bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Greener and practical synthesis of 4,4′‐(arylmethylene)bis(3‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐5‐ol)s through a conventional heating and a mechanochemical procedure
Authors: Khaligh Nader Ghaffari , Mihankhah Taraneh
Published: August 2020

A new catalytic application of 4,4′‐trimethylenedipiperidine for the efficient synthesis of 4,4′‐(arylmethylene)bis(3‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐5‐ol)s is developed. According to the principles of green chemistry, the reaction was performed by conventional and non‐conventional processes: (a) in the refluxing ethanol using a catalytic amount of organocatalyst; (b) at room temperature in the presence of organocatalyst in a planetary ball mill under solvent‐free conditions. The organocatalyst could be reused up to 10 runs, and a negligible reduction of catalytic activity was detected. A variety of substituted 4,4′‐(arylmethylene)bis(3‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐5‐ol)s were obtained in good–to‐excellent yields under eco‐friendly conditions. 4,4′‐Trimethylenedipiperidine is commercially available and easy to handle and storage, less toxic, non‐flammable, as well as it shows high thermal stability and good solubility in water. The current methodology has merits including (a) wide substrate‐scope and high yields of the desired products in the short reaction times, (b) avoiding the use of hazardous solvents and acidic and metal‐containing catalysts, (c) minimize the generation of hazardous waste, and (d) simple workup process. Based on great potential as a promising organocatalyst, we hope it can be used as a greener alternative to piperidine for other organic transformations.
A natural oil increases specific anti-OVA IgG levels and induces a cellular immune response combined with aluminum hydroxide
Authors: Campra Noelia Anahí , Montironi Ivana Dalila , Reinoso Elina Beatriz , Raviolo José , Moreno Federico Ruiz , Maletto Belkys , Cariddi Laura Noelia
Published: August 2020

The efficacy of certain vaccines is improved by the use of adjuvants. Nowadays, the development of new, effective, and safe adjuvants that stimulate the innate immune response is researched. In this context, medicinal plants appear as a suitable alternative. Minthostachys verticillata essential oil (EO) has demonstrated the ability to modulate mechanisms of the innate immune response. Thus, the present work aimed to evaluate the EO adjuvant effect on humoral and cellular immunity, coadministered with OVA as antigen. The chemical analysis of EO by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry revealed a predominant pulegone–menthone chemotype. EO (1.25, 2.5, or 5.0 mg/ml) did not alter the viability of murine fibroblasts (3T3 cell line) neither showed signs of toxicity in Balb/c mice inoculated subcutaneously. The serum of mice immunized with OVA + EO showed increased levels of anti-OVA-specific antibodies of IgG1 subclass compared with the mice immunized with OVA alone revealing an adjuvant effect of EO. The delayed type hypersensitivity showed that the combination OVA + Al(OH)3 + EO was the best to induce a cellular immune response that extended until 48 h postinjection of OVA. M. verticillata EO appears as a new, safe, and effective adjuvant, which should continue to be studied for their possible future incorporation into vaccine formulations.
Th2 cell regulatory and effector molecules single nucleotide polymorphisms and periodontitis
Authors: Zheng Ying , Chai Lei , Fan Yanhui , Song You-Qiang , Zee Kwan-Yat , Tu Wen Wei , Jin Lijian , Leung Wai Keung
Published: August 2020

To investigate the association between T helper 2 (Th2) cell regulatory and effector molecules’ genetic polymorphisms and periodontitis. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of 11 Th2 cell regulatory or effector molecules genes (CD28, CTLA4, IL4, IL5, IL6, IL9, IL10, IL13, IL4R, GATA3, STAT6, and rs1537415; total 130 SNPs) were studied in Chinese nonsmokers (163 periodontitis-free controls, 141 periodontitis patients) using Sequenom iPlex assays. SNPs potentially associated with periodontitis (adjusted allelic P < 0.1) in this cross-sectional study were further investigated via meta-analysis. Allele G of rs4553808 in promoter of CTLA4 was more frequently detected in periodontitis than controls (P < 0.005), but did not remain significant after age and gender adjustment. Haplotype (GTT) in a block of three CTLA4 SNPs (rs4553808, rs16840252, rs5742909) was significantly associated with periodontitis. Meta-analysis of SNPs identified indicated allele T of CTLA4 rs5742909 (3 studies; 461 control, 369 periodontitis) and allele G of IL6 rs1800796 (18 studies; 2760 control, 2442 periodontitis) were significantly associated with periodontitis (OR = 1.44 and OR = 1.30, respectively). Within limitations of this study, a haplotype of CTLA4 concerning Th2 cell regulation, may be associated with periodontitis in Chinese nonsmokers followed. Meta-analysis indicated rs5742909 of CTLA4 and rs1800796 of IL6 appeared significantly associated with periodontitis.
The effects of low intensity focused ultrasonic stimulation on dorsal root ganglion neurons and Schwann cells in vitro
Authors: Ventre Daniel M. , Cluff Avery , Gagnon Christian , Diaz Vera David , Koppes Ryan A. , Koppes Abigail N.
Published: August 2020

