bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bone ingrowth comparison of irregular titanium and cobalt‐chromium coatings in a translational cancellous bone model
Authors: Epperson Richard T. , Mangiapani Daniel , Bloebaum Roy D. , Hofmann Aaron A.
Published: November 2019

The use of cobalt‐chromium (CoCr)‐bearing surfaces in total joint replacement (TJR) remains the predominate bearing surface. The conundrum with using this biomaterial has been selecting an ideal porous coating to assure reproducible skeletal attachment. There has been evidence that smooth CoCr beads may be inferior for skeletal attachment compared to identically shaped titanium (Ti) beads. Recent in vitro studies have demonstrated that an increased surface area and roughness favors osteoblast adhesion to metallic biomaterials. Therefore, we hypothesized that an irregular shape CoCr bead with an increased surface texture would help correct the negative bone responses that have been reported with smooth beaded CoCr coatings and thus allowing for bone ingrowth equivalently as an irregular commercially pure Ti porous coating with similar porosity. This investigation employed a weight‐bearing translational sheep cancellous bone model to accurately simulate a cancellous bone response as it would be clinically in a human TJR. The data analyses obtained from this investigation revealed similar bone responses between the porous coatings. By 12 weeks the irregular shape CoCr coating was able to achieve similar bone ingrowth with skeletal interlock when compared to a clinically proven Ti porous coating.
Ring1 promotes the transformation of hepatic progenitor cells into cancer stem cells through the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Zhu Kai , Li Jiangwei , Li Jun , Sun Jin , Guo Ying , Tian Hongwei , Li Liang , Zhang Chen , Shi Mengjiao , Kong Guangyao , Li Zongfang
Published: November 2019

The proliferation of hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) is observed in reactive conditions of the liver and primary liver cancers. Ring1 as a member of polycomb‐group proteins which play vital roles in carcinogenesis and stem cell self‐renewal was increased in HCC patients and promoted proliferation and survival of cancer cell by degrading p53. However, the mechanisms of Ring1 driving the progression of hepatocarcinogenesis have not been elucidated. In this study, forced expression Ring1 and Ring1 siRNA lentiviral vectors were utilized to stably overexpression and silence Ring1 in HPC cell line (WB‐F344), respectively. Our finding indicated that overexpression of Ring1 in HPCs promoted colony formation, cell multiplication, and invasion in vitro, conversely depletion of Ring1 repressed the biological functions of HPCs relative to controls. The expression of β‐catenin was upregulated in the HPCs with overexpression of Ring1, and the correlation analysis also showed that β‐catenin and Ring1 had a significant correlation in the liver cancer tissues and adjacent tissues. The activation of the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway significantly increased the expression of liver cancer stem cells related (LCSCs)‐related molecular markers CD90 and EpCAM, which led to the transformation of HPCs into LCSCs. Most importantly, the injection of HPCs with overexpressed Ring1 into the subcutaneous of nude mice leads to the formation of poorly differentiated HCC neoplasm. Our findings elucidate that overexpression of Ring1 the activated Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway and drove the transformation of HPCs into cancer stem cell‐like cells, suggesting Ring1 has extraordinary potential in early diagnosis of HCC.
MiR‐125b but not miR‐125a is upregulated and exhibits a trend to correlate with enhanced disease severity, inflammation, and increased mortality in sepsis patients
Authors: Zhu Xiaoping
Published: November 2019

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the correlation of miR‐125a/b expressions with disease risk, progression, and prognosis of sepsis.

Methods

MiR‐125a/b expressions and inflammatory cytokines were detected by RT‐qPCR and ELISA assays in plasma samples from 120 sepsis patients. Besides, blood biochemical indexes, disease severity scores, and in‐hospital mortality of sepsis patients were recorded. Meanwhile, miR‐125a/b expressions in plasma from 120 health controls (HCs) were also detected by RT‐qPCR.

Results

MiR‐125b was elevated in sepsis patients compared with HCs, and ROC curve revealed that miR‐125b could well distinguish sepsis patients from HCs with AUC 0.658. MiR‐125b positively correlated with APACHE II score, SOFA score, Scr, CRP, PCT, TNF‐α, and IL‐6 levels. Most interestingly, miR‐125b was greatly decreased in survivors compared with non‐survivors, and multivariate analysis revealed that miR‐125b independently predicted higher mortality risk in sepsis patients. Besides, miR‐125a showed no significant correlation with sepsis risk, disease severity, or prognosis.

Conclusion

MiR‐125b but not miR‐125a is upregulated and exhibits a trend to correlate with enhanced disease severity, inflammation, and increased mortality in sepsis patients.
Pharmacokinetics and Placental Transfer of Bupivacaine Enantiomers in HIV‐Infected Parturient Women on Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Souza Marília Cristina Oliveira , Marques Maria Paula , Duarte Geraldo , Lanchote Vera Lucia
Published: November 2019

