bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the evolution of China's tourism industry performance: An internal–external framework
Authors: Wei Min , Peng Qian , Chen Ming‐Hsiang , Su Ching‐Hui (Joan)
Published: February 2020

This study traces the evolution of China's tourism industry performance. It uses an internal–external framework to evaluate external factors from the macroperspective and microperspective and examines internal factors through a supply and demand standard. We apply a variable coefficient system to optimize the index system and produce a measurement model consisting of 14 indicators, weighing the significance of each indicator via information entropy. Findings from the empirical analysis indicate that substitution and complementary indicators influence the evolution of the tourism industry, suggesting that the synergy effect of various factors should be investigated as the tourism industry continues to mature.
Usefulness of the Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System in Diagnosing Focal Liver Lesions by Inexperienced Radiologists
Authors: Wang Jia‐Yu , Feng Shao‐Yang , Xu Jian‐Wei , Li Jun , Chu Liang , Cui Xin‐Wu , Dietrich Christoph F.
Published: February 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the usefulness of the contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI‐RADS) in diagnosing focal liver lesions (FLLs) by inexperienced radiologists.

Methods

Images and clinical data from 258 patients at risk for hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent CEUS were collected retrospectively. Two trained inexperienced radiologists and 2 experienced radiologists reviewed all CEUS clips. Each inexperienced radiologist assigned a CEUS LI‐RADS category for each observation and labeled it benign or malignant independently. Each experienced radiologist labeled each lesion malignant or benign independently using a conventional diagnostic method. Interobserver agreement of CEUS LI‐RADS was analyzed by the κ test. The overall diagnostic accuracy of the LI‐RADS category and conventional diagnosis was described by the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. All test results were considered significant at P < .05.

Results

A κ value of 0.774 indicated that the CEUS LI‐RADS algorithm resulted in substantial consistency between the inexperienced radiologists. For the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were improved significantly in inexperienced radiologists using the CEUS LI‐RADS compared to conventional methods. The overall diagnostic accuracy of the experienced radiologists was almost equal to that of CEUS LI‐RADS categories assigned by the inexperienced radiologists.

Conclusions

The CEUS LI‐RADS algorithm can not only obtain substantial consistency among inexperienced radiologists but also have excellent diagnostic efficacy in the differentiation of benign from malignant FLLs compared to conventional methods. As a comprehensive algorithm, the CEUS LI‐RADS can act as a guide for trainees in learning how to diagnose FLLs.
Readability of Patient‐Reported Outcome Measures for Head and Neck Oncology
Authors: Lee Saangyoung E. , Farzal Zainab , Ebert Charles S. , Zanation Adam M.
Published: February 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

Patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) are communication tools to help patients convey their disease experience to medical providers and guide management decisions. However, the utility of healthcare outcome measures is dependent on patient literacy and readability of PROMs. If written for a more advanced literacy level, they can misestimate symptoms and add significant barriers to care, especially in the underserved. However, readability of head and neck (H&N) oncology PROMs has not been assessed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the readability of H&N oncology PROMs to assess whether they meet recommended readability levels.

Study Design

Bibliometric review.

Methods

Three readability measures: Gunning Fog, Simple Measure of Gobbledygook, and FORCAST were used to evaluate the readability level of commonly used H&N PROMs. PROMs with sixth grade readability level or lower were considered to meet the recommendations of health literacy experts.

Results

Eight H&N oncology PROMs were reviewed. None of H&N PROMs met health literacy experts' and National Institutes of Health recommended reading levels. Gunning Fog consistently estimated easiest readability and FORCAST the most difficult.

Conclusions

PROMs are important clinical tools that drive patient‐centric care in H&N oncology. All H&N PROMs are written above recommended reading levels and do not meet suggested standards. Future PROMs should be written with easier readability to accurately convey patients' H&N oncology disease experiences.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 2020
Solvent‐Free Generation of Foamed Microcapillary Films with a Dual Network of Interconnected Pores and Internal Channels
Authors: Zhao Jianxiang , Xu Zhongbin , Zheng Suxia , Liu Cong , Liu Junfeng , Pei Hao
Published: February 2020

A dual‐pore network is favored in applications such as tissue engineering scaffolds. In this paper, foamed microcapillary films (FMCFs) are prepared based on a poly(lactic acid)/poly(butylene succinate) blend using melt extrusion and batch foaming with supercritical carbon dioxide. Such films are characterized by multiple hollow microcapillaries (diameter of 100–360 µm) connected with cells (size of 3–194 µm, open‐cell content of over 80%) within the scaffold. By plugging the ends of the MCF before foaming, the formation of a solid skin layer is successfully avoided. Furthermore, the diameter of the microcapillaries of an FMCF can be adjusted using the designed foaming strategy. The effects of the foaming condition on the FMCF foaming behavior are also investigated. When other conditions are fixed, the foaming behavior changes dramatically when the foaming temperature changes within the range of 120–123 °C.
Olfactory priming on consumer categorization, recall, and choice
Authors: De Luca Ramona , Botelho Delane
Published: February 2020

