bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distinct impacts of financial scarcity and natural resource scarcity on sustainable choices and motivations
Authors: Sachdeva Sonya , Zhao Jiaying
Published: March 2020

The current study examined how financial scarcity and natural resource scarcity independently and interactively influence sustainable choices and motivations. Participants performed a shopping task where they chose between sustainable and conventional products, and rated their motivations for their choice. We found that financial scarcity reduced sustainable product choices, lowered pro‐environmental motivations, but increased motivations to save financial costs (Experiment 1). In contrast, perceived scarcity of natural resources (i.e., water) increased sustainable choices and pro‐environmental motivations (Experiment 2). By combining financial and water scarcity, we further replicated and highlighted the distinct impacts of financial scarcity and water scarcity on sustainable choices and motivations (Experiment 3). Our results suggest that the abundance of financial resources or perceived natural resource scarcity can increase green consumer choices and motivations. The findings provide implications for environmental initiatives and campaigns to promote sustainable choices for people with different socio‐economic backgrounds and different levels of environmental resources.
Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and Molecular Docking of Deferasirox and Substituted 1,2,4‐Triazole Derivatives as Novel Potent Urease Inhibitors: Proposing Repositioning Candidate
Authors: Salehi Ashani Razieh , Azizian Homa , Sadeghi Alavijeh Nahid , Fathi Vavsari Vaezeh , Mahernia Shabnam , Sheysi Niloofar , Biglar Mahmood , Amanlou Massoud , Balalaie Saeed
Published: March 2020

A series of new deferasirox derivatives were synthesized through the reaction of monosubstituted hydrazides with 2‐(2‐hydroxyphenyl)‐4H‐benzo[e][1,3]oxazin‐4‐one. For the first time, deferasirox and some of its derivatives were evaluated for their in vitro inhibitory activity against Jack bean urease. The potencies of the members of this class of compounds are higher than that of acetohydroxamic acid. Two compounds, bearing tetrazole and hydrazine derivatives (bioisoester of carboxylate group), represented the most potent urease inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 1.268 and 3.254 μm, respectively. In silico docking studies were performed to delineate possible binding modes of the compounds with the enzyme, urease. Docking analysis suggests that the synthesized compounds were anchored well in the catalytic site and extending to the entrance of binding pocket and thus restrict the mobility of the flap by interacting with its crucial amino acid residues, CME592 and His593. The overall results of urease inhibition have shown that these target compounds can be further optimized and developed as a lead skeleton for the discovery of novel urease inhibitors
Light‐Driven ATP Regeneration in Diblock/Grafted Hybrid Vesicles
Authors: Kleineberg Christin , Wölfer Christian , Abbasnia Amirhossein , Pischel Dennis , Bednarz Claudia , Ivanov Ivan , Heitkamp Thomas , Börsch Michael , Sundmacher Kai , Vidaković‐Koch Tanja
Published: March 2020

Light‐driven ATP regeneration systems combining ATP synthase and bacteriorhodopsin have been proposed as an energy supply in the field of synthetic biology. Energy is required to power biochemical reactions within artificially created reaction compartments like protocells, which are typically based on either lipid or polymer membranes. The insertion of membrane proteins into different hybrid membranes is delicate, and studies comparing these systems with liposomes are needed. Here we present a detailed study of membrane protein functionality in different hybrid compartments made of graft polymer PDMS‐g‐PEO and diblock copolymer PBd‐PEO. Activity of more than 90 % in lipid/polymer‐based hybrid vesicles could prove an excellent biocompatibility. A significant enhancement of long‐term stability (80 % remaining activity after 42 days) could be demonstrated in polymer/polymer‐based hybrids.
Isobiology: A Variational Principle for Exploring Synthetic Life
Authors: Danchin Antoine
Published: March 2020

Most developments in synthetic biology try to depart from life as we know it, attempting to create orthogonal constructions. Here, following a variational principle, I try to explore how slight changes in the buildup of cells reveal critical features of life's physics. In a first section, I suggest that we use stable isotopes of the atoms of life to see how living cells fare, beginning with life in heavy water. Subsequently, isotopes of the other main biogenic atoms are suggested as an extension of the variational principle, despite their likely very small influence on the course of biological activity. Finally, two atoms of the second row of Mendeleev's table, boron and fluorine are explored as a further extension of the principle. The use of the former is still in its infancy, whereas the latter, based on existing fluorinases, could open the door to a more general use of halogens in synthetic biology.
Porphyrins as Colorimetric and Photometric Biosensors in Modern Bioanalytical Systems
Authors: Norvaiša Karolis , Kielmann Marc , Senge Mathias O.
Published: March 2020

Advances in porphyrin chemistry have provided novel materials and exciting technologies for bioanalysis such as colorimetric sensor array (CSA), photo‐electrochemical (PEC) biosensing, and nanocomposites as peroxidase mimetics for glucose detection. This review highlights selected recent advances in the construction of supramolecular assemblies based on the porphyrin macrocycle that provide recognition of various biologically important entities through the unique porphyrin properties associated with colorimetry, spectrophotometry, and photo‐electrochemistry.
Supersensitive Multifluorophore RNA‐FISH for Early Virus Detection and Flow‐FISH by Using Click Chemistry
Authors: Raddaoui Nada , Croce Stefano , Geiger Florian , Borodavka Alexander , Möckl Leonhard , Stazzoni Samuele , Viverge Bastien , Bräuchle Christoph , Frischmuth Thomas , Engelke Hanna , Carell Thomas
Published: March 2020