Bupivacaine, a local anesthetic, is commercialized as a racemic mixture of R‐bupivacaine and S‐bupivacaine enantiomers. HIV infection increases the expression of placental P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp), and antiretroviral (ARV) therapy inhibits cytochrome P450 3A and P‐gp. The present study evaluates the kinetic disposition of bupivacaine enantiomers in HIV‐infected parturient women on ARV therapy. In this study, HIV‐infected parturient women (n = 10) treated with zidovudine, lamivudine, lopinavir, and ritonavir were investigated. Anesthesia and/or analgesia was achieved by the administration of 0.5% racemic bupivacaine hydrochloride with 1:200000 epinephrine in the epidural space at doses of 2.5 to 22.5 mg. Maternal serial blood samples were obtained at the time immediately before and 5, 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes and 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 hours after administration of the bupivacaine. At the time of delivery, samples of maternal and umbilical cord vein blood were also collected. The results suggest that bupivacaine pharmacokinetics are enantioselective, revealing higher maternal plasma concentrations of the R‐bupivacaine enantiomer (area under the total plasma concentration–time curve was calculated by the trapezoid method with extrapolation to infinity/dose(S)/(R) = 0.91; P < .05). The plasma unbound fraction of the drug (0.09 vs 0.06) and the umbilical cord vein/maternal plasma ratio (0.47 vs 0.39) were higher for the R‐bupivacaine enantiomer than the S‐bupivacaine enantiomer (P < .05). ARV therapy with ritonavir confers an enantioselective interaction between the enantiomers of bupivacaine and placental P‐gp, producing greater inhibition of efflux transport of the R‐bupivacaine enantiomer. Possible changes in the well‐being of the fetuses of mothers under analgesia may be a consequence of the increased placental transfer of bupivacaine enantiomers to the fetal circulation.
Passive micromixer with baffles distributed on both sides of microchannels based on the Koch fractal principle
Authors: Chen Xueye , Tian Yue
Published: November 2019

Since the beginning of the 21st Century, the development of microfluidic chip technology has been very rapid and has attracted the attention of more and more scholars. As an important part of the microfluidic chip, the performance of the micromixer is critical. The fractal structure in the microchannels helps to improve the mixing performance of the micromixer and improve the mixing efficiency of the micromixer. The research results of other scholars are of great significance to the research of the present paper, which mainly studies the effect of changing the baffle state on the mixing efficiency of the micromixer based on the Koch fractal principle. Through simulation analysis, it was found that the mixing efficiency of the baffles distributed on both sides of the microchannel was higher than the mixing efficiency of the baffles distributed on the microchannel side. When the distance between adjacent baffles was divided into 0.15, 0.25 and 0.35 mm, simulated data suggested that the baffle distance of 0.15 mm was best. Increasing the number of baffles from six to eight groups increased the mixing path of the fluid in the microchannel and improved mixing efficiency. A comparison of mixing efficiencies of the 0°, 15° and 30° baffle angles revealed that very significant improvement in mixing efficiency was obtained at 30°. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Co‐fermentation of agricultural and industrial waste by Naganishia albida for microbial lipid production in fed‐batch fermentation
Authors: Sathiyamoorthi Ezhaveni , Dikshit Pritam Kumar , Kumar Prasun , Kim Beom Soo
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

Oleaginous yeast Naganishia albida is well known for its ability to utilize a variety of carbon sources, including lignocellulosic hydrolysates, complex sugars and fatty acids. In this study, crude glycerol derived from the biodiesel industry and onion waste hydrolysate (OWH) were used as potential substrates for microbial lipid production.

RESULTS

Both substrates provided sufficient nutrition to support cell growth and lipid production as sole carbon source. Enhanced lipid production and cell growth rate were observed with supplementation of yeast extract as nitrogen source. Co‐fermentation of OWH and crude glycerol led to improved biomass as well as lipid production. The highest lipid content of 34.0% (w/w) with 21.1 g L−1 of dry cell weight was obtained after 168 h of fed‐batch fermentation with intermittent feeding of crude glycerol and OWH. The lipid concentration was approximately 7 times higher than using mineral medium with crude glycerol as sole carbon source, where a lipid content of 12.6% (w/w) and a maximum biomass of 8.32 g L−1 were obtained at 168 h.

CONCLUSION

Optimization of glycerol and OWH feeding could enhance lipid accumulation in N. albida. This study suggests that the co‐fermentation of agricultural and industrial waste as substrates can provide a competitive route for single cell oil production. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Microwave‐assisted extraction of cannabinoids and antioxidants from Cannabis sativa aerial parts and process modeling
Authors: Drinić Zorica , Vladić Jelena , Koren Anamarija , Zeremski Tijana , Stojanov Nadežda , Kiprovski Biljana , Vidović Senka
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

Cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) is one of the most controversial plants. So far, its multiple application in industry for the production of fabrics, paper and construction materials is known. Today, there is increasing interest in its application for medical purposes, as opposed to its opiate activity. In addition to well‐known cannabinoids, the presence of polyphenolic compounds and their antioxidant and reductive abilities are of great importance. Therefore the extraction of both constituents, polyphenolics and cannabinoids (Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD)), of industrial hemp was carried out using microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE).

RESULTS

The effects of different extraction parameters, namely ethanol concentration (30, 50 and 70% v/v), extraction time (10, 20 and 30 min) and solid/liquid ratio (5, 10 and 15 g mL−1), on extraction yield, total phenol content, total flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, reductive capacity, CBD content and THC content were investigated using response surface methodology. For the experimental design, a Box–Behnken design was chosen. In the obtained extracts, the following ranges of targeted compounds were detected: total phenols from 0.8499 to 2.7060 mg gallic acid equivalent mL−1, total flavonoids from 0.4707 to 1.4246 mg catechin equivalent mL−1, THC from 0.0339 to 0.0637 mg mL−1 and CBD from 0.2243 to 1.8415 mg mL−1. Antioxidant activity ranged from 0.0009 to 0.2079 mL mL−1, while reductive capacity ranged from 0.0021 to 0.0066 mL mL−1.

