bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Apple Tissue Based Biocathode and MWCNT−Pt−Au Nanomaterial Based Bioanode Biofuel Cell
Authors: Almunla Moustafa , Tepeli Büyüksünetçi Yudum , Akpolat Oğuz , Anık Ülkü
Published: November 2020

A biofuel cell (BFC) was fabricated by combining multiwalled carbon nanotube ‐platinum‐gold (MWCNT−Pt−Au) hybrid nanomaterial, glucose oxidase (GOx) and benzoquinone included carbon felt electrode (CFE) bioanode with apple tissue included CFE biocathode. The working parameters of bioanode were optimized both experimentally and chemometrically. For the biocathode, apple, banana and pear tissues were tried and best power output was obtained with apple tissue. By combining MWCNT−Pt−Au/GOx/CFE bioanode with apple tissue based biocathode, single cell, double cell with membrane and with salt‐bridge BFCs were formed. The best power output with highest current density were obtained with single cell BFC.
A 2D beam‐column joint macro‐element for the nonlinear analysis of RC frames
Authors: Pantò Bartolomeo , Caddemi Salvatore , Caliò Ivo , Spacone Enrico
Published: November 2020

Recent earthquakes have shown that the seismic behavior of noncode‐conforming reinforced concrete buildings are in several cases strongly affected by the nonlinear response and possible failure of the beam‐column joints. Beam‐column joint inelasticity is typically due to either shear cracking and failure of the central concrete panel or bond‐slip of the longitudinal steel bars. This paper proposes a new Joint with Hinges macro‐element capable of simulating the most important sources of nonlinearities in the joints. It consists of a quadrilateral central panel whose rigid edges are connected to the beams’ and columns’ end nodes through nonlinear finite‐length interfaces that represent the plastic hinge zones. The central panel deforms in shear only. The joint macro‐element accounts for the nonlinear shear response of the central panel, for the bond‐slip of the longitudinal rebars crossing the joint and for the nonlinear shear and flexural behavior of the plastic hinge zones of the beams and columns connected to the joint. The resulting model of the reinforced concrete frame is the assembly of nonlinear Joint with Hinges macro‐elements connected by elastic frame elements. The proposed formulation is applied in this paper to plane frames. Validation studies with results from available experimental tests on beam‐column joint subassemblages show the proposed model capability to predict the hysteretic responses and the failure mechanisms of connections with unreinforced joints and different beam reinforcement ratios.
Optimizing wheat production and reducing environmental impacts through scientist–farmer engagement: Lessons from the North China Plain
Authors: Jiang Wei , Zhu Annah , Wang Chong , Zhang Fusuo , Jiao Xiaoqiang
Published: November 2020

Producing high economic benefits and high grain yields with limited environmental impacts is crucial for feeding the world's growing population. Yet it remains challenging to improve the performance of one objective without creating unintended consequences for other objectives. This is especially difficult for smallholders navigating a diverse array of environmental and personal demands. This study demonstrates how combining participatory research through the Science and Technology Backyards (STB) approach with Pareto‐based ranking modeling can increase smallholder production while also reducing environmental impact. Through an intensive farmer survey in a 1 × 1 km grid in Quzhou County, we demonstrate that farmers engaged in STBs performed better according to multiple objectives (i.e., optimizing overall grain yield, benefit‐cost ratio, and GHG emissions, without compromising any one of these objectives) than farmer's not engaged in STBs. Moreover, we used a Pareto optimization approach (OPT) to determine the optimal smallholder scenario. We found that under OPT, grain yield could reach 9.5 t/ha, with a benefit‐cost ratio of 2.1, a 100% N recovery efficiency, and 7,395 kg CO2eq ha−1 GHG emissions. With OPT as a final goal, our research team worked with STB farmers to improve economic and environmental outcomes without compromising yield. Our findings demonstrate that no significant difference was obtained between farmers engaged in STBs and these under OPT. Compared with non‐STB farmers, STB farmers’ grain yield improved by 18%, benefit‐cost ratio improved by 26% due to improved N recovery efficiency, and GHG emissions were reduced by 31%. These improvements demonstrate the power of scientist–farmer engagement for optimizing wheat production. Such engagement allows farmers to modify their agronomic practices to more closely match Pareto optimal conditions, thus improving environmental and economic benefits without compromising yield. Our results provide solid evidence of the potential for sustainable wheat production by combining modeling with participatory research.
Effect of the ethanolic extract and essential oil of Ferulago angulata (Schlecht.) Boiss. on protein, physicochemical, sensory, and microbial characteristics of probiotic yogurt during storage time
Authors: Keshavarzi Mahshid , Sharifan Anousheh , Yasini Ardakani Seyed Ali
Published: November 2020

Background

The use of functional food, such as probiotic products, is important due to their health benefits against various diseases. Phenolic and aromatic compounds originating from medical plants can contribute to the growth of probiotic bacteria.

Methods

The ethanolic extract (0.2% and 0.4%) and essential oil (0.01% and 0.03%) of Ferulago angulata (FAEE and FAEO, respectively) were added to probiotic yogurt (Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum bacteria) to investigate their effects on the survival of probiotic bacteria during storage time (21 days) and assess its physicochemical, protein, and organoleptic properties.