Consumer choices are mostly regulated by pleasurable experiences that arise outside of the individuals' awareness in response to sensory attributes. This research examines the unconscious mechanism underlying consumers' behavior in response to odors applying the priming approach. Five experiments show that individuals' responses to odors involve two mechanisms, one affective (affective priming) and one associative (semantic priming) that impact consumers' categorization, recall, and choice. We found that when individuals perceive an odor as pleasant, their memory for odor‐congruent brand logos (Experiment 1), and categorization of odor‐congruent visual objects (Experiment 2) is improved. Unpleasant odors, instead, improve the categorization of odor‐congruent visual objects only when they are made salient (Experiments 3 and 4). A pleasant odor diffused in the environment also drives consumers toward odor‐congruent choices (Experiment 5), providing evidence that the incidental exposure to odors may induce affective and semantic associations with unrelated objects and behaviors. We also demonstrate that olfactory cues might be more effective than other modality (visual) stimuli to drive consumer responses. An implication for marketing is that odors employed in retail settings not only may induce an experience of pleasure but also promote specific consumer responses, such as categorization, recall, and choice.
Magnetorheological Elastomer Composites: The Influence of Iron Particle Distribution on the Surface Morphology
Authors: Samal Sneha , Kolinova Marcela , Blanco Ignazio , Poggetto Giovanni Dal , Catauro Michelina
Published: February 2020

Iron particles ranging from 50 to 150 µm are incorporated in an elastomer matrix to obtain magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) composites, aiming to investigate their effects on the surface morphology. The isotropic and anisotropic distribution of fillers are estimated in MRE composites. A simulation analysis is carried out to predict the particle distribution in MRE composites, and a correlation between the experimental observation and simulation analysis is established. The volume fraction of 30 vol% is chosen as the optimal quantity for the filler amount in elastomer composite.
New Proposed Method for the Analysis of Biomaterials in Foot Insoles
Authors: Braun Barbu Cristian , Drugă Corneliu Nicolae , Şerban Ionel , Necula Necula
Published: February 2020

In this paper, a stage of a research activity in the orthopedic field for testing modern materials composing foot insoles at different tasks, such as simulating walking, running, orthostatic position, or sitting, is described. This stage concerns the testing of five samples of materials taken from five patterns of inlets, subject to a degradation process, over different time periods. The degradation process consists of subjecting the immersed samples to a 15–20% saline solution at static loads of about 400 N. The salinity percentage is established so that the solution obtained is similar to that of sweat, which occurs especially in the warm season while wearing the shoes. The exposure to degradation times is established at 3 and 7 days, respectively. The main aspects are the degree of compaction and the degree of deformation of the samples, as a result of maintaining different times in degradation conditions.
AFM Studies of Chitosan, Gold‐Chitosan, and Silver‐Chitosan Films Morphology
Authors: Rubina Margarita , Elmanovich Igor , Vasil'kov Alexander
Published: February 2020

Atomic force microscopy is used in this work as a primary tool for investigating chitosan‐based films morphology. Chitosan films casted from chitosan solutions in acetic acid of various concentrations, as well as gold‐ and silver‐containing chitosan films, are studied. Chitosan films are revealed to be composed of globular‐like structures with 20–80 nm lateral sizes. At a higher chitosan concentration, a tendency is observed for these globular‐like structures to be organized in fibril‐like “strands.” The presence of metal does not seem to affect the general structure of chitosan‐based films.
Composite Material Cracks Detection Using a Self‐Interference Long Period Grating Fiber Sensor
Authors: Savastru Dan , Baschir Laurentiu , Miclos Sorin , Savastru Roxana , Lancranjan Ion
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this paper is to present a new method of detecting cracks that appear in the polymer matrix of a smart composite material using a self‐interference long period grating (SILPG) fiber sensor setup. Strain and torsion deformations of the polymer matrix induced by the cracks effects on SILPG are exploited for crack detection. Different other features of the crack mechanism that induce a change in the SILPG status and response are identified. The response of SILPG fiber sensor under host composite material host crack action is investigated and simulated for defining the functional limits of the composite material. SILPG fiber sensor is considered as embedded in polymer matrix of composite material. SILPG is operated as the signal source of the smart composite material feedback loop.
Polymer Optical Fibers for Sensing
Authors: Cennamo Nunzio , Zeni Luigi
Published: February 2020

Sensing techniques based on optical fibers are used in numerous key fields. For example, optical fiber sensors are exploited in medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, physical parameters detection, industrial applications, food safety, and security. In fact, optical fiber sensors are used for their numerous capabilities, as for example when in the detection fast, portable, low‐cost, small size, and/or rugged sensor systems are needed. In general, the optical fiber for sensing applications can be a glass one, a specialty one, or a polymer one. Polymer optical fibers (POFs) are especially advantageous due to their excellent flexibility, easy manipulation, large diameter, resilience, and the fact that plastic is able to withstand smaller bend radii than glass. These POF sensors, intrinsic and extrinsic, combined with different kinds of receptors can be directly connected to an online platform by interface software, allowing storing, analyzing, and displaying the sensor's data, to realize low‐cost biochemical sensors for several applications. In this work, two plasmonic POF sensors, one intrinsic and another one extrinsic, that can be used in biochemical applications are described.
Spectroscopic, Thermal Analysis and Bioactivity Study of New Ferrous Citrate Based Materials Prepared by Sol–Gel Method
Authors: Ciprioti Stefano Vecchio , Naviglio Daniele , Gallo Monica , Barrino Federico , Catauro Michelina
Published: February 2020

