bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioengineering strategies for bone and cartilage tissue regeneration using growth factors and stem cells
Authors: Qasim Muhammad , Chae Dong Sik , Lee Nae Yoon
Published: October 2019

Bone and cartilage tissue engineering is an integrative approach that is inspired by the phenomena associated with wound healing. In this respect, growth factors have emerged as important moieties for the control and regulation of this process. Growth factors act as mediators and control the important physiological functions of bone regeneration. Herein, we discuss the importance of growth factors in bone and cartilage tissue engineering, their loading and delivery strategies, release kinetics, and their integration with biomaterials and stem cells to heal bone fractures. We also highlighted the role of growth factors in the determination of the bone tissue microenvironment based on the reciprocal signaling with cells and biomaterial scaffolds on which future bone and cartilage tissue engineering technologies and medical devices will be based upon.
Effects of crocin in reducing DNA damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress in multiple sclerosis patients: A double‐blind, randomized, and placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Ghiasian Masoud , Khamisabadi Forough , Kheiripour Nejat , Karami Manouchehr , Haddadi Rasool , Ghaleiha Ali , Taghvaei Babak , Oliaie Seyed Sajad , Salehi Mohammadjavad , Samadi Pouria , Ranjbar Akram
Published: October 2019

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the nerve cells, resulting in neurological disorders. Oxidative stress, free radicals, and neuritis have important roles in MS pathogenesis. Here, we aim to evaluate the effect of crocin on inflammatory markers, oxidative damage, and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage in the blood of patients with MS. A total of 40 patients were divided into two groups, drug and placebo‐treated groups, using random assignment. Participants of the intervention and control groups received two crocin capsules or placebo per day for 28 days, respectively. Findings revealed a significant decrease in the level of important pathogenic factors in MS, including lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, and interleukin 17 as well as a significant increase in the total antioxidant capacity in the serum of patients treated with crocin compared with the placebo group. Our results suggest the beneficial and therapeutic effects of crocin in MS.
Evaluate performance of the Abbott chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay assay for detection of syphilis infection in Chinese blood donors
Authors: Fu Ping , Devare Sushil , Liu Jian‐fang , Lv Xiao‐ting , Yin Peng , Wu Bing‐ting , Ke Ling , Liu Yu , Shan Hua
Published: October 2019

Background and Objectives

To prevent Treponema Pallidum (TP) transmission from blood transfusion, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (EIA) for anti‐TP has been widely used in routine blood donation screening in China for many years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the Abbott CMIA assay for detection of anti‐TP in Chinese blood donors.

Materials and methods

A total of 2420 plasma samples, already routinely screened for anti‐TP by two different EIAs, from four blood Centers were tested for anti‐TP by Abbott CMIA. Subsequently, all samples with positive results by one or both EIAs and/or by Abbott CMIA were subjected to confirmatory testing (CT) using recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA) or Treponema Pallidum particle agglutination assay (TPPA). TP infection was defined by a RIBA or TPPA positive.

Results

Compared with two EIAs strategy, Abbott CMIA showed a relatively best sensitivity as 98.80% (95% CI: 97.44%‐100.16%) and a relatively best specificity as 99.58% (95% CI: 99.30%‐99.85%), yielding the best consistency (99.49%) between anti‐TP CT results with the highest κ value of .98.

Conclusion

This is the first study to evaluate the performance of the Abbott CMIA assays for detection of syphilis in Chinese blood donors. Our results suggested that CMIA performed better than both EIAs, and implementation of CMIA replacing two different EIA reagents might help to further reduce the risk of transfusion‐transmitted TP infection, decrease unnecessary blood waste and loss of blood donors.
Oxidative stress enhances the immune response to oxidatively modified catalase enzyme in patients with Graves’ disease
Authors: Gargouri Bochra , Mseddi Malek , Mnif Fatma , Abid Mohamed , Attia Hamadi , Lassoued Saloua
Published: October 2019

Background

Oxidative stress is associated with several autoimmune disorders and oxidative modification of proteins that may result in autoimmune response. This study aims to evaluate the catalase (CAT) activity and the autoimmune response against the native CAT and the oxidatively modified enzyme in patients with Graves' disease (GD) and healthy controls in a comparative way.

Methods

The CAT activity was evaluated via spectrophotometric method. Using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, the reactivities of autoantibody toward native, malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) modified CAT were evaluated in plasmas of patients and controls.

Results

Reduced CAT activity was found in patients compared with controls (P < .05). It was proved that levels of IgG antibodies against MDA‐modified CAT were higher than against unmodified ones (P < .001). No changes were found for the reactivities to H2O2‐modified CAT. Positive correlation was found between the reactivity to MDA‐modified CAT and the triiodothyronine level (P < .001,r = .6).

Conclusion

Our findings incriminate the MDA in the autoantibodies reactivity to oxidatively modified CAT leading to a disturbed oxidative profile and/or the progression of GD pathology.
Plasma microRNA detection standardization test
Authors: Feng Xiaomin , Liu Yuwei , Wan Nan
Published: October 2019

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can be used for early diagnosis of myocardial infarction. However, due to a lack of standardized operating procedures, their value for clinical application is low.

Methods

Detection of plasma miRNAs was optimized by analyzing factors influencing miRNA variance and myocardial infarction risk scores during analysis (extraction, reverse transcription, and real‐time PCR) and pre‐analysis (dietary status, anticoagulants, storage conditions, and hemolysis).

