bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioprinting a cell‐laden matrix for bone regeneration: A focused review
Authors: Ghorbani Farnaz , Li Dejian , Zhong Zeyuan , Sahranavard Melika , Qian Zhi , Ni Shuo , Zhang Zhenhua , Zamanian Ali , Yu Baoqing
Published: September 2020

Although many efforts have been made to regenerate the bone lesions, existing challenges can be mitigated through the development of tissue engineering scaffolds. However, the weak control on the microstructure of constructs, limitation in preparation of patient‐specific and multilayered scaffolds, restriction in the fabrication of cell‐laden matrixes, and challenges in preserving the drug/growth factors' efficacy in conventional methods have led to the development of bioprinting technology for regeneration of bone defects. So in this review, conventional 3D printers are classified, then the priority of the different types of bioprinting technologies for the preparation of the cell/growth factor‐laden matrixes are focused. Besides, the bio‐ink compositions, including polymeric/hybrid hydrogels and cell‐based bio‐inks are classified according to fundamental and recent studies. Herein, different effective parameters, such as viscosity, rheological properties, cross‐linking methods, biodegradation biocompatibility, are considered. Finally, different types of cells and growth factors that can encapsulate in the bio‐inks to promote bone repair are discussed, and both in vitro and in vivo achievement are considered. This review provides current and future perspectives of cell‐laden bioprinting technologies. The restrictions and challenges are identified, and proper strategies for the development of cell‐laden matrixes and high‐performance printable bio‐inks are proposed.
Enhancement of thermal, morphological, and mechanical properties of compatibilized based onPA6‐enriched graphene oxide/EPDM‐g‐MA/CR: Graphene oxide andEPDM‐g‐MAcompatibilizer role
Authors: Azizli Mohammad Javad , Barghamadi Mohammad , Rezaeeparto Katayoon , Mokhtary Masoud , Parham Somayeh , Goodarzi Vahabodin , Soltani Sedigheh
Published: September 2020

In this study, a series of elastomeric nanocomposites based on specific amounts of polyamide6 (PA6)/chloroprene rubber (CR) blends which are compatibilized with ethylene propylene diene monomer‐grafted‐maleic anhydride (EPDM‐g‐MA) and different amounts of graphene oxide (GO) were prepared with melt mixing method. The effect of compatibilizer and reinforcement concentration in the PA6/CR blend matrix was investigated using theoretical and experimental analysis. Dispersion of nanoplatelets within rubber blend matrix was proven with transmission electron microscopy and field emission‐scanning electron microscopy. The modified microstructure of samples showed the significant effect of EPDM‐g‐MA and GO on the size reduction of CR droplets in the PA6 continuous phase. The results from differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis revealed the effect of EPDM‐g‐MA and GO as an effective nucleating agent in PA6‐enriched GO/CR (PA6EGO/CR). The findings obtained from thermogravimetric analysis displayed that the GO in the presence of an EPDM‐g‐MA as a compatibilizer can cause a higher thermal stability in PA6EGO/CR. From mechanical properties, by adding a compatibilizer to the PA6/CR blend, the tensile strength changed from 39.0 to 45.1, the Young's modulus altered from 522.2 to 716.0 and the elongation at break changed from 246.8 to 222.2. While incorporation of 5 phr of GO to the compatibilized blend, the tensile strength increased by 25.2%, the Young's modulus increased by 36.6% and the elongation at break decreased by 20%. The Christensen–Lo model used for analyzing the stiffness of PA6EGO/EPDM‐g‐MA/CR with emphasis on the influence of the interphase region to predict the effect of various loadings of GO and EPDM‐g‐MA of Young's modulus. The rheology and creep tests showed a significant effect of EPDM‐g‐MA and GO content on the rheology behavior of nanocomposites.
Thermal aging properties of flame retardant silicone rubber based on melamine cyanurate
Authors: Zhou Cheng , Wang Juan , Li Jianxi , Shi Jie
Published: September 2020

In this work, an efficient preparation method for flame retardant silicon rubbers (FRSR) was established with using melamine cyanurate (MCA) as flame retardants. In order to analyze the thermal aging mechanisms and flame retardancy of FRSR, cone calorimetric test (CCT), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X‐ray spectra were performed. Results indicated that the aging time significantly decreases the tensile strength and the elongation at break. SEM images revealed that the porous surface of the aged FRSR provide diffusion path for heat and oxygen, which resulted in a continuously increase in Shore A hardness due to the increase of cross‐linking density during the aging process. FTIR spectra further proved that the MCA is well‐embedded into samples and cross‐linking reaction between free radicals of silicone rubber (SR) and oxygen was occurring during the aging process. Besides, CCT results showed that all FRSR samples before and after thermal aging exhibit excellent flame retardancy with compact and stable char residue layers, effectively hindering the heat transfer and oxygen diffusion. It was expected that our findings could provide important information to fabricate SR with flame retardancy and outstanding long‐term thermal‐aging resistance.
Blends of poly(ester urethane)s and polyesters as a general design approach for triple‐shape memory polymers
Authors: Karasu Feyza , Weder Christoph
Published: September 2020

