bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Refractive Outcome of Posterior Optic Capture versus Intrabagal Implantation of Intraocular Lenses in Pediatric Cataract Surgery
Authors: Elshershaby Hend Mohammed , Allam Waleed Abdelhady , Elmaria Ahmed Fekry , Elseht Rabab Mohammed
Published: October 2020

Purpose: To compare refractive outcome of posterior Optic Capture versus In-the-bag Implantation of Intraocular Lenses in Pediatric Cataract Surgery.

Design: Prospective, randomized and comparative study.

Methods: Forty eyes of 25 children (12 males and 13 females) were included in this study with unilateral or bilateral cataracts in the pediatric age during the period between October 2018 to July 2019. These children were diagnosed to have congenital or developmental cataracts. All children underwent cataract surgery and IOL implantation. In our study, all children were divided into two groups: group (A) included 22 eyes that underwent posterior capsulorhexis and anterior vitrectomy with IOL implantation entirely in the capsular bag and group (B) included 18 eyes that underwent posterior capsulorhexis and posterior optic capture of the IOL. Patient demographics, surgical intervention, presenting symptoms, postoperative refraction and follow up of refractive changes for 6 months were recorded.

Results: Ten cases were unilateral and fifteen cases were bilateral. The mean age was 5.44 ±3.30 in group (A) while the mean age was 4.26±1.45 in group (B). At 1.5 month, the mean spherical error in group (A) was 2.85 ± 1.41 D  with range from 1 to 6.5D, and the mean spherical error in group (B) was 2.50 ± 1.70 D with range from -0.75 to 3.75 D with no statistically significant difference in both groups. The mean cylindrical error in group (A) was -0.96 ± 1.87 D with range from -3.5 to 2.25D and the mean cylindrical error in group (B) was -1.38 ± 1.79 D with range from -3 to 2D with no statistically significant difference in both groups. At 6 months, the mean spherical error in group (A) was 0.73 ±1.89 D  with range from -4.00 to 3.75D and the mean spherical error in group (B) was 0.00 ± 2.27 D with range from -3.50 to 2.7D with no statistically significant difference in both groups. The mean cylindrical error in group (A) was -1.21± 0.90 D with range from -2.75 to 1.25D and the mean cylindrical error in group (B) was -1.68 ±0.93 D with range from -3.00 to -0.75D with no statistically significant difference in both groups.

Conclusion: There was no statistically significant difference between in-the-bag intraocular lens implantation and intraocular lens posterior optic capture in the term of post-operative refraction.  Posterior optic capture helped in preventing posterior capsule opacification (PCO) postoperatively in all cases.
Cu‐Phosphorus Eutectic Solid Solution for Growth of Multilayer Graphene with Widely Tunable Doping
Authors: Yoo Min Seok , Lee Hyo Chan , Lee Seon Baek , Cho Kilwon
Published: October 2020

A one‐step chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is proposed to grow multilayer graphene (MLG) with tunable doping types using a copper–phosphorus eutectic system as a catalyst. At the growth temperature, the phosphorus‐dissolved copper forms a liquid phase, which promotes the formation of phosphorus‐doped MLG. With this method, the thickness and doping level of graphene are simultaneously controlled at the synthesis stage. Moreover, the proposed CVD method enables patterned growth of MLG at the microscale. The resultant phosphorus‐doped graphene demonstrates a tunable doping state from large n‐type doping to p‐type doping because of the high affinity of phosphorus to water molecules. Finally, stable n‐type doping of MLG by passivating it with a parylene thin film is demonstrated.
Anisotropic In Situ Strain‐Engineered Halide Perovskites for High Mechanical Flexibility
Authors: Kim Da Bin , Lee Jung Won , Cho Yong Soo
Published: October 2020

Even though halide perovskite materials have been increasingly investigated as flexible devices, mechanical properties under flexible environments have rarely been reported on. Herein, a nonconventional deposition technique that can generate extra compressive or tensile stress in representative inorganic CsPbBr3 and hybrid MAPbI3 (methylammonium lead iodide) halide perovskites is proposed for higher mechanical flexibility. As an impressive result of bending fracture evaluation, fracture energy is substantially improved by ≈260% for CsPbBr3 and ≈161% for MAPbI3 with the maximum compressive strain of −1.33%. Origin of the flexibility enhancements by the in situ strain is verified with structural simulation where the anisotropic lattice distortion, that is, contraction in the ab plane and elongation along the c‐axis, is evident with changes in atomic bond lengths and angles in the halide perovskites. Other mechanical properties such as hardness, film strength, and fracture toughness are also discussed with direct comparisons between the inorganic and hybrid halides. Beyond the successful adjustment of this in situ deposition technique, the strain‐dependent mechanical properties are expected to be extensively useful for designing halides‐based flexible devices.
Hybrid State Engineering of Phase‐Change Metasurface for All‐Optical Cryptography
Authors: Choi Chulsoo , Mun Sang‐Eun , Sung Jangwoon , Choi Kyunghee , Lee Seung‐Yeol , Lee Byoungho
Published: October 2020

