bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investors' carbon risk exposure and their potential for shareholder engagement
Authors: Benz Lukas , Paulus Stefan , Scherer Julia , Syryca Janik , Trück Stefan
Published: August 2020

This article examines the exposure to and management of carbon risks of different investor types. Considering the dual role as portfolio manager and partial owner, we analyze carbon risk for investors both in terms of exposure to portfolio values and in terms of responsibility as shareholder of carbon‐intensive firms. We show that among various investor types, the preference for holding carbon‐intensive stocks differs substantially, even when considering traditional investment decision parameters. In particular, it is governments whose portfolio values are most threatened by a carbon risk exposure of 49%, but at the same time, they prefer larger ownership shares in polluting firms. In contrast, individual investors, investment advisors, and mutual funds avoid holding stakes in these firms, while revealing only a moderate exposure of their assets to carbon risk. In view of the Paris Agreement, which includes the consistent steering of financial flows towards a low carbon transformation of the economy, our study provides policymakers with important implications regarding the coverage and effects of respective regulations. By identifying the ownership structures of carbon‐intensive firms and respective owners' portfolio compositions, we also offer implications for further research on portfolio decarbonization and shareholders' influence of corporate carbon management.
The consequences of robotics programming education on computational thinking skills: An intervention of the Young Engineer's Workshop (YEW)
Authors: Yilmaz Ince Ebru , Koc Mustafa
Published: August 2020

The present research is part of the government funded project called Young Engineer's Workshop (YEW), a 2‐week‐long summer camp for youngsters to stimulate their interest in coding, electronics and robotics subjects in particular and STEAM fields in general. The YEW curriculum included basic electronics, block‐based programming and robotics through Scratch and Arduino, and student projects on building robotics systems. This experimental study aimed to investigate the cognitive and affective consequences of YEW on the development of middle and high school students' computational thinking (CT) competences. The research methodology was based on a one‐group pretest–posttest model within a quasi‐experimental design. Participants were 17 students from grades 5–6 and 15 students from grades 9–10 in a southwestern city of Turkey. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected through the YEW application form, a scale for CT, a satisfaction questionnaire, and student diaries. The results showed a significant increase on algorithmic and critical thinking factors of CT whereas no significant changes in creativity, cooperation, and problem‐solving factors of CT. Students reported affective gains including high satisfaction and enjoyment of YEW activities, increased interest, and career planning in programming and robotics fields, and improved self‐confidence in robotics project development. In conclusion, the study suggests that teaching programming can be an effective way to foster CT to some extent but not an adequate or complete solution. Educators need to seek more suitable teaching methods for a more comprehensive learning of CT that can be transferable to noncomputing contexts.
Cathodes for Aqueous Zn‐Ion Batteries: Materials, Mechanisms, and Kinetics
Authors: Zuo Shiyong , Xu Xijun , Ji Shaomin , Wang Zhuosen , Liu Zhengbo , Liu Jun
Published: August 2020

As concerns about the safety of lithium‐ions batteries (LIBs) increases, aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) with a lower cost, higher safety, and higher co‐efficiency have attracted more and more interest. However, finding suitable cathode materials is still an urgent problem in ZIBs. In recent years, a lot of significant works have been reported, including manganese‐based cathodes, vanadium‐based cathodes, Prussian blue analog‐based materials, and sustainable quinone cathodes. In this review, some typical cathode materials are introduced. The detailed storage mechanisms and methods for improving the reaction kinetics of the zinc ions are summarized. Finally, the issues, challenges, and the research directions are provided.
Construction of Smart Stimuli‐Responsive DNA Nanostructures for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Wang Huimin , Luo Dan , Wang Hong , Wang Fuan , Liu Xiaoqing
Published: August 2020

DNA nanostructures have recently attracted increasing interest in biological and biomedical applications by virtue of their unique properties, such as structural programmability, multi‐functionality, stimuli‐responsive behaviors, and excellent biocompatibility. In particular, the intelligent responsiveness of smart DNA nanostructures to specific stimuli has facilitated their extensive development in the field of high‐performance biosensing and controllable drug delivery. This minireview begins with different self‐assembly strategies for the construction of various DNA nanostructures, followed by the introduction of a variety of stimuli‐responsive functional DNA nanostructures for assembling metastable soft materials and for facilitating amplified biosensing. The recent achievements of smart DNA nanostructures for controllable drug delivery are highlighted. Finally, the current challenges and possible developments of this promising research are discussed in the fields of intelligent nanomedicine.
Enantioselective Construction of Si‐Stereogenic Center via Rhodium‐Catalyzed Intermolecular Hydrosilylation of Alkene
Authors: He Tao , Liu Li‐Chuan , Ma Wen‐Peng , Li Bin , Zhang Qing‐Wei , He Wei
Published: August 2020

Catalytic, enantioselective synthesis of stereogenic silicon compounds remains a challenge. Herein, we report a rhodium‐catalyzed regio‐ and enantio‐selective intermolecular hydrosilylation of alkene with prochiral dihydrosilane. This new method features a simple catalytic system, mild reaction conditions and a wide functional group tolerance.
Accelerated aging among childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer survivors is evidenced by increased expression of p16INK4a and frailty
Authors: Smitherman Andrew B. , Wood William A. , Mitin Natalia , Ayer Miller Vanessa L. , Deal Allison M. , Davis Ian J. , Blatt Julie , Gold Stuart H. , Muss Hyman B.
Published: August 2020

Background

Cellular senescence, measured by expression of the cell cycle kinase inhibitor p16INK4a, may contribute to accelerated aging in survivors of childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer. The authors measured peripheral blood T‐lymphocyte p16INK4a expression among pediatric and young adult cancer survivors, hypothesizing that p16INK4a expression is higher after chemotherapy and among frail survivors.

