bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous fat‐referenced proton resonance frequency shift thermometry and MR elastography for the monitoring of thermal ablations
Authors: Kim Kisoo , Breton Elodie , Gangi Afshin , Vappou Jonathan
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Simultaneous fat‐referenced proton resonance frequency shift (FRPRFS) thermometry combined with MR elastography (MRE) is proposed, to continuously monitor thermal ablations for all types of soft tissues, including fat‐containing tissues. Fat‐referenced proton resonance frequency shift thermometry makes it possible to measure temperature even in the water fraction of fat‐containing tissues while enabling local field‐drift correction. Magnetic resonance elastography allows measuring the mechanical properties of tissues that are related to tissue structural damage.

Methods

A gradient‐echo MR sequence framework was proposed that combines the need for multiple TE acquisitions for the water‐fat separation of FRPRFS, and the need for multiple MRE phase offsets for elastogram reconstructions. Feasibility was first assessed in a fat‐containing gelatin phantom undergoing moderate heating by a hot water circulation system. Subsequently, high intensity focused ultrasound heating was conducted in porcine muscle tissue ex vivo (N = 4; 2 samples, 2 locations/sample).

Results

Both FRPRFS temperature maps and elastograms were updated every 4.1 seconds. In the gelatin phantom, FRPRFS was in good agreement with optical fiber thermometry (average difference 1.2 ± 1°C). In ex vivo high‐intensity focused ultrasound experiments on muscle tissue, the shear modulus was found to decrease significantly by 34.3% ± 7.7% (experiment 1, sample 1), 17.9% ± 10.0% (experiment 2, sample 1), 55.1% ± 8.7% (experiment 3, sample 2), and 34.7% ± 8.4% (experiment 4, sample 2) as a result of temperature increase (ΔT = 22.5°C ± 4.2°C, 14.0°C ± 2.8°C, 14.7°C ± 3.7°C, and 14.5°C ± 3.0°C, respectively).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the feasibility of monitoring thermal ablations with FRPRFS thermometry together with MRE, even in fat‐containing tissues. The acquisition time is similar to non‐FRPRFS thermometry combined with MRE.
Lanthanide Luminescence Revealing the Phase Composition in Hydrating Cementitious Systems
Authors: Burek Katja , Dengler Joachim , Emmerling Franziska , Feldmann Ines , Kumke Michael U. , Stroh Julia
Published: December 2019

The hydration process of Portland cement in a cementitious system is crucial for development of the high‐quality cement‐based construction material. Complementary experiments of X‐ray diffraction analysis (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and time‐resolved laser fluorescence spectroscopy (TRLFS) using europium (Eu(III)) as an optical probe are used to analyse the hydration process of two cement systems in the absence and presence of different organic admixtures. We show that different analysed admixtures and the used sulphate carriers in each cement system have a significant influence on the hydration process, namely on the time‐dependence in the formation of different hydrate phases of cement. Moreover, the effect of a particular admixture is related to the type of sulphate carrier used. The quantitative information on the amounts of the crystalline cement paste components is accessible via XRD analysis. Distinctly different morphologies of ettringite and calcium−silicate−hydrates (C−S−H) determined by SEM allow visual conclusions about formation of these phases at particular ageing times. The TRLFS data provides information about the admixture influence on the course of the silicate reaction. The dip in the dependence of the luminescence decay times on the hydration time indicates the change in the structure of C−S−H in the early hydration period. Complementary information from XRD, SEM and TRLFS provides detailed information on distinct periods of the cement hydration process.
Federal calorie labelling compliance at US chain restaurants
Authors: Cleveland Lauren P. , Simon Denise , Block Jason P.
Published: December 2019

Objective

The 2010 Affordable Care Act included a provision requiring chain food establishments to post calories on menus. In 2017, prior to the final implementation of the law, 59 of 90 top‐selling chains had fully implemented labelling. This study extends the documentation of compliance to the 200 top‐selling chains after the nationwide requirement went into effect in May 2018.

Methods

To determine if restaurants were compliant with the federal menu labelling law, objective information was collected from all 197 of the 200 highest grossing restaurant chains in the United States. The study team obtained information via site visits and internet searches for a convenience sample of restaurants within each of these chains.

Results

94% had implemented menu calorie labelling after the May 2018 deadline. Of the 11 chains not complying, six were full‐service restaurants.

Conclusion

Most chain restaurants have complied with the federal calorie labelling law, suggesting that compliance is attainable for all chains. Given this finding, the Food and Drug Administration should initiate enforcement of labelling for noncompliant chains.
Antenatal screening for fetal trisomies using microarray‐based cell‐free DNA testing: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Geppert Julia , Stinton Chris , Johnson Samantha , Clarke Aileen , Grammatopoulos Dimitris , Taylor‐Phillips Sian
Published: December 2019

Objective

To evaluate the test accuracy of non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for fetal trisomy 21, 18, and 13 using cell‐free (cf) DNA analysis in maternal plasma with microarray quantitation.

Method

Systematic review and meta‐analysis. Searches in MEDLINE, Pre‐MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library to 09.07.2018.

