bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is Automation Appropriate? Semi-autonomous Telepresence Architecture Focusing on Voluntary and Involuntary Movements
Authors: Osawa Masahiko , Okuoka Kohei , Takimoto Yusuke , Imai Michita
Published: February 2020

This research aims to clarify the type of autonomous movements appropriate for telepresence robots. The design of telepresence robots’ autonomous movements should take into account both local and remote users. From the perspective of local users, we need autonomous movements that enhance a social telepresence in order to smooth remote communication. On the other hand, from the perspective of remote users, autonomous movements should be considered not only to reduce the operation load but also to address the danger of causing discomfort. However, in previous studies on automation, the criteria about which type of movements should be automated has remained unsettled. In this paper, we focused on voluntary and intentional movements as a classification type of movements that can be the criteria. Voluntary movements are intentional movements, whereas involuntary movements are movements without intention. To verify the effect of the automation of these movements, we developed a semi-autonomous telepresence robot that automates voluntary and involuntary movements. Then, we evaluated the impressions from local and remote users by conducting two experiments from each perspective. As a result, when not used in excess, local users evaluated both voluntary and involuntary autonomous movements positively, while it was suggested that automation of voluntary movements for remote users should be implemented with care.
Characterization of unburned carbon separated from power plant slag
Authors: Wierzchowski K. , Białecka B. , Calus Moszko J. , Klupa A.
Published: February 2020

This article presents the results of slag property studies, for characterization of unburned carbon separated. Size composition and loss-on-ignition distribution as a function of particle size were studied. The density analyses were performed for the selected size fractions. The successful tests on carbon particle separation using: the magnetic separation, separation in heavy liquids with magnetic separation of light ends and separation in a rising water stream with magnetic separation of the overflow methods, were performed. At laboratory scale and with using similarly rising water stream with magnetic separation methods, concentrates with 71–85% loss-on-ignition were obtained. Using gravitational separation method and magnetic separation, concentrates with 57–86.5% loss-on-ignition were obtained.
Quantitative trait loci mapping for resistance to maize streak virus in F2:3 population of tropical maize
Authors: Garcia-Oliveira A. L. , Menkir A. , Kumar P. Lava , Azuh V. , Jacob O. O. , Gedil M.
Published: February 2020

Maize streak virus (MSV) continues to be a major biotic constraint for maize production throughout Africa. Concerning the quantitative nature of inheritance of resistance to MSV disease (MSVD), we sought to identify new loci for MSV resistance in maize using F2:3 population. The mapping population was artificially inoculated with viruliferous leafhoppers under screenhouse and evaluated for MSVD resistance. Using 948 DArT markers, we identified 18 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with different components of MSVD resistance accounting for 3.1–21.4% of the phenotypic variance, suggesting that a total of eleven genomic regions covering chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 are probably required for MSVD resistance. Two new genomic regions on chromosome 4 revealed the occurrence of co-localized QTLs for different parameters associated with MSVD resistance. Moreover, the consistent appearance of QTL on chromosome 7 for MSVD resistance is illustrating the need for fine-mapping of this locus. In conclusion, these QTLs could provide additional source for breeders to develop MSV resistance.
A universal pipeline for mobile mRNA detection and insights into heterografting advantages under chilling stress
Authors: Wang Ying , Wang Lingping , Xing Nailin , Wu Xiaohua , Wu Xinyi , Wang Baogen , Lu Zhongfu , Xu Pei , Tao Ye , Li Guojing , Wang Yuhong
Published: February 2020

Heterografting has long been used to enhance the chilling tolerance of temperature-sensitive crops, including watermelon, whose mechanism is known to involve bidirectional long-distance mRNA movements. Despite several studies reporting on mobile mRNA (mb-mRNA) profiles in plants, accurate identification of mb-mRNAs is challenging owing to an array of technical problems. Here, we developed a bioinformatical pipeline that took most of the known technical concerns into consideration and is considered to be a universal tool for mb-mRNA detection in heterografts. By applying this pipeline to a commercial watermelon–bottle gourd heterografting system, we detected 130 and 1144 mb-mRNAs upwardly and 167 and 1051 mb-mRNAs downwardly transmitted under normal and chilling-stress conditions, respectively. Quantitative real-time PCR indicated a high accuracy rate (88.2%) of mb-mRNA prediction with our pipeline. We further revealed that the mobility of mRNAs was not associated with their abundance. Functional annotation and classification implied that scions may convey the stress signal to the rootstock, subsequently triggering energy metabolism reprogramming and abscisic acid-mediated stress responses by upward movement of effective mRNAs, ultimately leading to enhanced chilling tolerance. This study provides a universal tool for mb-mRNA detection in plant heterografting systems and novel insights into heterografting advantages under chilling stress.
Roles of SlETR7, a newly discovered ethylene receptor, in tomato plant and fruit development
Authors: Chen Yi , Hu Guojian , Rodriguez Celeste , Liu Meiying , Binder Brad M. , Chervin Christian
Published: February 2020

