bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microwave absorption medium‐assisted extraction coupled with reversed‐phase dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction of triazine herbicides in corn and soybean samples
Authors: Wu Lijie , Li Zhanchao , Zhang Hanqi , Wang Ziming
Published: August 2020

A new extraction method, microwave absorption medium‐assisted extraction coupled with reversed‐phase dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction, was developed for the determination of triazine herbicides in corn and soybean samples. Triazine herbicides were extracted with hexane and then directly enriched into the ionic liquid phase. The purification of sample and concentration of target analytes were performed simultaneously. The method combines the advantages of nonpolar solvent dynamic microwave extraction and reversed‐phase dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction, which could greatly simplify the operation and reduce the whole pretreatment time. The Box–Behnken design was used to the optimization of experimental factors involved in the dynamic microwave‐assisted extraction. In the present study, good linearity in the range of 5.00–500.00 µg/kg was obtained. The limits of detection and quantification varying from 1.3 to 4.2 and 4.1 to 13.9 µg/kg were achieved, respectively. The intra‐ and interday precisions were between 2.7 and 6.9%. The present method was applied to the analysis of corn and soybean samples, and the recoveries of analytes ranged from 80.7 to 106.9% with the relative standard deviations of 2.1–7.8%. The present method shows the potentials of practical applications in the treatment of the complex fatty solid samples.
Enantioseparation and dissipation monitoring of oxathiapiprolin in grape using supercritical fluid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Liu Qianyu , Dong Fengshou , Xu Jun , Liu Xingang , Wu Xiaohu , Li Runan , Jiang Duoduo , Wu Xiuming , Liu Yingchao , Zheng Yongquan
Published: August 2020

Oxathiapiprolin is a chiral fungicide used in China for the prevention and treatment of grape downy mildew, but its potential risk could be inaccurately assessed without distinguishing its enantiomers. In this study, an effective and sensitive chiral analytical method was first established for quantification of oxathiapiprolin enantiomers using supercritical fluid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Baseline separation for oxathiapiprolin enantiomers was achieved for less than 3 min by using a Lux Cellulose‐2 chiral column with the resolution of 1.51. The elution order of the eluting enantiomers was identified as (−)‐oxathiapiprolin and (+)‐oxathiapiprolin by an optical rotation detector. The grape samples were extracted by QuEChERS method, with the average recoveries of each enantiomer in grapes were in the range of 88.1–111.8% and the relative standard deviations were less than 18.9%. The enantioselective analysis of the dissipation of oxathiapiprolin in field grape samples showed that (−)‐oxathiapiprolin was dissipated faster than (+)‐oxathiapiprolin. The results indicate that this proposed method could provide data support for the risk assessment of oxathiapiprolin in agricultural produces in a more accurate way.
Prediction of Large‐for‐Gestational‐Age Neonates by Different Growth Standards
Authors: Duncan Jose R. , Odibo Linda , Hoover Elizabeth A. , Odibo Anthony O.
Published: August 2020

Objective

Compare the accuracy of the Hadlock, the NICHD, and the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) charts to detect large‐for‐gestational‐age (LGA) and adverse neonatal outcomes (as a secondary outcome).

Methods

This is a secondary analysis from a prospective study that included singleton non‐anomalous gestations with growth ultrasound at 26–36 weeks. LGA was suspected with estimated fetal weight > 90th percentile by the NICHD, FMF, and Hadlock charts. LGA was diagnosed with birth weight > 90th percentile. We tested the performance of these charts to detect LGA and adverse neonatal outcomes (neonatal intensive care unit admission, Ph < 7.1, Apgar <7 at 5 minutes, seizures, and neonatal death) by calculating the area under the curve, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value.

Results

Of 1054 pregnancies, 123 neonates (12%) developed LGA. LGA was suspected in 58 (5.5%) by Hadlock, 229 (21.7%) by NICHD standard, and 231 (22%) by FMF chart. The NICHD standard (AUC: .79; 95% CI: .75–.83 vs. AUC .64; 95%CI: .6–.68; p = < .001) and FMF chart (AUC: .81 95% CI: .77–.85 vs. AUC .64; 95%CI: .6–.68; p = < .001) were more accurate than Hadlock. The FMF and NICHD had higher sensitivity (77.2 vs. 72.4 vs. 30.1%) but Hadlock had higher specificity for LGA (97.5 vs. 88.5 vs. 85.4%). All standards were poor predictors for adverse neonatal outcomes.

Conclusions

The NICHD and the FMF standards may increase the detection rate of LGA in comparison to the Hadlock chart. However, this may increase obstetrical interventions.
Osteoporosis group consultations are as effective as usual care: Results from a non‐inferiority randomized trial
Authors: Baqir Wasim , Gray William K. , Blair Alistair , Haining Shona , Birrell Fraser
Published: August 2020

Background

Group consultations led by doctors or nurses are widely used in diabetes and hypertension and are promising in inflammatory arthritis.

Objective

To show effectiveness in other musculoskeletal conditions with other professionals.

Hypothesis

Group consultations as effective as one‐to‐one consultations for treating patients at risk of osteoporotic fracture, defined by 10‐year fracture risk.

Design

Randomized controlled non‐inferiority trial, with parallel groups randomized by patient

Setting

Three primary care practices, Northumberland, United Kingdom

Patients

A total of 158 patients consenting to the study from 1052 patients ≥50 years invited from the highest 10‐year fracture risk group.

