bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conducting Redox Polymer as Organic Anode Material for Polymer‐Manganese Secondary Batteries
Authors: Oka Kouki , Löfgren Rebecka , Emanuelsson Rikard , Nishide Hiroyuki , Oyaizu Kenichi , Strømme Maria , Sjödin Martin
Published: June 2020

Manganese‐based aqueous batteries have attracted significant attention due to their earth‐abundant components and low environmental burden. However, state‐of‐the‐art manganese‐zinc batteries are poorly rechargeable, owing to dendrite formation on the zinc anode. Organic materials could provide a safe and sustainable replacement. In the present work, a conducting redox polymer (CRP) based on a trimer of EPE (E=3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene; P=3,4‐propylenedioxythiophene) and a naphthoquinone (NQ) pendant group is used as anode in polymer‐manganese secondary batteries. The polymer shows stable redox conversion around+0.05 V vs. Ag/AgCl, and fast kinetics that involves proton cycling during pendant group redox conversion. For the first time, a CRP‐manganese secondary battery was fabricated with pEP(NQ)E as the anode, manganese oxide as the cathode, and manganese‐containing acidic aqueous solution as the electrolyte. This battery yielded a discharge voltage of 1.0 V and a discharging capacity of 76 mAh/ganode over >50 cycles and high rate capabilities (up to 10 C).
Recent Advances in Transition Metal Phosphide Electrocatalysts for Water Splitting under Neutral pH Conditions
Authors: Kim Byeongyoon , Kim Taekyung , Lee Kwangyeol , Li Jinghong
Published: June 2020

Considerable attention on sustainable clean energy resources has led to the development of a plethora of catalytic materials, specifically geared toward water electrolysis. Among various developed catalysts, noble‐metal‐based electrocatalysts have shown promising performances for oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions (OER and HER). However, their high price and scarcity have always been roadblocks to the commercialization of the water‐splitting technology. Recently, transition metal phosphides (TMP) and phosphates (TMPi) have emerged as alternative electrocatalysts for the OER and HER under neutral conditions; water splitting under a neutral conditions eco‐friendly and free of the corrosion issues that are present for acidic or alkaline conditions. Herein, we present the recent progress in TMP(i) based water splitting under neutral conditions, particularly focusing on the synthetic strategies and design concepts for improved catalytic performances. Challenges and outlook for further development of these promising catalysts are also discussed.
Hexagonal La2O3 Nanocrystals Chemically Coupled with Nitrogen‐Doped Porous Carbon as Efficient Catalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Zhao Jing , Liu Jingjun , Jin Chun , Wang Nan , Wang Feng
Published: June 2020

The construction of nano‐scale hybrid materials with a smart interfacial structure, established by using rare earth oxides and carbon as building blocks, is essential for the development of economical and efficient catalysts for oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs). In this work, hexagonal La2O3 nanocrystals on a nitrogen‐doped porous carbon (NPC) derived from crop radish, served as building bricks, are prepared by chemical precipitation and then calcination at elevated temperatures. The obtained La2O3/NPC hybrid exhibits a very high ORR activity with a half‐wave potential of 0.90 V, exceeding that of commercial Pt/C (0.83 V). Both DFT theoretical and experimental results have verified that the significantly enhanced catalytic performance is ascribed to the formation of the C−O−La covalent bonds between carbon and La2O3. Through the covalent bonds, electrons can transfer from the carbon to La2O3 and occupy the unfilled eg orbital of the La2O3 phase. This results in the accelerated adsorption of active oxygen and the facilitated desorption of the surface hydroxides (OHad−), thereby promoting the ORR over the catalyst.
Total Synthesis and Antimycobacterial Activity of Ohmyungsamycin A, Deoxyecumicin, and Ecumicin
Authors: Hawkins Paige M. E. , Tran Wendy , Nagalingam Gayathri , Cheung Chen‐Yi , Giltrap Andrew M. , Cook Gregory M. , Britton Warwick J. , Payne Richard J.
Published: June 2020

The ohmyungsamycin and ecumicin natural product families are structurally related cyclic depsipeptides that display potent antimycobacterial activity. Herein the total syntheses of ohmyungsamycin A, deoxyecumicin, and ecumicin are reported, together with the direct biological comparison of members of these natural product families against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the etiological agent of tuberculosis (TB). The synthesis of each of the natural products employed a solid‐phase strategy to assemble the linear peptide precursor, involving a key on‐resin esterification and an optional on‐resin dimethylation step, before a final solution‐phase macrolactamization between the non‐proteinogenic N‐methyl‐4‐methoxy‐l‐tryptophan amino acid and a bulky N‐methyl‐l‐valine residue. The synthetic natural products possessed potent antimycobacterial activity against Mtb with MIC90’s ranging from 110–360 nm and retained activity against Mtb in Mtb‐infected macrophages. Deoxyecumicin also exhibited rapid bactericidal killing against Mtb, sterilizing cultures after 21 days.
Bioanalytical chiral chromatographic technique and docking studies for enantioselective separation of meclizine hydrochloride: Application to pharmacokinetic study in rabbits
Authors: Raikar Prachi , Gurupadayya Bannimath , Mandal Subhankar P. , Narhari Rishitha , Subramanyam Sripuram , Srinivasu Gunnam , Rajan Surulivel , Saikumar Matcha , Koganti Sairam
Published: June 2020

