bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Positive plant–plant interactions expand the upper distributional limits of some vascular plant species
Authors: Raath‐Krüger Morgan J. , McGeoch Melodie A. , Schöb Christian , Greve Michelle , le Roux Peter C.
Published: August 2019

Biotic interactions can shape species’ distributions through their impact on species’ realized niches, potentially constraining or expanding the range of conditions under which species occur. We examine whether fine‐scale plant–plant interactions scale up to shape broad‐scale species’ distributions, using Azorella selago, a widespread cushion plant that facilitates other species, and the rest of the vascular flora of sub‐Antarctic Marion Island as a model system. We compared the upper elevational distributional limit of each species when growing on vs. away from A. selago to test how the interaction with this cushion plant species affects species’ ranges. Three out of 19 vascular plant species occurred at higher altitudes in the presence of A. selago than in the absence of A. selago: Acaena magellanica (+26 m higher), Colobanthus kerguelensis (+37 m higher), and Lycopodium saururus (+19 m higher). Therefore, A. selago's fine‐scale impacts scaled up to shape the distribution of a subset of the vascular flora of Marion Island. Plant–plant interactions thus have the potential to expand species upper distributional limits by increasing the niche space that a species can occupy, although the influence of these interactions may be strongly species‐specific.
Blocking Polysulfides in Graphene–Sulfur Cathodes of Lithium–Sulfur Batteries through Atomic Layer Deposition of Alumina
Authors: Hong Chulgi Nathan , Kye Daniel Kyungbin , Mane Anil U. , Elam Jeffrey W. , Etacheri Vinodkumar , Pol Vilas G.
Published: August 2019

A lithium–sulfur (Li–S) battery is one of the post‐lithium‐ion battery chemistry candidates due to the high theoretical capacity of the sulfur cathode (1672 mAh g−1). However, low electronic conductivity of sulfur and severe capacity fading during the charge–discharge process limit the commercial realization of Li–S batteries. The origin of capacity fading is mainly due to the polysulfide shuttling effect, resulting from the dissolution of sulfur in the electrolyte solution. Herein, atomic layer deposition (ALD) (6–8 Å thickness) of alumina is presented as a strategy to suppress capacity degradation on the 2D graphene–sulfur hybrid electrode. Low‐temperature ALD prevents sulfur sublimation from the composite electrode. Despite the insulating property of alumina, atomic layer coating maintains good electrical conductivity, thereby yielding lower charge transfer resistance. Alumina‐coated graphene–sulfur hybrid electrodes (AGS) exhibit a high specific capacity of 960 mAh g−1 at a current density of 50 mA g−1 and retain 519 mAh g−1 after 100 galvanostatic cycles. Superior electrochemical performance is credited to the combination of the high electronic conductivity of multilayered graphene platelets and low charge transfer resistance, resulting from effective polysulfide blocking by the atomic scale Al2O3 coating.
Continuous Hydrothermal Synthesis of Metal Germanates (M2GeO4; M = Co, Mn, Zn) for High‐Capacity Negative Electrodes in Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Bauer Dustin , Ashton Thomas E. , Groves Alexandra R. , Dey Avishek , Krishnamurthy Satheesh , Matsumi Noriyoshi , Darr Jawwad A.
Published: August 2019

Nanosized metal germanates (M2GeO4; M = Co, Mn, Zn) are synthesized using a continuous hydrothermal flow synthesis process for the first time. The electrochemical properties of all samples as active materials for negative electrodes in Li‐ion half cells are explored. The galvanostatic and potentiodynamic testing is conducted in the potential range of 3.00–0.05 V versus Li/Li+. The results suggest that both alloying and conversion reactions associated with Ge contribute to the stored charge capacity; Zn2GeO4 shows a high specific capacity of 600 mAh g−1 (ten cycles at 0.1 A g−1) due to alloying and conversion reactions for both Ge and Zn. Mn2GeO4 is studied for the first time as a potential negative electrode material in a Li‐ion half cell; an excellent specific charge capacity of 510 mAh g−1 (10 cycles per 0.1 A g−1) is obtained with a significant contribution to charge arising from the conversion reaction of Mn to MnO upon delithiation. In contrast, Co2GeO4 only shows a specific capacity of 240 mAh g−1, after ten cycles at the same current rate, which suggests that cobalt has little or no benefit for enhancing stored charge in germanate.
Shale gas transport behavior considering dynamic changes in effective flow channels
Authors: Chen Mingjun , Kang Yili , Zhang Tingshan , Li Xiangchen , Lin Chong
Published: August 2019

Shale gas transport is influenced by the changes in effective flow channels during production due to an effective stress sensitivity and a sorption layer effect. In this work, shale samples’ core analyses, methane adsorption experiments, and effective stress sensitivity experiments were conducted at in situ conditions. Then, a mathematical modeling was applied to quantitatively determine the real shale gas flow behavior considering the changes in effective flow channels during production. The results show that (1) the gas transport capability in matrix has an obvious tendency of increase in the mid‐late production period; (2) the decline of permeability of inorganic pores/fractures tends to be gentler during production, especially for the smaller flow channels; (3) surface diffusion is dominant in shale matrix throughout production; (4) the contribution of Knudsen diffusion to total gas flux cannot be neglected in flow channels with hydraulic radius of tens of nanometers in the early production period or of tens and hundreds of nanometers in the mid‐late production period; and (5) viscous flow generally dominates the total gas flux in flow channels with hydraulic radius more than 10 nm in the early production period or more than 100 nm in the mid‐late production period. This work is beneficial for an accurate evaluation of shale gas transport during production.
Wave impacts on coastal cliffs: Do bigger waves drive greater ground motion?
Authors: Thompson Catriona F. , Young Adam P. , Dickson Mark E.
Published: August 2019

