bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single‐Plane Versus Dual‐Plane Microfocused Ultrasound With Visualization in the Treatment of Upper Arm Skin Laxity: A Randomized, Single‐Blinded, Controlled Trial
Authors: Vachiramon Vasanop , Triyangkulsri Korn , Iamsumang Wimolsiri , Chayavichitsilp Pamela
Published: August 2020

Background and Objectives

Non‐invasive skin tightening devices have become a safe and non‐invasive treatment for patients with skin laxity of the upper arm. The efficacy of microfocused ultrasound with visualization (MFU‐V) in skin tightening had been demonstrated in several studies. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of MFU‐V in treating skin laxity of the upper arm using different treatment protocols.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Thirty patients with upper arm laxity were enrolled. Patients were randomly assigned to receive single‐plane MFU‐V treatment (4 MHz/4.5 mm transducer) on one arm and dual‐plane treatment (4 MHz/4.5 mm and 7 MHz/3.0 mm transducer) on the contralateral arm, totaling 200 lines in each arm. Investigator Assessment Skin Laxity Scoring System (IASLSS) and improvement scores were evaluated at 1, 3, and 6 months after the treatment. Adverse events were recorded.

Results

A modest reduction of mean arm circumference was observed on both sides. Mean physician‐rated improvement scores,  single‐plane treatment received 2.22 (±1.05), 2.70 (±1.32), and 1.61 (±0.79), respectively. Dual‐plane treatment received 2.00 (±1.00), 2.56 (±1.05), and 1.39 (±0.54), respectively. Single‐plane treatment was superior from physician's ratings (P < 0.05). IASLSS followed the same trend as the improvement scores. Mean patient‐rated improvement scores in single‐plane treatment were 3.63 (±2.63), 3.69 (±2.83), 1.90(±2.51) for 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively. Dual‐plane treatment received 3.5 (±2.57), 3.22 (±2.59), 1.78 (±2.48), respectively. The median pain scores were 2.6 (0–8) for single‐plane treatment and 1.9 (0–8) for dual‐plane treatment (P = 0.136). No other significant side effects were observed.

Conclusion

Both single‐plane and dual‐plane treatment provide a modest skin tightening effect in the upper arm for at least 3 months. Physicians should assess skin thickness in every patient using the visualization screen to select the appropriate transducer for each individual patient. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Perspectives on smart stents with sensors: From conventional permanent to novel bioabsorbable smart stent technologies
Authors: Vishnu Jithin , Manivasagam Geetha
Published: August 2020

Cardiovascular stent angioplasty represents the pre‐eminent choice for the treatment of coronary artery disease. Despite the widespread developments in this arena such as new‐generation drug‐eluting stents and transient bioabsorbable stents, the stent technologies are still associated with several clinical complications associated with stent thrombosis and in‐stent restenosis. Pertinent ‘smart stent’ systems incorporated with sensors are garnering immense research interest in view of their potential to mitigate/reduce several adverse outcomes associated with stents. In this minireview, we attempt to provide a timely overview on the most recent developments in the field of smart stent systems with embedded sensors. The first two sections of this review discuss about the smart stent technology to detect stent endothelialization and in‐stent restenosis. Next, we briefly summarize the propitious bioabsorbable smart stent systems, and the review concludes by highlighting the future perspectives that can foster this research arena. The latest advancements in this research field by integrating sensors in stents have demonstrated immense potentiality in mitigating the risks associated with cardiovascular clinical complications to ameliorate the problems associated with millions of people worldwide.
A novel deep intronic variant in ATP7B in five unrelated families affected by Wilson disease
Authors: Woimant France , Poujois Aurelia , Bloch Adrien , Jordi Tabaras , Laplanche Jean‐Louis , Morel Hélène , Collet Corinne
Published: August 2020

Background

Wilson disease is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder resulting from accumulation of excess copper especially in the liver and brain. This disease is mainly characterized by hepatic disorders and less frequently by neuro‐psychiatric disturbances. This recessive disease is due to mutation in ATP7B, which codes for an ATPase involved in copper‐transport across the plasma membrane. Molecular diagnosis of WD is positive in approximately 98% of cases. Also, in few cases, WD patients present a single deleterious mutation (heterozygous) or no mutation after sanger and NGS standard sequencing analysis of ATP7B. Therefore, in these problematic WD cases, we hypothesized that deleterious mutations reside in intronic regions of ATP7B.

Methods

Complete ATP7B gene was sequenced by Next Generation Sequencing including its promoter.

Results

Five unrelated families with Wilson disease shared the same novel, deep intronic NG_008806.1 (ATP7B_v001):c.2866‐1521G>A variant in ATP7B. Analysis of RNA transcripts from primary fibroblasts of one patient confirmed the deleterious impact of the intronic variant on splicing and its likely pathologic effect in this compound heterozygote.