Satisfactory treatment of peripheral nerve injury (PNI) faces difficulties owing to the intrinsic biological barriers in larger injuries and invasive surgical interventions. Injury gaps >3 cm have low chances of full motor and sensory recovery, and the unmet need for PNI repair techniques which increase the likelihood of functional recovery while limiting invasiveness motivate this work. Building upon prior work in ultrasound stimulation (US) of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, the effects of US on DRG neuron and Schwann cell (SC) cocultures were investigated to uncover the role of SCs in mediating the neuronal response to US in vitro. Acoustic intensity‐dependent alteration in selected neuromorphometrics of DRG neurons in coculture with SCs was observed in total outgrowth, primary neurites, and length compared to previously reported DRG monoculture in a calcium‐independent manner. SC viability and proliferation were not impacted by US. Conditioned medium studies suggest secreted factors from SCs subjected to US impact DRG neuron morphology. These findings advance the current understanding of mechanisms by which these cell types respond to US, which may lead to new noninvasive US therapies for treating PNI.
Arrhythmic risk stratification in heart failure mid‐range ejection fraction patients with a non‐invasive guiding to programmed ventricular stimulation two‐step approach
Authors: Arsenos Petros , Gatzoulis Konstantinos A. , Doundoulakis Ioannis , Dilaveris Polychronis , Antoniou Christos‐Konstantinos , Stergios Soulaidopoulos , Sideris Skevos , Ilias Sotiropoulos , Tousoulis Dimitrios
Published: August 2020

Background

Although some post myocardial infarction (post‐MI) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients with mid‐range ejection fraction heart failure (HFmrEF/40%‐49%) face an increased risk for arrhythmic sudden cardiac death (SCD), current guidelines do not recommend an implantable cardiac defibrilator (ICD). We risk stratified hospitalized HFmrEF patients for SCD with a combined non‐invasive risk factors (NIRFs) guiding to programmed ventricular stimulation (PVS) two‐step approach.

Methods

Forty‐eight patients (male = 83%, age = 64 ± 14 years, LVEF = 45 ± 5%, CAD = 69%, DCM = 31%) underwent a NIRFs screening first‐step with electrocardiogram (ECG), SAECG, Echocardiography and 24‐hour ambulatory ECG (AECG). Thirty‐two patients with presence of one of three NIRFs (SAECG ≥ 2 positive criteria for late potentials, ventricular premature beats ≥ 240/24 hours, and non‐sustained ventricular tachycardia [VT] episode ≥ 1/24 hours) were further investigated with PVS. Patients were classified as either low risk (Group 1, n = 16, NIRFs−), moderate risk (Group 2, n = 18, NIRFs+/PVS−), and high risk (Group 3, n = 14, NIRFs+/PVS+). All in Group 3 received an ICD.

Results

After 41 ± 18 months, 9 of 48 patients, experienced the major arrhythmic event (MAE) endpoint (clinical VT/fibrillation = 3, appropriate ICD activation = 6). The endpoint occurred more frequently in Group 3 (7/14, 50%) than in Groups 1 and 2 (2/34, 5.8%). Logistic regression model adjusted for PVS, age, and LVEF revealed that PVS was an independent MAE predictor (OR: 21.152, 95% CI: 2.618‐170.887, P = .004). Kaplan‐Meier curves diverged significantly (log rank, P < .001) while PVS negative predictive value was 94%.

Conclusions

In hospitalized HFmrEF post‐MI and DCM patients, a NIRFs guiding to PVS two‐step approach efficiently detected the subgroup at increased risk for MAE.
Application of accelerated solvent extraction coupled with online two‐dimensional countercurrent chromatography for continuous extraction and separation of bioactive compounds from Citrus limon peel
Authors: Li Sainan , Liu Chunming , Zhang Yuchi , Shi Dongfang , Tsao Rong
Published: August 2020

Drug discovery from complex mixtures, like Chinese herbs, is challenging and extensive false positives make it difficult to obtain compounds with anti‐Alzheimer's activity. In this study, a continuous method comprised of accelerated solvent extraction coupled with online two‐dimensional countercurrent chromatography was developed for the efficient, scaled‐up extraction and separation of six bioactive compounds from Citrus limon peels: neoeriocitrin, isonaringin, naringin, hesperidin, neohesperidin, and limonin. These active compounds were isolated and purified from the raw plant materials by two‐dimensional countercurrent chromatography separation via two sets of an n‐hexane/n‐butanol/methanol/water solvent system: 0.23:1.00:0.25:1.13 and 0.47:1.00:0.38:1.46, v/v/v/v. The compounds were collected in yields of 0.22, 0.25, 0.10, 0.31, 0.29, and 0.28 mg/g, respectively, with purities of 95.79, 96.47, 97.69, 97.22, 98.11, and 98.82%, respectively. Subsequently, a simple and efficient in vitro method was developed for rapidly evaluating the acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities of six bioactive components. Furthermore, the PC12 cell model and the in vitro metabolism of cytochromes P450 were employed to verify the monomers obtained from the continuous method. The results demonstrated that these six bioactive extracts from the C. limon peels were strong acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.
Paired high‐throughput, in situ imaging and high‐throughput sequencing illuminate acantharian abundance and vertical distribution
Authors: Mars Brisbin Margaret , Brunner Otis Davey , Grossmann Mary Matilda , Mitarai Satoshi
Published: August 2020

