bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microsatellite marker development in the crop wild relative Linum bienne using genome skimming
Authors: Landoni Beatrice , Viruel Juan , Gómez Rocio , Allaby Robin G. , Brennan Adrian C. , Picó F. Xavier , Pérez‐Barrales Rocio
Published: May 2020

Premise

Nuclear microsatellite markers were developed for Linum bienne, the sister species of the crop L. usitatissimum, to provide molecular genetic tools for the investigation of L. bienne genetic diversity and structure.

Methods and Results

Fifty microsatellite loci were identified in L. bienne by means of genome skimming, and 44 loci successfully amplified. Of these, 16 loci evenly spread across the L. usitatissimum reference nuclear genome were used for genotyping six L. bienne populations. Excluding one monomorphic locus, the number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 12. Four out of six populations harbored private alleles. The levels of expected and observed heterozygosity were 0.076 to 0.667 and 0.000 to 1.000, respectively. All 16 loci successfully cross‐amplified in L. usitatissimum.

Conclusions

The 16 microsatellite loci developed here can be used for population genetic studies in L. bienne, and 28 additional loci that successfully amplified are available for further testing.
Design, synthesis, and molecular docking study of new monastrol analogues as kinesin spindle protein inhibitors
Authors: El‐Hamamsy Mervat H. , Sharafeldin Nabaweya A. , El‐Moselhy Tarek F. , Tawfik Haytham O.
Published: May 2020

Lung, colorectal, and breast cancers are the top three types of cancer by incidence and are responsible for one‐third of the cancer incidence and mortality. A series of 18 3,4‐dihydropyrimidine analogues bearing a 1,2‐methylenedioxybenzene component at position 4 with diverse side chains at positions 5 and 6 was designed and synthesized as inhibitors of the Eg5 kinesin enzyme. Target compounds were screened for their anticancer activity according to the NCI‐USA protocol toward a panel of 60 cancer cell lines. Compounds 12a and 12b displayed the best antiproliferation activity against many cell lines. Interestingly, compound 12a displayed lethal effects against non‐small‐cell lung cancer NCI‐H522 cells (−42.26%) and MDA‐MB‐468 breast cancer cells (−1.10%) at a single‐dose assay concentration of 10−5 M. Compounds 11c, 11d, 11g, 12a–d, 13, 15, and 18a were assayed against the kinesin enzyme, with IC50 values ranging from 1.2 to 18.71 μM, which were more potent compared with monastrol (IC50 = 20 μM). Cell cycle analysis of NCI‐H522 cells treated with compound 12a showed cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase. Furthermore, the expression levels of active caspase‐3 and ‐9 were measured. A molecular docking study was performed for some demonstrative compounds as well as monastrol docked into the allosteric binding site of the kinesin spindle protein.
Thiol‐Assisted Synthesis of Carbon‐Supported Metal Nanoparticles for Efficient Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Zhuang Zhihong , Zhang Yicheng , Hu Liang , Ying Hangjun , Han Weiqiang
Published: May 2020

The typical preparation route of carbon‐supported metallic catalyst is complex and uneconomical. Herein, we reported a thiol‐assisted one‐pot method by using 3‐mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) to synthesize carbon‐supported metal nanoparticles catalysts for efficient electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2RR). We found that the synthesized Au−MPA/C catalyst achieves a maximum CO faradaic efficiency (FE) of 96.2% with its partial current density of −11.4 mA/cm2, which is much higher than that over Au foil or MPA‐free carbon‐supported Au (Au/C). The performance improvement in CO2RR over the catalyst is probably derived from the good dispersion of Au nanoparticles and the surface modification of the catalyst caused by the specific interaction between Au nanoparticles and MPA. This thiol‐assisted method can be also extended to synthesize Ag−MPA/C with enhanced CO2RR performance.
Autonomous smart robot for path predicting and finding in maze based on fuzzy and neuro‐Fuzzy approaches
Authors: Batti Habiba , Ben Jabeur Chiraz , Seddik Hassene
Published: May 2020

The navigation of autonomous mobile robots has in recent times gained interest from many researchers in different areas such as the industrial, agricultural, and military sectors. This paper aims at carefully investigating two advanced types of approaches for guiding a non‐holonomic mobile robot to navigate in an environment area cluttered with static obstacles. Firstly, a Fuzzy logic controller (FLC) was designed, using trapezoidal shape Membership functions (MF's). Secondly, an Adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) controller was used to optimize the results obtained from trapezoidal fuzzy controller. To validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed models, V‐REP and MATLAB software are used. A comparative evaluation is, then, done on the basis of speed. The simulations results showed that the mobile robot could navigate successfully into maze environment with both proposed approaches but ANFIS controller provided better results in comparison to fuzzy controller.
A Resonant System for In Vitro Studies Emulating Wireless Power Transfer Exposure at 13.56 MHz
Authors: Koohestani Mohsen , Perdriau Richard , Le Dréan Yves , Ettorre Mauro , Zhadobov Maxim
Published: May 2020