CONCLUSION

MAE proved to be a simple, efficient, fast and low environmental impact method for obtaining polyphenols and cannabinoids from C. sativa L. Cannabis herb, which presents a by‐product of fiber and cannabis product, showed to be a promising source of bioactive compounds. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Conventional plasmid DNAs with a CpG‐containing backbone achieve durable transgene expression in mouse liver
Authors: Suzuki Tetsuya , Wakao Yusuke , Goda Takuya , Kamiya Hiroyuki
Published: November 2019

Background

Durable transgene expression from plasmid DNAs is the key to gene therapy with non‐viral vectors. A comparison of the durability of transgene expression from plasmid DNAs with the CpG‐free and ‐containing backbones is important.

Methods

We constructed plasmid DNAs with the CpG‐containing backbone, various transcription regulatory sequences with and without CpG, and the gene encoding Gaussia princeps luciferase, which is apparently non‐immunogenic. The tail vein hydrodynamics‐based method was used for plasmid injection into mice, and the luciferase activity in serum was tracked for 28 days.

Results

The plasmid DNAs containing the albumin promoter [with or without the cytomegalovirus (CMV) enhancer] and the elongation factor (EF)1α promoter plus the CMV enhancer exhibited long‐term luciferase expression. The expression from the plasmid DNA containing the albumin promoter without the CMV enhancer was maintained for at least 24 weeks and was similar to that from the corresponding CpG‐free plasmid DNA.

Conclusions

The results obtained in the present study suggest that special sequences/systems are unnecessary for durable transgene expression from plasmid DNAs when the proper transcription regulatory sequences are used.
One‐pot synthesis of benzimidazole‐pyrazines and their anticancer activities
Authors: Li Yingfen , Wei Xian , Bai Song , Xu Zhi‐Gang , Lv Menglan
Published: November 2019

The skeleton of fused benzimidazole‐pyrazine was constructed via an Ugi/deprotection/cyclization (UDC) and hydroamination cascade reaction. This four‐step reaction was carried out in a one‐pot procedure with only one‐time column chromatography purification. The representative compound 7b exhibited 67% cell growth inhibitory activity against human breast cancer cell line MDA‐MB‐453 at the concentration of 10μM.
Considerations and adaptions to the modulated arc total body irradiation technique: dosimetry description
Authors: Effeney Beth , Biggs Jennifer , Brady Carole , Pemberton Melanie , Sim Lucy , Pullar Andrew
Published: November 2019

Total body irradiation (TBI) is a complex treatment technique, which has been slow to transition to a three‐dimensional (3D) planning approach. There is limited literature available providing a detailed description on methods to plan TBI on a 3D planning system. 3D planning using the modulated arc TBI (MATBI) technique is a complex process involving a significant number of quality assurance processes and scripts, due to more than 40 treatment beams and two patient positions. This article will focus on the workflow and technical planning aspects of our institution’s MATBI technique and identify reasons for modifications made to the developing institution’s original MATBI approach. Included is a description of specific simulation equipment, detailed explanation of the four‐stage computing process including the role of scripting to standardise and streamline what is otherwise a complex number of steps. The information provided is specific to one centre’s approach but shows the fundamental planning process and demonstrates a streamlined method, which can be adapted to other planning systems. Overall, the ability to accurately represent the TBI technique in 3D on a planning system will be shown.
Evaluation of radiographers’ knowledge and attitudes of image quality optimisation in paediatric digital radiography in Saudi Arabia and Australia: a survey‐based study
Authors: Alsleem Haney , Davidson Rob , Al‐Dhafiri Bandar , Alsleem Raghad , Ameer Hussain
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Digital radiography (DR) systems enable radiographers to reduce the radiation dose to patients while maintaining optimised image quality. However, concerns still exist about paediatric patients who may be exposed to an increased level of radiation dose which is not needed for clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, awareness and attitudes, in terms of image quality optimisation of radiographers undertaking paediatric DR in Australia and Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A survey‐based study was devised and distributed to radiographers from Australia and Saudi Arabia. Questions focused on Australian and Saudi Arabian radiographers’ knowledge and attitude of paediatric DR examinations.

Results

There were 376 participants who responded to the survey from both countries. A major finding showed that most participants lack knowledge in the area of paediatric DR examinations. Most participants from Australia had received no formal training in paediatric digital radiography (79%), whereas nearly half of the participants from Saudi Arabia received no training (45%). Approximately three out of four radiographers from both countries believed that when using DR they did not need to change the way they collimate the beam as DR images can be cropped using post‐processing methods.

