bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiographic diagnosis of Pneumoconioses by AIR Pneumo-trained physicians: Comparison with low-dose thin-slice computed tomography
Authors: Nogami Shoko , J-P Naw Awn , Nogami Munenobu , Matsui Tomomi , Ngatu Nlandu Roger , Tamura Taro , Kusaka Yukinori , Itoh Harumi , Suganuma Narufumi
Published: July 2020

Objectives

The Asian Intensive Reader of Pneumoconiosis (AIR Pneumo) is a training program designed to improve diagnostic skills for chest radiographies (CXRs) in accordance with the ILO/ICRP 2000. The purpose was to determine the prevalence of occupational environmental pulmonary disease findings in construction workers on thin-slice computed tomography (thin-slice CT), and to compare the diagnostic performance with CXR evaluated by AIR Pneumo-trained physicians.

Methods

Ninety-seven male construction workers underwent low-dose thin-slice CT and CXR on the same day. NIOSH B reader and a board-certified radiologist each interpreted the thin-slice CTs independently. The concordant findings on thin-slice CT were established as the reference standard and were statistically compared with CXRs. Four physicians interpreted CXRs independently according to the ILO/ICRP 2000.

Results

Of the 97 cases, nine showed irregular or linear opacities, and 44 had pleural plaques on thin-slice CT. Five, four, three, and two of nine cases with irregular opacity were detected by the four readers on CXRs, respectively. Sixteen, 14, 9, and 5 of the 44 cases with pleural plaques were detected by the four readers, respectively. Specificities for irregular opacities ranged from 94% to 100%, and those for pleural plaques were from 86% to 96%.

Conclusions

Thin-slice CT-detected irregular opacity was found in 9.3%, whereas pleural plaque was found in 45.4% among the construction workers. Chest radiography showed acceptable performance in classifying pneumoconiotic opacities according to ILO/ICRP 2000 by the AIR Pneumo and/or NIOSH-certified physicians.
Validation of the Japanese version of the CDC HRQOL-4 in workers
Authors: Chimed-Ochir Odgerel , Mine Yuko , Okawara Makoto , Ibayashi Koki , Miyake Fuyu , Fujino Yoshihisa
Published: July 2020

Background

We set out to investigate the reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the CDC core healthy day measures assessing health-related quality of life (CDC HRQOL-4) in Japanese workers.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted among 1360 Japanese workers of one Japanese company located in Kyushu. Cronbach’s alpha was calculated to evaluate the internal consistency of CDC HRQOL-4 items. The concurrent validity was tested by assessing whether the CDC HRQOL-4 items correlated well with the corresponding domains of the SF-8 and the overall WFun score. The construct validity was tested by assessing the ability of the CDC HRQOL-4 to discriminate groups with and without any current disease, pain, mental problem, and sleeping disorder.

Results

Cronbach’s alpha for three of the four CDC HRQOL-4 items was 0.80, which is greater than the minimal standard (0.70) recommended for internal consistency reliability. Correlation coefficients ranging from 0.25 to 0.67 were obtained between CDC HRQOL-4 items and the SF-8 domains and WFun score. Workers with any current disease, mental problem, pain or sleeping disorder reported higher numbers of unhealthy days, and a higher odd of poor health than those without such problems. Japanese version of the CDC HRQOL-4 shows a good concurrent validity with the SF-8 and the WFun tool and good construct validity among Japanese workers in the current study.

Conclusions

Japanese version of the CDC HRQOL-4 is a reliable and valid instrument that may be used to assess overall health and physically and mentally unhealthy days in Japanese workers.
Dosimetric comparison of TomoDirect, helical tomotherapy, and volumetric modulated arc therapy for postmastectomy treatment
Authors: Nobnop Wannapha , Phakoetsuk Panchalee , Chitapanarux Imjai , Tippanya Damrongsak , Khamchompoo Darat
Published: July 2020

Purpose

To compare dose to the targets and organs at risk (OARs) in different situations for postmastectomy patients who require radiation to the chest wall with or without regional nodal irradiation when using three treatment techniques.

Methods and materials

Thirty postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) patients previously treated by helical tomotherapy (HT) at our institution were identified for the study. The treatment targets were classified in three situations which consisted of, the chest wall (CW) only, the chest wall plus supraclavicular lymph nodes (CW + SPC), and the chest wall plus supraclavicular and whole axillary lymph nodes irradiation (CW + SPC+AXLN). The volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans and Tomodirect (TD) plans were created for each patient and compared with HT treatment plans which had been treated. The target coverage, dose homogeneity index (HI), conformity index (CI), and dose to OARs were analyzed. The quality scores were used to evaluate the appropriate technique for each situation from multiparameter results.

Results

The HT and VMAT plans showed the advantage of target coverage and OARs sparing for the chest wall with regional nodal irradiation with the higher plan quality scores when compared with TD plans. However, TD plans demonstrated superiority to contralateral breast sparing for the chest wall without regional nodal situation reaching the highest of planned quality scores. HT plans showed better HI, CI, and target coverage (P < 0.01) than TD and VMAT plans for all patient situations. Volumetric modulated arc therapy plans generated better contralateral breast and heart sparing at a lower dose than HT.

