bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation and Management of Stool Frequency and Consistency Associated With SGLT1 Inhibition by Reducing Dietary Carbohydrate: A Randomized Trial
Authors: He YanLing , Schofield Jül , Mahling Ping , Mendonza Anisha E. , Hinder Markus
Published: April 2020

Treatment with licogliflozin, a dual sodium‐glucose co‐transporter (SGLT)1/2‐inhibitor, is associated with increased stool frequency and loose stools, attributed to SGLT1 inhibition. To investigate the effect of carbohydrate content and supplements on licogliflozin‐induced stools, a randomized, open‐label, two‐part (N = 24/part), three‐period crossover study was carried out in overweight or obese adults. Significantly higher (P < 0.01) change from baseline in 3‐day total number of bowel movements was observed following 3 days of licogliflozin treatment (50 mg q.d.) together with a 50% carbohydrate meal compared with a 25% and 0% carbohydrate meal. The number of stools with Bristol Stool Chart score of 6 or 7 was also significantly lower following a 0% carbohydrate meal. Supplementation with psyllium 6 g or calcium carbonate 1 g had no effect on stool changes following treatment. Licogliflozin was generally safe and well‐tolerated. Loose stool associated with licogliflozin treatment and ingestion of meals can be managed by reducing the carbohydrate content of meals taken with licogliflozin.
Wideband third‐order single‐transistor all‐pass filter
Authors: Elamien Mohamed B. , Maundy Brent J. , Belostotski Leonid , Elwakil Ahmed S.
Published: April 2020

In this letter, a third‐order wideband voltage‐mode all‐pass filter (APF) is proposed for application as a true time delay (TTD) cell. The advantages of designing a single‐stage higher order filter over cascading several lower order stages are illustrated. The proposed APF circuit is based on a single metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (MOS) transistor and is canonical because it requires one resistor, one inductor, and two capacitors. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first single‐transistor third‐order APF circuit to be reported in the literature. The operation of the proposed APF is validated through post‐layout simulations in a 65‐nm CMOS technology. The simulation results demonstrate a group delay of 59.4 ps across a 13.2‐GHz bandwidth with a maximum delay‐bandwidth product of 0.783, while consuming only 3.54mW from a 1‐V supply voltage. Moreover, the designed circuit achieves an input‐referred IP3 of 19.95 dBm and occupies an area of 161.5μm × 204.8μm.
Discrepancies between genetic and ecological divergence patterns suggest a complex biogeographic history in a Neotropical genus
Authors: Binelli Giorgio , Montaigne William , Sabatier Daniel , Scotti‐Saintagne Caroline , Scotti Ivan
Published: April 2020

Phylogenetic patterns and the underlying speciation processes can be deduced from morphological, functional, and ecological patterns of species similarity and divergence. In some cases, though, species retain multiple similarities and remain almost indistinguishable; in other cases, evolutionary convergence can make such patterns misleading; very often in such cases, the “true” picture only emerges from carefully built molecular phylogenies, which may come with major surprises. In addition, closely related species may experience gene flow after divergence, thus potentially blurring species delimitation. By means of advanced inferential methods, we studied molecular divergence between species of the Virola genus (Myristicaceae): widespread Virola michelii and recently described, endemic V. kwatae, using widespread V. surinamensis as a more distantly related outgroup with different ecology and morphology—although with overlapping range. Contrary to expectations, we found that the latter, and not V. michelii, was sister to V. kwatae. Therefore, V. kwatae probably diverged from V. surinamensis through a recent morphological and ecological shift, which brought it close to distantly related V. michelii. Through the modeling of the divergence process, we inferred that gene flow between V. surinamensis and V. kwatae stopped soon after their divergence and resumed later, in a classical secondary contact event which did not erase their ecological and morphological differences. While we cannot exclude that initial divergence occurred in allopatry, current species distribution and the absence of geographical barriers make complete isolation during speciation unlikely. We tentatively conclude that (a) it is possible that divergence occurred in allopatry/parapatry and (b) secondary contact did not suppress divergence.
Cooperatively improving tallgrass prairie with adaptive management
Authors: Ahlering Marissa , Carlson Daren , Vacek Sara , Jacobi Sarah , Hunt Victoria , Stanton Jessica C. , Knutson Melinda G. , Lonsdorf Eric
Published: April 2020

Adaptive management (AM) is widely used as an approach for learning to improve resource management, but successful AM projects remain relatively uncommon, with few documented examples applied by natural resource management agencies. We used AM to provide insights into actions that would be most beneficial for the management of native tallgrass prairie plant communities in western Minnesota and eastern North and South Dakota, USA. After 9 yr of data collection and learning, we report on whether the condition of the prairie improved with management and which actions and frequency of action allowed improvement. Our approach to AM employed Bayesian inference to generate annual management recommendations at site‐ and state‐dependent scales. We also used a logistic regression approach to complement the output from the AM model and evaluate the more general conditions that led to attaining management goals. Overall, the cover of native plants increased for low‐quality sites, and among the management practices considered, we found that burning most effectively enhanced the native prairie plant community and increased the dominance of native indicator species. Contrary to expectations, the results also indicate that grazing on sites that started in a poor condition was less likely to show improvements in the native plant community. Complementing AM with more traditional statistical analyses can help inform the iterative double‐loop learning phase of the AM framework. Adaptive management has many challenges, but we demonstrate that multi‐agency AM can be successful. Keys to success include starting the project with an in‐person, in‐depth workshop; standardized protocols and a centralized database; a core project team with multi‐disciplinary backgrounds; stability in project leadership; and regular communication to meet annual deadlines.
Von der geologischen Aufnahme zur BIM‐Repräsentation
Authors: Weichenberger Franz Peter , Schwaiger Christian , Höfer‐Öllinger Giorgio
Published: April 2020