Interventions

Pharmacist‐led clinic appointment either in one of four 90‐min group consultations (n = 75) or comparator usual care consultation (n = 83).

Measurements

Primary outcome measure – mean possession ratio of bisphosphonates over 12 months (doses requested/all possible doses). Secondary outcomes included treatment persistence.

Results

Ten‐year fracture risk for major osteoporotic/hip fracture was 26%/14% for group and 23%/10% for usual care, respectively. Mean possession ratio was 0.62 (interquartile range [IQR] = 0.23‐0.92) for group and 0.54 (IQR = 0.15‐0.92) for usual care (confirmed as non‐inferior).

Limitations

Single pharmacist delivered the intervention/comparator, although piloting showed nurses or doctors equally competent; small number of practices.

Conclusions

Outcomes for group consultations were non‐inferior to those for usual care in osteoporosis. Mean pharmacist contact time per patient was lower for group consultations, so this model was efficient and saved costs. Clinicians from different disciplines with facilitation skills can be trained easily and improve routine service delivery for chronic conditions through group consultations: a promising response to escalating demand for healthcare.
The Impact of COVID‐19 on Access to Parkinson's Disease Medication
Authors: Cheong Julia Ling‐Yu , Goh Zhao Hang Keith , Marras Connie , Tanner Caroline M. , Kasten Meike , Noyce Alastair J. ,   the Movement Disorders Society Epidemiology Study Group
Published: August 2020

Background

Many countries have implemented drastic measures to fight the COVID‐19 pandemic. Restrictions and diversion of resources may have negatively affected patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Our aim was to examine whether COVID‐19 had an impact on access to PD medication by region and income.

Methods

This study was conducted as part of a survey sent to members of the Movement Disorders Society focusing on access to PD medication globally.

Results

Of 346 responses, 157 (45.4%) agreed that COVID‐19 had affected access to PD medication, while 189 (54.6%) disagreed. 22.8% of high‐income and 88.9% of low‐income countries' respondents agreed that access to PD medication was affected by COVID‐19. 59% of all ‘yes' respondents reported increased disability of patients as an impact.

Conclusions

Access to PD medication is likely to have been affected by COVID‐19 and result in deterioration of patients' symptomatic control. Resource‐poor countries appear to be disproportionately affected compared to more affluent countries. © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
MH group allays back‐to‐school stress with resources, support
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: August 2020

As students prepare for a new academic year, whether remotely or in person, New York state mental health advocates are responding by helping them, their parents and educators with support and resources to alleviate the added stress the back‐to‐school season is likely to bring on amid the pandemic.
A theoretical model of chronic hepatitis B virus with suboptimal adherence and drug resistance
Authors: Manda Edna , Chirove Farai
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we formulate and analyze a within‐host hepatitis B viral theoretical mathematical model for hepatitis B virus infection in the chronic phase of liver cancer with suboptimal adherence and drug resistance. The model incorporates hepatocytes, hepatitis B virus, immune cells, and cytokine dynamics using a system of ordinary differential equations. Treatment was captured using efficacy functions replicating the realistic pharmacokinetics properties of two drugs, one of which is administered intravenously and the other orally. Our results suggest that natural drug resistance increases the hepatitis B virus burden more than suboptimal adherence to drugs from both monotherapies and combined therapies. The results also suggest that the inclusion of both immune cells and cytokine responses is essential and that combination therapies are more significant in reducing hepatitis B virus infection than monotherapies.
Well‐balanced nonstaggered central schemes based on hydrostatic reconstruction for the shallow water equations with Coriolis forces and topography
Authors: Dong Jian , Li Ding Fang
Published: August 2020

The objective of this paper is to present a nonstaggered central scheme based on hydrostatic reconstruction (HR) for the shallow water equations with Coriolis forces and nonflat bottom topography. The discretization of the bed slope source term is based on the HR method to ensure the well‐balanced property for the stationary solution. We use the cell average of the discharge on the staggered cell to discretize the source term due to the effect of Coriolis forces. The positivity‐preserving property of the water depth is obtained by providing an appropriate CFL condition with the help of a “draining” time‐step technique. Finally, several two‐dimensional numerical results of classical problems of the system are presented to test these properties of the current scheme.
New intregral transform with generalized Bessel–Maitland function kernel and its applications
Authors: Albayrak Durmuş , Dernek Ahmet , Dernek Neşe , Uçar Faruk
Published: August 2020

In this paper, authors introduce the generalized Bessel–Maitland transform whose kernel is the generalized Bessel–Maitland function. New identities are obtained for special cases of the generalized Bessel–Maitland function. Using these relations, several identities are obtained for generalized Bessel–Maitland integral transform. It is shown that some special cases of them are related with the Laplace transform and the Hankel transform. Also, some examples are given as representations of the outcomes presented here.
A 8.5 to 11.6 GHz digitally controlled variable gain amplifier with 15‐dB gain range and 1‐dB step
Authors: Wu Tianjun , Zhang Xiaoning , Xing Zhao , Zhao Chenxi , Yu Yiming , Liu Huihua
Published: August 2020

