bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smart Manufacturing for Smart Cities—Overview, Insights, and Future Directions
Authors: Suvarna Manu , Büth Lennart , Hejny Johannes , Mennenga Mark , Li Jie , Ng Yen Ting , Herrmann Christoph , Wang Xiaonan
Published: July 2020

With ‘smart’ being the order of the day, the shift in the landscape of a typical production‐oriented manufacturing environment to a more data‐oriented, automated and smart manufacturing is imminent. However, what is meant by smart manufacturing? And how can smart manufacturing contribute to a bigger picture by acting as enablers of smart cities? Given the paucity in literature that seeks to make sense in this direction, herein, first, six indices that represent or define a smart city are identified. Then, a holistic perspective of smart manufacturing is presented by collectively dwelling into the concepts of cyber physical production systems (CPPS) and industrial symbiosis—the recent and ongoing developments, applications, and relevant examples. In each subsequent section, the Review addresses how smart manufacturing contributes to smart cities, not just from a technology perspective, but also by satisfying the ergonometric factors and sustainability issues which are equally important indices that make up a smart city. A brief overview of Singapore as a smart nation and smart manufacturing hub is presented toward the end, along with highlights of a real‐world smart manufacturing platform called the Model Factory and its relevant modules.
Robot Audition and Computational Auditory Scene Analysis
Authors: Nakadai Kazuhiro , Okuno Hiroshi G.
Published: July 2020

Robot audition aims at developing robot's ears that work in the real world, that is, machine listening of multiple sound sources. Its critical problem is noise. Speech interfaces have become more familiar and more indispensable as smartphones and artificial intelligence (AI) speakers spread. Their critical problems are noise and multiple simultaneous speakers. Recently two technological advances have contributed to significantly improve the performance of speech interfaces and robot audition. Emerging deep learning technology has improved noise robustness of automatic speech recognition, whereas microphone array processing has improved the performance of preprocessing such as noise reduction. Herein, an overview and history of robot audition are provided together with introduction of an open‐source software for robot audition and its wide applications in the real world. Also, it is discussed how robot audition contributes to the development of computational auditory scene analysis, that is, understanding of real‐world auditory environments.
Organocatalytic Enantioselective α‐Amination by Conjugate Addition of 5H‐Thiazol‐4‐ones to Arylazocarboxylates: Access to Chiral N,S‐acetals
Authors: Lin Xiao , Fang Fang , Lin Wei , Liu Zhantao , Chang Xiaoyong , Li Pengfei , Li Wenjun
Published: July 2020

A chiral phosphoric acid catalyzed stereoselective Michael addition of 5H‐thiazol‐4‐ones to arylazocarboxylates was developed for the construction of optically active N,S‐acetal frameworks. Both 1‐naphthylazocarboxylates and phenylazocarboxylates were compatible to afford a series of 1,4‐adducts in generally high yields and enantioselectivities. Notably, the catalytic protocol enables the formation of N,S‐acetals featuring thiazol‐4‐one skeleton.
Endowing Zeolite LTA Superballs with the Ability to Manipulate Light in Multiple Ways
Authors: Tao Jiawei , Li Bingyu , Lu Zhongyuan , Liu Jiaqi , Su Lina , Tang Zhiyong , Li Mei , Xu Yan
Published: July 2020

Advances in zeolites research emerging from interdisciplinary efforts have opened new opportunities beyond conventional applications. Colloids drive much current research owing to their distinct collective behaviors, but so far, using zeolites as a colloidal building block to construct ordered superstructures remains unexplored. Herein we show that self‐assembly of colloidal zeolite LTA superball (ZAS) by tilted‐angle sedimentation forms macroscopic films with micro‐mesoporosity and 3D long‐range periodicity featuring a photonic band gap (PBG) that is tunable through the superball geometry and responds reversibly to chemical vapors. Remarkably, self‐assembly of ZAS at elevated temperature forms 3D chiral photonic crystals that enable negative circular dichroism, selective reflection of right‐handed circularly polarized (CP) light and left‐handed CP luminescence based on PBG. We present a novel class of functional colloids and zeolite‐based photonic crystals with the ability to manipulate light in several ways.
Hydrophobic Organic‐Electrolyte‐Protected Zinc Anodes for Aqueous Zinc Batteries
Authors: Cao Longsheng , Li Dan , Deng Tao , Li Qin , Wang Chunsheng
Published: July 2020

Aqueous Zn batteries are promising energy‐storage devices. However, their lifespan is limited by irreversible Zn anodes owing to water decomposition and Zn dendrite growth. Here, we separate aqueous electrolyte from Zn anode by coating a thin MOF layer on anode and filling the pores of MOF with hydrophobic Zn(TFSI)2‐tris(2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl)phosphate (TFEP) organic electrolyte that is immiscible with aqueous Zn(TFSI)2–H2O bulk electrolyte. The MOF encapsulated Zn(TFSI)2‐TFEP forms a ZnF2‐Zn3(PO4)2 solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) preventing Zn dendrite and water decomposition. The Zn(TFSI)2‐TFEP@MOF electrolyte protected Zn anode enables a Zn||Ti cell to achieve a high average Coulombic efficiency of 99.1 % for 350 cycles. The highly reversible Zn anode brings a high energy density of 210 Wh kg−1 (of cathode and anode mass) and a low capacity decay rate of 0.0047 % per cycle over 600 cycles in a Zn||MnO2 full cell with a low capacity ratio of Zn:MnO2 at 2:1.
Macrostructure and NOx emission evolution characteristics of lean‐premixed flames under combustion instability
Authors: Tao Chengfei , Zhou Hao
Published: July 2020

