bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract P549: The Impact Of Neighborhood Factors On Mortality Among Depressed Patients With Systolic Heart Failure.
Authors: Guhl Emily , Holber Julia P , Jeong Kwonho , Abebe Kaleab Z , Anderson Amy , Magnani Jared W , Rollman Bruce L
Published: March 2020

Introduction:
Neighborhood factors have been associated with risk factors for cardiovascular disease.. Among These neighborhood factors also impact physical functioning and access to resources. In individuals with heart failure (HF), who require a significant access to care and physical activity, these neighborhood factors may impact mortality. Data are limited evaluating the association of neighborhood and mortality in HF.

Hypothesis:
We hypothesized that better walk scores and less deprivation would be associated with a lower mortality in individuals with systolic HF.

Methods:
We screened hospitalized patients with systolic HF (EF≤45%) and NYHA class II-IV symptoms for depression at 8 Pittsburgh-area hospitals as part of the Hopeful Heart Study (R01 HL114016) and included patients who screened positive for depression and remained depressed when re-contacted by telephone 2 weeks after discharge. We classified neighborhoods using the validated Walk Score®and Area Deprivation Index for each patient’s address at study entry (both 0-100 scales), and assessed all-cause and cardiovascular mortality over a 12 month period post-enrollment. Mortality (top quartile vs. all others) was compared between ADI and Walk Score groups with adjustment for clinical covariates using Kaplan Meier survival analysis.

Results:
Final analysis included 629 depressed patients with systolic HF (43 % female, 75 % white, 86% HTN, 52% DM). There was no significant difference In mortality when comparing individuals in the top quartile of Walk Score (p = 0.381) or ADI (p = 0.379) to all others (Figure 1).

Conclusions:
Among depressed patients with systolic HF, there was no significant association between neighborhood factors including Walk Score or ADI and mortality. Further research is warranted to determine how neighborhood factors adversely impact individual with co-morbid depression and systolic HF. Further analyses are ongoing to determine if individual components of the Walk Score and ADI contribute to differences in mortality.
Abstract P552: The Role of Traditional Risk Factors in Mediating the Influence of Cumulative Social Risk Exposure on Cardiovascular Death
Authors: Zhang Wei , Ahmad Muhammad Imtiaz , SOLIMAN Elsayed Z
Published: March 2020

Introduction:
Cumulative social risk exposure, defined as experiencing more than one social risk factor and captured through an index of cumulative social risk, is associated with a significant increase in cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. However, the role of CVD risk factors in explaining this association is unclear.

Methods:
This analysis included 15,906 participants (45.6±19.5 years, 53.4% women, 57.7% minority race) from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES-III) who were CVD-free at enrollment. Baseline social risk factors (minority race, poverty-income ratio<1, education<12 grade, and living single) were used to create a cumulative social risk score (0 to ≥3). The mediation by each CVD risk factor was assessed by estimating the magnitude of attenuation in the hazard ratio for the association between social risk score and CVD death adjusted by demographics and risk factors.

Results:
During a median follow up of 14 years, 1,309 CVD deaths occurred. Participants with more than one social risk factor were at increased risk of CVD death
(Table)
. The risk of CVD death in demographic adjusted models was attenuated by 31%, 21% and 36% in people with social risk score 1, 2, and ≥3 versus 0, respectively, after further adjustment for traditional CVD risk factors. Among all CVD risk factors included in the analysis, current smoking was the most powerful mediating effect, accounting for approximately one half of the combined risk factor effect, followed by obesity and diabetes (
Table
).

Conclusions:
Traditional CVD risk factors explain about one third of the association between cumulative social risk exposure and CVD death. While these findings underscore the importance of management of traditional CVD risk factors, particularly smoking, in socially disadvantaged population, they call for further studies to identify other pathways that explain the link between social risk exposure and CVD.
Abstract P556: Blood Pressure in the Italian Adult Population: Preliminary Results of the 2018-2019 Cuore Project-Health Examination Survey
Authors: Donfrancesco Chiara , Lo Noce Cinzia , Di Lonardo Anna , Minutoli Daniela , Buttari Brigitta , Profumo Elisabetta , Vannucchi Serena , Bellisario Paolo , Giampaoli Simona , Strazzullo Pasquale , Palmieri Luigi
Published: March 2020

Introduction:
Hypertension is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease, chronic kidney disease, ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke. The WHO Global Action Plan for the Prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) target by 2025 for hypertension is a 25% relative reduction in the prevalence of raised blood pressure.

Hypothesis:
Prevalence of raised blood pressure in adults has declined in high-income countries over the past few decades; the CUORE project surveys have shown this trend also in Italy from the 1980s to the 2010s. This preliminary analysis aims to assess mean level of blood pressure and prevalence of raised blood pressure in the Italian general adult population using the data collected within the CUORE Project-health examination survey.

Methods:
Within the ongoing survey, started in 2018, mean of blood pressure and prevalence of raised blood pressure are assessed in random samples of resident population, aged 35-74 years, stratified by age and sex (men 822 and women 869), from 8 Italian Regions from the Northern, Central and Southern Italy. Blood pressure is measured three times consecutively by automated oscillometric device using standardized procedures and methods. Mean level of first two measurements are here considered. Raised blood pressure is defined as systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure equal or greater than 140/90 mmHg or under specific drug treatment. The survey is funded by the Italian Ministry of Health-CCM.

