bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved functional properties of meat analogs by laccase catalyzed protein and pectin crosslinks
Authors: Sakai Kiyota , Sato Yukihide , Okada Masamichi , Yamaguchi Shotaro
Published: August 2021

The gap between the current supply and future demand of meat has increased the need to produce plant-based meat analogs. Methylcellulose (MC) is used in most commercial products. Consumers and manufacturers require the development of other novel binding systems, as MC is not chemical-free. We aimed to develop a novel chemical-free binding system for meat analogs. First, we found that laccase (LC) synergistically crosslinks proteins and sugar beet pectin (SBP). To investigate the ability of these SBP-protein crosslinks, textured vegetable protein (TVP) was used. The presence of LC and SBP improved the moldability and binding ability of patties, regardless of the type, shape, and size of TVPs. The hardness of LC-treated patties with SBP reached 32.2 N, which was 1.7- and 7.9-fold higher than that of patties with MC and transglutaminase-treated patties. Additionally, the cooking loss and water/oil-holding capacity of LC-treated patties with SBP improved by up to 8.9–9.4% and 5.8–11.3%, compared with patties with MC. Moreover, after gastrointestinal digestion, free amino nitrogen released from LC-treated patties with SBP was 2.3-fold higher than that released from patties with MC. This is the first study to report protein-SBP crosslinks by LC as chemical-free novel binding systems for meat analogs.
Efficacy and safety of primary, early and late needle-knife fistulotomy for biliary access
Authors: Canena Jorge , Lopes Luís , Fernandes João , Alexandrino Gonçalo , Figueiredo Luísa , Moreira Marta , Araújo Tarcísio , Lourenço Luís , Horta David , Familiari Pietro , Dinis-Ribeiro Mário
Published: August 2021

European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy recommends needle-knife fistulotomy (NKF) as the preferred precut technique. However, there is little information on whether NKF performed at different times is associated with different success and adverse event rates. We compared the outcomes of 3 different timings of NKF. This was an observational study conducted at 4 institutions and this was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. We included 330 consecutive patients submitted to NKF attempt for biliary access. Patients were divided into three groups: NKF as an initial procedure for biliary access (group A, n = 121); early NKF defined as after 5 min, 5 attempts, or 2 pancreatic passages (group B, n = 99); and late NKF: after at least 10 min of unsuccessful standard biliary cannulation (group C, n = 110). We assessed the success rate of biliary cannulation at initial ERCP, time to perform NKF until biliary cannulation, overall biliary cannulation rate (second ERCP when initial failure), adverse event rate, and predictors of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). The initial cannulation rate was 98%, 91% and 94% for groups A, B and C respectively, p = 0.08, whereas overall biliary cannulation rate was 100%, 95% and 98%, p = 0.115. The adverse event rate/PEP was 4.1%/2.5%, 7.1%/4% and 10.9%/8.2%, for groups A, B and C respectively, (p = 0.197 and p = 0.190). Median time for creating the fistula was A = 4.0 min, B = 3.2 min, and C = 5.6 min, p < 000.1. Each additional minute spent attempting cannulation increased the odds ratio (OR) for PEP by 1.072, and patients with 3 or more risk factors for pancreatitis had a higher chance of PEP. In conclusion, the timing of NFK does not appear to influence success rates but late NFK is associated with a higher time to create a fistula and an increased risk of pancreatitis. Primary NFK is associated with a high rate of success and a low rate of PEP and deserves additional investigation.
Cholinesterase activity in serum during general anesthesia in patients with or without vascular disease
Authors: Brzezinski-Sinai Yitzhak , Zwang Ester , Plotnikova Elena , Halizov Ester , Shapira Itzhak , Zeltser David , Rogowski Ori , Berliner Shlomo , Matot Idit , Shenhar-Tsarfaty Shani
Published: August 2021

Maintaining hemodynamic stability during the induction and maintenance of anesthesia is one of the challenges of the anesthesiologist. Patients with vascular disease are at increased risk of instability due to imbalance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic parts of the autonomic nervous system, a balance accessible by serum cholinesterase activity. We aim to characterize the dynamics of cholinesterase activity in patients undergoing general anesthesia (GA) and surgery. This was a prospective study of 57 patients undergoing ambulatory or vascular surgery under GA. Cholinesterase activity was measured before the induction of anesthesia, after 15 min and at the end of surgery by calculating the capacity of serum acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase to hydrolyze AcetylThioCholine. Data on atherosclerotic disease, anesthesia management were analyzed. Both AChE and total cholinergic status (CS) decreased significantly after GA induction at 15 min and even more so by the end of surgery. Vascular surgery patients had lower baseline cholinesterase activity compared to ambulatory surgery patients. Patients requiring intraoperative administration of phenylephrine for hemodynamic support (21.1%) had a significantly lower level of AChE and CS compared to untreated patients. Our findings serve as a mirror to the sympathetic/parasympathetic imbalance during GA, with a marked decrease in the parasympathetic tone. The data of a subgroup analysis show a correlation between low cholinesterase activity and an increase in the need for hemodynamic support.
Determination of the electronic transport in type separated carbon nanotubes thin films doped with gold nanocrystals
Authors: Świniarski M. , Dużyńska A. , Gertych A. P. , Czerniak-Łosiewicz K. , Judek J. , Zdrojek M.
Published: August 2021

