from polyepoxide precursors (in analogy with the biosynthetic pathway hypothesized by Nakanishi) is hampered by the fact that the exo‐selective epoxide‐opening cyclization cascade that gives THF‐type polyethers is preferred over the endo‐selective cascade that gives the desired products. We found that perfluoro‐tert‐butanol (PFTB) cooperating with 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([EMIM]BF4) can promote endo‐selective epoxide‐opening cyclization reactions of trisubstituted epoxy alcohols. Starting from readily accessible homochiral polyepoxy alcohols with a methyl group at all the endo‐cyclization sites, we were able to construct polyethers up to five consecutive fused 6‐, 7‐, and/or 8‐membered rings in one step. Notably, molecules with the 7/7/6/6 and 7/7/6/7/6 polyether frameworks of hemibrevetoxin B and brevenal, respectively, could be synthesized in 40 % and 17 % chemical yields.
Tuning Optimum Temperature Range of Bi2Te3‐Based Thermoelectric Materials by Defect Engineering
Authors: Zhang Qi , Fang Teng , Liu Feng , Li Airan , Wu Yehao , Zhu Tiejun , Zhao Xinbing
Published: July 2020

Bi2Te3‐based solid solutions, which have been widely used as thermoelectric (TE) materials for the room temperature TE refrigeration, are also the potential candidates for the power generators with medium and low‐temperature heat sources. Therefore, depending on the applications, Bi2Te3‐based materials are expected to exhibit excellent TE properties in different temperature ranges. Manipulating the point defects in Bi2Te3‐based materials is an effective and important method to realize this purpose. In this review, we focus on how to optimize the TE properties of Bi2Te3‐based TE materials in different temperature ranges by defect engineering. Our calculation results of two‐band model revel that tuning the carrier concentration and band gap, which is easily realized by defects engineering, can obtain better TE properties at different temperatures. Then, the typical paradigms about optimizing the TE properties at different temperatures for n‐type and p‐type Bi2Te3‐based ZM ingots and polycrystals are discussed in the perspective of defects engineering. This review can provide the guidance to improve the TE properties of Bi2Te3‐based materials at different temperatures by defects engineering.
Infinite horizon LQ Nash Games for SDEs with infinite jumps
Authors: Liu Yueying , Hou Ting
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we consider infinite horizon linear‐quadratic (LQ) Nash games for stochastic differential equations (SDEs) with infinite Markovian jumps and (x,u,v)‐dependent noise. An indefinite stochastic LQ result is first derived for the considered system. Then, under the condition of strong detectability, a necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of a Nash equilibrium is put forward in terms of the solvability of a countably infinite set of coupled generalized algebraic Riccati equations (ICGAREs). Moreover, the mixed H2/H∞ control is investigated by Nash game approach as an important application. At last, we present an iterative algorithm to solve the ICGAREs, and a numerical simulation is given to illustrate its efficiency.
Ethylene glycol and glycolic acid production by wild‐type Escherichia coli
Authors: Lu Xiyang , Yao Yao , Yang Yang , Zhang Zhongxi , Gu Jinjie , Mojovic Ljiljana , Knezevic‐Jugovic Zorica , Baganz Frank , Lye Gary , Shi Jiping , Hao Jian
Published: July 2020

Ethylene glycol and glycolic acid are bulk chemicals with a broad range of applications. The ethylene glycol and glycolic acid biosynthesis pathways have been produced by microorganisms and used as a biological route for their production. Unlike the methods that use xylose or glucose as carbon sources, xylonic acid was used as a carbon source to produce ethylene glycol and glycolic acid in this study. Amounts of 4.2 g/L of ethylene glycol and 0.7 g/L of glycolic acid were produced by a wild‐type Escherichia coli W3110 within 10 H of cultivation with a substrate conversion ratio of 0.5 mol/mol. Furthermore, E. coli strains that produce solely ethylene glycol or glycolic acid were constructed. 10.3 g/L of glycolic acid was produced by E. coli ΔyqhD+aldA, and the achieved conversion ratio was 0.56 mol/mol. Similarly, the E. coli ΔaldA+yqhD produced 8.0 g/L of ethylene glycol with a conversion ratio of 0.71 mol/mol. Ethylene glycol and glycolic acid production by E. coli on xylonic acid as a carbon source provides new information on the biosynthesis pathway of these products and opens a novel way of biomass utilization.
Towards a More Sustainable Lithium‐Ion Battery Future: Recycling LIBs from Electric Vehicles
Authors: Chitre Aniket , Freake Daniel , Lander Laura , Edge Jacqueline , Titirici Maria‐Magdalena
Published: July 2020

