bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short-term modulation of the lesioned language network
Authors: Hartwigsen Gesa , Stockert Anika , Charpentier Louise , Wawrzyniak Max , Klingbeil Julian , Wrede Katrin , Obrig Hellmuth , Saur Dorothee
Published: March 2020

Language is sustained by large-scale networks in the human brain. Stroke often severely affects function and network dynamics. However, the adaptive potential of the brain to compensate for lesions is poorly understood. A key question is whether upregulation of the right hemisphere is adaptive for language recovery. Targeting the potential for short-term reorganization in the lesioned brain, we applied 'virtual lesions' over left anterior or posterior inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) in post-stroke patients with left temporo-parietal lesions prior to functional neuroimaging. Perturbation of the posterior IFG selectively delayed phonological decisions and decreased phonological activity. The individual response delay was correlated with the upregulation of the lesion homologue, likely reflecting compensation. Moreover, stronger individual tract integrity of the right superior longitudinal fascicle was associated with lesser disruption. Our results provide evidence for functional and structural underpinnings of plasticity in the lesioned language network, and a compensatory role of the right hemisphere.
Non-ambulatory children with cerebral palsy: effects of four months of static and dynamic standing exercise on passive range of motion and spasticity in the hip
Authors: Tornberg Åsa B. , Lauruschkus Katarina
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of four months of two types of structured training regimes, static standing (StS) versus dynamic standing (DyS), on passive range of motion (PROM) and spasticity in the hip among non-ambulatory children with cerebral palsy.

Method

Twenty non-ambulatory children with cerebral palsy participated in an exercise intervention study with a crossover design. During StS, the Non-ambulatory children with cerebral palsy were encouraged to exercise according to standard care recommendations, including daily supported StS for 30–90 min. During DyS, daily exercise for at least 30 min at a speed between 30 and 50 rpm in an Innowalk (Made for movement, Norway) was recommended. We assessed adaptive effects from the exercise programs through PROM in the hip assessed with a handheld goniometer, and spasticity in the hip assessed with the Modified Ashworth Scale before and after 30 min of StS or DyS. A trained physiotherapist performed the assessments. The exercise test and exercise training were performed in the children’s habitual environment. Non-parametric statistics were used and each leg was used as its own control.

Result

PROM increased in all directions after 30 min (p < 0.001), and after four months of exercise training (p < 0.001) of DyS. Thirty minutes of DyS lowered the spasticity in the muscles around the hip (p < 0.001) more than 30 min of StS (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Thirty minutes of DyS increased PROM and decreased spasticity among non-ambulatory children with CP. Four months of DyS increased PROM but did not decrease spasticity. These results can help inform individualised standing recommendations.
The role of age, sex, anthropometry, and body composition as determinants of physical fitness in nonobese children aged 6–12
Authors: Milanese Chiara , Sandri Marco , Cavedon Valentina , Zancanaro Carlo
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The determinants of physical fitness in children have been given limited attention. In particular, the relative role of chronological age, sex, anthropometry, and body composition in physical fitness of children has been barely investigated. This cross-sectional study investigated determinants of physical fitness using a set of predictive variables including, in addition to chronological age and sex, a large panel of anthropometric measurements as well as body composition. The study was carried out in a convenience sample of children aged 6–12 participating in a summer camp.

Methods

One-hundred-ninety-three children (128 males) fulfilled all requirements and entered analysis. Health-related physical fitness components (speed, muscular power and balance) were explored by means of field tests, namely the 30-m dash test for running speed, the standing long jump and the seated chest pass test for lower limbs and upper body muscular power, respectively, and the flamingo balance test for static balance. Determinants of physical fitness were investigated by regression analysis using chronological age, sex, anthropometry, and body composition in a hierarchical approach. To minimize the expected effect of collinearity in predictor variables, an original statistical approach using Random Forests analysis was adopted.

Results

Age predicted 45.2%, 43.6%, 35.6% and 25.6%; and sex 9.5%, 10.7%, 6.3% and 2.0% of variance in the 30-m dash, seated chest pass, standing long jump, and flamingo balance test, respectively. Anthropometry and body composition explained a limited or no percentage of variance. The adjustedR2(root mean square error) was 0.61 (0.31 s), 0.45 (0.32 m), 0.58 (0.15 m) and 0.41 (0.75 logs) for the 30-m dash, seated chest pass, standing long jump, and flamingo balance test, respectively making these models useful when physical fitness tests are not feasible.

Conclusions

We highlighted the respective role of chronological age, sex, anthropometry, and body composition in physical fitness of children in the wide age range 6–12 years. Data confirm and expand on previous literature by showing with a strictly conservative statistical approach that chronological age is a main determinant of physical fitness of both boys and girls, sex playing a limited role. The role of anthropometry was even less important, and no role was found for body composition. These findings should be considered when planning/implementing motor development or physical education programs.
Detection and visualization of abnormality in chest radiographs using modality-specific convolutional neural network ensembles
Authors: Rajaraman Sivaramakrishnan , Kim Incheol , Antani Sameer K.
Published: March 2020

