bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical simulation of red blood cells deformation in microchannel under zero-net-mass-flux jet
Authors: Ai Jin-Fang , Xie Jun , Hu Guo-Hui ,   Shanghai Key Laboratory of Mechanics in Energy Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Applied Mathematics and Mechanics, School of Mechanics and Engineering Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200072, China
Published: December 2020

With advantages in biosafety and efficiency, gene delivery based on mechanical approaches has received more and more attention in academic research. In the present paper, a method based on zero-net-mass-flux jet is proposed to apply fluid shear to the moving cells in the microchannel, which causes cell to deform, and then open its mechano-sensitive channel on the cell membrane. This novel method is verified theoretically by numerical simulation in this study. In this paper, an immersed finite element method is utilized to numerically simulate the deformation of red blood cells subjected to zero-net-mass-flux jet during the movement of red blood cells in microchannel, aiming at investigating how to efficiently introduce small molecules into cells. The important parameters of numerical simulation are pressure gradient Δp along the microchannel, the amplitude Am and frequency f of the zero-net-mass-flux jet. Through the analysis of the characteristic of flow field and the stress on the red blood cells, we find that when cell surface tension T0 is greater than critical surface tension τ c, the gating of cell surface mechano-sensitive channel will occur, and the percentage of gating Popen on the cell membrane can be obtained at each moment. Addtionally, the channel opening integral I is defined to measure the gating degree of the membrane mechano-sensitive channel under different flow parameters, and the influences of pressure gradient, jet vibration frequency and amplitude on the I are further discussed in order to find the optimized process parameters, The method we proposed is simpler and easier to implement, and the applied fluid shear stress can be controlled precisely, so that it is possible for proteins, genes and other substances to be transported into the cell across the membrane, and to implement reprogramming.
Progress of novel electromagnetic cloaking research
Authors: Chen Tian-Hang , Zheng Bin , Qian Chao , Chen Hong-Sheng ,   Key Labortary of Advanced Micro/Nano Electronic Devices & Smart Systems of Zhejiang, College of Information Science & Electronic Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
Published: December 2020

With the development of science and technology, the invisibility has gradually moved from a simple and plain visual deception trick to a precise and systematic modern technology system. By designing appropriate electromagnetic parameters, the novel electromagnetic wave cloaking technology is able to control the propagation and scattering of electromagnetic wave, thereby reducing the detectability of the cloaked object. The electromagnetic parameters of these novel cloaking devices can be realized by using the artificially designed nanostructures, or by combining the medium that already exists in nature. In this review, according to a detailed introduction of the research progress of novel electromagnetic wave cloaking, we discuss the difficulties and challenges in this field, and give an outlook on the future development.
Recent progress in exotic polar topological states in ferroelectric nanostructures
Authors: Yang Wen-Da , Chen Hong-Ying , Chen Yan , Tian Guo , Gao Xing-Sen ,   Institute for Advanced Materials, South China Academy of Optoelectronics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Quantum Engineering and Quantum Materials, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
Published: December 2020

Exotic ferroelectric topological states (such as vortex state) have received intensive attention in the past decade, creating a new area for exploring the emerging physical phenomena and functionalities, as well as new applications (such as memory). In recent years, a series of discoveries in novel topological states, such as vortex, central domain, skyrmion and meron states, has inspired an upsurge of research interests. Moreover, the effort to manipulate such a topological domain structure hints the possibilities for the local, deterministic control of order parameters so that the static interface conductivity can be successfully controlled at topologically protected domain walls. These encouraging discoveries create a new avenue to the fertile emerging physic phenomena, and offer new possibilities for developing potential high-performance materials and new nano-electronic devices based on these exotic states. In the past decade, this field has developed rapidly and become a hot research topic in ferroelectrics. In this paper, we review the recent progress in the field of exotic topological state in nanoferroelectrics, and discuss some existing problems and potential directions.
Influence of NiFe2O4 nanoparticle doping on properties of single-domain YBCO bulk superconductors
Authors: Li Guo-Zheng , Chen Chao ,   College of Physics and Materials Science, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, China
Published: December 2020