Results

Five studies analyzing 3074 samples, including 187 trisomy 21, 43 trisomy 18, and 19 trisomy 13 cases, were identified. Risk of bias was high in all studies, introduced particularly by exclusions from analysis and by the role of the sponsor. Sensitivity of microarray‐based cfDNA testing was 99.5% (95%CI 96.3%‐99.9%) for trisomy 21, 97.7% (95%CI 87.9%‐99.6%) for trisomy 18, and 100% (95%CI 83.2%‐100%) for trisomy 13. Specificity was 100% (95% CI 99.87%‐100%) for trisomy 21, 99.97% (95%CI 99.81%‐99.99%) for trisomy 18, and 99.97% (95%CI 99.81%‐99.99%) for trisomy 13. Pooled test failure rate was 1.1%. A direct comparison of microarray‐ and sequencing‐based cfDNA found equivalent test accuracy.

Conclusion

Included studies suggest that NIPT using microarray‐based cfDNA testing has high sensitivity and specificity for detecting fetal trisomy 21, 18, and 13. However, the evidence base is small and at high risk of bias.
Current and future role of fetal cardiovascular MRI in the setting of fetal cardiac interventions
Authors: Marini Davide , Xu Jiawei , Sun Liqun , Jaeggi Edgar , Seed Mike
Published: December 2019

Over recent years, technical developments resulting in the feasibility of fetal cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) have provided a new diagnostic tool for studying the human fetal heart and circulation. During the same period, we have witnessed the arrival of several minimally invasive fetal cardiac interventions (FCI) as a possible form of treatment in selected congenital heart diseases (CHDs). The role of fetal CMR in the planning and monitoring of FCI is not yet clear. Indeed, high‐quality fetal CMR is not available or routinely offered at most centers caring for patients with prenatally detected CHD. However, in theory, fetal CMR could have much to offer in the setting of FCI by providing complementary anatomic and physiologic information relating to the specific intervention under consideration. Similarly, fetal CMR may be useful as an alternative imaging modality when ultrasound is hampered by technical limitations, for example, in the setting of oligohydramnios and in late gestation. In this review, we summarize current experience of the use of fetal CMR in the diagnosis and monitoring of fetuses with cardiopathies in the setting of a range of invasive in utero cardiac and vascular interventions and medical treatments and speculate about future directions for this versatile imaging medium.
Use of Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Morbidly Obese Patients
Authors: Kido Kazuhiko , Lee James C. , Hellwig Thaddaus , Gulseth Michael P.
Published: December 2019

In 2016, the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) published guidelines advising caution when using direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in patients with morbid obesity due to limited clinical efficacy and safety data supporting their use in this patient population. In this review, we analyzed published articles in the MEDLINE database (from inception through May 29, 2019), and the Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and EMBASE databases (from inception through April 26, 2019) that evaluated morbidly obese patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) or venous thromboembolism (VTE) who received DOACs. A total of 19 studies, which included pharmacokinetic studies, original phase III trials for the DOACs, post hoc analyses of phase III trials, and retrospective cohort studies, were evaluated. Although currently available data do not indicate that using DOACs in the morbidly obese is problematic, DOAC‐specific pharmacokinetic variations have been observed. Additionally, less data evaluating DOAC efficacy and safety exist for VTE treatment compared with the data for stroke prevention in patients with AF. The overall quality of the studies included in this review was low due to limited prospective randomized trial data, limiting the ability to form definitive judgments on efficacy and safety DOACs in the morbidly obese. Continued caution is recommended when considering DOAC use in the morbidly obese, particularly for those requiring anticoagulation for VTE treatment, until additional higher‐quality data become available.
Inoculation with the mycorrhizal fungus Rhizophagus irregularis modulates the relationship between root growth and nutrient content in maize (Zea mays ssp. mays L.)
Authors: Ramírez‐Flores M. Rosario , Bello‐Bello Elohim , Rellán‐Álvarez Rubén , Sawers Ruairidh J. H. , Olalde‐Portugal Víctor
Published: December 2019

Plant root systems play a fundamental role in nutrient and water acquisition. In resource‐limited soils, modification of root system architecture is an important strategy to optimize plant performance. Most terrestrial plants also form symbiotic associations with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi to maximize nutrient uptake. In addition to direct delivery of nutrients, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi benefit the plant host by promoting root growth. Here, we aimed to quantify the impact of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis on root growth and nutrient uptake in maize. Inoculated plants showed an increase in both biomass and the total content of twenty quantified elements. In addition, image analysis showed mycorrhizal plants to have denser, more branched root systems. For most of the quantified elements, the increase in content in mycorrhizal plants was proportional to root and overall plant growth. However, the increase in boron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur, and strontium was greater than predicted by root system size alone, indicating fungal delivery to be supplementing root uptake.
Bronchiectasis in common variable immunodeficiency: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ramzi Nasim , Jamee Mahnaz , Bakhtiyari Mahmood , Rafiemanesh Hosein , Zainaldain Hamed , Tavakol Marzieh , Rezaei Amir , Kalvandi Mustafa , Zian Zeineb , Mohammadi Hamed , Jadidi‐Niaragh Farhad , Yazdani Reza , Abolhassani Hassan , Aghamohammadi Asghar , Azizi Gholamreza
Published: December 2019

Background

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is the most prevalent symptomatic primary immunodeficiency disorder characterized by infectious and noninfectious complications. Bronchiectasis continues to be a common respiratory problem and therapeutic challenge in CVID. The aim of this study is to estimate the overall prevalence of bronchiectasis and its associated phenotype in patients with CVID.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed in Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus from the earliest available date to February 2019 with standard keywords. All pooled analyses of bronchiectasis prevalence and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were based on random‐effects models.