Conclusion

The arc‐based techniques, HT and VMAT plans, provided an advantage for complex targets in terms of target coverage and OARs sparing. However, the static beam TD plan was superior for contralateral organ sparing meanwhile achieving good target coverage for the chest wall without regional node situations.
Water Passivation of Perovskite Nanocrystals Enables Air‐Stable Intrinsically Stretchable Color‐Conversion Layers for Stretchable Displays
Authors: Zhou Huanyu , Park Jinwoo , Lee Yeongjun , Park Jae‐Man , Kim Jin‐Hoon , Kim Joo Sung , Lee Hyeon‐Dong , Jo Seung Hyeon , Cai Xue , Li Lizhu , Sheng Xing , Yun Hyung Joong , Park Jin‐Woo , Sun Jeong‐Yun , Lee Tae‐Woo
Published: July 2020

Conventional organic light‐emitting devices without an encapsulation layer are susceptible to degradation when exposed to air, so realization of air‐stable intrinsically‐stretchable display is a great challenge because the protection of the devices against penetration of moisture and oxygen is even more difficult under stretching. An air‐stable intrinsically‐stretchable display that is composed of an intrinsically‐stretchable electroluminescent device (SELD) integrated with a stretchable color‐conversion layer (SCCL) that contains perovskite nanocrystals (PeNCs) is proposed. PeNCs normally decay when exposed to air, but they become resistant to this decay when dispersed in a stretchable elastomer matrix; this change is a result of a compatibility between capping ligands and the elastomer matrix. Counterintuitively, the moisture can efficiently passivate surface defects of PeNCs, to yield significant increases in both photoluminescence intensity and lifetime. A display that can be stretched up to 180% is demonstrated; it is composed of an air‐stable SCCL that down‐converts the SELD’s blue emission and reemits it as green. The work elucidates the basis of moisture‐assisted surface passivation of PeNCs and provides a promising strategy to improve the quantum efficiency of PeNCs with the aid of moisture, which allows PeNCs to be applied for air‐stable stretchable displays.
Porous Materials Applied in Nonaqueous Li–O2 Batteries: Status and Perspectives
Authors: Wang Huanfeng , Wang Xiaoxue , Li Malin , Zheng Lijun , Guan Dehui , Huang Xiaolei , Xu Jijing , Yu Jihong
Published: July 2020

Porous materials possessing high surface area, large pore volume, tunable pore structure, superior tailorability, and dimensional effect have been widely applied as components of lithium–oxygen (Li–O2) batteries. Herein, the theoretical foundation of the porous materials applied in Li–O2 batteries is provided, based on the present understanding of the battery mechanism and the challenges and advantageous qualities of porous materials. Furthermore, recent progress in porous materials applied as the cathode, anode, separator, and electrolyte in Li–O2 batteries is summarized, together with corresponding approaches to address the critical issues that remain at present. Particular emphasis is placed on the importance of the correlation between the function‐orientated design of porous materials and key challenges of Li–O2 batteries in accelerating oxygen reduction reaction (ORR)/oxygen evolution reaction (OER) kinetics, improving the electrode stability, controlling lithium deposition, suppressing the shuttle effect of the dissolved redox mediators, and alleviating electrolyte decomposition. Finally, the rational design and innovative directions of porous materials are provided for their development and application in Li–O2 battery systems.
In Search of Chiral Molecular Superconductors: κ‐[(S,S)‐DM‐BEDT‐TTF]2ClO4 Revisited
Authors: Mroweh Nabil , Mézière Cécile , Pop Flavia , Auban‐Senzier Pascale , Alemany Pere , Canadell Enric , Avarvari Narcis
Published: July 2020

The relationship between chirality and superconductivity is an intriguing question. The two enantiomeric crystalline radical cation salts κ‐[(S,S)‐DM‐BEDT‐TTF]2ClO4 and κ‐[(R,R)‐DM‐BEDT‐TTF]2ClO4, showing κ‐type arrangement of the organic layers, are investigated in search for superconducting chiral molecular materials following a 1992 report indicating the occurrence of a superconducting transition in the former compound. While the initial interpretation is presently challenged through in‐depth temperature and pressure dependent single crystal resistivity measurements combined with band structure calculations, the two chiral conductors show metal like behavior with room temperature conductivities of 10–30 S cm−1 at ambient pressure and stabilization of the metallic state down to the lowest temperatures under moderate pressures. Moreover, their structural and theoretical investigations reveal an original feature, namely the existence of two different κ layers with 1D and 2D electronic dimensionality, respectively, as a consequence of an interlayer charge transfer. The resistivity drop observed for one sample below 1 K and insensitive to magnetic field, possibly results from mixing in‐plane and out‐of‐plane contributions to the measured resistance and suggests current induced charge order melting. This feature contradicts the occurrence of superconductivity in these chiral molecular conductors and leaves open the discovery of the first chiral molecular superconductors.
Direct Photolithographic Deposition of Color‐Coded Anti‐Counterfeit Patterns with Titania Encapsulated Upconverting Nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Xin , Ali Rana Faryad , Boyer John‐Christopher , Branda Neil R. , Gates Byron D.
Published: July 2020

Creating security labels as anti‐counterfeit measures can require multi‐step methods, clean room processing, and high‐cost equipment. Some labels also have a limited applicability due to the ease of creating a counterfeit. Herein, a photochemical metal‐organic deposition (PMOD) based approach that enables creation of high‐resolution luminescent patterns that retain nanoparticles in transparent metal oxide films is reported. This low‐cost, photoresist‐free process creates high‐resolution patterns of metal oxides without requiring processes such as etching or lift‐off. Upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) with tunable red/green or blue emission are prepared by doping Yb3+/Er3+ and Yb3+/Tm3+ into β‐NaYF4 hosts, respectively. Luminescent inks are prepared by suspending UCNPs in solutions with titanium di‐n‐butoxide bis(2‐ethylhexanoate). Customizable luminescent patterns are prepared by casting inks onto substrates, followed by exposure to ultraviolet light through photomasks. Photodecomposition of the titanium precursor yields amorphous oxide films encapsulating the UCNPs. Security labels are prepared by selectively patterning luminescent inks using PMOD. Distinct patterns of red‐green‐blue (RGB) luminescence are discernible only upon excitation with a near‐infrared (NIR) laser. These customizable, anti‐counterfeit labels exhibit the merits of low‐cost, high‐throughput, and simple manufacturing techniques. Yet, the versatility of customizing their emissive properties suggests a practical application as an anti‐counterfeiting measure.
Recent Advances in Photoactuators and Their Applications in Intelligent Bionic Movements
Authors: Li Jingjing , Zhou Xiang , Liu Zunfeng
Published: July 2020

Photoactuators that can produce a reversible mechanical deformation under light stimuli have attracted tremendous interest in the recent years owing to the advantages of abundant availability of resources, remote and accurate control, and applicability in soft robots, sensors and biomimetic devices. In this study, the recent advances in photoactuators related to actuation mechanisms (photothermal and photochemical), fabricaton from different configurations and types of materials, and their potential applications in bionic movements are reviewed. The opportunities and challenges in this field are also discussed, such as fabricating actuators with robust mechanical properties and superior actuating performance, seeking effective actuation mechanisms, and widening the range of applications. This review provides an insight into designing high‐performance, multi‐functional photoactuators and serves as a motivation for their development in future.
Surface Ligand Engineering for CsPbBr3 Quantum Dots Aiming at Aggregation Suppression and Amplified Spontaneous Emission Improvement
Authors: Xiong Qian , Huang Sihao , Du Juan , Tang Xiaosheng , Zeng Fanju , Liu Zhengzheng , Zhang Zeyu , Shi Tongchao , Yang Jie , Wu Daofu , Lin Hao , Luo Zhongtao , Leng Yuxin
Published: July 2020

In recent years, it has been reported that using ligands modification to passivate the surface is one reasonable approach to improve the optical properties and stability of perovskite quantum dots (QDs). However, a simple and effective way to diminish the aggregation phenomenon of perovskite QDs is still challenging. Herein, a ligand‐engineering strategy is adopted to fabricate CsPbBr3 QDs by applying a shorter capping ligand octylamine (OLA) to replace the commonly used long ligand oleylamine (OAm). After the ligand modification, the photoluminescence quantum yield of CsPbBr3 QDs is enhanced from 62.4% to 91.3%. No aggregation or degradation phenomenon can be observed in solution even after being exposed to the air for 100 days. Moreover, the OLA‐CsPbBr3 QDs film can keep 96.8% of initial photoluminescence intensity even when stored under ambient condition for 5 weeks. Furthermore, the stimulated emission performance is investigated in terms of amplified spontaneous emission (ASE), and the ASE threshold of OLA‐CsPbBr3 QDs is only 24% of the OAm‐CsPbBr3 QDs threshold, and the ASE photostability is also enhanced. All the results suggest that the OLA ligand modification is an available strategy to improve the properties of CsPbBr3 QDs and to shed light on the potential practical applications for photoelectric devices.
From Adsorption to Covalent Bonding: Apolipoprotein E Functionalization of Polymeric Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery Across the Blood–Brain Barrier
Authors: Hartl Natascha , Adams Friederike , Merkel Olivia M.
Published: July 2020

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is composed of brain endothelial cells, pericytes, and astrocytes, which build a tight cellular barrier. Therapeutic (macro)molecules are not able to transit through the BBB in their free form. This limitation is bypassed by apolipoprotein E (ApoE)‐functionalized polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) that are able to transport drugs (e.g., dalargin, loperamide, doxorubicin, and nerve growth factor) across the BBB via low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor‐mediated transcytosis. Coating with polysorbate 80 or poloxamer 188 facilitates ApoE adsorption onto polymeric NPs enabling recognition by LDL receptors of brain endothelial cells. This effect is even enhanced when NPs are directly coated with ApoE without surfactant anchor. Similarly, covalent coupling of ApoE to NPs that bear reactive groups on their surface leads to significantly improved brain uptake while avoiding the use of surfactants. In this Progress Report several in vitro BBB models using brain endothelial cells or cocultures with astrocytes/pericytes/glioma cells are described, which provide insights regarding the ability of a drug delivery system to cross this barrier. In vivo models are described which simulate central nervous system‐relevant diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease and cerebral cancer.
Functional Ultrasound Speckle Decorrelation‐Based Velocimetry of the Brain
Authors: Tang Jianbo , Postnov Dmitry D. , Kilic Kivilcim , Erdener Sefik Evren , Lee Blaire , Giblin John T. , Szabo Thomas L. , Boas David A.
Published: July 2020

A high‐speed, contrast‐free, quantitative ultrasound velocimetry (vUS) for blood flow velocity imaging throughout the rodent brain is developed based on the normalized first‐order temporal autocorrelation function of the ultrasound field signal. vUS is able to quantify blood flow velocity in both transverse and axial directions, and is validated with numerical simulation, phantom experiments, and in vivo measurements. The functional imaging ability of vUS is demonstrated by monitoring the blood flow velocity changes during whisker stimulation in awake mice. Compared to existing Power‐Doppler‐ and Color‐Doppler‐based functional ultrasound imaging techniques, vUS shows quantitative accuracy in estimating both axial and transverse flow speeds and resistance to acoustic attenuation and high‐frequency noise.
An Optimized Fibril Network Morphology Enables High‐Efficiency and Ambient‐Stable Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Song Jiali , Ye Linglong , Li Chao , Xu Jinqiu , Chandrabose Sreelakshmi , Weng Kangkang , Cai Yunhao , Xie Yuanpeng , O'Reilly Padraic , Chen Kai , Zhou Jiajia , Zhou Yi , Hodgkiss Justin M. , Liu Feng , Sun Yanming
Published: July 2020

