bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical Performance of Polyethylene Joints Based on Nanocomposites Doped with Titanium Dioxide
Authors: Catauro Michelina , Scolaro Cristina , Visco Annamaria
Published: February 2020

Two sheets of polyethylene (biomedical type) are welded by a diode laser; one of the two layers is doped with titanium dioxide nanoparticles at different concentrations in order to enhance the absorption coefficient at the laser wavelength. The doped nanocomposite plastic has the typical white color of pure polyethylene. Single‐lap geometries are stressed by means of mechanical static lap shear and hardness tests in order to check the change induced by laser energy absorption and choose the best filler amount. These polymeric joints can be useful in biomedical field for the special features of the ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene and for the particular advantages of high sealing precision required in medical devices.
Analysis of Hip Prostheses Materials Properties
Authors: Cotoros Diana , Druga Corneliu , Stanciu Anca
Published: February 2020

The most frequent reason for replacing a hip prosthesis is the aseptic loss of an implant component, with or without osteolysis. As around 93% of the arthroplasties (e.g., in Sweden) are cemented and it can be concluded that aseptic mobilization is the most frequent cause of damaging in cemented implants. Aseptic mobilizations often indicate poor shear resistance or a faulty interface between the cement and the components or catastrophic wear as a result of high debris production (from cement, metal, or polyethylene), which together with the hydraulic effects of the joint lead to osteolysis. As a follow up, the end users (medical staff and patients) need to be sure that the bone cements are fit for purpose. Considering the abovementioned issues, the paper concerns the analysis of cement and hip implant component behavior for the most used materials in hip arthroplasties in order to provide end users with a reliable tool in materials testing.
Tribological Modeling of the Hip Joint
Authors: Braun Barbu Cristian , Drugă Corneliu Nicolae , Şerban Ionel , Cotoros Diana , Radu Necula
Published: February 2020

The paper presents a series of aspects regarding the main biotribological phenomena occurring in the synovial joints. Although a great deal of research is carried out around the world about the biotribological processes in the human body's synovial joints, due to their complexity, they are not yet been fully understood and cannot establish a unique model of lubrication mechanism in these joints. The problem is complicated by the fact that in reality the cartilage is neither homogeneous nor isotropic and undergoes a large deformation during loading. According to several researchers, implantation and expulsion of synovial fluid in cartilage is not a simple phenomenon, although the boosted or weeping type of lubrication suggests this. The self‐generating lubrication mechanism postulated by Mow et al. (1987) takes into account the biphasic nature of cartilage and is based on the load‐dividing factor between the solid phase and the liquid. In recent years, studies have also been carried out to explore possible links between synovial joint lubrication mechanisms and degeneration processes. Tribological modeling is based on a number of parameters, such as: lubricant film thickness (or synovial fluid), maximum physiological load, articular cartilage surface roughness, friction coefficient, surface roughness, and lubrication regime.
Algorithm for Micro‐Profiling from Image of the Injection Molds Complex Surfaces
Authors: Serban Daniiel , Opran Constantin Gheorghe
Published: February 2020

Nature is an excellent source of inspiration. Understanding nature can lead to new discoveries of new materials, applications, products. Scientists have found out technologies that seek to mimic some of life's unique innovations. In Germany researchers have developed a synthetic shark skin made of elastic silicone that reduces bio‐fouling. Engineers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed some “biomimicry” material out of glass and plastic that collects minute amounts of water, just like the Namib Desert beetle's back. Polymer composites are used for a very good replication of the mold cavities surface microstructures. Transformation of image to surface could be an economical solution for machining the injection mold cavities for mimic the inspiration source. In this paper an algorithm for combining the tool paths obtained on an image‐to‐surface technique with the tool paths on a complex shaped cavity is presented. The algorithm is tested by micro‐milling an injection mold surface of a cavity for a scale model stone wall and the injection molding experiments have proven the high quality of detail replication.
Composite Parts Assembly Operational Improvements
Authors: Greco Alessandro , Caputo Francesco , Caterino Mario , D'Ambra Sara , Fera Marcello , Laudante Elena
Published: February 2020

In the era of Industry 4.0, automation plays a key role in improving manufacturing production processes in terms of working times, accuracy of operations, products’ quality, and so on. With focus on the working tasks on composite components, drilling and riveting operations require particular attention due to the possibility of damage to the final product, especially when they are executed manually. To reduce these kinds of risks, the introduction of a robot in the working area could represent an improvement to speed up the processes and to ensure a better quality result. It is worth noting that human intervention remains necessary for carrying out a part of the sub‐tasks, especially in the case of composite assembly procedures. This paper aims at presenting a case study about the drilling and riveting operations on a composite aircraft fuselage whose working cell is characterized by the coexistence of a human and a robot. Moreover, the implementation of a numerical simulation allows validating the working cycle and the adopted solutions in terms of ergonomic performance.
Some Considerations on the Composite Structure of the Human Eye
Authors: Lazar Alexandra Maria , Baritz Mihaela Ioana
Published: February 2020

