bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of Highly Sensitive Ethane Gas Sensor Based on 3D WO3 Nanocone Structure Integrated with Low‐Powered In‐Plane Microheater and Temperature Sensor
Authors: Adib Md Ridwan , Kondalkar Vijay V. , Lee Keekeun 
Published: March 2020

AbstractMetal oxide nanostructures are the most promising materials for the fabrication of advanced gas sensors over two decades. Especially, reliable responsivity and selectivity for various harmful gases are the main requirements for the future chemiresistive‐type gas sensors. Here, a 3D nanocone (NC) of WO3 for a real‐time ethane (C2H6) gas sensor is reported. A compact WO3 nanoparticles thin film deposited on the sensor interdigitate electrodes (IDEs) by using radio frequency (RF) sputter and subsequently, WO3 thin film is converted into highly ordered 3D NC with simple monolayer of polystyrene. An in‐plane microheater integrated with a temperature sensor is also developed here in which the heater, temperature sensor, and the gas sensor share the same plane instead of a conventional vertical structure where the microheater and the sensor IDE are placed one above the other. Prior to the fabrication, COMSOL simulations are carried away to predict the heater performance and surface charge densities of the NC structures. A comparative study between the planar WO3 and highly ordered 3D NC WO3 in sensor response has been conducted. The fabricated sensors (planar WO3) and 3D NC WO3 show a high response ΔR/R (%) of 44% and 52% to 100 ppm of ethane at 200 °C respectively.
Plasmonic Nanoparticles in Dielectrics Synthesized by Ion Beams: Optical Properties and Photonic Applications
Authors: Li Rang , Pang Chi , Li Ziqi , Chen Feng 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe zero‐dimensional metallic nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted tremendous attention in various areas owing to the collective oscillation of electron gas that couples with electromagnetic field, known as localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). In practical applications, the tailoring of LSPR effect is of significant importance for promising photonic devices with designed nanocomposite systems and enhanced optical properties. Ion beam technology has been demonstrated to be an efficient method to fabricate NPs embedded in dielectrics for LSPR tailoring and material modification. By manipulating the parameters of ion beams, the shape, size, and structure of NPs can be well controlled, which enables the dielectrics to possess novel linear and nonlinear optical properties. In this review, the latest research progress on the ion beam synthesis of various NPs is systematically summarized. The tailoring of linear and nonlinear optical properties of dielectrics by NPs is discussed in detail. Selected applications are presented to indicate the development of the plasmonic NPs in dielectric systems for photonic applications.
The optimal plant density of maize for dairy cow forage production
Authors: Han Kun , Liu Baoshen , Liu Peng , Wang Zhonghua 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWhole maize (Zea mays L.) plant (WMP) silage is an important feed for dairy cows. In northern China, yields and feed quality are adjusted by modifying the planting density. This paper is the result of a 2‐yr field study aimed at determining the effects of plant density on maize silage yield and quality. Five planting densities (52,500, 60,000, 67,500, 75,000, and 82,500 plants ha−1) were used. The results showed that plant height and leaf area increased, while stem diameter, chlorophyll, and leaf area per plant decreased with increasing plant density. Both the biomass yield, expressed as the dry matter (DM) per ha, and the utilizable energy yield improved when the density was increased from 67,500 to 75,000 plants ha−1, but increasing the density further reduced these values. The highest observed DM were 17,734 kg ha−1 and 17,055 kg ha−1, and total net energy for lactation (NEL) were 104.1 GJ ha−1 and 97.0 GJ ha−1 in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Feeding quality generally decreased with increasing plant density. The plant density which obtained the highest biomass yield was not the same as the plant density for optimizing feeding production. Compared with the highest predicted DM yields, the highest predicted total NEL yields increased the grading index by 4–9%, which indicated an improvement in forage quality. Total NEL yield is more efficient for the purpose of evaluating the productivity of WMP forage than biomass yield.
Multiscale modeling and multiobjective control of wood fiber morphology in batch pulp digester
Authors: Choi Hyun‐Kyu , Kwon Joseph S.‐I. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractEven though it is widely known that mechanical properties of papers are dependent upon fiber morphology such as fiber length and cell wall thickness, existing macroscopic models are limited in describing the microscopic traits of pulp. Thus, we proposed a multiscale model by integrating a macroscopic model (i.e., Purdue model) and a microscopic model (i.e., kinetic Monte Carlo algorithm) to capture the dynamic evolution of the fiber morphology as well as conventional pulp quality index such as Kappa number. Then, a reduced‐order model is identified to handle the computational requirement of the multiscale model, and implemented to a model‐based controller to regulate both the fiber length and the Kappa number which are expressed in the forms of conflicting objective functions. The epsilon‐constraint method is employed to find the Pareto optimal sets to provide decision makers with the degree of freedom to choose one according to their preferred end‐use paper properties.
Sensitivity‐Enhanced 13C‐NMR Spectroscopy for Monitoring Multisite Phosphorylation at Physiological Temperature and pH
Authors: Alik Ania , Bouguechtouli Chafiaa , Julien Manon , Bermel Wolfgang , Ghouil Rania , Zinn‐Justin Sophie , Theillet Francois‐Xavier 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAbundant phosphorylation events control the activity of nuclear proteins involved in gene regulation and DNA repair. These occur mostly on disordered regions of proteins, which often contain multiple phosphosites. Comprehensive and quantitative monitoring of phosphorylation reactions is theoretically achievable at a residue‐specific level using 1H‐15N NMR spectroscopy, but is often limited by low signal‐to‐noise at pH>7 and T>293 K. We have developed an improved 13Cα‐13CO correlation NMR experiment that works equally at any pH or temperature, that is, also under conditions at which kinases are active. This allows us to obtain atomic‐resolution information in physiological conditions down to 25 μm. We demonstrate the potential of this approach by monitoring phosphorylation reactions, in the presence of purified kinases or in cell extracts, on a range of previously problematic targets, namely Mdm2, BRCA2, and Oct4.
Improving the fire performance and smoke suppression of expandable polystyrene foams by coating with multi‐dimensional carbon nanoparticles
Authors: Cao Bo , Yu Ting , Sun Jun , Gu Xiaoyu , Liu Xiaodong , Li Hongfei , Fei Bin , Zhang Sheng 
Published: March 2020

