bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Charge Storage Mechanism and Structural Evolution of Viologen Crystals as the Cathode of Lithium Batteries
Authors: Ma Ting , Liu Luojia , Wang Jiaqi , Lu Yong , Chen Jun
Published: April 2020

Although organic ionic crystals represent an attractive class of active materials for rechargeable batteries owing to their high capacity and low solubility in electrolytes, they generally suffer from limited electronic conductivity and moderate voltage. Furthermore, the charge storage mechanism and structural evolution during the redox processes are still not clearly understood. Here we describe ethyl viologen iodide (EVI2) and ethyl viologen diperchlorate (EV(ClO4)2) as cathode materials of lithium batteries which crystallize in a monoclinic system with alternating organic EV2+layers and inorganic I−/ClO4−layers. The EVI2electrode exhibits a high initial discharge plateau of 3.7 V (vs. Li+/Li) because of its anion storage ability. When I−is replaced by ClO4−, the obtained EV(ClO4)2electrode displays excellent rate performance with a theoretical capacity of 78 % even at 5 C owing to the good electron conductivity of ClO4−layers. EVI2and EV(ClO4)2also show excellent cycling stability (capacity retention >96 % after 200 cycles).
Chemoselective Hydrogenation of Nitroaromatics at the Nanoscale Iron(III)–OH–Platinum Interface
Authors: Wang Yu , Qin Ruixuan , Wang Yongke , Ren Juan , Zhou Wenting , Li Laiyang , Ming Jiang , Zhang Wuyong , Fu Gang , Zheng Nanfeng
Published: April 2020

Catalytic hydrogenation of nitroaromatics is an environment‐benign strategy to produce industrially important aniline intermediates. Herein, we report that Fe(OH)x deposition on Pt nanocrystals to give Fe(OH)x/Pt, enables the selective hydrogenation of nitro groups into amino groups without hydrogenating other functional groups on the aromatic ring. The unique catalytic behavior is identified to be associated with the FeIII‐OH‐Pt interfaces. While H2 activation occurs on exposed Pt atoms to ensure the high activity, the high selectivity towards the production of substituted aniline originates from the FeIII‐OH‐Pt interfaces. In situ IR, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and isotope effect studies reveal that the Fe3+/Fe2+ redox couple facilitates the hydrodeoxygenation of the ‐NO2 group during hydrogenation catalysis. Benefitting from FeIII‐OH‐Pt interfaces, the Fe(OH)x/Pt catalysts exhibit high catalytic performance towards a broad range of substituted nitroarenes.
Zirconium‐Catalyzed Atom‐Economical Synthesis of 1,1‐Diborylalkanes from Terminal and Internal Alkenes
Authors: Wang Xianjin , Cui Xin , Li Sida , Wang Yue , Xia Chungu , Jiao Haijun , Wu Lipeng
Published: April 2020

A general and atom‐economical synthesis of 1,1‐diborylalkanes from alkenes and a borane without the need for an additional H2 acceptor is reported for the first time. The key to our success is the use of an earth‐abundant zirconium‐based catalyst, which allows a balance of self‐contradictory reactivities (dehydrogenative boration and hydroboration) to be achieved. Our method avoids using an excess amount of another alkene as an H2 acceptor, which was required in other reported systems. Furthermore, substrates such as simple long‐chain aliphatic alkenes that did not react before also underwent 1,1‐diboration in our system. Significantly, the unprecedented 1,1‐diboration of internal alkenes enabled the preparation of 1,1‐diborylalkanes.
DNA Nanostructures for Targeted Antimicrobial Delivery
Authors: Mela Ioanna , Vallejo‐Ramirez Pedro P. , Makarchuk Stanislaw , Christie Graham , Bailey David , Henderson Robert M. , Sugiyama Hiroshi , Endo Masayuki , Kaminski Clemens F.
Published: April 2020

We report the use of DNA origami nanostructures, functionalized with aptamers, as a vehicle for delivering the antibacterial enzyme lysozyme in a specific and efficient manner. We test the system against Gram‐positive (Bacillus subtilis) and Gram‐negative (Escherichia coli) targets. We use direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (dSTORM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) to characterize the DNA origami nanostructures and structured illumination microscopy (SIM) to assess the binding of the origami to the bacteria. We show that treatment with lysozyme‐functionalized origami slows bacterial growth more effectively than treatment with free lysozyme. Our study introduces DNA origami as a tool in the fight against antibiotic resistance, and our results demonstrate the specificity and efficiency of the nanostructure as a drug delivery vehicle.
The Influence of Changes in Magnetic Variations and Light–Dark Cycle on Life‐History Traits of Daphnia magna
Authors: Krylov Viacheslav V. , Papchenkova Galina A. , Osipova Elena A.
Published: April 2020

