bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conductive Li3.08Cr0.02Si0.09V0.9O4 Anode Material: Novel “Zero‐Strain” Characteristic and Superior Electrochemical Li+ Storage
Authors: Liang Guisheng , Yang Liting , Han Qing , Chen Guanyu , Lin Chunfu , Chen Yongjun , Luo Lijie , Liu Xianhu , Li Yuesheng , Che Renchao
Published: April 2020

“Zero‐strain” compounds are ideal energy‐storage materials for long‐term cycling because they present negligible volume change and significantly reduce the mechanically induced deterioration during charging–discharging. However, the explored “zero‐strain” compounds are very limited, and their energy densities are low. Here, γ phase Li3.08Cr0.02Si0.09V0.9O4 (γ‐LCSVO) is explored as an anode compound for lithium‐ion batteries, and surprisingly its “zero‐strain” Li+ storage during Li+ insertion–extraction is found through using various state‐of‐the‐art characterization techniques. Li+ sequentially inserts into the 4c(1) and 8d sites of γ‐LCSVO, but its maximum unit‐cell volume variation is only ≈0.18%, the smallest among the explored “zero‐strain” compounds. Its mean strain originating from Li+ insertion is only 0.07%. Consequently, both γ‐LCSVO nanowires (γ‐LCSVO‐NW) and micrometer‐sized particles (γ‐LCSVO‐MP) exhibit excellent cycling stability with 90.1% and 95.5% capacity retention after as long as 2000 cycles at 10C, respectively. Moreover, γ‐LCSVO‐NW and γ‐LCSVO‐MP respectively deliver large reversible capacities of 445.7 and 305.8 mAh g−1 at 0.1C, and retain 251.2 and 78.4 mAh g−1 at 10C. Additionally, γ‐LCSVO shows a suitably safe operating potential of ≈1.0 V, significantly lower than that of the famous “zero‐strain” Li4Ti5O12 (≈1.6 V). These merits demonstrate that γ‐LCSVO can be a practical anode compound for stable, high‐energy, fast‐charging, and safe Li+ storage.
Adjusting corn nitrogen management by including a mineralizable‐nitrogen test with the preplant and presidedress nitrate tests
Authors: Clark Jason D. , Fernández Fabián G. , Veum Kristen S. , Camberato James J. , Carter Paul R. , Ferguson Richard B. , Franzen David W. , Kaiser Daniel E. , Kitchen Newell R. , Laboski Carrie A. M. , Nafziger Emerson D. , Rosen Carl J. , Sawyer John E. , Shanahan John F.
Published: April 2020

The anaerobic potentially mineralizable N (PMN) test combined with the preplant (PPNT) and presidedress (PSNT) nitrate tests may improve corn (Zea mays L.) N fertilization predictions. Forty‐nine corn N response experiments (mostly corn following soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]) were conducted in the U.S. Midwest from 2014–2016 to evaluate the ability of the PPNT and PSNT to predict corn relative yield (RY) and N fertilizer over‐ and under‐application rates when adjusted by PMN. Before planting and N fertilization, PPNT (0–30, 30–60, and 60–90 cm) and PMN (0–30 cm) samples were obtained. In‐season soil samples were obtained at the V5 development stage for PSNT (0–30, 30–60 cm) in all N rate treatments and PMN (0–30 cm) in only the 0 and 180 kg N ha−1 preplant N treatments. Increasing NO3–N sampling depths beyond 30 cm with or without PMN improved RY predictability marginally (R2 increase up to 0.20) and reduced over‐ and under‐application frequencies up to 14%. Including PMN (preplant only) with PPNT or PSNT improved RY predictability minimally (R2 increase up to 0.10) only for coarse‐ and medium‐textured soils, but N fertilizer over‐ and under‐application frequencies were not substantially reduced (≤12%). These marginal improvements in RY predictability and N fertilizer over‐ and under‐application frequencies, regardless of the variables used (e.g., fertilization, sampling depth, soil texture, and growing degree‐day categories), demonstrate that including PMN with soil NO3–N alone does not improve corn N fertilization need predictions enough to recommend their use.
Caregiver‐reported clinical characteristics and the burden associated with Kabuki syndrome
Authors: Theodore‐Oklota Christina , Egan Shayna , Paulich Maggie , Evans Christopher J. , Hartman Deborah S. , Hoffman Deborah L. , Björnsson Hans T.
Published: April 2020

Kabuki syndrome is a genetic disorder that can affect multiple body systems and manifest as congenital abnormalities and both developmental and socio‐emotional delays. The condition is largely unknown by most primary care physicians and has no available treatment other than symptomatic management. This research sought to obtain caregiver‐reported data about the experience of living with and caring for someone with Kabuki syndrome to fill a gap in the available literature. Fifty‐seven caregivers participated in an online survey and reported that Kabuki syndrome affected their children in a wide variety of ways, including a high frequency of visits to various healthcare professionals. Caregivers reported their child experienced problems with hearing, eating, eyes, mouth, immune system, anxiety, depression, autism, teeth, joints, seizures, kidneys, and heart. Caregivers also described the challenges of caring for someone with Kabuki syndrome, including an impact on emotional well‐being and the ability to work outside the home. This unique research characterizes the caregiver experience of living with and caring for someone with Kabuki syndrome, both through observed manifestations of Kabuki syndrome in their own children and their experience managing their treatment. Additional research is needed to investigate the patient experience of living with Kabuki syndrome.
Influence of talc fillers on bimodal polyethylene composites for ground heat exchangers
Authors: Kalantar Mehrjerdi Adib , Åkesson Dan , Skrifvars Mikael
Published: April 2020