The aim of this work is the development of a system able to release ferrous ions in a controlled manner. An interesting alternative to a systemic therapy can be the use of controlled drug release for medical applications. Starting from iron powder and citric acid, ferrous citrate (Fe(II)C) is synthesized by a redox reaction between these two. The confirmation that only Fe(II)C is obtained by redox reaction is shown from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), 1,10‐phenanthroline and sodium thiocyanate colorimetric experiments. Fe(II)C is embedded within a SiO2 matrix in different weight percentage by means of a sol–gel route. The presence of Fe(II)C in the silica matrix is confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy and thermogravimetry assays. Furthermore, these two techniques are used to investigate the thermal behavior of the above‐mentioned sol–gel materials. The bioactivity test carried out by soaking the synthesized complex delivery systems in a simulated body fluid shows that the biological properties of the silica matrix are not modified by the presence of Fe(II)C.
Validation of a Numerical Fluid Flow Analysis for a Helicopter Tail Rotor Blade Using a Subsonic Wind Tunnel
Authors: Voicu Andrei Daniel , Hadăr Anton , Vlăsceanu Daniel
Published: February 2020

In the study of the aerodynamic load applied by the air on the rotating helicopter blade, it is important to know that the values obtained from the numerical analysis are as close to reality as possible, within an acceptable limit. Therefore, in order to realize and obtain a pertinent result from a structural analysis, based on pressure loads obtained from the airflow surrounding the blade, it is important that the fluid flow results are certified by comparison with experimental result. In order to achieve this purpose, the tail rotor blade of the Romanian Air Force IAR330 helicopter has been modeled using Ansys Workbench and by using Fluid Flow, the values of the pressures on the main blade surfaces have been determined. The experimental values of the aerodynamic pressure have been determined using a 1:1 scale model of the blade, placed in the subsonic aerodynamic wind tunnel at INCAS Bucharest.
Thermo‐Mechanical Investigation on an Automotive Engine Encapsulation System Made of Fiberglass Reinforced Polyamide PA6 GF30 Material
Authors: Caputo Francesco , Lamanna Giuseppe , De Luca Alessandro , Armentani Enrico
Published: February 2020

This paper deals with technological solutions of innovative engine encapsulation systems for automotive. The aim of this device is to insulate acoustically and thermally the engine from the environment, in order to keep its temperature higher for more hours after it has been switched off. If the engine is subsequently started within this interval, the higher temperature involving the lubricating oil will allow reducing its viscosity, resulting in a lower level of energy dissipation due to friction losses, a lower fuel consumption and, consequently, a lower CO2 emission level. In this paper, a finite element model is carried out in order to investigate on the thermo‐mechanical behavior of the proposed engine encapsulation system.
Design of a Bamboo Treadmill Bicycle Main Frame
Authors: Perfetto Donato , Lamanna Giuseppe , Sepe Raffaele , De Luca Alessandro
Published: February 2020

In the present work, a preliminary design of an eco‐sustainable bamboo electric treadmill bike is carried out. It is a new means of transport with zero environmental impact that also allows to overcome the main disadvantage of the indoor training. Bamboo, as an eco‐friendly material, has great potential as construction material for bike frames because it represents an alternative for more traditional materials such as steel, aluminum, and composite. A finite element model of the designed prototype is developed and then validated using Abaqus commercial code following the UNI EN 14764 static standard. Numerical analyses show good structural behavior of the designed frame in compliance with the regulations.
BMI‐Based Coupling Agent to Improve Adhesion in Self‐Healing Composites
Authors: Iacono Stefania Dello , Amendola Eugenio , Martone Alfonso
Published: February 2020

Recently, the availability of thermo‐reversible epoxies is interesting for research and industry due to its implication in the implementation of the next generation of advanced materials. However, fiber‐reinforced composites made with self‐healing epoxies have lower performances than commercial products. Therefore, the availability of a suitable treatment to improve the adhesion between fiber and matrix will compensate the lack of performances experienced in thermo‐reversible composites. Here, a route for decorating dry commercial preform with bismaleimide (BMI) is presented in order to promote the adhesion between matrix and reinforcement. The grafting of BMI on the glass support is measured by means of contact angle. The interfacial strength between fiber and resin is measured by micro‐droplet pull‐out test. The BMI‐based coupling agent leads to a 92% increase in interfacial strength for a self‐healing system.
LncRNA NEAT1/miR‐185‐5p/IGF2 axis regulates the invasion and migration of colon cancer
Authors: Zhuang Shu‐tong , Cai Yan‐juan , Liu Hong‐peng , Qin Ying , Wen Jian‐feng
Published: February 2020

Background

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) are important in the growth and metastasis of colon cancer. The objective of this study was to describe the potential role of lncRNA NEAT1 in the progression of colon cancer.

Methods

Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction was used for detecting NEAT1, miR‐185‐5p, and IGF2 in colon cancer cells and tissues. The potential diagnostic value of NEAT1 in colon cancer was analyzed with the receiver operating characteristic curve. Kaplan–Meier method was applied for evaluating the association between NEAT1 expression and the overall survival of osteosarcoma patients, whereas Transwell assay was introduced to examine the potential invasion and migration of colon cancer cells. In addition, the binding of NEAT1/IGF2 to miR‐185‐5p was confirmed by RNA pull‐down and RNA‐binding protein immunoprecipitation assays and dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay. Finally, rescue experiments were conducted to confirm the role of NEAT1/miR‐185‐5p/IGF2 axis in colon cancer.

