bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Training Young Adult Peers in a Mobile Motivational Interviewing‐Based Mentoring Approach to Upstream HIV Prevention
Authors: Bonar Erin E. , Wolfe James R. , Drab Ryan , Stephenson Rob , Sullivan Patrick S. , Chavanduka Tanaka , Hailu Benyam , Guest Jodie L. , Bauermeister José
Published: November 2020

Mentoring relationships are characterized by a sustained, high quality, and skill‐building relationship between a protégé and mentor (Handbook of Youth Mentoring, Los Angeles, SAGE, 2014). Within prevention science, youth mentoring programs emphasize creating a specific context that benefits a young person. Program‐sponsored relationships between youth and adults allow for creating a mentor–mentee partnership, but do not require the establishment of a strong bond in order to deliver prevention‐focused activities and experiences (Handbook of Youth Mentoring, Los Angeles, SAGE, 2014). Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a counseling style used widely to promote health behavior change and in prevention interventions. As part of an upstream approach to HIV prevention, we combined mentoring and MI by training peer mentors to use MI skills in their interactions as part of a large RCT of a mobile life skills intervention for adolescent men who have sex with men (AMSM). Our training model developed for training peer mentors in MI skills resulted in peers reaching and exceeding established MI fidelity thresholds (e.g., mean percentage of complex reflections = 80%, mean reflection to question ratio = 2.2:1). We offer reflections on lessons learned and future directions for those researchers and practitioners who may benefit from adapting this blended approach for mentoring AMSM.
Strength degradation and fractographic analysis of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composite laminates with square / circular hole using scanning electron microscope micrographs
Authors: Gupta Savita , Prusty Rajesh Kumar , Ray Bankim Chandra , Pal Snehanshu
Published: November 2020

In this article, experimental study has been carried out to obtain comparative information intended for designing and assembly of structural components made of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite. Investigation on tensile strength has been done on unidirectional CFRP composite laminates with hole. Effect of stacking sequence, hole size, and hole shape on tensile strength has been examined independently by open hole tensile (OHT) test. Reduction in OHT strength is observed when stacking sequence is changed from [0]8 to [0/90]2s and when the hole size is increased. However, OHT strength is noticed to get increased when hole shape is changed from circular to square. Laminates containing square shaped hole demonstrate less sensitiveness towards tensile strength and show negligible effect of stacking sequences on the normalized strength than the circular hole. Fractographic analysis figures out the failure mechanism of tested specimens by correlating their mechanical properties. SEM micrographs and data analysis reveal that axial splits and local delamination effectively blunt the stress concentration around the hole resulting in higher OHT strength and less notch sensitiveness towards tensile strength.
Molecular structure and rheological properties of a poly(ethylene terephthalate) modified by two different chain extenders
Authors: Härth Michael , Dörnhöfer Andrea , Kaschta Joachim , Münstedt Helmut , Schubert Dirk W.
Published: November 2020

This paper compares the molecular structure and rheological properties of a commercial poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) after reactive processing with different concentrations of either pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) or a multifunctional epoxide (Joncryl®ADR‐4368) as a chain extender. By size exclusion chromatography with triple detection, an increase of molar mass, a broadening of molar mass distribution, and the generation of long‐chain branched molecules were found for both chain extenders. While gel‐free materials were obtained with PMDA, the processing with Joncryl leads to the formation of gels. The effect of branching, indicated by the Mark–Houwink exponent, is more pronounced for materials with Joncryl compared to PMDA and points to a more compact branching structure of the PET/Joncryl molecules. Rheological measurements in shear and elongation support the analysis from SEC and reveal a complex tree‐like branching structure for both chain extenders. In addition, the role of the two modifiers with respect to processing was assessed.
The effect of shrinkage on the structure and properties of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene fibers with different concentration
Authors: Wang Hongqiu , Quan Jiayou , Wang Xinwei , Yu Junrong , Zhu Jing , Wang Yan , Hu Zuming
Published: November 2020

Interface variation in the extraction and drying process of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) gel fiber results in different shrinkage at different direction. The essence of shrinkage lies in the crystallization of UHMWPE chains under the effect of interface tension. However, UHMWPE gel fiber prepared with different solution concentration has different chain entanglement points density that can hinder the regular stacking for UHMWPE chains. The restriction for axis shrinkage of UHMWPE gel fiber facilitates the orientation of UHMWPE chains that is beneficial to improve the tensile strength of UHMWPE drawn fiber. Combined with multiple methods of Wide angle X‐ray diffraction, Small‐angle X‐ray scattering, Differential scanning calorimetry and sonic orientation, the structural evolution of UHMWPE fiber with different shrinkage ratio and different concentration was investigated. Meanwhile, the suitability for UHMWPE fibers in production was evaluated by final tensile strength of the fibers. Here, a structural evolution model is proposed to elucidate the correlation between the shrinkage and the structure and properties of UHMWPE fibers prepared with different solution concentration.
Hepatic sinusoids versus central veins: Structures, markers, angiocrines, and roles in liver regeneration and homeostasis
Authors: Mak Ki M. , Shin Da Wi
Published: November 2020

