bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quassinoids from the Root Barks of Ailanthus altissima: Isolation, Configurational Assignment, and Cytotoxic Activities
Authors: Du Ye‐Qing , Bai Ming , Yu Xiao‐Qi , Lv Tian‐Ming , Lin Bin , Huang Xiao‐Xiao , Song Shao‐Jiang
Published: November 2020

Main observation and conclusion

Quassinoids, a class of highly oxygenated triterpenes, have been isolated as bitter principles from the plants of Simaroubaceae family. Five new quassinoids, chouchunlactone A—E (1—5), and two known ones were identified from the root barks of Ailanthus altissima Swingle (Simaroubaceae). The chemical structures of the new compounds were deduced by spectroscopic data analyses, NMR calculations and DP4+ probability analysis. The absolute configurations were defined by comparison of their experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra data, and compounds 1—2 were further confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Biologically, compound 5 showed potencies equivalent to sorafenib (IC50 value, 9.70 μmol·L–1) against HepG2 cells. The Hoechst 33342 staining, JC‐1 fluorescent dye and Annexin V/PI analysis studies demonstrated that 5 can induce apoptosis and attenuate mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in HepG2 cells.
Structure Matters – Direct In‐situ Observation of Cluster Nucleation at Atomic Scale in a Liquid Phase
Authors: Henninen Trond R. , Keller Debora , Erni Rolf
Published: November 2020

The formation of almost all solid crystalline materials starts with a nucleation reaction, where a handful of atoms come together to form the initial crystal seed, which then grows to a larger crystal. Thus, understanding and controlling nucleation is essential for the synthesis and manufacturing of most material systems, especially nanomaterials. Despite this, little is known from direct experimental observations about the initial steps of nucleation, the formation of sub‐nanometer sized clusters. Here, we directly study the atomic nucleation reactions of such sub‐nm clusters of Pt in‐situ in a liquid phase. We do this by inducing nucleation in suspended nanofilms and supported nanodroplets of an ionic liquid (1‐butyl‐3‐methyl imidazolium chloride, 5–50 nm thickness), which is observed at atomic resolution by scanning transmission electron microscopy. We can observe Pt atoms to nucleate into few‐atom clusters, which coalesce and grow into cluster agglomerates or nanoparticles, or redissolve. When comparing nucleation in nanofilms and carbon‐supported nanodroplets, nucleation is rarely observed in nanofilms, while easily observable at high nucleation rate in nanodroplets. This is due to the presence of the pre‐existing liquid‐solid interface, resulting in heterogeneous nucleation in the nanodroplets while there is only homogeneous nucleation in the nanofilms. Ultimately, our results show that the nucleation pathways of nanoparticles are not just determined by the local chemical environment, but are also influenced by size and structure of the initially formed clusters.
Genetic analysis of potato tuber metabolite composition: Genome‐wide association studies applied to a nontargeted metabolome
Authors: Levina Anna V. , Hoekenga Owen , Gordin Mikhail , Broeckling Corey , De Jong Walter S.
Published: November 2020

Plant improvement requires a response to selection, which can be complicated when the biochemical bases of a trait are poorly understood, difficult to measure, genetically complex, or some combination of these common obstacles. We applied nontargeted metabolomic profiling to generate a deep (but largely anonymous) dataset of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers to increase our understanding of the genetic bases for compositional traits. We examined water–methanol extracts of cooked potato tuber cores from 185 clones that had previously been single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyped by the Solanaceae Coordinated Agricultural Project (SolCAP) and detected 981 features that represent a mixture of primary metabolites, specialized metabolites, and hydrolyzed fragments of abundant proteins. Using GWASpoly, an R package that considers gene dosage through a series of genetic models, 472 features could be associated with at least one SNP marker, markedly increasing the number of marker–trait associations that have been made in potato to date. An additive genetic model detected the most associations, where 301 compositional features were associated with SNPs; in contrast, a duplex‐dominant model detected the least (160 features). Unexpectedly, SNPs associated with features were not uniformly distributed throughout the genome but were instead clustered on chromosomes 3, 7, and 8, with dozens of features associated with several small (∼2 Mbp) regions. Also interesting was that the most significant SNPs for several glycoalkaloids (α‐chaconine, β‐chaconine, and α‐solamarine)—detected on chromosomes 2, 7, and 8—are unlinked to any known glycoalkaloid biosynthetic genes.
HIF‐1a expression and differential effects on survival in patients with oral cavity, larynx, and oropharynx squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Swartz Justin E. , Wegner Inge , Noorlag Rob , van Kempen Pauline M. W. , van Es Robert J. J. , de Bree Remco , Willems Stefan M. W.
Published: November 2020

Background

Hypoxia is a negative prognostic factor in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Under hypoxia, the hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1a transcription factor is overexpressed. We investigated whether there were site differences in HIF‐1a expression and its effect on patient outcomes per subsite.

Design/Method

A total of 941 patients with HNSCC in the squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx (OPSCC, n = 302), oral cavity (OSCC, n = 391), or larynx (LSCC, n = 248) were included. Expression of HIF‐1a in tissue samples was investigated using immunohistochemistry. Overall survival (OS), disease‐free survival (DFS), and locoregional control (LRC) were analyzed.