Methods

A cross‐sectional cohort of young adult survivors and age‐matched, cancer‐free controls were assessed for p16INK4a expression and frailty. Newly diagnosed pediatric patients underwent prospective measurements of p16INK4a expression before and after cancer therapy. Frailty was measured with a modified Fried frailty phenotype evaluating sarcopenia, weakness, slowness, energy expenditure, and exhaustion.

Results

The cross‐sectional cohort enrolled 60 survivors and 29 age‐matched controls with a median age of 21 years (range, 17‐29 years). The prospective cohort enrolled 9 newly diagnosed patients (age range, 1‐18 years). Expression of p16INK4a was higher among survivors compared with controls (9.6 vs 8.9 log2 p16 units; 2‐sided P = .005, representing a 25‐year age acceleration in survivors) and increased among newly diagnosed patients from matched pretreatment to posttreatment samples (7.3‐8.9 log2 p16 units; 2‐sided P = .002). Nine survivors (16%) were frail and had higher p16INK4a expression compared with robust survivors (10.5 [frail] vs 9.5 [robust] log2 p16 units; 2‐sided P = .055), representing a 35‐year age acceleration among frail survivors.

Conclusions

Chemotherapy is associated with increased cellular senescence and molecular age in pediatric and young adult cancer survivors. Frail survivors, compared with robust survivors, exhibit higher levels of p16INK4a, suggesting that cellular senescence may be associated with early aging in survivors.
Classification of Persian carpet patterns based on quantitative aesthetic‐related features
Authors: Soleymanian Moghadam Tayebe , Ghanbar Afjeh Mansoureh , Amirshahi Seyed Hossein
Published: August 2020

In this work, the extraction of significant features of Persian carpet patterns was studied. Four aesthetic related features were extracted for a collection of Persian carpet images. To this purpose, a set of 134 color images of three different categories of traditional Persian designs, named “Afshan,” “Lachak Toranj,” and “Torkaman” were collected. At first, the PHOG (Pyramid of Histogram of Orientation Gradients) measure was derived for all patterns to calculate complexity, anisotropy, self‐similarity, and Birkhoff‐like features. Based on the results, anisotropy and Birkhoff‐like features significantly categorize three carpet designs. According to the results, the combination of anisotropy and Birkhoff‐like features increases the accuracy of classification of samples to 97%.
A general framework to study the price‐color relationship in paintings with an application to Mark Rothko rectangular series
Authors: Charlin Ventura , Cifuentes Arturo
Published: August 2020

We propose a general framework to study the relationship between the price of a painting and its color‐related attributes. To this end we focus on four key aspects: dominant colors, features of the color palette, color harmony, and color emotions. We demonstrate the usefulness of this approach with an example based on Mark Rothko's post‐1950 paintings (the “rectangular” series), and auction data from the 1994 to 2018 period. We identify two distinct price‐color regimes in Rothko's market: (a) [1994‐2005], a period in which prices are explained mainly by the growing popularity of the artist regardless of the color attributes of the paintings sold; and (b) [2006‐2018], a period in which color‐related attributes explain most of the prices. Furthermore, we find that in this second period, the dominant colors and the diversity of the color palette, are by far the most relevant attributes that influence the price; color harmony and color emotions hold almost no explanatory power during this period. Finally, we propose a new metric based on the Herfindahl Index to describe color diversity; this metric seems to be promising at characterizing the effect of the color palette on the price of a painting.
Multiplexed Proximity Biotinylation Coupled to Mass Spectrometry for Defining Integrin Adhesion Complexes
Authors: Chastney Megan R. , Lawless Craig , Humphries Martin J.
Published: August 2020

BioID, a proximity biotinylation technique, offers a valuable approach to examine the interactions occurring within protein complexes that complements traditional protein biochemical methods. BioID has various advantages that are beneficial to the study of complexes, including an ability to detect insoluble and transient proteins. We have applied BioID to the study of integrin adhesion complexes (IACs), which are located at the junction between the plasma membrane and actin cytoskeleton. The use of multiple BioID baits enables a complex‐wide, spatial annotation of IACs, which in turn facilitates the detection of novel proximal interactors and provides insights into IAC architecture. This article describes the labeling and affinity purification of IAC‐proximal proteins and their analysis by label‐free quantitative mass spectrometry. The article also outlines steps to identify high‐confidence proximity interactors, and to interrogate the topology and functional relevance of proximity interaction networks through bioinformatic analyses. © 2020 The Authors.

