bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mutual promotion effect of SO2 and NOx during yellow phosphorus and phosphate rock slurry adsorption process
Authors: Nie Yunxiang , Wang Xujun , Dai Jinfeng , Wang Chi , He Dedong , Mei Yi
Published: February 2021

Removing SO2 and NOx released from middle and small‐scaled coal‐burning boiler is one important strategy for air pollution control. Herein, we first report a novel process on simultaneous eliminating SO2 and NOx at low temperature, by employing large scale and cheap sources of phosphorus sludge and phosphate rock slurry. The results showed that 100% desulfurization and denitrification efficiency can be obtained, and there exhibited a significant mutual‐promoting effect between SO2 and NOx abatement processes. Based on characterizations and theoretical calculation results, it was found that the active substances produced by the interaction of sulfur and nitrogen species played a significant role in promoting the removal of SO2 and NOx. Compared with traditional purification technology, this process can achieve simultaneous desulfurization and denitrification with no discharge of secondary pollutants, and can be regarded as a new and economic technology for efficient removal of SO2 and NOx in industrial scale.
Condensed tannins in the diet of folivorous diademed sifakas and the gap between crude and available protein
Authors: Thurau Emma G. , Rahajanirina Andry Narcisse , Irwin Mitchell T.
Published: February 2021

Tannins, a type of plant secondary metabolite, are well‐known for their ability to precipitate proteins and thereby reduce the protein available to consumers. Most primate studies have focused on condensed tannins (CTs) as they were thought to be the most effective type of tannin at preventing protein acquisition, but there is growing recognition that other types of tannins can bind to proteins, suggesting the division among tannin types is not as clear‐cut as previously thought. Although previous studies have documented the presence of CTs in primate diets and primates' behavioral responses to them, our understanding of tannins remains limited because few researchers have used Sephadex column purification to accurately determine tannin concentrations, and few have used in vitro assays to determine available protein content and the tannins' effectiveness in binding protein. In this study, we documented diademed sifaka (Propithecus diadema) diet from June to August 2018 at Tsinjoarivo, Madagascar (in two forests with varying degrees of habitat disturbance) and quantified CT concentration and actual available protein in foods. Eleven of the fourteen top foods tested contained CTs (concentrations: 4.8%–39.3% dry matter). An in vitro assay showed available protein was strikingly low in six of the eleven top foods (e.g., little to no apparent available protein, despite high crude protein). Overall, our findings suggest sifakas acquire less protein than previously recognized and probably have adaptations to counteract tannins. Such studies of available protein are critical in understanding dietary constraints on sifaka populations and the evolution of their diet choice strategies; despite the conventional wisdom that leaves are protein‐rich, folivorous primates may indeed be protein‐limited. However, further studies are necessary to determine if sifakas have counter‐adaptations to tannins, and if they absorb more protein than our analyses suggest, perhaps receiving protein that we were unable to detect with the current techniques (e.g., pollen).
Passive acoustic monitoring of the diel and annual vocal behavior of the Black and Gold Howler Monkey
Authors: Pérez‐Granados Cristian , Schuchmann Karl‐Ludwig
Published: February 2021

Passive acoustic monitoring, when coupled with automated signal recognition software, allows researchers to perform simultaneous monitoring at large spatial and temporal scales. This technique has been widely used to monitor cetaceans, bats, birds, and anurans but rarely applied to monitor primates. Here, we evaluated the effectiveness of passive acoustic monitoring and automated signal recognition software for detecting the presence and monitoring the roaring behavior of the Black and Gold Howler Monkey (Alouatta caraya) over a complete annual cycle at one site in the Brazilian Pantanal. The diel pattern of roaring activity was unimodal, with high vocal activity around dawn. The howler monkey showed a clear seasonal pattern of roaring activity, with most of the roars detected during the wet season (74.9%, peak activity during November and December). The maximum vocal activity occurred during the period of maximum flowering and fruit production in the study area, suggesting a potential role of roaring in defending major feeding sites, which is in agreement with the findings of previous studies on the species. However, we cannot rule out the possibility that roaring may serve different purposes. Vocal activity was negatively associated with relative air humidity, which might be related to lower vocal activity on wetter and rainy days, while vocal activity was not related to minimum air temperature. Automated signal recognition software allowed us to detect the species in 89% of the recordings in which it was vocally active, but with a reduced time cost, since the time investment for data analyses was 2% of recording time. The good performance of the recognizer might be related to the long and loud roars of the howler monkey. Further research should be performed to evaluate the effectiveness of automated signal recognition for detecting the calls of different species of primates and under different environmental conditions.
Decoding the Complex Free Radical Cascade by Using a DNA Framework‐Based Artificial DNA Encoder
Authors: Zhang Lili , Wang Linlin , Yuan Xi , Zhong Minjuan , Chen Hong , Zhang Dailiang , Han Xiaoyan , Xie Sitao , He Lei , Li Yazhou , Chen Fengming , Liu Yanlan , Tan Weihong
Published: February 2021

