bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polaron and Spin Dynamics in Organic–Inorganic Lead Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals
Authors: Shrivastava Megha , Bodnarchuk Maryna I. , Hazarika Abhijit , Luther Joseph M. , Beard Matthew C. , Kovalenko Maksym V. , Adarsh K. V.
Published: October 2020

Long‐lived carrier population and spin‐based behavior in lead halide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) are extremely interesting for implementing photovoltaic devices with efficiencies exceeding the Shockley–Queisser limit and quantum information processing, respectively. However, a comprehensive understanding of polaron‐mediated charge carrier interactions and an accurate description of the spin‐polarized states for spintronics are still lacking. Herein, the carrier and spin interactions are studied under controlled conditions in FAPbI3 and Cs0.01FA0.99Pb(Br0.11I0.89)3 NCs through ultrafast transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy. At early timescales, TA spectrum shows an asymmetric derivative feature originating from the hot carrier‐induced spectral redshift in FAPbI3 NCs (55 ± 3 meV) and Cs0.01FA0.99Pb(Br0.11I0.89)3 NCs (54 ± 2 meV) at the bandedges that stabilizes to 9 ± 1 and 11 ± 2 meV, respectively, at 1 ps due to the polaron formation. The kinetic analysis indicates that the polaron populations in FAPbI3 and Cs0.01FA0.99Pb(Br0.11I0.89)3 NCs decay with an average lifetime of 657 ± 34 and 532 ± 28 ps, respectively. The circular polarization‐resolved TA reveals that polaron formation can control spin relaxation in NCs, thus providing a powerful tool to explore the development of their prospective applications in spintronics.
Effects of Camellia oleifera clone selection on soil nutrient and microbial community structure
Authors: Liu Caixia , Deng Nan , He Zhilong , Tang Wei , Wang Xiangnan , Chen Longsheng , Wang Rui , Chen Yongzhong
Published: October 2020

Camellia oleifera Abel. is an important woody oil plant that could solve the disparity between the supply and demand of edible oil in China. Although numerous excellent clones have been developed and introduced to enhance production, the interactions between high yield clones and soil ecosystem sustainability remains poorly understood. The high‐yielding period of a C. oleifera plant is approximately 100 yr; therefore, appropriate clone selection is crucial. We evaluated the differences between four major clones based on soil nutrient and microbial community structure, following cultivation for 10 yr to infer the influence of clone selection on soil sustainable utilization. The results showed significant differences in soil nutrient status and rhizosphere microorganism populations among clones. The bacterial communities in the XL1 plots had the highest species richness. According to the results, clone XL1 was found to be suitable for sustainable cultivation considering the high organic matter concentration and microbial diversity in the soil where it was cultivated. Although clone XL210 exhibited high yields and good economic benefits, it had a risk of inadequate production capacity in later periods, meaning that fertilization rates would have to be increased, and some annual plants with rich rhizosphere flora would need to be integrated in the farms to enhance microbial diversity in the soil to decelerate soil fertility decline.
17.1 %‐Efficient Eco‐Compatible Organic Solar Cells from a Dissymmetric 3D Network Acceptor
Authors: Chen Hui , Lai Hanjian , Chen Ziyi , Zhu Yulin , Wang Huan , Han Liang , Zhang Yuanzhu , He Feng
Published: October 2020

To elevate the performance of polymer solar cells (PSC) processed by non‐halogenated solvents, a dissymmetric fused‐ring acceptor BTIC‐2Cl‐γCF3 with chlorine and trifluoromethyl end groups has been designed and synthesized. X‐ray crystallographic data suggests that BTIC‐2Cl‐γCF3 has a 3D network packing structure as a result of H‐ and J‐aggregations between adjacent molecules, which will strengthen its charge transport as an acceptor material. When PBDB‐TF was used as a donor, the toluene‐processed binary device realized a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 16.31 %, which improved to 17.12 % when PC71ThBM was added as the third component. Its efficiency of over 17 % is currently the highest among polymer solar cells processed by non‐halogenated solvents. Compared to its symmetric counterparts BTIC‐4Cl and BTIC‐CF3‐γ, the dissymmetric BTIC‐2Cl‐γCF3 integrates their merits, and has optimized the molecular aggregations with excellent storage and photo‐stability, and also extending the maximum absorption peak in film to 852 nm. The devices exhibit good transparency indicating a potential utilization in semi‐transparent building integrated photovoltaics (ST‐BIPV).
Palladium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrosulfonylation of 1,3‐Dienes with Sulfonyl Hydrazides
Authors: Li Ming‐Ming , Cheng Lei , Xiao Li‐Jun , Xie Jian‐Hua , Zhou Qi‐Lin
Published: October 2020

A highly enantio‐ and regioselective hydrosulfonylation of 1,3‐dienes with sulfonyl hydrazides has been realized by using a palladium catalyst containing a monodentate chiral spiro phosphoramidite ligand. The reaction provided an efficient approach to synthetically useful chiral allylic sulfones. Mechanistic studies suggest that the reaction proceeds through the formation of an allyl hydrazine intermediate and subsequent rearrangement to the chiral allylic sulfone product. The transformation of the allyl hydrazine intermediate to the product is the enantioselectivity‐determining step.
Analysis of ionic and nonionic surfactants blends used for the reverse micellar extraction of Lactoperoxidase from whey
Authors: Karanth Shwetha , Iyyaswami Regupathi
Published: October 2020