Conclusion

This discovery of a novel intronic mutation in ATP7B has improved the molecular diagnosis of WD in the French patient cohort to greater than 98%. Thus, we recommend complete sequencing of ATP7B gene, including introns, as a molecular diagnostic approach in cases of clinically confirmed WD which lack pathogenic exon or promoter variants in one or both alleles.
FDA approves esketamine treatment for MDD, suicidal ideation
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: August 2020

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced Aug. 3 approval of Janssen Pharmaceutical's supplemental new drug application (sNDA) for the expanded use of SPRAVATO esketamine Clll nasal spray for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) with acute suicidal ideation or behavior. SPRAVATO was initially approved by the FDA March 5, 2019, for the treatment of treatment‐resistant depression.
Expression and localization of retinoid receptors in the testis of normal and infertile men
Authors: Wang Gui‐Shuan , Liang Ajuan , Dai Yu‐Bing , Wu Xiao‐Long , Sun Fei
Published: August 2020

Retinoic acid (RA), the active metabolite of vitamin A, is one of the most important factors regulating spermatogenesis. RA activates downstream pathways through its receptors (retinoic acid receptor alpha [RARA], retinoic acid receptor beta, and retinoic acid receptor gamma [RARG]) and retinoid X receptors (retinoid X receptor alpha [RXRA], retinoid X receptor beta [RXRB], and retinoid X receptor gamma [RXRG]). These receptors may serve as therapeutic targets for infertile men. However, the localization and expression of retinoid receptors in normal and infertile men were unknown. In this study, we found RARA and RARG were mostly localized in spermatocytes and round spermatids, RXRB was mainly expressed in Sertoli cells, and RXRG was expressed in most cell types in the fertile human testis. The localization of RARA, RARG, RXRB, and RXRG in men with hypospermatogenesis (HYPO) was similar to that of men with normal fertility. In addition, the messenger RNA expression levels of RARA, RARG, RXRA, RXRB, and RXRG were significantly decreased in men with Sertoli cell‐only syndrome (SCOS) and maturational arrest (MA), but not in men with HYPO. These results suggest that reduced levels of RARA, RARG, RXRB, RXRA, and RXRG are more closely associated with SCOS and MA spermatogenetic failure. These results could contribute to the development of new molecular indicators of spermatogenic dysfunction and might provide novel therapeutic targets for treating male infertility.
Comparison of single breath hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI with dynamic 19F MRI in cystic fibrosis lung disease
Authors: McCallister Andrew , Chung Sang Hun , Antonacci Michael , Z. Powell Margret , Ceppe Agathe S. , Donaldson Scott H. , Lee Yueh Z. , Branca Rosa Tamara , Goralski Jennifer L.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

To quantitatively compare dynamic 19F and single breath hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI for the detection of ventilation abnormalities in subjects with mild cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease.

Methods

Ten participants with stable CF and a baseline FEV1 > 70% completed a single imaging session where dynamic 19F and single breath 129Xe lung ventilation images were acquired on a 3T MRI scanner. Ventilation defect percentages (VDP) values between 19F early‐breath, 19F maximum‐ventilation, 129Xe low‐resolution, and 129Xe high‐resolution images were compared. Dynamic 19F images were used to determine gas wash‐in/out rates in regions of ventilation congruency and mismatch between 129Xe and 19F.

Results

VDP values from high‐resolution 129Xe images were greater than from low‐resolution images (P = .001), although these values were significantly correlated (r = 0.68, P = .03). Early‐breath 19F VDP and max‐vent 19F VDP also showed significant correlation (r = 0.75, P = .012), with early‐breath 19F VDP values being significantly greater (P < .001). No correlation in VDP values were detected between either 19F method or high‐res 129Xe images. In addition, the location and volume of ventilation defects were often different when comparing 129Xe and 19F images from the same subject. Areas of ventilation congruence displayed the expected ventilation kinetics, while areas of ventilation mismatch displayed abnormally slow gas wash‐in and wash‐out.

Conclusion

In CF subjects, ventilation abnormalities are identified by both 19F and HP 129Xe imaging. However, these ventilation abnormalities are not entirely congruent. 19F and HP 129Xe imaging provide complementary information that enable differentiation of normally ventilated, slowly ventilated, and non‐ventilated regions in the lungs.
Magneto‐optic effect of two‐dimensional materials and related applications
Authors: Lan Tianshu , Ding Baofu , Liu Bilu
Published: August 2020

Magneto‐optic effect is attracting wide interest as it renders a contactless, potentially power‐free, highly sensitive and spatio‐temporal resolved way in both magnetic material characterization and light manipulation. Intensive explorations exhibit its potential in diverse applications such as optical communication, data storage, phase modulator, optical isolator, and magnetic‐field sensor. Noteworthy, atomically thin two‐dimensional (2D) materials represented by graphene demonstrate the interplay of large shape anisotropy as well as anisotropy in optical and magnetic properties, providing unlimited possibilities for the development of magneto‐optic effect and related applications. Here, we initiate the review with brief summary of the development history of magneto‐optic effect in parallel with the introduction of several typical 2D materials with unique magnetic properties. Thereafter, four important magneto‐optic effects of 2D materials are discussed, including Faraday effect, magneto‐optic Kerr effect, Zeeman effect and Cotton‐Mouton effect. Finally, we refine major challenges in further development of magneto‐optic effects and put forward prospects for several promising candidates of 2D magneto‐optic materials and related applications.
Strategic procurement, supplier integration, and speed‐to‐market: The mediating role of procurement lead‐time performance and manufacturing performance
Authors: Chenini Abderrahim , Iqbal Javed , Qurrahtulain Khan , Husain Mahmood Mahmood A. , Aldehayyat Jehad Saleh
Published: August 2020

