bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dark fermentative biohydrogen production from rice mill wastewater
Authors: Ramu Satheesh Murugan , Dinesh Gujuluva Hari , Thulasinathan Boobalan , Thondi Rajan Angelin Swetha , Ponnuchamy Kumar , Pugazhendhi Arivalagan , Alagarsamy Arun
Published: August 2020

Hydrogen (H2) is one of the most promising fuels for sustainable energy production. Microbial bio‐H2 fermentation is considered to be one of the environment friendly alternatives for satisfying the demand for fossil fuels. The study has aimed to isolate the effective bio‐H2 producing microbes from rice mill wastewater (RMWW) using various pre‐treatment enrichment methods. Among the 27 enriched isolates, three isolates produced higher H2 utilizing rice mill wastewater as the substrate. Molecular level identification revealed that the three bacterial strains were Bacillus thuringiensis‐RH1, Bacillus aerophilus‐RH2, and Bacillus beringensis‐AARAT1. Optimization studies revealed that B. thuringiensis‐RH1 would be a promising bio‐H2 producing bacterium with a yield of 0.96 ± 0.06 mol H2/ mol glucose utilizing 50% of rice mill wastewater at pH 5.5. Furthermore, the obtained optimized substrate concentration (50%) and pH (5.5) from batch fermentation were used in the 3 L batch bioreactor experiment using B. thuringiensis‐RH1. A higher hydrogen yield (HY) of 1.63 ± 0.14 mol H2/mol glucose using B. thuringiensis‐RH1 at 72 hours was obtained in the extensive scale up process.
Coordinated throughput optimization for mobile sensor networks under heterogeneous fading conditions
Authors: Fida Adnan , Iftikhar Adnan , Azfar Yaqub Muhammad , Kim Dongkyun
Published: August 2020

This paper considers the P2P throughput optimization of mobile wireless sensor networks under a Rician/Rayleigh heterogeneous fading environment. The Rician/Rayleigh fading scenarios considers both extreme cases of signal propagation, that is, dominant line of sight (LOS) signal and No LOS (NLOS) signal. We focus on a type of P2P communication between wireless sensor nodes where the desired signal experiences Rician fading channel and the interfering signals undergoes Rayleigh fading channel. The coordinated link quality‐ and position‐aware route (C‐LPAR) reconfiguration strategy is proposed to exploit the multipath fading characteristics and mobility of nodes in order to provide optimal end‐to‐end throughput routes in presence of path loss, fading and interference. We studied the performance of proposed strategy under different environmental conditions and investigated the achievable throughput as well as number of hops and euclidean distance of the routes.
Influence of stagnation gradient for face support calculation in Slurry Shield Tunnelling
Authors: Zizka Zdenek , Kube Sebastian , Schößer Britta , Thewes Markus
Published: August 2020

In slurry shield tunnelling, a reliable face support is presumed if a sufficient support pressure is transferred and the slurry excess pressure provides efficient support pressure on the soil skeleton. The required support pressure is calculated in reference to the groundwater pressure and the earth pressure. In this paper, the sliding wedge mechanism is applied. To ensure face stability, the support pressure transfer needs to be provided within the theoretical sliding wedge at the tunnel face. Therefore, the penetration depth of the bentonite suspension as a support medium has to be kept within limits. Research shows that certain penetration is required.

The stagnation gradient defines the relation of the support pressure and the penetration depth of the suspension. The gradient has a described minimum, but also an undefined but existing maximum. The German standard DIN 4126 describes two cases for the minimum at each trench depth: Either the pressure losses due to the pressure acting outside the sliding wedge are less than 5 % or the stagnation gradient is at least 200 kN/m3. If the supporting pressure gradient is below 200 kN/m3, DIN 4126 defines rough reduction factors. For a more precise observation of the stagnation gradient, this paper presents a detailed supplement to the DIN 4126 approach taking the tunnel diameter and the angle of the sliding wedge into account. The aim is to determine the minimum recommended stagnation gradient for which no increase of the slurry excess pressure is necessary due to too deep penetration.
Geomembranes for tunnel constructions – Applications, properties and release of pollutants
Authors: Lühr Hans‐Peter
Published: August 2020

The sealing of tunnel walls involves the use of membranes which, depending on the situation, are constantly exposed to the leaching action of groundwater, or of water emanating from the surrounding rock. In terms of ecological product compatibility, the question arises as to whether pollutants may be released in the process. Various geomembranes are examined in more detail and subjected to an evaluation system. It emerges that in particular geomembranes with especially worrying components such as phthalates should generally be kept away from the environment for precautionary reasons, even though some phthalate plasticisers have not yet been evaluated by the EU. Phthalates are characterised by the fact that they are released from the membranes in considerable quantities.
Health expenditure of employees versus self‐employed individuals; a 5 year study
Authors: Herber Gerrie‐Cor , Schipper Maarten , Koopmanschap Marc , Proper Karin , van der Lucht Fons , Boshuizen Hendriek , Polder Johan , Uiters Ellen
Published: August 2020