DNA‐based molecular communications (DMC) are critical for regulating biological networks to maintain stable organismic functions. However, the complicated, time‐consuming information transmission process involved in genome‐coded DMC and the limited, vulnerable decoding activity generally lead to communication impairment or failure, in response to external stimuli. Herein, we present a conceptually innovative DMC strategy mediated by the DNA framework‐based artificial DNA encoder. With the free‐radical cascade as a proof‐of‐concept study, the artificial DNA encoder shows active sensing and real‐time actuation, in situ and broad free radical‐decoding efficacy, as well as robust resistance to environmental noise. It can also block undesirable short‐to‐medium‐range communications between free radicals and inflammatory networks, leading to a synergistic anti‐obesity effect. The artificial DNA encoder‐based DMC may be generalized to other communication systems for a variety of applications.
Asymmetric Synthesis of N‐Substituted α‐Amino Esters from α‐Ketoesters via Imine Reductase‐Catalyzed Reductive Amination
Authors: Yao Peiyuan , Marshall James R. , Xu Zefei , Lim Jesmine , Charnock Simon J. , Zhu Dunming , Turner Nicholas J.
Published: February 2021

N‐Substituted α‐amino esters are widely used as chiral intermediates in a range of pharmaceuticals. Here we report the enantioselective biocatalyic synthesis of N‐substituted α‐amino esters through the direct reductive coupling of α‐ketoesters and amines employing sequence diverse metagenomic imine reductases (IREDs). Both enantiomers of N‐substituted α‐amino esters were obtained with high conversion and excellent enantioselectivity under mild reaction conditions. In addition >20 different preparative scale transformations were performed highlighting the scalability of this system.
Failure to meet extubation criteria in the setting of suspected buffalo chest physiology
Authors: Chu R. F. , Scott A. V. , Wright N. R.
Published: February 2021

We report the case of a patient who failed to meet tracheal extubation criteria due to low tidal volumes from suspected buffalo chest, which is a single pleural space physiology. This presentation followed the resection of a large pleural mass in a 59‐year‐old woman with a history of exercise‐induced asthma, hypertension and tumour‐related chronic respiratory failure. Creation of a pleuro‐pleural communication during the resection of this large, unilateral pleural mass led to bilateral pneumothoraces and contributed to patients inability to generate negative inspiratory force leading to failure to meet extubation criteria. Buffalo chest may be more prevalent than suspected and should be a differential diagnosis for low tidal volumes with spontaneous ventilation following thoracic surgery. It can be differentiated from other causes of decreased tidal volume using clinical examination, ultrasound and radiography. Bilateral chest tube placement can be considered to expedite pneumothorax resolution and tracheal extubation.
Ligational and biological studies of Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zr(IV) complexes with carbamazepine as antiepileptic drug
Authors: Mohamed Amira A. , Sadeek Sadeek A.
Published: February 2021

Carbamazepine (CBZ) is considered to be the preferred drug for fractional seizures and may also use in the prevention of primary generalized tonic–clonic seizures. The chelates of CBZ with Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zr(IV) were designed and characterized on the basis of elemental analysis, FT‐IR, 1H NMR, UV‐visible, mass spectra, thermal analysis (TG, DTG, and DTA), molar conductivity, and magnetic moment. IR spectra emphasize that CBZ acts as a neutral bidentate ligand with metal ions through amide oxygen and amino nitrogen. UV‐visible spectra and magnetic moment demonstrate that all chelates have geometric octahedral structures. Complexes thermal behavior is systematically analyzed employing TG and DTA technicality. TG findings signalize that water molecules (hydrated and coordinated) are extracted the first and second phases, while CBZ ligand is splitted in the second and subsequent steps. From the DTA curves, the obtained data reflect that the degradation processes are endothermic or exothermic peaks. Assorted thermodynamic factors are calculated, and the results are explicated. Antimicrobial activity was examined against two Gram‐positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureusand Bacillus subtilis) and two Gram‐negative bacteria (Escherichia coliandPseudomonas aeuroginosa). Anti‐fungal efficacy of the compounds has been tested. The Co(II) complex was highly significant against the antifungalCandida albicansand significantly againstEscherichia coli,Staphylococcus aureus, andBacillus subtilis.
Use of highly stable phosphonate coordination polymers as adsorbents for wastewater
Authors: Visa Aurelia , Ilia Gheorghe , Lupa Lavinia , Maranescu Bianca
Published: February 2021

A series of coordination polymers (CPs) based on phosphonates, M‐VP, and M‐Phen‐VP (M = Ce, La, Phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline, Im‐imidazole, VP = vinylphosphonate) were obtained by hydrothermal reactions in different conditions: room temperature, 75°C, 180°C, at pH 1.5–7 aqueous solutions. The materials were characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR), X‐ray powder diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis. The samples are characterized by a high degree of crystallinity, judging from the intensity of the peak in the 2θ region 8–9°. Thermogravimetric analysis performed on cerium and lanthanum CPs crystals indicate that the compounds are stable up to 360°C, after which it undergoes degradation corresponding to loss of the organic unit. The obtained materials were further used as adsorbent in the removal process of cesium (Cs(I)) and thalium ions (Tl(I)) from aqueous solutions. In order to establish the maximum adsorption capacity of the studied CPs and for the interpretation of the results obtained in the equilibrium study, several empirical isotherms were used: Freundlich, Temkin, Langmuir, and Dubinin–Radushkevich. The particular parameters for each isotherm and correlation coefficient (R2) have been determined.
Robust alkyl‐bridged bis(N‐heterocyclic carbene)palladium(II) complexes anchored on Merrifield's resin as active catalysts for the selective synthesis of flavones and alkynones
Authors: Mansour Waseem , Fettouhi Mohammed , Saleem Qasim , El Ali Bassam
Published: February 2021