Results

Upon increasing the concentration of FAEE and FAEO, the value of total phenol content, acidity, viscosity, and water absorption of yogurt treatments increased, and the pH, syneresis, and solubility of treatments showed a decreasing trend (p < .05). Also, adding 0.01% FAEO and 0.2% FAEE improved the organoleptic properties of yogurt (p < .05) compared to the control treatment. The survivability of the investigated probiotic bacteria demonstrated a decreased trend during storage in all treatments, but at the end of the study, the number of both probiotic bacteria in all treatments was significantly higher than that of the control samples.

Conclusion

Based on the results of protein, physicochemical, microbial, and sensory tests of herbal probiotic yogurts, the addition of 0.03% essential oil is the best way to realize the goals of the research.
Electricity Production in a Two Chamber Microbial Fuel Cell with Bioanodes and Biocathodes Catalyzed with Gold
Authors: Nájera M. C. , Verea L. , Lastres O. , Mejía‐López M. , Hernández‐Romano J. , Sebastian P. J.
Published: November 2020

This work presents the study of different electrical potentials applied to a carbon cloth material to develop biofilms for their application as bioelectrodes in a microbial fuel cell (MFC). The principal aim of this work was to develop bioanodes and biocathodes for their simultaneous operation in a MFC. The potentials applied were 0.1 V, 0.4 V, and –0.42 V vs. Ag/AgCl KCl reference electrode. Also, electrodes were studied, where a positive potential was applied and gold as the catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) was used. The bioelectrodes were characterized with the cyclic voltammetry (CV) technique and the results determined the application of the bioelectrodes as bioanode or biocathode in the MFC. The biofilms formed were observed with the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique, and also a new type of electroactive bacteria (Sphingomonas paucimobilis) for biocathodes was identified with a molecular technique. The bioelectrodes developed were tested in a MFC and a maximum power density of 0.585 W m−2 was obtained.
Does commuting mode choice impact health?
Authors: Jacob Nikita , Munford Luke , Rice Nigel , Roberts Jennifer
Published: November 2020

Governments around the world are encouraging people to switch away from sedentary modes of travel towards more active modes, including walking and cycling. The aim of these schemes is to improve population health and to reduce emissions. There is considerable evidence on the latter, but relatively little on the former. This paper investigates the impact of mode choice on physical and mental health. Using data from the UK Household Longitudinal Study, we exploit changes in mode of commute to identify health outcome responses. Individuals who change modes are matched with those whose mode remains constant. Overall we find that mode switches affect both physical and mental health. When switching from car to active travel we see an increase in physical health for women and in mental health for both genders. In contrast, both men and women who switch from active travel to car are shown to experience a significant reduction in their physical health and health satisfaction, and a decline in their mental health when they change from active to public transport.
Analysing spillover between returns and volatility series of oil across major stock markets
Authors: Tiwari Aviral Kumar , Nasreen Samia , Ullah Subhan , Shahbaz Muhammad
Published: November 2020

Applying recently developed Diebold and Yilmaz (2012) spillover index, this paper investigates the oil–stocks returns and volatility connectedness with weekly data between January 14, 2000 and March 31, 2017. For the purpose of robustness, we have both used WTI and Brent oil prices. Sensitivity of overall spilover index is also examined using different lag‐structures and different forecast horizons. The empirical results are qualitatively similar either when WTI or Brent oil prices are used to examine the spillover amongst series under consideration. Specifically, the spillover index value for WTI and Brent, respectively, is 71.60 and 72.32%. We show that total spillover connectedness, as measured by a rolling‐window approach, has dynamic and volatile characteristics in returns and volatility series across major markets. Last but not least, we find from the net spillover analysis that NYK, SPTSX, IBOV, MICEX, SENSEX, Shanghai, TOP40 and WTI stock markets are net receiver of return spillover, whereas SPX, DAX, UKX, FTSEMIB and CAC40 are the net contributors.
A developing country's commercial banking risk governance disclosures: Post‐financial crisis
Authors: Weekes‐Marshall Diana
Published: November 2020

Risk governance disclosures (RGDs) provide users with valuable information and greater corporate insights about the management, oversight and strategic direction of the organisation. However, insufficient research has been conducted in this area. RGDs reduce information asymmetry and increase transparency. This study examines the level of RGDs in the commercial banks (CBs) of a developing country where most RGDs are voluntary and made at management's discretion. The study adopted a quantitative, multi‐method approach. RGDs for two publicly listed CBs in Barbados were analysed over 10 years (2007–2016) using a risk governance disclosure index (RGDI). Correlations were also used to determine if a relationship existed between the disclosures and performance. Disclosures were found to be general and non‐standardized. Company‐specific disclosures were infrequent, and annual disclosures were repetitive and symbolic. No significant relationships were discovered between corporate governance disclosures and performance. However, but bank performance indicators were found to be positively related to risk disclosures. A limitation of the study is that only two of the six CBs reported in a manner suitable for this study. Hence, reducing the number of observations. This was overcome through the use of a longitudinal approach which allowed for improved understanding of RG reporting practices in this sector. The results provide valuable insights which supplement the existing literature. They also provide pertinent information for standard‐setters, regulators and preparers of the reports. The study contributes to the existing literature in that it examines the disclosure behaviours of CBs in a non‐traditional governance model in an economy with limited research.
Combating silver nanoparticle‐mediated toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster with curcumin
Authors: Singh Akanksha , Raj Akanksha , Padmanabhan Aishwarya , Shah Prasanna , Agrawal Namita
Published: November 2020

