bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of pulmonary hypertension on outcomes of transcatheter mitral valve replacement in mitral annular calcification
Authors: Cajigas Hector R. , Kaptzan Tatiana , Lewis Bradley , El‐Sabbagh Abdallah , Al‐Hijji Mohammed , Eleid Mackram , Alkhouli Mohamad , Wang Dee Dee , Eng Marvin , Kodali Susheel , George Isaac , Chakravarty Tarun , Pershad Ashish , O'Hair Daniel , Jones Noah , Makkar Raj , Reisman Mark , Leon Martin , O'Neill William , Rihal Charanjit , Guerrero Mayra
Published: January 2022

Objectives

To assess the impact of pulmonary hypertension (PH) on outcomes of patients with severe mitral annular calcification (MAC) undergoing transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR).

Background

PH is associated with poor outcomes after mitral valve surgery. Whether the presence of PH in patients with MAC undergoing (TMVR) is associated with poor outcomes, is unknown.

Methods

Retrospective evaluation of 116 patients from 51 centers in 11 countries who underwent TMVR with valve in mitral annular calcification (ViMAC) using balloon‐expandable aortic transcatheter valves (THVs) from September 2012 to March 2017. Pulmonary artery systolic blood pressure (PASP) by echocardiogram was available in 90 patients. The subjects were stratified based on PASP: No PH = PASP ≤35 mmHg (n = 11); mild to moderate PH = PASP 36–49 mmHg (n = 21) and severe PH = PASP ≥50 mmHg (n = 58). Clinical, procedural, and echocardiographic outcomes were assessed.

Results

Mean age was 72.7 (±12.8) years, 59 (65.6%) were female, Society of Thoracic Surgeons score was 15.8 + 11.8% and 90.0% where in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III–IV. There was no significant difference in all‐cause mortality at 30 days (no PH = 27.3%, mild–moderate PH = 19.0%, severe PH = 31.6%; p = 0.55) or at 1 year (no PH = 54.5%, mild–moderate PH = 38.1%, severe PH = 56.1%; p = 0.36). No difference in adverse events, NYHA class or amount of residual mitral regurgitation at 1 year were observed between the groups.

Conclusion

This study suggests that the presence of PH in patients with predominantly mitral stenosis with MAC undergoing TMVR does not impact mortality or adverse events. Further studies are needed to fully understand the effect of PH in this group of patients.
Barium sulfate aspiration pneumonia: A fatal case of death
Authors: Sacco Matteo Antonio , Ricci Pietrantonio , Aquila Isabella
Published: January 2022

Accidental aspiration of barium is a rare event. We present the case of a patient who, after the administration of barium, he showed sudden cough with dyspnea and vomiting and chemical pneumonia with areas of consolidation. The case emphasizes caution when administering barium to patients at risk of aspiration.
Electrocatalysis Beyond 2020: How to Tune the Preexponential Frequency Factor
Authors: Narangoda Praveen , Spanos Ioannis , Masa Justus , Schlögl Robert , Zeradjanin Aleksandar R.
Published: January 2022

Invited for this month′s cover picture are Dr. Aleksandar R. Zeradjanin and colleagues, from the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion, Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany. This cover is part of the Special Collection dedicated to the 65th birthday of Prof. Wolfgang Schuhmann. The cover picture shows how metals with more destabilized interfacial water molecules could behave as efficient electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) where high reaction rate, despite of relatively high activation energy, is possible to achieve via high values of preexponential factor by proton tunnelling. While destabilization of the proton's solvation sphere in acidic electrolytes is intuitive, in alkaline media this proceeds via a more complex mechanism. Read the full text of the Article at 10.1002/celc.202101278.
Advances of the functionalized carbon nitrides for electrocatalysis
Authors: Fan Qianqian , Su Jianan , Sun Tao , Bi Zenghui , Wang Huaisheng , Zhang Shusheng , Liu Qingju , Zhang Longzhou , Hu Guangzhi
Published: January 2022

Over the past few decades, the design and development of carbon materials have occurred at a rapid pace. In particular, these porous graphene‐like carbon nitride materials have received considerable attention due to their superior structures and performances in the energy transformation field. In this review, nitrogenated holey two‐dimensional graphene and polymeric carbon nitride will be discussed in depth. The structural properties, synthetic methods, and applications including electrocatalytic reactions, such as hydrogen evolution reaction, oxygen reduction reaction, oxygen evolution reaction, and nitrogen reduction reaction, will be presented in detail. Finally, we will present the outlooks on the current obstacles to the development of carbon nitride materials. This comprehensive understanding will help guide and motivate researchers to develop and modify carbon nitride materials with better properties in the future.
The Potential of Micellar Media in the Synthesis of DNA‐Encoded Libraries
Authors: Adamik Réka , Buchholcz Balázs , Darvas Ferenc , Sipos Gellért , Novák Zoltán
Published: January 2022

