bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Janus Membranes with Asymmetric Wettability Applied in Oil/Water Emulsion Separations
Authors: Zhang Rong , Sun Yihan , Guo Zhiguang , Liu Weimin 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWith frequent oil spill accidents and the large amount of oily wastewater produced in various industrial and domestic processes, the separation of emulsified oil/water mixtures has become an important topic in environmental protection. Janus membranes with asymmetric wettability stand out among many separation materials for their switchable separation, high separation efficiency, low energy consumption, good repeatability, and durability. In recent years, Janus membranes have developed rapidly, but their separation principles and advantages and disadvantages compared with other separation methods in oil/water emulsion are rarely reviewed. Here, the classification of Janus membranes based on special wettability is summarized. According to the different separation principles, this paper focuses on the research and application of Janus membranes in oil/water emulsions based on the size sieving effect, the charge‐screening effect, coalescence, and differential pressure. The advantages and disadvantages of Janus membrane application in oil/water emulsion are shown after comparing with the separation materials based on filtration, absorption, and electric demulsification. Finally, some challenges and prospects are presented for the future development of Janus membranes.
A comparative analysis of habitat quality between artificial and natural creeks in the Mediterranean killifish Aphanius fasciatus: Implications for conservation
Authors: Cavraro Francesco , Finotti Giada , Rossato Giulia , Zucchetta Matteo , Facca Chiara , Malavasi Stefano 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

In transitional water ecosystems, habitat loss is one of the major threats to fish biodiversity. This is particularly true in the case of temperate salt marshes. Good quality artificial novel habitats may compensate for the loss of natural habitats, acting as a refuge for fish populations.
The aim of this study was to use coloured ornamental traits exhibited by the males of a small lagoon‐resident fish, the Mediterranean killifish Aphanius fasciatus (Valenciennes, 1821), to assess habitat quality in both the natural and artificial creeks of the Venice lagoon.
The conspicuousness of two secondary sexual traits, the yellow/orange caudal fin pigmentation and the contrast between white and dark vertical bars on body sides, proved to be greater in artificial habitats compared to natural salt marshes, highlighting the refuge function of artificial creeks.
The use of secondary sexual traits could be extended to other fish species and to other aquatic habitats as a non‐invasive approach. This would allow the identification of good quality habitats in the context of fish population management and conservation.
A brief overview on the application and sources of α‐amylase and expression hosts properties in order to production of recombinant α‐amylase
Authors: Movahedpour Ahmad , Asadi Marzieh , Khatami Seyyed Hossein , Taheri‐Anganeh Mortaza , Adelipour Maryam , Shabaninejad Zahra , Ahmadi Nahid , Irajie Cambyz , Mousavi Pegah 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBy reducing the activation energy, enzymes accelerate the chemical reaction; therefore, they are good alternative for industrial catalysts. Amylase is a suitable enzyme as a catalyst for the chemical decomposition of starch. This enzyme is of great importance, and its production is highly profitable. α‐Amylase is among the most important amylases produced naturally by animals, plants, and microorganisms. Still, the α‐amylases produced by bacteria have a special place in industry and commerce. Moreover, a large volume of this enzyme can be produced by selecting an appropriate and optimized host to clone and express the α‐amylase gene. The present study briefly reviews the structure, application, sources, and hosts used to produce recombinant α‐amylase.
Combined effect of NaCl and resting on dough rheology of Chinese traditional hand‐stretched dried noodles and the underlying mechanism
Authors: Wang Jin‐Rong , Guo Xiao‐Na , Yang Zhen , Xing Jun‐Jie , Zhu Ke‐Xue 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackground and objectivesChinese traditional hand‐stretched dried noodles (CHDN) have been a staple for thousands of years in China and are increasing popular worldwide. NaCl and resting play key roles in the production of CHDN. This study was designed to investigate the combined effect of salt addition and resting on rheology of CHDN dough.FindingsThe results of our study showed that the storage modulus (G′), loss modulus (G″), Tanδ, and extensional property of dough increased with the increased levels of NaCl and peaked at 4% NaCl. These changes were due to that salt promoted the aggregation of gluten in dough by increasing the hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions among gluten subunits. The resting process resulted in decreased G′, G″, and extensional strength, while it increased Tanδ, extensibility, and the extensional area, and these were caused by gluten relaxation and gliadin aggregation. The increased addition of NaCl accelerated the change in small deformation rheology of dough during resting but decelerated the change in extensional property.ConclusionsIncreased salt additions could increase the extensibility and extensional strength of rested dough and extend the changing time in extensional property of CHDN dough during resting. In conclusion, increased salt addition would enhance the processing property and extend the resting time of dough during the production of CHDN.Significance and noveltyThe combined effect of NaCl addition and resting on the rheology of the dough for CHDN preparation and the underlying mechanisms were investigated. This study provides insights into the production of CHDN.