Enantiomeric resolution and molecular docking studies of meclizine hydrochloride on polysaccharide‐based chiral stationary phase comprising cellulose tris(4‐methylbenzoate) chiral selector (150 × 4.6 mm, 3.0 μm) were presented. The mobile phase used was acetonitrile:10mM ammonium bicarbonate (95:05, v/v). The developed technique was used to perform the enantioselective assay of meclizine hydrochloride in its marketed formulation. The elution order of meclizine hydrochloride enantiomers was determined by docking studies. Target compound was extracted from rabbit plasma using protein precipitation technique, followed by development of bioanalytical chiral separation method using the same matrix. Application of the method to determine pharmacokinetic parameters of meclizine hydrochloride enantiomers was performed using Phoenix WinNonlin 8.1 software. The results demonstrated stereoselective disposition of meclizine hydrochloride enantiomers in rabbits.
Damit die Gleichgewichte stimmen
Authors: Wientjes Manfred
Published: June 2020

Eine Aussage zu Druckverluständerungen in einem komplexen Rohrleitungssystem hinsichtlich auftretender Volumenstromänderungen lässt sich ohne Unterstützung eines entsprechenden Simulationsprogrammes nicht vernünftig treffen. Dies ist das Ergebnis eines Ku
Standardanwendungen wirtschaftlich automatisieren
Authors: Homburg Claudia
Published: June 2020

Steigende Qualitäts‐ und Hygieneansprüche bei gleichzeitig schnelleren Chargenwechseln fordern in der Nahrungsmittelproduktion ein immer stärkeres Netz aus Sicherheitsmaßnahmen. Eine neue Kompaktserie an Drucksensoren und Grenzschaltern stellt sich diesen gewachsenen Anforderungen.
Vitamin D intake is associated with decreased risk of immune checkpoint inhibitor‐induced colitis
Authors: Grover Shilpa , Dougan Michael , Tyan Kevin , Giobbie‐Hurder Anita , Blum Steven M. , Ishizuka Jeffrey , Qazi Taha , Elias Rawad , Vora Kruti B. , Ruan Alex B. , Martin‐Doyle William , Manos Michael , Eastman Lauren , Davis Meredith , Gargano Maria , Haq Rizwan , Buchbinder Elizabeth I. , Sullivan Ryan J. , Ott Patrick A. , Hodi F. Stephen , Rahma Osama E.
Published: June 2020

Background

There is a lack of predictive markers informing on the risk of colitis in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). The aim of this study was to identify potential factors associated with development of ICI colitis.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of melanoma patients at Dana‐Farber Cancer Institute who received PD‐1, CTLA‐4, or combination ICIs between May 2011 to October 2017. Clinical and laboratory characteristics associated with pathologically confirmed ICI colitis were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression analyses. External confirmation was performed on an independent cohort from Massachusetts General Hospital.

Results

The discovery cohort included 213 patients of whom 37 developed ICI colitis (17%). Vitamin D use was recorded in 66/213 patients (31%) before starting ICIs. In multivariable regression analysis, vitamin D use conferred significantly reduced odds of developing ICI colitis (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.1–0.9). These results were also demonstrated in the confirmatory cohort (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.2–0.9) of 169 patients of whom 49 developed ICI colitis (29%). Pre‐treatment neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) ≥5 predicted reduced odds of colitis (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.1–0.9) only in the discovery cohort.

Conclusions

This is the first study to report that among patients treated with ICIs, vitamin D intake is associated with reduced risk for ICI colitis. This finding is consistent with prior reports of prophylactic use of vitamin D in ulcerative colitis and graft‐versus‐host‐disease. This observation should be validated prospectively in future studies.
Decision support based on optimized data mining techniques: Application to mobile telecommunication companies
Authors: Berkani Lamia
Published: June 2020

One of the most important challenges of African countries is the effective use of information and communication technologies and its generalization in the different sectors (education, economic, political, and so on). This will have a great impact on different aspects of society and economic activities by making everyday procedures easier and more efficient. In this same context, we are interested in this article by the proposition of a decision support framework based on the use of data mining (DM) techniques. Using DM in e‐government is the process of translating data to appropriate knowledge which can be useful for decision‐making. We propose a framework whose goal is the generation of association rules (ARs) for better decision‐making. This framework includes two approaches: (1) the first approach applies different DM algorithms and (2) the second approach optimizes the first one by considering two different metaheuristics: the Genetic algorithm and the Cuckoo search algorithm. A new relevance measure called “Weighted Dominance” has been considered to evaluate the quality of the generated ARs. Extensive experiments have been conducted using different datasets. The results obtained demonstrated the effectiveness of combining DM and optimization algorithms compared to the first approach. Finally, a case study related to an Algerian mobile phone company has been presented illustrating the use of our framework in the decision‐making process.
Contrast‐enhanced CT radiomics for preoperative evaluation of microvascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma: A two‐center study
Authors: Zhang Xiuming , Ruan Shijian , Xiao Wenbo , Shao Jiayuan , Tian Wuwei , Liu Weihai , Zhang Zhao , Wan Dalong , Huang Jiacheng , Huang Qiang , Yang Yunjun , Yang Hanjin , Ding Yong , Liang Wenjie , Bai Xueli , Liang Tingbo
Published: June 2020

Background

The present study constructed and validated the use of contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CT)‐based radiomics to preoperatively predict microvascular invasion (MVI) status (positive vs negative) and risk (low vs high) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

We enrolled 637 patients from two independent institutions. Patients from Institution I were randomly divided into a training cohort of 451 patients and a test cohort of 111 patients. Patients from Institution II served as an independent validation set. The LASSO algorithm was used for the selection of 798 radiomics features. Two classifiers for predicting MVI status and MVI risk were developed using multivariable logistic regression. We also performed a survival analysis to investigate the potentially prognostic value of the proposed MVI classifiers.