NiFe2O4 (NFO) nanoparticle doped YBCO bulk superconductors are fabricated by using a novel top-seed infiltration growth (TSIG) technique. The growth morphology, microstructure and superconducting properties are investigated. The results show that at low doping levels, the normal growth of YBCO single domain is not affected by the NFO doping, but at high doping levels, obvious random nucleation appears at the edge of the sample. The measurement of levitation force indicates that the maximum levitation force on the sample first increases and then decreases with the increase of the NFO doping amount, and the largest levitation force is obtained to be 33.93 N for the sample with a doping level of 0.2% (weight percent). Low-temperature magnetization measurement shows that the YBCO sample exhibits that Tc value decreases with NFO amount increasing, and the superconducting transition width (ΔTc) also broadens gradually. The sample with the optimal doping (0.2% weight percent) presents an enhanced zero-field Jc value of 8.68 × 104 A/cm2, which is 31% higher than the sample without dopant. In addition, a more obvious secondary peak of 4.37 × 104 A/cm2 at a field of 1 T is observed for the 0.2 wt.% NFO doped sample, which indicates the existence of enhanced δTc pinning in the bulk. The SEM measurement shows that two types of particles are trapped in the Y-123 matrix for YBCO sample doped with 0.2% weight percent NFO: one is the large particle with a size mainly ranging from 0.5 μm to 2.0 μm, and the other is small nano-inclusion mainly ranging from dozens of nanometers to about several hundreds of nanometers. Such a microstructure is very similar to the microstructure of the undoped sample we reported earlier. So whether the NFO nanoparticles exist in the microstructure cannot be judged just from the morphology of the nano-inclusions. The electron probe microarea analysis (EPMA) result shows that different concentration distributions of Ni and Fe elements are observed in the sample doped with 0.2% weight percent NFO, which indicates the separation of NFO nanoparticles in the heat treatment process, and the dissolved Ni and Fe ions finally exist in the form of element substitutions in the YBCO bulk. Such element substitutions can introduce local lattice distortions and weak-superconducting regions into the superconducting matrix, which can act as effective flux pinning centers, and hence improving the properties of the samples.
Development of beam arrangement design for tunable diode laser absorption tomography reconstruction based on Tikhonov regularization parameter matrix
Authors: Li Ning , Tu Xin , Huang Xiao-Long , Weng Chun-Sheng ,   National Key Laboratory of Transient Physics, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China,   Department of Electrical Engineering and Electronics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GJ, UK
Published: December 2020

Beam arrangement with limited projections is a critical part of research on tunable diode laser absorption tomography reconstruction for combustion diagnosis. Based on the efforts to regularize this rank-deficient and ill-posed problem with Tikhonov regularization, a novel approach to using the regularization parameter matrix is developed for designing optical component layout and predicting the reconstruction accuracy. Objective function of beam arrangement is established by the rigorous mathematical derivation, and genetic algorithm is adopted to realize the optimization of function to overcome the difficulty associated with the multimodal nature of the problem. Nonuniform distribution properties of matrix elements in physical space relate to location and alignment of the laser/detector pairs, and form a basis for adjusting the weight between measurement and regularization to improve the reconstruction performance. A mathematical model of double Gauss distributions is established in a 10 × 10 element discrete tomography domain, and typically 20 measurement beams scanning the H2O transition at 7185.6 cm–1 are available to probe the domain of interest. The systematic comparison between optimized beam array here and four existing beam arrangements in the literature is analyzed to validate the method. The reconstruction with Tikhonov regularization parameter matrix shows obvious advantages of reducing errors especially under the condition of fewer projections. The validation of reconstruction performance of the optimized beam array is also examined by simulating the laser absorption measurement which is carried out on phantoms generated using a simulation of external flow field of an air-gasoline pulsed detonation engine. The result shows that the optimized beam array consistently outperforms other arrangements reported in complicated fluid field. A demonstration reconstruction experiment is performed on the distribution from small gas burners. Both locations and amplitudes are in good agreement with those in the actual case. This proposed design method will be valuable in broadening the scope of applications of tunable diode laser absorption tomography reconstruction for engine diagnosis and combustion efficiency improvement.
Physical issues in solid garnet batteries
Authors: Zhao Ning , Mu Shuang , Guo Xiang-Xin ,   College of Physics, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
Published: December 2020

Solid-state lithium batteries with solid electrolytes have the potential to achieve high energy density and safety, which promise to be used in the electric vehicles and wearable devices. The garnet-type Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) has attracted a great deal of attention due to its high ionic conductivity and good chemical stability to lithium metal. Here in this paper, based on recent progress, this review provides a fundamental understanding of garnet-based electrolytes by evaluating the thermodynamic/kinetics stability and analyzing the Li+ conduction mechanism of ceramics and composite garnet electrolytes. To address the key factors influencing the cyclability and safety of solid-state batteries, the rational design of solid electrolyte/electrode interfaces is discussed in terms of interface matching, charge transfer, strain/stress, thermal stability, etc. Finally, the design guidelines of high-energy-density solid-state batteries are introduced by analyzing the fabrication of electrodes, solid electrolyte and bipolar current collectors. Through the above discussion, this review provides an insight into the physical parameters affecting the performance of garnet-based electrolytes and interfaces, to guide one in carrying on more target-oriented researches of developing high-performance solid-state batteries.
Investigation into electrocaloric effect of different types of ferroelectric materials by Landau-Devonshire theory
Authors: Gao Rong-Zhen , Wang Jing , Wang Jun-Sheng , Huang Hou-Bing ,   School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China,   Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
Published: December 2020

The electrocaloric effects in various types of materials, including inorganic perovskites, organic perovskites, organic polymers, molecular ferroelectrics and two-dimensional ferroelectric materials, possess great potential in realizing solid-state cooling devices due to the advantages of low-cost, high-efficiency and environmental friendly. Different ferroelectric materials have distinct characteristics in terms of phase transition and electrocaloric response. The mechanism for enhancing the electrocaloric effect currently remains elusive. Here, typical inorganic perovskite BaTiO3, PbTiO3 and BiFeO3, organic perovskite [MDABCO](NH4)I3, organic polymer P(VDF-TrFE), molecular ferroelectric ImClO4 and two-dimensional ferroelectric CuInP2S6 are selected to analyze the origins of their electrocaloric effects based on the Landau-Devonshire theory. The temperature-dependent pyroelectric coefficients and electrocaloric performances of different ferroelectric materials indicate that the first-order phase transition material MDABCO and the second-order phase transition material ImClO4 have excellent performances for electrocaloric refrigeration. The predicted results also strongly suggest that near the phase transition point of the ferroelectric material, the variation rate of free energy barrier height with temperature contributes to the polarizability change with temperature, resulting in enhanced electrocaloric effect. This present work provides a theoretical basis and a new insight into the further development of ferroelectric materials with high electrocaloric response.
Experimental study on dissipative soliton fiber laser with dynamically tunable polarization trajectory
Authors: Zhao Chang , Huang Qian-Qian , Huang Zi-Nan , Dai Li-Long , Sergeyev Sergey , Rozhin Aleksey , Mou Cheng-Bo ,   Key Laboratory of Specialty Fiber Optics and Optical Access Networks, Shanghai Institute for Advanced Communication and Data Science, Joint International Research Laboratory of Specialty Fiber Optics and Advanced Communication, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China,   Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies (AIPT), Aston University, Birmingham B47ET, UK
Published: December 2020

In this paper, a dissipative soliton mode-locked fiber laser is established based on carbon nanotube in order to study the polarization dynamics of dissipative soliton by using a commercial polarimeter. Under the pump power of 160 mW, stable dissipatives soliton are observed to have a limited cycle polarization trajectory shown on Poincare sphere, indicating the periodic modulation of anisotropy in cavity. The stable dissipative soliton possesses a high signal noise ratio of 57.7 dB at fundamental frequency. Moreover, the fast oscillation of state of polarization leads to a lower degree of polarization (DOP). In addition, the polarization controllers are employed to compensate for the birefringence in the cavity to adjust the ratio between cavity length and birefringence length. As a result, we can observe the polarization evolving from the polarization locked attractor to the limited cycle attractor by adjusting polarization controllers. It is noted that this dynamic polarization trajectory can be manually controlled. By comparing polarization attractor with DOP, it is clear that the size of trajectory shown on Poincare sphere is inversely proportional to DOP. We expect our work to be conducible to studying the physics in lasers and creating a new type of polarization tunable laser.
Antenna with adaptively focusing on near-field target
Authors: Wang Shen-Yun , Zheng Hao-Yu , Li Yang ,   Research Center of Applied Electromagnetics, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing 210044, China,   School of Electronic and Information Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
Published: December 2020

To realize near-field target localization and power transfer, an adaptively focusing antenna array is proposed. When a passive target is localized within the near-field zone of an array antenna, the optimal excitation distribution for focusing power onto the object can be obtained by solving an eigenvalue equation, which is established with the tested scattering parameters of the array antenna network. We randomly preset a number of targets with various shapes, materials and positions in the near-field zone, and the corresponding electric field focusing distribution is consistent with the preset target positions. Hence, the proposed near-field adaptively focusing array antenna can automatically focus its radiation onto any target, and such a feature can realize the target localization, tracking and power transfer in the near-field zone of the array antenna.
A new broadband radial vibration ultrasonic transducer based on 2-2 piezoelectric composite material
Authors: Chen Cheng , Lin Shu-Yu ,   Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Ultrasonics, Institute of Applied Acoustics, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China
Published: December 2020

Radial vibration transducer has the advantages of large radiation area, high radiation efficiency, uniform radial radiation, and wide range of action. Therefore, it is widely used in the technical fields of ultrasonic liquid treatment such as underwater acoustics, ultrasonic degradation and sonochemistry. On the other hand, the 2-2 piezoelectric composite material is one of the most commonly researched piezoelectric composite materials with the best development prospects. Compared with traditional pure piezoelectric ceramics, this new type of material has the advantages of low impedance, low mechanical quality factor, and frequency bandwidth. Therefore, in this paper we propose a new broadband radial vibration ultrasonic transducer based on 2-2 piezoelectric composite material, which is mainly composed of an inner metal ring and an outer piezoelectric ceramic composite ring. First, the Newnham series-parallel theory and the uniform field theory are used to derive the equivalent parameters of the 2-2 piezoelectric composite material. Second, the radial vibration of the combination of the metal ring and the radially polarized piezoelectric composite ceramic ring are analyzed by the analytical method. The six-terminal electromechanical equivalent circuit of the transducer is obtained, and the frequency equation of the transducer is also obtained. And then the relationship between the resonant frequency and anti-resonant frequency of the transducer, as well as the effective electromechanical coupling coefficient, geometric size, and two-phase volume ratio are analyzed. It is concluded that in order to obtain higher electromechanical conversion efficiency, the design of the transducer radius ratio should be as close as possible to 0.35. Although the higher proportion of polymer phase will lead the electromechanical conversion efficiency to decrease, it can also bring better acoustic matching ability. Therefore, the lower proportion of polymer phase can be selected in the transducer design. The finite element method is used to numerically simulate the radial vibration of the new transducer. The results show that the resonance frequency and anti-resonance frequency obtained by the analytical method are in good agreement with the numerical simulation results. In addition, the acoustic field of the transducer under water is simulated numerically. The results show that compared with the traditional pure ceramic radial transducer, the new composite radial transducer has a large emission voltage response amplitude, the working bandwidth is nearly doubled, and the acoustic matching is better.
Probabilistic Process Algebra and Strategic Interleaving
Authors:   Informatics Institute, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Middelburg Cornelis
Published: December 2020

