bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time for carbon neutrality and other emission reduction measures at European airports
Authors: Falk Martin Thomas , Hagsten Eva
Published: January 2020

Since 2009, one out of five European airports participate in carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction programmes, although only 8% of them are certified as CO2neutral. This study aims to examine empirically internal as well as external factors of importance for airport participation in emission reduction programmes at different levels of involvement. Estimates of the Cox proportional hazard model based on almost 600 airports for the period 2009 to 2017 reveal that the likelihood and timing of participation increase with the size of the airport (number of passengers), independent of level of commitment. Performance (growth in number of passengers) and if the airport is part of a group are crucial for the advanced levels of the programme. Environmental progress at the country level is also a significant predictor, most distinctly represented by renewable electricity generation, whereas airports serving as hubs for low‐cost airlines are less likely to enter the carbon reduction programmes.
Percutaneous nitinol‐based vascular closure device for large bore arterial access hemostasis: Results of a prospective multicenter study
Authors: Barbash Israel M. , Kornowski Ran , Berkovitch Anat , Assali Abid , Erlebach Magdalena , Guetta Victor , Vaknin Assa Hana , Lange Ruediger , Segev Amit , Ruge Hendrik
Published: January 2020

Background

Vascular complications during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) still pose a significant concern regarding procedural safety. Designated closure devices for large‐bore vascular access are needed.

Methods

Patients undergoing TAVR were prospectively enrolled into the study. The InSeal vascular closure device (VCD) achieves hemostasis by utilizing a crescent‐shaped nitinol scaffold covered by a biodegradable membrane, which is delivered at the arterial puncture site. The coprimary endpoints were predefined as hemostasis within 15 min following vessel access site closure and after activated clotting time falls below 200 s and the rate of related major vascular adverse events in first month.

Results

A total of 50 patients were prospectively enrolled into the study, with an average age of 80.8 ± 7.4 years and 62% males. Hemostasis with the Inseal VCD was achieved in 94% of the patients with average time‐to‐hemostasis of 51 ± 97 s. The rates of in‐hospital vascular complications were 12% mostly driven by minor vascular complications (10%). Femoral artery stents were used in three patients due to failed hemostasis.

Conclusions

Initial clinical experience indicates that a novel, nitinol‐based, large‐bore vascular closure device is safe and effective in achieving hemostasis after TAVR.
Systematic review and case report: Systemic lupus erythematosus with renal tubular acidosis
Authors: Rawla Prashanth , Thandra Krishna Chaitanya , Aluru John Sukumar , Mageed Sarah Abdel , Sakr Eman Elsayed , Elsayed Ghadeer Gamal , Zidan Mohamed , Morra Mostafa Ebraheem
Published: January 2020

Immune profile assessment—particularly for SLE—and subsequent specific therapy are beneficial in patients with persisting unexplained hyperkalemic or hypokalemic paralysis, especially in case of isolated RTA.
Disseminated infection with Nocardia otitidiscaviarum in a patient under steroid therapy
Authors: Sah Ranjit , Khadka Shusila , Neupane Samikshya , Nepal Gaurav , Singla Sonam , Kumari Pankhuri , Sah Sanjit , Sah Ranjana , Sah Shyam Sundar , Adhikari Mahesh , Shah Niranjan Prasad , Pokharel Bharat Mani , Rijal Basista , Shah Dibya Singh
Published: January 2020

Key Clinical Message

Corticosteroid recipients with lung infections should be suspected of having nocardiosis; however, nocardiosis can easily mimic malignancy, tuberculosis, or fungal infection. Though cultural identification is possible, it might be missed due to its slow growth pattern.. Therefore, if filamentous bacteria are seen during staining, plate incubation time should be extended.
Kinetic Study of the Reduction Step for Chemical Looping Steam Methane Reforming by CeO2‐Fe2O3 Oxygen Carriers
Authors: Hosseini Seyyed Yaghoob , Khosravi-Nikou Mohammad Reza , Shariati Ahmad
Published: January 2020

The reduction stage of chemical looping steam methane reforming was investigated to determine the kinetics of the reduction reaction for CeO2‐Fe2O3 mixed oxides. CeO2, Fe2O3, and CeO2‐Fe2O3 mixed oxides with different molar ratios were prepared by chemical precipitation. Characterization tests indicated the lowest Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller surface area for samples with higher Fe content. The largest area under reduction peaks during hydrogen temperature‐programmed reduction measurements was also related to the samples with highest Fe content. Reduction of the oxygen carriers with lower Fe content was well represented by a phase boundary‐controlled model.
Micronization of Three Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Using the Rapid Expansion of Supercritical Solution Technology
Authors: Fang Chun-Hao , Chen Pei-Hua , Chen Yan-Ping , Tang Muoi
Published: January 2020

The rapid expansion of supercritical solution (RESS) technology was applied to recrystallize and micronize three active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) of monobenzone, ethylparaben, and kojic acid. All unprocessed (original) APIs had a large mean particle size over 200 μm with wide particle size distribution. Supercritical carbon dioxide served as the solvent to extract each API in a high‐pressure vessel. The nearly saturated supercritical solution was then expanded through a capillary spray nozzle to ambient pressure state. The APIs were recrystallized in a very short time period. The final API particles with submicron sizes were obtained with much less intensity of crystallinity. The optimal RESS process parameters and the improved result of the in vitro dissolution test for the API of ethylparaben are reported.
Electrochemical Analysis of the Mechanism of Potassium‐Ion Insertion into K‐rich Prussian Blue Materials
Authors: Levin Eduard E. , Kokin Aleksandr A. , Presnov Denis E. , Borzenko Andrei G. , Vassiliev Sergey Yu. , Nikitina Victoria A. , Stevenson Keith J.
Published: January 2020

