bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical value of seven autoantibodies combined detection in the diagnosis of lung cancer
Authors: Mu Yinyu , Xie Fuyi , Sun Tingting
Published: May 2020

Background

To analyze the clinical value of seven autoantibodies (p53, PGP9.5, SOX2, GAGE7, GBU4‐5, MAGE A1 and CAGE) in lung cancer patients.

Methods

ELISA was used to determine serum levels of seven autoantibodies in 177 patients with lung cancer, 201 healthy persons, and 210 patients with benign pulmonary diseases. Positive rates of 7 autoantibodies were analyzed; receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn to analyze their diagnostic efficiency in lung cancer and to compare the positive rate of seven kinds of autoantibody combined detection of lung cancer patients with different clinicopathological features.

Results

The positive rate of seven autoantibodies in all subjects was 13.44%. The positive rate of seven autoantibodies in lung cancer was 25.42%. The positive rate of the combined detection of seven autoantibodies in the lung cancer group was significantly higher than that in healthy control group (χ2 = 19.76, P < .001) and benign lung disease group (χ2 = 21.44, P < .001). Sensitivity, specificity, and AUCROC of the seven autoantibodies were 25.42%, 91.75%, and 0.683, respectively. Sensitivity and AUCROC were higher than those of the single autoantibody detection. Positive rates of seven autoantibodies in different pathological types and clinical stages of lung cancer patients were significantly different (P < .05).

Conclusions

The combined detection of 7 autoantibodies in lung cancer has some clinical value for the auxiliary diagnosis of lung cancer.
Partitions of hypergraphs under variable degeneracy constraints
Authors: Schweser Thomas , Stiebitz Michael
Published: May 2020

The paper deals with partitions of hypergraphs into induced subhypergraphs satisfying constraints on their degeneracy. Our hypergraphs may have multiple edges, but no loops. Given a hypergraph and a sequence of vertex functions such that for all , we want to find a sequence of vertex disjoint induced subhypergraphs containing all vertices of such that each hypergraph is strictly ‐degenerate, that is, for every nonempty subhypergraph there is a vertex such that . Our main result in this paper says that such a sequence of hypergraphs exists if and only if is not a so‐called hard pair. Hard pairs form a recursively defined family of configurations, obtained from three basic types of configurations by the operation of merging a vertex. Our main result has several interesting applications related to generalized hypergraph coloring problems.
Novel hydration and nutritional strategies for sickle cell disease
Authors: Purnell Marcy C. , Rayborn Michong
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait affect over 300 million people worldwide. Vaso‐occlusive crises (VOCs) are the most common reason that these patients seek medical care.

Objectives

Recently, a newly identified “trigger” (involving glucose and electrolytes) for a mechanism of abnormal actin polymerization may offer further understanding with regard to the sequence of events that cascade to complications such as VOCs in those with sickle cell disease (SCD) and as well as those with sickle cell trait.

Methods

A literature review to identify the current standard of care guidelines for hydration and nutritional strategies during VOCs in patients with SCD and sickle cell trait was conducted in PubMed, OVID, and Google Scholar.

Results

This review suggested that current rationales for hydration and nutritional strategies for these patients during periods of crisis are generally based on consensus and have remained largely undefined to date.

Conclusion

This new trigger, along with this literature review, suggests investigations related to serum glucose and cation (electrolyte) levels may help define novel strategies for the development of protocols/standard of care with regard to intravenous and oral hydration/nutritional guidelines in these patients during both clinical and perioperative management periods.
Novel N‐(benzo[d]oxazol‐2‐yl)alkanamides; synthesis and carbonic anhydrase II inhibition studies
Authors: Saeed Aamer , Channar Pervaiz A. , Arshad Muhammad , El‐Seedi Hesham R. , Abbas Qamar , Hassan Mubashir , Raza Hussain , Seo Sung‐Yum
Published: May 2020

Carbonic anhydrase (CA II) inhibitors are very important therapeutic targets in drug design for treatment of neuropathic pain and in eradication of glaucoma, cancer, epilepsy, ulcer and obesity. In this study, some two2‐substituted benzoxazoles (3a‐j) were developed as a new family of carbonic anhydrase II inhibitors by employing acyl thiourea chemistry via a simple and expedient protocol and evaluated for CA II inhibitor activity and radical scavenging ability. Compounds 3f and 3j were found to be the most potent inhibitors, with IC50 values of 0.00564 and 0.00596 μM, respectively which are several times better than that of the standard, acetazolamide (IC50 value 0.997 ± 0.0586 μM). Docking experiments were carried out against the carbonic anhydrase II crystal structure to better rationalize the inhibitory activities of these new structures. Moreover, the results of a DPPH radical scavenging assay showed that the antioxidant profile of compound 3i is superior to those of other derivatives. The results have revealed that derivatives 3f and 3j behave as CA‐II inhibitors significantly better than standard and 3i has good anti‐oxidation potential.
Convergent synthesis, free radical scavenging, Lineweaver‐Burk plot exploration, hemolysis and in silico study of novel indole‐phenyltriazole hybrid bearing acetamides as potent urease inhibitors
Authors: Khan Wajiha , Abbasi Muhammad A. , Rehman Aziz‐ur , Siddiqui Sabahat Z. , Nazir Majid , Ali Shah Syed A. , Raza Hussain , Hassan Mubashir , Shahid Muhammad , Seo Sung Y.
Published: May 2020

