bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Label‐free high frame rate imaging of circulating blood clots using a dual modal ultrasound and photoacoustic system
Authors: Das Dhiman , Sivasubramanian Kathyayini , Rajendran Praveenbalaji , Pramanik Manojit
Published: November 2020

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a disorder when a blood clot (thrombus) is formed in one of the deep veins. These clots detach from the original sites and circulate in the blood stream at high velocities. Diagnosing these blood clots at an early stage is necessary to decide the treatment strategy. For label‐free, in vivo, and real‐time detection, high framerate photoacoustic imaging can be used. In this work, a dual modal clinical ultrasound and photoacoustic (PA) system is used for the high framerate PA imaging of circulating blood clots in blood at linear velocities up to 107 cm/sec. Blood clot had 1.4 times higher signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) in the static mode and 1.3 times higher SNR compared to blood PA signal in the flow experiments. This work demonstrates that fast‐moving circulating blood clots are easy to recognize against the background PA signal and may aid in early diagnosis.
Design of synthetic microenvironments to promote the maturation of human pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes
Authors: Zhang Rui , Guo Tianwei , Han Yu , Huang Hongxin , Shi Jiamin , Hu Jiaxuan , Li Hongjiao , Wang Jianlin , Saleem Amina , Zhou Ping , Lan Feng
Published: November 2020

Cardiomyocyte like cells derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC‐CMs) have a good application perspective in many fields such as disease modeling, drug screening and clinical treatment. However, these are severely hampered by the fact that hPSC‐CMs are immature compared to adult human cardiomyocytes. Therefore, many approaches such as genetic manipulation, biochemical factors supplement, mechanical stress, electrical stimulation and three‐dimensional culture have been developed to promote the maturation of hPSC‐CMs. Recently, establishing in vitro synthetic artificial microenvironments based on the in vivo development program of cardiomyocytes has achieved much attention due to their inherent properties such as stiffness, plasticity, nanotopography and chemical functionality. In this review, the achievements and deficiency of reported synthetic microenvironments that mainly discussed comprehensive biological, chemical, and physical factors, as well as three‐dimensional culture were mainly discussed, which have significance to improve the microenvironment design and accelerate the maturation of hPSC‐CMs.
A Normal FGF23 Does Not Preclude Tumor‐Induced Osteomalacia
Authors: Nandam Neeharika , Ejaz Sadia , Ahrens William , Styner Maya
Published: November 2020

Tumor‐induced osteomalacia (TIO) is a rare cause of impaired bone mineralization mediated by the osteocyte‐derived, phosphaturic hormone: fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). The case is presented of a previously healthy 45‐year‐old man who developed fragility fractures at multiple sites (initially metatarsals, eventually ribs, hips, spine, scapula, and sacrum) resulting in rapid functional deterioration, weakness, and the inability to bear weight and ambulate without a walker. Workup for secondary causes of bone loss was negative except for mild hypogonadotropic hypogonadism with normal pituitary MRI and hypophosphatemia that persisted despite aggressive supplementation. Testosterone was initiated but discontinued 6 months later because of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, likely provoked by his new sedentary state, in addition to smoking history and possibly testosterone usage. Serum FGF23 was nonelevated at 138 mRU/mL (44–215). A genetic panel for OI variants was negative for a causal mutation. At the age of 48, 3 years after his initial fracture, he was referred to our academic endocrine clinic. We ruled out additional mutations that lead to hypophosphatemic rickets, including phosphate‐regulating endopeptidase homolog, X‐linked. PET/CT looking for a potential TIO locus revealed uptake in the left suprapatellar recess. Biopsy was consistent with a phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor. FGF23 was repeated for a preoperative baseline and now found to be elevated at 289 mRU/mL. In retrospect, it is likely that the initial level was inappropriately elevated for the degree of hypophosphatemia. After resection, he experienced marked improvement in physical function, decreased pain, and resolution of renal phosphate wasting. The principals of establishing a robust clinical diagnosis of TIO should be emphasized, excluding other entities and avoiding pitfalls in the interpretation of laboratory testing. © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Metabolic syndrome in rheumatoid arthritis patients: Relationship among its clinical components
Authors: García‐Chagollán Mariel , Hernández‐Martínez Susana Elizabeth , Rojas‐Romero Alma Elizabeth , Muñoz‐Valle José Francisco , Sigala‐Arellano Ramón , Cerpa‐Cruz Sergio , Morales‐Núñez José Javier , Lomelí‐Nieto José Alvaro , Macedo Ojeda Gabriela , Hernández‐Bello Jorge
Published: November 2020

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) prevalence in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients is known to vary considerably across the world. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of MetS in RA patients from western Mexico and to analyze the interrelation of the MetS components with the clinical variables of RA.

Methods

This case‐control study included 216 RA patients and 260 control subjects (CS). MetS prevalence was determined according to the NCEP/ATP III and the Latin American Consensus of the Latin American Diabetes Association (ALAD) criteria.

Results

MetS was observed in 30.6% RA patients and 33.3% of controls (p > 0.05) according to NCEP/ATP III and 28.7% in RA patients and 31.1% for controls using ALAD criteria. Total cholesterol, LDL‐C, and Castelli's I‐II indexes were lower in RA (p < 0.001) than in CS. The RA patients with MetS had more swollen joints than those without MetS (p = 0.018). In RA patients with MetS, DAS‐28 score correlated with smoking index (rho = 0.4601,p = 0.0004) and VLDL‐C (rho = 0.3108,p = 0.0056); similarly, rheumatoid factor (RF) correlated with age (rho = 0.2031,p = 0.0027), smoking index (rho = 0.3404,p < 0.0001), triglycerides (rho = 0.1958,p = 0.0039), and VLDL‐C (rho = 0.1761,p = 0.0162).