Nanoscale materials display unique physical and chemical properties that enable their assimilation into a variety of industrial and consumer products. Amongst the widely used nanomaterials, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have gained tremendous recognition for various applications, owing to their extraordinary plasmonic and bactericidal properties. Despite of the extensive usage of AgNPs in various sectors, its impact on human health remains ambiguous. Several studies have established that higher doses of AgNPs are detrimental to organismal health. In order to attain the best from these versatile nanoparticles, a recent advent of green nanotechnology, that is, employment of metal nanoparticles synthesized using plant extracts, has emerged. Here, using Drosophila as a model system, we tested if adding curcumin, a biologically active polyphenolic compound present in turmeric, having multitudes of therapeutic properties, could mitigate AgNP‐mediated biotoxicity. We found that co‐administration of AgNPs with curcumin in the fly food could alleviate several harmful effects evoked by AgNPs ingestion in Drosophila model. Addition of curcumin superseded reduction in feeding, pupation, eclosion, pigmentation, and fertility caused by AgNPs ingestion. Interestingly, impairment in ovary development observed in flies reared on AgNPs‐supplemented food was also partially restored by co‐administration of AgNPs with curcumin. Furthermore, substantial alleviation of reactive oxygen species level and cell death was observed in larval tissues upon co‐supplementation of AgNPs with curcumin. We therefore propose that curcumin, when administered with AgNPs, can abrogate the toxic manifestations of AgNPs ingestion and hence can be incorporated in various consumer products encompassing it.
High performance global exploration of isomers and isomerization channels on quantum chemical potential energy surface of H5C2NO2
Authors: Ohno Koichi , Kishimoto Naoki , Iwamoto Takeaki , Satoh Hiroko , Watanabe Hiromasa
Published: November 2020

High performance global exploration of isomers and isomerization channels on the quantum chemical potential energy surface (PES) is performed for H5C2NO2 by using the scaled hypersphere search‐anharmonic downward distortion following (SHS‐ADDF) method. A multi‐node operation, NeoGRRM, has achieved high performance exploration calculations for the large system by submitting SHS‐ADDF sub‐jobs into many cores in parallel and unifying the results of sub‐jobs into the total lists of the main‐job. Global exploration of equilibrium (EQ) and transition‐state structures at the level of B3LYP/6‐31G(d) gave 3210 EQs and 23278 TSs. Nine compounds were found in the low energy regions of 0–100 kJ/mol; the lowest energy compound is N‐methylcarbamic acid, the second is methyl carbamate, and the third is glycine (the most fundamental amino acid). Interconversion pathways between the conformers of each of the low energy compounds were surveyed. Isomerization channels around glycine were explored in detail. The lowest energy barriers around some of the EQs turned to be negative after zero‐point energy corrections. This indicates that those structures cannot exist as independent structures because they spontaneously collapse into more stable structures. The global PES search showed various interesting dissociating channels which indicate synthon reaction pathways in the reverse directions.
Emerging roles of AATF: Checkpoint signaling and beyond
Authors: Srinivas Akshatha N. , Suresh Diwakar , Mirshahi Faridoddin , Santhekadur Prasanna K. , Sanyal Arun J. , Kumar Divya P.
Published: November 2020

Apoptosis antagonizing transcription factor (AATF), an interacting partner of RNA polymerase II is a multifunctional protein that is highly conserved in eukaryotes. In addition to the regulation of gene expression as a transcriptional coactivator, AATF is shown to play a dual role in regulating the cell cycle by displacing histone deacetylases 1 (HDAC1) from the retinoblastoma‐E2F transcription factor (Rb‐E2F) complex and also from the specificity protein 1 (Sp1) transcription factor responsible for p21 expression, thereby ensuring cell proliferation and growth arrest, respectively, at different checkpoints of the cell cycle. Notably, AATF has emerged as one of the most important modulators of various cellular responses such as proliferation, apoptosis, and survival. Studies have demonstrated that AATF protects cells from multiple stress stimuli such as DNA damage, ER stress, hypoxia, or glucose deprivation by inducing cell cycle arrest, autophagy, or apoptosis inhibition. Furthermore, AATF serves as a critical regulator in various cancers and promotes tumorigenesis by protecting cancer cells from apoptosis induction, favoring cell proliferation, or promoting cell survival by autophagy. Recent studies have demonstrated the key role of AATF in ribosome biosynthesis and have also provided insights into the mechanistic role of AATF, offering impressive cytoprotection in myocardial infarction, neurologic diseases, and nephronophthisis. In this review, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the role of AATF and shed light on its emerging roles underlining the potential use of AATF as a novel biomarker and as an effective therapeutic target.
Tree‐ring reconstructed diurnal temperature range on the eastern Tibetan plateau and its linkage to El Niño‐Southern Oscillation
Authors: Tao Qin , Zhang Qi‐Bin , Chen Xing
Published: November 2020