Basic Protocol 1: Proximity biotinylation of integrin adhesion complex components

Basic Protocol 2: Mass spectrometry data processing by MaxQuant and detection of high‐confidence proximal interactors

Basic Protocol 3: Bioinformatic analysis and data visualization
Screening for moral injury and comparatively evaluating moral injury measures in relation to mental illness symptomatology and diagnosis
Authors: Nieuwsma Jason A. , Brancu Mira , Wortmann Jennifer , Smigelsky Melissa A. , King Heather A. ,   VISN 6 MIRECC Workgroup, Meador Keith G.
Published: August 2020

Moral injury merits further study to clarify its identification, prevalence, assessment and intersection with psychosocial and psychiatric problems. The present study investigated the screening potential of the Brief Moral Injury Screen (BMIS) in a sample of post‐9/11 veterans (N = 315) and comparatively evaluated how this tool, the Moral Injury Events Scale (MIES), and the Moral Injury Questionnaire‐Military Version (MIQ‐M) relate to psychiatric diagnoses and mental illness symptom severity. Those who endorsed failing to prevent or doing something morally wrong had the highest symptomatology scores on measures of posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, suicidality, alcohol abuse and drug abuse, followed by those who reported solely witnessing a moral injury event. Posttraumatic stress disorder and depressive symptoms correlated most strongly with scores on the MIQ‐M; suicidality, alcohol abuse and drug abuse scores correlated most strongly with scores on the BMIS and MIQ‐M. Moral injury, as measured by three scales, was robustly correlated with worse outcomes on various symptom measures. The three scales appear to differentially predict mental illness symptomatology and diagnoses, with the BMIS predicting suicidality and alcohol and drug abuse as well as better than other measures.
Pressure‐Gradient Sorption Calorimetry of Flexible Porous Materials: Implications for Intrinsic Thermal Management
Authors: Feldmann Wesley K. , Esterhuysen Catharine , Barbour Leonard J.
Published: August 2020

Thermal management is an important consideration for applications that involve gas sorption by flexible porous materials. A pressure‐gradient differential scanning calorimetric method was developed to measure the energetics of adsorption and desorption both directly and continuously. The method was applied to the uptake and release of CO2 by the well‐known flexible metal–organic frameworks MIL‐53(Al) and MOF‐508b. High‐resolution differential enthalpy plots and total integral enthalpy values for sorption allow comprehensive assessment of the thermal behavior of the materials throughout the entire sorption process. During adsorption, the investigated materials display the ability to offset exothermic adsorption enthalpy against endothermic structural transition enthalpy, and vice versa during desorption. The results show that flexible materials offer reduced total integral heat over a working range when compared to rigid materials.
Coupling of tectonic factors and precipitation variability as a driver of Late Quaternary aggradation in Northeast Brazil
Authors: Fonsêca Drielly Naamma , de Barros Corrêa Antonio Carlos , de Azevêdo Cavalcanti Tavares Bruno , Rodrigues de Lira Daniel , Magalhães de Barros Ana Clara , da Silva Mützenberg Demétrio
Published: August 2020

The coupling between tectonic factors and climate processes is a key element in understanding landscape evolution. However, few studies address this issue in the context of unglaciated tropical areas in passive continental margins. Thus, this research aimed to understand the origins and evolution of the geomorphological landscape in the eastern sector of Northeast Brazil along the Late Quaternary, between the Last Interstadial (Marine Isotopic State 3) and the Upper Holocene. The morphostratigraphic approach, coupled with sedimentological analyses and optically stimulated luminescence dating of sediments, showed that the depositional record stored in the landscape ranges from at least 60 000 years BP until the Upper Holocene. Depositional intervals suggest that there were moments of climatic instability followed by moments of relative geomorphological quiescence. Such active moments coincide chronologically with Heinrich and Dansgaard‐Oeschger events, which are likely linked to changes in paleo‐pluviosity that might respond to the dismantling of elluvial covers and colluvial deposition in the area. Likewise, reworking of hillslope materials led to increased deposition in the fluvial realm. In addition, such deposits might have been affected by the neotectonic complexity of the area, responsible for the creation of non‐concatenated accommodation spaces, indicating a dynamics of uplifting and subsidence of blocks typical of passive margin taphrogenic environments. Therefore, the formative processes that led to the Late Quaternary deposition of sediments in a platform margin context reflect a coupling between tectonic and climatic factors. The former, driven by precipitation variability on a regional scale, triggered fluvial and high‐energy hillslope processes that resulted in ubiquitous valley floor and piedmont aggradation, whereas the latter led to the dismantling of local base levels, transforming depositional units into new denudational landforms subject to the current climate dynamics. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Large wood load and transport in a flood‐free period within an inter‐dam reach: a decade of monitoring the Dyje River, Czech Republic
Authors: Máčka Zdeněk , Kinc Ondřej , Hlavňa Matej , Hortvík David , Krejčí Lukáš , Matulová Jana , Coufal Pavel , Zahradníček Pavel
Published: August 2020

This study examined the large wood (LW) load and transport during the non‐flood period (2009–2018) following major floods that occurred in 2002 and 2006 within the inter‐dam reach of the Dyje River (Czech–Austrian border). The LW load was examined in 36 river corridor segments scattered within the reach in the 2009–2018 period. Two whole‐reach surveys (2011 and 2019) on LW frequency and distribution were conducted, and the export of LW to the downstream reservoir was analysed between June 2013 and December 2018.