It is unclear to what extent self‐employed choose to become self‐employed. This study aimed to compare the health care expenditures—as a proxy for health—of self‐employed individuals in the year before they started their business, to that of employees. Differences by sex, age, and industry were studied. In total, 5,741,457 individuals aged 25–65 years who were listed in the tax data between 2010 and 2015 with data on their health insurance claims were included. Self‐employed and employees were stratified according to sex, age, household position, personal income, region, and industry for each of the years covered. Weighted linear regression was used to compare health care expenditures in the preceding (yearx–1) between self‐employed and employees (in yearx). Compared with employees, expenditures for hospital care, pharmaceutical care and mental health care were lower among self‐employed in the year before they started their business. Differences were most pronounced for men, individuals ≥40 years and those working in the industry and energy sector, construction, financial institutions, and government and care. We conclude that healthy individuals are overrepresented among the self‐employed, which is more pronounced in certain subgroups. Further qualitative research is needed to investigate the reasons why these subgroups are more likely to choose to become self‐employed.
Association of microRNA 17 host gene variant (rs4284505) with susceptibility and severity of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Abdel‐Gawad Abdelhady R. , Shaheen Sameerah , Babteen Nouf A. , Toraih Eman A. , Elshazli Rami M. , Fawzy Manal S. , Gouda Nawal S.
Published: August 2020

Objective

MicroRNAs are large family clusters of small noncoding RNAs that implicated in genetic and epigenetic regulation of several immunological processes and pathways. As an epigenetic modifier, the microRNA 17‐92 cluster host gene (MIR17HG) has been shown to regulate the expression of genes involved in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) pathway. This study aimed to explore the association of MIR17HG (rs4284505; A>G) variant with SLE development and phenotype in a sample of the Eastern Mediterranean population.

Methods

A total of 326 participants (163 patients with SLE and 163 healthy controls) were enrolled in this study. The different genotypes of the MIR17HG (rs4284505) variant were characterized using the TaqMan real‐time polymerase chain reaction technique. Association with the available clinical and laboratory data, including the systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI), was also executed.

Results

The MIR17HG (rs4284505)variant showed a protective effect against developing SLE under heterozygote (A/G vs A/A; odds ratio [OR] = 0.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.05‐0.20,P < 0.001) and dominant (A/G+G/G vs A/A; OR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.25‐0.61,P < .001) models. This association was consistent even after SLE stratified by lupus nephritis. In contrast, rs4284505 (G/G) genotype conferred increased susceptibility to SLE (G/G vs A/A+A/G; OR = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.31‐3.53,P = .002). Moreover, the rs4284505 variant showed a statistically significant association with mucocutaneous lesions and SLEDAI scores (allP < .05).

Conclusion

This study is the first one to explore that the MIR17HG rs4284505 is associated with SLE risk; (A/G) genotype conferred a protective effect, while the (G/G) genotype showed increased susceptibility to SLE and association with the disease severity in the study population.
From awareness to usage of long‐acting reversible contraceptives: Results of a large European survey
Authors: Caetano Cecilia , Bliekendaal Stefan , Engler Yvonne , Lombardo Massimo
Published: August 2020

Objective

The PULSE survey investigated contraceptive decision making, focusing on the use of long‐acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) to determine reasons for their low adoption rates.

Methods

An online questionnaire was sent to women aged 18–49 years in 14 European countries who were considering starting or changing contraceptive method and asked questions based on four stages of contraceptive decision making: awareness, consideration, consultation, and adoption.

Results

Overall, 7221 women responded. LARC awareness was high (~73%) but current usage was low (11.3%). Only 24% of LARC‐aware women would consider switching to them. Factors associated with decision making differed depending on the stage: e.g. at the awareness phase, women were concerned with suitability, reversibility, and whether the method is hormonal; and at the consideration phase, the efficacy, convenience, and adverse‐effect profile were important. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) were the most trusted information source for women’s contraceptive decision making. LARCs were discussed less frequently during consultations than other contraceptives and HCPs may be perceived to hold negative opinions on LARCs.

Conclusion

A lack of knowledge about the features and benefits of LARCs can contribute to misconceptions and low adoption rates. HCPs play an important role in addressing this, as information conveyed during consultations influences women’s contraceptive choices.
Long noncoding RNA NEAT1 promotes progression of glioma as a ceRNA by sponging miR‐185‐5p to stimulate DNMT1/mTOR signaling
Authors: Yu Heng , Xu Anchun , Wu Bo , Wang Meng , Chen Zhongjun
Published: August 2020

Long noncoding RNA nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1) is regarded as an oncogene in multiple cancers. Previous studies have shown that NEAT1 is involved in the proliferation and tumorigenesis of glioma cells, while miR‐185‐5p functions as a tumor suppressor in glioma. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of NEAT1 in glioma, especially in association with miR‐185‐5p, has not been studied. In this study, we first demonstrated that NEAT1 expression was upregulated, and miR‐185‐5p downregulated in glioma tissues and cells. More important, NEAT1 expression was negatively correlated with miR‐185‐5p expression in glioma tissues. In vitro and in vivo experiments verified that NEAT1 was a competing endogenous RNA for miR‐185‐5p for promoting DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) expression and activated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, thus inhibiting apoptosis, and promoting glioma migration, proliferation, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition process. Furthermore, NEAT1 knockdown suppressed tumor growth and reduced the expression of proliferation antigen Ki‐67, DNMT1, and mTOR, but upregulated the expression of miR‐185‐5p in vivo. Finally, with mTOR inhibitor rapamycin, we confirmed that NEAT1 promoted glioma activity through mTOR signaling both in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, these results suggest that NEAT1 promotes glioma tumorigenesis via miR‐185‐5p/DNMT1/mTOR signaling, which may provide a new target for the diagnosis and therapy of glioma.
Modulation of BAG3 expression in human normal urothelial cells by Diuron
Authors: Eletto Daniela , Reppucci Francesca , Ronga Agostino , Altieri Vincenzo , Brongo Sergio , Martinelli Rosanna , De Marco Margot , Marzullo Liberato
Published: August 2020