The blood circulates through the hepatic sinusoids delivering nutrients and oxygen to the liver parenchyma and drains into the hepatic central vein, yet the structures and phenotypes of these vessels are distinctively different. Sinusoidal endothelial cells are uniquely fenestrated, lack basal lamina and possess organelles involved in endocytosis, pinocytosis, degradation, synthesis and secretion. Hepatic central veins are nonfenestrated but are also active in synthesis and secretion. Endothelial cells of sinusoids and central veins secrete angiocrines that play respective roles in hepatic regeneration and metabolic homeostasis. The list of markers for identifying sinusoidal endothelial cells is long and their terminologies are complex. Further, their uses vary in different investigations and, in some instances, could be confusing. Central vein markers are fewer but more distinctive. Here we analyze and categorize the molecular pathways/modules associated with the sinusoid‐mediated liver regeneration in response to partial hepatectomy and chemical‐induced acute or chronic injury. Similarly, we highlight the findings that central vein‐derived angiocrines interact with Wnt/β‐catenin in perivenous hepatocytes to direct gene expression and maintain pericentral metabolic zonation. The proposal that perivenous hepatocytes behave as stem/progenitor cells to provoke hepatic homeostatic cell renewal is reevaluated and newer concepts of broad zonal distribution of hepatocyte proliferation in liver homeostasis and regeneration are updated. Thus, this review integrates the structures, biology and physiology of liver sinusoids and central veins in mediating hepatic regeneration and metabolic homeostasis.
Joint estimation of case fatality rate of COVID‐19 and power of quarantine strategy performed in Wuhan, China
Authors: Rui Rongxiang , Tian Maozai
Published: November 2020

From the first case of COVID‐19 confirmed in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei Province, China, in early December 2019, it has been found in more than 160 countries and caused over 11,000 deaths as of March 20, 2020. Wuhan, as the city where the epidemic first broke out, has made great sacrifices to block the possible transmission. In this research, we estimate the case fatality rate (CFR) of COVID‐19 and quantify the effect of quarantine strategy utilized in Wuhan by developing an extended Susceptible–Infected–Recovered (SIR) model. The outcomes suggest that the CFR is 4.4% (95% CI [3.6%, 5.2%]) and the effect of the quarantine strategy is 99.3% (95% CI [99.2%, 99.5%]), which implies that such a method can significantly reduce the number of infections.
Ischemic stroke, obesity, and the anti‐inflammatory role of melatonin
Authors: Yawoot Nuttapong , Govitrapong Piyarat , Tocharus Chainarong , Tocharus Jiraporn
Published: November 2020

Obesity is a predominant risk factor in ischemic stroke and is commonly comorbid with it. Pathologies following these conditions are associated with systemic and local inflammation. Moreover, there is increasing evidence that the susceptibility for ischemic brain damage increases substantially in experimental models of ischemic stroke with concomitant obesity. Herein, we explore the proinflammatory events that occur during ischemic stroke and obesity, and we discuss the influence of obesity on the inflammatory response and cerebral damage outcomes in experimental models of brain ischemia. In addition, because melatonin is a neurohormone widely reported to exhibit protective effects in various diseases, this study also demonstrates the anti‐inflammatory role and possible mechanistic actions of melatonin in both epidemic diseases. A summary of research findings suggests that melatonin administration has great potential to exert an anti‐inflammatory role and provide protection against obesity and ischemic stroke conditions. However, the efficacy of this hormonal treatment on ischemic stroke with concomitant obesity, when more serious inflammation is generated, is still lacking.
Xylose Assimilation for the Efficient Production of Biofuels and Chemicals by Engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Sun Liang , Jin Yong‐Su
Published: November 2020

Microbial conversion of plant biomass into fuels and chemicals offers a practical solution to global concerns over limited natural resources, environmental pollution, and climate change. Pursuant to these goals, researchers have put tremendous efforts and resources toward engineering the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to efficiently convert xylose, the second most abundant sugar in lignocellulosic biomass, into various fuels and chemicals. Here, recent advances in metabolic engineering of yeast is summarized to address bottlenecks on xylose assimilation and to enable simultaneous co‐utilization of xylose and other substrates in lignocellulosic hydrolysates. Distinct characteristics of xylose metabolism that can be harnessed to produce advanced biofuels and chemicals are also highlighted. Although many challenges remain, recent research investments have facilitated the efficient fermentation of xylose and simultaneous co‐consumption of xylose and glucose. In particular, understanding xylose‐induced metabolic rewiring in engineered yeast has encouraged the use of xylose as a carbon source for producing various non‐ethanol bioproducts. To boost the lignocellulosic biomass‐based bioeconomy, much attention is expected to promote xylose‐utilizing efficiency via reprogramming cellular regulatory networks, to attain robust co‐fermentation of xylose and other cellulosic carbon sources under industrial conditions, and to exploit the advantageous traits of yeast xylose metabolism for producing diverse fuels and chemicals.
Differences in survival of prostate cancer Gleason 8–10 disease and the establishment of a new Gleason survival grading system
Authors: Zhou Yuan , Lin Changming , Hu Zhihua , Yang Cheng , Zhang Rentao , Ding Yinman , Wang Zhengquan , Tao Sha , Qin Yanmei
Published: November 2020

Background

Although the latest Gleason grading system in 2014 has distinguished between Gleason 3 + 4 and 4 + 3, Gleason 8 and Gleason 9–10 are remained systemically classified.

Methods

A total of 261,125 patients diagnosed with prostate cancer (PCa) were selected between 2005 and 2015 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. We used propensity score matching to balance clinical variables and then compared overall survival (OS) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) between Gleason score subgroups. We further establish a new Gleason survival grading system based on the hazard ratio (HR) values of each Gleason subgroup. Cox proportional hazards models and Kaplan–Meier curves were used to compare patient survival.