Starting with geological field mapping in the tunnel, a process can be implemented to transform all geological observations into data structures for later use in BIM systems. All necessary basics are already available and a reference implementation has been programmed. When corresponding standards become available, which will be the case in the next one to two years, universal interchangeability of the information will also be provided. This will ensure that the ground model can be maintained through the life cycle, and the ground – as part of the Digital Twin of the structure – is available in later project phases like operation, maintenance, enlargement und renaturation.
Information count and distribution matrix: A contemporary approach for content‐based brain image indexing
Authors: Ray Soumi , Kumar Vinod
Published: April 2020

Indexing of medical images for efficient management is gaining importance with its continuously growing database size. The popular text‐based image indexing method is time‐consuming. Content‐based labeling uses mathematical models for automatic indexing, offers higher speed and unbiased performance. Widely used image features are computed from pixel intensity and its distribution pattern. Pixel intensity depends on imaging modality. It introduces differences in the content of the same image when acquired using different modalities. In this article, we have proposed an intensity independent descriptor, Information Count and Distribution Matrix (ICDM). It is formulated to eliminate modality dependency and decrease the mathematical load. ICDM is formed using the foreground information of an image. Three primary (and two auxiliary) features are extracted from this matrix and used for brain image indexing. Brain computed tomography images are indexed by more than 96% accuracy using the proposed features. The formation of ICDM is proposed to reduce the semantic gaps between human and computer vision.
Determining the spatial distribution of percolation for winter wheat based on system dynamics and semi‐distributed modelling*
Authors: Chen Haorui , Zeng Wenzhi , Chen Weilin , Dai Wei , Mi Boyu , Liu Jing , Lei Guoqing
Published: April 2020

Percolation is one of the important factors in the field water cycle, which affects designing irrigation schedules and increasing water productivity. However, the measurement of percolation is both costly and time‐consuming. This study established a point‐scaled system dynamic model (SDM) for water movement in the root zone of winter wheat in Shijin Irrigation District (SID) and proposed a semi‐distributed method to extend the SDM from the point to regional scales (SM). Observations of soil moisture of the root zone (0–2 m) of winter wheat from 2007 to 2009 were used to evaluate the SDM and SM. Both could accurately simulate soil water movement during the winter wheat growth period (R2 > 0.6, RMSE < 0.032). Meanwhile, three extreme scenarios and sensitivity analysis were also applied to ensure the stability and plausibility of the SDM. The distribution of percolation indicated that irrigation was the main reason for percolation. Furthermore, well irrigation reduced the percolation when compared with canal irrigation. Meanwhile, wells were the main water source (56.3%) for the SID and percolation consumed about 22.1% income water. Future study should focus on improving simulation accuracy for spatial variability and consider the lateral exchange of soil water for regions with hills and mountains. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mapping the performance of photobioreactors for microalgae cultivation: geographic position and local climate
Authors: Siqueira Stefania F , Maroneze Mariana M , Dias Rosangela R , Vendruscolo Raquel G , Wagner Roger , de Menezes Cristiano R , Zepka Leila Q , Jacob‐Lopes Eduardo
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

Over 90% of microalgae cultivations on a commercial scale are grown in outdoor systems, which means that the performance of these bioprocesses is dependent on the climatic conditions in each particular locality. Thus, the selection of suitable locations according to their climatic conditions is extremely important to develop technically and economically viable processes. This study aimed to assess the influence of geographic position and local climate on the microalgae culture performance in photobioreactors, as a strategy to map potential regions for commercial‐scale microalgae production. Six extreme positions of Brazil were chosen to represent their respective climates in the four seasons of the year.

RESULTS

The climatic variables considered were temperature, light irradiance, and photoperiod. In terms of both biomass and lipid production in an annual overview, the results showed that tropical climates and low latitudes favor the microalgae culture. The highest annual average biomass productivity (0.278 g L−1 d−1) and annual average lipid productivity (0.056 g L−1 d−1) were recorded in Boa Vista‐RR (02° 49′ 12″ N), in summer.

CONCLUSION

The geographic position and the local climate are decisive criteria in the performance of these processes, being able to increase up to three and four times the biomass productivity and lipid productivity, respectively. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Purification and characterization of a novel antioxidant Phelligridin LA produced by Inonotus baumii
Authors: Wang Tianwen , Li Hui , Liang Chen , Sun Shiwei , Liu Ao , Zhu Hu
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

The fruit body of medicinal fungus, Sanghuang (Inonotus baumii), is a source of diverse metabolites with health‐promoting efficacy through varying mechanisms. The low efficiency of fruit body production and failure to discover valuable metabolites have severely limited more extensive applications.