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) trained on natural images are extremely successful in image classification and localization due to superior automated feature extraction capability. In extending their use to biomedical recognition tasks, it is important to note that visual features of medical images tend to be uniquely different than natural images. There are advantages offered through training these networks on large scale medical common modality image collections pertaining to the recognition task. Further, improved generalization in transferring knowledge across similar tasks is possible when the models are trained to learn modality-specific features and then suitably repurposed for the target task. In this study, we propose modality-specific ensemble learning toward improving abnormality detection in chest X-rays (CXRs). CNN models are trained on a large-scale CXR collection to learn modality-specific features and then repurposed for detecting and localizing abnormalities. Model predictions are combined using different ensemble strategies toward reducing prediction variance and sensitivity to the training data while improving overall performance and generalization. Class-selective relevance mapping (CRM) is used to visualize the learned behavior of the individual models and their ensembles. It localizes discriminative regions of interest (ROIs) showing abnormal regions and offers an improved explanation of model predictions. It was observed that the model ensembles demonstrate superior localization performance in terms of Intersection of Union (IoU) and mean Average Precision (mAP) metrics than any individual constituent model.
Development and psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the Orofacial Esthetic Scale: OES-Pt
Authors: Campos Lucas A. , Marôco João , John Mike T. , Santos-Pinto Ary , Campos Juliana A.D.B.
Published: March 2020

Background

The Orofacial Esthetic Scale (OES) is an instrument to assess an individual’s perception of their Orofacial Appearance (OA). However, its translation and evaluation of psychometric properties is necessary for its use in Brazilian individuals.

Objectives

To develop the Portuguese version of OES (OES-Pt), estimate its psychometric properties (validity, measurement invariance and reliability) when applied to Brazilian individuals aged 18–40 years, and estimate the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and OA.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study using a convenience sample. The sample consisted of 1,072 Brazilian individuals (70.1% female, 25.1% dental patients; mean ± SD age: 25.7 ± 5.7 years). After cross-cultural adaptation of OES-Pt, factorial validity was evaluated by confirmatory factor analysis. Convergent validity (average variance extracted (AVE)) and reliability (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (α) and Composite Reliability (CR)) were also estimated. Concurrent validity was assessed (Pearson’s correlational analysis (r) between OES-Pt total score and item eight of the OES which refers to global assessment of OA). Measurement invariance of the factorial model (multigroup analysis using ΔCFI) was evaluated for independent samples (sample randomly split into two: “Test Sample” and “Validation Sample” and according to sex: male and female, age range: 18–30 and 31–40 years, and whether the individual is undergoing dental treatment or not). A Structural Equation Model estimated the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and OA.

Results

OES-Pt presented adequate fit to the sample. Convergent validity (AVE ≥ 0.56) and reliability (α and CR ≥ 0.89) were adequate. Concurrent validity was adequate (r= 0.88;p-value < 0.001). OES-Pt presented strict invariance for independent samples. Age, sex, and socioeconomic status (SES) were related to OA, indicated by standardized beta coefficients (standardized β) of 0.036 (standard error: 0.007), 0.001 (0.094) and 0.196 (0.061), respectively on OA. These three relationships were either weak or not statistically significant.

Conclusions

When measuring OA in Brazilian individuals, the OES-Pt was valid, reliable and invariant for independent samples. Age, sex and SES were weak or not statistically significantly related to OA.
Contribution of Litterfall to Aboveground Net Primary Production in Acacia hybrid Plantation, Northeast Vietnam
Authors: Do Tran Van
Published: March 2020

Carbon input to forest ecosystem is mainly from Net Primary Production (NPP), therefore estimating NPP becomes important to understand the global carbon cycle. In this study, allometry for aboveground biomass increment (ΔAGB) and litter trap technique for litterfall (LF) were used for estimating aboveground NPP in Acacia hybrid plantation, Northeast Vietnam. The experiment was conducted in a plot of 300 m2 (15×20 m) established in a 21 month old plantation and conducted in a duration of one year. Data were collected in 3 month intervals with a total of five field-measurements. The results indicated that LF and ΔAGB were seasonally dependent. Litterfall was highest (3.38 g m-2 day-1) during September-January (winter) and lowest (0.61 g m-2 day-1) during March-June (early summer). While ΔAGB was highest (7.7 g m-2 day-1) during June-September (summer) and lowest (2.3 g m-2 day-1) during January-March (winter). Total LF was 7.27 tones ha-1 year-1 and ΔAGB was 18.94 tones ha-1 year-1. The total aboveground NPP of Acacia hybrid plantation was 26.31 tones ha-1 year-1. It is concluded that LF plays an important role in soil nutrient cycling in Acacia hybrid plantation.
The Pause End and Major Temperature Impacts during Super El Niños are Due to Shortwave Radiation Anomalies
Authors: Ollila Antero
Published: March 2020