Acantharians (supergroup Rhizaria) can be important contributors to surface primary production and to carbon flux to the deep sea, but are often underestimated because their delicate structures are destroyed by plankton nets or dissolved by chemical fixatives. As they are also uncultured, relatively little is known about acantharian biology, especially regarding their life cycles. Here, we take a paired approach, bringing together high‐throughput, in situ imaging and metabarcode sequencing, to investigate acantharian abundance, vertical distribution, and life history in the western North Pacific. Concentrations of imaged acantharian cells correlated well with relative abundances of 18S rRNA gene sequences from acantharians with known, recognizable morphologies, but not to sequences corresponding to acantharians with unknown morphology. These results suggest that morphologically undescribed clades may lack the characteristic star‐shaped acantharian skeleton or are much smaller than described acantharians. The smaller size of acantharians imaged at depth supports current hypotheses regarding nonsymbiotic acantharian life cycles: cysts or vegetative cells release reproductive swarmer cells in deep water and juvenile cells grow as they ascend toward the surface. Moreover, sequencing data present the possibility that some photosymbiotic acantharians may also reproduce at depth, like their nonsymbiotic, encysting relatives, which is counter to previous hypotheses. Finally, in situ imaging captured a new acantharian behavior that may be a previously undescribed predation strategy.
A first assessment of cyanobacterial blooms in oligotrophic Lake Superior
Authors: Sterner Robert W. , Reinl Kaitlin L. , Lafrancois Brenda Moraska , Brovold Sandra , Miller Todd R.
Published: August 2020

Lake Superior is often described as the most pristine of the Laurentian Great Lakes, but in the past decade Dolichospermum blooms have been observed. Land use in the adjacent watershed has not changed appreciably during this time, but the lake is warming and climatological variables correspond with presence of blooms. Blooms occurred only in relatively warm years as measured by degree days. Furthermore, the two largest blooms, in 2012 and 2018, occurred during years of especially extreme rainfall, providing coincidental evidence that intense storms provide nutrients or living propagules to the blooms from the watershed. Nearshore lake water in the narrow zone where blooms appear shows some riverine influence compared to water further offshore even in the absence of blooms. Nevertheless, water chemistry associated with the largest bloom in 2018 more closely resembled nonbloom nearshore lake water than river water, suggesting that blooms develop or at least persist outside of distinct river plumes. Concentrations of P and N during peak bloom density greatly exceeded any nonbloom lake or river waters, indicating that a buildup of phytoplankton biomass perhaps by floating and drifting to shore also is a significant factor in bloom occurrence. One potentially toxic substance (Anabaenopeptin A) was observed but at low concentration. At peak phytoplankton concentration, high seston C : P indicated severe P limitation while low C : N pointed against N limitation. If these newly observed blooms are indeed driven by temperature and rainfall as this evidence suggests, blooms may continue.
High γ‐Aminobutyric Acid Content Within the Medial Prefrontal Cortex Is a Functional Signature of Somatic Symptoms Disorder in Patients With Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Delli Pizzi Stefano , Franciotti Raffaella , Ferretti Antonio , Edden Richard A.E. , Zöllner Helge J. , Esposito Roberto , Bubbico Giovanna , Aiello Claudia , Calvanese Francesco , Sensi Stefano L. , Tartaro Armando , Onofrj Marco , Bonanni Laura
Published: August 2020

Background

The dysfunctional activity of the medial prefrontal cortex has been associated with the appearance of the somatic symptom disorder, a key feature of the Parkinson's disease (PD) psychosis complex.

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to investigate whether the basal contents of inhibitory γ‐aminobutyric acid and excitatory glutamate plus glutamine neurotransmitter levels are changed in the medial prefrontal cortex of patients with PD with somatic symptom disorder and whether this alteration represents a marker of susceptibility of PD to somatic symptom disorder, thus representing a signature of psychosis complex of PD.

Methods

Levels of the γ‐aminobutyric acid and glutamate plus glutamine were investigated, at rest, with proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Total creatine was used as an internal reference. The study cohort included 23 patients with somatic symptom disorder plus PD, 19 patients with PD without somatic symptom disorder, 19 healthy control subjects, and 14 individuals with somatic symptom disorder who did not show other psychiatric or neurological disorders.

Results

We found that, compared with patients with PD without somatic symptom disorder or healthy control individuals, patients with somatic symptom disorder, with or without PD, show increased γ‐aminobutyric acid/total creatine levels in the medial prefrontal cortex. The medial prefrontal cortex contents of glutamate plus glutamine/total creatine levels or γ‐aminobutyric acid/glutamate plus glutamine were not different among groups.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight a crucial pathophysiologic role played by high γ‐aminobutyric acid within the medial prefrontal cortex in the production of somatic symptom disorder. This phenomenon represents a signature of psychosis complex in patients with PD. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Linear incidence rate: Its influence on the asymptotic behavior of a stochastic epidemic model
Authors: Christen Alejandra , Maulén‐Yañez M. Angélica , Valencia Yoselinne , González‐Olivares Eduardo , Rial Diego F. , Curé Michel
Published: August 2020

