bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid Nondestructive Analysis of Intact Canola Seeds Using a Handheld Near‐Infrared Spectrometer
Authors: Barthet Véronique J. , Petryk Michael W.P. , Siemens Bert
Published: February 2020

The near‐infrared (NIR) models for canola quality were developed with samples from Canadian canola seeds harvested in 2016 and 2017. All calibration models were first tested on a 2017 external validation sample set. The handheld NIR spectrometer used in this study has a limited wavelength range 908.1–1676.2 nm; however, the validation results showed that it could be used to predict several important parameters that defined canola seed quality. Final testing was performed using calibration models with the least number of factors on a second external canola validation sample set (2018 harvest). Some calibration models showed excellent stability and predictive powers with R2val values of 0.94–0.99 (i.e., oil, protein, oleic acid and iodine value) and low SEPs for both external validation sample sets. The α‐linolenic acid model had an R2val of 0.93 when applied to the 2017 external validation set, the correlation fell slightly to 0.88 when applied to the 2018 external validation sample set, potentially indicating a slight instability in the model. The prediction model for total glucosinolate was not very good, but still could be used to segregate the samples into low or high glucosinolate samples. Finally, the predictive models for chlorophyll and total saturates were unusable. The chlorophyll model was very unstable, likely due to the instrument's limited wavelength range.
The linear tearing properties of biaxially oriented PA6/MXD6 blending films
Authors: Lin Fenglong , Hao Xihai , Liu Yuejun , Song Lijun , Liu Xiaochao , Fan Shuhong , Liao Guihe
Published: February 2020

The main purpose of this work was to investigate the linear tearing properties of PA6/MXD6 films prepared by simultaneous biaxial stretching. The compatibility between PA6 and MXD6 and the thermal properties of the PA6/MXD6 composites were also investigated. The results showed that the tearing deviation of the blending films decreased from 100 to 3.8% when the MXD6 blend ratio increased from 0 to 25%, but the deviation increased when the MXD6 blend ratio continue to increase. It means that the PA6/MXD6 films with addition of 25 wt% MXD6 exhibited the best linear tearing properties. The differential scanning calorimetry results revealed that the addition of MXD6 reduced the melting temperature from 227.5 to 224.8°C and crystallization temperature of PA6 from 179.3 to 175°C due to the benzene ring structure of MXD6. The dynamic mechanical analysis results indicated that MXD6 exhibits favorable compatibility with PA6. In addition, it was found that the barrier properties of the biaxially oriented PA6/MXD6 films were extremely improved with the increase of MXD6 content.
Social Media Guidelines for Anatomists
Authors: Hennessy Catherine M. , Royer Danielle F. , Meyer Amanda J. , Smith Claire F.
Published: February 2020

Social Media has changed the way that individuals interact with each other ‐ it has brought considerable benefits, yet also some challenges. Social media in anatomy has enabled anatomists all over the world to engage, interact and form new collaborations that otherwise would not have been possible. In a relatively small discipline where individuals may be working as the only anatomist in an institution, having such a virtual community can be important. Social media is also being used as a means for anatomists to communicate with the current generation of students as well as members of the public. Posting appropriate content is one of the challenges raised by social media use in anatomy. Human cadaveric material is frequently shared on social media and there is divided opinion among anatomists on whether or not such content is appropriate. This article explores the uses and challenges of social media use in the field of anatomy and outlines guidelines on how social media can be used by anatomists globally, while maintaining professional and ethical standards. Creating global guidelines has shown to be difficult due to the differences in international law for the use of human tissue and also the irregularities in acquiring informed consent for capturing and sharing cadaveric images. These nuances may explain why cadaveric images are frequently shared on social media. This article proposes that as standard practice, anatomists obtain informed consent from donors before sharing images of cadaveric material on social media and ensure posts include a statement stating the same.
Neural Mechanisms of Social and Nonsocial Reward Prediction Errors in Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Kinard Jessica Lynn , Mosner Maya Gelman , Greene Rachel Kirsten , Addicott Merideth , Bizzell Joshua , Petty Chris , Cernasov Paul , Walsh Erin , Eisenlohr‐Moul Tory , Carter Ronald McKell , McLamb Marcy , Hopper Alissa , Sukhu Rebecca , Dichter Gabriel Sviatoslav
Published: February 2020

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by impaired predictive abilities; however, the neural mechanisms subsuming reward prediction errors in ASD are poorly understood. In the current study, we investigated neural responses during social and nonsocial reward prediction errors in 22 adolescents with ASD (ages 12–17) and 20 typically developing control adolescents (ages 12–18). Participants performed a reward prediction error task using both social (i.e., faces) and nonsocial (i.e., objects) rewards during a functional magnetic resonance imaging scan. Reward prediction errors were defined in two ways: (a) the signed prediction error, the difference between the experienced and expected reward; and (b) the thresholded unsigned prediction error, the difference between expected and unexpected outcomes regardless of magnitude. During social reward prediction errors, the ASD group demonstrated the following differences relative to the TD group: (a) signed prediction error: decreased activation in the right precentral gyrus and increased activation in the right frontal pole; and (b) thresholded unsigned prediction error: increased activation in the right anterior cingulate gyrus and bilateral precentral gyrus. Groups did not differ in brain activation during nonsocial reward prediction errors. Within the ASD group, exploratory analyses revealed that reaction times and social‐communication impairments were related to precentral gyrus activation during social prediction errors. These findings elucidate the neural mechanisms of social reward prediction errors in ASD and suggest that ASD is characterized by greater neural atypicalities during social, relative to nonsocial, reward prediction errors in ASD. Autism Res 2020, 13: 715–728. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