In this study, a commercial grade of talc is used as filler in a bimodal high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) used for the pressure pipe application. The composites are characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, and tensile testing. The results illustrate that the presence of talc has a considerable effect on the material properties and the pipe life‐length. It is presented that the thermal stability measured by TGA is enhanced, while the oxidation induction time decreases in cooperation of the talc. The nucleation behavior of talc particles during crystallization has no obvious effect on melting temperature; however, an increase in crystallization temperature is evidenced. Storage modulus as recorded from the dynamic mechanical analysis is also increased in all composites, furthermore, the temperature of the α relaxation is shifted toward higher temperature and finally the strain hardening modulus for the HDPE/talc composites is assessed and compared to the neat HDPE as a measure of environmental stress crack resistance.
Cytochrome P450 expression patterns in human osteoblasts during osteogenic differentiation with or without TNFα treatment
Authors: Pathak Janak L. , Liu Lingyu , Zhu Yong‐qiang , Bureik Matthias
Published: April 2020

Background

Recently the expression patterns of several cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes in different human osteoblast models were reported. However, the various expression patterns of CYPs in human osteoblasts during different stages of osteogenic differentiation have not been investigated and the effect of inflammatory cytokines on CYPs expression in osteoblasts is unknown.

Methods

The expression levels of nine different CYP genes in the human osteoblast cell line MG63 and in primary human osteoblasts (HOB) during osteogenic differentiation with or without treatment with tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNFα) were analyzed by quantitative real‐time PCR.

Results

The expression levels of most CYPs under study show a significant time dependence during osteogenic differentiation. Overall, more highly significant CYP expression level changes occur in HOB than in MG63 cells. Treatment with TNFα causes a variety of CYP expression level changes in both HOB and MG63 cells.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that TNFα treatment reduces steroid hormone production in MG63 cells (but not in HOB) at the level of lanosterol‐demethylation during cholesterol biosynthesis. By contrast, TNFα treatment of HOB cells (but not in MG63) leads to the upregulation of several key enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of sex steroids, which is proposed to lead to higher levels of estrogen production. These data also suggest that at least with respect to the topic of this study the cell line MG63 is not a good representative for osteoblasts and that it is preferential to use primary osteoblasts instead.
Tailoring translational strength using Kozak sequence variants improves bispecific antibody assembly and reduces product‐related impurities in CHO cells
Authors: Blanco Noelia , Williams Ambrose J. , Tang Danming , Zhan Dejin , Misaghi Shahram , Kelley Robert F. , Simmons Laura C.
Published: April 2020

Optimal production of bispecific antibodies (bsAb) requires efficient and tailored co‐expression and assembly of two distinct heavy and two distinct light chains. Here, we describe a novel technology to modulate the translational strength of antibody chains via Kozak sequence variants to produce bsAb in a single cell line. In this study, we designed and screened a large Kozak sequence library to identify 10 independent variants that can modulate protein expression levels from approximately 0.2 to 1.3‐fold compared with the wild‐type sequence in transient transfection. We used a combination of several of these variants, covering a wide range of translational strength, to develop stable single cell Chinese hamster ovary bispecific cell lines and compared the results with those obtained from the wild‐type sequence. A significant increase in bispecific antibody assembly with a concomitant reduction in the level of product‐related impurities was observed. Our findings suggest that for production of bsAb it can be advantageous to modify translational strength for selected protein chains to improve overall yield and product quality. By extension, tuning of translational strength can also be applied to improving the production of a wide variety of heterologous proteins.
Colorectal cancer treated by resection and extended lymphadenectomy: patterns of spread in left- and right-sided tumours
Authors: Kataoka K , Beppu N , Shiozawa M , Ikeda M , Tomita N , Kobayashi H , Sugihara K , Ceelen W
Published: April 2020

Background

Whether tumour side affects the anatomical extent and distribution of lymph node metastasis in colon cancer is unknown. The impact of tumour side on the anatomical pattern of lymphatic spread in colon cancer was assessed.

Methods

Patients with stage III colon cancer from a Japanese multi-institutional database who underwent extensive (D3) lymphadenectomy, which is similar in concept to complete mesocolic excision with central venous ligation, were divided into groups with right- and left-sided tumours. Based on location, mesenteric lymph nodes were categorized as paracolic (L1), intermediate (L2) or central (L3). The Kaplan–Meier method was used to evaluate disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS), and multivariable Cox models were used to evaluate the association between anatomical lymph node level, metastatic pattern and outcome.

Results

A total of 4034 patients with stage III colon cancer (right 1618, left 2416) were included. Unadjusted OS was worse in patients with right colon cancer (hazard ratio 1·23, 95 per cent c.i. 1·08 to 1·40; P = 0·002), but DFS was similar. Right-sided tumours more frequently invaded L3 nodes than left-sided lesions (8·5 versus 3·7 per cent; P < 0·001). The proportion of patients with a skipped pattern of lymphatic spread was higher in right than in left colon cancer (13·7 versus 9·0 per cent; P < 0·001). In multivariable analysis, invasion of L3 nodes was associated with worse OS in left but not in right colon cancer. The presence of skipped metastasis was associated with worse DFS in left, but not right, colon cancer.