Results

Among PCa patients with Gleason score 8 disease, patients with Gleason 5 + 3 had significantly worse OS and CSS than those with Gleason 3 + 5 (OS: HR = 1.26, p = 0.042; CSS: HR = 1.42, p = 0.005) and 4 + 4 (HR = 1.50 for OS and HR = 1.69 for CSS, p < 0.001 for all). PCa patients with Gleason 5 + 3 and Gleason 4 + 5 may have the similar OS and CSS (reference Gleason score <=6, 5 + 3: OS HR = 2.44, CSS HR = 7.63; 4 + 5: OS HR = 2.40, CSS HR = 8.92; p < 0.001 for all). The new Gleason survival grading system reclassified the grades 4 and 5 of the 2014 updated Gleason grading system into three hierarchical grades, which makes the classification of grades more detailed and accurate.

Conclusion

PCa patients with Gleason 8–10 may have three different survival subgroups, Gleason 3 + 5 and 4 + 4, Gleason 5 + 3 and 4 + 5, and Gleason 5 + 4 and 5 + 5. Our results maximize risk stratification for PCa patients, provide guidance for clinicians to assess their survival and clinical management, and make a recommendation for the next Gleason grading system update.
Progress in Scaling up and Streamlining a Nanoconfined, Enzyme‐Catalyzed Electrochemical Nicotinamide Recycling System for Biocatalytic Synthesis
Authors: Cheng Beichen , Wan Lei , Armstrong Fraser A.
Published: November 2020

An electrochemically driven nicotinamide recycling system, referred to as the ‘electrochemical leaf’ has unique attributes that may suit it to the small‐scale industrial synthesis of high‐value chemicals. A complete enzyme cascade can be immobilized within the channels of a nanoporous electrode, allowing complex reactions to be energized, controlled and monitored continuously in real time. The electrode is easily prepared by depositing commercially available indium tin oxide (ITO) nanoparticles on a Ti support, resulting in a network of nanopores into which enzymes enter and bind. One of the enzymes is the photosynthetic flavoenzyme, ferredoxin NADP+ reductase (FNR), which catalyzes the quasi‐reversible electrochemical recycling of NADP(H) and serves as the transducer. The second enzyme is any NADP(H)‐dependent dehydrogenase of choice, and further enzymes can be added to build elaborate cascades that are driven in either oxidation or reduction directions through the rapid recycling of NADP(H) within the pores. In this Article, we describe the measurement of key enzyme/cofactor parameters and an essentially linear scale‐up from an analytical scale 4 mL reactor with a 14 cm2 electrode to a 500 mL reactor with a 500 cm2 electrode. We discuss the advantages (energization, continuous monitoring that can be linked to a computer, natural enzyme immobilization, low costs of electrodes and low cofactor requirements) and challenges to be addressed (optimizing minimal use of enzyme applied to the electrode).
Quantile association regression on bivariate survival data
Authors: Chen Ling‐Wan , Cheng Yu , Ding Ying , Li Ruosha
Published: November 2020

The association between two event times is of scientific importance in various fields. Due to population heterogeneity, it is desirable to examine the degree to which local association depends on different characteristics of the population. Here we adopt a novel quantile‐based local association measure and propose a conditional quantile association regression model to allow covariate effects on local association of two survival times. Estimating equations for the quantile association coefficients are constructed based on the relationship between this quantile association measure and the conditional copula. Asymptotic properties for the resulting estimators are rigorously derived, and induced smoothing is used to obtain the covariance matrix. Through simulations we demonstrate the good practical performance of the proposed inference procedures. An application to age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) data reals interesting varying effects of the baseline AMD severity score on the local association between two AMD progression times.
Image quality evaluation for high dynamic range and wide color gamut applications using visual spatial processing of color differences
Authors: Choudhury Anustup , Wanat Robert , Pytlarz Jaclyn , Daly Scott
Published: November 2020

High dynamic range (HDR) and wide color gamut imagery has an established video ecosystem, spanning image capture to encoding and display. This drives the need for evaluating how image quality is affected by the multitudes of ecosystem parameters. The simplest quality metrics evaluate color differences on a pixel‐by‐pixel basis. In this article, we evaluate a series of these color difference metrics on four HDR and three standard dynamic range publicly available distortion databases consisting of natural images and subjective scores. We compare the performance of the well‐established CIE L*a*b* metrics (ΔE00, ΔE94) alongside two HDR‐specific metrics (ΔEZ [Jzazbz], ΔEITP [ICTCP]) and a spatial CIE L*a*b* extension (). We also present a novel spatial extension to ΔEITP derived by optimizing the opponent color contrast sensitivity functions. We observe that this advanced metric, , outperforms the other color difference metrics, and we quantify the improved performance with the steps of metric advancement.
A reconfigurable high ultimate rejection inductorless band‐pass filter by the use of N‐path passive mixers
Authors: Hazrati Amin , Jalali Ali , Meghdadi Masoud
Published: November 2020

In this paper, a band‐pass filter with a tunable bandwidth and the center frequency is introduced, which employs N‐path and N × M‐path passive mixer structures, for multiband multistandard wireless receivers. The center frequency of the proposed filter is tunable from 0.1 to 1 GHz, while its bandwidth is also adjustable from 6% to 34% of the center frequency at 100 MHz. The passband ripple is reduced by applying a Miller compensation technique, resulting in a worst‐case ripple of only 1.6 dB over the entire tuning range. An additional eight‐path filter is also utilized at the input of the circuit, which highly improves the out‐of‐band rejection of the filter as well as its out‐of‐band linearity. The noise figure and the input return loss are, respectively, better than 5 and 10 dB, and depending on the desired center frequency, the total power consumption of the proposed filter varies from 41 to 70 mW.
Testing transgenerational transfer of personality in managed wildlife populations: a house mouse control experiment
Authors: Johnstone Kyla C. , McArthur Clare , Banks Peter B.
Published: November 2020