Results

HIF‐1a expression was higher in OSCC than in LSCC and OPSCC. High HIF‐1a expression led to worse prognosis in OPSCC (OS P = .029, DFS P = .085) and LSCC (OS P = .041, DFS P = .011) and better in OSCC (OS P = .055, DFS P = .012). There was no association between HIF‐1a and LRC.

Conclusions

High HIF‐1a expression is related to poor outcome in OPSCC and LSCC and better outcome in OSCC.
Galectins‐1, ‐3, ‐7, ‐8 and ‐9 as prognostic markers for survival in epithelial ovarian cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Pergialiotis Vasilios , Papoutsi Eleni , Androutsou Anastasia , Tzortzis Andrianos‐Serafeim , Frountzas Maximos , Papapanagiotou Angeliki , Kontzoglou Konstantinos
Published: November 2020

Background

Galectins are a family of proteins that have recently emerged as regulators of cancer biology.

Objectives

To investigate the impact of peritumoral and tumoral galectin expression on ovarian cancer prognosis.

Search strategy

We searched Medline, Cochrane, and EMBASE databases from inception until March 22, 2020.

Selection criteria

All studies correlating galectins and ovarian cancer prognosis were selected.

Data collection and analysis

The literature search presented 11 studies, which contained 1034 patients. Meta‐analysis was performed with RevMan 5.3 software.

Main results

Studies were stratified into two groups depending on the location of galectin expression (peritumoral stroma or nucleus/cytoplasm of tumor cells). Tumoral galectin‐7 and galectin‐9 expression was significantly associated with poor overall survival (odds ratio [OR] 2.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.32–3.21, P = 0.001; OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.27–2.30, P < 0.001, respectively). The total effect of high tumoral expression of galectins in overall survival and progression‐free survival was significant (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.02–2.23, P = 0.04; OR 2.76, 95% CI 1.73–4.40, P < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that galectins are implicated in ovarian cancer prognosis; however, further research is needed to ascertain their actual importance as well as their diagnostic accuracy.
Spatio‐temporal topic model induced semantic function measurement for urban landscape design in smart city
Authors: Wang Xijin
Published: November 2020

The traditional semantic measurement methods cannot take into account specific urban functions and cannot extract spatial and temporal semantics in urban landscape design. In order to solve this issue, this paper proposes a spatio‐temporal semantic measurement method that takes into account urban functions. By improving the traditional latent Dirichlet allocation model, the designed spatio‐temporal topic model takes into account the semantics of urban functions via constructing spatial and temporal documents. Then, a similarity measurement is proposed for urban functional analysis based on spatio‐temporal topic model. Lastly, a hierarchical clustering is adopted to realize the measurement of urban functional semantics based on the spatio‐temporal topic model.
Functional consequences of a close encounter between microglia and brain-infiltrating monocytes during CNS pathology and repair
Authors: Quarta Alessandra , Berneman Zwi , Ponsaerts Peter
Published: November 2020

Neuroinflammation is recognized as an important factor contributing to the development and progression of several central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Upon CNS trauma or disease, parenchymal microglia highly proliferate and accumulate in and around the lesion site. In addition, blood-derived monocytes can infiltrate the inflamed CNS in response to cellular damage and/or a compromised blood–brain barrier. Both microglia and infiltrating monocytes are characterized by multiple functional states and can either display highly proinflammatory properties or promote resolution of inflammation and tissue regeneration. Despite sharing some basic immunologic functions, microglia and monocytes display many distinctive features, which ultimately define their contribution to neuropathology. Understanding how the innate immune system participates to brain disease is imperative to identify novel treatment options for CNS inflammatory disorders. In this context, existing and newly developed in vitro platforms for disease modeling are fundamental tools to investigate and modulate microglia and monocyte immune functions within a specific neuropathologic context. In this review, we first briefly summarize the current knowledge on microglia and monocyte ontogenesis, as well as their complex and interconnected contributions to the development of various CNS pathologies. Following the well-recognized concept that both microglia and monocytes can either exert neuroprotective functions or exacerbate tissue damage, we provide a comprehensive overview of cellular models currently available for in vitro study of neuroinflammatory responses. In this context, we highlight how simplified single-cell models may not always correctly recapitulate in vivo biology, hence future research should move toward novel models with higher and multicellular complexity.
MDS-associated SF3B1 mutations enhance proinflammatory gene expression in patient blast cells
Authors: Pollyea Daniel A , Kim Hyun Min , Stevens Brett M , Lee Frank Fang-Yao , Harris Chelsea , Hedin Brenna R , Knapp Jennifer R , O'Connor Brian P , Jordan Craig T , Pietras Eric M , Tan Aik Choon , Alper Scott
Published: November 2020

