bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green Tea Extract Treatment in Obese Mice with Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Restores the Hepatic Metabolome in Association with Limiting Endotoxemia‐TLR4‐NFκB‐Mediated Inflammation
Authors: Sasaki Geoffrey Y. , Li Jinhui , Cichon Morgan J. , Riedl Ken M. , Kopec Rachel E. , Bruno Richard S.
Published: October 2019

Scope

Catechin‐rich green tea extract (GTE) alleviates nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) by lowering endotoxin‐TLR4 (Toll‐like receptor‐4)‐NFκB (nuclear factor kappa‐B) inflammation. This study aimed to define altered MS‐metabolomic responses during high‐fat (HF)‐induced NASH that are restored by GTE utilizing livers from an earlier study in which GTE decreased endotoxin‐TLR4‐NFκB liver injury.

Methods and results

Mice are fed a low‐fat (LF) or HF diet for 12 weeks and then randomized to LF or HF diets containing 0% or 2% GTE for an additional 8 weeks. Global MS‐based metabolomics and targeted metabolite profiling of catechins/catechin metabolites are evaluated. GTE in HF mice restores hepatic metabolites implicated in dyslipidemia insulin resistance, and inflammation. These include 122 metabolites: amino acids, lipids, nucleotides, vitamins, bile acids, flavonoids, xenobiotics, and carbohydrates. Hepatic amino acids, B‐vitamins, and bile acids are inversely correlated with biomarkers of insulin resistance, liver injury, steatosis, and inflammation. Further, phosphatidylcholine metabolites are positively correlated with biomarkers of liver injury and NFκB inflammation. Thirteen catechin metabolites are identified in livers of GTE‐treated mice, mostly as phase II conjugates of parental catechins or microbial‐derived valerolactones.

Conclusion

The defined anti‐inflammatory/metabolic interactions advance an understanding of the mechanism by which GTE catechins protect against NFκB‐mediated liver injury in NASH.
Design of continuous high‐efficiency broadband linear power amplifier using two‐tone signal analysis
Authors: Qi Tian , He Songbai , Haider Muhammad F.
Published: October 2019

In this article, a novel method to design broadband linear power amplifier (BL‐PA) is presented. By adding the image parts for harmonics and intermodulation products (HIMPs), a suboptimal solution of efficiency and linearity in continuous frequencies can be achieved at a broadband to improve the efficiency and linearity performance of the BL‐PA. For verification, a BL‐PA operating 3.2‐3.8GHz is designed and the performances are assessed in multi modes.
Novel beam forming approach for rectangular planar array
Authors: Chen Jie , Yin Yingzeng
Published: October 2019

A novel beam forming approach is presented for rectangular antenna array. The new method is a noniterative approach and suitable for any rectangular planar array. The array element excitation matrix of the new method is solved directly through two novel matrix formulas on the basis of the fixed target beam pattern and the array configuration. In the second new beam forming matrix formula, there are two adjustable weighting matrices with variable parameters that can be used to control the beam attenuation. Simulations of the new approach are conducted to show its performance. The results of simulations show that the new approach can well synthesize the targeted pattern and the second formula can form excellent null beams in the two‐dimensional beam pattern. The important advantages over other existing techniques of the new method are: (a) it is suitable for any rectangular planar array; (b) it is noniterative method and thus more simple and easy to use; (c) it can form null beam easily, which is in sharp contrast to the fact that other existing methods for rectangular planar array does not perform well in null beam forming and even cannot form null beam aside from few special case.
Two‐port ring‐shaped dielectric resonator‐based diversity radiator with dual‐band and dual‐polarized features
Authors: Bharti Gagandeep , Kumar Dharmendra , Gautam Anil K. , Sharma Anand
Published: October 2019

In this article, a two‐port dielectric resonator (DR)‐based multi‐input multi‐output (MIMO) antenna is designed and examined. Some of the vital characteristics of designed antenna are: (a) modified plus shaped aperture fed ring DRA provides dual frequency bands, which can able to make proposed radiator useful for wireless LAN (2.4 GHz) and WiMAX frequency bands (3.3 GHz); (b) conversion of cylindrical to ring shaped DRA enhance the impedance bandwidth of both the operating band; (c) defected ground structure as well as using the idea of changing polarization at two different ports improves the isolation more than 20 dB in the working frequency range. For confirming the computer‐generated results, prototype of proposed two‐port radiator is fabricated. After observing the measured outcomes, it can be confirmed that the proposed antenna works over dual frequency ranges, that is, 2.3‐2.9 GHz/3.4‐4.0 GHz and it also creates CP waves in between 3.45 and 3.8 GHz. Far field and diversity parameters confirm that the designed radiator can be used in MIMO communication system.
A shared‐aperture S/X dual broadband microstrip antenna with one perforated patch
Authors: Kim Jae‐Hyun , Hong Sun K. , Kim Boo‐Gyoun
Published: October 2019