The hiatus or temperature pause during the 21st century has been the subject of numerous research studies with very different results and proposals. In this study, two simple climate models have been applied to test the causes of global temperature changes. The climate change factors have been shortwave (SW) radiation changes, changes in cloudiness and ENSO (El Niño Southern Oscillation) events assessed as the ONI (Oceanic Niño Index) values and anthropogenic climate drivers. The results show that a simple climate model assuming no positive water feedback follows the satellite temperature changes very well, the mean absolute error (MAE) during the period from 2001 to July 2019 being 0.073°C and 0.082°C in respect to GISTEMP. The IPCC’s simple climate model shows for the same period errors of 0.191°C and 0.128°C respectively. The temperature in 2017-2018 was about 0.2°C above the average value in 2002–2014. The conclusion is that the pause was over after 2014 and the SW anomaly forcing was the major reason for this temperature increase. SW anomalies have had their greatest impacts on the global temperature during very strong (super) El Niño events in 1997-98 and 2015-16, providing a new perspective for ENSO events. A positive SW anomaly continued after 2015-16 which may explain the weak La Niña 2016 temperature impacts, and a negative SW anomaly after 1997-98 may have contributed two strong La Niña peaks 1998-2001. No cause and effect connection could be found between the SW radiation and temperature anomalies in Nino areas.
A plan template‐based automation solution using a commercial treatment planning system
Authors: Huang Xiaotian , Quan Hong , Zhao Bo , Zhou Wing , Chen Charles , Chen Yan
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to develop an auto‐planning platform to be interfaced with a commercial treatment planning system (TPS). The main goal was to obtain robust and high‐quality plans for different anatomic sites and various dosimetric requirements.

Methods

Monaco (Elekta, St. Louis, US) was the TPS in this work. All input parameters for inverse planning could be defined in a plan template inside Monaco. A software tool called Robot Framework was used to launch auto‐planning trials with updated plan templates. The template modifier external to Monaco was the major component of our auto‐planning platform. For current implementation, it was a rule‐based system that mimics the trial‐and‐error process of an experienced planner. A template was automatically updated by changing the optimization constraints based on dosimetric evaluation of the plan obtained in the previous trial, along with the data of the iterative optimization extracted from Monaco. Treatment plans generated by Monaco with all plan evaluation criteria satisfied were considered acceptable, and such plans would be saved for further evaluation by clinicians. The auto‐planning platform was validated for 10 prostate and 10 head‐and‐neck cases in comparison with clinical plans generated by experienced planners.

Results

The performance and robustness of our auto‐planning platform was tested with clinical cases of prostate and head and neck treatment. For prostate cases, automatically generated plans had very similar plan quality with the clinical plans, and the bladder volume receiving 62.5 Gy, 50 Gy, and 40 Gy in auto‐plans was reduced by 1%, 3%, and 5%, respectively. For head and neck cases, auto‐plans had better conformity with reduced dose to the normal structures but slightly higher dose inhomogeneity in the target volume. Remarkably, the maximum dose in the spinal cord and brain stem was reduced by more than 3.5 Gy in auto‐plans. Fluence map optimization only with less than 30 trials was adequate to generate acceptable plans, and subsequent optimization for final plans was completed by Monaco without further intervention. The plan quality was weakly dependent on the parameter selection in the initial template and the choices of the step sizes for changing the constraint values.

Conclusion

An automated planning platform to interface with Monaco was developed, and our reported tests showed preliminary results for prostate and head and neck cases.
Shining Light on the Photoluminescence Properties of Metal Halide Perovskites
Authors: Goetz Katelyn P. , Taylor Alexander D. , Paulus Fabian , Vaynzof Yana
Published: March 2020

Lead halide perovskites are a remarkable class of materials that have emerged over the past decade as being suitable for application in a broad range of devices, such as solar cells, light‐emitting diodes, lasers, transistors, and memory devices. While they are often solution‐processed semiconductors deposited at low temperatures, perovskites exhibit properties one would only expect from highly pure inorganic crystals that are grown at high temperatures. This unique phenomenon has resulted in fast‐paced progress toward record device performance. Unfortunately, the basic science behind the remarkable nature of these materials is still not well understood. This review assesses the current understanding of the photoluminescence properties of metal halide perovskite materials and highlights key areas that require further research. Furthermore, the need to standardize the methods for characterization of PL in order to improve comparability, reliability, and reproducibility of results is emphasized.
Cortical Neurons form a Functional Neuronal Network in a 3D Printed Reinforced Matrix
Authors: Janzen Dieter , Bakirci Ezgi , Wieland Annalena , Martin Corinna , Dalton Paul D. , Villmann Carmen
Published: March 2020

Impairments in neuronal circuits underly multiple neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. 3D cell culture models enhance the complexity of in vitro systems and provide a microenvironment closer to the native situation than with 2D cultures. Such novel model systems will allow the assessment of neuronal network formation and their dysfunction under disease conditions. Here, mouse cortical neurons are cultured from embryonic day E17 within in a fiber‐reinforced matrix. A soft Matrigel with a shear modulus of 31 ± 5.6 Pa is reinforced with scaffolds created by melt electrowriting, improving its mechanical properties and facilitating the handling. Cortical neurons display enhance cell viability and the neuronal network maturation in 3D, estimated by staining of dendrites and synapses over 21 days in vitro, is faster in 3D compared to 2D cultures. Using functional readouts with electrophysiological recordings, different firing patterns of action potentials are observed, which are absent in the presence of the sodium channel blocker, tetrodotoxin. Voltage‐gated sodium currents display a current–voltage relationship with a maximum peak current at −25 mV. With its high customizability in terms of scaffold reinforcement and soft matrix formulation, this approach represents a new tool to study neuronal networks in 3D under normal and, potentially, disease conditions.
Engineered Biomaterial Platforms to Study Fibrosis
Authors: Davidson Matthew D. , Burdick Jason A. , Wells Rebecca G.
Published: March 2020