With the number of electric vehicles (EVs) projected to increase 25‐fold by 2030, effective recycling processes need to be developed to conserve the critical raw materials (in particular, cobalt and lithium) used to make lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Industrial recycling of LIBs is underdeveloped due to two main reasons: i) complex and particularly variable cathodic chemistries; ii) physically different shapes and sizes of battery packs which are not designed for easy disassembly. Present processes use pyrometallurgical and/or hydrometallurgical recycling methods, with the latter being widely seen as the future in view of changing battery chemistries to lower cobalt contents. As such, this paper focuses on improvements, including sorting of batteries and using alternative water‐soluble binders, to enhance LIB material recovery from hydrometallurgical processes. This review promotes the adoption of a holistic design approach for LIBs that includes ease of end‐of‐life recyclability.
Analysis of Transformed Upstream Bioprocess Data Provides Insights into Biological System Variation
Authors: Richelle Anne , Lee Boung Wook , Portela Rui M. C. , Raley Jonathan , von Stosch Moritz
Published: July 2020

In recent years, multivariate data analysis (MVDA) and modeling approaches have found increasing applications for upstream bioprocess studies (e.g., monitoring, development, optimization, scale‐up, etc.). Many of these studies look at variations in the concentrations of metabolites and cell‐based measurements. However, these measures are subject to system inherent variations (e.g., changes in metabolic activity) but also intentional operational changes. It is proposed to perform MVDA and modeling on data representative of the underlying biological system operation, that is, the specific rates, which are per se independent of the scale, operational strategy (e.g., batch, fed‐batch), and biomass content. Two industrial case studies are highlighted to showcase the approach: one is HEK medium performance comparison study and the other is CHO scale‐up/‐down study. It is shown that analyzing processes in this way reveals insights into behavior of the underlying biological system, which cannot to the same degree be deducted from the analysis of concentrations.
Association between red blood cell distribution width and white matter hyperintensities: A large‐scale cross‐sectional study
Authors: Wang Meiyao , Feng Hongliang , Zhang Shuaimei , Luo Zhengjin , Liang Yan , Xu Yan , Mei Bin , Kong Zhaohong , Liu Yumin
Published: July 2020

Background

Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a strong prognostic marker for various medical conditions, such as ischemic strokes. However, the relationships between higher RDW and the subtypes of white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) remain unclear. Hence, this study aimed to thoroughly evaluate the relationships between RDW and the subtypes of WMHs.

Patients and methods

This cross‐sectional study was a retrospective analysis of hospital database (Dongguan Medical System, from April 2015 to February 2017). The presence and subtypes of WMHs were evaluated using Fazekas score with the T2WI‐FLAIR brain images from a 1.5‐T MRI system. The overall sample was randomly split in half. One of the two split‐half samples was used for determining the optimal cutoff value of higher RDW and another for further statistical analyses.

Results

A total of 555 subjects with WMHs and 642 controls were recruited. The optimal cutoff value of higher RDW was 13.25%. Logistic regression revealed that higher RDW (≥13.25%) was positively associated with periventricular WMHs (adjusted OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.16–2.82, p = .009). However, higher RDW was not associated with total WMHs (adjusted OR = 1.52, 95% CI: 0.99–2.33, p = .057) and deep WMHs (adjusted OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 0.76–1.94, p = .426).

Conclusion

Our findings suggested that higher RDW may be independently associated with periventricular WMHs, but not with total WMHs and deep WMHs.
Cross‐cultural differences in Parkinson's disease caregiving and burden between the United States and Mexico
Authors: Smith Erin R. , Perrin Paul B. , Tyler Carmen M. , Lageman Sarah K. , Villaseñor Teresita
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Given the rapidly aging population in both the United States and Mexico, rates of Parkinson's disease (PD) are likely to rise in both countries, suggesting that the number of individuals providing informal care will also increase, and the healthcare system will have to consider the burden this places upon caregivers. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to examine differences in PD caregiving and burden between the United States and Mexico.

Methods

Data were collected from PD caregivers in the Parkinson's Clinic at the Hospital Civil Fray Antonio Alcalde in Guadalajara, Mexico (N = 148) and the Parkinson's and Movement Disorders Center at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia (N = 105) regarding caregiver demographics and self‐reported burden.

Results

Despite considerably more time spent in caregiving duties, higher rates in unemployment or underemployment, and lower education levels, Mexican PD caregivers reported significantly less personal strain and role strain than did their United States counterparts. Even after controlling for these and other demographic differences between the two sites, the differences in caregiver burden remained.