Large infected pulmonary cyst mimicking empyema thoracis
Authors: Kang Do Kyun , Kang Min Kyun , Heo Woon , Hwang Youn‐Ho 
Published: March 2021

AbstractInfected pulmonary cyst could be misdiagnosed as empyema thoracis. Here, we report an infected pulmonary cyst in a middle‐aged male patient. This report could serve as a reminder for differential diagnosis of infected pulmonary cyst, for which surgical approach would be more safe and effective method.
Irreversible Bildung von Nebenprodukten bei der Synthese von Poly(oxymethylen)dimethylethern
Authors: Voggenreiter Johannes , Burger Jakob 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPoly(oxymethylen)dimethylether gewinnen aufgrund ihrer guten Verbrennungseigenschaften zunehmend Interesse als potenzielle Dieselkraftstoffe. Bei der Synthese aus Methanol und Formaldehyd spielen Nebenprodukte jedoch eine wichtige Rolle für die Auslegung und Machbarkeit des Prozesses. Diese Arbeit präsentiert experimentelle Daten für die Bildung der Nebenprodukte Trioxan, Methylformiat und Ameisensäure unter verschiedenen Reaktionsbedingungen. Darüber hinaus wird ein kinetisches Modell aus der Literatur um die beobachteten Nebenreaktionen erweitert.
The direct and indirect effects of COVID‐19 pandemic in a real‐life hematological setting
Authors: Condom Maria , Mussetti Alberto , Maluquer Clara , Parody Rocío , González‐Barca Eva , Arnan Montserrat , Albasanz‐Puig Adaia , Pomares Helena , Salas Maria Queralt , Carro Itziar , Peña Marta , Clapes Victòria , Baca Cano Cristina , Oliveira Ramos Ana Carla , Sanz‐Linares Gabriela , Moreno‐González Gabriel , Mercadal Santiago , Boqué Concepcion , Gudiol Carlota , Domingo‐Domènech Eva , Sureda Anna 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundClinical outcomes of novel coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID‐19) in onco‐hematological patients are unknown. When compared to non‐immunocompromised patients, onco‐hematological patients seem to have higher mortality rates.AimsWe describe the characteristics and outcomes of a consecutive cohort of 24 onco‐hematological patients with COVID‐19 during the first month of the pandemic. We also describe variations in healthcare resource utilization within our hematology department.Methods and ResultsData from patients between the first month of the pandemic were retrospectively collected. Clinical and logistic data were also collected and compared with the average values from the prior 3 months of activity. Prevalence of COVID‐19 in our hematological population was 0.4%. Baseline characteristics were as follows: male sex: 83%, lymphoid diseases: 46%, median age: 69 (22‐82) years. Median follow‐up in survivors was 14 (9‐28) days and inpatient mortality rate was 46%. Average time to moderate/severe respiratory insufficiency and death were 3 (1‐10) and 10 (3‐18) days, respectively. Only 1 out of every 12 patients who developed moderate to severe respiratory insufficiency recovered. Upon univariate analysis, the following factors were associated with higher mortality: age ≥ 70 years (P = .01) and D‐dimer ≥900 mcg/L (P = .04). With respect to indirect effects during the COVID‐19 pandemic, and when compared with the prior 3 months of activity, inpatient mortality (excluding patients with COVID‐19 included in the study) increased by 56%. This was associated with a more frequent use of vasoactive drugs (+300%) and advanced respiratory support (+133%) in the hematology ward. In the outpatient setting, there was a reduction in initial visits (−55%) and chemotherapy sessions (−19%). A significant increase in phone visits was reported (+581%).ConclusionCOVID‐19 pandemic is associated with elevated mortality in hematological patients. Negative indirect effects are also evident within this setting.