A X‐band variable gain amplifier (VGA) with low phase variation and high control resolution is presented in 180‐nm CMOS. The linear gain VGA and current‐type digital‐to‐analog converter (DAC) are implemented to improve the accuracy of gain control and the robustness against process, supply voltage, and temperature variations (PVT). The measured peak gain and 3‐dB bandwidth are 8 dB and 8.5 to 11.6 GHz, respectively. The gain range is 15 dB with a gain step of 1 dB. With a supply voltage varying from 1.6 to 2.0 V, the root‐mean‐square (RMS) gain and phase errors in 3‐dB bandwidth are <0.62 dB and <1.5°, respectively. With supply of 1.8 V, the measured root‐mean‐square (RMS) gain and phase errors across −25 to 110°C are <0.65 dB and <1.7°, respectively. Comparing the measurement results of five chips, the variation of RMS gain error is <0.24 dB, and the RMS phase errors are almost the same. The measurement results demonstrate the proposed VGA is very suitable for phased arrays in X‐band.
Application of electromagnetic bandgap in frequency selective surfaces for suppression of higher‐order modes
Authors: Bezerra Tiago S. , Lira Ruan V. A. , Campos Antonio L. P. S. , Gomes Neto Alfredo , da Silva José P.
Published: August 2020

In this article, the authors present a proposal for the application of electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) for suppression of higher‐order modes in frequency selective surfaces (FSS), not yet studied in the literature. The study consists of an application of a rectangular periodic array of circular holes in FSS dielectric substrate to create rejection bands and suppress specific resonant frequency modes. We built four prototypes and compared measured results with simulated results obtained with ANSYS HFSS and it completes the proposed equivalent circuit validation. Simulations and measurements show suppression levels up to 10 dB. A good agreement between the results is observed.
3D‐printed circularly polarized concave patch with enhanced bandwidth and radiation pattern
Authors: Parthiban Prabakar , Seet Boon‐Chong , Li Xue Jun
Published: August 2020

In this article, a novel design of a probe‐fed circularly polarized (CP) patch antenna on a 3D‐printed concave‐shaped substrate is proposed. The radiating patch conforms to the concavity of the substrate surface, and the circular polarization is achieved by two pairs of asymmetric slot perturbation. The varying substrate thickness due to the concavity across the cross‐section enhances the antenna's bandwidth by 1.99% compared to traditional flat substrates. The spherically curved surface focuses the antenna's radiation by narrowing its half‐power beam‐width (HPBW). The gain and axial ratio of the antenna are also less susceptible to the effects of having a large ground plane. The results are verified by comparing the measured performance of the proposed antenna with that of a conventional corner truncated CP patch on a 3D‐printed flat substrate. The proposed antenna is designed for sub‐GHz industrial, scientific, and medical radio (ISM) band (865‐868 MHz) and has 7 dBiC gain and near 0 dB axial ratio with 65° and 61° HPBW in elevation, and azimuth planes, respectively.
Translation, reliability and validity of Japanese version the TeamSTEPPS® teamwork perceptions questionnaire
Authors: Unoki Takeshi , Matsuishi Yujiro , Tsujimoto Takahiro , Yotsumoto Ryuichi , Yamada Toru , Komatsu Yuka , Kashiwakura Daisaku , Yamamoto Norimasa
Published: August 2020

Aim

This study aimed to translate the TeamSTEPPS® Teamwork Perceptions Questionnaire (T‐TPQ) into Japanese and assess its validity and reliability.

Design

Translation of the T‐TPQ and a cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

Following a forward and back translation of the questionnaire, content validity was assessed by an expert panel using item‐level content validity index. Construct validity was assessed by a confirmatory factor analysis. Further, intraclass correlation coefficient was estimated by test–retest methods.

Results

A total of 587 healthcare professionals responded to the translated T‐TPQ. The item‐level content validity index ranged between 0.8 and 1.0, indicating an acceptable content validity. The multiple fit indices showed an acceptable fitting model. Fifty‐one healthcare professionals participated in the test–retest method. Intraclass correlation coefficients for all dimensions ranged from 0.838 to 0.957, indicating acceptable test–retest reliability. Our findings suggest that the Japanese version of the T‐TPQ has acceptable validity and reliability.
Genome‐Wide Association Study in 3,173 Outbred Rats Identifies Multiple Loci for Body Weight, Adiposity, and Fasting Glucose
Authors: Chitre Apurva S. , Polesskaya Oksana , Holl Katie , Gao Jianjun , Cheng Riyan , Bimschleger Hannah , Garcia Martinez Angel , George Tony , Gileta Alexander F. , Han Wenyan , Horvath Aidan , Hughson Alesa , Ishiwari Keita , King Christopher P. , Lamparelli Alexander , Versaggi Cassandra L. , Martin Connor , St. Pierre Celine L. , Tripi Jordan A. , Wang Tengfei , Chen Hao , Flagel Shelly B. , Meyer Paul , Richards Jerry , Robinson Terry E. , Palmer Abraham A. , Solberg Woods Leah C.
Published: August 2020

Objective

Obesity is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Despite the success of human genome‐wide association studies, the specific genes that confer obesity remain largely unknown. The objective of this study was to use outbred rats to identify the genetic loci underlying obesity and related morphometric and metabolic traits.