Results

Regarding variable factors during analysis, the centrifugal column method was superior to Trizol LS reagent when extracting miRNA from plasma. Recovery rate was highest with plasma volumes of 200 and 300 µL. During analysis, the main source of miRNA detection inaccuracy was derived from RNA extraction (mainly organic extraction), and not reverse transcription or PCR. MiRNA variance could be reduced by use of an internal reference. During analysis, 95% of risk score variation fluctuated within a range of 6.267. The variable factors pre‐analysis mainly involved dietary status, anticoagulant selection, and storage conditions. Hemolysis positively correlated with miRNA levels, but there was no significant change in risk score after internal reference calibration.

Conclusion

Preliminary standardization for miRNA detection provides a reference for clinical blood testing of miRNAs.
Fungal mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles and evaluation of antibacterial activity
Authors: Feroze Nosheen , Arshad Bushra , Younas Muhammad , Afridi Muhammad Irfan , Saqib Saddam , Ayaz Asma
Published: October 2019

Nanoparticles as biomedicine has made a crucial role in health biotechnology. Different transition metals in various forms playing role in nanotechnological advances and biological applications. Silver as one of the nontoxic, safe inorganic antibacterial agents and can serve as replacement of antibiotics. Present research is based on biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag‐NPs) as potential antibiotics from fungal metabolites of Penicillium oxalicum. We used different analytical techniques X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for characterization of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles was checked against Staphylococcus aureus, S. dysenteriae, and Salmonella typhi by using well diffusion method and UV visible spectrophotometer. Maximum zone of inhibition recorded against S. aureus, Shigella dysenteriae was 17.5 ± 0.5 mm (mm) for both species and 18.3 ± 0.60 mm for Salmonella typhi. The biosynthesized silver nanoparticles of P. oxalicum showed excellent antibacterial activity. It was concluded from our results that biosynthesized silver nanoparticles have significant potential and might be useful for a wide range of biological applications such as bactericidal agent against resistant bacteria, preventing infections, healing wounds, and anti‐inflammation.
Effect of Bacillus tequilensis SALBT crude extract with pectinase activity on demucilation of coffee beans and juice clarification
Authors: Koshy Mittu , De Salamun
Published: October 2019

Pectinases are a group of enzymes, which catalyze the breakdown of pectin with numerous applications in various industries. Microbes are the predominant pectinase producers. In the present study, bacterial species were isolated from the soil of a vegetable and fruit dump yard area in a market. The species screened and isolated were identified as Bacillus tequilensis SALBT, and the media and culture conditions were optimized for enhanced production of total pectinases. Maximum pectinolytic activity was observed with 1.5% (w/v) pectin concentration with a combination of yeast extract as nitrogen source and MgSO4 as a metal ion source. Carbon/nitrogen in 2:1 ratio (w/v) yielded the maximum pectinase production with pH and temperature of the medium of 7.5°C and 40°C, respectively. Pectinase activity was determined by the dinitrosalicylic acid method. The pectinase production was relatively stable in the presence of various surfactants like Tween (20, 40, 60, and 80) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), whereas Triton X‐100 showed an inhibitory effect. Mass production of the enzyme in optimized media and partial purification was performed by ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by dialysis. The approximate molecular weight of the partially purified pectinase was found to be 35 kDa by SDS‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Application studies such as demucilaging coffee beans and juice clarification were also performed. The findings revealed that B. tequilensis SALBT with pectinase activity has the ability to remove the mucilage layer of pulped coffee seeds, and the partially purified pectinases found to be effective in clarifying juice.
Plant–microbe–soil fertility interaction impacts performance of a Bacillus‐containing bioproduct on bell pepper
Authors: Huang Ping , Xu Jia , Kloepper Joseph W.
Published: October 2019

Limited information is available on the performance of plant growth‐promoting inoculants or bioproducts under different soil nutritional or fertility conditions. Consequently, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a commercially available Bacillus‐containing bioproduct, Microlife Abundance, at concentrations of 5.5 and 6.5 log cfu/ml on early growth, fertilizer use–efficiency, and fruit yield of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) under two different soil fertility conditions (25% and 100% recommended N rates). Two pot experiments were conducted with bell pepper: (a) a 4‐week‐long early growth test with inoculant treatments applied once at transplanting; and (b) a 13‐week‐long yield test with inoculant treatments applied at transplanting and again at first blossom‐set. Results from the early growth test indicated that at both N fertilization levels, applying Abundance once at transplanting at 6.5 log cfu/ml rather than 5.5 log cfu/ml significantly increased root dry weight, total root length, root volume, root surface area, and total length of very fine roots compared with the noninoculated control by 20%, 13%, 17%, 15%, and 12%, respectively. In contrast to the early growth, results from the yield test showed that only at the 100% recommended N rate, applying Abundance twice at both concentrations significantly enhanced N fertilizer use–efficiency and marketable yield of bell pepper over the noninoculated control by 34% (5.5 log cfu/ml) and 30% (6.5 log cfu/ml). Therefore, the efficacy of the Bacillus‐containing bioproduct Abundance in enhancing fertilizer use–efficiency and marketable yield of bell pepper varied between soil nutritional conditions, but the early growth promotion effect of Abundance did not. Our results also demonstrate that selected microbial‐based bioproducts, like Abundance, can be compatible with chemical fertilizers to enhance fertilizer use–efficiency and crop yields, but cannot be used as complete substitutes for chemical fertilizers.
Ultrasound as a Diagnostic Tool in the Assessment of Lisfranc Joint Injuries
Authors: DeLuca Meridith K. , Walrod Bryant , Boucher Laura C.
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Ligamentous Lisfranc injuries are frequently overlooked because of subtle clinical presentations and diagnostic difficulties. The dorsal Lisfranc ligament (DLL) is easily visualized with ultrasound (US), which can provide quick, cost‐effective diagnoses of disorders but is not considered standard clinical practice. This study sought to compare DLL measurement accuracy between US and cadaveric dissection.