Assessing data change in scientific datasets
Authors: Müller Juliane , Faybishenko Boris , Agarwal Deborah , Bailey Stephen , Jiang Chongya , Ryu Youngryel , Tull Craig , Ramakrishnan Lavanya 
Published: March 2021

SummaryScientific datasets are growing rapidly and becoming critical to next‐generation scientific discoveries. The validity of scientific results relies on the quality of data used and data are often subject to change, for example, due to observation additions, quality assessments, or processing software updates. The effects of data change are not well understood and difficult to predict. Datasets are often repeatedly updated and recomputing derived data products quickly becomes time consuming and resource intensive and may in some cases not even be necessary, thus delaying scientific advance. Despite its importance, there is a lack of systematic approaches for best comparing data versions to quantify the changes, and ad‐hoc or manual processes are commonly used. In this article, we propose a novel hierarchical approach for analyzing data changes, including real‐time (online) and offline analyses. We employ a variety of fast‐to‐compute numerical analyses, graphical data change representations, and more resource‐intensive recomputations of a subset of the data product. We illustrate the application of our approach using three scientific diverse use cases, namely, satellite, cosmological, and x‐ray data. The results show that a variety of data change metrics should be employed to enable a comprehensive representation and qualitative evaluation of data changes.
Cyano‐Functionalized Quinoxaline‐Based Polymer Acceptors for All‐Polymer Solar Cells and Organic Transistors
Authors: You Hoseon , Kang Hyunbum , Kim Donguk , Park Jin Su , Lee Jin‐Woo , Lee Seungjin , Kim Felix Sunjoo , Kim Bumjoon J. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractQuinoxaline (Qx) derivatives are promising building units for efficient photovoltaic polymers owing to their strong light absorption and high charge‐transport abilities, but they have been used exclusively in the construction of polymer donors. Herein, for the first time, Qx‐based polymer acceptors (PAs) were developed by introducing electron‐withdrawing cyano (CN) groups into the Qx moiety (QxCN). A series of QxCN‐based PAs, P(QxCN‐T2), P(QxCN‐TVT), and P(QxCN‐T3), were synthesized by copolymerizing the QxCN unit with bithiophene, (E)‐1,2‐di(thiophene‐2‐yl)ethene, and terthiophene, respectively. All of the PAs exhibited unipolar n‐type characteristics with organic field‐effect transistor (OFET) mobilities of around 10−2 cm2 V−1 s−1. In space‐charge‐limited current devices, P(QxCN‐T2) and P(QxCN‐TVT) exhibited electron mobilities greater than 1.0×10−4 cm2 V−1 s−1, due to the well‐ordered structure with tight π‐π stacking. When the PAs were applied in all‐polymer solar cells (all‐PSCs), the highest performance of 5.32 % was achieved in the P(QxCN‐T2)‐based device. These results demonstrate the significant potential of Qx‐based PAs for high‐performance all‐PSCs and OFETs.
Enhancing One‐Dimensional Charge Transport in Metal‐organic Framework Hexagonal Nanorods for Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Lai Yulian , Xiao Longhui , Tao Yuan , Gao Zhi , Zhang Liuxin , Su Xuemin , Dai Ying 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMetal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have exhibited huge potential in electrocatalytic fields. However, the intrinsic low conductivity and the blockage of metal active sites by organic linkers still seriously hinder their large‐scale application. In this study, as a proof of principle, constructing cofacial π–π stacking in the terminal ligand (4,4′‐bipyridine) of a Ni/Fe‐chain‐based MOF to fabricate strong π–π interaction, in combination with unique hexagonal nanorod (HXR) structure, is found to be an effective strategy to enhance one‐dimensional charge carrier efficiency and thus achieve excellent activity in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The approach yields a high turnover frequency (4.54 s−1) in well‐designed bimetallic chain‐based MOFs (NiFe‐HXR) at an overpotential of 350 mV, which is about 8.7 and 34.9 times higher than those in Ni‐HXR (0.52 s−1) and IrO2 (0.13 s−1), respectively. This work effectively combines “through‐bond” channel in chain‐based structure of NiFe‐HXR and “through‐space” transport between face‐to‐face terminal ligands, thus resulting in outstanding OER activity. This strategy of modulating the structure chemistry and morphology of MOFs to promote the OER may open a new perspective to synthesize MOFs for energy‐relevant electrochemical reactions.
