bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The enhancement of laminar jet cooling effectiveness at very high surface temperature by using Al2O3 nanofluid as a coolant
Authors: Barik Kashinath , Chitransh Susmit , Pati A. R. , Swain B. , Behera Ajit , Mohapatra S. S.
Published: January 2020

In the current study, as per the requirement of various metal quenching industries, high heat removal rate, low consumption rate of the coolant, and the minimum operating cost of the process have been tried to be achieved in the Leidenfrost region by using a nanofluid low mass flux laminar jet. In this regard, an indigenously designed and fabricated experimental setup was used and before experimentation, the coolant (Al2O3+Water) thermophysical properties variation was monitored for the mapping of the transfer characteristics during the cooling process. The thermal analysis discloses that the critical heat flux (CHF) depicts a trend with the rising nanoparticle concentration in the mixture; however, at the medium concentration (0.10% Al2O3) except the CHF region, in the remaining region, better heat removal rate is observed. The comparison of the current cooling methodology with that reported in literature clearly approves that the proposed process methodology mitigates the requirements described above.
Homogentisic acid affects human osteoblastic functionality by oxidative stress and alteration of the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Schiavone Maria Lucia , Millucci Lia , Bernardini Giulia , Giustarini Daniela , Rossi Ranieri , Marzocchi Barbara , Santucci Annalisa
Published: January 2020

Alkaptonuria (AKU) is a rare disease correlated with deficiency of the enzyme homogentisate 1,2 dioxygenase, which causes homogentisic acid (HGA) accumulation. HGA is subjected to oxidation/polymerization reactions, leading to the production of a peculiar melanin‐like pigmentation (ochronosis) after chronic inflammation, which is considered as a triggering event for the generation of oxidative stress. Clinical manifestations of AKU are urine darkening, sclera pigmentation, early severe osteoarthropathy, and cardiovascular and renal complication. Despite major clinical manifestations of AKU being observed in the bones and skeleton, the molecular and functional parameters are so far unknown in AKU. In the present study, we used human osteoblasts supplemented with HGA as a AKU cellular model. We observed marked oxidative stress, and for the first time, we were able to correlate HGA deposition with an impairment in the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway, opening a range of possible therapeutic strategies for a disease still lacking a known cure.
Hyaluronic acid‐decorated liposomal nanoparticles for targeted delivery of 5‐fluorouracil into HT‐29 colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Mansoori Behzad , Mohammadi Ali , Abedi‐Gaballu Fereydoon , Abbaspour Soheil , Ghasabi Mehri , Yekta Reza , Shirjang Solmaz , Dehghan Gholamreza , Hamblin Michael R. , Baradaran Behzad
Published: January 2020

The use of liposomes as drug carriers improves the therapeutic efficacy of anticancer drugs, while at the same time reducing side effects. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is recognized by the CD44 receptor, which is overexpressed in many cancer cells. In this study, we developed HA‐modified liposomes encapsulating 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) and tested them against a CD44 expressing colorectal cell line (HT29) and a non‐CD44 expressing hepatoma cell line. The average size of 5‐FU‐lipo and 5‐FU‐lipo‐HA nanoparticles were 112 ± 28 and 144 ± 77 nm, respectively. The 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium (MTT) assay showed selective cancer cell death depending on the CD44 expression in a time‐dependent manner. Apoptosis assays and cell‐cycle analysis indicated that G0/G1 arrest occurred. The colony formation study revealed that cells treated with 5‐FU‐lipo and 5‐FU‐lipo‐HA had reduced colony formation. Quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction study showed that the oncogenic messenger RNA and microRNA levels were significantly reduced in the 5‐FU‐lipo‐HA‐treated group, while tumor suppressors were increased in that group. We suggest that optimal targeted delivery and release of 5‐FU into colorectal cancer cells, renders them susceptible to apoptosis, cell‐cycle arrest, and decreased colony formation.
Identification, expression and functional analysis of prmt7 in medaka Oryzias latipes
Authors: Li Fangqing , Zhu Huihui , Hou Mengying , Zhang Xiaoyi , Li Zhenzhen , Zhao Haobin , Zhou Qingchun , Zhong Xueping
Published: January 2020

Arginine methylation is an important posttranslational modification and catalyzed by a family of protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs). PRMT7 is the type III PRMT and produces solely monomethylarginine products. PRMT7 has been found to play important roles in multiple biological processes in mammals. However, the expression pattern and function of Prmt7 remain largely unknown in fish. In this study, we characterized the medaka prmt7 gene and determined its expression pattern and function during embryogenesis and germ cell development. The results showed that the chromosomal location and gene structure of medaka prmt7 were similar to its mammalian orthologs. Comparisons of deduced amino acid sequences indicated that medaka Prmt7 was a homolog of human PRMT7 with two methyltransferase domains. Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and real time RT‐PCR revealed that medaka prmt7 had maternal origin with continuous and dynamical expression during embryonic development. Whole‐mount in situ hybridization analysis observed that the transcripts of prmt7 were ubiquitous at morula and gastrula stage, and were later riched in the brain and otic vesicles during embryogenesis. In the adult stage, prmt7 messenger RNA was detected in all examined tissues with the high levels in the ovary and testis. The expression of prmt7 in the gonads was restricted to oocytes of the ovary and spermatids/sperm of the testis. Functional analysis showed that knockdown of medaka prmt7 did not reduce the total number of primordial germ cells (PGCs) in vivo but significantly affected PGCs distribution during embryonic development. These results indicate that prmt7 may be involved in germ cell development in medaka.
Antitumor, cytotoxic, and antioxidant evaluation of six heterocyclic compounds containing different heterocycle moieties
Authors: Radwan Tasneem Mokhtar , El‐Hashash Maher Abdel‐Aziz , Wasfy Ashraf Abdel‐Hamid Farouk , Abdallah Suzan Abdelhalim
Published: January 2020