Diseases are an important fact in the real world and concentrate the attention of a great number of researchers. Many of them are caused by nematodes, fungi, bacteria, or viruses. Nevertheless, there exists another, which are transmitted from the mothers to offspring (vertical transmission). In this paper, the dynamics of an suceptible‐infectious (SI) epidemic model are analyzed considering a linear (bilinear or standard) incidence in the deterministic and stochastic regimes, assuming that the newborns are infected from their own mothers. A long‐term behavior of the proportion of infected individuals depending on the system parameters and initial conditions is established. Then, we consider the case where this linear transmission rate, not previously used for this model, has a stochastic component described by a white noise which leads to a stochastic differential equation (SDE). The existence and uniqueness of the solution of the SDE is proved. The extinction of the disease is characterized, and an exponential decay to extinction is obtained under certain restrictions of the parameters. By assuming time‐independent solutions of the Fokker‐Plank equation, we determine a stationary measure of the probability density, and some of its properties are provided. Numerical simulations are performed to show the dynamics of the system in different regimes and to illustrate some differences between deterministic and stochastic effects.
Mixed boundary–transmission problems for composite layered elastic structures
Authors: Natroshvili David , Mrevlishvili Maia
Published: August 2020

We investigate mixed type boundary–transmission problems of the generalized thermo‐electro‐magneto‐elasticity theory for complex elastic anisotropic layered structures containing interfacial cracks. This type of problems is described mathematically by systems of partial differential equations with appropriate transmission and boundary conditions for six dimensional unknown physical field (three components of the displacement vector, electric potential function, magnetic potential function, and temperature distribution function). We apply the potential method and the theory of pseudodifferential equations and prove uniqueness and existence theorems of solutions to different type mixed boundary–transmission problems in appropriate Sobolev spaces. We analyze smoothness properties of solutions near the edges of interfacial cracks and near the curves where different type boundary conditions collide.
Further spectral properties of the weighted finite Fourier transform operator and approximation in weighted Sobolev spaces
Authors: Bourguiba NourElHouda , Souabni Ahmed
Published: August 2020

In this work, we first give some mathematical preliminaries concerning the generalized prolate spheroidal wave function (GPSWF). This set of special functions have been defined as the infinite and countable set of the eigenfunctions of a weighted finite Fourier transform operator. Then, we show that the set of the singular values of this operator has a super‐exponential decay rate. We also give some local estimates and bounds of these GPSWFs. As an application of the spectral properties of the GPSWFs and their associated eigenvalues, we give their quality of approximation in a weighted Sobolev space. Finally, we provide the reader with some numerical examples that illustrate the different results of this work.
Numerical simulation of the nonlinear generalized time‐fractional Klein–Gordon equation using cubic trigonometric B‐spline functions
Authors: Yaseen Muhammad , Abbas Muhammad , Ahmad Bashir
Published: August 2020

In this paper, an efficient numerical procedure for the generalized nonlinear time‐fractional Klein–Gordon equation is presented. We make use of the typical finite difference schemes to approximate the Caputo time‐fractional derivative, while the spatial derivatives are discretized by means of the cubic trigonometric B‐splines. Stability and convergence analysis for the numerical scheme are discussed. We apply our scheme to some typical examples and compare the obtained results with the ones found by other numerical methods. The comparison shows that our scheme is quite accurate and can be applied successfully to a variety of problems of applied nature.
In vivo noninvasive three‐dimensional (3D) assessment of microwave thermal ablation zone using non‐contrast‐enhanced x‐ray CT
Authors: Ziv Omri , Goldberg S. Nahum , Nissenbaum Yitzhak , Sosna Jacob , Weiss Noam , Azhari Haim
Published: August 2020

Purpose

To develop an image processing methodology for noninvasive three‐dimensional (3D) quantification of microwave thermal ablation zones in vivo using x‐ray computed tomography (CT) imaging without injection of a contrast enhancing material.

Methods

Six microwave (MW) thermal ablation procedures were performed in three pigs. The ablations were performed with a constant heating duration of 8 min and power level of 30 W. During the procedure images from sixty 1 mm thick slices were acquired every 30 s. At the end of all ablation procedures for each pig, a contrast‐enhanced scan was acquired for reference. Special algorithms for addressing challenges stemming from the 3D in vivo setup and processing the acquired images were prepared. The algorithms first rearranged the data to account for the oblique needle orientation and for breathing motion. Then, the gray level variance changes were analyzed, and optical flow analysis was applied to the treated volume in order to obtain the ablation contours and reconstruct the ablation zone in 3D. The analysis also included a special correction algorithm for eliminating artifacts caused by proximal major blood vessels and blood flow. Finally, 3D reference reconstructions from the contrast‐enhanced scan were obtained for quantitative comparison.

Results

For four ablations located >3 mm from a large blood vessel, the mean dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and the mean absolute radial discrepancy between the contours obtained from the reference contrast‐enhanced images and the contours produced by the algorithm were 0.82 ± 0.03 and 1.92 ± 1.47 mm, respectively. In two cases of ablation adjacent to large blood vessels, the average DSC and discrepancy were: 0.67 ± 0.6 and 2.96 ± 2.15 mm, respectively. The addition of the special correction algorithm utilizing blood vessels mapping improved the mean DSC and the mean absolute discrepancy to 0.85 ± 0.02 and 1.19 ± 1.00 mm, respectively.