Conclusion

The finding of this study demonstrates that radiographers from both countries should improve their understanding and clinical use of DR in paediatric imaging. More education and training for both students and clinicians is needed to enhance radiographer performance in digital radiography and improve their clinical practices.
Using B‐spline functions (BSFs) of various degrees to obtain a powerful method for numerical solution for a special class of optimal control problems (OCPs)
Authors: Kafash Behzad , Alavizadeh Seyed Rouhollah
Published: November 2019

In this paper, the optimal control problems (OCPs) are converted into a constrained optimization problem based on state parameterization via the B‐spline functions (BSFs). In fact, the state variable can be considered as a series of the BSFs with unknown coefficients, and the OCPs are transformed into a constrained optimization problem. With the proposed method, the control and state variables also the performance index can be obtained approximately. Also, the convergence theorem of the presented approach is proved in details, some illustrative examples are reported. Also, an example, which has analytic noncontinuous state and control variable, is presented to show the efficiency and reliability of the purposed method, compared with other existing methods.
Tropical cyclone—Induced heavy rainfall and flow in Colima, Western Mexico
Authors: Khouakhi Abdou , Pattison Ian , López‐de la Cruz Jesús , Martinez‐Diaz Teresa , Mendoza‐Cano Oliver , Martínez Miguel
Published: November 2019

Tropical cyclone (TC) landfall is often accompanied by storm surges, strong winds, and heavy rain that cause destructive flash floods, especially in mountainous regions. However, there is limited understanding of the contribution of TCs to major flood events, especially in Western Mexico. In this study, we assess the contribution of TCs to the annual rainfall, extreme rainfall and stream flow in the mountainous region of Colima, one of the most TC‐exposed areas in Western Mexico. The top 1% of daily rainfall and stream flow, annual maximum rainfall and the highest 20 stream flow events from 1970 to 2015 are examined for their association to TCs. Results indicate that the relative contribution of TCs to the average annual rainfall can exceed 25% in the coastal area of Colima. Over 25–35% of heavy daily rainfall (top 1% rainfall) recorded in the coastal rain gauges is found to be associated with TCs. In terms of high flow, approximately 20–24% of the top 1% flow events and 28–35% (~7 events) of the top 20 flow events are driven by TCs. The heaviest precipitation and high flow events occur typically in the late TC season (September and October). Our results provide insights on the role of TCs in inducing rainfall and stream flow relevant for water and flood risk management.
Supplier innovation value from a buyer–supplier structural equivalence view: Evidence from the PACE awards in the automotive industry
Authors: Chae Sangho , Yan Tingting , Yang Yang
Published: November 2019

With the growing demand for smarter, cleaner, and safer cars, automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are increasingly seeking novel inventions from innovative new or foreign suppliers. However, not all innovative suppliers are equally valuable for an OEM. When transforming novel inventions into products, OEMs could find it challenging to work with the suppliers with whom they lack trust or have limited shared understanding. In this study, we adopt a social capital perspective to understand how three types of social capital (i.e., structural, relational, and cognitive) influence a supplier's innovation value to the OEM. Hypotheses are tested using a unique data set combining the supply network structure and automotive supplier innovation award. Our results suggest that it is more difficult to obtain innovation value from a new or culturally distant foreign supplier. However, we also found that suppliers whose networks overlap more with the OEM's network are more likely to provide valuable innovations to the OEM, an effect that is stronger for culturally distant suppliers. This study contributes to the supply network and innovation literature by highlighting the importance of understanding the dyadic social capital between the buyer and supplier when evaluating innovation value of a supplier to a buying firm.
Predicting overall and major postoperative morbidity in gastric cancer patients
Authors: Coimbra Felipe J. F. , de Jesus Victor Hugo F. , Franco Carolina Parucce , Calsavara Vinícius Fernando , Ribeiro Héber S. C. , Diniz Alessandro L. , de Godoy André Luís , de Farias Igor Correia , Riechelmann Rachel P. , Begnami Maria Dirlei F. S. , da Costa Wilson L.
Published: November 2019

Background

Postoperative complications after gastric cancer resection vary in different series and they might have a significant impact in long‐term outcomes. Our aim was to build a prediction rule on gastric cancer patients' overall and major morbidity risks.

Methods

This retrospective study included 1223 patients from a single center who were resected between 1992 and 2016. Overall and major morbidity predictors were identified through multiple logistic regression. Models' performances were assessed through discrimination, calibration, and cross‐validation, and nomograms were constructed.

Results

The mean age was 61.3‐year old and the male gender was more frequent (60%). The most common comorbidities were hypertension (HTN), diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A D2‐distal gastrectomy was the most frequent procedure and 87% of all lesions were located in the middle or distal third. Age, COPD, coronary heart disease, chronic liver disease, pancreatic resection, and operative time were independent predictors of overall and major morbidity. The extent of resection and splenectomy was associated with overall events and HTN with major ones. Both models were very effective in predicting events among patients at higher risk.

Conclusions

The overall and major morbidity models and nomograms included clinical‐ and surgical‐related data that were very effective in predicting events, especially for high‐risk patients.
Barriers and Facilitators to Help‐Seeking for Individuals With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review
Authors: Smith Jennifer R. , Workneh Aklile , Yaya Sanni
Published: November 2019