Many pathologic conditions lead to the development of tissue scarring and fibrosis, which are characterized by the accumulation of abnormal extracellular matrix (ECM) and changes in tissue mechanical properties. Cells within fibrotic tissues are exposed to dynamic microenvironments that may promote or prolong fibrosis, which makes it difficult to treat. Biomaterials have proved indispensable to better understand how cells sense their extracellular environment and are now being employed to study fibrosis in many tissues. As mechanical testing of tissues becomes more routine and biomaterial tools become more advanced, the impact of biophysical factors in fibrosis are beginning to be understood. Herein, fibrosis from a materials perspective is reviewed, including the role and mechanical properties of ECM components, the spatiotemporal mechanical changes that occur during fibrosis, current biomaterial systems to study fibrosis, and emerging biomaterial systems and tools that can further the understanding of fibrosis initiation and progression. This review concludes by highlighting considerations in promoting wide‐spread use of biomaterials for fibrosis investigations and by suggesting future in vivo studies that it is hoped will inspire the development of even more advanced biomaterial systems.
Fe‐Doped Polyoxometalate as Acid‐Aggregated Nanoplatform for NIR‐II Photothermal‐Enhanced Chemodynamic Therapy
Authors: Shi Yunhao , Zhang Jiaojiao , Huang Han , Cao Changyu , Yin Jiajia , Xu Wenjing , Wang Wenjun , Song Xuejiao , Zhang Yewei , Dong Xiaochen
Published: March 2020

The combination of reactive oxygen species‐involved chemodynamic therapy (CDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) holds great promise in enhancing anticancer effects. Herein, a multifunctional Fe‐doped polyoxometalate (Fe‐POM) cluster is fabricated via a simple method. The Fe‐POM can not only be utilized as PTT agents to generate a hyperthermia effect for cancer cell killing under near‐infrared (NIR) II laser (1060 nm) irradiation, but also can be used as CDT agents to convert endogenous less‐reactive H2O2 into harmful ·OH and simultaneously deplete glutathione for an amplified CDT effect. Notably, the hyperthermia induced by PTT can further enhance the CDT effect, achieving a synergistic PTT/CDT effect. Owing to the self‐assembling properties at lowered pH values, the Fe‐POM exhibits high tumor accumulation as revealed by photoacoustic imaging. More importantly, Fe‐POM enables effective destruction of tumors without inducing noticeable damage to normal tissues under 1060 nm laser irradiation. The work presents a new type of multifunctional agent with high PTT/CDT efficacy, providing promising methods for PTT‐enhanced CDT in a NIR‐II biowindow.
Chirality and Surface Bonding Correlation in Atomically Precise Metal Nanoclusters
Authors: Li Yingwei , Higaki Tatsuya , Du Xiangsha , Jin Rongchao
Published: March 2020

Chirality is ubiquitous in nature and occurs at all length scales. The development of applications for chiral nanostructures is rising rapidly. With the recent achievements of atomically precise nanochemistry, total structures of ligand‐protected Au and other metal nanoclusters (NCs) are successfully obtained, and the origins of chirality are discovered to be associated with different parts of the cluster, including the surface ligands (e.g., swirl patterns), the organic–inorganic interface (e.g., helical stripes), and the kernel. Herein, a unified picture of metal–ligand surface bonding‐induced chirality for the nanoclusters is proposed. The different bonding modes of M–X (where M = metal and X = the binding atom of ligand) lead to different surface structures on nanoclusters, which in turn give rise to various characteristic features of chirality. A comparison of Au–thiolate NCs with Au–phosphine ones further reveals the important roles of surface bonding. Compared to the Au–thiolate NCs, the Ag/Cu/Cd–thiolate systems exhibit different coordination modes between the metal and the thiolate. Other than thiolate and phosphine ligands, alkynyls are also briefly discussed. Several methods of obtaining chiroptically active nanoclusters are introduced, such as enantioseparation by high‐performance liquid chromatography and enantioselective synthesis. Future perspectives on chiral NCs are also proposed.
Metal–Organic Framework Nanoparticles Induce Pyroptosis in Cells Controlled by the Extracellular pH
Authors: Ploetz Evelyn , Zimpel Andreas , Cauda Valentina , Bauer David , Lamb Don C. , Haisch Christoph , Zahler Stefan , Vollmar Angelika M. , Wuttke Stefan , Engelke Hanna
Published: March 2020

Ion homeostasis is essential for cellular survival, and elevated concentrations of specific ions are used to start distinct forms of programmed cell death. However, investigating the influence of certain ions on cells in a controlled way has been hampered due to the tight regulation of ion import by cells. Here, it is shown that lipid‐coated iron‐based metal–organic framework nanoparticles are able to deliver and release high amounts of iron ions into cells. While high concentrations of iron often trigger ferroptosis, here, the released iron induces pyroptosis, a form of cell death involving the immune system. The iron release occurs only in slightly acidic extracellular environments restricting cell death to cells in acidic microenvironments and allowing for external control. The release mechanism is based on endocytosis facilitated by the lipid‐coating followed by degradation of the nanoparticle in the lysosome via cysteine‐mediated reduction, which is enhanced in slightly acidic extracellular environment. Thus, a new functionality of hybrid nanoparticles is demonstrated, which uses their nanoarchitecture to facilitate controlled ion delivery into cells. Based on the selectivity for acidic microenvironments, the described nanoparticles may also be used for immunotherapy: the nanoparticles may directly affect the primary tumor and the induced pyroptosis activates the immune system.
Effective Separation of CO2 Using Metal‐Incorporated rGO Membranes
Authors: Jin Xiaoheng , Foller Tobias , Wen Xinyue , Ghasemian Mohammad B. , Wang Fei , Zhang Mingwei , Bustamante Heriberto , Sahajwalla Veena , Kumar Priyank , Kim Hangyel , Lee Gwan‐Hyoung , Kalantar‐Zadeh Kourosh , Joshi Rakesh
Published: March 2020