The decreasing trend in diurnal temperature range (DTR) since the 1950s has been widely observed in many regions of the world, including the Tibetan Plateau (TP). However, scarce instrumental records on the TP before the 1950s limit the understanding of DTR variation on a longer timescale, and its internal forcing mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we present two regional records of May–June DTR since 1753 reconstructed from tree rings on the northeastern TP (NETP) and southeastern TP (SETP), respectively. The decreasing trend in DTR in the second half of the twentieth century also occurred in the time earlier than the 1950s, indicating that the reduction in DTR is not unique to global warming. Spatially, both the instrumental and reconstructed DTR show different modes on the NETP and SETP. Composite analysis and superposed epoch analysis reveal the linkage between El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the DTR on the SETP. La Niña (El Niño) winters are generally followed by the stronger (weaker) early Indian summer monsoon so that may lead to the decrease (increase) in May–June DTR. The positive correlation between Niño 3.4 index and the DTR on the SETP over the past two and a half centuries is accompanied by a stable response of the decreased DTR to La Niña events. These results suggest that ENSO is a crucial driver for the DTR variation on the SETP through oceanic‐atmospheric modulation.
Spectroscopic investigation of Cappadocia proto‐Byzantine paintings
Authors: Sbroscia Marco , Pelosi Claudia , Agresti Giorgia , Paolucci Alessio , Pogliani Paola , Ruggiero Ludovica , Sodo Armida
Published: November 2020

The present contribution focuses the attention on the mural paintings of two among the oldest Cappadocia churches, belonging to the group of “proto‐Byzantine paintings.” These materials have never been extensively investigated before and represent a starting point of paramount importance to understand the evolution of both materials and techniques during the ages in this extraordinary region of central Turkey. Specifically, among the several investigated churches and after the synergic work of art historians, conservators, and scientists, we selected the church of St. John the Baptist at Çavuşin, whose architectural structure is dated back to fifth–sixth century, and Church nr. 5 (Süslü church, sixth–ninth century) in Güllü Dere. A limited but exhaustive number of samples was carefully selected and then collected during the on‐site campaign in Cappadocia. Samples were investigated with a multianalytical approach by using cross‐section examination, X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR), and micro‐Raman spectroscopy to characterize materials, execution technique, and conservation state. The wall paintings in the church of St. John the Baptist are characterized by the presence of superimposed or adjacent layers ascribable to different historical periods, as it occurs in many of the Cappadocia churches. Their discrimination has been based on the mortar/ground layer. Pigments have been successfully identified and are mainly based on iron earths and ochres; the presence of gypsum and anhydrite, oxalates, and organic materials have been highlighted on the surface, thus suggesting alteration processes. The church nr. 5 at Güllü Dere shows a unique pictorial phase. Pigments are applied on a gypsum based ground layer and exhibit alteration patterns being made of lead based compounds, such as lead oxides and carbonates. A peculiarity of this church is the presence of anatase, detected in correspondence of red and yellow areas of the samples.
Image‐guided percutaneous cryoablation of unresectable sacrococcygeal chordoma: Feasibility and outcome in a selected group of patients with long term follow‐up
Authors: Cherix Stéphane , Traverso Aurélien , Bazan Alexander A. , Gallusser Nicolas , Heutschi‐Ozturk Hafize , Abou‐Khalil Sami , Goetti Patrick , Letovanec Igor , Montemurro Michael , Bize Pierre
Published: November 2020

Background

Chordoma is a rare malignant tumor of the axial skeleton. Percutaneous cryoablation (PCA) is a minimally invasive technique that allows freezing of tumors under imaging control. The purpose of our retrospective study was to investigate the outcome of PCA in a selected cohort of patients with sacrococcygeal chordoma, with a minimum of 5 years follow‐up.

Materials and Methods

Four patients were treated in 10 sessions. The mean follow‐up was 57.3 months. We evaluated the feasibility, the procedure‐related complications, the impact on pain control and oncological outcomes.

Results

Freezing of 100% of the tumor volume was possible in 60%. Pain control was not reliably evaluable. Local recurrence occurred in 90% of the treated lesions; the mean time to progression was 8.1 months (range 1.5–16). At last follow‐up, one patient had died of the disease, one of another cause and one was receiving the best supportive care. The only patient alive without the disease had received additional carbon‐ion radiotherapy. The 5‐year survival rate after index PCA was 50%.

Conclusion

Complete freezing of the tumor was technically challenging, mainly due to the complex local anatomy. Recurrence occurred in 90% of the lesions treated. PCA should be considered with caution in the curative management of sacrococcygeal chordoma.
Influences of GABAergic Inhibition in the Dorsal Medulla on Contralateral Swallowing Neurons in Rats
Authors: Kinoshita Shota , Sugiyama Yoichiro , Hashimoto Keiko , Fuse Shinya , Mukudai Shigeyuki , Umezaki Toshiro , Dutschmann Mathias , Hirano Shigeru
Published: November 2020

Objectives

We aimed to examine the effect of unilateral inhibition of the medullary dorsal swallowing networks on the activities of swallowing‐related cranial motor nerves and swallowing interneurons.