Results

Fifty‐five studies comprising 8535 patients with CVID were included in the meta‐analysis. Overall prevalence of bronchiectasis was 34% (95% CI: 30‐38; I2 = 90.19%). CVID patients with bronchiectasis had significantly lower serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) and IgM levels at the time of diagnosis compared with those without bronchiectasis. Among the clinical features, the frequencies of splenomegaly, pneumonia, otitis media, and lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia were significantly higher in CVID patients with bronchiectasis compared with those without bronchiectasis, respectively.

Conclusion

A higher prevalence of bronchiectasis in patients with CVID should be managed by controlling recurrent and severe pneumonia episodes which are immune dysregulation since this complication is associated with poor prognosis in these patients.
Anatomical study of the prostatic urethra using vinyl polysiloxane casts
Authors: Chen Henry , Zhang Chiyuan A. , Gill Harcharan S.
Published: December 2019

Background

There are limited studies describing the detailed nonhistologic anatomy of the prostatic urethra. We studied radical prostatectomy specimens to describe the ex vivo anatomical details of its shape and size.

Methods

We conducted an observational study examining the prostatic urethra anatomy. Prostatic urethra casts (molds) were made using vinyl polysiloxane immediately after fresh specimens had been retrieved following prostatectomy for organ‐confined prostate cancer. The following measurements were taken from the casts: anterior length, posterior length, maximal diameter, bladder neck to verumontanum, verumontanum to apex length, and prostate urethral angle (PUA). Prostate volume was calculated using the ellipsoid formula: ((p/6) × transverse × length × height).

Results

Thirty‐three prostatic urethral casts were obtained. The mean prostate volume was 38.59 cc. The mean PUA was 127.6°. The mean transverse, apex, and length of the prostate were 4.65, 4.06, and 3.63 cm, respectively. The mean distance from the verumontanum to sphincter was 1.2 cm. The ratio between the anterior and posterior length of the prostatic urethra was 0.82 cm and did not correlate with prostatic size (Figure 8).

Conclusion

The distance from the verumontanum to the apex does not change with prostate size; it is uniform with a mean length of 1.2 cm. The anterior length, posterior length, and maximum diameter of the prostatic urethra increase with prostate size. The mean difference between the anterior and posterior length is 0.8 cm and did not correlate with prostate size. Urethral angulation decreased with prostate size but was not significant. Information obtained from this study is of value designing prostatic stents and devices for benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Structural and functional characterization of Solanum tuberosum VDAC36
Authors: Lopes‐Rodrigues Maximilien , Matagne André , Zanuy David , Alemán Carlos , Perpète Eric A. , Michaux Catherine
Published: December 2019

As it forms water‐filled channel in the mitochondria outer membrane and diffuses essential metabolites such as NADH and ATP, the voltage‐dependent anion channel (VDAC) protein family plays a central role in all eukaryotic cells. In comparison with their mammalian homologues, little is known about the structural and functional properties of plant VDACs. In the present contribution, one of the two VDACs isoforms of Solanum tuberosum, stVDAC36, has been successfully overexpressed and refolded by an in‐house method, as demonstrated by the information on its secondary and tertiary structure gathered from circular dichroism and intrinsic fluorescence. Cross‐linking and molecular modeling studies have evidenced the presence of dimers and tetramers, and they suggest the formation of an intermolecular disulfide bond between two stVDAC36 monomers. The pore‐forming activity was also assessed by liposome swelling assays, indicating a typical pore diameter between 2.0 and 2.7 nm. Finally, insights about the ATP binding inside the pore are given by docking studies and electrostatic calculations.
Electric Field Effects on Photoluminescence‐Detected Magnetic Resonance of a π‐Conjugated Polymer
Authors: Baird Douglas L. , Nahlawi Adnan , Crossley Kenneth , van Schooten Kipp J. , Teferi Mandefro Y. , Popli Henna , Joshi Gajadhar , Jamali Shirin , Malissa Hans , Lupton John M. , Boehme Christoph
Published: December 2019

Electric fields are central to the operation of optoelectronic devices based on conjugated polymers as they drive the recombination of electrons and holes to excitons in organic light‐emitting diodes but are also responsible for the dissociation of excitons in solar cells. One way to track the microscopic effect of electric fields on charge carriers formed under illumination of a polymer film is to exploit the fluorescence arising from delayed recombination of carrier pairs, a process which is fundamentally spin dependent. Such spin‐dependent recombination can be probed directly in fluorescence, by optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR). It is found that the ODMR signal in a polymer film is quenched in an electric field in the absence of a current, but that, at fields exceeding 1 MV cm−1, this quenching saturates at a level of at most 50%.
Modeling cationic adduction of oligonucleotides using electrospray desorption ionization
Authors: Sutton J. Michael , Bartlett Michael G.
Published: December 2019

Rationale

Cationic adduction causes poor sensitivity and increases spectral complexity during mass spectral analysis of oligonucleotides and alkylamines are used to reduce this adduction. It is unclear the effect of the physiochemical properties of the alkylamines on the reduction of the cationic adduction.