Results

Colon cancer patients with low NEAT1 expression presented with longer overall survival than those with high expression. The migration and invasion of colon cancer cells were considerably promoted by overexpressed NEAT1. Both NEAT1 and IGF2 bound to miR‐185‐5p.

Conclusion

NEAT1 upregulate IGF2 expression through absorbing miR‐185‐5p to enhances the migration and invasion of colon cancer cells.
MicroRNA‐150 serves as a diagnostic biomarker and is involved in the inflammatory pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Li Haiting , Yu Ling , Li Min , Chen Xiaohui , Tian Qun , Jiang Yanyan , Li Nan
Published: February 2020

Background

Dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been reported to be involved in the neuroinflammatory pathogenesis of PD. This study aimed to investigate the serum expression of microRNA‐150 (miR‐150) in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and further uncover the regulatory effect of miR‐150 on neuroinflammation.

Methods

Quantitative Real‐Time PCR was used to measure the expression of miR‐150. A receiver operating characteristic curve was applied to evaluate the diagnostic value of miR‐150. The effect of miR‐150 on neuroinflammation was analyzed by examining its correlation with proinflammatory cytokines and gain‐of‐function experiments in microglia treated with LPS.

Results

Serum miR‐150 expression was downregulated in PD patients compared with the healthy controls, and served as a candidate diagnostic biomarker for the screening of PD cases. Negative correlation was found between miR‐150 levels and the levels of procytokines in PD patients. By the treatment of LPS, microglia BV2 cells had a reduced expression of miR‐150, and the enhanced neuroinflammatory responses were inhibited by the overexpression of miR‐150. AKT3 was verified as a target of miR‐150 in BV2 cells.

Conclusion

All the data of this study revealed that the decreased serum miR‐150 serves as a potential diagnostic biomarker. The methods to increase miR‐150 expression may have a beneficial effect in PD via suppressing the neuroinflammation by targeting AKT3.
Assessing Graph‐based Deep Learning Models for Predicting Flash Point
Authors: Sun Xiaoyu , Krakauer Nathaniel J. , Politowicz Alexander , Chen Wei‐Ting , Li Qiying , Li Zuoyi , Shao Xianjia , Sunaryo Alfred , Shen Mingren , Wang James , Morgan Dane
Published: February 2020

Flash points of organic molecules play an important role in preventing flammability hazards and large databases of measured values exist, although millions of compounds remain unmeasured. To rapidly extend existing data to new compounds many researchers have used quantitative structure‐property relationship (QSPR) analysis to effectively predict flash points. In recent years graph‐based deep learning (GBDL) has emerged as a powerful alternative method to traditional QSPR. In this paper, GBDL models were implemented in predicting flash point for the first time. We assessed the performance of two GBDL models, message‐passing neural network (MPNN) and graph convolutional neural network (GCNN), by comparing against 12 previous QSPR studies using more traditional methods. Our result shows that MPNN both outperforms GCNN and yields slightly worse but comparable performance with previous QSPR studies. The average
and Mean Absolute Error (MAE) scores of MPNN are, respectively, 2.3 % lower and 2.0 K higher than previous comparable studies. To further explore GBDL models, we collected the largest flash point dataset to date, which contains 10575 unique molecules. The optimized MPNN gives a test data
of 0.803 and MAE of 17.8 K on the complete dataset. We also extracted 5 datasets from our integrated dataset based on molecular types (acids, organometallics, organogermaniums, organosilicons, and organotins) and explore the quality of the model in these classes.
Dose indicator for CyberKnife image‐guided radiation therapy
Authors: Moeckli Raphaël , Baillod Antoine , Gibellieri Dora , Conrad Mireille , Marsolat Fanny , Schiappacasse Luis , Jumeau Raphaël , Jeanneret‐Sozzi Wendy , Bourhis Jean , Bochud François O. , Germond Jean‐François
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to calculate dose distributions from CyberKnife image‐guided radiation therapy (IGRT) for brain, H&N, lung, and pelvis treatment regions and use them to extract the corresponding effective dose and estimate‐related risk.

Methods

We developed a CyberKnife IGRT kV beam model in a standard treatment planning system and validated it against measurements in heterogeneous phantoms. Five brain, five head and neck, five thorax, and 10 (five male and five female) pelvis patient computed tomographies (CTs) were contoured. The dose distribution resulting from different CyberKnife IGRT protocols was calculated. From them, the effective dose was calculated according to ICRP publication Nr 103, using the average dose to contoured organs. The corresponding risk factors were calculated. Entrance surface dose (ESD) was also calculated and compared with existing data.

Results

The maximum effective dose produced by CyberKnife IGRT protocols was 0.8 mSv (brain), 1.9 mSv (H&N), 20.2 (pelvis), and 42.4 mSv (thorax) per fraction for a risk estimate of 0.004% (brain), 0.01% (H&N), 0.1% (pelvis), and 0.2% (thorax). Calculated ESD were compatible with existing data.