RESULTS

A novel compound was discovered and identified as (6,6′‐bis((E)‐3,4‐dihydroxystyryl)‐4,4′‐dihydroxy‐2H,2′H‐[3,3′‐bipyran]‐2,2′‐dione (named as Phelligridin LA, PLA). The compound exhibited antioxidant activity against free radicals (DPPH•, •OH, •O2, and ABTS•+). The IC50 values of PLA and vitamin C were determined as 18.62 and 11.26 μmol L−1 (DPPH•), 222.56 and 718.48 μmol L−1 (•OH), 611.41 and 340.11 μmol L−1 (•O2), 73.33 and 44.31 μmol L−1 (ABTS•+), which demonstrated that PLA was an efficient scavenger of •OH radical.

CONCLUSION

PLA is a novel antioxidant metabolite purified from the fermentation broth of Sanghuang, which proved that the biomass produced with fermentation was a good source for metabolite isolation. A feasible process was established to obtain this valuable ingredient from the medicinal fungus. This report exemplifies the exploitation of Sanghuang in the context of modern natural product discovery. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Anterolateral knee pain related to thrombosed lateral patellar retinaculum veins: Unusual anterolateral pain of the knee
Authors: Moraux Antoine , Bianchi Stefano , Le Corroller Thomas
Published: April 2020

We describe the ultrasound (US) features of venous thrombosis involving the lateral patellar retinaculum (LPR) veins presenting as anterolateral knee pain. Four male patients, aged 16 to 35 years, were referred for lateropatellar pain with focal tenderness. In two cases, physical examination also demonstrated soft tissue swelling at the anterolateral aspect of the knee. In all four cases, US showed subcutaneous fat edema surrounding a thrombosis involving the LPR veins. Magnetic resonance imaging performed before US in one patient revealed only nonspecific subcutaneous fat edema and was therefore unable to make the correct diagnosis of LPR venous thrombosis.
Atmospheric sources of trace element contamination in cultivated urban areas: A review
Authors: Engel‐Di Mauro Salvatore
Published: April 2020

Producing food in cities has garnered increasing attention over the past decade. Although there are ecological and social benefits, cultivated urban areas (CUAs) also bear contamination hazards, including from trace elements (TEs). Trace element contamination has been studied extensively in CUAs, but atmospheric sources remain understudied and poorly understood. A brief discussion is offered on atmospheric particulate deposition processes in cities and their implications for urban food production. Available findings are discussed and contrasted. Existing research assesses atmospheric deposition indirectly or otherwise lacks controls for other TE contaminants. There is little to no engagement with methodological guidelines from the atmospheric sciences, which reduces confidence in the findings so far attained. Suggestions are delineated to combine techniques used in the atmospheric sciences with the robust methodologies already generated by studies on TE contamination in CUAs, such as isotope and TE ratios analyses.
Triazole‐fused indolo[2,3‐a]carbazoles: synthesis, structures, and properties
Authors: Ghosh Sirina , Das Sarasija , Kumar Chandan , Kumar Neha Rani , Agrawal Abhijeet R. , Karmakar Himadri S. , Ghosh Nani Gopal , Zade Sanjio S.
Published: April 2020

The synthesis, structure, and photophysical and electrochemical properties of triazole fused indolo[2,3‐a]carbazole derivatives 2‐5 are reported. The key step involved in the synthesis of triazole fused indolo[2,3‐a]carbazole derivatives is the Cadogan ring closing reaction. 2‐Hexyl‐5,6‐dinitro‐2H‐benzo[d][1,2,3]triazoles having 4,7‐diaryl capping were subjected to the Cadogan cyclization reaction to obtain compounds 2‐5. In contrast to thiadiazole‐fused indolo[2,3‐a]carbazole 1, bromination of triazole‐fused indolo[2,3‐a]carbazole 4 afforded only meta‐dibrominated product with respect to the nitrogen of fused pyrrole rings on treatment with both N‐bromosuccinimide (NBS) and elemental bromine. These compounds showed positive solvatochromism in their emission spectra. Incorporation of electron‐donating substituent in the indole moiety resulted in the elevation of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) level. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to support the experimental findings.
1,25(OH)2D3 alleviates DSS-induced ulcerative colitis via inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation
Authors: Cao Run , Ma Yuting , Li Shaowei , Shen Donghai , Yang Shuang , Wang Xuance , Cao Yue , Wang Zhizeng , Wei Yinxiang , Li Shulian , Liu Guangchao , Zhang Hailong , Wang Yaohui , Ma Yuanfang
Published: April 2020

1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3, VitD3) is the major active ingredient of vitamin D and has anti-inflammatory activity; however, the mechanism for this remains poorly understood. In this study, we found that VitD3 was able to abolish NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation and subsequently inhibit caspase-1 activation and IL-1β secretion via the vitamin D receptor (VDR). Furthermore, VitD3 specifically prevented NLRP3-mediated apoptosis-associated speck-like protein with a caspase-recruitment domain (ASC) oligomerization. In additional to this, NLRP3 binding to NIMA-related kinase 7 (NEK7) was also inhibited. Notably, VitD3 inhibited autophagy, leading to the inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Uncoupling protein 2-reactive oxygen species signaling may be involved in inflammasome suppression by VitD3. Importantly, VitD3 had both preventive and therapeutic effects on mouse model of ulcerative colitis, via inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Our results reveal a mechanism through which VitD3 represses inflammation and prevents the relevant diseases, and suggest a potential clinical use of VitD3 in autoimmune syndromes or other NLRP3 inflammasome-driven inflammatory diseases.
Molecular and epidemiological trends of human bocavirus and adenovirus in children with acute gastroenteritis in Bangladesh during 2015 to 2019
Authors: Sharif Nadim , Parvez Anowar Khasru , Haque Aynul , Talukder Ali Azam , Ushijima Hiroshi , Dey Shuvra Kanti
Published: April 2020