We used brain imaging to evaluate differences in brain activation in adolescents with autism while they performed tasks that involved learning about social and nonsocial information. We found no differences in brain responses during the nonsocial condition, but differences during the social condition of the learning task. This study provides evidence that autism may involve different patterns of brain activation when learning about social information.
Emerging Trends in Microfluidics Based Devices
Authors: Solanki Shipra , Pandey Chandra M. , Gupta Rajinder K. , Malhotra Bansi D.
Published: February 2020

One of the major challenges for scientists and engineers today is to develop technologies for the improvement of human health in both developed and developing countries. However, the need for cost‐effective, high‐performance diagnostic techniques is very crucial for providing accessible, affordable, and high‐quality healthcare devices. In this context, microfluidic‐based devices (MFDs) offer powerful platforms for automation and integration of complex tasks onto a single chip. The distinct advantage of MFDs lies in precise control of the sample quantities and flow rate of samples and reagents that enable quantification and detection of analytes with high resolution and sensitivity. With these excellent properties, microfluidics (MFs) have been used for various applications in healthcare, along with other biological and medical areas. This review focuses on the emerging demands of MFs in different fields such as biomedical diagnostics, environmental analysis, food and agriculture research, etc., in the last three or so years. It also aims to reveal new opportunities in these areas and future prospects of commercial MFDs.
Association between CD47 expression, clinical characteristics and prognosis in patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Arrieta Oscar , Aviles‐Salas Alejandro , Orozco‐Morales Mario , Hernández‐Pedro Norma , Cardona Andrés F. , Cabrera‐Miranda Luis , Barrios‐Bernal Pedro , Soca‐Chafre Giovanny , Cruz‐Rico Graciela , Peña‐Torres María de Lourdes , Moncada‐Claudio Guadalupe , Ramirez‐Tirado Laura‐Alejandra
Published: February 2020

Objective

CD47 is an antiphagocytic molecule that contributes to tumor cell resistance in host immune surveillance. CD47 overexpression correlated with tumor progression and shorter survival in lung cancer. However, the expression and functional significance of CD47 in Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) has not been completely understood.

Materials and Methods

In this retrospective study, CD47 expression was immunohistochemically examined in tumor biopsies from 169 NSCLC patients. The association of CD47 levels (H‐score) with clinicopathological characteristics and survival outcomes was evaluated.

Results

CD47 protein was detected in 84% of patients with a median expression of 80% (0‐100). Tumor CD47 levels above 1% and 50% were found in 84% and 65.7% of patients, respectively. While, median CD47 staining index was 160 (0‐300). Patients were divided into two groups according to CD47 expression (high or low), using a cutoff value of 150. High CD47 expression was associated with wood smoke exposure (71.1% vs 28.9%, P = .013) and presence of EGFR (+) mutations (66.7% vs 33.3%, P = .04). Survival analysis carried out in the whole population did not show any association of CD47 expression and survival outcome. However, in patients with EGFR (+) mutations, CD47 expression was associated with higher progression‐free survival (PFS) (12.2 vs. 4.4 months, P = .032). When the survival analysis was performed according to CD47 levels (cut off value: 150), both, PFS and overall survival (OS) were shortened in patients with a high expression of CD47 (10.7 vs. NR, P = .156) and (29.2 vs. NR months P = .023), respectively.

Conclusions

CD47 overexpression is not a prognostic factor for PFS and OS in NSCLC patients. However, the presence of EGFR mutations and high expression of CD47 were associated with shortened PFS and OS. Coexpression of these markers represents a potential biomarker and characterizes a therapeutic niche for lung cancer.
Complex individual pathways or standard tracks? A data‐based discussion on the trajectories of change in psychotherapy
Authors: Schiepek Günter , Gelo Omar , Viol Kathrin , Kratzer Leonhard , Orsucci Franco , de Felice Giulio , Stöger‐Schmidinger Barbara , Sammet Isa , Aichhorn Wolfgang , Schöller Helmut
Published: February 2020

Objective

Current approaches of routine outcome monitoring (session‐by‐session measures) expect that trajectories of change should move on a standard track. Patients moving out of standard tracks are assumed to be at risk of deterioration. From a nonlinear dynamic systems perspective, there is not any assumption regarding a supposed standard track a patient should follow. Individual trajectories should be more complex than averaged tracks, highly individual, and characterised by pattern transitions.

Method

We tested if high‐frequency (daily) trajectories of change are moving on standard tracks, if there are different complexity levels of high‐ versus low‐frequency time series, if ‘not on track' dynamics will be correlated with poor outcome and if complexity peaks representing the critical instabilities of a process will be correlated with the outcome. The patients included in the data analysis (N = 88) used the Therapy Process Questionnaire (TPQ) for daily self‐assessments and the ICD‐10‐based Symptom Rating (ISR) for outcome evaluation.

Results

High‐frequency trajectories are not running on standard tracks and are not necessarily correlated with poor outcome. Locally increased complexity may be associated with good outcome.

