bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multivariate functional principal component analysis identifies waveform features of gait biomechanics related to early‐to‐moderate hip osteoarthritis
Authors: Roach Koren E. , Pedoia Valentina , Lee Jinhee J. , Popovic Tijana , Link Thomas M. , Majumdar Sharmila , Souza Richard B.
Published: December 2020

Clinicians often examine movement patterns to design hip osteoarthritis (OA) interventions, yet traditional biomechanical analyses only report a single timepoint. Multivariate principal component analysis (MFPCA) analyzes the entire waveform (i.e., movement pattern), which clinicians observe to direct treatment. This study investigated hip OA indicators, by (1) employing MFPCA to characterize variance across the hip, knee, and ankle angles in healthy and early‐to‐moderate hip OA participants; and (2) investigating relationships between these waveform features and hip cartilage health. Bilateral hip magnetic resonance images from 72 participants with Kellgren–Lawrence grades ranging from 0 to 3 were used to calculate mean T
1ρ and T
2 relaxation times in the femoral and acetabular cartilage. MFPCA was performed on lower‐limb gait biomechanics and used to identify primary modes of variation, which were related to T
1ρ and T
2 relaxation times. Here, a MFPC = mode of variation = waveform feature. In the femoral cartilage, transverse plane MFPCs 3 and 5 and body mass index (BMI) was related to T
1ρ, while MFPC 2 and BMI were related to T
2 relaxation times. In the acetabular cartilage, sagittal plane MFPC 1 and BMI were related to T
1ρ, while BMI was related to T
2 relaxation times. Greater internal rotation was related to increased T
1ρ and T
2 relaxation times in the femoral cartilage, while the greater extension was related to increased T
1ρ relaxation times in the acetabular cartilage. This study established a data‐driven framework to assess relationships between multi‐joint biomechanics and quantitative assessments of cartilage health and identified waveform features that could be evaluated in future hip OA intervention studies.
Minimal clinically important differences in SF‐36 global score: Current value in orthopedic oncology
Authors: Ogura Koichi , Bartelstein Meredith K. , Yakoub Mohamed A. , Nikolic Zarko , Boland Patrick J. , Healey John H.
Published: December 2020

The SF‐36 is widely used to evaluate the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with musculoskeletal tumors. Instead of typical methods, calculating the SF‐36 Global Score has recently become an increasingly common reporting approach. However, numerical changes lack clear clinical relevance. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) is useful for interpreting changes in functional scores by defining the smallest change patients may perceive as clinically meaningful. The aim of this study is to determine the MCID of the SF‐36 Global Score in orthopedic oncology patients, which has not been reported to date. Three‐hundred ten patients who underwent surgery and completed two surveys during postoperative follow‐up were reviewed. The two most common methods for calculating the SF‐36 Global Score were used: (1) anchor‐based methods and receiver operating characteristic analysis based on one‐half of the SD of change score and standard error of measurement at baseline and; (2) distribution‐based methods. Using anchor‐based methods, the MCIDs of SF‐36 Global Scores #1 and #2 were 2.7 (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.85) and 2.5 (AUC = 0.79) for improvement, and −1.5 (AUC = 0.81) and −0.6 (AUC = 0.83) for deterioration, respectively. Using distribution‐based methods, the MCIDs of SF‐36 Global Scores #1 and #2 were 4.1 and 4.4 by half SD, and 4.1 and 4.5 by standard error of measurement, respectively. Our findings provide benchmark values, which can serve as a reference for future studies in musculoskeletal tumor patients using the SF‐36 Global Score as a single measure for HRQoL.
Low‐Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound as a Potential Adjuvant Therapy to Promote Spinal Fusion
Authors: Cottrill Ethan , Downey Max , Pennington Zach , Ehresman Jeff , Schilling Andrew , Downey Madison , Hersh Andrew , Theodore Nicholas , Sciubba Daniel M. , Witham Timothy
Published: December 2020

Despite extensive research, nonunion continues to affect a nontrivial proportion of patients undergoing spinal fusion. Recently, preclinical studies have suggested that low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) may increase rates of spinal fusion. In this study, we summarized the available in vivo literature evaluating the effect of LIPUS on spinal fusion and performed a meta‐analysis of the available data to estimate the degree to which LIPUS may mediate higher fusion rates. Across 13 preclinical studies, LIPUS was associated with a 9‐fold increase in the odds of successful spinal fusion. Future studies are necessary to establish the benefit of LIPUS on spinal fusion in clinical populations.
Stability and micro‐topographic effects of Sophora moorcroftiana population on a restored alluvial fan, Southern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Liao Chengrui , Li Haidong , Lv Guoping , Tian Meirong , Tian Jiarong , Shi Huihui , Xu Yannan
Published: December 2020