Poly(ester urethane)s represent a widely investigated class of thermoplastic polymers that exhibit a thermally triggered dual shape memory effect. This behavior is the result of urethane‐rich hard segments that define the permanent shape, while domains formed by the crystallizable polyester segments act as the memory switch. We show here that blending poly(ester urethane)s with a second polyester having a different melting temperature is a straightforward and possibly general approach to create triple‐shape memory polymers, in which two different temporary shapes can be programmed. To demonstrate this, we blended a poly(ester urethane) containing crystallizable poly(1,4‐butylene adipate) segments with poly(butylene succinate) or poly(hexamethylene dodecanoate). The blends microphase separate and the different polyester segments form separate semicrystalline domains, which serve as switching elements that can be activated at different temperatures. The blends retain attractive mechanical properties and the shape memory characteristics are characterized by high fixities (70%–96%) and recovery rates (82%–94%).
Frequency domain electromagnetic induction: an efficient method for investigating Fort Ancient village dynamics
Authors: Sea Claiborne D. , Ernenwein Eileen G.
Published: September 2020

Electromagnetic induction (EMI) has been used in archaeology for decades, but still lags in use and development when compared to magnetometry and ground‐penetrating radar. While it has become more popular than electrical resistivity area survey, it is now less commonly used than electrical resistivity tomography. The EMI method is likely underutilized due to drift problems and a lack of multi‐sensor, vehicle‐towed systems capable of rapid, high‐density data collection. In this article we demonstrate not only the effectiveness of EMI survey, but a case where entire villages would have remained undetected without it. At the Singer‐Hieronymus Site in central Kentucky, USA, a vehicle‐towed frequency domain EMI survey detected the location of plazas, residential areas, and trash disposal areas across multiple Fort Ancient villages that contained both intact and heavily disturbed deposits. Additionally, three new villages were revealed. Through this process, we discovered how Fort Ancient village dynamics may be studied through a geophysical investigation of village shape, size, and spatial organization.
Online measurement of dissolved carbon monoxide concentrations reveals critical operating conditions in gas fermentation experiments
Authors: Mann Marcel , Miebach Katharina , Büchs Jochen
Published: September 2020

Syngas fermentation is one possible contributor to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The conversion of industrial waste gas streams containing CO or H2, which are usually combusted, directly reduces the emission of CO2 into the atmosphere. Additionally, other carbon‐containing waste streams can be gasified, making them accessible for microbial conversion into platform chemicals. However, there is still a lack of detailed process understanding, as online monitoring of dissolved gas concentrations is currently not possible. Several studies have demonstrated growth inhibition of Clostridium ljungdahlii at high CO concentrations in the headspace. However, growth is not inhibited by the CO concentration in the headspace, but by the dissolved carbon monoxide tension (DCOT). The DCOT depends on the CO concentration in the headspace, CO transfer rate, and biomass concentration. Hence, the measurement of the DCOT is a superior method to investigate the toxic effects of CO on microbial fermentation. Since CO is a component of syngas, a detailed understanding is crucial. In this study, a newly developed measurement setup is presented that allows sterile online measurement of the DCOT. In an abiotic experiment, the functionality of the measurement principle was demonstrated for various CO concentrations in the gas supply (0%–40%) and various agitation rates (300–1100 min−1). In continuous stirred tank reactor fermentation experiments, the measurement showed reliable results. The production of ethanol and 2,3‐butanediol increased with increasing DCOT. Moreover, a critical DCOT was identified, leading to the inhibition of the culture. Thus, the reported online measurement method is beneficial for process understanding. In future processes, it can be used for closed‐loop fermentation control.
Clinical features, MRI, and 18F‐FDG‐PET in differential diagnosis of Parkinson disease from multiple system atrophy
Authors: Zhao Ping , Zhang Benshu , Gao Shuo , Li Xin
Published: September 2020

Objective

This study aimed to differentiate the variations in the clinical characteristics, MRI irregularity, and glucose metabolism on 18F‐FDG‐PET for the differential diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease (PD), MSA with predominant Parkinsonism (MSA‐P), and MSA with predominant cerebellar features (MSA‐C).

Methods

Thirty PD patients, 22 MSA‐P patients, and 28 MSA‐C patients received an MRI and 20 PD patients, 11 MSA‐P patients, and 13 MSA‐C patients received 18F‐FDG‐PET.

Results

Firstly, we found that the clinical data presented a tremor at rest, bradykinesia, and postural instability that was predominated in PD (100%), MSA‐P (86.4%), and MSA‐C (53.6%) patients, respectively. Then, we used MRI analyses and found that putamina atrophy and hyperintensive rim (T2WI) were characteristic features in MSA‐P and cerebellar atrophy, the “hot cross bun” sign and signal rise in the middle cerebellar peduncle were more obvious in MSA‐C. To further explore the distinctions among the 3 diseases, we also used 18F‐FDG‐PET technology for our examination and found a decrease in glucose metabolism in the parietal area for Parkinson's Disease (PD), in the bilateral putamen for MSA‐P, and in the bilateral cerebellum for MSA‐C.