Conclusions

The MetS prevalence in RA patients from western Mexico is not higher than controls; however, in RA patients with MetS, some inflammatory markers are associated with MetS components; thus, the control of MetS in RA could be beneficial to regulate disease activity.
Ribosome biogenesis and degradation regulate translational capacity during muscle disuse and reloading
Authors: Figueiredo Vandré C. , D'Souza Randall F. , Van Pelt Douglas W. , Lawrence Marcus M. , Zeng Nina , Markworth James F. , Poppitt Sally D. , Miller Benjamin F. , Mitchell Cameron J. , McCarthy John J. , Dupont‐Versteegden Esther E. , Cameron‐Smith David
Published: November 2020

Background

Translational capacity (i.e. ribosomal mass) is a key determinant of protein synthesis and has been associated with skeletal muscle hypertrophy. The role of translational capacity in muscle atrophy and regrowth from disuse is largely unknown. Therefore, we investigated the effect of muscle disuse and reloading on translational capacity in middle‐aged men (Study 1) and in rats (Study 2).

Methods

In Study 1, 28 male participants (age 50.03 ± 3.54 years) underwent 2 weeks of knee immobilization followed by 2 weeks of ambulatory recovery and a further 2 weeks of resistance training. Muscle biopsies were obtained for measurement of total RNA and pre‐ribosomal (r)RNA expression, and vastus lateralis cross‐sectional area (CSA) was determined via peripheral quantitative computed tomography. In Study 2, male rats underwent hindlimb suspension (HS) for either 24 h (HS 24 h, n = 4) or 7 days (HS 7d, n = 5), HS for 7 days followed by 7 days of reloading (Rel, n = 5) or remained as ambulatory weight bearing (WB, n = 5) controls. Rats received deuterium oxide throughout the study to determine RNA synthesis and degradation, and mTORC1 signalling pathway was assessed.

Results

Two weeks of immobilization reduced total RNA concentration (20%) and CSA (4%) in men (both P ≤ 0.05). Ambulatory recovery restored total RNA concentration to baseline levels and partially restored muscle CSA. Total RNA concentration and 47S pre‐rRNA expression increased above basal levels after resistance training (P ≤ 0.05). In rats, RNA synthesis was 30% lower while degradation was ~400% higher in HS 7d in soleus and plantaris muscles compared with WB (P ≤ 0.05). mTORC1 signalling was lower in HS compared with WB as was 47S pre‐rRNA (P ≤ 0.05). With reloading, the aforementioned parameters were restored to WB levels while RNA degradation was suppressed (P ≤ 0.05).

Conclusions

Changes in RNA concentration following muscle disuse and reloading were associated with changes in ribosome biogenesis and degradation, indicating that both processes are important determinants of translational capacity. The pre‐clinical data help explain the reduced translational capacity after muscle immobilization in humans and demonstrate that ribosome biogenesis and degradation might be valuable therapeutic targets to maintain muscle mass during disuse.
Multilayered non‐uniform atomic force microscope piezoelectric microcantilever control and vibration analysis considering different excitation based on the modified couple stress theory
Authors: Habibnejad Korayem Moharam , Hashemi Arash , Habibnejad Korayem Alireza
Published: November 2020

Atomic force microscope (AFM) is one of the most powerful tools for surface scanning, force measurement, and nano‐manipulation. To improve its performance, vibration and control of AFM micro‐cantilever (MC) should be studied. Hysteresis, as an undesired phenomenon affecting vibration amplitude and phase, is also another important issue to be examined. In this paper, vibration analysis and control of a ZnO non‐uniform multi‐layered piezoelectric MC has been investigated in non‐contact mode. A modified couple stress theory has been used to obtain the strain energy for modeling the MC. In order to control the amplitude, a sliding mode controller (SMC) has been utilized on AFM, due to its application in uncertain and nonlinear systems. For applying the control signal, two methods of piezo and base actuation are studied. The results are compared with proportional integral derivative (PID) control method and it is demonstrated that SMC method reduces the control input close to the surface and increases the accuracy near the surface. In addition to MC control, hysteresis amplitude and phase differences are investigated by applying the Prandtl–Ishlinskii model. Also, surface topography is studied with hysteresis. The simulations show backward phase difference and an increase in amplitude, accordingly.
Effect of SINC Feeding Protocol on Weight Gain, Transition to Oral Feeding, and the Length of Hospitalization in Preterm Infants: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Celen Raziye , Tas Arslan Fatma , Soylu Hanifi
Published: November 2020