Highly active and efficient propylene‐bridged bis(N‐heterocyclic carbene)palladium(II) complexes covalently anchored on Merrifield's resin were synthesized and characterized using various physical and spectroscopic techniques. The two anchored Pd(II) complexes consist of the system: Merrifield's resin‐linker‐bis(NHC)Pd(II), the linkers being benzyl and benzyl‐O‐(CH2)3 for (Pd‐NHC1@M) and (Pd‐NHC2@M), respectively. The short linker anchored bis‐benzimidazolium ligand precursor (PBBI‐1@M) was synthesized via direct carbon–nitrogen alkylation of a propylene‐bridged bis(benzimidazole) (PBBI‐1) by Merrifield's resin chlorobenzyl group. The longer linker anchored bis‐benzimidazolium ligand precursor (PBBI‐2@M) was obtained in a two‐step reaction involving first alkylation of (PBBI‐1) with 3‐chloro‐1‐propanol followed by a nucleophilic substitution at Merrifield's resin chlorobenzyl group. Both supported ligand precursors (PBBI‐1@M and PBBI‐2@M) reacted with palladium acetate to produce the two heterogeneous catalysts (Pd‐NHC1@M) and (Pd‐NHC2@M). 13C NMR palladation shift of the benzimidazole N–C–N (C2) carbon was found very similar in both the liquid NMR spectra of the homogeneous complexes and the CP/MASS spectra of the corresponding covalently anchored complexes. The catalytic activity, stability, and the recycling ability of the supported catalysts have been investigated in the carbonylative Sonogashira coupling reactions of aryl iodides with aryl alkynes and alkyl alkynes and also in the cyclocarbonylative Sonogashira coupling reactions of aryl iodides with aryl alkynes via one pot reactions. The longer linker catalyst Pd‐NHC2@M demonstrated excellent catalytic activity, stability, and very high recycling ability in the two carbonylative coupling reactions. These systems exhibit the hypothesized thermodynamic stability offered by the chelate effect in addition to the strong sigma donor ability of a bis(NHC) ligand system generating electron‐rich palladium centers that favor the oxidative addition step of the aryl halide.
Thiol‐terminated hyperbranched polymer for DLP 3D printing: Performance evaluation of a low shrinkage photosensitive resin
Authors: Li Songyi , Cui Yihua , Li Jingjing
Published: February 2021

In order to lower the volume shrinkage of the DLP 3D printing photosensitive resins during printing, a thiol‐terminated hyperbranched polymer (T‐HBP) was synthesized and introduced into the bisphenol A epoxy acrylate (EA) based photosensitive resin system. The obtained T‐HBP was characterized by FTIR and 1H NMR spectra, and the grafting rate of sulfhydryl was determined. The mechanical properties of the photosensitive resins were measured by tensile and impact strength measurement. The glass transition temperature of the photosensitive resins was analyzed by DSC and the impact fracture surface was observed by SEM. T‐HBP exhibited a much lower viscosity than its linear counterparts, and the addition of thiol improved the curing speed of the photosensitive resins. When the amount of T‐HBP added was 20 wt%, the shrinkage of the photosensitive resins was reduced by about 45.5% and the impact strength increased by 33.9% compared with the control. The macromolecular spherical structure of T‐HBP effectively reduced the functional group density of the photosensitive resins. In addition, the thiol‐acrylate photopolymerization introduced by T‐HBP further reduced the volume shrinkage of the photosensitive resins.
Subdivisions of the mesencephalon and isthmus in the lizardGekko geckoas revealed byChATimmunohistochemistry
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Qing , Wang Wen‐Bo , Tang Ye‐Zhong , Dai Zhen‐Dong
Published: February 2021

The distribution of cholinergic cell bodies and fibers was examined in the mesencephalon and isthmus ofGekko gecko. Distinct groups with prominent labeled cells were observed in the cranial nerve motor nuclei and isthmic nuclei, and weak labeled cell bodies and fibers were observed in the mesencephalic nucleus of the trigeminal nerve and the central nucleus of the torus semicircularis. After discussing the topological relationships within the tectum and isthmus, we unify the nomenclature of the caudal deep mesencephalic nucleus in lizards and the rostral magnocellular nucleus isthmi in turtles that is similar in terms of the preisthmic position, nontopographic connections with the tectum, and the same midbrain origin to the magnocellular preisthmic nucleus in birds, and may be homologous to the superficial cuneiform nucleus in mammals. None of them belong to the cholinergic nucleus isthmi, as the latter has isthmus origin and topographic reciprocal connections with the tectum. We also discuss the origin and intrinsic function of the inner longitudinal tract of the thick ChAT‐ir fibers that course through the mesencephalon and diencephalon. We review the subdivisions of the mesencephalon and isthmus ofGekko geckoas revealed by ChAT immunohistochemistry, as well as the limits of the diencephalo–mesencephalic, mesencephalic–isthmo, and isthmo–rhombocephalic by the ChAT‐ir cell‐ and fiber‐poor distribution, and discuss the caudal limit of the isthmus. Our research on the subdivisions of the mesencephalon and isthmus inG. geckoas revealed by ChAT immunohistochemistry will serve as the neuroanatomical basis for subsequent relevant studies ofGekko gecko.
Studying the onset of deconfinement with multi‐messenger astronomy of neutron stars
Authors: Blaschke David , Cierniak Mateusz
Published: February 2021