Results:
Preliminary analysis shows a mean value of systolic blood pressure of 131 mmHg (95% C.I.130-132) in men and 122 mmHg (121-123) in women. Mean value of diastolic blood pressure is 77 mmHg (76-78) in men and 73 mmHg (72-74) in women. Prevalence of raised blood pressure is 43.3% (39.9-46.7) in men and 32.4% (29.2-35.5) in women. In men prevalence of persons with raised blood pressure and untreated is 18.5% (14.6-22.3) and 8.6% (5.4-11.7) in women. In men and women prevalence of raised blood pressure is significantly higher in the Southern regions.

Conclusions:
Preliminary data of first 8 Regions (out of 10 which should be examined) underline that raised blood pressure is widely present in the Italian adult population. In comparison to data measured within the CUORE Project 10 years earlier, a decrease of mean level of blood pressure and prevalence of raised blood pressure seems to occur facilitating the meeting of WHO-NCDs target.
Myocardial Edema, Myocyte Injury, and Disease Severity in Fabry Disease
Authors: Augusto João B. , Nordin Sabrina , Vijapurapu Ravi , Baig Shanat , Bulluck Heerajnarain , Castelletti Silvia , Alfarih Mashael , Knott Kristopher , Captur Gabriella , Kotecha Tushar , Ramaswami Uma , Tchan Michel , Geberhiwot Tarekegn , Fontana Marianna , Steeds Richard P. , Hughes Derralynn , Kozor Rebecca , Moon James C.
Published: March 2020

Background:

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance can demonstrate myocardial processes in Fabry disease (FD), such as low native T1 (sphingolipid storage) and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE, scar). Recently, high T2 (edema) has been observed in the basal inferolateral wall along with troponin elevation. We hypothesized that edema and myocyte injury would be chronically associated and have electrical, mechanical, and disease associations in FD.

Methods:

A prospective international multicenter study was conducted on 186 consecutive FD patients (45.2±1.1 years, 58% females). Additionally, 28 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, 30 with chronic myocardial infarction and 59 healthy volunteers were included. All study participants underwent comprehensive cardiovascular magnetic resonance with T1 and T2 mapping, cines, and LGE imaging.

Results:

LGE in the basal inferolateral wall in FD had T2 elevation (FD 58.2±5.0 ms versus hypertrophic cardiomyopathy 55.6±4.3 ms, chronic myocardial infarction 53.7±3.4 ms and healthy volunteers 48.9±2.5 ms,
P
<0.001), but when LGE was present there was also global T2 elevation (53.1±2.9 versus 50.6±2.2 ms,
P
<0.001). Thirty-eight percent of FD patients had high troponin. The strongest predictor of increased troponin was high basal inferolateral wall T2 (odds ratio, 18.2 [95% CI, 3.7–90.9],
P
<0.0001). Both T2 and troponin elevations were chronic over 1 year. High basal inferolateral wall T2 was associated with baseline global longitudinal strain impairment (
P
=0.005) and electrocardiographic abnormalities (long PR, complete bundle branch block, left ventricular hypertrophy voltage criteria, long QTc, and T-wave inversion, all
P
<0.05) and predicted clinical worsening after 1 year (Fabry stabilization index >20%,
P
=0.034).

Conclusions:

LGE in Fabry has chronic local T2 elevation that is strongly associated with chronic troponin elevation. In addition, there is slight global T2 elevation. Both are associated with ECG and mechanical changes and clinical worsening over 1 year.
Platelet Inhibition, Endothelial Function, and Clinical Outcome in Patients Presenting With ST‐Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction Randomized to Ticagrelor Versus Prasugrel Maintenance Therapy: Long‐Term Follow‐Up of the REDUCE‐MVI Trial
Authors: van der Hoeven Nina W. , Janssens Gladys N. , Everaars Henk , Nap Alexander , Lemkes Jorrit S. , de Waard Guus A. , van de Ven Peter M. , van Rossum Albert C. , Escaned Javier , Mejia‐Renteria Hernan , ten Cate Tim J. F. , Piek Jan J. , von Birgelen Clemens , Valgimigli Marco , Diletti Roberto , Riksen Niels P. , Van Mieghem Nicolas M. , Nijveldt Robin , van Leeuwen Maarten A. H. , van Royen Niels
Published: March 2020

Background

Off‐target properties of ticagrelor might reduce microvascular injury and improve clinical outcome in patients with ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction. The
REDUCE
‐
MVI
(Evaluation of Microvascular Injury in Revascularized Patients with ST‐Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction Treated With Ticagrelor Versus Prasugrel) trial reported no benefit of ticagrelor regarding microvascular function at 1 month. We now present the follow‐up data up to 1.5 years.

Methods and Results

We randomized 110 patients with ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction to either ticagrelor 90 mg twice daily or prasugrel 10 mg once a day. Platelet inhibition and peripheral endothelial function measurements including calculation of the reactive hyperemia index and clinical follow‐up were obtained up to 1.5 years. Major adverse clinical events and bleedings were scored. An intention to treat and a per‐protocol analysis were performed. There were no between‐group differences in platelet inhibition and endothelial function. At 1 year the reactive hyperemia index in the ticagrelor group was 0.66±0.26 versus 0.61±0.28 in the prasugrel group (
P
=0.31). Platelet inhibition was lower at 1 month versus 1 year in the total study population (61% [42%–81%] versus 83% [61%–95%];
P
<0.001), and per‐protocol platelet inhibition was higher in patients randomized to ticagrelor versus prasugrel at 1 year (91% [83%–97%] versus 82% [65%–92%];
P
=0.002). There was an improvement in intention to treat endothelial function in patients randomized to ticagrelor (
P
=0.03) but not in patients randomized to prasugrel (
P
=0.88). Major adverse clinical events (10% versus 14%;
P
=0.54) and bleedings (47% versus 63%;
P
=0.10) were similar in the intention‐to‐treat analysis in both groups.