Conclusions

The developed algorithms provide highly accurate detailed contours in vivo (average error < 2.5 mm) and cope well with the challenges listed above. Clinical implementation of the developed methodology could potentially provide real time noninvasive 3D accurate monitoring of MW thermal ablation in‐vivo, provided that the radiation dose can be reduced.
Synthesis of Biohybrid Particles by Modification of Chitosan Beads via RAFT Polymerization in Dispersed Media
Authors: Solimando Xavier , Champagne Pascale , Cunningham Michael F.
Published: August 2020

Spherical macroscopic particles (beads) made from chitosan (CTS), a polysaccharide derived from the valorization of food waste, are converted into a biohybrid material by grafting poly(4‐vinylpyridine) (P4VP) using a “grafting from” approach via reversible addition–fragmentation chain‐transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Varying the time of reaction, and therefore the conversion, allows to readily tune the composition (CTS vs synthetic polymer content) and consequently the bead properties. P4VP has specific affinity for certain compounds. Thus, the biohybrid particles are promising candidates for applications related to (waste) water treatment, sensors, or biomedical fields. In this study, the potential use of CTS‐g‐P4VP particle beads for the removal of an emerging contaminant of concern (bisphenol A) from water is demonstrated. It is shown that removal efficiency is enhanced from 25% to 70% by the grafting of P4VP on CTS.
Yearling Muskellunge Poststocking Behavior and Survival in Two Central Iowa Reservoirs with Contrasting Habitat Availability
Authors: Weber Robert E. , Weber Michael J.
Published: August 2020

Muskellunge Esox masquinongy is a prized sport fish throughout much of North America. Due to the species’ popularity among anglers and limited natural recruitment in reservoirs, Muskellunge are commonly stocked to maintain populations. However, little is known about their poststocking behavior and survival in reservoirs. We used radiotelemetry to evaluate behavior and survival of spring-stocked yearling Muskellunge in two Iowa reservoirs that differed in habitat availability (Big Creek Lake: limited habitat; Brushy Creek Lake: abundant habitat). Hatchery-reared Muskellunge were implanted with radio transmitters (n = 15–16 fish·lake−1·year−1; 61 fish total) and stocked in both lakes during May 2017 and 2018; fish were tracked daily for 1 week, every other day for the second week, and then weekly until December. Telemetry data were used to evaluate depth and vegetation use, selection of littoral substrate and coarse woody habitat (CWH) complexities, movement, home ranges, and survival. Muskellunge depth use generally increased with time poststocking and was greater in Brushy Creek Lake than in Big Creek Lake. Movement rates were greatest during the first week poststocking and declined thereafter, with greater rates and home ranges in Big Creek Lake. Muskellunge in both systems selected for fine substrates while avoiding coarse substrates. Muskellunge in Brushy Creek Lake were more commonly associated with CWH and aquatic vegetation compared to those in Big Creek Lake. Muskellunge in Big Creek Lake selected for complex CWH, while those in Brushy Creek Lake used CWH classes in proportion to their availability. Cormack–Jolly–Seber daily apparent survival estimates were lowest for the first 4 d poststocking and ranged from 0.59 to 0.99, after which survival increased from May to September before declining in October and November. Results of this study provide a greater understanding of the poststocking success of yearling Muskellunge and suggest that Muskellunge behavior and survival are dependent on habitat complexity, with weaker habitat selection but higher survival in complex systems.
A selective smoothed finite element method with visco‐hyperelastic constitutive model for analysis of biomechanical responses of brain tissues
Authors: Wu Shao‐Wei , Jiang Chen , Jiang Chao , Liu Gui‐Rong
Published: August 2020

Brain tissues are known for exhibiting complex nonlinear and time‐dependent properties, which require visco‐hyperelastic constitutive models for proper simulation. In this paper, a Total Lagrangian Explicit Selective Smoothed Finite Element Method (Selective S‐FEM) is formulated to analyze the dynamic behavior of incompressible brain tissues undergoing extremely large deformation. The proposed Selective S‐FEM deals with three‐dimensional problems using four‐node tetrahedron elements that can be automatically generated for geometrically complex soft tissues. It consists of the three key ingredients. (i) A visco‐hyperelastic constitutive model is developed within the framework of S‐FEM in the first time, allowing adequate modeling of the dynamic brain tissue behavior. (ii) Selective S‐FEM strategy is used for overcome the mesh distortion and the volumetric locking that often occurs in soft tissues. (iii) Total Lagrangian formulation is used in an explicit algorithm allowing rigorous simulation of extreme large deformation. (iv) A combined implementation of Selective S‐FEM with the visco‐hyperelastic constitutive model for dynamic simulations. The shear deformation is calculated by Face/Edge‐based S‐FEM, and the volume deformation is calculated by NS‐FEM. Numerical experiments show that Selective S‐FEM is a robust solver with good accuracy, and excellent ability to reduce element distortion effects in simulate time‐dependence behavior of bio‐tissues.
Electrochemical Performance of Graphitic Multi‐walled Carbon Nanotubes with Different Aspect Ratios as Cathode Materials for Aluminum‐ion Batteries
Authors: Hou Lixue , Cao Haining , Han Mei , Lv Zichuan , Zhou Shuai , Chen Hui , Du Huiping , Cai Mian , Zhou Yue , Meng Chao , Bian Yinghui , Lin Meng‐Chang
Published: August 2020