Bovine Lactoperoxidase (LP), a minor whey protein, is used as an antimicrobial in cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical preparations. Industries are in pursuit of reliable, cheap, and scalable purification methods as the conventional techniques for LP purification like chromatography and membrane separation suffer from several drawbacks. The present work investigates the selective reverse micellar extraction of LP using the reverse micellar system formed by mixing food grade nonionic (Tween, Span, and Triton series) and ionic (AOT) surfactant blends. The analysis of LP extraction efficiency was performed by varying the concentration of nonionic surfactants with a constant AOT concentration of 100 mM and the initial pH of the system. Complete LP solubilization was achieved with reverse micelles formed by 100 mM AOT and 20 mM Tween 80 at pH 8. It was found that the extraction efficiency was dependent on the chain length or the number of ethylene oxide units in the Triton surfactant tail and the carbon–carbon double bond in Tween 80 tail, that is, on oleic acid. Span series however showed poor extraction in the organic phase substantiating the lesser water content. The forward extracted LP was successfully back‐extracted into a fresh aqueous phase containing 1 M KCl at pH 10.5. The aqueous phase (whey) from the forward transfer can be further used to fractionate other whey proteins.
In‐solution structure formation of poly(vinylidene fluoride) building units influencing on the final membrane characteristics
Authors: Prajapati Pradeep K. , Singh Puyam S.
Published: October 2020

A systematic study was carried out on the initial casting solutions of asymmetric PVDF ultrafiltration membranes to observe the aggregate structure of polymer building units in solution and the properties of the membranes in terms of microstructure morphology, crystallinity, average pore size, pore‐size distribution, total porosity, hydrophobicity, wetting energy, molecular weight cut‐off, and permeability. Hydrophobic membrane of higher porosity exhibiting higher flux was obtained from the solution of bigger polymer structural units while the membrane obtained from solution of smaller polymer structural units exhibited relatively rougher and hydrophilic surface and smaller uniform pores with lesser flux.
High‐resolution three‐dimensional chromatin profiling of the Chinese hamster ovary cell genome
Authors: Bevan Stephen , Schoenfelder Stefan , Young Robert J. , Zhang Lin , Andrews Simon , Fraser Peter , O'Callaghan Peter M.
Published: October 2020

Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines are the pillars of a multibillion‐dollar biopharmaceutical industry producing recombinant therapeutic proteins. The effects of local chromatin organization and epigenetic repression within these cell lines result in unpredictable and unstable transgene expression following random integration. Limited knowledge of the CHO genome and its higher order chromatin organization has thus far impeded functional genomics approaches required to tackle these issues. Here, we present an integrative three‐dimensional (3D) map of genome organization within the CHOK1SV® 10E9 cell line in conjunction with an improved, less fragmented CHOK1SV 10E9 genome assembly. Using our high‐resolution chromatin conformation datasets, we have assigned ≈90% of sequence to a chromosome‐scale genome assembly. Our genome‐wide 3D map identifies higher order chromatin structures such as topologically associated domains, incorporates our chromatin accessibility data to enhance the identification of active cis‐regulatory elements, and importantly links these cis‐regulatory elements to target promoters in a 3D promoter interactome. We demonstrate the power of our improved functional annotation by evaluating the 3D landscape of a transgene integration site and two phenotypically different cell lines. Our work opens up further novel genome engineering targets, has the potential to inform vital improvements for industrial biotherapeutic production, and represents a significant advancement for CHO cell line development.
An idea to explore: Visualization of ionization of amino acids using Mathematica
Authors: Novak Igor
Published: October 2020

Ionization of amino acids (AA) is very important concept in biochemistry. We integrate the mathematical concept of probability with biochemically relevant process of AA ionization. We visualize the ionization process with Mathematica software discussing intramolecular interactions between weakly acidic/basic functional groups and charge–pH variation of amino acids in water solution. The visualizations rely on the notion of probability of ionization of functional groups and demonstrate how the extent of ionization and charge varies with pH of the solution. The examples described include amino acids and weak diprotic acids and bases. The aim is to help students better appreciate the importance and consequences of AA ionization and correct some misconceptions.
Retrieval practice facilitates learning by strengthening processing in both the anterior and posterior hippocampus
Authors: Wiklund‐Hörnqvist Carola , Stillesjö Sara , Andersson Micael , Jonsson Bert , Nyberg Lars
Published: October 2020

Introduction and Methods

A large number of behavioral studies show that retrieval practice is a powerful way of strengthening learning of new information. Repeated retrieval might support long‐term retention in a quantitative sense by inducing stronger episodic representations or in a qualitative sense by contributing to the formation of more gist‐like representations. Here we used fMRI to examine the brain bases related to the learning effects following retrieval practice and provide imaging support for both views by showing increased activation of anterior and posterior hippocampus regions during a delayed memory test.

Results

Brain activity in the posterior hippocampus increased linearly as a function of number of successful retrievals during initial learning, whereas anterior hippocampus activity was restricted to items retrieved many but not few times during the learning phase.