Virus associated diarrhea remains one of the leading causes of children morbidity and mortality in Bangladesh. Human bocavirus (HBoV) has been reported as a potential pathogen of children's diarrhea worldwide. However, due to its frequent association with other gastroenteric pathogens, its role as diarrhea causative agent remains to be defined. This study focuses to detect the incidence of HBoV and adenovirus (AdV) and to determine the molecular and epidemiological characteristics of HBoV and AdV. Between January 2015 to January 2019, 290 fecal specimens were collected from diarrheal children in Bangladesh. All fecal specimens were tested for HBoV and AdV by conventional polymerase chain reaction and sequencing methods. HBoV was detected in 7.24% (21 of 290) of the stool samples, as a sole virus in 71.42% (15 of 21) of the positive samples. AdV was detected in 4.82% (14 of 290) of the samples. The most common clinical symptoms of HBoV infected patients were diarrhea (100%) and vomiting (57%). All of the isolates of HBoV were from HBoV1 and AdV were from AdV41, AdV5, AdV7, and AdV8. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first epidemiological and molecular analysis report of HBoV from clinical specimens in Bangladesh. In the future, more studies are needed to clarify the role of HBoV as diarrheal pathogens.
Ultra‐narrow border display with a cover glass using liquid crystal displays with a polyimide substrate
Authors: Oka Shinichiro , Hyodo Yosuke , Jin Lu , Asozu Genki , Kaneda Hiromi , Mochizuki Kazuhide , Mochizuki Marina , Aoki Yoshiro , Asano Naoyuki
Published: April 2020

Plastic liquid crystal displays (LCDs) termed sheet LCDs with transparent polyimide (PI) substrates were constructed. There is a lot of potential to expand the use of these LCDs in LCD applications. Herein, we investigated a structure for sheet LCDs such as high‐density main post spacers (PSs) and PI substrates with the aid of a barrier layer to control the residual stress and protect the liquid crystal from moisture.

Drawing on this, we propose an ultra‐narrow border LCD that makes of the developed sheet LCDs. The most significant improvement is that the four borders of the LCD can be folded to wrap the backlight unit. This LCD was based on various new techniques, including the use of plastic substrates, processing of polarizer films, control of the neutral surface of a bending component based on the sealant width, and the use of a cover glass with a lens effect. We believe that these novel LCDs will be useful in numerous new applications.
Identification of kinesin family member 3B (KIF3B) as a molecular target for gastric cancer
Authors: Yao Fu‐Zhou , Kong De‐Gang
Published: April 2020

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fourth most common malignancy worldwide, with 80% mortality rate in over 70% countries. Recently, targeted therapy for GC has great clinical prospects, and it is still badly needed to find novel molecular targets to control the progression and development of GC. Kinesin family member 3B (KIF3B) is known as a microtubule motor kinesin and one of the most ubiquitously expressed KIFs. KIF3B participates in multiple cellular processes such as mitosis and spermatogenesis, and the possible role of KIF3B on tumor progression has been widely revealed. KIF3B affects the progression and metastasis of multiple types of tumors, such as pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma; however, its potential impact on GC is still unknown. Herein, we explored the possible role of KIF3B on the progression of GC and noticed that KIF3B was high expression in tumor tissues from GC patients. KIF3B was also significantly correlated with clinical pathological characteristics such as tumor size (P = .014*) and recurrence (P = .044*). We further revealed that KIF3B depleted GC cells exhibited impaired proliferation capacity in vitro. Similarly, KIF3B depletion suppressed tumor growth of GC cells in mice. In conclusion, we identified KIF3B as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of GC.
Drivers of a sudden mesoscale rainstorm in arid and semi‐arid regions at the edge of the western Pacific subtropical high
Authors: Liu Jing , Zhang Jinru , Liu Fan , Yang Lianmei
Published: April 2020

An extreme rainstorm occurred in southeastern Hami in Xinjiang, China, on July 31, 2018. The region experienced maximum accumulated precipitation of 110 mm over 12 h, causing a flood that killed 20 people and left eight missing. The present study uses multiple data sources in order to conduct an in‐depth analysis of this extreme rainfall event. Results show that the western Pacific subtropical high (WPSH) could directly impact the arid and semi‐arid areas under the certain circulation patters. During the heavy rainfall period, the 500 hPa WPSH was anomalously northerly; several mesoscale cloud clusters generated in front of the 700 hPa Hexi corridor jet stream and then merged and developed along the 500 hPa steering flow. The atmosphere was conditionally unstable over the region, and unstable convective energy was triggered by warm frontogenesis at the low Troposphere. Warm frontal frontogenesis was determined by the horizontal divergence and the tilt term during convective initiation, and deformation and tilt terms as convective cloud at matured. Additionally, the intensification of the 700 hPa Hexi corridor southeasterly jet and topographic uplifting were responsible for the long‐term persistence of the mesoscale convective system, which should be paid more attention by forecasters in the future forecasting of this region.
A microwave amplifier behavioral model capable of cascade simulation
Authors: Xie Chengcheng , Yu Gang , Zhang Ziheng , Wang Huanpeng , Li Youda , Wu Yunqiu , Guo Yunchuan , Xu Ruimin , Xu Yuehang
Published: April 2020