This study aims to examine how strategic procurement and supplier integration influence directly to firms' manufacturing performance and speed to market of their products, and indirectly through procurement lead‐time performance. Explanatory and cross‐sectional research design has been used for this study and the primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire from 279 middle‐higher procurement management officials of different large‐scale manufacturing firms. The structural equation model is applied to derive the research results. The study results confirm the significance of strategic procurement and supplier integration in superior manufacturing and speed‐to‐market performances. Furthermore, results reveal that firm's procurement strategy and supplier integration are key determinants of lead‐time and significantly affect the manufacturing performance. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that procurement lead‐time performance mediates the relationship between strategic procurement and speed‐to‐market. The study recommends well planned procumbent and excellent supplier integration will lead to an efficient manufacturing process and speed‐to‐market.
Transparent semi‐crystalline polymeric materials and their nanocomposites: A review
Authors: Lin Yunyin , Bilotti Emiliano , Bastiaansen Cees W.M. , Peijs Ton
Published: August 2020

Optical transparency is an important property for a material, especially in certain fields like packaging, glazing, and displays. Existing commercial transparent polymeric materials are mostly amorphous. Semicrystalline polymers have often‐superior chemical resistance and mechanical properties particularly at elevated temperatures or after solid‐state drawing but they appear opaque or white in most cases. This review describes the present state‐of‐the‐art of methodologies of fabricating optically transparent materials from semicrystalline polymers. A distinction is made between isotropic, biaxially stretched, and uniaxially stretched semicrystalline polymers. Furthermore, some functionalities of transparent nanocomposites based on semicrystalline polymers are also discussed. This review aims to provide guidelines regarding the principles of manufacturing transparent high‐performance semicrystalline polymers and their nanocomposites for potential applications in fields like packaging, building, and construction, aerospace, automotive, and opto‐electronics.
Potentially Inappropriate Medication Combination with Opioids among Older Dental Patients: A Retrospective Review of Insurance Claims Data
Authors: Zhou Jifang , Calip Gregory S. , Rowan Susan , McGregor Jessina C. , Perez Rosanne I. , Evans Charlesnika T. , Gellad Walid F. , Suda Katie J.
Published: August 2020

Background

Opioid prescribing by dentists for older patients receiving medications with potential contraindications and the subsequent impact on acute care outcomes is not well described.

Objectives

Our objective of this paper was to evaluate the use of potentially inappropriate medication combinations (PIMCs) involving opioids prescribed by dentists according to the Beers Criteria and risks of 30‐day emergency department (ED) visits and all‐cause hospitalization among commercially insured dental patients ages 65 years and older.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 40,800 older dental patient visits in which opioids were prescribed between 2011 and 2015 using the IBM MarketScan databases. Data collection from dental, medical, and pharmacy claims included information on the concurrent use of PIMCs and outcomes of all‐cause acute care utilization over the 30‐day period after dental encounters.

Results

For the overall cohort, the median age was 69 years, and 45% were women. The prevalence of PIMCs per Beers Criteria was 10.4%. A total of 947 all‐cause acute care events were observed in the 30 days post‐dental visit. Patients with PIMCs involving opioids prescribed by dentists according to the Beers Criteria had higher rates of acute care use (3.3% vs 2.2%, p<0.001), which were associated with an increased risk of all‐cause acute care utilization (adjusted risk ratio [RR] 1.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–1.48). A dose‐response relationship was seen with increasing oral morphine equivalents prescribed and increased acute care utilization (p<0.001).

Conclusion

A significant proportion of older patients receiving opioids at dental visits use psychotropic medications that in combination should be avoided according to the American Geriatric Society Beers Criteria.
Quality improvement initiative to improve pulmonary function in pediatric cystic fibrosis patients
Authors: Filbrun Amy G. , Enochs Catherine , Caverly Lindsay , Rajala Kelsey , Powell Corey , Merrick Emily , Nasr Samya Z.
Published: August 2020

Background

Our Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Center initiated a Quality Improvement (QI) project in November 2017 with the goal of improving our patients' forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) percent predicted (pp) and continued for 1 year. Our specific aim was to increase the relative mean FEV1 pp by 5% in 12 months for CF patients 6 to 21 years old with FEV1 ≤ 80 pp.

Methods

We identified patients with FEV1 ≤ 80 pp, developed cause and effect diagrams (fishbones) to identify contributing factors to FEV1 ≤ 80 pp, and created flowcharts to address barriers. The barriers to adherence that may result in FEV1 ≤ 80 pp were studied using a fishbone. A standardized approach across providers was implemented to individualize care for each patient. Each discipline developed a flowchart to address barriers to improving FEV1.

Results

Forty patients were identified (43% male). Their mean age was 16.8 years (range 8.2‐21.5 years). Mean FEV1 pp at baseline was 58.6 (range 30‐80). The fishbone identified needs for continuing education for patients/families, and providing a treatment plan at each clinic visit. After 6 months of implementation, patients had an improvement in mean FEV1 pp by 6.4% (CI, 0.4%‐12.9%). At 12 months, mean FEV1 pp had improved by 14% (CI, 6.5%‐21.4%), which exceeded our goal of 5%.

Conclusion

Through this ongoing project, team members, patients, and families partnered to improve lung function in pediatric CF patients. Flowcharts facilitated a standardized approach across providers to develop individualized treatment plans for patients, which resulted in improved lung function.
DMBT1 is upregulated in lung epithelial cells after hypoxia and changes surfactant ultrastructure
Authors: Müller Hanna , Schmiedl Andreas , Weiss Christel , Ai Maria , Jung Susan , Renner Marcus
Published: August 2020

Background

Hypoxia and asphyxia are known to induce surfactant inactivation in newborns. Deleted in Malignant Brain Tumors 1 (DMBT1) is an innate immunity protein with functions in epithelial differentiation and angiogenesis. It was detected in hyaline membranes of infants with respiratory distress syndrome. Human recombinant DMBT1 is able to increase the surface tension of exogenous surfactant preparations in a dose‐dependent manner.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry was performed on lung sections of infants who died due to pre‐, peri‐ or postnatal hypoxia. The lung epithelial cell line A549 was stably transfected with a DMBT1 (DMBT1+ cells) expression plasmid or with an empty plasmid (DMBT1− cells). The cells were cultured in normoxic or hypoxic conditions, and then DMBT1 as well as HIF‐1α RNA expression were analyzed by using real‐time‐polymerase chain reaction. Human recombinant DMBT1 was added to the modified porcine natural surfactant Curosurf to examine the effect of DMBT1 on surfactant ultrastructure with electron microscopy.

Results

DMBT1 expression was upregulated in human lung tissue after fetal/peri‐/postnatal hypoxia. In addition, in vitro experiments showed increased DMBT1 RNA expression in A549 cells after hypoxia. HIF‐1α was upregulated in both DMBT1+ and DMBT1− cells in response to hypoxia. The addition of human recombinant DMBT1 to Curosurf caused an impaired surfactant ultrastructure.

Conclusions

DMBT1 is upregulated in response to hypoxia and there seems to be a link between hypoxia and surfactant inactivation.
Assessment of pulmonary function by impulse oscillometry and spirometry in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Anık Ayşe , Anık Ahmet , Uysal Pınar
Published: August 2020

Aim

To assess the lung functions with impulse oscillometry (IOS) and spirometry in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

Methods

Fifty‐one children with T1DM, and sex‐ and age‐matched 53 healthy control (HC) subjects were included in this study. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of the subjects were recorded and their pulmonary functions were analyzed by IOS and spirometry.

Results

In IOS, zR5, zR10, and zR20 levels were higher in children with T1DM compared with HCs (P = .019, P = .017, and P = .002, respectively). In spirometry, zFEF75 and zFEF25‐75 were lower in children with T1DM compared with HCs (P = .025, P = .001, respectively). In IOS, zR5‐20 (P = .008, P = .005, respectively) and zAX (P = .013, P = .009, respectively) were significantly lower in good‐controlled group compared with moderate‐ and poor‐controlled group. In spirometry, zFEF25‐75 was significantly higher in good‐controlled group compared with moderate‐ and poor‐controlled group (P = .005, P = .009, respectively). HbA1c was positively correlated with zR5‐20 value (r = .339; P = .017) in male children with T1DM. The duration of the disease was positively correlated with zR5‐20 (r = .290; P = .043) and zFres (r = .358; P = .010). According to the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to estimate optimal cut‐offs to discriminate good control level of T1DM (HbA1c < 7%), a zR5‐20 ≤ 2.28 demonstrated a 75.0% sensitivity and 82.9% specificity, with an area under the curve of 0.805 ([confidence interval, 0.615‐0.995]; P = .007).

Conclusions

This study showed subclinical impairment of lung functions which is associated with disease duration and the degree of metabolic control in children with T1DM.
Microstructure determines floating ability of weed seeds
Authors: Shi Xinglei , Li Ruhai , Zhang Zheng , Qiang Sheng
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Weed seeds in rice‐wheat continuous cropping fields spread via flowing water during irrigation of the rice crop. However, the ability of their adaptation to water dispersal and their structural mechanisms remain unclear. One hundred and ten species of weed seeds from 35 families were selected for this study. Seed slices were made through freeze sectioning to observe and assess the proportions of parenchyma, aerenchyma and lignified tissue. Microstructure and morphological traits, such as relative size and appendages were integrated into an analysis.

RESULTS

Multivariate statistical analysis showed that floating time was significantly positively correlated with the shape, aerenchyma and parenchyma of the weed seeds and negatively with lignified tissue. Cluster analysis divided all the tested seeds into four categories. The first category was super floating weeds, which had a large proportion of parenchyma or air chamber and floated on water surfaces for > 400 h, including 16 species; the second category was strong floating weeds, which had a flat shape, parenchyma or air chamber structures and floated for 120 to 400 h, including 17 species; the third category was floating weeds, which were usually dense in structure with a floating time < 120 h, including 78 species; the fourth category showed no floating ability with a large size and mass, and dense structures including seven species.

