bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sequence‐Dependent DNA Functionalization of Upconversion Nanoparticles and Their Programmable Assemblies
Authors: Ge Huan , Wang Dongya , Pan Yue , Guo Yuanyuan , Li Hongyu , Zhang Fan , Zhu Xinyuan , Li Yuehua , Zhang Chuan , Huang Ling
Published: February 2020

DNA‐modified lanthanide‐doped upconversion nanoparticles (DNA‐UCNPs) that combine the functions of DNA and the optical features of UCNPs have shown great promise in a wide range of fields. However, challenges remain in precisely tethering and orienting the DNA strands on the UCNP surface. Herein, we systematically investigate the sequence dependence of DNAs in their interactions with UCNPs, and reveal that poly‐cytosine (poly‐C) has high affinity for the UCNP surface. A general approach to synthesize monodispersed DNA‐UCNP conjugates is developed using poly‐C‐containing diblock DNA strands. The poly‐C segment of the DNA strand binds to the surfaces of UCNPs and the second segment is oriented perpendicularly on the UCNP surface, making the DNA‐UCNPs highly stable and monodispersed in aqueous solution. The dense layer of DNA on the UCNP surface enables the programmable assembly of UCNPs with other DNA‐functionalized nanoparticles or DNA origamis through hybridization, resulting in the formation of well‐organized complex structures.
Modification of the Ferrous Oxidation‐Xylenol Orange Method for Determination of Peroxide Value in Highly Pigmented Sea Cucumber Viscera Lipid
Authors: Abuzaytoun Reem , Budge Suzanne , Hansen Lisbeth Truelstrup , MacKinnon Shawna
Published: February 2020

A ferrous oxidation‐xylenol orange (FOX) method was modified to measure the levels of hydroperoxides in highly pigmented sea cucumber (Cucumaria frondosa) viscera lipid. With the FOX method, oil hydroperoxides oxidize Fe(II) to Fe(III) ions, which in turn bind to xylenol orange (XO) to form a complex that has a maximum absorbance at 560 nm. When applied to lipid extracts containing high levels of carotenoid pigments, the carotenoids interfere in the absorbance measurement because the XO‐complex and carotenoids absorb at the same wavelength. To avoid this, an approach was developed where carotenoids were removed from the solution containing the XO‐complex before absorbance measurements were made. This was accomplished by aqueous extraction of the reaction solution, leaving an organic layer containing the carotenoid pigment. The absorbance of the aqueous layer was subsequently measured at 560 nm allowing for determination of the lipid hydroperoxide content (mmol kg−1) using a cumene hydroperoxide calibration curve. The method was validated using oxidized, unpigmented fish oils. The modified FOX method described herein was linear, accurate, and precise, and was validated over a hydroperoxide concentration range of 5–35 meq kg−1 lipid. This modified FOX method for hydroperoxide determination of highly pigmented lipids is a valuable alternative to the methods presently available for determination of peroxide values.
Engineering protonation conformation of l‐aspartate‐α‐decarboxylase to relieve mechanism‐based inactivation
Authors: Qian Yuanyuan , Lu Cui , Liu Jia , Song Wei , Chen Xiulai , Luo Qiuling , Liu Liming , Wu Jing
Published: February 2020

Mechanism‐based inactivation of l‐aspartate‐α‐decarboxylase (PanD), which leads to irreversible modification of active site, is a major challenge in the efficient production of β‐alanine from L‐aspartic acid. In this study, a semi‐rational strategy that combined conformational dynamics and structural alignment was applied to increase the catalytic stability of Bacillus subtilis PanD (BsPanD). Using site‐saturation and C‐terminal deletion, the variant Q5 (BsPanDI46V/I88M/K104S/I126*) was generated. The catalytic half‐life and the total turnover number (TTN) of Q5 were 3.48‐fold and 2.52‐fold higher, respectively, compared with that of the parent Q0. The reasons for the differences were the prolonged distance d1 between the phenolic group of Tyr58 and pyruvoyl group of Ser25 (4.9 Å in Q0 vs. 5.5 Å in Q5), an increased difficulty for incorrect protonation to occur, and the decreased flexibility of residues in regions A, B, and C, thereby enhancing the probability of correct protonation. Variant Q5, coupled with l‐aspartase (AspA) in a 15‐L bioreactor, generated a linear cascade system using fumaric acid as a substrate, yielding 118.6 g/L β‐alanine with a product/catalyst (P/C) ratio of 5.9 g/g and a conversion > 99%. These results showed that reshaping the protonation conformation of PanD can efficiently relieve mechanism‐based inactivation and boost catalytic stability.
The course of recovery of locomotor function over a 10‐week observation period in a rat model of femoral nerve resection and autograft repair
Authors: Heinzel Johannes Christoph , Hercher David , Redl Heinz
Published: February 2020

Background

A great extent of knowledge on peripheral nerve regeneration has been gathered using the rat sciatic nerve model. The femoral nerve model of the rat offers an interesting alternative, as it lacks disadvantageous features such as automutilation. For the analysis of locomotor behavior in rats after sciatic nerve injury, the CatWalk™ XT Gait Analysis System is often used. However, lesions of the femoral nerve in the rat have yet remained unstudied with this method.

Material and Methods

Ten male Sprague Dawley rats were evaluated with the CatWalk XT to study their gait after a 6‐mm resection of the right femoral nerve and reconstruction with an autologous nerve graft. Animals were observed for 10 weeks after surgery.

