bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study the Calibration of the High Dose Rate Brachytherapy Radioactive Source 60Co
Authors: Afroz Tania , Das Pretam K. , Chawdhury S. I. , Roy Shudeb K.
Published: September 2020

Aim of this work is to calibrate the high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy source 60Co. The radioactive source calibration is a very important part of the quality assurance program for dosimetry of brachytherapy source. The goal of this project is the calibration of HDR Brachytherapy source in radiation therapy is the measurement of the air kerma rate which required actual dose to deliver. The source calibration is an essential part of the quality assurance program for dosimetry of brachytherapy source. This research will help the patient who is involving brachytherapy treatment. HDR brachytherapy source 60Co is inserted directly or in close to the tumor. Most commonly using method for calibration of HDR brachytherapy source 60CO is well type ionization chamber. Calibration of the radioactive source 60Co brachytherapy source is very important for the treatment of cancer patient. We have got the variation between RAKR from TPS and measured Air Kerma Rate of 60Co brachytherapy source are 3.2% and 3.04% and which give very good agreement with the Air Kerma Rate (RAKR) is 5% (from BEBIG protocol, Germany). So, our results were satisfied for brachytherapy treatment. From these results, it must be concluded that, 60Co brachytherapy source is suitable for brachytherapy cancer treatment. It is very difficult to calculate treatment deliver dose without calibrating AKR of HDR brachytherapy source. It is very important to verify the calculated Air Kerma Rate by TPS Air Kerma Rate.
Child accidents attended in public hospitals of pediatric reference
Authors: Braga Lorena Carvalho , Silva Andréa Cristina Oliveira , Santos Danilo Marcelo Araujo dos , Santos Giuliane Ferreira Lopes dos , Colins Jousiclea Rios Pereira , Soares Geniara Rodrigues de Oliveira
Published: September 2020

Objetivo: Caracterizar os acidentes na infância que motivaram a procura dos serviços de saúde em São Luís, Maranhão. Método: Pesquisa transversal, descritiva, envolvendo 130 crianças de 0 a 11 anos, vítimas comprovadas de acidente. Resultados: Os acidentes acometeram mais meninos entre 1 e 3 anos, pardos, cujas mães tinham idade de 20 a 30 anos e pais entre 30 e 40 anos, ambos entre 10 a 12 anos de estudo. O tipo de acidente mais frequente foi a queda, sendo a contusão a lesão mais comum e a região mais atingida foi a cabeça/face. O principal local de ocorrência foi o domicílio, conduta imediata foi a emergência e como desfecho a internação. Conclusão: A pesquisa possibilitou conhecer e caracterizar os principais acidentes infantis atendidos em hospitais públicos da capital maranhense. Destarte, e considerando as sérias repercussões que os acidentes podem ter, é necessário adotar medidas preventivas contra esses eventos.
Adipose tissue from metabolic syndrome mice induces an aberrant miRNA signature highly relevant in prostate cancer development
Authors: Massillo Cintia , Duca Rocío Belén , Lacunza Ezequiel , Dalton Guillermo Nicolás , Farré Paula Lucía , Taha Nicolás , Piccioni Flavia , Scalise Georgina Daniela , Gardner Kevin , De Siervi Adriana
Published: September 2020

Prostate cancer (PCa) remains an important public health concern in Western countries. Metabolic syndrome (MeS) is a cluster of pathophysiological disorders with increasing prevalence in the general population that is a risk factor for PCa. Several studies have determined that a crosstalk between white adipose tissue (WAT) and solid tumors favors cancer aggressiveness. In this work, our main goal was to investigate the interaction between WAT and PCa cells through microRNAs (miRNAs), in MeS mice. We developed a MeS‐like disease model using C57BL/6J mice chronically fed with high‐fat diet (HFD) that were inoculated with TRAMP‐C1 PCa cells. A group of five miRNAs (mmu‐miR‐221‐3p, 27a‐3p, 34a‐5p, 138‐5p, and 146a‐5p) were increased in gonadal WAT (gWAT), tumors, and plasma of MeS mice compared to control animals. Three of these five miRNAs were detected in the media from gWAT and TRAMP‐C1 cell cocultures, and significantly increased in MeS context. More importantly, hsa‐miR‐221‐3p, 146a‐5p, and 27a‐3p were increased in bloodstream of PCa patients compared to healthy donors. Using miRNA microarrays, we found that 121 miRNAs were differentially released to the coculture media between HFD‐gWAT and tumor cells compared to control diet‐gWAT and tumor cells. Target genes for the 66 most deregulated miRNAs were involved in common pathways, mainly related to fatty acid metabolism, ER protein processing, amino acid degradation, PI3K AKT signaling, and PCa. Our findings show for the first time a signature of five miRNAs as important players involved in the interaction between WAT and PCa in MeS mice. Further research will be necessary to track these miRNAs in the interaction between these tissues as well as their role in PCa patients with MeS.
SHIP2 inhibition alters redox‐induced PI3K/AKT and MAP kinase pathways via PTEN over‐activation in cervical cancer cells
Authors: Azzi Abdelhalim
Published: September 2020

Phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)‐trisphosphate (PI(3,4,5)P3) is required for protein kinase B (AKT) activation. The level of PI(3,4,5)P3 is constantly regulated through balanced synthesis by phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) and degradation by phosphoinositide phosphatases phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) and SH2‐domain containing phosphatidylinositol‐3,4,5‐trisphosphate 5‐phosphatase 2 (SHIP2), known as negative regulators of AKT. Here, I show that SHIP2 inhibition in cervical cancer cell lines alters H2O2‐mediated AKT and mitogen‐activated protein kinase/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase pathway activation. In addition, SHIP2 inhibition enhances reactive oxygen species generation. Interestingly, I found that SHIP2 inhibition and H2O2 treatment enhance lipid and protein phosphatase activity of PTEN. Pharmacological targeting or RNA interference(RNAi) mediated knockdown of PTEN rescues extracellular signal‐regulated kinase and AKT activation. Using a series of pharmacological and biochemical approaches, I provide evidence that crosstalk between SHIP2 and PTEN occurs upon an increase in oxidative stress to modulate the activity of mitogen‐activated protein kinase and phosphoinositide 3/ATK pathways.
Self‐Assessment in Reading
Authors: Wolsey Thomas Devere
Published: September 2020

When English language learners are taught to assess themselves against criteria they establish or are established for them, they are given control over their learning, and their learning is deeper. Metacognitive awareness is central to the success of self‐assessment practices. Self‐assessment can focus students' attention on the particular skills, strategies, or features of language they may employ as they confront various language‐learning tasks. Several suggestions to promote self‐assessment are provided.
Nonverbal Communication Differences
Authors: Ducker Nathan
Published: September 2020

Despite wide recognition that nonverbal communication differences are a frequent factor in intercultural communication breakdowns, such differences are not often taught in language classes or teacher training programs. This entry introduces five kinds of nonverbal communication: kinesics, haptics, proxemics and territoriality, chronemics, and paralanguage. Intercultural differences in these nonverbal communication signals are discussed in relation to variations that may occur in classrooms around the world. Then, uses of nonverbal communication are introduced. The entry also discusses various skills and approaches individuals can learn to improve their nonverbal communication skills. Finally, the entry concludes with the argument that nonverbal communication training should be included in language classes and teacher training programs.
Perceptions of Silence in the Classroom
Authors: Ducker Nathan
Published: September 2020

Classroom talk is considered necessary for language acquisition. Therefore, silence or reticence in the classroom is often interpreted negatively by language practitioners. However, a growing number of researchers agree that silence should not be considered as an absence of communication but recognized as another multifaceted, multipurpose medium of communication. This entry describes the various ambiguous forms and functions that silence can take. It then explicates differences in the appreciation of silences across various cultures and classroom contexts. Finally, the entry explains approaches educators can take to resolve miscommunications caused by silence in the classroom and makes specific recommendations in response to a wide range of silent situations.
Task‐Based Language Teaching and Grammar
Authors: Güvendir Emre , Hardacre Bahiyyih
Published: September 2020

Task‐based language teaching (TBLT) has received considerable attention in the field of second or foreign language teaching from both supporters and critics. Since its early stages in the late 1970s to early 1980s, one of the main challenges in using TBLT has been to incorporate its principles (focus on meaning and focus on form) into second language (L2) classrooms. One particular issue of contention found in the literature relates to the considerable criticism it has received as it encouraged learner fluency at the expense of accuracy. This chapter aims to describe how L2 researchers' views have changed over time, currently focusing mostly on how focus form can be distributed across pre‐ and post‐task stages. This chapter provides practical ideas for teachers to balance focus on meaning and focus on form in their L2 classrooms.
Pasteurellaceae
Authors: Christensen Henrik , Kuhnert Peter , Busse Hans‐Jürgen , Blackall Pat , Bisgaard Magne , Nørskov‐Lauritsen Niels
Published: September 2020

Pas.teu.rel.la.ce'ae. N.L. fem. n.Pasteurellatype genus of the family;‐aceaesuffix to denote a family; N.L. fem. pl. n.PasteurellaceaethePasteurellafamily.

Proteobacteria / Gammaproteobacteria / Pasteurellales / Pasteurellaceae

Members of the familyPasteurellaceaeare Gram‐negative and nonmotile. They are negative for growth on Simmon's citrate agar, and negative tests are observed with mucate acid, malonate base, and growth in KCN. Nitrate is reduced without gas formation, and they are positive in alanine aminopeptidase. (+)‐D‐Glucose is metabolized or fermented in the Hugh and Leifson test with the exception ofNicoletella. Members ofPasteurellaceaeare negative in arginine dihydrolase and phenylalanine deaminase tests, and tests for hydrolysis of gelatin, Tween, and α‐mannosidase are also negative, and they do not produce acid frommeso‐erythritol, adonitol, (−)‐L‐xylose, (+)‐D‐fucose, (−)‐L‐sorbose, (+)‐D‐melezitose, (+)‐D‐turanose, and β‐N‐CH3‐glucosamine. The family forms a monophyletic group based on 16S rRNA gene and conserved protein sequence comparisons. The generaAggregatibacter, Avibacterium, Basfia, Bibersteinia, Bisgaardia, Caviibacterium, Chelonobacter, Conservatibacter, Cricetibacter, Frederiksenia, Gallibacterium, Glaesserella, Histophilus, Lonepinella, Mannheimia, Mesocricetibacter, Muribacter, Necropsobacter, Nicoletella, Otariodibacter, Phocoenobacter, Rodentibacter, Seminibacterium, Testudinibacter, Ursidibacter, Vespertiliibacter, andVolucribactercan be regarded as monophyletic or monotypic, whereas some species of the generaActinobacillus,Haemophilus, andPasteurellaare still polyphyletic with their type species. The major polar lipid profile consists of phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. The dominant fatty acids are C14:0, C16:0, C16:1ω7c, and C14:03‐OH/C16:1ISO‐I. Demethylmenaquinones, menaquinones, and ubiquinones with chain lengths of seven or/and eight may be produced. Members of the family have been found with the polyamines putrescine, diaminopropane, cadaverine, spermidine, tyramine, spermine, sym‐norspermidine, and sym‐ homospermidine. Members ofPasteurellaceaeare associated with animals and human beings as commensals, opportunistic pathogens, or as primary pathogens. Some have clinical importance, and the distribution seems global. The energy metabolism is chemoheterotrophic, and they are facultative anaerobic, microaerophilic, or aerobic.