In the period of non‐flood discharges, the recruitment and depletion of LW were highly variable processes in space and time, leading to a considerable change in the total LW quantity. Whereas the total number of LW pieces decreased, the total LW volume increased because of the increasing dimensions of newly recruited pieces. The annual variability in the quantity of newly recruited pieces was better explained by the variation in the maximum annual discharges (y = 41.043ln(x) + 3.2737, R2 = 0.5352) than by the variability in the number of days with wind gusts >17.2 m/s (y = 1.5004x + 82.096, R2 = 0.118). The land use change with the abandonment of human settlements after World War II and the progressive expansion of forest was the major historical factor driving the increased recruitment of LW to the river corridor.

While the 2006 (>100‐year RI) flood brought approximately 1,250 LW pieces to the reservoir, the 2013 (1.5‐year RI) flood delivered 45 pieces. The long‐term average monthly input of LW to the reservoir was 7.7 pieces. The exceptional low‐magnitude flood of 2013, which occurred at the beginning of the monitoring period, was shown to be a threshold above which the number of LW pieces that floated to the dam significantly increased. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Caregiver dementia training in caregiver‐patient dyads: Process evaluation of a randomized controlled study
Authors: Birkenhäger‐Gillesse Elizabeth G. , Achterberg Wilco P. , Janus Sarah I. M. , Zuidema Sytse U.
Published: August 2020

Objectives

We performed a randomized controlled study to evaluate the effects of caregiver training on the well‐being of both people with dementia and their caregivers. Before the effect analysis, we conducted a process evaluation to estimate internal and external validity. This was anticipated to augment our understanding of the outcomes.

Methods

We focused on three questions. (a) Was the intervention performed as planned (internal validity)? (b) Can qualitative data be used to inform how the intervention evoked change? (c) Can the study outcomes be extrapolated to all caregivers living with people who have dementia (external validity)?

Results

Responses from participants assigned to the intervention group suggested that the intervention was feasible, could be performed as planned, and that modelling and discussions between participants were important. However, participant recruitment to the entire study was ultimately laborious because participants had issues with the study design (risk of being assigned to the control group) and referrers lacked familiarity with the training (new type of intervention). Participants were also younger and better educated compared with the general population. Some dropouts in the follow‐up period occurred due to the number of questionnaires, and this was more pronounced in the control group.

Conclusions

Although we achieved high internal validity, we lack certainty about the external validity. We not only experienced general difficulty in recruiting participants but also tended to recruit a biased sample that was relatively young and well educated. These factors combine to limit our ability to extrapolate the results to the general population.
Numerical analysis of the carbon‐containing pellet direct reduction process with central heat transfer enhancement
Authors: Li Nan , Wang Feng
Published: August 2020

Pellet heat transfer has always been one of the biggest limiting factors in its direct reduction process in the rotary hearth furnace (RHF). Therefore, strengthening its heat transfer process is very important for productivity in RHF. In this study, a coupling model of the carbon‐containing pellet reduction process considering porosity and chemical heat variation with intermediate media in its center was established. With the pellet radius R0 = 11 mm, the influence of the intermediate spherical medium radius r0, the offset position of the spherical medium , and the materials used on the overall pellet reduction process were analyzed. The results showed that the presence of a spherical medium in the pellet center can increase the temperature inside the pellet, leading to it being more advantageous for reduction of the pellet. With the increase of the medium radius r0, it becomes more favorable for the pellet reduction process, as the spherical medium is more efficient for heat conduction. With the increase of the offset value , the spherical medium acting as heat‐conducting material can allow the heat transferred to the pellet inside faster, which is also more favorable to the reduction process. In addition, when the spherical medium has a smaller effective volume heat capacity and a larger thermal conductivity k, it is more favorable for the pellet reduction process too. These results can serve as a reference for optimum pellet design in RHF.
A review on the application of the nanofluids
Authors: Dey Debashis , Sahu Dibyansu S.
Published: August 2020

Nanofluid has become popular with the advancement in nanotechnology. Nanofluid has comparatively better stability than the microfluid because here much smaller‐sized particles (nanometer size) are suspended in the base fluid. It has improved thermophysical properties and convective heat transfer coefficient than the base fluid alone. That is why researchers have implemented this novel heat transfer fluid in versatile fields. These are solar collectors, solar thermal energy storage, electronics cooling, cooling and heating, heat pipes, automobile radiator, refrigeration system, natural convection, quenching, and many other applications. These varied applications indicate that in imminent future nanofluid will play a major role in these fields. Though all these trials are at present at academic research level, however, with the advancement in nanotechnology, surface science, colloidal chemistry, and so forth this nanofluid will definitely play a major role in heat transfer in the coming days.
Improving forecasting accuracy of the Phillips curve in OECD countries: The role of commodity prices
Authors: Salisu Afees A. , Swaray Raymond , Sa'id Hadiza
Published: August 2020