Conclusion

There are significant differences in the pattern of lymph node invasion between right- and left-sided stage III colon cancer, and in their prognostic significance, suggesting that tumour side may dictate the operative approach.
Prognostic model for identifying candidates for hepatectomy among patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatic vein invasion
Authors: Zhang X-P , Wang K , Gao Y-Z , Wei X-B , Lu C-D , Chai Z-T , Zhen Z-J , Li J , Yang D-H , Zhou D , Fan R-F , Yan M-L , Xia Y-J , Liu B , Huang Y-Q , Zhang F , Hu Y-R , Zhong C-Q , Lin J-H , Fang K-P , Cheng Z-H , Wu M-C , Lau W Y , Cheng S-Q
Published: April 2020

Background

Hepatic vein tumour thrombus (HVTT) is a major determinant of survival outcomes for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). An Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital (EHBH)-HVTT model was established to predict the prognosis of patients with HCC and HVTT after liver resection, in order to identify optimal candidates for liver resection.

Methods

Patients with HCC and HVTT from 15 hospitals in China were included. The EHBH-HVTT model with contour plot was developed using a non-linear model in the training cohort, and subsequently validated in internal and external cohorts.

Results

Of 850 patients who met the inclusion criteria, there were 292 patients who had liver resection and 198 who did not in the training cohort, and 124 and 236 in the internal and external validation cohorts respectively. Contour plots for the EHBH-HVTT model were established to predict overall survival (OS) rates of patients visually, based on tumour diameter, number of tumours and portal vein tumour thrombus. This differentiated patients into low- and high-risk groups with distinct long-term prognoses in the liver resection cohort (median OS 34·7 versus 12·0 months; P < 0·001), internal validation cohort (32·8 versus 10·4 months; P = 0·002) and external validation cohort (15·2 versus 6·5 months; P = 0·006). On subgroup analysis, the model showed the same efficacy in differentiating patients with HVTT in peripheral and major hepatic veins, the inferior vena cava, or in patients with coexisting portal vein tumour thrombus.

Conclusion

The EHBH-HVTT model was accurate in predicting prognosis in patients with HCC and HVTT after liver resection. It identified optimal candidates for liver resection among patients with HCC and HVTT, including tumour thrombus in the inferior vena cava, or coexisting portal vein tumour thrombus.
Determination of toosendanin and trans‐anethole in Fructus Meliae Toosendan and Fructus Foeniculi by HPLC–MS/MS and GC–MS/MS in rat plasma and their potential herb–herb interactions
Authors: Yu Jiaoyan , Zhang Ruitao , Zhang Tian , Zhao Jun , Zhang Yang , Wang Qingwei , Liu Linna , Xu Yuan , Shi Lei
Published: April 2020

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The objective of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) combination theory is to “reduce toxicity and increase efficiency”, especially to solve the liver toxicity of many TCMs. Fructus Meliae Toosendan (CLZ)–Fructus Foeniculi (XHX) is a typical traditional Chinese herb pair that decreases the toxicity and increases the efficiency of the herbs. Fructus Meliae Toosendan (CLZ, cold‐natured) has significant liver toxicity. However, it has been widely used in combination with Fructus Foeniculi (XHX, hot‐natured) for thousands of years in TCM, in which form it shows no hepatotoxicity, indicating that the combined use of XHX and CLZ can reduce the hepatotoxicity of CLZ. Herb–herb interactions could affect herb pharmacokinetics and in vivo efficacy. The herb–herb interactions between CLZ and XHX are still unknown.

Materials and methods

This study used liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS) and gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS) to establish methods for detecting toosendanin and trans‐anethole, the main active substances of CLZ and XHX, respectively. Additionally, we investigated their herb–herb interactions via pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies.

Results

The results indicate that the established analytical methods are suitable for detecting toosendanin and trans‐anethole, and the methodology meets the requirements of biological sample testing methods. Compared with the CLZ group, the pharmacokinetic parameters Cmax, AUC(0–t), AUC(0–∞), MRT(0–t) and MRT(0–∞) of toosendanin in the CLZ–XHX group notably decreased and the values of Vz/F remarkably increased. Compared with the XHX group, the pharmacokinetic parameters Cmax, AUC0–t, AUC0–∞, Tmax and t1/2z of trans‐anethole notably increased in the CLZ–XHX group, and the values of CLz/F and Vz/F obviously decreased.

Conclusion

The pharmacokinetic results indicate that XHX can significantly decrease the absorption and bioavailability and accelerate the elimination process of toosendanin in CLZ. XHX could decrease the risk of in vivo accumulation of the toxic constituent of CLZ, toosendanin, thus decreasing its toxicity. It has also been shown that CLZ can significantly increase absorption and bioavailability and attenuate the elimination process of trans‐anethole in XHX, thus enhancing its efficacy. Hepatotoxicity studies indicate that CLZ has significant hepatotoxicity, and its combined use with XHX can decrease its liver‐damaging properties.
Cladosporactone A, a Unique Polyketide with 7‐Methylisochromen‐3‐one Skeleton from the Deep‐Sea‐Derived Fungus Cladosporium cladosporioides
Authors: He Zhi‐Hui , Zhang Gang , Yan Qin‐Xiang , Zou Zhen‐Biao , Xiao Hong‐Xiu , Xie Chun‐Lan , Tang Xi‐Xiang , Luo Lian‐Zhong , Yang Xian‐Wen
Published: April 2020