Methods

In 25 juvenile rats, we recorded bilateral vagal nerve activity (VNA) as well as unilateral phrenic and hypoglossal activity (HNA) during fictive swallowing elicited by electrical stimulation of the superior laryngeal nerve during control and following microinjection of the GABA agonist muscimol into the caudal dorsal medulla oblongata in a perfused brainstem preparation. In 20 animals, swallowing interneurons contralateral to the muscimol injection side were simultaneously recorded extracellularly and their firing rates were analyzed during swallowing.

Results

Integrated VNA and HNA to the injection side decreased to 49.0 ± 16.6% and 32.3 ± 17.9%, respectively. However, the VNA on the uninjected side showed little change after muscimol injection. Following local inhibition, 11 out of 20 contralateral swallowing interneurons showed either increased or decreased of their respective firing discharge during evoked‐swallowing, while no significant changes in activity were observed in the remaining nine neurons.

Conclusion

The neuronal networks underlying the swallowing pattern generation in the dorsal medulla mediate the ipsilateral motor outputs and modulate the contralateral activity of swallowing interneurons, suggesting that the bilateral coordination of the swallowing central pattern generator regulates the spatiotemporal organization of pharyngeal swallowing movements.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 131:2187–2198, 2021
Influence of 9 years of permanent raised beds and contour furrowing on soil health in conservation agriculture based systems in Tigray region, Ethiopia
Authors: Araya Tesfay , Gebremedhin Alemu , Baudron Frédéric , Hailemariam Mengsteab , Birhane Emiru , Nyssen Jan , Govaerts Bram , Cornelis Wim
Published: November 2020

Conservation agriculture (CA) systems represent a set of three soil management principles: minimarbance, permanent soil cover and crop rotations ‐ whereas the CA‐based systems in this study add the bed and furrow tillage techniques as integral elements of CA. Studies on the effects of long‐term CA‐based systems on soil health and crop productivity are rare globally, particularly in Ethiopia. This study aimed at investigating the long‐term (2005–2013) influence of CA‐based systems on soil health and crop productivity in northern Ethiopia. The treatments we used include two types of CA‐based systems (permanent raised bed PRB and contour furrowing CF) and conventional tillage (CT) arranged in a randomized complete block design. Soil samples were collected at 0–10 cm soil depth to assess soil health. Piecewise structural equation modeling (PSEM) was used to analyze linkages between management practices, soil health and crop productivity. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi spore abundance and root colonization was higher in PRB followed by CF compared to CT (p < 0.05). Significantly different soil N of 1.4 and 0.9 g kg−1and available P of 6.7 and 4.1 ppm were recorded for PRB and CT, respectively. Higher straw and grain yield of 12 and 4.3, 10 and 3.5, 8 and 2.8 t ha−1were recorded for PRB, CF and CT, respectively. Outputs of the PSEM highlighted two pathways in which CA‐based systems contributed to improved productivity: (a) via higher density of bacteria and improved hydraulic conductivity, and (b) via higher density of fungi and increase soil organic carbon content in the topsoil. The study concludes that CA‐based systems have the potential to improve crop productivity through improved soil health.
Enhanced fallopian canal as a potential marker for temporal bone vasculitis
Authors: Fujikawa Taro , Honda Keiji , Ito Taku , Kishino Mitsuhiro , Kimura Naoki , Umezawa Natsuka , Hirano Mana , Aoki Natsuki , Kawashima Yoshiyuki , Tsutsumi Takeshi
Published: November 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to test the hypothesis that contrast‐enhanced 3D MRI with gradient‐echo sequences (CE‐3D‐GRE) can detect signs of vasculitis in the fallopian canal, which may cause otologic involvement, in four patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody‐associated vasculitis (AAV).

Methods

CE‐3D‐GRE acquired at 3.0 Tesla was performed on four patients diagnosed with granulomatosis with polyangiitis or eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, at onset or relapse of the disease, and in remission. Clinical correlations between otologic symptoms and radiological findings were examined for each patient. Furthermore, signal intensity of the mastoid segment of the fallopian canal was compared between the ears with active disease (n = 3) and those in remission or without vasculitis (n = 3).

Results

Intense enhancement in the tympanic and mastoid segments of the fallopian canal was associated with development of external otitis, otitis media, and sensorineural hearing loss, and was unrelated to the presence of facial paresis. Maximal intensity projection images visualized the close relationship between the enhanced fallopian canal and middle ear inflammation. The findings were absent in remission. Signal intensity of the mastoid segment of the fallopian canal was higher in ears with active disease than in normal ears (P < .001) and decreased to normal levels during remission (P = .597).

Conclusion

CE‐3D‐GRE can demonstrate vasculitis in the temporal bone, reflecting disease activity and the severity of otologic manifestations, including cochlear involvement, in AAV patients. Intense enhancement of the fallopian canal on CE‐3D‐GRE can be a potential marker for vasculitis of the temporal bone.

