bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monitoring and Exploring the Spatio-temporal Variation of Physico-chemical Variables of River Hadejia, Nigeria; Using Statistical Approach
Authors: Maryam Adam Babangida , Ovie Edegbene Augustine , Gambo Jibrin
Published: March 2020

This study is aimed at assessing the ecological health condition of River Hadejia. The specific objectives are to; determine the monthly variation of the Physico-chemical parameters of River Hadejia. The physicochemical analysis carried out on the water samples are: pH, temperature, Electrical Conductivity, TDS, Turbidity, Nitrate, Phosphate, DO, BOD, Transparency, Depth and flow velocity which were determined by standard methods. The results of Physico-chemical parameters obtained were subjected to ANOVA using statistical package software, the mean conductivity values range between (104-127 ?S/cm). Nitrate in this study ranged from 0.04–0.80 mg/l and Station 3 had the highest nitrate value. The mean turbidity values obtained from the water samples of River Hadejia ranges from 124.56±11.06-149.52±23.11. Moreover, the temperature of Hadejia River varied from 13ºC to 28ºC. The highest temperature was in November at Station 1 while the lowest was recorded in February at station 1 which may be due to cold weather of the morning time.
Morphological Traits Study of Three Indigenous Poultry in Nigeria
Authors: Abazuh Uhenna D. , Adekoya Khalid O. , Oboh Bola O.
Published: March 2020

Aim: This study investigated relatedness among three indigenous chicken types using morphological features and morphological trait interdependence within three indigenous poultry species in Nigeria.

Study Design: A complete Random sample design was employed in this study to investigate morphological relatedness.

Place and Duration of the Study: Birds of reproductive age were sampled from 12 states across Nigeria between February 2013 and November 2015.

Methodology: Morphological traits were measured according to the FAO description. Nearest neighbor analyses (hierarchical cluster) were done using SPSS 23.0 version.

Results: The nearest neighbor analyses showed that higher degree of relatedness exists between the wild type chicken and the frizzle feather indigenous chicken type in Nigeria. Traits interdependence was observed between and among the different morphological traits within the different poultry species.

Conclusion: The characters measured could be of useful genetic importance that may play significant role as markers for selection or breeding programs for improved productivity under free range or scavenging feed resource-based production systems.
Evaluation of a Hexaploid Wheat Collection (Triticum aestivum L.) under Drought Stress Conditions Using Stress Tolerance Indices
Authors: Hosseini Alireza Daneshvar , Dadkhodaie Ali , Heidari Bahram , Kazemeini Seyed Abdolreza
Published: March 2020

Wheat is the most important crop in the world which faces the global problem of drought. Its production is affected by water deficit after pollination in arid and semi-arid regions. An experiment was conducted to assess tolerance of 39 bread wheat genotypes to end-season drought. The experimental design was Randomized Complete Block in three replications and the drought tolerance indices (SSI, STI, TOL, MP and GMP) were calculated for grain yield. The cultivar Cambin produced the highest grain yield under normal irrigation by 369.19 g m-2 while Arina had the highest yield (223.35 g m-2) under drought stress conditions. Stress tolerance (TOL) introduced Hindukesh, Iran2355 and Iran6476 as drought tolerant genotypes. Also, results showed that grain yield under stress and non-stress environments were highly correlated with the mean productivity (MP), the geometric mean productivity (GMP) and tolerance index (TOL). These genotypes could be further used in crosses for genetic studies and breeding programs for improvement tolerance to drought.
Medicinal and Nutritional Perspective of Cinnamon: A Mini-review
Authors: Goel Bharti , Mishra Sunidhi
Published: March 2020

The present review establishes the medicinal and nutritional perspectives of Cinnamon. In today’s era, there are so many processed foods available in the market that saves time but processed foods have many adverse effects on health. Cinnamon has significant benefits for human health, particularly as an anti-inflammatory, antitumor, anticancer, antidiabetic and anti-hypertriglyceridemia agent, mainly due to its phytochemical constituents such as phenolic and volatile compounds. So, people are more aware of the usage of the natural herbal product in the diet. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) is the most consumed spice in the world. Cinnamaldehyde is the bioactive component present in the cinnamon. The nutrient content found in cinnamon is in a good amount. Macro and micronutrients such as energy, carbohydrate, vitamin A and C, calcium, iron, magnesium are present. Cinnamon is also known for its health benefits such as antioxidant, anticancer, antibacterial, immunomodulatory and metabolic syndrome. Thus, cinnamon is very beneficial to combat diseases. It is concluded that cinnamon is very useful and beneficial for the maintenance of health and it is helpful in the prevention of diseases.
Comparative Studies of Two Developed On-farm Solar Dryers for Vegetables
Authors: Okaiyeto S. A. , Unguwanrimi Y. A. , Ogijo S. I. , Jonga B. J. , Sada A. M.
Published: March 2020