Graphitic multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) can function as high‐performance cathode materials for rechargeable Al‐ion batteries with well‐defined discharging plateaus and reasonable charge/discharge C‐rates. However, the main intercalation/deintercalation or adsorption/desorption path of AlCl4−anions into or onto G‐MWCNTs has not been elucidated. Herein, we used battery cells comprised of G‐MWCNTs with different aspect ratios, Al metal, and AlCl3/1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride ionic liquid as the cathode, anode, and electrolyte, respectively. The electrochemical performance of the Al||G‐MWCNT cell increased as the aspect ratio of the G‐MWCNT cathode increased (i. e., longer and thinner). The degree of defects of the G‐MWCNTs was similar (0.15–0.22); hence, the results confirm that the main and alternate paths for the AlCl4−intercalation/de‐intercalation or adsorption/desorption into/from or onto/from the G‐MWCNT are the basal and edge planes, respectively. The step‐like structures of defects on the basal plane provide the main reaction site for AlCl4−anions.
Operating lease decision among east Asian firms; critical factors for sustainable development
Authors: Bugenbayev Ruslan , Shafighi Najla , Samadi Behrang , Chan Yin Fah Benjamin , Gharleghi Behrooz
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this article is to identify the determinants of the operating lease among Malaysian firms in order to ensure the sustainable development of the firms. Data are collected from the top 100 listed companies in seven sectors of the economy covering 2005–2014. The pooled ordinary least square, fixed effect and random effect models were used for estimation. A robust SE estimation was also applied for cross‐sectional and time dependence estimation. The empirical results of the F‐test, LM test, and Hausman test suggest that the fixed‐effect model is the most appropriate in the Malaysian lease context. The robust SE test confirms the findings of the previous models. The results of the fixed effect model indicate that lease has a negative relationship with FAE, a positive relationship with interest cost (IC), a negative relationship with profit, and a positive relationship with size, and tax rate.
Sawdust based composites
Authors: Mukbaniani Omar , Brostow Witold , Aneli Jimsher , Markarashvili Eliza , Tatrishvili Tamara , Buzaladze George , Parulava Gorge
Published: August 2020

Much sawdust is treated as waste and deposited in landfills; with time, the city landfills have to be made larger and larger and/or deeper and deeper. We have created composites on the basis of dry sawdust and only 3 wt% to 15 wt% of phenylethoxysiloxane binders of two kinds under pressures up to 15 MPa and temperatures up to 220°C. Hot pressing of one of the composites containing 3 wt% of one of the polymeric binders at 110°C provides the impact viscosity = 12 kJ/m2 while the pressing at 200°C results in the value of that viscosity = 30 kJ/m2. Another option is using 5 wt% of the same polymer at 110°C what gives the impact viscosity = 20 kJ/m2. Water absorption after 24 hours exposition in water for 15 wt% of the same polymer amounts to 55.5 wt% when the composite is prepared at 130°C but only 2.9% for the composite made at 170°C. Given low‐to‐negligible prices of sawdust, composites with useful properties and low prices can be made from it—along with mitigation of waste creation.
Superior fire safety performances of chelates copper(II) salicylaldehyde complexes with intumescent flame retardant TPU
Authors: Chen Xilei , Zhang Xinyuan , Kuang Shaoping , Jiao Chuanmei , Li Shaoxiang
Published: August 2020

To improve the flame retardant of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPU) is a very important issue in fire hazard fields. In this article, the structure of copper (II) chelate salicylaldehyde (CuSA) was characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The influence of CuSA on the fire safety performances of TPU/APP composites was intensively investigated using cone calorimeter test (CCT), smoke density test (SDT), micro‐scale combustion calorimetry (MCC), thermogravimetric‐Fourier transform infrared spectrum (TG‐FTIR), and other testing methods. The CCT test results showed that the peak heat release rate (pHRR) value of CuSA2 sample was 128.1 kW/m2, which was much lower than that of TPU‐APP sample with the pHRR value of 161.9 kW/m2. The SDT test results showed that the luminous flux of CuSA4 is much higher than that of TPU‐APP sample. Therefore, an appropriate amount of CuSA had obvious improvement of fire safety performances in TPU composites. This work provides a new idea for the design and manufacture of fire safety materials.
The role of magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of central nervous system involvement in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Lauer Monika , Kernen Elisabeth , Schwabe Dirk , Lehrnbecher Thomas , Porto Luciana
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most frequent malignancy in childhood. As central nervous system (CNS) involvement requires an intensified CNS‐targeted therapy, timely diagnosis is essential. The aim of this retrospective analysis was to evaluate whether cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations findings correlate with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis on CNS involvement and whether MRI examinations reveal incidental findings with a clinical consequence.

Methods

All pediatric patients with ALL at our institution between 1998 and 2016 were identified. Patients were divided into two groups: de novo and relapsed ALL. Both groups were analyzed separately for the presence of CNS involvement. Incidental findings were also evaluated.

