bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanoengineered Advanced Materials for Enabling Hydrogen Economy: Functionalized Graphene–Incorporated Cupric Oxide Catalyst for Efficient Solar Hydrogen Production
Authors: Dalapati Goutam Kumar , Masudy‐Panah Saeid , Moakhar Roozbeh Siavash , Chakrabortty Sabyasachi , Ghosh Siddhartha , Kushwaha Ajay , Katal Reza , Chua Chin Sheng , Xiao Gong , Tripathy Sudhiranjan , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: January 2020

Cupric oxide (CuO) is a promising candidate as a photocathode for visible‐light‐driven photo‐electrochemical (PEC) water splitting. However, the stability of the CuO photocathode against photo‐corrosion is crucial for developing CuO‐based PEC cells. This study demonstrates a stable and efficient photocathode through the introduction of graphene into CuO film (CuO:G). The CuO:G composite electrodes are prepared using graphene‐incorporated CuO sol–gel solution via spin‐coating techniques. The graphene is modified with two different types of functional groups, such as amine (NH2) and carboxylic acid (COOH). The COOH‐functionalized graphene incorporation into CuO photocathode exhibits better stability and also improves the photocurrent generation compare to control CuO electrode. In addition, COOH‐functionalized graphene reduces the conversion of CuO phase into cuprous oxide (Cu2O) during photo‐electrochemical reaction due to effective charge transfer and leads to a more stable photocathode. The reduction of CuO to Cu2O phase is significantly lesser in CuO:G‐COOH as compared to CuO and CuO:G‐NH2 photocathodes. The photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) by CuO, CuO:G‐NH2 and CuO:G‐COOH is also investigated. By integrating CuO:G‐COOH photocathode with a sol–gel‐deposited TiO2 protecting layer and Au–Pd nanostructure, stable and efficient photocathode are developed for solar hydrogen generation.
Promoting cervical screening among women experiencing homelessness and socio‐economic disadvantage in Sydney
Authors: Lovell Renee C. , Botfield Jessica R. , Cheng Yan , Tilley Donna M. , Fazio Alice , Estoesta Jane
Published: January 2020

Issue Addressed

Australia's national cervical screening program has reduced rates of cervical cancer morbidity and mortality. However, these benefits have not been experienced by all women. A Cervical Cancer Screening Project was implemented with lay health educators to address inequitable screening access by women experiencing socio‐economic disadvantage.

Methods

Resources and a training program were developed and piloted with the specialist homelessness services workforce in Sydney, NSW. Data was collected to inform their development and evaluation through interviews, focus groups, self‐administered surveys and analysis of NSW Pap Test Register data.

Results

Women reported low familiarity with the term ‘cervical screening’. They identified a good patient‐doctor relationship, and seeing a female practitioner, as screening enablers. While the majority reported having cervical screening before, NSW Pap Test Register data showed only 74% had screened previously and of those, 69% were overdue. Homelessness service workers expressed interest in talking with clients about cervical screening, and reported increased knowledge and confidence following training.

Conclusion

The homelessness sector is an appropriate venue to access women who are disadvantaged and under‐screened. However, increasing workforce capacity to discuss screening does not lead to increased screening for women accessing these services. Further efforts are required.

So What?

Access to cervical screening by women experiencing disadvantage remains a challenge. Sustained multi‐faceted health promotion efforts are required to increase access. These should be informed by additional research exploring barriers and enablers for this group of women.
Inherent irreversibility in a reactive and radiating magnetic nanoliquid film along a slippery inclined heated surface with convective cooling
Authors: Eegunjobi Adetayo S. , Makinde Oluwole D.
Published: January 2020

In this study, the electrically conducting nanoliquid film on a slippery inclined heated surface with convective cooling under the effect of the reactive and radiating magnetic field is numerically investigated. The nonlinear constructing governing differential equations are then converted into a set of dimensionless ordinary differential equations by similarity variables, and the systems are numerically solved by shooting method together with the Runge‐Kutta method. Some of the parameters involved in the flow system are then examined graphically and discussed with respect to the velocity, temperature, entropy generation rate, skin friction, Nusselt number, and the Bejan number profile.
Evaluation of Polaron Transport in Solids from First‐principles
Authors: Natanzon Yuriy , Azulay Amram , Amouyal Yaron
Published: January 2020

Polarons are formed in polar or ionic solids, either molecular or crystalline, due to local distortions of the lattice induced by charge carriers. Polaron hopping is the primary mechanism of charge transport in these materials, such as functional ceramic compounds, with applications in photovoltaics, thermoelectrics, two‐dimensional electron gas transistors, magnetic sensors, spin valve devices, and memories. Understanding the fundamental physics of polaron hopping is, therefore, of prime technological importance. This article provides a brief physical background of polarons and their hopping mechanism, focusing on first‐principles calculations of polaron properties. Herein, we review recent selected studies applying the density functional theory (DFT), and describe the merits and challenges in applying DFT for such calculations, highlighting the need to address both electronic and vibrational aspects. The vibrational component of the polaron is evaluated based on structural and total energy calculations, whereas the electronic component is derived from both total energy and electron density calculations. To address the most compelling challenge of calculating polaron properties using DFT, which is the issue of electron localization, we propose to employ calculations of selected vibrational properties, such as the sound velocity, shear modulus, and Grüneisen parameter, to represent the polaron hopping energy; all of which originate from the stiffness of inter‐atomic bonds. Such methodology is expected to be more straightforward than the existing ones, however demands standardization.
Research and research capacity strengthening in the context of an emerging epidemic: Zika virus in Latin America
Authors: Thorson Anna , Aslanyan Garry , Brizuela Vanessa , Perez Freddy , Gómez Ponce de León Rodolfo , Reeder John C. , Serruya Suzanne J. , Espinal Marcos , Askew Ian
Published: January 2020

