bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The genetic factors of bilaterian evolution
Authors: Heger Peter , Zheng Wen , Rottmann Anna , Panfilio Kristen A , Wiehe Thomas
Published: July 2020

The Cambrian explosion was a unique animal radiation ~540 million years ago that produced the full range of body plans across bilaterians. The genetic mechanisms underlying these events are unknown, leaving a fundamental question in evolutionary biology unanswered. Using large-scale comparative genomics and advanced orthology evaluation techniques, we identified 157 bilaterian-specific genes. They include the entire Nodal pathway, a key regulator of mesoderm development and left-right axis specification; components for nervous system development, including a suite of G-protein-coupled receptors that control physiology and behaviour, the Robo-Slit midline repulsion system, and the neurotrophin signalling system; a high number of zinc finger transcription factors; and novel factors that previously escaped attention. Contradicting the current view, our study reveals that genes with bilaterian origin are robustly associated with key features in extant bilaterians, suggesting a causal relationship.
The chemotactic swimming behavior of bird schistosome miracidia in the presence of compatible and incompatible snail hosts
Authors: Marszewska Anna , Cichy Anna , Bulantová Jana , Horák Petr , Żbikowska Elżbieta
Published: July 2020

No effective method has yet been developed to prevent the threat posed by the emerging disease—cercarial dermatitis (swimmer’s itch), caused by infective cercariae of bird schistosomes (Digenea: Schistosomatidae). In our previous studies, the New Zealand mud snail—Potamopyrgus antipodarum (Gray, 1853; Gastropoda, Tateidae)—was used as a barrier between the miracidia of Trichobilharzia regenti and the target snails Radix balthica. Since the presence of non-indigenous snails reduced the parasite prevalence under laboratory conditions, we posed three new research questions: (1) Do bird schistosomes show totally perfect efficacy for chemotactic swimming behavior? (2) Do the larvae respond to substances emitted by incompatible snail species? (3) Do the excretory-secretory products of incompatible snail species interfere with the search for a compatible snail host? The experiments were carried out in choice-chambers for the miracidia of T. regenti and T. szidati. The arms of the chambers, depending on the variant, were filled with water conditioned by P. antipodarum, water conditioned by lymnaeid hosts, and dechlorinated tap water. Miracidia of both bird schistosome species chose more frequently the water conditioned by snails—including the water conditioned by the incompatible lymnaeid host and the alien species, P. antipodarum. However, species-specific differences were noticed in the behavior of miracidia. T. regenti remained more often inside the base arm rather than in the arm filled with water conditioned by P. antipodarum or the control arm. T. szidati, however, usually left the base arm and moved to the arm filled with water conditioned by P. antipodarum. In conclusion, the non-host snail excretory-secretory products may interfere with the snail host-finding behavior of bird schistosome miracidia and therefore they may reduce the risk of swimmer’s itch.
A comparison of lodgepole and spruce needle chemistry impacts on terrestrial biogeochemical processes during isolated decomposition
Authors: Leonard Laura T. , Mikkelson Kristin , Hao Zhao , Brodie Eoin L. , Williams Kenneth H. , Sharp Jonathan O.
Published: July 2020

This study investigates the isolated decomposition of spruce and lodgepole conifer needles to enhance our understanding of how needle litter impacts near-surface terrestrial biogeochemical processes. Harvested needles were exported to a subalpine meadow to enable a discrete analysis of the decomposition processes over 2 years. Initial chemistry revealed the lodgepole needles to be less recalcitrant with a lower carbon to nitrogen (C:N) ratio. Total C and N fundamentally shifted within needle species over time with decreased C:N ratios for spruce and increased ratios for lodgepole. Differences in chemistry correlated with CO2production and soil microbial communities. The most pronounced trends were associated with lodgepole needles in comparison to the spruce and needle-free controls. Increased organic carbon and nitrogen concentrations associated with needle presence in soil extractions further corroborate the results with clear biogeochemical signatures in association with needle chemistry. Interestingly, no clear differentiation was observed as a function of bark beetle impacted spruce needles vs those derived from healthy spruce trees despite initial differences in needle chemistry. These results reveal that the inherent chemistry associated with tree species has a greater impact on soil biogeochemical signatures during isolated needle decomposition. By extension, biogeochemical shifts associated with bark beetle infestation are likely driven more by changes such as the cessation of rhizospheric processes than by needle litter decomposition.
Whole mitochondrial genome sequence and phylogenetic relationships of Williams’s jerboa (Scarturus williamsi) from Turkey
Authors: İbiş Osman
Published: July 2020