The construction of the human eyeball has characteristics of the composite structure considering the optically transparent media (cornea, crystalline) that participate in the formation of images on the surface of the retina. Both the cornea and the crystalline are formed by thin cellular layers that behave like structures composed of elastic curved plates. The first part of the article presents the theoretical aspects that are the basis of the biomechanical approach of this ensemble. In the second part, the aspects of the modeling of the optical behavior of the eyeball and elasticity of the lens are presented. The final part of the article presents the conclusions regarding the behavior of the composite structure of the ocular globe from a biomechanical and optical point of view.
Some Aspects Regarding the Construction of a Portable Perimeter Made by Composite Materials
Authors: Gabriela Apostoaie Mirela
Published: February 2020

The visual field is one of the decisive factors in detecting the degree of visual defect. Testing it at all ages is essential due to the possibility of the appearance of different visual field defects from an early age. The current devices reduce the testing possibilities due to the very large dimensions and weight. The use of composite materials for the design of this type of devices allows the construction of devices that are easier and more accessible as portability.
Research Regarding Development of Expert Systems for Polymeric Products Design and Manufacturing
Authors: Vulpes Tiberiu Cristian , Opran Constantin Gheorghe
Published: February 2020

Polymeric products design and manufacturing is a complex industrial process that combines elements of chemical composition of plastics with injection modeling technology designed to optimize economic and technical parameters. A number of risks can disrupt the proper execution of the works and consequently alter the technical and economic objectives. In this paper the results of research regarding expert system for polymeric products design and manufacturing are presented. This system determines the level of risk of the different execution stages by risk identification and qualitative assessment through a series of predefined questions and hypothetical answers.
Relaxation Time Spectrum and Dynamics of Stretched Polymer Chain in Dilute θ Solution: Implicit Solvent Model versus Explicit Solvent Model
Authors: Yao Ning , Li Jiangtao , Gu Fang , Wang Haijun , Liao Qi
Published: February 2020

Relaxation dynamics of a single stretched polymer chain after releasing the two fixed ends in dilute solutions are investigated by using implicit solvent and explicit solvent molecular dynamic simulations. The phase diagram of polymer in explicit solvent solution is determined, and the θ point is estimated by the form factor of the polymer chain. The relaxation time spectrum is obtained by the inverse Laplace transform of length–time decay curves of the relaxation process. The dependencies of the longest relaxation time in the spectrum on the chain length are compared with the scaling prediction of the Rouse model and the Zimm model of flexible chains. In this paper, it is confirmed that the dynamical scaling analysis of theoretical models are in good agreement with the simulation models in all range of polymerization degree of chain studied. The coarse‐grained explicit solvent simulation model of polymer chain in dilute solution developed in this paper can be a good numerical model for the future study of the dynamics process of macromolecules with hydrodynamic interactions in solutions.
A study of fractional Lotka‐Volterra population model using Haar wavelet and Adams‐Bashforth‐Moulton methods
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Kumar Ranbir , Agarwal Ravi P. , Samet Bessem
Published: February 2020

The Lotka‐Volterra (LV) system is an interesting mathematical model because of its significant and wide applications in biological sciences and ecology. A fractional LV model in the Caputo sense is investigated in this paper. Namely, we provide a comparative study of the considered model using Haar wavelet and Adams‐Bashforth‐Moulton methods. For the first method, the Haar wavelet operational matrix of the fractional order integration is derived and used to solve the fractional LV model. The main characteristic of the operational method is to convert the considered model into an algebraic equation which is easy to solve. To demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed methods, some numerical tests are provided.
A novel topology optimization formulation for enhancing fracture resistance with a single quasi‐brittle material
Authors: Russ Jonathan B. , Waisman Haim
Published: February 2020

Optimal design of structures for fracture resistance is a challenging subject. This appears to be largely due to the strongly nonlinear governing equations associated with explicitly modeling fracture propagation. We propose a topology optimization formulation, in which low weight structures are obtained with significantly increased resistance to brittle fracture, in which crack propagation is explicitly modeled with the phase field approach. By contrast to our previous work, several important features are included which greatly assist the optimizer in dealing with the strongly discontinuous brittle fracture process, including a new objective function, which provides additional path information to the optimizer. Increased local control of the topology is introduced via a smoothed threshold function in the phase field fracture formulation and a constraint relaxation continuation scheme is proposed to alleviate some difficulty during the initial optimization iterations. The derivation of the analytical, path‐dependent sensitivities for the relevant functions is provided and the results from two benchmark numerical examples are presented which demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
The impact of face‐to‐face street fundraising on organizational reputation
Authors: Waldner Carolin J. , Willems Jurgen , Ehmann Judith , Gies Felix
Published: February 2020

Although many stakeholders perceive face‐to‐face street fundraising as unpleasant, nonprofit managers encourage it as a way to attract donors. To understand the long‐term effects of this fundraising method, we used a mixed‐methods experimental design to investigate how face‐to‐face street fundraising affects organizational reputation and stakeholder support intentions in comparison with letter fundraising. The findings reveal that face‐to‐face street fundraising has a significant negative influence on the stakeholders' perceptions of an organization. Further, qualitative data show that the negative perception originates primarily from perceived pressure, distrust, and obtrusion, which are triggered by face‐to‐face street fundraising. Our study thus reveals long‐term reputational consequences that nonprofit organizations should consider before deciding on fundraising methods.
The impact of climate change on maize yields and its variability in Telangana, India: A panel approach study
Authors: Guntukula Raju , Goyari Phanindra
Published: February 2020