This research work was carried out to provide local farmers with on-farm solar dryers to minimize post-harvest losses of vegetables. Two dryers (Mixed mode and Indirect mode on-farm solar dryers) were constructed using locally available materials. The dryers basically consist of a blower, a collector area and a drying chamber. Aluminum sheet is placed inside the collector which serves as the absorbing material. An electrical axial fan was placed before the air duct to supply air responsible for forcing heated air to blow over the vegetables to be dried. Incorporated in the drying chamber are trays which provide a platform where the products to be dried were spread evenly. Transparent polythene material of 0.2 mm thickness with wooden frame was used as cover for the dryers. The dryers were evaluated to determine drying time and performance efficiencies, using Baobab leaves, Tomato and Okra slices as test crops. Collected data were analyzed using Statistical Analysis Software (SAS). The effects of variation of the independent factors were verified using Analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 1% and 5% levels of significant. Mean separation was carried out on significant factors using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The results obtained showed the performance of the developed dryers, which indicates that drying time of mixed mode on-farm solar dryer stood at 56 hrs and 46 hrs while that of the indirect mode dryer was 76.67 hrs and 57 hrs and that of open sun drying was 154 hrs and 127 hrs for tomato and okra slices respectively. Results obtained showed that average system drying, energy collection and pick up efficiencies for the three test crops were 16.35%, 21.1% and 8.05% for mixed mode dryer respectively and 28.63%, 45.3% and 0.3% for indirect mode dryer, respectively. From the results obtained the mixed mode dryer dried all the products faster while indirect mode has superior energy efficiencies.
miR‐30b protects nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons from MPP(+)‐induced neurotoxicity via SNCA
Authors: Shen Yu‐fei , Zhu Zhuo‐ying , Qian Shu‐xia , Xu Cong‐ying , Wang Yan‐ping
Published: March 2020

Objective

To explore the function of miR‐30b in pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) and its underlying molecular mechanism.

Materials and Methods

We used 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPP(+)) as a tool for constructing the PD cell model, using miR‐30b mimics or inhibitors to manipulate miR‐30b level for an experimental model of acquisition. The cell viability of SH‐SY5Y was detected by CCK, and luciferase was used to screen the binding of target genes. The protein levels of SNCA were measured by Western blot. Then, we investigate the changes in pro‐ and anti‐apoptotic markers with or without miR‐30b treatment.

Results

There was a significant low expression of MiR‐30b in MPP(+)‐induced cells. SH‐SY5Y cell viability was rescued by MiR‐30b overexpression. Luciferase experiments showed that MiR‐30b may bind to the 3′‐UTR side of SNCA and inhibited its expression. By Western blot, the SNCA level was markedly decreased by miR‐30b. miR‐30b attenuated the upregulation of Bax and the depletion of Bcl‐2 induced by MPP(+).
The Effect of Fe and Co Additions on the Efficiency of NiOOH Catalyst Under Strain
Authors: Hamal Ester Korkus , Toroker Maytal Caspary
Published: March 2020

The major limitation of using water splitting for generating hydrogen fuel is the lack of efficient catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). A commonly used catalyst for OER is Nickel oxyhydroxide (NiOOH), but pure NiOOH has poor efficiency unless doped with Fe and Co. We explore the influence of co‐doping on the efficiency of NiOOH in the process of water oxidation by using Density Functional Theory +U (DFT+U). We also test the effect of strain on catalytic efficiency by modeling water oxidation on expanded and contracted surfaces of NiFeCoOOH. We find that several doping locations of Co have a similar result as if NiFeOOH had no Co content. Iron is responsible for the high activity at the Fe active site due to the low energy required for charge extraction. Yet, the valence band edge includes Fe, Co and Ni states hybridized which allows better charge extraction during deprotonation. The valence band edge position is higher upon Co‐doping, which should allow better hole transport toward the surface. Hence, the presence of Ni and Co atoms surrounding the active site is vital for better efficiency. Moreover, we found that applying strain does not improve the efficiency and therefore a substrate with minimal mismatch should be used for NiFeCoOOH electrocatalysis.
Counselor Education and Supervision: 2018 Annual Review
Authors: Minton Casey A. Barrio , Hightower Jennifer M.
Published: March 2020

The authors reviewed 114 articles regarding counselor education and supervision published in professional counseling journals during 2018. The articles represented a range of methodologies, providing insight into current supervision, teaching and training, stakeholder experiences, and professional issues. Implications include a need for research regarding online teaching and learning as well as exploring supervision’s influence on counseling skill and effectiveness.
High Energy and High Power Lithium‐Ion Hybrid Supercapacitors with Prolonged Cycle Life Based on High‐Rate Capability Materials: Li4Ti5O12, Activated Carbon, Li3V1.95Ni0.05(PO4)3/C
Authors: Secchiaroli Marco , Calcaterra Silvia , Marassi Roberto , Wohlfahrt‐Mehrens Margret , Dsoke Sonia
Published: March 2020

Two lithium‐ion hybrid supercapacitors (LiHSs) based on high power active materials like Li3V1.95Ni0.05(PO4)3/C (LVNP/C), Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) and activated carbon (AC) are investigated as high energy and high power devices. Both LiHSs are assembled by using a bi‐material negative LTO:AC electrode (50 : 50), able to deliver 38.3 mAh g−1 at 35 A g−1 (200 C for LTO), and to retain 80 % of the initial capacity over 10000 cycles at 17.5 A g−1. Two positive electrodes are employed in complete devices: a battery‐type LVNP/C and a bi‐material LVNP/C:AC (65 : 35) based electrodes, for two LiHSs named Hybrid A and Hybrid B, respectively. The energies of the LiHSs are evaluated from 0.05 to 10 A g−1, and at different cell voltages (2.6, 2.7 and 2.8 V). The best performance is obtained with Hybrid A cycled between 0–2.7 V, that with 36.3 Wh L−1 at 4.3 kW L−1, possesses an energy density five time higher than that of the AC||AC (6.8 Wh L−1). Despite both LiHSs charged up to 2.8 V possess superior energy values, at this cell voltage Hybrid A and Hybrid B retain only 11 % and 8 % of the initial capacity cycled over 8000 cycles at 10 A g−1, respect to the 75 % and 81 % of the same systems cycled up to 2.7 V.
High triple‐negative breast cancer prevalence and aggressive prognostic factors in Barbadian women with breast cancer
Authors: Hercules Shawn M. , Hercules Jevon C. , Ansari Amna , Date Stephanie A. J. , Skeete Desiree H. A. , Smith Connell Suzanne P. , Pond Gregory R. , Daniel Juliet M.
Published: March 2020

Background

Women of African ancestry (WAA) are disproportionately affected by triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC), which remains one of the most clinically challenging breast cancer (BCa) subtypes. This study investigated the prevalence of TNBC and epidemiological trends for BCa in Barbados, a Caribbean island with a high percentage of African ancestry.

Methods

Pathology reports for all BCa cases between 2007 and 2016 were collected from the sole hospital in Barbados and reviewed. The clinicopathological data collected included age, tumor grade, lymph node status, and hormone receptor status as determined by immunohistochemistry. BCa data for non‐Hispanic white (NHW) and non‐Hispanic black (NHB) American populations were accessed from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database.

Results

There were 1997 BCa cases in Barbados between 2007 and 2016 for an estimated incidence rate of 135.1 per 100,000 women in Barbados (standardized to the US population, where the standardized incidence rates for NHBs and NHWs were 141.4 and 152.6 per 100,000, respectively). Age‐specific incidence rates in Barbados for this period were consistently higher in younger age groups (15‐59 years) in comparison with NHWs and NHBs. Between 2010 and 2016 in Barbados, a TNBC prevalence of 25% was observed, whereas TNBC prevalences of 21% and 10% were observed in NHBs and NHWs, respectively.

Conclusions

The BCa incidence was higher in younger Barbadian women than NHWs and NHBs, and the TNBC prevalence was ~2.5 times higher than the prevalence in NHWs. This hints at a possible genetic predisposition and other socioeconomic factors that could explain the high TNBC prevalence and aggressive clinical course in WAA globally.
Familial risk of breast cancer by dynamic, accumulative, and static definitions of family history
Authors: Mukama Trasias , Kharazmi Elham , Sundquist Kristina , Sundquist Jan , Brenner Hermann , Fallah Mahdi
Published: March 2020

Background

Familial breast cancer risk studies usually overlook the dynamic nature of family history.

Methods

The authors assessed the effect of incorporating the timing of cancer diagnosis events into the assessment of familial risks of breast cancer in first‐degree and second‐degree relatives in a nationwide cohort study of 5,099,172 women (follow‐up was between 1958‐2015). Family history was assessed using 3 approaches: 1) as a static variable (ever having a relative with breast cancer); 2) as accumulative history; and 3) as a dynamic variable (time‐dependent variable).

Results

For women aged <50 years, familial risk was mostly higher when family history was assessed as a dynamic variable compared with using a static or accumulative family history. For example, the cumulative risk of receiving a breast cancer diagnosis until age 50 years for women with a history of breast cancer in 1 first‐degree relative was 2.6% (95% CI, 2.5%‐2.7%) using the static method, 2.4% (95% CI, 2.3%‐2.4%) using the accumulative method, and 3.1% (95% CI, 3.0%‐3.2%) using the dynamic method. Relative risk in women aged <50 years with a breast cancer diagnosis in a sister was 1.40‐fold (95% CI, 1.31‐fold to 1.48‐fold) using the static method, 1.66‐fold (95% CI, 1.57‐fold to 1.76‐fold) using the accumulative method, and 2.28‐fold (95% CI, 2.07‐fold to 2.51‐fold) using the dynamic method.

Conclusions

The results of the current study demonstrated that assessing family history as static, accumulative, or dynamic results in different familial risk estimates. The answer as to which method to use for family history assessment depends on the implications of the study, with the dynamic method appearing to be better suited for risk stratification studies, the accumulative method being the most convenient in practice and the least favored for risk prediction, and the static method being suitable for etiological impact and risk attribution studies.
Oxidation Behaviors of Two‐dimensional Metal Chalcogenides
Authors: Guo Yu , Zhou Si , Zhao Jijun
Published: March 2020

Considering a variety of two‐dimensional (2D) materials, metal chalcogenide monolayers, including transition metal dichalcogenides, group‐IV and group‐III monochalcogenides, and copper sulfide, are outstanding in the field of microelectronics and optoelectronics. Devices constructed of these 2D materials could be sensitively affected by ambient gases, such as O2 molecules. Regarding this significant issue, here we review the oxidation behaviors of 2D metal chalcogenides, especially for perfect and defective monolayers. Perfect monolayer metal chalcogenides are resistant to oxidation, resulting from the large activation energies for chemisorption and dissociation of O2 molecules during the reaction process. However, the defective monolayers with vacancies are prone to be oxidized with small activation energies. Interestingly, oxygen atoms can fill into the chalcogen vacancy sites and further maintian the electronic band structures of the perfect systems – the band gaps and the carrier effective masses are only moderately modified by the oxygen atoms. These fundamental understandings help to improve the use of monolayer metal chalcogenides toward the development of novel 2D devices with high stability and excellent performance.
Assessment of Placental Disposition of Infliximab and Etanercept in Women With Autoimmune Diseases and in the Ex Vivo Perfused Placenta
Authors: Eliesen Gaby A. M. , van Drongelen Joris , van Hove Hedwig , Kooijman Nina I. , van den Broek Petra , de Vries Annick , Roeleveld Nel , Russel Frans G. M. , Greupink Rick
Published: March 2020

