bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The clinical implication of new‐onset in‐hospital atrial fibrillation in patients with acute decompensated heart failure
Authors: Kamioka Masashi , Yoshihisa Akiomi , Nodera Minoru , Misaka Tomofumi , Yokokawa Tetsuro , Kaneshiro Takashi , Nakazato Kazuhiko , Ishida Takafumi , Takeishi Yasuchika
Published: July 2020

Background

To investigate the clinical implication of the temporal difference in atrial fibrillation (AF)‐onset in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) and its impact on post‐discharge prognosis.

Methods

336 new‐onset ADHF patients without any history of AF before admission were enrolled (201 males, 63 ± 16 year‐old) and classified into two groups based on their history of AF: the Control group (No AF was detected during hospitalization, n = 278), and the In‐hos‐AF group (AF occurred during hospitalization, n = 58). Post discharge prognosis including rehospitalization due to worsening HF, cardiac death, all‐cause death and cerebrovascular event were compared.

Results

Kaplan‐Meier analysis demonstrated that the incidence of rehospitalization due to HF, cardiac death, all‐cause death and cerebrovascular event in the In‐hos‐AF group was not significantly different from that in the Control group (P > 0.05 respectively). However, when AF recurred in the In‐hos‐AF group patients (n = 24, 41%) after discharge, the incidence of rehospitalization due to HF and cardiac deaths were higher than those without AF recurrence (P = 0.018 and P = 0.027 respectively). Cox proportional analysis revealed that AF developing after discharge was proven to be an independent risk factor for rehospitalization due to HF (HR 1.845, P = 0.043), cardiac death (HR 3.562, P = 0.013) and all‐cause deaths (HR 2.138, P = 0.020).

Conclusion

Clinical outcomes of new‐onset in‐hospital AF patients were as good as those without AF history until AF recurrence. However, AF recurrence led to worse prognosis. Therefore, treatment for new‐onset in‐hospital AF in ADHF patients might be postponed until AF recurrence.
Long‐term outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery: 2020 OREF clinical research award paper
Authors: Fleming Braden C. , Fadale Paul D. , Hulstyn Michael J. , Shalvoy Robert M. , Tung Glenn A. , Badger Gary J.
Published: July 2020

ACL injuries place the knee at risk for post‐traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) despite surgical anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. One parameter thought to affect PTOA risk is the initial graft tension. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) was designed to compare outcomes between two graft tensioning protocols that bracket the range commonly used. At 7 years postsurgery, we determined that most outcomes between the two tension groups were not significantly different, that they were inferior to an uninjured matched control group, and that PTOA was progressing in both groups relative to controls. The trial database was also leveraged to gain insight into mechanisms of PTOA following ACL injury. We determined that the inflammatory response at the time of injury undermines one of the joint's lubricating mechanisms. We learned that patients continue to protect their surgical knee 5 years postinjury compared to controls during a jump‐pivot activity. We also established that presurgical knee function and mental health were correlated with symptomatic PTOA at 7 years, that there were specific anatomical factors associated with poor outcomes, and that there were no changes in outcomes due to tunnel widening in patients receiving hamstring tendon autografts. We also validated a magnetic resonance imaging technique to noninvasively assess graft strength. In conclusion, the RCT determined that initial graft tensioning does not have a major influence on 7‐year outcomes. Therefore, surgeons can reconstruct the ACL using a graft tensioning protocol that is within the window of the two graft tensioning techniques evaluated in this RCT.
Prediction of local fixed charge density loss in cartilage following ACL injury and reconstruction: A computational proof‐of‐concept study with MRI follow‐up
Authors: Orozco Gustavo A. , Bolcos Paul , Mohammadi Ali , Tanaka Matthew S. , Yang Mingrui , Link Thomas M. , Ma Benjamin , Li Xiaojuan , Tanska Petri , Korhonen Rami K.
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this proof‐of‐concept study was to develop three‐dimensional patient‐specific mechanobiological knee joint models to simulate alterations in the fixed charged density (FCD) around cartilage lesions during the stance phase of the walking gait. Two patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructed knees were imaged at 1 and 3 years after surgery. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data were used for segmenting the knee geometries, including the cartilage lesions. Based on these geometries, finite element (FE) models were developed. The gait of the patients was obtained using a motion capture system. Musculoskeletal modeling was utilized to calculate knee joint contact and lower extremity muscle forces for the FE models. Finally, a cartilage adaptation algorithm was implemented in both FE models. In the algorithm, it was assumed that excessive maximum shear and deviatoric strains (calculated as the combination of principal strains), and fluid velocity, are responsible for the FCD loss. Changes in the longitudinal T1ρ and T2 relaxation times were postulated to be related to changes in the cartilage composition and were compared with the numerical predictions. In patient 1 model, both the excessive fluid velocity and strain caused the FCD loss primarily near the cartilage lesion. T1ρ and T2 relaxation times increased during the follow‐up in the same location. In contrast, in patient 2 model, only the excessive fluid velocity led to a slight FCD loss near the lesion, where MRI parameters did not show evidence of alterations. Significance: This novel proof‐of‐concept study suggests mechanisms through which a local FCD loss might occur near cartilage lesions. In order to obtain statistical evidence for these findings, the method should be investigated with a larger cohort of subjects.
Key success factor ranking for intrafirm knowledge sharing in the oil and gas industry: A Delphi approach
Authors: Joia Luiz Antonio , Silva Thassia
Published: July 2020