With the first multi‐messenger observation of a binary neutron star merger (GW170817), new constraints became available for masses and radii of neutron stars. We introduce a class of hybrid EoS that fulfills all these constraints and predicts a region in the mass‐radius diagram that could be populated only by hybrid neutron stars with quark matter cores. A confirmation of this conjecture would be provided when the NICER radius measurement for the high‐mass pulsar PSR J0740 + 6620 yields a radius significantly less than 11 km. Would this radius measurement yield a result in excess of 12 km, this would allow for both, a purely hadronic and a hybrid nature of this star. In the latter case, the maximum mass could reach 2.6 M⊙ so that the lighter object in the asymmetric binary merger GW190814 could have been a hybrid star. We demonstrate that this high mass can be compatible with an early onset of deconfinement for stars with masses below 1 M⊙ and the occurrence of low‐mass twin stars. In such a case, the remnant of GW170817 could be a long‐lived hypermassive pulsar.
23Na Solid‐State NMR Analyses for Na‐Ion Batteries and Materials
Authors: Gotoh Kazuma
Published: February 2021

Sodium‐ion batteries (NIBs) have received considerable attention as next‐generation batteries that complement or replace the current demand for lithium‐ion batteries. For the development of NIBs, elucidating the states of sodium ions and understanding the charging‐discharging mechanism on the electrodes is indispensable for achieving high capacity, high efficiency, long life, and reasonably safe performance. Solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (SS‐NMR) is a powerful tool for obtaining direct information on nuclei as it can detect information on sodium and distinguish different electronic circumstances. In this minireview, recent progress on NMR analyses of NIB electrode materials (cathode and anode) is outlined. 23Na NMR signals of NaMnO2‐type cathodes, which are usually affected by the strong effect of paramagnetic species and other cathode materials, are introduced. Additionally, NMR analyses of hard carbon, graphite, and other inorganic anode materials are summarized.
Pushing Raman spectroscopy over the edge: purported signatures of organic molecules in fossil animals are instrumental artefacts
Authors: Alleon Julien , Montagnac Gilles , Reynard Bruno , Brulé Thibault , Thoury Mathieu , Gueriau Pierre
Published: February 2021

Widespread preservation of fossilized biomolecules in many fossil animals has recently been reported in six studies, based on Raman microspectroscopy. Here, we show that the putative Raman signatures of organic compounds in these fossils are actually instrumental artefacts resulting from intense background luminescence. Raman spectroscopy is based on the detection of photons scattered inelastically by matter upon its interaction with a laser beam. For many natural materials, this interaction also generates a luminescence signal that is often orders of magnitude more intense than the light produced by Raman scattering. Such luminescence, coupled with the transmission properties of the spectrometer, induced quasi‐periodic ripples in the measured spectra that have been incorrectly interpreted as Raman signatures of organic molecules. Although several analytical strategies have been developed to overcome this common issue, Raman microspectroscopy as used in the studies questioned here cannot be used to identify fossil biomolecules.
Study of Green Solvents for Ruthenium Alkylidene Mediated Ring‐Opening Metathesis Polymerization
Authors: Shin Hyun Gyu , Lee Hyun Sub , Hong Eun Ji , Kim Jeung Gon
Published: February 2021

Ruthenium alkylidene mediated ring‐opening metathesis polymerizations (Ru‐ROMP) are evaluated in green chemical solvents to increase their green metrics. The Ru‐ROMP of representative monomers of norbornene, oxa‐norbornene, and cyclooctadiene were compared in reference solvents (tetrahydrofuran and chloroform) and green solvents (2‐methyl tetrahydrofuran, ethyl acetate, dimethyl carbonate, and acetone). The results showed that the use of a green solvent is promising. All green solvents exhibited excellent Ru‐ROMP efficiency while their chain length controls were sensitive to solvents and monomers. Among the candidates, dimethyl carbonate expressed the general applicability of various combinations of monomers and solvents.
Green supply chain integration and financial performance: A social contagion and information sharing perspective
Authors: Kong Ting , Feng Taiwen , Huo Baofeng
Published: February 2021

Although green supply chain integration (GSCI) has received wide attention, how it diffuses among supply chain members to affect the manufacturer's performance is still unclear. This study examines the relationships among GSCI, information sharing, and financial performance from a social contagion lens. By conceptualizing GSCI into three forms, two types of contagion mechanisms (i.e., cohesion and structural equivalence) were identified to investigate the underlying contagion effects between different forms of GSCI and the effects of various GSCI on information sharing and financial performance. Survey data were collected from 206 Chinese manufacturers and analyzed using structural equation modeling to test hypotheses. The results indicate that green supplier integration directly promotes green internal integration, green customer integration, and information sharing with suppliers. Green internal integration positively influences green customer integration and financial performance. Green customer integration enhances information sharing with customers. Both information sharing with suppliers and customers improve financial performance. This study contributes to the GSCI literature and provides novel managerial implications for manufacturers.
Young adults with substance use disorders have unique treatment requirements
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: February 2021

Researchers at the Grayken Center for Addiction at Boston Medical Center have published principles of care for young adults with substance use disorder (SUD), recognizing that this age group has unique requirements.
Real‐world experience of suture‐based closure devices: Insights from the FDA Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience
Authors: Case Brian C. , Kumar Sant , Yerasi Charan , Forrestal Brian J. , Musallam Anees , Chezar‐Azerrad Chava , Khalid Nauman , Shlofmitz Evan , Chen Yuefeng , Khan Jaffar M. , Satler Lowell F. , Ben‐Dor Itsik , Hashim Hayder , Bernardo Nelson L. , Rogers Toby , Waksman Ron
Published: February 2021

Objectives

We analyzed post‐marketing surveillance data from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database for suture‐based vascular closure devices (VCDs) – Perclose ProGlide (Abbott, Chicago, Illinois) and Prostar XL (Abbott).