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors are increasingly applied during pregnancy without clear knowledge of the impact on placenta and fetus. We assessed placental transfer and exposure to infliximab (n = 3) and etanercept (n = 3) in women with autoimmune diseases. Furthermore, we perfused healthy term placentas for 6 hours with 100 µg/mL infliximab (n = 4) or etanercept (n = 5). In pregnant women, infliximab transferred into cord blood but also entered the placenta (cord‐to‐maternal ratio of 1.6 ± 0.4, placenta‐to‐maternal ratio of 0.3 ± 0.1, n = 3). For etanercept, a cord‐to‐maternal ratio of 0.04 and placenta‐to‐maternal ratio of 0.03 was observed in one patient only. In ex vivo placenta perfusions, the extent of placental transfer did not differ between the drugs. Final concentrations in the fetal compartment for infliximab and etanercept were 0.3 ± 0.3 and 0.2 ± 0.2 µg/mL, respectively. However, in placental tissue, infliximab levels exceeded those of etanercept (19 ± 6 vs. 1 ± 3 µg/g, P < 0.001). In conclusion, tissue exposure to infliximab is higher than that of etanercept both in vivo as well as in ex vivo perfused placentas. However, initial placental transfer, as observed ex vivo, does not differ between infliximab and etanercept when administered in equal amounts. The difference in placental tissue exposure to infliximab and etanercept may be of clinical relevance and warrants further investigation. More specifically, we suggest that future studies should look into the occurrence of placental TNF inhibition and possible consequences thereof.
Exploiting the Carbon and Oxa Michael Addition Reaction for the Synthesis of Yne Monomers: Towards the Conversion of Acrylates to Biocompatible Building Blocks
Authors: Hennen Daniel , Hartmann Delara , Rieger Paul H. , Oesterreicher Andreas , Wiener Johannes , Arbeiter Florian , Feuchter Michael , Fröhlich Eleonore , Pichelmayer Margit , Schlögl Sandra , Griesser Thomas
Published: March 2020

Herein, we demonstrated the synthesis of multifunctional alkyne building blocks from commercially available acrylate monomers exploiting the carbon and oxa Michael addition reaction. These compounds were obtained in decent yields and show similar or even higher photoreactivity than the initial acrylates. Importantly, selected thiol‐yne formulations can be processed by stereolithography and significantly outperform the corresponding acrylate in terms of modulus and toughness. The high compatibility of such cured materials with osteosarcoma cells makes these photopolymers interesting for hard tissue engineering.
Design and performance analysis of an efficient single flow IP traceback technique in the AS level
Authors: Arjmandpanah‐Kalat Morteza , Abbasinezhad‐Mood Dariush , Mahrooghi Hamid‐Reza , Aliabadi Sobhan
Published: March 2020

Network security is a major challenge for big and small companies. The Internet topology is vulnerable to Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks as it provides an opportunity to an attacker to send a large volume of traffic to a victim, which can limit its Internet availability. The main problem in the prevention of the DDoS attack, also known as the flooding attack, is how to find the source of traffic flooding. This is because the spoofed source Internet protocol (IP) address of packets is not affected on its routing. As a result, IP traceback techniques are proposed to find the source of attack and in general, to find the source of any packet. Doing so, the IP traceback techniques can help us to prevent the Denial of Service (DoS) and DDoS attacks. In this paper, we propose an efficient Single Flow IP Traceback (SFT) technique in the Autonomous System (AS) level. Furthermore, a path signature generation algorithm is presented for detecting and filtering the spoofed traffic. Our solution assumes a secure Border Gateway Protocol (BGP)‐routing infrastructure for exchanging authenticated messages in order to learn the path signatures, and it uses a marking algorithm in the flow level for transmission of the traceback messages. Because in our technique less bits are required to mark the IP header packet, the required storage space for any unique path to the victim is significantly decreased. Compared with the other existing techniques, the obtained results demonstrate that our technique has the least marking rate, overhead processing on the middle nodes, and destination's computational cost while offering the highest accuracy in tracebacking attack.
Cardiac iron concentration in relation to systemic iron status and disease severity in non‐ischaemic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Hirsch Valentin G. , Tongers Jörn , Bode Julia , Berliner Dominik , Widder Julian D. , Escher Felicitas , Mutsenko Vitalii , Chung Bomee , Rostami Fatemeh , Guba‐Quint Anja , Giannitsis Evangelos , Schultheiss Heinz‐Peter , Vogt Carla , Bauersachs Johann , Wollert Kai C. , Kempf Tibor
Published: March 2020

Aims

Low cardiac iron levels promote heart failure in experimental models. While cardiac iron concentration (CI) is decreased in patients with advanced heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), CI has never been measured in non‐advanced HFrEF. We measured CI in left ventricular (LV) endomyocardial biopsies (EMB) from patients with non‐advanced HFrEF and explored CI association with systemic iron status and disease severity.