Knowledge and its propagation are unquestionably at the center of most, if not all, discussions on innovation, performance, as well as other elements related to firm success. Although the literature has proposed several key success factors for knowledge sharing within a firm, it has yet to explore how these factors rank in terms of importance from a firm nationality perspective. Through a Delphi method approach, upstream professionals from four major multinational Oil and Gas firms (Brazilian, North American, Norwegian, and French) ranked specific literature‐based proposed factors for successful intrafirm knowledge sharing. There were a total of three rounds, where the first round had 41 participants, and the remaining two rounds had 39 participants. On average, open door policy and organizational culture were the most relevant factors that lead to knowledge sharing within the four firms. In terms of the least relevant ones, acknowledgement and status were seen, on average, as factors less likely to lead to intrafirm knowledge sharing. Lastly, it can be concluded that the Oil and Gas industry is very homogeneous regarding intrafirm knowledge sharing as the outcomes accrued from this work are very similar regardless the nationality of the Oil and Gas firm.
Hydrogels with Cell Adhesion Peptide‐Decorated Channel Walls for Cell Guidance
Authors: Wang Shuang , Sarwat Mariah , Wang Peng , Surrao Denver C. , Harkin Damien G. , St John James A. , Bolle Eleonore C. L. , Forget Aurelien , Dalton Paul D. , Dargaville Tim R.
Published: July 2020

A method is reported for making hollow channels within hydrogels decorated with cell‐adhesion peptides exclusively at the channel surface. Sacrificial fibers of different diameters are used to introduce channels within poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels crosslinked with maleimide‐thiol chemistry, which are backfilled with a cysteine‐containing peptide solution which is conjugated to the lumen with good spatial efficiency. This allows for peptide patterning in only the areas of the hydrogel where they are needed when used as cell‐guides, reducing the amount of required peptide 20‐fold when compared to bulk functionalization. The power of this approach is highlighted by successfully using these patterned hydrogels without active perfusion to guide fibroblasts and olfactory ensheathing cells—the latter having unique potential in neural repair therapies.
Porous microneedles on a paper for screening test of prediabetes
Authors: Lee Hakjae , Bonfante Gwenaël , Sasaki Yui , Takama Nobuyuki , Minami Tsuyoshi , Kim Beomjoon
Published: July 2020

Porous microneedles are expected to have a variety of potential for applications in diagnostics owing to their ability to penetrate human skin painlessly and extract bio‐fluid by capillary action. In this paper, a ‘Porous Microneedle on a Paper substrate’ (PMP) is proposed as a novel platform for direct integration of sensors. A microneedle array with height of approximately 840 μm was prepared on a paper. The fabrication process consists of salt leaching and heat press moulding. In this method, the salt particles are utilized as porogen materials. Mixture of the biodegradable polymer and the salt was shaped into microneedles by moulding. Furthermore, the polymer penetrated the paper matrix owing to heating during the pressing process. Subsequently, the salt particles are removed to develop the porous structure. Various ratios of salt to polymer were investigated to adjust the porosity of microneedles as well as their sample absorption property. A paper‐based glucose sensor was integrated into the platform to demonstrate the absorption property of the microneedles, and showed successful sample extraction and glucose concentration analysis from agarose gel‐based skin mimic. The developed platform has the potential to integrate various paper‐based bio‐sensors to painless, disposal and fast screening and diagnostic test for patient, as well as those with prediabetes.
Modern approaches in gene therapy of motor neuron diseases
Authors: Zakharova Maria
Published: July 2020

Motor neuron disorders are a group of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by muscle weakness, loss of ambulation, respiratory insufficiency, leading to an early death. Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are the most common and fatal motor neuron diseases. The last 3 years became very successful for novel gene therapy approaches in SMA in infants. Two innovative drugs—nusinersen (Spinraza) and onasemnogene abeparvovec (Zolgensma) have been approved by health authorities. The numerous molecular and genetic overlaps between different neurodegenerative diseases are of great importance in the development of innovative therapeutic strategies, including viral vector therapy and RNA modulating approaches.
Spectrum of gene mutations identified by targeted next‐generation sequencing in Chinese leukemia patients
Authors: Yao Hongxia , Wu Congming , Chen Yueqing , Guo Li , Chen Wenting , Pan Yanping , Fu Xiangjun , Wang Guyun , Ding Yipeng
Published: July 2020

Background

Despite targeted sequencing have identified several mutations for leukemia, there is still a limit of mutation screening for Chinese leukemia. Here, we used targeted next‐generation sequencing for testing the mutation patterns of Chinese leukemia patients.

Methods

We performed targeted sequencing of 504 tumor‐related genes in 109 leukemia samples to identify single‐nucleotide variants (SNVs) and insertions and deletions (INDELs). Pathogenic variants were assessed based on the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines. The functional impact of pathogenic genes was explored through gene ontology (GO), pathway analysis, and protein–protein interaction network in silico.