Background: The present study aims to test the effect of the Safe Individualized Nipple‐Feeding Competence (SINC) protocol on the preterm infants’ weight gain, transition to oral feeding, and duration of hospitalization. Methods: The procedure was designed as a single‐blind, parallel‐group randomized controlled trial. The trial was conducted in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Konya, Turkey. Data were collected from 80 preterm infants between February 2018 and March 2019. Infants (gestational weeks 28–33) were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 39) and control groups (n = 41). The intervention group received the SINC feeding protocol, whereas the control group received the standard feeding. Data were collected using the Family Information Form, the Preterm Infant Follow‐Up Form, and the SINC Protocol Evaluation Checklist. Infants were followed from hospitalization to discharge. The outcomes were weight gain, transition to oral feeding, and the length of hospitalization from birth to discharge. Pearson χ2 test, Fisher exact test, independent t‐test, Mann‐Whitney U test, and general linear model test were used in analyzing the data. Results: The main effects of groups on weight measurements were found to be statistically significant (P < .001). There were no significant differences in terms of the transition from gavage to full oral feeding and the length of hospitalization (P > .05). Conclusions: SINC protocol positively influences weight gain in preterm infants. It is important to evaluate different evidence‐based feeding methods both as they apply to the NICU stay and how they may affect long‐term outcomes of preterm infant.
miR‐188‐5p inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion in gallbladder carcinoma by targeting Wnt2b and Smad2
Authors: Li Xiang‐Lu , Li Shi‐Zong , Wu Chang‐Xiong , Xing Xue‐Hua
Published: November 2020

Gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) commonly occurs in gastrointestinal malignancy and has the fifth highest mortality rate among gastrointestinal malignancy. Recently, miR‐188‐5p, a small noncoding RNA, has been implicated in various types of cancer such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma, oral squamous cell carcinoma, liver cancer, and prostate cancer. However, the effect of miR‐188‐5p on GBC remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that miR‐188‐5p was downregulated in GBC tissues, and downregulation of miR‐188‐5p correlated with larger tumor size, lymph node metastasis, and extensive metastasis. In addition, the overall survival time of patients with higher miR‐188‐5p expression was significantly longer than that of patients with low‐miR‐188‐5p expression. Moreover, downregulation of miR‐188‐5p promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GBC cells, while its overexpression inhibited cell invasion and induced cell apoptosis, and arrested GBC growth in vivo. Importantly, miR‐188‐5p‐dependent tumorigenesis was correlated with Wnt/β‐catenin signaling and p‐38/JNK signaling. In conclusion, miR‐188‐5p plays a direct role in GBC tumorigenesis. Our study suggests that miR‐188‐5p could serve as a novel diagnosis marker and therapeutic target in GBC.
Ploughing/zero‐tillage rotation regulates soil physicochemical properties and improves productivity of erodible soil in a residue return farming system
Authors: Wang Hao , Wang Shulan , Yu Qi , Zhang Yujiao , Wang Rui , Li Jun , Wang Xiaoli
Published: November 2020

In residue return farming, ploughing and zero‐tillage (syn. no‐till or minimal tillage) rotation may regulate soil physicochemical properties and help reduce erosion and improve productivity; however, the soil physicochemical properties and soil productivity response to ploughing and zero‐tillage rotation remain unclear. This present study evaluates the effects of ploughing and zero‐tillage rotation on soil physicochemical properties and crop productivity based on an 11‐year experiment (2007–2018) on a typical erodible area of the Loess Plateau. Three tillage methods were included: ploughing and zero‐tillage rotation with 1‐year ploughing tillage and 1‐year zero tillage (PZT), ploughing tillage with moldboard plough (PT), and zero tillage (ZT); crop residue was returned in all treatments. After 11 years' we tested, the PZT method showed significantly lower soil water storage in key maize growth stages, less soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (N) storage (0–10 cm), and poorer soil structure stability (0–10 cm) when compared with ZT. However, PZT showed significantly higher SOC and N storage (4.5%, 6.5% and 16.3%, 8.6%, respectively) in the 10–20 cm and 20–40 cm soil layers, compared with ZT. In addition, when compared with ZT and PT, PZT significantly decreased soil penetration resistance in 0–10 cm, 10–20 cm, and 20–40 cm soil depths and significantly increased yield of maize by 10.9 and 7.8%, respectively, and of wheat by 11.2 and 9.8%, respectively. This study highlights that combining ploughing and zero tillage with return of crop residue changed soil physicochemical properties and can provide an effective method to improve soil productivity in an erodible field.
Introducing EL‐FIT (Exercise and Liver FITness): A Smartphone App to Prehabilitate and Monitor Liver Transplant Candidates
Authors: Duarte‐Rojo Andrés , Bloomer Pamela M. , Rogers Renee J. , Hassan Mohamed A. , Dunn Michael A. , Tevar Amit D. , Vivis Samantha L. , Bataller Ramon , Hughes Christopher B. , Ferrando Arny A. , Jakicic John M. , Kim W. Ray
Published: November 2020

