bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mathematical modeling and study of MHD flow of Williamson nanofluid over a nonlinear stretching plate with activation energy
Authors: Dawar Abdullah , Shah Zahir , Islam Saeed
Published: November 2020

This study investigates the Williamson nanofluid flow through a nonlinear stretching plate. It aims to analze the global influence of Williamson parameter (λ) rather than local, which is researched for a linear stretching case in the literature. In addition, the features of activation energy are also taken into account in the current review. The developed model with the consequent similarity transformation has still not been perceived. The transformed partial differential equations are solved analytically. The consequences of embedded parameters on the velocity, temperature, and concentration profiles are displayed through figures. Also, the consequences of embedded parameters on skin friction, heat transfer, and mass transfer are demonstrated through tables.
The role of chlorine atom on the binding between acrylonitrile derivatives and fat mass and obesity‐associated protein
Authors: Bai Ning , Gan Ya , Li Xitong , Gao Shuting , Yu Wenquan , Wang Ruiyong , Chang Junbiao
Published: November 2020

In this work, seven acrylonitrile derivatives were selected as potential inhibitors of fat and obesity‐related proteins (FTO) by the aid of fluorescence spectroscopy, ultraviolet visible spectroscopy, molecular docking, and cytotoxicity methods. Results show that the interaction between 3‐amino‐2‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐3‐phenylacrylonitrile (1a) and FTO was the strongest among these derivatives. Thermodynamic analysis and molecular modeling show that the main force between 1a and FTO is hydrophobic interaction. The cytotoxicity test showed that the IC50 value of 1a was 46.64 μmol/L, which indicated 1a had the smallest IC50 value and had the best inhibitory effect on the proliferation of leukemia K562 cells among the seven derivatives. Both our previous results and this work show that chlorine atoms play important role in the binding of small molecules and FTO. This work brings new information for the study of FTO inhibitors.
Non‐severe immunosuppression might be associated with a lower risk of moderate–severe acute respiratory distress syndrome in COVID‐19: A pilot study
Authors: Monreal Enric , Maza S Sainz de la , Gullón Pedro , Natera‐Villalba Elena , Chico‐García Juan Luis , Beltrán‐Corbellini Álvaro , Martínez‐Sanz Javier , García‐Barragán Nuria , Buisán Javier , Toledano Rafael , Alonso‐Canovas Araceli , Pérez‐Torre Paula , Matute‐Lozano María C. , López‐Sendón Jose Luis , García‐Ribas Guillermo , Corral Íñigo , Fortún Jesús , Montero‐Errasquín Beatriz , Manzano Luis , Máiz‐Carro Luis , Costa‐Frossard Lucienne , Masjuan Jaime ,   for the COVID‐HRC Group
Published: November 2020

The role of immunosuppression among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients has not been elucidated and management may be challenging. This observational study included confirmed COVID‐19 patients. The primary endpoint was the development of moderate–severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Time to moderate–severe ARDS, the need for mechanical or noninvasive ventilation (MV/NIV), death, and a composite of death or MV/NIV were secondary endpoints. Of 138 patients included, 27 (19.6%) were immunosuppressed (IS) and 95 (68.8%) were male, with a median (IQR) age of 68 (54–78) years. A significantly lower proportion of IS patients (25.9%) compared to non‐IS patients (52.3%) developed moderate–severe ARDS, in both unadjusted (0.32; 95% CI, 0.13–0.83; p = .017) and adjusted (aOR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.08–0.80; p = .019) analyses. After stratifying by pathologies, only IS patients with autoimmune diseases remained significant (aOR 0.25; 95% CI, 0.07–0.98; p = .046). Nonsignificant trends toward a longer time to moderate or severe ARDS, a lower need for MV/NIV, and a lower risk of death or MV/NIV were detected among IS. In our cohort of COVID‐19 patients, nonsevere immunosuppression was associated with a lower risk of moderate–severe ARDS, especially among AD. This suggests a potential protective effect from a hypothesized hyper‐inflammatory response.
Self‐Healable, Highly Stretchable Modified Epoxy Resin Materials by Incorporation with Quadruple Hydrogen‐Bonded Supramolecular Polymers
Authors: Zhang Peng , Wei Yafeng , Li Rui , Wan Yuqin , Zhang Xinyue , Ouyang Xiao , Wang Guojun , Ma Ning , Wei Hao
Published: November 2020

Among the multiple hydrogen bonding compounds, 2‐ureido‐4[1H]‐6‐methyl‐pyrimidinone (UPy) derivatives are most used for fabrication of functional supramolecular assemblies based on the strong quadruple hydrogen bonding between UPy moieties. In this work, a self‐healable and highly stretchable epoxy resin system with high heal efficiency is designed and prepared by the composite of UPy‐modified epoxy resin and UPy‐terminated supramolecular polymers. The elongation at break of the highly stretchable epoxy resin reaches 247% and the tensile strength of the material is 3.10 MPa with tensile test. The mechanical properties of the material (which is cut into two parts) can be restored to 99% (the elongation at break is 246% and the tensile strength is 2.80 MPa) after 2 h of heating at 90 °C. As a bulk material, the supramolecular polymer incorporated epoxy resin could maintain its mechanical properties when used as a healable substrate for conductive experiments. This line of research may provide a new approach for design and preparation of novel self‐healable epoxy resin materials.
Effect of Geometrical Parameters on Piezoresponse of Nanofibrous Wearable Piezoelectric Nanofabrics Under Low Impact Pressure
Authors: Forouzan Amin , Yousefzadeh Maryam , Latifi Masoud , Jose Rajan
Published: November 2020

