bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid Access to Azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonanes by a Tandem Diverted Tsuji–Trost Process
Authors: Steeds Hannah G. , Knowles Jonathan P. , Yu Wai L. , Richardson Jeffery , Cooper Katie G. , Booker‐Milburn Kevin I.
Published: August 2020

A three‐step synthesis of the 2‐azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane ring system from simple pyrroles, employing a combined photochemical/palladium‐catalysed approach is reported. Substrate scope is broad, allowing the incorporation of a wide range of functionality relevant to medicinal chemistry. Mechanistic studies demonstrate that the process occurs by acid‐assisted C−N bond cleavage followed by β‐hydride elimination to form a reactive diene, demonstrating that efficient control of what might be considered off‐cycle reactions can result in productive tandem catalytic processes. This represents a short and versatile route to the biologically important morphan scaffold.
Modular Synthesis of trans‐A2B2‐Porphyrins with Terminal Esters: Systematically Extending the Scope of Linear Linkers for Porphyrin‐Based MOFs
Authors: Marschner Stefan M. , Haldar Ritesh , Fuhr Olaf , Wöll Christof , Bräse Stefan
Published: August 2020

Differently functionalized porphyrin linkers represent the key compounds for the syntheses of new porphyrin‐based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), which have gathered great interest within the last two decades. Herein we report the synthesis of a large range of 5,15‐bis(4‐ethoxycarbonylphenyl)porphyrin derivatives, through Suzuki and Sonogashira cross‐coupling reactions of an easily accessible corresponding meso‐dibrominated trans‐A2B2‐porphyrin with commercially available boronic acids or terminal alkynes. The resulting porphyrins were fully characterized through NMR, MS, and IR spectroscopy and systematically investigated through UV/Vis absorption. Finally, selected structures were saponified to the corresponding carboxylic acids and subsequently proven to be suitable for the synthesis of surface‐anchored MOF thin films.
Wirkzusammenhänge begreifen
Authors: Baum Heiko
Published: August 2020

Kavitationserscheinungen verursachen erhöhte Geräuschpegel und können zu starkem, lebensdauerbegrenzendem Verschleiß von Bauteilen führen. Da es nicht „die“ Kavitation gibt, muss zwischen verschiedenen Kavitationsformen unterschieden werden. Der vorliegen
Schraube oder Turbo? ‐ Eine Entscheidungshilfe
Authors: Jungkunst Marcus , Koehler Daniela
Published: August 2020

Drehkolben‐, Schrauben‐ und Turbogebläse ‐ die Vielfalt der Maschinen zur Erzeugung von Druckluft ist groß. Der Investition sollte eine umfassende Bedarfsanalyse vorausgehen.
Pumpentausch senkt Energieverbrauch
Authors: Behrendt Olaf
Published: August 2020

Kann man seine Anlagen energetisch modernisieren ohne Investitionskosten? Diese Frage stellten sich Stefan Fleth, Leiter Technik im Klinikum Gütersloh und der Werkstattleiter Bernd Fuchs. Die Antwort: ein maßgeschneidertes Konzept, das den Tausch von alte
Versorgungssicherheit zählt
Authors: Sienk Thorsten
Published: August 2020

In der Energiewirtschaft zählt Versorgungssicherheit. Für die eingesetzten Systeme folgt daraus der hohe Anspruch an Verfügbarkeit und Ausfallsicherheit. Können kleinere Kraftwerke, Solarfarmen oder Windparks vergleichsweise einfach heruntergefahren oder
Gesundheitsindex für Kompressoren
Authors: Theis Andreas
Published: August 2020

Das Fernüberwachungssystem Smartlink von Atlas Copco vernetzt alle Maschinen innerhalb einer Kompressorstation, überwacht sie nahezu in Echtzeit und wertet die anfallenden Daten systematisch aus. Anwender erhalten einen schnellen überblick über den indivi
Safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of panobinostat in children, adolescents, and young adults with relapsed acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Karol Seth E. , Cooper Todd M. , Mead Paul E. , Crews Kristine R. , Panetta John C. , Alexander Thomas B. , Taub Jeffrey W. , Lacayo Norman J. , Heym Kenneth M. , Kuo Dennis J. , Schiff Deborah E. , Bhojwani Deepa , Ge Yubin , Klco Jeffery M. , Ribeiro Raul C. , Inaba Hiroto , Pui Ching‐Hon , Rubnitz Jeffrey E.
Published: August 2020

Background

Novel therapies are urgently needed for pediatric patients with relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Methods

To determine whether the histone deacetylase inhibitor panobinostat could be safely given in combination with intensive chemotherapy, a phase 1 trial was performed in which 17 pediatric patients with relapsed or refractory AML received panobinostat (10, 15, or 20 mg/m2) before and in combination with fludarabine and cytarabine.

Results

All dose levels were tolerated, with no dose‐limiting toxicities observed at any dose level. Pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated that exposure to panobinostat was proportional to the dose given, with no associations between pharmacokinetic parameters and age, weight, or body surface area. Among the 9 patients who had sufficient (>2%) circulating blasts on which histone acetylation studies could be performed, 7 demonstrated at least 1.5‐fold increases in acetylation. Although no patients had a decrease in circulating blasts after single‐agent panobinostat, 8 of the 17 patients (47%), including 5 of the 6 patients treated at dose level 3, achieved complete remission. Among the 8 complete responders, 6 (75%) attained negative minimal residual disease status.