We report a systematic theoretical and experimental investigation on the electronic transport evolution in metallic and semiconducting carbon nanotubes thin films enriched by gold nanocrystals. We used an ultra-clean production method of both types of single-walled carbon nanotube thin films with/without gold nanocrystals, which were uniformly dispersed in the whole volume of the thin films, causing a modification of the doping level of the films (verified by Raman spectroscopy). We propose a modification of the electronic transport model with the additional high-temperature features that allow us to interpret the transport within a broader temperature range and that are related to the conductivity type of carbon nanotubes. Moreover, we demonstrate, that the proposed model is also working for thin films with the addition of gold nanocrystals, and only a change of the conductivity level of our samples is observed caused by modification of potential barriers between carbon nanotubes. We also find unusual behavior of doped metallic carbon nanotube thin film, which lowers its conductivity due to doping.
Clinical, genetic and pharmacological data support targeting the MEK5/ERK5 module in lung cancer
Authors: Sánchez-Fdez Adrián , Re-Louhau María Florencia , Rodríguez-Núñez Pablo , Ludeña Dolores , Matilla-Almazán Sofía , Pandiella Atanasio , Esparís-Ogando Azucena
Published: August 2021

Despite advances in its treatment, lung cancer still represents the most common and lethal tumor. Because of that, efforts to decipher the pathophysiological actors that may promote lung tumor generation/progression are being made, with the final aim of establishing new therapeutic options. Using a transgenic mouse model, we formerly demonstrated that the sole activation of the MEK5/ERK5 MAPK route had a pathophysiological role in the onset of lung adenocarcinomas. Given the prevalence of that disease and its frequent dismal prognosis, our findings opened the possibility of targeting the MEK5/ERK5 route with therapeutic purposes. Here we have explored such possibility. We found that increased levels of MEK5/ERK5 correlated with poor patient prognosis in lung cancer. Moreover, using genetic as well as pharmacological tools, we show that targeting the MEK5/ERK5 route is therapeutically effective in lung cancer. Not only genetic disruption of ERK5 by CRISPR/Cas9 caused a relevant inhibition of tumor growth in vitro and in vivo; such ERK5 deficit augmented the antitumoral effect of agents normally used in the lung cancer clinic. The clinical correlation studies together with the pharmacological and genetic results establish the basis for considering the targeting of the MEK5/ERK5 route in the therapy for lung cancer.
Ammonia-fed reversible protonic ceramic fuel cells with Ru-based catalyst
Authors: Zhu Liangzhu , Cadigan Chris , Duan Chuancheng , Huang Jake , Bian Liuzhen , Le Long , Hernandez Carolina H. , Avance Victoria , O’Hayre Ryan , Sullivan Neal P.
Published: August 2021

The intermediate operating temperatures (~400–600 °C) of reversible protonic ceramic fuel cells (RePCFC) permit the potential use of ammonia as a carbon-neutral high energy density fuel and energy storage medium. Here we show fabrication of anode-supported RePCFC with an ultra-dense (~100%) and thin (4 μm) protonic ceramic electrolyte layer. When coupled to a novel Ru-(BaO)2(CaO)(Al2O3) (Ru-B2CA) reversible ammonia catalyst, maximum fuel-cell power generation reaches 877 mW cm−2 at 650 °C under ammonia fuel. We report relatively stable operation at 600 °C for up to 1250 h under ammonia fuel. In fuel production mode, ammonia rates exceed 1.2 × 10−8 NH3 mol cm−2 s−1at ambient pressure with H2 from electrolysis only, and 2.1 × 10−6 mol NH3 cm−2 s−1 at 12.5 bar with H2 from both electrolysis and simulated recycling gas.
Inside or out? Clonal thiotrophic symbiont populations occupy deep-sea mussel bacteriocytes with pathways connecting to the external environment
Authors: Ikuta Tetsuro , Amari Yuka , Tame Akihiro , Takaki Yoshihiro , Tsuda Miwako , Iizuka Ryo , Funatsu Takashi , Yoshida Takao
Published: August 2021

Deep-sea Bathymodiolus mussels are generally thought to harbour chemosynthetic symbiotic bacteria in gill epithelial cells called bacteriocytes. However, previously observed openings at the apical surface of bacteriocytes have not been conclusively explained and investigated as to whether the Bathymodiolus symbiosis is intracellular or extracellular. In this study, we show that almost all the membranous chambers encompassing symbionts in a single bacteriocyte of Bathymodiolus septemdierum are interconnected and have pathways connecting to the external environment. Furthermore, the symbiont population colonising a single bacteriocyte is mostly clonal. This study hypothesises on a novel model of cellular localization at the interface between extra- and intracellular symbiosis, and the cellular-level process of symbiont acquisition in Bathymodiolus mussels.
A novel approach to detect barium in gunshot residue using a handheld device: a forensic application
Authors: Shrivastava Priya , Singh Bhanu Pratap , Jain Sanjay Kumar , Jain Vinod Kumar , Nagpal Suman
Published: August 2021

The aim of the study is to develop a handheld device based on the colorimetric detection of Ba2+metal in gunshot residue using gold nanoparticles capped with sodium malonate with great sensitivity and selectivity.
Dynamic analysis of Porphyromonas gingivalis invasion into blood capillaries during the infection process in host tissues using a vascularized three-dimensional human gingival model
Authors: Sasaki Naoko , Takeuchi Hiroki , Kitano Shiro , Irie Shinji , Amano Atsuo , Matsusaki Michiya
Published: August 2021