Results

We identified a total of 4,655 SNVs and 614 INDELs in 419 genes, in which PDE4DIP, NOTCH2, FANCA, BCR, and ROS1 emerged as the highly mutated genes. Of note, we were the first to demonstrate an association of PDE4DIP mutation and leukemia. Based on ACMG guidelines, 39 pathogenic and likely pathogenic mutations in 27 genes were found. GO annotation showed that the biological process including gland development, leukocyte differentiation, respiratory system development, myeloid leukocyte differentiation, mesenchymal to epithelial transition, and so on were involved.

Conclusion

Our study provided a map of gene mutations in Chinese patients with leukemia and gave insights into the molecular pathogenesis of leukemia.
Numerical solutions for blood flow in elastic vessels
Authors: Leszczyński Henryk , Poliński Artur , Wrzosek Monika
Published: July 2020

We consider the differential–algebraic system for the blood flow and pressure in the systemic arteries. By the operator splitting method, we transform the system into the hyperbolic one, introduce the bicharacteristics, and perform the time–space nonuniform discretization, obtaining the innovative difference scheme. Our results are illustrated with numerical experiments.
Well posedness and stability result for a thermoelastic laminated Timoshenko beam with distributed delay term
Authors: Choucha Abdelbaki , Ouchenane Djamel , Boulaaras Salah
Published: July 2020

In this work, we consider a linear thermoelastic laminated timoshenko beam with distributed delay, where the heat conduction is given by cattaneoâs law. we establish the well posedness of the system. For stability results, we prove exponential and polynomial stabilities of the system for the cases of equal and nonequal speeds of wave propagation.
Holomorphic Hölder‐type spaces and composition operators
Authors: Blasco Oscar , Karapetyants Alexey , Restrepo Joel
Published: July 2020

We study boundedness and compactness of composition operators in the generalized Hölder‐type space of holomorphic functions in the unit disc with prescribed modulus of continuity. We also devote a significant part of the article to outline some embeddings between such Hölder‐type spaces, to discuss properties of modulus of continuity and to construct some useful examples.
The Longitudinal Relation of Childhood Height to Subsequent Obesity in a Large Electronic Health Record Database
Authors: Freedman David S. , Goodman Alyson B. , King Raymond J. , Daymont Carrie
Published: July 2020

Objective

Several cross‐sectional studies have shown that height in childhood is correlated with BMI and with body fatness, and two longitudinal studies have reported that childhood height is associated with adult BMI. This study explored this longitudinal association in an electronic health record database of 2.8 million children.

Methods

Children were initially examined between the ages of 2 and 13.9 years and, on average, were reexamined 4 years later.

Results

As expected, there was a cross‐sectional correlation between height‐for‐age z score and BMI that increased from r = −0.06 (age of 2 years) to r = 0.37 (age of 9‐10 years). In addition, height‐for‐age at the first visit was related to subsequent BMI and obesity, with the prevalence of subsequent obesity increasing about fourfold over six categories of height‐for‐age at the first visit. About 40% of this longitudinal association was independent of initial BMI, but its magnitude decreased with initial age. For example, the initial height‐for‐age of children who were 12 years of age or older was only weakly associated with subsequent BMI.

Conclusions

Health professionals should recognize that greater childhood height‐for‐age before 12 years of age may be a marker for increased risk of subsequent obesity.
Premixed cellulose nanocrystal reinforcement of polyamide 6 for melt processing
Authors: Venkatraman Priya , Trotto Emily , Burgoyne Isabella , Foster E. Johan
Published: July 2020

This work presents a method of industrially viable processing of nanocellulose‐reinforced polyamide 6 (PA 6). Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC)‐reinforced PA 6 is gaining attention as a promising material for use in the automotive industry due to its highly crystalline, low density, and environmentally friendly nature. However, the low‐thermal degradation temperature of CNCs presents problems when melt processing at high temperatures, making it difficult to produce the nanocomposite on a large scale. This article presents a methodology of master batching (MB) using planetary ball milling to embed the CNCs in PA 6. The process of MB CNCs with PA 6 to thermally buffer them was compared to direct milling and hand mixing, prior to melt processing with compression molding. The milled composites had final CNC compositions of either 5 or 10 wt%. Through thermal analysis, it was seen that although both milling methods thermally buffered the CNCs, the presence of the low‐molecular weight PA 6 in the MB samples resulted in higher thermal stability. In addition to this, the mechanical analysis showed that the MB samples with 5 wt% CNCs had optimum Young's moduli, ultimate tensile strength, and elongation % at break. Overall, the use of milling for MB to coat the CNCs in polymer is a promising alternative to traditional processes and has potential as a method of industrially manufacturing cellulose reinforced polymer composites.
Functional biodegradable protein‐based matrices as a potential candidate for micronutrients and water supply
Authors: Jiménez‐Rosado Mercedes , Martín Adrián , Alonso‐González María , Guerrero Antonio , Romero Alberto
Published: July 2020