Williams’s jerboa (Scarturus williamsi), a medium-sized jerboa distributed in Anatolia and its adjacent regions, is a member of the four- and five-toed jerboas found mostly in Asia. Disagreements about the taxonomy of this taxon at the genus/species level continue to exist. Here, we report the first effort to sequence and assemble the mitochondrial genome of Williams’s jerboa from Turkey. The mitochondrial genome ofS. williamsiwas 16,653 bp in total length and contained 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNAs (tRNAs), two ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), and two non-coding regions (the D-loop and OLregion) with intergenic spacer. All of the genes, exceptND6and eight tRNAs, were encoded on the heavy chain strand, similar to the features of mitogenomes of other rodents. When compared with all available rodent mitochondrial genomes, Williams’s jerboa showed (1) a serine deletion at the 3′-end of theATP8gene, (2) theND5gene terminated with a TAG codon and (3) a tandem repeat cluster (273 bp in length) in the control region. Williams’s jerboa and Siberian jerboa grouped as sister taxa despite the high genetic distance (17.6%) between them, belonging to Allactaginae. This result is consistent with the latest pre-revision, which suggests that Williams’s jerboa and the Siberian jerboa may belong to separate genera, asScarturusandOrientallactaga, respectively. The present study provides a reference mitochondrial genome for Williams’s jerboa for further molecular studies of other species of Dipodoidea and Rodentia.
A survey of chiropractic students' perceived business preparedness at graduation
Authors: Sikorski David M , Wanlass Paul W , Kizhakkeveettil Anupama , Tobias Gene S
Published: July 2020

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess chiropractic college graduates' business experience, education, and need for further education at the time of graduation.

Methods

We conducted an anonymous survey of graduating chiropractic students in 2015 and 2016 regarding their prior business experience, business courses taken before and during chiropractic education, business abilities and needs, and practice plans.

Results

Eighty-one responded out of 114 surveyed (71% response rate). Less than half had taken college-level business courses or had business experience prior to entering chiropractic college. Almost 90% of respondents took 1 or more of 3 elective courses in business skills during their chiropractic education. Sixty-eight percent planned to work as an associate doctor and to be in private practice after 5 years. The respondents indicated that they were more prepared in the business abilities of ethics/risk management/jurisprudence, employee management, strategic planning, and marketing/advertising, and least prepared in business operations, accounting, and billing/reimbursement. In the areas of economics, finance, business taxes, and starting a practice, the respondents indicated a need for further education or experience. It was statistically significant (p < .001) that students who had prior business experience and/or college business education were more confident in operating a health care practice.

Conclusion

Chiropractic business education provides students with some of the practice management skills essential for operating a health care practice. Students with prior business experience and/or education reported more confidence in their ability to run a chiropractic practice immediately after graduation.
Cost minimization analysis: use of dual and triple lumen central venous cateter
Authors: Costa Thais Cardoso da , Marta Cristiano Bertolossi , Peregrino Antonio Augusto de Freitas , Rocha Ronilson Gonçalves , Franco Andrezza Serpa , Camerini Flávia Giron
Published: July 2020

Objetivo: analisar o custo da utilização do cateter venoso central de duplo versus triplo lúmen em uma unidade de terapia intensiva. Métodos: estudo de custo-minimização, com abordagem quantitativa à luz da avaliação econômica de saúde. Foram analisados custos e a ocorrência de eventos adversos em uma amostra com 30 cateter venoso central. A coleta de dados foi através de um check list com dados do prontuário. Os dados foram tabulados e analisados a partir da árvore de decisão através do software Tree Age®. Resultados: o cateter venoso central triplo lúmen teve um custo relacionado a eventos adversos de R$7.648,22 apresentando-se superior ao duplo lúmen. Conclusão: a quantidade de lúmens está relacionada a maior ocorrência de eventos adversos e a um maior custo. Dessa forma, contribui com a enfermagem por direcionar a aplicação de recursos financeiros e orientar estratégias para minimizar a ocorrência de eventos adversos.
Chemotherapy-related fatigue: the perspective of women with breast câncer
Authors: Campos Cristiane Soares , Oliveira Taliana da Silva Gomes , Anjos Anna Cláudia Yokoyama dos , Porto Juliana Pena
Published: July 2020

Objetivo: Descrever os fatores coadjuvantes para ocorrência da fadiga secundária à quimioterapia e os recursos do conhecimento cultural, utilizados para seu alívio. Método: Estudo prospectivo, misto, realizado com 47 mulheres com câncer de mama e fadiga, em um hospital universitário. Foram analisadas as respostas das questões abertas da Escala de Fadiga de Piper Revisada, que foram submetidas à Análise de Conteúdo. Resultados: Como causas para a fadiga foram descritas seis categorias: medo e preocupação; quimioterapia; estado emocional/psicológico; desajustes no relacionamento familiar; alteração na autoimagem; esforço físico/atividades diárias. Cinco categorias foram apontadas como recursos para alívio: buscar a Deus; banho; repouso; medidas de distração; chorar. Considerações finais: Diante da subvalorização das queixas, relacionadas à fadiga, pelos profissionais, as mulheres passam a buscar por estratégias de alívio no conhecimento cultural. A valorização dos saberes é essencial para definição de condutas efetivas, que possibilitem melhoria da qualidade de vida e redução dos efeitos negativos da fadiga
Perception of shelter unit professionals on sexual and reproductive health of adolescent institutionalized
Authors: Felix Fabio de Oliveira , Penna Lucia Helena Garcia , Shubert Carla Oliveira , Silva Vivianne Mendes Araújo , Lemos Adriana , Pereira Adriana Lenho de Figueiredo
Published: July 2020

