bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
All‐Carbon Hybrid Mobile Ion Capacitors Enabled by 3D Laser‐Scribed Graphene
Authors: Zhang Fan , Zhang Wenli , Guo Jing , Lei Yongjiu , Dar Mushtaq A. , Almutairi Zeyad , Alshareef Husam N.
Published: March 2020

Hybrid mobile ion capacitors (HMIC) are proposed as a way to incorporate the advantages of both batteries and supercapacitors into one system. Unfortunately, considering the much slower Li+ intercalation/deintercalation process, finding a suitable battery anode material with a high rate performance is still a major challenge. Herein, the fabrication of nitrogen‐doped laser‐scribed graphene (NLSG) with a 3D structure as a binder‐free and conductive additive‐free anode is reported. This NLSG anode has high nitrogen and oxygen doping (8.6 and 6.3 at%), leading to the formation of conductive electrodes with an expanded lattice spacing, providing more convenient pathways and reaction sites for Li+ ions. Hybrid Li‐ion capacitors (HLICs) are assembled by combining the NLSG anodes with hierarchical porous carbon (PC) cathodes. The NLSG//PC HLICs show an energy density (including the total weight of two electrodes) of 186 Wh kg−1 at 200 W kg−1. Even when power density increases to the level of conventional supercapacitors (20 kW kg−1), an energy density of 76 Wh kg−1 is still be obtained. Further, the devices exhibit excellent cycle life, retaining 87.5% of the initial value after 5000 cycles. Herein, laser‐scribed graphene is demonstrated as a very promising electrode for mobile ion capacitors.
Photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to methanol over ZnFe2O4/TiO2 (p–n) heterojunctions under visible light irradiation
Authors: Iqbal Farukh , Mumtaz Asad , Shahabuddin Syed , Abd Mutalib Mohamed Ibrahim , Shaharun Maizatul Shima , Nguyen Trinh Duy , Khan Maksudur Rahman , Abdullah Bawadi
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

The development of visible light photocatalysts for CO2 reduction into methanol is a challenge, as most of the reported photocatalysts can only work in a UV light environment. Slow kinetics and poor selectivity of CO2 towards methanol are currently two significant drawbacks limiting the practical application of CO2 reduction into methanol.

RESULTS

A ZnFe2O4/TiO2 heterojunction with a ratio of unity was found to lead to the highest methanol yield of 693.31 μmol (g cat)−1 under a light intensity of 100 mW cm−2. This photocatalyst also possessed the highest BET surface area of 6.5211 m2 g−1 and better morphological structure, as compared with other ratios (1:2, 2:1 w/w). Interestingly, a loading of 1 g L−1 of ZnFe2O4/TiO2 (1:1) heterojunction photocatalyst in the pre‐annealing treatment of ZnFe2O4 at 900 °C and post‐annealing treatment of ZnFe2O4/TiO2 (1:1) composite at 500 °C revealed that there was an enhancement in the interfacial interaction, and subsequently an efficient photoreduction of CO2 into methanol.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates facile fabrication of p–n heterostructured phototcatalysts for reduction of CO2 with marked improvement in methanol yield under visible light irradiation. It provides a viable route for exploring the effects of composition, hydrothermal treatment, and pre‐/post‐annealing treatment of hybrid semiconductor composites used to scale up photocatalytic CO2 conversion in solar fuel‐based devices.
Patient perspectives on the diagnostic journey to a monogenic diabetes diagnosis: Barriers and facilitators
Authors: Guan Yue , Maloney Kristin A. , Pollin Toni I.
Published: March 2020

Most monogenic diabetes is misdiagnosed as either type 1 or type 2 diabetes (T1D/T2D). Few studies have examined the diagnostic challenges from the patients’ perspective. This qualitative study aimed to investigate patients’ journeys to obtaining a diagnosis of maturity‐onset diabetes of the young (MODY) by elucidating the range of factors that can act as barriers and facilitators throughout this process. We recruited participants from the Personalized Diabetes Medicine Program (PDMP) at University of Maryland and used respondent‐driven sampling to recruit additional patients. We conducted qualitative phone interviews between October 2016 and June 2017 with nine patients with diagnoses of monogenic diabetes (one HNF4A‐MODY, seven GCK‐MODY, and one HNF1A‐MODY) and one parent of a patient with INS‐MODY. Interview data were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed both inductively and deductively using thematic content analysis. All patients were female, with a mean age of 35 (range: 7–67 years). The amount of time these patients were misdiagnosed ranged from a few months to 41 years. We identified barriers and facilitators in three broad themes: (a) patient‐related (nature of MODY symptoms, perceived test utility, individual personality); (b) provider‐related (provider awareness and knowledge, provider communication); and (c) healthcare system‐related (cost of testing, access to knowledgeable providers, patient education, and support resources). The diverse range of barriers and facilitators reiterates the complexity of the MODY diagnostic process. Limited awareness and knowledge of MODY from healthcare professionals and patients themselves account for most diagnostic delays described in this study. Efforts to promote awareness of MODY and expand access to screening and testing may result in quicker diagnosis and ensure the downstream benefits of proper treatment.
Synthesis, antibacterial, and antioxidant activities of naphthyl‐linked disubstituted 1,2,3‐triazoles
Authors: Kaushik Chander Prakash , Luxmi Raj
Published: March 2020