Conclusions

Platelet inhibition at 1 year was higher in the ticagrelor group, without an accompanying increase in bleedings. Endothelial function improved over time in ticagrelor patients, while it did not change in the prasugrel group.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/
. Unique Identifier:
NCT
02422888.
At ‘Home’ Away from ‘Home’: The ex-Ottoman Armenian Refugees and the Limits of Belonging in Soviet Armenia
Authors: Korkmaz Ayşenur
Published: March 2020

This article explores spatial attachments among the ex-Ottoman Armenians who survived the Armenian Genocide and settled in their ‘new homeland’, Soviet Armenia. It addresses the question of how the refugees dealt with loss and displacement and reflected on their former hometowns, referred to as ‘Ergir’, a spatial construct denoting a symbolic ‘Armenian homeland’ or a ‘local homeland’ in Anatolia. I argue that the refugees conceptualised Ergir not only in relation to their expulsion but also the socio-political factors that influenced them in Soviet Armenia in three periods. The first era of reflection on Ergir was the 1920s and 1930s, replete with nostalgic sentiments. The second was the suppression of the theme of Ergir, between 1936–1960, particularly during political crackdowns in Stalin’s era. The third period saw the revival of Ergir and marked a new phase in the conceptualisations of ‘homeland’ in which the displacement from Anatolia in 1915–1916 and the Stalinist purges were enmeshed into one tragedy of the ex-Ottoman Armenians.
Taxonomic revision of the microleafhopper subgenus Alnetoidia Dlabola from Korea (Homoptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae)
Authors: HOSSAIN MD. SHAMIM , KWON JIN HYUNG , SUH SANG JAE , KWON YONG JUNG
Published: March 2020

Four species of Alnetoidia Dlabola, 1958 s. str. are described and illustrated. Among them, Alnetoidia (Alnetoidia) jejudoensis sp. nov. is new to science and Alnetoidia (Alnetoidia) straminea Anufriev, 1972 is newly recorded for the Korean fauna. A key to the Korean species is provided.
Description of zoeal stages of Albunea paretii Guérin-Méneville, 1853 (Decapoda: Albuneidae) collected from the Amazon Continental Shelf (Brazil)
Authors: RODRIGUES ANA CAROLINA MELO , SANTOS ANTONINA DOS , MARTINELLI-LEMOS JUSSARA MORETTO
Published: March 2020

The present work describes and illustrates in detail the six zoeal stages of Albunea paretii collected from plankton samples on the Amazon continental shelf in Brazil. The morphological characters are compared with those of other known albuneid larvae. As in other albuneids, the zoeae of Albunea paretii have a semi-globose carapace, a long rostral spine and a pair of long posterolateral spines on pereon, as well as three aesthetascs on the antennule of zoea I, a strong antennal spinous process and a convex telson with a stout posterolateral spine. The zoeal morphology of Albunea paretii and other species of the genus differs, especially regarding the unique presence of the posterolateral spine only on the 5th pleonite in zoea I–IV and the absence in later zoeal stages. The differing features of the albuneid subfamilies are in the telson, antenna and maxilla format and number of setae.
Morphology and multilocus phylogeny of the Spiny-footed Lizard (Acanthodactylus erythrurus) complex reveal two new mountain species from the Moroccan Atlas
Authors: MIRALLES AURÉLIEN , GENIEZ PHILIPPE , BEDDEK MENAD , ARANDA DANIEL MENDEZ , BRITO JOSÉ CARLOS , LEBLOIS RAPHAËL , CROCHET PIERRE-ANDRÉ
Published: March 2020

We generated an extensive morphological and multilocus molecular dataset to investigate the taxonomy of Acanthodactylus erythrurus, a widespread species across the Mediterranean and semiarid habitats of the Iberian Peninsula and the Maghreb. Our integrated analyses revealed the existence of at least five basal lineages: (i) an Ibero-Moroccan clade widespread across Morocco and the Iberian Peninsula, from sea-level up to a maximal known altitude of 1,930 m, (ii) an Algero-Tunisian clade, distributed in coastal and inland areas of eastern Algeria and Tunisia, (iii) a Central Algerian clade, formed by two inland populations located in central Algeria (1,000–1,500 m a.s.l.), (iv) a western High Atlas clade including two montane populations from Jbel Siroua and Tizi n’Tichka (at 2,320 m and 2,176 m a.s.l., respectively) and (v) an eastern High Atlas clade, including at least two montane populations from Isli and Tislit (both localities around 2,275 m a.s.l.). An integrated species delimitation approach combining molecular and multivariate morphological analyses demonstrated complete reproductive isolation and hence speciation between the Ibero-Moroccan clade and the eastern High Atlas clade in their contact zone. The divergence between all five clades is broadly similar, supporting the existence of at least five species in the Acanthodactylus erythrurus complex. In the present work we describe the two well-differentiated endemic species from the Moroccan Atlas for which no name is available: Acanthodactylus lacrymae sp. nov. from Isli and Tislit and A. montanus sp. nov. from Jbel Siroua and Tizi n’Tichka. Further work will be needed to fully resolve the taxonomy of this species complex.
Understanding the Surface Film Formation on Si Electrodes in Lithium Secondary Batteries with Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Song Hee-Youb , Kim Sung-Su , Nogales Paul Maldonado , Jeong Soon-Ki
Published: March 2020