Trends in land surface phenology across the conterminous United States (1982‐2016) analyzed by NEON domains
Authors: Liang Liang , Henebry Geoffrey M. , Liu Lingling , Zhang Xiaoyang , Hsu Li‐Chih 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTracking phenological change in a regionally explicit context is a key to understanding ecosystem status and change. The current study investigated long‐term trends of satellite‐observed land surface phenology (LSP) in the 17 National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) domains across the conterminous United States (CONUS). Characterization of LSP trends was based on a high temporal resolution (3‐d) time series of the two‐band enhanced vegetation index (EVI2) derived from a long‐term data record (LTDR) of the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) and the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). We identified significant trend patterns in LSP and their seasonal climate and land use/land cover drivers for each NEON domain. Key findings include (1) the start of season (SOS) predominantly shifted later in 13 out of 17 domains (24.3% of CONUS by area) due potentially to both a lack of spring warming in the eastern United States and changes in agronomic practices over agricultural lands; (2) the end of season (EOS) became predominantly later in nine domains dominated by natural vegetation (14.1% of CONUS by area) in response to widespread warming in autumn; (3) the EOS predominantly shifted earlier in three domains (10.6% of CONUS by area) over primarily agricultural lands as potentially affected by changes in crop growth cycles; and (4) earlier shift in the SOS was mostly found in the Northwest (3.6% of CONUS by area) and was predominant only in the moist Pacific Northwest (27.7% of the domain by area) in response to more pronounced spring warming in the region. The overall patterns of SOS and EOS trends across CONUS appeared constrained by continental‐scale temperature trends as characterized by a west‐east dipole and the distribution of the nation's agricultural lands. In addition, seasonal trend analysis revealed that most NEON domains (15/17) became predominantly greener in part of or throughout the growing season, potentially contributed by both climate change‐induced growth increase and improved agricultural productivity. The domain‐wide LSP trends with their underlying drivers identified here provide important contextual information for NEON science as well as for investigations within CONUS using other distributed observatories (e.g., LTER, LTAR, FLUXNET, USA‐NPN, etc.).
Differential effect of malnutrition between patients hospitalized with new‐onset heart failure and worsening of chronic heart failure
Authors: Matsumura Koichiro , Teranaka Wakana , Taniichi Masanao , Otagaki Munemitsu , Takahashi Hiroki , Fujii Kenichi , Yamamoto Yoshihiro , Nakazawa Gaku , Shiojima Ichiro 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimsWe aimed to investigate the differences in the prevalence, severity, and prognostic impact of malnutrition between patients with new‐onset heart failure (HF) and worsening of chronic HF.Methods and resultsIn older (≥60 years) hospitalized patients with acute HF, malnutrition was assessed according to the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI). A score <92 was defined as malnutrition. The primary endpoint was a composite endpoint, including cardiac death or rehospitalization for HF. Among 210 patients, 37% (52/142) of patients with new‐onset HF and 31% (21/68) of patients with worsening of chronic HF had malnutrition (P = 0.41). The GNRI classification was comparable between the two groups. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed a significant difference in the incidence of the composite endpoint in patients with new‐onset HF (GNRI < 92 vs. GNRI ≥ 92: 50% vs. 32%, P = 0.007), but not in patients with worsening of chronic HF (GNRI < 92 vs. GNRI ≥ 92: 67% vs. 68%, P = 0.91). The adjusted Cox proportional hazards model demonstrated that a GNRI of <92 was an independent prognostic factor for the composite endpoint in patients with new‐onset HF only.ConclusionsAmong older hospitalized patients with acute HF, the prevalence and severity of malnutrition were comparable between the two categories of patients. Malnutrition was an independent prognostic factor in patients with new‐onset HF, while clinical prognosis was poor in patients with worsening of HF, irrespective of malnutrition. The prognostic impact of malnutrition differs between new‐onset HF and worsening of chronic HF.
Modelling the response of a double‐barred sandy beach system to time‐varying wave angles
Authors: Nnafie A. , Driessen A.S. , de Swart H.E. , Price T.D. 