Conclusion

This study identified the distinctive features of the clinic symptoms, MRI irregularity, and glucose metabolism on 18F‐FDG‐PET, which provided a new basis for the differential diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease (PD), MSA with predominant Parkinsonism (MSA‐P), and MSA with predominant cerebellar features (MSA‐C).
Financial inclusion dynamics in Southeast Asia: An empirical investigation on three countries
Authors: Esquivias Miguel A. , Sethi Narayan , Ramandha Muhammad Daffa , Jayanti Ari Dwi
Published: September 2020

This paper examines the determinants of financial inclusion in Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines (VIP). We employ a probit model to the World Bank's Global Findex Dataset of 2017. The analysis compares individuals' access to formal and informal financial services, savings, and credit tools, considering individual socioeconomic characteristics. The study finds significant gaps in financial access between individuals based on gender, age, income, education, location, and job status. Indonesia made more considerable improvements in financial inclusion than the Philippines and Vietnam. Access to savings and credit in the VIP remain low, mainly favoring adults, higher earners, formally employed, and the more educated ones. Females in the VIP have a higher likelihood to be financially included than males, they are more likely to hold savings accounts, to participate in informal finance, while they perceived fewer barriers to formal banking. Formal and informal services coexist in the VIP, while formal financial services often exclude the less privileged. Lack of money, high cost of finance, and perception of financial services as unnecessary are the largest obstacles to inclusion in the VIP, being more burdensome for low‐income and less‐educated people. Mobile banking services have developed yet leave the less‐fortunate people unserved. Age plays a vital role in savings and credit behavior, with the VIP missing to ensure access for young people to services.
Response surface methodology optimization of polyhydroxyalkanoate production by Burkholderia cepacia BPT1213 using waste glycerol from palm oil‐based biodiesel production
Authors: Mohd Zain Nor Fauziah , Paramasivam Murugan , Tan Joo Shun , Lim Vuanghao , Lee Chee Keong
Published: September 2020

The feasibility of using waste glycerol from the biodiesel industry for biosynthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) by Burkholderia cepacia BPT1213 was evaluated. Culture conditions were optimized by growing B. cepacia BPT1213 in mineral salt medium supplemented with 2% waste glycerol in a 2.5 L bioreactor. Response surface methodology was used to determine the influence of aeration rate (0.6–1.8 vvm), agitation speed (100–300 rpm), and cultivation period (48–72 hr) on PHA production. The optimum conditions for the growth and PHA accumulation were 1.5 vvm, 300 rpm, and 72 hr, with predicted values of 5.08 g/L cell dry weight (CDW), 66.07% PHA content, and 3.35 g/L total PHA concentration. Using these conditions, the experimental system produced 5.63 g/L of CDW with 64.00% wt/wt PHA content, which is threefold higher PHA concentration (3.60 g/L) compared to the non‐optimized conditions. The melting temperature (Tm) of purified PHA was 173.45 ± 1.05°C. In conclusion, the statistical approach was significantly increased the PHA production using waste glycerol as the sole carbon source.
Developing UGC social brand engagement model: Insights from diverse consumers
Authors: Naeem Muhammad , Ozuem Wilson
Published: September 2020

Understanding the social influence of user‐generated content (UGC) to create social brand engagement (SBE) through social media has become a topic of major interest for both academics and marketers since the birth of online social networking. This study explores the social interaction of social media users (SMUs) involving brand‐related UGC, and the outcomes of this study show how SMUs' social interaction through UGC generates SBE in a fashion retail context. There is inadequate understanding regarding what the social motivational contexts of social actors are; these social motivational contexts can play a role in the social generation, exchange, and consumption of fashion brand‐related UGC. The present study intends to develop a UGC SBE model using the diverse insights of the customers of fashion brands. The present study opted for a social constructionist epistemological position using a qualitative research method. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted in the UK with 32 customers of fashion brands. Findings highlighted that social responsibility, sharing experience, staying connected and updated, and reward sharing are the major motivational factors that lead to the generation, exchange, and consumption of UGC that would create SBE. Also, the findings revealed the SMUs, as social actors, who played a significant role in generating SBE through their social interaction with UGC in everyday life: frequent SMUs, celebrities, opinion leaders, and product users. Most importantly, it was found that expert opinion influence as identification and crowd opinion were recognised as internalisation social influencing factors that generate SBE. This study proposes a holistic conceptualisation in a “UGC SBE model” by considering: (a) the identification and (b) the internalisation types of social influence of UGC with respect to fashion brand engagement.

NOMENCLATURE/ACRONYMS

SMUs

social media users

UGC

user‐generated content

UK

United Kingdom

NVivo

navigating viewpoints, images, and value observed

SBE

social brand engagement
Green Algae as a Drug Delivery System for the Controlled Release of Antibiotics
Authors: Shchelik Inga S. , Sieber Simon , Gademann Karl
Published: September 2020

New strategies to efficiently treat bacterial infections are crucial to circumvent the increase of resistant strains and to mitigate side effects during treatment. Skin and soft tissue infections represent one of the areas suffering the most from these resistant strains. We developed a new drug delivery system composed of the green algae, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, which is generally recognized as safe, to target specifically skin diseases. A two‐step functionalization strategy was used to chemically modify the algae with the antibiotic vancomycin. Chlamydomonas reinhardtii was found to mask vancomycin and the insertion of a photocleavable linker was used for the release of the antibiotic. This living drug carrier was evaluated in presence of Bacillus subtilis and, only upon UVA1‐mediated release, growth inhibition of bacteria was observed. These results represent one of the first examples of a living organism used as a drug delivery system for the release of an antibiotic by UVA1‐irradiation.
Synthesis of Fluoro‐, Monofluoromethyl‐, Difluoromethyl‐, and Trifluoromethyl‐Substituted Three‐Membered Rings
Authors: Decaens Jonathan , Couve‐Bonnaire Samuel , Charette André B. , Poisson Thomas , Jubault Philippe
Published: September 2020