In the current paper, through a convergent multi‐step approach, a library of novel indole‐phenyltriazole hybrids containing an amide moiety (9a‐k) was synthesized. The structural verification of all synthesized molecules was accomplished by CHN and spectral analyses data. These synthesized bi‐heterocyclic derivatives (9a‐k) were evaluated for their anti‐ulcer potential by inhibitory action against Jack bean urease enzyme and subsequently their structure‐activity relationship was perceived. Moreover, these compounds were inspected for cytotoxic profile by hemolytic activity and it was professed that nearly all the synthesized compounds showed low cytotoxicity. In addition, free radical scavenging activity and kinetic analysis were also carried out for these compounds to understand their mode of inhibition. So, it was summated that these derivatives might lead to further research gateways for obtaining better and safe anti‐ulcer agents.
Stigma and quality of co‐located care for HIV‐positive people in addiction treatment in Ukraine: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Sereda Yuliia , Kiriazova Tetiana , Makarenko Olena , Carroll Jennifer J , Rybak Natasha , Chybisov Andriy , Bendiks Sally , Idrisov Bulat , Dutta Arunima , Gillani Fizza S , Samet Jeffrey H , Flanigan Timothy , Lunze Karsten
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Co‐located treatment for HIV and opioid use disorder has been shown to improve care outcomes for HIV‐positive people who inject drugs (PWID) in Ukraine. However, patients continue to be stigmatized for both HIV and substance use. This study aimed to assess whether co‐located care for HIV‐positive PWID receiving opioid agonist treatment (OAT) services in Ukraine is associated with less stigma and better perceived quality of HIV services.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study enrolled 191 HIV‐positive PWID who received OAT services at three healthcare facilities providing substance use treatment (OAT only) and at four facilities that provided co‐located care (both OAT and HIV treatment) in six regions in Ukraine during July‐September, 2017. Primary outcomes were HIV stigma (Berger scale), substance use stigma (Substance Abuse Stigma Scale) and intersectional stigma (both stigma forms above 75th percentile). Secondary outcome was quality of HIV care, a composite score based on a package of received services. Linear and ordinal regressions were used to assess the predictors of selected outcomes.

Results

Study participants were 75% male, mean age 40 ± 7 years; 47% received co‐located care, and 10.5% had both high HIV and substance use stigma. Co‐located care was neither associated with HIV nor substance use stigma but it was linked to better quality of HIV care (adjusted odds ratio: 4.13; 95% CI: 2.31, 7.54). HIV stigma was associated with suicide attempts (adjusted beta (aβ): 5.90; 95% CI: 2.05, 9.75), and substance use stigma was linked to poor mental health (aβ: −0.26; 95% CI: −0.44, −0.08) and lower likelihood of receipt of services from non‐governmental organization (NGO; aβ: −6.40; 95% CI: −10.23, −2.57).

Conclusion

One in ten people with HIV in this cohort who received OAT services experienced high levels of both HIV and substance use stigma, which was associated with poorer mental health and less NGO support. Co‐located HIV and OAT services were linked to better perceived quality of HIV care, but did not seem to reduce stigma for this key population. Stigma interventions for PWID, possibly delivered involving NGOs, may be an approach to mitigate this challenge.
Renal microvasculature in the adult pipid frog, Xenopus laevis: A scanning electron microscope study of vascular corrosion casts
Authors: Lametschwandtner Alois , Minnich Bernd
Published: May 2020

We studied the opisthonephric (mesonephric) kidneys of adult male and female Xenopus laevis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of vascular corrosion casts and light microscopy of paraplast embedded tissue sections. Both techniques displayed glomeruli from ventral to mid‐dorsal regions of the kidneys with single glomeruli located dorsally close beneath the renal capsule. Glomeruli in general were fed by a single afferent arteriole and drained via a single thinner efferent arteriole into peritubular vessels. Light microscopy and SEM of vascular corrosion casts revealed sphincters at the origins of afferent arterioles, which arose closely, spaced from their parent renal arteries. The second source of renal blood supply via renal portal veins varied interindividually in branching patterns with vessels showing up to five branching orders before they became peritubular vessels. Main trunks and their first‐ and second‐order branches revealed clear longish endothelial cell nuclei imprint patterns oriented parallel to the vessels longitudinal axis, a pattern characteristic for arteries. Peritubular vessels had irregular contours and were never seen as clear cylindrical structures. They ran rather parallel, anastomosed with neighbors and changed into renal venules and veins, which finally emptied into the ventrally located posterior caval vein. A third source of blood supply of the peritubular vessels by straight terminal portions of renal arteries (vasa recta) was not found.
Review of the methods used for calculating physiological cross‐sectional area (PCSA) for ecological questions
Authors: Martin Meg L. , Travouillon Kenny J. , Fleming Patricia A. , Warburton Natalie M.
Published: May 2020

This review examines literature that used physiological cross‐sectional area (PCSA) as a representative measure of an individual muscle's maximal isometric force production. PCSA is used to understand the muscle architecture and how a trade‐off between muscle force and muscle contractile velocity reflect adaptations of the musculoskeletal system as a reflection of functional demands. Over the decades, methods have been developed to measure muscle volume, fascicle lengths, and pennation angle to calculate PCSA. The advantages and limitations of these methods (especially the inclusion/elimination of pennation angle) are discussed frequently; however, these method descriptions are scattered throughout the literature. Here, we reviewed and summarised the different approaches to collecting and recording muscle architectural properties to subsequently calculate PCSA. By critically discussing the advantages and limitations of each methodology, we aim to provide readers with an overview of repeatable methods to assess muscle architecture. This review may serve as a guide to facilitate readers searching for the appropriate techniques to calculate PCSA and measure muscle architecture to be applied in ecomorphology research.