Diuron [3‐(3,4‐dichlorophenyl)‐1,1‐dimethylurea] is a substituted urea herbicide, carcinogenic for the rat urinary bladder. It has been hypothesized that Diuron cytotoxicity, resulting in regenerative proliferation, leads to urothelial hyperplasia and, finally, to bladder tumors, but molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis have not still fully investigated. Here, we report the results of a study aimed at verifying the involvement of BAG3, an intracellular protein expressed in several tumors, in the Diuron‐induced carcinogenesis. For this purpose, we analyzed the effect of Diuron on human primary urothelial cells and on human dermal fibroblasts. We found that while high concentrations of Diuron have a cytotoxic effect in human primary urothelial cells, in the same cells, noncytotoxic concentrations of the herbicide induce BAG3 expression. These findings show that BAG3 is a molecular target of Diuron and unravel the possible involvement of BAG3 protein in bladder carcinogenesis induced by the herbicide. In addition, these results suggest that BAG3 might be a potential early biomarker of damage induced by chronic exposure to Diuron.
N‐glycome analysis detects dysglycosylation missed by conventional methods in SLC39A8 deficiency
Authors: Park Julien H. , Mealer Robert G. , Elias Abdallah F. , Hoffmann Susanne , Grüneberg Marianne , Biskup Saskia , Fobker Manfred , Haven Jaclyn , Mangels Ute , Reunert Janine , Rust Stephan , Schoof Jonathan , Schwanke Corbin , Smoller Jordan W. , Cummings Richard D. , Marquardt Thorsten
Published: August 2020

Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) are a growing group of inborn metabolic disorders with multiorgan presentation. SLC39A8‐CDG is a severe subtype caused by biallelic mutations in the manganese transporter SLC39A8, reducing levels of this essential cofactor for many enzymes including glycosyltransferases. The current diagnostic standard for disorders of N‐glycosylation is the analysis of serum transferrin. Exome and Sanger sequencing were performed in two patients with severe neurodevelopmental phenotypes suggestive of CDG. Transferrin glycosylation was analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and isoelectric focusing in addition to comprehensive N‐glycome analysis using matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight (MALDI‐TOF) mass spectrometry (MS). Atomic absorption spectroscopy was used to quantify whole blood manganese levels. Both patients presented with a severe, multisystem disorder, and a complex neurological phenotype. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a Leigh‐like syndrome with bilateral T2 hyperintensities of the basal ganglia. In patient 1, exome sequencing identified the previously undescribed homozygous variant c.608T>C [p.F203S] in SLC39A8. Patient 2 was found to be homozygous for c.112G>C [p.G38R]. Both individuals showed a reduction of whole blood manganese, though transferrin glycosylation was normal. N‐glycome using MALDI‐TOF MS identified an increase of the asialo‐agalactosylated precursor N‐glycan A2G1S1 and a decrease in bisected structures. In addition, analysis of heterozygous CDG‐allele carriers identified similar but less severe glycosylation changes. Despite its reliance as a clinical gold standard, analysis of transferrin glycosylation cannot be categorically used to rule out SLC39A8‐CDG. These results emphasize that SLC39A8‐CDG presents as a spectrum of dysregulated glycosylation, and MS is an important tool for identifying deficiencies not detected by conventional methods.
Analysis of the relationship between hospital characteristics and survival in ovarian cancer: A historical cohort
Authors: Moterani Vinicius Cesar , Tiezzi Daniel Guimarães , de Andrade Jurandyr Moreira , Candido dos Reis Francisco José
Published: August 2020

Background and Objectives

The management of ovarian cancer requires complex surgical and medical interventions. Specialized care is associated with superior outcomes in early and advanced stages. This study aimed to estimate the effect of hospital characteristics on the overall survival of women with epithelial ovarian cancer.

Methods

We established a cohort with data recorded by the Fundação Oncocentro de São Paulo cancer registry. We included 6111 women treated for ovarian cancer in the state of Sao Paulo from January 2000 to December 2018. From 76 hospitals analyzed, 7 were high volume (20 or more cases a year) and 69 low volume. Twenty‐nine were teaching and 47 community hospitals. A 10‐year survival was analyzed using the Kaplan‐Meyer estimator and the Cox model.

Results

Fifty‐two percent of the epithelial ovarian cancer patients were treated in high‐volume hospitals. High‐volume ‐ (HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.8‐0.92; P < .001) and teaching ‐ (HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.85‐0.99; P = .019) were hospital characteristics associated with low risk of death in 10 years.