The solid electrolyte interphase formation on the negative electrodes of lithium secondary batteries has been considered as one of the principal issues limiting the performance of batteries. Si is an attractive electrode material for improving energy density of lithium secondary batteries
because of its high specific theoretical capacity (4200 mAh g−1). However, solid electrolyte interphase formation on Si-based electrodes have not been clearly understood in spite of its significance. Herein, the solid electrolyte interphase formation on Si electrodes in electrolyte
solutions containing ethylene carbonate or propylene carbonate was investigated by using in-situ atomic force microscopy. Large and irreversible capacity fade in SiO electrodes was confirmed in both electrolyte solutions through cyclic voltammetry and charge/discharge testing. The in-situ
atomic force microscopy results indicated that the decomposition reaction occurred in the ethylene carbonate-based electrolyte solution at a potential of ~0.68 V, while the lithium alloying reaction occurred below 0.25 V during the first reduction process. The decomposition reaction was more
vigorous and occurred at a higher potential in the propylene carbonate-based electrolyte solution, resulting in the formation of a thick solid electrolyte interphase film. These results suggest that the solid electrolyte interphase formation on Si electrodes is strongly influenced by the composition
of the electrolyte solution.
Physical Properties of High Functional Contact Lenses with Hydrophilic Substance and Graphene Oxide Nanocolloids
Authors: Seok Jae-Wuk , Sung A-Young
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this experiment is to evaluate the physical properties of contact lenses made by adding hydrophilic Hyaluronic acid (HA) and Methacrylic acid (MA) as additives and Graphene oxide nanocolloids. As a contact lens, AIBN (Azobisisobutyronitrile) was used as an initiator with
HEMA (2-hydroxy methyl methacrylate) and EGDMA (ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) as a cross-linker. Hyaluronic acid (HA) and methacrylic acid (MA) were added at 5%, respectively. Graphene oxide nanocolloids were added at 0.1%, 0.3% and 0.5%, respectively. Each prepared contact lens was hydrated
in 99% NaCl saline solution for 24 hours. And the basic physical properties of contact lenses were evaluated and compared. The refractive index of the sample with hyaluronic acid and MA added was 1.4390, which was not significantly different from that of the basic combination contact lens
sample. When Graphene oxide nanocolloids, a nanomaterial, were added, the refractive index decreased with increasing amount of Graphene oxide nanocolloids from 1.4209 to 13959. In the case of water content, the sample with 5% Hyaluronic acid and MA added slightly increased to 41.01%. In the
case of Graphene oxide nanocolloids added, 48.76%~53.56% of Graphene oxide nanocolloids were added. Especially, it was observed that the water content increased sharply in the 0.1% sample of Graphene oxide nanocolloids. When the amount of graphene oxide nanocolloids added to the contact lens
material was increased, the refractive index, which is a basic physical property, gradually decreased as the contact lens material was added together with Hyaluronic acid, MA, and Graphene oxide nanocolloids added as a nanomaterial. The water content tended to increase gradually. Therefore,
the combination of Graphene oxide and hydrophilicmaterials shows a synergistic effect of physical properties, which is considered to be suitable as a material for contact lenses.
Synthesis of FeCo Alloy Nanoparticles for Electromagnetic Absorber by Polyol Method
Authors: Seo Dae Seok , Park Jong Hwan , Ro Jae Chul , Lee Kyung Sub , Suh Su Jung
Published: March 2020

The correlations among magnetic properties, synthesis temperature, and composition of FeCo nanoparticles were investigated herein. Fe80Co20 alloy nanoparticles synthesized at different temperatures (383, 393, 403, 413, 428, and 443 K) showed variable compositions
and aggregation degrees of the FeCo nanoparticles. Under the optimized conditions of synthesis temperature of 403 K and duration of 1 h, FeCo nanoparticles were synthesized at molar ratios of 9:1, 8:2, 7:3, 6:4, 5:5, 4:6, 3:7, 2:8, and 1:9. The FeCo alloy nanoparticles were characterized by
scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometer, fourier transform infrared, and network analyzer. With increasing Co content, the extent of aggregation increased. The cobalt ferrite phase was detected under some conditions,
and all FeCo nanoparticles showed high saturation magnetization and low coercive forces. The prepared FeCo nanoparticles exhibited high permeability at a high frequency range.
Solution-Processed Organic Light-Emitting Diodes Using a Photo-Crosslinkable Hole-Transporting Layer
Authors: Park Jeong Yong , Jang Jae-Ho , Lee Ji-Hoon , Hwang Do-Hoon
Published: March 2020

Photo-crosslinkable hole transporting layer (HTL) consisting of a blend of poly(bis-4-butylphenyl-N,N-bisphenyl)benzidine (poly-TPD) and bis(4-azido-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorobenzoate) (FPA) was applied to red and green organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) by solution processing. This photocrosslinking
reaction rendered the HTL insoluble in organic solvents and enabled subsequent solution deposition of an upper emissive layer. The solvent resistance of the photo-crosslinked poly-TPD:FPA (1 wt%) film was enhanced compared to that of the non-crosslinked neat poly-TPD film. Solution-processed
red and green OLEDs with the poly-TPD:FPA (1 wt%) photo-crosslinked HTL exhibited higher device performances than those with the non-crosslinked poly-TPD HTL.
Free-Standing Sulfur-Carbon Nanotube Electrode with a Deposited Sulfur Layer for High-Energy Lithium-Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Kang Jukyoung , Jung Yongju
Published: March 2020