The reliable detection of transcription events through the quantification of the corresponding mRNA is of paramount importance for the diagnostics of infections and diseases. The quantification and localization analysis of the transcripts of a particular gene allows disease states to be characterized more directly compared to an analysis on the transcriptome wide level. This is particularly needed for the early detection of virus infections as now required for emergent viral diseases, e. g. Covid‐19. In situ mRNA analysis, however, is a formidable challenge and currently performed with sets of single‐fluorophore‐containing oligonucleotide probes that hybridize to the mRNA in question. Often a large number of probe strands (>30) are required to get a reliable signal. The more oligonucleotide probes are used, however, the higher the potential off‐target binding effects that create background noise. Here, we used click chemistry and alkyne‐modified DNA oligonucleotides to prepare multiple‐fluorophore‐containing probes. We found that these multiple‐dye probes allow reliable detection and direct visualization of mRNA with only a very small number (5–10) of probe strands. The new method enabled the in situ detection of viral transcripts as early as 4 hours after infection.
A Minimized Chemoenzymatic Cascade for Bacterial Luciferase in Bioreporter Applications
Authors: Phonbuppha Jittima , Tinikul Ruchanok , Wongnate Thanyaporn , Intasian Pattarawan , Hollmann Frank , Paul Caroline E. , Chaiyen Pimchai
Published: March 2020

Bacterial luciferase (Lux) catalyzes a bioluminescence reaction by using long‐chain aldehyde, reduced flavin and molecular oxygen as substrates. The reaction can be applied in reporter gene systems for biomolecular detection in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Because reduced flavin is unstable under aerobic conditions, another enzyme, flavin reductase, is needed to supply reduced flavin to the Lux‐catalyzed reaction. To create a minimized cascade for Lux that would have greater ease of use, a chemoenzymatic reaction with a biomimetic nicotinamide (BNAH) was used in place of the flavin reductase reaction in the Lux system. The results showed that the minimized cascade reaction can be applied to monitor bioluminescence of the Lux reporter in eukaryotic cells effectively, and that it can achieve higher efficiencies than the system with flavin reductase. This development is useful for future applications as high‐throughput detection tools for drug screening applications.
Long‐term clinical effects of recanalization of chronic coronary total occlusions in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction
Authors: Pinto Giuseppe , Fragasso Gabriele , Gemma Marco , Bertoldi Letizia , Salerno Anna , Godino MD Cosmo , Colombo Antonio , Azzalini Lorenzo , Margonato Alberto , Carlino Mauro
Published: March 2020

Objectives

The aim of the present analysis is to evaluate the clinical impact of chronic total occlusions (CTOs) recanalization in patients with left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction.

Background

According to contemporary knowledge, patient selection for percutaneous CTO revascularization is not yet standardized. In particular, data on outcomes in patients with LV systolic dysfunction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for CTO are scarce.

Methods

From a total of 2,421 consecutive patients with at least one CTO, 436 patients with ejection fraction (EF) ≤45%, who were referred for coronary angiography between January 1998 and September 2014, were selected. Patients with successful recanalization of the target CTO were assigned to CTO‐revascularized group and those with failed or not attempted recanalization to the CTO‐not revascularized (CTO‐NR) group. Study endpoints were all‐cause death, cardiac death, and occurrence of myocardial infarction on follow‐up.

Results

Out of 436 CTO patients with reduced EF, 228 (52.3%) were successfully recanalized and 208 patients (47.7%) were not, either due to CTO‐PCI failure (n = 106, 24.3%) or because CTO‐PCI was not attempted (n = 102, 23.4%). At long‐term follow‐up, CTO‐NR patients had significantly higher rate of overall (p = .021) and cardiac mortality (p = .035) compared to those successfully revascularized.

Conclusion

In patients with systolic LV dysfunction (EF ≤ 45%), CTO revascularization was associated with significant lower rate of total and cardiac mortality compared to those with nonrevascularized CTO.
Zero‐Order Catalysis in TAML‐Catalyzed Oxidation of Imidacloprid, a Neonicotinoid Pesticide
Authors: Warner Genoa R. , Somasundar Yogesh , Weng Cindy , Akin Mete H. , Ryabov Alexander D. , Collins Terrence J.
Published: March 2020