A unique polyketide cladosporactone A along with eight known compounds were isolated from the deep‐sea‐derived Cladosporium cladosporioides. The structure of cladosporactone A was established by spectroscopic analyses, and the absolute configuration was clarified by the theoretical ECD calculation. Cladosporactone A is the first member of polyketide with the 7‐methylisochromen‐3‐one skeleton.
Perylene Diimide‐Based Conjugated Polymers for All‐Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Shi Qinqin , Wu Jianfei , Wu Xiaoxi , Peng Aidong , Huang Hui
Published: April 2020

In recent decades, non‐fullerene acceptors (NFAs) are undergoing rapid development and emerging as a hot area in the field of organic solar cells. Among the high‐performance non‐fullerene acceptors, aromatic diimide‐based electron acceptors remain to be highly promising systems. This review discusses the important progress of perylene diimide (PDI)‐based polymers as non‐fullerene acceptors in all‐polymer solar cells (all‐PSCs) since 2014. The relationship between structure and property, matching aspects between donors and acceptors, and device fabrications are unveiled from a synthetic chemist perspective.
In Situ Study on Ni–Mo Stability in a Water‐Splitting Device: Effect of Catalyst Substrate and Electric Potential
Authors: Wijten Jochem H. J. , Mandemaker Laurens D. B. , van Eeden Tess C. , Dubbeld Jeroen E. , Weckhuysen Bert M.
Published: April 2020

Nickel–molybdenum (Ni–Mo) alloys are well studied as highly effective electrocatalyst cathodes for water splitting. Understanding deactivation pathways is a key to improving the performance of these catalysts. In this study, in situ characterization by UV/Vis spectroscopy and AFM of the morphology and Mo leaching of an Ni–Mo electrocatalyst was performed with the goal of understanding the stability and related Mo leaching mechanism. Switching the potential towards higher overpotentials results in a nonlinear change in Mo leaching. Multiple processes are proposed to take place, such as a decrease in the extent of Mo oxidation at the cathode induced by more strongly reducing potentials, while simultaneously the increase in the local pH at the cathode due to the hydrogen evolution reaction causes more Mo leaching. The change in capacitance of these materials depends strongly on the change in surface composition and not only on the surface area. In situ UV/Vis spectroscopy showed that Mo leaching is a continuous process over the course of 4 h of operation. Finally, the material was deposited on different substrates and the effect on Ni–Mo stability was studied. The substrate has a significant, albeit complex, influence on the stability and activity of Ni–Mo cathodes. In terms of stability in 1 m KOH, Ni–Mo was found to be best deposited on stainless steel substrates operated at low overpotentials, on which it showed nearly no change in capacitance and exhibited low Mo leaching.
Strain Dependence of Metal Anode Surface Properties
Authors: Stottmeister Daniel , Groß Axel
Published: April 2020

Dendrite growth poses a significant problem in the design of modern batteries as it can lead to capacity loss and short‐circuiting. Recently, it has been proposed that self‐diffusion barriers might be used as a descriptor for the occurrence of dendrite growth in batteries. As surface strain effects can modify dendritic growth, we present first‐principles DFT calculations of the dependence of metal self‐diffusion barriers on applied surface strain for a number of metals that are used as charge carriers in batteries. Overall, we find a rather small strain dependence of the barriers. We mainly attribute this to cancellation effects in the strain dependence of the initial and the transition states in diffusion.
Risk of heart failure in type 2 diabetes complicated by incident ischaemic heart disease and end‐stage renal disease
Authors: Malik Mariam E. , Madelaire Christian , D'Souza Maria , Blanche Paul , Kristensen Søren L. , Kistorp Caroline , Gustafsson Finn , Køber Lars , Rørth Rasmus , McMurray John , Sattar Naveed , Gislason Gunnar , Torp‐Pedersen Christian , Schou Morten
Published: April 2020

Aims

To evaluate the risk of heart failure (HF) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) complicated by development of intercurrent ischaemic heart disease (IHD), end‐stage renal disease (ESRD), or both, compared to patients with T2D and no IHD and
ESRD.

Methods and results

From Danish nationwide registries, we identified all patients with new‐onset T2D with no history of HF between 1998 and 2015. Landmark analyses were used to estimate the 5‐year absolute risk of HF at several follow‐up times, and accounted for the occurrence of IHD and ESRD, identified before HF. The Aalen–Johansen estimator was used to account for censoring and the competing risk of death. A total of 285 024 patients with new‐onset T2D were included. During follow‐up, 19 960 developed incident HF. Among patients with T2D free of HF 5 years after T2D diagnosis, patients without IHD and ESRD had the lowest 5‐year risk of HF [4.02%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.90–4.15), those with T2D complicated by IHD [11.51%; relative risk (RR) 2.86; 95% CI 2.72–3.02; P < 0.001] or ESRD (8.11%; RR 2.02; 95% CI 1.39–2.93; P < 0.001) an intermediate risk, and those with both IHD and ESRD (19.76%; RR 4.92; 95% CI 3.43–7.05; P < 0.001) the highest
risk.