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

Discuss the theories behind PCSA in a synthesised review to inform researchers about PCSA methodology.
Local anesthetic improves individuals affected with herpes simplex type 1 labialis
Authors: Bastos Monica Danielle Ribeiro , de Figueiredo Fellipe Augusto Tocchini , Macedo Ana Paula , Silva Amanda Cristina Funari , Ferreira Maíra Peres , de Freitas Osvaldo , Pedrazzi Vinicius
Published: May 2020

Infections caused by the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV‐1), commonly called herpes simplex labialis (HSL), are a public health problem, reaching around 40% of the world's population. Thus, the search for effective therapeutic alternatives in the control of the limitations caused by this virus during the stages of evolution of the disease, is necessary, since they have a direct impact on the quality of life of the patients. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of the in situ film precursor semisolid composition in the treatment of herpes simplex lesions in human HSV‐1. Ninety‐eight (n = 98) patients with HSV‐1 were used for this study. The initial exclusion criteria left 81 patients to be considered in the present study. Three applications were performed, the first at time zero (T0) and the other two at 8 and 16 hours, after initial application (T8 and T16). Photographs were taken in the first appointment and 24 and 72 hours after the last application. After the three periods, each patient received a total amount of 90 mg of anesthetic and the prognosis of the patients was followed for 6 months and 1 year after the application. Frequency analysis showed that 40.3% of patients had remission of symptoms 24 hours after the last application. For the present study, the film presented a positive therapeutic potential and an esthetic benefit that is absent in the current products (ointments and gels). The invent presents dosage convenience (only three applications in a 24‐hour period) and a low production cost, with a much shorter healing time than that reported using topical antiretrovirals.
Characterizing extreme rainfalls and constructing confidence intervals for IDF curves using Scaling‐GEV distribution model
Authors: Yeo Myeong‐Ho , Nguyen Van‐Thanh‐Van , Kpodonu Theodore A.
Published: May 2020

This article compares the performances of three fitting methods (SLmom, S1NCM, and S3NCM) to account for temporal characteristics of Annual Maximum Precipitations (AMPs) on daily and sub‐daily time scales using scaling General Extreme Value (GEV) distribution at a local site. Based on simple scaling properties of AMPs, the temporal downscaling model (called Scaling‐GEV) with parameter estimation methods are used to estimate sub‐daily AMPs from observed daily data. The feasibility and accuracy of the suggested method were assessed using rainfall data available from Dorval in Quebec (Canada) and Seoul (South Korea) for the period 1961–1990. Presence of simple scaling properties of AMPs for two stations has shown that it is feasible to use the temporal downscaling method for describing the linkage between AMPs of different time scales. Numerical and graphical analyses revealed that the Scaling‐GEV distribution by the Three‐Non central moments (NCM) method (S3NCM) provides the most accurate estimates compared to observed data amongst three fitting methods. In addition, this study suggested a modified bootstrap technique to determine confidence intervals (CIs) CIs of extreme rainfall series using the simple scaling properties of extreme rainfalls and only daily AMPs. Although the CIs were constructed by only daily AMPs and the simple scaling properties, the observed sub‐daily AMPs are generally within the 95% CI estimated.
Efficacy of a novel post‐foaming dental gel on gingival inflammation: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Levine Jonathan B. , Goncalves Jordan , Nguyen Daniel , Nguyen Olivia , Hasturk Hatice
Published: May 2020

Background

A pilot randomized controlled clinical trial was performed to evaluate the efficacy of a post‐foaming dental gel containing cetylpridinium chloride (CPC), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), sodium bicarbonate, and antioxidants on periodontal/oral health.

Methods

Individuals with gingivitis or mild‐moderate periodontitis (n=36) were included and randomly assigned to Group 1 and 2 with foaming gel loaded on a mouthpiece with a light source and controlled warming heat built‐in unit or on a toothbrush, respectively, in addition to regular twice‐daily brushing. Group 3 served as control with twice daily brushing and further assigned split‐mouth to Group 3a‐un‐flossed and Group 3b‐flossed. Gingival index (GI) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were evaluated in addition to plaque index (PI), pocket depth, and clinical attachment level at days 14, 28, 42 (treatment), and 60 (maintenance). Subgingival plaque microbial profiles and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) cytokine levels were determined by DNA‐DNA hybridization and multiplexing assays, respectively. Exploratory analyses included esthetic outcomes: changes in tooth color and levels of volatile sulfur compounds in breath. Statistical analyses were conducted using ANOVA with a post hoc analysis of Fisher's LSD.

Results

Use of post‐foaming gel in both test groups resulted in significant changes in GI and BOP at Day 42 compared to control and un‐flossed control (P<0.05). Device‐enhanced foaming gel significantly reduced the PI in Group 1 at Day 42 compared to control and un‐flossed control (P=0.02; P=0.007, respectively). GCF IL‐6 and TNF‐α levels were significantly reduced in Group 2 compared to control (PIL‐6=0.01, PTNF‐α=0.02). Post‐foaming gel resulted in greater reductions in periodontopathogens, whereas health‐associated species remained stable. Despite cessation of adjunct treatments, Group 1 and 2 continued having reduced levels of GI, BOP, and PI at Day 60 (P<0.05).