Ethylene regulates many aspects of plant growth and development. It is perceived by a family of ethylene receptors (ETRs) that have been well described. However, a full understanding of ETR function is complicated by functional redundancy between the receptor isoforms. Here, we characterize a new ETR, SlETR7, that was revealed by tomato genome sequencing. SlETR7 expression in tomato fruit pericarp increases when the fruit ripens and its expression is synchronized with the expression of SlETR1, SlETR2, and SlETR5 which occurs later in the ripening phase than the increase observed for SlETR3, SlETR4, and SlETR6. We uncovered an error in the SlETR7 sequence as documented in the ITAG 3 versions of the tomato genome which has now been corrected in ITAG 4, and we showed that it belongs to sub-family II. We also showed that SlETR7 specifically binds ethylene. Overexpression (OE) of SlETR7 resulted in earlier flowering, shorter plants, and smaller fruit than wild type. Knock-out (KO) mutants of SlETR7 produced more ethylene at breaker (Br) and Br + 2 days stages compared to wild type (WT), but there were no other obvious changes in the plant and fruit in these mutant lines. We observed that expression of the other SlETRs is upregulated in fruit of SlETR7 KO mutants, which may explain the absence of obvious ripening phenotypes. Globally, these results show that SlETR7 is a functional ethylene receptor. More work is needed to better understand its specific roles related to the six other tomato ETRs.
Enzyme-free amplified SERS immunoassay for the ultrasensitive detection of disease biomarkers
Authors: Zhang Xuan-Xuan , Xu Duo , Guo Dan , Han Huan-Xing , Li Da-Wei , Ma Wei
Published: February 2020

We developed an enzyme-free, amplified SERS immunoassay by combining AgNP-linked immunoreaction and SERS transduction for the ultrasensitive detection of disease biomarkers.
Effects of a Pd/Pt bimetal supported by a γ-Al2O3 surface on methane activation
Authors: Hou Meiling , Zhang Xin , Fu Chao , Cen Wanglai , Chen Jiaxing
Published: February 2020

Pt is helpful for preventing Pd aggregation and promoting stability. Pd–3Pt/γ-Al2O3 shows the best catalytic activity for CH4 activation in the presence of water.
Mass production of thin-walled hollow optical fibers enables disposable optofluidic laser immunosensors
Authors: Yang Xi , Luo Yanhua , Liu Yiling , Gong Chaoyang , Wang Yanqiong , Rao Yun-Jiang , Peng Gang-Ding , Gong Yuan
Published: February 2020

It is challenging to develop disposable optical biosensors due to the high cost and poor reproducibility. Here we report the disposable laser-based immunosensor enabled by mass-produced hollow optical fiber.
Asymmetric synthesis of dihydrocoumarins via catalytic sequential 1,6-addition/transesterification of α-isocyanoacetates with para-quinone methides
Authors: Zhao Mei-Xin , Xiang Juan , Zhao Zi-Qiang , Zhao Xiao-Li , Shi Min
Published: February 2020

Dihydroquinidine-derived aminophosphine/AgNO3 catalyzed asymmetric tandem 1,6-addition/transesterification of α-isocyanoacetates with o-hydroxyphenyl-substituted p-QMs was developed.
An ion pair-induced environment-responsive metal–organic gel: en route to smart materials for volatile salt-based nitrogen (VBN) sensing
Authors: Hou Chao-Ping , Leng Ming-Rui , Yang Qiong-Yu , Xiang Jun-Feng , Gong Han-Yuan
Published: February 2020

An unusual Ag+–NO3− ion pair-induced metal–organic gel was constructed from the cationic imidazolium ligand 1,4-bis((1-(6-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)pyridin-2-yl)-1H-imidazol-3yl)methyl)benzene (12+) in the mixture of acetonitrile and DMF (1 : 1, v/v).
A novel cross-linked nanoparticle with aggregation-induced emission properties for cancer cell imaging
Authors: Li Bin , Chen Tianhong , Wang Zhipeng , Guo Zhiming , Peña Jhair , Zeng Lintao , Xing Jinfeng
Published: February 2020

A novel nanoparticle as a fluorescent probe prepared through a photochemical cross-linking reaction between a tetraphenylethylene derivative with AIE properties and hyaluronic acid modified by methacrylic anhydride.
Aggregation enhances luminescence and photosensitization properties of a hexaiodo-BODIPY
Authors: Kumar P. P. Praveen , Yadav Pranjali , Shanavas Asifkhan , Neelakandan Prakash P.
Published: February 2020

The synthesis of a hexaiodinated BODIPY molecule is reported which exhibits excellent photosensitization and luminescence properties in the aggregated state.
Massive MIMO channel estimation considering pilot contamination and spatially correlated channels
Authors: Pereira de Figueiredo F.A. , Mendes Lemes D.A. , Ferreira Dias C. , Fraidenraich G.
Published: February 2020

In this Letter, the authors present a study on linear channel estimators and their respective mean square error expressions acknowledging spatially correlated channels and pilot contamination. They also investigate the impact of imperfect channel covariance matrix knowledge.
Multi‐modal deep network for RGB‐D segmentation of clothes
Authors: Joukovsky B. , Hu P. , Munteanu A.
Published: February 2020

