bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, characterization and optical spectroscopy of GdPO4:Er3+
Authors: Ben Amar Nozha , Kallel Tarak , Koubaa Tarak , Hassairi Mohamed Amine , Dammak Mohamed , Cavalli Enrico
Published: April 2020

A series of Er3+‐doped GdPO4 phosphors was synthesized using a conventional solid‐state reaction. The monazite structure (space group P121/n1) of the obtained materials was confirmed using X‐ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Their optical spectra (excitation, emission, absorption, decay curves) were measured at room temperature in the visible and near‐infrared (NIR) regions. The UV–visible–NIR optical absorption spectrum of GdPO4:7% Er3+ was analyzed based on Judd–Ofelt (J–O) theory and the J–O intensity parameter (Ω2, Ω4, Ω6) was calculated. J–O intensity parameters were used to evaluate spontaneous emission properties such as branching ratios, transition probabilities, and radiative lifetime. The calculated quantum efficiency of the 1.5 μm emission (4I13/2−4I15/2) was calculated to be 89%. This result proved that GdPO4:Er3+ is suitable for use in optical amplifiers and is a potential host for laser applications. The most interesting transitions, located at about 540 nm, and 1.0 and 1.5 μm were investigated as a function of doping level and of temperature, to assess the conditions needed for the highest emission performance and to explore the range of application, in particular in the fields of lighting, thermal sensing, and of phosphors for bio‐imaging.
Sex differences in the association of photoperiod with hippocampal subfield volumes in older adults: A cross‐sectional study in the UK Biobank cohort
Authors: Majrashi Naif A. , Ahearn Trevor S. , Williams Justin H. G. , Waiter Gordon D.
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Even though seasonal and sex‐dependent changes in hippocampal and subfield volumes are well known in animals, little is known about changes in humans. We hypothesized that changes in photoperiod would predict changes in hippocampal subfield volumes and that this association would be different between females and males.

Methods

A total of 10,033 participants ranging in age from 45 to 79 years were scanned by MRI in a single location as part of the UK Biobank project. Hippocampal subfield volumes were obtained using automated processing and segmentation algorithms using the developmental version of the FreeSurfer v 6.0. Photoperiod was defined as the number of hours between sunrise and sunset on the day of scan.

Results

Photoperiod correlated positively with total hippocampal volume and all subfield volumes across participants as well as in each sex individually, with females showing greater seasonal variation in a majority of left subfield volumes compared with males. ANCOVAs revealed significant differences in rate of change in only left subiculum, CA‐4, and GC‐ML‐DG between females and males. PLS showed highest loadings of hippocampal subfields in both females and males in GC‐ML‐DG, CA1, CA4, subiculum, and CA3 for left hemisphere and CA1, GC‐ML‐DG, CA4; subiculum and CA3 for right hemisphere in females; GC‐ML‐DG, CA1, subiculum, CA4 and CA3 for left hemisphere; CA1, GC‐ML‐DG, subiculum, CA4 and CA3 for right hemisphere in males.

Conclusion

The influence of day length on hippocampal volume has implications for modeling age‐related decline in memory in older adults, and sex differences suggest an important role for hormones in these effects.
Different neural activations for an approaching friend versus stranger: Linking personal space to numerical cognition
Authors: Rubinsten Orly , Korem Nachshon , Perry Anat , Goldberg Miri , Shamay‐Tsoory Simone
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Typically, humans place themselves at a preferred distance from others. This distance is known to characterize human spatial behavior. Here, we focused on neurocognitive conditions that may affect interpersonal distances. The current study investigated whether neurocognitive deficiencies in numerical and spatial knowledge may affect social perception and modulate personal space.

Method

In an event‐related potential (ERP) study, university students with developmental dyscalculia (DD) and typically developing control participants were given a computerized version of the comfortable interpersonal distance task, in which participants were instructed to press the spacebar when they began to feel uncomfortable by the approach of a virtual protagonist.

Results

Results showed that students with deficiencies in numerical and spatial skills (i.e., DD) demonstrated reduced variability in their preferred distance from an approaching friend. Importantly, DD showed decreased amplitude of the N1 wave in the friend condition.

Conclusion

These results suggest that people coping with deficiencies in spatial cognition have a less efficient allocation of spatial attention in the service of processing personal distances. Accordingly, the study highlights the fundamental role of spatial neurocognition in organizing social space.
Timing of phase‐amplitude coupling is essential for neuronal and functional maturation of audiovisual integration in adolescents
Authors: Ohki Takefumi , Matsuda Takeru , Gunji Atsuko , Takei Yuichi , Sakuma Ryusuke , Kaneko Yuu , Inagaki Masumi , Hanakawa Takashi , Ueda Kazuhiro , Fukuda Masato , Hiraki Kazuo
Published: April 2020

Objective

The ability to integrate audiovisual information matures late in adolescents, but its neuronal mechanism is still unknown. Recent studies showed that phase‐amplitude coupling (PAC) of neuronal oscillations, which is defined as the modulation of high‐frequency amplitude by low‐frequency phase, is associated with audiovisual integration in adults. Thus, we investigated how PAC develops in adolescents and whether it is related to the functional maturation of audiovisual integration. In particular, we focused on the timing of PAC (or the coupling phase), which is defined as the low‐frequency phase with maximum high‐frequency amplitude.

Methods

Using magnetoencephalography (MEG) on 15 adults and 14 adolescents while they performed an audiovisual speech integration task, we examined PAC in association cortexes with a trial‐by‐trial analysis.