Coastal cliff erosion is caused by a combination of marine forcing and sub‐aerial processes, but linking cliff erosion to the environmental drivers remains challenging. One key component of these drivers is energy transfer from wave–cliff interaction. The aim of this study is to directly observe cliff ground motion in response to wave impacts at an individual wave scale. Measurements are described from two coastal cliff sites: a 45‐minute pilot study in southern California, USA and a 30‐day deployment in Taranaki, New Zealand. Seismometers, pressure sensors and video are used to compare cliff‐top ground motions with water depth, significant wave height (Hs) and wave impact types to examine cliff ground motion response. Analyses of the dataset demonstrate that individual impact events can be discriminated as discrete events in the seismic signal. Hourly mean ground motion increases with incident Hs, but the largest hourly peak ground motions occurred across a broad range of incident Hs (0.9–3.7 m), including during relatively calm conditions. Mean hourly metrics therefore smooth the short‐term dynamics of wave–cliff interaction; hence, to fully assess wave impact energy transfer to cliffs, it is important also to consider peak ground motion. Video analyses showed that the dominant control on peak ground motion magnitude was wave impact type rather than incident Hs. Wave–cliff impacts where breaking occurs directly onto the cliff face consistently produced greater ground motion compared to broken or unbroken wave impacts: breaking, broken and unbroken impacts averaged peak ground motion of 287, 59 and 38 μm s−1, respectively. The results illustrate a novel link between wave impact forcing and cliff ground motion response using individual wave field measurements, and highlight the influence of wave impact type on peak energy transfer to coastal cliffs. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular identification of mung bean accessions (Vigna radiata L.) from Northeast China using capillary electrophoresis with fluorescence‐labeled SSR markers
Authors: Zhao Yanan , Wang Ying , Wang Lixia , Zhang Dongjie
Published: August 2019

The purpose of this study was to construct the DNA fingerprinting and query system with which to identify mung bean varieties from Northeast China. Eight primer pairs for fluorescent‐labeled simple sequence repeat markers with high polymorphism and a strong discrimination ability were used to detect 151 mung bean varieties from Northeast China. A total of 59 bands were detected, ranging from 4 to 11 with an average of 7.4. An unweighted pair group method analysis was used to cluster the mung bean varieties into five separate groups according to their genetic characteristics, which were consistent with the results of principal component analysis. Unique identification cards and barcodes with which each variety can be identified were established according to fingerprinting. A query system was also established which can provide the information and genetic relationships among some indefinite variety and mung bean varieties from Northeast China. This research will significantly assist in identification, traceability management, protection of origin, and intellectual property rights. It will also provide essential technical support for revealing the level of genetic diversity for breeding and germplasm innovation of mung bean varieties in Northeast China.
Composition, and antioxidant and enzyme‐inhibition activities, of essential oils from Satureja thymbra and Thymbra spicata var. spicata
Authors: Kirkan Bulent , Sarikurkcu Cengiz , Amarowicz Ryszard
Published: August 2019

This research sought to characterize the essential oils of Satureja thymbra and Thymbra spicata var. spicata in terms of composition as well as their antioxidant and enzyme‐inhibitory activities. The major components of essential oil derived from S. thymbra were found to be γ‐terpinene (34.67%), carvacrol (32.45%), p‐cymene (11.46%), and β‐caryophyllene (6.85%). In the essential oil derived from T. spicata var. spicata the most abundant compounds were carvacrol (63.23%), γ‐terpinene (18.94%), and p‐cymene (8.31%). The essential oils exhibited antioxidant properties, based on ABTS, DPPH, FRAP, and ORAC assays, as well as antiradical activity against superoxide, nitric oxide, and hydroxyl radicals, and ferrous ion chelating activity. The essential oils were found to have inhibitory effects against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), tyrosinase, and α‐glucosidase. Considering the results obtained, the essential oils from both plants can be used as ingredients in pharmaceuticals or as natural additives in the food industry for promoting health.
The prevention of child drowning: the causal factors and social determinants impacting fatalities in portable pools
Authors: Peden Amy E. , Franklin Richard C. , Pearn John H.
Published: August 2019

Issue addressed

There is a scarcity of research into portable pool drowning and its prevention. This total population study examines fatal drowning among children under five in portable pools in Australia.

Methods

All child drowning deaths in portable pools for the period 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2018 were identified. A portable pool was defined as any structure used for swimming and wading which, when emptied, can be moved.

Results

Twenty‐three children (aged 0‐17 years) drowned in portable pools. The drowning rate for children less than 5 years of age was 0.09 per 100 000 population. The peak age of death was 12‐23 months (RR = 2.99; CI: 1.09‐8.23), with the majority (n = 20 deaths) aged 16‐31 months. Ninety per cent followed a fall into water. None were supervised. Children commonly resided in areas classified as socially and economically disadvantaged (85%; n = 17). Drowning rates in very remote areas were 15 times greater (RR = 15.41; CI: 0.03‐7579.65) than city children. Eleven (55%) drowning deaths occurred in pools with a depth >300 mm, of which 10 (91%) were known to be unfenced.

Conclusions

Social determinants impact child drowning in portables pools, which can occur quickly and in just 150 mm of water. Active supervision and a regulation‐compliant barrier are effective prevention stratagems, factors which were absent from the deaths in this study.

So what?

Portable pool drowning disproportionately impacts those aged 16‐31 months who reside in very remote areas and areas classified as having high socio‐economic disadvantage. Education for these groups on fencing and supervision of children must be provided.
How the health institution combinative contracting mechanism influences community residents' patient experiences in Shanghai: A comparative study of data from two cross‐sectional surveys
Authors: He Jiangjiang , Chen Duo , Tang Zhenqing , Cong Lixuan , Tian Yuan , Xie Chunyan , Wang Linan , Xu Jiajie , Jin Chunlin , Chen Wen
Published: August 2019

Objective

To understand the effect of the health institution combinative contracting mechanism (which make participating residents make a “combinative contracting” involving family doctor of community health center, one secondary hospital, and one tertiary hospital) on community residents' patient experiences in Shanghai, China.

Methods

We conducted two questionnaire surveys (2016 and 2018) on the patient experiences of 1200 permanent residents of 12 subdistricts of Shanghai, who were selected via stratified random sampling. Of these, 926 participants were included after propensity score matching. We compared five dimensions of patient experience—accessibility, environment and facilities, service attitude and emotional support, communication and patient engagement, and service integration—before and after implementation of the health institution combinative contracting mechanism in June 2016. Furthermore, logistic regression analysis was used to explore the factors related to residents' overall experience.

Results

The health institution combinative contracting mechanism influenced most dimensions of residents' patient experience, such as accessibility, service attitude and emotional support, communication and patient participation, and service integration. The mechanism in general helped contracted residents obtain a better patient experience than before its implementation. Referral had a significant effect on participants' overall experience.

Conclusion

Contracted family doctors play active roles in improving nearly every dimension of residents' service experience, as well as their overall experience of services. The health institution combinative contracting mechanism not only increases interaction and strengthens trust between doctors and patients but also makes it possible for residents to obtain integrated health services.
Influence of the induced magnetic field and heat transfer on peristaltic transport of a micropolar fluid in a tapered asymmetric channel
Authors: Kotnurkar Asha S. , Katagi Deepa C.
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we investigate the peristaltic transport of a micropolar fluid in a tapered asymmetric channel with heat transfer and induced magnetic field effect. The flow is analyzed by long wavelength and low Reynolds number approximations. The reduced equations have been solved by using Adomian decomposition method and the expressions for velocity, stream function, microrotation component, magnetic‐force function, pressure gradient, axial induced magnetic field, and current density distribution across the channel have been computed. Expressions for shear stresses are also obtained. The effect of pertinent parameters is illustrated graphically.
Internal capital market mergers in weak external market environment: An emerging market evidence
Authors: Huang Wei , Zhang Hong , Goyal Abhinav , Laws Jason
Published: August 2019

Using Chinese split‐share structure reform as backdrop, we study the alternative theories explaining the change in objectives of internal capital markets (ICMs) after regulatory intervention. Focusing on related party merger and acquisitions, as the primary form of ICM transactions in China, we document significantly positive performance improvement among the acquiring firms around related party than nonrelated party merger and acquisitions in the period following the split‐share structure reform. This evidence is particularly stronger among acquirers with lower institutional shareholding. Our findings are invariant to the length of performance evaluation window, matched samples, model specifications, acquirers' ownership structure, and business group affiliations. After controlling for alternative channels of tunnelling and propping, contrary to the popular belief, our findings support the bright‐side view of ICMs postregulatory intervention in an emerging market set‐up.
Monosodium Glutamate Supplementation Improves Bone Status in Mice Under Moderate Protein Restriction
Authors: Blais Anne , Rochefort Gael Y , Moreau Manon , Calvez Juliane , Wu Xin , Matsumoto Hideki , Blachier François
Published: August 2019

Adequate protein intake during development is critical to ensure optimal bone gain and to attain a higher peak bone mass later. Using a mild protein restriction model in Balb/C mice consuming 6% of their total energy intake as soy protein (LP‐SOY)—for which we observed a significantly lower femoral cortical thickness, bone volume, trabecular number, and thickness reduction—we evaluated the effects of monosodium glutamate (MSG) supplementation at different concentrations (0.5, 1, 5, 10, and 20 g/kg of diet) on bone characteristics in LP‐SOY‐fed mice. After 6 and 12 weeks, LP‐SOY‐fed mice had lower BMD and reduced body weight related to lower lean mass, which was associated with a reduced IGF‐1 level. The negative effect of the LP‐SOY diet on BMD correlated with impaired bone formation. MSG supplementation, at 5, 10, and 20 g/kg of diet, and PTH injection, used as a positive control, were able to improve BMD and to increase osteoblast activity markers (P1NP and osteocalcin), as well as glutamine plasma concentration. An analysis of bone microarchitecture found that cortical bone was less sensitive to protein restriction than trabecular bone, and that MSG ingestion was able to preserve bone quality through an increase of collagen synthesis, although it did not allow normal bone growth. Our study reinforces the view that glutamate can act as a functional amino acid for bone physiology and support clinical investigation of glutamate supplementation in adults characterized by poor bone status, notably as a result of insufficient protein intake. © 2019 The Authors.JBMR Pluspublished by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
A New 1,25 Dihydroxy Vitamin D Analog with Strong Bone Anabolic Activity in OVX Rats with Little or no Bone Resorptive Activity
Authors: Plum Lori A , Zella Julia , Clagett-Dame Margaret , DeLuca Hector F
Published: August 2019