Preserved physical function is key for successful liver transplantation (LT); however, prehabilitation strategies are underdeveloped. We created a smartphone application (app), EL‐FIT (Exercise and Liver FITness), to facilitate exercise training in end‐stage liver disease (ESLD). In this feasibility study, we tested EL‐FIT app usage and the accuracy of physical activity data transfer and obtained feedback from initial users. A total of 28 participants used the EL‐FIT app and wore a physical activity tracker for 38 ± 12 days (age, 60 ± 8 years; 57% males; Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease–sodium, 19 ± 5). There was fidelity in data transfer from the tracker to the EL‐FIT app. Participants were sedentary (1957 [interquartile range, 873‐4643] steps/day) at baseline. Level of training assigned by the EL‐FIT app agreed with that from a physical therapist in 89% of cases. Participants interacted with all app features (videos, perceived exertion, and gamification/motivational features). We rearranged training data to generate heart rate–validated steps as a marker of performance and showed that 35% of the participants had significant increases in their physical performance. Participants emphasized their interest in having choices to better engage in exercise, and they appreciated the sense of community the EL‐FIT app generated. We showed that patients with ESLD are able to use and interact with the EL‐FIT app. This novel smartphone app has the potential of becoming an invaluable tool for home‐based prehabilitation in LT candidates.
Application of Machine Learning Tools for the Improvement of Reactive Extrusion Simulation
Authors: Castéran Fanny , Ibanez Ruben , Argerich Clara , Delage Karim , Chinesta Francisco , Cassagnau Philippe
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this paper is to combine a classical 1D twin‐screw extrusion model with machine learning techniques to obtain accurate predictions of a complex system despite few data. Systems involving reactive polyethylene oligomer dispersed in situ in a polypropylene matrix by reactive twin‐screw extrusion are studied for this purpose. The twin‐screw extrusion simulation software LUDOVIC is used and machine learning techniques dealing with low data limit are used as a correction of the simulation.
Immunohistochemical Detection of Synuclein Pathology in Skin in Idiopathic Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder and Parkinsonism
Authors: Al‐Qassabi Ahmed , Tsao Tsu‐Shuen , Racolta Adriana , Kremer Thomas , Cañamero Marta , Belousov Anton , Santana Madison A. , Beck Rachel C. , Zhang Hongjun , Meridew Jeffrey , Pugh Judith , Lian Fangru , Robida Mark D. , Ritter Mirko , Czech Christian , Beach Thomas G. , Pestic‐Dragovich Lidija , Taylor Kirsten I. , Zago Wagner , Tang Lei , Dziadek Sebastian , Postuma Ronald B.
Published: November 2020

Background

Recent studies reported abnormal alpha‐synuclein deposition in biopsy‐accessible sites of the peripheral nervous system in Parkinson's disease (PD). This has considerable implications for clinical diagnosis. Moreover, if deposition occurs early, it may enable tissue diagnosis of prodromal PD.

Objective

The aim of this study was to develop and test an automated bright‐field immunohistochemical assay of cutaneous pathological alpha‐synuclein deposition in patients with idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, PD, and atypical parkinsonism and in control subjects.

Methods

For assay development, postmortem skin biopsies were taken from 28 patients with autopsy‐confirmed Lewy body disease and 23 control subjects. Biopsies were stained for pathological alpha‐synuclein in automated stainers using a novel dual‐immunohistochemical assay for serine 129‐phosphorylated alpha‐synuclein and pan‐neuronal marker protein gene product 9.5. After validation, single 3‐mm punch skin biopsies were taken from the cervical 8 paravertebral area from 79 subjects (28 idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, 20 PD, 10 atypical parkinsonism, and 21 control subjects). Raters blinded to clinical diagnosis assessed the biopsies.

Results

The immunohistochemistry assay differentiated alpha‐synuclein pathology from nonpathological‐appearing alpha‐synuclein using combined phosphatase and protease treatments. Among autopsy samples, 26 of 28 Lewy body samples and none of the 23 controls were positive. Among living subjects, punch biopsies were positive in 23 (82%) subjects with idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, 14 (70%) subjects with PD, 2 (20%) subjects with atypical parkinsonism, and none (0%) of the control subjects. After a 3‐year follow‐up, eight idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder subjects phenoconverted to defined neurodegenerative syndromes, in accordance with baseline biopsy results.

Conclusion

Even with a single 3‐mm punch biopsy, there is considerable promise for using pathological alpha‐synuclein deposition in skin to diagnose both clinical and prodromal PD. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
A competing endogenous RNA network reveals key lncRNAs associated with sepsis
Authors: Guo Xuan , Qin Yanjun , Wang Lili , Dong Shimin , Yan Yan , Bian Xiaohua , Zhao Caiyan
Published: November 2020

Background

This study set out to determine key lncRNAs correlated with sepsis via constructing competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network.

Methods

Three septic patients and three healthy controls were recruited to obtain lncRNA profiles in this current study. Combined with the mRNA profiles by RNA‐sequencing, an integrated analysis of mRNA expression profiles downloaded from GEO was performed to obtain the differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs). Based on differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) and DEmRNAs acquired in this present study and differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) acquired in previous study, a ceRNA network was constructed. Furthermore, LINC00963 was validated in THP‐1 cells by performing loss of function assays.

Results

In this analysis, a total of 290 DEmRNAs and 46 DElncRNAs were detected in sepsis. Parkinson's disease, Oxidative phosphorylation and Cardiac muscle contraction were significantly enriched KEGG pathways in sepsis. XPO1, CUL4A, and NEDD8 were three hub proteins of sepsis‐specific PPI network. A ceRNA network, which contained 16 DElncRNA‐DEmiRNA pairs and 82 DEmiRNA‐DEmRNA pairs, involving 5 lncRNAs, 10 miRNAs, and 60 mRNAs, was obtained. The function experiments indicated that knockdown of LINC00963 could promote cell proliferation, reduce cytokine expression, and suppress inflammasome activation and phagocytosis in LPS‐induced THP‐1 cells.