Effects of combustion instability on flame macrostructures and NOx emissions were conducted experimentally in a model gas turbine combustor. Two variables of the CH4 flame were investigated—the flow rate and the equivalence ratio. Results indicate that flame macrostructure changes when the equivalence ratio increases from 0.50 to 1.00, the average total length of flame front firstly decreases from 105 to 75 mm, and then increases to 110 mm. While the average length of flame root decreases from 25 to 5 mm. The appearance of the flame front evolves from a “M” shape to a reversed “V” shape, but the appearance of the flame root changes from elongated V shape to a flatted V shape. The envelop diagram of different combustion instability signifies that there are mode shifting of flame‐acoustic interactions in the combustion chamber. Under instability conditions, the temperature and velocity distribution of the flame front or flame root affects the NOx emissions. Along the radial direction, the peak temperature in the inner recirculation region and the outer recirculation region drops. This article explored the dynamic characteristics of lean‐premixed flames under combustion instability, which could be instructive to the designing of stable and clean combustors in industrial gas turbines.
Cost‐Effective Synthesis of Electrodeposited NiCo2O4 Nanosheets with Induced Oxygen Vacancies: A Highly Efficient Electrode Material for Hybrid Supercapacitors
Authors: Pappu Samhita , Nanaji Katchala , Mandati Sreekanth , Rao Tata N. , Martha Surendra K. , Bulusu Sarada V.
Published: July 2020

Nanostructured transition metal oxide synthesis possessing high energy density and stability is desirable for supercapacitors. Herein, we synthesize three‐dimensional NiCo2O4 (NCO) nanosheets with oxygen vacancies induced by sustainable and environmentally benign electrodeposition assisted chemical reduction process. Oxygen vacancies increase the conductivity, adsorptivity, and the active surface area, thereby enhancing the charge storage capabilities. The binder‐free NCO delivers the highest specific capacitance (Csp) of 2065 F g−1 at 1 A g−1, retaining 89.30 % of its initial value at 10 A g−1 after 10,000 continuous charge‐discharge (CD) cycles. An asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) fabricated shows remarkable electrochemical properties with high energy density (Emax) of 28.6 Wh kg−1 and power density (Pmax) of 7.5 kW kg−1. The assembled ASC reports exceptional cyclic retention of 90.6 % for 10,000 CD cycles with practical demonstration. The approach used herein is suitable for eco‐friendly supercapacitor electrode fabrication with large scale manufacturing capability and less capital investment.
Body mass index trajectories and prostate cancer risk: Results from the EPICAP study
Authors: Lavalette Céline , Cordina Duverger Emilie , Artaud Fanny , Rébillard Xavier , Lamy Pierre‐Jean , Trétarre Brigitte , Cénée Sylvie , Menegaux Florence
Published: July 2020

Elevated body mass index (BMI) has been inconsistently associated with prostate cancer occurrence but it has been suggested that life course adulthood obesity may be associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. However, few studies have investigated lifetime BMI and prostate cancer risk. We analyzed life course BMI trajectories on prostate cancer risk based on data from the Epidemiological study of Prostate Cancer (EPICAP). We included in our analyses 781 incident prostate cancer cases and 829 controls frequency matched by age. Participants were asked about their weight every decade from age 20 to two years before reference date. BMI trajectories were determined using group‐based trajectory modeling to identify groups of men with similar patterns of BMI changes. We identified five BMI trajectories groups. Men with a normal BMI at age 20 developing overweight or obesity during adulthood were at increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer compared to men who maintained a normal BMI. Our results suggest that BMI trajectories resulting in overweight or obesity during adulthood are associated with an increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer, particularly in never smokers, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy BMI throughout adulthood.
Interrogating and redefining the concept of consumer inertia
Authors: Cui Rui , Xin Shuang , Li Zhiyong
Published: July 2020

Through a historical analysis of the concept of inertia about its origination, definitions, and interpretations in the marketing context, this article presents the disagreements and debates on consumer inertia. In response, the authors redefine it by proposing clear definitions for two types of consumer inertia (CI1 and CI2). The reconceptualization clarifies the scope of consumer inertia and the role it plays in repeat purchase behavior. The conceptual models indicate the determinant and moderating factors of CI1 and CI2. The sequential development conceptual model of CI2 based on four dimensions (Cognitive Inertia, Affective Inertia, Conative Inertia, Action Inertia) deconstructs its mechanism. As for its relationship with loyalty, while type one inertia (CI1) leads to Spurious Loyalty, type two consumer inertia (CI2) can lead to either Loyalty, Latent Loyalty, Spurious Loyalty or No Loyalty. This study contributes to a better understanding of how consumer inertia works in repeat purchase behavior and provides some implications for future research and marketing practice.
Mechanism of CO Oxidation on Pd/CeO2(100): The Unique Surface‐Structure of CeO2(100) and the Role of Peroxide
Authors: Kim Yongseon , Lee Hosik , Kwak Ja Hun
Published: July 2020