Two factors known to contribute to the development of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and other blood cancers are (i) somatically acquired mutations in components of the spliceosome and (ii) increased inflammation. Spliceosome genes, including SF3B1, are mutated at high frequency in MDS and other blood cancers; these mutations are thought to be neomorphic or gain-of-function mutations that drive disease pathogenesis. Likewise, increased inflammation is thought to contribute to MDS pathogenesis; inflammatory cytokines are strongly elevated in these patients, with higher levels correlating with worsened patient outcome. In the current study, we used RNAseq to analyze pre-mRNA splicing and gene expression changes present in blast cells isolated from MDS patients with or without SF3B1 mutations. We determined that SF3B1 mutations lead to enhanced proinflammatory gene expression in these cells. Thus, these studies suggest that SF3B1 mutations could contribute to MDS pathogenesis by enhancing the proinflammatory milieu in these patients.
Multi‐year hydroclimatic droughts and pluvials across the conterminous United States
Authors: McCabe Gregory J. , Wolock David M.
Published: November 2020

Time series of water‐year runoff for 2,109 hydrologic units (HUs) across the conterminous United States (CONUS) for the 1900 through 2014 period were used to identify drought and pluvial (i.e., wet) periods. Characteristics of the drought and pluvial events including frequency, duration, and severity were examined and compared. Additionally, a similar analysis was performed using gridded tree‐ring reconstructions of the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) for the period 1475 through 2005 to place the drought and pluvial characteristics determined using water‐year runoff for 1900 through 2014 in the context of multi‐century climate variability. The temporal and spatial variability of droughts and pluvials determined using runoff for the 1900 through 2014 period indicated that most drought events in the CONUS occurred before about 1970, whereas most pluvial periods occurred after about 1970. This change in the frequencies of drought and pluvial events around 1970 was largely related to an increase in fall (October through December) precipitation across much of the central United States. Also, the duration and severity of droughts and pluvials identified using runoff for the 1900 through 2014 period generally were not significantly different from the drought and pluvial characteristics identified using the PDSI for the 1475 through 2005 period.
A New Lung Ultrasound Protocol Able to Predict Worsening in Patients Affected by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Pneumonia
Authors: Perrone Tiziano , Soldati Gino , Padovini Lucia , Fiengo Anna , Lettieri Gianluca , Sabatini Umberto , Gori Giulia , Lepore Federica , Garolfi Matteo , Palumbo Ilaria , Inchingolo Riccardo , Smargiassi Andrea , Demi Libertario , Mossolani Elisa Eleonora , Tursi Francesco , Klersy Catherine , Di Sabatino Antonio
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection can generate severe pneumonia associated with high mortality. A bedside lung ultrasound (LUS) examination has been shown to have a potential role in this setting. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential prognostic value of a new LUS protocol (evaluation of 14 anatomic landmarks, with graded scores of 0–3) in patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 pneumonia and the association of LUS patterns with clinical or laboratory findings.

Methods

A cohort of 52 consecutive patients with laboratory‐confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 underwent LUS examinations on admission in an internal medicine ward and before their discharge. A total LUS score as the sum of the scores at each explored area was computed. We investigated the association between the LUS score and clinical worsening, defined as a combination of high‐flow oxygen support, intensive care unit admission, or 30‐day mortality as the primary end point.

Results

Twenty (39%) patients showed a worse outcome during the observation period; the mean LUS scores ± SDs were 20.4 ± 8.5 and 29.2 ± 7.3 in patients without and with worsening, respectively (P < .001). In a multivariable analysis, adjusted for comorbidities (>2), age (>65 years), sex (male), and body mass index (≥25 kg/m2), the association between the LUS score and worsening (odds ratio, 1.17; 95% confidence interval, 1.05 to 1.29; P = .003) was confirmed, with good discrimination of the model (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.82). A median LUS score higher than 24 was associated with an almost 6‐fold increase in the odds of worsening (odds ratio, 5.67; 95% confidence interval, 1.29 to 24.8; P = .021).

Conclusions

Lung ultrasound can represent an effective tool for monitoring and stratifying the prognosis of patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 pulmonary involvement.
A Novel, Reusable, Ultrasound‐Guided Pericardiocentesis Simulation Model
Authors: Pezeshki Bryan , Boodaie Benjamin , Kessel Matthew , Grewal Ekjot , Alexander Dorian
Published: November 2020

Given the rarity of emergency pericardiocentesis, deliberate effort must be made by the physician to maintain competence in performing this procedure. Herein we describe the construction of a low‐cost, reusable, high‐fidelity simulation model for ultrasound‐guided pericardiocentesis. Sixteen emergency medicine residents participated in a procedure lab using the model and then evaluated the model's efficacy using a survey. Results of this survey found that most participants believed that the model was easy to use and that it increased their competency. There was also a significant increase in self‐reported Likert‐rated confidence in performing pericardiocentesis before and after simulation (1.63 to 3.81; P < .001).
Implantable Hearing Aids: Where are we in 2020?
Authors: Banakis Hartl Renee M. , Jenkins Herman A.
Published: November 2020

Beginning in the late 20th century, implantable hearing aids were developed and used as an alternative for individuals who were unable to tolerate conventional hearing aids. Since that time, several devices have been developed, with four currently remaining on the international market (Med‐el Vibrant Soundbridge, Envoy Esteem, Ototronix MAXUM, and Cochlear Carina). This review will briefly examine the history of middle ear implant development, describe current available devices, evaluate the benefits and limits of the technology, and consider the future directions of research in the field of implantable hearing aids.
Registration of ‘Mislevy’ bermudagrass
Authors: Vendramini J. M. B. , Rios E. , Dubeux J. C. B. , Quesenberry K. , Munoz P.
Published: November 2020