We first present a probabilistic version of ACP that rests on the principle that probabilistic choices are always resolved before choices involved in alternative composition and parallel composition are resolved and then extend this probabilistic version of ACP with a form of interleaving in which parallel processes are interleaved according to what is known as a process-scheduling policy in the field of operating systems. We use the term strategic interleaving for this more constrained form of interleaving. The extension covers probabilistic process-scheduling policies.
Australia’s prehistoric ‘swamp king’: revision of the Plio-Pleistocene crocodylian genusPallimnarchusde Vis, 1886
Authors: Ristevski Jorgo , Yates Adam M. , Price Gilbert J. , Molnar Ralph E. , Weisbecker Vera , Salisbury Steven W.
Published: December 2020

The crocodylian fossil record from the Cenozoic of Australasia is notable for its rich taxonomic diversity, and is primarily represented by members of the clade Mekosuchinae. Reports of crocodylian fossils from Australia date back to the late nineteenth century. In 1886, Charles Walter de Vis proposed the namePallimnarchus pollensfor crocodylian fossils from southeast Queensland—the first binomen given to an extinct crocodylian taxon from Australia.Pallimnarchushas come to be regarded as a large, broad-snouted crocodylian from Australia’s Plio-Pleistocene, and numerous specimens, few of which are sufficiently complete, have been assigned to it by several authors throughout the twentieth century. In the late 1990s, the genus was expanded to include a second species,Pallimnarchus gracilis. Unfortunately, the original syntype series described asPallimnarchus pollensis very fragmentary and derives from more than one taxon, while a large part of the subsequently selected lectotype specimen is missing. Because descriptions and illustrations of the complete lectotype do not reveal any autapomorphic features, we propose thatPallimnarchus pollensshould be regarded as anomen dubium. Following this decision, the fossil material previously referred toPallimnarchusis of uncertain taxonomic placement. A partial skull, formerly assigned toPallimnarchus pollensand known as ‘Geoff Vincent’s specimen’, possesses many features of diagnostic value and is therefore used as basis to erect a new genus and species—Paludirex vincentigen. et sp. nov. A comprehensive description is given for the osteology of ‘Geoff Vincent’s specimen’ as well as aspects of its palaeoneurology, the latter being a first for an extinct Australian crocodyliform. The newly named genus is characterized by a unique combination of premaxillary features such as a distinctive arching of the anterior alveolar processes of the premaxillae, a peculiar arrangement of the first two premaxillary alveoli and a large size disparity between the 3rd and 4th premaxillary alveoli. These features presently allow formal recognition of two species within the genus,Paludirex vincentiandPaludirex graciliscomb. nov., with the former having comparatively more robust rostral proportions than the latter. ThePaludirex vincentiholotype comes from the Pliocene Chinchilla Sand of the Darling Downs, south-eastern Queensland, whereas the material assigned toPaludirex gracilisis from the Pleistocene of Terrace Site Local Fauna, Riversleigh, northwest Queensland. Phylogenetic analyses recoverPaludirex vincentias a mekosuchine, although further cladistic assessments are needed to better understand the relationships within the clade.
Safety Measures in Biochemistry Laboratory: Need of the Hour
Authors: Anjankar Ashish Prakash , Pathak Swanand , Dhok Archana
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Biochemistry laboratories like any other laboratory contain certain inherent dangers and hazards for the students. Proper guidelines regarding laboratory safety are missing in Biochemistry curriculum. So, skill training about laboratory safety in Biochemistry laboratory will be useful for the MBBS students. Aim: To train the undergraduate medical students about laboratory safety using “Safety measures in Biochemistry Laboratory” module and to assess their perception about this module. Materials and Methods: A prospective interventional study was conducted in which 100 students of first year MBBS 2017 batch were included which were divided into study and control groups. In Study Group, 50 students were trained in the topic of laboratory safety using a module on “Safety measures in Biochemistry Laboratory” which included three sessions of didactic lectures and two sessions of hands-on training. In Control Group, 50 students were not given any intervention. Outcome of training was assessed with the help of “Biochemistry Laboratory Safety Index” (BLSI) scores, which was designed by authors and was validated from 10 external subject experts of the Biochemistry Department. Pre-test and post-test marks of study and control group participants were compared using paired t-test for each group. Absolute learning gain (Post-test score-Post-test score) and relative learning gain (Post-test score-Pre-test score/Pre-test score) was calculated. Results: Absolute learning gain for control and study group was 0.11 and 5.53, respectively, while relative learning gain for control and study group was 0.16 and 89.62 respectively. Pre-test and post-test scores are statistically non-significant (p>0.05) in the control group, while Pre-test and post-test scores are statistically significant (p<0.001) in the study group. BLSI scores in control group was excellent for 9 (18%), good for 16 (32%), average for 19 (38%) and poor for 06 (12%) students; while in study group it was excellent for 41 (82%), good for 08 (16%) students, average for 01 (02%) students and poor for nil students. Conclusion: Module of “Safety measures in Biochemistry Laboratory” is significantly effective educational intervention as it improves the knowledge about Laboratory safety and its implication for medical students during Biochemistry practicals. Training about “Safety measures in Biochemistry Laboratory” can be incorporated in the existing undergraduate Curriculum of Biochemistry.
Policy Brief: Ending Open Defecation in Nigeria
Authors: Okuku Mary Obidiya
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this paper is to present a policy brief on ending open defecation in Nigeria. The briefing notes the burden of open defecation (OD) in Nigeria, its causes, the impact of OD practices, successes achieved so far, as well as the failures encountered and offers recommendations to end the practice in order to achieve the sustainable development goal (SDG) 6.2 of ending open defecation globally by 2030 as proposed by the United Nations.