We investigate the power of commodity prices to improve inflation forecast performance in 21 Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries, within the framework of commodity prices‐augmented Phillips curve model. Using monthly data spanning over 57 years, we use single and multi‐factor predictor models, and Westerlund and Narayan (2012, 2015) estimator to address inherent issues of heteroscedasticity, persistence and endogeneity, which present empirical challenges to erstwhile attempts to forecast inflation. Contrary to Stock and Watson (1999) findings, our results overwhelmingly show that commodity prices significantly improve the power of Phillips curve‐based inflation forecasts in OECD countries. These findings hold for both core and headline measures of inflation, and within extensive in‐sample and various out‐of‐sample forecast horizons. In addition, we find differential degrees of commodity prices‐inflation pass‐through, with agricultural and energy commodity prices exerting the highest pass‐through to inflation. We further evaluate and compare the forecast performance of our augmented inflation forecast models with that of conventional random walk model as a benchmark. Our results overwhelmingly confirm that commodity prices‐augmented versions of inflation forecast models outperformed popular random walk models in all forecast horizons.
Does EVA valuation model outperform earnings valuation model in explaining market value of equity?
Authors: Behera Sujata
Published: August 2020

Most of the previous studies examine the efficiency of EVA versus accounting measures as a periodic performance measure. There is hardly any study conducted on examining and comparing the efficiency of EVA based valuation model with the earnings valuation model. However, this study examines and compares the efficiency EVA valuation with earnings valuation by conducting relative information content analysis across the years and on a year‐wise basis. It is observed that future growth value is the only difference between the two valuation models. This study further examines whether future growth value plays a significant role in increasing/decreasing the explanatory ability of EVA based valuation model compared to the earnings valuation model by conducting incremental information content analysis. It conducts both the analyses by using the sample data of 69 large‐cap, 88 mid‐cap and 79 small‐cap companies over the period 2002–17. The relative information content analysis conducted across the years reveals that large and small‐cap companies respond better to the earnings valuation model, whereas mid‐cap companies respond better to EVA based valuation model. The incremental analysis reveals that future growth value plays a significant role in increasing the decreasing explanatory ability of the EVA valuation model. The analysis conducted year‐wise manner also supported the fact.
Detecting crisis vulnerability using yield spread interconnectedness
Authors: Garcia Alvarado Fernando
Published: August 2020

This paper explores the interconnections among foreign term spreads across different economies and their systemic implications on crisis vulnerability. The term spread, understood as the difference between long‐term and short‐term interest rates on Treasury securities, has a well‐known predictive ability to forecast economic recessions in the short‐run. An initial explanatory analysis evidences an increasing correlation between term spreads in the recent years and, in particular, the constitution of country clusters whose term structures share common latent factors. Moreover, these correlations seem to have augmented after the last international financial crisis. Further, the results from a probit model considering domestic term spreads, supply shocks on oil and energy prices, and an international term spread network structure reveal a statistically significant effect of term spread interconnectedness on future economic output. Following, this paper empirically shows how an increasing number of Granger‐causality in‐degree connections may be associated with a higher crisis vulnerability in the short‐run. Additionally, a panel data regression corroborates the latter result to be robust under a wide range of conditions. Thus, an economy whose term spread is significantly caused in the Granger sense by external yield rates may be more prone to experience future recessions.
Bone morphogenetic proteins in biomineralization of two endodontic restorative cements
Authors: Souza Tamara A. , Bezerra Mirna M. , Silva Paulo G. B. , Costa José J. N. , Carneiro Rayssa F. L. A. , Barcelos Janice O. F. , Vasconcelos Bruno C. , Chaves Hellíada V.
Published: August 2020

To assess the effect of biodentine (BD) and MTA‐angelus (MTA) on biocompatibility, BMP2, BMP4, and osteocalcin (OC) expression. Subcutaneously implanted tubes of four groups (MTA, BD, Control, and Sham) were kept over 15, 30, and 60 days; histological analyses were performed using H&E and Von Kossa; ELISA quantified IL‐1β and IL‐8 expression; and qRT‐PCR verified gene expression of BMPs and OC. Sham showed slight changes in profile/intensity of inflammatory infiltrate in all periods. Control had an inflammatory score significantly higher than Sham at 15 days (p < .05). BD revealed a similar inflammatory response to Sham, without significant changes over periods. MTA group exhibited an increase in chronic inflammatory profile at 30 days, with significant reduction at 60 days, when compared to Sham (p < .05). At 30/60 days, experimental groups presented birefringent areas. At 30/60 days, BD and MTA significantly increase IL‐1β compared to Control, whereas an increase in IL‐8 was observed only in BD. At 30/60 days, BD produces an expression of BMP2 whereas MTA influenced BMP4 and OC. Materials tested are biocompatible and they have osteoinductive activity; the materials influenced the expression of the tested mediators differently, suggesting different affinities with the substrate and the dental substrates.
An edible genipin‐based sensor for biogenic amine detection
Authors: Mallov Ian , Jeeva Fiona , Caputo Christopher B
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Food is often wasted due to real or perceived concerns about preservation and shelf life. Thus, precise, accurate, and consumer‐friendly methods of indicating whether food is safe for consumers are drawing great interest. The colorimetric sensing of biogenic amines released as food degrades is a potential way of determining the quality of the food. Herein, we report the use of the fruit extract genipin, a naturally occurring iridoid that reacts selectively with primary amines, as a colorimetric sensor for biogenic amines under conditions that mimic food degradation.

