bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interlayer Engineering of α‐MoO3 Modulates Selective Hydronium Intercalation in Neutral Aqueous Electrolyte
Authors: Zhang Haozhe , Wu Weixing , Liu Qiyu , Yang Fan , Shi Xin , Liu Xiaoqing , Yu Minghao , Lu Xihong
Published: October 2020

Among various charge‐carrier ions for aqueous batteries, non‐metal hydronium (H3O+) with small ionic size and fast diffusion kinetics empowers H3O+‐intercalation electrodes with high rate performance and fast‐charging capability. However, pure H3O+ charge carriers for inorganic electrode materials have only been observed in corrosive acidic electrolytes, rather than in mild neutral electrolytes. Herein, we report how selective H3O+ intercalation in a neutral ZnCl2 electrolyte can be achieved for water‐proton co‐intercalated α‐MoO3 (denoted WP‐MoO3). H2O molecules located between MoO3 interlayers block Zn2+ intercalation pathways while allowing smooth H3O+ intercalation/diffusion through a Grotthuss proton‐conduction mechanism. Compared to α‐MoO3 with a Zn2+‐intercalation mechanism, WP‐MoO3 delivers the substantially enhanced specific capacity (356.8 vs. 184.0 mA h g−1), rate capability (77.5 % vs. 42.2 % from 0.4 to 4.8 A g−1), and cycling stability (83 % vs. 13 % over 1000 cycles). This work demonstrates the possibility of modulating electrochemical intercalating ions by interlayer engineering, to construct high‐rate and long‐life electrodes for aqueous batteries.
Predicting Nitrogen‐Based Families of Compounds: Transition‐Metal Guanidinates TCN3 (T=V, Nb, Ta) and Ortho‐Nitrido Carbonates T′2CN4 (T′=Ti, Zr, Hf)
Authors: Luo Dongbao , Qiao Xianji , Dronskowski Richard
Published: October 2020

Due to its unsurpassed capability to engage in various sp hybridizations or orbital mixings, carbon may contribute in expanding solid‐state nitrogen chemistry by allowing for different complex anions, such as the known NCN2− carbodiimide unit, the so far unknown CN35− guanidinate anion, and the likewise unknown CN48− ortho‐nitrido carbonate (onc) entity. Because the latter two complex anions have never been observed before, we have chemically designed them using first‐principles structural searches, and we here predict the first hydrogen‐free guanidinates TCN3 (T=V, Nb, Ta) and ortho‐nitrido carbonates T′2CN4 (T′=Ti, Zr, Hf) being mechanically stable at normal pressure; the latter should coexist as solid solutions with the stoichiometrically identical nitride carbodiimides and nitride guanidinates. We also suggest favorable exothermic reactions as useful signposts for eventual synthesis, and we trust that the decay of the novel compounds is unlikely due to presumably large kinetic activation barriers (C−N bond breaking) and quite substantial Madelung energies stabilizing the highly charged complex anions. While chemical‐bonding analysis reveals the novel CN48− to be more covalent compared to NCN2− and CN35− within related compounds, further electronic‐structure data of onc phases hint at their physicochemical potential in terms of photoelectrochemical water splitting and nonlinear optics.
Allele‐Specific Quantification of HLA–DRB1 Transcripts Reveals Imbalanced Allelic Expression That Modifies the Amino Acid Effects in HLA–DRβ1
Authors: Chun Sehwan , Bang So‐Young , Ha Eunji , Cui Jing , Gu Ki‐Nam , Lee Hye‐Soon , Kim Kwangwoo , Bae Sang‐Cheol
Published: October 2020

Objective

HLA association fine‐mapping studies have shown the effects of missense variants in HLA–DRB1 on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) susceptibility, prognosis, and autoantibody production. However, the phenotypic effects of expression changes in HLA–DRB1 remain poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated the allele‐specific expression of HLA–DRB1 and its effect on an HLA–DRβ1 structure–associated trait in RA.

Methods

We quantified the allele‐specific expression of each HLA–DRB1 3‐field classic allele in 48 Korean RA patients with anti–citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) and 319 healthy European subjects by using both RNA sequencing and HLA–DRB1 genotype data to calculate the relative expression strength of multiple HLA–DRB1 alleles (n = 14 in Koreans and n = 25 in Europeans) in each population. The known association between ACPA level and alanine at position 74 of HLA–DRβ1 in ACPA‐positive RA was revisited to understand the phenotypic effect of allele‐specific expression of HLA–DRB1 by modeling multivariate logistic regression with the genomic dosage or relative expression dosage of Ala‐74 in 2 independent sets of 1,723 Korean RA patients with ACPA.

Results

The relative expression strength was highly allele‐specific, causing imbalanced allelic expression in HLA–DRB1 heterozygotes. The association between HLA‐DRβ1 Ala‐74 and ACPA level in RA was better explained by relative expression dosage of Ala‐74 than by the genomic dosage (change in Akaike's information criterion = −6.98). Moreover, the expression variance of Ala‐74 in Ala‐74 heterozygotes with no genomic variance of Ala‐74 was significantly associated with ACPA level (P = 2.26 × 10−3).

Conclusion

Our findings illustrate the advantage of integrating quantitative and qualitative changes in HLA–DRB1 into a single model for understanding HLA–DRB1 associations.
Compensating the vorticity loss during advection with an adaptive vorticity confinement force
Authors: Zhu Jian , Li Silong , Cai Ruichu , Hao Zhifeng , Huang Guoheng , Sheng Bin , Wu Enhua
Published: October 2020

The advection step in grid‐based fluid simulation is prone to numerical dissipation, which results in loss of detail. How to improve the advection accuracy to preserve more fluid details is still challenging. On the other hand, a common way to enhance smoke details is to use vorticity confinement. However, most of the previous methods simply used a fine‐tuned scale factor ε to adjust the strength of the confinement force, which can only amplify existing vortex details and is easy to cause instability when ε is large. In this article, we proposed an adaptive vorticity confinement method, which does not suffer from the above problems, to compensate the vorticity loss during advection with little extra cost. The main idea is to first calculate a scale factor whose value depends on the vorticity loss during advection, and then use it to adaptively control the vorticity confinement force for vorticity compensation with high stability. The experiment results show the effectiveness and efficiency of our method.
Preprocedural anemia in females undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation: Insights from the WIN‐TAVI registry
Authors: Nicolas Johny , Claessen Bimmer E. , Cao Davide , Sartori Samantha , Baber Usman , Power David , Chiarito Mauro , Goel Ridhima , Roumeliotis Anastasios , Chandiramani Rishi , Chen Siyan , Chandrasekhar Jaya , Tchetche Didier , Petronio Anna Sonia , Mehilli Julinda , Lefèvre Thierry , Presbitero Patrizia , Capranzano Piera , Iadanza Alessandro , Sardella Gennaro , Van Mieghem Nicolas M , Meliga Emanuele , Dumonteil Nicolas , Fraccaro Chiara , Trabattoni Daniela , Mikhail Ghada , Ferrer‐Gracia Maria‐Cruz , Naber Christoph , Sharma Samin , Morice Marie‐Claude , Dangas George D. , Chieffo Alaide , Mehran Roxana
Published: October 2020

Objectives

To assess the impact of anemia on clinical outcomes in female patients enrolled in the Women's InterNational transcatheter aortic valve implantation (WIN‐TAVI) registry.

Background

Anemia is highly prevalent among females who constitute half of TAVI candidates, yet, its clinical significance remains poorly investigated.

Methods

Patients were divided into three groups according to preprocedural hemoglobin (Hb) level: (1) no anemia (Hb ≥12 g/dl), (2) mild‐to‐moderate anemia (10 ≤ Hb <12 g/dl), and (3) severe anemia (Hb <10 g/dl). The primary outcome was the occurrence of Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC)‐2 efficacy endpoint, a composite of mortality, stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), hospitalization for valve‐related symptoms or heart failure or valve‐related dysfunction at 1‐year follow‐up.

Results

Hemoglobin level was available in 877 (86.1%) patients: 412 (47.0%) had no anemia, 363 (41.4%) had mild‐to‐moderate anemia, and 102 (11.6%) had severe anemia. The latter group had a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. Compared with patients without anemia, severe anemia was associated with a greater risk of VARC‐2 efficacy endpoint (adjHR 1.71, 95% CI: 1.02–2.87, p = .04), all‐cause death (adjHR 2.36, 95% CI: 1.31–4.26, p = .004) and a composite of death, MI or stroke (adjHR 1.88, 95% CI: 1.10–3.22, p = .02) at 1 year. Moreover, an increased risk of late mortality (adjHR 1.15, 95% CI: 1.02–1.30, p = .03) was observed with every 1 g/dl decrease in hemoglobin level.

Conclusion

Severe anemia in females undergoing TAVI was independently associated with increased rates of VARC‐2 efficacy endpoint and mortality at 1 year.
A dedicated Y‐shaped percutaneous ECMO cannula for femoral 2‐in‐1 vascular access during high‐risk procedures
Authors: Modine Thomas , Vincent Flavien , Delhaye Cédric , Van Belle Eric
Published: October 2020

High‐risk transcatheter procedures requiring hemodynamic support are growing and require multiple vascular access that may be challenging in cases of peripheral artery disease or lack of radial access and exposure to a higher risk of vascular complications. We report the novel utilization of a Y‐shaped arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) cannula used as a single femoral access to perform percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and aortography during high‐risk transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The utilization of this 2‐in‐1 ECMO cannula may simplify vascular access and reduce vascular and bleeding complications during high‐risk ECMO‐supported transcatheter procedures.
Hydrogenation of Alkenes Catalyzed by a Non‐pincer Mn Complex
Authors: Rahaman S. M. Wahidur , Pandey Dilip K. , Rivada‐Wheelaghan Orestes , Dubey Abhishek , Fayzullin Robert R. , Khusnutdinova Julia R.
Published: October 2020

Hydrogenation of substituted styrenes and unactivated aliphatic alkenes by molecular hydrogen has been achieved using a Mn catalyst with a non‐pincer, picolylphosphine ligand. This is the second reported example of alkene hydrogenation catalyzed by a Mn complex. Mechanistic studies showed that a Mn hydride formed by H2 activation in the presence of a base is the catalytically active species. Based on experimental and DFT studies, H2 splitting is proposed to occur via a metal‐ligand cooperative pathway involving deprotonation of the CH2 arm of the ligand, leading to pyridine dearomatization.
In‐situ Copper Doping with ZnO/ZnS Heterostructures to Promote Interfacial Photocatalysis of Microsized Particles
Authors: Zeng Wei , Ren Yuanfu , Zheng Yuying , Pan Anqiang , Zhu Ting
Published: October 2020

Copper‐doped ZnS/ZnO (CSO) hexahedrons in egg tart‐like morphology were fabricated by an in‐situ synthetic strategy to promote photocatalytic hydrogen (H2) production. Hexahedral CuO/ZnO precursors in micro sizes were prepared by a solvothermal method. A subsequent moderate sulfurization of the precursor led to the formation of ZnS/ZnO heterostructures without alteration of the hexahedral morphology. In addition, the in‐situ methodology ensured the homogeneous doping of copper species with ZnS/ZnO heterostructures, which significantly improved the electric conductivity of these hybrid materials. Because of the structural and compositional features of the hybrid materials, a maximum H2 production rate of 1.044 mmol g−1 h−1 with high recycling stability (even after 12 h) has been delivered based on an interfacial catalysis. Thus, this study may provide an efficient strategy to optimize the physical and chemical properties of photocatalysts in microsize scale.
Adaptations to light predict the foraging niche and disassembly of avian communities in tropical countrysides
Authors: Ausprey Ian J. , Newell Felicity L. , Robinson Scott K.
Published: October 2020

The role of light in partitioning ecological niche space remains a frontier in understanding the assembly of terrestrial vertebrate communities and their response to global change. Leveraging recent advances in biologging technology and intensive field surveys of cloud forest bird communities across an agricultural land use gradient in the Peruvian Andes, we demonstrate that eye size predicts (1) the ambient light microenvironment used by free‐ranging birds, (2) their foraging niche, and (3) species‐specific sensitivity to agricultural land use change. For 15 species carrying light sensors (N = 71 individuals), light intensity levels were best explained by eye size and foraging behavior, with larger‐eyed species using darker microenvironments. Across the cloud forest bird community (N = 240 species), hyperopic (“far‐sighted”) foragers, (e.g., flycatchers), had larger eyes compared to myopic (“near‐sighted”) species (e.g., gleaners and frugivores); eye size was also larger for myopic insectivores that foraged in the forest understory. Eye size strongly predicted sensitivity to brightly lit habitats across an agricultural land use gradient. Species that increased in abundance in mixed intensity agriculture, including fencerows, silvopasture, and pasture, had smaller eyes, suggesting that light acts as an environmental filter when communities disassemble in a human‐disturbed landscape. We suggest that eye size represents a novel functional trait contributing to terrestrial vertebrate community assembly and sensitivity to habitat disturbance.
Heart failure from ATTRwt amyloid cardiomyopathy is associated with poor prognosis
Authors: Kocher Florian , Kaser Alex , Escher Felix , Doerler Jacob , Zaruba Marc‐Michael , Messner Moritz , Mussner‐Seeber Christine , Mayr Agnes , Ulmer Hanno , Schneiderbauer‐Porod Stephanie , Ebner Christian , Poelzl Gerhard
Published: October 2020

Aims

Amyloid cardiomyopathy is an underappreciated cause of morbidity and mortality. Recent evidence suggests that ATTR wild‐type cardiomyopathy (ATTRwt‐CM) is probably much more common than widely appreciated. So far, no data are available on comparison of mortality from ATTRwt‐CM and other heart failure aetiologies.

Methods and results

This was a retrospective, observational, cohort study of 2251 patients and their data collected prospectively from May 2000 to June 2018. Long‐term mortality was the main outcome measure. Underlying cardiomyopathies were classified as amyloid CM (6.1%) [ATTRwt 3.0%; light‐chain amyloidosis (AL) 3.1%], dilated CM (dCMP) (46.4%), ischaemic heart disease (IHD) (24.4%), hypertensive heart disease (HHD) (14.6%), hypertrophic CM (HCM) (5.1%), and valvular heart disease (VHD) (3.4%). Median duration of follow‐up was 7.1 years (interquartile range 3.4–11.3). Five‐year overall survival in the whole cohort was 80.1%. In multivariate analysis, individuals with amyloid CM were 3.74 times [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.72–5.14; P < 0.001] more likely to die of any reason than were individuals with dCMP. Mortality was higher in AL‐CM compared with ATTRwt‐CM [hazard ratio (HR) 2.88; 95% CI 1.48–5.58; P = 0.002]. Mortality rates in patients with ATTRwt‐CM were higher than in patients with dCMP (HR 1.96; 95% CI 1.24–3.22; P = 0.007), HCM (HR 2.94; 95% CI 1.28–6.67; P = 0.011), HHD (HR 2.08; 95% CI 1.27–3.45; P = 0.004), VHD (HR 2.38; 95% CI 1.30–4.35; P = 0.005), or left ventricular ejection fraction ≥ 40% (HR 1.99; 95% CI 1.12–3.52; P = 0.018).

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that amyloid CM is independently associated with poor survival among patients with various causes of heart failure. ATTRwt‐CM had a better long‐term prognosis than did AL‐CM, but was associated with higher mortality than were dCMP, HCM, HHD, VHD, and heart failure with preserved or mid‐range ejection fraction.
Accuracy of Doppler blood pressure measurement in HeartMate 3 ventricular assist device patients
Authors: Li Song , Beckman Jennifer A. , Welch Nathan G. , Cheng Richard K. , Rockom Sunny W. , Levy Wayne C. , O'Brien Kevin D. , Dardas Todd F. , Lin Shin , Leary Peter J. , Kirkpatrick James , McCabe James M. , Bjelkengren Jason , Chassagne Fanette , Aliseda Alberto , Zimpfer Daniel , Mahr Claudius
Published: October 2020

Aims

Optimal blood pressure (BP) control is imperative to reduce complications, especially strokes, in continuous flow ventricular assist device (VAD) patients. Doppler BP has been shown to be an accurate and reliable non‐invasive BP measurement method in HeartMate II and HVAD patients. We examined whether Doppler BP is also accurate in patients with the HeartMate 3 VAD.

Methods and results

In a prospective, longitudinal cohort of HeartMate 3 patients, arterial line BP and simultaneously measured Doppler opening pressure were obtained. Correlation and agreement between Doppler opening pressure and arterial line mean arterial pressure (MAP) versus systolic blood pressure (SBP) were analysed, as well as the effect of pulse pressure on the accuracy of Doppler opening pressure.

A total of 589 pairs of simultaneous Doppler opening pressure and arterial line pressure readings were obtained in 43 patients. Doppler opening pressure had good correlation with intra‐arterial MAP (r = 0.754) and more closely approximated MAP than SBP (mean error 2.0 vs. −8.6 mmHg). Pulse pressure did not have a clinically significant impact on the accuracy of the Doppler BP method. These results in HeartMate 3 patients are very similar to previous results in HeartMate II and HVAD patients.

Conclusions

Doppler BP method should be the default non‐invasive BP measurement method in continuous flow VAD patients including patients implanted with the HeartMate 3.
Psychosocial factors associated with pain and sexual function in women with Vulvodynia: A systematic review
Authors: Chisari Claudia , Monajemi Mani B. , Scott Whitney , Moss‐Morris Rona , McCracken Lance M.
Published: October 2020

Background and objective

Vulvodynia is a prevalent chronic vulval pain condition affecting 10%–28% of women, and significantly impacting their health and quality of life. It is currently poorly understood and biomedical treatments achieve only modest benefits for pain and sexual functioning. A wider psychosocial conceptualization of this condition may improve outcomes. There is currently no coherent understanding of how psychosocial factors may contribute to outcomes in Vulvodynia. The aim of this review is to identify and systematically review psychosocial factors associated with pain and sexual outcomes and to inform a psychosocial model of Vulvodynia.

Databases and data treatment

Observational/experimental studies reporting on the association between psychosocial factors and pain/sexual outcomes in adult women with Vulvodynia were eligible. Two reviewers independently conducted eligibility screening, data extraction and quality assessment. Twenty‐one studies were included, all focused on women with Provoked Vestibulodynia (PVD). Most of the studies were low‐to‐medium quality.

Results/Conclusion

A range of general/pain‐related distress and avoidance processes, and sex/intimacy avoidance or engagement processes were significantly associated with pain, sexual functioning or sexual distress and sexual satisfaction, supporting the role of a psychosocial approach to PVD. Depression, anxiety, catastrophizing, pain‐anxiety, pain acceptance, body‐exposure anxiety, attention to sexual cues, partner hostility and solicitousness, self‐efficacy and penetration cognitions are highlighted as potentially important treatment targets in PVD. Due to the limited data available, developing a psychosocial model was not possible. Directions for future research include examining the replicability and generalizability of the factors identified, exploring differences/similarities across Vulvodynia subsets and testing tailored theoretically based treatments.

Significance

The systematic review highlights the role of psychosocial factors associated with pain and sexual functioning in Vulvodynia. The review findings reveal that Vulvodynia presents both similar and unique cognitive, behavioural and interpersonal features compared to other chronic pain conditions. There may be important roles for negative sexual cues, body image–related factors during intercourse, partner factors, self‐efficacy beliefs and penetration cognitions, in relation to pain and sexual functioning.
Development of Membraneless Paper‐pencil Microfluidic Hydrazine Fuel Cell
Authors: Rao Lanka Tata , Dubey Satish Kumar , Javed Arshad , Goel Sanket
Published: October 2020

Herein, a membraneless paper based co‐laminar microfluidic Hydrazine‐Hydrogen peroxide fuel cell, employing graphite pencil electrode, is presented. Hydrogen peroxide has been used as oxidant while sulphuric acid and sodium hydroxide have been employed as electrolytes. The electrodes were formed by manual stroking of graphite pencils. Maximum power output was achieved by examining various combinations of different grades of graphite electrodes on a suitable filter paper with 100 pencil strokes. Here, maximum current density and power density of 14.43 μA/cm2 and 1.30 μW/cm2 respectively were achieved at a stable open circuit potential of 410 mV for 40 mM of hydrazine concentration.
Sugars as Novel, Effective, and Renewable Hydrogen Sources in Dehydrogenation and Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenation Reactions
Authors: Lamberson Bailee , Nguyen Thy N. P. , Wehr Hannah , Thananatthanachon Todsapon
Published: October 2020

The applications of sugars as inexpensive, renewable, and nontoxic sources of hydrogen gas are systematically demonstrated by means of dehydrogenation and catalytic transfer hydrogenation reactions. The chiral bifunctional Noyori‐type catalyst, Cp*Ir(TsDPEN), is found to effectively, regioselectively, and stereoselectively dehydrogenate various sugars possessing different steric hindrance and stereochemistry. Furthermore, kinetics experiments for these dehydrogenation reactions reveal that many sugars are superior sources of hydrogen gas when compared with a traditional hydrogen donor, isopropanol. Applications of sugars in transfer hydrogenation with various hydrogen acceptors are also investigated.
Effects of abdominal emptying and immersion in salt in different concentrations on fatty acids profile and spoilage indices of fish Kotr (Sphyraena jello) during freezing
Authors: Aberoumand Ali , Baesi Farideh
Published: October 2020

Many studies showed that the nutritional value and the fish spoilage changed during handle and processing. In this research, 20 pieces of the Kotr fish were purchased from Behbahan market. After washing the fish, some as whole fish were frozen (sample A) and some were descaled and emptied and without salt frozen (sample B) and some were immersed in saltwater with 4% concentrations (sample C), 8% (sample D) and 12% (sample E) which then frozen. After 30 days of freezing, samples were transferred to the laboratory to measure fatty acids profile, spoilage indices, proximate composition, and microbial load. The results showed that the percentage of saturated fatty acids in whole fish was significantly lower than the other treatments. However, the percentage of omega‐3, omega‐6, and MUFA and PUFA fatty acids in different samples did not show a significant difference, but the ratio between DHA/EPA fatty acids changed significantly. Spoilage indexes in Sphyraena jello fillet had a significant difference in process methods. The amount of the indexes decreased with the addition of salt. The addition of salt and the abdominal emptying of S. jello resulted in a change in the fat content of the fish fillet, but did not a significant effect on protein, moisture, and ash content of fish fillet. The number of sycrophile bacteria in treatment A was 158 × 103 Cfu/g, which was higher than the other treatments. The lowest level was observed in salted 12% sample. It can be concluded that abdominal emptying and immersion of the Kotr fish in saltwater can lead to preserve the nutritional value and decrease the spoilage indices and increase the shelf life of the product.
Optimization of Material Contrast for Efficient FIB‐SEM Tomography of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Meffert M. , Wankmüller F. , Störmer H. , Weber A. , Lupetin P. , Ivers‐Tiffée E. , Gerthsen D.
Published: October 2020

Focused ion beam (FIB) – scanning electron microscopy (SEM) serial sectioning tomography has become an important tool for three‐dimensional microstructure reconstruction of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) to obtain an understanding of fabrication‐related effects and SOFC performance. By sequential FIB milling and SEM imaging a stack of cross‐section images across all functional SOFC layers was generated covering a large volume of 3.5·104 μm3. One crucial step is image segmentation where regions with different image intensities are assigned to different material phases within the SOFC. To analyze all relevant SOFC materials, it was up to now mandatory to acquire several images by scanning the same region with different imaging parameters because sufficient material contrast could otherwise not be achieved. In this work we obtained high‐contast SEM images from a single scan to reconstract all functional SOFC layers consisting of a Ni/Y2O3‐doped ZrO2 (YDZ) cermet anode, YDZ electrolyte and (La,Sr)MnO3/YDZ cathode. This was possible by using different, simultaneous read‐out detectors installed in a state‐of‐the‐art scanning electron microscope. In addition, we used a deterministic approach for the optimization of imaging parameters by employing Monte Carlo simulations rather than trial‐and‐error tests. We also studied the effect of detection geometry, detecting angle range and detector type.
A modified trapezoid framework model for partitioning regional evapotranspiration
Authors: Huang Jinhui Jeanne , Chen Han , Li Tingting , McBean Edward , Singh Vijay P.
Published: October 2020

While evapotranspiration (ET) is normally measured as one hydrologic component, evaporation (E), and transpiration (T) result from different physical‐biological processes. Using a two‐source model, a trapezoid framework has been widely applied in recent years. The key to applying the trapezoid framework model is the determination of the dry/wet boundaries of the land surface temperature‐fractional vegetation coverage trapezoid (LST‐fc). Although algorithms have been developed to characterize the two boundaries, there remains a significant uncertainty near the wet boundary which scatters in a discrete and uneven manner. It is therefore difficult to precisely locate the wet boundary. To address this problem, a Wet Boundary Algorithm (WBA) was developed in this study with the algorithm applied in the region of Huang‐Huai‐Hai plain of China, using the Pixel Component Arranging and Comparing Algorithm (PCACA) to retrieve ET from MODerate‐resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Data. The eddy covariance (EC) measurements from Yucheng station was used to verify the modified model where the root mean square error (RMSE) of 17.8 W/m2, Bias of −7.2 W/m2 for latent heat flux (LE) simulation in 28 cloudless test days. The ratio of transpiration to evapotranspiration (T/ET) varied between 0.48 and 0.81 over the Huang‐Huai‐Hai plain. The spatial and temporal distribution of ET revealed that agriculture practices have a significant influence on the hydrological cycle, where crop growth promotes the magnitude of ET. Likewise, harvesting activities significantly reduce ET. The proposed WBA algorithm significantly reduces the uncertainty of the trapezoid ET model caused by wet edge positioning. The analysis of the impact of agricultural activities on ET provide a better understanding how human activities change the hydrological cycle at regional scales.
Gallic acid potentiates the apoptotic effect of paclitaxel and carboplatin via overexpression of Bax and P53 on the MCF‐7 human breast cancer cell line
Authors: Aborehab Nora M. , Elnagar Mohamed R. , Waly Nermien E.
Published: October 2020

Despite advances in treatment, breast cancer remains the widest spread disease among females with a high mortality rate. We investigated the potential effects of gallic acid (GA) as supportive therapy in the management of breast cancer. Anti‐cancer activity with GA alone or in combination with paclitaxel and/or carboplatin was assessed by MTT assay and flow cytometry using annexin V/propidium iodide. The mechanism underlying the antiproliferative effects was investigated by measuring the expression of the pro‐apoptotic marker (Bax), CASP‐3, anti‐apoptotic (Bcl‐2), and, tumor suppressor (p53) by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and western blot analysis. Cell cycle analysis was performed for the MCF‐7 breast cancer cell line. GA, paclitaxel, and carboplatin alone or in combination arrested cell cycle progression at the G2/M phase and induced Pre‐G1 apoptosis. RT‐PCR showed that the triplet combination significantly raised P53, Bax, and CASP‐3 mRNA expression (20.1 ± 1.41, 16.6 ± 0.43, and 20.04 ± 1.61, respectively) in MCF‐7 cells when compared to single or combined treatment (p < .0001) while anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 mRNA levels were decreased in all treated groups compared to untreated cells. Western blot data of tested apoptotic factors were consistent with RT‐PCR results. For the first time, we show that a minimum non‐toxic concentration of GA increased the efficacy of paclitaxel‐ and carboplatin‐induced MCF‐7 apoptotic cell death.
TWEAK/Fn14 axis is an important player in fibrosis
Authors: Zhang Yitian , Zeng Weihui , Xia Yumin
Published: October 2020

Fibrosis is a common pathological condition associated with abnormal repair after tissue injury. However, the etiology and molecular mechanisms of fibrosis are still not well‐understood. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) belongs to the TNF superfamily and acts by binding to its receptor, fibroblast growth factor‐inducible 14 (Fn14), thereby activating a variety of intracellular signal transduction pathways in various types of cells. Besides promoting the expression of growth factors, activation of TWEAK/Fn14 signaling after tissue injury can promote the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, which trigger the immune response, thereby exacerbating the injury. Severe or repetitive injury leads to a dysregulated tissue repair process, in which the TWEAK/Fn14 axis promotes the activation and proliferation of myofibroblasts, induces the secretion of the extracellular matrix, and regulates profibrotic mediators to further perpetuate and sustain the fibrotic process. In this review, we summarize the available experimental evidence on the underlying molecular mechanisms by which the TWEAK/Fn14 pathway mediates the development and progression of fibrosis. In addition, we discuss the therapeutic potential of the TWEAK/Fn14 pathway in fibrosis‐associated diseases based on evidence derived from multiple models and cells from injured tissue and fibrotic tissue.
Auto‐catalytic production of eugenyl acetate and eugenyl butyrate using microwave radiation: a kinetic and mechanism‐related approach
Authors: Keramat Malihe , Golmakani Mohammad‐Taghi , Durand Erwann , Villeneuve Pierre , Hosseini Seyed Mohammad Hashem
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

Applications of chemical and enzymatic methods of esterification have been limited by low selectivity of chemical catalysts and low productivity and high cost of enzymes. The objective of this study was to produce eugenol esters with high productivity and selectivity using a microwave technique without adding any catalyst or solvent. Specific focus was given to reaction temperature and molar ratio to establish the kinetics and mechanism of eugenol auto‐catalytic acylation using microwave radiation.

RESULTS

Reaction conversion was observed to increase in response to higher temperatures. The optimum molar ratio of eugenyl/acetic anhydride was 1:6, while the optimum molar ratio of eugenyl/butyric anhydride was 1:4.5. A high degree of selectivity (of over 97%) occurred under all conditions of the reaction. Based on modelling studies, it can be concluded that the intended reaction follows second‐order kinetics for both eugenyl acetate and eugenyl butyrate. Microwave heating at 70 °C led to an increase of rate constant by 3.71‐ and 3.83‐fold for eugenyl acetate and eugenyl butyrate, respectively, as compared to the conventional method. This was associated with a decrease in the activation energy (4.38% for eugenyl acetate and 3.11% for eugenyl butyrate) and an increase in the frequency factor (42.31% for eugenyl acetate and 49.84% for eugenyl butyrate) and entropy (4.71% for eugenyl acetate and 5.22% for eugenyl butyrate) as a result of using microwave radiation.

CONCLUSIONS

The microwave technique can be considered as a green, low‐cost and quick process for auto‐catalytic production of eugenol esters. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)
Retention of a cohort of men who have sex with men and transgender women at risk for and living with HIV in Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria: a longitudinal analysis
Authors: Kayode Blessing O , Mitchell Andrew , Ndembi Nicaise , Kokogho Afoke , Ramadhani Habib O , Adebajo Sylvia , Robb Merlin L , Baral Stefan D , Ake Julie A , Charurat Manhattan E , Crowell Trevor A , Nowak Rebecca G ,   the TRUST/RV368 Study Group
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Men who have sex with men (MSM), and transgender women (TGW), face specific obstacles to retention in care, particularly in settings with stigmatization such as sub‐Saharan Africa. We evaluated the impacts of HIV status and other factors on loss‐to‐follow‐up (LTFU) and visit adherence among MSM and TGW in Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria.

Methods

TRUST/RV368 is an open cohort that provides comprehensive and integrated prevention and treatment services for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at community venues supportive of sexual and gender minorities. Recruitment began in March 2013 and participants were followed every three months for up to 18 months. LTFU was defined as not presenting for an expected visit in the past 180 days. Visit adherence was calculated as a rate of completed visits adjusted by the number of three‐month intervals elapsed since enrolment. HIV and other factors predictive of LTFU and visit adherence were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards and Poisson regression models, respectively.

Results

A total of 1447 participants who completed enrolment evaluations over two visits as of November 2018 were included in these analyses. Their median age was 24 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 21 to 28) and 53% (n = 766) were living with HIV. LTFU occurred in 56% (n = 808) and visit adherence was 0.62 (95% confidence interval: 0.61 to 0.64) visits per three‐month interval. Participants at risk and living with HIV had median follow‐up times of 12 months (IQR: 6 to 22), and 21 months (IQR: 12 to 30), respectively (p < 0.01). After controlling for other factors, LTFU was less common among participants living with HIV or other STIs and more common among those who did not own a cell phone, sold sex and had never undergone HIV testing prior to enrolment. These factors had parallel associations with visit adherence.

Conclusions

Retention was suboptimal in Nigerian clinics designed to serve MSM and TGW. Particularly high LTFU and low visit adherence among participants at risk for HIV could complicate deployment of HIV prevention interventions. Marketing the benefits of testing, improving access to cell phones and nurturing more trust with clients may improve retention among marginalized communities in Nigeria.
Deception detection in repeated interviews: The effects of immediate type of questioning on the delayed accounts
Authors: Izotovas Aleksandras , Vrij Aldert , Hope Lorraine , Strömwall Leif A. , Granhag Pär A. , Mann Samantha
Published: October 2020

In this study, we examined how different types of interviewing (eliciting more complete vs. less complete accounts) used in an interview conducted shortly after an event affected truth tellers' and liars' responses when they were interviewed again after a two‐week delay. Participants (n = 80) were shown a mock intelligence operation video and told either the truth or lied about its contents in two interviews, immediately after watching the video, and after a two‐week delay. In the immediate interview participants were instructed either to report everything they remembered, or asked spatial questions related to the event. In the delayed interview, all participants were asked to report everything. The differences between truth tellers and liars were slightly larger in the report everything than in the spatial questions condition. Results suggest that an immediate “report everything” instruction can aid to effectively discriminate between truthful and deceptive accounts.
A near‐term drought assessment using hydrological and climate forecasting in the Mekong River Basin
Authors: Kang Hyunwoo , Sridhar Venkataramana
Published: October 2020

A seasonal drought forecasting approach using a high‐resolution meteorological forcing and hydrologic model was developed in the Mekong River Basin (MRB), where ground‐based observations are sparse. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was used to simulate soil moisture, runoff and evapotranspiration, which were then used to compute three drought indices for historical drought assessment (1953–2016) and seasonal forecasting of drought. In the absence of observed soil moisture data, SWAT was first calibrated with streamflow data to derive reliable soil moisture estimates, and historical drought events were validated with the available reference drought index. Based on the calibrated results, the Modified Palmer Drought Severity Index (MPDSI), Standardized Soil Moisture Index (SSI) and Multivariate Standardized Drought Index (MSDI) were estimated to evaluate the meteorological, agricultural and multivariate aspects, respectively, of drought. The total drought durations were 105–220 months, according to the reference drought index, and the estimated drought index captured 60–76% of these drought events. The three drought indices perform somewhat differently, but the 1991–1994 and 2015–2016 droughts were the worst drought events in the last 64 years based on analysis of the severity, duration and area of the meteorological and multivariate aspects of drought. The extreme droughts occurred in the Upper and Mid sections of the Lower Mekong sub‐basins and the 3S region when there were consecutive precipitation and temperature anomalies that continued for more than 2 years. Spatial variability in precipitation deficits and temperature increases were random because these variables affect soil moisture differentially. In addition, 68.4–76.1% of the areas with increased drought were explained by the areas' precipitation decrease or temperature increase. Validation of the multiple drought indices at high resolution can inform sub‐regional variability in drought conditions and hence food and water security in this important transboundary basin.
Climatology of persistent high relative humidity: An example for the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, USA
Authors: Komoto Kara , Soldo Logan , Tang Ying , Chilvers Martin I. , Dahlin Kyla , Guentchev Galina , Rill Lydia , Winkler Julie A.
Published: October 2020

The persistence of high values of relative humidity for several hours to a few days has wide‐ranging implications for natural and human systems. Among its many impacts, persistent high relative humidity contributes to reduced atmospheric visibility, fog frequency and duration, road and powerline icing, the occurrence of foliar plant disease and the temperature at which heat‐related morbidity and mortality can occur. Despite this, the characteristics of humidity spells—including shifts with climate change—are rarely investigated and consequently poorly understood. Hourly relative humidity, precipitation and temperature for 35 locations in the Lower Peninsula (LP) of Michigan during 2003–2017, and for seven locations during 1973–2017, were used to assess, by biweekly periods, spatial, intra‐annual and inter‐annual variations in the characteristics of relative humidity spells. Two humidity thresholds that accommodate a wide range of applications were used: (1) high relative humidity (HRH), defined as hourly values ≥60%, and extremely high relative humidity (EHRH), defined as hourly values ≥85%. Extended HRH and EHRH spells are frequent across the LP, with HRH spells often spanning 36 hr or longer and EHRH spells commonly persisting more than 12 hr. The probability of HRH and EHRH spells generally decreased with time during 1973–2017, particularly later in the period. Although most spells initiate in the late afternoon and early evening hours, this diurnal preference is less evident as spell length increases, especially for EHRH spells. Furthermore, precipitation is more likely to occur with EHRH spells compared to HRH spells. The orientation and strength of spatial gradients in average annual spell frequency are highly dependent on the choice of humidity and duration thresholds and the temperatures accompanying the spells. This study represents the first comprehensive analysis of the persistence of humidity spells and illustrates the potential usefulness of temporally‐flexible climatological summaries relevant for a wide range of applications.
The intersection of tumor location and combined bowel preparation: Utilization differs but anastomotic leak risk reduction does not
Authors: McKenna Nicholas P. , Bews Katherine A. , Colibaseanu Dorin T. , Mathis Kellie L. , Nelson Heidi , Habermann Elizabeth B.
Published: October 2020

Background and Objective

Whether bowel preparation utilization rates or effectiveness varies based on tumor location is unknown.

Methods

The 2012–2016 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Colectomy Targeted participant user file was queried for patients undergoing elective colorectal resection for cancer. Bowel preparation was classified as combined, mechanical bowel preparation alone, oral antibiotic alone, or none. Cochran–Armitage tests were used for trend analysis. Multivariable analyses stratified by tumor location were performed for the outcome of anastomotic leak. An additional multivariable model including all tumor locations assessed for interaction between bowel preparation and tumor location on an anastomotic leak.

Results

A total of 29,739 operations were included and the anastomotic leak rate was 1.9% with combined preparation versus 4.0% without preparation. Combined bowel preparation utilization increased over time as tumor location became more distal (both p < .0001). However, the adjusted effect of combined bowel preparation on anastomotic leak risk reduction did not differ by individual tumor location or across all tumor locations (p = .43 for interaction).

Conclusion

Though the utilization rate of combined bowel preparation increased as tumor location became more distal, its risk‐reducing effect remained similar. Quality improvement initiatives should focus on increased utilization of combined bowel preparation with an emphasis on tumors in the ascending colon.
A novel preoperative risk score to optimize patient selection for performing concomitant liver resection with cytoreductive surgery/HIPEC
Authors: Lee Rachel M. , Gamboa Adriana C. , Turgeon Michael K. , Zaidi Mohammad Y. , Kimbrough Charles , Leiting Jennifer , Grotz Travis , Lee Andrew J. , Fournier Keith , Powers Benjamin , Dineen Sean , Baumgartner Joel M. , Veerapong Jula , Mogal Harveshp , Clarke Callisia , Wilson Gregory , Patel Sameer , Hendrix Ryan , Lambert Laura , Pokrzywa Courtney , Abbott Daniel E. , LaRocca Christopher J. , Raoof Mustafa , Greer Jonathan , Johnston Fabian M. , Staley Charles A. , Cloyd Jordan M. , Maithel Shishir K. , Russell Maria C.
Published: October 2020

Background

While parenchymal hepatic metastases were previously considered a contraindication to cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), liver resection (LR) is increasingly performed with CRS/HIPEC.

Methods

Patients from the US HIPEC Collaborative (2000–2017) with invasive appendiceal or colorectal adenocarcinoma undergoing primary, curative intent CRS/HIPEC with CC0‐1 resection were included. LR was defined as a formal parenchymal resection. Primary endpoints were postoperative complications and overall survival (OS).

Results

A total of 658 patients were included. About 83 (15%) underwent LR of colorectal (58%) or invasive appendiceal (42%) metastases. LR patients had more complications (81% vs. 60%; p = .001), greater number of complications (2.3 vs. 1.5; p < .001) per patient and required more reoperations (22% vs. 11%; p = .007) and readmissions (39% vs. 25%; p = .014) than non‐LR patients. LR patients had decreased OS (2‐year OS 62% vs. 79%, p < .001), even when accounting for peritoneal carcinomatosis index and histology type. Preoperative factors associated with decreased OS on multivariable analysis in LR patients included age < 60 years (HR, 3.61; 95% CI, 1.10–11.81), colorectal histology (HR, 3.84; 95% CI, 1.69–12.65), and multiple liver tumors (HR, 3.45; 95% CI, 1.21–9.85) (all p < .05). When assigning one point for each factor, there was an incremental decrease in 2‐year survival as the risk score increased from 0 to 3 (0: 100%; 1: 91%; 2: 58%; 3: 0%).

Conclusions

As CRS/HIPEC + LR has become more common, we created a simple risk score to stratify patients considered for CRS/HIPEC + LR. These data aid in striking the balance between an increased perioperative complication profile with the potential for improvement in OS.
Clinicopathological and prognostic features of operable non‐small cell lung cancer patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kaseda Kaoru , Hishida Tomoyuki , Masai Kyohei , Asakura Keisuke , Hayashi Yuichiro , Asamura Hisao
Published: October 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinicopathological and prognostic features of operable non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with diabetes mellitus (DM).

Methods

A total of 1231 surgically resected NSCLC patients were retrospectively reviewed. Clinicopathological characteristics were compared between patients with DM (DM group, n = 139) and those without DM (non‐DM group, n = 1092). The clinical factors associated with postoperative complications and prognostic factors were identified.

Results

The DM group had distinct clinicopathological features. No significant differences in histological invasiveness or stage were found. The presence and control status of DM were independent predictors of postoperative complications. No significant differences in recurrence‐free survival or cancer‐specific survival were observed; however, the DM group had worse overall survival (OS). The DM group had a higher number of deaths from other diseases than the non‐DM group, and these patients had significantly higher postoperative hemoglobin A1c levels than patients with cancer‐related death.

Conclusion

The presence and control status of preoperative DM are useful predictors of both postoperative complications and OS in operable NSCLC patients. Concomitant diabetes‐related complications have a negative effect on long‐term survival in diabetic NSCLC patients, and long‐term glycemic control is important to prolong OS.