bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting the critical drawdown pressure of sanding onset for perforated wells in ultra‐deep reservoirs with high temperature and high pressure
Authors: Lu Yu , Xue Chengwen , Liu Tao , Chi Ming , Yu Jie , Gao Han , Xu Xiaohui , Li Haitao , Zhuo Yiran
Published: May 2021

Perforated wells in ultra‐deep sandstone reservoirs are characterized by high reservoir temperature, high formation pressure, and high production, and sand production will cause severe safety hazards to these wells. Based on Drucker‐Prager (DP) rock failure criterion, a practical analytical model for predicting critical drawdown pressure (CDP) of sanding onset for perforated wells is established by comprehensively considering the influence of drag stress, formation water production, reservoir pressure depletion, temperature difference in the perforated wellbore. The proposed model is verified by field sanding onset monitoring data. The calculation results show that CDP changes with well inclination, and it decreases with the increase in wellbore temperature difference, reservoir pressure depletion, and water saturation. However, the CDP increases with the number of perforations and the ratio of diameter to length. The optimization of perforation parameters has an important influence on sand control. This study can effectively guide the prediction of CDP and provides basis for efficient and safe development of similar ultra‐deep and high yield sandstone reservoirs.
The Cosmolian program for simulating aeolian dynamics and its application to central Australia
Authors: Vainer Shlomy , Ben Dor Yoav
Published: May 2021

The wide spatial coverage of sand dunes in continental interiors makes the understanding of their activity and accumulation history valuable for palaeoenvironmental reconstructions and the interpretation of landscape evolution. Nevertheless, the study of aeolian landscape development at the million‐year timescale is hampered by the complex interaction of factors determining dune migration and the inherently self‐destructive nature of their chronostratigraphy, thus limiting the applicability of traditional dating methods. This study presents a standalone program that simulates aeolian transport based on luminescence‐derived chronologies coupled with numerical modelling of the accumulation of cosmogenic nuclides. This integrative approach to modelling the history of aeolian landforms reveals phases of emergence of aeolian sand into the landscape, and provides a data‐based scheme that facilitates the morphodynamical study of aeolian processes over multiple timescales and up to several millions of years. The application of the program for reanalysing previously reported data from the Australian Simpson Desert reveals multiple pulses of sand dispersion into central Australia at 3.8–3.4, 2.9–2.5 and 1.5–1 Ma, corresponding to pronounced changes in climatic conditions and landscape deformation events. The synchronicity of the results with the established environmental framework that would promote the production and aeolian distribution of sand exemplifies the applicability of process‐based modelling in constructing a timeframe of key landscape evolution events in arid environments by studying aeolian deposits. The dependence of the parameters used to determine environmental settings on sand transportation patterns additionally makes the program a powerful tool to further investigate the triggers and mechanisms of aeolian processes.
Antiretroviral Drugs in African Surface Waters: Prevalence, Analysis, and Potential Remediation
Authors: Adeola Adedapo O. , Forbes Patricia B.C.
Published: May 2021

The sources, ecotoxicological impact, and potential remediation strategies of antiretroviral drugs (ARVDs) as emerging contaminants in surface waters are reviewed based on recent literature. The occurrence of ARVDs in water bodies raises concern because many communities in Africa depend on rivers for water resources. Southern Africa is a potential hotspot regarding ARVD contamination due to relatively high therapeutic application and detection thereof in water bodies. Efavirenz and nevirapine are the most persistent in effluents and are prevalent in surface water based on environmental concentrations. Whereas the highest concentration of efavirenz reported in Kenya was 12.4 µg L–1, concentrations as high as 119 and 140 µg L–1 have been reported in Zambia and South Africa, respectively. Concentrations of ARVDs ranging from 670 to 34 000 ng L–1 (influents) and 540 to 34 000 ng L–1 (effluents) were determined in wastewater treatment plants in South Africa, compared with Europe, where reported concentrations range from less than limit of detection (LOD) to 32 ng L–1 (influents) and less than LOD to 22 ng L–1 (effluents). The present African-based review suggests the need for comprehensive toxicological and risk assessment of these emerging pollutants in Africa, with the intent of averting environmental hazards and the development of sustainable remediation strategies. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:247–262. © 2021 SETAC

Abstract

Distribution and ecotoxicity of antiretroviral drug contamination in the African environment. CNS = central nervous system.
Potential antioxidant and antibacterial bioactivity of leaf and stem bark extracts in wild cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) populations from coastal Piauí, northeastern Brazil
Authors: Ribeiro Nara Calaça , Lima Neto Francisco Edmar Moreira de , Nobre Alyne Rodrigues de Araújo , Silva Durcilene Alves da , Mayo Simon Joseph , Andrade Ivanilza Moreira de
Published: May 2021

Wild cashew Anacardium occidentale L., used locally for food and medicinals, occurs in coastal restinga vegetation in northeastern Brazil. Leaf and bark hydroethanolic extracts from four populations in Piauí state were studied for secondary metabolites, estimation of total phenolics and flavonoids (UV‐Vis spectrophotometry), identification of the selected phenolic compound gallic acid (HPLC), antioxidant (DPPH) assays and estimates of antibacterial activity (agar diffusion, MIC, MBC). Results varied between populations and between leaf and bark. Alkaloids, flavonoids, organic acids, phenolics, reducing sugars, saponins and triterpenoids were observed. Total phenolics and flavonoids levels exceeded those of domesticated cashew (phenolics mg GAE g‐1: leaves 235.6–521.6, bark 430.5–546.3; flavonoids mg QE g‐1: leaves 22.1–30.8, bark 22.3–27.1). Presence of gallic acid was confirmed. Antioxidant IC50 values (DPPH inhibition) ranged from 45.81 to 88.53 µg/mL. Gram‐positive bacterial growth was inhibited (MIC 62.5–250 [‐500] µg/mL in Staphylococcus aureus [sensitive and MRSA strains], S. epidermidis, S. saprophyticus; MIC 500–2000 µg/mL in Streptococcus mutans). Bactericidal activity was observed in two populations (MBC 500–1000 µg/mL). The results corroborate studies of cerrado forms indicating that wild populations are richer in bioactive compounds than domesticated forms and highlight the need to conserve their habitats.
Bashkirian taeniate bisaccate pollen‐dominated palynological assemblage from northwestern Junggar Basin, Xinjiang Province, China
Authors: Shi Tianming , Li Qiong , Amuti Aliya , Xiao Jinan , Liu Feng , Yang Wan , Li Qiuli , Zhang Hua , Lü Zeng , Peng Huiping
Published: May 2021

The Early Pennsylvanian land plant community is characterized by widespread forests consisting of lycopsids, ferns, and seeds fern in swampy wetlands. The contemporaneous palynological assemblages are mainly composed of spores ofLycosporaspp.,Densosporitesspp., andLaevigatosporitesspp. and monosaccate prepollen ofFlorinitesspp. Taeniate bisaccate pollen appeared for the first time during the Early Pennsylvanian but never prevailed in the coeval palynological assemblages. Here, we report a taeniate bisaccate pollen‐dominated palynological assemblage from the Jiamuhe Formation of Well Ke 85 in the Zhongguai Uplift, northwestern Junggar Basin, Xinjiang. Nineteen miospore species belonging to 14 genera were identified from the assemblage. Based on their relative abundance, one assemblage is nominated informally asCalamospora breviradiata–Lunatisporites tersus(BT) assemblage. SIMS U–Pb geochronological analysis of zircons from two volcanic ash beds from the basal and upper parts of the formation yields weighted mean206Pb/238U dates of 316.3 ± 2.2 Ma (MSWD = 1.2,n = 19) and 316.5 ± 2.8 Ma (MSWD = 0.85,n = 20) in an ascending order. A Bashkirian age is thus assigned to the BT assemblage. Our combined palynological and geochronological investigations reveal an early stage of the rise of conifers in the Kazakhstan Plate and offer a rare glimpse into the Early Pennsylvanian land vegetation in the subtropical area at the northern hemisphere.
Tick salivary gland extract induces alpha‐gal syndrome in alpha‐gal deficient mice
Authors: Choudhary Shailesh K. , Karim Shahid , Iweala Onyinye I. , Choudhary Shivangi , Crispell Gary , Sharma Surendra Raj , Addison Claire T. , Kulis Mike , Herrin Brian H. , Little Susan E. , Commins Scott P.
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Alpha‐gal syndrome (AGS) is characterized by delayed hypersensitivity to non‐primate mammalian meat in people having specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) to the oligosaccharide galactose‐alpha‐1,3‐galactose. AGS has been linked to tick bites from Amblyomma americanum (Aa) in the U.S. A small animal model of meat allergy is needed to study the mechanism of alpha‐gal sensitization, the effector phase leading to delayed allergic responses and potential therapeutics to treat AGS.

Methods

Eight‐ to ten‐weeks old mice with a targeted inactivation of alpha‐1,3‐galactosyltransferase (AGKO) were injected intradermally with 50 μg of Aa tick salivary gland extract (TSGE) on days 0, 7, 21, 28, 42, and 49. Total IgE and alpha‐gal sIgE were quantitated on Day 56 by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Mice were challenged orally with 400 mg of cooked pork kidney homogenate or pork fat. Reaction severity was assessed by measuring a drop in core body temperature and scoring allergic signs.

Results

Compared to control animals, mice treated with TSGE had 190‐fold higher total IgE on Day 56 (0.60 ± 0.12 ng/ml vs. 113.2 ± 24.77 ng/ml; p < 0.001). Alpha‐gal sIgE was also produced in AGKO mice following TSGE sensitization (undetected vs. 158.4 ± 72.43 pg/ml). Further, sensitized mice displayed moderate clinical allergic signs along with a drop in core body temperature of ≥2°C as an objective measure of a systemic allergic reaction. Interestingly, female mice had higher total IgE responses to TSGE treatment but male mice had larger declines in mean body temperature.