Results

The developed radiomics signature predicted MVI status with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of .780, .776, and .743 in the training, test, and independent validation cohorts, respectively. The final MVI status classifier that integrated two clinical factors (age and α‐fetoprotein level) achieved AUC of .806, .803, and .796 in the training, test, and independent validation cohorts, respectively. For MVI risk stratification, the AUCs of the radiomics signature were .746, .664, and .700 in the training, test, and independent validation cohorts, respectively, and the AUCs of the final MVI risk classifier‐integrated clinical stage were .783, .778, and .740, respectively. Survival analysis showed that our MVI status classifier significantly stratified patients for short overall survival or early tumor recurrence.

Conclusions

Our CT radiomics‐based models were able to predict MVI status and MVI risk of HCC and might serve as a reliable preoperative evaluation tool.
Discrete element simulation for investigating fragmentation mechanism of hard rock under ultrasonic vibration loading
Authors: Tang Qiongqiong , Zhao Dajun , Zhou Yu , Zhang Zengzeng
Published: June 2020

Assisted ultrasonic vibration technique can significantly improve the efficiency of hard rock drilling in petroleum and mineral engineering. In this study, to determine the fragmentation mechanism of rocks under ultrasonic vibration, numerical simulations using the discrete element method (DEM) were performed. A novel flat‐joint model (FJM), combined with an ultra‐high‐frequency loading boundary condition, was used to model the damage process of the hard rock under ultrasonic vibration loading. The numerical results demonstrated that the evolution of local strain and fragmentation were in good agreement with the experimental results. Based on the established model, the influence of loading parameters was investigated. Furthermore, by analyzing the development of the full strain field, crack orientations, and crack distribution, the fragmentation mechanism was revealed for the rock under ultrasonic vibration. Under ultra‐high‐frequency loading, the rock deformed in a heterogeneous manner and produced both compressive and tensile strain zones. The compressive zones were mainly distributed in the fringe and tensile zones in the top center. The generated tensile cracks caused by compression and tension in these two strain zones led to the rock failure.
Rapid decrease of soil erosion rates with soil formation and vegetation development in periglacial areas
Authors: Musso Alessandra , Ketterer Michael E. , Greinwald Konrad , Geitner Clemens , Egli Markus
Published: June 2020

High mountainous areas are geomorphologically active environments which are strongly shaped by redistribution of sediments and soils. With the projected climate warming in the twenty‐first century and the continued retreat of glaciers, the area of newly exposed, highly erodible sediments and soils will increase. This presents a need to better understand and quantify erosion processes in young mountainous soils, as an increase in erodibility could threaten human infrastructure (i.e. hydroelectric power, tourist installations and settlements). While soil development is increasingly well understood and quantified, a coupling to soil erosion rates is still missing. The aim of this study was, therefore, to assess how soil erosion rates change with surface age. We investigated two moraine chronosequences in the Swiss Alps: one in the siliceous periglacial area of Steingletscher (Sustenpass), with soils ranging from 30 a to 10 ka, and the other in the calcareous periglacial area of Griessgletscher (Klausenpass) with surfaces ranging from age of 110 a to 13.5 ka. We quantified the erosion rates using the 239+240Pu fallout radionuclides and compared them to physical and chemical soil properties and the vegetation coverage. We found no significant differences between the two parent materials. At both chronosequences, the erosion rates were highest in the young soils (on average 5−10 t ha‐1 a‐1 soil loss). Erosion rates decreased markedly after 3−5 ka of soil development (on average 1−2.5 t ha‐1 a‐1 soil loss) to reach a more or less stable situation after 10−14 ka (on average 0.3–2 t ha‐1 a‐1). Climate change not only causes glacier retreat, but also increased sediment dynamics. Depending on the relief and vegetational development, it takes up to at least 10 ka to reach soil stability. The establishment of a closed vegetation cover with dense root networks seems to be the controlling factor in the reduction of soil erodibility. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder medication reduce entrepreneurship?
Authors: Peltonen Juhana , Johansson Edvard , Wincent Joakim
Published: June 2020

Attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a highly inheritable condition with a rather stable prevalence over time and geography, and it is associated with a broad range of negative life outcomes. Increasing knowledge on the condition has led to a growing trend of dampening ADHD symptoms through medication. Although this development has led to many positive outcomes, the broader societal implications are still poorly understood. In particular, person‐level studies suggest that ADHD‐like behavior may possess some advantages for engaging in entrepreneurship and the initiation of new businesses, which is considered a key activity for economic development. Using recent panel data from 11 countries and one special administrative region (SAR), we investigate if the increasing use of ADHD medication in adults is associated with an unintended outcome of reducing entrepreneurship. We find that a roughly one unit increase in the prevalence of adult ADHD medication is associated with a one unit decrease in limited liability company registrations per working age population. In practical terms, the effect of a one within‐country/SAR standard deviation increase of adult ADHD medication prevalence corresponds to a decrease in new business formation of 20% of its mean in the sample.
Trends in the proportionate mortalities attributed to noncommunicable diseases in sub‐Saharan Africa for the period 2000 to 2016
Authors: Duah Henry O. , Agbadi Pascal , Amankwa Charles Enyaah , Adomako Isaac , Owusu Benson
Published: June 2020

