bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The modified polythiophene‐Cu NPs composites for Pb(II) ions removal from aqueous solution
Authors: Karegar Mohsen , Khodaei Mohammad Mehdi
Published: August 2021

The present work describes the use of chemically modified polythiophene with copper nanoparticles and polyvinylpyrolidine‐sulfonic acid (PTh‐PVP‐SA‐Cu) as an adsorbent for the removal of Pb(II) ions from aqueous solution. The synthesized composite, PTh‐PVP‐SACu, was characterized by different techniques including Fourier‐transform infrared spectrometer, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray powder diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry. This nanocomposite has good conductivity and thermal stability due to the presence of copper nanoparticles. The acidic doping agent, polyvinylpyrolidine‐sulfonic acid, can act as the surfactant and improves the polymerization of thiophene in the aqueous medium. The conductivity of PTh was 0.54 S/cm, while the conductivities of PTh‐Cu with 10 and 20 wt% of PVP‐SA under the same reaction conditions were 2.3 and 2.7 S/cm, respectively. The influence of pH, adsorbent dosage, temperature, contact time, and concentration on the removal of Pb(II) ions was evaluated. The optimum conditions for the removal of Pb(II) ions were 25°C with the adsorbent dosage of 3 g.L−1 at pH = 7. The adsorption capacity was obtained to be 111 mg. g−1. The obtained equilibrium data for PTh‐PVP‐SA‐Cu was fitted well by Langmuir isotherm model indicating that the adsorption process was monolayer adsorption and distribution of adsorption sites on the surface of PTh‐PVP‐SA‐Cu was homogeneous. The maximum monolayer capacity obtained from the Langmuir isotherm was 121.9 mg. g−1 for Pb(II) ions at 45°C. The values of Gibbs free energy (ΔG), entropy change (ΔS) and enthalpy change (ΔH) indicated the feasibility, spontaneity and the endothermic nature of the adsorption process, respectively. The kinetic process followed the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. The recyclability studies revealed that PTh‐PVP‐SA‐Cu could be reused for three consecutive cycles.
Lipophilic rheology modifier and its application in oil‐based drilling fluids
Authors: Zhou Yan , Pu Xiaolin
Published: August 2021

Control of rheological behavior plays an important role in the process of wellbore construction and ensure the success of drilling operation. This paper reports for the first time the use of poly‐amide (SMN) and poly‐ester (SMO) as potential rheology modifiers. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, and thermogravimetric analysis have been carried out to confirm the chemical structures and properties of SMN and SMO. The results from environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) illustrated that SMN and SMO are lamellar structures formed by the stacking or interpenetrating of thin sheets. The atomic force microscope test results show that the network structure is formed after dissolving rheology modifier in diesel oil. Combining with the rheology and suspension measurements, it can be determined that the addition of rheology modifier exhibited obvious influence on the viscosity, thixotropy, and settlement factor of W/O emulsion. The rheology control properties and suspension stability between two rheology modifiers and traditional rheology modifier organoclay were compared. After hot rolling at 180°C, the base mud containing organoclay exhibited excellent suspension stability, but the fluid had completely lost fluidity and consolidated into a block. For SMN and SMO addition into the base formula, the rheological parameters of base mud changed moderately and the settlement of barites was not observed after standing for 24 h.
Isolated iron/polyether sulfone catalytic membranes for rapid phenol removal
Authors: Huang Lilan , Wang Shaofei , Chen Haimei , Hou Xiaoyang , Zhang Han , Pan Jian , Zhang Yuzhong
Published: August 2021

Phenolic waster has a pervasive problem afflicting people throughout the word due to negative impacts for ecosystems and humans. Herein, isolated iron/polyethersulfone (4A‐Fe/PES) mixed‐matrix membrane as a catalytic non‐permselective membrane reactor is developed for rapid reduction of phenol in continuous flow‐through reaction. The forced flow of the reactants through the membrane intensifies the contact between reactants and immobilized catalysts, allowing for high catalytic activity with negligible mass transport resistances. In the presence of H2O2, the 4A‐Fe/PES catalytic membrane can remove 99.9 ± 1.6% phenol after 6 min at pH 2 with a catalyst/phenol mass ratio of 1/3. The catalytic membranes show much higher performances than 4A‐Fe particles even under neutral or alkaline conditions. In particular, at pH 9, the catalytic membrane exhibits a phenol degradation rate of 92.5 ± 3.4% after 12 h. This strategy provides guidance to the design of high‐performance catalytic membranes for efficient removal of phenolic pollutants.
Kombucha SCOBY Waste as a Catalyst Support
Authors: Tang Karen Yuanting , Heng Jerry Zhi Xiong , Lin Ming , Li Zibiao , Ye Enyi , Loh Xian Jun
Published: August 2021

It is established that food waste can be repurposed to extend its lifecycle and decrease its carbon footprint. In this work, SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast) waste from kombucha tea production has been repurposed as a catalyst support. Copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) have been embedded in a piece of treated SCOBY via an in‐situ method which enabled the catalyst, inCu/t‐SCOBY, to be easily recycled. In addition, inCu/t‐SCOBY catalyzed the full reduction of 4‐nitrophenol in an excess of sodium borohydride (NaBH4) within 20 minutes. After 6 additional catalytic cycles, the catalyst maintained up to 50% of its performance in the first cycle. Characterization of the catalyst has also been done to understand the mechanism of action and interactions occurring between t‐SCOBY and Cu NPs. The results of this work clearly present a proof‐of‐concept in utilizing porous wastes materials such as SCOBY as catalyst supports, allowing metallic NPs to be efficacious and practical heterogenous catalysts.
Ecological momentary assessment of emotional processing: An exploratory analysis comparing daily life and a psychotherapy analogue session
Authors: Beuchat Hélène , Grandjean Loris , Despland Jean‐Nicolas , Pascual‐Leone Antonio , Gholam Mehdi , Swendsen Joel , Kramer Ueli
Published: August 2021