Conclusion

This study determined key lncRNAs involved in sepsis, which may contribute to the development for novel treatment strategy of sepsis.
Improvement of the Structure Generator DAECS with Respect to Structural Diversity
Authors: Inoue Takahiro , Tanaka Kenichi , Kotera Masaaki , Funatsu Kimito
Published: November 2020

The development of novel organic compounds with desired properties is time consuming and costly. Thus, the quantitative structure‐property relationship (QSPR) model is used widely for efficiently discovering compounds with the desired properties. Novel structures can be generated from a variety of input structuresin silicoby structure generators. We previously developed the structure generator DAECS to yield highly active drug‐like structures. However, the structural diversity of the structures generated by DAECS was still small for practical applications such as drug discovery. In this paper, we present structure modification rules and the algorithm to output more diverse structures through the DAECS workflow. Two new types of structural modification rules, bond contraction and ring mergence, were added. The new algorithm, which restricts the search area and subsequently clusters structures on a two‐dimensional map generated by generative topographic mapping, was implemented for the repetitive selection of seed structures. A case study was conducted to evaluate our method using ligand structures for the histamine H1 receptor. The results showed improved structural diversity than the previous method.
Visualization and Analysis of the REACH‐chemical Space with Generative Topographic Mapping
Authors: Lunghini Filippo , Gilles Marcou , Azam Philippe , Enrici Marie‐Hélène , Van Miert Erik , Varnek Alexandre
Published: November 2020

In the framework of REACH (Registration Evaluation Authorization and restriction of Chemicals) regulation, industries have generated and reported a huge amount of (eco)toxicological data on substance produced or imported in Europe. The registration procedure initiated the creation of a large REACH database of well defined (eco)toxicological properties. Here, the data distribution in the REACH chemical space was analyzed with the help of the Generative Topographic Mapping (GTM) approach. GTM generates 2‐dimensional maps on which each compound is represented as a data point. The 3rd dimension can be used in order to display a distribution of the given (eco)toxicological property, which can further be used for property assessment of new compounds projected on the map. We report the “Universal REACH map” which accommodates 11 endpoints, covering environmental fate and (eco)toxicological properties. This map demonstrates acceptable predictive performance: in cross‐validation, balanced accuracy ranges from 0.60 to 0.78. The 11 endpoints profile has been computed for each REACH‐registered substance. Some concerns related to acute aquatic toxicity have been identified, whereas for environmental fate and human health endpoints the amount of compounds predicted as of concern was much smaller. It has been demonstrated that superposition of several class landscapes allows to select the zones in the chemical space populated by compounds with a given (eco)toxicological profile.
MHD‐free convection flow of CNTs differential type nanofluid over an infinite vertical plate with first‐order chemical reaction, porous medium, and suction/injection
Authors: Ahmad Ikhlaq , Nazar Mudassar , Ahmad Mushtaq , Un Nisa Zaib , Shah Nehad Ali
Published: November 2020

In this research work, the magnetohydrodynamic natural convection carbon nanotubes (CNTs) flow of differential type nanofluid over an extended vertical surface in the presence of suction, heat generation, chemical reaction of the order first, through a porous medium has been analyzed. The governing equations of this physical model have been deduced by the law of conservation of mass, momentum, and energy. As a result temperature, velocity, and concentration fields have been obtained as the solutions of governing equations by utilizing Laplace transform technique. Some graphs of velocity profile have been plotted to see the effects of involved parameters like Prandtle number, Schmidt number, thermal and mass Grashof numbers, chemical reaction parameter, radiation parameter, magnetic field parameter, and volume fraction parameter of CNTs with suction/injection parameters on fluid motion.
Effects of person‐centred care via telephone on self‐efficacy in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Subgroup analysis of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ali Lilas , Wallström Sara , Ekman Inger , Swedberg Karl , Fors Andreas
Published: November 2020

Aim

To evaluate the effects of PCC in the form of structured telephone support on self‐reported cardiac self‐efficacy in patients with COPD.

Methods

We enrolled 105 patients, aged ≥50 years, admitted to hospital and diagnosed with COPD from January 2015 to November 2016. The patients received usual care or PCC via telephone added to usual care. The Swedish Cardiac Self‐Efficacy Scale comprising three dimensions (control symptoms, control illness and maintain functioning) was used as outcome measure. Data was collected at baseline, and at 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐ups.

Results

At both the 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐ups, the intervention group improved significantly more than the control group in the control illness dimension (p = .012 and p = .032, respectively). No differences were found in the other two dimensions.

Conclusions

PCC in the form of structured telephone support increases patients’ confidence in managing their illness and may be a feasible strategy to support patients in their homes.
Mathematical model for spreading of COVID‐19 virus with the Mittag–Leffler kernel
Authors: Logeswari Kumararaju , Ravichandran Chokkalingam , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy
Published: November 2020

In the Nidovirales order of the Coronaviridae family, where the coronavirus (crown‐like spikes on the surface of the virus) causing severe infections like acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome. The contagion of this virus categorized as severed, which even causes severe damages to human life to harmless such as a common cold. In this manuscript, we discussed the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus into a system of equations to examine the existence and uniqueness results with the Atangana–Baleanu derivative by using a fixed‐point method. Later, we designed a system where we generate numerical results to predict the outcome of virus spreadings all over India.
Revisiting the Nexus between FDI, financial development and economic growth: Empirical evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Olorogun Lukman A. , Salami Monsurat A. , Bekun Festus Victor
Published: November 2020