Methods

This study measured obesity‐relevant traits, including body weight, body length, BMI, fasting glucose, and retroperitoneal, epididymal, and parametrial fat pad weight in 3,173 male and female adult N/NIH heterogeneous stock (HS) rats across three institutions, providing data for the largest rat genome‐wide association study to date. Genetic loci were identified using a linear mixed model to account for the complex family relationships of the HS and using covariates to account for differences among the three phenotyping centers.

Results

This study identified 32 independent loci, several of which contained only a single gene (e.g., Epha5, Nrg1, Klhl14) or obvious candidate genes (e.g., Adcy3, Prlhr). There were strong phenotypic and genetic correlations among obesity‐related traits, and there was extensive pleiotropy at individual loci.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the utility of HS rats for investigating the genetics of obesity‐related traits across institutions and identify several candidate genes for future functional testing.
Six‐Month Follow‐up from a Randomized Controlled Trial of the Weight BIAS Program
Authors: Pearl Rebecca L. , Wadden Thomas A. , Bach Caroline , Tronieri Jena S. , Berkowitz Robert I.
Published: August 2020

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the 6‐month nonintervention follow‐up effects of a cognitive behavioral intervention for weight bias internalization (WBI; i.e., self‐stigma) combined with behavioral weight loss (BWL).

Methods

Adults with obesity and elevated WBI were previously randomized to receive BWL alone or in combination with the Weight Bias Internalization and Stigma program (BWL + BIAS). Participants attended weekly group meetings for 12 weeks, followed by two biweekly and two monthly meetings (26 weeks total). Follow‐up assessments were conducted at week 52. Changes on the Weight Bias Internalization Scale and Weight Self‐Stigma Questionnaire at week 52 were the principal outcomes. Other outcomes included changes in eating, coping, and weight.

Results

Of 72 randomized participants, 54 (75%) completed week 52 assessments. Linear mixed models showed improvements across groups, but no significant differences between groups, in week 52 change on the Weight Bias Internalization Scale (P = 0.25) or Weight Self‐Stigma Questionnaire (P = 0.27). BWL + BIAS participants reported significantly greater benefits than BWL participants on measures of eating and affective coping with weight stigma. Percent weight loss at week 52 did not differ significantly between groups (BWL + BIAS = −3.1% [SE 1.0%], BWL = −4.0% [SE 1.0%], P = 0.53).

Conclusions

Reductions in WBI did not differ between groups at 6‐month follow‐up. Further research is needed to determine the potential benefits of a stigma‐reduction intervention beyond BWL.
Team approach: Management of osteonecrosis in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Jones Lynne C. , Kaste Sue C. , Karol Seth E. , DeFeo Brian , Kim Harry K.W. , Neel Michael D. , Levin Adam S.
Published: August 2020

With current treatments for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the overall prognosis for survival is favorable. Increasing emphasis is placed on recognizing and managing the long‐term consequences of ALL and its treatment, particularly involving osteonecrosis. Early osteonecrosis diagnosis and management may improve outcomes and is best accomplished through coordinated teams that may include hematologic oncologists, radiologists, orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, and the patient and their family. Magnetic resonance imaging is the “gold standard” for diagnosis of early‐stage and/or multifocal osteonecrosis. Treatments for osteonecrosis in ALL patients are risk stratified and may include observation, corticosteroid or chemotherapy adjustment, and pharmaceutical or surgical approaches.
Use of electronic patient data storage for evaluating and setting the risk category of late effects in childhood cancer survivors
Authors: Rajala Samuli , Järvelä Liisa S. , Huurre Anu , Grönroos Marika , Rautava Päivi , Lähteenmäki Päivi M.
Published: August 2020

Background

Many of the late effects of cancer treatment in childhood may occur even decades after the treatment, and only a minority of the survivors remain as healthy as their peers. Providing appropriate long‐term care for childhood cancer survivors after transition to primary health care is a challenge. Both survivors and primary care providers need information on potential late effects. The lack of a systematic late effect follow‐up plan may lead to excessive use of health care services or delayed intervention. While manual compilation of individual follow‐up plans is time consuming for experienced clinicians, electronic algorithms may be feasible.

Procedure

In Finland, international guidelines for determining the risk of late effects have been implemented. Nationally, Turku University Hospital was asked with developing an automatized system for calculating the risk of late effects, based on electronic patient records saved in the hospital data lake. An electronic algorithm that uses details from exposure‐based health screening guidelines published by the Children's Oncology Group was created. The results were compared with those manually extracted by an experienced clinician.

Results

Significant concordance between the manual and algorithm‐based risk classification was found. A total of 355 patients received a classification using the algorithm, and 325 of those matched with the manual categorization, producing a Cohen's coefficient of 0.91 (95% confidence interval 0.88‐0.95).

