bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A process mining methodology for modeling unstructured processes
Authors: Stefanini Alessandro , Aloini Davide , Benevento Elisabetta , Dulmin Riccardo , Mininno Valeria
Published: July 2020

The effective representation of business processes is widely recognized as a critical task in Business Process Management (BPM). Unfortunately, the complexity of unstructured processes makes process modeling extremely challenging and limits the suitability of traditional model‐driven approaches, which appear considerably less effective and efficient. Nevertheless, most of the recent and promising data‐driven approaches dealing with unstructured processes are not yet completely developed and typically fail to provide an adequate procedural process model. This study proposes a novel process mining‐based methodology to achieve a significant process model when unstructured processes occur. Specifically, the method assesses and combines the outcomes of different process mining algorithms by evaluating the process model through appropriate quality parameters (i.e., accuracy and comprehensibility). The final output of the method corresponds to a unitary procedural process model that is mathematically computable, evaluable through objective quality metrics, comparable with other process models, convertible to other model languages, and usable for supporting BPM activities. Finally, a real case study of an Italian hospital is presented to verify the applicability of the proposed methodology.
Electrode Alternative for Eighth Nerve Monitoring During Vestibular Schwannoma Resection
Authors: Antezana Luis A. , Carlson Matthew L. , Hoffman Ernest M. , Cueva Roberto A. , Van Gompel Jamie J.
Published: July 2020

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Role of epigenetic alterations in aflatoxin‐induced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Mungamuri Sathish Kumar , Mavuduru Vijay Aditya
Published: July 2020

Aflatoxins are produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus and are toxic carcinogens. These ‘fungal molds’ grow on corn, groundnuts, cereals and other grains. Of all the aflatoxins, Aflatoxin‐B1 (AFB1) is considered the most toxic. Long‐term exposure of AFB1 forms DNA adducts causing many genetic mutations and epigenetic alterations, ultimately leading to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The liver is the major site of Aflatoxin detoxification; wherein cytochrome P‐450 (CYP450) enzymes process the AFB1 into its epoxide AFB1‐Exo‐8,9‐Epoxy (ABFO) and other less toxic metabolites. ABFO, in turn, reacts with DNA, RNA and protein molecules forming AFB adducts. The AFB1‐DNA adducts in turn will induce various mutations, mainly mediated by G→T transversions. Aflatoxins are also known to cause HCC cell proliferation, growth, and invasion as well as angiogenesis by various epigenetic mechanisms including DNA methylation, histone post‐translational modifications and non‐coding RNA deregulation, etc. In this review, we will be emphasizing on epigenetic mechanisms by which aflatoxins induce hepatocarcinogenesis. In the last section, we will also discuss various methodologies to control aflatoxin contamination and detoxification of aflatoxin adducts using natural substances that are potentially anti‐aflatoxins.
Systematic review of microvascular coupling devices for arterial anastomoses in free tissue transfer
Authors: Gundale Abhijit R. , Berkovic Yuro J. , Entezami Payam , Nathan Cherie‐Ann O. , Chang Brent A.
Published: July 2020

Background

Coupling devices have become commonplace in performing venous anastomoses during microvascular free tissue transfer (FTT). However, arterial anastomoses are still most commonly performed using traditional microvascular suture techniques.

Objective

To describe the safety and feasibility of using microvascular coupling devices for free flap arterial anastomosis.

Methods

A systematic review of English language literature was performed for studies that investigated the use of an arterial coupler for microvascular FTT in human patients. A comprehensive search of MEDLINE (January 1948 to August 2018), EMBASE (January 1974 to August 2018), and Web of Science was performed.

Results

Fifteen studies were included. All studies were retrospective case series. A combined total of 395 arterial anastomoses were attempted with a coupling device. All studies except for one used the 3M Unilink/Synovis coupling device. One study used a novel absorbable coupling device. The coupling device was aborted and converted to a suture technique in 8.4% of attempted anastomoses. Rupture of the anastomotic device was reported in only 1 patient (0.3%). Thrombosis was also infrequent at 1.9%. The quality assessment showed a high risk of bias in all studies.

Conclusion

In selected patients, coupling devices for arterial anastomoses have a good success rate with low rates of thrombosis based on limited quality evidence.
Assessment and Transplantation of Orphan Donor Livers: A Back‐to‐Base Approach to Normothermic Machine Perfusion
Authors: Reiling Janske , Butler Nick , Simpson Andrew , Hodgkinson Peter , Campbell Catherine , Lockwood David , Bridle Kim , Santrampurwala Nishreen , Britton Laurence , Crawford Darrell , Dejong Cornelius H. C. , Fawcett Jonathan
Published: July 2020