Conclusion

Patients with T2D complicated by development of intercurrent IHD, ESRD, or both, showed a significantly higher risk of HF compared to those who did not develop IHD and ESRD. An effective way to delay or prevent the development of HF in patients with T2D may be to prevent IHD and
ESRD.
Phosphanyl‐Substituted Siloles: Synthesis, Optical and Electrochemical Studies and Computations
Authors: Mokrai Réka , Holczbauer Tamás , Fekete Csaba , Volk Balázs , Dorcet Vincent , Bouit Pierre‐Antoine , Nyulászi László , Hissler Muriel , Kovács Ilona , Benkő Zoltán
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we report the synthesis and characterization of a series of phosphanyl‐substituted siloles. The chemical modification (oxidation, sulfurization, alkylation and complexation) results in a change in the energy levels of frontier orbitals, which has been studied by UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy and electrochemistry. Significantly, despite their high “s” character the phosphorus lone pairs of the 2,5‐bisphosphanylsilole can combine with the π‐system of the silole core resulting in a somewhat destabilized HOMO. The structural aspects of these new siloles have been investigated employing single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and DFT calculations.
Arylboronic Acids and their Myriad of Applications Beyond Organic Synthesis
Authors: Hiller Noemi de Jesus , do Amaral e Silva Nayane Abreu , Tavares Thais Apolinário , Faria Robson Xavier , Eberlin Marcos Nogueira , de Luna Martins Daniela
Published: April 2020

Boron organometallic compounds are mainly known for their great value in organic synthesis to construct biaryls in Suzuki couplings, for arylations of olefins, for C–S, C–O, and C–N couplings or as organometallic catalysts. Herein, using arylboronic acids (Ar‐B(OH)2) as a illustrative case, we review the applications of these highly versatile molecules which expands much beyond their commonly perceived uses. Seeing primarily as “mere” intermediates in organic synthesis and organometallic catalysis, this review shows many examples of their uses in other areas of chemistry and seeks therefore to contribute to awaken scientists to the wide range of new possibilities that have been opened to boronorganic compounds, which have acted indeed as very versatile and attractive chemicals with much desirable characteristics such as safety, stability, and chemical diversity. Because the chemistry of boronic acids is extremely wide, we focused on arylboronic acids, which represent an illustrative case since their properties can be modulated by the nature of the ring or the ring substituents. Illustrative applications in analytical chemistry such as in chromatography and electrophoresis, as well as in probes to detect and quantify a variety of different chemical species and as derivatizing agents to determine enantiomeric excess in nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy are also given. Applications of arylboronic acids in areas as diverse as the chemistry of new materials to develop supramolecular architectures and in medical chemistry, including diagnostics, neutron capture therapy and as pharmaceutical drugs are also reviewed.
Adaptive numerical modeling using the hierarchical Fup basis functions and control volume isogeometric analysis
Authors: Kamber Grgo , Gotovac Hrvoje , Kozulić Vedrana , Malenica Luka , Gotovac Blaž
Published: April 2020

A novel adaptive algorithm that is based on new hierarchical Fup (HF) basis functions and a control volume formulation is presented. Because of its similarity to the concept of isogeometric analysis (IGA), we refer to it as control volume isogeometric analysis (CV‐IGA). Among other interesting properties, the IGA introduced k‐refinement as advanced version of hp‐refinement, where every basis function of the nth order from one resolution level are replaced by a linear combination of more basis functions of the n+1th order at the next resolution level. However, k‐refinement can be performed only on whole domain, while local adaptive k‐refinement is not possible with classical B‐spline basis functions. HF basis functions (infinitely differentiable splines) satisfy partition of unity, and they are linearly independent and locally refinable. Their main feature is execution of the adaptive local hp‐refinement because any basis function of the nth order from one resolution level can be replaced by a linear combination of more basis functions of the n+1th order at the next resolution level providing spectral convergence order. The comparison between uniform vs hierarchical adaptive solutions is demonstrated, and it is shown that our adaptive algorithm returns the desired accuracy while strongly improving the efficiency and controlling the numerical error. In addition to the adaptive methodology, a stabilization procedure is applied for advection‐dominated problems whose numerical solutions “suffer” from spurious oscillations. Stabilization is added only on lower resolution levels, while higher resolution levels ensure an accurate solution and produce a higher convergence order. Since the focus of this article is on developing HF basis functions and adaptive CV‐IGA, verification is performed on the stationary one‐dimensional boundary value problems.
A third‐order compact nonlinear scheme for compressible flow simulations
Authors: Tian Zhuangzhuang , Wang Guangxue , Zhang Fan , Zhang Huaibao
Published: April 2020

Reynolds‐averaged Navier‐Stokes simulations based on second‐order numerical methods are widely used by commercial codes and work as dominating tools for most industrial applications. They, however, suffer from limitations in accurate and reliable predictions of skin‐friction drag and aerodynamic heating, as well as in simulations of complex flows such as large‐scale separation and transition. A remedy for this is the development of high‐order schemes, by which numerically induced dissipation and dispersion errors of low‐order schemes can be effectively reduced. Weighted compact nonlinear schemes (WCNSs) are a family of high‐resolution nonlinear shock‐capturing methods. A stencil‐selection procedure is introduced in the proposed work with an aim to improve the nonlinear weight of the third‐order WCNS. By using the approximate dispersion relation analysis, it is demonstrated that the new scheme has reduced dissipation and dispersion errors, compared with WCNSs using two typical nonlinear weights. Improvements are also achieved by the new scheme in numerical tests such as the double Mach reflection problem and the Rayleigh‐Taylor instability simulation, which are characterized by strong shock discontinuities and rich small scales, respectively. The new scheme is therefore highly favored in the simulation of flow problems involving strong discontinuities and multiscales phenomena.
Quasigroups constructed from perfect Mendelsohn designs with block size 4
Authors: Griggs Terry S. , Drápal Aleš , Kozlik Andrew R.
Published: April 2020