RESULTS

Genipin was shown to react with four biogenic amines: putrescine, cadaverine, tyramine, and histamine, resulting in a dark blue dye under atmospheric conditions (λmax ~ 600 nm). In the absence of oxygen gas, this reaction provided a different response, instead yielding a red dye. Genipin was immobilized in edible calcium alginate beads and the gel beads were exposed to putrescine vapors and chicken samples. In both cases, the formation of blue dye demonstrated proof‐of‐concept that immobilized genipin can sense gaseous biogenic amines in timeframes and conditions relevant to food spoilage.

CONCLUSION

Genipin can act as a highly selective, qualitative sensor for both biogenic amines and oxygen gas. Since food spoilage is triggered by O2, the dual colorimetric response that genipin has uniquely positions it as a promising sensor for food spoilage. By immobilizing the sensor in an edible calcium alginate matrix, biogenic amine vapors were detected at low concentrations. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)
Successful endotracheal intubation using i‐gel supraglottic airway device and ultrasonography in a patient with bedside cervical traction: A case report
Authors: Park Sin Ryul , Jeong Won Joon
Published: August 2020

We report a case of successful endotracheal intubation using i‐gel and ultrasonography without a laryngoscope in a patient with a bedside cervical traction device. A 57‐year‐old man was referred to the emergency department because of quadriparesis following a motor vehicle accident, who was confirmed to have cervical dislocation with spinal cord compression. For ventilation support, the i‐gel rescue airway device was placed to secure the patient airway temporarily. Then, an endotracheal tube was passed through the stem of the i‐gel while observing the optimal tube position with ultrasonography. This case showed that ultrasonography can be used for early confirmation of endotracheal tube placement into the trachea via the i‐gel.
Circ‐SLC8A1 regulates osteoporosis through blocking the inhibitory effect of miR‐516b‐5p on AKAP2 expression
Authors: Lin Cheng , Zhong Wenjun , Yan Wei , Yang Jinsong , Zheng Weiwei , Wu Qin
Published: August 2020

Background

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by bone loss, imbalance of bone metabolism and destruction of trabecular microarchitecture. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been revealed as important biological regulators in human diseases. The expression characteristics and mechanism of circRNAs in osteoporosis are unclear.

Methods

The binding sites of miR‐516b‐5p on circ‐SLC8A1 and AKAP2 mRNA were predicted using circAtlas (http://circatlas.biols.ac.cn) and miRDB (http://mirdb.org). Target sites of miR‐516b‐5p on circ‐SLC8A1 and AKAP2 mRNA were confirmed by a dual luciferase assay. The relationship between miR‐516b‐5p and AKAP2 was determined by a quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction. Alizarin red S staining and alkaline phosphatase staining were used to observe the level of osteogenic differentiation after transfection.

Results

The first six circRNAs captured from the 30 circRNAs with highest expression in the bone marrow were examined in a mouse model of osteoporosis and the expression of circ‐SLC8A1 was found to be significantly reduced in osteoporosis. Circ‐SLC8A1 negatively regulated the expression of miR‐516b‐5p. Overexpression of circ‐SLC8A1 blocked the inhibition of AKAP2 by miR‐516b‐5p.

Conclusions

Circ‐SLC8A1 blocks the inhibitory effect of miR‐516b‐5p on the downstream target gene AKAP2 and promotes osteoporosis. The findings of the present might help to provide a new strategy for the treatment of osteoporosis.
Radula formation in two species of Conoidea (Gastropoda)
Authors: Vortsepneva Elena , Herbert David G. , Kantor Yuri
Published: August 2020

The radula is the basic feeding structure in gastropod molluscs and exhibits great morphological diversity that reflects the exceptional anatomical and ecological diversity occurring in these animals. This uniquely molluscan structure is formed in the blind end of the radular sac by specialized cells (membranoblasts and odontoblasts). Secretion type, and the number and shape of the odontoblasts that form each tooth characterize the mode of radula formation. These characteristics vary in different groups of gastropods. Elucidation of this diversity is key to identifying the main patterns of radula formation in Gastropoda. Of particular interest would be a phylogenetically closely related group that is characterized by high variability of the radula. One such group is the large monophyletic superfamily Conoidea, the radula of which is highly variable and may consist of the radular membrane with five teeth per row, or the radular membrane with only two or three teeth per row, or even just two harpoon‐like teeth per row without a radular membrane. We studied the radulae of two species of Conoidea (Clavus maestratii Kilburn, Fedosov & Kantor, 2014 [Drilliidae] and, Lophiotoma acuta (Perry, 1811) [Turridae]) using light and electron microscopy. Based on these data and previous studies, we identify the general patterns of the radula formation for all Conoidea: the dorsolateral position of two groups of odontoblasts, uniform size, and shape of odontoblasts, folding of the radula in the radular sac regardless of the radula configuration. The morphology of the subradular epithelium is most likely adaptive to the radula type.
Failed Total Hip Arthroplasty: Diagnostic Performance of ConventionalMRIFeatures and Locoregional Lymphadenopathy to Identify Infected Implants
Authors: Albano Domenico , Messina Carmelo , Zagra Luigi , Andreata Mauro , De Vecchi Elena , Gitto Salvatore , Sconfienza Luca M.
Published: August 2020

Background

Very little has been published about the diagnostic performance of MRI in total hip arthroplasty (THA) infection.