The Tibetan Plateau, a vulnerable eco‐region undergoing global change, is hard to revegetate where land has become desertified due to the harsh habitat conditions. Sophora moorcroftiana shrubs, which are widely distributed in the middle reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River basin of Tibet, China, have been naturally restored on desertified land during the last few decades. However, the influences of micro‐topography on the distribution and structure of the S. moorcroftiana population have been rarely reported. Here, we first describe the spatial variation of S. moorcroftiana population on a restored alluvial fan, and then explore the effects of micro‐topography on the restored S. moorcroftiana population, through a series of field surveys combined with the data collected by terrestrial laser scanning. The results indicate that the dominant age structure was adult shrubs (30–60 cm). Although the topographic effect had no significant impacts on soil organic matter and some other structural traits, which remained stable on the restored alluvial fan, it changed population density, plant growth, and distribution. The habitat conditions on the southwest aspect wapproximately 20°–25° slope with altitudes ranging between 3,593–3,643 m, conditions that mostly favouring the distribution of the shrub population. The micro‐topography played an important role in species distribution and growth of the S. moorcroftiana population. Our findings could help to understand the effect of micro‐topography on plant population structure and distribution for ecological restoration of desertified land in the Southern Tibetan Plateau.
Introduction of woody and herbaceous legumes influences productivity, diversity and soil properties in a degraded grassland
Authors: Hu An , Millner James , Hou Fujiang
Published: December 2020

Medicago sativa (herbaceous plant) and Caragana korshinskii (woody plant) are the most important legume species planted in semiarid grassland on the Loess Plateau, China. However, the effects of introducing these legumes on the productivity, diversity and soil fertility of native grassland are not well understood. The effects of planting M. sativa and C. korshinskii on the productivity, diversity and soil properties of native grassland on the Loess Plateau were assessed over a 10‐year period. A 20‐ha area of grassland was selected for planting in 2009 and subdivided into 18 1‐ha plots with three treatments: 1) a non‐planted control (GN); 2) M. sativa (GM) and 3)C. korshinskii (GC) both planted individually, with six replicates. Ten subplots were established in each plot from which plant and soil samples were collected in August 2019. Compared with GN, GM and GC increased vegetative cover by 12.1 and 9.0%, respectively. Soil organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), ammonium nitrogen (NH4+‐N), nitrate‐nitrogen (NO3−‐N) and total phosphorus (TP) were also higher (p <.05) in the GM and GC treatments. Compared with GN, GM had no effect on native grassland productivity but did reduce species richness and evenness. In contrast, GC increased grassland productivity and maintained species richness and evenness. This suggests that C. korshinskii is the preferred legume species for grassland restoration on the Loess Plateau.
A Review of the Current State of Liver Transplantation Disparities
Authors: Wahid Nabeel A. , Rosenblatt Russell , Brown Robert S.
Published: December 2020

Equity in access is one of the core goals of the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network (OPTN). However, disparities in liver transplantation have been described since the passage of the National Organ Transplant Act, which established OPTN in the 1980s. During the past few decades, several efforts have been made by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) to address disparities in liver transplantation with notable improvements in many areas. Nonetheless, disparities have persisted across insurance type, sex, race/ethnicity, geographic area, and age. African Americans have lower rates of referral to transplant centers, females have lower rates of transplantation from the liver waiting list than males, and public insurance is associated with worse posttransplant outcomes than private insurance. In addition, pediatric candidates and older adults have a disadvantage on the liver transplant waiting list, and there are widespread regional disparities in transplantation. Given the large degree of inequity in liver transplantation, there is a tremendous need for studies to propose and model policy changes that may make the liver transplant system more just and equitable.
Effect of second‐phase particle on localized corrosion in Al–Zn–Mg–Cu–Mn alloy friction stir welded joint
Authors: Dai Haitao , Wei Lili , Huang Hongfeng , Liu Chongyu , Jia Zixing , Xu Xuda
Published: December 2020

The microstructure and corrosion behavior of a high‐strength Al–Zn–Mg–Cu–Mn alloy friction stir welded (FSWed) joint were investigated using scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, open‐circuit potential test, and potentiodynamic polarization. The weld nugget zone and heat‐affected zone (HAZ) of the FSWed joint showed diverse microstructural characteristics including micron‐scale intermetallic particles and nanoscale precipitates, leading to different localized corrosion sensitivities. The results of electrochemical tests confirmed the regional difference of corrosion in FSWed joints. Detailed research on the corrosion process revealed that micron‐scale Al(Fe,Mn,Si) particles promoted the dissolution of the vicinal matrix to induce pitting corrosion. The directionally distributed intermetallic particles and grain boundary precipitates in HAZ conduced to the development of intergranular microcracks into exfoliation. The matrix precipitates affected the localized corrosion tendency due to regional variation of the redissolution degree.
Preconditioning of AISI 304 stainless steel surfaces in the presence of flavins—Part I: Effect on surface chemistry and corrosion behavior
Authors: Wurzler Nina , Sobol Oded , Altmann Korinna , Radnik Jörg , Ozcan Ozlem
Published: December 2020

Stainless steel AISI 304 surfaces were studied after a mild anodic polarization for oxide growth in the presence and absence of two derivatives of vitamin B2 (riboflavin and flavin mononucleotide) that can be secreted by metal‐reducing bacteria and act as a chelating agent for iron species. The alterations in oxide chemistry were studied by means of surface‐sensitive techniques such as X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry analysis. The complementary electrochemical characterization revealed a preferential growth of an oxide/hydroxide iron‐rich film that is responsible for an altered pit initiation and nucleation behavior. These findings suggest that as the corrosion behavior is determined by the interplay of the chemical and electronic properties, only a mild anodic polarization in the presence of redox‐active molecules is able to alter the chemical and electronic structure of the passive film formed on stainless steel AISI 304. This helps to achieve a profound understanding of the mechanisms of microbially influenced corrosion (MIC) and especially the possible effects of the redox‐active biomolecules, as they may play an important role in the corrosion susceptibility of stainless steel surfaces.
Unipolar plasma electrolytic oxidation: Waveform optimisation for corrosion resistance of commercially pure titanium
Authors: Casanova Luca , Vicentini Livio , Pedeferri MariaPia , Ormellese Marco
Published: December 2020