Pest species control operations are most effective if every individual in a population is targeted. Yet, individual personality drives variation in animal responses to devices such as traps and baits. Failing to account for differences in behavior during control operations may drive a selective removal, resulting in residual animals with biased expressions of personality. If these biased traits are passed onto offspring, control operations would become increasingly problematic. To test if biased trait expressions in founding populations are passed on to offspring, we quantified personality traits in wild‐caught house mice (Mus musculus) and created founder populations selected for biased (high, low) or intermediate expressions of activity. We released the behaviorally biased populations into outdoor yards to breed to the F1 generation and, 10 weeks later, removed the mice and quantified the personality traits of the offspring. Despite the strong personality bias in founder populations, we observed no transgenerational transfer of personality and detected no personality bias in the F1 generation. Our results provide reassuring evidence that a single intensive control operation that selects for survivors with a personality bias is unlikely to lead to a recovering population inherently more difficult to eradicate, at least for house mice.
Orthorexia nervosa is associated with positive body image and life satisfaction in Chinese elderly: Evidence for a positive psychology perspective
Authors: He Jinbo , Zhao Yiqing , Zhang Hengyue , Lin Zhicheng
Published: November 2020

Objective

Obsessive attention to healthy eating might paradoxically lead to physical and psychosocial impairments, a potential eating disorder termed orthorexia nervosa (ON). An ongoing debate concerns whether ON should be categorized as an eating disorder, an obsessive–compulsive disorder, or a mental disorder at all. A missing voice in this debate is ON in the elderly, which remains unknown, despite health being a more central issue in everyday life during old age. Similarly missing is ON in East Asia, which remains largely unexplored.

Method

The current study investigated ON in 313 Chinese elderly (M = 67.90, SD = 7.94) using the Chinese version of the Düsseldorf Orthorexia Scale (C‐DOS). Questionnaires were used to measure traditional eating disorder symptomatology, body image (body dissatisfaction, body appreciation, and functionality appreciation), lifestyle behaviors (fruit and vegetable consumption and time spent on physical activity), and indexes of well‐being (psychological distress, food‐related quality of life, and life satisfaction).

Results

ON symptoms were positively related to physical activity, fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption, body appreciation, functionality appreciation, and life satisfaction, but negatively related to body dissatisfaction. Compared with those without ON, the elderly with ON scored higher on positive psychological/lifestyle measures but lower on negative psychological measures.

Discussion

Contrary to the dominant characterization of ON as a variant of disordered eating, in Chinese elderly ON was associated with several positive lifestyle and psychological measures. Thus, ON in the elderly might not be viewed as a form of disordered eating but can be protective and beneficial.
Piezoelectric method‐based harvested energy evaluation from car suspension system: Simulation and experimental study
Authors: Darabseh Tariq , Al‐Yafeai Doaa , Mourad Abdel‐Hamid I. , Almaskari Fahad
Published: November 2020

The main objective of this work is to build a mathematical model to evaluate the potential of harvesting power from the car suspension system. Quarter‐ and half‐car models with built‐in piezoelectric stack were modeled mathematically and simulated using MATLAB/Simulink. The piezoelectric stack was installed in series with the suspension spring to maintain the performance of the original car suspension system in ride quality and comfortability. The harvested voltage and power were tested with respect to time and frequency. From a half car model, the maximum generated voltage and power at the excitation frequency of 1.46 Hz were 33.56 V and 56.35 mW, respectively. By comparing a half‐car model with the quarter‐car model, the outcomes illustrated that the harvested voltage and power of the half‐car model were increased by 75.6% and 53.4%, respectively. Piezoelectric stack parameters (number of stack layers and area to thickness) and the car suspension parameters (sprung and unsprung stiffness, damping coefficients, and masses) were examined for half‐car model. Also, the influence of road amplitude unevenness was considered. The simulation results of the quarter‐car system were verified with the experimental test under harmonic excitation. The results exhibited good agreement with the simulation results at different excitation frequencies.
Modeling and analyzing multi‐tier massive multiple‐input multiple‐output‐enabled heterogeneous networks with hybrid spectrum allocation for cluster‐center and cluster‐edge users
Authors: Jia Xiangdong , Lv Yaping , Chen Yuwan , Jing Letian , Ouyang Yuhua
Published: November 2020