Results

Two hundred fifteen patients with de novo ALL and 31 with relapsed ALL were identified. In the de novo group, no patient was diagnosed CNS positive based on MRI results alone. In relapsed patients, only one patient had a positive MRI with negative CSF results and no neurological symptoms, thus was classified CNS positive solely on the basis of the MRI. In both groups, no patient showed an incidental finding that required therapy.

Conclusion

In our study, MRI examinations do not improve the detection of CNS involvement compared with CSF analysis alone. In addition, the analysis of incidental findings does not add value to the performance of an MRI examination performed prior to treatment. Overall, MRI prior to treatment in pediatric patients with ALL is not necessary.
Nonvisual aspects of spatial knowledge: Wayfinding behavior of blind persons in Lisbon
Authors: Kan‐Kilic Didem , Dogan Fehmi , Duarte Emilia
Published: August 2020

Blind individuals' wayfinding performance in complex urban environments is a complex phenomenon. This study investigates the wayfinding strategies of congenitally blind individuals in an urban context. The aim of the study was to assess the extent to which the environmental auditory cues are of primary importance for their wayfinding strategies. The study was conducted in Lisbon, Portugal. Results suggest that auditory information was the most used environmental cue and that a feeling of enclosure is the most important environmental feature during wayfinding. These results corroborate previous findings suggesting that increased familiarity with the environment results in more efficient wayfinding strategies, and that lack of environmental auditory cues could be compensated by a robust cognitive map. The study highlights multidimensional sensory experiences of urban environments and nonvisual aspects of spatial perception.
Mold replication in injection molding of high density polyethylene
Authors: Quadrini Fabrizio , Bellisario Denise , Santo Loredana , Bottini Luana , Boschetto Alberto
Published: August 2020

In order to deepen the mechanisms at the basis of mold surface replication onto the molded plastic surface, a novel experimental approach is proposed. Up to 20 different mold surface textures were made by machining with repetitive patterns of peaks and valleys. Mold replication tests were performed by over‐molding of high density polyethylene (HDPE) on steel inserts. The surface morphology of inserts and injection molded parts was acquired by surface analyzer, and all the main roughness parameters were extracted and compared as well as the geometrical profiles. Surface morphology was also measured on molded samples after thermal relaxation at 100°C. As expected, a strong correlation was found between the roughness of mold insert and molded part over the full experimented range. Profiles on the molded surface have the same repetitive pattern of the corresponding insert surface but with lower peaks, higher valleys, and a horizontal shrinkage. Comparing molded HDPE surface profiles before and after thermal relaxation, it was observed a similar change to the one highlighted between mold insert and molded part. This occurrence suggests that the final surface appearance of the molded part is also a function of the relaxation mechanism during or immediately after injection molding.
Understanding Personality through Patterns of Daily Socializing: Applying Recurrence Quantification Analysis to Naturalistically Observed Intensive Longitudinal Social Interaction Data
Authors: Danvers Alexander F. , Sbarra David A. , Mehl Matthias R.
Published: August 2020

Ambulatory assessment methods provide a rich approach for studying daily behaviour. Too often, however, these data are analysed in terms of averages, neglecting patterning of this behaviour over time. This paper describes recurrence quantification analysis (RQA), a non–linear time series technique for analysing dynamic systems, as a method for analysing patterns of categorical, intensive longitudinal ambulatory assessment data. We apply RQA to objectively assessed social behaviour (e.g. talking to another person) coded from the Electronically Activated Recorder. Conceptual interpretations of RQA parameters, and an analysis of Electronically Activated Recorder data in adults going through a marital separation, are provided. Using machine learning techniques to avoid model overfitting, we find that adding RQA parameters to models that include just average amount of time spent talking (a static measure) improves prediction of four Big Five personality traits: extraversion, neuroticism, conscientiousness, and openness. Our strongest results suggest that a combination of average amount of time spent talking and four RQA parameters yield an R2 = .09 for neuroticism. Neuroticism is shown to be associated with shorter periods of extended conversation (periods of at least 12 minutes), demonstrating the utility of RQA to identify new relationships between personality and patterns of daily behaviour. Materials: https://osf.io/5nkr9/ . © 2020 European Association of Personality Psychology
Less CO2 and Fine Dust Emissions in Automotive
Authors: Barbosa Maria , Bischoff René , Strauß Wilfried , Hillig Holger , Nowotny Steffen , Leyens Christoph
Published: August 2020

There is increasing pressure on the automotive industry for further reduction of CO2 and particulate (PM10, PM2.5) emissions. One of the main issues is the fine dust resulting from the wear of the brake disc/brake pads, which is considered to be a major source of non‐exhaust traffic‐related emissions, particularly in urban locations. Carbide coatings are the state‐of‐art solution for controlling rotor wear. The challenge of cost‐effective serial production for automotive applications can be mastered by high power laser cladding.
Blue Lasers Move Deeper Into Applications
Authors: Pelaprat Jean‐Michel , Finuf Matthew , Gleeson Richard , Zediker Mark
Published: August 2020