Graphene‐based materials, primarily graphene oxide (GO), have shown excellent separation and purification characteristics. Precise molecular sieving is potentially possible using graphene oxide‐based membranes, if the porosity can be matched with the kinetic diameters of the gas molecules, which is possible via the tuning of graphene oxide interlayer spacing to take advantage of gas species interactions with graphene oxide channels. Here, highly effective separation of gases from their mixtures by using uniquely tailored porosity in mildly reduced graphene oxide (rGO) based membranes is reported. The gas permeation experiments, adsorption measurement, and density functional theory calculations show that this membrane preparation method allows tuning the selectivity for targeted molecules via the intercalation of specific transition metal ions. In particular, rGO membranes intercalated with Fe ions that offer ordered porosity, show excellent reproducible N2/CO2 selectivity of ≈97 at 110 mbar, which is an unprecedented value for graphene‐based membranes. By exploring the impact of Fe intercalated rGO membranes, it is revealed that the increasing transmembrane pressure leads to a transition of N2 diffusion mode from Maxwell–Stefan type to Knudsen type. This study will lead to new avenues for the applications of graphene for efficiently separating CO2 from N2 and other gases.
Comment on “Cooperative Behaviors in Amplified Emission from Single Microcrystals of Thiophene/Phenylene Co‐Oligomers toward Organic Polariton Laser”
Authors: Paraschuk Dmitry Yu.
Published: March 2020

Yanagi et al. recently reviewed their progress in the field of amplified emission of thiophene/phenylene co‐oligomers (TPCO) single crystals (Adv. Opt. Mater. 2019, 7, 1900136), which are a promising platform for highly efficient organic light‐emitting devices. In this comment, the most intriguing experimental data from this paper are naturally and easily explained as an effect of unintentional impurities or molecular self‐dopants that appear in the course of chemical synthesis of TPCO.
Emerging Technologies for Real‐Time Intraoperative Margin Assessment in Future Breast‐Conserving Surgery
Authors: Pradipta Ambara R. , Tanei Tomonori , Morimoto Koji , Shimazu Kenzo , Noguchi Shinzaburo , Tanaka Katsunori
Published: March 2020

Clean surgical margins in breast‐conserving surgery (BCS) are essential for preventing recurrence. Intraoperative pathologic diagnostic methods, such as frozen section analysis and imprint cytology, have been recognized as crucial tools in BCS. However, the complexity and time‐consuming nature of these pathologic procedures still inhibit their broader applicability worldwide. To address this situation, two issues should be considered: 1) the development of nonpathologic intraoperative diagnosis methods that have better sensitivity, specificity, speed, and cost; and 2) the promotion of new imaging algorithms to standardize data for analyzing positive margins, as represented by artificial intelligence (AI), without the need for judgment by well‐trained pathologists. Researchers have attempted to develop new methods or techniques; several have recently emerged for real‐time intraoperative management of breast margins in live tissues. These methods include conventional imaging, spectroscopy, tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, microscopy, fluorescent probes, and multimodal imaging techniques. This work summarizes the traditional pathologic and newly developed techniques and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Taking into consideration the recent advances in analyzing pathologic data from breast cancer tissue with AI, the combined use of new technologies with AI algorithms is proposed, and future directions for real‐time intraoperative margin assessment in BCS are discussed.
Tensiometer‐based irrigation scheduling and water use efficiency of field‐grown strawberries
Authors: Cormier Julien , Depardieu Claire , Letourneau Guillaume , Boily Carole , Gallichand Jacques , Caron Jean
Published: March 2020

In recent decades, moisture‐based subsurface drip irrigation management strategies lead to water savings while maintaining strawberry yields in open fields. Most soils in the Québec City area are characterized by a high proportion of schist fragments and high hydraulic conductivity, causing substantial water losses following irrigation. Until now, little was known about the efficiency of soil‐moisture‐based irrigation strategies used on moderately coarse‐textured soils and their potential to improve water use efficiency (WUE). The first objective of this study was to test two tensiometer‐based irrigation managements for strawberry plants grown in a conventional system. Since field fumigation is increasingly restricted in field‐grown strawberries, we designed a raised‐bed trough system for use in the field and tested its productivity potential. The two irrigation methods included two treatments using pulsed irrigation: one with a constant irrigation threshold of −15 kPa (Pl), and the other with a variable threshold (−15/−30 kPa) adjusted daily to the predicted crop evapotranspiration (PlETc), in addition to a soilless treatment (SL) using a peat substrate and an irrigation threshold of −5 kPa. Compared to conventional irrigation, the PlETc treatment increased the WUE by 8 to 44% while maintaining marketable yields and fruit quality. Thus, this pulsed irrigation strategy is recommended for strawberry plants grown in clay loam soils. Strawberry plants grown in the soilless system gave 73 to 98% higher early marketable yield than soil cultivation. These results may encourage North American farmers to consider the soilless raised‐bed trough system as a viable alternative to conventional strawberry production systems.
Machine learning to assist filtered two‐fluid model development for dense gas–particle flows
Authors: Zhu Li‐Tao , Tang Jia‐Xun , Luo Zheng‐Hong
Published: March 2020