The electrochemical insertion patterns of potassium‐rich Prussian blue (PB) materials with different compositions and particle sizes were systematically compared, which allows us to deduce correlations between the influence of particle morphology and material structure on the potassium‐ion insertion mechanisms in aqueous solutions. Although structural analysis indicates that no first‐order phase transitions occur for nanosized K‐rich Prussian blue particles upon potassium‐ion (de)insertion, the electrochemical data (galvanostatic charge/discharge, cyclic voltammetry, small‐ and large‐amplitude potential step experiments) suggest other outcomes related to the two‐phase insertion mechanism for all explored PB samples. However, even in a case whereby the phase transformation is not accompanied by abrupt changes in the crystal structure, the two‐phase mechanism dominates all of the essential practical characteristics of performance of this cathode material, such as hysteresis (overpotential) between charge and discharge steps and the measured diffusivities of potassium‐ions during charge and discharge. The formalism presented herein provides a basis for quantitatively assessing ion insertion and deinsertion parameters unique to PB analogues.
Doxorubicin Encapsulated in TPGS‐Modified 2D‐Nanodisks Overcomes Multidrug Resistance
Authors: Jiang Tingting , Zhang Changchang , Sun Wenjie , Cao Xueyan , Choi Goeun , Choy Jin‐Ho , Shi Xiangyang , Guo Rui
Published: January 2020

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is regarded as a main obstacle for effective chemotherapy, and P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp)‐mediated drug efflux has been demonstrated to be the key factor responsible for MDR. In this study, a novel pH‐responsive hybrid drug delivery system was developed by conjugating d‐α‐tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS), a kind of P‐gp inhibitor, on the surface of laponite nanodisks to overcome MDR. The prepared LM‐TPGS display excellent colloidal stability, a high encapsulation efficiency of doxorubicin (DOX), and a pH‐responsive drug release profile. In vitro experiments verified that LM‐TPGS/DOX could exhibit significantly enhanced therapeutic efficacy in treating DOX‐resistant breast cancer cells (MCF‐7/ADR) through inhibiting the activity of P‐gp‐mediated drug efflux and effectively accumulating DOX within cancer cells. In vivo results revealed that LM‐TPGS/DOX outstandingly suppressed MCF‐7/ADR tumors with low side effects. Therefore, the high drug payload, enhanced inhibition efficacy to drug‐resistant cells, and low side effects make the LM‐TPGS/DOX a promising nanoplatform to reverse MDR for effective chemotherapy.
1,8‐Dimercuri‐6‐Phenyl‐1H‐Carbazole as a Monofacial Dinuclear Organometallic Nucleobase
Authors: Ukale Dattatraya Uttam , Tähtinen Petri , Lönnberg Tuomas
Published: January 2020

A C‐nucleoside with 6‐phenyl‐1H‐carbazole as the base moiety has been synthesized and incorporated in the middle of an oligonucleotide. Mercuration of this modified residue at positions 1 and 8 gave the first example of an oligonucleotide featuring a monofacial dinuclear organometallic nucleobase. The dimercurated oligonucleotide formed stable duplexes with unmodified oligonucleotides placing either cytosine, guanine, or thymine opposite to the organometallic nucleobase. A highly stabilizing (ΔTm=7.3 °C) HgII‐mediated base pair was formed with thymine. According to DFT calculations performed at the PBE0DH level of theory, this base pair is most likely dinuclear, with the two HgII ions coordinated to O2 and O4 of the thymine base.
Luminogens for Aggregation‐Induced Emission via Titanium‐Mediated Double Nucleophilic Addition to 2,5‐Dialkynylpyridines: Formation and Transformation of the Emitting Aggregates
Authors: Foschi Francesco , Synnatschke Kevin , Grieger Sebastian , Zhang Wen‐Shan , Wadepohl Hubert , Schröder Rasmus R. , Backes Claudia , Gade Lutz H.
Published: January 2020

New luminogens for aggregation‐induced emission (AIE), which are characterized by a branched cross‐conjugated 2,6‐bis(1,2,2‐triarylvinyl)pyridine motif, have been synthesized exploiting the one‐pot Ti‐mediated tetraarylation of 2,6‐bis(arylethynyl)pyridines. Thin layer solid‐state emitters were prepared by spin‐coating of the luminogens, while AIE‐colloidal dispersions were investigated in terms of optical density and scattering behaviour. This has given insight into particle size distributions, time evolution of the aggregation and the influence of different functionalization patterns on the luminescence of molecular aggregates. In particular, a combination of extinction spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering is being proposed as a powerful method for investigating the dynamic aggregation process in AIE‐type colloids.
Fear of cancer recurrence promotes cancer screening behaviors among family caregivers of cancer survivors
Authors: Takeuchi Emi , Kim Youngmee , Shaffer Kelly M. , Cannady Rachel S. , Carver Charles S.
Published: January 2020

Background

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) has been associated with cancer screening behaviors among cancer survivors, but to the authors' knowledge, the question of whether the same is true for caregivers is unknown. The current study investigated the extent to which FCR among caregivers predicted their cancer screening behaviors years after their relatives' cancer diagnosis.