Conclusion

It may be useful to move beyond the concept of standard tracks and expected treatment outcomes. Routine feedback procedures should use the information that is given by the nonlinear dynamics of multiple change criteria.
Emotions at primary school: Negative achievement emotions and their relation with emotional competencies in ethnic minority and majority students
Authors: Raccanello Daniela , Brondino Margherita , Trifiletti Elena , Shamloo Soraya Elizabeth
Published: February 2020

Scarce attention has been paid to ethnic minority students' emotions and related competencies at school. Nevertheless, theoretical frameworks such as the control–value theory underline the importance of achievement emotions for students' performance and well‐being. We involved minority (n = 63) and majority (n = 103) students attending the first, third, and fifth grade of primary school. We assessed negative achievement emotions (anxiety, anger, embarrassment, boredom, and hopelessness), emotion understanding, and emotion regulation. Factorial analyses supported the goodness of the structure of a questionnaire measuring the five achievement emotions in Italian and mathematics and its invariance across minority and majority students. Analyses of variance indicated that minority students felt more intense anger, embarrassment, and boredom for Italian and anxiety and embarrassment for mathematics. Path analyses revealed that emotion understanding and emotion regulation were significantly related to achievement emotions. Findings are discussed for their theoretical and applied relevance in promoting well‐being at school among minority and majority students.
Molar and nonmolar triploidy: Recurrence or bad luck
Authors: Robinson Brianne , Brock Jo‐Ann , Midgen Craig , Coolen Jillian
Published: February 2020

In triploid pregnancies, the parental origin of the extra genome determines the phenotype and placental and fetal outcomes. Molecular genetics and placental pathology enable differentiation of molar vs nonmolar pregnancy to guide future planning.
Array Microcell Method (AMCM) for Serial Electroanalysis
Authors: Alden Sasha E. , Siepser Natasha P. , Patterson Jacqueline A. , Jagdale Gargi S. , Choi Myunghoon , Baker Lane A.
Published: February 2020

Invited for this month's cover picture is Lane A. Baker's group from the Department of Chemistry at Indiana University (USA). The cover picture shows a method described for addressing electrode arrays through a movable micropipette to contact individual electrodes within an array (electrodes lithographically defined to look like Texas longhorns in this case). Read the full text of the Article at 10.1002/celc.201901976.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Oxidative C≡C Triple Bond Cleavage of 2‐Alkynyl Carbonyl Compounds Toward 1,2‐Dicarbonyl Compounds†
Authors: Zhou Ming‐Bo , Luo Mu‐Jia , Hu Ming , Li Jin‐Heng
Published: February 2020

Summary of main observation and conclusion

A new, general palladium‐catalyzed oxidative strategy for the cleavage of the C≡C triple bond is presented. By employing PdCl2, CuBr2, TEMPO and air as the catalytic system and H2O as the carbonyl oxygen atom source, a wide range of 2‐alkynyl carbonyl compounds, including 1,3‐disubstituted prop‐2‐yn‐1‐ones, propiolamides and propiolates, lost an alkynyl carbon to access various 1,2‐dicarbonyl compounds, e.g., 1,2‐diones, 2‐keto amides and 2‐keto esters, through Wacker oxidation, intramolecular cyclization and C—C bond cleavage cascades.
Covalent Complex of DNA and Bacterial Topoisomerase: Implications in Antibacterial Drug Development
Authors: Tiwari Purushottam B. , Chapagain Prem P. , Seddek Ahmed , Annamalai Thirunavukkarasu , Üren Aykut , Tse‐Dinh Yuk‐Ching
Published: February 2020

A topoisomerase‐DNA transient covalent complex can be a druggable target for novel topoisomerase poison inhibitors that represent a new class of antibacterial or anticancer drugs. Herein, we have investigated molecular features of the functionally important Escherichia coli topoisomerase I (EctopoI)‐DNA covalent complex (EctopoIcc) for molecular simulations, which is very useful in the development of new antibacterial drugs. To demonstrate the usefulness of our approach, we used a model small molecule (SM), NSC76027, obtained from virtual screening. We examined the direct binding of NSC76027 to EctopoI as well as inhibition of EctopoI relaxation activity of this SM via experimental techniques. We then performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate the dynamics and stability of EctopoIcc and EctopoI‐NSC76027‐DNA ternary complex. Our simulation results show that NSC76027 forms a stable ternary complex with EctopoIcc. EctopoI investigated here also serves as a model system for investigating a complex of topoisomerase and DNA in which DNA is covalently attached to the protein.
Personalized design technique for the dental occlusal surface based on conditional generative adversarial networks
Authors: Yuan Fulai , Dai Ning , Tian Sukun , Zhang Bei , Sun Yuchun , Yu Qing , Liu Hao
Published: February 2020

