bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using 3D‐digital photogrammetry to examine scaling of the body axis in burrowing skinks
Authors: DeLorenzo Leah , Vander Linden Abby , Bergmann Philip J. , Wagner Gunter P. , Siler Cameron D. , Irschick Duncan J.
Published: August 2020

Three‐dimensional (3D) modeling techniques have been increasingly utilized across disciplines for the visualization and analysis of complex structures. We employ 3D‐digital photogrammetry for understanding the scaling of the body axis of 12 species of scincid lizards in the genus Brachymeles. These skinks represent a diverse radiation which shows tremendous variation in body size and degree of axial elongation. Because of the complex nature of the body axis, 3D‐methods are important for understanding how the body axis evolves. 3D‐digital photogrammetry presents a flexible, inexpensive, and portable system for the reconstruction of biological forms. As body size increased among species, the cross‐sectional area and circumference of the head and other portions of the body axis increased isometrically, which indicates that species of differing sizes possess proportionally similar head and body shapes. These results suggest that there are no substantial head and body shape changes with body size among the sampled species, but further comparative studies with larger sample sizes and functional studies of size and morphology effects on burrowing or above‐ground locomotion are needed.
Feasibility of a self‐assembling peptide hydrogel scaffold for meniscal defect: An in vivo study in a rabbit model
Authors: Okuno Nobuhiro , Otsuki Shuhei , Aoyama Jo , Nakagawa Kosuke , Murakami Tomohiko , Ikeda Kuniaki , Hirose Yoshinobu , Wakama Hitoshi , Okayoshi Tomohiro , Okamoto Yoshinori , Hirano Yoshiaki , Neo Masashi
Published: August 2020

The inner avascular zone of the meniscus has limited healing capacity as the area is poorly vascularized. Although peptide hydrogels have been reported to regenerate bone and cartilage, their effect on meniscus regeneration remains unknown. We tested whether the self‐assembling peptide hydrogel scaffold KI24RGDS stays in the meniscal lesion and facilitates meniscal repair and regeneration in an induced rabbit meniscal defect model. Full‐thickness (2.0 mm diameter) cylindrical defects were introduced into the inner avascular zones of the anterior portions of the medial menisci of rabbit knees (n = 40). Right knee defects were left empty (control group) while the left knee defects were transplanted with peptide hydrogel (KI24RGDS group). Macroscopic meniscus scores were significantly higher in the KI24RGDS group than in the control group at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after surgery. Histological examinations including quantitative and qualitative scores indicated that compared with the control group, the reparative tissue in the meniscus was significantly enhanced in the KI24RGDS group at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the reparative tissue induced by KI24RGDS at 12 weeks postimplantation was positive for Type I and II collagen. KI24RGDS is highly biocompatible and biodegradable, with strong stiffness, and a three dimensional structure mimicking native extracellular matrix and RGDS sequences that enhance cell adhesion and proliferation. This in vivo study demonstrated that KI24RGDS remained in the meniscal lesion and facilitated the repair and regeneration in a rabbit meniscal defect model.
Aesthetic study of patterns based on event‐related potential and eye‐tracking: Taking the decorative patterns of the Tang dynasty as an example
Authors: Zhang Zhonghua , Xu Boming , Zhang Tianxing
Published: August 2020

The decorative patterns of Tang dynasty (DPTD) combine Chinese and western styles, providing inspirations to designers. The main purpose of the study is to summarize aesthetic cognition for DPTD and improve modern Tang style products design, thus introducing new materials and ideas to modern products design. The event‐related potential (ERP) and eye‐tracking were mainly used to study DPTD, exploring early reactions of brain nerves in the process of aesthetic cognition of DPTD, and analyze people's aesthetic process during tests. The results showed that attractive DPTDs attracted more fixation counts and longer second fixation time than those of unattractive DPTDs. When watching attractive DPTDs, pupil sizes of subjects were significantly smaller than those of unattractive DPTDs. In addition, attractive DPTDs induced larger amplitude of P300 than unattractive. N2 was strongly activated in the parietal and occipital areas, whereas P300 was strongly activated in the prefrontal to parietal areas. At the same time, this study found that in the process of people's aesthetic appreciation, attractive DPTDs would make people have a pleasant subjective feeling. This study adopts the method of combining ERP with eye‐tracking and provides a new method and design idea to guide the design of modern Tang‐style products.
Biogeochemical attenuation of nitrate in a sandy subterranean estuary: Insights from two stable isotope approaches
Authors: Wong Wei Wen , Applegate Andrew , Poh Seng Chee , Cook Perran L. M.
Published: August 2020