Conclusions

Dose calculation models for CyberKnife IGRT kV beams were implemented in a clinical treatment planning system and validated in water and heterogeneous phantoms. We determined the effective dose and the related risk estimate resulting from CyberKnife IGRT protocols for brain, head and neck, thorax, and pelvis cases. The effective doses calculated for CyberKnife IGRT protocols were similar to those obtained for cone beam CT protocols on conventional C‐arm linear accelerators, except for extreme irradiation conditions for thorax cases (140 kV X‐ray tube tension).
Reproducibility of motor unit number index and MScanFit motor unit number estimation across intrinsic hand muscles
Authors: Higashihara Mana , Menon Parvathi , van den Bos Mehdi , Pavey Nathan , Vucic Steve
Published: February 2020

Introduction

We sought to evaluate the reproducibility of the motor unit number index (MUNIX) and MScanFit motor unit number estimation (MScan) when recording was performed over intrinsic hand muscles.

Methods

The compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude, MUNIX, and MScan were measured from the abductor pollicis brevis (APB), first dorsal interosseous (FDI), and abductor digit minimi (ADM) muscles from 15 healthy volunteers on three different occasions.

Results

The reproducibility of CMAP amplitudes was excellent, with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) of 0.86 (APB), 0.90 (FDI), and 0.96 (ADM). Motor unit number index (ICCAPB 0.73, ICCFDI 0.85, ICCADM 0.85) and MScan (ICCAPB 0.86, ICCFDI 0.83, ICCADM 0.81) were highly reproducible across the three muscles. There were no significant correlations between MUNIX and MScan coefficients of variation (CV) and CMAP amplitude CVs.

Discussion

Reproducibility of MUNIX and MScan was not significantly different across the intrinsic hand muscles and was independent of CMAP amplitude variability.
Atlas‐based GABA mapping with 3D MEGA‐MRSI: Cross‐correlation to single‐voxel MRS
Authors: Ma Ruoyun E. , Murdoch James B. , Bogner Wolfgang , Andronesi Ovidiu , Dydak Ulrike
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this work is to develop and validate a new atlas‐based metabolite quantification pipeline for edited magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MEGA‐MRSI) that enables group comparisons of brain structure‐specific GABA levels. By using brain structure masks segmented from high‐resolution MPRAGE images and coregistering these to MEGA‐LASER 3D MRSI data, an automated regional quantification of neurochemical levels is demonstrated for the example of the thalamus. Thalamic gamma‐aminobutyric acid + coedited macromolecules (GABA+) levels from 21 healthy subjects scanned at 3 T were cross‐validated both against a single‐voxel MEGA‐PRESS acquisition in the same subjects and same scan sessions, as well as alternative MRSI processing techniques (ROI approach, four‐voxel approach) using Pearson correlation analysis. In addition, reproducibility was compared across the MRSI processing techniques in test–retest data from 14 subjects. The atlas‐based approach showed a significant correlation with SV MEGA‐PRESS (correlation coefficient r [GABA+] = 0.63, P < 0.0001). However, the actual values for GABA+, NAA, tCr, GABA+/tCr and tNAA/tCr obtained from the atlas‐based approach showed an offset to SV MEGA‐PRESS levels, likely due to the fact that on average the thalamus mask used for the atlas‐based approach only occupied 30% of the SVS volume, ie, somewhat different anatomies were sampled. Furthermore, the new atlas‐based approach showed highly reproducible GABA+/tCr values with a low median coefficient of variance of 6.3%. In conclusion, the atlas‐based metabolite quantification approach enables a more brain structure‐specific comparison of GABA+ and other neurochemical levels across populations, even when using an MRSI technique with only cm‐level resolution. This approach was successfully cross‐validated against the typically used SVS technique as well as other different MRSI analysis methods, indicating the robustness of this quantification approach.
A residual a posteriori error estimate for partition of unity finite elements for three‐dimensional transient heat diffusion problems using multiple global enrichment functions
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad , Gimperlein Heiko , Laghrouche Omar , Alam Khurshid , Shadi Mohamed M. , Abid Muhammad
Published: February 2020

In this article, a study of residual based a posteriori error estimation is presented for the partition of unity finite element method (PUFEM) for three‐dimensional (3D) transient heat diffusion problems. The proposed error estimate is independent of the heuristically selected enrichment functions and provides a useful and reliable upper bound for the discretization errors of the PUFEM solutions. Numerical results show that the presented error estimate efficiently captures the effect ofh‐refinement andq‐refinement on the performance of PUFEM solutions. It also efficiently reflects the effect of ill‐conditioning of the stiffness matrix that is typically experienced in the partition of unity based finite element methods. For a problem with a known exact solution, the error estimate is shown to capture the same solution trends as obtained by the classicalL2norm error. For problems with no known analytical solutions, the proposed estimate is shown to be used as a reliable and efficient tool to predict the numerical errors in the PUFEM solutions of 3D transient heat diffusion problems.
A novel neural network discrete‐time optimal control design for nonlinear time‐delay systems using adaptive critic designs
Authors: Liang Yuling , Zhang Huaguang , Zhang Kun , Wang Rui
Published: February 2020

In this article, a novel neural network (NN) optimal control approach using adaptive critic designs is developed for nonlinear discrete‐time (DT) systems with time delays. First, to eliminate the delay term of control input, a time‐delay matrix function is developed by designing a M network. Furthermore, the cost function is approximated by the critic NN, and the control signal can be obtained directly by using the information of critic NN according to the equilibrium condition. In addition, to shorten the learning time and reduce the computational burden in the control process, a novel control strategy with less adjustable parameters for the time‐delay DT nonlinear systems is proposed in this article, in which the norm of the weight estimations of critic NN is updated to generate a novel long‐term performance function. The proposed control algorithm using adaptive critic designs has the advantage of reducing adaptive learning parameters and lessening calculative burden. The Lyapunov stability analysis shows that the time‐delay DT controlled systems can be uniformly ultimately bounded stable. Finally, three simulations are presented to demonstrate the control performance of the developed
method.
Novel low‐dielectric‐constant fluorine‐functionalized polysulfone with outstanding comprehensive properties
Authors: Pu Zejun , Zheng Xiaoyi , Xia Jialing , Zhong Jiachun
Published: February 2020