Reconstruction of a vascularized gingival 3D model which can be invaded by P. gingivalis through blood capillaries (HGF: human gingival fibroblast, HUVEC: human umbilical vein endothelial cell, IHGE cell: immortalized human gingival epithelial cell).
Facile synthesis of air-stable heterobimetallic osmium-silver hydride complexes
Authors: Zhou Haiyu , Bai Tongtong , Pan Yanlin , Wei Yongliang , Wang Tongdao
Published: August 2021

We have presented highly efficient approaches for the construction of neutral and air-stable heterobimetallic Os–Ag hydride complexes.
Dot-matrix-initiated molecularly imprinted nanocomposite membranes for selective recognition: a high-efficiency separation system with an anti-oil fouling layer
Authors: Gao Jia , Chen Li , Yan Yongsheng , Lu Jian , Xing Wendong , Dai Jiangdong , Meng Minjia , Wu Yilin
Published: August 2021

Dot-matrix-initiated molecularly-imprinted nanocomposite membranes with high selective separation ability and anti-oil fouling performance were first proposed and developed for the specific recognition and separation of paclitaxel.
Best Papers from 2020 published in the Environmental Science journals of the Royal Society of Chemistry
Authors: Novak Paige J. , McNeill Kristopher , Vikesland Peter J.
Published: August 2021

The Editors-in-Chief of the Environmental Science journals introduce the Best Papers of 2020.
The adsorption of phytate onto an Fe–Al–La trimetal composite adsorbent: kinetics, isotherms, mechanism and implication
Authors: Zhu Yuanrong , Liu Zhan , Luo Kun , Xie Fazhi , He Zhongqi , Liao Haiqing , Giesy John P.
Published: August 2021

Phytate is the most abundant organic phosphorus (P) in the environment and is also an important bioavailable P source for algal blooms in some lakes.
Comprehensive determination of the high-pressure structural behaviour of BaTiO3
Authors: Bull Craig L. , Ridley Christopher J. , Knight Kevin S. , Funnell Nicholas P. , Gibbs Alexandra S.
Published: August 2021

We have mapped the phase diagram of BaTiO3 more extensively than previous attempts using high-pressure neutron-powder diffraction.
Total synthesis of the pseudoindoxyl class of natural products
Authors: Dhote Pawan S. , Patel Pitambar , Vanka Kumar , Ramana Chepuri V.
Published: August 2021

In this review, we highlight the completed as well as the formal total synthesis of the spiro-pseudoindoxyl natural products, with a focus on methodologies developed for this key structural unit, challenges associated at the strategy level and the a future perspective.
Visible-light-promoted olefinic trifluoromethylation of enamides with CF3SO2Na
Authors: Tang Kai , Chen Yixuan , Guan Jianping , Wang Zhujun , Chen Kai , Xiang Haoyue , Yang Hua
Published: August 2021

A visible-light-promoted olefinic C–H trifluoromethylation of enamides was developed by employing cheap and stable Langlois’ reagent as the CF3 source, affording a series of β-CF3 enamides with high E-isomer selectivity.
Molecularly imprinted polymer coated Mn-doped ZnS quantum dots embedded in a metal–organic framework as a probe for selective room temperature phosphorescence detection of chlorpyrifos
Authors: Fan Mengxi , Gan Tingting , Yin Gaofang , Cheng Fangbeibei , Zhao Nanjing
Published: August 2021

As one of the most widely used organophosphorus pesticides, chlorpyrifos (CPF) is toxic to humans, and Mn:ZnS QDs@ZIF-8@MIP are prepared for the highly sensitive and selective detection of CPF.
An endogenous stimulus detonated nanocluster-bomb for contrast-enhanced cancer imaging and combination therapy
Authors: Sun Huanhuan , Ma Wenjie , Duan Shuangdi , Huang Jin , Jia Ruichen , Cheng Hong , Chen Biao , He Xiaoxiao , Wang Kemin
Published: August 2021

An in situ activable “nanocluster-bomb” detonated by endogenous overexpressing legumain is fabricated for contrast enhanced cancer imaging and effective gene/chemo-therapy.
Charged droplet-driven fast formation of nickel–iron (oxy)hydroxides with rich oxygen defects for boosting overall water splitting
Authors: Dong Jianing , Wang Yanjie , Jiang Qiaorong , Nan Zi-Ang , Fan Feng Ru , Tian Zhong-Qun
Published: August 2021

Charged droplets formed by electrospray can be used to accelerate the synthesis of NiFeOOH electrocatalysts with abundant oxygen vacancies, which show good catalytic activity for the HER, OER, and overall water splitting with long-term durability.
The fluorescence imaging and precise suppression of bacterial infections in chronic wounds by porphyrin-based metal–organic framework nanorods
Authors: Zhang Lihua , Ouyang Minzhi , Zhang Yufei , Zhang Leiyi , Huang Ziyun , He Libei , Lei Yanli , Zou Zhen , Feng Feng , Yang Ronghua
Published: August 2021