In system‐level design, microwave amplifier needs to be cascaded with other components. In this scenario, the input and output of amplifier model have cascade capability to sense the variation of source and load impedance, and thus can accurately predict the forward and reverse propagating waves. In this letter, the principle and an extraction flow for a simplified polynomial behavioral model are introduced, and the cascade capability of the model is verified by experimental source‐pull and load‐pull results. By simulations, a subcircuit with a low noise amplifier and a power amplifier, which are cascaded, is used to establish behavioral models using the proposed method. It shows that the proposed model results have good agreement with circuits using both continuous wave and modulated signal excitation. Finally, by measurements, the cascaded results of two amplifiers models are compared with the overall results. The results of output waves and magnitude/phase up to third harmonics are consistent with each other. These results verify that the proposed behavioral model has the capability of cascade simulation.
Bandwidth enhancement using a slot‐inverted F hybrid antenna for metal frame devices
Authors: Kim Jae Hee
Published: April 2020

For a wireless communication device surrounded by a metal frame, a slot antenna is required to ensure antenna performance. However, the closed slot antenna, which is blocked by metal on all sides, has a disadvantage of narrow bandwidth when the aperture size is small. In this study, a method for widening the bandwidth by integrating the closed slot antenna with an inverted F antenna is proposed herein. Using this method, the inverted F antenna is mounted on the slot antenna, and the feeding structure is set up to merge the resonance frequencies of the two antennas. The proposed antenna is fabricated and is measured to have a bandwidth of 450 MHz (2.3 to 2.75 GHz) at 2.4 GHz for S11 < −10 dB. The measured efficiency is over 75% in this frequency band. The proposed method is expected to be used to widen the bandwidth of antennas for metal‐framed devices with insufficient antenna mounting space.
A novel wideband planar Ku‐band array antenna for omnidirectional radar
Authors: Zhang Fuheng , Yang Guo‐Min
Published: April 2020

This aticle presents a new wideband omnidirectional array antenna that operates at Ku‐band. Each element of the array antenna consists of a modified planar bow‐tie dipoles radiator, a pair of parasitic strips, and a pair of directors. The parasitic strips and directors are designed to enhance the antenna omnidirectional radiating performance. All elements are combined through a double‐sided parallel strip‐line feeding network. A wideband semicircular balun is employed at the feeding port to broaden the impedance bandwidth. Finally, a 2 × 2 prototype is designed, fabricated, and measured. The measured results demonstrate that the proposed array antenna provides 47.3% (11.3‐18.4 GHz) relative impedance bandwidth with 4.1 dBi maximum gain, around 44.8° half‐power beamwidth at 15.0 GHz and less than 2.5 dB unroundness over the whole operating band in xoy plane.
Investigation of the thermoformability of various D‐Lactide content poly(lactic acid) films by ball burst test
Authors: Pölöskei Kornél , Csézi Gergely , Hajba Sándor , Tábi Tamás
Published: April 2020

In this article, we investigated the thermoformability of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) films with various D‐Lactide contents and therefore different crystallization properties, performing tensile and ball burst tests at various temperatures and testing rates. We found that the behavior of the PLA films tested above the glass transition temperature significantly differs due to the difference in D‐Lactide content, and thus crystallinity. During tensile testing, elevated temperatures and mechanical stress caused the crystallization temperature to decrease and thus highly induced crystallization. At the same time, as testing speed was increased, the ability of the polymer to crystallize decreased. In ball burst tests, the PLA films crystallized more than during tensile testing. We described the differences found between tensile testing and ball burst testing, which latter better represents the conditions of thermoforming through inducing biaxial deformation.
Preparation andoil–waterseparation evaluations of polypropylene/low‐melt‐point polyester composites reinforced by thermal bonding and one‐step solution immersion
Authors: Sun Fei , Li Ting‐Ting , Zhang Xiayun , Shiu Bing‐Chiuan , Zhang Yue , Lou Ching‐Wen , Lin Jia‐Horng
Published: April 2020

Nonwoven fabrics have been fabricated for oil–water separation, but simplifying the manufacturing processes is still a challenge. In this work, a facile and easily scaled up approach based on thermal bonding and one‐step solution immersion has been successfully developed to prepare nonwoven fabrics with high separation efficiency and flux of oil. Here, polypropylene (PP) and low‐melt‐point polyester (LPET) fibers with a unique sheath–core structure are employed to form PP/LPET nonwoven fabrics. Thermal bonding by hot press and hydrophobic treatment with 1H,1H,2H,2H‐perfluorodecyl‐1‐thiol (PFDT) are used to manufacture oil–water separation nonwoven fabrics. Effects of the ratio of LPET fibers and the concentration of PFDT are discussed in terms of mechanical properties, morphology, surface chemical composition, water contact angle and performance of oil–water separation and flux of the nonwoven fabrics. The results show that the strength of the nonwoven fabrics gradually increases with increasing ratio of LPET fibers. After immersion in PFDT, the nonwoven fabrics show high hydrophobicity with a water contact angle of 143°. They can be used to separate oil–water mixtures. The separation efficiency is 97–99% and the oil flux is 62 364.92 L m−2h−1. This study provides a new prospect for simple introduction of a hydrophobic agent on a nonwoven fabric to achieve various functional oil–water separation materials. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Overexpression of miR‐455‐5p affects retinol (vitamin A) absorption by downregulating STRA6 in a nitrofen‐induced CDH with lung hypoplasia rat model
Authors: Zheng Jintao , He Qiuming , Tang Huajian , Li Jiequan , Xu Huiyu , Mao Xiangming , Liu Guoqing
Published: April 2020

Lung hypoplasia is the main cause of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH)‐associated death but pathogenesis remains unclear. MiR‐455‐5p is involved in lung hypoplasia. We hypothesized that nitrofen causes abnormal miR‐455‐5p expression during lung development and designed this study to determine the relationship between miR‐455‐5p, stimulated by retinoic acid 6 (STRA6), and retinol in a nitrofen‐induced CDH with lung hypoplasia rat model. Nitrofen or olive oil was administered to Sprague‐Dawley rats by gavage on day 9.5 of gestation, and the rats were divided into a nitrofen group and a control group (n = 6). The left lung of fetuses was dissected on day 15.5. The expression of miR‐455‐5p or STRA6 messenger RNA (mRNA) was determined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Average integrated optical density (IOD) of STRA6 protein was determined by immunofluorescence histochemistry. The average retinol level was detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (n = 6 lungs, respectively). Compared with the control group, the nitrofen group exhibited significantly increased miR‐455‐5p expression levels (29.450 ± 9.253 vs 5.955 ± 2.330; P = .00045) and significantly decreased STRA6 mRNA levels (0.197 ± 0.097 vs 0.588 ± 0.184; P = .0047). In addition, the average IOD of the STRA6 protein was significantly lower in the nitrofen group (805.643 ± 291.182 vs 1616.391 ± 572.308, P = .015), and the average retinol level was significantly reduced (4.013 ± 0.195 vs 5.317 ± 0.337 µg/L, P = .000). In summary, the overexpression of miR‐455‐5p affected retinol absorption by downregulating STRA6 in the nitrofen‐induced CDH with lung hypoplasia rat model, and this downregulation may be one cause of CDH with lung hypoplasia.
Comparison of delivered distending pressures in the oropharynx in preterm infant on bubble CPAP and on three different nasal interfaces
Authors: Sharma Deepak , Murki Srinivas , Maram Shravani , Pratap Tejo , Kiran Sai , Venkateshwarlu Vardhelli , Dinesh Pawale , Kulkarni Dattatray , Kamineni Bhargavi , T. Anusha , Singh Gurmeet
Published: April 2020

Objective

To compare the level of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) delivered by three different CPAP delivery interfaces (RAM cannula system, Hudson prongs, and nasal mask) in preterm neonates with respiratory distress.

Methods

Preterm neonates with gestation between 28 weeks and 34 weeks and birth weight more than or equal to 1000 g and requiring nasal CPAP for respiratory distress were eligible for the study. During the study period, consecutive infants requiring CPAP were started on Hudson prongs or RAM cannula or nasal mask in that order. We measured the mean oropharyngeal pressure, which approximates the applied CPAP level. Oropharyngeal pressures in the recruited neonates were measured between 24 and 48 hours of postnatal age, when stable and in sleep or quiet awake state. Comparison of the delivered oropharyngeal pressures when on three different nasal interfaces at the same set flow rate and at set CPAP of 5 cm or 6 cm of H2O was the primary outcome.

Results

Data was analyzed from 30 neonates in each group. We found that measured oropharyngeal pressures were less than set CPAP level in all three studied interfaces. Maximum drop in oropharyngeal pressure was observed with use of RAM cannula with measured oropharyngeal pressures being 1.1 and 1.2 cm H2O less than set CPAP of 5 and 6 cm H2O respectively. Pharyngeal pressure best correlated to set CPAP level with the use of nasal mask.

Conclusion

None of the nasal interfaces delivered oropharyngeal pressure equivalent to the set CPAP. However, nasal mask delivered oropharyngeal pressure best matched to the set CPAP.
Deep Proteomic Insights into the Individual Short‐Term Pellicle Formation on Enamel—An In Situ Pilot Study
Authors: Trautmann Simone , Künzel Nicolas , Fecher‐Trost Claudia , Barghash Ahmad , Schalkowsky Pascal , Dudek Johanna , Delius Judith , Helms Volkhard , Hannig Matthias
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Dental pellicle formation starts instantaneously after oral hygiene due to the adsorption of salivary proteins to all orally exposed surfaces. The pellicle acts as a physiological mediator, protects the tooth surface from mechanical damages and reduces acid‐induced enamel demineralization. The aim of this pilot study is to identify and characterize individual proteomic profiles of the initial pellicle formed on dental enamel and to compare the profiles with the corresponding saliva to analyze specific adsorption patterns occurring during pellicle formation.

Experimental Design

The 3‐min pellicle of five subjects formed in situ on bovine enamel is eluted chemically and analyzed separately by nano‐mass spectrometry. The analysis of the corresponding saliva is conducted in parallel.

Results

Up to 498 pellicle proteins and up to 1032 salivary proteins are identified on an individual level. Comparison of the salivary and pellicle protein profiles demonstrates the pellicle formation to be highly individual. Nineteen proteins are significantly enriched in the 3‐min pellicle of all subjects and 22 proteins are significantly depleted indicating that pellicle formation relies on selective adsorption.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

The short‐term enamel pellicle is composed of several hundreds of adsorbed salivary proteins and reveals a highly individual proteomic profile.
On the dual linear periodic time‐delay system: Spectrum and Lyapunov matrices, with application to analysis and balancing
Authors: Michiels Wim , Gomez Marco A.
Published: April 2020

We present novel theoretical concepts for linear time‐periodic systems with multiple delays, which are closely related to the spectral properties and Lyapunov matrices. At the basis of the main results is the associated dual system, constructed by transposition of the systems matrices and affine transformations of their arguments. We introduce, for the first time, the concepts of the norm and the dual Lyapunov matrix of periodic systems with delays. We show that the primal and dual system have the same norm, characterized by primal and dual delay Lyapunov equations, which extend the well‐known results for time‐invariant systems with delays, and periodic systems without delays. Having at hand the pair of primal‐dual Lyapunov matrices, along with some energy interpretations, allow us to generalize the concept of position balancing and explore its potential for model reduction. The obtained results are illustrated by several examples, including the delayed Mathieu equation.
Design, Synthesis and Antimicrobial Evaluation of 1,3,4‐Oxadiazole/1,2,4‐Triazole‐Substituted Thiophenes
Authors: Singla Nishu , Singh Gagandeep , Bhatia Rohit , Kumar Anoop , Kaur Rupinder , Kaur Satvinder
Published: April 2020

The increasing level of antimicrobial resistance in pathogenic bacteria, together with the lack of new potential drug scaffolds in the pipeline, make the problem of infectious diseases a major public health concern. Thus, in this context, a novel series of 1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐substituted thiophenes (4 a–m) and 1,2,4‐triazole (6 a–m) substituted thiophene derivatives were synthesized. Characterization of all the synthesized derivatives was done by various spectroscopic techniques such as 1H NMR, 13C NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, and evaluated for antimicrobial activity against various pathological strains using broth dilution and disc diffusion method. In particular, compound 6 e and 4 e exhibited significant inhibitory potential with MIC ranging from 2–7 μg mL−1 against S. aureus, B. subtilis, P. aeruginosa and E. coli. Additionally, compound 6 e was found to be highly potent against methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA; MIC=2 μg mL−1). Molecular docking studies were also performed to confer the possible mode of action and association studies indicate the binding of potent active compound with DHFR enzyme (Ka=2.10×103 M−1). Further, the mechanism of action has also been explored by atomic force microscopy (AFM), which reveals the bacterial cell wall deformity and cell wall rupturing that may lead to bacteria cell death. Additionally, in silico ADME prediction study suggested the drug like properties of active compounds.
The Role of Delocalization Energy on Superhalogen Property: The Electron Affinity of , , and (X=O, S, and Se)
Authors: Farrokhpour Hossein , Yousefvand Mostafa , Hadadzadeh Hassan , Jouypazadeh Hamidreza
Published: April 2020

The electron affinities (EAs) of manganese compounds including
,
and
(X=O, S, and Se; n=0 to 6) species were calculated. The calculated EAs of neutral species are positive, while the EA values of anions remain negative. The increase of the EA value among the number of X atoms for the neutral species was observed so that
(EA=+5.04 eV),
(EA=+4.61 eV), and
(EA=+6.58 eV) all revealed superhalogen property. To interpret the variation of EA with n and number of X atoms, the change in the partial charges of atoms, the electrostatic surface potential (ESP) of species, the strength of Mn−X bonds, the delocalization energy, and the energy components of electronic energy of species were examined. The positive EA of some neutral species is attributed to the increase of delocalization energy due to the added electron. In contrast, for some species, the decrease of delocalization energy is observed despite having a positive EA. For these species, the decomposition of electronic energies provides a reasonable interpretation of the positive EA value.
Acknowledging User Requirements for Accuracy in Computational Chemistry Benchmarks
Authors: Savin Andreas , Pernot Pascal
Published: April 2020

Computational chemistry has become an important complement to experimental measurements. In order to choose among the multitude of the existing approximations, it is common to use benchmark data sets, and to issue recommendations based on numbers such as mean absolute errors. We argue, using as an example bandgaps calculated with density functional approximations, that a more careful study of the benchmark data is needed, stressing that the user's requirements play a role in the choice of an appropriate method. We also appeal to those who measure data capable of being used as a reference, to publish error estimates. We show how the latter can affect the judgment of approximations used in computational chemistry.
Axion fragmentation
Authors: Fonseca Nayara , Morgante Enrico , Sato Ryosuke , Servant Géraldine
Published: April 2020