This Minireview describes recent advances toward the synthesis of fluoro‐, monofluoromethyl‐, difluoromethyl‐, and trifluoromethyl‐substituted three‐membered rings such as cyclopropanes, aziridines, epoxides, episulfides, cyclopropenes, and 2 H‐azirines. The main synthetic methodologies since 2016 for cyclopropanes and since 2010 for the other three‐membered rings are reported.
Rx‐COSMO‐CAMPD: Enhancing Reactions by Integrated Computer‐Aided Design of Solvents and Processes based on Quantum Chemistry
Authors: Gertig Christoph , Fleitmann Lorenz , Schilling Johannes , Leonhard Kai , Bardow André
Published: September 2020

Solvents strongly affect reaction‐based chemical processes. Process design, therefore, needs to integrate solvent design. For this purpose, the integrated computer‐aided molecular and process design (CAMPD) method Rx‐COSMO‐CAMPD is proposed. It employs a hybrid optimization scheme combining a genetic algorithm to explore the molecular design space with gradient‐based optimization of the process. To overcome limitations of molecular design based on group‐contribution methods, reaction kinetics and thermodynamic properties are predicted using advanced quantum‐chemical methods. Rx‐COSMO‐CAMPD is demonstrated in a case study of a carbamate‐cleavage process where promising solvents are designed efficiently. The results show that the integrated solvent and process design with Rx‐COSMO‐CAMPD outperforms computer‐aided molecular design without process optimization in the identification of solvents that enable optimal process performance.
Effect of Bulky Functional Groups on Donor and Acceptor Interactions and their Photoluminescence Properties
Authors: Woon Kai Lin , Mustapa Siti Aisyah Syaerah , Mohd Jamel Nor Shafiq , Lee Vannajan Sanghiran , Zakaria Muhammad Zhafran , Ariffin Azhar
Published: September 2020

Material designs that use donor and acceptor units are often found in organic optoelectronic devices. Molecular level insight into the interactions between donors and acceptors are crucial for understanding how such interactions can modify the optical properties of the organic optoelectronic materials. In this paper, tris(4‐(tert‐butyl)phenyl)amine (pTPA) was synthesized as a donor in order to compare with unmodified triphenylamine (TPA) in a donor–acceptor system by having 2,4,6‐triphenyl‐1,3,5‐triazine (TRZ) as an acceptor. Dimerization of donors and acceptors occurred in solvent when the concentration of solute is high. At 0 K, using a polarizable continuum model, the nitrogen atom of TPA is found to stack on top of the center of triazine of TRZ, whereas such alignment is offset in pTPA and TRZ. We attributed such alignment in TPA‐TRZ as the result of attractive interactions between partial localization of 2pz electrons at the nitrogen atom of TPA and the π deficiency of triazine in TPA‐TRZ. By taking into account random motions of the solvent effect at 300 K in quantum molecular dynamics and classical molecular dynamics simulations to interpret the marked difference in emission spectra between TPA‐TRZ and pTPA‐TRZ, it was revealed that the attractive interaction between pTPA and TRZ in toluene is weaker than TPA and TRZ. Because of the weaker attractive interaction between pTPA and TRZ in toluene, the dimers adopted numerous ground state conformations resulting in broad emission bands superimposed with multiple small Gaussian peaks. This is in contrast to TPA‐TRZ which has only one dominant dimer conformation. This study demonstrates that the strength of intermolecular interactions between donors and acceptors should be taken into consideration in designing supramolecular structures.
A Facile Synthesis of Functionalized Benzofurans via Visible‐Light‐Induced Tandem Cyclization of 1,6‐Enynes with Disulfides
Authors: Li Xuezhi , Xu Zhaoliang , Wang Lei , Wang Fang , Yang Jianguo , Li Pinhua
Published: September 2020

A simple and efficient visible‐light‐induced tandem cyclization of 1,6‐enynes with disulfides for the synthesis of functionalized benzofurans was developed. The reaction proceeded smoothly under metal‐free conditions at room temperature in air, providing the desired products in good yields with wide functional group tolerance.
Giant cell‐rich extrapleural solitary fibrous tumor: Cytological findings and differential diagnosis of a rare neoplasm
Authors: Ronchi Andrea , Cozzolino Immacolata , Montella Marco , Donadio Anna , Motta Gaetano , Franco Renato , Palombini Lucio
Published: September 2020

Extrapleural solitary fibrous tumor (ESFT) is a rare neoplasm with a variable biological behavior that may occur almost everywhere in the body, as it has been reported in head and neck, back, retroperitoneum, inguinal region and more. The diagnosis of ESFT may be challenging, especially in case of its morphological rare variants such as giant cell‐rich ESFT. Fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a rapid, poorly invasive, safe diagnostic technique, which is recently proving useful for the preoperative diagnosis of mesenchymal neoplasms. Herein we report a case of a FNAC diagnosis of giant cell‐rich ESFT, focusing on its morphological and immunocytochemical characteristics, and showing how cytology may be an effective tool in the preoperative diagnosis of mesenchymal neoplasms, allowing the correct surgical management of the patient.
Features and long‐term outcomes of patients hospitalized for diabetic ketoacidosis
Authors: Michaelis Michal , Shochat Tzippy , Shimon Ilan , Akirov Amit
Published: September 2020

Background

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is an acute metabolic complication characterized by hyperglycaemia, ketones in blood or urine, and acidosis.

Objective

The aim of this study was to characterize features of patients hospitalized for DKA, to identify triggers for DKA and to evaluate the long‐term effects of DKA on glycaemic control, complications of diabetes, re‐hospitalizations, and mortality.

Methods

Historical prospectively collected data of patients hospitalized to medical wards for DKA between 2011 and 2017. Data regarding comorbidities, mortality, triggers, and re‐hospitalizations for DKA were also collected.