Understanding the atomic mechanism of low‐temperature CO oxidation on a heterogeneous catalyst is challenging. We performed density functional theory (DFT) calculations to identify the surface structure and reaction mechanism responsible for low‐temperature CO oxidation on Pd/CeO2 (100) surfaces. DFT calculations reveal the formation of a unique zigzag chain structure by the oxygen and Ce atoms of the topmost surface of CeO2(100) with Pd atoms located between the zigzag chains. O2 adsorbed on such Pd atoms is stable in the presence of CO but plays a very important role in lowering the activation barrier for low‐temperature CO oxidation by forming a square‐planar PdO4 structure and facilitating further O2 adsorption. In‐situ Raman spectroscopy studies confirm the adsorbed oxygen species to be peroxides. The calculated activation barrier for CO oxidation, based on the mechanism suggested by these unique structures and peroxides, is 31.2 kJ/mol, in excellent agreement with our experimental results.
Domino Relay Olefin Metathesis of Triallyl Oxindole and Indole Precursors to Access Cyclic Indoxyls and Carbazoles
Authors: Mandal Tirtha , Dhara Kalyan , Parui Nabin , Dash Jyotirmayee
Published: July 2020

We herein disclose domino relay metathesis sequences using triallyl 3‐oxindole and indole precursors to access C2‐quaternary cyclic pseudooxindole and carbazole ring systems. Triallyl 3‐oxindoles undergo domino ring closing metathesis (RCM) and cross metathesis (CM) to provide C2‐spirocyclic 3‐oxindoles. Intriguingly, a catalyst specific relay metathesis sequence involving ring closing‐ring opening‐ring closing and cross metathesis (RC‐RO‐RC‐CM) of these trienes is established to provide fused bicyclic indoxyl dimers in high yields. Further, the CM of indoxyl dimer with methyl acrylate affords a new class of fused monomeric 3‐oxindole derivative. Moreover, a domino RCM‐CM process of triallyl indoles is demonstrated, enabling a quick access to dihydro‐carbazoles and carbazoles.
Hydrodynamic Investigation on Deep Desulfurization of Liquid Fuel at the Microscale
Authors: Al-Azzawi Marwah , Husain Afzal , Mjalli Farouk S. , Al-Wahaibi Talal , Al-Hashmi Abdulaziz , Abu-Jdayil Basim
Published: July 2020

Microscale processes offer a substantial advantage to the process industry as separation is conducted rapidly and efficiently. However, the effectiveness of the separation depends on the stability of the flow regime. Experimental and numerical analysis was carried out to characterize the flow patterns of polyethylene glycol 200 (PEG200) and diesel fuel at several flow ratios in order to achieve optimal conditions for a stable pattern. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was employed using the volume‐of‐fluid (VOF) model and the results were validated with the experimental data. Both experimental and numerical outcomes revealed two‐phase flow patterns. These findings enable the application of the simulated module for further liquid‐liquid mass transfer studies where sulfuric compounds exist as solutes in the fuel.
Bioorthogonal Turn‐On BODIPY‐Peptide Photosensitizers for Tailored Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Linden Greta , Vázquez Olalla
Published: July 2020

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) leads to cancer remission via the production of cytotoxic species under photosensitizer (PS) irradiation. However, concomitant damage and dark toxicity can both hinder its use. With this in mind, we have implemented a versatile peptide‐based platform of bioorthogonally activatable BODIPY‐tetrazine PSs. Confocal microscopy and phototoxicity studies demonstrated that the incorporation of the PS, as a bifunctional module, into a peptide enabled spatial and conditional control of singlet oxygen (1O2) generation. Comparing subcellular distribution, PS confined in the cytoplasmic membrane achieved the highest toxicities (IC50=0.096±0.003 μm) after activation and without apparent dark toxicity. Our tunable approach will inspire novel probes towards smart PDT.
Efficient Deep Blue Platinum Acetylide Phosphors with Acyclic Diaminocarbene Ligands
Authors: Wu Yanyu , Wen Zhili , Wu Judy I‐Chia , Teets Thomas S.
Published: July 2020

Here we report five blue‐phosphorescent platinum bis‐phenylacetylide complexes with an investigation of their photophysical and electrochemical attributes. Three of the complexes (1–3) are of the general formula cis‐Pt(CNR)2(C≡CPh)2, in which CNR is a variably substituted isocyanide and C≡CPh is phenylacetylide. These isocyanide complexes serve as precursors for complexes of the general formula cis‐Pt(CNR)(ADC)(C≡CPh)2 (4 and 5), in which ADC is an acyclic diaminocarbene installed by amine nucleophilic addition to one of the isocyanides. All of the complexes exhibit deep blue phosphorescence with λmax ∼430 nm in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) thin films. Whereas isocyanide complexes 1–3 exhibit modest photoluminescence quantum yields (ΦPL), incorporation of one acyclic diaminocarbene ligand results in a three‐fold to 16‐fold increase in ΦPL while still maintaining an identical deep blue color profile.
New Organometallic Ruthenium(II) Compounds Synergistically Show Cytotoxic, Antimetastatic and Antiangiogenic Activities for the Treatment of Metastatic Cancer
Authors: Wang Yuchen , Jin Jiahui , Shu Liwei , Li Tongyu , Lu Siming , Subarkhan Mohamed Kasim Mohamed , Chen Chao , Wang Hangxiang
Published: July 2020