In this work, it achieved fluorescence imaging and precise suppression of bacterial infection with porphyrin-based metal-organic framework nanorod for chronic wounds.
Sculptured thin film vanadium dioxide thermochromic coatings grown by oblique angle deposition: investigation of transmittance response and modulation enhancement by experiment and theoretical modeling
Authors: Bhupathi Saranya , Abutoama Mohammad , Long Yi , Abdulhalim Ibrahim
Published: August 2021

Fabrication of STF VO2 by an industrially viable sputtering deposition following heat-treatment, and optical measurements for thermochromic smart window application.
Materials for molecular electronics and magnetism
Authors: Biscarini Fabio , Coronado Eugenio , Painelli Anna , Yamashita Masahiro
Published: August 2021

Fabio Biscarini, Eugenio Coronado, Anna Painelli and Masahiro Yamashita introduce the Journal of Materials Chemistry C themed issue on Materials for Molecular Electronics and Magnetism, in honour of Jaume Veciana and Concepció Rovira.
LncRNA SRA mediates cell migration, invasion, and progression of ovarian cancer via NOTCH signaling and epithelial–mesenchymal transition
Authors: Kim Lee Kyung , Park Sun-Ae , Yang Yoolhee , Kim Young Tae , Heo Tae-Hwe , Kim Hee Jung
Published: August 2021

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is a newly identified regulator of tumor formation and tumor progression. The function and expression of lncRNAs remain to be fully elucidated, but recent studies have begun to address their importance in human health and disease. The lncRNA, SRA, known as steroid receptor activator, acts as an important modulator of gynecological cancer, and its expression may affect biological functions including proliferation, apoptosis, steroid formation, and muscle development. However, it is still not well known whether SRA is involved in the regulation of ovarian cancer. The present study investigated the molecular function and association between SRA expression and clinicopathological factors. In ovarian cancer cell lines, SRA knockdown and overexpression regulated cell migration, proliferation, and invasion. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments using knockdown and overexpression showed that SRA potently regulated epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and NOTCH pathway components.

Further, clinical data confirmed that SRA was a significant predictor of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival and patients with ovarian cancer exhibiting high expression of SRA exhibited higher recurrence rates than patients with low SRA expression. In conclusion, the present study indicates that SRA has clinical significance as its expression can predict the prognosis of ovarian cancer patients. High expression of the lncRNA SRA is strongly correlated with recurrence-free survival of ovarian cancer patients.
Identification of a glycolysis-related lncRNA prognostic signature for clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Ma Wei , Zhong Manli , Liu Xiaowu
Published: August 2021

Background: The present study investigated the independent prognostic value of glycolysis-related long noncoding (lnc)RNAs in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC).

Methods: A coexpression analysis of glycolysis-related mRNAs–long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in ccRCC from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was carried out. Clinical samples were randomly divided into training and validation sets. Univariate Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analyses were performed to establish a glycolysis risk model with prognostic value for ccRCC, which was validated in the training and validation sets and in the whole cohort by Kaplan–Meier, univariate and multivariate Cox regression, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses. Principal component analysis (PCA) and functional annotation by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were performed to evaluate the risk model.

Results: We identified 297 glycolysis-associated lncRNAs in ccRCC; of these, 7 were found to have prognostic value in ccRCC patients by Kaplan–Meier, univariate and multivariate Cox regression, and ROC curve analyses. The results of the GSEA suggested a close association between the 7-lncRNA signature and glycolysis-related biological processes and pathways.

Conclusion: The seven identified glycolysis-related lncRNAs constitute an lncRNA signature with prognostic value for ccRCC and provide potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of ccRCC patients.
Eicosanoid receptors as therapeutic targets for asthma
Authors: Powell William S.
Published: August 2021

Eicosanoids comprise a group of oxidation products of arachidonic and 5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acids formed by oxygenases and downstream enzymes. The two major pathways for eicosanoid formation are initiated by the actions of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO), leading to leukotrienes (LTs) and 5-oxo-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-oxo-ETE), and cyclooxygenase (COX), leading to prostaglandins (PGs) and thromboxane (TX). A third group (specialized pro-resolving mediators; SPMs), including lipoxin A4 (LXA4) and resolvins (Rvs), are formed by the combined actions of different oxygenases. The actions of the above eicosanoids are mediated by approximately 20 G protein-coupled receptors, resulting in a variety of both detrimental and beneficial effects on airway smooth muscle and inflammatory cells that are strongly implicated in asthma pathophysiology. Drugs targeting proinflammatory eicosanoid receptors, including CysLT1, the receptor for LTD4 (montelukast) and TP, the receptor for TXA2 (seratrodast) are currently in use, whereas antagonists of a number of other receptors, including DP2 (PGD2), BLT1 (LTB4), and OXE (5-oxo-ETE) are under investigation. Agonists targeting anti-inflammatory/pro-resolving eicosanoid receptors such as EP2/4 (PGE2), IP (PGI2), ALX/FPR2 (LXA4), and Chemerin1 (RvE1/2) are also being examined. This review summarizes the contributions of eicosanoid receptors to the pathophysiology of asthma and the potential therapeutic benefits of drugs that target these receptors. Because of the multifactorial nature of asthma and the diverse pathways affected by eicosanoid receptors, it will be important to identify subgroups of asthmatics that are likely to respond to any given therapy.
Vocabulary Acquisition as a By-Product of Meaning-Oriented Auditory Training for Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Authors: Barcroft Joe , Grantham Heather , Mauzé Elizabeth , Spehar Brent , Sommers Mitchell S. , Spehar Colleen , Tye-Murray Nancy
Published: August 2021

Purpose

A meaning-oriented auditory training program for children who are deaf or hard of hearing (d/hh) was assessed with regard to its efficacy in promoting novel word learning.