Objetivo: caracterizar o perfil sócio demográfico dos profissionais que atuam em unidade de acolhimento para adolescentes e analisar a percepção sobre saúde sexual/reprodutiva de adolescentes institucionalizadas na perspectiva de profissionais da unidade de acolhimento. Método: pesquisa qualitativa desenvolvida com 10 profissionais de uma instituição de acolhimento pública, na Zona Norte do Rio de Janeiro. Realizado entrevistas semiestruturadas e analisadas com auxílio do Software NVIVO 10 (análise temática). A maioria dos participantes é do sexo feminino e possuem ensino médio completo, destacamos que estes não possuem formação direcionada à saúde sexual e reprodutiva. Resultados: as percepções dos profissionais sobre saúde sexual/reprodutiva das adolescentes estão relacionadas à sexualidade exacerbada, a gravidez na adolescência como negativa, Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis e métodos anticoncepcionais. Conclusão: foi percebido que estes não possuem capacitação necessária para suprir às orientações adequadas e necessárias as adolescentes. A inserção do Enfermeiro possibilitaria suporte às demandas apresentadas pelos adolescentes e profissionais.
Palliative Care in Oncology: Nurses’ Experience in Caring for Children in The Final Stages of Life
Authors: Teixeira Genáine De Fátima Alves , Batista Patrícia Serpa de Souza , Lima Débora Rodrigues Alves de , Oliveira Amanda Maritsa de Magalhães , Dias Kalina Coeli Costa De Oliveira , Costa Brunna Hellen Saraiva
Published: July 2020

Objetivo: Investigar a vivência de enfermeiros ao cuidar de crianças com câncer sob cuidados paliativos. Método: Estudo exploratório com abordagem qualitativa, realizado com doze enfermeiros através de entrevista semiestruturada e submetido à análise de conteúdo. Resultados: Emergiram três categorias temáticas: Percepção de enfermeiros acerca da assistência a crianças com câncer em Cuidados Paliativos e apoio aos familiares, destacando a assistência voltada ao bem-estar e ao conforto; práticas de cuidado utilizadas por enfermeiros à criança com câncer em Cuidados Paliativos, com abordagem voltada para o alívio da dor e de outros sintomas; comunicação de más notícias e valorização da espiritualidade na assistência à criança em Cuidados Paliativos, no contexto da terminalidade. Conclusão: Os entrevistados demonstraram vivenciar assistência voltada à qualidade de vida da criança com câncer em cuidados paliativos e de seus familiares. Sugere-se maior investimento na formação acadêmica em relação à temática.
Death And Grief in Palliative Care: Health Professionals’
Authors: Franco Indayá da Silva Machado Freire , Batista Jaqueline Brito Vidal , Freire Mayara Limeira , Evangelista Carla Braz , Santos Marinalvo Sandro de Lima , Lopes Maria Emília Limeira
Published: July 2020

Objetivo: Analisar o discurso de profissionais da Saúde sobre o cuidar de pacientes em cuidados paliativos, no momento da morte e luto da família. Métodos:Pesquisa de campo, de natureza qualitativa, realizada com dez profissionais da Saúde, vinculados a dois hospitais de João Pessoa, Paraíba.Resultados:A análise dos depoimentos mostra a compreensão dos profissionais sobre a morte, revela os sentimentos e a assistência paliativa deles no momento da morte, além de identificar a assistência à família e as dificuldades enfrentadas no momento do luto. Conclusão: O estudo evidenciou lacunas no conhecimento dos profissionais da Saúde acerca do processo de morte e de luto, sendo necessário incentivar a implementação da educação continuada nos serviços de cuidados paliativos, voltada à educação para a morte, a fim de que eles possam compreender as dimensões desta e proporcionar ao paciente e família melhor assistência no exercício de sua profissão.
Ultrahigh Sensitivity of Flexible Thermistors Based on 3D Porous Graphene Characterized by Imbedded Microheaters
Authors: Wu Jin , Yang Xing , Ding Haojun , Wei Yaoming , Wu Zixuan , Tao Kai , Yang Bo‐Ru , Liu Chuan , Wang Xiaotian , Feng Shuanglong , Xie Xi
Published: July 2020

It is important to develop highly sensitive, accurate, and easy‐calibration flexible temperature sensors for emerging wearable applications. Here, ultrasensitive and flexible temperature sensors are developed using 3D porous graphene (Gr) synthesized by microwave plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition as the channel transducing material, and the liquid crystal polymer as flexible substrate. Thanks to the porous structures, enormous defects, and oxygenated groups incorporated in Gr, the thermistor displays the remarkable thermal index of 3193 K, higher than those of most existing Gr‐based thermistors and comparable to those of ceramic‐based rigid thermistors. The imbedded microheaters on the same device are exploited to characterize and calibrate the thermistors, as well as reduce the oxygen‐containing Gr in situ, bypassing the requirement of conventional external bulky hot plates. The thermal indexes are generally stable regardless of thermal annealing, but decrease slightly with prolonged reduction time of Gr. Attributing to the porous structure for effective heat dissipation, a short recovery time of 9.3 s is attained. The high sensitivity and resolution (0.1 °C) of the thermistors enable various practical applications, such as noncontact sensation, human skin, and wind temperature monitoring, etc. This work develops a 3D porous Gr based “self‐calibration” thermistors with competitive performance.
Nonlinear scheduling with time‐variable electricity prices using sensitivity‐based truncations of wavelet transforms
Authors: Schäfer Pascal , Schweidtmann Artur M. , Mitsos Alexander
Published: July 2020