Results

Whereas delta‐beta coupling was consistently observed in both adults and adolescents, we found that the timing of delta‐beta PAC was delayed by 20–40 milliseconds in adolescents compared with adults. In addition, a logistic regression analysis revealed that the task performance improves as the timing of delta‐beta PAC in the right temporal pole (TP) got closer to the trough position (180 degrees).

Conclusion

These results suggest that the timing of PAC is essential for binding audiovisual information and underlies the developmental process in adolescents.
Develop a response plan for unsanctioned campus gatherings
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: April 2020

ARLINGTON, Va. — For several years now, as Homecoming, Halloween, and St. Patrick's Day approach, members of the Wilfrid Laurier University community brace themselves for yet another massive, unsanctioned public gathering. It's become a multidimensional problem that's difficult to tame, according to Candice Bean, M.Ed., Residence Life Manager at the university in Ontario, Canada.
Thermal Conductivity of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes‐Kapok Seed Oil‐Based Nanofluid
Authors: Ul Islam Badar , Mukhtar Ahmad , Saqib Sidra , Mahmood Abid , Rafiq Sikander , Hameed Ayesha , Khan Muhammad Saad , Hamid Khalid , Ullah Sami , Al-Sehemi Abdullah G. , Ibrahim Muhammad
Published: April 2020

The synthesis of a nanofluid from multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and Kapok seed oil by a one‐step method is reported. The nanofluid showed excellent stability of nanoparticle dispersion in the base fluid. Furthermore, this study deals with the prediction of the thermal conductivity of the MWCNTs‐kapok seed oil nanofluid. To improve the prediction of the thermal conductivity of the nanofluid, the artificial neural network (ANN) computing approach was used with different algorithms including the back‐propagation, Levenberg‐Marquardt, and genetic algorithm (GA). Finally, the ANN‐GA model is recommended for the prediction of thermal conductivity with higher accuracy.
A Cationic NHC‐Supported Borole
Authors: Heitkemper Tobias , Sindlinger Christian P.
Published: April 2020

This work describes the synthesis and characterization of a highly reactive cationic borole. Halide abstraction with Li{Al[OC(CF3)3]4} from the NHC‐chloroborole adduct yields the first stable NHC‐supported 1‐(MeNHC)‐2,5‐(SiMe3)2‐3,4‐(Ph*)2‐borole cation. Electronically, it features both a five‐membered cyclic conjugated 4 π‐electron system and a cationic charge and thus resembles the yet elusive cyclopentadienyl cation. The borole cation was characterized crystallographically, spectroscopically (NMR, UV/Vis), by cyclovoltammetry, microanalysis and mass‐spectrometry and its electronic structure was probed computationally. The cation reacts with tolane and reversibly binds carbon monoxide. Direct comparison with the structurally related, yet neutral, 1‐mesityl borole reveals strong Lewis acidity, reduced HOMO–LUMO gaps, and increased anti‐aromatic character.
Highly Stable Radical Cations of N,N’‐Diarylated Tetrabenzotetraaza[8]circulene
Authors: Matsuo Yusuke , Tanaka Takayuki , Osuka Atsuhiro
Published: April 2020

N,N’‐Diarylated tetrabenzotetraaza[8]circulenes 3 a and 3 b were synthesized in good yields by a reaction sequence involving oxidation of tetrabenzodiazadithia[8]circulene 5‐Oct and SNAr reaction with aniline derivatives. The obtained aza[8]circulenes 3 a and 3 b were easily oxidized to give their radical cations 3 a+ and 3 b+, which are highly stable under ambient conditions. X‐ray diffraction analysis of radical cation 3 a+ showed a face‐to‐face dimer arrangement with an interplanar separation of 3.320 Å. The spin density of 3 a+ was calculated to be delocalized over the whole circulene π‐systems with spin–spin exchange integral (J=−144 cm−1) in the dimeric part. These radical cations displayed far red‐shifted absorption bands reaching to 2000 nm. Thus this study has proved the hetero[8]circulene scaffold to be a new entry of promising electronics and spin materials.
Zeitliche Darstellung des Alterungsverhaltens eines Oxidationskatalysators in einem Biogas‐BHKW
Authors: Stolze Bettina , Hartmann Ingo
Published: April 2020

Die bei der Verbrennung von Biogas freiwerdenden Schademissionen unterliegen gesetzlichen Grenzwerten. Um diese einhalten zu können, bedarf es einer Abgasnachbehandlung mittels Oxidationskatalysator. Im Laufe der Zeit kommt es durch Alterung des Katalysators zu abnehmenden Umsätzen der Schadstoffe. Bereits nach nur 1,5 Jahren Betriebszeit ist daher die Einhaltung des Formaldehydgrenzwertes nicht mehr sicher möglich. Als Ursache konnte hauptsächlich die Ablagerung von anorganischen Verbindungen (Ölaschen) identifiziert werden. Hierdurch werden aktive Zentren blockiert und Poren verstopft.
Palladium‐Catalzyed Atroposelective 16‐Membered Macrocyclization: Total Synthesis of Isoplagiochin D†
Authors: Xi Junwei , Gu Zhenhua
Published: April 2020