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) brings with it diagnostic symptoms that can be debilitating and persist for years. Left untreated, PTSD can have far‐reaching and damaging consequences for the individual, families, communities, and society at large. Although early detection and intervention are recognized as key to the effective treatment of PTSD, many individuals who suffer from PTSD do not seek essential health services. The aim of the present study was to identify the barriers and facilitators to help‐seeking for individuals with PTSD, based on existing literature. A systematic review, modeled on the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for systematic reviews, examined studies cited in PsycINFO, Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and PILOTS published from January 1980 to January 2019. Eligible studies measured barriers and facilitators to help‐seeking for adults with PTSD. Two reviewers independently screened citations, and double data extraction was exercised. Of 2,391 potentially relevant citations, 21 studies, published between 1989 and 2018 and based in six countries, were included. Seventeen studies focused on military as a target population. We identified 10 principal barrier and facilitator themes: trauma‐related; treatment; therapist or provider; knowledge; access; health care system; sociocultural environment; values, beliefs, and priorities; past experiences; and medical care needs and illness burden. In identifying prominent barriers and facilitators to help‐seeking for individuals with PTSD, this review highlights opportunities to inform policies and programs that promote PTSD knowledge and recognition, reduce public and personal stigma, improve access and quality of care, and encourage support for patients and families living with PTSD.
Survival and Conflict Behavior of American Black Bears after Rehabilitation
Authors: Blair Coy D. , Muller Lisa I. , Clark Joseph D. , Stiver William H.
Published: November 2019

Wildlife agencies face difficult situations when orphaned or injured American black bear (Ursus americanus) cubs (<12 months old) or yearlings (≥12 and <24 months old) are captured. One option is bear rehabilitation, the care and feeding of cubs or yearlings in a semi‐natural environment, followed by release. Unfortunately, the survival and movements of bears released from rehabilitation facilities are often poorly documented and the ultimate reasons for success or failure poorly understood. Our goal was to assess survival and post‐release conflict of orphaned bear cubs and yearlings following release from a rehabilitation facility, Appalachian Bear Rescue (ABR), in Townsend, Tennessee, USA, from 2015–2016. We predicted that rehabilitated bears would survive at similar rates, die from similar causes, and engage in similar conflict behavior to wild conspecifics. We equipped 42 black bear cubs and yearlings from ABR with global positioning system‐collars and released them in Great Smoky Mountains National Park or Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee and North Carolina, USA. Estimated annual survival using known‐fate methods for all released bears was 0.93 ± 0.06 [SE]). Survival for 13 bears released as cubs was 0.64 ± 0.14, whereas none of the bears released as yearlings died within 1 year after release (n = 29). Survival of rehabilitated bears was similar to or higher than published rates for wild conspecifics. Three of 42 bears (7.1%) released from ABR engaged in conflict behavior up to 1 year following release, and those had spent time involved in conflict behavior with their mothers (e.g., approaching humans) prior to being orphaned. Despite not having the typical post‐natal experience with their mothers, the bears in our study appeared to behave and survive similarly to their wild conspecifics. Rehabilitation is effective for managing orphaned or injured bears. Best survival occurred for bears released as yearlings; however, managers can maximize cub survival through fall releases when plentiful wild foods are available. © 2019 The Authors. The Journal of Wildlife Management published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The Wildlife Society.
A global analysis of the impact of zero‐tillage on soil physical condition, organic carbon content, and plant root response
Authors: Mondal Surajit , Chakraborty Debashis , Bandyopadhyay Kalikinkar , Aggarwal Pramila , Rana Dharamvir Singh
Published: November 2019

Food security involves the sustainable utilization of soil and land resources. Zero‐tillage (ZT) practice is a proponent of better resource utilization, to improve soil physical condition, and a potential sink to atmospheric carbon. However, the impact varies across climates, over the ZT history, cropping systems, and soil depths. A meta‐analysis was performed, based on 4,131 paired data from 522 studies spread globally, to evaluate the effect of ZT in comparison to conventional tillage, on soil physical condition (bulk density; mean weight diameter of aggregates; field capacity water content; and steady‐state infiltration rate), soil organic carbon (SOC) content, and the root response (root length density). Zero‐tillage significantly improved mean weight diameter of aggregates and field capacity water content at surface and subsurface layers by 19–58% and 6–16%, respectively, and resulted in no change in bulk density in either of the layers, but infiltration rate increased by 66%. Surface 0‐ to 5‐ and 5‐ to 10‐cm layers had significantly higher SOC content under ZT, whereas in other layers, the SOC content either reduced or did not change, resulting in a small and insignificant variation in the SOC stock (~1.1%) in favor of ZT. The root length density improved by ~35% in ZT only at 0‐ to 5‐cm soil depth. Effect of climate, soil type, or cropping system could not be broadly recognized, but the impact of ZT certainly increased over time. Improvements in soil aggregation and hydraulic properties are highly convincing with the adoption of ZT, and therefore, this practice leads to the better and sustainable use of soil resources.
The effects of forestry and agroforestry plantations on bird diversity: A global synthesis
Authors: Bohada‐Murillo Mauricio , Castaño‐Villa Gabriel J. , Fontúrbel Francisco E.
Published: November 2019