Methods

Ultrasound images of 22 embalmed cadaveric feet were obtained with an M‐Turbo US machine and a 6–13‐MHz linear array (FUJIFILM SonoSite, Inc, Bothell, WA). Images were measured in the US unit and again with ImageJ software (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD). Specimens were dissected, and DLL morphologic characteristics were recorded.

Results

Twenty‐two specimens were scanned, however 4 were excluded, leaving a sample of 11 male and 7 female cadaveric specimens (mean age ± SD, 80.3 ± 14.03 years). The DLL length differences between SonoSite (8.39 ± 1.27 mm) and ImageJ (8.25 ± 1.84 mm) were not significant (P > .05). Both US DLL measurements significantly differed from the gross dissection measurement (10.8 ± 1.85 mm; P < .001). The morphologic characteristics of the DLL at dissection were consistent. Overall, 70% to 80% of the ligament length was represented by US compared to dissection. The dorsal joint space did not differ significantly between SonoSite (2.19 ± 0.49 mm) and ImageJ (2.05 ± 0.52; P > .05). Both US measurements were also significantly larger than dissection measurements (1.04 ± 0.24; P < .001). Intraclass correlation coefficients indicated good reliability for the DLL length (0.835) and moderate reliability for the dorsal joint space (0.714).

Conclusions

The DLL is underrepresented but easily distinguished by US, demonstrating its utility in Lisfranc injury diagnosis. Thus, we propose a 4‐component assessment involving US, which may provide more rapid, cost‐effective diagnoses of subtle Lisfranc injuries.
Assessment of the Nasal Bone by 2‐Dimensional Ultrasound in 2 Different Planes: Do They Give the Same Results?
Authors: Kavak Salih Burcin , Kavak Ebru Celik
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Measurement of the nasal bone is an important part of the genetic sonogram. This study aimed to compare nasal bone length measurements taken in 2 different planes and to determine whether there is consistency between the measurements.

Methods

The nasal bone was measured in 103 fetuses whose mothers were admitted to our clinic for second‐trimester ultrasound examinations and who did not have any accompanying diseases. In this prospective study, the gestational ages of fetuses ranged from 19 to 23 weeks. Nasal bones were measured in both coronal and midsagittal planes, and the similarity between the measurements was evaluated. Pearson correlation, Wilcoxon signed rank, and Kruskal‐Wallis tests were used to evaluate the results.

Results

The median nasal bone length increased with increasing gestational age in both planes, as expected. There were no statistically significant differences between the fetal nasal bone lengths taken in the midsagittal and coronal planes at 19 to 23 weeks’ gestation (P > .05).

Conclusions

The coronal plane may be used as an alternative to evaluate the nasal bone in the second trimester of pregnancy.
Three patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia: Genomic sequencing and kindred analysis
Authors: Wong Karen H.Y. , Levy‐Sakin Michal , Ma Walfred , Gonzaludo Nina , Mak Angel C.Y. , Vaka Dedeepya , Poon Annie , Chu Catherine , Lao Richard , Balamir Melek , Grenville Zoe , Wong Nicolas , Kane John P. , Kwok Pui‐Yan , Malloy Mary J. , Pullinger Clive R.
Published: October 2019

Background

Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) is an inherited recessive condition associated with extremely high levels of low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in affected individuals. It is usually caused by homozygous or compound heterozygous functional mutations in the LDL receptor (LDLR). A number of mutations causing FH have been reported in literature and such genetic heterogeneity presents great challenges for disease diagnosis.

Objective

We aim to determine the likely genetic defects responsible for three cases of pediatric HoFH in two kindreds.

Methods

We applied whole exome sequencing (WES) on the two probands to determine the likely functional variants among candidate FH genes. We additionally applied 10x Genomics (10xG) Linked‐Reads whole genome sequencing (WGS) on one of the kindreds to identify potentially deleterious structural variants (SVs) underlying HoFH. A PCR‐based screening assay was also established to detect the LDLR structural variant in a cohort of 641 patients with elevated LDL.

Results

In the Caucasian kindred, the FH homozygosity can be attributed to two compound heterozygous LDLR damaging variants, an exon 12 p.G592E missense mutation and a novel 3kb exon 1 deletion. By analyzing the 10xG phased data, we ascertained that this deletion allele was most likely to have originated from a Russian ancestor. In the Mexican kindred, the strikingly elevated LDL cholesterol level can be attributed to a homozygous frameshift LDLR variant p.E113fs.