We propose an algorithm for scheduling subject to time‐variable electricity prices using nonlinear process models that enables long planning horizons with fine discretizations. The algorithm relies on a reduced‐space formulation and enhances our previous work (Schäfer et al., Comput Chem Eng, 2020;132:106598) by a sensitivity‐based refinement procedure. We therein expose the coefficients of the wavelet transform of the time series of independent process variables to the optimizer. The problem size is reduced by truncating the transform and iteratively adjusted using Lagrangian multipliers. We apply the algorithm to the scheduling of a multi‐product air separation unit. The nonlinear power consumption characteristic is replaced by an artificial neural network trained on data from a rigorous model. We demonstrate that the proposed algorithm reduces the number of optimization variables by more than one order of magnitude, whilst furnishing feasible schedules with insignificant losses in objective values compared to solutions considering the full dimensionality.
Distributed state estimation through co‐acting Kalman filters
Authors: Kanagala Subhash Babu , Detroja Ketan P.
Published: July 2020

Distributing calculations of a central Kalman filter requires subsystem level expressions for the propagation and update steps of the Kalman filter. It is difficult to obtain subsystem level expressions due to the inverse term present in the update step. In this manuscript, a non‐iterative way of decomposing the inverse of a matrix is presented. This decomposition allows rewriting the update equations of the Kalman filter subsystem‐wise. Subsequently, a Co‐acting Kalman Filter (CoKF) is proposed using these decomposed central Kalman filter equations to perform distributed state estimation. The convergence of the CoKF algorithm is established under the assumption that each subsystem is observable. Two variants of the proposed CoKF, namely (m‐CoKF and p‐CoKF), suitable for applications on opposite ends of computation and communication resource spectrum, are presented along with the trade‐offs involved. A comparison of the proposed method with existing distributed Kalman filters is also presented. The proposed CoKF algorithm is implemented on a standard wireless sensor network example with 200 nodes. The simulation results demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed CoKF algorithm relative to the central Kalman filter.
Nexplanon failure in a woman with HIV infection in rural Ghana: A case report
Authors: Kumbeni Maxwell Tii , Apanga Paschal Awingura , Ayamga Emmanuel Awine
Published: July 2020

Although Nexplanon is one of the most effective and most utilized long‐acting reversible contraceptives in Ghana. We report a rare event of Nexplanon failure in a woman with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in rural Ghana.
Determination of the chiral status of different novel psychoactive substance classes by capillary electrophoresis and β‐cyclodextrin derivatives
Authors: Hägele Johannes S. , Hubner Eva‐Maria , Schmid Martin G.
Published: July 2020

Besides the abuse of well‐known illicit drugs, consumers discovered new synthetic compounds with similar effects but minor alterations in their chemical structure. Originally, these so‐called novel psychoactive substances (NPS) have been created to circumvent law of prosecution because of illicit drug abuse. During the past decade, such compounds came up in generations, the most popular compound was a synthetic cathinone derivative named mephedrone. Cathinones are structurally related to amphetamines; to date, more than 120 completely new derivatives have been synthesized and are traded via the Internet. Cathinones possess a chiral center; however, only little is known about the pharmacology of their enantiomers. However, NPS comprise further chiral compound classes such as amphetamine derivatives, ketamines, 2‐(aminopropyl)benzofurans, and phenidines. In continuation of our project, a cheap and easy‐to‐perform chiral capillary zone electrophoresis method for enantioseparation of cathinones presented previously was extended to the aforementioned compound classes. Enantioresolution was achieved by simply adding native β‐cyclodextrin, acetyl‐β‐cyclodextrin, 2‐hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin, or carboxymethyl‐β‐cyclodextrin as chiral selector additives to the background electrolyte. Fifty‐one chiral NPS served as analytes mainly purchased from online vendors via the Internet. Using 10 mM of the aforementioned β‐cyclodextrins in a 10 mM sodium phosphate buffer (pH 2.5), overall, 50 of 51 NPS were resolved. However, chiral separation ability of the selectors differed depending on the analyte. Additionally, simultaneous enantioseparations, the determination of enantiomeric migration orders of selected analytes, and a repeatability study were performed successfully. It was proven that all separated NPS were traded as racemic mixtures.
Architecture of a Distributed Process Co‐simulation Framework
Authors: Wack Thorsten , Schröder Andreas , Yildiz Evren
Published: July 2020

As part of the Carbon2Chem® joint research project, mathematical models are involved to simulate operating scenarios for cross‐industrial networks. An optimal model‐based system integration approach requires a scalable co‐simulation framework that enables the distributed development of constituent subsystems. By using a classic waveform relaxation algorithm, model suppliers and integrators can exchange co‐simulation units without having to disclose sensitive information and intellectual property. Here, the underlying IT architecture and the basic principles of the introduced “model as a service” approach are described.
Development of Co‐Cu‐C‐Mn Catalysts for the Synthesis of Higher Alcohols
Authors: Wiesmann Thomas , Reinsdorf Arne , Lohmann Heiko , Wolf Dorit
Published: July 2020

Co‐Cu catalysts represent a promising possibility to synthesize higher alcohols. In this study, novel carbon‐embedded Co‐Cu catalysts have been prepared and were tested in an 8‐fold parallel reactor system. Moreover, the influence of Mn as a dopant on the catalytic performance has been studied. It was shown that Mn reduced the selectivity for methane and favored the formation of olefins. In contrast to Cu‐free catalysts, Cu‐containing catalysts have an improved selectivity for alcohols.
Nachhaltigkeit in Gesellschaft, Wissenschaft, Politik und Schule
Authors: Brockhage Frauke , Lüsse Mientje , Pietzner Verena , Beeken Marco
Published: July 2020

