bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
X‐ray structurally characterized Mo (VI), Fe (III) and Cu (II) complexes of amide‐imine conjugate: (bio)catalytic and histidine recognition studies
Authors: Ta Sabyasachi , Ghosh Milan , Salam Noor , Das Jayanta , Islam Manirul , Brandão Paula , Félix Vítor , Sanmartin Jesus , Das Debasis
Published: July 2020

An amide‐imine conjugate, (E)‐N′‐((2‐hydroxybenzen‐1‐yl) methylene)‐4‐methylbenzohydrazide (H2LPTASAL), derived from 4‐methyl‐benzoic acid hydrazide (PTA) and 2‐hydroxybenzaldehyde is used to prepare Mo (VI), Cu (II) and Fe (III) complexes. The X‐ray structurally characterized complexes have been explored as catalyst for amine assisted asymmetric ring opening (ARO) of epoxide, carbon‐heteroatom cross‐coupling and ethyl benzene oxidation. In addition, their catecholase like activities have thoroughly been investigated. Moreover, the Cu (II) complex selectively recognizes histidine by fluorescence spectroscopy.
An application of factor analysis in wet particle systems: Rolling friction and cohesive liquid controlling performances
Authors: Tang Tianqi , Wang Tianyu , Ren Anxing , Zhao Yunhua , He Yurong
Published: July 2020

Fluidized beds are widely used in many chemical engineering industrials, and flow behaviors of multiphase flow have always been the focus of research. This paper presented how rolling friction and cohesive liquid affected wet particle flow behaviors by experiments, simulation, and data analyses. Experiments were conducted for applying a suitable range of rolling friction coefficient. A discrete element method, well validated by comparing experimental data, was developed and demonstrated that μr = 0.125 was a good choice for particles applied in this work. Data from numerical results were well analyzed by factor analysis, where explained interaction effect of two factors on fluidized beds. Factor analyses reflected that dominating factor and interaction effect on flow behaviors vary instead of single control factor in different regions. These findings have clearly showed importance and effect of microscopic parameter collision characteristics on the hydrodynamic behaviors in fluidized beds. Thus, rolling friction constitutes should be carefully considered to ensure that theoretical results are accurate.
Pervaporation separation of levulinic acid aqueous solution by ZSM‐5/PDMS composite membrane
Authors: Zhang Zongqi , Wu Yuanfeng , Gao Lijing , Xiao Guomin
Published: July 2020

This work aims at investigating the special application of ZSM‐5/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane being used for pervaporation separation of levulinic acid aqueous solutions. The effects of temperature, downstream pressure, feed concentration, and raw material ratio on the separation performance are investigated by self‐made flat‐sheet films. When the flow rate of feed pump remained at 0.4 ml/min (10 wt% levulinic acid), a levulinic acid permeation flux of 334.13 g/(m2h) and a separation factor of 2.382 at 75°C are observed over the composite membrane doped with 10 wt% ZSM‐5. In addition, the acid resistance is enhanced after the PDMS membranes are doped with ZSM‐5. Besides, the functionalized process also makes the membranes increase in its hydrophobicity. The results demonstrate that the ZSM‐5/PDMS‐based membranes show profound prospects for separating levulinic acid aqueous solution.
1,2,3‐Triazole‐linked 5‐benzylidene (thio)barbiturates as novel tyrosinase inhibitors and free‐radical scavengers
Authors: Ranjbar Sara , Shahvaran Parisa‐sadat , Edraki Najmeh , Khoshneviszadeh Mahsima , Darroudi Mahdieh , Sarrafi Yaghoub , Hamzehloueian Mahshid , Khoshneviszadeh Mehdi
Published: July 2020

In this study, benzyl‐1,2,3‐triazole‐linked 5‐benzylidene (thio)barbiturate derivatives 7a–d and 8a–h were designed as potential tyrosinase inhibitors and free‐radical scavengers. The twelve derivatives were synthesized via the [3+2] cycloaddition reaction of the corresponding benzyl azide as a dipole and the corresponding alkyne as a dipolarophile in the presence of copper(I) species, generated in situ from copper(II)/ascorbate. The thiobarbiturate derivative 8h and the barbiturate derivative 8b bearing 4‐fluoro and 4‐bromo groups on the benzyl–triazole moiety were found to be the most potent tyrosinase inhibitors with IC50 values of 24.6 ± 0.9 and 26.8 ± 0.8 μM, respectively. Almost all the compounds showed a good radical scavenging activity with EC50 values in the range of 29.9–324.9 μM. Derivatives 7a, 8f, and 8h were the most potent free‐radical scavengers with EC50 values of 29.9 ± 0.8, 36.8 ± 0.9, and 39.2 ± 1.1 μM, respectively. The kinetic analysis revealed that compound 8h was a mixed‐type tyrosinase inhibitor. The molecular docking analysis indicated that 8b and 8h were well accommodated in the active site of the tyrosinase enzyme and possessed the most negative binding energy values of −8.55 and −8.81 kcal/mol, respectively. Moreover, it was found that the two residues, Asn81 and Glu322, played a significant role in forming stable enzyme–inhibitor complexes.
Versuche zum Querkrafttragverhalten bei gleichzeitiger Zugnormalkraft
Authors: Adam Viviane , Claßen Martin , Hegger Josef
Published: July 2020