The present study explores the effect of climate change on maize yields and its variance in Telangana utilizing Just–Pope production function, spanning the period 1956–2015. The three‐step feasible generalized least squares (FGLS) method is employed to estimate the Just and Pope production function. The empirical results of the work reveal that the average minimum temperature has a significant unfavorable effect on maize yield in Telangana. Maximum temperature and actual rainfall are positively related with maize yield; however, the maximum temperature is not statistically significant. Furthermore, rainfall and minimum temperature are risk‐shrinking factors, but the maximum temperature is a risk‐enhancing factor for maize yields during the study period. The study results have key implications for developing suitable local level adaptation policies in Telangana.
A novel plasmid–Escherichia coli system produces large batch dsRNAs for insect gene silencing
Authors: Ma Zhong‐Zheng , Zhou Hang , Wei Yan‐Long , Yan Shuo , Shen Jie
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

RNA interference (RNAi)‐based pest management requires efficient delivery and large‐batch production of double‐stranded (ds)RNA. We previously developed a nanocarrier‐mediated dsRNA delivery system that could penetrate an insect's body and efficiently silence gene expression. However, there is a great need to improve the plasmid–Escherichia coli system for the mass production of dsRNA. Here, for efficient dsRNA production, we removed the rnc gene encoding endoribonuclease RNase III in E. coli BL21(DE3) and matched with the RNAi expression vector containing a single T7 promoter.

RESULTS

The novel pET28‐BL21(DE3) RNase III‐system was successfully constructed to express vestigial (vg)‐dsRNA against Harmonia axyridis. dsRNA was extracted and purified from cell cultures in four E. coil systems, and the yields of dsRNA in pET28‐BL21(DE3) RNase III‐, pET28‐HT115(DE3), L4440‐BL21(DE3) RNase III‐ and L4440‐HT115(DE3) were 4.23, 2.75, 0.88 and 1.30 μg mL−1 respectively. The dsRNA expression efficiency of our novel E. coil system was three times that of L4440‐HT115(DE3), a widely used dsRNA production system. The RNAi efficiency of dsRNA produced by our system and by biochemical synthesis was comparable when injected into Harmonia axyridis.

CONCLUSION

Our system expressed dsRNA more efficiently than the widely used L4440‐HT115(DE3) system, and the produced dsRNA showed a high gene‐silencing effect. Notably, our pET28‐BL21(DE3) RNase III‐system provides a novel method for the mass production of dsRNA at low cost and high efficiency, which may promote gene function analysis and RNAi‐based pest management. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Implementing a globally harmonized risk assessment‐based approach for regulatory decision‐making of crop protection products
Authors: Wolf Douglas C , Aggarwal Manoj , Battalora Michael , Blacker Ann , Catalano Shadia I , Cazarin Karen , Lautenschalaeger Daniele , Pais Mariana C , Rodríguez Mauricio , Rupprecht Kent , Serex Tessa L , Mehta Jyotigna
Published: February 2020

A global, harmonized evaluation system for crop protection chemicals based on exposure and risk will improve the ability to inform risk management decisions and better support innovation. This would be achieved through harmonized risk assessment‐based regulatory decision‐making realized through the application of the best available science, via integration of new methods and traditional data to create tailored exposure‐driven risk assessments. A requirement to achieve success is a structure that encourages direct communication between the regulatory community and the regulated industry, which would enable a more rapid incorporation of new technologies and advancing science. An approach that emulates the International Conference of Harmonization (ICH) for pharmaceuticals would bring together regulatory authorities and the regulated industry along with relevant experts from academia and Non‐Governmental Organizations to discuss scientific and technical advances and their implementation. These discussions would also encourage the elimination of outmoded practices that no longer serve a purpose resulting in more uniform testing requirements and best practices for data evaluation to support safe use and scientifically defensible human health and environmental risk assessments. New and developing technologies offer exciting opportunities to improve the current toxicity testing paradigms to provide better solutions and diminish animal testing. Implementation of a harmonized approach will increase the speed, efficiency and accuracy of regulatory decision‐making for human health and environmental protection while increasing the efficiency of providing safe and effective innovative products to the agriculture community. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
A standardised bioassay method using a bench‐top spray tower to evaluate entomopathogenic fungi for control of the greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum
Authors: Spence Eleanor L , Chandler David , Edgington Steve , Berry Shaun D , Martin Gareth , O'Sullivan Christine , Svendsen Claus , Hesketh Helen
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

Bioassays evaluating entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) isolates for effective microbial control of whitefly are a fundamental part of the screening process for bioprotectants, but development of repeatable, robust bioassays is not straightforward. Currently, there is no readily available standardised method to test the efficacy of EPF on whitefly.