In this Letter, the authors propose a deep learning based method to perform semantic segmentation of clothes from RGB‐D images of people. First, they present a synthetic dataset containing more than 50,000 RGB‐D samples of characters in different clothing styles, featuring various poses and environments for a total of nine semantic classes. The proposed data generation pipeline allows for fast production of RGB, depth images and ground‐truth label maps. Secondly, a novel multi‐modal encoder–ecoder convolutional network is proposed which operates on RGB and depth modalities. Multi‐modal features are merged using trained fusion modules which use multi‐scale atrous convolutions in the fusion process. The method is numerically evaluated on synthetic data and visually assessed on real‐world data. The experiments demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed model over existing methods.
Failsafe mechanism design of multicopters based on supervisory control theory
Authors: Quan Quan , Zhao Zhiyao , Lin Liyong , Wang Peng , Wonham Walter Murray , Cai Kai‐Yuan
Published: February 2020

In order to handle undesirable failures of a multicopter, which occurs in either the pre‐flight process or the in‐flight process, a failsafe mechanism design method based on supervisory control theory (SCT) is proposed for the semi‐autonomous control mode. The failsafe mechanism is a control logic that guides what subsequent actions the multicopter should take, by taking account of real‐time information from guidance, attitude control, diagnosis and other low‐level subsystems. In order to design a failsafe mechanism for the multicopters, safety issues of the multicopters are introduced. Then, user requirements including functional requirements and safety requirements are textually described, where functional requirements guide the modelling of a general multicopter plant, and safety requirements cover the failsafe measures dealing with the presented safety issues. Based on these requirements, several multicopter modes and events are defined. On this basis, the multicopter plant and control specifications are modelled by automata. Then, a supervisor is synthesized by using SCT. In addition, the authors present three examples to demonstrate the potential conflicting phenomena due to the inappropriate design of control specifications. Finally, based on the obtained supervisor, an implementation method suitable for multicopters is presented, in which the supervisor is transformed into decision‐making codes.
Distributed non‐linear robust consensus‐based sensor calibration for networked control systems
Authors: Stanković Maja S. , Antić Dragan S.
Published: February 2020

In this study a new algorithm is proposed for distributed blind sensor macro‐calibration in networked control systems robust to noise. The proposed distributed algorithm for estimation of gain and offset correction parameters is of stochastic approximation type, with local non‐linear transformations of residuals. Convergence of the algorithm in mean‐square and with probability one to consensus is proved for a large class of non‐linear transformations, network properties and communication and measurement noise characteristics. The choice of the introduced non‐linear transformations in accordance with the theory of robust statistics leads to the proposal of new calibration algorithms robustified w.r.t. noise. It is demonstrated by Monte Carlo simulation that the proposed algorithms are very efficient in the presence of large outliers from the point of view of both achievement of high convergence rate and adequate values of convergence points, outperforming the existing linear algorithms.
Improved least‐squares identification for multiple‐output non‐linear stochastic systems
Authors: Xia Huafeng , Ji Yan , Yang Yongqing , Ding Feng , Hayat Tasawar
Published: February 2020

This study considers the identification problems of multiple‐output non‐linear equation‐error moving average systems. There exist the product items of the parameters between the non‐linear and linear parts. To solve this difficulty, the key term separation technique is adopted. By using the model decomposition technique and the hierarchical identification principle, a maximum likelihood‐based recursive extended least‐squares estimation algorithm with reduced computational complexity is presented to estimate the parameters of the non‐linear part and the linear part interactively. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Hybrid extended‐cubature Kalman filters for non‐linear continuous‐time fractional‐order systems involving uncorrelated and correlated noises using fractional‐order average derivative
Authors: Yang Chuang , Gao Zhe , Huang Xiaomin , Kan Tao
Published: February 2020

In this study, hybrid extended‐cubature Kalman filters (HECKFs) for non‐linear continuous‐time fractional‐order systems with uncorrelated and correlated noises are investigated. A non‐linear continuous‐time fractional‐order system using the fractional‐order average derivative is discretised to gain a difference equation. The fractional‐order average derivative method can achieve more accurate state estimation compared with the Grünwald–Letnikov difference method and the non‐linear functions in the system description are dealt with the extended Kalman filter (EKF) and cubature Kalman filter (CKF). The first‐order Taylor expansion used in the EKF method is implemented for a non‐linear function at the current time. Meanwhile, by using the third‐degree spherical‐radical rule, the functions in the state equation and output equation are performed by the cubature points. Based on these cubature points, the CKFs for uncorrelated and correlated noises are presented to achieve the effective state estimation. Besides, the simulation results are offered to validate the effectiveness of the HECKF proposed in this study.
Optical flow refinement using iterative propagation under colour, proximity and flow reliability constraints
Authors: Mai Tan Khoa , Gouiffès Michèle , Bouchafa Samia
Published: February 2020

This study proposes a strategy to refine optical flow based on the estimated reliability maps. These maps are firstly estimated a posteriori after the motion estimation by the well‐known Kanade–Lucas–Tomasi (KLT). With two new defined criteria based, respectively, on the optical flow local variance and the temporal evolution of the KLT residuals, a global refinement of the motion map is then carried out through two stages under the control of the reliability measures and the colour local homogeneousness. According to the experiments performed on the Middlebury dataset, the authors' reliability measures prove to be a good indicator for the quality of the estimation. Indeed, the correction process increases the global reliability measures and reduces the global errors in a significant way. The experiments show that the quality is higher than classical estimation methods and ranked at 88/168 on Middlebury website.
Modulated predictive current control for a two‐level grid‐connected converter with over‐modulation capability
Authors: Xiao Dan , Alam Kazi Saiful , Rahman Muhammed Fazlur
Published: February 2020