      Key Recommendations:

Strong Political Will to uphold and implement policies on sanitation

Building more latrines

Establishing monitoring team

Capacity building

Sustainable job creation

Improved communication strategy
Platelet‐derived extracellular vesicles are increased in sera of Alzheimer's disease patients, as revealed by Tim4‐based assays
Authors: Odaka Haruki , Hiemori Keiko , Shimoda Asako , Akiyoshi Kazunari , Tateno Hiroaki
Published: December 2020

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, characterized by the accumulation of β‐amyloid plaques and the formation of neurofibrillary tangles. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small vesicles surrounded by a lipid bilayer membrane, which may be involved in the progression of AD. Glycans are essential building blocks of EVs, and we hypothesized that EV glycans may reflect pathological conditions of various diseases. Here, we performed glycan profiling of EVs prepared from sera of three AD patients (APs) compared to three healthy donors (HDs) using lectin microarray. Distinct glycan profiles were observed. Mannose‐binding lectins exhibited significantly higher signals for AP‐derived EVs than HD‐derived EVs. Lectin blotting using mannose‐binding lectin (rPALa) showed a single protein band at ~ 80 kDa exclusively in AP‐derived EVs. LC‐MS/MS analysis identified a protein band precipitated by rPALa as CD61, a marker of platelet‐derived exosomes (P‐Exo). Sandwich assays using Tim4 with specificity for phosphatidylserine on EVs and antibodies against P‐Exo markers (CD61, CD41, CD63, and CD9) revealed that P‐Exo is significantly elevated in sera of APs (n = 16) relative to age‐ and sex‐matched HDs (n = 16). Tim4‐αCD63 showed the highest value for the area under the curve (0.957) for discriminating APs from HDs, which should lead to a better understanding of AD pathology and may facilitate the development of a novel diagnostic method for AD.
Potent Trivalent Inhibitors of Thrombin through Hybridization of Salivary Sulfopeptides from Hematophagous Arthropods
Authors: Agten Stijn M. , Watson Emma E. , Ripoll‐Rozada Jorge , Dowman Luke J. , Wu Mike C. L. , Alwis Imala , Jackson Shaun P. , Pereira Pedro José Barbosa , Payne Richard J.
Published: December 2020

Blood feeding arthropods, such as leeches, ticks, flies and mosquitoes, provide a privileged source of peptidic anticoagulant molecules. These primarily operate through inhibition of the central coagulation protease thrombin by binding to the active site and either exosite I or exosite II. Herein, we describe the rational design of a novel class of trivalent thrombin inhibitors that simultaneously block both exosites as well as the active site. These engineered hybrids were synthesized using tandem diselenide‐selenoester ligation (DSL) and native chemical ligation (NCL) reactions in one‐pot. The most potent trivalent inhibitors possessed femtomolar inhibition constants against α‐thrombin and were selective over related coagulation proteases. A lead hybrid inhibitor possessed potent anticoagulant activity, blockade of both thrombin generation and platelet aggregation in vitro and efficacy in a murine thrombosis model at 1 mg kg−1. The rational engineering approach described here lays the foundation for the development of potent and selective inhibitors for a range of other enzymatic targets that possess multiple sites for the disruption of protein–protein interactions, in addition to an active site.
Programme and school predictors of mentoring relationship quality and the role of mentors' satisfaction in volunteer retention
Authors: Aresi Giovanni , Pozzi Maura , Marta Elena
Published: December 2020