Level of Evidence

5.
Thermosensitive “Smart” Surfaces for Biorecognition Based Cell Adhesion and Controlled Detachment
Authors: Brunato Silvia , Mastrotto Francesca , Bellato Federica , Garofalo Mariangela , Göddenhenrich Thomas , Mantovani Giuseppe , Alexander Cameron , Gross Silvia , Salmaso Stefano , Caliceti Paolo
Published: November 2020

The biorecognition‐based control of attachment/detachment of MCF‐7 cancer cells from polymer‐coated surfaces is demonstrated. A glass surface is coated with a thermoresponsive statistical copolymer of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐acrylamide) [p(NIPAm‐co‐Am)], which is end‐capped with the Gly‐Arg‐Gly‐Asp‐Ser (GRGDS) peptide, and the hydrophilic polymer poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). Below the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of p(NIPAm‐co‐Am) (38 °C), the copolymers are in the extended conformation, allowing for accessibility of the GRGDS peptides to membrane‐associated integrins thus enabling cell attachment. Above the LCST, the p(NIPAm‐co‐Am) polymers collapse into globular conformations, resulting in the shielding of the GRGDS peptides into the PEG brush with consequent inaccessibility to cell‐surface integrins, causing cell detachment. The surface coating is carried out by a multi‐step procedure that included: glass surface amination with 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane; reaction of mPEG5kDa‐N‐hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) and p(NIPam‐co‐Am)15.1kDa‐bis‐NHS with the surface aminopropyl groups and conjugation of GRGDS to the carboxylic acid termini of p(NIPam‐co‐Am)15.1kDa‐COOH. A range of spectrophotometric, surface, and microscopy assays confirmed the identity of the polymer‐coated substrates. Competition studies prove that MCF‐7 cancer cells are attached via peptide recognition at the coated surfaces according to the mPEG5kDa/p(NIPam‐co‐Am)15.1kDa‐GRGDS molar ratio. These data suggest the system can be exploited to modulate cell integrin/GRGDS binding for controlled cell capture and release.
Characterization of Anisotropic Human Hair Keratin Scaffolds Fabricated via Directed Ice Templating
Authors: Zhao Zhitong , Moay Zi Kuang , Lai Hui Ying , Goh Bernice Huan Rong , Chua Huei Min , Setyawati Magdiel Inggrid , Ng Kee Woei
Published: November 2020

Human hair keratin (HHK) is successfully exploited as raw materials for 3D scaffolds for soft tissue regeneration owing to its excellent biocompatibility and bioactivity. However, most HHK scaffolds are not able to achieve the anisotropic mechanical properties of soft tissues such as tendons and ligaments due to lack of tunable, well‐defined microstructures. In this study, directed ice templating method is used to fabricate anisotropic HHK scaffolds that are characterized by aligned pores (channels) in between keratin layers in the longitudinal plane. In contrast, pores in the transverse plane maintain a homogenous rounded morphology. Channel widths throughout the scaffolds range from ≈5 to ≈15 µm and are tunable by varying the freezing temperature. In comparison with HHK scaffolds with random, isotropic pore structures, the tensile strength of anisotropic HHK scaffolds is enhanced significantly by up to fourfolds (≈200 to ≈800 kPa) when the tensile load is applied in the direction parallel to the aligned pores. In vitro results demonstrate that the anisotropic HHK scaffolds are able to support human dermal fibroblast adhesion, spreading, and proliferation. The findings suggest that HHK scaffolds with well‐defined, aligned microstructure hold promise as templates for soft tissues regeneration by mimicking their anisotropic properties.
Next‐generation Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) incorporated nanofibre wound dressings
Authors: Afshar Ayda , Yuca Esra , Wisdom Cate , Alenezi Hussain , Ahmed Jubair , Tamerler Candan , Edirisinghe Mohan
Published: November 2020

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) containing polymer‐based nanodelivery systems offer to overcome many challenges in wound care. While preventing the contact of the external agents on the wound, it also addresses a rising concern on the drug resistance. AMPs as the host defence peptides have been increasingly recognized for therapeutic potential owning to their critical role in innate immunity. Here we investigated a nanofibre mesh approach using AMPs incorporated polyethylene oxide (PEO) for wound healing applications. PEO was prepared to carry GH12‐COOH‐M2 (type 1 AMP) and AMP2 (type 2 AMP), and their antibacterial activity was assessed againstStaphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis). PEO‐AMP nanofibre meshes were successfully formed by using pressurized gyration (PG), which allows rapid mass production. Bacterial viability of the nanofibre meshes was investigated using the AlamarBlue assay. Fibre morphology, size distribution and AMP incorporation in the nanofibres were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fluorescence microscopy (polarization contrast images) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). While both PEO‐AMP1 and PEO‐AMP2 nanofibres indicate promising bacterial inhibition at 105 µg/ml, PEO‐AMP2 fibres showed the highestS. epidermidisreduction. The results demonstrated that increase in the AMP content reduced the bacterial growth. Another important implementation of the PEO‐AMP nanofibres is that they can be tuned to rapidly releasing the peptides. Antimicrobial peptide‐loaded nanofibres represent a viable biologically active solution to next‐generation wound dressings.
Effect of nurses’ perception to workplace civility climate on nurse–physician collaboration
Authors: Hossny Eman Kamel , Sabra Hanaa Esmail
Published: November 2020

Aims

To assess the effect of nurses’ perception to workplace civility climate on nurse–physician collaboration and determine whether the largest contributor to changing the climate of the workplace are the employees or top management.

Design

This study used non‐experimental descriptive cross‐sectional study design, which using purposive sample (139 nurses) working at Health Insurance Hospital.

Method

The current study data were collected by using self‐administered questionnaires including three tools: (a) a structured interview questionnaire includes personal data; (b) perceived workplace civility climate scale (15 items); and (c) Nurse Physician Collaboration Scale (27 items).