Querkraftbeanspruchte Stahlbetonplatten können unter bestimmten Umständen durch zusätzliche Zugnormalspannungen belastet sein. Beispiele dafür sind Platten unter Zwangbeanspruchung, Stahlbetonfahrbahnplatten von Verbundbogenbrücken oder Silowände. Der Ansatz zur Berücksichtigung von Normalspannungen im aktuellen Bemessungskonzept für Querkraft ohne Querkraftbewehrung nach Eurocode 2 (EC2) wurde über Versuche an vorgespannten Einfeldträgern kalibriert. Da der Einfluss von Zugnormalkräften durch den Bemessungsansatz nur näherungsweise erfasst wird, wurden am Institut für Massivbau der RWTH Aachen Versuche an Plattenstreifen unter Querkraft‐ und gleichzeitiger Zugnormalkraftbeanspruchung durchgeführt. Neben Einfeldträgern wurden auch Plattenstreifen mit Durchlaufwirkung getestet, um den Einfluss praxisnaher statischer Systeme zu untersuchen. Durch den Momentenwechsel im Mehrfeldsystem entsteht ein Bereich ohne Biegebeanspruchung, der das Schubfeld in zwei Abschnitte unterteilt (Feld‐ und Stützmomentenbereich). Da sich beim Biegeschubversagen der maßgebende Schubriss in der Regel aus einem Biegeriss entwickelt, wird das Tragverhalten zum einen durch das statische System beeinflusst und zum anderen durch die kombinierte Normalkraft‐ und Biegebeanspruchung. Abweichend vom linearen Ansatz der Normalspannung im EC2 wurde in den eigenen experimentellen Untersuchungen sowie bei Versuchen aus der Literatur mit steigender Zugbeanspruchung ein degressiver Einfluss der Zugnormalspannung auf die Querkrafttragfähigkeit festgestellt.
Overexpression of ER Protein Processing and Apoptosis Regulator Genes in Human Embryonic Kidney 293 Cells Improves Gene Therapy Vectors Production
Authors: Formas‐Oliveira Ana S. , Basílio João S. , Rodrigues Ana F. , Coroadinha Ana S.
Published: July 2020

Gammaretroviral and lentiviral vectors (γ‐RV and LV) are among the most used vectors in gene therapy. Currently, human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells, the manufacture platform of choice for these vectors, provide low transducing particle yields, challenging their therapeutic applications and commercialization. This work studies metabolic pathways, focusing on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) protein processing and anti‐apoptotic mechanisms, influencing vector productivity in HEK 293 cell substrates. To that end, four candidate genes—protein disulfide isomerase family A member 2 gene, heat shock protein family A (Hsp70) member 5 gene, X‐box binding protein 1 gene (ER protein processing), and B‐cell lymphoma 2 protein gene (anti‐apoptotic)—are individually stably expressed in the cells. How their overexpression level influence vector yields is analyzed by establishing cell populations with incremental genomic copies of each. γ‐RV volumetric productivity increases up to 97% when overexpressing ER protein processing genes. LV volumetric production increases 53% when overexpressing the anti‐apoptotic gene. Improvements are associated with higher cell specific productivities and dependent on gene overexpression level, highlighting the importance of fine‐tuning gene expression. Overall, this work discloses gene engineering targets enabling efficient gene therapy product manufacture showing that ER protein processing and anti‐apoptotic pathways are pivotal to producer cell performance.
Facile Synthesis of Functionalized 1,4‐Benzodiazepine‐3‐One‐5‐Acetates via [4 + 3]‐Annulation of Azaoxyallyl Cations With 2‐Aminophenyl α,β‐Unsaturated Esters
Authors: Jang Hyun Sun , Kwon Yong Il , Kim Sung‐Gon
Published: July 2020

A metal‐free [4 + 3]‐annulation of α‐halohydroxamates with 2‐aminophenyl α,β‐unsaturated esters has been developed for the construction of seven‐membered 1,4‐benzodiazepine‐3‐one‐5‐acetates in moderate to good yields (up to 82% yield). The annulation involved the cascade reaction of an generation of azaoxyallyl cation, aza‐addition to this azaoxyallyl cation, and intramolecular aza‐Michael reaction to yield 1,4‐benzodiazepine‐3‐one‐5‐acetates.
The contagion effect of environmental violations: The case of Dieselgate in Germany
Authors: Bouzzine Yassin Denis , Lueg Rainer
Published: July 2020

We examine how environmental violations affect the stock returns of the violating firm and how these financial implications then spread to industry peers. Volkswagen's diesel emissions scandal (Dieselgate) and the German automotive industry serve as a seminal case for the examination. Research often limits examinations of corporate environmental scandals to the primary event announcement. Yet the Dieselgate scandal exhibits a processual character that requires the examination of multiple events over time. We identify 10 Dieselgate events and employ event study methodology to detect abnormal stock reactions. Based on agency and signaling theory, the results indicate that Dieselgate has harmed the stock returns of Volkswagen and its industry peers substantially. Surprisingly, Volkswagen suffered financial damage only upon the initial event of Dieselgate. Subsequent events had significant effects only on industry peers. These findings contribute comprehensively to the research of environmental misconduct and provide valuable implications for practitioners.
Role of the oral microbiota in cancer evolution and progression
Authors: Sun Jiwei , Tang Qingming , Yu Shaoling , Xie Mengru , Xie Yanling , Chen Guangjin , Chen Lili
Published: July 2020