Day–night cycle is the main zeitgeber (time giver) for biological circadian rhythms. Recently, it was suggested that natural diurnal geomagnetic variation may also be utilized by organisms for the synchronization of these rhythms. In this study, life‐history traits in Daphnia magna were evaluated after short‐term and multigenerational exposure to 16 h day/8 h night cycle, 32 h day/16 h night cycle, diurnal geomagnetic variation of 24 h, simulated magnetic variation of 48 h, and combinations of these conditions. With short‐term exposure, the lighting mode substantially influenced the brood to brood period and the lifespan in daphnids. The brood to brood period, brood size, and body length of crustaceans similarly depended on the lighting mode during the multigenerational exposure. At the same time, an interaction of lighting mode and magnetic variations affected to a lesser extent brood to brood period, brood size, and newborn's body length. The influence of simulated diurnal variation on life‐history traits in daphnids appeared distinctly as effects of synchronization between periods of lighting mode and magnetic variations during the multigenerational exposure. Newborn's body length significantly depended on the lighting regime when the periods of both studied zeitgebers were unsynchronized, or on the interaction of light regime with magnetic variations when the periods were synchronized. These results confirm the hypothesis that diurnal geomagnetic variation is an additional zeitgeber for biological circadian rhythms. Possible mechanisms for these observed effects are discussed. Bioelectromagnetics. © 2020 Bioelectromagnetics Society
Transporter Engineering for Microbial Manufacturing
Authors: Zhu Ying , Zhou Chen , Wang Ying , Li Chun
Published: April 2020

Microbes play an important role in biotransformation and biosynthesis of biofuels, natural products, and polymers. Therefore, microbial manufacturing has been widely used in medicine, industry, and agriculture. However, common strategies including enzyme engineering, pathway optimization, and host engineering are generally inadequate to obtain an efficient microbial production system. Transporter engineering provides an alternative strategy to promote the transmembrane transfer of substrates, intermediates, and final products in microbial cells and thus enhances production by alleviating feedback inhibition and cytotoxicity caused by final products. According to the current studies in transport engineering, native transporters usually have low expression and poor transportation ability, resulting in inefficient transport processes and microbial production. In this review, current approaches for transporter mining, characterization, and verification are comprehensively summarized. Practical approaches to enhance the transport system in engineered cells, such as balancing transporter overexpression and cell growth, and evolution of native transporters are discussed. Furthermore, the applications of transporter engineering in microbial manufacturing, including enhancement of substrate utilization, concentration of metabolic flux to the target pathway, and acceleration of efflux and recovery of products, demonstrate its outstanding advantages and promising prospects.
Adolescents and handheld advertising: The roles of brand familiarity and smartphone attachment in the processing of mobile advergames
Authors: van Berlo Zeph M. C. , van Reijmersdal Eva A. , Rozendaal Esther
Published: April 2020

Many adolescents are inseparable from their smartphones on which they are often confronted with covert advertising‐like mobile advergames. This study explores the roles of brand familiarity and smartphone attachment in adolescents’ abilities to recognize the commercial intent of advergames. Moreover, it considers the potential indirect effects of brand familiarity and smartphone attachment on the susceptibility of young consumers to mobile advergames. An experiment (N = 98) was conducted, which showed that brand familiarity moderates the effect of playing advergames on the recognition of the commercial intent of advergames. Furthermore, smartphone attachment was found to facilitate the recognition of the commercial intent of advergames, such that adolescents who experienced higher levels of smartphone attachment (when compared to lower levels) were better able to differentiate between advergames and non‐commercial games (games without advertising). Interestingly, no association between smartphone attachment and brand responses were found—suggesting that smartphone attachment did not affect adolescents’ compliance with the advertised message.
Comparison of Enzymes Immobilised on Immobeads and Inclusion Bodies: A Case Study of a Trehalose Transferase
Authors: Mestrom Luuk , Marsden Stefan R. , McMillan Duncan G. G. , Schoevaart Rob , Hagedoorn Peter‐Leon , Hanefeld Ulf
Published: April 2020

In this case study, we compare the performance of an enzyme immobilised using two different methods: i) as carrier‐free catalytically active inclusion bodies or ii) as carrier‐attached immobilised enzyme. To make this comparison we used a trehalose transferase from Thermoproteus uzoniensis fused to the fluorescent thermostable protein mCherry. The fusion of mCherry to trehalose transferase allowed direct spectrophotometric quantification and visualisation of the enzyme in both native and denatured states. The catalytically active inclusion bodies outperformed the immobilised enzyme in their simplicity of biocatalyst production resulting in high enzyme productivity. Enzyme immobilised on carrier materials showed a higher catalytic activity and a more robust performance under batch process conditions.
Prototype Tool for Inherent Safety Level Assessment of a Heat Exchanger Network
Authors: Pasha Mohsin , Zaini Dzulkarnain , Shariff Azmi Mohd
Published: April 2020

The inherent safety level (ISL) assessment of a heat exchanger network plays a vital role in developing its inherently safer design. New essential safety indices, i.e., inherent safety index for shell and tube heat exchanger (ISISTHE) and overall safety index for heat exchanger network (OSIHEN), are introduced to overcome this potential gap. A prototype tool is proposed by integrating these indices to a process design simulator via object linking and embedded automation. The heat exchanger network of an ammonia synthesis process and a steam reforming unit are presented as a case study. In conclusion, this prototype tool was found to have the potential to figure out a dangerous heat exchanger in a network.
Effect of the Geometry of a Swirl Generator on Energy Loss and Shockwave Position in Arina Nozzle
Authors: Majidi Davood , Farhadi Fatola
Published: April 2020