DNA‐encoded library (DEL) technology has become widely used in drug discovery research. The construction of DELs requires robust organic transformations that proceed in aqueous media under mild conditions. Unfortunately, the application of water as reaction medium for organic synthesis is not evident due to the generally limited solubility of organic reagents. However, the use of surfactants can offer a solution to this issue. Oil‐in‐water microemulsions formed by surfactant micelles are able to localize hydrophobic reagents inside them, resulting in high local concentrations of the organic substances in an otherwise poorly solvated environment. This review provides a conceptual and critical summary of micellar synthesis possibilities that are well suited to DEL synthesis. Existing examples of micellar DEL approaches, together with a selection of micellar organic transformations fundamentally suitable for DEL are discussed.
Inverse‐Tunable Red Luminescence and Electronic Properties of Nitridoberylloaluminates Sr2−xBax[BeAl3N5]:Eu2+ (x=0–2)
Authors: Elzer Eugenia , Strobel Philipp , Weiler Volker , Amin Muhammad R. , Schmidt Peter J. , Moewes Alexander , Schnick Wolfgang
Published: January 2022

The nitridoberylloaluminate Ba2[BeAl3N5]:Eu2+ and solid solutions Sr2−xBax[BeAl3N5]:Eu2+ (x=0.5, 1.0, 1.5) were synthesized in a hot isostatic press (HIP) under 50 MPa N2 atmosphere at 1200 °C. Ba2[BeAl3N5]:Eu2+ crystallizes in triclinic space group
(no. 2) (Z=2, a=6.1869(10), b=7.1736(13), c=8.0391(14) Å, α=102.754(8), β=112.032(6), γ=104.765(7)°), which was determined from single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data. The lattice parameters of the solid solution series have been obtained from Rietveld refinements and show a nearly linear dependence on the atomic ratio Sr : Ba. The electronic properties and the band gaps of M2[BeAl3N5] (M=Sr, Ba) have been investigated by a combination of soft X‐ray spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Upon irradiation with blue light (440–450 nm), the nitridoberylloaluminates exhibit intense orange to red luminescence, which can be tuned between 610 and 656 nm (fwhm=1922–2025 cm−1 (72–87 nm)). In contrast to the usual trend, the substitution of the smaller Sr2+ by larger Ba2+ leads to an inverse‐tunable luminescence to higher wavelengths. Low‐temperature luminescence measurements have been performed to exclude anomalous emission.
Synthesis and application of N‐3,5‐dinitrobenzoyl and C3 symmetric diastereomeric chiral stationary phases
Authors: Yu Jeong Jae , Ryoo Jae Jeong
Published: January 2022

Three diastereomeric chiral compounds, namely, (R,R)‐(+)‐2‐amino‐1,2‐diphenylethanol, (1S,2R)‐(+)‐2‐amino‐1,2‐diphenylethanol, and (1R,2R)‐(+)‐1,2‐diphenylethylenediamine were used as starting materials for preparing three N‐3,5‐dinitrobenzoyl derivative chiral stationary phases (CSPs) (CSP 1, 2, and 3) and three C3 symmetric CSPs (CSP 4, 5, and 6). The six newly prepared CSPs were applied to the chiral separation of 44 chiral samples by HPLC. Most samples were isolated on CSP 6, with the highest average separation factor among the six newly prepared CSPs.
Kinetic Parameters of the Cross‐linking Reaction of Cellulose Membranes with Bifunctional Epoxides
Authors: Ruhr Dominik , Reiche Annette
Published: January 2022

Kinetic parameters of the cross‐linking reaction of porous cellulose membranes with aqueous solutions of two different diglycidyl ethers were determined by dynamic DSC experiments. The autocatalytic reaction behavior was described with an extended Prout‐Tompkins equation. Kinetic analysis revealed a similar kinetic behavior for both diglycidyl ethers, with an apparent activation energy of 45–65 kJ mol−1 and a reaction order between 0.9 and 1.5, suggesting a transition from one to another dominant reaction mechanism when the composition of the cross‐linking solution is changed. Conversion curves based on the kinetic analysis serve as a basis for the design and optimization of a continuously running process for the industrial‐scale production of cross‐linked cellulose membranes.
Short‐term traffic flow prediction based on whale optimization algorithm optimized BiLSTM_Attention
Authors: Xu Xing , Liu Chengxing , Zhao Yun , Lv Xiaoshu
Published: January 2022

With the growths in population and vehicles, traffic flow becomes more complex and uncertain disruptions occur more often. Accurate prediction of urban traffic flow is important for intelligent decision‐making and warning, however, remains a challenge. Many researchers have applied neural network methods, such as convolutional neural networks and recurrent neural networks, for traffic flow prediction modeling, but training the conventional network that can obtain the best network parameters and structure is difficult, different hyperparameters lead to different network structures. Therefore, this article proposes a traffic flow prediction model based on the whale optimization algorithm (WOA) optimized BiLSTM_Attention structure to solve this problem. The traffic flow is predicted first using the BiLSTM_Attention network which is then optimized by using the WOA to obtain its four best parameters, including the learning rate, the training times, and the numbers of the nodes of two hidden layers. Finally, the four best parameters are used to build a WOA_BiLSTM_Attention model. The proposed model is compared with both conventional neural network model and neural network model optimized by the WOA. Based on the evaluation metrics of MAPE, RMSE, MAE, and R2, the WOA_BiLSTM_Attention model proposed in this article presents the best performance.
Real‐time assessment of swallowing sound using an electronic stethoscope and an artificial intelligence system
Authors: Suzuki Kazuma , Shimizu Yoshitaka , Ohshimo Shinichiro , Oue Kana , Saeki Noboru , Sadamori Takuma , Tsutsumi Yasuo , Irifune Masahiro , Shime Nobuaki
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Daily assessments of swallowing function and interventions such as rehabilitation and dietary adjustments are necessary to improve dysphagia. Cervical auscultation is convenient for health care providers for assessing swallowing ability. Although this method allows for swallowing sound evaluations, sensory evaluations with this method are difficult. Thus, we aimed to assess swallowing sound by the combined use of an electronic stethoscope and an artificial intelligence (AI) system that incorporates sound recognition.

