bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stereometric and fractal analysis of granulated silver films used in thin‐film hybrid structures
Authors: ŢĂLU Ş. , SHCHERBININ D.P. , KONSHINA E.A. , GLADSKIKH I.A. 
Published: July 2020

SummarySilver nanostructures are of interest to be used in hybrid thin‐film structures with various materials. In this work, we analyse 3D AFM images of granulated silver film nanostructures prepared by thermal evaporation. The advanced AFM data study aims to understand how film thickness and postannealing affect the nanostructure morphology changes. For the first time, the evaluation of surface statistical parameters and fractal geometry were used to characterise the nanostructure morphology of Ag island films. The samples with gravimetric thickness of 2, 4 and 10 nm were analysed before and after annealing at 200°C for 10 min. The statistical processing revealed the essential variation of parameters with Ag film thickness increment and as a postannealing result. The nonmonotonic variation of surface roughness, skewness and fractal dimensions were found. It is caused by the features of the film growth process with the thickness increment and thermally activated diffusion of Ag nanoparticles during annealing.Lay DescriptionSilver nanostructures are of great scientific interest due to their unique properties and wide applicability. In this work, we analyse microscopic 3D images of silver nanostructures deposited on quartz in vacuum chamber. Such thin‐film nanostructures consisted of silver nanoparticles attached to the surface of quartz substrate. We aimed at studying how effective film thickness and postannealing affect the nanostructure shapes and forms. Effective thickness is the equivalent thickness of a smooth film. For this purposes we used special parameters called statistical parameters and fractal geometry to investigate nanostructures. The samples with effective thickness of 2, 4 and 10 nm were analysed before and after annealing at 200°C for 10 min. It has been shown, that effective Ag film thickness and postannealing results in variation of nanostructures forms. We have shown that the variation of statistical parameters were nonmonotonic. It is caused by the features of the film growth process with the thickness increment and thermally activated diffusion of Ag nanoparticles during annealing.
Rheological and structural properties of oleogel base on soluble complex of egg white protein and xanthan gum
Authors: Jaberi Reza , Pedram Nia Ahmad , Naji‐Tabasi Sara , Elhamirad Amir Hossein , Shafafi Zenoozian Masoud 
Published: July 2020

AbstractOleogels can be used to provide solid‐like properties without using high levels of saturated fatty acids. In this study, the edible oleogels structure developed based on egg white protein (EWP) (5%) and xanthan gum (XG) (0%, 1%, 0.5%, and 0.75% wt/wt) complex by using aerogels system as a template for oleogel preparation. The effect of pH on the EWP‐XG mixture indicated the creation of a soluble complex of EWP‐XG in pH 5.5. The Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the interaction between EWP and XG. The amount of absorbed oil was considerably higher in EWP‐XG aerogels. SEM showed a soft surface in EWP 5% aerogel, which can be the reason for its less oil absorption. The aerogel and oleogel including more XG concentration had a stronger network structure and created more elastic oleogels. The light microscopy images revealed by increasing of XG concentration, the structure of protein gel mesh became more compact and regular. The XRD patterns of the aerogels did not show any clear differences between crystallinity of the samples. Therefore, it can be concluded that the aerogels based on the structuring of EWP‐XG complexes have a high potential as a three‐dimensional network for the oil absorption and creating oleogel.
Alpha‐momorcharin enhances Nicotiana benthamiana resistance to tobacco mosaic virus infection through modulation of reactive oxygen species
Authors: Zhu Feng , Zhu Peng‐Xiang , Xu Fei , Che Yan‐Ping , Ma Yi‐Ming , Ji Zhao‐Lin 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAlpha‐momorcharin (α‐MMC), a member of the plant ribosomal inactivating proteins (RIPs) family, has been proven to exhibit important biological properties in animals, including antiviral, antimicrobial, and antitumour activities. However, the mechanism by which α‐MMC increases plant resistance to viral infections remains unclear. To study the effect of α‐MMC on plant viral defence and how α‐MMC increases plant resistance to viruses, recombinant DNA and transgenic technologies were employed to investigate the role of α‐MMC in Nicotiana benthamiana resistance to tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) infection. Treatment with α‐MMC produced through DNA recombinant technology or overexpression of α‐MMC mediated by transgenic technology alleviated TMV‐induced oxidative damage and reduced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during TMV‐green fluorescent protein infection of N. benthamiana. There was a significant decrease in TMV replication in the upper leaves following local α‐MMC treatment and in α‐MMC‐overexpressing plants relative to control plants. These results suggest that application or overexpression of α‐MMC in N. benthamiana increases resistance to TMV infection. Finally, our results showed that overexpression of α‐MMC up‐regulated the expression of ROS scavenging‐related genes. α‐MMC confers resistance to TMV infection by means of modulating ROS homeostasis through controlling the expression of antioxidant enzyme‐encoding genes. Overall, our study revealed a new crosstalk mechanism between α‐MMC and ROS during resistance to viral infection and provides a framework to understand the molecular mechanisms of α‐MMC in plant defence against viral pathogens.
The barriers to evidence‐based nursing implementation in mainland China: A qualitative content analysis
Authors: Fu Yanfen , Wang Chunqing , Hu Yan , Muir‐Cochrane Eimear 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIt has been widely recognized that healthcare practices should be based on up‐to‐date high‐quality evidence; however, the implementation of evidence has been a slow process in nursing practice. It is crucial for clinical practitioners to be aware of the barriers to implementing evidence‐based nursing. The aim of this study was to describe participants' experiences and thoughts on barriers to implementing evidence‐based nursing in mainland China. Forty‐five participants came from 45 evidence‐based nursing implementation projects carried out in 16 hospitals in mainland China. Data were collected through observation and semi‐structured interviews, after which qualitative content analysis was undertaken. Then, the five themes and subthemes were extracted from the data. The five themes were evidence‐based, nurse‐related, patient‐related, setting barriers, and lack of support. In this study, a variety of barriers influencing evidence implementation in the Chinese nursing context were identified and further explored from the perspective of clarifying misunderstandings about evidence‐based nursing, the profound influence of Chinese culture on patients' preferences and attitudes, and the lack of professional knowledge of nurses.
“I just can't sit around and do nothing!”: A qualitative study of Indonesian women's experiences diagnosed with heart disease
Authors: Sutantri Sutantri , Cuthill Fiona , Holloway Aisha 
Published: July 2020

AbstractResearch into cardiovascular disease and its management in Indonesia, where it currently accounts for 67% of all deaths, has heavily emphasized the biomedical aspects; little is known about the individual's experience of the disease, especially for Indonesian women. This study aimed to understand how gender shapes Indonesian women's experiences of living with heart disease in their daily lives. Twenty‐six women aged 30–67 years were interviewed, and the transcriptions analyzed using a qualitative framework informed by intersectional approaches to gender and culture. Three major themes emerged: (i) the effect of cardiovascular disease on women's day‐to‐day activities, (ii) its effects on women's family relationships, and (iii) the women's coping strategies. The inability to fulfill their required social roles as mother or wife undermined the women's sense of self, a problem particularly acute in a cultural context where responsibility for maintaining harmony in the home and society is ascribed to women. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the ethnic and cultural backgrounds of women with cardiovascular disease, in order to deliver services that meet female patients' social, spiritual, and cultural needs.
A basic/helix–loop–helix transcription factor controls leaf shape by regulating auxin signaling in apple
Authors: Hu Da‐Gang , Wang Nian , Wang Dong‐Hui , Cheng Lailiang , Wang Yan‐Xiu , Zhao Yu‐Wen , Ding Jun‐Yi , Gu Kai‐Di , Xiao Xu , Hao Yu‐Jin 
Published: July 2020

Summary

Climate‐driven phenological change across local spatial gradients leads to leaf shape variation. At higher elevations, leaves of broadleaf species tend to become narrower, but the underlying molecular mechanism is largely unknown.

In this study, a series of morphometric analyses and biochemical assays, combined with functional identification in apple, were performed.

We show that the decrease in apple leaf width with increasing altitude is controlled by a basic/helix–loop–helix transcription factor (bHLH TF), MdbHLH3. The MdbHLH3‐overexpressing lines have a lower transcript abundance of MdPIN1 encoding an auxin efflux carrier but a higher transcript abundance of MdGH3‐2 encoding a putative auxin amido conjugate synthase, resulting in a lower free auxin concentration; feeding the transgenic leaves with exogenous auxin partially restores leaf width. MdbHLH3 transcriptionally suppresses and activates MdPIN1 and MdGH3‐2, respectively, by specifically binding to their promoters. This alters auxin homeostasis and transport, consequently leading to changes in leaf shape.

These findings suggest that the bHLH TF MdbHLH3 directly modulates auxin signaling in controlling leaf shape in response to local spatial gradients in apple.
Genotypic‐specific responses caused by prolonged drought stress in smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis): Interactions with mating systems
Authors: Saeidnia Fatemeh , Majidi Mohammad M. , Spanani Soheila , Abdollahi Bakhtiari Mostafa , Karami Zohreh , Hughes Nia 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe consequences of recurrent drought events compared with a single drought, and drought's interaction with deliberate selfing compared with open‐pollination on postdrought recovery and persistence of smooth bromegrass, are not clear. This research was conducted to investigate the effects of recurrent drought stresses compared with a single drought on stress response, poststress recovery and persistence of full‐sib and half‐sib progenies of smooth bromegrass. During this study, 25 selfed (S1) and 25 open‐pollinated (OP) progenies of smooth bromegrass created in 2012 were evaluated in the field under normal and recurrent drought stress during 2013–2016. After the first harvest of above‐ground biomass in 2016, irrigation was withheld in both environments for 2 months; plants were subsequently re‐watered and evaluated. Recurrent drought stress changed the relationships between different traits. Moreover, prolonged drought stress resulted in increased plant productivity (recovery aerial biomass; RABI) of S1 and OP populations in recurrent drought stress compared with normal environment. Mandatory selfing increased persistence of smooth bromegrass genotypes but did not affect recovery after prolonged drought stress. Results revealed that, selecting among S1 families would be more effective than OP ones.
Altered thiol/disulfide homeostasis and ischemia‐modified albumin levels in children with irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Durankuş Ferit , Şenkal Evrim , Çam Sebahat , Potas Nihan , Albayrak Yakup , Nural Cemil , Erel Özcan 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundIn this study, we assessed thiol/disulfide homeostasis (TDH) parameters and ischemia‐modified albumin (IMA) levels in children with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) compared with healthy children.MethodsFifty‐six children with IBS and 53 healthy children were included in the study after assessment of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Plasma thiol/disulfide and IMA levels were compared between children with and without IBS.ResultsThe mean values of native thiol, total thiol, and disulfide were 343.779 138.654 μmol/L, 365.398 ± 140.148 μmol/L, and 23.190 ± 4.978 μmol/L, respectively, in the IBS group and 409.908 ± 69.288 μmol/L, 433.481 ± 76.891 μmol/L, and 20.090 ± 4.252 μmol/L, respectively, in the control group. Native thiol and total thiol values were significantly reduced in the IBS group compared with the control group. The mean IMA values were 0.835 ± 0.083 (g/L) and 0.778 ± 0.072 in the IBS and control groups, respectively. The IMA value was significantly increased in the IBS group.ConclusionImpaired thiol/disulfide homeostasis and increased IMA levels can be considered etiological factors in children with IBS.
Near‐infrared heating of skin to delineate non‐melanoma skin cancer lesions: A pilot study
Authors: Pianosi Kiersten , Jordan Kevin , Moore Corey C 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundSurgical excision is a mainstay of treatment for non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC); improving margin delineation can reduce the need for further monitoring/treatment. The objective of this pilot study was to determine if near‐infrared radiation (NIR) application to skin causes visible changes in normal and NMSC skin, to help delineate margins.Materials/MethodsEleven biopsy‐proven NMSC lesions were included. The skin was then heated under a 175W NIR heating bulb; margins were traced onto acetate film before and after heating. Lesions were then randomly assigned to excision based on pre‐ or post‐heating margins. Composite images were generated by overlaying the heat and no‐heat lesion contours. All specimens were sent for histopathology.ResultsThe range of closest margins in the control group was 2.0‐3.0 mm with a median of 2.0 mm; the range in the intervention group was 4.0‐9.0 mm with a median of 5.0 mm. Composite images showed larger heat contours when the initial lesion was larger. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups. Overall, NIR light caused visible hyperaemia to skin, and more intense erythema to malignant skin lesions.ConclusionNear‐infrared light may have use in an outpatient setting for skin cancer delineation, possibly reducing the rate of positive margins.
National approaches to trichiasis surgical follow-up, outcome assessment and surgeon audit in trachoma-endemic countries in Africa
Authors: Mwangi Grace , Courtright Paul , Solomon Anthony W 
Published: July 2020

BackgroundPoor outcomes of trichiasis surgery, including postoperative trichiasis, are common in many trachoma-endemic countries in Africa. To improve outcomes, WHO recommends regular follow-up and outcome assessment of surgical cases plus audit of trichiasis surgeons.AimsTo assess national approaches to trichiasis surgical follow-up, outcome assessment and audit, and identify national targets for good surgical outcome (defined as the percentage of patients undergoing surgery for trichiasis remaining free of post-operative trichiasis for a defined interval after surgery).MethodsA cross-sectional survey was carried out between May and July 2018, involving all 29 known-trachoma-endemic countries in Africa. An emailed questionnaire was used to collect information on national targets for surgical outcomes, policies, monitoring and strategies to address underperformance by surgeons.ResultsAll national programmes provided information; 2 of the 29 had not yet implemented trichiasis surgery as part of their trachoma elimination programme. Findings from 27 countries are therefore reported. Only four countries reported having a national policy for trichiasis surgery follow-up and outcome assessment and only two had a national policy for conducting audits of trichiasis surgeons. Only 9 of the 27 countries had a cut-off point at which poorly performing surgeons would be instructed to discontinue surgery until retraining or other interventions had been undertaken.DiscussionTo address the challenge of post-operative trichiasis and other poor outcomes, national trachoma programmes should create and implement policies and systems to follow up patients, assess surgical outcomes and monitor the performance of individual surgeons through post-surgical audits.
Assessment of conjunctival flora in eyes with lacrimal passage obstruction before and after successful dacryoendoscopic recanalisation
Authors: Hiraoka Takahiro , Hoshi Sujin , Tasaki Kuniharu , Oshika Tetsuro 
Published: July 2020