CONCLUSION

Most weeds had floating ability, which was closely related to the adaptability of their anatomical structures. This study takes an insight into understanding ecological adaptation of weeds and the sustainable ecological weed control through removing floating weed seeds.
The effect of concentrated pomegranate juice consumption on risk factors of cardiovascular diseases in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Abedini Maryam , Ghasemi‐Tehrani Hatav , Tarrahi Mohammad J. , Amani Reza
Published: August 2020

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. Pomegranate juice is a rich source of polyphenols that may improve blood pressure, lipid profile, and other risk factors of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). No study has examined the effects of pomegranate juice consumption on the clinical outcomes of PCOS. This study aimed to examine the effects of concentrated pomegranate juice (CPJ) consumption on risk factors of CVDs in women with PCOS. In this randomized clinical trial, 44 PCOS women with an age range of 18–40 years and body mass index (BMI) of ≥25 kg/m2 were recruited. They were randomly allocated to the CPJ (n = 22) and control (n = 22) groups, and followed for 8 weeks. Anthropometric measures, blood pressure, and biochemical parameters were measured at baseline and at the end of the trial. Compared with the control group, CPJ consumption significantly reduced systolic (−9.77 ± 1.46 vs. −1.18 ± 1.46 mmHg, p < .001) and diastolic (−3.87 ± 1.36 vs. 0.30 ± 1.36 mmHg, p = .05) blood pressure, serum triglyceride (TG) levels (−7.82 ± 6.32 vs. 16.63 ± 6.32 mg/dl, p = .01), TG/high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (HDL‐C) ratio (−0.39 ± 0.24 vs. 0.66 ± 0.24, p = .007), and increased serum concentrations of low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (LDL‐C) (6.03 ± 2.47 vs. −1.98 ± 2.47 mg/dl, p = .04) and HDL‐C (1.93 ± 1.10 vs. −1.78 ± 1.10 mg/dl, p = .03). These findings were obtained after taking baseline measurements and potential confounders into account. No adverse event or complication was reported due to CPJ consumption throughout the study. We found that CPJ consumption has a beneficial effect on blood pressure, serum concentrations of TG and HDL‐C, and TG/HDL‐C ratio in women with PCOS. However, this juice could increase serum LDL‐C levels in these patients. This trial was registered at www.irct.ir as IRCT20191109045383N1.
Forensic identification of the keratin fibers of South American camelids by ambient ionization mass spectrometry: Vicuña, alpaca and guanaco
Authors: Price Erin , Larrabure Dominique , Gonzales Benito , McClure Pamela , Espinoza Edgard
Published: August 2020

Rationale

The keratin fleece of the endangered vicuña (Vicugna vicugna) commands a high value in international markets, and this trade has caused illegal poaching and a substantial decrease in vicuña populations. Morphological analysis of hairs does not have the resolution to determine the species of origin of camelid natural fibers. In addition, commerce in camelid fleece also includes the legal trade of alpaca (Vicugna pacos) and guanaco (Lama guanicoe) wool.

Methods

The keratin fiber spectra of vicuña (n = 19), guanaco (n = 20) and alpaca (n = 20) were collected using X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry, Horizontal attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (HATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy and direct analysis in real time time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (DART‐TOFMS). Analysis with each technique evaluated the data to determine if the three taxa could be separated using either descriptive or multivariate statistics.

Results

XRF analysis showed that the elements detected and their relative concentrations were similar in all three species, whereas HATR‐FTIR analysis could identify alpaca fleece but could not differentiate vicuña from guanaco. Ions detected by ambient ionization using DART‐TOFMS, in either positive‐ or negative‐ion mode, gave the best results and showed that each taxonomic group is distinctive. Multivariate analysis of the mass spectra created robust models which resolved each species (LOOCV = 99.9%). The analyses of eight validation samples were correctly assigned to the appropriate species and demonstrated the reliability of DART‐TOFMS to infer taxonomic source.

Conclusions

The DART‐TOFMS spectra of unmodified keratin fibers infer that the chemotype of each species is heavily influenced by fatty acids, cholesterol and its analogs, and that these ions are useful in separating the fleece of vicuña, alpaca and guanaco. We posit that the etiological source of these chemotype differences is consistent with genetic modulations and is less influenced by diet. Accurate taxonomic identification of fleece is important to identify violations and assists in the protection of rare species.
In situ Mg isotope measurements of biogenic carbonates using laser ablation multi‐collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry: A new tool to understand biomineralisation
Authors: Sadekov Aleksey , Lloyd Nicholas S. , Misra Sambuddha , D'Olivo Juan Pablo , McCulloch Malcolm
Published: August 2020

Rationale

Magnesium is one of the most abundant elements in the earth's crust and in seawater. Fractionation of its stable isotopes has been shown to be a useful indicator of many geological, chemical, and biological processes. For example, biogenic carbonates display an ~5‰ range of δ26Mg values, which is attributed to variable degrees of biological control on Mg ions during biomineralisation. Understanding this biological control is essential for developing proxies based on biogenic carbonates.

Methods

In this work, we present a new approach of measuring Mg isotopes in biogenic carbonates using Laser Ablation Multi‐Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA‐MC‐ICPMS).

Results

Our results show that this microanalytical approach provides relatively fast, high spatial resolution (<0.2 μm) measurements with high precision and accuracy down to 0.2‰ (2SE). To achieve high levels of precision and accuracy, baseline interferences need to be monitored and a carbonate standard with a relatively low trace metal composition similar to biogenic carbonates should be used. We also demonstrate that the matrix effect on Mg isotopes in carbonates with low Fe and Mn is limited to less than 0.2‰ fractionation under different laser parameters and low oxide condition (<0.3% ThO/Th).