Material and Methods

Herein, 20 fifth‐year dentistry student volunteers were included; each participant was drank 10 ml and then 20 ml of water in different positions (sitting and supine). We developed an algorithm for indexing bolus inflow sounds using AI, which compared the swallowing sounds and created a new index.

Results

The new index value used for swallowing sound was significantly higher in men than in women and in the sitting position than in the supine position. A software for acoustic analysis confirmed that the swallowing index was significantly higher in men than in women as well as in the sitting position than in the supine position. These results were similar to those obtained using the new index. However, the new index substantially differed between sexes in terms of posture compared with effective sound pressure.

Conclusions

We developed a new algorithm for indexing swallowing sounds using a stethoscope and an AI system, which could identify swallowing sounds. For future research and development, evaluations of patients with dysphagia are necessary to determine the efficacy of the new index for bedside screening of swallowing conditions.
Rhesus macaques compensate for reproductive delay following ecological adversity early in life
Authors: Luevano Logan , Sutherland Chris , Gonzalez Stephanie J. , Hernández‐Pacheco Raisa
Published: January 2022

Adversity early in life can shape the reproductive potential of individuals through negative effects on health and life span. However, long‐lived populations with multiple reproductive events may present alternative life history strategies to optimize reproductive schedules and compensate for shorter life spans. Here, we quantify the effects of major hurricanes and density dependence as sources of early‐life ecological adversity on Cayo Santiago rhesus macaque female reproduction and decompose their effects onto the mean age‐specific fertility, reproductive pace, and lifetime reproductive success (LRS). Females experiencing major hurricanes exhibit a delayed reproductive debut but maintain the pace of reproduction past debut and show a higher mean fertility during prime reproductive ages, relative to unaffected females. Increasing density at birth is associated to a decrease in mean fertility and reproductive pace, but such association is absent at intermediate densities. When combined, our study reveals that hurricanes early in life predict a delay‐overshoot pattern in mean age‐specific fertility that supports the maintenance of LRS. In contrast to predictive adaptive response models of accelerated reproduction, this long‐lived population presents a novel reproductive strategy where females who experience major natural disasters early in life ultimately overcome their initial reproductive penalty with no major negative fitness outcomes. Density presents a more complex relation with reproduction that suggests females experiencing a population regulated at intermediate densities early in life will escape density dependence and show optimized reproductive schedules. Our results support hypotheses about life history trade‐offs in which adversity‐affected females ensure their future reproductive potential by allocating more energy to growth or maintenance processes at younger adult ages.
Effect of early intervention on short‐term prognosis of patients with myocardial injury induced by acute carbon monoxide poisoning
Authors: Li Baiyan , Gao Xun , Wang Weizhan , Zhu Baoyue , Xiao Qingmian
Published: January 2022

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the effect of early intervention on the short‐term prognosis of patients with myocardial injury induced by acute carbon monoxide poisoning (ACOP).

Methods and results

We performed a retrospective cohort study of 139 patients admitted to the hospital for ACOP‐induced acute toxic cardiopathy. Compared with the mild and moderate toxic cardiopathy group, the severe toxic cardiopathy group has significantly increased coma time, acute physiology and chronic health status (APACHE) II score, and the length of hospital stay and significantly reduced proportion of patients with immediate endotracheal intubation and early admission to intensive care unit (ICU) (all P < 0.05). The cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels and corrected QT dispersion (QTcd) duration in three patient groups were significantly higher (all P < 0.05) than those in the control group, with the highest in the severely toxic heart disease group. Serum cTnI level and QTcd duration were two independent predictors of myocardial injury in ACOP patients. There was a positive correlation between the APACHE II score and serum cTnI level/QTcd duration at admission. The sensitivities of cTnI and QTcd at admission to diagnose serious cardiovascular events were 78.6% and 85.7%, respectively, and the specificities were both 75%.

Conclusions

Acute carbon monoxide poisoning patients with myocardial injury need to be admitted to the hospital as early as possible. For patients with severe hypoxia, an artificial airway should be established as early as possible, and patients should be admitted to the monitoring ward to stabilize their condition at the early stage of poisoning. Meanwhile, changes in QTcd, serum cTnI, and creatine kinase‐MB (CK‐MB) should be closely observed.
1,2‐Boryl Migration Enables Efficient Access to Versatile Functionalized Boronates
Authors: Jiang Xia‐Min , Liu Xin‐Ru , Chen Ang , Zou Xi‐Zhang , Ge Jian‐Fei , Gao De‐Wei
Published: January 2022

Organoboronates are synthetically useful and highly valuable building blocks in synthetic and medicinal chemistry. Two‐electron reactions allow for the rapid construction of organoboronates via nucleophilic 1,2‐boron shift of boron ate complexes or MIDA‐mediated 1,2‐boryl migration. Radical approaches through 1,2‐boron shift of neutral boronic esters or boron ate complexes have been demonstrated to be feasible, providing complementary methods to access these privileged scaffolds. In this Review, recent achievements are highlighted and future opportunities are discussed, with an emphasis on different operative modes of catalysis and reaction pathways.
Emerging contaminant exposure to aquatic systems in the Southern African Development Community
Authors: Selwe Kgato P. , Thorn Jessica P. R. , Desrousseaux Alizée O. S. , Dessent Caroline E. H. , Sallach J. Brett
Published: January 2022