Results

The cohort consisted of 160 patients (mean age 38 ± 18 years, 43% male). One fifth of the patients (34 patients, 21%) were newly diagnosed with diabetes, and DKA was their first presentation of the disease. Among the 126 patients with pre‐existing diabetes, the common identified triggers for DKA were poor compliance to treatment (22%) and infectious diseases (18%). During over 7 years of follow‐up, mortality rate was 9% (15 patients), and re‐hospitalization for DKA rate was 31% (50 patients). Risk factors for re‐hospitalization for DKA included young age (OR = 1.02, 95% CI, 1.00–1.04), pre‐existing diabetes compared to DKA as the first presentation (OR = 5.4, 95% CI, 1.7–18), and poorer glycaemic control before initial hospitalization (10.5 ± 2.5% vs. 9.4 ± 2.2%; OR = 0.8, 95% CI [0.68‐0.96]) and after discharge (10.3 ± 2.4% vs. 9.0 ± 1.9%; OR = 0.73, 95% CI [0.61–0.87]). Laboratory tests during the initial hospitalization, smoking, alcohol, or comorbidities did not increase the risk for re‐hospitalization for DKA.

Conclusions

The risk for readmission for DKA is higher for young patients with long duration of diabetes, poor compliance of insulin treatment and poorly controlled diabetes.
Simultaneous Voltammetric Determination of Cd2+ and Pb2+ in Gasoline Samples Employing a Chemically Modified Acrylonitrile‐Butadiene‐Styrene (ABS) Composite Electrode
Authors: de Oliveira Grasielli C. , Vicentino Priscila O. , Cassella Ricardo J. , Xing Yutao T. , Ponzio Eduardo A.
Published: September 2020

A composite electrode based on acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene and graphite chemically modified with a bismuth film (AGCE‐BiF) was applied for the simultaneous determination of Cd2+ and Pb2+ in gasoline samples. Extraction induced by microemulsion breaking (EIMB) was used for the first time in the preparation of the samples for electroanalysis. AGCE‐BiF was characterized by SEM, AFM, CV, and SWASV. The sensor showed an increase in sensitivity via in situ modification with bismuth film. The LOD was 4 μg L−1 for Cd2+ and 2 μg L−1 for Pb2+. The results showed satisfactory recoveries and precision, being statistically compatible to those obtained with FAAS.
Electrochemical Detection of Tetracycline on Highly Sensitive Benzene Sourced CVD Graphene‐Gold Nanoparticles Nanointerfaces
Authors: Olugbenga Osikoya Adeniyi , Poomani Govender Penny
Published: September 2020

The development of sensitive, fast and efficient nanointerfaces as platforms for electrochemical sensing devices for the detection of environmental pollutant including antibiotic pollutant has become a matter of priority for public safety. We report herein a benzene sourced graphene‐gold nanoparticle sensor for the detection of tetracycline using chronoamperometry. Structural analysis using Raman Spectroscopy and x‐ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD) confirmed the presense of few‐layer graphene. Atomic force (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterization results confirmed the synthesized graphene to be thin flat sheet‐like material with wide surface area and a thickness of less than 1 nm. Cyclic voltammetry characterization of the fabricated modified electrodes showed diffusion controlled process for the oxidation of tetracycline. The modified electrode exhibited a fast response to the detection of tetracycline and a sensitivity of 1,86×102 μA/mM/cm2.The theoretical detection limit (S/N=3) was 1,60×10−1 μM and the linear dynamic range was from 2,90×101 μM to 1.53×103 μM.
Carbon Encapsulated Ternary Mn−Ni−Co Oxide Nanoparticles as Electrode Materials for Energy Storage Applications
Authors: Heliso Dolla Tarekegn , Lawal Isiaka A. , Billing Dave G. , Pruessner Karin , Ndungu Patrick
Published: September 2020

Ternary transition metal oxides are promising advanced materials for use as electrode components in electrochemical energy storage systems. However, low electronic/ionic conductivity hinder practical applications. In this study, ternary Mn−Ni−Co oxide nanoparticles were encapsulated in carbon nanosheets, to improve the electrical conductivity and surface area. When tested as supercapacitor electrodes, the materials exhibited specific capacity of 91.2 mAh g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1 in 2 M KOH. Moreover, after 3000 cycles the composite achieved a specific capacity of 74.6 mAh g−1 at a current density of 6 A g−1 and high capacitance retention of 96.4 %.
Choline Oxidase Based Composite ZrO2@AuNPs with Cu2O@MnO2 Platform for Signal Enhancing the Choline Biosensors
Authors: Ouiram Tik , Moonla Chochanon , Preechaworapun Anchana , Muangpil Sairoong , Maneeprakorn Weerakanya , Tangkuaram Tanin
Published: September 2020