Modulated model predictive control (M2PC) approaches have been widely investigated owing to their improved steady‐state performance and constant switching frequency operation. However, most of these methods either increase control complexity or cannot obtain optimal solutions under certain operating conditions such as lower modulation index and near the boundary of linear and over‐modulation regions. To overcome these limitations, this study proposes a new modulated predictive current control technique based on a novel virtual vector synthesis. The optimal duty cycle is obtained by solving the optimisation problem defined by the cost function. To minimise the tracking error of the input current, a simple non‐linearity compensation method for the converter is also demonstrated. The experimental results confirm that the proposed technique significantly reduces the steady‐state error of the controlled objective and the ripples in the input current without sacrificing the transient performance compared to other existing M2PC methods.
New CUK–SEPIC converter based photovoltaic power system with hybrid GSA–PSO algorithm employing MPPT for water pumping applications
Authors: Priyadarshi Neeraj , Bhaskar Mahajan Sagar , Padmanaban Sanjeevikumar , Blaabjerg Frede , Azam Farooque
Published: February 2020

This work proposes a CUK–SEPIC converter for photovoltaic water pumping application with maximum power point tracking (MPPT). For this a new hybrid gravitational search algorithm (GSA)–particle swarm optimisation (PSO) based MPPT method is proposed. The recent power electronics based CUK–SEPIC converter provides identical output with positive and negative ground reference. The novel converter minimises the ripple present in the supply current and provides optimum PV power extraction from solar module by integrating input and output magnetic cores of inductor. The proposed model is practically tested under changing solar insolation by employing switch reluctance motor for water pumping applications.
X-ray study of high-and-low luminosity modes and peculiar low-soft-and-hard activity in the transitional pulsar XSS J12270−4859
Authors: Miraval Zanon A. , Campana S. , Ridolfi A. , D’Avanzo P. , Ambrosino F.
Published: February 2020

XSS J12270−4859 (henceforth J12270) is the first low-mass X-ray binary to exhibit a transition, taking place at the end of 2012, from an X-ray active state to a radio pulsar state. The X-ray emission based on archival XMM-Newton observations is highly variable, showing rapid variations (∼10 s) from a high X-ray luminosity mode to a low mode and back. A flaring mode has also been observed. X-ray pulsations have been detected during the high mode only. In this work we present two possible interpretations for the rapid swings between the high and low modes. In the first scenario, this phenomenon can be explained by a rapid oscillation between a propeller state and a radio-ejection pulsar state, during which the pulsar wind prevents matter from falling onto the neutron star surface. In the second scenario, a radio pulsar is always active, the intra-binary shock is located just outside the light cylinder in the high mode, while it expands during the low mode. At variance with other transitional pulsars, J12270 shows two instances of the low mode: a low-soft and low-hard mode. Performing an X-ray spectral analysis, we show that the harder component, present in the low-hard spectra, is probably related to the tail of the flare emission. This supports the understanding that the flare mechanism is independent of the high-to-low mode transitions.
Development of Lipid-Based Nanocarriers for Increasing Gastrointestinal Absorption of Lupinifolin
Authors: Musika Jidapa , Chudapongse Nuannoi
Published: February 2020

Lupinifolin, a plant flavonoid, has been reported to possess various pharmacological effects. It most likely exerts low oral bioavailability because of poor water solubility. The objective of this study was to develop lipid nanocarriers as drug delivery systems to increase the gastrointestinal absorption of lupinifolin extracted from Albizia myriophylla. Three types of nanocarriers, lupinifolin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles, lupinifolin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers, and lupinifolin-loaded nanoemulsions, were prepared by an emulsification-sonication technique. All three types of nanocarriers loaded with lupinifolin, lupinifolin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles, lupinifolin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers, and lupinifolin-loaded nanoemulsions, were successfully synthesized. The lipid components chosen to formulate nanocarriers were tripalmitin and/or medium chain triglyceride. Physicochemical characterizations along with releasing profiles of lupinifolin-loaded lipid nanocarriers were compared. It was found that the best lipid nanocarrier for lupinifolin was lupinifolin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers, which demonstrated the particle size of 151.5 ± 0.1 nm, monodispersity distribution with a polydispersity index of 0.24, negative surface charge at − 41.2 ± 0.7 mV, high encapsulation (99.3%), and high loading capacity (5.0%). The obtained lupinifolin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers exhibited prolonged release in a simulated circulatory system but produced a low release in gastrointestinal conditions (3.7%). Intestinal permeability of the nanocarriers was further evaluated in everted intestinal sacs. The results from the ex vivo study indicated that lupinifolin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers significantly increased the absorption of lupinifolin compared to the native form. In conclusion, lupinifolin-loaded lipid nanocarriers were successfully formulated as delivery systems to enhance its oral bioavailability. Further in vivo experiments are needed to validate the results from this study.
Mogroside V-producing Endophytic Fungi Isolated from Siraitia grosvenorii
Authors: Bin Chen , Fangming Yu , Zhi Jiang
Published: February 2020