Results

Main result of this study reveals that there was a positive statistically significant correlation between workplace civility climate and collaboration (0.208*). Studied nurses were perceived top management with the high score (87.5) than employees (65.2).

Conclusion

Workplace civility climate was demanded for well collaboration between nurses and physicians to provide high‐quality services; when nurses and physicians have increase chance to work in civility climate, combining with response to incivility and low intolerance for it, they will be more collaborated. Recommendation: Policies and procedures are very important in healthcare settings to address uncivil actions and establish a civilized climate.
A reduced‐order modified finite difference method preserving unconditional energy‐stability for the Allen–Cahn equation
Authors: Li Huanrong , Song Zhengyuan , Zhang Fuchen
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we mainly study a reduced‐order finite difference (FD) method with an extra modified term for the Allen–Cahn equation with a small parameter perturbation and a nonlinear term concerned with the energy function. First, using a proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) technique, we construct a set of optimal POD basis and establish a reduced‐order modified finite difference (ROMFD) scheme. Second, we prove the discrete maximum‐bound‐principle (DMBP) preserving and discrete energy‐stability (DES) preserving of the ROMFD solutions under some restrictions on the coefficient of the modified term and the time step size, in particular when the coefficient of modified term is large enough, the ROMFD scheme satisfies unconditional DMP and unconditional DES for any time step. And we analyze the error estimate of the ROMFD solution for the Allen–Cahn equation. Finally, we give some numerical tests to verify all the theoretical results of our ROMFD method, including (unconditional) DMBP‐preserving and (unconditional) DES‐preserving, and to show that the CPU running time of our ROMFD method with very few degrees of freedom is much less than that of the FD method.
Accelerated weathering analysis of jute reinforced cashewnut shell liquid modified soy based green composite
Authors: Avancha Sridevi , Behera Ajaya Kumar , Sen Ramkrishna , Adhikari Basudam
Published: November 2020

Cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) is improved as a soy resin system when aldehyde‐based curing agent is used for crosslinking. In this work, composites were prepared by reinforcing sodium hydroxide treated jute felts with CNSL modified soy resin and characterized in terms of water resistance, mechanical properties, dynamic mechanical properties and screw drilling properties. Addition of 4 wt% CNSL in soy resin increased water resistance of the composite by 10% whereas tensile properties of composite improved by about 40%. Maximum storage modulus of CNSL based composite was found 8412 MPa as compared to 1092 MPa of jute‐soy composite without CNSL. Composites were exposed to accelerated weather and checked for dimensional stability, change in weight and mechanical properties. These composites could find wide applications in railway and automobile interiors, furniture, toysand so forth.
Lung biopsy in the diagnosis of pediatric ANCA‐associated vasculitis
Authors: Sayad Edouard , Vogel Tiphanie P. , Cortes‐Santiago Nahir , Patel Kalyani R. , McNeill David M. , Spielberg David , Silva‐Carmona Manuel
Published: November 2020

Objective

To investigate pulmonary histopathologic features in a cohort of pediatric patients with anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)‐associated vasculitis (AAV) who underwent a lung biopsy as part of their evaluation. We report the safety and the findings of lung biopsies in this population.

Methods

After IRB approval, we performed a retrospective chart review of all patients <18 years of age presenting to our institution with a diagnosis of pediatric AAV (pAAV) who underwent lung biopsy. We reviewed histopathologic features, serologies, the timing of biopsy, and complications.

Results

Fourteen patients met inclusion criteria, nine patients with microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), and five patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). All patients had positive ANCA serology. 13/14 patients required admission on initial presentation for respiratory symptoms; 11/13 required respiratory support. The indication for biopsy was confirmation of diagnosis before initiating therapy in 11 patients (78%), part of the infectious evaluation in two (14%), and part of interstitial lung disease evaluation in one (7%). 11/14 (78%) biopsies had findings consistent with AAV diagnosis: 6/9 (67%) of the MPA patients compared with 5/5 (100%) of the GPA patients. The most common findings on histopathology were vascular inflammation and signs of alveolar hemorrhage. The only reported complication after lung biopsy was pneumothorax in four patients (28%).

Conclusion

Lung biopsy had a higher diagnostic yield in GPA compared with MPA patients. In our cohort, a diagnosis of AAV could be made with clinical features and positive serology but was confirmed by lung histopathology in the majority of cases. Obtaining a lung biopsy for diagnostic purposes in pAAV should be reserved for uncertain cases where the diagnosis cannot be confirmed clinically and with serology.
Assessment of the effects of novel insecticides on green peach aphid (Myzus persicae) feeding and transmission of Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV)
Authors: Samara Rana , Lowery Thomas D , Stobbs Lorne W , Vickers Patrica M , Bittner Lori A
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

Laboratory bioassays using treated leaf disks of peach were conducted to determine the efficacy of nine insecticides against the green peach aphid (GPA), Myzus persicae (Sulzer). The effects of these insecticides on aphid feeding behaviors and rates of transmission of Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) to potted rutabaga plants were also determined.