Machine learning (ML) is experiencing an immensely fascinating resurgence in a wide variety of fields. However, applying such powerful ML to construct subgrid interphase closures has been rarely reported. To this end, we develop two data‐driven ML strategies (i.e., artificial neural networks and eXtreme gradient boosting) to accurately predict filtered subgrid drag corrections using big data from highly resolved simulations of gas‐particle fluidization. Quantitative assessments of effects of various subgrid input markers on training prediction outputs are performed and three‐marker choice is demonstrated to be the optimal one for predicting the unseen test set. We then develop a parallel data loader to integrate this predictive ML model into a computational fluid dynamic (CFD) framework. Subsequent coarse‐grid simulations agree fairly well with experiments regarding the underlying hydrodynamics in bubbling and turbulent fluidized beds. The present ML approach provides easily extended ways to facilitate the development of predictive models for multiphase flows.
Family experiences and attitudes about receiving the diagnosis of sex chromosome aneuploidy in a child
Authors: Riggan Kirsten A. , Close Sharron , Allyse Megan A.
Published: March 2020

The most common sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCA) (47, XXY; 47, XYY; 47, XXX) frequently result in a milder phenotype than autosomal aneuploidies. Nevertheless, these conditions are highly variable and more symptomatic phenotypes may require significant clinical involvement, including specialty care. While historically most individuals with mild phenotypes remained undiagnosed during their lifetime, the increasing use of genetic testing in clinical care has increased the prenatal and postnatal diagnosis of SCAs. These genetic tests are frequently ordered by nongenetic providers who are also responsible for delivering the diagnosis. We surveyed parents of children (n = 308) to evaluate their experience of receiving a diagnosis and their support needs. The majority (73.3%) received the diagnosis from a nongenetic medical provider. Following a prenatal diagnosis parents reported experiencing depression, anxiety, and less optimism than those receiving a postnatal diagnosis. Few parents reported receiving materials explaining their child's condition that they found to be up‐to‐date, accurate, and unbiased. The frequently negative reported experiences of parents at time of diagnosis suggests more educational opportunities should be provided for nongenetic providers in order to become more informed about these conditions and communicate the diagnosis in a way parents experience as supportive.
Polyether Natural Product Inspired Cascade Cyclizations: Autocatalysis on π‐Acidic Aromatic Surfaces
Authors: Paraja Miguel , Hao Xiaoyu , Matile Stefan
Published: March 2020

Anion‐π catalysis functions by stabilizing anionic transition states on aromatic π surfaces, thus providing a new approach to molecular transformation. The delocalized nature of anion–π interactions suggests that they serve best in stabilizing long‐distance charge displacements. Aiming therefore for an anionic cascade reaction that is as charismatic as the steroid cyclization is for conventional cation‐π biocatalysis, reported here is the anion‐π‐catalyzed epoxide‐opening ether cyclizations of oligomers. Only on π‐acidic aromatic surfaces having a positive quadrupole moment, such as hexafluorobenzene to naphthalenediimides, do these polyether cascade cyclizations proceed with exceptionally high autocatalysis (rate enhancements kauto/kcat >104 m−1). This distinctive characteristic adds complexity to reaction mechanisms (Goldilocks‐type substrate concentration dependence, entropy‐centered substrate destabilization) and opens intriguing perspectives for future developments.
Solid‐Phase Radical Polymerization of Halogen‐Bond‐Based Crystals and Applications to Pre‐Shaped Polymer Materials
Authors: Le Hong Tho , Wang Chen‐Gang , Goto Atsushi
Published: March 2020

Liquid vinyl monomers were converted into solid crystals via halogen bonding. They underwent solid‐phase radical polymerizations through heating at 40 °C or ultraviolet photo‐irradiation (365 nm). The X‐ray crystallography analysis showed the high degree of monomer alignment in the crystals. The polymerizations of the solid monomer crystals yielded polymers with high molecular weights and relatively low dispersities because of the high degree of the monomer alignment in the crystal. As a unique application of this system, the crystalized monomers were assembled to pre‐determined structures, followed by solid‐phase polymerization, to obtain a two‐layer polymer sheet and a three‐dimensional house‐shaped polymer material. The two‐layer sheet contained a unique asymmetric pore structure and exhibited a solvent‐responsive shape memory property and may find applications to asymmetric membranes and polymer actuators.
A Prototype of a Volumetric Three‐Dimensional Display Based on Programmable Photo‐Activated Phosphorescence
Authors: Wan Shigang , Zhou Hongqi , Lin Jinxiong , Lu Wei
Published: March 2020