Conclusion

Automated algorithms can be used to categorize childhood cancer survivors efficiently and reliably into late effect risk groups. This further enables automatized compilation of appropriate individual late effect follow‐up plan for all survivors.
Composite sarcoma of bone with focal rhabdomyosarcoma and lymph node metastasis in an adolescent
Authors: Andión Catalán Maitane , Buendía López Susana , Camarena Pavón Natalia , Rubio San Simón Alba , Cañas Maciá Teresa , Azorín Cuadrillero Daniel
Published: August 2020

Composite sarcoma of bone is a very rare entity that primarily affects adolescent and young adult patients. It usually combines areas of liposarcoma and osteosarcoma, and up to 60% of cases have metastatic disease at diagnosis. It is a highly aggressive pathology with intrinsic resistance to bone sarcoma conventional treatments. The prognosis is poor, with long‐term survival rates not exceeding 30%. We present the case of an adolescent female diagnosed with an aggressive composite sarcoma of bone with rhabdomyosarcoma foci and loco‐regional lymph node involvement.
Viscoelastic characterization of high‐density polyethylene membranes under the combined effect of the temperature and the gravity for thermoforming applications
Authors: Ben Aoun N. , Erchiqui F. , Mrad H. , Dituba‐Ngoma G. , Godard F.
Published: August 2020

Numerical simulation of the heating stage of thermoplastics in thermoforming requires a good knowledge of the behavior of the materials used. To this end, a study is being conducted on the characterization of the viscoelastic behavior of a circular membrane, made of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE), under the combined effect of temperature and the force of gravity. The experimental tests were carried out in a convection oven for five temperatures (100, 110, 120, 130 and 140°C). For the numerical characterization of the viscoelastic behavior, two viscoelastic models were considered: the classic Kelvin‐Voigt model and the new three‐parameter modified Burger's model (Jeffrey model) that we propose. The mechanical parameters of both models were identified using the Levenberg‐Marquardt algorithm. The thermal‐dependency of the viscosity was characterized by two thermal models: the Arrhenius law and the William‐Landel‐Ferry (WLF) equation.
Mechanical, morphological, thermal properties and hydrolytic degradation behavior of polylactic acid/polypropylene carbonate blends prepared by solvent casting
Authors: Haneef Intan Najwa Humaira Mohamed , Buys Yose Fachmi , Shaffiar Norhashimah Mohd , Haris Nurul Assadiqah , Hamid Abdul Malek Abdul , Shaharuddin Sharifah Imihezri Syed
Published: August 2020

The preparation of polylactic acid (PLA) and polypropylene carbonate (PPC) blend films by using the solvent casting method is to improve the properties of pure PLA. The blends' mechanical and thermal properties, morphological as well as hydrolytic degradation behavior are evaluated. The tensile test proved that the increase of PPC from 0 wt% to 75 wt% could improve the elongation of pure PLA when the graph showed a significant increase of the elongation from 10% to 1000%. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) supported the significant increase in elongation of the blends when it shows a definite phase separation in 75/25 PLA/PPC, where 25% of PPC has formed islands in the PLA matrix. Differential scanning calorimetry indicates the partial miscibility of the blends where two peaks of the glass transition temperature moved towards each other when the amount of PPC increases. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed a possible intermolecular interaction between two polymers, which affects the miscibility of the blends. Finally, the hydrolytic degradation test indicates that the degradation started from the PLA phase and the blends' degradation rate decrease as wt% of PPC increase.
Structural analysis of the N‐acetyltransferase Eis1 from Mycobacterium abscessus reveals the molecular determinants of its incapacity to modify aminoglycosides
Authors: Ung Kien Lam , Kremer Laurent , Blaise Mickaël
Published: August 2020

Enhanced intracellular survival (Eis) proteins belonging to the superfamily of the GCN5‐related N‐acetyltransferases play important functions in mycobacterial pathogenesis. In Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Eis enhances the intracellular survival of the bacilli in macrophages by modulating the host immune response and is capable to chemically modify and inactivate aminoglycosides. In nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), Eis shares similar functions. However, Mycobacterium abscessus, a multidrug resistant NTM, possesses two functionally distinct Eis homologues, Eis1Mab and Eis2Mab. While Eis2Mab participates in virulence and aminoglycosides resistance, this is not the case for Eis1Mab, whose exact biological function remains to be determined. Herein, we show that overexpression of Eis1Mab in M. abscessus fails to induce resistance to aminoglycosides. To clarify why Eis1Mab is unable to modify this class of antibiotics, we solved its crystal structure bound to its cofactor, acetyl‐CoA. The structure revealed that Eis1Mab has a typical homohexameric Eis‐like organization. The structural analysis supported by biochemical approaches demonstrated that while Eis1Mab can acetylate small substrates, its active site is too narrow to accommodate aminoglycosides. Comparison with other Eis structures showed that an extended loop between strands 9 and 10 is blocking the access of large substrates to the active site and movement of helices 4 and 5 reduces the volume of the substrate‐binding pocket to these compounds in Eis1Mab. Overall, this study underscores the molecular determinants explaining functional differences between Eis1Mab and Eis2Mab, especially those inherent to their capacity to modify aminoglycosides.
Evidence for Symmetry Breaking in the Ground State of the Si(111)‐7 × 7: The Origin of Its Metal–Insulator Transition
Authors: Demuth J. E.
Published: August 2020

Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) of the Si(111)‐7 × 7 reconstructed surface at 5 K reveals that the highly symmetric STM image found at room temperature does not reflect the lowest energy, ground state of this system. Instead, the ground state has certain adatom charge densities distorted by ≈0.2–0.4 Å from the symmetric STM charge density positions observed at 300 K. This agrees with adatom ion core displacements in both a Patterson map and two additional phase‐reconstructed atom maps. Such ion core distortions are consistent with the Jahn–Teller effect associated with the threefold mirror symmetry of the Si(111)‐7 × 7 and its antiphase, faulted structure. The nodal properties of the electronic states of an underlying 7 × 7 honeycomb that arise from threefold symmetry are determined from solutions of the 2D inhomogeneous Helmholtz equation, and provide insight to the observed temperature‐dependent charge density changes. It is shown that an excited state of the honeycomb cells of a Si(111)‐7 × 7 support the higher symmetry charge densities observed at room temperature and the presence of strong electron–phonon coupling. The role of symmetry and anharmonicity in defining the structure and electronic interactions in the Si(111)‐7 × 7 are discussed.
Thermodynamics and Screening in the Ising–Kondo Model
Authors: Bauerbach Kevin , Mahmoud Zakaria M. M. , Gebhard Florian
Published: August 2020