The need for economic development has preoccupied policymakers over the years. Especially the global south such as Nigeria, which is plagued with infrastructural deficit and less foreign direct investment and financial development attraction. This has drawn the attention of stakeholders and government officials for exploration of alternative routes for sustainable development, which is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals‐8 (UNSDG's). Thus, the current study focuses on the FDI‐led economic growth hypothesis if it holds or not for the case of Nigeria. The present study is distinct from previous studies in terms of scope by incorporation of more covariates, which has seemed to have been overlooked in the FDI argument. To this end, the current study re‐investigates the connection between FDI, financial development, total labour force, gross capital formation, and economic growth using Nigeria as a representation for Africa and Sub‐Saharan states specifically. Annual time‐series data from 1970 to 2018 is adopted for the econometrics analysis. Our study interest variables are foreign direct investment, economic expansion (GDP). The present study inculcates two additional financial development indicators; from the banking, and financial sectors. Using a battery of unit root and stationarity tests the study explores the stationarity properties of the outlined variables. Subsequently, the novel and recent robust Bayer and Hanck (2013) combined cointegration test in conjunction with Pesaran's ARDL bounds test was used to investigate the equilibrium relationship and regression analysis. While the Toda‐Yamamoto Granger causality was used to detect the direction of causality analysis among the variables. Empirical investigation traces a long‐run equilibrium relationship among the variables over the sampled period. Furthermore, empirical results show that FDI influences GDP, which suggests that FDI influences economic growth which is indicative of policymakers. Similarly, empirical outcomes establish a significant relationship between GDP and Financial Development from banking‐sector which is also corroborated in the causality results as an indirect causality is seen running from GCF to the financial sector. These outcomes suggest that FDI and Financial development are good predictors for sustainable economic growth in Nigeria. All aforementioned results have its inherent policy implications which are elucidated in the concluding remark of this study.
Investigation of the cure kinetics and thermal stability of an epoxy system containing cystamine as curing agent
Authors: Khalafi Hamid Reza , Ehsani Morteza , Khonakdar Hossein Ali
Published: November 2020

2,2′‐Dithiobisethanamine (cystamine), an aliphatic diamine containing exchangeable disulfide bonds, was used as the curing agent for epoxy resin. The dynamic curing kinetics and thermal stability of the epoxy/cystamine system were investigated by DSC and TGA analysis. Applied the Málek method, the Sestak–Berggren autocatalytic equation was selected to describe the cure kinetics of the epoxy/cystamine system. The results showed that the Šesták– Berggren equation is in good agreement with the experimental data. The activation energy of the curing reaction was 56.2 and 53.6 kJ mol −1, respectively, calculated by Kissinger and KAS models. Also, the glass transition temperature for the epoxy/cystamine system was slightly than that of the commonly used epoxy‐diamine systems. Moreover, the thermal degradation of the cured epoxy/cystamine network was observed at temperatures above 283°C. Further, the results obtained from the epoxy/cystamine system were compared with those obtained from the epoxy/diethylenetriamine system. All the above results suggest that cystamine has the potential to be used as the curing agent for epoxy systems.
Performance evaluation of composite gears composed of POM, CNTs, and PTFE
Authors: Goriparthi Bhanu K , Naga Eswar Naveen Pasala , Ravi Sankar Hota
Published: November 2020

The main focus of this work is to enhance the load bearing capacity and life of the polyoxymethylene (POM) gears. For this purpose, composites with varying weight fractions of silane treated carbon nanotubes (CNTs), lubricating additive polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and synergistic combination of both CNTs and PTFE were fabricated by melt compounding using twin screw extruder followed by injection molding. Tensile properties and wear behavior of the developed composites are evaluated. Further, test spur gears were fabricated with the developed composites and their performance is evaluated using power absorption type gear test rig at different torques and rotational speeds. Composite gears with 1 wt% silanized CNTs and composite gears with 10 wt% PTFE and 1 wt% silanized CNTs exhibited better performance at all the applied toques and rotational speeds.
Pharmacokinetics of solifenacin in pediatric populations with overactive bladder or neurogenic detrusor overactivity
Authors: Tannenbaum Stacey , den Adel Martin , Krauwinkel Walter , Meijer John , Hollestein‐Havelaar Adriana , Verheggen Frank , Newgreen Donald
Published: November 2020

The aim of this investigation was to characterize and compare the pharmacokinetics (PK) of the antimuscarinic drug solifenacin in pediatric patients with overactive bladder (OAB) or neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) utilizing data from three phase III trials. LION was a placebo‐controlled, 12‐week trial in children (5–<12 years) and adolescents (12–<18 years) with OAB. MONKEY and MARMOSET were open‐label, 52‐week trials in children and adolescents or younger children (6 months–<5 years), respectively, with NDO. During the trials, solifenacin doses could be titrated to weight‐adjusted pediatric equivalent doses (PEDs) of 2.5, 5, 7.5, or 10 mg day–1. Nonlinear mixed effects modeling was used to develop population PK models to characterize the PK in patients with either OAB or NDO. Overall, 194 children and adolescents received solifenacin. At the time of PK sampling, the majority (119/164 [72.6%] patients) were receiving PED10 once daily. All population models included first‐order oral absorption, a lag time, and interindividual variability. PK analysis showed that apparent clearance was similar in both patient populations. Mean apparent oral plasma clearance (CL/F), apparent volume of distribution during the terminal phase (Vz/F), and terminal half‐life (t1/2) were higher in adolescents than in children, but median time to maximum plasma concentration (tmax) was similar. Dose‐normalized exposure results were similar for both younger and older patients with OAB or NDO. In conclusion, population PK modeling was used to successfully characterize solifenacin PK in pediatric patients with OAB or NDO. Similar solifenacin PK characteristics were observed in both populations.
Fitness costs associated with chlorantraniliprole resistance in Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Liu Shuhua , Yao Xinge , Xiang Xing , Yang Qunfang , Wang Xuegui , Xin Tian , Yu Siyuan
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