Here, we describe the calibration and use of a spray tower to deliver a standardised protocol to assess EPF activity; the method was validated using 18 EPF from four genera in tests against greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood).

RESULTS

At 138 kPa, the sprayer delivered 0.062 mL mm−2 (620 L ha−1) and an even deposition of spray across the central 1590 mm2 of the spray area.

Average conidial deposition for all EPF was 252 conidia mm−2 and equivalent to 2.5 × 1012 conidia ha−1 at an application concentration of 1 × 107 conidia mL−1. Conidial deposition of a test Beauveria bassiana suspension increased with increasing application concentration.

Egg laying by T. vaporariorum adults was restricted to 177 mm2 using clip cages specifically designed to ensure that third‐instar T. vaporariorum received a uniform spray coverage. Nymphs occupied 373 ± 5 mm2 of the leaf after migrating during the first instar.

Average T. vaporariorum mortality totaled 8–89% 14 days after application of 1 × 107 conidia mL−1 of each EPF isolate.

CONCLUSION

Combining the calibrated sprayer and bioassay method provides a reliable, standardised approach to test the virulence of EPF against whitefly nymphs. This laboratory‐based assay is affordable, replicable and allows the user to alter the dose of conidia applied to the target.
Resistance assessment for SYP‐14288 in Phytophthora capsici and changes in mitochondria electric potential‐associated respiration and ATP production confers resistance
Authors: Wang Zhiwen , Peng Qin , Hou Yanhua , Gao Xiang , Zhong Shan , Fang Yuan , Liu Changling , Liu Xili
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

Phytophthora capsici is a destructive plant oomycete pathogen that could lead to devastating losses in food production. Fungicide application is the main way to control plant disease caused by P. capsici. SYP‐14288, a novel fungicide with a unique mode of action, could be used to control a broad range of plant diseases. Here, the potential for SYP‐14288 resistance in P. capsici and the resistance mechanism involved were evaluated.

RESULTS

Baseline sensitivities of 133 isolates to SYP‐14288 were determined and found to conform to a unimodal curve with a mean half‐maximal effective concentration (EC50) of 0.625 μg mL−1. In total, 21 stable SYP‐14288‐resistant mutants were generated by fungicide adaptation in three sensitive isolates. The fitness of all the mutants was found to be lower than that of the parental isolates. Otherwise, downregulation of various ATPases may confer different resistance levels in P. capsici. Finally, multiple biochemical studies strongly suggest that both ATP content and electric potential were reduced in SYP‐14288‐resistant mutants, and as a compensatory mechanism, respiration was facilitated to make up for the energy defect in mutants.

CONCLUSION

The low fitness of SYP‐14288‐resistant mutants suggests that the resistance risk of P. capsici to SYP‐14288 is low. Resistance may be led by a permeability change in the mitochondrial inner membrane in SYP‐14288‐resistant isolates, and lower ATP consumption lifestyles may be key to the SYP‐14288 resistance generated in P. capsici. The current study could benefit the registration and application of the novel fungicide SYP‐14288. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
The zinc finger transcription factors Bbctf1α and Bbctf1β regulate the expression of genes involved in lipid degradation and contribute to stress tolerance and virulence in a fungal insect pathogen
Authors: Wang Zheng‐Liang , Pan Hai‐Bo , Huang Jue , Yu Xiao‐Ping
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

To initiate insect infection, entomopathogenic fungi produce diverse cuticle‐degrading enzymes. Of those, lipolytic enzymes participate in epicuticular lipid hydrolysis and thus facilitate fungal penetration through the outermost cuticular barrier of the insect host. The Far/CTF1‐type zinc finger transcription factors play an important role in the regulation of lipolytic activity and fungal pathogenicity in plant pathogens but remain functionally unknown in fungal insect pathogens.

RESULTS

Two Far/CTF1‐type transcription factor Bbctf1α and Bbctf1β, which are essential for differential expression of genes involved in the fungal lipid degradation, were identified and functionally characterized in a fungal entomopathogen Beauveria bassiana. Disruption of each gene led to drastic losses of extracellular lipolytic activities under lipidic substrate‐inducing conditions, followed by remarkable phenotypic defects associated with the fungal biocontrol potential. These defects mainly included severe impairments of mycelial growth and conidium formation, and drastic losses of tolerance to the stresses of oxidation and cell wall perturbation during colony growth under either normal or induction conditions. Bioassays showed that the virulence of each disruption mutant on the greater wax moth was remarkably attenuated in topical immersion. However, there was no significant difference in intrahemolymph injection when the cuticle penetration process was bypassed.

CONCLUSIONS

Bbctf1α and Bbctf1β are multifunctional transcription factors that play vital roles in the regulation of fungal lipid utilization and contribute to the vegetative growth, sporulation capacity, environmental fitness and pest control potential in B. bassiana. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Cinmethylin controls multiple herbicide‐resistant Lolium rigidum and its wheat selectivity is P450‐based
Authors: Busi Roberto , Dayan Franck E , Francis Ian , Goggin Danica , Lerchl Jens , Porri Aimone , Powles Stephen B , Sun Ci , Beckie Hugh J
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

Multiple‐herbicide resistance in Lolium rigidum and other weed species is increasingly exerting pressure on herbicide discovery research for solutions against resistance‐prone weeds. In this study we investigate: (i) the responses of L. rigidum populations and wheat to the new herbicide cinmethylin in comparison with other pre‐emergence herbicides, (ii) the effect of seed burial depths on cinmethylin efficacy and crop selectivity, and (iii) the basis of cinmethylin selectivity in wheat.