The quality of the mentor–mentee relationship is considered the key mechanism of change in mentoring programmes, and volunteer mentor retention is crucial to improving delivery and outcomes. Combining theoretical frameworks on mentoring programmes and volunteerism, this study aimed to examine: (a) programme and school predictors of mentoring relationship closeness and (b) the relations between mentor‐reported relationship closeness, satisfaction with the relationship as a measure of subjective evaluations of their work and expressed intention to continue mentoring in the future. Volunteer mentors (N = 103, mean age = 65 years, 75% female) from a school‐based mentoring programme in Italy completed a survey. Results of path analyses revealed that relationship closeness was associated in a positive manner with perceptions of the adequacy of the mentoring session setting, and programme support, but not teacher support. In addition, mentors' satisfaction partially mediated the connection between relationship closeness and intention to remain in the programme. Implications for practice are discussed. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.
Relapsed plasmablastic lymphoma in a HIV‐negative patient: Pushing the envelope
Authors: Kathrotiya Manthan , Radhakrishnan Vivek S , Bhave Saurabh J , Kumar Jeevan , Roychowdhury Mita , Arun Indu , Das Jayanta , Chandy Mammen , Nair Reena
Published: December 2020

This case emphasizes that, with the availability of novel immunotherapy agents (Daratumumab), and repurposed use of bortezomib, a patient with HIV‐negative relapsed PBL can be treated successfully and consolidated with an allogeneic haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation.
Patterns of richness across forest beetle communities—A methodological comparison of observed and estimated species numbers
Authors: Haack Nora , Grimm‐Seyfarth Annegret , Schlegel Martin , Wirth Christian , Bernhard Detlef , Brunk Ingo , Henle Klaus
Published: December 2020

Species richness is a frequently used measure of biodiversity. The compilation of a complete species list is an often unattainable goal. Estimators of species richness have been developed to overcome this problem. While the use of these estimators is becoming increasingly popular, working with the observed number of species is still common practice.

To assess whether patterns of beetle communities based on observed numbers may be compared among each other, we compared patterns from observed and estimated numbers of species for beetle communities in the canopy of the Leipzig floodplain forest. These patterns were species richness and the number of shared species among three tree species and two canopy strata.

We tested the applicability of the asymptotic Chao1 estimator and the estimate provided by the nonasymptotic rarefaction–extrapolation method for all tree species and both upper canopy and lower canopy. In the majority of cases, the ranking patterns of species richness for host tree species and strata were the same for the observed and estimated number of species. The ranking patterns of the number of species shared among host tree species and strata, however, were significantly different between observed and estimated values.

Our results indicate that the observed number of species under‐represents species richness and the number of shared species. However, ranking comparisons of published patterns based on the number of observed species may be acceptable for species richness but likely not reliable for the number of shared species. Further studies are needed to corroborate this conclusion. We encourage to use estimators and to provide open access to data to allow comparative assessments.
Facile Synthesis of Large Wrinkled Gold Nanoparticles Using Anthracene‐Terminated Tripodal Amine Ligand and their Catalytic Efficiency
Authors: Devi Manisha , Dhir Abhimanew , Pradeep Chullikkattil P.
Published: December 2020

A controlled bottom up approach for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with wrinkled surface morphology is rarely reported. Herein, an anthracene‐terminated tripodal amine (1) has been explored as capping ligand in the synthesis of AuNPs. Addition of Au3+ ions to a solution of 1 leads to complex formation as revealed by the quenching of the ligand fluorescence. Controlled addition of ascorbic acid to this solution leads to de‐complexation and regeneration of the ligand fluorescence. Addition of excess ascorbic acid leads to the reduction of the recovered gold to AuNPs. The TEM analyses revealed ca. 3–4 nm size range for the as‐synthesized AuNPs in solution, which, over a period of time, agglomerate to large AuNPs of size ca. 300–400 nm with wrinkled surface morphology as revealed by SEM analyses. Control experiments performed using similar tripodal amine ligands terminated with pyrene (2) and naphthalene (3) yielded comparatively smooth surfaced AuNPs agglomerates revealing that the ligand 1 plays an important role in the formation of the wrinkled AuNPs. Further, the catalytic reduction of 4‐nitrophenol performed using these AuNPs showed that the AuNPs generated by the ligand 1 exhibit better catalytic rate, probably because of their increased surface area due to the wrinkled morphology.
[(UO2)(C10H8N2O2)2][HPW12O40]: The First Case of a Uranyl Coordination Network Containing a Keggin‐Type Polyoxometalate
Authors: Zhang Chi , Guo Fengwan , Dai Yong , Zhang Yu , Feng Jing , Wang Nan , Wang Juan
Published: December 2020

A uranyl compound [(UO2)(C10H8N2O2)2][HPW12O40] has been hydrothermally synthesized (150 °C for 72 h) in the presence of typical Keggin‐phosphotungstic acid. This compound exhibits a regular layered structure which is composed of [UO2]2+ and bridging ligand 4,4'‐bipyridine‐N‐dioxide (4,4'‐BPDO). The nanosized cavities are occupied by Keggin‐anions [HPW12O40]2– through covalent bonds and hydrogen bonds, in order to hold the charge equilibrium and enhance the stability of the structure. The adsorption properties of this compound have been primarily investigated. The results indicate that the incorporation of Keggin‐anions plays an important role in the fast capture of cationic dye MB+. Compound 1 is the first case of uranyl coordination network decorated by POMs, which evidently provides a feasible strategy for controlling the structural connectivity and functionality of uranyl organic framework.
Placement of edge server based on task overhead in mobile edge computing environment
Authors: Li Bo , Hou Peng , Wu Hao , Qian Rongrong , Ding Hongwei
Published: December 2020