Eine Vielzahl politischer Entschlüsse legen sowohl international als auch in Deutschland fest, Bildung für nachhaltige Entwicklung langfristig und dauerhaft in den schulischen Kontext zu integrieren. Viele Initiativen wie Fridays For Future verdeutlichen darüber hinaus die Relevanz einer nachhaltigen Entwicklung in der heutigen Zeit und die hohe Motivation und das Interesse der Schülerinnen und Schüler. Um diesen Anforderungen gerecht zu werden und an das Potential anzuschließen, werden verschiedene Unterrichtsinhalte zum Thema Nachhaltigkeit in der Reihe „Fridays For Future und Schule?“ dargestellt und durch Experimente, Diskussionsleitfäden und entsprechendes Unterrichtsmaterial ergänzt. Dieser Beitrag gibt einen Überblick über die Bedeutung der Nachhaltigkeit in Gesellschaft, Wissenschaft, Politik und Schule. Konkrete Unterrichtsinhalte zum Thema Stickstoff finden Sie im Artikel „Fridays For Future und Schule? – Teil 2: Nachhaltige Unterrichtsvorschläge zur Stickstoffproblematik“ in der nächsten Ausgabe. Beiträge zu den Themen Ernährung und Mikroplastik folgen.
Fast Screening and Determination of Tadalafil in Pharmaceutics by Batch Injection Analysis (BIA) with Amperometric Detection
Authors: de Oliveira Fabiano M. , Ferreira Priscila A. , Neves Camila G. , Rosa Tamires M. , dos Santos Wallans T. P. , de Melo Edmar I. , da Silva Rodrigo A. B.
Published: July 2020

Tadalafil (TDL) is the active ingredient of Cialis®, one of the top selling drugs for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and very counterfeit worldwide. In this work, two amperometric methods are proposed for (1) determination and (2) screening of TDL in pharmaceutical products using a boron‐doped diamond electrode assembled in a 3D‐printed Batch Injection Analysis cell. Cyclic voltammograms showed that TDL presented one irreversible oxidation and pH dependent process at about 1.0 V (vs Ag/AgCl) with maximum current in Britton‐Robinson buffer pH 4.0. For the method 1, a constant potential of+1.3 V was applied and, under optimized conditions, good linear range for TDL quantification (from 1.0 to 150.0 μmol L−1), LOD of 1.0 μmol L−1 (experimental), high repeatability (RSD=1.9 %; n=20) and good sample throughput (270 h−1) were obtained. Method 1 was used for the determination of TDL in genuine and generic formulations, and the results were not statistically different from a comparative spectrophotometric method at a 95 % confidence level. In method 2, the multiple pulse amperometric detection (MPAD) was taken through the application of sequential potential pulses (+1.0, +1.2 and +1.5 V). The comparative profile of each sample was done after peak ratios from each amperogram (R1=ipa1.2V/ipa1.0V, R2=ipa1.5V/ipa1.2V, R3=ipa1.5V/ipa1.0V). This simple current normalization allowed the recognition of similar profiles between samples containing only TDL and differences between samples adulterated with other drugs (sildenafil, paracetamol, dipyrone, and caffeine). Finally, these methods are fast, use portable low‐cost apparatus and unmodified electrodes. Such features are attractive for routine analysis in forensic and pharmaceutical sciences.
A Single‐Material Multi‐Source Energy Harvester, Multifunctional Sensor, and Integrated Harvester–Sensor System—Demonstration of Concept
Authors: Bai Yang , Palosaari Jaakko , Tofel Pavel , Juuti Jari
Published: July 2020

Single‐source energy harvesters that convert solar, thermal, or kinetic energy into electricity for small‐scale smart electronic devices and wireless sensor networks have been under development for decades. When an individual energy source is insufficient for the required electricity generation, multi‐source energy harvesting is indicated. Current technology usually combines different individual harvesters to achieve the capability of harvesting multiple energy sources simultaneously. However, this increases the overall size of the multi‐source harvester, but in microelectronics miniaturization is a critical consideration. Herein, an advanced approach is demonstrated to solve this issue. A single‐material energy harvesting/sensing device is fabricated using a (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3‐Ba(Ni0.5Nb0.5)O3–Δ (KNBNNO) ceramic as the sole energy‐conversion component. This single‐material component is able simultaneously to harvest or sense solar (visible light), thermal (temperature fluctuation), and kinetic (vibration) energy sources by incorporating its photovoltaic, pyroelectric, and piezoelectric effects, respectively. The interactions between different energy conversion effects, e.g., the influence of dynamic behavior on the photovoltaic effect and alternating current–direct current (AC–DC) signal trade‐offs, are assessed and discussed. This research is expected to stimulate energy‐efficient design of electronic devices by integrating both harvesting and sensing functions in the same material/component.
Tail risk connectedness between US industries
Authors: Nguyen Linh H. , Nguyen Linh X. D. , Tan Linzhi
Published: July 2020