Chalcogenide material Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) has bistable phases, the so‐called amorphous and crystalline phases that exhibit large refractive index contrast. It can be reversibly switched within a nanosecond time scale through applying thermal bias, especially optical or electrical pulse signals. Recently, GST has been exploited as an ingredient of all‐optical dynamic metasurfaces, thanks to its ultrafast and efficient switching functionality. However, most of these devices provide only two‐level switching functionality and this limitation hinders their application to diverse all‐optical systems. In this paper, the method to expand switching functionality of GST metasurfaces to three level through engineering thermo‐optically creatable hybrid state that is co‐existing state of amorphous and crystalline GST‐based meta‐atoms is proposed. Furthermore, the novel hologram technique is introduced for providing the visual information that is only recognizable in the hybrid state GST metasurface. Thanks to thermo‐optical complexity to make the hybrid state, the metasurface allows the realization of highly secured visual cryptography architecture without the complex optical setup. The phase‐change metasurface based on multi‐physical design has significant potential for applications such as all‐optical image encryption, security, and anti‐counterfeiting.
Programming Multiphase Media Superwetting States in the Oil–Water–Air System: Evolutions in Hydrophobic–Hydrophilic Surface Heterogeneous Chemistry
Authors: Sun Yihan , Guo Zhiguang
Published: October 2020

Studies toward tailoring macroscopic extreme wetting behaviors on a certain well‐defined surface in multiphase media are significant but still at an infant stage. Herein, superantiwetting evolutions in the oil–water–air system can be programmed from single to quadruple superrepellence by controlling the surface hydrophobic–hydrophilic heterogeneous chemistry. Ammonia vapor exposure makes the realization of challenging superhydrophilicity–superoleophobicity possible in air medium, causing the transition from quadruple to triple superantiwetting states in the oil–water–air system. Upon UV illumination, only single superrepellence–underwater superoleophobicity is maintained on titanium dioxide (TiO2, P25)‐based coatings. A reversible transition between underoil superhydrophilicity and superhydrophobicity via an alternating UV irradiation and heating process leads to a switching between “water‐absorbing” and “size‐sieving” effects in water‐in‐oil emulsion separation. A comparative study for investigating two such effects in emulsion separation is further investigated. The current conceptual insights not only extend superwetting states to multiphase media, but can also deepen the understanding of the relationship between macroscopic extreme wetting behaviors and surface chemistry.
Photoinduced Phase Segregation in Mixed Halide Perovskites: Thermodynamic and Kinetic Aspects of Cl–Br Segregation
Authors: Cho Junsang , Kamat Prashant V.
Published: October 2020

Suppression of halide ion mobility remains a key issue in defining the device performances and stability of perovskite solar cells. The halide ion migration is facilitated by the lattice‐distortion‐mediated halide vacancy and hence dictated by the polarizability (or rigidity) of the halide sublattice and framework. Photoinduced halide ion segregation and dark recovery of MAPb(Cl0.5Br0.5)3 films are now probed. The temperature dependence of the rate constants of segregation and dark remixing allow to determine the activation energy barriers (Ea) for photosegregation (38 kJ mol−1) and dark recovery (42 kJ mol−1). A comparison of the segregation activation energy (Ea) and excitation intensity threshold between MAPb(Cl0.5Br0.5)3 and MAPb(Br0.5I0.5)3 films reflects that the presence of Cl stabilizes mixed halide composition. The thermodynamic stabilization is attributed to the formation of more rigid [PbX6]4− frameworks with an increased barrier for halide ion migration. The thermodynamic rationale behind the intriguing halide ion mobility offers a fundamental insight into the role of Cl and design principle of perovskite solar cells with improved efficiency and long‐term stability.
Electrochemical Hydrogen Storage in Amine‐Activated Polydopamine
Authors: Coskun Halime , Aljabour Abdalaziz , Greunz Theresia , Kehrer Matthias , Stifter David , Stadler Philipp
Published: October 2020

Electrochemical hydrogen storage combines the evolution, oxidation, and storage of hydrides from aqueous electrolytes and ionic liquids, but presently requires palladium or rare‐earth metals to achieve significant power capacities. Here hydrogen electrosorption in amine‐activated polydopamine is shown. The organic heterogeneous amine‐hydride yields a gravimetric hydrogen density of 0.44%, corresponding to a 80% hydride‐per‐monomer content, and offers similar reaction kinetics as for palladium and related systems. An initial stability test of 100 electrosorption cycles that demonstrates resilience in acidic media with a tendency for increased capacity over time is included. In situ vibronic amine‐hydride fingerprints corroborate the reversibility and stability of the conversion process and highlight the merits of amine‐activated polydopamines as a heterogeneous organic hydrogen storage system.
Functional traits of leaves and photosynthetic stems of species from a sarcocaulescent scrub in the southern Baja California Peninsula
Authors: Ávila‐Lovera Eleinis , Garcillán Pedro P. , Silva‐Bejarano Christian , Santiago Louis S.
Published: October 2020

Premise

Photosynthetic stems represent a source of extra carbon in plants from hot and dry environments, but little is known about how leaves and photosynthetic stems differ in terms of photosynthetic capacity, trait coordination, and responses to seasonal drought in subtropical systems.

Methods

We studied photosynthetic, hydraulic, morphometric (specific leaf area [SLA], wood density [WD]), and biochemical (C and N isotopes) traits in leaves and photosynthetic stems of 12 plant species from a sarcocaulescent scrub in the southern Baja California Peninsula, Mexico, in wet and dry seasons.

Results

Leaves and stems had similar mean photosynthetic capacity, as evaluated by chlorophyll fluorescence traits, indicating similar investment in leaf and stem photosynthesis. We did not find a relationship between stem hydraulic conductivity and leaf or stem photosynthetic traits. However, we found resource allocation trade‐offs, between WD and both stem hydraulic conductivity and SLA. Leaf and stem photosynthetic traits did not change with season, but specific stem area was one of the few traits that changed the most between seasons—it increased during the dry season by as much as 154% indicating substantial water storage.

Conclusions

Our results indicate the same proportional investment in photosynthetic capacity and dry matter in both leaves and photosynthetic stems across all 12 species. We identified multiple strategies at this seasonal site, with species ranging from high WD, low SLA, low hydraulic conductivity, and high specific bark area on one end of the spectrum and opposite traits on the other end.
Electrochemical and Spectroelectrochemical Comparative Study of Macrocyclic Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescent Compounds: Molecular Charge Stability vs OLED EQE Roll‐Off
Authors: Nyga Aleksandra , Izumi Saika , Higginbotham Heather F. , Stachelek Patrycja , Pluczyk Sandra , de Silva Piotr , Minakata Satoshi , Takeda Youhei , Data Przemyslaw
Published: October 2020

In this work, we present how a small change in molecular structure can affect the electrochemical stability of organic compounds. A new electron donor‐acceptor‐donor‐acceptor (D‐A‐D‐A) macrocyclic π‐conjugated compound (tBuMC) comprising of dibenzophenazine as As and N,N’‐bis(t‐butylphenyl)‐p‐phenylenediamines as Ds has been synthesized. The photophysical investigation uncovered that tBuMC showed thermally activated delayed fluorescence and that the organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) fabricated with tBuMC as the emitter achieved high external quantum efficiency (EQEs) of ca. 10%. However, the OLED with tBuMC showed a slightly lower EQE than that of the OLED with MC (11.6%) and showed greater EQE roll‐off. Comparative studies on electrochemical properties of tBuMC, MC, and a linear analogue (Linear) revealed the introduction of t‐Bu groups in the D‐A‐D‐A scaffold causes a significant change in redox behavior. Full electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical studies gave clues to understand how the steric hindering group is affecting the charge distribution in the new molecules which results in a significant difference in the OLED roll‐off. The electrochemical investigations together with UV‐Vis‐NIR and EPR analyses supported by quantum chemical theoretical calculations were performed, which provided us insights on the effect of structural modification on the redox properties of the D‐A‐D‐A scaffold.
Consider campus culture, relationship building when reviewing use‐of‐force policies
Authors: Rahn Josh
Published: October 2020

Recent events like the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor have resulted in a reassessment of the limits of law enforcement power, especially in terms of the reasonable use of force. And campus law enforcement agencies are not exempt from these discussions. However, proactive strategies and a renewed focus on community‐oriented policing have helped many campus agencies stave off the most disruptive dynamics that are rippling through law enforcement today. While COVID‐19 has put some initiatives on pause (and reduced the on‐campus student population), careful consideration of the use of force by campus law enforcement is continuing.
The limits of training and the infinity of learning
Authors: Skipworth Stan
Published: October 2020

By nearly all accounts, the year 2020 will rest among the most challenging times at any point in history. Ranging from the COVID‐19 pandemic to natural disasters, a debilitated economy, and social justice atrocities, this indeed has been, and continues to be, a year unlike any other.
Diversity Analysis and Associated Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oil inPyrrosia petiolosa
Authors: Fan Ya , Xin Xiaowei , Liu Li , Feng Haiyang , Wang Ping , Zhang Yingying , Gao Demin
Published: October 2020

The continued development of folk medicine to potentially treat infectious diseases has resulted in an increase in natural sources of antimicrobial agents, particularly the use of plant essential oils containing volatile products from secondary metabolism. The objectives of this investigation were to (i) analyze the chemical components of essential oils using GC/MS and (ii) to examine theirin vitroantimicrobial activities against four strains of bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus,Bacillus subtilis,Escherichia coliandShigella flexneri) and one fungus (Candida albicans) by determining minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) in liquid and solid media, respectively, from differentPyrrosia petiolosalocations. Eighty‐eight evaporable compounds were confirmed in their essential oils; the major components in the oils were 2,4‐pentadienal (12.5 %), phytol (10.5 %) and nonanal (8.6 %). Based on hierarchical cluster analysis,Pyrrosiasamples were categorized into four groups, indicating significant essential oil diversity from differentPyrrosialocations. Results also indicated that essential oils had a broad spectrum of antibacterial activities, particularly againstShigella flexneriandStaphylococcus aureuswith MICs of 5 μL/mL. Results from this investigation are the first to record the chemical component and antimicrobial potential of essential oils from differentP. Petiolosalocations.
A novel fiber‐optic based 0.014″ pressure wire: Designs of the OptoWire™, development phases, and the O2 first‐in‐man results
Authors: Ulacia Paola , Rimac Goran , Lalancette Sébastien , Belleville Claude , Mongrain Rosaire , Plante Sylvain , Rusza Zoltan , Matsuo Hitoshi , Bertrand Olivier F.
Published: October 2020

Objectives

To review the technical limitations of available pressure‐wires, present the design evolution of a nitinol fiber‐optic pressure wire and to summarize the First‐in‐Man (FIM) O2 pilot study results.