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) remain a growing global health issue and sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) is no exception. Using secondary data obtained from the World Bank on 48 SSA countries, we describe the trends in the proportionate mortalities attributed to NCDs in SSA between 2000 and 2016. The baseline proportionate mortalities attributed to NCDs in SSA increased from 22.49% in 2000 to 33.69% in 2016, representing about 11% increase. The trend was replicated across the low‐, middle‐, and high‐income countries in SSA. The highest change in the NCD mortalities in low‐income SSA countries was seen in Eritrea where NCD mortalities increased from 19.3% in the year 2000 to 45.2% in 2016. In Rwanda, it rose from 24.8% to 44% during the same period. Ghana, a lower‐middle‐income country, also witnessed an increase from 27.3% in 2000 to 42.7% in 2016. The general increasing trend in the burden of NCD mortalities in SSA implies the need for higher prioritization of NCD prevention and control initiatives. There is a need for a greater contribution of nontraditional stakeholders in health through a multi‐sectoral approach. We also recommend integrating NCD prevention and control strategies into existing public health structures being used for communicable disease control.
Unavailability of paid sick leave among parents is a barrier for children's utilization ofnonemergencyhealth services: Evidence from the National Health Interview Survey
Authors: Seixas Brayan V. , Macinko James
Published: June 2020

Objective

To assess the association between availability of paid sick leave among parents and children's use of several distinct types of nonurgent health services and emergency care.

Methods

Using pooled 2013 to 2017 data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), we created dyadic units of observation linking adults with their children (n = 21 235). Descriptive statistics, logistic regressions for binary outcomes, and regular and zero‐inflated negative binomial regressions for count outcomes assessed the relationship between parental coverage by paid sick leave benefits and 12 dependent variables related to health care utilization. Regression analyses controlled for a set of child, parent, and family covariates.

Results

Overall, 58.3% of individuals in our sample reported having paid sick leave in their current or latest job. There are substantial disparities in availability of paid sick leave in terms of parent sex, race, education, and income. Controlling for covariates, the odds of children with at least one parent with access to paid sick leave having any visit to a medical office in the past 12 months are 27% higher than for children whose parents do not have this benefit. Similar positive associations were observed for general doctor visit (OR = 1.18, 95%CI: 1.05‐1.32), mental health professional visit (OR = 1.19, 95%CI: 1.01‐1.42), and receipt of flu vaccination (OR = 1.21, 95%CI: 1.11‐1.33). There was no statistically significant association with emergency room use, once covariates were controlled.

Conclusions

Availability of paid sick leave among parents is associated with increased children's utilization of nonemergency health services and primary care.
Fibrogenesis in chronic murine colitis is independent of innate lymphoid cells
Authors: Creyns Brecht , Cremer Jonathan , De Hertogh Gert , Boon Louis , Ferrante Marc , Vermeire Séverine , Van Assche Gert , Ceuppens Jan L. , Breynaert Christine
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Insight in the pathogenesis of intestinal fibrosis is an unmet medical need in inflammatory bowel diseases. Studies in murine models and human organ fibrosis point to a potential role of innate lymphoid cells (ILC) in chronic intestinal inflammation and fibrosis.

Materials and Methods

Dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in drinking water was used to induce chronic colitis and remodeling in C57Bl/6 wild type (WT), RAG‐deficient, RAG−/− common γ chain deficient and anti‐CD90.2 monoclonal antibody treated RAG−/− mice. Inflammation was scored by macroscopic and histological examination and fibrosis was evaluated by hydroxyproline quantification and histology.

Results

In RAG−/− mice (which have a normal ILC population but no adaptive immunity), chronic intestinal inflammation and fibrosis developed similarly as in WT mice, with a relative increase in ILC2 during repeated DSS exposure. Chronic colitis could also be induced in the absence of ILC (RAG−/−γc−/− or anti‐CD90.2 treated RAG−/− mice) with no attenuation of fibrosis. Importantly, clinical recovery based on weight gain after stopping DSS exposure was impaired in ILC‐deficient or ILC‐depleted mice.

Conclusion

These data argue against a profibrotic effect of ILC in chronic colitis, but rather suggest that ILC have a protective and recovery‐enhancing effect after repeated intestinal injury.
Human leukocyte antigen class I (A, B) and class II (DRB1) allele and haplotype frequencies in Iranian patients with Buerger's disease
Authors: Dehghani Firouzabadi Fatemeh , Salimi Javad , Amirzargar Aliakbar , Dehghani Firouzabadi Mohammad , Arbabi Hani , Mousavizadeh Seyyed M. , Izadpanah Kambiz
Published: June 2020

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I (HLA‐A and HLA‐B) and II (HLA‐DRB1) allele and haplotype frequencies in a group of Iranian patients with Buerger's disease (BD) in comparison with a normal healthy control group.

Methods

A total of 70 unrelated male patients and 100 healthy controls from Sina Hospital, Tehran, Iran, belonging to the same ethnic background, were enrolled in this case‐control study. HLA‐A, B, and DRB1 typing were performed by polymerase chain reaction with sequence‐specific primers (PCR‐SSP).