Conclusions

Latino cultural values in Mexico encouraging the importance of caring for family members with PD and respecting elders may promote caregiving and even make it a point of cultural pride, helping to overcome potential negative effects on caregivers seen in the United States. The scientific and medical communities should view caregiving as a culturally embedded and potentially positive role, rather than predominantly as burdensome as frequently conceptualized in Western or Eurocentric cultures.
The Triazole Ring as a Privileged Scaffold for Putative Antifungals: Synthesis and Evaluation of a Series of New Analogues
Authors: Zoidis Grigoris , Kritsi Eftichia , Lecinska Paulina , Ivanov Marija , Zoumpoulakis Panagiotis , Sokovic Marina , Catto Marco
Published: July 2020

The significant antifungal activity of a series of novel 1,2,4‐triazole derivatives against different strains of Candida albicans, Candida krusei and Aspergillus fumigatus, compared to the commercial fungicides ketoconazole and itraconazole, is reported. Systemic mycosis and invasive fungal infections, whether from immunodeficiency or hospital‐acquired infection, have been on an upward trend for several years. The 1,2,4‐triazole ring substituted with other aromatic and heteroaromatic systems plays an important role in the field of antifungal drug discovery and development. Thus, an extensive series of 29 triazoles, substituted in different positions with a variety of aromatic rings, has been designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their fungicidal activity. Almost all the agents tested in vitro showed high activity against all examined fungal strains. It is noteworthy that, in the case of A. fumigatus, all the examined compounds achieved equal or higher antifungal activity than ketoconazole, but less activity than itraconazole. Among all the derivatives studied, the dichlorourea analogue and bromo‐substituted triazole stand out as the most promising compounds. Quantitative structure‐activity relationship (QSAR) models were built for a systematic structure‐activity relationship (SAR) profile to explain and potentially explore the potency characteristics of 1,2,4‐triazole analogues.
Survival outcome of adjuvant chemotherapy in deficient mismatch repair stage III colon cancer
Authors: Shaib Walid L. , Zakka Katerina M. , Jiang Renjian , Yan Ming , Alese Olatunji B. , Akce Mehmet , Wu Christina , Behera Madhusmita , El‐Rayes Bassel F.
Published: July 2020

Background

The prognostic impact of DNA mismatch repair (MMR) status remains controversial in patients with stage III colon cancer who are treated with adjuvant chemotherapy (AC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the survival outcome of AC in deficient mismatch repair (dMMR)/microsatellite instable (MSI) stage III CC.

Methods

Patients with pathological stage III CC between 2010 and 2013 were identified from the National Cancer Database using International Classification of Diseases for Oncology (3rd Edition) morphology and topography codes 8140, 8480, and C18.0‐18.8. Patients with pathologic stage T3N2, T4N1, or T4N were considered high risk; patients with stage T3N1 were considered low risk. Univariate and multivariable analyses were conducted, and Kaplan‐Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify the association between AC and overall survival (OS).

Results

A total of 9226 patients with pathological stage III CC were identified, of which 2384 (25.8%) were MSI‐high (MSI‐H) and met the inclusion criteria of the final analysis. MSI‐low (MSI‐L) patients (n = 6842) were excluded. There was a preponderance of women (55.0% [n = 1311]), and 76.6% (n = 1825) of patients were non‐Hispanic white. The median age was 65 years (range, 19‐90 years). The primary sites were the cecum (29.7% [n = 707]), ascending colon (26.0% [n = 620]), sigmoid colon (17.2% [n = 410]), and transverse colon (10.8% [n = 257]). The most common tumor grade was moderately differentiated (n = 50.4% [1202]), followed by poorly differentiated (34.1% [n = 813]) and well differentiated (5.1% [n = 121]). High‐risk pathologic stage III CC (T4N1, TxN2) constituted 51.0% (n = 1215) of the study population. High‐risk stage III was associated with worse OS compared with low‐risk stage III on univariate (P < .001) analysis and displayed a similar trend on multivariable analysis, without a statistically significant difference. Multiagent AC was associated with improved OS compared with no treatment on univariate (P < .001) and multivariable (P < .001) analysis. When stratified by risk status, multiagent AC was associated with improved OS compared with no treatment for high‐risk (P < .001) and low‐risk (P < .001) stage III disease.

Conclusion

Adjuvant chemotherapy is associated with better OS in stage III dMMR/MSI‐H CC. An enhanced benefit was shown for high‐risk stage III disease.
Electrochemical Lignin Conversion
Authors: Du Xu , Zhang Haichuan , Sullivan Kevin P. , Gogoi Parikshit , Deng Yulin
Published: July 2020

Lignin is the largest source of renewable aromatic compounds, making the recovery of aromatic compounds from this material a significant scientific goal. Recently, many studies have reported on lignin depolymerization and upgrading strategies. Electrochemical approaches are considered to be low cost, reagent free, and environmentally friendly, and can be carried out under mild reaction conditions. In this Review, different electrochemical lignin conversion strategies, including electrooxidation, electroreduction, hybrid electro‐oxidation and reduction, and combinations of electrochemical and other processes (e. g., biological, solar) for lignin depolymerization and upgrading are discussed in detail. In addition to lignin conversion, electrochemical lignin fractionation from biomass and black liquor is also briefly discussed. Finally, the outlook and challenges for electrochemical lignin conversion are presented.
Z‐Scheme Water Splitting under Near‐Ambient Pressure using a Zirconium Oxide Coating on Printable Photocatalyst Sheets
Authors: Okunaka Sayuri , Kameshige Hiroyuki , Ikeda Takeshi , Tokudome Hiromasa , Hisatomi Takashi , Yamada Taro , Domen Kazunari
Published: July 2020