Conclusions

The novel post‐foaming dental gel improves oral health by reducing gingival inflammation at the local site in addition to better esthetic outcomes.
Synthesis and Characterization of Sulfanilamide‐Based Nonionic Surfactants and Evaluation of Their Nano‐Vesicular Drug Loading Application
Authors: Ali Imdad , Saifullah Salim , El‐Haj Babiker M. , Ali Heyam Saad , Yasmeen Saira , Imran Muhammad , Nisar Jan , Shah Muhammad Raza
Published: May 2020

Nonionic surfactants are highly stable and cost‐effective and receiving acceptance for applications in many diverse fields including drug delivery, due to their distinctive properties. Here, we report on the synthesis and characterization of sulfanilamide‐based nonionic surfactants for nanoscale vesicular drug loading applications. Nonionic surfactants were synthesized through alkylation of sulfanilamide with alkyl halides that possessed diverse degrees of lipophilicity. They were explored for their nanovesicular drug loading with Cefixime as a hydrophobic model drug. Drug‐loaded nanovesicles were characterized for surface morphologies, size, size distribution, surface charge, and drug loading efficiency using atomic force microscopy (AFM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and UV–visible spectrophotometry. All of the synthesized nonionic surfactants revealed their CMC values in 0.055–0.035 mM range depending upon the lipophilic chain length of surfactants. They caused a decreased hemoglobin release and low toxicity against cell culture. They self‐assembled and loaded an increased amount of drug in the form of nanorange spherical shape niosomal vesicles. Results of the current study verify these synthesized nonionic surfactants are hemocompatible, nontoxic, and capable of self‐assembling into nanorange niosomal vesicles. These niosomal vesicles can be suggested as safe and highly efficient nanocarriers for hydrophobic drug loading and delivery.
Birthweight and Lipids in Adult Life: Population‐Based Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Al Salmi Issa , Hannawi Suad
Published: May 2020

The purpose of this study was to examine the association of birthweight with lipid profile in the general adult population. Participants in the second‐wave of a nationally representative cross sectional AusDiab‐study were asked to complete a birthweight questionnaire. Fasting total cholesterol (TC), LDL‐C, HDL‐C, and triacylglycerol levels were modeled against birthweight. Four thousand five hundred and two people reported their birthweights, mean (SD) of 3.4(0.7) kg. Females with low birthweight‐LBW had higher levels of TC, LDL‐C, and triacylglycerols, but no difference in HDL‐C, than those with normal‐birthweight‐NBW;≥2.5 kg. People with LBW showed a trend toward increased risk for high TC (≥5.5 mmol/L) compared to NBW. Among females with LBW, the risk for high LDL‐C (≥3.5 mmol/L) was increased compared to those of NBW. The risk for low HDL‐C (<0.9 mmol/L) was increased among males with LBW compared to those with NBW. Examination of the relationship on the continuum showed no differences except for high triacylglycerol levels among females with the lowest birthweight quintile compared to the higher birthweight quintile. However, the risk for various abnormalities by birthweight quintiles was similar to that when we used the traditional definition of LBW vs. NBW. Females and males with low birthweight differ in their risk for lipids abnormalities. Females had higher risk for high LDL‐C, whereas males had high risk for low HDL‐C (<0.9 mmol/L). In addition, females with low birthweight had the highest triacylglycerol levels. High LDL‐C, low HDL‐C, and high triacylglycerols are well‐recognized risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Surface‐mount bowtie antenna element for millimeter‐wave applications
Authors: Liu Xiubo , Zhang Wei , Hao Dongning , Liu Yanyan
Published: May 2020

A surface‐mount bowtie antenna element with a ball grid array (BGA) packaging is proposed. Compared to a two‐dimensional end‐fire antenna, the proposed surface‐mount antenna element is a discrete three‐dimensional structure for obtaining a broadside radiation pattern. The proposed antenna element is mounted on the motherboard and fed by the balun located at the bottom layer of the motherboard to obtain a wide impedance bandwidth. In addition, the proposed antenna with the BGA packaging provides a cost‐effective solution for integration with surface‐mount devices on the same system board. The performance of the antenna prototype was verified by measurements.
Cancer survivors' experiences with financial toxicity: A systematic review and meta‐synthesis of qualitative studies
Authors: Zhu Zheng , Xing Weijie , Zhang Xiaoju , Hu Yan , So Winnie K. W.
Published: May 2020

Objective

The aim of this study was to synthesize qualitative research evidence on cancer survivors' experiences with financial toxicity (FT).

Methods

We carried out a systematic review of qualitative studies using a meta‐aggregation approach. Papers published prior to 31 August 2019, were collected from electronic databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), Web of Science, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, and Cochrane Library (Wiley).

Results

Six synthesized findings were derived from 14 studies covering cancer patients' awareness of FT, cancer‐related expenditures, and the risk factors, impacts, coping strategies, and unmet needs related to FT.