Conclusions

Panobinostat can be safely administered with chemotherapy and results in increased blast histone acetylation. This suggests that it should be further studied in AML.
1D 1H NMR as a Tool for Fecal Metabolomics
Authors: Ganobis Caroline M. , Al‐Abdul‐Wahid M. Sameer , Renwick Simone , Yen Sandi , Carriero Charley , Aucoin Marc G. , Allen‐Vercoe Emma
Published: August 2020

Metabolomic studies allow a deeper understanding of the processes of a given ecological community than nucleic acid–based surveys alone. In the case of the gut microbiota, a metabolic profile of, for example, a fecal sample provides details about the function and interactions within the distal region of the gastrointestinal tract, and such a profile can be generated in a number of different ways. This unit elaborates on the use of 1D 1H NMR spectroscopy as a commonly used method to characterize small‐molecule metabolites of the fecal metabonome (meta‐metabolome). We describe a set of protocols for the preparation of fecal water extraction, storage, scanning, measurement of pH, and spectral processing and analysis. We also compare the effects of various sample storage conditions for processed and unprocessed samples to provide a framework for comprehensive analysis of small molecules from stool‐derived samples. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC

Basic Protocol 1: Extracting fecal water from crude fecal samples

Alternate Protocol 1: Extracting fecal water from small crude fecal samples

Basic Protocol 2: Acquiring NMR spectra of metabolite samples

Alternate Protocol 2: Acquiring NMR spectra of metabolite samples using Bruker spectrometer running TopSpin 3.x

Alternate Protocol 3: Acquiring NMR spectra of metabolite samples by semiautomated process

Basic Protocol 3: Measuring sample pH

Support Protocol 1: Cleaning NMR tubes

Basic Protocol 4: Processing raw spectra data

Basic Protocol 5: Profiling spectra

Support Protocol 2: Spectral profiling of sugars and other complex metabolites
In Vitro Activity Assays to Quantitatively Assess the Endogenous Reversible Oxidation State of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases in Cells
Authors: Londhe Avinash D. , Rizvi Syed H. M. , Boivin Benoit
Published: August 2020

The reversible oxidation of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) impairs their ability to dephosphorylate substrates in vivo. This transient inactivation of PTPs occurs as their conserved catalytic cysteine residue reacts with cellular oxidants thereby abolishing the ability of this reactive cysteine to attack the phosphate of the target substrate. Hence, in vivo, the inhibition of specific PTPs in response to regulated and localized rises in cellular oxidants enables phospho‐dependent signaling. We present assays that measure the endogenous activity of specific PTPs that become transiently inactivated in cells exposed to growth factors. Here, we describe the methods and highlight the pitfalls to avoid post‐lysis oxidation of PTPs in order to assess the inactivation and the reactivation of PTPs targeted by cellular oxidants in signal transduction. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Cell transfection (optional)

Support Protocol: Preparation of degassed lysis buffers

Basic Protocol 2: Cellular extraction in anaerobic conditions

Basic Protocol 3: Enrichment and activity assay of specific PTPs

Alternate Protocol: Measurement of active PTPs via direct cysteinyl labeling
Understanding the use of message passing interface in exascale proxy applications
Authors: Sultana Nawrin , Rüfenacht Martin , Skjellum Anthony , Bangalore Purushotham , Laguna Ignacio , Mohror Kathryn
Published: August 2020

The Exascale Computing Project (ECP) focuses on the development of future exascale‐capable applications. Most ECP applications use the message passing interface (MPI) as their parallel programming model with mini‐apps serving as proxies. This paper explores the explicit usage of MPI in such ECP proxy applications. We empirically analyze 14 proxy applications from the ECP Proxy Apps Suite. We use the MPI profiling interface (PMPI) to collect MPI usage patterns in ECP proxy apps. Our analysis shows that a small subset of features from MPI is commonly used in the proxies of exascale‐capable applications, even when they reference third‐party libraries. This study is intended to provide a better understanding of the use of MPI in current exascale applications. The findings can help focus software investments made for exascale systems in the MPI middleware including optimization, fault‐tolerance, tuning, and hardware‐offload.
Psychosis: Cannabis‐induced, cannabis‐concurrent, or primary?
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: August 2020

Telling the difference between primary psychosis, cannabis intoxication, and cannabis‐induced psychosis is challenging but important, especially now that it's known that almost 50% of cannabis‐induced psychosis precedes primary psychosis. A fictional case study reported in Paediatrics & Child Health makes these challenges come to life. But the purpose of the case study is only as an introduction to the meat of the article, which is how to differentiate between the three. The authors are psychiatrists from Canada.
A rare sporadic pancreatic desmoid fibromatosis diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration: Case report and literature review
Authors: Stone Andrew B. , Mallery J. Shawn , Stewart Jimmie , Amin Khalid
Published: August 2020

