bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Voter à l’échelle municipale au Québec : significations et portée chez certains jeunes électeurs
Authors: Breux Sandra , Vallette Salomé
Published: July 2020

Au Québec, les élections municipales se caractérisent par la faible mobilisation qu’elles suscitent. Cette réalité est encore plus frappante chez les jeunes électeurs. Si les causes de cette abstention demeurent encore largement méconnues, la spécificité de l’échelle municipale est souvent mise de l’avant. Ce constat invite à délaisser les analyses plus traditionnelles du vote pour considérer l’acte électoral comme un geste symbolique d’identification à un territoire, porteur d’un ensemble de valeurs, susceptibles de diverger selon l’âge de l’électeur. L’objectif de notre propos est ainsi de saisir ce que signifie, pour les jeunes électeurs, l’acte de voter à l’échelle municipale. À partir de la passation de questionnaires et de la réalisation de six groupes de discussions avec des électeurs âgés en moyenne de 20,7 ans et étudiant à Montréal, notre recherche met en évidence le rôle crucial que jouent la quantité et la nature de l’information politique dans les représentations des jeunes. Aux yeux de nos répondants, l’échelle municipale est peu lisible, peu accessible et ne sous-tend pas de réel projet politique – contrairement à l’échelle provinciale et dans une moindre mesure et de façon très différente, à l’échelle fédérale. Si l’influence parentale se fait sentir dans la mobilisation de certains, votants ou abstentionnistes affichent leur volonté d’être davantage informés sur ce niveau de gouvernement.
Effects of 4% Ethanol Sclerosing Injection on Morton's Neuroma: A Histologic Study
Authors: DeHeer Patrick A. , Bains Rickinder S. , Grebenyuk Faye-Rose , Patel Shrunjay , Nguyen Tea
Published: July 2020

Background

Nonoperational treatments for Morton's neuroma remain controversial because it is believed that sclerosing injections do not change nerve fibers on a cellular level. Up to 80% success rates with 4% ethanol sclerosing have been documented, and the remainder required operational removal of the painful nerve. We sought to evaluate the histologic characteristics of Morton's neuromas treated with 4% ethanol sclerosing injection versus corticosteroid injection alone in patients who required removal of the nerve for pain relief.

Methods

A retrospective histologic review was performed of 23 consecutive patients who were treated with either sclerosing injection or nonsclerosing injection and underwent nerve removal between September 1, 2012, and February 28, 2015.

Results

Of 19 patients who met the inclusion criteria, eight received sclerosing injections and 11 received nonsclerosing injections. Intraneural fibrosis was more severe in the nonsclerosing injection group (P = .008).

Conclusion

Histologic changes are seen in Morton's neuroma with the use of 4% ethanol sclerosing injection, contrary to findings from previous studies.
Canine SOD1 harboring E40K or T18S mutations promotes protein aggregation without reducing the global structural stability
Authors: Kimura Shintaro , Kamatari Yuji O. , Kuwahara Yukina , Hara Hideaki , Yamato Osamu , Maeda Sadatoshi , Kamishina Hiroaki , Honda Ryo
Published: July 2020

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease associated with aggregation of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) protein. More than 160 mutations in human SOD1 have been identified in familial ALS and extensively characterized in previous studies. Here, we investigated the effects of T18S and E40K mutations on protein aggregation of canine SOD1. These two mutations are exclusively found in canine degenerative myelopathy (an ALS-like neurodegenerative disease in dogs), whose phenotype is unknown at the level of protein folding. Interestingly, the T18S and E40K mutations did not alter far-UV CD spectrum, enzymatic activity, or global structural stability of canine SOD1. However, thioflavin-T assay and transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed that these mutations promote formation of fibrous aggregates, in particular in the Cu2+/Zn2+-unbound state. These evidence suggested that the T18S and E40K mutations promote protein aggregation through a unique mechanism, possibly involving destabilization of the local structure, reduction of net negative charge, or production of disulfide-linked oligomers.
Beyond the Barriers: First-Voice Perspectives on Facilitators of Leisure Participation
Authors: White Catherine M. , Hutchinson Susan , Gallant Karen , Hamilton-Hinch Barbara
Published: July 2020

Participation in community-based leisure activity can be beneficial for supporting recovery for people with mental illness, but many barriers are faced. Drawing on first-voice perspectives, this study examined personal, social, and organizational factors that facilitate community-based leisure participation and suggests practical ways to create leisure environments that they would find supportive and more accessible. Five focus groups were conducted with adults in urban and rural communities in Nova Scotia. Through thematic analysis, five types of facilitators were identified: self-management and self-care; finding meaning; active social supports and connections; welcoming environments; and, educating others. Implications for practice are presented.
Fortification of Wheat Based Instant Noodles with Surimi Powder: A Review
Authors: Chowdhury S. , Nath S. , Pal Durba , Murmu P. , Dora K. C. , Rahman F. H.
Published: July 2020