The growing production and use of chemicals and the resultant increase in environmental exposure is of particular concern in developing countries where there is rapid industrialization and population growth but limited information on the occurrence of emerging contaminants. Advances in analytical techniques now allow for the monitoring of emerging contaminants at very low concentrations with the potential to cause harmful ecotoxicological effects. Therefore, we provide the first critical assessment of the current state of knowledge about chemical exposure in waters of the Southern African Developmental Community (SADC). We achieved this through a comprehensive literature review and the creation of a database of chemical monitoring data. Of the 59 articles reviewed, most (n = 36; 61.0%) were from South Africa, and the rest were from Botswana (n = 6; 10.2%), Zimbabwe (n = 6; 10.2%), Malawi (n = 3; 5.1%), Mozambique (n = 3; 5.1%), Zambia (n = 2; 3.4%), Angola (n = 1; 1.7%), Madagascar (n = 1; 1.7%), and Tanzania (n = 1; 1.7%). No publications were found from the remaining seven SADC countries. Emerging contaminants have only been studied in South Africa and Botswana. The antiretroviral drug ritonavir (64.52 µg/L) was detected at the highest average concentration, and ibuprofen (17 times) was detected most frequently. Despite being the primary water source in the region, groundwater was understudied (only 13 studies). High emerging contaminant concentrations in surface waters indicate the presence of secondary sources of pollution such as sewage leakage. We identify research gaps and propose actions to assess and reduce chemical pollution to enable the SADC to address the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3.9, to reduce the deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and contamination. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:382–395. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
A Multidimensional Matrix Model for Predicting the Effects of Male-Biased Sex Ratios on Fish Populations
Authors: Miller David H. , Villeneuve Daniel L. , Santana-Rodriguez Kelvin J. , Ankley Gerald T.
Published: January 2022

Laboratory experiments have established that exposure to certain endocrine-active substances prior to and/or during the period of sexual differentiation can lead to skewed sex ratios in fish. However, the potential long-term population impact of biased sex ratio depends on multiple factors including the life history of the species and whether the ratio is male or female-biased. In the present study, we describe a novel multidimensional, density-dependent matrix model that analyzes age class-structure of both males and females over time, allowing for the quantitative evaluation of the effects of biased sex ratio on population status. This approach can be used in conjunction with field monitoring efforts and/or laboratory testing to link effects on sex ratio due to chemical and/or nonchemical stressors to adverse outcomes in whole organisms and populations. For demonstration purposes, we applied the model to evaluate population trajectories for fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) exposed to prochloraz, an aromatase inhibitor, during sexual differentiation. The model also was used to explore the population impact in a more realistic exposure scenario in which both adult and early life stages of fish are exposed concurrently to prochloraz, which, in addition to altering sex ratio during development, can decrease vitellogenin and egg production in adult females. For each exposure scenario, the model was used to analyze total population size, numbers of females and of males, and sex specific recruitment of the F1 generation. The present study illustrates the utility of multidimensional matrix population models for ecological risk assessment in terms of integrating effects across a population of an organism even when chemical effects on individuals are manifested via different pathways depending on life stage. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:1066–1077. Published 2022. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Development of male breast cancer in a patient with prostate cancer during androgen deprivation therapy
Authors: Mizusawa Hiroya , Komatsu Akira , Mimura Yuji , Maejima Toshitaka
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Male breast cancer accounts for <1% of all breast cancer. We report a patient with prostate cancer during hormone therapy who developed breast cancer.

Case presentation

An 88‐year‐old male underwent androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer and developed an induration in the left breast 7 years after the start of treatment. After close examination, he was diagnosed with left breast cancer with lymph node metastasis. The prostate cancer was stable in a hormone‐sensitive state. Left mastectomy was performed and the pathological diagnosis was invasive ductal carcinoma.

Discussion

In addition to our patient, seven patients who developed breast cancer during hormone therapy for prostate cancer were examined. Five of six patients had stage II or above, and four patients had lymph node metastases. Although local breast symptoms are frequently observed as adverse effects of hormone therapy, caution is warranted regarding male breast cancer.
New Challenges and Advances in Systems Engineering at French Universities
Authors: Gouyon David , Panetto Hervé
Published: January 2022

This special issue of INSIGHT highlights the ninth edition of the French Systems Engineering Academia‐Industry meetings, organized by AFIS (Association Française d'Ingénierie Système), the French chapter of INCOSE, and supported by French universities as a regular series, usually every two years. Due to the COVID‐19 crisis, this edition occurred virtually in December 2020.