Summary of main observation and conclusion

Isoplagiochin D is a ring‐strained macrocyclic bisbibenzylis, which showed stable axial chirality in one biaryl structure, and semistable axial chirality in the other biaryl moiety. We reported here an unprecedented example for the catalytically asymmetric synthesis of ring‐strained atropisomers via Pd‐catalyzed macrocyclization between benzyl halides and carbenes. This newly developed Pd‐catalyzed asymmetric macrocyclization protocol enabled us a quick synthesis of isoplagiochin D in a highly enantioselective manner.
Optimal timing of chemoradiotherapy after surgical resection of glioblastoma: Stratification by validated prognostic classification
Authors: Press Robert H. , Shafer Sarah L. , Jiang Renjian , Buchwald Zachary S. , Abugideiri Mustafa , Tian Sibo , Morgan Tiffany M. , Behera Madhusmita , Sengupta Soma , Voloschin Alfredo D. , Olson Jeffrey J. , Hasan Shaakir , Blumenthal Deborah T. , Curran Walter J. , Eaton Bree R. , Shu Hui‐Kuo G. , Zhong Jim
Published: April 2020

Background

Previous studies examining the time to initiate chemoradiation (CRT) after surgical resection of glioblastoma have been conflicting. To better define the effect that the timing of adjuvant treatment may have on outcomes, the authors examined patients within the National Cancer Database (NCDB) stratified by a validated prognostic classification system.

Methods

Patients with glioblastoma in the NCDB who underwent surgery and CRT from 2004 through 2013 were analyzed. Radiation Therapy Oncology Group recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) class (III, IV, V) was extrapolated for the cohort. Time intervals were grouped weekly, with weeks 4 to 5 serving as the reference category for analyses. Kaplan‐Meier analysis, log‐rank testing, and multivariate (MVA) Cox proportional hazards regression were performed.

Results

In total, 30,414 patients were included. RPA classes III, IV, and V contained 5250, 20,855, and 4309 patients, respectively. On MVA, no time point after week 5 was associated with a change in overall survival for the entire cohort or for any RPA class subgroup. The periods of weeks 0 to 1 (hazard ratio [HR], 1.18; 95% CI, 1.02‐1.36), >1 to 2 (HR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.16‐1.31), and >2 to 3 (HR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.07‐1.15) demonstrated slightly worse overall survival (all P < .03). The detriment to early initiation was consistent across each RPA class subgroup.

Conclusions

The current data provide insight into the optimal timing of CRT in patients with glioblastoma and describe RPA class‐specific outcomes. In general, short delays beyond 5 weeks did not negatively affect outcomes, whereas early initiation before 3 weeks may be detrimental.
Changes in prostate‐specific antigen at the time of prostate cancer diagnosis after Medicaid expansion in young men
Authors: Weiner Adam B. , Vo Amanda X. , Desai Anuj S. , Hu Jim C. , Spratt Daniel E. , Schaeffer Edward M.
Published: April 2020

Background

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of Medicaid expansion under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (January 1, 2014) on the epidemiology of high‐risk prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels (≥20 ng/mL) at the time of prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis. The authors hypothesized that better access to care would result in a reduction of high‐risk features at diagnosis.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed of 122,324 men aged <65 years who were diagnosed with PCa within the National Cancer Database. Difference‐in‐difference (DID) analyses adjusting for sociodemographic variables using linear regression compared PSA levels at diagnosis before expansion (2012‐2013) and after expansion (2015‐2016) between men residing in states that did or did not expand Medicaid.

Results

From 2012 to 2016, the proportion of men with PSA levels ≥20 ng/mL increased (from 18.9% to 19.8%) in nonexpansion states and decreased (from 19.9% to 18.2%) in expansion states. Compared with men in nonexpansion states, men in expansion states experienced a decline in PSA ≥20 ng/mL (DID, −2.33%; 95% CI, −3.21% to −1.44%; P < .001). Accordingly, the proportion of men presenting with high‐risk disease decreased in expansion states relative to nonexpansion states (DID, −1.25%; 95% CI, −2.26% to 0.25%; P = .015). A similar statistically significant decrease in PSA levels ≥20 ng/mL was noted among black men (DID, −3.11%; 95% CI, −5.25% to 0.96%; P = .005).

Conclusions

In Medicaid expansion states, there was an associated decrease in the proportion of young men presenting with PSA ≥20 ng/mL at the time of PCa diagnosis. These results suggest that Medicaid expansion improved access to PCa screening. Longer term data should assess oncologic outcomes.
Data linking over RDF knowledge graphs: A survey
Authors: Assi Ali , Mcheick Hamid , Dhifli Wajdi
Published: April 2020

Instance matching (IM) is the process of matching instances across Knowledge Bases (KBs) that refer to the same real‐world object (eg, the same person in two different KBs). Several approaches in the literature were developed to perform this process using different algorithmic techniques and search strategies. In this article, we aim to provide the rationale for IM and to survey the existing algorithms for performing this task. We begin by identifying the importance of such a process and define it formally. We also provide a new classification of these approaches depending on the “source of evidence,” which can be considered as the context information integrated explicitly or implicitly in the IM process. We survey and discuss the state‐of‐the‐art IM methods regarding the context information. We, furthermore, describe and compare different state‐of‐the‐art IM approaches in relation to several criteria. Such a comprehensive comparative study constitutes an asset and a guide for future research in
IM.
Threshold identity authentication signature: Impersonation prevention in social network services
Authors: Chen Zhanwen , Chen Jiageng , Meng Weizhi
Published: April 2020