The field population of Spodoptera exigua, an intermittently occurring polyphagous pest, has developed resistance to chlorantraniliprole, while whether or not such resistance carries fitness costs remains poorly understood. Here we selected six generations of the Leshan population (LS‐P) by two‐way selecting method, and obtained a highly resistant strain (CH‐RE) and resistant degeneration strain (CH‐SE) sharing a similar genetic background. After that fitness costs were evaluated by comparing the life history characteristics of CH‐RE, CH‐SE and the laboratory susceptible strain (SE‐Lab) via the age‐stage two‐sex life table method.

RESULTS

The resistance ratio of CH‐RE and CH‐SE were 226.69‐fold and 3.72‐fold, respectively, and the estimated realized heritability (h2) of CH‐RE was 0.058. Compared with CH‐SE, the duration of pre‐adult, the longevity of adult, adult preoviposition period (APOP) and average generation time (T) of CH‐RE had significantly increased, but the oviposition days, average fecundity, intrinsic growth rate (r), weekly growth rate (λ) and reproductive rate (R0) decreased significantly. Moreover, the relative fitness of CH‐RE was 0.25, and showed fitness costs. Concurrently, the fecundity of CH‐SE was slightly lower than SE‐Lab, but there was no significant difference in r, λ and R0, and the fitness (1) of CH‐SE was similar to SE‐Lab (1.02), which was no fitness cost.

CONCLUSION

These findings represent that chlorantraniliprole resistance in S. exigua has a fitness cost, and the fitness cost will disappear with the recovery of sensitivity when the insecticide is stopped for field populations, supporting that such resistance would be managed by switching off the selection pressure with rotation with alternate insecticides. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
The secretome of liver X receptor agonist-treated early outgrowth cells decreases atherosclerosis in Ldlr−/− mice
Authors: Rasheed Adil , Shawky Sarah A. , Tsai Ricky , Jung Richard G. , Simard Trevor , Saikali Michael F. , Hibbert Benjamin , Rayner Katey J. , Cummins Carolyn L.
Published: November 2020

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) promote the maintenance of the endothelium by secreting vasoreparative factors. A population of EPCs known as early outgrowth cells (EOCs) is being investigated as novel cell-based therapies for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. We previously demonstrated that the absence of liver X receptors (LXRs) is detrimental to the formation and function of EOCs under hypercholesterolemic conditions. Here, we investigate whether LXR activation in EOCs is beneficial for the treatment of atherosclerosis. EOCs were differentiated from the bone marrow of wild-type (WT) and LXR-knockout (Lxrαβ−/−) mice in the presence of vehicle or LXR agonist (GW3965). WT EOCs treated with GW3965 throughout differentiation showed reduced mRNA expression of endothelial lineage markers (Cd144, Vegfr2) compared with WT vehicle and Lxrαβ−/− EOCs. GW3965-treated EOCs produced secreted factors that reduced monocyte adhesion to activated endothelial cells in culture. When injected into atherosclerosis-prone Ldlr−/− mice, GW3965-treated EOCs, or their corresponding conditioned media (CM) were both able to reduce aortic sinus plaque burden compared with controls. Furthermore, when human EOCs (obtained from patients with established CAD) were treated with GW3965 and the CM applied to endothelial cells, monocyte adhesion was decreased, indicating that our results in mice could be translated to patients. Ex vivo LXR agonist treatment of EOCs therefore produces a secretome that decreases early atherosclerosis in Ldlr−/− mice, and additionally, CM from human EOCs significantly inhibits monocyte to endothelial adhesion. Thus, active factor(s) within the GW3965-treated EOC secretome may have the potential to be useful for the treatment of atherosclerosis.
Under pressure: Family financial support and the ambidextrous use of causation and effectuation
Authors: Braun Ilija , Sieger Philipp
Published: November 2020

Research Summary

Using causal and effectual decision‐making logics ambidextrously leads to positive firm‐level outcomes, such as enhanced new venture performance. However, what makes an entrepreneur more or less likely to apply this ambidextrous use? We address this unanswered question by introducing family financial support as a corresponding antecedent. Taking a family embeddedness perspective, we further theorize that our proposed relationships are weaker when the entrepreneur exhibits a strong internal locus of control. Analyzing a sample of 1,460 student entrepreneurs from 19 countries confirms our general reasoning and offers valuable contributions to different streams of literature.