Methods

All samples were directly infused into a Synapt G2 HDMS quadrupole time‐of‐flight (TOF) hybrid mass spectrometer in negative ion electrospray ionization mode through the native built‐in fluidics system. The infusion flow rate was set to 50 μL/min. The TOFMS tuning parameters were as follows: capillary voltage −2.0 kV, cone voltage 25 V, extraction cone voltage 2 V, source temperature 125°C, desolvation temperature 450°C, cone gas flow rate 0 L/h, and desolvation gas (nitrogen) flow rate 1000 L/h.

Results

A quantitative model was created to predict the optimized alkylamine for MS analysis, while a qualitative model was generated to explain the most important physiochemical properties: proton affinity (13.83%), gas‐phase basicity (11.79%), pKa (11.47%), boiling point (10.73%), MW (10.3%), Henry's Law Constant (9.56%), and partition coefficient (logP) (9.44%). The quantitative model was applied to RNA (microRNA) and a phosphorothioate and predicts the trend of cationic adduction.

Conclusions

Two models are described to understand the physiochemical properties that contribute to the adduction and to provide users a quick mathematical tool to predict the best choice of alkylamine to lower cationic adduction and decrease spectral complexity while enhancing sensitivity.
Concretising Design Thinking: A Content Analysis of Systematic and Extended Literature Reviews on Design Thinking and Human‐Centred Design
Authors: Baker Fredrick W. , Moukhliss Sarah
Published: December 2019

The purposes of this study are 1) to explore the concept of design thinking/human‐centred design as expressed across the literature, using a systematic content analysis methodology, and 2) to arrive at empirically‐based implications and recommendations for the instructional design field drawn from this search and analysis. Since 2000, design thinking has been highly sought after and is increasingly applied to novel challenges. Since then, it has become a force of innovation in business, and a point of contention in design—having created a reductionist perspective of design which has simultaneously become a buzzword for innovation. In the instructional design field, practitioners incorporate the methods used into new design models, and scholars frame new theories within its bounds. Through this process, the meaning and nature of the concept have become complex and clouded. This paper reports results of a systematic content analysis involving examination of 12 databases, analysing 1075 abstracts for fit and identifying 11 core articles. An extended literature review, including more than 70 non‐core articles selected from the study data pool, provides a foundation for analysis of the 11 core articles. Results include analysis of the core articles for themes, industry and common citations; recommendations and implications for the instructional design field are drawn from the literature, as well as recommendations for future research.
Prevalence and burden of dengue infection in Europe: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ahmed Ali Mahmoud , Mohammed Abdelrahman Tarek , Vu Thao T. , Khattab Mohammed , Doheim Mohamed Fahmy , Ashraf Mohamed Ahmed , Abdelhamed Mai Mahmoud , Shamandy Bahaa Eldin , Dawod Mahmoud Tamer , Alesaei Wafaa Ali , Kassem Mahmoud Attia , Mattar Omar Mohamed , Smith Chris , Hirayama Kenji , Huy Nguyen Tien
Published: December 2019

Imported dengue cases are thought to be important source for transmission of autochthonous dengue in Europe. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of dengue in Europe, its severity, and factors associated with it. Out of 5287 reports resulting from the search of nine electronic search engines, we included 174 reports. Meta‐analysis was performed by pooling the event rate and 95% confidence interval (CI). Subgroup meta‐analyses were performed to test the effect of the covariates. Among 20 284 reported cases, 130 autochthonous dengue cases were reported in eight countries with the highest number of cases reported in Israel (n = 41). The highest number of imported dengue cases was in Germany (n = 6638) then France (n = 6610). Most cases were imported from Southeast Asia (n = 2533) especially Thailand. Dengue infection cases increased with time, with 4157 cases reported in 2010. Second dengue infection and dengue serotype 2 were positively associated with dengue severity. The proportion of autochthonous dengue infection increased with time to reach 14.8% (95% CI, 7.6‐26.9) in 2015. The pooled proportion of severe dengue was 6.18% (95% CI, 2.7‐13.3). The United Kingdom and France had the highest rate of severe dengue (25%; 95% CI, 6.3‐62.3, and 21.4%; 95% CI, 24.5‐18.7, respectively). This change may be due to the surveillance efforts instead of true biological phenomenon; thus, the lack of surveillance is an obvious limitation. In conclusion, imported and autochthonous dengue has been increasing in Europe. Severe dengue began to increase recently in Europe. European health authorities should pay more attention for the diagnosis and control of dengue infection among returning travelers, especially the travelers with fever of unknown origin.
Tracking and load sway reduction for double‐pendulum rotary cranes using adaptive nonlinear control approach
Authors: Ouyang Huimin , Xu Xiang , Zhang Guangming
Published: December 2019