Here, click synthesis of 15 naphthyl‐linked disubstituted 1,2,3‐triazoles has been carried out by the reaction between 1‐(prop‐2‐yn‐1‐yloxy)naphthalene and aromatic azides. The structure elucidation of the synthesized compounds was carried out by FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and HRMS techniques. Further, the compound 7f was confirmed by X‐ray crystallography (CCDC 1876891). The synthesized compounds were explored for antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. Biological evaluation of synthesized 1,2,3‐triazoles revealed moderate to good antibacterial activity against the tested strains. The antioxidative behavior of synthesized compounds manifested the remarkable free radical scavenging activity using DPPH assay.
Adenovirus infection among pediatric patients with cancer and in pediatric recipients of hematopoietic stem cell: A multicenter nationwide study
Authors: Zając‐Spychała O. , Pieczonka A. , Wachowiak J. , Frączkiewicz J. , Salamonowicz M. , Kałwak K. , Gorczyńska E. , Kazanowska B. , Wróbel G. , Chybicka A. , Czyżewski K. , Dziedzic M. , Wysocki M. , Zalas‐Więcek P. , Szmydki‐Baran A. , Hutnik Ł. , Matysiak M. , Irga‐Jaworska N. , Bień E. , Drożyńska E. , Stolpa W. , Sobol‐Milejska G. , Pierlejewski F. , Młynarski W. , Gryniewicz–Kwiatkowska O. , Gietka A. , Dembowska‐Bagińska B. , Semczuk K. , Dzierżanowska‐Fangrat K. , Gamrot‐Pyka Z. , Woszczyk M. , Urbanek‐Dądela A. , Karolczyk G. , Płonowski M. , Krawczuk‐Rybak M. , Zaucha‐Prażmo A. , Kowalczyk J. , Goździk J. , Styczyński J.
Published: March 2020

The aim was to evaluate the incidence, clinical course, and outcome of adenoviral infection (AdVI) in pediatric patients diagnosed and treated due to cancer and in pediatric recipients of hematopoietic stem cell. Over a 72‐month period, all‐in 5599 children with cancer: 2441 patients with hematological malignancy (HM) and 3158 with solid tumors (ST), and 971 patients after transplantation: 741 after allogeneic (allo‐HSCT) and 230 after autologous (auto‐HSCT) were enrolled into the study. Among cancer patients, 67 episodes of AdVI appeared in 63 (1.1%) children, including 45 (1.8%) with HM and 18 (0.6%; P < .001) with ST. Within transplanted patients, AdVIs were responsible for 88 episodes in 81 (8.3%) children (P < .001), including 78 (10.5%) patients after allo‐HSCT and 3 (1.3%) after auto‐HSCT. Time to develop AdVI was short, especially after allo‐HSCT. The most common clinical manifestation in cancer patients was enteritis diagnosed in 63 (94.0%) cases, while among HSCT recipient asymptomatic adenoviremia was found in 36 (40.9%) cases and the most common clinical manifestation was urinary tract infection. Cancer patients with disseminated disease, as well as HSCT recipients with either asymptomatic viremia or disseminated disease, received antiviral treatment. The most commonly used first‐line therapy was cidofovir. None of the cancer patients died due to AdVI, while within HSCT recipients three patients developed disseminated adenoviral disease and died despite antiviral treatment. In cancer patients, AdVIs are rare and associated with very good prognosis even without specific treatment. However, in allo‐HSCT recipients, disseminated disease with fatal outcome is more likely to occur.
COVID‐19 patients' clinical characteristics, discharge rate, and fatality rate of meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Long‐quan , Huang Tian , Wang Yong‐qing , Wang Zheng‐ping , Liang Yuan , Huang Tao‐bi , Zhang Hui‐yun , Sun Weiming , Wang Yuping
Published: March 2020

The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical data, discharge rate, and fatality rate of COVID‐19 patients for clinical help. The clinical data of COVID‐19 patients from December 2019 to February 2020 were retrieved from four databases. We statistically analyzed the clinical symptoms and laboratory results of COVID‐19 patients and explained the discharge rate and fatality rate with a single‐arm meta‐analysis. The available data of 1994 patients in 10 literatures were included in our study. The main clinical symptoms of COVID‐19 patients were fever (88.5%), cough (68.6%), myalgia or fatigue (35.8%), expectoration (28.2%), and dyspnea (21.9%). Minor symptoms include headache or dizziness (12.1%), diarrhea (4.8%), nausea and vomiting (3.9%). The results of the laboratory showed that the lymphocytopenia (64.5%), increase of C‐reactive protein (44.3%), increase of lactic dehydrogenase (28.3%), and leukocytopenia (29.4%) were more common. The results of single‐arm meta‐analysis showed that the male took a larger percentage in the gender distribution of COVID‐19 patients 60% (95% CI [0.54, 0.65]), the discharge rate of COVID‐19 patients was 52% (95% CI [0.34,0.70]), and the fatality rate was 5% (95% CI [0.01,0.11]).
Retiring: Role identity processes in retirement transition
Authors: Bordia Prashant , Read Shari , Bordia Sarbari
Published: March 2020