Background

Despite increasing use of physiology assessment of coronary lesions, several technical limitations persist. We present technical details, design evolution and early clinical results with a novel 0.014” nitinol fiber‐optic based pressure‐wire.

Methods and Results

The 0.014’ OptoWire™ (Opsens Medical, Quebec, Canada) was designed to combine improved handling properties compared to standard pressure‐wires and to offer extremely reliable pressure recording and transmission due to fiber‐optic properties compared to piezo‐electric sensors and electrical wires. In vitro assessment showed that OptoWire™ steerability, pushability and torquability properties were closer to regular PCI wires than standard electrical pressure wires. In the First‐in‐Man O2 study, 60 patients were recruited at 2 centers in Canada. A total of 103 lesions were assessed with the OptoWire™ and OptoMonitor™, 75 lesions at baseline and 28 lesions post‐PCI (without disconnection). In all crossed lesions (n = 100, 97%), mean Pd/Pa and FFR could be adequately measured. In 11 cases assessed successively with OptoWire™ and Aegis™ (Abbott Vascular, USA) bland‐Altman analysis showed a mean difference of 0.002 ± 0.052 mmHg (p = .91) for Pd/Pa and 0.01 ± 0.06 for FFR calculation (p = .45). There was no device‐related complication. Upon these initial results, several design changes aimed to improve overall performance including torquability, stiffness, resistance to kink and pressure drift were completed.

Conclusion

The novel 0.014” fiber‐optic OptoWire™ provides superior wire handling with reduced risk of pressure drift allowing reliable pre‐ and post‐PCI physiology assessment.
Self‐assembly of Soluble Nanoarchitecture using Hybrids of Diblock Copolypeptide Amphiphiles with Copper Rubeanate Hydrates in Water and Their Electrooxidation Reaction
Authors: Tanimura Yuya , Sakuragi Mina , Deming Timothy J. , Kuroiwa Keita
Published: October 2020

A simple approach for producing supramolecular nanohybrids was developed allowing preparation of soluble hybrid two‐dimensional nanosheets in water through spontaneous organization of two‐dimensional Cu(II) rubeanate hydrate (which by itself does not dissolve in water or common organic solvents) and cationic diblock copolypeptide amphiphiles. These components self‐assembled into nanosheets with thicknesses of about several nm and widths on the order of several micrometers. Notably, the nanostructures were dependent on polypeptides containing leucine, suggesting that both cationic and hydrophobic polypeptide components are involved in generating the two‐dimensional (2D) nanosheet structures. The supramolecular hybrids exhibited excellent stability, and made it possible to control spectroscopic properties including ligand‐to‐metal‐charge‐transfer (LMCT), d‐d transition, electrochemical behavior, and electrooxidation reactions with ethanol in aqueous media.
Photomodulation of Caged RNA Oligonucleotide Functions in Living Systems
Authors: Chen Changmai , Wang Zhongyu , Jing Nannan , Chen Wei , Tang Xinjing
Published: October 2020

Using exogenous optical triggers to continuously achieve the precise conditional control of gene expression regulation and dynamic biological processes is one of the central themes of photochemical biology of nucleic acids. Light, a quick and noninvasive stimulus, is a crucial trigger for “off‐on” photoswitching of the functions of caged molecules, including peptides and proteins, as well as oligonucleotides. In this Minireview, we mainly focus on photochemical strategies based on caged RNA oligonucleotides for optochemical control of biological functions, including caged siRNA, caged miRNA, and caged guide RNA for CRISPR/Cas9. Light‐activated RNA oligonucleotide strategies will exhibit promising applications for exploring the spatiotemporal regulation of specific gene functions and the design of stimuli‐sensitive oligonucleotide prodrugs.
Image processing and prediction of leaf area in cereals: A comparison of artificial neural networks, an adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system, and regression methods
Authors: Sabouri Hossein , Sajadi Sayed Javad , Jafarzadeh Mohammad Reza , Rezaei Mohsen , Ghaffari Sanaz , Bakhtiari Samira
Published: October 2020

In this study, the leaf area was estimated by different regression models and new methods of image processing by using artificial intelligence (AI) in bread (Triticum aestivumL.) and durum wheat (Triticum durumL.) and triticale (×TritosecaleWittm. ex A. Camus) at seedling, booting, and milk development stages. Data on leaf traits in 1,000 plants of breed wheat, triticale, and durum wheat were studied. Among regression models using general data, , , and models had aR2> 90% for all three cultivars (LandWrepresented length and width of leaves). For wheat bread, models and  exhibited a good estimate of the leaf area at all stages of growth, whereas in triticale, the linear models that used the product of  and  were more suitable to estimate leaf areas in booting and milk development. The multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural network modeling indicated that the ‘trainlm,’ ‘trainlm,’ and ‘traincgb’ algorithms with an optimal structure of 2‐10‐1, 2‐3‐1, and 2‐10‐1 had the least amount of the mean square error for bread wheat, triticale, and durum wheat, respectively, for each of the growth stages. Furthermore, based on the adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) method, a very accurate estimate of the leaf area was obtained for each of the growth stages. The comparison of different models in the leaf area estimation showed that unlike estimating leaf area by regression, AI‐based methods did not depend on plant growth stages. In this study, we suggested the utilization of image processing and artificial intelligence in leaf area estimation. It will accelerate leaf area measurement in the field, by extending these methods and transferring it into smartphone applications.
TCONS_00012883 promotes proliferation and metastasis via DDX3/YY1/MMP1/PI3K‐AKT axis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Yang Peng , Li Jie , Peng Chaofan , Tan Yuqian , Chen Ranran , Peng Wen , Gu Qiou , Zhou Jiahui , Wang Lu , Tang Junwei , Feng Yifei , Sun Yueming
Published: October 2020

Background

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as key regulators in multiple cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the biological functions and molecular mechanisms underlying most lncRNAs in CRC remain largely unknown.

Methods

A novel lncRNA (TCONS_00012883) was identified using RNA sequencing. The level of TCONS_00012883 expression in CRC was analyzed by qRT‐PCR. The biological functions of TCONS_00012883 in CRC were investigated by a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments: CCK8, colony formation, EdU, flow cytometric assays, transwell assays, and mouse xenograft. The molecular mechanisms of TCONS_00012883 were demonstrated by RNA pulldown, mass spectrometry analysis, RIP, coimmunoprecipitation, RNA sequencing, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and rescue experiments.

Results

Elevated expression of TCONS_00012883 was confirmed in CRC and positively associated with a poor prognosis. Functionally, gain‐ and loss‐of‐function assays indicated that TCONS_00012883 promoted proliferation and metastasis of CRC cell lines in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, RNA pulldown and mass spectrometry analysis showed that DEAD‐box helicase 3 (DDX3) was the protein partner of TCONS_00012883. Furthermore, RNA sequencing assay revealed that matrix metallopeptidase 1 (MMP1) was the downstream of TCONS_00012883. Intriguingly, we found that transcription factor (YY1) could serve as a bridge between TCONS_00012883, DDX3, and MMP1.

Conclusions

TCONS_00012883 significantly promoted CRC progression via the DDX3/YY1/MMP1 axis, and thus, may act as a major role in diagnosis and therapy of CRC.
Preoperative molecular testing in thyroid nodules with Bethesda VI cytology: Clinical experience and review of the literature
Authors: Labourier Emmanuel , Fahey Thomas J.
Published: October 2020

Risk assessment is critical to determine the timing of elective surgeries and preserve valuable resources in time of pandemic. This study was undertaken to better understand the potential value of molecular testing to risk‐stratify thyroid nodules with malignant cytology (Bethesda VI). Systematic review of the literature contributed 21 studies representing 2036 preoperative specimens. The BRAF p.V600E substitution was detected in 46% to 90% of cases with a pooled positivity rate of 70% (95% confidence intervals: 64%‐76%). None of the studies used comprehensive oncogene panels. Retrospective analysis of 531 clinical specimens evaluated with the next‐generation sequencing ThyGeNEXT Thyroid Oncogene Panel identified a total of 436 gene alterations. BRAF mutation rate was 64% in specimens tested as part of standard clinical care and 75% in specimens from cross‐sectional research studies (P = .022). Testing for additional actionable gene alterations such as TERT promoter mutations or RET and NTRK gene rearrangements further increased the diagnostic yield to 78%‐85% and up to 95% when including the ThyraMIR Thyroid miRNA Classifier. These data support the role of molecular cytopathology in surgical and therapeutic decision‐making and warrant additional studies.
The impact of hope and hopelessness on evaluation: A meta‐cognitive approach
Authors: Requero Blanca , Briñol Pablo , Petty Richard E.
Published: October 2020

This research provides a novel analysis of the impact of hope and hopelessness on judgment, examining how they influence the use of judgment‐relevant thoughts. Hope and hopelessness are two ends of an emotional continuum for which the confidence and pleasantness appraisals are mismatched. That is, hope is appraised as a pleasant state that is associated with uncertainty. In contrast, hopelessness is appraised as an unpleasant state that is associated with confidence. The aim of this research is to show that these appraisals are critical for predicting how these emotions influence the impact of thoughts on attitudes. In three experiments we manipulated these emotions along with their appraisals and examined the impact on thought reliance and attitude change toward healthy and unhealthy foods, people with disabilities, and self‐evaluation. It was predicted and found that when a pleasantness appraisal was salient, hope increased the use of thoughts relative to hopelessness. In contrast, when a confidence appraisal was salient, hopelessness increased the use of thoughts compared to hope.
Life performance evaluation of lyophilized Moringa biocoagulant: An alternative for prolonging the biocoagulant efficiency
Authors: Souza Dos Santos Bruna , Eyng Eduardo , Baraldi Ilton José , Frare Laercio Mantovani , Affonso Pisano Mateus Gustavo , Bergamasco Rosangela , Fagundes‐Klen Marcia Regina , Ferreira Da Costa Poliana
Published: October 2020

The use of Moringa oleifera (MO) seeds has been the subject of studies to treat water and effluents due to its biocoagulant potential. However, one of the factors that prevent its use at an industrial level is its short shelf life after preparation. In view of this problem, the present study aimed to produce an MO biocoagulant for pre‐treatment via the lyophilization method, to prolong the shelf life of the extract. After optimizing the evaluated preparation conditions (2.38 g of MO for 100 ml of distilled water in 4 min of ultrasound extraction) in synthetic wastewater (using the commercial blue 5G dye), the biocoagulant was produced. Using different salt concentrations (NaCl and KCl) with the goal of improving the extraction, the produced biocoagulant was lyophilized, stored and assessed monthly in a comparative study with the inorganic aluminum sulfate coagulant apply to a textile laundry effluent. Although the biocoagulant produced is less efficient than conventional inorganic ones, the performance evaluation proved to be very satisfactory, obtaining 67.13% color removal and 91.98% turbidity for MO, which when compared to aluminum sulfate achieved removal rates of 81.45% and 92%, respectively. Thus, it is presented as a great alternative for pre‐textile wastewater treatment.
Fire resistance of wood stud wall assemblies
Authors: Sultan Mohamed A.
Published: October 2020

This paper presents the fire resistance results of seven full‐scale wall assemblies that were conducted at the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) jointly with the North American construction industry and other Canadian government departments. Parameters investigated for protected interior wall assemblies with a single‐row of wood studs included: insulation types and mid‐height blocking. Parameters investigated for protected interior wall assemblies with a double‐row of wood studs on a separate plate included: insulation types, wood studs spacing and mid‐height blocking. The impact of the investigated parameters on the fire resistance of wall assemblies is discussed. Results of the parameters studied showed that the installation of mid‐height blocking in wall assembly with a single‐row of wood stud and filling the wall cavities with cellulose insulation in wall assembly with a double‐row of wood studs improved the fire resistance by 10 to 15 minutes, respectively. However, the other parameters studied had improved the fire resistance slightly by up to 6 minutes.
The niche complementarity driven by rhizosphere interactions enhances phosphorus‐use efficiency in maize/alfalfa mixture
Authors: Wang Liyang , Hou Baicheng , Zhang Deshan , Lyu Yang , Zhang Kai , Li Haigang , Rengel Zed , Shen Jianbo
Published: October 2020

Rhizosphere interactions between intercropping maize and alfalfa to increase phosphorus (P) acquisition remain largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying niche complementarity to increase P acquisition in the maize/alfalfa mixture by influencing root/rhizosphere interactions. Maize was grown alone (single maize) or with maize (maize/maize) or alfalfa (maize/alfalfa) with low P (30 mg P kg−1 soil) and high P (150 mg P kg−1 soil) supplies. The target maize had greater shoot biomass and P content when grown with alfalfa than maize. Compared with maize, alfalfa had higher secretion of carboxylates and acid phosphatase, suggesting a stronger capacity to mobilize soil P. Phosphorus deficiency also increased the specific root length and the proportion of thin roots (diameter < 0.2 mm) in alfalfa, and intercropped alfalfa had higher carboxylates secretion than monocropped one, indicating that alfalfa root traits were modified by both soil P supply and the identity of neighbor. Increased soil P availability by alfalfa root exudation and improved rhizosphere environment by thin alfalfa roots promoted shoot growth and P acquisition of maize in the maize/alfalfa mixture. The presence of maize increased the secretion of carboxylates from alfalfa roots, suggesting that the root interactions between maize and alfalfa are crucial for improving P‐use efficiency and productivity in intercropping.
Collaborative analysis combining headspace‐gas chromatography‐ion mobility spectrometry (HS‐GC‐IMS) and intelligent (electronic) sensory systems to evaluate differences in the flavour of cultured pufferfish
Authors: Wu Jingna , Chen Xiaoting , Chen Bei , Pan Nan , Qiao Kun , Wu Gang , Liu Zhiyu
Published: October 2020

Pufferfish (Takifugu spp.) are rapidly becoming a valuable food commodity across Asia, making the flavour characterization of the different species economically significant. In this study, the flavour characteristics of four cultured pufferfish varieties (T obscurus, T flavidus, T bimaculatus and T rubripes) were evaluated using headspace‐gas chromatography‐ion mobility spectrometry (HS‐GC‐IMS) coupled with an electronic nose and electronic tongue. A total of 37 volatile compounds, primarily aldehydes and alcohols, were identified by HS‐GC‐IMS and used to distinguish the four pufferfish species. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the volatile compound profiles indicated that the four cultivated varieties had unique chemical compositions. PCA of the electronic nose and tongue response data was consistent with HS‐GC‐IMS evaluation and revealed that the aroma and taste of T rubripes were distinct from the other varieties. The collaborative analysis method combining HS‐GC‐IMS and intelligent sensory systems could significantly advance the evaluation of flavour differences.
Lactobacillus acidophilus and Anethum graveolens essential oil in Iranian cheese against Escherichia coli O157:H7
Authors: Mojaddar Langroodi Ali , Mehdizadeh Tooraj , Majidi Lalezar , Neyriz‐Naghadehi Moslem
Published: October 2020

The impacts of Anethum graveolens essential oil (DEO) alone and its incorporation with Lactobacillus acidophilus on the viability of Escherichia coli O157 in cheese were determined during keeping time. The impact of various levels of DEO and L acidophilus, on pH, organoleptic properties and E coli O157 number in a produced cheese was evaluated. Different levels of the DEO and its incorporation with L acidophilus detectably declined the E coli O157 numbers, in comparison with the control sample. In addition, on pH reduction, the count of E coli O157 also declined in cheese treatments. The increasing impacts on the viability of E coli O157 were reported in various samples of DEO and L acidophilus. Also, the combination of DEO and L acidophilus in treatments concluded detectably enhanced organoleptic characteristics. The detectable synergistic inhibitory impact of probiotic bacteria and DEO on E coli O157 was concluded in the current research, which confirms DEO‐positive activity in dairy production.
Case study of the prediction of elective surgery durations in a New Zealand teaching hospital
Authors: Soh Kian Wee , Walker Cameron , O'Sullivan Michael , Wallace Jonathan , Grayson David
Published: October 2020

We present an elective surgery redesign project involving several New Zealand hospitals that is primarily data‐driven. One of the project objectives is to improve the predictions of surgery durations. We address this task by considering two approaches: (a) linear regression modelling, and (b) improvement of the data quality. For (a) we evaluate the accuracy of predictions using two performance measures. These predictions are compared to the surgeons' estimates that may subsequently be adjusted. We demonstrate using the historical surgical lists that the estimates from our prediction techniques improve the scheduling of elective surgeries by minimising the occurrences of list under‐ and over‐runs. For (b), we discuss how the surgical data motivates a review of the surgery procedure classification which takes into account the design of the electronic booking form. The proposed hierarchical classification streamlines the specification of surgery types and therefore retains the potential for improved predictions.
Circulating exosomal microRNAs as emerging non‐invasive clinical biomarkers in heart failure: Mega bio‐roles of a nano bio‐particle
Authors: Zhou Runfa , Wang Leiyan , Zhao Gang , Chen Dan , Song Xiaoning , Momtazi‐Borojeni Amir A. , Yuan Haitao
Published: October 2020

Exosomes are nano‐sized extracellular vesicles containing a cell‐specific biologically active cargo of proteins and genetic materials. Exosomes are constitutively released from almost all cell‐types and affect neighboring or distant cells through a complex intercellular exchange of the genetic information and/or regulation of certain gene expressions that change the function and behavior of recipient cells. Those released into body fluids are the major mediators of intercellular communications. The success of the biological functions of exosomes is highly mediated by the effective transfer of microRNAs (miRs). Exosomes secreted by a damaged or diseased heart can exhibit alterations in the miRs' profile that may reflect the cellular origin and (patho)physiological state, as a “signature” or “fingerprint” of the donor cell. It has been shown that the transportation of cardiac‐specific miRs in exosomes can be rapidly detected and measured, holding great potential as biomarkers in heart diseases. Currently, the search for new biomarkers of heart diseases remains a large and increasing enterprise. Notably, circulating exosomal miRs (Exo‐miRs) have successfully gained huge interests for their diagnostic and prognostic potentials. The present review highlights circulating Exo‐miRs explored for diagnosis/prognosis and outcome prediction in patients with heart failure (HF). To this end, we explain the feasibility of exosomes as clinical biomarkers, discuss the priority of circulating Exo‐miRs over non‐exosomal ones as a biomarker, and then outline reported circulating Exo‐miRs having the biomarker function in HF patients, together with their mechanism of action. In conclusion, circulating Exo‐miRs represent emerging diagnostic (Exo‐miR‐92b‐5p, Exo‐miR‐146a, Exo‐miR‐181c, and Exo‐miR‐495) and prognostic (Exo‐miR‐192, Exo‐miR‐194, Exo‐miR‐34a, Exo‐miR‐425, Exo‐miR‐744) biomarkers for HF.
Hypophosphatemia Is Common After Intravenous Ferric Carboxymaltose Infusion Among Patients With Symptomatic Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction
Authors: Dashwood Alexander , Vale Cassandra , Laher Shaaheen , Chui Fiona , Hay Karen , Wong Yee Weng
Published: October 2020

Administration of intravenous ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) for iron‐deficient patients suffering heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) has been associated with transient hypophosphatemia. We sought to investigate and model the effect of intravenous FCM on phosphate levels in iron‐deficient patients with HFrEF. In this single‐center retrospective study, serum phosphate levels, recorded for clinical reasons, were collected out to 60 days following intravenous FCM. Hypophosphatemia was defined as a nadir serum phosphate level <0.64 mmol/L. This was further categorized as severe (0.4 to <0.64 mmol/L) and extreme (<0.4 mmol/L). Factors associated with hypophosphatemia and change in serum phosphate over time were explored. Of 173 patients included, 47 (27%) experienced hypophosphatemia, 44 (25%) were classified as severe, and 3 (2%) extreme. Risk of hypophosphatemia was increased for patients with a creatinine clearance between 60 and <90 mL/min (odds ratio, 2.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.0‐5.5), while <60 mL/min was protective. The median time to nadir in patients who experienced hypophosphatemia was 8 (interquartile range, 4‐16) days, with a return to baseline levels at 6 weeks. Biochemically relevant hypophosphatemia is common following a single dose of intravenous FCM. The median time to nadir was 8 days, and creatinine clearance may influence phosphate levels following intravenous FCM. These observations support the need to increase awareness among clinicians administering intravenous FCM to iron‐deficient patients with HFrEF.
The amphibian complement system and chytridiomycosis
Authors: Rodriguez Keely M. , Voyles Jamie
Published: October 2020

Understanding host immune function and ecoimmunology is increasingly important at a time when emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) threaten wildlife. One EID that has emerged and spread widely in recent years is chytridiomycosis, caused by the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), which is implicated unprecedented amphibian declines around the world. The impacts of Bd have been severe for many amphibian species, but some populations have exhibited signs of persistence, and even recovery, in some regions. Many mechanisms may underpin this pattern and amphibian immune responses are likely one key component. Although we have made great strides in understanding amphibian immunity, the complement system remains poorly understood. The complement system is a nonspecific, innate immune defense that is known to enhance other immune responses. Complement activation can occur by three different biochemical pathways and result in protective mechanisms, such as inflammation, opsonization, and pathogen lysis, thereby providing protection to the host. We currently lack an understanding of complement pathway activation for chytridiomycosis, but several studies have suggested that it may be a key part of an early and robust immune response that confers host resistance. Here, we review the available research on the complement system in general as well as amphibian complement responses to Bd infection. Additionally, we propose future research directions that will increase our understanding of the amphibian complement system and other immune responses to Bd. Finally, we suggest how a deeper understanding of amphibian immunity could enhance the conservation and management of amphibian species that are threatened by chytridiomycosis.
Extrapulmonary manifestations of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 infection
Authors: Rosen Hugo R. , O'Connell Casey , Nadim Mitra K. , DeClerck Brittney , Sheibani Sarah , DePasquale Eugene , Sanossian Nerses , Blodget Emily , Angell Trevor
Published: October 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019, the infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2, has resulted in a global pandemic with unprecedented health, societal, and economic impact. The disease often manifests with flu‐like symptoms and is dominated by pulmonary complications, but widely diverse clinical manifestations involving multiple organ systems can result. We posit that viral tropism and the aberrant host immune response mediate the protean findings and severity in this disease. In general, extrapulmonary manifestations are a harbinger of or contemporaneously associate with disease progression, but in the case of some extrapulmonary findings (gastrointestinal and dermatologic), may track with milder disease. The precise underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated, and additional immune phenotyping studies are warranted to reveal early correlates of disease outcomes and novel therapeutic targets.
Observed trends of different rainfall intensities and the associated spatiotemporal variations during 1958–2016 in Guangxi, China
Authors: Qin Nian Xiu , Wang Jun Neng , Gao Liang , Hong Yang , Huang Jia Li , Lu Qin Qin
Published: October 2020

In a changing climate, drought and flood hazards become more frequent, posing high risks to human life and property. The Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region is selected as the study area. The flood and drought records, and the daily precipitation data at 23 stations from 1958 to 2016 are adopted. The temporal and spatial trends of precipitation intensities, precipitation days and the corresponding proportions relative to the total amounts are examined using the Mann‐Kendall trend test. The influence of the rainfall intensity on floods and droughts in Guangxi is also investigated. During the past 59 years in Guangxi, there is a significant decrease in light rain, and an increase in rainstorm in general. The larger the rainfall intensity is, the more stations show increasing trends of the corresponding rain events on different time scales (the monthly, seasonal or annual scale). Significant decreasing trends of the number of days with light precipitation are found over entire Guangxi, while increasing trends of the number of days with rainstorm events are widely distributed in most parts of Guangxi. There is a decrease in the number of stations indicating increases in proportion of light precipitation days, while an increase in the number of stations showing increases in proportion of rainstorm days. A significant increase in flood hazards is detected since the 1990s. The precipitation in Guangxi tends to be intensified in the future. The frequency and intensity of drought and flood events are very likely to increase, posing challenges to future agricultural production, water resources planning and management.
Glycomics and glycoproteomics: Approaches to address isomeric separation of glycans and glycopeptides
Authors: Gutierrez Reyes Cristian D. , Jiang Peilin , Donohoo Kaitlyn , Atashi Mojgan , Mechref Yehia S.
Published: October 2020

Changes in the glycome of human proteins and cells are associated with the progression of multiple diseases such as Alzheimer's, diabetes mellitus, many types of cancer, and those caused by viruses. Consequently, several studies have shown essential modifications to the isomeric glycan moieties for diseases in different stages. However, the elucidation of extensive isomeric glycan profiles remains challenging because of the lack of analytical techniques with sufficient resolution power to separate all glycan and glycopeptide iso‐forms. Therefore, the development of sensitive and accurate approaches for the characterization of all the isomeric forms of glycans and glycopeptides is essential to tracking the progression of pathology in glycoprotein‐related diseases. This review describes the isomeric separation achievements reported in glycomics and glycoproteomics in the last decade. It focuses on the mass spectrometry–based analytical strategies, stationary phases, and derivatization techniques that have been developed to enhance the separation mechanisms in liquid chromatography systems and the detection capabilities of mass spectrometry systems.