The tooth defect is a frequently occurring disease within the field of dental clinic. However, the traditional manual restoration for the defective tooth needs an especially long treatment time, and dental computer aided design and manufacture (CAD/CAM) systems fail to restore the personalized anatomical features of natural teeth. Aiming to address the shortcomings of existed methods, this article proposes an intelligent network model for designing tooth crown surface based on conditional generative adversarial networks. Then, the data set for training the network model is constructed via generating depth maps of 3D tooth models scanned by the intraoral. Through adversarial training, the network model is able to generate tooth occlusal surface under the constraint of the space occlusal relationship, the perceptual loss, and occlusal groove filter loss. Finally, we carry out the assessment experiments for the quality of the occlusal surface and the occlusal relationship with the opposing tooth. The experimental results demonstrate that our method can automatically reconstruct the personalized anatomical features on occlusal surface and shorten the treatment time while restoring the full functionality of the defective tooth.
Dynamic resource provisioning for workflow scheduling under uncertainty in edge computing environment
Authors: Xu Xiaolong , Cao Hao , Geng Qingfan , Liu Xihua , Dai Fei , Wang Chuanjian
Published: February 2020

Edge computing, an extension of cloud computing, is introduced to provide sufficient computing and storage resources for mobile devices. Moreover, a series of computing tasks in a mobile device are set as structured computing processes and flows to achieve effective management by the workflow. However, the execution uncertainty caused by performance degradation, service failure, and new service additions remains a huge challenge to the user's service experience. In order to address the uncertainty, a software‐defined network (SDN)‐based edge computing framework and a dynamic resource provisioning (UARP) method are proposed in this paper. The UARP method is implemented in the proposed framework and addresses the uncertainty through the advantages of SDN. In addition, the nondominated sorting genetic algorithm‐III is employed to optimize two goals, that is, the energy consumption and the completion time, to obtain balanced scheduling strategies. The comparative experiments are performed and the results show that the UARP method is superior to other methods in addressing the uncertainty, while reducing energy consumption and shortening the completion time.
Proton Conduction in a Single Crystal of a Phosphonato‐Sulfonate‐Based Coordination Polymer: Mechanistic Insight
Authors: Javed Ali , Wagner Thorsten , Wöhlbrandt Stephan , Stock Norbert , Tiemann Michael
Published: February 2020

The proton conduction properties of a phosphonato‐sulfonate‐based coordination polymer are studied by impedance spectroscopy using a single crystal specimen. Two distinct conduction mechanisms are identified. Water‐mediated conductance along the crystal surface occurs by mass transport, as evidenced by a high activation energy (0.54 eV). In addition, intrinsic conduction by proton ′hopping′ through the interior of the crystal with a low activation energy (0.31 eV) is observed. This latter conduction is anisotropic with respect to the crystal structure and seems to occur through a channel along the c axis of the orthorhombic crystal. Proton conduction is assumed to be mediated by sulfonate groups and non‐coordinating water molecules that are part of the crystal structure.
A location‐aware network virtualization and reconfiguration for 5G core network based on SDN and NFV
Authors: Kim Yong‐hwan , Gil Joon‐Min , Kim Dongkyun
Published: February 2020

In 5G networks, mobile network and service functions run as software on general‐purpose servers that are distributed across remote sites. Dedicated networks, such as Internet of Things (IoT) network, disaster network, and immersive media network, are virtualized as software solutions on common hardware equipment. This means a new network can be easily provisioned by modifying the configurations of the network based on software‐defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualization (NFV). Furthermore, the 5G core network architecture toward flat architecture with distributed cloud is a key solution for providing service flexibility and scalability in order to handle an explosive increase in mobile data traffic. To create heterogeneous networks and services on 5G networks, we propose a location‐aware network virtualization method that aims at minimizing the network load and resource cost by appropriately selecting the relevant cloud (including Virtual Machines (VMs), virtual network function [VNF] nodes, applications, and resources) and mobile core entities to provide the required virtual networking services that facilitate secure isolation of the virtual networks with automated resource convergence. In addition, we propose a selective mobility management scheme for service continuity in cases of user equipment (UE) handover. The numerical results show the trade‐off between the different cost factors, ie, network cost and service resources cost in terms of the number of deployed clouds on 5G core networks.
Zerstörungsarme Bestimmung der Steindruckfestigkeit von Bestandsmauerwerk aus Hochlochziegeln
Authors: Köpf Andreas , Schranz Christian , Pech Anton
Published: February 2020

Aufgrund baulicher Maßnahmen an Bestandsobjekten im Zuge der städtischen Wohnraumverdichtung und der Erhaltung von denkmalgeschützten Gebäuden ist es von Bedeutung, die Güte des Bestandsmauerwerks nachweisen zu können. Als maßgebender Parameter für den statischen Nachweis ist in erster Linie die Druckfestigkeit des Mauerwerks von Interesse, die sich aus der Steindruckfestigkeit und der Mörteldruckfestigkeit zusammensetzt. Für Bestandsmauerwerk aus Hochlochziegeln gibt es bisher keine Prüfmethoden, die ohne starke Eingriffe in die statische Tragwirkung anwendbar sind und die es ermöglichen, nur anhand von Teilen des Ziegels dessen Druckfestigkeit zu bestimmen.

Der vorliegende Beitrag stellt ein zerstörungsarmes Prüfverfahren zur Ermittlung der Steindruckfestigkeit von Hochlochziegeln in Bestandsmauerwerk vor. Für dieses Prüfverfahren werden ausschließlich Kleinprüfkörper aus Teilen der verbauten Hochlochziegel verwendet. Dadurch wird das Bestandsmauerwerk kaum gestört und die statische Tragwirkung nur unwesentlich beeinträchtigt.

