bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pilot phase experience of the International Quality Improvement Collaborative catheterization registry
Authors: Barry Oliver M. , Ali Fatima , Ronderos Miguel , Sudhaker Abish , Kumar R. Krishna , Mood Marhisham C. , Corona‐Villalobos Carlos , Nguyen Dinh Toai , Doherty‐Schmeck Kaitlin , Bergersen Lisa , Gauvreau Kimberlee , Jenkins Kathy J. , Hasan Babar S.
Published: April 2020

Objectives

To describe the development of a quality collaborative for congenital cardiac catheterization centers in low and middle‐income countries (LMICs) including pilot study data and a novel procedural efficacy measure.

Background

Absence of congenital cardiac catheterization registries in LMICs led to the development of the International Quality Improvement Collaborative Congenital Heart Disease Catheterization Registry (IQIC‐CHDCR). As a foundation for this initiative, the IQIC is a collaboration of pediatric cardiac surgical programs from LMICs. Participation in IQIC has been associated with improved patient outcomes.

Methods

A web‐based registry was designed through a collaborative process. A pilot study was conducted from October through December 2017 at seven existing IQIC sites. Demographic, hemodynamic, and adverse event data were obtained and a novel tool to assess procedural efficacy was applied to five specific procedures. Procedural efficacy was categorized using ideal, adequate, and inadequate.

Results

A total of 429 cases were entered. Twenty‐five adverse events were reported. The five procedures for which procedural efficacy was measured represented 48% of cases (n = 208) and 71% had complete data for analysis (n = 146). Procedure efficacy was ideal most frequently in patent ductus arteriosus (95%) and atrial septal defect (90%) device closure, and inadequate most frequently in coarctation procedures (100%), and aortic and pulmonary valvuloplasties (50%).

Conclusions

The IQIC‐CHDCR has designed a feasible collaborative to capture catheterization data in LMICs. The novel tool for procedural efficacy will provide valuable means to identify areas for quality improvement. This pilot study and lessons learned culminated in the full launch of the IQIC‐CHDCR.
Revision of subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator to intermuscular pocket to prevent inappropriate shocks
Authors: Madjarov Jeko M. , Madzharov Svetozar , Abedinov Filip , Chappuis Stefanie , Fedor John M.
Published: April 2020

Sensing and defibrillation threshold for a S‐ICD are impacted by positioning at implant or revision. The intermuscular pocket prevents device migration and provides appropriate, stable sensing vectors.
Fluoride‐Based Anion Doping: A New Strategy for Improving the Performance of Protonic Ceramic Conductors of the Form BaZrO3
Authors: Gao Jun , Liu Yinqiao , Meng Yuqing , Hu Ming , Brinkman Kyle S.
Published: April 2020

A new strategy is reported to improve the performance of BaZrO3‐based protonic ceramic conductors by substitution on the anion sublattice, specifically replacing F− in the O2− site. The F−‐doped material exhibited higher conductivity under both reducing and oxidizing atmospheres compared to the undoped oxide. Ab initio calculations and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy results showed that the improved performance can be attributed to weakened chemical bonding between the cations (A or B site) and the oxygen ions as a result of F− doping, resulting in improved oxygen mobility. Finally, improved performance was demonstrated by using BaZr0.8Y0.2O3‐δ‐σFσ (σ=0.1) as the electrolyte in protonic ceramic fuel cells measurements. The anions doping strategy shows great promise for the development of a new generation of high‐performance electrolyte materials.
δ‐MnO2 Nanofibers: A Promising Cathode Material for New Aluminum‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Almodóvar Paloma , Giraldo David A. , Chancón Joaquín , Álvarez‐Serrano Inmaculada , López María Luisa
Published: April 2020

δ‐MnO2 nanofibers, synthesized by using a simple, low‐cost sol‐gel method, showed high electrochemical performance as a cathode for rechargeable Al‐ion batteries (AIBs). δ‐MnO2 presented an initial discharge capacity of 59 mA h g−1 and stabilized at 37 mA h g−1 at a current rate of 100 mA g−1 after 15 cycles and for more than 100 cycles with almost a 99 % coulombic efficiency. Different plateaus in charge/discharge curves, consistent with CV peaks, revealed the Al‐ion insertion/deinsertion and the electrochemical stability of the battery. Moreover, different rate CV measurements revealed the pseudocapacitive behavior of δ‐MnO2 in AIBs. The obtained charge/discharge capacities are ten times higher than previous studies performed with this material. Ex situ Raman and high‐resolution TEM measurements in different charge/discharge states revealed structural information of δ‐MnO2 upon Al‐ion intercalation/deintercalation.
Recent progress on MOF‐derived carbon materials for energy storage
Authors: Ren Jincan , Huang Yalan , Zhu He , Zhang Binghao , Zhu Hekang , Shen Shenghui , Tan Guoqiang , Wu Feng , He Hao , Lan Si , Xia Xinhui , Liu Qi
Published: April 2020

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) are of quite a significance in the field of inorganic‐organic hybrid crystals. Especially, MOFs have attracted increasing attention in recent years due to their large specific surface area, desirable electrical conductivity, controllable porosity, tunable geometric structure, and excellent thermal/chemical stability. Some recent studies have shown that carbon materials prepared by MOFs as precursors can retain the privileged structure of MOFs, such as large specific surface area and porous structure and, in contrast, realize in situ doping with heteroatoms (eg, N, S, P, and B). Moreover, by selecting appropriate MOF precursors, the composition and morphology of the carbon products can be easily adjusted. These remarkable structural advantages enable the great potential of MOF‐derived carbon as high‐performance energy materials, which to date have been applied in the fields of energy storage and conversion systems. In this review, we summarize the latest advances in MOF‐derived carbon materials for energy storage applications. We first introduce the compositions, structures, and synthesis methods of MOF‐derived carbon materials, and then discuss their applications and potentials in energy storage systems, including rechargeable lithium/sodium‐ion batteries, lithium‐sulfur batteries, supercapacitors, and so forth, in detail. Finally, we put forward our own perspectives on the future development of MOF‐derived carbon materials.
The current status of and prospects in research regarding gastrointestinal stromal tumors in China
Authors: Li Jian , Shen Lin
Published: April 2020

China still lacks statistical data regarding the incidence of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). Data from 3 regions have demonstrated that the incidence of GISTs in China is similar to that in the United States. Furthermore, no significant differences between both nations with regard to epidemiological characteristics and genotyping of GISTs have been reported. Chinese physicians are demonstrating an increased interest in studies regarding GISTs. Currently, to the authors' knowledge, China publishes the most research articles regarding GIST annually worldwide. Despite the paucity of relevant research regarding the clinical practices for GISTs, a series of studies performed by Chinese physicians in the fields of recurrence risk classification, laparoscopic surgery, and adjuvant therapy have contributed to the diagnosis and treatment of GISTs. The lack of innovative drugs, slow approval of new drugs, and insufficient research funds have limited further advancements in GIST‐related research in China. In recent years, increased investment in scientific research has allowed for these advancements to be made by creating conditions for Chinese physicians to conduct high‐level clinical research. Chinese researchers hope to further shorten the gap between China and the rest of the world in the field of GIST research within a relatively short period. The purpose of the current review article was to present the most updated information regarding the diagnosis and treatment of GISTs in Chinese medical practice and to suggest prospective research in this field.
En bloc retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy with inferior vena cava thrombectomy for renal cell carcinoma with level 0 to II venous tumor thrombus: A single‐center experience
Authors: Tian Xiaojun , Hong Peng , Liu Zhuo , Huang Yi , Wang Guoliang , Hou Xiaofei , Zhang Shudong , Ma Lulin
Published: April 2020

Background

The surgical treatment of patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with venous tumor thrombus (VTT) is challenging. In the current study, the authors have reported their surgical outcomes and experience with en bloc retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) with inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombectomy for patients with RCC with level 0 to II VTT.

Methods

A retrospective review of the clinical records of 78 patients who underwent retroperitoneal LRN with IVC thrombectomy from March 2015 to September 2018 was performed. The surgical procedures included establishing the retroperitoneal space, ligating and severing the renal artery, clamping the renal vein and IVC, incising the IVC, and placing the renal and tumor thrombus en bloc into a retrieval bag.

Results

According to the Mayo classification, the tumor thrombus was level 0, I, and II, respectively, in 28 patients, 27 patients, and 23 patients. The median operative time, estimated blood loss, and postoperative hospital stay were 256 minutes, 400 mL, and 8 days, respectively. A total of 67 patients were not converted to open surgery. No patient died during surgery, and no tumor embolization occurred. Thirteen patients experienced complications. The pathological reports indicated clear cell RCC in 70 patients and other RCC in 8 patients. The median follow‐up was 14.5 months, and 61 patients were alive at the time of last follow‐up.

Conclusions

En bloc retroperitoneal LRN with IVC thrombectomy is a challenging but feasible procedure for experienced surgeons in patients with RCC with level 0 to II VTT.
Rare tumors in China: A step in the right direction
Authors: Khuri Fadlo R.
Published: April 2020

This special issue for Cancer on rare tumors in China brings together a number of advances focused on an assortment of unusual and in some cases rare diseases that remain challenging for today's physicians to treat the world over.
Enhanced Photoactivity and Photostability for Visible‐Light‐Driven Water Oxidation over BiFeO3 Porous Nanotubes by Modification of Mo Doping and Carbon Nanocoating
Authors: Zhang Hongyuan , Wang Li , Guo Changfa , Ning Jiqiang , Zhong Yijun , Hu Yong
Published: April 2020

In this study, an efficient visible‐light‐driven photocatalyst for water oxidation based on Mo doped BiFeO3 porous nanotubes (Mo‐BFO PNTs) was prepared through a facile electrospinning technique combined with a subsequent thermal treatment in air. The substitution of Mo for Fe in BFO lattice decreases the band gap of BFO, facilitates the separation of electron‐hole pairs, and reduces the interfacial charge transfer resistance, improving the O2 evolution rate of BFO by 3.0 times up to 643.6 μmol g−1 h−1 over the optimized Mo‐BFO PNTs. Furthermore, both photostability and photoactivity of Mo‐BFO PNTs can be improved by modification of the carbon nanocoating, which can effectively strengthen the structural stability of PNTs and suppress the aggregation. This work reports the Mo‐BFO modified with carbon nanocoating for photocatalytic water oxidation for the first time and provides new insights into the improvement of photocatalytic performance of semiconductors by metal doping and surface modification.
Leading a Digital Transformation in the Pharmaceutical Industry: Reimagining the Way We Work in Global Drug Development
Authors: Finelli Luca A. , Narasimhan Vas
Published: April 2020

We are experiencing seminal times in computing that seem to define a fourth industrial revolution. This may fundamentally change the way we live, work, and relate to one another. Embracing data and digital information is a top priority for most industries these days, and Life Sciences is no exception. The pharmaceutical industry in particular is fundamentally a data‐driven business. Inspired by a desire to “Go Big on Data,” we developed a strategic roadmap defining a digital transformation to reimagine the way we work in Novartis Global Drug Development, leveraging data science to generate and inject actionable insights into our best practices. We launched a program called Nerve Live, and built a state‐of‐the‐art data and analytics platform to harness past and present operational data, providing access to decades of drug development “experience” buried across multiple sources. The platform enabled the systematic application of machine learning and predictive analytics to generate “intelligence”: new insights across multiple functional areas. To action the insights and create “value,” we crafted skillfully designed end‐user applications for domain experts to plan, track, predict, compare and monitor domain activities, optimize costs, and maximize quality. Today, the Nerve Live program enables insights‐driven decision making at scale, unlocking productivity, and providing transparency across the Novartis Global Drug Development organization and beyond. We identified three main drivers making the Nerve Live program successful and enabling the associated digital transformation to flourish. We discuss the challenges, highlight the benefits, and see the importance of leading the way to become future proof.
Recent Advances in the Development of Organic and Organometallic Redox Shuttles for Lithium‐Ion Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Pham‐Truong Thuan‐Nguyen , Wang Qing , Ghilane Jalal , Randriamahazaka Hyacinthe
Published: April 2020

In recent years, redox flow batteries (RFBs) and derivatives have attracted wide attention from academia to the industrial world because of their ability to accelerate large‐grid energy storage. Although vanadium‐based RFBs are commercially available, they possess a low energy and power density, which might limit their use on an industrial scale. Therefore, there is scope to improve the performance of RFBs, and this is still an open field for research and development. Herein, a combination between a conventional Li‐ion battery and a redox flow battery results in a significant improvement in terms of energy and power density alongside better safety and lower cost. Currently, Li‐ion redox flow batteries are becoming a well‐established subdomain in the field of flow batteries. Accordingly, the design of novel redox mediators with controllable physical chemical characteristics is crucial for the application of this technology to industrial applications. This Review summarizes the recent works devoted to the development of novel redox mediators in Li‐ion redox flow batteries.
Research Progress in Lignin‐Based Slow/Controlled Release Fertilizer
Authors: Chen Jing , Fan Xiaolin , Zhang Lidan , Chen Xiaojuan , Sun Shaolong , Sun Run‐Cang
Published: April 2020

As a skeleton component of plants, lignin is an organic macromolecule polymer that can be regenerated and naturally degraded. Annually, plant growth produces about 150 billion tons of lignin. In industrial processes such as paper and biomass‐refining industry, large amounts of lignin are formed as by‐products. Most of technical lignins are directly combusted to obtain heat, which not only is a waste of organic matter but also leads to environmental pollution and other issues. Interestingly, lignin can be used as slow‐release carriers and coating materials for fertilizers due to its excellent slow release properties as well as chelating and other functionalities. Preparation of lignin‐based slow/controlled release fertilizers can be achieved by sustainable chemical (ammoxidation, Mannich reaction, and other chemical modifications), coating (without or with chemical modification), and chelation modifications. This Review systematically summarizes the methods, mechanisms, and application of the above methods for preparing lignin‐based slow/controlled release fertilizers. Although the evaluation standards and methods of lignin‐based slow/controlled release fertilizers are not perfect, it is believed that more and more scholars will pay more attention to them to accelerate the development and application of lignin‐based slow/controlled release fertilizers, so as to improve their relevant standards. In short, there is an urgent need to improve the preparation process of lignin‐based slow/controlled release fertilizers and application as lignin‐based slow/controlled release fertilizers to production practice as soon as possible.
Direct Z‐Scheme Heterojunction of SnS2/Sulfur‐Bridged Covalent Triazine Frameworks for Visible‐Light‐Driven CO2Photoreduction
Authors: Guo Shien , Yang Peng , Zhao Yanfei , Yu Xiaoxiao , Wu Yunyan , Zhang Hongye , Yu Bo , Han Buxing , George Michael W. , Liu Zhimin
Published: April 2020

Solar‐driven reduction of CO2into renewable carbon forms is considered as an alternative approach to address global warming and the energy crisis but suffers from low efficiency of the photocatalysts. Herein, a direct Z‐Scheme SnS2/sulfur‐bridged covalent triazine frameworks (S‐CTFs) photocatalyst (denoted as SnS2/S‐CTFs) was developed, which could efficiently adsorb CO2owing to the CO2‐philic feature of S‐CTFs and promote separation of photoinduced electron–hole pairs. Under visible‐light irradiation, SnS2/S‐CTFs exhibited excellent performance for CO2photoreduction, yielding CO and CH4with evolution rates of 123.6 and 43.4 μmol g−1 h−1, respectively, much better than the most catalysts reported to date. This inorganic/organic hybrid with direct Z‐Scheme structure for visible‐light‐driven CO2photoreduction provides new insights for designing photocatalysts with high efficiency for solar‐to‐fuel conversion.
Across the Board: Hyunjoo Lee on Electrochemical CO2 Reduction
Authors: Lee Hyunjoo
Published: April 2020

In this series of articles, the board members of ChemSusChem discuss recent research articles that they consider of exceptional quality and importance for sustainability. This entry features Prof. Hyunjoo Lee, who discusses catalytic CO2 conversion into valuable chemicals using gas‐phase reduction and electrochemical reduction. She reveals how imminent demands for a more sustainable society might find solutions in electrochemically synthesized chemicals
Coregistered Spectral Optical Coherence Tomography and Two‐Photon Microscopy for Multimodal Near‐Instantaneous Deep‐Tissue Imaging
Authors: Rakhymzhan Asylkhan , Reuter Lucie , Raspe Raphael , Bremer Daniel , Günther Robert , Leben Ruth , Heidelin Judith , Andresen Volker , Cheremukhin Sergey , Schulz‐Hildebrandt Hinnerk , Bixel Maria G. , Adams Ralf H. , Radbruch Helena , Hüttmann Gereon , Hauser Anja E. , Niesner Raluca A.
Published: April 2020

Two‐photon microscopy (2PM) has brought unique insight into the mechanisms underlying immune system dynamics and function since it enables monitoring of cellular motility and communication in complex systems within their genuine environment—the living organism. However, use of 2PM in clinical settings is limited. In contrast, optical coherence tomography (OCT), a noninvasive label‐free diagnostic imaging method, which allows monitoring morphologic changes of large tissue regions in vivo, has found broad application in the clinic. Here we developed a combined multimodal technology to achieve near‐instantaneous coregistered OCT, 2PM, and second harmonic generation (SHG) imaging over large volumes (up to 1,000 × 1,000 × 300 μm3) of tendons and other tissue compartments in mouse paws, as well as in mouse lymph nodes, spleens, and femurs. Using our multimodal imaging approach, we found differences in macrophage cell shape and motility behavior depending on whether they are located in tendons or in the surrounding tissue compartments of the mouse paw. The cellular shape of tissue‐resident macrophages, indicative for their role in tissue, correlated with the supramolecular organization of collagen as revealed by SHG and OCT. Hence, the here‐presented approach of coregistered OCT and 2PM has the potential to link specific cellular phenotypes and functions (as revealed by 2PM) to tissue morphology (as highlighted by OCT) and thus, to build a bridge between basic research knowledge and clinical observations. © 2020 The Authors. Cytometry Part A published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.
High‐Dimensional Data Analysis Algorithms Yield Comparable Results for Mass Cytometry and Spectral Flow Cytometry Data
Authors: Ferrer‐Font Laura , Mayer Johannes U. , Old Samuel , Hermans Ian F. , Irish Jonathan , Price Kylie M.
Published: April 2020

The arrival of mass cytometry (MC) and, more recently, spectral flow cytometry (SFC) has revolutionized the study of cellular, functional and phenotypic diversity, significantly increasing the number of characteristics measurable at the single‐cell level. As a consequence, new computational techniques such as dimensionality reduction and/or clustering algorithms are necessary to analyze, clean, visualize, and interpret these high‐dimensional data sets. In this small comparison study, we investigated splenocytes from the same sample by either MC or SFC and compared both high‐dimensional data sets using expert gating,t‐distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t‐SNE), uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP) analysis and FlowSOM. When we downsampled each data set to their equivalent cell numbers and parameters, our analysis yielded highly comparable results. Differences between the data sets only became apparent when the maximum number of parameters in each data set were assessed, due to differences in the number of recorded events or the maximum number of assessed parameters. Overall, our small comparison study suggests that mass cytometry and spectral flow cytometry both yield comparable results when analyzed manually or by high‐dimensional clustering or dimensionality reduction algorithms such as t‐SNE, UMAP, or FlowSOM. However, large scale studies combined with an in‐depth technical analysis will be needed to assess differences between these technologies in more detail. © 2020 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
A secure and efficient remote patient‐monitoring authentication protocol for cloud‐IoT
Authors: Alzahrani Bander A. , Irshad Azeem , Alsubhi Khalid , Albeshri Aiiad
Published: April 2020

The ongoing Cloud‐IoT (Internet of Things)–based technological advancements have revolutionized the ways in which remote patients could be monitored and provided with health care facilities. The real‐time monitoring of patient's health leads to dispensing the right medical treatment at the right time. The health professionals need to access patients' sensitive data for such monitoring, and if treated with negligence, it could also be used for malevolent objectives by the adversary. Hence, the Cloud‐IoT–based technology gains could only be conferred to the patients and health professionals, if the latter authenticate one another properly. Many authentication protocols are proposed for remote patient health care monitoring, but with limitations. Lately, Sharma and Kalra (DOI: 10.1007/s40998‐018‐0146‐5) present a remote patient‐monitoring authentication scheme based on body sensors. However, we discover that the scheme still bears many drawbacks including stolen smart card attack, session key compromise, and user impersonation attacks. In view of those limitations, we have designed an efficient authentication protocol for remote patient health monitoring that counters all the above‐mentioned drawbacks. Moreover, we prove the security features of our protocol using BAN logic‐based formal security analysis and validate the results in ProVerif automated security tool.
Phosphines and N‐Heterocycles Joining Forces: an Emerging Structural Motif in PNP‐Pincer Chemistry
Authors: Merz Lukas S. , Ballmann Joachim , Gade Lutz H.
Published: April 2020

Aminodiphosphines and their monoanionic amido derivatives are among the most widely used tridentate ligands. A good share of these ligands, in particular the ones that are based on a rigid N‐heterocyclic core, is predisposed to coordinate in a meridional fashion. Negatively charged derivatives of these meridionally coordinating N‐heterocyclic ligands satisfy all the criteria for PNP pincer scaffolds. Herein, these ligands and their coordination chemistry is reviewed from the perspective of coordination chemistry. For our discussion, ligands containing a protonated N‐heterocycle (e.g. pyrrole‐ or carbazole‐based PNP scaffolds) are to be distinguished from their counterparts that do not contain such an NH‐functionality (e.g. pyridine‐ or triazine‐based PNP scaffolds). Different synthetic methodologies for the preparation of PNP pincer complexes are presented and shown to often depend on the presence or absence of the aforementioned NH‐proton. The different reactivity patterns of the resulting complexes are sub‐divided into two categories, namely into metal‐centered reactions and reactions that result in a chemical transformation at the metal and the ligand. The latter represent ligand‐cooperative transformations, which often play a key role in catalysis, and are showcased by discussing selected applications in catalysis. It will become evident in this review that this relatively young research field is still emerging and far from reaching maturity. Finally, a brief overview on ligand/metal combinations that have not been explored to date is provided, to stimulate future research on PNP pincers featuring a central N‐heterocycle.
Palladium‐Catalyzed [4+2] and [5+2] Annulation for the Synthesis of Tetrahydroquinolines and 1,4‐Benzoxazepines
Authors: Zhang Zhao‐Fei , Zhang Yan , Zhang Chun‐Lin , Ye Song
Published: April 2020

Palladium‐catalyzed [4+2] and [5+2] annulations of propargyl carbonates with malonate‐tethered anilines and 2‐aminobenzylic alcohols were developed, giving the corresponding tetrahydroquinolines and 1,4‐benzoxazepines, respectively, in good to excellent yields.
Mechanism and Origins of Regio‐ and Mono/Di‐Selectivity in Rh(III)‐Catalyzed meta‐C–H Alkenylation with Alkynes
Authors: Luo Jiewei , Zhang Chenhua , Su Fengfa , Zhang Bo , Jia Feiyun
Published: April 2020

Rh‐catalyzed meta‐C–H activation is always a great challenge, especially for selectivity control. Herein, Rh(III)‐catalyzed meta‐C–H alkenylation with alkynes was investigated to elucidate the mechanism details and clarify the origin of regio‐ and mono/di‐selectivity by using DFT methods. Calculation results indicate that C–H activation is the selectivity‐determining step for the protocol. More mechanistic studies on substituted substrates further support our conclusions. For meta‐C–H alkenylation, protonation is most likely the rate‐determining step. The calculations of two possible protonation pathways show that the protonation route after the macrocyclic opening and release of the ring strain is kinetically favorable. Mechanism and BDE calculations also show that the meta‐H exhibits the smallest C–H BDE and C–H activation reaction barrier, leading to the good meta‐selectivity.
Li2S–Li3PS4 (LPS) Composite Synthesized by Liquid‐Phase Shaking for All‐Solid‐State Lithium–Sulfur Batteries with High Performance
Authors: Jiang Huize , Han Yu , Wang Hui , Zhu Yuhao , Guo Qingpeng , Jiang Haolong , Zheng Chunman , Xie Kai
Published: April 2020

Compared with traditional lithium–sulfur batteries, all‐solid‐state lithium–sulfur batteries assembled with inorganic solid electrolytes can not only effectively eliminate the shuttle effect but also drastically improve the safety performance. Due to the low ionic conductivity of the active materials, the construction of the interface between the active materials and the solid electrolytes in the composite cathode is crucial to the performance of the battery. Herein, Li2S– Li3PS4 (LPS) composite materials are prepared by the in situ growth of solid electrolytes on the surface of the active material Li2S through the method of liquid‐phase shaking. After heat treatment at 320 °C for 1 h, the 45Li2S–55LPS‐320 exhibits a high ionic conductivity of 1.11 × 10−4 S cm−1, much higher than that of commercial Li2S. Without additional electrolytes, the Li2S–LPS composite mixed with a conductive agent is directly used as the cathode material. The composite cathode with high active material Li2S, whose content is up to 50%, delivers a discharge specific capacity of 674.3 mAh g−1 after 30 cycles at a current density of 0.2 mA cm−2 at 60 °C, with Coulombic efficiency being 100%.
MoOx‐Doped Ordered Mesoporous Ni/Al2O3 Catalyst for CO Methanation
Authors: Zhang Yang , Yang Hongyuan , Liu Qing , Bian Bing
Published: April 2020

To address the problems of sintering of Ni particles and poor low‐temperature activity of Ni‐based catalysts for CO methanation, MoOx‐doped (x < 3) ordered mesoporous Ni/Al2O3 catalysts are prepared by two different methods, including the impregnation method and evaporation‐induced self‐assembly (EISA) method. The samples before and after the catalytic reaction are thoroughly characterized by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The ordered mesoporous structure is retained in all catalysts, whereas the ones prepared by the EISA method demonstrate high specific surface area, small Ni particle size, and high metal dispersion. After reduction in H2 flow, the Mo promoter is in the form of MoOx (x < 3) with the mixed valence of Mo (IV) and Mo (VI), which can increase the density of Ni atomic electron clouds and reduce the Ni particle size. The optimal mesoporous Ni‐Mo/Al2O3 catalyst reaches the maximum CO conversion and CH4 yield of 97.9% and 93.8%, respectively, at 375 °C, 0.1 MPa, and a weight hourly space velocity of 60 000 mL g−1 h−1. In addition, this catalyst demonstrates excellent stability in 100 h‐lifetime test at high space velocity owing to the confinement of the ordered mesoporous structure and the addition of MoOx promoter.
Patterns of chromosome 18 loss of heterozygosity in multifocal ileal neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Zhang Zhouwei , Mäkinen Netta , Kasai Yosuke , Kim Grace E. , Diosdado Begoña , Nakakura Eric , Meyerson Matthew
Published: April 2020

Ileal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) represent the most common neoplasm of the small intestine. Although up to 50% of patients with ileal NETs are diagnosed with multifocal disease, the mechanisms by which multifocal ileal NETs arise are not yet understood. In this study, we analyzed genome‐wide sequencing data to examine patterns of copy number variation in 40 synchronous primary ileal NETs derived from three patients. Chromosome (chr) 18 loss of heterozygosity (LOH) was the most frequent copy number alteration identified; however, not all primary tumors from the same patient had evidence of this LOH. Our data revealed three distinct patterns of chr18 allelic loss, indicating that primary tumors from the same patient can present different LOH patterns including retention of either parental allele. In conclusion, our results are consistent with the model that multifocal ileal NETs originate independently. In addition, they suggest that there is no specific germline allele on chr18 that is the target of somatic LOH.
A pilot randomized controlled trial of hearing aids to improve mood and cognition in older adults
Authors: Brewster Katharine K. , Pavlicova Martina , Stein Alexandra , Chen Mei , Chen Chen , Brown Patrick J. , Roose Steven P. , Kim Ana H. , Golub Justin S. , Brickman Adam , Galatioto Jessica , Kuhlmey Megan , Rutherford Bret R.
Published: April 2020

Objectives

Age‐related hearing loss (ARHL) is a prevalent condition associated with increased risk for depression and cognitive decline. This 12‐week prospective, double‐blind pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) of hearing aids (HAs) for depressed older adults with ARHL evaluated the feasibility of a novel research design.

Methods/Design

N = 13 individuals aged ≥60 years with Major Depressive Disorder or Persistent Depressive Disorder and at least mild hearing loss (pure tone average ≥ 30 dB) were randomized to receive full‐ (active) vs low‐amplification (sham) HAs added to psychiatric treatment as usual. Duration of HA use in hours/day, adverse events frequency, attrition rate, and maintenance of the study blinding were the primary outcome measures.

Results

Compliance with HAs was excellent (>9 hours/day for both groups) and rates of adverse events and drop‐outs did not differ between groups. Preliminary data demonstrated differential improvement for active vs sham HAs on hearing functioning (Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly [nonparametric effect size (np‐ES) = 0.62]), depressive symptoms (Inventory for Depressive Symptomatology [np‐ES = 0.31]), cognition (Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status Immediate Memory [np‐ES = 0.25]), and general functioning (World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule [np‐ES = 0.53]). Significantly greater than 50% of both groups correctly guessed their treatment assignment, indicating incomplete concealment of treatment allocation.

Conclusions

This pilot RCT for ARHL and late‐life depression was feasible to execute and showed clinical promise, but improved methods of blinding the experimental treatments are needed. Larger studies should investigate whether hearing remediation may be an effective preventative and/or therapeutic strategy for late‐life depression and cognitive decline.
An experimental investigation to consider thermal methods efficiency on oil recovery enhancement
Authors: Lu Wang , Davarpanah Afshin
Published: April 2020

To study the profound impact of reservoir characteristics on flow regime in two‐phase condition, the effect of saturation and capillary pressure (Pc–S) should be taken into consideration in the porous medium. The purpose of this extensive experimental investigation is to inject the foaming agent and nitrogen gas, which is produced by the foam generator after waterflooding in a fractured reservoir to select the best optimum scenario. It has been elaborated that nitrogen of lower density and lower compressibility would provide a secondary gas cap at the top of the cores which causes to mobilize more oil volume in the unswept zones. The rupturing of foam considerably influences this phenomenon in the high permeable layers that have led the oil of low permeable layers to be mobilized in the presence of nitrogen.
Low‐dose aspirin improves endometrial receptivity in the midluteal phase in unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss
Authors: Wang Tongfei , Kang Xiaomin , Zhao Aimin , He Liying , Liu Zhilan , Liu Fangsun
Published: April 2020

Objective

To evaluate differences in Doppler parameters and pregnancy outcomes, if any, and to determine the predictive accuracy of such indices, as well as the effects of low‐dose aspirin (LDA) in unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (URPL).

Methods

An observational study was conducted at Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai, China, from May 2015 to December 2016. The endometrial thickness, and the pulsatility index (PI), resistive index (RI), and systolic‐to‐diastolic ratio (S/D) values of endometrial and uterine artery blood flow were collected. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to analyze data from URPL patients (three or more first‐trimester spontaneous abortions with unknown etiology) and patients with normal fertility. A second ultrasonography examination was performed in URPL patients who had received daily LDA for 2 months.

Results

There were 190 URPL patients and 35 control patients. Endometrial thickness was significantly thinner in URPL patients than control patients (P=0.005). The PI, RI, and S/D values for endometrial blood flow and the mean PI, RI, and S/D values for uterine arteries were significantly higher in URPL patients (P<0.001). The predictive accuracy of the indices mentioned above were 0.660, 0.802, 0.852, 0.837, 0.784, 0.929, and 0.929, respectively. Following LDA supplementation, URPL patients showed a significant reduction in resistance to endometrial and uterine artery blood flow (P<0.001).

Conclusion

URPL patients had impaired uterine perfusion. Doppler parameters are valuable in predicting women at high risk of URPL. LDA could be effective in improving endometrial receptivity.
Exploiting Augmented Intelligence in Systems Engineering and Engineered Systems
Authors: Madni Azad M.
Published: April 2020

With AI resurgence paced by recent machine learning advances, several engineering disciplines including systems engineering turn to AI to improve system model accuracy, process flexibility, content exploration and search, and team productivity. More recently, AI has become a means to augment rather than replace human capability. This perspective alters AI's role from autonomous intelligence to augmented intelligence (AugI). Inherent in this view, recognizing AI and human together can perform certain tasks better than either could alone. This paper presents a methodological framework for effectively exploiting AugI in systems engineering and in engineered intelligent human‐machine systems.
Operations, administration and maintenance (OAM) features for reliable and available wireless (RAW) networks
Authors: Papadopoulos Georgios Z. , Theoleyre Fabrice , Thubert Pascal
Published: April 2020

Though the requirements are well defined and established, the adoption of radios for mission critical applications is lagging due to the fuzzy transmission characteristics of the wireless medium. To enable automation and safety applications, in particular for Machine‐to‐Machine traffic, strict reliability and availability demands must be met end‐to‐end. The Reliable and Available Wireless (RAW) Working Group (WG) aims specifically at enabling such guarantees by leveraging end‐to‐end Layer 3 services to compensate for the lossiness of the lower layers. In this letter, we present the Operation, Administration and Management (OAM) requirements to support industrial requirements. We detail first the operation challenge, the tools to verify that the network works properly, and to detect possibly faults. Then, we explain why we need to administrate the network to know in real time the state and the resources provisioned. Finally, we detail the mechanisms to make the network reliable and fault‐tolerant.
Current progresses and trends in carbon nanomaterials‐based electrochemical and electrochemiluminescence biosensors
Authors: Adhikari Juthi , Rizwan Mohammad , Keasberry Natasha Ann , Ahmed Minhaz Uddin
Published: April 2020

Abstarct

The enormous potential of biosensors in medical diagnostics has motivated scientists to develop newer innovative tools and advance biosensing technologies. The use of cell, organelles, nucleotides, aptamers, antibodies, affibodies, proteins, peptides, molecules, and printed polymers, merged with nanotechnology, offers excellent tools to prepare highly sensitive and advanced biosensors. Therefore, the current decade has witnessed a rapid surge in the fabrication of different nanomaterial‐based biosensors. Among them, carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) have emerged highly attractive in the fabrication of both electrochemical and electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensors. On one hand, CNMs bear prominent electrical conductivity, large surface area to immobilize adequate amount of biomolecules, an enhanced loading capacity, improved biocompatibility, and active site for electrochemical reaction. Additionally, CNMs could be chemically modified for the covalent coupling with the biomolecules. On the other hand, both electrochemical and ECL biosensors allow for cost‐effective, rapid, and real‐time detection with excellent sensitivity and selectivity, with the capability of integrating different biomolecules and CNMs on the same chip. However, currently there is not a single review, which includes CNM‐based electrochemical and ECL biosensors' current progress and trends. Therefore, this review intends to survey the current progress and future trends in CNM‐based electrochemical and ECL biosensors.
Artificial habitats induce plasticity in colonies of the marine bryozoan Schizoporella errata
Authors: Dias Gustavo M. , Dutra Felipe S. , Duarte Rafael C.
Published: April 2020

Modular organization provides flexibility for colonial animals to deal with variable and unpredictable environmental conditions since each module has specific tasks within the colony, such as feeding, defending or reproducing. Depending on the selecting pressures, sessile organisms may phenotypically adjust the morphology of each module or modify their density, increasing individual fitness. Here we used the marine bryozoan Schizoporella errata (Cheilostomata, Schizoporellidae) to test how the divergent conditions between two artificial habitats, the location inside a marina (IM) and the external wall of the breakwater (BW), affect colony size and the density of the distinct modules. The density of avicularia and ovicells, modules related to defense and reproduction, respectively, did not differ between habitats. However, colonies growing in the turbulent waters of BW were, in general, larger and had higher density of feeding autozooids than those at IM. Reciprocal transplants of bryozoan clones indicated that trait variation is genotype‐dependent but varies according to the environmental conditions at the assigned location. The occurrence of larger colonies with more zooids in BW is probably linked to the easier feeding opportunity offered by the small diffusive boundary layer around the colony at this location. Since in colonial polymorphic organisms each module (zooid) performs a specific function, the phenotypic response is not uniform across colonies, affecting only those modules that are susceptible to variations in the main selective pressures. Understanding the importance of colony‐level plasticity is relevant to predict how modularity will contribute to organisms to deal with human‐induced environmental changes in coastal habitats.
Molecular cues involved in the regulation of B cell dynamics: Assistants of antigen hunting
Authors: Carrasco Yolanda R.
Published: April 2020

The ability of a cell to migrate, adhere, and change its morphology is determinant in developing its functions; these capacities reach their maximum relevance in immune cells. For an efficient immune response, immune cells must localize in the right place at the right time; that implies crossing tissue barriers and migrating in the interstitial space of the tissues at high velocities. The dependency on trafficking abilities is even higher for B cells, one of the arms of the adaptive immune system, considering that they must encounter specific antigens for their clonal receptor in the enormous tissue volume of the secondary lymphoid organs (spleen, lymph nodes, Peyer patches). The regulated interplay between cell motility and cell adhesion allows B cells to reach distinct lymphoid tissues and, within them, to explore the stromal cell networks where antigen might be exposed. In this meeting-invited review, I summarize the current knowledge on the molecular cues and mechanisms that shapes B cell dynamics at the initial phase of the humoral immune response, including homeostatic chemoattractants and innate/inflammatory stimuli. I also revised the B cell behavior alterations caused by BCR recognition of antigen and the molecular mechanisms involved.
Treatment with convalescent plasma for COVID‐19 patients in Wuhan, China
Authors: Ye Mingxiang , Fu Dian , Ren Yi , Wang Faxiang , Wang Dong , Zhang Fang , Xia Xinyi , Lv Tangfeng
Published: April 2020

The discovery of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) are causing public health emergencies. A handful pieces of literature have summarized its clinical and radiologic features, whereas therapies for COVID‐19 are rather limited. To evaluate the efficacy of convalescent plasma therapy in COVID‐19 patients, we did this timely descriptive study. Six laboratory‐confirmed COVID‐19 patients were enrolled and received the transfusion of ABO‐compatible convalescent plasma. The efficacy of this intervention was determined by the alleviation of symptoms, changes in radiologic abnormalities and laboratory tests. No obvious adverse effect observed during the treatment. Transfusion of convalescent plasma led to a resolution of ground‐glass opacities and consolidation in patients #1, #2, #3, #4, and #6. In patients #1 and #5 who presented with SARS‐CoV‐2 in throat swab, convalescent plasma therapy elicited an elimination of the virus. Serologic analysis indicated an immediate increase in anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody titers in patients #2 and #3, but not in patient #1. This study indicates that convalescent plasma therapy is effective and specific for COVID‐19. This intervention has a special significance for eliminating SARS‐CoV‐2 and is believed to be a promising state‐of‐the‐art therapy during COVID‐19 pandemic crisis.
Clinical characteristics of 3062 COVID‐19 patients: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhu Jieyun , Ji Pan , Pang Jielong , Zhong Zhimei , Li Hongyuan , He Cuiying , Zhang Jianfeng , Zhao Chunling
Published: April 2020

We aimed to systematically review the clinical characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Seven databases were searched to collect studies about the clinical characteristics of COVID‐19 from January 1, 2020 to February 28, 2020. Then, meta‐analysis was performed by using Stata12.0 software. A total of 38 studies involving 3062 COVID‐19 patients were included. Meta‐analysis showed that a higher proportion of infected patients was male (56.9%). The incidence rate of respiratory failure or acute respiratory distress syndrome was 19.5% and the fatality rate was 5.5%. Fever (80.4%), fatigue (46%), cough (63.1%), and expectoration (41.8%) were the most common clinical manifestations. Other common symptoms included muscle soreness (33%), anorexia (38.8%), chest tightness (35.7%), shortness of breath (35%), dyspnea (33.9%). Minor symptoms included nausea and vomiting (10.2%), diarrhea (12.9%), headache (15.4%), pharyngalgia (13.1%), shivering (10.9%), and abdominal pain (4.4%). The proportion of patients that was asymptomatic was 11.9%. Normal leukocyte counts (69.7%), lymphopenia (56.5%), elevated C‐reactive protein levels (73.6%), elevated ESR (65.6%), and oxygenation index decreased (63.6%) were observed in most patients. About 37.2% of patients were found with elevated D‐dimer, 25.9% of patients with leukopenia, along with abnormal levels of liver function (29%), and renal function (25.5%). Other findings included leukocytosis (12.6%) and elevated procalcitonin (17.5%). Only 25.8% of patients had lesions involving a single lung and 75.7% of patients had lesions involving bilateral lungs. The most commonly experienced symptoms of COVID‐19 patients were fever, fatigue, cough, and expectoration. A relatively small percentage of patients were asymptomatic. Most patients showed normal leucocytes counts, lymphopenia, elevated levels of C‐reactive protein and ESR. Bilateral lung involvement was common.
Analysis of 92 deceased patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Yang Fan , Shi Shaobo , Zhu Jiling , Shi Jinzhi , Dai Kai , Chen Xiaobei
Published: April 2020

This retrospective study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics and complications in death cases with novel coronavirus disease‐19 (COVID‐19). We collected the medical records of 92 patients with COVID‐19, who died in the time period ranging from 6 January 2020 to 25 February 2020, in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University and summarized the clinical characteristics of complications. There were 91 death cases in which different complications were developed, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (73/91), myocardial injury (31/91), liver injury (15/91), renal insufficiency (14/91), multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) (14/91), and pneumothorax (1/91). Among these patients, 83 patients had at least one complication. However, one patient who died of recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding was not directly linked to COVID‐19. The main complications of deceased patients with COVID‐19 were ARDS, myocardial injury, liver injury, renal insufficiency, and MODS.