The excessive use of fertilizers in horticulture applications generates subsoil and groundwater contamination due to their high solubility. A possible solution to this problem is the incorporation of nutrients in biodegradable matrices, allowing nutrients to be released in a controlled manner depending on the needs of the crops. The principal objective of this work was the evaluation of the incorporation of different salts into soy protein‐based matrices to develop devices that could release micronutrients in a controlled manner. Thus, the processability of matrices with different incorporated salts such as zinc sulfate heptahydrate (ZnSO4·7H2O), zinc sulfate monohydrate (ZnSO4·H2O), zinc carbonate (ZnCO3), and zinc perchlorate (Zn(ClO3)2), as well as their integrity and functionality have been evaluated. Results show the great potential of soy protein‐based matrices for the incorporation of micronutrients such as zinc. However, salt incorporation has a detrimental effect on the water uptake capacity of the matrices.
Sustainable Cu2ZnSnSe4 photovoltaic cells fabricated with a sputtered CdS buffer layer
Authors: Lai Fang‐I , Yang Jui‐Fu , Hsu Yu‐Chao , Kuo Shou‐Yi
Published: July 2020

In this study, the effect of the Cu concentration on the characteristics of the Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe) absorber layers and solar cells was systematically analyzed by postselenization of the evaporated precursor deposits. The results demonstrated that an increase in the copper concentration of the precursor linearly increased the Cu content in the final CZTSe thin‐film formation. This significantly increased the particle size and improved the re‐evaporation loss of the SnSe, thus improving the solar cell characteristics. However, a further increase in the Cu concentration reduced the quality of the absorber layer and formed either CuxSe or CTSe secondary phases, which was detrimental to the solar cell characteristics. Here, we introduce a sputtered CdS buffer layer for the CZTSe solar cells. These findings offer new research directions for solving the persistent challenges in the chemical bath deposition (CBD) of the CdS in the CZTSe solar cells.
Direct cold atmospheric plasma and plasma‐activated medium effects on breast and cervix cancer cells
Authors: Jezeh Mahya Aminrayai , Tayebi Tahereh , Khani Mohammad Reza , Niknejad Hassan , Shokri Babak
Published: July 2020

In this study, the effects of cold plasma and plasma‐activated medium (PAM) are investigated through different treatment times, different intervals between treatment and analysis, and synthesis of helium gas and helium + 0.5% oxygen. The viability of two cancer cell lines including Hela and MDA‐MB‐231, which are related to cervix and breast cancers, respectively, is investigated using the 3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay. To study the effect of plasma on normal cells, the corresponding method is used for examination of the normal human fibroblasts. H2O2 showed a higher concentration after direct‐plasma treatment than PAM treatment. Caspase 3, caspase 8, and Bax proteins and the relative Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio are compared in both the direct‐plasma and PAM methods. The results show that the expression level of apoptotic proteins caspase 3 and caspase 8 in direct‐plasma treatment is higher than that in PAM treatment, and the level of relative Bcl‐2/Bax ratio is increased, demonstrating the induction of the apoptosis mechanism.
Loss of trifluralin metabolic resistance in Lolium rigidum plants exposed to prosulfocarb recurrent selection
Authors: Busi Roberto , Goggin Danica E , Onofri Andrea , Boutsalis Peter , Preston Christopher , Powles Stephen B , Beckie Hugh J
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Resistance to the dinitroaniline herbicide trifluralin in Lolium rigidum (annual ryegrass) often is mediated by the enhanced capacity to metabolize the herbicide to less toxic polar conjugates and/or by functionally recessive target‐site mutations in α‐tubulin.

RESULTS

In two L. rigidum populations possessing enhanced trifluralin metabolism, resistance was largely reversed by recurrent selection with the thiocarbamate herbicide prosulfocarb (i.e. plant survival was two‐ to >20‐fold lower). Their ability to metabolize trifluralin was significantly decreased (by ≈2.3‐fold) following recurrent prosulfocarb selection, to levels comparable to those observed in susceptible plants or when trifluralin metabolism was inhibited by treatment with the insecticide phorate.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides evidence that trait(s) enabling efficient trifluralin metabolism in L. rigidum are purged from the population under prosulfocarb recurrent selection. The level of trifluralin metabolism in vitro and its inhibition caused by phorate action on trifluralin‐metabolizing enzyme(s) is equivalent to the effect produced by prosulfocarb selection. The hypothetical link between the two phenomena is that the putative monooxygenase(s) conferring trifluralin metabolic resistance also mediate the activation of prosulfocarb to its toxic sulfoxide. Thus, we speculate that survival to prosulfocarb via a lack of metabolic herbicide activation, and survival to trifluralin conferred by enhanced herbicide metabolism, are mutually exclusive. These findings not only open up a new research direction in terms of the interaction between different herbicide resistance mechanisms in L. rigidum, but also offer strategies for immediate management of the population dynamics of metabolism‐based resistance in the field. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Localized circumferential narrowed bronchial wall lesions in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: Murakami Yurina , Kitahara Yoshihiro , Uto Tomohiro , Sato Jun , Imokawa Shiro , Suda Takafumi
Published: July 2020