With the proliferation of high‐speed multi‐media applications and high‐dense Internet‐of‐Things devices, the future 5G/B5G networks will face the emergence of dense hotspot communications. A key consequence of such hotspots is the heterogeneity of base stations' deployment and the user base station (BS) coupling, where the user equipments (UEs) tend to form spatial clusters or hotspots. With these motivations, this article considers a realistic scenario for clustered heterogeneous networks, which consists of macro‐BSs (MBSs), pico‐BSs (PBSs), and femto‐BSs (FBSs). To restrict the severe interference from inter and intra‐tier transmitters, a clustered‐UEs classification is developed based on the coverage radius of PBSs. With the clustered‐UEs classification, this article develops a modified separated spectrum allocation scheme. To further exploit potential, we also consider the cases of ordered and non‐ordered FBSs associations and construct the derivations of both the statistical descriptions of association distances and the association probabilities for different scenarios. By using the approximated Poisson hole process theory which is accurate and simple enough, the statistical description of the interference experienced at a typical receiver is given, and the coverage probabilities are also derived. The simulation results achieve that the performance gain from the case of ordered FBSs over the one from the case of non‐ordered FBSs greatly depends on the coverage radii of PBSs and FBSs. Meanwhile, the distributions of both FBSs and UEs also impose the non‐negligible contributions on network performance.
Advance on the absorption, metabolism, and efficacy exertion of quercetin and its important derivatives
Authors: Hai Yu , Zhang Yuanxiao , Liang Yingzhi , Ma Xiaoyu , Qi Xiao , Xiao Jianbo , Xue Weiming , Luo Yane , Yue Tianli
Published: November 2020

Quercetin, a dietary flavonol, has been used as potential ingredient in food supplements to promote health. Its health effects are closely related to its bioavailability and further depend on its absorption, metabolism and excretionin vivo. Here, we systematically summarized the absorption and metabolism of quercetin in human intestine, liver, and kidney, highlighting the transport and metabolic pathways, intermediate metabolites, and circulation channels involving quercetin. The bioactivities of quercetin on theintestine, liver, and kidney were also considered. In general, except for passive diffusion, different transporters (e.g., SGLT1,OATPs, and MRPs) participate in the transport of quercetin and its metabolites across biological barriers. Quercetin undergoes phase II metabolism after absorption by the intestine and is finally excreted into bile through liver or urine through kidney. Quercetin can protect the intestinal barrier and modulate the microflora. Moreover, its antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐fibrotic activities protect the liver and kidney.
New clinical information and physician prescribing: How do pediatric labeling changes affect prescribing to children?
Authors: Olson Mary K. , Yin Nina
Published: November 2020

Our study examines how physician prescribing responds to new scientific information added to drug labels. We focus on a series of label changes with new information about the effects of drugs in children. The information arose in response to a 1997 policy, pediatric exclusivity, which gave drug sponsors a 6‐month exclusivity extension for conducting additional pediatric studies of already marketed drugs. The information from these studies was expected to improve pediatric prescribing by promoting appropriate use and by reducing inappropriate off‐label prescribing. However, there has been little study about the actual effects of these labeling changes on physician prescribing behavior. We use a difference‐in‐differences strategy to examine how pediatric prescriptions respond to different types of labeling changes. Our results show that most label changes lead to reductions in prescribing to children. We find that the largest drop in prescribing occurs when the label indicates a drug is not effective for children. The evidence suggests that the labeling changes alleviated physician uncertainty about prescribing drugs to children and reduced some inappropriate off‐label use.
Characterization and protective efficacy of a sptP mutant of Salmonella Paratyphi A
Authors: Pan Pengtao , Zou Fanyu , He Chuanshan , He Qunli , Yin Junlei
Published: November 2020

Background

Salmonella Paratyphi A causes paratyphoid A, a severe systemic disease of people and remains a major public health problem in many parts of the world. In the interest of researching the roles of sptP on Salmonella Paratyphi A and developing a live‐attenuated vaccine candidate, an sptP mutant of Salmonella Paratyphi A SPA017 (SPA017ΔsptP) was constructed, and then its characterization, immunogenicity, and protective ability were evaluated.

Results

The deletion of sptP had no effect on growth and biochemical properties. Adhesion and invasion assays showed that the lack of sptP did not affect the adhesion of Salmonella Paratyphi A, but the invasive ability of the mutant strain was significantly decreased, the half‐lethal dose (LD50) of the mutant strain was 1.43 × 104 times of the parent strain in intraperitoneally injected mice. Single intraperitoneal vaccination with SPA017ΔsptP (1 × 105 CFU) in mice did not affect the body weight or elicit clinical symptoms relative to the control group, SPA017ΔsptP bacteria were isolated from livers and spleens of vaccinated mice at 14 days postvaccination. Notably, specific humoral and cellular immune responses were significantly induced. The protective assessment showed that the mutant strain could provide high‐level protection against subsequent challenge with the wild‐type SPA017 strain.

Conclusions

These results demonstrated that SptP plays an essential role in the pathogenicity of Salmonella Paratyphi A, and Salmonella Paratyphi A lacking sptP is immunogenic and protective in mice.
Improving performance of furrow irrigation systems using simulation modelling in the Moghan plain of Iran*
Authors: Hamdi Ahmadabad Yaser , Liaghat Abdolmajid , Sohrabi Teymor , Rasoulzadeh Ali , Ebrahimian Hamed
Published: November 2020