Purpose

To determine the diagnostic performance of conventional MRI features and of new lymph nodal indices to identify infection in patients with failed THA.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

In all, 119 patients (66 females; age 66.9 ± 12.4 years) with failed THA.

Field Strength/Sequences

Metal artifact reduction sequence (MARS) protocol including short tau inversion recovery and turbo spin‐echo T1‐ and T2‐weighted sequences at 1.5T.

Assessment

Patients underwent pelvis MRI prior to failed THA revision. MRIs were reviewed to identify periprosthetic bone destruction, soft‐tissue mass, effusion, synovitis, lamellated synovitis, extracapsular edema, fibrous periprosthetic membrane, bone edema, and extracapsular collection/sinus tract. The number and maximum diameter of inguinal, obturator and iliac lymph nodes of the affected hip were assessed and normalized to those of the unaffected hip to calculate the ratio of nodal size (RNS), ratio of node number (RNN), difference of nodal size (DNS), and difference of node number (DNN).

Statistical Tests

The Mann–WhitneyU‐and chi‐square test were used. Diagnostic performance of indices and odds ratios (OR) were calculated.

Results

RNS, RNN, DNS, and DNN indices were significantly different (P= 0.000) between infected and noninfected THA, with accuracies ranging from 84.8% (RNS) and 93.1% (RNN). All other MRI features were significantly more prevalent in infected THA (P ≤ 0.002), except bone destruction, periarticular soft‐tissue mass, and fibrous membrane (P ≥ 0.031). Sensitivities ranged from 7.9% (soft‐tissue mass) to 76.3% (effusion/bone edema), specificity from 45.7% (bone destruction) to 97.5% (synovitis/lamellated synovitis), accuracy from 49.6% (bone destruction) to 81.5% (synovitis), OR from 0.261 (soft‐tissue mass) to 35.550 (synovitis).

Data Conclusion

Conventional MRI features have limited accuracy to differentiate septic and aseptic THA failure. Lymph nodal indices, particularly those related to nodal number, may represent biomarkers of THA infection.

Evidence Level

3

Technical Efficacy Stage

2
Prospective Deployment of Deep Learning in MRI: A Framework for Important Considerations, Challenges, and Recommendations for Best Practices
Authors: Chaudhari Akshay S. , Sandino Christopher M. , Cole Elizabeth K. , Larson David B. , Gold Garry E. , Vasanawala Shreyas S. , Lungren Matthew P. , Hargreaves Brian A. , Langlotz Curtis P.
Published: August 2020

Artificial intelligence algorithms based on principles of deep learning (DL) have made a large impact on the acquisition, reconstruction, and interpretation of MRI data. Despite the large number of retrospective studies using DL, there are fewer applications of DL in the clinic on a routine basis. To address this large translational gap, we review the recent publications to determine three major use cases that DL can have in MRI, namely, that of model‐free image synthesis, model‐based image reconstruction, and image or pixel‐level classification. For each of these three areas, we provide a framework for important considerations that consist of appropriate model training paradigms, evaluation of model robustness, downstream clinical utility, opportunities for future advances, as well recommendations for best current practices. We draw inspiration for this framework from advances in computer vision in natural imaging as well as additional healthcare fields. We further emphasize the need for reproducibility of research studies through the sharing of datasets and software.

Level of Evidence

5

Technical Efficacy Stage

2
Quasi‐static numerical modeling of miniature RF circuits based on lumped equivalent circuits
Authors: Li Hongliang , Jin Jian‐Ming , Jachowski Doug , Silver Richard , Hammond Robert
Published: August 2020

A quasi‐static approach based on lumped equivalent circuits is presented and investigated for an efficient numerical analysis of miniature RF circuits. In this approach, the static capacitances and inductances including mutual capacitances and inductances of individual circuit components are first evaluated using the finite element method. An equivalent lumped circuit based on the calculated capacitances and inductances is then constructed for the entire circuit, whose analysis predicts the frequency responses of the circuit. The accuracy of this quasi‐static approach is investigated by comparing its solution with that of the full‐wave analysis based on Maxwell's equations. It is found that the quasi‐static analysis is very accurate for a miniature RF circuit whose electrical size is smaller than a fraction of the effective wavelength.
Pinpointing oxidative stress behind the white striping myopathy: depletion of antioxidant defenses, accretion of oxidized proteins and impaired proteostasis
Authors: Carvalho Leila M , Delgado Josué , Madruga Marta S , Estévez Mario
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in the onset of the white striping (WS) myopathy with particular attention to the role of oxidative stress and protein oxidation in the loss of meat quality.