‘Mislevy’ (Reg. no. CV‐46, PI 693070) bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] was selected at the University of Florida, and a series of research projects was conducted to evaluate the merit of Mislevy to be released as a new bermudagrass cultivar in Florida. A grazing experiment was conducted in South Florida and clipping trials conducted in South Florida, north‐central Florida, and North Florida. In the grazing trial, Mislevy was compared with Jiggs, World Feeder, and ‘Tifton 85’ bermudagrass, and four stargrass (Cynodon nlemfuensis Vanderyst) cultivars/entries at four grazing frequencies. Mislevy, Jiggs, and Florona had the greatest overall herbage accumulation (HA), but Mislevy had greater HA at late maturity (7 wk). In the clipping trials, Mislevy was compared with Jiggs, Tifton 85, ‘Tifton 44’, ‘Coastal’, Alicia (North Florida only), and ‘Russell’ (North Florida only) bermudagrass. Mislevy and Jiggs had greater spring HA and total HA than the other cultivars/entries in South Florida and North Florida. In South Florida, all cultivars/entries had the presence of Bipolaris spp. in the aboveground forage at the 9‐wk regrowth interval; however, Mislevy and Tifton 44 had greater proportion of green tissue. In north‐central Florida, there was no difference in spring HA among cultivars, and Tifton 85 had greater total annual HA than Mislevy. Mislevy may be a viable option to increase bermudagrass genetic diversity and provide superior spring and annual HA in South Florida.
Population genomics of selectively neutral genetic structure and herbicide resistance in UK populations of Alopecurus myosuroides
Authors: Dixon Andrea , Comont David , Slavov Gancho T , Neve Paul
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

Alopecurus myosuroides (blackgrass) is a major weed in Europe with known resistance to multiple herbicide modes of action. In the UK, there is evidence that blackgrass has undergone a range expansion. In this paper, genotyping‐by‐sequencing and population‐level herbicide resistance phenotypes are used to explore spatial patterns of selectively neutral genetic variation and resistance. We also perform a preliminary genome‐wide association study (GWAS) and genomic prediction analysis to evaluate the potential of these approaches for investigating nontarget site herbicide resistance.

RESULTS

Blackgrass was collected from 47 fields across the British Isles and up to eight plants per field population (n = 369) were genotyped by Restriction site‐associated DNA (RAD)‐sequencing. A total of 20 426 polymorphic loci were identified and used for population genetic analyses. Phenotypic assays revealed significant variation in herbicide resistance between populations. Population structure was weak (FST = 0.024–0.048), but spatial patterns were consistent with an ongoing westward and northward range expansion. We detected strong and consistent Wahlund effects (FIS = 0.30). There were no spatial patterns of herbicide resistance or evidence for confounding with population structure. Using a combination of population‐level GWAS and genomic prediction we found that the top 20, 200, and 2000 GWAS loci had higher predictive abilities for fenoxaprop resistance compared to all markers.

CONCLUSION

There is likely extensive human‐mediated gene flow between field populations of the weed blackgrass at a national scale. The lack of confounding of adaptive and neutral genetic variation can enable future, more extensive GWAS analyses to identify the genetic architecture of evolved herbicide resistance. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Avoiding Anisotropies in On‐Lattice Simulations of Ballistic Deposition
Authors: Grüner Christoph , Grüner Susann , Mayr Stefan G. , Rauschenbach Bernd
Published: November 2020

Anisotropies often arise in the context of on‐lattice simulations of deposition processes. For instance, the density of simulated thin films depends on the orientation of the substrate and the particle flux with respect to the simulation cell axes, which is known as “grid effect”. Although being the reason for a variety of unphysical results obtained in on‐lattice simulations, less attention is paid to such anisotropies. Herein, the grid effect is studied on the example of the glancing angle deposition (GLAD) technique. GLAD is a physical vapor deposition process that is characterized by a material flux arriving with a highly oblique incidence angle at the substrate. Due to self‐shadowing, a highly porous thin film consisting of separated nanostructures is formed by this method. It is shown that all on‐lattice simulations that contain substrate rotation, beam divergence, or a varying angle of incidence are affected by the grid effect. A method utilizing cluster particles is presented, to reduce the grid effect in on‐lattice simulations. Finally, it is demonstrated that the on‐lattice simulation of GLAD films utilizing cluster particles matches with experimentally deposited silicon films.
Lyapunov‐based consistent discretization of stable homogeneous systems
Authors: Sanchez Tonametl , Polyakov Andrey , Efimov Denis
Published: November 2020

In this article, we propose a discretization scheme for asymptotically stable homogeneous systems. This scheme exploits the information provided by a homogeneous Lyapunov function of the system. The main features of the scheme are: (1) the discretization method is explicit and; (2) the discrete‐time system preserves the asymptotic stability, the convergence rate, and the Lyapunov function of the original continuous‐time system.
Comparison of experimental and computational methods for discharge measurements from tidal wetlands
Authors: Harding Samuel F. , Coleman André M. , Roegner G. Curtis
Published: November 2020