To investigate the effect of the swirl generator (SG) on shockwave position and pressure drop, 3D simulation is conducted and validated by Arina's study. An increase of the blade number, height, and end angle leads to shockwave displacement toward the nozzle outlet. The maximum increment of the shockwave displacement, which is due to enlarging the angle of the blade end, is about 47 %. For this case, the pressure drop share of the SG is nearly half of the total pressure drop, while the residence time of particles is prolonged by about 51 %. As a general finding, increasing the swirl intensity provides a longer residence time to separate adequately the liquid from the gas. However, a higher energy loss is not desirable for the high‐pressure process at the downstream of the 3S separator.
Multidimensional Population Balance Modeling for Pathological Calcium Pyrophosphate Dihydrate Crystals in the Presence of Amino Acids
Authors: Gencaslan Aybala , Kiran-Yildirim Bercem , Titiz-Sargut Sibel
Published: April 2020

A multidimensional population balance model was applied to elaborate the effects of amino acids on the crystallization mechanisms of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals. Breakage and growth terms defined in the model were expressed in two dimensions depending on the sizes. The exponential hyperbolic function based on the particle sizes was selected for expressing the growth. The model was resolved by using the finite differences method. It was detected that in the non‐additive media, the growth along the length‐1 is extremely dominant against both the growth along the length‐2 and the breakage. However, it was discovered that the amino acids made the crystals more fragile, and the breakage at certain size ranges and certain concentrations of amino acids was the dominant mechanism. In any case, it was proven that both growth and breakage are suppressed considerably in the amino acid‐containing media.
Computational Study of spx(x=1–3)‐Hybridized Be−Be Bonds Stabilized by Amidinate Ligands
Authors: Liu Xingman , Zhang Min , Zhong Ronglin , Wu Shuixing , Liu Yingying , Geng Yun , Su Zhongmin
Published: April 2020

Complexes containing odd‐electron Be−Be bonds are still rare until now. Hereby, a series of neutral di‐beryllium amidinate complexes containing a Be−Be bond were explored theoretically. The complexes with direct chelation with the Be2 dimer by the bidentate amidinate (AMD) ligands are always corresponding to their global minimum structures. The detailed bonding analyses reveal that the localized electrons of the Be−Be fragment can be adjusted by the amount of AMD ligands because each AMD ligand only takes one electron from the Be2 fragment. Meanwhile, the hybridization of the central Be atom also changes as the number of AMD ligands increases. In particular, the sp3‐hybridized single‐electron Be−Be bond is firstly identified in the tri‐AMD‐ligands‐chelated neutral D3h‐Be2(AMD)3 complex, which also possesses the higher stability compared to its monoanionic D3h‐Be2(AMD)3− and monocationic C3‐Be2(AMD)3+ analogues. Importantly, our study provides a new approach to obtain a neutral odd‐electron Be−Be bond, namely by the use of radical ligands through side‐on chelation.
Synthesis of Near‐Infrared‐Emitting Benzorhodamines and Their Applications to Bioimaging and Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Dai Mingchong , Lee Hyori , Yang Yun Jae , Santra Mithun , Song Chang Wook , Jun Yong Woong , Reo Ye Jin , Kim Won Jong , Ahn Kyo Han
Published: April 2020

Photostable and near‐infrared (NIR)‐emitting organic fluorophores with large Stokes shifts are in great demand for long‐term bioimaging at deeper depths with minimal autofluorescence and self‐quenching. Herein, a new class of benzorhodamines and their analogues that are photostable and emit in the NIR region (up to 785 nm) with large Stokes shifts (>120 nm) is reported. The synthesis involves condensation of 7‐alkylamino‐2‐naphthols with 2‐[4‐(dimethylamino)‐2‐hydroxybenzoyl]benzoic acid, which leads to bent‐shaped benzorhodamines that emit orange fluorescence (≈600 nm); however, introduction of steric hindrance near the condensation site switched the regioselectivity, to provide a linear benzorhodamine system for the first time. The linear benzorhodamine derivatives provide bright fluorescence images in cells and in tissue. A carboxy‐benzorhodamine was applied for photothermal therapy of cancer cells and xenograft cancer mice.
Control of Absolute Stereochemistry in Transition‐Metal‐Catalysed Hydrogen‐Borrowing Reactions
Authors: Kwok Timothy , Hoff Oskar , Armstrong Roly J. , Donohoe Timothy J.
Published: April 2020

Hydrogen‐borrowing catalysis represents a powerful method for the alkylation of amine or enolate nucleophiles with non‐activated alcohols. This approach relies upon a catalyst that can mediate a strategic series of redox events, enabling the formation of C−C and C−N bonds and producing water as the sole by‐product. In the majority of cases these reactions have been employed to target achiral or racemic products. In contrast, the focus of this Minireview is upon hydrogen‐borrowing‐catalysed reactions in which the absolute stereochemical outcome of the process can be controlled. Asymmetric hydrogen‐borrowing catalysis is rapidly emerging as a powerful approach for the synthesis of enantioenriched amine and carbonyl containing products and examples involving both C−N and C−C bond formation are presented. A variety of different approaches are discussed including use of chiral auxiliaries, asymmetric catalysis and enantiospecific processes.
Single‐Atomic Catalysts Embedded on Nanocarbon Supports for High Energy Density Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Wang Jian , Jia Lujie , Lin Hongzhen , Zhang Yuegang
Published: April 2020