Bacteria identified in the oral cavity are highly complicated. They include approximately 1000 species with a diverse variety of commensal microbes that play crucial roles in the health status of individuals. Epidemiological studies related to molecular pathology have revealed that there is a close relationship between oral microbiota and tumor occurrence. Oral microbiota has attracted considerable attention for its role in in‐situ or distant tumor progression. Anaerobic oral bacteria with potential pathogenic abilities, especially Fusobacterium nucleatum and Porphyromonas gingivalis, are well studied and have close relationships with various types of carcinomas. Some aerobic bacteria such as Parvimonas are also linked to tumorigenesis. Moreover, human papillomavirus, oral fungi, and parasites are closely associated with oropharyngeal carcinoma. Microbial dysbiosis, colonization, and translocation of oral microbiota are necessary for implementation of carcinogenic functions. Various underlying mechanisms of oral microbiota‐induced carcinogenesis have been reported including excessive inflammatory reaction, immunosuppression of host, promotion of malignant transformation, antiapoptotic activity, and secretion of carcinogens. In this review, we have systemically described the impact of oral microbial abnormalities on carcinogenesis and the future directions in this field for bringing in new ideas for effective prevention of tumors.
Mesenchymal stem cells derived‐exosomes as a new therapeutic strategy for acute soft tissue injury
Authors: Yang Hongchang , Zhou Jing , Pan Hongyao , Wei Wei , Gao Run , Zhou Qiang
Published: July 2020

The study aimed to investigate the role of exosomes derived from rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs) in acute soft tissue injury and its related mechanisms. Exosomes were isolated from rBMSCs and characterized by Nanosight NS300 particle size analyser (NTA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and western blot. Twenty four rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 6): control group, strike group, rBMSCs group, and rBMSCs‐exo group. Haematoxylin‐eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the morphology. Real‐time quantification PCR (RT‐qPCR) and western blot were used to analyse the expression ofIL‐1A,IL‐12A,COL11A1,COL4A4, andWnt4. NTA, TEM and western blot results showed that exosomes isolated from rBMSCs were cup‐shaped morphology with a size of about 100 nm. HE staining showed that there was severe soft tissue inflammation in strike group, and the symptoms were alleviated after rBMSCs and rBMSCs‐exo treatment. RT‐qPCR and western blot indicated that in the strike group, the expression levels ofIL‐1AandIL‐12Awere significantly increased, and their expressions were decreased markedly by exosomes treatment. In addition, after treatment, the expression levels ofCOL11A1andWnt4were up‐regulated, while the expression ofCOL4A4was down‐regulated. Exosomes isolated from rBMSCs could improve acute soft tissue injury, and may be used as a new therapeutic strategy acute soft tissue injury.

Significance of the study

Acute soft tissue injury is a common clinical exercise injury, which has a significant impact on people's health and work ability. Exosomes have been attracting increasing attention as a media of cell‐to‐cell communication. This study showed that exosomes isolated from rBMSCs could improve acute soft tissue injury by inhibiting inflammatory response, regulating the levels ofCOL11A1andCOL4A4, and up‐regulating the expression ofWnt4. These will provide a new therapy strategy of acute soft tissue injury, and improve our understanding of the occurrence and development in acute soft tissue injury.
N‐Aryl Amides as Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer Magnetic Resonance Imaging Contrast Agents
Authors: Cai Xuekang , Zhang Jia , Lu Jiaqi , Yi Long , Han Zheng , Zhang Shuixing , Yang Xing , Liu Guanshu
Published: July 2020

Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI has recently emerged as a versatile molecular imaging approach in which diamagnetic compounds can be utilized to generate an MRI signal. To expand the scope of CEST MRI applications, herein, we systematically investigated the CEST properties of N‐aryl amides with different N‐aromatic substitution, revealing their chemical shifts (4.6–5.8 ppm) and exchange rates (up to thousands s−1) are favorable to be used as CEST agents as compared to alkyl amides. As the first proof‐of‐concept study, we used CEST MRI to detect the enzymatic metabolism of the drug acebutolol directly by its intrinsic CEST signal without any chemical labeling. Our study implies that N‐aryl amides may enable the label‐free CEST MRI detection of the metabolism of many N‐aryl amide‐containing drugs and a variety of enzymes that act on N‐aryl amides, greatly expanding the scope of CEST MR molecular imaging.
What is Best Strategy for Water Soluble Fluorescence Dyes?—A Case Study Using Long Fluorescence Lifetime DAOTA Dyes**
Authors: Bisballe Niels , Laursen Bo W.
Published: July 2020

The lipophilic nature of organic dyes complicates their effectiveness in aqueous solutions. In this work we investigate three different strategies for achieving water‐solubility of the diazaoxatriangulenium (DAOTA+) chromophore: hydrophilic counter ions, aromatic sulfonation of the chromophore, and attachment of charged side chains. The long fluorescence lifetime (FLT, τf=20 ns) of DAOTA+ makes it a sensitive probe to analyze solvation and aggregation effects. Direct sulfonation of the chromophore was found to increase solubility drastically, but at the cost of greatly reduced quantum yields (QYs) due to enhanced non‐radiative deactivation processes. The introduction of either cationic (4) or zwitterionic side chains (5), however, brings the FLT (τf=18 ns) and QY (ϕf=0.56) of the dye to the same level as the parent chromophore in acetonitrile. Time‐resolved fluorescence spectroscopy also reveals a high resistance to aggregation and non‐specific binding in a high loading of bovine serum albumin (BSA). The results clearly show that addition of charged flexible side chains is preferable to direct sulfonation of the chromophore core.
The 3 Bs of cancer care amid the COVID‐19 pandemic crisis: “Be safe, be smart, be kind”—A multidisciplinary approach increasing the use of radiation and embracing telemedicine for head and neck cancer
Authors: Kang Jung Julie , Wong Richard J. , Sherman Eric J. , Rybkin Alisa , McBride Sean M. , Riaz Nadeem , Tsai C. Jillian , Yu Yao , Chen Linda , Zakeri Kaveh , Gelblum Daphna Y. , Gillespie Erin F. , Cohen Marc A. , Cracchiolo Jennifer R. , Ganly Ian , Patel Snehal , Singh Bhuvanesh , Boyle Jay O. , Roman Benjamin R. , Morris Luc G. , Shaha Ashok R. , Dunn Lara A. , Ho Alan L. , Fetten James V. , Shah Jatin P. , Pfister David G. , Lee Nancy Y.
Published: July 2020