While the social network services (SNS) have dominate the ways that people communicate with each other on the Internet, identity impersonation remains to be a serious issue that needs to be solved due to the anonymity in the cyber network. Currently, the potential solution to the problem relies heavily on the administration from the central server, which requires intensive workload of the identity management. In this article, we propose a threshold identity authentication signature scheme to solve the impersonation problem from the protocol layer rather than software design in the traditional upper level. In our scheme, with the help of some authenticated accounts, trusted relationship can be shared in a group to other unauthenticated accounts, which largely decrease the workload of authenticating all the accounts. Users are given the ability to verify other accounts' identity information by their signatures. Then, we establish three security goals to prevent the malicious adversary to launch the impersonation attack on a group. We claim that our scheme is suitable for the SNS scenario since the procedure of generating a signature to prove the identity requires little computation cost, it is user‐friendly especially on the lightweight devices such as mobile devices and so
on.
Changes in taxonomic and functional diversity of fish communities after catastrophic habitat alteration caused by construction of Three Gorges Dam
Authors: Zhang Chen , Fujiwara Masami , Pawluk Michaela , Liu Huanzhang , Cao Wenxuan , Gao Xin
Published: April 2020

Habitat alterations that result from anthropogenic disturbance impact both the abiotic and biotic conditions of ecosystems, causing changes in biodiversity in many parts of the world. Recently, the use of functional diversity has been suggested as an approach to better evaluate the effects of such disturbance on particular communities. Here, we investigated the temporal changes in species and functional diversities of fish communities in the downstream area of the Three Gorges Dam (TGD) before, during, and after impoundment. We found two regime shifts in the fish community in 2004 and 2013 following impoundment. Although taxonomic diversity declined sharply at the first regime shift, it increased at the second shift. On the other hand, functional diversity declined throughout the same period, indicating the loss of functional diversity despite increased species diversity. Our analysis also showed that the fish communities shifted from under‐dispersion to over‐dispersion due to both a decrease in the relative abundance of migratory fish and an increase in the number of fish adapted to the new hydrologic conditions. Our results indicated that the impacts of dams on downstream fish communities may change over time. Interactions between species may become more important when the environment is stable.
Agroecosystem patterns and land management co‐develop through environment, management, and land‐use interactions
Authors: Caulfield Mark E. , Fonte Steven J. , Groot Jeroen C.J. , Vanek Steven J. , Sherwood Stephen , Oyarzun Pedro , Borja Ross Mary , Dumble Sam , Tittonell Pablo
Published: April 2020

A poor understanding of the interactions between biophysical and social elements within rural mountainous landscapes can lead to suboptimal management and recommendations. The objective of this study was to contribute to more contextualized natural resource management in a rural landscape in the Ecuadorian Andes by (1) identifying biophysical patterns in soil properties, biodiversity, and C stocks that emerge from natural landscape pedogenic processes, resulting from elevation‐induced climate gradients, erosion and soil textural patterns, and (2) assessing farm management and land‐use effects on and their interactions with these biophysical patterns. Our findings revealed that the climate and soil texture gradients within the landscape led to an exponential increase in SOC with elevation moderated by slope gradient, indicating significant erosion processes. Farmers adapted their farm management according to the observed environmental patterns creating three distinct management zones. Differentiated agricultural management in these zones and asymmetrical distribution of land‐uses in turn were observed to significantly influence soil and agroecosystem properties. For example, available P was found to be significantly higher in the upper and middle agricultural management zones (24.0 and 28.7 mg/kg, respectively), where agricultural inputs were higher compared to the lower agricultural management zone (8.9 mg/kg, P < 0.001). Mixed hedgerows, on the other hand, displayed significantly higher Shannon index scores for ground vegetation (1.8) and soil macrofauna (2.0) compared to agricultural land‐uses (1.0 and 1.7). Our results provide important insights into how agroecosystem patterns and land management co‐developed through complex environment, management, and land‐use interactions.
Motivational interviewing to improve self‐care in heart failure patients (MOTIVATE‐HF): a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Vellone Ercole , Rebora Paola , Ausili Davide , Zeffiro Valentina , Pucciarelli Gianluca , Caggianelli Gabriele , Masci Stefano , Alvaro Rosaria , Riegel Barbara
Published: April 2020

Aims

Self‐care, an essential component of heart failure (HF) treatment, is inadequate in most patients. We evaluated if motivational interviewing (MI) (i) improves patient self‐care maintenance (primary endpoint; e.g. taking medications), self‐care management (e.g. responding to symptoms) and self‐care confidence (or self‐efficacy) 3 months after enrolment; (ii) changes self‐care over 1 year, and (iii) augments patient self‐care if informal caregivers are involved.

Methods and results

Parallel randomized controlled trial (1:1:1). A sample of 510 patients (median 74 years, 58% male) and caregivers (median 55 years, 75% female) was randomized to Arm 1 (MI only for patients), Arm 2 (MI for patients and caregivers), or Arm 3 (usual care). The intervention in Arms 1 and 2 consisted of one face‐to‐face MI session with three telephone contacts. Self‐care was evaluated with the Self‐Care of HF Index measuring self‐care maintenance, management, and confidence. Scores on each scale range from 0 to 100 with higher scores indicating better self‐care; ≥70 is considered adequate. At 3 months, self‐care maintenance improved 6.99, 7.42 and 2.58 points in Arms 1, 2, and 3, respectively (P = 0.028). Self‐care maintenance was adequate in 18.4%, 19.4%, and 9.2% of patients in Arms 1, 2 and 3, respectively (P = 0.016). Over 1 year, self‐care maintenance, management, and confidence scores in Arms 1 and 2 were significantly higher than in Arm 3 in several follow‐ups. Over 1 year, Arm 2 had the best scores in self‐care management.

