bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Vivo Assessment of Age‐ and Loading Configuration‐Related Changes in Multiscale Mechanical Behavior of the Human Proximal Femur Using MRI‐Based Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Zhang Lingyun , Wang Ling , Fu Ruisen , Wang Jianing , Yang Dongyue , Liu Yandong , Zhang Wei , Liang Wei , Yang Ruopei , Yang Haisheng , Cheng Xiaoguang
Published: October 2020

Background

MRI‐based finite element analysis (MRI‐FEA) is the only method able to assess microstructural and whole‐bone mechanical properties of the hip in vivo.

Purpose

To examine whether MRI‐FEA is capable of discriminating age‐related changes in whole‐bone mechanical performance and micromechanical behavior of the proximal femur, particularly considering the most common hip fracture‐related sideways fall loading.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

A total of nine younger (27 ± 3.2 years) and nine elderly (61 ± 3.9 years) healthy volunteers.

Field Strength/Sequence

3T; 3D fast field echo sequence.

Assessment

The left proximal femurs were scanned and FE models created. FEA was performed to simulate sideways fall and stance loading for each femoral model. Apparent stiffness and high‐risk (90th percentile) tensile and compressive strains of the proximal femur as well as the average strains within cubic regions of the femoral neck and greater trochanter were assessed.

Statistical Tests

Paired and unpaired t‐tests.

Results

Compared to the young group, the femoral stiffness of the elderly decreased by 39% and 40% (both P < 0.05) under the sideways fall and stance conditions, respectively. Accordingly, the high‐risk tensile and compressive stains were elevated with aging (40% and 23% for sideways fall, 23% and 11% for stance conditions; all P < 0.05). However, the loading configuration‐induced difference was only observed in the elderly group for the high‐risk strains (22% for tension and 12% for compression; both P < 0.05). Additionally, compared to the stance condition, the sideways fall increased the average tensile (young: 108%, elderly: 123%; both P < 0.05) and compressive strains (young: 631%, elderly: 617%, both P < 0.05) within the greater trochanter rather than the femoral neck region.

Data Conclusion

In vivo MRI‐FEA is capable of capturing age‐related changes in both apparent‐level stiffness and tissue‐level micromechanical behavior of the proximal femur. However, the effect of sideways fall loading might be better reflected by tissue‐level micromechanics rather than apparent stiffness.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy Stage

1
A comprehensive analysis of projected changes of extreme precipitation indices in West Rapti River basin, Nepal under changing climate
Authors: Talchabhadel Rocky , Aryal Anil , Kawaike Kenji , Yamanoi Kazuki , Nakagawa Hajime
Published: October 2020

A better understanding of variations of extreme precipitation in space and time is essential for hydro‐meteorological research and effective management of water resources. We used 11 extreme precipitation indices, some additional indices, and four seasonal precipitation based on daily precipitation data from 24 meteorological stations in West Rapti River basin (WRRB) of Nepal during 1986–2015 as the baseline, and three future periods (Near Future or NF: 2025–2049, Mid Future or MF: 2050–2074, and Far Future or FF: 2075–2099). This study also attempts to correlate the streamflow at downstream station of the basin with extreme precipitation indices in the baseline period and employed the relation to estimate future streamflow. We used five climate models of the fifth phase of the Coupled Model Inter‐comparison Project (CMIP5) under two representative concentration pathways (RCPs 4.5 and 8.5) to project future extreme precipitation indices. A linear scaling method of bias correction was used to reduce the biases in precipitation data of the climate models. Mann–Kendall test in conjunction with Theil–Sen's slope method was employed for trend analyses and their statistical significance. We found that extreme precipitation indices related to very wet days, extremely wet days, maximum 1‐day, and maximum 5‐day precipitation amounts are anticipated to increase significantly in future days. Our results showed percentage contribution of maximum 1‐day, and maximum 5‐day precipitation amounts to annual precipitation are important indicators of extreme precipitation. Higher percentage contributions were observed in lower regions indicating higher occurrences of very heavy precipitation in flatter topography. The increase in rainfall extremes would increase the possibility of frequent hydrological disasters in WRRB in the coming days. Generally, river valleys attain less extreme precipitation and are comparatively drier. We believe the findings of this study are useful for water resources management in WRRB under changing climate.
Combination of white tea and peppermint demonstrated synergistic antibacterial and anti‐inflammatory activities
Authors: Xia Xiaoyan , Lin Zhenchuan , Shao Keping , Wang Xude , Xu Jing , Zhai Hang , Wang Hua , Xu Wei , Zhao Yuqing
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

White tea, considered to be the oldest form of tea, is becoming a popular beverage for its organoleptic characteristics. Peppermint tea, used as a herbal remedy for centuries, is now also very popular throughout the world as herbal tea. What interested us was that in ancient China, peppermint was used in combination with tea as a detoxification or anti‐inflammatory agent. However, there are few reports on the combined use of white tea and peppermint. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the antibacterial and anti‐inflammatory activities of white tea in combination with peppermint.