Retirement transition has become a prolonged process of adaptation, including changes in role identity. However, there is a dearth of research on the process by which retirees cope with the role transition, including how pre‐retirement role identities shape the transition, the forms of identity work undertaken by retirees, and the unfolding nature of retirement transition. In an in‐depth qualitative examination of the transition process, we identify pre‐retirement role identity profiles based on work and nonwork role identities. We then examine how pre‐retirement role identities influence the transition process, including the nature of identity work in transition and the transition pathways demonstrated by retirees. Our findings provide insights into strengths and limitations afforded by pre‐retirement identities: They facilitate agentic coping in which retirees shed old and adopt new identities but also impose inertia and prolong the transition until identity crises force the retirees to undergo identity exploration and adoption of new identities.
Body mass index moderates the association between gait kinetics, body composition, and femoral knee cartilage characteristics
Authors: Pamukoff Derek N. , Vakula Michael N. , Holmes Skylar C. , Shumski Eric J. , Garcia Steven A.
Published: March 2020

This study compared femoral cartilage characteristics between age‐ and sex‐matched individuals with (n = 48, age = 22.8 ± 3.5 years; body mass index [BMI] = 33.1 ± 4.1 kg/m2) and without obesity (n = 48 age = 22.0 ± 2.6 years; BMI = 21.7 ± 1.7 kg/m2) and evaluated the associations between body composition, quadriceps function, and gait kinetics with femoral cartilage characteristics. Medial and lateral femoral cartilage thickness, medial:lateral thickness ratio and medial and lateral cartilage echo intensity were measured using ultrasound imaging. Body composition was assessed using air displacement plethysmography. Quadriceps function was assessed via maximal isometric knee extension. Three‐dimensional gait biomechanics were recorded to extract peak external knee flexion and adduction moments, and peak loading rate of the vertical ground reaction force. Cartilage outcomes were compared between groups using one‐way multivariate analysis of variance. Stepwise moderated regression evaluated the association between body composition, quadriceps function, and gait kinetics with femoral cartilage outcomes in individuals with and without obesity. Medial (75.24 vs 65.84; P < .001, d = 1.02) and lateral (58.81 vs 52.22; P < .001, d = 0.78) femoral cartilage echo intensity were higher in individuals with compared with those without obesity. A higher body fat percentage was associated with higher medial and lateral cartilage echo intensity (ΔR2 = 0.09‐0.12) in individuals with obesity. A higher knee adduction moment was associated with a larger medial:lateral thickness ratio (ΔR2 = 0.09) in individuals without obesity. No associations were found between quadriceps function and cartilage outcomes. These findings suggest that high body fat in adults with obesity is associated with cartilage echo intensity. The obese body mass index was also associated with a lack of a positive relationship between cartilage thickness and joint loading during walking.
Motor development in infancy and spine shape in early old age: Findings from a British birth cohort study
Authors: Saunders Fiona R. , Gregory Jennifer S. , Pavlova Anastasia V. , Muthuri Stella G. , Hardy Rebecca J. , Martin Kathryn R. , Barr Rebecca J. , Adams Judith E. , Kuh Diana , Aspden Richard M. , Cooper Rachel , Ireland Alex
Published: March 2020

Spine shape changes dramatically in early life, influenced by attainment of developmental milestones such as independent walking. Whether these associations persist across life is unknown. Therefore, we investigated associations between developmental milestones and spine shape, as determined using statistical shape models (SSMs) of lumbar spine from dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry scans in 1327 individuals (688 female) at 60 to 64 years in the MRC National Survey of Health and Development. Lumbar lordosis angle (L4 inferior endplate to T12 superior endplate) was measured using the two‐line Cobb method. In analyses adjusted for sex, height, lean and fat mass, socioeconomic position, and birthweight, later walking age was associated with greater lordosis described by SSM1 (regression coefficient, 0.023; 95% CI, 0.000‐0.047; P = .05) and direct angle measurement. Modest associations between walking age and less variation in anterior‐posterior vertebral size caudally (SSM6) were also observed (0.021; 95% CI, −0.002 to 0.044; P = .07). Sex interactions showed that later walking was associated with larger relative vertebral anterior‐posterior dimensions in men (SSM3; −0.043; 95% CI, −0.075 to 0.01; P = .01) but not women (0.018; 95% CI, −0.0007 to 0.043; P = .17). Similar associations were observed between age at independent standing and SSMs but there was little evidence of association between sitting age and spine shape. Unadjusted associations between walking age and SSMs 1 and 6 remained similar after adjustment for potential confounders and mediators. This suggests that these associations may be explained by altered mechanical loading of the spine during childhood growth, although other factors could contribute. Early life motor development, particularly walking, may have a lasting effect on the features of spine morphology with clinical significance.
Cyclin E1 is a prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target in osteosarcoma
Authors: Wei Ran , Thanindratarn Pichaya , Dean Dylan C. , Hornicek Francis J. , Guo Wei , Duan Zhenfeng
Published: March 2020