These meetings, which are composed of workshops and plenary lectures, provides the opportunity for both academics and industrials to: debate on systems engineering practices, education, and competences development for professional situations, and develop and promote research in systems engineering.
Using Synthesis and Analysis for Design in Systems Engineering: an Integrated Approach
Authors: Diampovesa Sephora , Yvars Pierre‐Alain , Hubert Arnaud
Published: January 2022

This article presents a complete and general approach for the preliminary design of systems in the framework of systems engineering by relying mainly on synthesis. It is completed by a validation step through analysis to reduce furthermore the space of admissible solutions. This approach focuses on the modeling of design problems in electrical engineering and of their solving by including non‐functional requirements right from the start through a single process. Starting from the specification of the requirements, the proposed approach develops the construction of synthesis models of design problems and their solving using the DEPS problem modeling language and the DEPS Studio environment based on Constraint Programming and Object‐oriented modeling. Concepts related to this approach include in particular the issue of reusability of models, notions of subdefinite systems and of problem, knowledge and solutions spaces.
Harmonica: A Framework for Semi‐automated Design and Implementation of Blockchain Applications
Authors: Six Nicolas , Herbaut Nicolas , Salinesi Camille
Published: January 2022

Designing blockchain‐based applications is a tedious task. Compared to traditional software engineering, software architects cannot rely on previous experiences or proven practices, often formalized as software patterns. Also, the selection of an adequate blockchain technology is difficult without deep knowledge of the technology. This paper introduces Harmonica, a framework for the design and implementation of a blockchain‐based application. This framework is divided in three parts: a decision‐making engine to recommend a blockchain technology and blockchain‐based software patterns relying on requirements, a configurator to generate code stubs and configuration files, and a knowledge base to support those tools.
Comparison of hematopoietic progenitor cell collection using different inlet flow rates with the Fenwal Amicus
Authors: Burgstaler Edwin A. , Bryant Sandra C. , Winters Jeffrey L.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

We have used a hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) algorithm (standard [STD]) that restricted the inlet flow rate to 65 mL/min for peripheral white blood cell count (PWBC) >35 × 109/L (STD). In this study, we evaluated a technique that allows 85 mL/min, regardless of the PWBC count (high). For patients with PWBC >35 × 109/L, a prospective, randomized comparison of the high flow rate vs the STD PWBC‐based flow rate (65 mL/min) was performed, comparing CD34+ and lymphocyte yields, collection efficiencies (CE1), mononuclear cells (MNC), and granulocytes, red blood cell (RBC), and platelet content.

Methods

The Fenwal Amicus version 4.5 with a heparinized ACD‐A anticoagulant (AC) delivered at a 26:1 AC ratio was used. Paired comparisons between high and STD techniques were assessed with Wilcoxon signed rank tests, with P < .05 considered significant. Data are summarized as medians.

Results

Forty patient pairs (autologous) were compared. Diagnoses included primarily multiple myeloma (60%) and lymphoma (37.5%). High had significantly higher median average inlet rates (69 vs 55 mL/min), whole blood processed (20 vs 16 L), and cycles (15 vs 14) than STD. There were no significant differences in pre‐procedure counts. Collection contents were (high/STD): 306/328 × 106 CD34+ cells, 48/59% CD34+ CE1 (significant), 0.2/0.2 × 109/kg lymphocytes, 45/57% lymphocyte CE1, 63/59 × 109 WBC, 15/16 × 109 granulocytes, and 1.9/1.7 × 1011 platelets.

Conclusions

The simpler, standardized high flow technique did not significantly increase or decrease CD34+ cells or lymphocyte yields, but did significantly decrease CD34+ CE1. The effects on cross‐cellular content were minimal and not clinically significant.
A review on new ammonium oxidation alternatives for effective nitrogen removal from wastewater
Authors: Zhao Shan , Feng Shi‐Jin , Wu Cong‐Cong , Zhang Jian , Chen Kang‐Ping
Published: January 2022

As a highly oxidizing ion, ammonium (NH4+) is easily reduced by other reducing substances. Recently, NH4+ oxidation coupled with Fe3+, SO42−, and Mn4+ reduction (i.e., Feammox, Sulfammox, and Mnammox) has been confirmed and their collaborative roles in removing NH4+ have been revealed in several studies. However, only limited knowledge could be obtained on observed interactions with several variable parameters due to the exiguous research in this field, which makes it challenging to draw basic and mechanistic conclusions. This review focuses on these new NH4+ oxidation alternatives and provides a systematic and comprehensive overview of recent advances in these processes. Specifically, based on the summaries of their reaction conditions, nine influencing factors (including microorganisms, concentrations of reactants, pH, redox potential, temperature, organic carbon, oxygen concentration, salinity, and inhibitory substances) are discussed in detail. Then, the drawbacks of the three processes are pointed out. The results show that, at present, the practical engineering applications for NH4+ removal are not suitable due to their harsh reaction conditions and low removal efficiency. Finally, suggestions for further research on these processes are presented to inspire more interest from researchers in related fields and to promote and realize their large‐scale engineering application in the near future. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Sonographic pulmonary response after tracheal occlusion in fetuses with severe isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Trad Ayssa Teles Abrao , Czeresnia Ricardo , Ibirogba Eniola , Narang Kavita , Ruano Rodrigo
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To report the longitudinal lung growth and prognosis of fetuses with severe left sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) treated with fetoscopic tracheal occlusion (FETO) in a single institution.

Methods

Fetal lung size (observed‐to‐expected lung area to head circumference [o/e‐LHR]) was measured in seven consecutive fetuses with isolated severe left‐sided CDH who underwent FETO. Fetal lung growth was used to prognosticate survival and need for ECMO.