Conclusion

Taken together, these findings indicate that retrieval practice strengthens subsequent retention via “dual action” in the anterior and posterior hippocampus, possibly reflecting coding of individual experiences as well as integration and generalization across multiple experiences. Our findings are of educational significance by providing insight into the brain bases of a learning method of applied relevance.
EHDO: A free and open‐source webtool for designing and optimizing multi‐energy systems based on MILP
Authors: Wirtz Marco , Remmen Peter , Müller Dirk
Published: October 2020

This paper presents a novel webtool, called Energy Hub Design Optimization tool, for designing and optimizing complex multi‐energy systems. The tool determines the optimal technology selection and sizing of all energy conversion units of a supply system while satisfying heat, cold, electricity, and hydrogen demands. A large variety of different technologies including renewable energies (wind power, photovoltaic, solar thermal, and hydroelectricity) and energy carriers like natural gas, hydrogen, biomass, and waste can be considered. Energy demands are provided by the user with an hourly resolution and all technical and economic model parameters can be tailored to specific use cases. The objective functions of the design optimization are total annualized costs, CO2 emissions, or trade‐offs between both objectives (multi‐objective optimization). The calculation is based on mathematical optimization and uses a mixed‐integer linear program. The webtool is accessible online for free and the optimization model is open‐source. The webtool has been developed to support academic teaching in energy engineering courses. With the tool, students understand how energy supply systems with intermittent renewable energies and cross‐sectoral conversion and storage technologies can be designed with innovative planning approaches.
Crystal Structure and Non‐Hydrostatic Stress‐Induced Phase Transition of Urotropine Under High Pressure
Authors: Guńka Piotr A. , Olejniczak Anna , Fanetti Samuele , Bini Roberto , Collings Ines E. , Svitlyk Volodymyr , Dziubek Kamil F.
Published: October 2020

High‐pressure behavior of hexamethylenetetramine (urotropine) was studied in situ using angle‐dispersive single‐crystal synchrotron X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier‐transform infrared absorption (FTIR) spectroscopy. Experiments were conducted in various pressure‐transmitting media to study the effect of deviatoric stress on phase transformations. Up to 4 GPa significant damping of molecular librations and atomic thermal motion was observed. A first‐order phase transition to a tetragonal structure was observed with an onset at approximately 12.5 GPa and characterized by sluggish kinetics and considerable hysteresis upon decompression. However, it occurs only in non‐hydrostatic conditions, induced by deviatoric or uniaxial stress in the sample. This behavior finds analogies in similar cubic crystals built of highly symmetric cage‐like molecules and may be considered a common feature of such systems. DFT computations were performed to model urotropine equation of state and pressure dependence of vibrational modes. The first successful Hirshfeld atom refinements carried out for high‐pressure diffraction data are reported. The refinements yielded more realistic C−H bond lengths than the independent atom model even though the high‐pressure diffraction data are incomplete.
Optimum Co‐Digestion Ratio of Cattle Manure and Manipueira in a Single‐Stage Anaerobic Digester for Biogas Production
Authors: Ferreira Madeira Jonni Guiller , Mendes de Oliveira Elizabeth , Oliveira de Araújo Vinícius , val Springer Marcus , Lopes Cabral Hosana , Silva Melgaço Heloisa , Oliveira Chaves Yasmim Aparecida , Rosado Fernandes Neto Aldo
Published: October 2020

Several studies have shown that it is necessary to use a two‐stage anaerobic reactor in biogas production with manipueira as a substrate. The objective of this study is to show the possibility of producing good quality biogas from a single‐stage anaerobic reactor using manipueira and cattle manure as substrates. Five scenarios of codigestion are simulated in five digesters with different manipueira/manure ratios. The only digester that has a good result is the digester that is fed with 75% of manipueira and 25% of cattle manure. Under these conditions, biogas is produced with an average methane concentration of 62% the hydraulic retention time of the codigestion process is 30 days. The other digesters show that an excess of manipueira acidifies the codigestion process; such acidification can result in the severe inhibition of methanogenesis because of the accumulation of volatile fatty acids. On the other hand, an excess of cattle manure results in mixtures with a high concentration of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose mixtures, which, negatively influences the growth rate of methanogenic bacteria. Thus, using manipueira as cosubstrate, it is possible to produce a high‐quality biogas in a single‐stage anaerobic reactor.
Aggregation‐Induced Emission Luminogens for Mitochondria‐Targeted Cancer Therapy
Authors: Huang Yanyan , Zhang Guanxin , Zhao Rui , Zhang Deqing
Published: October 2020

The importance of mitochondria in tumorigenesis makes these organelles an ideal target for cancer therapy. In recent years, luminogens with the aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) effect have been developed for mitochondrial targeting and cancer treatment. The induction of mitochondrial dysfunction can be an effective pathway of chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and combination therapy against cancer. This review focuses on recent progress in the field of AIE luminogens (AIEgens) for cancer theranostics based on mitochondrial targeting and dysfunction. AIEgens for cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and combination therapy, are summarized herein. Molecular design efforts toward mitochondrial targeting and mitochondria‐damaging mechanisms are also discussed. Finally, we discuss the challenges and future directions of development for AIEgens in mitochondria‐targeted cancer treatment.
Shade trees preserve avian insectivore biodiversity on coffee farms in a warming climate
Authors: Schooler Sarah L. , Johnson Matthew D. , Njoroge Peter , Bean William T.
Published: October 2020

Aim

Coffee is an important export for many developing countries, with a global annual trade value of $100 billion, but it is threatened by a warming climate. Shade trees may mitigate the effects of climate change through temperature regulation that can aid in coffee growth, slow pest reproduction, and sustain avian insectivore diversity. The impact of shade on bird diversity and microclimate on coffee farms has been studied extensively in the Neotropics, but there is a dearth of research in the Paleotropics.