Noodles, commonly prepared from hard/soft wheat flour, is popular throughout globe due to its’ versatility, low cost, ease of preparation and nutritional quality. Commercial noodles are rich in carbohydrates, but deficient in essential nutrients, like proteins, dietary fiber and vitamins. Due to scarcity of Essential Amino Acids (EAA) like lysine and methionine in wheat-proteins, incorporation of EAA-rich-protein and fatty-acid-rich-lipids from other sources are important to improve the nutritional quality of noodles. Fish, being an excellent source of high-quality protein, rich in lysine and methionine, omega-3 fatty-acids like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), along with vitamins like A, D, B6, and B12, minerals like iron, zinc, iodine, selenium, potassium and sodium, protein enrichment can be achieved by fortification of carbohydrate-rich cereal-based-noodle with dried fish surimi powders. This makes the fortified noodles nutritionally significant and the sensory attributes facilitate greater consumption. Attributes like taste, nutrition, convenience, safety, longer shelf-life and reasonable price have increased global acceptance of noodles and admiration by all generations. Thus, instant noodles are used as space and emergency foods. As consumers are becoming health conscious by preferring diet rich in fiber, protein and low fat, readily digestible fish protein incorporated noodles can satisfy their nutritional requirement.
Health- Seeking Behaviour among Caregivers in Treatment of Childhood Malaria in Imo State, Nigeria
Authors: Udujih O. G. , Udujih H. I. , Ukaga C. N. , Iwuala C. C.
Published: July 2020

Aim: The health seeking behavior in the treatment of childhood malaria was assessed to investigate influence of educational level and occupation of caregivers on choice of health services.

Methodology: Between September, 2005 and January, 2008 in two Local Government Areas of Imo State, Nigeria. A total of 6259 respondents were interviewed through household survey of caregivers domiciled in the communities in the study area.

Results: Result showed the major malaria management practices in the study area to include; use of herbs from local healers, buying of over the counter anti-malarials from pharmacies and attendance to hospitals/clinics. The result also revealed that majority (35.4%) of respondents went to pharmacies for the treatment of their children while 27.1% of respondents were self-medicating. Some (9.8%) of the caregivers used herbs, while 3.7% visited both herbalists and hospitals. The malaria management practices differed significantly (P<.05) among occupational groups and educational levels.

Conclusion: There should therefore be intensive and sustained public health education aimed at improving attitudes of care givers towards the use of health facilities for timely treatment of childhood malaria.
Whole‐exome and HLA sequencing in Febrile infection‐related epilepsy syndrome
Authors: Helbig Ingo , Barcia Giulia , Pendziwiat Manuela , Ganesan Shiva , Mueller Stefanie H. , Helbig Katherine L. , Vaidiswaran Priya , Xian Julie , Galer Peter D. , Afawi Zaid , Specchio Nicola , Kluger Gerhard , Kuhlenbäumer Gregor , Appenzeller Silke , Wittig Michael , Kramer Uri , van Baalen Andreas , Nabbout Rima ,   FIRES Genetics Study Group
Published: July 2020

Febrile infection‐related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES) is a devastating epilepsy characterized by new‐onset refractory status epilepticus with a prior febrile infection. We performed exome sequencing in 50 individuals with FIRES, including 27 patient–parent trios and 23 single probands, none of whom had pathogenic variants in established genes for epilepsies or neurodevelopmental disorders. We also performed HLA sequencing in 29 individuals with FIRES and 529 controls, which failed to identify prominent HLA alleles. The genetic architecture of FIRES is substantially different from other developmental and epileptic encephalopathies, and the underlying etiology remains elusive, requiring novel approaches to identify the underlying causative factors.
Morphology of Intermetallics Tailoring Tensile Properties and Quality Index of a Eutectic Al–Si–Ni Alloy
Authors: Kakitani Rafael , Garcia Amauri , Cheung Noé
Published: July 2020

Herein, the eutectic Al–11 wt% Si–5 wt% Ni alloy, directionally solidified under transient heat‐flow conditions, is comparatively evaluated in relation to the binary Al–11 wt% Si and Al–5 wt% Ni alloys. Correlations are developed relating the solidification cooling rate, primary dendritic spacing, and tensile properties. The Al3Ni intermetallic compounds (IMCs) are shown to have a morphological transition from plate‐like to fishbone for Ṫ < 6 °C s−1. Experimental Hall–Petch‐type equations are proposed relating yield and ultimate tensile strengths to λ1. Moreover, both the quality index (QI), which depends on the determined tensile properties, and the fishbone/plate‐like ratio (FPR) of the Al3Ni IMCs are plotted simultaneously as a function of Ṫ. This procedure permits three different regions to be determined relating solidification operational parameters to microstructural features and a quality parameter, according to the morphologies of the Al3Ni IMCs, namely (I) plate‐like, (II) fishbone rising, and (III) fishbone prevalence.
Impact of Processing on Structural and Compositional Evolution in Mixed Metal Halide Perovskites during Film Formation
Authors: Abdelsamie Maged , Xu Junwei , Bruening Karsten , Tassone Christopher J. , Steinrück Hans‐Georg , Toney Michael F.
Published: July 2020

Understanding crystallization processes and their pathways in metal‐halide perovskites is of crucial importance as this strongly affects the film microstructure, its stability, and device performance. While many approaches are developed to control perovskite formation, the mechanisms of film formation are still poorly known. Using time‐resolved in situ grazing incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering, the film formation of perovskites is investigated with average stoichiometry Cs0.15FA0.85PbI3, where FA is formamidinium, using the popular antisolvent dropping and gas jet treatments and this is contrasted with untreated films. i) The crystallization pathways during spin coating, ii) the subsequent postdeposition thermal annealing, and iii) crystallization during blade coating are studied. The findings reveal that the formation of a nonperovskite FAPbI3 phase during spin coating is initially dominant regardless of the processing and that the processing treatment (e.g., antisolvent dropping, gas jet) has a significant impact on the as‐cast film structure and affects the phase evolution during subsequent thermal treatment. It is shown that blade coating can be used to overcome the nonperovskite phase formation via solvothermal direct crystallization of perovskite phase. This work shows how real‐time investigation of perovskite formation can help to establish processing–microstructure–functionality relationships.
Ferrimagnetic Skyrmions in Topological Insulator/Ferrimagnet Heterostructures
Authors: Wu Hao , Groß Felix , Dai Bingqian , Lujan David , Razavi Seyed Armin , Zhang Peng , Liu Yuxiang , Sobotkiewich Kemal , Förster Johannes , Weigand Markus , Schütz Gisela , Li Xiaoqin , Gräfe Joachim , Wang Kang L.
Published: July 2020

Magnetic skyrmions are topologically nontrivial chiral spin textures that have potential applications in next‐generation energy‐efficient and high‐density spintronic devices. In general, the chiral spins of skyrmions are stabilized by the noncollinear Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction (DMI), originating from the inversion symmetry breaking combined with the strong spin–orbit coupling (SOC). Here, the strong SOC from topological insulators (TIs) is utilized to provide a large interfacial DMI in TI/ferrimagnet heterostructures at room temperature, resulting in small‐size (radius ≈ 100 nm) skyrmions in the adjacent ferrimagnet. Antiferromagnetically coupled skyrmion sublattices are observed in the ferrimagnet by element‐resolved scanning transmission X‐ray microscopy, showing the potential of a vanishing skyrmion Hall effect and ultrafast skyrmion dynamics. The line‐scan spin profile of the single skyrmion shows a Néel‐type domain wall structure and a 120 nm size of the 180° domain wall. This work demonstrates the sizable DMI and small skyrmions in TI‐based heterostructures with great promise for low‐energy spintronic devices.
Seawater Degradable Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Blue Energy
Authors: Chen Guangyao , Xu Liang , Zhang Panpan , Chen Baodong , Wang Gexia , Ji Junhui , Pu Xiong , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: July 2020

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) have been proposed as the most promising technology to harvest water wave energy, i.e., the so‐called blue energy. Dielectric polymers are typically required for TENG to create static charges, which, however, may produce plastic litters to the ocean after its service. In this work, seawater degradable dielectric polymers are investigated for the applications in TENGs. A promising polymer blend (noted as PLA/PLGA), consisted from seawater‐degradation‐favorable poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) and nonseawater‐degradable polylatic acid (PLA), shows a mild rate degradation in seawater and complete weight loss within 9 months. Furthermore, the PLA/PLGA is found to be tribo‐positive with excellent electrification properties, and is mechanically robust. Then, a hollow‐plate‐shaped seawater degradable TENG (SD‐TENG) is designed using PLA/PLGA as the electrification layer and Mg as the electrode, which demonstrates the ability to convert water wave vibration energy into electricity. This SD‐TENG demonstrates a clean approach to exploit the ocean wave energy, and may supply power for future temporary marine instruments without maintenances and environmental damages.
The evolution of palate shape in the Lepilemur‐Cheirogaleidae clade (Primates: Strepsirrhini)
Authors: Andrews Curswan , Masters Judith C. , Génin Fabien , Couette Sébastien
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Phylogenies consistently group the folivorous Lepilemur species with the small‐bodied insectivorous‐frugivorous cheirogaleids. Juvenile lepilemurs and adult cheirogaleids share allometries in most aspects of skull morphology, except the palate. We investigated potential influences on palate shape in these taxa and several outgroups using geometric morphometrics.

Materials and Methods

Our sample included representatives of four extant strepsirrhine families, Cheirogaleidae (including Lepilemurinae), Lemuridae, Indriidae, and Galagidae, and one subfossil Megaladapis. Our dataset comprised 32 landmarks collected from 397 specimens representing 15 genera and 28 species, and was analyzed using generalized procrustes analyses and between group principal component analysis. We explored the influence of size, phylogeny, diet, and the propagation of loud vocalizations on palate shape.

Results

While congeneric species clustered within the morphospace, the phylomorphospace did not mirror molecular phylogenetic hypotheses of higher‐order relationships. Four palate forms were distinguished within the Cheirogaleidae. Diet, strongly linked to body size, had the single greatest influence on palate shape. The production of long‐distance advertisement calls was most often associated with positive scores on the PC1 axis.

Discussion

Our results suggest that the extensive variation in palate shape among Cheirogaleidae is related to dietary shifts that accompanied changes in body size during the clade's radiation. Molecular phylogenies indicate that cheirogaleid diversification involved repeated dwarfing events, which in turn drove dietary shifts from ancestral folivory‐frugivory to frugivory, gummivory, and faunivory in the descendant species. The elongated Lepilemur palate is probably related to accelerated eruption of the cheek teeth to render juveniles competent to shear leaves upon weaning.
An internally validated diagnostic tool for acute invasive fungal sinusitis
Authors: Yin Linda X. , Spillinger Aviv , Lees Katherine A. , Bailey Kent R. , Choby Garret , O'Brien Erin K. , Stokken Janalee K.
Published: July 2020

Background

Acute invasive fungal sinusitis (AIFS) is a potentially life‐threatening diagnosis in immunocompromised patients. Identifying patients who could benefit from evaluation and intervention can be challenging for referring providers and otolaryngologists alike. We aimed to develop and validate an accessible diagnostic tool to estimate the probability of AIFS.