This study deals with the anodisation of titanium grade 2 in 0.5‐M sulphuric acid using a pulsed signal in a unipolar regime. The electrical parameters investigated are voltage, frequency and duty cycle. The use of duty cycles with a high percentage of anodic polarisation (90%), combined with high frequencies (1000 Hz) and the higher voltage tested (220 V), favoured the establishment of a plasma regime involving strong dielectric discharges, allowing the growth of thicker oxides but with rough architecture. The corrosion resistance of the formed film has been characterised by potentiodynamic tests in 0.5‐M NaBr for localised corrosion resistance and by immersion tests in 10% v/v sulphuric acid solution for a uniform corrosion assessment. Current–time curves, visual observations and electron microscope analysis (scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy) were the tools selected to provide a correlation between technological parameters and oxide growth mechanism. For localised and uniform corrosion, anodisation at 220 V with a high level of anodic polarisation (90%) and frequency (1000 Hz) was verified to be particularly advantageous.
Solid Polymer Electrolytes Based on Polylactic Acid Nanofiber Mats Coated with Polypyrrole
Authors: Gisbert Roca Fernando , García‐Bernabé Abel , Compañ Moreno Vicente , Martínez‐Ramos Cristina , Monleón Pradas Manuel
Published: December 2020

The production of electroconductive nanofiber membranes made from polylactic acid (PLA) coated with polypyrrole (PPy) is investigated, performing a scanning of different reaction parameters and studying their physicochemical and dielectric properties. Depending on PPy content, a transition between conduction mechanisms is observed, with a temperature‐dependent relaxation process for samples without PPy, a temperature‐independent conduction process for samples with high contents of PPy and a combination of both processes for samples with low contents of PPy. A homogeneous and continuous coating is achieved from 23 wt% PPy, observing a percolation effect around 27 wt% PPy. Higher wt% PPy allow to obtain higher conductivities, but PPy aggregates appear from 34% wt% PPy. The high conductivity values obtained for electrospun membranes both through‐plane and in‐plane (above 0.05 and 0.20 S cm–1, respectively, at room temperature) for the highest wt% of PPy, their porous structure with high specific surface area and their thermal stability below 140 °C make them candidates for many potential applications as solid polymer electrolytes in, for example, batteries, supercapacitors, sensors, photosensors, or polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). In addition, the biocompatibility of PLA‐PPy membranes expand their potential applications also in the field of tissue engineering and implantable devices.
On the choice of contract types in vertical relations
Authors: Constantatos Christos , Pinopoulos Ioannis N.
Published: December 2020

We endogenize the contract‐type choice in a vertically related market. We relate that choice to the distribution of bargaining power between the upstream and downstream partner in contract‐terms negotiation. For two wide classes of demand functions, the upstream (downstream) firm prefers a two‐part tariff (linear) contract, and thus, we model the contract‐type choice as a noncooperative game. When a firm has strong bargaining power over the contract terms, risk dominance selects its least‐preferred contract type: the strong firm has more to lose in case of disagreement over the contract type. Under relative symmetry in bargaining power, risk dominance selects the efficient two‐part tariff.
Duality principles in Hilbert‐Schmidt frame theory
Authors: Dong Jian , Li Yun‐Zhang
Published: December 2020

This paper addresses duality relations in HS‐frame theory. By introducing the notion of HS‐R‐dual sequence, some duality relations and related results are obtained. We prove that a sequence is an HS‐frame (HS‐frame sequence, HS‐Riesz basis) if and only if its HS‐R‐dual sequence is an HS‐Riesz sequence (HS‐frame sequence, HS‐Riesz basis) and characterize the (unitary) equivalence between two HS‐frames in terms of their HS‐R‐duals and transition matrices, respectively. We characterize HS‐R‐duals and prove that, given an HS‐frame, among all its dual HS‐frames, only the canonical dual admits minimal‐norm HS‐R‐dual. And using HS‐R‐duals, we also characterize dual HS‐frame pairs.
Time‐efficient measurement of subtle blood–brain barrier leakage using a T1 mapping MRI protocol at 7 T
Authors: van den Kerkhof Marieke , Voorter Paulien H. M. , Canjels Lisanne P. W. , de Jong Joost J. A. , van Oostenbrugge Robert J. , Kroon Abraham A. , Jansen Jacobus F. A. , Backes Walter H.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption is commonly measured with DCE‐MRI using continuous dynamic scanning. For precise measurement of subtle BBB leakage, a long acquisition time (>20 minutes) is required. As extravasation of the contrast agent is slow, discrete sampling at strategic time points might be beneficial, and gains scan time for additional sequences. Here, we aimed to explore the feasibility of a sparsely sampled MRI protocol at 7 T.

Methods

The scan protocol consisted of a precontrast quantitative T1 measurement, using an MP2RAGE sequence, and after contrast agent injection, a fast‐sampling dynamic gradient‐echo perfusion scan and two postcontrast quantitative T1 measurements were applied. Simulations were conducted to determine the optimal postcontrast sampling time points for measuring subtle BBB leakage. The graphical Patlak approach was used to quantify the leakage rate (Ki) and blood plasma volume (vp) of normal‐appearing white and gray matter.