Methods and results

We enrolled 80 consecutive patients with non‐ischaemic HFrEF with New York Heart Association class II or III symptoms and a median (interquartile range) LV ejection fraction of 25 (18–33)%. CI was 304 (262–373) μg/g dry tissue. CI was not related to immunohistological findings or the presence of cardiotropic viral genomes in EMBs and was not related to biomarkers of systemic iron status or anaemia. Patients with CI in the lowest quartile (CIQ1) had lower body mass indices and more often presented with heart failure histories longer than 6 months than patients in the upper three quartiles (CIQ2–4). CIQ1 patients had higher serum N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide levels than CIQ2–4 patients [3566 (1513–6412) vs. 1542 (526–2811) ng/L; P = 0.005]. CIQ1 patients also had greater LV end‐diastolic (P = 0.001) and end‐systolic diameter indices (P = 0.003) and higher LV end‐diastolic pressures (P = 0.046) than CIQ2–4 patients.

Conclusion

Low CI is associated with greater disease severity in patients with non‐advanced non‐ischaemic HFrEF. CI is unrelated to systemic iron homeostasis. The prognostic and therapeutic implications of CI measurements in EMBs should be further explored.
Iron Triflate Salts as Highly Active Catalysts for the Solvent‐Free Oxidation of Cyclohexane
Authors: Payard Pierre‐Adrien , Zheng Yu‐Ting , Zhou Wen‐Juan , Khrouz Lhoussain , Bonneviot Laurent , Wischert Raphael , Grimaud Laurence , Pera‐Titus Marc
Published: March 2020

Among a series of iron salts, iron triflates revealed as highly active catalysts for the oxidation of cyclohexane by tert‐butyl hydroperoxide into cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone with initial turnover frequencies higher than 10,000 h–1. The structure of the iron complexes under the reaction conditions was studied by combining electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and DFT calculations. The coordination of the catalytic iron center readily evolved in the presence of the reaction products, leading ultimately to its deactivation. Iron and organic superoxo intermediates were identified as plausible active species allowing to rationalize the high activity of iron ligated by highly delocalized counter‐anions.
The biotechnological production of lacewing silk: From gene to protein‐based material
Authors: Schmidt Martin , Lemke Johannes , Frenkler Richard , Kraxenberger Tobias , Römer Lin , Böker Alexander
Published: March 2020

Structural proteins are in the spotlight of research and industry due to their versatile properties and the respective potential applications. Besides in‐depth studied structural proteins such as spider silk proteins, the proteins within the egg stalk of green lacewings represent another interesting approach for material development. In order to convert such materials into products, biotechnological processes are required to generate a sufficient supply of raw materials. This work describes an innovative and efficient way to recombinantly produce and purify the genetically modified lacewing silk protein N[AS]8C (53 kDa) as well its exemplary conversion into silk films. By means of high cell density fermentations applying Escherichia coli (E coli) BL21(DE3) or E coli HMS174(DE3), the successful biosynthesis of the recombinant lacewing silk protein N[AS]8C was demonstrated. Interestingly, the formation of an intracellular, highly insoluble silk protein fraction was observed. A tailored purification strategy was developed, allowing the isolation and purification of the insoluble intracellular silk aggregates. Furthermore, the processing of the purified lacewing silk proteins into transparent films was also documented. Based on structural studies (ATR‐FTIR), a dominant antiparallel β‐sheet‐orientation was observed in purified silk protein powder as well as in the processed silk materials, which can be attributed to the cross‐β‐structure characteristic to lacewing egg stalk silk proteins.
Long wavy copper stretchable interconnects fabricated by continuous microcorrugation process for wearable applications
Authors: Yamamoto Michitaka , Karasawa Ryu , Okuda Shinji , Takamatsu Seiichi , Itoh Toshihiro
Published: March 2020

Continuous microcorrugation processes have been developed to form long vertical wavy structures of copper (Cu) foil electrodes for the development of long stretchable interconnects of wearable devices and electronic textiles. Vertical wavy stretchable interconnects in previous studies suffer from low uniformity and limited size due to their wrinkling process with prestretched rubber substrate. Therefore, we propose a continuous metal foil forming process where a long flat Cu foil is continuously deformed into a wavy shape between two three‐dimensional printed gears. 5‐μm Cu foils were corrugated into a wavy structure with waves having 620‐μm pitch and 270‐μm height by the microcorrugation process. The fabricated wavy Cu interconnects showed a 40% stretchability. After microcorrugation, the interconnects were embedded in silicone rubber to protect them from mechanical scratch and improve their elasticity. The interconnects exhibited a 60% stretchability. Finally, a 25 cm‐long stretchable light emitting diodes (LEDs) ribbon with a stretchability over 20% was demonstrated by connecting the LEDs with our wavy Cu interconnects for electronic textile applications. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of our microcorrugation process in the fabrication of long uniform vertical interconnects.
An overview of the first 5 years of the ENIGMA obsessive–compulsive disorder working group: The power of worldwide collaboration
Authors: van den Heuvel Odile A. , Boedhoe Premika S.W. , Bertolin Sara , Bruin Willem B. , Francks Clyde , Ivanov Iliyan , Jahanshad Neda , Kong Xiang‐Zhen , Kwon Jun Soo , O'Neill Joseph , Paus Tomas , Patel Yash , Piras Fabrizio , Schmaal Lianne , Soriano‐Mas Carles , Spalletta Gianfranco , van Wingen Guido A. , Yun Je‐Yeon , Vriend Chris , Simpson H. Blair , van Rooij Daan , Hoexter Marcelo Q. , Hoogman Martine , Buitelaar Jan K. , Arnold Paul , Beucke Jan C. , Benedetti Francesco , Bollettini Irene , Bose Anushree , Brennan Brian P. , De Nadai Alessandro S. , Fitzgerald Kate , Gruner Patricia , Grünblatt Edna , Hirano Yoshiyuki , Huyser Chaim , James Anthony , Koch Kathrin , Kvale Gerd , Lazaro Luisa , Lochner Christine , Marsh Rachel , Mataix‐Cols David , Morgado Pedro , Nakamae Takashi , Nakao Tomohiro , Narayanaswamy Janardhanan C. , Nurmi Erika , Pittenger Christopher , Reddy Y.C. Janardhan , Sato João R. , Soreni Noam , Stewart S. Evelyn , Taylor Stephan F. , Tolin David , Thomopoulos Sophia I. , Veltman Dick J. , Venkatasubramanian Ganesan , Walitza Susanne , Wang Zhen , Thompson Paul M. , Stein Dan J. ,   ENIGMA‐OCD working group
Published: March 2020