Results

Print Area, Print Length, Swing Speed, and Duty Cycle decreased to a minimum of 40% of baseline 2 weeks after surgery. Swing Time was elevated more than twofold at this time point. However, all these parameters recovered back to >90% of baseline values at 10 weeks after surgery. This degree of functional recovery has not been reported after sciatic nerve resection and autograft repair. Base of support varied minimally postoperatively in contrast to a strong decrement after sciatic nerve resection and repair.

Conclusion

We hereby provide a comprehensive in‐depth analysis of how to study functional recovery after injury of the femoral nerve in the rat via the CatWalk XT. We place special emphasis on highlighting the differences between the femoral nerve and sciatic nerve injury model in this context.
In Situ Spectroscopic Studies on the Redox Cycle of NH3−SCR over Cu−CHA Zeolites
Authors: Liu Chong , Kubota Hiroe , Amada Takehiro , Kon Kenichi , Toyao Takashi , Maeno Zen , Ueda Kakuya , Ohyama Junya , Satsuma Atsushi , Tanigawa Takuya , Tsunoji Nao , Sano Tsuneji , Shimizu Ken‐ichi
Published: February 2020

The selective catalytic reduction of NO with ammonia (NH3−SCR) catalyzed by Cu−CHA zeolites is thoroughly investigated using in situ spectroscopic experiments combined with on‐line mass spectroscopy (MS) under steady‐state NH3−SCR conditions and transient conditions for Cu(II)/Cu(I) redox cycles. Quantitative analysis of the in situ XANES spectra of Cu−CHA under steady‐state conditions of NH3−SCR show that NH3‐coordinated Cu(II) species is the dominant Cu species at low temperatures (100–150 °C). At higher temperatures, Cu(II) species and [Cu(NH3)2]+ complex coexist, possibly because the rate of the Cu(II)→Cu(I) reduction step is comparable to that of the Cu(I)→Cu(II) oxidation step. In situ XANES, IR/MS, and UV‐vis/MS experiments on the reduction half cycle demonstrate that the reduction of Cu(II) species occurs via the reaction of NH3‐liganded Cu(II) with NO to yield N2 and H2O. For the oxidation half cycle, in situ XANES experiments of Cu(I) oxidation in 10 % O2 at 200 °C indicate that an increased density in CHA zeolite exhibits a higher oxidation rate. In situ UV‐vis experiments of Cu(I) reoxidation using different mixtures of oxidant feed gas demonstrate the key role of O2 in the oxidation cycle. It is suggested that the reoxidation of Cu(I) to Cu(II) species occurs with only O2 as the oxidant, and a high Cu density in CHA zeolite promotes SCR activity by enhancing the oxidative activation of Cu(I) to Cu(II) during the catalytic cycle.
Characterization of Lyophilization of Frozen Bulky Solids
Authors: Foerst Petra , Gruber Sebastian , Schulz Michael , Vorhauer Nicole , Tsotsas Evangelos
Published: February 2020

Two methods to study the primary freeze‐drying behavior of bulky solids are presented, namely, lyomicroscopy and neutron imaging. The applicability of both methods to visualize the evolution of the sublimation front is tested for maltodextrin particles with different sizes and solid concentrations. Exemplary results for both methods are reported and the applicability of both methods to study freeze‐drying behavior of bulk solids is described. To estimate the impact of particle size and bed height for the freeze‐drying of bulky solids, a modified Biot number is introduced to estimate the optimum particle size for a given bed height and formulation. The applicability of the two methods with regard to the modified Biot numbers is discussed.
The Thioredoxin System: A Promising Target for Cancer Drug Development
Authors: Ghareeb Hiba , Metanis Norman
Published: February 2020

The thioredoxin system is highly conserved system found in all living cells and comprises NADPH, thioredoxin, and thioredoxin reductase. This system plays a critical role in preserving a reduced intracellular environment, and its involvement in regulating a wide range of cellular functions makes it especially vital to cellular homeostasis. Its critical role is not limited to healthy cells, it is also involved in cancer development, and is overexpressed in many cancers. This makes the thioredoxin system a promising target for cancer drug development. As such, over the last decade, many inhibitors have been developed that target the thioredoxin system, most of which are small molecules targeting the thioredoxin reductase C‐terminal redox center. A few inhibitors of thioredoxin have also been developed. We believe that more efforts should be invested in developing protein/peptide‐based inhibitors against both thioredoxin reductase and/or thioredoxin.
Dietary advanced glycation end products and the risk of postmenopausal breast cancer in the National Institutes of Health‐AARP Diet and Health Study
Authors: Peterson Lindsay L. , Park Seho , Park Yikyung , Colditz Graham A. , Anbardar Narges , Turner David P.
Published: February 2020

Background

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are reactive metabolites produced as a by‐product of sugar metabolism and are consumed through the diet in high‐fat and highly processed foods. They are associated with chronic inflammatory diseases, and evidence suggests that they play a role in carcinogenesis. The authors evaluated the association of dietary AGE intake and the risk of postmenopausal invasive breast cancer.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study of 183,548 postmenopausal women in the National Institutes of Health‐AARP Diet and Health Study. The main outcome was incident invasive breast cancer. AGE intake was estimated from food‐frequency questionnaires. Incident breast cancer cases were identified through state cancer registries. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals for developing breast cancer according to AGE intake quintiles. Multivariable regression models were adjusted for breast cancer risk factors.