The role of permeable sediments and subterranean estuaries as coastal nutrient filters is a question of key interest, particularly in areas with high nitrogen loadings. Here, we evaluated the effectiveness of a sandy subterranean estuary in cycling and removing nitrate using stable isotopes of N and O at natural (δ15N‐NO3− and δ18O‐NO3−) and enriched levels (15N). Isotopes were used in conjunction with flow through reactors under anoxic conditions to quantify (1) the overall enrichment factor (15ε) of nitrate removal processes which was then applied to estimate the in situ percentage of nitrate removal within the subterranean estuary and (2) the potential rates of denitrification, dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium, and anammox. We found that 15ε varied between −24 and −34‰ and were positively correlated with nitrate concentrations and the percentage of organic carbon added to the sediments. Using these 15ε values in a Rayleigh distillation model resulted in an estimated average of 34% ± 14% nitrate removal within the subterranean estuary, less than half of the percentage estimated using the nitrate‐salinity mixing model (66% ± 28%). Denitrification was the most dominant nitrate removal pathway within the subterranean estuary with potential rates among the highest denitrification rates reported for both permeable and cohesive sediments. The contribution of dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium showed significant seasonal variation while the rates of anammox were consistent throughout the study. We suggest that the spatial shift of the subterranean estuary is the most likely explanation for the seasonal differences in the rates of denitrification and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium.
Synthesis of Passerini‐3CR Polymers and Assembly into Cytocompatible Polymersomes
Authors: Travanut Alessandra , Monteiro Patrícia F. , Oelmann Stefan , Howdle Steven M. , Grabowska Anna M. , Clarke Philip A. , Ritchie Alison A. , Meier Michael A. R. , Alexander Cameron
Published: August 2020

The versatility of the Passerini three component reaction (Passerini‐3CR) is herein exploited for the synthesis of an amphiphilic diblock copolymer, which self‐assembles into polymersomes. Carboxy‐functionalized poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether is reacted with AB‐type bifunctional monomers and tert‐butyl isocyanide in a single process via Passerini‐3CR. The resultant diblock copolymer (P1) is obtained in good yield and molar mass dispersity and is well tolerated in model cell lines. The Passerini‐3CR versatility and reproducibility are shown by the synthesis of P2, P3, and P4 copolymers. The ability of the Passerini P1 polymersomes to incorporate hydrophilic molecules is verified by loading doxorubicin hydrochloride in P1DOX polymersomes. The flexibility of the synthesis is further demonstrated by simple post‐functionalization with a dye, Cyanine‐5 (Cy5). The obtained P1‐Cy5 polymersomes rapidly internalize in 2D cell monolayers and penetrate deep into 3D spheroids of MDA‐MB‐231 triple‐negative breast cancer cells. P1‐Cy5 polymersomes injected systemically in healthy mice are well tolerated and no visible adverse effects are seen under the conditions tested. These data demonstrate that new, biodegradable, biocompatible polymersomes having properties suitable for future use in drug delivery can be easily synthesized by the Passerini‐3CR.
Microstructure and fatigue performance of friction stir welded joints of 2A12‐T4 and 7075‐T6 dissimilar aluminum alloy
Authors: Zhang D.F. , Tang Q.Y. , Wei T.H. , Lin Y.H. , Chen X.W. , Xia J.
Published: August 2020

The objective of this work is to investigate the microstructure and fatigue performance of friction stir welding joint of 2A12‐T4 and 7075‐T6 dissimilar aluminum alloy. Microstructure shows that the grain growth of heat‐affected zone in both sides of joint is noticeable; the grain size of thermo‐mechanically affected zone in both sides of joint is deformed and distorted in various degrees; nugget zone is fine equiaxed grain with uniform distribution. Microhardness of joint presents an approximate “W” types distribution on the whole, and the highest hardness value of the joint appears near the center of nugget zone, up to 146.5 HV0.2. Since the joint has the higher the fatigue strength ratio, and the S−N curve of the joint shows a smaller downward trend, the joint has the best fatigue performance and 7075‐T6 base metal has the worst fatigue performance. Linear fitting of 7075‐T6 base metal is
; linear fitting of 2A12‐T4 base metal is
; linear fitting of joint is
. The fracture analysis presents that the low‐cycle fatigue fracture mechanism of welding joint is quasi‐cleavage fracture, and the main mode of high cycle fatigue fracture is the inter crystalline fracture, mixed with ductile fracture.
Effect of friction stir welding on the microstructure and mechanical properties of AA 6063‐T6 aluminum alloy
Authors: Ozan S.
Published: August 2020

In this study, AA 6063‐T6 alloy plates were joined via friction stir welding using three different pin geometries (i. e., helical threaded, pentagonal and triangular) under various process parameters of tool rotational speed and welding speed. The microstructures and mechanical properties of the various welded joints were investigated. Macro‐structural observations revealed that kissing bonds occurred in the welded joints due to fractured oxide layers. X‐ray diffraction analysis indicated that the stir zones of the welded joints exhibited phases of Al8Fe2Si, Al5FeSi, and Mg2Si. In the welded joints, processed using a helical threaded pin, no tunnel‐type defect was detected to occur; specimens were fractured outside of the joint region during tensile tests, indicating that the kissing bonds formed in the stir zones did not cause any deterioration in tensile strength or ductility. The welded joints processed using a helical threaded, pentagonal and triangular pin at 500 min−1 tool rotational speed and 80 mm min−1 welding speed exhibited a ductile deformation behavior along with a tensile strength in the range of 153 MPa to 155 MPa.
Texture evolution during inclined cold rolling of used non‐oriented silicon steel
Authors: Song S. , Liu T. , Hu M.
Published: August 2020