Results

The results of this case‐control study showed that the frequency of the HLA‐A*03:01 (odds ratio (OR) = 2.88, P value (Pv) = .002), HLA‐A*29:01 (OR = 15.31, Pv < .001), HLA‐DRB1*04:02 (OR = 3.41, Pv < .001), and HLA‐DRB1*16:01 (OR = 8.16, Pv < .001) was significantly higher in BD patients compared with healthy controls, whereas the frequency of the HLA‐DRB1*01:01 (OR = 0.03, Pv < .001) was significantly lower in BD patients. The most frequent extended haplotypes in our patients were HLA‐A*02:01‐B*55:01‐DRB1*04:03.

Conclusion

This study is the first study evaluating an association between the HLA pattern and BD in the patients with BD from North West and North Iran.
Statistical correlative model in the multimodal fusion of brain images
Authors: Zhang Zhancheng , Cui Jie , Luo Xiaoqing , You Qingjun
Published: June 2020

Fusing multimodal medical images into an integrated image, providing more details and rich information thereby facilitating medical diagnosis and therapy. Most of the existing multiscale‐based fusion methods ignore the correlations between the decomposition coefficients and lead to incomplete fusion results. A novel contextual hidden Markov model (CHMM) is proposed to construct the statistical model of contourlet coefficients. First, the pair brain images are decomposed into multiscale, multidirectional, and anisotropic subbands with a contourlet transform. Then the low‐frequency components are fused with the choose‐max rule. For the high‐frequency coefficients, the CHMM is learned with the EM algorithm, and incorporate with a novel fuzzy entropy‐based context, building the fuzzy relationships among these coefficients. Finally, the fused brain image is obtained by using the inverse contourlet transform. Fusion experiments on several multimodal brain images show the superiority of the proposed method in terms of both visual quality and some widely used objective measures.
First report about toxic cyanobacterial bloom occurrence in Lake Sevan, Armenia
Authors: Gevorgyan Gor , Rinke Karsten , Schultze Martin , Mamyan Armine , Kuzmin Anton , Belykh Olga , Sorokovikova Ekaterina , Hayrapetyan Armine , Hovsepyan Anahit , Khachikyan Termine , Aghayan Sargis , Fedorova Galina , Krasnopeev Andrey , Potapov Sergey , Tikhonova Irina
Published: June 2020

Lake Sevan, Armenia, is the largest freshwater body in the Caucasus region. Cyanobacteria have become increasingly dominant in summer in Lake Sevan, reflecting the eutrophication of the lake and formed a massive bloom event in 2018. These recent observations mark the transition of this previously oligotrophic high mountain lake into an eutrophic lake with scum‐forming cyanobacterial blooms. A bloom of Dolichospermum in July caused a sudden increase in chlorophyll‐a concentrations up to, on average, 20 µg/L and a strong decrease in water transparency. The cyanobacterial genera Dolichospermum, Aphanizomenon, Anabaena, Cyanobium, and Synechococcus were detected by metagenomic analysis of the lake bacterioplankton. A qualitative and quantitative assessment of peptide‐based secondary metabolites revealed the first detection of cyanotoxins in Lake Sevan. Ten types of microcystin congeners were found in Lake Sevan. The total concentration of microcystins in the phytoplankton varied from 0.34 to 2.49 µg/L. This first record of cyanotoxins in the largest lake in the Caucasus region calls for an urgent need for sustainable nutrient management and a systematic assessment of the ultimate causes that lead to the reoccurrence of scum‐forming Cyanobacteria in this large Alpine lake.
Linagliptin, the dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 enzyme inhibitor, lessens CHOP and GRP78 biomarkers levels in cisplatin‐induced neurobehavioral deficits: A possible restorative gateway
Authors: El‐Deeb Omnia S. , Soliman Gehan M. , Elesawy Rasha O.
Published: June 2020

Cisplatin (CP) is a cornerstone chemotherapeutic agent, however, its neurotoxicity is a chief cause of its limited usage. Linagliptin, which is a dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 enzyme inhibitor, has exhibited considerable neuroprotective potential. We aimed to evaluate the linagliptin modulatory effects on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, redox status, and apoptosis in CP‐induced neurotoxicity. Thirty mice were allocated equally into the control group, Group II: CP group, and Group III: linagliptin treated CP group. All groups were subjected to the measurement of hippocampal messenger RNA gene expression of glucose‐regulated protein‐78 and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP). Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ coactivator 1α and cleaved caspase‐3 levels were assessed by the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay technique while malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione levels and superoxide dismutase activity were detected spectrophotometrically. Linagliptin ameliorated ER stress and enhanced antioxidant status with cognitive function improvement. Linagliptin may be considered a promising neuroprotective agent owing to its ability to reduce ER/oxidative stress.
Subjective Age and the Greater Good
Authors: Park Jen H. , Huang Szu‐chi , Rozenkrants Bella , Kupor Daniella
Published: June 2020

Contradicting existing associations between old age and negative societal consequences, such as being frail and unproductive, this research finds that people contribute more to the greater good of society (e.g., by helping strangers in need) when they feel subjectively older. We document this phenomenon in both the laboratory and the field and find that this heightened desire to contribute to the greater good occurs because feeling subjectively older increases consumers' perceived responsibility for others' welfare. We further uncover a divergent impact of subjective age versus chronological age on giving to distant others: Whereas older subjective age increases perceived responsibility for distant others' welfare and thus contributions to distant others, older chronological age does not. These findings connect the classic theories of prosocial behavior with new research on subjective age and illuminate a psychological driver that nudges people to take actions that benefit distant others.
Markedly elevated hepatic arterial velocity—HAV greater than 200 cm/s—is not specific to hepatobiliary disease
Authors: Ramirez Michael V. , McGahan John P. , Loehfelm Thomas W. , Grewal Arleen , Wilson Machelle D.
Published: June 2020

Objective

The aim of the study was to review the different etiologies and outcomes of patients with hepatic artery velocities greater than 200 cm/s.