Bis‐sulfonamide bis‐amide TAML activator [Fe{4‐NO2C6H3‐1,2‐(NCOCMe2NSO2)2CHMe}]− (2) catalyzes oxidative degradation of the oxidation‐resistant neonicotinoid insecticide, imidacloprid (IMI), by H2O2 at pH 7 and 25 °C, whereas the tetrakis‐amide TAML [Fe{4‐NO2C6H3‐1,2‐(NCOCMe2NCO)2CF2}]− (1), previously regarded as the most catalytically active TAML, is inactive under the same conditions. At ultra‐low concentrations of both imidacloprid and 2, 62 % of the insecticide was oxidized in 2 h, at which time the catalyst is inactivated; oxidation resumes on addition of a succeeding aliquot of 2. Acetate and oxamate were detected by ion chromatography, suggesting deep oxidation of imidacloprid. Explored at concentrations [2]≥[IMI], the reaction kinetics revealed unusually low kinetic order in 2 (0.164±0.006), which is observed alongside the first order in imidacloprid and an ascending hyperbolic dependence in [H2O2]. Actual independence of the reaction rate on the catalyst concentration is accounted for in terms of a reversible noncovalent binding between a substrate and a catalyst, which usually results in substrate inhibition when [catalyst]≪[substrate] but explains the zero order in the catalyst when [2]>[IMI]. A plausible mechanism of the TAML‐catalyzed oxidations of imidacloprid is briefly discussed. Similar zero‐order catalysis is presented for the oxidation of 3‐methyl‐4‐nitrophenol by H2O2, catalyzed by the TAML analogue of 1 without a NO2‐group in the aromatic ring.
NCP‐Type Pincer Iridium Complexes Catalyzed Transfer‐Dehydrogenation of Alkanes and Heterocycles†
Authors: Wang Yulei , Qian Lu , Huang Zhidao , Liu Guixia , Huang Zheng
Published: March 2020

Summary of main observation and conclusion

A series of NCP‐type pincer iridium complexes, (RNCCP)IrHCl (2a—2c) and (BQ‐NCOP)IrHCl 3, have been studied for catalytic transfer alkane dehydrogenation. Complex 3 containing a rigid benzoquinoline backbone exhibits high activity and robustness in dehydrogenation of alkanes to form alkenes. Even more importantly, this catalyst system was also highly effective in the dehydrogenation of a wide range of heterocycles to furnish heteroarenes.
Rapid Discovery of Aspartyl Protease Inhibitors Using an Anchoring Approach
Authors: Konstantinidou Markella , Magari Francesca , Sutanto Fandi , Haupenthal Jörg , Jumde Varsha R. , Ünver M. Yagiz , Heine Andreas , Camacho Carlos Jamie , Hirsch Anna K. H. , Klebe Gerhard , Dömling Alexander
Published: March 2020

Pharmacophore searches that include anchors, fragments contributing above average to receptor binding, combined with one‐step syntheses are a powerful approach for the fast discovery of novel bioactive molecules. Here, we are presenting a pipeline for the rapid and efficient discovery of aspartyl protease inhibitors. First, we hypothesized that hydrazine could be a multi‐valent warhead to interact with the active site Asp carboxylic acids. We incorporated the hydrazine anchor in a multicomponent reaction and created a large virtual library of hydrazine derivatives synthetically accessible in one‐step. Next, we performed anchor‐based pharmacophore screening of the libraries and resynthesized top‐ranked compounds. The inhibitory potency of the molecules was finally assessed by an enzyme activity assay and the binding mode confirmed by several soaked crystal structures supporting the validity of the hypothesis and approach. The herein reported pipeline of tools will be of general value for the rapid generation of receptor binders beyond Asp proteases.
A nonsurgical treatment of peri‐implantitis using mechanic, antiseptic and anti‐inflammatory treatment: 1 year follow‐up
Authors: Mayer Yaniv , Ginesin Ofir , Horwitz Jacob
Published: March 2020

Aims

The study's aim was to assess the clinical outcome 6 and 12 months after a nonsurgical treatment of peri‐implantitis per se or in conjunction with a combination of local antiseptic and anti‐inflammatory treatment.

Materials and methods

Included were 69 patients with periodontitis, with 106 implants, diagnosed with peri‐implantitis. Peri‐implantitis was defined as radiographic bone loss ≥3 mm, probing depth (PD) ≥ 6 mm, with bleeding on probing. Group M peri‐implantitis was treated with ultrasonic debridement and soft tissue curettage. Group P had additional implant surface treatment with rotatory hand piece composed of chitosan bristle, soft tissue curettage combined with application of 0.95% hypochlorite and 1 mg minocycline HCl.

Results

After 6 months, both groups demonstrated significant reduction of mean plaque index, PD, and clinical attachment level (0.71 ± 0.57, 0.81 ± 0.55; 4.77 ± 0.73 mm, 4.42 ± 0.5 mm; 5.03 ± 0.86 mm, 5.13 ± 0.73 mm; respectively) and bleeding on probing. After 6 and 12 months, group P showed significantly better PD results compared to group M. The bleeding was significantly less in group P after 12 months (15.3% ± 6.2, 25.1% ± 8.2, respectively).

Conclusions

Adjunctive treatment with local antiseptic and anti‐inflammatories during mechanical phase was positively associated with inflammation reduction and connective tissue reattachment.
Nanoheterostructures of Partially Oxidized RuNi Alloy as Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Lin Gaoxin , Wang Yuandong , Hong Jinhua , Suenaga Kazu , Liu Lijia , Chang Lo‐Yueh , Pao Chih‐Wen , Zhang Tao , Zhao Wei , Huang Fuqiang , Yang Minghui , Sun Yi‐Yang , Wang Jiacheng
Published: March 2020