Die Ergebnisse durchgeführter Versuche zeigen, dass sich ein plausibler Zusammenhang zwischen der Steindruckfestigkeit eines Mauersteins und der Stempeldruckfestigkeit eines daraus gewonnenen Kleinprüfkörpers herstellen lässt. Auf dieser Grundlage wird ein Konzept für eine zerstörungsarme Prüfmethode vorgestellt, welche die Bestimmung der Steindruckfestigkeit in Bestandsobjekten aus Hochlochziegeln ermöglicht.
Museumsstück oder Verkehrsbauwerk – Aspekte zur Instandsetzung der Steinernen Brücke in Regensburg
Authors: Egermann Ralph
Published: February 2020

Die älteste noch nutzbare Steinbogenbrücke Deutschlands ist seit 2010 behutsam instand gesetzt und im Juni 2018 wieder komplett zur Nutzung freigegeben worden. Aufbauend auf Voruntersuchungen und Musterinstandsetzungen mussten bei der Planung zum einen die baurechtlichen und verkehrspolitischen Anforderungen an eine innerstädtische Verkehrsverbindung berücksichtigt werden. Zum anderen waren bei der Bauausführung die Bau‐ und Zierelemente von der Erbauungszeit zwischen 1135 und 1146 über erste Sanierungsphasen bis hin zu Kriegszerstörungen und verkehrstechnischen Ertüchtigungen angemessen zu bewahren. Der Bericht gibt einen Überblick über die Voruntersuchungen, die Planungen und ihre Randbedingungen sowie die daraus resultierenden Instandsetzungsarbeiten an einem nach wie vor genutzten Verkehrsbauwerk, das als Bestandteil des Denkmalensembles der historischen Altstadt von Regensburg zwischenzeitlich zu den Welterbestätten der UNESCO zählt.
Die Baugesellschaft Gebrüder Rank und ihre spanischen Ziegelgewölbe in München
Authors: Bühler Dirk
Published: February 2020

Der gerüstfreie Bau von Gewölben mit dünnen gebrannten Ziegeln hat vor allem in Spanien und Italien eine jahrhundertealte Tradition. Seit Beginn des 19. Jahrhunderts wurde diese Form ganz besonders auf dem amerikanischen Doppelkontinent erfolgreich verbreitet.

Die Baugesellschaft Gebrüder Rank in München ist bisher als eines derjenigen Bauunternehmen bekannt, das schon sehr früh mit dem Betonbau in seiner Heimatstadt begonnen hat. Neue Untersuchungen, die vor allem durch die Bereitstellung von Archivmaterial durch Paul Basiner möglich wurden, deuten nun auf einen zusätzlichen Arbeitsschwerpunkt dieser Firma hin. Über die ab 1911 bestehende Zweigstelle in Spanien konnten sich die Architekten und Ingenieure der Firma auch mit dieser traditionellen spanischen Gewölbebauweise vertraut machen. Diese Kenntnisse waren vor allem in den Jahren nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg gefragt, als die zerstörten Gewölbe mit einfachen Mitteln und geringem Materialverbrauch wiedererrichtet werden mussten.

Zusammen mit Carl Sattler, der ähnliche Bauverfahren in Italien kennengelernt hatte, wurden Ziegelgewölbe zunächst bei der Fertigstellung der Landeszentralbank in München angewandt. In den Folgejahren konnte die Firma Rank viele Gebäude in und um München mit Ziegelgewölben ausstatten. Erst in den 1960er Jahren geriet diese Bautechnik aus der Mode und damit etwas in Vergessenheit.
Haemodynamic effects and potential clinical implications of inhaled nitric oxide during right heart catheterization in heart transplant candidates
Authors: Strong Christopher , Raposo Luís , Castro Mariana , Madeira Sérgio , Tralhão António , Ventosa António , Rebocho Maria José , Almeida Manuel , Aguiar Carlos , Neves José Pedro , Mendes Miguel
Published: February 2020

Aims

Right heart catheterization (RHC) is indicated in all candidates for heart transplantation (HT). An acute vasodilator challenge is recommended for those with pulmonary hypertension (PH) to assess its reversibility. The effects of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) on pulmonary and systemic haemodynamics have been reported only in small series. Our purpose was to describe the response to iNO in a larger population and its potential clinical implications.

Methods and results

From 210 RHC procedures performed between 2010 and 2019, vasodilator challenge with iNO was used in 108 patients, of which 66 had advanced heart failure undergoing assessment for HT (55±11 years old; 74.2% male gender; 43.9% ischaemic cardiomyopathy; left ventricular ejection fraction 28.4 ± 11,4%; and peak VO2 12.1 ± 3.0 mL/kg/min). iNO was administered through a tight‐fitting facial mask regardless of baseline pulmonary pressures. Clinical endpoints (all‐cause mortality and acute right heart failure) were assessed according to baseline haemodynamic findings over the available follow‐up period. There were no side effects from iNO administration. Typical response consisted of a reduction in pulmonary vascular resistance, consequent to an increase in left ventricular filling pressures, no significant change in mean pulmonary artery pressure (resulting in a lower mean transpulmonary gradient) and a mild increase in cardiac ouput. Pulmonary arterial compliance increased significantly, whereas systemic vascular resistance was only mildly affected. In five cases (7.6%), pulmonary vascular resistance increased paradoxically. All‐cause mortality and post‐HT right heart failure events were overall low and similar in patients without PH or reversible PH.