RESULTS

A synergistic inhibitory effect against four bacterial strains, especially against Staphylococcus argenteus, was observed in the combination of white tea and peppermint in vitro. In addition, the combined formula demonstrated a stronger anti‐inflammatory effect in vivo than either of the two used alone, which was associated with the decrease of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), interleukin‐1beta (IL‐1β), tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). In a further mechanism study, it was found that white tea and peppermint inhibited the phosphorylation of p‐IκB‐α and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) at different degrees. While the enhanced anti‐inflammatory effect of the combined formula was associated with the combination of NF‐κB down‐regulation and p‐MAPK inhibition.

CONCLUSION

In our study, it was for the first time shown that when white tea was combined with peppermint, the antibacterial and anti‐inflammatory effects were enhanced. The results suggested an effective application of white tea in combination with peppermint as a potential antibacterial and anti‐inflammatory functional food. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Application of genetic algorithm and multivariate methods for the detection and measurement of milk‐surfactant adulteration by attenuated total reflection and near‐infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Hosseini Elahesadat , Ghasemi Jahan B , Daraei Bahram , Asadi Gholamhassan , Adib Nooshin
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

The adulteration of milk by hazardous chemicals like surfactants has recently increased. It conceals the quality of the product to gain profit. As milk and milk‐based products are consumed by many people, novel analytical procedures are needed to detect these adulterants. This study focused on Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy equipped with an attenuated total reflection (ATR) accessory, and near‐infrared (NIR) spectroscopy for the determination of milk‐surfactant adulteration using a genetic algorithm (GA) coupled with multivariate methods. The model surfactant was sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and its concentration varied from 1.94–19.4 gkg−1 in adulterated samples.

RESULTS

Prominent peaks in the spectral range of 5500–6400 cm−1, 1160–1260 cm−1 and 1049–1080 cm−1 may correspond to the sulfonate group in SDS. A genetic algorithm could significantly reduce the number of variables to almost one third by selecting the specific wavenumber region. Principal component analysis (PCA) for ATR and NIR data indicated separate clusters of samples in terms of the concentration level of SDS (P ≤ 0.05). Partial least squares regression (PLSR) was used to determine the maximum R2 value for ATR and NIR data for calibration, cross‐validation and prediction, which were 0.980, 0.972, 0.980, and 0.970, 0.937, and 0.956 respectively. The results showed apparent differences between unadulterated and adulterated samples using partial least squares‐discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA), which was validated by the permutation test.

CONCLUSION

The results clearly show the successful application of the proposed methods with multivariate analysis in the selection of variables, classification, clustering, and identification of the adulterant in amounts as low as 1.94 gkg−1 in milk. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Characterization of Placental Microvascular Architecture by MV‐Flow Imaging in Normal and Fetal Growth–Restricted Pregnancies
Authors: Chen Xinlin , Wei Xia , Zhao Sheng , Huang Hui , Wang Weiyun , Qiu Junyu , Chen Xiao , Cheng Chen , Tian Zhiyun , Rychik Jack
Published: October 2020

Objectives

To observe the microvascular architecture in the placental bed and explore the feasibility and clinical utility of MV‐Flow imaging (Samsung Medison Co, Ltd, Seoul, Korea) during normal pregnancy and fetal growth restriction (FGR).

Methods

Placental microvascular structure ultrasound imaging by MV‐Flow was performed on 227 unaffected and 17 FGR fetuses between 11 and 41 weeks' gestation. A placental vascular index (VIMV) was acquired by application of various MV‐Flow regions of interest (ellipse, rectangle, and manual trace). Unaffected control and FGR groups were assessed for umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery, and uterine artery pulsatility indices and the cerebroplacental ratio calculated by ultrasound.

Results

No significant difference in the VIMV by varying regions of interest or placental regions was observed in the control group. The VIMV in the first trimester was lower than that in the second and third trimesters, with 5th through 95th percentile normal VIMV reference values of 18.39 to 63.79 for 13.6 weeks and earlier, 28.53 to 66.64 for 14 weeks to 27 weeks 6 days, and 21.95 to 67.45 for 28 weeks and later. The VIMV values in the FGR group were lower than those in the control group in the upper, middle, and lower parts of the placenta (mean ± SD, 24.9 ± 13.9 versus 45.0 ± 13.4; P < .01; 30.5 ± 16.1 versus 44.7 ± 14.3; P < .01; and 29.9 ± 17.4 versus 47.6 ± 12.2; P < .01, respectively). Higher umbilical artery and uterine artery pulsatility indices and a lower cerebroplacental ratio were found in the FGR group compared with the control group (P < .01).