Background

Suture‐based VCDs are mostly used for large‐bore femoral arterial access‐site closure. Real‐world, contemporary experience on the most commonly reported complications and modes of failure associated with these devices is limited.

Methods

Post‐marketing surveillance data from the FDA MAUDE database, for the ProGlide system and for the Prostar XL system, were analyzed, yielding 827 Perclose ProGlide reports and 175 Prostar XL reports.

Results

Of the 827 reports of major complications involving the Perclose ProGlide devices, 404 reports involved injury, and one involved death related to the device. In the Prostar XL analysis, 94 reports involved injury, and one involved death. Bleeding from vessel injury was the most common adverse outcome described with both devices, followed by hematoma and thrombus. Surgical repair was the most commonly used treatment strategy. In terms of device malfunction, suture‐related malfunction (212 reports) was most commonly seen in the Perclose ProGlide group, while failed deployment was most commonly seen in the Prostar XL group.

Conclusions

Our analysis of the MAUDE database demonstrates that in real‐world practice, suture‐based VCDs were found to be associated with complications, including vascular injury, difficulties with the device itself, and even death. Ongoing user education and pre‐procedural patient selection are important to minimize risks associated with suture‐based vascular closure devices.
Intestinal pseudo‐obstruction: Unusual presentation of systemic lupus erythematous
Authors: Ayari Myriam , Nakhli Abdelwaheb , Teyeb Zeineb , Abdelaali Imen , Bellakhal Syrine , Jomni Taieb
Published: February 2021

Systemic diseases should be always considered when managing unexplained intestinal pseudo‐obstruction. Intestinal pseudo‐obstruction related to systemic lupus erythematosus is often responsive to corticosteroid therapy when promptly treated.
Organic Nanoparticles with Persistent Luminescence for In Vivo Afterglow Imaging‐Guided Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Zheng Xiaokun , Wu Wenbo , Zheng Yue , Ding Yiwen , Xiang Yu , Liu Bin , Tong Aijun
Published: February 2021

Optical imaging‐guided photodynamic therapy (PDT), with precise localization and non‐invasive treatment of tumors, is an emerging technique with great potential for cancer therapy. However, impaired by tissue auto‐fluorescence that causes low signal‐to‐background ratio (SBR), most fluorescence imaging systems show poor sensitivity to tumors in vivo. In this study, we synthesized organic nanoparticles (ONPs) with persistent luminescence and good biocompatibility for afterglow imaging‐guided PDT. The ONPs displayed near‐infrared light emission with half‐life time at minute level, which offered high SBR and good tissue penetration for in vivo afterglow tumor imaging. Taking advantage of their abundant singlet oxygen generation by NIR laser irradiation guided to the tumor sites, the ONPs also enabled imaging‐guided PDT for efficient suppression of tumor growth in mice with minimal damage to major organs.
Co‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Intramolecular [3+2] Cycloaddition of Yne‐Alkylidenecyclopropanes and its Reaction Mechanism
Authors: Xiao Xiong , Yu Zhi‐Xiang
Published: February 2021

Developing new transition metal‐catalyzed asymmetric cycloadditions for the synthesis of five‐membered carbocycles (FMCs) is a research frontier in reaction development due to the ubiquitous presence of chiral FMCs in various functional molecules. Reported here is our discovery of a highly enantioselective intramolecular [3+2] cycloaddition of yne‐alkylidenecyclopropanes (yne‐ACPs) to bicyclo[3.3.0]octadiene and bicyclo[4.3.0]nonadiene molecules using a cheap Co catalyst and commercially available chiral ligand (S)‐Xyl‐BINAP. This reaction avoids the use of precious Pd and Rh catalysts, which are usually the choices for [3+2] reactions with ACPs. The enantiomeric excess in the present reaction can be up to 92 %. Cationic cobalt(I) species was suggested by experiments as the catalytic species. DFT calculations showed that this [3+2] reaction starts with oxidative cyclometallation of alkyne and ACP, followed by ring opening of the cyclopropyl (CP) group and reductive elimination to form the cycloadduct. This mechanism is different from previous [3+2] reactions of ACPs, which usually start from CP cleavage, not from oxidative cyclization.
Isoselective Polymerization of rac‐Lactide by Aluminum Complexes of N‐Heterocyclic Carbene‐Phosphinidene Adducts
Authors: Bhattacharjee Jayeeta , Peters Marius , Bockfeld Dirk , Tamm Matthias
Published: February 2021