Conclusions

While the application of WES can provide a cost‐effective way of identifying the genetic causes of FH, it often lacks sensitivity for detecting structural variants. Our finding of the LDLR exon 1 deletion highlights the broader utility of Linked‐Read WGS in detecting SVs in the clinical setting, especially when HoFH patients remain undiagnosed after WES.
Effects of Feeding Rates on Growth, Digestive Enzyme Activity, Serum Biochemical Parameters, and Body Composition of Juvenile, Genetically Improved, Farmed Nile Tilapia Reared in an In-Pond Raceway Recirculating Culture System
Authors: Wang Yuyu , Xu Pao , Nie Zhijuan , Li Quanjie , Shao Nailin , Gao Jiancao , Xu Gangchun
Published: October 2019

Fish culture using an in-pond raceway system (IPRS) is a new mode of freshwater aquaculture in China. This study was carried out to assess the effect of feeding rates on growth performance, serum parameters, digestive enzyme activity, and body composition of juvenile, genetically improved, farmed Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (GIFT) reared in an IPRS. Fish with an initial mean body weight of 6.25 g were fed twice daily at rates of 3, 4, or 5% body weight per day (BW/d) for 50 d. Results indicated that final fish body weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate of GIFT improved with increasing feeding rates from 3% to 5%. Growth of GIFT fed 5% BW/d was significantly higher than for those fed 3% BW/d; however, there was no significant difference from that of fish fed at 4% BW/d. Serum parameters and digestive enzyme activities were not affected by feeding rates. Lipid content in muscle and whole body increased with increasing feeding rates, and fish fed 5% BW/d had higher values compared with those fed 3% BW/d. Based on growth and physiological and biochemical variables, it could be concluded that a feeding level of 5% BW/d is suitable for juvenile GIFT fed twice daily reared in an IPRS.
Ontogenetic and Temporal Diet Shifts of the Invasive Asian Swamp Eel in South Florida
Authors: Sakaris Peter C. , Galvez John , Callier Thomas P. , Brown Allan
Published: October 2019

The Asian Swamp Eel Monopterus albus is an introduced species in South Florida waters and is considered to be a potential threat to the native biota and ecosystems in the region. As a protogynous hermaphrodite that, under the right climatic conditions, can travel short distances over land and tolerate abrupt shifts in salinity, this species has strong invasive potential. In this study, our main goal was to evaluate the potential effects of the Asian Swamp Eel as a predator on native fishes and other biota. Our specific objectives were to (1) analyze the stomach contents of introduced Asian Swamp Eels from canals located near Everglades National Park and (2) assess the ontogenetic and temporal shifts in their consumption of prey. We dissected 752 Asian Swamp Eels (107–833 mm TL), and 46.4% (N = 349) of the samples had stomach contents for the analyses. The analyses indicated that amphipods, fishes, dragonfly nymphs, Hemiptera insects, and grass shrimp Palaemonetes were the most important prey items for Swamp Eels. Swamp Darters Etheostoma fusiforme, juvenile Asian Swamp Eels, and centrarchids were the most common fishes eaten by Swamp Eels. Ontogenetic shifts in diet were apparent, with amphipods and dipteran larvae most often observed in the stomachs of small- to medium-sized Swamp Eels and fish, dragonfly nymphs, and Hemiptera insects more commonly identified in the stomachs of larger eels. The Swamp Eels also became increasingly piscivorous with size. Dragonfly nymphs and grass shrimp occurred more frequently in the Swamp Eel diets in May 2010, while the consumption of fish and amphipods increased in October 2010. Fish were the most important prey item that was consumed during the November–December 2009 period, although other prey items were relatively important during that collection period. As an opportunistic predator that consumes a wide range of prey, the Asian Swamp Eel likely has its greatest effects on native biota and ecosystems as a predator and competitor with native fishes for resources.
Mediating effects of empathy on the association between nursing professional values and professional quality of life in Chinese female nurses: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Hui Zhaozhao , Dai Xiaoling , Wang Xiaoqin
Published: October 2019

Aim

This study aimed to examine whether and to what extent, empathy mediates the association between nursing professional values and professional quality of life (ProQOL) in Chinese female nurses.

Design

Cross‐sectional study design.

Methods

A convenience sample of 733 nurses from Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China, was recruited. Each participant was invited to complete a self‐administrated socio‐demographic questionnaire, the Nursing Professional Values Scale, the Jefferson Scale of Empathy and the Professional Quality of Life Scale. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis and the bootstrap method were employed to analyse data using SPSS 23.0 software.

Results

The participants reported a medium level of ProQOL. Nursing professional values were positively associated with compassion satisfaction but negatively associated with burnout. Empathy mediated 9.2% and 57.1% of the total observed effect of nursing professional values on compassion satisfaction and burnout, respectively.
Multidisciplinary guidelines for initial evaluation of complicated lymphatic anomalies—expert opinion consensus
Authors: Iacobas Ionela , Adams Denise M. , Pimpalwar Sheena , Phung Thuy , Blei Francine , Burrows Patricia , Lopez‐Gutierrez Juan Carlos , Levine Michael A. , Trenor Cameron C.
Published: October 2019

Objective

Complicated lymphatic anomalies (CLAs) are chronic, progressive, and debilitating conditions that share clinical features, yet key elements for optimal evaluation and management have not been established. We aimed to formulate expert opinion consensus‐based guidelines for comprehensive evaluation of CLAs.