With the objective of optimizing the texture components and exploring a method to improve the magnetic properties of used silicon steel, the methods of one inclined rolling and two inclined rolling were applied. The result shows: the new Goss grains were nucleated except at {111} deformed grains, and also formed at the grain boundary between two deformed grains with {113} orientation, and at grains boundaries between {113} and {100} deformed grain. The grain size after one inclined rolling (57 %) was larger and more homogeneous than the grain size after the two inclined rolling. Although with different cold rolling methods (one and two inclined rolling), the resulted annealing textures all had similar features. The difference was the relative intensities between the main texture. A significant feature of one inclined rolling was the intensification of the η‐fiber and the Goss texture component and the weakening of γ‐fiber. At an inclination angle of 60°, a significantly strong Goss texture was produced, which was highest among all samples, and the maximum volume fraction of {110}+{100} texture can also be obtained. One inclined rolling can better improve the magnetic properties of used silicon steel (B50), and the magnetic induction is between 1.712 T and 1.742 T. The highest magnetic induction of 1.742 T can be obtained by one inclined rolling (at an inclination angle of 60°).
Performance improvements of aluminum foam with different solder compositions via liquid diffusion welding
Authors: Yao C. , Hu Z.F. , Ren C.X. , Feng Y.Q. , Mo F.
Published: August 2020

Aluminum foam joints were fabricated via liquid diffusion welding with zinc‐aluminum alloy solder aided with ultrasonic vibration at 520 °C. Zinc‐aluminum alloys with different compositions (10 % aluminum, 20 % aluminum, 30 % aluminum) were used as solder material. The control group was fabricated under the same conditions but without ultrasonic assistance. The microstructure of aluminum foam joints was analyzed by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Among the different soldering alloys, those with the zinc‐20aluminum solder had the widest diffusion area and the most continuous interface. The tensile strength of metallurgic alloy joined aluminum foams was tested. Zn20Al samples had the best performance among all samples, including the low‐density substrate aluminum foam (0.3 g/cm3 and 0.4 g/cm3), but it still showed a lower performance than the high‐density substrate aluminum foam (0.6 g/cm3). Therefore, ultrasonic vibration remarkably improved the tensile strength and impact toughness of joints. Samples with ultrasonic assistance had better tensile strength and impact toughness than high‐density substrate aluminum.
Effect of graphene oxide content on morphology and topography of polysulfone‐based mixed matrix membrane for permeability and selectivity of carbon dioxide and methane
Authors: Karimi A. , Rajabi M. , Zahedi P.
Published: August 2020

In this work, mixed matrix membranes based on polysulfone containing different contents of graphene oxide were prepared using a phase inversion process. The morphological, and structural properties as well as surface features of the samples were investigated by means of field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, infrared and x‐ray diffraction spectroscopies, as well as atomic force microscopy. The gas permeation/selectivity behavior of graphene oxide‐loaded polysulfone samples was studied using pure carbon dioxide, and methane. Morphological images depicted that the addition of graphene oxide to polysulfone in the presence of isopropyl alcohol as non‐solvent was reduced the numbers of finger‐like macro‐voids, and caused to the formation of teardrop‐like structures. Besides the x‐ray patterns and Fourier transform infrared spectra confirmed the graphene oxide nano‐plates and polysulfone with no chemical interactions, the atomic force microscopic patterns demonstrated a decrease in the average roughness of samples’ surface from 21.85 nm for plain polysulfone membrane to 5.02 nm for ones containing 2 weight percentages of graphene oxide as the optimum sample. Finally, a significant enhancement for the selectivity of carbon dioxide/methane with the value of 38.08 has been observed by the sample which was approximately 22‐fold more than that of plain polysulfone.
Report of a germline double heterozygote in MSH2 and PALB2
Authors: Agiannitopoulos Konstantinos , Papadopoulou Eirini , Tsaousis Georgios N. , Pepe Georgia , Kampouri Stavroula , Patsea Eleni , Lypas George , Nasioulas George
Published: August 2020

Background

Carriers with pathogenic variants in MSH2 have increased risk to develop colorectal, endometrium, ovarian, and other types of cancer. The PALB2 is associated with breast, ovarian, pancreatic, and prostate cancer. We describe the case of a 42‐year‐old female diagnosed with endometrial cancer at the age of 42 years with a strong family history of colorectal cancer, which was referred to our private diagnostic laboratory for genetic testing.

Methods

In this study, we performed next‐generation sequencing (NGS) using an amplicon based 26 genes panel. The presence of multi‐exonic copy number variations (CNVs) was investigated by computational analysis and Multiplex Ligation‐dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA).

Results

A gross deletion of the genomic region encompassing exons 11–16 of the MSH2 and the loss‐of‐function variant c.757_758delCT, p.(Leu253Ilefs*3) in the PALB2 were identified in the proband.