Methods

Retrospective chart review from 1999 to 2017 identified all patients evaluated for possible AIFS at a tertiary care center. AIFS was diagnosed by pathologic confirmation of fungal tissue angioinvasion. Stepwise selection and univariate logistic regression were used to screen risk factors for a multivariable predictive model. Model performance was assessed using Tukey's goodness‐of‐fit test and the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC). Model coefficients were internally validated using bootstrapping with 1000 iterations.

Results

A total of 283 patients (244 negative controls, 39 with AIFS) were included. Risk factors in our final diagnostic model included: fever ≥38°C (log‐odds ratio [LOR] 1.72; 95% CI, 0.53 to 2.90), unilateral facial swelling, pain, or erythema (LOR 2.84; 95% CI, 1.46 to 4.23), involvement of the orbit or pterygopalatine fossa on imaging (LOR 3.02; 95% CI, 1.78 to 4.26), and mucosal necrosis seen on endoscopy (LOR 5.52; 95% CI, 3.81 to 7.24), with p < 0.01 for all factors. The model had adequate goodness of fit (p > 0.05) and discrimination (AUC = 0.96).

Conclusion

We present an internally validated diagnostic tool to stratify the risk for AIFS. The estimated risk may help determine which patients can be observed with serial nasal endoscopy, which ones could be biopsied, and which ones would benefit from immediate surgical intervention.
Iron‐Catalyzed, Iminyl Radical‐Triggered Cascade 1,5‐Hydrogen Atom Transfer/(5+2) or (5+1) Annulation: Oxime as a Five‐Atom Assembling Unit
Authors: Liang Wu , Jiang Kun , Du Fei , Yang Jie , Shuai Li , Ouyang Qin , Chen Ying‐Chun , Wei Ye
Published: July 2020

By integration of iminyl radical‐triggered 1,5‐hydrogen atom transfer and (5+2) or (5+1) annulation processes, a series of structurally novel and interesting azepine and spiro‐tetrahydropyridine derivatives have been successfully prepared in moderate to good yields. This method utilizes FeCl2 as the catalyst and readily available oximes as five‐atom units, while showcasing broad substrate scope and good functional group compatibility. The annulation products can be easily converted into many valuable compounds. Moreover, DFT calculation studies are performed to provide some insights into the possible reaction mechanisms for the (5+2) and (5+1) annulations.
Mediated Drug Release from Nanovehicles by Black Phosphorus Quantum Dots for Efficient Therapy of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Li Zhibin , Luo Guanghong , Hu Wei‐Ping , Hua Jian‐Lan , Geng Shengyong , Chu Paul K. , Zhang Jing , Wang Huaiyu , Yu Xue‐Feng
Published: July 2020

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an intractable disease involving a sticky mucus layer and nanoagents with mucus‐penetrating capability offer a new way to deliver drugs. However, drug release from nanovehicles requires optimization to enhance the therapeutic effects of COPD therapy. Herein, black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) are combined with PEGylated chitosan nanospheres containing the antibiotic amikacin (termed PEG@CS/BPQDs‐AM NPs). As a drug‐delivery system, the hydrophilicity of PEG and positive charge of CS facilitate the penetration of nanovehicles through the mucus layer. The nanovehicles then adhere to the mucous membrane. Furthermore, the BPQDs degrade rapidly into nontoxic PO43− and acidic H+, thereby promoting the dissociation of PEGylated CS nanospheres, accelerating the release of AM, decreasing the vitality of biofilms for ease of eradication. Our results reveal that drug delivery mediated by BPQDs is a feasible and desirable strategy for precision medicine and promising for the clinical therapy of COPD.
A General Strategy for the Construction of NIR‐emitting Si‐rhodamines and Their Application for Mitochondrial Temperature Visualization
Authors: Tang Weiguo , Gao Han , Li Jiaxin , Wang Xianhui , Zhou Zhikuan , Gai Lizhi , Feng Xin Jiang , Tian Jiangwei , Lu Hua , Guo Zijian
Published: July 2020

Si‐rhodamine (SiR) is an ideal fluorophore because it possesses bright emission in the NIR region and can be implemented flexibly in living cells. Currently, several promising approaches for synthesizing SiR are being developed. However, challenges remain in the construction of SiR containing functional groups for bioimaging application. Herein, we introduce a general and simple approach by a condensation reaction of diarylsilylether and arylaldehyde in o‐dichlorobenzene to synthesize a series of SiRs bearing various functional substituents. These SiRs have moderate to high quantum efficiency, tolerance to photobleaching, and high water solubility as well as NIR emitting, and their NIR fluorescence properties can be controlled through the photoinduced electron transfer (PET) mechanism. Fluorescence OFF‐ON switching effect is observed for SiR 9 in the presence of acid, which is rationalized by DFT/TDDFT calculations. Moreover, reversible stimuli response toward temperature is achieved. Since positive charge enables mitochondrial targeting ability and chloromethyl unit can covalently immobilize the dyes onto the mitochondrial via click reaction between the benzyl choride and protein sulfhydryls, SiR 8 is identified as a valuable fluorescent marker to visualize the morphology and monitor the temperature change of mitochondria with high photostability.
Machine learning and statistical analyses for extracting and characterizing “fingerprints” of antibody aggregation at container interfaces from flow microscopy images
Authors: Daniels Austin L. , Calderon Christopher P. , Randolph Theodore W.
Published: July 2020