Because of the national emergency triggered by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, government‐mandated public health directives have drastically changed not only social norms but also the practice of oncologic medicine. Timely head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment must be prioritized, even during emergencies. Because severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 predominantly resides in the sinonasal/oral/oropharyngeal tracts, nonessential mucosal procedures are restricted, and HNCs are being triaged toward nonsurgical treatments when cures are comparable. Consequently, radiation utilization will likely increase during this pandemic. Even in radiation oncology, standard in‐person and endoscopic evaluations are being restrained to limit exposure risks and preserve personal protective equipment for other frontline workers. The authors have implemented telemedicine and multidisciplinary conferences to continue to offer standard‐of‐care HNC treatments during this uniquely challenging time. Because of the lack of feasibility data on telemedicine for HNC, they report their early experience at a high‐volume cancer center at the domestic epicenter of the COVID‐19 crisis.
The benefit of prehabilitation and enhanced recovery in robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy and the promising future of these protocols in the field of urologic oncology
Authors: Townsend William Blair , Worrilow William M. , Riggs Stephen B.
Published: July 2020

Ploussard et al report notable improvements in key perioperative outcomes and associated 30‐day hospital costs with enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols and prehabilitation (PreHab) pathways for robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy. To truly tease out the benefit of ERAS and PreHab, it is necessary to adapt and agree upon checklists and guidelines that are consistent across international geographies and different urologic surgeries; this will promote collaboration and large‐scale reporting and lead to meaningful dialogue about important results.
Immediate histologic correlation in women with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance cytology and positive high‐risk HPV: A retrospective review of 6000 cases in a large academic women's hospital
Authors: Zhang Huina , Pradhan Dinesh , Wang Tiannan , Ashman Dayne , Matsko Jonee , Zhao Chengquan
Published: July 2020

Background

Previous studies of the histologic correlation in women who have atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance cytology (ASC‐US) and are positive for high‐risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV+) have predominantly utilized the Hybrid Capture 2 (HC2) test, whereas the use of other US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved methods is relatively limited.

Methods

Cases of ASC‐US/hrHPV+ that were tested using HC2, Cervista, or Aptima were retrieved, and the immediate histologic correlations were analyzed.

Results

Overall, 53.9% (n = 3238) of women with ASC‐US/hrHPV+ had immediate histologic correlation. The detection rates for grade 1 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN1) were similar among the 3 methods (37.1%‐41.8%), while the overall detection rates for grade 2 CIN or higher (CIN2+) were much lower (5.1%‐9.0%). CIN2+ detection rates were similar among different age groups for HC2 testing, whereas for Cervista and Aptima testing, detection rates were highest in the youngest group (age <25 years) and decreased with age. Statistical analyses revealed that the CIN2+ detection rate was significantly higher in younger women who were tested with Cervista.

Conclusion

These hrHPV testing methods revealed low CIN2+ detection rates in women with ASC‐US/hrHPV+ but demonstrated different patterns when using age‐stratified analyses. The high rate of CIN2+ detection in women aged <25 years by the Cervista and Aptima testing platforms, but not the HC2 platform, suggest that continual investigation of FDA‐approved clinical hrHPV testing—especially large‐scale, long‐term, prospective studies—is needed to evaluate the best options for management of ASC‐US/hrHPV+ in this age group.
Hybrid Nanotube Assembly and Hierarchical ZSM‐23 Zeolite Synthesized with Cationic Polymer and Enhanced Performance in n‐Heptane Hydroisomerization
Authors: Tontisirin Supak , Ernst Stefan , Wilhelm Christian
Published: July 2020

Novel nanotube assembly and hierarchical ZSM‐23 zeolite can be fabricated by using the low‐cost and commercial cationic polymer of polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (polyDDA) in the synthesis gel. In this facile synthesis, the polyDDA plays roles as the growth inhibitor for nanosized crystals and the secondary porogen. This unique crystal structure shows tubular nanocrystals assembling to form agglomerates. This hierarchical structure combines intercrystalline mesopore and narrow macropore to the micropore of ZSM‐23. Double advantages of nanocrystal and hierarchical structure contribute to higher pore mouths and enhanced diffusion of the reaction molecules. The hierarchical form also benefits for simple crystal recovery of nanozeolite by filtration. The n‐heptane hydroisomerization shows the derived Pt/H‐ZSM‐23 outperforms the conventional Pt/H‐ZSM‐23 with higher isomer yield at higher conversion and less cracked product yield. This could be attributed to higher pore mouths and efficient mass transport because of the shorter diffusion path length by the smaller crystal and hierarchical structure supplementing pore‐to‐pore connection of the molecular transport.
Unequal‐interval based loosely coupled control method for auto‐scaling heterogeneous cloud resources for web applications
Authors: Cai Zhicheng , Liu Duan , Lu Yifei , Buyya Rajkumar
Published: July 2020

