bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimization of semi‐pulsatile liquid‐liquid extraction operations in milli‐channels
Authors: Chakravorty Abir , Maitra Abhradeep , Bandopadhyay Aditya 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe work in this manuscript presents liquid‐liquid extraction augmentation and optimization due to flow pulsations on a continuous flow. The mass transfer is achieved via a transfer species (acetic acid) that diffuses in the aqueous phase (water), which is in a continuous flow, from the organic phase (toluene), exhibiting pulsed flow pattern. It is observed through experiments that the incorporation of pulsation leads to enhanced extraction/mass transfer compared to continuous flows. Also, an increase of the pulsation parameters, such as amplitude and frequency, increases the mass transfer, but when the process is evaluated in terms of economy, it is found that the rate of extraction per unit power is maximum for moderate frequencies and amplitudes. Based on the experiments, a Linton and Sherwood‐like correlation for determining extracted concentration at the exit of the test section in semi‐pulsatile flow conditions is proposed. During the course of experiments, it is found that the flow pattern changes from dispersed‐type flow pattern of the organic phase to slug and then slug dispersed with an increase of superficial velocity of toluene, at a particular superficial velocity of the water. Also, the total power consumed during the extraction process increases with an increase in the product of amplitude and frequency. With the experimental approach presented in this paper, one will be able to optimize semi‐pulsatile liquid‐liquid mass transfer operations.
Robotic Catalysis: A High‐Throughput Method for Miniature Screening of Mesoporous Metal Oxides**
Authors: Potgieter Kariska , Aimon Anthony , Smit Elize , von Delft Frank , Meijboom Reinout 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWe have developed a high‐throughput system to synthesise and explore up to 96 heterogeneous catalysts at the same time. The system was developed as a proof of concept, using a standard glass plate and a 3D printed 96‐well plate. Nano‐droplets of catalyst formulations were transferred to the glass plate using an acoustic liquid handler and upon heat treatments, the miniature mesoporous metal oxide (MMO) catalysts were formed. The 3D printed bottomless 96‐well plate was fixed to the glass plate, to give 96 individual wells, each containing a catalyst. Four catalyst plates were prepared (Co3O4‐, Au/Co3O4‐, Pd/Co3O4‐ and Co/Mn‐MMO) to be screened for their activity in the oxidation of morin, as a model reaction. The observed reaction rates (kobs) for each catalyst were calculated to identify the most active catalyst. The general method described herein requires microscopic amounts of catalysts with derivates of the catalyst's composition.
Haemodynamic optimisation of a dialysis graft design using a global optimisation approach
Authors: Quicken Sjeng , Delhaas Tammo , Mees Barend M. E. , Huberts Wouter 
Published: November 2020

AbstractDisturbed flow and the resulting non‐physiological wall shear stress (WSS) at the graft‐vein anastomosis play an important role in arteriovenous graft (AVG) patency loss. Modifying graft geometry with helical features is a popular approach to minimise the occurrence of detrimental haemodynamics and to potentially increase graft longevity. Haemodynamic optimisation of AVGs typically requires many computationally expensive computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to evaluate haemodynamic performance of different graft designs. In this study, we aimed to develop a haemodynamically optimised AVG by using an efficient meta‐modelling approach. A training dataset containing CFD evaluations of 103 graft designs with helical features was used to develop computationally low‐cost meta‐models for haemodynamic metrics related to graft dysfunction. During optimisation, the meta‐models replaced CFD simulations that were otherwise needed to evaluate the haemodynamic performance of possible graft designs. After optimisation, haemodynamic performance of the optimised graft design was verified using a CFD simulation. The obtained optimised graft design contained both a helical graft centreline and helical ridge. Using the optimised design, the magnitude of flow disturbances and the size of the anastomotic areas exposed to non‐physiological WSS was successfully reduced compared to a regular straight graft. Our meta‐modelling approach allowed to reduce the total number of CFD model evaluations required for our design optimisation by approximately a factor 2000. The applied efficient meta‐modelling technique was successful in identifying an optimal, helical graft design at relatively low computational costs. Future studies should evaluate the in vivo benefits of the developed graft design.