Type genus:PasteurellaTrevisan 1887AL(nom. cons. Opinion 13 1954) emend. Mutters et al. 1985bVP.

DNA G + C content (mol%): 36–49.
Candidatus
Halobonum
Authors: Oren Aharon
Published: September 2020

Ha.lo.bo'num. Gr. masc. n.
hals
,
halos
salt; L. masc. adj.
bonus
good; N.L. neut. n.
Halobonum
a good salt organism.

Euryarchaeota / Halobacteria / Haloferacales / Halorubraceae /
Candidatus
Halobonum

The genus
Candidatus
Halobonum with a single proposed species
Candidatus
Halobonum tyrrellense corrig. consists of extremely halophilic members of the haloarchaeal family
Halorubraceae
most closely related to the genus
Halobaculum
. The only isolate known was obtained from hypersaline surface waters of Lake Tyrrell, Victoria, Australia. In spite of the fact that a pure culture was isolated,
Ca
. Halobonum and
Ca
. Halobonum tyrrellense were described as
Candidatus
taxa. No cultures are currently available.
Ca
. Halobonum tyrrellense strain G22 was isolated on medium containing 235 g/l salt and with glycerol as the sole carbon source. Few phenotypic properties were reported. The genome size was estimated at 3,675,087 bp, with a DNA G + C content of 70.1 mol%. A putative sensory rhodopsin and a high number of ABC transporters and carbon metabolism genes were identified in the draft genome. 16S rRNA gene sequences affiliated with
Ca
. Halobonum were recovered from a hypersaline, ephemeral playa at the White Sands National Monument, New Mexico, USA, and from Chinese salt lakes and salterns.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 70.1 (genome sequence).

Type species
:

Candidatus
Halobonum tyrrellense.
Intracoelomic- and Intramuscular-Injection Challenge Model of Piscine Streptococcosis in White Sturgeon Fingerlings
Authors: Nguyen Diem Thu , Marancik David , Soto Esteban
Published: September 2020

Streptococcus iniae is a zoonotic pathogen and one of the major aetiologic agents of streptococcosis. In White Sturgeon Acipenser transmontanus, S. iniae infection typically presents as a necrotizing and heterophilic myositis, causing 30–50% mortality in infected fish. To gain a better understanding of the pathogenesis of streptococcosis in White Sturgeon, and to identify the experimental route of infection that most closely mimics the natural disease, fingerlings were challenged with a single dose of 1.3 × 108 cells/fish of S. iniae that was administered via intracoelomic/intraperitoneal (IC) or intramuscular (IM) routes. Acute mortalities were present only in the IM-challenged fish, with first mortality occurring 4 d postchallenge and the mortality rate reaching 18.3% after 9 d. The challenged fish presented erratic swimming, ulcerative skin lesions, and hemorrhages in the liver and swim bladder. Streptococcus iniae was recovered from the kidney and brain tissues of moribund and dead fish. Histopathologic analysis of fish that died acutely revealed massive proliferation of bacteria in the muscle at the injection site and within vascular organs such as the heart and spleen, with variable amounts of tissue necrosis including a necrotizing myositis. Fish that died closer to 9 d postchallenge demonstrated more pronounced multifocal to locally extensive granulomatous inflammation of skeletal muscle at the injection site, liver, kidney, and spleen. No mortality, clinical signs, or gross changes were observed in the control or IC-challenged fish. Postmortem evaluation of 10 survivors in each treatment was performed to determine carrier status in the brain and posterior kidney tissues. The prevalence of S. iniae in survivors was 10% and 0% in the IM- and IC-challenged groups, respectively. The results from this study suggest that IM-injection challenge methods are suitable for inducing streptococcosis in White Sturgeon, and they may be the preferred method for studying the pathogenesis of the naturally occurring disease in this species.
Asymptotic efficiency and probabilistic error bound for maximum likelihood‐based identification of finite impulse response systems with binary‐valued observations and unreliable communications
Authors: Guo Jin , Cheng Jing , Xue Wenchao , Zhao Yanlong
Published: September 2020

This article addresses the identification of finite impulse response systems with binary‐valued observations under packet losses and transmission errors. First, the maximum likelihood function of the available data sequence is derived, based on which the estimation algorithm for the unknown parameter vector is given. Then, by making full use of the statistical properties of communication uncertainty and system noise, the algorithm performance is established, including the strong convergence, the mean‐square convergence rate, and the asymptotic efficiency in terms of Cramér‐Rao low bound. Also the probabilistic upper bound and lower bound of the estimation error are presented. Finally, the validity and rationality of the results are verified by numerical simulation.
3D In Vitro Neuron on a Chip for Probing Calcium Mechanostimulation
Authors: Bobo Justin , Garg Akash , Venkatraman Prahatha , Puthenveedu Manoj , LeDuc Philip R.
Published: September 2020