Sunlight‐driven water splitting systems operating under ambient pressure are essential for practical renewable hydrogen production. Printable photocatalyst sheets, composed of a hydrogen evolution photocatalyst (HEP), an oxygen evolution photocatalyst (OEP), and conductive metal nanoparticles, are cost‐effective and scalable systems. However, the decrease in water splitting activity under ambient pressure due to reverse reactions hampers their practical application. In this study, coating zirconium oxide (ZrOx) by facile drop‐casting onto a printed photocatalyst sheet, which consists of SrTiO3 : Rh, BiVO4 : Mo, and Au nanocolloids as the HEP, OEP, and electron mediator, respectively, effectively maintains the water splitting activity at elevated pressure. The ZrOx‐coated photocatalyst sheet retains 90 % and 84 % of the base performance (the pristine sheet at 10 kPa) at 50 and 90 kPa, respectively. Achieving efficient water splitting at the ambient pressure by inexpensive and extensible processes is an important step toward solar hydrogen production.
Reactive process and hysteresis effect in magnetron with magnetized hollow cathode enhanced target
Authors: Baránková Hana , Bardos Ladislav
Published: July 2020

The hysteresis effect in the reactive process was investigated in the magnetron with a magnetized hollow cathode enhanced target (HoCET) in which the target is coupled with the hollow cathode magnetized by the magnetic field of the magnetron. The process, where both the magnetron and hollow cathode plasmas are combined, is compared to the magnetron sputtering. The hysteresis curve in the magnetized HoCET magnetron, recording the titanium emission intensity versus varying content of nitrogen in the gas mixture exhibits a local maximum on the increasing part of the curve. The hysteresis curve is shifted to lower contents of nitrogen than the hysteresis curve for the magnetron. It is concluded that more efficient utilization of the reactive gas takes place in this device.
Lousy grouse: Comparing evolutionary patterns in Alaska galliform lice to understand host evolution and host–parasite interactions
Authors: Sweet Andrew D. , Wilson Robert E. , Sonsthagen Sarah A. , Johnson Kevin P.
Published: July 2020

Understanding both sides of host–parasite relationships can provide more complete insights into host and parasite biology in natural systems. For example, phylogenetic and population genetic comparisons between a group of hosts and their closely associated parasites can reveal patterns of host dispersal, interspecies interactions, and population structure that might not be evident from host data alone. These comparisons are also useful for understanding factors that drive host–parasite coevolutionary patterns (e.g., codivergence or host switching) over different periods of time. However, few studies have compared the evolutionary histories between multiple groups of parasites from the same group of hosts at a regional geographic scale. Here, we used genomic data to compare phylogenomic and population genomic patterns of Alaska ptarmigan and grouse species (Aves: Tetraoninae) and two genera of their associated feather lice: Lagopoecus and Goniodes. We used whole‐genome sequencing to obtain hundreds of genes and thousands of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for the lice and double‐digest restriction‐associated DNA sequences to obtain SNPs from Alaska populations of two species of ptarmigan. We found that both genera of lice have some codivergence with their galliform hosts, but these relationships are primarily characterized by host switching and phylogenetic incongruence. Population structure was also uncorrelated between the hosts and lice. These patterns suggest that grouse, and ptarmigan in particular, share habitats and have likely had historical and ongoing dispersal within Alaska. However, the two genera of lice also have sufficient dissimilarities in the relationships with their hosts to suggest there are other factors, such as differences in louse dispersal ability, that shape the evolutionary patterns with their hosts.
Viral presence‐guided immunomodulation in lymphocytic myocarditis: an update
Authors: Sinagra Gianfranco , Porcari Aldostefano , Gentile Piero , Artico Jessica , Fabris Enrico , Bussani Rossana , Merlo Marco
Published: July 2020