To obtain a high S-loading cathode for a Li–S battery, we propose a free-standing carbon nanotube (CNT)-based S cathode, which consists of two layers: a pure S deposition layer with a thickness of 20 μm, and a S-containing CNT film (S-CNT). Based on scanning electron
microscopic (SEM) studies, it was observed that the S layer completely vanished when the cell with the S/S-CNT cathode was discharged to 2.1 V after cell assembly, indicating that the thick sulfur film dissolved in the form of polysulfide intermediates during discharge. The proposed S/S-CNT
cathode delivered double the areal capacity with good capacity retention of 83% after 100 cycles, compared with that of the control cathode (S-CNT). Thus, we believe that our new cathode design will be useful in developing stable, high-energy Li–S batteries.
Highly Efficient Adsorption of Anionic Dye on Acid-Treated Halloysite Nanotubes
Authors: Lee Hyungwook , Lee Keonku , Park Jongik , Lee Jewon , Noh Jaegeun
Published: March 2020

The adsorption capability of eosin Y as a model anionic dye on natural halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) and sulfuric acid-treated HNTs as a function of acid treatment time (1 h, 3 h, and 5 h) was examined. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that natural HNTs had a very uniform surface,
whereas acid-treated HNTs had a rough surface with structural defects, which increased with acid treatment time. The total specific pore volume and total surface area of the acid-treated HNTs increased due to formation of nanopores in the HNTs via dissolution of the inner AlO6 octahedral
layer. With acid treatment, the surface ξ—potentials were positively shifted from −42.9 mV (for the natural HNTs) to −1.9, −3.0, and +1.2 mV after 1, 3, and 5 h, respectively. The adsorption amount (qe) of eosin Y on natural HNTs and the
three acid-treated HNTs was 2.3, 125.5, 118.9, and 118.9 mg g−1, respectively, implying that the adsorption capacity of acid-treated HNTs is ~50 times higher than that of natural HNTs. In this study, we clearly demonstrated that acid-treated HNTs can be used as highly efficient
nanomaterials for removal of dyes from wastewater containing anionic dyes.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study of a CO2-Switchable Surfactant
Authors: Liu Xiangliang , Li Yingjie , Tian Xiaochun , Hu Jing , Zhou Chunjian , Tian Senlin
Published: March 2020

We computed molecular properties of a long-tail amidine surfactant (N'-dodecyl-N,N-dimethylacetamidinium bicarbonate, DDAB) through quantum mechanics (QM) method. We then used molecular dynamics (MD) computations to obtain the properties of DDAB when displaced from the
center to the boundary surface. The QM calculation results indicated that the mono-dentate type of bindings between polar head group and HCO−3 ion was more likely to be adopted. The MD results indicated that the HCO−3 ions could pass
the energy barrier surrounding the head groups to form stable ion pairs. Meanwhile, the surfactant molecules aggregated very quickly, and absorbed in a direction pointed from the bulk center to the boundary. These results indicated that hydrophobic correlations of alkyl chains are the driving
force for boundary adsorption of DDAB.
Controllable Synthesis of Nanostructured MnO2 as Electrode Material of Supercapacitors
Authors: Huang Yingying , Weng Duo , Kang Shumei , Lu Jinlin
Published: March 2020

In this study, MnO2 with different nanostructures (nanorods, nanospheres, nanoflowers, nanolychee) were obtained using a facile chemical method by adding different amounts of sulfuric acid for application in supercapacitors. Structure, morphology and composition were examined
by X-ray diffractometer, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, Fourier transform infrared, etc. Electrochemistry performances were tested by Autolab and LANHE CT2001A test system. Results indicated that the nanoflower MnO2 (F-MnO2) exhibited largest specific surface area, which was
83.17 m2 g−1. Electrode materials were tested in different electrolytes, including 6.0 M KOH, 1.0 M LiNO3 and 1.0 M LiOH. The F-MnO2 electrode material displayed the best electrochemical properties, and its specific capacitance was 171 F g−1
at 1 A g−1. Moreover, F-MnO2 electrode material showed splendid cycling durability was 130.9% of original value after 1000 cycles. These results demonstrated that the F-MnO2 electrode material should be a promising candidate for application in supercapacitors.
A Novel Nanorod Self-Assembled WO3 · H2O Spherical Structure: Preparation and Flexible Gas Sensor
Authors: Qi Qi , Wang Qi , Liu Nanliu , Zheng Xiaoping , Ding Xiongjie , Liang Zhiwen , Wang Qing , Zhang Guoyi , Zeng Wen
Published: March 2020

In this work, a novel WO3 · H2O spherical structure which was self-assembled by nanorods was achieved by using hydrothermal method. A comprehensive growth mechanism was proposed to explain the formation of three different type nanostructures. Flexible gas
sensors were successfully fabricated based on such unique nanostructures. We found that these nanorods and nanoparticle’s self-assembled spherical structure showed excellent gas response to ammonia. This result may provide great benefit potential to further study for the preparation
and gas performance of such self-assembled structure of WO3 · H2O.
Synthesis of ZnO@CuS Core–Shell Nanocomposites by Thermal Decomposition Method and Their Photocatalytic Application
Authors: Sharma Vanita , Jeevanandam P.
Published: March 2020