Conclusions

Multigene analysis using NGS technology allows the identification of pathogenic variants in genes that would normally not be tested based on the patient diagnosis. In our case these results explained not only the personal and/or family history of cancer but also allowed the surveillance for prevention of other cancer types. Moreover, the detection of large genomic rearrangements should be routinely included in hereditary cancer testing.
Monotonicity results for nabla fractional h‐difference operators
Authors: Liu Xiang , Du Feifei , Anderson Douglas , Jia Baoguo
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we give a new method to show the monotonicity results for a function f satisfying
(or
) with ν ∈ (0,1], which has never been solved in the existing literatures. In addition, we give an example to illustrate one of our main results.
Using Harvest Slot Limits to Promote Stock Recovery and Broaden Age Structure in Marine Recreational Fisheries: A Case Study
Authors: Kasper Jacob M. , Brust Jeffrey , Caskenette Amanda , McNamee Jason , Vokoun Jason C. , Schultz Eric T.
Published: August 2020

Fish populations with broad age distributions are expected to have higher reproductive capacity than age-truncated populations because of the disproportionate contributions of older fish. Harvest slot limits, an expected means of ameliorating age truncation, are modeled for Tautog Tautoga onitis in an overfished population subunit that is experiencing overfishing. Tautog, currently managed with a 40-cm minimum size limit (MSL), is a candidate species for slots because it is relatively long-lived and slow-growing, with low discard mortality. We evaluated changes in biomass and abundance at age relative to management with the current MSL regulations using a forward population simulation model for four slots: 35–45 cm (small–wide), 38–42 cm (small–narrow), 40–50 cm (large–wide), and 43–47 cm (large-narrow), inclusive of lower and upper length limits. Angler behavioral responses were evaluated at 0, 10, and 20% noncompliance with the upper slot limit. The biomass and number of fish removed were reduced with harvest slot limit management relative to the MSL, but because the harvest was redirected to smaller fish the reduction in numbers removed was not as large as the reduction in biomass removed. Slot limits broadened the age structure within 10 years by reducing fishing mortality on extant fish. Median spawning stock biomass (SSB) recovered more quickly in three of the slots than with MSL regulation (3–6 years to reach SSB associated with a fishing mortality that yields 30% spawners per recruit as compared to 9 years with MSL management). We concluded that harvest slot limits can broaden age structure and restore biomass in overfished fisheries, but they should be evaluated when managing coastal fisheries as a reduction in biomass removed is required.
Ex vivo gadoxetate relaxivities in rat liver tissue and blood at five magnetic field strengths from 1.41 to 7 T
Authors: Ziemian Sabina , Green Claudia , Sourbron Steven , Jost Gregor , Schütz Gunnar , Hines Catherine D.G.
Published: August 2020

Quantitative mapping of gadoxetate uptake and excretion rates in liver cells has shown potential to significantly improve the management of chronic liver disease and liver cancer. Unfortunately, technical and clinical validation of the technique is currently hampered by the lack of data on gadoxetate relaxivity. The aim of this study was to fill this gap by measuring gadoxetate relaxivity in liver tissue, which approximates hepatocytes, in blood, urine and bile at magnetic field strengths of 1.41, 1.5, 3, 4.7 and 7 T. Measurements were performed ex vivo in 44 female Mrp2 knockout rats and 30 female wild‐type rats who had received an intravenous bolus of either 10, 25 or 40 μmol/kg gadoxetate. T1 was measured at 37 ± 3°C on NMR instruments (1.41 and 3 T), small‐animal MRI (4.7 and 7 T) and clinical MRI (1.5 and 3 T). Gadolinium concentration was measured with optical emission spectrometry or mass spectrometry. The impact on measurements of gadoxetate rate constants was determined by generalizing pharmacokinetic models to tissues with different relaxivities. Relaxivity values (L mmol−1 s−1) showed the expected dependency on tissue/biofluid type and field strength, ranging from 15.0 ± 0.9 (1.41) to 6.0 ± 0.3 (7) T in liver tissue, from 7.5 ± 0.2 (1.41) to 6.2 ± 0.3 (7) T in blood, from 5.6 ± 0.1 (1.41) to 4.5 ± 0.1 (7) T in urine and from 5.6 ± 0.4 (1.41) to 4.3 ± 0.6 (7) T in bile. Failing to correct for the relaxivity difference between liver tissue and blood overestimates intracellular uptake rates by a factor of 2.0 at 1.41 T, 1.8 at 1.5 T, 1.5 at 3 T and 1.2 at 4.7 T. The relaxivity values derived in this study can be used retrospectively and prospectively to remove a well‐known bias in gadoxetate rate constants. This will promote the clinical translation of MR‐based liver function assessment by enabling direct validation against reference methods and a more effective translation between in vitro findings, animal models and patient studies.
The roles of health literacy and social support in improving adherence to self‐care behaviours among older adults with heart failure
Authors: Jo Ahra , Ji Seo Eun , Son Youn‐Jung
Published: August 2020

Aim

To describe the associations between health literacy, social support and self‐care behaviours in older adults with heart failure.

Design

A cross‐sectional descriptive study.

Methods

A total of 252 older adults were recruited from a tertiary care hospital from September 2018–February 2019. Structured questionnaires and medical record reviews were used for data collection. Two steps of hierarchical regression analysis were employed to determine the predictors of self‐care behaviours.

Results

Health literacy (β = 0.27, p < .001) and social support (β = 0.32, p < .001) were significant determinants of self‐care behaviours in older adults with heart failure. Together, they explained 22% of the variance in self‐care behaviours.

Conclusion

Health literacy and perceived social support were positively associated with self‐care behaviours among older heart failure patients. Our findings can help health professionals develop heart failure self‐care interventions to enhance health literacy skills and social support for older adults.
Older persons and relatives’ experience of coordinated care planning via a video meeting
Authors: Hedqvist Ann‐Therese , Pennbrant Sandra , Karlsson Margareta
Published: August 2020

Aim

The study aimed to describe coordinated care planning via a video meeting from the perspective of older persons and their relatives.