Neuroimaging has played an important part in advancing our understanding of the neurobiology of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). At the same time, neuroimaging studies of OCD have had notable limitations, including reliance on relatively small samples. International collaborative efforts to increase statistical power by combining samples from across sites have been bolstered by the ENIGMA consortium; this provides specific technical expertise for conducting multi‐site analyses, as well as access to a collaborative community of neuroimaging scientists. In this article, we outline the background to, development of, and initial findings from ENIGMA's OCD working group, which currently consists of 47 samples from 34 institutes in 15 countries on 5 continents, with a total sample of 2,323 OCD patients and 2,325 healthy controls. Initial work has focused on studies of cortical thickness and subcortical volumes, structural connectivity, and brain lateralization in children, adolescents and adults with OCD, also including the study on the commonalities and distinctions across different neurodevelopment disorders. Additional work is ongoing, employing machine learning techniques. Findings to date have contributed to the development of neurobiological models of OCD, have provided an important model of global scientific collaboration, and have had a number of clinical implications. Importantly, our work has shed new light on questions about whether structural and functional alterations found in OCD reflect neurodevelopmental changes, effects of the disease process, or medication impacts. We conclude with a summary of ongoing work by ENIGMA‐OCD, and a consideration of future directions for neuroimaging research on OCD within and beyond ENIGMA.
miR‐210 Participates in Hepatic Ischemia Reperfusion Injury by Forming a Negative Feedback Loop With SMAD4
Authors: Pan Wen‐Ming , Wang Hui , Zhang Xiao‐Fei , Xu Peng , Wang Guo‐Liang , Li Yi‐Jing , Huang Kun‐Peng , Zhang Yun‐Wei , Zhao Huan , Du Run‐Lei , Huang Hai , Zhang Xiao‐Dong , Zhang Jin‐Xiang
Published: March 2020

Background and Aims

Hepatic ischemia‐reperfusion (IR) injury is a major complication of liver transplantation, resection, and hemorrhagic shock. Hypoxia is a key pathological event associated with IR injury. MicroRNA‐210 (miR‐210) has been characterized as a micromanager of hypoxia pathway. However, its function and mechanism in hepatic IR injury is unknown.

Approach and Results

In this study, we found miR‐210 was induced in liver tissues from patients subjected to IR‐related surgeries. In a murine model of hepatic IR, the level of miR‐210 was increased in hepatocytes but not in nonparenchymal cells. miR‐210 deficiency remarkably alleviated liver injury, cell inflammatory responses, and cell death in a mouse hepatic IR model. In vitro, inhibition of miR‐210 decreased hypoxia/reoxygenation (HR)–induced cell apoptosis of primary hepatocytes and LO2 cells, whereas overexpression of miR‐210 increased cells apoptosis during HR. Mechanistically, miR‐210 directly suppressed mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 4 (SMAD4) expression under normoxia and hypoxia condition by directly binding to the 3′ UTR of SMAD4. The pro‐apoptotic effect of miR‐210 was alleviated by SMAD4, whereas short hairpin SMAD4 abrogated the anti‐apoptotic role of miR‐210 inhibition in primary hepatocytes. Further studies demonstrated that hypoxia‐induced SMAD4 transported into nucleus, in which SMAD4 directly bound to the promoter of miR‐210 and transcriptionally induced miR‐210, thus forming a negative feedback loop with miR‐210.

Conclusions

Our study implicates a crucial role of miR‐210‐SMAD4 interaction in hepatic IR‐induced cell death and provides a promising therapeutic approach for liver IR injury.
Experimental analysis of the effects of porous wall on flame stability and temperature distribution in a premixed natural gas/air combustion
Authors: Hashemi Seyed Abdolmehdi , Alsulaiei Zaher Mohammed Abed , Mollamahdi Mahdi
Published: March 2020

In the present analysis, the flame stabilization and temperature distribution within a premixed burner contain porous wall are studied experimentally. The effects of inner diameter, length, and pore density of the porous wall, thermal load, equivalence ratio, and the inlet velocity of the fuel‐air mixture on these are studied. The fuel used in this study is natural gas and the porous wall is SiC (silicon carbide) ceramic foam. The experimental results clearly indicate that the axial temperature along the porous wall increases when the inner diameter of the porous wall decreases and its length increases. The porous wall temperature with an inner diameter of 40 mm, length of 66 mm, and pore density of 30 PPI (pores per inch) has the highest temperature among the examined states. The results of studying the effect of the porous wall on flame stability show that the flame stability limit has a direct relationship with the length and pore density of porous wall and an inverse relationship with the inner diameter of the porous wall. Also, it is found that the porous wall has the highest temperature causes the maximum flame stability limit.
Hall and ion slip effects on MHD laminar flow of an elastico‐viscous (Walter's‐B) fluid
Authors: Veera Krishna M.
Published: March 2020