Managerial Summary

Using both causal and effectual decision‐making logics simultaneously in the founding process has been shown to enhance new venture performance. It is unknown, however, what makes an entrepreneur more likely to apply this “ambidextrous” use of causation and effectuation. In the present paper, we suggest that the more entrepreneurs rely on family financial support for creating their new venture, the more likely is their engagement in the ambidextrous use. Moreover, we believe that this relationship depends on whether entrepreneurs have a strong internal locus of control or not. We generally confirm our expectations by analyzing a global sample of student entrepreneurs. Thus, we encourage entrepreneurs to be aware of the important underlying dynamics that arise when creating a business with “family money.”
High‐Efficiency Tin Halide Perovskite Solar Cells: The Chemistry of Tin (II) Compounds and Their Interaction with Lewis Base Additives during Perovskite Film Formation
Authors: Abdel-Shakour Muhammad. , Chowdhury Towhid H. , Matsuishi Kiyoto , Bedja Idriss , Moritomo Yutaka , Islam Ashraful
Published: November 2020

Lead (Pb)‐based perovskite solar cells (Pb‐PSCs) have been recorded with a fascinating power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 25.5%. However, the presence of toxic Pb in the perovskite absorber material hinders the commercial aspects of Pb‐PSCs as a promising and efficient new generation of solar cells. Fortunately, theoretical calculations have predicted that tin (Sn)‐based perovskite solar cells (Sn‐PSCs) could have superior performance comparable to the Pb‐PSCs. Recently, many approaches have been reported for developing efficient Sn‐PSCs but yet they have shown the best PCE of 13.24%. This low PCE compared to Pb‐PSCs might be because Sn‐PSCs have been approached in the same way as Pb‐PSCs. However, from a chemistry viewpoint, the understanding of Sn‐PSCs might be very different from that of Pb‐based ones. Herein, the fundamental knowledge of the chemistry and coordination chemistry of SnII compounds and their structural properties is described. Then, an insight is provided into understanding the recent trends of Sn perovskite formation using various Lewis base additives in the precursor solution and incorporation as a cation in the perovskite lattice. Finally, the influence of utilizing Lewis base additives on the device dynamics is discussed.
Ultrafine Pearlitic Transformation Behavior of 2000 MPa Ultra‐High‐Strength Steel Wire Under Nb Microalloying
Authors: Zhou Jie , Hu Feng , Wu KaiMing , Feng Lulu , Zhang Dong , Zhou SongBo
Published: November 2020

The influence of Nb in the transformation behavior of ultra‐high‐strength pearlitic steels is studied. The phase transition temperature is measured by thermal simulation device, and the continuous cooling transformation curve is established. Results show that with addition of Nb, the equilibrium transformation temperature of the test steel increases, and both size of the original austenite, pearlite colonies and pearlite lamellar spacing are refined. Pearlitic transformation mechanism has changed by the addition of Nb through the interaction of solid solution and precipitation. Nb microalloy delays the beginning and ending point of pearlite transformation when the cooling rate is greater than 1.00 and 0.10 °C s−1, respectively. In contrast, the transformation point is advanced when the cooling rate is less than 0.50 and 0.05 °C s−1. This variation is mainly due to the morphology and distribution of Nb‐containing precipitates at different cooling rates.
1,3,5‐Triaza‐7‐phosphaadamantane (PTA) Derived Caged Phosphines for Palladium‐Catalyzed Selective Functionalization of Nucleosides and Heteroarenes
Authors: Murthy Bandaru Siva Sankar , Bhilare Shatrughn , Schulzke Carola , Kapdi Anant R.
Published: November 2020

Phosphines have, in combination with transition metals, played a pivotal role in the rapid development of efficient catalytic processes. Caged phosphines constitute a class of three‐dimensional scaffolds providing unique control over steric and electronic properties. The versatility of the caged phosphine ligands has been demonstrated elegantly by the groups of Verkade, Gonzalvi as well as Stradiotto. Our research group has also been working extensively for the past several years in the development of 1,3,5‐triaza‐7‐phosphaadamantane‐based caged ligands and in this personal note we have summarized these applications pertaining to the modification of biologically useful nucleosides and heteroarenes.
Ginsenoside Rb1 protects porcine oocytes against methylglyoxal damage thus it improves the quality of parthenogenetic activation and in vitro fertilization embryos
Authors: Luo Zhao‐Bo , Xuan Mei‐Fu , Han Sheng‐Zhong , Li Zhou‐Yan , Khan Nasar , Quan Biao‐Hu , Yin Xi‐Jun , Kang Jin‐Dan
Published: November 2020

Panax ginseng, a functional food, has been widely used as an edible nourishment and medicinal supplement. Ginsenoside Rb1 is a major bioactive ingredient of ginseng, which shows very specific anti‐apoptosis and anti‐oxidant activities. Methylglyoxal (MGO) is one of intermediate products of glucose metabolism, which is absorbed easily from high sugar foods or carbonated beverages. It may involve in a variety of detrimental processes in vivo. However, it has not been fully explored the effects of ginsenoside Rb1 on MGO‐induced oocytes damage. This study found that MGO‐induced DNA damage and mitochondrial dysfunction result in the failure of porcine oocytes maturation and low in vitro development capacity of parthenogenetic activation (PA) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) embryos. Conversely, Rb1 supplementation recovered the rate of maturation, and improved in vitro development capacity of PA and IVF embryos. Rb1 also provided porcine oocytes a lower level of reactive oxygen species production, higher level of ATP content and mitochondrial membrane potential, and stimulated pluripotency gene expression in blastocysts. The findings of this study reveal ginsenoside Rb1 protects porcine oocyte from the cytotoxicity effects of methylglyoxal and provides novel perspectives for the protection of reproduction system by functional food of ginseng.