Several varieties of quasigroups obtained from perfect Mendelsohn designs with block size 4 are defined. One of these is obtained from the so‐called directed standard construction and satisfies the law and another satisfies Stein's third law . Such quasigroups which satisfy the flexible law are investigated and characterized. Quasigroups which satisfy both of the laws and are shown to exist. Enumeration results for perfect Mendelsohn designs PMD(9, 4) and PMD(12, 4) as well as for (nonperfect) Mendelsohn designs MD(8, 4) are given.
Pre‐genetics clinic resource evaluation for adults with intellectual disability: The pre‐genetics clinic aid
Authors: Kotwal Huafrin , Fleming Jane , Barlow‐Stewart Kristine , Boyle Jackie , Silberbauer Letitia , Leffler Melanie , Murray Lucinda , Palmer Elizabeth E.
Published: April 2020

People with intellectual disability (PWID) consistently identify the importance of health service information that is accessible and relevant. Resources tailored to the information and support needs of PWID can facilitate inclusivity in their health care (including access to genomic medicine) and improve healthcare outcomes. Despite the fact that PWID are commonly referred to genetics services, there is a lack of appropriate resources to help them prepare for their appointments. We therefore aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a booklet for PWID to read with their carers prior to their genetics appointment, to help them prepare for what they may experience. With input from Easy to Read experts and PWID who were members of the New South Wales (NSW) Council for Intellectual Disability, the information booklet ‘Getting ready for your visit to the genetics clinic’ was produced. Australian healthcare professionals (HCP) familiar with clinical genetics services were invited to complete an anonymous online survey designed to assess perceived relevance, readability, and utility of the resource. Recruitment of HCPs was pursued via affiliated clinical services and email distribution through clinical genetics organizations. Sixty‐six HCPs completed and submitted the survey. The results demonstrated that HCPs believed the booklet represented a typical clinical genetics service appointment and that the majority would provide a copy of the resource to clients and their carers. They reported that the booklet was easy to understand and entailed appropriate content and images which were presented clearly and simply. Some minor modifications were recommended and incorporated into the resource. A model of customizable booklets such as this could be transferrable across clinical genetics services and guide development of other resources for PWID. This may help to reduce healthcare disparities, improve client satisfaction, and facilitate involvement of PWID in their own healthcare decisions.
Serological screening for celiac disease in adults in Japan: Shimane CoHRE study
Authors: Fukunaga Mai , Ishimura Norihisa , Abe Takafumi , Takeda Miwako , Isomura Minoru , Kinoshita Yoshikazu , Ishihara Shunji
Published: April 2020

Background and Aim

Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic autoimmune enteropathy triggered by ingested gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. Although common in Europe and the United States, cases of CD are rarely encountered in East Asia, including Japan, and its prevalence remains to be fully evaluated in a large‐scale study. We previously investigated the presence of CD in adults in Japan, which revealed a low prevalence of 1 (0.05%) of 2008 nonclinical subjects, while 1 (2.1%) of 47 symptomatic patients was diagnosed based on serology and duodenal histopathology results. To confirm those results, we conducted an additional retrospective serological screening study of adults in Japan.

Methods

Serum samples were collected from 2055 adults who underwent a health examination in four local areas of Shimane prefecture in Japan from July 2008 to August 2013. As a screening test for CD, the antitissue transglutaminase IgA antibody (TTG) titer was determined in all subjects, and a value greater than 10 U/mL was considered to be evidence of CD.

Results

Of the 2055 subjects, 4 (0.19%) showed a high concentration of TTG. Although two of the four who were seropositive had died at the time of this retrospective study, none reported prominent digestive symptoms such as diarrhea or weight loss in a follow‐up survey.

Conclusions

Among a general population in Japan, a positive rate of serological tests for CD was noted in 0.19%, indicating quite a low presence, consistent with our previous results.
Zinc finger protein 750(ZNF750), negatively regulated by miR‐17‐5p, inhibits proliferation, motility and invasion of colonic cancer cells
Authors: Qu Jie , Zhang Xiuqin , Lv Xiying
Published: April 2020

Background

The present study aimed to investigate the expression, function and clinical implication of zinc finger protein 750 (ZNF750) in colonic cancer and explore the mechanism of its dysregulation.

Methods

The expression of ZNF750 in 76 pairs of colonic cancer tissues was determined using immunohistochemistry. The expression of ZNF750 in colonic cancer cells was detected using western blotting. The correlation between the expression level of ZNF750 and clinicopathological parameters in patients with colonic cancer was analyzed using a chi‐squared test. CCK‐8 and colony formation assays were used to monitor cell proliferation. Additionally, flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis of cells; scratch healing and Transwell assays were conducted to evaluate the migration and invasion of cells. Ultimately, the binding relationship between miR‐17‐5p and ZNF750 was validated using western blotting, a real‐time polymerase chaub reaction and a dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay.