In this study, we newly designed and synthesized a small library of ten structurally related C,N‐cyclometalated ruthenium(II) complexes containing various pyridine‐functionalized NHC ligand and chelating bipyridyl ligands (e.g., 2,2′‐bipyridine, 5,5′‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine, and 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen)). The complexes were well characterized by NMR, electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry, and single‐crystal X‐ray structure analyses. Among the new ruthenium(II) derivatives, we identified that the complex Ru8 bearing bulky moieties (i.e., phen and pentamethyl benzene) had the most potent cytotoxicity against all tested cancer cell lines, generating dose‐ and cell line‐dependent IC50 values at the range of 3.3–15.0 μm. More significantly, Ru8 not only efficiently inhibited the metastasis process against invasion and migration of tumor cells but also exhibited potent antivascular effects by suppressing HUVEC cells migration and tube formation in vitro and blocking vessel generation in vivo (chicken chorioallantoic membrane model). In a metastatic A2780 tumor xenograft‐bearing mouse model, administration of Ru8 outperformed antimetastatic agent NAMI‐A and clinically approved cisplatin in terms of antitumor efficacy and inhibition of metastases to other organs. Overall, these data provided compelling evidence that the new cyclometalated ruthenium complex Ru8 is an attractive agent because of synergistically suppressing bulky tumors and metastasized tumor nudes. Therefore, the complex Ru8 deserves further investigations.
Nano‐hydroxyapatite (HAp) and hydroxyapatite/platinum (HAp/Pt) core shell nanorods: Development, structural study, and their catalytic activity
Authors: Murugesan Manoj , Krishnamurthy Venkatesan , Hebalkar Neha , Devanesan Mangalaraj , Nagamony Ponpandian , Palaniappan Meena , Krishnaswamy Swaminathan , Yuan Aihua
Published: July 2020

The development of a new kind of material that is a nanostructured catalytic material with an environmentally benign nature that can be used for alternative energy has acquired significance in recent years. In this context, the use of heterogeneous catalysts for the transesterification of vegetable oils has gained prominence due to their eco‐friendly and reusable nature. Hence in the present study, pure hydroxyapatite (HAp) and hydroxyapatite/platinum (HAp/Pt) nanostructured particles have been prepared successfully through a facile chemical method without templates and surfactants and their catalytic activity investigated for transesterification of natural vegetable oil to bioenergy (biodiesel). The textural and structural features of pure HAp and HAp/Pt were investigated using various characterization techniques such as x‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The elements present in the prepared nanostructures were confirmed through energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques. The XPS analysis also confirms the metallic nature of the platinum in HAp/Pt. The specific surface area and porous nature of the prepared nanostructured catalysts were studied using the N2physisorption Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller‐Barrett‐Joyner‐Halenda (BET‐BJH) method. The catalytic activity of the pure HAp nanoparticles and HAp/Pt core shell nanorods with theSimarouba glaucaplant seed oil was investigated. The obtained results indicate that the pristine HAp nanoparticles and HAp/Pt core shell nanorods (NRs) show 91.4% and 87.1% fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) conversion, respectively, potentially offering environmental benign biocatalysts for biofuel production from natural feed stock.
Early posttherapy clearance of human papillomavirus and treatment response in cervical carcinoma
Authors: Srivastava Amar J. , Contreras Jessika A. , Davis Melanie , Markovina Stephanie T. , Schwarz Julie K. , Grigsby Perry W.
Published: July 2020

Background

Among patients with cervical cancer, little is known about the significance of persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) expression after chemoradiation (CRT). This study evaluated associations between early posttreatment HPV clearance and patient outcomes with an added focus on the value of posttherapy positron emission tomography (PET) imaging.

Methods

Included patients underwent pretreatment testing indicating a high‐risk HPV infection and posttreatment testing with a messenger RNA (mRNA)–based genital swab after CRT. Posttherapy responses were stratified on the basis of HPV mRNA detection into an early clearance (EC) group (no mRNA) and a persistent expression (PE) group (detectable mRNA) on the basis of an evaluation at a median of 6 weeks after therapy. The Kaplan‐Meier method was used to compare outcomes, and multivariable analysis was used to identify predictors of outcomes.

Results

Seventy‐two of the 97 eligible patients (74.2%) had EC. The mean follow‐up time was 25 months (range, 4‐56 months), and 2‐year pelvic control (76.9% vs 50.2%; P = .01) and overall survival (OS; 80.9% vs 52.2%; P < .01) were superior among EC patients. In the multivariable analysis, EC predicted for improved survival (hazard ratio [HR] for mortality, 0.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.21‐0.96; P = .047), as did a complete response (CR) on posttherapy PET (HR for less than a CR on PET, 6.17; 95% CI, 2.58‐14.72; P < .01). In a subset analysis of patients with a posttherapy PET CR, HPV clearance retained prognostic significance (2‐year OS, 95.6% with EC vs 66.7% with PE; P = .04), whereas PE patients without a PET CR had the worst survival (35.9%; P < .01 for trend).

Conclusions

Early posttherapy clearance of HPV is associated with improved survival in cervical cancer. Evaluating HPV expression at this 6‐week time point provides prognostic information beyond posttherapy PET imaging and may aid in risk stratification and decisions for treatment escalation.
Effects of a mindfulness‐based intervention on cancer‐related cognitive impairment: Results of a randomized controlled functional magnetic resonance imaging pilot study
Authors: Van der Gucht Katleen , Ahmadoun Soumaya , Melis Michelle , de Cloe Ellen , Sleurs Charlotte , Radwan Ahmed , Blommaert Jeroen , Takano Keisuke , Vandenbulcke Mathieu , Wildiers Hans , Neven Patrick , Kuppens Peter , Raes Filip , Smeets Ann , Sunaert Stefan , Deprez Sabine
Published: July 2020

Background

Many breast cancer survivors suffer from cognitive complaints after cancer treatment, affecting their quality of life. The objective of this pilot study was to investigate the effect of a blended‐care mindfulness‐based intervention (MBI) on chemotherapy‐related cognitive impairment and functional brain changes. Furthermore, correlations between changes in cognitive functioning and self‐reported behavioral factors were investigated.

Methods

Breast cancer survivors (n = 33) who reported cognitive impairment were randomly allocated to a mindfulness condition (n = 18) or a waitlist control condition (n = 15). Patients completed questionnaires on cognitive impairment, emotional distress, and fatigue; neuropsychological tests; and resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging before the start of MBI (time 1 [T1]), immediately after the completion of an 8‐week MBI program (T2), and 3 months postintervention (T3). Resting‐state functional connectivity was estimated in the default mode network, the dorsal and salience attention networks, and the frontoparietal network. Mixed model repeated‐measures analysis was performed to test the intervention effect.

Results

Patients in the mindfulness condition exhibited significantly higher connectivity between the dorsal and salience attention networks after the mindfulness intervention compared with those in the control condition. MBI participants also had reduced subjective cognitive impairment, emotional distress, and fatigue. No intervention effect was observed on neurocognitive tests.

Conclusions

MBI may induce functional brain changes in networks related to attention and may have a positive effect on subjective measures of cognitive impairment in breast cancer survivors. Therefore, MBI could be a suitable intervention to improve quality of life in this population and deserves further study in this context.
Basic quantitative morphological methods applied to the central nervous system
Authors: Slomianka Lutz
Published: July 2020

Generating numbers has become an almost inevitable task associated with studies of the morphology of the nervous system. Numbers serve a desire for clarity and objectivity in the presentation of results and are a prerequisite for the statistical evaluation of experimental outcomes. Clarity, objectivity, and statistics make demands on the quality of the numbers that are not met by many methods. This review provides a refresher of problems associated with generating numbers that describe the nervous system in terms of the volumes, surfaces, lengths, and numbers of its components. An important aim is to provide comprehensible descriptions of the methods that address these problems. Collectively known as design‐based stereology, these methods share two features critical to their application. First, they are firmly based in mathematics and its proofs. Second and critically underemphasized, an understanding of their mathematical background is not necessary for their informed and productive application. Understanding and applying estimators of volume, surface, length or number does not require more of an organizational mastermind than an immunohistochemical protocol. And when it comes to calculations, square roots are the gravest challenges to overcome. Sampling strategies that are combined with stereological probes are efficient and allow a rational assessment if the numbers that have been generated are “good enough.” Much may be unfamiliar, but very little is difficult. These methods can no longer be scapegoats for discrepant results but faithfully produce numbers on the material that is assessed. They also faithfully reflect problems that associated with the histological material and the anatomically informed decisions needed to generate numbers that are not only valid in theory. It is within reach to generate practically useful numbers that must integrate with qualitative knowledge to understand the function of neural systems.
Atomic‐Scale Studies of Fe3O4(001) and TiO2(110) Surfaces Following Immersion in CO2‐Acidified Water
Authors: Mirabella Francesca , Balajka Jan , Pavelec Jiri , Göbel Markus , Kraushofer Florian , Schmid Michael , Parkinson Gareth S. , Diebold Ulrike
Published: July 2020

Difficulties associated with the integration of liquids into a UHV environment make surface‐science style studies of mineral dissolution particularly challenging. Recently, we developed a novel experimental setup for the UHV‐compatible dosing of ultrapure liquid water and studied its interaction with TiO2 and Fe3O4 surfaces. Herein, we describe a simple approach to vary the pH through the partial pressure of CO2 (
) in the surrounding vacuum chamber and use this to study how these surfaces react to an acidic solution. The TiO2(110) surface is unaffected by the acidic solution, except for a small amount of carbonaceous contamination. The Fe3O4(001)‐(
×
)R45° surface begins to dissolve at a pH 4.0–3.9 (
=0.8–1 bar) and, although it is significantly roughened, the atomic‐scale structure of the Fe3O4(001) surface layer remains visible in scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) images. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) reveals that the surface is chemically reduced and contains a significant accumulation of bicarbonate (HCO3−) species. These observations are consistent with Fe(II) being extracted by bicarbonate ions, leading to dissolved iron bicarbonate complexes (Fe(HCO3)2), which precipitate onto the surface when the water evaporates.
Human Bocavirus 1 Infection of Well‐Differentiated Human Airway Epithelium
Authors: Yan Ziying , Deng Xuefeng , Qiu Jianming
Published: July 2020

Human bocavirus 1 (HBoV1) is a small DNA virus that belongs to the Bocaparvovirus genus of the Parvoviridae family. HBoV1 is a common respiratory pathogen that causes mild to life‐threatening acute respiratory tract infections in children and immunocompromised individuals, infecting both the upper and lower respiratory tracts. HBoV1 infection causes death of airway epithelial cells, resulting in airway injury and inflammation. In vitro, HBoV1 only infects well‐differentiated (polarized) human airway epithelium cultured at an air‐liquid interface (HAE‐ALI), but not any dividing human cells. A full‐length HBoV1 genome of 5543 nucleotides has been cloned from DNA extracted from a human nasopharyngeal swab into a plasmid called HBoV1 infectious clone pIHBoV1. Transfection of pIHBoV1 replicates efficiently in human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells and produces virions that are highly infectious. This article describes protocols for production of HBoV1 in HEK293 cells, generation of HAE‐ALI cultures, and infection with HBoV1 in HAE‐ALI. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Human bocavirus 1 production in HEK293 cells

Support Protocol 1: HEK293 cell culture and transfection

Support Protocol 2: Quantification of human bocavirus 1 using real‐time quantitative PCR

Basic Protocol 2: Differentiation of human airway cells at an air‐liquid interface

Support Protocol 3: Expansion of human airway epithelial cell line CuFi‐8

Support Protocol 4: Expansion of human airway basal cells

Support Protocol 5: Coating of plastic dishes and permeable membranes of inserts

Support Protocol 6: Transepithelial electrical resistance measurement

Basic Protocol 3: Human bocavirus 1 infection in human airway epithelium cultured at an air‐liquid interface

Support Protocol 7: Isolation of infected human airway epithelium cells from inserts

Basic Protocol 4: Transduction of airway basal cells with lentiviral vector
Luminescent Thermometers: From a Library of Europium(III) β‐Diketonates to a General Model for Predicting the Thermometric Behaviour of Europium‐Based Coordination Systems
Authors: Carlotto Alice , Babetto Luca , Carlotto Silvia , Miozzi Massimo , Seraglia Roberta , Casarin Maurizio , Bottaro Gregorio , Rancan Marzio , Armelao Lidia
Published: July 2020

A new model with the aim to predict the temperature dependence of europium emission in coordination systems is presented. The model has been developed from a library of Eu3+ complexes of general formula EuL3A2, where L is a β‐diketone, and A is an ancillary ligand. Three possible deactivation channels have been considered: two competitive metal‐related terms describing the primary deactivation channels, i. e. back energy transfer and multiphonon quenching, and a third ligand‐related term to describe non‐radiative deactivation of the antenna triplet. As many parameters as possible are taken from measurable chemical‐physical properties, such as ligand triplet and multiphonon quenching energies. The other parameters have been deduced from selected EuL3A2 compounds and used as one‐size‐fits‐all values. The model proved to be very effective in describing the interplay between back energy transfer and multiphonon deactivation channels. Finally, the model has been implemented in a freeware standalone MATLAB application. Users need to input only the energy of the sensitizer triplet level and choose the coordinated quencher, if present. It simulates the range of applicability of the molecular thermometers and the shape of the thermometric sensitivity curve Sr employing as thermometric parameter either emission intensity or lifetime.
Effects of thoracic nerve block on perioperative lung injury, immune function, and recovery after thoracic surgery
Authors: Zhang Wei , Cong Xuhui , Zhang Liyuan , Sun Mingyang , Li Bing , Geng Hongfang , Gu Jianqin , Zhang Jiaqiang
Published: July 2020

Background

To investigate the effects of thoracic nerve block on perioperative lung injury, immune function, and recovery after thoracic surgery

Methods

A total of 120 patients with lung cancer were randomly allocated into three groups: general anesthesia group (GAL group), thoracic paravertebral nerve block (TPVB) combined with general anesthesia (TPL group), and TPVB (with paravertebral dexmedetomidine) combined with general anesthesia group (TDL group); 120 patients with esophageal cancer were randomly allocated into three groups: general anesthesia group (GAE group), TPVB combined with general anesthesia group (TPE group), and thoracic epidural block combined with general anesthesia group (TEE group). Lung injury and immune function were evaluated. Hemodynamic changes, early recovery in post‐anesthesia care unit, pain, 6‐min walking test (6MWT), drug consumption, and life quality were also observed. The duration in the PACU of patients was retrospectively analyzed. The effect of dexmedetomidine on lung injury was established in vitro.

Results

The lung injury, including injury scores, apoptosis, and inflammation, were decreased in the TDL group compared with the GAL group and TPL group. The ratio of CD4+/CD8+ cells at the end of surgery was higher in the TPE group than in the GAE group. More stable hemodynamic was found in TPL group and TPE group. Acute pain was alleviated and the 6MWT was enhanced by TPVB with or without dexmedetomidine. Anesthetic consumption was decreased by thoracic nerve block.

Conclusions

Thoracic nerve block, especially TPVB with or without paravertebral dexmedetomidine, can enhance recovery after thoracic surgery. Protection against independent lung injury and cellular immune dysfunction may be a potential mechanism.
Helium plasma dermal resurfacing: Consensus guidelines
Authors: Holcomb John David , Duncan Diane , Lin Michael , McCoy J. D. , Gentile Richard , Zimmerman Edward , Lacerna Melinda , Ruff Paul G. , DeLozier Joseph B.
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Nine experienced physician users of a novel helium plasma dermal resurfacing device for heating the skin at a controlled depth to achieve collagen coagulation, tissue contraction, and neocollagenesis convened to discuss their experiences and keys to success with their off‐label use of this device with collectively more than 800 cases performed for facial skin renewal procedures.

Methods

A round table discussion format was used to address a variety of topics including pretreatment considerations, optimum treatment parameters, posttreatment healing regimen, and avoidance and management of side effects and complications. All panelists consented to data collection, analysis, compilation, and publication.

Results

Ideal candidates for the procedure were identified along with optimum treatment parameters and posttreatment care. Strategies for avoidance and management of complications and side effects were discussed.