Electrocatalytic water splitting, as one of the most promising methods to store renewable energy generated by intermittent sources, such as solar and wind energy, has attracted tremendous attention in recent years. Developing efficient, robust, and green catalysts for the hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions (HER and OER) is of great interest. This study concerns a facile and green approach for producing RuNi/RuNi oxide nanoheterostructures by controllable partial oxidation of RuNi nanoalloy, which is characterized and confirmed by various techniques, including high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy and synchrotron‐based X‐ray absorption spectroscopy. This nanoheterostructure demonstrates outstanding bifunctional activities for catalyzing the HER and OER with overpotentials that are both among the lowest reported values. In a practical alkali–water‐splitting electrolyzer, it also achieves a record‐low cell voltage of 1.42 V at 10 mA cm−2, which is significantly superior to the commercial RuO2//Pt/C couple and other reported bifunctional water‐splitting electrocatalysts. Density functional theory calculations are employed to elaborate the effect of Ni incorporation. This simple catalyst preparation approach is expected to be transferrable to other electrocatalytic reactions.
Copper Porphyrin as a Stable Cathode for High‐Performance Rechargeable Potassium Organic Batteries
Authors: Lv Shenshen , Yuan Jingjun , Chen Zhi , Gao Ping , Shu Hongbo , Yang Xiukang , Liu Enhui , Tan Songting , Ruben Mario , Zhao‐Karger Zhirong , Fichtner Maximilian
Published: March 2020

Rechargeable potassium‐ion batteries (KIBs) are promising alternatives to lithium‐ion batteries for large‐scale electrochemical energy‐storage applications because of the abundance and low cost of potassium. However, the development of KIBs is hampered by the lack of stable and high‐capacity cathode materials. Herein, a functionalized porphyrin complex, [5,15‐bis(ethynyl)‐10,20‐diphenylporphinato]copper(II) (CuDEPP), was proposed as a new cathode for rechargeable potassium batteries. Spectroscopy and molecular simulation studies were used to show that both PF6− and K+ interact with the porphyrin macrocycle to allow a four‐electron transfer. In addition, the electrochemical polymerization of the ethynyl functional groups in CuDEPP resulted in the self‐stabilization of the cathode, which was highly stable during cycling. This unique charge storage mechanism enabled CuDEPP to provide a capacity of 181 mAh g−1 with an average potential of 2.8 V (vs. K+/K). These findings could open a pathway towards the design of new stable organic electrodes for KIBs.
Simplified treatment of the transconductance linearization problem employing any number of coupled differential pairs
Authors: Fekih‐Ahmed Lazhar
Published: March 2020

This paper is a step toward a rigorous mathematical analysis of the transconductance linearization problem. Using the apparatus of approximation theory, we show that the transconductance linearization problem is a function approximation problem. We elaborate two separate methods for solving this problem: (i) Padé and (ii) Padé‐type methods. Both methods are of the maximum flatness type because they are particular cases of the generalized Taylor series method. As a by‐product of our mathematical analysis, we develop new linearization techniques. In particular, we show that maximum flatness can be derived by the Padé‐type method by simply choosing distinct gate voltages. This characterizes new extensions of known design guidelines.
Space‐time block coding in millimeter wave large‐scale MIMO‐NOMA transmission scheme
Authors: Ghavidel Aghdam Mohammad Reza , Mozaffari Tazehkand Behzad , Abdolee Reza , Mohassel Feghhi Mahmood
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we introduce a new wireless system architecture using space‐time block coding schemes (STBC) and non‐orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) in millimeter wave (mmWave) large‐scale MIMO systems. The proposed STBC mmWave large‐scale MIMO‐NOMA system utilizes two MIMO subarrays, transmitting data over two channel vectors to mobile users.

To reduce the communication overhead and latency in the system, we utilize random beamforming with optimal coefficients at the base station and random‐near random‐far user pairing in implementing the NOMA scheme.

Our results show that the proposed STBC mmWave large‐scale MIMO‐NOMA technique significantly outperforms the previous counterparts.
Adult rhabdomyoma presenting as thyroid nodule on fine‐needle aspiration in patient with Birt‐Hogg‐Dubé syndrome: Case report and literature review
Authors: Black Margaret , Wei Xiao‐Jun , Sun Wei , Simms Anthony , Negron Raquel , Hagiwara Mari , Chidakel Aaron R. , Hodak Steven , Persky Mark S. , Shi Yan
Published: March 2020

Extracardiac rhabdomyoma is an uncommon benign striated muscle tumor with a predilection for the head and neck region. However, it is extremely rare for extracardiac rhabdomyoma to present as a thyroid nodule. We report a case of rhabdomyoma diagnosed by thyroid fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) in a patient with Birt‐Hogg‐Dubé (BHD) syndrome. A 60‐year‐old man with BHD syndrome presented for recurrent pneumothorax. Chest CT incidentally identified a thyroid nodule. Subsequent sonography confirmed a 4.44 × 2.28 × 2.82 cm solid, hypoechoic nodule with smooth margins in the right upper pole. Ultrasound‐guided FNA revealed many clusters and scattered isolated large polygonal cells with abundant granular cytoplasm and small peripherally located nuclei. Vague striations in the cytoplasm were focally identified. No follicular cells or colloid was present. Immunocytochemistry on one direct smear slide demonstrated diffuse positivity for desmin, supporting muscular differentiation. Subsequent surgery identified an adult rhabdomyoma originating from the inferior constrictor muscle of the neck and anteriorly displacing the thyroid. Because the mass was intimately associated with the thyroid gland, it was initially mistaken for a thyroid nodule on ultrasound. Diagnosis of rhabdomyoma on FNA is challenging, especially when rhabdomyoma mimics a thyroid nodule on imaging. The differential diagnosis includes Hurthle cell neoplasm, granular cell tumor, colloid nodule, and normal striated skeletal muscle. Adequate radiologic data and familiarity with the cytologic features of rhabdomyoma are critical for an accurate diagnosis.
Quantifying species’ geographic range changes: conceptual and statistical issues
Authors: Loehle Craig
Published: March 2020

