bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Near‐Zero Index Photonic Crystals with Directive Bound States in the Continuum
Authors: Vertchenko Larissa , DeVault Clayton , Malureanu Radu , Mazur Eric , Lavrinenko Andrei 
Published: May 2021

AbstractNear‐zero‐index platforms arise as a new opportunity for light manipulation with boosting of optical nonlinearities, transmission properties in waveguides, and constant phase distribution. In addition, they represent a solution to impedance mismatch faced in photonic circuitry offering several applications in quantum photonics, communication, and sensing. However, their realization is limited to the availability of materials that could exhibit such low index. For materials used in the visible and near‐infrared wavelengths, the intrinsic losses annihilate most of near‐zero index properties. The design of all‐dielectric photonic crystals with specific electromagnetic modes overcomes the issue of intrinsic losses while showing effective mode index near zero. Nonetheless, these modes strongly radiate to the surrounding environment, greatly limiting the devices applications. Here, a novel all‐dielectric photonic crystal structure is explored that is able to sustain effective near‐zero‐index modes coupled to directive bound‐states in the continuum in order to decrease radiative losses, opening extraordinary opportunities for radiation manipulation in nanophotonic circuits. Moreover, its relatively simple design and phase stability facilitate integration and reproducibility with other photonic components.
Antifungal mechanism of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain GKT04 against Fusarium wilt revealed using genomic and transcriptomic analyses
Authors: Tian Dandan , Song Xiupeng , Li Chaosheng , Zhou Wei , Qin Liuyan , Wei Liping , Di Wei , Huang Sumei , Li Baoshen , Huang Quyan , Long Shengfeng , He Zhangfei , Wei Shaolong 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe application of endophytic bacteria, particularly members of the genus Bacillus, offers a promising strategy for the biocontrol of plant fungal diseases, owing to their sustainability and ecological safety. Although multiple secondary metabolites that demonstrate antifungal capacity have been identified in diverse endophytic bacteria, the regulatory mechanisms of their biosynthesis remain largely unknown. To elucidate this, we sequenced the entire genome of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens GKT04, a strain isolated from banana root, which showed high inhibitory activity against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense race 4 (FOC4). The GKT04 genome consists of a circular chromosome and a circular plasmid, which harbors 4,087 protein‐coding genes and 113 RNA genes. Eight gene clusters that could potentially encode antifungal components were identified. We further applied RNA‐Seq analysis to survey genome‐wide changes in the gene expression of strain GKT04 during its inhibition of FOC4. In total, 575 upregulated and 242 downregulated genes enriched in several amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism pathways were identified. Specifically, gene clusters associated with difficidin, bacillibactin, and bacilysin were significantly upregulated, and their gene regulatory networks were constructed. Our work thereby provides insights into the genomic features and gene expression patterns of this B. amyloliquefaciens strain, which presents an excellent potential for the biocontrol of Fusarium wilt.
Adaptive anisotropic constitutive modeling of natural clays
Authors: Dejaloud Hesam , Rezania Mohammad 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn this paper, an adaptive anisotropic constitutive model, namely AA1‐CLAY, is developed for clays based on the critical state framework. The model has a non‐associated flow rule, and it can also reduce to basic critical state constitutive models. A versatile yield surface (YS) is implemented in the model which can generate a broad range of shapes to improve the possibility of capturing experimental yield points of different clay types with high accuracy. In addition to the isotropic hardening rule, an innovative rotational hardening (RH) rule is also incorporated into the model to control the YS rotation rate. The proposed RH rule uses a transitional function to govern the effect of plastic strains at different constant stress ratios more realistically. Furthermore, the equilibrium state of anisotropy, which the YS tends to reach during plastic straining, is defined uniquely based on the experimental findings. The detailed model formulation is presented, and important features of the model are elaborately discussed. The capabilities of the model are also demonstrated by comparing the simulation results of several element tests on a number of different clays against the available experimental data.