Methods

A total of 813 caregivers (67% of whom were female, mean age of 56 years, and 92% non‐Hispanic white) completed surveys 2 years (T1) and 8 years (T2) after their patients' cancer diagnosis. FCR, anxiety (Profile of Mood States‐Short Form [POMS‐SF]), and general mental health (Medical Outcomes Study 36‐Item Short‐Form Health Survey [MOS SF‐36]) were reported at T1; caregivers' engagement in screening for colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers because of the patients' diagnoses were reported at T2.

Results

Caregivers were found to engage in cancer screening at rates similar to those of the national average. Controlling for covariates, hierarchical logistic regression modeling for each type of cancer screening demonstrated that greater FCR was linearly related to a higher likelihood of undergoing colorectal cancer screening (odds ratio [OR], 1.15) and maintaining prostate cancer screening (OR, 1.34), but a lower likelihood of maintaining breast cancer screening in an age‐appropriate manner (OR, 0.27). Examining curvilinear effects demonstrated that moderate levels of FCR were associated with a higher likelihood of maintaining age‐appropriate colorectal cancer screening (OR, 1.48).

Conclusions

The overall FCR among caregivers uniquely promotes their engagement in cancer screening behaviors. The role of caregivers' FCR in other types of cancer preventive behaviors and ways to channel FCR concerns into promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors should be investigated.
Chemical Causes of Metal Nobleness
Authors: Kepp Kasper P.
Published: January 2020

Humans have appreciated the “noble” metals for millennia, yet modern chemistry still struggles with different definitions. Herein, metal nobleness is analyzed using thermochemical cycles including the different bulk, gas, and solution states implied by these definitions. The analysis suggests that metal nobleness mainly reflects inability to fulfil the electron demands of electronegative oxygen. Accordingly, gold is the most noble metal in existence, not because of d‐band properties of the solid state, but because gold's electronegativity is closest to that of oxygen, producing weaker polar covalent bonding. The high electronegativity arises from the effective nuclear charge due to diffuse d‐states, enforced by relativistic effects. This explanation accounts for the activity series, corrosion tendency, and trends in oxygen chemisorption, which other models do not. While gold is the most noble metal, the ranking of Ag, Pt, and Pd depends on the thermochemistry as discussed in detail.
Prevalence and management of diabetic neuropathy in secondary care in Qatar
Authors: Ponirakis Georgios , Elhadd Tarik , Chinnaiyan Subitha , Dabbous Zeinab , Siddiqui Mashhood , Al‐muhannadi Hamad , Petropoulos Ioannis N. , Khan Adnan , Ashawesh Khaled A. E. , Dukhan Khaled M. O , Mahfoud Ziyad R. , Murgatroyd Christopher , Slevin Mark , Malik Rayaz A.
Published: January 2020

Aims

Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is a “Cinderella” complication, particularly in the Middle East. A high prevalence of undiagnosed DN and those at risk of diabetic foot ulceration (DFU) is a major concern. We have determined the prevalence of DN and its risk factors, DFU, and those at risk of DFU in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in secondary care in Qatar.

Materials and methods

Adults with T2DM were randomly selected from the two National Diabetes Centers in Qatar. DN was defined by the presence of neuropathic symptoms and a vibration perception threshold (VPT) ≥ 15 V. Participants with a VPT ≥ 25 V were categorized as high risk for DFU. Painful DN was defined by a DN4 score ≥4. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of DN.

Results

In 1082 adults with T2DM (age 54 ± 11 years, duration of diabetes 10.0 ± 7.7 years, 60.6% males), the prevalence of DN was 23.0% (95% CI, 20.5%‐25.5%) of whom 33.7% (95% CI, 27.9%‐39.6%) were at high risk of DFU, and 6.3% had DFU; 82.0% of the patients with DN were previously undiagnosed. The prevalence of DN increased with age and duration of diabetes and was associated with poor glycaemic control (HbA1c ≥ 9%) AOR = 2.1 (95% CI, 1.3‐3.2), hyperlipidaemia AOR = 2.7 (95% CI, 1.5‐5.0), and hypertension AOR = 2.0 (95% CI, 1.2‐3.4).

Conclusions

Despite DN affecting 23% of adults with T2DM, 82% had not been previously diagnosed with one‐third at high risk for DFU. This argues for annual screening and identification of patients with DN. Furthermore, we identify hyperglycaemia, hyperlipidaemia, and hypertension as predictors of DN.
Decorated Tetrathiafulvalene‐Based Ligands: Powerful Chemical Tools for the Design of Single‐Molecule Magnets
Authors: Cador Olivier , Le Guennic Boris , Ouahab Lahcène , Pointillart Fabrice
Published: January 2020

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Fabrice Pointillart and collaborator from Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France. The cover image illustrates the implication of a tetrathiafulvalene‐based ligand library in the design of single‐molecule magnets.
Carbon Nanotube Immobilized Electrode Using Amphiphilic Phospholipid Polymer with Anti‐fouling and Dispersion Property for Electrochemical Analysis
Authors: Sato Katsuhiko , Konno Tomohiro
Published: January 2020