Results

The mean follow‐up was 12.8 years, and 9851 breast cancers (1978 advanced stage) were identified. The median AGE daily intake was 5932 kilo units per 100 kilocalories (KU/1000 kcal). Women with higher intake tended to have lower education levels, higher body mass index, less physical activity, were current smokers, and had higher fat and meat intake. The highest quintile of AGE intake (compared with the lowest) was associated with an increased risk of breast cancer (HR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.02‐1.16; P = .03) after adjusting for breast cancer risk factors and particularly was associated with 37% of advanced‐stage tumors (HR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.09‐1.74; P < .02) after adjusting for risk factors and fat and meat intake.

Conclusions

Dietary AGEs may play a role in the development of postmenopausal breast cancer.
Recent Achievements in Noble Metal Catalysts with Unique Nanostructures for Liquid Fuel Cells
Authors: Sun Qiwen , Xu Hui , Du Yukou
Published: February 2020

In recent years, research efforts have been focused on the design and fabrication of highly efficient catalysts for liquid fuel cells, because the use of these cells is an important approach for alleviating environmental pollution and energy crises. However, the limitations of the catalytic performance of industrial Pt/C have strongly hindered the development of these fuel cells. The catalyst morphology has a strong impact on its performance; nanostructured catalysts are preferred as they offer large specific surface area and more exposed active centers. In view of this, many catalysts with unique structures have been synthesized in recent years, all of which show excellent catalytic performance characteristics. Despite these achievements, few efforts have been made to survey this field comprehensively. Herein, the recent advances in catalysts for liquid fuel cells are summarized, with a focus on noble metal catalysts with unique morphologies such as nanowires, nanosheets, and assembly structures. Their formation mechanisms are discussed critically. The relationship between the unique morphologies and excellent performance of these catalysts is also explored. This work may provide guidelines for the further development of liquid fuel cells.
A Quinone Anode for Lithium‐Ion Batteries in Mild Aqueous Electrolytes
Authors: Jing Yan , Liang Yanliang , Gheytani Saman , Yao Yan
Published: February 2020

Aqueous batteries could be potentially used for grid‐scale energy storage owing to the use of nonflammable electrolytes and long cycle life. Recently, quinones have shown examples as redox‐active materials in aqueous batteries under either strong acidic or basic conditions. However, a quinone‐based battery with a less corrosive electrolyte is still rare. Given that quinone‐based batteries are heavily influenced by the pH of electrolytes, we studied the influence of acid dissociation constants (pKa) of hydroquinones on their performance as solid electrode materials. We measured the pKa of anthracene‐9,10‐diol (AQH2) and benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐4,8‐diol (BDTDH2) from the Pourbaix diagrams of two para‐quinone monomers [i.e., anthracene‐9,10‐dione (AQ) and benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐4,8‐dione (BDTD)]. Subsequently, their polymeric forms [i.e., poly(anthraquinonyl sulfide) (PAQS) and poly(benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐4,8‐dione‐2,6‐diyl sulfide) (PBDTDS)] were investigated as electrodes in aqueous lithium‐ion cells. At pH 13, PAQS demonstrates a low capacity and poor cycle life, whereas PBDTDS shows a capacity of 196 mAh g−1 and fade rates of 0.0038 % per cycle over 4200 cycles, 0.77 % per day over 21 days. The differences in capacity and cycle stability can be explained by the difference of corresponding pKa values. A full cell with the configuration of (−)PBDTDS|2.5 m Li2SO4 (pH 13)|LiCoO2(+) shows a voltage of 1.08 V, a capacity of 72 mAh g−1 and ≈99.9 % of Coulombic efficiency for 500 stable cycles.
B2cat2‐Mediated Reduction of Sulfoxides to Sulfides
Authors: Takahashi Fumiya , Nogi Keisuke , Yorimitsu Hideki
Published: February 2020

An efficient and operationally simple method for the reduction of sulfoxides to sulfides has been developed using bis(catecholato)diboron (B2cat2) as a reducing agent. The present method accommodates various functional groups which are generally prone to reduction: halides, alkynes, carbonyls, nitriles, and heterocycles are totally intact, and only sulfoxide moieties undergo reduction chemoselectively. Moreover, the remaining diboron and the resulting boron‐containing wastes are readily removable, the practicality of this protocol being thus demonstrated.
Association between objectively measured physical behaviour and neck‐ and/or low back pain: A systematic review
Authors: Øverås Cecilie K. , Villumsen Morten , Axén Iben , Cabrita Miriam , Leboeuf‐Yde Charlotte , Hartvigsen Jan , Mork Paul J.
Published: February 2020

Background and objective

Clinical guidelines recommend physical activity to manage neck pain (NP) and low back pain (LBP). However, studies used to support these guidelines are based on self‐reports of physical behaviour, which are prone to bias and misclassification. This systematic review aimed to investigate associations between objectively measured physical behaviour and the risk or prognosis of NP and/or LBP.

Databases and data treatment

Literature searches were performed in MEDLINE, Embase and Scopus from their inception until 18 January 2019. We considered prospective cohort studies for eligibility. Article selection, data extraction and critical appraisal were carried out by independent reviewers. Results were stratified on activity/sedentariness.