A proof‐of‐principle prototype of a volumetric 3D‐displaying system is demonstrated by utilizing the photo‐activated phosphorescence of two long‐lived phosphorescent metal‐porphyrins in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), a photochemically deoxygenating solvent. The first phosphorescent sensitizer, Pt(TPBP), absorbs a light beam with a wavelength of 635 nm, and the sensitized singlet oxygen is scavenged by DMSO. The second phosphorescent emitter, Pt(OEP), absorbs a light beam with a wavelength of 532 nm and visibly phosphoresces only in the deoxygenated zone generated by the first sensitizer. The phosphorescent voxels, 3D images, and animations are well‐defined by the intersections of the 635‐nm and 532‐nm light beams that are programmable by tuning of the excitation‐power densities, the beam shapes, and the kinetics. As a pivotal selection rule for the phosphorescent molecular couple used in this 3D‐displaying system, their absorptions and emissions must be orthogonal to each other, so that they can be excited and addressed independently.
Rheology, injectability, and bioactivity of bioactive glass containing chitosan/gelatin, nano pastes
Authors: Sohrabi Mehri , Eftekhari Yekta Bijan , Rezaie Hamid R. , Naimi‐Jamal Mohammad R.
Published: March 2020

Bioactive pastes containing bioactive sol–gel derived glass (BG) and various amounts of chitosan (Cn) and gelatin (Gel) were prepared in this study. To be exact, three pastes were prepared by mixing 25 parts by weight of glass powder with (a) 100 parts by weight of a 3 wt% acetic acid‐based chitosan solution, (b) 100 parts by weight of a 3 wt% water‐based gelatin solution, and (c) 100 parts by weight of a solution containing equal amounts of the above‐mentioned solutions. The bioactivity of the composite samples was evaluated by the immersion of the prepared pastes into the simulated body fluid (SBF) solution. The samples were also analyzed by X‐ray diffractometry (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The results indicated better apatite formation capacity on the glass‐/chitosan‐/gelatin‐injected paste after 14 days. Furthermore, unlike the chitosan containing paste, the gelatin‐containing sample was injectable and displayed viscoelastic behavior as determined by conducting the rheology test in oscillation mode. In addition, while chitosan made the paste more viscous, it improved the washout resistance when compared to the gelatin‐containing sample. The experimental results also indicate the formation of spherical calcites in the pastes prior to immersion into the SBF solution.
Prediction and comparison of textural properties of magnetic copolymer supports for enzyme immobilization
Authors: Rosa Cintia Maria Rodrigues , da Silva Mateus Vinícius Casagrande , de Aguiar Leandro Gonçalves , de Castro Heizir Ferreira , Freitas Larissa
Published: March 2020

Magnetic polymers supports have proven to be valuable materials for enzyme immobilization, as they allow recovering the catalyst by magnetic separation, precluding the need for costly and time‐consuming separation steps. In this study, magnetic copolymer supports were synthesized using styrene (STY) and different crosslinking agents (divinylbenzene, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, or triethylene glycol dimethacrylate) and initiators (azobisisobutyronitrile or benzoyl peroxide) and used to immobilize Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB). The aim was to obtain biocatalysts with high enzymatic activity and satisfactory morphological properties for use in biotransformation reactions. Two morphological properties known to influence the immobilization yield were taken into consideration, specific surface area, and swelling index. Experimental data were compared to the predictions of a model based on molar balance, method of moments, numerical fractionation, and elementary gel structures. The high correlation (R2 = 0.9974) between experimental and predicted values demonstrated the suitability of the model for estimating the textural properties of enzyme supports. CALB was successfully immobilized, showing high hydrolytic activity (500–700 U g−1) and good thermal stability at 50°C. CALB/STY‐EGDMA‐M was 14 times more stable than free CALB. The results confirm the efficiency of the immobilization method and the suitability of the copolymers for enzyme immobilization.
Enhanced recovery after surgery review and urology applications in 2020
Authors: Rodrigues Pessoa Rodrigo , Urkmez Ahmet , Kukreja Naveen , Baack Kukreja Janet
Published: March 2020

Purpose: To explore enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) components and their current application to major urologic surgeries, barriers to implementation and maintenance of the associated quality improvement. Data Identification: An English language literature search was done using PubMed. Study Selection: After independent review, 55 of the original 214 articles were selected to specifically address the stated purpose. Data Extraction: Clinical trials were included, randomized trials were prioritized, but robust observational studies were also included. Results of Data Synthesis: Many ERAS components have good data to support usage in radical cystectomy (RC) patients. Most ERAS programs include multidisciplinary teams carrying out multimodal pathways to hasten recovery after a major operation. ERAS components generally include preoperative counseling and medical optimization, venous thromboembolism prophylaxis, ileus prevention, avoidance of fluid overload, normothermia maintenance, early mobilization, pain control and early feeding, all leading to early discharge without increased complications or readmissions. Although there may not be specific data pertaining to other major urologic operations, the principles remain similar and ERAS is easily applicable. Conclusion: The benefits of ERAS programs are well established for RC and principles are easily applicable to other major urology operations. Barriers to implantation and maintenance of ERAS must be recognized to continue to maintain the benefits of these programs.
Using reputation for corporate sustainability to tackle banks digitalization challenges
Authors: Forcadell Francisco Javier , Aracil Elisa , Ubeda Fernando
Published: March 2020

