bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using machine‐learning methods to support health‐care professionals in making admission decisions
Authors: Luo Li , Li Jialing , Liu Chuang , Shen Wenwu
Published: April 2019

Background

Large tertiary hospitals usually face long waiting lines; patients who want to receive hospitalization need to be screened in advance. The patient admission screening process involves a health‐care professional ranking patients by analyzing registration information.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to develop a machine‐learning approach to screening, using historical data and the experience of health‐care professionals to develop a set of screening rules to help health‐care professionals prioritize patient needs automatically.

Methods

We used five machine‐learning methods to sequence and predict elective patients: logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF), gradient‐boosting decision tree (GBDT), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), and an ensemble model of the four models.

Results

The results indicate that all of the five models showed a good prioritization performance with high predictive values. In particular, XGBoost had the best predictive performance compared with others in terms of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), with the AUC values of LR, RF, GBDT, XGBoost, and the ensemble model being 0.881, 0.816, 0.820, 0.901, and 0.897, respectively.

Conclusion

The results reported here indicate that machine‐learning techniques can be valuable for automating the screening process. Our model can assist health‐care professionals in automatically evaluating less complex cases by identifying important factors affecting patient admission.
Recent advances in the immunological understanding of association between tonsil and immunoglobulin A nephropathy as a tonsil‐induced autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome
Authors: Harabuchi Yasuaki , Takahara Miki
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common form of primary glomerulonephritis worldwide. It is well known that upper respiratory tract infections, particularly acute tonsillitis, often worsen IgAN. Recent many clinical studies clearly show that tonsillectomy with steroid pulse therapy is the effective treatments for IgAN patients. Recently, the immunological evidence of association between tonsil and IgAN has been reported.

Methods

In this review, the mechanism underlying the onset of IgAN, as a tonsil‐induced autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome (TIAS), is outlined with the main focus on the authors' research results.

Results

In the tonsils of patients with IgAN, hyperimmune response to the unmethylated deoxycytidyl‐deoxyguanosine oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG‐ODN) take place, resulting in hyperproduction of interferon‐γ. The hyperproduction is followed by both overproduction of mutated IgA via B‐cell activating factor (BAFF)/a proliferation‐inducing ligand (APRIL)‐mediated pathways and overexpression of T‐cell receptor Vβ6, CXCR3, and CX3CR1 on tonsillar T cells. These IgA and T cells home to the kidney via the systemic circulation, resulting in nephritis of IgAN.

Conclusions

Scientific evidence supporting the use of tonsillectomy has gradually accumulated. We hope that many additional researchers will publish new evidence linking the tonsils and kidneys in the future.
Evaluating Drainmod‐s to Predict Drainage Water Salinity and Groundwater Table Depth During Winter Cropping in Heavy‐Textured Paddy Soils
Authors: Davoodi Kolsom , Darzi‐Naftchali Abdullah , Aghajani‐Mazandarani Ghasem
Published: April 2019

Simulation models can quickly and cost‐effectively describe various aspects of management practices in newly reclaimed agricultural soils. In this research, the capability of the DRAINMOD‐S model was evaluated to predict the salinity of the subsurface drainage effluents in a newly subsurface drained paddy field during winter cropping. Measurements of groundwater table depths and drainage water salinity were taken in three conventional subsurface drainage systems at the Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, northern Iran, during three canola growing seasons (2011–2012, 2015–2016 and 2016–2017). The data were used to calibrate and validate the model. The model provided better predictions of groundwater table depths in shallower drainage systems. Measured and simulated drainage water salinities varied, respectively, from 620 to 1580 and 790–1430 mg l−1 in the calibration process and from 441 to 1640 and 656–1820 mg l−1 in the validation process. The differences between measured and simulated salt loads were in the range of 59–174 and 43–586 kg ha−1 in calibration and validation, respectively. The results indicated that DRAINMOD‐S can be used as a management tool to diminish environmental issues in heavy paddy soils from the viewpoint of salt load. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cytotoxicity of biodegradable magnesium alloy WE43 to tumor cells in vitro: Bioresorbable implants with antitumor activity?
Authors: Anisimova Natalia , Kiselevskiy Mikhail , Martynenko Natalia , Straumal Boris , Willumeit‐Römer Regine , Dobatkin Sergey , Estrin Yuri
Published: April 2019

In this study, a degradable magnesium alloy WE43 (Mg–3.56%Y–2.20%Nd–0.47%Zr) was used as a research object. To refine its microstructure from the initial homogenized one, the alloy was subjected to severe plastic deformation (SPD) by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP). The data presented show that coincubation of tumor LNCaP and MDA‐MB‐231 cells with the WE43 alloy in the homogenized and the ECAP‐processed states led to a decrease in their viability and proliferation. An increase in the concentration of Annexin V(+) cells during coincubation with samples in both microstructural states investigated was also observed. This is associated with the induction of apoptosis in the cell culture through contact with the samples. Concurrently, a significant drop in the concentration of Bcl‐2(+) cells occurred. It was established that ECAP led to an enhancement of the cytotoxic activity of the alloy against tumor cells. This study demonstrated that alloy WE43 can be considered as a promising candidate for application in orthopedic implants in clinical oncology, where it could play a double role of a mechanically stable, yet bioresorbable, scaffold with local antitumor activity. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 108B:167–173, 2020.
The prognosis value of EphA3 and the androgen receptor in prostate cancer treated with radical prostatectomy
Authors: Duan Xiuzhi , Xu Xiaoming , Yin Binbin , Hong Bong , Liu Weiwei , Liu Qian , Tao Zhihua
Published: April 2019

Background

This study aimed to preliminarily assess the relationship between erythropoietin‐producing hepatocellular carcinoma receptor A3 (EphA3) and androgen receptor (AR) protein expression levels and prognosis in prostate cancer (PCa) to better understand the role of EphA3 in the prognosis and progression of PCa.