A simplification of the symmetric single‐impurity Kondo model is introduced and studied. In the Ising–Kondo model, host electrons scatter off a single magnetic impurity at the origin whose spin orientation is dynamically conserved. This reduces the problem to potential scattering of spinless fermions that can be solved exactly using the equation‐of‐motion technique. The Ising–Kondo model provides an example for static screening. At low temperatures, the thermodynamics at finite magnetic fields resembles that of a free spin‐1/2 in a reduced external field. Alternatively, the Curie law is interpreted in terms of an antiferromagnetically screened effective spin. The spin correlations decay algebraically to zero in the ground state and display commensurate Friedel oscillations. In contrast to the symmetric Kondo model, the impurity spin is not completely screened, i.e., the screening cloud contains less than a spin‐1/2 electron. At finite temperatures and weak interactions, the spin correlations decay to zero exponentially with correlation length ξ(T) = 1/(2πT).
Permanently Magnetized Insulating Thin‐Film Devices by Reduction
Authors: Frantti Johannes , Fujioka Yukari , Rouleau Christopher , Puretzky Alexander , Lavrik Nickolay
Published: August 2020

A reduction‐based manufacturing process for creating technologically important multilayer structures from lattice‐matched ferromagnetic insulators and ferromagnetic conductors is reported. The process is demonstrated by growing a permanently magnetized double‐layer structure, consisting of lattice‐matched conducting (Ni,Co) and insulating (Ni0.4Co0.6)3O3 layers, through a single deposition cycle. The orientation of the metal cation network is preserved after reduction. Close‐packing displacements of Ni and Co take place in such a manner that the in‐plane hexagonal arrangement is preserved. This is critical for ensuring high‐quality interfaces joining the layers. At room temperature the hysteresis loop is centered. At low temperature the oxide layer becomes ferrimagnetically ordered, accompanied by a shift of the hysteresis loop along the magnetic field axis. The shift is assigned to exchange bias phenomenon. Biaxial compressive strain is responsible for the required ferrimagnetic ordering. Spin valves and closely related magnetoresistance random access memory and spin‐transfer‐torque magnetic random access memory devices are addressed as potential applications.
Effects of essential oils on central nervous system: Focus on mental health
Authors: Lizarraga‐Valderrama Lorena R.
Published: August 2020

Essential oils have been used as remedies since ancient times for the treatment of numerous illnesses on account of their wide range of biological activities. Recent preclinical and clinical studies have shown varying pharmacological responses in the nervous system leading to anxiolytic, antidepressant, sedative, and anticonvulsant effects. Experimentation in animal models has evidenced the involvement of multiple neurotransmitter systems in the mode of action of essential oils, resulting in measurable physiological effects in the brain. Additionally, clinical trials have demonstrated the influence of essential oils in physiological parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, brain waves composition, and cortisol serum levels with concomitant psychological effects. Although there is growing evidence of measurable effects of essential oils in animal brains, more clinical research is required to validate their influence in the human central nervous system. This will enable the development of essential oil‐based drugs for the treatment of mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety and dementia.
New results on stability analysis and extended dissipative conditions for uncertain memristive neural networks with two additive time‐varying delay components and reaction‐diffusion terms
Authors: Wu Tao , Cao Jinde , Xiong Lianglin , Xie Xueqin
Published: August 2020

This article deals with the problems of exponential stability and extended dissipative analysis for a class of uncertain memristive neural networks (MNNs) with additive time‐varying delays and reaction‐diffusion terms. On the basis of generalized Lyapunov functional approach, Hardy‐Poincarè inequality, Jensen's inequality, as well as some other inequality techniques, it is shown that the issues of exponential stability and extended dissipativity for the uncertain reaction‐diffusion MNNs are solvable if a set of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) proposed are feasible. As a special case, the conditions on exponential stability and extended dissipativity for the uncertain MNNs with additive time‐varying delays are also obtained and given in terms of nonlinear matrix inequalities (NMIs). The obtained NMIs can be transformed as general LMIs via using a new quadratic convex combination skill. Moreover, the developed sufficient conditions for the uncertain delayed MNNs with and without reaction‐diffusion terms can be easily checked by Matlab LMI control toolbox, and three numerical examples with simulation are provided to show the effectiveness and applicability of the theoretical results.
Semi‐active control of air suspension with auxiliary chamber subject to parameter uncertainties and time‐delay
Authors: Zhang Zhiyong , Wang Jianbo , Wu Wenguang , Huang Caixia
Published: August 2020