Conclusions

MI significantly improved self‐care in HF patients. Including caregivers may potentiate the effect, especially in self‐care management. ClinicalTrial.gov, identifier: NCT02894502.
Synthesis and Structure of Tin and Germanium Complexes as Precursors Containing Alkoxyaminoalkoxide Ligands for Thin Film Transistors
Authors: Lee Ga Yeon , Lee Ji Hun , Han Seong Ho , Park Bo Keun , Son Seung Uk , Kim Chang Gyoun , Jeon Dong Ju , Chung Taek‐Mo
Published: April 2020

This paper describes the preparation of four novel Sn and Ge complexes containing alkoxyaminoalkoxide type ligands {L1H = 1‐[methoxy(methyl)amino]‐2‐methylpropan‐2‐ol; L2H = 1‐[methoxy(methyl)amino]‐2‐methylbutan‐2‐ol} for potential use as precursors for thin film transistors. All compounds were prepared at room temperature by stirring a solution containing Sn(btsa)2 [btsa = bis(trimethylsilyl)amide] or Ge(btsa)2 with two equivalents of L1H or L2H to form Sn(L1)2 (1), Sn(L2)2 (2), Ge(L1)2 (3) and Ge(L2)2 (4). All of the complexes were characterized by NMR and FTIR spectroscopy as well as elemental and thermogravimetric analyses. When the more symmetric and compact ligand L1H was applied, solid products 1 and 3 were generated and their structures were studied using X‐ray diffraction. Applying the strategy of ligand design at the molecular level, the symmetric ligand was changed to an asymmetric one, replacing one of the two neighboring methyl groups of the amino alcohol group with an ethyl group, and forming liquid complexes 2 and 4 for both metals.
Photoinduced Dry and Bireforming of Methane to Fuels over La‐Modified TiO2 in Fixed‐Bed and Monolith Reactors
Authors: Tahir Beenish , Tahir Muhammad , Amin Nor Aishah Saidina
Published: April 2020

A systematic investigation on the performance of fixed‐bed and monolithic reactors for dynamic photoinduced CO2 reduction with CH4 via dry and bi‐reforming of methane over La‐modified TiO2 nanocatalyst under UV light is conducted. La/TiO2 is synthesized using a modified sol–gel method, and the monolithic‐coated catalyst is synthesized using a dip‐coating method. The performance of La/TiO2 is tested for different reforming systems in both types of photoreactors. The results reveal 5 wt% La/TiO2 effectively promotes CO2 and CH4 conversion to CO, H2, and C2H6, whereas catalyst performance is greatly enhanced in the presence of H2O in both types of reactors via bireforming of methane (BRM). Lower temperature is favorable for CO production, whereas H2 and C2H6 yields are enhanced at higher temperature. Notably, the monolith photoreactor is favorable for enhanced CO and H2 yields. More interestingly, quantum yield (QY) for H2 in BRM using monolith photoreactor is 1.402%—an increment of almost 4.99‐fold than dry reforming of methane (DRM). This can be attributed to enhanced CO2 adsorption with hindered charge recombination by La, appropriate redox potentials, larger illuminated surface area, and higher photon flux. The prolonged La/TiO2 activity in a monolith photoreactor for enhanced CO and H2 production signifies its potential for CO2 conversion applications.
L‐carnitine increases cell proliferation and amino acid transporter expression via the activation of insulin‐like growth factor I signaling pathway in rat trophoblast cells
Authors: Zhang Shihai , Wu Zhihui , Heng Jinghui , Tian Min , Chen Jiaming , Chen Fang , Guan Wutai
Published: April 2020

Early embryo implantation and development is primarily determined by the homeostasis between cellular apoptosis and proliferation as well as placental nutrient transporters. Recent studies showed that L‐carnitine enhances female reproductive performance. However, the potential function of L‐carnitine on placenta is largely unknown. In our study, primary rat trophoblast cells were separated and cultured for 12 hr in medium containing various concentrations of L‐carnitine (0, 1, 10, and 50 mM). Placenta trophoblast cells treated with 50 mM L‐carnitine increased the proportion of cells in S phase of the cell cycle (p < .05). In addition, live cell percentage was increased when treated with either 10 mM or 50 mM L‐carnitine, which was accompanied with decreased necrotic cells, late apoptotic cells, and early apoptotic cells (p < .05). Compared with the control treatment, the mRNA expression of insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF‐1) and insulin‐like growth factor I receptor (IGF‐1R) was higher in rat placenta trophoblasts treated with either 10 mM or 50 mM L‐carnitine (p < .05). Similarly, sodium‐dependent neutral amino acid transporter (SNAT)‐1 and SNAT2 were up‐regulated in both mRNA and protein levels when trophoblast cells were treated with 50 mM L‐carnitine (p < .05). Inhibiting downstream targets (Akt or ERK signaling pathways) of IGF‐1 signaling pathway partially blocked the effect the L‐carnitine‐induced increase in protein abundances of SNAT1 and SNAT2. Collectively, our data showed protective role of L‐carnitine on placenta trophoblast cells through the involvement of IGF‐1 signaling pathway.
Penalized models for analysis of multiple mediators
Authors: Schaid Daniel J. , Sinnwell Jason P.
Published: April 2020