While amplified expressed cyclin E1 is a well‐known tumorigenic factor and prognostic biomarker in several malignancies, its prognostic predictive potential and function in osteosarcoma is poorly understood. Here we reveal discrete expression pattern, correlation to clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis and overall function of cyclin E1 in osteosarcoma. Sixty‐nine osteosarcoma patient tumor specimens were enrolled to construct a tissue microarray to evaluate cyclin E1 expression through immunohistochemical staining. Cyclin E1 expression in osteosarcoma cell lines and fresh tissues was assessed by Western blot. Cyclin E1 gene expression was evaluated using RNA sequencing data acquired from the public database. We correlated staining intensity to clinical characteristics. Cyclin E1 small interfering RNA was used to determine the effect of cyclin E1 silencing on osteosarcoma cell proliferation and chemotherapeutic sensitivity. Sixty‐one percent of the osteosarcoma patient specimens in the tissue microarray had high cyclin E1 expression. Cyclin E1 gene was significantly highly expressed in osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines compared to normal tissues. The expression of cyclin E1 positively correlated with disease status, and inversely correlated to prognosis and response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The expression of cyclin E1 was an independent prognostic factor for osteosarcoma patients. In addition, silencing cyclin E1 expression in osteosarcoma cells significantly inhibited cell proliferation and increased sensitivity to chemotherapeutics. We conclude that cyclin E1 is overexpressed in osteosarcoma and is a promising biomarker for prognosis and chemotherapeutic response. We confirm aberrant cyclin E1 expression is a potent therapeutic target in osteosarcoma, and its selective inhibition is a rational treatment strategy for osteosarcoma.
Room temperature synthesis and Raman spectral evidence of carbon bond ranelate–gold nanoparticles
Authors: da Rocha Júlio C. , Mattioni João V. , Sihn Luca M. , Shinohara Jorge S. , Melo Fernando M. , Franco Mauricio P. , Braga Ataualpa A.C. , Toma Henrique E.
Published: March 2020

Ranelate ions, employed in the past as strontium salt for the treatment of osteoporosis, exhibit a rather interesting chemistry associated with a central thiophene ring encompassing two carboxylic groups, a cyanonitrile substituent, and a nitrile diacetate group. In spite of their unfavorable reduction potentials, around 1.26 V, they react very rapidly with HAuCl4 at room temperature, leading to decarboxylation at the C5 position in order to generate gold nanoparticles strongly stabilized by Au–C bonds. The reactions were elucidated by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, ligand exchange kinetics, and by means of the surface‐enhanced Raman scattering effect. The gold nanoparticles were further characterized based on transmission electron microscopy and CytoViva hyperspectral microscopy.
Impact of oenological antioxidant substances on the formation of 1‐hydroxyethyl radical and phenolic composition in SO2 free red wines
Authors: Marchante Lourdes , Márquez Katherine , Contreras David , Izquierdo‐Cañas Pedro M , García‐Romero Esteban , Díaz‐Maroto María C
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

Different natural substances, chitosan, inactive dry yeasts and freeze‐dried aqueous extracts from two wine industry by‐products (stems and shoots) were used in red winemaking as possible alternatives to SO2. The resistance to oxidation of wines was evaluated by electron paramagnetic resonance. The phenolic composition of wines was analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography‐diode array detection/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH (1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl radical) and ABTS [2,2′‐azinobis‐(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) radical cation] assays and spectrophotometric measurements of color were compared.

RESULTS

The wines elaborated with chitosan and inactive dry yeast presented greater capacity to inhibit the formation of the 1‐hydroxyethyl radical compared to the wines elaborated with stem or shoot extracts. The total content of anthocyanins was higher in the wines elaborated with SO2; however, the concentration of flavan‐3‐ols was higher in the wines with chitosan. In addition, the wines with chitosan and inactive dry yeast presented the highest % polymerization. Wines elaborated with stem extract had a lower concentration of flavonols and stilbenes.

CONCLUSION

Chitosan and inactive dry yeast, which are used as an alternative to SO2 in winemaking, allow the control of the formation of 1‐HER in red wines. Wines with stem and shoot extracts showed a lower resistance to oxidation. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Cross‐Linked Fluorinated Poly(Aryl Ether) (C‐FPAE) Films: Preparation Strategy, Performance Study, and Low Dielectric Applications
Authors: Wang Zhaoyang , Shang Yingshuang , Han Xiaocui , Yan Qixing , Liu Jie , Jiang Zilong , Zhang Haibo
Published: March 2020

The production of low dielectric materials that can be used in high temperature environments is the primary aim of this work. A cross‐linked structure is introduced into fluorinated poly(aryl ether) (named as FPAE) with high molecular weight (Mw, 140 000 g mol−1) and linear molecular structure using nucleophilic substitution reaction at the ortho‐position of decafluorobiphenyl monomer units in the FPAE molecular chain. The curing temperature and curing time are optimized and the final conditions for the cross‐linking reaction in this study are determined to be 300 °C for 1 h. Moreover, the dielectric constant and dielectric loss of the C‐FPAE film respectively are 2.67 and 0.006 at 1000 Hz when 1 wt% of crosslinking agent is added, and the cross‐linked fluorinated poly(aryl ether) film shows excellent thermal stability (Td(5%), 495 °C), dimensional stability, hydrophobic properties, and high storage modulus in high temperature environments. Such novel low dielectric material with excellent performances has important application value in the aerospace and the integrated electronics field.
Profound intellectual disability caused by homozygous TRAPPC9 pathogenic variant in a man from Malta
Authors: Wilton Katelynn M. , Gunderson Lauren B. , Hasadsri Linda , Wood Christopher P. , Schimmenti Lisa A.
Published: March 2020

Background

Intellectual disability is a complex multi‐faceted condition with diverse underlying etiologies. One rare form of intellectual disability is secondary to the loss of TRAPPC9, an activator of NF‐κB and a mediator of intracellular protein processing and trafficking. TRAPPC9 deficiency has been described in 48 patients with more than 15 pathologic variants.