Most existing quality of service (QoS) control algorithms of Web applications take into account Web Server or database connections which can be released immediately. However, many applications are deployed on virtual machines (VMs) or even Spot VMs elastically rented from public Clouds. To save costs, interval‐priced VMs are not released until the ends of rented intervals. Such delays of control effects make existing methods rent or release excess VMs leading to overcontrol. Fluctuated prices make Spot VMs unreliable due to unexpected termination which makes fault‐tolerant strategies crucial. In this article, an unequal‐interval‐based loosely coupled control method is proposed to improve the quality of service (QoS) control ability of fault‐tolerant strategies. A queuing model with arrival‐rate‐adjustment coefficient is used to predict required capacity as a feedforward controller. Another two‐threshold and queuing‐model‐based method is applied to update the coefficient as a loosely coupled feedback controller. Meanwhile, unequal‐interval controller collaborating method is proposed to avoid overcontrol and react quickly to workload changes. Our approach is evaluated on both a simulation platform and a real Kubernetes Cluster. Experimental results illustrate that our approach decreases the percentage of waiting times larger than service level agreements with similar or lower rental costs compared with existing algorithms.
Generation of Complete Multi−Cell Type Lung Organoids From Human Embryonic and Patient‐Specific Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for Infectious Disease Modeling and Therapeutics Validation
Authors: Leibel Sandra L. , McVicar Rachael N. , Winquist Alicia M. , Niles Walter D. , Snyder Evan Y.
Published: July 2020

The normal development of the pulmonary system is critical to transitioning from placental‐dependent fetal life to alveolar‐dependent newborn life. Human lung development and disease have been difficult to study due to the lack of an in vitro model system containing cells from the large airways and distal alveolus. This article describes a system that allows human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) to differentiate and form three‐dimensional (3D) structures that emulate the development, cytoarchitecture, and function of the lung (“organoids”), containing epithelial and mesenchymal cell populations, and including the production of surfactant and presence of ciliated cells. The organoids can also be invested with mesoderm derivatives, differentiated from the same human pluripotent stem cells, such as alveolar macrophages and vasculature. Such lung organoids may be used to study the impact of environmental modifiers and perturbagens (toxins, microbial or viral pathogens, alterations in microbiome) or the efficacy and safety of drugs, biologics, and gene transfer. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol: hESC/hiPSC dissection, definitive endoderm formation, and lung progenitor cell induction
Energy‐efficient resource allocation for lifetime maximization in M2M networks
Authors: Tarerefa Michael E. , Falowo Olabisi E. , Ventura Neco
Published: July 2020

Machine‐to‐machine (M2M) communications is one of the major enabling technologies for the realization of the Internet of Things (IoT). Most machine‐type communication devices (MTCDs) are battery powered, and the battery lifetime of these devices significantly affects the overall performance of the network and the quality of service (QoS) of the M2M applications. This paper proposes a lifetime‐aware resource allocation algorithm as a convex optimization problem for M2M communications in the uplink of a single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC‐FDMA)‐based heterogeneous network. A K‐means clustering is introduced to reduce energy consumption in the network and mitigate interference from MTCDs in neighbouring clusters. The maximum number of clusters is determined using the elbow method. The lifetime maximization problem is formulated as a joint power and resource block maximization problem, which is then solved using Lagrangian dual method. Finally, numerical simulations in MATLAB are performed to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm, and the results are compared to existing heuristic algorithm and inbuilt MATLAB optimal algorithm. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms the heuristic algorithm and closely model the optimal algorithm with an acceptable level of complexity. The proposed algorithm offers significant improvements in the energy efficiency and network lifetime, as well as a faster convergence and lower computational complexity.
Does functional redundancy affect ecological stability and resilience? A review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Biggs Christopher R. , Yeager Lauren A. , Bolser Derek G. , Bonsell Christina , Dichiera Angelina M. , Hou Zhenxin , Keyser Spencer R. , Khursigara Alexis J. , Lu Kaijun , Muth Arley F. , Negrete Benjamin , Erisman Brad E.
Published: July 2020

In light of rapid shifts in biodiversity associated with human impacts, there is an urgent need to understand how changing patterns in biodiversity impact ecosystem function. Functional redundancy is hypothesized to promote ecological resilience and stability, as ecosystem function of communities with more redundant species (those that perform similar functions) should be buffered against the loss of individual species. While functional redundancy is being increasingly quantified, few studies have linked differences in redundancy across communities to ecological outcomes. We conducted a review and meta‐analysis to determine whether empirical evidence supports the asserted link between functional redundancy and ecosystem stability and resilience. We reviewed 423 research articles and assembled a data set of 32 studies from 15 articles across aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Overall, the mean correlation between functional redundancy and ecological stability/resilience was positive. The mean positive effect of functional redundancy was greater for studies in which redundancy was measured as species richness within functional groups (vs. metrics independent of species richness), but species richness itself was not correlated with effect size. The results of this meta‐analysis indicate that functional redundancy may positively affect community stability and resilience to disturbance, but more empirical work is needed including more experimental studies, partitioning of richness and redundancy effects, and links to ecosystem functions.
Accessing copper oxidation states of dissolved negative electrode current collectors in lithium ion batteries
Authors: Hanf Lenard , Diehl Marcel , Kemper Lea‐Sophie , Winter Martin , Nowak Sascha
Published: July 2020