Mediation analysis attempts to determine whether the relationship between an independent variable (e.g., exposure) and an outcome variable can be explained, at least partially, by an intermediate variable, called a mediator. Most methods for mediation analysis focus on one mediator at a time, although multiple mediators can be jointly analyzed by structural equation models (SEMs) that account for correlations among the mediators. We extend the use of SEMs for the analysis of multiple mediators by creating a sparse group lasso penalized model such that the penalty considers the natural groupings of parameters that determine mediation, as well as encourages sparseness of the model parameters. This provides a way to simultaneously evaluate many mediators and select those that have the most impact, a feature of modern penalized models. Simulations are used to illustrate the benefits and limitations of our approach, and application to a study of DNA methylation and reactive cortisol stress following childhood trauma discovered two novel methylation loci that mediate the association of childhood trauma scores with reactive cortisol stress levels. Our new methods are incorporated into R software called regmed.
Tracheotomy in the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic
Authors: Skoog Hunter , Withrow Kirk , Jeyarajan Harishanker , Greene Benjamin , Batra Hitesh , Cox Daniel , Pierce Albert , Grayson Jessica W. , Carroll William R.
Published: April 2020

The severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)‐CoV‐2 pandemic continues to produce a large number of patients with chronic respiratory failure and ventilator dependence. As such, surgeons will be called upon to perform tracheotomy for a subset of these chronically intubated patients. As seen during the SARS and the SARS‐CoV‐2 outbreaks, aerosol‐generating procedures (AGP) have been associated with higher rates of infection of medical personnel and potential acceleration of viral dissemination throughout the medical center. Therefore, a thoughtful approach to tracheotomy (and other AGPs) is imperative and maintaining traditional management norms may be unsuitable or even potentially harmful. We sought to review the existing evidence informing best practices and then develop straightforward guidelines for tracheotomy during the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic. This communication is the product of those efforts and is based on national and international experience with the current SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic and the SARS epidemic of 2002/2003.
Conservation of personal protective equipment for head and neck cancer surgery during COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Chow Velda Ling Yu , Chan Jimmy Yu Wai , Ho Valerie Wai Yee , Lee George Chung Ching , Wong Melody Man Kuen , Wong Stanley Thian Sze , Gao Wei
Published: April 2020

Background

COVID‐19 pandemic has led to a global shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE). This study aims to stratify face shield needs when performing head and neck cancer surgery.

Methods

Fifteen patients underwent surgery between March 1, 2020 and April 9, 2020. Operative diagnosis and procedure; droplet count and distribution on face shields were documented.

Results

Forty‐five surgical procedures were performed for neck nodal metastatic carcinoma of unknown origin (n = 3); carcinoma of tonsil (n = 2), tongue (n = 2), nasopharynx (n = 3), maxilla (n = 1), and laryngopharynx (n = 4). Droplet contamination was 57.8%, 59.5%, 8.0%, and 0% for operating, first and second assistant surgeons, and scrub nurse respectively. Droplet count was highest and most widespread during osteotomies. No droplet splash was noted for transoral robotic surgery.

Conclusion

Face shield is not a mandatory adjunctive PPE for all head and neck surgical procedures and health care providers. Judicious use helps to conserve resources during such difficult times.
Stormwater control impacts on runoff volume and peak flow: A meta‐analysis of watershed modelling studies
Authors: Bell Colin D. , Wolfand Jordyn M. , Panos Chelsea L. , Bhaskar Aditi S. , Gilliom Ryan L. , Hogue Terri S. , Hopkins Kristina G. , Jefferson Anne J.
Published: April 2020

Decades of research has concluded that the percent of impervious surface cover in a watershed is strongly linked to negative impacts on urban stream health. Recently, there has been a push by municipalities to offset these effects by installing structural stormwater control measures (SCMs), which are landscape features designed to retain and reduce runoff to mitigate the effects of urbanisation on event hydrology. The goal of this study is to build generalisable relationships between the level of SCM implementation in urban watersheds and resulting changes to hydrology. A literature review of 185 peer‐reviewed studies of watershed‐scale SCM implementation across the globe was used to identify 52 modelling studies suitable for a meta‐analysis to build statistical relationships between SCM implementation and hydrologic change. Hydrologic change is quantified as the percent reduction in storm event runoff volume and peak flow between a watershed with SCMs relative to a (near) identical control watershed without SCMs. Results show that for each additional 1% of SCM‐mitigated impervious area in a watershed, there is an additional 0.43% reduction in runoff and a 0.60% reduction in peak flow. Values of SCM implementation required to produce a change in water quantity metrics were identified at varying levels of probability. For example, there is a 90% probability (high confidence) of at least a 1% reduction in peak flow with mitigation of 33% of impervious surfaces. However, as the reduction target increases or mitigated impervious surface decreases, the probability of reaching the reduction target also decreases. These relationships can be used by managers to plan SCM implementation at the watershed scale.
Comparison of micro‐ and nano‐sized CuBTC particles on the CO2/CH4 separation performance of PEBA mixed matrix membranes
Authors: Erfani Amir , Asghari Morteza
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

Copper‐benzene‐1, 3, 5‐tricarboxylic acid (CuBTC) is a pre‐eminent member of the metal–organic framework material family with excellent CO2 adsorption capacity and size‐sieving characteristics for CO2/methane (CH4) separation. Although a few reports have addressed the use of micro‐sized CuBTC particles in mixed matrix membranes (MMMs), the application of nano‐sized particles has not yet been explored.

RESULTS

Micro‐sized and nano‐sized CuBTC particles were synthesized by Cu(NO3)2·3H2O and Cu(OH)2 precursors, respectively. Mixed matrix membranes composed of 5–35 wt% CuBTC in poly (amide‐6‐b‐ethylene oxide) (PEBA) were fabricated to investigate the CO2/CH4 separation performance of the samples. Synthesized particles and membranes were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared and field emission scanning electron microscopy techniques. Membrane separation performance was determined at different pressures of pure CO2, CH4 and N2. At 35 wt% loading of nano‐sized CuBTC, CO2 permeability and CO2/CH4 selectivity were enhanced to 178.9 Barrer and 34.6; 80.3% and 13.8% higher than those of pristine polymer, respectively. The corresponding results for micro‐sized CuBTC were 138.9 Barrer and 33.9. A mixed gas permeation test carried out on a mixture of CO2‐CH4 (10:90 mol%) at 12 bar showed the best separation performance at 25 wt% loading of nano‐sized CuBTC with CO2 permeability of 92.6 Barrer and CO2/CH4 selectivity of 23.1.