In this work, a series of fluorine‐functionalized polysulfone (F‐PSU) copolymers with intrinsic low dielectric constants (low ε) are reported, which are derived from the polycondensation reaction of 4,4′‐dichlorophenyl sulfone with bisphenol A and bisphenol F (BPF) compounds. The resulting F‐PSU copolymers show high glass transition temperatures (Tg) varying from 187 to 201 °C and are thermally stable up to 500 °C under an N2 atmosphere. The introduction of BPF units into the PSU copolymers imparts enhanced hydrophobic properties to the F‐PSU films with increased water contact angle values from 66.2° to 93.7°. Moreover, the dielectric constant and dielectric loss of the F‐PSU (sample V) film are as low as 2.2 and 0.003 at 1 kHz, respectively. Interestingly, the dielectric properties are relatively stable to near the glass transition temperature, which is because of the existence of BPF structures in the molecular backbone. Furthermore, the F‐PSU copolymers are soluble in common solvents and can be readily fabricated into flexible transparent films by the spin casting method. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Registration of upland cotton cultivar ‘Acala 1517‐20’ resistant to Fusarium wilt race 4
Authors: Zhang Jinfa
Published: February 2020

The New Mexico Agricultural Experiment Station announces the release of an upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutumL.) cultivar ‘Acala 1517‐20’ (Reg. no. CV‐142, PI 691836). Acala 1517‐20 was derived from a single plant selection in a biparental cross between an unreleased upland line NM 010368 and a Chinese cultivar ‘Jimian 958’ that is resistant to Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporumf. sp.vasinfectum, FOV) race 7. Acala 1517‐20 is moderately resistant to FOV race 4 (FOV4), similar to ‘Pima DP 358 RF’, based on vascular root staining and growth vigor in the field in California and foliar disease severity ratings in the greenhouse in New Mexico. This new cultivar was tested in nine replicated field trials in New Mexico in 2008–2017 and in 20 tests in 14 locations across 12 states in 2016–2017. Acala 1517‐20 yielded similarly to the high‐yielding Acala cotton cultivars, including ‘Acala 1517‐99W’, ‘Acala 1517‐16 B2RF’, and ‘Acala 1517‐08’, and the Acala‐type transgenic commercial cultivars, including ‘PHY 725 RF’, ‘PHY 755 WRF’, ‘PHY 764 WRF’, and ‘FM 2322 GL’, but yielded lower than ‘FM 1830 GLT’. Compared with Acala 1517‐08, Acala 1517‐20 had higher lint percentage, lower boll and seed weight, and lower short fiber content. Acala 1517‐20 was susceptible to four races of bacterial blight and Alternaria leaf spot. It is recommended for regions where Acala cotton is grown in the presence of FOV4. It will also provide a new source of resistance to FOV4.
Image analysis of shatter and pinning events on hard‐to‐wet leaf surfaces by drops containing surfactant
Authors: Huet Olivier DY , Massinon Mathieu , De Cock Nicolas , Forster W Alison , Zabkiewicz Jerzy A , Pethiyagoda Ravindra , Moroney Timothy J , Lebeau Frederic , McCue Scott W
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

A key challenge for developing computer models of spray retention by plants is to accurately predict how spray drops behave when impacting leaf surfaces. One poorly understood outcome occurs when drops bounce or shatter on impact but leave behind a proportion of the liquid on the surface (designated as pinning). This process is studied via impaction experiments with two hard‐to‐wet leaf surfaces (fat‐hen: Chenopodium album and barnyard grass: Echinochloa crus‐galli L. P. Beauv) and one hydrophobic artificial surface (Teflon) using three liquid formulations.

RESULTS

Drops that impact upon Teflon underwent pinning shatter events via a well‐known mechanism referred to as receding breakup. Drops impacting on leaf surfaces did not undergo receding breakup because the liquid rim was not in direct contact with the leaf surface when it broke into secondary droplets. However, pinning did occur on plant surfaces via a different mechanism, especially when using formulations containing a surfactant.

CONCLUSION

Newly developed image analysis and methodology has allowed quantification of the volume fraction pinned to surfaces when drops shatter. The addition of surfactant can increase both the probability of pinning and the pinned volume when drops shatter on fat‐hen or Teflon. However, the surfactants studied did not substantially improve the probability of pinning on barnyard grass. The difference in behaviour between the two leaf surfaces and the underlying mechanism is worth further study. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Behavior of Threading Dislocations from GaN Substrate to Epitaxial Layer
Authors: Inotsume Sho , Kokubo Nobuhiko , Yamada Hisashi , Onda Shoichi , Kojima Jun , Ohara Junji , Harada Shunta , Tagawa Miho , Ujihara Toru
Published: February 2020