Morphological stability is crucially important for the long‐term stability of polymer solar cells (PSCs). Many high‐efficiency PSCs suffer from metastable morphology, resulting in severe device degradation. Here, a series of copolymers is developed by manipulating the content of chlorinated benzodithiophene‐4,8‐dione (T1‐Cl) via a random copolymerization approach. It is found that all the copolymers can self‐assemble into a fibril nanostructure in films. By altering the T1‐Cl content, the polymer crystallinity and fibril width can be effectively controlled. When blended with several nonfullerene acceptors, such as TTPTT‐4F, O‐INIC3, EH‐INIC3, and Y6, the optimized fibril interpenetrating morphology can not only favor charge transport, but also inhibit the unfavorable molecular diffusion and aggregation in active layers, leading to excellent morphological stability. The work demonstrates the importance of optimization of fibril network morphology in realizing high‐efficiency and ambient‐stable PSCs, and also provides new insights into the effect of chemical structure on the fibril network morphology and photovoltaic performance of PSCs.
Enhanced Rate Capability of Ion‐Accessible Ti3C2Tx‐NbN Hybrid Electrodes
Authors: Wang Hao , Li Jianmin , Kuai Xiaoxiao , Bu Liangmin , Gao Lijun , Xiao Xu , Gogotsi Yury
Published: July 2020

Although 2D Ti3C2Tx is a good candidate for supercapacitors, the restacking of nanosheets hinders the ion transport significantly at high scan rates, especially under practical mass loading (>10 mg cm−2) and thickness (tens of microns). Here, Ti3C2Tx‐NbN hybrid film is designed by self‐assembling Ti3C2Tx with 2D arrays of NbN nanocrystals. Working as an interlayer spacer of Ti3C2Tx, NbN facilitates the ion penetration through its 2D porous structure; even at extremely high scan rates. The hybrid film shows a thickness‐independent rate performance (almost the same rate capabilities from 2 to 20 000 mV s−1) for 3 and 50 µm thick electrodes. Even a 109 µm thick Ti3C2Tx‐NbN electrode shows a better rate performance than 25 µm thick pure Ti3C2Tx electrodes. This method may pave a way to controlling ion transport in electrodes composed of 2D conductive materials, which have potential applications in high‐rate energy storage and beyond.
Digital Twin‐Driven All‐Solid‐State Battery: Unraveling the Physical and Electrochemical Behaviors
Authors: Park Joonam , Kim Kyu Tae , Oh Dae Yang , Jin Dahee , Kim Dohwan , Jung Yoon Seok , Lee Yong Min
Published: July 2020

The digital twin technique has been broadly utilized to efficiently and effectively predict the performance and problems associated with real objects via a virtual replica. However, the digitalization of twin electrochemical systems has not been achieved thus far, owing to the large amount of required calculations of numerous and complex differential equations in multiple dimensions. Nevertheless, with the help of continuous progress in hardware and software technologies, the fabrication of a digital twin‐driven electrochemical system and its effective utilization have become a possibility. Herein, a digital twin‐driven all‐solid‐state battery with a solid sulfide electrolyte is built based on a voxel‐based microstructure. Its validity is verified using experimental data, such as effective electronic/ionic conductivities and electrochemical performance, for LiNi0.70Co0.15Mn0.15O2 composite electrodes employing Li6PS5Cl. The fundamental performance of the all‐solid‐state battery is scrutinized by analyzing simulated physical and electrochemical behaviors in terms of mass transport and interfacial electrochemical reaction kinetics. The digital twin model herein reveals valuable but experimentally inaccessible time‐ and space‐resolved information including dead particles, specific contact area, and charge distribution in the 3D domain. Thus, this new computational model is bound to rapidly improve the all‐solid‐state battery technology by saving the research resources and providing valuable insights.
Toward All Slot‐Die Fabricated High Efficiency Large Area Perovskite Solar Cell Using Rapid Near Infrared Heating in Ambient Air
Authors: Huang Shih‐Han , Guan Cheng‐Kang , Lee Pei‐Huan , Huang Hung‐Che , Li Chia‐Feng , Huang Yu‐Ching , Su Wei‐Fang
Published: July 2020

Currently, high‐efficiency perovskite solar cells are mainly fabricated by the spin‐coating process, which limits the possibility of commercial mass‐production of perovskite solar cells. In this work, the slot‐die coating process is combined with near‐infrared irradiation heating to quickly manufacture perovskite solar cells in air. The composition of the perovskite precursor solution is tuned by adding n‐butanol, with its low boiling point and low surface tension, to increase the near‐infrared energy absorption, facilitate the evaporation of the solvent system and film formation, and accelerate the crystallization of perovskite. High‐quality uniform perovskite film can be prepared within 18 s. Moreover, the all slot‐die coating process is demonstrated to prepare over an area of 12 cm × 12 cm, four layers of uniform film overlay on top of each other for the devices except electrode in ambient air. A power conversion efficiency of ≈11% is achieved when this all slot‐die coated film is used to fabricate device. This facile process can greatly reduce the cost, time and bypass post‐annealing to fabricate high‐efficiency large‐area perovskite solar cells in ambient air.
Alkali Etching of Layered Double Hydroxide Nanosheets for Enhanced Photocatalytic N2 Reduction to NH3
Authors: Zhao Yunxuan , Zheng Lirong , Shi Run , Zhang Shuai , Bian Xuanang , Wu Fan , Cao Xingzhong , Waterhouse Geoffrey I. N. , Zhang Tierui
Published: July 2020

Layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanosheets show good activity in a wide range of photoreactions, with this activity being generally attributable to an abundance of surface oxygen vacancies or coordinatively unsaturated metal cations in the nanosheets which serve as active sites for reactant adsorption and activation. Recently, LDH nanosheets have been shown to be very effective for photocatalytic N2 reduction to NH3 using water as the reducing agent. Herein, it is demonstrated that a simple pretreatment of ZnCr‐LDH, ZnAl‐LDH, and NiAl‐LDH nanosheets with aqueous NaOH can greatly enhance the concentration of oxygen vacancies and low coordination metal centers in the nanosheets, thus significantly enhancing their photocatalytic activity for N2 reduction to NH3 under UV–vis irradiation (without the need for added sacrificial agents or cocatalysts). The facile alkali etching strategy introduced here is expected to be widely adopted in the future development of high‐performance LDH photocatalysts for ammonia production and other challenging chemical transformations (e.g., CO2 reduction and water splitting).
Simulating winter rye cover crop production under alternative management in a corn‐soybean rotation
Authors: Chatterjee Nilovna , Archontoulis Sotirios V. , Bastidas Angela , Proctor Christopher A , Elmore Roger W. , Basche Andrea D.
Published: July 2020

The Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM) was used to evaluate two alternative approaches for extending the cover crop growing window into corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max L.) crop rotations in Nebraska, USA. We evaluated how: (i) shifting corn planting dates (mid‐April to early‐June) and (ii) altering comparative relative maturity (CRM) corn hybrids (80 to 115 days) influence cover crop biomass and corn yields over a 30‐year period. The APSIM model was tested using experimental data and was then used to simulate a range of cover crop planting and termination scenarios. Our results showed no significant yield differences within the same corn relative maturity when planted on April 20 and May 13 but that yield declined when planted in June. During a six week fall cover crop planting window (September 15–October 31), every day before October 31 that the cover crop was planted resulted in additional 62 kg ha−1 of biomass. We also simulated a one month spring termination window (April 1–April 30) and, every day delay in cover crop termination resulted in per day additional 35 kg ha−1 of biomass. Cover crop biomass accrual was highly dependent on weather, where for identical fall planting dates, a warm wet season accrued approximately four times more biomass than a cool dry season. Although we found significant yield differences between early, medium and late season CRMs, earlier fall cover crop planting associated with either earlier spring corn planting or planting an early to medium season variety leads to ten‐fold greater cover biomass. Delayed corn planting by mid‐May had no yield penalty relative to April planting, and could facilitate four‐fold greater cover crop biomass (cover crop terminated April 30 instead of April 1). Our results demonstrate that earlier cover crop planting in fall or later cover crop termination in spring can result in significantly more biomass which can be balanced with yield goals.
Piecewise linear model predictive control of a rapid pressure swing adsorption system
Authors: Urich Matthew , Rama Rao Vemula , Kothare Mayuresh V.
Published: July 2020

Rapid pressure swing adsorption (RPSA) is a gas separation technology used in the small‐scale oxygen concentrator devices. These devices are commonly used to produce high purity (~90%) oxygen from air for oxygen rehabilitation therapy, but can also produce a much wider range of oxygen purities for other applications. RPSA is a complex, cyclic, nonlinear switched logic process resulting from the coupling of gas adsorption, heat transfer, flow reversal effects, and process logic switches. For RPSA devices to operate satisfactorily, feedback control is critical but challenging due to their inherent complexity. In this article, we present a piecewise linear model predictive control framework for operation and control of a single‐bed RPSA system. A set of coupled, nonlinear partial differential equations with flow switching conditions is used as a plant model for the RPSA process. Subspace system identification with pseudo‐random binary sequence signals applied to this plant model at multiple operating points is used to generate a family of piecewise linear models for use in the model predictive controller algorithm. Detailed descriptions of the RPSA plant model, the multiple linear model identification procedure, the controller formulation and model switching logic are presented. The closed‐loop system is evaluated in simulation using several realistic set point tracking and disturbance rejection cases.
Statistical analysis of anti‐mamushi venom serum injection time and clinical course
Authors: Okamoto Osamu , Sato Takaoki , Todoroki Asako , Suzuki Rui , Munemoto Sekinori , Nakashima Ryuta , Inagaki Nobuhiro , Shiota Seiji , Hashimoto Hiroyuki
Published: July 2020

Aim

Early injection of anti‐mamushi venom serum (antiserum) is believed to be effective for the treatment of patients with mamushi bites. However, there is no firm information that indicates the time range constituting “early” injection. We tried to quantify the cut‐off time of antiserum injection that brings favorable clinical courses by clarifying the relationship between the injection time and clinical outcome.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the relationships between the time after bite, injection time of the antiserum, swelling grades, and laboratory values.

Results

The injection time of the antiserum in severe cases was significantly delayed as compared with non‐severe cases. The best cut‐off time of the antiserum injection that could distinguish non‐severe and severe cases was 14 h. In the group that received the antiserum within 14 h, the antiserum injection may have successfully arrested the grade progression in a substantial number of cases. In the other group receiving the antiserum beyond 14 h, the grades in many cases possibly may have peaked by the time of antiserum injection.

Conclusion

The cut‐off time of early injection for favorable clinical course was determined to be 14 h. A statistical basis concerning the appropriate antiserum injection time was made to help prevent a severe clinical course due to delayed injection.
Negative Pressure Pyrolysis Induced Highly Accessible Single Sites Dispersed on 3D Graphene Frameworks for Enhanced Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Zhou Huang , Yang Tong , Kou Zongkui , Shen Lei , Zhao Yafei , Wang Zhiyuan , Wang Xiaoqian , Yang Zhenkun , Du Junyi , Xu Jie , Chen Min , Tian Lin , Guo Wenxin , Wang Qiuping , Lv Hongwei , Chen Wenxing , Hong Xun , Luo Jun , He Daping , Wu Yuen
Published: July 2020

Herein, we report a negative pressure pyrolysis to access dense single metal sites (Co, Fe, Ni etc.) with high accessibility dispersed on three‐dimensional (3D) graphene frameworks (GFs), during which the differential pressure between inside and outside of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) promotes the cleavage of the derived carbon layers and gradual expansion of mesopores. In situ transmission electron microscopy and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller tests reveal that the formed 3D GFs possess an enhanced mesoporosity and external surface area, which greatly favor the mass transport and utilization of metal sites. This contributes to an excellent oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity (half‐wave potential of 0.901 V vs. RHE). Theoretical calculations verify that selective carbon cleavage near Co centers can efficiently lower the overall ORR theoretical overpotential in comparison with intact atomic configuration.
Novel one‐dimensional polymeric Cu(II) complexes via Cu(II)‐assisted hydrolysis of the 2,4‐bis(3,5‐dimethyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)‐6‐methoxy‐1,3,5‐triazine pincer ligand: Synthesis, structure, and antimicrobial activities
Authors: Soliman Saied M. , El‐Faham Ayman , El Silk Sobhy E.
Published: July 2020

Two unexpected one‐dimensional coordination polymers, [Cu(PT)(H2O)Cl]n1and [Cu2(BPT)(ClO4)3(H2O)4]n·2nH2O2, of symmetrical triazine‐based ligands were synthesized by Cu(II)‐mediated hydrolysis of the 2,4‐bis(3,5‐dimethyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)‐6‐methoxy‐1,3,5‐triazine (MBPT) pincer ligand. The reaction of Cu(ClO4)2·6H2O withMBPTproceeded via hydrolysis of the methoxy group to produce the dicompartmental 4,6‐bis(3,5‐dimethyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)‐1,3,5‐triazin‐2(1H)‐one ligand (HBPT) that then undergoesin situcomplexation with Cu(II) to afford2. In case of CuCl2, the reaction proceeds further with C–N cleavage of one pyrazolyl unit leading to the formation of 6‐(3,5‐dimethyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)‐1,3,5‐triazine‐2,4(1H,3H)‐dione ligand (HPT) that also undergoesin situcomplexation with Cu(II) affording1. The role of Cu(II) is to increase the Lewis acid reactivity of the water molecule where similar hydrolytic reactions forMBPTwere observed in acidic medium in presence of an aqueous HCl (1:1 v/v) solution. The molecular and supramolecular structures of complexes1and2were investigated using X‐ray diffraction of single crystal, Hirshfeld analysis, and density functional theory calculations. The Cl…H (11.7%) and O…H (24.7%) contacts are the most important in1, whereas the molecular packing of2is controlled mainly by the O…H (58.7%) hydrogen bonds. Complex2showed better activity againstEscherichiacoli,Bacillussubtilis,andCandida albicanscompared with the standard antibiotics amoxicillin, tetracycline, and ampicillin. In general, complexes1and2showed good antimicrobial activity than these antibiotics and have the advantage to be used as both antibacterial and antifungal agents.
Patients' Perceptions After Robot‐Assisted Surgery: An Integrative Review
Authors: Moloney Rita , O’Brien Brid , Coffey J. Calvin , Coffey Alice , Murphy Fiona
Published: July 2020

Surgical techniques have greatly changed and advanced with the advent of robot‐assisted surgery (RAS). Patient outcome measures for RAS generally focus on patient morbidity and mortality, surgical complications, and hospital length of stay; there is limited research on patients’ perceptions of RAS. Researchers conducted an integrative literature review of published research on patient experience and satisfaction after undergoing RAS. They searched nine databases and screened 1,263 articles for eligibility, six of which were critically appraised and synthesized into two main themes: patient satisfaction with RAS and the effect of information sharing on patient satisfaction. There was a dearth of qualitative studies exploring patients’ perceptions after RAS and it was difficult to determine whether patient satisfaction was specifically related to the procedure modality (ie, robotic) or was influenced by other factors (eg, clinical outcomes). Clear differences between patient experience and satisfaction after undergoing RAS versus nonrobotic surgery are not apparent.
Efficacy of Cleaning Methods for Ophthalmic Microscopic Instruments: A Comparison Study
Authors: Zhou Wenzhe , Ye Cong , Huang Xiaoqiong , Zhang Peihua , Zheng Senguo , Qin Lei , Chen Yanyan
Published: July 2020

The combination of silicone oil and blood is difficult to remove from ophthalmic surgical instruments during cleaning and decontamination processes. We sought to establish the most efficient cleaning procedure for this type of contaminated instrument. We uniformly contaminated microscopic instruments made of titanium alloy and stainless steel with either blood alone or blood and silicone oil. We randomly assigned each instrument to one of four types of cleaning procedures that involved combinations of water, a multi‐enzyme detergent, or an alkaline detergent. After completing the designated cleaning procedure, a sterile processing technician used an adenosine triphosphate cleaning verification test to evaluate the cleaning efficacy. When cleaning blood‐ and silicone oil–contaminated titanium‐alloy and stainless‐steel instruments, the alkaline detergent immersion followed by a multi‐enzyme detergent ultrasonic cleaning yielded the highest cleaning effectiveness score (92.5%), which indicates this was the most effective of the four cleaning procedures that we tested.
Preparation of hybrid poly(lactic acid)/flax composites by the insert overmolding process: Evaluation of mechanical performance and thermomechanical properties
Authors: Andrzejewski Jacek , Szostak Marek
Published: July 2020

This article presents research into the development of a new type of composite materials prepared with the use of the overmolding method. The overmolded insert for the tested samples was in the form of composite prepreg. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/flax laminate was prepared by the compression molding technique from the commingled fabric. Two types of materials were used during the injection molding stage: pure PLA and PLA/harl composite prepared with 20 wt% of the flax harl particles. Harl straw is a waste byproduct of the flax fiber manufacturing process. All samples were subjected to a detailed analysis of their mechanical properties, dynamic thermomechanical analysis (DMTA), and structure observations. The reinforcing efficiency of the used prepreg overmolding procedure was found to be very high. In addition to the significant increase in sample modulus, the most favorable improvement relates to impact test results. Most of the conducted studies confirm that high adhesion occurs between the composite insert and the injection‐molded material, which confirms the effectiveness of the used methodology.
Intermolecular interaction of thermoresponsive poly‐2‐isopropyl‐2‐oxazoline in solutions and interpolymer complex with fiber‐forming polyethylene oxide
Authors: Amirova Alina , Rodchenko Serafim , Kurlykin Mikhail , Tenkovtsev Andrey , Krasnou Illia , Krumme Andres , Filippov Alexander
Published: July 2020

The cross‐linked poly‐2‐isopropyl‐2‐oxazolines (PiPrOx) differing in cross‐linker content have been synthesized and characterized by light scattering, chromatography, and rheometry. The dramatic influence of the cross‐linker content on solubility and uni‐ or bimodality was observed. For the first time, the interpolymer complex of cross‐linked PiPrOx with polyethylene oxide is manufactured in fibrous form by the electrospinning method. The role of intermolecular hydrogen bonds in the structure and properties of electrospun fibers (EF) was studied by infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy. It was established that these interactions allow to obtain a uniform fibrous membrane. At the same time, hydrogen bonding is responsible for the self‐organization of PiPrOx in water.
Probing simple structural modification of α‐mangostin on its cholinesterase inhibition and cytotoxicity
Authors: Khaw Kooi‐Yeong , Kumar Pravin , Yusof Siti Rafidah , Ramanathan Surash , Murugaiyah Vikneswaran
Published: July 2020

α‐Mangostin has been reported to possess a broad range of pharmacological effects including potent cholinesterase inhibition, but the development of α‐mangostin as a potential lead compound is impeded by its toxicity. The present study investigated the impact of simple structural modification of α‐mangostin on its cholinesterase inhibitory activities and toxicity toward neuroblastoma and liver cancer cells. The dialkylated derivatives retained good acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activities with IC50 values between 4.15 and 6.73 µM, but not butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activities, compared with α‐mangostin, a dual inhibitor (IC50: AChE, 2.48 µM; BChE, 5.87 µM). Dialkylation of α‐mangostin produced AChE selective inhibitors that formed hydrophobic interactions at the active site of AChE. Interestingly, all four dialkylated derivatives of α‐mangostin showed much lower cytotoxicity, being 6.4‐ to 9.0‐fold and 3.8‐ to 5.5‐fold less toxic than their parent compound on neuroblastoma and liver cancer cells, respectively. Likewise, their selectivity index was higher by 1.9‐ to 4.4‐fold; in particular, A2 and A4 showed improved selectivity index compared with α‐mangostin. Taken together, modification of the hydroxyl groups of α‐mangostin at positions C‐3 and C‐6 greatly influenced its BChE inhibitory and cytotoxic but not its AChE inhibitory activities. These dialkylated derivatives are viable candidates for further structural modification and refinement, worthy in the search of new AChE inhibitors with higher safety margins.
Leveraging the United States Epicenter to Provide Insights on COVID‐19 in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Fernandez‐Ruiz Ruth , Masson Mala , Kim Mimi Y. , Myers Benjamin , Haberman Rebecca H. , Castillo Rochelle , Scher Jose U. , Guttmann Allison , Carlucci Philip M. , Deonaraine Kristina K. , Golpanian Michael , Robins Kimberly , Chang Miao , Belmont H. Michael , Buyon Jill P. , Blazer Ashira D. , Saxena Amit , Izmirly Peter M. ,   the NYU WARCOV Investigators
Published: July 2020

Objective

To characterize patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) and to analyze associations of comorbidities and medications on infection outcomes.

Methods

Patients with SLE and reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction–confirmed COVID‐19 were identified through an established New York University lupus cohort, query of 2 hospital systems, and referrals from rheumatologists. Data were prospectively collected via a web‐based questionnaire and review of medical records. Data on baseline characteristics were obtained for all patients with COVID‐19 to analyze risk factors for hospitalization. Data were also collected on asymptomatic patients and those with COVID‐19–like symptoms who tested negative or were not tested. Statistical analyses were limited to confirmed COVID‐19–positive patients.

Results

A total of 226 SLE patients were included: 41 with confirmed COVID‐19, 19 who tested negative for COVID‐19, 42 with COVID‐19–like symptoms who did not get tested, and 124 who remained asymptomatic without testing. Of the SLE patients with confirmed COVID‐19, hospitalization was required in 24 (59%) and intensive care unit–level of care in 4, and 4 died. Hospitalized patients tended to be older, nonwhite, Hispanic, have higher body mas index (BMI), history of nephritis, and at least 1 comorbidity. An exploratory (due to limited sample size) logistic regression analysis identified race, presence of at least 1 comorbidity, and BMI as independent predictors of hospitalization.

Conclusion

In general, the variables predictive of hospitalization in our SLE patients were similar to those identified in the general population. Further studies are needed to understand additional risk factors for poor COVID‐19 outcomes in patients with SLE.
Educational Interventions to Improve Dental Anatomy Carving Ability of Dental Students: A Systematic Review
Authors: Conte Daniele B. , Zancanaro Milena , Guollo André , Schneider Luana R. , Lund Rafael G. , Rodrigues‐Junior Sinval A.
Published: July 2020

This systematic review aimed to identify the level of impact of educational strategies for teaching tooth carving on the carving ability of undergraduate dental students. The PubMed‐NCBI, Cochrane‐CENTRAL, LILACS, Ibecs, BBO, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched in May 2019, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and two‐arm non‐randomized studies of interventions (NRSI) addressing educational interventions toward the dental carving of undergraduate students. Studies from the year 2000 until the search date, written in English, Portuguese, and Spanish were included. Study screening and data extraction were performed in duplicate and blinded. The data were presented narratively, considering the dental carving ability of students the primary outcome. The risk of bias was assessed using the RoB tool 2.0 and ROBINS‐I, and the level of evidence was determined with GRADE. Of 3,574 studies, 6 were included, with 3 RCTs and 3 NRSIs. Very low level of evidence was provided from the NRSIs that flipped classroom (1 study; n = 140) and a student‐driven revised module (1 study; n = 264) improved the carving ability of students. Additionally, there was moderate evidence of online complementary material (1 RCT; n = 30) and reinforcement class improving the carving ability of students (1 RCT; n = 29). The replacement of traditional classes by an instructional DVD (1 RCT; n = 73) and assessment of carving projects through digital systems (1 NRSI; n = 79) did not enhance the carving ability of students. Study design, risk of bias, and imprecision downgraded the level of evidence. There was a very low to moderate evidence on the effectiveness of student‐driven educational approaches and complementary classes of dental anatomy in improving the dental carving ability of students.
Enzymatic transesterification of coconut oil by using immobilized lipase on biochar: An experimental and molecular docking study
Authors: Almeida Lays C. , Barbosa Milson S. , de Jesus Felipe A. , Santos Roberta M. , Fricks Alini T. , Freitas Lisiane S. , Pereira Matheus M. , Lima Álvaro S. , Soares Cleide M. F.
Published: July 2020

Guava seed biochar appears as a new alternative of the effective support to the immobilization of Burkholderia cepacia lipase (BCL) by physical adsorption. The objective of this work was to evaluate the potential of this immobilized biocatalyst in the transesterification reaction of crude coconut oil and ethanol and to understand the mechanism of the reaction through the study of molecular docking. The best loading of BCL was determined to be 0.15 genzyme/gsupport having a hydrolytic activity of 260 U/g and 54% immobilization yield. The products of transesterification reaction produced a maximum yield at 40 °C under different reaction conditions. The monoacylglycerols (MAGs) conversion of 59% was using substrate molar ratio oil:ethanol of 1:7 with the reaction time of 24 H. In addition, the highest ethyl esters yield (48%) had the molar ratio of 1:7 with the reaction time of 96 H and maximum conversion of diacylglycerols (DAGs) was 30% with the molar ratio of 1:6 with the reaction time of 24 H. Molecular Docking was applied to clarify the mechanisms of transesterification reaction at the molecular level. MAGs and DAGs are compounds with excellent emulsifying properties used in industrial production of several bioproducts such as cosmetic, pharmaceuticals, foods, and lubricants.
Frischbetonverbundsysteme – Neue Erkenntnisse aus Forschung und Praxis
Authors: Heinlein Ulli , Freimann Thomas , Bilgin Serdar , Filusch Sebastian , Meyer Lars , Herrmann Knut
Published: July 2020

Frischbetonverbundsysteme (FBVS) werden in Deutschland seit einigen Jahren als zusätzliche wasserseitige Abdichtungsebene auf wasserundurchlässigen Betonkonstruktionen eingesetzt. Sie sollen das Zuverlässigkeitsniveau der Bauwerksabdichtung erhöhen oder werden planmäßig als Abdichtung für Trennrisse eingesetzt. Dabei ist die Planung und Anwendung bisher weitgehend ungeregelt. FBVS werden weder als eigenständige hautförmige Abdichtung nach DIN 18533 [1] angesehen, noch werden sie in der DAfStb‐Richtlinie „Wasserundurchlässige Bauwerke aus Beton (WU‐Richtlinie)“ [2] erwähnt. Auch unterliegt die Prüfung der Produkte bisher keinen einheitlichen Grundsätzen. Im Rahmen des folgenden Beitrags werden die Eigenschaften von zehn FBVS‐Produkten beschrieben, die in einem Forschungsvorhaben bestimmt wurden. Die Bandbreite wesentlicher Produkt‐ und Verbundeigenschaften, wie der Schutz gegen Hinterläufigkeit, der Haftverbund oder die Dichtigkeit der Fügenähte, wurde dabei untersucht. Weiterhin werden bisherige Praxiserfahrungen mit FBVS und die Einordnung in die bestehenden Regelwerksstrukturen vorgestellt. Auch der Einfluss von FBVS auf das WU‐Feuchtetransportmodell und die Festbetoneigenschaften werden betrachtet. Abschließend werden Empfehlungen für die Praxis und Maßnahmen zur Qualitätssicherung formuliert.