Method

Clinical evaluation, magnetic resonance imaging, and whole‐exome sequencing were used to characterize the underlying cause of absent speech, restricted/repetitive behaviors, and worsening behavioral outbursts in 27‐year‐old man from Malta.

Results

Magnetic Resonance Imaging showed morphologic abnormalities, including global cerebral and cerebellar hypoplasia. Genetic analysis through Whole Exome Sequencing identified a homozygous deletion (c.568_574del) in TRAPPC9 resulting in a frameshift, premature stop codon, and ultimately a truncated protein (p.Trp190Argfs*95). In this case, the pathogenic variant was homozygous, identified in both of the parents without known consanguinity.

Conclusion

Given the phenotype and genotype consistent with a deficiency in TRAPPC9, it is likely that this patient represents a novel case of this rare genetic syndrome. Specifically, this case, in the context of 48 total reported patients, raises questions as to the geographic origin of the pathologic variant and optimal detection and therapeutic intervention for this condition.
Transverse relaxation rates of pulmonary dissolved‐phase Hyperpolarized 129Xe as a biomarker of lung injury in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Kammerman Jeff , Hahn Andrew D. , Cadman Robert V. , Malkus Annelise , Mummy David , Fain Sean B.
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The MR properties (chemical shifts and decay rates) of dissolved‐phase hyperpolarized (HP) 129Xe are confounded by the large magnetic field inhomogeneity present in the lung. This work improves measurements of these properties using a model‐based image reconstruction to characterize the decay rates of dissolved‐phase HP 129Xe in healthy subjects and patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

Methods

Whole‐lung MRS and 3D radial MRI with four gradient echoes were performed after inhalation of HP 129Xe in healthy subjects and patients with IPF. A model‐based image reconstruction formulated as a regularized optimization problem was solved iteratively to measure regional signal intensity in the gas, barrier, and red blood cell (RBC) compartments, while simultaneously measuring their chemical shifts and decay rates.

Results

The estimation of spectral properties reduced artifacts in images of HP 129Xe in the gas, barrier, and RBC compartments and improved image SNR by over 20%. decay rates of the RBC and barrier compartments were lower in patients with IPF compared to healthy subjects (P < 0.001 and P = 0.005, respectively) and correlated to DLCO (R = 0.71 and 0.64, respectively). Chemical shift of the RBC component measured with whole‐lung spectroscopy was significantly different between IPF and normal subjects (P = 0.022).

Conclusion

Estimates for in both barrier and RBC dissolved‐phase HP 129Xe compartments using a regional signal model improved image quality for dissolved‐phase images and provided additional biomarkers of lung injury in IPF.
Predicting attitude of young Indian consumers toward brand pages over social media: A structural equation modeling approach
Authors: Ahmad Asad
Published: March 2020

With the growth in the number of Internet and social media users, marketers have analyzed the potential and have started using the platform to interact, reach, and target consumers all around the world. Marketers must ensure that they get a positive attitude of the social media users toward their promotional activities on social media. The researcher in the present study attempts to explore the factors that help in building a positive attitude toward brand pages over social networking sites. To gauge the attitude of the social media users toward brand pages over social media, the researcher in the present study has adapted a research instrument comprising perceived usefulness, informativeness, trust, and hedonism that together result in a positive attitude. The present study explores the understanding of the role of perceived usefulness, informativeness, trust, and hedonism in the formation of a positive attitude of the social media users toward brand pages over the platform.
Rekindling old friendships in new landscapes: The environment–microbiome–health axis in the realms of landscape research
Authors: Robinson Jake M. , Jorgensen Anna
Published: March 2020

Humans are spending less time in biodiverse environments, and according to the Old Friends and Biodiversity hypotheses, this has led to fewer interactions with diverse immunoregulatory micro‐organisms or ‘old friends’.

Non‐communicable diseases such as asthma and inflammatory bowel disease are on the rise, and the development and progression of these ‘modern’ diseases may be attributed in part, to the breakdown of this evolutionary relationship between humans and environmental microbiota.

There is a growing interest in the environment–microbiome–health axis as a mechanism to explain some of the health benefits linked to spending time in nature.

This may provide a platform for proposing a new, holistic and transdisciplinary approach to public and environmental health.

The field of landscape research—which combines social and natural sciences—responds to emerging socioecological issues and can make a significant contribution towards this approach.

This paper explores innovative, landscape research‐based approaches to understanding the complex relationships between the environment, the microbiome and human health.

Transdisciplinarity will play an important role moving forward. This forms a major discussion point in this paper, along with future research directions, key research questions and novel concepts supported by recent technological advancements.

The development of a new field of study—Microbioscape Research as a crossover between microbiome science and landscape research—is also discussed.