Design

A qualitative inductive research design was used to describe older persons and relatives’ experience of care planning via video meeting.

Methods

Eight unstructured interviews were conducted. Purposive sampling resulted in a sample of four older persons and four relatives. The material was analysed by qualitative content analysis.

Results

The theme being excluded illustrates how the older persons and their relatives experienced care planning via a video meeting as lack of a personal relationship, meaninglessness and lack of participation. The older persons and their relatives had a feeling of being excluded and in an unfamiliar situation. Lack of information about the meeting's structure and content impaired their ability to prepare for it beforehand, which led to uncertainty.
Nursing experiences of COVID‐19 outbreak in Iran: A qualitative study
Authors: Kalateh Sadati Ahmad , Zarei Leila , Shahabi Saeed , Heydari Seyed Taghi , Taheri Vajihe , Jiriaei Razieh , Ebrahimzade Najme , Lankarani Kamran Bagheri
Published: August 2020

Aim

The global outbreak of coronavirus in 2020 was considered as a serious risk for healthcare providers, especially nurses. This study aimed to investigate nurses’ perceptions and experiences of COVID‐19 outbreak in Iran.

Design

This thematic analysis study was conducted in March 2020.

Method

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 24 nurses in Qazvin, Arak, Shiraz and Kashan cities of Iran.

Results

It was found out that all the participants had faced a mysterious world created by the virus. No one had clear understanding of the new virus and knew how to tackle with such a virus. In this case, the main experiences were related to defected preparedness, the worst perceived risk, family protection, social stigma and sacrificial commitment. Urgent preparedness of facilities in such outbreaks is inevitable. Accordingly, psycho‐social support of nurses and their families and strengthening their sacrificial commitments are proposed in these conditions.
Electrochemiluminescence Mechanisms Investigated with Smartphone‐Based Sensor Data Modeling, Parameter Estimation and Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: Rivera Elmer Ccopa , Summerscales Rodney L. , Tadi Uppala Padma P. , Kwon Hyun J.
Published: August 2020

The present study introduces a unified framework combining a mechanistic model with a genetic algorithm (GA) for the parameter estimation of electrochemiluminescence (ECL) kinetics of the Ru(bpy)32+/TPrA system occurring in a smartphone‐based sensor. The framework allows a straightforward solution for simultaneous estimation of multiple parameters which can be, otherwise, time‐consuming and lead to non‐convergence. Model parameters are estimated by achieving a high correlation between the model prediction and the measured ECL intensity from the ECL sensor. The developed model is used to perform a sensitivity analysis (SA), which provides quantitative effects of the model parameters on the concentrations of chemical species involved in the system. The results demonstrate that the GA‐based parameter estimation and the SA approaches are effective in analyzing the kinetics of the ECL mechanism. Therefore, these approaches can be incorporated as analysis tools in the ECL kinetics study with practical application in the calibration of mechanistic models for any required sensing condition.
Hydroxylated boron nitride nanotube‐reinforced polyvinyl alcohol nanocomposite films with simultaneous improvement of mechanical and thermal properties
Authors: Lu Xiaolong , Nautiyal Pranjal , Bustillos Jenniffer , Loganathan Archana , Zhang Cheng , Chen Yao , Boesl Benjamin , Agarwal Arvind
Published: August 2020

Stable dispersion of boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) in a solvent is a critical challenge that has restricted the development of potential applications. In this study, stable BNNT aqueous dispersions are obtained by direct tip sonication in water without any surfactant and organic solvent. BNNTs are functionalized with hydroxyl groups (OH) as a result of the tip sonication‐assisted hydrolysis. The energy from tip sonication results in the disentanglement of the as‐received BNNT clusters and partial B‐N bond cleavage to unzip nanotubes. Using the BNNT aqueous dispersion, a transparent, strong, and ductile OH‐BNNT‐reinforced polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) multifunctional nanocomposite film is prepared. Tensile fracture strength, Young's modulus, and elongation at failure of 1.0 wt% OH‐BNNT/PVA nanocomposite film increased by 46%, 55%, and 45%, respectively, in comparison with pure PVA film. The addition of a mere 1.0 wt% BNNT contributed to a significant (25%) improvement in thermal conductivity. Simultaneous improvement in mechanical and thermal properties is attributed to the superior intrinsic properties of homogenously dispersed BNNTs and strong interfacial interactions between OH‐BNNT and PVA chains.
Controllable Synthesis of Upconversion Nanophosphors toward Scale‐Up Productions
Authors: Jiao Yiran , Ling Chen , Wang Jie‐Xin , Amanico Honeyfer , Saczek Joshua , Wang Haoyu , Sridhar Sreepathy , Xu Ben Bin , Wang Steven , Wang Dan
Published: August 2020