Intra‐abdominal desmoid fibromatosis (also known as desmoid tumor) is a rare benign but often locally aggressive infiltrative fibrous proliferation. Pancreatic desmoid fibromatosis is even rarer, with only 31 cases previously reported in the English‐language literature. These tumors present a distinct diagnostic challenge due to their rarity and non‐specific image findings and presentation, with most cases diagnosed as desmoid fibromatosis only after surgical resection. This report presents a rare case of pancreatic desmoid fibromatosis in a 72 year old man, who on a follow‐up CT for a previously diagnosed angiomyolipoma of the kidney was found to have a 4.0 cm pancreatic tail mass. This was sampled pre‐operatively by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (FNA). Examination of the cytology material showed a low‐grade spindle cell lesion. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) performed on FNA cell block showed the lesional cells to be positive for beta‐catenin, consistent with fibromatosis. Additional mutational analysis on cell block material revealed the characteristic CTNNB1 gene mutation (T41A), confirming the diagnosis. The mass was then surgically resected and again confirmed to be desmoid fibromatosis on histopathologic examination. On review of previously published cases of pancreatic desmoid fibromatosis, most were initially suspected to be some type of pancreatic neoplasm and were not biopsied prior to surgical resection. This case suggests a potential key role for fine‐needle aspiration cytology in the preoperative diagnosis of pancreatic and other intra‐abdominal desmoid tumors, particularly as evidence emerges that non‐surgical treatment may be a viable first option for some cases.
Cytological diagnosis of Xp11 translocation renal cell carcinoma: An unusual suspect in bone metastases from unknown primary malignancies
Authors: Montella Marco , Franco Renato , Aquino Gabriella , Ronchi Andrea , Zito Marino Federica , Di Napoli Marilena , Pignata Sandro , Cozzolino Immacolata
Published: August 2020

Background

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) constitutes 3% of all cancers, with a higher incidence in patients with age between 60 and 70 years. RCC frequently present as a metastatic tumor at diagnosis, and bones represent one of the most frequent sites. Many cases, mainly in young patients, includes the Xp11 translocation RCC. The cytological diagnosis of Xp11 translocation RCC in adult population it is rarely performed, likely for the morphological overlap with other adult renal cell carcinoma subtypes.

Methods

We retrospectively analyze a series of 92 adult patients with metastatic bone tumors, diagnosed on fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) samples, focusing mainly on the cytological, immunophenotypic and molecular features of Xp11 translocation RCC.

Results

In our series 6 of 92 (6.5%) cases were metastatic RCC (mRCC), among them 2 cases were metastasis from Xp11translocation RCC. Those cases showed a bloody background, with several groups of atypical cells arranged in syncytial groups or in papillary groups composed by atypical cells with abundant cytoplasm, with scattered clear cells. TFE3 was positive on immunocytochemical analysis and specific translocation t(Xp11.23) was detected by FISH analysis.

Conclusions

In adult patients with mRCC, it is necessary to consider also Xp11 translocation RCC among the diagnostic hypotheses. FNAC represents a valid tool to investigate bone lesions but cytological features of Xp11 translocation RCC are still poorly described and must necessarily be better defined.
Honey bee colony performance affected by crop diversity and farmland structure: a modeling framework
Authors: Horn Juliane , Becher Matthias A. , Johst Karin , Kennedy Peter J. , Osborne Juliet L. , Radchuk Viktoriia , Grimm Volker
Published: August 2020

Forage availability has been suggested as one driver of the observed decline in honey bees. However, little is known about the effects of its spatiotemporal variation on colony success. We present a modeling framework for assessing honey bee colony viability in cropping systems. Based on two real farmland structures, we developed a landscape generator to design cropping systems varying in crop species identity, diversity, and relative abundance. The landscape scenarios generated were evaluated using the existing honey bee colony model BEEHAVE, which links foraging to in‐hive dynamics. We thereby explored how different cropping systems determine spatiotemporal forage availability and, in turn, honey bee colony viability (e.g., time to extinction, TTE) and resilience (indicated by, e.g., brood mortality). To assess overall colony viability, we developed metrics, PH and PP, which quantified how much nectar and pollen provided by a cropping system per year was converted into a colony's adult worker population. Both crop species identity and diversity determined the temporal continuity in nectar and pollen supply and thus colony viability. Overall farmland structure and relative crop abundance were less important, but details mattered. For monocultures and for four‐crop species systems composed of cereals, oilseed rape, maize, and sunflower, PH and PP were below the viability threshold. Such cropping systems showed frequent, badly timed, and prolonged forage gaps leading to detrimental cascading effects on life stages and in‐hive work force, which critically reduced colony resilience. Four‐crop systems composed of rye‐grass–dandelion pasture, trefoil–grass pasture, sunflower, and phacelia ensured continuous nectar and pollen supply resulting in TTE > 5 yr, and PH (269.5 kg) and PP (108 kg) being above viability thresholds for 5 yr. Overall, trefoil–grass pasture, oilseed rape, buckwheat, and phacelia improved the temporal continuity in forage supply and colony's viability. Our results are hypothetical as they are obtained from simplified landscape settings, but they nevertheless match empirical observations, in particular the viability threshold. Our framework can be used to assess the effects of cropping systems on honey bee viability and to develop land‐use strategies that help maintain pollination services by avoiding prolonged and badly timed forage gaps.
Where identities converge: The importance of intersectionality in eating disorders research
Authors: Burke Natasha L. , Schaefer Lauren M. , Hazzard Vivienne M. , Rodgers Rachel F.
Published: August 2020