Latest statements from European and American societies recommend to rule out viral presence in endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis before starting immunosuppression or immunomodulation in acute lymphocytic myocarditis presenting with life‐threatening scenarios. However, recommendations in myocarditis are mostly based on heterogeneous studies enrolling patients with inflammatory cardiomyopathies and established heart failure rather than acute myocarditis. Thus, definitive evidence of a survival benefit from immunomodulation guided by viral presence is currently lacking. Finally, distinguishing innocent bystanders from causative agents among EMB‐detected viruses remain challenging and a major goal to achieve in the near future. Therefore, considerable divergence remains between official recommendations and clinical practice, including the possibility of starting immunosuppressive therapy empirically, without knowing viral PCR results. This review systematically discusses the unsolved issues of immunomodulation guided by viral presence in acute lymphocytic myocarditis, namely (i) virus epidemiology and prognosis, (ii) variability of viral presence rates, (iii) the role of potential viral bystander findings, and (iv) the main results of immunosuppression controlled trials in lymphocytic myocarditis. Furthermore, a practical approach for the critical use of viral presence analysis in guiding immunomodulation is provided, highlighting its importance before starting immunosuppression or immunomodulation. Future, multicentre studies are needed to address specific scenarios such as fulminant lymphocytic myocarditis and a virus‐tailored management as for parvovirus B19.
Ventricular tachyarrhythmia detection by implantable loop recording in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction: the VIP‐HF study
Authors: van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , van Woerden Gijs , Gorter Thomas M. , van Empel Vanessa P.M. , Manintveld Olivier C. , Tieleman Robert G. , Maass Alexander H. , Vernooy Kevin , Westenbrink B. Daan , van Gelder Isabelle C. , Rienstra Michiel
Published: July 2020

Aims

The primary aim of the VIP‐HF study was to examine the incidence of sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VTs) in heart failure (HF) with mid‐range (HFmrEF) or preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Secondary aims were to examine the incidence of non‐sustained VTs, bradyarrhythmias, HF hospitalizations and mortality.

Methods and results

This was an investigator‐initiated, prospective, multicentre, observational study of patients with HF and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) >40%. Patients underwent extensive phenotyping, after which an implantable loop recorder was implanted. We enrolled 113 of the planned 250 patients [mean age 73 ± 8 years, 51% women, New York Heart Association class II/III 54%/46%, median N‐terminal pro B‐type natriuretic peptide 1367 (710–2452) pg/mL and mean LVEF 54 ± 6%; 75% had LVEF >50%]. Eighteen percent had non‐sustained VTs and 37% had atrial fibrillation on Holter monitoring. During a median follow‐up of 657 (219–748) days, the primary endpoint of sustained VT was observed in one patient. The incidence of the primary endpoint was 0.6 (95% confidence interval 0.2–3.5) per 100 person‐years. The incidence of the secondary endpoint of non‐sustained VT was 11.5 (7.1–18.7) per 100 person‐years. Five patients developed bradyarrhythmias [3.2 (1.4–7.5) per 100 person‐years], three were implanted with a pacemaker. In total, 23 patients (20%) were hospitalized for HF [16.3 (10.9–24.4) per 100 person‐years]. Fourteen patients (12%) died [8.7 (5.2–14.7) per 100 person‐years]; 10 due to cardiovascular causes, and four sudden deaths, one with implantable loop recorder‐confirmed bradyarrhythmias as terminal event, three others undetermined.

Conclusion

Despite the lower than expected number of included patients, the incidence of sustained VTs in HFmrEF/HFpEF was low. Clinically relevant bradyarrhythmias were more often observed than expected.
Determination of sulfa antibiotic residues in river and particulate matter by field‐amplified sample injection‐capillary zone electrophoresis
Authors: Li Xinghua , Yang Yuqin , Miao Junjie , Yin Zhendong , Zhai Yijing , Shi Hongmei , Li Zengning
Published: July 2020

In the present research, field‐amplified sample injection–CZE (FASI–CZE) coupled with a diode array detector was established to determine trace level sulfa antibiotic. Sulfathiazole, sulfadiazine, sulfamethazine, sulfadimethoxine, sulfamethoxazole, and sulfisoxazole were selected as analytes for the experiments. The background electrolyte solution consisted of 70.0 mmol/L borax and 60.0 mmol/L boric acid (including 10% methanol, pH 9.1). The plug was 2.5 mmol/L borax, which was injected into the capillary at a pressure of 0.5 psi for 5 s. Then the sample was injected into the capillary at an injection voltage of –10 kV for 20 s. The electrophoretic separation was carried out under a voltage of +19 kV. The capillary temperature was maintained at 20˚C throughout the analysis, and six sulfonamides were completely separated within 35 min. Compared with pressure injection‐CZE, the sensitivity of FASI‐CZE was increased by 6.25–10.0 times, and the LODs were reduced from 0.2–0.5 to 0.02–0.05 μg/mL. The method was applied to the determination of sulfonamides in river water and particulate matter samples. The recoveries were 78.59–106.59%. The intraday and interday precisions were 2.89–7.35% and 2.77–7.09%, respectively. This provides a simpler and faster method for the analysis of sulfa antibiotic residues in environmental samples.
Derivatization‐free determination of aminoglycosides by CZE–UV in pharmaceutical formulations
Authors: Donegatti Tiago Augusto , Lobato Alnilan , Duek Eliana A. R. , Moreira Gonçalves Luís , Alves Pereira Elisabete
Published: July 2020