Conclusions

Vasodilator challenge with iNO is safe in advanced heart failure patients undergoing RHC prior to HT listing. It produces a reasonably predictable haemodynamic response, which occurs predominantly at the pulmonary circulation level. Clinical implications of iNO‐induced reversibility may be relevant, but further systematic validation is warranted in larger cohorts.
Impact of left ventricular ejection fraction on clinical outcomes after left main coronary artery revascularization: results from the randomized EXCEL trial
Authors: Thuijs Daniel J.F.M. , Milojevic Milan , Stone Gregg W. , Puskas John D. , Serruys Patrick W. , Sabik Joseph F. , Dressler Ovidiu , Crowley Aaron , Head Stuart J. , Kappetein A. Pieter
Published: February 2020

Aim

To evaluate the impact of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) on 3‐year outcomes in patients with left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in the EXCEL trial.

Methods and results

The EXCEL trial randomized patients with LMCAD to PCI with everolimus‐eluting stents (n = 948) or CABG (n = 957). Among 1804 patients with known baseline LVEF, 74 (4.1%) had LVEF <40% [heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF)], 152 (8.4%) LVEF 40–49% [heart failure with mid‐range ejection fraction (HFmrEF)] and 1578 (87.5%) LVEF ≥50% (heart failure with preserved ejection fraction). Patients with HFrEF vs. HFmrEF vs. preserved LVEF experienced a longer postoperative hospital stay (9.0 vs. 7.0 vs. 6.0 days, P = 0.02) with greater peri‐procedural complications after CABG, while hospital stay after PCI was unaffected by LVEF (1.5 vs. 2.0 vs. 1.0 days, P = 0.20). The composite primary endpoint of death, stroke, or myocardial infarction at 3 years was 29.3% (PCI) vs. 27.6% (CABG) in patients with HFrEF, 16.2% vs. 15.0% in patients with HFmrEF, and 14.5% vs. 14.6% in those with preserved LVEF, respectively (Pinteraction = 0.90). Smoothing spline analysis demonstrated that the 3‐year risk of all‐cause death increased when LVEF decreased, both in patients undergoing CABG and PCI.

Conclusion

In the EXCEL trial, the composite rate of death, stroke or myocardial infarction at 3 years was significantly higher in patients with HFrEF compared with HFmrEF or preserved LVEF, driven by an increased rate of all‐cause death. No significant differences after PCI vs. CABG were observed among patients with HFrEF, HFmrEF and preserved LVEF. Longer‐term follow‐up could provide important insights on differences in clinical outcomes that might emerge over time.

Clinical Trial Registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT01205776.
Investigation of Electrical Conductivity Properties and Electro Transport of a Novel Multi Walled Carbon Nanotube Electro Membrane under Constant Current
Authors: Onac Canan
Published: February 2020

This study used multi‐walled carbon nanotube in electro‐membrane extraction studies under direct constant current for the first time for the electro transport of cypermethrin (CYP) from aqueous to acceptor phase. A novel and developed membrane exhibits visible and remarkable recovery values (82.76 %) for the removal of CYP under 0.3 A constant current at 60 V in 30 minutes. It is demonstrated that regenerating electro membrane by multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) increased the electrical conductivity, thermal Ea values of a novel membrane (750 meV) and stability, and it resulted in better and higher kinetic results on the transport process. This study presents a potential solution for the limited use of electro‐membrane extraction at higher current values. Regenerating of the electro membrane by MWCNTs not only allows us to work even at high current values, it prevents the formation of electrolysis up to a certain current value in donor and acceptor phases. Thermogravimetric analysis of the novel membrane also confirms successful regeneration of the electro membrane by MWCNTs. Electro‐membrane extraction studies have gained a new perspective and innovation by the use of MWCNTs in electro‐membrane process.
Characterizing the impact of thermal gels on isotachophoresis in microfluidic devices
Authors: Ward Cassandra L. , Linz Thomas H.
Published: February 2020

Thermally reversible Pluronic gels have been employed as separation matrices in microfluidic devices in the analysis of biological macromolecules. The phase of these gels can be tuned between liquid and solid states using temperature to vary fluidic resistance and alter peak resolution. Although separations in thermal gels have been characterized, their effect on isotachophoresis has not. This study used fluorescein as a model analyte to evaluate isotachophoretic preconcentration as a function of thermal polymer concentration and temperature. Results demonstrated that increasing polymer concentration in microfluidic channels increased the apparent analyte concentration. A critical minimum of 10% (w/v) Pluronic was required to achieve efficient preconcentration with maximum focusing occurring in 20 and 25% polymer gels. Temperature of the thermal gel also impacted analyte focusing. Most efficient focusing was achieved at 25°C with diminishing analyte accumulation at higher and lower temperatures. Under optimal conditions, isotachophoretic preconcentration increased an additional threefold simply by including thermal gels in the system. This approach can be readily implemented in other applications to increase detection sensitivity and measure low‐concentration analytes within simple microfluidic devices.
An efficient numerical model for the simulation of coupled heat, air, and moisture transfer in porous media
Authors: Berger Julien , Dutykh Denys , Mendes Nathan , Gosse Laurent
Published: February 2020