Results

The expression level of ZNF750 in colonic cancer tissues, as well as colonic cancer cell lines, was significantly down‐regulated. Low expression of ZNF750 was associated with larger tumor size and poor tumor differentiation. The over‐expression of ZNF750 inhibited the proliferation, motility and invasion but promoted the apoptosis of colonic cancer cells. After the cells were transfected with miR‐17‐5p mimics, the expression of ZNF750 at both mRNA and protein levels was markedly decreased, whereas the expression of ZNF750 was markedly increased after transfection of miR‐17‐5p inhibitors. MiR‐17‐5p could suppresses the malignant biological behaviors via negatively regulating ZNF750.

Conclusions

ZNF750 is negatively regulated by miR‐17‐5p and inhibits the progression of colonic cancer.
Energy‐dependent normal and unusually large inverse chlorine kinetic isotope effects of simple chlorohydrocarbons in collision‐induced dissociation by gas chromatography‐electron ionization‐tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Tang Caiming , Tan Jianhua , Zhang Peilin , Fan Yujuan , Yu Zhiqiang , Peng Xianzhi
Published: April 2020

Kinetic isotope effects (KIEs) occurring in mass spectrometry (MS) can provide in‐depth insights into the fragmentation behaviors of compounds of interest in MS. Yet, the fundamentals of KIEs in collision‐induced dissociation (CID) in tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) are unclear, and information about chlorine KIEs (Cl‐KIEs) of organochlorines in MS is particularly scarce. This study investigated the Cl‐KIEs of dichloromethane, trichloroethylene, and tetrachloroethylene during CID using gas chromatography‐electron ionization triple‐quadrupole MS/MS. Cl‐KIEs were evaluated with MS signal intensities. All the organochlorines presented large inverse Cl‐KIEs (<1, the departures of Cl‐KIEs from 1 denote the magnitudes of Cl‐KIEs), showing the largest magnitudes of 0.797, 0.910, and 0.892 at the highest collision energy (60 eV) for dichloromethane, trichloroethylene, and tetrachloroethylene, respectively. For dichloromethane, both intra‐ion and inter‐ion Cl‐KIEs were studied, within the ranges of 0.820–1.020 and 0.797–1.016, respectively, showing both normal and inverse Cl‐KIEs depending on collision energies. The observed Cl‐KIEs generally declined from large normal to extremely large inverse values with increasing collision energies from 0 to 60 eV but were inferred to be independent of MS signal intensities. The Cl‐KIEs are dominated by critical energies at low internal energies of precursor ions, resulting in normal Cl‐KIEs; while at high internal energies, the Cl‐KIEs are controlled by rotational barriers (or looseness/tightness of transition states), which lead to isotope‐competitive reactions in dechlorination and thereby inverse Cl‐KIEs. It is concluded that the Cl‐KIEs may depend on critical energies, bond strengths, available internal energies, and transition state looseness/tightness. The findings of this study yield new insights into the fundamentals of Cl‐KIEs of organochlorines during CID and may be conducive to elucidating the underlying mechanisms of KIEs in collision‐induced and photo‐induced reactions in the actual world.
Impact of the September Silk Road Pattern on the South China Sea summer monsoon withdrawal
Authors: Hu Peng , Chen Wen , Chen Shangfeng , Liu Yuyun , Wang Lin , Huang Ruping
Published: April 2020

The Silk Road Pattern (SRP) is the dominant teleconnection in the upper troposphere and is closely linked to the Asian summer monsoon in both India and subtropical East Asia. This study reveals a close interannual relationship between the SRP in September and the South China Sea (SCS) summer monsoon (SCSSM) withdrawal. During positive phases of the September SRP (characterized by negative geopotential height anomalies over eastern Europe and central China and positive geopotential height anomalies over western Europe, western and central Asia, and Northeast Asia), withdrawal of the SCSSM tends to be later than normal. The September SRP could impact the SCSSM withdrawal via modulating atmospheric circulation anomalies over the SCS. In particular, the notable low‐level cyclonic anomaly over central China related to the positive phase of the September SRP induces significant southwesterly wind anomalies over the northern SCS, which favour a late withdrawal of the SCSSM. This study suggests that besides the tropical factors that have been identified by previous studies, the climate systems over mid‐latitudes may also play an important role in contributing to interannual variability of the SCSSM withdrawal.
Precipitation trends in the island of Ireland using a dense, homogenized, observational dataset
Authors: Domonkos Peter , Coll John , Guijarro José , Curley Mary , Rustemeier Elke , Aguilar Enric , Walsh Séamus , Sweeney John
Published: April 2020

A dense monthly precipitation dataset of Ireland and Northern Ireland was homogenized with several modern homogenization methods. The efficiency of these homogenizations was tested by examining the similarity of homogenization results both in the real data homogenization and in the homogenization of a simulated dataset. The analysis of homogenization results shows that the real dataset is characterized by a large number of, but mostly small, non‐climatic biases, and a moderate reduction of such biases can be achieved with homogenization. Finally, a combination of the ACMANT and Climatol homogenization results was applied to improve the data accuracy before the trend calculations. These two methods were selected for their proven high accuracy, missing data tolerance and ability to complete time series via the infilling of missing values before the trend calculations. Metadata were used within the Climatol method. To facilitate this analysis the study area was split into smaller climatic regions by using the Ward clustering method. Five climatic zones consistent with the known spatial patterns of precipitation in Ireland were established. Linear regression fitting and the Mann‐Kendall test were applied. Low frequency fluctuations were also examined by applying a Gaussian filter. The results show that the precipitation amount generally increases in the study area, particularly in the northwestern region. The most significant increasing trends for the whole study period (1941–2010) are found for late winter and spring precipitation, as well as for the annual totals. In the period from the early 1970s the increase of precipitation is general in all seasons of the year except in winter, but the statistical significance of this increase is weak.
Sr isotope composition of Golden Delicious apples in Northern Italy reflects the soil 87Sr/86Sr ratio of the cultivation area
Authors: Aguzzoni Agnese , Bassi Michele , Pignotti Emanuela , Robatscher Peter , Scandellari Francesca , Tirler Werner , Tagliavini Massimo
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

