bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Assembly of Zinc Oxide Microcrystals by a Low‐Temperature Dissolution–Reprecipitation Process: Lessons Learned About Twin Formation in Heterogeneous Reactions
Authors: Hoffmann Rudolf C. , Trapp Maximilian , Erdem Emre , Kratzer Markus , Teichert Christian , Kleebe Hans‐Joachim , Schneider Jörg J.
Published: January 2020

Cobalt‐doped zinc oxide single crystals with the shape of hexagonal platelets were synthesized by thermohydrolysis of zinc acetate, cobalt acetate, and hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) in mixtures of ethanol and water. The mineralization proceeds by a low‐temperature dissolution–reprecipitation process from the liquid phase by the formation of basic cobalt zinc salts as intermediates. The crystal shape as well as twin formation of the resulting oxide phase can be influenced by careful choice of the solvent mixture and the amount of doping. An understanding of the course of the reaction was achieved by comprehensive employment of analytical techniques (i.e., SEM, XRD, IR) including an in‐depth HRTEM study of precipitates from various reaction stages. In addition, EPR as well as UV/Vis spectroscopic measurements provide information about the insertion of the cobalt dopant into the zincite lattice. The Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) technique is shown to be suitable for depositing coatings of the platelets on glass substrates functionalized with polyelectrolyte multilayers and hence is applied for the formation of monolayers containing domains with ordered tessellation. No major differences are found between deposits on substrates with anionic or cationic surface modification. The adherence to the substrates is sufficient to determine the absolute orientation of the deposited polar single crystals by piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) and Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) studies.
Influence of the Attachment of a Gold(I) Phosphine Moiety at the Upper Rim of a Calix[4]pyrrole on the Binding of Tetraalkylammonium Chloride Salts
Authors: Sun Qingqing , Aragay Gemma , Pinto Andrea , Aguiló Elisabet , Rodríguez Laura , Ballester Pablo
Published: January 2020

We report the synthesis of an unprecedented mono‐gold(I) phosphine complex based on a “two‐wall” aryl‐ethynyl extended calix[4]pyrrole. We describe and compare the binding properties of the parent 10α,20α‐bis‐aryl‐ethynyl calix[4]pyrrole ligand and the prepared organometallic compound as receptors for tetraalkylammonium chloride salts in dichloromethane and acetone. We describe the results of 1H NMR, UV–Vis titrations and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) experiments in dichloromethane and acetone, aiming to thermodynamically characterize the formed complexes. The obtained results indicate a noticeable decrease in the binding affinity of the chloride for the mono‐gold(I) receptor 1 compared to the parent ligand 2. The increase in the negative value of the electrostatic surface potential at the center of the aromatic ring of the gold(I) meso‐aryl‐ethynyl substituent serves to explain the observed results and the presence in solution of the chloride complex of 1 as a mixture of two conformers.
Surface Functionalization of Black Phosphorus with a Highly Reducing Organoruthenium Complex: Interface Properties and Enhanced Photoresponsivity of Photodetectors
Authors: Guo Rui , Zheng Yue , Hu Zehua , Zhang Jialin , Han Cheng , Longhi Elena , Barlow Stephen , Marder Seth R. , Chen Wei
Published: January 2020

In this work, a heterostructure obtained by vacuum evaporation of a strong molecular n‐dopant, [RuCp*(mes)]2, onto black phosphorus (BP) is reported, along with the systematic investigation of the interfacial structure and properties by various in situ characterization techniques. Ultraviolet photoelectron spectra (UPS) showed a large decrease in the work function of BP and a new peak within the bandgap, which is attributed to electron transfer from dopants to the underlying BP. The electrons trapped at the interface act as hole traps and induce photogating effect so that a photodetector based on BP–organoruthenium complex heterostructure demonstrates a photoresponsivity of 5.5 mA W−1 and an EQE of 1.3 % at 515 nm, a tenfold improvement compared to the pristine BP device.
In Situ Immobilization of Palladium Nanodots in C−C Bonded 2D Conjugated Polymers through Suzuki Polymerization at the Liquid–Liquid Interface
Authors: Wang Dongyang , Li Ming
Published: January 2020

Traditional methods for immobilization of noble metal nanodots in 2D materials (2DMs) need multiple steps and unfriendly reaction conditions. Herein, a one‐step method was developed by immobilizing in situ palladium nanodots during the preparation of the 2D conjugated polymer (2DCP) through Suzuki polymerization on interface under mild conditions. Through this method, three 2D conjugated nanosheets carrying palladium nanodots were synthesized.
Clinically ascertained health outcomes, quality of life, and social attainment among adult survivors of neuroblastoma: A report from the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort
Authors: Wilson Carmen L. , Brinkman Tara M. , Cook Cathleen , Huang Sujuan , Hyun Geehong , Green Daniel M. , Furman Wayne L. , Bhakta Nickhill , Ehrhardt Matthew J. , Krasin Matthew J. , Robison Leslie L. , Ness Kirsten K. , Hudson Melissa M.
Published: January 2020

Background

The objective of this study was to characterize chronic disease, health‐related quality of life (HRQOL), emotional distress, and social attainment among long‐term survivors of neuroblastoma.

Methods

Chronic health conditions among 136 ≥10‐year neuroblastoma survivors (median age, 31.9 years; range, 20.2‐54.6 years) and 272 community controls (median age, 34.7 years; range, 18.3‐59.6 years) were graded with a modified version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (version 4.03). HRQOL and emotional distress were assessed with the Medical Outcomes Study 36‐Item Short Form Health Survey and the Brief Symptom Inventory‐18. Log‐binomial regression and logistic regression were used to compare the prevalence of chronic conditions and the frequency of reduced HRQOL, distress, and social attainment between survivors and controls. The cumulative burden approach was used to estimate multimorbidity.

Results

By the age of 35 years, survivors had experienced, on average, 8.5 grade 1 to 5 conditions (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.6‐9.3), which was higher than the average for controls (3.3; 95% CI, 2.9‐3.7). Compared with controls, survivors had a higher prevalence of any pulmonary (P = .003), auditory (P < .001), gastrointestinal (P < .001), neurological (P = .003), or renal condition (P < .001); were more likely to report poor physical HRQOL (P = .01) and symptoms of anxiety (P = .01) and somatization (P = .01); and were less likely to live independently (P = .01) or marry (P = .01). In analyses limited to survivors, those with 1 or more grade 3 to 5 conditions were more likely to report reduced general health (odds ratio [OR], 6.6; 95% CI, 1.6‐26.9), greater bodily pain (OR, 4.2; 95% CI, 1.0‐17.0), and unemployment (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.2‐8.5).

Conclusions

Because of the high burden of chronic diseases and the associations of these morbidities with reduced HRQOL and social attainment, screening and interventions that provide opportunities to optimize health are important among neuroblastoma survivors.
A privacy‐preserving density peak clustering algorithm in cloud computing
Authors: Sun Liping , Ci Shang , Liu Xiaoqing , Zheng Xiaoyao , Yu Qingying , Luo Yonglong
Published: January 2020

Aiming at preventing the privacy disclosure of sensitive information, issues related to privacy protection in cloud computing have attracted the interest of researchers. To protect the privacy of users during clustering in a cloud computing environment, we present a privacy‐preserving density peak clustering (PPDPC) algorithm that neither discloses personal privacy information nor leaks the cluster centers. Our scheme contains two steps of density peak clustering: First, a cloud service provider calculates the cluster centers without knowing each participant's private data and without disclosing any cluster center information to the other participants, and second, participant allocation is secure and every participant is prevented from identifying the other members of the same cluster. Security analysis and comparison experiments show that the proposed PPDPC algorithm not only obtains good accuracy with respect to density peak clustering but also resists collusion attacks even if the cloud service provider is collaborating with all except one participant. Both theoretical analysis and experimental results confirm the security and accuracy of our method.
Evaluation of cloud autoscaling strategies under different incoming workload patterns
Authors: Calzarossa Maria Carla , Massari Luisa , Tessera Daniele
Published: January 2020

Cloud computing provides cost‐effective solutions for deploying services and applications. Although resources can be provisioned on demand, they need to adapt quickly and in a seamless way to the workload intensity and characteristics and satisfy at the same time the desired performance levels. In this paper, we evaluate the effects exercised by different incoming workload patterns on cloud autoscaling strategies. More specifically, we focus on workloads characterized by periodic, continuously growing, diurnal and unpredictable arrival patterns. To test these workloads, we simulate a realistic cloud infrastructure using customized extensions of the CloudSim simulation toolkit. The simulation experiments allow us to evaluate the cloud performance under different workload conditions and assess the benefits of autoscaling policies as well as the effects of their configuration settings.
A Highly Stable and Tunable Visible‐Near‐IR Electrochromic All‐in‐One Gel Device
Authors: Ling Huan , Su Fengyu , Tian Yanqing , Luo Dan , Liu Yan Jun , Sun Xiao Wei
Published: January 2020

Energy saving is a global topic of critical importance. Electrochromic devices (ECDs) could be used to control energy flow by modulating the light absorption reversibly upon application of a small potential bias. Herein, a visible‐NIR dual‐band ECD based on the viologen analogue 4, 4′‐(thiophene‐2, 5‐diyl) bis(1‐methylpyridin‐1‐ium) diiodide (TMP) was assembled with a simple all‐in‐one configuration. The TMP‐based gel ECD possesses high dynamic contrast (81.7 % at 570 nm, 68.6 % at 835 nm, 62.8 % at 910 nm and 55.3 % at 1046 nm), excellent cyclic stability (70.6 % of ▵T at 570 nm maintained after 25000 cycles at 1.4 V), and low power consumption (15.2 mJ/cm2 to complete the coloring process, 2.5 mW/cm2 to keep color and low transmittance). Remarkably, the absorption of visible and NIR light could be selectively adjusted by varying the coloring time. For comparison, a dimethyl viologen (DMV)‐based gel ECD was fabricated, and the SAR (structure‐activity relationship) was established by cyclic voltammetry, density functional theory (DFT) calculations, and other electrochromic performance parameters.
Designing the focused and wide beam pattern in linear and planar phased‐MIMO radar considering the antennas' overlap
Authors: Moghaddasi S.A. , Khaleghi Bizaki H.
Published: January 2020

Phased‐array multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) radar is a new method for collocated MIMO radar, benefiting from its advantages without losing the coherent processing gain considered the main feature of phased‐array radars. In this method, the whole array is divided into several overlapping subarrays; then a waveform is allocated to the antennas of each subarray, which are orthogonal to other subarray's waveforms. In order to obtain a desired beam pattern, appropriate weighting coefficients for each subarray should be designed. This study aimed to design the phased‐MIMO radar's weighting coefficient matrix in two modes: In the first mode, the aim is to design a beam pattern, which has the maximum value in direction of the desired targets. In the second mode, a desired beam pattern is defined, and the coefficients should calculated in such a way that the obtained pattern be as much as possible compatible with the desired patter. In the two modes, the design, at first, is accomplished for linear array and then is extended to the planar array. Moreover, the impact of subarrays' overlap and the power constraints is investigated. The proposed methods, in special cases, are applicable in MIMO and phased‐array radars, too.
Selection and plasticity both account for interannual variation in life‐history phenology in an annual prairie legume
Authors: Nashoba Amber R. , Kono Thomas J. Y.
Published: January 2020

As the environment changes, so too must plant communities and populations if they are to persist. Life‐history transitions and their timing are often the traits that are most responsive to changing environmental conditions. To compare the contributions of plasticity and natural selective response to variation in germination and flowering phenology, we performed a quantitative genetic study of phenotypic selection on Chamaecrista fasciculata (Fabaceae) across two consecutive years in a restored tallgrass prairie. The earliest dates of germination and flowering were recorded for two parental cohorts and one progeny cohort in an experimental garden. Environmental differences between years were the largest contributors to phenological variation in this population. In addition, there was substantial heritability for flowering time and statistically significant selection for advancement of flowering. Comparison between a progeny cohort and its preselection parental cohort indicated a change in mean flowering time consistent with the direction of selection. Selection on germination time was weaker than that on flowering time, while environmental effects on germination time were stronger. The response to selection on flowering time was detectable when accounting for the effect of the environment on phenotypic differences, highlighting the importance of controlling for year‐to‐year environmental variation in quantitative genetic studies.
Investigation of multistage injection strategies in a DISI engine fueled with methane under stratified charge lean combustion conditions
Authors: Firat Mujdat
Published: January 2020

A three‐dimensional numerical study has been performed to study combustion and emission of methane in a stratified charge direct injection spark ignition engines under the multistage injection strategies. Firstly, the combustion and emission characteristics of a single‐injection strategy were investigated, and then the effects of two‐stage and three‐stage injection strategies of the injected fuel on combustion and emissions were analyzed. This simulation was run from intake valve opening to exhaust valve opening under stratified charge conditions using the ANSYS Forte numerical software. The Discrete Particle Ignition Kernel Flame model was used to investigate the ignition process and also the combustion and flame propagation were simulated with the G‐equation model. The numerical results show that the multistage injection strategies achieve a significant improvement in the cylinder pressure and combustion efficiency, while reducing NOx, CO, and unburned hydrocarbon emissions compared to single‐injection strategy under stratified charge conditions. Also, the efficient multistage injection strategies enhanced the benefits of the emission reduction in the stratified lean combustion with additional increases of combustion efficient.
Experimental and parametric investigation of effects of built‐in staircases on the dynamics of RC buildings
Authors: Mir Faizan Ul Haq , Rai Durgesh C.
Published: January 2020

Past earthquakes, in many instances, have demonstrated poor performance of commonly used built‐in staircase configurations. Codal provisions in India pertaining to staircases present a rather simple approach wherein the effects of built‐in staircases on the overall dynamic properties or on the local behavior of structures are not addressed explicitly. Studies in the past have highlighted the scale of such effects, but most of them have relied completely on analytical models of buildings. This study analyzes the adequacy of the codal provisions by investigating two finite element (FE) models calibrated using ambient and forced vibration measurements. The effects of variations in building height, layout of staircase in plan, and presence of masonry infill walls in stairwells are also examined. The codal guidelines regarding empirical estimation of period and provision of enclosure walls around built‐in staircases are found to be adequate. However, for the case of built‐in staircases without enclosure walls, the force and displacement demands on landing beams are found to be considerably high. Drift‐based approaches to estimate these demands are proposed.
Nature and efficacy of interventions addressing eating psychopathology in athletes: A systematic review of randomised and nonrandomised trials
Authors: Sandgren Sebastian S. , Haycraft Emma , Plateau Carolyn R.
Published: January 2020

Objective

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the nature of interventions addressing eating psychopathology in athletes, identify the characteristics of successful interventions, and review the efficacy of interventions at reducing or preventing eating psychopathology.

Method

SPORTDiscus, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO were searched to identify studies addressing eating psychopathology in athletes, which included an outcome measure of disordered eating.

Results

Seventeen studies (11 randomised controlled trials, six nonrandomised trials) reporting data on 13 interventions were included. The methodological quality was observed to be generally low. All interventions (11 implemented in North America) were delivered face to face in groups with variable duration and intensity. Thirteen studies reported significant reductions in athletes' eating psychopathology following the intervention, with seven reporting sustained effects (small to moderate). Successful interventions were characterised by higher intervention dosage, higher retention, and incorporated a focus on self‐esteem and self‐efficacy.

Conclusion

The complex nature of interventions, combined with a lack of evaluation data and poor methodological quality, limits the scaling and refinement of many interventions. Future research should explore other modes of delivery, collect evaluation data, and adhere to clearer study reporting. Doing this will consequently improve the development and delivery of effective eating psychopathology interventions offered to athletes more widely.
Optimized Power System Management Scheme for LSS PV Grid Integration in Malaysia Using Reactive Power Compensation Technique
Authors: Mohanan Mahesh , Go Yun Ii
Published: January 2020

A large‐scale solar photovoltaic system (LSS PV) aims to reduce the gap as Malaysia plans to shift electricity generation from conventional sources like fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. The government plans to increase renewable energy to 20% of the generation mix by 2025. The first and second round of Malaysia's LSS programme has 958 MW of PV projects to be realized by 2020. The third round of the LSS program goes for an aggregate capacity of 500 MW. Being an intermittent source of energy, the major complication is with grid integration of the LSS PV system into the national power grid. This research aims to identify an optimum power system management scheme for LSS in Malaysia to stabilize voltage fluctuations by utilizing IEEE bus configuration. The simulation and planning of network type is based on PSS/E and PVSyst. The expected outcome of this research is to develop a solution for LSS grid integration with minimal loss in the system and in accordance with electricity standards as per Malaysian grid code. Additionally, the harmony of incorporating power electronic devices for reactive power compensation is tested. This work can be stated as a reference model for utility provider in other countries having similar network and grid configuration.
Provenance of the uppermost clastic rocks of the Lower Cretaceous Kezilesu Group from the Ulugqat Basin, Xinjiang, NW China and its tectonic implications: Insights from sedimentary records and detrital zircon U–Pb geochronology
Authors: Gao Rongzhen , Xue Chunji , Chi Guoxiang , Zhao Xiaobo , Man Ronghao , Ren Dezhi
Published: January 2020

The Ulugqat Basin is located at the juncture of the Tarim Basin, the western Tianshan Orogen of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt, and the Pamir salient of the Tethys domain. A comprehensive provenance study using sedimentology, petrology, and detrital zircon U–Pb geochronology was carried out on the clastic rocks of the fifth member of the Lower Cretaceous Kezilesu Group from the Ulugqat Basin, aiming to better understand the nature of its relationships with the neighbouring tectonic units as well as the formation of sandstone‐hosted Zn–Pb mineralization. The fifth member consists of conglomerate, gravelly sandstone, sandstone, and mudstone interbeds, and is interpreted as alluvial fan–braid river–braid river delta sediments. The conglomerate and gravelly sandstone contain different kinds of lithic fragments, including phyllite, quartzite, chert, chalcedony, and some felsic igneous rocks, with low compositional maturities. The detrital zircon U–Pb ages of sandstone from the uppermost part of the fifth member range widely from 229.7 to 2,984.9 Ma, concentratedly distributed in five groups: 230–300, 390–480, 750–880, 1,600–2,200, and 2,300–3,000 Ma. The identified palaeocurrent directions, heavy mineral assemblages, specific provenance indicators, and distributions of detrital zircon U–Pb ages all indicate that these clastic rocks are probably sourced from the South Tianshan Orogen to the north, rather than the Pamir salient, probably involving the Proterozoic Aksu metamorphic rocks, Palaeozoic sedimentary rocks, Late Carboniferous–Early Permian alkali granite, and some mafic/ultramafic rocks of ophiolitic mélange. This interpretation is consistent with a late Early Cretaceous uplifting of the South Tianshan Orogen according to previous low‐temperature thermochronological data sets. The thick deposition of these Lower Cretaceous clastic rocks and associated uplifting of the South Tianshan Orogen are interpreted to be related to the coeval collision of the Karakoram–Lhasa Block with the southern Asian margin.
Mapping neural dynamics underlying saccade preparation and execution and their relation to reaction time and direction errors
Authors: Bells Sonya , Isabella Silvia L. , Brien Donald C. , Coe Brian C. , Munoz Douglas P. , Mabbott Donald J. , Cheyne Douglas O.
Published: January 2020

Our ability to control and inhibit automatic behaviors is crucial for negotiating complex environments, all of which require rapid communication between sensory, motor, and cognitive networks. Here, we measured neuromagnetic brain activity to investigate the neural timing of cortical areas needed for inhibitory control, while 14 healthy young adults performed an interleaved prosaccade (look at a peripheral visual stimulus) and antisaccade (look away from stimulus) task. Analysis of how neural activity relates to saccade reaction time (SRT) and occurrence of direction errors (look at stimulus on antisaccade trials) provides insight into inhibitory control. Neuromagnetic source activity was used to extract stimulus‐aligned and saccade‐aligned activity to examine temporal differences between prosaccade and antisaccade trials in brain regions associated with saccade control. For stimulus‐aligned antisaccade trials, a longer SRT was associated with delayed onset of neural activity within the ipsilateral parietal eye field (PEF) and bilateral frontal eye field (FEF). Saccade‐aligned activity demonstrated peak activation 10ms before saccade‐onset within the contralateral PEF for prosaccade trials and within the bilateral FEF for antisaccade trials. In addition, failure to inhibit prosaccades on anti‐saccade trials was associated with increased activity prior to saccade onset within the FEF contralateral to the peripheral stimulus. This work on dynamic activity adds to our knowledge that direction errors were due, at least in part, to a failure to inhibit automatic prosaccades. These findings provide novel evidence in humans regarding the temporal dynamics within oculomotor areas needed for saccade programming and the role frontal brain regions have on top‐down inhibitory control.
Numerical study of heat transfer and friction factor in a tube with groove and rib on the wall
Authors: Hajabdollahi Hassan , Salarmofrad Masoud , Shamsi Sajjad , Rezaeian Mohsen
Published: January 2020

Heat transfer and friction factor in a tube with turbulator internally grooved and rib are studied using numerical simulation. Two different turbulator geometries, including only groove and both groove and rib, on the tube wall are investigated. The study is developed for different parameters of turbulator including pitch ratio (PR), groove and rib height (DR), and Reynolds number in the range of 10 000 to 38 000. The results revealed that the best Nusselt number is achieved for GR turbulator and for the tube wall with PR = 2 and DR = 1. Furthermore, for a specific turbulator parameter, Nusselt number is improved by 46% compared with the experimental result. The results show that the friction factor decreases by increase of both step and height ratios. For example, based on Reynolds number, 21% to 69% reduction in the friction factor was observed for PR = 7 and DR = 3. In addition, the correlations for Nusselt number and friction factor with acceptable deviation are presented for the studied turbulators. Finally, thermal performance enhancement factor is defined to be a good criterion for selection of the optimum turbulator and their parameters.
Does inconsistency always lead to negative affect? The influence of need for closure on affective reactions to cognitive inconsistency
Authors: Di Santo Daniela , Chernikova Marina , Kruglanski Arie W. , Pierro Antonio
Published: January 2020

We present an experiment showing that need for closure (NFC)—defined as the epistemic desire for certainty—can moderate individuals' affective reactions to cognitive inconsistency. Informed by Kruglanski and colleagues' new theory, that cognitive inconsistency elicits negative affect particularly under certain circumstances, we find that NFC (i.e. the desire for certain, stable and unambiguous knowledge) influences the strength of consistency effects and resulting negative affect. More specifically, we find that individuals who are high on NFC experience more negative affect upon encountering an inconsistent (vs. consistent) cognition. However, when individuals are low on NFC, inconsistency is irrelevant, and their affect depends on whether the ultimate outcome of the cognition is positive or negative. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of this research.
Visualization photofragmentation‐induced rhodamine B release from gold nanorod delivery system by combination two‐photon luminescence imaging with correlation spectroscopy
Authors: Dong Shiqing , Chen Xiuqin , Yang Hongqin , Tang Xiaoqiong , Chen Jianling , Lin Xiu , Peng Yiru
Published: January 2020

Plasmon‐enhanced gold nanorod (AuNR) with high photothermal conversion efficiency is a promising light‐controllable nanodrug delivery system for cancer therapy. Understanding the mechanism for the light‐controllable drug release of AuNR delivery systems is important for the development of nanomedicine. In this study, the rhodamine B (RB) released from AuNR‐RB nanodelivery system was quantitated and visualized by using two‐photon luminescence (TPL) imaging combined with correlation spectroscopy. The photofragmentation of AuNR induced by femtosecond pulsed laser was revealed by TPL correlation spectroscopy when the laser energy was above the thermal damage threshold of AuNR, and the RB released from this nanodrug delivery system was visualized by TPL imaging. Furthermore, the photofragmentation‐induced release of RB from AuNR‐RB nanodelivery system was visualized in living MCF‐7 breast cancer cells by TPL imaging combined with correlation spectroscopy. These results provided a novel optical approach to quantify the release of drugs from gold nanocarriers in complex biological media.
Galectin‐3 and risk of atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Gong Mengqi , Cheung Angel , Wang Qun‐Shan , Li Guangping , Goudis Christos A. , Bazoukis George , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Baranchuk Adrian , Korantzopoulos Panagiotis , Letsas Konstantinos P. , Tse Gary , Liu Tong
Published: January 2020

Background

Galectin‐3 is an inflammatory marker that is raised in myocardial fibrosis and inflammation. Recent studies have explored its role in predicting atrial fibrillation (AF) outcomes. The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis is to examine the association between serum concentration of galectin‐3 and AF.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Database were searched. A total of 280 studies were identified, of which 28 studies involving 10 830 patients were included in our meta‐analysis.

Results

Galectin‐3 is present at higher concentrations in patients with AF than those in sinus rhythm (mean difference [MD] = −0.68 ng/mL, 95% CI: −0.92, −0.44, Z = 5.61, P < .00001). Galectin‐3 levels were significantly higher in the persistent AF than in the paroxysmal AF group (MD = −0.94 ng/mL, 95% CI: −1.85, −0.03, Z = 2.04, P = .04). Higher galectin‐3 levels were associated with a 45% increase in the odds of developing AF (odds ratio [OR] = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.15, 1.83, Z = 3.11, P = .002) and risk of AF recurrence (hazard ratio [HR] =1.17, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.29, Z = 3.12, P = .002).

Conclusions

Our meta‐analysis found that galectin‐3 is significantly higher in patients with persistent AF than in those with paroxysmal AF, and can predict both AF development and recurrence after treatment.
Efficient aqueous As(III) removal by adsorption on thiol‐functionalized mesoporous silica
Authors: Arencibia Amaya , López‐Gutiérrez María S , Arsuaga Jesús M
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

Arsenic pollution of water supplies is a global problem of environmental concern. Among inorganic species, trivalent arsenite, As(III), is the most toxic and difficult to remove. Conventional treatments usually involve the pre‐oxidation to pentavalent arsenic, As(V); however, this study is focused on the direct removal of aqueous arsenite species by selective adsorption.

RESULTS

Sulfur‐containing adsorbents were prepared from mesostructured SBA‐15 silica by functionalization with propylthiol chains. The sulfur content of the synthetized materials, denoted as SBA‐15‐SH‐x, reached 4 mmol g−1. Kinetics and equilibrium batch experiments showed that all materials were excellent As(III) adsorbents, with maximum capacity as high as 0.46 mmol g−1, superior to literature values for comparable materials. The pH influence was significant and the best performance occurred at pH 8. A complementary pelletized material was designed and synthetized to explore the potential use of the adsorbents in the treatment of water streams polluted with arsenic through fixed‐bed column experiments. The breakthrough curves obtained in different operative conditions evidenced the viability of the process.

CONCLUSIONS

SBA‐15‐SH‐x materials evaluated in this work exhibited very good performance for aqueous As(III) removal by direct adsorption without previous oxidation to As(V). The suitability of the materials was demonstrated through kinetics, equilibrium, and fixed‐bed column adsorption experiments. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Re: Does Gadoterate Meglumine Cause Gadolinium Retention in the Brain of Children? A Case–Control Study
Authors: Forget Joachim , Pozeg Polona , Meuli Reto A. , Maeder Philippe
Published: January 2020

Level of Evidence: 5

Technical Efficacy: Stage 5 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:636–637.
Development of supercritical fluid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry method for characterization of a nonionic surfactant and comparison with liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry method
Authors: Pan Jinheng , Tang Yan , Shen Zhengchao , Du Zhenxia
Published: January 2020

The supercritical fluid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (SFC‐MS) method and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) method were developed for the separation and characterization of poly (ethylene oxide) methyl glucose sesquistearate (PEO‐Glu‐sesquistearate). The products of PEO‐Glu‐sesquistearate are composed of complex oligomers. The relationship between molecular structure of these oligomers and chromatographic retention behavior in both SFC and LC were discussed and compared. As compared with LC, hydrophobic moieties of compounds favor the fast elution in SFC. The different series can be better separated by LC, while the homologues compounds in same series can be better separated by SFC, and SFC‐MS provided more comprehensive structural information. Different series such as PEO‐distearate, PEO‐stearate, PEO, PEO‐Glu‐tetrastearate, PEO‐Glu‐tristearate, PEO‐Glu‐distearate, PEO‐Glu‐stearate, and PEO‐Glu were identified by MS/MS.
Eicosapentaenoic acid‐enriched phospholipids suppressed lipid accumulation by specific inhibition of lipid droplet‐associated protein FSP27 in mice
Authors: Zhang Lingyu , Ding Lin , Shi Haohao , Wang Chengcheng , Xue Changhu , Zhang Tiantian , Wang Yuming
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

Sea cucumber is a rich source of eicosapentaenoic acid in the form of eicosapentaenoic acid‐enriched phospholipids (EPA‐PL). It is known to be efficacious in preventing obesity. However, few studies have focused on the role of EPA‐PL in inhibiting lipid accumulation by lipid droplets (LDs). This study first investigated the effect of EPA‐PL from sea cucumber on the formation of LDs and the underlying mechanism in C57BL/6J mice. The mice were randomly divided into two groups and treated for 8 weeks or 3, 7, and 14 days with either (i) a high‐sucrose diet (model group), (ii) a high‐sucrose diet plus 2% EPA‐PL (EPA‐PL group).

RESULTS

Eight‐week EPA‐PL supplementation significantly reduced lipid accumulation and LD size in liver and white adipose tissue (WAT), which was accompanied by the decreased expression of LDs‐associated protein FSP27. A 3‐day EPA‐PL treatment suppressed the mRNA expression of Fsp27. The mRNA level of Fsp27 reached its ‘normal level’ after withdrawing EPA‐PL for 7 days, suggesting that EPA‐PL might serve as a rapid regulator of FSP27. Furthermore, EPA‐PL increased the expression of lipolysis genes Hsl and Atgl accompanied by the regulation of Pparγ in WAT.

CONCLUSIONS

Dietary EPA‐PL from sea cucumber (Cucumaria frondosa) protected against lipid accumulation by regulating LDs‐associated protein FSP27, which might provide novel evidence for the anti‐obesity action of EPA‐PL. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
TWEAK and TSLP in disc degeneration and spontaneous hernia resorption
Authors: Ohba Tetsuro , Haro Hirotaka
Published: January 2020

Spontaneous degeneration of an intervertebral disc is caused by inflammation that accompanies exposure of the avascular nucleus pulposus to circulation, triggering an autoimmune inflammatory reaction. Both intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms of IVD regulation by various cytokines are involved in disc degeneration and spontaneous hernia resorption through inflammatory responses. The major goal of this narrative review was to assemble our past findings about the potential role of cytokines in disc diseases and to clarify directions for future research. A member of the tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) superfamily, TNF‐like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) is constitutively expressed in the intervertebral disc, and induces a chronic, but relatively weak inflammatory response, thereby suppressing the formation of cartilage matrix and inducing production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Previously we indicated that TWEAK is involved in intervertebral disc degeneration by inhibiting the production of cartilage matrix in the intervertebral disc, and inducing the further expression of MMP‐3. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is expressed primarily by epithelial cells, and induces inflammation at the time of tolerance failure in allergic disease. We found TSLP induced migration of immunocompetent cells to the disc in intervertebral disc disease by promoting the production of monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) and macrophage inflammatory protein‐1 alpha (MIP‐1α) by the intervertebral disc and these cells may be involved in the resorption of herniated disc tissue. Considering the pivotal role of TWEAK and TSLP we review our current understanding of these factors and their involvement in disc degeneration.
Extraction and determination of flavonoids in fruit juices and vegetables using Fe3O4/SiO2 magnetic nanoparticles modified with mixed hemi/ad‐micelle cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and high performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Sani Tahereh Harsij , Hadjmohammadi Mohammadreza , Fatemi Mohammad Hossein
Published: January 2020

Extraction and determination of three flavonoids (morin, quercetin, and kaempferol) were performed by dispersive magnetic solid phase extraction based on mixed hemi/ad‐micelles and high‐performance liquid chromatography with UV detection. The Fe3O4/SiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized by X‐ray diffraction, FTIR, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Fe3O4/SiO2 nanoparticles coated with mixed hemi/ad‐micelles cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide was applied as a sorbent and used for extraction of flavonoids. Effective parameters on the extraction recovery such as amount of magnetic nano particles, volume of cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide solution with specific concentration, pH of sample solution, adsorption equilibrium time, volume of desorption solvent, and desorption times were evaluated and optimized using fractional factorial design and central composite design. Under the optimum condition limit of detection and linearity were 0.83, 2.7–500.0 for morin, 0.18, 0.7–500.0 for quercetin and, 0.37, 1.3–500.0 µg/L for kaempferol. The extraction recovery with relative standard deviation were 97.88, 1.94 for morin, 95.77, 0.80 for quercetin, and 93.35, 1.45 for kaempferol. The proposed method was applied for simultaneous extraction and determination of flavonoids in several fruit juices and vegetable samples.
Optimization of extraction of total trans‐resveratrol from peanut seeds and its determination by HPLC
Authors: Xu Siliang , Luo Huaiyong , Chen Haiwen , Guo Jianbin , Yu Bolun , Zhang Huan , Li Weitao , Chen Weigang , Zhou Xiaojin , Huang Li , Liu Nian , Lei Yong , Liao Boshou , Jiang Huifang
Published: January 2020

Resveratrol, a stilbene phytoalexin in plants, is believed to benefit human health. In this study, an optimized enzyme‐assisted method was developed to extract the total content of trans‐resveratrol (free or combined with glucose) in peanut seeds, followed by detection using high‐performance liquid chromatography. The extraction process was optimized by Box–Behnken design and response surface methodology. The optimized enzyme concentration, digestion time, pH, and temperature were 3.02 g/L, 57.06 min, 5.88, and 51.05°C, respectively. Validation tests indicated that the experimental yield of trans‐resveratrol was 0.183 ± 0.007 µg/g with a relative standard deviation of 3.87% (n = 5) under the optimal condition, which was closely agreed with the predicted value (0.182 µg/g). The recoveries obtained from the spiked samples were varied from 89.4 to 103.9%. Therefore, this study will provide a useful method for quantification of total trans‐resveratrol in peanut seeds.
Modification effect of sex and obesity on the correlation of LEP polymorphisms with leptin levels in Taiwanese obese women
Authors: Duan De‐Min , Jhang Jing‐Yi , Wu Semon , Teng Ming‐Sheng , Hsu Lung‐An , Ko Yu‐Lin
Published: January 2020

Background

Obesity has become the main health issue in developed countries as it impacts life expectancy and increases mortality of cerebrovascular or cardiovascular diseases. The leptin is one of the adipokines which presents in the serum in proportion to the amount of adipose tissue and is translated from LEP gene. It involves in energy homeostasis, lipid and glucose metabolisms, modulation of immune systems, and thermogenesis. Many previous studies have revealed controversial results between LEP polymorphisms and leptin levels in different ages and ethnicities. Herein, we investigated the impacts of LEP polymorphism against leptin levels in Taiwanese subjects.

Methods

In 599 Taiwanese subjects, excluding clinically overt systemic disease, age below 18 years old, and C‐reactive protein (CRP) level of above 10 mg/L, few of LEP polymorphisms were genotyped with TaqMan SNP genotyping assays, were further analyzed for association with leptin level in univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses with Bonferroni correction for multiple tests in stratified groups. The univariate and stepwise multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to determine the coefficient of determinant of LEP polymorphisms over leptin level.

Results

Significant associations were found between LEP polymorphisms and leptin levels in obese women. Circulating leptin level was positively correlated with inflammatory, insulin resistance markers, and visceral obesity markers in all subjects. Furthermore, stratified and interaction analyses revealed that LEP polymorphisms, rs7799039 and rs2167270, were significantly associated with leptin levels in obese women—8%–10% of which could be explained by LEP polymorphisms.

Conclusion

The LEP polymorphisms are independently associated with leptin levels in Taiwanese obese women. Further, the genetic determinants for leptin levels may be different between obese and nonobese, and in different sex individuals. The obesity status and female sex may exert modification effect on transcription of LEP, particularly in obese women.
Decay of solution for degenerate Kirchhoff equation with general nonlinearity
Authors: Araruna Fágner D. , Araujo Anderson L. A. , Lourêdo Aldo T.
Published: January 2020

We consider the Kirchhoff equation
in a bounded domain. We investigate the global‐in‐time well‐posedness for a initial and boundary value problem associated to this equation, when the nonlinearity M is degenerated (M ≥ 0), h is a real continuous function satisfying a sign assumption and f is a given function. We also analyze the asymptotic behavior (as t→∞) of solutions when the antiderivative of M satisfies a growth fast than a polynomial type and h satisfies the Ambrosetti‐Rabinowitz condition. In this case, a polynomial decay rate for the energy associated to problem is obtained. We also show that, in the nondegenerated case of M (M>0), the solutions decay in a exponential rate.
The method of approximate particular solutions to simulate an anomalous mobile‐immobile transport process
Authors: Roohani Ghehsareh Hadi , Zaghian Ali , Majlesi Ahmad
Published: January 2020

In the current work, a generalized mathematical model based on the Coimbra time fractional derivative of variable order, which describes an anomalous mobile‐immobile transport process in complex systems is investigated numerically. A robust numerical technique based on the meshfree strong form method combined with an efficient time‐stepping scheme is performed to compute the approximate solution of the problem with high accuracy. For this purpose, firstly, an effective implicit time discretization approach is used for discretizing the variable‐order time fractional problem in the time direction. Then a global meshless technique based on the method of approximate particular solutions is performed to fully discretize the model in the spatial domain. The validity and performance of the procedure to numerically simulate the proposed generalized solute transport model on regular and irregular domains are demonstrated through some numerical examples.
High‐order dual‐parametric finite element methods for cavitation computation in nonlinear elasticity
Authors: Huang Weijie , Ma Weijun , Wei Liang , Li Zhiping
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we present the numerical analysis on high order dual parametric finite element methods for the cavitation computation problems in nonlinear elasticity, which leads to a meshing strategy assuring high efficiency on numerical approximations to cavity deformations. Furthermore, to cope with the high order approximation of the finite element methods, properly chosen weighted Gaussian type numerical quadrature is applied to the singular part of the elastic energy. Our numerical experiments show that the high order dual parametric finite element methods work well when coupled with properly designed weighted Gaussian type numerical quadratures for the singular part of the elastic energy, and the convergence rates of the numerical cavity solutions are shown to be significantly improved as expected.
Direct synthesis of fixed‐order multi‐objective controllers
Authors: Abdolahi Abdollah , Babazadeh Maryam , Nobakhti Amin
Published: January 2020

This paper introduces a new methodology for the design of fixed‐order multi‐objective output feedback controllers. The problem comprises a set of linear matrix inequalities and an additional rank constraint. The primary idea is to classify convex subsets of the set of rank constrained matrices in such formulations, based on which two noniterative and relatively fast methods are developed. The proposed methods require solving a convex optimization problem at each step and can be applied with any weighted summation of design objectives such as performance, performance, passivity, and regional pole assignment. Several benchmark systems with performance criteria including H∞, mixed H2/H∞, and pole placement are used to demonstrate a marked improvement in comparison to the existing methods.
Consistency evaluation between dispensing granule and traditional decoction from Coptidis Rhizoma by using an integrated quality‐based strategy
Authors: Zhang Cheng‐Yu , Li Xin‐Xin , Li Ping , Jiang Yan , Li Hui‐Jun
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Dispensing granule, an innovative product of traditional Chinese medicine decoction, is widely practiced in clinic. As a prerequisite to support the clinical medication, quality consistency between dispensing granule and traditional decoction need to be evaluated. Furthermore, a generally applicable strategy for consistency evaluation of dispensing granule is needed.

Objective

In this study, we aimed to propose an integrated quality‐based strategy to assess consistency between dispensing granule and traditional decoction taking Coptidis Rhizoma (CR) as a case study.

Methodology

For chemical consistency evaluation, efficacy‐related Coptis alkaloids were quantified with high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The “Mean ± 3SD” of analyte contents in traditional decoction was considered as the criterion of consistency. And, as auxiliary analysis, principal component analysis (PCA) was employed for data visualisation. For biological consistency evaluation, two one‐side t‐tests and 90% confidence intervals of the geometric mean ratio of antibacterial zone diameter and 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of α‐glucosidase inhibition were calculated. The scope of 80.00% to 125.00% was taken as in vitro bioequivalence interval. It was considered internally consistent with traditional decoction when the chemical and biological indices of dispensing granule fulfilled the preset criteria simultaneously.

Results

Eight out of 20 batches of CR dispensing granule were demonstrated consistent with traditional decoction in chemistry and biological activities.

Conclusions

A generally applicable strategy was recommended that integrates chemical and biological characteristics for consistency evaluation of dispensing granule.