Disparities in eating disorder (ED) risk, diagnosis, and treatment for those who occupy multiple marginalized social identities (e.g., combined racial/ethnic and sexual minority statuses), underscore the need for advancing multicultural research in the ED field. In this article, we argue that intersectionality‐informed approaches, which examine the ways in which one's multiple social identities interact to inform risk for ED outcomes, offer an established framework for identifying frequently underserved individuals who may be at greatest risk for EDs. We highlight preliminary intersectional research in EDs and offer suggestions for further progression. In particular, we encourage future intersectionality‐informed research to incorporate a broader range of social identities (e.g., age, ability status), consider the ways in which these identities may be dimensional and fluid, and embrace strengths‐based approaches to illuminate dimensions of identity that may serve as protective factors. To support such research, we describe quantitative and qualitative methods for pursuing questions of intersectionality in ED investigations. Given the success of intersectionality‐informed research in other areas of psychopathology and its relevance to ED as suggested by initial research, the continued pursuit of these approaches in EDs has high potential to improve identification and treatment for patients who have too often been overlooked.
Persistence of microbial extracellular enzymes in soils under different temperatures and water availabilities
Authors: Gómez Enrique J. , Delgado Jose A. , González Juan M.
Published: August 2020

Microbial extracellular enzyme activity (EEA) is critical for the decomposition of organic matter in soils. Generally, EEA represents the limiting step governing soil organic matter mineralization. The high complexity of soil microbial communities and the heterogeneity of soils suggest potentially complex interactions between microorganisms (and their extracellular enzymes), organic matter, and physicochemical factors. Previous studies have reported the existence of maximum soil EEA at high temperatures although microorganisms thriving at high temperature represent a minority of soil microbial communities. To solve this paradox, we attempt to evaluate if soil extracellular enzymes from thermophiles could accumulate in soils. Methodology at this respect is scarce and an adapted protocol is proposed. Herein, the approach is to analyze the persistence of soil microbial extracellular enzymes at different temperatures and under a broad range of water availability. Results suggest that soil high‐temperature EEA presented longer persistence than enzymes with optimum activity at moderate temperature. Water availability influenced enzyme persistence, generally preserving for longer time the extracellular enzymes. These results suggest that high‐temperature extracellular enzymes could be naturally accumulated in soils. Thus, soils could contain a reservoir of enzymes allowing a quick response by soil microorganisms to changing conditions. This study suggests the existence of novel mechanisms of interaction among microorganisms, their enzymes and the soil environment with relevance at local and global levels.
Links between soil microbial communities, functioning, and plant nutrition under altered rainfall in Australian grassland
Authors: Ochoa‐Hueso Raúl , Arca Valentina , Delgado‐Baquerizo Manuel , Hamonts Kelly , Piñeiro Juan , Serrano‐Grijalva Lilia , Shawyer Julien , Power Sally A.
Published: August 2020

The size, frequency, and timing of precipitation events are predicted to become more variable worldwide. Despite these predictions, the importance of changes in precipitation in driving multiple above‐ and belowground ecosystem attributes simultaneously remains largely underexplored. Here, we carried out 3 yr of rainfall manipulations at the DRI‐Grass facility, located in a mesic grassland in eastern Australia. Treatments were implemented through automated water reapplication and included +50% and −50% amount, reduced frequency of events, and an extreme summer drought. We evaluated the spatiotemporal responses of multiple ecosystem attributes including microbial biomass, community composition and activity, soil nutrient content and availability, and plant nutritional status to altered rainfall regimes. We found that changing precipitation patterns resulted in multiple direct and indirect changes in microbial communities and soil and plant nutrient content. Main results included greater availability of soil macronutrients and reduced availability of micronutrients under drought, and taxon‐specific changes in the composition of soil microbial communities in response to altered rainfall. Moreover, using structural equation modeling, we showed that, in summer 2015, plant macronutrient contents, a widely used ecological indicator of pasture quality, were simultaneously explained by greater soil nutrient availability and the structure of soil microbial communities, and significantly reduced by lower rainfall. Plant micronutrients were also reduced by lower rainfall and explained by changes in microbial attributes. Despite treatment effects on many of the soil, microbial, and plant variables analyzed across the 3 yr of study, many of these ecosystem attributes varied greatly across sampling events. This resulted in many significant interactions between the rainfall treatments and experimental duration, suggesting complex system‐level responses to changing rainfall in our grassland, and a high natural buffering capacity of the ecosystem to varying rainfall conditions. Some interactions manifested as changes in the coefficient of variation of ecosystem attributes, particularly in response to changes in the timing of precipitation events and the extreme summer drought. Finally, we posit that a detailed understanding of plant–soil–microbial interactions, and the role of climate in modifying these linkages, will be key for adapting the sustainability of grasslands to a future that will be shaped by climate change.
Scaling up biodiversity–ecosystem function relationships across space and over time
Authors: Qiu Jiangxiao , Cardinale Bradley J.
Published: August 2020

Understanding how to scale up effects of biological diversity on ecosystem functioning and services remains challenging. There is a general consensus that biodiversity loss alters ecosystem processes underpinning the goods and services upon which humanity depends. Yet most of that consensus stems from experiments performed at small spatial scales for short time frames, which limits transferability of conclusions to longer‐term, landscape‐scale conservation policies and management. Here we develop quantitative scaling relationships linking 374 experiments that tested plant diversity effects on biomass production across a range of scales. We show that biodiversity effects increase by factors of 1.68 and 1.10 for each 10‐fold increase in experiment temporal and spatial scales, respectively. Contrary to prior studies, our analyses suggest that the time scale of experiments, rather than their spatial scale, is the primary source of variation in biodiversity effects. But consistent with earlier research, our analyses reveal that complementarity effects, rather than selection effects, drive the positive space–time interactions for plant diversity effects. Importantly, we also demonstrate complex space–time interactions and nonlinear responses that emphasize how simple extrapolations from small‐scale experiments are likely to underestimate biodiversity effects in real‐world ecosystems. Quantitative scaling relationships from this research are a crucial step towards bridging controlled experiments that identify biological mechanisms across a range of scales. Predictions from scaling relationships like these could then be compared with observations for fine‐tuning the relationships and ultimately improving their capacities to predict consequences of biodiversity loss for ecosystem functioning and services over longer time frames across real‐world landscapes.
Diagnostic and interventional circulating biomarkers in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Tincopa Monica A.
Published: August 2020