We present a 67‐year‐old man with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), whose chest computed tomography (CT) scans showed localized circumferential bronchial wall thickening in the right main bronchus to middle truncus. Chest CT scans showed high‐attenuation mucus in the right B8 bronchus. Bronchoscopy showed narrowing of the right main bronchus and inspissated mucus plugging in the right B8 bronchus. Histological examination of the right main bronchus revealed bronchial inflammation with numerous neutrophils and plasma cells. Treatment with corticosteroid and antifungal agents resulted in resolution of the symptoms and right bronchial lesions. The clinical course may indicate that the bronchial lesions were associated with ABPA.
Maximum likelihood‐based gradient estimation for multivariable nonlinear systems using the multiinnovation identification theory
Authors: Xia Huafeng , Ji Yan , Xu Ling , Alsaedi Ahmed , Hayat Tasawar
Published: July 2020

This article considers the identification problems of multivariable input nonlinear systems with unmeasured disturbances. For the identification difficulty caused by the crossproducts between the parameters of the linear block and the nonlinear block, the key term separation technique is adopted to separate the parameters of the nonlinear block from the parameters of the linear block. By combining the model decomposition technique and the hierarchical identification principle, a key term separation‐based maximum likelihood recursive extended stochastic gradient algorithm with reduced computational complexity is presented to estimate all the parameters directly. By introducing the multiinnovation identification theory, a key term separation‐based maximum likelihood multiinnovation extended stochastic gradient algorithm is proposed to improve the parameter estimation accuracy. The simulation results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Cover Image
Authors: Xiao Guannan , Liu Fei
Published: July 2020

The cover image is based on the Research Article Observer‐Based Cooperative Distributed Fault‐tolerant Model Predictive Control with Imperfect Network Communication and Asynchronous Measurements by Guannan Xiao and Fei Liu, https://doi.org/10.1002/rnc.4994.

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Innovative approaches in river management and restoration
Authors: Piégay Hervé , Cottet Marylise , Lamouroux Nicolas
Published: July 2020

How research interacts with applications in river management and restoration is a critical question within the Anthropocene era. Improved knowledge regarding the socioecological effects of river management and restoration is therefore needed to establish compromises between water uses and riverine ecosystem requirements. This special issue tackles how river management and restoration activities have recently evolved to target cost‐efficient and more integrated measures. Some of the contributions showed monitoring feedbacks provide lessons to improve river status and assess success of restoration activities. The range of success indicators considered is continually widening, including more social factors in addition to existing ecological ones. Moreover, win‐win and adaptative strategies are also explored to make restoration projects successful and more appreciated by people. Upscaling approaches are also feeding into a growing research field to provide more robust diagnosis for evaluating river status, targeting improvement actions and considering integrative ecological issues in addition to chemical and morphological factors and even fluvial risk assessment.
Predicting Transition‐Metal/Benzenehexathiol Systems as Effective Cathodes of Li‐S batteries with Conjugate Conductivity and Synergetic Discharge
Authors: Cui Mengnan , Zhao Xiaolin , Wang Tiantian , Qiu Wujie , Song Erhong
Published: July 2020

Though lithium‐sulfur (Li−S) batteries possess extremely high theoretical energy density (2600 Wh kg−1), its practical application is significantly hindered due to the shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides and poor electronic conductivity of cycling products. For this case, developing new type of cathodes with high electronic conductivity and appropriate adsorption energy is an important strategy to improve the Li−S battery performance. Herein, by using first‐principle calculations, we systematically investigate the two‐dimensional transition metal organic framework compounds TM‐BHT (TM=transition metal, BHT=benzenehexathiol) as the possible cathode candidates for Li−S batteries. Among the various TM‐BHT system, Co/Ni/Cu‐BHT are considered to be potential cathode materials for the excellent electronic conductivity, moderate adsorption energy and structural stability. In addition, it is found that the Co/Ni/Cu‐BHT can not only catalyze the decomposition reactions of S8/Li2Sn, but also synergistically discharge with sulfur materials. This work demonstrates an effective design pathway and provides solutions for developing high‐performance Li−S batteries.
Effect of Fine‐Grained AZ91D Coating with Graphene Oxide/Hydroxyapatite on Biocompatibility
Authors: Hongrui Ji , Xuewen Li , Yongbin Song , Wenbin Fang
Published: July 2020

A graphene oxide/hydroxyapatite(GO/HA) composite coating were prepared on the surface of fine‐grained AZ91D magnesium alloy. The morphologies and structures of the coatings were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy and X‐Ray Diffraction. The corrosion behaviors were studied by polarization curve measurement and alternating current impedance spectroscopy, respectively. Also, the changes of the Mg2+ concentration in rat plasma were detected. Besides, changes of muscle, liver, and kidney in rats and bone in rabbit were tested to prove whether it was toxic to the body after implantation. Results showed that GO/HA‐AZ91D had good corrosion resistance. Compared to AZ91D, the corrosion potential, the membrane capacitance and the transfer resistance increased, the current decreased, and the corrosion performance was greatly improved. There was no significant difference of magnesium concentration among different groups. The structural characterization showed that the surface compactness of the composite coating was better, and the composite coating could effectively improve the corrosion resistance of the magnesium alloy.
Tumor‐Targeting Fluorescent Probe Based on 1,8‐Naphthalimide and Porphyrin Groups
Authors: Liu Fan , Shen Yan‐Chun , Chen Si , Yan Guo‐Ping , Zhang Qiao , Guo Qing‐Zhong , Gu Yuan‐Tong
Published: July 2020