Mobile edge computing (MEC) deployed cloud computing resources (such as storage and computing power) to the edge of wireless access networks to better meet the development of 5G communication and computing‐intensive applications. As the first step of MEC architecture deployment, the placement of the edge server (ES) is the foundation and key, and its location affects the user experience and system performance. In this article, we study the placement of ESs in the heterogeneous networks and express it as an optimization problem. Weighing the response delay and energy consumption as the task overhead, and place the ESs on the optimal access point (AP). An adaptive clustering algorithm MTO based on AP suitability evaluation is proposed to solve the optimal solution, which minimizes the task overhead of computing tasks. Extensive experimental simulations evaluate the performance of the algorithm, and the results show that the MTO algorithm is superior to other representative methods.
Neutrophils and Visceral Leishmaniasis: Impact on innate immune response and cross‐talks with macrophages and dendritic cells
Authors: Kupani Manu , Pandey Rajeev K. , Mehrotra Sanjana
Published: December 2020

Neutrophils with their array of microbicidal activities are the first innate immune cells to guard against infection. They are also most crucial for the host's initial defense against Leishmania parasites which cause clinically diverse diseases ranging from self‐healing cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) to a more severe visceral form, visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Neutrophils are recruited in large numbers at the infection site after bite of sandfly, which is the vector for the disease. The initial interaction of neutrophils with the parasites may modulate the subsequent innate and adaptive immune responses and hence affect the disease outcome. The purpose of this review is to comprehensively appraise the role of neutrophils during the early stages of Leishmania infection with a focus on the visceral form of the disease. In the past decade, new insights regarding the role of neutrophils in VL have surfaced which have been extensively elaborated in the present review. In addition, since much of the information regarding neutrophil–Leishmania early interaction has accumulated through studies on mouse models of CL, these studies are also revisited. We begin by reviewing the factors which drive the recruitment of neutrophils at the site of injection by the sandfly. We then discuss the studies delineating the molecular mechanisms involved in the uptake of the Leishmania parasite by neutrophils and how the parasite subverts their microbicidal functions. In the end, the interaction of infected neutrophils with macrophages and dendritic cells is summarized.
Impact of failure rates, lot definitions and scheduling of upstream processes on the productivity of continuous integrated bioprocesses
Authors: Satzer Peter , Komuczki Daniel , Pappenreiter Magdalena , Cataldo Alessandro Luigi , Sissolak Bernhard , Jungbauer Alois
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

The failure rates and the scheduling of bioprocesses have a substantial impact on process performance and economics but are often overlooked and neglected. Integrated continuous biomanufacturing is more flexible in respect to scheduling and the impact of failures can be reduced by appropriate scheduling and lot definitions.

RESULTS

In this work, we used a Monte Carlo approach on an integrated continuous biomanufacturing process with varying daily failure rates in the upstream and scheduling scenarios for seed fermentation (N‐1 stage) to quantify the impact on the actual productive uptime of the integrated process. The optimum targeted production time in the continuous upstream ranges between 45 and 90 days depending on the daily failure rate and the lot definition used for the process. We showed that a minimal flexibility for planning of the seed fermentation is necessary to harvest the full potential of integrated continuous biomanufacturing. A comparison with batch manufacturing in the upstream processing showed a higher productive uptime for continuous biomanufacturing regardless of daily failure rates. Computation of productive uptime for different lot definitions showed that a daily lot definition only shows a loss of 3% to a maximum of 5% productivity, depending on the daily failure rate, compared to a real‐time release approach.

CONCLUSIONS

With this study, we provide a decision‐making tool for the scheduling of upstream processes and implementation of integrated continuous biomanufacturing taking failure into account, showing the extent to which planning of flexibility and batch definitions influence the productivity of continuous integrated bioprocesses. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
White Matter Hyperintensities Quantification in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Melazzini Luca , Vitali Paolo , Olivieri Emanuele , Bolchini Marco , Zanardo Moreno , Savoldi Filippo , Di Leo Giovanni , Griffanti Ludovica , Baselli Giuseppe , Sardanelli Francesco , Codari Marina
Published: December 2020

Background

Although white matter hyperintensities (WMH) volumetric assessment is now customary in research studies, inconsistent WMH measures among homogenous populations may prevent the clinical usability of this biomarker.

Purpose

To determine whether a point estimate and reference standard for WMH volume in the healthy aging population could be determined.

Study Type

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Population

In all, 9716 adult subjects from 38 studies reporting WMH volume were retrieved following a systematic search on EMBASE.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.0T, 1.5T, or 3.0T/fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) and/or proton density/T2‐weighted fast spin echo sequences or gradient echo T1‐weighted sequences.