Study Design

Patient support groups dedicated to CLAs organized an international conference for vascular anomaly experts from 16 specialties to address the objective. Participants received a set of questions before the meeting and reviewed the literature. Data extracted from international lymphatic anomaly registries were presented and the group separated for panel discussions during the conference. The recommendations achieving consensus within the panel were presented to the entire audience. Open debate occurred until majority approval was achieved.

Results

The expert group was composed of 52 physicians who defined the clinical elements required to evaluate and diagnose a CLA. The radiology panel established the preferred anatomical and functional imaging methods for diagnosis and the elements required to be described during interpretation. Two medical panels compiled the metabolic and hematologic tests at diagnosis and also recommended functional studies. The surgical group recommended precautions for biopsy and the pathology panel provided biopsy specimen processing guidelines.

Conclusions

Patients with CLAs require a comprehensive and targeted diagnostic plan for appropriate management, prevention of complications, and conservation of resources. As this population is managed by diverse medical and surgical specialties, we offer an expert multidisciplinary consensus‐based opinion on the current literature and on data extracted from international lymphatic anomaly registries.
Polyvinyl chloride/ styrene butadiene rubber polymeric blend filled with bismuth subcarbonate (BiO)2CO3as a shielding material for gamma rays
Authors: Samir Asmaa , El‐Nashar Doaa E. , Ashour Ahmed H. , Medhat Mohamed , El‐Kameesy Samir U.
Published: October 2019

The polymer blend polyvinyl chloride/styrene‐butadiene rubber filled of (BiO)2CO3with different concentrations (20, 30, 40, and 60 phr) were prepared by roll mill technique. The gamma‐rays attenuation properties were carried out using NaI (Tl) gamma ray spectrometer using232Th. The attenuation coefficients, half value layer and mean free path were evaluated. The distribution of the filler within the polymer matrix was studied using scanning electron microscopy. The prepared polymer composites were characterized by X‐ray diffraction technique to recognize the structural phase of the composites. The hardness and tensile strength of the composites were tested. The tensile strength of the composites was found to be enhanced in the presence of the bismuth subcarbonate filler with a slight decrease when the concentration of the filler exceeds to 40 phr. Attenuation results reveal that, the shielding efficiency increases with the increase of the filler concentration and are comparable to those of the conventional bismuth‐polymer shielding materials. Hence, the composites filled (BiO)2CO3can be used for gamma ray shielding applications. The sample of 40 phr was subjected to gamma irradiation at doses from 30 up to 100 kGy. The dielectric and mechanical properties were investigated as a function of irradiation dose and filler concentrations. It was found that the irradiation dose up to 30 kGy causes an increase in the tensile strength and hardness. There is a remarkable decrease in dielectric constants at irradiation dose from 70 to 100 kGy. The dielectric constants decreased as the concentration of (BiO)2CO3increased.
Tribo‐performance assessment of milled fly ash brake friction composites
Authors: Ahlawat Vishal , Kajal Sanjay , Anuradha Parinam
Published: October 2019

The milled fly ash (MFA) was attained by mechanical ball milling of raw fly ash (RFA) and was characterized for changes in particles morphology, size, and specific surface area (SSA). The RFA and MFA, varying in wt% from 20 to 35, were exclusively used for composite fabrication using compression molding machine. The milled fly ash composite (MFC) specimens were assessed for the tribo‐performance in comparison with raw fly ash composite (RFC) and commercial truck brake composite (CTBC) specimens under the loads ranging from 125 to 200 N at 3.3 and 5 m/s of sliding velocity. The characterization study showed that the glassy and spherical RFA particles of average size 86 μm changed to rough and irregular size of 15 μm, after ball milling. The SSA per unit bulk volume was found to increase from 138.2 to 1009 m2/m3. The tribo‐study revealed that the fly ash milling significantly improved the friction coefficient of MFC specimens, especially at 35 wt% of MFA, as compared to RFC and CTBC specimens. The increase in fly ash content (raw as well as milled) to 35 wt% greatly increased the specific wear rate (SWR) at both the sliding velocities. The worn surfaces of RFC specimens were found to be more damaged than the MFC specimens as revealed from SEM results. The appreciable frictional characteristics of MFC specimens encourage the use of MFA in brake friction composites; however, the changes in the friction formulation are required from SWR point of view.
In situ synthesis and properties of Ag NPs/carboxymethyl cellulose/starch composite films for antibacterial application
Authors: Chen Jing , Li Huan , Fang Changqing , Cheng Youliang , Tan Tingting , Han Hanzhi
Published: October 2019

Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) film, one of the biobased materials, exhibited poor mechanical properties. To use CMC film in antibacterial packaging, it was necessary to overcome this drawback and introduce antibacterial nanoparticles. In this article, using CMC and starch (SR) as the reductant and stabilizer, Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs)/CMC/SR composite (ACS) films were prepared by in situ reduction method. The obtained Ag NPs were uniformly distributed in the ACS films and its diameter was in the range of 8 to 16 nm. The mechanical properties of ACS films were improved by adding SR into CMC. The ACS films exhibited higher tensile strength and lower elongation at break than that of CMC film. When the amount of SR was 4 g, the tensile strength of the ACS film reached the maximum of 9.8 MPa and its elongation at break was 63%. In addition, the ACS films showed an obvious antibacterial activity against gram‐positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and gram‐negative bacteria Escherichia coli via disc diffusion method. The inhibitory effect of the ACS film increased significantly as the increasing of the concentration of AgNO3 solution. Therefore, as‐prepared ACS films had potential applications in antimicrobial packaging.
Polymorphism and crystallization in poly(vinylidene fluoride)/ poly(ϵ‐caprolactone)–block–poly(dimethylsiloxane)–block–poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) blends
Authors: Seraji Seyed Mohsen , Guo Qipeng
Published: October 2019