Lithium–sulfur batteries are among the most promising candidates for next‐generation energy‐storage systems due to its high theoretical energy density. However, the shuttle effect of polysulfides and sluggish reaction kinetics severely hinder the development of practical Li–S batteries. Merely depending on an adsorption strategy to resist the shuttle effect is insufficient to boost the overall electrochemical conversion reaction. Recently, single atom catalysts (SACs) have been used to solve this problem by decreasing the energy barriers of sulfur‐species interconversion and Li2S decomposition. Herein, the research progress made in using SACs in Li–S batteries is discussed, focusing on their functions and catalytic mechanism. The challenges and prospects for future application of SACs in electrochemical energy‐storage systems are also discussed.
Intercalation of (η5‐Pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)trioxomolybdenum(VI) in a Layered Double Hydroxide
Authors: Gomes Ana C. , Neves Patrícia , Gago Sandra , Valente Anabela A. , Gonçalves Isabel S. , Pillinger Martyn
Published: April 2020

A Zn,Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) with [Cp*MoO3]– (Cp* = η5‐C5Me5) anions in the interlayer has been prepared by a direct coprecipitation method. The intercalated LDH and the mixed metal oxide (MMO) obtained after its calcination were characterized by elemental and thermogravimetric analyses, powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), FT‐IR and FT‐Raman spectroscopy, 13C and 27Al MAS NMR, and scanning electron microscopy. The observed basal spacing of 17.1 Å for the LDH Zn,Al‐Cp*MoO3 (corresponding to a gallery height of 12.3 Å) suggests that the guest anions self‐assemble into dimers via offset face‐to‐face Cp*···Cp* interactions, which facilitates hydrogen‐bonding interactions between the oxido ligands of the complexes and the layer hydroxyl groups, while positioning the hydrophobic aromatic rings towards the center of the galleries. Calcination of Zn,Al‐Cp*MoO3 at 550 °C under air gave an MMO comprising well‐dispersed ZnO, α‐ZnMoO4 and ZnAl2O4 (spinel) oxides in a molar of ca. 1.4:1.6:1. The MMO exhibited catalytic activity for the epoxidation of cis‐cyclooctene with tert‐butylhydroperoxide (TBHP) as terminal oxidant, with quantitative yield of the epoxide being achieved within 24 h at 85 °C.
Photovoltaic Performance of Porphyrin‐Based Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells with Binary Ionic Liquid Electrolytes
Authors: Bahadar Khan Sher , Yadav Pankaj Kumar , Decoppet Jean-David , Yi Chenyi , Al-Ghamdi Mohammed S. A. , Alhogbi Basma G. , Asiri Abdullah M. , Zakeeruddin Shaik M. , Grätzel Michael
Published: April 2020

Herein, green porphyrin sensitizer Y350‐based dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSCs) with binary ionic liquid–based electrolytes are studied, which are a mixture of 1‐methyl‐3‐propyl‐imidazolium iodide and 1‐methyl‐1‐butylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluromethylsulfonyl) ‐imide, 1‐butylpyridinium bis(trifluromethylsulfonyl)imide, 1‐methyl‐3‐ethylimidazolium bis(trifluromethylsulfonyl)imide, or 1‐methyl‐3‐ethylimidazolium tetracyanoborate. The best semitransparent green DSC device exhibits a short‐circuit photocurrent density of 9.1 mA cm−2, an open‐circuit photovoltage of 727 mV, and a fill factor of 70%, corresponding to an overall power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 4.9% under standard AM 1.5G illuminations at 100 mW cm−2. The PCE increases to 6.1% with opaque films containing larger light‐scattering TiO2 particles.
Reducing systematic dome errors in digital elevation models through better UAV flight design
Authors: Sanz‐Ablanedo Enoc , Chandler Jim H. , Ballesteros‐Pérez Pablo , Rodríguez‐Pérez José Ramón
Published: April 2020

It is well established that digital elevation models (DEMs) derived from unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) images and processed by structure from motion may contain important systematic vertical errors arising from limitations in camera geometry modelling. Even when significant, such ‘dome’‐shaped errors can often remain unnoticed unless specific checks are conducted. Previous methods used to reduce these errors have involved: the addition of convergent images to supplement traditional vertical datasets, the usage of a higher number of ground control points, precise direct georeferencing techniques (RTK/PPK) or more refined camera pre‐calibration. This study confirms that specific UAV flight designs can significantly reduce dome errors, particularly those that have a higher number of tie points connecting distant images, and hence contribute to a strengthened photogrammetric network. A total of 22 flight designs were tested, including vertical, convergent, point of interest (POI), multiscale and mixed imagery. Flights were carried out over a 300 × 70 m2 flat test field area, where 143 ground points were accurately established. Three different UAVs and two commercial software packages were trialled, totalling 396 different tests. POI flight designs generated the smallest systematic errors. In contrast, vertical flight designs suffered from larger dome errors; unfortunately, a configuration that is ubiquitous and most often used. By using the POI flight design, the accuracy of DEMs will improve without the need to use more ground control or expensive RTK/PPK systems. Over flat terrain, the improvement is especially important in self‐calibration projects without (or with just a few) ground control points. Some improvement will also be observed on those projects using camera pre‐calibration or with stronger ground control. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatially resolved lithium‐ion battery simulations of the influence of lithium‐nickel‐manganese‐cobalt‐oxide particle roughness on the electrochemical performance
Authors: Cernak Susanne , Gerbig Felix , Kespe Michael , Nirschl Hermann
Published: April 2020