Conclusions

High‐volume and teaching hospitals are associated with better overall survival in ovarian cancer. Our data suggest that both hospital characteristics are important indicators of good quality of care in ovarian cancer treatment.
Delivering Prolonged Exposure Therapy via Videoconferencing During the COVID‐19 Pandemic: An Overview of the Research and Special Considerations for Providers
Authors: Wells Stephanie Y. , Morland Leslie A. , Wilhite Emily R. , Grubbs Kathleen M. , Rauch Sheila A.M. , Acierno Ron , McLean Carmen P.
Published: August 2020

Leveraging technology to provide evidence‐based therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as prolonged exposure (PE), during the COVID‐19 pandemic helps ensure continued access to first‐line PTSD treatment. Clinical video teleconferencing (CVT) technology can be used to effectively deliver PE while reducing the risk of COVID‐19 exposure during the pandemic for both providers and patients. However, provider knowledge, experience, and comfort level with delivering mental health care services, such as PE, via CVT is critical to ensure a smooth, safe, and effective transition to virtual care. Further, some of the limitations associated with the pandemic, including stay‐at‐home orders and physical distancing, require that providers become adept at applying principles of exposure therapy with more flexibility and creativity, such as when assigning in vivo exposures. The present paper provides the rationale and guidelines for implementing PE via CVT during COVID‐19 and includes practical suggestions and clinical recommendations.
Survey on perceived work stress and its influencing factors among hospital staff during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Taiwan
Authors: Kuo Fang‐Li , Yang Pei‐Hsuan , Hsu Hsin‐Tien , Su Che‐Yu , Chen Chun‐Hsien , Yeh I‐Jeng , Wu Yen‐Hung , Chen Li‐Chin
Published: August 2020

This study aimed to investigate the perceived work stress and its influencing factors among hospital staff during the novel coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic in Taiwan. A web‐based survey was conducted at one medical center and two regional hospitals in southern Taiwan, targeting physicians, nurses, medical examiners, and administrators. The questionnaire included items on the demographic characteristics of hospital staff and a scale to assess stress among healthcare workers caring for patients with a highly infectious disease. A total of 752 valid questionnaires were collected. The hospital staff reported a moderate level of stress and nurses had a highest level of stress compared to staff in the other three occupational categories. The five highest stress scores were observed for the items “rough and cracked hands due to frequent hand washing and disinfectant use,” “inconvenience in using the toilet at work,” “restrictions on eating and drinking at work,” “fear of transmitting the disease to relatives and friends,” and “fear of being infected with COVID‐19.” Discomfort caused by protective equipment was the major stressor for the participants, followed by burden of caring for patients. Among participants who experienced severe stress (n = 129), work stress was higher among those with rather than without minor children. The present findings may serve as a reference for future monitoring of hospital staff's workload, and may aid the provision of support and interventions.
Temporal trends of sulfur levels in soils of northwestOhio(USA) between 2002 and 2014
Authors: Michalovicz Leandro , Dick Warren A. , Tormena Cassio A. , Müller Marcelo M. L. , Cervi Eduardo C.
Published: August 2020

Sulfur (S) is an essential nutrient for plant growth. Despite increasing reports of yield responses of crops to S fertilization, there is limited information about changes in the soil test concentrations of S. This study used a soil chemical analysis dataset from 2002 to 2014 to evaluate changes in soil S and other nutrient levels. The soil‐test database comprised 8,428 topsoil samples (0–20 cm depth layer) collected from 143 farm fields located in the northwest (NW) Ohio counties of Defiance, Paulding, and Williams. Except for S, the database showed no significant changes in soil chemical properties from NW Ohio between 2002 and 2014. Soil sulfate (SO42−) levels have linearly decreased by 63% from 2002 to 2014, reaching the range of concentration considered deficient for the main cereal crops. With no changes in soil organic matter (SOM) and pH, this result was attributed primarily to enactment of air quality regulations, since soil SO42−decreases were directly correlated with the reductions of SO2emissions (−70%), SO42−in rainwater (−66%) and deposited (−52%) in NW Ohio between the years of 2002–2013. Furthermore, combined increasing crop yields and insufficient compensation by fertilization had role on decreasing soil SO42−levels. Current fertilization practices and wet deposition of S have not been sufficient to balance S removals from soil leading to the declines in the soil test S levels. It is imperative to paid more attention to practices that maintain soil S fertility levels to avoid yield penalties associated with soil S deficiencies.
Functional Heterochain Polymers Constructed by Alkyne Multicomponent Polymerizations
Authors: Liu Xiaolin , Han Ting , Lam Jacky W. Y. , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: August 2020

Heterochain polymers such as DNA and proteins are abundant in nature, but they are not ubiquitous in man‐made polymers due to the synthetic difficulties. Traditional polymerization methodologies including chain polymerization, step‐growth polymerization, and coordination polymerization all show obvious drawbacks in synthesizing heterochain polymers. The alkyne multicomponent polymerizations (MCPs) developed in the early 2000s open a new door for the synthesis of conjugated heterochain polymers with diverse structures and unique properties. This review presents the progress in novel heterochain polymers constructed by alkyne‐based MCPs in the last three years. The unique properties and high‐tech applications brought by heteroatoms and MCPs are summarized and perspectives on future directions are also discussed.
Evolution of microstructure and room temperature tensile properties in aluminum‐bearing high strength steel processed by ultrafast cooling
Authors: Liu X. , Chen J. , Li G. , Liu Z.
Published: August 2020