Globally, a large proportion of donor livers are discarded due to concerns over inadequate organ quality. Normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) allows for hepatocellular and biliary viability assessment prior to transplantation and might therefore enable the safe use of these orphan donor livers. We describe here the first Australasian experience of NMP‐preserved liver transplants using a ‘back‐to‐base’ approach, where NMP was commenced at the recipient hospital following initial static cold storage. In the preclinical phase, 10 human donor livers declined for transplantation (7 from donation after circulatory death [DCD] and 3 from donation after brain death [DBD]) were perfused using a custom‐made NMP setup. Subsequently, 10 orphan donor livers (5 from DCD and 5 from DBD) underwent NMP and viability assessment on the OrganOx metra device (OrganOx Limited, Oxford, United Kingdom). Both hepatocellular and biliary viability criteria were used. The median donor risk index was 1.53 (1.16‐1.71), and the median recipient Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease score was 17 (11‐21). In the preclinical phase, ‘back‐to‐base’ NMP was deemed suitable and feasible. In the clinical phase, each graft met predefined criteria for implantation during NMP and was subsequently transplanted. Five (50%) recipients developed early allograft dysfunction based on peak aspartate aminotransferase. To date, all grafts function satisfactorily, and none of the 5 recipients who received a DCD liver have developed cholangiopathy. The OrganOx metra using a back‐to‐base approach has enabled the safe use of 10 high‐risk orphan donor livers with 100% 6‐month patient and graft survival. NMP improved surgeon confidence to use orphan donor livers and has enabled a safe expansion of the donor pool.
A Phase‐Changing Polymer Film for Broadband Smart Window Applications
Authors: Xie Yu , Guan Fangyi , Li Zhou , Meng Yuan , Cheng Jiang , Li Lu , Pei Qibing
Published: July 2020

Smart windows (SWs) with tunable opacity are sought to regulate solar‐irradiation and privacy protection. A new smart window material based on a phase‐changing polymer that can be reversibly switched between a semicrystalline, opaque state and an amorphous, transparent state is introduced. The polymer film is a network of the phase‐changing poly(stearyl acrylate) crosslinked with a poly(ethylene oxide) oligomer. The two constituent polymers show strong phase separation. The transmission switching of the resulting copolymer film is resulted from the combination of three different mechanisms: reversible phase changing of the poly(stearyl acrylate) component, phase separation between the two distinct constituent polymers, and a large change of refractive index of the phase‐changing polymer during the amorphous‐to‐semicrystalline transition. The opaqueness switching can be reversed and repeated for more than 500 cycles of heating and cooling. A silver nanowire (AgNW)‐based transparent heater is combined with the SW film to control the semicrystalline‐to‐amorphous phase transition. The resulting smart window exhibits a high infrared transmittance modulation (ΔTIR) of 80.4% and solar transmittance modulation (ΔTsolar) of 70.2%, which significantly outperform existing thermochromic smart windows.
Activation of transcription factor Nrf2 to counteract mitochondrial dysfunction in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Bento‐Pereira Claudia , Dinkova‐Kostova Albena T.
Published: July 2020

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, for which no disease‐modifying therapies are available to date. Although understanding of the precise aetiology of PD is incomplete, it is clear that age, genetic predisposition and environmental stressors increase the risk. At the cellular level, oxidative stress, chronic neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction and aberrant protein aggregation have been implicated as contributing factors. These detrimental processes are counteracted by elaborate networks of cellular defence mechanisms, one of which is orchestrated by transcription factor nuclear factor‐erythroid 2 p45‐related factor 2 (Nrf2; gene name NFE2L2). A wealth of preclinical evidence suggests that Nrf2 activation is beneficial in cellular and animal models of PD. In this review, we summarise the current understanding of mitochondrial dysfunction in PD, the role of Nrf2 in mitochondrial function and explore the potential of Nrf2 as a therapeutic target for mitochondrial dysfunction in PD.
Advocates hopeful on eventual changes to California mental health act
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: July 2020

Having achieved a broad consensus among stakeholders that California's landmark Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) needs a significant update, supporters of changes hope a delay brought on by the COVID‐19 crisis amounts to only a brief detour from their goal.
Similarity analytical solutions for the Schrӧdinger equation with the Riesz fractional derivative in quantum mechanics
Authors: Patra Asim
Published: July 2020

The present article deals with the similarity method to tackle the fractional Schrӧdinger equation where the derivative is defined in the Riesz sense. Moreover, the procedure of reducing a fractional partial differential equation (FPDE) into an ordinary differential equation (ODE) has been efficiently displayed by means of suitable scaled transform to the proposed fractional equation. Furthermore, the ODEs are treated effectively via the Fourier transform. The graphical solutions are also depicted for different fractional derivatives α.
Decay rates for semilinear wave equations with vanishing damping and Neumann boundary conditions
Authors: Luo Jun‐Ren , Xiao Ti‐Jun
Published: July 2020

The paper is concerned with the semilinear wave equations with time‐dependent damping γ(t)=α/(1+t)  (α>0), under the effect of nonlinear source f behaving like a polynomial, and subject to Neumann boundary conditions. Constructing appropriate auxiliary functions, we obtain an explicit uniform decay rate estimate for the solutions of the equation in terms of the exponent of f, when α is large enough. On the other hand, via a new hyperbolic version of Dirichlet quotients, we show that the upper estimate is optimal in some case, which implies the existence of slow solutions.
Inflammatory Diseases and Vitamin E—What Do We Know and Where Do We Go?
Authors: Wallert Maria , Börmel Lisa , Lorkowski Stefan
Published: July 2020