The N‐heterocyclic carbene‐phosphinidene adducts (NHC)PH were reacted with AlMe3 in toluene to afford the monoaluminum complexes [{(IDipp)PH}AlMe3] and [{(IMes)PH}AlMe3] (IDipp=1,3‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imidazolin‐2‐ylidene, IMes=1,3‐bis(2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl)imidazolin‐2‐ylidene). In contrast, the dialuminum complex [{(MeIMes)PH}(AlMe3)2] was obtained for MeIMes=1,3‐bis(2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl)‐4,5‐dimethylimidazolin‐2‐ylidene. These complexes served as initiators for the efficient ring‐opening polymerization of rac‐lactide in toluene at 60 °C. High degrees of isoselectivity were found for the poly(rac‐lactide) obtained in the presence of the monoaluminum complexes (Pm up to 0.92, Tm up to 191 °C), whereas almost atactic polymers were produced by the dialuminum complex. Detailed mechanistic studies reveal that the polymerization proceeds via a coordination‐insertion mechanism with the carbene‐phosphinidene ligands acting as stereodirecting groups.
ANCA‐associated neuropathy in systemic sclerosis: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Takenaka Kayo , Takeichi Takuya , Nishi Ryoji , Suzuki Masashi , Koike Haruki , Katsuno Masahisa , Ogawa‐Momohara Mariko , Muro Yoshinao , Akiyama Masashi
Published: February 2021

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multi‐system autoimmune disease. Anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) are autoantibodies directed against enzymes found within primary granules of neutrophils and lysosomes in monocytes. Although up to 12% of SSc patients have ANCA, only a minority of these patients develop an overlap syndrome with ANCA‐associated vasculitis. We summarize previous reports on SSc patients with ANCA‐associated neuropathy. In all the reported cases, the SSc diagnosis preceded the ANCA‐associated neuropathy diagnosis. Seven of the eight patients with limited cutaneous SSc had interstitial lung disease (ILD). Thus, patients with ANCA‐associated neuropathy in lSSc may be prone to complication with ILD.
Tropfenbewegung und Stofftransport in technischen Flüssig/flüssig‐Systemen. Teil 1: Einzeltropfensedimentation ohne Grenzflächeneffekte
Authors: Schulz Joschka M. , Petzold Marc , Böhm Lutz , Kraume Matthias
Published: February 2021

Für die Dimensionierung von Flüssig/flüssig‐Kontaktapparaten sind Fluiddynamik und Stofftransport in der Dispersion von entscheidender Bedeutung. Schwarm‐ und Grenzflächeneffekte führen zu komplexen Interaktionen und erschweren die Vorhersage von Betriebsparametern. Anhand von Einzeltropfenuntersuchungen kann eine grundlegende Vorhersage für fluiddynamisches Verhalten und Stofftransportleistung auf Basis einfacher Experimente und zahlreicher publizierter Korrelationen und Theorien getroffen werden. Dieser zweiteilige Beitrag befasst sich mit den Grundlagen von Fluiddynamik und Stofftransport von Einzeltropfen sowie der Auswirkung von Grenzflächeneffekten und für technische Systeme üblichen Verunreinigungen auf die Transportprozesse in dispersen Systemen.
Auf der Suche nach der nachhaltigen Proteinquelle der Zukunft
Authors: Cifci Deniz , Hebenbrock André , Siwek Dominika , Stagge Hannes , Weseler Lydia
Published: February 2021

Die Nahrungsmittelindustrie verursacht durch die Produktion von tierischen – aber auch pflanzlichen Lebensmitteln mit hohem Proteingehalt einen großen Beitrag zur Klimaerwärmung. Die Aufgabe des chemPLANT‐Wettbewerbs 2020 der kreativen jungen Verfahrensin
FILTECH 2021 – Aufgeschoben ist nicht aufgehoben
Authors: Anlauf Harald
Published: February 2021

Das für die FILTECH 2021 bereits fertiggestellte wissenschaftlich/technische Programm für die Konferenz gibt dennoch einen sehr guten Überblick Über den aktuellen internationalen Stand von Forschung und Entwicklung auf dem Gebiet der Partikel‐Trenntechnik
Präzise und zuverlässig messen und steuern
Authors: Boecekli Erdem
Published: February 2021

Wie sich Materialeigenschaften und Prozessvariablen auf die Genauigkeit und Zuverlässigkeit von Füllstandmessungen in Feststoffanwendungen auswirken, zeigt dieser Beitrag.
Amine‐Free Synthesis of Colloidal Cesium Lead Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals
Authors: Akhil Syed , Dutt V. G. Vasavi , Mishra Nimai
Published: February 2021

Colloidal cesium lead halide (CsPbX3) perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) are of great interest in research because of their excellent optical properties and exceptional colour tunability. Oleic acid and oleylamine are the most commonly used surface capping ligands in colloidal CsPbX3 synthesis. The oleylamine plays an important role in surface passivation and maintaining colloidal stability. But in a long run, it is responsible for poor colloidal stability because of the facile proton exchange leading to the formation of labile oleylammonium halide, which pulls the halide ions out of the NC surface. By leveraging the synthetic toolboxes developed from decades of research into more traditional semiconductor nanocrystals, very recently researchers focused on developing various amine‐free synthesis approaches to improve the colloidal and photostability of CsPbX3 perovskite NCs. In this review, we have summarized various amine‐free based synthetic routes of CsPbX3 (X=Cl, Br, I) PNCs that are reported to date. We reviewed this progress in terms of their underlying synthetic approaches, and post‐synthetic treatment steps. Furthermore, we reviewed and analyzed the prospects of these perovskite nanocrystals in terms of their photo‐luminescence properties and device performances. In going forward, a deeper understanding of the role of precursors and ligands will significantly bolster the versatility of these amine‐free PNC materials.
Ocular involvement in metastatic and systemic malignancies is not rare
Authors: Sthapit Purnima Rajkarnikar , Saiju Rohit
Published: February 2021

Background

Metastatic disease to the eye most commonly involves choroid followed by orbit leading to varied ocular manifestations. By comparison, it is relatively rarer than primary malignancies of eye as well as metastasis in other parts of the body.