In this article, a novel dual broadband shared‐aperture perforated patch antenna is presented. The proposed antenna features dual broadband characteristics (S‐ and X‐bands) and relatively uncomplicated design consisting of a three‐layer structure without involving air gaps. The S‐band part of the antenna utilizes the aperture resonance and three‐section feed line to achieve a 26.5% bandwidth, while the X‐band part utilizes both aperture and stacked patch resonances to achieve a 25.6% bandwidth. The performance of the proposed dual broadband patch antenna is validated via numerical simulation and measurement.
Management of radiotherapy patients with implanted cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators: A Report of the AAPM TG‐203†
Authors: Miften Moyed , Mihailidis Dimitris , Kry Stephen F. , Reft Chester , Esquivel Carlos , Farr Jonathan , Followill David , Hurkmans Coen , Liu Arthur , Gayou Olivier , Gossman Michael , Mahesh Mahadevappa , Popple Richard , Prisciandaro Joann , Wilkinson Jeffrey
Published: October 2019

Managing radiotherapy patients with implanted cardiac devices (implantable cardiac pacemakers and implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators) has been a great practical and procedural challenge in radiation oncology practice. Since the publication of the AAPM TG‐34 in 1994, large bodies of literature and case reports have been published about different kinds of radiation effects on modern technology implantable cardiac devices and patient management before, during, and after radiotherapy. This task group report provides the framework that analyzes the potential failure modes of these devices and lays out the methodology for patient management in a comprehensive and concise way, in every step of the entire radiotherapy process.
Propagation‐based x‐ray phase‐contrast tomography of mastectomy samples using synchrotron radiation
Authors: Gureyev T. E. , Nesterets Ya. I. , Baran P. M. , Taba S. T. , Mayo S. C. , Thompson D. , Arhatari B. , Mihocic A. , Abbey B. , Lockie D. , Fox J. , Kumar B. , Prodanovic Z. , Hausermann D. , Maksimenko A. , Hall C. , Peele A. G. , Dimmock M. , Pavlov K. M. , Cholewa M. , Lewis S. , Tromba G. , Quiney H. M. , Brennan P. C.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Propagation‐based phase‐contrast computed tomography (PB‐CT) is a method for three‐dimensional x‐ray imaging that utilizes refraction, as well as absorption, of x rays in the tissues to increase the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) in the resultant images, in comparison with equivalent conventional absorption‐only x‐ray tomography (CT). Importantly, the higher SNR is achieved without sacrificing spatial resolution or increasing the radiation dose delivered to the imaged tissues. The present work has been carried out in the context of the current development of a breast CT imaging facility at the Australian Synchrotron.

Methods

Seven unfixed complete mastectomy samples with and without breast cancer lesions have been imaged using absorption‐only CT and PB‐CT techniques under controlled experimental conditions. The radiation doses delivered to the mastectomy samples during the scans were comparable to those approved for mammographic screening. Physical characteristics of the reconstructed images, such as spatial resolution and SNR, have been measured and compared with the results of the radiological quality assessment of the complete absorption CT and PB‐CT image stacks.

Results

Despite the presence of some image artefacts, the PB‐CT images have outperformed comparable absorption CT images collected at the same radiation dose, in terms of both the measured objective image characteristics and the radiological image scores. The outcomes of these experiments are shown to be consistent with predictions of the theory of PB‐CT imaging and previous reported experimental studies of this imaging modality.

Conclusions

The results presented in this paper demonstrate that PB‐CT holds a high potential for improving on the quality and diagnostic value of images obtained using existing medical x‐ray technologies, such as mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT). If implemented at suitable synchrotron imaging facilities, PB‐CT can be used to complement existing imaging modalities, leading to more accurate breast cancer diagnosis.
Optimal acquisition scheme for flow‐compensated intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion‐weighted imaging in the abdomen: An accurate and precise clinically feasible protocol
Authors: Gurney‐Champion Oliver J. , Rauh Susanne S. , Harrington Kevin , Oelfke Uwe , Laun Frederik B. , Wetscherek Andreas
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Flow‐compensated (FC) diffusion‐weighted MRI (DWI) for intravoxel‐incoherent motion (IVIM) modeling allows for a more detailed description of tissue microvasculature than conventional IVIM. The long acquisition time of current FC‐IVIM protocols, however, has prohibited clinical application. Therefore, we developed an optimized abdominal FC‐IVIM acquisition with a clinically feasible scan time.

Methods

Precision and accuracy of the FC‐IVIM parameters were assessed by fitting the FC‐IVIM model to signal decay curves, simulated for different acquisition schemes. Diffusion‐weighted acquisitions were added subsequently to the protocol, where we chose the combination of b‐value, diffusion time and gradient profile (FC or bipolar) that resulted in the largest improvement to its accuracy and precision. The resulting two optimized FC‐IVIM protocols with 25 and 50 acquisitions (FC‐IVIMopt25 and FC‐IVIMopt50), together with a complementary acquisition consisting of 50 diffusion‐weighting (FC‐IVIMcomp), were acquired in repeated abdominal free‐breathing FC‐IVIM imaging of seven healthy volunteers. Intersession and intrasession within‐subject coefficient of variation of the FC‐IVIM parameters were compared for the liver, spleen, and kidneys.

Results

Simulations showed that the performance of FC‐IVIM improved in tissue with larger perfusion fraction and signal‐to‐noise ratio. The scan time of the FC‐IVIMopt25 and FC‐IVIMopt50 protocols were 8 and 16 min. The best in vivo performance was seen in FC‐IVIMopt50. The intersession within‐subject coefficients of variation of FC‐IVIMopt50 were 11.6%, 16.3%, 65.5%, and 36.0% for FC‐IVIM model parameters diffusivity, perfusion fraction, characteristic time and blood flow velocity, respectively.