This paper presents the design of a resonant system for in vitro studies to emulate the exposure of a monolayer of cells to a wireless power transfer system operating at 13.56 MHz. The design procedure targets a system, which maximizes the specific absorption rate (SAR) uniformity on the plane where the layer is cultured, as well as SAR efficiency (defined as SAR over the input power), within the size constraints of a standard incubator. Three resonant wireless power transfer systems with different commonly used loop/coil geometries (cylindrical with circular and square cross‐sections and annular) were compared with assess the configuration maximizing the considered design criteria. The system performance in terms of reflection and transmission coefficients, as well as generated E‐ and H‐fields, was characterized numerically and experimentally inside the incubator. Moreover, SAR was computed at the monolayer level. The system equipped with cylindrical coils with square cross‐sections led to a high electromagnetic field uniformity in in vitro biological samples. In particular, the uniformities in E and SAR at the layer level were within 7.9% and 5.5%, respectively. This was achieved with the variation in H below the usually considered ±5% limit. © 2020 Bioelectromagnetics Society
Twenty‐eight years of business strategy and the environment research: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Farrukh Muhammad , Meng Fanchen , Wu Yihua , Nawaz Kalsoom
Published: May 2020

The competitive academic climate of all the academic fields, including business strategy, puts great stress to publish. To effectively maneuver the field of business strategy and the environment, all the stakeholders, such as academicians and practitioners, must understand the current position of the theory and practice. A systematic bibliometric analysis of a top tier journal can serve this issue by providing a holistic view of the publications' trends and trajectories. This study analyzes the trend of publication in the Business Strategy and the Environment (BSE) Journal since its inception in 1992 to 2019. The study uses two procedures to analyze the bibliometric data collected from the Scopus database. First, we use different aspects such as citation and publication structure to estimate the evolution of the BSE; second, we use VOS viewer software to visualize the mapping of BSE based on co‐citation, bibliographic coupling (BC), and co‐occurrence (CC). The results show a gradual increase in the citation and publication structure of the BSE. The increase in publications and citations indicates BSE's growing stature as a key academic outlet advancing knowledge in business strategy and environmental sustainability research. This study contributes to the literature by identifying the most influential aspects of the journal, which would help researchers to understand the trends and focus of the BSE.
On the integration of Mathcad capabilities into a mass transfer operations course in Chemical Engineering studies
Authors: Roman Claudia , García‐Morales Moisés
Published: May 2020

Mass transfer unit operations are of extreme importance to chemical engineers. However, they involve complex and tedious calculations which provoke real fear among the students who end up failing and, sometimes, quitting. The exclusive use of hand calculations in engineering studies is discouraging, old‐fashioned, and a primary source of mistakes. The integration of software packages very much facilitates the calculations and engages the students. Computing skills using the latest technologies are prized by employers and can be critical in a recruitment process. This paper reports an example of the unique capabilities of the Mathcad software for the implementation of more appealing teaching strategies. Unknowns and equations are easily associated with specific process variables and engineering phenomena. Thus, if used conveniently, Mathcad Prime can improve the students’ predisposition to learn.
Plasma protein expression differs between colorectal cancer patients depending on primary tumor location
Authors: Holm Matilda , Joenväärä Sakari , Saraswat Mayank , Tohmola Tiialotta , Ristimäki Ari , Renkonen Risto , Haglund Caj
Published: May 2020

Colorectal cancer (CRC) includes tumors in the right colon, left colon, and rectum, although they differ significantly from each other in aspects such as prognosis and treatment. Few previous mass spectrometry‐based studies have analyzed differences in protein expression depending on the tumor location. In this study, we have used mass spectrometry‐based proteomics to analyze plasma samples from 83 CRC patients to study if differences in plasma protein expression can be seen depending on primary tumor location (right colon, left colon, or rectum). Differences were studied between the groups both regardless of and according to tumor stage (II or III). Large differences in plasma protein expression were seen, and we found that plasma samples from patients with rectal cancer separated from samples from patients with colon cancer when analyzed by principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering. Samples from patients with cancer in the right and left colon also tended to separate from each other. Pathway analysis discovered canonical pathways involved in lipid metabolism and inflammation to be enriched. This study will help to further define CRC as distinct entities depending on tumor location, as shown by the widespread differences in plasma protein profile and dysregulated pathways.
Uncommon presentation of morphea related to interferon beta in a patient with concomitant multiple sclerosis and chronic hepatitis C: A case report
Authors: Gupta Mrinal , Yamauchi Paul S. , Bagot Martine , Szepietowski Jacek , Bhatia Shibani , Lotti Torello , Goldust Mohamad
Published: May 2020

Recombinant interferon beta‐1b is one of the treatment options of multiple sclerosis (MS). Insertional biologics that are used in the treatment of MS may lead to skin adverse effects, for example, morphea.
Paper‐Based Electrochemical Sensors and How to Make Them (Work)
Authors: Mazurkiewicz Wojciech , Podrażka Marta , Jarosińska Elżbieta , Kappalakandy Valapil Karthika , Wiloch Magdalena , Jönsson‐Niedziółka Martin , Witkowska Nery Emilia
Published: May 2020

Paper‐based devices are said to be easy to make and use. It is true, if you know how. We hope this Review will help people that are new to the field but also those more experienced who want to add some new functionalities to their systems. Tips and common pitfalls are provided in each section as well as references to recommended reading material. Paper devices have been in development for around two millennia, in one form or the other, and ingenious solutions can be borrowed from the world of paper toys, or closer to electrochemistry paper electronics developed from the 1960’ onwards. Small projects on such systems can become a good practice even in laboratories not working on disposable sensors and low‐cost diagnostics as paper‐based devices are a great way to introduce new students to lab work and teach problem solving. We would also like to show that paper indeed has real life applications and is more than just a good keyword but with the number of publications on the topic, it might not always be easy to distinguish the advances from the background noise.
Facile synthesis of colloidal nitrogen‐doped titanium carbide sheets with enhanced electrochemical performance
Authors: Qiu Tianlun , Li Guohui , Shao Yuanlong , Jiang Kun , Zhao Fangfang , Geng Fengxia
Published: May 2020