A carbon nanotube (CNT)‐modified electrode was fabricated by dropping a dispersion of multi‐walled CNTs in water‐soluble and amphiphilic phospholipid polymer with both dispersing ability and anti‐biofouling property onto a Au electrode. A poly(2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine‐co‐n‐butyl methacrylate) (PMB) composed from 50 mol% of 2‐methacryloxylethyl phosphorylcholine and 50 mol% of n‐butyl methacrylate (PMB50) was used as dispersing reagent for CNTs. The dispersion of water‐insoluble material by PMB50 and its antifouling effects in electrochemical analysis were investigated. The CNT‐modified electrode showed an anodic peak potential that was shifted negatively and an increase in the current value for the electrolytic oxidation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. In addition, the charge on PMB50 did not inhibit the electrochemical reaction of the redox compounds K3[Fe(CN)6], [Ru(NH3)6]Cl3, and hydroxymethylferrocene. Cyclic voltammetry of K3[Fe(CN)6] in 4 % bovine serum albumin (BSA) using a bare Au electrode, the anodic peak current was reduced to 47 % of that without BSA. In contrast, the antifouling effect of the PMB50‐coated electrode meant that the current was only reduced to 70 % of that without BSA.
Impedimetric DNA Sensor Based on Poly(proflavine) for Determination of Anthracycline Drugs
Authors: Porfireva Anna V. , Goida Anastasia I. , Rogov Alexey M. , Evtugyn Gennady A.
Published: January 2020

Electropolymerization is often used as a tool for immobilization of charged biopolymers and their electric wiring in the biosensor assembly. In this work, electropolymerization of proflavine has been for the first time used for the physical adsorption of DNA and measurement of anthracycline drugs (doxorubicin and daunorubicin) able to intercalate DNA. Redox properties of the proflavine polymers on the glassy carbon electrode and DNA deposition were characterized with cyclic voltammetry, scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. It was shown that DNA decreased the peak currents on voltammogram but increased the charge transfer resistance. The latter effect is pronounced with the following drug application. The impedimetric response regularly increased with the drugs concentration in the range 1 nM to 0.1 μM for doxorubicin and 1 pM–10 nM for daunorubicin (limit of detections 0.3 and 0.001 nM, respectively). The biosensor was tested on pharmaceutical preparations and spiked solution simulating the plasma electrolytes and possible interference of serum proteins.
Investigation of wind speed effect on different mounted PV systems using satellite data
Authors: Arslanoglu Nurullah , Yigit Abdulvahap , Eker Buket S.
Published: January 2020

Renewable energy utilization has been increasing at the same rate of the increasing the consumption of energy in all countries. The best use of the available energy and the search for different energy sources have been an important field of study all around the world after highly increasing of energy demand. Hence, today, generating energy from solar cells also called photovoltaics (PV) has become essential field of renewable energy. This energy source is also one of the fastest growing technology, converting direct sunlight to electricity. In this article, optimum tilt angles were examined by changing monthly, seasonal, and annually, which were obtained from PV panels installed in Bursa city of Turkey. It was found that the solar radiation increased by 22.21% for monthly, 21.17% for seasonal, and 16.44% for yearly. So, it was necessary to vary the tilt angle of the PV panels at least seasonal (four times a year). In addition, the cooling effect of the wind on the cell temperatures, electrical energy generation, and energy efficiency of the different mounted PV panels with the optimum tilt angle on a monthly basis was theoretically examined. Consequently, the wind cooling was shown to be very effective on cell temperatures and energy efficiency under wind cooling effect was more than 4.8% during a year. Another finding of this study was that the energy efficiency and generated electrical energies of free standing PV panels were higher than sloped‐roof PV panels.
Surface properties and microstructures of ceramic glaze made from reservoir sediment
Authors: Chiou Ing‐Jia , Chen Ching‐Ho , Chang Kao‐Yang
Published: January 2020

The 96 reservoirs in Taiwan have a total reservoir capacity of 2.862 billion cubic meters, and a deposition rate of 28.95%. Although the reservoir sediment has similar main constituents to traditional Taiwanese glaze, it cannot independently replace Taiwanese glaze. The reservoir sediment is used as the main raw material to improve the settleability and viscosity of the reservoir sediment glaze by adjusting the proportions of raw materials, adding adhesion aid (Taiwan red clay), and the suspending agent (bentonite). The surface characteristics of the glaze are improved by finding the optimum soaking time. The recycled glass powder is blended to reduce the firing temperature of the reservoir sludge glaze. Experimental results indicate that red clay and bentonite enhance the consistency of reservoir sediment glaze paste, while sodium silicate and American fairy water reduce it. Prolonging the soaking time improves the glaze thickness. The roughness of the reservoir sediment glaze is reduced after firing, and the firing temperature is negatively correlated with the roughness of reservoir sediment glaze. The glass powder (5–10%) can reduce the firing temperature of reservoir sediment glaze by 100–150°C, but does not decrease the roughness. Therefore, this investigation recommends the optimum liquid–solid ratio (L/S) of reservoir sediment glaze paste as 1.7–1.8, the optimum blending ratio of red clay as 10–15%, the optimum blending ratio of bentonite as 5%, and the soaking time as 8 s.
Repeat stereotactic radiofrequency thermocoagulation in patients with hypothalamic hamartoma and seizure recurrence
Authors: Shirozu Hiroshi , Masuda Hiroshi , Kameyama Shigeki
Published: January 2020

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility of repeat stereotactic radiofrequency thermocoagulation (re‐SRT) for patients with hypothalamic hamartoma (HH) and to clarify clinical and surgical factors for seizure outcomes.

Methods

Hypothalamic hamartoma patients with gelastic seizures (GSs) who underwent SRT were retrospectively reviewed. Seizure outcomes were evaluated separately for GS and other types of seizures (non‐GS). Surgical complications were compared between re‐SRT and first SRT. Clinical and surgical factors related to both seizure recurrences after first SRT and final seizure outcomes were analyzed.