Therapeutic proteins are exposed to numerous stresses during their manufacture, shipping, storage and administration to patients, causing them to aggregate and form particles through a variety of different mechanisms. These varied mechanisms generate particle populations with characteristic morphologies, creating “fingerprints” that are reflected in images recorded using flow imaging microscopy. Particle population fingerprints in test samples can be extracted and compared against those of particles produced under baseline conditions using an algorithm that combines machine learning tools such as convolutional neural networks with statistical tools such as nonparametric density estimation and Rosenblatt transform‐based goodness‐of‐fit hypothesis testing. This analysis provides a quantitative method with user‐specified type 1 error rates to determine whether the mechanisms that produce particles in test samples differ from particle formation mechanisms operative under baseline conditions. As a demonstration, this algorithm was used to compare particles within intravenous immunoglobulin formulations that were exposed to freeze‐thawing and shaking stresses within a variety of different containers. This analysis revealed that seemingly subtle differences in containers (e.g., glass vials from different manufacturers) generated distinguishable particle populations after the stresses were applied. This algorithm can be used to assess the impact of process and formulation changes on aggregation‐related product instabilities.
Live reporting for hypoxia: Hypoxia sensor–modified mesenchymal stem cells as in vitro reporters
Authors: Schmitz Carola , Pepelanova Iliyana , Seliktar Dror , Potekhina Ekaterina , Belousov Vsevolod V. , Scheper Thomas , Lavrentieva Antonina
Published: July 2020

Natural oxygen gradients occur in tissues of biological organisms and also in the context of three‐dimensional (3D) in vitro cultivation. Oxygen diffusion limitation and metabolic oxygen consumption by embedded cells produce areas of hypoxia in the tissue/matrix. However, reliable systems to detect oxygen gradients and cellular response to hypoxia in 3D cell culture systems are still missing. In this study, we developed a system for visualization of oxygen gradients in 3D using human adipose tissue–derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAD‐MSCs) modified to stably express a fluorescent genetically engineered hypoxia sensor HRE‐dUnaG. Modified cells retained their stem cell characteristics in terms of proliferation and differentiation capacity. The hypoxia‐reporter cells were evaluated by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry under variable oxygen levels (2.5%, 5%, and 7.5% O2). We demonstrated that reporter hAD‐MSCs output is sensitive to different oxygen levels and displays fast decay kinetics after reoxygenation. Additionally, the reporter cells were encapsulated in bulk hydrogels with a variable cell number, to investigate the sensor response in model 3D cell culture applications. The use of hypoxia‐reporting cells based on MSCs represents a valuable tool for approaching the genuine in vivo cellular microenvironment and will allow a better understanding of the regenerative potential of AD‐MSCs.
Bringing sustainability to life: A framework to guide biodiversity indicator development for business performance management
Authors: Addison Prue F.E. , Stephenson P. J. , Bull Joseph W. , Carbone Giulia , Burgman Mark , Burgass Michael J. , Gerber Leah R. , Howard Pippa , McCormick Nadine , McRae Louise , Reuter Kim E. , Starkey Malcolm , Milner‐Gulland E. J.
Published: July 2020

Biodiversity loss is a critical sustainability issue, and companies are beginning to seek ways to assess their biodiversity performance. Initiatives to date have developed biodiversity indicators for specific business contexts (e.g., spatial scales—from site, to product, to regional, or corporate scales); however, many are not widely translatable across different contexts making it challenging for businesses seeking indicators to manage their biodiversity performance. By synthesising the steps of common conservation and business decision‐making systems, we propose a framework to support more comprehensive development of quantitative biodiversity indicators, for a range of business contexts. The framework integrates experience from existing tried‐and‐tested conservation frameworks. We illustrate how our framework offers a pathway for businesses to assess their biodiversity performance and demonstrate responsible management by mitigating and reversing their biodiversity impacts and sustaining their dependencies, enabling them to demonstrate their contribution to emerging global biodiversity targets (e.g., Convention on Biological Diversity post‐2020 targets).
Development and validation of an artificial neural network prognostic model after gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma: An international multicenter cohort study
Authors: Li Ziyu , Wu Xiaolong , Gao Xiangyu , Shan Fei , Ying Xiangji , Zhang Yan , Ji Jiafu
Published: July 2020

Background

Recently, artificial neural network (ANN) methods have also been adopted to deal with the complex multidimensional nonlinear relationship between clinicopathologic variables and survival for patients with gastric cancer. Using a multinational cohort, this study aimed to develop and validate an ANN‐based survival prediction model for patients with gastric cancer.

Methods

Patients with gastric cancer who underwent gastrectomy in a Chinese center, a Japanese center, and recorded in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database, respectively, were included in this study. Multilayer perceptron neural network was used to develop the prediction model. Time‐dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, area under the curves (AUCs), and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to compare the ANN model with previous prediction models.

Results

An ANN model with nine input nodes, nine hidden nodes, and two output nodes was constructed. These three cohort's data showed that the AUC of the model was 0.795, 0.836, and 0.850 for 5‐year survival prediction, respectively. In the calibration curve analysis, the ANN‐predicted survival had a high consistency with the actual survival. Comparison of the DCA and time‐dependent ROC between the ANN model and previous prediction models showed that the ANN model had good and stable prediction capability compared to the previous models in all cohorts.