Generation of high‐quality evidence during outbreaks and health emergencies coupled with strengthening local research capacity can support a contextualized and effective epidemic response.
Spatial distribution of the relative risk of Zika virus disease in Colombia during the 2015–2016 epidemic from a Bayesian approach
Authors: Flórez‐Lozano Karen , Navarro‐Lechuga Edgar , Llinás‐Solano Humberto , Tuesca‐Molina Rafael , Sisa‐Camargo Augusto , Mercado‐Reyes Marcela , Ospina‐Martínez Martha , Prieto‐Alvarado Franklyn , Acosta‐Reyes Jorge
Published: January 2020

Objective

To determine the spatial distribution of the risk of Zika virus disease in each region of Colombia during the 2015–2016 epidemic.

Methods

An ecological study was designed to estimate the risks for each Colombian region using first‐order neighbors, covariate effects, and three adjacent periods of time (beginning, development, and end of the epidemic) to analyze the spatial distribution of the disease based on a Bayesian hierarchical model.

Results

Spatial distribution of the estimated risks of Zika virus disease showed that it increased in a strip that crosses the central area of the country from west to east. Analysis of the three time periods showed greater risk of the disease in the central and southern zones—Arauca and Santander—where the increase in risk was four times higher during the peak phase compared with the initial phase of the outbreak.

Conclusion

In the identified high‐risk areas, integrated surveillance systems for Zika virus disease and its complications must be strengthened to provide up‐to‐date and accurate epidemiological information. This information would allow those involved in policy and decision making to identify new outbreaks and risk clusters, enabling more focused and accurate measures to target at‐risk populations.
Aconitine induces cardiotoxicity through regulation of calcium signaling pathway in zebrafish embryos and in H9c2 cells
Authors: Li Mengting , Xie Xiaofang , Chen Haimei , Xiong Qiuyun , Tong Rongsheng , Peng Cheng , Peng Fu
Published: January 2020

Fuzi, the processed lateral roots of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx., is a traditional herbal medicine that is well known for its excellent pharmacological effects and acute toxicity. Aconitine is one of the diester‐diterpene alkaloids and well‐known for its arrhythmogenic effects. However, the effects of aconitine in zebrafish have rarely been studied. Therefore, we investigated the effects of aconitine on zebrafish embryos and H9c2 cells. Zebrafish embryos at 48 hours postfertilization were exposed to aconitine, and then, cardiac function and apoptosis were measured. Through transcriptomic analysis, the cardiotoxicity of aconitine in zebrafish embryos was involved in regulating Ca2+ signal pathways. A reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction was performed to verify the expression of Ca2+ pathway‐related genes after 12, 24, 36 and 48 hours of treatment. Meanwhile, intracellular Ca2+ concentrations and cell apoptosis were observed in H9c2 cells treated with half‐maximal inhibitory concentration values of aconitine for 30 minutes. The protein levels of troponin T (TnT), caspase 3, Bcl‐2 and Bax were detected by western blot analysis. In vivo, 2.0 and 8.0 μm aconitine decreased the heart rate and inhibited the contraction of ventricles and atria in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. Furthermore, aconitine increased expression of cacna1c, RYR2, atp2a2b, Myh6, troponin C, p38, caspase 3, Bcl‐2 and Bax for 12 hours. In vitro, 1.5 and 4.5 mm aconitine caused intracellular Ca2+ ion oscillation, increased rates of apoptosis, inhibited TnT and Bcl‐2 protein expression, and promoted caspase 3 and Bax protein expression. These data confirmed that aconitine at various concentrations induced cardiac dysfunction and apoptosis were related to the Ca2+ signaling pathway.
Optimized skin optical clearing for optical coherence tomography monitoring of encapsulated drug delivery through the hair follicles
Authors: Zaytsev Sergey M. , Svenskaya Yulia I. , Lengert Ekaterina V. , Terentyuk Georgy S. , Bashkatov Alexey N. , Tuchin Valery V. , Genina Elina A.
Published: January 2020

Hair follicles (HF) represent a drug delivery reservoir for improved treatment of skin disorders. Although various particulate systems play an important role in HF‐targeting, their optical monitoring in skin is challenging due to strong light scattering. Optical clearing is an effective approach allowing the increasing of particle detection depth in skin. The enhancement of optical probing depth (OPD) and optical detection depth (ODD) of particle localization using optical coherence tomography (OCT) was evaluated under application of various optical clearing agents (OCAs) together with skin permeability enhancers ex vivo in rats. Efficient OPD increasing was demonstrated for all investigated OCAs. However, skin dehydration under action of hyperosmotic agents led to the worsening of OCT‐contrast in dermis decreasing the ODD. Lipophilic agents provided optical clearing of epidermis without its dehydration. The highest ODD was obtained at application of a PEG‐400/oleic acid mixture. This OCA was tested in vivo showing beneficial ODD and OPD enhancement.
Sclerostin antibody treatment rescues the osteopenic bone phenotype of TGFβ inducible early gene‐1 knockout female mice
Authors: Gingery Anne , Subramaniam Malayannan , Pitel Kevin S. , Li Xiaodong , Ke Hua Z. , Turner Russell T. , Iwaniec Urszula T. , Hawse John R.
Published: January 2020