Results

The simulations showed that two postcontrast T1 maps are sufficient to detect subtle leakage, and most sensitive when the last T1 map is acquired late, approximately 30 minutes, after contrast agent administration. The in vivo measurements found Ki and vp values in agreement with other studies, and significantly higher values in gray matter compared with white matter (both p = .04).

Conclusion

The sparsely sampled protocol was demonstrated to be sensitive to quantify subtle BBB leakage, despite using only three T1 maps. Due to the time‐efficiency of this method, it will become more feasible to incorporate BBB leakage measurements in clinical research MRI protocols.
Moisture effect on the mechanical properties of additively manufactured continuous carbon fiber‐reinforced Nylon‐based thermoplastic
Authors: Kikuchi Bruno Calheiros , Bussamra Flávio Luiz de Silva , Donadon Maurício Vicente , Ferreira Rafael Thiago Luiz , Sales Rita de Cássia Mendonça
Published: December 2020

Additively manufactured composites have been demonstrating promising results with the development of new materials of high mechanical performance, which draws attention from several fields, for example, biomedical, electronics and aeronautics. However, as such materials are based on novel technologies, it is necessary to better understand their resulting characteristics and properties. For instance, evaluating the effect of environmental conditions on their mechanical performance is important, especially when moisture‐sensitive polymers such as polyamide (PA) are employed as matrix. This work aims to understand and to characterize the moisture effect on the mechanical properties of additively manufactured Nylon and continuous carbon fiber (CF)‐reinforced Nylon‐based thermoplastic. Tensile and compressive tests were carried out in accordance with ASTM standards for the printed samples at their maximum moisture content and for samples submitted to drying after the saturated condition. Moreover, moisture absorption and swelling behaviors were assessed and discussed. The experimental results showed that moisture significantly affects the fiber/matrix interface, as well as the adhesion between printed filaments. These changes led to a decrease in the general mechanical properties in saturated state, including those in the fiber direction. Furthermore, a permanent degradation was observed in some properties after drying. Thus, the importance of considering water content and aging effect on the characterization and engineering application of 3D printed CF/PA composite was evidenced.
The commitment of barley microspores into embryogenesis correlates with miRNA‐directed regulation of members of the SPL, GRF and HD‐ZIPIII transcription factor families
Authors: Bélanger Sébastien , Baldrich Patricia , Lemay Marc‐André , Marchand Suzanne , Esteves Patricio , Meyers Blake C. , Belzile François
Published: December 2020

Microspore embryogenesis is a model for developmental plasticity and cell fate decisions. To investigate the role of miRNAs in this development, we sequenced sRNAs and the degradome of barley microspores collected prior to (day 0) and after (days 2 and 5) the application of a stress treatment known to induce embryogenesis. Microspores isolated at these timepoints were uniform in both appearance and in their complements of sRNAs. We detected 68 miRNAs in microspores. The abundance of 51 of these miRNAs differed significantly during microspore development. One group of miRNAs was induced when the stress treatment was applied, prior to being repressed when microspores transitioned to embryogenesis. Another group of miRNAs were up‐regulated in day‐2 microspores and their abundance remained stable or increased in day‐5 microspores, a timepoint at which the first clear indications of the transition toward embryogenesis were visible. Collectively, these miRNAs might play a role in the modulation of the stress response, the repression of gametic development, and/or the gain of embryogenic potential. A degradome analysis allowed us to validate the role of miRNAs in regulating 41 specific transcripts. We showed that the transition of microspores toward the embryogenesis pathway involves miRNA‐directed regulation of members of the ARF, SPL, GRF, and HD‐ZIPIII transcription factor families. We noted that 41.5% of these targets were shared between day‐2 and day‐5 microspores while 26.8% were unique to day‐5 microspores. The former set may act to disrupt transcripts involved in pollen development while the latter set may drive the commitment to embryogenesis.
Cytokinin‐regulated targets of Cytokinin Response Factor 6 are involved in potassium transport
Authors: Hughes Ariel M. , Zwack Paul J. , Cobine Paul A. , Rashotte Aaron M.
Published: December 2020