The increasing expansion of productive lands around the world during the last decades constitutes a strong driver of biodiversity loss, as they are usually established near to high diversity areas. Despite many studies that have compared bird diversity between natural and productive systems, a global synthesis is still missing and important for understanding how biodiversity is being altered. We conducted a meta‐analysis based on 144 case studies to assess the effects of four types of plantations (forestry, oil palm, coffee, and cacao) on bird species richness and abundance. We examined those effects in function of plantation type, latitudinal zone (temperate or tropical), geographical context (mainland or island), zoogeographic zone, and biodiversity hotspots. Plantations presented negative effects on both bird species richness and abundance. Oil palm plantations showed more negative effects followed by forestry plantations, whereas coffee and cacao agroforestry plantations had no significant effects. Those effects were geographically variable, being more pronounced in islands and temperate zones, as well as at the Oriental, Palearctic, and Neotropical zoogeograghic regions, and at the Sundaland and Mediterranean Basin biodiversity hotspots. Our results showed that productive systems reduce both species richness and abundance of bird species, being insular species particularly susceptible. Exotic monocultures with low structural heterogeneity (e.g., oil palm plantations) derive in highly impoverished bird communities dominated by generalist species. We identified South East Asia, tropical South America, and the Mediterranean Basin as the most threatened regions because of the sensitivity of their bird communities and the increasing rates of native forest replacement.
Land‐use change with pasture and short rotation eucalypts impacts the soil C emissions and organic C stocks in the Cerrado biome
Authors: Teixeira Rafael da Silva , Fialho Ricardo Cardoso , Costa Daniela Cristina , de Sousa Rodrigo Nogueira , Santos Rafael Silva , Teixeira Ana Paula Mendes , Reis Thalles Guimarães , da Silva Ivo Ribeiro
Published: November 2019

The expansion of short rotation eucalypt plantations in low soil organic matter (SOM) sandy soils may offer an alternative to improve soil C sequestration. The goal of this study was to estimate the changes in C stocks and emissions in different SOM fractions following conversion of the native Cerrado to pasture and then to eucalypt plantation. Therefore, we studied soils under native Cerrado, planted pasture (cultivated for 34years following the clearing of the Cerrado) and eucalypt plantation (4years). The C and N stocks in particulate organic matter and mineral‐associated organic matter (MAOM) were determined 4years after eucalypt planting. Soil CO2‐C, CH4‐C fluxes and CO2‐C concentrations in soil profile were measured in different seasons over 4years. Variation in the natural abundance of 13C was used to partition the SOM‐C. The soil CO2‐C and CH4‐C fluxes were influenced by soil surface moisture (r= 0.185o and r= 0.430**, respectively), whereas only the soil CH4‐C fluxes correlated with soil surface temperature (r= 0.355**). The highest soil CO2‐C flux in soil under eucalypt occurred after 4years of eucalypt planting (2.5 kg ha−1h−1, approximately 70%). The pasture soil acted as a CH4‐C source to the atmosphere. The pasture MAOM‐C losses in the 0.0–1.0‐m soil layers were not compensated by the new eucalypt C inputs (MAOM‐C lost ~9.6 Mg ha−1). In summary, the recent worldwide expansion of short rotation eucalypt plantations should be carefully considered, particularly under pasture degraded soil sandy soils, because land uses able to increase SOM are priorities.
Endolymphatic volume in patients with meniere's disease and healthy controls: Three‐dimensional analysis with magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Ito Taeko , Inui Hiroshi , Miyasaka Toshiteru , Shiozaki Tomoyuki , Hasukawa Akihito , Yamanaka Toshiaki , Kichikawa Kimihiko , Kitahara Tadashi
Published: November 2019

Objective

Recently, 3‐Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with intravenous gadolinium injection has been used to reveal endolymphatic hydrops (EH). In the present study, we aimed to evaluate EH in patients with Meniere's disease (MD) objectively and quantitatively, and compared the endolymphatic space (ELS) in individuals with MD and healthy controls, to gain understanding of the characteristics of MD.

Methods

Eighty‐two patients with unilateral MD (uMD), 16 patients with bilateral MD (bMD), and 47 healthy volunteers were enrolled. All participants underwent 3‐T MRI at 4 hours after intravenous gadolinium injection. The volumes of the total fluid space (TFS) and ELS were measured semiautomatically using our workstation, and the percentage of ELS to TFS (ELS percentage) was calculated.

Results

The ELS percentage was 13.9 in the ears of controls, 18.2 in the contralateral ear of individuals with uMD, 26.1 in the affected ears of these individuals, and 23.0 in both ears of individuals with bMD. The ELS percentages in the affected ear of uMD and the ears of bMD individuals were significantly higher than that in the ears of control individuals (P < .01, one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tukey's test).

Conclusion

The ELS is significantly larger in the affected ears of uMD and in both ears of bMD individuals. Accurate diagnosis of MD can be facilitated by using 3‐T MRI 4 hours after intravenous gadolinium injection and performing volumetric measurements of the ELS.

Level of Evidence

2b
Connectivity Defects and Collective Assemblies in Model Metallo‐Supramolecular Dual‐Network Hydrogels
Authors: Ahmadi Mostafa , Löser Lucas , Fischer Karl , Saalwächter Kay , Seiffert Sebastian
Published: November 2019