Materials

We investigated the expression of EphA3 and AR in human PCa by immunohistochemistry.

Results

EphA3 and AR were both significantly upregulated in PCa, with expression mainly localized to the nucleus. A high level of AR expression was found in 48.4% of 64 tumor samples, which was significantly more than in the adjacent tissue samples (15.6%) (P < 0.01). The percentage of samples expressing a high level of EphA3 was significantly greater in the PCa samples (54.7%) than in the adjacent tissue samples (20.3%) for the 64 tumors (P < 0.01). The high levels of EphA3 and AR expression in the PCa tissue samples were both correlated with the pathological stage, bladder and rectal invasion, distant metastasis, and preoperative PSA level (both P < 0.05). The survival time was significantly shorter in high levels of AR expression of patients. (P < 0.01). A high level of EphA3 in PCa patients suggests a poor prognosis (P < 0.05). Biochemical recurrence, distant metastasis, and the final scores of EphA3 and AR expression were significantly correlated with the prognosis of PCa (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Increased EphA3 expression is an independent prognostic factor for a poor outcome and decreased survival in PCa.
Development of novel processes for the aqueous extraction of natural rubber from Taraxacum kok‐saghyz (TK)
Authors: Ramirez‐Cadavid David A , Cornish Katrina , Hathwaik Upul , Kozak Robert , McMahan Colleen , Michel Frederick C
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

Taraxacum kok‐saghyz (TK) is a rubber‐producing plant being developed as a commercial alternative source of natural rubber (NR). The objective of this study was to investigate processes to extract high quality NR at high yield and purity from TK. Rubber is formed in the roots of TK and exists in mostly solid form. Previously used mechanical processes extract NR from TK roots at low purity (< 90%) that does not meet industry standards (≥ 99.8%). To improve this, the effects of root chopping, enzymatic hydrolysis, pebble milling and alkaline pretreatment and purification on NR yield, purity and quality were investigated.

RESULTS

Enzymatic digestion (with and without alkaline pretreatment), yielded rubber at the highest yield (∼80%) and purity (99.4%). Alkaline pretreatment of roots improved NR yield and did not adversely affect quality. More rubber was extractable from chopped roots than whole roots, but the rubber was less pure. Alkaline purification of the extracted crude rubber further increased rubber purity but reduced rubber molecular weight.

CONCLUSION

Enzymatic digestion with or without alkaline pretreatment forms the basis of aqueous processes that could be used for large‐scale, efficient extraction of TK rubber at high yield, purity and quality to meet industry standards for NR. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
An investigation of the standardization of fetal cavum septi pellucidi measurements using three‐dimensional volumes of the fetal head
Authors: Zhao Dan , Cai Ailu , Wang Bing
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to measure the maximal width, middle width, and length of the cavum septi pellucidi (CSP) in normal fetuses, and compare these measurements obtained in the transthalamic (TT) plane with those obtained in the transventricular (TV) plane.

Method

A prospective study was conducted of normal singleton fetuses, ranging from 18 to 36 weeks in gestational age. In each case, a three‐dimensional volume of the fetal head was obtained in the TT plane for further offline measurements, then the maximal width, middle width, and length of the CSP in both the TT and TV planes were measured. Intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility was assessed, and curve estimation was used to assess the possible relationship between these measurements of CSP and gestational age (GA).

Results

A total of 267 normal fetuses were studied. The CSP width and length in TT and TV planes as a function of GA were analyzed using a quadratic regression model. Intraobserver and interobserver agreement of the CSP measurements was excellent overall (ICCs >0.9), with intraobserver and interobserver differences of less than 4%.

Conclusion

Measurements of CSP in the TT and TV planes are equally reproducible.
Novel Star Polymeric Nonionic Surfactants as Crude Oil Emulsion Breakers
Authors: El‐Sharaky El‐Sayed A. , El‐Tabey Amira E. , Mishrif Marwa R.
Published: April 2019