Results

Participants comprised 150 patients (92 males; median age at surgery, 8 years; range, 1.7‐50 years). Of those, 122 (81.3%) had non‐GS. Forty‐three patients (28.7%) underwent re‐SRT. Freedom from GS was achieved by first SRT in 103 patients (68.7%), second SRT in 30/40 (67.5%), third SRT in 3/10 (30.0%), and fourth SRT in 2/3 (66.7%). Finally, 135 patients (90.0%) became GS‐free. Ninety patients (73.8%) achieved non‐GS freedom, with first SRT in all except one case. Transient complications were more frequent with first SRT (118/150, 78.7%) than re‐SRT (35/56, 62.5%), whereas persistent complications were more frequent with re‐SRT (7/56, 12.5%) than with first SRT (3/150, 2.0%). Multivariate analyses revealed only younger age at surgery (≤1 year) as related to GS recurrence after first SRT, with no variables affecting final GS outcomes. Meanwhile, seizure type (tonic seizure), intellectual disability, and genetic syndromes were significant factors for both non‐GS recurrence and final outcomes. Multiple previous treatments were significantly related to final non‐GS outcomes as well. Size and subtype of HH and surgical factors were unrelated to seizure outcomes.

Significance

Repeat stereotactic radiofrequency thermocoagulation provides potential opportunities to achieve freedom from recurrent GS, albeit with increased risks of persistent complications. Non‐GS and intellectual disability could offer early surgical indications, and repeated ineffective treatments should be avoided.
Centrifuge modelling of structures with oil dampers under seismic loading
Authors: Boksmati Jad I. , Madabhushi Gopal S.P.
Published: January 2020

Experimental research into the seismic performance of buildings with passive oil dampers has so far been restricted to large‐scale testing of frames erected on laboratory shaking tables that ignore the foundation soil below. This simplification of the problem falls short of replicating dynamic soil‐structure interaction that would occur in the field. This paper presents the first experimental attempt at utilising high gravity dynamic centrifuge testing to replicate the response of a damped building at a reduced model scale. The paper compares the dynamic response of two similar two‐degree‐of‐freedom model sway frames, one control (bare) frame and one frame equipped with miniature oil dampers, both structures founded on shallow raft foundations in dry dense sand. The miniature oil dampers successfully mitigate floor accelerations, drifts, and storey shear forces in the damped frame with minor modification to the frame stiffness. For strong, near resonance motions, global rocking of the undamped frame associated with physical uplifting of the foundation from the soil surface and subsequent yielding of sand beneath has led to floor acceleration levels, which are comparable to those obtained in the damped building fitted with miniature oil dampers. Assessment of the instrumentation installed on the miniature oil dampers reveals a viscoelastic damper behaviour with a dependency on stroke magnitude and on velocity.
Improvements to a smooth particle hydrodynamics simulator for investigating submarine landslide generated waves
Authors: Snelling Branwen E. , Collins Gareth S. , Piggott Matthew D. , Neethling Stephen J.
Published: January 2020

Submarine landslides can exhibit complex rheologies, including a finite yield stress and shear thinning, yet are often simulated numerically using a Newtonian fluid rheology and simplistic boundary conditions. Here we present improvements made to a Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics simulator to allow the accurate simulation of submarine landslide generated waves. The improvements include the addition of Bingham and Herschel‐Bulkley rheologies, which better simulate the behavior of submarine mudflows. The interaction between the base of the slide and the slope is represented more accurately through the use of a viscous stress boundary condition. This condition treats the interface between the seafloor and the slide as a fluid boundary layer with a user‐defined viscosity and length scale. Modifications to the pressure and density calculations are described that improve their stability for landslide generated wave scenarios. An option for pressure decomposition is introduced to prevent particle locking under high pressure. This facilitates the application of this simulator to landslide scenarios beneath significant water depths. Additional modifications to the reaveraging and renormalization routines improve the stability of the free surface and fluid density. We present the mathematical formulations of these improvements alongside commentary on their performance and applicability to landslide generated wave modeling. The modifications are verified against analytical fluid flow solutions and a wave generation experiment.
Short‐run wavelet‐based covariance regimes for applied portfolio management
Authors: Berger Theo , Gençay Ramazan
Published: January 2020

Decisions on ass et allocations are often determined by covariance estimates from historical market data. In this paper, we introduce a wavelet‐based portfolio algorithm, distinguishing between newly embedded news and long‐run information that has already been fully absorbed by the market. Exploiting the wavelet decomposition into short‐ and long‐run covariance regimes, we introduce an approach to focus on particular covariance components. Using generated data, we demonstrate that short‐run covariance regimes comprise the relevant information for periodical portfolio management. In an empirical application to US stocks and other international markets for weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly holding periods (and rebalancing), we present evidence that the application of wavelet‐based covariance estimates from short‐run information outperforms portfolio allocations that are based on covariance estimates from historical data.
Impact of international energy prices on China's industries
Authors: Wong Jin Boon , Zhang Qin
Published: January 2020