A novel capillary electrophoresis (CE) method with ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis) detection for the investigation of dissolved Cu+ and Cu2+ in lithium ion battery (LIB) electrolytes was developed. This method is of relevance, as the current collector at the anode of LIBs may dissolve under certain operation conditions. In order to preserve the actual oxidation states of dissolved copper in the electrolytes and to prevent any precipitation during sample preparation and CE measurements, neocuproine (NC) and ethylenediamine tetraacetic (EDTA) were effectively applied as complexing agents for both ionic copper species. However, precipitation and loss of the Cu+‐NC‐complex for quantification occurred in presence of the commonly applied conducting salt lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6). Therefore, acetonitrile (ACN) was added to the sample in order to suppress this precipitation. Dissolution experiments with copper‐based negative electrode current collectors in a LIB electrolyte were conducted at 60°C under non‐oxidizing atmosphere. First findings regarding the copper species via CE revealed dissolved Cu+ and mainly Cu2+. However, primarily Cu+ dissolved from the passivating oxide layer (Cu2O and CuO) of the current collector due to the formation of acidic electrolyte decomposition products. Due to the instability of Cu+ in the electrolyte a further disproportionation reaction to Cu0 and Cu2+ occurred. The results show the high potential of this CE method for prospective investigations regarding the current collector stability in new battery electrode formulations and correlations of dissolution events with dissolution mechanisms and battery cell operation conditions.
Optimization of orange juice formulation through using lactose‐hydrolyzed permeate by RSM methodology
Authors: Nemati Azita , Alizadeh‐ Khaledabad Mohammad , Ghasempour Zahra
Published: July 2020

Permeate is the by‐product of the process of ultrafiltration in a kind of cheese making process in which a semipermeable membrane filters the liquid. It mainly contains 4.5%–4.8% lactose and 0.44%–0.47% mineral salts which make it a safe disposal issue. This study was conducted to use permeate and its lactose as an alternative to sugar, and to use these useful permeate compounds in an optimized orange juice formulation. Milk permeate, as a waste disposal of dairy companies, was applied in lactose hydrolyzed form as the cost effective sugar and water substitution in production of orange juice. The RSM optimization method was applied for formulating beverage mixture. The heated and nonheated permeate samples were incubated with β‐glycosidase enzyme in three thermal ranges (35, 40, and 45°C), 3 time intervals (60,150, and 240 min), and 3 enzyme levels (0%, 0.1%, and 0.2%). The degree of hydrolysis was determined by MilkoScan analyzer. In the next step, optimization of orange juice was accomplished with a mixture of sugar (10%–40%) and hydrolyzed permeate (10%–40%) with specific Brix through RSM statistical design. The physicochemical properties and sensory evaluation were measured during 8 weeks of storage. At the first stage of the study, the heated sample with 0.1% enzyme density, which was incubated for 150 min at 40°C, was yielded the best result. At the second stage, which was the juice production and evaluation, the statistical analysis showed increasing trend of pH and sugar content, but density and vitamin C showed a decreasing trend during storage time (p < .05). The optimal condition was obtained in taking 35% permeate and 41 days of storage in which the values of formalin, vitamin C, and sensory tests were in the highest levels.
Sedimentary facies and reservoir characteristics of the Western Sulige field Permian He 8 tight sandstones, Ordos Basin, China
Authors: Liu Xuan , Ding Xiaoqi , Hersi Osman Salad , Han Meimei , Zhu Ying
Published: July 2020

The He 8 sandstone unit in the Western Sulige field is one of the most prolific gas‐producing intervals in the Ordos Basin. Sedimentologic and reservoir characteristics analysis were conducted to investigate the reservoir's petrological, diagenetic, petrophysical properties, and production characteristics. Three sandstone types and four lithofacies were identified. The two most commonly observed lithofacies are labelled lithofacies C and D. Lithofacies C is composed of fine‐ to medium‐grained litharenites (Sandstone I); lithofacies D includes coarse‐grained sublitharenites (Sandstone II) and coarse‐grained/gravelly litharenites (Sandstone III). Compared with Lithofacies C, Lithofacies D was deposited as a series of laminated sand sheets in a higher energy fluvial system. The tightness of Sandstone I is a result of an episode of intense compaction of the rock framework causing early‐diagenetic dissolution of grains and deformation of ductile rock fragments. The processes that led to the low permeability of Sandstone II and Sandstone III are more complex. In addition to intense compaction, the growth and emplacement of quartz and clay cements are a critical factor. Diagenesis and porosity evolution analysis show that the petrophysical properties of these sandstones were better at the gas charging time. The porosity and permeability values of Sandstones II and III are similar at surface, but significantly different at formation pressure. This leads to differences in gas production rates. Sandstone II has higher gas production rates and cumulative gas production than Sandstone III. The presence or absence of Sandstone II controls the distribution of sweet spots within less productive tight gas reservoirs.
Self‐Organizing Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Hepatocyte 3D Organoids Inform the Biology of the Pleiotropic TRIB1 Gene
Authors: Abbey Deepti , Elwyn Susannah , Hand Nicholas J. , Musunuru Kiran , Rader Daniel J.
Published: July 2020