Deletion of TGFβ inducible early gene‐1 (TIEG) in mice results in an osteopenic phenotype that exists only in female animals. Molecular analyses on female TIEG knockout (KO) mouse bones identified increased expression of sclerostin, an effect that was confirmed at the protein level in serum. Sclerostin antibody (Scl‐Ab) therapy has been shown to elicit bone beneficial effects in multiple animal model systems and human clinical trials. For these reasons, we hypothesized that Scl‐Ab therapy would reverse the low bone mass phenotype of female TIEG KO mice. In this study, wildtype (WT) and TIEG KO female mice were randomized to either vehicle control (Veh, n = 12/group) or Scl‐Ab therapy (10 mg/kg, 1×/wk, s.c.; n = 12/group) and treated for 6 weeks. Following treatment, bone imaging analyses revealed that Scl‐Ab therapy significantly increased cancellous and cortical bone in the femur of both WT and TIEG KO mice. Similar effects also occurred in the vertebra of both WT and TIEG KO animals. Additionally, histomorphometric analyses revealed that Scl‐Ab therapy resulted in increased osteoblast perimeter/bone perimeter in both WT and TIEG KO animals, with a concomitant increase in P1NP, a serum marker of bone formation. In contrast, osteoclast perimeter/bone perimeter and CTX‐1 serum levels were unaffected by Scl‐Ab therapy, irrespective of mouse genotype. Overall, our findings demonstrate that Scl‐Ab therapy elicits potent bone‐forming effects in both WT and TIEG KO mice and effectively increases bone mass in female TIEG KO mice.
Testin regulates the blood‐testis barrier via disturbing occludin/ZO‐1 association and actin organization
Authors: Su Linlin , Wang Zhaohua , Xie Songtao , Hu Dahai , Cheng Yan C. , Mruk Dolores D. , Guan Yongjun
Published: January 2020

The blood‐testis barrier (BTB) separates the seminiferous epithelium into the apical and basal compartments. The BTB has to operate timely and accurately to ensure the correct migration of germ cells, meanwhile maintaining the immunological barrier. Testin was first characterized from primary Sertoli cells, it is a secretory protein and a sensitive biomarker to monitor junctions between Sertoli and germ cells. Till now, the functions of testin on BTB dynamics and the involving mechanisms are unknown. Herein, testin acts as a regulatory protein on BTB integrity. In vitro testin knockdown by RNAi caused significant damage to the Sertoli cell barrier with no apparent changes in the protein levels of several major tight junction (TJ), adhesion junction, and gap junction proteins. Also, testin RNAi caused the diffusion of two TJ structural proteins, occludin and ZO‐1, diffusing away from the Sertoli cell surface into the cytoplasm. Association and colocalization between ZO‐1 and occludin were decreased after testin RNAi, examined by Co‐IP and coimmunofluorescent staining, respectively. Furthermore, testin RNAi induced a dramatic disruption on the arrangement of actin filament bundles and a reduced F‐actin/G‐actin ratio. The actin regulatory protein ARP3 appeared at the Sertoli cell interface after testin RNAi without its protein level change, whereas overexpressing testin in Sertoli cells showed no effect on TJ barrier integrity. The above findings suggest that besides as a monitor for Sertoli‐germ cell junction integrity, testin is also an essential molecule to maintain Sertoli–Sertoli junctions.
Eco‐friendly synthesis of novel pyrimidine derivatives as potential anticancer agents
Authors: Abbass Eslam M. , Khalil Ali Kh. , El‐Naggar Abeer M.
Published: January 2020

Herein, a rapid and highly efficient method for the synthesis of a new series of pyrimidine derivatives was demonstrated. The strategy was emanated from the reaction of hydrazinyl pyrimidine derivative (1) with different electrophilic species such as ethyl acetoacetate, ethyl 4,4,4‐trifluoro acetoacetate, and phenyl isothiocyanate following cyclocondensation mechanism to afford the corresponding derivatives (2‐6). Furthermore, condensation of hydrazine derivative (1) with different carbonyl compounds via conventional heating and microwave irradiation conditions was employed as a source of Schiff base derivatives bearing pyrimidine moiety (7‐12). The structural features of all newly synthesized compounds were characterized by elemental and spectroscopic evidences. Some of the synthesized compounds were evaluated for in vitro cytotoxicity. The preliminary screening results showed that most of the tested compounds have moderate cytotoxic activity against HepG2 and HCT‐116 cell lines. Finally, a molecular docking study was conducted to reveal the probable interaction with the thymidylate synthase enzyme.
Self‐Assembly of Lipoaminoacids‐DNA Based on Thermodynamic and Aggregation Properties
Authors: Faustino Célia , Martins Tiago , Duarte Noélia , Ribeiro Maria H.
Published: January 2020