Results

Seven consecutive fetuses had a FETO procedure in the timeframe of this study. A total of 44 longitudinal ultrasound were performed to evaluate lung development. FETO was performed at GA 28.5 ± 0.5 weeks. Five (71.4%) infants survived to one‐year follow‐up and ECMO was needed in three patients (42.8%). Fetal lung response was observed in all fetuses; mean o/e‐LHR increased from 22.5% ± 1.4 before FETO to 44.4% ± 9.8 before delivery. Infants who survived had a higher percentage of fetal lung growth (21.8%) than those who died (8.25%).

Conclusion

Our study supports the hypothesis that FETO promotes fetal lung growth in fetuses with severe left‐sided CDH, and the fetal pulmonary response seems to be associated with improved outcomes after the procedure.
Conceptualising inclusive development by identifying universality, plurality, sociality, and relationality
Authors: Johnstone Christopher J.
Published: January 2022

This article aims to conceptualise contemporary understandings of ‘inclusive development’. The article draws upon two conceptual models: plural/universal rights (Mégret, 2008, 10.1353/hrq.0.0000) and social–relational inclusion (Gupta & Vegelin, 2016, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10784-016-9323-z) to demonstrate how ‘inclusion’ is understood concerning economic, social, and human development. The article then draws upon these disparate, yet interconnected understandings of inclusive development and maps four contemporary inclusive development approaches (participation of stakeholders, representational politics, social protection, and economic redistribution). The purpose of this mapping is to provide context for how the singular word ‘inclusion’ can be used to pursue multiple desired outcomes, some of which may conflict with one another.
Limbal Bio‐Engineered Tissue Employing 3D Nanofiber‐Aerogel Scaffold to Facilitate LSCs Growth and Migration
Authors: Tan Yongyao , Chen Dan , Wang Yunming , Wang Wei , Xu Lingjuan , Liu Rong , You Chunxiu , Li Guigang , Zhou Huamin , Li Dequn
Published: January 2022

Constrained by the existing scaffold inability to mimic limbal niche, limbal bio‐engineered tissue constructed in vitro is challenging to be widely used in clinical practice. Here, a 3D nanofiber‐aerogel scaffold is fabricated by employing thermal cross‐linking electrospinned film polycaprolactone (PCL) and gelatin (GEL) as the precursor. Benefiting from the cross‐linked (160 °C, vacuum) structure, the homogenized and lyophilized 3D nanofiber‐aerogel scaffold with preferable mechanical strength is capable of refraining the volume collapse in humid vitro. Intriguingly, compared with traditional electrospinning scaffolds, the authors’ 3D nanofiber‐aerogel scaffolds possess enhanced water absorption (1100–1300%), controllable aperture (50–100 µm), and excellent biocompatibility (optical density value, 0.953 ± 0.021). The well‐matched aperture and nanostructure of the scaffolds with cells enable the construction of limbal bio‐engineered tissue. It is foreseen that the proposed general method can be extended to various aerogels, providing new opportunities for the development of novel limbal bio‐engineered tissue.
Quantitative Investigation into the Design and Process Parametric Effects on the Fiber‐Entrapped Residual Charge for a Polymer Melt Electrohydrodynamic Printing Process
Authors: Cao Kai , Zhang Fucheng , Zaeri Ahmadreza , Zgeib Ralf , Chang Robert C.
Published: January 2022

The printing accuracy of the melt electrowriting (MEW) process is adversely affected by residual charge entrapped within the printed fibers. To mitigate this effect, the residual charge amount (Qr) must first be accurately determined. In this study, Qr is measured by a commercial electrometer at a nanocoulomb scale for MEW‐enabled scaffolds. Based on this enabling measurement, the effects of various design parameters (including substrate surface conductivity σ, printing time t, layer number N), and process parameters (including voltage U, translational stage speed v, and material temperature Tm), on Qr are investigated. An increase of σ or decrease of N helps to decrease Qr. The effects of different process parameters on the residual charge can be either dependent or independent of fiber morphologies. Moreover, the fiber‐morphology dependent and independent effect can be either synergistic (U and Tm) or antagonistic (e.g., v) for different process parameters. Under same conditions, Qr in the interweaving scaffold design is generally smaller than that in the non‐interweaving scaffold design. These results help to furnish necessary insights into the charge dissipation process for a melt‐based electrohydrodynamic printing process while providing a systematic methodology to mitigate the residual charge accumulation.
Effect of machining and drag finishing on the surface integrity and mechanical properties of Inconel 718 alloys fabricated by laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing
Authors: Karabulut Y. , Kaynak Y. , Sharif S. , Suhaimi M.A.
Published: January 2022

Laser powder bed fusion process is one of the most widely used Additive Manufacturing techniques for fabricating metal components, however the surface quality of such components still remains a challenge and fails to meet the user expectations. Thus, this study presents a systematic investigation on the effect of post‐processing operations including finish milling and drag finishing on the surface integrity and resulting mechanical properties of Inconel 718 specimens fabricated by laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing technique. The influence of post‐processing operations on the surface and subsurface microstructure, microhardness and tensile strength on the Inconel 718 specimens are carefully examined and presented in this study. Finally, this work also contributes to understanding the critical wall (part) thickness that is notably induced from the post‐processing operations. It is revealed that the surface integrity and resulting mechanical properties of specimens significantly improved as compared to as‐built specimens once milling and drag finishing post‐processing are deployed. However, the degree of impact depends on the thickness of parts subjected to post‐processing.
Estimation of titanium oxide layer thickness on thermally oxidized NiTi alloy based on color variations
Authors: Ng C.W. , Mahmud A.S. , Ahmad M.N. , Razali M.F. , Liu Y.
Published: January 2022