Suspension systems are critical to the ride comfort and handling stability of vehicles, but traditional passive suspensions fail to achieve optimal performance in the two aspects. Semi‐active suspension controller changes the suspension stiffness or damping to improve the ride comfort and handling stability, which has the potential advantages of low energy consumption and high reliability. In this paper, the model of an air spring with an auxiliary chamber and a variable throttle orifice is proposed and the semi‐active control strategy of air suspension is carried out. The parameters of the air spring with auxiliary chamber are optimized to improve the performance when the control system fails and to increase the basic performance for semi‐active control. Based on the linear matrix inequality approach to robust H∞ control, the semi‐active control strategy of the air suspension is studied, in which parameter uncertainties and time delay are considered to improve control robustness. An inverse model of the air spring is then established to calculate the area of the variable throttle orifice, by which the desired control force is tracked accurately. Finally, the effectiveness of the semi‐active control system of the air suspension is verified by numerical simulation. Comparing with the passive suspension, not only under nominal parameters, but also with parameter uncertainties, time delay, and both parameter uncertainties and time delay, the semi‐active control system proposed in this paper has good control performance as well as is strong robustness to parameter uncertainties and time delay.
Multiply robust estimation of causal quantile treatment effects
Authors: Xie Yuying , Cotton Cecilia , Zhu Yeying
Published: August 2020

In causal inference, often the interest lies in the estimation of the average causal effect. Other quantities such as the quantile treatment effect may be of interest as well. In this article, we propose a multiply robust method for estimating the marginal quantiles of potential outcomes by achieving mean balance in (a) the propensity score, and (b) the conditional distributions of potential outcomes. An empirical likelihood or entropy measure approach can be utilized for estimation instead of inverse probability weighting, which is known to be sensitive to the misspecification of the propensity score model. Simulation studies are conducted across different scenarios of correctness in both the propensity score models and the outcome models. Both simulation results and theoretical development indicate that our proposed estimator is consistent if any of the models are correctly specified. In the data analysis, we investigate the quantile treatment effect of mothers' smoking status on infants' birthweight.
Generalized finite mixture of multivariate regressions with applications to therapeutic biomarker identification
Authors: Liu Hongmei , Sunil Rao J.
Published: August 2020

Finite mixtures of regressions have been used to analyze data that come from a heterogeneous population. When more than one response is observed, accommodating a multivariate response can be useful. In this article, we go a step further and introduce a multivariate extension that includes a latent overlapping cluster indicator variable that allows for potential overdispersion. A generalized mixture of multivariate regressions in connection with the proposed model and a new EM algorithm for fitting are provided. In addition, we allow for high‐dimensional predictors via shrinkage estimation. This model proves particularly useful in the analysis of complex data like the search for cancer therapeutic biomarkers. We demonstrate this using the genomics of drug sensitivity in cancer resource.
Flexible Perovskite Solar Modules with Functional Layers Fully Vacuum Deposited
Authors: Lei Ting , Li Feihong , Zhu Xinyi , Dong Hua , Niu Zhiwen , Ye Siwei , Zhao Wu , Xi Jun , Jiao Bo , Ding Liming , Wu Zhaoxin
Published: August 2020

Large‐area homogeneous and uniform perovskite films are key to the mass production of perovskite solar cells, especially the flexible ones. Different from the solution‐processed preparation, herein an all‐evaporation technique is developed for both perovskite films and the hole‐transporting layer in the modules. With the two‐step strategy of active‐layer design, homogeneous large‐area perovskite films are prepared via evaporation of first PbI2 and then CH3NH3I. An 2,3,5,6‐tetraﬂuoro‐7,7,8,8‐tetracyanoquinodimethane (F4TCNQ)‐doped 4,4′,4″‐tris(N‐(aphthalene‐2‐yl)‐N‐phenylamino)triphenylamine (2T‐NATA) hybrid hole‐transporting layer is deposited on the indium‐tin‐oxide electrode via coevaporation. A power conversion efficiency (PCE) beyond 13% is achieved with the as‐prepared flexible perovskite solar module (active area of 16.0 cm2), which exhibits both higher stability and higher efficiency than the conventional solution‐processed module using poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)‐poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) as the hole‐transporting material. This novel strategy of all‐evaporation functional layers provides a feasible way for the industrialization of flexible perovskite solar cells.
Encapsulation of Nanostructures in a Dielectric Matrix Providing Optical Enhancement in Ultrathin Solar Cells
Authors: Oliveira António J. N. , de Wild Jessica , Oliveira Kevin , Valença Beatriz A. , Teixeira Jennifer P. , Guerreiro Joana R. L. , Abalde-Cela Sara , Lopes Tomás S. , Ribeiro Rodrigo M. , Cunha José M. V. , Curado Marco A. , Monteiro Margarida , Violas André , Silva Ana Gomes , Prado Marta , Fernandes Paulo A. , Vermang Bart , Salomé Pedro M. P.
Published: August 2020

The incorporation of nanostructures in optoelectronic devices for enhancing their optical performance is widely studied. However, several problems related to the processing complexity and the low performance of the nanostructures have hindered such actions in real‐life devices. Herein, a novel way of introducing gold nanoparticles in a solar cell structure is proposed in which the nanostructures are encapsulated with a dielectric layer, shielding them from high temperatures and harsh growth processing conditions of the remaining device. Through optical simulations, an enhancement of the effective optical path length of approximately four times the nominal thickness of the absorber layer is verified with the new architecture. Furthermore, the proposed concept in a Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cell device is demonstrated, where the short‐circuit current density is increased by 17.4%. The novel structure presented in this work is achieved by combining a bottom‐up chemical approach of depositing the nanostructures with a top‐down photolithographic process, which allows for an electrical contact.
Origin of Open‐Circuit Voltage Turnover in Organic Solar Cells at Low Temperature
Authors: Tang Yahui , Bjuggren Jonas M. , Fei Zhuping , Andersson Mats R. , Heeney Martin , McNeill Christopher Robert
Published: August 2020