Heteroatom nitrogen doping in two‐dimensional transition metal carbides, known as MXenes, has been considered as a promising strategy for modulating their electronic structure and electrochemical reactivity. While high‐temperature annealing in the presence of a nitrogen source has been one popular method to introduce nitrogen, annealing exfoliated multilayered MXenes typically brings about incomplete delamination and the treatment of delaminated monolayer MXenes often leads to irreversible restacking. Here, starting from the typical carbide precursor, we developed an aqueous colloid containing monolayered nitrogen‐doped titanium carbide sheets with excellent dispersity and stability. This achievement is critically dependent on the retaining of the hydrophilic surface of host layers during annealing treatment. The successful realization of nitrogen doping into individual MXene monolayers resulted in enhanced electrical conductivity and redox reactivity, for which the sample exhibited excellent capacitive electrochemical performance (586 F/g at a scan rate of 5 mV/s) and cycling stability (capacitance retention of 96.2% after 104 cycles at 5 A/g). This paper presents a feasible and simple strategy for designing nitrogen‐doped MXenes colloid, the realization of which promises its facile uses in liquid phase engineering techniques toward versatile applications.
The Effect of α‐Branched Side Chains on the Structural and Opto‐Electronic Properties of Poly(Diketopyrrolopyrrole‐alt‐Terthiophene)
Authors: Saes Bart W. H. , Wienk Martijn M. , Janssen René A. J.
Published: May 2020

Introducing solubilizing α‐branched alkyl chains on a poly(diketopyrrolopyrrole‐alt‐terthiophene) results in a dramatic change of the structural, optical, and electronic properties compared to the isomeric polymer carrying β‐branched alkyl side chains. When branched at the α‐position the alkyl substituent creates a steric hindrance that reduces the tendency of the polymer to π–π stack and endows the material with a much higher solubility in common organic solvents. The wider π–π stacking and reduced tendency to crystallize, evidenced from grazing‐incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering, result in a wider optical band gap in the solid state. In solar cells with a fullerene acceptor, the α‐branched isomer affords a higher open‐circuit voltage, but an overall lower power conversion efficiency as a result of a too well‐mixed nanomorphology. Due its reduced π–π stacking, the α‐branched isomer fluoresces and affords near‐infrared light‐emitting diodes emitting at 820 nm.
A Visible‐Light‐Powered Polymerization Method for the Immobilization of Enantioselective Organocatalysts into Microreactors
Authors: Warias Rico , Ragno Daniele , Massi Alessandro , Belder Detlev
Published: May 2020

A versatile one‐step photopolymerization approach for the immobilization of enantioselective organocatalysts is presented. Chiral organocatalyst‐containing monoliths based on polystyrene divinylbenzene copolymer were generated inside channels of microfluidic chips. Exemplary performance tests were performed for the monolithic Hayashi–Jørgensen catalyst in continuous flow, which showed good results for the Michael addition of aldehydes to nitroalkenes in terms of stereoselectivity and catalyst stability with minimal consumption of reagents and solvents.
Alteration of the Conformational Dynamics of a DNA Hairpin by α‐Synuclein in the Presence of Aqueous Two‐Phase Systems
Authors: Mukherjee Sanjib K. , Knop Jim‐Marcel , Möbitz Simone , Winter Roland H. A.
Published: May 2020

The effect of an amyloidogenic intrinsically disordered protein, α‐synuclein, which is associated with Parkinson's disease (PD), on the conformational dynamics of a DNA hairpin (DNA‐HP) was studied by employing the single‐molecule Förster resonance energy transfer method. The open‐to‐closed conformational equilibrium of the DNA‐HP is drastically affected by binding of monomeric α‐synuclein to the loop region of the DNA‐HP. Formation of a protein‐bound intermediate conformation is fostered in the presence of an aqueous two‐phase system mimicking intracellular liquid‐liquid phase separation. Using pressure modulation, additional mechanistic information about the binding complex could be retrieved. Hence, in addition to toxic amyloid formation, α‐synuclein may alter expression profiles of disease‐modifying genes in PD. Furthermore, these findings might also have significant bearings on the understanding of the physiology of organisms thriving at high pressures in the deep sea.
Hybrid Semi‐parametric Modeling in Separation Processes: A Review
Authors: McBride Kevin , Sanchez Medina Edgar Ivan , Sundmacher Kai
Published: May 2020

Separations of mixtures play a critical role in chemical industries. Over the last century, the knowledge in the area of chemical thermodynamics and modeling of separation processes has been substantially expanded. Since the models are still not completely accurate, hybrid models can be used as an alternative that allows to retain existing knowledge and augment it using data. This paper explores some of the weaknesses in the current knowledge in separations design, simulation, optimization, and operation, and presents many examples where data‐driven and hybrid models have been used to facilitate these tasks.
Separation Units 4.0 – Trenntechnik in der chemischen Industrie auf dem Weg in die digitale Zukunft. Eindrücke und erste Ergebnisse vom Tutzing‐Symposion 2019
Authors: Bart Hans‐Jörg , Grünewald Marcus , Repke Jens‐Uwe , Scholl Stephan
Published: May 2020