Aim

The aim of this study is to evaluate the common eye and orbital structures involved in secondary ocular and metastatic disease, to describe its clinical manifestations and outline the management done.

Methods

A retrospective study of newly diagnosed cases of ocular metastasis in last 2 years conducted in our recently established department of ocular oncology at a tertiary eye care hospital in Nepal. Demography, age and sex distribution were noted. The patients were segregated into those with secondary or metastatic ocular malignancies. Detail study on the metastatic disease to eye was made in regards to presenting symptoms, signs, primary site of cancer, and the treatment done. Details of the investigations done, like biopsy and imaging were also recorded.

Results

There were a total of 28 patients, whose age group ranged from 9 years to 69 years with median age of 43 years. Females constituted 46% of total patients. Both the eyes were involved in 9 patients (32%). Eye was secondarily involved by paranasal sinus tumors and Non Hodgkin lymphoma (7 patients each). Ocular metastasis was commonly seen from broncogenic carcinoma in four and breast carcinoma in three patients. Simultaneous metastasis to other parts of the body was also seen in 61% of our patients. Diminution of vision in 49% was the most common presenting feature followed by proptosis in 16% and palpable mass in 14% of patients. Orbit in 43% cases is the commonest ocular structure involved. Histopathologic diagnosis was done in 32% only while rest was based on imaging alone. The most common treatment done was chemotherapy in 57% patients.

Conclusion

Ocular metastasis can display a wide variety of clinical and imaging features and therefore a high degree of suspicion is required. It is often associated with simultaneous metastasis to other parts of the body as well, hence the importance of earlier diagnosis and metastatic workup.
Intelligent cloud computing platform for three‐dimensional sound reproduction
Authors: Zhang Maosheng , Hu Ruimin , Jiang Lin , Wang Xiaochen
Published: February 2021

Three‐dimensional (3D) audio reproduction techniques reproduce realistic sound sources and spatial perception for listeners. However, it is a rather difficult work to configure all the parameters in the previous 3D reproduction systems since ordinary users hardly possess professional acoustic knowledge. In this article, we developed a sound source distance reproduction model and design an online parameter computing framework for users to generate reproduction parameters based on a cloud computing platform. The proposed model reproduces sound direction and distance cues under specific conditions. Subjective experiments are executed to assess the spatial reproduction performance in a real environment and objective experiments are performed in simulated scenarios. Both the subjective and objective experiments show that the proposed method improves the spatial perception of sound events. Since the reproduction model depends on environment and loudspeaker array configuration, a cloud parameter generation framework is developed for users to generate acoustic parameters for the reproduction system.
A new video watermarking using redundant discrete wavelet in singular value decomposition domain with multi‐objective optimization
Authors: Kumar Pala Mahesh , Srinivas Kalyanapu , Prabhakar Bitla
Published: February 2021

Day by day, the transmission or sharing of digital information online is increasing due to the fact that Internet usage has become somewhat of an addiction for the majority of people. This results in larger copyright violation problems. Nowadays, most of the data or information is being transmitted in the form of digital images or videos, which are rather simple for the violators of copyright to forge or fake and then share for profit. Thus, digital watermarking came into existence as a possible solution to address these violations of copyright. This article proposes a new blind video watermarking (BVW) using redundant discrete wavelet transform (RDWT) in singular value decomposition (SVD) domain, which utilizes the advantages of both RDWT and SVD to embed and extract the watermark information into the cover video without degrading the quality of the watermark. In addition, an efficient meta‐heuristic optimization with multi‐objective optimization (MOO) is employed to further optimize the proposed RDWT‐SVD approach. Further, various attacks were applied to the watermarked frame to disclose the robustness of proposed BVW using RDWT‐SVD with MOO approach. Extensive simulations on several test videos with comparison to the conventional BVW methodologies exhibit the transcendency of the proposed BVW using RDWT‐SVD with MOO approach in terms of watermarking quality evaluation metrics such as peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR), structural similarity index, normalized correlation, and even that of root mean square error as well.
An open computing language‐based parallel Brute Force algorithm for formal concept analysis on heterogeneous architectures
Authors: Novais João P. P. , Maciel Lucas A. , Souza Matheus A. , Song Mark A. J. , Freitas Henrique C.
Published: February 2021