An aluminum‐bearing high strength steel with relatively high precipitation hardening was fabricated by lowering coiling temperature to 627 °C. The influence of coiling temperature on microstructure evolution and precipitation behavior was comprehensively investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy, electron back‐scatter diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Both yield strength and tensile strength can be increased by around 100 MPa through decreasing coiling temperature to 627 °C, whereas there is nearly no deterioration in ductility. In addition, The grain boundary precipitation of (Fe, Cr, Mn)xCy‐type carbides can be effectively suppressed by lowering coiling temperature. Regardless of coiling temperature, both interphase precipitation consisting of curved and planar shape and random precipitation can be observed. Moreover, the sheet spacing can be refined from 29 nm–47 nm to 18 nm–27 nm by lowering coiling temperature from 721 °C to 627 °C. This small sheet spacing provides a greater precipitation hardening. Compared with a coiling temperature of 721 °C, the precipitation hardening can be increased by around 100 MPa for a coiling temperature of 627 °C.
Concept of energy efficient technological system: Machine tool – cutting tool – workpiece
Authors: Murčinková Z. , Vasilko K. , Živčák J. , Murčinko J.
Published: August 2020

This study deals with the concept of increasing energy efficiency by means of decreasing the energetic losses by using advanced composite machine tool components and interfaces characterized by low friction, and high wear resistance. Moreover, this study provides experimental results of damping property measurements and characteristic time domain curves of the fibre, particle, and sandwich composites, underlining the advantages of such composite types in terms of dynamic loading. Furthermore, it provides an analysis on the usage of thin films (coatings) and energy consumption in terms of cutting conditions. The study analyses the cutting tool geometry and shape of cutting edge that positively affect the cutting forces and chip flow direction, and avoid the energy‐intensive restricted cutting effect. Respecting the results of the analyses of mentioned effects contributes to increasing the energy efficiency of the machine tool‐cutting tool‐workpiece system.
On the solution of large‐amplitude vibration of carbon nanotube‐based double‐curved shallow shells
Authors: Avey Mahmure , Yusufoglu Elcin
Published: August 2020

The article deals with the large‐amplitude vibration of carbon nanotube‐based double‐curved shallow shells (CNTBDCSSs). After mathematical modeling of CNTBDCSSs, the von Karman‐type nonlinear basic relations of CNTBDCSSs are created, and then the nonlinear equations of motion are derived. Using an extended mixing rule, the CNTBDCSSs are estimated approximately by introducing some performance parameters. Four different carbon nanotube distributions are considered. The nonlinear basic equations are solved applying superposition, Galerkin, and semi‐inverse methods; and the frequency–amplitude relation for the large‐amplitude vibration of CNTBDCSSs is obtained. The nonlinear frequency to linear frequency ratio of CNTBDCSSs is determined as a function of the amplitude. The results are compared with published results to check the reliability and accuracy of the proposed formulation. It follows a systematic investigation aimed at checking the sensitivity of the nonlinear response to some reinforcement parameters and geometry, as the distribution of CNTs within the matrix.
Iodine quantification in limited angle tomography
Authors: Michielsen Koen , Rodríguez‐Ruiz Alejandro , Reiser Ingrid , Nagy James G. , Sechopoulos Ioannis
Published: August 2020

Purpose

To develop and test the feasibility of a two‐pass iterative reconstruction algorithm with material decomposition designed to obtain quantitative iodine measurements in digital breast tomosynthesis.

Methods

Contrast‐enhanced mammography has shown promise as a cost‐effective alternative to magnetic resonance imaging for imaging breast cancer, especially in dense breasts. However, one limitation is the poor quantification of iodine contrast since the true three‐dimensional lesion shape cannot be inferred from the two‐dimensional (2D) projection. Use of limited angle tomography can potentially overcome this limitation by segmenting the iodine map generated by the first‐pass reconstruction using a convolutional neural network, and using this segmentation to restrict the iodine distribution in the second pass of the reconstruction. To evaluate the performance of the algorithms, a set of 2D digital breast phantoms containing targets with varying iodine concentration was used. In each breast phantom, a single simulated lesion with a random size (4 to 8 mm) was placed in a random location within each phantom, with the iodine distribution defined as either homogeneous or rim‐enhanced and blood iodine concentration set between 1.4 and 5.6 mg/mL. Limited angle projection data of these phantoms were simulated for wide and narrow angle geometries, and the proposed reconstruction and segmentation algorithms were applied.

Results

The median Dice similarity coefficient of the segmented masks was 0.975 for the wide angle data and 0.926 for the narrow angle data. Using these segmentations during the second reconstruction pass resulted in an improvement in the concentration estimates (mean estimated‐to‐true concentration ratio, before and after second pass: 48% to 73% for wide angle; 30% to 73% for narrow angle), and a reduction in the coefficient of variation of the estimates (55% to 27% for wide angle; 54% to 35% for narrow angle).

Conclusion

We demonstrate that the proposed two‐pass reconstruction can potentially improve accuracy and precision of iodine quantification in contrast‐enhanced tomosynthesis.
Field‐to‐field coupled fluid structure interaction: A reduced order model study
Authors: Tello Alexis , Codina Ramon
Published: August 2020