Threading dislocations (TDs) in the GaN substrate and homoepitaxial layer are nondestructively evaluated using X‐ray topography (XRT), Raman spectroscopy, and multiphoton photoluminescence (MPPL) imaging. When the XRT and Raman mapping images are compared, TDs in the GaN substrate are identified as threading edge dislocations (TEDs), threading mixed dislocations (TMDs), and threading screw dislocations (TSDs). TDs are observed to propagate from the GaN substrate to the epitaxial layer. From MPPL imaging, the TEDs are found to be inclined in the direction, which is at 90° from the Burgers vector. The TMD studied in detail is found to be inclined in the direction, which is parallel to the Burgers vector. The feasibility of identifying TDs via analysis of the inclined direction of the dislocations in the GaN epitaxial layer is suggested.
Metabolic profile of alkaloids in Rhizoma Coptidis in rat plasma, urine and feces after oral administration using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Liu Yi , Zhang Ye , Meng Qi , Long Jianglan , Wang Man , Zhang Xu , Yan Can , Yan Dan
Published: February 2020

Rationale

Rhizoma Coptidis (RC) has been used to treat diabetes, pertussis, bacillary dysentery, sore throat, eczema, and aphtha for thousands of years. Alkaloids are the major components in RC, and its curative effect is achieved by oral administration. However, information on its composition in vivo is weak.

Methods

In this study, ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/QTOF‐MS) was used to analyze the major active components and their metabolites in rat plasma, urine and feces after oral administration of RC extract.

Results

A total of 96 compounds including 8 prototype compounds and 88 metabolites were identified, and hydroxylation, reduction, demethylenation, demethylation, dehydrogenation, sulfation, glucuronidation and methylation were the major metabolic pathways.

Conclusions

This study analyzed metabolic processes of the major active components in RC in vivo, which provided important information for its active composition and in vivo mechanism research. Meanwhile, metabolic profile studies on representative compounds provided valuable reference materials to elucidate the full‐scale metabolites of RC.
Estimating soil organic carbon and pH in Jilin Province using Landsat and ancillary data
Authors: Zhang Yue , Shen Haiou , Gao Qiang , Zhao Lanpo
Published: February 2020

Remote sensing provides possibilities to support digital soil mapping at large scales, but this technology over complex landscapes is still challenging due to the high spatial heterogeneity of soil properties. The objective of this work was to check the predictive capability of SOC and soil pH over different ecoregions. First, we collected a series of satellite images from 2017 and ancillary variables (e.g., climate and terrain) as spectral and environmental indicators, respectively. A total of 201 topsoil samples (0–20 cm) from the Northeastern Black Soil Region of China were also used. Then, the relationships between the two soil properties and indicators were analyzed. The indicators that showed significant correlation with SOC or soil pH were involved in the subsequent models. Finally, the SOC and soil pH prediction models were constructed by using a stepwise regression model. The results showed that the visible and shortwave infrared bands, along with the thermal infrared band, had strong correlations with the two soil properties. Environmental factors such as precipitation, temperature, and elevation all had an impact on the distribution of SOC and soil pH. The SOC and soil pH prediction models had R2 values of 0.66 and 0.73, root mean square errors of 0.21 and 0.58, and residual prediction deviations of 1.46 and 1.53, respectively, indicating reliable precision and average prediction abilities. This approach to estimating SOC and soil pH can contribute to improving our understanding and the modeling of soil processes at a large scale and in areas with relatively complex landscapes.
Janus Magnetic‐Plasmonic Nanoparticles for Magnetically Guided and Thermally Activated Cancer Therapy
Authors: Espinosa Ana , Reguera Javier , Curcio Alberto , Muñoz‐Noval Álvaro , Kuttner Christian , Van de Walle Aurore , Liz‐Marzán Luis M. , Wilhelm Claire
Published: February 2020

Progress of thermal tumor therapies and their translation into clinical practice are limited by insufficient nanoparticle concentration to release therapeutic heating at the tumor site after systemic administration. Herein, the use of Janus magneto‐plasmonic nanoparticles, made of gold nanostars and iron oxide nanospheres, as efficient therapeutic nanoheaters whose on‐site delivery can be improved by magnetic targeting, is proposed. Single and combined magneto‐ and photo‐thermal heating properties of Janus nanoparticles render them as compelling heating elements, depending on the nanoparticle dose, magnetic lobe size, and milieu conditions. In cancer cells, a much more effective effect is observed for photothermia compared to magnetic hyperthermia, while combination of the two modalities into a magneto‐photothermal treatment results in a synergistic cytotoxic effect in vitro. The high potential of the Janus nanoparticles for magnetic guiding confirms them to be excellent nanostructures for in vivo magnetically enhanced photothermal therapy, leading to efficient tumor growth inhibition.
Bioprinting of Multiscaled Hepatic Lobules within a Highly Vascularized Construct
Authors: Kang Donggu , Hong Gyusik , An Seongmin , Jang Ilho , Yun Won‐Soo , Shim Jin‐Hyung , Jin Songwan
Published: February 2020