Algorithms for the extraction of formal concepts are widely studied in several areas of knowledge, such as finance, health, and statistics. However, these algorithms require high‐performance processing due to their combinatorial characteristics. In this work, an Open computing language (OpenCL)‐based Brute Force algorithm is proposed and evaluated for formal concept extraction on heterogeneous architectures (CPU+GPU and CPU+FPGA). The CPU+GPU architecture presents higher performance and scalability than other architectures when our Brute Force algorithm processes high dimensional contexts with many objects and attributes. Our parallel approach shows performance results up to 18× better than a smarter sequential algorithm called Data‐Peeler. Moreover, our Brute Force algorithm running on CPU+GPU architecture has greater energy efficiency, reaching at least 1.79× more operations per energy consumption than other algorithms on different architectures explored in this work.
Exploiting weighted association rule mining for indicating synergic formation tactics in soccer teams
Authors: Lee Geon Ju , Jung Jason J. , Camacho David
Published: February 2021

Managers make decisions on team tactics, formations, and player selection based on their own experiences. The managers have limitations in understanding the team's situation and sometimes they can think wrong. The purpose of this study is to make decisions on player selection and tactical formation according to the level of the opponent based on the data, not on the intuition of the manager. In our previous study, the Boruta algorithm was used to extract important features from 69 features in soccer player data by position. The detailed roles of each position were defined by using K‐means algorithm. For example, the detailed roles of each position were defined as Mezzala, Shadow Striker, Deep‐lying playmaker, and so on. That is, forward positions are classified as Target Man (TM) and Shadow Striker (SS). TM is a high‐goal, high‐competitive forward, and SS is a high‐dribble, high‐pass forward. In this study, we analyze a clustering dataset and the game appearance dataset. The game appearance dataset are divided into CL (Champions league Level), EL (Europa league Level), ML (Middle Level), and RL (Relegation Level). Association rule mining algorithm analyzes the synergy between positions, and selects a position with high synergy. Weighted association rule mining algorithm establishes player selection and tactical formation with the weight, which is the player's rating data. Finally, using the obtained results, we visualize the synergy between positions, tactical formation, and player characteristics depending on the level of the opponent.
An easy and reliable whole blood freezing method for flow cytometry immuno‐phenotyping and functional analyses
Authors: Braudeau Cecile , Salabert‐Le Guen Nina , Chevreuil Justine , Rimbert Marie , Martin Jerome C. , Josien Regis
Published: February 2021

Background

Immune profiling by flow cytometry is not always possible on fresh blood samples due to time and/or transport constraints. Furthermore, the cryopreservation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) requires on‐site specialized lab facilities, thus severely restricting the extent to which blood immune monitoring can be applied to multicenter clinical studies. These major limitations can be addressed through the development of simplified whole blood freezing methods.

Methods

In this report, we describe an optimized easy protocol for rapid whole blood freezing with the CryoStor® CS10 solution. Using flow cytometry, we compared cellular viability and composition on cryopreserved whole blood samples to matched fresh blood, as well as fresh and frozen PBMC.

Results

Though partial loss of neutrophils was observed, leucocyte viability was routinely >75% and we verified the preservation of viable T cells, NK cells, monocytes, dendritic cells, and eosinophils in frequencies similar to those observed in fresh samples. A moderate decrease in B cell frequencies was observed. Importantly, we validated the possibility to analyze major intracellular markers, such as FOXP3 and Helios in regulatory T cells. Finally, we demonstrated good functional preservation of CS10‐cryopreserved cells through the analysis of intracellular cytokine production in ex vivo stimulated T cells (IFNg, IL‐4, IL‐17A,) and monocytes (IL‐1b, IL‐6, TNFa).

Conclusions

In conclusion, our protocol provides a robust method to apply reliable immune monitoring studies to cryopreserved whole blood samples, hence offering new important opportunities for the design of future multicenter clinical trials.
Comprehensive characterization of the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor‐δ agonist GW501516 for horse doping control analysis
Authors: Trevisiol Stéphane , Moulard Yves , Delcourt Vivian , Jaubert Murielle , Boyer Sophie , Tendon Sophie , Haryouli Hayate , Taleb Wafek , Caroff Mylène , Chabot Benjamin , Drif Laura , André François , Garcia Patrice , Loup Benoit , Popot Marie‐Agnès , Bailly‐Chouriberry Ludovic
Published: February 2021

According to international sport institutions, the use of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR)‐δ agonists is forbidden at any time in athlete career due to their capabilities to increase physical and endurance performances. The (PPAR)‐δ agonist GW501516 is prohibited for sale but is easily available on internet and can be used by cheaters. In the context of doping control, urine is the preferred matrix because of the non‐invasive nature of sampling and providing broader exposure detection times to forbidden molecules but often not detected under its native form due to the organism's metabolism. Even if urinary metabolism of G501516 has been extensively studied in human subjects, knowledge on GW501516 metabolism in horses remains limited. To fight against doping practices in horses' races, GW501516 metabolism has to be studied in horse urine to identify and characterize the most relevant target metabolites to ensure an efficient doping control. In this article, in vitro and in vivo experiments have been conducted using horse S9 liver microsome fractions and horse oral administration route, respectively. These investigations determined that the detection of GW501516 must be performed in urine on its metabolites because the parent molecule was extremely metabolized. To maximize analytical method sensitivity, the extraction conditions have been optimized. In accordance with these results, a qualitative analytical method was validated to detect the abuse of GW501516 based on its most relevant metabolites in urine. This work enabled the Laboratoire des Courses Hippiques (LCH) to highlight two cases of illicit administration of this forbidden molecule in post‐race samples.