Conclusions

Cancer survivors incur FT; however, their awareness of FT is limited. Cancer‐related FT has multiple impacts on survivors' lives. Although cancer survivors try to cope with FT through adjustments, they still have unmet needs for the management of FT. Nurses and social workers can play a critical role in helping survivors manage FT by increasing pre‐awareness of FT, strengthening emotional empowerment, and providing personalized informative support.
Recent advances (2010–2019) in the study of taliks
Authors: O’Neill H. Brendan , Roy‐Leveillee Pascale , Lebedeva Liudmila , Ling Feng
Published: May 2020

Taliks are bodies or layers of unfrozen ground in permafrost areas. Recent research on taliks has been driven largely by the potential for release of greenhouse gases as taliks expand, and engineering challenges associated with thawing permafrost. Observations of talik configuration and development have been assisted by advances in geophysical techniques that complement mechanical and thermal measurements. Suprapermafrost taliks have been observed in a range of settings associated with disturbance from wildfire and infrastructure. These features are included in a revised talik classification scheme presented in this paper. Observations of methane release have renewed interest in lake talik initiation and development, resulting in substantial efforts to model thaw lake expansion. Hotspots of methane release have also been identified at saline springs. Recent simulations indicate that groundwater flow can significantly accelerate talik expansion and that incorporating heat advection may be required for accurate transient simulations. Ongoing global warming is expected to exacerbate the effects of surface disturbances on talik development and limit the ability of permafrost to recover in marginal permafrost areas.
Safer prescribing and monitoring of high‐risk medicines
Authors: Wood Su
Published: May 2020

General practice is now responsible for prescribing more high‐risk medicines with regular monitoring requirements. This article discusses some of the medicines that require more intensive monitoring, and the systems Primary Care Networks can put in place to ensure safer prescribing of these medicines.
Prescribing for the early symptoms of psychosis
Authors: Rae Scott , Duncan Fiona , Krishnadas Rajeev
Published: May 2020

The GP plays a crucial and integral role in the identification and management of young people experiencing first‐episode psychosis (FEP). This article summarises the causes, diagnosis and treatment of FEP, with an emphasis on the role of the GP.
Influence of FeCl3⋅6H2O on the Hydration Hardening and Water Resistance of Magnesium Potassium Phosphate Cement
Authors: Zhu Yanjiao , Wang Zhen , Li Zhifeng , Yu Haibin
Published: May 2020

Magnesium potassium phosphate cement (MKPC) is an ideal repair material due to its rapid curing advantages, but the setting time is too short to be applied in practical applications. In this work, FeCl3⋅6H2O was incorporated to MKPC to reduce the hydration temperature and prolong the setting time. Comprehensive investigation was performed on the influence of FeCl3⋅6H2O on the hydration temperature, setting time, mechanical properties, water resistance and microstructure of MKPC. The results showed that during the hydration process, FeCl3⋅6H2O underwent a phase transition and absorbed part of the hydration heat, which delayed the hydration heat release rate and effectively extended the setting time. In addition, the incorporation of FeCl3⋅6H2O with suitable contents had a positive impact on the compressive strength and water resistance. Finally, the optimal content of FeCl3⋅6H2O was determined to be 1.0%.
A Novel Highly Efficient Host‐Sensitized Red Emitting (Ba2YV3O11 : Eu3+) Phosphor for Hybrid White LEDs
Authors: Rajendran Marikumar , Vaidyanathan Sivakumar
Published: May 2020

The present investigation focused on the sequence of Eu3+ activated red‐emitting vanadate phosphor for the high performance white LEDs. The blue emitting host lattice (Ba2YV3O11) and red emitting Ba2YV3O11 : Eu3+ phosphors were synthesized by the conventional solid‐state method and studied their optical properties in details. The host lattice and Eu3+ activated red phosphors were crystallized in the monoclinic crystal system. The Ba2YV3O11 emission was found in the bluish‐green region (444 and 512 nm, which corresponds to the 3T2→1A1 and 3T1→1A1 transitions), and the Eu3+ activated phosphors (Ba2Y1‐xEuxV3O11, x=0‐1, insteps of 0.1) display intense red emission at 618 nm due to the 5D0→7F2 electric dipole (ED) transition. The concentration quenching was observed at x=0.6, the detailed energy transfer mechanism was also explored. Thermal stability of the Ba2Y0.4Eu0.6V3O11 red phosphor retains the ∼60 % emission intensity at 423 K, and the internal quantum efficiency (IQE) was found to be 30 %. The red and white LEDs were fabricated by using the synthesized red phosphor with the combination of near UV LED (n‐UV), the white LED showed white emission with CIE is x=0.359; y=0.395; higher CRI (89) and low CCT (4693 K) values. These results prescribe that the presently synthesized phosphor can act as a suitable red‐emitting component in hybrid white LEDs.
Catalyst‐Free and Metal‐Free Approach towards Synthesis of Amide‐ and Thioamide‐Linked β‐Carboline‐Pyridine Conjugates and Estimation of Their Photophysical Properties
Authors: Singh Manpreet , Vaishali  , Kumar Rakesh , Singh Virender
Published: May 2020