Geographic range is an important metric used to evaluate species’ environmental relationships. Additionally, a very small or rapidly shrinking range may indicate elevated extinction risk. However, a species does not fully occupy its range in the way a lake fills a basin and is instead best thought of as a cloud of points rather than an area per se. Samples of species presence or abundance are subject to issues of both inherent detectability and stochastic detectability due to sample locations in space and time. In addition, populations fluctuate in space and time. These factors mean that the population centroid, range area, and range margin are not deterministic. Examples from the literature demonstrate that multidirectional range changes are ubiquitous due to stochastic effects. Confounding factors, particularly due to human activities such as land use change, also complicate inference about range changes. Herein, statistical tests for centroid and margin changes in the context of stochastic fluctuations of clouds of points and sample error are demonstrated. Scale‐dependent area analysis and tests for range area change are presented along with tests for responses at the community level (suites of species). This test allows for evaluation of change in spatial pattern for patchy populations with or without outliers. Geographic range change can reliably be tested with statistics based on distributions of clouds of observed points rather than bounded areas per se, if potential confounding is taken into account.
Plant damage in urban agroecosystems varies with local and landscape factors
Authors: Egerer Monika , Liere Heidi , Lucatero Azucena , Philpott Stacy M.
Published: March 2020

Biotic and abiotic factors at local to landscape scales influence insect pest and disease dynamics in agricultural systems. However, relative to studies focused on the importance of these drivers of crop plant damage in rural agricultural systems, few studies investigate plant damage from herbivore insects and plant diseases in urban agroecosystems, and consequently, most urban farmers lack knowledge on crop protection tactics. Here we use three common crop species within urban agroecosystems (community gardens) distributed across an urban landscape as a model system to ask how local, landscape, and microclimate factors relate to herbivore and disease plant damage. We hypothesized that plant damage would be lower in gardens with greater local vegetation complexity, landscape‐scale complexity, and less variable temperatures, but that the importance of factors is species‐ and damage‐specific. By measuring Brassica, cucurbit, and tomato insect pest and disease damage across the growing season, we confirmed that the importance of factors varies with crop species and by damage type. Both local complexity factors (e.g., number of trees and shrubs) and landscape complexity (percent natural cover in the landscape) relate to lower incidence of herbivore and disease damage on some crops, supporting our prediction that habitat heterogeneity at both local and landscape scales lowers plant damage. Greater temperature variability related to higher disease damage on tomatoes linking microclimate factors to disease prevalence. Yet, local complexity factors also related to higher incidence of plant damage for other crop species, indicating variable species‐level impacts of local management factors on plant damage. By measuring the abundance of fungus‐feeding lady beetles (Psyllobora) on cucurbits, we confirmed a strong association between natural enemies and powdery mildew. We provide a case study on how changes in local to landscape‐scale factors relate to plant damage in urban agroecosystems and suggest how urban farmers and gardeners can apply this ecological knowledge to improve sustainable urban food production.
Critical Factors Dictating Reversibility of the Zinc Metal Anode
Authors: Ma Lin , Schroeder Marshall A. , Pollard Travis P. , Borodin Oleg , Ding Michael S. , Sun Ruimin , Cao Longsheng , Ho Janet , Baker David R. , Wang Chunsheng , Xu Kang
Published: March 2020

With high energy density and improved safety, rechargeable battery chemistries with a zinc (Zn) metal anode offer promising and sustainable alternatives to those based on lithium metal or lithium‐ion intercalation/alloying anode materials; however, the poor electrochemical reversibility of Zn plating/stripping, induced by parasitic reactions with both aqueous and non‐aqueous electrolytes, presently limits the practical appeal of these systems. Although recent efforts in rechargeable Zn metal batteries (RZMBs) have achieved certain advancements in Zn metal reversibility, as quantified by the Coulombic efficiency (CE), a standard protocol for CE has not been established, and results across chemistries and systems are often conflicting. More importantly, there is still an insufficient understanding regarding the critical factors dictating Zn reversibility. In this work, a rigorous, established protocol for determining CE of lithium metal anodes is transplanted to the Zn chemistry and is used for systematically examining how a series of factors including current collector chemistry, current density, temperature, and the upper voltage limit during stripping affect the measured reversibility of different Zn electrolytes. With support from density functional theory calculations, this standardized Zn CE protocol is then leveraged to identify an important correlation between electrolyte solvation strength toward Zn2+ and the measured Zn CE in the corresponding electrolyte, providing new guidance for future development and evaluation of Zn electrolytes.
Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology Quality of Care Centres Programme: design and accreditation document
Authors: Seferović Petar M. , Piepoli Massimo F. , Lopatin Yuri , Jankowska Ewa , Polovina Marija , Anguita‐Sanchez Manuel , Störk Stefan , Lainščak Mitja , Miličić Davor , Milinković Ivan , Filippatos Gerasimos , Coats Andrew J.S. ,   in collaboration with the Heart Failure Association Board of the European Society of Cardiology
Published: March 2020