Considerable work is being carried out recently to develop nanomaterials which can act as photocatalyst under sunlight. In the present study, ZnO@CuS core–shell nanocomposites were synthesized and their photocatalytic activity has been investigated. The nanocomposites were prepared
by thermal decomposition of a single molecular precursor, cyclo-tri-μ-thioacetamide-tris(chlorocopper(I)) complex ([Cu3TAA3Cl3]), in the presence of ZnO nanorods in diphenyl ether at 200 °C. The effect of reaction time and precursor concentration
on copper sulfide shell formation have been investigated. The ZnO@CuS core–shell nanocomposites were characterized using different techniques such as XRD, FE-SEM, TEM, FT-IR, UV-Vis, DRS and XPS. As compared to bare ZnO nanorods, the ZnO@CuS nanocomposites show better photocatalytic
activity towards degradation of congo red in an aqueous solution under sunlight.
The Effects of Trace Sb and Zn Additions on Cu6Sn5 Lithium-Ion Battery Anodes
Authors: Tan Xin Fu , Yong Adrian Xiao Bin , Gu Qinfen , Yang Wenhui , Aso Kohei , Matsumura Syo , McDonald Stuart D. , Nogita Kazuhiro
Published: March 2020

Sn-based compounds are promising candidates for application as anodes in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to the favourable storage capacity of Sn at 993 mAh g−1 compared to carbon at 372 mAh g−1. The use of Sn-based anodes also avoids some of the safety
concerns associated with carbon anodes. However, the large volume changes during lithiation and delithiation of pure Sn anodes often results in poor cyclic performance. Alloying Sn with Cu, an element inactive with respect to Li, buffers the expansion stresses and can improve cycling performance.
Cu6Sn5 is therefore a promising candidate anode material. In this work, the effects of Sb and Zn additions on the morphology, crystal structure, atomic arrangements and the electrochemical performance of the anodes were evaluated. Characterisation with synchrotron X-ray
powder diffraction and Cs-corrected transmission electron microscopy revealed the larger lattice parameters, higher symmetry crystal structures and well-ordered atomic arrangements in the Sb and Zn modified electrodes, which resulted in a more than 50% increase in cycling
capacity from 490 mAh g−1 to 760 mAh g−1.
Recent Advances in Nanoarchitectonics of SnO2 Clusters and Their Applications in Catalysis
Authors: Deka Ramesh Ch. , Deka Ajanta , Deka Pangkita , Saikia Sudakhina , Baruah Julie , Sarma Plaban J.
Published: March 2020

Tin dioxide nanoclusters are very effective as catalysts for various reactions including CO2 conversion and Friedel-Crafts acylation for pharmaceuticals. The nanoarchitectonics of SnO2 could be controlled by different synthetic strategies. In the current article,
we have presented synthesis of SnO2 nanoclusters and their applications in catalysis. We have also reviewed computational studies on SnO2 nanoclusters for using them in nanoarchitectonics and catalytic conversion of CO2 to useful chemicals. Optimized structures
of various cluster sizes are presented. The present and future perspectives of SnO2 catalysts in biomass conversions are also given
Dynamics and Predictability of Hemispheric-Scale Multidecadal Climate Variability in an Observationally Constrained Mechanistic Model
Authors: Kravtsov Sergey
Published: March 2020

This paper addresses the dynamics of internal hemispheric-scale multidecadal climate variability by postulating an energy-balance (EBM) model comprising two deep-ocean oscillators in the Atlantic and Pacific basins, coupled through their surface mixed layers via atmospheric teleconnections. This system is linear and driven by the atmospheric noise. Two sets of the EBM model parameters are developed by fitting the EBM-based mixed-layer temperature covariance structure to best mimic basin-average North Atlantic/Pacific sea surface temperature (SST) covariability in either observations or control simulations of comprehensive climate models within the CMIP5 project. The differences between the dynamics underlying the observed and CMIP5-simulated multidecadal climate variability and predictability are encapsulated in the algebraic structure of the two EBM model versions so obtained: EBMCMIP5 and EBMOBS. The multidecadal variability in EBMCMIP5 is overall weaker and amounts to a smaller fraction of the total SST variability than in EBMOBS, pointing to a lower potential decadal predictability of virtual CMIP5 climates relative to that of the actual climate. The EBMCMIP5 decadal hemispheric teleconnections (and, by inference, those in CMIP5 models) are largely controlled by the variability of the Pacific, in which the ocean, due to its large thermal and dynamical memory, acts as a passive integrator of atmospheric noise. By contrast, EBMOBS features a stronger two-way coupling between the Atlantic and Pacific multidecadal oscillators, thereby suggesting the existence of a hemispheric-scale and, perhaps, global multidecadal mode associated with internal ocean dynamics. The inferred differences between the observed and CMIP5 simulated climate variability stem from a stronger communication between the deep ocean and surface processes implicit in the observational data.
Evaluation of V05 Precipitation Estimates from GPM Constellation Radiometers Using KuPR as the Reference
Authors: You Yalei , Petkovic Veljko , Tan Jackson , Kroodsma Rachael , Berg Wesley , Kidd Chris , Peters-Lidard Christa
Published: March 2020