Conclusions

We have optimized the FC‐IVIM protocol, allowing for clinically feasible scan times (8‐16 min).
Design of a shim coil array matched to the human brain anatomy
Authors: Jia Feng , Elshatlawy Hatem , Aghaeifar Ali , Chu Ying‐Hua , Hsu Yi‐Cheng , Littin Sebastian , Kroboth Stefan , Yu Huijun , Amrein Philipp , Gao Xiang , Yang Wenchao , LeVan Pierre , Scheffler Klaus , Zaitsev Maxim
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to introduce a novel design method of a shim coil array specifically optimized for whole brain shimming and to compare the performance of the resulting coils to conventional spherical harmonic shimming.

Methods

The proposed design approach is based on the stream function method and singular value decomposition. Eighty‐four field maps from 12 volunteers measured in seven different head positions were used during the design process. The cross validation technique was applied to find an optimal number of coil elements in the array. Additional 42 field maps from 6 further volunteers were used for an independent validation. A bootstrapping technique was used to estimate the required population size to achieve a stable coil design.

Results

Shimming using 12 and 24 coil elements outperforms fourth‐ and fifth‐order spherical harmonic shimming for all measured field maps, respectively. Coil elements show novel coil layouts compared to the conventional spherical harmonic coils and existing multi‐coils. Both leave‐one‐out and independent validation demonstrate the generalization ability of the designed arrays. The bootstrapping analysis predicts that field maps from approximately 140 subjects need to be acquired to arrive at a stable design.

Conclusions

The results demonstrate the validity of the proposed method to design a shim coil array matched to the human brain anatomy, which naturally satisfies the laws of electrodynamics. The design method may also be applied to develop new shim coil arrays matched to other human organs.
Respiratory muscle weakness in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy
Authors: Henke Carolin , Spiesshoefer Jens , Kabitz Hans‐Joachim , Herkenrath Simon , Randerath Winfried , Brix Tobias , Görlich Dennis , Young Peter , Boentert Matthias
Published: October 2019

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to comprehensively evaluate respiratory muscle function in adults with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD).

Methods

Fourteen patients with FSHD (9 men, 53 ± 16 years of age) and 14 matched controls underwent spirometry, diaphragm ultrasound, and measurement of twitch gastric and transdiaphragmatic pressures (twPgas and twPdi; n = 10) after magnetic stimulation of the lower thoracic nerve roots and the phrenic nerves. The latter was combined with recording of diaphragm compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs; n = 14).

Results

The following parameters were significantly lower in patients vs controls: forced vital capacity (FVC); maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressure; peak cough flow; diaphragm excursion amplitude; and thickening ratio on ultrasound, twPdi (11 ± 5 vs 20 ± 6 cmH2O) and twPgas (7 ± 3 vs 25 ± 20 cmH2O). Diaphragm CMAP showed no group differences. FVC correlated inversely with the clinical severity scale score (r = −0.63, P = .02).

Discussion

In FSHD, respiratory muscle weakness involves both the diaphragm and the expiratory abdominal muscles.
Multiphasic presentation of neuralgic amyotrophy associated with hepatitis E virus infection
Authors: Arányi Zsuzsanna , Szpisjak László , Szőke Kristóf
Published: October 2019

Background

The aim of this study was to further characterize the clinical phenotype of hepatitis E virus (HEV)‐associated neuralgic amyotrophy (NA).

Methods

Three patients with HEV‐associated NA underwent clinical, electrodiagnostic, and ultrasound assessment.

Results

In all patients, symptoms developed in several phases within a time span of 4‐6 weeks, with three or more nerves involved. Symptoms were bilateral in two. In two patients, nerves of the trunk and the lower limb were affected as well. In one patient, three bouts occurred, each heralded by an increase in pain. In the other two, pain subsided quickly and nerve damage developed in two phases. Segmental enlargement with or without hourglass‐like constrictions of the nerves was demonstrated by ultrasound in all.

Conclusions

The multiphasic presentation, together with the extensive multi‐nerve involvement, may reflect a severe and protracted inflammation of the nerves in HEV‐associated NA.
Twenty Years of Disk Diffusion Testing Indicate No Meaningful Loss of Antibiotic Susceptibility for Multiple Pathogens Isolated from Hatcheries Operated by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game
Authors: Trushenski Jesse T , Jakaitis Michelle , McCormick Joshua L
Published: October 2019

Antibiotic use in animal production, including aquaculture, has become a controversial subject in recent years. It is unclear whether antibiotic use by fish hatcheries or farms is functionally related to the development of resistance in important human pathogens. Nevertheless, antimicrobial resistance is relevant to aquaculture because it may reduce the effectiveness of the limited treatment options available for fish health management. We used linear regression models to explore possible temporal trends in antibiotic susceptibility of several bacterial fish pathogens over a 20-year period at 12 Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG)-operated hatcheries. Observed antibiotic susceptibility was variable among hatcheries and among pathogens. Predicted susceptibility was generally unchanged or increased on average over the study period, suggesting no significant loss in susceptibility to the antibiotics tested. Collectively, our results indicate that fish health management, including occasional antibiotic treatment, has not substantively influenced antibiotic susceptibility of pathogens at IDFG-operated hatcheries.
Prevalence of glue‐sniffing among street children
Authors: Sah Sanjay Kumar , Neupane Nira , Pradhan (Thaiba) Anupama , Shah Sabita , Sharma Asha
Published: October 2019

Aim

The aim was to determine the prevalence of glue‐sniffing among street children.