Averaging Principle and Shape Theorem for a Growth Model with Memory
Authors: Dembo Amir , Groisman Pablo , Huang Ruojun , Sidoravicius Vladas 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWe present a general approach to study a class of random growth models in n‐dimensional Euclidean space. These models are designed to capture basic growth features that are expected to manifest at the mesoscopic level for several classical self‐interacting processes originally defined at the microscopic scale. It includes once‐reinforced random walk with strong reinforcement, origin‐excited random walk, and a few others, for which the set of visited vertices is expected to form a limiting shape. We prove an averaging principle that leads to such a shape theorem. The limiting shape can be computed in terms of the invariant measure of an associated Markov chain. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Self‐Assembly of Pseudo[1]rotaxanes by Palladium(II)/Platinum(II)‐Directed Integrative Social Self‐Sorting: Is the Metal Required?
Authors: Rama Tamara , Blanco‐Gómez Arturo , Peinador Carlos , García Marcos D. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractNew results are presented on the multicomponent supramolecular synthesis of pseudo[1]rotaxanes, achieved by designing pairs of structurally matching N‐monoalkyl‐4,4’‐bipyridinium/2,7‐diazapyrenium‐based ligands having complementary π‐donor/acceptor features, and intended to self‐assemble into the targeted supramolecules by following integrative self‐sorting processes. In all the studied cases, it was found that the envisioned species, characterized by NMR spectroscopy and MS spectrometry, arise as the main products of the self‐assembly in aqueous media by using palladium(II)/platinum(II) metal centers as the guiding force. Crucially, we have also found that by improving the π‐donor/acceptor properties of the matching pairs of ligands (L4 and L5), the integrative self‐sorting processes prevail even in the absence of metallic ions to afford the heterodimeric species with an association constant being 756±43 M−1.
Early postnatal exposure to a cafeteria diet interferes with recency and spatial memory, but not open field habituation in adolescent rats
Authors: Wait Janina , Burns Catherine , Jones Taylor , Harper Zoe , Allen Emily , Langley‐Evans Simon C. , Voigt Jörg‐Peter 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe cafeteria diet (CD), an experimental diet that mimics the obesogenic Western diet, can impair memory in adult rats. However, the suckling period is also particularly susceptible to diet‐induced behavioural modification. Here, following exposure to CD feeding during lactation, 24‐ to 26‐day‐old offspring were tested to determine maternal dietary effects on either open field habituation, object location (OL) learning or on recency learning. Whereas no impact on habituation learning could be demonstrated, both OL and recency memory were impaired. In controls (C), OL memory was shown both after a 5 min (p < .05) or 60 min (p < .001) inter‐trial interval (ITI). After the 60 min ITI, the difference between C and CD was significant (p < .05). Learning did not occur in the CD group at any time point and was not observed after the 24hr ITI in in either group. Whereas control rats demonstrated intact recency memory (p < .00001), no learning occurred in the CD group. Both groups differed significantly in their exploration ratios (p < .01). This study suggests a detrimental effect of exposure to an unhealthy Western diet during lactation, on cognitive functions in adolescent rats. These results could have implications for human cognition in the context of obesity epidemic.
eDNA metabarcoding reveals dietary niche overlap among herbivores in an Indian wildlife sanctuary
Authors: ter Schure Anneke T.M. , Pillai Anusree A.S. , Thorbek Lisbeth , Bhavani Shankar Maradani , Puri Rajindra , Ravikanth Gudasalamani , de Boer Hugo J. , Boessenkool Sanne 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAs many ecosystems are under increasing pressure from invasive species, habitat degradation, overgrazing and overharvesting, pollution, and climate change, dietary niche monitoring is gaining importance. The Malai Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary (MMH) in southern India is home to several long‐standing ethnic and tribal groups and supports a considerable number of domestic herbivores (cattle, goats and water buffalo) as well as a range of wildlife (including several species of deer, bonnet macaque, and Asian elephant). We reconstructed dietary niche partitioning of the herbivores occurring in MMH using eDNA metabarcoding to quantify diet richness, composition, and overlap. In total, we distinguish 134 diet items (molecular operational taxonomic units), covering 31 plant families. Overall, our results indicate 35% overlap in domestic and wild herbivore diet items. The greatest overlap is found for the dietary niches of cattle and sambar deer (Pianka's niche overlap index: 0.68), and the dietary niche of cattle also overlaps considerably with those of Indian hare (0.65) and Asian elephant (0.46). This suggests that these herbivores may compete for these food plants in the case of limited availability, which could lead to exclusion of some herbivore species. Particular concern should go to bonnet macaque and Asian elephant as their below average dietary richness could make them vulnerable to changes in their environment. With increasing pressures on local wildlife from a range of different factors, DNA metabarcoding of fecal samples is a non‐invasive method for monitoring changes in animal diets, providing valuable information for the management of biodiversity in mosaic natural and anthropogenic landscapes.