Method

While administering the auditory training program, one of the authors (Elizabeth Mauzé) observed that children were learning words they previously did not know. Therefore, we systematically assessed vocabulary gains among 16 children. Most completed pretest, posttest, and retention versions of a picture-naming task in which they attempted to verbally identify 199 color pictures of words that would appear during training. Posttest and retention versions included both pictures used and not used during training in order to test generalization of associations between words and their referents. Importantly, each training session involved meaning-oriented, albeit simple, activities/games on a computer.

Results

At posttest, the percentage of word gain was 27.3% (
SD
= 12.5; confidence interval [CI] of the mean: 24.2–30.4) using trained pictures as cues and 25.9% (CI of the mean: 22.9–29.0) using untrained pictures as cues. An analysis of retention scores (for 13 of the participants who completed it weeks later) indicated strikingly high levels of retention for the words that had been learned.

Conclusions

These findings favor auditory training that is meaning oriented when it comes to the acquisition of different linguistic subsystems, lexis in this case. We also expand the discussion to include other evidence-based recommendations regarding how vocabulary is presented (input-based effects) and what learners are asked to do (task-based effects) as part of an overall effort to help children who are d/hh increase their vocabulary knowledge.
Real time path planning via alternating minimisation through image information
Authors: Chen Zheng , Zhang Minjie , Zhu Jiang , Zhu Shiqiang
Published: August 2021

Real time path planning from image information is of vital importance in the fields of robots as it has various applications in real time navigation, autonomous driving, robot arm manipulation and human robot cooperation and so on. To achieve this task, a two stage approach is proposed. At the first stage, a novel change point detection approach is proposed to process the image to extract the shape of the obstacles. At the second stage, several novel approximations are adopted to make the path planning problem tractable. Firstly, the irregular shapes of the obstacles in the environment are approximated as lines and circles, which simplify the distance constraint significantly. Secondly, the non‐convex path planning problem is iteratively decomposed as a sequence of subproblems and alternating minimisation method is proposed to efficiently solve the subproblem. To improve the quality of the solution, good initial points obtained by A* algorithm is provided. Both numerical experiments and real experiments are conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Development of a DSO support tool for congestion forecast
Authors: Srivastava Ankur , Steen David , Tuan Le Anh , Carlson Ola , Bouloumpasis Ioannis , Tran Quoc‐Tuan , Lemius Lucile
Published: August 2021

This paper presents a novel DSO support tool with visualisation capability for forecasting network congestion in distribution systems with a high level of renewables. To incorporate the uncertainties in the distribution systems, the probabilistic power flow framework has been utilised. An advanced photovoltaic production forecast based on sky images and a load forecast using an artificial neural network is used as the input to the tool. In addition, advanced load models and operating modes of photovoltaic inverters have been incorporated into the tool. The tool has been applied in case studies to perform congestion forecasts for two real distribution systems to validate its usability and scalability. The results from case studies demonstrated that the tool performs satisfactorily for both small and large networks and is able to visualise the cumulative probabilities of nodes voltage deviation and network components (branches and transformers) congestion for a variety of forecast horizons as desired by the DSO. The results have also shown that explicit inclusion of load‐voltage dependency models would improve the accuracy of the congestion forecast. For demonstrating the applicability of the tool, it has been integrated into an existing distribution management system via the IoT platform of a DMS vendor, Atos Worldgrid.
Ion-driven organic chemistry for Titan-like atmospheres: Implications for N-dominated super-Earth exoplanets
Authors: Bourgalais J. , Carrasco N. , Miguel Y. , Venot O. , Pernot P.
Published: August 2021

Context. Characterizing temperate (200–1000 K) super-Earth atmospheres is one of the future challenges in exoplanetary science. One of the major difficulties comes from the ubiquity of aerosols in these objects, which complicates the spectroscopic analyses. The knowledge gained on the Solar System is then crucial to better understand the chemical processes of exoplanet atmospheres.

Aims. This work focuses on the impact of ion chemistry on molecular diversity in a specific Titan-like exoplanet atmosphere that would be dominated by molecular nitrogen. On the largest satellite of Saturn, Titan, ion chemistry is a major component of molecular growth that forms precursors for the observed photochemical organic hazes.

Methods. Based on an experimental approach, we irradiated a gaseous mixture representative of a Titan-like atmosphere (N2-dominated with CH4) using an extreme-uv photon source (16.8 eV). Trace amounts of water vapor were added to the composition of the Titan-type gas mixture to simulate an exoplanet in the habitable zone.

Results. A wide variety of molecules and ions have been detected and they cannot all be identified based on our current knowledge of the organic chemistry of planetary atmospheres (mostly N- and C-based chemistry). The presence of even trace amounts of H2O significantly broadens the product distribution, and H3O+ is found to be the most abundant ion.