Methods

This retrospective study included 88 hospitalized patients in whom angle‐corrected proper hepatic artery flow velocities greater than 200 cm/s were obtained during an abdominal ultrasonographic examination. Peak systolic hepatic artery flow velocities, hepatic artery resistance index, and portal vein flow velocities were evaluated. The patients were then allocated to one of four groups based on their primary underlying diagnosis: structural liver disease, nonstructural liver disease, generalized infection, or miscellaneous.

Results

The median hepatic artery velocity was similar for all groups, ranging from 226 to 238 cm/s. The maximum portal venous velocities were not significantly different between groups. No lab values were statistically different between the groups, except total bilirubin that was greater in the nonstructural liver disease group (8 mg/dL). Overall, 9/88 (10.2%) of patients with elevated hepatic artery velocity died within 30 days of their ultrasonographic examination.

Conclusion

Elevated hepatic artery velocity greater than 200 cm/s in hospitalized patients is not specific to primary hepatobiliary disease but may indicate acute hepatic dysfunction from other causes such as infection or sepsis.
Catalyst‐free one‐pot synthesis of a new class of 2H‐furo[3,2‐c]chromene‐2,4(3H)‐dione and arylamino‐bis(coumarin)methane derivatives on water
Authors: Olyaei Abolfazl , Moghadam Hajar Ramezanipour , Sadeghpour Mahdieh
Published: June 2020

A catalyst‐free, environmentally benign, and simple procedure has been developed for the efficient synthesis of novel 2H‐furo[3,2‐c]chromene‐2,4(3H)‐dione and 3,3′‐((arylamino)methylene)bis(4‐hydroxycoumarin) derivatives from one‐pot three‐component condensation of 4‐hydroxycoumarin, glyoxalic acid monohydrate and various amines in water under reflux condition. In this green synthetic protocol, the solvent water itself catalyzed the reaction via hydrogen bonding. One‐pot, high yields, short reaction times, simple operation, environmental friendly and easy workup procedure are highlights. This is the first report for the synthesis of 2H‐furo[3,2‐c]chromene‐2,4(3H)‐dione and arylamino‐bis(coumarin)methane derivatives.
PET/CT and MRI for Identifying Axillary Lymph Node Metastases in Breast Cancer Patients: Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Zhang Xin , Liu Yuanyuan , Luo Hongbing , Zhang Jianhui
Published: June 2020

Background

Axillary lymph node metastases (ALNM) is one of the most important prognostic factors in breast cancer. Positron emission tomography / computed tomography (PET/CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are increasingly used to assess ALNM noninvasively. There has been no study investigating PET/CT and MRI in direct comparative studies.

Purpose

To assess the diagnostic accuracy of PET/CT and MRI for ALNM in the same population of breast cancer.

Study Type

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Data Source

PubMed‐MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Chinese Biomedical Literature databases were searched (September 1993–January 2020) by using concerned keywords. Studies using both MRI and PET/CT as diagnostic methods were included. Eleven studies included 1203 breast cancer patients using PET/CT and 1186 patients using MRI.

Field Strength

1.5T or 3.0T.

Assessment

The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (v. 2) was used to assess the quality of the studies.

Statistical Tests

A bivariate mixed‐effects binary regression model was used to obtain the diagnostic performance. Meta‐regression analysis was conducted to investigate study heterogeneity.

Results

A total of 369 articles were screened; out of these, 11 studies were included that meet the inclusion criteria. The respective pooled sensitivity and specificity values were 0.56 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.47–0.63) and 0.91 (95% CI: 0.87–0.93) for PET/CT and 0.55 (95% CI: 0.48–0.62) and 0.86 (95% CI: 0.82–0.89) for MRI. There was no statistically significant difference in sensitivity (P = 0.769) or specificity (P = 0.447) between PET/CT and MRI. There was no threshold effect in either of the imaging tests. The diagnostic performance of both imaging tests was affected by study design, breast cancer subtype, tumor stage, or imaging features.

Data Conclusion

In the same population, PET/CT and MRI had comparable diagnostic performance for the detection of ALNM, with low sensitivity and high specificity.

Level of Evidence

3.

Technical Efficacy Stage

Stage 2. J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2020;52:1840–1851.
Full‐field digital mammography: the ‘30% rule’ and influences on visualisation of the pectoralis major muscle on the craniocaudal view of the breast
Authors: Strohbach Julia , Wilkinson Jenny Maree , Spuur Kelly Maree
Published: June 2020

Introduction

To investigate compliance to the ‘30% rule’ and key factors which may influence visualisation of the pectoralis major muscle (PMM) on the craniocaudal (CC) view of the breast.

Methods

A retrospective review of 2688 paired full‐field digital mammography (FFDM) CC view mammograms of women attending BreastScreen NSW between August and October 2015 was undertaken. PMM visualisation and measurements of PMM width and length, compressed breast thickness, the posterior nipple line (PNL) and age were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistics to investigate associations between key breast measurements, age and PMM visualisation.

Results

PMM visualisation was reported in 10.4% of images unilaterally (one breast, left or right only), 14.1% bilaterally (both left and right breasts) and 24.5% overall (unilateral and bilateral combined). There was little or no correlations between PMM length or width and age, breast compressed thickness or PNL. Multiple logistic regression analysis found that up to 15% of the variance in visualisation of the PMM was accounted for by the predictors overall. While some predictors provided a statistically significant contribution to the model, the contribution was small and the odds ratio for all predictors approximated 1.

Conclusion

This research could not replicate the ‘30% rule’, and visualisation of the PMM was determined not to be influenced by the variables investigated. The significance of the ‘rule’ itself must be challenged where the vast majority of images (70–85%) do not comply, and there is no requirement for repeat imaging if the ‘rule’ is not met. Further research should be undertaken to validate this study including analysis of diagnostic images for comparison.
Human cytomegalovirus envelope glycoprotein B, H, and N polymorphisms among infants of Shanghai area in China
Authors: Dong Niuniu , Cao Lingfeng , Su Liyun , Lu Lijuan , Dong Zuoquan , Xu Menghua , Xu Jin
Published: June 2020

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the leading cause of congenital infection and an opportunistic pathogen capable of establishing lifelong latency. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the distribution of glycoprotein B, H, and N in infants of Shanghai and correlate the genotype with active and latent HCMV infection. A total of 129 urine samples were collected between August 2014 and December 2015 from infants under 3 years with HCMV infection. Nested PCR was used to amplify the regions of UL55 (gB), UL75 (gH), and UL73 (gN). Gene sequencing and phylogenetic analyses were used to classify the genotypes. Overall, regarding gB, gB1 (57.27%) was predominant, followed by gB3 (41.82%) and gB4 (0.91%). gH1 (54.33%) was the most prevalent genotype of gH, followed by gH2 (45.67%). Concerning gN, we detected gN1 (17.44%), gN2 (2.33%), gN3a (29.07%), gN3b (8.14%), gN4a (13.95%), gN4b (15.12%), and gN4c (13.95%), among which gN3a was the dominant genotype. All the expected genotypes were present except gB2 in children with active infection: gB1 (56.25%), gB3 (42.5%), gB4 (1.25%), gH1 (58.70%), gH2 (41.30%), gN1 (19.05%), gN2 (3.17%), gN3a (25.40%), gN3b (6.35%), gN4a (15.87%), gN4b (17.46%), and gN4c (12.70%). However, among latent cases, we detected gB1 (60%), gB3 (40%), gH1 (42.86%), gH2 (57.14%), gN1 (13.04%), gN3a (39.13%), gN3b (13.04%), gN4a (8.70%), gN4b (8.70%), and gN4c (17.39%), respectively. gB2, gB4, and gN2 were absent in this group. The results revealed that gB1, gH1, and gN3a were predominant in the infants of Shanghai. gH showed different trends among children with active and latent infection.
Diagnostic efficacy of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG/IgM test for COVID‐19: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Zu‐Li , Hou Yu‐Lei , Li De‐Tao , Li Feng‐Zeng
Published: June 2020

The serological testing of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) and/or IgM is widely used in the diagnosis of COVID‐19. However, its diagnostic efficacy remains unclear. In this study, we searched for diagnostic studies from the Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, CNKI, and Wanfang databases to calculate the pooled diagnostic accuracy measures using bivariate random‐effects model meta‐analysis. As a result, 22 from a total of 1613 articles, including 2282 patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 and 1485 healthy persons or patients without SARS‐CoV‐2, were selected for a meta‐analysis. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, and area under curve of the summary receiver operator curve (SROC) were: (a) 0.85 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.79‐0.90), 0.99 (95% CI: 0.98‐1.00), and 0.99 (95% CI: 0.97‐0.99) for anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG and (b) 0.74 (95% CI: 0.65‐0.81), 0.99 (95% CI: 0.97‐1.00), and 0.95 (95% CI: 0.93‐0.97) for IgM. A subgroup analysis among detection methods indicated the sensitivity of IgG and IgM using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay were slightly lower than those using gold immunochromatography assay (GICA) and chemiluminescence immunoassay (P > .05). These results showed that the detection of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG and IgM had high diagnostic efficiency to assist the diagnosis of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. And, GICA might be used as the preferred method for its accuracy and simplicity.
Computed Tomography–Measured Psoas Muscle Density as a Predictive Factor for Hypophosphatemia Associated With Refeeding
Authors: Ireland Megan , Lo Wilson , Villarreal Michael , Coleman Lisa , Schubauer Kathryn , Strassels Scott , Peters Zoe , Woodling Karina , Evans David , Wisler Jon
Published: June 2020

Background

Initiation of parenteral nutrition (PN) after a period of starvation can be complicated by refeeding syndrome (RFS). RFS is associated with electrolyte abnormalities including hypomagnesemia, hyponatremia, and hypophosphatemia. Risk factors include recent weight loss, low body mass index, and electrolyte deficiencies; however, these associations are not strong. We hypothesized that a validated measure of nutrition risk, computed tomography (CT)–measured psoas muscle density, can be used to predict the development of hypophosphatemia associated with RFS.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of surgical patients initiated on PN with an abdominal CT scan within the past 3 months was conducted. CT‐measured psoas muscle density was assessed as a predictive variable for the development of electrolyte abnormalities. Daily electrolyte and clinical outcome measures were recorded.