Location

East Africa.

Methods

We created current and future regional Maxent models for avian insectivores in East Africa using Worldclim temperature data and observations from the Global Biodiversity Information Database. We then adjusted current and future bioclimatic layers based on mean differences in temperature between shade and sun coffee farms and projected the models using these adjusted layers to predict the impact of shade tree removal on climatic suitability for avian insectivores.

Results

Existing Worldclim temperature layers more closely matched temperatures under shade trees than temperatures in the open. Removal of shade trees, through warmer temperatures alone, would result in reduction of avian insectivore species by over 25%, a loss equivalent to 50 years of climate change under the most optimistic emissions scenario. Under the most extreme climate scenario and removal of shade trees, insectivore richness is projected to decline from a mean of 38 to fewer than 8 avian insectivore species.

Main conclusions

We found that shade trees on coffee farms already provide important cooler microclimates for avian insectivores. Future temperatures will become a regionally limiting factor for bird distribution in East Africa, which could negatively impact control of coffee pests, but the effect of climate change can be potentially mediated through planting and maintaining shade trees on coffee farms.
Multi‐modality machine learning approach for risk stratification in heart failure with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 45%
Authors: Tse Gary , Zhou Jiandong , Woo Samuel Won Dong , Ko Ching Ho , Lai Rachel Wing Chuen , Liu Tong , Liu Yingzhi , Leung Keith Sai Kit , Li Andrew , Lee Sharen , Li Ka Hou Christien , Lakhani Ishan , Zhang Qingpeng
Published: October 2020

Aims

Heart failure (HF) involves complex remodelling leading to electrical and mechanical dysfunction. We hypothesized that machine learning approaches incorporating data obtained from different investigative modalities including atrial and ventricular measurements from electrocardiography and echocardiography, blood inflammatory marker [neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR)], and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) will improve risk stratification for adverse outcomes in HF compared to logistic regression.

Methods and results

Consecutive Chinese patients referred to our centre for transthoracic echocardiography and subsequently diagnosed with HF, between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2016, were included in this study. Two machine learning techniques, multilayer perceptron and multi‐task learning, were compared with logistic regression for their ability to predict incident atrial fibrillation (AF), transient ischaemic attack (TIA)/stroke, and all‐cause mortality. This study included 312 HF patients [mean age: 64 (55–73) years, 75% male]. There were 76 cases of new‐onset AF, 62 cases of incident TIA/stroke, and 117 deaths during follow‐up. Univariate analysis revealed that age, left atrial reservoir strain (LARS) and contractile strain (LACS) were significant predictors of new‐onset AF. Age and smoking predicted incident stroke. Age, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, mitral or aortic regurgitation, P‐wave terminal force in V1, the presence of partial inter‐atrial block, left atrial diameter, ejection fraction, global longitudinal strain, serum creatinine and albumin, high NLR, low PNI, and LARS and LACS predicted all‐cause mortality. Machine learning techniques achieved better prediction performance than logistic regression.

Conclusions

Multi‐modality assessment is important for risk stratification in HF. A machine learning approach provides additional value for improving outcome prediction.
Hybrid solar thermal/photovoltaic‐battery energy storage system in a commercial greenhouse: Performance and economic analysis
Authors: Naghibi Zahra , Ekhtiari Sadaf , Carriveau Rupp , Ting David S‐K.
Published: October 2020

Performance and economic analyses of a hybrid solar thermal/photovoltaic‐battery energy storage (ST/PV‐BES) system for a commercial greenhouse were developed. One of the objectives of the study is to evaluate the best configuration of photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal (ST) modules, and battery energy storage size to have the minimum levelized cost of energy. The system was economically optimized. Moreover, to assess the influence of economic parameters such as ST system cost, PV system cost, natural gas price, electricity price, and large renewable procurement (LRP) rate, a series of sensitivity analyses were undertaken. The results showed that the ST system cost and natural gas price were the most effective parameters on both levelized cost of energy and payback period. The role of future evolution of electricity, fuel cost, and financial incentives (LRP rate and carbon tax) in the economic performance of the system were also analyzed.
The serotonin 2B receptor is required in neonatal microglia to limit neuroinflammation and sickness behavior in adulthood
Authors: Béchade Catherine , D'Andrea Ivana , Etienne Fanny , Verdonk Franck , Moutkine Imane , Banas Sophie M. , Kolodziejczak Marta , Diaz Silvina L. , Parkhurst Christopher N. , Gan Wenbiao B. , Maroteaux Luc , Roumier Anne
Published: October 2020

