bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HierbaNetV1: a novel feature extraction framework for deep learning-based weed identification
Authors: Michael Justina , Manivasagam Thenmozhi
Published: November 2024

Extracting the essential features and learning the appropriate patterns are the two core character traits of a convolution neural network (CNN). Leveraging the two traits, this research proposes a novel feature extraction framework code-named ‘HierbaNetV1’ that retrieves and learns effective features from an input image. Originality is brought by addressing the problem of varying-sized region of interest (ROI) in an image by extracting features using diversified filters. For every input sample, 3,872 feature maps are generated with multiple levels of complexity. The proposed method integrates low-level and high-level features thus allowing the model to learn intensive and diversified features. As a follow-up of this research, a crop-weed research dataset termed ‘SorghumWeedDataset_Classification’ is acquired and created. This dataset is tested on HierbaNetV1 which is compared against pre-trained models and state-of-the-art (SOTA) architectures. Experimental results show HierbaNetV1 outperforms other architectures with an accuracy of 98.06%. An ablation study and component analysis are conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of HierbaNetV1. Validated against benchmark weed datasets, the study also exhibits that our suggested approach performs well in terms of generalization across a wide variety of crops and weeds. To facilitate further research, HierbaNetV1 weights and implementation are made accessible to the research community on GitHub. To extend the research to practicality, the proposed method is incorporated with a real-time application named HierbaApp that assists farmers in differentiating crops from weeds. Future enhancements for this research are outlined in this article and are currently underway.
An enhanced integrated fuzzy logic-based deep learning techniques (EIFL-DL) for the recommendation system on industrial applications
Authors: Rafique Yasir , Wu Jue , Muzaffar Abdul Wahab , Rafique Bilal
Published: November 2024

Industrial organizations are turning to recommender systems (RSs) to provide more personalized experiences to customers. This technology provides an efficient solution to the over-choice problem by quickly combing through large amounts of information and supplying recommendations that fit each user’s individual preferences. It is quickly becoming an integral part of operations, as it yields successful and convenient results. This research provides an enhanced integrated fuzzy logic-based deep learning technique (EIFL-DL) for recent industrial challenges. Extracting useful insights and making appropriate suggestions in industrial settings is difficult due to the fast development of data. Traditional RSs often struggle to handle the complexity and uncertainty inherent in industrial data. To address these limitations, we propose an EIFL-DL framework that combines fuzzy logic and deep learning techniques to enhance recommendation accuracy and interpretability. The EIFL-DL framework leverages fuzzy logic to handle uncertainty and vagueness in industrial data. Fuzzy logic enables the modelling of imprecise and uncertain information, and the system is able to capture nuanced relationships and make more accurate recommendations. Deep learning techniques, on the other hand, excel at extracting complex patterns and features from large-scale data. By integrating fuzzy logic with deep learning, the EIFL-DL framework harnesses the strengths of both approaches to overcome the limitations of traditional RSs. The proposed framework consists of three main stages: data preprocessing, feature extraction, and recommendation generation. In the data preprocessing stage, industrial data is cleaned, normalized, and transformed into fuzzy sets to handle uncertainty. The feature extraction stage employs deep learning techniques, such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and recurrent neural networks (RNNs), to extract meaningful features from the preprocessed data. Finally, the recommendation generation stage utilizes fuzzy logic-based rules and a hybrid recommendation algorithm to generate accurate and interpretable recommendations for industrial applications.
Fluctuations of continuous soil moisture evaporation under different rainfall conditions during the growing period of the non-monsoon season, the eastern Loess Plateau
Authors: Sun Congjian , Meng Sitong , Chen Wei
Published: November 2024

Soil moisture is an important link between material and energy exchange between the land and atmosphere, and its evaporation loss is crucial to sustainable development of agriculture. Based on observations of long-term stable isotopes of soil moisture in the eastern Loess Plateau (ECLP) during the non-rainy season growing period, this study systematically explored soil water evaporation loss at different soil depths using the Craig–Gordon model and revealed the internal relationship between soil evaporation loss and environmental elements. Main findings included: (1) The soil moisture content showed a gradual decreasing trend, with a weak soil moisture δ18O fluctuation appearing in April, whereas a stronger fluctuation was observed in June. (2) A significant vertical spatial heterogeneity was observed in soil moisture δ18O of each soil layer. Enriched soil moisture δ18O values appeared in the 0–20 cm soil layer, and the minimum value appeared in the 40–60 cm soil layer. (3) A significant spatial and temporal heterogeneity was observed in the soil moisture evaporation loss fraction (f) (0–23.35%), with weaker values at the beginning of the study period and larger values between mid-late May and mid-June. The largest soil evaporation loss was observed in the 0–20 cm soil layer (average value of 8.97%), a fluctuating decreasing trend appeared with increasing soil depth. (4) Regional soil moisture evaporation loss was positively correlated with regional air temperature (T) and potential evapotranspiration (ET0) and negatively correlated with soil water content (SWC) and relative humidity (RH). The correlation between soil moisture evaporation loss and environmental elements gradually weakened with increasing soil depth. (5) The environmentally driven model of continuous evaporation of soil moisture was suitable for larger amounts, especially for the surface soil layers. The results of this study have important implications for water resource management, ecosystem stability, and sustainable regional agriculture in the ECLP.
Different sound exposures causes alterations in stress-related serum indicators, behaviors, and cecal microbiota of green-shell egg-laying chickens under different stocking densities
Authors: Cao Shiwen , Ye Manhong , Wei Wanhong , Yang Fengping
Published: November 2024

Sound and stocking density are two common factors which influence the performance and welfare of layers. Accumulated studies have been conducted on the impacts of the two factors on production performance, while knowledge regarding the impacts of the two factors and their interactions on stress-related serum indicators, behaviors, and cecal bacterial communities in laying hens is still limited. A 3 × 3 factorial design with three sound sources (natural sound (NS), instrumental music (IMS), or mixed road noise (MRS)) and three stocking densities (low density (LD), medium density (MD), and high density (HD)) was used in this 24-day experiment, in which 378 30-week-old Xiandao green-shell layers were randomly distributed into nine treatments with six replicates per treatment. At the 3rd, 12th, and 24th experimental day, we evaluated the serum levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT) and recorded stress-related animal behaviors. At the end of the experiment, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing of the cecal bacterial communities was performed. Our results confirmed that MRS and HD induced significantly elevated serum ACTH and CORT levels, and were correlated with significantly increased feather pecking behavior. IMS and LD were associated with enhanced preening behavior and reduced feather pecking behavior. LD significantly increased the Firmicutes/Bacteriodetes ratio and IMS significantly enriched the beneficial Lactobacillus population. Based on the obtained results we proposed that music exposure and reduced stocking density were helpful in reducing stress and improving cecal bacterial profile, which were beneficial for improving layers’ health status and welfare.
Tilianin content and morphological characterization of colchicine-induced autotetraploids in Agastache mexicana
Authors: Martínez-Aguilar Angélica , Villanueva Sánchez Evert , Valencia-Díaz Susana , Estrada-Soto Samuel E. , Napsucialy-Mendivil Selene , Barba-Gonzalez Rodrigo , Alia-Tejacal Iran , Arellano-García José de Jesús , Villegas Torres Oscar Gabriel , Cruz Torres Karla Catalina , Perea-Arango Irene
Published: November 2024

Background

Agastache mexicana Linton & Epling subsp. mexicana (Lamiaceae) is an aromatic medicinal plant, characterized by a high concentration of tilianin, a flavonoid with therapeutic potential in cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we have explored the use of colchicine to obtain autotetraploid lines of A. mexicana and analyze their morphological characteristics. In addition, we aimed to identify polyploid plants with a high content of tilianin.

Methods

In vitro seedlings at the stage of cotyledon emergence were dipped in colchicine solution at 0.0%, 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5% (w/v) for 6, 12, and 24 h. Seedlings were cultured on half-strength basal Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 20 g/L sucrose. After 2 months, the shoots from surviving seedlings were excised and grown individually in the same medium to obtain plantlets. The ploidy level of all materials was verified through flow cytometry and chromosome counting before acclimatization and transfer to the greenhouse. The investigated characteristics included length, density and stomatal index, leaf area, chlorophyll content, flower size and color, and tilianin content measured by high-performance liquid chromatography.

Results

The most efficient production of tetraploid in terms of percentage was achieved with 0.1% colchicine for 6 h resulting in no generation of mixoploids. Tetraploid plants had twice the number of chromosomes (2n = 4x = 36) and nearly twice the total DNA content (2.660 ± 0.236 pg) of diploids. Most tetraploid A. mexicana plants showed variations in flower and leaf characteristics compared to the diploid controls. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis showed that tetraploid plants with small leaves produced the greatest amount of tilianin; up to 32.964 ± 0.004 mg/g dry weight (DW), compared to diploid plants with 6.388 ± 0.005 mg/g DW.

Conclusion

In vitro polyploidization using colchicine demonstrates potential for enhancing bioactive constituents of A. mexicana. This approach has proven effective in generating elite tetraploid lines with increased tilianin production.
Mecanismos de morte neuronal nos transtornos do neurodesenvolvimento: revisão à luz do DSM-5 e impactos na população brasileira
Authors: Silva Antônio Veimar da , Zahn Viviane Mesquita de Oliveira , Sousa Tatiana Oliveira de , Carvalho Camila Mendes Costa , Bello Marta Maria Del , Fowler Viviane Hemmel , Rodrigues Walter de Queiroz , Souza Ivaldo Mauricio de , Nascimento Nathalie Costa , Santos Jhonathan Yuri Rodrigues dos , Ferreira Patricia Fernanda Pizo
Published: November 2024

Este artigo revisa os mecanismos de morte neuronal associados aos transtornos do neurodesenvolvimento à luz do DSM-5 e seus impactos na população brasileira. Utilizando uma abordagem qualitativa e bibliográfica, o estudo analisou a prevalência desses transtornos, como o transtorno do espectro autista (TEA) e o transtorno de déficit de atenção e hiperatividade (TDAH), destacando a apoptose, a necrose e a neuroinflamação como processos biológicos centrais. A pesquisa também abordou fatores genéticos, ambientais e epigenéticos que influenciam o desenvolvimento desses transtornos e discute as opções terapêuticas atuais, incluindo intervenções comportamentais, farmacológicas e terapias emergentes baseadas em neuroplasticidade e células-tronco. Além disso, são discutidos os desafios enfrentados pela saúde pública brasileira em fornecer diagnóstico precoce e intervenções adequadas para mitigar a progressão da neurodegeneração. O estudo conclui que estratégias preventivas e terapêuticas inovadoras são essenciais para melhorar a qualidade de vida das populações afetadas.
Constraints Faced by the Coir Workers and the Coir Co-operative Societies in the Production of Coir Yarn in Alappuzha and Kollam Districts of Kerala
Authors: Krishnapriya  , P T Lazarus, , A Vijayan, , A Kuruvila, , K R Anil, , P G Pratheesh,
Published: November 2024

The research aimed to identify and analyse the constraints faced by the coir workers and the coir cooperative societies throughout the coir yarn production process. Alappuzha and Kollam districts were selected for the study because the coir yarn production in Kerala is concentrated mainly in these districts. A total of 60 coir co-operative societies (30 from each district) were selected randomly. Four coir workers were randomly chosen from each society, totalling 240 coir workers. The study was carried out in the year 2023. Both the workers and the secretaries of these cooperative societies provided insights into the key obstacles impeding coir yarn production. These constraints were ranked using Garrett’s ranking technique. The coir workers highlighted some major constraints such as health problems related to the work, inadequate wages, irregular employment, and absence of job security and retirement benefits. Coir yarn production within Kerala’s cooperative sector faced numerous challenges, major ones being shortage of labour, delayed payments from Coirfed for the coir sold by the co-operative societies, lack of financial support from higher organizations/inadequate funding, and lack of active workers. This method provided a detailed understanding of the barriers impacting both the workforce and the operations of the cooperatives. The findings of this study will assist policymakers and authorities in implementing targeted interventions to enhance coir yarn production within the cooperative sector.
Customer Relationship Management on Customer Retention in the SACCO Sector in Kenya
Authors: Nyaga Morris A. Mugendi , Nkaabu Clement G.
Published: November 2024

The purpose of this conceptual paper was to investigate the effect of customer relationship management practices on customer retention in the Sacco sector in Kenya. This paper examined how service quality, technology adoption, and complaint handling affect customer retention in the exhibition industry the target population was the customers of the Sacco’s. The study had its limitations. The research engaged customers who were busy in other activities. Furthermore, the study was limited to examining the effect of customer relationship management practices on customer retention in Saccos in Kenya which limits the generalization of the findings to other industries. In future research, a similar independent paper should be done to examine the effect of customer relationship management practices on customer retention across different industries to understand which policies are effective for different industries and sectors. The paper also recommends a similar study to be done to establish the role of other CRM practices on customer retention.
Instruments for Assessing the Impact of Periodontal Disease on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life: A Narrative Review
Authors: Martins-Cruz Timilly Mayra , Silva Larissa Doalla de Almeida e , Soares Kaio Henrique , Soares Célio Leone Ferreira , Oliveira Dhelfeson Willya Douglas de , Gonçalves Patrícia Furtado
Published: November 2024

Aim: the objective of this study was to carry out a narrative review of the instruments for assessing quality of life in periodontal patients, as well as to detail their characteristics, main and specific purposes, and limitations.
Methodology: An electronic search was conducted in the PubMed, VHL, and Web of Science databases from July to September 2021. Using specific descriptors, the search included observational studies that evaluated the quality of life in adult periodontal patients (ages 18 to 60), dentate and without comorbidities. Each instrument was reviewed, and its main psychometric characteristics were highlighted.
Results: According to the eligibility criteria, the search identified 3,669 studies, among which 126 were selected for this literature review. The most used instrument to assess the impact of periodontal disease on quality of life was the OHIP-14 (n=83, 60.48%), followed by a combination of instruments (n=10, 12.6%) and the modified OHIP (n=9, 11.34%).
Conclusion: The OHIP-14 is the most used instrument to assess the quality of life of periodontal patients; however, as it is a generic instrument, the need to develop a specific tool for periodontal diseases is substantial for better understanding and increased validity of findings in these studies.
Effects Of Seawater On The Compressive, Flexural And Split Tensile Strength Properties Of Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Idusuyi Daniel , Olanipekun Adewoye , Solomon Ayoleyi , Akinpelu Oluwafemi , Saka Quadri
Published: November 2024

Background: Reinforced concrete is a heterogeneous mixture of cement, aggregates, potable water and steel
used for various construction purposes, such as buildings, highways, bridges and water retaining structures.
However, increase in subsea construction projects, especially in Nigerian coastal areas now warrant
understanding the effects of seawater on reinforced concrete. Also, the increasing scarcity of freshwater in
Nigerian coastal areas is now pushing construction workers to settle for saline water. Therefore, this study
investigated the applicability of seawater as alternative to freshwater in concrete mixing and curing for
construction, especially subsea construction activities, thereby addressing an existing research gap.
Materials and Methods: The impacts of seawater were examined on the compressive, flexural and split tensile
strengths of fresh and hardened concrete. Seawater samples from Suntan Beach, Badagry, Lagos State, were
characterized at Central Research Laboratory of Bells University of Technology. Preliminary tests on cement
and aggregates were conducted at Structures and Materials Laboratory of the same university. Production and
curing of concrete specimens using both freshwater and seawater were done in four phases such as Freshwater
(FF), Freshwater/Seawater (FS), Seawater/Freshwater (SF) and Seawater/Seawater (SS), with strength
measurements conducted at 7, 14, and 28 days of curing respectively.
Results: Seawater characterization results showed significant presence of salts and oxides. Slump test results
showed seawater reduced workability of concrete compared with freshwater. Results of compressive and
flexural tests at 28 days ranged between 19.26 and 20.74 Mpa (SS and SF), while split tensile values were 3.1
for FS and 5.1 Mpa SS respectively, at 28days.
Conclusion: The study concludes that seawater negatively affected compressive and flexural strengths, but positively affected flexural strength. Therefore, admixtures which will protect compressive and flexural strengths are recommended when using seawater for construction
Design And Implementation Of An ESP32-Based Smart Home Automation System With Environmental Monitoring And Automated Controls
Authors: Ahmed Danish , Ali Syed Zeeshan , Khan Fahat Bar , Faruki Mubashir Hussain
Published: November 2024

This paper presents an ESP32-based Home Automation System designed for efficient management of household
components, enhancing convenience, safety, and resource optimization. The system integrates various sensors
and devices, including relay-controlled bulbs and fans, motion-sensor lights, and automated nightlights.
Environmental monitoring is achieved via a DHT22 sensor for temperature and humidity, and MQ2/MQ135
sensors for gas detection, promoting real-time safety alerts. For smart gardening, a soil moisture sensor
coupled with a submersible pump enables automated irrigation. Overheat protection ensures safety by
automatically adjusting devices to prevent overheating. All components are managed through a mobile app
using Wi-Fi, offering intuitive control and real-time monitoring. This project demonstrates the potential of ESP32 in building connected, intelligent home environments, driving the evolution of smart living systems
2‐Phenoxyethanol [MAK Value Documentation, 2017]
Authors: Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: January 2019

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated 2‐phenoxyethanol [122‐99‐6], considering all toxicity endpoints. Available publications and study reports are described in detail. In a 14‐day inhalation study with rats, critical effects of 2‐phenoxyethanol were hyperplasia, degeneration and metaplasia of the respiratory epithelium in the nasal cavity beginning at 246 mg/m3. The NOAEC was 48.2 mg/m3(8.4 ml/m3). Since 2014, the Commission uses an empirical approach to set maximum concentrations at the workplace (MAK values) for substances with critical effects on the upper respiratory tract or the eyes. Based on this approach, a MAK value of 1 ml/m3has been derived. The assignment to Peak Limitation Category I, because local effects are critical, and the excursion factor of 2 have been confirmed. No developmental toxicity was detected in rats (oral) or rabbits (dermal) up to doses of 1000 or 600 mg/kg body weight and day, resp. In an oral two‐generation study in mice, the NOAEL for foetotoxicity was about 400 mg/kg body weight and day. The differences between the NOAEL for rats, mice and rabbits scaled to an inhalation concentration at the workplace and the MAK value are considered so large that damage to the embryo or foetus is unlikely when the MAK value is observed. Therefore, classification in Pregnancy Risk Group C is confirmed. 2‐Phenoxyethanol is not regarded to be genotoxic or carcinogenic. Sensitization is not expected based on results of animal studies and experience in humans. Skin contact is not expected to contribute significantly to the systemic toxicity.
N‐Methyl‐2‐pyrrolidon (Dampf) [MAK Value Documentation in German language, 2019]
Authors: Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: January 2019

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated the maximum concentration at the workplace (MAK value) of N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone [872‐50‐4].

The critical effects in rats are irritation of the upper respiratory tract, foetotoxicity and neurotoxicity. Male volunteers did not show adverse irritant or cognitive effects after 8‐hour exposure to N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone at a concentration of 20 ml/m3with and without exposure peaks of 40 ml/m3and with physical workload.

A MAK value of 20 ml/m3had been set for N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone vapour. This value has now been confirmed even considering the increased respiratory volume at the workplace (see List of MAK and BAT Values, Section I b and I c).

Exposure to N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone aerosols increases the intake by dermal absorption but there is no information indicating by how much. Therefore, the MAK value is only valid for the vapour of N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone and exposure to aerosols or vapour/aerosol mixtures must be controlled by biomonitoring methods.

As the critical effect of N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone is assumed to be local, Peak Limitation Category I has been designated. The excursion factor of 2 is retained.
Importation and deprivation factors influencing teacher‐targeted aggression among secondary school students in Germany: A multilevel analysis
Authors: Beckmann Laura , Bergmann Marie Christine , Schneegans Tim , Baier Dirk
Published: January 2019

Relying on an importation and deprivation framework, the study assessed a variety of risk factors associated with self‐reported teacher‐targeted aggression among ninth grade students (n = 5,673). Using a cross‐sectional school survey conducted in one German federal state, two forms of teacher‐targeted aggression were assessed: verbal (insulting, threatening, and mocking) and physical (beating and pushing) aggression. Every ninth student reported verbal aggression, while 0.5% of students reported physical aggression against teachers. Multilevel probability models showed that individual importation factors (low self‐control, male gender, and exposure to severe parental violence), together with individual deprivation factors (repeated victimization by teachers and low school achievement) play a role in explaining teacher‐targeted aggression. The school‐level deprivation factor of negative teacher–student relationships was also relevant, whereas low teacher control and attending lower‐level schools were unrelated to the perpetration of teacher‐targeted aggression. The present study stresses the need to acknowledge the multilevel etiology of teacher‐targeted aggression.
Evaluation of dosimetric uncertainty caused by MR geometric distortion in MRI‐based liver SBRT treatment planning
Authors: Han Silu , Yin Fang‐Fang , Cai Jing
Published: January 2019

Purpose

MRI‐based treatment planning is a promising technique for liver stereotactic‐body radiation therapy (SBRT) treatment planning to improve target volume delineation and reduce radiation dose to normal tissues. MR geometric distortion, however, is a source of potential error in MRI‐based treatment planning. The aim of this study is to investigate dosimetric uncertainties caused by MRI geometric distortion in MRI‐based treatment planning for liver SBRT.

Materials and Methods

The study was conducted using computer simulations. 3D MR geometric distortion was simulated using measured data in the literature. Planning MR images with distortions were generated by integrating the simulated 3D MR geometric distortion onto planning CT images. MRI‐based treatment plans were then generated on the planning MR images with two dose calculation methods: (1) using original CT numbers; and (2) using organ‐specific assigned CT numbers. Dosimetric uncertainties of various dose‐volume‐histogram parameters were determined as their differences between the simulated MRI‐based plans and the original clinical CT‐based plans for five liver SBRT cases.

Results

The average simulated distortion for the five liver SBRT cases was 2.77 mm. In the case of using original CT numbers for dose calculation, the average dose uncertainties for target volumes and critical structures were <0.5 Gy, and the average target volume percentage at prescription dose uncertainties was 0.97%. In the case of using assigned CT numbers, the average dose uncertainties for target volumes and critical structures were <1.0 Gy, and the average target volume percentage at prescription dose uncertainties was 2.02%.

Conclusions

Dosimetric uncertainties caused by MR geometric distortion in MRI‐based liver SBRT treatment planning was generally small (<1 Gy) when the distortion is 3 mm.
Juvenile Sjögren's Syndrome: Clinical Characteristics With Focus on Salivary Gland Ultrasonography
Authors: Hammenfors Daniel S. , Valim Valéria , Bica Blanca E. R. G. , Pasoto Sandra G. , Lilleby Vibke , Nieto‐González Juan Carlos , Silva Clovis A. , Mossel Esther , Pereira Rosa M. R. , Coelho Aline , Bootsma Hendrika , Thatayatikom Akaluck , Brun Johan G. , Jonsson Malin V.
Published: January 2019

Objective

Juvenile Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a rare, poorly defined, and possibly underdiagnosed condition affecting children and adolescents. The aim of this study was to characterize symptoms and clinical findings of juvenile SS and to explore the clinical application of major salivary gland ultrasonography (SGUS) in patients with juvenile SS.

Methods

A cross‐sectional multicenter study recruited patients with disease onset until age 18 years (n = 67). Disease characteristics were recorded, and unstimulated whole sialometry and SGUS examination of the parotid and submandibular salivary glands were performed.

Results

The female:male ratio was 58:9. The mean age at first symptom was 10.2 years and 12.1 years at diagnosis. Ocular and oral symptoms were noted in 42 of 67 patients (63%) and 53 of 66 patients (80%), respectively. The American‐European Consensus Group or American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism classification criteria for primary SS were fulfilled by 42 of 67 patients (63%). Pathologic SGUS findings were observed in 41 of 67 patients (61%); 26 of 41 SGUS+ patients (63%) fulfilled primary SS criteria. Salivary gland enlargements/parotitis were noted in 37 of 58 patients and were nonsignificantly associated with SGUS+ status (P = 0.066). The mean levels of saliva were 5.6 ml/15 minutes in SGUS– patients compared to 3.3 ml/15 minutes in the SGUS+ patients (P = 0.049). A total of 36 of 41 SGUS+ patients (88%) were anti‐Ro/La+ compared to 14 of 26 SGUS– patients (54%) (P = 0.001). In addition, 24 of 39 SGUS+ patients (62%) were positive for rheumatoid factor (RF), whereas only 5 of 25 SGUS– patients (20%) were RF+ (P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Juvenile SS is characterized by a large spectrum of clinical symptoms and findings. Several glandular and extraglandular parameters such as hyposalivation, swollen salivary glands, and autoantibodies are associated with pathologic SGUS findings.
Printed Solar Cells and Energy Storage Devices on Paper Substrates
Authors: Brunetti Francesca , Operamolla Alessandra , Castro‐Hermosa Sergio , Lucarelli Giulia , Manca Valerio , Farinola Gianluca M. , Brown Thomas M.
Published: January 2019

Paper is a flexible material, commonly used for information storage, writing, packaging, or specialized purposes. It also has strong appeal as a substrate in the field of flexible printed electronics. Many applications, including safety, merchandising, smart labels/packing, and chemical/biomedical sensors, require an energy source to power operation. Here, progress regarding development of photovoltaic and energy storage devices on cellulosic substrates, where one or more of the main material layers are deposited via solution processing or printing, is reviewed. Paper can be used simply as the flexible substrate or, exploiting its porous fiber‐like nature, as an active film by infiltration or copreparation with electronic materials. Solar cells with efficiencies of up to 9% on opaque substrates and 13% on transparent substrates are demonstrated. Recent developments in paper‐based supercapacitors and batteries are also reviewed with maximum achieved capacity of 1350 mF cm−2and 2000 mAh g−1, respectively. Analyzing the literature, it becomes apparent that more work needs to be carried out in continuing to improve peak performance, but especially stability and the application of printing techniques, even roll‐to‐roll processing, over large areas. Paper is not only environmentally friendly and recyclable, but also thin, flexible, lightweight, biocompatible, and inexpensive.
A Monocharged Electret Nanogenerator‐Based Self‐Powered Device for Pressure and Tactile Sensor Applications
Authors: Gong Shaobo , Zhang Jinxi , Wang Chenchen , Ren Kailiang , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: January 2019

This study reports a self‐powered pressure sensor based on a monocharged electret nanogenerator (MENG). The sensor exhibits great advantages in terms of high reliability, ease of fabrication, and relatively high sensitivity. The working mechanism of the MENG sensor is studied by both theoretical derivations and finite element analyses to determine the electric potential distribution during the device operation. The MENG sensor exhibits a stable open circuit voltage ≈10 V at a 30.8 kPa pressure and a corresponding sensitivity of 325 mV kPa−1. The stability testing result shows that the device has only ≈5% attenuation after 10 000 cycles of repeated testing at 30.8 kPa pressure. Furthermore, it is found that the MENG sensor responds not only to a dynamic force but also a static force. Finally, a sensor array consisting of nine MENG sensor elements is fabricated. The testing results from the sensor array also reveal that a single touch of the sensor element can immediately light up an LED light at the corresponding position. This device holds great promise for use in future tactile sensors and artificial skin applications.
Precisely Defined Conjugated Oligoelectrolytes for Biosensing and Therapeutics
Authors: Wang Bing , Queenan Bridget N. , Wang Shu , Nilsson K. Peter R. , Bazan Guillermo C.
Published: January 2019

Conjugated oligoelectrolytes (COEs) are a relatively new class of synthetic organic molecules with, as of yet, untapped potential for use in organic optoelectronic devices and bioelectronic systems. COEs also offer a novel molecular approach to biosensing, bioimaging, and disease therapy. Substantial progress has been made in the past decade at the intersection of chemistry, materials science, and the biological sciences developing COEs and their polymer analogues, namely, conjugated polyelectrolytes (CPEs), into synthetic systems with biological and biomedical utility. CPEs have traditionally attracted more attention in arenas of sensing, imaging, and therapy. However, the precisely defined molecular structures and interactions of COEs offer potential key advantages over CPEs, including higher reliability and fluorescence quantum efficiency, larger diversity of subcellular targeting strategies, and improved selectivity to biomolecules. Here, the unique—and sometimes overlooked—properties of COEs are discussed and the noticeable progress in their use for biological sensing, imaging, and therapy is reviewed.
Machine Learning for Thermal Transport Analysis of Aluminum Alloys with Precipitate Morphology
Authors: Wang Jiaqi , Yousefzadi Nobakht Ali , Blanks James Dean , Shin Dongwon , Lee Sangkeun , Shyam Amit , Rezayat Hassan , Shin Seungha
Published: January 2019

A large number of microstructural parameters and a wide range of transport physics impose challenges on thermal transport analysis of alloy. Herein, modern data science techniques are employed to overcome the challenges, pursuing effective calculation of thermal transport properties. This emerging approach is tested for precipitate‐hardened aluminum (Al) alloy with consideration of precipitate morphology. The finite element method (FEM) is employed to create a database of effective thermal conductivity of hypothetical Al alloys with varying precipitate morphological and thermal transport features. Using the FEM‐generated data sets, the correlation analysis is conducted to qualitatively evaluate the importance of various precipitate features. The correlation analysis identifies the surface area, average diameter, and volume fraction of precipitates as the most descriptive features for determining the thermal conductivity of alloys. Afterward machine learning (ML) models are trained to accurately predict the effective thermal conductivity. Comparing the ML predictions with effective thermal conductivity and microstructural information from experiments, precipitate thermal transport properties can be calculated, such as interfacial conductance between Al matrix and precipitate, without atomistic simulations. This research demonstrates the feasibility of data‐driven approaches for effective thermal transport calculation and the promise of the FEM‐generated data analysis for more comprehensive evaluation of metallic alloys.
Toward Computational Design of Catalysts for CO2 Selective Reduction via Reaction Phase Diagram Analysis
Authors: Han Mengru , Fu Xiaoyan , Cao Ang , Guo Chenxi , Chu Wei , Xiao Jianping
Published: January 2019

Chemical conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into value‐added chemicals, for example, ethanol, has been recognized to be one of the most effective ways of carbon sources cycling. However, the selectivity controlling of CO2 reduction is still a challenging problem due to the formation of a variety of products, such as methanol, methane, formic acid, and carbon monoxide, associating with complicated reaction mechanisms. Herein, a simple and effective theoretical analysis of “reaction phases diagram” to understand the selectivity of CO2 reduction, based on the principle of reaction free energies with sequential priority is proposed. Using this principle, the fundamental understanding of the formation of different products in CO2 reduction is rationalized. On the basis of reaction free energies’ analysis, the selectivity trends of CO2 reduction to methane, methanol, and ethanol from a number of experiments are discussed. At the end, the selectivity trends with a computer algorithm of searching full reaction pathways, explaining well the effects from catalyst sizes, substrate observed in experiments, are confirmed.
Water insensitive and solvent‐free synthesis of biodegradable solid–solid phase change materials based on poly (ethylene glycol) for thermal energy storage
Authors: Zhao Yuanyang , Liu Zhimeng , Wang Yi , Liu Qinfeng , Lei Jingxin , Zhou Changlin
Published: January 2019

Usually, polyethylene glycol (PEG)‐based biodegradable solid‐solid phase change materials (BSSPCMs) are synthesized with isocyanate and PEG, removing water is necessary due to the sensitivity to water of isocyanate groups. In this study, a water insensitive synthetic scheme based on carboxyl and aziridinyl was employed to prepare PEG‐based BSSPCMs via solvent‐free bulk polymerization: First, a carboxyl modified polyethylene glycol was synthesized through esterification reaction of citric acid and PEG with the molar ratio 2:1. Then, the BSSPCMs were prepared based on an self‐curing and organic solvent‐free process, using trimethylolpropane tris(1‐aziridine propionate) as the cross‐linking agent. The chemical structure, crystalline properties, phase change properties, thermal stability, and reliability were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, polarizing optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and accelerated thermal cycling testing, respectively. Solid–solid phase change behavior was testified by the leakage test. The biodegradation experiment was conducted to prove the biodegradability of solid–solid PCMs. The results indicated that BSSPCMs had a similar crystalline structure to PEG, and the crystal size was smaller than PEG. The phase change temperature of BSSPCMs was in the range of 25–65°C, and the latent heat of phase change materials (PCMs) was about 103–108 J/g. Moreover, the extent of supercooling of BSSPCMs was reduced. Thermogravimetric analysis and accelerated thermal cycling test results confirmed the considerable thermal stability and reliability of BSSPCMs. The prepared PCMs also exhibited a good biodegradability in the natural environment.
3D simulation and parametric analysis of polymer melt flowing through spiral mandrel die for pipe extrusion
Authors: Nie Yi , Hao Jing , Lin Yueh‐Jaw , Sun Wei
Published: January 2019

With the increasing demands for large scale and high productivity, polymer pipes are recently produced using the advanced spiral mandrel dies. However, the fundamental research related to polymer melt flow mechanism in the spiral mandrel die for pipe extrusion is lagging behind. In the present study, the mathematical model for such a complex three‐dimensional non‐isothermal viscous flow of polymer melts obeying power law model was developed based on computational fluid dynamics theory. Finite volume element method was applied to predict the rheological behaviors of polymer melt flowing through the complex flow channel. The essential flow characteristics including velocity, pressure drop, wall shear stress, and temperature were investigated. The effects of both mandrel structure parameters and mass flow rate upon the flow patterns were further discussed. Some recommendations on spiral mandrel die design for pipe production were put forward.
White matter has impaired resting oxygen delivery in sickle cell patients
Authors: Chai Yaqiong , Bush Adam M. , Coloigner Julie , Nederveen Aart J. , Tamrazi Benita , Vu Chau , Choi Soyoung , Coates Thomas D. , Lepore Natasha , Wood John C.
Published: January 2019

Although modern medical management has lowered overt stroke occurrence in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), progressive white matter (WM) damage remains common. It is known that cerebral blood flow (CBF) increases to compensate for anemia, but sufficiency of cerebral oxygen delivery, especially in the WM, has not been systematically investigated. Cerebral perfusion was measured by arterial spin labeling in 32 SCD patients (age range: 10‐42 years old, 14 males, 7 with HbSC, 25 HbSS) and 25 age and race‐matched healthy controls (age range: 15‐45 years old, 10 males, 12 with HbAS, 13 HbAA); 8/24 SCD patients were receiving regular blood transfusions and 14/24 non‐transfused SCD patients were taking hydroxyurea. Imaging data from control subjects were used to calculate maps for CBF and oxygen delivery in SCD patients and their T‐score maps. Whole brain CBF was increased in SCD patients with a mean T‐score of 0.5 and correlated with lactate dehydrogenase (r2 = 0.58, P < 0.0001). When corrected for oxygen content and arterial saturation, whole brain and gray matter (GM) oxygen delivery were normal in SCD, but WM oxygen delivery was 35% lower than in controls. Age and hematocrit were the strongest predictors for WM CBF and oxygen delivery in patients with SCD. There was spatial co‐localization between regions of low oxygen delivery and WM hyperintensities on T2 FLAIR imaging. To conclude, oxygen delivery is preserved in the GM of SCD patients, but is decreased throughout the WM, particularly in areas prone to WM silent strokes.
A novel mouse model of adult T‐cell leukemia cell invasion into the spinal cord
Authors: Ohsugi Takeo , Tanaka Shuhei , Iwasaki Keigo , Nagano Yusuke , Kozako Tomohiro , Matsuda Kazuya , Hirose Takuya , Takehana Kazushige
Published: January 2019

Adult T‐cell leukemia (ATL) is a mature T‐cell malignancy caused by human T‐cell leukemia virus type I infection, and 10%‐25% of patients show central nervous system (CNS) involvement. CNS involvement significantly reduces survival and there are no effective treatments for CNS involvement. Therefore, an appropriate animal model is required to evaluate the inhibitory effects of novel drugs on the progression of ATL with CNS involvement. Here, we established a mouse model of ATL with CNS involvement using NOD.Cg‐PrkdcscidIl2rgtm1Wjl/SzJ mice inoculated with ATL cells intramuscularly in the postauricular region, and these mice showed paraparesis. Of the 10 mice inoculated with ATL cells intramuscularly (I.M.) at 5 weeks of age, 8 (80%) showed paraparesis, whereas none of the 10 mice inoculated with ATL cells subcutaneously (S.C.) showed paraparesis. In the I.M. group, PCR detected HTLV‐1‐specific genes in the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae; however, in the S.C. group, the vertebrae were negative for HTLV‐1 genes. Histological analysis revealed a particularly high incidence of tumors, characterized by accumulation of the injected cells, in the thoracic vertebrae of mice in the I.M. group. Tumor cell infiltration was relatively high in the bone marrow. Spinal cord compression caused by invasion of the tumor mass outside the pia mater was observed in the thoracic vertebrae of the spinal cord. In conclusion, we have reported a mouse model of tumor growth with paraparesis that may be used to assess novel therapeutic agents for ATL with CNS involvement.
Facile modification of polysulfone hollow‐fiber membranes via the incorporation of well‐dispersed iron oxide nanoparticles for protein purification
Authors: Said Noresah , Hasbullah Hasrinah , Abidin Muhammad Nidzhom Zainol , Ismail Ahmad Fauzi , Goh Pei Sean , Othman Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan , Kadir Siti Hamimah Sheikh Abdul , Kamal Fatmawati , Abdullah Mohd Sohaimi , Ng Be Cheer
Published: January 2019

Protein existence in wastewater is an important issue in wastewater management because proteins are generally present as contaminants and foulants. Hence, in this study, we focused on designing a polysulfone (PSf) hollow‐fiber membrane embedded with hydrophilic iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) for protein purification by means of ultrafiltration. Before membrane fabrication, the dispersion stability of the IONPs was enhanced by the addition of a stabilizer, namely, citric acid (CA). Next, PSf–IONP–CA nanocomposite hollow‐fiber membranes were prepared via a dry–wet spinning process and then characterized in terms of their hydrophilicity and morphology. Ultrafiltration and adsorption experiments were then conducted with bovine serum albumin as a model protein. The results that an IONP/CA weight ratio of 1:20 contributed to the most stable IONP dispersion. It was also revealed that the membrane incorporated with IONP–CA at a weight ratio of 1:20 exhibited the highest pure water permeability (58.6 L m−2h−1bar−1) and protein rejection (98.5%) while maintaining a low protein adsorption (3.3 μg/cm2). The addition of well‐dispersed IONPs enhanced the separation features of the PSf hollow‐fiber membrane for protein purification. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 47502.
ReFernment: An R package for annotating RNA editing in plastid genomes
Authors: Robison Tanner A. , Wolf Paul G.
Published: January 2019

Premise of the Study

In the absence of cDNA, the annotation of RNA editing in plastomes must be done manually, representing a significant time cost to those studying the organellar genomes of ferns and hornworts.

Methods and Results

We developed an R package to automatically annotate apparent nonsense mutations in plastid genomes. The software successfully annotates such sites and results in no false positives for data with no sequencing or assembly errors.

Conclusions

Compared to manual annotation, ReFernment offers greater speed and accuracy for annotating RNA editing sites. This software should be especially useful for researchers generating large numbers of plastome sequences for taxa with high levels of RNA editing.
Intramolecular Charge Transfer in Kekulé‐ and Non‐Kekulé‐Bridged Bis(triarylamine) Radical Cations: Missing Key Compounds in Organic Mixed‐Valence Systems
Authors: Uebe Masashi , Ito Akihiro
Published: January 2019

From the viewpoint of para‐meta topological bridging effect on the electronic coupling in organic mixed‐valence (MV) systems, the optically induced and thermally assisted intramolecular charge/spin transfer (ICT/IST) processes have been investigated for three bis(triarylamine) (BTA) radical cations as missing key compounds in very basic BTA MV systems. In contrast to the case of p‐ and m‐dinitrobenzene radical anions, the difference in the strength of electronic coupling (V) was not so large for the present BTA MV radical cations, although they still fall within the paradigm of strong V for para‐linkage and weak V for meta‐linkage. Unexpectedly, it has been found that meta‐phenylenediamine radical cation has an electronic coupling comparable to those in the para‐conjugated BTA‐based MV species, and the ICT/IST rate exceeds the ESR time‐scale. This finding is very encouraging considering that sufficient electronic communication can be ensured even when the redox‐active centers are linked directly by the meta‐phenylene bridge, thus broadening the selection of π‐bridging units for molecule‐based optoelectronics.