Heart failure (HF) is the major contributor to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Given its rising prevalence, the costs of HF care can be expected to increase. Multidisciplinary management of HF can improve quality of care and survival. However, specialized HF programmes are not widely available in most European countries. These circumstances underlie the suggestion of the Heart Failure Association (HFA)

of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) for the development of quality of care centres (QCCs). These are defined as health care institutions that provide multidisciplinary HF management at all levels of care (primary, secondary and tertiary), are accredited by the HFA/ESC and are implemented into existing health care systems. Their major goals are to unify and improve the quality of HF care, and to promote collaboration in education and research activities. Three types of QCC are suggested: community QCCs (primary care facilities able to provide non‐invasive assessment and optimal therapy); specialized QCCs (district hospitals with intensive care units, able to provide cardiac catheterization and device implantation services), and advanced QCCs (national reference centres able to deliver advanced and innovative HF care and research). QCC accreditation will require compliance with general and specific HFA/ESC accreditation standards. General requirements include confirmation of the centre's existence, commitment to QCC implementation, and collaboration with other QCCs. Specific requirements include validation of the centre's level of care, service portfolio, facilities and equipment, management, human resources, process measures, quality indicators and outcome measures. Audit and recertification at 4–6‐year intervals are also required. The implementation of QCCs will evolve gradually, following a pilot phase in selected countries. The present document summarizes the definition, major goals, development, classification and crucial aspects of the accreditation process of the HFA/ESC QCC Programme.
Appropriate referral and selection of patients with chronic pain for spinal cord stimulation: European consensus recommendations and e‐health tool
Authors: Thomson Simon , Huygen Frank , Prangnell Simon , De Andrés José , Baranidharan Ganesan , Belaïd Hayat , Berry Neil , Billet Bart , Cooil Jan , De Carolis Giuliano , Demartini Laura , Eldabe Sam , Gatzinsky Kliment , Kallewaard Jan W. , Meier Kaare , Paroli Mery , Stark Angela , Winkelmüller Matthias , Stoevelaar Herman
Published: March 2020

Background

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an established treatment for chronic neuropathic, neuropathic‐like and ischaemic pain. However, the heterogeneity of patients in daily clinical practice makes it often challenging to determine which patients are eligible for this treatment, resulting in undesirable practice variations. This study aimed to establish patient‐specific recommendations for referral and selection of SCS in chronic pain.

Methods

A multidisciplinary European panel used the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method (RUAM) to assess the appropriateness of (referral for) SCS for 386 clinical scenarios in four pain areas: chronic low back pain and/or leg pain, complex regional pain syndrome, neuropathic pain syndromes and ischaemic pain syndromes. In addition, the panel identified a set of psychosocial factors that are relevant to the decision for SCS treatment.

Results

Appropriateness of SCS was strongly determined by the neuropathic or neuropathic‐like pain component, location and spread of pain, anatomic abnormalities and previous response to therapies targeting pain processing (e.g. nerve block). Psychosocial factors considered relevant for SCS selection were as follows: lack of engagement, dysfunctional coping, unrealistic expectations, inadequate daily activity level, problematic social support, secondary gain, psychological distress and unwillingness to reduce high‐dose opioids. An educational e‐health tool was developed that combines clinical and psychosocial factors into an advice on referral/selection for SCS.

Conclusions

The RUAM was useful to establish a consensus on patient‐specific criteria for referral/selection for SCS in chronic pain. The e‐health tool may help physicians learn to apply an integrated approach of clinical and psychosocial factors.

Significance

Determining the eligibility of SCS in patients with chronic pain requires careful consideration of a variety of clinical and psychosocial factors. Using a systematic approach to combine evidence from clinical studies and expert opinion, a multidisciplinary European expert panel developed detailed recommendations to support appropriate referral and selection for SCS in chronic pain. These recommendations are available as an educational e‐health tool (https://www.scstool.org/).
A new formulation for a code‐based vertical design spectrum
Authors: Kale Özkan , Akkar Sinan
Published: March 2020

Consideration of vertical seismic design loads is important for long‐span structural systems, short‐period structures, and for some nonstructural components in the buildings. To this end, seismic design codes utilize alternative approaches to define vertical design spectrum at different levels of complexity: either as a fraction of horizontal design spectrum or using a separate functional form having features different than the horizontal spectrum. In all cases, a consistency between the horizontal and vertical design spectral ordinates is sought. In this paper, we consider a set of modern seismic design codes, horizontal and vertical ground‐motion datasets, as well as ground‐motion predictive models (GMPMs) to assess the accuracy of code‐based vertical design spectrum expressions. We compute horizontal and vertical spectra for different earthquake scenarios (magnitude‐distance‐soil condition combinations) from the selected horizontal and vertical GMPMs for comparisons with their code‐based (idealized) counterparts. Besides that, we study the vertical spectrum behavior from observed ground‐motion data. Our observations suggest that the vertical design spectrum formulations by current codes do not fully explain the actual vertical spectral acceleration trends. We discuss the possible reasons behind the misrepresentation of vertical spectrum by the current code approach and introduce our own expressions to compute horizontal spectrum consistent vertical design spectrum from a comprehensive simulated dataset of correlated vertical and horizontal spectral ordinates.
Antioxidant Enzyme Activity and Lipid Peroxidation in Aporrectodea caliginosa Earthworms Exposed to Silver Nanoparticles and Silver Nitrate in Spiked Soil
Authors: Saleeb Nadir , Robinson Brett , Cavanagh Jo , Ross James , Munir Kiran , Gooneratne Ravi
Published: March 2020