Severe peripheral infections induce an adaptive sickness behavior and an innate immune reaction in various organs including the brain. On the long term, persistent alteration of microglia, the brain innate immune cells, is associated with an increased risk of psychiatric disorders. It is thus critical to identify genes and mechanisms controlling the intensity and duration of the neuroinflammation induced by peripheral immune challenges. We tested the hypothesis that the 5‐HT2B receptor, the main serotonin receptor expressed by microglia, might represent a valuable candidate. First, we observed that Htr2b−/− mice, knock‐out for the 5‐HT2B receptor gene, developed, when exposed to a peripheral lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge, a stronger weight loss compared to wild‐type mice; in addition, comparison of inflammatory markers in brain, 4 and 24 hr after LPS injection, showed that Htr2b deficiency leads to a prolonged neuroinflammation. Second, to assess the specific contribution of the microglial 5‐HT2B receptor, we investigated the response to LPS of conditional knock‐out mice invalidated for Htr2b in microglia only. We found that deletion of Htr2b in microglia since birth is sufficient to cause enhanced weight loss and increased neuroinflammatory response upon LPS injection at adult stage. In contrast, mice deleted for microglial Htr2b in adulthood responded normally to LPS, revealing a neonatal developmental effect. These results highlight the role of microglia in the response to a peripheral immune challenge and suggest the existence of a developmental, neonatal period, during which instruction of microglia through 5‐HT2B receptors is necessary to prevent microglia overreactivity in adulthood.
Atypical measures of diffusion at the gray‐white matter boundary in autism spectrum disorder in adulthood
Authors: Bletsch Anke , Schäfer Tim , Mann Caroline , Andrews Derek S. , Daly Eileen , Gudbrandsen Maria , Ruigrok Amber N. V. , Dallyn Robert , Romero‐Garcia Rafael , Lai Meng‐Chuan , Lombardo Michael V. , Craig Michael C. , Suckling John , Bullmore Edward T. , Baron‐Cohen Simon ,   the MRC AIMS Consortium, Murphy Declan G. M. , Dell'Acqua Flavio , Ecker Christine
Published: October 2020

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly complex neurodevelopmental condition that is accompanied by neuroanatomical differences on the macroscopic and microscopic level. Findings from histological, genetic, and more recently in vivo neuroimaging studies converge in suggesting that neuroanatomical abnormalities, specifically around the gray‐white matter (GWM) boundary, represent a crucial feature of ASD. However, no research has yet characterized the GWM boundary in ASD based on measures of diffusion. Here, we registered diffusion tensor imaging data to the structural T1‐weighted images of 92 adults with ASD and 92 matched neurotypical controls in order to examine between‐group differences and group‐by‐sex interactions in fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity sampled at the GWM boundary, and at different sampling depths within the superficial white and into the gray matter. As hypothesized, we observed atypical diffusion at and around the GWM boundary in ASD, with between‐group differences and group‐by‐sex interactions depending on tissue class and sampling depth. Furthermore, we identified that altered diffusion at the GWM boundary partially (i.e., ~50%) overlapped with atypical gray‐white matter tissue contrast in ASD. Our study thus replicates and extends previous work highlighting the GWM boundary as a crucial target of neuropathology in ASD, and guides future work elucidating etiological mechanisms.
miR‐490: A potential biomarker and therapeutic target in cancer and other diseases
Authors: Vinchure Omkar Suhas , Kulshreshtha Ritu
Published: October 2020

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non‐coding RNAs that function as posttranscriptional gene regulators. Among a pool of >2600 known human mature miRNAs, only a small subset have been functionally interrogated and a further smaller pool shown to be associated with the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases suggesting their critical role in maintaining homeostasis. Here, we draw your attention to one such miRNA, miR‐490, that has been reported to be deregulated in a myriad of diseases (23 diseases) ranging from cardiomyopathy, depression, and developmental disorders to many cancer types (28 cancer types), such as hepatocellular carcinoma, gastric cancer, cancers of the reproductive and central nervous system among others. The prognostic and diagnostic potential of miR‐490 has been reported in many diseases including cancer underlining its clinical relevance. We also collate a complex plethora of epigenetic (histone and DNA methylation), transcriptional (TF), and posttranscriptional (lncRNA and circRNA) mechanisms that have been shown to tightly regulate miR‐490 levels. The targets of miR‐490 involve a range of cancer‐related genes involved in the regulation of various cancer hallmarks like cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, apoptotic cell death, angiogenesis, and so forth. Overall, our in‐depth review highlights for the first time the emerging role of miR‐490 in disease pathology, diagnosis, and prognosis that assigns a unique therapeutic potential to miR‐490 in the era of precision medicine.
Adaptation, psychometric properties, and implementation of the Mini‐CEX in dental clerkship
Authors: Véliz Claudia , Fuentes‐Cimma Javiera , Fuentes‐López Eduardo , Riquelme Arnoldo
Published: October 2020

Background

Workplace‐based assessment is a key component of dental‐student clerkships, allowing students to demonstrate clinical proficiency.

Purpose

This study adapts the Mini‐Clinical Evaluation Exercise (Mini‐CEX) to a dentistry‐program clerkship, analyzing the results and examining the psychometric properties of Mini‐CEX.

Methods

First, Delphi panel methodology was used to ensure content validity. Mini‐CEX was then piloted in the dental‐clerkship program, with each student assessed by at least 2 supervisors and a peer student. Subsequently, psychometric properties, acceptability, and observation time were analyzed.

Results

The study was conducted between July and November 2019. Overall, 140 Mini‐CEX evaluation exercises were carried out on 30 students by 84 supervisors and 56 peers. The adapted instrument was found to be unidimensional, obtaining an acceptable internal consistency (α = 0.74). As the assessor type changed, there were differences in observation time; the medians (Q1–Q3) were 10 minutes (5–15) for supervisors and 30 minutes (20‐45) for peer students (P < 0.001). This difference was also observed in assessor perceptions (P < 0.001), with supervisors scoring a median of 6 (6–6.75) and peer students scoring a median of 7 (6–7). No differences were found between supervisor and peer scores.

Conclusion

The adapted version of Mini‐CEX can objectively assess the clinical performance of dental students, achieving validity and reliability values similar to those obtained in the original instrument.
Screening for Early‐Stage Parkinson's Disease: Swallow Tail Sign on MRI Susceptibility Map‐Weighted Images Compared With PET
Authors: Wang Na , Liu Xue‐ling , Li Ling , Zuo Chuan‐tao , Wang Jian , Wu Pu‐yeh , Zhang Yong , Liu Fengtao , Li YuXin
Published: October 2020

Background

Swallow tail sign (STS) on MRI is presumed to be an imaging biomarker of nigrosome‐1, which may exhibit a similar role as positron emission tomography (PET), indicating dopaminergic degeneration.

Purpose

To investigate whether an alteration of STS could serve as an alternative screening sign compared with PET in the diagnosis of early‐stage Parkinson's disease (esPD).

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Thirty‐seven patients with esPD and 27 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls (HCs).

Field Strength/Sequence

Quantitative susceptibility mapping images were collected on 3T MRI and [18F]9‐fluoropropyl‐(+)‐dihydrotetra‐benazine PET images were acquired using a 64 rings PET/CT scanner.

Assessment

Alterations of STS and striatal uptake in each hemisphere were visually rated on a 0–2 points scale. Point 2: normal appearance of STS/normal striatal uptake; Point 1: partial loss of STS/uptake reduction confined to the putamen; Point 0: total loss of STS/uptake reduction extended to the caudate nucleus. The concordance rate of STS rating and ipsilateral striatal binding was calculated at the nuclei level. At the participant level, an evaluation rating was calculated by adding the STS ratings from both hemispheres to distinguish esPD from HCs.

Statistical Tests

The intra‐ and interobserver agreement were tested using Cohen's kappa and the intraclass correlation coefficient. Hotelling's T‐squared test was used to compare the difference of rating points. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic power.

Results

The intra‐ and interobserver agreement for STS and striatal uptake rating was over 0.75. There was no significant difference of rating point distribution (P = 0.084). The concordance rate was 94.3% for the right side and 91.4% for the left. Using bilateral partial loss of STS as the threshold, the achieved sensitivity and specificity for discriminating esPD from HCs were 94.59% and 92.49%, respectively.

Data Conclusion

STS alterations corresponded well with striatal uptake on PET in esPD, and our proposed evaluation scale of STS had satisfactory diagnostic performance in discriminating the disease.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
A new image restoration approach by combining empirical wavelet transform and total variation using chaotic squirrel search optimization
Authors: Kumar K. Praveen , Narasimhulu C. Venkata , Prasad K. Satya
Published: October 2020

Image noise is the random variation of brightness or color information in the images. Noise can enter the picture during capturing or transmitting. Different linear and nonlinear methods have been implemented to remove the noise from an image, but transformation of wavelets is becoming increasingly important. We propose a fundamental concept for disintegrating the input bubble, sound, and movement signal of the object/camera into appropriate coefficients by transforming the empirical wavelet and making full changes. A new messy screen search strategy is used to assess the variability at each pixel of the decomposed picture. Empirical wavelet is a kind of wavelet tailored to the data being handled. This is an adaptive technique for decomposing the signal or picture to a set of sections recognized as phases. This wavelet transform is relevant for de‐noising, decompression, etc. Chaotic squirrel search optimizers imitate the vibrant feeding behavior and efficiency of northern flying squirrels, called gliding. Gliding is a powerful system used for lengthy ranges by tiny mammals. Compared to other wavelet transformations, the median peak signal for noise ratio (PSNR) enhancement obtained by EWT is 73%. Numerical tests indicate that our proposed method could be able to substantially enhance restored pictures' efficiency and achieve greater SNR and structural similarity index scores likened to the present state of the art methodologies.
Clinical Nutrition Research and the COVID‐19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review of the ASPEN COVID‐19 Task Force on Nutrition Research
Authors: Mechanick Jeffrey I. , Carbone Salvatore , Dickerson Roland N. , Hernandez Beverly J.D. , Hurt Ryan T. , Irving Sharon Y. , Li Ding‐You , McCarthy Mary S. , Mogensen Kris M. , Gautier Juan B. Ochoa , Patel Jayshil J. , Prewitt T. Elaine , Rosenthal Martin , Warren Malissa , Winkler Marion F. , McKeever Liam ,   ASPEN COVID‐19 Task Force on Nutrition Research
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this scoping review by the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) Nutrition Task Force was to examine nutrition research applicable to the COVID‐19 pandemic. The rapid pace of emerging scientific information has prompted this activity to discover research/knowledge gaps. This methodology adhered with recommendations from the Joanna Briggs Institute. There were 2301 citations imported. Of these, there were 439 articles fully abstracted, with 23 main topic areas identified across 24 article types and sourced across 61 countries and 51 specialties in 8 settings and among 14 populations. Epidemiological/mechanistic relationships between nutrition and COVID‐19 were reviewed and results mapped to the Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome, and Time (PICO‐T) questions. The aggregated data were analyzed by clinical stage: pre–COVID‐19, acute COVID‐19, and chronic/post–COVID‐19. Research gaps were discovered for all PICO‐T questions. Nutrition topics meriting urgent research included food insecurity/societal infrastructure and transcultural factors (pre–COVID‐19); cardiometabolic‐based chronic disease, pediatrics, nutrition support, and hospital infrastructure (acute COVID‐19); registered dietitian nutritionist counseling (chronic/post–COVID‐19); and malnutrition and management (all stages). The paucity of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was particularly glaring. Knowledge gaps were discovered for PICO‐T questions on pediatrics, micronutrients, bariatric surgery, and transcultural factors (pre–COVID‐19); enteral nutrition, protein‐energy requirements, and glycemic control with nutrition (acute COVID‐19); and home enteral and parenteral nutrition support (chronic/post–COVID‐19). In conclusion, multiple critical areas for urgent nutrition research were identified, particularly using RCT design, to improve nutrition care for patients before, during, and after COVID‐19.
Comparison of reconstructive techniques following oncologic intraarticular resection of proximal humerus
Authors: Houdek Matthew T. , Bukowski Brandon R. , Athey Alexander G. , Elhassan Bassem T. , Barlow Jonathan D. , Morrey Mark E. , Rose Peter S. , Wagner Eric R. , Sanchez‐Sotelo Joaquin
Published: October 2020

Introduction

The proximal humerus is a common site of primary and metastatic disease in the upper extremity. Historically, the goal of a hemiarthroplasty reconstruction was to provide a stable platform for hand and elbow function, with limited shoulder function. Techniques utilizing a reverse endoprosthesis (endoprosthetic replacement [EPR]) and allograft‐prosthetic composite (APC) have been developed; however, there is a paucity of comparative studies.

Methods

A total of 83 (42 females, 41 males) patients undergoing an intraarticular resection of the humerus were reviewed. Reconstructions included 30 reverse and 53 hemiarthroplasty; including hemiarthroplasty EPR (n = 36) and APC (n = 17), and reverse EPR (n = 20) and APC (n = 10).

Results

Reverse reconstructions had improved forward elevation (85° vs. 44°, p < .001) and external rotation (30° vs. 21°; p < .001) versus a hemiarthroplasty. Reverse reconstructions had improved American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores (65 vs. 57; p = .01) and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society 93 scores (72 vs. 63; p < .001) versus hemiarthroplasty. Subluxation of the reconstruction was a common (n = 23, 27%), only occurring in hemiarthroplasty patients (EPR [n = 13, 36%] and APC [n = 10, 59%]).

Conclusion

The current series highlights the improved functional outcome in patients undergoing reconstruction with a reverse arthroplasty compared to the traditional hemiarthroplasty. Currently reverse shoulder arthroplasty (APC or EPR) is our preferred methods of reconstruction in this patient population.
Optimizing the efficiency of gallium nitride‐based light‐emitting diodes from contact area of current spreading to electrode
Authors: Shaari Adam , Ahmad Fajri Faris Azim , Ahmad Noorden Ahmad Fakhrurrazi , Abdul Kadir Muhammad Zamzuri , Daud Suzairi
Published: October 2020

A nonuniform current spreading in the current spreader layer greatly reduced the internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of the light‐emitting diodes (LED). The effects of the current spreading layer on the electrode contact area toward the IQE in a vertical design of gallium nitride (GaN)‐based LED chip is analytically analyzed. The contact area was varied by changing the value of the electrode's width from 2 to 12 μm. Efficiency droop and current density at peak IQE are analyzed based on contact area. The width of 2 μm requires 1.6 μAm−2 current density to achieve peak efficiency and produces a droop of 0.2150. The width of 12 μm requires 9.6 μAm−2 current density to achieve peak efficiency and produces 0.0557 droop. The increase in contact area increases the current density needed to achieve peak IQE while decreases efficiency droop. The optimal spreader contact width of this vertical LED design is 6 μm.
Organizational commitment and regulation implementation as a key factor for the success of accounting information system
Authors: Ibrada Asep Sukma , Mulyani Sri , Winarningsih Srihadi , Farida Ida
Published: October 2020

This study aims to examine the effects of organizational commitment and the implementation of regulations for the successful application of accounting information systems (AIS). A survey was conducted in 51 regions of Indonesia that have implemented the commerce information system in the distribution of subsidized fertilizers. Using the organization as the unit of analysis, research respondents included representatives of the agriculture department and the account executives of PT Indonesian fertilizer companies. The research instrument was generated by operationalizing the variables developed in previous studies. The results are explained descriptively as analyzed through a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach using LISREL 8.8. The findings revealed that both organizational commitment and the implementation of regulations have a significant positive relationship with the implementation of AIS distribution of subsidized fertilizers. The results of this research are significant in providing empirical evidence that the success of AIS implementation is influenced by the application of regulations than organizational commitment when tested simultaneously. The results of this study enrich the literature that discusses the successful implementation of AIS.
miRNA repertoires of cystic fibrosis ex vivo models highlight miR‐181a and miR‐101 that regulate WISP1 expression
Authors: Pommier Alexandra , Varilh Jessica , Bleuse Solenne , Delétang Karine , Bonini Jennifer , Bergougnoux Anne , Brochiero Emmanuelle , Koenig Michel , Claustres Mireille , Taulan‐Cadars Magali
Published: October 2020

Cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic disorder, is characterized by chronic lung disease. Small non‐coding RNAs are key regulators of gene expression and participate in various processes, which are dysregulated in CF; however, they remain poorly studied. Here, we determined the complete microRNAs (miRNAs) expression pattern in three CF ex vivo models. The miRNA profiles of air–liquid interface cultures of airway epithelia (bronchi, nasal cells, and nasal polyps) samples from patients with CF and non‐CF controls were obtained by deep sequencing. Compared with non‐CF controls, several miRNAs were deregulated in CF samples; for instance, miR‐181a‐5p and the miR‐449 family were upregulated. Moreover, mature miRNAs often showed variations (i.e. isomiRs) relative to their reference sequence, such as miR‐101, suggesting that miRNAs consist of heterogeneous repertoires of multiple isoforms with different effects on gene expression. Analysis of miR‐181a‐5p and miR‐101‐3p roles indicated that they regulate the expression of WISP1, a key component of cell proliferation/migration programs. We showed that miR‐101 and miR‐181a‐5p participated in aberrant recapitulation of wound healing programs by controlling WISP1 mRNA and protein level. Our miRNA expression data bring new insights into CF physiopathology and define new potential therapeutic targets in CF. © 2020 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigations on the effect of hybrid carbon fillers on the thermal conductivity of glass epoxy composites
Authors: Venkataramanaiah Poornima , Aradhya Rashmi , Rajan J Sundara
Published: October 2020

Glass fiber reinforced epoxy composites with alumina trihydrate, graphene nanoplatelets (GNP), and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) were fabricated by pultrusion technique and measurement of in‐plane and cross‐plane thermal conductivity and theoretical estimation of the cross‐plane thermal conductivity was undertaken. Microstructure of the composites was elucidated using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and optical imaging. Highest in‐plane thermal conductivity of 1.6 W/m K was achieved with 3 wt% of graphene and 2 wt% of MWCNT, due to good interactions between the fibers, fillers, and the epoxy. In the cross‐plane direction, highest thermal conductivity of 0.58 W/m K was observed with 2 wt% each of MWCNT and graphene. The synergistic effects of the two carbon fillers are observed only when the weight percentages of the two fillers are either matched or the weight percentage of graphene is higher. Factors like dispersion, alignment, orientation, shape, and size of the fillers are critical for achieving higher thermal conductivity of the composites. The cross‐plane thermal conductivity of composites was estimated by Hashin and Clayton models and the results fit well into the experimental data. XRD analysis has established that with 2 wt% of MWCNT or its combination with 2 wt% of GNP results in better structural ordering of the composites.
Improved dispersion and physico‐mechanical properties of rubber/silica composites through new silane grafting
Authors: Das Saikat , Chattopadhyay Santanu , Dhanania Sawar , Bhowmick Anil K.
Published: October 2020

3‐Octanoylthio‐1‐propyltriethoxysilane (a new silane) grafted styrene butadiene rubber/ silica composites were prepared in the present work, where grafting weight percentage of the base rubber (0%, 2%, 4%, and 6%) and filler content of the composites (0, 5, 15, 35, and 50 phr) were varied to investigate dispersion of the filler in the rubber. A detailed quantitative study of morphology‐physical property relationship of the composites using dispersion degree parameter was carried out. Pronounced improvement of dispersion was observed with increasing grafting weight percentage of the base rubber. A mechanism of polymer to filler interaction was shown by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The dispersion rate constant from the torque‐time curve increased with the grafting percentage. Bound rubber content and Payne effect measurement indicated improved rubber‐filler interaction for the grafted rubber compound. A relation between low strain modulus of the composites and grafting percentage was proposed. The nanoindentation studies gave further insight into the results. Other physico‐mechanical properties at different grafting weight percentages at particular filler loading (50 phr) and at different filler loadings at a particular grafting weight percentage (4%) were evaluated. The improved mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties with increasing grafting weight percentage are an indication that this methodology could be used in green tire application.
Measurement of nitrogen dioxide and nitric oxide densities by using CEAS (cavity‐enhanced absorption spectroscopy) in nonthermal atmospheric pressure air plasma
Authors: Hong Young J. , Lim Junsup , Choi Jin S. , Weltmann Klaus D. , Choi Eun H.
Published: October 2020

Nonthermal atmospheric pressure plasmas are widely used in biomedicine and agriculture. Currently, radical density is used as an important parameter for the development of plasma biomedicine and agriculture. Especially, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and nitric oxide (NO) radicals are significant species in these applications. These could be measured by using the cavity‐enhanced absorption spectroscopy (CEAS) technique. For the NO2 and NO radical density measurement, we used a visible LED (light‐emitting diode) of 660 nm and a mid‐infrared LD (laser diode) of 5238.6 nm, respectively. Radical densities can be calculated with the transmission ratio using Beer–Lambert law, which is obtained by the absorbed amount of laser intensity passed through the gas from the plasma jet in an optical cavity of CEAS.