Conclusions. This work demonstrates the complexity of the chemistry within exoplanet atmospheres. Numerical models must consider oxygen chemistry and ion-molecule reactions in order to probe the habitability of a certain type of super-Earths. The abundance of H3O+ makes it a good candidate for future observations.
VALES
Authors: Couto Guilherme S. , Hughes Thomas M. , Boquien Médéric , Ibar Eduardo , Viaene Sébastien , Leiton Roger , Xue Yongquan
Published: August 2021

We characterize the ionized gas outflows in 15 low-redshift star-forming galaxies, a Valparaíso ALMA/APEX Line Emission Survey (VALES) subsample, using MUSE integral field spectroscopy and GAMA photometric broadband data. We measure the emission-line spectra by fitting a double-component profile, with the second and broader component related to the outflowing gas. This interpretation is in agreement with the correlation between the observed star-formation rate (SFR) surface density (ΣSFR) and the second-component velocity dispersion (σ2nd), expected when tracing the feedback component. By modeling the broadband spectra with spectral energy distribution fitting and obtaining the star-formation histories of the sample, we observe a small decrease in SFR between 100 and 10 Myr in galaxies when the outflow Hα luminosity contribution is increased, indicating that the feedback somewhat inhibits the star formation within these timescales. The observed emission-line ratios are best reproduced by photoionization models when compared to shock ionization, indicating that radiation from the young stellar population is dominant and seems to be a consequence of a continuous star-formation activity instead of a “bursty” event. The outflow properties, such as the mass outflow rate (∼0.1 M⊙ yr−1), the outflow kinetic power (∼5.2 × 10−4%Lbol), and the mass loading factor (∼0.12), point toward a scenario where the measured feedback is not strong and has a low impact on the evolution of galaxies in general.
Synthesis and Reactivity of Electron-Deficient 3-Vinylchromones
Authors: Sosnovskikh Vyacheslav Y.
Published: August 2021

The reported methods and data for the synthesis and reactivity of electron-deficient 3-vinylchromones containing electron-withdrawing­ groups at the exo-cyclic double bond are summarized and systematized for the first time. The main methods for obtaining these compounds are Knoevenagel condensation, Wittig reaction, and palladium-catalyzed cross-couplings. The most important chemical properties are transformations under the action of mono- and dinucleophiles, ambiphilic cyclizations, and cycloaddition reactions. The cross-conjugated and polyelectrophilic dienone system in 3-vinylchromones provides their high reactivity and makes these compounds valuable building blocks for the preparation of more complex heterocyclic systems. Chemical transformations of 3-vinylchromones usually begin with an attack of the C-2 atom and are accompanied by the opening of the pyrone ring followed by recyclization, in which the carbonyl group of chromone, an exo-double bond or a substituent on it can take part. The mechanisms of the reactions are discussed, the conditions for their implementation are described, and the yields of the resulting products are given. This review focuses on an analysis and generalization of the knowledge that has accumulated on the chemistry of electron-deficient 3-vinylchromones, mostly over the past 15 years.

1 Introduction

2 Synthesis of 3-Vinylchromones

3 Reactions with Mononucleophiles

4 Reactions with Dinucleophiles

5 Ambiphilic Cyclization

6 Cycloaddition Reactions

7 Other Reactions

8 Conclusion
Refining the Rib-sparing Approach in Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction: Keys to Success
Authors: Hamilton Kristy , Zavlin Dmitry , Doval Andres F. , Spiegel Aldona J.
Published: August 2021

Background Free tissue transfer using microsurgical techniques is a popular option for breast reconstruction, and the internal mammary vessels remain the most popular recipient vessels for the anastomosis. Traditionally, ribs were resected for better access to these vessels in the intercostal space. However, rib resection has the potential for complications and adds a surgical step. Here, the authors evaluate and compare both techniques in a retrospective study as well as offer technical pearls.

Methods The 400 most recent consecutive patients who underwent microsurgical breast reconstruction by a single surgeon were retrospectively reviewed. 54 patients underwent the traditional rib-resecting approach. 346 patients underwent the rib-sparing approach, which was the preferred approach of the senior author, when possible. Patients requiring the rib-resecting approach were distributed evenly throughout the series. Primary outcomes were any immediate post-operative complications.

Results Between the two clinical groups, there was no difference between demographic or clinical details, the flap type, history of previous radiation, or timing of reconstruction. Complications of any kind as well as the subset of complications were significantly more frequent in the rib resection than in the rib-sparing group. Specifically, the rate of reanastomosis was higher in the rib resection group [10.6 vs 2.7%, p < 0.001] as was the frequency of return to the OR in the immediate post-operative setting [3.0 vs 0.3%, p < 0.001]. There is a 4.50 odds ratio of having a complication in a rib resection case versus rib sparing [CI: 1.97–10.30, p < 0.001]. All cases were initiated with the intent to perform a rib-sparing approach if possible, and they were converted to a rib-resection approach as needed.

Conclusion In the largest reported series to date, the rib-sparing approach is demonstrated to be both safe and efficacious in microsurgical breast reconstruction.
Evaluation of the Suprafascial Thin ALT Flap in Foot and Ankle Reconstruction
Authors: Thiele J.R. , Weiß J. , Braig D. , Zeller J. , Stark G.B. , Eisenhardt S.U.
Published: August 2021

Background Distal lower extremity reconstruction can be challenging in terms of flap design. Bulky flaps result in limited mobility accompanied with the need of customized footwear. Raising the ALT-flap in a superficial fascial plane (thin ALT-flap) can be beneficial. This study evaluates thin ALT-flaps for lower distal extremity reconstruction.

Methods In a retrospective study, patients that underwent microvascular extremity reconstruction at the level of the ankle and dorsal foot at the University of Freiburg from 2008–2018 were reviewed.

Results 95 patients could be included in the study (35 perforator flaps, 8 fascia flaps and 54 muscle flaps).

Among the perforator flaps, 21 ALT-flaps were elevated conventionally and 14 in the superficial fascial plane (thin ALT-flap). Among the conventional ALT-flaps, there was one flap loss (5%) and one successful revision (5%). 5(24%) flaps received secondary thinning. 57%(n = 12) were able to wear conventional footwear. There were 2(15%) successful revisions of thin ALT-flaps. 100% of thin ALT-flaps survived and 85%(n = 11) of the patients wore ordinary footwear after defect coverage.

Among fascial flaps, 50%(n = 4) had to be revised with 2(25%) complete and 1 (13%) partial flap loss. All patients achieved mobility in ordinary shoes (n = 8).

In muscle flaps, there were 7(13%) revisions and 5(9%) flap losses. 5(9%) flaps received secondary thinning. Only 33%(n = 18) were mobile in ordinary footwear.

Conclusion The thin ALT-flap is a save one-stage evolution for lower distal extremity reconstruction with a favorable flap survival rate. Compared with conventional ALT-flaps it might be beneficial in reducing the need for expensive custom fitted shoes and secondary thinning procedures.
Chest Physiotherapy for Mechanically Ventilated Children: A Systematic Review
Authors: Shkurka Emma , Wray Jo , Peters Mark , Shannon Harriet
Published: August 2021

The aim of this study was to appraise and summarize the effects of chest physiotherapy in mechanically ventilated children. A systematic review was completed by searching Medline, Embase, Cinahl Plus, PEDro, and Web of Science from inception to February 9, 2021. Studies investigating chest physiotherapy for mechanically ventilated children (0–18 years), in a pediatric intensive care unit were included. Chest physiotherapy was defined as any intervention performed by a qualified physiotherapist. Measurements of effectiveness and safety were included. Exclusion criteria included preterm infants, children requiring noninvasive ventilation, and those in a nonacute setting. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria: two randomized controlled trials, three randomized crossover trials, and eight observational studies. The Cochrane risk of bias and the Critical Appraisal Skills Program tools were used for quality assessment. Oxygen saturations decreased after physiotherapy involving manual hyperinflations (MHI) and chest wall vibrations (CWV). Although statistically significant, these results were not of clinical importance. In contrast, oxygen saturations improved after the expiratory flow increase technique; however, this was not clinically significant. An increase in expiratory tidal volume was demonstrated 30 minutes after MHI and CWV. There was no sustained change in tidal volume following a physiotherapy-led recruitment maneuver. Respiratory compliance and dead-space increased immediately after MHI and CWV. Atelectasis scores improved following intrapulmonary percussive ventilation, and MHI and CWV. Evidence to support chest physiotherapy in ventilated children remains inconclusive. There are few high-quality studies, with heterogeneity in interventions and populations. Future studies are required to investigate multiple physiotherapy interventions and the impact on long-term outcomes.
A Unique Case of Small Bowel Internal Hernia and Volvulus Caused by a Hamartoma
Authors: Khaled Charif , Akl Michel , Moussallem Toufic
Published: August 2021

This study depicts the case of a young female presenting with intestinal obstruction. Surgery uncovered a small bowel hamartoma that has caused a transmesenteric internal hernia and volvulus. As far as we know, this is unheard of before, as all three mentioned entities are very rare. The study also covers a literature review of cases of internal hernia with volvulus and stresses over the need for urgent diagnosis and management.
Development of an interface thickening method for the direct numerical simulation of compressible liquid–vapor flows in the framework of the second gradient theory
Authors: Nayigizente Davy , Ducruix Sébastien , Schmitt Thomas
Published: August 2021

This study presents a method to perform direct numerical simulation (DNS), in the sense of turbulence, of two-phase flows with interfaces. It is based on the compressible diffuse interface model introduced by the second gradient theory. This model assumes a continuous variation of the thermodynamic variables in the interface and add to their description a dependency on the density gradient. The interface widths as predicted by the model fall way below the typical relevant turbulent scales. We propose here a thermodynamically consistent method to thicken the interface in order to perform calculations on typical DNS meshes. The modified model has been integrated and validated on canonical configurations. It has then been applied to more complex cases such as colliding three-dimensional droplets and the breakup of two-dimensional liquid jets.
Performance and electron radiation damage of InAs/GaSb long-wave infrared detectors based on PπMN design
Authors: Wei Guoshuai , Hao Ruiting , Li Xiaoming , Wang Yunpeng , Fang Shuiliu , Guo Jie , Ma Xiaole , Ren Yang , Li Junbin , Kong JinCheng , Wang Guowei , Xu Yingqiang , Wu Donghai , Niu Zhichuan
Published: August 2021

We fabricated a high-performance InAs/GaSb type-II superlattice infrared detector. The tolerance of various sizes of detector irradiated with 1-MeV electrons was characterized. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) measurements demonstrated the high quality of the materials. The response spectrum had a 50% cutoff wavelength of 8.85 μm. Irradiation with 1-MeV electrons caused a significant increase in the dark current density from 2.54 × 10−3 to 2.58 × 10−1 A/cm2 at Vb = –0.03 V. The 1-MeV electron irradiation mainly caused displacements in the device, which had a significant impact on the generation-recombination dark current and surface leakage current.
Atomistic simulations of effects of Zr solute and loading mode on mechanical behavior of nanocrystalline Cu
Authors: Wu Cheng-Da , Li He-Xing
Published: August 2021

The effects of Zr solute and loading mode on the structure, mechanics, and mechanical properties of nanocrystalline (NC)-Cu are studied using molecular dynamics simulations. Doping Zr atoms into NC-Cu systems stabilizes grain boundaries, suppresses dislocation nucleation and propagation, and increases the elastic deformation phase during tensile, compressive, and shear deformation processes. The tensile and shear strengths of NC-Cu/Zr systems are maximum at Zr concentrations of 5% and 3%, respectively. Young's modulus and mechanical strength of NC-Cu/Zr systems under compression both decrease with increasing Zr concentration. Grain boundary sliding dominates shear deformation and induces dislocation activity.
A combined oscillation cycle involving self-excited thermo-acoustic and hydrodynamic instability mechanisms
Authors: Fredrich D. , Jones W. P. , Marquis A. J.
Published: August 2021

The paper examines the combined effects of several interacting thermo-acoustic and hydrodynamic instability mechanisms that are known to influence self-excited combustion instabilities often encountered in the late design stages of modern low-emission gas turbine combustors. A compressible large eddy simulation approach is presented, comprising the flame burning regime independent, modeled probability density function evolution equation/stochastic fields solution method. The approach is subsequently applied to the PRECCINSTA (PREDiction and Control of Combustion INSTAbilities) model combustor and successfully captures a fully self-excited limit-cycle oscillation without external forcing. The predicted frequency and amplitude of the dominant thermo-acoustic mode and its first harmonic are shown to be in excellent agreement with available experimental data. Analysis of the phase-resolved and phase-averaged fields leads to a detailed description of the superimposed mass flow rate and equivalence ratio fluctuations underlying the governing feedback loop. The prevailing thermo-acoustic cycle features regular flame liftoff and flashback events in combination with a flame angle oscillation, as well as multiple hydrodynamic phenomena, i.e., toroidal vortex shedding and a precessing vortex core. The periodic excitation and suppression of these hydrodynamic phenomena is confirmed via spectral proper orthogonal decomposition and found to be controlled by an oscillation of the instantaneous swirl number. Their local impact on the heat release rate, which is predominantly modulated by flame-vortex roll-up and enhanced mixing of fuel and oxidizer, is further described and investigated. Finally, the temporal relationship between the flame “surface area,” flame-averaged mixture fraction, and global heat release rate is shown to be directly correlated.
Will we ever wash our hands of lubrication theory?
Authors: Hammond Paul S.
Published: August 2021

Lubrication theory is used to investigate how weakly bound particles can be transported away from the vicinity of the wall when two spatially periodic rough surfaces are sheared relative to one another at constant velocity U while immersed in fluid. The aim is to model what could be an important process during decontamination of hands by washing and is motivated by Mittal et al. [“The flow physics of COVID-19,” J. Fluid Mech. 894, F2 (2020)] who remark “Amazingly, despite the 170+ year history of hand washing in medical hygiene, we were unable to find a single published research article on the flow physics of hand washing.” Under the assumption that the roughness wavelength 2π/k is large compared with the spacing of the surfaces, a, the lubrication approximation permits closed-form expressions to be found for the time-varying velocity components. These are used to track the motion of a particle that is initially trapped in a potential well close to one of the surfaces, and experiences a drag force proportional to the difference between its velocity and that of the surrounding fluid. Complications such as particle-wall hydrodynamic interactions, finite size effects, and Brownian motion are ignored for now. Unsurprisingly, particles remain trapped unless the flow driven by the wall motion is strong compared to the depth of the trapping potential well. Perhaps less obvious is that for many starting positions the process of escape to large distances from the wall takes place over a large number of periods 2π/kU, essentially because the no-slip boundary condition means that fluid velocities relative to the wall are small close to the wall, and thus the velocities of particles along or away from the wall are also small. With reasonable estimates for the various dimensional parameters, the escape times in these cases are found to be comparable in magnitude to the washing times recommended in hand washing guidelines.
Application of the dynamic mean field theory to fluid transport in slit pores
Authors: Yuan Tianmu , Farmahini Amir H. , Sarkisov Lev
Published: August 2021

We explore the applicability of the lattice model and dynamic mean field theory as a computationally efficient tool to study transport across heterogeneous porous media, such as mixed matrix membranes. As a starting point and to establish some basic definitions of properties analogous to those in the off-lattice systems, we consider transport across simple models of porous materials represented by a slit pore in a chemical potential gradient. Using this simple model, we investigate the distribution of density and flux under steady state conditions, define the permeability across the system, and explore how this property depends on the length of the pore and the solid–fluid interactions. Among other effects, we observe that the flux in the system goes through a maximum as the solid–fluid interaction is varied from weak to strong. This effect is dominated by the behavior of the fluid near the walls and is also confirmed by off-lattice molecular dynamics simulations. We further extend this study to explore transport across heterogeneous slit pore channels composed of two solids with different values of solid–fluid interaction strengths. We demonstrate that the lattice models and dynamic mean field theory provide a useful framework to pose questions on the accuracy and applicability of the classical theories of transport across heterogeneous porous systems.