CONCLUSION

Filler size had a great impact on the MMM separation performance. As a result of the nano‐sizing of CuBTC particles, higher CO2 permeability and CO2/CH4 selectivity could be obtained because of the uniform dispersion of the filler in the matrix and higher interface area/volume. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
PMM2‐CDG caused by uniparental disomy: Case report and literature review
Authors: Vaes Laurien , Tiller George E. , Pérez Belén , Boyer Suzanne W. , Berry Susan A. , Sarafoglou Kyriakie , Morava Eva
Published: April 2020

Background

Phosphomannomutase 2 deficiency (PMM2‐CDG) affects glycosylation pathways such as the N‐glycosylation pathway, resulting in loss of function of multiple proteins. This disorder causes multisystem involvement with a high variability among patients. PMM2‐CDG is an autosomal recessive disorder, which can be caused by inheriting two pathogenic variants, de novo mutations or uniparental disomy.

Case Presentation

Our patient presented with multisystem symptoms at an early age including developmental delay, ataxia, and seizures. No diagnosis was obtained till the age of 31 years, when genetic testing was reinitiated. The patient was diagnosed with a complete maternal mixed hetero/isodisomy of chromosome 16, with a homozygous pathogenic PMM2 variant (p.Phe119Leu) causing PMM2‐CDG.

A literature review revealed eight cases of uniparental disomy as an underlying cause of CDG, four of which are PMM2‐CDG.

Conclusion

Since the incidence of homozygosity for PMM2 variants is rare, we suggest further investigations for every homozygous PMM2‐CDG patient where the segregation does not fit. These investigations include testing for UPD or a deletion in one of the two alleles, as this will have an impact on recurrence risk in genetic counseling.
Identity motives in charitable giving: Explanations for charity preferences from a global donor survey
Authors: Chapman Cassandra M. , Masser Barbara M. , Louis Winnifred R.
Published: April 2020

Millions of charities compete for donor dollars, yet why people prefer to give to particular charities remains poorly understood. Informed by the social identity approach, and using mixed methods, we analyzed open‐ended responses from a global donor survey (N = 1,849 from 117 countries) to understand why participants see their favorite charity as important, and how identities influence charity preferences. Nine subthemes were generated under two overarching themes: Self and Other. Theme prevalence and charity category were not independent: donors were more likely to explain giving to religious and research charities in relation to the self, but to explain giving to social service, animal, or international charities in relation to the other. We also present an inventory of the identities that consumers use to inform their giving. Together, findings show the importance of identities in charitable giving and demonstrate how consumer motives depend on the cause or beneficiary.
Prediction of the August 2018 heavy rainfall events over Kerala with high‐resolution NWP models
Authors: Ashrit Raghavendra , Sharma Kuldeep , Kumar Sushant , Dube Anumeha , Karunasagar S. , Arulalan T. , Mamgain Ashu , Chakraborty Paromita , Kumar Sumit , Lodh Abhishek , Dutta Devajyoti , Momin Imranali , Bushair M. T. , Prakash Buddhi J. , Jayakumar A. , Rajagopal E. N.
Published: April 2020

The southern Indian state of Kerala experienced exceptionally high rainfall during August 2018, which led to devastating floods in many parts of the state. Prediction and early warning of severe weather events in vulnerable areas is crucial for disaster management agencies in order to protect life and property. In recent years, state‐of‐the‐art numerical weather prediction (NWP) models have been used operationally to predict rainfall over different spatial and temporal scales. In the present paper, predictions based on the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF) models (NCUM, NCUM‐R and NEPS) are assessed over Kerala to demonstrate the capabilities of high‐resolution models. It is found that the deterministic NWP model (NCUM and NCUM‐R) forecasts are accurate at shorter lead times (up to Day 3) mainly in terms of timing and, to some extent, intensity. At higher lead times (beyond Day 3), the ensemble‐based probabilistic forecasts are useful and actionable.
Lagrange exponential stability of quaternion‐valued memristive neural networks with time delays
Authors: Wei Ruoyu , Cao Jinde , Huang Chuangxia
Published: April 2020

This paper investigates the Lagrange global exponential stability of the quaternion‐valued memristive neural networks (QVMNNs). Two kinds of activation functions based on different assumptions are considered. Then, based on the Lyapunov function approach, decomposition method, and some inequality skills, two novel sufficient conditions for lagrange stability of QVMNNs are provided corresponding to different types of activation functions. Lastly, simulation examples are provided to demonstrate the correctness of our theoretical results.
Novel reconstruction algorithm of magnetoacoustic tomography based on ring transducer array for acoustic speed inhomogeneous tissues
Authors: Wang Lili , Liu Guoqiang , Chen Siping , Chen Xin , Ma Xibo , Xia Hui
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Magnetoacoustic tomography with magnetic induction (MAT‐MI) is a technique that utilizes the acoustic signals induced by magnetic stimulation to reconstruct the electrical impedance distribution in biological tissues. Most algorithms ignored the fact that acoustic properties in human tissues are heterogeneous, which lead to distortion and blurring of small reconstructed objects. In this study, a novel algorithm is proposed for exact reconstruction of the sound source distribution in acoustic heterogeneous tissues.