A new 1α,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 analog (2-methylene-22(E)-(24R)-22-dehydro-1α,24,25-trihydroxy-19-norvitamin D3 or WT-51) has been tested as a possible therapeutic for osteoporosis. It is 1/10th as active as 1,25(OH)2D3 in binding affinity for the vitamin D receptor but is at least 200 times more active than 1,25(OH)2D3 and equal to that of 2MD (2-methylene-19-nor-(20S)-1α,25(OH)2D3, an analog previously tested in postmenopausal women), in supporting bone formation by isolated osteoblasts in culture. However, in contrast to 2MD, it is virtually inactive on bone resorption in vivo. WT-51 markedly increased bone mass (lumbar and femur) in ovariectomized (OVX) female rats. Further, bone strength tested by the three-point bending system is significantly increased by WT-51. Thus, WT-51 is an attractive candidate for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
HIF1A/miR‐20a‐5p/TGFβ1 axis modulates adipose‐derived stem cells in a paracrine manner to affect the angiogenesis of human dermal microvascular endothelial cells
Authors: Xiong Xiang , Sun Yang , Wang Xiancheng
Published: August 2019

Angiogenic cytokines secreted by the adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) might promote the angiogenesis of endothelial cells. In the present study, we hypothesize that miR‐20a targets TGFB1 to modulate the transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) secretion by ADSCs, therefore affecting the angiogenesis. We found that hypoxia‐inducible factor 1A (HIF1A) and TGFβ1 expressions were increased by hypoxia, accompanied with promoted ADSC cell viability. Incubation with conditioned medium from ADSCs treated with hypoxia significantly enhanced the angiogenesis capacity of human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMECs), while TGFB1‐silenced ADSCs medium significantly reverses HDMECs angiogenesis. miR‐20a suppresses the expression of TGFB1 and secretion of TGFβ1 by ADSCs via binding to its 3′untranslated region, therefore modulating the HDMEC angiogenesis via affecting the paracrine from ADSCs; the effects of miR‐20a‐overexpressed conditioned medium on HDMEC angiogenesis were significantly reversed by TGFB1‐overexpressed conditioned medium. Finally, HIF1A suppressed the expression of miR‐20a via targeting its promoter region, subsequently promoting the paracrine from ADSCs and HDMEC angiogenesis.
The effects of electrolyte on the capacitive behavior of nanostructured molybdenum oxides
Authors: Farsi Hossein , Moghiminia Shokufeh , Raissi Heidar , Riley Andrew , Li Zhihai
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

Nanostructured metal oxides have shown capabilities in the application of energy conversion and storage. Among a variety of metal oxide semiconducting materials, molybdenum oxide recently became a promising candidate as an electrochemical supercapacitor for storing electrical energy. Supercapacitors, which are storage devices for electrical energy, benefit from the separation of opposite charges in electrochemical double‐layer capacitors and charge transfer as a function of electrochemical potential in pseudocapacitors.

RESULTS

A thin film of nanostructured molybdenum oxide was prepared using potentiodynamic electrodeposition on the surface of a stainless‐steel electrode. Its electrochemical capacitive behavior was investigated using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). To investigate the effects of the electrolyte ion type, two solutions were investigated in a comparative way: 0.005 mol L–1 H2SO4 and 0.005 mol L–1 H2SO4 + 0.095 mol L–1 Na2SO4 mixture where each solution has the same initial concentrations of hydronium ions but with different ionic strengths. The EIS studies gave rise to the specific capacitances of 340 and 160 F g–1 for H2SO4 and mixed solutions, respectively. An appropriated electrical circuit was used to interpret these EIS results.

CONCLUSIONS

The present studies show that the electrolyte cations contribute to the capacitive behavior of the nanostructured molybdenum oxide in different ways. Sodium ions only participate in the process of charging the double layer from the outer Helmholtz and diffusion layers, whereas hydronium ions contribute to the Faradaic process of electrosorption by penetrating into the inner Helmholtz layer. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
ZnO Nanocatalyst Mediated Convergent Synthesis of Highly Substituted Imidazole and Imidazole‐derived Bi‐heterocyclic Scaffolds as Potential Antibacterial Agents
Authors: Jayashree A. , Narayana B. , Uppine Gauthama B. , Ghate Vivek M. , Lewis Shaila A. , Prakash Bharathi , Kunhanna Sarojini B. , Kumar Madan S.
Published: August 2019

A new series of novel highly substituted imidazole and imidazole bi‐heterocycles have been synthesized via atom economic, one‐pot condensation reaction using benzil, substituted benzaldehydes, various amine scaffolds, and ammonium acetate using ZnO nanoparticles as effective catalyst. Simple operation, cheap catalyst, good to excellent yield, etc, are some of the advantages of this protocol. The characterization of the synthesized imidazole analogues was performed by Fourier transform infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance (1H and 13C), mass analysis, and elemental analysis. The structures were unequivocally confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. Synthesized compounds were tested for antibacterial activities by resazurin reduction assay. All compounds tested showed significant activity against bacteria. Among the 24 compounds tested, compounds 1c, 1i, 2c, 2g, and 3a proved to be more active against the bacterial strain tested.
Synthesis and Antibacterial Activity of Benzazolyl Azolyl Sulfamoyl Acetamides
Authors: Rajeswari Tankam , Rekha Tamatam , Dinneswara Reddy Guda , Padmaja Adivireddy , Padmavathi Venkatapuram
Published: August 2019

A new class of benzazolyl azolyl sulfamoyl acetamides was prepared from azolyl sulfamoyl acetates and benzazolyl amines in the presence of KOtBu in tetrahydrofuran. Compounds with benzothiazole‐thiazole, benzimidazole‐thiazole, benzothiazole‐imidazole, and benzimidazole‐imidazole moieties exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis.
Novel functions of inactive rhomboid proteins in immunity and disease
Authors: Geesala Ramasatyaveni , Issuree Priya D , Maretzky Thorsten
Published: August 2019

iRhoms are related to a family of intramembrane serine proteinases called rhomboids but lack proteolytic activity. In mammals, there are two iRhoms, iRhom1 and iRhom2, which have similar domain structures and overlapping specificities as well as distinctive functions. These catalytically inactive rhomboids are essential regulators for the maturation and trafficking of the disintegrin metalloprotease ADAM17 from the endoplasmic reticulum to the cell surface, and are required for the cleavage and release of a variety of membrane-associated proteins, including the IL-6 receptor, l-selectin, TNF, and EGFR ligands. iRhom2-dependent regulation of ADAM17 function has been recently implicated in the development and progression of several autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus nephritis, as well as hemophilic arthropathy. In this review, we discuss our current understanding of iRhom biology, their implications in autoimmune pathologies, and their potential as therapeutic targets.
Interobserver agreement of PI‐RADS v. 2 lexicon among radiologists with different levels of experience
Authors: Mussi Thais C. , Yamauchi Fernando I. , Tridente Cássia F. , Tachibana Adriano , Tonso Victor M. , Recchimuzzi Débora Z. , Leão Layra R.S. , Luz Daniel C. , Martins Tatiana , Baroni Ronaldo H.
Published: August 2019

Background

Evaluation of interobserver agreement of the PI‐RADS v2 lexicon is important to validate the uniformity of this widely used classification.

Purpose

To determine the interobserver agreement of PI‐RADS v2 lexicon among eight radiologists with varying levels of experience.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

In all, 160 consecutively imaged men with confirmatory targeted biopsy.

Field Strength/Sequence

3T scanner without an endorectal coil. T2‐weighted imaging (T2w), diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map and dynamic contrast‐enhanced sequence were performed.

Assessment

Eight radiologists (two highly experienced, two moderately experienced, and four less experienced) independently read 130 lesions in the peripheral zone (PZ) and 30 lesions in the transition zone (TZ), blinded to clinical MRI indication and biopsy results. The features described in PI‐RADS v2 for TZ and PZ lesions were evaluated.

Statistical Tests

Conger's kappa, percentage of concordance, and first‐order agreement coefficient (AC1) were used to evaluate interobserver agreement.

Results

From the features evaluated on PZ lesions, definite extraprostatic extension (EPE) / invasive behavior on T2w had good agreement (AC1 = 0.80), and the others had fair agreement (AC1 = 0.32–0.40). From the features evaluated on TZ lesions, two had good agreement: definite EPE/invasive behavior (AC1 = 0.77) and moderate/marked hypointensity (AC1 = 0.67) on T2w. Encapsulation and lenticular shape on T2w, focal (not indistinct) on DWI and ADC map, and marked hypointensity on ADC map (AC1 = 0.45 to 0.60) had moderate agreement, whereas heterogeneous and circumscribed (not obscured margins) on T2w, marked hyperintensity on high‐b‐value DWI, and the presence or not of early enhancement in the lesion/region of the lesion (AC1 = 0.30 to 0.38) had fair agreement.

Data Conclusion

Interobserver agreement in PI‐RADS v2 lexicon ranges from fair to good among radiologists and improves with increasing experience.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:593–602.
Ozone technology to reduce zearalenone contamination in whole maize flour: degradation kinetics and impact on quality
Authors: Alexandre Allana Patrícia Santos , Castanha Nanci , Costa Naiara Silva , Santos Amanda Silva , Badiale‐Furlong Eliana , Augusto Pedro Esteves Duarte , Calori‐Domingues Maria Antonia
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

Maize is one of the most important cereals. It is used for different purposes and in different industries worldwide. This cereal is prone to contamination with mycotoxins, such as zearalenone (ZEN), which is produced mainly by Fusarium graminearum, F. culmorum and F. equiseti. Toxin production under highly moist conditions (aw > 0.95) is exacerbated if there are alternations between low temperatures (12–14 °C) and high temperatures (25–28 °C). Even if good production practices are adopted, mycotoxins can be found in several stages of the production chain. For this reason, an alternative to reducing this contamination is ozonation. This study evaluated the reduction of ZEN in naturally contaminated whole maize flour (WMF) treated with 51.5 mg L−1 of ozone for up to 60 min. Pasting properties, peroxide value, and fatty acid composition were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Zearalenone degradation in ozonated WMF was described by a fractional first‐order kinetic, with a maximum reduction of 62.3% and kinetic parameter of 0.201 min−1 in the conditions that were evaluated. The ozonation process in WMF showed a decrease in the apparent viscosity, a decrease in the proportion of linoleic, oleic, and α‐linolenic fatty acids, an increase in the proportion of palmitic acid, and an increase in the peroxide value.