Because of the existence of rotational boom motion, the load sway characteristics is more complex. In particular, when the sway presents double‐pendulum phenomenon, the design of the controller is more challenging. Furthermore, the uncertain parameters and external disturbances in crane system make it difficult for traditional control methods to obtain satisfactory control performance. Hence, this paper presents an adaptive nonlinear controller based on the dynamic model of double‐pendulum rotary crane. Unlike a traditional method, the proposed one does not need to linearize the crane system for controller design; therefore, the control performance can be guaranteed even if the system states are far away from the equilibrium point. By using Lyapunov technique and LaSalle's invariance theorem, it is strictly proved that the whole control system is asymptotically stable at the equilibrium point. The effectiveness of the presented controller is demonstrated via comparative simulations.
Stereoselective Synthesis of Hagen's Gland Lactones by Employing Vinylogous Mukaiyama Type Reaction
Authors: Chowhan L. Raju , Singh Vipin , Raj Lakshmi Shanta
Published: December 2019

Concise and stereoselective synthesis of Hagen's Gland Lactones is achieved by employing vinylogous Mukaiyama type reaction, Epimerization followed by oxy‐Michael addition reaction to form bicyclic lactone as key steps with 54% overall yield. The synthetic route is economical and scalable within 5 steps without use of any toxic metals. The methodology could be useful for the synthesis of natural products containing bicyclic lactones and tetra substituted THF ring.
Sweet Corn (Zea mays L. var. rugosa) Derived Fluorescent Carbon Quantum Dots for Selective Detection of Hydrogen Sulfide and Bioimaging Applications
Authors: Rajendran Kalimuthu , Rajendran Ganapathy , Kasthuri Jayapalan , Kathiravan Krishnan , Rajendiran Nagappan
Published: December 2019

We report a green, simple, and facile fluorometric method for the detection of hydrogen sulfide (S2−) using bluish green carbon quantum dots (CQDs) derived from sweet corn (Zea mays L. var. rugosa) as carbon source. The optical properties of the CQDs were studied using UV‐visible, PL spectra and lifetime measurements. High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR‐TEM), atomic force microscope (AFM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) were used for morphological studies. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) technique was used for phase analysis. Zeta potential, Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), Raman and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to measure the charge and composition of QDs. The prepared CQDs having size less than 2.4 nm with bluish green emission at ∼470 nm and showed excellent stability for more than 6 months in aqueous medium. The synthesized CQDs showed highly sensitive and selective detection of sulfide ions (S2−) in aqueous medium over other toxic metal ions and inorganic salts, and the detection limit was 8 nM in the linear range from 5 to 100 nM. The synthesized CQDs had excellent hemocompatibility as evidenced from the hemolytic assay (2.86 %) and ESR estimation (7.5 mm/h) on human RBCs. The cell viability of CQDs was evaluated on Vero and A549 cell line by MTT assay, which produced more than 90 % of cell viability in both cell lines at 250 μg/mL concentration. Owing to their biocompatible nature, the synthesized CQDs were used as a fluorescent probe for in vitro bioimaging applications.
Electrically Controlled Localized Charge Trapping at Amorphous Fluoropolymer–Electrolyte Interfaces
Authors: Wu Hao , Dey Ranabir , Siretanu Igor , van den Ende Dirk , Shui Lingling , Zhou Guofu , Mugele Frieder
Published: December 2019

Charge trapping is a long‐standing problem in electrowetting on dielectric, causing reliability reduction and restricting its practical applications. Although this phenomenon is investigated macroscopically, the microscopic investigations are still lacking. In this work, the trapped charges are proven to be localized at the three‐phase contact line (TPCL) region by using three detecting methods—local contact angle measurements, electrowetting (EW) probe, and Kelvin probe force microscopy. Moreover, it is demonstrated that this EW‐assisted charge injection (EWCI) process can be utilized as a simple and low‐cost method to deposit charges on fluoropolymer surfaces. Charge densities near the TPCL up to 0.46 mC m−2 and line widths of the deposited charge ranging from 20 to 300 µm are achieved by the proposed EWCI method. Particularly, negative charge densities do not degrade even after a “harsh” testing with a water droplet on top of the sample surfaces for 12 h, as well as after being treated by water vapor for 3 h. These findings provide an approach for applications which desire stable and controllable surface charges.
Diverse Functions of Lipids and Lipid Metabolism in Development
Authors: Yao Yan , Ding Long , Huang Xun
Published: December 2019

Developmental processes result from interactions between the external environment and internal factors. Recent discoveries have demonstrated the essential roles of lipid metabolic homeostasis in adapting to environmental changes and fulfilling many cellular requirements during development. Lipids not only constitute biological membranes, but they also provide the most efficient form to store and supply energy upon demand, and they act as signals/messengers in diverse developmental pathways. Lipid metabolism also influences gene transcription by affecting the chromatin state and modulates protein function through post‐translational modification. This review mainly focuses on summarizing recent findings about the critical roles of lipids and lipid metabolism during development. How new lipid imaging or tracing techniques will further strengthen authors' understanding of the tight link between lipid metabolism and diverse developmental processes are also discussed.
Exploring Red, Green, and Blue Light‐Activated Degradation of Perovskite Films and Solar Cells for Near Space Applications
Authors: Xiao Wei , Yang Jianming , Xiong Shaobing , Li Danqin , Li Yanqing , Tang Jianxin , Duan Chungang , Bao Qinye
Published: December 2019

Hybrid perovskite solar cells with a high specific power have great potential to become promising power sources mounted on spacecrafts in space applications. However, there is a lack of study on their photostability as light absorbers in those conditions. Herein, the stability of the perovskite films and solar cells under red, green, and blue (RGB) light illumination in medium vacuum that belongs to near space is explored. The perovskite active layers exhibit different degradations from morphological, chemical, and structural points of view. This is attributed to the strong coupling between photoexcited carriers and the crystal lattice and the diversity of RGB light absorption in the perovskite films. Device characterizations reveal that the efficiency loss of perovskite solar cells results from not only perovskite degradation, but also the photoexcited carriers reducing the energy barrier of ion migration and accelerating the migration to generate more deep‐level trap defects. Moreover, comparative devices suggest that the well encapsulation can weaken the effect of vacuum on stability.
Seismic fragility analysis of strength eccentric structures subjected to pulse‐like ground motions
Authors: Bu Guobin , Liu Fangcheng , Bin Jia , Zhang Zhe
Published: December 2019

The seismic fragility of reinforced concrete (RC) frame systems considering the disadvantages of both structural eccentricities and pulse‐like earthquake effects is investigated. A total of 24,000 nonlinear time history analyses are performed using CANNY program. The influence of pulse‐like ground motion and strength eccentricity on the seismic fragility is studied quantitatively, in terms of interstorey drift, ductility, and floor rotation. The results show that the probability of reaching and exceeding a predefined damage state (Pf) is apparently higher for pulse‐like case than for non‐pulse‐like case. At a moderate eccentricity level of 0.2 and a moderate damage state (selected moderate case) with a peak ground acceleration (PGA) of 0.4 g, the Pf values of interstorey drift and ductility for pulse‐like case are 14 and 10% larger, respectively, than those for non‐pulse‐like case. The strength eccentricity also has a great effect on the structural seismic fragility. The PGA at a given probability level decreases with increasing eccentricity. For the selected moderate case, the PGAs at an exceeding probability of 50% are 0.40, 0.56, and 1.15 g for the Pf values of interstorey drift, ductility, and floor rotation, respectively. The obtained fragility curves could help to quantitatively evaluate the seismic behavior of eccentric RC frame structures subjected to pulse‐like ground motions.
Addition of pre‐wetted lightweight aggregate and steel/polypropylene fibers in high‐performance concrete to mitigate autogenous shrinkage
Authors: Zhao Yanhua , Xu Bohan , Chang Jianmei
Published: December 2019

The paper investigates the effects of ceramic sand as pre‐wetted lightweight aggregate together with steel fiber (SF) and polypropylene fiber (PPF) on the shrinkage and mechanical properties of high‐performance concrete (HPC). Four replacement levels of fine aggregate with presoaked ceramic sand (0, 10, 15, and 20% in volume) were first adopted to explore the possibility of ceramic sand as an internal curing material. Thereafter, SF and PPF were added for the replacement level 20% to study the combining effects of internal curing technology and fibers on the shrinkage and mechanical properties of HPC. The results show that the inclusion of pre‐wetted ceramic sand in HPC decreased autogenous deformation, and the risk of cracking in HPC under restrained conditions could be also effectively reduced. But the improvement in dimensional stability was achieved at the cost of deteriorated mechanical properties of HPC. Favorably, internal curing technology combined with SF/PPF could be a better solution for this contradictory: significantly reducing autogenous deformation, prolonging the onset time of crack, decreasing crack width, and cracking area without compromising mechanical properties of HPC.
Recent Development of Polyolefin‐Based Microporous Separators for Li−Ion Batteries: A Review
Authors: Heidari Ali Akbar , Mahdavi Hossein
Published: December 2019

Secondary Li−ion batteries have been paid attention to wide‐range applications of power source for the portable electronics, electric vehicle, and electric storage reservoir. Generally, lithium‐ion batteries are comprised of four components including anode, cathode, electrolyte and separator. Although separators do not take part in the electrochemical reactions in a lithium‐ion (Li−ion) battery, they conduct the critical functions of physically separating the positive and negative electrodes to prevent electrical short circuit while permitting the free flow of lithium ions through the liquid electrolyte that fill in their open porous structure. Hence, the separator is directly related to the safety and the power performance of the battery. Among a number of separators developed thus far, polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) porous membrane separators have been the most dominant ones for commercial Li−ion batteries over the decades because of their superior properties such as cost‐efficiency, good mechanical strength and pore structure, electrochemical stability, and thermal shutdown properties. However, there are main issues for vehicular storage, such as nonpolarity, low surface energy and poor thermal stability, although the polyolefin separators have proven dependable in portable applications. Hence, in this review, we decide to provide an overview of the types of polyolefin microporous separators utilized in Li−ion batteries and the methods employed to modify their surface in detail. The remarkable results demonstrate that extraordinary properties can be exhibited by mono‐ and multilayer polyolefin separators if they are modified using suitable methods and materials.
Metal Functionalized Diketopyrrolopyrroles: A Promising Class of Materials for Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Patil Yuvraj , Misra Rajneesh
Published: December 2019

After first report on diketopyrrolopyrrole in 1974 by Farnum et al., a wide variety of its derivatives have been reported for material and biological applications. In this review we discuss various design strategies used for the synthesis of metal functionalized diketopyrrolopyrrole derivatives along with their photophysical and electrochemical studies with respect to material and biological applications. Some exciting applications of ferrocenyl functionalized diketopyrrolopyrrole derivatives such as non‐linear optics, organic solar cells and photothermal therapy were recently reported, which are also discussed in this review.
Swelling‐Deswelling Microencapsulation‐Enabled Ultrastable Perovskite−Polymer Composites for Photonic Applications
Authors: He Ziqian , He Juan , Zhang Caicai , Wu Shin‐Tson , Dong Yajie
Published: December 2019

Metal halide perovskite nanocrystals are emerging as novel optoelectronic materials. Owing to their excellent optical and electronic properties such as tunable band gap, narrow‐band emission and high charge mobility, they are quite promising in various fields including liquid‐crystal display backlighting, solid‐state lighting and other energy conversion applications. However, the intrinsic low formation energy makes them vulnerable to external stimulus, e. g. water, oxygen, heat, etc. Among many methods, swelling‐deswelling microencapsulation emerges as one of the most promising strategies to improve their stability. Herein, recent developments and future research directions in swelling‐deswelling microencapsulation‐enabled ultrastable perovskite−polymer composites are summarized. We believe this strategy has great potential to deliver successful perovskite‐based commercial products for many photonics applications.
Density Functional Theory as a Data Science
Authors: Tsuneda✶ Takao
Published: December 2019

The development of density functional theory (DFT) functionals and physical corrections are reviewed focusing on the physical meanings and the semiempirical parameters from the viewpoint of data science. This review shows that DFT exchange‐correlation functionals have been developed under many strict physical conditions with minimizing the number of the semiempirical parameters, except for some recent functionals. Major physical corrections for exchange‐correlation function‐ als are also shown to have clear physical meanings independent of the functionals, though they inevitably require minimum semiempirical parameters dependent on the functionals combined. We, therefore, interpret that DFT functionals with physical corrections are the most sophisticated target functions that are physically legitimated, even from the viewpoint of data science.
Navigating Immigration Law in a “Hostile Environment”: Implications for Adult Migrant Language Education
Authors: Simpson James
Published: December 2019

In this article the author analyses the communicative demands placed on migrants navigating immigration law in a fast‐moving policy environment and implications for adult migrant language education. Data are from an ethnographic study of a lawyer, Lucy, and her clients at a legal advice service in Leeds, England, and include interviews and recordings of lawyer–client interactions. The analytical focus is on Lucy’s stance (Jaffe, 2009b), on how she presents herself as an ally of her multilingual clients, and on the stance‐marking strategies she and her clients use as they strive to make meaning. The study took place in 2016, a time of volatility for the policies that impinge on immigration law and on legal interaction for migrants: the upsurge of right‐wing populist movements in Europe, erratic positions on migration in the United States, and the referendum that decided the United Kingdom would leave the European Union. The author maintains that the link is rarely drawn between interaction in legal and other institutional settings and the content of language classes designed to aid adult migrant settlement, and argues for an approach to adult migrant language education that critically addresses this point.
Developmental dynamics of neurogenesis and gliogenesis in the postnatal mammalian brain in health and disease: Historical and future perspectives
Authors: Nakafuku Masato , del Águila Ángela
Published: December 2019

The mature mammalian brain has long been thought to be a structurally rigid, static organ since the era of Ramón y Cajal in the early 20th century. Evidence accumulated over the past three decades, however, has completely overturned this long‐held view. We now know that new neurons and glia are continuously added to the brain at postnatal stages, even in mature adults of various mammalian species, including humans. Moreover, these newly added cells contribute to structural plasticity and play important roles in higher order brain function, as well as repair after damage. A major source of these new neurons and glia is neural stem cells (NSCs) that persist in specialized niches in the brain throughout life. With this new view, our understanding of normal brain physiology and interventional approaches to various brain disorders has changed markedly in recent years. This article provides a brief overview on the historical changes in our understanding of the developmental dynamics of neurogenesis and gliogenesis in the postnatal and adult mammalian brain and discusses the roles of NSCs and other progenitor populations in such cellular dynamics in health and disease of the postnatal mammalian brain.

This article is categorized under:

Adult Stem Cells, Tissue Renewal, and Regeneration > Stem Cell Differentiation and Reversion

Adult Stem Cells, Tissue Renewal, and Regeneration > Tissue Stem Cells and Niches

Adult Stem Cells, Tissue Renewal, and Regeneration > Regeneration

Adult Stem Cells, Tissue Renewal, and Regeneration > Stem Cells and Disease
Improving reliability and safety of airborne wind energy systems
Authors: Salma Volkan , Friedl Felix , Schmehl Roland
Published: December 2019

Airborne wind energy systems use tethered flying devices to harvest wind energy beyond the height range accessible to tower‐based wind turbines. Current commercial prototypes have reached power ratings of up to several hundred kilowatts, and companies are aiming at long‐term operation in relevant environments. As consequence, system reliability, operational robustness, and safety have become crucially important aspects of system development. In this study, we analyze the reliability and safety of a 100‐kW technology development platform with the objective of achieving continuous automatic operation. We first outline the different components of the kite power system and its operational modes. In the next step, we identify failure modes, their causes, and effects by means of failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) and fault tree analysis (FTA). Potentially hazardous situations and mechanisms which can render the system nonoperational are identified, and mitigation measures are proposed. We find that the majority of these measures can be performed by a failure detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR) system for which we present a hierarchical architecture adapted from space industry.
Squalene lipotoxicity in a lipid droplet‐less yeast mutant is linked to plasma membrane dysfunction
Authors: Csáky Zsófia , Garaiová Martina , Kodedová Marie , Valachovič Martin , Sychrová Hana , Hapala Ivan
Published: December 2019

Squalene is a naturally occurring triterpene with wide industrial applications. Due to limited natural resources, production of this valuable lipid in yeast is of high commercial relevance. Typically low levels of squalene in yeast can be significantly increased by specific cultivation conditions or genetic modifications. Under normal conditions, excess squalene is stored in lipid droplets (LD), while in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutant unable to form LD it is distributed to cellular membranes. We present here the evidence that squalene accumulation in this LD‐less mutant treated with squalene monooxygenase inhibitor terbinafine induces growth defects and loss of viability. We show that plasma membrane malfunction is involved in squalene toxicity. We have found that subinhibitory concentrations of terbinafine increased the sensitivity of LD‐less mutant to several membrane‐active substances. Furthermore, squalene accumulation in terbinafine‐treated LD‐less cells disturbed the maintenance of membrane potential and increased plasma membrane permeability to rhodamine 6G. LD‐less cells treated with terbinafine showed also high sensitivity to osmotic stress. To confirm the causal relationship between squalene accumulation, loss of viability and impaired plasma membrane functions we treated LD‐less cells simultaneously with terbinafine and squalene synthase inhibitor zaragozic acid. Reduction of squalene levels by zaragozic acid improved cell growth and viability and decreased plasma membrane permeability to rhodamine 6G in terbinafine‐treated LD‐less cells. Our results support the hypothesis that plasma membrane malfunction is involved in the mechanisms of squalene lipotoxicity in yeast cells with defective lipid storage.
Assessing possible hybridization among managed Nubian ibex in North America
Authors: Putnam Andrea S. , Nguyen Tram N. , Mott Alison , Korody Marisa L. , Ryder Oliver A.
Published: December 2019

Hybridization among closely related species is a concern in zoo and aquarium populations where unpedigreed animals are frequently exchanged with the private sector. In this study, we examine possible hybridization in a group of Nubian ibex (Capra nubiana) imported into the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Program (SSP) from a private institution. These individuals appeared smaller in stature than adult SSP Nubian ibex and were excluded from breeding recommendations over the concern that they were hybrids. Twenty‐six microsatellites were used to rule out recent hybridization with domestic goats, Siberian ibex (Capra sibirica), and Alpine ibex (Capra ibex). We argue that natural phenotypic variation across the large geographic range of Nubian ibex may account for the small stature of the imported ibex, as private institutions may have historically acquired individuals from locations that differed from the SSP founders. However, the imported Nubian ibex appeared genetically differentiated from the SSP Nubian ibex and may represent a source of genetic variation for the managed population.
Ultrasound imaging of the perineal body: a useful clinical tool
Authors: Asfour Victoria , Digesu Giuseppe Alessandro , Fernando Ruwan , Khullar Vik
Published: December 2019

Introduction and hypothesis

The perineal body is a fibromuscular pyramidal structure located between the vagina and the anus. It has been difficult to image because of its small size and anatomical location. This study used 2D transperineal ultrasound to measure the perineal body and assess whether there is an association with prolapse.

Methods

An observational, cross-sectional study was carried out in a tertiary level Urogynaecology department and included prolapse patients and healthy nulliparous volunteers (control group). This was a clinical assessment, including POP-Q and trans-perineal 2D ultrasound measurement of the perineal body height, length, perimeter, and area. Parametric tests were used, as the data were normally distributed. Results are reported as mean and 95% confidence interval (±95% CI).

Results

A total of 101 participants were recruited of which 22 were nulliparous healthy volunteers. Mean perineal body measurements in controls were height 22.5 ± 3.3 mm, length 17.4 ± 2.7 mm, perimeter 7.5 ± 0.9 mm, and area 2.8 ± 0.38 cm2. Perineal body measurements in 79 prolapse patients: height 16.9 ± 1.7 mm, length 16.0 ± 1.4 mm, perimeter 6.5 ± 0.5 mm and area 2.1 ± 0.5 cm2. A small perineal body was strongly associated with posterior compartment prolapse (paired t test, p < 0.0001) and wider POP-Q GH (paired t test, p = 0.0003). Surprisingly, Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification Perineal Body (POP-Q PB) of the two groups was not significantly different. A perineal body mid-sagittal area of less than 2.4 cm2 has been shown to be associated strongly with posterior compartment prolapse.

Conclusions

It is possible to measure the perineal body on 2D ultrasound. This technique facilitates the objective diagnosis of perineal deficiency. POP-Q PB does not predict the length or area of the perineal body.