This article proposes an efficient explicit numerical model with a relaxed stability condition for the simulation of heat, air, and moisture transfer in porous material. Three innovative approaches are combined to solve the system of two differential advection‐diffusion equations coupled with a purely diffusive equation. First, the DU FORT‐FRANKEL scheme is used to solve the diffusion equation, providing an explicit scheme with an extended stability region. Then, the two advection‐diffusion equations are solved using both the SCHARFETTER‐GUMMEL numerical scheme for the space discretisation and the two‐step RUNGE‐KUTTA method for the time variable. This combination enables to relax the stability condition by one order. The proposed numerical model is evaluated on three case studies. The first one considers quasi‐linear coefficients. The theoretical results of the numerical schemes are confirmed by our computations. Indeed, the stability condition is relaxed by a factor of 40 compared to the standard EULER explicit approach. The second case provides an analytical solution for a weakly nonlinear problem. A very satisfactory accuracy is observed between the reference solution and the one provided by the numerical model. The last case study assumes a more realistic application with nonlinear coefficients and ROBIN‐type boundary conditions. The computational time is reduced 10 times by using the proposed model in comparison with the explicit EULER method.
A vector‐valued intensity measure for near‐fault ground motions
Authors: Zengin Esra , Abrahamson Norman A.
Published: February 2020

Near‐fault ground motions containing high energy and large amplitude velocity pulses may cause severe damage to structures. The most widely used intensity measure (IM) is the elastic spectral acceleration at the fundamental period of the structure (Sa(T1)); however, Sa(T1) is not a sufficient IM with respect to the effects of the pulse‐like ground motions on structural response. For near‐fault ground motions, including pulse‐like and non–pulse‐like time histories, we propose a vector‐valued IM consisting of a new IM called instantaneous power (IP(T1)) and the Sa(T1). The IP(T1) is defined as the maximum power of the bandpass‐filtered velocity time series over a time interval of 0.5T1. The IP(T1) is period‐dependent because the velocity time series is filtered over a period range (0.2T1‐3T1). This allows the IP(T1) to represent the power of the near‐fault ground motions relevant to the response of the structure. Using two‐dimensional models of the 2‐ and 9‐story steel‐frame buildings, we show that the proposed [Sa(T1), IP(T1)] vector IM gives more accurate estimates of the maximum inter‐story drift and collapse capacity responses from near‐fault ground motions than using the vector IM consisting of the Sa(T1), the presence of the velocity pulse, and the period of the velocity pulse. Moreover, for the structures considered, for a given Sa(T1), the IP(T1) is more strongly correlated with structural damage from near‐fault ground motions than the combination of the velocity pulse and pulse period.
Inhibitors of the methane fermentation process with particular emphasis on the microbiological aspect: A review
Authors: Czatzkowska Małgorzata , Harnisz Monika , Korzeniewska Ewa , Koniuszewska Izabela
Published: February 2020

Methane fermentation is an attractive practice in waste processing, which enables one to both control pollution and recover energy. This kind of anaerobic digestion is exposed to inhibitors, which can retard the process and cause failure. The mechanism causing toxicity of these substances and their impact on the efficiency of the process are already known, but there is still not much information about their influence on methane fermentation microorganisms' activity and the composition of microbiota. In this review, based on 168 articles, we present a summary of the up‐to‐date research on the inhibition of anaerobic processes by some specific toxicants: ammonia, sulfides, ions of light metals, heavy metals, antibiotics, ethylene and acetylene, chlorophenols, halogen aliphatic hydrocarbons, aliphatic nitro compounds, and long‐chain fatty acids. This review principally focuses on the impact of these inhibitors on the microorganisms involved in the process. More accurate recognition of methane fermentation inhibition mechanisms, with particular emphasis on the microbiological aspect, can help to improve the efficiency of the process.
Dust provenance and its role as a potential fertilizing agent for the Okavango Delta, Botswana
Authors: Humphries Marc S. , Benitez‐Nelson Claudia R. , Bizimis Michael , Ralph Timothy J. , Larkin Zacchary T. , McCarthy Terence S.
Published: February 2020

Dust plays a globally important role in supplying biologically essential elements to landscapes underlain by nutrient‐poor substrates. Here we show that dust may play a significant role in sustaining productivity in the vast wetlands of the Okavango Delta in southern Africa, one of the world's richest biodiversity hotspots. Dust accumulates preferentially on tree‐covered islands in the seasonal swamps of the Delta, creating pockets of fine‐grained, nutrient‐rich material within the semi‐arid landscape of the Kalahari Desert. Strontium and neodymium isotopes reveal that this dust likely originates predominantly from the Makgadikgadi salt pans, located 300 km away, and contributes 10–80% of the fine‐grained material present in Okavango island soils. Surface material sourced from the Makgadikgadi Pans contains relatively high amounts of bioavailable phosphorus and iron, potentially influencing Okavango Delta biological productivity. We propose that long‐term ecosystem productivity and nutrient availability in the Okavango may be strongly mediated by regional dust inputs. Understanding the influence of dust deposition on nutrient loads and biogeochemical cycling is thus critical for predicting the response of the Okavango Delta to future changes in climate. We suggest that dust inputs may play a significant role in the supply of nutrients to other large, global wetland systems located in dryland environments. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Stakeholder Involvement in Natural Resource Decisions: The Missouri River
Authors: Mac Michael J , Palmer Sarah
Published: February 2020