The objective of this study was to assess the different scenarios for improving the irrigation application efficiency of a two‐row bed furrow irrigation system (wide furrow) using the SIRMOD model in six sugar beet fields of the Moghan plain for the 2015–2016 growing season. The Moghan plain is situated in the Ardebil province of Iran. Therefore, five scenarios including: (i) irrigation cut‐off time equal to the advance time (ICTEAT); (ii) cutting off the flow discharge before it reaches the end (CTIBRE); (iii) increasing the flow discharge up to 2.5 l s¯¹ and cutting it off when the irrigation requirement is fulfilled (IARCSI); (iv) increasing inflow discharge up to 2.5 l s¯¹ and cutting off the flow discharge as soon as the advance phase reaches the end (IARCARE); (v) reducing inflow rate, cut‐off time and furrow length (100 m in all the furrows) by blocking the end of the furrow (RICTLBE), were applied using the calibrated SIRMOD model. In addition, surge irrigation was carried out in fields with high percolation. The results indicated that the average irrigation application efficiency under the current status was 35%. However, average application efficiencies increased to 63, 74, 59, 60 and 77% in the ICTEAT, CTIBRE, IARSCI, IARCARE and RICTLBE scenarios, respectively. The application efficiency for fields with high percolation increased from 32%, in the current status, to 53, 64, 62, 60, 78 and 76% under ICTEAT, CTIBRE, IARSCI, IARCARE, RICTLBE and surge irrigation, respectively. Overall, the irrigation management scenarios could substantially reduce on‐farm irrigation water losses.
A multifunctional dual‐shell magnetic nanocomposite with near‐infrared light response for synergistic chemo‐thermal tumor therapy
Authors: Li Sheng , Shi Xiaowen , Wang Haibo , Xiao Ling
Published: November 2020

The synergistic tumor therapy in single nanoplatform has always been the goal for high efficacy tumor treatment while still remains great challenge. This paper reports a versatile nanotheranostic platform enlisting magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, polydopamine (PDA), gold nanocages (Au nanocage) and metal organic framework (MOF, MIL101‐NH2) in order to achieve synergistic chemothermal tumor therapy both in vitro and in vivo. The prepared magnetic photothermal nanoparticles (MPNPs) exhibit high drug loading capacity (31.34 mg/g), superior photo‐thermal capacity (11.5°C enhancement in 180 s), low bio‐toxicity, good magnetic resonance with a low dosage of 22 μg/g, as well as high antitumor efficacy in vivo. Such a novel and multifunctional nanoplatform is expected to find promising applications in target tumor synergistic therapy.
Trends in Hip Fracture Incidence in Japan: Estimates Based on Nationwide Hip Fracture Surveys From 1992 to 2017
Authors: Takusari Eri , Sakata Kiyomi , Hashimoto Tsutomu , Fukushima Yasumasa , Nakamura Toshitaka , Orimo Hajime
Published: November 2020

As of 2015, the aging population in Japan was the largest in the world. Although the National Database of Health Insurance Claims (NDB) was developed in 2012, long‐term trends regarding hip fracture incidence in Japan remain unclear. In order to clarify the trend in hip fracture incidence from 1992 to 2017, we estimated the number of new hip fractures in 2017, the seventh in a series of nationwide hip fracture surveys performed every 5 years since 1987. We also investigated regional differences in hip fracture incidence. We collected data through a nationwide mail‐in survey of orthopedic institutions in Japan and calculated hip fracture incidence by sex and age, as well as standardized incidence ratio (SIR) across 12 districts. The total number (95% confidence interval) of hip fractures in 2017 was estimated at 193,400 (187,300–199,500), occurring in 44,100 (42,700–45,500) males and 149,300 (144,500–154,100) females. Of all the hip fracture surveys from 1992 to 2017, the 5‐year hip fracture increase rates from 2012 to 2017 was the lowest among female patients. In males, the 5‐year rates from 2012 to 2017 were lower than those from 2007 to 2012. The age‐adjusted incidence rates for patients in both sexes did not show significant change in the 25‐year period. The estimated incidence rates in 2017 for patients aged 70 to 79 years in both sexes were lowest from 1992 to 2017, and declined significantly over the 25‐year period. SIRs differed between northeast and southwest regions. Our findings were similar to those from a previous study in Japan using the NDB from 2012 to 2015. Progress in the development of osteoporosis medication may contribute to the continuous decline in the 70‐year to 79‐year age group. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Emerging technologies of algae‐based wastewater remediation for bio‐fertilizer production: a promising pathway to sustainable agriculture
Authors: Zou Yao , Zeng Qingqing , Li Huankai , Liu Hui , Lu Qian
Published: November 2020

Soil degradation, overuse of chemical fertilizer, and biodiversity loss are serious problems challenging the sustainable development of modern agriculture. In recent years, owing to the advantages of algae biotechnology in nutrients recovery and soil improvement, the integration of algae‐based wastewater remediation and algal bio‐fertilizer production is emerging into the limelight. In this work, we emphasize on the progresses achieved in the fields of biomass production by algae cultivation in wastewater and application of algal bio‐fertilizers. Particularly, three types of algal bio‐fertilizers, including slow‐release bio‐fertilizer, nitrogen‐fixing cyanobacteria, and liquid bio‐fertilizer, widely evaluated and utilized in agriculture are introduced. To prevent the overly optimistic prediction of algal bio‐fertilizer in a real‐world application, we point out the challenges and technical defects, such as presence of new pollution factors in wastewater, high cost of algal biomass, contamination of algal biomass in wastewater, low productivity of algae and valuable components, high water consumption, and potential threats of cyanobacteria to the environment, that prevent the concept of integrating algae‐based wastewater remediation and algal bio‐fertilizer production from becoming a reality. Based on our knowledge and experience, potential solutions to the aforementioned problems are discussed in depth. It is expected that the emerging technologies of algae‐based wastewater remediation for bio‐fertilizer production will bring human beings into a new era of environmentally‐friendly, high‐yield, and resource‐recycling agriculture. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)
The Challenge of maintaining good health outcomes for all during the COVID‐19 pandemic—a view from family medicine in Wales, UK
Authors: Lewis Sally
Published: November 2020

This article addresses the issue of maintaining essential healthcare services throughout the pandemic and beyond. It suggests a key role for the use of patient‐reported outcomes.
Bioaccessibility and bioavailability of calcium in sprouted brown and golden flaxseed
Authors: Vinco Pimenta Alexandre , Agrizzi Verediano Thaísa , Souza Carneiro Joel Camilo , Brunoro Costa Neuza Maria , Vasconcelos Costa André Gustavo
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

Germination promotes changes in the composition of seeds by providing potential nutritional and health benefits compared with unsprouted seeds. This study investigated the influence of germination on the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of calcium in brown flaxseed (BF) and golden flaxseed (GF).