Introduction

In the setting of the obesity epidemic, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become one of the most prevalent forms of chronic liver disease worldwide. Approximately 25% of adults globally have NAFLD which includes those with NAFL, or simple steatosis, and individuals with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) where inflammation, hepatocyte injury and potentially hepatic fibrosis are found in conjunction with steatosis. Individuals with NASH, particularly those with hepatic fibrosis, have higher rates of liver‐related and overall mortality, making this distinction of significant clinical importance. One of the core challenges in current clinical practice is identifying this subset of individuals with NASH without the use of liver biopsy, the gold standard for both diagnostics and staging disease severity. Identifying noninvasive biomarkers, an accurately measured and reproducible parameter, would aide in identifying patients eligible for NASH pharmacotherapy clinical trials and to help tailor intensity of monitoring required.

Methods, Results and Conclusions

In this review, we highlight both the currently available and novel diagnostic and interventional circulating biomarkers under investigation for NASH, underscoring their accuracy and limitations relevant to our patient population and current clinical practice.
Study on Cd2+ Determination Using Bud‐like Poly‐L‐Tyrosine/Bi Composite Film Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode Combined with Eliminating of Cu2+ Interference by Electrodeposition
Authors: Wang Yan‐Ru , Zhai Wen‐Ying , Liu You‐Qin
Published: August 2020

A bud‐like poly‐L‐tyrosine/Bi modified glassy carbon electrode (p‐Tyr/Bi/GC) was prepared by CV and in situ Bi plating, whose conductivity and membrane morphology were characterized by CV, EIS and SEM, respectively. The p‐Tyr membrane can effectively promote the enrichment of Cd2+. The optimal Tyr concentration and scanning number for p‐Tyr/GC preparation were 2.0 mmol ⋅ L−1 and 35, while the optimal Bi3+ concentration, pH and Cd2+ accumulation potential in test medium were 3.0 μmol ⋅ L−1, 6.5 and −1.3 V, respectively. The linear equation of p‐Tyr/Bi/GC's response to Cd2+ (1.0 nmol ⋅ L−1 to 2.0 μmol ⋅ L−1) was ip (μA) = −0.6809 + 100.2c (μmol ⋅ L−1) (R2 = 0.9985) with a detection limit of 0.11 nmol ⋅ L−1 (3S/N). The elimination of interference caused by Cu2+ in sample was studied by electrodeposition. The p‐Tyr/Bi/GC electrode was successfully used for detecting Cd in rice samples with good reliability and accuracy. The developed Cd2+ sensor exhibits high sensitivity, wide linear range and low detection limit, especially the designed method of eliminating Cu2+ interference has the characteristics of high selectivity, simple operation and wide application range.
Comparative Study of a Sensing Platform via Functionalized Calix[4]resorcinarene Ionophores on QCM Resonator as Sensing Materials for Detection of Heavy Metal Ions in Aqueous Environments
Authors: Shaban Abdul , Eddaif Larbi
Published: August 2020

A flow type quartz crystal microbalance with impedance analysis capability (QCM‐I) chemical sensor was tested for heavy metal (HM) ions detection in aqueous solutions. The sensor development is based upon the complexing ability of the functionalized AT‐cut quartz resonator gold surface, by calixresorcinarenes, towards the HM ions. These calixresorcinarenes coated QCM sensors were tested for selectively adsorbing HM ions, such as copper, lead, mercury, and cadmium, from solution over a wide range of concentration (5‐1000 ppm) through complexation with functional groups in the coating layers. QCM‐Calix based chemosensors, C‐dec‐9‐en‐1‐ylcalix[4]resorcinarene (ionophore I), C‐undecylcalix[4]resorcinarene (ionophore II), C‐dec‐9‐enylcalix[4]resorcinarene‐O‐(S‐)‐α‐methylbenzylamine (ionophore III) and C‐dec‐9‐enylcalix[4]resorcinarene‐O‐(R+)‐α‐methylbenzylamine (ionophore IV), were synthesized and immobilized to detect HM ions of Pb2+, Cd2+, Hg2+, and Cu2+ in aqueous solutions. Using the impedance analysis, which facilitates a complete description of the acoustic loading of the crystal surface, the full width at half maximum of the QCM resonance peak (FWHM) values are obtained from the impedance spectra. FWHM variations revealed the effectiveness of the proposed ionophores in detecting HM at different levels. Sensitivities and wide linear relationships between HM concentration and FWHM were interpreted. Detection limits of (0.32, 0.57, 0.37, 0.89 ppm) and (1.63, 0.18, 0.76, 0.2 ppm) were determined for ionophore I and II, for Cd2+, Cu2+, Hg2+ and Pb2+ ions, respectively. Ionophore (I) showed binding preferences towards Cd2+ ions where ionophore (II) produced similar selectivity toward Cu2+ and Pb2+ ions. Ionophores III and IV were used for the assessment of ▵FWHM values to comprehend the detection affinities of the ionophores toward HM ions.
Two‐dimensional CoOOH as a Highly Sensitive and Selective H2S, HCN and HF Gas Sensor: A Computational Investigation
Authors: Opoku Francis , Govender Penny P.
Published: August 2020

Using density functional theory, we have systematically investigate the room temperature gas‐sensing performance of two‐dimensional delafossite cobalt oxyhydroxide (CoOOH) sheets as H2S, HCN and HF detection. Our findings show that CoOOH is sensitive to H2S, HCN and HF gas by a physisorption interaction. The CoOOH sheets exhibit significant changes after the gas molecules adsorption, particularly its electrical conductivity. The suitable adsorption energy, which guarantees short recovery time, remarkable high sensitivity and selectivity, appreciable work function change and sharply enhanced electrical conductivity make CoOOH sheets as an effective nanosensor for toxic H2S, HCN and HF gases detection.
A smoothing spline model for multimodal and skewed circular responses: Applications in meteorology and oceanography
Authors: Hassanzadeh Fatemeh
Published: August 2020

The analysis of circular data is the main subject in many disciplines, such as meteorology and oceanography. In this article, we introduce a new multimodal skew‐circular model as an extension of the circular beta distribution. We propose a truncated power smoothing spline for modeling the skewness parameter and identifying significant factors of the asymmetry. A Markov chain Monte Carlo scheme is provided to perform statistical inference from a Bayesian perspective. Then, the performance of our modeling methodology to analyze specific circular responses is assessed through several simulation studies. To illustrate the usefulness of the new model in practical applications, we analyze measurements on the wind and wave directions in Norway. We also fit various regression models to show that the cubic smoothing spline approach performs better than competitive models in practical applications. Findings, based on prediction values, confirm that the proposed model can reasonably fit multimodal skewed‐circular responses.
Individual differences in extinction learning predict weight loss after treatment: A pilot study
Authors: van den Akker Karolien , Schyns Ghislaine , Jansen Anita
Published: August 2020

Learning theorists suggest extinction learning to be a central mechanism in weight loss success; however, empirical studies are scarce. In this pilot study, it was examined whether individual differences in extinction learning predict outcome after weight loss treatment. Overweight and obese individuals first completed a laboratory conditioning task in which individual differences in extinction learning were assessed. Next, they were randomised to one of two weight loss interventions: cue exposure therapy (CET), which is considered the clinical analogue of laboratory extinction, or a control lifestyle intervention. In line with expectations, better extinction learning in the laboratory task was associated with more weight loss at both post‐treatment (CET only) and follow‐up (both interventions) measurements. In contrast, two other indices of treatment success (reduction in overeating expectancies and ad libitum food intake during a laboratory taste test) showed no associations with pre‐treatment extinction learning. It is suggested that extinction learning may be a core mechanism underlying weight loss success, and hence, an important target for new obesity interventions.
Integration of Internet of Things and blockchain toward portability and low‐energy consumption
Authors: Maitra Sudip , Yanambaka Venkata P. , Puthal Deepak , Abdelgawad Ahmed , Yelamarthi Kumar
Published: August 2020

The modern era of information and technology leverages connectivity and information sharing for enhancing applications and reducing human intervention. The proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) in almost all aspects of modern life raises major challenges of security and privacy in health care services and the pharmaceutical industry. Blockchain has emerged as a secure technology in a trustless network without central governance. The inherent attributes it provides can solve the security and privacy challenges related to IoT and extend its capabilities. However, traditional instances of Blockchain are not suited for the IoT environment for reasons such as computationally expensive consensus process. Proof of authentication is a lightweight consensus algorithm that can be implemented in the IoT environment. This paper presents an IoT‐friendly Blockchain scheme implemented to evaluate the feasibility of medical supply and drug transportation to aid security and mitigate privacy issues which are fault‐tolerant, transparent, and traceable. The proof of concept implementation on portable single board computer demonstrates proof of authentication consensus algorithm executed with block validation and block addition in 30 and 40 ms while consuming 45 and 60mJ, respectively. Additionally, the network performance of the proposed architecture was presented and evaluated in the application context.
Synergistic fire‐retardancy properties of melamine coated ammonium poly(phosphate) in combination with rod‐like mineral filler attapulgite for polymer‐modified bitumen roofing membranes
Authors: Ullah Saif , Mindykowski Pierrick Anthony , Leisted Rolff Ripke , Chernyy Sergey , Tordrup Sie Woldum , Jomaas Grunde , Almdal Kristoffer
Published: August 2020

A novel intumescent (carbonization, acid donor and foaming) fire retardant that mimics carbon nanotubes was introduced into bitumen roofing and characterized using cone calorimetry as the main analytical tool. The experimental results indicate that 18% (by mass) attapulgite mineral (ATTP) mixed with base bitumen decreased the peak heat release rate per unit area (pHRRPUA) by 10%. Further, incorporation of melamine coated ammonium polyphosphate (MAPP) decreased the pHRRPUA by 52% and a mixture of these (3:1, ATTP:MAPP) decreased the pHRRPUA by 25% as compared to adding CaCO3 as a filler. The residual mass loss after the cone test was also improved with up to 3%. The indication of a positive synergistic flame retardant effect of the ATTP‐MAPP mixture is supported by thermogravimetric analysis. The addition of this rod‐like mineral improved the general fire retardant properties of the base bitumen and increased the viscosity. Therefore, the polymer‐modified bitumen with both fire retardant and rheological properties (providing mechanical strength) is a promising novel approach in the design of bitumen roofing membranes.
Lead and cadmium biosorption from milk by Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356
Authors: Massoud Ramona , Khosravi‐Darani Kianoush , Sharifan Anoosheh , Asadi GholamHassan , Zoghi Allaleh
Published: August 2020