Cytokinin (CK) is a plant hormone crucial to plant development and growth. Cytokinin Response Factor 6 (CRF6) is a CK‐induced transcription factor that is part of the CK signaling cascade. While the role of CRF6 has been examined in oxidative stress response, there has been surprisingly little investigation of CRF6 in the context of CK signaling, including identifying CK‐regulated targets of CRF6. Here, we conduct a transcriptomic study of Arabidopsis examining the CRF6 mutant (crf6) in the presence and absence of CK, revealing 163 downstream CRF6‐dependent CK‐regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs). 15.3% of these DEGS were found as overlapping with larger number of standardly identified CK‐regulated DEGs, suggesting that CRF6 is involved in regulating a subset of downstream CK responses through these gene targets. The general transcriptional regulation of CRF6‐dependent CK‐regulated DEGs indicates that CRF6 may function as a negative regulator of CK response. We investigated one subset of CRF6 CK‐dependent targets (SKOR, HAK5, and NRT1. 5) involved in an underexamined functional role of CK response: the uptake and transportation of potassium. To determine how CK and CRF6 are involved in potassium acquisition and distribution, ionomic and physiological experiments were conducted on plants grown in media with sufficient and deficient potassium concentrations and in the presence and absence of CK. In order to investigate how CK alone affects potassium transport, similar experiments were performed on skor, hak5, and nrt1.5 mutant lines of these CRF6‐dependent CK‐regulated targets. These findings indicate novel connections between CK and potassium transport, which appear to be regulated in a CRF6‐dependent manner.
Trajectories of oral glucose tolerance testing in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Patel Monal , McCracken Courtney , Daley Tanicia , Stecenko Arlene , Linnemann Rachel
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Annual oral glucose tolerance testing (OGTT) is the recommended screening modality for cystic fibrosis‐related diabetes (CFRD) in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). This study aimed to determine if there were patterns of progression of worsening glucose homeostasis in pediatric CF patients and to explore any relationship to lung function.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of CF patients, ages 10–18 years, without CFRD and with ≥3 OGTT from 2013 to 2016. Latent class mixture models were used to determine unique trajectories of 2‐h OGTT glucose values (2hrGlu) over time. Multivariable linear models were used to adjust for clinical covariates.

Results

For 63 subjects, three unique 2hrGlu trajectories were identified: high (impaired glucose tolerance) to higher (n = 8), low (normal glucose tolerance [NGT]) and increasing (n = 47), and low (NGT) and flat (n = 8). There was high variability of 2hrGlu, but most patients belonged to a trajectory that increased over time. After controlling for age, pancreatic insufficiency, modulator use, and mutation type, there was a significant difference in the study baseline forced expiratory volume in 1 s percent predicted (ppFEV1) in the high to higher group compared to the low and increasing and low and flat groups (p < .005).

Discussion

Among pediatric CF patients without diabetes, three 2hrGlu trajectories were identified with 87% of patients exhibiting a trajectory where glucose homeostasis worsened over time. Starting ppFEV1 was lower in those with a high to higher trajectory, supporting that lower lung function is present early in the development of CFRD.
Antifungal properties of natural products from Pterocarya tonkinensis against phytopathogenic fungi
Authors: Thi Ngo Men , Han Jae Woo , Van Nguyen Minh , Le Dang Quang , Kim Hun , Choi Gyung Ja
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

In the search for new natural resources showing antifungal activity, we found that the methanol extract of Pterocarya tonkinensis (Fr.) Dode suppressed the disease development caused by fungi. The objectives of this article were (i) to isolate and identify the antifungal substances from the Pterocarya tonkinensis extract based on a bioassay‐guided fractionation and (ii) to investigate their potential as a biocontrol agent with their antifungal activities in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

Eighteen compounds were identified from the methanol extract of Pterocarya tonkinensis, including two new natural products 1 and 2: 1, pterocaryalactone; 2, pterocaryafuranone; 3, (1S, 6R)‐9‐hydroxymegastigm‐7‐en‐3‐one; 4, (S)‐dimethyl malate; 5, α‐linolenic acid; 6–8, α‐tetralones; 9, (R)‐methyl‐2‐hydroxyl‐3‐phenyl‐propanoate; 10, (E)‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid methyl ester; 11–14, diarylheptanoids, and 15–18, pentacyclic triterpenoids. Based on the results of the in vitro antifungal assay, Magnaporthe oryzae and Phytophthora infestans were the most sensitive to the isolated compounds among the tested phytopathogenic fungi. When ten active compounds were applied onto plants at a concentration of 100 or 500 μg mL−1, compounds 1 and 8 effectively suppressed rice blast disease, and compounds 15 and 16 not only strongly reduced the development of blast on rice but also effectively controlled the development of late blight on tomatoes.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo antifungal activities of the isolated compounds from a methanol extract of Pterocarya tonkinensis against phytopathogenic fungi, and our results suggest that Pterocarya tonkinensis and its substances can be used as a source to develop natural fungicides. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
A new approach to design a finite‐time extended state observer: Uncertain robotic manipulators application
Authors: Razmjooei Hamid , Shafiei Mohammad Hossein
Published: December 2020

In this article, a new approach to design a finite‐time extended state observer (FT‐ESO) for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems is proposed based on a novel coordinate transformation. First, a time‐varying extended state observer (ESO) is designed to make the estimation error uniformly bounded. In this regard, the dynamic of the estimation error is transformed into a linear system with a generalized disturbance term as its input. Then, the time‐varying gains of the ESO are designed to stabilize the system and consequently, to converge the estimation error to the neighborhood of zero and to remain uniformly bounded as t → t0 + T. In this article, without any knowledge about the disturbance, and uncertainties, a fault‐tolerant FT‐ESO is designed. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed finite‐time ESO for serial robotic manipulators with any number of links, in the presence of disturbances and an unknown fault.
A closer look at US schools: What characteristics are associated with scientific literacy? A multivariate multilevel analysis using PISA 2015
Authors: You Hye Sun , Park Sunyoung , Delgado Cesar
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this study is to examine the characteristics of US schools associated with two measures of scientific literacy (content knowledge and “procedural and epistemic” knowledge) using the 2015 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) data. Because outcomes are nested within students, and students within schools, a multivariate three‐level modeling method was employed. About 21% of the total variance in science performance lies between schools, indicating that school characteristics are important in predicting scientific literacy. The results revealed clearly significant and positive relationships of the student‐level variables of grade, enjoyment, motivation, and economic/social/cultural status (ESCS) with both measures of science literacy, after controlling for school factors. A significant gender difference is seen in science content knowledge in favor of males. At the school level, the results from the full model suggest that school ESCS, climate, and school type are significant predictors of all students' performance. Surprisingly, school size, teaching experience, professional development (PD) participation, and science‐specific resources are not found to contribute significantly to achievement. Considerable variability is also evident among schools on student performance in both science knowledge domains as a result of school variables. For both low‐ and mid–high‐achieving students, the most significant school factor is school mean ESCS. PD participation and school climate are significantly associated with student performance only for the average and high‐performing groups. This paper can inform policymakers, researchers, and educators on how US schools can be supported to improve science learning.
Part II: The influence of substrate type, film thickness, and primary ion type on molecular weight characterization of linear polydimethyl siloxane films by secondary ion mass spectrometry
Authors: Vlasak Paul R. , Pacholski Michaeleen L. , Kang Joo H. , Kearns Kenneth L. , Reinhardt Carl W.
Published: December 2020