Piezoelectric polymers are potential energizers for wearable electronics due to the possibility of developing their yarns for various textile products. The present study is aimed at understanding the effect of geometrical parameters, viz., yarn linear density (measured as Tex), twist per meter (TPM), plying, as well as weft and warp density on the piezoelectric voltage of electrospun yarns of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymer and poly[(vinylidene fluoride)‐co‐trifluoroethylene] [P(VDF‐TrFE)] copolymer. Yarns are developed by twisting and plying electrospun nanofibers and their mechanical and piezoelectric properties are systematically investigated. Relative advantages of the yarns of the copolymer with respect to PVDF in both aligned and random fiber geometries are evaluated. The studies show that piezoresponse of the woven nanogenerators can be enhanced by decreasing Tex and increasing the TPM, the plying number, and the fabric density. A record piezovoltage of ≈2.5 V is achieved through this work. The results of the present work can be used for the fabrication of flexible and breathable nanogenerators or sensors.
ADVANCES IN HIGH‐RESOLUTION MALDI MASS SPECTROMETRY FOR NEUROBIOLOGY
Authors: DeLaney Kellen , Phetsanthad Ashley , Li Lingjun
Published: November 2020

Research in the field of neurobiology and neurochemistry has seen a rapid expansion in the last several years due to advances in technologies and instrumentation, facilitating the detection of biomolecules critical to the complex signaling of neurons. Part of this growth has been due to the development and implementation of high‐resolution Fourier transform (FT) mass spectrometry (MS), as is offered by FT ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) and Orbitrap mass analyzers, which improves the accuracy of measurements and helps resolve the complex biological mixtures often analyzed in the nervous system. The coupling of matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) with high‐resolution MS has drastically expanded the information that can be obtained with these complex samples. This review discusses notable technical developments in MALDI‐FTICR and MALDI‐Orbitrap platforms and their applications toward molecules in the nervous system, including sequence elucidation and profiling with de novo sequencing, analysis of post‐translational modifications, in situ analysis, key advances in sample preparation and handling, quantitation, and imaging. Notable novel applications are also discussed to highlight key developments critical to advancing our understanding of neurobiology and providing insight into the exciting future of this field. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Mass Spec Rev
Fast in vivo 23Na imaging and mapping using accelerated 2D‐FID UTE magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging at 3 T: Proof of concept and reliability study
Authors: Alhulail Ahmad A. , Xia Pingyu , Shen Xin , Nichols Miranda , Volety Srijyotsna , Farley Nicholas , Thomas Micheal Albert , Nagel Armin M. , Dydak Ulrike , Emir Uzay E.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

To implement an accelerated MR‐acquisition method allowing to map relaxation and absolute concentration of sodium within skeletal muscles at 3T.

Methods

A fast‐UTE‐2D density‐weighted concentric‐ring‐trajectory 23Na‐MRSI technique was used to acquire 64 time points of FID with a spectral bandwidth of 312.5 Hz with an in‐plane resolution of 2.5 × 2.5 mm2 in ~15 min. The fast‐relaxing 23Na signal was localized with a single‐shot, inversion‐recovery‐based, non‐echo (SIRENE) outer volume suppression (OVS) method. The sequence was verified using simulation and phantom studies before implementing it in human calf muscles. To evaluate the 2D‐SIRENE‐MRSI (UTE = 0.55 ms) imaging performance, it was compared to a 3D‐MRI (UTE = 0.3 ms) sequence. Both data sets were acquired within 2 same‐day sessions to assess repeatability. The values were fitted voxel‐by‐voxel using a biexponential model for the 2D‐MRSI data. Finally, intra‐subject coefficients of variation (CV) were estimated.

Results

The MRSI‐FID data allowed us to map the fast and slow components of in the calf muscles. The spatial distributions of 23Na concentration for both MRSI and 3D‐MRI acquisitions were significantly correlated (P < .001). The test–retest analysis rendered high repeatability for MRSI with a CV of 5%. The mean in muscles was 0.7 ± 0.1 ms (contribution fraction = 37%), whereas was 13.2 ± 0.2 ms (63%). The mean absolute muscle 23Na concentration calculated from the ‐corrected data was 28.6 ± 3.3 mM.

Conclusion

The proposed MRSI technique is a reliable technique to map sodium’s absolute concentration and within a clinically acceptable scan time at 3T.
Determination of the resistivity distribution along underground pipes in urban contexts using galvanic and capacitive methods
Authors: Rejkjær Simon , Finco Cécile , Schamper Cyril , Rejiba Fayçal , Tabbagh Alain , König Jesper , Dahlin Torleif
Published: November 2020

Renovation of water and central heating pipelines is a very costly and time‐consuming process; therefore, a way to prioritize the limited resources between different parts of the systems is very important. The risk for corrosion damage can be assessed from the resistivity of the ground, because the processes facilitating the metal oxidation also affect the resistivity. However, galvanic resistivity mapping is time consuming and work‐intensive in paved areas. To determine the resistivity in the vicinity of pipes two different resistivity methods were applied: electrical resistivity tomography using galvanic coupling, and the logistically easier and rapid electrostatic measurements using capacitive coupling. The two methods were tested in a series of experiments undertaken in the province of Scania in southern Sweden with the aim to acquire a better knowledge about the electrical resistivity of the soil surrounding the heating and water distribution pipes, in order to better assess the corrosivity of the environment. From the experiments it is shown that the electrical resistivity tomography and electrostatic methods mostly give comparable results for the shallow investigated depths in focus here, where differences might be caused by different sensitivities and noise characteristics. In the case of both methods, it is shown, with the help of modelling of the different expected ground models including the pipes, that the pipes only influence the data in cases of pipes of very large diameters or those buried at a very shallow depth, even without any protective surface coating. The missing influence of the pipes on the data makes the methods very applicable for knowing the resistivity of the soil surrounding the pipes and thus evaluation of corrosion risk.
Fully spectral‐Galerkin method for the one‐ and two‐dimensional fourth‐order time‐fractional partial integro‐differential equations with a weakly singular kernel
Authors: Fakhar‐Izadi Farhad
Published: November 2020

In the current paper, a space–time spectral‐Galerkin method is presented for the one‐ and two‐dimensional (1D & 2D) fourth‐order time‐fractional partial integro‐differential equation (TFPIDE) with a weakly singular kernel. In temporal direction, a Petrov‐Galerkin approach is used for discretization. Indeed, eigenfunctions of the first and second kind fractional Sturm‐Liouville problem (FSLP), which called Jacobi polyfractonomials, are used as temporal basis for the trial and test spaces, respectively. Also, spatial discretization is based on the Galerkin approximation with a combination of Legendre polynomials as basis. Fully discrete scheme, give rises to obtaining approximate solution of desired problem via solving a system of linear algebraic equations. Spectral accuracy and efficiency of the considered method are numerically demonstrated by some test problems with smooth and non‐smooth exact solutions in one‐ and two‐dimensional cases.
IoT‐based RFID for observing the health's rituals of pilgrims during Hajj
Authors: Al‐Ahmadi Haneen Hassan
Published: November 2020

For many faiths and especially for Muslims, Mecca as well as Kaaba, hold a spiritually important place. Although communication takes place in the form of either human to human or human to the device, however, internet's great future is promised by the internet of things (IoT). Machines as well as computers identify the objects along with metadata recording or using radio waves to control individual targets with the help of a Radiofrequency identification system (RFID), which is an automatic technology. This paper aims to propose an RFID based IoT framework for monitoring pilgrims vital along with health signs by engaging them with slice during Hajj. Facilitation regarding detection as well as monitoring of Personal RFID data of pilgrims is the result of this system.
Revisiting the dynamic impact of external debt on economic growth in Nigeria: Cointegration and conditional causality analysis
Authors: Faizulayev Alimshan , Bakitjanovna Kaparova Raigul , Wada Isah
Published: November 2020

This study examines the dynamic effects of external debt stocks on real economic growth in Nigeria—incorporating debt services, interest rate, inflation, and capital formation. The study utilizes annual time series from 1981 to 2017 employing the dynamic autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) cointegration bounds test methodology. Empirical findings indicated that external debt stocks and debt services have a significant effect on real economic growth both in the short and long run. The result of the pairwise conditional Granger causality gives a short run procyclical bidirectional nexus between capital formation and economic growth. Thus, external debt stocks affect real GDP via the channels of accumulated debts, debt services, and macroeconomic variable fluctuations in the long run. Result obtained supports the objective of the Nigerian Debt Management Office in optimally managing the nation's external debt.
Social dynamics of values, taboos and perceived threats around sacred groves in Kurdistan, Iran
Authors: Plieninger Tobias , Quintas‐Soriano Cristina , Torralba Mario , Mohammadi Samani Kyumars , Shakeri Zahed
Published: November 2020

Sacred groves are important for the conservation of biodiversity in the Middle East, as more formal approaches to protected areas have often failed in this global biodiversity hotspot.

This study aims to identify the most important social values, taboos and perceived threats around sacred groves in the Kurdistan province of Iran. We test whether values, taboos and perceived threats are lost in transmission across generations, with increased urbanisation, and with modernising livelihoods.

Our survey of 205 local residents revealed that spiritual values, biodiversity and cultural heritage values are key motivations for local people to preserve sacred groves.

Taboos restricting natural resource use were widely shared by local people and thus appeared as powerful pillars for conserving sacred groves.

Local people expressed a strong perception that sacred groves are threatened, both by deliberate and accidental actions, and from both extractive and non‐extractive uses.

Social values and taboos around sacred groves in Kurdistan seemed relatively stable, but we found clear differences. The key holders of values and taboos were elderly people, women, rural people and people with traditional lifestyles. We conclude that eliciting the traditional knowledge and management practices of these groups and empowering them to maintain and revitalise their customs, values and taboos through socioeconomic modernisation is crucial for any conservation strategy.

Local residents who are young, male, more urban and follow a modern lifestyle may need targeting by awareness‐raising conservation programs.