Relationships between gradation and deformation behavior of dense granular materials: Role of high‐order gradation characteristics
Authors: He Jizhong , Liu Fang , Deng Gang , Fu Pengcheng 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis paper numerically investigates deformation behavior of coarse‐grained granular materials with emphasis on the effect of grain size distribution (GSD). Biaxial compression tests are simulated in two dimensions using distinct element method (DEM) on a set of samples composed of uncrushable spheres following a wide variety of GSDs. The results prove that high‐order characteristics of gradation, such as the shape of the GSD curve, significantly affect deformation behavior of widely‐graded materials. Two grading indices are proposed to consider the combined effects of the spread and the shape of the GSD curve, and they are highly correlated with the parameters of the materials’ internal fabric. Strong correlations are found between the proposed grading indices and deformation parameters, such as those of the normal compression line and the critical state line (CSL) in the e‐p space, and the deformation modulus. In contrast, using the more conventional coefficient of uniformity cannot reach effective gradation‐dependent relations for those deformation parameters due to the deficiency in characterizing high‐order features of gradation. This study suggests the need for incorporating high‐order characteristics of gradation into a refined measure of size polydispersity in order to establish gradation‐dependent relations of deformation parameters widely effective for polydisperse granular materials.
Photonic crystals for perovskite‐based optoelectronic applications
Authors: Yang Xia , Yang Hanjun , Hu Xiaotian , Li Fangfang , Yang Zhou 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe emerging perovskite materials present great opportunities for cost‐saving and efficient optoelectronic devices. However, there are still some roadblocks in the path toward commercialization of perovskite‐based devices, such as low light utilization, poor crystalline quality and dissatisfactory environmentally long‐time stability. To solve these problems, photonic crystal (PC) as a promising structure for control light has been exploited. To date, a series of perovskite‐based devices improved by PC has been reported. These PCs do not only improve the performance of devices but also give flexural endurance, vivid color and some degree of transparency to the electronic devices. Herein, a general overview is provided on the recent advances for the application of PCs in perovskite‐based optoelectronic devices (solar cells, photodetectors, and light‐emitting diodes). In addition, some personal perspectives on potential future challenges and improvements in this field are presented.
Prolonged Glucagon Infusion Does Not Affect Energy Expenditure in Individuals with Overweight/Obesity: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Whytock Katie L. , Carnero Elvis A. , Vega Rick B. , Tillner Joachim , Bock Christopher , Chivukula Karthik , Yi Fanchao , Meyer Christian , Smith Steven R. , Sparks Lauren M. 
Published: May 2021

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the effects of prolonged (72 hours) glucagon administration at a low dose (LD) (12.5 ng/kg/min) and high dose (HD) (25 ng/kg/min) on energy expenditure (EE) in healthy individuals with overweight or obesity.MethodsThirty‐one healthy participants with overweight or obesity (BMI of 27‐45 kg/m2, 26‐55 years old, 23 females) were randomized into LD, HD, or placebo groups and underwent 72‐hour intravenous infusion of glucagon. Whole‐room calorimetry was used to assess EE and substrate use during five overnight stays (2 days at baseline, 3 days of infusion) and during two 24‐hour stays (baseline vs. day 3). Blood was sampled at regular intervals throughout the inpatient stay and analyzed for glucagon and biomarkers of metabolism.ResultsHD infusion elevated plasma glucagon levels compared with the placebo and LD infusion (P < 0.001). Sleeping, basal, and 24‐hour EE was not significantly different among groups at any time point. Those receiving HD had significantly higher basal fat oxidation (Fat Ox) at days 2 and 3 than those receiving the placebo (P < 0.05); however, no differences in 24‐hour Fat Ox were observed among groups (baseline vs. day 3).ConclusionsAn HD plasma glucagon infusion over 72 hours does not increase any aspects of EE in healthy individuals with overweight or obesity.
Neonatal and Adolescent Adipocytokines as Predictors of Adiposity and Cardiometabolic Risk in Adolescence
Authors: Buck Catherine O. , Li Nan , Eaton Charles B. , Kelsey Karl T. , Cecil Kim M. , Kalkwarf Heidi J. , Yolton Kimberly , Lanphear Bruce P. , Chen Aimin , Braun Joseph M. 