A free plain language summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Preparation of poly (styrene‐co‐allyl sulfonic acid) as a novel catalyst for the alcoholysis of dioscin
Authors: Yuan Hui , Yu Xuejun , Shen Bowei , Zhang Farong , Jiang Wenxiu , Pan Zhiquan , Zhou Hong
Published: March 2020

This work describes the preparation of a novel solid acid, poly (styrene‐co‐allyl sulfonic acid) (St‐SAA), and its activity test for extracting diosgenin from Dioscorea Zingiberensis C.H. Wright (DZW). The solid acid was synthesized by the radical polymerization of styrene and sodium allyl sulfonate in water/ethanol solution, followed by the acidification. The prepared solid acid was characterized by infrared spectrum (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), element analysis, and scanning electron microscope. The solid acid catalyst was used to extract diosgenin from DZW. It was found that the alcoholysis activity of the solid acid was higher than the hydrolysis activity of sulfuric acid with the same mass under the same conditions. Besides, the solid acid can be separated from the reaction mixture for the recycling extraction of diosgenin, and the solid acid has no loss of mass and no decrease of alcoholysis activity after repeated cycles.
Receptor tyrosine kinase fusions act as a significant alternative driver of the serrated pathway in colorectal cancer development
Authors: Chan Anthony W‐H , Pan Yi , Tong Joanna H‐M , Lung Raymond W‐M , Kwan Johnny S‐H , Chow Chit , Tin Edith K‐Y , Chung Lau‐Ying , Li Hui , Wong Shela S‐Y , Chau Shuk‐Ling , Chan Yuk Yu , Mak Tony W‐C , Ng Simon Siu‐Man , To Ka‐Fai
Published: March 2020

Serrated polyps are a clinically and molecularly heterogeneous group of lesions that can contribute to the development of colorectal cancers (CRCs). However, the molecular mechanism underlying the development of serrated lesions is still not well understood. Here, we combined multiple approaches to analyze the genetic alterations in 86 colorectal adenomas (including 35 sessile serrated lesions, 15 traditional adenomas, and 36 conventional adenomatous polyps). We also investigated the in vitro and in vivo oncogenic properties of a novel variant of the NCOA4–RET fusion gene. Molecular profiling revealed that sessile serrated lesions and traditional serrated adenomas have distinct clinicopathological and molecular features. Moreover, we identified receptor tyrosine kinase translocations exclusively in sessile serrated lesions (17%), and the observation was validated in a separate cohort of 34 sessile serrated lesions (15%). The kinase fusions as well as the BRAF and KRAS mutations were mutually exclusive to each other. Ectopic expression of a novel variant of the NCOA4–RET fusion gene promoted cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo, and the proliferation was significantly suppressed by RET kinase inhibitors. All of these underscored the importance of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway activation in the serrated pathway of colorectal tumorigenesis. In addition, we demonstrated that the kinase fusion may occur early in the precursor lesion and subsequent loss of TP53 may drives the transformation to carcinoma during serrated tumorigenesis. In conclusion, we identified kinase fusions as a significant alternative driver of the serrated pathway in colorectal cancer development, and detecting their presence may serve as a biomarker for the diagnosis of sessile serrated lesions. © 2020 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Carbon fiber epoxy‐matrix composites with hydrothermal‐carbon‐coated halloysite nanotube filler exhibiting enhanced strength and thermal conductivity
Authors: Wu Xueping , Zhao Junshuai , Rao Xu , Chung D. D. L.
Published: March 2020

The incorporation of hydrothermal‐carbon‐coated halloysite clay nanotube (HNT/C) as a filler in continuous carbon fiber polymer‐matrix composite is reported. The HNT/C (0.9 vol% of the fiber composite) with 11.9 vol% carbon enhanced the flexural strength and storage modulus by 18% and 23%, respectively, and decreased the porosity from 4.4% to 0.9%. The strengthening is due to the reduced porosity, effective filler dispersion, and strengthened filler‐matrix bond resulting from the interaction between epoxy and the amine‐functionalized hydrothermal carbon. The filler addition increased the through‐thickness thermal conductivity by 149%. The ductility was unaffected. The glass transition temperature was decreased slightly.
Diffuse and spotted anode layers in an atmospheric pressure glow discharge with a water electrode and miniature argon flow
Authors: Li Xuechen , Kang Pengcheng , Gao Kun , Zhou Shuai , Wu Kaiyue , Jia Pengying
Published: March 2020

Upon varying discharge current and gap width, several self‐organized patterns are observed in the anode layer of an atmospheric pressure glow discharge with miniature axial argon flow, including diffuse‐disk, single‐ring, disk‐ring, wheel‐spokes, and radial‐stripes patterns. Among them, the wheel‐spokes pattern is observed for the first time in atmospheric pressure glow discharge above a water anode. The conditions for generating the self‐organized patterns are also investigated. Fast photography results indicate that the patterns with low current and narrow gap are diffuse in nature, while those with high current and wide gap are composed of individual spots. This is further verified from waveforms of applied voltage and light emission signals. Moreover, the generation, movement, and disappearance of discrete spots are observed by a high‐speed video camera. Besides, the optical emission spectrum indicates that the glow discharge above the water surface is abundant with electronegative species, including O, NO, NH, and OH. Finally, the formation mechanism of diffuse and spotted anode layers is revealed.
Internal and external migrations of pensioners in Poland: A directional typology
Authors: Pytel Sławomir , Rahmonov Oimahmad , Ruman Marek
Published: March 2020