Establishment of a physiologically relevant human hepatocyte‐like cell system for in vitro translational research has been hampered by the limited availability of cell models that accurately reflect human biology and the pathophysiology of human disease. Here we report a robust, reproducible, and scalable protocol for the generation of hepatic organoids from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) using short exposure to nonengineered matrices. These hepatic organoids follow defined stages of hepatic development and express higher levels of early (hepatocyte nuclear factor 4A [HNF4A], prospero‐related homeobox 1 [PROX1]) and mature hepatic and metabolic markers (albumin, asialoglycoprotein receptor 1 [ASGR1], CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α [C/EBPα]) than two‐dimensional (2D) hepatocyte‐like cells (HLCs) at day 20 of differentiation. We used this model to explore the biology of the pleiotropic TRIB1 (Tribbles‐1) gene associated with a number of metabolic traits, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and plasma lipids. We used genome editing to delete the TRIB1 gene in hiPSCs and compared TRIB1‐deleted iPSC‐HLCs to isogenic iPSC‐HLCs under both 2D culture and three‐dimensional (3D) organoid conditions. Under conventional 2D culture conditions, TRIB1‐deficient HLCs showed maturation defects, with decreased expression of late‐stage hepatic and lipogenesis markers. In contrast, when cultured as 3D hepatic organoids, the differentiation defects were rescued, and a clear lipid‐related phenotype was noted in the TRIB1‐deficient induced pluripotent stem cell HLCs. Conclusion: This work supports the potential of genome‐edited hiPSC‐derived hepatic 3D organoids in exploring human hepatocyte biology, including the functional interrogation of genes identified through human genetic investigation.
Primary large B‐cell lymphoma of the central nervous system with cyclin D1 expression and t(11;14) (IGH‐CCND1): Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma with CCND1 rearrangement or mantle cell lymphoma?
Authors: Parrott Andrew M. , Haggiagi Aya M. , Murty Vundavalli V. , Bhagat Govind , Alobeid Bachir
Published: July 2020

Mantle cell lymphomas (MCLs) are the prototypic B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphomas defined by cyclin D1 gene (CCND1; or other cyclin D family gene) rearrangements. However, extremely rare cases of diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas (DLBCLs) harboring CCND1 rearrangements, resulting in cyclin D1 protein expression, have also been reported. In this report, we describe an unusual primary large B‐cell lymphoma of non‐germinal center immunophenotype of the central nervous system (CNS) in an elderly male patient, which was negative for CD5 and SOX11, and exhibited cyclin D1 expression. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis detected IGH‐CCND1 and BCL6 rearrangements. This case may represent the first report of a primary CNS DLBCL with IGH‐CCND1 rearrangement. The clinico‐pathologic features that can help differentiate primary CNS MCL from primary DLBCL of the CNS with IGH‐CCND1 rearrangement are discussed.
A prospective study of erythrocyte polyunsaturated fatty acids and risk of colorectal serrated polyps and conventional adenomas
Authors: Wang Liang , Hang Dong , He Xiaosheng , Lo Chun‐Han , Wu Kana , Chan Andrew T. , Ogino Shuji , Giovannucci Edward L. , Song Mingyang
Published: July 2020

The influence of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on risk of colorectal cancer precursors remains largely unknown. We examined the associations of erythrocyte PUFAs, including n−3 and n−6 PUFAs, with risk of colorectal conventional adenomas and serrated polyps in 4517 participants from three US prospective cohorts who had provided a blood sample and undergone at least one endoscopic examination. We calculated the multivariable odds ratios (ORs) per 1 SD increment in individual PUFAs and the ratio of n−6/n−3 PUFAs. We considered P < .005 statistically significant to account for multiple testing. During a median of 20 years of follow‐up, we documented 493 conventional adenomas and 316 serrated polyps. After adjusting for various CRC risk factors, no associations for PUFAs achieved the stringent statistical significance for either conventional adenomas or serrated polyps (ORs per 1 SD ranged from 0.90 to 1.14). Some associations achieved nominal significance (P < .05), including the association of dihomogammalinolenic acid (DGLA) (20:3, n−6) with lower risk of conventional adenomas (OR = 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.83‐1.00), total n−6 PUFAs with higher risk of proximal serrated polyps (OR = 1.32; 95% CI = 1.01‐1.74) and eicosadienoic acid (20:2, n−6) and DGLA with lower risk of advanced adenomas (OR = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.71‐0.97 and OR = 0.84; 95% CI = 0.72‐0.98, respectively). Our findings indicate that erythrocyte PUFAs in a typical American diet are unlikely to have a substantial influence on risk of colorectal cancer precursors. The subgroup associations require further confirmation.
Longitudinal continuity of care during antenatal and delivery in the Volta Region of Ghana
Authors: Dery Samuel K.K. , Aikins Moses , Maya Ernest T.
Published: July 2020

Objective

To determine the extent of longitudinal continuity of care (CoC) during pregnancy and delivery in the Volta Region of Ghana.

Methods

Longitudinal data were used from the National Health Insurance Claims Dataset for the period January to December 2013 for pregnant women who sought antenatal and delivery care in the region. Pregnant women who delivered at a health facility with at least three visits were included in the study. Five CoC indices were calculated for each pregnant woman.

Results

Of the 14 474 pregnant women included in the study, 58.4% had perfect CoC. Mean CoC indices were: most frequent provider continuity (MFPC) 0.82 ± 0.25; modified, modified continuity index (MMCI) 0.86 ± 0.20; continuity of care index (COCI) 0.76 ± 0.30; sequential continuity index (SECON) 0.80 ± 0.28; and place of delivery continuity (PDC) 0.68 ± 0.41.

Conclusion

There are relatively medium to high levels of CoC indices during pregnancy and delivery, with place of delivery CoC having the lowest score, an indication that more pregnant women switched providers during delivery. There is a need for policy to ensure CoC during pregnancy.
Rapid progression of recurrent disease in a patient with renal cell carcinoma with vaginal metastasis
Authors: Hisano Mizuki , Kato Renpei , Itamochi Hiroaki , Matsuura Tomohiko , Maekawa Shigekatsu , Kato Yoichiro , Kanehira Mitsugu , Takata Ryo , Baba Tsukasa , Obara Wataru
Published: July 2020

Introduction

We report a rare case of renal cell carcinoma with vaginal metastasis that recurred with rapid progression and was resistant to sunitinib and nivolumab.