A novel metal composite material based on zirconium dioxide decorated gold nanoparticles (ZrO2@AuNPs), copper (I) oxide at manganese (IV) oxide (Cu2O@MnO2) and immobilized choline oxidase (ChOx) onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) (ChOx/Cu2O@MnO2‐ZrO2@AuNPs/GCE) has been developed for enhancing the electro‐catalytic property, sensitivity and stability of the amperometric choline biosensor. The ChOx/Cu2O@MnO2‐ZrO2@AuNPs/GCE displayed an excellent electrocatalytic response to the oxidation of the byproduct H2O2 from the choline catalyzed reaction, which exhibited a charge transfer rate constant (Ks) of 0.97 s−1, a diffusion coefficient value (D) of 4.50×10−6 cm2 s−1, an electroactive surface area (Ae) of 0.97 cm2 and a surface concentration (γ) of 0.54×10−8 mol cm−2. The modified electrode also provided a wide linear range of choline concentration from 0.5 to 1,000.0 μM with good sensitivity (97.4 μA cm−2 mM−1) and low detection limit (0.3 μM). The apparent Michaelis‐Menten constant was found to be 0.08 mM with Imax of 0.67 μA. This choline biosensor presented high repeatability (%RSD=2.9, n=5), excellent reproducibility (%RSD=2.9, n=5), long time of use (n=28 with %I>50.0 %) and good selectivity without interfering effects from possible electroactive species such as ascorbic acid, aspirin, amoxicillin, caffeine, dopamine, glucose, sucrose and uric acid. This optimal method was successfully applied for choline measurement in prepared human blood samples which demonstrated accurate and excellent reliability in the recovery range from 96.7 to 102.0 %.
Well‐dispersed Au nanoparticles prepared via magnetron sputtering on TiO2 nanotubes with unprecedentedly high activity for water splitting
Authors: Atef Nada , Emara Salma S. , Eissa Dina S. , El‐Sayed Ahmed , Abdelraouf Omar A. M. , Allam Nageh K.
Published: September 2020

We report on the fine tuning of sputtered gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) with optimized diameters (7–25 nm) and distribution on the high surface area titania nanotube arrays (TNTs). The uniform coverage of Au NPs both outside and inside the nanotube arrays was possible by adjusting the sputtering current, as confirmed via scanning electron microscopy imaging and X‐ray diffraction analysis. Decorating the TNTs with Au NPs extended their optical activity to the visible region of the light spectrum. This red shift was attributed to the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of Au NPs as verified computationally and experimentally. The Au–TiO2 composites demonstrated 86% increase in the photocurrent compared to the bare TNTs upon their use as photoanodes for water splitting. The photoactivity was found to depend on the size of the sputtered Au NPs. The photocurrent transient measurements under light on/off conditions revealed the photostability of the Au–TiO2 nanocomposites. The Mott–Schottky analysis showed a negative shift in the flat band position of the Au–TiO2 electrodes with increased donor density compared to the bare TNTs. Moreover, the Au–TiO2 showed lower space charge capacitance and longer life time of charge carriers.
Petrogenesis and ore potential of Permian mafic intrusions in the Dacaotan area, eastern Tianshan: Constraints from whole‐rock platinum‐group element contents and Sr–Nd isotopes
Authors: Ren Ming‐Hao , Liu Li‐Li , Huang Zhi‐Quan
Published: September 2020

The eastern Tianshan is an important Ni–Cu mineralization belt that contains several ore‐bearing mafic–ultramafic intrusions. The eastern part of this belt has been well studied, whereas the western part is poorly studied. Here, we present studies of two mafic intrusions (DC3 and DC4) from the Dacaotan area in the western part of the eastern Tianshan. The gabbrosof the DC3 and DC4 intrusions contain plagioclase and clinopyroxene, and are characterized by light rare earth element enrichment, negative Nb anomalies, depleted platinum group element contents, high and variable Cu/Pd ratios, positive εNd (6.0–7.5) values, and low initial87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7033–0.7036). The two intrusions have geochemical affinities with intrusions in the Huangshan area, despite mineralogical differences, with orthopyroxene and amphibole being present in the Huangshan intrusions. The two studied mafic intrusions formed from a high‐Mg basaltic magma derived from anhydrous and depleted mantle. Due to the low degree (<8%) of partial melting, the magma was PGE‐depleted and sulphide remained in the mantle source. The PGE contents were further depleted by early magmatic sulphide segregation. Given the limited contamination (<10%) by the upper crust and coeval A‐type granites, these two intrusions have poor potential for Ni–Cu sulphide mineralization.
Glycolytic and immunological alterations in human U937 monocytes in response to H1N1 infection
Authors: Motawi Tarek Kamal , Shahin Nancy Nabil , Awad Kareem , Maghraby Amany Sayed , Abd‐Elshafy Dina Nadeem , Bahgat Mahmoud Mohamed
Published: September 2020

We monitored changes that took place in glycolytic enzymes, the pyruvate end product of glycolysis, tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), and toll‐like receptors (TLRs) both at the transcriptional and translational levels upon direct interaction between PR8‐H1N1 and the human monocytes U937 in vitro system. U937 were first treated with H1N1 infectious viral particles or phorbol‐12‐myristate‐13‐acetate (PMA) or left untreated and later infected with the H1N1 virus. Levels of phosphofructokinase 1 (PFK1) and pyruvate were biochemically quantified. In addition, levels of TNFα, TLR3, and TLR7 were measured by ELISA. The transcriptional profiles of PFKs, inflammatory cytokines, TLR3 and TLR7 were relatively quantified by qRT‐PCR. The results generally revealed significant changes in both the transcriptional and translational profiles of the studied biochemical and immunological parameters upon influenza infection in a time‐dependent manner. In conclusion, H1N1 infection triggers transcriptional and translational changes in immortalized human monocytes, which might serve as markers for infection subject for further validation for their specificities.
Technology‐based versus in‐person deposit contract treatments for promoting physical activity
Authors: Stedman‐Falls Lisa M. , Dallery Jesse
Published: September 2020