A novel possible familial cause of epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures related to SZT2 gene variant
Authors: El Halabi Tarek , Dirani Maya , Hotait Mostafa , Nasreddine Wassim , Beydoun Ahmad 
Published: November 2020

AbstractSeizure threshold‐2 (SZT2) gene variants have been associated with a decrease in seizure threshold resulting in variable phenotypic expressions ranging from mild‐moderate intellectual disabilities without seizures, to an early‐onset epileptic encephalopathy with severe cognitive impairment. In addition, hypotonia and distinctive facial dysmorphism, including a high forehead and to a lesser extent ptosis and down‐slanting palpebral fissures, were present in the majority. We herein report a novel SZT2 variant in one of two siblings both diagnosed with epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures (EIMFS). This report is the fourth to document a possible familial case in EIMFS, a condition that was not previously associated with SZT2 variant. This report expands the phenotypic expression of SZT2, corroborates the importance of genetic counseling in some cases of EIMFS, and highlights the efficacy of potassium bromide in controlling the seizures associated with this condition.
Fungal diversity of “solom” a Ghanaian traditional beverage of millet (Pennisetum glaucum)
Authors: Kortei Nii Korley , Asiedu Prince , Annan Theophilus , Deku John Gameli , Boakye Adjoa Agyemang 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe association of cereals with fungi cannot be disregarded as their manifestation in our foods poses serious health risks. The aim of this study was to investigate the mycofloral (fungal) and chemical (pH) qualities of the “solom” (beverage of millet) available for consumption from their respective sales points in Ho. “Solom” a cereal beverage of millet was sampled from ten (10) different locations in the Ho Municipality of Ghana and evaluated for their pH, fungal counts, and species diversity. Mycological analyses were done on Oxytetracycline Glucose Yeast Extract (OGYE) and Dichloran Rose Bengal Chloramphenicol (DRBC) media from three (3) points per location using serial dilution. A total of fourteen (14) fungal species belonging to eight (8) genera were isolated on both media; Aspergillus (A. niger, A. flavus, A. fumigatus, A. parasiticus, A. alutaceaus, A. terreus), Rhizopus (R. stolonifer), Mucor (M. racemosus), Fusarium (F. oxysporum), Penicillium (P. digitatum, P. verucosum), Cladosporium (C. cladosporoides), Curvularia (C. lunata), and Rhodotorula sp. were recorded. Fungal counts on both media ranged between 1.68 ± 0.8 and 4.11 ± 0.9 log10 CFU/ml. There were statistically significant (p < .05) differences observed in the samples from different locations. The values of pH recorded were in the range of 3.03 ± 0.09–4.03 ± 0.23 and showed no significant differences (p > .05) among them. All samples were found to be in the acceptable range of values prescribed by the International Commission for Microbiological Specification of Foods (ICMSF, 1998). Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Hygiene Practices (GHP) should be employed to enhance food safety.
Prognostic Value of B‐Type Natriuretic Peptide in Liver Transplant Patients: Implication in Posttransplant Mortality
Authors: Kwon Hye‐Mee , Moon Young‐Jin , Kim Kyoung‐Sun , Shin Won‐Jung , Huh In‐Young , Jun In‐Gu , Song Jun‐Gol , Hwang Gyu‐Sam 
Published: November 2020

Background and Aims
Despite frequent cirrhotic cardiomyopathy or subclinical heart failure (HF), the prognostic value of peri–liver transplant (LT) B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) has been poorly studied in advanced liver disease. We examined the association between BNP and mortality in a large cohort of LT patients and identified risk factors for peri‐LT BNP increase.