The standard Fluid‐Structure Interaction (fsi) coupling, that uses as unknowns velocity and pressure for the fluid and displacements for the solid, is compared against two novel types of coupling, the first one a three‐field coupling (velocity‐pressure‐stress/displacement‐pressure‐stress) introduced by the authors in a recent work, and a two‐field coupling (velocity‐pressure/displacement‐pressure) introduced in this paper, in this way completing our set of Field to Field (f2f) equations, all stabilized by means of the Variational Multi‐Scale (vms) method using dynamic and orthogonal subscales. The solid two‐field fsi coupling formulation is benchmarked statically and dynamically. Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (pod) is applied to all three fsi formulations to obtain reduced basis and asses their performance in a reduced space. Numerical tests are shown comparing all three formulations. By correctly resolving the Cauchy stress tensor, the three‐field fsi coupling proves to provide more accurate results in both Full Order Model (fom) and Reduced Order Model (rom) spaces than its counterparts for a similar number of degrees of freedom, making it a reliable formulation. f2f pairing appears to be beneficial, providing more accurate results in all cases shown; mixed pairing with a three‐field formulation in the solid appears to produce very precise results as well.
Examining the experience of childbirth and its predictors among women who have recently given birth
Authors: Khalife‐Ghaderi Faeze , Amiri‐Farahani Leila , Haghani Shima , Hasanpoor‐Azghady Syedeh Batool
Published: August 2020

Aims

The aim of this study is to examine the experience of childbirth and its predictors among women who have recently given birth.

Design

This is a cross‐sectional study.

Methods

This study was conducted on 225 women at 22 Bahman Hospital in Khaf City, Iran. The samples were selected by the continuous sampling method from August to November 2018. Data were collected by demographic questionnaire, fertility information, pregnancy experience scale, satisfaction from birth environment inventory and the childbirth experience questionnaire.

Results

The mean score of childbirth experience was 55.73. According to the regression model, the husband's education, receiving regular care during pregnancy, the person giving birth, presence of a companion, receiving spinal anaesthesia, perineal conditions, being uplifted and hassled about the pregnancy and satisfaction with the birth environment were the predictors of childbirth experience. The regression model showed 39.8% of the change in outcome variable was predicted by independent variables.
On the analysis of a kind of nonlinear Sobolev equation through locally applied pseudo‐spectral meshfree radial point interpolation
Authors: Abbasbandy Saeid , Shivanian Elyas , AL‐Jizani Khalid Hammood
Published: August 2020

In this study, we develop an approximate formulation for two‐dimensional nonlinear Sobolev problems by focusing on pseudospectral meshless radial point interpolation (PSMRPI) which is a kind of locally applied radial basis function interpolation and truthfully a meshless approach. In the PSMRPI method, the nodal points do not need to be regularly distributed and can even be quite arbitrary. It is easy to have high order derivatives of unknowns in terms of the values at nodal points by constructing operational matrices. The convergence and stability of the technique in some sense are studied via some examples to show the validity and trustworthiness of the PSMRPI technique.
Rigid Scaffolds: Synthesis of 2,6‐Bridged Piperazines with Functional Groups in all three Bridges
Authors: Gao Donglin , Penno Christian , Wünsch Bernhard
Published: August 2020

The activity of pharmacologically active compounds can be increased by presenting a drug in a defined conformation, which fits exactly into the binding pocket of its target. Herein, the piperazine scaffold was conformationally restricted by substituted C2‐ or C3‐bridges across the 2‐ and 6‐position. At first, a three‐step, one‐pot procedure was developed to obtain reproducibly piperazine‐2,6‐diones with various substituents at the N‐atoms in high yields. Three strategies for bridging of piperazine‐2,6‐diones were pursued: 1. The bicyclic mixed ketals 8‐benzyl‐6‐ethoxy‐3‐(4‐methoxybenzyl)‐6‐(trimethylsilyloxy)‐3,8‐diazabicyclo[3.2.1]octane‐2,4‐diones were prepared by Dieckmann analogous cyclization of 2‐(3,5‐dioxopiperazin‐2‐yl)acetates. 2. Stepwise allylation, hydroboration and oxidation of piperazine‐2,6‐diones led to 3‐(3,5‐dioxopiperazin‐2‐yl)propionaldehydes. Whereas reaction of such an aldehyde with base provided the bicyclic alcohol 9‐benzyl‐6‐hydroxy‐3‐(4‐methoxybenzyl)‐3,9‐diazabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane‐2,4‐dione in only 10 % yield, the corresponding sulfinylimines reacted with base to give N‐(2,4‐dioxo‐3,9‐diazabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan‐6‐yl)‐2‐methylpropane‐2‐sulfinamides in >66 % yield. 3. Transformation of a piperazine‐2,6‐dione with 1,4‐dibromobut‐2‐ene and 3‐halo‐2‐halomethylprop‐1‐enes provided 3,8‐diazabicyclo[3.2.1]octane‐2,4‐dione and 3,9‐diazabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane‐2,4‐dione with a vinyl group at the C2‐ or a methylene group at the C3‐bridge, respectively. Since bridging via sulfinylimines and the one‐pot bridging with 3‐bromo‐2‐bromomethylprop‐1‐ene gave promising yields, these strategies will be exploited for the synthesis of novel receptor ligands bearing various substituents in a defined orientation at the carbon bridge
Simultaneous enhancement of dielectric and mechanical properties of high‐density polyethylene/nitrile rubber/multiwalled carbon nanotube composites prepared by dynamic vulcanization
Authors: Zheng Minzhen , Chen Xiaochuan , Cheng Huibin , Cao Changlin , Qian Qingrong , Yu Dingshan , Chen Xudong
Published: August 2020