Lipoamino acids (LAA) are biocompatible and biodegradable biosurfactants, a promising alternative to viral vectors in gene delivery. LAA are constituted by a polar head, the amino acid, and a hydrocarbon (alkyl) chain usually from a fatty acid or fatty acid derivative, such as a fatty amine or a fatty alcohol. In this work, dodecyl LAA was produced from dodecylamine and natural l‐amino acids cystine (Cys), lysine (Lys), and phenylalanine (Phe) using an enzyme‐based approach with porcine pancreatic lipase. The self‐assembly behavior of LAA solutions, in the absence or presence of DNA, was studied by conductivity and fluorescence regarding the application as transfection agents. Conductivity measurements yielded important system parameters, including critical micelle concentration (CMC) and standard Gibbs energy of micellization (ΔG°mic) for pure LAA systems, and apparent critical aggregation concentration (CACapp) and apparent standard Gibbs energy of aggregation (ΔG°agg) for the mixed LAA‐DNA systems. The CMC increased in the order of decreasing lipophilicity: (C12Cys)2 < C12Phe < C12Lys, CMC values were higher in the presence of DNA, suggesting the formation of a LAA‐DNA complex responsible for hindering the micellization process. Binding of the LAA with DNA was confirmed from fluorescence measurements for the ethidium bromide exclusion assay. Results suggest a weak interaction of the LAA with DNA which can be attributed to their relatively short dodecyl chains and/or the ionic strength of the buffer solution, supporting the role of hydrophobic interactions in complex formation between DNA and the oppositely charged surfactant in combination with electrostatic interactions. The CACapp values decreased with increasing LAA hydrophobicity, reflecting the relevance of hydrophobic interactions in complex coacervation.
Magnesium accumulation, partitioning and remobilization in spring maize (Zea mays L.) under magnesium supply with straw return in northeast China
Authors: Zhang Meiling , Geng Yuhui , Cao Guojun , Wang Lichun , Wang Meng , Stephano Mabagala F
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

Magnesium (Mg) has important effects on maize growth, and the application of Mg fertilizer with straw return inevitably has an impact on Mg absorption in maize.

RESULTS

A two‐year field trial was conducted to investigate the effects of Mg fertilizers with straw return on Mg accumulations, partitioning and remobilization in maize (Zea mays L.) in northeast China. The treatments included: (i) JM3 (straw + Mg fertilizer), (ii) JM0 (straw + no Mg fertilizer), (iii) WM3 (no straw + Mg fertilizer), and (iv) WM0 (no Mg fertilizer + no straw). The results showed that the highest Mg accumulation stage in maize was prominent between the tasseling stage (VT) and blister stage (R2), and JM3 treatment accumulated 13.3% and 26.6% more Mg on average than those of the WM3 and WM0, respectively. Magnesium remobilization in distinct organs was highest in JM3 and there were significant differences between treatments. The total contribution to the grain for the JM3 treatment was higher by 6.0% and 17.9% on average than those for the WM3 and WM0, respectively. The grain yield of JM3 treatment was 0.5% and 5.3% higher than that of WM3 and WM0, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Generally, these outcomes indicated that there was an interaction between Mg fertilizer and maize straw. The application of Mg fertilizer significantly promoted the accumulation, distribution to the maize organs, and the remobilization of Mg. The combination of straw return and Mg application further increased the accumulation of Mg in the grain. And all these lead to an increase in yield. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
In vitro digestibility of proteins from historical and modern wheat cultivars
Authors: Gulati Paridhi , Brahma Sandrayee , Graybosch Robert A , Chen Yuanhong , Rose Devin J
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

Previous research has suggested that proteins and other quality parameters of wheats may have changed over a century of wheat breeding. These changes may affect protein digestibility. The in vitro protein digestibility of breads made with 21 cultivars of wheat introduced or released in the USA between 1870 and 2013 was therefore evaluated.

RESULTS

Protein digestibility increased with release year, but was not normally distributed; three older cultivars had significantly lower digestibility than the other cultivars: 42.0 ± 0.3 mol% (primary amino N/total N) versus 34.7 ± 0.7 mol%; P < 0.001. High molecular weight (MW) protein fractions increased and low MW protein fractions decreased with release year, but these changes were not related to protein digestibility. Thus, other differences in protein composition or other flour components may contribute to diminished digestibility of the three older cultivars.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified differences in protein digestibility among wheat cultivars that may have important implications for human nutrition. Further investigation is required to determine the specific characteristics that differentiate high‐ and low‐digestibility wheat cultivars. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Yak (Bos grunniens) bones collagen‐derived peptides stimulate osteoblastic proliferation and differentiation via the activation of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Ye Mengliang , Zhang Chunhui , Zhu Lingyu , Jia Wei , Shen Qingshan
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

As the world's population is transitioning gradually to an ageing stage, the incidence of osteoporosis is increasing annually. Yak bone is one of the major components of Tibetan medicine and it has mainly been associated with an improvement in bone health, for example against osteoporosis. However, the functional bioactive ingredients and the underlying mechanisms are still unclear.