Heterocyclic compounds with different heterocycle moieties, namely benzoxazinone, benzimidazole, quinazolinone, and benzofuranone heterocyclic rings, were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for their anticancer activity against human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2) using sulforhodamine B (SRB) and dimethylthiazol‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays. Also, their cytotoxic activities were tested against human epithelioid carcinoma (Hela) cell line in comparison with normal cell, amniotic epithelial (WISH) cell line, as an in vitro toxicity estimation model. The results showed clearly that 2‐(2‐benzyl‐4‐oxoquinazolin‐3(4H)‐yl)acetohydrazide 4 is the most potent antioxidant and anticancer agents. Although, 3‐amino‐2‐benzylquinazolin‐4(3H)‐one 5 is less potent anticancer agent against Hela but it is more safe against normal cell (WISH).
Proteomic characterization of the normal human medial meniscus body using data‐independent acquisition mass spectrometry
Authors: Folkesson Elin , Turkiewicz Aleksandra , Rydén Martin , Hughes Harini Velocity , Ali Neserin , Tjörnstrand Jon , Önnerfjord Patrik , Englund Martin
Published: January 2020

Recent research suggests an important role of the meniscus in the development of knee osteoarthritis. We, therefore, aimed to analyze the proteome of the normal human meniscus body, and specifically to gain new knowledge on global protein expression in the different radial zones. Medial menisci were retrieved from the right knees of 10 human cadaveric donors, from which we cut a 2 mm radial slice from the mid‐portion of the meniscal body. This slice was further divided into three zones: inner, middle, and peripheral. Proteins were extracted and prepared for mass spectrometric analysis using data‐independent acquisition. We performed subsequent data searches using Spectronaut Pulsar and used fixed‐effect linear regression models for statistical analysis. We identified 638 proteins and after statistical analysis, we observed the greatest number of differentially expressed proteins between the inner and peripheral zones (163 proteins) and the peripheral and middle zones (136 proteins), with myocilin being the protein with the largest fold‐change in both comparisons. Chondroadherin was one of eight proteins that differed between the inner and middle zones. Functional enrichment analyses showed that the peripheral one‐third of the medial meniscus body differed substantially from the two more centrally located zones, which were more similar to each other. This is probably related to the higher content of cells and vascularization in the peripheral zone, whereas the middle and inner zones of the meniscal body appear to be more similar to hyaline cartilage, with high levels of extracellular matrix proteins such as aggrecan and collagen type II.
Blinded, Double‐Dummy, Parallel‐Group, Phase 2a Randomized Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of a Highly Selective 5‐Hydroxytryptamine Type 4 Receptor Agonist in Critically Ill Patients With Enteral Feeding Intolerance
Authors: Chapman Marianne J. , Jones Karen L. , Almansa Cristina , Barnes Chris N. , Nguyen Deanna , Deane Adam M.
Published: January 2020

Background

Delayed gastric emptying is the leading cause of enteral feeding intolerance (EFI) in critical illness. This phase 2a study compared TAK‐954, a selective agonist of 5‐hydroxytryptamine type 4 receptors, with metoclopramide in critically ill patients with EFI (NCT01953081).

Methods

A blinded, double‐dummy trial was conducted in mechanically ventilated patients with EFI (>200 mL gastric residual volume within 24 hours before randomization). Patients were randomized to receive either 0.5 mg intravenous TAK‐954 over 1 hour then 0.9% saline injection 4 times/d (sham metoclopramide) or the active comparator 10 mg intravenous metoclopramide 4 times/d and a 1‐hour 0.9% saline infusion. After initial dosing, participants received a radiolabeled meal of liquid nutrient (Ensure; 106 kcal), and gastric emptying was measured (scintigraphy). Adverse events (AEs) were recorded from the time of consent through to day 5; serious AEs were collected to day 30.

Results

Thirteen patients (TAK‐954, n = 7; metoclopramide, n = 6) participated. Five patients in the TAK‐954 group and 4 in the metoclopramide group experienced AEs (2 and 3, respectively, were serious). All AEs except 1 (diarrhea in the metoclopramide group) were considered unrelated to study drug. Following treatment, a greater proportion of patients receiving TAK‐954 had normal gastric retention (<13% retention at 180 minutes) than those receiving metoclopramide (6/7 vs 3/6 patients, respectively).