While the efficiency of organic solar cells (OSCs) has increased considerably in recent years, there remains a significant gap between the experimental open‐circuit voltage (VOC) and the theoretical limit. Understanding the origin of this energy loss is important for the future development of OSCs, with temperature‐dependent measurement of VOC an important approach to help unlock the underlying physics. Interestingly, previous studies have observed a reduction in VOC at low temperature that has been attributed by different studies to different phenomena. To resolve this issue, herein the temperature dependence of VOC of various polymer‐based OSC systems covering a range of acceptor types (fullerene, polymer, and non‐fullerene small molecule) as well as device architectures (conventional, inverted, blend and bilayer) is studied. Across all systems studied, VOC reduction at low temperatures is associated with high parasitic leakage current, providing a universal explanation for this phenomenon in OSCs. Moreover, it is shown that leakage current, which causes complexity in the analysis and raises reliability concerns in potential applications, can be suppressed by varying device architecture, providing an effective approach for analyzing the true temperature dependence of VOC.
Predicting metabolic pathways of plant enzymes without using sequence similarity: Models from machine learning
Authors: de Oliveira Almeida Rodrigo , Valente Guilherme Targino
Published: August 2020

Most of the bioinformatics tools for enzyme annotation focus on enzymatic function assignments. Sequence similarity to well‐characterized enzymes is often used for functional annotation and to assign metabolic pathways. However, these approaches are not feasible for all sequences leading to inaccurate annotations or lack of metabolic pathway information. Here we present the mApLe (metabolic pathway predictor of plant enzymes), a high‐performance machine learning‐based tool with models to label the metabolic pathway of enzymes rather than specifying enzymes’ reactions. The mApLe uses molecular descriptors of the enzyme sequences to perform predictions without considering sequence similarities with reference sequences. Hence, mApLe can classify a diversity of enzymes, even the ones without any homolog or with incomplete EC numbers. This tool can be used to improve the quality of genomic annotation of plants or to narrow down the number of candidate genes for metabolic engineering researches. The mApLe tool is available online, and the GUI can be locally installed.
Serological evidence of West Nile virus infection among birds and horses in some geographical locations of Iran
Authors: Bakhshi Hasan , Beck Cécile , Lecollinet Sylvie , Monier Maëlle , Mousson Laurence , Zakeri Sedigheh , Raz Abbasali , Arzamani Kourosh , Nourani Leila , Dinparast‐Djadid Navid , Failloux Anna‐Bella
Published: August 2020

Recent expansion of arboviruses such as West Nile (WNV), Usutu (USUV), and tick‐borne encephalitis (TBEV) over their natural range of distribution needs strengthening their surveillance. As common viral vertebrate hosts, birds and horses deserve special attention with routine serological surveillance. Here, we estimated the seroprevalence of WNV, USUV and TBEV in 160 migrating/resident birds and 60 horses sampled in Mazandaran, Golestan, North Khorasan, Kordestan provinces and Golestan province of Iran respectively. ELISA results showed that of 220 collected samples, 32 samples (14.54%), including 22 birds and 10 horses, were positive. Microsphere immunoassay results showed that 16.7% (10/60) of horse blood samples collected in Golestan province were seropositive against WNV (7; 11.7%), Flavivirus (2; 3.3%) and seropositive for USUV or WNV (1; 1.7%). Furthermore, micro virus neutralization tests revealed that four of seven ELISA‐positive bird blood samples were seropositive against WNV: two Egyptian vultures, and one long‐legged buzzard collected in Golestan province as well as a golden eagle collected in North Khorasan province. No evidence of seropositivity with TBEV was observed in collected samples. We showed that WNV, responsible for neuroinvasive infection in vertebrates, is circulating among birds and horses in Iran, recommending a sustained surveillance of viral infections in animals, and anticipating future infections in humans.
Contaminated aquatic sediments
Authors: Jaglal Kendrick
Published: August 2020

The remediation of contaminated aquatic sediments requires a range of expertise from assessment (investigation, risk evaluations, modeling, and remedy selection) to design and construction. Research in 2019 has added to knowledge on optimizing the use of passive samplers for assessing chemical concentrations in sediment porewater. The porewater and black carbon appear to be better predictors of contaminant bioaccumulation than total organic carbon alone. This has led to better characterization of potential risk at sediment sites. Tools to identify and model sources of chemicals have been developed and used particularly for some metals, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyls. There is great emphasis on beneficially using dredged sediment, treating it as a resource rather than a waste. Amendments used in sediment caps continue to be refined including the use of activated carbon within the caps and by itself. A technique involving 16S rRNA has been established as a means of identifying microbiological composition that naturally degrade contaminants. © 2020 Water Environment Federation

Practitioner points

Sediment capping technology continues to advance

Sampling and testing methods continue to be refined

Natural processes such as biodegradation are being better understood

Beneficial use of dredged sediment continue to be emphasized