We investigated the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) laminar flow of an elastico‐viscous electrically conducting (Walter's‐B) fluid through a circular cylinder or pipe, loosely packed with a porous material subjected to Hall and ion‐slip effects. The innovation of the study is to consider the entire flow domain without boundary layer approximation in the governing equations. Fully developed solutions of the velocity and pressure drop are obtained making use of perturbation approximation and computationally discussed with reference to flow governing parameters. It is quite exciting that the elastic parameter almost reduces the speed of the liquid in the center of the channel and then continuously expands into the cylinder. For engineering interest, we found the analytical solution and then computationally discussed for skin friction. The occurrence of a magnetic field and a porous matrix gives a fairly uneven flow between the pipes. Elasticity and suction are resistant to experience greater skin friction and are therefore useful for controlling flow separation. A porch has been made to include studies of non‐Newtonian fluids with Hall and ion‐slip effects due to the vast number of possible engineering applications, like power generators, MHD accelerators, refrigeration coils, electric transformers, and heating elements.
Consumer Vulnerability
Authors: Hill Ronald Paul , Sharma Eesha
Published: March 2020

Consumer vulnerability affects billions of consumers worldwide, yet there is no consensus about what constitutes this state or about its consequences for consumers. Indeed, while consumer vulnerability is often invoked in consumer research, it is usually discussed informally, with little conceptual anchoring. The goal of the current work was to advance the field's understanding of consumer vulnerability by (a) reviewing and integrating existing research, (b) extracting common features to develop a comprehensive framework for the concept of consumer vulnerability, and (c) charting paths forward for future research. We begin by defining consumer vulnerability as a state in which consumers are subject to harm because their access to and control over resources are restricted in ways that significantly inhibit their ability to function in the marketplace. We then introduce two lenses through which to identify this state: experience and observation. Next, we delineate the antecedents and consequences of consumer vulnerability and discuss the merits of adopting a view of this state as more global and dynamic. Finally, we use our framework to offer future research considerations.
Changes in muscle power after usual care or early structured exercise intervention in acutely hospitalized older adults
Authors: Sáez de Asteasu Mikel L. , Martínez‐Velilla Nicolás , Zambom‐Ferraresi Fabricio , Ramírez‐Vélez Robinson , García‐Hermoso Antonio , Cadore Eduardo L. , Casas‐Herrero Álvaro , Galbete Arkaitz , Izquierdo Mikel
Published: March 2020

Background

A classic consequence of short‐term bed rest in older adults is the significant loss in skeletal muscle mass and muscle strength that underlies the accelerated physical performance deficits. Structured exercise programmes applied during acute hospitalization can prevent muscle function deterioration.

Methods

A single‐blind randomized clinical trial conducted in an acute care for elders unit in a tertiary public hospital in Navarre (Spain). Three hundred seventy hospitalized patients [56.5% female patients; mean age (standard deviation) 87.3 (4.9) years] were randomly allocated to an exercise intervention (n = 185) or a control (n = 185) group (usual care). The intervention consisted of a multicomponent exercise training programme performed during 5–7 consecutive days (2 sessions/day). The usual‐care group received habitual hospital care, which included physical rehabilitation when needed. The main endpoints were change in maximal dynamic strength (i.e. leg‐press, chest‐press, and knee extension exercises) and maximal isometric knee extensors and hip flexors strength from baseline to discharge. Changes in muscle power output at submaximal and maximal loads were also measured after the intervention.

Results

The physical exercise programme provided significant benefits over usual care. At discharge, the exercise group showed a mean increase of 19.6 kg [95% confidence interval (CI), 16.0, 23.2; P < 0.001] on the one‐repetition maximum (1RM) in the leg‐press exercise, 5.7 kg (95% CI, 4.7, 6.8; P < 0.001) on the 1RM in the chest‐press exercise, and 9.4 kg (95% CI, 7.3, 11.5; P < 0.001) on the 1RM in the knee extension exercise over usual‐care group. There were improvements in the intervention group also in the isometric maximal knee extension strength [14.8 Newtons (N); 95% CI, 11.2, 18.5 vs. −7.8 N; 95% CI, −11.0, −3.5 in the control group; P < 0.001] and the hip flexion strength (13.6 N; 95% CI, 10.7, 16.5 vs. −7.2 N; 95% CI, −10.1, −4.3; P < 0.001). Significant benefits were also observed in the exercise group for the muscle power output at submaximal loads (i.e. 30% 1RM, 45% 1RM, 60% 1RM, and 75% 1RM; all P < 0.001) over usual‐care group.

Conclusions

An individualized, multicomponent exercise training programme, with special emphasis on muscle power training, proved to be an effective therapy for improving muscle power output of lower limbs at submaximal loads and maximal muscle strength in older patients during acute hospitalization.
National trends in HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis awareness, willingness and use among United States men who have sex with men recruited online, 2013 through 2017
Authors: Sullivan Patrick S , Sanchez Travis H , Zlotorzynska Maria , Chandler Cristian J , Sineath RC , Kahle Erin , Tregear Stephen
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a key HIV prevention technology, and is a pillar of a comprehensive HIV prevention approach for men who have sex with men (MSM). Because there have been no national data to characterize trends in the PrEP continuum in the United States, overall and for key demographic groups of MSM, we aimed to describe the extent to which PrEP awareness, willingness and use changed over time, overall and for specific groups of MSM critical for HIV prevention (e.g. Black and Hispanic MSM, younger MSM, MSM in rural areas and MSM without health coverage).