The Water Resources Development Act of 2007 authorized creation of the Missouri River Recovery Implementation Committee (MRRIC) to provide recommendations to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) on a recovery and mitigation plan to avoid jeopardy of three endangered species (Pallid Sturgeon Scaphirhynchus albus, interior least tern Sterna antillarum athalassos, and piping plover Charadrius melodus). Formation of the MRRIC in 2007 ushered in a new era of federal, state, tribal, and nongovernmental stakeholder collaboration in the river basin following nearly 20 years of litigation and legislative actions in Congress related to management of and operations on the river. Over a decade, through its deliberations, MRRIC has been instrumental in influencing the USACE endangered species recovery and mitigation efforts. The diversity of MRRIC membership proved beneficial when examining the socioeconomic impacts of river operations. However, this diversity also presented challenges to the communication of technical issues facing recovery of imperiled species, especially the Pallid Sturgeon. By instituting an independent science panel trusted by MRRIC members, the committee advanced key recommendations to the USACE in the development of an adaptive management plan. Unfortunately, at two key points in the past decade, members of MRRIC opted to work outside of the committee construct, engaging in legislative strategies to limit potential recovery actions. This paper describes actions by MRRIC that have benefited the USACE recovery effort and limitations within the committee that in turn have constrained the recovery effort.
Unpacking Key Drivers of Offshore Wind Integration for New York's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act
Authors: Vangala Shreyas , Aweh Amanda
Published: February 2020

New York's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) establishes a legally binding commitment to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 80 percent by 2050. There is also an interim goal of installing 9 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind capacity by 2035. To date, no offshore wind projects are operating in New York; however, several market enablers have been active in pushing compliance with this offshore wind target. Key enablers include the competitive auction of federal leases for project development, the presence and interest of experienced international developers, and the market trend of decreasing costs of offshore wind. From a policy perspective, enablers include phased and deliberate policy initiatives, known procurement and contracting procedures, and coordination amongst multiple state and local entities by the New York State Research Development Authority (NYSERDA). While progress has been made, there are also competing interests and potential policy changes that might require additional coordination to meet all of the objectives of the CLCPA.
The Future of Natural Gas in Power Generation
Authors: Smead Richard G.
Published: February 2020

For the last 12 years, the natural gas industry has been booming, ever since the Shale Revolution took off. It was a while before the industry began to think of itself in supply “abundance” terms—from expecting to import 8 Bcf/day of liquefied natural gas (LNG) by 2030 to expecting to export 14 or so Bcf/day by then—an expectation that looks increasingly conservative in terms of new‐build capacity. The swing between those two numbers, as measurements of the marginal supply‐demand “over‐under,” in essence signaled the United States was adding natural gas supply that will surpass two times the exports of Qatar, the largest LNG exporter in the world. Domestic demand was expected to grow mightily, as abundance‐driven decreases in price led to big gains in market share in both industrial use and electric power generation. Wow, compared with the pre‐2008 predictions of $20 per million Btu prices, increasing imports, and decreased availability, it was as if the sun had come up.
Soft tissue deposit in neck dissection specimen carries a poor prognosis in oral cancer: A matched pair analysis
Authors: Malik Akshat , Nair Sudhir , Singh Arjun , Lamba Komal , Rane Swapnil , Bal Munita , Bhattacharjee Atanu , Mehanna Hisham , Chaturvedi Pankaj
Published: February 2020

Background

Soft tissue deposit (STD) is the presence of tumor foci in the neck at sites other than lymphoid tissue. We evaluated the factors associated with STD and their impact on outcomes.

Methods

The records of 4812 treatment naïve oral cancers operated between December 2010 and September 2015 were screened for the presence of STD. A matched‐pair analysis was performed to obtain 450 patients without STD. Chi‐square was used to test association with clinicopathological factors and hazard ratio (HR) for overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) were calculated.

Results

STD was present in 0.6% and associated with gingiva‐buccal cancers, advanced stage, poor differentiation, presence of extranodal extension (ENE) and higher locoregional/distant metastasis. They had a significantly poorer OS (HR‐2.08; P‐value .0073) and DFS (HR‐2.5; P‐value .0002) with and without ENE [HR‐1.96 and 3.7, respectively].

Conclusion

Despite aggressive adjuvant therapy STD has a significant negative impact on outcomes.
Biomarkers for Hepatobiliary Cancers
Authors: Nault Jean‐Charles , Villanueva Augusto
Published: February 2020

The clinical management of primary liver cancers such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) has significantly changed in the last 3 years. The introduction of systemic therapies, including immune‐based therapies and biomarker‐driven therapies, has significantly improved survival, particularly in patients at advanced stages of disease. Survival is still poor, and projections from the World Health Organization underscore the need to improve outcomes in these patients. Biomarkers have emerged as powerful tools for the diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction of treatment responses to improve patient stratification and maximize clinical benefits. Recent advances in understanding the molecular alterations of HCC have not yet translated into biomarkers. Some reasons for the lack of progress are the absence of druggable mutations in the majority of liver cancers and the significant heterogeneity of the disease. In contrast, several therapeutic targets have been identified in CCA, and biomarker‐driven therapies are currently under evaluation in phase 2/3 clinical trials. Here, we summarize the status on biomarker development for HCC and CCA.