The food and water contamination with heavy metals is increasing due to the environmental pollutions. Lead and cadmium are the toxic heavy metals for humans that can be found in air, soil, water, and even food. Lactic acid bacteria have the ability to remove and diminish the level of heavy metals. In this study, Lactobacillus acidophilus was used to remove lead and cadmium in milk and the capability of this valuable bacterium in biosorption of these metals low concentrations (µg/L or ppb) in milk was evaluated. First, the variables on lead and cadmium removal by this bacterium have been studied by Plackett–Burman design. Then, the bioremoval process was optimized and the three main factors, the bacterium concentration, contact time, and the initial heavy metal concentration were chosen by using a central composite design. The optimum lead and cadmium bioremoval yield of 80% and 75% were observed, respectively, at 1 × 1012 CFU of L. acidophilus in milk at the 4th day and the initial ion concentration of 100 µg/L. The 3D plots analysis showed the interaction effects on metal biosorption. This study showed that L. acidophilus is a natural effective biosorbent for lead and cadmium removal from milk.
Growth of an accretionary complex in the southern Chinese Altai: Insights from the Palaeozoic Kekesentao ophiolitic mélange and surrounding turbidites
Authors: Song Shuaihua , Xiao Wenjiao , Chen Yichao , Windley Brian F. , Zhang Ji'en , Chen Zhenyu
Published: August 2020

As a record of oceanic subduction, an accretionary complex plays a key role in the reconstruction of plate tectonic history. The Kekesentao ophiolitic mélange between the Chinese Altai orogen to the north and the Kazakhstan collage to the south played an important role in the subduction–accretion of the Chinese Altai in the Palaeozoic. This article provides new structural field relations, and petrographic, geochemical, and geochronologic data for the Kekesentao ophiolitic mélange, and detrital zircon analyses of turbidites that are imbricated with the mélange. The Kekesentao mélange consists of ultramafic rocks, meta‐gabbros, pillow basalts, cherts, and imbricated trench turbidites, tuffaceous sandstones and quartz schists (ocean plate stratigraphy). The mélange shows a ‘block in matrix’ structure in the field, and the general imbricated dip of the thrust system is to the N‐NE, indicating southward accretion. Pillow basalts and meta‐gabbros have a typical N‐MORB geochemical signature, and the U–Pb zircon age of a meta‐gabbro, interpreted as the age of pre‐subduction oceanic crust, is Early Devonian (399–393 Ma). The upper time limit of accretion of the mélange is constrained by a Late Devonian (361 Ma) intrusive granitic pluton. Detrital zircon ages of surrounding turbidites range from 369 to 3,114 Ma, which is typical of magmatic 540–460 Ma zircons from the Chinese Altai, suggesting that the Chinese Altai arc was the source of zircons in the mélange. The Kekesentao ophiolite was accreted to the accretionary complex before the Late Devonian. Our analysis of structures, ocean plate stratigraphy, and zircon isotopic provenance of the Kekesentao ophiolitic mélange and turbidites provides a robust conclusion that southward growth of the accretionary complex in the Kekesentao area of the Chinese Altai was semi‐continuous from the Early Palaeozoic to Devonian.
Petrogenesis and tectonic significance of Late Triassic Baishiya granodiorite porphyries in the Dulan area, eastern segment of the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt, China
Authors: Liang Yayun , Xia Rui , Ma Yao , Zhao Enquan , Guo Wenhui
Published: August 2020

The timing of closing of the A'nyemaqen Ocean—the north branch of the Palaeo‐Tethys Ocean—and the subsequent continental collision remain controversial. In this study, detailed geochronological and geochemical analyses of the Baishiya granodiorite porphyries in the Dulan area [eastern segment of the East Kunlun Orogen Belt (EKOB)] were conducted. The LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb dating analysis revealed that the Baishiya granodiorite porphyries were emplaced during the Late Triassic (~223 Ma) and possess adakitic features, including relatively high SiO2 (67.2–69.0 wt%), Al2O3 (15.2–15.9 wt%), and Sr (416–540 ppm) contents, low Y (10.5–12.3 ppm) and Yb (1.03–1.38 ppm) contents, and high Sr/Y and La/Yb ratios. They belong to the high‐K calc‐alkaline series and show significant light rare‐earth element enrichment, minor Eu anomalies, HFSE depletion, and LILE enrichment. The porphyries record a narrow range of (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios (0.709067–0.709920) and ɛNd(t) values (−6.84 to −5.27) with two‐stage model ages (TDM2) ranging from 1,426 to 1,554 Ma. These geochemical features imply that the Baishiya granodiorite porphyries originated from the partial melting of the thickened Mesoproterozoic lower crust by mixing with minor mantle‐derived material. Late Triassic adakitic magmatism in the eastern segment of the EKOB formed in a post‐collisional extension setting due to the closing of the A'nyemaqen Ocean since Early Triassic.
Trifluoromethylated 3‐(Pyrazol‐1‐yl)propanamide (PPA) Ligands
Authors: Liebing Phil , Edelmann Frank T.
Published: August 2020