Case presentation

A 68‐year‐old woman presented with renal cell carcinoma and vaginal metastasis. Multiple lung metastasis appeared 3 months after simultaneous radical nephrectomy and hysterectomy with vaginal resection. Despite the treatment with sunitinib and nivolumab, the patient died 7 months after surgery. Immunohistochemical staining of primary and metastatic tumor specimens was CD8 and programmed death ligand‐1 negative.

Conclusion

Although vaginal metastasis of renal cell carcinoma is rare, lack of CD8 and programmed death ligand‐1 expression may cause nivolumab resistance and may be useful markers in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
Electronic structure benchmark calculations of CO2 fixing elementary chemical steps in RuBisCO using the projector‐based embedding approach
Authors: Douglas‐Gallardo Oscar A. , Shepherd Ian , Bennie Simon J. , Ranaghan Kara E. , Mulholland Adrian J. , Vöhringer‐Martinez Esteban
Published: July 2020

Ribulose 1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase‐oxygenase (RuBisCO) is the main enzyme involved in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) fixation in the biosphere. This enzyme catalyzes a set of five chemical steps that take place in the same active‐site within magnesium (II) coordination sphere. Here, a set of electronic structure benchmark calculations have been carried out on a reaction path proposed by Gready et al. by means of the projector‐based embedding approach. Activation and reaction energies for all main steps catalyzed by RuBisCO have been calculated at the MP2, SCS‐MP2, CCSD, and CCSD(T)/aug‐cc‐pVDZ and cc‐pVDZ levels of theory. The treatment of the magnesium cation with post‐HF methods is explored to determine the nature of its involvement in the mechanism. With the high‐level ab initio values as a reference, we tested the performance of a set of density functional theory (DFT) exchange‐correlation (xc) functionals in reproducing the reaction energetics of RuBisCO carboxylase activity on a set of model fragments. Different DFT xc‐functionals show large variation in activation and reaction energies. Activation and reaction energies computed at the B3LYP level are close to the reference SCS‐MP2 results for carboxylation, hydration and protonation reactions. However, for the carbon–carbon bond dissociation reaction, B3LYP and other functionals give results that differ significantly from the ab initio reference values. The results show the applicability of the projector‐based embedding approach to metalloenzymes. This technique removes the uncertainty associated with the selection of different DFT xc‐functionals and so can overcome some of inherent limitations of DFT calculations, complementing, and potentially adding to modeling of enzyme reaction mechanisms with DFT methods.
The utilization pattern of serum tumor markers in lung cancer patients: A population‐based retrospective descriptive study
Authors: Wang Hongchun , Zhang Jian , Li Xiaoli , Zhang Cheng , Zheng Shuli , Chi Yihong , Sheng Xia , Zhang Yi
Published: July 2020

Background

The trends in usage of tumor markers, including CEA, SCC, NSE, Cyfra21‐1, and ProGRP, in Chinese lung cancer patients in the real‐world setting are not fully investigated.

Methods

A retrospective descriptive study was conducted using the database of Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, China between January 2013 and December 2017, involving patients primarily diagnosed with NSCLC or SCLC. Utilization trends by first discharge year, utilization rates within different durations before and after first discharge date, and combined utilization patterns of multiple tumor markers were analyzed.

Results

The utilization of all these tumor markers showed increased from 2013 to 2017. CEA, Cyfra21‐1, and NSE were the most frequently detected, which increased slightly from around 50% in 2013 to around 78% in 2017 in NSCLC and from around 70% in 2013 to around 92% in 2017 in SCLC. CEA, Cyfra21‐1, and NSE were the most commonly measured within 3 months before first diagnosis with approximately 65% in NSCLC and 80% in SCLC, and ProGRP had the lowest utilization (around 30%). CEA, NSE, and Cyfra21‐1 had the highest utilization rates after first diagnosis with both around 80% in NSCLC or SCLC. Combined usage of five tumor markers was ranked the first pattern in combined utilization.

Conclusions

This study suggests CEA, Cyfra21‐1, and NSE are the most frequently detected before or after first diagnosis of NSCLC or SCLC. However, SCC and ProGRP tests appeared to have relatively low usages. The utilization pattern was consistent with recommendations of guideline, but underutilization still existed.
When am I ever going to use this? An investigation of the calculus content of core engineering courses
Authors: Faulkner Brian , Johnson‐Glauch Nicole , San Choi Dong , Herman Geoffrey L.
Published: July 2020

Background

Many engineering students fail to proceed through required prerequisite mathematics courses. Since these courses strongly influence engineering student attrition, we should examine to what degree these courses truly serve as prerequisites for following engineering coursework.

Purpose/Hypothesis

We examined two research questions: Which concepts and skills learned in calculus are applied in engineering statics and circuits homework assignments? How are calculus skills applied in engineering statics and circuits homework assignments?

Design/Method

This study analyzes the homework problems of two engineering courses—statics and circuits for nonmajors—using the mathematics‐in‐use method. These courses were chosen since they often require calculus as a direct prerequisite and are taken by most engineering majors. The mathematical content of each homework problem is carefully analyzed, with attention to alternative solution paths that may not match the instructor solution.

Results

Only 8% of statics problems and 20% of circuits for nonmajors problems applied calculus. Furthermore, these problems applied only the simplest calculus skills (e.g., integration of polynomials).

Conclusions

Circuits and statics apply relatively little calculus; most problems consist primarily of algebra. We may be able to modify prerequisite structures to ease or speed student progress.