Im Oktober 2019 trafen sich Vertreter aus Akademia und Industrie auf Einladung der ProcessNet‐Fachgemeinschaft „Fluiddynamik und Trenntechnik” zur Statusbestimmung und Weiterentwicklung des Fachgebiets. Dabei lag der Fokus dezidiert auf dem einzelnen Trennapparat und der fluidverfahrenstechnischen Trennoperation selbst. In fünf Themenclustern mit jeweils mehreren Workshops wurden künftige Entwicklungen und sich stellende Trennaufgaben, Chancen, Herausforderungen und Potenziale der fluiden Trenntechnik identifiziert sowie intensiv diskutiert. Darüber hinaus wurden mögliche und notwendige Vernetzungen und Kooperationen mit anderen Branchen und Wissensdisziplinen erörtert, welche die Basis für weiterführende Konzeptentwicklungen und für die Ableitung notwendiger Aktivitäten sind.
Identification of risk factors for central nervous system metastasis in patients with breast cancer with neurologic symptoms
Authors: Cacho‐Díaz Bernardo , Salmerón‐Moreno Karen , Alvarez‐Alvarez Alejandra , Mendoza‐Olivas Laura Georgina , Alvarado‐Miranda Alberto , Villarreal‐Garza Cynthia , Reynoso‐Noverón Nancy , Chávez‐MacGregor Mariana , Meneses‐García Antelmo Abelardo
Published: May 2020

Background

The current study was performed to identify factors that are present at the time of breast cancer (BC) diagnosis that are associated with a higher rate of central nervous system metastasis (CNSm).

Methods

The authors analyzed a database of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of BC who were referred for a neuro‐oncology consultation at the National Cancer Institute in Mexico City, Mexico, from June 2009 to June 2017. Information was collected prospectively and included demographic, pathologic, and clinical data at the time of diagnosis of BC. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were built to estimate the associations between the development of CNSm and the time after BC diagnosis.

Results

Among 970 patients with BC, 263 (27%) were diagnosed with CNSm. The median time from BC diagnosis to the development of CNSm was 33 months (interquartile range, 15‐76 months). After multivariate analysis, age <50 years at the time of BC diagnosis (odds ratio [OR], 2.5; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.8‐3.5 [P < .0001]), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)–positive status (HER2+) (OR, 3.6; 95% CI, 2.1‐6.1 [P < .0001]), luminal B/HER2+ subtype (OR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.9‐5.3 [P < .001]), triple‐negative subtype(OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.5‐4 [P = .001]), and Karnofsky performance status ≤70 (OR, 6.6; 95% CI, 4.5‐9.6 [P < .0001]) were associated with a higher frequency of CNSm. Brain parenchyma was the most common site of CNSm. The median overall survival after a diagnosis of CNSm was 12.2 months (95% CI, 9.3‐15.1 months).

Conclusions

CNSm is not uncommon among patients with BC, particularly in those with neurologic symptoms who require neuro‐oncology evaluation and are aged <50 years at the time of diagnosis, have HER2+ or triple‐negative subtypes, have a poor Karnofsky performance status, and/or have ≥2 non‐CNS metastases.
Identification of tumor nodule in soft tissue: An inverse finite‐element framework based on mechanical characterization
Authors: Candito Antonio , Palacio‐Torralba Javier , Jiménez‐Aguilar Elizabeth , Good Daniel W. , McNeill Alan , Reuben Robert L. , Chen Yuhang
Published: May 2020

Identification and characterization of nodules in soft tissue, including their size, shape, and location, provide a basis for tumor identification. This study proposes an inverse finite‐element (FE) based computational framework, for characterizing the size of examined tissue sample and detecting the presence of embedded tumor nodules using instrumented palpation, without a priori anatomical knowledge. The inverse analysis was applied to a model system, the human prostate, and was based on the reaction forces which can be obtained by trans‐rectal mechanical probing and those from an equivalent FE model, which was optimized iteratively, by minimizing an error function between the two cases, toward the target solution. The tumor nodule can be identified through its influence on the stress state of the prostate. The effectiveness of the proposed method was further verified using a realistic prostate model reconstructed from magnetic resonance (MR) images. The results show the proposed framework to be capable of characterizing the key geometrical indices of the prostate and identifying the presence of cancerous nodules. Therefore, it has potential, when combined with instrumented palpation, for primary diagnosis of prostate cancer, and, potentially, solid tumors in other types of soft tissue.
CIELAB color space boundaries under theoretical spectra and 99 test color samples
Authors: Durmus Dorukalp
Published: May 2020

A color space is a three‐dimensional representation of all the possible color percepts. The CIE 1976 L*a*b* is one of the most widely used object color spaces. In CIELAB, lightness L* is limited between 0 and 100, while a* and b* coordinates have no fixed boundaries. The outer boundaries of CIELAB have been previously calculated using theoretical object spectral reflectance functions and the CIE 1931 and 1964 observers under the CIE standard illuminants D50 and D65. However, natural and manufactured objects reflect light smoothly as opposed to theoretical spectral reflectance functions. Here, data generated from a linear optimization method are analyzed to re‐evaluate the outer boundaries of the CIELAB. The color appearance of 99 test color samples under theoretical test spectra has been calculated in the CIELAB using CIE 1931 standard observer. The lightness L* boundary ranged between 6 and 97, redness‐greenness a* boundary ranged between −199 and 270, and yellowness‐blueness b* boundary ranged between −74 and 161. The boundary in the direction of positive b* (yellowness) was close to the previous findings. While the positive a* (redness) boundary exceeded previously known limits, the negative a* (greenness) and b* (blueness) boundaries were lower than the previously calculated CIELAB boundaries. The boundaries found here are dependent on the color samples used here and the spectral shape of the test light sources. Irregular spectral shapes and more saturated color samples can result in extended boundaries at the expense of computational time and power.
Genetic Association of Co‐Trimoxazole‐Induced Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions Is Phenotype‐Specific: HLA Class I Genotypes and Haplotypes
Authors: Sukasem Chonlaphat , Pratoomwun Jirawat , Satapornpong Patompong , Klaewsongkram Jettanong , Rerkpattanapipat Ticha , Rerknimitr Pawinee , Lertpichitkul Pattamon , Puangpetch Apichaya , Nakkam Nontaya , Konyoung Parinya , Khunarkornsiri Usanee , Disphanurat Wareeporn , Srisuttiyakorn Chutika , Pattanacheewapull Oranuch , Kanjanawart Sirimas , Kongpan Thachanan , Chumworathayi Pansu , Saksit Niwat , Bruminhent Jackrapong , Tassaneeyakul Wichittra , Chantratita Wasun , Pirmohamed Munir
Published: May 2020