Design

A descriptive cross‐sectional study design was adopted.

Background

Children are the source of hope and could be the major ailments for the development of society, nation and the world but there are large numbers of children on the street sniff glue and struggling with multiple disease and uncertain future.

Methods

A study was conducted in 52 street children to determine the prevalence of glue‐sniffers and its impact on street children in Butwal, municipality of Nepal. This study was conducted in 52 street children, 5‐ point Likert scale and interview schedule was performed with the help of structured and semi‐structured questionnaire to collect data. Finally, the collected data are analysed by using descriptive statistical methods such as frequency, percentage and mean.

Results

The study findings revealed that a large number of children, that is 40.38% was between the age group of 9–12 years and 92.31% were male. The current prevalence of glue‐sniffing among street children is 88.46%. Similarly, 58.7% of respondents had started glue‐sniffing 1 year ago. Out of 46 respondents who sniffed glue, 89.13% were unaware of its effect. Nearly, half of the respondents 45.65% had encountered health issues such as headache, chest pain and stomach ache.

Conclusions

They have deprived children and denied not only of their rights as children but also of their normal childhood. Without guidance, education and security, they are heading towards an uncertain future. They can have enough potentiality and talent if they are brought into a better environment and might have real hope for the bright future.
Effects of micro‐nano titania contents and maleic anhydride compatibilization on the mechanical performance of polylactide
Authors: Can Ulas , Kaynak Cevdet
Published: October 2019

The first aim of this study was to compare influences of various contents of the micro‐ (200 nm) and nano (50 nm)‐sized titania (TiO2) particles especially on the mechanical performance of the polylactide (PLA) biopolymer. Micro‐ and nano‐composites were prepared by twin‐screw extruder melt mixing, while the specimens were shaped by compression molding. Scanning electron microscope analyses and mechanical tests revealed that due to the most efficient uniform distribution in the matrix, the best improvements in the strength, elastic modulus, and fracture toughness values could be obtained either by using 5 wt% micro‐TiO2 or by only 2 wt% nano‐TiO2 particles. The second purpose of this study was to investigate influences of using maleic anhydride (MA)‐grafted copolymer (PLA‐g‐MA) compatibilization on the performance of one nanocomposite composition. Due to the improved chemical interfacial adhesion, use of PLA‐g‐MA compatibilization for the specimen of PLA/2 wt% n‐TiO2 composition resulted in the highest improvements in the mechanical performance of neat PLA. The improvements were 14% in tensile strength, 20% in flexural modulus, and as much as 67% in fracture toughness. Thermal behavior of all specimens was also observed by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analyses.
Helicity Induction and Its Static Memory of Poly(biphenylylacetylene)s Bearing Pyridine N‐Oxide Groups and Their Use as Asymmetric Organocatalysts
Authors: Ando Mitsuka , Ishidate Ryoma , Ikai Tomoyuki , Maeda Katsuhiro , Yashima Eiji
Published: October 2019

Novel poly(biphenylylacetylene) derivatives carrying different types of pyridine N‐oxide units with a bulky or less‐bulky substituent at a different position as the functional pendant groups (poly‐2a and poly‐2b) were synthesized by the rhodium‐catalyzed polymerization of the corresponding monomers. The influence of the steric environment around the catalytically active pyridine N‐oxide sites on the helicity induction and its static memory as well as the asymmetric catalytic activities of the resulting helical polymers with a macromolecular helicity memory was investigated. The polyacetylenes formed an excess one‐handed helical conformation upon noncovalent interactions with optically active alcohols and the induced macromolecular helicities of the polyacetylenes were efficiently memorized after the removal of the chiral inducers. Poly‐2b with the macromolecular helicity memory showed an enantioselectivity for the catalytic asymmetric allylation of benzaldehydes, producing optically active allyl alcohols, although their enantioselectivities were low. On the other hand, poly‐2a exhibited a negligible catalytic activity probably due to the bulky substituent at the o‐position of the pyridine N‐oxide residues, while poly‐2a underwent a unique helix‐inversion with the increasing concentration of chiral alcohols and the opposite helicity of poly‐2a was further successfully memorized. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 2481–2490
Investigation of Polymer Matrix Nano‐Aluminum Composites with Pulsed Laser Heating by In‐Situ TEM
Authors: Isik Tugba , Xu Xiaohui , Son Steven F. , Gunduz I. Emre , Ortalan Volkan
Published: October 2019

Nanocomposites of aluminum and fluoropolymers react rapidly due to highly exothermic aluminum fluorination because of the high specific surface area nanoscale particles. In‐situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques are invaluable for real time monitoring of the reactions in these systems at the nanoscale. Here, we investigated the reactions in nanoscale Al (nAl) and THV (terpolymer of tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene, and vinylidene fluoride) and nAl‐LDPE (low density polyethylene) composites, heated using a pulsed laser in a TEM. Results show that reactions are initiated at about 720 K, when THV starts to decompose, and proceed with the formation and growth of a hollow aluminum fluoride (AlF3) shell. Diffraction patterns revealed that this phase is the rare η‐phase AlF3. In contrast, no reactions were observed in the inert nAl‐LDPE composites. The experimental and theoretical results reveal that rapid pulsed laser heating and subsequent cooling of a nanoscale sample influences the phases that can form, and can be utilized to investigate other systems.
The limitations of locust preventive management faced with spatial uncertainty: exploration with a multi‐agent model
Authors: Gay Pierre‐Emmanuel , Lecoq Michel , Piou Cyril
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