AbstractExpandable graphite (EG) and modified multi‐wall carbon nanotubes (ATH‐MWNT) were introduced to expandable polystyrene (EPS) foams in order to improve its fire performance. The fire performance of EPS foams was evaluated by limiting the oxygen index (LOI), vertical burning (UL‐94), and cone calorimetry tests. The results showed that the presence of 14.3% EG and 4.1% ATH‐MWNT increased the LOI value from 18.0 to 30.3%, upgraded the UL‐94 rating from no rating to V‐0, completely eliminated melt dripping, and significantly decreased the peak heat release rate from 933 to 177 kW/m2. Thermal analysis indicated that the thermal stability and char formation were improved by the presence of flame retardants. The char morphology was characterized by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). It was suggested that the presence of EG and ATH‐MWNT could form integrated char layers during combustion, which was beneficial to the formation of an intumescent protective char structure.
The effect of crystal polymorphism of ferroelectric copolymer vinylidene fluoride‐hexafluoropropylene on its high‐voltage polarization
Authors: Kochervinskii Valentin V. , Malyshkina Inna A. , Kiselev Dmitry A. , Ilina Tatiana S. , Kozlova Nina V. , Shmakova Nina A. , Korlyukov Alexander A. , Gradova Margaret A. , Bedin Sergey A. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractDielectric response of vinylidene fluoride‐hexafluoropropylene copolymer, crystallized in different polymorph modifications, to a high‐voltage electric field was studied. Polarization switching at high electric fields below coercive was detected. It was found that crystallization of the copolymer predominantly in nonpolar α‐phase is accompanied by more intensive growth of electric displacement at polarization. For the sample with higher content of polar γ‐phase, the value of high‐voltage conductivity “anomalously” decreased with increasing field at fields above coercive. The data on the field dependences of the remnant polarization showed that this should be attributed to an increase of the effective capture cross section of deep traps of γ‐phase polar planes for impurity and injected carriers. X‐ray diffraction has revealed the field‐induced transition of a part of the chains of the amorphous phase to the crystal.
Noninferiority Trials to Evaluate Drug Effects in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Rothwell Rebecca , Nikolov Nikolay P. , Maynard Janet W. , Levin Gregory 
Published: March 2020