Conclusions

Our newly developed LA‐MC‐ICPMS method and its applications to biogenic carbonates show significant advantages provided by the microanalytical approach in understanding complex processes of biomineralisation in marine calcifiers.
When capital does not matter: How entrepreneurship training buffers the negative effect of capital constraints on business creation
Authors: Bischoff Kim Marie , Gielnik Michael M. , Frese Michael
Published: August 2020

Research summary

Entrepreneurship training is an effective means to promote business creation. We examine the effect of entrepreneurship training in conjunction with capital constraints, which entrepreneurs frequently experience in the context of developing countries and emerging economies. We develop a theoretical model that explains how entrepreneurship training attenuates the negative effect of capital constraints on business creation by developing financial mental models. To test our model, we conducted two longitudinal, randomized field experiments in developing countries. Our studies show a moderation effect of entrepreneurship training on the relationship between capital constraints and business creation. Results reveal that financial mental models mediated this moderation. The study demonstrates the role that entrepreneurship training plays in dealing with capital constraints in entrepreneurship in developing countries and emerging economies.

Managerial summary

A major barrier for entrepreneurship is capital constraints. In the context of developing countries and emerging economies, where people experience severe capital constraints, the common thinking suggests improving access to capital as the major solution for overcoming capital constraints in business creation. Our study provides empirical evidence for a different point of view: It emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurship training as an effective means to cope with capital constraints when starting businesses. Our findings show that entrepreneurship training reduces the negative effect of capital constraints on business creation through financial mental models. This implies that entrepreneurship training improves participants' financial mental models and hence supports them in starting businesses despite capital constraints. Consequently, we recommend promoting entrepreneurship training to overcome capital constraints in business creation.
Ultra‐Thin Poly‐Si Layers: Passivation Quality, Utilization of Charge Carriers Generated in the Poly‐Si and Application on Screen‐Printed Double‐Side Contacted Polycrystalline Si on Oxide Cells
Authors: Larionova Yevgeniya , Schulte-Huxel Henning , Min Byungsul , Schäfer Sören , Kluge Thomas , Mehlich Heiko , Brendel Rolf , Peibst Robby
Published: August 2020

Herein, the various measures to improve the efficiency of large‐area screen‐printed double‐side contacted polycrystalline Si on oxide (POLO)‐cells are experimentally demonstrated. The short‐circuit current density Jsc increases by 0.6 mA cm−2 upon reducing the thickness of poly‐Si from 25 to 10 nm due to the reduction of the parasitic absorption in the poly‐Si layer at the textured front side of the cell. Additionally, it is shown for the first time that the minority carriers generated by light absorbed in the poly‐Si layer can at least partially be transferred into the crystalline Si base. Remarkably high implied open‐circuit voltage Voc,impl values are achieved with n‐type cell precursors by introducing an hydrogenation step by AlxOy after reducing the poly‐Si thickness, and by an additional annealing step after sputtering of transparent conductive oxides (TCOs). All cell precursors show Voc,impl values of up to 740 mV independent of the poly‐Si thickness. A reduction in the open‐circuit voltage Voc is observed during back‐end processing to 728 mV as measured on the final cells. A certified cell energy conversion efficiency of 22.3% is reported.
Highly Flexible and Transparent Polylactic Acid Composite Electrode for Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Lu Zheng , Lou Yanhui , Ma Peipei , Zhu Kaiping , Cong Shan , Wang Chen , Su Xiaodong , Zou Guifu
Published: August 2020

Biomass substrates are urgently needed to develop green electronics. Herein, an ultra‐flexible and transparent biomass‐derived conductive substrate is originated from nature polylactic acid (PLA) with silver nanowires (AgNWs) modified by PH1000. The composite electrode exhibits low sheet resistance of 25 Ω sq−1, high transmittance (over 82% in the region of 400–800 nm), and excellent mechanical durability. After bending tests of 15 000 times at a curvature radius of 3 and 5 mm, the sheet resistances of the composite electrodes only increase to 89 and 51 Ω sq−1, respectively. Biomass electrode–based flexible perovskite solar cells are demonstrated with a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 11.44% and high bending tolerance with preserving over 86% of the initial PCE after 1500 bending cycles at a curvature radius of 5 mm. The biomass electrode exhibits great potential for the development of green flexible devices.
Microstructure Evolution during Annealing at Different Temperatures and Hot Deformation Behavior of Lean Duplex Stainless Steel 2101
Authors: Xu Haijian , Hu Wanqing , Kang Chao , Li Weijuan , Sha Xiaochun
Published: August 2020