The miscibility, crystallization kinetics and crystalline morphology of a new system of poly(vinylidene fluoride)/poly(ϵ‐caprolactone)‐block‐poly(dimethylsiloxane)‐block‐poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) (PVDF/PCL‐b‐PDMS‐b‐PCL) triblock copolymer were investigated by a variety of techniques. The miscibility and phase behaviour of PVDF/PCL‐b‐PDMS‐b‐PCL were studied by determination of the melting point temperature, crystallization kinetics and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) mapping. Chemical imaging was used as a new technique to characterize the interaction of polymer blends in crystalline morphology. The results demonstrate the existence of characteristic peaks of both PVDF and PCL in the chosen crystalline area. The crystalline structures of PVDF were affected by the PCL‐b‐PDMS‐b‐PCL triblock copolymer and facilitate the formation of the β polymorph which was illustrated by FTIR analysis. The β crystal phase fraction increases significantly on increasing the composition of the PCL‐b‐PDMS‐b‐PCL triblock copolymer. In addition, confined crystallization of PCL within PVDF inter‐lamellar and/or inter‐fibrillar regions was confirmed through polarizing optical microscopy, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction and small‐angle X‐ray scattering analysis. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Teaching style and academic achievement: The mediating role of learned helplessness and mastery orientation
Authors: Filippello Pina , Buzzai Caterina , Costa Sebastiano , Orecchio Susanna , Sorrenti Luana
Published: October 2019

Although several studies have investigated the roles of teaching practices during the learning process on students, the role of school learned helplessness (LH) and mastery orientation (MO) has not been deeply examined. The present study aimed to verify the dynamics between academic achievement and the perception of the students of their teacher's psychological control and autonomy support by examining the mediating role of school LH and MO. Results confirmed that perceived teacher psychological control can predict school LH, whereas perceived teacher autonomy support can predict school MO. Additionally, academic achievement was positively predicted by school MO, whereas it was negatively predicted by school LH. Finally, analyses have shown that school LH and MO play a mediating role in the relationship between academic achievement and the perceived teacher autonomy support and psychological control. Limitations and implications are discussed.
Multifunctional Cyclic Carbonates Comprising Hyperbranched Polyacetals: Synthesis and Applications to Polymer Electrolytes and Networked Polymer Materials
Authors: Matsukizono Hiroyuki , Matsumoto Kozo , Endo Takeshi
Published: October 2019

Hyperbranched polyacetals (HBPAs) bearing cyclic carbonate (CC) terminals were synthesized from protocatechuric aldehydes bearing bifunctional trimethylolpropane (TMP) or glycerol (Gly) structures and then utilized to design polymer electrolytes and networked polymer materials. Since TMP‐based cyclic acetals (CAs) are thermodynamically more stable than Gly‐derived CSs, the copolymerization of these monomers favors to form HBPAs comprising TMP‐based acetal stems and Gly terminals. Consequently, HBPAs composed of larger amounts of TMP or Gly terminals were separately synthesized by changing monomer feed ratios. Their diol terminals react efficiently with diphenyl carbonate to give HBPAs bearing 5‐ or 6‐membered CC (5‐CC or 6‐CC) terminals. HBPAs bearing 5‐CC terminals were mixed homogeneously with lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide to form uniform films showing lithium ion conductivity ranging from 8.2 × 10−9 to 2.1 × 10−3 S cm−1 at 23–80 °C, whereas networked polycarbonate and polyhydroxyurethane films were successfully fabricated using HBPAs having CC terminals. These results apparently indicate that HBPAs having CC terminals are useful scaffolds to design functional polymer materials. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 2295–2303
Nanostructure Empowers Active Tumor Targeting in Ligand‐Based Molecular Delivery
Authors: López‐Laguna Hèctor , Sala Rita , Sánchez Julieta M. , Álamo Patricia , Unzueta Ugutz , Sánchez‐Chardi Alejandro , Serna Naroa , Sánchez‐García Laura , Voltà‐Durán Eric , Mangues Ramón , Villaverde Antonio , Vázquez Esther
Published: October 2019

Cell‐selective targeting is expected to enhance effectiveness and minimize side effects of cytotoxic agents. Functionalization of drugs or drug nanoconjugates with specific cell ligands allows receptor‐mediated selective cell delivery. However, it is unclear whether the incorporation of an efficient ligand into a drug vehicle is sufficient to ensure proper biodistribution upon systemic administration, and also at which extent biophysical properties of the vehicle may contribute to the accumulation in target tissues during active targeting. To approach this issue, structural robustness of self‐assembling, protein‐only nanoparticles targeted to the tumoral marker CXCR4 is compromised by reducing the number of histidine residues (from six to five) in a histidine‐based architectonic tag. Thus, the structure of the resulting nanoparticles, but not of building blocks, is weakened. Upon intravenous injection in animal models of human CXCR4+ colorectal cancer, the administered material loses the ability to accumulate in tumor tissue, where it is only transiently found. It instead deposits in kidney and liver. Therefore, precise cell‐targeted delivery requires not only the incorporation of a proper ligand that promotes receptor‐mediated internalization, but also, unexpectedly, its maintenance of a stable multimeric nanostructure that ensures high ligand exposure and long residence time in tumor tissue.
Recent Progress on Layered Cathode Materials for Nonaqueous Rechargeable Magnesium Batteries
Authors: Li Lin , Lu Yong , Zhang Qiu , Zhao Shuo , Hu Zhe , Chou Shu‐Lei
Published: October 2019