Endophytic fungi can produce beneficial active components during symbiosis with host plants. Fifteen purified endophytic fungal strains were isolated and screened from root, stem, leaf, and fruit of the Chinese medicine food homologous plant Siraitia grosvenorii. These strains were fermented, and then the fermented solution was extracted using acetonitrile. The extracts were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrum (MS), using standard mogroside V as control. The results showed that strain LHG-F5 and strain LHG-L4 could produce mogroside V with output of 3.814 µg/mL and 2.675 µg/mL, respectively. By morphological observation together with similarity of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence by Clustan X method, LHG-F5 and LHG-L4 were classified as Diaporthe angelica and Fusarium solani, respectively.
Late-Stage Difluoromethylation of Aliphatic Carboxylic Acids with Copper Catalysis
Authors: Liu Wei , Yan Wenhao , Paeth Matthew , Zacate Samson , Zeng Xiaojun
Published: February 2020

Difluoromethyl groups are of great importance to synthetic and pharmaceutical chemistry because of their unique properties that regulate molecular bioactivity. In this article, approaches towards difluoromethylation are discussed and the development of the first aliphatic decarboxylative difluoromethylation reaction is detailed. With a broad scope, the real-world utility of the protocol is demonstrated.
Ultracold chemistry: No longer a disappearing act
Authors: Miller Johanna L.
Published: February 2020

Until now, researchers have struggled to study reactions whose products they couldn’t see.
Spin waves control the magnetization around them
Authors: Hill Heather M.
Published: February 2020

The quasiparticles essential for proposed magnonic devices exert a spin-transfer torque of the same magnitude as that of electrons.
Goal: Double the number of African Americans in physics and astronomy
Authors: Feder Toni
Published: February 2020

The recommendations of a new AIP report aim to catalyze and guide a huge cultural shift.
Weapons labs to build costly new device to better understand plutonium
Authors: Kramer David
Published: February 2020

Scientists say subcritical experiments with plutonium will eliminate the need for nuclear tests, a promise that was first made in 1995.
Iowa’s agriculture is losing its Goldilocks climate
Authors: Takle Eugene S. , Gutowski William J.
Published: February 2020

Climate conditions for growing corn and soybeans have improved, but current trends indicate they will not last.
State of the art in magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Jordan David
Published: February 2020

As a clinical technology, MRI offers unsurpassed flexibility to look inside the human body.
Noise: From nuisance to research subject
Authors: Wittje Roland
Published: February 2020

The definition has evolved through history from an acoustical term informed by music to a plurality of meanings. Today one person’s noise may be someone else’s signal.
Juggling dynamics
Authors: Botvinick-Greenhouse Jonah , Shinbrot Troy
Published: February 2020

With complex throwing patterns of multiple objects, jugglers seemingly defy human limits of reaction time and throwing accuracy.
Selective targeting of nanomedicine to inflamed cerebral vasculature to enhance the blood–brain barrier
Authors: Marcos-Contreras Oscar A. , Greineder Colin F. , Kiseleva Raisa Yu , Parhiz Hamideh , Walsh Landis R. , Zuluaga-Ramirez Viviana , Myerson Jacob W. , Hood Elizabeth D. , Villa Carlos H. , Tombacz Istvan , Pardi Norbert , Seliga Alecia , Mui Barbara L. , Tam Ying K. , Glassman Patrick M. , Shuvaev Vladimir V. , Nong Jia , Brenner Jacob S. , Khoshnejad Makan , Madden Tom , Weissmann Drew , Persidsky Yuri , Muzykantov Vladimir R.
Published: February 2020

Significance

Drug delivery to the brain is a challenging and elusive goal. Conjugating with ligands of target molecules including transferrin receptor modestly enhances cerebral accumulation of drugs and drug carriers. We found that conjugating with ligands of VCAM-1 provides order(s) of magnitude higher cerebral accumulation of nanocarriers, especially in the inflamed brain. VCAM-1 targeted nanocarriers loaded with messenger RNA encoding endothelial glycoprotein thrombomodulin cause expression of the transgene in the lumen of cerebral vasculature. This alleviates pathological permeability of the blood–brain barrier in mouse model of neurovascular inflammation. These results provide a basis for precise and effective molecular interventions in the cerebral vasculature.
Unsaturated nanoporomechanics
Authors: Nguyen Hoang , Rahimi-Aghdam Saeed , Bažant Zdeněk P.
Published: February 2020

Significance

The hygrothermal effects play a major role in cracking, degradation, and durability of concrete infrastructure and indirectly in structural safety under overloads such as earthquake. Besides costs, the consequences are premature replacements of bridges, pavements, etc., which, in the long run, increase the demand for cement production, whose

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emissions already rival those of all of the cars and trucks in the world and, following the current trend, would exceed them greatly. Our theory will help to lengthen lifetimes and enhance safety. It can also be adapted to shale, coal beds, and other nanoporous materials.
Comparison Between a Job-Exposure Matrix (JEM) Score and Self-Reported Exposures for Carrying Heavy Loads Over the Working Lifetime in the CONSTANCES Cohort
Authors: Ngabirano Laure , Fadel Marc , Leclerc Annette , Evanoff Bradley A , Dale Ann Marie , Roquelaure Yves , Descatha Alexis
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Job-exposure matrices (JEMs) were developed to allow assessment of past work exposure for large population-based studies where better exposures data are unavailable. Few studies have directly compared biomechanical JEMs to self-administered questionnaires. We compared assessments of cumulative exposure to carrying heavy loads based on ‘JEM Constances’ to individually self-reported (SR) exposures.