The evolution of tissue on a chip systems holds promise for mimicking the response of biological functionality of physiological systems. One important direction for tissue on a chip approaches are neuron‐based systems that could mimic neurological responses and lessen the need for in vivo experimentation. For neural research, more attention has been devoted recently to understanding mechanics due to issues in areas such as traumatic brain injury (TBI) and pain, among others. To begin to address these areas, a 3D Nerve Integrated Tissue on a Chip (NITC) approach combined with a Mechanical Excitation Testbed (MET) System is developed to impose external mechanical stimulation toward more realistic physiological environments. PC12 cells differentiated with nerve growth factor, which were cultured in a controlled 3D scaffolds, are used. The cells are labeled in a 3D NITC system with Fluo‐4‐AM to examine their calcium response under mechanical stimulation synchronized with image capture. Understanding the neural responses to mechanical stimulation beyond 2D systems is very important for neurological studies and future personalized strategies. This work will have implications in a diversity of areas including tissue‐on‐a‐chip systems, biomaterials, and neuromechanics.
Cell‐Derived Vesicles as TRPC1 Channel Delivery Systems for the Recovery of Cellular Respiratory and Proliferative Capacities
Authors: Kurth Felix , Tai Yee Kit , Parate Dinesh , van Oostrum Marc , Schmid Yannick R. F. , Toh Shi Jie , Yap Jasmine Lye Yee , Wollscheid Bernd , Othman Alaa , Dittrich Petra S. , Franco‐Obregón Alfredo
Published: September 2020

Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) are capable of specifically activating a TRPC1‐mitochondrial axis underlying cell expansion and mitohormetic survival adaptations. This study characterizes cell‐derived vesicles (CDVs) generated from C2C12 murine myoblasts and shows that they are equipped with the sufficient molecular machinery to confer mitochondrial respiratory capacity and associated proliferative responses upon their fusion with recipient cells. CDVs derived from wild type C2C12 myoblasts include the cation‐permeable transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, TRPC1 and TRPA1, and directly respond to PEMF exposure with TRPC1‐mediated calcium entry. By contrast, CDVs derived from C2C12 muscle cells in which TRPC1 has been genetically knocked‐down using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, do not. Wild type C2C12‐derived CDVs are also capable of restoring PEMF‐induced proliferative and mitochondrial activation in two C2C12‐derived TRPC1 knockdown clonal cell lines in accordance to their endogenous degree of TRPC1 suppression. C2C12 wild type CDVs respond to menthol with calcium entry and accumulation, likewise verifying TRPA1 functional gating and further corroborating compartmental integrity. Proteomic and lipidomic analyses confirm the surface membrane origin of the CDVs providing an initial indication of the minimal cellular machinery required to recover mitochondrial function. CDVs hence possess the potential of restoring respiratory and proliferative capacities to senescent cells and tissues.
The Modeling of the Flow Behavior Below and Above the Two‐Phase Region for Two Newly Developed Meta‐Stable β Titanium Alloys
Authors: Li Cong , Ding Zhili , van der Zwaag Sybrand
Published: September 2020

Isothermal hot compression tests of two promising new titanium alloys (Ti‐10 V‐1Fe‐3Al and Ti‐10 V‐2Cr‐3Al) are performed using a TA DIL805D deformation dilatometer at temperatures in and above the two‐phase α + β region (730–880 °C) at strain rates ranging from 10−3 to 10−1 s−1. Results show that the flow stress of the two alloys decreases with increasing deformation temperature and decreasing strain rate. Some of the flow curves manifest clear discontinuous yielding and flow softening, both of which are strongly affected by the deformation conditions. The flow stress behavior of these two alloys can be described very well by a hyperbolic–sine Arrhenius equation. When deforming in the α + β phase region, the deformation mechanism is governed by the bending or globularization of the α phase. When deforming in the pure β phase field, the flow behavior is mainly determined by dynamic recovery or recrystallization. The difference in alloy composition has a minor effect on their hot working behavior.
Characterization of Energy Absorption and Strain Rate Sensitivity of a Novel Elastomeric Polyurea Foam
Authors: Koohbor Behrad , Blourchian Aryan , Uddin Kazi Zahir , Youssef George
Published: September 2020

Elastomeric polymer foams are widely used in sports and other protective padding applications due to their unique properties, such as excellent cushioning and relatively high‐energy absorption to weight ratio. This work investigates the mechanical and energy absorption performance of an elastomeric hybrid structure polyurea foam in response to low‐velocity impact. The examined polyurea foams are synthesized using a novel self‐foaming process that leads to the development of a semi‐closed cellular structure. The quasi‐static response of the foam is first characterized by measuring the global stress–strain and energy absorption characteristics. The evolution of the foam's Poisson's ratio is also characterized by in situ digital image correlation (DIC) measurements. The same properties are also studied in dynamic loading conditions by subjecting the foam samples to controlled impact tests. A strain‐dependent rate sensitivity parameter is used to quantify differences between the quasi‐static and dynamic strength and energy absorption responses of the foam. The examined foam shows significant enhancement in strength at increased strain rates while retaining its excellent energy absorption capacity. This unique characteristic of the examined foam is discussed in terms of the concurrent effects of entrapped gas and the rate sensitivity of the parent polymer.
Liquid Metal Based Stretchable Magnetoelectric Films and Their Capacity for Mechanoelectrical Conversion
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Ai Jingwei , Ma Zheng , Yin Yajun , Zou Ruiping , Su Bin
Published: September 2020