Inflammation‐driven diseases and related comorbidities, such as the metabolic syndrome, obesity, fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular diseases cause significant global burden. There is a growing body of evidence that nutrients alter inflammatory responses and can therefore make a decisive contribution to the treatment of these diseases. Recently, the inflammasome, a cytosolic multiprotein complex, has been identified as a key player in inflammation and the development of various inflammation‐mediated disorders, with nucleotide‐binding domain and leucine‐rich repeat pyrin domain (NLRP) 3 being the inflammasome of interest. Here an overview about the cellular signaling pathways underlying nuclear factor “kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer” of activated B‐cells (NF‐κB)‐ and NLRP3‐mediated inflammatory processes, and the pathogenesis of the inflammatory diseases atherosclerosis and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is provided; next, the current state of knowledge for drug‐based and dietary‐based interventions for treating cardiovascular diseases and NAFLD is discussed. To date, one of the most important antioxidants in the human diet is vitamin E. Various in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that the different forms of vitamin E and also their derivatives have anti‐inflammatory activity. Recent publications suggest that vitamin E—and possibly metabolites of vitamin E—are a promising therapeutic approach for treating inflammatory diseases such as NAFLD.
Practical application of AAPM Report 270 in display quality assurance: A report of Task Group 270
Authors: Bevins Nicholas B. , Silosky Michael S. , Badano Aldo , Marsh Rebecca M. , Flynn Michael J. , Walz‐Flannigan Alisa I.
Published: July 2020

Published in January 2019, AAPM Report 270 provides an update to the recommendations of the AAPM’s “TG18” report. Report 270 provides new definitions of display types, updated testing patterns, and revised performance standards for the modern, flat‐panel displays used as part of medical image acquisition and review. The focus of the AAPM report is on consistent image quality and appearance, and how to establish a quality assurance program to achieve those two goals. This work highlights some of the key takeaways of AAPM Report 270 and makes comparisons with existing recommendations from other references. It also provides guidance for establishing a display quality assurance program for different‐sized institutions. Finally, it describes future challenges for display quality assurance and what work remains.
Motion correction methods for MRS: experts' consensus recommendations
Authors: Andronesi Ovidiu C. , Bhattacharyya Pallab K. , Bogner Wolfgang , Choi In‐Young , Hess Aaron T. , Lee Phil , Meintjes Ernesta M. , Tisdall M. Dylan , Zaitsev Maxim , van der Kouwe André
Published: July 2020

Long acquisition times due to intrinsically low signal‐to‐noise ratio and the need for highly homogeneous B0 field make MRS particularly susceptible to motion or scanner instability compared with MRI. Motion‐induced changes in both localization and shimming (ie B0 homogeneity) degrade MRS data quality. To mitigate the effects of motion three approaches can be employed: (1) subject immobilization, (2) retrospective correction, and (3) prospective real‐time correction using internal and/or external tracking methods. Prospective real‐time correction methods can simultaneously update localization and the B0 field to improve MRS data quality. While localization errors can be corrected with both internal (navigators) and external (optical camera, NMR probes) tracking methods, the B0 field correction requires internal navigator methods to measure the B0 field inside the imaged volume and the possibility to update the scanner shim hardware in real time. Internal and external tracking can rapidly update the MRS localization with submillimeter and subdegree precision, while scanner frequency and first‐order shims of scanner hardware can be updated by internal methods every sequence repetition. These approaches are most well developed for neuroimaging, for which rigid transformation is primarily applicable. Real‐time correction greatly improves the stability of MRS acquisition and quantification, as shown in clinical studies on subjects prone to motion, including children and patients with movement disorders, enabling robust measurement of metabolite signals including those with low concentrations, such as gamma‐aminobutyric acid and glutathione. Thus, motion correction is recommended for MRS users and calls for tighter integration and wider availability of such methods by MR scanner manufacturers.
Pulmonary pyruvate metabolism as an index of inflammation and injury in a rat model of acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Pourfathi Mehrdad , Xin Yi , Rosalino Michael , Cereda Maurizio , Kadlecek Stephen , Duncan Ian , Profka Harrilla , Hamedani Hooman , Siddiqui Sarmad , Ruppert Kai , Chatterjee Shampa , Rizi Rahim R.
Published: July 2020

Increased pulmonary lactate production is correlated with severity of lung injury and outcome in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients. This study was conducted to investigate the relative contributions of inflammation and hypoxia to the lung's metabolic shift to glycolysis in an experimental animal model of ARDS using hyperpolarized (HP) 13C MRI. Fifty‐three intubated and mechanically ventilated male rats were imaged using HP 13C MRI before, and 1, 2.5 and 4 hours after saline (sham) or hydrochloric acid (HCl; 0.5 ml/kg) instillation in the trachea, followed by protective and nonprotective mechanical ventilation (HCl‐PEEP and HCl‐ZEEP) or the start of moderate or severe hypoxia (Hyp90 and Hyp75 groups). Pulmonary and cardiac HP lactate‐to‐pyruvate ratios were compared among groups for different time points. Postmortem histology and immunofluorescence were used to assess lung injury severity and quantify the expression of innate inflammatory markers and local tissue hypoxia. HP pulmonary lactate‐to‐pyruvate ratio progressively increased in rats with lung injury and moderate hypoxia (HCl‐ZEEP), with no significant change in pulmonary lactate‐to‐pyruvate ratio in noninjured but moderately hypoxic rats (Hyp90). Pulmonary lactate‐to‐pyruvate ratio was elevated in otherwise healthy lung tissue only in severe systemic hypoxia (Hyp75 group). ex vivo histological and immunopathological assessment further confirmed the link between elevated glycolysis and the recruitment into and presence of activated neutrophils in injured lungs. HP lactate‐to‐pyruvate ratio is elevated in injured lungs predominantly as a result of increased glycolysis in activated inflammatory cells, but can also increase due to severe inflammation‐induced hypoxia.
Avoiding unnecessary demerging and remerging of multi‐commodity integer flows
Authors: Lin Zhiyuan , Kwan Raymond S. K.
Published: July 2020