Targeted tumor imaging in vivo has been one of the main challenges in the early stage of cancer diagnosis and therapy. However, few contrast probes are available to specifically respond to tumor environments. The aim was to investigate porphyrin‐1,8‐naphthalimide derivative (APTSPP‐2NI) as a potential tumor‐targeting fluorescent probe in vitro and in vivo. A tumor‐targeting APTSPP‐2NI was synthesized by the incorporation of water‐soluble 5‐(4’‐aminophenyl)‐10,15,20‐tris(4’‐sulfonato‐phenyl) porphyrin (APTSPP) as a tumor‐targeting group into N‐butyl‐4‐ethyldiamino‐1,8‐naphthalene imide (NI) fluorescence molecule herein. The derivative was further characterized and its properties in vitro and in vivo including the cell cytotoxicity, cell uptake of tumor cells and fluorescent imaging were also evaluated. Experiment results indicated that APTSPP‐2NI possessed the low cell cytotoxicity and good tumor‐targeting property to the B16F10 melanoma cells. Moreover, APTSPP‐2NI can be taken up highly by B16F10 melanoma tumors and then achieve the good green and red fluorescent imaging in B16F10 melanoma tumors. Therefore APTSPP‐2NI can be considered as a potential tumor‐targeting dual‐mode enhanced probe in fluorescent imaging in vitro and in vivo.
Hydrothermal Method–Derived MnMoO4 Crystals: Effect of Cationic Surfactant on Microstructures and Electrochemical Properties
Authors: Isacfranklin Melkiyur , Rani Balasubramaniam Jansi , Ravi G. , Yuvakkumar Rathinam , Hong Sun Ig , Velauthapillai Dhayalan , Saravanakumar Balasubramaniam
Published: July 2020

The development of energy devices is becoming necessary to deal with the power crisis. Binary transition manganese molybdate (MnMoO4) is considered to be a well‐known material for storage applications. Electrochemical performance of anode electrode materials was tested with respect to the effect of cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (C19H12BrN). The fundamental characterization studies such as X‐ray diffraction, photoluminescence, Raman, and Fourier transform infrared confirmed the presence of MnMoO4. The scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images revealed well‐grained micro/nanostructures. The electrochemical behavior was determined by cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge‐discharge (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies. In this study, 0.2 M CTAB/MnMoO4 showed high 447.61 F/g specific capacitance from the CV analysis. The GCD studies showed that after 3000 cycles, the cycling stability was retained with 79.60% of capacitive retention.
Understanding phishers' strategies of mimicking uniform resource locators to leverage phishing attacks: A machine learning approach
Authors: Tharani J. Samantha , Arachchilage Nalin A.G.
Published: July 2020

Phishing is a type of social engineering attack with an intention to steal user data, including login credentials and credit card numbers, leading to financial losses for both organizations and individuals. It occurs when an attacker, pretending as a trusted entity, lure a victim into click on a link or attachment in an email, or in a text message. Phishing is often launched via email messages or text messages over social networks. Previous research has revealed that phishing attacks can be identified just by looking at uniform resource locator (URLs). Identifying the techniques which are used by phishers to mimic a phishing URL is rather a challenging issue. At present, we have limited knowledge and understanding of how cyber‐criminals attempt to mimic URLs with the same look and feel of the legitimate ones, to entice people into clicking links. Therefore, this paper investigates the feature selection of phishing URLs (uniform resource locators), aiming to explore the strategies employed by phishers to mimic URLs that can obviously trick people into clicking links. We employed an information gain (IG) and Chi‐Squared feature selection methods in machine learning (ML) on a phishing dataset. The dataset contains a total of 48 features extracted from 5000 phishing and another 5000 legitimate URL from web pages downloaded from January to May 2015 and from May to June 2017. Our results revealed that there were 10 techniques that phishers used to mimic URLs to manipulate humans into clicking links. Identifying these phishing URL manipulation techniques would certainly help to educate individuals and organizations and keep them safe from phishing attacks. In addition, the findings of this research will also help develop anti‐phishing tools, framework or browser plugins for phishing prevention.
Modeling, instrumentation, automation, and optimization of water resource recovery facilities (2019) DIRECT
Authors: Sweeney Mike , Kabouris John
Published: July 2020

A review of the literature published in 2019 on topics relating to water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) in the areas of modeling, automation, measurement and sensors, and optimization of wastewater treatment (or water resource reclamation) is presented.
Genetic and transcriptomic evidences suggest ARO10 genes are involved in benzenoid biosynthesis by yeast
Authors: Valera Maria Jose , Zeida Ari , Boido Eduardo , Beltran Gemma , Torija María Jesús , Mas Albert , Radi Rafael , Dellacassa Eduardo , Carrau Francisco
Published: July 2020