This study assesses the level-2 precipitation estimates from 10 radiometers relative to Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Ku-band precipitation radar (KuPR) in two parts. First, nine sensors—four imagers [Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2) and three Special Sensor Microwave Imager/Sounders (SSMISs)] and five sounders [Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS) and four Microwave Humidity Sounders (MHSs)]—are evaluated over the 65°S–65°N region. Over ocean, imagers outperform sounders, primarily due to the usage of low-frequency channels. Furthermore, AMSR2 is clearly superior to SSMISs, likely due to the finer footprint size. Over land all sensors perform similarly except the noticeably worse performance from ATMS and SSMIS-F17. Second, we include the Sondeur Atmospherique du Profil d’Humidite Intertropicale par Radiometrie (SAPHIR) into the evaluation process, contrasting it against other sensors in the SAPHIR latitudes (30°S–30°N). SAPHIR has a slightly worse detection capability than other sounders over ocean but comparable detection performance to MHSs over land. The intensity estimates from SAPHIR show a larger normalized root-mean-square-error over both land and ocean, likely because only 183.3-GHz channels are available. Currently, imagers are preferred to sounders when level-2 estimates are incorporated into level-3 products. Our results suggest a sensor-specific priority order. Over ocean, this study indicates a priority order of AMSR2, SSMISs, MHSs and ATMS, and SAPHIR. Over land, SSMIS-F17, ATMS and SAPHIR should be given a lower priority than the other sensors.
‘Doing Evil’ as Maiestas in John 18.30
Authors: Wassell Blake
Published: March 2020

The argument of this article is that in Jn 18.30 Jesus is accused of ‘doing evil’ to Caesar – or maiestas. Johannine critics sometimes mention maiestas, but they have neither introduced the ancient and modern literature on the topic nor applied it to the interpretation of the accusation against Jesus in John’s gospel. Horace, Velleius Paterculus, the senatus consultum de Cn. Pisone patre and Suetonius, as well as various treaties and edicts, demonstrate the transference of maiestas from Rome to Caesar. So instead of slandering the people, the crime of maiestas became slandering the emperor. If an author such as Josephus seems, in his own way, to intimate the crime, then so also may John. And if ‘doing evil’ means maiestas, then Jn 18.30 ﬁts more comfortably not only with the wider ﬁrst century, but also the wider Johannine narrative.
Prediction of Apnea‐Hypopnea Index Using Sound Data Collected by a Noncontact Device
Authors: Kim Jeong‐Whun , Kim Taehoon , Shin Jaeyoung , Lee Kyogu , Choi Sunkyu , Cho Sung‐Woo
Published: March 2020

Objective

To predict the apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) using data from breathing sounds recorded using a noncontact device during sleep.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary referral hospital.

Subject and Methods

Audio recordings during sleep were performed using an air‐conduction microphone during polysomnography. Breathing sounds recorded from all sleep stages were analyzed. After noise reduction preprocessing, the audio data were segmented into 5‐second windows and sound features were extracted. Estimation of AHI by regression analysis was performed using a Gaussian process, support vector machine, random forest, and simple linear regression, along with 10‐fold cross‐validation.

Results

In total, 116 patients who underwent attended, in‐laboratory, full‐night polysomnography were included. Overall, random forest resulted in the highest performance with the highest correlation coefficient (0.83) and least mean absolute error (9.64 events/h) and root mean squared error (13.72 events/h). Other models resulted in somewhat lower but similar performances, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.74 to 0.79. The estimated AHI tended to be underestimated as the severity of OSA increased. Regarding bias and precision, estimation performances in the severe OSA subgroup were the lowest, regardless of the model used. Among sound features, derivative of the area methods of moments of overall standard deviation demonstrated the highest correlation with AHI.

Conclusion

AHI was fairly predictable by using data from breathing sounds generated during sleep. The prediction model may be useful not only for prescreening but also for follow‐up after treatment in patients with OSA.
Grit and Retention Among First Year Hispanic College Students at a Hispanic Serving Institution
Authors: Lopez J. Derek , Horn Jennifer M.
Published: March 2020

Hispanic college students attending a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) in the southwest United States were administered the short grit survey during new student orientation for 2 consecutive years ( N = 496) to ascertain the association with grit scores and retention after the first year of university attendance. Results indicate that there was a gender difference in grit scores and retention. Few grit survey items were associated with retention, thus suggesting that the grit survey may not be an appropriate predictor of retention for first-generation Hispanic college students.
In vitro endothelial differentiation evaluation on polycaprolactone-methoxy polyethylene glycol electrospun membrane and fabrication of multilayered small-diameter hybrid vascular graft
Authors: Amirian Jhaleh , Sultana Tamanna , Joo Gyeong J , Park Chanmi , Lee Byong-Taek
Published: March 2020

During development of functional tissue engineered vascular graft, ensuring endothelialization at inner layer and mechanically strong outer layer is considered as challenging. The study objective was to fabricate a multilayered artificial blood vessel by dual syringe electrospinning technique. The presented graft was composed of polycaprolactone-methoxy polyethylene glycol which acts as an inner layer whereas Poly [4,4’-methylenebis(phenyl isocyanate)-alt-1,4-butanediol/di(propylene glycol)/polycaprolactone] (PUPCL) (12% w/v) was incorporated as the outer layer. To find out the optimum inner layer, different polycaprolactone-methoxy polyethylene glycol electrospun membranes varying methoxy polyethylene glycol content (0, 5, 10, 20, and 30% w/v) were prepared and evaluated. The characterizations revealed that blending of methoxy polyethylene glycol with polycaprolactone improved hydrophilicity and antithrombogenic properties compared to polycaprolactone or polyurethane polycaprolactone membrane. During in vitro assessment, the optimized polycaprolactone-20% methoxy polyethylene glycol membrane reinforced a greater differentiation of rat bone marrow stem cell into endothelial cells at both mRNA and protein levels by significantly inducing endothelial markers (CD31, Flk-1, and von Willebrand factor) expression. The polyurethane polycaprolactone membrane showed higher mechanical strength than polycaprolactone-methoxy polyethylene glycol while multilayered polycaprolactone-20% methoxy polyethylene glycol/polyurethane polycaprolactone vascular graft exhibited better result compared to single form. Therefore, the strong and bioactive polycaprolactone-20% methoxy polyethylene glycol/polyurethane polycaprolactone small diameter graft (<2 mm) prepared by simple fabrication process could be a promising preliminary platform for vascular tissue engineering application studies.
Problematizing Sound Methods Through Music Research-Creation: Oblique Curiosities
Authors: Shannon David Ben , Truman Sarah E.
Published: March 2020