Double network hydrogels are composed of chemical and physical bonds, whose influences on the macroscopic material properties are convoluted. To decouple these, a model dually crosslinked network with independently tunable permanent and reversible crosslinks is introduced. This is realized by interlinking linear and tetra‐arm poly(ethylenegycol) (PEG) precursors with complementary reactive terminal groups. The former also carries a terpyridine ligand at each end, which forms reversible metallo‐supramolecular bonds upon addition of metal ions. These dual networks display different types and amounts of network defects, as studied by light scattering and proton double‐quantum (DQ) NMR. Dynamic light scattering suggests that the network mesh size decreases upon introduction of metal ions, as supported by a decrease of the residual dipolar coupling constant in NMR. Static light scattering indicates larger static inhomogeneities in those networks composed of stronger ions. This is complemented by a fast solid‐like component in the DQ buildup in NMR, attributed to the formation of nanoscopic clusters of charged complexes. The DQ buildup curves also suggest that the presence of strong physical bonds increases the fraction of mobile segments, like loops and dangling ends. This combined study unveils the interplay of chemical and physical bonds toward the formation of a hierarchical structure.
Spectral analysis of the Sturm‐Liouville operator on the star‐shaped graph
Authors: Bondarenko Natalia P.
Published: November 2019

The Sturm‐Liouville operator on the star‐shaped graph is considered. We study its spectral properties, important for inverse problem theory. In particular, asymptotic formulas for the weight matrices are derived, by using contour integration. We also prove the Riesz‐basis property for a special sequence of vector functions, constructed by the spectral data.
On modified proximal point algorithms for solving minimization problems and fixed point problems in CAT(κ) spaces
Authors: Pakkaranang Nuttapol , Kumam Poom , Wen Ching‐Feng , Yao Jen‐Chih , Cho Yeol Je
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we show the existence of solutions of the convex minimization problems and common fixed problems in CAT(1) spaces under some mild conditions. For this, we propose the new modified the proximal point algorithm. Further, we give some applications for the convex minimization problem and the fixed point problem in CAT(κ) spaces with the bounded positive real number κ. Our results improve and generalize many recent important results in the literature.
Compact multiple cut‐corners square spiral antenna for stepped‐frequency continuous wave radar system
Authors: Tong Jisheng , Jin Yan , Ji Yongshun , Jiao Xiaoshuang , Guo Jiyu , Liao Binbin , Huo Jianjian , Shi Ruoyu , Ma Chunguang , Jiao Jiao , Zhao Qing
Published: November 2019

Stepped frequency continuous wave (SFCW) radar is a promising noncontact method to detection of human vital signs. Antenna as a key component of radar directly related to the performance of the radar. In this letter, we present a 0.5‐1.2 GHz compact multiple cut‐corners square spiral antenna for SFCW radar system. Compared with conventional planar spiral antennas, the improved antenna possesses the advantages of miniaturization and excellent axial ratio. The gradient‐change of the cut‐corners along the radiation determines its operation range: large cut‐corner corresponds to high frequency, while small cut‐corner affects low frequency. This design successfully leads to a small geometric size of 0.282 × 0.282 × 0.133 m. We measured this improved antenna in an anechoic chamber, and the results demonstrated that the circular polarization bandwidth for axial ratio ≤3 dB approached 100%, and a right‐hand circularly polarization (RHCP) gain of 4‐8.98 dBic in end‐fire direction is achieved in its operational range. Finally, we designed the experiment, experimental results show that the proposed antenna can work well with the SFCW radar in the detection of human vital sign (respiratory signals), indicating a great potential for detected life in practice.
Design of point focusing lens antenna for high‐temperature plasma diagnosis
Authors: Zhao Chengwei , Li Xiaoping , Sun Chao , Liu Yanming , Ouyang Wenchong
Published: November 2019

A high temperature point focusing lens antenna was proposed in this article. The lens antenna mainly includes three parts: a point focusing lens, a feed source, and a support frame. The lens is made of high‐temperature resistant quartz material, and the feed and support structure are also made of high‐temperature resistant metal. In addition, the dielectric constant of quartz is
ε
r = 3.78, which is higher than that of the conventional Teflon material (with a
ε
r=2.1). Under the lens of the same diameter, the thickness is only 50.5% of that of the Teflon material, and the weight is only 51.5% of the Teflon material. To verify the design, the antenna was processed and measured. According to the test results, the focal resolution of the lens in the range of 26.5 to 40 GHz is less than 24.5 mm. As the frequency increases, the resolution gradually becomes smaller, which is consistent with the theory. This design method provides a very good application example for high‐temperature antennas.
Preliminary assessment on the application of biochar and spectral‐induced polarization for wastewater treatment
Authors: Kirmizakis P. , Kalderis D. , Ntarlagiannis D. , Soupios P.
Published: November 2019

In this work, we explore the use of biochar as a remediation agent, and the sensitivity of the spectral‐induced polarization method as a remediation monitoring aid. Biochar amended columns were fully saturated with industrial wastewater (olive oil mill waste) with very high concentration of phenols (∼2485 mg/L) and other substances. The biochar‐amended columns achieved very high removal rates of phenols compared to the control (sand only). Geophysical monitoring over the duration of the experiment (10 days) showed changes in the spectral‐induced polarization signal (imaginary conductivity) consistent with phenol removal as confirmed by geochemical monitoring. This experiment confirmed the utility of biochar as a remediation agent. Furthermore, spectral‐induced polarization can serve as long‐term, high resolution, monitoring aid in organic contaminant degradation processes.
Highly efficient multielement flame retardant for multifunctional epoxy resin with satisfactory thermal, flame‐retardant, and mechanical properties
Authors: Li Shanshan , Chen Mingfeng , Su Liping , Lin Xiuhuang , Liu Canpei
Published: November 2019