This paper studies the estimation of titanium oxide (TiO2) thickness on a thermally oxidized nickel titanium (NiTi) alloy based on its surface color. The NiTi plate specimens were subjected to oxidation at temperatures from 450 °C to 900 °C for different duration to induce the formation of oxide layers of different thicknesses. The oxide thickness of the specimens oxidized from 650 °C to 900 °C was measured by means of scanning electron microscopy. A fitting curve was generated from the measured thicknesses, and further extrapolated to predict the oxide thickness for specimens heated at lower temperature of 450 °C to 600 °C. The oxide thickness estimation was done using thin‐film optical interference, with reference to the observed color of the oxidized surface. The thin‐film optical interference approach showed accurate measurement of oxide thickness as compared to the extrapolated data, highlighting the applicability of this measurement technique.
Surface characterization of a modified cold work tool steel treated by powder‐pack boronizing
Authors: Belaid M. , Fares M.L. , Assalla O. , Boukari F.
Published: January 2022

The present work examines the effects of pack‐boronizing treatment on the surface characteristics of modified industrial cold‐work tool steel intended for polymer crushing. Particular attention is paid to optimizing the process parameters to improve the tool surface properties and thus achieve a satisfactory tool life. To this end, a series of samples were subjected to boronizing treatment within the temperature range from 800 °C to 1000 °C for soaking periods of 2 h, 4 h, 6 h and 8 h. The structural and mechanical properties of the modified metal surface were analyzed using optical and scanning electron microscopy, x‐ray diffraction, microhardness testing and pin‐on‐disk tribotesting. The adhesion quality of the boride layer‐substrate was carried out using the adhesion test Daimler Benz Rockwell‐C. The corrosion properties were determined by the electrochemical polarization method. Experimental results showed that the optimum temperature‐temporal conditions of 900 °C/4 h that are the intermediate processing parameters led to a better compromise between the intended properties, in terms of resistance to wear and corrosion, as well as adhesion quality.
Carbon fibre‐graphene composite polylactic acid (PLA) material for COVID shield frame
Authors: Mohammed Basheer E.P. , Marimuthu K.
Published: January 2022

Challenges in the development of carbon fibre and graphene reinforced composite polylactic acid material is reserved in this research. A screw extrusion process is used to blend the carbon fibre particle (1 wt.%) and graphene (1 wt.%) with poly lactic acid pellets (98 wt.%) to extrude and draw a continuous composite poly lactic acid wire. The size of the wire drawn is 1.75 mm and it is found uniform in shape. Through electron microscope, the dispersion of carbon fibre and graphene in the polylactic acid material is confirmed with good bonding. Subsequently, the presence of carbon fibre and graphene reinforcement in polylactic acid material is confirmed through the x‐ray diffraction peaks. The composite polylactic acid material developed through screw extrusion is to build a mechanical test sample. The strength of composite polylactic acid material is 31 MPa and 3D printed composite polylactic acid material is 63 MPa. The density of the composite material is found increased in 3D printed material than the raw polylactic acid material. With valid mechanical and thermal properties of composite polylactic acid material, a commercial product is developed. An autoclavable COVID ‐19 face shield is designed and developed through Fused filament fabrication 3D printer and the same was implemented.
Multilayer antireflection coatings design for SiO2‐passivated silicon solar cells
Authors: Xiao X.J. , Zhu H.M. , Liu Z.M. , Tu J.L.
Published: January 2022

Both the passivation and good antireflection effect can improve the power conversion efficiency of the crystalline silicon solar cells. In this study, we simulated and optimized HfO2 single‐layer, SiO2/SiC double‐layer, and MgF2/HfO2/SiC triple‐layer antireflection coatings and obtained the optimal optical parameters based on the optical transfer matrix. In addition, we analyzed the influence of HfO2, SiO2/SiC, and MgF2/HfO2/SiC antireflection coatings on the performance of the crystalline silicon solar cell. The results indicated that the HfO2, SiO2/SiC, and MgF2/HfO2/SiC antireflection coatings increased the power conversion efficiency of the crystalline silicon solar cell from 12.17 % to 17.13 %, 18.57 %, and 18.85 %, respectively. For cost‐saving, the SiO2/SiC double‐layer antireflection coating is a good choice for the crystalline silicon solar cell.
Histone demethylase JMJD1A in cancer progression and therapeutic resistance
Authors: Jeon Hee‐Young , Ryu Hyunju , Pornour Majid , Qi Jianfei
Published: January 2022

JMJD1A (also called lysine demethylase 3A [KDM3A]) belongs to the Jumonji C family of histone demethylases. It specifically removes the repressive mono‐ or di‐methyl marks from histone H3 at lysine 9 and thus contributes to the activation of gene transcription. JMJD1A plays a key role in a variety of biological processes such as spermatogenesis, metabolism, sex determination, and stem cell activity. JMJD1A is upregulated in various types of cancers and can promote cancer development, progression, and therapeutic resistance. JMJD1A can epigenetically regulate the expression or activity of transcription factors such as c‐Myc, androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptor (ER), β‐catenin, and so on. Expression and activity of JMJD1A in cancer cells can be regulated at transcriptional, post‐transcriptional, and post‐translational levels. Targeting JMJD1A may repress the oncogenic transcription factors as a potential anticancer therapy.
A structural investigation of organic battery anode materials by NMR crystallography
Authors: Whewell Tommy , Seymour Valerie R. , Griffiths Kieran , Halcovitch Nathan R. , Desai Aamod V. , Morris Russell E. , Armstrong A. Robert , Griffin John M.
Published: January 2022

Conjugated alkali metal dicarboxylates have recently received attention for applications as organic anode materials in lithium‐ and sodium‐ion batteries. In order to understand and optimise these materials, it is important to be able to characterise both the long‐range and local aspects of the crystal structure, which may change during battery cycling. Furthermore, some materials can display polymorphism or hydration behaviour. NMR crystallography, which combines long‐range crystallographic information from diffraction with local information from solid‐state NMR via interpretation aided by DFT calculations, is one such approach, but this has not yet been widely applied to conjugated dicarboxylates. In this work, we evaluate the application of NMR crystallography for a set of model lithium and sodium dicarboxylate salts. We investigate the effect of different DFT geometry optimisation strategies and find that the calculated NMR parameters are not systematically affected by the choice of optimisation method, although the inclusion of dispersion correction schemes is important to accurately reproduce the experimental unit cell parameters. We also observe hydration behaviour for two of the sodium salts and provide insight into the structure of an as‐yet uncharacterised structure of sodium naphthalenedicarboxylate. This highlights the importance of sample preparation and characterisation for organic sodium‐ion battery anode materials in particular.
Mass effect of the distal triceps brachii muscle on ulnar nerve movement during elbow flexion
Authors: Jeong Ha Mok , Kim Jeong Min , Kang Seok , Yoon Joon Shik
Published: January 2022

Introduction/Aims

Hypertrophic triceps brachii contributes to ulnar nerve movement, but the location of the mass effect of the triceps brachii muscle is not known. In this study we aimed to determine the mass effect of the distal medial head of the triceps brachii (DMTB) muscle on ulnar nerve movement.

Methods

In 48 arms, movement of the ulnar nerve at the medial epicondyle and muscle thickness (medial and long head of the triceps brachii [MLTB], medial head of the triceps brachii [MTB], DMTB, and biceps brachii [BB]) were measured using ultrasonography.

Results

Ulnar nerve movement at the elbow was consistently correlated with the DMTB muscle thickness (horizontal ulnar nerve movement at the elbow [HM] / vertical ulnar nerve movement at the elbow [VM] with 90° elbow flexion: r = 0.668 / r = 0.313, HM/VM with full elbow flexion: r = 0.481 / r = 0.391). With multiple linear regression, the DMTB was the most important muscle with regard to contribution of thickness to ulnar nerve movement. Individuals with partial and complete dislocation showed a thicker DMTB than those without dislocation.

Discussion

Our data suggest that the mass effect of the triceps brachii muscle is exerted primarily by its distal portion. When ulnar nerve dislocation is observed, thickness and anatomical variation of DMTB in the retrocondylar area during elbow flexion should be assessed.
A modified biogeography‐based optimization algorithm based on cloud theory for optimizing a fuzzy PID controller
Authors: Li Xiang , Chen Jianjun , Zhou Dingshan , Gu Qingdong
Published: January 2022

In recent years, the heuristic algorithms used to improve the PID controller have attracted increasing attention. Additionally, there have been many significative explorations into the field of the fuzzy PID controller. Therefore, this article presents a modified biogeography‐based optimization (BBO) algorithm to optimize the fuzzy PID controller. We utilize cloud theory to adapt migration operator and mutation operator of the BBO algorithm to enhance its exploration ability and exploitation ability for better convergence speed and accuracy. The final algorithm is called cloud theory‐biogeography‐based optimization algorithm (CTBBO). The great performance of the CTBBO algorithm is illustrated in the benchmark functions testing compared with other heuristic algorithms. Lastly, the CTBBO algorithm was used in an engineering case—optimizing the fuzzy PID controller in a 180°C‐die heater to demonstrate its practical application value.
Relationship between torus mandibularis and mandibular cortical bone width using computed tomography
Authors: Ito Kotaro , Itakura Go , Muraoka Hirotaka , Hirahara Naohisa , Sawada Eri , Tokunaga Satoshi , Kaneda Takashi
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between mandibular cortical width (MCW) and torus mandibularis (TM) using computed tomography (CT).

Materials and methods

This retrospective case–control study included 34 patients with TM and 34 age‐ and sex‐matched patients without TM who underwent CT at our hospital between April 2017 and December 2020. TM was identified by a radiologist from CT scans as an exostosis continuous with the lingual cortical bone of the mandible. Patients with a history of bisphosphonate use, malignancy, or mandibular fractures were excluded from this study. The MCW was measured by estimating the thickness of the cortical bone at the lower edge of the bilateral mandible using a CT coronal slice and calculating the average value. Nonparametric Mann–Whitney U tests were used to assess the differences in continuous variables based on the MCW and mandibular cortical index status.

Results

The MCW was significantly associated with the TM.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggested that the MCW may be associated with the development of TM. MCW on CT images may help predict the future development of TM.