This publication deals with the influence of the roughnesses of single lithium‐nickel‐manganese‐cobalt‐oxide‐based active material particles on the electrochemical behaviour. A roughness model is used to create particles with a defined roughness depth. Subsequently, comparative calculations are performed using a 3D spatially resolved electrochemical model under different operating conditions. The results show that for small C‐rates below 1C, the usage of the widespread assumption of smooth and spherical active material particles in models is justified. For higher C‐rates, the particle's shape and roughness are not negligible. Small, rough particles show the best performance characteristics for high rate applications. For operation in the diffusion‐limited state (low diffusion coefficient and high C‐rate), the smallest absolute diffusion length represents a better correlation in terms of utilizable capacity compared to the volume‐specific active surface area.
Analysis of anomaly detection method for Internet of things based on deep learning
Authors: Ma Wei
Published: April 2020

With the rapid development of the Internet of things technology, the connection between things and people is realized in a real sense, and the intelligent perception, recognition, and management of goods and processes are also achieved. Cloud computing, as one of the core technologies of the Internet of Things, has been widely used in online services of various networks, but the generation of abnormal data will affect the service performance of cloud computing systems. Therefore, effective detection of abnormal data is of great significance to improve the efficiency of the system. Because of the large amount of data and nonlinear distribution in the cloud computing system, the accuracy of traditional methods is low. Based on this, this article proposes a deep learning algorithm based on recurrent neural network (RNN) to implement anomaly detection in the cloud computing system. Based on the basic principle of the RNN algorithm, this article analyses the properties and defects of the activation functions commonly used in RNN, and then improves the RNN algorithm, so as to realize the effective detection of abnormal data in cloud computing system. The simulation results show that the optimized RNN deep learning algorithm for anomaly detection in cloud computing system can effectively improve the detection success rate, effectively reduce the detection time and cost, show strong robustness, and effectively improve the online service efficiency of the Internet of things technology.
Commentary on the management of total laryngectomy patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Hennessy Max , Bann Darrin V. , Patel Vijay A. , Saadi Robert , Krempl Greg A. , Deschler Daniel G. , Goyal Neerav , Choi Karen Y.
Published: April 2020

The coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has rapidly spread across the world, placing unprecedented strain on the health care system. Health care resources including hospital beds, ICUs, as well as personal protective equipment are becoming increasingly rationed and scare commodities. In this environment, the laryngectomee (patient having previously undergone a total laryngectomy) continues to represent a unique patient with unique needs. Given their surgically altered airway, they pose a challenge to manage for the otolaryngologist within the current COVID‐19 pandemic. In this brief report, we present special considerations and best practice recommendations in the management of total laryngectomy patients. We also discuss recommendations for laryngectomy patients and minimizing community exposures.
Higher efficacy of intermediate dose cytarabine + G‐CSF compared to cyclophosphamide + G‐CSF in hematopoietic stem cell mobilization in patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Bogucka‐Fedorczuk Aleksandra , Czyz Anna , Kalicińska Elżbieta , Sawicki Mateusz , Laszkowska‐Lewko Magdalena , Wicherska‐Pawłowska Katarzyna , Rybka Justyna , Szeremet Agnieszka , Prajs Iwona , Szymczak Donata , Wróbel Tomasz
Published: April 2020

Background

There are several regimens used in hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) mobilization in multiple myeloma (MM). Cyclophosphamide (Cy) is one of the most commonly used agents, although it does not always result in collecting adequate number of CD34+ cells. Recently, cytarabine (Ara‐C) has been proposed as potentially efficient and safe option.

Aims

Since the data regarding Ara‐C in HSC mobilization is limited, the aim of our study was to compare retrospectively the efficiency and toxicity of G‐CSF combined with either Ara‐C or Cy in MM patients.

Materials & Methods

Of a total of 89 patients, 43 received low or intermediate doses of Cy, and 46 were treated with 800 mg/m2/day of Ara‐C administered for two days.

Results

The mean peak of CD34+ cells/ul in peripheral blood was 132 (range, 84‐202) in Ara‐C and 51 (range, 29‐69) in Cy cohort (p < 0.001). The median number of collected CD34+ cells (×106/kg) was 10.3 (range, 4.2‐17.9) vs 4.5 (range, 2.7‐8.9), respectively (p < 0.001). Mobilization failure was observed in one patient in Ara‐C cohort (2%) and in 8 patients treated with Cy (19%) (p = 0.013). In the Ara‐C group 98% of patients obtained more than 4×106 CD34+ cells/kg required for tandem transplantation. Moreover, we observed a trend toward increased paraprotein levels measured at transplant compared to before HSC mobilization in Ara‐C cohort and significantly higher transfusion rates in that group.

Conclusion

Our findings confirm higher HSC mobilization efficacy of Ara‐C compared to Cy in MM patients. However, lower transfusions rate and better disease control of Cy may justify its use in some cases.
Testing the propulsive role of m. peroneus longus during quadrupedal walking in Varanus exanthematicus
Authors: Granatosky Michael C.
Published: April 2020