Conclusions

MV‐Flow technology can display and quantify placental microvascular architecture at the level of the stem villi and villous leaves, and the VIMV provides for quantification of tissue vascularity. MV‐Flow is a potentially powerful and promising tool to explore placental microvascular perfusion and provide new information on a host of pregnancy‐related conditions.
Response of benthic nitrogen cycling to estuarine hypoxia
Authors: Song Guodong , Liu Sumei , Zhang Jing , Zhu Zhuoyi , Zhang Guiling , Marchant Hannah K. , Kuypers Marcel M. M. , Lavik Gaute
Published: October 2020

The effects of bottom water oxygen concentration on sediment oxygen uptake, oxygen penetration depth, nitrate and ammonium fluxes, anammox, denitrification, dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium, nitrification, and mineralization were investigated off the Changjiang estuary and its adjacent East China Sea, by combining a seasonal comparison with three artificially induced bottom water oxygen conditions (oxic, ambient, and severe hypoxia). A 50% decrease in in‐situ bottom water oxygen concentrations between May and August, led to decreases in the average sediment oxygen uptake and oxygen penetration depth by 23% and 29%, respectively. Anammox rates decreased by a factor of 2.5, and the relative contribution of anammox to the total benthic N‐loss decreased from 20% to 7.4%. However, denitrification rates increased, leading to an overall benthic N‐loss rate of 0.85 mmol N m−2 d−1. At the same time, an increasing contribution of dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium to total nitrate reduction led to higher recycling of inorganic nitrogen during hypoxia in August. Under artificially induced conditions of severe hypoxia, there was a sharp decrease in both sediment oxygen uptake and benthic N‐loss rates by 88% and 38%, respectively. Nitrate and ammonium fluxes showed complex behavior at different sites which could be related to the repression of sedimentary nitrification below a bottom water oxygen threshold of 9.7 μM and increasing dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium. Taken together, our results indicate that changes in benthic nutrient cycling under seasonal hypoxia enhance the retention of both organic and inorganic nitrogen, thereby exacerbating oxygen deficiency.
Bioprinting of Collagen: Considerations, Potentials, and Applications
Authors: Lee Jia Min , Suen Sean Kang Qiang , Ng Wei Long , Ma Wai Cheung , Yeong Wai Yee
Published: October 2020

Collagen is the most abundant extracellular matrix protein that is widely used in tissue engineering (TE). There is little research done on printing pure collagen. To understand the bottlenecks in printing pure collagen, it is imperative to understand collagen from a bottom‐up approach. Here it is aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of collagen printing, where collagen assembly in vivo and the various sources of collagen available for TE application are first understood. Next, the current printing technologies and strategy for printing collagen‐based materials are highlighted. Considerations and key challenges faced in collagen printing are identified. Finally, the key research areas that would enhance the functionality of printed collagen are presented.
Anisotropic Bimetallic Core–Satellite–Poly(aniline) Nanohybrids for Detection of Autoantibodies
Authors: Hwang Eun Young , Lee Jae Hee , Lim Dong Woo
Published: October 2020

Bimetallic core–satellite nanoparticles are widely exploited in surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)‐based applications due to their enhanced optical properties compared to single‐component metallic nanoparticles (MNPs). In addition, anisotropic hybrid nanostructures containing both MNPs and polymeric compartments constitute a new class of functional nanomaterials for photonic applications because they show different functionalities and physicochemical characteristics at two distinct compartments. Herein, synthesis of two kinds of anisotropic bimetallic core–satellite–poly(aniline) nanohybrids (ABCPNs) using small or polymeric ligand‐coated gold nanospheres or gold nanorods as seeds is reported. The ABCPNs exhibit enhanced optical properties due to a local electromagnetic field generated in the narrow interparticle gap between core and satellite nanoparticles. Furthermore, a SERS‐based quantitative analysis of autoantibodies against cyclic citrullinated peptide using the ABCPNs as SERS nanoprobes for a diagnosis of early rheumatoid arthritis is demonstrated, suggesting that these multifunctional nanostructures will be potential for advanced SERS‐based biosensors.
Abnormal Saccadic Oscillations Associated with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Encephalopathy and Ataxia
Authors: Wright Dominic , Rowley Rachael , Halks‐Wellstead Paris , Anderson Tim , Wu Teddy Y.
Published: October 2020

View Supplementary Video 1
On some classes of linear difference equations with convergent solutions
Authors: Stević Stevo
Published: October 2020

We present some classes of homogeneous linear difference equations with constant coefficients such that their associated characteristic polynomials have multiple zeros, and all solutions to the equations are convergent. The cases of the equations of third and fourth order are considered in detail, whereas in the case of equations of arbitrary order bigger than four, we present a subclass of such equations. We also show that the problem of calculating limits of solutions to the equations, when all the zeros of the characteristic polynomials are simple, is essentially folklore.
MRI of [2‐13C]Lactate without J‐coupling artifacts
Authors: Datta Keshav , Spielman Daniel
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Imaging of [2‐13C]lactate, a metabolic product of [2‐13C]pyruvate, is over considerable interest in hyperpolarized 13C studies. However, artifact‐free imaging of a J‐coupled nuclear spin species can be challenging due to the peak‐splitting induced by the spin‐spin interactions. In this work, two new techniques resolving these J‐modulated artifacts are presented.

Theory and Methods

The Product Operator Formalism (POF) of density matrix theory is used to both numerically and analytically derive the coherences arising during radiofrequency excitation and readout of a J‐coupled spin system. A combination of computer simulations and experiments with [2‐13C]lactate and 13C‐formate phantoms are then used to verify the performance of two imaging methods. In the first approach, a quadrature imaging technique is used to eliminate scalar coupling artifacts via the combination of in‐phase and quadrature images acquired at echo times differing by 1/2J with an echoplanar readout. The second approach employs a highly narrowband RF excitation pulse to image a single peak from the J‐coupled doublet.