In the few years that blue lasers have been on the market, they have demonstrated unprecedented materials processing capabilities. Blue lasers bring unmatched speed and quality to the welding of copper, aluminum, and other reflective metals, and those advantages are being applied to consumer electronics, battery fabrication, and e‐mobility production. The latest improvements in power and brightness allow the blue laser to be seamlessly integrated into standard scanning systems, opening up an even wider range of applications.
More Flexibility and Sharp Edges
Authors: Läufle Marco
Published: August 2020

Manufacturers swear by plastic for panels, knobs and controls in modern vehicles because the material is lighter than metal and the manufacturing and processing costs are comparatively low. In order to still meet the requirements for good haptics, scratch resistance and a noble design, the plastic components are electroplated to give them a metallic surface. However, the industry is facing new challenges that make it necessary to adapt the electroplating processes.
A User‐Friendly Visualization Tool for Multi‐Omics Data
Authors: Huh Sunghyun , Kim Min‐Sik
Published: August 2020

The Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC) initiative has generated large multi‐omic datasets for various cancers. Each dataset consists of common and differential data types, including genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and post‐translational modifications data. They together make up a rich resource for researchers and clinicians interested in understanding cancer biology to draw from. Nevertheless, the complexity of these multi‐omic datasets and a lack of an easily accessible analytical and visualization tool for exploring them continue to be a hurdle for those who are not trained in bioinformatics. In this issue, Calinawan et al. describe a user‐friendly, web‐based visualization platform named ProTrack for exploring the CPTAC clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) dataset. Compared to other available visualization tools, ProTrack offers an easy yet powerful customization interface, solely dedicated to the CPTAC ccRCC dataset. Their tool enables ready inspection of potential associations between different data types within a single gene or across multiple genes without any need to code. Specific mutation types or phosphosites can also be easily looked up for any gene of interest. Calinawan et al. aim to extend their work into other CPTAC datasets, which will greatly contribute to the CPTAC as well as cancer biology community in general.
Income distribution in family networks by gender and proximity
Authors: Lundholm Emma , Sandow Erika , Malmberg Gunnar
Published: August 2020

Whereas the significance of family networks for support and well‐being has been shown in previous research, few studies have analysed the income distribution within family networks. The aim of this study is to examine income distribution within family networks and how they have changed over time for women and men in different parts of the income distribution and if the incomes are more similar in the geographically proximate family network. The analysis is based on register data and by use of ordinary least squares (OLS) and quantile regressions. The results indicate that men in the lowest income group tend to have become more similar to their family network over time. Gender differences have decreased, possibly as an effect of women's higher labour market participation rate leading to decreased income disparity. This paper contributes by highlighting how the uneven distribution of economic resources in family networks adds to individual's own resources.
Comparative Effects of Graphene and Molybdenum Disulfide on Human Macrophage Toxicity
Authors: Lin Hazel , Ji Ding‐Kun , Lucherelli Matteo Andrea , Reina Giacomo , Ippolito Stefano , Samorì Paolo , Bianco Alberto
Published: August 2020

Graphene and other 2D materials, such as molybdenum disulfide, have been increasingly used in electronics, composites, and biomedicine. In particular, MoS2and graphene hybrids have attracted a great interest for applications in the biomedical research, therefore stimulating a pertinent investigation on their safety in immune cells like macrophages, which commonly engulf these materials. In this study, M1 and M2 macrophage viability and activation are mainly found to be unaffected by few‐layer graphene (FLG) and MoS2at doses up to 50 µg mL−1. The uptake of both materials is confirmed by transmission electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. Notably, both 2D materials increase the secretion of inflammatory cytokines in M1 macrophages. At the highest dose, FLG decreases CD206 expression while MoS2decreases CD80 expression.CathBandCathLgene expressions are dose‐dependently increased by both materials. Despite a minimal impact on the autophagic pathway, FLG is found to increase the expression ofAtg5and autophagic flux, as observed by Western blotting of LC3‐II, in M1 macrophages. Overall, FLG and MoS2are of little toxicity in human macrophages even though they are found to trigger cell stress and inflammatory responses.
Synthesis of Ultrahigh‐Quality Monolayer Molybdenum Disulfide through In Situ Defect Healing with Thiol Molecules
Authors: Feng Simin , Tan Junyang , Zhao Shilong , Zhang Shuqing , Khan Usman , Tang Lei , Zou Xiaolong , Lin Junhao , Cheng Hui‐Ming , Liu Bilu
Published: August 2020

Monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides are 2D materials with many potential applications. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is a promising method to synthesize these materials. However, CVD‐grown materials generally have poorer quality than mechanically exfoliated ones and contain more defects due to the difficulties in controlling precursors' distribution and concentration during growth where solid precursors are used. Here, thiol is proposed to be used as a liquid precursor for CVD growth of high quality and uniform 2D MoS2. Atomic‐resolved structure characterizations indicate that the concentration of sulfur vacancies in the MoS2 grown from thiol is the lowest among all reported CVD samples. Low temperature spectroscopic characterization further reveals the ultrahigh optical quality of the grown MoS2. Density functional theory simulations indicate that thiol molecules could interact with sulfur vacancies in MoS2 and repair these defects during the growth of MoS2, resulting in high‐quality MoS2. This work provides a facile and controllable method for the growth of high‐quality 2D materials with ultralow sulfur vacancies and high optical quality, which will benefit their optoelectronic applications.