RESULTS

Sequential purification of yak‐bone hydrolysates was achieved by ultrafiltration, size exclusion chromatography, and semi‐preparative reverse‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography. After this, 35 novel peptides were identified by mass spectrometry analysis, of which peptide GPAGPPGPIGNV (GP‐12) displayed the highest osteoblast proliferation‐promoting activity, with an increase of 42.7% in cell growth. An in vitro stability study demonstrated that GP‐12 was digested into smaller peptides (GP‐9, GV‐9, AV‐10 and GP‐11) after simulated gastrointestinal digestion and absorption (Caco‐2 cell monolayers) experiments. However, some of them still can be absorbed intact through the (Caco‐2 cell monolayers by a paracellular route (Papp: 5.36 ± 0.34 cm s−1). Flow cytometry results indicated that GP‐12 enhanced osteoblastic proliferation by inducing the alteration of the cell‐cycle progression both from the G0/G1 to the S phase and from the S to the G2/M phase. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blot results revealed that GP‐12 induced osteoblastic proliferation and differentiation in a dose–response manner through the activation of a Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

These findings highlighted that such peptides hold the promise of discovering candidates for functional and health‐promoting foods, which could be potentially used for the treatment of osteoporosis. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Rapid elimination of foodborne and environmental fungal contaminants by benzo analogs
Authors: Kim Jong H , Chan Kathleen L , Mahoney Noreen , Cheng Luisa W , Tautges Nicole , Scow Kate
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

Contamination of food or the environment by fungi, especially those resistant to conventional fungicides or drugs, represents a hazard to human health. The objective of this study is to identify safe, natural antifungal agents that can remove fungal pathogens or contaminants rapidly from food and / or environmental sources.

RESULTS

Fifteen antifungal compounds (nine benzo derivatives as candidates; six conventional fungicides as references) were investigated. Three benzo analogs, namely octyl gallate (OG), trans‐cinnamaldehyde (CA), and 2‐hydroxy‐5‐methoxybenzaldehyde (2H5M), at 1 g L−1 (3.54 mmol), 1 mL L−1 (7.21 mmol), 1 mL L−1 (5.39 mmol), respectively, achieved ≥99.9% fungal death after 0.5, 2.5 or 24 h of treatments, respectively, in in vitro phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) bioassay. However, when OG, CA, and 2H5M were examined in commercial food matrices, organic apple, or grape juices, only CA maintained a similar level of antifungal activity, compared with a PBS bioassay. trans‐Cinnamaldehyde showed higher antifungal activity at pH 3.5, equivalent to that of commercial fruit juices, than at pH 5.6. In soil sample tests, the application of 1 mL L−1 (7.21 mmol) CA to conventional maize / tomato soil samples (pH 6.8) for 2.5 h resulted in ≥99.9% fungal death, indicating CA could also eliminate fungal contaminants in soil. While the conventional fungicide thiabendazole exerted antifungal activity comparable to CA, thiabendazole enhanced the production of carcinogenic aflatoxins by Aspergillus flavus, an undesirable side effect.

CONCLUSION

trans‐Cinnamaldehyde could be developed as a potent antifungal agent in food processing or soil sanitation by reducing the time / cost necessary for fungal removal. Published 2020. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Polarisation independent liquid crystal lenses and contact lenses using embossed reactive mesogens
Authors: Jones J. Cliff , Wahle Markus , Bailey James , Moorhouse Tom , Snow Benjamin , Sargent Joe
Published: January 2020

Liquid crystal lenses have promise in optical systems owing to their tunability combined with low electrical power, cost, and weight. A good example of such a system is switchable contact lenses for the correction of age‐related presbyopia. Sufficiently large phase modulation can be done using nematic liquid crystals in a meniscus lens configuration. However, the birefringent materials are inherently polarisation dependent, usually requiring orthogonal polarisations to be focussed separately. A novel method is presented for producing polarisation independent lenses based on reactive mesogens. Results are presented for a 2‐level and 3‐level diffractive Fresnel lenses, and the promise of the technique for use in refractive lenses such as contact lenses is discussed.
Determining When Bobolink Finish Breeding to Time Agricultural Activity in Nesting Refuges
Authors: Put Julia E. , Campomizzi Andrew J. , Lebrun‐Southcott Zoé M.
Published: January 2020

Conservation actions are ongoing for the federally and provincially threatened bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) in Ontario, Canada because of population declines. One conservation action being implemented in agricultural grasslands is the delay of hay harvesting and livestock grazing until 15 July, a general guideline for when bobolink finish breeding. Efficient methods to assess when breeding ceases could benefit bobolink and farmers engaged in conservation by ensuring nesting is finished before agricultural activity occurs and enabling agricultural activity earlier when breeding is finished before 15 July. We conducted field surveys to assess if low‐intensity surveys (i.e., transect surveys, point counts, roadside counts) could accurately detect when bobolink finish breeding compared to intensive monitoring (i.e., spot mapping and nest monitoring). We monitored 29 pastures in 2017 in eastern Ontario and 9 hay fields, 10 restored grasslands, and 6 fallow fields in 2018 in southern Ontario. The date breeding finished varied across fields in 2017 from 13 June to 29 July and in 2018 from 24 June to 30 July, based on spot mapping and nest monitoring. Transect surveys and point counts were good predictors of breeding in a field, as confirmed through spot mapping and nest monitoring, based on generalized linear mixed models. We recommend using transect surveys or point counts as an efficient field method to assess when bobolink finish breeding in a field targeted for bobolink conservation. Our results suggest that 2 consecutive visits that fail to detect evidence of breeding in early July are needed to reasonably infer that breeding has likely finished, leaving a small probability (i.e., <0.01) that breeding may still be occurring. Determining when bobolink finish breeding in fields intended to provide nesting refuges can help maximize conservation benefits and minimize negative effects on agricultural production. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Kinetics of a thin‐layer microwave‐assisted infrared drying of lentil seeds
Authors: Heydari Mohamad Mehdi , Kauldhar Baljinder Singh , Meda Venkatesh
Published: January 2020