Benzenoids are compounds associated with floral and fruity flavours in flowers, fruits and leaves and present a role in hormonal signalling in plants. These molecules are produced by the phenyl ammonia lyase pathway. However, some yeasts can also synthesize them from aromatic amino acids using an alternative pathway that remains unknown. Hanseniaspora vineae can produce benzenoids at levels up to two orders of magnitude higher than Saccharomyces species, so it is a model microorganism for studying benzenoid biosynthesis pathways in yeast. According to their genomes, several enzymes have been proposed to be involved in a mandelate pathway similar to that described for some prokaryotic cells. Among them, the ARO10 gene product could present benzoylformate decarboxylase activity. This enzyme catalyses the decarboxylation of benzoylformate into benzaldehyde at the end of the mandelate pathway in benzyl alcohol formation. Two homologous genes of ARO10 were found in the two sequenced H. vineae strains. In this study, nine other H. vineae strains were analysed to detect the presence and per cent homology of ARO10 sequences by PCR using specific primers designed for this species. Also, the copy number of the genes was estimated by quantitative PCR. To verify the relation of ARO10 with the production of benzyl alcohol during fermentation, a deletion mutant in the ARO10 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was used. The two HvARO10 paralogues were analysed and compared with other α‐ketoacid decarboxylases at the sequence and structural level.
Heavy-light bootstrap from Lorentzian inversion formula
Authors: Li Yue-Zhou
Published: July 2020

Abstract

We study heavy-light four-point function by employing Lorentzian inversion formula, where the conformal dimension of heavy operator is as large as central charge CT→ ∞. We implement the Lorentzian inversion formula back and forth to reveal the universality of the lowest-twist multi-stress-tensor Tk as well as large spin double-twist operators $$ {\left[{\mathcal{O}}_H{\mathcal{O}}_L\right]}_{n^{\prime },{J}^{\prime }} $$

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. In this way, we also propose an algorithm to bootstrap the heavy- light four-point function by extracting relevant OPE coefficients and anomalous dimensions. By following the algorithm, we exhibit the explicit results in d = 4 up to the triple-stress- tensor. Moreover, general dimensional heavy-light bootstrap up to the double-stress-tensor is also discussed, and we present an infinite series representation of the lowest-twist double- stress-tensor OPE coefficient. Exact expressions of lowest-twist double-stress-tensor OPE coefficients in d = 6, 8, 10 are also obtained as further examples.
Light dark sectors through the Fermion portal
Authors: Darmé Luc , Ellis Sebastian A.R. , You Tevong
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Pairs of Standard Model fermions form dimension-3 singlet operators that can couple to new dark sector states. This “fermion portal” is to be contrasted with the lower-dimensional Higgs, vector and neutrino singlet portals. We characterise its distinct phenomenology and place effective field theory bounds on this framework, focusing on the case of fermion portals to a pair of light dark sector fermions. We obtain current and projected limits on the dimension-6 effective operator scale from a variety of meson decay experiments, missing energy and long-lived particle searches at colliders, as well as astrophysical and cosmological bounds. The DarkEFT public code is made available for recasting these limits, which we illustrate with various examples including an integrated- out heavy dark photon.
Three-dimensional analysis of the velopharyngeal region in patients with cleft palate and healthy individuals
Authors: Miller Simone , Neuhaus Michael-Tobias , Zimmerer Rüdiger , Tavassol Frank , Gellrich Nils-Claudius , Ptok Martin , Jungheim Michael
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study aims to attain metric data of the velopharyngeal dimensions of healthy subjects as well as patients with velopharyngeal insufficiency using the example of cleft and lip palate (CLP) in order to determine possible differences in the volumes of both groups.

Methods

Volumes and distances of velopharyngeal areas were analyzed retrospectively using cone beam computed tomography data sets (n = 60). Group 1 included healthy patients receiving dental implants (n = 31). Group 2 was represented by patients with surgically closed cleft lip and palate (n = 29).

Results

Biggest differences among mean values of both groups were found for: minimum axial area (p = 0.000), airway area caudal (p = 0.000), distance between posterior nasal spine and posterior pharyngeal wall (PPW) (p = 0.014), mean distance between velum and PPW (p = 0.000), length of PPW (p = 0.000) and length of anterior pharyngeal wall (p = 0.000).

Conclusion

Differences in the shape and geometry of the velopharyngeal area in subjects with a regular velopharyngeal structure and function and patients with cleft palate do exist. The significant differences found here can be categorized into two groups: one reflects distances between the anterior and posterior pharynx, presenting longer distances for patients with CLP. The second significant difference regards values of length in cranio-caudal direction, which is longer in healthy subjects. With regards to these values, one could conclude, that even though total volumes of both groups did not differ in size, group 1 shows three-dimensional velopharyngeal shapes that are longer and narrower, whereas shapes of patients of group 2 tend to be wider and shorter in general.
Biocontrol Activity and Plant Growth Promotion Exerted by Aureobasidium pullulans Strains
Authors: Di Francesco A. , Di Foggia M. , Corbetta M. , Baldo D. , Ratti C. , Baraldi E.
Published: July 2020