Herein, the microstructure evolutions and mechanical properties of lean duplex stainless steel 2101 (LDX2101) are evaluated at different temperatures and a strain rate of 1 s−1. The experimental results show that the ratio of ferrite to austenite (α/γ) is increased between 950 and 1250 °C in total, but a turning temperature range occurs at 1000–1050 °C due to dissolution of the Cr2N precipitates along the phase boundaries. In LDX2101, high number density of Cr2N precipitates exist below 1000 °C and above 1100 °C, respectively. The morphologies of Cr2N precipitates change from massive to acicular with increasing temperatures. In addition, the excess strain is concentrated in α, and therefore strain is difficult to transfer to the adjacent γ. The aforementioned factors may lead to greater stress concentration along the phase boundaries (α/γ) and grain boundaries or grains (α), which causes edge cracking and surface cracking. With increase in deformation temperatures, the reduction of area increases and tensile strength decreases, but a turning temperature range occurs at 1000–1050 °C. The optimum hot deformation zone is in the temperature range of 1000–1100 °C by considering the precipitation temperature range of Cr2N precipitates. The formation mechanisms of Cr2N precipitates at different annealing temperatures are investigated.
Accuracy of automated three‐dimensional ultrasound imaging technique for fetal head biometry
Authors: Pluym I. D. , Afshar Y. , Holliman K. , Kwan L. , Bolagani A. , Mok T. , Silver B. , Ramirez E. , Han C. S. , Platt L. D.
Published: August 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the accuracy of an automated three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound technique for fetal intracranial measurements compared with manual acquisition.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study of patients presenting for routine anatomical survey between 18 + 0 and 22 + 6 weeks' gestation. After providing informed consent, each patient underwent two consecutive ultrasound examinations of the fetal head, one by a sonographer and one by a physician. Each operator obtained manual measurements of the biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), transcerebellar diameter (TCD), cisterna magna (CM) and posterior horn of the lateral ventricle (Vp), followed by automated measurements of these structures using an artificial intelligence‐based tool, SonoCNS® Fetal Brain. Both operators repeated the automated approach until all five measurements were obtained in a single sweep, up to a maximum of three attempts. The accuracy of automated measurements was compared with that of manual measurements using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) by operator type, accounting for patient and ultrasound characteristics.

Results

One hundred and forty‐three women were enrolled in the study. Median body mass index was 24.0 kg/m2 (interquartile range (IQR), 22.5–26.8 kg/m2) and median subcutaneous thickness was 1.6 cm (IQR, 1.3–2.0 cm). Fifteen (10%) patients had at least one prior Cesarean delivery, 17 (12%) had other abdominal surgery and 78 (55%) had an anterior placenta. Successful acquisition of the automated measurements was achieved on the first, second and third attempts in 70%, 22% and 3% of patients, respectively, by sonographers and in 76%, 16% and 3% of cases, respectively, by physicians. The automated algorithm was not able to identify and measure all five structures correctly in six (4%) and seven (5%) patients scanned by the sonographers and physicians, respectively. The ICCs reflected good reliability (0.80–0.88) of the automated compared with the manual approach for BPD and HC and poor to moderate reliability (0.23–0.50) for TCD, CM and Vp. Fetal lie, head position, placental location, maternal subcutaneous thickness and prior Cesarean section were not associated with the success or accuracy of the automated technique.

Conclusions

Automated 3D ultrasound imaging of the fetal head using SonoCNS reliably identified and measured BPD and HC but was less consistent in accurately identifying and measuring TCD, CM and Vp. While these results are encouraging, further optimization of the automated technology is necessary prior to incorporation of the technique into routine sonographic protocols. © 2020 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Competing‐risks model for prediction of small‐for‐gestational‐age neonate from maternal characteristics and serum pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A at 11–13 weeks' gestation
Authors: Papastefanou I. , Wright D. , Syngelaki A. , Lolos M. , Anampousi K. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: August 2020

Objectives

To develop a continuous likelihood model for pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A), in the context of a new competing‐risks model for prediction of a small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) neonate, and to compare the predictive performance of the new model for SGA to that of previous methods.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study of 60 875 women with singleton pregnancy undergoing routine ultrasound examination at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks' gestation. The dataset was divided randomly into a training dataset and a test dataset. The training dataset was used for PAPP‐A likelihood model development. We used Bayes' theorem to combine the previously developed prior model for the joint Gaussian distribution of gestational age (GA) at delivery and birth‐weight Z‐score with the PAPP‐A likelihood to obtain a posterior distribution. This patient‐specific posterior joint Gaussian distribution of GA at delivery and birth‐weight Z‐score allows risk calculation for SGA defined in terms of different birth‐weight percentiles and GA. The new model was validated internally in the test dataset and we compared its predictive performance to that of the risk‐scoring system of the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and that of logistic regression models for different SGA definitions.

Results

PAPP‐A has a continuous association with both birth‐weight Z‐score and GA at delivery according to a folded‐plane regression. The new model, with the addition of PAPP‐A, was equal or superior to several logistic regression models. The new model performed well in terms of risk calibration and consistency across different GAs and birth‐weight percentiles. In the test dataset, at a false‐positive rate of about 30% using the criteria defined by NICE, the new model predicted 62.7%, 66.5%, 68.1% and 75.3% of cases of a SGA neonate with birth weight < 10th percentile delivered at < 42, < 37, < 34 and < 30 weeks' gestation, respectively, which were significantly higher than the respective values of 46.7%, 55.0%, 55.9% and 52.8% achieved by application of the NICE guidelines.