This short communication describes the use and comparison of three methods used to calculate the flow discharge from tidal wetland streams. The techniques presented are (a) bottom‐mounted ADCP deployments, (b) vessel‐mounted ADCP transects, and (c) a volume inundation spatial model that relies on a high‐resolution LiDAR dataset and time‐series of water surface elevation data. The relative agreement between these three methods is used to build confidence in the application of these techniques to the challenge of deducing discharge from tidal wetlands.
Redesign or relabel? How a commercial curriculum and its implementation oversimplify key features of the NGSS
Authors: Lowell Benjamin R. , Cherbow Kevin , McNeill Katherine L.
Published: November 2020

The adoption of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) requires many teachers to drastically change their classroom instruction. Curricular materials offer a tool to support this transition, but there are questions about the degree to which available curricula truly reflect the shifts required by the NGSS. This study proposes a framework of four key elements of NGSS design that can be used to analyze both curriculum and instruction for alignment to the NGSS. The four key elements include phenomenon‐based, three‐dimensional, supports student epistemic agency, and coherent. We used this analytic framework to analyze one commercially available middle school curriculum and its implementation in two classrooms. We found that the curriculum and instruction oversimplified the complex vision of science learning required by using natural phenomena primarily as hooks or examples, creating lessons in which students engaged in core ideas and science practices but separately in service of different goals, placing the cognitive load on the teacher to do most of the sensemaking rather than the students, and having the teacher, rather than the students, build coherence between the lessons. Our work suggests that future curriculum should focus on asking students to tell ahow and whystory around a phenomenon to support three‐dimensionality, student epistemic agency, and coherence. Furthermore, future work should explore how educative elements can highlight and illustrate the vision of NGSS‐aligned instruction and the use of well‐aligned curricula in a variety of settings including curriculum‐based professional development.
Kinetic Enhancement of Sulfur Cathodes by N‐Doped Porous Graphitic Carbon with Bound VN Nanocrystals
Authors: Yang Xinyue , Chen Shang , Gong Wenbin , Meng Xiaodong , Ma Junpeng , Zhang Jie , Zheng Lirong , Abruña Héctor D. , Geng Jianxin
Published: November 2020

The reaction kinetics of sulfur cathodes generally control the performance of lithium−sulfur (Li−S) batteries. Here, N‐doped porous graphitic carbon with bound VN nanocrystals (3D VN@N‐PGC), which is synthesized in one pot by heating a mixture of glucose as C source, urea as N source, and NH4VO3 as V source, is reported to be an superior electrocatalytic cathode host for Li−S batteries. Notably, the VN nanocrystals, strongly bound to the N‐PGC network, form via in situ reactions among the thermolytic products of starting materials. The dopant N atoms and bound VN nanocrystals exhibit synergistic electrocatalytic effects to promote the cathode reactions of the Li−S cells. The observed enhancements are supported by density functional theory simulations and by the observation of electrocatalytic N‐ and V‐intermediate species, via X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure spectroscopy. Li−S cells assembled using 3D VN@N‐PGC as cathode host exhibit superior performance in terms of specific capacity (1442 mA h g−1 at 0.1 C), rate capability (641 mA h g−1 at 4 C), and cycle life (466 mA h g−1 after 1700 cycles at 2 C, corresponding to a capacity decay of 0.020% per cycle). The one‐pot methodology is facile and scalable and offers a new approach for synthesis of various metal nitride‐containing materials for other electrocatalytic applications.
Single Mesopores with High Surface Charges as Ultrahigh Performance Osmotic Power Generators
Authors: Gao Mengyao , Tsai Pei‐Ching , Su Yen‐Shao , Peng Po‐Hsien , Yeh Li‐Hsien
Published: November 2020

Numerous studies on osmotic power generators with nanoscale pores are conducted. However, their performance output is limited because of the finite osmotic current and conductance from such tiny pores. Here, a proof‐of‐concept study demonstrating that the rectified mesopore (sub‐micrometer‐scale pore) with high surface charges can be applied in osmotic energy conversion is reported. A single conical mesopore of ≈405 nm in tip diameter, which can reach an osmotic conductance as high as 0.284 μS (corresponding to a current of 27.5 nA and voltage of 97 mV), enables a record‐high power of 667 pW under a 1000‐fold salinity gradient, more than doubling all of the state‐of‐the‐art single‐pore osmotic power generators reported. This work extends the knowledge of osmotic energy with solid‐state pores from nanoscale to mesoscale and opens up a promising avenue toward ultrahigh performance osmotic power.
Toward a conceptual framework explaining the strategic factors responsible for mobile product innovation success in an emerging African market
Authors: Ngugi Benjamin K. , Elliot Esi Abbam , Blankson Charles
Published: November 2020

This study investigates and then develops a conceptual framework explaining the strategic factors responsible for mobile product innovations success in an emerging market. Our methodology is based on a qualitative case study research design approach using grounded theory concerning Safaricom's organization and product innovations in East African markets and Kenya in particular. We find that Safaricom's innovation success stems from a combination of four winning strategic factors: continuous innovation, reconfiguration and repositioning of failed innovations, elevation of key successful innovation into strategic assets, and combination of strategic assets into a prime business ecosystem. We integrate these strategies to form the Mobile Technology Innovation Cycle as a contribution to product innovation theory and practice.
Nitrogen removal from domestic wastewater in a novel hybrid anoxic‐oxic biofilm reactor at different reflux ratios
Authors: Burov Vladimir E. , Li Jianzheng , Meng Jia
Published: November 2020