The new PPA ligands 3‐[5‐methyl‐3‐(trifluoromethyl)‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl]propanamide (CF3MePPA; 3) and 3‐[3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl]propanamide ((CF3)2PPA; 4) were synthesized by Aza‐Michael addition of the specific pyrazole derivatives to acrylamide. Both products were characterized by elemental analyses, IR and NMR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. X‐Ray structure determination of 3 revealed the presence of a one‐dimensional hydrogen‐bonded structure in the solid state. The ligating ability of the new ligands towards PdCl2 was studied, showing that 3 behaves similar to Me2PPA and reacts cleanly with PdCl2 to afford the sparingly soluble complex PdCl2(CF3MePPA‐κN)2. By contrast, the donor ability of pyrazolyl group in 4 was found to be considerably reduced, thus resulting in the formation of the unusual complex PdCl2{(CF3)2PPA‐κN}{(CF3)2PPA‐κO}.
Influence of thermal pressure and temperature profile approximations in thermohydrodynamic analysis of surface‐textured noncircular journal bearing
Authors: B Bhasker , Seetharamaiah N. , Ramesh Babu P.
Published: August 2020

The present study aims to study the thermohydrodynamic performance of noncircular journal bearings lubricated with multigrade oil. Experimental investigations are carried out on phosphorous bronze hydrodynamic journal bearing with a surface textured at different loading conditions with multigrade oil (MAK 2T oil) as lubricant at different constant rotational speeds (i.e., 1000–4000 rpm) for studying the dynamic characteristics. The journal‐bearing's thermodynamic behavior is analyzed by simplifying modified Reynolds and energy equations to obtain surface‐textured bearing performance characteristics, such as load‐carrying capacity, mass flow rate, and power loss. The noncircular bearings suggest several design parameters, such as a tilt angle for designers. By considering thermal effects for MAK 2T oil lubricant, the requirements of a specific application can be fulfilled.
Hillslopes in humid‐tropical climates aren't always wet: Implications for hydrologic response and landslide initiation in Puerto Rico
Authors: Thomas Matthew A. , Mirus Benjamin B. , Smith Joel B.
Published: August 2020

The devastating impacts of the widespread flooding and landsliding in Puerto Rico following the September 2017 landfall of Hurricane Maria highlight the increasingly extreme atmospheric disturbances and enhanced hazard potential in mountainous humid‐tropical climate zones. Long‐standing conceptual models for hydrologically driven hazards in Puerto Rico posit that hillslope soils remain wet throughout the year, and therefore, that antecedent soil wetness imposes a negligible effect on hazard potential. Our post‐Maria in situ hillslope hydrologic observations, however, indicate that while some slopes remain wet throughout the year, others exhibit appreciable seasonal and intra‐storm subsurface drainage. Therefore, we evaluated the performance of hydro‐meteorological (soil wetness and rainfall) versus intensity‐duration (rainfall only) hillslope hydrologic response thresholds that identify the onset of positive pore‐water pressure, a predisposing factor for widespread slope instability in this region. Our analyses also consider the role of soil‐water storage and infiltration rates on runoff generation, which are relevant factors for flooding hazards. We found that the hydro‐meteorological thresholds outperformed intensity‐duration thresholds for a seasonally wet, coarse‐grained soil, although they did not outperform intensity‐duration thresholds for a perennially wet, fine‐grained soil. These end‐member soils types may also produce radically different stormflow responses, with subsurface flow being more common for the coarse‐grained soils underlain by intrusive rocks versus infiltration excess and/or saturation excess for the fine‐grained soils underlain by volcaniclastic rocks. We conclude that variability in soil‐hydraulic properties, as opposed to climate zone, is the dominant factor that controls runoff generation mechanisms and modulates the relative importance of antecedent soil wetness for our hillslope hydrologic response thresholds.
Inequality and financial development: Evidence from selected MENA region countries
Authors: Selim Passant M. B. , Güngör Hasan
Published: August 2020

The paper investigates the impact of financial development on income inequality for selected 11 MENA region countries over the period 1990 to 2015. Pooled Mean Group Estimation of dynamic heterogeneous panels is implemented to examine the relationship between the variables. Furthermore, we employed panel cointegration to test for the existence of a long‐run relationship between the variables. The findings shows a significant linear long‐run negative relationship between financial development and income inequality. The outcomes are in consistency with the inequality‐narrowing hypothesis by Banerjee and Newman (1993), Galor and Zeria (1993) and Mookherjee and Ray (2003). Thus we conclude that financial development is an important determinant for inequality reduction for these countries.
Commodity prices and the Brazilian real exchange rate
Authors: Souza Rodrigo da Silva , de Mattos Leonardo B. , de Lima João E.
Published: August 2020

A well documented stylized fact in commodity‐exporting countries is the robust relationship between commodity prices and real exchange rates. However, empirical evidences of factors that affect the strength of the commodity price‐real exchange rate connection remain inconclusive. In this paper, we investigate how structural and financial factors affect the relationship between world commodity prices and the Brazilian real exchange rate during the floating exchange rate regime. The key results show that the strength of the real exchange rate response to real commodity price fluctuations depends on the trade openness in the long run and on the country risk in the short run. Our findings provide important insights for the appropriated design of foreign exchange policy in Brazil.