We use the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) quantile regression technique to construct and analyse the complete tail risk connectedness network of the whole US industry system. We also investigate the empirical relationship between input–output linkages and the tail risk spillovers among US industries. Our findings identify the tail‐risk drivers, tail‐risk receivers, and tail‐risk distributors among industries and confirm that the actual trade flow between industries is a major driver of their tail risk connectedness.
Summer onset in northern Asia
Authors: Chyi Dorina , Bueh Cholaw , Xie Zuowei
Published: July 2020

In this study, the northern Asian summer onset (NASO) is investigated in terms of its key features, thermodynamic driving factors, and its associations with the rainfall pattern in eastern China on the basis of the U.S. National Centers for Environmental Prediction and the U.S. National Center for Atmospheric Research reanalysis data, the snow cover extent data archived by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Centers for Environmental Information, and the precipitation data of observational stations in China. We define the NASO as the critical time when seasonal surface warming in northern Asia accelerates prior to this time and then stabilizes after this time. The climatological NASO occurs in the second pentad of June, across which systematic changes occur in the near surface warming in northern Asia. The heat budget analysis demonstrates from the climatic perspective that the snowmelt process in northern Asia plays a crucial role in the NASO. The positive feedback between surface warming and snowmelt facilitates an intense surface warming associated with the NASO. It is revealed that large‐scale wave patterns in the sea‐level pressure field contribute to early and late advents of NASOs. In association with the wave patterns, the horizontal linear advection term and adiabatic term are the primary thermodynamic drivers to the early and late NASOs. From late May to early July, the circulation anomalies from northern Asia to the subtropical western Pacific are significantly different between the early and late NASO years. Accordingly, in the rainy period, the seasonal evolution of rainfall pattern in eastern China also shows a considerable difference in these two NASO years.
Unicompartmental bipolar osteochondral and meniscal allograft transplantation is effective for treatment of medial compartment gonarthrosis in a canine model
Authors: Schreiner Anna J. , Stannard James P. , Stoker Aaron M. , Bozynski Chantelle C. , Kuroki Keiichi , Cook Cristi R. , Cook James L.
Published: July 2020

Osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation can restore large articular defects in the knee. Bipolar OCA transplantations for partial and whole joint resurfacing often have less favorable results than single‐surface transplants. This study was designed to use a large animal model to test the hypothesis that unicompartmental bipolar osteochondral and meniscal allograft transplantation (BioJoint) would be as or more effective for treatment of medial compartment osteoarthritis (OA) compared to standard‐of‐care nonoperative treatment. OA was induced in one knee of each research hound (n = 8) using a meniscal release model and pretreatment assessments were performed. After 3 months, dogs were randomly assigned to either the control group (n = 4, no surgical intervention, daily nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs [NSAIDs]) or the BioJoint group (n = 4). Clinical, radiographic, and arthroscopic assessments were performed longitudinally and histopathology was evaluated at the 6‐month endpoint. At study endpoint, functional, pain, and total pressure index measures, as well as radiographic and arthroscopic grading of graft appearance and joint health, demonstrated superior outcomes for BioJoints compared to NSAID controls. Furthermore, histologic assessments showed that osteochondral and meniscal transplants maintain integrity and integrated into host tissues. Clinical significance: The results support the safety and efficacy of unicompartmental bipolar osteochondral and meniscal allograft transplantation in a preclinical model with highly functional outcomes without early OA progression.
Astilbin lowers the effective caffeine dose for decreasing lipid accumulation via activating AMPK in high‐fat diet‐induced obese mice
Authors: Yang Licong , Zhu Yanping , Zhong Shusheng , Zheng Guodong
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Caffeine has an anti‐obesity effect, although chronic excessive caffeine consumption also causes caffeinism, which is marked by increased anxiety or depression, amongst other symptoms. The present study aimed to investigate whether the addition of flavonoids such as astilbin can reduce the caffeine dose needed to inhibit obesity.

RESULTS

ICR mice (n = 80) were fed with normal diet, high‐fat diet (HFD), HFD supplemented with astilbin, caffeine, or astilbin + caffeine for 12 weeks. When diets supplemented with astilbin, 0.3 g kg−1 diet caffeine had the same effect as 0.6 g kg−1 diet caffeine alone, and 0.6 g kg−1 diet caffeine combined with astilbin most effectively inhibited HFD‐induced obesity. Astilbin improved the anti‐obesity effects of caffeine on lipid accumulation via the activation of AMP‐activated protein kinase α (AMPKα). (i) Activated AMPKα decreased lipid biosynthesis by suppressing the activity or mRNA expression of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐CoA reductase, sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c and its target gene fatty acid synthase. (ii) Activated AMPKα also up‐regulated lipolysis by enhancing the expression of adipose triglyceride lipase and increasing the phosphorylation of hormone‐sensitive lipase. (iii) Finally, activated AMPKα increased carnitine acyltransferase and acyl‐CoA oxidase activities, which further promoted fatty acid β‐oxidation.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained in the present study indicate that astilbin may decrease the effective dose of caffeine needed for an anti‐obesity effect and also suggest that it suppresses fat accumulation via the activation of AMPK. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
The effect of sarcopenia on perioperative complications in abdominally based free‐flap breast reconstruction
Authors: Broyles Justin M. , Smith Jeffrey M. , Phillips Brett T. , Mericli Alex F. , Selber Jesse C. , Largo Rene D. , Baumann Donald P. , Liu Jessie , Schaverien Mark V.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The identification of patient‐specific risk factors, which predict morbidity following abdominally based microvascular breast reconstruction is difficult. Sarcopenia is a proxy for patient frailty and is an independent predictor of complications in a myriad of surgical disciplines. We predict that sarcopenic patients will be at higher risk for surgical complications following abdominally based microvascular breast reconstruction.