Aminoglycosides are a relevant class of antibiotics widely used by medics and veterinaries. There are a variety of reasons that make their determination relevant, such as quality control, environment and food contamination assessment, drug‐release studies, among others. The lack of a chromophore makes aminoglycoside spectrophotometric detection particularly challenging, often requiring derivatization. In this work, an indirect detection method, making use of imidazole as a probe, applying CZE was successfully tested. It did not require derivatization, which simplified the sample preparation. Suitable figures of merit were obtained; recoveries between 95 and 105%, adequate repeatability and precision, correlation coefficients (r) above 0.998, and limits of detection (LODs) of 3.2 and 11 mg/L for gentamicin and paromomycin, respectively. As a proof‐of‐concept, it was also applied in a simple controlled release experiment that was well fitted using the Hill equation.
Dissection of enzymatic kinetics and elucidation of detailed parameters based on the Michaelis‐Menten model. Kinetic and thermodynamic connections
Authors: Bonafe Carlos F. S. , de Lima Neto Daniel F. , Aguirre César A. P. , Vieira de Melo Silvio A. B. , Lima Wallisson Dos S. , Bispo Jose A. C.
Published: July 2020

A computational procedure based on the numerical integration of the Michaelis‐Menten model of enzyme action, free of any restrictions of steady‐state conditions and substrate/enzyme ratios is proposed. The original Michaelis‐Menten data for invertase (Michaelis and Menten, 1913, Biochem Z. 49:333‐369) were reanalyzed. The surface and contour plots that were generated for substrate, free enzyme, complex, and product confirmed the model's usefulness. All energy potentials G and the “conformational drift parameter” δ involved in the enzymatic reactions were determined. Our findings indicate that at so = 0.0052 M the enzyme‐substrate (ES) complex present an energy of dissociation of GE + S➔ES = 15.0 kJ/mol and as so increases to 0.333 M, the GE + S➔ES value decreases to 5.0 kJ/mol, thereby decreasing its presence in solution. Overall, the ability to determine G and δ for each transition suggests a relationship between kinetics and thermodynamics. The analysis proposed here can be directly applied to chemical and biological situations, as well as industrial processes.
Accurate modeling of the interaction of constrained floating structures and complex free surfaces using a new quasistatic mooring model
Authors: Martin Tobias , Kamath Arun , Bihs Hans
Published: July 2020

A new approach for the coupled simulation of moored floating structures in a numerical wave tank using CFD is subject of this article. A quasistatic mooring model is derived by dividing the cable into finite elements and solve force equilibria in each time step. A successive approximation is applied to solve the problem most efficiently. Here, the unknown internal and external forces are separated, and the system is corrected iteratively using the intermediate results for the unit vectors until convergence is reached. An improved algorithm based on the directional ghost‐cell immersed boundary method is utilized for modeling floating objects in a three‐dimensional numerical wave tank. It is based on an implicit representation of the body on a stationary grid using a level set function. The motion of the rigid body is described using Euler parameters and Hamiltonian mechanics. Dynamic boundary conditions are enforced by modifying the ghost points in the vicinity of the structure. A special procedure for staggered grids is included in the article. The mooring model is coupled to the fluid‐structure interaction solver to simulate physically constrained floating bodies in waves. Several validation cases provide an overview of the accuracy of the mooring model and the floating algorithm. In addition, the comparison of the numerical results for the motion of a moored floating barge in regular waves with experiments is presented.
Consumption and physico‐chemical characteristics of smoked and smoked‐dried fish commonly produced in South Benin and contribution to recommended nutrient intakes
Authors: Iko Afé Ogouyôm Herbert , Assogba Mahunan François , Anihouvi Dona Gildas Hippolyte , Boukari Ben‐Sadek , Douny Caroline , Kpoclou Yénoukounmè Euloge , Amoussou Fagla Balbine , Igout Ahmed , Mahillon Jacques , Anihouvi Victor Bienvenu , Scippo Marie‐Louise , Hounhouigan Djidjoho J.
Published: July 2020

The work aims to assess the consumption and the physico‐chemical characteristics of smoked fish and smoked‐dried fish commonly produced and consumed in the South Benin. The consumption data were obtained from a survey involving 250 consumers, conducted in selected production localities of the Southern part of Benin, where 36 samples of smoked fish and smoked‐dried fish were collected. The highest protein contents (dry matter) were recorded in Cypselurus cyanopterus (85.1 ± 2.3%) and Sphyraena barracuda (84.5 ± 4.2%), while the highest lipid contents were recorded in Scomber scombrus (39.0 ± 9.2%) and Ethmalosa fimbriata (22.1 ± 6.3%). Smoked and smoked‐dried fish produced in South Benin contained 0.1%–12.5% (of total fatty acids) eicosapentaenoic acid and 0.1%–33.2% docosahexaenoic acid, which are the most abundant omega 3 polyunsaturated acids in these fish products. The median consumption of smoked fish (60.2 g/day) and smoked‐dried fish (18.2 g/day) contributed for 112% (281.1 mg) and 72% (180.4 mg), respectively, to the adult daily recommended intake of sum of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (250 mg/day). The daily protein intake related to the consumption of smoked fish and smoked‐dried fish corresponded to 36% and 24%, respectively, of the recommended intake suggested by European Food Safety Authority (0.8 g/kg.bw/day).
Detection of ripeness grades of berries using an electronic nose
Authors: Aghilinategh Nahid , Dalvand Mohammad Jafar , Anvar Adieh
Published: July 2020