Approach and Results
Using prospectively collected data from the Asan LT Registry between 2008 and 2019, 3,811 patients who measured serial pretransplant BNP (preBNP) and peak BNP levels within the first 3 posttransplant days (postBNPPOD3) were analyzed. Thirty‐day all‐cause mortality predicted by adding preBNP and/or postBNPPOD3 to the traditional Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI) was evaluated. PreBNP > 400 pg/mL (known cutoff of acute HF) was found in 298 (7.8%); however, postBNPPOD3 > 400 pg/mL was identified in 961 (25.2%) patients, specifically in 40.4% (531/1,315) of those with a Model for End‐Liver Disease score (MELDs) > 20. Strong predictors of postBNPPOD3 > 400 pg/mL were preBNP, hyponatremia, and MELDs, whereas those of preBNP > 400 pg/mL were MELDs, kidney failure, and respiratory failure. Among 100 (2.6%) post‐LT patients who died within 30 days, patients with postBNPPOD3 ≤ 150 pg/mL (43.1%, reference group), 150‐400 pg/mL (31.7%), 400‐1,000 pg/mL (18.5%), 1,000‐2,000 pg/mL (4.7%), and >2,000 pg/mL (2.0%) had 30‐day mortalities of 0.9%, 2.2%, 4.0%, 7.7%, and 22.4%, respectively. Adding preBNP, postBNPPOD3, and both BNP to RCRI improved net reclassification index to 22.5%, 29.5%, and 33.1% of 30‐day mortality, respectively.

Conclusions
PostBNPPOD3 > 400 pg/mL after LT was markedly prevalent in advanced liver disease and mainly linked to elevated preBNP. Routine monitoring of peri‐LT BNP provides incremental prognostic information; therefore, it could help risk stratification for mortality as a practical and useful biomarker in LT.
Bark beetles as lidar targets and prospects of photonic surveillance
Authors: Li Meng , Jansson Samuel , Runemark Anna , Peterson Jonathan , Kirkeby Carsten Thure , Jönsson Anna Maria , Brydegaard Mikkel 
Published: November 2020

AbstractForestry is raising concern about the outbreaks of European spruce bark beetle, Ips typographus, causing extensive damage to the spruce forest and timber values. Precise monitoring of these beetles is a necessary step towards preventing outbreaks. Current commercial monitoring methods are catch‐based and lack in both temporal and spatial resolution. In this work, light scattering from beetles is characterized, and the feasibility of entomological lidar as a tool for long‐term monitoring of bark beetles is explored. Laboratory optical properties, wing thickness, and wingbeat frequency of bark beetles are reported, and these parameters can infer target identity in lidar data. Lidar results from a Swedish forest with controlled bark beetle release event are presented. The capability of lidar to simultaneously monitor both insects and a pheromone plume mixed with chemical smoke governing the dispersal of many insects is demonstrated. In conclusion, entomological lidar is a promising tool for monitoring bark beetles.
Anti‐citrullinated protein antibodies are associated with neutrophil extracellular trap formation in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Wu Siyu , Peng Wanchan , Liang Xianghui , Wang Wei 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectivesWe evaluated the associations of anti‐citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) and serological and cytological levels of neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.MethodsSerum levels of myeloperoxidase‐DNA and elastase‐DNA complexes (NET remnants) were examined in 51 patients with RA and 40 healthy controls using a modified enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Neutrophils were isolated by density gradient centrifugation. IgG antibodies were purified by affinity chromatography. NET formation in RA and control neutrophils was assessed by microscopy in vitro. NETs were purified and co‐incubated with fibroblast‐like synoviocyte (FLS) cells. Interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐8 mRNA expression and protein levels in FLS cells were determined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, respectively.ResultsIn RA patients, NET remnants in the peripheral circulation were higher in extremely high ACPA titers when compared to in moderate ACPA titers. And IgG antibodies containing ACPA can stimulate neutrophils to form NETs in a concentration‐dependent manner. Furthermore, significantly higher expression of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐6 and IL‐8 is detected after FLS cells interacted with NETs which derived from neutrophils stimulated with ACPA‐containing IgG antibodies.ConclusionsAnti‐citrullinated protein antibodies may enhance NET formation and contribute to inflammation development in RA by stimulating NET formation, such as by subsequent activation of FLS cells by NETs.