Polymer dielectric composites, which possess high dielectric and loss suppression with excellent mechanical properties, are of crucial importance in practical applications. Herein, high‐density polyethylene/nitrile rubber/multiwalled carbon nanotube (HDPE/NBR/MWCNT) composites were fabricated by the dynamic vulcanization (DV) technique. The effect of DV on the structure and properties of HDPE/NBR/MWCNTs was systematically investigated. The results illustrate that the DV technique combines the advantages of the crosslinked phase and melt processability of thermoplastics. With the increase of dicumyl peroxide content, the dielectric permittivity and the mechanical properties clearly increase, due to a better compatibility and dispersibility achieved by DV. More importantly, a continuous decrease of dielectric loss and conductivity are observed with the increase of dicumyl peroxide content. These can probably be assigned to the combination of better dispersion and slower chain mobility of the NBR phase induced by crosslinking. © 2020 Society of Industrial Chemistry
Development of PLGA‐PEG‐COOH and Gelatin‐Based Microparticles Dual Delivery System and E‐Beam Sterilization Effects for Controlled Release of BMP‐2 and IGF‐1
Authors: Bai Yan , Moeinzadeh Seyedsina , Kim Sungwoo , Park Youngbum , Lui Elaine , Tan Hua , Zhao Weiling , Zhou Xiaobo , Yang Yunzhi Peter
Published: August 2020

A poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid)‐poly(ethylene glycol)‐carboxyl (PLGA‐PEG‐COOH) and gelatin‐based microparticles (MPs) dual delivery system for release of bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) is developed. The delivery system is characterized based on its morphology, loading capacity, encapsulation efficiency, and release kinetics. The effects of electron beam (EB) sterilization on BMP‐2 and IGF‐1‐loaded MPs and their biological effects are examined. The synergistic effect of a controlled dual release of BMP‐2 and IGF‐1 on osteogenesis of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is evaluated. Encapsulation efficiency of growth factors into gelatin and PLGA‐PEG‐COOH MPs is in the range of 64.78% to 76.11%. E‐beam sterilized growth factor delivery systems are effective in significantly promoting osteogenesis of MSCs, although E‐beam sterilization decreases the bioactivity of growth factors in MPs by ≈22%. BMP‐2 release behavior from gelatin MPs/PEG hydrogel shows a faster release (52.7%) than that of IGF‐1 from the PLGA‐PEG‐COOH MPs/PEG hydrogel (27.3%). The results demonstrate that the gelatin and PLGA‐PEG‐COOH MPs‐based delivery system can realize temporal release of therapeutic biomolecules by incorporating different growth factors into distinct microparticles. EB sterilization is an accessible method for sterilizing growth factors‐loaded carriers, which can pave the way for implementing growth factor delivery in clinical applications.
Spectrally Resolved Thermoluminescence of Anion‐Deficient Al2O3–BeO Ceramics for High‐Dose Dosimetry
Authors: Nikiforov Sergey , Ananchenko Daria , Borbolin Andrey , Vokhmintsev Alexander , Weinstein Ilya , Zvonarev Sergey
Published: August 2020

Thermoluminescence (TL) curves of Al2O3–BeO ceramic samples synthesized during high‐temperature treatment of nanostructured Al2O3 compacts in vacuum with the presence of graphite in BeO crucibles are studied. Temperature ranges of certain TL peaks emission at the synthesis temperature varied from 1200 to 1400 °C are found. A comparative analysis of the TL peaks temperature position and the nature of traps in the obtained ceramics with single crystalline Al2O3, BeO, and BeAl2O4 analogs is carried out. Spectral composition of different TL peaks is investigated. It is found that oxygen vacancies and their aggregates play the main role in the TL emission centers formation in the samples under study. A complex structure of the dominating luminescence band at 4.0 eV in the dosimetric peak at 530 K of the ceramics synthesized at 1400 °C is found. This band is shown to be a superposition of three bands with the maxima at 3.11, 3.80, and 4.17 eV, resulted from F, F+ centers and presumably from Fcat‐type centers in aluminum oxide. The obtained results are essential to control and modify TL properties of Al2O3–BeO ceramics to create luminescence detectors of high‐dose radiation.
Natural products as home‐based prophylactic and symptom management agents in the setting of COVID‐19
Authors: Thota Sai Manohar , Balan Venkatesh , Sivaramakrishnan Venketesh
Published: August 2020

Coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) caused by the novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) has rapidly spread across the globe affecting 213 countries or territories with greater than six million confirmed cases and about 0.37 million deaths, with World Health Organization categorizing it as a pandemic. Infected patients present with fever, cough, shortness of breath, and critical cases show acute respiratory infection and multiple organ failure. Likelihood of these severe indications is further enhanced by age as well as underlying comorbidities such as diabetes, cardiovascular, or thoracic problems, as well as due to an immunocompromised state. Currently, curative drugs or vaccines are lacking, and the standard of care is limited to symptom management. Natural products like ginger, turmeric, garlic, onion, cinnamon, lemon, neem, basil, and black pepper have been scientifically proven to have therapeutic benefits against acute respiratory tract infections including pulmonary fibrosis, diffuse alveolar damage, pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome, as well as associated septic shock, lung and kidney injury, all of which are symptoms associated with COVID‐19 infection. This review highlights the potential of these natural products to serve as home‐based, inexpensive, easily accessible, prophylactic agents against COVID‐19.
Corporate cash holdings and monetary shocks: A test of the credit channel theory
Authors: Deng Yiling , Yao Haibo
Published: August 2020