The estimation of ripeness is a significant section of quality determination since maturity at harvest can affect sensory and storage properties of fruits. A possible tactic for defining the grade of ripeness is sensing the aromatic volatiles released by fruit using electronic nose (e‐nose). For detection of the five ripeness grades of berries (whiteberry and blackberry), the e‐nose machine was designed and fabricated. Artificial neural networks (ANN), principal components analysis (PCA), and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) were applied for pattern recognition of array sensors. The best structure (10–11‐5) can classify the samples in five classes in ANN analysis with a precision of 100% and 88.3% for blackberry and whiteberry, respectively. Also, PCA analysis characterized 97% and 93% variance in the blackberry and whiteberry, respectively. The least correct classification for whiteberry was observed in the LDA method.
Differential Outcomes and Clinical Challenges of NAFLD With Extreme Obesity
Authors: Arnouk Joud , Rachakonda Vikrant P. , Jaiyeola Diana , Behari Jaideep
Published: July 2020

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely associated with obesity. The prevalence of extreme obesity, defined as body mass index (BMI) of 50 kg/m2 or higher, is rising more rapidly than overall obesity. We aimed to compare the clinical outcomes and performance of noninvasive fibrosis assessment tools in NAFLD with or without extreme obesity. A retrospective analysis was performed in 304 patients with NAFLD with extreme obesity and compared them to patients with NAFLD with BMI of 40 kg/m2 or less, matched for age, gender, race, and liver fibrosis stage. The mean age of the NAFLD with extreme obesity cohort was 55.9 years, BMI 55 kg/m2, and 49.7% had cirrhosis at initial evaluation. Baseline cirrhosis and coronary artery disease were associated with increased risk of death, and dyslipidemia with decreased risk of mortality. Age, insulin use, hypertension, albumin and platelet count were associated with cirrhosis. Fifteen percent of patients had weight‐loss surgery, but this was not associated with survival or risk of cirrhosis. Of the 850 abdominal ultrasound scans performed in 255 patients, 24.1% were deemed suboptimal for hepatocellular carcinoma screening. The mean NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS) in the extreme obesity cohort, versus a propensity‐matched cohort with BMI of 40 kg/m2 or less, was significantly different for both low fibrosis (F0‐F2) (0.222 vs. −1.682, P < 0.0001) and high fibrosis (F3‐F4) (2.216 vs. 0.557, P < 0.001). Conclusion: NAFLD with extreme obesity is associated with increased risk of liver‐related and overall mortality. Accurate noninvasive assessment of liver fibrosis, low rates of weight loss surgery, and high failure rate of ultrasound were identified as clinical challenges in this population.
Should we screen patients with hematologic malignancies for COVID‐19?
Authors: Rassy Elie , Khoury‐Abboud Rita‐Maria , Ibrahim Nathalie , Assi Tarek , Samra Bachar , Hanna Colette , Karak Fadi El , Ghosn Marwan
Published: July 2020

The coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic has posed several challenges to the hematology community to re‐organize the medical care of patients with hematologic malignancies. Whereas the oncology societies favored a more or less conservative approach which considered the possibility of delaying treatment administration on a case‐by‐case basis, the hematology community guidelines were less stringent and recommended adequate individualized regimens. As countries are de‐escalating the lockdown and the medical community is unable to foresee the end of the current outbreak will and whether the pandemic would eventually come back as a seasonal infection, there is interest in screening of patients with hematology malignancies with COVID‐19 instead of limiting access to curative treatments. The rapidly accumulating knowledge about COVID‐19 allows a better understanding of the diagnostic tools that may be potentially used in screening. Herein, we briefly review the pathophysiology of COVID‐19, the rationale of screening of patients with hematologic malignancies, tools for screening, and available guidelines.
Fine particle transport dynamics in response to wood additions in a small agricultural stream
Authors: Drummond Jennifer , Wright‐Stow Aslan , Franklin Paul , Quinn John , Packman Aaron
Published: July 2020