The most common leguminous plants’ diseases are caused by soil-borne pathogens leading to important economic losses worldwide. Strains L1 and L8, belonging to Aureobasidium pullulans species, were tested in vitro and in vivo as biocontrol agents (BCAs) against Rhizoctonia solani (Rs1) (AG-4) and as plant growth promoters (PGPs). The non-volatile metabolites produced by L1 and L8 strains inhibited the pathogen mycelial growth by 87.9% on average, with no significant differences between the two strains. The lower pathogen diametric growth inhibition was displayed by both yeasts’ volatile metabolites (VOCs) that significantly reduced the colony growth of R. solani, and similarly to the control, with an average of 10.5%. By in vivo assay, L1 and L8 strains showed the ability to control the pathogen virulence probably through the biofilm formation around the bean and soybean plant roots, as confirmed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. The spectroscopic analysis highlighted the composition of non-volatile compounds: complex carbohydrates (pullulan), degrading enzymes, siderophores and antifungals (aureobasidins). Moreover, the ability of L1 and L8 strains to stimulate the bean and soybean plant roots, stems, and leaves growth was investigated, showing that these yeasts could have an application not only as BCAs but also as plant growth biostimulator.
Viruses and atypical bacteria in the respiratory tract of immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients with airway infection
Authors: Reckziegel Maria , Weber-Osel Claudia , Egerer Renate , Gruhn Bernd , Kubek Florian , Walther Mario , Wilhelm Stefanie , Zell Roland , Krumbholz Andi
Published: July 2020

Respiratory tract infections (RTI) can take a serious course under immunosuppression. Data on the impact of the underlying pathogens are still controversial. Samples from the upper (n = 322) and lower RT (n = 169) were collected from 136 children and 355 adults; 225 among them have been immunocompromised patients. Exclusion criteria were presence of relevant cultivable microorganisms, C-reactive protein > 20 mg/dl, or procalcitonin > 2.0 ng/ml. Samples were tested by PCR for the presence of herpesviruses (HSV-1/-2; VZV; CMV; HHV6; EBV), adenoviruses, bocaviruses, entero-/rhinoviruses (HRV), parechoviruses, coronaviruses, influenza viruses (IV), parainfluenza viruses as well as for pneumoviruses (HMPV and RSV), and atypical bacteria (Mycoplasma pneumoniae, M.p.; Chlamydia pneumoniae, C.p.). Viral/bacterial genome equivalents were detected in more than two-thirds of specimens. Under immunosuppression, herpesviruses (EBV 30.9%/14.6%, p < 0.001; CMV 19.6%/7.9%, p < 0.001; HSV-1: 14.2%/7.1%, p = 0.012) were frequently observed, mainly through their reactivation in adults. Immunocompromised adults tended to present a higher RSV prevalence (6.4%/2.4%, p = 0.078). Immunocompetent patients were more frequently tested positive for IV (15.0%/5.8%, p = 0.001) and M.p. (6.4%/0.4%, p < 0.001), probably biased due to the influenza pandemic of 2009 and an M.p. epidemic in 2011. About 41.8% of samples were positive for a single pathogen, and among them EBV (19.9%) was most prevalent followed by HRV (18.2%) and IV (16.6%). HSV-2 and C.p. were not found. Marked seasonal effects were observed for HRV, IV, and RSV. Differences in pathogen prevalence were demonstrated between immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. The exact contribution of some herpesviruses to the development of RTI remains unclear.
Pharyngeal carriage rates of Neisseria meningitidis in health care professionals at a tertiary university pediatric hospital
Authors: Steurer Lisa-Maria , Hetzmannseder Mathias , Willinger Birgit , Starzengruber Peter , Mikula Claudia , Kormann-Klement Andrea , Weber Michael , Berger Angelika , Grill Agnes
Published: July 2020

Pharyngeal carriage is the reservoir for Neisseria meningitidis in the population and the first step in disease transmission. Especially in young infants and adolescents, N. meningitidis can cause serious invasive infection with high fatality rates and high rates of long-term sequelae among survivors. The aim of this study was to determine N. meningitidis colonization rates in asymptomatic health care professionals at a tertiary university pediatric hospital and to identify risk factors for carriage. This cross-sectional meningococcal carriage survey was conducted between April and October 2018 at the Medical University of Vienna. Individuals working as nurses, pediatricians, or medical students were enrolled. Oropharyngeal swabs were directly plated onto selective agar plates and conventional culture was used for bacterial identification. Meningococcal isolates were further characterized using whole-genome sequencing. A total of 437 oropharyngeal specimens were collected. Overall, meningococcal carriage prevalence was 1.14% (5/437), with 0.7% (3/437) for capsular genotype B, and 0.5% (2/437) for capsular genotype W. Mean age of carriers was significantly lower than of non-carriers (24.2 vs. 35.8; p = 0.004). The highest carriage rate of 4.4% (4/91) was found in the age group 18–25. Carriage was negatively associated with age and timespan working in pediatrics. This is the first study evaluating the prevalence of Neisseria meningitidis carriage in health care professionals working in Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. Carriage was in general lower than expected for all age groups, implicating a low risk of meningococcal transmission via this population.