The spatial structure of locust outbreaks is a major aspect of preventive management that relies on where survey teams have to be sent if they are to react in time to any upsurge. The concentration of areas propitious to outbreaks has been documented for many species. Areas where preventive management fails to collect information because of insecurity or remoteness constitute other limits. We explored these conditions using a spatially explicit multi‐agent model representing a preventive management system. We simulated areas where field teams had limited or no access and areas where the probability of initial outbreaks was concentrated in hotspots.

RESULTS

A strong effort by the budget holder to maintain funding over time might be cancelled out with 5% of a territory having limited access. The larger the area of no access, the worse the proportion of plague years. Multiple no access areas generated more plagues than only one no access area of an equivalent size because more fronts must be controlled. Concentrating outbreaks in hotspots increased the probability of plagues. One hotspot alone was easier to control than several same‐sized hotspots. The period of the budget holder's cyclical behaviour between awareness and reduction in funding was longer with one hotspot than with several.

CONCLUSION

These results highlight the need to consider the spatial conditions and accessibility of locust species when planning the sustainability of management systems. Despite significant budgets to set in place a preventive management system, cyclical locust outbreaks may be related to these spatial conditions. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Selection of high‐quality and viable blastocysts based on timing of morula compaction and blastocyst formation
Authors: Harada Yoshihisa , Maeda Tomoyo , Fukunaga Emi , Shiba Reiko , Okano Shinichiro , Kinutani Masayuki , Horiuchi Toshitaka
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The time‐lapse system is a device that allows continuous monitoring without removing embryos from the incubator. Using a time‐lapse system, we retrospectively investigated cleavage speed time points as potential indicators for selecting high‐quality viable blastocysts.

Methods

This study included 963 zygotes of two pronuclei retrieved from 196 patients between January 2015 and December 2016. All embryos in culture were monitored by time‐lapse after intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Of 492 blastocysts developed in vitro, 128 vitrified‐warmed single blastocyst transfers were classified into pregnancy and non‐pregnancy groups, and the parameters were compared.

Results

In the pregnancy group, timing of both morula compaction and regular blastocyst formation was significantly faster than in the non‐pregnancy group. Furthermore, the optimal cutoff values for compacted morula (94.9 hours) and regular blastocyst (113.9 hours) were determined using the receiver operator characteristic curve analysis. Embryos that formed compacted morulae within 94.9 hours and developed into regular blastocysts within 113.9 hours were associated with a significantly higher pregnancy rate than those that did not (44.4% vs 16.0%).

Conclusion

The timing of morula compaction and regular blastocyst formation is important as an indicator of high‐quality blastocysts to increase odds for pregnancy after embryo transfer.
Kriging‐based robotic exploration for soil moisture mapping using a cosmic‐ray sensor
Authors: Pulido Fentanes Jaime , Badiee Amir , Duckett Tom , Evans Jonathan , Pearson Simon , Cielniak Grzegorz
Published: October 2019

Soil moisture monitoring is a fundamental process to enhance agricultural outcomes and to protect the environment. The traditional methods for measuring moisture content in the soil are laborious and expensive, and therefore there is a growing interest in developing sensors and technologies which can reduce the effort and costs. In this work, we propose to use an autonomous mobile robot equipped with a state‐of‐the‐art noncontact soil moisture sensor building moisture maps on the fly and automatically selecting the most optimal sampling locations. We introduce an autonomous exploration strategy driven by the quality of the soil moisture model indicating areas of the field where the information is less precise. The sensor model follows the Poisson distribution and we demonstrate how to integrate such measurements into the kriging framework. We also investigate a range of different exploration strategies and assess their usefulness through a set of evaluation experiments based on real soil moisture data collected from two different fields. We demonstrate the benefits of using the adaptive measurement interval and adaptive sampling strategies for building better quality soil moisture models. The presented method is general and can be applied to other scenarios where the measured phenomena directly affect the acquisition time and need to be spatially mapped.
Social mobilization against large hydroelectric dams: A comparison of Ethiopia, Brazil, and Panama
Authors: Schapper Andrea , Unrau Christine , Killoh Sarah
Published: October 2019

Large‐scale hydroelectric dams have—throughout their history—had adverse impacts on local population groups, natural resources, and entire eco‐systems furthering resistance and protest against them.