Methods

In the French CONSTANCES cohort at inception, past SR exposure to carrying heavy loads (ever/never and durations) and a detailed job history were available for 26 929 subjects. JEM Constances, an existing biomechanical JEM based on SR current exposures from 26 821 asymptomatic workers, was combined with job history to build a cumulative biomechanical exposure score. Using individual SR exposure as the reference, Area Under the Curve (AUC) of Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated. For both methods, associations with low back pain and knee pain were computed using multinomial logistic models. Additional analyses compared older (>10 years) to more recent (≤10 years) exposures.

Results

AUCs ranged from 0.795 (0.789–0.800) when all periods were considered, to 0.826 (0.820–0.833) for more recent biomechanical exposure (≤10 years). Associations between carrying heavy loads and low back pain or knee pain were less strong using JEM assessment than individually SR exposure: for low back pain ORSR = 3.02 (2.79–3.26) versus ORJEM = 1.70 (1.59–1.82) and for knee pain ORSR = 2.27 (2.10–2.46) versus ORJEM = 1.64 (1.53–1.77).

Conclusions

JEM Constances’ assessment of cumulative exposure of carrying heavy loads seems to be a useful method compared to a self-administrated questionnaire for large population-based studies where other methods are not available.
Current Trends in Preservation Rhinoplasty
Authors: Daniel Rollin K , Kosins Aaron M
Published: February 2020

Recently there has been a dramatic acceptance of the preservation principle in rhinoplasty surgery. Surgeons worldwide now preform preservation rhinoplasty, which has led to an expanding list of indications and techniques. Most rhinoplasty surgeons have accepted the fundamental principle that preservation is better than resection and that a natural result is superior to a fabricated or reconstructed structure, especially with regards to the nasal dorsum. Currently, the main emphasis is on defining the indications/contraindications, technical refinements, and minimizing complications. This paper provides an overview of the current trends in preservation rhinoplasty. In the 2 years following publication of the Editorial, “The Preservation Rhinoplasty: A New Rhinoplasty Revolution,” 1 there has been a dramatic acceptance of the preservation principle. Numerous surgeons throughout the world are preforming preservation rhinoplasty, which has led to an expanding list of indications and techniques. The majority of rhinoplasty surgeons have accepted the fundamental principle that preservation is better than resection, and that a natural result is superior to a fabricated or reconstructed structure, especially as regards the nasal dorsum. Currently, the main emphasis is on defining the indications/contraindications, technical refinements, and minimizing complications. The present paper is an overview of the current trends in preservation rhinoplasty.
Wood anatomy of South African Meliaceae: evolutionary and ecological implications
Authors: Oyedeji Amusa M O , Van Wyk B-E , Oskolski A
Published: February 2020

Wood structure in seven South African species of Ekebergia, Nymania, Trichilia and Turraea (Meliaceae) was studied and compared with data for other genera of the subfamily Melioideae to elucidate phylogenetic relationships and pathways of trait evolution in this group and to clarify the ecological significance of some wood characters. Non-septate fibres, the presence of crystals in axial parenchyma and relatively wide (> triseriate) heterocellular rays are the ancestral conditions for Melioideae. A loss of crystals confirms the monophyly of the clade embracing tribe Turraeeae and Pterorhachis. Uniseriate rays are synapomorphic for the Turraeeae+Trichilieae clade with secondary gains of wider rays in the Nymania+Pterorhachis lineage and in some species of Turraea and Trichilia. A close relationship between Nymania and Pterorhachis was also confirmed by their similarity in having small intervessel pits. Trichilia is distinctive by its homocellular rays made of square and upright cells. The close affinity between Ekebergia and Quivisianthe is confirmed by their similar composition of rays that consist only of procumbent cells. Nymania capensis and Turraea obtusifolia share narrower (< 50 µm) and more numerous (> 70 per mm2) vessel lumina than other species; these are adaptive features for their habitat.
Acute tubulointerstitial nephritis induced by checkpoint inhibitors versus classical acute tubulointerstitial nephritis: are they the same disease?
Authors: Draibe Juliana B , García-Carro Clara , Martinez-Valenzuela Laura , Agraz Irene , Fulladosa Xavier , Bolufer Monica , Tango Ariel , Torras Joan , Soler María José
Published: February 2020

Background

The incidence of acute tubulointerstitial nephritis (ATIN) related to drugs has dramatically increased over recent years. A new subtype of ATIN, apparently different from classical drug-related ATIN, has emerged that has been related to the administration of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). We investigated these differences between ICI-related ATIN (ICI ATIN) and non-ICI-related ATIN in terms of clinical features, response to treatment with steroids and the evolution of kidney function.

Methods

A total of 47 patients diagnosed with ATIN from two centres were recruited. Of these, 13 patients presented with ATIN during ICI treatment and 34 were diagnosed with ATIN attributed to other drugs. The main demographic, clinical and analytical variables such as gender, age and current medication were recorded. The type of malignancy, oncological treatment, ICI dose and presence of extrarenal immune-related adverse events were also reviewed. Renal biopsy diagnosis, time to drug withdrawal and ATIN-specific treatment, as well as laboratory data during follow-up, were also studied.