RESULTS

Cinmethylin at 400 g ha−1 controls herbicide‐susceptible and multiple‐resistant L. rigidum, with a reduction of >85% in plant emergence and 90% in aboveground biomass. Cinmethylin provides effective control of a large number of field populations of L. rigidum with evident resistance to trifluralin. When the wheat seed is buried ≥1 cm below the cinmethylin‐treated soil surface, the emergence of crop seedlings is not different from the untreated control. The organophosphate insecticide phorate synergizes cinmethylin toxicity in wheat, with an LD50 of 682 g ha−1 in the absence of phorate versus 109 g ha−1 in the presence of phorate (84% reduction). The synergistic effect of phorate with cinmethylin on herbicide‐susceptible L. rigidum appears smaller (a 44% reduction in the LD50 of cinmethylin).

CONCLUSIONS

Cinmethylin is effective in controlling multiple‐resistant L. rigidum and appears safe for wheat when the seed is separated at depth from the herbicide applied to the soil surface. The basis of this metabolism‐based selectivity is likely regulated by cytochrome P450 monooxygenases. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Severe clopidogrel‐induced DRESS with eosinophilic pneumonia associated with Epstein–Barr virus reactivation
Authors: Inagaki Yuji , Tachibana Kazunobu , Inoue Yasushi , Kasai Takahiko , Inoue Yoshikazu
Published: February 2020

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a type of hypersensitivity drug reaction. Here, we report the case of a 78‐year‐old man who presented with a rash, fever, dry cough, and swollen parotid glands who had been prescribed clopidogrel for one year. Computed tomography showed consolidation and interlobular septal thickening with enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes. As oxygen therapy was ineffective, the patient was intubated and bronchoalveolar lavage cellular analysis showed an increase in eosinophils. Clopidogrel was discontinued and the parotid biopsy revealed periductal lymphocytic infiltration. High doses of corticosteroids were administered, and his symptoms improved. However, his symptoms recurred when clopidogrel was restarted. Skin biopsy showed mild lymphocytic infiltration in the upper dermis with vasculitis, and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) DNA was detected in his blood and lymph node tissue. On the basis of the pathology and disease manifestations, the patient was diagnosed with DRESS. Once clopidogrel treatment ceased, his symptoms never recurred.
Cover Image
Authors: Wang Gang , Wang Chaoli , Cai Xuan
Published: February 2020

The cover image is based on the Research Article Consensus control of output‐constrained multi‐agent systems with unknown control directions under a directed graph by Gang Wang et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/rnc.4852.

image
A rainbow blow‐up lemma
Authors: Glock Stefan , Joos Felix
Published: February 2020

We prove a rainbow version of the blow‐up lemma of Komlós, Sárközy, and Szemerédi for μn‐bounded edge colorings. This enables the systematic study of rainbow embeddings of bounded degree spanning subgraphs. As one application, we show how our blow‐up lemma can be used to transfer the bandwidth theorem of Böttcher, Schacht, and Taraz to the rainbow setting. It can also be employed as a tool beyond the setting of μn‐bounded edge colorings. Kim, Kühn, Kupavskii, and Osthus exploit this to prove several rainbow decomposition results. Our proof methods include the strategy of an alternative proof of the blow‐up lemma given by Rödl and Ruciński, the switching method, and the partial resampling algorithm developed by Harris and Srinivasan.
Scheduling flows over LEO constellations on LMS channels
Authors: Tauran Bastien , Lochin Emmanuel , Lacan Jérôme , Arnal Fabrice , Gineste Mathieu , Kuhn Nicolas
Published: February 2020

Satellite systems typically use physical and link layer reliability schemes to compensate the significant channel impairments, especially for the link between a satellite and a mobile end‐user. These schemes have been introduced at the price of an increase in the end‐to‐end delay, high jitter, or out‐of‐order packets. This is shown to have a negative impact both on multimedia and best‐effort traffic, decreasing the Quality of Experience (QoE) of users. In this paper, we propose to solve this issue by scheduling data transmission as a function of the channel condition. We first investigate existing scheduling mechanisms and analyze their performance for two kinds of traffic: VoIP and best‐effort. In the case of VoIP traffic, the objective is to lower both latency and jitter, which are the most important metrics to achieve a consistent VoIP service. We select the best candidate among several schedulers and propose a novel algorithm specifically designed to carry VoIP over LEO constellations. We then investigate the performance of the scheduling policies on internet‐browsing traffic carried by TCP, where the goal is now the maximize the users' goodput and select the best candidate in this case.
Glycyrrhizic‐Acid‐Based Carbon Dots with High Antiviral Activity by Multisite Inhibition Mechanisms
Authors: Tong Ting , Hu Hongwei , Zhou Junwei , Deng Shuangfei , Zhang Xiaotong , Tang Wantao , Fang Liurong , Xiao Shaobo , Liang Jiangong
Published: February 2020