Relationship between immune status after ATG treatment and PNH clone evolution in patients with severe aplastic anemia
Authors: Wang Honglei , Liu Hui , Wang Ting , Li Lijuan , Liu Chunyan , Li Liyan , Chen Tong , Qi Weiwei , Ding Kai , Fu Rong 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate the relationship between immune status and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) clonal evolution of severe aplastic anemia (SAA) patients who received anti‐human thymocyte globulin (ATG) treatment.MethodsThe clinical data of 102 SAA patients who received ATG were collected and retrospectively analyzed. The remission rate, remission time, response rate, hematopoietic, and immune status were compared. Malignant clones were also observed.ResultsThe remission rate of the group with PNH clones appeared after treatment was significantly higher than the group without PNH clones. The response rate at 12 months of the groups with PNH clones was significantly higher than the group without PNH clones. The recovery of Hb and Ret % of patients with PNH clones was earlier than the patients without PNH clones. The reduction of percentage of CD8+HLA‐DR+/CD8+and Th1/Th2 ratio of patients with PNH clones was both earlier than the patients without PNH clones. Six patients developed myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).ConclusionIn SAA patients with PNH clones, the cytotoxic T‐cell function and Th1 cell number recovered more quickly and had better response to IST. A small number of SAA patients with or without PNH clones developed MDS malignant clones.
Immersion and haptic feedback impacts on dental anesthesia technical skills virtual reality training
Authors: Collaço Elen , Kira Elisabeti , Sallaberry Lucas H , Queiroz Anna C. M. , Machado Maria A. A. M. , Crivello Jr Oswaldo , Tori Romero 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectivesAdministering anesthesia to the inferior alveolar nerve is 1 of the most stressful processes in dental training. Most studies using virtual reality (VR) for dental training have used non‐immersive technologies. The purpose of this work is to assess the impact of immersive technologies on skills training.MethodsOn May 2019, an experimental study was conducted with 163 clinical dental students, divided into 4 groups across 2 phases (preceptorship and training) with haptic feedback either On or Off. The participants trained on the inferior alveolar dental anesthesia procedure in a haptic VR simulator. Their technical skills were evaluated in terms of needle insertion features which were computed from a haptic device providing kinematic data. Also, the participants reported their subjective experience with syringe handling and simulator sickness. A machine learning method was implemented to automatically evaluate the needle insertion point performance of the student.ResultsGroups receiving immersive preceptorship and/or immersive training showed more accuracy and confidence in administering the anesthesia. Participants perceived a high sense of realism with the haptic feedback when handling the syringe. The machine learning method was validated, with an accuracy of 84%, as a good classifier to assess a student's needle insertion point performance.ConclusionsThe immersive VR simulator allows the practice of the inferior alveolar nerve block under near real conditions and with immediate feedback to the dental student with respect to the needle insertion point. This machine learning based automatic evaluation provides a method to improve technical skills, contributing to dental training.
Overcoming the challenge of COVID‐19: A grounded theory approach to rural nurses' experiences
Authors: Ohta Ryuichi , Matsuzaki Yaeko , Itamochi Satomi 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIntroductionThis study inquires into nurses' changing perceptions with regard to the efforts in preparation for working in a COVID‐19 ward in the rural Japanese context.MethodsData were collected using ethnographic methods and semi‐structured interviews among 16 nurses working in the COVID‐19 ward of a rural community hospital in Japan. A grounded theory approach was used for the qualitative analysis.ResultsIn total, 70 hours' observation and participation were completed, and 27 pages of field notes were taken and used for the analysis. In addition, 32 interviews were conducted with 16 participants. Four themes emerged from the data: pre–COVID‐work perceptions, overcoming fear, shadow cast by working in the COVID‐19 ward, and an integrated approach to the fear of COVID‐19. The nurses initially felt unpredictable fear. However, the establishment of standard approaches and practices for COVID‐19 gave them confidence in their safety and helped them regain sympathy for patients. Nevertheless, working on COVID‐19 cases negatively affected their activities outside of the ward, and some of them developed an identity crisis as they feared for the future.ConclusionBetter teamwork, comprehensive understanding of COVID‐19, and continuous provision of proper knowledge in rural hospitals should be driven by appropriate understanding and sympathy for nurses and patients in COVID‐19 wards. The results of this study can be applied to mitigate nurses' fear, improve teamwork, and ensure understanding of COVID‐19 by all medical staff in rural hospitals.