RESULTS

Germination did not influence the calcium levels of BF or GF, but the sprouted GF (SGF, 265.6 ± 12.9 mg) presented higher levels of calcium than the sprouted BF (SBF, 211.6 ± 3.20 mg). Tannin levels were similar among the groups (GF = 79.97 ± 3.49 mg; SGF = 78.81 ± 0.77 mg; BF = 81.82 ± 2.61 mg; SBF = 79.24 ± 4.58 mg), whereas phytate and oxalate levels decreased after germination. Germination reduced the phytate:calcium and oxalate:calcium molar ratios. In the in vitro study, germination increased calcium bioaccessibility (GF = 35.60 mg versus SGF = 41.45 mg; BF = 31.01 mg versus SBF = 38.84 mg). In the in vivo study, all groups present similar levels of urinary calcium (GF = 1.04 mg versus SGF = 2.06 mg; BF = 1.68 mg versus SBF = 1.35 mg) and fecal calcium (GF = 5.06 mg versus SGF = 6.14 mg; BF = 6.47 mg versus SBF = 8.40 mg). The calcium balance/day of the SBF group (37.97 mg) was smaller than the control group (47.22 mg). The germination maintained the plasma levels of calcium, phosphorus, creatinine, and alkaline phosphatase similar among the groups. No changes were observed in morphology and calcium levels of animal femurs.

CONCLUSION

The germination reduced the antinutritional factor in both flaxseed varieties. Although there was an improvement in the in vitro bioaccessibility of calcium, the germination did not increase calcium absorption and balance in the animals, which may be due to the interaction with other compounds in the organism. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Different dry hopping and fermentation methods: influence on beer nutritional quality
Authors: Gerhards Sandra , Talaverano María Inmaculada , Andrés Ana Isabel , Sánchez‐Vicente Carlos , Lozano Jesús , García‐Latorre Carlos , Petrón María Jesús , Rodrigo Sara
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

Nowadays, the craft beer market is booming and the consumer trend for trying something new is increasing. Here, nine different treatments of a craft beer were realized in a pilot plant, studying fermentation and dry‐hopping types. Quality parameters of the beer such as polyphenols, antioxidants, bitterness, colour and alcohol were analysed. In addition, an electronic nose was used to distinguish beer types.

RESULTS

Results showed that dry hopping in maturation with warm temperature increased the bitterness from 33 to 40 IBUs. The treatment using two yeasts and two fermentation temperatures resulted in the highest antioxidant capacity of the beer (around 92%). Antioxidant activity was increased by late dry hopping using ale yeasts for fermenting. Principal component analysis performed with electronic nose data explained up to 97% of the total variability of the compounds in the study.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined use of ale and lager yeasts seems to increase the antioxidant capacity and total polyphenol content of beer. Antioxidant activity is increased by late dry hopping. An electronic nose is a suitable device for discriminating the volatile profile complexity in beer. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
A survey of accuracy of nurses’ clinical judgement of cutaneous graft‐versus‐host disease in Japan
Authors: Maeda Rumi , Obama Kyoko , Tomioka Akiko , Akagawa Junko , Maru Mitsue
Published: November 2020

Aim

We examined accuracy of nurses’ clinical judgement of graft‐versus‐host‐disease (GVHD) symptoms and related factors using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) for patients who developed chronic cutaneous GVHD after haematopoietic stem cell transplants.

Design

Cross‐sectional design using nationwide survey.

Methods

A questionnaire survey based on Tanner's clinical judgement model to assess patients with chronic cutaneous GVHD using CTCAE was used. Free‐text descriptions and statistical analyses of relationship between correct responses and demographic data were performed.

Results

The rate of correct responses for main symptoms of skin GVHD was < 50%; there was no statistical significance between correct responses and demographic data, knowledge about GVHD and collaborative practice with physicians. The accuracy of cutaneous GVHD clinical judgements was not directly related to nurses’ background. Educational opportunities that reinforce nurses’ abilities to reflect on knowledge and experiences to interpret patient symptoms are essential for improving accuracy of clinical judgement.
Warum klingt ein Piano wie ein Piano?
Authors: Siu‐Dschu Fan Christina , Dosch Hans Günter
Published: November 2020

Der volle Klang eines Pianos erfordert einige konstruktive Besonderheiten, die zu charakteristischen akustischen Eigenschaften des erzeugten Tones führen. Durch Vergleich von eigens konstruierten, synthetischen Tönen untereinander und mit einem natürlichen Pianoton erhalten wir quantitative Ergebnisse über die Bedeutung dieser Eigenschaften. Demnach lassen vor allem zwei Beiträge einen synthetischen Ton einem echten Pianoton ähnlich erscheinen: die Existenz eines Obertonspektrums und eine zeitlich langsam ausklingende Komponente. Andere Beiträge wie die Anharmonizität, Schwebungen sowie das Geräusch des Hammeraufschlags tragen schwächer und in etwa gleichem Maße bei.
Tricksen für gute Bilder
Authors: Teubner Ulrich , Blahnik Vladan , Brückner Hans Josef
Published: November 2020