Multifunctional epoxy resins with excellent, thermal, flame‐retardant, and mechanical properties are extremely important for various applications. To solve this challenging problem, a novel highly efficient multielement flame retardant (PMSBA) is synthesized and the flame‐retardant and mechanical properties of modified epoxy resins are greatly enhanced without significantly altering their and thermal properties by applying the as‐synthesized PMSBA. The limiting oxygen index value reaches up to 29.6% and could pass the V‐0 rating in the UL‐94 test with even low P content (0.13%). Furthermore, cone calorimetry results demonstrate that 30.3% reduction in the peak heat release rate for the sample with 10.0 wt% PMSBA is achieved. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy indicate that Si‐C, Si‐N, and phosphoric acid derivative can be transformed into a multihole and intumescent char layer as an effective barrier, preserving the epoxy resin structure from fire. More importantly, mechanical properties such as impact strength, tensile strength, and flexural strength are also increased by 63.86%, 33.54%, and 15.65%, respectively, which show the incorporation of PMSBA do not deteriorate the mechanical properties of modified epoxy resins. All the results show that PMSBA is a promising strategy for epoxy resin with satisfactory, thermal, flame‐retardant, and mechanical properties.
Polymersome‐assisted delivery of curcumin: A suitable approach to decrease cancer stemness markers and regulate miRNAs expression in HT29 colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Pakizehkar Safura , Ranji Najmeh , Sohi Alireza Naderi , Sadeghizadeh Majid
Published: November 2019

Curcumin as a safe traditional compound has various benefits such as anticancer activities. However, low solubility in water is a problem. Herein, curcumin encapsulated in polymersome nanoparticles (CPNs) have been developed, the physicochemical properties have been evaluated, and cytotoxicity effects on HT29 cells were evaluated by MTT assay and annexin V/PI staining. The expression of stemness markers including CD44, CD133, and CD24, as well as miRNAs (miR‐126, miR‐34a, miR‐21, miR‐155, miR‐221, and miR‐222) and some potential targets, was evaluated in CPNs‐treated and untreated cells. Physicochemical analysis confirmed the encapsulation of curcumin in polymersomes and showed a spherical shape, an appropriate mean size of 259.5±1.5 nm, the acceptable polydispersity index of ~ 0.465, and the zeta potential of (‐8.74±0.2), as well as long‐term storage of CPNs at 4°C. According to the result, CPNs with the IC50 of 14 μg/ml increased apoptosis and induced S arrest in treated cells. Flow cytometry analysis showed the decrease in cancer stemness markers. RT‐qPCR analysis identified the downregulation of miR‐21, miR‐155, and miR‐221/222, as well as upregulation of miR‐34a, miR‐126, and deregulation of some apoptotic targets such as P53, CASP9, CASP8, CASP3, BAX, and BCl‐2 in CPNs‐treated cells. As a result, CPNs can be a safe and effective complementary agent to diminish cancer stem cells and tumor recurrence in colorectal cancer therapy.
Noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of cobalamin C (cblC) deficiency through target region sequencing of cell‐free DNA in maternal plasma
Authors: Han Lianshu , Chen Chao , Guo Fengyu , Ye Jun , Peng Zhiyu , Qiu Wenjuan , Wang Yaoshen , Li Wei , Zhang Huiwen , Liang Lili , Wang Yu , Wang Huanhuan , Ji Xing , Sun Jun , Gu Xuefan
Published: November 2019

Objective

This study aimed to validate the feasibility of haplotype‐based noninvasive prenatal diagnosis (NIPD) of cobalamin C (cblC) deficiency.

Method

This method includes three steps: First, targeted sequencing was performed on 21 families affected by cblC deficiency (including the couples and probands). Second, parental haplotypes linked with the pathogenic variant were determined using the genotypes of trios. Then, the fetal haplotypes were inferred through a parental haplotype assisted hidden Markov model (HMM). The NIPD results were confirmed by using the invasive procedures.

Results

Twenty‐one fetal genotypes were successfully inferred by NIPD including three compound heterozygotes with cblC deficiency, nine heterozygote carriers of cblC deficiency, and nine normal fetuses. The NIPD results were confirmed using the invasive procedures with 100% concordant rate.

Conclusion

This result has shown that haplotype‐based NIPD of cblC deficiency has high concordant rate and indicated potential clinical utility as a pregnancy diagnosis method for high‐risk carrier couples.
Synthesis of Self‐Healing Bio‐Based Tannic Acid‐Based Methacrylates By Thermoreversible Diels–Alder Reaction
Authors: Handique Junali , Gogoi Joly , Nath Jayashree , Dolui Swapan Kumar
Published: November 2019

This investigation reports the effective use of the Diels–Alder (DA) click reaction in the preparation of self‐healing bio‐based dendritic methacrylates having reactive furfuryl functionality. Bio‐based methacrylates were synthesized by modifying tannic acid with glycidyl methacrylate and furfuryl functionality was introduced by atom transfer radical polymerization with varied amount of furfuryl methacrylate monomer. The thermoreversible network was successfully achieved by DA and retro‐DA reaction between the furfuryl groups and a bifunctional maleimide crosslinker, bismaleimide. This process was studied by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and solvent exposure tests. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis was used to determine the endothermic retro‐DA reaction in the DA adduct. The self‐healing property of the above crosslinked material was demonstrated by monitoring the repair of a scratch in the polymer film upon heating and cooling. This was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 60:140–150, 2020. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers