bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elaboration of an algae‐to‐energy system and recovery of water and nutrients from municipal sewage
Authors: Laubscher Richard K. , Cowan A. Keith
Published: June 2020

Increasing pressure is being exerted on the peri‐urban space that has elevated the demand for electricity, affects the global water resource, and impacts the potential to produce food, fiber, and commodity products. Algae‐based technologies and in particular algae‐based sewage treatment provides an opportunity for recovery of water for recycle and re‐use, sequestration of greenhouse gases, and generation of biomass. Successful coupling of municipal sewage treatment to an algae‐to‐energy facility depends largely on location, solar irradiance, and temperature to achieve meaningful value recovery. In this paper, an algae‐to‐energy sewage treatment system for implementation in southern Africa is elaborated. Using results from the continued operation of an integrated algal pond system (IAPS), it is shown that this 500‐person equivalent system generates 75 kL per day water for recycle and re‐use and, ∼9 kg per day biomass that can be converted to methane with a net energy yield of ∼150 MJ per day, and ∼0.5 kL per day of high nitrogen‐containing liquid effluent (>1 g/L) with potential for use as organic fertilizer. It is this opportunity that IAPS‐based algae‐to‐energy sewage treatment provides for meaningful energy and co‐product recovery within the peri‐urban space and, which can alleviate pressure on an already strained water–energy–food nexus.
Case study on the mining‐induced stress evolution of an extra‐thick coal seam under hard roof conditions
Authors: Li Cong , Xie Heping , Gao Mingzhong , Xie Jing , Deng Guangdi , He Zhiqiang
Published: June 2020

A strong mining disturbance may cause the superposition of local stresses and serious disasters such as crushed supports and severely destroyed roadways. To study the distribution law of mining‐induced stress under hard roof conditions, an advance abutment pressure distribution model was developed. By monitoring the support pressure, a novel method of reckoning intensive factors was proposed, and then, the pressure distribution characteristics were obtained. An innovative in situ test of the mining‐induced stress increment was performed. At the Tongxin coal mine, the field monitoring of no. 8309 working face revealed the following. (a) The peak position of the fully mechanized working face with a hard roof was 5.9 m away from the mining face in which the average intensive factor K was 1.48. The pressure of the single props developed could be roughly divided into the fluctuation, slow increase, and stable stages. (b) A theoretical model of the stress evolution of the working face was proposed. Using an in situ uniaxial compression test, a law governing the variation of the advance abutment pressure was developed. The peak strength was reported to be 36 MPa, which is consistent with the advance prop pressure. (c) Mining‐induced stress violently fluctuated during the process of top coal caving; the K values in the supports in the middle of the working face and their rates of growth were apparently higher than those in the end supports. A Gaussian distribution of K was established for this phenomenon. The results obtained provide first‐hand data for safe and efficient mining under similar geological conditions.
Why understanding multiplex social network structuring processes will help us better understand the evolution of human behavior
Authors: Atkisson Curtis , Górski Piotr J. , Jackson Matthew O. , Hołyst Janusz A. , D'Souza Raissa M.
Published: June 2020

Social scientists have long appreciated that relationships between individuals cannot be described from observing a single domain, and that the structure across domains of interaction can have important effects on outcomes of interest (e.g., cooperation; Durkheim, 1893). One debate explicitly about this surrounds food sharing. Some argue that failing to find reciprocal food sharing means that some process other than reciprocity must be occurring, whereas others argue for models that allow reciprocity to span domains in the form of trade (Kaplan and Hill, 1985.). Multilayer networks, high‐dimensional networks that allow us to consider multiple sets of relationships at the same time, are ubiquitous and have consequences, so processes giving rise to them are important social phenomena. The analysis of multi‐dimensional social networks has recently garnered the attention of the network science community (Kivelä et al., 2014). Recent models of these processes show how ignoring layer interdependencies can lead one to miss why a layer formed the way it did, and/or draw erroneous conclusions (Górski et al., 2018). Understanding the structuring processes that underlie multiplex networks will help understand increasingly rich data sets, giving more accurate and complete pictures of social interactions.
Chemical and flavor profile changes of cocoa beans (Theobroma cacaoL.) during primary fermentation
Authors: Fang Yiming , Li Rui , Chu Zhong , Zhu Kexue , Gu Fenglin , Zhang Yanjun
Published: June 2020

This survey reports for the first time the changed of quality of fermented cocoa (Theobroma cacaoL.) beans. The quality evaluation and simultaneous detection of amino acids, flavor, procyanidin, color, fat, protein, antioxidant activity, and enthalpy were obtained for different fermentation stages of cocoa beans. The results showed that total essential amino acids contents ranged from 2.64 g/100 g to 3.68 g/100 g. A total of 88 compounds identified at the end of the fermentation belonged to alcohols, acids, esters, ketones, pyrazines, aldehydes, and terpenoids. One of the chemical groups that were present in highest abundance in the consummation treatments was acids, representing 56.04% of the total extracted area, followed by alcohols (22.95%) and ketones (9.40%). The colors of the beans in different fermentation stages were different, from deep purple to deep red‐brown. Fermented cocoa beans were shown to be 53.45% and 13.51% bean butter and protein content, respectively. The value of denaturation enthalpy (ΔH) ranged from 30.4 (J/g) to 43.38 (J/g). The 3‐day fermented sample had the highest ΔH(43.38 J/g). When the fermentation process was complete, the procyanidin concentration of the beans decreased, with the final yield of procyanidin at 6.2%. During fermentation, the antioxidant capacity of beans gradually reduced. The fermenting of cocoa beans had a significant effect on the quality formation. The findings of this study constitute a basis for further investigations on the quality formation of cocoa during fermentation.
Retracted: Kweichow Moutai ameliorates alcohol‐induced liver fibrosis in mice by targeting the NFκB pathway
Authors: Yang Tao , Feng Yu , Zhang Yifan , Wang Wei , Zhang Shutian , Yang Sijin , Hong Ming
Published: June 2020

Previous epidemiological and histopathological studies have demonstrated that long‐term computation of Kweichow Moutai liquor (Moutai) could induce fatty liver disease but few of these patients with fatty liver will develop hepatic fibrosis or cirrhosis. Moutai liquor has a different brewing technique from other white wine, which may generate various microorganisms in the unique geographical conditions and may produce plenty of vitamins, amino acids, and several essential microelements. In the current study, we evaluated the potential protective effect of Moutai liquor in alcohol‐induced liver fibrosis mouse model. Both in vivo and in vitro studies were performed for exploring the possible mechanisms in suppressing liver fibrosis by Moutai. We demonstrated that Moutai treatment induced hepatic stellate cell (HSC) apoptosis and suppressed collagen deposition, as well as attenuated hepatic fibrosis. The antifibrosis mechanism of Moutai was possibly related with the inhibition of Kupffer cell and HSC activation via suppressing NFκB nuclear translocation and preventing the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. It is worth noting that although Moutai attenuates liver fibrosis, it still causes lipid metabolic abnormalities in mouse liver and induces fatty liver. Kweichow Moutai may ameliorate alcohol‐induced liver fibrosis in mice by targeting the NFκB pathway.
Sociodemographic correlates of head and neck cancer survival among patients with metastatic disease
Authors: Pannu Jaibir S. , Simpson Matthew C. , Donovan Connor L. , Adjei Boakye Eric , Mass Katherine , Challapalli Sai D. , Varvares Mark A. , Osazuwa‐Peters Nosayaba
Published: June 2020

Background

To describe sociodemographic factors associated with head and neck cancer (HNC) survival among patients with distant metastatic disease.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed national data for 2889 adult patients with metastatic HNC (2007‐2015). We used Fine and Gray competing risks proportional hazard models, stratified by oropharyngeal cancer status, controlled for sociodemographic factors (age, sex, race/ethnicity, marital status, and insurance status), and accounted for multiple testing.

Results

Median survival time was 11 months (15 months for patients married/partnered; 13 months for patients with non‐Medicaid insurance; P < .01). Among patients with oropharyngeal cancer, being married/partnered was associated with lower mortality hazard (sdHRdivorced/separated = 1.37, 97.5% confidence interval [CI] = 1.07, 1.75; and sdHRnever married = 1.43, 97.5% CI = 1.14, 1.80), as was having non‐Medicaid insurance (sdHRuninsured = 1.44, 97.5% CI = 1.02, 2.04).

Conclusions

Health insurance and marital status are sociodemographic factors associated with survival among HNC patients with distant metastatic disease, especially in oropharyngeal cases.
From NAFLD to MAFLD: Implications of a Premature Change in Terminology
Authors: Younossi Zobair M. , Rinella Mary E. , Sanyal Arun J. , Harrison Stephen A. , Brunt Elizabeth M. , Goodman Zachary , Cohen David E. , Loomba Rohit
Published: June 2020

Despite the substantial gains in our understanding of NAFLD/NASH over the past 2 decades, there has been some dissatisfaction with the terminology “non‐alcoholic” which overemphasizes “alcohol” and underemphasizes the root cause of this liver disease, namely, the predisposing metabolic risk factors. As a potential remedy, a name change from NAFLD to metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has been proposed. Although MAFLD reflects the relevant risk factors for this liver disease, this term is still suboptimal, leaving a great deal of ambiguity. Here, we caution that changing the name without understanding its broad implications can have a negative impact on the field. In this context, changing the terminology without new understanding of the molecular basis of the disease entity, new insights in risk stratification or other important aspect of this liver disease, can create unnecessary confusion which could negatively impact the field. At a time when the field is facing substantial challenges around disease awareness as well as clarity of acceptable endpoints for drug development and biomarker discovery, changing the terminology from one suboptimal name to another suboptimal name without full assessment is expected to deepen these challenges. In the context of this debate about terminology, we recommend the creation of a true international consensus group to include all the relevant scientific liver societies (AASLD, EASL, ALEH, APASL), patient advocacy organizations, bio‐pharmaceutical industry, regulatory agencies and policy makers. A consensus meeting must assess the impact and consequences of changing the terminology based on the available evidence and make recommendations that will move the field forward. By this approach, a true collaborative international and inclusive consensus can be adopted by all stakeholders dealing with this important global liver disease.
Spatial‐temporal characteristics of AIDS incidences in Mainland China
Authors: Wu Zhigang , Liang Weining , Chen Weikang , Chang Yanxiang , Liu Yanlong , Liu Xiaodong , Huang Hong , Shang Xuejun
Published: June 2020

Object

Revealed the spatial‐temporal patterns of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) incidences in Mainland China.

Methods

Empirical orthogonal function (EOF) technique was applied to analyze the major spatial distribution modes and the temporal changes of AIDS incidences in Mainland China during 2002‐2017.

Results

The annual average AIDS incidences increased from 0.06 per 100 000 in 2002 to 4.15 per 100 000 in 2017, with an annual average increase of 0.31 per 100 000. The southwest regions were high‐incidence areas, as well as Xinjiang province in the northwest. There were two typical spatial modes. EOF 1 represented an isodirectional spatial pattern that the incidences were relatively high in general, and the fluctuation ranges were relatively high in the southwest and northeast. EOF 2 represented a reverse spatial pattern that the incidences were relatively high (or low) in Guangxi, Yunnan, Xinjiang, Shanghai, and Henan, yet were relatively low (or high) in the remaining regions.

Conclusion

The AIDS incidences in Mainland China were relatively low during 2002‐2010, yet were kept in a relatively high level since 2012. The prevention and control of AIDS need further development, especially in the southwest regions.
Scalable manufacture of vertical p‐GaN/n‐SnO2 heterostructure for self‐powered ultraviolet photodetector, solar cell and dual‐color light emitting diode
Authors: Su Longxing , Zuo Yuqing , Xie Jin
Published: June 2020

Vertical SnO2 based p‐n junctions are pivotal since they built the core components in photoelectronic systems. Nevertheless, preparation of high‐quality p‐SnO2 with controllable hole mobility and concentration is still a great challenge owing to the self‐compensating effect and lattice distortion caused by the radius discrepancy between host and doped atoms. Herein, p type GaN:Mg grown by metal organic chemical vapor deposition is employed as hole transportation layer to construct p‐n heterojunction with intrinsic n‐SnO2 prepared by atomic layer deposition. Both material preparation techniques are compatible with current industrial mass production processes. The p‐GaN/n‐SnO2 heterojunction can be developed as solar cell, dual‐color light emitting diode and self‐powered, high speed ultraviolet (UV) photodetector with external quantum efficiency of 74% at 0 V bias voltage. In addition, direct recombination of donor bound excitons (D0X) and UV emission red shifts caused by quantum confinement Stack effect are observed in SnO2. Since our device fabrication technique is a standard craft in photoelectronics, the study of p‐GaN/n‐SnO2 heterojunction suggests a simple and effective strategy for large scale device integration in next generation high performance photoelectronic devices.

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Optically activated and interrogated plasmonic hydrogels for applications in wound healing
Authors: Milanesi Alessio , Magni Giada , Centi Sonia , Schifino Gioacchino , Aluigi Annalisa , Khlebtsov Boris N. , Cavigli Lucia , Barucci Andrea , Khlebtsov Nikolai G. , Ratto Fulvio , Rossi Francesca , Pini Roberto
Published: June 2020

We disclose the use of hybrid materials featuring Au/Ag core/shell nanorods in porous chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol scaffolds for applications in tissue engineering and wound healing. The combination of Au and Ag in a single construct provides synergistic opportunities for optical activation of functions as near infrared laser tissue bonding, and remote interrogation to return parameters of prognostic relevance in wound healing monitoring. In particular, the bimetallic component ensures optical tunability, enhanced shelf life and photothermal stability, serves as a reservoir of germicidal silver cations, and changes in near‐infrared and visible color according to the environmental level of oxidative stress. At the same time, the polymeric blend is ideal to bind connective tissue upon photothermal activation, and to support fabrication processes that provide high porosity, such as electrospinning, thus putting all the premises for cellular repopulation and antimicrobial protection.
Recombinant Human BMP6 Applied Within Autologous Blood Coagulum Accelerates Bone Healing: Randomized Controlled Trial in High Tibial Osteotomy Patients
Authors: Chiari Catharina , Grgurevic Lovorka , Bordukalo-Niksic Tatjana , Oppermann Hermann , Valentinitsch Alexander , Nemecek Elena , Staats Kevin , Schreiner Markus , Trost Carmen , Kolb Alexander , Kainberger Franz , Pehar Sanja , Milosevic Milan , Martinovic Snjezana , Peric Mihaela , Sampath T Kuber , Vukicevic Slobodan , Windhager Reinhard
Published: June 2020

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are potent osteogenic proteins that induce new bone formation in vivo. However, their effect on bone healing in the trabecular bone surfaces remains challenging. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of recombinant human BMP6 (rhBMP6) applied within an autologous blood coagulum (ABC) in a surgically created wedge defect of the proximal tibia in patients undergoing high tibial osteotomy (HTO) for varus deformity and medial osteoarthritis of the knee. We enrolled 20 HTO patients in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded phase I/II clinical trial. RhBMP6/ABC (1.0 mg/10 mL ABC prepared from peripheral blood) or placebo (10 mL ABC containing excipients) was administered into the tibial wedge defects. Patients were followed for 0 to 24 months by clinical examination (safety) and computed tomography (CT) and serial radiographic analyses (efficacy). The results show that there were no detectable anti-rhBMP6 antibodies in the blood of any of the 20 patients at 14 weeks after implantation. During the 24 months of follow-up, there were no serious adverse reactions recorded. The CT scans from defects of patients treated with rhBMP6/ABC showed an accelerated bone healing compared with placebo at 9 weeks (47.8 ± 24.1 versus 22.2 ± 12.3 mg/cm3; p = 0.008) and at 14 weeks (89.7 ± 29.1 versus 53.6 ± 21.9 mg/cm3; p = 0.006) follow-up. Radiographic analyses at weeks 6 and 24 and months 12 and 24 suggested the advanced bone formation and remodeling in rhBMP6/ABC-treated patients. In conclusion, we show that rhBMP6/ABC at a dose of 100 μg/mL accelerated bone healing in patients undergoing HTO without serious adverse events and with a good tolerability compared with placebo alone. Overall, for the first time, a BMP-based osteogenic implant was examined against a placebo for bone healing efficacy in the trabecular bone surface, using an objective bone mineral density measurement system. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
DosePredict: A Shiny Application for Generalized Pharmacokinetics‐Based Dose Predictions
Authors: Okour Malek
Published: June 2020

In drug development, dose prediction is a routinely conducted quantitative data analysis. It involves combining available relevant preclinical and/or clinical data to conduct modeling and simulation analyses where various dose prediction scenarios are usually considered. As further data emerges during drug development, dose prediction may undergo several rounds of refinement. In this article, I present DosePredict, a Shiny‐based graphical user interface software that can be used for the conduct of dose predictions. DosePredict is built based on pharmacokinetic (PK) models, including 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐compartment models. The user specifies the desired PK model and then provides input parameter values and variables associated with the evaluated dose prediction scenario. On that basis, DosePredict conducts stochastic simulations for a specified number of subjects and follows that by providing detailed PK and dose prediction outputs. An HTML report can then be generated in which all the input parameters and variables and all the output plots and tables are captured. DosePredict is deployed through the Shiny server. A Shiny dose prediction software, DosePredict, was developed to assist scientists involved in the drug discovery and development process in their dose prediction analyses. This software comes as a step forward in developing individualized solutions as it provides a comprehensive dose prediction analysis. The software allows for expediting the analysis process in a reproducible manner, therefore allowing exploration of various scenarios in a timely fashion.
Teaching vs learning: Impact of deliberate practice and formative feedback on developing point of care ultrasound skills
Authors: Schott Christopher K. , Kode Karthik R. , Mader Michael J.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The study investigators hypothesized that Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) training through bolus didactic and workshop experiences may be sufficient for trainees to learn the cognitive aspects, while an extended period of exposure with formative feedback is responsible for developing the psychomotor skills critical for POCUS.

Methods

The investigators studied trainees over the course of an academic year. They compared trainees' performance on written (cognitive) and observed image acquisition (psychomotor) exams at baseline and at each subsequent quarter, using a stepped‐wedge design. They performed linear regression analysis to determine which variables contributed to knowledge and psychomotor skill development.

Results

Twenty‐six trainees met the study requirements and participated in the POCUS curriculum. Participating in a POCUS rotation was consistently associated with an increase in psychomotor scores. There was no consistent variable to predict an increase in trainee's score on written knowledge assessments.

Conclusions

Extended exposure to POCUS over a 4‐week rotation with direct and indirect formative feedback can explain difference in scores on psychomotor skills assessments. Trainees scored similarly on the written assessment with or without a POCUS rotation. Training through didactic and workshop experiences may be sufficient to learn the cognitive aspects, but not psychomotor skills required for POCUS.
The regulation of DOCK family proteins on T and B cells
Authors: Chen Yuanyuan , Chen Yan , Yin Wei , Han Hong , Miller Heather , Li Jianrong , Herrada Andres A , Kubo Masato , Sui Zhiwei , Gong Quan , Liu Chaohong
Published: June 2020

The dedicator of cytokinesis (DOCK) family proteins consist of 11 members, each of which contains 2 domains, DOCK homology region (DHR)-1 and DHR-2, and as guanine nucleotide exchange factors, they mediate activation of small GTPases. Both DOCK2 and DOCK8 deficiencies in humans can cause severe combined immunodeficiency, but they have different characteristics. DOCK8 defect mainly causes high IgE, allergic disease, refractory skin virus infection, and increased incidence of malignant tumor, whereas DOCK2 defect mainly causes early-onset, invasive infection with less atopy and increased IgE. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms causing the disease remain unclear. This paper discusses the role of DOCK family proteins in regulating B and T cells, including development, survival, migration, activation, immune tolerance, and immune functions. Moreover, related signal pathways or molecule mechanisms are also described in this review. A greater understanding of DOCK family proteins and their regulation of lymphocyte functions may facilitate the development of new therapeutics for immunodeficient patients and improve their prognosis.
Enriching the historical meteorological information using Romanian language newspaper reports: A database from 1880 to 1900
Authors: Cheval S. , Haliuc A. , Antonescu B. , Tișcovschi A. , Dobre M. , Tătui F. , Dumitrescu A. , Manea A. , Tudorache G. , Irimescu A. , Birsan M.‐V. , Mock C.
Published: June 2020

Data recovery and climate reconstruction are an important support for climate change research, as they provide information from periods and areas with sparse meteorological networks. Various sources are currently in use for obtaining valuable evidence of past climate, such as ship logs, diaries, books, monastery documents. This study exploits newspaper reports in order to enrich the historical meteorological information over the territory of Romania, from the last two decades of the 19th century. At that time, the area belonged to the Austro‐Hungarian Empire and Kingdom of Romania, and the meteorological services from Budapest (since 1870) and Bucharest (since 1884) were the providers of official meteorological information. The digital archive of three newspapers (România Liberă, Gazeta de Transilvania and Foaia Poporului) was investigated and the meteorological information was extracted and aggregated into a database containing 2,132 unique entries clearly referenced in time and space. Each entry represents a meteorological event and several associated characteristics, such as date, location, impact and source. A verification procedure, consisting of comparisons with available measurements from the nearby weather stations and with a reanalysis dataset, was applied in order to validate the entries. The results show that the meteorological information was often present in the newspapers of the epoch. Some climatic features could be retrieved such as seasonality of extreme events, temperature and precipitation characteristics. This paper demonstrates the potential of the collected information to further enhance the understanding of climate change, impacts and climate perception at the end of the 19th century in Romania.
Waste salt from the manufacturing process of mullet bottarga as source of oil with nutritional and nutraceutical properties
Authors: Rosa Antonella , Nieddu Mariella , Masala Carla , Marincola Flaminia Cesare , Porcedda Silvia , Piras Alessandra
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

The Sardinian food delicacy ‘bottarga’ is the final product of a number of treatments (salting and drying) on the ovaries of mullet (Mugil spp) and represents an important natural source of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n‐3 PUFA) with nutraceutical properties. During the salting process of mullet roes to obtain bottarga, huge amounts of waste salt are generated, rich in residual ovary material.

RESULTS

We evaluated the lipid composition (main lipid components and fatty acids) and bioactivity of oil obtained from the ovary material separated from waste salt (waste salt oil). Oil was obtained by supercritical fluid extraction with carbon dioxide (SFE‐CO2), an environmentally friendly separation technique. The lipid composition of waste salt oil was determined by carbon‐13 nuclear magnetic resonance (13C‐NMR) spectroscopy and reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector and an evaporative light scattering detector (HPLC‐DAD/ELSD) chromatography. The oil was characterized by a relatively high level of n‐3 PUFA (122 ± 7 g kg−1 of oil), and these beneficial health compounds were mainly present in the form of wax esters. Waste salt oil showed a marked cytotoxic effect [3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay] in cancer B16F10 melanoma cells, with a slight cytotoxic effect in normal cells (3T3 fibroblasts). Waste salt and its derivatives (salt oil and residual material after oil extraction) were also tested for the attractant effect and acceptability to insects (Ceratitis capitata) to gain preliminary information about their potential application for animal supplementation.

CONCLUSION

The results qualify waste salt as a potential resource for veterinary dietary supplements, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceutical applications. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Polymerization‐Induced Self‐Assembly for the Synthesis of Poly(N,N‐dimethylacrylamide)‐b‐Poly(4‐tert‐butoxystyrene) Particles with Inverse Bicontinuous Phases
Authors: Luo Xin , An Zesheng
Published: June 2020

Polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (PISA) has been routinely used to produce block copolymer (BCP) particles with various morphologies, but inverse bicontinuous phases have remained scarce. Herein, PISA preparation of poly(N,N‐dimethylacrylamide‐b‐poly(4‐tert‐butoxystyrene) (PDMA‐b‐PtBOS) BCP particles with inverse bicontinuous phases in ethanol/water at 30% w/v solid content is reported. The effect of solvent composition and degree of polymerization of the core‐forming PtBOS block is investigated. tBOS monomer conversion is enhanced on increasing water content, and inverse bicontinuous phases are effectively produced using a short PDMA stabilizer block. Morphology studies by both transmission and scanning electron microscopies reveal that transitions from vesicles to compound vesicles to inverse bicontinuous phases are the key mechanistic steps toward the formation of (partially) ordered mesophases.
Diversity and specificity of the bacterial community in Chinese horse milk cheese
Authors: Zhu Lin , Zeng Chunlin , Yang Sai , Hou Zhaozhi , Wang Yuan , Hu Xinyu , Senoo Keishi , Wei Wei
Published: June 2020

The nutrition and flavor of cheese are generated by the microbial community. Thus, horse milk cheese with unique nutrition and flavor, an increasingly popular local cheese of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China, is considered to have diverse and specific bacterial community. To verify this hypothesis, horse, cow, and goat milk cheese samples produced under the same environmental conditions and manufacturing process were collected, and the 16S rRNA gene was targeted to determine the bacterial population size and community composition by real‐time quantitative PCR and high‐throughput sequencing. The bacterial community of horse milk cheese had a significantly larger bacterial population size, greater species richness, and a more diverse composition than those of cow and goat milk cheeses. Unlike the absolute dominance of Lactococcus and Streptococcus in cow and goat milk cheeses, Lactobacillus and Streptococcus dominated the bacterial community as the starter lactic acid bacteria in horse milk cheese. Additionally, horse milk cheese also contains a higher abundance of unclassified secondary bacteria and specific secondary bacteria (e.g., Psychrobacter, Sulfurisoma, Halomonas, and Brevibacterium) than cow and goat milk cheeses. These abundant, diverse, and specific starter lactic acid bacteria and secondary bacteria may generate unique nutrition and flavor of horse milk cheese.
A dual MET/AXL small‐molecule inhibitor exerts efficacy against gastric carcinoma through killing cancer cells as well as modulating tumor microenvironment
Authors: Zhu Chenjing , Shi Huashan , Wu Min , Wei Xiawei
Published: June 2020

The receptor tyrosine kinases MET and AXL have been implicated in tumorigenesis and aggressiveness of multiple malignancies. We performed this study to evaluate the antitumor impact of LY2801653, a dual MET and AXL inhibitor on gastric cancer and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. In the present study, tissue microarrays containing gastric cancer tissues were stained with MET and AXL antibodies, which showed the prognostic values of MET and AXL. Administration of LY2801653 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, epithelial‐mesenchymal transition, induced apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest. Xenograft mouse models showed suppressed cell proliferation of tumors in high MET and AXL expression cells. LY2801653 also inhibited the growth of MET and AXL‐independent cells at higher but clinically relevant doses through decreased angiogenesis and M2 macrophages in the tumor microenvironment. In conclusion, our study provides evidence for MET and AXL as prognostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets in gastric cancer. The dual MET/AXL inhibitor LY2801653 represents a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of patients with gastric carcinoma.
A high‐speed single‐channel inter‐satellite optical wireless communication link incorporating spectrum‐efficient orthogonal modulation scheme
Authors: Singh Mehtab , Malhotra Jyoteesh , Dhasarathan Vigneswaran
Published: June 2020

The present work reports a novel single‐channel high‐speed inter‐satellite optical wireless communication (IsOWC) transmission link by using a 3‐D spectrum‐efficient orthogonal modulation scheme incorporating hybrid non‐return‐to‐zero‐differential quadrature phase shift keying‐polarization shift keying schemes. Three independent 40 Gbps information signals are parallel transported by modulating over distinct optical signal properties viz. amplitude, phase, and polarization of a single wavelength laser. The performance of the proposed system has been investigated by evaluating bit error rate (BER) performance of the IsOWC link vs link distance as performance metrics. Also, the link performance is numerically investigated in the presence of pointing errors. We numerically demonstrate a faithful 120 Gbps transmission at 26 000 km IsOWC link length. Further, the results report a reliable transmission up to 3.5 urad pointing error angle with acceptable BER performance of the link.
Novel cellulose acetate propionate‐halloysite composite membranes with improved permeation flux, salt rejection, and antifouling properties
Authors: Alghamdi Majed M. , El‐Zahhar Adel A.
Published: June 2020

The fabrication of new membranes with improved performance for water desalination and other treatment is still an important strategy to overcome worldwide water scarcity and quality problems. In this study, cellulose acetate propionate/halloysite nanotube (HNT) composite membranes were prepared using the phase‐inversion process, applying different concentrations of HNTs ranging from 0 to 0.11 wt%. The composite membranes' physicochemical properties were examined using thermogravimetric analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements. A dead‐end filtration system was applied when examining the membranes' performance. The results showed clear improvements in the membrane hydrophilicity, permeability, salt rejection, antifouling, and stability properties with the addition of HNTs. The contact angle decreased from 69° to 38°, while the water uptake increased from 18% to 33%. Moreover, the permeation flux increased from 8 to 23 L m−2 h−1 at 1 bar, corresponding to an improvement of about 188%. The membrane containing 0.08 wt% of HNTs showed the optimal results, exhibiting salt rejection of 85% for sodium chloride and 95% for magnesium sulfate, corresponding to improvements of 109% and 154%, respectively, in addition to an improved flux recovery of 80% determined after 120 minutes.
Identification of glomerular lesions and intrinsic glomerular cell types in kidney diseases via deep learning
Authors: Zeng Caihong , Nan Yang , Xu Feng , Lei Qunjuan , Li Fengyi , Chen Tingyu , Liang Shaoshan , Hou Xiaoshuai , Lv Bin , Liang Dandan , Luo WeiLi , Lv Chuanfeng , Li Xiang , Xie Guotong , Liu Zhihong
Published: June 2020