Results

One hundred nine patients were stratified based on Hounsfield unit average calculation (HUAC). The lowest 25th percentile of patients had HUAC <25. Low HUAC was associated with a significant percent decrease in phosphate levels from baseline to PN day 3 (P < .01) and significant difference in serum phosphate value on PN day 3 (P < .01). The low muscle density quartile also experienced longer days on the mechanical ventilator (P = .01) compared with patients with a higher psoas muscle density.

Conclusion

Psoas muscle density predicted the development of hypophosphatemia in patients initiated on PN. This measurement may aid in identifying patients at highest risk of experiencing RFS. A mean psoas HU <25 may prompt additional precautions, including additional phosphate replacement and slower initiation of PN.
Application of a low‐cost NDIR sensor module for continuous measurements of in situ soil CO2 concentration
Authors: Heger Adrian , Kleinschmidt Volker , Gröngröft Alexander , Kutzbach Lars , Eschenbach Annette
Published: June 2020

We tested the performance of a newly developed CO2 probe, K33SOIL [based on the sensor module K33 (Senseair, Sweden)], under harsh temperature and humidity conditions in a laboratory experiment. The K33SOIL, competed well (RMSE = 0.032% CO2) with the often used GMP343 (Vaisala, Finland) in precision and accuracy. A field experiment showed that the K33SOIL is also suitable for in situ applications. Thus, the K33SOIL is a valuable and cost‐efficient tool for measurement of soil CO2 concentration.
The challenge of separating and determining biologically active electrostatically stabilized silanates using the high‐performance liquid chromatography technique
Authors: Jabłońska Joanna , Kluska Mariusz , Erchak Nikolai
Published: June 2020

We present the results of research on the optimal conditions for the separation and determination of newly obtained hypercoordinated compounds, which belong to the group of electrostatically stabilized silanates. The research involved five stationary and four mobile phases. The best selectivity was obtained using the graphite phase and the mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile/water (80/20). The maximum selectivity of the determined electrostatically stabilized silanates was 1.13 and 1.06 for (1), (2), (3); 1.10 and 1.15 for (4), (5), (6); and 1.12 and 1.15 for (7), (8), (9). The octadecyl phase (which is recommended as standard) did not yield satisfactory results.
Defining Moral Injury Among Military Populations: A Systematic Review
Authors: Richardson Natalie M. , Lamson Angela L. , Smith Maggie , Eagan Sheena M. , Zvonkovic Anisa M. , Jensen Jakob
Published: June 2020

Military service often requires engaging in activities, witnessing acts, or immediate decision‐making that may violate the moral codes and personal values to which most individuals ascribe. If unacknowledged, these factors can lead to injuries that can affect the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual health of military men and women. The term moral injury has been assigned to these soul‐ceasing experiences. Although researchers have attempted to define moral injury and what leads to such experiences, inconsistencies across definitions exist. In addition, nearly all existing definitions have lacked empirical support. The purpose of the present systematic review was to explore how moral injury has been defined in research with military populations, using Cooper's approach to research synthesis as well as PRISMA guidelines. An in‐depth review of 124 articles yielded 12 key definitions of moral injury across the literature. Two of these 12 definitions were grounded in empirical evidence, suggesting that much more research is needed to strengthen the face validity and reliability of the construct. Quality rankings were developed to categorize each of the included articles. The findings punctuate the need for empirical evidence to further explore moral injury, particularly among samples inclusive of service members and the biopsychosocial–spiritual experiences associated with such injuries.
A conceptual framework for process‐oriented employee appraisals and rewards
Authors: Shafagatova Aygun , Van Looy Amy
Published: June 2020

This study aims to translate generic human resource management (HRM) appraisals and rewards toward an organization's business processes for better aligning organizational practices to a process orientation and for a successful business process management (BPM) adoption. We conducted an interdisciplinary study with three phases. Firstly, we conducted a literature study to obtain a list of typical business process characteristics that can be relevant for HRM appraisals and rewards. Secondly, we used an expert panel to validate and refine this list. Finally, we integrated those concepts into generic theories and frameworks on HRM appraisals and rewards through a translation study. We provide a conceptual framework of process‐oriented HRM appraisals and rewards that integrates HRM and BPM concepts. The framework presents process‐specific characteristics to supplement generic HRM appraisals and rewards frameworks. Given the challenges of aligning function‐based appraisals and rewards to a business process orientation, the framework can help tackle interdisciplinary challenges and brings a high‐level understanding of what to focus on during this alignment.
Heating/Solvent Responsive Shape‐Memory Polymers for Implant Biomedical Devices in Minimally Invasive Surgery: Current Status and Challenge
Authors: Xiao Rui , Huang Wei Min
Published: June 2020

This review is about the fundamentals and practical issues in applying both heating and solvent responsive shape memory polymers (SMPs) for implant biomedical devices via minimally invasive surgery. After revealing the general requirements in the design of biomedical devices based on SMPs and the fundamentals for the shape‐memory effect in SMPs, the underlying mechanisms, characterization methods, and several representative biomedical applications, including vascular stents, tissue scaffolds, occlusion devices, drug delivery systems, and the current R&D status of them, are discussed. The new opportunities arising from emerging technologies, such as 3D printing, and new materials, such as vitrimer, are also highlighted. Finally, the major challenge that limits the practical clinical applications of SMPs at present is addressed.