Highly vascularized complex liver tissue is generally divided into lobes, lobules, hepatocytes, and sinusoids, which can be viewed under different types of lens from the micro‐ to macro‐scale. To engineer multiscaled heterogeneous tissues, a sophisticated and rapid tissue engineering approach is required, such as advanced 3D bioprinting. In this study, a preset extrusion bioprinting technique, which can create heterogeneous, multicellular, and multimaterial structures simultaneously, is utilized for creating a hepatic lobule (≈1 mm) array. The fabricated hepatic lobules include hepatic cells, endothelial cells, and a lumen. The endothelial cells surround the hepatic cells, the exterior of the lobules, the lumen, and finally, become interconnected with each other. Compared to hepatic cell/endothelial cell mixtures, the fabricated hepatic lobule shows higher albumin secretion, urea production, and albumin, MRP2, and CD31 protein levels, as well as, cytochrome P450 enzyme activity. It is found that each cell type with spatial cell patterning in bioink accelerates cellular organization, which could preserve structural integrity and improve cellular functions. In conclusion, preset extruded hepatic lobules within a highly vascularized construct are successfully constructed, enabling both micro‐ and macro‐scale tissue fabrication, which can support the creation of large 3D tissue constructs for multiscale tissue engineering.
Formation of BNC Coordination to Stabilize the Exposed Active Nitrogen Atoms in g‐C3N4 for Dramatically Enhanced Photocatalytic Ammonia Synthesis Performance
Authors: Wang Weikang , Zhou Hongjian , Liu Yanyan , Zhang Shengbo , Zhang Yunxia , Wang Guozhong , Zhang Haimin , Zhao Huijun
Published: February 2020

It is an important issue that exposed active nitrogen atoms (e.g., edge or amino N atoms) in graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) could participate in ammonia (NH3) synthesis during the photocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR). Herein, the experimental results in this work demonstrate that the exposed active N atoms in g‐C3N4 nanosheets can indeed be hydrogenated and contribute to NH3 synthesis during the visible‐light photocatalytic NRR. However, these exposed N atoms can be firmly stabilized through forming BNC coordination by means of B‐doping in g‐C3N4 nanosheets (BCN) with a B‐doping content of 13.8 wt%. Moreover, the formed BNC coordination in g‐C3N4 not only effectively enhances the visible‐light harvesting and suppresses the recombination of photogenerated carriers in g‐C3N4, but also acts as the catalytic active site for N2 adsorption, activation, and hydrogenation. Consequently, the as‐synthesized BCN exhibits high visible‐light‐driven photocatalytic NRR activity, affording an NH3 yield rate of 313.9 µmol g−1 h−1, nearly 10 times of that for pristine g‐C3N4. This work would be helpful for designing and developing high‐efficiency metal‐free NRR catalysts for visible‐light‐driven photocatalytic NH3 synthesis.
Effects of the Phase Interface on Spallation Damage Nucleation and Evolution in Dual‐Phase Steel
Authors: Yang Yang , Wang Haimin , Wang Can , Yang Luwei
Published: February 2020

The dual‐phase steel sample obtained by step quenching (SQ) of AISI 1020 steel is shock loaded using one‐stage light‐gas gun experiments. The free surface particle velocity is measured by Doppler pin system (DPS) during the loading experiment. The effect of phase interface on spallation damage nucleation and evolution in dual‐phase steel is investigated with optical microscopy (OM), nanoindentation, and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) techniques. The evolution mechanism of spallation damage in dual‐phase steel is systematically analyzed. The results show voids nucleated within martensite rather than at the martensite/ferrite interface under dynamic loading. The nucleation of voids in martensite was not random, the martensite block boundaries with a great Taylor Factor (TF) mismatch and a large angle to the impact direction were the preferred nucleation positions of the voids. Voids nucleate, grow and further coalesce into microcracks. Most of the microcracks propagate across the phase interface and the propagation direction hardly deflects. Due to the existence of many martensite blocks with high‐angle grain interface boundaries inside the martensite, the resistance of microcracks propagation in martensite is greater than that in ferrite. Furthermore, the size of microcracks is related to the angle between the direction of martensite blocks and shock direction.
Observation system of molten steel behavior on plasma arc cutting surface
Authors: Iida Keigo , Takenaka Yusuke , Uesugi Yoshihiko , Tanaka Yasunori , Ishijima Tatsuo , Nakano Yusuke , Yamaguchi Yoshihiro , Takata Nobuhiro
Published: February 2020

In plasma arc cutting, suppression of dross adhesion during arc cutting is one of the issues. We have developed an observation system of the molten metal flowing down along the arc plasma jet near the arc cutting surface. This system consists of a YAG laser with high repetition rate and a high‐speed video camera. By using YAG laser strobe photography and high‐speed visible camera synchronously we have succeeded to observe the molten steel behavior in the arc cutting surface from the initial heated phase to melted and dynamically flowing out phase up to the frame rate of 4000 fps. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The challenge of Chinese state‐affiliated multinationals in benefiting from foreign subsidiary knowledge transfer: A criticism of light‐touch integration
Authors: Su Cong , Kong Lingshuang
Published: February 2020

Acknowledging the sharp growth of Chinese state‐affiliated multinationals and their strategic asset‐seeking investments abroad, this study investigates the effects of headquarters' home‐country political ties on the multinational‐wide benefits gained from subsidiary knowledge transfer in Chinese multinationals. It also looks at how these effects are mediated by organizational distance and social integration between headquarters and subsidiary. Based on a survey of 177 subsidiaries of 99 Chinese multinationals, we find that headquarters' political ties trigger organizational distance and hinder social integration between headquarters and foreign subsidiaries and these, in turn, hamper the potential benefits that Chinese multinationals derive from subsidiary knowledge transfer. This study identifies new challenges related to political ties and light‐touch integration in gaining benefits from subsidiary knowledge transfer.