Methods

A retrospective study of all patients who underwent delayed abdominally based autologous breast reconstruction following postmastectomy radiation therapy from 2007 to 2013 at a single institution was conducted. Univariate and multiple logistic regression models were used to assess the effect of sarcopenia on postoperative outcomes.

Results

Two hundred and eight patients met the inclusion criteria, of which 30 met criteria for sarcopenia (14.1%). There were no significant differences in demographics between groups. There were no significant differences in minor (36.7% vs 44.4%; P = .43) or major (16.7% vs 25.3%; P = .36) complications between groups as well as hospital length of stay. Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated that a staged reconstruction with the use of a tissue expander was the only consistent variable, which predicted major complications (OR, 2.24; 95% CI, 1.18‐4.64; P = .015).

Conclusions

Sarcopenia does not predispose to minor or major surgical complications in patients who undergo abdominally based microsurgical breast reconstruction.
Detailed experimental and kinetic modeling study of 3‐carene pyrolysis
Authors: Zhang Jia , Vermeire Florence , Van de Vijver Ruben , Herbinet Olivier , Battin‐Leclerc Frédérique , Reyniers Marie‐Françoise , Van Geem Kevin M.
Published: July 2020

3‐Carene is an important potential biofuel with properties similar to the jet‐propellant JP‐10. Its thermal decomposition and combustion behavior is to date unknown, which is essential to assess its quality as a fuel. A combined experimental and kinetic modeling study has been conducted to understand the initial decomposition of 3‐carene. The pyrolysis of 3‐carene was investigated in a jet‐stirred quartz reactor at atmospheric pressure, at temperatures varying from 650 to 1050 K, covering the complete conversion range. The decomposition of 3‐carene was observed to start around 800 K, and it is almost complete at 970 K. Online gas chromatography shows that primarily aromatics are generated which suggests that 3‐carene is not a good fuel candidate. The potential energy surface for the initial decomposition pathways determined by KinBot shows that a hydrogen elimination reaction dominates, giving primarily cara‐2,4‐diene. Next to this molecular pathway, radical pathways lead to aromatics via ring opening. The kinetic model was automatically generated with Genesys and consists of 2565 species and 9331 reactions. New quantum chemical calculations at the CBS‐QB3 level of theory were needed to calculate rate coefficients and thermodynamic properties relevant for the primary decomposition of 3‐carene. Both the conversion of 3‐carene and the yields of the primary products (ie, benzene and hydrogen gas) are well predicted with this kinetic model. Rate of production analyses shows that the dominant pathways to convert 3‐carene are hydrogen elimination reaction and radical chemistry.
Mid‐gestational fetal placental blood flow is diminished in the fetus with congenital heart disease
Authors: Ho Deborah Y. , Josowitz Rebecca , Katcoff Hannah , Griffis Heather M. , Tian Zhiyun , Gaynor J. William , Rychik Jack
Published: July 2020

Objective

Data suggest fetuses with congenital heart disease (CHD) have placental abnormalities. Their abnormal placental vasculature may affect fetal placental blood flow, which has not previously been explored.

Method

We performed a retrospective cross‐sectional study comparing umbilical venous volume flow (UVVF) of single ventricle, D‐transposition of the great arteries, and tetralogy of Fallot fetuses with fetuses without CHD. UVVF and combined cardiac output (CCO) were calculated from fetal echocardiography and compared using t tests, χ2 and Fisher's exact tests.

Results

Mean gestational age and fetal weight were greater in CHD fetuses (26.5 weeks, 1119.4 g; n = 81, P < .001) compared to controls (23.1 weeks, 675 g; n = 170, P < .001). UVVF/fetal weight was nevertheless decreased among cases (99.8 vs 115.3 mL/min/kg, P < .001). Subgroup analysis of 20‐ to 25‐week fetuses demonstrated no significant differences in case and control baseline characteristics. In CHD fetuses (n = 31) compared to controls (n = 144), absolute UVVF (50.8 vs 62.1 mL/min, P = .006), and UVVF/fetal weight (98.8 vs 118.5 mL/min/kg, P < .001) were decreased. Findings were similar in single ventricle (n = 24) and hypoplastic left heart syndrome (n = 14).