Results

Simulations using a numerical Shepp‐Logan phantom, in vitro experiments using thermally polarized [2‐13C]lactate, thermally and hyperpolarized 13C‐formate phantoms, and in vivo imaging of [2‐13C]lactate produced in rat brain following injection of hyperpolarized [2‐13C]pyruvate show artifact‐free images and demonstrate potential utility of these methods.

Conclusion

The quadrature imaging and the narrowband excitation techniques resolve the J‐coupling induced ghosting and blurring artifacts present with conventional MRI of J‐coupled signals such as [2‐13C]lactate.
Neuroanatomical underpinning of diffusion kurtosis measurements in the cerebral cortex of healthy macaque brains
Authors: Zhu Tianjia , Peng Qinmu , Ouyang Austin , Huang Hao
Published: October 2020

Purpose

To investigate the neuroanatomical underpinning of healthy macaque brain cortical microstructure measured by diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI), which characterizes non‐Gaussian water diffusion.

Methods

High‐resolution DKI was acquired from 6 postmortem macaque brains. Neurofilament density (ND) was quantified based on structure tensor from neurofilament histological images of a different macaque brain sample. After alignment of DKI‐derived mean kurtosis (MK) maps to the histological images, MK and histology‐based ND were measured at corresponding regions of interests characterized by distinguished cortical MK values in the prefrontal/precentral‐postcentral and temporal cortices. Pearson correlation was performed to test significant correlation between these cortical MK and ND measurements.

Results

Heterogeneity of cortical MK across different cortical regions was revealed, with significantly and consistently higher MK measurements in the prefrontal/precentral‐postcentral cortex compared to those in the temporal cortex across all six scanned macaque brains. Corresponding higher ND measurements in the prefrontal/precentral‐postcentral cortex than in the temporal cortex were also found. The heterogeneity of cortical MK is associated with heterogeneity of histology‐based ND measurements, with significant correlation between cortical MK and corresponding ND measurements (P < .005).

Conclusion

These findings suggested that DKI‐derived MK can potentially be an effective noninvasive biomarker quantifying underlying neuroanatomical complexity inside the cerebral cortical mantle for clinical and neuroscientific research.
Phase Angle Is an Independent Predictor of 6‐Month Mortality in Patients With Decompensated Cirrhosis: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Saueressig Camila , Glasenapp Joana Hoch , Luft Vivian Cristine , Alves Fernanda Donner , Ferreira Pâmela Kremer , Hammes Thais Ortiz , Dall'Alba Valesca
Published: October 2020

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the nutrition status through phase angle (PA) and its association with mortality in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was performed with hospitalized decompensated cirrhotic patients. Nutrition status was assessed by PA, bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA), and Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) within 72 hours of hospital admission. The best PA cutoff point for malnutrition diagnosis was determined by ROC curve analysis, considering the SGA as the reference standard. Predictors of 6‐month mortality were identified using Cox proportional hazards models, adjusted for Child‐Pugh and MELD scores, and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Results

This study included 97 patients, 63% male (n = 61), with a mean age of 60.1 ± 10.3 years. The median follow‐up time of patients was 11.2 months (IQR, 2.4–21). Overall mortality was 58.8% (n = 57) and 6‐month mortality was 35.1% (n = 34). Nutrition assessment according to BIVA indicated a risk for cachexia and normal hydration. Patients with values of PA ≤5.52° were considered malnourished. Malnourished patients according to PA (58.8%, n = 57) had a higher risk of 6‐month mortality (HR = 3.44; 95% CI, 1.51–7.84; P = .003), and each increase of 1° in PA values was associated with a reduction of 53% in 6‐month mortality risk.

Conclusions

The PA is an independent predictor of 6‐month mortality in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Therefore, PA may be useful to assess the nutrition status and identify patients at the highest risk of mortality in clinical practice.
The construction of the evaluation system of nurses' post‐training and the application of the system in 25 grade‐A general hospitals in China
Authors: Jiao Linlin , Sui Yuanda , Yang Guihua , Wang Pulin , Li Qiaofeng , Chen Junhong , Liu Lili , Yang Chunling
Published: October 2020

Aims

To make the evaluation more scientific, structured and systematic, this study aims to develop an evaluation index system for nurses training and to explore clinical effect of system.

Design

The evaluation index system of nurses’ post‐training was constructed using the Delphi method.

Methods

Introducing the system, we used the pre‐work training of new nurses as an example for discussing the specific implementation scheme of the system. Twenty‐five tertiary and first‐class general hospitals in 14 provinces and municipalities were evaluated on the spot, and the application effect of the system was evaluated comprehensively.