Co‐trimoxazole (CTX) causes various forms of severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs). This case‐control study was conducted to investigate the involvement between genetic variants of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and CYP2C9 in CTX‐induced SCARs, including Stevens‐Johnson syndrome (SJS)/toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) in Thai patients. Thirty cases of CTX‐induced SCARs were enrolled and compared with 91 CTX‐tolerant controls and 150 people from the general Thai population. Cases comprised 18 SJS/TEN and 12 DRESS patients. This study demonstrated that genetic association of CTX‐induced SCARs was phenotype‐specific. HLA‐B*15:02 and HLA‐C*08:01 alleles were significantly associated with CTX‐induced SJS/TEN, whereas the HLA‐B*13:01 allele was significantly associated with CTX‐induced DRESS. In addition, a significant higher frequency of HLA‐A*11:01‐B*15:02 and HLA‐B*13:01‐C*03:04 haplotypes were detected in the group of CTX‐induced Stevens‐Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) and DRESS cases, respectively. Genetic association of CTX‐induced SCARs is phenotype‐specific. Interestingly, these association was observed only in HIV‐infected patients but not in non‐HIV‐infected patients.
Self‐Aggregation‐Controlled Rapid Chemical Bath Deposition of SnO2 Layers and Stable Dark Depolarization Process for Highly Efficient Planar Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Ko Yohan , Kim Youbin , Lee Chanyong , Kim Taemin , Kim Seungkyu , Yun Yong Ju , Gwon Hui‐jeong , Lee Nam‐Ho , Jun Yongseok
Published: May 2020

Planar perovskite solar cells (PSCs) incorporating n‐type SnO2 have attracted significant interest because of their excellent photovoltaic performance. However, the film fabrication of SnO2 is limited by self‐aggregation and inhomogeneous growth of the intermediate phase, which produces poor morphology and properties. In this study, a self‐controlled SnO2 layer is fabricated directly on a fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO) surface through simple and rapid chemical bath deposition. The PSCs based on this hydrolyzed SnO2 layer exhibit an excellent power conversion efficiency of 20.21 % with negligible hysteresis. Analysis of the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy on the charge transport dynamics indicates that the bias voltage influences both interfacial charge transportation and the ionic double layer under illumination. The hydrolyzed SnO2‐based PSCs demonstrate a faster ionic charge response time of 2.5 ms in comparison with 100.5 ms for the hydrolyzed TiO2‐based hysteretic PSCs. The results of quasi‐steady‐state carrier transportation indicate that a dynamic hysteresis in the J–V curves can be explained by complex ionic‐electronic kinetics owing to the slow ionic charge redistribution and hole accumulation caused by electrode polarization, which causes an increase in charge recombination. This study reveals that SnO2‐based PSCs lead to a stabilized dark depolarization process compared with TiO2‐based PSCs, which is relevant to the charge transport dynamics in the high‐performing planar SnO2‐based PSCs.
Salivary gland fine‐needle aspiration cytology with the application of the Milan system for risk stratification and histological correlation: A retrospective 6‐year study
Authors: Rivera Rolon Maria , Schnadig Vicki J. , Faiz Sara , Nawgiri Ranjana , Clement Cecilia G.
Published: May 2020

Background

The Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology (MSRSGC) is based on risk stratification. We presented our experience with fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) for the diagnosis of salivary glands lesions by applying the MSRSGC categorization to the cytological diagnoses, and determined risk of malignancy (ROM) for each category.

Methods

Fine‐needle aspiration cytology of salivary gland lesions performed over a 6‐year period was retrieved. FNAC results were retrospectively categorized according to the MSRSGC criteria, and correlated with corresponding histologic follow‐up. ROM for each diagnostic category was calculated.

Results

A total of 208 FNAC of salivary gland lesions were reviewed and retrospectively categorized as: non‐diagnostic (ND) 23 (11%), non‐neoplastic (NN) 54 (26%), atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) 10 (4.8%), benign neoplasms (BN) 77 (37%), salivary gland of uncertain malignant potential (SUMP) 13 (6.3%), suspicious for malignancy (SM) 7 (3.4%), and malignant (M) 24 (11.5%). Histopathological follow‐up was available for 84 of 208 cases (40.4%). Overall concordance rate between FNAC and histology was 78.8%. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated as 93.3%, 94.6%, 82.4%, and 98.2%, respectively. Diagnostic accuracy to distinguish benign from malignant disease was 94.4%. ROM for each category was ND 0%, NN 0%, AUS 75%, BN 2.2%, SUMP 28.6%, SM 50%, and M 100%.