Published: May 2021

ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine associations of changes in leptin and adiponectin concentrations from birth to age 12 years with adolescent adiposity and cardiometabolic risk in the Health Outcomes and Measures of Environment (HOME) Study, a prospective birth cohort (Cincinnati, Ohio; N = 166).MethodsAdiposity and cardiometabolic risk factors were assessed at age 12 years using anthropometry, dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry, and fasting serum biomarkers. Cardiometabolic risk scores were calculated by summing age‐ and sex‐ standardized z scores for individual cardiometabolic risk factors.ResultsMost serum adipocytokine concentrations at birth were not associated with adiposity or cardiometabolic risk outcomes. Leptin and adiponectin concentrations at age 12 years were associated with all outcomes in the expected direction. Adolescents with increasing (β: 4.2; 95% CI: 3.2 to 5.2) and stable (β: 2.2; 95% CI: 1.2 to 3.2) leptin concentrations from birth to age 12 years had higher cardiometabolic risk scores than adolescents with decreasing concentrations (reference group). Adolescents with increasing (e.g., fat mass index = β: −1.04; 95% CI: −1.27 to −0.80) and stable (β: 0.66; 95% CI: −0.92 to −0.40) adiponectin/leptin ratios had more favorable adiposity outcomes than adolescents with decreasing ratios.ConclusionsIn this cohort, changes in leptin concentrations and adiponectin/leptin ratios over childhood were associated with adiposity and cardiometabolic risk scores, indicating that adipocytokine concentrations are potential biomarkers for predicting excess adiposity and cardiometabolic risk in adolescence.
Development of prolonged drug delivery system using electrospun cellulose acetate/polycaprolactone nanofibers: Future subcutaneous implantation
Authors: Ahmad Wsoo Mohammed , Izwan Abd Razak Saiful , Shahir Shafinaz , Ahmed Abdullah Al‐Moalemi Hafedh , Rafiq Abdul Kadir Mohammed , Hasraf Mat Nayan Nadirul 
Published: May 2021

AbstractImplantable drug delivery systems (IDDSs) play a vital role in treating chronic diseases by reducing dosing frequency and enhancing drug efficacy due to targeted delivery. In the present study, an IDDS was developed from electrospun cellulose acetate (CA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofiber membranes. The implant core consists of a drug‐loaded CA nanofiber (CA + Vit.D3) enclosed in a rate limiting of the PCL membrane (CA + Vit.D3/PCL). The CA and PCL nanofibrous membranes were characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and UV–Vis spectroscopy. This research also investigated in‐vitro cytotoxicity and whether the PCL membrane prolonged drug delivery or led to enhanced mechanical properties. A smooth, beadless surface morphology was observed with fiber diameters of 325 ± 101 nm and 333 ± 79 nm for CA and PCL, respectively. In‐vitro drug release and tensile testing showed that surrounding the core's implants with a PCL membrane improved mechanical properties and kinetic drug release. The modulus and tensile strength of CA + Vit.D3/PCL were 161 ± 14 and 13.07 ± 2.5 MPa, respectively—these values were significantly higher than those obtained for CA + Vit.D3 (132 ± 52 MPa and 8.16 ± 2.36 MPa, respectively). The drug release pattern exhibited by CA + Vit.D3 was burst release, which fits the first‐order kinetic model. In contrast, CA + Vit.D3/PCL exhibited slow drug release, which fits the zero‐order kinetic model. In conclusion, based on the outcomes and facility of the technologies outlined in this article, electrospun CA and PCL nanofibers are suitable for developing long‐term IDDSs.
Facile synthesis and application of aluminum oxide nanoparticle based biodegradable film
Authors: Kumar Harish , Gehlaut Avneesh Kumar , Gupta Himanshu , Gaur Ankur , Kamsonlian Suantak , Kumar Devender 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis study focuses on the synthesis of aluminum oxide nanoparticles (AlO‐NPs) hydrogel through in situ method and formation of biopolymer nanocomposite film. UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), particle size analyzer, and energy dispersive X‐ray spectrum were performed for the characterization of AlO‐NPs. TEM micrograph demonstrates the presence of AlO‐NPs in the range of 50–100 nm in the hydrogel network made from sugarcane bagasse carboxymethyl cellulose (SB‐CMC) and synthetic carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). The successful absorptions peak at 210 nm while conducting UV–Vis spectroscopy suggests existence of AlO‐NPs. The antibacterial properties of AlO‐NPs were analyzed using the disc plate diffusion technique against Gram‐negative bacteria: Escherichia coli (ATCC 433); and Gram‐positive bacteria: Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 1688). AlO‐NPs present in CMCs films reduce moisture content, solubility; elongation at break and increases films' tensile strength.
Elucidating the nature of linguistic processing in insight
Authors: Zhang Ze , Niki Kazuhisa , Luo Jing 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe relationship between language and thinking has long been a matter of debate and a research focus in studies on thinking and problem solving, including creativity. Previous behavioral studies have found that verbalization of one's internal thoughts does not participate in or even interfere with the creative insight process, thus suggesting that insight may take place nonverbally. In contrast to this hypothesis, the present study proposes a new one. That is, given that the basic categories or fundamental functions of key concepts or objects are critically changed or expanded during insightful thinking, the linguistic processing accompanying insight can be reflected as category‐related representation and recategorization processes, which can be critically mediated by the posterior middle temporal gyrus and the angular gyrus (pMTG/AG). Using constraint‐relaxation insight riddles as materials in a guided‐insight experimental design with external hints to trigger the insightful representational change, this preliminary neuroimaging study of 11 participants found the involvement of pMTG/AG during moments of induced insight, but did not find the activation of left ventral frontal areas which are typically involved in verbalizing of one's internal thoughts. Although this observation still cannot exclude the possibility of internal verbalization in insightful restructuring, it implies that linguistic processing in insight may take the more fundamental form of category‐related processing.
The origin of Vierordt's law: The experimental protocol matters
Authors: Glasauer Stefan , Shi Zhuanghua 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn 1868, Karl Vierordt discovered one type of errors in time perception—an overestimation of short duration and underestimation of long durations, known as Vierordt's law. Here we reviewed the original study in its historical context and asked whether Vierordt's law is a result of an unnatural experimental randomization protocol. Using iterative Bayesian updating, we simulated the original results with high accuracy. Importantly, the model also predicted that a slowly changing random‐walk sequence produces less central tendency than a random sequence with the same durations. This was validated by a duration reproduction experiment from two sequences (random and random walk) with the same sampled distribution. The results showed that trial‐wise variation influenced the magnitude of Vierordt's law. We concluded that Vierordt's law is caused by an unnatural yet widely used experimental protocol.
Symptom response to mobilization and outcomes in patients with subacromial pain syndrome: A cohort study
Authors: Riley Sean P. , Harris Jonathan , O'Halloran Bryan J. , Showalter Christopher R. , Learman Kenneth E. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectivesThe objectives of this study were the following: (1) to determine if there was a difference in outcomes between immediate responders to glenohumeral mobilizations at the initial evaluation, 2‐week, 4‐week, and 6‐month follow‐up as compared to those that do not respond in participants with subacromial pain syndrome; (2) to see if there were statistically significant differences in outcomes within these groups between these time frames of interest, and (3) to see if symptom response at the initial evaluation was predictive of a favorable recovery.MethodsThis was a prospective, single‐group observational design. Clinicians pragmatically identified positive responders as improving at least two points on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale and/or a 20° improvement in shoulder active range of motion (AROM) following shoulder mobilization at the initial evaluation. Data were collected for the subjective and objective variables of interest at the initial evaluation, 2‐week, 4‐week, and 6‐month follow‐up.ResultsThe prevalence of responders at the initial evaluation was 99 (81.8%). There were no statistically significant between‐group differences for the variables of interest except for the Global Rating of Change (GRoC; f = 2.79, p = 0.006). The shoulder abduction AROM between‐group difference exceeded the minimal detectable change at 4 weeks. The pair‐wise comparison showed statistically significant differences for the outcomes of interest at each time point except for the GRoC between 4 weeks and 6 months. There was a statistically significant correlation between responders at the initial evaluation and shoulder abduction AROM at the 4‐week follow‐up (rpb (112) = 0.27, p = 0.004).ConclusionIndividuals with SAPS may benefit from shoulder mobilization independent of their within‐session response to shoulder mobilization at the initial evaluation. Future research should seek to differentiate if these improvements are related to the within‐session positive treatment response at the initial evaluation in individuals who are randomized to receive shoulder mobilization or not.
Previously uncharacterized interactions between the folded and intrinsically disordered domains impart asymmetric effects on UBQLN2 phase separation
Authors: Zheng Tongyin , Galagedera Sarasi K. K. , Castañeda Carlos A. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractShuttle protein UBQLN2 functions in protein quality control (PQC) by binding to proteasomal receptors and ubiquitinated substrates via its N‐terminal ubiquitin‐like (UBL) and C‐terminal ubiquitin‐associated (UBA) domains, respectively. Between these two folded domains are low‐complexity STI1‐I and STI1‐II regions, connected by disordered linkers. The STI1 regions bind other components, such as HSP70, that are important to the PQC functions of UBQLN2. We recently determined that the STI1‐II region enables UBQLN2 to undergo liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) to form liquid droplets in vitro and biomolecular condensates in cells. However, how the interplay between the folded (UBL/UBA) domains and the intrinsically disordered regions mediates phase separation is largely unknown. Using engineered domain deletion constructs, we found that removing the UBA domain inhibits UBQLN2 LLPS while removing the UBL domain enhances LLPS, suggesting that UBA and UBL domains contribute asymmetrically in modulating UBQLN2 LLPS. To explain these differential effects, we interrogated the interactions that involve the UBA and UBL domains across the entire UBQLN2 molecule using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. To our surprise, aside from well‐studied canonical UBL:UBA interactions, there also exist moderate interactions between the UBL and several disordered regions, including STI1‐I and residues 555–570, the latter of which is a known contributor to UBQLN2 LLPS. Our findings are essential for the understanding of both the molecular driving forces of UBQLN2 LLPS and the effects of ligand binding to UBL, UBA, or disordered regions on the phase behavior and physiological functions of UBQLN2.
An improved method for assessing the technical accuracy of optical tracking systems for orthopaedic surgical navigation
Authors: Herregodts Stijn , Verhaeghe Mathijs , De Coninck Bert , Forward Malcolm , Verstraete Matthias A. , Victor Jan , De Baets Patrick 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundOptical tracking systems (OTSs) are essential components of many modern computer assisted orthopaedic surgery (CAOS) systems but patient movement is often neglected in the evaluation of the accuracy. The aim of this study was to develop a representative test to assess the accuracy of OTSs including patient movement and demonstrate the effect of pointer design and OTS choice.MethodA mobile phantom with dynamic reference base (DRB) attached was designed and constructed. The point registration trueness and precision were evaluated for measurements with both a static and moving phantom.ResultsThe trueness of the total target registration error (TTRE) was 1.4 to 2.7 times worse with a moving phantom compared to a static phantom.ConclusionThe accuracy of OTSs for CAOS applications should be evaluated by measurements with a moving phantom as the evaluation of the TTRE with a static frame significantly underestimates the measurement error.
Oral manifestations of Covid‐19‐A literature review
Authors: Farid Huma , Khan Madiha , Jamal Shizrah , Ghafoor Robia 
Published: May 2021

SummaryInitially, it was reported that coronavirus 2019 disease (Covid‐19) affects respiratory, gastrointestinal and neurological systems, but the oral, olfactory and integumentary systems are also involved. This review discusses various oral manifestations of Covid‐19 reported in the literature along with possible underlying mechanisms. The reported manifestations include taste impairment, oral mucosal changes (petechiae, ulcers, plaque‐like lesions, reactivation of herpes simplex virus 1(HSV1), geographical tongue and desquamative gingivitis) and dry mouth. The prominent location for mucosal lesions are tongue, palate and labial mucosa. The exact pathogenesis of these oral symptoms is not known. Angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) cell receptors are expressed in abundance on oral mucosa allowing severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) to infect them. Gustatory impairment along with olfactory changes is now listed as a symptom of Covid‐19 by the World Health Organization, but further research is needed to confirm a link between reported additional oral symptoms and Covid‐19. Dental professionals may encounter individuals with Covid‐19 and be called upon to identify various oral manifestations of this disease.