The principle focus of this work is to address the issues associated with the existence of water in crude oil, especially corrosion, scaling, viscosity, and catalyst suppression problems. This work aims to prepare star polymer nonionic surfactants based on (2Z,2′Z,2″Z)‐4,4′,4″‐((nitrilotris(ethane‐2,1‐diyl))tris(oxy))tris(4‐oxobut‐2‐enoic acid) to be used as demulsifiers. To achieve this aim, maleic anhydride was reacted with triethanolamine followed by esterification with the polyethylene oxide polypropylene oxide copolymer (PPO‐PEO 5000) and silicone polyether (ABIL B 8843). The chemical structure of the prepared compounds was assessed using gel permeation chromatography (GPC), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), and 1H NMR. Demulsifier performance was determined by quantifying surface tension (ST), dynamic interfacial tension and interfacial rheology, partition coefficient (PC), and relative solubility number (RSN). The efficacy of the prepared emulsion breakers on asphaltenic crude oil emulsion was examined using the bottle test. The research results demonstrated that the prepared breaker based on the silicone polymer was more efficient in breaking the asphaltenic crude oil emulsion than a block copolymer and EO/PO‐based copolymers at 1500 ppm and after 120 min.
Angularly continuous light‐field format: Concept, implementation, and evaluation
Authors: Cserkaszky Aron , Kara Peter A. , Tamboli Roopak R. , Barsi Attila , Martini Maria G. , Bokor Laszlo , Balogh Tibor
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we present the concept, the implementation, and the evaluation of our novel angularly continuous light‐field format. We compared the subjective visual performance of our format with the perspective camera format through a series of subjective and objective tests. In our extensive subjective study, we used multiple absolute and comparative rating scales and various visual stimuli with different contents and angular resolutions. The perceived quality was assessed by a total of 36 test participants, who were separated based on their scientific expertise. The objective quality was evaluated through the degradations caused by three well‐known compression methods. The obtained results indicate that our light‐field format may outperform the conventional format, and it generally can provide at least equivalent visual quality. Furthermore, these findings open the way for data size optimization, without compromising the achieved level of perceived quality.
Decoding the Fatty Acid Profile of Bacillus licheniformis I89 and Its Adaptation to Different Growth Conditions to Investigate Possible Biotechnological Applications
Authors: Lopes Celestina , Barbosa Joana , Maciel Elisabete , da Costa Elisabete , Alves Eliana , Ricardo Fernando , Domingues Pedro , Mendo Sónia , Domingues M. Rosário M.
Published: April 2019

Bacillus licheniformis I89 is a Gram‐positive bacterium, a producer of the lantibiotic lichenicidin. No information is available on its fatty acid (FA) composition. Bacillus species are rich in branched FA (BrFA), claimed to be beneficial to human health and to treat diseases. Herein, the FA profile of B. licheniformis I89 was evaluated under different growth conditions: at two growth temperatures (37 and 50 °C) and at different growth phases (lag, exponential, and stationary), using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The FA profile revealed predominant BrFA of the iso‐series and anteiso‐series (i‐15:0, ai‐15:0, i‐16:0, i‐17:0, and ai‐17:0) and low amounts of saturated FA (14:0, 16:0, and 18:0). Comparing the FA profiles at different temperatures, in the lag phase, at 50 °C, there was a decrease of ai‐17:0 and a decrease of i‐15:0 in the exponential phase, in comparison with 37 °C. In all growth phases, there was a decrease of ai‐15:0 and an increase of i‐17:0. From the lag to the stationary phase, at 50 °C, there was a decrease of ai‐17:0 and i‐16:0, whereas i‐15:0 increased, while at 37 °C, there was an increase of i‐15:0 and i‐16:0, and a decrease in ai‐15:0 and ai‐17:0. B. licheniformis I89 can adapt its FA profile, at moderate temperatures, by changing the iso‐FA and anteiso‐FA composition and the iso/anteiso ratio. This nonpathogenic bacterium species can be used as a source of BrFA with putative beneficial health effects for gut protection and with reported antitumor properties, foreseeing its use for producing compounds with biotechnological applications.
Long‐term variability in overwintering copepod populations in the Lofoten Basin: The role of the North Atlantic oscillation and trophic effects
Authors: Weidberg Nicolas , Basedow Sünnje L.
Published: April 2019

Critical gaps in knowledge hinder our ability to infer spatiotemporal dynamics in pelagic ecosystems. In particular, environmental changes affecting key copepod species while overwintering in deep waters are still not well understood. Here, we analyzed an 11 yr time series (2000–2010) of winter (January/February) samplings in the Lofoten Basin to characterize the spatial distribution of Calanus finmarchicus overwintering abundances and to infer their long‐term temporal trends. The spatial structure of populations at depths between 700 and 900 m corresponded to mesoscale aggregations consistent with eddies in the region. Over time, increased abundances of copepods and of one of its main predators, the herring (Clupea harengus), matched a negative trend in the 7 yr lagged winter NAO index. However, this progressive climatic shift did not affect surface conditions in the region or southward but corresponded to an increase in salinity and a deepening of the vertical extension of the Atlantic Water layer. We hypothesized that this change in salinity structure across the water column increased the density contrast between copepods and ambient water masses and facilitates the ascent rates during seasonal vertical migration. We suggest a step‐wise mechanism from NAO large‐scale forcing to copepod and herring populations mediated by hydrographical changes in intermediate water masses to explain the observed trends in abundances. Thus, large‐scale, lagged climatic patterns affecting overwintering copepods might scale up to succesive trophic levels in the pelagic ecosystem.
Lithium Niobate Metasurfaces
Authors: Gao Bofeng , Ren Mengxin , Wu Wei , Hu Hui , Cai Wei , Xu Jingjun
Published: April 2019

Lithium niobate is a multi‐functional material, which has been regarded as one of the most promising platforms for the multipurpose optical components and photonic circuits. Targeting miniature optical components and systems, lithium niobate microstructures with feature sizes of several to hundreds of micrometers are demonstrated, such as waveguides, photonic crystals, micro cavities, and modulators, and so on. In order to demonstrate the possibilities toward further shrinking the footprint of the lithium niobate devices with new optical functionalities, here, subwavelength nanograting metasurfaces are fabricated based on a crystalline lithium niobate film. Due to the collective lattice interactions between isolated ridge resonances, distinct transmission spectral resonances are observed, which could be tunable by varying the structural parameters. Furthermore, the metasurfaces are capable of showing high‐efficiency transmission structural colors as a result of structural resonances and intrinsic high transparency of lithium niobate in visible spectral range. The results pave the way for new types of ultracompact photonic devices based on lithium niobate.
A comparison between the simulation and experimental results of cathodic protection of oil well casings
Authors: Ghobadi Ali H. , Allahkaram Saeed R. , Parsa Mohammad H.
Published: April 2019

Metallic structures such as oil well casings in contact with soil or submerged under water are subject to corrosion. Leaks that develop in the casing of a well, constitute a serious problem and are expensive to repair. Cathodic protection (CP) is the cost‐effective control of external well casing corrosion. There are certain methods to ensure that the applied CP should meet the required criteria. In CP of well casings, monitoring of potential values is often based on surface E‐log I measurement which is a cost‐ and time‐consuming method. Simulation software and numerical methods often have been used to address this issue. In this paper, simulation of CP has been done by means of a computer software with finite element capability (ANSYS 11). Potential profiles were obtained by selecting different soil electrical conductivities (single‐ and multi‐layered media) and by changing applied current density values. Experimental procedure was established to determine the accuracy of simulation data. The results showed good agreement, especially in the single‐layered medium and at higher values of applied current.
Parkinson's disease age at onset genome‐wide association study: Defining heritability, genetic loci, and α‐synuclein mechanisms
Authors: Blauwendraat Cornelis , Heilbron Karl , Vallerga Costanza L. , Bandres‐Ciga Sara , von Coelln Rainer , Pihlstrøm Lasse , Simón‐Sánchez Javier , Schulte Claudia , Sharma Manu , Krohn Lynne , Siitonen Ari , Iwaki Hirotaka , Leonard Hampton , Noyce Alastair J. , Tan Manuela , Gibbs J. Raphael , Hernandez Dena G. , Scholz Sonja W. , Jankovic Joseph , Shulman Lisa M. , Lesage Suzanne , Corvol Jean‐Christophe , Brice Alexis , van Hilten Jacobus J. , Marinus Johan ,   The 23andMe Research Team, Eerola‐Rautio Johanna , Tienari Pentti , Majamaa Kari , Toft Mathias , Grosset Donald G. , Gasser Thomas , Heutink Peter , Shulman Joshua M. , Wood Nicolas , Hardy John , Morris Huw R. , Hinds David A. , Gratten Jacob , Visscher Peter M. , Gan‐Or Ziv , Nalls Mike A. , Singleton Andrew B. ,   for the International Parkinson's Disease Genomics Consortium (IPDGC)
Published: April 2019

Background

Increasing evidence supports an extensive and complex genetic contribution to PD. Previous genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have shed light on the genetic basis of risk for this disease. However, the genetic determinants of PD age at onset are largely unknown.

Objectives

To identify the genetic determinants of PD age at onset.

Methods

Using genetic data of 28,568 PD cases, we performed a genome‐wide association study based on PD age at onset.

Results

We estimated that the heritability of PD age at onset attributed to common genetic variation was ∼0.11, lower than the overall heritability of risk for PD (∼0.27), likely, in part, because of the subjective nature of this measure. We found two genome‐wide significant association signals, one at SNCA and the other a protein‐coding variant in TMEM175, both of which are known PD risk loci and a Bonferroni‐corrected significant effect at other known PD risk loci, GBA, INPP5F/BAG3, FAM47E/SCARB2, and MCCC1. Notably, SNCA, TMEM175, SCARB2, BAG3, and GBA have all been shown to be implicated in α‐synuclein aggregation pathways. Remarkably, other well‐established PD risk loci, such as GCH1 and MAPT, did not show a significant effect on age at onset of PD.

Conclusions

Overall, we have performed the largest age at onset of PD genome‐wide association studies to date, and our results show that not all PD risk loci influence age at onset with significant differences between risk alleles for age at onset. This provides a compelling picture, both within the context of functional characterization of disease‐linked genetic variability and in defining differences between risk alleles for age at onset, or frank risk for disease. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Aesthetic single‐stage vermilion reconstruction using facial artery musculomucosal flap and radial forearm free flap following cancer resection: A case report
Authors: Hsieh Wei‐Chuan , Tee Richard , Chang Kai‐Ping , Huang Jung‐Ju
Published: April 2019

Reconstruction of defects measuring approximately two‐thirds of the lower lip width is traditionally reconstructed utilizing loco‐regional flap utilizing lip and cheek tissues. This often results in microstomia and unsatisfactory aesthetic outcome. This may hinder the psychosocial aspect of a recovering cancer survivor. Here we describe a single‐stage reconstruction in a 79‐year‐old male patient who received lower lip resection for squamous cell carcinoma. The reconstruction was accomplished using a facial artery musculomucosal flap together with a free radial forearm flap for vermilion and soft tissue defect reconstruction after lip tumor resection with uneventful postoperative course. The patient remains disease‐free after 2‐year follow‐up and does not require revision surgeries for functional or aesthetic reason. This approach may be considered a good option for reconstruction of missing lip and soft tissue simultaneously when the facial vessels are well‐preserved during neck dissection. Aesthetically pleasing and functionally satisfactory outcomes may be produced.
In vivo imaging of insulin‐secreting human pancreatic ductal cells using MRI reporter gene technique: A feasibility study
Authors: Wu Menq‐Rong , Hsiao Jong‐Kai , Liu Hon‐Man , Huang Yi‐You , Tseng Yu‐Jui , Chou Pi‐Tai , Weng Te‐I , Yang Chung‐Yi
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of in vivo imaging of human pancreatic ductal cells by OATP1B3 reporter gene under MRI.

Methods

A human cell line (PANC‐1) derived from the pancreatic ductal epithelium was used in this study. After transduction of OATP1B3, the cellular physiological functions and the ability of intracellular uptake of the MRI contrast medium (Gd‐EOB‐DTPA) were examined. Induced differentiation of the PANC‐1 cells into hormone‐secreting cells were performed to simulate pancreatic β‐like cells. The hormone‐secreting cells were implanted into rats and in vivo MRI was evaluated.

Results

The mRNA and proteins of OATP1B3 were highly expressed. No significant change of cellular physiological functions was found after the expression. After induced differentiation, the hormone secretion capacities of the OATP1B3‐expressing PANC‐1 cells were confirmed. Intra‐cellular uptake of Gd‐EOB‐DTPA was determined in vitro by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and MRI. In vivo MRI of the OATP1B3‐expressing xenograft revealed an increased signal intensity after contrast enhancement.

Conclusion

OATP1B3 can be used as a safe and feasible in vivo MRI gene reporter for human pancreatic ductal cells.
Magnetic resonance elastography of brain: Comparison between anisotropic and isotropic stiffness and its correlation to age
Authors: Kalra Prateek , Raterman Brian , Mo Xiaokui , Kolipaka Arunark
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Noninvasive measurement of mechanical properties of brain tissue using magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) has been a promising method for investigating neurologic disorders such as multiple sclerosis, hydrocephalus, and Alzheimer’s. However, because of the regional and directional dependency of brain stiffness, estimating anisotropic stiffness is important. This study investigates isotropic and anisotropic stiffness as a function of age as well as the correlation between isotropic and anisotropic stiffness.

Methods

MRE and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) were performed on 28 healthy subjects with age ranges between 18–62 y. Isotropic and anisotropic stiffness was measured and compared with age for different regions of interest such as the thalamus, corpus callosum, gray matter, white matter, and whole brain.

Results

Isotropic stiffness in gray matter (rs = −0.57; P = 0.001) showed a significant decrease with age. Anisotropic stiffness in gray matter showed a significant decrease with age in C11 through C66 and in the thalamus, only in C33. Between anisotropic and isotropic stiffness, gray matter showed a significant positive correlation in C11 through C66, C22 and C66 showed a significant negative correlation in the thalamus and whole brain, and C44 showed a negative correlation in the corpus callosum. No significant difference between genders was observed in any measurements.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated a change in isotropic and anisotropic stiffness with age in different regions of the brain along with a correlation of anisotropic stiffness to isotropic stiffness.
Effect of graphene oxide on the interlaminar fracture toughness of carbon fiber/epoxy composites
Authors: Mishra Kunal , Bastola Krishna P. , Singh Raman P. , Vaidyanathan Ranji
Published: April 2019

Graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles were introduced in the interlaminar region of carbon fiber–epoxy composites by dispersing it in a thermoplastic polymer carrier such as polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Mode‐I fracture toughness (GIC) was investigated using double cantilever beam testing to evaluate the effect of the GO on the delamination behavior of the composite. The GO content was varied from 0% to 7% by weight as a function of the PVP content. Improvement of ∼100% in the Mode I fracture toughness (GIC) was observed compared to composites with no GO. The optimum amount of nanoparticles for improving the interlaminar fracture toughness was found to be ∼0.007% by weight of the composite. The increase in the value of flexural strength value was also observed. Scanning electron microscopy of fracture surfaces, X‐ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy, and reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectra, as well as Raman spectroscopy results, are presented to support the conclusions. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:1199–1208 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Integration of a Galdieria plasma membrane sugar transporter enables heterotrophic growth of the obligate photoautotrophic red alga Cynanidioschyzon merolae
Authors: Fujiwara Takayuki , Hirooka Shunsuke , Mukai Mizuna , Ohbayashi Ryudo , kanesaki Yu , Watanabe Satoru , Miyagishima Shin‐ya
Published: April 2019

The unicellular thermoacidophilic red alga Cyanidioschyzon merolae is an emerging model organism of photosynthetic eukaryotes. Its relatively simple genome (16.5 Mbp) with very low‐genetic redundancy and its cellular structure possessing one chloroplast, mitochondrion, peroxisome, and other organelles have facilitated studies. In addition, this alga is genetically tractable, and the nuclear and chloroplast genomes can be modified by integration of transgenes via homologous recombination. Recent studies have attempted to clarify the structure and function of the photosystems of this alga. However, it is difficult to obtain photosynthesis‐defective mutants for molecular genetic studies because this organism is an obligate autotroph. To overcome this issue in C. merolae, we expressed a plasma membrane sugar transporter, GsSPT1, from Galdieria sulphuraria, which is an evolutionary relative of C. merolae and capable of heterotrophic growth. The heterologously expressed GsSPT1 localized at the plasma membrane. GsSPT1 enabled C. merolae to grow mixotrophically and heterotrophically, in which cells grew in the dark with glucose or in the light with a photosynthetic inhibitor 3‐(3,4‐dichlorophenyl)‐1,1‐dimethylurea (DCMU) and glucose. When the GsSPT1 transgene multiplied on the C. merolae chromosome via the URACm‐Gs selection marker, which can multiply itself and its flanking transgene, GsSPT1 protein level increased and the heterotrophic and mixotrophic growth of the transformant accelerated. We also found that GsSPT1 overexpressing C. merolae efficiently formed colonies on solidified medium under light with glucose and DCMU. Thus, GsSPT1 overexpresser will facilitate single colony isolation and analyses of photosynthesis‐deficient mutants produced either by random or site‐directed mutagenesis. In addition, our results yielded evidence supporting that the presence or absence of plasma membrane sugar transporters is a major cause of difference in trophic properties between C. merolae and G. sulphuraria.
Cysteine Induced Chiral Morphology in Palladium Nanoparticle
Authors: Cho Nam Heon , Lee Hye‐Eun , Ahn Hyo‐Yong , Lee Yoon Young , Im Sang Won , Kim Hyeohn , Nam Ki Tae
Published: April 2019

New morphology of palladium nanoparticles is demonstrated by utilizing the interaction of amino acid and palladium metallic surface. Chiral cysteine molecules induce chiral spiral structure evolution. The resulting spiral palladium nanoparticles show rotational direction preference with respect to the handedness of the added cysteine molecule. The strong correlation of the resulting morphologies with surfactant and cysteine concentration exists for effective generation of chirality. Synthesized chiral palladium nanoparticles are around 100 nm sized cubic based nanoparticles with each face of the cube containing a spiral structure. Generation of nanoparticle morphology is studied through growth of time‐dependent morphology evolution with statistical analysis of spiral structure formation. The reported synthesis method can provide a new route to nanomaterial design for enantioselective catalysis and sensing.
Structural differences between the ectodomains of murine and human CD98hc
Authors: Deuschle Friedrich‐Christian , Schiefner André , Skerra Arne
Published: April 2019

The CD98 heavy chain (CD98hc) constitutes both a promising cell surface target for the treatment of cancers and a transcytosis receptor potentially useful for the brain delivery of therapeutics. However, pharmacokinetic studies and safety assessment of cognate antibodies or nonimmunoglobulin binding proteins in rodents is hampered by cross‐species variability of both amino acid sequence and glycosylation pattern. Here, we report the crystal structure of the murine CD98hc extracellular domain and a comprehensive comparison with its human ortholog, revealing only one conserved surface patch that is neither shielded by glycosylation nor by the cell membrane with an accessible surface area typical for an antibody epitope. Our results imply the necessity of a surrogate approach for CD98hc‐specific binding proteins with predictive power for clinical investigations.
Actual and ideal fertility differential among natives, immigrants, and descendants of immigrants in a northeastern state of India
Authors: Saikia Nandita , Moradhvaj  , Saha Apala , Chutia Utpal
Published: April 2019

Little research has been conducted on the native‐immigrant fertility differential in low‐income settings. The objective of our paper is to examine the actual and ideal fertility differential of native and immigrant families in Assam. We used the data from a primary quantitative survey carried out in 52 villages in five districts of Assam during 2014–2015. We performed bivariate analysis and used a multilevel mixed‐effects linear regression model to analyse the actual and ideal fertility differential by type of village. The average number of children ever‐born is the lowest in native villages in contrast to the highest average number of children ever‐born in immigrant villages. The likelihood of having more children is also the highest among women in immigrant villages. However, the effect of religion surpasses the effect of the type of village the women reside in.
Cooperative tracking control for general linear multiagent systems with directed intermittent communications: An artificial delay approach
Authors: Cui Bing , Xia Yuanqing , Liu Kun , Zhang Jinhui
Published: April 2019

This paper investigates the consensus tracking problem for general linear multiagent systems on directed graph containing a spanning tree. For the considered linear systems, the consensus tracking aim cannot be achieved by using only memoryless static relative output feedbacks. Of particular interest is that both current and delayed relative output information of agents are required to achieve consensus. For the case of continuous communication among agents, an artificial delay output feedback control method is proposed. By utilizing the Taylor representation for the delayed signal with the remainder in the integral form, a delay‐dependent sufficient condition is presented to guarantee the exponential convergence of the global tracking error systems. For the intermittent case, the consensus tracking performance can still be guaranteed based on a multiple graph‐dependent Lyapunov functionals method. It is theoretically revealed that the time delay plays a key role in the exponential convergence of the closed‐loop systems, and the definite relationships among the time delay, network structure, communication rate, and consensus convergence rate are also provided. The effectiveness of the proposed control scheme is confirmed by numerical simulations.
Robust economic model predictive control based on a periodicity constraint
Authors: Wang Ye , Muñoz de la Peña David , Puig Vicenç , Cembrano Gabriela
Published: April 2019

This paper proposes robust economic model predictive control based on a periodicity constraint for linear systems subject to unknown‐but‐bounded additive disturbances. In this economic MPC design, a periodic steady‐state trajectory is not required and thus assumed unknown, which precludes the use of enforcing terminal state constraints as in other standard economic formulations. Instead, based on the desired periodicity of system operation, we optimize the economic performance over a set of periodic trajectories that include the current state. To achieve robust constraint satisfaction, we use a tube‐based technique in the economic MPC formulation. The mismatches between the nominal model and the closed‐loop system with perturbations are limited using a local control law. With the proposed robust tube‐based strategy, recursive feasibility is guaranteed. Moreover, under a convexity assumption, the closed‐loop convergence of the closed‐loop system is analyzed, and an optimality certificate is provided to check if the closed‐loop trajectory reaches a neighborhood of the optimal nominal periodic steady trajectory using Karush‐Kuhn‐Tucker optimality conditions. Finally, through numerical examples, we show the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
A Nanostructured Organic‐Inorganic Hybrid Material: Preparation, Characterization and Catalytic Performance for the Synthesis of N,N′‐Alkylidene Bisamides
Authors: Zare Abdolkarim , Khanivar Roghayyeh , Irannejad‐Gheshlaghchaei Navid , Beyzavi M. Hassan
Published: April 2019

In this research, a novel nanostructured mesoporous organic‐inorganic hybrid material, based on dicationic ionic liquid‐anchored with silica, namely nano‐2‐[N′,N′‐dimethyl‐N′‐(silica‐n‐propyl)ethanaminium chloride]‐N,N‐dimethylaminium bisulfate {nano‐[DSPECDA][HSO4]} has been prepared, and characterized by FT‐IR, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermal gravimetry (TG), differential thermal gravimetric (DTG), differential thermal analysis (DTA), and adsorption/desorption porosimetry (BET, Langmuir, adsorption/desorption isotherm, BJH, and t‐plot) methods. Thereafter, the nanomaterial has been utilized as a highly effectual, heterogeneous and recyclable nanocatalyst for the synthesis of N,N′‐alkylidene bisamides via the condensation reaction of arylaldehydes (1 eq.) with primary amides (2 eq.) under solvent‐free conditions. The reaction results were better compared with the literature in terms of two or more of these factors: turnover frequency (TOF), yield, temperature, time, and the reaction media. Moreover, a plausible mechanism for the synthesis has been proposed.
Clay Nanotubes Aligned with Shear Forces for Mesenchymal Stem Cell Patterning
Authors: Zhao Xiujuan , Zhou Changren , Lvov Yuri , Liu Mingxian
Published: April 2019

Aligned halloysite nanotubes on solid substrates are fabricated by a shearing method with brush assistance. These clay nanotubes are aligned by shear force in strip‐like patterns accomplished with drying ordering at elevated temperatures. The nanotubes' orientation is governed by “coffee‐ring” formation mechanisms depending on the dispersion concentration, nanotube charge, and speed of thermos‐evaporation. Polarized light irradiated through the patterns demonstrates birefringence and confirms the orientation. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy show that the nanotubes are aligned along the direction of the wetting lines above 4 wt%, while they are not oriented at lower concentrations. Halloysite concentration, drying temperature, and type of brush fibers affect the pattern ordering. The aligned halloysite systems on glass, tissue culture plates, and polymer films, provide a promising platform for biocell guiding. Human foreskin fibroblasts proliferated well on the aligned clay patterns and the cell orientation agrees with the nanotube direction. Human bone mesenchymal stem cells (HBMSCs) are also cultured on the organized halloysite coating. The clay patterns support HBMSC proliferation with alignment, and such nanostructured substrates promote osteogenesis differentiation without growth factors. This facile method for preparing aligned halloysite patterns on solid substrates is very promising for surface modification in biotissue engineering.
Investigating the Optical Properties of a Laser Induced 3D Self‐Assembled Carbon–Metal Hybrid Structure
Authors: Butt Muhammad Abdullah , Lesina Antonino Calà , Neugebauer Martin , Bauer Thomas , Ramunno Lora , Vaccari Alessandro , Berini Pierre , Petrov Yuriy , Danilov Denis , Manshina Alina , Banzer Peter , Leuchs Gerd
Published: April 2019

Carbon‐based and carbon–metal hybrid materials hold great potential for applications in optics and electronics. Here, a novel material made of carbon and gold–silver nanoparticles is discussed, fabricated using a laser‐induced self‐assembly process. This self‐assembled metamaterial manifests itself in the form of cuboids with lateral dimensions on the order of several micrometers and a height of tens to hundreds of nanometers. The carbon atoms are arranged following an orthorhombic unit cell, with alloy nanoparticles intercalated in the crystalline carbon matrix. The optical properties of this metamaterial are analyzed experimentally using a microscopic Müller matrix measurement approach and reveal a high linear birefringence across the visible spectral range. Theoretical modeling based on local‐field theory applied to the carbon matrix links the birefringence to the orthorhombic unit cell, while finite‐difference time‐domain simulations of the metamaterial relates the observed optical response to the distribution of the alloy nanoparticles and the optical density of the carbon matrix.
Reaction Kinetics‐Mediated Control over Silver Nanogap Shells as Surface‐Enhanced Raman Scattering Nanoprobes for Detection of Alzheimer's Disease Biomarkers
Authors: Yang Jin‐Kyoung , Hwang In‐Jun , Cha Myeong Geun , Kim Hye‐In , Yim DaBin , Jeong Dae Hong , Lee Yoon‐Sik , Kim Jong‐Ho
Published: April 2019

It is very challenging to accurately quantify the amounts of amyloid peptides Aβ40 and Aβ42, which are Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers, in blood owing to their low levels. This has driven the development of sensitive and noninvasive sensing methods for the early diagnosis of AD. Here, an approach for the synthesis of Ag nanogap shells (AgNGSs) is reported as surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) colloidal nanoprobes for the sensitive, selective, and multiplexed detection of Aβ40 and Aβ42 in blood. Raman label chemicals used for SERS signal generation modulate the reaction rate for AgNGSs production through the formation of an Ag‐thiolate lamella structure, enabling the control of nanogaps at one nanometer resolution. The AgNGSs embedded with the Raman label chemicals emit their unique SERS signals with a huge intensity enhancement of up to 107 and long‐term stability. The AgNGS nanoprobes, conjugated with an antibody specific to Aβ40 or Aβ42, are able to detect these AD biomarkers in a multiplexed manner in human serum based on the AgNGS SERS signals. Detection is possible for amounts as low as 0.25 pg mL−1. The AgNGS nanoprobe‐based sandwich assay has a detection dynamic range two orders of magnitude wider than that of a conventional enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.
A MXene‐Based Wearable Biosensor System for High‐Performance In Vitro Perspiration Analysis
Authors: Lei Yongjiu , Zhao Wenli , Zhang Yizhou , Jiang Qiu , He Jr‐Hau , Baeumner Antje J. , Wolfbeis Otto S. , Wang Zhong Lin , Salama Khaled N. , Alshareef Husam N.
Published: April 2019

Wearable electrochemical biosensors for sweat analysis present a promising means for noninvasive biomarker monitoring. However, sweat‐based sensing still poses several challenges, including easy degradation of enzymes and biomaterials with repeated testing, limited detection range and sensitivity of enzyme‐based biosensors caused by oxygen deficiency in sweat, and poor shelf life of sensors using all‐in‐one working electrodes patterned by traditional techniques (e.g., electrodeposition and screen printing). Herein, a stretchable, wearable, and modular multifunctional biosensor is developed, incorporating a novel MXene/Prussian blue (Ti3C2Tx/PB) composite designed for durable and sensitive detection of biomarkers (e.g., glucose and lactate) in sweat. A unique modular design enables a simple exchange of the specific sensing electrode to target the desired analytes. Furthermore, an implemented solid–liquid–air three‐phase interface design leads to superior sensor performance and stability. Typical electrochemical sensitivities of 35.3 µA mm−1 cm−2 for glucose and 11.4 µA mm−1 cm−2 for lactate are achieved using artificial sweat. During in vitro perspiration monitoring of human subjects, the physiochemistry signals (glucose and lactate level) can be measured simultaneously with high sensitivity and good repeatability. This approach represents an important step toward the realization of ultrasensitive enzymatic wearable biosensors for personalized health monitoring.
Using Multistage Design‐Based Methods to Construct Abundance Indices and Uncertainty Measures for Delta Smelt
Authors: Polansky Leo , Mitchell Lara , Newman Ken B.
Published: April 2019

Population abundance indices and estimates of uncertainty are starting points for many scientific endeavors. However, if the indices are based on data collected by different monitoring programs with possibly different sampling procedures and efficiencies, applying consistent methodology for calculating them can be complicated. Ideally, the methodology will provide indices and associated measures of uncertainty that account for the sample design, the level of sampling effort (e.g., sample size), and the capture or detection probabilities. We develop and demonstrate consistent methodology for multiple monitoring programs that sample different life stages of Delta Smelt Hypomesus transpacificus, a critically endangered fish species endemic to the San Francisco Estuary, whose abundance indices have been at the center of much controversy given the regulatory consequences of their listed status. Current indices use different and incomparable methods, do not account for gear selectivity, and do not provide measures of uncertainty. Using recently available information on gear‐specific, length‐based conditional probabilities of capture given availability, we develop new abundance indices along with measures of uncertainty by means of a single methodological approach. These new indices are highly correlated with existing ones, but the approach taken here illuminates different sources of bias and quantifies between‐year variation using probabilistic statements where the previous indices cannot. Decomposition of uncertainty into its constituent sources reveals that early life stage uncertainty is dominated by gear inefficiency while later life stage uncertainty is dominated by sample size, thus providing guidance for improvements to existing surveys. An additional result of general methodological interest is a demonstration, via simulation intended to reflect realistic data properties, that a lognormal distribution is preferable to the normal distribution for making probabilistic statements about the indices. The work here facilitates the fitting of models attempting to identify factors associated with the dynamics and decline of the species.
An extended actuator cylinder model: Actuator‐in‐actuator cylinder (AC‐squared) model
Authors: De Tavernier Delphine , Ferreira Carlos
Published: April 2019

In this paper, the actuator‐in‐actuator cylinder (AC‐squared) model is presented. This model is an extension of the original actuator cylinder model of Madsen and is capable of modelling the effect of a two concentric actuation surfaces in 2D. The induced velocity at every point in the 2D field is affected by the force field acting on the two actuator cylinders. The equations are derived, and a model verification is performed using analytical solutions of flows, proof of flow equivalence, and using OpenFOAM calculations. Finally, the model is applied to different case studies, and the results are compared with a time‐dependent free wake vortex method.