Wood additions to streams can slow water velocities and provide depositional areas for bacteria and fine particles (e.g., particulate organic carbon and nutrients sorbed to fine sediment), therefore increasing solute and particle residence times. Thus, wood additions are thought to create biogeochemical hotspots in streams. Added wood is expected to enhance in‐stream heterogeneity, result in more complex flow paths, increase natural retention of fine particles and alter the geomorphic characteristics of the stream reach. Our aim was to directly measure the impact of wood additions on fine particle transport and retention processes. We conducted conservative solute and fluorescent fine particle tracer injection studies in a small agricultural stream in the Whatawhata catchment, North Island of New Zealand in two reaches—a control reach and a reach restored 1‐year earlier by means of wood additions. Fine particles were quantified in surface water to assess reach‐scale (channel thalweg) and habitat‐scale (near wood) transport and retention. Following the injection, habitat‐scale measurements were taken in biofilms on cobbles and by stirring streambed sediment to measure fine particles available for resuspension. Tracer injection results showed that fine particle retention was greater in the restored compared to the control reach, with increased habitat‐scale particle counts and reach‐scale particle retention. Particle deposition was positively correlated with cobble biofilm biomass. We also found that the addition of wood enhanced hydraulic complexity and increased the retention of solute and fine particles near the wood, especially near a channel spanning log. Furthermore, particles were more easily remobilized from the control reach. The mean particle size remobilized after stirring the sediments was ~5 μm, a similar size to both fine particulate organic matter and many microorganisms. These results demonstrate that particles in this size range are dynamic and more likely to remobilize and transport further downstream during bed mobilization events.
Enhancement of infiltration rate of clogged porous beds in the vicinity of dams in arid zones by the roots of indigenous Ziziphus spina‐christ trees
Authors: Al‐Maktoumi Ali , Kacimov Anvar , Al‐Busaidi Hamed , Al‐Ismaily Said , Al‐Mayahi Ahmed , Al‐Khanbashi Salim , Al‐Sulaimi Abdulla
Published: July 2020

Siltation of reservoir beds of recharge dams in arid climates seriously diminishes dams' storage capacity, lessens infiltration and deep percolation rates, increases water loss via evaporation, and ultimately lowers the recharge efficiency to the underlying unconfined aquifer. This study explores possibilities for enhancing the infiltration rate of a silt‐clogged recharge‐dam bed by cultivation of the Christ's thorn tree (Ziziphus spina‐christ), locally known as Sidr, as a hydro‐ecoengineering technique. We experimentally quantified the effect of this indigenous tree on the infiltration rates and moisture dynamics in soil tanks and pots. Descriptive statistics and a two‐way‐repeated‐measures analysis at p < .05 were used to compare the effects of the Christ's thorns' roots and plant growth over time on the infiltration rate of silty loam soils (sediments) in the pots and tanks. The Christ's thorn trees significantly increased the steady state infiltration rate of the sediments by 1.9–5.9 times and by 1.7–3.3 times compared to the control (bare soil) in the tank and pot experiments, respectively (p < .05). This study demonstrates the possibility of applying hydro‐ecoengineering techniques for improving the infiltration rate and hence the recharge efficiency of recharge dams in arid areas.
Ibrutinib for improved chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell production for chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients
Authors: Fan Fuli , Yoo Hyeon Joo , Stock Sophia , Wang Lei , Liu Yibin , Schubert Maria‐Luisa , Wang Sanmei , Neuber Brigitte , Hückelhoven‐Krauss Angela , Gern Ulrike , Schmitt Anita , Müller‐Tidow Carsten , Dreger Peter , Schmitt Michael , Sellner Leopold
Published: July 2020

Chimeric antigen receptor T (CART) cells targeting CD19 have shown promising results in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). However, efficacy seems to be inferior compared to diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma or acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Impaired T‐cell fitness of CLL patients may be involved in treatment failure. Less‐differentiated naïve‐like T cells play an important role in CART expansion and long‐term persistence in vivo. These cells are sparse in CLL patients. Therefore, optimization of CART cell production protocols enriching less differentiated T cell subsets may overcome treatment resistance. The B‐cell receptor inhibitor ibrutinib targeting Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) is approved for the treatment of CLL. Besides BTK, ibrutinib additionally inhibits interleukin‐2‐inducible T‐cell kinase (ITK) which is involved in T‐cell differentiation. To evaluate the effect of ibrutinib on CART cell production, peripheral blood mononuclear cells from nine healthy donors and eight CLL patients were used to generate CART cells. T‐cell expansion and phenotype, expression of homing and exhaustion makers as well as functionality of CART cells were evaluated. CART cell generation in the presence of ibrutinib resulted in increased cell viability and expansion of CLL patient‐derived CART cells. Furthermore, ibrutinib enriched CART cells with less‐differentiated naïve‐like phenotype and decreased expression of exhaustion markers including PD‐1, TIM‐3 and LAG‐3. In addition, ibrutinib increased the cytokine release capacity of CLL patient‐derived CART cells. In summary, BTK/ITK inhibition with ibrutinib during CART cell culture can improve yield and function of CLL patient‐derived CART cell products.