Identification of glomerular lesions and structures is a key point for pathological diagnosis, treatment instructions, and prognosis evaluation in kidney diseases. These time‐consuming tasks require a more accurate and reproducible quantitative analysis method. We established derivation and validation cohorts composed of 400 Chinese patients with immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) retrospectively. Deep convolutional neural networks and biomedical image processing algorithms were implemented to locate glomeruli, identify glomerular lesions (global and segmental glomerular sclerosis, crescent, and none of the above), identify and quantify different intrinsic glomerular cells, and assess a network‐based mesangial hypercellularity score in periodic acid–Schiff (PAS)‐stained slides. Our framework achieved 93.1% average precision and 94.9% average recall for location of glomeruli, and a total Cohen's kappa of 0.912 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.892–0.932] for glomerular lesion classification. The evaluation of global, segmental glomerular sclerosis, and crescents achieved Cohen's kappa values of 1.0, 0.776, 0.861, and 95% CI of (1.0, 1.0), (0.727, 0.825), (0.824, 0.898), respectively. The well‐designed neural network can identify three kinds of intrinsic glomerular cells with 92.2% accuracy, surpassing the about 5–11% average accuracy of junior pathologists. Statistical interpretation shows that there was a significant difference (P value < 0.0001) between this analytic renal pathology system (ARPS) and four junior pathologists for identifying mesangial and endothelial cells, while that for podocytes was similar, with P value = 0.0602. In addition, this study indicated that the ratio of mesangial cells, endothelial cells, and podocytes within glomeruli from IgAN was 0.41:0.36:0.23, and the performance of mesangial score assessment reached a Cohen's kappa of 0.42 and 95% CI (0.18, 0.69). The proposed computer‐aided diagnosis system has feasibility for quantitative analysis and auxiliary recognition of glomerular pathological features. © 2020 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Damage mechanics of polypropylene‐based composites using progressive‐ and constant‐load scratching
Authors: S. Ariharan , Maurya Rita , Sharma Rajeev Kumar , Sharma Vinod Kumar , Lohia Siddarth , Balani Kantesh
Published: June 2020

Polypropylene (PP)‐based composites with reinforcements of CaCO3and rice husk ash (RHA, agricultural waste) are extensively used in textile industry and manufacturing of plastic yarns, tapes, etc. Tribological properties of the PP‐CaCO3‐RHA based composite are studied using constant‐ and progressive‐load scratching. The progressive load scratching depicts a transient‐state interaction, whereas, constant load scratching depicts steady‐state of wear, hence, both modes of scratching are reported to highlight the aspects of damage initiation and damage tolerance on PP‐based composites. The average scratch hardness and toughness of the PP composites improved with reinforcement in both modes of scratching. The reinforcement of 20 wt% RHA and 10 wt% RHA with 10 wt% CaCO3 in PP matrix, marginally improves (0.8%‐1.6%) the wear resistance (wear rate, WR of 12.1‐12.2 mm3 N−1 m−1) during the progressive load scratching compared to that of pure PP (12.3 mm3 N−1 m−1). Poor wear resistance (WR = 12.6 mm3 N−1 m−1) with the addition of 20 wt% CaCO3 in PP matrix during the progressive wear is attributed to poor adhesion (adhesion factor: 0.61) of CaCO3 with PP. Also, an over estimation (3.4‐4.6 times) of wear rate is attributed to high recovery (0.63‐0.77) and the plastic deformation ahead of the scratch tip in the PP‐based composite with viscoelastic nature. High‐wear rate with CaCO3 agglomerate with poor sinterability at 200 °C can be substituted with the strong adhesive nature of RHA (bimodal pore distribution) in PP matrix to achieve optimal hardness, elastic modulus, and scratch resistance.
Mobilizing the psychology evidence base for the treatment of pediatric chronic pain: The development, implementation, and impact of the Comfort Ability Program
Authors: Coakley Rachael , Bujoreanu Simona
Published: June 2020

Over the past 20 years, our knowledge regarding evidence‐based psychological interventions for pediatric chronic pain has dramatically increased. Unfortunately, access to evidence‐based pain management interventions remains a challenge for many children and adolescents who suffer with persistent pain. Reducing patient burden and system‐level barriers to care are a central target of clinical innovations in pain treatment intervention. Psychological interventions are also increasingly focused on reducing biomedical biases that may inhibit attainment of services. While there are many new psychological interventions across an array of delivery platforms, few interventions have been systematically disseminated. This paper will highlight the translational research procedures that have informed the development and dissemination of the Comfort Ability Program (CAP), an interactive group‐based intervention teaching adolescents and their parents evidence‐based strategies to manage chronic or persistent pain. Now in its fifth year of dissemination, CAP has a demonstrated record of success with cross‐institutional implementation and sustainability at 18 hospitals across three countries. This paper reviews six dynamic and iterative phases of development, based on the Graham et al knowledge‐to‐action cycle (2006), that have guided the implementation and dissemination research for this program. The phases of CAP development include the following: (a) identifying knowledge and clinical gaps in care, (b) generating knowledge assets and implementation procedures, (c) evaluating clinical outcomes and system‐level processes, (d) developing and testing dissemination procedures, (e) expanding partnerships and monitoring knowledge use, and (f) sustaining knowledge use and continued innovation. This paper targets primarily health professionals and administrators and secondarily caregivers and the public at large.
Advanced cancer patient preferences for receiving molecular profiling results
Authors: Best Megan , Butow Phyllis , Jacobs Chris , Juraskova Ilona , Savard Jacqueline , Meiser Bettina , Goldstein David , Ballinger Mandy , Bartley Nicci , Napier Christine , Davies Grace , Thomas David , Tucker Kathy , Schlub Timothy , Newson Ainsley J. ,   And Members of the PiGeOn Project
Published: June 2020

Objective

This study aimed to discern preferences for receiving somatic molecular profiling (MP) results in cancer patients who have given consent to undergo testing.