Upconversion nanophosphors (UCNPs) are considered as an important synthesis arm within biomedical and energy sectors due to their unique optical characteristics, which can convert near‐infrared light into higher energy emissions. However, key challenges, cost, compatibility of the materials, etc. have to be taken into serious consideration to transform this in‐lab UCNPs technology into scale‐up production for wider commercial needs. This review highlights the fundamental concepts of synthetic approaches for UCNPs and recaps recent advances in terms of large‐scale production. A number of typical synthesis routes in both batch and continuous processes are reviewed, alongside their limitations and potential improvements when being considered for mass production. By discussing and exploiting the technical compacity for the potential synthetic trends, key challenges, and expectations of future synthesis methods for UCNPs are also outlined.
Particle Size of X‐ray Pumped UVC‐Emitting Nanoparticles Defines Intracellular Localization and Biological Activity Against Cancer Cells
Authors: Müller Matthias , Rahmanzadeh Ramtin , Tran Thao , Kappelhoff Jan , Akam Eman Aburieda , Caravan Peter , Jüstel Thomas , Held Kathryn D. , Anderson R. Rox , Purschke Martin
Published: August 2020

Effectiveness of radiation treatment for cancer is limited in hypoxic tumors. Previous data shows that UVC‐emitting nanoparticles enhance cytotoxicity of X‐ray irradiation in hypoxic tumor cells. This study examines the impact on cell killing, particle size, uptake into cells, incubation time, and UV emission intensity of LuPO4:Pr3+,Nd3+. A549 cells are treated with LuPO4:Pr3+,Nd3+ and X‐rays. The surviving fraction is evaluated using the colony formation assay after treatment of cells with different particle sizes (D50 = 0.16 and 5.05 µm) and after different incubation times before X‐ray irradiation. Nanoparticle uptake into cells is verified by transmission electron microscopy and quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The microparticles exhibit a five times higher emission intensity compared to nanoparticles. Both particle sizes show an increased cytotoxic effect after X‐ray excitation with prolonged incubation times. Surprisingly, the smaller nanoparticles show a significantly higher biological effect compared to the larger particles, despite their significantly lower UVC emission. Nanoparticles accumulate more quickly and closer to the nucleus than the microparticles, resulting in higher localized UVC emission and greater lethality. The results suggest that the number of intracellular particles and their proximity to the cell DNA is more important than the emission intensity of the particles.
Digital auscultation in PERCH: Associations with chest radiography and pneumonia mortality in children
Authors: McCollum Eric D. , Park Daniel E. , Watson Nora L. , Fancourt Nicholas S. S. , Focht Christopher , Baggett Henry C. , Brooks W. Abdullah , Howie Stephen R. C. , Kotloff Karen L. , Levine Orin S. , Madhi Shabir A. , Murdoch David R. , Scott J. Anthony G. , Thea Donald M. , Awori Juliet O. , Chipeta James , Chuananon Somchai , DeLuca Andrea N. , Driscoll Amanda J. , Ebruke Bernard E. , Elhilali Mounya , Emmanouilidou Dimitra , Githua Louis Peter , Higdon Melissa M. , Hossain Lokman , Jahan Yasmin , Karron Ruth A. , Kyalo Joshua , Moore David P. , Mulindwa Justin M. , Naorat Sathapana , Prosperi Christine , Verwey Charl , West James E. , Knoll Maria Deloria , O'Brien Katherine L. , Feikin Daniel R. , Hammitt Laura L.
Published: August 2020

Background

Whether digitally recorded lung sounds are associated with radiographic pneumonia or clinical outcomes among children in low‐income and middle‐income countries is unknown. We sought to address these knowledge gaps.

Methods

We enrolled 1 to 59monthold children hospitalized with pneumonia at eight African and Asian Pneumonia Etiology Research for Child Health sites in six countries, recorded digital stethoscope lung sounds, obtained chest radiographs, and collected clinical outcomes. Recordings were processed and classified into binary categories positive or negative for adventitial lung sounds. Listening and reading panels classified recordings and radiographs. Recording classification associations with chest radiographs with World Health Organization (WHO)‐defined primary endpoint pneumonia (radiographic pneumonia) or mortality were evaluated. We also examined case fatality among risk strata.

Results

Among children without WHO danger signs, wheezing (without crackles) had a lower adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for radiographic pneumonia (0.35, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.15, 0.82), compared to children with normal recordings. Neither crackle only (no wheeze) (aOR: 2.13, 95% CI: 0.91, 4.96) or any wheeze (with or without crackle) (aOR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.34, 1.15) were associated with radiographic pneumonia. Among children with WHO danger signs no lung recording classification was independently associated with radiographic pneumonia, although trends toward greater odds of radiographic pneumonia were observed among children classified with crackle only (no wheeze) or any wheeze (with or without crackle). Among children without WHO danger signs, those with recorded wheezing had a lower case fatality than those without wheezing (3.8% vs. 9.1%, p = .03).

Conclusions

Among lower risk children without WHO danger signs digitally recorded wheezing is associated with a lower odds for radiographic pneumonia and with lower mortality. Although further research is needed, these data indicate that with further development digital auscultation may eventually contribute to child pneumonia care.
A phage‐displayed single‐chain Fab library optimized for rapid production of single‐chain IgGs
Authors: Hanna Rachel , Cardarelli Lia , Patel Nish , Blazer Levi L. , Adams Jarrett J. , Sidhu Sachdev S.
Published: August 2020