Abstract

We investigate the production of axion quanta during the early universe evolution of an axion-like field rolling down a wiggly potential. We compute the growth of quantum fluctuations and their back-reaction on the homogeneous zero-mode. We evaluate the transfer of kinetic energy from the zero mode to the quantum fluctuations and the conditions to decelerate the axion zero-mode as a function of the Hubble rate, the slope of the potential, the size of the barriers and the initial field velocity. We discuss how these effects impact the relaxion mechanism.
It takes more than two to tango: mechanosignaling of the endothelial surface
Authors: Fels Benedikt , Kusche-Vihrog Kristina
Published: April 2020

The endothelial surface is a highly flexible signaling hub which is able to sense the hemodynamic forces of the streaming blood. The subsequent mechanosignaling is basically mediated by specific structures, like the endothelial glycocalyx building the top surface layer of endothelial cells as well as mechanosensitive ion channels within the endothelial plasma membrane. The mechanical properties of the endothelial cell surface are characterized by the dynamics of cytoskeletal proteins and play a key role in the process of signal transmission from the outside (lumen of the blood vessel) to the interior of the cell. Thus, the cell mechanics directly interact with the function of mechanosensitive structures and ion channels. To precisely maintain the vascular tone, a coordinated functional interdependency between endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells is necessary. This is given by the fact that mechanosensitive ion channels are expressed in both cell types and that signals are transmitted via autocrine/paracrine mechanisms from layer to layer. Thus, the outer layer of the endothelial cells can be seen as important functional mechanosensitive and reactive cellular compartment. This review aims to describe the known mechanosensitive structures of the vessel building a bridge between the important role of physiological mechanosignaling and the proper vascular function. Since mutations and dysfunction of mechanosensitive proteins are linked to vascular pathologies such as hypertension, they play a potent role in the field of channelopathies and mechanomedicine.
Relationship between mean volume voided and incontinence in children with overactive bladder treated with solifenacin: post hoc analysis of a phase 3 randomised clinical trial
Authors: Snijder Robert , Bosman Brigitte , Stroosma Otto , Agema Marja
Published: April 2020

This post hoc Poisson regression analysis investigated the relationship between mean volume voided and incontinence episodes/24 h after fixed frequency adjustment in children with overactive bladder from the LION study, a phase 3, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, sequential, dose-titration solifenacin trial. Patients were aged 5–< 12 years with ≥ 4 episodes of daytime incontinence during a 7-day pre-baseline diary period. The dependent variable was the mean number of incontinence episodes/24 h at the end of study. Explanatory variables included treatment, mean number of incontinence episodes/24 h at baseline, and change from baseline to end of study in mean volume voided. Statistical significance and goodness of fit were analysed using the Pearson’s chi-square test. A negative estimate was found between the dependent variable ‘incontinence’ and both mean volume voided and daytime maximum volume voided/micturition (an increase in mean volume voided or daytime maximum volume voided/micturition would lead to a reduction in incontinence; P = 0.0014 and P = 0.0317, respectively). The model was a good fit to the data in both analyses with a Pearson’s chi-square goodness-of-fit criteria of 0.8.

Conclusion: Increase in mean volume voided was significantly correlated to reduction in incontinence episodes/24 h in children with overactive bladder treated with solifenacin.

This study is registered atClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01565707.

What is known:• Mean volume voided per micturition is used as an indicator of treatment efficacy, with increases noted as number of incontinence episodes (and micturition frequency) decrease.• The relationship between mean volume voided and incontinence episodes is not clearly understood.What is new:• Increase in mean volume voided significantly correlated to reduction in incontinence in solifenacin-treated children with overactive bladder (Poisson regression model analysis).• Compared with placebo, solifenacin-treated children had a lower predicted number of incontinence episodes/24 h.
Free-ranging bats combine three different cognitive processes for roost localization
Authors: Hernández-Montero Jesús R. , Reusch Christine , Simon Ralph , Schöner Caroline Regina , Kerth Gerald
Published: April 2020

Animals have evolved different cognitive processes to localize crucial resources that are difficult to find. Relevant cognitive processes such as associative learning and spatial memory have commonly been studied in a foraging related context under controlled laboratory conditions. However, in natural environments, animals can use multiple cognitive processes to localize resources. In this field study, we used a pairwise choice experiment and automatic roost monitoring to assess how individually marked, free-ranging Bechstein’s bats belonging to two different colonies use associative learning, spatial memory and social information when localizing suitable day roosts. To our knowledge, this study tests for the first time how associative learning, spatial memory and social information are used in the process of roost localization in bats under the natural conditions. We show that, when searching for new roosts, bats used associative learning to discriminate between suitable and unsuitable roosts. For re-localizing previously occupied roosts, bats used spatial memory rather than associative learning. Moreover, bats significantly improved the localization of suitable unfamiliar roosts and tended to increase their accuracy to re-localize previously occupied day roosts using social information. Our field experiments suggest that Bechstein’s bats make hierarchical use of different cognitive processes when localizing day roosts. More generally, our study underlines that evaluating different cues under natural conditions is fundamental to understanding how natural selection has shaped the cognitive processes used for localizing resources.