Methods

We conducted a mixed‐methods study to explore patients' views on which MP results they would like to receive and why. Advanced cancer patients (n = 1299) completed questionnaires after giving consent to participate in a parent genomics study and undergoing MP. A subset of patients (n = 20) participated in qualitative interviews.

Results

Almost all (96%) participants were interested in receiving results which would direct cancer treatment (ie, were actionable). A smaller majority wanted to access results which were not actionable (64%) or were variants of unknown significance (60%). Most (86%) were interested in finding out about germline findings, though not as a priority. Themes identified in interview data were: (a) Cancer is the focus; (b) Trust in clinicians; and (c) Respect for a right not to know.

Conclusions

The majority of advanced cancer patients undergoing MP prioritised results which would lead to treatment options. They trusted their oncologists to help them navigate the results return process. While there was interest in knowing about other results, this was a lesser priority. Nevertheless, given high levels of interest in receiving all results, ethical aspects of not providing uninformative results requires further research, including a consideration of patient rationales for desiring this information and what health professionals can and should do to support patients in the absence of meaningful information being available.
Data Digitizing: Accurate and Precise Data Extraction for Quantitative Systems Pharmacology and Physiologically‐Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling
Authors: Wojtyniak Jan‐Georg , Britz Hannah , Selzer Dominik , Schwab Matthias , Lehr Thorsten
Published: June 2020

In quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) and physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling, data digitizing is a valuable tool to extract numerical information from published data presented as graphs. To quantify their relevance, a literature search revealed a remarkable mean increase of 16% per year in publications citing digitizing software together with QSP or PBPK. Accuracy, precision, confounder influence, and variability were investigated using scaled median symmetric accuracy (ζ), thus finding excellent accuracy (mean ζ = 0.99%). Although significant, no relevant confounders were found (mean ζ ± SD circles = 0.69% ± 0.68% vs. triangles = 1.3% ± 0.62%). Analysis of 181 literature peak plasma concentration values revealed a considerable discrepancy between reported and post hoc digitized data with 85% having ζ > 5%. Our findings suggest that data digitizing is precise and important. However, because the greatest pitfall comes from pre‐existing errors, we recommend always making published data available as raw values.
Weight structure of the Local Ensemble Transform Kalman Filter: A case with an intermediate atmospheric general circulation model
Authors: Kotsuki Shunji , Pensoneault Andrew , Okazaki Atsushi , Miyoshi Takemasa
Published: June 2020

The Local Ensemble Transform Kalman Filter (LETKF) computes analysis by using a weighted average of the first‐guess ensemble with surrounding observations within a localization cut‐off radius. Since overlapped observations are assimilated at neighbouring grid points, the LETKF results in spatially smooth weights. This study explores the spatial structure of the weights with the intermediate atmospheric model SPEEDY (Simplified Parameterizations, Primitive Equation Dynamics). Based on the characteristics of the weight structure, we also aim to improve the weight interpolation (WI) method, which we use to compute the weights at coarser reference points and interpolate the weights into higher‐resolution model grid points. The results show that larger localization and sparser observations result in spatially smoother weights. WI is less detrimental when weight patterns are spatially smoother. An advanced WI method with observation‐density‐dependent reference points results in better forecasts than those with uniformly distributed reference points. This improvement may be due to the spatially inhomogeneous localization function realized by the WI method with observation‐density‐dependent reference points. The spatial distribution of the optimal localization scales shows that larger (smaller) localization is beneficial in sparsely (densely) observed regions. The WI method is computationally more efficient with larger ensembles since the additional computational cost for the WI is lower than that for the LETKF.
How media coverage of corporate social responsibility and irresponsibility influences cross‐border acquisitions
Authors: Hawn Olga
Published: June 2020

Research Summary

This study contributes to the growing strategic corporate social responsibility (CSR) literature by examining the intersection of acquisition studies and international expansion research and highlighting the unexplored impact of media coverage of CSR and corporate social irresponsibility (CSI) in shaping completion and duration outcomes of cross‐border acquisitions. A quantitative analysis of 4,087 cross‐border acquisition announcements by firms from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (1990–2011) shows that while media coverage of CSR is not important, media coverage of CSI is associated with lower likelihood of and longer duration till acquisition completion. By theoretically and empirically distinguishing media coverage of CSR from CSI, this paper pushes the existing literature to acknowledge these distinct concepts and their varying effects. In sum, managers should beware media coverage of CSI when acquiring abroad.

Managerial Summary

Cross‐border acquisitions by firms from emerging markets often do not reach completion or are badly delayed, damaging the firms' attempts to expand. A key barrier to completing deals is that employees, customers, regulators, media, and other stakeholders in the target market are suspicious of these firms, fearing that they will be poor corporate citizens. I examine whether media coverage of acquirers' social activities helps overcome these suspicions. I find that media coverage of socially responsible activities does not facilitate deal completion. Strikingly, however, media coverage of irresponsible actions, such as labor or environmental issues, delays or blocks deal completion. The implication is that firms from emerging markets, which increasingly are expanding abroad, need to avoid activities that people outside their country will interpret as inappropriate.