Results

Patients diagnosed with ICI ATIN presented with lower creatinine (ICI ATIN 3.8 ± 1.03  versus classical ATIN 5.98 ± 4.15 mg/dL, P = 0.007) at diagnosis and higher urinary leucocyte counts (ICI ATIN 263.2 ± 418.04 versus classical ATIN 133.55 ± 284.62, P = 0.048) compared with patients with non-ICI-related ATIN. Time from initiation of the culprit drug to ATIN diagnosis was longer in patients with ICI ATIN than in those with classical ATIN (197.07 ± 184.99 versus 114.4 ± 352.16 days, P = 0.006). In addition, during follow-up, the slope of decreasing creatinine over time was lower for ICI ATIN compared with non-ICI-related ATIN.

Conclusions

In this study, we analysed differences between ICI ATIN and classical ATIN. We found that patients with ICI ATIN presented with a larger latency period after culprit drug initiation, milder acute kidney injury and slower creatinine amelioration compared with those with classical ATIN. These results may, in part, be ascribed to potential differences in the pathological mechanisms involved in ATIN development, suggesting that ICI and classical ATIN may be different diseases with similar renal histologies.
Phase-separation immunoassays.
Authors: Auditore-Hargreaves K , Houghton R L , Monji N , Priest J H , Hoffman A S , Nowinski R C
Published: February 2020

Solid-phase-based immunoassays have traditionally been plagued by nonspecific binding to the solid phase and by slow reaction kinetics relative to reactants that are free to diffuse in solution. We have developed two novel immunoassays in which the solid phase is generated in situ after the specific binding reaction has occurred, thereby enhancing reaction kinetics and minimizing the opportunities for non-specific binding. In the first system, the capture antibody is conjugated to an organic monomer, polymerization of which to form insoluble polymer particles is initiated by a reaction involving free radicals. The amount of signal-labeled antibody incorporated into the resulting particles is directly proportional to the concentration of antigen. The principle is illustrated for the simultaneous assay of IgG and IgM in a single sample. In the second system, capture antibody is conjugated to a polymer, the solubility of which is a function of temperature. Specific binding is conducted below the critical solution temperature of the polymer, which is then separated from solution by increasing the temperature above the critical temperature. The incorporation of signal-labeled antibody into the precipitated polymer is directly proportional to the concentration of antigen. This principle is illustrated for the assay of hepatitis B surface antigen and Chlamydia trachomatis.
Immunochemiluminometric assay of creatine kinase MB with a monoclonal antibody to the MB isoenzyme.
Authors: Piran U , Kohn D W , Uretsky L S , Bernier D , Barlow E H , Niswander C A , Stastny M
Published: February 2020

Previous two-site immunometric assays for creatine kinase (CK; EC 2.7.3.2) MB isoenzyme have been based on formation of a "sandwich" complex involving CK-MB and antibodies that recognize the CK-MM and the CK-BB isoenzymes. Single-incubation model assays of CK-MB with these antibodies were susceptible to interferences by CK-MM and CK-BB. We produced two anti-CK-MB monoclonal antibodies and studied their suitability for two-site assays. Both antibodies were compatible with anti-CK-MM and anti-CK-BB, but not with each other. Using anti-CK-MB as the tracer antibody eliminated the interference by both CK-MM and CK-BB. Labeling anti-CK-MB with acridinium ester and immobilizing anti-CK-BB on paramagnetic particles, we developed a rapid and highly sensitive chemiluminescent/magnetic separation CK-MB assay. As little as 1 microgram of CK-MB per liter was detectable after 10- or 30-min incubation at room temperature, and the standard curve was linear up to 400 micrograms/L. Results for serum samples by the new assay correlated well (r = 0.94) with those by Corning electrophoretic and the Hybritech Tandem-E immunoenzymometric CK-MB methods. Sera containing macro CK-1 or high concentrations of CK-MM and CK-BB did not interfere. The combined advantages of a more-specific antibody, paramagnetic solid phase, and chemiluminescent label endow this two-site CK-MB assay with performance characteristics and ease of use superior to those of previous assays.
An internal clock reaction used in a one-step enzyme immunochromatographic assay of theophylline in whole blood.
Authors: Chen R , Li T M , Merrick H , Parrish R F , Bruno V , Kwong A , Stiso C , Litman D J
Published: February 2020

We describe the development and performance of a second-generation enzyme immunochromatography method for visually quantifying theophylline in whole blood without the use of instrumentation. We have developed the novel concept of an internal chemical clock reaction to combine the capillary-migration and color-generation protocol of the two-step immunochromatographic assay into a single-step, simultaneous protocol. The two assay components are (a) chromatographic paper to which glucose oxidase (EC 1.1.3.4) and monoclonal antibody to theophylline have been immobilized, and (b) an enzyme reagent consisting of glucose, dicarboxidine, ascorbate, and theophylline-labeled horseradish peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7). The ascorbate acts as an internal clock by inhibiting premature color formation until the ascorbate has been completely consumed in the peroxidase-mediated reaction. Color is then generated rapidly, producing a clearly visible front on the paper. Performance evaluations of the 20-min one-step assay show very good precision, analytical recovery, specificity, and accuracy. This simplified protocol is reliable and convenient for therapeutic drug monitoring in the physician's office.
Dual fluorometric/colorimetric detection system for an automated random-access instrument utilizing standard polystyrene test tubes as precision cuvettes.
Authors: Astill M E , Johnson L R , Thorne G H , Krauth G H , Smith R E , Smith R W , Witty T R
Published: February 2020