Maintaining and fostering informal conservation traditions such as those around sacred groves is particularly important in areas of conflict where other conservation approaches are lacking and where pressures on natural resources are high.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Computational augmentation of neoplastic endometrial glands in digital pathology displays
Authors: Papke David J , Lohmann Sebastian , Downing Michael , Hufnagl Peter , Mutter George L
Published: November 2020

The pathologic diagnosis of neoplasia requires localization and classification of lesional tissue, a process that depends on the recognition of an abnormal spatial distribution of neoplastic elements relative to admixed normal background tissue. In endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia (EIN), a pre‐cancer usually managed by hysterectomy, a clonally mutated proliferation of cytologically altered glands (‘neoplastic‐EIN’) aggregates in clusters that also contain background non‐neoplastic glands (‘background‐NL’). Here, we used image analysis to classify individual glands within endometrial tissue fragments as neoplastic‐EIN or background‐NL, and we used the distribution of predictions to localize foci diagnostic of EIN. Nuclear coordinates were automatically assigned and were used as vertices to generate Delaunay triangulations for each gland. Graph statistical variables were used to develop random forest algorithms to classify glands as neoplastic‐EIN or background‐NL. Individual glands in an independent validation set were scored by a ‘ground truth’ biomarker (PAX2 immunohistochemistry). We found that exclusion of small glands led to improvement in classification accuracy. Using an inclusion threshold of 200 nuclei per gland, our final model classification accuracy was 77.5% in the validation set, with a positive predictive value of 0.81. We leveraged this high positive predictive value in a point cloud overlay display to assist end‐user identification of EIN foci. This study demonstrates that graph theory approaches applied to small‐scale anatomic elements in the endometrium allow biologic classification by machine learning, and that spatial superimposition over large‐scale tissue expanses can have practical diagnostic utility. We expect this augmented diagnostic approach to be generalizable to commonly encountered problems in other organ systems. © 2020 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genetic ablation of FASN attenuates the invasive potential of prostate cancer driven by Pten loss
Authors: Bastos Débora C , Ribeiro Caroline F , Ahearn Thomas , Nascimento Jéssica , Pakula Hubert , Clohessy John , Mucci Lorelei , Roberts Thomas , Zanata Silvio M , Zadra Giorgia , Loda Massimo
Published: November 2020

Loss of the tumor suppressor gene Pten in murine prostate recapitulates human carcinogenesis and causes stromal proliferation surrounding murine prostate intraepithelial neoplasia (mPIN), which is reactive to microinvasion. In turn, invasion has been shown to be regulated in part by de novo fatty acid synthesis in prostate cancer. We therefore investigated the effects of genetic ablation of Fasn on invasive potential in prostate‐specific Pten knockout mice. Combined genetic ablation of Fasn and Pten reduced the weight and volume of all the prostate lobes when compared to single knockouts. The stromal reaction to microinvasion and the cell proliferation that typically occurs in Pten knockout were largely abolished by Fasn knockout. To verify that Fasn knockout indeed results in decreased invasive potential, we show that genetic ablation and pharmacologic inhibition of FASN in prostate cancer cells significantly inhibit cellular motility and invasion. Finally, combined loss of PTEN with FASN overexpression was associated with lethality as assessed in 660 prostate cancer patients with 14.2 years of median follow‐up. Taken together, these findings show that de novo lipogenesis contributes to the aggressive phenotype induced by Pten loss in murine prostate and targeting Fasn may reduce the invasive potential of prostate cancer driven by Pten loss. © 2020 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Development of lignin‐based carbon foam for use as an FRP sandwich core material
Authors: Bao Limin , Xie Chuanfang , Shi Jian , Teramoto Yoshihiko
Published: November 2020

Sandwich‐structure materials consist of a high‐strength skin material and a lightweight core material. The advantages of sandwich structures are known to include excellent mechanical properties and low weight, the latter of which is the result of a lightweight core. However, soft‐core members such as plastic foam materials have low rigidity and therefore may not exhibit adequate functionality when used in sandwich structures. This research sought to reduce environmental impact and to facilitate sustainable development by developing a method for fabricating high‐strength carbon foam using alkali lignin for use as an FRP sandwich core and enhancing the mechanical properties of the carbon foam with short glass fiber. PMMA particles decomposed at high temperatures to leave gaps, creating carbon foam with a closed structure. The relationship between PMMA particle size and foam pore size was investigated by observing cross‐sections of the foam.
Mental health impacts of social isolation in older people during COVID pandemic
Authors: Vrach Ilona Tappenden , Tomar Rahul
Published: November 2020

Even before the COVID‐19 pandemic, social isolation and loneliness were so prevalent in Europe, the USA and China, that commentators have termed the growing problem a ‘behavioural epidemic’. Here, Dr Tappenden and Dr Tomar review the literature on the mental health consequences of social isolation during epidemics, including COVID‐19, focussing particularly on the mental health of older people and how this group can stay well while socially distancing.
Determination of the JWL Parameters of Detonation Products Using Adaptive Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Cui Hao , Song Pu , Gu Xiao‐Hui , Zhou Hao , Xing Bo‐Yang , Jiang Lin , Guo Rui
Published: November 2020