Herein, we report the drying kinetics behavior of tempered lentil seeds (CDC Maxim variety) by utilizing a microwave‐assisted infrared thermal method and thereby presenting a successful mathematical model for it. The drying characteristics of lentils using thin‐layer microwave drying with and without hot air predrying were evaluated in a laboratory scale microwave dryer. The drying experiments were carried out at 300 and 750 W, and the predrying experiment was performed at room temperature (23°C). Out of several thin‐layer mathematical models evaluated with the experimental data, Page model has been found the most appropriate model to predict drying process of lentils with high value of coefficient of determination (0.995), low values of chi‐square (0.0012), root mean square error (0.0343), and mean relative percentage error (4.9997). Further, the influence of bioyield force and changes in the particle density of processed seeds have also been evaluated in the present study. The results showed that combination of low infrared power (0.375 kW) to the different microwave power levels led to a significant reduction of drying time. The results also showed that processing of lentil seeds significantly reduces the bioyield force of raw seeds, providing less firmness to the product and thereby shortening the cooking time. The above findings can facilitate the design and operation of infrared‐assisted microwave drying of other legumes.
Aromatic L‐amino acid decarboxylase deficiency in 17 Mainland China patients: Clinical phenotype, molecular spectrum, and therapy overview
Authors: Dai Weiqian , Lu Deyun , Gu Xuefan , Yu Yongguo ,   the Mainland Chinese League of AADC Rare Disease
Published: January 2020

Background

Aromatic L‐amino acid decarboxylase deficiency (AADCD) is a rare, autosomal recessive inherited disorder which is characterized by neurological and vegetative symptoms. To date, only 130 patients with AADCD have been reported worldwide.

Methods

We demonstrated 14 previously undescribed patients together with three reportedly patients in Mainland China. Full clinical information was collected, and disease‐causing variants in the DDC gene were detected.

Results

The common clinical manifestation of patients, including intermittent oculogyric crises, retarded movement development, and autonomic symptoms. Notably, a patient showed bone‐density loss which have not been reported and two mildly phenotype patients improved psychomotor function after being prescribed medication. The most common genotype of Mainland Chinese AADCD is the splice‐site variant (IVS6+4A> T; c.714+4A> T), which accounts for 58.8%, followed by c.1234C>T variant. Three novel compound heterozygous variants, c. 565G>T, c.170T>C, and c.1021+1G>A, were firstly reported. It is important to recognize the milder phenotypes of the disease as these patients might respond well to therapy. Besides, we discovered that patients may presented with milder if found to be compound heterozygote or homozygote for one of the following variants c.478C>G, c.853C>T, c.1123C>T, c.387G>A, and c.665T>C.

Discussion

The clinical data of the cohort of 17 patients in Mainland China broaden the clinical, molecular, and treatment spectrum of aromatic L‐amino acid decarboxylase deficiency.
Providers encouraged about increased activity to further expand CCBHCs
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: January 2020

The Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration program has received good news of late, commencing last December, when Congress temporarily extended the program through May 22, 2020, and increased funding for grants to $200 million from $150 million as part of the FY 2020 funding package.
Intuitionistic fuzzy cognitive map approach for the evaluation of supply chain configuration criteria
Authors: Dursun Mehtap , Gumus Guray
Published: January 2020

Because of the growing global competence and effectiveness concepts, supply chain becomes more important for organizations. Therefore, managers object to find best supply chain configuration for their firms. This study proposes a comprehensive configuration for supply chain management process, and it enables to understand relationships among supply chain integration, supply chain strategies, supply chain risk factors, and performance criteria. By reviewing the literature and using experts' knowledge, supply chain configuration criteria are determined. Intuitionistic fuzzy cognitive map methodology is employed to consider the interrelations between criteria. Intuitionistic fuzzy cognitive map methodology is a suitable tool due to the presence of causalities and relationships among criteria and the difficulty of expressing the interrelations with crisp numbers. It also deals with uncertain and vague data and allows representing hesitation. The application is conducted in an automobile factory, which is one of the largest manufacturers in Turkey. The results show that selection of proper supplier is the most significant supply chain configuration criteria. Thus, the importance of supplier selection criteria is also analyzed as the second phase of the study.
Compact circularly polarized triband staired rectangular dielectric resonator antenna using single and dual sections WPD with phase shifter for navigation satellite applications
Authors: Chaudhary Pankaj , Ghodgaonkar D. K. , Gupta Sanjeev , Jyoti Rajeev , Mahajan M. B.
Published: January 2020