Conclusion

Fine‐needle aspiration cytology continues to be an accurate diagnostic tool for most salivary gland neoplasms showing classical morphologic features. However, difficult cases with unusual or overlapping features will occur. In these situations, the use of MSRSGC risk‐stratification could be helpful to define appropriate management.
Diagnostic and prognostic values of the QRS‐T angle in patients with suspected acute decompensated heart failure
Authors: Sweda Romy , Sabti Zaid , Strebel Ivo , Kozhuharov Nikola , Wussler Desiree , Shrestha Samyut , Flores Dayana , Badertscher Patrick , Lopez‐Ayala Pedro , Zimmermann Tobias , Michou Eleni , Gualandro Danielle M. , Häberlin Andreas , Tanner Hildegard , Keller Dagmar I. , Nowak Albina , Pfister Otmar , Breidthardt Tobias , Mueller Christian , Reichlin Tobias
Published: May 2020

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic and prognostic utility of the QRS‐T angle, an electrocardiogram (ECG) marker quantifying depolarization–repolarization heterogeneity, in patients with suspected acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF).

Methods and results

We prospectively enrolled unselected patients presenting to the emergency department with symptoms suggestive of ADHF. The QRS‐T angle was automatically derived from a standard 12‐lead ECG recorded at presentation. The primary diagnostic endpoint was a final adjudicated diagnosis of ADHF. The primary prognostic endpoint was all‐cause mortality during 2 years of follow‐up. Among the 1915 patients enrolled, those with higher QRS‐T angles were older, were more commonly male, and had a higher rate of co‐morbidities such as arterial hypertension, coronary artery disease, or chronic kidney disease. ADHF was the final adjudicated diagnosis in 1140 (60%) patients. The QRS‐T angle in patients with ADHF was significantly larger than in patients with non‐cardiac causes of dyspnoea {median 110° [inter‐quartile range (IQR) 46–156°] vs. median 33° [IQR 15–57°], P < 0.001}. The diagnostic accuracy of the QRS‐T angle as quantified by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.75 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.73–0.77, P < 0.001], which was inferior to N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (AUC 0.93, 95% CI 0.92–0.94, P < 0.001), but similar to that of high‐sensitivity troponin T (AUC 0.78, 95% CI 0.76–0.80, P = 0.09). The AUC of the QRS‐T angle for discrimination between ADHF and non‐cardiac dyspnoea remained similarly high in subgroups of patients known to be diagnostically challenging, including patients older than 75 years [0.71 (95% CI 0.67–0.74)], renal failure [0.79 (95% CI 0.71–0.87)], and atrial fibrillation at presentation [0.68 (95% CI 0.60–0.76)]. Mortality rates according to QRS‐T angle tertiles were 4%, 6%, and 10% after 30 days (P < 0.001) and 24%, 31%, and 43% after 2 years (P < 0.001). After adjustment for clinical, laboratory, and ECG parameters, the QRS‐T angle remained an independent predictor for 2 year mortality with a 4% increase in mortality for every 20° increase in QRS‐T angle (P = 0.02).

Conclusions

The QRS‐T angle is a readily available and inexpensive marker that can assist in the discrimination between ADHF and non‐cardiac causes of acute dyspnoea and may aid in the risk stratification of these patients.
Accessing New 5‐α‐(3,3‐Disubstituted Oxindole)‐Benzylamine Derivatives from Isatin: Stereoselective Organocatalytic Three Component Petasis Reaction
Authors: Marques Carolina S. , McArdle Patrick , Erxleben Andrea , Burke Anthony J.
Published: May 2020

A one‐step, three‐component Petasis reaction of isatin derived 5‐arylboronate‐3‐substituted oxindole derivatives with salicylaldehydes and secondary amines affords new enantiomerically pure structurally diverse 5‐α‐(3‐substituted‐oxindole)‐benzylamine derivatives. The reaction shows good substrate and reagent scope affording the products with good to excellent yields (up to >99 % yield) and enantioselectivities (up to 99 % ee) using cheap and readily available (R)‐BINOL as the organocatalyst. A diastereoselective version of the reaction was also developed where moderate yields (37 to 55 % yield), excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99 % ee) and good diastereoselectivities (up to 86 % de) were obtained for new 5‐α‐(3‐hydroxy‐oxindole)‐benzylamine derivatives, having two stereocenters. The reaction is also feasible on gram‐scale.
Iridium‐Catalyzed [4+2] Annulations of β‐Keto Sulfoxonium Ylides and o‐Phenylenediamines: Mild and Facile Synthesis of Quinoxaline Derivatives
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Tong , Song Jia‐Lin , Zhong Mei , Kang Hua‐Jie , Xie Hui , Che Tong , Shu Bing , Peng Dongming , Zhang Luyong , Zhang Shang‐Shi
Published: May 2020

A synthetic method for quinoxaline derivatives from the [4+2] annulation of β‐keto sulfoxonium ylides and o‐phenylenediamine by using (Cp*IrCl2)2 catalyst is described. This novel protocol features mild reaction conditions, moderate to excellent yields, wide substrate scope, and high functional‐group compatibility. Moreover, this cyclization strategy was successfully applied in late‐stage modification for structurally complex bioactive compounds.
A Decade of Indium‐Catalyzed Multicomponent Reactions (MCRs)
Authors: Brandão Pedro , Burke Anthony J. , Pineiro Marta
Published: May 2020