Background

Emotional processing has been studied in psychotherapy as a state‐dependent, sequential process of change. So far, no studies have applied this conceptualisation of emotional processing to the assessments of emotion in daily life. This is particularly important in the light of the pertinence of day‐by‐day fluctuations of emotions for understanding mental health and for monitoring the impact of prevention and psychotherapy programmes. This study examined the internal and ecological validity of a state‐dependent conceptualisation of emotional processing in daily life, in comparison with an experiential‐psychodynamic psychotherapy analogue session.

Methods

In total, N = 42 university students participated in an experiential‐psychodynamic session, completed symptom measures and responded to a one‐week period of ecological momentary assessment (EMA) using a smartphone. Emotional processing in the session was assessed using the valid observer‐rated measure Classification of Affective Meaning States (CAMS), and emotional responses in daily life were assessed using newly developed theory‐consistent items self‐rated via an interactive smartphone program.

Results

Internal validity was generally satisfactory across the subscales used in EMA. Correspondence between EMA and in‐session emotional processing was generally low, but specific relationships were found between self‐rated fear, rejecting anger, hurt/grief or loneliness and the observer‐rated productive emotions in the psychotherapy analogue session. Relationships between maladaptive emotional processing and intensity in symptoms were found.

Conclusions

This is the first study to have examined the validity of a state‐dependent conception of emotional processing in daily life, in direct comparison with a psychological session. We recommend using this assessment schedule to develop or complement integrative prevention or intervention programmes.
Effective project management calls for crucial skills
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: August 2021

During my years working in higher education, I have often led, or been a team member of, a group managing a project.
Did court dismiss student‐athlete's due process claim?
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: August 2021

A University of New Mexico varsity basketball player was accused of battery by a non‐student, and the     Albuquerque Police Department took the report on the allegations.
Leading with gratitude, authenticity makes challenging times more manageable
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: August 2021

During the pandemic, Matt Ennis, Director of Athletics and Student Activities at the State College of Florida, Manatee‐Sarasota, set out to lead with gratitude and optimism while also being as upfront as possible with students about what they could expect. “We continually shared our gratitude for the opportunity we were being provided. Being authentic was more important this last year than ever. We took on the mantra of persevering in the fall so we can chase championships in the spring,” said Ennis, who has worked in college athletics for 17 years. He's also a recipient of the 2020‐21 NACDA AD of the Year Awards for the Junior/Community Colleges division.
Implications of concomitant obstructive or restrictive pulmonary diseases on functional and clinical results after MitraClip
Authors: Schneider Leonhard Moritz , Nicoleta Nita , Schepperle Niklas , Paukovitsch Michael , Haide Uli , Feuerabendt Sieglinde , Keßler Mirjam , Rottbauer Wolfgang , Markovic Sinisa
Published: August 2021

Objectives

We investigated the impact of underlying pulmonary limitations (PL) on symptoms and clinical outcomes after transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr).

Background

Patients with pulmonary disease and patients with symptomatic mitral regurgitation (MR) suffer common symptoms like dyspnea and reduced exercise capacity.

Methods

Datasets from the TMVr Ulm registry were retrospectively analyzed by a blinded specialist in pneumology. Patients were dichotomized according to an unambiguous manifestation of concomitant pulmonary disease in a PL‐group and a non‐PL‐group and were analyzed regarding baseline characteristics and clinical follow‐up.

Results

Overall, 483 patients were included in the study of which 32.3% (n = 156) showed an underlying pulmonary disease. Patients in the PL‐group were similar to patients in the non‐PL‐group, including Euro SCORE II (8.2 vs. 8.4, p = 0.39), New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification (3.2 ± 0.7 in both groups, p = 0.65) and the incidence of moderate‐to‐severe or severe MR after TMVr (5.8 vs. 8.3%, p = 0.32). Equal and significant symptom relief after TMVr was experienced in both cohorts according to NYHA functional class (2.24 ± 0.84 vs. 2.24 ± 0.86, p = 0.93) and rate of hospitalization during 2 years of follow‐up decreased comparably from 61.1 to 19.3%. However, all‐cause mortality for 2 year follow‐up was significantly higher in the PL‐group compared to the non‐PL‐group (31.4 vs. 21.4%, p = 0.018).