Conclusion

Mid‐gestational placental blood flow in CHD fetuses is decreased compared to controls. Further study is needed to explore the relationship between UVVF and placental pathology, and impact on outcomes.
Monitoring of polymer content in an emulsion polymerization using spatially resolved spectroscopy in the near infrared region and Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Gheghiani Manis , Caillol Noémie , Henrot Serge , McKenna Timothy F. L. , Sheibat‐Othman Nida
Published: July 2020

The potential of spatially resolved spectroscopy (SRS) for in situ monitoring is evaluated in this work. SRS is based on near‐infrared spectroscopy. It is well adapted to heterogeneous systems and collects information about both physical and chemical properties. In this work, the polymer content in emulsion copolymerization is predicted using SRS. The reaction was first carried out in batch mode for particle nucleation followed by semi‐continuous monomer addition under starved conditions to allow particle growth. SRS and Raman spectroscopy are compared, and the advantages and disadvantages of both methods are highlighted, revealing that each method has its own benefits. Different operating conditions were varied, including the monomer ratio, the surfactant mass fraction, and the agitation speed. Regression models were developed using partial least square for both techniques.
Proteomics Analysis Indicates Greater Abundance of Proteins Involved in Major Metabolic Pathways in Lactuca sativa cv. Salinas than Lactuca serriola Accession US96UC23
Authors: Adhikari Neil D. , Eriksen Renée L. , Shi Ainong , Mou Beiquan
Published: July 2020

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa), cultivated mainly for its edible leaves and stems, is an important vegetable crop worldwide. Genomes of cultivated lettuce (L. sativa cv. Salinas) and its wild relative L. serriola accession US96UC23 are sequenced, but a clear understanding of the genetic basis for divergence in phenotypes of the two species is lacking. Tandem mass tag (TMT) based mass spectrometry is used to quantitatively compare protein levels between these two species. Four‐day old seedlings is transplanted into 500 mL pots filled with soil. Plants are grown for 8 weeks under 250 µmol m−2 sec−1 continuous light, 20 °C and relative humidity between 50–70%. Leaf discs (1 cm diameter) from three individuals per biological replicate are analyzed. A total of 3000 proteins are identified, of which the levels of 650 are significantly different between ‘Salinas’ and US96UC23. Pathway analysis indicated a higher flux of carbon in ‘Salinas’ than US96UC23. Many essential metabolic pathways such as tetrapyrrole metabolism and fatty acid biosynthesis are upregulated in ‘Salinas’ compared with US96UC23. This study provides a reference proteome for researchers interested in understanding lettuce biology and improving traits for cultivation.
Exposure to suicidality in professionals working with oncology patients: An online survey
Authors: Senf Bianca , Maiwurm Paula , Fettel Jens
Published: July 2020

Objective

To explore and describe exposure to suicidality in healthcare providers (HCP) working with oncological patients. Special emphasis was put on five central aspects from the HCPs perspective: Exposure, Confidence, Expertise, Distress, and Education.

Methods

A 48‐item online questionnaire was developed and distributed to HCPs working with cancer patients. Three hundred fifty‐four answered questionnaires were analyzed.

Results

Overall 83.3% of HCPs reported to have encountered at least one suicidal patient in the last year. Feeling confident in talking about suicidality was reported by 72.1% of HCPs, with 71.2% of nurses reporting feeling insecure compared with only 5.1% of psychotherapists. Similarly, 22.3% of HCPs felt overwhelmed when confronted with a patient who substantiated his suicidality during consultation. A lack of personal knowledge concerning suicidality in general and in oncological patients in particular, was reported by 39.6% and 49.8%, respectively. In total, 88.1% of HCPs reported feeling distressed when confronted with suicidality, while 81.1% of participants wanted further education regarding suicidality in cancer patients despite that 73.2% had already received some sort of psycho‐oncology education.

Conclusions

Despite the well‐documented fact of elevated suicide rates in cancer patients, there remain deficits in knowledge, which induce feelings of insecurity and helplessness in HCPs. There is a demand for further education concerning the treatment of suicidal cancer patients. Therefore, special curricula addressing this topic should be devised. A general debate about suicidality in cancer patients could help raise awareness of this problem and generate means of prevention.
Novel methods for the analysis of toxicants in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples from e‐cigarette, or vaping, product use‐associated lung injury cases: Selected petroleum distillates
Authors: De Jesús Víctor R. , Chambers David M. , Reese Christopher , Braselton Martha , Espinosa Paul , Corstvet Joseph , Blount Benjamin C.
Published: July 2020

Rationale

Over 2700 e‐cigarette, or vaping, product use‐associated lung injury (EVALI) cases were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) during August 2019–February 2020. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid samples from 51 EVALI and 99 non‐EVALI cases were analyzed for toxicants including petroleum distillates. We describe a novel method to measure petroleum distillates in BAL fluid using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS).

Methods

n‐Hexane, n‐heptane, n‐octane, methylcyclopentane, and cyclohexane were measured in BAL fluid specimens by headspace solid‐phase microextraction/GC/MS. We created and characterized BAL fluid pools from non‐EVALI individuals to determine assay accuracy, precision, linearity, limits of detection (LODs), and analytical specificity. All measurements were conducted in accordance with the rigorous method validation procedures of CDC's Division of Laboratory Sciences.

Results

Matrix validation experiments showed that calibration curves in BAL fluid and saline had similar slopes, with differences less than 5%. Assay precision ranged from 1.98% to 18%. In addition, the LODs for the five analytes ranged from 0.05 to 0.10 μg/L, and their linearity was confirmed with R2 values >0.99. The analysis of selected petroleum distillates in BAL fluid analysis was shown to be comparable with their analysis in blood in which the 95th percentiles are below detection.

Conclusions

We developed and validated a method to quantify petroleum distillates in BAL fluid specimens using GC/MS. The assay provided precise and accurate analyses of EVALI and non‐EVALI BAL fluid specimens in support of CDC's EVALI response. This method is applicable to the determination of a broad range of volatile organic compounds in BAL fluid specimens.