Gallium based liquid metal alloys (GLMAs) have tremendous prospects in diverse applications, such as transient devices, soft robotics, biomedical sensing, and health monitoring, due to being endowed with compelling deformability and conductivity simultaneously. Unfortunately, most GLMA‐based flexible devices require external power supply, which might cause some potential issues including additional weight, occupied space, and frequent replacement. Alternatively, self‐powered concepts, by biologically converting mechanical forces to electric energy, are deemed as a promising strategy. Thus, the challenge that GLMAs are applied to self‐powered system is critical and imperative. This study has demonstrated a self‐powered and stretchable magnetoelectric film based on GLMAs. The magnetoelectric film is able to conduct mechanoelectrical conversion via controllable distance of electromagnetic interaction during cyclic stretching–releasing process. To investigate the mechanoelectrical conversing mechanism, an equivalent Maxwell's numerical simulation is combined with experimental results, exploring different experimental parameters. Furthermore, diverse programmed patterning of GLMAs and structure designs are utilized to tune electrical performance. It is believed that the magnetic/electrical synergistic design principle will create a new avenue for liquid metals as functional material in the development of wearable electronics with large strains.
Stable MoOX‐Based Heterocontacts for p‐Type Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells Achieving 20% Efficiency
Authors: Cao Shuangying , Li Jingye , Zhang Juan , Lin Yinyue , Lu Linfeng , Wang Jilei , Yin Min , Yang Liyou , Chen Xiaoyuan , Li Dongdong
Published: September 2020

Crystalline silicon heterojunction solar cells based on hole‐selective MoOX contacts provide obvious merits in terms of the decent passivation and carrier selectivity but face the challenge of long‐term stability. With the aim to improve the performance and stability of solar cells with full area MoOX/metal contacts, a SiOX tunneling layer on silicon surface is intentionally formed by UV/O3 treatment and an indium tin oxide (ITO) film is sputtered as a high‐work‐function electrode. Before ITO sputtering, an ultrathin V2OX capping layer is introduced to efficiently prevent MoOX film from air exposure and the damage by sputtering bombardment. The insertion of SiOX, V2OX, and ITO keeps the work function of MoOX at a high level, which improves the hole selectivity as well as the stability of the contact. The p‐Si/SiOX/MoOX/V2OX/ITO/Ag solar cell demonstrates an efficiency of 20.0% with improved stability, which is the highest value for MoOX heterocontacts class on p‐type silicon to date.
Biofunctional Elements Incorporated Nano/Microstructured Coatings on Titanium Implants with Enhanced Osteogenic and Antibacterial Performance
Authors: Xu Na , Fu Jijiang , Zhao Lingzhou , Chu Paul K. , Huo Kaifu
Published: September 2020

Bone fracture is prevalent among athletes and senior citizens and may require surgical insertion of bone implants. Titanium (Ti) and its alloys are widely used in orthopedics due to its high corrosion resistance, good biocompatibility, and modulus compatible with natural bone tissues. However, bone repair and regrowth are impeded by the insufficient intrinsic osteogenetic capability of Ti and Ti alloys and potential bacterial infection. The physicochemical properties of the materials and nano/microstructures on the implant surface are crucial for clinical success and loading with biofunctional elements such as Sr, Zn, Cu, Si, and Ag into nano/microstructured TiO2 coating has been demonstrated to enhance bone repair/regeneration and bacterial resistance of Ti implants. In this review, recent advances in biofunctional element‐incorporated nano/microstructured coatings on Ti and Ti alloy implants are described and the prospects and limitations are discussed.
Diffusion Limited Cryopreservation of Tissue with Radiofrequency Heated Metal Forms
Authors: Han Zonghu , Sharma Anirudh , Gao Zhe , Carlson Timothy W. , O'Sullivan M. Gerard , Finger Erik B. , Bischof John C.
Published: September 2020

Cryopreserved tissues are increasingly needed in biomedical applications. However, successful cryopreservation is generally only reported for thin tissues (≤1 mm). This work presents several innovations to reduce cryoprotectant (CPA) toxicity and improve tissue cryopreservation, including 1) improved tissue warming rates through radiofrequency metal form and field optimization and 2) an experimentally verified predictive model to optimize CPA loading and rewarming to reduce toxicity. CPA loading is studied by microcomputed tomography (µCT) imaging, rewarming by thermal measurements, and modeling, and viability is measured after loading and/or cryopreservation by alamarBlue and histology. Loading conditions for three common CPA cocktails (6, 8.4, and 9.3 m) are designed, and then fast cooling and metal forms rewarming (up to 2000 °C min−1) achieve ≥90% viability in cryopreserved 1–2 mm arteries with various CPAs. Despite high viability by alamarBlue, histology shows subtle changes after cryopreservation suggesting some degree of cell damage especially in the central portions of thicker arteries up to 2 mm. While further studies are needed, these results show careful CPA loading and higher metal forms warming rates can help reduce CPA loading toxicity and improve outcomes from cryopreservation in tissues while also offering new protocols to preserve larger tissues ≥1 mm in thickness.
Stimulus‐Responsive Nanoparticle Magnetic Resonance Imaging Contrast Agents: Design Considerations and Applications
Authors: Fu Shengxiang , Cai Zhongyuan , Ai Hua
Published: September 2020

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been widely used for disease diagnosis because it can noninvasively obtain anatomical details of various diseases through accurate contrast between soft tissues. Over one‐third of MRI examinations are performed with the assistance of contrast agents. Traditional contrast agents typically display an unchanging signal, thus exhibiting relatively low sensitivity and poor specificity. Currently, advances in stimulus‐responsive contrast agents which can alter the relaxation signal in response to a specific change in their surrounding environment provide new opportunities to overcome such limitation. The signal changes based on stimulus also reflects the physiological and pathological conditions of the site of interests. In this review, how to design stimulus‐responsive nanoparticle MRI contrast agents from the perspective of theory and surface design is comprehensively discussed. Key structural features including size, clusters, shell features, and surface properties are used for tuning the T1 and T2 relaxation properties. The reversible or non‐reversible signal changes highlight the contrast agents have undergone structural changes based on certain stimulus, as an indication for disease diagnosis or therapeutic efficacy.
Supramolecular Chiral Aggregates Exhibiting Nonlinear CD–ee Dependence
Authors: Yan Xiaosheng , Wang Qian , Chen Xuanxuan , Jiang Yun‐Bao
Published: September 2020