Conclusions

The ANN model has significantly better discriminative capability and allows an individualized survival prediction. This model has good versatility in Eastern and Western data and has high clinical application value.
Phosphine Catalyzed Enantioselective Cascade Reaction Initiated by Intermolecular Cross Rauhut‐Currier Reaction of Electron‐Deficientortho‐Formyl Styrenes
Authors: Liang Shu‐Yuan , Jiang Bo , Xiao Ben‐Xian , Chen Zhi‐Chao , Du. Wei , Chen Ying‐Chun
Published: July 2020

The Rauhut‐Currier reaction generally employs α,β‐unsaturated carbonyl compounds and nitroalkenes as the substrates. Here we develop an enantioselective formal [4+2] annulation reaction, which is initiated by an intermolecular cross Rauhut‐Currier reaction between electron‐deficientortho‐formyl‐styrenes and 2‐benzoyl‐acrylonitriles catalyzed by anL‐phenylglycine‐derived phosphine, followed by a cascade aldol/acyl transfer/elimination process. A series of enantioenriched dialin frameworks with an unusualexo‐double bond are furnished in fair to good yields with moderate to excellent enantioselectivity, and the architectures with higher molecular complexity can be constructed via simple transformations.
Understanding the Complex Surface Interplay for Extraction: A Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Macchieraldo Roberto , Ingenmey Johannes , Kirchner Barbara
Published: July 2020

By means of classical molecular dynamics simulation the interfacial properties of methanol and n‐dodecane, which are two potential candidate solvents for use in non‐aqueous liquid–liquid extraction, were assessed. The question of how the interface changes depending on the concentration of extractant (tri‐n‐butyl phosphate) and salt (LiCl) is addressed. Two different models to represent systems were used to evaluate how LiCl and tri‐n‐butyl phosphate affect mutual miscibility, and how the last‐named behaves depending on the chemical environment. Tri‐n‐butyl phosphate increases the mutual solubility of the solvents, whereas LiCl counteracts it. The extractant was found to be mostly adsorbed on the interface between the solvents, and therefore the structural features of the adsorption were investigated. Adsorption of tri‐n‐butyl phosphate changes depending on its concentration and the presence of LiCl. It exhibits a preferential orientation in which the butyl chains point at the n‐dodecane phase and the phosphate group points at the methanol phase. For high concentrations of tri‐n‐butyl phosphate, its molecular orientation is preserved by diffusion of the excess molecules into both the methanol and n‐dodecane phases. However, LiCl hinders the diffusion into the methanol phase, and thus increases the concentration of tri‐n‐butyl phosphate at the interface and forces a rearrangement with subsequent loss of orientation.
Very Strong, Super‐Tough, Antibacterial, and Biodegradable Polymeric Materials with Excellent UV‐Blocking Performance
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Liu Weifeng , Sun Danting , Huang Jinhao , Qiu Xueqing , Li Zhixian , Wu Xiaoxian
Published: July 2020

In this work, inspired by the dynamic sacrificial hydrogen bonds in biological materials, a very strong, super‐tough, antibacterial, and cost‐effective biodegradable poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanocomposite material was developed by incorporating the nanoscale antibacterial agent TA@LS−Ag. TA@LS−Ag was prepared from the green biomass tannic acid (TA) and sodium lignosulfonate (LS), and was facilely incorporated into the PVA matrix with a homogeneously interspersed nanoparticle size of about 20 nm. The PVA nanocomposite film with 2 wt % addition of TA@LS−Ag achieved the highest specific toughness of 262 J g−1 among the PVA‐based films to date, which is far higher than that of natural spider silk (150–190 J g−1), as well as a very high tensile strength of 131.6 MPa. The excellent tensile strength and superior toughness were attributed to synergy of the nanophase separation structure and the intense hydrogen‐bonding interactions between the nanoparticles and PVA matrix. The PVA/TA@LS−Ag nanocomposite films exhibited good antibacterial properties, despite the extremely low silver content (0.032–0.32 wt ‰). TA@LS−Ag also endowed the PVA films with excellent antioxidant and UV‐shielding performance. As the biomass‐derived LS and TA and the PVA matrix are all biodegradable, this work offers a facile strategy for preparing high‐performance antibacterial and biodegradable polymeric materials.
Cross‐Dehydrogenative Alkynylation: A Powerful Tool for the Synthesis of Internal Alkynes
Authors: Zhang Ji‐Shu , Liu Long , Chen Tieqiao , Han Li‐Biao
Published: July 2020

Alkynes are among the most fundamentally important organic compounds and are widely used in synthetic chemistry, biochemistry, and materials science. Thus, the development of an efficient and sustainable method for the preparation of alkynes has been a central concern in organic synthesis. Cross‐dehydrogenative coupling utilizing E−H and Z−H bonds in two different molecules can avoid the need for prefunctionalization of starting materials and has become one of the most straightforward methods for the construction of E−Z chemical bonds. This Review summarizes recent progress in the preparation of internal alkynes by cross‐dehydrogenative coupling with terminal alkynes.
Glucose variability and mood in adults with diabetes: A systematic review
Authors: Muijs Linda T. , Racca Caterina , de Wit Maartje , Brouwer Annelies , Wieringa Thomas H. , de Vries Ralph , Serné Erik H. , van Raalte Daniël H. , Rutters Femke , Snoek Frank J.
Published: July 2020

Aims

To systematically review the literature regarding the association between glucose variability (GV) and mood in adults with diabetes, appraise the used methods and make suggestions for future research.