Conclusion

In patients with MR and concomitant pulmonary disorders, a significant increase of exercise capacity and a significant decrease of rehospitalization rate were observed after TMVr. Nevertheless, all‐cause mortality remains significantly increased within a follow‐up period of 2 years compared to patients without pulmonary disorders.
A case of mistaken arrhythmogenic identity during pregnancy
Authors: Asher Clint , Thomas Tessa , Rinaldi Christopher A. , Carr‐White Gerry
Published: August 2021

Atypical LVOT ectopy can present with an RVOT morphology on ECG and differentiation to reveal this focus is in favor of benign idiopathic ventricular ectopy over an arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy.
Zukunftssicher in die Industrie 4.0
Authors: Hermann Alexander
Published: August 2021

Cerabar und Deltabar ebnen den Weg in die Industrie 4.0 und bringen smarte Prozesssicherheit für Anlagenbetreiber. Die sichere kabellose Kommunikation eröffnet viele Möglichkeiten, die Prozesse zu überwachen, zu optimieren und auch die Sensoren selbst zu monitoren.
Sicher, schnell und vielseitig
Authors: Krause Peter
Published: August 2021

CPC‐Schnellkupplungen sind einfach zu bedienende Schlauchverbinder für Flüssigkeiten und für Gase. Standard‐Schnellkupplungen, High‐Flow‐Schnellkupplungen, Non‐Spill‐Schnellkupplungen, Messing‐verchromte Schnellkupplungen und Mehrfach‐Schnellkupplungen de
Sichere Immobilisation von Kraftwerksnebenprodukten
Authors: Tigges Bastian
Published: August 2021

Kraftwerke erzeugen nicht nur Strom, sondern auch wertvolle Nebenprodukte. Um diese sicher und sinnvoll aufzubereiten, ist eine homogene Mischung gefragt. Pflugschar‐Mischer sind für diese Anwendung seit vielen Jahren im Einsatz.
Fernüberwachung von Anlagen mit virtueller Datenbrille
Authors: Stenzel Holger
Published: August 2021

In einem Pilotprojekt in Troisdorf testet der Spezialchemie‐Hersteller ‐Kuraray, wie industrielle Prozesse mit modernen 5G‐Technologien effizienter und umweltschonender gestaltet werden können. Ziel des Projekts ist es, die mit dem bisherigen 4G‐Standard nicht realisierbare sichere Fernwartung von Anlagen per MR‐Brille oder ein intelligentes Leitsystem für Flurförderfahrzeuge in der Praxis zu testen.
Die Lehren einer Staubexplosion
Authors: Schlüter Kai
Published: August 2021

Dass bei der Beladung und Entleerung von Big Bags elektrostatische Aufladung entstehen kann, ist bereits vielen Firmen und deren Mitarbeitern bewusst. Jedoch wird vielerorts unterschätzt, welche Gefahren damit einher gehen und welche Sicherheitsmaßnahmen zu treffen sind.
Panel‐PC und Laptop ade
Authors: Drescher Werner
Published: August 2021

In der hoch vernetzten, sensorgesteuerten und mit smarten Funktionen ausgestatteten digitalen Fabrik scheinen viele der Panel PCs, die heute im Einsatz sind, nicht mehr zeitgemäß. Die Ergänzung des HMI zunächst durch Laptops und neuerdings durch Rugged Tablets sind ein entscheidender Faktor, um die Produktion zu modernisieren und wirtschaftliche Vorteile zu realisieren.
Organocatalytic Enantioselective [8+4] Cycloadditions of Isobenzofulvenes for the Construction of Bicyclo[4.2.1]nonanes
Authors: Zhao Jianhong , Zheng Xing , Gao Yan‐Shan , Mao Jia , Wu Shu‐Xiao , Yang Wu‐Lin , Luo Xiaoyan , Deng Wei‐Ping
Published: August 2021

Main observation and conclusion

The [8+4] cycloaddition of indene‐2‐carbaldehydes with indole‐2,3‐quinodimethanes and pyrrolidone‐3,4‐dienes is described, affording indole and pyrrolidone annulated bicyclo[4.2.1]nonanes in a highly peri‐, diastereo‐, and enantioselective fashion in the presence of a secondary amine catalyst. This reaction, which proceeds through catalytically generated isobenzofulvenes, represents the first asymmetric version of high‐order [8+4] cycloaddition.
A single‐arm, multicenter, open‐label phase 2 trial of surufatinib in patients with unresectable or metastatic biliary tract cancer
Authors: Xu Jianming , Bai Yuxian , Sun Huichuan , Bai Chunmei , Jia Ru , Li Yi , Zhang Wenjie , Liu Lei , Huang Cheng , Guan Mei , Zhou Jinghong , Su Weiguo
Published: August 2021

Background

Several clinical studies of vascular endothelial growth factor/vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGF/VEGFR) therapy as a second‐line treatment for biliary tract cancer (BTC) have shown modest efficacy. In this study, surufatinib was evaluated as a second‐line VEGFR therapy in patients with BTC.

Methods

This was a single‐arm, multicenter, open‐label phase 2 study conducted in China. The study enrolled eligible patients with BTC, who had received surufatinib monotherapy as second‐line treatment, at a dose of 300 mg, once daily, in 28‐day cycles. Tumor assessments were performed every 8 weeks (±7 days) according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1.

Results

As of November 30, 2018, 39 patients with BTC, including 29 (74.4%) with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, 5 (12.8%) with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and 5 (12.8%) with gallbladder cancer, were enrolled and treated with surufatinib. The 16‐week progression‐free survival rate was 46.33% (95% CI, 24.38‐65.73), with median progression‐free survival of 3.7 months and median overall survival of 6.9 months. In addition, results from subgroup and post hoc analyses revealed that patients with the proper tumor locations or appropriate levels of serum biomarkers might receive greater clinical benefits. The top 3 treatment‐related adverse events with severity of grade ≥3 included blood bilirubin increased (20.5%), hypertension (17.9%), and proteinuria (12.8%).