Results

Ten articles out of 897 unique records identified met the inclusion criteria, of which eight studied working populations with mainly blue‐collar workers. The overall results indicate that increased sitting time at work reduces the risk of NP and LBP while increased physical activity during work and/or leisure increases the risk of these conditions among blue‐collar workers; however, associations were weak. Physical activity was not associated with prognosis of LBP (no studies investigated prognosis of NP). Most of the included articles have methodological shortcomings.

Conclusions

This review indicates that, among blue‐collar workers, increased sitting at work may protect against NP and LBP while increased physical activity during work and/or leisure may increase this risk. There was no evidence supporting physical activity as a prognostic factor for LBP. Findings should be interpreted with caution due to the weak associations and few available studies with methodological shortcomings.

Significance

Based on prospective cohort studies with objectively measured physical behaviour, this review questions the common notion that increased physical activity is associated with reduced risk or better prognosis of NP and/or LBP. We found that, among blue‐collar workers, increased sitting time at work reduces the risk of NP and LBP, whereas physical activity somewhat increases the risk. Despite methodological shortcomings, there was consistency in the direction of the results, although high‐quality articles reported the weakest associations.

Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42018100765
Ageing Tests at Constant Currents and Associated Modeling of High Temperature PEMFC MEAs
Authors: Rigal S. , Turpin C. , Jaafar A. , Hordé T. , Jollys J.‐B. , Chadourne N.
Published: February 2020

In this work, seven commercially available high temperature (HT) membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs), using a phosphoric acid doped polybenzimidazole (PBI) membrane, were tested at six constant current densities during mostly around 540 h: 1, 0.6, 0.4, 0.2, 0.1, and 0 A cm−2. The MEA aged at 0.6 A cm−2 appears to be the less degraded one and the MEAs working at 0 and 1 A cm−2 seem to be the most degrading ones. Degradations are supposed to be mainly due to the carbon corrosion of electrodes and the loss of electrolyte with the MEA aged at 1 A cm−2. The characterization periods have a significant impact on cell ageing. The corrosion of carbon support is considered here to be the major degradation for the tests carried out between 0 and 0.6 A cm−2. A degradation rate was calculated using the voltage from the polarization curves and it appears to be more relevant compare to the degradation rate calculated using the voltage during endurance period. The modeling approach shows promising results and it seems that the electrochemical surface area, measured by cyclic voltammetry, can be included into the modeling in order to obtain higher parameter consistency.
Genetic link between gold mineralization and porphyry magmatism in the Baogutu district, West Junggar, NW China: Constraints from Re‐Os and S isotopes in sulphide
Authors: An Fang , Zhu Yongfeng , Richards Jeremy P. , Creaser Robert A. , Chen Lin , Zheng Bo , Lehmann Bernd
Published: February 2020

Baogutu is a large gold deposit (4 Mt @ 5.5 g/t Au) in West Junggar, NW China. We conducted a Re‐Os geochronological study on seven pyrite samples from auriferous quartz‐pyrite veins, which yielded a Re‐Os isochron age of 312 ± 11 Ma (2σ). This age defines the timing of gold mineralization, and overlaps the emplacement age of diorite to granodiorite porphyry stocks (319–310 Ma) in the Baogutu district. The Os initial ratio of 0.46 ± 0.21 (2σ) suggests a mix of components from both mantle and continental crust in the ore‐forming system, which is similar to the proposed magma source of porphyry stocks. The δ34S values of sulphide minerals vary in a narrow range from +0.1 to −3.3‰, indicating that the sulphur is likely of igneous origin. Our data suggest that the Baogutu gold mineralization is probably genetically linked to the regional diorite to granodiorite magmatism. The new data provide important constraints for an evolving genetic model of the Baogutu gold deposit.
Total Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Zealactone 1a/b
Authors: Yoshimura Masahiko , Dieckmann Michael , Dakas Pierre‐Yves , Fonné‐Pfister Raymonde , Screpanti Claudio , Hermann Katrin , Rendine Stefano , Quinodoz Pierre , Horoz Beyza , Catak Saron , De Mesmaeker Alain
Published: February 2020

Strigolactones are plant hormones, which play pivotal roles in plant growth and development with potential application in sustainable agriculture. Recently, zealactone 1a/b has been identified as the major strigolactone from the root exudates of corn. Although zealactone is a promising molecule affecting signaling in the rhizosphere as well as in planta, evaluating its biological activities has been hampered by its low natural abundance and its relative chemical instability. Herein, we present the total synthesis of zealactone 1a/b based on our studies employing a [2+2]‐cycloaddition strategy and a chemoselective Baeyer‐Villiger oxidation to forge the γ‐butyrolactone fragment. Furthermore, we disclose the biological activities of zealactone 1a/b on corn and in soil in comparison with related synthetic analogues.
Entropy generation in MHD Williamson nanofluid over a convectively heated stretching plate with chemical reaction
Authors: Yusuf Tunde A. , Adesanya Samuel O. , Gbadeyan Jacob A.
Published: February 2020