BackgroundTo investigate conjunctival bacterial flora in eyes with lacrimal passage obstruction before and after dacryoendoscopic recanalisation with lacrimal tube intubation.MethodsOne-hundred fifty eyes with lacrimal passage obstruction that were successfully treated by dacryoendoscopic recanalisation were enrolled. Conjunctival sampling was done for each eye before and 4 months after surgery. The lower fornix was rubbed by a sterile cotton swab, and the collected samples were cultured with several agar plates. Colonies were differentiated and enumerated by standard bacteriological laboratory techniques.ResultsPositive bacterial growth was detected in 42.0% of all the samples before surgery, and the positivity rate significantly decreased to 26.0% after surgery (p=0.0051). The number of strains detected also decreased from 20 before surgery to 9 after surgery, especially pathogenic microorganisms decreased. In addition, drug-resistant bacteria such as penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus were detected in nine eyes before surgery but were detected only in one eye after surgery. Coagulase-negative Staphylococci and Corynebacterium spp., which are common in normal conjunctival flora, accounted for 46.5% of all the isolates before surgery and 80.9% after surgery, showing a significant increase in the rate after surgery (p<0.0001).ConclusionsThis study showed that physiological recanalisation of lacrimal passage after dacryoendoscopic surgery significantly decreased the culture positivity rate of conjunctival sac and the number of microorganism strains detected. It also decreased the number of potentially pathogenic and drug-resistant bacteria and increased the percentages of indigenous bacteria, causing the normalisation of conjunctival flora.
Prospective study to evaluate incidence and indicators for early detection of ethambutol toxicity
Authors: Mandal Sohini , Saxena Rohit , Dhiman Rebika , Mohan Anant , Padhy Srikanta Kumar , Phuljhele Swati , Sharma Pradeep , Guleria Randeep 
Published: July 2020

AimsTo evaluate incidence of toxic optic neuropathy in patients receiving ethambutol (EMB) for 6 months and to identify its early indicators.MethodsWe included 50 patients on anti-tubercular therapy (ATT) including EMB (HRE regimen) based on total body weight for 6 months. Best-corrected visual acuity (ETDRS), colour vision (Ishihara pseudo-isochromatic plates), contrast sensitivity (Pelli-Robson chart), Humphrey visual field analysis (HVF 30-2 SITA FAST), pattern visual evoked response (VER) and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT) for ganglion cell inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) and retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) analysis were assessed at baseline and at 2, 4 and 6 months after starting ATT.ResultsMean age of the patients was 36.5±14.7 years with male:female ratio of 2.5:1. Mean daily dosage of EMB was 17.5±1.3 mg/kg/day. No significant change was observed in visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, color vision and mean or pattern SD on HVF at 6 months. Significant increase in VER latency of >2 SD (>125 ms) was observed in 46% eyes on follow-up indicating subclinical toxicity. Significant loss of mean RNFL (from 100.79±16.05 μm to 89.96±13.79 μm) and GCIPL thickness (from 83.1±5.60 μm to 79.85±6.45 μm) was observed at 6 months (p=0.001 for both). Patients with subclinical toxicity had significantly greater damage in temporal RNFL quadrant, supero-nasal and infero-nasal GCIPL sectors compared with others.ConclusionThe incidence of clinical EMB optic neuropathy was <2%, though subclinical damage in the form of increase in VER latency, and decrease in RNFL and GCIPL on OCT was seen in 46% eyes.
Simulation of liquid transfer between the plate and the groove
Authors: Zhou Nan , Zhao Jiayi , Chen Shuo , Liu Yang , Zhang Kaixuan 
Published: July 2020

The transfer of the liquid from groove to plate is significantly affected by the breakup process of liquid bridge, which is the core problem of gravure. In this paper, many-body dissipative particle dynamics method (MDPD) is used to simulate the behaviors of the stretching liquid cylinder between the plate and the groove, and the influence of surface wettability, stretching velocity and groove structure on the liquid cylinder rupture and the transfer rate of liquid are studied. The results show that both of the slipping velocity of the contact line on the plate and the thinning velocity of the liquid cylinder determine the breakup state of the liquid bridges and the liquid transfer rate from the groove to the plate. In the cases with the same surface wettability, at high hydrophilicity surface, the transfer rate increases firstly and then decreases with the increase of the stretching velocity. In the cases with different surface wettability of the plate and the groove, reducing the stretching velocity and the inclination angle of the groove are helpful to pull the liquid out of the groove and increase the transfer rate, and it could also be achieved by increasing the wettability of the plate and decreasing the wettability of the groove. This study provides some new insights into the effects of surface wettability, stretching velocity and groove structure on the dynamics of breakup process and liquid transfer in stretching.