ObjectiveThe increased availability of highly effective treatments in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) necessitates a reexamination of study designs evaluating new treatments. We undertook this study to discuss possible specifications and considerations of noninferiority (NI) trials assessing drug effects in RA.MethodsWe focused on the use of approved tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) as potential active controls and reviewed previous placebo‐controlled studies. We summarized the similarities in baseline characteristics and study design of the historical placebo‐controlled studies used. After performing meta‐analyses to estimate the effects of TNFi on symptoms, physical function, and radiographic progression in RA, we proposed NI margins and evaluated the feasibility of NI trials in this therapeutic setting.ResultsWe determined that an NI trial comparing an experimental treatment to a TNFi using the symptomatic end point of the American College of Rheumatology 20% improvement criteria response can feasibly provide evidence of a treatment effect, with a 12% absolute difference as one possible appropriate NI margin. For change from baseline in the Health Assessment Questionnaire disability index score, reasonable margins range from 0.10 to 0.12. In evaluating radiographic progression, an appropriate margin and the corresponding feasibility of the trial are dependent on the selected active control and the expected variability in progression.ConclusionActive‐controlled studies in RA with justified NI margins can provide persuasive evidence of treatment effects on symptomatic, functional, and radiographic end points. Such studies can also provide reliable, controlled safety data and relevant information for treatment decisions in clinical practice. Thus, we recommend considering NI designs in future clinical trials in RA.
Subtelomeres as Specialized Chromatin Domains
Authors: Hocher Antoine , Taddei Angela 
Published: March 2020

AbstractSpecificities associated with chromosomal linearity are not restricted to telomeres. Here, recent results obtained on fission and budding yeast are summarized and an attempt is made to define subtelomeres using chromatin features extending beyond the heterochromatin emanating from telomeres. Subtelomeres, the chromosome domains adjacent to telomeres, differ from the rest of the genome by their gene content, rapid evolution, and chromatin features that together contribute to organism adaptation. However, current definitions of subtelomeres are generally based on synteny and are largely gene‐centered. Taking into consideration both the peculiar gene content and dynamics as well as the chromatin properties of those domains, it is discussed how chromatin features can contribute to subtelomeric properties and functions, and play a pivotal role in the emergence of subtelomeres.
Cell function profiling to assess clone stability
Authors: Dobson Paul D. , Coss Karen P. , Doherty Carolanne , Clifford Jerry , Thompson Ben , James David C. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn cell line development the identification of stable Chinese hamster ovary cells for production is a critical but onerous task. The stability trial focus upon high‐level attributes can mask profound underlying cellular changes, leading to unstable clones mistakenly being chosen for production. The challenge is to assay underlying cell pathways and subsystems without pushing up cell line development costs. ChemStress® cell function profiling is a simple, multiwell plate‐based assay that uses a panel of active chemicals to mimic known bioprocess stresses and challenge key pathways. After 3 days of static culture on the plate, functional responses are assayed, for example, titer and growth. Here this approach is used to monitor 131 clones as they change over real stability trials. A novel stability metric is defined over the data to identify stable clones that remain unperturbed across many components of cell function. This allows stability trials to look beneath the titer to identify clones that are internally more stable.
Experiences of implant loss after immediate implant-based breast reconstruction: qualitative study
Authors: Mahoney B , Walklet E , Bradley E , Thrush S , Skillman J , Whisker L , Barnes N , Holcombe C , Potter S 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background
Immediate implant-based breast reconstruction (IBBR) is the most commonly performed reconstructive procedure in the UK, but almost one in ten women experience implant loss and reconstructive failure after this technique. Little is known about how implant loss impacts on patients' quality of life. The first phase of the Loss of implant Breast Reconstruction (LiBRA) study aimed to use qualitative methods to explore women's experiences of implant loss and develop recommendations to improve care.