Deposit contracts involve participants depositing their own money and earning it back contingent on behavior change. Deposit contracts are empirically supported treatments for promoting health behavior, but they have a history of poor uptake. We compared the effectiveness and acceptability of technology‐based versus in‐person deposit contracts for promoting physical activity with 12 individuals. Participants' daily step counts were monitored using Fitbits across 6 weeks, and treatment preferences were assessed at the end of the study. The 2 types of treatments were equally effective in increasing physical activity, but the technology‐based deposit contracts were preferred by most participants. Most participants also reported that their preference was related to convenience. Technology‐based implementation may be one way to improve deposit contract uptake, while maintaining similar effectiveness compared to in‐person procedures.
Terumo spectra optia leukapheresis of cynomolgus macaques for hematopoietic stem cell and T cell collection
Authors: Wu Helen L. , Greene Justin M. , Swanson Tonya , Shriver‐Munsch Christine , Armantrout Kimberly , Weber Whitney C. , Bateman Katherine B. , Maier Nicholas M. , Northrup Mina , Legasse Alfred W. , Moats Cassandra , Axthelm Michael K. , Smedley Jeremy , Maziarz Richard T. , Martin Lauren Drew , Hobbs Theodore , Burwitz Benjamin J. , Sacha Jonah B.
Published: September 2020

Macaques are physiologically relevant animal models of human immunology and infectious disease that have provided key insights and advanced clinical treatment in transplantation, vaccinology, and HIV/AIDS. However, the small size of macaques is a stumbling block for studies requiring large numbers of cells, such as hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) for transplantation, antigen‐specific lymphocytes for in‐depth immunological analysis, and latently‐infected CD4+ T‐cells for HIV cure studies. Here, we provide a detailed protocol for collection of large numbers of HSCs and T‐cells from cynomolgus macaques as small as 3 kg using the Terumo Spectra Optia apheresis system, yielding an average of 5.0 × 109 total nucleated cells from mobilized animals and 1.2 × 109 total nucleated cells from nonmobilized animals per procedure. This report provides sufficient detail to adapt this apheresis technique at other institutions, which will facilitate more efficient and detailed analysis of HSCs and their progeny blood cells.
Recovery in context: Sober living houses and the ecology of recovery
Authors: Mericle Amy A. , Karriker‐Jaffe Katherine , Patterson Deidre , Mahoney Elizabeth , Cooperman Laya , Polcin Douglas L.
Published: September 2020

Sober living houses (SLHs) are an increasingly common element of the recovery support services landscape, yet little is known about their neighborhood context. This study describes neighborhoods in which SLHs are located and examines differences by house characteristics. SLHs in Los Angeles County (N = 297) were geocoded and linked with U.S. Census, alcohol outlet, recovery resources, and accessibility data. Regression analyses tested differences by house characteristics. Co‐ed houses were in neighborhoods that were less ethnically diverse and farther away from recovery resources. Larger house capacity was associated with increased density of off‐premise alcohol outlets but also increased proximity to treatment. Higher fees were associated with lower neighborhood disadvantage and off‐premise alcohol outlet density but the greater distance from treatment programs and other recovery resources. House characteristics are associated with neighborhood factors that both support recovery and place residents at risk.
The relation between subjective well‐being and career aspirations amongst a sample of adolescents in low socioeconomic status communities in Cape Town
Authors: Manuel Donnay , Savahl Shazly , Casas Ferran , Tiliouine Habib , Isobell Deborah , Mpilo Mulalo , Florence Maria , Adams Sabirah
Published: September 2020

The study aimed to determine the relation between adolescents’ subjective well‐being and career aspirations. The study further aimed to determine the extent to which social support mediates this relation. The sample comprised 1082 adolescents in Grades 8–11, selected from schools located in low socioeconomic status communities in Cape Town, South Africa. The overall model demonstrated a nonsignificant relation between adolescents’ subjective well‐being and career aspirations. Across gender, the results indicated a significant relation between subjective well‐being and career aspirations for the male group, but not for females. The results further indicate that social support did not mediate the relation between adolescents’ subjective well‐being and career aspirations for the pooled sample. However, for females, the study found a significant negative relation between social support and aspirations. We recommend targeting interventions at an institutional level, inclusive of challenging gender roles and providing information about educational and career opportunities for young people.
VI‐RADS for Bladder Cancer: Current Applications and Future Developments
Authors: Panebianco Valeria , Pecoraro Martina , Del Giudice Francesco , Takeuchi Mitsuru , Muglia Valdair F. , Messina Emanuele , Cipollari Stefano , Giannarini Gianluca , Catalano Carlo , Narumi Yoshifumi
Published: September 2020

Bladder cancer (BCa) is among the ten most frequent cancers globally. It is the tumor with the highest lifetime treatment‐associated costs, and among the tumors with the heaviest impacts on postoperative quality of life. The purpose of this article is to review the current applications and future perspectives of the Vesical Imaging Reporting and Data System (VI‐RADS). VI‐RADS is a newly developed scoring system aimed at standardization of MRI acquisition, interpretation, and reporting for BCa. An insight will be given on the BCa natural history, current MRI applications for local BCa staging with assessment of muscle invasiveness, and clinical implications of the score for disease management. Future applications include risk stratification of nonmuscle invasive BCa, surveillance, and prediction and monitoring of therapy response.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy Stage

2
Preoperative Determination of Isocitrate Dehydrogenase Mutation in Gliomas Using Spectral Editing MRS: A Prospective Study
Authors: Nguyen Thanh B. , Melkus Gerd , Taccone Michael , Moldovan Ioana D. , Ghinda Diana , Gotfrit Ryan , Torres Carlos H. , Zakhari Nader , Chakraborty Santanu , Woulfe John , Jansen Gerard , McInnes Matthew DF. , Thornhill Rebecca E. , Cameron Ian , AlKherayf Fahad
Published: September 2020

Background

The edited magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) technique has not yet been formally evaluated for the in vivo detection of 2‐hydroxyglutarate (2‐HG) in patients with gliomas of various grades.