Phage‐displayed synthetic antibody (Ab) repertoires have become a major source of affinity reagents for basic and clinical research. Specific Abs identified from such libraries are often screened as fragments antigen binding (Fabs) produced in bacteria, and those with desired biochemical characteristics are reformatted for production as full‐length immunoglobulin G (IgG) in mammalian cells. The conversion of Fabs to IgGs is a cumbersome and often rate‐limiting step in the development of Abs. Moreover, biochemical properties required for lead IgG development are not always shared by the Fabs, and these issues are not uncovered until a significant effort has been spent on Abs that ultimately will not be useful. Thus, there is a need for simple and rapid techniques to convert phage‐displayed Fabs to IgGs at an early stage of the Ab screening process. We report the generation of a highly diverse phage‐displayed synthetic single‐chain Fab (scFab) library, in which the light and heavy chains were tethered with an optimized linker. Following selection, pools of scFabs were converted to single‐chain IgGs (scIgGs) en masse, enabling facile screening of hundreds of phage‐derived scIgGs. We show that this approach can be used to rapidly screen for and select scIgGs that target cell‐surface receptors, and scIgGs behave the same as conventional IgGs.
The crystal structure of AbsH3: A putative flavin adenine dinucleotide‐dependent reductase in the abyssomicin biosynthesis pathway
Authors: Clinger Jonathan A. , Wang Xiachang , Cai Wenlong , Zhu Yanyan , Miller Mitchell D. , Zhan Chang‐Guo , Van Lanen Steven G. , Thorson Jon S. , Phillips George N.
Published: August 2020

Natural products and natural product‐derived compounds have been widely used for pharmaceuticals for many years, and the search for new natural products that may have interesting activity is ongoing. Abyssomicins are natural product molecules that have antibiotic activity via inhibition of the folate synthesis pathway in microbiota. These compounds also appear to undergo a required [4 + 2] cycloaddition in their biosynthetic pathway. Here we report the structure of an flavin adenine dinucleotide‐dependent reductase, AbsH3, from the biosynthetic gene cluster of novel abyssomicins found in Streptomyces sp. LC‐6‐2.
Prediction of the self‐accelerating decomposition temperature of organic peroxides
Authors: Achary Patnala Ganga Raju , Toropova Alla P. , Toropov Andrey A.
Published: August 2020

The decomposition of the organic peroxide is exothermic, and that heat can be utilized for the desired or expected reactions by the polymers or emulsion. However, the unwanted decomposition of these peroxides (when present alone not with other polymers or emulsions) generates heat which is not dissipated properly and can cause serious problems. Looking at these obvious disadvantages one would be convinced that, there is an urgent and desirable requirement for the development of alternate reliable methods to predict self‐accelerating decomposition temperature (SADT) for organic peroxides. Predictions for SADT were built with a dataset of organic peroxides by the application of the criterion of “Index of Ideality of Correlation (IIC).” Here, the advantage of the target functions which are calculated with taking into account the IIC is demonstrated. The IIC is a mathematical function of two variables: (a) correlation coefficient; and (b) MAE.
Electrical Conductivity Studies in Sol–Gel‐Derived Li‐Doped NiO Epitaxial Thin Films
Authors: Kokubun Yoshihiro , Nakagomi Shinji
Published: August 2020

The electrical properties of transparent Li‐doped nickel oxide (NiO) epitaxial thin films grown on MgO (100) substrates using a sol–gel spin‐coating technique are investigated as to the Li concentration as determined by secondary ion mass spectroscopy. The epitaxial growth of the cubic Li‐doped NiO films with a cube‐on‐cube relationship is confirmed by X‐ray diffraction measurements. The electrical conductivity increases superlinearly with increasing Li concentration from 0.028 to 7.5 at%. The temperature dependence of the conductivity and the linear dependence of the activation energy on the mean distance between Li ions suggest that the conductivity can be explained within a hopping conduction framework. However, the significant Hall voltages observed in Hall effect measurements suggest the existence of nonhopping carriers in addition to hopping carriers. The Li concentration dependence of the conductivity cannot be well explained by the widely used model of small polaron hopping in which small polarons conduct through thermally activated hopping between nearest‐neighbor Ni sites. Instead, the observed dependence is well explained quantitatively by a model combining polaronic interacceptor hopping and nonhopping conductions. Polaronic interacceptor hopping conduction dominates for Li concentrations below 1 at%, whereas nonhopping conduction dominates for higher Li concentrations.
The effects of green tea on acne vulgaris: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Kim Sooyoung , Park Tae H. , Kim Woo I. , Park Suyeon , Kim Jae H. , Cho Moon K.
Published: August 2020

Green tea extract (GTE) has been studied for the treatment of acne based on its anti‐inflammatory/antioxidant properties. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to examine the effects of GTE on acne. Electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched up to August 2019. The effect size of acne lesion counts is presented as mean differences and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Five randomized‐controlled studies were included in the meta‐analysis (N; experimental = 125, control = 122). GTE significantly reduced the number of inflammatory lesions (−9.38; 95% CI: −14.13 to −4.63). In subgroup analysis, topical GTE application significantly reduced the inflammatory lesion counts (−11.39; 95% CI: −15.91 to −6.86) whereas oral GTE intake showed minimal effect (−1.40; 95% CI: −2.50 to −0.30). Although GTE did not significantly reduce the number of non‐inflammatory lesions (−21.65; 95% CI: −47.52 to 4.22), when stratified by the route of admission, non‐inflammatory acne lesions were significantly reduced by topical GTE application (−32.44; 95% CI: −39.27 to −25.62) but not with oral GTE administration (0.20; 95% CI: 0.00 to 0.40). This systematic review and meta‐analysis suggest that topical GTE application is beneficial for the treatment of acne without causing significant adverse events while oral GTE intake has limited effects. Further high‐quality clinical trials are warranted.
Residue decomposition and priming of soil organic carbon following different NPK fertilizer histories
Authors: You Mengyang , Li Lu‐Jun , Tian Qing , He Peng , He Guiping , Hao Xiang‐Xiang , Horwath William R.
Published: August 2020