Apples have a leading role in the Italian fruit sector, and high‐quality apples, including the Golden Delicious variety, are cultivated mainly in the Northern mountain districts. In the present study, Golden Delicious apples from PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) cultivation districts were characterized according to their Sr isotope composition and compared with apples from other Northern Italian districts.

RESULTS

Apples collected in two consecutive years (2017 and 2018) confirmed the low annual variability of the 87Sr/86Sr ratio. The isotope ratio of apples was highly correlated with that of the soil extracts of the respective orchards. Statistical differences were highlighted between cultivation districts. However, because similar geological features characterized some areas, their ratios overlapped and a complete separation of the districts was not possible.

CONCLUSION

The 87Sr/86Sr ratio is an excellent marker for studies of food traceability because it retains the information about the place of origin. However, its strength is limited when comparing products from cultivation areas sharing similar geological features. In the perspective of geographical traceability, a multichemical characterization can overcome the limits of single‐parameter approach. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Identification of components and metabolites in plasma of type 2 diabetic rat after oral administration of Jiao‐Tai‐Wan using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Zhihui , Chen Jianhua , Gao Xing , Zhang Ting , Zheng Wei , Wei Guijie , Huang Yunfang , Qi Jing , Zhang Yujie , Ma Pengkai
Published: April 2020

Jiao‐Tai‐Wan, which is composed of Coptis Rhizoma and Cinnamon Cortex, has been recently used to treat type 2 diabetes. Owing to lack of data on its prototypes and metabolites, elucidation of the pharmacological and clinically safe levels of this formula has been significantly hindered. To screen more potential bioactive components of Jiao‐Tai‐Wan, we identified its multiple prototypes and metabolites in the plasma of type 2 diabetic rats by ultra high performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. A total of 47 compounds were identified in the plasma of type 2 diabetic rats, including 22 prototypes and 25 metabolites, with alkaloids constituting the majority of the absorbed prototype components. In addition, this is the first study to detect vanillic acid, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, protocatechuic acid, 2‐hydroxycinnamic acid, 3‐hydroxycinnamic acid, 4‐hydroxycinnamic acid, and 2‐methoxy cinnamic acid after oral administration of Jiao‐Tai‐Wan. The prototypes from Jiao‐Tai‐Wan were extensively metabolized by demethylation, hydroxylation, and reduction in phase Ⅰ metabolic reactions and by methylation or conjugation of glucuronide or sulfate in phase Ⅱ reactions. This is the first systematic study on the components and metabolic profiles of Jiao‐Tai‐Wan in vivo. This study provides a useful chemical basis for further pharmacological research and clinical application of Jiao‐Tai‐Wan.
The Role of Salvage Transplantation in Patients Initially Treated With Open Versus Minimally Invasive Liver Surgery: An Intention‐to‐Treat Analysis
Authors: Levi Sandri Giovanni B. , Lai Quirino , Ravaioli Matteo , Di Sandro Stefano , Balzano Emanuele , Pagano Duilio , Magistri Paolo , Di Benedetto Fabrizio , Rossi Massimo , Gruttadauria Salvatore , De Simone Paolo , Ettorre Giuseppe M. , De Carlis Luciano , Cescon Matteo , Colasanti Marco , Mennini Gianluca , Serenari Matteo , Ferla Fabio , Tincani Giovanni , Francesco Fabrizio Di , Guidetti Cristiano
Published: April 2020

Despite gaining wide consensus in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), minimally invasive liver surgery (MILS) has been poorly investigated for its role in the setting of salvage liver transplantation (SLT). A multicenter retrospective analysis was carried out in 6 Italian centers on 211 patients with HCC who were initially resected with open (n = 167) versus MILS (n = 44) and eventually wait‐listed for SLT. The secondary endpoint was identification of risk factors for posttransplant death and tumor recurrence. The enrolled patients included 211 HCC patients resected with open surgery (n = 167) versus MILS (n = 44) and wait‐listed for SLT between January 2007 and December 2017. We analyzed the intention‐to‐treat survival of these patients. MILS was the most important protective factor for the composite risk of delisting, posttransplant patient death, and HCC recurrence (OR, 0.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.11‐0.63; P = 0.003). MILS was also the only independent protective factor for the risk of post‐SLT patient death (OR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.09‐0.93; P = 0.04). After propensity score matching, MILS was the only independent protective factor against the risk of delisting, posttransplant death, and HCC recurrence (OR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.07‐0.75; P = 0.02). On the basis of the current analysis, MILS seems protective over open surgery for the risk of delisting, posttransplant patient death, and tumor recurrence. Larger prospective studies balancing liver function and tumor stage are strongly favored to better clarify the beneficial effect of MILS for HCC patients eventually referred to SLT.