This study examines how returns and volatility of future contracts for Brent crude oil (Brent), West Texas Intermediate crude oil (WTI), Henry Hub natural gas, and Newcastle thermal coal impacts industries in China. Using the firm‐level data of 3,750 stock listings across both Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges, segregated into 138 subindustries under the Global Industry Classification Standard, this study finds evidence that crude oil futures have the most significant influence. Further analysis suggests that stock returns of oil‐related companies are more closely align to Brent and WTI's futures returns following China's key oil pricing reform on March 27, 2013. Overall, Chinese industries are also more exposed to global crude oil futures volatility after this event.
Large‐scale mapping of anthropogenic relief features—legacies of past forest use in two historical charcoal production areas in Germany
Authors: Schneider A. , Bonhage A. , Raab A. , Hirsch F. , Raab T.
Published: January 2020

With the increasing availability of high‐resolution digital elevation models (DEMs), large‐scale mapping of anthropogenic relief features has become feasible for more areas. However, the landscape‐scale distribution patterns of anthropogenic landforms and the quality of DEM‐based mapping can be highly heterogeneous. In this study, we mapped relict charcoal hearths (RCHs) in two study regions with differing environmental backgrounds, covering forest areas of more than 15,000 km2, analyzed the RCH distributions and evaluated possibilities for predictive modeling of RCH occurrence with respect to natural and cultural landscape structures. More than 45,000 RCHs were recorded in each region, with high site densities even in areas remote from charcoal‐consuming industries. Variations in the quality of DEM‐based mapping were related to small‐scale differences in the DEM quality and larger‐scale substrate heterogeneity. A clear association between RCHs and historical industrial sites was found in the Northern European Lowland; while the density of mapped RCHs was predominantly related to geology and morphology in the lower mountain ranges. The results show that variations in mapping quality across scales and the natural and cultural background of a region need to be considered so that the mapping of anthropogenic relief features can contribute to an improved understanding of land‐use history.
Estimation and mitigation of greenhouse gases in typical paddy‐upland rotation systems in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, China
Authors: Shi Yifan , Lou Yunsheng , Wang Ying , Zuo Huiting , Ojara Moses A. , Lukali Amina
Published: January 2020

Agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) has a significant effect on climate change. The ability to quantify agricultural GHG and implement practices to mitigate its emissions is of great significance. Optimal GHG mitigation practices in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, China, have not been well documented. In this study, historical (2000–2014) and projected (2015–2049) methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from paddy‐upland crop rotations were simulated at a county scale using the denitrification–decomposition model. The results demonstrated (1) historical mean emissions of CH4, N2O, and global warming potential (GWP) were 158.6 kg‐C ha−1 year−1, 0.75 kg‐N ha−1 year−1, and 22.15 Tg CO2‐eq year−1 in the study area (1 Tg = 1012 g); (2) CH4 emission rates significantly increased, while there was no significant change in N2O under projected RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 climate scenarios, and RCP8.5 induced 10% more CH4 than RCP4.5; (3) marginal flooding coupled with reduced‐tillage practice was the optimal strategy to mitigate GHG emissions due to its lowest GWP. This study would provide insight into the agricultural GHG emissions, as well as the impact on climate change. Also, a theoretical basis for policymaking would be provided by this study. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theoretical modeling of the effect of temperature on CO2 injectivity in deep saline formations
Authors: Sokama‐Neuyam Yen Adams , Adu‐Boahene Francis , Boakye Patrick , Aggrey Wilberforce Nkrumah , Ursin Jann Rune
Published: January 2020

Well injectivity and storage capacity defines the storage potential of a CO2 capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) facility. Formation temperature has high impact on the phase behavior and flow properties of CO2 such as density and viscosity. The effect of temperature on CO2 injectivity, especially in the wellbore injection inlet, is not well understood. We investigated the thermal behavior of CO2 from the wellhead to the reservoir using simple theoretical models that capture the major heat transfer mechanisms. The effect of CO2 injection flow rate and injection time on the temperature of CO2 were studied. We found that for the same initial CO2 injection temperature and formation intake temperature, the injected CO2 in the well is cooler than the surrounding formation from the wellhead to the bottomhole. The temperature difference increased with increasing injection flow rate and injection time. The results show that although CO2 may attain supercritical state at bottomhole, the temperature difference between CO2 in the wellbore and the reservoir could be significant. The results also suggest that CO2 could attain thermal equilibrium with the reservoir at a flow distance of about 600 ft into the formation depending on the injection flow rate and reservoir temperature. The thermal disequilibrium of CO2 in the wellbore vicinity where fluxes are also high could affect CO2 injectivity and the mobility of CO2 during CCUS and enhanced oil recovery (EOR) operations. The present findings provide vital understanding of the effect of thermal instability on CO2 injectivity especially in the wellbore injection inlet. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Provenance and tectonic setting of the Palaeozoic sediments in the northern Alxa area: Implications for the Central Asian Orogenic Belt
Authors: Yin Haiquan , Zhou Hongrui , Zhang Weijie , Xu Dongzhuo , Li Min , Jia Yue
Published: January 2020