The determination of Jones‐Wilkins‐Lee(JWL) equation of state (EOS)parameters for considered explosives plays a dominant role in hydrocode simulations, which are commonly used in the field of contemporary explosion mechanics. A two‐point fitting method, combined with the excellent exploratory capabilities of Adaptive Genetic Algorithm (AGA) and the cylinder energy model was developed for the determination of JWL parameters of the detonation products for all ideal condensed explosives without conducting a cylinder test. The JWL parameters can be determined by the proposed method while only the initial density and the detonation velocity of the explosive can be obtained. JWL parameters of eight explosives were determined based on this method, and the results indicated that the P‐V curves of eight fitted JWL EOSs, quantitatively evaluated by the determination coefficient, were in high agreement with that of standard JWL EOSs for all considered explosives. Moreover, the validity of the two‐point fitting method was verified by corresponding numerical simulations. It was found that the numerical results based on the fitted parameters agreed well with that based on thedata from literature. The applicability of the two‐point fitting method to a certain propellant was also discussed and the research can provide a reference for other propellants.
Tracking exogenous intracellular casp‐3 using split GFP
Authors: Anson Francesca , Kanjilal Pintu , Thayumanavan S. , Hardy Jeanne A.
Published: November 2020

Cytosolic protein delivery promises diverse applications from therapeutics, to genetic modification and precision research tools. To achieve effective cellular and subcellular delivery, approaches that allow protein visualization and accurate localization with greater sensitivity are essential. Fluorescently tagging proteins allows detection, tracking and visualization in cellulo. However, undesired consequences from fluorophores or fluorescent protein tags, such as nonspecific interactions and high background or perturbation to native protein's size and structure, are frequently observed, or more troublingly, overlooked. Distinguishing cytosolically released molecules from those that are endosomally entrapped upon cellular uptake is particularly challenging and is often complicated by the inherent pH‐sensitive and hydrophobic properties of the fluorophore. Monitoring localization is more complex in delivery of proteins with inherent protein‐modifying activities like proteases, transacetylases, kinases, etc. Proteases are among the toughest cargos due to their inherent propensity for self‐proteolysis. To implement a reliable, but functionally silent, tagging technology in a protease, we have developed a caspase‐3 variant tagged with the 11th strand of GFP that retains both enzymatic activity and structural characteristics of wild‐type caspase‐3. Only in the presence of cytosolic GFP strands 1–10 will the tagged caspase‐3 generate fluorescence to signal a non‐endosomal location. This methodology facilitates easy screening of cytosolic vs. endosomally‐entrapped proteins due to low probabilities for false positive results, and further, allows tracking of the resultant cargo's translocation. The development of this tagged casp‐3 cytosolic reporter lays the foundation to probe caspase therapeutic properties, charge–property relationships governing successful escape, and the precise number of caspases required for apoptotic cell death.
A new S2‐TEWMA control chart for monitoring process dispersion
Authors: Chatterjee Kashinath , Koukouvinos Christos , Lappa Angeliki
Published: November 2020

Control charts are very popular quality tools used to detect and control industrial process deviations in statistical process control. The current paper presents a new triple exponentially weighted moving average (TEWMA) control chart for monitoring the process dispersion (named as ‐TEWMA chart), based on a three‐parameter logarithmic transformation of the sample variance. A performance evaluation of the proposed chart is conducted, through Monte‐Carlo simulations, in terms of the average run length and the standard deviation of the run length. A comparison study with the ‐EWMA, CUSUM‐, CS‐EWMA and ‐HEWMA charts indicates that the ‐TEWMA chart is more efficient, than the competing ones, in detecting small shifts in the process variability. Finally, two illustrative examples are provided to explain the application of the ‐TEWMA control chart.
Distributed infinite‐horizon optimal control of continuous‐time linear systems over network
Authors: Battilotti Stefano , Cacace Filippo , d'Angelo Massimiliano
Published: November 2020

This article deals with the distributed infinite‐horizon linear‐quadratic‐Gaussian optimal control problem for continuous‐time systems over networks. In particular, the feedback controller is composed of local control stations, which receive some measurement data from the plant process and regulates a portion of the input signal. We provide a solution when the nodes have information on the structural data of the whole network but takes local actions, and also when only local information on the network are available to the nodes. The proposed solution is arbitrarily close to the optimal centralized one (in terms of cost index) when a design parameter is set sufficiently large. Numerical simulation validate the theoretical results.
Computer vision‐based tree trunk and branch identification and shaking points detection in Dense‐Foliage canopy for automated harvesting of apples
Authors: Zhang Xin , Karkee Manoj , Zhang Qin , Whiting Matthew D.
Published: November 2020

Fresh market apples are one of the high‐value crops in the United States. Washington alone has produced two‐thirds of the annual national production in the past 10 years. However, the availability of seasonal labor is increasingly uncertain. Shake‐and‐catch automated harvesting solutions have, therefore, become attractive for addressing this challenge. One of the significant challenges in applying this harvesting system is effectively positioning the end‐effector at appropriate excitation locations. A computer vision system was used for automatically identifying appropriate locations. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) were utilized to identify the tree trunks and branches for supporting the automated excitation locations determination. Three CNN architectures were employed: Deeplab v3+ ResNet‐18, VGG‐16, and VGG‐19. Four pixel classes were predefined as branches, trunks, apples, and leaves to segment the canopies trained to simple, narrow, accessible, and productive tree architectures with varying foliage density. Results on Fuji cultivar showed that ResNet‐18 outperformed the VGGs in identifying branches and trunks based on all three evaluation measures: per‐class accuracy (PcA), intersection over union (IoU), and boundary‐F1 score (BFScore). ResNet‐18 achieved a PcA of 97%, IoU of 0.69, and BFScore of 0.89. The ResNet‐18 was further evaluated for its robustness with other test canopy images. When applied this method to one of the highest density cultivars of Scifresh, results showed it can achieve IoUs of 0.41 and 0.62 and BFScores of 0.71 and 0.86 for branches and trunks. Such identification result helped to get a 72% of auto‐determined shaking points being the “good” category identified by human experts.
Inconsistencies with formulas for the standard error of the standardized mean difference of repeated measures experiments
Authors: Kitchenham Barbara , Madeyski Lech
Published: November 2020