Results

The index system consisted of three first‐grade indexes, seven second‐grade indexes and 23 third‐grade indexes. There were three levels in teaching and training ability, and the distance had statistical significance.
Kernel functions‐based approach for distributed order diffusion equations
Authors: Geng Fazhan , Wu Xinyuan
Published: October 2020

In this work, we solve distributed order diffusion equations (DODEs) by applying the theory on reproducing kernel functions (RKFs). The classical numerical quadrature formulae is used to approximate the DODE to a multi‐term Caputo fractional order diffusion equation (FDE). The Mittag‐Leffler RKF is introduced to estimate fractional derivatives of Caputo. And a space–time RKFs collocation scheme is derived for the multi‐term Caputo time FDEs. The accuracy of the present numerical technique is indicated by employing several experiments.
Improvement of thermal properties of Vietnam deproteinized natural rubber via graft copolymerization with styrene/acrylonitrile and diimide transfer hydrogenation
Authors: Nguyen Duy Hieu , Rimdusit Niratchaporn , Tran Quang Tung , Phan Minh Quyet , Vu Trung Nam , Nguyen Thi Nhan , Nguyen Thu Ha , Rimdusit Sarawut , Ougizawa Toshiaki , Tran Thi Thuy
Published: October 2020

In this study, we investigated the improvement of thermal properties of Vietnam deproteinized natural rubber (DPNR) via graft copolymerization of styrene/acrylonitrile and transfer hydrogenation. The graft copolymerization was achieved successfully in the latex stage using tert‐butyl hydroperoxide and tetraethylenepentamine as radical initiators at 30°C. The obtained graft copolymer was hydrogenated by a diimide reduction system in the presence of different copper (II) homogeneous catalysts. The effects of styrene to acrylonitrile on the total conversion and the grafting efficiency have been studied. The structural characterization of the obtained copolymers was made by 1H NMR and ATR‐FTIR. The graft DPNR was then characterized by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The effects of different copper (II) catalysts on the system have been evaluated by the hydrogenation degree of each hydrogenated sample. The improvement of the thermal properties of the graft copolymers was confirmed by thermal gravimetric analysis/differential thermal analysis. The core‐shell arrangement was obtained in both DPNR‐graft‐PS/PAN and hydrogenated‐DPNR‐graft‐PS/PAN by transmission electron microscopy.
Combination of volume‐rendering 3D surface modeling and medical illustration to capture the living fetus
Authors: Luks Francois I. , Collins Scott , Xia Jimmy , Cao Shiliang Alice , Rios Matthew
Published: October 2020

Objective

A good medical illustration renders essential aspects of a procedure or condition faithfully, yet idealizes it enough to make it widely applicable. Unfortunately, the live fetus is generally hidden from sight, and illustrating it relies either on autopsy material or manipulated newborn images. High‐definition volume rendering of diagnostic imaging data can represent hidden conditions with an almost lifelike realism but is limited by the resolution and artifacts of the data capture. We have combined both approaches to enhance the accuracy and didactic value of illustrations of fetal conditions.

Methods

Three examples, of increasing complexity, are presented to demonstrate the creation of medical illustrations of the fetus based on semiautomatic computerized posthoc manipulation of diagnostic images.

Results

The end product utilizes the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging of the fetuses and the spatial manipulation of 3D models to create a lifelike, accurate and informative image of the fetal anomalies.

Conclusion

Volume‐rendering and 3D surface modeling can be combined with medical illustration to create realistic and informative images of the developing fetus, using a level of detail that is tailored to the intended audience.
Melt differential electrospinning of polyphenylene sulfide nanofibers for flue gas filtration
Authors: Chen Qiqi , Liu Yujian , Deng Hangjun , Lyu Tingting , Tan Jing , Yang Weimin , Li Haoyi , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: October 2020

Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) nanofibers have broad application prospects in high temperature dust removal, high temperature oil‐water separation, radiation protection, and other fields. PPS nanofibers were prepared by melt differential electrospinning without any other additives, which ensures the excellent properties of PPS fibers. The effects of spinning parameters (spinning voltage, spinning distance, spinning temperature) on the morphology of PPS fibers were systematically studied, and the average diameter of PPS fibers with 1.28 μm was obtained under the optimum conditions (spinning distance of 6 mm, temperature of 310°C and spinning voltage of 35 kV). The effect of spinning voltage on the crystallinity and thermal stability of the fiber was analyzed. Finally, the filtration efficiencies of the commercial dust‐proof filter bags and the obtained PPS fibers with the same weight were compared. It was demonstrated that filtration efficiency of the obtained PPS fibers with 186 g/cm2reached up to 99.95%. This study aims to provide a new idea for green industrial manufacturing and application of electrospinning PPS nanofibers.
Rheological aspects and film processability of poly (lactic acid)/linear low‐density polyethylene blends
Authors: Singh Satpal , Ghosh Anup K. , Maiti Saurindra N. , Gupta Rahul K. , Bhattacharya Satinath
Published: October 2020

Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and Linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) were compounded in a corotating twin screw extruder. PE‐g‐glycidyl methacrylate was also added as a reactive compatibilizer in PLA/LLDPE blend system, which lowered interfacial tension between PLA and LLDPE. Blown films were prepared by using a single‐screw extruder for all compounded blends. The investigation of the rheological properties of a polymeric system is very important to study the processability and understand structure‐property relationship in blown films. In the present research work, the rheological properties have been investigated to assess the processability of blown films of PLA/LLDPE blends. Oscillatory shear rheology viscoelastic spectra showed an increase in the storage and loss moduli with the increase in LLDPE and compatibilizer content, which indicated pronounced viscoelastic behavior of PLA with the addition of LLDPE and compatibilizer. A steady increase in the value of extensional viscosity as a function of time was observed with the addition of LLDPE and compatibilizer in PLA. The blends with higher LLDPE content exhibited much more prominent strain hardening characteristics than those with lower LLDPE content.
Modification of microfibrillated cellulosic foams in a dielectric barrier discharge at atmospheric pressure
Authors: Meunier Louis‐Félix , Profili Jacopo , Babaei Sara , Asadollahi Siavash , Sarkissian Andranik , Dorris Annie , Beck Stephanie , Naudé Nicolas , Stafford Luc
Published: October 2020

This study explores the plasma‐induced modification of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) foams in a plane‐to‐plane atmospheric‐pressure dielectric barrier discharge with helium and hexamethyldisiloxane as carrier and precursor gases, with and without a gas gap. When the foam took up all of the gas gap, filamentary discharges were generated and burn‐like damage was produced. This resulted in highly inhomogeneous deposits having both hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains. MFC foams taking up only a portion of the gas gap volume generated a homogeneous discharge and induced cellulose defibrillation. They generated effective hydrophobic surfaces on both the top and bottom of the foams. Oleophilicity measurements were also carried out, which support the possibility of an effective separation of oily wastewater using a green and renewable material.
Plant genomes: Markers of evolutionary history and drivers of evolutionary change
Authors: Soltis Pamela S. , Soltis Douglas E.
Published: October 2020

Societal Impact Statement

Plant genomes hold the key to understanding the evolutionary history of plants, a lineage that goes back nearly a billion years and contains nearly half a million living species. This history—or phylogeny—is both a record of life now past and a powerful predictive tool for both basic and applied plant science. Coupled phylogenetic and genomic studies can reveal the processes by which new species arise and go extinct, and phylogenies can guide our efforts to improve crop plants, discover new medicines, and develop effective conservation strategies.

Plant genomes exhibit spectacular diversity in size, composition, and complexity, and although we suspect that this diversity is related to the equally spectacular diversity of plant form and function, this link is still poorly understood. Plant genomes carry signatures of evolutionary history, whole‐genome duplication, population processes, and more, and we are just learning how to read this historical information from appropriate genetic markers. But plant genomes are not merely chroniclers of past evolutionary change: they are dynamic, evolving entities in their own right, driving changes in plant chemistry, morphology, ecology, and more. Here, we describe how plant genomes have been harnessed for studies of plant phylogeny and diversification, with examples spanning all green plants, a clade of nearly half a million species spanning nearly a billion years of evolutionary time. Then focusing on angiosperms, we suggest how the process of whole‐genome duplication (polyploidy) has driven, and continues to drive, major innovations in morphology, stress response, and more. Together, these perspectives will begin to reveal how genomic change can lead to novelty and diversity at the organismal level. Finally, we review how little we actually know about plant genomes, given that assembled genome sequences exist for fewer than 1% of all plant species—a major shortcoming as we seek to meet societal challenges of food security, the need for new medicines, and conservation of species in response to climate change.
Pediatric asthma and COVID‐19: The known, the unknown, and the controversial
Authors: Abrams Elissa M. , Sinha Ian , Fernandes Ricardo M. , Hawcutt Daniel B.
Published: October 2020

The novel coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19), caused by the pathogen severe acute respiratory syndrome‐CoV‐2, is causing a global pandemic, with over 26.9 million cases and 880,000 deaths as of September 6, 2020. While there has been speculation and observational research about the impact of COVID‐19 on asthma, much remains unknown. The goal of this article is to provide a scoping review on pediatric asthma and COVID‐19 and summarize what we do and do not know from the first wave of the pandemic.
Multiple breath washout quality control in the clinical setting
Authors: Frauchiger Bettina S. , Carlens Julia , Herger Andreas , Moeller Alexander , Latzin Philipp , Ramsey Kathryn A.
Published: October 2020

Background

Multiple breath washout (MBW) is increasingly used in the clinical assessment of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Guidelines for MBW quality control (QC) were developed primarily for retrospective assessment and central overreading. We assessed whether real‐time QC of MBW data during the measurement improves test acceptability in the clinical setting.

Methods

We implemented standardized real‐time QC and reporting of MBW data at the time of the measurement in the clinical pediatric lung function laboratory in Bern, Switzerland, in children with CF aged 4–18 years. We assessed MBW test acceptability before (31 tests; 89 trials) and after (32 tests; 96 trials) implementation of real‐time QC and compared agreement between reviewers. Further, we assessed the implementation of real‐time QC at a secondary center in Zurich, Switzerland.

Results

Before the implementation of real‐time QC in Bern, only 58% of clinical MBW tests were deemed acceptable following retrospective QC by an experienced reviewer. After the implementation of real‐time QC, MBW test acceptability improved to 75% in Bern. In Zurich, after the implementation of real‐time QC, test acceptability improved from 38% to 70%. Further, the agreement between MBW operators and an experienced reviewer for test acceptability was 84% in Bern and 93% in Zurich.