A lab‐scale hybrid anoxic‐oxic biofilm reactor (HAOBR) with one anoxic compartment and two oxic compartments in sequence was constructed to treat domestic wastewater in this study. Performance of the HAOBR was evaluated at 25°C and hydraulic retention time 12 hr with reflux ratio increased from 100% to 300% by stages. The results showed that COD, , and TN removal presented an increasing trend with the increase of reflux ratio by stages. At the optimal reflux ratio of 300%, removal of COD, , and TN averaged 83.9%, 99.0%, and 80.8%, respectively. Analysis about pollutant concentration in each compartment of the HAOBR revealed that the excellent pollutant removal was mainly achieved by the cooperation of nitrification in 3rd oxic compartment and denitrification in 1st anoxic compartment. Denitrification in the anoxic zone of 2nd oxic compartment would also contribute to the nitrogen removal. The higher nitrogen removal of the HAOBR at the reflux ratio of 300% is attributed to the presence of the anammox in the 1st anoxic compartment, which is mainly due to the lower COD concentration in the compartment at the higher reflux ratio.

Practitioner points

A hybrid anoxic‐oxic baffled reactor was built to treat domestic wastewater.

Effect of reflux ratio and mechanism of nitrogen removal were investigated.

Reflux ratio 300% was favorable for COD, and TN removal.

The removal of COD, and TN averaged 84.4%, 99.0% and 80.8%, respectively.

Cooperation of nitrification, denitrification and anammox dominated the high nitrogen removal at the higher reflux ratio of 300%.
Forschungsfelder für Künstliche Intelligenz in der strategischen Produktplanung
Authors: Ködding Patrick , Dumitrescu Roman
Published: November 2020

Der Megatrend Digitalisierung durchdringt alle Bereiche des täglichen Lebens von Unternehmen und Individuen. Insbesondere das produzierende Gewerbe befindet sich in einem tiefgreifenden Wandel. Die Digitalisierung löst als Schlüsseltreiber der Innovationen des 21. Jahrhunderts grundlegende Veränderungen in der Produktentstehung aus. Auf der einen Seite bieten sich zahlreiche Erfolg versprechende Möglichkeiten durch den Einsatz neuer Technologien, eingebetteter Systeme und neuer Ansätze in der Datenverarbeitung. Auf der anderen Seite steigt dadurch aber auch die Komplexität der intelligenten, technischen Systeme. Immer kürzer werdende Entwicklungszyklen, immer größere Datenmengen sowie die steigende Komplexität der neuen Marktleistungen stellen Unternehmen vor große Herausforderungen. Die Entwicklung, Implementierung und Nutzung von Anwendungen der künstlichen Intelligenz (KI) eröffnet Unternehmen die Möglichkeit, nicht nur diese Herausforderungen zu meistern, sondern auch vielfältige Nutzenpotenziale in der Produktentstehung zu erschließen. Dies ist Gegenstand des vorliegenden Beitrags. Zunächst wird daher das Spannungsfeld aus KI und Produktentstehung analysiert. Überdies werden die mit der Einführung, Entwicklung und Nutzung von KI-Anwendungen verbundenen Potenziale und Herausforderungen gezeigt. Abschließend werden auf dieser Basis Forschungsfelder für KI in der strategischen Produktplanung abgeleitet. Aspekte der digitalen Souveränität und verwandte Themen – wie Erklärbarkeit der KI-Anwendungen und Verfügbarkeit interner Kompetenzen – spielen eine zentrale Rolle, wenn es darum geht, Potenziale der KI für die strategische Produktplanung zu nutzen.
Jet energy drop
Authors: Cal Pedro , Lee Kyle , Ringer Felix , Waalewijn Wouter J.
Published: November 2020

Abstract

We study the jet energy drop, which is the relative difference between the groomed and ungroomed jet energy or transverse momentum. It is one of the fundamental quantities that characterizes the impact of grooming on jets produced in high energy collisions. We consider three different grooming algorithms i) soft drop, ii) iterated soft drop, and iii) trimming. We carry out the resummation of large logarithms of the jet energy drop, the jet radius as well as relevant grooming parameters at next-to-leading logarithmic (NLL′) accuracy. In addition, we account for non-global and clustering logarithms, and determine the next-to-leading order corrections. For soft drop we perform a joint resummation of the jet energy drop and the groomed jet radius, which is necessary to achieve the correct all-order structure of the cross section, in particular for the Sudakov-safe case of soft drop with β = 0. We present numerical results for LHC energies and compare to Pythia simulations as well as CMS data. Our factorization framework predicts the onset of nonperturbative effects in the jet energy distribution, in line with what we find in Pythia. The jet energy drop observables stand out because they only probe soft radiation, making them ideal candidates for the tuning of parton shower Monte Carlo event generators and for probing medium effects in heavy-ion collisions.
Non-targeted screening workflows for gas chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis and identification of biomagnifying contaminants in biota samples
Authors: Rebryk Andriy , Haglund Peter
Published: November 2020