A series of novel β‐carboline‐pyridine conjugates linked though amide and thioamide tethers were synthesized under catalyst‐free and metal‐free conditions using β‐carboline alkaloid; Kumujian C as a template. Thetert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP)‐mediated reaction with 2‐aminopyridines provided the amide linked β‐carboline‐pyridine conjugates whereas the Willgerodt‐Kindler reaction in presence of elemental sulfur furnished thioamide tethered analogues. The alkyl, aryl, as well as heteroarylamines underwent Willgerodt‐Kindler reaction with Kumujian C to afford diverse β‐carboline linked thioamides. Both the protocols avoided the use of toxic metal catalysts and expensive additives to provide the products in moderate to excellent yields in a short duration. Interestingly, the amide linked β‐carboline‐pyridine conjugates displayed excellent photophysical properties with fluorescence quantum yields (ΦF) up to 38% rendering them as promising candidates for applications in biology and optoelectronic materials.
Elucidation of Active Sites on S, N Codoped Carbon Cubes Embedding Co–Fe Carbides toward Reversible Oxygen Conversion in High‐Performance Zinc–Air Batteries
Authors: Lian Yuebin , Shi Kefei , Yang Haojing , Sun Hao , Qi Pengwei , Ye Jing , Wu Wenbin , Deng Zhao , Peng Yang
Published: May 2020

The development of high‐performance but low‐cost catalysts for the electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is of central importance for realizing the prevailing application of metal–air batteries. Herein a facile route is devised to synthesize S, N codoped carbon cubes embedding Co–Fe carbides by pyrolyzing the Co–Fe Prussian blue analogues (PBA) coated with methionine. Via the strong metal–sulfur interaction, the methionine coating provides a robust sheath to restrain the cubic morphology of PBA upon pyrolysis, which is proved highly beneficial for promoting the specific surface area and active sites exposure, leading to remarkable bifunctionality of ORR and OER comparable to the benchmarks of Pt/C and RuO2. Further elaborative investigations on the activity origin and postelectrolytic composition unravel that for ORR the high activity is mainly contributed by the S, N codoped carbon shell with the inactive carbide phase converting into carbonate hydroxides. For OER, the embedded Co–Fe carbides transform in situ into layered (hydr)oxides, serving as the actual active sites for promoting water oxidation. Zn–air batteries employing the developed hollow structure as the air cathode catalyst demonstrate superb rechargeability, energy efficiency, as well as portability.
Fabrication of Artificial Nanobasement Membranes for Cell Compartmentalization in 3D Tissues
Authors: Zeng Jinfeng , Sasaki Naoko , Correia Clara R. , Mano João F. , Matsusaki Michiya
Published: May 2020

In recent decades, tissue engineering techniques have attracted much attention in the construction of 3D tissues or organs. However, even though precise control of cell locations in 3D has been achieved, the organized cell locations are easily destroyed because of the cell migration during the cell culture period. In human body, basement membranes (BMs) maintain the precise cell locations in 3D (compartmentalization). Constructing artificial BMs that mimic the structure and biofunctions of natural BMs remains a major challenge. Here, a nanometer‐sized artificial BM through layer‐by‐layer assembly of collagen type IV (Col‐IV) and laminin (LM), chosen because they are the main components of natural BMs, is reported. This multilayered Col‐IV/LM nanofilm imitates natural BM structure closely, showing controllable and similar components, thickness, and fibrous network. The Col‐IV/LM nanofilms have high cell adhesion properties and maintain the spreading morphology effectively. Furthermore, the barrier effect of preventing cell migration but permitting effective cell–cell crosstalk between fibroblasts and endothelial cells demonstrates the ability of Col‐IV/LM nanofilms for cell compartmentalization in 3D tissues, providing more reliable tissue models for evaluating drug efficacy, nanotoxicology, and implantation.
Artificial Metalloenzymes: Recent Developments and Innovations in Bioinorganic Catalysis
Authors: Thompson Zechariah , Cowan James Allan
Published: May 2020

Cellular life is orchestrated by the biochemical components of cells that include nucleic acids, lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, and cofactors such as metabolites and metals, all of which coalesce and function synchronously within the cell. Metalloenzymes allow for such complex chemical processes, as they catalyze a myriad of biochemical reactions both efficiently and selectively, where the metal cofactor provides additional functionality to promote reactivity not readily achieved in their absence. While the past 60 years have yielded considerable insight on how enzymes catalyze these reactions, a need to engineer and develop artificial metalloenzymes has been driven not only by industrial and therapeutic needs, but also by innate human curiosity. The design of miniature enzymes, both rationally and through serendipity, using both organic and inorganic building blocks has been explored by many scientists over the years and significant progress has been made. Herein, recent developments over the past 5 years in areas that have not been recently reviewed are summarized, and prospects for future research in these areas are addressed.
In Situ Fabrication of Ultrasmall Gold Nanoparticles/2D MOFs Hybrid as Nanozyme for Antibacterial Therapy
Authors: Hu Wen‐Chao , Younis Muhammad Rizwan , Zhou Yue , Wang Chen , Xia Xing‐Hua
Published: May 2020

As one of the common reactive oxygen species, H2O2 has been widely used for combating pathogenic bacterial infections. However, the high dosage of H2O2 can induce undesired damages to normal tissues and delay wound healing. In this regard, peroxidase‐like nanomaterials serve as promising nanozymes, thanks to their positive promotion toward the antibacterial performance of H2O2, while avoiding the toxicity caused by the high concentrations of H2O2. In this work, ultrasmall Au nanoparticles (UsAuNPs) are grown on ultrathin 2D metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) via in situ reduction. The formed UsAuNPs/MOFs hybrid features both the advantages of UsAuNPs and ultrathin 2D MOFs, displaying a remarkable peroxidase‐like activity toward H2O2 decomposition into toxic hydroxyl radicals (·OH). Results show that the as‐prepared UsAuNPs/MOFs nanozyme exhibits excellent antibacterial properties against both Gram‐negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram‐positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria with the assistance of a low dosage of H2O2. Animal experiments indicate that this hybrid material can effectively facilitate wound healing with good biocompatibility. This study reveals the promising potential of a hybrid nanozyme for antibacterial therapy and holds great promise for future clinical applications.
Oxygen‐Deficient Ferric Oxide as an Electrochemical Cathode Catalyst for High‐Energy Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Lv Kezhong , Wang Pengfei , Wang Chao , Shen Zihan , Lu Zhenda , Zhang Huigang , Zheng Mingbo , He Ping , Zhou Haoshen
Published: May 2020

Lithium–sulfur batteries, as one of promising next‐generation energy storage devices, hold great potential to meet the demands of electric vehicles and grids due to their high specific energy. However, the sluggish kinetics and the inevitable “shuttle effect” severely limit the practical application of this technology. Recently, design of composite cathode with effective catalysts has been reported as an essential way to overcome these issues. In this work, oxygen‐deficient ferric oxide (Fe2O3−x), prepared by lithiothermic reduction, is used as a low‐cost and effective cathodic catalyst. By introducing a small amount of Fe2O3−x into the cathode, the battery can deliver a high capacity of 512 mAh g−1 over 500 cycles at 4 C, with a capacity fade rate of 0.049% per cycle. In addition, a self‐supporting porous S@KB/Fe2O3−x cathode with a high sulfur loading of 12.73 mg cm−2 is prepared by freeze‐drying, which can achieve a high areal capacity of 12.24 mAh cm−2 at 0.05 C. Both the calculative and experimental results demonstrate that the Fe2O3−x has a strong adsorption toward soluble polysulfides and can accelerate their subsequent conversion to insoluble products. As a result, this work provides a low‐cost and effective catalyst candidate for the practical application of lithium–sulfur batteries.
Freestanding 1T‐MnxMo1–xS2–ySey and MoFe2S4–zSez Ultrathin Nanosheet‐Structured Electrodes for Highly Efficient Flexible Solid‐State Asymmetric Supercapacitors
Authors: Pan Uday Narayan , Sharma Vikas , Kshetri Tolendra , Singh Thangjam Ibomcha , Paudel Dasu Ram , Kim Nam Hoon , Lee Joong Hee
Published: May 2020

Fabrication of hierarchical nanosheet arrays of 1T phase of transition‐metal dichalcogenides is indeed a critical task, but it holds immense potential for energy storage. A single‐step strategy is employed for the fabrication of stable 1T‐MnxMo1–xS2–ySey and MoFe2S4–zSez hierarchical nanosheet arrays on carbon cloth as positive and negative electrodes, respectively. The flexible asymmetric supercapacitor constructed with these two electrodes exhibits an excellent electrochemical performance (energy density of ≈69 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 0.985 kW kg−1) with ultralong cyclic stability of ≈83.5% capacity retention, after 10 000 consecutive cycles. Co‐doping of the metal and nonmetal boosts the charge storage ability of the transition‐metal chalcogenides following enrichment in the metallic 1T phase, improvement in the surface area, and expansion in the interlayer spacing in tandem, which is the key focus of the present study. This study explicitly demonstrates the exponential enhancement of specific capacity of MoS2 following intercalation and doping of Mn and Se, and Fe2S3 following doping of Mo and Se could be an ideal direction for the fabrication of novel energy‐storage materials with high‐energy storage ability.
Single‐Molecule Interaction of Peptides with a Biological Nanopore for Identification of Protease Activity
Authors: Sun Ke , Ju Yuan , Chen Chuan , Zhang Peng , Sawyer Erica , Luo Youfu , Geng Jia
Published: May 2020

The facile and sensitive detection of peptides is essential for drug screening, pathogen detection, and protein sequencing. There are still challenges for the real‐time single‐molecule sensing and detection of peptides due to their versatile shape, structure, and charges brought by amino acids. Nanopore sensing is an emerging technology for sensing of biomolecules including DNA, RNA, and proteins. In this study, the interaction between peptides of different lengths (N6–N10) and charges with an engineered Mycobacterium smegmatis porin A nanopore are systematically studied, and two types blockage events can be identified by quantifying their dwell times and amplitude of blockades. The findings are further applied to the label‐free and real‐time quantification of protease activity of caseinolytic protease P at nanomolar concentration in 14 min. The protease activity with inhibitor can also be monitored real time by nanopore assay. In summary, this nanopore‐based sensing platform shows promising capacity for peptide detection, protease activities assay, and inhibitor screening.
T232K/K238Q Aerolysin Nanopore for Mapping Adjacent Phosphorylation Sites of a Single Tau Peptide
Authors: Li Shuang , Wu Xue‐Yuan , Li Meng‐Yin , Liu Shao‐Chuang , Ying Yi‐Lun , Long Yi‐Tao
Published: May 2020