Methods

Based on the ring transducer array, we develop an algorithm which combines algebraic reconstruction technique (ART) and time reversal method. Different to existing reconstruction methods, the ultrasonic transmission tomography (UTT) and the MAT‐MI can be completed in same system, which decreases the system complexity. The sound velocity distribution is reconstructed with the ART so that the propagation time of the magnetoacoustic signals in the heterogeneous tissue is corrected. And then, the sound source image is reconstructed based on the time reversal method from new sound pressure data. Both numerical simulations and phantom experiments are established to validate the proposed method.

Results

Compared with the results without consideration of the variation on acoustic speed, sound sources reconstructed by our method are more consistent with the model in terms of size and shape.

Conclusions

The novel algorithm can be used to reconstruct the high‐accuracy image of MAT‐MI sound source in the sound velocity inhomogeneous media. In addition, this method is applicable to scenarios that the prior knowledge of the imaging targets is unknown. The signal acquisition time of MAT‐MI in acoustically heterogeneity media is greatly reduced due to the introduction of ring transducer array into the imaging system. Therefore, our method will promote the application of MAT‐MI in noninvasive early diagnosis of tumor for preclinical study.
Robust fusion algorithms for multichannel stochastic multiplicative disturbance by multisensor observation
Authors: Pu Shi , Yu Xingkai , Li Jianxun
Published: April 2020

This article considers robust fusion algorithms for linear system with multichannel stochastic multiplicative disturbance by using projection theorem and projection formula. Based on the centralized and distributed (feedback and no feedback) fusion strategies, we present optimal filtering fusion algorithms, optimal fixed‐interval smoothing fusion algorithms, and fixed‐interval deconvolution fusion algorithms. The methods of projection theorem and projection formula are used to guarantee the optimality of these derived algorithms. The presented algorithms are much less computation burden and higher accuracy than existing state‐of‐the‐art methods. Numerical simulation results including a WSN network model verify the proposed algorithms.
A comprehensive study of the aerial parts of Lonicera japonica Thunb. based on metabolite profiling coupled with PLS‐DA
Authors: Cai Zhichen , Liao Haiying , Wang Chengcheng , Chen Jiali , Tan Mengxia , Mei Yuqi , Wei Lifang , Chen Huan , Yang Rong , Liu Xunhong
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Lonicera japonica Thunb. is an economically important species of honeysuckle belonging to the Caprifoliaceae family. All aerial parts of L. japonica (leaf, flower bud, flower, and caulis) are used as herbal remedies in traditional Chinese medicine. The application of plant metabolomics to the study of L. japonica provides the potential for identifying the phytochemical composition and useful chemical markers of the plant.

Objective

To develop a strategy integrating metabolic profiling and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) to separate the aerial parts of L. japonica based on the occurrence of chemical markers.

Methodology

The two‐part strategy consisted of (1) ultra‐fast liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole‐time of flight tandem mass spectrometry (UFLC‐triple TOF‐MS/MS), (2) PLS‐DA, which was applied to distinguish between the different aerial parts and reveal their differential characteristic metabolites.

Results

A total of 71 metabolites were identified from samples, and eight candidate compounds were identified (lonicerin, kaempferol‐3‐O‐rutinoside, loganin, isochlorogenic acid B, isochlorogenic acid C, secologanic acid, luteoloside, astragalin) as optimal chemical markers based on variable importance in projection (VIP) and p‐value. The relative contents of eight candidate compounds were compared based on their peak intensities.

Conclusion

This study established an efficient strategy for exploring metabolite profiling and defining chemical markers among the different aerial parts of L. japonica, and laid the foundation for elucidating the phytochemical differences in efficacy between Lonicerae Japonicae Flos (LJF) and Lonicerae Japonicae Caulis (LJC). Our findings also indicate that the leaves of L. japonica leaf could be used as an alternative medicinal resource for LJF and provide a reference for comprehensive exploitation and utilisation of L. japonica resources.
Systematic Review of Voxelotor: A First‐in‐Class Sickle Hemoglobin Polymerization Inhibitor for Management of Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Han Jin , Saraf Santosh L. , Gordeuk Victor R.
Published: April 2020

Voxelotor, a sickle hemoglobin polymerization inhibitor, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat sickle cell disease (SCD) in November 2019. This article reviews published data about voxelotor treatment of SCD based on a search of MEDLINE, Embase, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts. In a phase I/II trial, voxelotor demonstrated a dose‐dependent pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic response and was well tolerated in healthy volunteers and patients with SCD. In a multi‐center, randomized, double‐blind, phase III trial (HOPE trial), a significantly higher percentage of patients randomized to voxelotor had increased hemoglobin (> 1 g/dl from baseline) compared to placebo. A greater reduction of hemolytic markers was also observed in the voxelotor‐treated group, whereas the incidence of adverse effects was comparable. Three case series or reports also demonstrated the efficacy and safety of voxelotor use in a limited number of SCD patients in the real‐world situation, although one patient with SCD, severe anemia, and a history of autoantibody‐mediated hemolysis failed to respond to voxelotor. An ongoing trial (HOPE‐KIDS) is designed to establish the use of voxelotor in younger pediatric patients with SCD. There is a theoretical concern that voxelotor may impair oxygen delivery, due to modification of the oxygen affinity of hemoglobin, which needs to be further evaluated. As a first‐in‐class hemoglobin modulator, voxelotor offers a new treatment option targeting the root cause of SCD.