In the context of synthetic chemistry, Indium is one of the least explored elements of the notorious group 13 of the periodic table and has not attracted quite the same amount of attention as its fellow members, Aluminium and Boron, which have shown unprecedented synthetic applications for more than half a century. Nonetheless, Indium has emerged in recent years as a very valuable catalyst for multicomponent reactions. From the use of indium powder or easily accessible and cheap indium salts to more complex indium‐based metal‐organic frameworks or nanoparticles, a plethora of applications has been described throughout this last decade, showcasing not only the versatility of indium catalysis but also how much there is still to be explored. In the aftermath of the international year of the periodic table of the chemical elements in 2019, we navigated through the large inventory of multicomponent reactions (MCRs) to encounter the types of useful reactions leading to important target compounds (many of which are biologically active) catalyzed by this d‐block post‐transition metal.
Robust generation expansion planning considering high penetration renewable energies uncertainty
Authors: Abdalla Omar H. , Abu Adma Maged A. , Ahmed Abdelmonem S.
Published: May 2020

The proper optimal generation expansion planning (GEP) should meet the reliability criteria requirements over a planning horizon under the presence of uncertainties. The intermittent nature of renewable energy sources (RES) introduces an enormous uncertainties impact within the planning model. A simulation model for RES uncertainty is developed using the capacity factor (CF) of the RES historical data. The RES simulation model is handled via the probability density function (PDF). The uncertainty parameter of different RES is described as a flexible polyhedral uncertainty set and incorporated within the proposed GEP model. The influence of different uncertainty scenarios for each RES uncertainty on the GEP model can be analyzed separately. The RES uncertainty scenarios are predefined and incorporated within the proposed GEP model through a proposed parameter named as a confidence level. The proposed confidence level parameter is beneficial to the power system planner to control the degree of robustness. Different GEP results are presented for various RES uncertainty scenarios. Three methods are proposed as appropriate solutions to deal with the RES uncertainty impact. The most economical method among the three proposed methods is determined by developing an objective function tailored to achieve the optimality of the economic factor.
Biodiesel and biolubricant production from different vegetable oils through transesterification
Authors: Encinar José María , Nogales Sergio , González Juan Félix
Published: May 2020

A study about the production and characterization of biodiesel and, especially, biolubricants from different raw materials (ie, rapeseed, a mixture of corn and sunflower, and frying oils) is here performed. Optimal chemical conditions were used to carry out the transesterification of biodiesel and biolubricants, hence obtaining high yields in all investigated cases. The physical properties, such as fatty acid methyl ester profile, viscosity, viscosity index and oxidative stability, among others, are analyzed. The biodiesel products comply with the standards, according to the characteristics covered in this research. Regarding the biolubricants, the viscosity values are analogous to those found in the literature but showing longer induction points. These properties appear to be highly influenced by the fatty acid profile of the raw material, which is an important factor for both biodiesel and biolubricant performance. Therefore, the initial characterization of vegetable oils is an important stage for the optimal design of biorefineries. Finally, the use of transesterification for biodiesel and biolubricant production is also justified, as many valuable products (eg, glycerol, fatty acid methyl esters, and fatty acid complex esters) are obtained and some by‐products (eg, methanol) can be reused.
A safe mining approach for deep outburst coal seam groups with hard‐thick sandstone roof: Stepwise risk control based on gas diversion and extraction
Authors: Liu Tong , Lin Baiquan , Xiao Wu , Liu Ting , Yang Wei , Wang Zheng , Zhang Ruigao
Published: May 2020

Protective seam mining is the preferred method for gas control and safe mining in high‐outburst coal seam groups. However, a hard‐thick sandstone roof (HTSR) triggers new gas problems when it covers directly above the first‐mined protective coal seam. To solve these problems, a typical case study in No. 12 Coal Mine was conducted. The simulation results indicate that the HTSR greatly prevents the plastic deformation of the upper roof formations without affecting the expansive deformation in the underlying protected seams. The pressure‐relief gas in protected seams will flow into the protective seam without continuing to migrate to roof strata, thereby turning the protective seam into a new high‐risk area. Therefore, roof presplitting (RPS) technology was proposed to effectively break the HTSR, create roof fracture passages, and divert the gob gas of the protective seam upward. Meanwhile, gob‐side entry construction (GSEC) was conducted to enhance gas discharge in the protective seam by adopting rapid filling, roof cutting, and active supporting technologies. Through the upper protective seam mining, RPS, and GSEC, gas migration passages were constructed step‐by‐step to divert the gas from high‐risk areas to low‐risk areas. As a key first step, gas diversion not only optimized the distribution of gas sources but also significantly reduced gas hazards. Source‐by‐source extraction was then performed to effectively control the high‐concentration gas in the newly formed gas source, further eliminating the mining risk. By applying the stepwise risk control method combined with gas diversion and extraction, the safe production was successfully achieved with excellent outburst prevention effects, and the gas extraction rate was significantly improved to more than 66%. This practice could be used for deep high‐gassy or high‐outburst coal seam group mining.
Geochemistry, geochronology, and geodynamic implications of mafic‐felsic dykes from the Hadamengou area, north‐western North China Craton
Authors: Li Zhen , Liu Jian‐Chao , Zhang Hai‐Dong , Chen Jun‐Sheng , Zhang Yan‐Na , Zhang Gao‐Xin , Yang Jin‐Kun , Fan Kai
Published: May 2020