The article presents an analysis of directions of internal and international migrations undertaken by Polish pensioners. A typology of migration directions is proposed. We use the method of a table of signs to define five major types of pensioner migrations. We show the variability of these types over time, from the Type J (moderately mobile, consistent) in the 1990s to the Type H (moderately mobile, mixed) at present. A detailed analysis reveals a major difference between international and internal migrations: The former are mainly due to economic reasons and the latter to reasons related to housing. The obtained results allow us to conclude that pensioner migrations constitute an important factor in the social and economic development of local communities, especially in the day and age of society ageing and lengthening life expectancy.
The efficacy of topical red clover oil on knee osteoarthritis: A pilot prospective randomized triple‐blind placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Mokhtari Masoud , Yousefi Mahdi , Bazaz Mojtaba M. , Rakhshandeh Hassan , Vahid Hamideh , Ariamanesh Amir S.
Published: March 2020

A triple‐blind placebo‐controlled clinical trial was performed to evaluate the efficacy of topical red clover oil (containing standardized red clover extract in olive oil) on knee osteoarthritis (OA). A total of 80 patients, 50–80 years old, with primary knee OA were randomly allocated to two groups. The study group used topical red clover oil and the control group used olive oil for 4 weeks (20 drops twice a day). Both groups adhered to nonpharmacological American College of Rheumatology recommendations and took meloxicam tablets during the study (0–8 weeks), and were followed up from Week 4 to 8. Efficacy measures were evaluated using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scale and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). At baseline, both groups were homogeneous regarding demographic characteristics. In addition, they were asked about the side effects during the intervention. The results showed that the WOMAC score and its subscales of pain and stiffness and function scores and VAS significantly increased over time in both groups (p < .001). The study group showed a significant increase regarding pain (p = .001), function (p = .010), VAS (p < .001), and the WOMAC total score (p = .018). No serious drug side effects were observed. Red clover oil may have positive effects on symptoms of knee OA and can be considered as a complementary treatment.
Fog in heterogeneous environments: the relative importance of local and non‐local processes on radiative‐advective fog formation
Authors: Ducongé L. , Lac C. , Vié B. , Bergot T. , Price J. D.
Published: March 2020

A 100 m resolution simulation of radiation fog observed during the Local And Non‐local Fog EXperiment (LANFEX) was performed over the Shropshire hills (UK) in order to understand the impact of local circulation on valley fog formation. The model correctly resolves all valleys and their different geometries, their associated dynamical features, and the different fog conditions between the measurement sites. Passage of stratocumulus during the night led to fog dissipation and gave the opportunity to study two fog formation stages. In the narrow valleys, fog formed at the valley floor and non‐local drainage‐flow processes acted to dissipate it. This equilibrium determined the fog optical thickness, which varied within and between valleys. Wider basins were more subject to dense fog conditions (due to local formation) than narrower valleys, where advecting fog events are locally observed through basins overflowing. The largest and most open valley of Jay Barns was impacted by numerous circulations from narrower tributary valleys, and their complex interactions affected fog formation differently between events. The impact of cloud microphysics on the simulated fog is studied by comparing simulations with one‐moment and two‐moment schemes. The use of a two‐moment scheme brings improvements when the prognostic number concentration is used to compute cloud optical properties, meaning that the radiative impact of droplet concentration is greater than its gravitational settling effect.
Robust marker detection and high precision measurement for real‐time anatomical registration using Taguchi method
Authors: Kaushik Abhishek , Dwarakanath T. A. , Bhutani Gaurav
Published: March 2020

Background

Accurate autonomous marker detection and measurement is essential for high precision anatomical registration. The measurement should be in real‐time, accurate, and robust to the varied conditions of the operation theatre.

Methods

The purpose is to design and implement a robust real‐time algorithm to measure the coordinates of the point on the marker for robot‐based autonomous registration and surgery. The algorithm is built in two parts based on the recursive Taguchi method. The first part deals with the detection of markers. In the second part, the center of the marker is located, and the coordinates are measured by fitting the concentric ellipse.

Results

Three case studies are presented where the algorithm is tested for extreme conditions of uneven lighting, distorted color, surface distortions, and significant random orientation of the marker. The robustness of the algorithm in successfully detecting and measuring in real‐time is presented.

Conclusion

The algorithm is successfully implemented for real‐time detection and coordinate measurement of the markers.
Cystic renal-epithelial derived induced pluripotent stem cells from polycystic kidney disease patients
Authors: Kenter Annegien T. , Rentmeester Eveline , Riet Job , Boers Ruben , Boers Joachim , Ghazvini Mehrnaz , Xavier Vanessa J. , Leenders Geert J.L.H. , Verhagen Paul C.M.S. , Til Marjan E. , Eussen Bert , Losekoot Monique , Klein Annelies , Peters Dorien J.M. , IJcken Wilfred F.J. , Werken Harmen J.G. , Zietse Robert , Hoorn Ewout J. , Jansen Gert , Gribnau Joost H.
Published: March 2020

Autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common inherited kidney disease, leading to kidney failure in most patients. In approximately 85% of cases, the disease is caused by mutations in PKD1. How dysregulation of PKD1 leads to cyst formation on a molecular level is unknown. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are a powerful tool for in vitro modeling of genetic disorders. Here, we established ADPKD patient-specific iPSCs to study the function of PKD1 in kidney development and cyst formation in vitro. Somatic mutations are proposed to be the initiating event of cyst formation, and therefore, iPSCs were derived from cystic renal epithelial cells rather than fibroblasts. Mutation analysis of the ADPKD iPSCs revealed germline mutations in PKD1 but no additional somatic mutations in PKD1/PKD2. Although several somatic mutations in other genes implicated in ADPKD were identified in cystic renal epithelial cells, only few of these mutations were present in iPSCs, indicating a heterogeneous mutational landscape, and possibly in vitro cell selection before and during the reprogramming process. Whole-genome DNA methylation analysis indicated that iPSCs derived from renal epithelial cells maintain a kidney-specific DNA methylation memory. In addition, comparison of PKD1+/− and control iPSCs revealed differences in DNA methylation associated with the disease history. In conclusion, we generated and characterized iPSCs derived from cystic and healthy control renal epithelial cells, which can be used for in vitro modeling of kidney development in general and cystogenesis in particular.

Significance statement Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common inherited kidney disease, leading to kidney failure in most patients. In approximately 85% of cases, the disease is caused by mutations in PKD1. How dysregulation of PKD1 leads to cyst formation on a molecular level is unknown. The present study has generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) of ADPKD patients to study the function of PKD1 in kidney development and cyst formation in vitro. The iPSCs revealed germline and autosomal mutations implicated in ADPKD and displayed an epigenetic memory of kidney epithelial cells, providing powerful models to study ADPKD in vitro.
Biofabrication of Diatom Surface by Tyrosine‐Metal Complexes:Smart Microcontainers to Inhibit Bacterial Growth
Authors: Singh Ramesh , Khan Mohd Jahir , Rane Jagdish , Gajbhiye Ashmita , Vinayak Vandana , Joshi Khashti Ballabh
Published: March 2020

This study explores the potential of a highly biocompatible golden brown algal cell, diatom, as a drug carrier to the bacterial cell. The strong interaction between diatom and bacteria that occur in the microenvironment, lead us to pave the way for exciting new directions where diatom can be used to address several bacterial infections. The surface of diatom frustules was modified with self‐assembled antibacterial aromatic amino acid conjugates, Tyr‐ZnII. Microscopy and spectroscopy observations confirmed the deposition of Tyr‐ZnII over diatom frustules. Diatoms can work as living microcontainers to store the toxic metal (drug) ions and therefore can be utilized as potential drug delivery agents to kill the clinically relevant bacteria. Due to antibacterial property of zinc ions, Tyr‐ZnII conjugates inhibits bacterial growth and diatom frustules were utilized as Tyr‐ZnII carrier for controlled release of zinc to the bacterial cell.
A Versatile Route to Assemble Semiconductor Nanoparticles into Functional Aerogels by Means of Trivalent Cations
Authors: Zámbó Dániel , Schlosser Anja , Rusch Pascal , Lübkemann Franziska , Koch Julian , Pfnür Herbert , Bigall Nadja C.
Published: March 2020

3D nanoparticle assemblies offer a unique platform to enhance and extend the functionality and optical/electrical properties of individual nanoparticles. Especially, a self‐supported, voluminous, and porous macroscopic material built up from interconnected semiconductor nanoparticles provides new possibilities in the field of sensing, optoelectronics, and photovoltaics. Herein, a method is demonstrated for assembling semiconductor nanoparticle systems containing building blocks possessing different composition, size, shape, and surface ligands. The method is based on the controlled destabilization of the particles triggered by trivalent cations (Y3+, Yb3+, and Al3+). The effect of the cations is investigated via X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The macroscopic, self‐supported aerogels consist of the hyperbranched network of interconnected CdSe/CdS dot‐in‐rods, or CdSe/CdS as well as CdSe/CdTe core‐crown nanoplatelets is used to demonstrate the versatility of the procedure. The non‐oxidative assembly method takes place at room temperature without thermal activation in several hours and preserves the shape and the fluorescence of the building blocks. The assembled nanoparticle network provides longer exciton lifetimes with retained photoluminescence quantum yields, that make these nanostructured materials a perfect platform for novel multifunctional 3D networks in sensing. Various sets of photoelectrochemical measurements on the interconnected semiconductor nanorod structures also reveal the enhanced charge carrier separation.
Probabilistic durability design method for marine concrete structures based on characteristic subdomain model
Authors: Yang LuFeng , Hong Bin , Yu Bo
Published: March 2020

Traditional methods for durability design of marine concrete structures usually select and estimate durability design parameters according to engineering experience due to lack of quantitative design model. In order to deal with this problem, a probabilistic durability design method was developed to determine the allowable values of durability design parameters for marine concrete structures. The characteristic subdomain model was proposed at first to provide an efficient and accurate way to describe the concentration profile of chloride ions within the large concrete structures with complex geometry. Then a deterministic three‐parameter design model was presented to estimate the durability design parameters of marine concrete structures, including the chloride diffusion coefficient, concrete cover thickness, and aging factor. Finally, a probabilistic durability design procedure was developed by taking into account the probabilistic durability limit state function and the predefined target reliability index rationally. A 150,000 ton wharf in the Beibu Gulf was taken as an example to demonstrate the validity of the proposed method. Results show that the proposed method reflects accurately the influences of geometry, material properties, and environmental conditions as well as their uncertainties on the durability performance, satisfying the requirement of service life of marine concrete structures under chloride environment.