Conclusion

A single dose of 0.5 mg intravenous TAK‐954 appears to have at least similar efficacy in accelerating gastric emptying to multiple doses of 10 mg metoclopramide and was not associated with increased AEs.
Cabbage looper (Trichoplusia ni Hübner) labial glands contain unique bacterial flora in contrast with their alimentary canal, mandibular glands, and Malpighian tubules
Authors: Lawrence Susan D. , Novak Nicole G. , Shao Jonathan , Ghosh Saikat Kumar B. , Blackburn Michael B.
Published: January 2020

In recent years, several studies have examined the gut microbiome of lepidopteran larvae and how factors such as host plant affect it, and in turn, how gut bacteria affect host plant responses to herbivory. In addition, other studies have detailed how secretions of the labial (salivary) glands can alter host plant defense responses. We examined the gut microbiome of the cabbage looper (Trichoplusia ni) feeding on collards (Brassica oleracea) and separately analyzed the microbiomes of various organs that open directly into the alimentary canal, including the labial glands, mandibular glands, and the Malpighian tubules. In this study, the gut microbiome of T. ni was found to be generally consistent with those of other lepidopteran larvae in prior studies. The greatest diversity of bacteria appeared in the Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Bacteriodetes. Well‐represented genera included Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Corynebacterium, Pseudomonas, Diaphorobacter, Methylobacterium, Flavobacterium, and Cloacibacterium. Across all organs, two amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) associated with the genera Diaphorobacter and Cloacibacterium appeared to be most abundant. In terms of the most prevalent ASVs, the alimentary canal, Malpighian tubules, and mandibular glands appeared to have similar complements of bacteria, with relatively few significant differences evident. However, aside from the Diaphorobacter and Cloacibacterium ASVs common to all the organs, the labial glands appeared to possess a distinctive complement of bacteria which was absent or poorly represented in the other organs. Among these were representatives of the Pseudomonas, Flavobacterium, Caulobacterium, Anaerococcus, and Methylobacterium. These results suggest that the labial glands present bacteria with different selective pressures than those occurring in the mandibular gland, Malpighian tubules and the alimentary canal. Given the documented effects that labial gland secretions and the gut microbiome can exert on host plant defenses, the effects exerted by the bacteria inhabiting the labial glands themselves deserve further study.
Outcomes in patient education programmes for people with rheumatic diseases: Results from a Delphi process and a study of feasibility and responsiveness
Authors: Røe Renate , Grønning Kjersti , Eriksson Liv Rognerud , Zangi Heidi A.
Published: January 2020

Background

Patient education (PE) is recommended as an integral part of disease management for people with chronic inflammatory arthritis (IA). There is no consensus on how PE should be evaluated and which outcome measures should be used.

Objectives

This study had three aims: (a) to identify core aspects that PE for patients with IA may impact on; (b) to identify outcome measures to assess changes in these aspects; (c) to test the feasibility and responsiveness of the identified outcome measures.

Methods

A Delphi process was conducted to identify core aspects and outcome measures. Feasibility and responsiveness were tested in a pre‐/post‐test study with 3 months follow‐up, including 104 patients attending PE programmes.

Results

Seven core aspects were identified: communication with health professionals, coping strategies, empowerment, knowledge about healthy life style, self‐efficacy, understanding disease and treatment, and sharing experiences. Four outcome measures were identified; Arthritis Self Efficacy Scale (ASES‐11), Effective Consumer scale (EC‐17), Health Education Impact Questionnaire (heiQ) and Patient Activation Measure (PAM). At baseline, all measures had low rates of missing data. All measures except two heiQ subscales exhibited ceiling effects. Internal consistency was acceptable. At follow‐up, statistically significant, but small improvements were found in EC‐17 and three heiQ subscales.

Conclusion

ASES and EC‐17 were found to be the most valid and feasible outcome measures to evaluate the identified core aspects of PE and can be recommended as outcome measures to assess PE programmes for patients with IA.
SID AND THE DISPLAY INDUSTRY ENTER A NEW DECADE
Authors: Seetzen Helge
Published: January 2020

With the turn of the decade, we have officially entered the roaring ‘20s, and the resurgence of display innovation, new products, and paradigm‐changing applications signal an exciting period ahead. But a new year also offers an opportunity for reflection on the state of our society and the work to be done.
Tailoring the Spectrum: Low‐Cost Perovskite‐Polymer Composites
Authors: He Ziqian , Zhang Caicai , Dong Yajie , Wu Shin‐Tson
Published: January 2020

As solid‐state lighting becomes smarter and strives for more than saving energy, the ability to tailor the spectrum following specific requirements offers tremendous opportunities. Here, four authors from the University of Central Florida propose low‐cost, light‐diffusing perovskite‐polymer composites to meet demand.
PRESERVING INDUSTRY STORIES AND BREAK‐THROUGHS
Authors:   The Editorial Staff
Published: January 2020

As SID—and display technology—march into a new decade, the society's historian is asking members to help grow a first‐of‐its‐kind museum that shows just how far the field has come.
Three‐dimensional active earth pressure from cohesive backfills with tensile strength cutoff
Authors: Li Zheng‐Wei , Li Tian‐Zheng , Yang Xiao‐Li
Published: January 2020

Most of previous analyses on the active earth pressure were performed in two‐dimensional cases using the Mohr‐Coulomb (M‐C) failure function to describe the soil strength. However, all failures of retained slopes indicate a somewhat three‐dimensional (3D) feature, and the M‐C function is found to overestimate the tensile strength of cohesive soil. In this work, a kinematic limit analysis–based approach is developed for computing the 3D active earth pressure resulting from cohesive backfills. The concept of tensile strength cutoff is adopted to implement the reduction or elimination of tensile strength from the strength envelope. An extended 3D horn failure mechanism that is associated with the modified strength envelope is developed to characterize the collapse of retained slopes. The resultant of active earth pressure is evaluated from the work rate balance equation and expressed as an unfactored coefficient. The obtained results indicate that less support provided by the wall is required when allowing the existence of soil cohesion and 3D effects and that eliminating the tensile strength can observably increase the active earth pressure, especially for the backfill with a great level of cohesion.
Elimination of Routine Gastric Residual Volume Monitoring Improves Patient Outcomes in Adult Critically Ill Patients in a Community Hospital Setting
Authors: Bruen Tracy , Rawal Shristi , Tomesko Jennifer , Byham‐Gray Laura
Published: January 2020

Background

A community hospital updated its nutrition support practices in 2016 through the elimination of monitoring gastric residual volume (GRV) in accordance with the 2016 Guidelines for the Provision and Assessment of Nutrition Support Therapy in the Adult Critically Ill Patient: Society of Critical Care Medicine and American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.

Methods

This retrospective analysis (N = 61) compared incidence of feeding intolerance in 2 cohorts of adult critically ill patients pre‐implementation (n = 36) and post‐implementation (n = 25) of these guidelines into a nutrition support team's standard of practice policy. Differences in kilocalories and protein (gm) received and percent of daily prescribed kilocalories and protein received were also compared between the 2 cohorts.

Results

Mean episodes of gastrointestinal intolerance over the number of eligible days of receiving enteral nutrition in the critical care unit did not differ between the pre‐implementation and post‐implementation groups (P = 0.46). Compared with the pre‐implementation group, the post‐guideline implementation cohort was significantly more likely to meet higher percentages of both prescribed protein (71.8 ± 22.2% vs 55.9 ± 24.0%;P = 0.01) and energy requirements (93.4 ± 36.9% vs 69.6 ± 35.3%;P = 0.01), even after adjusting for potential confounders (age, body mass index, sex, and primary comorbid medical condition).

Conclusion

Elimination of routine monitoring of GRV may result in a greater percentage of prescribed daily nutrient requirements met by patients in the critical care setting, without adverse effects on feeding intolerance.
Bedside Postpyloric Tube Placement and Enteral Nutrition Delivery in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Turner Ashley D. , Hamilton Susan M. , Callif Charles , Ariagno Katelyn A. , Arena Anastasia E. , Mehta Nilesh M. , Martinez Enid E.
Published: January 2020

Background

Enteral nutrition (EN) delivery may be more effective via a postpyloric (PP) feeding tube in critically ill children, but tube placement can be challenging. We aimed to describe PP tube placement and EN practices in a multidisciplinary pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) after the implementation of a nurse‐led bedside PP tube‐placement program.

Methods

In a single‐center retrospective study, we identified 100 consecutive patients admitted to the PICU for >48 hours and for whom PP tube placement was attempted. Demographics, clinical characteristics, and details of PP tube placement and EN delivery were examined.

Results

The study cohort had a median age (25th, 75th percentiles) of 3.89 years (0.55, 14.86); 66% were male. Respiratory illness was the primary diagnosis of admission (55%); 92% were on respiratory support. Risk of aspiration was the primary indication for PP tube placement (48%). Bedside placement was the initial technique for PP tube placement in 93% of patients (successful for 84.9%) and was not associated with serious complications. Eighty‐seven patients with a PP tube started EN and received a median 73.9% (12.3%, 100%) of prescribed energy goal on day 3 after EN initiation. PP EN allowed 14 of 39 patients receiving parenteral nutrition (PN) to transition off PN 7 days after EN initiation. Thirty‐five percent of EN interruptions were due to feeding‐tube dysfunction.

Conclusion

Bedside PP tube placement is safe and feasible and allows for effective EN delivery and decreased PN use when applicable. Interruptions in PP EN due to tube malfunction are prevalent.
Overuse of proton pump inhibitors in nursing homes: An Italian multicenter observational study
Authors: Pasina Luca , Novella Alessio , Elli Chiara , Nobili Alessandro , Ianes Aladar
Published: January 2020

Purpose

To examine the prevalence of residents receiving proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for evidence‐based indications in a large sample of Italian nursing homes (NHs) and to assess the predictors of potentially inappropriate prescriptions.

Methods

This study was conducted in a sample of Italian long‐term care NHs. Information on drug prescription, diseases, and socio‐demographic characteristics of NH residents was collected three times during 2018. Appropriate use of PPI was defined in accordance with the strongest evidence‐based indications and the Italian criteria for PPI prescription.

Results

Among the 2579 patients recruited from 27 long‐term care NHs, 1177 (45.6%) were receiving PPIs; 597 (50.7%) were taking them for evidence‐based indications. Corticosteroids, anticoagulants, and mean number of drugs were the most important predictors of inappropriate PPIs prescriptions. NH residents receiving ≥13 drugs had about 10 times the risk of receiving a PPI than those taking 0 to 4 drugs. Similarly, residents with more comorbidity had about 2.5 times the risk of receiving a PPI than those in better health. The prevalence of residents inappropriately treated with PPI in individual NHs varied widely, ranging from 22% to 63%.