Understanding the tectonic nature of the Alxa area is significant in tectonic reconstruction of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt, but their tectonic correlation, affinity, and implications have not been well defined. The late Palaeozoic sediments in the northern Alxa area can help to understand this question. The sedimentary sequence of the late Palaeozoic strata (Benbatu Formation) indicates that the sedimentary environment of the study area gradually changed from a stable carbonate platform to a bathyal‐abyssal environment with relatively active tectonic setting. The results of the grain size analysis of the sandstone debris show the typical characteristics of a turbidity current. The composition of clastic particles is mainly feldspar, which is characterized by short transport distance and rapid deposition of sediments. Combined with the geochemical characteristics of sandstone, the northern Alxa Block is considered to be an active continental margin in the late Palaeozoic. Through summarizing the zircon data of the Alxa Block, Tarim Craton, and North China Craton, it is concluded that the Palaeozoic clastic zircons in the study area come from the Alxa Block and the surrounding magmatic arc, the Neoproterozoic‐Middle Proterozoic zircons come from the Alxa Block, the Archean zircons come from the North China Craton. According to the age distribution of clastic zircons, the magmatic activity may exist in the early Palaeozoic, which suggests it may not be a stable passive continental margin in the margin of northern Alxa Block in the early Palaeozoic. Based on the provenance analyses, the sources block shows no tectonic affinity to the Tarim Craton, but the Hanwula area in the north of the study area might have been accreted to the Tarim Craton, which means the size of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean between the study area and the Hangwula area is large. The earliest Palaeozoic clastic zircon ages in sedimentary rocks are recorded in the late Cambrian, whereas the earliest Palaeozoic detrital zircons in the Hangwula area are recorded in the Ordovician, which means that the magmatic activity recorded in the study area is earlier than the Hangwula area and indicates that the subduction of the south side of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean began earlier than the north side. The evidence of magmatic rocks discovered so far confirms this view.
Effects of maternal sleep position on fetal and maternal heart rate patterns using overnight home fetal ECG recordings
Authors: Lucchini Maristella , Wapner Ronald J. , Chia‐Ling Nhan‐Chang , Torres Caroline , Yang Joel , Williams Ismee A. , Fifer William P.
Published: January 2020

Objective

To assess the effects of maternal position on maternal and fetal heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV) in healthy late gestation pregnancies using non‐invasive techniques during overnight studies.

Methods

In an observational study of women between 34 and 36 weeks of pregnancy conducted from September 1, 2013, to March 31, 2014, at Columbia University Medical Center, New York, US, maternal and fetal ECG recordings and position monitoring were undertaken through the night in the woman's own home. These data were used for time domain analyses of fetal and maternal heart rate and HRV.

Results

Forty‐two women were recruited to the study which showed that maternal position affected maternal heart rate (MHR), with left side sleeping associated with lower heart rate (left vs right P=0.017, left vs supine P=0.027) and higher overall HRV (left vs right P=0.032). MHR showed significant overnight changes (P=0.032). No significant positional or overnight effects were observed in fetal heart rate patterns.

Conclusion

This study uniquely incorporated analyses on maternal and fetal physiology and extended the knowledge of effects of maternal overnight sleep position on MHR in the natural sleep environment.
Multicultural personality and effectiveness in an intercultural training simulation: The role of stress and pro‐active communication
Authors: Hofhuis Joep , Schilderman Marike F. , Verdooren Arjan
Published: January 2020

Multicultural personality traits have been shown to predict intercultural outcomes in a range of settings. However, how these traits affect behaviour during intercultural interactions remains an understudied area. A study was conducted among participants in intercultural training sessions, to examine whether scores on the five dimensions of the Multicultural Personality Questionnaire (MPQ) could predict how they performed in the intercultural simulation game “Barnga.” Both a self‐rating and other‐rating of intercultural effectiveness were included. Furthermore, we examined whether perceived stress and pro‐active communication played a mediating role. Results of Latent Growth Curve Modelling (LGCM) show that emotional stability has a positive effect on mean scores (intercept) of both self‐rated and other‐rated outcomes, mediated through perceived stress. Social Initiative has a positive effect on the rate of improvement (slope) in other‐rated outcomes during the simulation, mediated through pro‐active communication.
Suppressing the metastatic properties of the breast cancer cells using STAT3 decoy oligodeoxynucleotides: A promising approach for eradication of cancer cells by differentiation therapy
Authors: Rahmati Mohammad , Johari Behrooz , Kadivar Mehdi , Rismani Elham , Mortazavi Yousef
Published: January 2020

Due to the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs), breast cancer often relapsed after conventional therapies. Strategies that induce differentiation of CSCs will be helpful in eradication of tumor cells, so we designed an oligodeoxynucleotide (ODNs) for targeting of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) transcription factor which is involved in stemness, and constitutively activated in triple‐negative breast cancer. Molecular docking and electrophoretic mobility shift assay analysis showed that decoy ODN bound specifically to the DNA binding site of STAT3 protein. The prevalent uptake of Cy3‐labeled ODNs is in the cytoplasm and the nucleus of MDA‐MB‐231 treated cells. STAT3 decoy ODNs treatment showed cell growth inhibition by decreasing cell viability (17%), increasing the percentage of arrested cells in G0/G1 phases (18%), and triggering apoptosis (29%). Migration and invasion potential decreased from 10.77 to 6.76 µm/hr, by wound closure rate, and migrated/invaded percentage by 26.4% and 15.4% in the transwell assays, respectively. CD44 protein expression level on the cell surface also decreased, while CD24 increased. Mammosphere formation efficiency reduced in terms of tumorsphere size by 47%, while the required time increased. Cells morphology was changed, and lipid droplets were accumulated in the cytoplasm compared to the control and scrambled groups, in all assays (repeated triplicate). Furthermore, the gene expression of all downstream targets significantly decreased owing to suppressing the STAT3 transcription factor. Overall, the results confirmed the antitumor effects of STAT3 decoy in MDA‐MB‐231 cells. Thus, it seems that STAT3 decoy ODNs might be considered as an auxiliary tool for breast cancer eradicating by the differentiation therapy approach.
Biomarkers of sarcopenia in very old patients with hip fracture
Authors: Sánchez‐Castellano Carmen , Martín‐Aragón Sagrario , Bermejo‐Bescós Paloma , Vaquero‐Pinto Nieves , Miret‐Corchado Carmen , Merello de Miguel Ana , Cruz‐Jentoft Alfonso José
Published: January 2020

Background

Hip fracture is both a cause and a consequence of sarcopenia. Older persons with sarcopenia have an increased risk of falling, and the prevalence of sarcopenia may be increased in those who suffer a hip fracture. The aim of this study was to explore potential biomarkers (neuromuscular and peripheral pro‐inflammatory and oxidative stress markers) that may be associated with sarcopenia in very old persons with hip fracture.