Occurrences of multistage dykes provide a critical opportunity to constrain the nature of geological setting in the Daqingshan region during the Late Neoarchean to Middle Palaeoproterozoic. In this article, we present the results of zircon U–Pb ages and whole‐rock geochemical data from mafic‐felsic dykes in the Hadamengou area in order to constrain their ages and tectonic significance. Based on their zircon U–Pb ages, these dykes can be divided into four types: 2.52 Ga metadiabase, 2.45 Ga K‐feldspar granite, 2.44 Ga granitic pegmatite, and 1.99 Ga metagabbro. Geochemically, the 2.52 Ga metadiabase rocks have low SiO2, high MgO, and Na2O/K2O ratios, with enrichment in LILE and depletion in HFSE, which suggests these rocks originated from melting of the lithosphere mantle components metasomatised by subducted slab‐derived fluids. The 2.45 Ga K‐feldspar granite and the 2.44 Ga granitic pegmatite are characterised by high SiO2 and Na2O + K2O contents, low MgO, Ni and Cr contents, and high A/CNK ratios, similar to typical features of strongly peraluminous granites. Additionally, these rocks show a variation of Eu anomalies and strong depletion of Th, U, Nb, and Ta elements, which characteristics are considered as a feature of anatectic origin. The 1.99 Ga metagabbro rocks belong to calc‐alkaline rock series, and contain low SiO2 contents, high MgO, Cr and Ni contents, negative Nb, Ta, and Ti anomalies, and high LILE abundances without Eu anomalies. Geological features of the metagabbro dykes indicate that they are likely derived from partial melting of the subduction‐related metasomatised lithospheric mantle. Combined with the evidence of mafic‐felsic dykes in the Hadamengou and magmatism in the adjacent area, a complex tectonic evolution history during Late Neoarchean to Middle Palaeoproterozoic is presented in the Daqingshan region, which is associated with the amalgamation of micro‐blocks within the North China Craton (NCC), regional extension after cratonisation and subduction of the old ocean between the Yinshan Block and the Ordos Block.
YAP1 Withdrawal in Hepatoblastoma Drives Therapeutic Differentiation of Tumor Cells to Functional Hepatocyte‐Like Cells
Authors: Smith Jordan L. , Rodríguez Tomás C. , Mou Haiwei , Kwan Suet‐Yan , Pratt Henry , Zhang Xiao‐Ou , Cao Yueying , Liang Shunqing , Ozata Deniz M. , Yu Tianxiong , Yin Qiangzong , Hazeltine Max , Weng Zhiping , Sontheimer Erik J. , Xue Wen
Published: May 2020

Background and Aims

Despite surgical and chemotherapeutic advances, the 5‐year survival rate for stage IV hepatoblastoma (HB), the predominant pediatric liver tumor, remains at 27%. Yes‐associated protein 1 (YAP1) and β‐catenin co‐activation occurs in 80% of children’s HB; however, a lack of conditional genetic models precludes tumor maintenance exploration. Thus, the need for a targeted therapy remains unmet. Given the predominance of YAP1 and β‐catenin activation in HB, we sought to evaluate YAP1 as a therapeutic target in HB.

Approach and Results

We engineered the conditional HB murine model using hydrodynamic injection to deliver transposon plasmids encoding inducible YAP1S127A, constitutive β‐cateninDelN90, and a luciferase reporter to murine liver. Tumor regression was evaluated using bioluminescent imaging, tumor landscape characterized using RNA and ATAC sequencing, and DNA footprinting. Here we show that YAP1S127A withdrawal mediates more than 90% tumor regression with survival for 230+ days in mice. YAP1S127A withdrawal promotes apoptosis in a subset of tumor cells, and in remaining cells induces a cell fate switch that drives therapeutic differentiation of HB tumors into Ki‐67‐negative hepatocyte‐like HB cells (“HbHeps”) with hepatocyte‐like morphology and mature hepatocyte gene expression. YAP1S127A withdrawal drives the formation of hbHeps by modulating liver differentiation transcription factor occupancy. Indeed, tumor‐derived hbHeps, consistent with their reprogrammed transcriptional landscape, regain partial hepatocyte function and rescue liver damage in mice.

Conclusions

YAP1S127A withdrawal, without silencing oncogenic β‐catenin, significantly regresses hepatoblastoma, providing in vivo data to support YAP1 as a therapeutic target for HB. YAP1S127A withdrawal alone sufficiently drives long‐term regression in HB, as it promotes cell death in a subset of tumor cells and modulates transcription factor occupancy to reverse the fate of residual tumor cells to mimic functional hepatocytes.
Study on drivers' visual perception characteristics during the take‐over of vehicle control in automated driving
Authors: Niu Jianwei , Xu Haixin , Sun Yipin , Qin Hua
Published: May 2020

A high degree of automated driving distracts drivers more easily, resulting in slow recognition of critical events during driving and slow responses to emergencies. Automated driving and manual switching processes are also prone to erroneous decisions. We conducted a simulated automated driving experiment to study participants' visual perception characteristics during the take‐over of vehicle control. The present study used dynamic videos to imitate the driving situations when drivers returned their gaze from the distractive source to the road. We collected the drivers' eye movement data to analyze the search strategy and physiological characteristics of the drivers after the take‐over reminder. The results showed that the instant information search method of the drivers was scanning of the driving scene. When the degree of distraction deepened and the hazard level of scenes increased, the pupil diameter of the drivers increased and the fixation duration became longer. These findings can help to design take‐over warnings and support more intelligent automated driving systems to judge whether measures should be taken to interfere with the driver's operation to avoid collisions. Furthermore, the drivers' fixation point distribution focused on the left side and the lower side of the scene. We suggest that the take‐over warning is displayed in the head‐up display. This study provides a better understanding of drivers' visual perception characteristics when drivers' eyesight returns from other distractors to the driving scene and a good theoretical basis for the design of hazard warning information for automated driving.