In this paper, compact circularly polarized triband (L5‐, L1‐, and S‐bands) staired rectangular dielectric resonator antenna (RDRA) is designed, analyzed, fabricated, and tested for navigation satellite applications. For triband RDRA, circular polarization is generated in L5‐band (1.164‐1.188 GHz) and L1‐band (1.565‐1.585 GHz) using dual section Wilkinson power divider (WPD) with wideband 90° phase shifter. For S‐band (2.48‐2.5 GHz), circular polarization is obtained by single section WPD with wideband 90° phase shifter. Ground plane footprint area of triband staired RDRA is miniaturized to 0.16λ0 × 0.16λ0 (40 mm × 40 mm) at lowest resonance frequency f1 of 1.176 GHz using high dielectric constant (εr = 38.67) dielectric resonator material and high dielectric constant (εr = 10.2) dielectric substrate (Rogers RO3210). Broadside radiation patterns of triband RDRA are generated for L5‐, L1‐, and S‐bands using , , and modes, respectively. Simulated and measured return loss at port‐1 of RDRA for L5‐, L1‐bands and port‐2 of RDRA for S‐band are better than 10 dB. Simulated and measured isolation between port‐1 and port‐2 of triband RDRA are found to be better than 13 dB for all bands. Peak right hand circular polarization gain is in the range of 0.6 to 4.5 dB over all bands for simulated and measured values. Simulated axial ratio is found to be better than 3 dB of triband RDRA. While measured values it is in the range of 0.91 to 7.02 dB.
Highly accelerated, real‐time phase‐contrast MRI using radial k‐space sampling and GROG‐GRASP reconstruction: a feasibility study in pediatric patients with congenital heart disease
Authors: Haji‐Valizadeh Hassan , Feng Li , Ma Liliana E. , Shen Daming , Block Kai Tobias , Robinson Joshua D. , Markl Michael , Rigsby Cynthia K. , Kim Daniel
Published: January 2020

Retrospective electrocardiogram‐gated, 2D phase‐contrast (PC) flow MRI is routinely used in clinical evaluation of valvular/vascular disease in pediatric patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). In patients not requiring general anesthesia, clinical standard PC is conducted with free breathing for several minutes per slice with averaging. In younger patients under general anesthesia, clinical standard PC is conducted with breath‐holding. One approach to overcome this limitation is using either navigator gating or self‐navigation of respiratory motion, at the expense of lengthening scan times. An alternative approach is using highly accelerated, free‐breathing, real‐time PC (rt‐PC) MRI, which to date has not been evaluated in CHD patients. The purpose of this study was to develop a 38.4‐fold accelerated 2D rt‐PC pulse sequence using radial k‐space sampling and compressed sensing with 1.5 × 1.5 × 6.0 mm3 nominal spatial resolution and 40 ms nominal temporal resolution, and evaluate whether it is capable of accurately measuring flow in 17 pediatric patients (aortic valve, pulmonary valve, right and left pulmonary arteries) compared with clinical standard 2D PC (either breath‐hold or free breathing). For clinical translation, we implemented an integrated reconstruction pipeline capable of producing DICOMs of the order of 2 min per time series (46 frames). In terms of association, forward volume, backward volume, regurgitant fraction, and peak velocity at peak systole measured with standard PC and rt‐PC were strongly correlated (R2 > 0.76; P < 0.001). Compared with clinical standard PC, in terms of agreement, forward volume (mean difference = 1.4% (3.0% of mean)) and regurgitant fraction (mean difference = −2.5%) were in good agreement, whereas backward volume (mean difference = −1.1 mL (28.2% of mean)) and peak‐velocity at peak systole (mean difference = −21.3 cm/s (17.2% of mean)) were underestimated by rt‐PC. This study demonstrates that the proposed rt‐PC with the said spatial resolution and temporal resolution produces relatively accurate forward volumes and regurgitant fractions but underestimates backward volumes and peak velocities at peak systole in pediatric patients with CHD.
Is there an export‐ or import‐led growth in emerging countries? A case of BRICS countries
Authors: Raghutla Chandrashekar , Chittedi Krishna Reddy
Published: January 2020

The BRICS economies could be considered a world number one trading group in one respect and emerging economies in another. The study applied both Johansen cointegration methodology for the long‐run relationship and Granger causality test for the direction of causality for the period of 1979–2018. The study findings confirmed that the growth‐led exports (GLE) hypothesis model is relevant for India, South Africa, and China, while exports‐led growth (ELG) hypothesis model is relevant for both Brazil and Russia. The growth‐led imports (GLI) hypothesis model is relevant for Brazil, India, China, and South Africa, while import‐led growth (ILG) hypothesis model is relevant for Russia. Hence, based on the findings, we confirmed that trade‐led growth hypothesis is valid. Finally, the results show that domestic and global demand contributes to a larger trade; countries that are labor‐abundant generate employment and foster economic growth.
The Impact of the Philadelphia Beverage Tax on Prices and Product Availability
Authors: Cawley John , Frisvold David , Hill Anna , Jones David
Published: January 2020

In recent years, numerous cities in the U.S. have enacted taxes on beverages to promote health and raise revenue. This paper examines the impact of Philadelphia's beverage tax, enacted in 2017, on the prices and availability of both taxed and untaxed beverages. Using original data we collected in late 2016 and again one year later, we estimate difference‐in‐differences regressions of the change over time in beverage prices and availability in stores in Philadelphia relative to stores in nearby counties. We find that, on average, distributors and retailers fully passed through the tax to consumers. Pass‐through is higher for individual servings than for larger sizes. There is also heterogeneity in the pass‐through rate among stores; it is greater among stores that are in higher‐poverty neighborhoods, located farther from untaxed stores outside Philadelphia, and that are independent as opposed to part of national chains. We also find that the tax reduced the availability of taxed beverages and increased the availability of untaxed beverages, particularly bottled water, in Philadelphia stores.
Phosphorus‐containing Salen‐metal complexes investigated for enhancing the fire safety of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)
Authors: Zhang Yabin , Cui Jinfeng , Wang Lurong , Liu He , Yang Baoping , Guo Junhong , Mu Bo , Tian Li
Published: January 2020