This paper studies the impact of monetary shocks on corporate cash holdings before the 2008 financial crisis. We find evidence supporting the credit channel theory that industrial firms increase cash holdings when monetary policy is unexpectedly tightened. The impact is more pronounced for financially constrained, high managerial compensation incentives, domestic firms, and during recession. Furthermore, we examine the structural increase in cash holdings in the 2000s, we find that industrial firms continuously increase cash holdings when monetary policy is persistently and unexpectedly tightened, which overweighs the reversal effect of monetary policy.
Complement modulation reverses pathology in Y402H-retinal pigment epithelium cell model of age-related macular degeneration by restoring lysosomal function
Authors: Cerniauskas Edvinas , Kurzawa-Akanbi Marzena , Xie Long , Hallam Dean , Moya-Molina Marina , White Kathryn , Steel David , Doherty Mary , Whitfield Phil , Al-Aama Jumana , Armstrong Lyle , Kavanagh David , Lambris John D. , Korolchuk Viktor I. , Harris Claire , Lako Majlinda
Published: August 2020

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a multifactorial disease, which is characterized by loss of central vision, affecting one in three people by the age of 75. The Y402H polymorphism in the complement factor H (CFH) gene significantly increases the risk of AMD. We show that Y402H-AMD-patient-specific retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells are characterized by a significant reduction in the number of melanosomes, an increased number of swollen lysosome-like-vesicles with fragile membranes, Cathepsin D leakage into drusen-like deposits and reduced lysosomal function. The turnover of C3 is increased significantly in high-risk RPE cells, resulting in higher internalization and deposition of the terminal complement complex C5b-9 at the lysosomes. Inhibition of C3 processing via the compstatin analogue Cp40 reverses the disease phenotypes by relieving the lysosomes of their overburden and restoring their function. These findings suggest that modulation of the complement system represents a useful therapeutic approach for AMD patients associated with complement dysregulation.

Significance statement Currently, there is no treatment for dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which comprises the majority of AMD pathology. In a collaborative effort, this study describes a novel link between uncontrolled complement activation and autophagy-lysosome axis, which is caused by increased deposition of the terminal attack complex C5b-9 at the lysosomes, leading to their overburdening and malfunction. Using an inhibitor of C3 processing, Cp40, this study shows that all the disease phenotypes are reversed, relieving the lysosomes of their overburden and restoring their function. These findings suggest that modulation of the complement system represents a useful therapeutic approach for AMD patients associated with complement dysregulation.
Construction of an Ultrathin S‐Scheme Heterojunction Based on Few‐Layer g‐C3N4 and Monolayer Ti3C2Tx MXene for Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Yang Yali , Zhang Dainan , Fan Jiajie , Liao Yulong , Xiang Quanjun
Published: August 2020

As charge carriers transfer is critical for the photocatalytic activity enhancement of step‐scheme (S‐scheme) photocatalysts, facile construction of a S‐scheme heterojunction with great contact area and strong interaction between the compositions is highly desirable. Herein, an ultrathin S‐scheme heterojunction g‐C3N4/TiO2/C (SL‐EAC) consisting of few‐layer g‐C3N4 nanosheets on monolayer Ti3C2Tx MXene converted TiO2/C is prepared through an electrostatic self‐assembly and calcination method. The monolayer Ti3C2Tx can not only prevent g‐C3N4 from agglomerating through forming close contact with g‐C3N4, but its conversion to TiO2/C during calcination can build a bridge between the relatively inert TiO2 and multigroup‐terminated Ti3C2Tx, which indirectly enhances the interface contact between TiO2/C and g‐C3N4. SL‐EAC with a thickness of around 5 nm shows much better photocatalytic CO2 reduction performance than g‐C3N4, TiO2/C prepared by calcination of monolayer Ti3C2Tx and g‐C3N4/TiO2/C (EAC) prepared by the same method but monolayer Ti3C2Tx is altered by multilayer Ti3C2Tx. The excellent performance of SL‐EAC is attributed to the large contact area between g‐C3N4 and TiO2/C, which is conducive to the S‐scheme transfer of photogenerated charge carriers. Moreover, the samples prepared using different methods are also investigated, which further confirms the great contact area and strong interaction between the composites in ultrathin SL‐EAC.
Pivotal Role of Middle Subcell Thickness on the Performance of Triple‐Junction Tandem Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Seo Jooyeok , Kim Hwajeong , Lim Seongdong , Kim Youngkyoo
Published: August 2020

Making multijunctions in organic solar cells with solution‐processed polymeric bulk heterojunction (BHJ) layers, i.e., tandem polymer solar cells (PSCs), has been one of the state‐of‐the‐art approaches for the last two decades. Tandem PSCs can overcome the single‐junction Shockley–Queisser limit by improving light absorption as they can exploit the polymeric BHJ layers with poor charge carrier mobility as subcells with limited thickness. Herein, 13% efficient triple‐junction tandem PSCs with a nanocrated hybrid interconnection layer (hICL) can be achieved by controlling the BHJ thickness (60 nm) of middle subcells is demonstrated. The open‐circuit voltage and fill factor (FF) of the optimized triple‐junction tandem PSCs reach 2.14 V and 74.3%, respectively. The present approach of middle subcell thickness control, using the reproducible hICL‐based multilayer stacking technology, delivers a promising way to further extend the number of junctions leading to high efficiency tandem PSCs with enhanced open‐circuit voltages and FFs.