Methods

A systematic review of literature published up to May 2019 was performed. Abstracts and full texts were screened independently in duplicate. Experimental and observational studies reporting the association between GV and mood in adults with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes were evaluated. A descriptive analysis of the extracted data was conducted, along with a quality assessment.

Results

Out of the 2.316 studies screened, eight studies met our criteria. Studies used a variety of measures and metrics to determine GV and mood. Four studies used continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). An association between GV and mood was found in four studies when correlating either postprandial glucose rate of increase with current mood or multiday GV with mood measured retrospectively. The other four studies did not find any association.

Conclusions

There is no clear empirical support for a link between GV and mood in adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. More rigorous research is warranted using CGM and ecological momentary assessment of mood to assess if and under what conditions an association between GV and mood exists.
Recurrent hospitalizations are associated with increased mortality across the ejection fraction range in heart failure
Authors: Huusko Jenni , Tuominen Samuli , Studer Rachel , Corda Stefano , Proudfoot Clare , Lassenius Mariann , Ukkonen Heikki
Published: July 2020

Aims

The proportion of patients hospitalized for heart failure (HF) with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is rising, but no approved treatment exists, in part owing to incomplete characterization of this particular HF phenotype. In order to better define the characteristics of HF phenotypes in Finland, a large cohort with 12 years' follow‐up time was analysed.

Methods and results

Patients diagnosed between 2005 and 2017 at the Hospital District of Southwest Finland were stratified according to LVEF measure and N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) levels. For this retrospective registry study, previously diagnosed HF patients were defined as follows: patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF; LVEF ≤ 40%; n = 4042), mid‐range ejection fraction (HFmrEF; LVEF > 40–50% and NT‐proBNP ≥ 125 pg/mL; n = 1468), and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF; LVEF > 50% and NT‐proBNP ≥ 125 pg/mL; n = 3122) and followed up for 15 022, 4962, and 10 097 patient‐years, respectively. Cardiovascular (CV) hospitalization and mortality, influence of pre‐selected covariates on hospitalization and mortality, and the proportion of HFpEF and HFmrEF patients with a drop in LVEF to HFrEF phenotype were analysed. All data were extracted from the electronic patient register. HFrEF patients were rehospitalized slightly earlier than HFpEF/HFmrEF patients, but the second, third, and fourth rehospitalization rates did not differ between the subgroups. Female gender and better kidney function were associated with reduced rehospitalizations in HFmrEF and HFrEF, with a non‐significant trend in HFpEF. Each additional hospitalization was associated with a two‐fold increased risk of death and 2.2‐ to 2.3‐fold increased risk of CV death. All‐cause mortality was higher in patients with HFpEF. Although CV mortality was less frequent in HFpEF patients, it was associated with increased NT‐proBNP concentrations at index in all patient groups. During the 10 years following the index date, 26% of HFmrEF patients and 10% of HFpEF patients progressed to an HFrEF phenotype.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that disease progression, in terms of increased frequency of hospitalizations, and the relationship between increased number of hospitalizations and mortality are similar by LVEF phenotypes. These data highlight the importance of effective treatments that can reduce hospitalizations and suggest a role for monitoring NT‐proBNP levels in the management of HFpEF patients in particular.
Template‐Assisted Regioselective Identification of Metal Ions on Coumarin‐Furan Conjugated Chemosensors: AIEE Effect and Photo‐Switching pH Indicator by ICT
Authors: Kumar Ashish , Hira Sumit Kumar , Dey Swapan
Published: July 2020

A coumarin‐furan conjugated Schiff base chemosensor (R1) of straightforward design showed an excellent aggregation‐induced emission enhancement effect in ACN‐H2O mixtures of different ratios, which was confirmed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and supported by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). R1 identified three metal ions (Pb2+, Hg2+ and Cu2+) in colorimetric and fluorometric techniques with an intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) off‐on mechanism. The space specificity of the metal ions (Hg2+ and Cu2+) resulted in hydrolysis of ‐CH=N‐ functionality of the sensor. The latter also exhibited excellent sensitivity in acidic conditions by blocking ICT and remained stable in neutral to basic pH. Cell viability and microscopic fluorescence experiments revealed that R1 is cytocompatible and may be used for the detection of Pb2+, Hg2+, and Cu2+ ions in living cells.
Detergent‐Like Polymerizable Monomers: Synthesis, Physicochemical, and Biochemical Characterization
Authors: Bonnet Christophe , Guillet Pierre , Mahler Florian , Igonet Sébastien , Keller Sandro , Jawhari Anass , Durand Grégory
Published: July 2020

Three monomers with a maltose polar head, an alkyl hydrogenated chain, and an acrylamide‐based polymerizable moiety were synthesized. The self‐assembly properties in aqueous solutions of these monomers were studied by means of isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), surface tension (SFT) measurements, and dynamic light scattering (DLS), which indicated the formation of small micellar aggregates of about 6 nm diameter. The critical micellar concentration (CMC) was found to depend on the length of the alkyl chain and on the nature of the polymerizable moiety, ranging from 0.35 mm to ca. 10 mm. The monomers were found to solubilize phospholipid vesicles and to extract a broad range of proteins from Escherichia coli membranes. Finally, the extraction of two membrane proteins, namely, the full‐length, wild‐type human G‐protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) and the bacterial transporter AcrB was demonstrated.
A review of dielectrophoretic separation and classification of non‐biological particles
Authors: Pesch Georg R. , Du Fei
Published: July 2020

Dielectrophoresis (DEP) is a selective electrokinetic particle manipulation technology that is applied for almost 100 years and currently finds most applications in biomedical research using microfluidic devices operating at moderate to low throughput. This paper reviews DEP separators capable of high‐throughput operation and research addressing separation and analysis of non‐biological particle systems. Apart from discussing particle polarization mechanisms, this review summarizes the early applications of DEP for dielectric sorting of minerals and lists contemporary applications in solid/liquid, liquid/liquid, and solid/air separation, for example, DEP filtration or airborne fiber length classification; the review also summarizes developments in DEP fouling suppression, gives a brief overview of electrocoalescence and addresses current problems in high‐throughput DEP separation. We aim to provide inspiration for DEP application schemes outside of the biomedical sector, for example, for the recovery of precious metal from scrap or for extraction of metal from low‐grade ore.
Performance evaluation of a high‐throughput separation system for circulating tumor cells based on microcavity array
Authors: Negishi Ryo , Saito Hyuga , Iwata Reito , Tanaka Tsuyoshi , Yoshino Tomoko
Published: July 2020

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are widely known as useful biomarkers in the liquid biopsies of cancer patients. Although single‐cell genetic analysis of CTCs is a promising diagnostic tool that can provide detailed clinical information for precision medicine, the capacity of single‐CTC isolation for genetic analysis requires improvement. To overcome this problem, we previously developed a multiple single‐cell encapsulation system for CTCs using hydrogel‐encapsulation, which allowed for the high‐throughput isolation of single CTCs. However, isolation of a single cell from adjacent cells remained difficult and often resulted in contamination by neighboring cells due to the limited resolution of the generated hydrogel. We developed a novel multiple single‐cell encapsulation system equipped with a high magnification lens for high throughput and a more accurate single‐cell encapsulation. The multiple single‐cell encapsulation system has sufficient sensitivity to detect immune‐stained CTCs, and could also generate a micro‐scaled hydrogel that can isolate a single cell from adjacent cells within 10 µm, with high efficiency. The proposed system enables high throughput and accurate single‐cell manipulation and genome amplification without contamination from neighboring cells.
A semi‐analytical model for capturing dynamic behavior of hydraulic fractures during flowback period in tight oil reservoir
Authors: Jia Pin , Ma Ming , Cheng Linsong , Clarkson Christopher R.
Published: July 2020

Hydraulic fracturing has been successfully employed for unconventional oil and gas recovery for decades. During flowback, the closure of the fracture may exhibit with the pressure drop of fracturing fluid dewatering. However, fracture closure always is ignored or treated as stress‐dependent fracture properties in previous flowback models. This paper presented a dynamic fracture model, which can comprehensively capture the dynamic behavior of hydraulic fractures during the flowback. A nonlinear relationship between fracture aperture and contact stress acting on the fracture surfaces is adopted to simulate fracture closure. The fracture aperture calculated by the displacement discontinuity method (DDM) is used to characterize the fracture pore volume and fracture conductivity, which will be dynamically updated in the flow model. Then, the pressure and saturation of each phase, along with the displacement on the fracture surface, are calculated by solving flow equations and geomechanics equations with iterative coupling approach. The new semi‐analytical model is validated by comparing it with a fully coupled stress‐porosity pressure numerical simulation model setup by ABAQUS®and CMG. Then, the dynamic behaviors of hydraulic fractures are investigated in detail by several cases. Results show that fracture closure is an important reason for the decline in production during the flowback and early production. And it is more important to enhance the properties of the stimulated reservoir volume (SRV) than to only create a fracture with high conductivity. Lastly, the key parameters (the fracture effective length and fracture conductivity under variable contact stress) can be interpreted by history‐matching the field flowback data.
Tracking denudation and sediment production and transport with cosmogenic 10Be in arid, high‐altitude Himalayan half‐grabens, Zanskar, northern India
Authors: Dietsch Craig , Hedrick Kathryn , Owen Lewis A. , Caffee Marc W.
Published: July 2020

Understanding the extent to which local factors, including bedrock and structure, govern catchment denudation in mountainous environments as opposed to broader climate or tectonic patterns provides insight into how landscapes evolve as sediment is generated and transported through them, and whether they have approached steady‐state equilibrium. We measured beryllium‐10 (10Be) concentrations in 21 sediment samples from glaciated footwall and hanging wall catchments, including a set of nested catchments, and 12 bedrock samples in the Puga and Tso Morari half‐grabens located in the high‐elevation, arid Zanskar region of northern India. In the Puga half‐graben where catchments are underlain by quartzo‐feldspathic gneissic bedrock, bedrock along catchment divides is eroding very slowly, about 5 m/Ma, due to extreme aridity and 10Be concentrations in catchment sediments are the highest (~60–90 × 105 atoms/g SiO2) as colluvium accumulates on hillslopes, decoupled from their ephemeral streams. At Puga, 10Be concentrations and the average erosion rates of a set of six nested catchments demonstrate that catchment denudation is transport‐limited as sediment stagnates on lower slopes before reaching the catchment outlet. In the Tso Morari half‐graben, gneissic bedrock is also eroding very slowly but 10Be concentrations in sediments in catchments underlain by low grade meta‐sedimentary rocks, are significantly lower (~10–35 × 105 atoms/g SiO2). In these arid, high‐elevation environments, 10Be concentrations in catchment sediments have more to do with bedrock weathering and transport times than steady‐state denudation rates. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.