Some varanid lizards show a prominent and highly distinctive lateral calcaneal process. It has been posited that this structure serves as a lateral “heel” to increase the moment arm for m. peroneus longus, allowing it to function as a powerful propulsive muscle. However, to confirm that m. peroneus longus serves this function requires electromyographic data showing activity during tarsal plantarflexion in the late part of the stance phase. Muscle activity patterns of m. peroneus longus, m. tibialis anterior, and mm. gastrocnemii were collected from two savannah monitors (Varanus exanthematicus) during quadrupedal walking. Across strides, m. peroneus longus shows an early onset just before hindlimb touchdown and an offset that is highly correlated with that of mm. gastrocnemii. These patterns are consistent across individuals. However, the fact that the first onset of m. peroneus longus appears to be around the end of swing phase, with activity continuing throughout the remainder of stance, suggests that this muscle likely serves other functional purposes during locomotion beside propulsion. This, paired with the fact that qualitative comparisons of m. peroneus longus activity across other lizard species reveal remarkably similar patterns, suggests the propulsive role of m. peroneus longus in V. exanthematicus was probably built upon existing muscle activity patterns present in ancestral squamates and then exaggerated through modifications to lateral calcaneal heel and the associated proximal expansion of the fifth metatarsal.
Failure in initial stage containment of global COVID‐19 epicenters
Authors: Khosrawipour Veria , Lau Hien , Khosrawipour Tanja , Kocbach Piotr , Ichii Hirohito , Bania Jacek , Mikolajczyk Agata
Published: April 2020

With multiple virus epicenters, COVID‐19 has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. Consequently, many countries have implemented different policies to manage this crisis including curfew and lockdown. However, the efficacy of individual policies remains unclear with respect to COVID‐19 case development. We analyzed available data on COVID‐19 cases of eight majorly affected countries, including China, Italy, Iran, Germany, France, Spain, South Korea, and Japan. Growth rates and doubling time of cases were calculated for the first 6 weeks after the initial cases were declared for each respective country and put into context with implemented policies. Although the growth rate of total confirmed COVID‐19 cases in China has decreased, those for Japan have remained constant. For European countries, the growth rate of COVID‐19 cases considerably increased during the second time interval. Interestingly, the rates for Germany, Spain, and France are the highest measured in the second interval and even surpass the numbers in Italy. Although the initial data in Asian countries are encouraging with respect to case development at the initial stage, the opposite is true for European countries. Based on our data, disease management in the 2 weeks following the first reported cases is of utmost importance.
Evaluation of antiviral therapies for coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia in Shanghai, China
Authors: Shi Xiudong , Lu Yang , Li Rong , Tang Yanlin , Shi Nannan , Song Fengxiang , Shan Fei , Chen Guochao , Song Pengrui , Shi Yuxin
Published: April 2020

The aim of our study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of antiviral drugs on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pneumonia. Patients confirmed with COVID‐19 pneumonia were enrolled and divided into seven groups according to the treatment option. Information including age, sex, and duration from illness onset to admission, clinical manifestations, and laboratory data at admission, and length of hospital stay were evaluated. The chest computed tomography (CT) imaging obtained at admission and after a 5‐day treatment cycle were assessed. The clinical symptoms and laboratory tests at discharge were also assessed. At admission, no significant differences were found among the groups, including the duration from illness onset to admission, clinical symptoms, and main laboratory results. No significant differences were found among the groups in terms of the proportion of patients with pneumonia resolution (P = .151) after treatment or the length of hospital stay (P = .116). At discharge, 7 of 184 (4%) patients had a mild cough while their other symptoms had disappeared, and the proportion of patients with abnormal liver function and with increased leukocytes, neutrophils or erythrocyte sedimentation rate among the 184 patients were close to those at admission. According to the results, the inclusion of antiviral drugs in therapeutic regimens based on symptomatic treatment had no significant additional impact on the improvement in COVID‐19 patients. In addition, the results of chest CT imaging, clinical manifestations, and laboratory tests at discharge were not completely consistent.
Case fatality rate analysis of Italian COVID‐19 outbreak
Authors: Giangreco Giovanni
Published: April 2020

The Italian outbreak of COVID‐19 cases is a public health emergency and there is a worldwide tremendous interest in the evaluation of the Italian epidemic evolution. Indeed, from February 2020, Italy is facing an explosion of COVID‐19 cases. In particular, the Italian observed case fatality rate (CFR) is much higher than the other countries. Recently, it has been hypothesized that the extensive number of intergenerational contacts—typical of Italian culture—could contribute to explain the high number of deaths observed in Italy. However, through an analysis performed for all the Italian regions, here it is shown that the deaths are localized in specific regions and that the CFRs of different Italian regions are overlapping with the rates of European countries. Moreover, through correlation analyses between CFRs and different social habits, it is shown that no positive correlation is observed between social behaviors and CFRs. In conclusion, this analysis clearly rejects the possibility that social habits and intergenerational contacts can contribute to explaining such a profound effect on the number of deaths observed in Italy during the COVID‐19 outbreak and more effort should be addressed to evaluate the real amount of positive cases.
Clinical and economic impact of treated CMV infection in adult CMV‐seropositive patients after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Peffault De Latour Régis , Chevallier Patrice , Blaise Didier , Alami Sarah , Lévy‐Bachelot Laurie , Allavoine Thierry , Tadmouri Abir , Blomkvist Josefin , Duhamel Alain , Srour Micha , Beauvais David , Yakoub‐Agha Ibrahim
Published: April 2020

Objective

Recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HCT) with positive cytomegalovirus (CMV) serology are at increased risk of morbidity and mortality. The primary objective of this study was to assess the association between treated CMV infection and overall mortality within 1 year after allo‐HCT in adult CMV‐seropositive Recipients (R+). Secondary objectives included overall 5‐year mortality after allo‐HCT, risk factors for treated CMV infection, associations between treated CMV infection and allo‐HCT complications and medical costs.