Methods
Semistructured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of women who experienced implant loss after immediate IBBR, performed for malignancy or risk reduction across six centres. Interviews explored decision-making regarding IBBR, and experiences of implant loss and support received. Thematic analysis was used to explore the qualitative interview data. Sampling, data collection and analysis were undertaken concurrently and iteratively until data saturation was achieved.

Results
Twenty-four women were interviewed; 19 had surgery for malignancy and five for risk reduction. The median time between implant loss and interview was 42 (range 22–74) months. Ten women had undergone secondary reconstruction, two were awaiting surgery, and 12 had declined further reconstruction. Three key themes were identified: the need for accurate information about the risks and benefits of IBBR; the need for more information about ‘early-warning’ signs of postoperative problems, to empower women to seek help; and better support following implant loss.

Conclusion
Implant loss is a devastating event for many women. Better preoperative information and support, along with holistic patient-centred care when complications occur, may significantly improve the experience and outcome of care.
Developments in siRNA Modification and Ligand Conjugated Delivery To Enhance RNA Interference Ability
Authors: Maguregui Ander , Abe Hiroshi 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThere is great potential for siRNA in the treatment of diseases through the reduction of damaging protein translation by RNA interference. However, the delivery and cell uptake of siRNA pose a serious problem in its therapeutic application. Methods to overcome this issue include chemical modification of the siRNA duplex to improve pharmacokinetics, stability and efficacy, and conjugation to small ligand molecules to enable membrane penetration, targetability and potency. In this review, the most common modifications of siRNA will be discussed, along with ligand conjugates that are believed to be the most promising in advancing the field of targeted siRNA delivery.
Substrate Recognition and Catalytic Mechanism of the Phosphate Acyltransferase PlsX from Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Jiang Yiping , Qin Mingming , Guo Zhihong 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPhosphate: acyl‐acyl carrier protein (ACP) acyltransferase PlsX is a peripheral enzyme catalysing acyl transfer to orthophosphate in phospholipid synthesis. Little is known about how it recognises substrates and catalyses the acyl transfer. Here we show that its active site includes many residues lining a long, narrow gorge at the dimeric interface, two positive residues forming a positive ACP docking pad next to the interfacial gorge, and a number of strictly conserved residues significantly contributing to the catalytic activity. These findings suggest a substrate recognition mode and a catalytic mechanism that are different from those of phosphotransacetylases catalysing a similar acyl transfer reaction. The catalytic mechanism involves substrate activation and transition‐state stabilization by two strictly conserved residues, Lys184 and Asn229. Another noticeable feature of the catalysis is the release of the acyl phosphate product near the membrane, which might facilitate its membrane insertion.
A Proteolytic Site‐Directed Affinity Label to Inhibit the Human ATP‐Dependent Protease Caseinolytic Complex XP
Authors: Sha Zhou , Chilakala Sujatha , Crabill George , Cheng Iteen , Xu Yan , Fishovitz Jennifer , Lee Irene 
Published: March 2020

AbstractHuman caseinolytic protease component X and P (hClpXP) is a heterooligomeric ATP‐dependent protease. The hClpX subunit catalyzes ATP hydrolysis whereas the hClpP subunit catalyzes peptide bond cleavage. In this study, we generated a peptidyl chloromethyl ketone (dansyl‐FAPAL‐CMK) that inhibited the hClpP subunit through alkylation of the catalytic His122, which was detected by LC‐MS. This inhibitor is composed of a peptide sequence derived from a hydrolyzed peptide product of a substrate cleaved by hClpXP. Binding of FAPAL positions the electrophilic chloromethyl ketone moiety near His122 where alkylation occurs. Dansyl FAPAL‐CMK exhibits selectivity for hClpXP over other ATP‐dependent proteases such as hLon and the 26S proteasome and abolishes hClpXP activity in HeLa cell lysate. Using the fluorogenic peptide substrate FR‐Cleptide as reporter, we detected biphasic inhibition time courses; this supports a slow‐binding, time‐dependent, covalent inhibition mechanism that is often found in active‐site directed affinity labels. Because this inhibitor reacts only with hClpXP but not hLon or the proteasome, it has the potential to serve as a chemical tool to help validate endogenous protein substrates of hClpXP in cell lysate, thereby benefiting investigation of the physiological functions of hClpXP in different cell types or tissue samples.
Fluid shear stress induces Runx‐2 expression via upregulation of PIEZO1 in MC3T3‐E1 cells
Authors: Song Jidong , Liu Liying , Lv Leifeng , Hu Shugang , Tariq Alkhatatbeh , Wang Wei , Dang Xiaoqian 
Published: March 2020

AbstractMechanically induced biological responses in bone cells involve a complex biophysical process. Although various mechanosensors have been identified, the precise mechanotransduction pathway remains poorly understood. PIEZO1 is a newly discovered mechanically activated ion channel in bone cells. This study aimed to explore the involvement of PIEZO1 in mechanical loading (fluid shear stress)‐induced signaling cascades that control osteogenesis. The results showed that fluid shear stress increased PIEZO1 expression in MC3T3‐E1 cells. The fluid shear stress elicited the key osteoblastic gene Runx‐2 expression; however, PIEZO1 silencing using small interference RNA blocked these effects. The AKT/GSK‐3β/β‐catenin pathway was activated in this process. PIEZO1 silencing impaired mechanically induced activation of the AKT/GSK‐3β/β‐catenin pathway. Therefore, the results demonstrated that MC3T3‐E1 osteoblasts required PIEZO1 to adapt to the external mechanical fluid shear stress, thereby inducing osteoblastic Runx‐2 gene expression, partly through the AKT/GSK‐3β/β‐catenin pathway.
Bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds in common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion: A comparison of two cooking procedures
Authors: Cárdenas‐Castro Alicia P. , Pérez‐Jiménez Jara , Bello‐Pérez Luis A. , Tovar Juscelino , Sáyago‐Ayerdi Sonia G. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackground and objectivesBeans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are widely consumed, but the bioaccessibility of their phenolic compounds (PCs) may be affected by different factors. Within this framework, an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion of two bean varieties: “Azufrado” and “Negro Jamapa,” was performed and the bioaccessibility and in vitro release kinetics of PC was evaluated. Mashed beans were prepared by two common culinary procedures in Mexico: pressure cooking followed by mashing, and pressure cooking and mashing, followed by frying.FindingsThe bioaccessibility of PC was about 50% in the cooked samples and 30% in cooked‐fried samples. The cooking condition did not modify the PC release kinetics during the first 60 min in any of the bean preparations. Three PCs were identified by HPLC‐DAD‐MS: kaempferol‐3‐O‐glucoside, quercetin‐3‐O‐glucoside, and chlorogenic acid, which was the main PC released from all samples.ConclusionsSimulated gastrointestinal digestion revealed processing‐related differences in the PC bioaccessibility in these two bean varieties, which should be further considered and evaluated in nutritional studies.Significance and noveltyThe study is in line with current approaches for assessing PC bioaccessibility during the gastrointestinal digestion, providing knowledge on the types and quantities of PC released from the food matrix of beans as eaten.
Pure red cell aplasia and amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia in thymoma: The uncharted territory
Authors: Dragani Matteo , Andreani Giacomo , Familiari Ubaldo , Marci Valerio , Rege‐Cambrin Giovanna 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAssociation between thymoma and pure red cell aplasia is already well‐documented in literature whereas acquired amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia is rarely reported. In this case, even with the addition of eltrombopag to standard immunosuppression, the cytopenias did not improve, probably due to the lack of surgical resection of the tumor.
Amantadine intoxication despite moderate renal dysfunction: A case of combined use with donepezil
Authors: Okada Kouji , Uno Takashi , Utsumi Miho , Usui Kensuke , Nakamura Masashi , Nakashima Ichiro , Suzuki Eiji , Watanabe Yoshiteru 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAmantadine intoxication occurred despite moderate renal dysfunction. This may have been affected by the use of donepezil, and we require careful attention to these combinations.
Penetrating thoracoabdominal injuries from multiple‐spiked spear stabbing: Case report and literature review
Authors: Muchuweti David , Muguti Edwin 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPenetrating thoracoabdominal injuries carry high morbidity and mortality. Concurrent clinical evaluation and resuscitation followed by early surgery are associated with good outcome. In a resource‐limited setting, plain X‐rays are valuable in surgery planning. Impalement objects must only be removed at surgery.