Rechargeable magnesium batteries (RMBs) are promising candidates for next‐generation energy storage systems owing to their high safety and the low cost of magnesium resources. One of the main challenges for RMBs is to develop suitable high‐performance cathode materials. Layered materials are one of the most promising cathode materials for RMBs due to their relatively high specific capacity and facile synthesis process. This review focuses on recent progress on layered cathode materials for RMBs, including layered oxides, sulfides, selenides, and other layered materials. In addition, effective strategies to improve the electrochemical performance of layered cathode materials are summarized. Moreover, future perspectives about the application of layered materials in RMBs are also discussed. This review provides some significant guidance for the further development of layered materials for RMBs.
Perforated Pd Nanosheets with Crystalline/Amorphous Heterostructures as a Highly Active Robust Catalyst toward Formic Acid Oxidation
Authors: Zhang Lian Ying , Ouyang Yirui , Wang Shuo , Wu Diben , Jiang Mengchao , Wang Fengqian , Yuan Weiyong , Li Chang Ming
Published: October 2019

Perforated ultrathin Pd nanosheets with crystalline/amorphous heterostructures are rationally synthesized to offer a large electrochemically active surface area of 172.6 m2 g−1 and deliver a 5.6 times higher apparent reaction rate in comparison to commercial Pd/C, thus offering a facile confined growth method to generate superior catalysts.
Anisotropic effects of corrosion direction on the mechanical behaviors of cement mortar
Authors: Liang‐Xiao Xiong , Hai‐Jun Chen , Yao Zhang
Published: October 2019

In order to understand the influence of seawater corrosion on the mechanical behaviors of cement mortar, uniaxial compression tests were performed on the cement mortar specimens after corrosion in diverse directions. In this study, solutions of NaCl and Na2SO4 were prepared and used to simulate seawater. In addition, the differences of mechanical behaviors of cement mortar specimens after being immersed in solutions in uni‐, bi‐, and triaxial‐directions were also compared. Test results show that the compressive strength of cement mortar after immersed in sodium chloride solution is higher than that in sodium sulfate solution. The peak strain of cement mortar specimen after immersed in sodium chloride solution is lower than that in sodium sulfate solution after unidirection corrosion. Moreover, the compressive strength and peak strain of cement mortar specimen when the loading direction is parallel to the corrosion direction are both higher than those when the loading direction is perpendicular to the corrosion direction.
Coupling Between Colloidal Assemblies Can Drive a Bistable‐to‐Oscillatory Transition
Authors: Sánchez‐Farrán María Antonieta , Borhan Ali , Sen Ayusman , Crespi Vincent H.
Published: October 2019

We present a model to describe oscillations and collective behavior in a heterogeneous system of active colloidal clusters whose motility and interactions are driven by an oscillatory chemical reaction, as motivated by experimental observations of collective behavior in silver phosphate clusters under UV light in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, where spatio‐temporal correlations in cluster behavior are presumably modulated by diffusive communication between clusters. A generic model for a single bistable cluster becomes oscillatory upon introduction of inter‐cluster interactions that relate to localized emission or consumption of diffusing species. Multi‐cluster simulations capture the qualitative features in the experimentally observed spatio‐temporal correlations in the oscillations of nearby clusters. Since the model is generic and does not rely upon a particular chemical mechanism, it can be applied to other active matter systems exhibiting collective behavior, where interactions between bistable entities can drive collective oscillations.
Governing Migrants and Refugees in Hungary: Politics of Spectacle, Negligence and Solidarity in a Securitising State
Authors: Cantat Céline
Published: October 2019

In this chapter, I reflect on the politics of in/visibility that underpin the government of migrants and refugees by Hungarian authorities and assess how they contribute to and authorise an on-going process of disintegration of the already narrow social, political and economic space navigated by migrants and refugees in the country. First, I examine the spectacularisation practices deployed by the Hungarian government in relation to migration and borders, with a focus on the series of anti-migrant campaigns and the construction of border fences since 2015. I explore the way in which this hyper-visible spectacle of migration produces particular representations of the Hungarian state as the protector of a national public. Second, I reflect on the way in which these hyper-visible ‘events’ authorise the deployment of quieter processes of negligence and destitution towards refugees and asylum-seekers that directly contribute to the disintegration of the social, economic and political ties which migrants and refugees may build in the country. Finally, I examine instances of solidarity initiatives with migrants and assess the extent to which they undermine the political frames put forward by the Hungarian government and produce common spaces between established residents and migrants. Ultimately, this chapter seeks to contribute to our understanding of politics of (dis)integration in Hungary, in the context of a highly exclusionary, yet contested, process of nation-building.
Denying, While Demanding Integration: An Analysis of the Integration Paradox in Malta and Refugees’ Coping Strategies
Authors: Nimführ Sarah , Otto Laura , Samateh Gabriel
Published: October 2019