Three novel phosphorus‐containing Salen‐based derivatives (Salen‐DPCP‐M: M = Ni, Zn, and Mn), which include both phenyl phosphate structures (DPCP) and Salen‐metal complexes, were prepared for enhancing the fire safety of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that Salen‐DPCP‐M altered the thermal degradation pathways of TPU probably due to the phosphorus‐containing structure of Salen‐DPCP‐M. The cone calorimeter test showed that the addition of 3 wt% of Salen‐DPCP‐Ni, Salen‐DPCP‐Zn, and Salen‐DPCP‐Mn lowered the peak of heat release rate (PHRR) from 1495 kW/m2 for neat TPU to 690, 875, and 813 kW/m2, respectively, for the TPU composites, which demonstrated that Salen‐DPCP‐M improved the fire safety of TPU. In addition, the release of toxic CO gas from the Salen‐DPCP‐Ni/TPU and Salen‐DPCP‐Zn/TPU composites was reduced by 78.2% and 80.0%, respectively. The results of TGA/infrared spectrometry (TG‐FTIR) showed that the incorporation of Salen‐DPCP‐Ni promoted the release CO2, while reducing the formation of harmful gases. Laser Raman spectroscopy (LRS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that Salen‐DPCP‐Ni/TPU and Salen‐DPCP‐Zn/TPU composites formed a dense and stable char layer. Herein, the mechanism of these flame retardants containing novel phosphorus‐containing Salen‐metal complexes is also proposed.
Household Poverty Measurement and Its Determinants Among Rural Farmers in Ondo State, Nigeria
Authors: Okunola Akinbode M. , Ojo Oluwadare S.
Published: January 2020

Achieving the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations is the focus of all heads of government in the world, the priority being to eradicate poverty in all its forms everywhere. Hence, this study measured poverty among rural farming households in Ondo State, Nigeria, to ascertain the current poverty status of farmers in the state, with the aim of highlighting the rural economy as a focus for policymakers in the implementation of the SDGs. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 90 farming household heads. The mean annual per capita expenditure was N74, 336.61 while the annual poverty line was N49, 557.74. About 49 percent of the rural farming households fell below the poverty line, while the poverty gap, estimated at about 17 percent of the poverty line, indicates that on average, each farming household will need to spend at least N58, 973.71 to be considered non‐poor, which means age, marital status, household size, other occupation, and working members reduce the probability of the poor households moving out of poverty, while gender, farming experience, years of education, and total income increase the probability of the poor households moving out of poverty. Total income is the most significant determinant factor at 1 percent, while age, years of education, household size, and years of farm experience were significant at 5 percent. The study, therefore, recommends a holistic commercial agricultural policy that will be rational, national, rural‐driven, and credit‐inclined and that can guarantee the required income majorly through farming.
An “Opportunity” for Policy Recycling? A Critical Analysis of the Canadian Poverty Reduction Strategy
Authors: Smith‐Carrier Tracy , Lawlor Andrea , Benbow Sarah
Published: January 2020

In this article, we critically explore the Canadian Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) with attention to whether, and how, elements of the strategy reflect indicators of policy recycling. Policy recycling here refers to instances where policymakers use previously designed and/or funded programs for a broader policy program or programmatic strategy. We draw from the analytic framework for policy recycling we first introduced in examining the PRS in Ontario, Canada. Our analysis suggests that the Canadian PRS reflects many of the indicators identified with policy recycling. As a result, we question whether the federal PRS is as much an exercise in political marketing or branding as it is a meaningful attempt at ameliorating persistent conditions of poverty for a number of Canadians. The PRS may in fact be an “opportunity” to convey to the public that the government is “tackling” a problem that, in reality, it may be only fine‐tuning.
Lung ultrasound—a new diagnostic modality in persistent tachypnea of infancy
Authors: Urbankowska Emilia , Urbankowski Tomasz , Drobczyński Łukasz , Griese Matthias , Lange Joanna , Brzewski Michał , Kulus Marek , Krenke Katarzyna
Published: January 2020

Lung ultrasound (LUS) has been increasingly used in diagnosing and monitoring of various pulmonary diseases in children. The aim of the current study was to evaluate its usefulness in children with persistent tachypnea of infancy (PTI). This was a controlled, prospective, cross‐sectional study that included children with PTI and healthy subjects. In patients with PTI, LUS was performed at baseline and then after 6 and 12 months of follow‐up. Baseline results of LUS were compared to (a) baseline high‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT) images, (b) LUS examinations in control group, and (c) follow‐up LUS examinations. Twenty children with PTI were enrolled. B‐lines were found in all children with PTI and in 11 (55%) control subjects (P < .001). The total number of B‐lines, the maximal number of B lines in any intercostal space, the distance between B‐lines, and pleural thickness were significantly increased in children with PTI compared to controls. An irregularity of the pleural line was found in all patients with PTI and in none of the healthy children. There were no significant changes in LUS findings in patients with PTI during the study period. The comparison of HRCT indices and LUS findings revealed significant correlations between the mean lung attenuation, skewness, kurtosis and fraction of interstitial pulmonary involvement, and the number of B‐lines as well as the pleural line thickness. LUS seems to be a promising diagnostic tool in children with PTI. Its inclusion in the diagnostic work‐up may enable to reduce the number of costly, hazardous, and ionizing radiation‐based imaging procedures.