bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experiments and modeling of bubbles colliding head‐on in water
Authors: Song Runci , Han Luchang , Zhang Ling , Tang Shangyu
Published: January 2021

Experiments and modeling of head‐on collision of a pair of bubbles driven by buoyancy in quiescent water are presented. The experiments showed that two bubbles after contacting for a few milliseconds may coalesce or bounce back depending on the collision velocity. As theoretical comparisons, the influence of velocity boundary conditions on the liquid film drainage and the characteristics of two film drainage models with the assumptions of “partially” and fully mobile interfaces under variable‐velocity approach condition are studied. The “partially” mobile model is found to be easier to predict rebound case and longer drainage time, and could not obtain the drainage process where the film is thinned to the thickness below 10−7 m at both low and relatively high Re. As a whole, the fully mobile model with variable‐velocity approach shows more reasonable prediction results for the coalescence and rebound of bubbles in the ultrapure water.
Direct and correlated responses to artificial selection for growth and water‐use efficiency in a Mediterranean pine
Authors: Suárez‐Vidal Estefanía , Sampedro Luis , Climent Jose , Voltas Jordi , Sin Ester , Notivol Eduardo , Zas Rafael
Published: January 2021

PREMISE

Persistence of tree populations in the face of global change relies on their capacity to respond to biotic and abiotic stressors through plastic or adaptive changes. Genetic adaptation will depend on the additive genetic variation within populations and the heritability of traits related to stress tolerance. Because traits can be genetically linked, selective pressure acting on one trait may lead to correlated responses in other traits.

METHODS

To test direct and correlated responses to selection for growth and drought tolerance in Pinus halepensis, we selected trees in a parental population for higher growth and greater water‐use efficiency (WUE) and compared their offspring with the offspring of random trees from the parental population in two contrasting common gardens. We estimated direct responses to selection for growth and WUE and correlated responses for growth and tolerance to abiotic and biotic stressors.

RESULTS

We found a strong response to selection and high realized heritability for WUE, but no response to selection for growth. Correlated responses to selection in other life‐history traits were not significant, except for concentration of some chemical defenses, which was greater in the offspring of mother trees selected for growth than in the offspring of unselected control trees.

CONCLUSIONS

The empirical evidence of direct responses to selection for high WUE suggests that P. halepensis has the potential to evolve in response to increasing drought stress. Contrary to expectations, the results are not conclusive of a potential negative impact of WUE and growth selection on other key life‐history traits.
Patterns of genetic variation in a prairie wildflower, Silphium integrifolium, suggest a non‐prairie origin and locally adaptive variation
Authors: Raduski Andrew R. , Herman Adam , Pogoda Cloe , Dorn Kevin M. , Van Tassel David L. , Kane Nolan , Brandvain Yaniv
Published: January 2021

PREMISE

Understanding the relationship between genetic structure and geography provides information about a species’ history and can be used for breeding and conservation goals. The North American prairie is interesting because of its recent origin and subsequent fragmentation. Silphium integrifolium, an iconic perennial American prairie wildflower, is targeted for domestication, having undergone a few generations of improvement. We present the first application of population genetic data in this species to address the following goals: (1) improve breeding by characterizing genetic structure and (2) identify the species geographic origin and potential targets and drivers of selection during range expansion.

METHODS

We developed a reference transcriptome as a genotyping reference for samples from throughout the species range. Population genetic analyses were used to describe patterns of genetic variation, and demographic modeling was used to characterize potential processes that shaped variation. Outlier scans for selection and associations with environmental variables were used to identify loci linked to putative targets and drivers of selection.

RESULTS

Genetic variation partitioned samples into three geographic clusters. Patterns of variation and demographic modeling suggest that the species origin is in the American Southeast. Breeding program accessions are from the region with lowest observed genetic variation.

CONCLUSIONS

This prairie species did not originate within the prairie. Breeding may be improved by including accessions from outside of the germplasm founding region. The geographic structuring and the identified targets and drivers of adaptation can guide collecting efforts toward populations with beneficial agronomic traits.
Rheumatoid arthritis in low‐level toluene‐exposed workers based on nationwide medical surveillance data in Korea
Authors: Min Young‐Sun , Lee Sungho , Kim Mingi , Ahn Yeon‐Soon
Published: January 2021

Background

There is growing evidence that exposure to organic solvents can play a role in the etiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This prospective cohort study aimed to investigate the association between RA and toluene exposure.

Methods

The study cohort consisted of Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency data from male workers exposed to toluene who had undergone a toluene‐associated special medical examination at least once between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2004 (n = 148,870). The morbidity from RA based on hospital admission records was estimated from 2000 to 2005 using National Health Insurance Claim Data. The standardized admission ratio (SAR) for RA was calculated with reference to the general population. Levels of urinary hippuric acid (HA), a metabolite of toluene, were measured and used for exposure assessment.

Results

Toluene‐exposed workers were at an elevated risk of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (ICD‐10 code M05) with an SAR of 2.38 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14–4.37) and other rheumatoid arthritis (M06) with an SAR of 1.22 (95% CI: 0.91–1.59). When data were stratified according to the duration of toluene exposure and by tertiles of urinary HA level, no significant difference was apparent.

Conclusion

SARs of the toluene‐exposed workers are higher than that of the general reference population, indicating that exposure to toluene may contribute to an increased risk of RA. Further studies of toluene‐exposed workers with longer follow‐up are needed.
Bildungsmechanismen für Phosphoren und SnIP
Authors: Pielmeier Markus R. P. , Nilges Tom
Published: January 2021

Phosphoren – das Einzelschichtmaterial des Elementallotrops schwarzer Phosphor (Pblack) – und SnIP sind 2D‐ und 1D‐Halbleiter und können beide über sehr ähnliche Synthesewege, mithilfe von Gasphasentransportreaktion und Mineralisation, aus amorphem rotem Phosphor und Sn/Sn(IV)‐iodid hergestellt werden. Der Top‐down‐Ansatz über Pblack ist heutzutage der wichtigste Zugangsweg zu Phosphoren. Die beiden Reaktionswege unterscheiden sich hauptsächlich in der Reaktionstemperatur und den Stoffmengenverhältnissen der Reaktanten. Bei der Top‐down‐Synthese von Phosphoren aus schwarzem Phosphor wird über mögliche Intermediate oder Nebenphasen (z. B. Hittorfscher Phosphor oder ein Sn24P19.3I8‐Clathrat) spekuliert. Die Bedeutung P‐basierter 2D‐ und 1D‐Materialien für Energiekonvertierung, ‐speicherung und Katalyse inspirierte uns, den Bildungsmechanismus dieser beiden Stoffe genauer zu untersuchen. Hier stellen wir die intermediatfreien Reaktionsmechanismen von Pblack/Phosphoren und SnIP aus P4 und SnI2 mittels direkter Gasphasenbildung vor.
Spin‐elektrische Kopplung in einem Cobalt(II)‐basierten Spindreieck, gezeigt mithilfe elektrisches‐Feld‐modulierter Elektronenspinresonanzspektroskopie
Authors: Kintzel Benjamin , Fittipaldi Maria , Böhme Michael , Cini Alberto , Tesi Lorenzo , Buchholz Axel , Sessoli Roberta , Plass Winfried
Published: January 2021

Ein Cobalt(II)‐basiertes Spin‐Dreieck zeigt signifikante Spin‐elektrische Kopplung. Der Komplex [Co3(pytag)(py)6Cl3]ClO4⋅3 py kristallisiert in der azentrischen monoklinen Raumgruppe P21. Eine antiferromagnetische Wechselwirkung von ca. −15 cm−1 (H=−JSaSb) führt zu Spinfrustration. Die zu erwartenden zwei energetisch entarteten Grundzustandsdubletts sind jedoch um einige Wellenzahlen voneinander separiert, was aus der magnetischen Anisotropie und Abweichungen von der ideal dreizähligen Symmetrie resultiert. Die Co3‐Ebenen der symmetrieverwandten Moleküle sind nahezu parallel. Das ermöglicht die Untersuchung Spin‐elektrischer Eigenschaften in Einkristallen durch EFM‐ESR‐Spektroskopie. Der Spin‐elektrische Effekt bei Einwirkung des elektrischen Felds in der Co3‐Ebene zeigte sich in einer Verschiebung des Resonanzfelds. Eine Quantifizierung erfolgte als ΔgE/E=0,11×10−9 m V−1, was ca. 0,3 Hz m V−1 entspricht. Dieser Wert ist vergleichbar mit dem in einem Cu3‐Dreieck gefundenen, wenngleich die antiferromagnetische Wechselwirkung in diesem 20‐mal größer ist.
Formation Mechanisms for Phosphorene and SnIP
Authors: Pielmeier Markus R. P. , Nilges Tom
Published: January 2021

Phosphorene—the monolayered material of the element allotrope black phosphorus (Pblack)—and SnIP are 2D and 1D semiconductors with intriguing physical properties. Pblack and SnIP have in common that they can be synthesized via short way transport or mineralization using tin, tin(IV) iodide and amorphous red phosphorus. This top‐down approach is the most important access route to phosphorene. The two preparation routes are closely connected and differ mainly in reaction temperature and molar ratios of starting materials. Many speculative intermediates or activator side phases have been postulated especially for top‐down Pblack/phosphorene synthesis, such as Hittorf's phosphorus or Sn24P19.3I8 clathrate. The importance of phosphorus‐based 2D and 1D materials for energy conversion, storage, and catalysis inspired us to elucidate the formation mechanisms of these two compounds. Herein, we report on the reaction mechanisms of Pblack/phosphorene and SnIP from P4 and SnI2 via direct gas phase formation.
Advances in high‐resolution mass spectrometry applied to pharmaceuticals in 2020: A whole new age of information
Authors: Géhin Caroline , Holman Stephen W.
Published: January 2021

Continuous improvements in mass spectrometry (MS) have resulted in the widespread availability and adoption of high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) across laboratories worldwide. The capabilities and the associated advantages of HRMS make it an invaluable analytical tool for analyte characterization, screening, and quantification methodologies for a wide scope of applications across pharmaceutical development. These applications include drug discovery, product characterizations of both small molecules and novel drug modalities,in vitroandin vivometabolism studies, post‐approval quality control, and pharmacovigilance. This review gives an overview of the current capabilities of HRMS and its pharmaceutical applications in 2020, and provides a perspective on the future of HRMS within the pharmaceutical industry.
Inka's cosmovision, space, time, and Cosmos: A Western perspective
Authors: Gamarra Milton Rojas , Gullberg Steven R. , Estrázulas Mônica , Horvath Jorge , Zen Vasconcellos César A.
Published: January 2021

In this contribution, we seek to identify points of contact between the conceptions about space, time, and Cosmos, carried out by thinkers and scientists throughout history, and the corresponding cosmogonic view of the Inka culture. We conclude that a proper understanding and interpretation of the Inka legacy in the fields of astronomy and archeoastronomy can only be carried out properly when inserted in the context of the Inka culture and its worldview.
Black hole mass, jet, and accretion disk connection: An analysis of radio‐loud and radio‐quiet quasars
Authors: Chakraborty Avinanda , Bhattacharjee Anirban
Published: January 2021

Surveys have shown radio‐loud (RL) quasars constitute 10–15% of the total quasar population. However, it is unknown if the radio‐loud fraction (RL quasars/Total quasars) remains consistent among different parameter spaces. This study shows that radio‐loud fraction increases for increasing full width half maximum (FWHM) velocity of the Hβ and MgII broad emission line. Our data have been obtained from Shen, Y., Richards, G. T., Strauss, M. A. et al., ApJS, 194(2), 45, 2011 catalogue. To investigate the reason, in this preliminary study we analyze various properties like bolometric luminosity, optical continuum luminosity, black hole (BH) mass, and accretion rate of RL quasars and RQ quasars sample which have FWHM greater than 15,000 km s−1 (High broad line). From the distributions, we can conclude for all the properties in high broad line, RL quasars are having higher values than RQ quasars. We have predicted RL quasars are intrinsically brighter than RQ quasars and also predicted BH mass‐jet connection and accretion disk‐jet connection from our results but to conclude anything more analysis is needed.
The Analgesic Effects of Static Magnetic Fields
Authors: Fan Yixiang , Ji Xinmiao , Zhang Lei , Zhang Xin
Published: January 2021

Pain is one of the most common reasons why people seek medical care, which is related to most disease states. Magnetic fields (MFs) can be applied locally to specific parts of human bodies with high penetration and temporal control, which have a long‐debated history in folk therapy. The purpose of this review is to collect and analyze experimental data about the analgesic effects of static magnetic fields (SMFs) so that we can have a scientific understanding regarding this topic. We collected 28 studies (25 English and 3 Chinese papers) with proper sham controls that investigated the effects of SMFs on pain relief in humans or mice. We found that 64% of the human studies and all mice studies in the literature showed positive analgesic effects of SMFs, which are related to factors including SMF intensity, treatment time, and pain types. Higher intensity and/or longer treatment time, as well as some specific pain types, may have better pain relief effects. Initial mechanistic studies indicated that membrane receptors, such as capsaicin receptor VR1/TRPV1, opioid receptors, and P2X3 receptors, might be involved. By describing experimental evidence and analysis, we found that SMFs actually hold considerable promise for managing some specific types of pain if proper SMF parameters are used. More studies comprehensively evaluating the parameters of SMF and its corresponding analgesic effects on different pain types, as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms, will be necessary to further validate its therapeutic potential in pain management in the future. Bioelectromagnetics. 00:00–00, 2021. © 2021 Bioelectromagnetics Society
Which is preferred for initial treatment of papillary thyroid cancer, total thyroidectomy or lobotomy?
Authors: Wu Zhen , Han Lin , Li Wenlei , Wang Wei , Chen Liqaing , Yao Yumin , Wang Yongkun
Published: January 2021

Purposes

The incidence of thyroid cancer has increased annually, and has a heavy psychological and economic burden on society and individuals. Based thyroid cancer data from patients treated in Liaocheng People's Hospital from 2015 to 2018, with Chinese national and regional characteristics, in this study, we addressed the controversy of which initial thyroid surgical mode, lobectomy or total thyroidectomy, is most effective.

Methods

Clinical and pathological data from 2108 patients with thyroid cancer, who were initially diagnosed and treated surgically, were collected from the Department of Thyroid Surgery. Among them, there were 1001 cases who underwent open operation with total thyroidectomy + central lymph node dissection; meanwhile, 1107 cases were treated with neck lateral lymph node dissection at the same time.

Results

The overall metastasis rate of all patients was 57.23%. Even the lymph node metastasis of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) was as high as 48.97%. When the mass rose above 2 cm, the proportion of metastasis increased to 77.22%. When the tumor was complicated with bilateral and multiple high‐risk factors, the proportion of metastasis was 65.27% and 72.21%, respectively. When the tumor breaks through the capsule, the metastasis rate was 67.08%. With the increase of tumor diameter, the metastasis of cervical lymph nodes ranged from 22.54% to 73.33%, which showed positive correlation. 49.32% of patients had lymph node metastasis in the lateral cervical region. When the diameter of the tumor reached T1c level, the metastasis of the cervical lymph nodes was 56.91%, and the number of metastatic cases above T1c level accounted for 69.96% of the total metastatic cases.

Conclusion

The degree of malignancy of thyroid cancer depends on tumor genome evolution. Rates of neck lymph node metastasis are high, particularly among patients with risk factors for poor prognosis. It is recommended that initial treatment should comprise at least total thyroidectomy + central lymph node dissection in China, to avoid the risks associated with secondary surgery and effects on patient quality of life. When the tumor diameter exceeds 1 cm, the risk of cervical lymph node metastasis is high, and we recommended lateral lymph node dissection.
Rational Design and Synthesis of Selective PRMT4 Inhibitors: A New Chemotype for Development of Cancer Therapeutics**
Authors: Sutherland Mathew , Li Alice , Kaghad Anissa , Panagopoulos Dimitrios , Li Fengling , Szewczyk Magdalena , Smil David , Scholten Cora , Bouché Léa , Stellfeld Timo , Arrowsmith Cheryl H. , Barsyte Dalia , Vedadi Masoud , Hartung Ingo V. , Steuber Holger , Britton Robert , Santhakumar Vijayaratnam
Published: January 2021

Protein arginine N‐methyl transferase 4 (PRMT4) asymmetrically dimethylates the arginine residues of histone H3 and nonhistone proteins. The overexpression of PRMT4 in several cancers has stimulated interest in the discovery of inhibitors as biological tools and, potentially, therapeutics. Although several PRMT4 inhibitors have been reported, most display poor selectivity against other members of the PRMT family of methyl transferases. Herein, we report the structure‐based design of a new class of alanine‐containing 3‐arylindoles as potent and selective PRMT4 inhibitors, and describe key structure–activity relationships for this class of compounds.
Ternary Cocrystals with Large Soft Cavities: A 1,4‐diiodotetrafluorobenzene (DITFB)⋅4‐Biphenylpyridine N‐oxide (BPNO) Host Assembled by Inclusion of Planar Aromatic Guests
Authors: Liang Wen Juan , Wang Hui , Chen Xue , Zhang Ting Ting , Bai Yun Feng , Feng Feng , Jin Wei Jun
Published: January 2021

A large soft‐cavity host composed of 1,4‐diiodotetrafluorobenzene (DITFB) and 4‐biphenylpyridine N‐oxide (BPNO) is assembled under the mediation of a planar aromatic guest molecule (pyrene or perylene) through C−I⋅⋅⋅−O−N+ halogen bonds and π‐hole⋅⋅⋅π bonds. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction reveals that guest molecules can be completely encapsulated in the four‐layer host cavity to assemble ternary host‐guest cocrystals; namely, Pyr@DITFB ⋅ BPNO and Per@DITFB ⋅ BPNO. The luminescence of these ternary cocrystals originates from their discrete guest molecules, which exhibit pure‐blue and yellow emissions, respectively, that are localized at 425 nm and in the range of 485 to 578 nm, respectively. In addition, the contribution of different fragments to the stabilization of the crystal structure is estimated by computational chemistry. These cocrystals have significant potential for use in optical applications or materials, such as photonics or organic light‐emitting diodes, respectively, that require to avoid the aggregation between luminophores.
Löwdin's symmetry dilemma within Green functions theory for the one‐dimensional Hubbard model
Authors: Joost J.‐P. , Schlünzen N. , Hese S. , Bonitz M. , Verdozzi C. , Schmitteckert P. , Hopjan M.
Published: January 2021

The energy gap of correlated Hubbard clusters is well studied for one‐dimensional systems using analytical methods and density‐matrix‐renormalization‐group (DMRG) simulations. Beyond 1D, however, exact results are available only for small systems by quantum Monte Carlo. For this reason and, due to the problems of DMRG in simulating 2D and 3D systems, alternative methods such as Green functions combined with many‐body approximations (GFMBA), that do not have this restriction, are highly important. However, it has remained open whether the approximate character of GFMBA simulations prevents the computation of the Hubbard gap. Here we present new GFMBA results that demonstrate that GFMBA simulations are capable of producing reliable data for the gap which agrees well with the DMRG benchmarks in 1D. An interesting observation is that the accuracy of the gap can be significantly increased when the simulations give up certain symmetry restriction of the exact system, such as spin symmetry and spatial homogeneity. This is seen as manifestation and generalization of the “symmetry dilemma” introduced by Löwdin for Hartree–Fock wave function calculations.
Detection of genes positively selected in Cuban Anolis lizards that naturally inhabit hot and open areas and currently thrive in urban areas
Authors: Kanamori Shunsuke , Cádiz Antonio , Díaz Luis M. , Ishii Yuu , Nakayama Takuro , Kawata Masakado
Published: January 2021

Species of Anolis lizards of the West Indies that naturally inhabit hot and open areas also tend to thrive in urban areas. In this study, transcriptome was sequenced for nine species of Cuban Anolis lizards that are closely related to each other, but inhabit different thermal microhabitats. Using PAML and HyPhy software, we attempted to identify genes and amino acid sites under positive selection in the common ancestral branch of A. porcatus and A. allisoni, and the branch of A. sagrei, which inhabit hot and open areas, and thrive in urban areas. Although there were no genes where positive selection was commonly detected on both of the tested branches, positive selection was detected in genes involved in the stress response (e.g., DNA damage and oxidative stress) and cardiac function, which could be related to adaptive evolution of tolerance to heat or ultraviolet radiation, on both branches. These findings suggest that adaptive evolution of the response to stress caused by heat or ultraviolet radiation might have occurred in ancestors of Anolis species inhabiting hot and open areas and might be related to the current thriving in urban areas of them.
Effectiveness of a structured group intervention based on pain neuroscience education for patients with fibromyalgia in primary care: A multicentre randomized open‐label controlled trial
Authors: Barrenengoa‐Cuadra María Jesús , Muñoa‐Capron‐Manieux María , Fernández‐Luco Marian , Angón‐Puras Luis Ángel , Romón‐Gómez Ana J. , Azkuenaga Maider , Etxebarria Amaia , Orrantia Gixane , Pikaza Ainhoa , Uribe‐Etxebarria Lourdes , Zorrilla Ana , Larrinaga Gorka , Arana‐Arri Eunate , Gracia‐Ballarín Rafael ,   for the FIMIDOC Working Group researchers
Published: January 2021

Background

There has been increased interest in pain neuroscience education (PNE) as a therapeutic approach for the management of fibromyalgia (FM).

Methods

A multicentre randomized, open‐label, controlled trial was conducted to assess the effectiveness of a structured group intervention based on PNE in patients with FM. A total of 139 patients were included in the study and randomized to the intervention group (7 group sessions of education in neurobiology of pain) or to the control group (treatment as usual only). The primary outcome was the improvement of functional status and pain measured with the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), and secondary outcomes were the reduction in the impact of pain and other symptoms (catastrophizing, anxiety and depression) and number of patients reaching no worse than moderate functional impairment (FIQ score <39). Differences between groups were calculated by linear mixed‐effects (intention‐to‐treat approach) and mediational models through path analyses.

Results

At 1 year, improvements in FIQ scores were higher in the intervention group with moderate or high effect size, and decreases of ≥20% in 69.1% of patients (20.9% in the control group) and of ≥50% in 39.7% (4.5% in the control group). Also, 52.9% of patients had a FIQ <39 points (13.4% in the control group).

Conclusions

In this sample of patients with FM, the improvement in quality of life and control of symptoms obtained by adding a PNE intervention showed promising results, equalling or surpassing previously reported outcomes.

Significance

A structured group intervention based on pain neuroscience education for 1 year in patients with fibromyalgia was associated with significant amelioration of the impact of the disease on scores of the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, the Health Assessment Questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Pain Catastrophizing Scale and the Polysymptomatic Distress Scale as compared with only treatment as usual. These findings are clinically relevant considering the challenges posed by fibromyalgia to clinicians and patients alike.
2D Accordion‐like MXene Nanosheets as a Sensitive Electrode Material for Baicalin Sensing
Authors: Shi Yan‐Mei , Zhang Xi , Mei Lin , Hu Kai , Chao Li‐Qin , Li Xiu‐Min , Miao Ming‐San
Published: January 2021

Herein, accordion‐like MXene nanosheets was used as electrode sensing material for baicalin determination in traditional Chinese medicine preparation for the first time. The consecutive multilayer nanostructure of MXene observably enhanced the electroactive surface area of electrode and accelerated the electron transfer rate to acquire outstanding electrochemical response to baicalin. The electrode process of baicalin and relative dynamic parameters were investigated using cyclic voltammetry and chronocoulometry. Under optimized conditions, a good linear relationship was achieved between the response current and baicalin levels over the range of 0.08–60 μM with a detection limit of 26 nM (S/N=3). The developed sensor was successfully applied for baicalin monitoring in traditional Chinese medicine preparation and human urine samples.
Effect of blowing parameters on bath mixing efficiency during basic oxygen furnace steelmaking process
Authors: Wang Zhou , Liu Haitao , Wei Shizhong , Liu Qing , Lu Xinchun
Published: January 2021

Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF) steelmaking is the main method for steelmaking production, mixing efficiency of BOF vessel would greatly affect the uniformity of chemical composition and temperature in molten steel. Therefore, this paper conducted the effect of blowing parameters on bath mixing efficiency during BOF steelmaking process. Through measuring the mixing time of steel bath in BOF vessel, the effect of different blowing parameters was studied. Based on analysis of variance for the experimental results, the influence degree on mixing efficiency by different blowing parameters was acquired, and the optimized combination of blowing parameters was obtained. Moreover, the mixing index which indicated the mixing degree of steel bath in BOF vessel was proposed in this study, and an apparent nonlinear relation was acquired after determining relationship between the mixing index and blowing parameters. The optimal blowing parameters were applied to an 80 t industrial BOF vessel in a special steel plant, the end point carbon and oxygen equilibrium was decreased from 0.0032 to 0.0026, end point phosphorus and total Fe content in slag were reduced by 0.0012% and 2.21%, respectively. The mixing index and results presented in this work could be helpful to improve mixing efficiency in commercial BOF vessels.
High adsorption of methylene blue from water onto graphenic materials: Effect of degree of graphitization and analysis of kinetic models
Authors: Pérez‐Ramírez Eduardo E. , de la Luz‐Asunción Miguel , Martínez‐Hernández Ana L. , Luna‐Bárcenas Juan G. , García‐Casillas Perla E. , Velasco‐Santos Carlos
Published: January 2021

The removal by adsorption of methylene blue dye from water using two‐dimensional (2D) (graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide) and three‐dimensional (3D) (graphite and graphite oxide) carbon structures was studied. Two graphites with different degrees of graphitization were used to evaluate the significance of the carbon structural order in the adsorption efficiency, and therefore, the economic repercussions, because the degree of graphitization is related with the cost. Graphene oxides showed the best performance in methylene blue adsorption, with a removal of around 90%. The adsorption process was strongly influenced by the surface oxygenated groups, and electrostatic interaction was the main mechanism of adsorption. The degree of graphitization of the precursor does not have a strong influence on the adsorption results of methylene blue. Thus, graphene oxide with a lower degree of graphitization represents an economical and efficient adsorbent for the removal of methylene blue from water. The kinetic study was realized in pseudo‐first order, pseudo‐second order, and Elovich kinetic models in their linear and non‐linear forms. According to the determination coefficient and the standard deviation, the experimental data were best fitted to the Elovich model in its non‐linear form.
Investigation on lithium ion battery equivalent circuit models for dynamic load profiles
Authors: Bairwa Bansi L. , Pareek Kapil , Hampannavar Santosh kumar
Published: January 2021

To achieve accurate prediction of the nonlinear behavior of lithium‐ion battery, parameters of the lithium‐ion battery model play a key role for dynamic performance, hence the parameters of the investigated battery model have been estimated. In this work, the electrical equivalent circuit (ECM) models have been used to simulate INR18650‐20R lithium‐ion battery response at 0°C, 25°C, and 45°C, respectively. The ECM model parameters are estimated using incremental open‐circuit voltage (OCV) profile and Trust‐Region Reflective algorithm by the Non‐Linear Least Squares method. The estimated parameters of the ECM model experimentally validated using independent dynamic current profiles including Dynamic Stress Test (DST), Federal urban driving schedule (FUDS), Beijing Dynamic Stress test (BJDST), and US06 at 0°C, 25°C, and 45°C, respectively. Coulomb‐counting based algorithms are implemented for model‐based online SoC estimation. The investigated ECM model with three parallel RC branches exhibits accuracy below 1.8% for different temperature levels and seems suitable to capture the nonlinear dynamics of lithium‐ion batteries for EV application. It is confirmed that the errors resulting from the investigated ECM model are significantly reduced comparatively existing published models.
An improved privacy preserving remote user authentication scheme for agricultural wireless sensor network
Authors: Rangwani Diksha , Sadhukhan Dipanwita , Ray Sangram , Khan Muhammad Khurram , Dasgupta Mou
Published: January 2021

Agriculture is a fundamental pillar of society, bearing a crucial role in shaping the economy of the country and provides huge financial prospects and the possibility of employment to the large mass of the country. Thus, the incorporation of modern technology would lead to amplification in productivity and economic escalation. In this perspective, Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) can provide a greater service by sensing, monitoring and supplying continuous information about climatic conditions like temperature, light, soil moisture, humidity, and so on. These parameters help in increment of productivity in terms of quantity and quality growth in agriculture. However, WSN brings security threats like masquerading, alteration, interference, interception, and so on, that harmfully affect crop production and other agricultural practices. Thus, privacy preservation and security enhancement for agricultural WSN are the major challenges to be conquered. To meet this purpose, a privacy‐preserving efficient and secure remote user authentication scheme is introduced in this research work for the application of agricultural WSN. The proposed scheme is formally evaluated using probabilistic Random‐Oracle‐Model (ROR) for proving the robustness of the scheme. Further, the scheme is simulated using a well‐accepted AVISPA tool to show the security strength of it. The performance analysis of our scheme shows that along with its robustness in terms of security, the proposed scheme is more efficient in terms of computation and communication overheads in contrast to other existing schemes. These aforesaid features make the proposed scheme implementable in a practical environment.
Clinical validation of 13‐gene DNA methylation analysis in oral brushing samples for detection of oral carcinoma: Italian multicenter study
Authors: Gissi Davide B. , Morandi Luca , Colella Giuseppe , De Luca Roberto , Campisi Giuseppina , Mauceri Rodolfo , Romeo Umberto , Tenore Gianluca , Mignogna Michele D. , Adamo Daniela , Oteri Giacomo , Marcianò Antonia , Vescovi Paolo , Meleti Marco , Serpico Rosario , Di Stasio Dario , Pentenero Monica , Santarelli Andrea , Bianchi Alberto , Crimi Salvatore , Marchetti Claudio , Tarsitano Achille , Foschini Maria Pia , Montebugnoli Lucio
Published: January 2021

Background

The aim of this Italian multicenter study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of a minimally invasive method for the detection of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) based on 13‐gene DNA methylation analysis in oral brushing samples.

Methods

Oral brushing specimens were collected in 11 oral medicine centers across Italy. Twenty brushing specimens were collected by each center, 10 from patients with OSCC, and 10 from healthy volunteers. DNA methylation analysis was performed in blindness, and each sample was determined as positive or negative based on a predefined cutoff value.

Results

DNA amplification failed in 4 of 220 (1.8%) samples. Of the specimens derived from patients with OSCC, 93.6% (103/110) were detected as positive, and 84.9% (90/106) of the samples from healthy volunteers were negative.

Conclusion

These data confirmed the diagnostic performance of our novel procedure in a large cohort of brushing specimens collected from 11 different centers and analyzed in blindness.
Comparison of in vitro fertilization cycles stimulated with 20 mg letrozole daily versus high‐dose gonadotropins in Rotterdam Consensus ultra‐poor responders: A proof of concept
Authors: Khojah Mohammad , Khayat Suhaib , Dahan Michael H.
Published: January 2021

Objective

To evaluate if high‐dose letrozole can be used successfully to stimulate poor responders for in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Methods

This was a retrospective study conducted at a university hospital reproductive center. The analysis included women who were up to 42 years of age and were Rotterdam Consensus poor responders. A total of 247 patients received gonadotropins (300–450 IU daily) and 62 patients were stimulated with letrozole (20 mg daily) as part of an antagonist IVF protocol.

Results

The use of 20 mg of letrozole decreased the total dose of gonadotropins used (645 ± 175 IU vs. 5360 ± 1028 IU, P = 0.001) and resulted in lower costs of stimulation medications ($ 555.56 ± $ 150 vs. $ 4616 ± $ 885 Canadian Dollars; P = 0.001). Pregnancy per cycle (14.5%) and per transfer (16%) rates were legitimate for this low prognosis group and may have been better than or similar to those with high‐dose gonadotropins. The rate of cycle cancellation may have been reduced in the letrozole versus gonadotropin group (11% vs. 38%; P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Letrozole (20 mg daily) may be used to reduce the cost of ovarian stimulation in ultra‐poor responders, significantly reducing the cost of the IVF cycle with probably at least similar outcomes to high‐dose gonadotropins.
PD‐L1 overexpression conveys tolerance of mesenchymal stem cell‐derived cardiomyocyte‐like cells in an allogeneic mouse model
Authors: Mardomi Alireza , Limoni Shabanali K. , Rahbarghazi Reza , Mohammadi Nabiallah , Khorashadizadeh Mohsen , Ranjbaran Hossein , Nataj Hadi H. , Jafari Narjes , Hasani Bahareh , Abediankenari Saeid
Published: January 2021

Although the autologously transplanted cells are immunologically durable, allogeneic cell transplantation is inevitable in a series of cases. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are one of the suitable candidates for cardiac tissue regeneration that have been shown to acquire immunogenicity concurrent with cardiomyogenic differentiation. The present study aimed to exploit PD‐L1, as a key immunomodulatory checkpoint ligand to protect the MSCs‐derived cardiomyocyte‐like cells (CLCs) against the detrimental alloimmunity. Mouse bone marrow‐derived MSCs were stably transduced to overexpress PD‐L1. MSCs were in vitro differentiated into CLCs and the expressions of immunologic molecules were compared between MSCs and CLCs. The in vitro and in vivo allogeneic immune responses were also examined. The differentiated CLCs had higher expressions of MHC‐I and CD80. Upon in vitro coculture with allogeneic splenocytes, CLCs caused more CD4+ and CD8+ T cell activation, lymphocyte proliferation, and interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) release in comparison to MSCs. PD‐L1 overexpression on CLCs decreased the activation of CD8+ T cells, proliferation of lymphocytes, and release of IFN‐γ. The PD‐L1‐overexpressing CLCs elicited lower in vivo CD4+ and CD8+ T cell activation and reduced the anti‐donor antibody response accompanied by increased durability and reduced T cell infiltration. The present study verified the potential of PD‐L1 overexpression as a preparative strategy for the protection of allogeneic MSCs‐derived CLCs against the detrimental alloreaction.
Association between the chronic use of gastric acid suppressants and high‐risk colorectal polyps
Authors: Shiratori Yasutoshi , Ikeya Takashi , Ishii Naoki , Yamamoto Kazuki , Honda Tetsuro , Hasatani Kenkei , Yoshida Naohiro , Nishida Tsutomu , Sumiyoshi Tetsuya , Kiyotoki Shu , Arai Masahiro , Niikura Ryota
Published: January 2021

Background and Aim

Although gastric acid suppressants such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine‐2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) are considered safe, the consequences of hypochlorhydria and hypergastrinemia caused by chronic use are unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between the chronic use of gastric acid suppressants and high‐risk colorectal polyps, focusing on polyp size.

Methods

A population‐based, nested case–control study was conducted using data from the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database between 2014 and 2019. Cumulative PPI or H2RA use prior to polypectomy was evaluated during the study period. Endoscopic polypectomy was categorized as polypectomy <2 cm, polypectomy ≥2 cm, and endoscopic submucosal dissection. Baseline characteristics were compared between the high‐risk (≥2 cm polyps or polyps treated by endoscopic submucosal dissection) and low‐risk (<2 cm polyps) endoscopic polypectomy groups. We calculated adjusted odds ratios (ORs) using multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results

Of 27 694 patients who underwent endoscopic polypectomy, 2518 were treated with PPIs or H2RAs for >1 year prior to polypectomy. After adjusting for age, gender, and other confounders, a higher prevalence of high‐risk colorectal polyps was noted with PPI (OR: 2.67; 95% confidence interval: 2.37–3.01) and H2RA (OR: 1.86; 95% confidence interval: 1.52–2.26) use. Longer PPI or H2RA use was associated with increased risks of high‐risk colorectal polyps (P for trend <0.001). The highest OR (3.17) was observed among patients who received PPIs for ≥3 years.

Conclusion

Chronic use of PPIs and H2RAs may be associated with high‐risk colorectal polyps. Requirements for long‐term gastric acid suppressant use should be reevaluated.
Simple and green method for synthesis of new diastereoselective spiroheterocycles catalyzed by copper ferrite
Authors: Ghanbari Zahra , Naeimi Hossein
Published: January 2021

Some new spirocarbocyclic compounds with highly diastereoselectivity were synthesized using a simple, green and high efficiency method. The IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy and C.H.N analyses were applied for identification of these compounds. This novel synthetic approach was performed from acid catalytic pathway using CuFe2O4 MNPs as a nanocatalyst in aqueous moiety.
On‐tissue boronic acid derivatization for the analysis of vicinal diol metabolites in maize with MALDI‐MS imaging
Authors: Forsman Trevor T. , Dueñas Maria Emilia , Lee Young Jin
Published: January 2021

Derivatization reactions are commonly used in mass spectrometry to improve analyte signals, specifically by enhancing the ionization efficiency of those compounds. Vicinal diols are one group of biologically important compounds that have been commonly derivatized using boronic acid. In this study, a boronic acid with a tertiary amine was adapted for the derivatization of vicinal diol metabolites in B73 maize tissue cross‐sections for mass spectrometry imaging analysis. Using this method, dozens of vicinal diol metabolites were derivatized, effectively improving the signal of those metabolites. Many of these metabolites were tentatively assigned using high‐resolution accurate mass measurements. In addition, reaction interference and cross‐reactivity with various other functional groups were systematically studied to verify data interpretation.
2021 ISHNE/HRS/EHRA/APHRS collaborative statement on mHealth in Arrhythmia Management: Digital Medical Tools for Heart Rhythm Professionals
Authors: Varma Niraj , Cygankiewicz Iwona , Turakhia Mintu , Heidbuchel Hein , Hu Yufeng , Chen Lin Yee , Couderc Jean‐Philippe , Cronin Edmond M. , Estep Jerry D. , Grieten Lars , Lane Deirdre A. , Mehra Reena , Page Alex , Passman Rod , Piccini Jonathan , Piotrowicz Ewa , Piotrowicz Ryszard , Platonov Pyotr G. , Ribeiro Antonio Luiz , Rich Robert E. , Russo Andrea M. , Slotwiner David , Steinberg Jonathan S. , Svennberg Emma
Published: January 2021

This collaborative statement from the International Society for Holter and Noninvasive Electrocardiology/Heart Rhythm Society/European Heart Rhythm Association/Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society describes the current status of mobile health (“mHealth”) technologies in arrhythmia management. The range of digital medical tools and heart rhythm disorders that they may be applied to and clinical decisions that may be enabled are discussed. The facilitation of comorbidity and lifestyle management (increasingly recognized to play a role in heart rhythm disorders) and patient self‐management are novel aspects of mHealth. The promises of predictive analytics but also operational challenges in embedding mHealth into routine clinical care are explored.
Divergent effects of distinct perivascular cell subsets for intra‐articular cell therapy in posttraumatic osteoarthritis
Authors: Hsu Ginny Ching‐Yun , Cherief Masnsen , Sono Takashi , Wang Yiyun , Negri Stefano , Xu Jiajia , Peault Bruno , James Aaron W.
Published: January 2021

Intra‐articular injection of mesenchymal stem cells has shown benefit for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). However, mesenchymal stem/stromal cells at the origin of these clinical results are heterogenous cell populations with limited cellular characterization. Here, two transgenic reporter mice were used to examine the differential effects of two precisely defined perivascular cell populations (Pdgfrα+ and Pdgfrβ+ cells) from white adipose tissue for alleviation of OA. Perivascular mesenchymal cells were isolated from transgenic Pdgfrα‐and Pdgfrβ‐CreERT2 reporter animals and delivered as a one‐time intra‐articular dose to C57BL/6J mice after destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM). Both Pdgfrα+ and Pdgfrβ+ cell preparations improved metrics of cartilage degradation and reduced markers of chondrocyte hypertrophy. While some similarities in cell distribution were identified within the synovial and perivascular spaces, injected Pdgfrα+ cells remained in the superficial layers of articular cartilage, while Pdgfrβ+ cells were more widely dispersed. Pdgfrβ+ cell therapy prevented subchondral sclerosis induced by DMM, while Pdgfrα+ cell therapy had no effect. In summary, while both cell therapies showed beneficial effects in the DMM model, important differences in cell incorporation, persistence, and subchondral sclerosis were identified.
Inflammation of the periodontium associates with risk of future cardiovascular events
Authors: Van Dyke Thomas E. , Kholy Karim El , Ishai Amorina , Takx Richard A.P. , Mezue Kene , Abohashem Shady M. , Ali Abdelrahman , Yuan Neal , Hsue Priscilla , Osborne Michael T. , Tawakol Ahmed
Published: January 2021

Background

While growing evidence suggests a link between periodontal disease (PD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD), the independence of this association and the pathway remain unclear. Herein, we tested the hypotheses that: (1) inflammation of the periodontium (PDinflammation) predicts future CVD independently of disease risk factors shared between CVD and PD, and (2) the mechanism linking the two diseases involves heightened arterial inflammation.

Methods

18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F‐FDG‐PET/CT) imaging was performed in 304 individuals (median age 54 years; 42.4% male) largely for cancer screening; individuals without active cancer were included. PDinflammation and arterial inflammation were quantified using validated 18F‐FDG‐PET/CT methods. Additionally, we evaluated the relationship between PDinflammation and subsequent major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) using Cox models and log‐rank tests.

Results

Thirteen individuals developed MACE during follow‐up (median 4.1 years). PDinflammation associated with arterial inflammation, remaining significant after adjusting for PD and CVD risk factors (standardized β [95% CI]: 0.30 [0.20‐0.40], P < 0.001). PDinflammation predicted subsequent MACE (standardized HR [95% CI]: 2.25 [1.47 to 3.44], P <0.001, remaining significant in multivariable models), while periodontal bone loss did not. Furthermore, mediation analysis suggested that arterial inflammation accounts for 80% of the relationship between PDinflammation and MACE (standardized log odds ratio [95% CI]: 0.438 [0.019‐0.880], P = 0.022).

Conclusion

PDinflammation is independently associated with MACE via a mechanism that may involve increased arterial inflammation. These findings provide important support for an independent relationship between PDinflammation and CVD.
Tourists' perceptions of non‐human species in zoos: An animal rights perspective
Authors: Christou Prokopis A. , Nikiforou Elena S.
Published: January 2021

This qualitative study aims to reveal tourists' perceptions of non‐human species in zoos while adopting an animal rights perspective. Study findings indicate that tourists are concerned about the well‐being of animals that are kept in zoos and conceive that animals in zoos are distressed and “unhappy”. Yet, they value the outcome of their zoo experience and interaction with animals, thus continue to visit zoos for leisure/educational purposes. The study's findings enable the conceptualisation of zoos, their societal impact, tourists' concerns about animals kept in zoos and the need of tourism stakeholders to transform zoos.