Methods

The American Men's Internet Survey (AMIS) is an annual survey of US MSM conducted in the United States among MSM aged ≥15 years since 2013. We analysed data on trends in elements of the PrEP continuum (awareness, willingness and use of PrEP) in a sample of 37,476 HIV‐negative/unknown status MSM from December 2013 through November 2017. We evaluated trends in continuum steps overall and among demographic subgroups using Poisson models with Generalized Estimating Equations. For 2017 data, we used logistic regression to compare the prevalence of PrEP use among demographic groups.

Results

Overall, 51.4% (n = 19,244) of AMIS respondents were PrEP‐eligible across study years. Between 2013 and 2017, PrEP awareness increased from 47.4% to 80.6% willingness to use PrEP increased from 43.9% to 59.5% and PrEP use in the past 12 months increased from 1.7% to 19.9%. In 2017, use of PrEP was lower for men who were younger, lived outside of urban areas, and lacked health insurance; PrEP use was not different among Black, Hispanic and white MSM.

Conclusions

Our data show progress in use of PrEP among US MSM, but also reveal mismatches between PrEP use and epidemic need. We call for additional support of PrEP initiation, especially among young, non‐urban and uninsured MSM. Black and Hispanic MSM report levels of PrEP use no different from white MSM, but given higher HIV incidence for Black and Hispanic MSM, parity in use is not sufficient for epidemic control or health equity.
Fidelity of global climate models in representing the horizontal water vapour transport
Authors: Hari Vittal , Villarini Gabriele , Zhang Wei
Published: March 2020

The horizontal water vapour transport (IVT) is one of the key variables connected to precipitation extremes and floods, especially in the mid‐latitudinal countries, and represents a key link between water sources and sink regions. Because of its significant impacts, great efforts have been made to examine IVT and its projected changes in response to changes to the climate system, leveraging outputs from global climate models (GCMs). However, to gain more confidence in the projections, it is important to evaluate how well the GCMs can reproduce the historical past. Here, we assess how well 10 GCMs archived in the Climate Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 can reproduce the spatial and temporal patterns of the mean and 85th percentile of the IVT distribution. Analyses are performed at the global scale using outputs at the 6‐hourly resolution, and four different reanalysis products as reference. We find that the results from the GCMs are in good agreement with the reanalyses in terms of the IVT climatology; however, the GCMs fail to capture the trends in IVT, with almost all the models showing a negative correlation with the reanalysis data for both the mean and the 85th percentile. We also extend our analyses to the daily time scale, reaching the same conclusions drawn for the 6‐hourly resolution. These results further highlight the need for a careful evaluation of the GCM outputs in reproducing the observed IVT distribution.
Vocational Personality Types in College Engineering Students in Relation to Academic Achievement
Authors: Ding Yi , Wang Qian , Hourieh Naser , Yu Qiong
Published: March 2020

This study explored whether and to what extent vocational personality types based on Holland (1994) correlate with and explain unique variance of academic success among 117 undergraduate civil engineering students by using the Self‐Directed Search–Form R, 4th Edition. Findings indicated that the majority of participants’ 1st‐letter code was Realistic (39.3%), 2nd‐letter code was Investigative (24.8%), and 3rd‐letter code was Social (21.4%), compared with Holland's 3‐letter codes for civil engineering (Investigative, Realistic, Enterprising). The study also calculated the degree of congruence between personality type and occupational environment. For career counselors, the findings underscore the importance of using congruence scores to predict engineering students’ academic performance.
Usefulness of Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Intestinal Anisakiasis
Authors: Ripollés Tomás , López‐Calderón Luis E. , Martínez‐Pérez María J. , Salvador Jaime , Vizuete José , Vila Rocío
Published: March 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the ultrasound (US) findings of gastrointestinal anisakiasis and the utility of US in its early diagnosis.

Methods

We retrospectively assessed the imaging findings and clinical data of 21 patients with gastrointestinal anisakiasis. Diagnosis was confirmed by a positive antigen (n = 16), endoscopy (n = 2), or a compatible clinical presentation, physical examination, and history of raw fish consumption (n = 3). Ultrasound findings reviewed included segmental circumferential bowel wall thickening, segmental edema of the valvulae conniventes, dilated small bowel loops with hyperperistalsis or hypoperistalsis, free fluid, and color Doppler hyperemia.

Results

Segmental circumferential bowel wall thickening was present in all 21 patients, whereas segmental edema of the valvulae conniventes was visualized in 13 patients, moderately dilated small‐bowel loops proximal to the affected segment with increased peristalsis in 14 patients, small‐to‐moderate ascites in 18 patients, and color Doppler hyperemia in 7 patients. The US evaluation ruled out a surgical pathologic examination in all patients, and the diagnosis of anisakiasis was suggested by the radiologist on the basis of US findings in 12 patients.

Conclusions

Familiarity with the suggestive US presentation of intestinal anisakiasis may allow the radiologist to propose the diagnosis of this overlooked cause of abdominal pain and may also prompt an investigation of recent raw or lightly cooked seafood ingestion. Ultrasound findings of bowel wall thickening, especially segmental edema of the valvulae conniventes, hyperperistalsis, and dilatation of small‐bowel loops proximal to the affected segment, ascites, and color Doppler hyperemia, along with a history of raw fish ingestion should aid the radiologist in the diagnosis of anisakiasis.