In this paper, we aim to investigate the impact of social mobilization against large‐scale dams by considering political opportunity structures, actor constellations, and frames. We comparatively analyze three case studies in varying political systems, that is, Gibe III in Ethiopia, Belo Monte in Brazil, and Barro Blanco in Panama. Our investigation is based on field research in these countries comprising data collection of governmental reports, newspaper articles, materials published by civil society organizations, and semi‐structured interviews. The analysis reveals that the impact of mobilization against dams is certainly limited in contexts with authoritarian governments. In democratic contexts, the impact depends on the degree of external involvement, as well as the ability of movements to avoid fracture, especially in view of temporal dimensions of large infrastructure projects.
Quantifying how diagnostic test accuracy depends on threshold in a meta‐analysis
Authors: Jones Hayley E. , Gatsonsis Constantine A. , Trikalinos Thomas A. , Welton Nicky J. , Ades A.E.
Published: October 2019

Tests for disease often produce a continuous measure, such as the concentration of some biomarker in a blood sample. In clinical practice, a thresholdCis selected such that results, say, greater thanCare declared positive and those less thanCnegative. Measures of test accuracy such as sensitivity and specificity depend crucially onC, and the optimal value of this threshold is usually a key question for clinical practice. Standard methods for meta‐analysis of test accuracy (i) do not provide summary estimates of accuracy at each threshold, precluding selection of the optimal threshold, and furthermore, (ii) do not make use of all available data. We describe a multinomial meta‐analysis model that can take any number of pairs of sensitivity and specificity from each study and explicitly quantifies how accuracy depends onC. Our model assumes that some prespecified or Box‐Cox transformation of test results in the diseased and disease‐free populations has a logistic distribution. The Box‐Cox transformation parameter can be estimated from the data, allowing for a flexible range of underlying distributions. We parameterise in terms of the means and scale parameters of the two logistic distributions. In addition to credible intervals for the pooled sensitivity and specificity across all thresholds, we produce prediction intervals, allowing for between‐study heterogeneity in all parameters. We demonstrate the model using two case study meta‐analyses, examining the accuracy of tests for acute heart failure and preeclampsia. We show how the model can be extended to explore reasons for heterogeneity using study‐level covariates.
Efficient Synthesis of Sulfonyl Diphenylsulfides Catalyzed via Cu–MOF of PCN‐6’
Authors: Liu Na , Tian An−Qi , Ren Zhi‐Lin , Wang Long
Published: October 2019

In this work, we used a metal organic framework of PCN‐6’, which prepared from copper compound and iazine‐2,4,6‐triyl‐benzoate (H3TATB) ligand, to catalyze the disulfide reacted with aryl iodide and sulfonyl chloride to synthesize of sulfonyl diphenylsulfides. A series of sulfonyl diphenylsulfide derivatives were synthesized with medium or high yields.
Acidic Handle Assemble Heterogeneous Carbocatalyst for Facile Aliphatic Nucleophilic Fluorination
Authors: Said Madhukar S. , Pandole Satish , Suryavanshi Amol , Kumar Pradeep , Gajbhiye Jayan M.
Published: October 2019

Acidic handle (‐SO3H) assemble carbonaceous catalyst synthesized from glucose acts as a modulator for the nucleophilic fluorination reaction. The heterogeneous catalyst works with various alkyl sulfonate, halide and metal fluoride (MF), to offer a high yield of fluorinated products up to 93%. This carbonaceous catalyst is recyclable for more than five times, with no major loss of activity.
Size‐Optimized Ultrasmall Porous Silica Nanoparticles Depict Vasculature‐Based Differential Targeting in Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Goel Shreya , Ferreira Carolina A. , Dogra Prashant , Yu Bo , Kutyreff Christopher J. , Siamof Cerise M. , Engle Jonathan W. , Barnhart Todd E. , Cristini Vittorio , Wang Zhihui , Cai Weibo
Published: October 2019

Rapid sequestration and prolonged retention of intravenously injected nanoparticles by the liver and spleen (reticuloendothelial system (RES)) presents a major barrier to effective delivery to the target site and hampers clinical translation of nanomedicine. Inspired by biological macromolecular drugs, synthesis of ultrasmall (diameter ≈12–15 nm) porous silica nanoparticles (UPSNs), capable of prolonged plasma half‐life, attenuated RES sequestration, and accelerated hepatobiliary clearance, is reported. The study further investigates the effect of tumor vascularization on uptake and retention of UPSNs in two mouse models of triple negative breast cancer with distinctly different microenvironments. A semimechanistic mathematical model is developed to gain mechanistic insights into the interactions between the UPSNs and the biological entities of interest, specifically the RES. Despite similar systemic pharmacokinetic profiles, UPSNs demonstrate strikingly different tumor responses in the two models. Histopathology confirms the differences in vasculature and stromal status of the two models, and corresponding differences in the microscopic distribution of UPSNs within the tumors. The studies demonstrate the successful application of multidisciplinary and complementary approaches, based on laboratory experimentation and mathematical modeling, to concurrently design optimized nanomaterials, and investigate their complex biological interactions, in order to drive innovation and translation.
Liquid Metal Droplet and Graphene Co‐Fillers for Electrically Conductive Flexible Composites
Authors: Saborio Maricruz G. , Cai Shengxiang , Tang Jianbo , Ghasemian Mohammad B. , Mayyas Mohannad , Han Jialuo , Christoe Michael J. , Peng Shuhua , Koshy Pramod , Esrafilzadeh Dorna , Jalili Rouhollah , Wang Chun H. , Kalantar‐Zadeh Kourosh
Published: October 2019