Resource flows may merge and demerge at a network node. Sometimes several demerged flows may be immediately merged again, but in different combinations compared to before they were demerged. However, the demerging is unnecessary in the first place if the total resources at each of the network nodes involved remains unchanged. We describe this situation as “unnecessary demerging and remerging (UDR)” of flows, which would incur unnecessary operations and costs in practice. Multi‐commodity integer flows in particular will be considered in this paper. This deficiency could be theoretically overcome by means of fixed‐charge variables, but the practicality of this approach is restricted by the difficulty in solving the corresponding integer linear program (ILP). Moreover, in a problem where the objective function has many cost elements, it would be helpful if such operational costs are optimized implicitly. This paper presents a heuristic branching method within an ILP solver for removing UDR without the use of fixed‐charge variables. We use the concept of “flow potentials” (different from “flow residuals” for max‐flows) guided by which underutilized arcs are heuristically banned, thus reducing occurrences of UDR. Flow connection bigraphs and flow connection groups (FCGs) are introduced. We prove that if certain conditions are met, fully utilizing an arc will guarantee an improvement within an FCG. Moreover, a location sub‐model is given when the former cannot guarantee an improvement. More importantly, the heuristic approach can significantly enhance the full fixed‐charge model by warm‐starting. Computational experiments based on real‐world instances have shown the usefulness of the proposed methods.
A precise critical time step formula for the explicit material point method
Authors: Ni Ruichen , Zhang Xiong
Published: July 2020

The material point method (MPM) combines Eulerian method and Lagrangian method and thus both Lagrangian particle position and interaction between neighboring Eulerian grid cells will affect the simulation stability. However, the original critical time step formula in the standard MPM does not reflect the effect of particle position and neighboring cell interaction on stability and overestimates the critical time step so much that the CFL number has to be very small, even smaller than 0.1, to obtain a stable solution at extreme particle positions. Therefore, in many engineering applications, the standard MPM is very expensive due to the small CFL number. In this article, the effect of particle position and neighboring cell interaction on stability of the explicit MPM is studied. An explicit critical time step formula is obtained based on the system eigenvalues in one dimension, and is then extended to two and three dimensions. For extreme deformation problems, the geometric stiffness matrix is taken into consideration which modifies the sound speed of particles in the critical time step formula. Several tests are performed to verify our formula and show a decrease in amount of time steps used for simulation with our formula comparing with the original formula.
The numerical analysis of two linearized difference schemes for the Benjamin–Bona–Mahony–Burgers equation
Authors: Zhang Qifeng , Liu Lingling , Zhang Jiyuan
Published: July 2020

In the article, two linearized finite difference schemes are proposed and analyzed for the Benjamin–Bona–Mahony–Burgers (BBMB) equation. For the construction of the two‐level scheme, the nonlinear term is linearized via averaging k and k + 1 floor, we prove unique solvability and convergence of numerical solutions in detail with the convergence order O(τ2 + h2). For the three‐level linearized scheme, the extrapolation technique is utilized to linearize the nonlinear term based on ψ function. We obtain the conservation, boundedness, unique solvability and convergence of numerical solutions with the convergence order O(τ2 + h2) at length. Furthermore, extending our work to the BBMB equation with the nonlinear source term is considered and a Newton linearized method is inserted to deal with it. The applicability and accuracy of both schemes are demonstrated by numerical experiments.
Synthesis of core‐shell and Janus polystyrene@polypyrrole particles by variation of surfactant and monomer amount through seeded emulsion polymerization
Authors: Dehghani Elham , Amani Farnaz , Salami‐Kalajahi Mehdi
Published: July 2020

Polystyrene (PS) seed particles were synthesized under similar conditions with different anionic, cationic, and non‐ionic surfactants, as well as without surfactant. The effect of surfactant type on the morphology and size of PS particles was investigated. These particles were then used as seeds in chemical oxidative polymerization of pyrrole and the effect of surfactant type and pyrrole/seed weight ratio on the morphology of the resulting composite particles was monitored. According to the results, different surface properties of PS seed particles resulted in various morphologies. Anionic surfactant led to formation of core‐shell structure because of electrostatic interactions between polypyrrole (PPy) oligomers and seed particles. However, cationic surfactant led to electrostatic repulsions between positively‐charged PPy oligomers and PS particles' surface and formation of patchy structures. Non‐ionic surfactant resulted in formation of snowman‐like Janus particles due to absence of electrostatic interactions.
One‐pot tandem ring‐opening polymerization of N‐sulfonyl aziridines and “click” chemistry to produce well‐defined star‐shaped polyaziridines
Authors: Luo Wenyi , Wang Ying , Jin Yaocheng , Zhang Zhen , Wu Chuande
Published: July 2020

An effective approach for fast synthesis of well‐defined star‐shaped poly(2‐methyl‐N‐tosylaziridine)s was developed by one‐pot tandem ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of N‐sulfonyl aziridines with trimethylsilyl azide (TMSN3) and “click” reaction with alkynes. Azido terminated polyaziridines (α‐N3‐PAzs) could be achieved via ROP of N‐sulfonyl aziridines with TMSN3 in the presence of organic superbases. The catalytic efficiency of organobases, including 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO), 1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]‐7‐undecene (DBU), 7‐methyl‐1,5,7‐triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec‐5‐ene (MTBD), 1,5,7‐triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec‐5‐ene (TBD), and N,N,N′,N″,N″‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA), was evaluated, and all of them except TBD afforded “living”/controlled ROP of 2‐methyl‐N‐tosylaziridines (TsMAz). Star‐shaped polyaziridines were then fastly synthesized by the one‐pot tandem strategy. During the reaction process, PMDETA catalyzed ROP first, then was triggered to be a ligand by adding CuBr for “click” reaction. Well‐defined 3‐ and 4‐arm star P(TsMAz)s were successfully prepared, and subsequently desulfonylated to give star‐shaped polypropylenimines (PPIs). PPI stars exhibited intrinsic photoluminescence properties from the polyamine arms.
Institutional capacity to provide psychosocial care in cancer programs: Addressing barriers to delivering quality cancer care
Authors: Kayser Karen , Brydon Daphne M. , Moon Heehyul , Zebrack Brad
Published: July 2020

Objective

This study investigates barriers and promoters to delivering quality psychosocial services in 58 cancer programs across North America.

Methods

Oncology care providers (n = 2008) participated in a survey in which they identified barriers and promoters for delivering psychosocial care at their respective institutions. Multilevel modeling was used to examine (a) the extent to which provider and institutional characteristics were associated with the most common barriers, and (b) associations between perceived barriers and institutional capacity to deliver psychosocial services as measured by the Cancer Psychosocial Care Matrix.

Results

Across 58 Commission on Cancer‐accredited programs in North America, the most frequently reported barriers were inadequate number of psychosocial care personnel, lack of funding, inadequate amount of time, lack of systematic procedures, and inadequate training for oncology providers. Overall, there were few significant differences in reported barriers by type of institution or type of provider. In general, the most frequently reported barriers were significantly associated with the institution's capacity to deliver quality psychosocial care. In particular, the lack of a systematic process for psychosocial care delivery significantly predicted lower levels of institutional capacity to deliver quality psychosocial care.

Conclusions

When identifying barriers, respondents reported a greater number of institutional barriers than barriers related to individual provider or patient characteristics. These results present a compelling case for cancer programs to implement and monitor systematic procedures for psychosocial care and to integrate these procedures in routine clinical practice.
Quantifying continuous nebulization via high flow nasal cannula and large volume nebulizer in a pediatric model
Authors: Moody Gerald B. , Ari Arzu
Published: July 2020

Background

Use of high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) to deliver aerosolized medications to children has gained considerable interest. However, data on continuous albuterol delivery (CAD) via HFNC are lacking. This study quantified CAD via HFNC/vibrating mesh nebulizer (VMN) and large‐volume jet nebulizer (LVN) with face mask (FM) in a pediatric model. Aerosol delivery with two HFNC cannula designs were also compared.

Methods

A pediatric manikin was connected to a lung simulator (Vt = 150 mL, RR = 28 breaths/minute, I:E 1:2.4) via collecting filter at the carina. XL Pediatric and SML Adult HFNC designs were tested to determine optimal cannula design for CAD. VMN was placed Before humidifier (37°C), albuterol (5 mg/mL) was nebulized at 3, 6, and 12 L/minute (n = 3). To compare HFNC/VMN with LVN and FM, albuterol (15 mg/hour) was aerosolized for 3 hours/device (n = 3). LVN was connected to FM and filled with 9 mL of albuterol (5 mg/mL) and 66 mL of normal saline to deliver 25 mL/hour at 13 L/minute. VMN was connected to the infusion pump to deliver 7.5 mL/hr of albuterol (2 mg/mL). Drug eluted from filters was assayed with UV spectrophotometry (276 nm).

Results

Optimal aerosol delivery occurred at 3 L/minute (12.6% ± 0.5%) with SML Adult HFNC (P = .04). When used for CAD, inhaled drug delivery with HFNC/VMN (2.2 mg/hr ± 0.1, 14.8% ± 0.7%) was significantly greater than LVN and FM (0.48 ± 0.09 mg/hour, 3.2% ± 0.6%) (P = .001).

Conclusions

Administration of CAD via HFNC/VMN led to a greater than fourfold increase in drug delivery compared to LVN with FM. Optimal aerosol delivery occurred at 3 L/minute with SML Adult HFNC.
An Improved Synthesis of the Insensitive Energetic Material 3‐Amino‐5‐Nitro‐1,2,4‐triazole (ANTA)
Authors: Manship Tim D. , Smith Dawson M. , Piercey Davin G.
Published: July 2020

This work shows the ability of a readily‐available oxidizer to achieve the selective oxidation of 3,5‐diamino‐1,2,4‐triazole (DAT) to 3‐amino‐5‐nitro‐1,2,4‐triazole (ANTA) in high yields. This strategy reduces the synthesis of this important energetic material and synthon down to a single step. Analysis was conducted on the product and confirmed that the product was indeed ANTA. The yield, safety, and economics of this process are all superior to the current state‐of‐the‐art two‐step multi‐pot procedure.
Comparative risk of cardiac arrhythmias associated with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors used in treatment of dementias – A narrative review
Authors: Huang Yichang , Alsabbagh Mhd. Wasem
Published: July 2020

Donepezil, galantamine, and rivastigmine are the three acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs), out of a total of only four medications prescribed in the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and related dementias. These medications are known to be associated with bradycardia given their mechanism of action of increasing acetylcholine (ACh). However, in March 2015, donepezil was added to the CredibleMeds “known‐risk” category, a list where medications have a documented risk for acquired long‐QT syndrome (ALQTS) and torsades de pointes (TdP) – a malignant ventricular arrhythmia that is a different adverse event than bradycardia (and is not necessarily associated with ACh action). The purpose of this article is to review the three AChEIs, especially with regards to mechanistic differences that may explain why only donepezil poses this risk; several pharmacological mechanisms may explain why. However, from an empirical point‐of‐view, aside from some case‐reports, only a limited number of studies have generated relevant information regarding AChEIs' and electrocardiogram findings; none have specifically compared donepezil against galantamine or rivastigmine for malignant arrhythmias such as TdP. Currently, the choice of one of the three AChEIs for treatment of AD symptoms is primarily dependent upon clinician and patient preference. However, clinicians should be aware of the potential increased risk associated with donepezil. There is a need to examine the comparative risk of malignant arrhythmias among AChEIs users in real‐world practice; this may have important implications with regards to changes in AChEI prescribing patterns.
Shannon entropy as a predictor of avoided crossing in confined atoms
Authors: Saha Subhasish , Jose Jobin
Published: July 2020

Avoided crossing is one of the unique spectroscopic features of a confined atomic system. Shannon information entropy of the ground state and some of the excited states of confined H atom as a predictor of avoided crossing is studied in this work. This is accomplished by varying the strength of the confinement and examining structure properties like ionization energy and Shannon information entropy. Along with the energy level repulsion at the avoided crossing, Shannon information entropy is also exchanged between the involved states. This work also addresses a question: In addition to that regarding localization, what other property of the system can be extracted from Shannon entropy? Insightful connection is discovered between Shannon entropy and the average value of confinement potential, Coulomb potential, and kinetic energy.
Human endothelial colony-forming cells in regenerative therapy: A systematic review of controlled preclinical animal studies
Authors: Liao Gary , Zheng Katina , Shorr Risa , Allan David S.
Published: July 2020

Endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) hold significant promise as candidates for regenerative therapy of vascular injury. Existing studies remain largely preclinical and exhibit marked design heterogeneity. A systematic review of controlled preclinical trials of human ECFCs is needed to guide future study design and to accelerate clinical translation. A systematic search of Medline and EMBASE on 1 April 2019 returned 3131 unique entries of which 66 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Most studies used ECFCs derived from umbilical cord or adult peripheral blood. Studies used genetically modified immunodeficient mice (n = 52) and/or rats (n = 16). ECFC phenotypes were inconsistently characterized. While >90% of studies used CD31+ and CD45−, CD14− was demonstrated in 73% of studies, CD146+ in 42%, and CD10+ in 35%. Most disease models invoked ischemia. Peripheral vascular ischemia (n = 29), central nervous system ischemia (n = 14), connective tissue injury (n = 10), and cardiovascular ischemia and reperfusion injury (n = 7) were studied most commonly. Studies showed predominantly positive results; only 13 studies reported ≥1 outcome with null results, three reported only null results, and one reported harm. Quality assessment with SYRCLE revealed potential sources of bias in most studies. Preclinical ECFC studies are associated with benefit across several ischemic conditions in animal models, although combining results is limited by marked heterogeneity in study design. In particular, characterization of ECFCs varied and aspects of reporting introduced risk of bias in most studies. More studies with greater focus on standardized cell characterization and consistency of the disease model are needed.
Sulfamic Acid‐Catalyzed Thioacetalization of Aldehydes under Solvent and Metal‐Free Conditions
Authors: Leitemberger Andrielli , Böhs Lucas M. C. , Peixoto Maura L. B. , Rosa Clarissa H. , Rosa Gilber R. , Godoi Marcelo
Published: July 2020

Herein, we have reported a straightforward methodology for the synthesis of dithioacetals through a metal‐free catalyzed reaction of aldehydes with thiols. In this regard, sulfamic acid proved to be a very efficient catalyst for the preparation of desired products under conventional heating as well as ultrasound irradiation. Generally, the desired products were obtained with reasonable yields through a thioacetalization process, under mild reaction conditions. Noteworthy, sulfamic acid could be recovered from the reaction by simple filtration and it was reused in further reactions and it showed good catalytic activity until the third cycle. In addition, a series of control experiments have also been performed and a plausible reaction mechanism has been illustrated.
Mechanistic Details and Conformational Behavior of Selective Peptide Linkage Facilitated by Aun Clusters
Authors: Yadav Sarita , Springborg Michael , Singhal Sonal , Molayem Mohammad , Goel Neetu
Published: July 2020

The interactions of amino acids Glycine and Alanine with gold clusters, Aun (n=3, 8, 16) have been studied in both gas and aqueous phase within the formalism of density functional theory (DFT). The amino acid binds to the cluster with its amine/carboxyl end securely anchored to the cluster. Selective peptide synthesis has been explored for Glycylglycine (GlyGly) and Glycylalanine (GlyAla) dipeptides in aqueous medium via two different reaction pathways. Path‐
Synthesis and Anticancer Research of N‐(2‐aminophenyl)benzamide Acridine Derivatives as Dual Topoisomerase I and Isoform‐Selective HDAC Inhibitors
Authors: Zhang Bin , Zhang Qiting , Liu Zedong , Wang Ning , Jin Haixiao , Liu Feng , Zhang Cunlong , He Shan
Published: July 2020

Topoisomerase (Topo) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) are considered to be effective targets for the treatment of cancer. In this study, 16 new N‐(2‐aminophenyl)benzamide acridine analogues (8 a‐8 p) were designed and synthesized as Topo I and subtype‐selective HDAC inhibitors. Most of the compounds displayed good antiproliferative activity against CCRF‐CEM, K562 and U937 cells. Among them, 8 a demonstrated the highest anti‐proliferative activity (IC50=0.12‐0.35 μM). Further studies showed that 8 a and some analogues displayed Topo I inhibitory activity and exhibited selective inhibition for HDAC1 (class I HDAC). Additionally, 8 a can significantly induce DNA damage and histone H3 acetylation in these tested cancer cells. Moreover, 8 a triggered dose‐dependent G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and induced cellular apoptosis. This study provides new perspectives for the further structural optimization of N‐(2‐aminophenyl)benzamide acridine analogues for use in cancer research.
More Interaction Sites and Enhanced Fluorescence for Highly Sensitive Fluorescence Detection of Methamphetamine Vapor via Sidechain Terminal Functionalization of Conjugated Polymers
Authors: Yu Yaguo , Xu Wei , Wang Tan , Fu Yanyan , Cao Huimin , He Qingguo , Cheng Jiangong
Published: July 2020

A strategy of sidechain terminal functionalization was proposed to further improve the sensitivity of MA vapor detection. In this work, three fluorescent conjugated polymers (CPs) were synthesized by introducing NHBoc group at the end of the side chains and characterized by GPC, 1H NMR, FT‐IR and 19F NMR. The test results show that the introduction of the NHBoc group reduces the effect of aggregation‐caused quenching (ACQ), thereby improving the fluorescence intensity and fluorescence quantum efficiency of CPs. Secondly, it increases the interaction sites for MA capture and expands the scope of the interaction, thereby increasing the contact probability and interaction between the CPs and MA. Thirdly, the morphology of the CPs has also changed, especially the polymer containing 5‐fluoro‐2,1,3‐benzothiadiazole (1F‐2NHBoc‐CP), whose film has a network‐crosslinked porous structure, which is conducive to the enrichment and penetration of N‐methylphenethylamine (MPEA, a simulant of MA) vapor at low concentration. All these effects contribute to efficient fluorescence quenching, so the 1F‐2NHBoc‐CP can achieve more than 74% fluorescence quenching within 30 s. Taking fluorescence quenching to 1% as the detection limit, MPEA vapor with an actual concentration of 41 ppt can be detected, and its sensitivity is increased by about 25 folds relative to the NHBoc‐free counterpart polymer. Furthermore, it showed a linear correlation with MPEA vapor in the range of 41 ppt to 16 ppm, which spanned five orders of magnitude. This strategy will find a great potential in developing highly sensitive fluorescent probe for dangerous chemical vapor detection.
A Vanillinyl‐Hydrazone Schiff Base: Recognition of Mg2+, Zn2+, Cd2+ and I− by Turn‐On Fluorescence Method
Authors: Dey Sunanda , Purkait Rakesh , Mallick Debashis , Sinha Chittaranjan
Published: July 2020

Vanillinyl‐hydrazone Schiff base, 2,6‐Bis‐[(2‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxy‐benzylidene)‐hydrazonomethyl]‐4‐methyl‐phenol (PHV) is characterized by spectroscopic techniques and serves as selective and sensitive fluorescence sensor at different emission wavelength for Zn2+ (λem, 546 nm), Cd2+ (λem, 567 nm) and Mg2+ (λem, 625 nm) in DMSO/H2O medium (9 : 1, v/v) in presence of large number of available cations. The probe also displays selective turn‐on fluorescence sensitivity to I− (λem, 635 nm) in THF medium. Density Functional Theory (DFT) computation techniques are used to explain some of the obtained experimental observation.
Connectalism: A new paradigm for human choice
Authors: Faugère Christophe
Published: July 2020

This is an introduction toConnectalism: A new paradigm for analysing human choice. Connectalism is rooted in systems thinking and humanistic psychology. It melds together ancient and modern wisdoms about humans' awareness of their interconnectedness within the networks they belong to (e.g., the biosphere). Basic motivation for the concept and postulates are introduced, with implications for the sustainability debate. The key analytical tool to operationalize the examination of decision frameworks is functional dependency network analysis.