Conclusion

Real‐time QC of MBW data at the time of measurement is feasible in the clinical setting and results in improved test acceptability.
A collection of programs for one‐dimensional Ising analysis of linear repeat proteins with point substitutions
Authors: Marold Jacob D. , Sforza Kevin , Geiger‐Schuller Kathryn , Aksel Tural , Klein Sean , Petersen Mark , Poliakova‐Georgantas Ekaterina , Barrick Doug
Published: October 2020

A collection of programs is presented to analyze the thermodynamics of folding of linear repeat proteins using a 1D Ising model to determine intrinsic folding and interfacial coupling free energies. Expressions for folding transitions are generated for a series of constructs with different repeat numbers and are globally fitted to transitions for these constructs. These programs are designed to analyze Ising parameters for capped homopolymeric consensus repeat constructs as well as heteropolymeric constructs that contain point substitutions, providing a rigorous framework for analysis of the effects of mutation on intrinsic and directional (i.e., N‐ vs. C‐terminal) interfacial coupling free‐energies. A bootstrap analysis is provided to estimate parameter uncertainty as well as correlations among fitted parameters. Rigorous statistical analysis is essential for interpreting fits using the complex models required for Ising analysis of repeat proteins, especially heteropolymeric repeat proteins. Programs described here are available at https://github.com/barricklab-at-jhu/Ising_programs.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus‐2 spike (S) protein based vaccine candidates: State of the art and future prospects
Authors: Arashkia Arash , Jalilvand Somayeh , Mohajel Nasir , Afchangi Atefeh , Azadmanesh Kayhan , Salehi‐Vaziri Mostafa , Fazlalipour Mehdi , Pouriayevali Mohammad Hassan , Jalali Tahmineh , Mousavi Nasab Seyed Dawood , Roohvand Farzin , Shoja Zabihollah ,   for the SARS CoV‐2 Rapid Response Team of Pasteur Institute of Iran (PII)
Published: October 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid‐19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) which is responsible for a global pandemic that started in late 2019 in Wuhan, China. To prevent the worldwide spread of this highly pathogenic virus, development of an effective and safe vaccine is urgently needed. The SARS‐CoV‐2 and SARS‐CoV share a high degree of genetic and pathologic identity and share safety and immune‐enhancement concerns regarding vaccine development. Prior animal studies with first generation (whole virus‐based) preparations of SARS‐CoV vaccines (inactivated and attenuated vaccine modalities) indicated the possibility of increased infectivity or eosinophilic infiltration by immunization. Therefore, development of second and third generation safer vaccines (by using modern vaccine platforms) is actively sought for this viral infection. The spike (S) protein of SARS‐CoVs is the main determinant of cell entry and tropism and is responsible for facilitating zoonosis into humans and sustained person‐to‐person transmission. Furthermore, ‘S’ protein contains multiple neutralizing epitopes that play an essential role in the induction of neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) and protective immunity. Moreover, T‐cell responses against the SARS‐CoV‐2 ‘S’ protein have also been characterized that correlate to the IgG and IgA antibody titres in Covid‐19 patients. Thus, S protein is an obvious candidate antigen for inclusion into vaccine platforms against SARS‐CoV‐2 viral infection. This manuscript reviews different characteristics of S protein, its potency and ‘state of the art’ of the vaccine development strategies and platforms using this antigen, for construction of a safe and effective SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine.
New results on explicit adaptive control design for nonlinear systems with polynomial conditions
Authors: Liu Zhen‐Guo , Xue Lingrong , Sun Zong‐Yao
Published: October 2020

This paper discusses the adaptive control problem for a class of nonlinear systems with polynomial growing conditions. By introducing a Lyapunov function which carries the quadratic terms and higher‐order terms of the transformed variables and constructing an appropriate dynamic gain, a new control strategy is presented to design an adaptive controller using only one parameter estimation. Compared with the existing results, the presented method avoids the over‐parameterization and significantly simplifies the control design. A modified version of the method which adopts no parameter estimation is also provided. It shows that all the signals of the closed‐loop system are bounded and the solution of the original system converges to zero. A simulation example is given to show the validness of the method.
Advances in preclinical hematopoietic stem cell models and possible implications for improving therapeutic transplantation
Authors: Fraint Ellen , Ulloa Bianca A. , Feliz Norberto María , Potts Kathryn S. , Bowman Teresa V.
Published: October 2020

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a treatment for many malignant, congenital, and acquired hematologic diseases. Some outstanding challenges in the HSCT field include the paucity of immunologically-matched donors, our inability to effectively expand hematopoeitic stem cells (HSCs) ex vivo, and the high infection risk during engraftment. Scientists are striving to develop protocols to generate, expand, and maintain HSCs ex vivo, however these are not yet ready for clinical application. Given these problems, advancing our understanding of HSC specification, regulation, and differentiation in preclinical models is essential to improve the therapeutic utility of HSCT. In this review, we link biomedical researchers and transplantation clinicians by discussing the potential therapeutic implications of recent fundamental HSC research in model organisms. We consider deficiencies in current HSCT practice, such as problems achieving adequate cell dose for successful and rapid engraftment, immense inflammatory cascade activation after myeloablation, and graft-vs-host disease. Furthermore, we discuss recent advances in the field of HSC biology and transplantation made in preclinical models of zebrafish, mouse, and nonhuman primates that could inform emerging practice for clinical application.
Reversed‐phase chiral high‐performance liquid chromatography method for separation of abacavir sulfate enantiomer in drug substance
Authors: Ramesh Ch. , Rama devi Dharmasoth , Srinivas MNB. , Rajana Nagaraju , Krishna S. Radha , Basavaiah K.
Published: October 2020