Conclusion

TSGE‐sensitized AGKO mice generate sIgE to alpha‐gal and demonstrate characteristic allergic responses to pork fat and pork kidney. In keeping with the AGS responses documented in humans, mice reacted more rapidly to organ meat than to high fat pork challenge. This mouse model establishes the central role of tick bites in the development of AGS and provides a small animal model to mechanistically study mammalian meat allergy.
A novel and efficient anonymous authentication for WBANs†
Authors: Liu Yang , Wang Yimin , Peng Zhenwan
Published: May 2021

As part of modern medical systems, wireless body area networks (WBANs) are mainly used to monitor body conditions of patient by collecting biological data in real time using sensors and then send the information to the remote doctors or experts for clinical diagnostics. For the wireless environment, WBANs faces the challenges of patient's privacy leakage and various attacks. However, many of existing schemes are not computationally efficient and high communication cost. To overcome these drawbacks, we propose a new certificate‐less anonymous authentication scheme in WBANs. The detailed analysis results demonstrate that the proposed scheme not only meets the security and privacy requirements of WBANs but also provides lower computation cost.
SIRT6 through PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway to enhance radiosensitivity of non‐Small cell lung cancer and inhibit tumor progression
Authors: Xiong Lianggeng , Tan Binxin , Lei Xiubing , Zhang Biao , Li Wenting , Liu Daimei , Xia Tian
Published: May 2021

To explore the effect and mechanism of SIRT6 on radiosensitivity and tumor progression of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). qRT‐PCR was performed to detect the expressions of SIRT6 in tumor tissues, adjacent normal tissues and NSCLC cell lines of patients with advanced NSCLC before and after radiotherapy. After overexpression or interference with SIRT6 expression in NSCLC cells, the cells were routinely cultured or transfected for 48 h followed by 4 Gy radiation for 24 h. Then, check the cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis and cell cycle by MTT, wound healing assay and flow cytometry, while detect the expression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway‐related proteins by Western blot. In addition, the effect of SIRT6 expression on NSCLC tumor growth was analyzed by xenograft tumor assay. SIRT6 showed a low expression in NSCLC tumor tissues and cell lines, while SIRT6 was significantly increased in NSCLC tissues after radiation treatment. Overexpression of SIRT6 in A549 and NCI‐H23 cells inhibited cell proliferation viability, migration ability and promoted apoptosis. By comparison, after radiation treatment, NSCLC cells with high SIRT6 expression had lower ability of proliferation and migration and higher apoptosis rate. Overexpression of SIRT6 evidently down‐regulated the activity of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in NSCLC cells before and after radiation. In addition, H2009 cells exhibited opposite cellular functions after interference with SIRT6 expression. In vivo experiments showed that overexpression of SIRT6 promoted the inhibitory effect of radiation on the growth of NSCLC xenograft tumors in nude mice. SIRT6 can promote the radiosensitivity of NSCLC and inhibit the development of tumor by down‐regulating the activity of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
Randomized controlled trial of seminar‐based training on accurate and general implementation of practical functional assessments
Authors: Whelan Cory J. , Hanley Gregory P. , Landa Robin , Sullivan Emily , LaCroix Kara , Metras Rachel
Published: May 2021

General and long‐term outcomes of functional analysis training have not yet been reported. Within a randomized control trial, we trained 18 behavior analytic practitioners to interview caregivers, design and then conduct a personalized analysis as a part of a practical functional assessment (PFA). Participants were randomly assigned to groups, and those who experienced the seminar prior to conducting PFA with a confederate demonstrated more component skills than those who were provided the same materials but did not experience the seminar (mean scores: 87%, 36% respectively). Participants who experienced the seminar considered the training valuable and reported greater confidence in their ability to achieve control in an analysis. Several participants then conducted a PFA with a client who engaged in SPB. Results showed that skills transferred to these authentic applications. Results suggest that a seminar‐based training can increase practitioners' ability to functionally analyze problem behavior and leads to subsequent analytic activity.
Stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 promotes osteoblastic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells via the lncRNA‐H19/miR‐214‐5p/BMP2 axis
Authors: He Qiting , Li Ruibin , Hu Beibei , Li Xuezhou , Wu Yunpeng , Sun Pengfei , Jia Yuhua , Guo Yongyuan
Published: May 2021

Background

Stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 (SDF‐1) plays an important role in the osteoblastic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMMSCs), but the specific mechanism remains unclear. Our study aimed to clarify the role of the lncRNA‐H19/miR‐214‐5p/BMP2 axis in the osteoblastic differentiation of hBMMSCs induced by SDF‐1.

Methods

We used reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, alkaline phosphatase activity test, and Alizarin red staining to evaluate the osteoblastic differentiation of primary hBMMSCs and the luciferase reporter assay to determine if lncRNA‐H19 binds with miR‐214‐5p.

Results

Our results indicated that SDF‐1 (50 ng/mL) promotes the osteoblastic differentiation of hBMMSCs, significantly upregulates osteoblastogenic genes (OCN,OSX,RUNX2, andALP), and increases Alizarin red staining, alkaline phosphatase activity, and lncRNA‐H19 expression. Luciferase reporter assay verified that lncRNA‐H19 binds with and represses miR‐214‐5p, thereby upregulating BMP2 expression. Use of miR‐214‐5p inhibitor or overexpression of lncRNA‐H19 can promote the osteoblastic differentiation of hBMMSCs, but miR‐214‐5p or shH19 inhibits the osteoblastic differentiation of hBMMSCs. Treatment with an miR‐214‐5p inhibitor could rescue the inhibitory effect of shH19 on the osteoblastic differentiation of hBMMSCs.

Conclusions

Taken together, SDF‐1 promotes the osteoblastic differentiation of hBMMSCs through the lncRNA‐H19/miR‐214‐5p/BMP2 axis. Increased osteoblastic differentiation by an miR‐214‐5p inhibitor reveals a new possible strategy for the treatment of bone defect and osteoporosis.
Synthesis and antiviral screening of 2‐(propylthio)‐7‐substituted‐thiazolo[5,4‐d]pyrimidines as anti‐bovine viral diarrhea virus agents
Authors: Basyouni Wahid M. , Abbas Samir Y. , El‐Bayouki Khairy A. M. , Dawood Reham M. , El Awady Mostafa K. , Abdelhafez Tawfeek H.
Published: May 2021

7‐Chloro‐2‐(propylthio)thiazolo[5,4‐d]pyrimidine 4 was prepared and used as a precursor for synthesizing new derivatives of thiazolo[5,4‐d]pyrimidine through the nucleophilic displacement of the chlorine atom by different types of amino derivatives. Reaction of compound 4 with primary and secondary amines produced the corresponding substituted amino derivatives. Reaction of 4 with hydrazine hydrate then followed by condensation with aromatic aldehydes afforded hydrazone derivatives. Reaction of 4 with hydrazine hydrate then followed by reaction with isothiocyanates gave the disubstituted thiosemicarbazides. Finally, treatment of 4 with hydrazine derivatives afforded the novel disubstituted hydrazine derivatives. Preliminary antiviral screening on the bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) was carried out, which was classified as a member of the same family of Hepatitis C virus. The results indicated that some of the tested compounds exhibited anti‐BVDV activity which may be suitable for a new lead molecule to design more potent anti‐BVDV agents.
Evaluation of long‐term radiological findings, pulmonary functions, and health‐related quality of life in survivors of severe COVID‐19
Authors: Bardakci Mustafa Ilteris , Ozturk Esin Nagihan , Ozkarafakili Mufide Arzu , Ozkurt Huseyin , Yanc Ugur , Yildiz Sevgi Dilek
Published: May 2021

Objective

It was aimed to evaluate long‐term radiological changes in severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients, to investigate pulmonary function, exercise capacities, and health‐related quality of life results.

Methods

Sixty‐five patients with severe COVID‐19 pneumonia were evaluated in the sixth month after discharge from the hospital. Spirometry, 6 min walking test (6MWT), and short form of health‐related quality of life scale (SF‐36) were applied in the sixth month. Chest computed tomography (CT) was performed and the findings were grouped according to lung involvement.

Results

Forty‐nine male and 16 female patients were included in the study. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)% values of 18 patients (30.5%), forced vital capacity (FVC)% values of 27 patients (45.8%), and 6MWT of 13 patients (23.2%) were found lower than expected in the sixth month. On the SF‐36 scale, physical function, energy‐vitality, social functionality, pain, and general health parameters were found lower than normal. Minimal interstitial changes in chest CT were seen in 26 patients. Nine patients had lung area involvement between 10% and 50% of the surface, there was a correlation between FEV1% and FVC% values in this group. There was severe pulmonary fibrosis in four patients. There was a correlation between pulmonary function and physical function and general perception of health from SF‐36 scale subparameters.

Conclusion

Functional and radiological abnormalities were detected in a significant number of patients in the sixth month after severe COVID‐19 pneumonia. A systematic monitoring plan must be established to assess and properly manage the long‐term problems that may arise.
The moderating role of self‐efficacy in the relationship between workplace envy and social undermining
Authors: Hilal Omnia Abdelazeem
Published: May 2021

Envy can motivate individuals to strive harder or to harm others. We examine the relationship between workplace envy and social undermining ‐ the insidious act of dragging down others. The role of self‐efficacy in this relationship has not been explored in previous research; therefore, it is proposed that self‐efficacy acts as a moderator. The study, based on data from a survey of 304 Egyptian physicians, provides insights into the ways in which social undermining is practiced, and suggests how it could be managed. Two hypotheses are developed and tested using hierarchal regression analysis: that workplace envy and social undermining are positively related, and that self‐efficacy moderates that relationship. The results of the study support these hypothesized relationships. They also demonstrate that the relationship between workplace envy and social undermining is significantly stronger among physicians with low self‐efficacy than those with high self‐efficacy. The article offers several suggestions for how to manage the problem of social undermining which are particularly relevant to physicians and health care managers.
Preemptive effects of ibuprofen and nimesulide on postoperative pain control after open flap periodontal surgeries: A randomized placebo‐controlled split‐mouth clinical trial
Authors: Santos Bianca F. E. , Costa Fernando O. , Vasconcelos Andrea M. A. , Cyrino Renata M. , Cota Luís O. M.
Published: May 2021

Background

Data on preemptive analgesia in periodontal surgeries are scarce and still diverse. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the analgesic effects of the preemptive administration of ibuprofen and nimesulide in open flap periodontal surgeries.

Methods

The present randomized controlled clinical trial comprised 40 individuals, divided into two groups (n = 20), according to the test drug (ibuprofen and nimesulide) to be administered 1 hour preoperatively. Participants underwent bilateral periodontal surgeries at two different times, and were randomly given the test drug or placebo in a split‐mouth design. Postoperative pain and rescue medication were evaluated at different times. Comparisons between ibuprofen and nimesulide were performed through a Generalized Estimation Equation model, using test drug and evaluation times, along with an interaction between these two variables as predictors.

Results

In intergroup comparisons regarding pain control, ibuprofen showed better effects than placebo only at the first postoperative hour, whereas nimesulide showed better effects than placebo at 1, 6, 24, and 48 postoperative hours. In intergroup comparisons, nimesulide showed better effects than ibuprofen at 24, 48, and 72 postoperative hours, demonstrating a higher overall preemptive effect. No differences were observed in relation to the number of rescue medication.

Conclusion

Preemptive administration of nimesulide showed better overall preemptive effects on postoperative pain control when compared with ibuprofen.
Research progress on the response of tea catechins to drought stress
Authors: Lv Zhidong , Zhang Chenyu , Shao Chenyu , Liu Baogui , Liu Enshuo , Yuan Danni , Zhou Yuebing , Shen Chengwen
Published: May 2021

Drought stress (DS) is the most important abiotic stress affecting yield and quality of tea worldwide. DS causes oxidative stress to cells due to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). As non‐enzymatic antioxidants, tea catechins can scavenge excess ROS in response to DS. Further, catechin accumulation contributes to the formation of oxidative polymerization products (e.g. theaflavins and thearubigins) that improve the quality of black tea. However, there are no systematic reports on the response of tea catechins to DS. First, we reviewed the available literature on the response of tea plants to DS. Second, we summarized the current knowledge of ROS production in tea leaves under DS and typical antioxidant response mechanisms. Third, we conducted a detailed review of the changes in catechin levels in tea under different drought conditions. We found that the total amounts of catechin and o‐quinone increased under DS conditions. We propose that the possible mechanisms underlying tea catechin accumulation under DS conditions include (i) autotrophic formation of o‐quinone, (ii) polymerization of proanthocyanidins that directly scavenge excess ROS, and (iii) formation of metal ion complexes and by influencing the antioxidant systems that indirectly eliminate excess ROS. Finally, we discuss ways of potentially improving black tea quality using drought before picking in the summer/fall dry season. In summary, we mainly discuss the antioxidant mechanisms of tea catechins under DS and the possibility of using drought to improve black tea quality. Our review provides a theoretical basis for the production of high‐quality black tea under DS conditions. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Enzyme pre‐milling treatments improved milling performance of chickpeas by targeting mechanisms of seed coat and cotyledon adhesion with various effects on dhal quality
Authors: Wood Jennifer A , Knights Edmund J , Campbell Grant M , Harden Steven , Choct Mingan
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Dehulling and splitting are important elements of the milling process to produce dhal from pulses. However, grain that is difficult‐to‐mill because of tightly adhered seed coats or cotyledons that resist separation makes it difficult to achieve high quality dhal. Milling yields are reduced, energy inputs into the milling process are increased, and the resulting dhal can be of poorer quality, chipped or abraded.

RESULTS

Eight enzyme pre‐treatments were chosen based on the hypothesised mechanisms of seed coat and cotyledon adhesion established previously. Using a difficult‐to‐mill chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotype, we examined the effects of these pre‐treatments, over time, on laboratory‐scale milling performance and dhal quality. We pioneered a texture analyser method to measure the flex of the cotyledons and the force required to cleave the cotyledons. The enzyme‐induced changes ranged from negative (tough seed coat, weight loss, deleterious colour and texture, increased visual damage to cotyledons and increased kibble loss, concave cotyledons, increased flex, and changes in taste) to positive (brittle seed coat, increased seed volume, improved dehulling efficiency and splitting yield, reduced cotyledon cleavage force, and acceptable dhal quality and taste).

CONCLUSION

All pre‐treatments improved milling performance compared to milling the raw seed, although there was considerable variation between them. Two pre‐treatments showed no improvement in milling yields compared to the water control, and several pre‐treatments resulted in unacceptable qualities. Three pre‐treatments, endo‐polygalacturonanase, α‐galactosidase and cellulase, show potential for commercial milling applications and could assist pulse millers globally to achieve high quality dhal at the same time as minimising milling effort. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Identification of a thermostable cellobiose 2‐epimerase from Caldicellulosiruptor sp. Rt8.B8 and production of epilactose using Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Liangfei Li , Yafeng Zhu , Kai Xu , Zheng Xu
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Epilactose, a potential prebiotics, was derived from lactose through enzymatic catalysis. However, production and purification of epilactose are currently difficult due to powerless enzymes and inefficient downstream processing steps.

RESULTS

The encoding gene of cellobiose 2‐epimerase (CE) from Caldicellulosiruptor sp. Rt8.B8 was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). The enzyme was purified and it was suitable for industrial production of epilactose from lactose without by‐products, because of high kcat (197.6 s−1) and preferable thermostability. The Rt8‐CE gene was further expressed in the Bacillus subtilis strain. We successfully produced epilactose from 700 g L−1 lactose in 30.4% yield by using the recombinant Bacillus subtilis whole cells. By screening of a β‐galactosidase from Bacillus stearothermophilus (BsGal), a process for separating epilactose and lactose was established, which showed a purity of over 95% in a total yield of 69.2%. In addition, a mixed rare sugar syrup composed of epilactose and d‐tagatose was successfully produced from lactose through the co‐expression of l‐arabinose isomerase and β‐galactosidase.

CONCLUSION

Our study shed light on the efficient production of epilactose using a food‐grade host expressing a novel CE enzyme. Moreover, an efficient and low‐cost process was attempted to obtain high purity epilactose. In order to improve the utilization of raw materials, the production process of mixed syrup containing epilactose and d‐tagatose with prebiotic properties produced from lactose was also established for the first time. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Who are the users of national open access journals? The case of the Finnish Journal.fi platform
Authors: Pölönen Janne , Syrjämäki Sami , Nygård Antti‐Jussi , Hammarfelt Björn
Published: May 2021

In this paper we study the diversity of users of open access articles on the Finnish Journal.fi platform. This platform hosts around hundred open access journals from Finland publishing in different fields and mainly Finnish and English languages. The study is based on an online survey, conducted on 48 journals during Spring 2020, in which visitors were asked to indicate their background and allow their location and download behaviour be tracked. Among 668 survey participants, the two largest groups were students (40%) and researchers (36%), followed by private citizens (8%), other experts (7%) and teachers (5%). Other identified user categories include journalists, civil servants, entrepreneurs and politicians. While new publications attract a considerable share of the views, there is still a relatively large interest, especially among students, in older materials. Our findings indicate that Finnish language publications are particularly important for reaching students, citizens, experts and politicians. Thus, open access to publications in national languages is vital for the local relevance and outreach of research.
Patients' roles in governance of learning: Results from a qualitative study of 16 learning healthcare systems
Authors: Grob Rachel , Gleason Katharine , McLean Paul , McGraw Sarah , Solomon Mildred , Joffe Steven
Published: May 2021

Patient and family engagement has been identified as key to fulfilling Learning Healthcare Systems' (LHSs') promise as a model for improving clinical care, catalyzing research, and controlling costs. Little is known, however, about the state of patient engagement in the learning mission of these systems or about what governance structures and processes facilitate such engagement. Here, we report on an interview study of 99 patient and employee leaders in 16 systems. We found both variable levels of engagement and broad agreement that shared governance of learning remains a work in progress. We also identified a range of practices that can support or thwart development of an organizational culture conducive to shared governance, including transparency, capacity building, infrastructure investment, leadership, attention to diversity of patient partners, and committee structures. In LHSs with most sophisticated shared governance, both employees and patients contribute to building a democratic learning culture.
Cowpea Chlorotic Mottle Virus‐Like Particles as Potential Platform for Antisense Oligonucleotide Delivery in Posterior Segment Ocular Diseases
Authors: Pretto Chiara , Tang Miao , Chen Mei , Xu Heping , Subrizi Astrid , Urtti Arto , van Hest Jan C. M.
Published: May 2021

Due to its small size, easy accessibility and immune privileged environment, the eye represents an ideal target for therapeutic nucleic acids in the treatment of posterior segment ocular diseases, such as age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). Among nanocarriers that can be used to achieve nucleic acid delivery, virus‐like particles (VLPs) obtained from the Cowpea chlorotic mottle virus (CCMV) are an appealing platform, because of their loading capacity, ease of manufacture and amenability for functionalization. Herein, antisense oligonucleotide‐loaded CCMV nanoparticles, intended for intravitreal injection, are evaluated for selective silencing of miR‐23, an important target in AMD. CCMV nanoparticles loaded with anti‐miR‐23 locked nucleic acid and stabilized using the 3,3′‐dithiobis(sulfosuccinimidyl propionate) (DTSSP) cross‐linker, are assembled in vitro with a loading efficiency up to 80%. VLPs are found to be stable at 37 °C in the vitreous humor up to 24 hours. Nanoparticle cytotoxicity, cellular uptake and transfection efficacy are evaluated in endothelial cells. Selective miRNA down‐regulation is achieved by the loaded CCMV VLPs both in absence and presence of Lipofectamine, with efficacies of ≈40% and more than 80%, respectively. The authors' findings pave the way for the future development of CCMV nanoparticles as oligonucleotide delivery platform to treat posterior segment ocular diseases.
Real‐time deep artifact suppression using recurrent U‐Nets for low‐latency cardiac MRI
Authors: Jaubert Olivier , Montalt‐Tordera Javier , Knight Dan , Coghlan Gerry J. , Arridge Simon , Steeden Jennifer A. , Muthurangu Vivek
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Real‐time low latency MRI is performed to guide various cardiac interventions. Real‐time acquisitions often require iterative image reconstruction strategies, which lead to long reconstruction times. In this study, we aim to reconstruct highly undersampled radial real‐time data with low latency using deep learning.

Methods

A 2D U‐Net with convolutional long short‐term memory layers is proposed to exploit spatial and preceding temporal information to reconstruct highly accelerated tiny golden radial data with low latency. The network was trained using a dataset of breath‐hold CINE data (including 770 time series from 7 different orientations). Synthetic paired data were created by retrospectively undersampling the magnitude images, and the network was trained to recover the target images. In the spirit of interventional imaging, the network was trained and tested for varying acceleration rates and orientations. Data were prospectively acquired and reconstructed in real time in 1 healthy subject interactively and in 3 patients who underwent catheterization. Images were visually compared to sliding window and compressed sensing reconstructions and a conventional Cartesian real‐time sequence.

Results

The proposed network generalized well to different acceleration rates and unseen orientations for all considered metrics in simulated data (less than 4% reduction in structural similarity index compared to similar acceleration and orientation‐specific networks).

The proposed reconstruction was demonstrated interactively, successfully depicting catheters in vivo with low latency (39 ms, including 19 ms for deep artifact suppression) and an image quality comparing favorably to other reconstructions.

Conclusion

Deep artifact suppression was successfully demonstrated in the time‐critical application of non‐Cartesian real‐time interventional cardiac MR.
Three‐dimensional quantitative muscle ultrasound in a healthy population
Authors: de Jong Leon , Nikolaev Anton , Greco Anna , Weijers Gert , de Korte Chris L. , Fütterer Jurgen J.
Published: May 2021

Introduction/Aims

Quantitative muscle ultrasound offers biomarkers that aid in the diagnosis, detection, and follow‐up of neuromuscular disorders. At present, quantitative muscle ultrasound methods are 2D and are often operator and device dependent. The aim of this study was to combine an existing device independent method with an automated ultrasound machine and perform 3D quantitative muscle ultrasound, providing new normative data of healthy controls.

Methods

In total, 123 healthy volunteers were included. After physical examination, 3D ultrasound scans of the tibialis anterior muscle were acquired using an automated ultrasound scanner. Image postprocessing was performed to obtain calibrated echo intensity values based on a phantom reference.

Results

Tibialis anterior muscle volumes of 61.2 ± 24.1 mL and 53.7 ± 22.7 mL were scanned in males and females, respectively. Echo intensity correlated with gender**, age**, fat fraction*, histogram kurtosis**, skewness* and standard deviation** (*P < .05, **P < .01). Outcome measures did not differ significantly for different acquisition presets. The 3D quantitative muscle ultrasound revealed the non‐uniformity of echo intensity values over the length of the tibialis anterior muscle.

Discussion

Our method extended 2D measurements and confirmed previous findings. Our method and reported normative data of (potential) biomarkers can be used to study neuromuscular disorders.
Fourier transform approach to nonperiodic boundary value problems in porous conductive media
Authors: To Quy‐Dong , Bonnet Guy , Nguyen‐Thoi Trung
Published: May 2021

In this article, we develop an extension of the Fourier transform solution method in order to solve conduction equation with nonperiodic boundary conditions (BC). The periodic Lippmann–Schwinger equation for porous materials is extended to the case of non‐periodicity with relevant source terms on the boundary. The method is formulated in Fourier space based on the temperature as unknown, using the exact periodic Green function and form factors to describe the boundaries. Different types of BC: flux, temperature, mixed and combined with periodicity can be treated by the method. Numerical simulations show that the method does not encounter convergence issues due to the infinite contrast and yields accurate results for both local fields and effective conductivity.
A Newton iteration‐based interval analysis method for nonlinear structural systems with uncertain‐but‐bounded parameters
Authors: Qiu Zhiping , Zhu Bo
Published: May 2021

In this article, the propagating effect of uncertainties in nonlinear structural systems is investigated. Via considering uncertain‐but‐bounded parameters as interval variables, a Newton iteration‐based interval analysis method (NI‐IAM) is proposed to quantify the uncertainty of the nonlinear structural response, namely predicting the upper and lower bounds of the response. In the proposed method, a nonlinear structural system with uncertain interval parameters is described as a series of interval nonlinear equations. With Taylor series expansion, an interval iteration scheme is established to successively approximate the upper and lower bounds of the response based on the Newton method. The structural response bounds in every iteration step are updated by solving linear interval increment determination equations via the Lagrangian multiplier method. Thereout, an uncertain nonlinear problem is simplified to a series of uncertain linear issues. The convergence of the proposed method is further discussed in this article. Numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed method by contrast with several existing methods. Moreover, the compatibility between numerical results of the perturbation‐based probabilistic method and the proposed method is then studied and verified.
Thalassemia major in a 49‐year‐old Thai female: Gross and X‐ray examination of dry bone
Authors: Techataweewan Nawaporn , Mann Robert W. , Vlok Melandri , Ruengdit Sittiporn , Panthongviriyakul Charnchai , Buckley Hallie R.
Published: May 2021

Objective

We present a clinically diagnosed case of beta thalassemia major in a deceased 49‐year‐old Thai female for comparison with paleopathological cases and consideration of age‐related changes of anemic skeletal lesions.

Methods

Dry bone and radiographic descriptions of pathological changes are provided and compared to clinically documented features of thalassemia.

Results

The limb bones in this case exhibit extreme “ballooning” (widening), cortical rarefaction (cortex thinning due to osteoporosis), and varus deformity of the proximal humeri. In the cranium, reduction and coarsening of the trabeculae due to marrow hyperplasia, and radiographic “hair‐on‐end” appearance are evident. This individual did not present with severe porotic hyperostosis or cribra orbitalia but exhibited diploic expansion.

Significance

This case study provides a rare opportunity for a detailed examination of the bone changes present in a fatal homozygote with severe anemia. The case also enables discussion of thalassemia in the wider Southeast Asian context, as major gene variations are known to impact bone metabolism and possibly cause the development of macroscopically observable traits. The absence of observable cribra orbitalia or severe porotic hyperostosis in such an extreme case calls for careful consideration of age‐related skeletal changes in the diagnosis of genetic anemias (and anemia in general).

Limitations

The individual received blood transfusion treatment that likely prolonged her life‐impacting skeletal progression.

Suggestions for future research

Descriptions of different anatomical cases of thalassemia, particularly when accompanied with detailed clinical documentation, would further enable the development of more rigorous diagnostic protocols that accommodate skeletal variation in disease expression.
A systematic review on high‐performance fiber‐reinforced 3D printed thermoset composites
Authors: Monticeli Francisco M. , Neves Roberta M. , Ornaghi Heitor L. , Almeida José Humberto S.
Published: May 2021

High‐performance fiber‐reinforced thermoset composites processed by additive manufacturing (3D printing) are attracting substantial attention in both academic and industrial fields in a market currently dominated by thermoplastic matrices. Thermoset polymers have, nevertheless, several advantages over thermoplastic ones. This study aims at recommending suitable fibers and processing conditions that effectively improve the mechanical properties of thermoset composites produced by additive manufacturing. The influence of void content is also highlighted. A systematic review is performed here using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (P.R.I.S.M.A.) protocol as a guide aiming to identify the main findings recently studied. A total of 147 studies are initially identified within 2014–2020 using three scientific databases. Then, 29 articles are selected and described respecting several inclusion and exclusion criteria. The main findings are presented and discussed, and the gaps are identified to open up further investigations yet to be understood and exploited.
Proactive vitality management and mental health: The role of work engagement
Authors: Ye Dan‐Xiao , Li Jin‐Shan , Li Feng
Published: May 2021

In this study, we examined the relationships among proactive vitality management (PVM), work engagement, and mental health. A total of 392 call center employees completed the survey. The results of structural equation modeling analyses supported that work engagement meditated the positive relationship between PVM and mental health.
CZTSSe/Zn(O,S) heterojunction solar cells with 9.82% efficiency enabled via (NH4)2S treatment of absorber layer
Authors: Jeong Hiji , Nandi Raju , Cho Jae Yu , Pawar Pravin S. , Lee Hyo Seok , Neerugatti KrishnaRao Eswar , Kim Jin Hyeok , Heo Jaeyeong
Published: May 2021

The replacement of CdS buffer layer is desirable for the development of nontoxic, environmentally friendly kesterite thin‐film solar cells (TFSCs). Recently, several ternary compound semiconductors have been extensively investigated as an alternative buffer layer for Cd‐free TFSCs. Herein, the effectiveness of (NH4)2S treatment on the surface properties of the absorber, as well as the device performance of atomic layer deposited (ALD) Zn(O,S) buffer‐based CZTSSe solar cells, has been investigated. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results showed that the elemental compositions of CZTSSe surface were significantly influenced by (NH4)2S treatment, whereas the surface morphologies of the CZTSSe‐absorber layers remained unaffected. The XPS results further suggested that the (NH4)2S solution treatment substantially removed the native oxide layer from the CTZSSe absorber surface. The fabricated CZTSSe/Zn(O,S) device without (NH4)2S treatment displayed an initial cell efficiency of 7.46%. The energy conversion efficiency increased significantly to 9.82% after the (NH4)2S treatment of absorber layers for an optimum duration of 1 min; to the best of our knowledge, this is the highest efficiency achieved to date for Zn(O,S) buffer‐based kesterite solar cells. The improved device performance is predominantly attributed to the pronounced increase in the fill factor (FF) of TFSCs resulting from the removal of oxides/hydroxides from the CZTSSe surface and passivation of absorber surface with sulfur species. However, increasing the treatment duration to 3 or 5 min resulted in the deterioration of cell efficiency, primarily due to the progressive degradation in the FF of the device. This study demonstrates a plausible route to improve the performance of Zn(O,S) buffer layer‐based kesterite solar cells through a simple surface treatment of the absorber layers using (NH4)2S solution.
Comparison of HMDSO and HMDSN as precursors for high‐barrier plasma‐polymerized multilayer coating systems on polyethylene terephthalate films
Authors: Jaritz Montgomery , Alizadeh Philipp , Wilski Stefan , Kleines Lara , Dahlmann Rainer
Published: May 2021

Hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO)‐ and hexamethyldisilazane (HMDSN)‐based plasma polymeric coatings are compared as elements of multilayer barrier coatings, consisting of an alternating structure of organosilicon and silicon oxide layers. Furthermore, these coatings are examined with regard to their deposition rate, critical layer thickness, surface roughness, atomic composition, and gas permeability. It is investigated how these attributes correlate in the overall barrier performance of a multilayer coating system. The concluded examinations show that HMDSN delivers best overall barrier performances as a precursor at high energy densities. For lower energy densities, the use of HMDSO is preferable. Intermediate layer thickness should not exceed six nanometers for best barrier performance in the given experiment configuration.
Performance of median absolute deviation and some alternatives to median absolute deviation control charts for skewed and heavily tailed process
Authors: Adekeye Kayode S. , Adewara Johnson A. , Aako Olabisi L. , Olaomi John O.
Published: May 2021

In this paper, charts based on robust scale estimators (known as and estimators) are proposed, and the performance of control charts based on median absolute deviation (MAD) is compared with those based on some alternatives to MAD, which do not need any location estimate, for normal, skewed, and heavily tailed distributions. MAD is often used as a substitute for standard deviation in constructing control charts due to its robustness. Three alternatives to MAD namely the Sn, Qn, and Downton (D) are considered in this paper as location‐free estimators. A simulation study was carried out to appraise the performance of the control charts based on the MAD, , , and D estimators. The average run length (ARL), median run length (MRL), standard deviation run length (SDRL), and control limits interval (CLI) were used to assess the performance of the four control charts. The results showed that MAD, , and D are suitable estimators for standard deviation for mean charts while and are suitable estimators for standard deviation for dispersion charts for skewed and heavily tailed distributions.