Tau phosphorylation shows direct clinical importance as the hyperphosphorylation and aggregation of tau exists in a range of tauopathies. However, it is still challenging to study tau phosphorylation owing to its multiple and adjacent phosphorylation sites in the tau sequence. To address this challenge, here, a designed T232K/K238Q mutant aerolysin nanopore is introduced which synergistically incorporates the enhanced electrostatic interaction at T232K site and the high repelling barrier at K238Q site. The distinct current blockages produced by a T232K/K238Q aerolysin sensor achieve nearly 100% identification accuracy for the characteristic distribution of unphosphorylated tau peptide, pS262‐, pT263‐tau peptide, and pS262/pT263‐tau peptide. The excellent sensing ability of the T232K/K238Q nanopore originates from the extremely slow translocation speed which prolongs the duration up to tens or hundreds milliseconds for a nine‐amino‐acid peptide. It is envisioned that the design ideas of the T232K/K238Q aerolysin nanopore can be further applied to analyze other protein/peptide post‐translational modification as it provides the exquisite sensitivity for identifying the modification of single amino acids.
Effect of uneven multilane truck loading of multigirder bridges on component reliability
Authors: Zhou Junyong , Liu Yuanyuan , Yi Jiang
Published: May 2020

Premature failure of bridge components, caused by heavy trucks, is a major safety concern. Current studies well characterize the integral structural behavior of bridges under realistic stochastic traffic loading. However, there is little research on the differences in traffic loads over multiple lanes (a worldwide traffic phenomenon) and the resulting difference in the bridge component performance. In this paper, several sets of unidirectional two‐lane, three‐lane, and four‐lane weigh‐in‐motion data are available for the statistical evaluation of typical multigirder concrete bridges with structural types of slab beams, T‐shape beams, and box beams. Lane‐occurrence behavior, volume, load, and weight correlation of trucks are determined to have the largest impact on failure probability. Extreme and equivalent load effects (LEs) under multilane truck loading are calculated to assess bearing capacity and fatigue performance. The greater the number of lanes, the larger the discrepancies of truck volume and weight by lane. The differences in the traffic LE and reliability indices for each girder in the same bridge increase with greater number of lanes, shorter span, and weaker lateral girder connection. These results provide the background of designing or maintaining the bridges to pursue uniform target reliability of each girder component under realistic multilane truck loading.
Understanding cross‐border mergers and acquisitions of African firms: The role of dynamic capabilities in enabling competitiveness amidst contextual constraints
Authors: Degbey William Y. , Eriksson Taina , Rodgers Peter , Oguji Nnamdi
Published: May 2020

This article builds on existing international business literature that examines the drivers of cross‐border mergers and acquisitions (M&As) within emerging and developing economy contexts, theoretically exploring how dynamic capabilities (DCs) are connected to these drivers, and how African emerging multinational enterprises (EMNEs) can pursue them to achieve competitiveness. The article's contribution is the development of a DC framework and testable propositions for African EMNEs' cross‐border M&As. The theoretical framework shows the division of DC dimensions—sensing, seizing, and transforming—and establishes explanations for their linkage with institutional and resource drivers for African EMNEs' cross‐border M&A competitiveness. In addition, the article outlines managerial implications to this effect. Overall, the article contributes to the emerging literature on the international expansion of African EMNEs through cross‐border M&As by underscoring the role of DCs.
Classical spectral curve of the AdS5 × S5 lambda superstring
Authors: Hollowood Timothy J. , Miramontes J. Luis , Price Dafydd
Published: May 2020

Abstract

The classical spectral curve for the worldsheet theory of the AdS5×S5 lambda superstring is constructed. The lambda string is interpreted as a regularized, non-abelian T-dual of the AdS5×S5 superstring with respect to the full PSU(2, 2|4) symmetry. The form of the curve is identified as the semi-classical limit of a set of Bethe ansatz equations for an XXZ type spin chain for the supergroup PSU(2, 2|4) in contrast to the string in AdS5×S5 which is XXX type.
Critical parameters for reaction–diffusion equations involving space–time fractional derivatives
Authors: Asogwa Sunday A. , Foondun Mohammud , Mijena Jebessa B. , Nane Erkan
Published: May 2020

We will look at reaction–diffusion type equations of the following type, $$\begin{aligned} \partial ^\beta _tV(t,x)=-(-\Delta )^{\alpha /2} V(t,x)+I^{1-\beta }_t[V(t,x)^{1+\eta }]. \end{aligned}$$

∂
t
β

V

(
t
,
x
)

=
-

(
-
Δ
)

α
/
2

V

(
t
,
x
)

+

I
t

1
-
β

[
V

(
t
,
x
)

1
+
η

]

.

We first study the equation on the whole space by making sense of it via an integral equation. Roughly speaking, we will show that when $$0<\eta \leqslant \eta _c$$

0
<
η
⩽

η
c

, there is no global solution other than the trivial one while for $$\eta >\eta _c$$

η
>

η
c

, non-trivial global solutions do exist. The critical parameter $$\eta _c$$

η
c

is shown to be $$\frac{1}{\eta ^*}$$

1

η
∗

where $$\begin{aligned} \eta ^*:=\sup _{a>0}\left\{ \sup _{t\in (0,\,\infty ),x\in \mathbb {R}^d}t^a\int _{\mathbb {R}^d}G(t,\,x-y)V_0(y)\,\mathrm{d}y<\infty \right\} \end{aligned}$$

η
∗

:
=

sup

a
>
0

sup

t
∈

(
0
,

∞
)

,
x
∈

R

d

t
a

∫

R

d

G

(
t
,

x
-
y
)

V
0

(
y
)

d
y
<
∞

and $$G(t,\,x)$$

G
(
t
,

x
)

is the heat kernel of the corresponding unforced operator. $$V_0$$

V
0

is a non-negative initial function. We also study the equation on a bounded domain with Dirichlet boundary condition and show that the presence of the fractional time derivative induces a significant change in the behavior of the solution.