The effect of mineral fertilizer practices on increasing crop yield has been well studied, but few studies have examined the influence of various long‐term subtractive fertilization designs on the decomposition of crop residues or the influence on soil organic carbon (SOC) levels. To assess the combined effects of the long‐term (27‐yr) subtractive fertilizer inputs on SOC mineralization rates, we studied the change in added 13C‐labeled corn (Zea mays L.) stem and leaf residue decomposition and the magnitude of priming effect (PE) on SOC in a 56‐d lab incubation. The long‐term history of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) combinations showed that coupling N and P fertilization had a strong effect on SOC content which increased by 6% relative to the unfertilized treatment. Soil organic C mineralization rates with no residue added were highest in soils that received N, P, and K. Cumulative CO2 production in soils amended with residue was significantly affected by residue type and was 9–19% higher for leaves than stems across treatments with varied fertilization histories. After a 56‐d incubation 14–16% of leaf C and 18–19% of stem C was mineralized. The cumulative PE was significantly higher in the unfertilized soil with leaf addition but was not affected by residue type in other treatments. Our data showed that crop residue decomposition and SOC is affected by historical N, P, and K fertilization, with long‐term complete NPK application resulting in greater SOC content and slower SOC mineralization rates with corn leaf addition.
Framework Copper Catalyzed Oxidative Synthesis of Quinazolinones: A Benign Approach Using Cu3(BTC)2 MOF as an Efficient and Reusable Catalyst
Authors: Latha Ganesapandian , Devarajan Nainamalai , Suresh Palaniswamy
Published: August 2020

A benign and straightforward method to access quinazolinones have been developed using easily preparable Cu3(BTC)2 MOF as a sustainable solid‐Lewis acid catalyst under mild condition. Cu3(BTC)2 MOF was prepared and characterized using various analytical tools such as PXRD, FT‐IR, SEM, TGA, and ICP‐OES. Synthesis of the quinazolinone is catalyzed by the presence of coordinatively unsaturated open CuII sites in Cu3(BTC)2 MOF using renewable ethanol as a solvent with minimum copper loading (0.07 mmol) without any harsh reaction condition. A series of substituted quinazolinones were synthesized with good to excellent yields. The efficiency of the present framework copper catalysts was rationalized by comparing with other MOFs and homogeneous catalytic systems. The stability of the catalyst was demonstrated by six consecutive runs and heterogeneity test, which was also evidenced from the technical supports such as PXRD, FT‐IR and SEM analyses of the recovered catalyst.
Analytic hierarchy process‐based prioritization framework for vendor's reliability challenges in global software development
Authors: Khan Abdul Wahid , Hussain Imtiaz , Zamir Muhammad
Published: August 2020

The concept of global software development was adopted by software organizations for the purpose of delivering quality software products at a reduced cost. Software reliability became one of the eminent challenges in the global software development. The main objective of this research paper is to develop a classification of the challenging factors in the global software development process faced by vendor organizations. The classification of the challenges depends on the data gathered through systematic literature review and implementation of the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). A total of 18 challenges were explored through systematic literature review and mapped into five categories, that is, capability, reliance, delivery, management, and distinction. The explored issues played a major role for assisting the researcher and designer for mitigating the challenges during “AHP based prioritization framework for Vendor's Reliability challenges in Global Software Development”. Taking the AHP approach, we tried to fill this research gap by exploring and prioritizing the challenges that could negatively impact the vendor reliability of a specific organization. The classification of the explored challenges provided a framework that was used to deal with the issues associated with software reliability in the global software environment, which provided the vital role for the success of software organizations.
Application Potential and Technological Properties of Colored Sweet Potato Starches
Authors: Paixão e Silva Giselle de Lima , Bento Juliana Aparecida Correia , Ribeiro Gislane Oliveira , Lião Luciano Morais , Soares Júnior Manoel Soares , Caliari Márcio
Published: August 2020

The objective of this study is to demonstrate the application potential of starches extracted from four varieties of colored sweet potatoes by determining their technological, thermal, and pasting properties. The purple sweet potato (PSP) starch presents the largest mean diameter (14.2 µm). The white sweet potato (WSP), orange sweet potato (OSP), beige sweet potato (BSP), and PSP starches present an inconspicuous triplet on the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The WSP and OSP starches show CA‐Type and the BSP and PSP starches show A‐Type characteristics on the X‐ray spectrum. The BSP and PSP starches show the presence of peaks in amorphous regions on the Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy. The differential scanning colorimetry (DSC) thermogram of the BSP and PSP starches show lower gelatinization energies and wider gelatinization temperature ranges (difference between the conclusion and onset temperatures). The viscoamylographic profiles of the WSP and OSP starches show greater thermal stability. These technological properties demonstrate the potential application of these starches in sauces, snacks, instant soups, dairy desserts, yogurts, and bread.