In our previous paper, we showed that the molecular weight of linear, trimethyl‐terminated polydimethyl siloxane (PDMS) can be estimated using a standard curve by measuring PDMS endgroup‐related signal normalized to backbone‐related signal for PDMS films that are thick relative to the information depth of SIMS. Within industrial surface analysis laboratories, it is more likely that PDMS fluid is encountered as a thin film, perhaps as a contaminant or an additive that has exuded from a bulk material. This paper explores the influence of PDMS film thickness, substrate type, and primary ion projectile type (cluster vs. monoatomic) on the ratio of measured endgroup:backbone peak area ratio. These factors are shown to have a significant influence on the measured spectra, and these effects should be carefully considered before making molecular weight estimates of PDMS based on SIMS peak ratios.
Stabilizing Pd Nanoparticles in Supported‐Ionic‐Liquid‐Phase (SILP) Catalyst Using Polydimethylsiloxane Via Hydrophobic Structure for Boosting Hydrodechlorination of 4‐Chlorophenol
Authors: Chen Xianlang , Chen Jingjing , Zhang Jieyu , Tang Tian , Xu Qian qian , Zhao Bo , Lu Jinyue , Li Rongrong , Han Deman
Published: December 2020

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium trifluoroacetate ionic liquid (IL) modified palladium‐based catalyst supported on activated carbon have been prepared and measured for hydrodechlorination of 4‐chlorophenol (4‐CP) using (HCOOH + HCOONa) as hydrogen source. For turnover frequency of 4‐CP HDC reaction to obtain a value of 3.0×105 h−1 and five times better than the value of the catalyst without PDMS. This may be due to the addition of PDMS which can promote the dispersion of the nanoparticles. The conversion of the catalyst HDC decreased from 100 % to 92 % after 5 times which may be due to a hydrophobic structure formed in the catalyst after the addition of PDMS.
Novel and Efficient Knoevenagel Condensation over Mesoporous SBA‐15 Supported Acetate‐functionalized Basic Ionic Liquid Catalyst
Authors: Rui Li Jing , Chen Chen , Lin Hu Yu
Published: December 2020

A type of multifunctional mesoporous SBA‐15 supported imidazolium ionic liquids SBA‐15@IL‐OAc have been designed and synthesized, characterized and tested as heterogeneous catalysts in the Knoevenagel condensation. The prepared catalysts exhibit good catalytic performances in the reaction at room temperature, especially the supported ionic liquid SBA‐15@IL‐OAc(0.8) with excellent yields of 90∼98 %, probably due to the synergetic effect between acetate anion sites of imidazolium ionic liquid and hydroxyl active sites of SBA‐15. In addition, the recyclability of the heterogeneous catalyst was tested, and the cycle test showed that the catalyst could be reused five times without significantly reducing the catalytic activity.
Novel Carborane Compounds Based on Cyclooxygenase‐2 Inhibitors for Effective Boron Neutron Capture Therapy of Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Taofeng , Du Shaobo , Wang Yu , Guo Yanzhu , Yi Yangman , Liu Bin , Liu Yang , Chen Ximeng , Zhao Quanyi , He Dian , Wang Zhen , Zhang Hong , Ma Qianlong
Published: December 2020

To date, the mortality of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is still high, COX‐2 is highly expressed in the head and neck cancers, and targeting COX‐2 is a potential treatment for TSCC. Herein, a series of novel carborane compounds based on COX‐2 inhibitors have been developed for the effective treatment of TSCC by boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). Notably, the compound 1 had high COX‐2 selectivity and low cytotoxicity against CAL27 cells. Meanwhile, the compound 1 had higher selectivity and uptake of CAL27 cells compared to the positive control group sodium borocaptate (BSH). The apoptosis of CAL27 cells treated with the compound 1 during BNCT was significantly induced by breaking DNA double strands and generating excess reactive oxygen species, and the proliferation of cancer cells was inhibited by down‐regulating the expression of cytokines associated with phosphatidylinositide 3‐kinases/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) and mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling pathways in BNCT. Thus, the carborane compounds based on COX‐2 inhibitors have the potential to effectively treat tongue squamous cell carcinoma through BNCT.
Post‐traumatic stress disorder and depressive symptoms following a Herdsmen attack: The role of life meaning in mediating trait mindfulness
Authors: Aliche Chinenye Joseph , Ifeagwazi Chuka Mike , Yankouskaya Ala , Comoretto Amanda , Wezyk Agata , Ventouris Annita , Panourgia Constantina
Published: December 2020