Although a linear relationship between the optical activity (normally the CD signal) and the enantiomeric excess (ee) of chiral auxiliaries has been the most commonly observed dependence in dynamic supramolecular helical aggregates, positive nonlinear CD–ee dependence, known as the “majority‐rules effect” (MRE), indicative of chiral amplification, has also been well documented and to some extent understood. In sharp contrast, the negative nonlinear CD–ee dependence has been much less reported and is not well understood. Here, the state of the art of both the positive and negative nonlinear CD–ee dependence in noncovalently bound supramolecular helical aggregates is summarized, with the hope that the vast examples of supramolecular aggregates showing positive nonlinear dependence, in terms of the methods of investigations, variations in the structure of the building block (single species or multiple species), and theoretical modeling using the mismatch penalty energy and helix reversal penalty energy, would help to guide the design of building blocks to form aggregates showing negative nonlinear dependence, and thus to understand the mechanisms. The potential applications of those functional supramolecular aggregates are also discussed.
Three‐Phase Boundary in Cross‐Coupled Micro‐Mesoporous Networks Enabling 3D‐Printed and Ionogel‐Based Quasi‐Solid‐State Micro‐Supercapacitors
Authors: Lai Feili , Yang Chao , Lian Ruqian , Chu Kaibin , Qin Jingjing , Zong Wei , Rao Dewei , Hofkens Johan , Lu Xihong , Liu Tianxi
Published: September 2020

The construction of advanced micro‐supercapacitors (MSCs) with both wide working‐voltage and high energy density is promising but still challenging. In this work, a series of nitrogen‐doped, cross‐coupled micro‐mesoporous carbon–metal networks (N‐STC/MxOy) is developed as robust additives to 3D printing inks for MSCs fabrication. Taking the N‐STC/Fe2O3 nanocomposite as an example, both experimental results and theoretical simulations reveal that the well‐developed hierarchical networks with abundantly decorated ultrafine Fe2O3 nanoparticles not only significantly facilitate the ion adsorption at its three‐phase boundaries (Fe2O3, N‐STC, and electrolyte), but also greatly favor ionic diffusion/transport with shortened pathways. Consequently, the as‐prepared N‐STC/Fe2O3 electrode delivers a high gravimetric capacitance (267 F g−1 at 2 mV s−1) and outstanding stability in a liquid‐electrolyte‐based symmetric device, as well as a record‐high energy density of 114 Wh kg−1 for an asymmetric supercapacitor. Particularly, the gravimetric capacitance of the ionogel‐based quasi‐solid‐state MSCs by 3D printing reaches 377 F g−1 and the device can operate under a wide temperature range (−10 to 60 °C).
An “Ether‐In‐Water” Electrolyte Boosts Stable Interfacial Chemistry for Aqueous Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Shang Yanxin , Chen Nan , Li Yuejiao , Chen Shi , Lai Jingning , Huang Yongxin , Qu Wenjie , Wu Feng , Chen Renjie
Published: September 2020

Aqueous batteries are promising devices for electrochemical energy storage because of their high ionic conductivity, safety, low cost, and environmental friendliness. However, their voltage output and energy density are limited by the failure to form a solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) that can expand the inherently narrow electrochemical window of water (1.23 V) imposed by hydrogen and oxygen evolution. Here, a novel (Li4(TEGDME)(H2O)7) is proposed as a solvation electrolyte with stable interfacial chemistry. By introducing tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether (TEGDME) into a concentrated aqueous electrolyte, a new carbonaceous component for both cathode−electrolyte interface and SEI formation is generated. In situ characterizations and ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) calculations reveal a bilayer hybrid interface composed of inorganic LiF and organic carbonaceous species reduced from Li+2(TFSI−) and Li+4(TEGDME). Consequently, the interfacial films kinetically broaden the electrochemical stability window to 4.2 V, thus realizing a 2.5 V LiMn2O4−Li4Ti5O12 full battery with an excellent energy density of 120 W h kg−1 for 500 cycles. The results provide an in‐depth, mechanistic understanding of a potential design of more effective interphases for next‐generation aqueous lithium‐ion batteries.
Engineering Microcapsules for Simultaneous Delivery of Combinational Therapeutics
Authors: Huang Lu , Zhou Jianhua , Chen Yin , Li Wei , Han Xing , Wang Liqiu
Published: September 2020

The combination of chemo‐ and photothermal therapy is an effective strategy to improve clinical outcomes and minimize side effects. For simultaneously delivering chemo‐ and photothermal agents to the tumor region to exert their synergistic effect, an efficient and safe drug co‐delivery platform is in great need. Microcapsules (MCs) are promising drug carriers for local treatment of tumors. However, their applications in chemo‐photothermal combinational therapy have not been fully explored. Herein, novel doxorubicin (DOX) and indocyanine green (ICG)‐incorporated microcapsules (DIMCs) are reported for highly efficient delivery of combinational therapeutics. To obtain DIMCs with precise configuration and controlled drug release characteristics, the microfluidic double‐emulsion templating method is adopted and factors dominating the size and morphology of DIMCs are investigated. Under optimized conditions, DIMCs with well‐defined hydrogel cores and polymeric shells can be steadily prepared, which are hydrolytically degradable, allow for pH‐sensitive sustained release of the drug payload, and show excellent photothermal effects. The in vitro experiment shows that DIMCs exhibit significantly enhanced antitumor efficiency owing to the synergistic effects of chemo‐ and photothermal actives, showing great potential as a new therapeutic platform in local treatment of cancers.
Light‐Induced and Oxygen‐Mediated Degradation Processes in Photoactive Layers Based on PTB7‐Th
Authors: Löhrer Franziska C. , Senfter Christoph , Schaffer Christoph J. , Schlipf Johannes , Moseguí González Daniel , Zhang Peng , Roth Stephan V. , Müller-Buschbaum Peter
Published: September 2020

Low‐bandgap polymers are sensitive to various degradation processes, which strongly decrease their lifetime. The chemical and physical changes occurring in the low‐bandgap polymer with benzodithiophene units poly[4,8‐bis(5‐(2‐ethylhexyl)thiophene‐2‐yl)benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐2,6‐diyl‐alt‐(4‐(2‐ethylhexyl)‐3‐fluorothieno[3,4‐b]thiophene‐2‐carboxylate] (PTB7‐Th) and its blend with the fullerene derivative [6,6]‐phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) are followed during irradiation‐induced aging by combination of various characterization methods. The active layer morphology is investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM) as well as in‐operando grazing incidence small angle X‐ray scattering (GISAXS), indicating morphological alterations and material loss due to chemical modifications. Optical spectroscopy gives insights into these chemical processes which lead to significant absorption losses under ambient conditions. Independent of the energy of the absorbed photons, but only in combination with oxygen, the excitation of the polymer leads to a fatal increase in oxidation probability. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) data highlight the sensitivity of the conjugated polymer backbone to oxidation, a result of lost conjugation and therefore absorption capability. With combined AFM height and infrared (IR) mapping, the chemical degradation and material loss is confirmed on a nanoscale. Although the chemical structure is seriously damaged, the blend morphology is not undergoing major changes.
A High‐Performance Na–Al Battery Based on Reversible NaAlCl4 Catholyte
Authors: Zhan Xiaowen , Bonnett Jeffrey F. , Engelhard Mark H. , Reed David M. , Sprenkle Vincent L. , Li Guosheng
Published: September 2020

This work demonstrates a high‐capacity and safe Na–Al battery pairing a sodium metal anode and reversible NaAlCl4 catholyte for grid scale energy storage applications. The energy‐rich Na anode allows the full use of the aluminum cathode, resulting in a full‐cell capacity of 308 mAh g−1 at a discharge voltage of 1.6 V. Benefiting from the use of a β″‐alumina solid electrolyte, molten sodium anode, and reversible Al deposition/stripping from NaAlCl4 catholyte, the battery presents a stable Coulombic efficiency of 100% and energy efficiency of ≈95%. At a rate of C/3 (6.77 mA cm−2), the cell maintains 282 mAh g−1 (447 Wh kg−1) after 200 cycles with an excellent capacity retention of 97.6%. Moreover, pathways to build Na‐anode‐free cells from the discharged state under dry air are elucidated, which further extends the feasibility of this battery for stationary storage applications. These findings are expected to provide a new platform for the development of practical aluminum batteries.
Photocatalysts Based on Organic Semiconductors with Tunable Energy Levels for Solar Fuel Applications
Authors: Kosco Jan , Moruzzi Floriana , Willner Benjamin , McCulloch Iain
Published: September 2020

The photocatalytic synthesis of solar fuels such as hydrogen and methane from water and carbon dioxide is a promising strategy to store abundant solar energy in order to overcome its intermittency. Although this approach has been studied for decades using inorganic semiconductor photocatalysts, organic semiconductors have only recently gained notable attention. The tunable energy levels of organic semiconductors can enable the design of photocatalysts with optimized solar light utilization. However, the solar conversion efficiency of organic semiconductor photocatalysts has so far been limited by their low quantum efficiencies. To address this issue, various photocatalyst design strategies including semiconductor energy level optimization, surface modification, and the fabrication of heterojunctions have been applied, resulting in substantial increases in photocatalytic efficiency. This progress report systematically describes the strategies employed to increase the efficiency of organic semiconductor photocatalysts for the generation of solar fuels from water and carbon dioxide. Particular attention is given to describing strategies to enhance quantum efficiency, and insights are provided on the mechanisms underlying their success to aid the rational design of future organic photocatalysts. Perspectives on the future challenges and promising research directions for the design of efficient organic photocatalysts for the generation of solar fuels are also provided.
Maize‐potato rotation maintains soil water balance and improves productivity
Authors: Wang Hongli , Zhang Xucheng , Yu Xianfen , Hou Huizhi , Fang Yanjie , Ma Yifan , Zhang Guoping
Published: September 2020

Continuous maize cropping dries soils, while continuous potato cropping results in a soil moisture surplus, but decreases land productivity. To determine whether soil water balance and economic returns could be manipulated through maize‐potato rotation. The effects of 1) continuous maize cropping (M), 2) continuous potato cropping (P) and 3) maize‐potato rotation (R) on the variation in soil water content, water consumption, biomass and yield, economic benefits, and water economic yield were investigated. The depth of soil water consumption reached the maximum in 2016 (a dry year), at 260 cm, 200 cm, and 200 cm in M, P, and R, respectively. Compared with soil water storage in the 0–280 cm before planting in 2013, those after six years of cultivation were decreased by 186.31 mm in M, increased by 42.20 mm in P, and increased by 11.29 mm in R. R increased the post‐flowering/total depletion% by 16.81–44.65%, the post‐flowering/total biomass percentage by 10.83–24.83%, and water use efficiency of grain/tubers by 15.52–23.39% in 2016–2018, compared with M. Compared with M, R and P increased the total benefit by 55.44% and 41.62%, decreased ET by 10.69% and 17.93%, and increased EWUE by 74.02% and 72.52%, respectively. However, tuber yield and the water use efficiency of tubers in P decreased by 31.19% and 16.78%, respectively, from 2014–2017. Treatment R maintained the soil water balance, alleviated the over‐consumption of deep soil water caused by continuous maize cropping, and reduced the decline in soil productivity caused by continuous potato cropping.
Effects of working capital management on firms' profitability: evidence from cheese‐producing companies
Authors: Fernández‐López Sara , Rodeiro‐Pazos David , Rey‐Ares Lucía
Published: September 2020

Working capital management (WCM) is a key question for firms' profitability, especially for small and medium enterprises faced with severe financial restrictions and whose current assets account for a significant part of their investments. These features describe most firms in the livestock industry. However, studies on WCM related to these firms are scarce. Using a sample of 444 Spanish cheese‐manufacturing companies during the period 2010–2016 and applying a dynamic panel data methodology, this paper analyzes the extent to which the main components defining the WCM policies—days sales outstanding, days inventory outstanding (DIO), days payable outstanding (DPO), and cash conversion cycle (CCC)—affect firms' profitability. Empirical evidence reveals a negative effect of DIO and the CCC on firms' profitability, suggesting the need to reduce the level of inventory of cheese‐manufacturing companies. Similarly, the empirical evidence confirms a negative relationship between DPO and firms' profitability. [EconLit Citations: C23, G31, L25, L79, Q12].
Enhancing oil–solid and oil–water separation in heavy oil recovery by CO2‐responsive surfactants
Authors: Lu Yi , Li Rui , Manica Rogerio , Liu Qingxia , Xu Zhenghe
Published: September 2020

Interfacial properties are of critical importance to various separation applications. In heavy oil recovery, for example, a low oil–water interfacial tension (IFT) benefits the separation of heavy oil from their host rocks, which becomes problematic in the later stage of oil–water separation. CO2‐responsive surfactants were investigated to enhance the overall heavy oil recovery by switching their interfacial activity to the desired state in each stage. The surfactants at interfacially active state greatly enhanced the separation of heavy oil from hosting solids, as demonstrated by measuring contact angle and oil liberation using a custom‐designed on‐line visualization system. Meanwhile, the resulting heavy oil‐in‐water emulsions could also be easily demulsified by the bubbling of CO2 gas, which switched off the interfacial activity of the surfactants. Furthermore, CO2‐responsive surfactants could be partially recycled in process water to improve sustainability, making CO2‐responsive surfactants to be promising chemical aids in heavy oil production and many other vital industries.
Effect of particle orientation on the drag force in random arrays of oblate ellipsoids in low‐Reynolds‐number flows
Authors: Li Xinyang , Jiang Ming , Huang Zheqing , Zhou Qiang
Published: September 2020

Through particle‐resolved direct numerical simulations of flows past random arrays of oblate ellipsoids at low Reynolds numbers, this work demonstrates how the drag force on oblate ellipsoids depends on the Hermans orientation factor S, the mean crosswise sphericity φ⊥, the aspect ratio AR, and the solid volume fraction c. Wide ranges of S, AR, and c are considered and they are in the intervals (−0.5, 1), (0.2, 0.8), and (0.1, 0.4), respectively. This study extends the work on prolate ellipsoids by Li et al (AIChE Journal, 2019, 65, e16621). Based on the simulation results, two models are respectively developed using S and φ⊥as the independent orientation factor. The model based on S could give accurate prediction of the drag force and the lateral force exerted on arrays of particles. The model based on φ⊥ is able to use one generalized drag correlation for both oblate and prolate ellipsoids.
Respiratory illness among Gulf War and Gulf War era veterans who use the Department of Veterans Affairs for healthcare
Authors: Dursa Erin K. , Tadesse Bemnete E. , Carter Caitlin E. , Culpepper William J. , Schneiderman Aaron I. , Rumm Peter D.
Published: September 2020

Background

Veterans of the 1990‐1991 Gulf War were exposed to a variety of toxic substances during their service that included several airborne hazards, but only a few small studies have assessed respiratory outcomes in Gulf War veterans. This paper presents population prevalence estimates and prevalence ratios of respiratory disease among Gulf War and Gulf War Era veterans who use VA healthcare.

Methods

A total of 360,909 Gulf War deployed veterans and 323,638 Gulf War Era non‐deployed veterans were included in the analysis. Ten‐year period prevalence rates (PRs) for fifteen respiratory diseases were calculated for Gulf War and Gulf War Era veterans and period prevalence ratios comparing Gulf War veterans to Gulf War Era veterans were calculated.

Results

The five respiratory conditions with the highest prevalence per 100,000 veterans across both Gulf War deployed and Gulf War Era non‐deployed veterans (respectively) were: allergic rhinitis (8,400 and 8,041), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (4,763 and 4,795), asthma (4,685 and 4,477), chronic airway obstruction (3,983 and 4,059), and chronic sinusitis (2,863 and 2,672). The adjusted PRs showed a small, but significantly increased, elevation in Gulf War‐deployed compared to Gulf War Era non‐deployed veterans for chronic bronchitis (PR 1.19; 95% CI 1.10, 1.28), emphysema (PR 1.11; 95% CI 1.01, 1.21), chronic airway obstruction (PR 1.09; 95% CI 1.07, 1.12), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (PR 1.09; 1.07, 1.11).

Discussion

Gulf War veterans should continue to be monitored in the future to better evaluate the potential long‐term consequences on respiratory health.