RESULTS

Median lethal concentration (LC50) values after 48 h feeding varied considerably, ranging from lows of 1.5 and 4.6 μg a.i./L for sulfoxaflor and λ‐cyhalothrin, respectively, to 97.2 and 167.9 μg a.i./L for flonicamid and spirotetramat. LC50 values were lowest and roughly equivalent for λ‐cyhalothrin (1.2) acetamiprid (2.1), sulfoxaflor (0.23) and flupyradifurone (2.3) after 72 h feeding. Electrical penetration graph (EPG) recordings showed modest effects on feeding behaviors for certain insecticides, with sulfoxaflor, spirotetramat, and acetamiprid non‐significant reduction in feeding duration and number of pathway and potential drop phases occurring during the first 5 min compared with the control. However, greenhouse experiments carried out to investigate the effect of these insecticides on rates of transmission of TuMV, which is transmitted non‐persistently by GPA, resulted in only modest non‐significant reductions in infection rates for acetamiprid, pymetrozine, λ‐cyhalothrin, and flonicamid of 27%, 23%, 20%, and 17%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

All test materials were efficacious to GPA at differing levels, and some such as sulfoxaflor and acetamiprid non‐significantly reduced the duration and number of pathways and potential drop phases of feeding within the first 5 min. None, however, resulted in significant reductions in rates of transmission of TuMV. © 2020 Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada. Pest Management Science © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Lithium modulates miR-1906 levels of mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles contributing to poststroke neuroprotection by toll-like receptor 4 regulation
Authors: Haupt Matteo , Zheng Xuan , Kuang Yaoyun , Lieschke Simone , Janssen Lisa , Bosche Bert , Jin Fengyan , Hein Katharina , Kilic Ertugrul , Venkataramani Vivek , Hermann Dirk M. , Bähr Mathias , Doeppner Thorsten R.
Published: November 2020

Lithium is neuroprotective in preclinical stroke models. In addition to that, poststroke neuroregeneration is stimulated upon transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Preconditioning of MSCs with lithium further enhances the neuroregenerative potential of MSCs, which act by secreting extracellular vesicles (EVs). The present work analyzed whether MSC preconditioning with lithium modifies EV secretion patterns, enhancing the therapeutic potential of such derived EVs (Li-EVs) in comparison with EVs enriched from native MSCs. Indeed, Li-EVs significantly enhanced the resistance of cultured astrocytes, microglia, and neurons against hypoxic injury when compared with controls and to native EV-treated cells. Using a stroke mouse model, intravenous delivery of Li-EVs increased neurological recovery and neuroregeneration for as long as 3 months in comparison with controls and EV-treated mice, albeit the latter also showed significantly better behavioral test performance compared with controls. Preconditioning of MSCs with lithium also changed the secretion patterns for such EVs, modifying the contents of various miRNAs within these vesicles. As such, Li-EVs displayed significantly increased levels of miR-1906, which has been shown to be a new regulator of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling. Li-EVs reduced posthypoxic and postischemic TLR4 abundance, resulting in an inhibition of the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling pathway, decreased proteasomal activity, and declined both inducible NO synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 expression, all of which culminated in reduced levels of poststroke cerebral inflammation. Conclusively, the present study demonstrates, for the first time, an enhanced therapeutic potential of Li-EVs compared with native EVs, interfering with a novel signaling pathway that yields both acute neuroprotection and enhanced neurological recovery.
Sampling‐based estimation for massive survival data with additive hazards model
Authors: Zuo Lulu , Zhang Haixiang , Wang HaiYing , Liu Lei
Published: November 2020

For massive survival data, we propose a subsampling algorithm to efficiently approximate the estimates of regression parameters in the additive hazards model. We establish consistency and asymptotic normality of the subsample‐based estimator given the full data. The optimal subsampling probabilities are obtained via minimizing asymptotic variance of the resulting estimator. The subsample‐based procedure can largely reduce the computational cost compared with the full data method. In numerical simulations, our method has low bias and satisfactory coverage probabilities. We provide an illustrative example on the survival analysis of patients with lymphoma cancer from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program.
What makes dynamic strategic problems difficult? Evidence from an experimental study
Authors: Rahmandad Hazhir , Denrell Jerker , Prelec Drazen
Published: November 2020

Research Summary

Managers regularly deal with dynamic tasks, where decisions impact immediate payoffs as well as long‐term capabilities. Research shows that people do poorly in dynamic tasks, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. These may range from unsystematic problem‐solving to rational learning in complex environments. In a series of experiments, we tease apart alternative explanations, showing that poor performance is due to behavioral difficulties. Remarkably, we find that people do poorly even if provided with complete information about the payoff function, thus, eliminating any need for learning. They unsystematically search among possible solutions and end up with inefficient heuristics. The results show that differences in thinking through a dynamic problem may lead to substantial variation in performance, even if common sources of complexity and ambiguity are excluded.

Managerial Summary

Why do people, including managers, have difficulty managing systems where taking action today impacts future outcomes? Difficulty of learning in a complex environment has been proposed as the key challenge. Using experiments, we show that people find such tasks difficult even when all relevant information is provided to them and there is nothing to learn. Using trial and error most participants learn satisfactory, but inferior, heuristics. Those who systematically think through tradeoffs over time significantly outperform others even in a simple task, suggesting such thinking adds value in realistic managerial settings as well.