There are inconsistencies between the formulas for the variance of standardized mean difference (SMD) in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews and the variance reported in other sources. Instead of the variance appropriate for the SMD of a crossover experiment, the Cochrane Handbook uses the variance appropriate for a pre‐test post‐test experiment. This means that if there is a non‐negligible time period effect, the formula reported by the Handbook will underestimate both the effect size and its variance. In addition, the formula for the standard error of SMD reported in the Cochrane Handbook (in section 23.2.7.2) is inconsistent with the variance derived from the variance of the related t−test. Even if the period effect is negligible, the Cochrane Handbook formula is biased toward underestimates. The difference between the estimates from the two formulas will be small if either the correlation between the repeated measures, or the magnitude of the SMD estimate, is small, or if the sample size is large. However, it can be can be quite substantial in other circumstances.
Synthesis of Metal Nanostructures Using Supercritical Carbon Dioxide: A Green and Upscalable Process
Authors: Siril Prem Felix , Türk Michael
Published: November 2020

Metallic nanostructures have numerous applications as industrial catalysts and sensing platforms. Supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) is a green medium for the scalable preparation of nanomaterials. Supercritical fluid reactive deposition (SFRD) and other allied techniques can be employed for the mass production of metal nanostructures for various applications. The present article reviews the recent reports on the scCO2‐assisted preparation of zero‐valent metal nanomaterials and their applications. A brief description of the science of pure supercritical fluids, especially CO2, and the basics of binary mixtures composed of scCO2and a low volatile substance, e.g., an organometallic precursor are presented. The benefits of using scCO2for preparing metal nanomaterials, especially as a green solvent, are also being highlighted. The experimental conditions that are useful for the tuning of particle properties are reviewed thoroughly. The range of modifications to the classical SFRD methods and the variety of metallic nanomaterials that can be synthesized are reviewed and presented. Finally, the broad ranges of applications that are reported for the metallic nanomaterials that are synthesized using scCO2are reviewed. A brief summary along with perspectives about future research directions is also presented.
Unraveling the Dissolution‐Mediated Reaction Mechanism of α‐MnO2 Cathodes for Aqueous Zn‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Kim Sung Joo , Wu Daren , Sadique Nahian , Quilty Calvin D. , Wu Lijun , Marschilok Amy C. , Takeuchi Kenneth J. , Takeuchi Esther S. , Zhu Yimei
Published: November 2020

Aqueous Zn/α‐MnO2 batteries have attracted immense interest owing to their high energy density, low cost, and safety, making them desirable for future large‐scale energy application. Despite these merits, the comprehensive understanding of their reaction mechanism has been elusive due to the limitations of standard bulk characterization. Here, via transmission electron microscopy, the dissolution‐mediated reaction mechanism of a Zn/α‐MnO2 system is discovered and explored in full scope to involve reversible formation of Zn4SO4(OH)6·xH2O and “birnessite‐like” Zn‐MnOx phase upon cycling. Overall, α‐MnO2 acts primarily as a source for cell activation through dissolution and thus is not directly involved in the Zn redox chemistry. This microscopic study offers a unique knowledge on the unconventional reaction chemistry of Zn/α‐MnO2 batteries.
Protective effects of Saraca indica L. leaves extract (family Fabaceae) against gamma irradiation induced injury in the kidney of female albino rats
Authors: Mohamed Marwa Abd El Hameed , Mohammed Hala Sh. , Mostafa Shaimaa Ali , Ibrahim Magda Tohamy
Published: November 2020

This work was designed to estimate the protective effect of Saraca indica L. leaves ethanolic exract against γ‐irradiation induced renal damage in rats. Phytochemical examinations of S. indica L. leaves extract resulted in the separation of three flavanone glycosides: Astilibin (1), Neoastilbin (2), and Eriodictyol‐7‐O‐α‐l‐rhamnopyranoside (3); two flavonols: Quercetin (4) and Quercetin‐3‐O‐α‐l‐arabinopyranosyl‐(1′′′‐6′′)‐O‐β‐D‐galactopyranoside (5) in addition of Gallic acid (6) and methyl gallate (7). Their structures elucidated by chemical evidences and spectroscopic analysis (1 and 2D‐NMR, ‐ESI‐MS, UV). Female rats were used and classified into: control, Ext (200 mg/kg body wt/day orally for 7 days), IRR (8Gy), Ext + IRR, and Sily+IRR groups (received silymarin 50 mg/kg b.wt orally as reference drug). Results showed that S. indica L. leaves extract ameliorated the kidney function tests, hs‐CRP, IL‐1β, ACE, TNF‐α, GSH, and MDA as well as, decreased the histopathological changes of kidney. In conclusion, S. indica L. leaves extract had a renoprotective activity against irradiation induced renal injury due to its flavononid contents.
An Azo‐bridged Triazole Derived from Tetrazine
Authors: Yu Qiong , Staples Richard J. , Shreeve Jean'ne M.
Published: November 2020