It is well established that mindfulness is beneficial in decreasing post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression symptoms, but the explanatory pathway and processes through which this happens are still not clear. The present study investigated two mediation models that explored the psychological process of presence of meaning in life as a mechanism connecting mindfulness to reduced PTSD and depressive symptoms in survivors of a violent attack. A sample of 577 survivors of the Fulani herdsmen attack completed relevant self‐report measures and the bootstrap method was used to test the models for direct, indirect and total effects. Results revealed that mindfulness was negatively associated to PTSD symptoms, and that this association was fully mediated by the ability to find meaning in life. Mindfulness was also indirectly associated to depression through a greater sense of meaning in life. The findings of this study suggest that the presence of meaning in life is the pathway through which mindfulness alleviates PTSD and depression symptoms, and could therefore serve as an intervention target to decrease such negative outcomes in trauma survivors.
Combined Visible Plasmons of Ag Nanoparticles and Infrared Plasmons of Graphene Nanoribbons for High‐Performance Surface‐Enhanced Raman and Infrared Spectroscopies
Authors: Nong Jinpeng , Tang Linlong , Lan Guilian , Luo Peng , Li Zhancheng , Huang Deping , Shen Jun , Wei Wei
Published: December 2020

Ag nanoparticles (NPs) modified graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) are proposed to function as the high‐performance shared substrates for surface‐enhanced Raman and infrared absorption spectroscopy (SERS and SEIRAS). This is realized by modulating the localized plasmonic resonances of Ag NPs in visible region and GNRs in mid‐infrared region simultaneously, so as to selectively employ each resonance to acquire SERS and SEIRAS on a single substrate. As a proof of concept, shared substrates are prepared by fabricating GNRs on a Fabry–Pérot like cavity, followed by depositing a thin Ag film with annealing treatment to achieve Ag NPs. Complementary Raman and infrared active vibrational modes of rhodamine 6G molecules can be extracted from the SERS and SEIRAS spectra. By optimizing the dimension of Ag NPs, SERS enhancement factors at the order of 105 can be achieved, which are comparable with or even larger than that of the reported shared substrates. Meanwhile, various polyethylene oxide vibrational modes can be recognized with maximum SEIRAS amplification up to 170 times, which is one order larger than that of the reported graphene plasmonic infrared sensors. Such plasmonic nanosensor with excellent SERS and SEIRAS performance exhibits promising potential for biosensing applications on an integrated lab‐on‐a‐chip strategy.
Mechanical and conductive performance of electrically conductive cementitious composite using graphite, steel slag, and GGBS
Authors: Li Jianwei , Qin Qirong , Sun Junbo , Ma Yongzhi , Li Qia
Published: December 2020

Electrically conductive cementitious composite (ECCC) can be utilized in traffic detection, structural health monitoring (SHM), and pavement deicing. Graphite is a popular conductive filler given its outstanding electrical resistance behavior, but its flat micro‐surface decreases the friction resistance, reducing mechanical strength. However, slag solids can substitute part of the graphite with their considerable conductivity and superior mechanical characteristics. In this research, 27 ECCC composites are developed incorporated by combined graphite powder (GP), blast furnace slag (GGBS), and steel slag (SS). Flexural, unconfined compressive strength (UCS) experiments, and resistance experiments with failure mode evaluations are carried out to explore the influence of proposed conductive fillers with different fractions. Results show the graphite strongly improves conductivity but dramatically reduces mechanical performance. Both steel slag and GGBS reduced the compressive and flexural strength after their replacement ratio exceeded 20%. Additionally, compared with GGBS, SS demonstrated a better influence on mechanical and conductive performance. A 15 wt% ratio of GGBS, 20 wt% of SS, and 4 wt% of GP are explored as the optimum design with 3.4 MPa of flexural strength, 36 MPa of compressive strength, and 7,779 Ω cm of resistance. Lastly, a microstructural investigation is conducted to explore the mechanical and conductive mechanism of ECCC.
Single Pole‐to‐Ground Fault Location Method for MMC‐HVDC System Using Wavelet Decomposition and DBN
Authors: Ye Xinjie , Lan Sheng , Xiao Si‐jie , Yuan Yongbin
Published: December 2020

Accurate and reliable fault location technology is essential to the stable operation of the modular multilevel converter‐high voltage direct current (MMC‐HVDC) system. Aiming at the difficulty of locating high‐resistance ground faults on MMC‐HVDC transmission lines, this paper proposes a method for fault location of transmission lines based on wavelet transform and deep belief network (DBN). First, the wavelet transform is used to decompose the original single pole ground fault voltage waveform, and then the high‐frequency and low‐frequency components obtained are used as training samples to train different DBN models, the final fault location results are obtained by superimposing the outputs of each model at last. The ±250 kV double‐ended MMC‐HVDC system model is established by using PSCAD/EMTDC, which can simulate the faults of different positions and different transition resistances. In order to verify the fault location performance of the proposed method, it is compared with two machine learning fault location methods. The results show that this method can accurately and reliably locate the single pole‐to‐ground fault of the transmission line with transition resistance of up to 10 000 Ω at low sampling frequency of 20 kHz. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Leitbild und Handlungsfelder zur Öffnung des öffentlichen Einkaufs in Deutschland
Authors: Reuter Britta
Published: December 2020