Conclusions

When applied in the treatment of patients with BTC, surufatinib monotherapy has offered moderate clinical efficacy and shown expected tolerability and safety profiles.
Computational tongue color simulation in tongue diagnosis
Authors: Chen Hung‐Shing , Chen Shih‐Ming , Jiang Chen‐Yu , Zhang Yi‐Chen , Lin Chia‐Yu , Lin Chia‐En , Lee Jen‐Ai
Published: August 2021

Tongue color is one of the important indices for tongue diagnosis in traditional Chinese medicine. This study aims to analyze tongue colors of computational tongue diagnosis in traditional Chinese medicine using scientific quantification and computational simulation. The tongue color data are established according to the experiment in which the doctors who use Chinese traditional medicine assessed standard Munsell color charts under the standard lighting environment. Tongue color is classified into six color names, which are pale red, light red, red, crimson, dark red, and purple. The doctors assessed Munsell color charts to find the corresponding color charts' distributions of each color name in tongue color. The hue‐lightness‐chroma data of the chosen Munsell color charts were transformed to CIE xyY using the look‐up table computation, then further were converted to CIELAB values and sRGB data. Based on the 95% confidence ellipses formed on CIELAB (a*,b*) plane and CIELAB (C*,L*) plane, the comparisons between tongue colors and general colors were analyzed. The computational tongue image simulation combining the elements of color, texture, and moisture was successfully established. This computational simulation method could potentially become a useful tool for teaching and learning diagnoses in the education of Chinese medicine.
Concurrency control for real‐time and mobile transactions: Historical view, challenges, and evolution of practices
Authors: Chaudhry Natalia , Yousaf Muhammad Murtaza
Published: August 2021

Recently, mobile computing has changed the way that spatial data and GIS are processed. Unlike wired and stand‐alone GIS, now the trend has been switched from offline to real‐time data processing using location aware services, such as GPS technology. The increased usage of location aware services in multiuser real‐time environment has made transaction management incredibly significant. If the simultaneous query operations on the same data item are not handled intelligently then this results in data inconsistency issue. Concurrency control protocol is one of the primary aspects that helps in overcoming this issue a in multiuser environment. To the best of our knowledge, the impact of technological advancements on concurrency control has not been thoroughly studied in the literature. In this article, we explored the literature on concurrency control algorithms in depth with respect to real‐time applications and the applications with moving objects. We defined a taxonomy of concurrency control solutions and assessed the maturity of these solutions in the light of characteristics of real‐time and mobile environment. We compared the most recent developments made in the literature and presented meaningful insights. Challenges are also identified and discussed, which can assist in doing research in this domain in future.
Directly and Indirectly Acting Photoinitiating Systems for Ring‐Opening Polymerization of ϵ‐Caprolactone
Authors: Bener Semira , Yilmaz Gorkem , Yagci Yusuf
Published: August 2021

Directly and indirectly acting photoinitiating systems for cationic ring opening polymerization (ROP) of ϵ‐caprolactone (ϵ‐CL) by using diphenyl iodonium salt (DPI) in the presence of benzyl alcohol were studied and mechanistic details were evaluated. In the direct system, the polymerization is initiated by a Brønsted acid formed upon UV irradiation of DPI. Polymerizations by indirectly acting photoinitiating systems proceeding via electron transfer reactions of photochemically formed electron donor radicals or excited states of polynuclear aromatic compounds with DPI were investigated. It was demonstrated that polymerizations proceed in a controlled manner by an activated monomer (AM) mechanism. Applicability of the photoinitiation to the other lactone monomers was validated on the example of δ‐ valerolactone (δ‐VL).
Clinical significance of spatiotemporal transcriptional bursting and control
Authors: Wang Diane Catherine , Wang Xiangdong
Published: August 2021

The rapid development of technologies provides the potential to perform real‐time visualization of transcriptional bursting patterns, superenhancer formation and sensitivity to perturbation, and interactions between enhancers, promoters, and regulators during the burst. The transcriptional bursting‐induced fluctuation can modify cell capacities, cell–cell communications, cell responses to microenvironmental changes, and forms of cell death. A large number of clinical and translational studies describe the existence of heterogeneity among cells, tissues, and organs but mechanism‐based understanding of how and why the heterogeneity exists and how it is formed. The transcriptional bursting, fluctuation, and control determine the development of heterogeneity and optimize cell functions in the cell development and differentiation, contribute to the initiation of cell dysfunction and tumorigenesis in response to environments, and development/evolvement of hyper/hyposensitivity to drugs. Spatiotemporal monitoring of transcriptional bursting and control provides a new insight and deeper understanding of spatiotemporal molecular medicine by integrating the transcriptional positioning and function with cell phenotypes, cell–cell communication, and clinical phenomes.
Rainforest conversion to monocultures favors generalist ants with large colonies
Authors: Kreider Jan J. , Chen Ting‐Wen , Hartke Tamara R. , Buchori Damayanti , Hidayat Purnama , Nazarreta Rizky , Scheu Stefan , Drescher Jochen
Published: August 2021