Methods

We recruited 150 consecutive patients ≥80 years old admitted to an orthogeriatric unit for an osteoporotic hip fracture. Muscle mass was assessed pre‐operatively using bioelectrical impedance analysis; Janssen's (J) and Masanés' (M) reference cut‐off points were used to define low muscle mass. Muscle strength was assessed with handgrip strength (Jamar's dynamometer). Sarcopenia was defined by having both low muscle mass and strength and using the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 definition of probable sarcopenia (low grip strength). Peripheral markers—pro‐inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters—were determined either in the plasma or in the erythrocyte fraction obtained from peripheral whole blood of every patient pre‐operatively.

Results

Mean age was 87.6 ± 4.9 years, and 78.7% were women. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 11.5% with Janssen's, 34.9% with Masanés' cut‐offs, and 93.3% with the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 definition of probable sarcopenia. Among the four pro‐inflammatory cytokines tested in plasma, only tumour necrosis factor‐α was different (lower) in sarcopenic than in non‐sarcopenic participants using both muscle mass cut‐offs (J 7.9 ± 6.2 vs. 8.3 ± 5.8, M 6.8 ± 4.7 vs. 9.1 ± 6.2). Erythrocyte glutathione system showed a non‐significant tendency to lower glutathione levels and glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratios in sarcopenic participants compared with non‐sarcopenic subjects. Catalase activity was also lower in sarcopenic participants (J 2904 ± 1429 vs. 3329 ± 1483, M 3037 ± 1430 vs. 3431 ± 1498). No significant differences were found between groups in chymotrypsin‐like activity of the 20S proteasome, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and butyrylcholinesterase activity, C‐terminal agrin fragment, interferon‐γ, or interleukin‐1β.

Conclusions

The prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with hip fracture varies according to the definition and the muscle mass reference cut‐off points used. We did not find differences in most neuromuscular, pro‐inflammatory, or oxidative stress markers, except for lower peripheral tumour necrosis factor‐α levels and catalase activity in sarcopenic participants, which may be markers of an early inflammatory reaction that is hampered in sarcopenic patients.
Comparison of multidimensional frailty score, grip strength, and gait speed in older surgical patients
Authors: Choi Jung‐Yeon , Kim Kwang‐il , Choi YoungRok , Ahn Sang‐Hoon , Kang Eunyoung , Oh Heung‐Kwon , Kim Duck‐Woo , Kim Eun‐Kyu , Yoon Yoo‐Seok , Kang Sung‐Bum , Kim Hyung‐Ho , Han Ho‐Seong , Kim Cheol‐Ho
Published: January 2020

Background

Frail older adults are at increased risk of post‐operative morbidity compared with robust counterparts. Simple methods testing frailty such as grip strength or gait speed have shown promising results for predicting post‐operative outcome, but there is a debate regarding the most appropriate and precise frailty assessment method. We compared the predictive value of multidimensional frailty score (MFS) with grip strength, gait speed, or conventional risk stratification tool for predicting post‐operative complications in older surgical patients.

Methods

From January 2016 to June 2017, 648 older surgical patients (age ≥ 65 years) were included for analysis. MFS was calculated based on the preoperative comprehensive geriatric assessment. Grip strength and gait speed were measured before surgery. The primary outcome was a composite of post‐operative complications (e.g. pneumonia, urinary tract infection, delirium, acute pulmonary thromboembolism, and unplanned intensive care unit admission). The secondary outcome was the 6 month all‐cause mortality.

Results

Among 648 patients (mean age 76.6 ± 5.4 years, 52.8% female), 66 (10.2%) patients experienced post‐operative complications, and the 6 month mortality was 3.9% (n = 25). Grip strength, gait speed, MFS, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification could predict post‐operative complication but only MFS (hazard ratio = 1.581, 95% confidence interval 1.276–1.959, P < 0.001) could predict 6 month mortality after adjustment. MFS (C‐index = 0.750) had a superior prognostic utility compared with age (0.638, P = 0.008), grip strength (0.566, P < 0.001), and ASA classification (0.649, P = 0.004). MFS improved the predictive value on age [C‐index of 0.638 (age) vs. 0.758 (age + MFS), P < 0.001] and ASA classification [C‐index of 0.649 (ASA) vs. 0.765 (ASA + MFS), P < 0.001] for post‐operative complication; however, gait speed or grip strength did not provide additional prognostic value in both age and ASA.

Conclusions

Multidimensional frailty score based on preoperative comprehensive geriatric assessment showed better utility than age, grip strength, gait speed, or ASA classification for predicting post‐operative complication and 6 month mortality. MFS also showed incremental predictive ability for post‐operative complications with the addition of age and ASA classification. Accordingly, MFS is superior to grip strength or gait speed for predicting complications among older surgical patients.