Purpose

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of edited MRS in the preoperative identification of the isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation status in patients with gliomas.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Fifty‐eight subjects (31 glioblastomas, 27 grade II and III gliomas).

Field Strength/Sequence

Mescher–Garwood (MEGA)‐PRESS and routine clinical brain tumor MR sequences were used at 3T.

Assessment

Data were analyzed using an advanced method for accurate, robust, and efficient spectral fitting (AMARES) from jMRUI software. The amplitudes of the 2‐HG, N‐acetyl‐aspartate (NAA), choline (Cho), and creatine/phosphocreatine (Cr) resonances were calculated with their associated Cramer–Rao lower bound (CRLB). The IDH1 R132H mutation status was assessed by immunohistochemistry for all patients. Patients with grades II and III gliomas with negative immunohistochemistry underwent DNA sequencing to further interrogate IDH mutation status.

Statistical Test

The differences in 2‐HG amplitudes, 2‐HG/NAA, 2‐HG/Cho, and 2‐HG/Cr between IDH‐mutant and IDH‐wildtype gliomas were assessed using Mann–Whitney U‐tests. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of each parameter.

Results

The 2‐HG amplitudes, 2‐HG/NAA, and 2‐HG/Cho were higher for IDH‐mutant gliomas than IDH‐wildtype gliomas (P < 0.007). Using a CRLB threshold <30%, a 2‐HG cutoff greater than 0 had a sensitivity of 80% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 52–96%) and a specificity of 81% (95% CI: 54–96%) in identifying IDH‐mutant gliomas. In the subset of patients with grades II and III gliomas, the sensitivity was 80% (95% CI: 52–96%) and specificity was 100% (95% CI: 40–100%). Among 2‐HG ratios, the highest AUC for the identification of IDH mutant status was achieved using the 2‐HG/NAA (AUC = 0.8, 95% CI 0.67–.89).

Data Conclusion

Preoperative edited MRS appears to be able to help identify IDH‐mutant gliomas with high specificity.

Level of Evidence 1

Technical Efficacy Stage 2

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2021;53:416–426.
Reaction kinetics of a series of alkanes with ClO and BrO radicals: A theoretical study
Authors: Gupta Parth , Rajakumar B.
Published: September 2020

Reactive halogen species (ClO and BrO) play a critical role in the stratospheric ozone depletion. However, the reactivity of these radical moieties with volatile organic compounds is also important in determining the composition of the Earth's atmosphere. In this study, the reactions of BrO and ClO radicals with a series of smaller linear alkanes (CnH2n+2,n = 1,2,3, and 4) were studied using the CCSD(T)/CBS//B3LYP/cc‐pVTZ level of theory. The kinetics of the title reactions were evaluated using the Canonical Variational Transition (CVT)/Small Curvature Tunneling (SCT)/Interpolated Single Point Energy (ISPE) methodology over the studied temperature range of 200‐3000 K. H‐abstraction from the nonterminal carbon was found to be thermodynamically and kinetically favorable in comparison to abstraction of H atom from the primary carbon. On a per‐hydrogen basis at 298 K, BrO and ClO are focused to abstract the secondary hydrogens of C3H8faster than the primary hydrogens by factors of 40 and 110, respectively. On the other hand, forn‐C4H10at the same temperature, the per‐hydrogen preferences for secondary H atoms are found to be factors of 220 and 270 for BrO and ClO, respectively. To aid in modeling the stratospheric environment and combustion regime, three parameter fits to the computed rate constants between 200 and 3000 K are provided. The branching ratios and thermochemical parameters for the various reaction channels are also discussed in this paper.
Aboveground and belowground biomass and its' allometry for Salsola passerina shrub in degraded steppe desert in Northwestern China
Authors: Ma Xiong‐zhong , Wang Xin‐ping
Published: September 2020

Knowledge of the biomass allometry and partitioning is essential for understanding shrub adaptive strategies to degraded habitats as well as for estimating organic carbon storage. We studied biomass accumulation, allocation patterns, and allometric models of Salsola passerina shrub in the Alxa Desert steppe, Northwestern China. We measured aboveground and belowground biomass accumulation across different ages (0–50 years) by destructive sampling. The biomass allocation patterns between aboveground biomass, leaves, branches, and roots were studied by fitting allometric functions for both pooled and age‐classed data. Allometric biomass models were developed by regressing on single‐input variable of basal diameter, crown area, height, and age alone or on the pairwise variables of above four parameters. Biomass accumulation increased with age, aboveground components represented 86–89% of the total biomass, root to shoot biomass ratios increased with shrub age. Allometry patterns of S. passerina were relatively constant, and the growth rate of root was faster than that of aboveground components. Allometric models with two‐input variables were obviously better than single variable models. Crown area and basal diameter were the best predictors for biomass of S. passerina shrub.
Finsler Hardy inequalities
Authors: Mercaldo Anna , Sano Megumi , Takahashi Futoshi
Published: September 2020

In this paper we present a unified simple approach to anisotropic Hardy inequalities in various settings. We consider Hardy inequalities which involve a Finsler distance from a point or from the boundary of a domain. The sharpness and the non‐attainability of the constants in the inequalities are also proved.