For separation of abacavir sulfate enantiomers, normal phase chiral methods were reported. Handling of normal phase solvents for high‐performance liquid chromatography is very difficult in quality control laboratories and also no reversed phase‐chiral high‐performance liquid chromatography method for separation of abacavir sulfate enantiomer in drug substance has been reported. A new and accurate isocratic reversed phase‐chiral high‐performance liquid chromatography method was developed and validated for the separation of abacavir sulfate undesired enantiomer in abacavir. The separation achieved on amylose derivative chiral column, i.e. chiralpak AD‐H containing amylose tris‐3,5‐dimethyl phenyl carbamate using 0.1% triethylamine in a mixture of water, methanol, and acetonitrile as a mobile phase. The correlation coefficient values were 0.998 and 0.997 for the undesired enantiomer and the desired enantiomer of abacavir sulfate, respectively. The limit of detection was 0.01% and the limit of quantification was 0.03%. The precision enantiomer at limit of quantification level was evaluated through six replicate injections and the relative standard deviation of the peak response achieved is 2.5. The percentage recoveries of undesired enantiomer from abacavir sulfate drug substance were from 96.7 to 118.0%. The drug substance was subjected to stress studies. It was found to not degrade significantly under acidic, hydrolysis, and oxidative stress conditions.
”Effet Wow“ cantilever structure at Bridge, Orange's headquarters
Authors: de Sousa da Costa Lopes Adriano Alves , Simões Breda Ricardo André , da Silva Gonçalves Sílvio Daniel
Published: October 2020

Nominated for the Professor Eduardo de Arantes e Oliveira Award at XII Conference on Steel and Composite
Construction in Coimbra 2019

Orange's new headquarters, Bridge, is under construction in suburban Paris. This is a project designed to centralize the company's services and its 3000 employees, who are currently scattered throughout the city. The architectural concept is unique and comprise complex forms that are highly dependent on the structural design. The building is mostly precast concrete, with several steel structures used to support the most structurally challenging areas. One of these is a two‐level roof cantilever. This article examines some of the technical challenges faced by the project team as well as the peculiarities inherent in this composite steel structure.
Analysis of fatigue test data to reassess EN 1993‐1‐9 detail categories
Authors: Bartsch Helen , Drebenstedt Karl , Seyfried Benjamin , Feldmann Markus , Kuhlmann Ulrike , Ummenhofer Thomas
Published: October 2020

This paper addresses the assessment of fatigue details according to EN 1993‐1‐9, which form the basis of the most important fatigue verification, the nominal stress approach. First of all, a suitable statistical methodology had to be defined for consistent detail classification. A structured database on the MySQL platform serves as a basis for the evaluation of the detail categories. In addition to fatigue test data documented in the background document to EN 1993‐1‐9, this database also includes new test data provided by the authors. After selecting the most meaningful test data, important details, such as longitudinal welds, were reassessed. In addition, the authors carried out fatigue tests in connection with numerical simulations in order to be able to evaluate the fatigue strength with better accuracy. The results so far show that the details analysed often prove to have a higher fatigue strength than currently documented in EN 1993‐1‐9.
“It's a lot of people in different places working on many ideas”: Possibilities from global history of science to Learning about nature of science
Authors: Gandolfi Haira Emanuela
Published: October 2020

This article describes a teaching experience at an year 8 classroom (students aged 12–13) in a state secondary school in London, UK that aimed at widening learning about nature of science (NOS) with the input from the field of Global History of Science (HOS), which looks at science as a product of material and cognitive exchanges, appropriations and collaborations. Teaching and learning plans (TLPs) informed by this historical framework were developed by the researcher and one science teacher to integrate NOS teaching into fours topics from the national science curriculum in England (Medicines, Magnetism, Evolution, and Earth's resources). These TLPs were taught by the participant teacher to his year 8 classroom (26 boys and girls of mixed‐abilities) throughout one school year, and the researcher investigated the impact of the global HOS framework on widening students' views about NOS. Data were collated with the help of students' NOS diaries, group mind maps, classroom observations, and an open‐ended NOS questionnaire applied at the start and end of the school year, complemented by participant students' grades in their end‐of‐year exam. Main findings point to the widening of participant students' views about NOS and, more specifically, about underexplored relevant social‐institutional aspects of scientific development, such as diversity and intercultural collaborations and exchanges, exploitation of natural resources, financial, ethical, and political aspects around scientific work. Students were also generally successful in re‐applying NOS ideas explored in one TLP to other TLPs and scientific contexts, hinting to the importance of employing overarching narratives (such those promoted by Global HOS), linking different scientific development, when planning the integration of NOS into the school science. Results also show that NOS was integrated into content teaching without negative effects in students' exam grades.