Assessment

After a literature search, sample size, demographics, magnetic field strength, MRI sequences, level of automation in WMH assessment, study population, and WMH volume were extracted.

Statistical Tests

The pooled WMH volume with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated using the random‐effect model. The I2 statistic was calculated as a measure of heterogeneity across studies. Meta‐regression analysis of WMH volume on age was performed.

Results

Of the 38 studies analyzed, 17 reported WMH volume as the mean and standard deviation (SD) and were included in the meta‐analysis. Mean and SD of age was 66.11 ± 10.92 years (percentage of men 50.45% ± 21.48%). Heterogeneity was very high (I2 = 99%). The pooled WMH volume was 4.70 cm3 (95% CI: 3.88–5.53 cm3). At meta‐regression analysis, WMH volume was positively associated with subjects' age (β = 0.358 cm3 per year, P < 0.05, R2 = 0.27).

Data Conclusion

The lack of standardization in the definition of WMH together with the high technical variability in assessment may explain a large component of the observed heterogeneity. Currently, volumes of WMH in healthy subjects are not comparable between studies and an estimate and reference interval could not be determined.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy Stage

1
Editorial for “Investigation of synthetic relaxometry and diffusion measures in the differentiation of benign and malignant breast lesions as compared to BI‐RADS”
Authors: Moran Catherine J.
Published: December 2020

Level of Evidence

5

Technical Efficacy Stage

3
In Vitro and In Vivo Study of a Novel Nanoscale Demineralized Bone Matrix Coated PCL/β‐TCP Scaffold for Bone Regeneration
Authors: Yuan Bo , Wang Zhiwei , Zhao Yin , Tang Yifan , Zhou Shengyuan , Sun Yanqing , Chen Xiongsheng
Published: December 2020

Bone defects remains a challenge for surgeons. Bone graft scaffold can fill the defect and enhance the bone regeneration. Demineralized bone matrix (DBM) is an allogeneic bone graft substitute, which can only be used as a filling material rather than a structural bone graft. Coating of the scaffolds with nanoscale DBM may enhance the osteoinductivity or osteoconductivity. Herein the lyophilization method is presented to coat the nano‐DBM on surface of the porous polycaprolactone (PCL)/β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) scaffolds fabricated by 3D printing technology. The morphology, elastic modulus, in vitro cell biocompatibility, and in vivo performance are investigated. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) shows DBM particle clusters with size of 200–500 nm are observed on scaffolds fibers after coating. MC3T3‐E1 cells on nano‐DBM coated PCL/β‐TCP scaffold show better activity than on PCL/β‐TCP scaffold. In vivo tests show better infiltration of new bone tissue in nano‐DBM coated PCL/β‐TCP scaffold than PCL/β‐TCP scaffold via the interface. These results show the presence of nano‐DBM coating on PCL/β‐TCP scaffold could enhance the attachment, proliferation, and viability of cells and benefit for the new bone formation surrounding and deep inside the scaffolds. Nano‐DBM could potentially be used as a new kind of biomaterial for bone defect treatment.
A hybrid gradient method for strictly convex quadratic programming
Authors: Oviedo Harry , Dalmau Oscar , Herrera Rafael
Published: December 2020

In this article, we present a reliable hybrid algorithm for solving convex quadratic minimization problems. At thekth iteration, two points are computed: first, an auxiliary point is generated by performing a gradient step using an optimal steplength, and second, the next iteratexk + 1is obtained by means of weighted sum of with the penultimate iteratexk − 1. The coefficient of the linear combination is computed by minimizing the residual norm along the line determined by the previous points. In particular, we adopt an optimal, nondelayed steplength in the first step and then use a smoothing technique to impose a delay on the scheme. Under a modest assumption, we show that our algorithm is Q‐linearly convergent to the unique solution of the problem. Finally, we report numerical experiments on strictly convex quadratic problems, showing that the proposed method is competitive in terms of CPU time and iterations with the conjugate gradient method.
Immobilization of amikacin on dextran: biocomposite materials that release an antibiotic in the presence of bacterial dextranase
Authors: Dyatlov Valerie , Seregina Tatiana , Luss Anna , Zaitsev Vladimir , Artyukhov Alexander , Shtilman Mikhail , Chumakova Anna , Kushnerev Kirill , Tsatsakis Aristidis , Mezhuev Yaroslav
Published: December 2020

The immobilization of a broad‐spectrum antibiotic amikacin on macromolecules of dextran previously modified with epichlorohydrin is described. It is shown that the release of amikacin is observed only in the presence of dextranase, which is produced by bacteria. For the first time, biocomposite materials based on the Glisson capsule of the liver and the pericardium, containing a layer of grafted dextran acting as a carrier of amikacin and capable of releasing amikacin derivatives that have antibacterial activity in the case of infection, have been developed. It was found that the release rate of amikacin derivatives formed in the presence of dextranase is determined by diffusion and is inversely proportional to the squared thickness of the dextran‐containing layer on the surface of biocomposite materials. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry