bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interlocked DNA Nanojoints for Reversible Thermal Sensing
Authors: Ma Yinzhou , Centola Mathias , Keppner Daniel , Famulok Michael
Published: June 2020

The ability to precisely measure and monitor temperature at high resolution at the nanoscale is an important task for better understanding the thermodynamic properties of functional entities at the nanoscale in complex systems, or at the level of a single cell. However, the development of high‐resolution and robust thermal nanosensors is challenging. The design, assembly, and characterization of a group of thermal‐responsive deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) joints, consisting of two interlocked double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA) rings, is described. The DNA nanojoints reversibly switch between the static and mobile state at different temperatures without a special annealing process. The temperature response range of the DNA nanojoint can be easily tuned by changing the length or the sequence of the hybridized region in its structure, and because of its interlocked structure the temperature response range of the DNA nanojoint is largely unaffected by its own concentration; this contrasts with systems that consist of separated components.
A Rational Approach to Organo‐Photocatalysis: Novel Designs and Structure‐Property Relationships
Authors: Vega‐Peñaloza Alberto , Mateos Javier , Companyó Xavier , Escudero‐Casao Margarita , Dell'Amico Luca
Published: June 2020

Organic photocatalysts are emerging as viable and more sustainable tools than metal complexes. Recently, the field of organo‐photocatalysis has experienced an explosion in terms of applications, redesign of well‐established systems, and identification of novel scaffolds. A rational approach to the structural modification of the different photocatalysts is key to accessing unprecedented reactivity, while improving their catalytic performances. We herein discuss the concepts underpinning the scaffold modification of some of the most recently used photocatalysts and analyze how specific structural changes alter their physicochemical and redox properties.
Simplified COSMO‐SAC‐based phase equilibria predictions for extractive distillation of toluene–heptane mixtures using ionic liquids
Authors: Bairagya Priyotosh , Kundu Debashis , Banerjee Tamal
Published: June 2020

A comparative study of isobaric Vapor‐Liquid‐Liquid Equilibria (VLLE) prediction using the COnductor like Screening MOdel Segment Activity Coefficient (COSMO‐SAC) model was performed on nine Ionic Liquids (ILs) and their extractive properties were evaluated for the separation of toluene/1‐heptane mixtures using IL‐based extractive distillation. For better insights into the IL‐hydrocarbon mixture behavior, the ILs were classified on the basis of their constituent cations, i.e. as having imidazolium moiety or pyridinium moiety. A‐priori activity coefficient calculation for each phase was performed by the COSMO‐SAC method. Compositions of liquid phases were determined by the Liquid‐Liquid flash relation of Rachford‐Rice and the vapor‐phase compositions were obtained by the modified Raoult's Law formulation. Reasonable description of phase behavior of IL‐aromatic‐aliphatic mixtures was obtained at temperatures 323 K and 363 K. The overall root mean square deviation (rmsd) considering all 104 datasets and 936 data points was found to be 6.83%, which is satisfactory given that our simplified method is also predictive in nature. For ascertaining the robustness of our algorithm, it was compared with the Genetic Algorithm (GA) based GA‐NRTL and GA‐UNIQUAC models to correlate the experimental VLLE data.
Synthesis and antidiabetic evaluation of benzimidazole‐tethered 1,2,3‐triazoles
Authors: Deswal Laxmi , Verma Vikas , Kumar Devinder , Kaushik Chander P. , Kumar Ashwani , Deswal Yogesh , Punia Suman
Published: June 2020

Some novel benzimidazole‐tethered 1,2,3‐triazole derivatives (4a–r) were synthesized by a click reaction between 2‐substituted 1‐(prop‐2‐yn‐1‐yl)‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazole and in situ azide. The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by spectroscopic studies (one‐ and two‐dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared, and high‐resolution mass spectra). The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their antidiabetic activity. Compounds 4a–r exhibited a good‐to‐moderate α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity, with IC50 values ranging from 0.0410 to 0.0916 µmol/ml and 0.0146 to 0.0732 µmol/ml, respectively. Compounds 4e, 4g, and 4n were found to be most active. Furthermore, the binding conformation of the most active compounds was ascertained by docking studies.
A flexible hierarchical framework for improving inference in area‐referenced environmental health studies
Authors: Pirani Monica , Mason Alexina J. , Hansell Anna L. , Richardson Sylvia , Blangiardo Marta
Published: June 2020

Study designs where data have been aggregated by geographical areas are popular in environmental epidemiology. These studies are commonly based on administrative databases and, providing a complete spatial coverage, are particularly appealing to make inference on the entire population. However, the resulting estimates are often biased and difficult to interpret due to unmeasured confounders, which typically are not available from routinely collected data. We propose a framework to improve inference drawn from such studies exploiting information derived from individual‐level survey data. The latter are summarized in an area‐level scalar score by mimicking at ecological level the well‐known propensity score methodology. The literature on propensity score for confounding adjustment is mainly based on individual‐level studies and assumes a binary exposure variable. Here, we generalize its use to cope with area‐referenced studies characterized by a continuous exposure. Our approach is based upon Bayesian hierarchical structures specified into a two‐stage design: (i) geolocated individual‐level data from survey samples are up‐scaled at ecological level, then the latter are used to estimate a generalizedecological propensity score(EPS) in the in‐sample areas; (ii) the generalized EPS is imputed in the out‐of‐sample areas under different assumptions about the missingness mechanisms, then it is included into the ecological regression, linking the exposure of interest to the health outcome. This delivers area‐level risk estimates, which allow a fuller adjustment for confounding than traditional areal studies. The methodology is illustrated by using simulations and a case study investigating the risk of lung cancer mortality associated with nitrogen dioxide in England (UK).
Bioprocess considerations for T‐cell therapy: Investigating the impact of agitation, dissolved oxygen, and pH on T‐cell expansion and differentiation
Authors: Amini Arman , Wiegmann Vincent , Patel Hamza , Veraitch Farlan , Baganz Frank
Published: June 2020

Adoptive T‐cell therapy (ACT) has emerged as a promising new way to treat systemic cancers such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia. However, the robustness and reproducibility of the manufacturing process remains a challenge. Here, a single‐use 24‐well microbioreactor (micro‐Matrix) was assessed for its use as a high‐throughput screening tool to investigate the effect and the interaction of different shaking speeds, dissolved oxygen (DO), and pH levels on the growth and differentiation of primary T cells in a perfusion‐mimic process. The full factorial design allowed for the generation of predictive models, which were used to find optimal culture conditions. Agitation was shown to play a fundamental role in the proliferation of T cells. A shaking speed of 200 rpm drastically improved the final viable cell concentration (VCC), while the viability was maintained above 90% throughout the cultivation. VCCs reached a maximum of 9.22 × 106 cells/ml. The distribution of CD8+ central memory T cells (TCM), was found to be largely unaffected by the shaking speed. A clear interaction between pH and DO (p < .001) was established for the cell growth and the optimal culture conditions were identified for a combination of 200 rpm, 25% DO, and pH of 7.4. The combination of microbioreactor technology and Design of Experiment methodology provides a powerful tool to rapidly gain an understanding of the design space of the T‐cell manufacturing process.
Does stakeholder engagement encourage environmental reporting? The mediating role of firm performance
Authors: Pucheta‐Martínez María Consuelo , Bel‐Oms Inmaculada , Rodrigues Lúcia Lima
Published: June 2020

Stakeholder engagement policies have become a relevant strategy in firms because they may signal to stakeholders the commitment of the firm to the stakeholder's needs and demands. In this research, we aim to examine whether firms with stakeholder engagement policies tend to disclose more environmental information. Additionally, we analyse the moderating role played by firm performance on the association between stakeholder engagement and environmental disclosure. As far as we know, previous research has not addressed these two questions. Our evidence shows that firms with stakeholder engagement policies are more likely to report environmental information, while firm performance negatively moderates the association between stakeholder engagement and environmental disclosure. These findings have implications for policymakers, firms, stakeholders and other researchers.
A single healthcare experience with Impella RP
Authors: Shekiladze Nikoloz , Condado Jose F. , Sandesara Pratik B. , Kim Jeong Hwan , Devireddy Chandan , McDaniel Michael , Babaliaros Vasilis , Samady Habib , Kumar Gautam , Jaber Wissam A.
Published: June 2020

Objectives

To understand the predictors of survival and indications for Impella RP in a single healthcare experience.

Background

The Impella RP can be used to temporarily support patients with right ventricular (RV) dysfunction after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) placement or myocardial infarction (MI). However, recent postmarket approval data have raised concerns of higher than expected mortality with this device.

Methods

A retrospective chart review and analysis of all patients that underwent Impella RP placement in the Emory Healthcare system between January 2016 and December 2018 were performed. Patients were classified according to the indication.

Results

A total of 39 patients underwent Impella RP placement. Six patients were post‐LVAD, 9 were implanted for massive pulmonary embolism with persistent shock, 8 for postcardiac surgery RV failure (non‐LVAD), 11 for RV failure post‐MI, and 5 for new or worsening nonischemic cardiomyopathy. The worst survival was noted in MI‐related cardiogenic shock group and in patients who presented with cardiac arrest (3/12). All observed deaths were due to persistent refractory shock. There was no device related death. Survival improved during the last year of experience compared to the first 2 years.

Conclusion

This study supports the selective use of the Impella RP, with a higher than national reported survival rate (49% vs. 28.6%). Indication appears to be an important factor determining survival.
Thrombosed capillary network in a full‐thickness burn
Authors: Kennedy Sharon , Cahill Kevin C.
Published: June 2020

Full‐thickness burns are associated with cardinal clinical features. The recognition of these signs has important implications for immediate and future care of such burns.
Water Annealing of TiO2 Nanotubes for Photocatalysis Revisited
Authors: Fu Fan , Cha Gihoon , Denisov Nikita , Chen Yuyue , Zhang Yan , Schmuki Patrik
Published: June 2020

Over the past years, so‐called water annealing of TiO2 nanotube (NT) arrays has attracted considerable attention as a tool to enhance the nanotubes’ photocatalytic properties. The present work investigates the effect of different water‐annealing treatments on TiO2 nanotubes and compares it to thermally annealed tubes. We find that the most effective water annealing is water immersion of TiO2 NT arrays at 70 °C for several days. The two main effects are i) a partial crystallization of the tubes to anatase, and ii) an etching of the tube walls that leads to a roughening of the walls and, thus, to a higher surface area. Under the best conditions, water annealing is almost as effective in providing enhanced photocatalytic AO7 degradation as a classic thermal annealing of the tubes. We, however, find that water annealed tubes – due to their only partial crystallization – do not perform well when used as photoelectrodes. For photocatalysis, most efficient is a combination of water annealing, followed by thermal annealing, which provides both a larger surface area and a high crystallinity.
Structural Features of Porous CoFe Nanocubes and Their Performance for Oxygen‐involving Energy Electrocatalysis
Authors: Jo Sujin , Noh Sunguk , Wee Kyung‐Ryang , Shim Jun Ho
Published: June 2020

The structural properties of CoFe composites fabricated from inexpensive Co(II) and Fe(III) precursors using a Prussian blue analogue (PBA) strategy without additional reductants were investigated. Microporous CoFe‐200 and microporous/mesoporous CoFe‐550 structures of the CoFe catalysts (CoFe‐PBA) were produced by calcination for 1 h in N2 at 200 °C or 550 °C, respectively. The electrocatalytic activities of the CoFe catalysts produced for the oxygen evolution and reduction reactions (OER/ORR) were studied in alkaline media. The OER measurements revealed the CoFe‐200 catalyst to be superior to CoFe‐PBA and CoFe‐550, and even surpass the activity of commercial Ir/C in terms of the overpotential at 10 mA cm−2 and onset potential (
). On the other hand, the ORR activity of CoFe‐550 exhibited a more positive half‐wave potential (0.837 V vs. RHE) and
(0.942 V vs. RHE) than CoFe‐200. The Tafel slope (−55.9 mV dec−1) of CoFe‐550 was lower than that of Pt/C (−77.8 mV dec−1). A comparison of CoFe‐200 and CoFe‐550 suggested that the microporosity of CoFe‐200 (average pore diameter, d≤2 nm) was beneficial in terms of the OER. In contrast, the mesoporous (d≈35.6 nm) structure of CoFe‐550 promoted the mass‐transport kinetics of oxygen through the electrode surface. CoFe nanocubes with tunable porosity are potential catalysts that can be utilized selectively for the OER and ORR.
Self‐Organization in Electrochemical Synthesis as a Methodology towards New Materials
Authors: Pinto Maria R. , Costa Gabriel F. , Machado Eduardo G. , Nagao Raphael
Published: June 2020

Invited for this month's cover picture is the Campinas Electrochemistry Group, University of Campinas (Brazil). At the center of the covert art, the self‐organization of a super‐hero is taking place, yielding a shield and a sword that symbolizes the structured materials. This hero, yet to this point not fully complete, could have a pivotal role in a fight for a more sustainable world, as a self‐organized weapon can display unprecedented chemical properties. Read the full text of the Review at 10.1002/celc.202000065.
Synthesis of Porous Ni‐Doped CoSe2/C Nanospheres towards High‐Rate and Long‐Term Sodium‐Ion Half/Full Batteries
Authors: Fan Siwei , Li Guangda , Cai Feipeng , Yang Gai
Published: June 2020

Carbon‐layer‐coated porous Ni‐doped CoSe2 (Ni‐CoSe2/C) nanospheres have been fabricated by a facile hydrothermal method followed by a new selenization strategy. The porous structure of Ni‐CoSe2/C is formed by the aggregation of many small particles (20–40 nm), which are not tightly packed together, but are interspersed with gaps. Moreover, the surfaces of these small particles are covered with a thin carbon layer. Ni‐CoSe2/C delivers superior rate performance (314.0 mA h g−1 at 20 A g−1), ultra‐long cycle life (316.1 mA h g−1 at 10 A g−1 after 8000 cycles), and excellent full‐cell performance (208.3 mA h g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 after 70 cycles) when used as an anode material for half/full sodium‐ion batteries. The Na storage mechanism and kinetics have been confirmed by ex situ X‐ray diffraction analysis, assessment of capacitance performance, and a galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT). GITT shows that Na+ diffusion in the electrode material is a dynamic change process, which is associated with a phase transition during charge and discharge. The excellent electrochemical performance suggests that the porous Ni‐CoSe2/C nanospheres have great potential to serve as an electrode material for sodium‐ion batteries.
Cycling between Molybdenum‐Dinitrogen and ‐Nitride Complexes to Support the Reaction Pathway for Catalytic Formation of Ammonia from Dinitrogen
Authors: Arashiba Kazuya , Tanaka Hiromasa , Yoshizawa Kazunari , Nishibayashi Yoshiaki
Published: June 2020

Cycling between molybdenum(I)‐dinitrogen and molybdenum(IV)‐nitride complexes was investigated under ambient reaction conditions. A kinetic study of the second‐order reaction rate for the conversion of the molybdenum‐dinitrogen complex into the molybdenum‐nitride complex indicates that the formation of the dinitrogen‐bridged dimolybdenum complex is involved in the rate‐determining step. DFT calculations indicate that the molybdenum‐dinitrogen complex transforms into the molybdenum‐nitride complex via direct cleavage of the nitrogen‐nitrogen triple bond of the bridging dinitrogen ligand of the dinitrogen‐bridged dimolybdenum complex. The corresponding reaction of the molybdenum‐nitride complex transforming into the molybdenum‐dinitrogen complex proceeds via the ligand exchange of ammonia for dinitrogen at the dinitrogen‐bridged dimolybdenum complexes. A new modified reaction pathway has been proposed based on the findings of our experimental and theoretical results.
Isolable Diaminophosphide Boranes
Authors: Blum Markus , Dunaj Tobias , Knöller Julius A. , Feil Christoph M. , Nieger Martin , Gudat Dietrich
Published: June 2020

Metalation of secondary diaminophosphine boranes by alkali metal amides provides a robust and selective access route to a range of metal diaminophosphide boranes M[(R2N)2P(BH3)] (M=Li, Na, K; R=alkyl, aryl) with acyclic or heterocyclic molecular backbones, whereas reduction of a chlorodiaminophosphine borane gave less satisfactory results. The metalated species were characterized in situ by NMR spectroscopy and in two cases isolated as crystalline solids. Single‐crystal XRD studies revealed the presence of salt‐like structures with strongly interacting ions. Synthetic applications of K[(R2N)2P(BH3)] were studied in reactions with a 1,2‐dichlorodisilane and CS2, which afforded either mono‐ or difunctional phosphine boranes with a rare combination of electronegative amino and electropositive functional disilanyl groups on phosphorus, or a phosphinodithioformate. Spectroscopic studies gave a first hint that removal of the borane fragment may be feasible.
One Way Traffic: Base‐to‐Backbone Hole Transfer in Nucleoside Phosphorodithioate
Authors: Kaczmarek Renata , Ward Samuel , Debnath Dipra , Jacobs Taisiya , Stark Alexander D. , Korczyński Dariusz , Kumar Anil , Sevilla Michael D. , Denisov Sergey A. , Shcherbakov Viacheslav , Pernot Pascal , Mostafavi Mehran , Dembinski Roman , Adhikary Amitava
Published: June 2020

Invited for the cover of this issue are the groups of Roman Dembinski, Mehran Mostafavi, and Amitava Adhikary at the Polish Academy of Sciences, Université Paris‐Saclay, and Oakland University. The image depicts a doughnut as a way of illustrating the hole transfer process. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202000247.
Synchronous bond molecular dynamics of conjugated chlorocyclopropyl alk‐yn‐enes revealed by ECD and UV–vis
Authors: Skepper Colin K. , Molinski Tadeusz F.
Published: June 2020

Chlorocyclopropanes (CCPs) conjugated to alk‐yn‐enes occur in a unique family of polyketide natural products from marine sponges. Synthesis of several optically enriched analogs of CCPs and measurement of their UV–vis spectra and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra reveal unusually strong hyperconjugation that constrains and aligns the cyclopropyl C‐C bond with the π‐plane of the distal ene‐bond. This alignment imposes a barrier to rotation of at least 5.0 kcal·mol−1. Comparison of red‐shifted Cotton effects in chiral CCPs show the barrier is independent of alkene substituent and establishes an empirical rule for assignment of other CCP‐containing natural products.
Dem Kaffeesatz auf den Grund gehen
Authors: Wehr‐Zenz Stephanie
Published: June 2020

Forscher von Fraunhofer Unsicht prüfen im Projekt InKa mögliche Verwertungsansätze von industriellem Kaffeesatz.
Individualisierte Fertigung
Authors: Hilleke Ludger
Published: June 2020

Das 3D‐Drucken wird in Kombination mit anderen Additiv‐Verfahren als Schlüssel‐technologie in der Digitalisierung die Produktionsmethoden revolutionieren. Damit können komplexe geometrische Struktur, geringe Stückzahlen und ein hohes Maß an Individualisie
Das ferne Klima im Prüfschrank vor Ort
Authors: Förster Janko
Published: June 2020

Beim Testen von neu‐ und weiterentwickelten Rohstoffen und Rezepturen setzt Wacker auf Klimaprüfschränke und ‐kammern der Firma Weisstechnik. Dieser Beitrag erläutert, wie das Prüflabor des Konzerns in Burghausen arbeitet und wie die Produktentwicklung vo
Zuschlag für Top Entry Absperrklappe
Authors: Hofacker Patrick
Published: June 2020

Müller Quadax hat den Zuschlag für einen Großauftrag für Top‐Entry‐Absperrklappen als Ersatz für Side‐Entry‐Klappen in einer bestehenden LNG‐Anlage und für eine Erweiterung mit einem neuen LNG‐Terminal erhalten.
Purification of Ciliary Tubulin from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Orbach Ron , Howard Jonathon
Published: June 2020

Cilia and flagella play essential roles in environmental sensing, cell locomotion, and development. These organelles possess a central microtubule–based structure known as the axoneme, which serves as a scaffold and is crucial for the function of cilia. Despite their key roles, the biochemical and biophysical properties of the ciliary proteins are poorly understood. To address this issue, we have developed a novel method to purify functional tubulins from different parts of the axoneme, namely the central pair and B‐tubule. We use the biflagellate green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, a model organism for studying cilia due to the conserved structure of this organelle, availability of genetic tools and a large collection of mutant strains. Our method yields highly purified functional axonemal tubulins in sufficient quantities to be used for in vitro biochemical and biophysical studies, such as microtubule dynamic assays. It takes 7 to 8 days to grow enough cells; the isolation of the flagella and the purification of the axonemal tubulins require an additional two full days.© 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Growth and harvest of large volume of cell culture

Support Protocol: Assembly of homemade concentration apparatus

Basic Protocol 2: Isolation of flagella

Basic Protocol 3: Tubulin extraction and purification
Opportunities for Quantitative Translational Modeling in Oncology
Authors: Yates James W.T. , Byrne Helen , Chapman Sonya C. , Chen Tao , Cucurull‐Sanchez Lourdes , Delgado‐SanMartin Juan , Di Veroli Giovanni , Dovedi Simon J. , Dunlop Carina , Jena Rajesh , Jodrell Duncan , Martin Emma , Mercier Francois , Ramos‐Montoya Antonio , Struemper Herbert , Vicini Paolo
Published: June 2020

A 2‐day meeting was held by members of the UK Quantitative Systems Pharmacology Network () in November 2018 on the topic of Translational Challenges in Oncology. Participants from a wide range of backgrounds were invited to discuss current and emerging modeling applications in nonclinical and clinical drug development, and to identify areas for improvement. This resulting perspective explores opportunities for impactful quantitative pharmacology approaches. Four key themes arose from the presentations and discussions that were held, leading to the following recommendations:

Evaluate the predictivity and reproducibility of animal cancer models through precompetitive collaboration.

Apply mechanism of action (MoA) based mechanistic models derived from nonclinical data to clinical trial data.

Apply MoA reflective models across trial data sets to more robustly quantify the natural history of disease and response to differing interventions.

Quantify more robustly the dose and concentration dependence of adverse events through mathematical modelling techniques and modified trial design.
An unusual detection of tert‐butyl‐4‐anilinopiperidine‐1‐carboxylate in seizures of falsified ‘Xanax’ tablets and in items in a suspected heroin seizure submitted by Irish law enforcement
Authors: May Colette , Downey Carol , Power John D. , Kavanagh Pierce V.
Published: June 2020

The identification of tert‐butyl‐4‐anilinopiperidine‐1‐carboxylate (4‐anilinopiperdine‐t‐BOC or 4‐AP‐t‐BOC) in many seized falsified ‘Xanax’ tablets has been reported after being encountered in forensic casework in late 2019 and early 2020 in Ireland. This substance was also detected in a pink powder submitted for analysis in March 2020. The pink powder was part of a larger seizure comprising brown powders which contained morphine or diamorphine (heroin) or a type of counterfeit heroin or heroin adulterant (known as ‘bash’). Novel benzodiazepines and other substances are being detected as ingredients in falsified benzodiazepine tablets more frequently on the illicit market. The detection of 4‐AP‐t‐BOC in benzodiazepine tablets is noteworthy and 4‐AP‐t‐BOC is added to the list of adulterants found in benzodiazepine tablets emerging in Europe. The presence of 4‐AP‐t‐BOC in both falsified ‘Xanax’ and powdered seizures is unusual, and analytical data are presented to assist with the identification of this compound in suspected illicit substances. The presence of 4‐AP‐t‐BOC in the tablets was confirmed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analyses, and spectral fragmentation pathways were suggested. To the authors' best knowledge, information about the biological activity of 4‐AP‐t‐BOC is not available. The removal of the t‐BOC protecting group yields 4‐anilinopiperidine which has been reported to be involved in the synthesis of fentanyl.
Advantages of Using Lotteries to Select Participants for High‐Demand Covid‐19 Treatment Trials
Authors: Iyer Alexander A. , Hendriks Saskia , Rid Annette
Published: June 2020

As hospitals have experienced a surge of Covid‐19 patients, investigators of Covid‐19 treatment trials face a difficult problem: when an institution has more eligible and interested patients than trial slots, who should be enrolled? Defining a clear strategy for selecting participants for “high‐demand” Covid‐19 treatment trials is important to avoid ad hoc and potentially biased decision‐making by local investigators, which could inadvertently compromise a trial's social value, participants’ interests, or fairness. In this article, we propose a set of ethical criteria for evaluating participant‐selection strategies for such trials. We argue that the pandemic context—in particular, great urgency to develop safe and effective treatments, uncertainty surrounding Covid‐19, and strain on the health care system that limits the time and effort available for trial enrollment—favors participant‐selection strategies that optimize the ease of enrollment and, ideally, social value. A lottery and, where possible, a weighted lottery have important advantages in these respects.
Spatiotemporal seismic hazard and risk assessment of M9.0 megathrust earthquake sequences of wood‐frame houses in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Zhang Lizhong , Goda Katsuichiro , Werner Maximilian J. , Tesfamariam Solomon
Published: June 2020

Megathrust earthquake sequences, comprising mainshocks and triggered aftershocks along the subduction interface and in the overriding crust, can impact multiple buildings and infrastructure in a city. The time between the mainshocks and aftershocks usually is too short to retrofit the structures; therefore, moderate‐size aftershocks can cause additional damage. To have a better understanding of the impact of aftershocks on city‐wide seismic risk assessment, a new simulation framework of spatiotemporal seismic hazard and risk assessment of future M9.0 sequences in the Cascadia subduction zone is developed. The simulation framework consists of an epidemic‐type aftershock sequence (ETAS) model, ground‐motion model, and state‐dependent seismic fragility model. The spatiotemporal ETAS model is modified to characterise aftershocks of large and anisotropic M9.0 mainshock ruptures. To account for damage accumulation of wood‐frame houses due to aftershocks in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, state‐dependent fragility curves are implemented. The new simulation framework can be used for quasi‐real‐time aftershock hazard and risk assessments and city‐wide post‐event risk management.
Secure mm‐Wave communications with imperfect hardware and uncertain eavesdropper location
Authors: Mashdour Saeed , Moradikia Majid , Yeoh Phee Lep
Published: June 2020

This article examines the secrecy performance of millimeter‐wave (mm‐Wave) communications with imperfect hardware and uncertain eavesdropper (Eve) location. We consider a multiple‐antenna source communicating with a single‐antenna destination using masked beamforming to transmit the information signals with artificial noise (AN) in the presence of a passive Eve. For this system, we derive new expressions for the secrecy outage probability (SOP) and secrecy throughput with mm‐Wave multipath propagation under slow‐fading channel conditions and hardware imperfections. Based on this, optimal power allocation (OPA) solutions are derived for the information and AN signals aimed at minimizing the SOP and maximizing the secrecy throughput. Our results reveal that it is non‐trivial to achieve an OPA solution for the general scenario of imperfect hardware. We also highlight that our proposed masked beamforming with OPA scheme significantly enhances the secrecy throughput compared with the benchmark schemes of maximal‐ratio transmission and equal power allocation.
Interaction of dietary polyphenols and gut microbiota: Microbial metabolism of polyphenols, influence on the gut microbiota, and implications on host health
Authors: Catalkaya Gizem , Venema Koen , Lucini Luigi , Rocchetti Gabriele , Delmas Dominique , Daglia Maria , De Filippis Anna , Xiao Hang , Quiles José L. , Xiao Jianbo , Capanoglu Esra
Published: June 2020

The human gastrointestinal tract is inhabited by a vast number of microorganisms that are called as the microbiota. Each individual harbors a unique gut microbial composition, this composition evolves throughout the host's lifetime and it is easily affected by internal or external changes. It has been shown that gut microbiota plays a crucial role in host's health and as this complex community has the ability to interact with each other and with the host's immune system, the presence or absence of some major species can affect the homeostasis. Diet can be considered as one of the pivotal factors in modulating the functionality, integrity, and composition of the gut microbiota as the gastrointestinal tract is the first organ exposed to components of the diet. In this review, we have focused on the effects of polyphenols, key compounds of a healthy diet with several biological activities, on the gut microbial composition, their biotransformation by the gut microbiota, and the effect of their reciprocal interactions in human health and disease.
Miocene shells in Late Neolithic and Early Bronze Age burials in Poland
Authors: Kurzawska Aldona , Sobkowiak‐Tabaka Iwona , Jakubowski Gwidon
Published: June 2020

The present study provides an archaeological interpretation of shell assemblages from Neolithic and Early Bronze Age burials found in Poland based on the identification of fossil shell type and provenience. The taxonomic identification of shells directly points to their source of procurement, which facilitates the understanding of why only some societies used shell ornaments and why only certain species were selected for use in this way. Focusing on artefacts, we present the results of standard methods of analysis used in archaeomalacological research. Strontium isotope analysis 87Sr/86Sr was furthermore applied in the cases for which the exact recognition of species was impossible based on standard methods. The research shows that for the periods discussed, one can observe both the phenomena of the transfer of prestigious objects (Quaternary shells obtained from the Mediterranean) and the transmission of ideas with subsequent local adaptation (the use of local Miocene fossil shells similarly to Quaternary Mediterranean shells). The shells constitute a part of the Neolithic tradition of body ornamentation seen during this period across Europe. The study indicates that fossil shells were only used by some of the communities inhabiting the area of southern Poland in the Neolithic and Early Bronze Age and suggests chronological and regional differentiation.
Tobacco control and household tobacco consumption: A tale of two educational groups
Authors: Datta Biplab Kumar , Husain Muhammad Jami , Fazlul Ishtiaque
Published: June 2020

Since the ratification of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in 2004, Pakistan has made modest but continued progress in implementing various tobacco control measures. By 2014, substantial progress was achieved in areas of monitoring, mass media antitobacco campaigns, and advertising bans. However, the findings from the 2014 Global Adult Tobacco Survey of Pakistan show significant differences in antitobacco campaign exposure among individuals of different educational attainment. Given this large variation in noticing antitobacco information, this paper analyzes how heterogeneity in treatment exposure may differentially impact tobacco‐use prevalence across household groups. Household‐level tobacco‐use prevalence in 2014 was, respectively, 56% and 48% for the low‐ and high‐education households. The gap in tobacco‐use prevalence between the two educational groups further widens post 2014. We find that, on average, individuals with higher than primary education are 14 percentage points and 6 percentage points more likely to notice anticigarette and antismokeless tobacco information in 2014, respectively. Subsequently, in 2016, high‐education households experienced a 3.6 percentage point higher reduction in tobacco‐use prevalence compared to the low‐education households. These findings motivate policies to enhance the outreach of tobacco control measures across different educational groups.
Mixed convection flow over a stretching sheet of variable thickness: Analytical and numerical solutions of self‐similar equations
Authors: Qasim Muhammad , Riaz Nadia , Lu Dianchen , Afridi Muhammad Idrees
Published: June 2020

In this study, a mixed convection flow over a nonlinearly stretching sheet of variable thickness is examined. Governing equations are modeled and transformed into dimensionless forms by utilizing dimensionless variables. For further investigation, dimensionless, coupled nonlinear differential equations with suitable boundary conditions are numerically solved using the Matlab built‐in function bvp5c tool, and analytical solutions are also computed using the homotopy analysis method. A comparative study is carried out to check the efficiency and accurateness of the proposed solution methodologies. Convergence of the derived series solutions is carefully checked. The impact of wall thickness parameter, velocity index parameter, Prandtl number, and mixed convection parameter on nondimensional velocity, temperature, skin friction coefficient, and local Nusselt number is examined. The novelty of this examination is that the dimensionless equations are self‐similar in the presence of mixed convection. These self‐similar equations are acquired by establishing a relationship between velocity and temperature power index parameters, and similarity solutions exist only for a particular form of variable surface temperature.
Analytical investigation of polar fluid flow with induced magnetic field in concentric annular region
Authors: Panigrahi Lipika , Panda Jayaprakash , Kumar Devendra , Sahoo Sudhansu S.
Published: June 2020

The influence of microrotational velocity on a fully developed laminar, natural convection flow in vertical concentric annuli in the presence of radial magnetic field between two nonconducting vertical concentric annuli is investigated in the present study. The induced magnetic field is generated due to the motion of an electrically conducting fluid in the annulus; the polar fluid has been considered in the present analysis. Transport equations such as momentum, energy, polar fluid, and induced magnetic field are solved analytically for the isothermal case. The effects of the different pertinent parameters of the present model are obtained and analyzed after verification of present methodology. The effects of the Hartmann number, the gap between two cylinders, and vertex viscosity parameters on velocity profiles, induced magnetic field, induced current density, and microrotational velocity profiles are studied. It is observed that the velocity profile and induced magnetic field decrease due to the vertex viscosity parameter; the Hartmann number accelerates the velocity of the microrotation; the induced current density profile decreases for both the Hartmann number and vertex viscosity parameter. The Hartmann number reduces the magnitude of mass flux and skin frictions at the inner and outer cylinder.
Transient free convective hydromagnetic flow in an infinite vertical cylinder with Hall current and heat source/sink
Authors: Dwivedi Naveen , Singh Ashok Kumar
Published: June 2020

The analysis of hydromagnetic flow has been a concern of consideration for research scientists and engineers. In this treatise, the unsteady hydromagnetic free convective flow of an incompressible, viscous, and electrically conducting fluid and heat transfer in a vertical cylinder with Hall effects and transverse magnetic field, in the presence of heat source and sink, is studied. Exact solutions of dimensionless unsteady governing equations are obtained by using the Laplace transform technique. Transient fluid velocity and temperature field are depicted by graphs, whereas heat transfer rate, mass flux, and skin‐friction are computed in a tabular form for different physical parametric values, such as the source/sink parameter, Hall current parameter, Prandtl number, and Hartmann number. The valuable result from the investigation is that the Hall parameter slightly accelerates the fluid velocity and it provides resistance to the skin friction at the cylindrical surface. Moreover, it is noticeable that temperature as well as velocity enhances and finally gets to its steady state with time. To be noted, the Hall effects have been widely applied in numerous experimental engineering applications, such as constrictions of turbines, Hall accelerators, Hall sensors.
Performance of the novel design thermoelectric cooling system
Authors: Kabeel A. E. , Mousa M. G. , Abdelaziz Moataz M. , Sathyamurthy Ravishankar , Abdelgaied Mohamed
Published: June 2020

Thermoelectric coolers (TECs) have been used for cooling electrical elements of high dissipating energy to provide a fixed temperature, with the advantages of being reliable, noiseless, tightly packed, with no moving parts as well as no harmful gases. As high performance of TECs is required, developed emerging thermoelectric (TE) materials can be employed to enhance their performance. Hence, this study provides an experimental investigation to study the effect of different operational parameters on the performance of the TE cooling system including the system coefficient of performance (COP) and the rate of heat transfer. The parameters investigated are the applied input power, inlet working fluid velocity, and the arrangement of utilized TECs modules. The used test rig consists of two attached horizontal ducts, and the interface surface between them contains three TE modules, each of power 48 W. The applied input power and the working fluid flow rate range from 16 to 48 W and from 0.0025 to 0.01 L/min, respectively. Results show that the maximum COP occurs at lower values of applied input power. A noticeable enhancement in the COP is found when all TEC modules are in use. A new correlation of the COP of the TEC system is obtained.
Hall and ion‐slip effects on steady MHD free convective flow through a porous medium in a vertical microchannel
Authors: Sadiq Basha P. M. , Veera Krishna M. , Nagarathna N.
Published: June 2020

We have considered the steady fully developed magnetohydrodynamic free convection flow through a porous medium in a microchannel bounded by two infinite vertical parallel plates due to asymmetric heating of plates taking Hall and ion‐slip effects into account. Effects of velocity slip and temperature jump have been considered on the microchannel surfaces, and the exact solutions have been obtained for momentum and energy equations under relevant boundary conditions. The influence of governing parameters on flow formation is discussed with the aid of graphs. The significant result from the study is that an increase in the value of rarefaction parameter leads to enhancement in volume flow rate. Furthermore, it is evident that the volume flow rate is found to be an increasing function of the Hall current parameter.
Promoting fairness in English insolvency valuation cases
Authors: Vaccari Eugenio
Published: June 2020

This is the second part of a comprehensive study on fair measurement of value in English insolvency law. The author has already demonstrated in a previous article the importance of posing and responding to questions about fairness in the insolvency process. That article developed a specific framework to measure whether assets and businesses are fairly valued in insolvency and bankruptcy cases. The proposed communitarian, fairness‐oriented framework is based on a modified version of Rawls, Finch and Radin's concepts of fairness. It evidenced that, when assessed against fairness, none of the valuation techniques currently available to the courts are without limitations. Building on the findings of this previous work, this article investigates whether English case law: (i) achieves a fair valuation of the debtor's assets and business; and (ii) protects interested parties (mainly creditors and shareholders) who have realistic prospects of receiving a distribution‐ against unfair harm.
Caffeine reduces the toxicity of albendazole and carbamazepine to the microalgae Raphidocelis subcapitata (Sphaeropleales, Chlorophyta)
Authors: Diniz Vinicius , Reyes Gabriela M. , Rath Susanne , Cunha Davi G. F.
Published: June 2020

Pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) are emerging contaminants that have been widely detected in water bodies in the last decades, with ecological effects toward aquatic biota that have not been fully elucidated. Most studies concerning their toxicity to microalgae have only considered short‐term individual PhAC exposure, rather than combined exposure to several compounds for longer time periods. In this study, we investigated the effects of albendazole (ABZ) (anthelmintic) and carbamazepine (antiepileptic), alone and in combination with caffeine, on the growth and production of chlorophyll‐a of the microalgae Raphidocelis subcapitata, during 16 days of exposure. ABZ alone had a more significant effect than carbamazepine alone on the growth rate and maximum cell density of the microalgae (p < .05; analysis of variance). These results were probably related to the effect of ABZ in inhibiting enzyme complexes and cell membrane proteins related to adenosine triphosphate synthesis, which is important for cell growth. The presence of caffeine lowered the toxicities of ABZ and carbamazepine to the microalgae, probably due to its antioxidant properties, positively affecting chlorophyll‐a production, growth rate, and maximum cell density. Thus, caffeine had an antagonistic interaction with the studied PhACs. The results reinforce the importance of ecotoxicological assays that compare individual and combined PhAC exposure conditions. Our findings highlighted that caffeine can be a relevant factor influencing such assays, considering its widespread occurrence in impacted water bodies.
Ternary codes, biplanes, and the nonexistence of some quasisymmetric and quasi‐3 designs
Authors: Munemasa Akihiro , Tonchev Vladimir D.
Published: June 2020

The dual codes of the ternary linear codes of the residual designs of biplanes on 56 points are used to prove the nonexistence of quasisymmetric 2‐ and 2‐ designs with intersection numbers 0 and 3, and the nonexistence of a 2‐ quasi‐3 design. The nonexistence of a 2‐ quasi‐3 design is also proved.
Achieving presence in film and psychotherapy
Authors: Johnson David R.
Published: June 2020

Film‐makers have had to learn how to manipulate static images in both time and space to create an illusion of presence for their audiences. Film editors have discovered the importance of shot length in keeping audiences' attention and evoking various emotions of suspense, confusion, and excitement. Cinematographers shape the experience of witnessing through subjective and objective camera angles, positioning the audience in empty space or inside a character. For psychotherapists who attempt to “be present” for their clients, without the tools of the film editor or cinematographer, achieving presence can be quite an undertaking. Psychotherapists continuously mark their presence with “mm‐hmms” or nods, and they depart the moment to think about and prepare what they will say, without appearing as if they have done so. Unlike film, which stabilizes the relationship between subject and object, psychotherapy embraces the unstable dance of the interpersonal encounter. Nevertheless, in the end, a good film and a good psychotherapy session are able to overcome the barriers to presence and bring us together in a colocated state of consciousness.
Gram staining of gallbladder bile samples is useful for predicting surgical site infection in acute cholecystitis patients undergoing an early cholecystectomy
Authors: Nishida Yasunori , Otagiri Noriaki , Yoshifuku Seijiro , Misawa Kenji , Ko Kenju , Sasahara Kotaro , Mishima Osamu , Tauchi Katsunori
Published: June 2020

Background

Microbiological assessment of gallbladder bile is important for postoperative management in cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis (AC). Gram staining is used as the first step in the assessment, in order to preliminarily detect bacteria in the bile sample. This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical significance of Gram staining results in the development of postoperative surgical site infection (SSI) in AC patients.

Methods

A total of 428 AC patients, who underwent an early cholecystectomy with microbiological assessment of gallbladder bile, were enrolled in this retrospective study. The clinical usefulness of the Gram staining results was evaluated by univariate and multivariate regression analyses.

Results

Of the 428 patients, 298 patients (69.6%) were diagnosed with bile infection by the Gram staining method. The rate of SSI was higher in patients with bile infection (9.7%) than in those without the infection (0.8%). The multivariate analysis indicated that the bile infection diagnosed by Gram staining (odds ratio: 9.091; P = .033) was an independent factor to predict SSI development, along with open surgery.

Conclusions

Gram staining diagnosis of bile infection in an early cholecystectomy for AC is useful for predicting postoperative SSI development, which should benefit postoperative management.