Conclusions

Consensus guidelines were developed for patient selection, pretreatment considerations, treatment parameters, posttreatment healing regimen, and avoidance and management of complications and side effects.
Temporal stability of grassland metacommunities is regulated more by community functional traits than species diversity
Authors: Polley H. Wayne , Yang Chenghai , Wilsey Brian J. , Fay Philip A.
Published: July 2020

Temporal stability in aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) is influenced by several attributes of plant communities. Identifying the primary regulators of stability and their roles across spatial scales is of both practical and theoretical importance. We assessed effects of species diversity (local or alpha diversity and species dissimilarity between local communities) together with spatial differences in two community functional attributes (mean aboveground biomass and community leaf dry matter content, LDMC) on temporal stability in spring ANPP of restored grassland. Biomass, community LDMC, and species dissimilarity were derived from remote measurements of canopy reflectance of grassland on two soil types. Results demonstrated that productivity at the larger spatial scale of the metacommunity (communities connected by dispersal) was stabilized more by spatial differences in community functional traits than by diversity or community differences in diversity. Spatial differences in community biomass and LDMC stabilized metacommunity productivity by increasing differences in the productivity responses of spatially distinct communities to interannual variation in precipitation, but de‐stabilized ANPP on one soil type by reducing the temporal stability of local communities. Our results demonstrate the utility of remote sensing for quantifying community attributes useful to assess or predict temporal stability of grassland ANPP. We conclude that temporal stability in productivity depended largely on community differences in functional attributes that couple plant growth to changes in resource availability.
Tenascin‐C aggravates ventricular dilatation and angiotensin‐converting enzyme activity after myocardial infarction in mice
Authors: Santer David , Nagel Felix , Gonçalves Inês Fonseca , Kaun Christoph , Wojta Johann , Fagyas Miklós , Krššák Martin , Balogh Ágnes , Papp Zoltán , Tóth Attila , Bánhegyi Viktor , Trescher Karola , Kiss Attila , Podesser Bruno K.
Published: July 2020

Aims

Tenascin‐C (TN‐C) is suggested to be detrimental in cardiac remodelling after myocardial infarction (MI). The aim of this study is to reveal the effects of TN‐C on extracellular matrix organization and its haemodynamic influence in an experimental mouse model of MI and in myocardial cell culture during hypoxic conditions.

Methods and results

Myocardial infarction was induced in TN‐C knockout (TN‐C KO) and wild‐type mice. Six weeks later, cardiac function was studied by magnetic resonance imaging and under isolated working heart conditions. Myocardial mRNA levels and immunoreactivity of TN‐C, TIMP‐1, TIMP‐3, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9, as well as serum and tissue activities of angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE), were determined at 1 and 6 weeks after infarction. Cardiac output and external heart work were higher, while left ventricular wall stress and collagen expression were decreased (P < 0.05) in TN‐C KO mice as compared with age‐matched controls at 6 weeks after infarction. TIMP‐1 expression was down‐regulated at 1 and 6 weeks, and TIMP‐3 expression was up‐regulated at 1 week (P < 0.01) after infarction in knockout mice. MMP‐9 level was lower in TN‐C KO at 6 weeks after infarction (P < 0.05). TIMP‐3/MMP‐9 ratio was higher in knockout mice at 1 and 6 weeks after infarction (P < 0.01). ACE activity in the myocardial border zone (i.e. between scar and free wall) was significantly lower in knockout than in wild‐type mice 1 week after MI (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Tenascin‐C expression is induced by hypoxia in association with ACE activity and MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 elevations, thereby promoting left ventricular dilatation after MI.
Comprehensive Triacylglycerol Characterization of Oils and Butters of 15 Amazonian Oleaginous Species by ESI‐HRMS/MS and Comparison with Common Edible Oils and Fats
Authors: Fasciotti Maíra , Monteiro Thays V. C. , Rocha Werickson F. C. , Morais Luiz R. B. , Sussulini Alessandra , Eberlin Marcos N. , Cunha Valnei S.
Published: July 2020

The Amazon rain forest encompasses an extraordinary source of vegetable oils with many applications, especially for food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. In this work, the main composition of fifteen Amazonian oils and butters are investigated via gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) and electrospray ionization high resolution mass spectrometry (ESI‐HRMS). Triacylglycerols (TAG) are characterized by their fragmentation spectra and comparison with the LIPID MAPS database, resulting in a detailed compendium of TAG composition of these samples. Over 70 different TAG are putatively annotated per sample and the occurrence of isomers is remarkable, showing that TAG complexity in these samples is considerably higher than ever reported. The TAG composition of the Amazonian samples are also statistically evaluated using principal component analysis (PCA) for comparison to common edible oils such as soybean, corn, coconut, and olive oil. Some tendencies of grouping are observed: butters with medium chain fatty acids (FA); butters with high oleic FA; and oils with high oleic and high linoleic FA contents. This study provided profiles that ensure Amazonian oils and butters authenticity, quality and also aids in understanding their properties and the best applications for each.