The health of key species in the Baltic region has been impaired by exposure to anthropogenic hazardous substances (AHSs), which accumulate in organisms and are transferred through food chains. There is, thus, a need for comprehensive characterization of the occurrence and accumulation of AHSs in the ecosystem. In this study, we use a non-target screening (NTS) approach for this purpose. A major challenge in NTS of biological samples is the removal of matrix components such as lipids that may interfere with the detection and identification of compounds of interest. Here, we combine gel permeation chromatography with Florisil® column fractionation to achieve sufficient lipid removal for gas chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis using electron ionization (EI) and electron capture negative ion chemical ionization (ECNI). In addition, we present new data processing workflows designed to systematically find and identify frequently occurring and biomagnifying AHSs, including known, emerging, and new contaminants. Using these workflows, we discovered a wide range of contaminants in tissue samples from blue mussels, fish, and marine mammals, and calculated their biomagnification factors (BMFs). Compounds with BMFs above 1 for herring and at least one marine mammal included legacy chlorinated pollutants (polychlorinated biphenyls, DDTs, chloro-benzenes/cyclohexanes, chlordanes, toxaphenes, dieldrin), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and brominated biphenyls. However, there were also several halogenated natural products (halogenated methoxylated brominated diphenyl ethers, 1′-methyl-1,2′-bipyrroles, 1,1′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyrroles, and the halogenated monoterpene mixed halogenated compound 1) as well as the novel flame retardant Dechlorane 602 and several polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, terpenoids, and steroids. The legacy pollutants exhibited the expected biomagnification behavior, demonstrating the utility of the unguided data processing workflow.
Atypical neuroimaging characteristics of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in infants: a case series of hemorrhagic brain lesions in the deep grey matter
Authors: Pak Neda , Selehnia Anseh , Hunfeld Maayke A. W. , Lequin Maarten H. , Neuteboom Rinze F. , de Vries Andrica C. H. , Kroon Andre A. , Dremmen Marjolein H. G.
Published: November 2020

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare multisystem condition associated with uncontrolled overproduction and infiltration of lymphocytes and histiocytes predominantly in liver, lymph nodes, spleen, and central nervous system. Neuroimaging findings on MRI are fairly nonspecific and classically include periventricular white matter signal abnormalities and diffuse atrophy. Focal parenchymal lesions may demonstrate post contrast ring or nodular enhancement and calcification. However, the MR imaging characteristics can be highly variable. Here, we present two cases of HLH in infants with multiple hemorrhagic lesions mostly depicted in both thalami and basal ganglia regions. Thalamic, basal ganglia, and brain stem involvement with hemorrhagic changes in HLH are rarely described in literature. Early diagnosis of HLH may be lifesaving. Awareness of the disease is necessary to investigate its characteristic findings and avoiding a delay in diagnosis.
Minimal risk of contrast-induced kidney injury in a randomly selected cohort with mildly reduced GFR
Authors: Carlqvist Jeanette , Nyman Ulf , Sterner Gunnar , Brandberg John , Fagman Erika , Hellström Mikael
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Previous large studies of contrast-induced or post-contrast acute kidney injury (CI-AKI/PC-AKI) have been observational, and mostly retrospective, often with patients undergoing non-enhanced CT as controls. This carries risk of inclusion bias that makes the true incidence of PC-AKI hard to interpret. Our aim was to determine the incidence of PC-AKI in a large, randomly selected cohort, comparing the serum creatinine (Scr) changes after contrast medium exposure with the normal intraindividual fluctuation in Scr.

Methods

In this prospective study of 1009 participants (age 50–65 years, 48% females) in the Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS), with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 50 mL/min, all received standard dose intravenous iohexol at coronary CT angiography (CCTA). Two separate pre-CCTA Scr samples and a follow-up sample 2–4 days post-CCTA were obtained. Change in Scr was statistically analyzed and stratification was used in the search of possible risk factors.

Results

Median increase of Scr post-CCTA was 0–2 μmol/L. PC-AKI was observed in 12/1009 individuals (1.2%) according to the old ESUR criteria (> 25% or > 44 μmol/L Scr increase) and 2 individuals (0.2%) when using the updated ESUR criteria (≥ 50% or ≥ 27 μmol/L Scr increase). Possible risk factors (e.g., diabetes, age, eGFR, NSAID use) did not show increased risk of developing PC-AKI. The mean effect of contrast media on Scr did not exceed the intraindividual Scr fluctuation.

Conclusions

Iohexol administration to a randomly selected cohort with mildly reduced eGFR is safe, and PC-AKI is very rare, occurring in only 0.2% when applying the updated ESUR criteria.

Key Points

• Iohexol administration to a randomly selected cohort, 50–65 years old with mildly reduced eGFR, is safe and PC-AKI is very rare.

• Applying the updated ESUR PC-AKI criteria resulted in fewer cases, 0.2% compared to 1.2% using the old ESUR criteria in this cohort with predominantly mild reduction of renal function.