To attain the optical precision necessary to precisely quantify fluorescent or colorimetric signals, analytical systems have typically included quality-controlled cuvettes, flow cells, or dual-beam reference systems. We describe a system where a fluorescence or transmittance signal is quantified in single, standard, 12-mm-diameter polystyrene test tubes. Tube-to-tube variation is minimized by referencing the primary signal to a second reference signal. The tube is carefully oriented within a positioner that allows for the precise placement of the tube within a light path 7.6 mm in diameter. The detection system allows for use of either four pairs of fluorescence excitation/emission wavelengths or eight transmittance wavelengths, which are selected by using specific interference filters. The impact of temperature, tube imperfections, surface flaws, and distortions is minimized by using a reference ratio. Fluorescence is measured with an orthogonal photomultiplier tube, and transmittance with a photodiode; both are illuminated with an ordinary long-life tungsten-halogen lamp. This system is used with the Becton Dickinson AFFINITY system, an automated random-access analyzer with analyte-specific unit-package reagents. The polystyrene tube of the reagent package, which has an antibody-absorbed surface, serves as both the cuvette and the separation medium. Use of the reference ratio method reduces intertube imprecision of fluorometric or transmittance signals, for more precise quantification of various analytes.
Chemical assays--new opportunities.
Authors: Burkhardt A E
Published: February 2020

The acceptance of the solid-phase format in various areas of clinical chemistry is the consequence of the advantages of this test format, which include stability of the reagents, unitized packaging, convenient and small instruments, and minimal preparations by users before testing. Overall, these advantages provide very convenient tests. Future successful uses of solid-phase reagents depend upon how well these features meet the needs of the users. Needs for systems to be used in the decentralized laboratory include even less cost, even more convenience, and improved quality control. Needs for home testing include convenient tests with clinically useful accuracy, improved quality control, and improved recording systems to overcome user bias in recording results. New solid-phase technologies being developed include noncolorimetric systems suitable for use with miniature probes, for in vitro or in vivo use, and spectrophotometric systems for determinations of analytes directly in capillaries of the skin without invasive sampling.
Determination of retinol, alpha-tocopherol, and beta-carotene in serum by liquid chromatography with absorbance and electrochemical detection.
Authors: MacCrehan W A , Schönberger E
Published: February 2020

We describe a method for the determination of retinol, alpha-tocopherol, and beta-carotene in serum, using a liquid-chromatographic separation with wavelength-programmed ultraviolet/visible absorbance and amperometric electrochemical detection with a glassy carbon electrode. After protein denaturation and addition of an internal standard, tocol, 250-microL samples are twice extracted with hexane. The reversed-phase, gradient-elution chromatographic separation provides baseline resolution of: the all-trans isomer of retinol from the cis isomers, alpha- from gamma-tocopherol, and all-trans-beta-carotene from alpha-carotene and from cis-beta-carotene isomers. The linearity of response and the detection limits for the two detectors for the three analytes are measured. A comparison of the values obtained for serum extracts shows good agreement between the absorbance and electrochemical detectors.
Comparison of four procedures for separating apolipoprotein A- and apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins in plasma.
Authors: Puchois P , Luley C , Alaupovic P
Published: February 2020

Because lipoproteins containing apolipoprotein A (ApoA-I + ApoA-II) or apolipoprotein B (ApoB) seem to exert opposite effects as risk factors for coronary heart disease, we decided to determine the separability of these two major plasma lipoproteins by procedures originally designed to separate high-density from low- and very-low-density lipoproteins. The presumably ApoB-free lipoproteins isolated from normal plasma by (a) ultracentrifugation at d = 1.063; precipitation with (b) heparin-Mn2+ or (c) phosphotungstate-Mg2+; or (d) immunoprecipitation with antibodies to ApoB were characterized by quantifying cholesterol and apolipoproteins A-I, A-II, B, C-II, C-III, D, E, F, and Lp(a). ApoA- and ApoB-containing lipoproteins were completely separated only by immunoprecipitation with antibodies to ApoB. The ApoB-containing lipoproteins isolated by other procedures always contained 4% to 20% of total plasma ApoA-I and differed substantially from one another with respect to the content of some of the minor apolipoproteins. Measuring apolipoproteins was more reliable than measuring cholesterol for monitoring this separation and for expressing the concentrations of ApoA- and ApoB-containing lipoproteins.
HLA-B27 typing by use of flow cytofluorometry.
Authors: Albrecht J , Müller H A
Published: February 2020

We describe the use of flow cytofluorometry to type lymphocytes for HLA-B27 antigens. We modified the cytotoxicity test of Terasaki and McClelland [Nature (London) 1964;204:998] for use with a flow cytofluorometer. In a second assay we used a commercially available monoclonal anti-HLA-B27 antibody and indirect immunofluorescence staining of cell surfaces. Although this antibody cross reacts with B7 and Bw22 antigens, the results for HLA-B27 and the cross-reacting antigens can be separated. Comparison of our results with those by a HLA-typing laboratory for 100 patients showed total agreement of the assigned typings.