Colloidal liquid metal alloys of gallium, with melting points below room temperature, are potential candidates for creating electrically conductive and flexible composites. However, inclusion of liquid metal micro‐ and nanodroplets into soft polymeric matrices requires a harsh auxiliary mechanical pressing to rupture the droplets to establish continuous pathways for high electrical conductivity. However, such a destructive strategy reduces the integrity of the composites. Here, this problem is solved by incorporating small loading of nonfunctionalized graphene flakes into the composites. The flakes introduce cavities that are filled with liquid metal after only relatively mild press‐rolling (<0.1 MPa) to form electrically conductive continuous pathways within the polymeric matrix, while maintaining the integrity and flexibility of the composites. The composites are characterized to show that even very low graphene loadings (≈0.6 wt%) can achieve high electrical conductivity. The electrical conductance remains nearly constant, with changes less than 0.5%, even under a relatively high applied pressure of >30 kPa. The composites are used for forming flexible electrically‐conductive tracks in electronic circuits with a self‐healing property. The demonstrated application of co‐fillers, together with liquid metal droplets, can be used for establishing electrically‐conductive printable‐composite tracks for future large‐area flexible electronics.
Liquid Metal–Based Soft Microfluidics
Authors: Zhu Lifei , Wang Ben , Handschuh‐Wang Stephan , Zhou Xuechang
Published: October 2019

Motivated by the increasing demand of wearable and soft electronics, liquid metal (LM)‐based microfluidics has been subjected to tremendous development in the past decade, especially in electronics, robotics, and related fields, due to the unique advantages of LMs that combines the conductivity and deformability all‐in‐one. LMs can be integrated as the core component into microfluidic systems in the form of either droplets/marbles or composites embedded by polymer materials with isotropic and anisotropic distribution. The LM microfluidic systems are found to have broad applications in deformable antennas, soft diodes, biomedical sensing chips, transient circuits, mechanically adaptive materials, etc. Herein, the recent progress in the development of LM‐based microfluidics and their potential applications are summarized. The current challenges toward industrial applications and future research orientation of this field are also summarized and discussed.
CT/Bioluminescence Dual‐Modal Imaging Tracking of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Bao Hongying , Xia Yuyang , Yu Chenggong , Ning Xinyu , Liu Xiaoyun , Fu Han , Chen Zhongjin , Huang Jie , Zhang Zhijun
Published: October 2019

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), due to their immune regulation and collateral secretion effects, are currently explored for potential therapy of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Understanding the migration, homing, functions, and survival of transplanted hMSCs in vivo is critical to successful IPF treatment. Therefore, it is highly desired to develop noninvasive and effective imaging technologies to track the transplanted hMSCs, providing experimental basis for improving the efficacy of hMSCs in the treatment of IPF. The rational design and development of a dual‐labeling strategy are reported by integrating gold nanoparticle (AuNP)‐based computed tomography (CT) nanotracers and red‐emitting firefly luciferase (RfLuc)‐based bioluminescence (BL) tags for CT/BL multimodal imaging tracking of the transplanted hMSCs in a murine model of IPF. In this approach, the CT nanotracer is prepared by sequential coupling of AuNPs with polyethylene glycol and trans‐activator of transcription (TAT) peptide (Au@TAT), and employed it to monitor the location and distribution of the transplanted hMSCs in vivo by CT imaging, while RfLuc is used to monitor hMSCs viability by BLI. This facile strategy allows for visualization of the transplanted hMSCs in vivo, thereby enabling profound understanding of the role of hMSCs in the IPF treatment, and advancing stem cell‐based regenerative medicine.
Present Status and Research Prospects of Tin‐based Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Hasan Syed Azkar Ul , Lee David S. , Im Sang Hyuk , Hong Ki-Ha
Published: October 2019

Sn‐based halide perovskites have attracted much interest due to their highly valuable electrical and optical properties. The promising optical and electrical properties of Sn‐based perovskites have enticed a lot of research to focus on developing the strategies and explore the in‐depth material characteristics. Sn‐halide perovskites exhibit apparent merits and demerits. The ideal electrical and optical properties are even better than that of Pb‐analogs, namely close‐to‐optimal bandgap, strong optical absorption, and good carrier mobilities. However, the present achievement of Sn‐halide perovskite solar cells is not satisfactory, which is commonly attributed to relatively low defect tolerance, fast crystallization, and oxidative instability. The efficiency of Sn‐based perovskites is far ahead, with a 9% power conversion efficiency (PCE), than the other (Ge, Bi, Sb, Cu, etc.) Pb‐free options but simultaneously lagging far behind Pb‐based analogs that have a 25.2% PCE. This review is aimed at presenting milestone works and revealing the pros and cons of Sn‐halide perovskites. In addition, the defect physics of Sn‐based perovskites is described. The improvement of open‐circuit voltage is a critical issue for Sn‐halide perovskites to compete with Pb‐based perovskites. The understanding of defect physics plays an instrumental role in designing strategies for efficient and robust Sn‐halide perovskite solar cells.
Focus on form options in second language pronunciation instruction: The case of lexical stress
Authors: Hassanzadeh Mohammad , Salehizadeh Mohammad Javad
Published: October 2019