A new approach to the synthesis of 5,5'‐dinitro‐3,3'‐azo‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazole (3) starting from 3,6‐dihydrazinyl‐1,2,4,5‐tetrazine (DHT) was discovered. Nitrogen‐rich energetic salts of 3 were synthesized in high yields. It is unusual that all the salts were less thermally stable than the neutral compound 3. Of all the compounds, the decomposition temperature of 217 °C, as well as being insensitive towards impact and friction, which suggests potential application as an environmentally friendly nitrogen‐rich energetic material.
Synthesis, crystal structures and vapor adsorption properties of mercury(II) coordination polymers derived from two dipyridylamide ligands
Authors: Chen Ya‐Ting , Ding Yan , He Shan‐Xian , Huang Chao , Chen Dong‐Mei , Zhu Bi‐Xue
Published: November 2020

Two complexes, [HgL1Cl2]n (1) and [Hg2(L2)2Cl4]n (2), have been synthesized and characterized from two dipyridylamide ligands (L1 and L2) with mercury(II) chloride, respectively. The two complexes exist as 1D coordination polymers but exhibit different architectures with slightly adjusted 3‐ and 4‐position of nitrogen atom in the pyridyl rings from the two ligands. In complex 1, the mercury(II) center is four‐coordinated with distorted tetrahedral geometry in 1D‐chain structures. In complex 2, the mercury(II) center is five‐coordinated with distorted square pyramidal geometry in the 1D‐looped structures. The thermal stabilities and vapor adsorption properties of the two complexes were investigated as well.
Liposome Formulations as Adjuvants for Vaccines
Authors: Rao Mangala , Peachman Kristina K. , Alving Carl R.
Published: November 2020

Development of liposome-based formulations as vaccine adjuvants has been intimately associated with, and dependent on, and informed by, a fundamental understanding of biochemical and biophysical properties of liposomes themselves. The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) has a fifty-year history of experience of basic research on liposomes; and development of liposomes as drug carriers; and development of liposomes as adjuvant formulations for vaccines. Uptake of liposomes by phagocytic cells in vitro has served as an excellent model for studying the intracellular trafficking patterns of liposomal antigen. Differential fluorescent labeling of proteins and liposomal lipids, together with the use of inhibitors, has enabled the visualization of physical locations of antigens, peptides, and lipids to elucidate mechanisms underlying the MHC class I and class II pathways in phagocytic APCs. Army Liposome Formulation (ALF) family of vaccine adjuvants, which have been developed and improved since 1986, and which range from nanosize to microsize, are currently being employed in phase 1 studies with different types of candidate vaccines.
Towards muon-electron scattering at NNLO
Authors: Carloni Calame Carlo M. , Chiesa Mauro , Hasan Syed Mehedi , Montagna Guido , Nicrosini Oreste , Piccinini Fulvio
Published: November 2020

Abstract

The recently proposed MUonE experiment at CERN aims at providing a novel determination of the leading order hadronic contribution to the muon anomalous magnetic moment through the study of elastic muon-electron scattering at relatively small momentum transfer. The anticipated accuracy of the order of 10ppm demands for high-precision predictions, including all the relevant radiative corrections. The theoretical formulation for the fixed-order NNLO photonic radiative corrections is described and the impact of the numerical results obtained with the corresponding Monte Carlo code is discussed for typical event selections of the MUonE experiment. In particular, the gauge-invariant subsets of corrections due to electron radiation as well as to muon radiation are treated exactly. The two-loop contribution due to diagrams where at least two virtual photons connect the electron and muon lines is approximated taking inspiration from the classical Yennie-Frautschi-Suura approach. The calculation and its Monte Carlo implementation pave the way towards the realization of a simulation code incorporating the full set of NNLO corrections matched to multiple photon radiation, that will be ultimately needed for data analysis.
A scientific review of colorful textiles
Authors: Nicolai Suna , Tralau Tewes , Luch Andreas , Pirow Ralph
Published: November 2020

Textiles, especially apparel, play an essential role in our daily life. Given that nearly everybody is in contact with clothes and other textiles 24 h a day, they have to be safe. Today’s manufacturing processes depend on the use of many different chemicals, including dyes. An ideal dye would stay within the fabric during use. However, most textile dyes are prone to leaching and wear-off. Ideally, the industry is trying to keep the respective release of dyestuffs as low as possible. Concomitantly, toxicological risk assessment has to evaluate whether the released amounts are safe based on the substance-inherent characteristics and expected levels of exposure. So far, assessments of the latter are mostly based on what little data is available. Although the use of worst-case scenarios makes systematic overestimation likely and thus warrants a sufficiently high level of consumer protection, existing data gaps should be filled in order to end this unsatisfactory situation. Hence, in a first step this paper compiles and analyzes available data on the migration of dyes from textile materials, dermal dye uptake, and possible reductive cleavage of azo dyes by the skin microbiome as well as the dermal uptake of the resulting cleavage products.
High pressure and thermal processing on the quality of zucchini slices
Authors: Paciulli Maria , Ganino Tommaso , Meza Ilce Gabriela Medina , Rinaldi Massimiliano , Rodolfi Margherita , Morbarigazzi Michele , Chiavaro Emma
Published: November 2020

In response to the market demand for low processed vegetables, high-pressure treatments (400,600 MPa; 1,5 min) were applied on zucchini slices and compared to a traditional blanching treatment. Histological observations, texture and color analysis, pectinmethylesterase (PME) and antioxidant (DPPH) activities were measured and compared to untreated samples. The histological observations revealed that the longer high-pressure treatments (5 min) led to more extended cell lysis and dehydration than the shorter ones (1 min) and blanching. High-pressure treatments resulted less effective than blanching on PME inactivation, with the best results obtained at 400 MPa for 1 min. Comparable texture parameters were observed for high-pressured and blanched samples. The negative correlation found between PME activity and the texture parameter ‘distance of the first peak force’ revealed an effect of PME on the texture recovery after treatments. High pressure led to a general browning of zucchini parenchyma and to DPPH drop. The correlations found between DPPH and color suggest the common nature of the phenomena. The influence of pressure and time on the studied parameters was revealed by two-way ANOVA. Principal component analysis clustered together the four high-pressure-treated samples, being clearly divided by blanched and untreated ones.
Prospective and longitudinal evolution of postoperative periprosthetic findings on metal artifact–reduced MR imaging in asymptomatic patients after uncemented total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Germann Christoph , Filli Lukas , Jungmann Pia M. , Graf Dimitri N. , Fritz Jan , Pfirrmann Christian W. A. , Sutter Reto
Published: November 2020

Objective

To prospectively assess the evolution of postoperative MRI findings in asymptomatic patients after total hip arthroplasty (THA) over 24 months (mo).

Methods

This prospective cohort study included 9 asymptomatic patients (56.7 ± 15.0 years) after THA. Metal artifact–reduced 1.5-T MRI was performed at 3, 6, 12, and 24 mo after surgery. The femoral stem and acetabular cup were assessed by two readers for bone marrow edema (BME), periprosthetic bone resorption, and periosteal edema in addition to periarticular soft tissue edema and joint effusion.

Results

BME was common around the femoral stem in all Gruen zones after 3 mo (range: 50–100%) and 6 mo (range: 33–100%) and in the acetabulum in DeLee and Charnley zone II after 3 mo (100%) and 6 mo (33%). BME decreased substantially after 12 mo (range: 0–78%) and 24 mo (range: 0–50%), may however persist in particular in Gruen zones 1 + 7. Periosteal edema along the stem was common 3 mo postoperatively (range: 63–75%) and rare after 24 mo: 13% only in Gruen zones 2 and 5. Twelve months and 24 mo postoperatively, periprosthetic bone resorption was occasionally present around the femoral stem (range: 11–33% and 13–38%, respectively). Soft tissue edema occurred exclusively along the surgical access route after 3 mo (100%) and 6 mo (89%) and never at 12 mo or 24 mo (0%).

Conclusion

Around the femoral stem, BME (33–100%) and periosteal edema (0–75%) are common until 6 mo after THA, decreasing substantially in the following period, may however persist up to 24 mo (BME: 0–50%; periosteal edema: 0–13%) in few non-adjoining Gruen zones. Soft tissue edema along the surgical access route should have disappeared 12 mo after surgery.
Interactions between anti-EGFR therapies and cytotoxic chemotherapy in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma: why clinical trials might have failed and how they could succeed
Authors: Meemanage Madusha , Spender Lindsay C. , Collinson Diane , Iannetta Joanna , Challapalli Pranavi , Turbitt Julie , Clark Caroline , Baxter Mark , Murray Graeme , Walsh Shaun , Miedzybrodzka Zofia , Petty Russell D.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has a poor prognosis. Advanced tumours are treated with fluoropyrimidine/platinum chemotherapy followed by irinotecan or taxane monotherapy, but resistance is common and new treatments are needed. Approximately 20% of ESCCs carry copy number gain (CNG) of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene. Previous trials show that while anti-EGFR monotherapy benefits biomarker-selected patients with EGFR CNG and/or high EGFR expression, combining anti-EGFR therapies with platinum fluoropyrimidine chemotherapies is not effective, and uncertainty remains regarding the optimal cytotoxic chemotherapy partner for anti-EGFR therapies in ESCC.

Methods

The effects of EGFR CNG on fluoropyrimidine/platinum chemotherapy sensitivity in a cohort of gastroesophageal cancer patients (n = 302) was evaluated. Drug combination studies using the EGFR inhibitor gefitinib with cytotoxic chemotherapies, docetaxel, cisplatin, oxaliplatin and irinotecan, on cell proliferation and cell death of EGFR CNG ESCC cell lines were assessed.

Results

EGFR CNG in gastroesophageal cancer patients was associated with improved overall survival following fluoropyrimidine/platinum chemotherapy. However, co-administration of gefitinib and oxaliplatin or cisplatin was frequently antagonistic in cell-based assays in EGFR CNG ESCC, whereas the combination of gefitinib with docetaxel or irinotecan was more efficacious. Co-administration of gefitinib/docetaxel and sequential administration of docetaxel before gefitinib showed synergy, but docetaxel given after gefitinib was antagonistic.

Conclusion

Gefitinib/platinum co-administration demonstrated antagonism suggesting a possible explanation for the lack of benefit from addition of anti-EGFR therapies to fluoropyrimidine/platinum chemotherapy in trials. Gefitinib/docetaxel co-administration demonstrated synergy suggesting taxanes could be the most effective cytotoxic partner for anti-EGFR therapies in EGFR CNG-positive ESCC, but careful consideration of drug scheduling is required.