Die ausführliche Bestandsaufnahme, die Ergebnisse der Online-Befragung und der Blick auf die Best Practices bilden die Grundlage, um in diesem Kapitel ein Leitbild für die Öffnung der öffentlichen Einkaufsdaten zu entwerfen. Anhand der Formulierung von Maßnahmen kann ein Leitbild weiter präzisiert und idealerweise auch in der Praxis wirksam werden. In Anlehnung an die vorhergehenden Kapitel erfolgt eine allgemeine Beschreibung des Leitbilds für die Öffnung der öffentlichen Einkaufsdaten, bevor die jeweiligen Handlungsfelder entlang der Wirkungsdimensionen Strategie und Organisation, Recht, Technologie, Transparenz, Partizipation und Kollaboration vertieft werden.
Literaturauswertung
Authors: Reuter Britta
Published: December 2020

Die Literaturauswertung ist ein essentieller methodischer Bestandteil dieser Arbeit. In diesem Kapitel soll kurz das Vorgehen für die Auswahl der genutzten Literatur beschrieben werden, um zu klären und zu begründen, welche Quellen berücksichtigt wurden und welche nicht. Somit entsteht auch ein erster Einblick über die Breite und Tiefe der vorhandenen Literatur.
Der Status quo des öffentlichen Einkaufs
Authors: Reuter Britta
Published: December 2020

Kapitel 6 präsentiert zunächst Zahlen und Fakten zum öffentlichen Einkauf, gefolgt von den rechtlichen Rahmenbedingungen der Vergabe. Die organisatorische Umsetzung zeigt Organisationsformen im öffentlichen Einkauf sowie die Bedeutung des Einkaufsprozesses in einer gesamthaften Betrachtung auf. Die technische Durchdringung fokussiert auf den Stand des elektronischen Einkaufs als Voraussetzung für eine mögliche Öffnung. Anschließend wird die Bedeutung von Transparenz, Korruption, Partizipation und Kollaboration dargelegt.Anliegen ist, ein möglichst konkretes Bild vom gegenwärtigen Zustand des öffentlichen Einkaufs zu zeichnen, um eine Basis für die nachfolgenden empirischen und analytischen Abschnitte der Studie zu schaffen.
Bestandsaufnahme offener öffentlicher Einkaufsdaten
Authors: Reuter Britta
Published: December 2020

Folgendes Kapitel schafft den Übergang vom elektronischen öffentlichen Einkauf zu offenen öffentlichen Einkaufsdaten für Deutschland. Es greift hierbei die Gliederung nach rechtlichen Rahmenbedingungen, organisatorischer Umsetzung, technischer Durchdringung, Transparenz, Partizipation und Kollaboration erneut auf. Die Portale der Länder Hamburg, Bremen und NRW sowie die öffentlichen Einkaufsdaten aus 26 auszugsweise analysierten Vergabe- und Bekanntmachungsportalen werden näher beleuchtet. Ebenso wird darauf eingegangen, welche Daten überhaupt bereitgestellt werden sollten und wie ein Musterdatenschema aussehen könnte.
On the Interactive Power of Higher-order Processes Extended with Parameterization
Authors: Zhang Wenbo , Xu Xian , Yin Qiang , Long Huan
Published: December 2020

This paper investigates the interactive power of the higher-order pi-calculus extended with parameterization. We study two kinds of parameterization: name parameterization and process parameterization. We show that each of these kinds of parameterization results in an interactively complete model, in the sense that they can express the elementary interactive model (named

C

) with built-in recursive functions.
Roundness prediction in centreless grinding using physics-enhanced machine learning techniques
Authors: Safarzadeh Hossein , Leonesio Marco , Bianchi Giacomo , Monno Michele
Published: December 2020

This work proposes a model for suggesting optimal process configuration in plunge centreless grinding operations. Seven different approaches were implemented and compared: first principles model, neural network model with one hidden layer, support vector regression model with polynomial kernel function, Gaussian process regression model and hybrid versions of those three models. The first approach is based on an enhancement of the well-known numerical process simulation of geometrical instability. The model takes into account raw workpiece profile and possible wheel-workpiece loss of contact, which introduces an inherent limitation on the resulting profile waviness. Physical models, because of epistemic errors due to neglected or oversimplified functional relationships, can be too approximated for being considered in industrial applications. Moreover, in deterministic models, uncertainties affecting the various parameters are not explicitly considered. Complexity in centreless grinding models arises from phenomena like contact length dependency on local compliance, contact force and grinding wheel roughness, unpredicted material properties of the grinding wheel and workpiece, precision of the manual setup done by the operator, wheel wear and nature of wheel wear. In order to improve the overall model prediction accuracy and allow automated continuous learning, several machine learning techniques have been investigated: a Bayesian regularized neural network, an SVR model and a GPR model. To exploit the a priori knowledge embedded in physical models, hybrid models are proposed, where neural network, SVR and GPR models are fed by the nominal process parameters enriched with the roundness predicted by the first principle model. Those hybrid models result in an improved prediction capability.