With the gradual usage of carbon dots (CDs) in the area of antiviral research, attempts have been stepped up to develop new antiviral CDs with high biocompatibility and antiviral effects. In this study, a kind of highly biocompatible CDs (Gly‐CDs) is synthesized from active ingredient (glycyrrhizic acid) of Chinese herbal medicine by a hydrothermal method. Using the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) as a model, it is found that the Gly‐CDs inhibit PRRSV proliferation by up to 5 orders of viral titers. Detailed investigations reveal that Gly‐CDs can inhibit PRRSV invasion and replication, stimulate antiviral innate immune responses, and inhibit the accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) caused by PRRSV infection. Proteomics analysis demonstrates that Gly‐CDs can stimulate cells to regulate the expression of some host restriction factors, including DDX53 and NOS3, which are directly related to PRRSV proliferation. Moreover, it is found that Gly‐CDs also remarkably suppress the propagation of other viruses, such as pseudorabies virus (PRV) and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), suggesting the broad antiviral activity of Gly‐CDs. The integrated results demonstrate that Gly‐CDs possess extraordinary antiviral activity with multisite inhibition mechanisms, providing a promising candidate for alternative therapy for PRRSV infection.
Li‐Ion Cooperative Migration and Oxy‐Sulfide Synergistic Effect in Li14P2Ge2S16−6xOx Solid‐State‐Electrolyte Enables Extraordinary Conductivity and High Stability
Authors: Zhang Bingkai , Weng Mouyi , Lin Zhan , Feng Yancong , Yang Luyi , Wang Lin‐Wang , Pan Feng
Published: February 2020

Critical to the development of all‐solid‐state lithium‐ion batteries technology are novel solid‐state electrolytes with high ionic conductivity and robust stability under inorganic solid‐electrolyte operating conditions. Herein, by using density functional theory and molecular dynamics, a mixed oxygen‐sulfur‐based Li‐superionic conductor is screened out from the local chemical structure of β‐Li3PS4 to discover novel Li14P2Ge2S8O8 (LPGSO) with high ionic conductivity and high stability under thermal, moist, and electrochemical conditions, which causes oxygenation at specific sites to improve the stability and selective sulfuration to provide an O‐S mixed path by Li‐S/O structure units with coordination number between 3 and 4 for fast Li‐cooperative conduction. Furthermore, LPGSO exhibits a quasi‐isotropic 3D Li‐ion cooperative diffusion with a lesser migration barrier (≈0.19 eV) compared to its sulfide‐analog Li14P2Ge2S16. The theoretical ionic conductivity of this conductor at room temperature is as high as ≈30.0 mS cm−1, which is among the best in current solid‐state electrolytes. Such an oxy‐sulfide synergistic effect and Li‐ion cooperative migration mechanism would enable the engineering of next‐generation electrolyte materials with desirable safety and high ionic conductivity, for possible application in the near future.
Bottom‐Up Assembly of Functional Intracellular Synthetic Organelles by Droplet‐Based Microfluidics
Authors: Staufer Oskar , Schröter Martin , Platzman Ilia , Spatz Joachim P.
Published: February 2020

Bottom‐up synthetic biology has directed most efforts toward the construction of artificial compartmentalized systems that recreate living cell functions in their mechanical, morphological, or metabolic characteristics. However, bottom‐up synthetic biology also offers great potential to study subcellular structures like organelles. Because of their intricate and complex structure, these key elements of eukaryotic life forms remain poorly understood. Here, the controlled assembly of lipid enclosed, organelle‐like architectures is explored by droplet‐based microfluidics. Three types of giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs)‐based synthetic organelles (SOs) functioning within natural living cells are procedured: (A) synthetic peroxisomes supporting cellular stress‐management, mimicking an organelle innate to the host cell by using analogous enzymatic modules; (B) synthetic endoplasmic reticulum (ER) as intracellular light‐responsive calcium stores involved in intercellular calcium signalling, mimicking an organelle innate to the host cell but utilizing a fundamentally different mechanism; and (C) synthetic magnetosomes providing eukaryotic cells with a magnetotactic sense, mimicking an organelle that is not natural to the host cell but transplanting its functionality from other branches of the phylogenetic tree. Microfluidic assembly of functional SOs paves the way for high‐throughput generation of versatile intracellular structures implantable into living cells. This in‐droplet SO design may support or expand cellular functionalities in translational nanomedicine.
Supramolecular Ammine‐Copper rac‐BINOLAT Salts through in‐situ R‐ or S‐BINOL Racemization
Authors: Wisser Barbara , Labahn Andreas , Näther Christian , Janiak Christoph
Published: February 2020