Methods

A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted in adult CMV‐seropositive recipients (R+) who underwent to allo‐HCT between 1st January 2010 and 31st December 2014.

Results

Five hundred seventy two CMV‐seropositive patients (mean age, 50.2 years) undergoing allo‐HCT between 2010 and 2014 were included; 55.9% of donors were CMV seropositive. CMV infection treated with antiviral therapy was reported in 227 patients (39.7%) after transplantation. One‐year overall mortality was significantly increased in patients with treated CMV infections (hazard ratio, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.16‐3.00; P = .011). Mean medical costs during the first post‐HCT year were higher in patients with CMV infection (€46 853 vs €31 318; P < .0001).

Conclusion

In this large cohort of CMV‐seropositive patients undergoing allo‐HCT, treated CMV infection was significantly associated with an increased 1‐year risk of overall mortality, with increased length of stay and with hospitalization cost. The burden of CMV disease in allo‐HCT could be reduced in the future by appropriate prophylactic strategies.
Virological and clinical cure in COVID‐19 patients treated with hydroxychloroquine: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Sarma Phulen , Kaur Hardeep , Kumar Harish , Mahendru Dhruv , Avti Pramod , Bhattacharyya Anusuya , Prajapat Manisha , Shekhar Nishant , Kumar Subodh , Singh Rahul , Singh Ashutosh , Dhibar Deba Prasad , Prakash Ajay , Medhi Bikash
Published: April 2020

Following the demonstration of the efficacy of hydroxychloroquine against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in vitro, many trials started to evaluate its efficacy in clinical settings. However, no systematic review and meta‐analysis have addressed the issue of the safety and efficacy of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in coronavirus disease 2019. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis with the objectives of evaluation of safety and efficacy of HCQ alone or in combination in terms of “time to clinical cure,” “virological cure,” “death or clinical worsening of disease,” “radiological progression,” and safety. RevMan was used for meta‐analysis. We searched 16 literature databases out of which seven studies (n = 1358) were included in the systematic review. In terms of clinical cure, two studies reported possible benefit in “time to body temperature normalization” and one study reported less “cough days” in the HCQ arm. Treatment with HCQ resulted in less number of cases showing the radiological progression of lung disease (odds ratio [OR], 0.31, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.11‐0.9). No difference was observed in virological cure (OR, 2.37, 95% CI, 0.13‐44.53), death or clinical worsening of disease (OR, 1.37, 95% CI, 1.37‐21.97), and safety (OR, 2.19, 95% CI, 0.59‐8.18), when compared with the control/conventional treatment. Five studies reported either the safety or efficacy of HCQ + azithromycin. Although seems safe and effective, more data are required for a definitive conclusion. HCQ seems to be promising in terms of less number of cases with radiological progression with a comparable safety profile to control/conventional treatment. We need more data to come to a definite conclusion.
Study on the Synthesis and Compounding Performance of C21 Dibasic Acid Potassium
Authors: Xu Hujun , Li Ying , Lin Liangliang , Shen Jie , Chen Xiuying
Published: April 2020

A long‐chain dibasic acid with six‐membered ring, C21 dibasic acid (C21‐DA), was synthesized with mixed fatty acid, acrylic acid as starting materials, and iodine as the catalyst and quinol as polymerization inhibitor. The product was purified by distillation under reduced pressure and characterized using mass spectroscopy (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR). An anionic surfactant, C21 dibasic acid potassium (C21‐DAP), was synthesized with KOH via neutralization reaction. The synergistic effect was investigated by mixing C21‐DAP with fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether with 7 ethoxy groups (AEO7), dodecyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (DTAC) and octadecyl dimethyl betaine (BS‐18), respectively, to evaluate the surface activity. The results showed that the mixed system of C21‐DAP/DTAC possessed the best synergistic effect among all studied systems, where a minimum surface tension at the critical micelle concentration (γCMC) of 28.28 mN m−1 was obtained. Because of the electrostatic attraction between C21‐DAP and DTAC, the repulsive force between the same kind of molecules and micelle molecules in the surface adsorption layer was indirectly reduced.
Fruit quality and major metabolites in cold‐stored ‘Wonhwang’ Asian pears are differentially affected by fruit size
Authors: Lwin Hnin Phyu , Lee Jinwook
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

The size of ‘Wonhwang’ Asian pear fruit may affect fruit quality and physiological disorders differentially during distribution. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of fruit size on fruit physiological attributes and metabolic responses in terms of soluble carbohydrates and free amino acids in different‐sized ‘Wonhwang’ Asian pears during cold storage and shelf life.

RESULTS

The rate of weight loss and the severity of fruit shriveling were higher in small fruit than in large fruit, while the severity of decay was lower during shelf life. Lightness and chroma values were lower in the cortex and core tissues of large fruit than small fruit, but hue angle values were higher in large fruit compared to small fruit. Glucose and fructose were higher in large fruit than in small fruit but sucrose and sorbitol were lower during shelf life after cold storage. The levels of most free amino acids were higher in large fruit than in small fruit, and only γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) level was lower in large fruit.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that fruit physiological and metabolic responses are differentially affected by fruit size during cold storage and shelf life. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
The association between facility volume and overall survival in patients with Merkel cell carcinoma
Authors: Yoshida Emi J. , Luu Michael , Freeman Morganna , Essner Richard , Gharavi Nima M. , Shiao Stephen L. , Mallen‐St. Clair Jon , Hamid Omid , Ho Allen S. , Zumsteg Zachary S.
Published: April 2020

Background

Merkel cell carcinoma is an uncommon malignancy often requiring multidisciplinary management. The purpose of this study was to determine whether high‐volume facilities have improved outcomes in patients with Merkel cell carcinoma relative to lower‐volume facilities.

Methods

A total of 5304 patients from the National Cancer Database with stage I‐III Merkel cell carcinoma undergoing surgery were analyzed. High‐volume facilities were the top 1% by case volume. Multivariable Cox regression and propensity score‐matching were performed to account for imbalances between groups.

Results

Treatment at high‐volume facilities (hazard ratio: 0.74; 95% confidence interval: 0.65‐0.84, P < .001) was independently associated with improved overall survival (OS) in multivariable analyses. In propensity score‐matched cohorts, 5‐year OS was 62.3% at high‐volume facilities vs 56.8% at lower‐volume facilities (P < .001). Median OS was 111 months at high‐volume facilities vs 79 months at lower‐volume facilities.

Conclusion

Treatment at high‐volume facilities is associated with improved OS in Merkel cell carcinoma. Given the impracticality of referring all elderly patients with Merkel cell carcinoma to a small number of facilities, methods to mitigate this disparity should be explored.
Simultaneous separation and determination of 20 potential adulterant antigout and antiosteoporosis pharmaceutical compounds in herbal food products using LC with electrospray ionization MS/MS and LC with quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight MS
Authors: Kim Nam Sook , Moon Sun Hee , Choi Hwan Seong , Lee Ji Hyun , Park Seongsoo , Kang Hoil
Published: April 2020

An analytical method for the simultaneous and reliable determination of 20 antigout and antiosteoporosis pharmaceutical compounds in adulterated health food products was developed using liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography with quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. The method was validated through the determination of specificity, linearity, limit of detection, and limit of quantification, method detection limit, method quantitation limit, precision, accuracy, recovery, and stability. The matrix effect was also determined. The validation results of the developed method are as follows: for solid and liquid blank samples, limits of detection ranged from 0.05 to 5.00 ng/mL and limits of quantification ranged from 0.15 to 15.00 ng/mL. Linearity was acceptable, and the correlation coefficients (R2) were ≥0.99 for all target compounds. Both intra and interday precision were less than 9.16% RSD, and accuracies ranged from 95.31 to 116.68%. Mean recoveries for different types of dietary supplements classified as powders, liquids, tablets, and capsules were found to be 80.81 to 117.62% with less than 15.00% relative standard deviation. The stability of the standard mixture solution was less than 11.72% relative standard deviation after 48 h. By the proposed method, the presence of dexamethasone was determined in seized herbal food products at concentrations that ranged from 126 to 215 µg/g.
Fetal Hemivertebra at 11 to 14 Weeks' Gestation
Authors: Yulia Angela , Pawar Sona , Chelemen Oana , Ushakov Fred , Pandya Pranav P.
Published: April 2020

Hemivertebra appears as an angulation of the spine on a coronal section. We evaluated the prevalence of chromosomal defects and outcome of fetuses with hemivertebra detected in the first trimester over a 9‐year period in a single tertiary referral unit. There were 10 cases; 9 had other anomalies. Seven couples opted for termination of pregnancy. One pregnancy ended in fetal demise at 16 weeks, and the 2 isolated cases continued the pregnancy with delivery at term. A karyotype analysis was performed in 8 fetuses: 5 found to be euploid and 3 having trisomy 18. Comprehensive ultrasound screening allows early prenatal detection and appropriate counseling.
Effect of manufacturing options on signal attenuation of FPCB
Authors: Yang Wonmo , Kam Dong Gun
Published: April 2020

There have been few studies on the effects of various FPCB manufacturing options on signal attenuation. This article represents the results of an effort to understand quantitatively the attenuation impact of commonly used manufacturing options, such as film/adhesive material, pretreatment, and FCCL process. Coupons from several different product FPCB constructions were measured and compared in terms of per‐unit‐length attenuation. While it is not a comprehensive compilation, it is more extensive than previously available. These results will be helpful to make a real trade‐off between electrical performance and manufacturing concerns.
A survey on personnel awareness of the factors affecting accurate blood pressure measurement in the medical centres of Jahrom County
Authors: Zarei Safar , Nasimi Fatemeh , Abedi Hassanali , Sadeghi Najmeh
Published: April 2020

Aims and objectives

The main purpose of this study was to determine the clinical skill of the medical personnel on level of awareness of standard methods used during blood pressure measurement.

Background

Blood pressure measurement is one of the vital clinical proficiencies the hospital personnel must be equipped with. Results from different surveys highlight the importance of awareness amongst medical personnel in controlling blood pressure.

Design

Descriptive cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Using standardized questionnaires devised by the researcher, data were collected from 302 participants working in healthcare centres in Jahrom. The extracted data were analysed using SPSS.

Results

Observations showed that 10–20% of the participants had wide knowledge of influential factors affecting blood pressure measurement. Moreover, there was a meaningful relation between holding higher degrees and accurate blood pressure measurement (p < .05). Nevertheless, besides the personnel holding lower degrees, those holding higher educational degrees also had dearth of knowledge of factors affecting blood pressure measurement.

Conclusions

The overall findings of this study indicate that the knowledge among the hospital personnel in determining factors affecting blood pressure measurement was inadequate.