• The mean effect of CM on Scr did not exceed the intraindividual background fluctuation of Scr, regardless of potential risk factors, such as diabetes or NSAID use in our cohort of 1009 individuals.
Dynamics of a magnetic gear with two cogging-free operation modes
Authors: Hartung Stefan , Rehberg Ingo
Published: November 2020

The coupling of two rotating spherical magnets is investigated experimentally. For two specific angles between the input and output rotation axes, a cogging-free coupling is observed, where the driven magnet is phase-locked to the driving one. The striking difference between these two modes of operation is the reversed sense of rotation of the driven magnet. For other angles, the experiments reveal a more complex dynamical behavior, which is divided in three different classes. This is done by analyzing the deviation from a periodic motion of the driven magnet, and by measuring the total harmonic distortion of this rotation. The experimental results can be understood by a mathematical model based on pure dipole–dipole interaction, with the addition of adequate friction terms.
On the tail of the branching random walk local time
Authors: Angel Omer , Hutchcroft Tom , Járai Antal
Published: November 2020

Consider a critical branching random walk on $$\mathbb Z^d$$

Z
d

, $$d\ge 1$$

d
≥
1

, started with a single particle at the origin, and let L(x) be the total number of particles that ever visit a vertex x. We study the tail of L(x) under suitable conditions on the offspring distribution. In particular, our results hold if the offspring distribution has an exponential moment.
Availability of totally implantable venous access devices in cancer patients is high in the long term: a seven-year follow-up study
Authors: Tumay Latif Volkan , Guner Osman Serhat
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Totally implantable venous access devices (TIVADs) currently have an important place in medical oncology practice; however, their long-term availability deserves further investigation, since they are usually required by patients for prolonged periods. This study aimed to evaluate long-term availability of TIVADs in adult cancer patients, in conjunction with complication/removal rates over time and associated risk factors during 7-year follow-up.

Methods

A total of 204 adult cancer patients who underwent TIVAD placement via subclavian vein using the Seldinger technique were included in this study. Medical data and catheter follow-up records were investigated retrospectively. Complications and port removals due to complications were evaluated over time.

Results

During median 21.9 (range, 0.7–82.9) months of follow-up, great majority of the patients did not require catheter removal due to complications (91.7%). During a total follow-up of 183,328 catheter days, 20 (9.8%) patients had complications with an incidence of 0.109 cases per 1000 catheter days and 18 (8.8%) of them required TIVAD removal (0.098 cases per 1000 catheter days). Most device removals due to complications (15/18, 83.3%) occurred within the first 24 months. Multivariate analysis identified left-sided device location as the only significant independent predictor of short device availability (OR, 3.5 [95% CI, 1.1–11.1],p = 0.036).

Conclusion

TIVADs in cancer patients appear to be safe and their availability appears to be high in the long term. A decision for early removal might be revisited. Opting for the accustomed side (right side in the present study) for implantations seems to be associated with better outcomes.
The AO triangular external fixator: a backup option in the treatment of ankle fractures in geriatric patients?
Authors: Hennings Robert , Spiegl Ulrich J. , Fakler Johannes K. M. , Ahrberg Annette B.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

To analyze the indications, radiological short-term outcomes, and complications of ankle fractures in geriatric patients treated with a triangular external fixator (AEF) until fracture healing. Furthermore, the effect of an additional osteosynthesis to AEF on the radiological outcome was investigated.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of ankle fractures treated in a Level I Trauma Center between 2005 and 2015 with an AEF in patients aged ≥ 65 years until fracture has healed. The combination of AEF and at least one additional osteosynthesis of a malleolus was defined as hybrid external fixator (HEF). At the time of AEF removal, a preserved ankle joint congruity was defined as good radiological outcome. Incongruity more than 2 mm was defined as poor radiologic results.

Results

16 patients (13 women, 3 men) with a mean age of 74 years (SD 6.2) were treated with AEF until fracture healing, 9 with a single AEF and 7 with a HEF. Stabilization with HEF (n = 7 [100%]) showed higher rates of good radiological outcome than AEF alone (n = 4 [44%] of 9; p = 0.034). The duration of therapy did not differ between HEF and AEF (70 day vs 77 days). 4 patients (22%) required surgical revision.

Conclusion

It could be shown that osteosynthesis in addition to AEF leads to a better radiological short-term results than using AEF alone. Therefore, in the situation where an AEF is considered as the definitive treatment option for an ankle fracture in geriatric patients with expected or existing soft tissue problems, it should be done or completed as a HEF.

Level of evidence

Therapeutic level IV.
Topology analysis of electric vehicles, with a focus on the traction battery
Authors: Nicoletti Lorenzo , Ostermann Franziska , Heinrich Maximilian , Stauber Alois , Lin Xue , Lienkamp Markus
Published: November 2020

Over recent years, the number of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has drastically increased due to new European Union (EU) regulations. These regulations force vehicle manufacturers to adjust their product range in order to fulfill the imposed carbon dioxide limits. Such an adjustment enforces the usage of battery electric vehicles. However, research into the optimal BEV architectures and topologies is still in progress. Therefore, the aim of this paper is an analysis of all the current electric vehicle topologies. From this analysis, the authors identify different basic battery shapes. Subsequently, these shapes are used to describe the impact of the battery on the passenger compartment. As an initial result of this analysis, the authors create a new denomination method, via which it is possible to cluster the battery topologies. In a second step, the collected data is clustered using the novel denomination method. Finally, this paper presents the benchmark topologies for the analyzed segments.