Published: March 2021

SummarySandy beaches typically have one or more shore‐parallel bars with superimposed smaller‐scale three‐dimensional (3D) bars. Knowledge of their morphodynamic behaviour under more realistic wave conditions is limited. This study investigates the response of beaches with two shore‐parallel bars to sinusoidally time‐varying angles of incidence, using a non‐linear morphodynamic model. Different periods and amplitudes of this sinusoidal variation are considered, as well as different time‐mean wave angles. For time‐invariant and normally incident waves, results show that alongshore rhythmic 3D bars form in the domains of inner and outer shore‐parallel bars. The 3D bars in the inner domain are coupled at half the outer‐bars wavelength. This phase coupling breaks up when the wave angle varies in time. Initially, regular 3D bars form in the inner domain (free behaviour), which become irregular when 3D bars develop in the outer domain (forced behaviour). The heights of the 3D bars oscillate with time, reaching maximum values when the forcing period is comparable to the system adjustment time scale (∼ 10–20 days). For a time‐varying wave angle around an oblique mean, alongshore migrating 3D bars emerge in both inner and outer domains. In contrast, for an oblique (constant) wave angle, 3D bars only form in the inner domain and they hardly migrate alongshore. For any forcing period, the dominant response period of the oscillating bar heights is at half the forcing period when waves are (on average) normally incident, and it equals the forcing period when waves are on average obliquely incident. Compared with time‐invariant angles, heights of inner and outer 3D bars are (on average) smaller and larger, respectively, when the angle varies with time, particularly for forcing periods in the order of the system adjustment time scale. Increasing the amplitude of the time‐varying wave angle weakens bar growth. Explanations of these results are also provided.
A territory‐wide study on the factors associated with recurrent asthma exacerbations requiring hospitalization in Hong Kong
Authors: Chan Ka Pang , Ko Fanny Wai San , Ling Kwun Cheung , Cheung Pik Shan , Chan Lee Veronica , Chan Yu Hong , Lo Yi Tat , Ng Chun Kong , Lui Macy Mei‐sze , Yee Kwok Sang Wilson , Tseng Cee Zhung Steven , Tse Pak Yiu , Wong Mo Lin Maureen , Choo Kah Lin , Lam Wai Kei , Wong Chun Man , Ho Sheng Sheng , Lun Chung Tat , Lai Christopher Kei Wai 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe real‐world relationships between the demographic and clinical characteristics of asthma patients, their prehospitalization management and the frequency of hospitalization due to asthma exacerbation is poorly established.ObjectiveTo determine the risk factors of recurrent asthma exacerbations requiring hospitalizations and evaluate the standard of baseline asthma care.MethodsA territory‐wide, multicentre retrospective study in Hong Kong was performed. Medical records of patients aged ≥18 years admitted to 11 acute general hospitals from January 1 to December 31, 2016 for asthma exacerbations were reviewed.ResultsThere were 2280 patients with 3154 admissions (36.7% male, median age 66.0 [interquartile range: 48.0–81.0] years, 519 had ≥2 admissions). Among them, 1830 (80.3%) had at least one asthma‐associated comorbidity, 1060 (46.5%) and 885 (38.9%) of patients had Accident and Emergency Department (AED) attendance and hospitalization in the preceding year, respectively. Patients with advancing age (incidence rate ratio [IRR]: 1.003 for every year increment), a history of AED visits or hospitalization (IRR: 1.018 and 1.070 for every additional episode, respectively) for asthma exacerbation in the preceding year, the presence of neuropsychiatric (IRR: 1.142) and gastrointestinal (IRR: 1.154) comorbidities were risk factors for an increasing number of admissions for asthma exacerbation. For patients with ≥2 admissions, 17.1% were not prescribed inhaled corticosteroid and only 44.6% had spirometry checked before the index admission. Asthma phenotyping was often incomplete, as assessment of atopy (total serum immunoglobulin E level and senitization to aeroallergens) was only performed in 30 (5.8%) patients with ≥2 admissions.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceImproving asthma care, especially in elderly patients with a prior history of urgent healthcare utilization and comorbidities, may help reduce healthcare burden. Suboptimal management before the index admission was common in patients hospitalized for asthma exacerbations. Early identification of patients at risk and enhancement of baseline asthma management may help to prevent recurrent asthma exacerbation and subsequent hospitalization.
Inside Cover
Authors: Nishizawa Nozomi , Al‐Qadi Bassam , Kuchimaru Takahiro 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCancer identification in vivo using circularly polarized light scattering with spin‐polarized light‐emitting diodes (spin‐LEDs) integrated at the tip of an endoscopic biopsy apparatus. Circularly polarized light emitted from a spin‐LED device impinges on a biological tissue, and the scattered light is detected at some spin‐LEDs on the apparatus. Polarization states of the scattered light provide valuable information for differentiating cancer tissues concealed in healthy tissues.Further details can be found in the article by Nozomi Nishizawa, Bassam Al‐Qadi, and Takahiro Kuchimaru (e202000380).
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