RESULTS

It was found that WS‐M (moderate degree; white stripes <1 mm thickness) and WS‐S (severe degree; white stripes >1 mm thickness) breast presented higher pH, hardness, redness, lipid, and collagen content, and lower lightness than normal breast. Compared with the latter, WS‐S had a more severe loss of protein thiols (70.7% less thiols than in N), reduced activity of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (23 versus 40 U g−1), glutathione peroxidase (0.21 versus 0.54 U g−1), and superoxide dismutase (56 versus 73 U g−1), and consequently, had greater accretion of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (0.64 versus 0.22 mg MDAkg‐1muscle), allysine (3.1 versus 1.9 nmol mg−1protein) and Schiff base structures (645 versus 258 fluorescent units). The analysis of sarcoplasmic proteins revealed that muscles severely affected by the myopathy suffered a chronic impairment of physiological (upregulation of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase, sarcalumenin and calsequestrin‐2) and metabolic processes (downregulation of pyruvate kinase, creatine kinase, andl‐lactate dehydrogenase).

CONCLUSION

The overexpression of ribonuclease / angiogenin inhibitor 1 and Kelch‐like proteins in WS chicken breasts indicates altered protein turnover plausibly mediated by oxidative stress and accumulation of oxidized proteins. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
COVID‐19 and Lung Ultrasound: Reflections on the “Light Beam”
Authors: Taccari Francesco , Buonsenso Danilo
Published: August 2020

During the COVID‐19 pandemic Lung Ultrasound (LUS) has clearly succeeded as a formidable tool in the management of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. A multitude of scientific papers, webinars and social media discussions has celebrated LUS benefits in the last few months, more than ever. LUS is based on the interpretation of artifacts, and different combinations of basic LUS artifacts can detect different pathologies. We discuss the need to identify new artifacts for new diseases.
Free Flap Inset Techniques in Salvage Laryngopharyngectomy Repair: Impact on Fistula Formation and Function
Authors: Chen Diane W. , Ellis Mark A. , Horwich Peter , Sandulache Vlad C. , Liou Nelson E. , Hernandez David J. , Sturgis Erich M. , Graboyes Evan M. , Hornig Joshua D. , Day Terry A. , Huang Andrew T.
Published: August 2020

Objective

To characterize pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) rates and functional outcomes following microvascular free tissue transfer (MVFTT) reconstruction of salvage total laryngectomy (STL) with a review of two different flap inset techniques and a review of the literature.

Methods

Retrospective review.

Results

Review of the literature revealed 887 patients who underwent STL MVFTT from 14 references. Ninety‐six STL MVFTTs were performed by the authors, with 36 (38%) patients undergoing multilayer fascial underlay (MLFU) closure and 60 (62%) a standard single layer closure (SLC). One (3%) PCF occurred in the MLFU group compared to 12 (20%) in the SLC cohort (P = .03). Postoperative gastrostomy (G)‐tube dependence was lower following MLFU closure compared to SLC (25% vs. 57%, P < .01), whereas pharyngoesophageal stricture (PES) (28% vs. 38%), tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) placement (42% vs. 42%), and TEP usage (87% vs. 88%) did not significantly differ (P > .05). Compared to pooled rates from the literature, patients who underwent a MLFU MVFTT inset technique demonstrated significantly lower PCF incidence (3% vs. 23%, P < .01) without significant differences in PES (28% vs 23%, P = .55), G‐tube dependence (25% vs. 23%, P = .25), or TEP placement (42% vs. 59%, P = .09).

Conclusion

Despite MVFTT reconstruction after STL, G‐tube dependence, PCF formation, and limitations of speaking rehabilitation (TEP) remain a significant issue. Modification of MVFTT inset may provide an opportunity to reduce PCF incidence without affecting other functional outcomes.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E875–E881, 2021
Towards optimum additive performance: A numerical study to understand the influence of roughness parameters on the zinc dialkyldithiophosphates tribofilm growth
Authors: Wang Yuechang , Dorgham Abdel , Liu Ying , Wang Chun , Ghanbarzadeh Ali , Wilson Mark C. T. , Neville Anne , Azam Abdullah
Published: August 2020

In recent years, several theoretical models to predict the triboreactive film thickness of zinc dialkyldithiophosphates (ZDDP) have been developed. Although these models are not complete and are approximate in nature, they provide a framework which can be used to evaluate the factors impacting the tribofilm growth. In this paper, rough surfaces with different roughness parameters were numerically generated and used to calculate the tribofilm growth. The simulation results show that lower negative skewness, higher kurtosis, and larger autocorrelation length values give thicker ZDDP tribofilms with skewness and autocorrelation values having a greater effect on the tribofilm growth. Based on the simulation results, it is found that these parameters influence the tribofilm growth by changing the contact ratio which eventually changes the dynamic growth of tribofilm and wear of substrate. The results presented in this paper have bigger implications for industry in designing surface textures that promote the anti‐wear action.