Conclusions

Using Bayes' theorem to combine PAPP‐A measurement data with maternal characteristics improves the prediction of SGA and performs better than logistic regression or NICE guidelines, in the context of a new competing‐risks model for the joint distribution of birth‐weight Z‐score and GA at delivery. © 2020 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Emerging nanobiomaterials against bacterial infections in postantibiotic era
Authors: Hu Dengfeng , Zou Lingyun , Gao Yifan , Jin Qiao , Ji Jian
Published: August 2020

Although numerous antibiotics have been developed and applied in clinic, bacterial infections are still serious threats to human health, due to the rapidly growing antibiotic resistance all over the world. The causes of antibiotic resistance include two main aspects: the formation of bacterial biofilms and the self‐evolution of bacteria under the antibiotic selection pressure. It is of great significance to develop effective strategies to treat the bacterial infections with serious antibiotic resistance. With excellent performance, such as size effect, specific physicochemical property, easy modification, and so on, nanomaterials exhibit enormous potential as enhancers or therapeutic agents to treat severe drug‐resistant bacterial infections. In this review, the underlying causes for the antibiotic resistance are fully summarized and discussed. Subsequently, the promising therapeutic methods by using nanomaterials are provided and discussed to treat bacterial infections with serious antibiotic resistance.
Physicochemical properties of bacterial cellulose obtained from different Kombucha fermentation conditions
Authors: Villarreal‐Soto Silvia A. , Bouajila Jalloul , Beaufort Sandra , Bonneaud Denis , Souchard Jean‐Pierre , Taillandier Patricia
Published: August 2020

The production of bacterial cellulose has been limited due to its high cost and low productivity. Alternative low‐cost sources of this biopolymer of high purity and biocompatibility are needed in order to benefit from its enormous potential. Kombucha tea is a trend functional beverage whose production is growing exponentially worldwide, and the bacteria present in this fermented beverage belonging to the genus Komagataeibacter are capable of producing a crystalline biofilm with interesting properties. Obtaining bacterial cellulose from Kombucha tea has already been studied, however several fermentation conditions are being optimized in order to scale‐up its production. In this study, we characterized the bacterial cellulose produced from three different Kombucha fermentation conditions. The scanning electron microscopy images revealed the crystalline structure of the biofilms. The energy‐dispersive x‐ray analysis exhibited the chemical composition of the crystals. The thermogravimetric analysis showed a rate of degradation between 490 and 560°C and the differential scanning calorimetry confirmed the presence of crystalline and amorphous regions in the bacterial cellulose samples. The results suggested that crystalline cellulose could be obtained by varying the fermentation conditions of Kombucha tea.
The time‐course of speech perception revealed by temporally‐sensitive neural measures
Authors: Getz Laura M. , Toscano Joseph C.
Published: August 2020

Recent advances in cognitive neuroscience have provided a detailed picture of the early time‐course of speech perception. In this review, we highlight this work, placing it within the broader context of research on the neurobiology of speech processing, and discuss how these data point us toward new models of speech perception and spoken language comprehension. We focus, in particular, on temporally‐sensitive measures that allow us to directly measure early perceptual processes. Overall, the data provide support for two key principles: (a) speech perception is based on gradient representations of speech sounds and (b) speech perception is interactive and receives input from higher‐level linguistic context at the earliest stages of cortical processing. Implications for models of speech processing and the neurobiology of language more broadly are discussed.

This article is categorized under:

Psychology > Language

Psychology > Perception and Psychophysics

Neuroscience > Cognition
Impacts of the season and reproductive status on fecal reproductive and adrenocortical steroid metabolites in zoo Cuban crocodiles (Crocodylus rhombifer)
Authors: Augustine Lauren , Miller Kyle , Peters Alan , Franklin Ashley D. , Steinbeiser Cathleen M. , Brown Janine L. , Prado Natalia A.
Published: August 2020

Conservation strategies for crocodilians often include captive breeding to create stable assurance populations. Evaluating adrenal and gonadal hormone patterns can provide animal managers with data to more effectively monitor animal welfare and reproductive status. This study evaluated the effects of season (breeding, nesting, or off), sex (male and female), and reproductive status of females (egg‐laying/housed with a male or non‐laying/housed solo) on concentrations of fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM), fecal androgen metabolite (FAM), and fecal progestogen metabolite (FPM) in seven Cuban crocodiles, Crocodylus rhombifer, at the Smithsonian's National Zoological Park. Overall, seasonal changes in FGM and FPM concentrations were only observed in egg‐laying females; FGM and FPM concentrations were both higher during the nesting season compared to the breeding and off seasons. Seasonal changes in FAM concentrations were only observed in males; males had higher FAM concentrations during the breeding and nesting seasons compared to the off season. Future studies investigating the use of fecal hormone metabolites in crocodilians are necessary to understand differences between individuals and species, to further elucidate the interactions between hormones and environmental factors, such as social housing, and to develop long‐term datasets for the management of this species.
On vector-valued Schrödinger operators with unbounded diffusion in $$L^p$$ spaces
Authors: Angiuli Luciana , Lorenzi Luca , Mangino Elisabetta , Rhandi Abdelaziz
Published: August 2020

We prove generation results of analytic strongly continuous semigroups on $$L^p({{\mathbb {R}}}^d,{{\mathbb {R}}}^m)$$

L
p

(

R

d

,

R

m

)

($$1<p<\infty $$

1
<
p
<
∞

) for a class of vector-valued Schrödinger operators with unbounded coefficients. We also prove Gaussian type estimates for such semigroups.