The new landscape in the financial sector, characterized by fierce competition and the entrance of new technological players, has forced banks to speed up their digital transformation. However, for banks, digitalization entails challenges that can hinder the potential benefits and compromise their survival. In this context, we argue that the reputation generated by corporate sustainability (RCS) may offset these digitalization drawbacks. In particular, we find that the combination of RCS and digitalization facilitates in transforming the organizational nature of banks by simultaneously narrowing their boundaries and expanding their scope. We empirically confirm our hypotheses by analyzing a panel of 110 multinational banks from developed countries.
Characterization of Limonoids Isolated from the Fruits of Melia toosendan and Their Antifeedant Activity against Pieris rapae
Authors: Wang Hao , Dong Hao‐Yan , He Qing‐Ming , Liang Ji‐Lei , Zhao Te , Zhou Lin
Published: March 2020

The fruits of Melia toosendan Sieb. et Zucc. (Meliaceae) are a source of bioactive limonoids that can be used as effective pesticides. In this study, two novel limonoids, 6‐acetylsendanal and 6‐ketocinamodiol, were isolated together with fourteen known compounds, namely four protolimonoids, six trichilin‐class limonoids, and four C‐seco limonoids. The structures of the new compounds were determined by extensive spectroscopic analyses (HR‐ESI‐MS, UV, IR, 1D and 2D NMR). The bioassay results revealed that eleven of the extracted limonoids exhibited interesting antifeedant activities against the larvae of Pieris rapae with AFC50 values in the range of 0.11–1.79 mm. Particularly, mesendanin H, with an AFC50 value of 0.11 mm, exhibited a higher activity than the positive control toosendanin. Information on new bioactive limonoids may provide further insight into M. toosendan as a source of bioactive components.
Design and Characterization of a New pVII Combinatorial Phage Display Peptide Library for Protease Substrate Mining Using Factor VII Activating Protease (FSAP) as Model
Authors: Kara Emrah , Nielsen Nis Valentin , Eggertsdottir Bergrun , Thiede Bernd , Kanse Sandip M. , Løset Geir Åge
Published: March 2020

We describe a novel, easy and efficient combinatorial phage display peptide substrate‐mining method to map the substrate specificity of proteases. The peptide library is displayed on the pVII capsid of the M13 bacteriophage, which renders pIII necessary for infectivity and efficient retrieval, in an unmodified state. As capture module, the 3XFLAG was chosen due to its very high binding efficiency to anti‐FLAG mAbs and its independency of any post‐translational modification. This library was tested with Factor‐VII activating protease (WT‐FSAP) and its single‐nucleotide polymorphism variant Marburg‐I (MI)‐FSAP. The WT‐FSAP results confirmed the previously reported Arg/Lys centered FSAP cleavage site consensus as dominant, as well as reinforcing MI‐FSAP as a loss‐of‐function mutant. Surprisingly, rare substrate clones devoid of basic amino acids were also identified. Indeed one of these peptides was cleaved as free peptide, thus suggesting a broader range of WT‐FSAP substrates than previously anticipated.
Iron Acquisition by Bacterial Pathogens: Beyond Tris‐Catecholate Complexes
Authors: Zhang Yifan , Sen Sambuddha , Giedroc David P.
Published: March 2020

Sequestration of the essential nutrient iron from bacterial invaders that colonize the vertebrate host is a central feature of nutritional immunity and the “fight over transition metals” at the host‐pathogen interface. The iron quota for many bacterial pathogens is large, as iron enzymes often make up a significant share of the metalloproteome. Iron enzymes play critical roles in respiration, energy metabolism, and other cellular processes by catalyzing a wide range of oxidation‐reduction, electron transfer, and oxygen activation reactions. In this Concept article, we discuss recent insights into the diverse ways that bacterial pathogens acquire this essential nutrient, beyond the well‐characterized tris‐catecholate FeIII complexes, in competition and cooperation with significant host efforts to cripple these processes. We also discuss pathogen strategies to adapt their metabolism to less‐than‐optimal iron concentrations, and briefly speculate on what might be an integrated adaptive response to the concurrent limitation of both iron and zinc in the infected host.
Expanding the Diversity of Plant Monoterpenoid Indole Alkaloids Employing Human Cytochrome P450 3A4
Authors: Sheludko Yuriy V. , Volk Jascha , Brandt Wolfgang , Warzecha Heribert
Published: March 2020

Human drug‐metabolizing cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYPs) have enormous substrate promiscuity; this makes them promising tools for the expansion of natural product diversity. Here, we used CYP3A4 for the targeted diversification of a plant biosynthetic route leading to monoterpenoid indole alkaloids. In silico, in vitro and in planta studies proved that CYP3A4 was able to convert the indole alkaloid vinorine into vomilenine, the former being one of the central intermediates in the ajmaline pathway in the medicinal plant Rauvolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. ex Kurz. However, to a much larger extent, the investigated conversion yielded vinorine (19R,20R)‐epoxide, a new metabolite with an epoxide functional group that is rare for indole alkaloids. The described work represents a successful example of combinatorial biosynthesis towards an increase in biodiversity of natural metabolites. Moreover, characterisation of the products of the in vitro and in planta transformation of potential pharmaceuticals with human CYPs might be indicative of the route of their conversion in the human organism.