Conclusions

Number of drugs, comorbidity, corticosteroids, and anticoagulants are the most important predictors of the inappropriate use of PPI in NHs. The wide variability between NHs in the appropriate use of PPIs suggests the need for thorough drug review in this fragile and vulnerable population. Prescribing patterns linked to evidence‐based guidelines and national recommendations are essential for rational, cost‐effective use of PPIs.
Exsolution of Nickel Nanoparticles from Mixed‐Valence Metal Oxides: A Quantitative Evaluation by Magnetic Measurements
Authors: Tinti Victor B. , Marani Debora , Ferlauto Andre S. , Fonseca Fabio C. , Esposito Vincenzo , de Florio Daniel Z.
Published: January 2020

A fast and accurate experimental method is demonstrated to assess the fraction of exsolved metallic nanoparticles using magnetic measurements. As a benchmark, nanometric metallic nickel exsolved from (La1−xSrx)(Cr1−yNiy)O3−δ is used for its high relevance as a solid oxide fuel cell component. The method is based on the difference in the magnetic response of the exsolved metallic nickel (ferromagnetic) and Sr‐doped lanthanum chromite ceramic matrix (paramagnetic). The exsolved nickel results in coherent nanoparticles pinned on the surface of the Sr‐doped lanthanum chromite ceramic matrix, as evidenced by electron microscopy analyses. The results obtained indicate the procedure as a fast and sensitive method to study the exsolution of ferromagnetic nanoparticles.
Optical Diagnostics of Free Charge Carriers in Silicon Nanowire Arrays
Authors: Rodichkina Sofia P. , Nychyporuk Tetyana , Pavlikov Alexander V. , Lysenko Volodymyr , Timoshenko Victor Yu.
Published: January 2020

The impact of free charge carriers in arrays of silicon nanowires (SiNWs) of p‐ and n‐type conductivities on their optical properties is probed by means of the infrared spectroscopy in attenuated total reflectance mode (IR‐ATR) and Raman scattering. SiNWs are fabricated by metal‐assisted chemical etching of low‐doped p‐type crystalline silicon (c‐Si) wafers followed by thermodiffusional doping with p‐ and n‐type impurities. The free charge carrier concentration in SiNWs is determined from their ATR spectra fitted using a model of the anisotropic effective medium with free charge carriers. The obtained data on the free charge carrier concentrations in the range of 1019–1020 cm−3 are compared with the corresponding values obtained from the Raman spectra, which are analyzed by considering the Fano effect in SiNWs, and the results of both methods are used to evaluate the electrical properties of SiNWs. The proposed optical methods to probe the electrical properties of SiNWs are discussed in view of possible applications in nanoelectronics and thermoelectric devices.
Ovonic Threshold‐Switching GexSey Chalcogenide Materials: Stoichiometry, Trap Nature, and Material Relaxation from First Principles
Authors: Clima Sergiu , Garbin Daniele , Opsomer Karl , Avasarala Naga S. , Devulder Wouter , Shlyakhov Ilya , Keukelier Jonas , Donadio Gabriele L. , Witters Thomas , Kundu Shreya , Govoreanu Bogdan , Goux Ludovic , Detavernier Christophe , Afanas'ev Valeri , Kar Gouri S. , Pourtois Geoffrey
Published: January 2020

Density functional theory simulations are used to identify the structural factors that define the material properties of ovonic threshold switches (OTS). They show that the nature of mobility‐gap trap states in amorphous Ge‐rich Ge50Se50 is related to GeGe bonds, whereas in Se‐rich Ge30Se70 the Ge valence‐alternating‐pairs and Se lone‐pairs dominate. To obtain a faithful description of the electronic structure and delocalization of states, it is required to combine hybrid exchange–correlation functionals with large unit‐cell models. The extent of localization of electronic states depends on the applied external electric field. Hence, OTS materials undergo structural changes during electrical cycling of the device, with a decrease in the population of less exothermic GeGe bonds in favor of more exothermic GeSe. This reduces the amount of charge traps, which translates into coordination changes, an increase in mobility‐gap, and subsequently changes in the selector‐device electrical parameters. The threshold voltage drift process can be explained by natural evolution of the nonpreferred GeGe bonds (or “chains”/clusters thereof) in Ge‐rich GexSe1–x. The effect of extrinsic doping is shown for Si and N, which introduce strong covalent bonds into the system, increase both mobility‐gap and crystallization temperature, and decrease the leakage current.
Erucic acid derived from rosemary regulates differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts/adipocytes via suppression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ transcriptional activity
Authors: Takahashi Asako , Dohi Hirofumi , Egashira Yukari , Hirai Shizuka
Published: January 2020

Osteoporosis is associated with increase in fat tissue in bone marrow in humans. Mesenchymal stem cells in bone marrow are induced to differentiate into osteoblasts rather than adipocytes by the stimulation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR) γ antagonists. PPARγ antagonists are expected to be useful to prevent osteoporosis by regulating the lineages of mesenchymal stem cells in bone marrow, as well as the prevention of obesity. In this study, we explored natural components suppressing PPARγ transcriptional activity in rosemary. Separation of active fraction of rosemary extract by repeated high performance liquid chromatograph and PPARγ luciferase reporter assay identified erucic acid, one of the monounsaturated fatty acids, as an active component. Twenty‐five‐micrometer erucic acid significantly decreased PPARγ luciferase activity and enhanced the differentiation of mouse‐delivered C3H10T1/2 cells into osteoblasts rather than adipocytes. Furthermore, 25‐μM erucic acid significantly decreased the expression of adipocyte marker genes, while accelerating osteoblast marker genes. In conclusion, erucic acid is a novel natural component derived from rosemary regulating mesenchymal stem cell differentiation via suppression of PPARγ transcriptional activity.
Development of a sweet pepper harvesting robot
Authors: Arad Boaz , Balendonck Jos , Barth Ruud , Ben‐Shahar Ohad , Edan Yael , Hellström Thomas , Hemming Jochen , Kurtser Polina , Ringdahl Ola , Tielen Toon , van Tuijl Bart
Published: January 2020