Practical Applications: It is expected that this comprehensive set of data on the TAG composition of Amazonian oils and butters will help guide the use and applications of these products, providing consumers with the best benefits from a nutritional perspective. Moreover, adulterations could be more easily detected when a database is available, since the chemical composition of certified samples is investigated in this work. Ultimately, this study can encourage the sustainable production and applications of Amazonian oils and appropriate use of Amazon rain forest resources.
Copper in Efficient Synthesis of Aromatic Heterocycles with Single Heteroatom
Authors: Pal Tapas , Lahiri Goutam Kumar , Maiti Debabrata
Published: July 2020

Aromatic heterocycles are important structural units in various naturally occurring compounds. Its abundance has drawn attention of synthetic chemists for decades. In the current scenario, new methodologies employing cheap transition metal reagents are highly desirable for efficient and practical synthesis of heterocyclic compounds. In this review article, strategies to synthesize aromatic heterocycles by inexpensive copper reagents have been discussed.
A Simple Strategy for the Preparation of P‐Chirogenic Trost Ligands with Different Absolute Configurations
Authors: Du Peng , Lu Xiao‐Bing
Published: July 2020

P‐chirogenic compounds are useful ligands and organocatalysts in asymmetric synthesis. However, the lack of preparative methods and their configurational instability have significantly hampered their development. Herein, we report a simple strategy for the preparation of enantiomerically pure P,C‐chirogenic diphosphines. Amidation of the borane adducts of rac‐phosphinobenzoic acids with enantiomerically pure trans‐1,2‐diaminocyclohexane afforded a 1:2:1 mixture of the diastereomers (C*,C*,Rp,Rp), (C*,C*,Rp,Sp), and (C*,C*,Sp,Sp), which were separated by column chromatography on silica gel. The prepared (C*,C*,Rp,Rp) and (C*,C*,Sp,Sp) stereoisomers were identical to those obtained from the enantiopure phosphines, which were synthesized by a multi‐step route using chiral auxiliaries. Hence, this simple, short and convenient route towards P,C‐chirogenic diphosphines obviates the use of chiral auxiliaries and enables the access to diphosphines with differently configured P‐stereocenters.
Spatial migration of human reward processing with functional development: Evidence from quantitative meta‐analyses
Authors: Yaple Zachary A , Yu Rongjun , Arsalidou Marie
Published: July 2020

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have shown notable age‐dependent differences in reward processing. We analyzed data from a total of 554 children, 1,059 adolescents, and 1,831 adults from 70 articles. Quantitative meta‐analyses results show that adults engage an extended set of regions that include anterior and posterior cingulate gyri, insula, basal ganglia, and thalamus. Adolescents engage the posterior cingulate and middle frontal gyri as well as the insula and amygdala, whereas children show concordance in right insula and striatal regions almost exclusively. Our data support the notion of reorganization of function over childhood and adolescence and may inform current hypotheses relating to decision‐making across age.
Multiparameter mapping of relaxation (R1, R2*), proton density and magnetization transfer saturation at 3 T: A multicenter dual‐vendor reproducibility and repeatability study
Authors: Leutritz Tobias , Seif Maryam , Helms Gunther , Samson Rebecca S , Curt Armin , Freund Patrick , Weiskopf Nikolaus
Published: July 2020

Multicenter clinical and quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI) studies require a high degree of reproducibility across different sites and scanner manufacturers, as well as time points. We therefore implemented a multiparameter mapping (MPM) protocol based on vendor's product sequences and demonstrate its repeatability and reproducibility for whole‐brain coverage. Within ~20 min, four MPM metrics (magnetization transfer saturation [MT], proton density [PD], longitudinal [R1], and effective transverse [R2*] relaxation rates) were measured using an optimized 1 mm isotropic resolution protocol on six 3 T MRI scanners from two different vendors. The same five healthy participants underwent two scanning sessions, on the same scanner, at each site. MPM metrics were calculated using the hMRI‐toolbox. To account for different MT pulses used by each vendor, we linearly scaled the MT values to harmonize them across vendors. To determine longitudinal repeatability and inter‐site comparability, the intra‐site (i.e., scan‐rescan experiment) coefficient of variation (CoV), inter‐site CoV, and bias across sites were estimated. For MT, R1, and PD, the intra‐ and inter‐site CoV was between 4 and 10% across sites and scan time points for intracranial gray and white matter. A higher intra‐site CoV (16%) was observed in R2* maps. The inter‐site bias was below 5% for all parameters. In conclusion, the MPM protocol yielded reliable quantitative maps at high resolution with a short acquisition time. The high reproducibility of MPM metrics across sites and scan time points combined with its tissue microstructure sensitivity facilitates longitudinal multicenter imaging studies targeting microstructural changes, for example, as a quantitative MRI biomarker for interventional clinical trials.
Assessing water footprint of large cardamom and developing management strategy in Sikkim, India*
Authors: Kusre B.C. , Bora Pradip K. , Rai Deependra , Gajmer Lochan
Published: July 2020

The term ‘water footprint’ refers to the quantity of water used to produce each of the goods and services we use. It is a decision support tool that can account for and manage water‐related risk within a production system. In the present study the water footprint of large cardamom was estimated for the state of Sikkim (India). Large cardamom is the principal cash crop of the state. In the study it was observed that the yearwise crop water requirement (CWR) was 143, 92.9, 134, 125 and 109 mm. As large cardamom is grown under unirrigated conditions, a green water footprint (WFproc,green)was estimated. The estimated WFproc,greenfor production of 1 kg of cardamom (2012–2016) varied from 27.5 to 32.6 m3. The effective rainfall varied from 1290 mm (in 2012) to 1470 mm (in 2013), which was higher than the CWR (785–807 mm). Although the effective rainfall is more than CWR most of it is concentrated in 6 rainy months only. During November to March CWR varied from 92.9 to 143 mm. The study indicated scope for taking up large cardamom intensively by adopting appropriate water and crop management practices making it more profitable.