The molecule rac‐1,1'‐binaphthalene‐2,2'‐diol (rac‐1,1'‐bi‐2‐naphthol, rac‐BINOL) shows a propensity for supramolecular, charge‐assisted O–H···O– hydrogen‐bonded strand formation when crystallized with its deprotonated form BINOLAT2– and Cu2+ in conc. ammonia. The naphthyl‐paneled cavities in the {(rac‐BINOLAT2–)(rac‐BINOL)2} strands host the [Cu(NH3)5]2+‐guest cation through second‐sphere N–H···O hydrogen bonding in the structure of [Cu(NH3)5]2+(rac‐BINOLAT2–)(rac‐BINOL)2. Decreasing the copper(II) and ammonia concentrations in the crystallization leads to {(rac‐BINOLAT2–)(rac‐BINOL)} strands, in which rac‐BINOLAT2– coordinates to two copper(II) atoms in the structure of [Cu(NH3)2(μ‐rac‐BINOLAT2–‐κ2O,O':κO)]2(rac‐BINOL)2. In the {Cu2+(NH3)2} moiety two BINOLAT‐oxide atoms act as bridging ligands. Both copper structures could be obtained by using the racemic rac‐BINOL or the enantiomeric R‐ or S‐BINOL, through an in‐situ racemization of the latter.
Minimum Information in In Vivo Research
Authors: Voehringer Patrizia , Nicholson Janet R.
Published: February 2020

Data quality, reproducibility and reliability are a matter of concern in many scientific fields including biomedical research. Robust, reproducible data and scientific rigour form the foundation on which future studies are built and determine the pace of knowledge gain and the time needed to develop new and innovative drugs that provide benefit to patients. Critical to the attainment of this is the precise and transparent reporting of data. In the current chapter, we will describe literature highlighting factors that constitute the minimum information that is needed to be included in the reporting of in vivo research. The main part of the chapter will focus on the minimum information that is essential for reporting in a scientific publication. In addition, we will present a table distinguishing information necessary to be recorded in a laboratory notebook or another form of internal protocols versus information that should be reported in a paper. We will use examples from the behavioural literature, in vivo studies where the use of anaesthetics and analgesics are used and finally ex vivo studies including histological evaluations and biochemical assays.
Corrections to: Fasciotomy Wound Management
Authors: Igoumenou Vasilios G. , Kokkalis Zinon T. , Mavrogenis Andreas F.
Published: February 2020

One of the author’s family name had been missed out in the References section (#1) in Chapter 9. This has now been corrected.
Classifying and constraining local four photon and four graviton S-matrices
Authors: Chowdhury Subham Dutta , Gadde Abhijit , Gopalka Tushar , Halder Indranil , Janagal Lavneet , Minwalla Shiraz
Published: February 2020

Abstract

We study the space of all kinematically allowed four photon and four graviton S-matrices, polynomial in scattering momenta. We demonstrate that this space is the permutation invariant sector of a module over the ring of polynomials of the Mandelstam invariants s, t and u. We construct these modules for every value of the spacetime dimension D, and so explicitly count and parameterize the most general four photon and four graviton S-matrix at any given derivative order. We also explicitly list the local Lagrangians that give rise to these S-matrices. We then conjecture that the Regge growth of S-matrices in all physically acceptable classical theories is bounded by s2 at fixed t. A four parameter subset of the polynomial photon S-matrices constructed above satisfies this Regge criterion. For gravitons, on the other hand, no polynomial addition to the Einstein S-matrix obeys this bound for D ≤ 6. For D ≥ 7 there is a single six derivative polynomial Lagrangian consistent with our conjectured Regge growth bound. Our conjecture thus implies that the Einstein four graviton S-matrix does not admit any physically acceptable polynomial modifications for D ≤ 6. A preliminary analysis also suggests that every finite sum of pole exchange contributions to four graviton scattering also violates our conjectured Regge growth bound, at least when D ≤ 6, even when the exchanged particles have low spin.
Electrical stimulation in bone tissue engineering treatments
Authors: Leppik Liudmila , Oliveira Karla Mychellyne Costa , Bhavsar Mit Balvantray , Barker John Howard
Published: February 2020

Electrical stimulation (EStim) has been shown to promote bone healing and regeneration both in animal experiments and clinical treatments. Therefore, incorporating EStim into promising new bone tissue engineering (BTE) therapies is a logical next step. The goal of current BTE research is to develop combinations of cells, scaffolds, and chemical and physical stimuli that optimize treatment outcomes. Recent studies demonstrating EStim’s positive osteogenic effects at the cellular and molecular level provide intriguing clues to the underlying mechanisms by which it promotes bone healing. In this review, we discuss results of recent in vitro and in vivo research focused on using EStim to promote bone healing and regeneration and consider possible strategies for its application to improve outcomes in BTE treatments. Technical aspects of exposing cells and tissues to EStim in in vitro and in vivo model systems are also discussed.
Qualitative investigation on VOC-emissions from spruce (Picea abies) and larch (Larix decidua) loose bark and bark panels
Authors: Kain Günther , Stratev Daniel , Tudor Eugenia , Lienbacher Bernhard , Weigl Martin , Barbu Marius-Catalin , Petutschnigg Alexander
Published: February 2020