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from industrial use, discharged via the land application of sewage sludge, are interacting with soil biota, including earthworms. In affected organisms, excessive production of reactive oxygen species can result in lipid peroxidation, shifting the balance between oxidants and antioxidants to cause oxidative stress. We determined selected lower-tier biomarkers such as antioxidant responses and lipid peroxidation in Aporrectodea caliginosa earthworms exposed to soils spiked with AgNPs or silver nitrate (AgNO3). Aporrectodea caliginosa were exposed to AgNPs at 0 (control), 0.3, 3, 30, and 300 mg/kg or Ag+ (as AgNO3) at 0, 0.03, 0.3, 3, and 10 mg/kg in soil for 4 wk. At 1, 2, 3, and 4 wk, the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, as well as lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde content), increased as a function of concentration, with a much larger response for Ag+ than AgNPs. Given the likelihood of ever-increasing AgNP concentrations in soil, where AgNPs can transform to ionic Ag (Ag+), our findings of antioxidant response to oxidative stress in a common indicator organism even at an environmentally realistic exposure concentration of 0.03 mg/kg demonstrate that AgNPs may affect soil fertility and, thus, agricultural production. Evaluating selected lower-tier biomarkers offers a meaningful assessment of AgNPs and Ag+ effects on terrestrial earthworms. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:1257–1266. © 2020 SETAC
In Situ Investigation of Performance Reference Compound-Based Estimates of PCB Equilibrated Passive Sampler Concentrations and Cfree in the Marine Water Column
Authors: Joyce Abigail S. , Fernandez Loretta A. , Burgess Robert M.
Published: March 2020

Low-density polyethylene sheets are used as passive samplers for aquatic environmental monitoring to measure the freely dissolved concentration (Cfree) of hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs). Freely dissolved HOCs in water will partition into the polyethylene until a thermodynamic equilibrium is achieved; that is, the HOC's activity in the passive sampler is the same as its activity in the surrounding environment. One way to evaluate the equilibrium status or estimate the uptake kinetics is by using performance reference compounds (PRCs). A fractional equilibrium (feq) can be determined for target HOCs, under the assumption that PRC desorption from the passive sampler occurs at the same rate as for the unlabeled target HOCs. However, few investigations have evaluated how effectively and accurately PRCs estimate target contaminant Cfree under in situ conditions. In the present study, polyethylene passive samplers were preloaded with 6 13C-labeled polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) as PRCs; deployed in New Bedford Harbor, Massachusetts, USA; and collected after 30-, 56-, 99-, and 129-d deployments. Using this unique temporal sampling design, PRC results from each deployment were fit to a diffusion model to estimate the Cfree of 27 PCB congeners and compare the results between the different deployment times. Smaller PCBs had variable concentrations over the 4 deployments, whereas mid–molecular weight PCBs had consistent Cfree measurements for all deployments (relative standard deviation <20%). High–molecular weight PCBs had the largest Cfree estimates after 30 d; these estimates and their standard deviations decreased with longer deployment times. These findings suggest that when targeting PCBs with more than 6 chlorines or contaminants with a log octanol–water partition coefficient ≥6.5, a deployment time longer than 30 d may be prudent. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:1165–1173. © 2020 SETAC
Emerging and Historical Contaminants Detected in Desert Rodents Collected Near a Low-Level Radioactive Waste Site
Authors: Cleary Ryan S. , Karnjanapiboonwong Adcharee , Thompson William A. , Lasee Steven J. , Subbiah Seenivasan , Kauble Ronald K. , Andraski Brian J. , Anderson Todd A.
Published: March 2020

In an effort to determine contaminant presence, concentrations, and movement from a low-level radioactive waste (LLRW) burial disposal site to ecosystems in the surrounding area, a study was developed to assess concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and tritium. To complete this assessment small mammals, vegetation, soil, and insect samples were collected from areas within and adjacent to the Beatty, Nevada, LLRW site and from a reference area located approximately 3 km south of the LLRW site. Samples underwent analysis via liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, gas chromatography mass spectrometry, or scintillation spectroscopy depending on the analyte of interest. Small mammal tissues showed maximum concentrations of over 1700 ng/g for PFAS, 1600 ng/g for PCBs, and 10 000 Bq/kg for tritium. The primary contaminants found in soil samples were PCBs, with maximum concentrations exceeding 25 ng/g. Trace amounts of PFAS were also detected in soils and insects. Only qualitative data were obtained from vegetation samples because of the complex matrix of the dominant plant species (creosote bush; Larrea tridentata [Sessé & Moc. ex DC.] Coville). Overall, these data indicate the presence of various anthropogenic contaminants in the ecosystem surrounding the LLRW area, but additional analyses are necessary to confirm the sources and migration pathways of PFAS and PCBs in this hyperarid environment. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:727–734. © 2020 SETAC
Partial purification and characterization of a broad‐spectrum bacteriocin produced by a Lactobacillus plantarum zrx03 isolated from infant's feces
Authors: Lei Shuang , Zhao Ruixiang , Sun Junliang , Ran Junjian , Ruan Xiaoli , Zhu Yang
Published: March 2020