The conversion of natural ecosystems to agricultural land is one of the most important drivers of biodiversity decline worldwide, particularly in the tropics. Species loss is typically trait‐associated, leading to filtering of disturbance‐resistant species during community assembly, which affects ecosystem functioning and evolutionary potential of communities. To understand the ecological and phylogenetic impact of rainforest conversion to agricultural systems, we combine analysis of nesting habit, feeding habit, colony size, and body size of canopy ants (Formicidae) with a phylogenetic analysis of species collected in four land‐use systems in Sumatra, Indonesia: (1) lowland tropical rainforest, (2) jungle rubber (extensive rubber agroforest), and smallholder plantations of (3) rubber and (4) oil palm. Canopy ant communities in these land‐use systems differed in trait composition, with a larger proportion of generalist nesting and generalist‐omnivore feeding species in oil palm compared to rainforest and a larger proportion of generalist nesters and species with large colonies (>1000 individuals) in rubber than in rainforest. Traits of canopy ant communities in jungle rubber were more similar to those in rainforest than to those in rubber and oil palm plantations. In rainforest, mean pairwise phylogenetic distance was lower than expected for random community assembly, but did not differ from random in the other land‐use systems. Of the traits nesting habit, feeding habit, and colony size, only feeding habit exhibited phylogenetic signal. Our results show that rainforest conversion to agricultural systems is accompanied by shifts in trait composition of canopy ant communities. Further, our results argue against environmental filtering of closely related canopy ant species as the major community assembly mechanism in plantation systems, but suggest that the Sumatran lowland rainforests harbor recently diverged endemic ant species that are particularly vulnerable to rainforest conversion to agricultural systems. Given the importance of ants for tropical ecosystems, the ecological differences among ant communities along the land‐use gradient might have important consequences for ecosystem functioning and services in plantation systems.
Vulnerability of grassland seed banks to resource‐enhancing global changes
Authors: Eskelinen Anu , Elwood Elise , Harrison Susan , Beyen Eva , Gremer Jennifer R.
Published: August 2021

Soil seed banks represent reservoirs of diversity in the soil that may increase resilience of communities to global changes. Two global change factors that can dramatically alter the composition and diversity of aboveground communities are nutrient enrichment and increased rainfall. In a full‐factorial nutrient and rainfall addition experiment in an annual Californian grassland, we asked whether shifts in aboveground composition and diversity were reflected in belowground seed banks. Nutrient and rainfall additions increased exotic and decreased native abundances, while rainfall addition increased exotic richness, both in aboveground communities and seed banks. Under nutrient addition, forbs and short‐statured plants were replaced by grasses and tall‐statured species, both above and below ground, and whole‐community responses to the treatments were similar. Structural equation models indicated that especially nutrient addition effects on seed banks were largely indirect via aboveground communities. However, rainfall addition also had a direct negative effect on native species richness and abundance of species with high specific leaf area (SLA) in seed banks, showing that seed banks are sensitive to the direct effects of temporary increases in rainfall. Our findings highlight the vulnerability of seed banks in annual, resource‐poor grasslands to shifts in compositional and trait changes in aboveground communities and show how invasion of exotics and depletion of natives are critical for these above‐belowground compositional shifts. Our findings suggest that seed banks have limited potential to buffer resource‐poor annual grasslands from the community changes caused by resource enrichment.
A pair of noncompeting neutralizing human monoclonal antibodies protecting from disease in a SARS‐CoV‐2 infection model
Authors: Peter Antonia Sophia , Roth Edith , Schulz Sebastian R. , Fraedrich Kirsten , Steinmetz Tobit , Damm Dominik , Hauke Manuela , Richel Elie , Mueller‐Schmucker Sandra , Habenicht Katharina , Eberlein Valentina , Issmail Leila , Uhlig Nadja , Dolles Simon , Grüner Eva , Peterhoff David , Ciesek Sandra , Hoffmann Markus , Pöhlmann Stefan , McKay Paul F. , Shattock Robin J. , Wölfel Roman , Socher Eileen , Wagner Ralf , Eichler Jutta , Sticht Heinrich , Schuh Wolfgang , Neipel Frank , Ensser Armin , Mielenz Dirk , Tenbusch Matthias , Winkler Thomas H. , Grunwald Thomas , Überla Klaus , Jäck Hans‐Martin
Published: August 2021

TRIANNI mice carry an entire set of human immunoglobulin V region gene segments and are a powerful tool to rapidly isolate human monoclonal antibodies. After immunizing these mice with DNA encoding the spike protein of SARS‐CoV‐2 and boosting with spike protein, we identified 29 hybridoma antibodies that reacted with the SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein. Nine antibodies neutralize SARS‐CoV‐2 infection at IC50 values in the subnanomolar range. ELISA‐binding studies and DNA sequence analyses revealed one cluster of three clonally related neutralizing antibodies that target the receptor‐binding domain and compete with the cellular receptor hACE2. A second cluster of six clonally related neutralizing antibodies bind to the N‐terminal domain of the spike protein without competing with the binding of hACE2 or cluster 1 antibodies. SARS‐CoV‐2 mutants selected for resistance to an antibody from one cluster are still neutralized by an antibody from the other cluster. Antibodies from both clusters markedly reduced viral spread in mice transgenic for human ACE2 and protected the animals from SARS‐CoV‐2‐induced weight loss. The two clusters of potent noncompeting SARS‐CoV‐2 neutralizing antibodies provide potential candidates for therapy and prophylaxis of COVID‐19. The study further supports transgenic animals with a human immunoglobulin gene repertoire as a powerful platform in pandemic preparedness initiatives.
Cooperativity in Transition Metal Tetrylene Complexes
Authors: Somerville Rosie J. , Campos Jesús
Published: August 2021

Cooperative reactivity between transition metals and ligands, or between two metals, has created significant opportunities for the development of new transformations that would be difficult to carry out with a single metal. Here we explore cooperativity between transition metals and divalent heavier group 14 elements (tetrylenes), a less‐explored facet of the field of cooperativity. Tetrylenes combine their strong σ‐donor properties with an empty p‐orbital that can accept electron density. This ambiphilicity has allowed them to form metal tetrylene and metallotetrylene complexes that place a reactive site adjacent to the metal. We have selected examples to demonstrate what has been achieved so far regarding cooperative reactivity, as this already spans metal‐, tetrylene‐ or multi‐site‐centred bond cleavage, cycloaddition, migration, metathesis, and insertion. We also highlight some challenges that need to be overcome for this cooperativity to make it to catalysis.
Compounds Combining a Macrocyclic Building Block and Flexible Side‐Arms as Carbohydrate Receptors: Syntheses and Structure‐Binding Activity Relationship Studies
Authors: Amrhein Felix , Mazik Monika
Published: August 2021

A series of new representatives of compounds combining a macrocyclic building block and flexible side‐arms were prepared and their ability to act as carbohydrate receptors evaluated. The target compounds were obtained by multi‐step syntheses, which included the preparation of numerous precursors as well as the isolation of a large number of by‐products. The structure‐binding activity relationship studies comprise, in particular, the variation of the side‐arms in order to demonstrate the importance of the presence of a hydrogen bond donor in these units for the effective complexation of carbohydrates. Based on the findings of our previous studies, the variation of the bridge units is limited to benzene‐ and pyrrole‐based moieties, whereby the use of the last‐mentioned bridge type was expected to produce more effective systems. This assumption was confirmed by 1H NMR titrations and isothermal titration calorimetry.
Direct numerical simulation of a pulsatile flow in a stenotic channel using immersed boundary method
Authors: Mirfendereski Siamak , Park Jae Sung
Published: August 2021

A three‐dimensional direct numerical simulation model coupled with the immersed boundary method has been developed to simulate a pulsatile flow in a planar channel with single and double one‐sided semicircular constrictions. For relevance to blood flow in large arteries, simulations have been performed at Reynolds numbers of 750 and 1000. Flow physics and resultant wall shear stress (WSS)‐based hemodynamic parameters are presented. The instantaneous vortex dynamics, mean flow characteristics, and turbulent energy spectra are evaluated for flow physics. Subsequently, three WSS‐based parameters, namely the time‐averaged WSS, oscillatory shear index, and relative residence time, are calculated over the stenotic wall and correlated with flow physics to identify the regions prone to atherosclerotic plaque progression. Results show that the double stenotic channel leads to high‐intensity and broadband turbulent characteristics downstream, promoting critical values of the WSS‐based parameters in the post‐stenotic areas. In addition, the inter‐space area between two stenoses displays multiple strong recirculations, making this area highly prone to atherosclerosis progression. The effect of stenosis degree on the WSS‐based parameters is studied up to 60% degree. As the degree of occlusion is increased, larger regions are involved with the nonphysiological ranges of the WSS‐based parameters.
RBM10‐TFE3 fusions: A FISH‐concealed anomaly in adult renal cell carcinomas displaying a variety of morphological and genomic features: Comprehensive study of six novel cases
Authors: Di Mauro Ilaria , Dadone‐Montaudie Bérengère , Sibony Mathilde , Ambrosetti Damien , Molinie Vincent , Decaussin‐Petrucci Myriam , Bland Vincent , Arbaud Claire , Cenciu Béatrice , Arbib François , Just Pierre‐Alexandre , Derman Jonathan , Rioux‐Leclercq Nathalie , Pedeutour Florence ,   the CARARE French Network
Published: August 2021

The accurate diagnosis of Xp11‐translocation renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in adults is challenging. TFE3 (located on chromosome X) fuses with a partner gene generally located on another chromosome. In rare cases TFE3 may fuse with a neighboring gene: RBM10. Because TFE3 false‐positive immunostaining is a common pitfall in many laboratories, demonstration of the chromosomal rearrangement is required in order to ascertain the diagnosis. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)—that has been considered as the gold standard method—reaches its limits for detecting small Xp11 paracentric inversions. We performed a comprehensive clinical, histological and genomic study of six novel cases of RCC with RBM10‐TFE3 fusion. Using FISH, TFE3 rearrangement was equivocal in one case and negative in others. RBM10‐TFE3 fusion was discovered using targeted RNA sequencing (RNASeq). As all the previously reported cases (mean age: 50), the six patients were adults (mean age: 42), suggesting an epidemiologic difference between RBM10‐TFE3 RCC and tumors harboring some other partner genes, such as ASPSCR1 that rather occur in children. Array‐comparative genomic hybridization showed several alterations, notably a gain of 17q in four cases with papillary features and loss of 3p in one case with clear cells. Our study demonstrates that, though rare among adult cases of RCC, RBM10‐TFE3 fusion is not exceptional and warrants appropriate molecular detection. Notably, it would be worthy to systemically investigate by RNASeq challenging RCC with type‐2 papillary features and 17q gain.
Application of seismic sedimentology in a fluvial reservoir: A case study of the Guantao Formation in Dagang Oilfield, Bohai Bay Basin, China
Authors: Liu Hai , Zhang Mian , Chi Xiaoming
Published: August 2021

A seismic sedimentology study was performed to analyse the complex fluvial reservoirs in the Neogene Guantao Formation in Kongdian Oilfield, Huanghua Depression. Three facies associations were identified by core and logging data, including bedload channel, mixload channel, and floodplain. Widely developed floodplain deposits beds were selected as the relatively reliable reference time surfaces. Stratal slices were generated applying the stratal‐slicing principle on two isochronous reference seismic events in Kongdian Oilfield. These stratal slices were used to analyse the distribution of sediments in a relative geologic‐time domain. The variety of sediment distribution observed on the stratal slices indicated that the fluvial channel systems of study interval had evolved from straight channel, sandy‐braided channel to combined channel. Sediment dispersal patterns were controlled by the change of accommodation (A) and sediment supply (S) rate. Setting with a low A/S ratio favours the development of fluvial environment and high A/S ratio favours the development of floodplain. Braided channel sandstones formed in a low A/S ratio depositional environment were generally thought to be excellent reservoirs. However, the muddy plug could damage the lateral continuity of sandbody, impede the fluid flow, and reduce the water‐injection efficiency.
Increased lipid peroxidation, depleted non‐enzymatic antioxidant, and variability in trace elements concentration in serum are correlated with Bangladeshi end‐stage renal disease population
Authors: Hossain Md. Shohel , Amin Mohammad Nurul , Das Abhijit , Khan A. K. M. Jahirul Hossain , Sohel Md , Ahmed Jamiuddin , Islam Md. Monirul , Hossain Md. Shahadat , Rahman Md. Masudur , Nesa Mst. Luthfun , Islam Mohammad Safiqul
Published: August 2021

Introduction

End‐stage renal disease (ESRD) is an abnormality where the kidneys are not usually working. This case‐control study was planned to determine the extent of serum lipid peroxidation, non‐enzymatic antioxidant (vitamin c), and trace elements in 50 patients with ESRD as cases and 50 normal healthy individuals as controls.

Methods

Determination of lipid peroxidation was carried out by ascertaining concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and vitamin C in serum using UV spectrophotometry whereas atomic absorption spectroscopy was used for trace elements estimation. The statistical analysis was conducted via the independent t‐test samples and Pearson correlation test.

Results

The blood serum study has shown substantially higher MDA values than the control level and lowers vitamin C levels in the patient population (P < .001). A negative correlation was found between the vitamin C in serum with BMI and MDA for both patients (r = −0.017 and r = −0.132, respectively) and the control group (r = −0.014 and r = −0.229, respectively) after Pearson's correlation analysis. Regarding trace elements, significantly (P < .001) lower concentrations of zinc, copper, and manganese were found in the patient group than control subjects. Inter‐element‐relationship established a strong positive harmonization between these studied elements in both the cases of patients and control subjects.

Conclusion

Our results indicate strong associations of the pathogenesis of ESRD with depleted non‐enzymatic antioxidant, increased lipid peroxidation, and inconsistency in trace elements concentration in serum, which may provide a prognostic tool for the treatment of this concerning the disease.
The effect of skeletal muscle‐derived cells implantation on stress urinary incontinence and functional urethral properties in female patients
Authors: Blaganje Mija , Lukanović Adolf
Published: August 2021

Objective

To evaluate improvement of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and functional status of the urethra after autologous skeletal‐muscle derived cell (aSMDC) implantation.

Methods

Phase I–II, open, non‐randomized, single‐center study of ultrasound guided aSMDC implantation (dosed at 0.2 × 106 cells/2 mL) into the external urethral sphincter to treat SUI.

Results

A total of 38 patients were treated and followed for 2 years. SUI measured by Incontinence Episode Frequency score, short pad test, quality of life, patient's and clinician's perception significantly improved and remained improved after 2 years. However, urodynamic urethral properties in general did not improve at 1‐year after treatment. Subgroup analysis revealed that addition of an adjuvant functional electrical stimulation therapy discontinued 4 weeks after injection in the compliant group, gave better urodynamic values and maintained the long‐term SUI improvement at 2 years.

Conclusion

The aSMDC injection was safe and well‐tolerated by patients. The status of SUI improved and with it the quality of life of patients, even if this was not necessarily reflected in the urodynamic urethral properties. Electrical stimulation, as an adjuvant therapy, could have an essential role in the success of the therapy.

Clinical registration

Clinical study was registered under Eudra‐CT number: 2010‐021867‐34 at European Clinical Trial Database (EudraCT), accessible at: EudraCT (europa.eu).
Knotted ureteral single‐J stent in a patient with ureterocutaneostomy
Authors: Koike Yuhei , Urabe Fumihiko , Iwatani Kosuke , Nukariya Yuto , Tanaka Masatoshi , Tashiro Kojiro , Kimura Takahiro , Tsuzuki Shunsuke , Egawa Shin
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Although ureteral stent catheterization is a common procedure in urological practice, knotting of a ureteral catheter is a very rare complication.

Case presentation

A 62‐year‐old man underwent cystectomy and ureterocutaneostomy for bladder cancer. The ureteral single‐J stent was changed every month postoperatively without complications. However, at postoperative 30 months, resistance was experienced while adjusting the stent position after the exchange. Abdominal radiography revealed knotting of the stent at the right renal pelvis. The knotted stent was percutaneously removed because the patient had only one functioning kidney. A nephrostomy tract was established and the ureteral stent was exchanged. No complications occurred in the perioperative period.