Tree bark is an interesting source for various building and furniture materials. It holds a high number of volatile components—resulting in emissions whose effects on building residents have to be considered. Spruce and larch barks were dried using different methods and prepared as loose particles and panels. The VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions after 3 and 14 days were measured in a small chamber using gas chromatography and coupled mass spectroscopy. The influence of bark type, drying method, hot pressing and time on the emissions was quantified. The total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) emissions from spruce bark were higher than those from larch bark. High-temperature treatment and time significantly decrease TVOC emissions from the investigated barks. Terpenes, aldehydes and acids were analysed in the emitting gases. The high temperatures whilst pressing panels are problematic due to furfural constitution. Its emissions and partly those of 2-octenal and acetic acid are relevant for present and upcoming evaluation schemes. Aldehydes are the critical substance when using bark in the interior and must be controlled in product development.
The effect of offspring value on variation of nest defense intensity in gray catbirds (Dumetella carolinensis)
Authors: Redmond Lucas J. , Eroh Craig , Haq Jordan I. , Varra Dominique
Published: February 2020

Nest defense is an adaptive strategy used by adults to increase survival of independent young. However, the risk adults face by defending young from predators represents an important trade-off and parental investment theory predicts adults will modulate nest defense based on the value of offspring. We used a model of a black rat snake, a potential nest predator on our study site, to quantify nest defense in a population of gray catbirds in eastern Pennsylvania during the breeding seasons of 2017 and 2018. Specifically, we evaluated (1) the difference in nest defense between male and female parents, (2) the relationship between nest defense and nest success, and (3) how variation in nest defense was related to factors associated with offspring value. Although male catbirds tend to be larger than females, they did not defend their nests more aggressively than female catbirds. Response to the model predator we used was also not different between individuals whose nests were successful compared with individuals that failed. Although nests that contained more and older young were not defended more aggressively, our analyses did show that adult catbirds defended young that were laid earlier in the season more intensely than those laid later in the breeding season. In birds, earlier clutch initiation is associated with an increased chance of recruitment into the breeding population. Catbirds, therefore, follow predictions of parental investment theory because they defended offspring of higher value more aggressively.

Significance statement

Defense of young from predators is an important component of parental care. Nest defense represents a trade-off because although it should increase reproductive success by increasing offspring survival, it presents a risk to adults, thus lowering their survival. We studied variation in nest defense of gray catbirds in relation to offspring value. Although nest defense was not related to nest success, we did find that adult catbirds defended nests that were produced earlier in the year more aggressively than later nests. In birds, the timing of reproduction is linked to prospects of juvenile survival in such a way that offspring produced early in the breeding season are more likely to survive and recruit into the breeding population. As predicted by parental investment theory, catbirds defended young that represented a higher increase in fitness more aggressively.
Ventricle-valve-aorta flow analysis with the Space–Time Isogeometric Discretization and Topology Change
Authors: Terahara Takuya , Takizawa Kenji , Tezduyar Tayfun E. , Tsushima Atsushi , Shiozaki Kensuke
Published: February 2020

We address the computational challenges of and presents results from ventricle-valve-aorta flow analysis. Including the left ventricle (LV) in the model makes the flow into the valve, and consequently the flow into the aorta, anatomically more realistic. The challenges include accurate representation of the boundary layers near moving solid surfaces even when the valve leaflets come into contact, computation with high geometric complexity, anatomically realistic representation of the LV motion, and flow stability at the inflow boundary, which has a traction condition. The challenges are mainly addressed with a Space–Time (ST) method that integrates three special ST methods around the core, ST Variational Multiscale (ST-VMS) method. The three special methods are the ST Slip Interface (ST-SI) and ST Topology Change (ST-TC) methods and ST Isogeometric Analysis (ST-IGA). The ST-discretization feature of the integrated method, ST-SI-TC-IGA, provides higher-order accuracy compared to standard discretization methods. The VMS feature addresses the computational challenges associated with the multiscale nature of the unsteady flow in the LV, valve and aorta. The moving-mesh feature of the ST framework enables high-resolution computation near the leaflets. The ST-TC enables moving-mesh computation even with the TC created by the contact between the leaflets, dealing with the contact while maintaining high-resolution representation near the leaflets. The ST-IGA provides smoother representation of the LV, valve and aorta surfaces and increased accuracy in the flow solution. The ST-SI connects the separately generated LV, valve and aorta NURBS meshes, enabling easier mesh generation, connects the mesh zones containing the leaflets, enabling a more effective mesh moving, helps the ST-TC deal with leaflet–leaflet contact location change and contact sliding, and helps the ST-TC and ST-IGA keep the element density in the narrow spaces near the contact areas at a reasonable level. The ST-SI-TC-IGA is supplemented with two other special methods in this article. A structural mechanics computation method generates the LV motion from the CT scans of the LV and anatomically realistic values for the LV volume ratio. The Constrained-Flow-Profile (CFP) Traction provides flow stability at the inflow boundary. Test computation with the CFP Traction shows its effectiveness as an inflow stabilization method, and computation with the LV-valve-aorta model shows the effectiveness of the ST-SI-TC-IGA and the two supplemental methods.