Lactobacillus plantarum zrx03 was a bacteriocin‐producing strain isolated from infant's feces. The fermentation supernatant produced by this strain could strongly inhibit Escherichia coli JM109 ATCC 67387, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, and Listeria monocytogenes CICC 21633, in which the diameter of inhibition zone was 12.83 ± 0.62 mm, 15.08 ± 0.31 mm, 6.75 ± 0.20 mm, respectively, compared with lactic acid bacteria N1, N2, M13, M21, M31, and M37. According to amplification of 16S rRNA gene and identification of phylogenetic tree, this strain had a 1,450 bp sequence and 100% identity to the L. plantarum strain. Based on the influence of different protease treatments, such as pepsin, trypsin, papain, and proteinase K on the antimicrobial activity, this antimicrobial substance was considered to be a natural protein. Using bacteriocin produced by this strain as study object of this experiment, it had been extracted from ammonium sulfate precipitation and different organic solvents. The results showed that ethyl acetate was selected as the optimal solution to crude extraction of bacteriocin after comparing ammonium sulfate precipitation method and organic solvent extraction method, such as n‐butanol, n‐hexane, dichloromethane, trichloromethane, in which the diameter of the inhibition zones was above 28 mm. Results also showed the inhibition spectrum of the obtained bacteriocin had a broad spectrum of inhibition which could inhibit Gram‐positive, Gram‐negative, yeast. Especially, it could effectively inhibit S. aureus ATCC 25923, Bacillus subtilis CICC 10002, Bacillus anthracis CICC 20443, E. coli JM109 ATCC 67387, and Salmonella CMCC 541, and the zone diameter of inhibition has reached more than 28 mm. Moreover, it had a good thermal stability which antibacterial activity was retained 70.58% after treatment at 121°C for 30 min, and pH‐stability was between pH 2.0–9.0. These results suggested bacteriocin produced by L. plantarum zrx03 had potential application prospects in food preservation.
Preparation of high‐quality concentrated fragrance flaxseed oil by steam explosion pretreatment technology
Authors: Yu Gaiwen , Guo Tingting , Huang Qingde , Shi Xunwang , Zhou Xin
Published: March 2020

In this study, flaxseed was pretreated by steam explosion technology and subsequently pressed to prepare flaxseed oil. GC, UPLC, HPLC, and GC‐MS techniques were used to analyze the quality characteristics of the prepared flaxseed oil. These included the food safety risk indices, micronutrient components, and oxidative stability. The effects of different steam explosion pressures on the quality characteristics and relative volatile components of flaxseed oil were also investigated. The results revealed that steam explosion pretreatment technology could significantly increase the oil yield, improve micronutrient content, and strengthen the oxidation stability of the product. Moreover, the food safety risk indices (e.g., benzopyrene) were controlled within a reasonable range, while the fatty acid content remained almost unchanged. Notably, the relative pyrazine content in the total volatile components of flaxseed oil was 68.25% when the steam explosion pressure reached 1.2 MPa. This was considered as the main factor that contributed to the unique concentrated fragrance of the produced flaxseed oil. To prove the superiority of the steam explosion pretreatment, we compared this technique with traditional high‐temperature roasting and popular microwave pretreatment techniques. The results revealed that flaxseed oil prepared by steam explosion pretreatment displayed the best quality characteristics and most concentrated fragrance. Thus, steam explosion technology shows great potential for application to produce high‐quality concentrated fragrance flaxseed oil. This study provides significant reference and guidance for the preparation process of flaxseed oil.
Longitudinal effects of a novel advanced pneumatic compression device on patient‐reported outcomes in the management of cancer‐related head and neck lymphedema: A preliminary report
Authors: Gutiérrez Carolina , Mayrovitz Harvey N. , Naqvi Syed Hassan Shiraz , Karni Ron J.
Published: March 2020

Background

Head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors experience head and neck lymphedema (HNL), which requires treatment to prevent morbidity. We explore the self‐reported outcomes and satisfaction of patients with HNC receiving treatment for HNL with an advanced pneumatic compression device (APCD).

Methods

HNC survivors (n = 205) prescribed with an at‐home Flexitouch head and neck APCD completed pretreatment and posttreatment self‐reported assessments addressing efficacy, function, and symptoms. Participant average age was 60 years with 74% male. Pre‐post responses for ≥25 days of use were assessed via the non‐parametric Wilcoxon Signed Rank test.

Results

Analysis revealed statistically significant improvement in all symptoms and all function items (P < 0.00001). Compliance with prescribed therapy (at least 30 minutes daily) was high with 71% of participants reporting daily use and 87% reporting overall satisfaction.

Conclusions

The reported improvements in function and symptoms, and high compliance rate, provide a rationale for a subsequent randomized controlled trial.