CONCLUSION

Ozonation was effective in reducing ZEN contamination in WMF. However, it also modified the pasting properties, fatty acid profile, and peroxide value, affecting functional and technological aspects of WMF. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Revealing the Buildup Dynamics of Harmonic Mode‐Locking States in Ultrafast Lasers
Authors: Liu Xueming , Pang Meng
Published: August 2019

Harmonic mode‐locking (HML) is an important technique enabling the generation of high‐repetition‐rate ultrashort pulses. Using an emerging time‐stretch dispersive Fourier transform technique, the experimental observation of the entire buildup process of the passive HML state in an ultrafast fiber laser is reported here. It is unveiled that the whole process of HML buildup successively undergoes seven different ultrafast phases: raised relaxation oscillation, spectral beating behavior, birth of a giant pulse, self‐phase‐modulation‐induced instability, pulse splitting, repulsion and separation of multiple pulses, and a stable HML state. It is observed that the multiple HML pulses originate from a single‐pulse splitting phenomenon and a remarkable breathing behavior occurs at an early stage of the HML buildup process. The numerical results confirm that the effects of dispersive wave, gain depletion and recovery, and acoustic wave play key roles in the earlier, middle, and later stages of this HML buildup process, respectively; as well, the acoustic resonance in the single‐mode fiber stabilizes the final HML state of lasers.
Circulating miR‐130 and its target PPAR‐γ may be potential biomarkers in patients of coronary artery disease with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Yuan Yonggang , Peng Wanzhong , Liu Yongxing , Xu Zesheng
Published: August 2019

Background

Patients of coronary artery disease (CAD) with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) show increased mortality risk than CAD patients without DM2, while few biomarkers can be used to discriminate them.

Methods

Fifty‐nine patients of CAD with DM2 (DM2‐CAD group), 79 patients of CAD without DM2 (CAD group), and 63 healthy control subjects were recruited. Circulating miR‐130 (miR‐130a and miR‐130b) and PPAR‐γ (peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma) were measured and their Pearson correlation was analyzed. 3′ UTR binding prediction and luciferase assay were used to determine the target relationship between miR‐130 and PPAR‐γ. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was performed to test the discrimination ability of miR‐130 between DM2‐CAD and CAD groups.

Results

miR‐130a and miR‐130b showed decreased expression in DM2‐CAD group when compared with the CAD group and health control. Both bioinformatics and luciferase assays showed that miR‐130 could bind the 3′ UTR of PPAR‐γ. Furthermore, miR‐130 negatively correlated with PPAR‐γ in both CAD and DM2‐CAD group in Pearson's coefficient analysis. Both miR‐130a and miR‐130b were able to discriminate DM2‐CAD group from CAD group and control subjects.

Conclusion

Circulating miR‐130 may regulate the expression of PPAR‐γ and can be used as a biomarker to discriminate DM2‐CAD from CAD.
Novel POLR1C mutation in RNA polymerase III‐related leukodystrophy with severe myoclonus and dystonia
Authors: Kraoua Ichraf , Karkar Adnane , Drissi Cyrine , Benrhouma Hanene , Klaa Hedia , Samaan Simon , Renaldo Florence , Elmaleh Monique , Ben Hamouda Mohamed , Abdelhak Sonia , Boespflug‐Tanguy Odile , Ben Youssef‐Turki Ilfghem , Dorboz Imen
Published: August 2019

Introduction

RNA polymerase III (Pol III)‐related leukodystrophies are a group of autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorders caused by mutations in POLR3A and POLR3B. Recently a recessive mutation in POLR1C causative of Pol III‐related leukodystrophies was identified.

Methods

We report the case of a Tunisian girl of 14 years of age who was referred to our department for evaluation of progressive ataxia that began at the age of 5. Genetic diagnosis was performed by NGS and Sanger analysis. In silico predictions were performed using SIFT, PolyPhen‐2, and Mutation Taster.

Results

Neurological examination showed cerebellar and tetrapyramidal syndrome, mixed movement disorders with generalized dystonia and severe myoclonus leading to death at 25 years. Brain MRI scans showed diffuse hypomyelination associated with cerebellar atrophy. It also showed bilateral T2 hypointensity of the ventrolateral thalamus, part of the posterior limb of the internal capsule, the substantia nigra and the subthalamic nucleus. Next generation sequencing leukodystrophy panel including POLR3A and POLR3B was negative. Sanger sequencing of the coding regions of POLR1C revealed a novel homozygous mutation.