Since Malta joined the EU in 2004, almost 20,000 refugees have reached its shores. Obliged to remain on the island state, they are required to integrate, despite an absence of governmental integration processes. With Malta being an EU member, its government is, however, obliged to conform to EU policies covering reception procedures. In this chapter, we analyse two fields of tension that result from this situation: (1) saving refugees at sea vs questions of border control and (2) demanding the integration of refugees whilst simultaneously denying them access to mechanisms leading to integration. Thus, we reflect on this ‘shift of duties’ – with a focus on refugees’ coping strategies in this paradoxical situation – by looking at practices of (dis)integration acted out by governing and non-governing actors. This case highlights the fact that integration and disintegration are intertwined. To illustrate this phenomenon, we employ a multi-actor approach. By collecting data and utilising textualisation strategies based on collaborative research, we challenge the issue of representing (dis)integration exclusively from the researchers’ perspective.
Schlussbetrachtung
Authors: Feindt Peter H. , Krämer Christine , Früh-Müller Andrea , Heißenhuber Alois , Pahl-Wostl Claudia , Purnhagen Kai P. , Thomas Fabian , van Bers Caroline , Wolters Volkmar
Published: October 2019

Das Schlusskapitel reflektiert die Vorgehensweise des ZA-NExUS-Projekts, fasst die wesentlichen Ergebnisse zusammen und formuliert den weiteren Forschungs- und Entwicklungsbedarf. ZA-NExUS wird als entschieden inter- und transdisziplinäres Projekt an der Schnittstelle von Wissenschaft und Politik beschrieben, dessen fächerübergreifende Zusammensetzung und dessen Zeitplan, der an der Dynamik einer groß angelegten politischen Reformdiskussion orientiert war, sich jenseits der etablierten Routinen wissenschaftlichen Arbeitens bewegten. Die SWOT-Analyse und die darauf aufbauende Formulierung eines agrarpolitischen Leitbilds bildeten dabei die konzeptionelle Brücke zwischen interdisziplinärer Wissenssynthese und transdisziplinärer Entwicklung von Handlungsansätzen. So wurden die kritische Bestandsaufnahme der Auswirkungen der Landwirtschaft auf die natürlichen Ressourcen und die Analyse der politischen und rechtlichen Logik der Agrarpolitik mit der Entwicklung und Bewertung strategischer Alternativen verknüpft. Die Übersetzung der wissenschaftlichen Ergebnisse in ein Policy-Paper hatte einen nachweisbaren Einfluss auf die agrarpolitische Diskussion in Deutschland.
Top-quark electroweak interactions at high energy
Authors: Maltoni Fabio , Mantani Luca , Mimasu Ken
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Modified interactions in the electroweak sector may lead to scattering amplitudes that grow with energy compared to their Standard Model (SM) counterparts. We present a detailed study of all 2 → 2 scattering amplitudes involving at least one top quark and a pair of EW bosons. We analyse the high energy behaviour of the amplitudes using the Standard Model Effective Field Theory (SMEFT) to parametrise the departures from the SM. We discuss the origin of the energy growth that arise from effective contact interactions by appealing to the Goldstone equivalence theorem and find that the amplitudes obey expected patterns of (non-)interference. The results are connected to unitary-violating behaviour in the framework of anomalous SM interactions. Therein, we identify the appearance of additional growth due to the violation of SU(2) gauge symmetry that leads to substantial differences between the SMEFT and the anomalous couplings approaches. We also discuss the embeddings of the scattering amplitudes into physical collider processes, presenting the parametric SMEFT sensitivity to relevant top quark operators and paying special attention to the extent to which the high energy behaviour of the 2 → 2 amplitude is retained in the actual processes accessible at colliders. The effective W approximation is exploited to gain analytical insight into the embeddings of the 2 → 2 helicity amplitudes. Finally, we provide a compendium of processes detailing numerous directions in which the SMEFT parameter space can be accessed through high energy top quark processes in current and future colliders.
Numerical exploration of three relativistic particles in a finite volume including two-particle resonances and bound states
Authors: Romero-López Fernando , Sharpe Stephen R. , Blanton Tyler D. , Briceño Raúl A. , Hansen Maxwell T.
Published: October 2019

Abstract

In this work, we use an extension of the quantization condition, given in ref. [1], to numerically explore the finite-volume spectrum of three relativistic particles, in the case that two-particle subsets are either resonant or bound. The original form of the relativistic three-particle quantization condition was derived under a technical assumption on the two- particle K matrix that required the absence of two-particle bound states or narrow two- particle resonances. Here we describe how this restriction can be lifted in a simple way using the freedom in the definition of the K-matrix-like quantity that enters the quantization condition. With this in hand, we extend previous numerical studies of the quantization condition to explore the finite-volume signature for a variety of two- and three-particle interactions. We determine the spectrum for parameters such that the system contains both dimers (two-particle bound states) and one or more trimers (in which all three particles are bound), and also for cases where the two-particle subchannel is resonant. We also show how the quantization condition provides a tool for determining infinite-volume dimer- particle scattering amplitudes for energies below the dimer breakup. We illustrate this for a series of examples, including one that parallels physical deuteron-nucleon scattering. All calculations presented here are restricted to the case of three identical scalar particles.