This paper presents the development, testing and validation of SWEEPER, a robot for harvesting sweet pepper fruit in greenhouses. The robotic system includes a six degrees of freedom industrial arm equipped with a specially designed end effector, RGB‐D camera, high‐end computer with graphics processing unit, programmable logic controllers, other electronic equipment, and a small container to store harvested fruit. All is mounted on a cart that autonomously drives on pipe rails and concrete floor in the end‐user environment. The overall operation of the harvesting robot is described along with details of the algorithms for fruit detection and localization, grasp pose estimation, and motion control. The main contributions of this paper are the integrated system design and its validation and extensive field testing in a commercial greenhouse for different varieties and growing conditions. A total of 262 fruits were involved in a 4‐week long testing period. The average cycle time to harvest a fruit was 24 s. Logistics took approximately 50% of this time (7.8 s for discharge of fruit and 4.7 s for platform movements). Laboratory experiments have proven that the cycle time can be reduced to 15 s by running the robot manipulator at a higher speed. The harvest success rates were 61% for the best fit crop conditions and 18% in current crop conditions. This reveals the importance of finding the best fit crop conditions and crop varieties for successful robotic harvesting. The SWEEPER robot is the first sweet pepper harvesting robot to demonstrate this kind of performance in a commercial greenhouse.
On the secrecy performance of integrated satellite‐aerial‐terrestrial networks
Authors: Cheng Guoqiang , Huang Qingquan , Xing Ruiyang , Lin Min , Upadhyay Prabhat K.
Published: January 2020

This paper investigates secure transmission of an integrated satellite‐aerial‐terrestrial network (ISATN), where multiple eavesdroppers (Eves) attempt to overhear the satellite signals cooperatively. The ISATN adopts an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with multiple antennas as a relay with threshold‐based decode‐and‐forward (DF) protocol. By assuming that perfect instantaneous channel state information (CSI) of the satellite‐UAV link and the statistical CSI of the UAV‐user link are available, we first propose a beamforming (BF) scheme for maximizing the achievable secrecy rate (ASR) of the considered network. Then, we derive the analytical expressions of the secrecy outage probability (SOP) and ergodic secrecy rate (ESR) of the considered system with the BF strategy under an assumption that the satellite‐UAV link undergoes the shadowed‐Rician fading, while the UAV‐user link experiences the correlated Rayleigh fading. Finally, numerical results are given to demonstrate the superiority of the proposed BF scheme against zero forcing (ZF) and maximal ratio transmission (MRT) schemes and the validity of the secrecy performance analysis.
Optoelectronic and morphology properties of perovskite/silicon interface layer for tandem solar cell application
Authors: Rostan Nur Fairuz , Sepeai Suhaila , Mohamad Yunus Rozan , Ahmad Ludin Norasikin , Mat Teridi Mohd Asri , Ibrahim Mohd Adib , Sopian Kamaruzzaman
Published: January 2020

Silicon (Si) solar cell has low optical absorption because of the low and indirect bandgap of Si, and the efficiency was trapped at 25% for 15 years. Si solar cell is able to achieve efficiency up to 30% by adding perovskite as multiple bandgap material through tandem formation. In this paper, the Si/perovskite interface layer was characterized to study the compatibility of perovskite on fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO) glass and p‐type Si wafer (p‐Si). The single solution deposition step of methyl ammonium lead iodide, CH3NH3PbI3(MAPbI3) perovskite film, was spin‐coated at different concentration. The physical properties of the MAPbI3/FTO and MAPbI3/p‐Si were obtained by profilometer, atomic force microscope, X‐ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy. The optical properties were analyzed by ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy, photoluminescence, and infrared transmission. Then the electrical properties were measured by Hall effect. From the measurement, it is observed that 1.2M concentration of MAPbI3thin film has the highest thickness, smoothest film surface, and largest crystallite size compared with 0.8M and 1.0M. It is found that there is an interaction in perovskite/Si interface and caused in a low‐wavelength shift, and the increase in concentration of MAPbI3helped in intensifying the Raman signal produced. 1.2M MAPbI3thin film had the highest enhancement in light trapping property rather than 0.8M and 1.0M. The bulk concentration and conductivity of 1.2M perovskite were higher, but the resistivity was lower than 0.8M MAPbI3because of more CH3NH3I and PbI2concentration within MAPbI3perovskite compound.
Effects of pretreatment temperature on the analysis of size‐fractionated aerosol particles using ToF‐SIMS
Authors: Li Jinze , Xie Wenjing , Weng Lu‐Tao , Chan Chak K. , Chan Chi‐Ming
Published: January 2020

Size‐fractionated aerosol particles were collected with a MOUDI 10‐stage cascade impactor from an urban roadside place in a downtown area of Hong Kong. Fine aerosol particulate samples from stage 6 (aerodynamic particle diameter between 0.56 and 1 μm) and stage 9 (aerodynamic particle diameter between 0.10 and 0.18 μm) were pretreated at a chosen temperature, including −100°C, −50°C, 25°C, and 60°C, in a load lock chamber and then analyzed using time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) at the same temperature (−100°C). Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to further analyze ToF‐SIMS spectra of aerosol particles with different pretreatment temperatures from two selected stages. ToF‐SIMS results showed that the intensities of aliphatic hydrocarbon ions such as C4H7+ and C4H9+ and amine ions such as C2H8N+ and C4H12N+ decreased with an increase of the pretreatment temperature under ultrahigh vacuum conditions. We have shown that analyses of this type of aerosol particles using ToF‐SIMS should not be conducted at ambient temperature but at low temperature (eg, −50°C). In addition, we also developed a procedure that can be used to analyze aerosol particle samples under ultrahigh vacuum environment.
Codelivery of Anti‐PD‐1 Antibody and Paclitaxel with Matrix Metalloproteinase and pH Dual‐Sensitive Micelles for Enhanced Tumor Chemoimmunotherapy
Authors: Su Zhenwei , Xiao Zecong , Wang Yong , Huang Jinsheng , An Yongcheng , Wang Xu , Shuai Xintao
Published: January 2020

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) is demonstrating great potential in cancer immunotherapy nowadays. Yet, the low response rate to ICB remains an urgent challenge for tumor immunotherapy. A pH and matrix metalloproteinase dual‐sensitive micellar nanocarrier showing spatio‐temporally controlled release of anti‐PD‐1 antibody (aPD‐1) and paclitaxel (PTX) in solid tumors is prepared to realize synergistic cancer chemoimmunotherapy. Antitumor immunity can be activated by PTX‐induced immunogenic cell death (ICD), while aPD‐1 blocks the PD‐1/PD‐L1 axis to suppress the immune escape due to PTX‐induced PD‐L1 up‐regulation, thus resulting in a synergistic antitumor chemoimmunotherapy. Through decoration with a sheddable polyethylene glycol (PEG) shell, the nanodrug may better accumulate in tumors to boost the synergistic antitumor treatment in a mouse melanoma model. The present study demonstrates a potent antitumor chemoimmunotherapy utilizing tumor microenvironment‐sensitive micelles bearing a sheddable PEG layer to mediate site‐specific sequential release of aPD‐1 and PTX.
Effects of Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide on the Toxicity of Gold Nanorods Both In Vitro and In Vivo: Molecular Origin of Cytotoxicity and Inflammation
Authors: Jia Yan Peng , Shi Kun , Liao Jin Feng , Peng Jin Rong , Hao Ying , Qu Ying , Chen Li Juan , Liu Li , Yuan Xia , Qian Zhi Yong , Wei Xia Wei
Published: January 2020

The safety issues and immunological effects of nanosized materials have drawn considerable attention. Gold nanorods (Au NRs) have promising applications in biomedical diagnosis and therapy, but their biosafety and the mechanism underlying in vivo toxicity still remain to be explored. In this study, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) capped Au NRs and PEG modified Au NRs are both prepared, the cytotoxicity evaluation indicates that CTAB‐Au NRs of different ratios all exhibit cytotoxicity while PEG‐Au NRs show improved biocompatibility. Furthermore, it is investigated how the surface characteristics influence toxical effects of Au NRs both in vitro and in vivo. It is found that CTAB‐Au NRs can induce acute cell necrosis, which results in the leakage of damage associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) such as mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), subsequently triggering pulmonary inflammation. It is also revealed that the inflammation caused by CTAB‐Au NRs is probably mediated by the stimulator of interferon genes (STINGs) signaling pathway. This study explores the cytotoxicity and inflammatory toxicity of CTAB‐Au NRs, and how the surface modification affects the toxicity. The molecular pathways for the induction of pulmonary inflammation in vivo are further characterized. These findings might be of importance for designing safer and better gold‐based nanomaterials in the future.
Mixing protocols for plant‐scale production of concrete with superabsorbent polymers
Authors: Tenório Filho José R. , Snoeck Didier , De Belie Nele
Published: January 2020

Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) have been investigated for their potential for internal curing, promotion of self‐sealing, and self‐healing of concrete structures. There has been a lack of publications concerning large‐scale testing of structures with SAPs, and bringing this SAP‐modified concretes from laboratory environment to plant‐scale production might demand adaptations in the mixing protocols. In this paper, a reference mixture and a SAP‐containing mixture were produced at a concrete plant scale and the influence of adding the polymers at different moments was investigated. The addition of SAPs directly in the truck, after the mixing procedure, showed no significant impact on the compressive strength of the concrete, but an agglomeration of particles was found in the air void analysis. The specimens with SAPs added directly in the truck presented an inferior performance in terms of shrinkage reduction when compared to the specimens with SAPs added on the materials belt, with the dry materials.
Multiperformance optimization design of a hybrid vibration mitigation system for super high‐rise buildings to improve earthquake resistance
Authors: Du Bingjie , Zhao Xin , Li Hao
Published: January 2020

A structure must meet many performance requirements to survive an earthquake. For a super high‐rise structure, the dominant control performance metric is stiffness when considering earthquake resistance because the lateral displacement of the structure often does not meet the requirements of the code even if the structure meets strength requirements. For moderate and major earthquakes, stiffness and strength play a leading role jointly. Viscous damper (VD) and buckling restraint brace (BRB) are damping devices that are commonly used in modern engineering. The efficiencies of these devices are different for different situations, and combining them can yield improved structural vibration mitigation. In this study, the performances of VD and BRB are summarized. A kind of virtual VD model with an additional damping ratio is proposed on the basis of which a VD priority placement analysis method is developed, and an optimal design is proposed. A detailed analysis of various stress states of a BRB is also performed, and a BRB arrangement method based on brace stress level analysis is proposed. The two kinds of vibration damping equipment are combined in the structure, and a practical design method for a hybrid vibration damping system is proposed. The accuracy of the proposed method is verified by considering a 10‐story plane frame. Finally, a hybrid vibration mitigation design for different objective damping ratios is performed for a super tall building project, and the design results are compared. The analysis results show that a VD can effectively increase structural damping and reduce the seismic response of the structure. A BRB is used to replace supports that experience high stress and reduce their section size, thereby reducing costs. Therefore, the proposed hybrid vibration damping structure is cost effective while providing good energy dissipation and is thus promising for engineering applications.
The knowledge norm of belief
Authors: Swindlehurst Zachary Mitchell ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: January 2020

Doxastic normativism is the thesis that norms are constitutive of or essential to belief, such that no mental state not subject to those norms counts as a belief. A common normativist view is that belief is essentially governed by a norm of truth. According to Krister Bykvist and Anandi Hattiangadi, truth norms for belief cannot be formulated without unpalatable consequences: they are either false or they impose unsatisfiable requirements on believers. I propose that we construe the fundamental norm of belief as a knowledge norm, rather than a truth norm. I argue that a specific kind of knowledge norm—one that has a subject's obligation to believe that p depend on her being in a position to know that p—might avoid the well-known formulation problems with truth norms.
Different Influences of Two Peroxide Initiators on Structure and Properties of Poly(Lactic Acid)
Authors: Jiang Wei , Ge Xin , Zhang Bangwen , Xing Ruiguang , Chang Mingming
Published: January 2020

In the present work, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) was modified with two peroxide initiators: biphenyl peroxide (BPO) and dicumyl peroxide (DCP). The samples were all prepared with melt compounding method. Changes in the structure of PLA after the modification were analyzed with Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, gel penetration chromatography, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. Thermomechanical properties of the samples were determined with tensile test, dynamic mechanical analysis, and thermal gravimetric analysis/differential scanning calorimetry simultaneous thermal analyzer. Both BPO and DCP initiated free‐radical reactions at PLA polymer chains, which led to the formation of crosslinking structure. By this way, the tensile strength of PLA was elevated to about 50 MPa, which was much higher than the tensile strength of unmodified PLA (35.5 MPa). The glass‐transition temperature and melting temperature of the samples slightly decreased after modification. The different influences of BPO and DCP on PLA were mainly derived from their different chemical structures and activities.
The Sociological Gaze
Authors: Machado Helena , Granja Rafaela
Published: January 2020

This chapter provides an explanation and context for situating the particular approach of sociology to the social phenomenon of the uses of forensic genetics in criminal justice systems. The aim is to describe, in an accessible manner, why the governance of crime using science and technology is a fertile domain for sociological enquiry and identify its distinctive features. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the main lines of enquiry and concepts of sociological paradigms, namely by focusing on the continuum, tensions and translations between distinctive levels of analysis: micro-macro and objective-subjective. The presentation of the lines of social thought and concepts is accompanied by a brief reference to practical cases of empirical research related to the use of forensic genetics in the criminal justice system. The chapter will enable the reader to acquire theoretical and analytical skills which may be applied in academic research into the various topics and themes addressed in the book’s different chapters.
Biological Explanations of Criminal Behaviour
Authors: Machado Helena , Granja Rafaela
Published: January 2020

This chapter provides a historical and sociological overview of the biological explanations for violent and criminal behaviour. It starts with a detailed description of the seminal work by Cesare Lombroso (nineteenth century) and highlights the risks of biological determinism and the potential stigmatization raised by this line of research. It then discusses current trends of biologization and genetization of crime, by focusing on the specific studies in the fields of epigenetics and neurobiology.

The chapter aims to provide the reader with a critical reading of such trends through the lens of sociology. Specifically, it is outlined how previous and current biological and biosocial explanations of criminal behaviour can foster risks such as exclusion, marginalization and stigmatization and support notions of citizenship that differentiate between citizens who should be protected and those who should be monitored.
DNA Technologies in Criminal Investigation and Courts
Authors: Machado Helena , Granja Rafaela
Published: January 2020

DNA profiling has been assuming a prominent role in the activities of the criminal justice system. Genetic technologies support criminal investigations, while also being seen as holding a highly valuable potential for producing evidence to be used in courts. This chapter has two main objectives: on the one hand, to describe and explain the ways that DNA technologies can be used in criminal investigation and turned into DNA evidence in criminal proceedings; on the other hand, this chapter aims to systematize the main lines of academic literature within the social sciences which have been developed to study the social implications and transformations of cultures and professional practices arising from the presence of DNA technology in the criminal justice system. Besides, the chapter also pays particular attention to the social nature of the high expectations associated to the “infallibility” of DNA technologies and how the media portrays the use of forensic genetics and further exacerbates such notions.