In this article, we take up feminist new materialist thought in relation to our music research-creation practice to problematize the white, en/abled, cis-masculine, and Euro-Western methodological orientation often inherited with sound methods. We think with our music research-creation practice to activate a feminist new materialist politics of approach, unsettling sound studies’ inheritances that seek to separate, essentialize, naturalize/neutralize, capture, decontextualize, and re-present. We unsettle these inheritances with six propositions: imbricate, stratify, provoke, inject, contextualize, and more-than-represent. These propositions, and this article’s uptake of research-creation, hold implications for scholars interested in critically enacting sound studies research as well as qualitative and post qualitative research in general.
Eye Conditions in Women
Authors: Wishna Anne , Hurtig Amanda , Templeton Kim
Published: March 2020

Changes in vision can have significant impact on health and quality of life. Differences between women and men have been identified in the incidence of several eye conditions. Some of these differences are a result of the greater longevity of women. However, the eye, like other organs, is susceptible to the impacts of inflammation and sex steroids. Conditions, such as thyroid eye disease, optic neuritis, and dry eye disease are related to autoimmune or inflammatory conditions and are, thus, more common among women. Idiopathic intracranial hypertension occurs disproportionately in women of childbearing age; the etiology of this condition appears to be related to both inflammatory and sex hormone fluctuations.
Green Synthesized Phytochemically (Zingiber officinale and Allium sativum) Reduced Nickel Oxide Nanoparticles Confirmed Bactericidal and Catalytic Potential
Authors: Haider Ali , Ijaz Muhammad , Ali Sidra , Haider Junaid , Imran Muhammad , Majeed Hamid , Shahzadi Iram , Ali Muhammad Muddassir , Khan Jawaria Ali , Ikram Muhammad
Published: March 2020

Phyto-synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) having reduced chemical toxicity have been focused globally and become essential component of nanotechnology recently. We prepared green phytochemically (ginger and garlic) reduced NiO-NPs to replace synthetic bactericidal and catalytic agent in textile industry. NPs were characterized using ultra-violet visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The synthesis of NPs was confirmed by XRD and UV-Vis having strong absorption at 350 nm with size ranged between 16–52 nm for ginger and 11–59 nm for garlic. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy confirmed pleomorphism with cubic- and more spherical-shaped NPs. Moreover, exact quantities of garlic and ginger extracts (1:3.6 ml) incorporated to synthesize NiO-NPs have been successfully confirmed by FTIR. Phytochemically reduced NPs by garlic presented enhanced bactericidal activity against multiple drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus at increasing concentrations (0.5, 1.0 mg/50 μl) and also degraded methylene blue (MB) dye efficiently. Conclusively, green synthesized NiO-NPs are impending activists to resolve drug resistance as well as environment friendly catalytic agent that may be opted at industrial scale.
Chemicals of emerging concern in marine specimens of the German Environmental Specimen Bank
Authors: Fliedner Annette , Rüdel Heinz , Dreyer Annekatrin , Pirntke Ulrike , Koschorreck Jan
Published: March 2020

Background

Descriptor 8 of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) (Directive 2008/56/EC) addresses the good environmental status with regard to pollution of marine waters by chemical contaminants. Commission decision (EU) 2017/848 lays down the criteria and methodological standards on good environmental status of marine waters. Member States, in regional or subregional cooperation, shall establish lists of relevant contaminants beside those already covered by the Water Framework Directive (WFD). To provide information on emerging contaminants in marine biota, the German Environmental Specimen Bank (ESB) has compiled data of blue mussels and eelpouts from coastal sites in the North and Baltic Seas. Substances identified by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) as of emerging concern for the marine environment have been used as a starting point.

Results and conclusions

The study presents data of 19 emerging flame retardants and degradation products, 40 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and three cyclic volatile methylsiloxanes (cVMS). Among the emerging flame retardants, only Dec 602 was detected in all samples of 2015. Dec 604, Cl10-antiDP, 1,5-DPMA, EH-TBB, PBEB, TBP-AE, BATE, BTBPE and HBBz were constantly < limit of quantification (LOQ). Time trends were barely detected. Legacy PBDE still dominates in most samples. PFAS concentrations were usually higher in samples from the North Sea sites compared to samples from the Baltic Sea. PFOS dominated in most samples. Increasing trends over time were detected for PFNA, PFDA and PFDoDA at the Baltic Sea site and for PFDA at one North Sea site. Concentrations of the cVMS D4, D5 and D6 were below the detection limit at the ESB sampling sites. Based on the results, it should be considered to include the emerging flame retardants DP and Dec 602 and the long-chain perfluoroalkyl substances PFNA, PFDA, PFUnDA and PFDoDA in a regular monitoring in the North and Baltic Seas.