This investigation focuses on the influence of thermal radiation on the magnetohydrodynamic flow of a Williamson nanofluid over a stretching sheet with chemical reaction. The phenomena at the stretching wall assume convective heat and mass exchange. The novelty of the present study is the thermodynamic analysis in the nonlinear convective flow of a Williamson nanofluid. The resulting set of the differential equations are solved by the homotopy analysis method. We explored the impacts of the emerging parameters on flow, heat, and mass characteristics, including the rate of entropy generation and the Bejan number through graphs, and extensive discussions are provided. The expressions for skin friction, Nusselt and the Sherwood numbers are also analyzed and explored through tables. It is concluded that the rate of mass transfer may be maximized with the variation of the Williamson and chemical reaction parameters. Moreover, the entropy generation rate and the Bejan number are augmented via increasing the Williamson parameter.
EFFECT OF DRIP IRRIGATION WITH BRACKISH WATER ON THE SOIL CHEMICAL PROPERTIES FOR A TYPICAL DESERT PLANT (HALOXYLON AMMODENDRON) IN THE MANAS RIVER BASIN
Authors: Yang Guang , Liu Saihua , Yan Ke , Tian Lijun , Li Pengfei , Li Xiaolong , He Xinlin
Published: February 2020

Drip irrigation with brackish water is crucial for the efficient use of scarce water resources and ecological restoration. A 2‐year study was conducted to examine the effects of drip irrigation with brackish water on soil physicochemical properties and on the desert plant Haloxylon ammodendron which is essential in maintaining the ecological balance in desert areas. Field experiments were conducted to examine the effects of brackish water irrigation with different salinities (1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 g l−1) on the salt migration, ion contents and chemical characteristics of the soil solution. For irrigation salinities between 1 and 6 g l−1, the soil water content increased with elevated salinity, whereas, under treatments with salinities of 9 and 12 g l−1, the soil water content showed a decreasing trend with elevated salinity. Brackish water irrigation could accumulate salt and the soil salt content in the 60–80 cm soil layer was the highest; With elevated irrigation salinity, the changes in SO42−, Cl−, K+ and Na+ ion contents in the soil increased significantly. The cations in the soil aqueous solution gradually changed from Ca2+ to Na+, the anions changed from SO42− to Cl− and the hydrochemical facies changed from SO42− − Ca2+·Mg2+ to SO42−·Cl− – Na+. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biological evaluation of zinc‐containing calcium alginate‐hydroxyapatite composite microspheres for bone regeneration
Authors: Cuozzo Renan C. , Sartoretto Suelen C. , Resende Rodrigo F. B. , Alves Adriana Terezinha N. N. , Mavropoulos Elena , Prado da Silva Marcelo H. , Calasans‐Maia Mônica D.
Published: February 2020

Zinc is an important element for bone structure and metabolism. Its interaction with hydroxyapatite has been investigated for the improvement of bone repair. The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo biological response to nanostructured calcium alginate‐hydroxyapatite (HA) and zinc‐containing HA (ZnHA). Cytocompatibility was evaluated by applying PrestoBlue reagent after exposing murine pre‐osteoblast cells to extracts of each biomaterial microspheres. After physical and chemical characterization, the biomaterial microspheres were implanted in a critical size calvaria defect (8 mm) in Wistar rats (n = 30) that were randomly divided into the HA and ZnHA groups. Tissue samples were evaluated through histological and histomorphometric analyses after 1, 3, and 6 months (n = 5). The results showed cellular viability for both groups compared to the negative control, and no differences in metabolic activity were observed. The HA group presented a significant reduction of biomaterial compared with the ZnHA group in all experimental periods; however, a considerable amount of new bone formation was observed surrounding the ZnHA spheres at the 6‐month time point compared with the HA group (p < .05). Both biomaterials were biocompatible, and the combination of zinc with hydroxyapatite was shown to improve bone repair.
How community therapists describe adapting evidence‐based practices in sessions for youth: Augmenting to improve fit and reach
Authors: Kim Joanna J. , Brookman‐Frazee Lauren , Barnett Miya L. , Tran Melanie , Kuckertz Mary , Yu Stephanie , Lau Anna S.
Published: February 2020

The study sought to (a) characterize the types and frequency of session‐level adaptations made to multiple evidence‐based practices (EBPs) and (b) identify therapist‐, client‐, and session‐level predictors of adaptations. Within the community implementation of multiple EBPs, 103 community mental health therapists reported on 731 therapy sessions for 280 clients. Therapists indicated whether they adapted EBPs in specific sessions and described adaptations in open‐ended responses. Responses were coded using the Augmenting and Reducing adaptations framework. Therapists reported making adaptations in 59% of sessions. Augmenting adaptations were reported more frequently than Reducing adaptations. Multilevel logistic regression analyses revealed that greater therapist openness to EBPs, younger child age, and presenting problems was associated with Augmenting adaptations. Child presenting problem of externalizing problems predicted fewer Reducing adaptations compared with internalizing problems. This study extends the growing research examining adaptations within the context of the system‐driven implementation of multiple EBPs by applying the Augmenting and Reducing adaptation framework to the session‐level.
Leadership Role Effectiveness as a Mediator of Team Performance in New Product Development Virtual Teams
Authors: Han Soo Jeoung , Kim Mirim , Beyerlein Michael , DeRosa Darleen
Published: February 2020

Despite the wide usage of globally dispersed virtual teams (VT), there has been relatively little research on how leadership affects team performance, particularly with new product development teams in a global VT setting. To test Quinn's (1988) Behavioral Complexity in Leadership Theory, a research model of VT leadership was developed and evaluated with confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling for a unique sample of 19 globally dispersed VTs and 25 nationally dispersed VTs in a variety of industries. Results showed that less geographically dispersed VT members have higher team performance only when leadership roles were performed effectively. In addition, leadership role effectiveness fully mediated the relationship between the number of team training sessions and team performance. Recommendations for academic researchers and practical implications were suggested.
Early phylogenetic estimate of the effective reproduction number of SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Lai Alessia , Bergna Annalisa , Acciarri Carla , Galli Massimo , Zehender Gianguglielmo
Published: February 2020

To reconstruct the evolutionary dynamics of the 2019 novel‐coronavirus recently causing an outbreak in Wuhan, China, 52 SARS‐CoV‐2 genomes available on 4 February 2020 at Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data were analyzed. The two models used to estimate the reproduction number (coalescent‐based exponential growth and a birth‐death skyline method) indicated an estimated mean evolutionary rate of 7.8 × 10−4 subs/site/year (range, 1.1 × 10−4‐15 × 10−4) and a mean tMRCA of the tree root of 73 days. The estimated R value was 2.6 (range, 2.1‐5.1), and increased from 0.8 to 2.4 in December 2019. The estimated mean doubling time of the epidemic was between 3.6 and 4.1 days. This study proves the usefulness of phylogeny in supporting the surveillance of emerging new infections even as the epidemic is growing.
Detection and identification of fungal growth on freeze‐dried Agaricus bisporus using spectra and olfactory sensors
Authors: Wang Liuqing , Hu Qiuhui , Pei Fei , Mugambi Mariga Alfred , Yang Wenjian
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

Fungal contamination in food products leads to mustiness, biochemical changes, and undesirable odors, which result in lower food quality and lower market value. To develop a rapid method for detecting fungi, hyperspectral imaging (HSI) was applied to identify five fungi inoculated on plates (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium chrysogenum, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Aspergillus ochraceus). Near‐infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, mid‐infrared (MIR) spectroscopy, and an electronic nose (E‐nose) were applied to detect and identify freeze‐dried Agaricus bisporus infected with the five fungi.

RESULTS

Partial least squares regression (PLSR) models were used to distinguish the HSI spectra of the five fungi on the plates. The A. ochraceus group had the highest calibration performance: coefficient of calibration (Rc2) = 0.786, root mean‐square error of calibration (RMSEC) = 0.125 log CFU g−1. The A. flavus group had the highest prediction performance: coefficient of prediction (Rp2) = 0.821, root mean‐square error of prediction (RMSEP) = 0.083 log CFU g−1. The ratio of performance deviation (RPD) values of all of the models was higher than 2.0 for the NIR, MIR, and E‐nose results for freeze‐dried A. bisporus infected with different fungi. The fungal species and degree of infection can be distinguished by principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) using NIR, MIR, and E‐nose, as the discrimination accuracy was more than 90%. The NIR methods had a higher recognition rate than the MIR and E‐nose methods.

CONCLUSION

Principal component analysis (PCA) and PLSR models based on full spectra of HSI can achieve good discrimination results for these five fungi on plates. Moreover, NIR, MIR, and the E‐nose were proven to be effective in monitoring fungal contamination on freeze‐dried A. bisporus. However, NIR could be a more accurate method. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Assessing gel properties of Amur sturgeon (Acipenser schrenckii) surimi prepared by high‐temperature setting (40 °C) for different durations
Authors: Gao Ruichang , Wijaya Ganesha YA , Yu Jiamei , Jin Wengang , Bai Fan , Wang Jinlin , Yuan Li
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

Setting effects are different for each fish species tested. There is no published literature on the response of Amur sturgeon (Acipenser schrenckii) to increased setting times. This study investigated the effects of high‐temperature setting (40 °C) for different durations on the gel properties of A. schrenckii surimi. As A. schrenckii is a new surimi material, it is also necessary to conduct a sensory evaluation and to report the surimi yields.

RESULTS

Increasing setting durations (0.5–1.5 h) significantly improved the gel properties. The best results in terms of molecular forces, gel strength, texture profile analysis (TPA), water holding capacity (WHC), and whiteness were obtained by the gels with setting durations of 1 and 1.5 h. The protein degradation detected as a result of extended setting durations (>2 h) significantly decreased the gel properties. The most inferior gel properties were shown by the gel with setting for 3 h. Protein degradation also resulted in higher cooking loss and poor microstructures. The sensory evaluation indicated that A. schrenckii surimi was generally accepted by the panelists in terms of color, texture, and aroma. The surimi yield obtained in this study was 32.4%, which was similar to commercial surimi and higher than several surimi yields in recent studies.

CONCLUSION

Setting durations from 0.5 to 1.5 h can be implemented to improve the properties of A. schrenckii surimi. Extended durations (>2 h) must be avoided. Overall, this work provided some necessary information about setting response, gel properties, sensory evaluation, and surimi yield in A. schrenckii, which will be useful for further studies. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
A Mouse Model of Dysphagia After Facial Nerve Injury
Authors: Welby Lauren , Ukatu Ceisha C. , Thombs Lori , Lever Teresa E.
Published: February 2020

Objective

Dysphagia is common following facial nerve injury; however, research is sparse regarding swallowing‐related outcomes and targeted treatments. Previous animal studies have used eye blink and vibrissae movement as measures of facial nerve impairment and recovery. The purpose of this study was to create a mouse model of facial nerve injury that results in dysphagia to enhance translational research outcomes.

Study design

Prospective animal study.

Methods

Twenty C57BL/6J mice underwent surgical transection of the main trunk (MT) (n = 10) or marginal mandibular branch (MMB) (n = 10) of the left facial nerve. Videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) assays for drinking and eating were performed at baseline and 14 days postsurgery to quantify several deglutition‐related outcome measures.

Results

VFSS analysis revealed that MT transection resulted in significantly slower lick and swallow rates during drinking (P ≤ .05) and significantly slower swallow rates and longer inter‐swallow intervals during eating (P ≤ .05), congruent with oral and pharyngeal dysphagia. After MMB transection, these same VFSS metrics were not statistically significant (P > .05).

Conclusion

The main finding of this study was that transection of the facial nerve MT leads to oral and pharyngeal stage dysphagia in mice; MMB transection does not. These results from mice provide novel insight into specific VFSS metrics that may be used to characterize dysphagia in humans following facial nerve injury. We are currently using this surgical mouse model to explore promising treatment modalities such as electrical stimulation to hasten recovery and improve outcomes following various iatrogenic and idiopathic conditions affecting the facial nerve.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 131:17–24, 2021
Influence of pH on corrosion behavior of carbon steel in simulated cooling water containing scale and corrosion inhibitors
Authors: Yao Jiahui , Ge Honghua , Zhang Yi , Wang Xiaojie , Xie Siyu , Sheng Kun , Meng Xinjing , Zhao Yuzeng
Published: February 2020

In this paper, the influence of pH on the corrosion behavior of AISI 1020 carbon steel in simulated cooling water was investigated by using electrochemical and surface analysis methods. The results of polarization showed that the corrosion resistance of carbon steel increased with an increase in pH of the simulated water, and the corrosion control process changed from cathodic polarization to anode polarization control. The scale and corrosion inhibitor 2‐phosphonobutane‐1,2,4‐tricarboxylic acid (PBTCA) had a certain anodic corrosion inhibition effect on carbon steel, whereas Zn2+ acted as a cathodic inhibitor for carbon steel in simulated water with pH 7–9. In simulated water containing both PBTCA and Zn2+, a good synergistic corrosion inhibition was found between PBTCA and Zn2+, and their corrosion inhibition effect on carbon steel was the best at pH 8. This was attributed to the formation of Zn(OH)2 precipitate film in the cathode region and the formation of Zn–PBTCA complex film in the anode region at this pH.
Newly developed acrylate injection resin gels for structural sealing and active corrosion protection of embedded steel reinforcement
Authors: Haufe Markus , Bakalli Mirdash , Sahin Haktan , Helm Christian , Achenbach Rebecca
Published: February 2020

The corrosion potential of waterproofing acrylate injection resins is relevant when these materials are used in reinforced concrete structures. Sika Technology AG has developed a new generation of acrylate resin gels for use as injection material to seal cracks, repair honeycombed areas, and fill voids in concrete structures. This new material shows promising results in electrochemical laboratory tests for the provision of corrosion protection to the embedded reinforcement. These electrochemical analyses have been carried out at Sika Technology AG and in the Institute for Building Research (ibac) at RWTH Aachen University. The results of this investigation and the corresponding conclusions for their use in building, construction, and refurbishment works are presented below.
Investigation on the effectiveness of the repair method 8.3 “Corrosion protection by increasing the electrical resistivity” in chloride‐containing concrete Part 2: Chloride redistribution in concrete after application of a system sealing surface protective coating
Authors: Celebi Ayhan , Breit Wolfgang
Published: February 2020

This DFG‐funded research project aimed to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms of the W‐Cl repair principle within the framework of fundamental investigations, to contribute to the creation of the necessary basis for a broader application of the repair principle in practice. The focus was on the development of a model to describe the chloride redistribution after the application of a system sealing surface protective coating. On the basis of Fick's second law of diffusion, a mathematical model with a self‐contained analytical solution was developed, with the help of which the chloride redistribution after application of a system sealing surface protective coating can be calculated under the idealized assumption of complete water saturation of the concrete. Furthermore, the influence of the dehydration of the concrete, expected as a result of the application of the repair principle W‐Cl, on the chloride redistribution was investigated. On the basis of laboratory tests and numerical simulations, material‐specific reduction functions were developed to quantify the relationship between the chloride diffusion coefficient and the ambient humidity.
miR‐155 increases stemness and decitabine resistance in triple‐negative breast cancer cells by inhibiting TSPAN5
Authors: Yang La‐Wei , Wu Xian‐Jin , Liang Yi , Ye Guang‐Qing , Che Yuchuan , Wu Xue‐Zhen , Zhu Xiao‐Jie , Fan Huo‐Liang , Fan Xiang‐Ping , Xu Jun‐Fa
Published: February 2020

Effective therapeutic targets for triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC), a special type of breast cancer (BC) with rapid metastasis and poor prognosis, are lacking, especially for patients with chemotherapy resistance. Decitabine (DCA) is a Food and Drug Administration‐approved DNA methyltransferase inhibitor that has been proven effective for the treatment of tumors. However, its antitumor effect in cancer cells is limited by multidrug resistance. Cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are thought to act as seeds during tumor formation, regulate tumorigenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance through complex signaling. Our previous study found that miR‐155 is upregulated in BC, but whether and how miR‐155 regulates DCA resistance is unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that miR‐155 was upregulated in CD24−CD44+ BC stem cells (BCSCs). In addition, the overexpression of miR‐155 increased the number of CD24−CD44+ CSCs, DCA resistance and tumor clone formation in MDA‐231 and BT‐549 BC cells, and knockdown of miR‐155 inhibited DCA resistance and stemness in BCSCs in vitro. Moreover, miR‐155 induced stemness and DCA resistance by inhibiting the direct target gene tetraspanin‐5 (TSPAN5). We further confirmed that overexpression of TSPAN5 abrogated the effect of miR‐155 in promoting stemness and DCA resistance in BC cells. Our data show that miR‐155 increases stemness and DCA resistance in BC cells by targeting TSPAN5. These data provide a therapeutic strategy and mechanistic basis for future possible clinical applications targeting the miR‐155/TSPAN5 signaling axis in the treatment of TNBC.
On fourth‐order boundary value problem with singular data
Authors: Drábek Pavel , Langerová Martina
Published: February 2020

We consider a simply supported beam with restoring and external forces given as a sum of a continuous function and a Dirac delta distribution. We present sufficient conditions on these data in order to guarantee a unique positive or negative solution, respectively.
Silicon solar cell–integrated stress and temperature sensors for photovoltaic modules
Authors: Beinert Andreas J. , Imm Mark , Benick Jan , Becker Felix , Seitz Sonja , Heinrich Martin , Paul Oliver , Glunz Stefan W. , Aktaa Jarir , Eitner Ulrich , Neuhaus Holger
Published: February 2020

We propose silicon solar cell–integrated stress and temperature sensors as a new approach for the stress and temperature measurement in photovoltaic (PV) modules. The solar cell–integrated sensors enable a direct and continuous in situ measurement of mechanical stress and temperature of solar cells within PV modules. In this work, we present a proof of concept for stress and temperature sensors on a silicon solar cell wafer. Both sensors were tested in a conventional PV module setup. For the stress sensor, a sensitivity of (−47.41 ± 0.14)%/GPa has been reached, and for the temperature sensor, a sensitivity of (3.557 ± 0.008) × 10−3 K−1 has been reached. These sensors can already be used in research for increased measurement accuracy of the temperature and the mechanical stress in PV modules because of the implementation at the precise location of the solar cells within a laminate stack, for process evaluation, in‐situ measurements in reliability tests, and the correlation with real exposure to climates.
Nucleocytoplasmic transport of intrinsically disordered proteins studied by high‐speed super‐resolution microscopy
Authors: Junod Samuel L. , Kelich Joseph M. , Ma Jiong , Yang Weidong
Published: February 2020

Both natively folded and intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) destined for the nucleus need to transport through the nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) in eukaryotic cells. NPCs allow for passive diffusion of small folded proteins while barricading large ones, unless they are facilitated by nuclear transport receptors. However, whether nucleocytoplasmic transport of IDPs would follow these rules remains unknown. By using a high‐speed super‐resolution fluorescence microscopy, we have measured transport kinetics and 3D spatial locations of transport routes through native NPCs for various IDPs. Our data revealed that the rules executed for folded proteins are not well followed by the IDPs. Instead, both large and small IDPs can passively diffuse through the NPCs. Furthermore, their diffusion efficiencies and routes are differentiated by their content ratio of charged (Ch) and hydrophobic (Hy) amino acids. A Ch/Hy‐ratio mechanism was finally suggested for nucleocytoplasmic transport of IDPs.
Analog‐based post‐processing of the ALADIN‐LAEF ensemble predictions in complex terrain
Authors: Odak Plenković Iris , Schicker Irene , Dabernig Markus , Horvath Kristian , Keresturi Endi
Published: February 2020

The main goal of this study is to assess the performance of the analog‐based post‐processing method applied to the Austrian ALADIN‐LAEF wind speed ensemble predictions through a set of sensitivity experiments. Evaluation of several analog‐based configurations using various meteorological variables as predictors is therefore conducted. The results of those experiments are compared to the ensemble model output statistics (EMOS) baseline model. The hypothesis further investigated is that using summarized measures, such as mean and standard deviation of an ensemble for several meteorological variables, is comparable to the analog post‐processing using all of the ensemble members. Results show that both analog‐based and EMOS experiments considerably improve the raw model forecast. Even though the improvement over raw model forecast is evident, large differences among nearby stations are noticed in the highly complex terrain. The processes at lower stations seem to be better represented by the raw model, which leads to a better input forecast to the post‐processing and a better overall result than for the mountain stations. The analog‐based method is overall comparable to or even outperforms the EMOS. Assessing the post‐processing performance for high wind speeds shows that the analog experiments can improve the raw forecast, exhibiting significantly higher skill than the EMOS. The difference among all analog experiments is less pronounced, especially the experiment using all of the raw model ensemble members and the one using summarized measures. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the usage of summarized ensemble measures is an optimal way to improve the forecast skill, compared to the other analog‐based experiments and the EMOS model. Therefore, it is suggested that it is not necessary to increase the computational costs by using the full input spectrum of a raw probabilistic model, that is, all ALADIN‐LAEF members as predictors, as the summarized metric suffices.