Conclusion

We encountered a case of a knotted ureteral single‐J stent in a man treated with ureterocutaneostomy. In this case, resistance was noticed during extraction; the possibility of stent knotting should always be considered, and an appropriate removal strategy must be planned.
Immune‐related dermatitis during combined treatment with pembrolizumab and axitinib in a patient with metastatic renal cell\x92carcinoma with stasis dermatitis
Authors: Imai Shunsuke , Nakamura Masaki , Chujo Satomi , Ooki Ryousuke , Inoue Yasushi , Horiuchi Hajime , Morikawa Teppei , Uchino Keita , Igarashi Atsuyuki , Shiga Yoshiyuki
Published: August 2021

Introduction

The combination of pembrolizumab and axitinib has recently been approved as a first‐line treatment for previously untreated metastatic renal cell carcinoma. However, immune‐related adverse events are not well known.

Case presentation

A 65‐year‐old male was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma with metastases to the brain and lungs. The patient had a medical history of stasis dermatitis. During the combined treatment of pembrolizumab and axitinib, blisters appeared on the lower extremities. Skin biopsy revealed septal panniculitis, pustules, and perivascular lymphocytic and neutrophilic infiltration of the skin, and the patient was diagnosed with immune‐related dermatitis. The dermatitis improved with oral prednisolone treatment.

Conclusion

A case of immune‐related dermatitis during combinatorial treatment with pembrolizumab and axitinib for renal cell carcinoma has been reported. Preexisting stasis dermatitis may have affected the onset and deterioration of immune‐related dermatitis.
Systems and Software Interface Survey
Authors: Muscarella Sally , Osaisai Macaulay , Sheard Sarah
Published: August 2021

INCOSE formed the Systems and Software Interface Working Group (SaSIWG) in 2017, responding to the Corporate Advisory Board interest in software and problems identified in the systems and software interface (physical, logical, data, and human). This third SaSIWG paper presents a systems engineers, software engineers, and project managers survey discussing best practices and the priority challenges related to the interface between systems and software. We group and summarize the best practices mentioned by the 31 interviewees then address priority challenges and problems. Systems engineering done well includes an ever‐increasing amount of Model‐Based Systems Engineering. It also includes developing and holding to a vision, managing data, ensuring inter‐disciplinary work, planning systematic verification, and ensuring modularity. Systems engineering must evolve to meet new challenges and, most importantly, systems engineer expertise must include software engineering.
“Book Club” Guides A Working Group to Create INCOSE System‐Software Interface Products
Authors: Sheard Sarah , Bouyaud Mickael , Osaisai Macaulay , Siviy Jeannine , Nidiffer Ken
Published: August 2021

Many software‐dominant organizations ignore systems engineering completely. A recent popular book described one such organization in a fable format. The INCOSE Systems and Software Interface Working Group chose to read this book as a weekly professional development seminar to investigate where systems engineering should fit in software‐dominant organizations of the type that do not currently involve INCOSE's systems engineers. This seminar culminated in an “author day,” where the book's author responded to our questions and discussed our potential role. The book club activities produced several drafts we can turn into products to help INCOSE systems engineers better understand software, and systems engineers' potential role in such organizations, to help improve software‐intensive system success.
Systems Engineering and DevSecOps: Reviewing the Principles
Authors: Turner Richard
Published: August 2021

As software engineering adopts a more continuous delivery mode for embedded and complex systems, systems engineering must adapt and influence DevSecOps and related practices. In this article, I revisit agile, lean, and DevSecOps principles and comment on their interactions, focusing on those that may increase product and system development, deployment, and evolution risk, and those that increase improvement opportunities through productive engagement across the two disciplines. This material is also available as a Software Engineering Institute Blog Post from 15 March 2021 [https://insights.sei.cmu.edu/blog/comparing-devsec-ops-and-systems-engineering-principles/.]
Common Discourse: Reflections on Pandemic Literacy Teaching
Authors: Hillyer Jowen , Stolp Sue , York Melissa
Published: August 2021

In this forum, three educators spanning elementary and secondary contexts reflect on their experiences as they respond to the following question: How has the pandemic impacted issues of access in your teaching practice, and what are some implications for teaching in the post‐pandemic return to physical spaces of literacy learning? Across their accounts, the authors describe how their experiences have re(shaped) their perspectives about students and learning as well as prompted questions about the digitalization of pedagogy and the creation of inclusive, equitable learning spaces for all learners.
Virtual care revolution: Impact on clinical pharmacy practices in the Department of Veterans Affairs
Authors: Ourth Heather L. , Heyworth Leonie , Galpin Kevin , Morreale Anthony P.
Published: August 2021

For nearly two decades, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has invested in the development and implementation of telehealth services which comprises video, store and forward services, and remote patient monitoring. Virtual care includes telehealth services along with telephone care and e‐consults. These efforts proved critical in 2020 due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. Expanding implementation of telehealth to the home became an access and safety imperative. This article highlights VA efforts and infrastructure for expansion of telehealth into the home and clinical pharmacy practice integration of virtual care. The acceptance of technology coupled with advancements in legislation, policy, and technologies has resulted in expanded applications within the health care system. While continued expansion of virtual care seems inevitable, there remain challenges to ensuring both access to virtual care and the safety and effectiveness of the care delivered. Looking to the future, there will be a continued need for future research on outcomes associated with virtual care, exploration of the benefits of video capability over telephone care, and cost‐effectiveness.