We then work through a simple application of this approach to the COVID‐19 pandemic.
A Study on the Effects of Different Heat‐Treatment Parameters on Microstructure–Mechanical Properties and Corrosion Behavior of Maraging Steel Produced by Direct Metal Laser Sintering
Authors: Özer Gökhan , Karaaslan Ahmet
Published: July 2020

Herein, direct aging (aged‐490 °C/6 h) and solution heat treatment and subsequent aging (SHT‐940 °C/2 h + 490 °C/6 h) heat treatments are applied to maraging steel (MS1) produced by direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) method. The effects of these heat treatments on microstructure, phase transformations, mechanical properties, and corrosion properties in MS1 are given in comparison with the as‐built state. Optical microscope (OM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) is used for microstructure measurements, electron dispersion spectroscopy (EDX), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) methods are used to determine the phase transformations. Potentiodynamic polarization tests are applied to determine the corrosion resistance of the material, and stereo OM and the Tafel extrapolation method is used to examine the corrosion results. The hardness test is carried out with a Rockwell C method to determine the mechanical character of the material. According to the results obtained, it is determined that the applied heat treatments affect the hardness and corrosion resistance of the material by changing the microstructure and phase transformations of MS1 material produced with DMLS.
Two‐Stage Enzymatic Hydrolysis for Fermentable Sugars Production from Damaged Wheat Grain Starch with Sequential Process Optimization and Reaction Kinetics
Authors: Sirohi Ranjna , Pandey Jai Prakash , Goel Reeta , Singh Anupama , Lohani Umesh C. , Kumar Anil
Published: July 2020

Damaged wheat grains are usually discarded following which they decompose naturally to cause environmental pollution. The potential conversion of these starchy substrates to usable fermentable sugars is the subject of this study. Wheat grains in different quantities (10–20%, w/v) are liquefied using different concentrations of α‐amylase (1−5% v/v; 12−60 U mL−1) to generate hydrolysate. The process is optimized to obtain the maximum concentration of reducing sugars. The concentration of reducing sugars obtained after 60 min of liquefaction is quantified as 85.2 mg mL−1 using 5% v/v α‐amylase and 19.4% w/v substrate in the hydrolysis media. Reaction kinetics confirm that substrate concentrations higher than 10% w/v can enhance the production of fermentable sugars. The obtained hydrolysate is subjected to saccharification using glucoamylase (1−3% v/v; 46−138 U mL−1) for the conversion of remaining oligosaccharides and α‐limit dextrins to fermentable sugars. Optimum glucoamylase concentration of 2.4% v/v in the reaction media yields 147.5 mg mL−1 fermentable sugars in 103 min. Predictive second‐order models are established for the process with good accuracy. Subsequent experiments at optimum conditions are performed for model validation.
Investigation of shear‐flexural behavior of precast joints in prestressed reinforced concrete
Authors: Zhi Qing , Xiong Xinfu , Kang Liqun , Gong Liangyong , Xiong Jingang
Published: July 2020

The behavior of precast concrete structures at the limit states of ultimate bearing capacity depends on the shear and shear‐flexural behavior of the joints between precast components, such as shear wall and beam–column joints, or between the precast component and footing. This study presented a series of tests on the shear‐flexural behavior of precast concrete joints applied in precast structures with high strength reinforcement. The tested parameters of the specimens included the joint type, shear‐span ratio, longitudinal reinforcement ratio, reinforcement type, and prestress. The tested results indicated that, for the precast joint specimens controlled by shear failure, the prestress by the high strength reinforcement can significantly improve the crack behavior, shear bearing capacity and stiffness of the precast structure. So it can emulate the monolithic cast‐in‐place specimen. For the precast joint specimens dominated by bending failure, the local deformation was mainly concentrated on the precast joint region, which affected the distribution of the plastic hinge region. To reduce the adverse effects by the precast joints, a grouting material with better performance should be used to improve the bond behavior of the reinforcement.
Conception and policy implications of photovoltaic modules end‐of‐life management in China
Authors: Li Yan , Wang Ge , Shen Bo , Zhang Qi , Liu Boyu , Xu Ruoxi
Published: July 2020

China has become the world's largest market for photovoltaic (PV). Effective management of end‐of‐life PV components is critical to the sustainable development of renewable energy. However, the scale of PV recycle industry is still small in China, and there is a lack of supporting policies and public attention. Issues and solutions regarding PV end‐of‐life management have not been well covered by the research community, and this article aimed at filling this gap. This article first examined the growing need for PV modules end‐of‐life management in China as a result of rapid PV installation expansion fueled by governments’ policy promotion and fiscal incentives, especially with special programs such as the Photovoltaic Poverty Alleviation Initiative. Then, factors leading to the PV components recycling issues, policies adopted in other countries and regions to promote PV recycle, and various business modes that can be applied to enable PV recycle were reviewed. Finally, a more effective institutional hierarchy was presented for PV modules end‐of‐life management, with a set of specific recommendations on actions that can help strengthen PV end‐of‐life management.

This article is categorized under:

Photovoltaics > Economics and Policy

Photovoltaics > Systems and Infrastructure
Were Social Democratic Parties Really More Working Class in the Past?
Authors: Rennwald Line
Published: July 2020

The goal of this chapter is to establish a baseline for the strength of the working-class character of social democracy in the decades following the Second World War in order to avoid any over- or under-estimation. The chapter develops criteria to analyse the class profile of social democracy and define a working-class party. The leading idea is that social democracy as a working-class party does not per se exclude support from other allied classes. I therefore propose a distinction between hybrid and pure working-class parties. The chapter demonstrates the relatively strong working-class character of social democracy in six Western European countries. The analysis focuses on the 1970s because this period still featured the ‘Keynesian class compromise’ (although it started to be in serious crisis) and comparative survey data are available.