Pronunciation instruction has historically been notorious for its intense reliance on repetition practice and mechanical drilling across most foreign and second language settings. However, research indicates that form‐focused instruction can be substantially beneficial to the development of phonological skills (Saito, 2012). The current quasi‐experimental study builds on this strand of research by measuring the impact of focus on form (FonF) on English as a foreign language learners’ retention of English word stress patterns, drawing mainly upon the so‐called macro‐options introduced by Ellis (e.g., 2008). Eight intact classes (N = 129), randomly assigned to four groups (output, input‐enhancement, corrective feedback, and control) were subjected to a series of mini‐lessons orchestrated by the researchers over an 8‐week period. The learners’ short‐ and long‐term phonological uptake was assessed by immediate and delayed word‐reading tests, respectively. The results indicate that the output‐oriented group outperformed the others on the immediate posttest, whereas the input‐enhancement group outdid the corrective feedback group. However, none of the three FonF options had a significant durable impact. The findings imply that production‐based instruction must be given a high priority in the domain of teaching suprasegmental features, not least lexical stress. Furthermore, phonologically overloading learners during each instructional period is not recommended.
Tri‐ortho‐cresyl phosphate (TOCP)‐induced reproductive toxicity involved in placental apoptosis, autophagy and oxidative stress in pregnant mice
Authors: Yang Bei , Wang Xinlu , Ma Yilin , Yan Lei , Ren Yuan , Yu Dainan , Qiao Bo , Shen Xin , Liu Hui , Zhang Dalei , Kuang Haibin
Published: October 2019

Tri‐ortho‐cresyl phosphate (TOCP) has been widely used as plasticizers, and reported causing reproductive toxicity in mammals. However, little is known about the toxic effect on the placenta. In this study, dams were orally administered different doses of TOCP to explore the effect of TOCP on placental development. Results showed that TOCP exposure significantly reduced numbers of implanted embryo, caused atrophy and collapse of ectoplacental cone, and decreased total areas of placenta and numbers of PCNA‐positive cells. Expression levels of placental development genes were prominently downregulated in the TOCP‐treated groups. Moreover, TOCP administration induced placental apoptosis and autophagy by upregulating P53, Bax, Beclin‐1, ratio of LC3 II/LC3 I and Atg5 and downregulating Bcl‐2 protein. In addition, TOCP exposure markedly inhibited activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase and increased the production of H2O2 and malondialdehyde. Collectively, these findings suggest that apoptosis, autophagy and oxidative stress may be involved in the TOCP‐induced reproductive toxicity.
Biologic treatments for rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Kotecha Jalpa B , Kiely Patrick DW
Published: October 2019

Biologic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) have made a significant difference to the lives of people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), in particular those who do not respond to conventional drugs. In this article the authors review the place in therapy of bDMARDs for RA and consider a range of factors that could contribute to further improvements to patient otucomes.
The perils of toxic masculinity: four case studies
Authors: Kirby Roger , Kirby Mike
Published: October 2019

The term ‘toxic masculinity’ is increasingly used to describe cultural masculine norms that are harmful to the men themselves and society in general. Here the authors illustrate, through case studies, the devastating toll that ‘toxic masculinity’ can take and highlight the urgent need for men to take greater care of themselves if they wish to live longer and healthier lives.
Stabile Vakuumprozesse mit Dreh‐/Schiebedurchführungen
Authors: Rößner Matthäus , Blanz Jonathan , Haidu Francisc , Bergner Klaus , Flämmich Michael , Bergner Ute
Published: October 2019

Stable vacuum processes despite rotary/sliding feedthroughs – Effects of motion speed and direction using the MeTraVac system as an example

Components for ultra‐high (p < 1 · 10−7 mbar) and extreme high vacuum (p < 1 · 10−11mbar) conditions must have very clean surfaces with low outgassing rates. The determination of outgassing characteristics for static components is common practice. However, it is unusual to investigate the influence of the outgassing rates of dynamic components when they move in a vacuum. Various experiments with a self‐designed and built rotary/sliding feed‐through were carried out. The aim of these investigations was to monitor the pressure increases during movements and thereby draw conclusions on the quality of the vacuum conditions. One rotary and two translational movement types were selected exemplarily for practical vacuum applications. Each experiment was performed in an unconditioned and conditioned (in‐situ bake‐out) state. For the experiments a heatable test setup was assembled.

The rotary motion does not affect the process vacuum perceivable. Two translational movements were carried out, which differed in the speed. The pressure increases during slower and faster translatory movements show that the speed of movement has no significant influence on the vacuum. Nevertheless, a significant change in pressure was observed with translational movements. By bake‐out, the amount of water released per movement will significantly be reduced. Most kind of vacuum‐sided movements do not affect the process pressure at all or only to a small extent.
Hochdurchsatzbeschichtungen für die Photovoltaik
Authors: Seyfert Ulf
Published: October 2019

High throughput coatings for photovoltaics – Contribution of sputtering technology to Paris Climate Goals

Photovoltaics (PV) is one of the most important renewable energy sources whose expansion is needed to achieve the climate goals. The considerable drop down in the costs of PV based energy within the last 10 years has led to a very high degree of economic attractiveness for photovoltaics. This was made possible by new cell structures with higher efficiencies, lower material usage and utilization of scaling effects as well as automation in production. Highly efficient PVD coating processes, such as the magnetron sputtering, are increasingly being used in current crystalline PV cell types such as heterojunction or TOPCON solar cells. Thin film technologies are still the backbone for processing of the less material‐intensive thin‐film solar modules.