Conclusion

The clinical and imaging findings of patients with POLR1C hypomyelinating leukodystrophy are reviewed. Interestingly, severe myoclonic dystonia and T2 hypointensity of the substantia nigra and the subthalamic nucleus are not reported yet and could be helpful for the diagnosis of POLR1C hypomyelinating leukodystrophy.
An analytical model for chemical diffusion in layered contaminated sediment systems with bioreactive caps
Authors: Yan Huaxiang , Wu Jiawei , Xie Haijian , Thomas Hywel R. , Feng Shijin
Published: August 2019

An analytical model for contaminant transport in multilayered capped contaminated sediments including the degradation of organic contaminant is presented. The effect of benthic boundary layer was treated as a Robin‐type boundary condition. The results of the proposed analytical model agree well with experimental data. The biodegradation of contaminant in bioturbation layer shows a significant influence on the flux at the surface of system. The maximum flux for the case witht1/2,bio = 0.07 year can be 4.5 times less than that of the case without considering the effect of biodegradation. The thickness of bioturbation layer has a significant effect on the performance of the capped contaminated sediment. The maximum flux for the case withlbio = 15 cm can be 17 times larger than that of the case without bioturbation layer. This may be because the effective diffusion coefficient of sand cap can be 28 times lower thanDbio. The mass transfer coefficient should be considered for the design of the capping system as the contaminant concentration at the top of system for the case withkbl = 2.5 × 10−5 cm/s can be 13 times greater than that of the case withkbl = 10−4 cm/s. The proposed analytical model can be used for verification of complicated numerical methods, evaluation of experimental data, and design of the capping contaminated sediment systems with reactive cap layers.
A co‐rotational weak‐form quadrature planar beam element for geometric nonlinear static and dynamic analysis
Authors: Yuan Zhangxian , Wang Xinwei , Kardomateas George A.
Published: August 2019

The co‐rotational formulation of quadrature planar beam element undergoing large displacement and large rotation is presented. A local frame co‐rotates with the differential element and decomposes the motion into a rigid body movement and a strain‐producing deformation. General explicit formulations of elemental vectors and matrices, including internal force vector, external force vector, tangent stiffness matrix, and mass matrix, are derived via the numerical integration together with the differential quadrature law. Thus, the element nodes and numerical integration method can be chosen arbitrarily based on the accuracy requirement and problem type. A number of case studies on the static, postbuckling, and dynamic response of beams and frame structures are conducted. The convergence study shows that the co‐rotational quadrature element has an exponential rate of convergence and the reduced Gauss integration yield the highest accuracy. It is seen that the proposed co‐rotational quadrature beam element is simple in formulations, computationally efficient, and capable of capturing the complex nonlinear behavior of beam and frame structures with high precision.
Effect of the conversion degree and multiple healing on the healing efficiency of a thermally reversible self‐healing polymer
Authors: Shabani Peyman , Shokrieh Mahmood M. , Zibaei Iman
Published: August 2019

In this paper, the effect of the cross‐links' conversion degree on the healing efficiency of a thermally remendable polymer based on the Diels‐Alder (DA) reaction was studied quantitatively. By using the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results along with the Kissinger method, the conversion degree of the thermally reversible cross‐links was predicted as a function of time and temperature. For investigating the healing efficiencies at different conversion degrees, three‐point bending specimens were fabricated under certain curing conditions, which guaranteed the formation of both reversible and irreversible bonds. Afterward, specimens failed under three‐point bending test and healed up to certain conversion degrees. The results revealed on average 15%, 38%, and 83% recovery of flexural strength and 89%, 91%, and 93% recovery of flexural modulus at conversion degrees of 0.6, 0.8, and 1, respectively. Moreover, by repeating the damaging and healing procedure, it was shown that the synthesized polymer has the capability to be healed several times.
A review on the latest advances in extraction and analysis of artemisinin
Authors: Nahar Lutfun , Guo Mingquan , Sarker Satyajit D.
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Artemisinin (1), a well‐known natural antimalarial drug, is a sesquiterpene lactone that contains a unique peroxide bridge. Since its discovery, the amount of research into the analysis of artemisinin has increased considerably, and it has been further intensified since the Noble Prize win by Tu Youyou in the year 2015 for the discovery of artemisinin.

Objective

To review literature on the extraction and analysis of artemisinin, published during 2017–present, and to present an appraisal of those methods.

Methodology

Extensive literature search was carried out which involved, but not limited to, the use of, various databases, like Web of Knowledge, PubMed and Google Scholar, and relevant published materials including published books. The keywords used, in various combinations, with artemisinin being present in all combinations, in the search were artemisinin, Artemisia annua, analysis, extraction, quantitative, qualitative and quality control.

Results

During the period covered in this review, several methods of analysis of artemisinin have been reported, the most of which were liquid chromatography (LC)‐based methods. However, the use of new methods like near‐infrared analysis, fluorometirc analysis and molecular imprinting, and a significant increase in the use of computational tools have been observed. Mainly several methods involving supercritical fluid extraction and ultrasound‐assisted extraction of artemisinin have dominated the extraction area.

Conclusions

Newer analytical tools, as well as improved protocols for the known analytical tools, for qualitative and quantitative determination of artemisinin (1), have been made available by various researchers during the period covered by this review. Supercritical fluid extraction and ultrasound‐assisted extraction are still the methods of choice for extraction of artemisinin.
Future Technology Photonics – Is the Product Development Ready for Automotive?
Authors: Bey Nadine
Published: August 2019

Photonic technologies will be an essential part of future automobiles. But to become an automotive supplier and successfully persist in that industry, companies will have to fulfill very formal requirements regarding their product development process: Automotive SPICE. This article shortly summarizes its essentials and the greatest differences between the photonics and automotive world. Then it guides the reader through the most important quick wins to make the product development of companies in the relevant photonics field ready for Automotive SPICE.
Importance of Beam Analysis for Industry 4.0
Authors: Stumpp Barbara
Published: August 2019

The laser revolutionized production. Compared to resistance spot welding, the machining speed has been increased by more than 50 % and it allows new joining and construction concepts. But whether car body parts are welded or turbine blades are repaired by laser powder cladding, both require the highest process quality and thus optimal adjustment of the laser parameters. From this point of view, the use of laser diagnostic systems, such as the PowerMeasuringModule and the FocusParameterMonitor from Primes, is worthwhile.
Factors associated with the decline of psychological support in hospitalized patients with cancer
Authors: Pichler Theresia , Dinkel Andreas , Marten‐Mittag Birgitt , Hermelink Kerstin , Telzerow Eva , Ackermann Ulrike , Belka Claus , Combs Stephanie E. , Gratzke Christian , Gschwend Jürgen , Harbeck Nadia , Heinemann Volker , Herkommer Kathleen , Kiechle Marion , Mahner Sven , Pigorsch Steffi , Rauch Josefine , Stief Christian , Beckmann Jürgen , Heußner Pia , Herschbach Peter
Published: August 2019

Objective

Many distressed cancer patients do not want or, finally, do not use psychological support. This study aimed at identifying factors associated with the decline of psychological support during hospital stay.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included inpatients with different cancer diagnoses. Distress was assessed using the short form of the Questionnaire on Stress in Cancer Patients‐Revised (QSC‐R10) and the Distress Thermometer (DT). Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with decline.

Results

Of 925 patients, 71.6% (n = 662) declined psychological support. Male sex (OR = 2.54, 95% CI = 1.69‐3.80), low psychosocial distress (OR = 3.76, CI = 2.50‐5.67), not feeling depressed (OR = 1.93, CI = 1.24‐2.99), perceived overload (OR = 3.37, CI = 2.19‐5.20), no previous psychological treatment (OR = 1.88, CI = 1.25‐2.83), and feeling well informed about psychological support (OR = 1.66, CI = 1.11‐2.46) were associated with decline. Among the patients who indicated clinical distress (46.2%), 53.9% declined psychological support. Male sex (OR = 2.96, CI = 1.71‐5.12), not feeling depressed (OR = 1.87, CI = 1.12‐3.14), perceived overload (OR = 5.37, CI = 3.07‐9.37), agreeableness (OR = 0.70, CI = 0.51‐0.95), and feeling well informed about psychological support (OR = 1.81, CI = 1.07‐3.07) were uniquely associated with decline in this subgroup.

Conclusions

Decline of psychological support is primarily due to psychological factors. Feeling well informed about support emerged as a relevant factor associated with decline. Thus, design of informational material and education about available psychological services seem crucial.
Risk assessment of sewage sludge granulation process using HAZOP study
Authors: Więckol‐Ryk Angelika , Krzemień Alicja , Zawartka Paweł , Głodniok Marcin
Published: August 2019

The article presents application of hazard and operability study (HAZOP) technique to identify and analyze hazards associated with the process of producing fertilizer granulates from sewage sludge. The aim was to indicate deviations from the proper performance of the system, which may occur at the operation stage of the installation for granulating sewage sludge, and, as a consequence, lead to interrupting the process. The hazards, that is, dangerous and harmful factors, which may generate dangerous events, were meticulously identified. Thanks to that, it was possible to propose preventive actions aimed at reducing risk at the stage of designing an installation. The research showed that producing fertilizer granulates from sewage sludge may generate an explosion hazard when dust and gases during the process of transportation or storage are present. Gases responsible for explosions such as NH3, H2S, CH4 are by‐products of the reaction of sewage sludge with the lime, while explosive dust consists of a microcrystalline cellulose powder. A few scenarios leading to epidemiological risk are associated with the composition of badly stabilized sewage sludge. Additionally, the material corrosion resulting from wrongly selected material and aggressive environment, were also identified. The HAZOP results were used to conduct process hazard assessment, which analyzed frequency of hazards in given technology nodes and categories of their potential consequences.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibodies: What do we know after 20 years of rituximab
Authors: Focosi Daniele , Tuccori Marco , Maggi Fabrizio
Published: August 2019

In 1997, rituximab was the first monoclonal antibody clinically approved for the treatment of cancer. Ten years later, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), until that time a rare opportunistic infection mostly seen in AIDS patients, was added as a black box warning after retrospective case‐control studies showed an increased incidence in both B‐cell lymphoproliferative disorders and autoimmune diseases. Despite more than 5 million worldwide exposures to date (and about 500 000 new exposures per year), insufficient data collection has hampered identification of risk minimization strategies, and concerns have been raised about a class effect extending to the newer anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibodies (ofatumumab, obinutuzumab, and ocrelizumab). Here, we report current PML case counts registered in the FAERS and EudraVigilance databases and comment on severe CD4+ T lymphopenia as a plausible common mechanism of action for anti‐CD20 antibodies in causation of PML.