Die Sensoren in Smartphonekameras sind prinzipiell vergleichbar aufgebaut wie in großen Kameras. Die geringen Abmessungen erzwingen jedoch sehr kleine Sensoren mit winzigen Pixeln. Das wirkt sich ungünstig auf den Dynamikbereich und das Rauschverhalten aus. Um trotzdem Aufnahmen zu erhalten, die zumindest auf den Smartphonedisplays gut aussehen, wird eine aufwendige Bildbearbeitung eingesetzt. Dabei spielen Multi‐Shot‐Aufnahmen eine wichtige Rolle: Die Kamera nimmt mehrere Bilder auf und verrechnet diese. Das erweitert den aufnahmeseitigen Dynamikbereich (High Dynamic Range, HDR) und reduziert das Bildrauschen. Die Software gleicht sogar geringe Verschiebungen in den Einzelbildern aus, die durch Bewegungen verursacht werden. Allerdings kommt das Verfahren bei schnell bewegten Motiven und wenig Licht an Grenzen. Im Portraitmodus nutzt die Software Informationen aus mehreren Kamerabildern sowie neuerdings Laufzeitmessungen eines Time‐of‐Flight‐Sensors, um das Motiv vor einem künstlich unscharf gerechneten Hintergrund freizustellen. Der Preis sind Bildfehler, die aber auf kleinen Displays kaum auffallen.
Maßgeschneiderte Lichtstrahlen ohne Beugung
Authors: Denz Cornelia , Zannotti Alessandro
Published: November 2020

Moderne Techniken wie hochauflösende Mikroskopie oder nanoskalige Materialbearbeitung benötigen maßgeschneiderte Laserstrahlen, die sich bei der Ausbreitung nicht verändern. Dies stellt eine Herausforderung dar, denn Lichtstrahlen verbreitern sich typischerweise bei der Propagation – sie beugen. Unsere Gruppe an der Universität Münster hat in einem internationalen Team einen neuen Weg gefunden, diese Beugung auszutricksen: Wir betten scharfe Brennlinien, sogenannte Kaustiken, in beugende Laserstrahlen ein und erzeugen damit nichtbeugende Lichtfelder beliebiger Form. Dies eröffnet neue Anwendungsfelder in lichtbasierter Material‐ und Informationsverarbeitung.
Sphärenmusik mit einer Anmutung von Jazz
Authors: Loos Andreas
Published: November 2020

Er ist ganz schön sportlich. Als Student spielt er in der zweiten Liga Fußball, später wird er Mitglied in einem Hockey‐Team, und Fahrrad fährt er auch begeistert. Die Physik ist sein Ding, auch wenn er beruflich die Theorie vorzieht. Oft überlässt er die Experimente Anderen. Aber nicht immer.
Heinrich von Kleist: Allerneuester Erziehungsplan
Authors: Heydenreich Aura
Published: November 2020

Kleists Rollenprosatext versteht sich als Satire auf die Reformpädagogik. Er setzt sich kritisch auseinander mit der versuchten Legitimierung neuer pädagogischer Ansätze durch fragwürdige Analogien zu empirischen Naturgesetzen.
Regulating the Li+‐Solvation Structure of Ester Electrolyte for High‐Energy‐Density Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Xiao Dengji , Li Qian , Luo Dan , Li Gaoran , Liu Hao , Shui Lingling , Gourley Storm , Zhou Guofu , Wang Xin , Chen Zhongwei
Published: November 2020

The development of high‐energy‐density Li metal batteries are hindered by electrolyte consumption and uneven lithium deposition due to the unstable lithium‐electrolyte interface (SEI). In this work, tetraglyme is introduced into ester electrolyte to regulate the Li+‐solvation structures for stable SEI while remaining appropriate voltage window for high‐voltage cathodes. In the modified solvation structures, an enhanced lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy level occurs, resulting in relieved electrolyte degradation. In addition, the modified solvation structures can facilitate adequate LiNO3 dissolution in the ester electrolyte (denoted as E‐LiNO3), contributing to constant supplement of constructing highly conductive LiNxOy‐containing SEI for dendrite‐free Li deposition under high capacity condition. As a result, the Li||Cu cell‐based on this electrolyte exhibits high Li plating/stripping Coulombic efficiency of 98.2% over 350 cycles. Furthermore, when paired with high‐voltage LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 cathodes, the E‐LiNO3 enables a stable cycling with a high‐energy‐density of 296 Wh kg−1 based on the full cell under realistic testing conditions (lean electrolyte of 3 g Ah−1, limited Li excess of 2.45‐fold, and high areal capacity of 4 mAh cm−2).
Tree-level splitting amplitudes for a gluon into four collinear partons
Authors: Del Duca Vittorio , Duhr Claude , Haindl Rayan , Lazopoulos Achilleas , Michel Martin
Published: November 2020

Abstract

We compute in conventional dimensional regularisation the tree-level splitting amplitudes for a gluon parent which splits into four collinear partons. This is part of the universal infrared behaviour of the QCD scattering amplitudes at next-to-next-to-next-to-leading order (N3LO) in the strong coupling constant. Combined with our earlier results for a quark parent, this completes the set of tree-level splitting amplitudes required at this order. We also study iterated collinear limits where a subset of the four collinear partons become themselves collinear.