bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Boronic acid-engineered gold nanoparticles for cytosolic protein delivery
Authors: Zhang Song , Cheng Yiyun
Published: May 2020

Boronic acid-engineered gold nanoparticles for effective cytosolic protein delivery with the help of hypertonicity.
A study on the acidity of sulfated CuO layers grown by surface reconstruction of Cu2O with specific exposed facets
Authors: Wu Yanan , Chen Xin , Huang Daofeng , Zhang Li , Ren Yuanhang , Tang Gangfeng , Chen Xueying , Yue Bin , He Heyong
Published: May 2020

Surface reconstruction and sulfation improve the acidity of Cu2O, and moderate Lewis acid sites are the active sites in Pechmann condensation.
Synthesis of the perovskite-type oxyfluoride AgTiO2F: an approach adopting the HSAB principle
Authors: Inaguma Yoshiyuki , Sugimoto Ken , Ueda Koichiro
Published: May 2020

A synthetic approach involving the HSAB principle provided the perovskite-type oxyfluoride AgTiO2F.
Correction: Ozone–UV net-zero water wash station for remote emergency response healthcare units: design, operation, and results
Authors: Gassie Lucien W. , Englehardt James D. , Brinkman Nichole E. , Garland Jay , Perera Mahamalage Kusumitha
Published: May 2020

Correction for ‘Ozone–UV net-zero water wash station for remote emergency response healthcare units: design, operation, and results’ by Lucien W. Gassie et al., Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2019, 5, 1971–1984, DOI: 10.1039/C9EW00126C.
SKN-1 is involved in combination of apple peels and blueberry extracts synergistically protecting against oxidative stress in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Song Bingbing , Zheng Bisheng , Li Tong , Liu Rui Hai
Published: May 2020

Increased consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with reduced risk of age-related functional declines and chronic diseases, primarily attributed to their bioactive phytochemicals.
Biomolecular approaches to understanding metal tolerance and hyperaccumulation in plants
Authors: Corso Massimiliano , García de la Torre Vanesa S
Published: May 2020

Trace metal elements are essential for plant growth but become toxic at high concentrations, while some non-essential elements, such as Cd and As, show toxicity even in traces. Thus, metal homeostasis is tightly regulated in plants. Plant species colonising metalliferous soils have evolved mechanisms to hypertolerate metals and, in rare cases, can hyperaccumulate them in excess amounts in their shoots. The molecular mechanisms of metal hypertolerance and hyperaccumulation are likely derived from alterations in the basic mechanisms involved in general metal homeostasis. Genes involved in metal transport, synthesis of metal chelators and oxidative stress responses are constitutively and highly expressed in metal hypertolerant and hyperaccumulator species. Plant specialized metabolites and cell wall components have been proposed as major players in these mechanisms. In addition, the high intra-specific natural variation of metal hypertolerance and hyperaccumulation suggests that various molecular mechanisms might be involved in the evolution of these traits. To date, the potential of wild plant populations as systems to study metal tolerance and hyperaccumulation has not been fully exploited. The advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS) has enabled the study of non-model species, providing an opportunity to study natural populations and new tolerant and/or hyperaccumulating species, and will provide new insights into metal tolerance and hyperaccumulation. In this review we highlight background knowledge about metal tolerance and hyperaccumulation in plants and the current state-of-the-art techniques to study and identify the underlying mechanisms of metal hypertolerance and hyperaccumulation. We also outline for the reader the importance of the multidisciplinarity of this research field and how the integration of multiomic approaches will benefit facing the future scientific challenges.
Toxicological assessment of arsenic-containing phosphatidylcholines in HepG2 cells
Authors: Finke Hannah , Wandt Viktoria K , Ebert Franziska , Guttenberger Nikolaus , Glabonjat Ronald A , Stiboller Michael , Francesconi Kevin A , Raber Georg , Schwerdtle Tanja
Published: May 2020

Arsenolipids include a wide range of organic arsenic species that occur naturally in seafood and thereby contribute to human arsenic exposure. Recently arsenic-containing phosphatidylcholines (AsPCs) were identified in caviar, fish, and algae. In this first toxicological assessment of AsPCs, we investigated the stability of both the oxo- and thioxo-form of an AsPC under experimental conditions, and analyzed cell viability, indicators of genotoxicity and biotransformation in human liver cancer cells (HepG2). Precise toxicity data could not be obtained owing to the low solubility in the cell culture medium of the thioxo-form, and the ease of hydrolysis of the oxo-form, and to a lesser degree the thioxo-form. Hydrolysis resulted amongst others in the respective constituent arsenic-containing fatty acid (AsFA). Incubation of the cells with oxo-AsPC resulted in a toxicity similar to that determined for the hydrolysis product oxo-AsFA alone, and there were no indices for genotoxicity. Furthermore, the oxo-AsPC was readily taken up by the cells resulting in high cellular arsenic concentrations (50 μM incubation: 1112 ± 146 μM As cellular), whereas the thioxo-AsPC was substantially less bioavailable (50 μM incubation: 293 ± 115 μM As cellular). Speciation analysis revealed biotransformation of the AsPCs to a series of AsFAs in the culture medium, and, in the case of the oxo-AsPC, to as yet unidentified arsenic species in cell pellets. The results reveal the difficulty of toxicity studies of AsPCs in vitro, indicate that their toxicity might be largely governed by their arsenic fatty acid content and suggest a multifaceted human metabolism of food derived complex arsenolipids.
Crossing interfacial conduction in nanometer-sized graphitic carbon layers
Authors: Tezura Manabu , Kizuka Tokushi
Published: May 2020

In nanometer-sized interfaces between graphitic carbon layers and a gold electrode, current flows throughout the entire interfacial area, resulting in a decrease in contact resistivity to less than 10−4 of that of micrometer-sized interfaces.
A viable method to enhance the electrical conductivity of CNT bundles: directin situTEM evaluation
Authors: Gong Xiaojing , Zhang Hui , Sun Zhehao , Zhang Xiaoliang , Xu Jing , Chu Fuqiang , Sun Litao , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: May 2020

We reportin situTEM observations and theoretical estimation of the relationship between Joule-heating induced temperature, electrical conductivity and the amount of nanowelding in pristine CNT assemblies at the microscopic scale.
Preparation of shape-specific (trilateral and quadrilateral) carbon quantum dots towards multiple color emission
Authors: Moniruzzaman Md , Anantha Lakshmi Buddolla , Kim Sanghyo , Kim Jongsung
Published: May 2020

Preparation of shape-specific carbon quantum dots (CQDs) with a well-ordered edge structure and multi-color fluorescence from a single precursor by monitoring and controlling the reaction time for multi-color bioimaging application.
The effects of morphology and temperature on the tensile characteristics of carbon nitride nanothreads
Authors: Fu Yuequn , Xu Ke , Wu Jianyang , Zhang Zhiliang , He Jianying
Published: May 2020

The prediction of application and mechanical properties of carbon nitride nanothreads.
Design and properties of novel photothermal initiators for photoinduced thermal frontal polymerization
Authors: Li Feng , Song Yaqin , Yao Miao , Nie Jun , He Yong
Published: May 2020

Three synthesized photothermal initiators (2959-HDHP, 184-HDHP, 1173-HDHP) exhibited better photoinduced thermal frontal polymerization effect than mixture system due to higher heat transfer efficiency from photopolymerization to thermal initiator.
Chiral conducting polymer nanomaterials: synthesis and applications in enantioselective recognition
Authors: Zhou Chuanqiang , Sun Xiaohuan , Han Jie
Published: May 2020

Recent progress made in the synthesis, mechanism, and applications involving the enantioselective separation and sensing of chiral conducting polymer nanomaterials has been reviewed.
Application of small molecules based on a dithienogermole core in bulk heterojunction organic solar cells and perovskite solar cells
Authors: Yadagiri B. , Narayanaswamy K. , Chowdhury Towhid H. , Islam Ashraful , Gupta Vinay , Singh Surya Prakash
Published: May 2020

We report the synthesis and characterization of a dithienogermole (DTGe) based small molecule, named Ge-PO-2CN, as a donor material for bulk heterojunction (BHJ) organic solar cells (OSCs) and as a hole transport material (HTM) for dopant-free perovskite solar cells (PSCs).
Fast automated processing of AFM PeakForce curves to evaluate spatially resolved Young modulus and stiffness of turgescent cells
Authors: Offroy Marc , Razafitianamaharavo Angelina , Beaussart Audrey , Pagnout Christophe , Duval Jérôme F. L.
Published: May 2020

A numerical method is proposed for the modeling of AFM PeakForce curves and the automated extraction of relevant spatially-resolved nanomechanical properties of turgescent cells.
Nanotechnology-based approaches for food sensing and packaging applications
Authors: Mustafa Fatima , Andreescu Silvana
Published: May 2020

The advancement of nanotechnology has provided opportunities for the development of new sensing and food packaging solutions, addressing long-standing challenges to extend shelf-life, reduce waste, assess safety and improve the quality of food.
Modifying structural polymorphs and tuning electronic properties in pressure-stabilized binary Ir–Sb phases
Authors: Liu Siyuan , Zhou Dan , Cui Manai , Xu Jing , Ma Xuejiao , Cheng Yuheng , Jin Zhexue , Liu Yanhui
Published: May 2020

Several pressure-stabilized binary Ir–Sb phases have been identified. The chemical bonding states are dramatically modified by the pressure effect. A pressure-induced electronic topological transition has been identified in Ir2Sb.
Construction of gold-siRNANPR1 nanoparticles for effective and quick silencing of NPR1 in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Lei Wen-Xue , An Zi-Shuai , Zhang Bai-Hong , Wu Qian , Gong Wen-Jun , Li Jin-Ming , Chen Wen-Li
Published: May 2020

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been widely used as gene silencing agents and therapeutics for treatment due to their high transfection efficiency and lack of cytotoxicity, but their roles in gene silencing in plants have not yet been reported.
Stability studies of ZnO and AlN thin film acoustic wave devices in acid and alkali harsh environments
Authors: Xiong Shuo , Liu Xudong , Zhou Jian , Liu Yi , Shen Yiping , Yin Xiaobo , Wu Jianhui , Tao Ran , Fu Yongqing , Duan Huigao
Published: May 2020

Surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices based on piezoelectric thin-films such as ZnO and AlN are widely used in sensing, microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip applications.
A comprehensive investigation of MoO3based resistive random access memory
Authors: Fatheema Jameela , Shahid Tauseef , Mohammad Mohammad Ali , Islam Amjad , Malik Fouzia , Akinwande Deji , Rizwan Syed
Published: May 2020

The bipolar resistive switching of molybdenum oxide is deliberated while molybdenum and nickel are used as bottom and top electrodes, respectively, to present a device with resistive random access memory (RRAM) characteristics.
Zero-valent iron/activated carbon microelectrolysis to activate peroxydisulfate for efficient degradation of chlortetracycline in aqueous solution
Authors: An Lu , Xiao Pengfei
Published: May 2020

The microelectrolysis system composed of zero-valent iron and activated carbon can effectively activate persulfate to produce SO4−˙ and O2−˙, which have excellent capacity for degradation of chlortetracycline hydrochloride.
“CLipP”ing on lipids to generate antibacterial lipopeptides
Authors: Yim Victor , Kavianinia Iman , Knottenbelt Melanie K. , Ferguson Scott A. , Cook Gregory M. , Swift Simon , Chakraborty Aparajita , Allison Jane R. , Cameron Alan J. , Harris Paul W. R. , Brimble Margaret A.
Published: May 2020

We herein report the synthesis and biological and computational evaluation of 12 linear analogues of the cyclic lipopeptide battacin, enabled by Cysteine Lipidation on a Peptide or Amino Acid (CLipPA) technology.
Focusing, sorting, and separating microplastics by serial faradaic ion concentration polarization
Authors: Davies Collin D. , Crooks Richard M.
Published: May 2020

Electric field gradients formed by electrochemical processes at bipolar electrodes continuously direct the flow of charged objects in microfluidic devices.
Initial investigation and evaluation of potassium metal as an anode for rechargeable potassium batteries
Authors: Park Jimin , Lee Jun , Alfaruqi Muhammad Hilmy , Kwak Won-Jin , Kim Jaekook , Hwang Jang-Yeon
Published: May 2020

This work highlights recent progress on K metal as an anode and provides a valuable outlook on the scientific and practical issues concerning the development of rechargeable potassium-based battery systems.
Integrated multifunctional flexible electronics based on tough supramolecular hydrogels with patterned silver nanowires
Authors: Zhu Fengbo , Zheng Si Yu , Lin Ji , Wu Zi Liang , Yin Jun , Qian Jin , Qu Shaoxing , Zheng Qiang
Published: May 2020

A hybrid conductive hydrogel system was facilely integrated with complex circuits. The obtained hydrogel electronics show excellent mechanical and electrical performances, enable monitoring tensile strain, pressure, and temperature.
The role of intermolecular interactions in regulating the thermally activated delayed fluorescence and charge transfer properties: a theoretical perspective
Authors: Fan Jianzhong , Zhang Yuchen , Ma Yuying , Song Yuzhi , Lin Lili , Xu Yuanyuan , Wang Chuan-Kui
Published: May 2020

Thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) materials show promising applications in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs).
A new concept of a pseudo-Janus structure: employing a Yin-Yang fish structure film with up/down conversion fluorescence and bi-anisotropic conduction to represent the pseudo-Janus structure as a case study
Authors: Qi Haina , Xie Yunrui , Yang Xiuling , Yang Liu , Ma Qianli , Tian Jiao , Yu Wensheng , Li Dan , Liu Guixia , Dong Xiangting
Published: May 2020

The pseudo-Janus structure is advanced and the Yin-Yang fish structure film is employed to represent the pseudo-Janus structure as a case study.
Critical angle threshold using local synchrophasors for real time angular instability detection
Authors: Kumar Deepa S. , J S Savier
Published: May 2020

An affordable, stable, reliable and sustainable power supply is the need of the hour, keeping in view the journey to a smart green grid. The present study and derivation of adaptive critical angle threshold (ACAT) contributes to this effect. The ACAT serves as a key index and an indicator to grid operator in proactive mitigation of angular instability in the grid, which is seen to be one of the major initiator of blackouts worldwide. The synchrophasor technology enables accurate calculation of ACAT on real time basis by time synchronised sampling of local voltage and current phasors. The real time calculation makes the index adaptive to variation in system topologies as well as system vulnerabilities. Furthermore, the local system model formed for deriving ACAT has less computational burden while capturing the dynamics of external system, without requirement of intricate power system details. The angular separation of the station bus under supervision can be monitored with respect to the critical angle and serve as a key indicator for initiation of preventive actions during contingencies. The devised methodology is tested using standard IEEE test systems as well as a practical 400/220 kV state grid system using ETAP/MATLAB.
Optimal pricing and deteriorating inventory control when inventory stimulates stochastic demand with reference price effect
Authors: Duan Yongrui , Cao Yu
Published: May 2020

We study the joint dynamic pricing and deteriorating inventory management problem in the presence of reference price and stock display effects. In a random potential market setting with convex replenishment/ordering and holding/shortage cost functions, the retailer replenishes/orders and sells a single deteriorating product over a continuous-time infinite horizon to maximize its profit. The demand rate depends negatively on the sales price and positively on the consumers’ reference price and displayed stock quantity. The inventories deteriorate physically at a constant fraction of the on-hand stocks. A stochastic optimal control model is established to characterize the optimal policy in a linear feedback form of the state variables when the observed inventory level is either positive or negative. We also investigate the asymptotic behavior of the system and provide sufficient conditions for the stability and monotone convergence of the expected long-run behavior. Finally, we perform numerical examples to illustrate the theoretical results and sensitivity analysis to derive insights into deteriorating inventory management under reference price and stock display effects. The findings suggest that current reference price level has a positive effect while inventory level has a negative on the optimal replenishment rate and price. We characterize the sample paths of optimal strategies and find that the initial consumer reference price has an important impact on the firm’s optimal operations management. On the expected long-run behavior, it is beneficial for the firm to reduce demand uncertainty and deteriorating rate. We also observe that a large factor of displayed stock effect brings a positive effect on the total expected profit. Additionally, the firm needs to reduce (increase) the price and increase (reduce) the replenishment rate with high reference price effect intensity (memory factor).
Perioperative Infusionstherapie bei Kindern
Authors: Sümpelmann Robert , Zander Rolf , Witt Lars
Published: May 2020

Das Ziel der perioperativen Infusionstherapie ist die Aufrechterhaltung der normalen physiologischen Verhältnisse. Seit Jahrzehnten werden die Zusammensetzung (hypoton oder isoton) und die Art der Infusionslösungen (Kristalloid oder Kolloid) kontrovers diskutiert. Diese Übersichtsarbeit stellt geschichtliche und aktuelle Entwicklungen vor und leitet pragmatische Empfehlungen ab, die bei der täglichen Versorgung der Kinder im OP einfach und sicher umgesetzt werden können.
Vorstellung einer Facharbeit
Authors: Hopp Esther
Published: May 2020

Dieser Artikel ist eine Zusammenfassung der Facharbeit „BTM – Temperaturgeregelte Hämodialyse für mehr Lebensqualität des Patienten“ von Esther Hopp, Nottuln, im Rahmen der Weiterbildung Nephrologie 2018–2020 an der Weiterbildungsstätte nephrologischer Zentren Rhein-Ruhr, Essen.
Therapeutische Apherese und Kortison
Authors: van der Giet Markus
Published: May 2020

Für die ANCA-assoziierte Vaskulitis (ANCA: Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies) werden effektivere und sichere Behandlungen benötigt. Die Autoren führten eine randomisierte Studie im 2-zu-2-faktoriellen Design durch, um den Gebrauch von Plasmaaustausch und 2 unterschiedlichen Glukokortikoid-Regimen in Patienten mit ANCA-assoziierter Vaskulitis zu überprüfen (die abgeschätzte Nierenfunktion lag bei unter 50 ml pro Minute auf 1,73 m2 und auch diffuse pulmonale Blutungen waren vorhanden).
Qualitätsmanagement an der Klinik für Augenheilkunde des Universitätsklinikums Freiburg: Was nutzt das Erheben von Qualitätsparametern?
Authors: Schoelles Kristina Joana , Reinhard Thomas , Böhringer Daniel , Lang Stefan J.
Published: May 2020

Hintergrund Für alle Krankenhäuser in Deutschland besteht eine gesetzliche Pflicht, ein einrichtungsinternes Qualitätsmanagement durchzuführen. Dies bedingt zusätzliche Kosten und eine Belastung für die Mitarbeiter durch QM-spezifische Sonderaufgaben. Die Vorteile können Werbung durch Zertifizierung, eine höhere Qualität und Sicherheit für die behandelten Patienten und dadurch eine höhere Patienten- und Mitarbeiterzufriedenheit sein. Ziel der Arbeit ist eine Gegenüberstellung von Aufwand und Nutzen eines QM-Systems in der Augenheilkunde.

Material und Methoden Es erfolgten Auswertungen der bereits in den Jahresberichten veröffentlichten operativen Qualitätsparameter, der verfügbaren Daten zum QM-Handbuch über das digitale QM-Portal sowie der Patientenrückmeldungen von 2004 bis 2018/2019.

Ergebnisse Im Jahr 2004 wurde in der Klinik für Augenheilkunde des Universitätsklinikums Freiburg ein Qualitätsmanagementsystem erstmals aufgebaut, von 2005 bis 2017 war das Universitätsklinikum Freiburg nach KTQ zertifiziert. Zur Analyse von Operationsqualität und Patientensicherheit wurden verschiedene operative Qualitätsparameter über die Jahre bei stets steigenden Operationszahlen erhoben. Über die Jahre beobachteten wir stabile bis sinkende Werte für die meisten der auf Komplikationen fokussierten Qualitätsparameter. Auffällig waren ein punktueller Anstieg der postoperativen Endophthalmitisrate mit 0,14% im Jahr 2015 sowie der sinkende Prozentsatz an Kataraktoperationen in Tropfanästhesie. Das QM-Handbuch wurde über die Jahre verschlankt. Die Aufrufanalyse zeigt, dass die Dokumente von den Mitarbeitern zunehmend genutzt werden. Die „Patientenechostatistik“ zeigt, dass es sich hierbei um ein von Patienten durchaus häufig genutztes Werkzeug zur Rückmeldung
ihres Aufenthalts und es sich vielfach um positive Rückmeldungen handelt.

Schlussfolgerung Qualitätsmanagement über viele Jahre zu betreiben, d. h. in unserem Fall Daten operativer Qualitätsparameter zu erheben, das QM-Handbuch zu pflegen und Patientenechos zu bearbeiten, bedeutet einen hohen Aufwand. Jedoch ermöglicht die Analyse dieser Parameter einen Einblick in den Istzustand der Klinik. Es lassen sich Rückschlüsse ziehen, an welcher Stelle Prozesse oder Behandlungen optimiert werden können, was die Mitarbeiter- und Patientenzufriedenheit erhöhen kann. Insgesamt wird die Transparenz gesteigert und schafft Vertrauen für zukünftige Behandlungen in der Klinik für Augenheilkunde des Universitätsklinikums Freiburg.
Magnesium Sulfate Combined with a Levobupivacaine Periarticular Cocktail for Analgesia in the Early Postoperative Period after Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Zhao Zhenrui , Zhang Xiaozhou , Peng Hao , Li Wei , Liu Hengzhong , Wu Hang
Published: May 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the analgesic effect of magnesium sulfate combined with a levobupivacaine periarticular cocktail in the early postoperative period after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A total of 60 patients who underwent primary unilateral TKA in our department from March 2018 to May 2019 were prospectively selected and randomly divided into the trial group (30 patients with 20 mL of magnesium sulfate 250 mg + levobupivacaine 50 mg + triamcinolone 25 mg + 0.9% normal saline) and the control group (30 patients with 20 mL of levobupivacaine 50 mg + triamcinolone 25 mg + 0.9% normal saline). Visual analog scale (VAS) scores at 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours postoperatively during rest; VAS scores at 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours postoperatively during motion; the time required to reach 30 degrees straight leg elevation and 60 degrees active knee flexion; and the analgesia pump dosage at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours postoperatively were recorded. Magnesium sulfate combined with levobupivacaine injection around the knee joint can significantly prolong the time of postoperative analgesia, significantly reduce the use of postoperative analgesics, and effectively alleviate early postoperative pain after TKA.
Knee Arthroplasty with Prior Ligamentous Knee Surgery: A Matched Case–Control Study
Authors: Patel Nirav K. , Hadley Christopher J. , Leite Samantha , Brahmabhatt Shyam , Mazur Donald , Parvizi Javad , Ciccotti Michael G.
Published: May 2020

We aimed to evaluate the timing, operative details, and outcomes of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in patients with prior ligamentous knee surgery (LKS). All consecutive patients undergoing TKA with prior LKS at a single institution were identified from a large prospectively collected database. Patients were matched on a 2:1 basis according to age, sex, and body mass index to a group of patients without previous LKS undergoing primary TKA. A total of 39 patients with prior LKS and a mean age of 55.6 years (range: 42.8–76.4) were identified and matched with 78 patients without LKS with a mean age of 57.6 years (range: 44.0–79.4) undergoing primary TKA (p = 0.24). Significantly more posterior stabilized implants were used in patients with LKS compared with control patients (29 [74.3%] vs. 27 [34.6%], p < 0.001). In the LKS group, 15 patients (38.4%) required hardware removal. Postoperative complications and rate of further surgery were greater in the LCS group, but the difference was not significant (10.6 vs. 6.4%, p = 0.25). Mean difference in pre- to postoperative knee flexion and clinical outcome scores (12-item Short Form Survey, International Knee Documentation Committee, and Oxford Knee Score) were similar between the two groups, with no cases of loosening or osteolysis. TKA with prior LKS often warranted hardware removal and generally more constrained implants. Those patients with prior LKS undergoing subsequent TKA have higher complication rates and an increased rate of subsequent surgery related to post-TKA stiffness.
Five Centimeters Morton's Neuroma in a 46-Year-Old Woman Affected by Macrodactily
Authors: Di Caprio Francesco , Meringolo Renato , Navarra Maria Adiletta , Mosca Massimiliano , Ponziani Lorenzo
Published: May 2020

The present article described the case of a voluminous Morton's neuroma of the third intermetatarsal space in a patient affected by macrodactily. The case was unique because of its dimensions, the uncommon surgical approach which was needed for removal, the association with macrodactily of the fourth toe with Raynaud's phenomenon, and the postoperative defect in the intrinsic muscles. The patient was operated in February 2016 by transverse plantar approach. Twelve months after surgery, the patient complained for hypoesthesia on third and fourth toes with inability to actively spread the toes and enlargement in the second interdigital space. The dimensions of the lesions may be explained with the presence of macrodactily in the fourth toe with occasional Raynaud's phenomenon, which may have caused an abnormal arrangement of the nerve branches for the fourth interspace with related microtrauma. A plantar approach was highly recommended as the size of the lesion forced it to the plantar surface of the foot. The inability to actively spread the toes and the enlargement of the second interdigital space are likely to be related to a deficiency of the interosseous muscles, innervated by the deep branch of the lateral plantar nerve, which had probably been sacrificed because of the size of the lesion and the subversion of the surrounding anatomical relationships.
Distribution feeder costs as a function of the penetration of distributed generation – key drivers and trends
Authors: Oliva H. Sebastian , Lozano Christine , Palma Rodrigo
Published: May 2020

Distributed generation (DG) has experienced extraordinary growth in installed capacity in many countries. DG can have a significant impact on both the investment and operational costs of distribution feeders. However, in many contexts, such impact is still not clear. Moreover, the impact of DG could be positive or negative and could be different for different levels of DG penetration. This paper proposes a high-level approach to estimate the cost of distribution feeders as a function of the DG penetration scenario, for different types of medium voltage grids. Grid scenarios include urban and rural feeders, intermittent and conventional DG technologies, different distributions of loads and DG along the feeder, and passive and active voltage regulation. For each grid scenario, we build the curve of total feeder cost as a function of the penetration of DG. We identify the levels of the penetration that create savings and the levels that drive additional costs. We find that, for all the explored medium voltage grids, DG creates savings for low penetration scenarios, but increases the total feeder cost for higher penetrations, which is largely driven by the increase in power losses. We finally discuss the possible policy implications of the resulting cost curves.
Numerical treatment with Lobatto IIIA technique for radiative flow of MHD hybrid nanofluid (Al2O3—Cu/H2O) over a convectively heated stretchable rotating disk with velocity slip effects
Authors: Ouyang Chun , Akhtar Rizwan , Raja Muhammad Asif Zahoor , Touseef Sabir Muhammad , Awais Muhammad , Shoaib Muhammad
Published: May 2020

This study investigates the transportation of mass and heat in the 3D flow of hybrid nanofluids over a rotating disk in the presence of uniform magnetic field acting along the transverse direction to the flow. Water is being used as a base fluid mixed with nanoparticles of aluminum oxide and copper. The mathematical model of the nano-fluidic problem in terms of partial differential equations (PDEs) is formulated by considering the velocity slip at the boundary and heat transport mechanism due to thermal convection and radiation effects. Suitable similarity transformations are being used to transform the governing system of PDEs into a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The transformed model is then analyzed by employing the competency of the Lobatto IIIA technique. Numerical and graphical illustrations are presented for the analysis of different flow parameters by varying velocities and temperature profiles. The behavior of heat transfer rate and coefficient skin friction is also studied numerically for the presented flow model.
Response properties of nitrogen dioxide gas sensors with tin oxide decorated carbon nanotube channel fabricated by two-step dielectrophoretic assembly
Authors: Inaba Masafumi , Kono Masaki , Oda Takenori , Phansiri Nisarut , Nakano Michihiko , Suehiro Junya
Published: May 2020

Gas sensors with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and tin dioxide (SnO2) nanoparticles for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) detection are fabricated using a two-step dielectrophoretic (DEP) assembly method, and the NO2 gas detection properties are investigated. For the fabrication of the sensor, CNTs assemble between electrodes by a DEP force, followed by SnO2 nanoparticle decoration also by a DEP assembly method, and the assembled CNTs act as high electric field electrodes. The formed CNT/SnO2 gas sensors exhibit a sharp increase in resistance followed by a gradual decrease upon NO2 exposure. pn hetero-junctions are formed between the CNTs and the SnO2 nanoparticles, and the resistance shift of the depletion region in the CNTs at the pn hetero-junction induces the sharp increase in the resistance.
FCC phase formation in immiscible Mg–Hf (magnesium–hafnium) system by high-pressure torsion
Authors: López Gómez Edgar Ignacio , Edalati Kaveh , Coimbrão Diego Davi , Antiqueira Flávio José , Zepon Guilherme , Cubero-Sesin Jorge M. , Botta Walter José
Published: May 2020

Magnesium and hafnium, two hydride-forming and biocompatible metals with hexagonal close-packed crystal structures, are thermodynamically immiscible even in the liquid form. In this study, these two elements were mechanically mixed by high-pressure torsion straining, and a new FCC (face-centered cubic) phase was formed although these two elements do not form the FCC phase even under high pressure or at high temperature. Microstructural examination by scanning-transmission electron microscopy combined with an ASTAR automatic crystal orientation and phase mapping technique confirmed that the FCC phase was stabilized mainly in the Hf-rich nanograins with localized supersaturation. Attempts to control the phase transformations under a hydrogen atmosphere to produce ternary magnesium–hafnium hydrides for hydrogen storage applications were unsuccessful; however, the material exhibited enhanced hardness to an acceptable level for some biomedical applications.
Defining the position of ‘community’ in the study of linguistic landscapes
Authors: Gaiser Leonie , Matras Yaron
Published: May 2020

This special issue explores how multilingual (and semiotic) landscapes relate to constructions of community. With the present introduction we aim to embed theoretical notions of ‘community’ into the study of Linguistic Landscapes (henceforth LL). We first discuss how the notion of ‘community’ has been applied in previous LL research, and then introduce some relevant theoretical notions of ‘community’, which, in the final part, we seek to position in relation to an agenda for the study of LL.
Signage as event
Authors: Matras Yaron , Gaiser Leonie
Published: May 2020

Our aim in this paper is to propose a framework to analyse the relationship between language choice on signs in multilingual environments, place, and notions of ‘community’. We focus on an interpretation of the goals pursued by sign owners, exploring how linguistic (and non-linguistic) resources are mapped onto communicative acts to target addressees and initiate some form of encounter or engagement. We approach signs as complex and multi-layered communicative events that are composed of different illocutionary acts, and take into account the local language ecology and place. We show how signs, as a form of practice, contribute to creating relations between sign owners and addressees, and can thus be constitutive of community.
Multilingual voices of unification in ‘No man’s land’
Authors: Themistocleous Christiana
Published: May 2020

The island of Cyprus and Nicosia, its capital, have been divided by a UN-controlled buffer zone since the 1974 war. The ease of movement restrictions in 2003 saw Greek-Cypriots and Turkish-Cypriots crossing into each other’s area after 30 years of complete separation and increased mobility, especially through the UN-controlled buffer zone at the Ledras Street crossing-point in Nicosia, interjected a new dynamic in the area. The analysis of photographic data collected over a period of three years from the Linguistic Landscape of the buffer zone reveals that ephemeral signs in Greek, Turkish, and English are used to establish connections and strengthen social ties between the former enemies, and to project ideologies that go against popular nationalist narratives. By adopting new conceptualisations of the term ‘community’ (Blokland, 2017), this study discusses how a new, imagined community can emerge in conflict-ridden contexts through the display of written public signs in the Linguistic Landscape.
Community Ma(r)king in the linguistic landscape of the Ruhr Metropolis
Authors: Ziegler Evelyn , Schmitz Ulrich , Uslucan Haci-Halil
Published: May 2020

Central for this paper is the assumption that the Linguistic Landscape is a complex phenomenon that provides an insight not only into practices of symbolic place-making of communities but also into the relation between place, language, and belonging. According toTietz (2002), a community is based on shared norms and attitudes, a collectively binding horizon of values and understanding which also mark the boundaries of a community. Starting from these considerations, we will explore processes of community ma(r)king in the Ruhr Metropolis, Germany, drawing on data collected in the interdisciplinary research projectMetropolenzeichen/Signs of the Metropolis(Ziegler et al., 2018). Our multi-method approach combines data of geocoded digital photographs (N = 25,504) with metalinguistic data collected in on-site interviews (N = 180) and telephone interviews (N = 1,000) to gain a deeper insight into the formation of communities in the Linguistic Landscape of the Ruhr Metropolis.
WeChat Usernames: An Exploratory Study of Users’ Selection Practices
Authors: Xu Xing , Huang He , Jiang Ting , Zou Yuanpeng
Published: May 2020

As one of the most popular social networking applications in China, WeChat has recently attracted scholarly attention. To date, these studies have tended to concentrate on how it has been used as a social networking and emerging business model. However, little is known about the practices users follow when selecting usernames on WeChat. Using an onomastic lens, this study addresses this gap by examining 501 WeChat usernames. With data collected through an online survey, this study first investigates categories emerging from the name corpus and explores the reasons behind each of these categories. It then analyzes the sociocultural ramifications embedded within this use of names. As one of the first of its kind, the article provides key insight into how the interplay of online discourse, acquaintance networks, and Chinese culture contribute to the development of this important onomastic phenomenon.
The Impact of Sexual Victimization on Substance Use Disorder Treatment Completion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Parisi Anna , Jordan Brooke , Jensen Todd , Howard Matthew O.
Published: May 2020

Background: A significant proportion of individuals seeking treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs) have experienced sexual victimization, which has been shown to disrupt the efficacy of SUD treatment services. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between lifetime sexual victimization and SUD treatment completion. Methods: Relevant literature was identified through a systematic, computerized search of nine electronic databases (May 2018) and reference harvesting, yielding 15 peer-reviewed articles published between 1992 and 2017. Two authors independently conducted title and abstract screens, full-text reviews, data abstraction, and methodological appraisals. Risk of bias was assessed using a modified mixed-methods appraisal tool. Only nine studies met criteria for the meta-analysis, which used a random-effects model. Results: Included studies yielded mixed results regarding the impact of sexual victimization on treatment completion. The meta-analysis yielded a non-significant trend of survivors of sexual victimization having slightly lower odds of completing treatment. Conclusions: Findings from this systematic review and meta-analysis did not support the impact of sexual victimization on treatment completion. Methodological limitations of the extant literature limit cross-study comparisons. Future studies should document program-related factors to improve the ability to understand relationships affecting treatment completion.
Silencing CCL8 inhibited the proliferation and migration of PDGF-BB-stimulated human aortic smooth muscle cells
Authors: Dai Shipeng , Zhang Jiangang , Xu Zesheng
Published: May 2020

C-C motif Chemokine ligand 8 (CCL8) has been found in diseases’ pathogenesis. But its molecular mechanism in atherosclerosis (AS) remains to be elucidated. Human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) were stimulated by PDGF-BB to establish cell model. α-SMA in PDGF-BB-stimulated HASMCs was measured by immunofluorescence staining. Relative gene expressions in PDGF-BB-stimulated HASMCs were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot. HASMCs proliferation, migration, and cell cycle were assessed by cell counting kit-8, wound-healing assay, and flow cytometry. HASMCs viability was increased after PDGF-BB stimulation, with α-SMA downregulation yet CCL8 upregulation. Silencing CCL8 inhibited PDGF-BB-stimulated HASMCs proliferation and migration, and increased cells percentage in G1 phases but decreased those in S phase. Also, silencing CCL8 decreased OPN and cyclinD1 expressions and AKT and ERK1/2 phosphorylation while increased those of α-SMA and Sm22α. However, upregulating CCL8 led to opposite effects, suggesting CCL8 could be an atherosclerosis therapeutic target.
Monitoring HSP70 exosomes in cancer patients’ follow up: a clinical prospective pilot study
Authors: Chanteloup Gaëtan , Cordonnier Marine , Isambert Nicolas , Bertaut Aurélie , Hervieu Alice , Hennequin Audrey , Luu Maxime , Zanetta Sylvie , Coudert Bruno , Bengrine Leila , Desmoulins Isabelle , Favier Laure , Lagrange Aurélie , Pages Pierre‐Benoit , Gutierrez Ivan , Lherminier Jeanine , Avoscan Laure , Jankowski Clémentine , Rébé Cédric , Chevriaux Angélique , Padeano Marie‐Martine , Coutant Charles , Ladoire Sylvain , Causeret Sylvain , Arnould Laurent , Charon‐Barra Céline , Cottet Vanessa , Blanc Julie , Binquet Christine , Bardou Marc , Garrido Carmen , Gobbo Jessica
Published: May 2020

Exosomes are nanovesicles released by all cells that can be found in the blood. A key point for their use as potential biomarkers in cancer is to differentiate tumour‐derived exosomes from other circulating nanovesicles. Heat shock protein‐70 (HSP70) has been shown to be abundantly expressed by cancer cells and to be associated with bad prognosis. We previously showed that exosomes derived from cancer cells carried HSP70 in the membrane while those from non‐cancerous cells did not. In this work, we opened a prospective clinical pilot study including breast and lung cancer patients to determine whether it was possible to detect and quantify HSP70 exosomes in the blood of patients with solid cancers. We found that circulating exosomal HSP70 levels, but not soluble HSP70, reflected HSP70 content within the tumour biopsies. Circulating HSP70 exosomes increased in metastatic patients compared to non‐metastatic patients or healthy volunteers. Further, we demonstrated that HSP70‐exosome levels correlated with the disease status and, when compared with circulating tumour cells, were more sensitive tumour dissemination predictors. Finally, our case studies indicated that HSP70‐exosome levels inversely correlated with response to the therapy and that, therefore, monitoring changes in circulating exosomal HSP70 might be useful to predict tumour response and clinical outcome.
Radiation exposure to allied health personnel handling blood specimens from patients receiving radioactive iodine-131 and recombinant human TSH (thyrogen®) stimulation
Authors: Sarah Tai Beishan , Peiling Yang , Loo Tiew Puay , Ming Wong Yen , Yien Ling Sing , Soon Tay Young , Loke Kelvin S H
Published: May 2020

With increasing use of recombinant human TSH (rhTSH) stimulation protocol in radioactive iodine-131 treatment of thyroidectomised differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC), there is increasing concern regarding radiation safety during collection and processing of radioactive blood samples. Our study aims to quantify this radiation exposure in the context of current radiation guidelines to provide a practical safety framework. We analysed 45 patients prospectively referred to a tertiary centre in Singapore, who had histologically proven DTC, and who were thyroidectomised and planned for I-131 with rhTSH stimulation. Each patient received rhTSH for two consecutive days, with I-131 administered 24 h after, and a stimulated Thyroglobulin blood sample collected and processed 72 h after the last rhTSH dose. We measured radiation exposures with dosimeters. Based on the average and maximum exposure rates calculated, we extrapolated and derived the number of radioactive blood samples that could be safely collected and processed. Mean hand and body radiation exposures during venepuncture and blood processing were generally significantly higher than background radiation. Based on average exposure rates, the permissible number of blood samples that can be collected and processed is 9.09 × 103 per year (24 per day) and 8.70 × 104 per year (238 per day), respectively. This is the first study to date to extrapolate permissible thresholds that can serve as a practical guideline to the number of radioactive blood samples which can be safely collected and processed, following radioactive iodine therapy, within the limits of current radiation guidelines. Once validated, generalisations to other radioactive therapies may be considered.
Charge order and Mott insulating ground states in small-angle twisted bilayer graphene
Authors: Klug Markus J
Published: May 2020

In this work, we determine states of electronic order of small-angle twisted bilayer graphene. Ground states are determined for weak and strong couplings which are representatives for varying distances of the twist-angle from its magic value. In the weak-coupling regime, charge density waves emerge which break translational and C
3-rotational symmetry. In the strong coupling-regime, we find rotational and translational symmetry breaking Mott insulating states for all commensurate moiré band fillings. Depending on the local occupation of superlattice sites hosting up to four electrons, global spin-(ferromagnetic) and valley symmetries are also broken which may give rise to a reduced Landau level degeneracy as observed in experiments for commensurate band fillings. The formation of those particular electron orders is traced back to the important role of characteristic non-local interactions which connect all localized states belonging to one hexagon formed by the AB- and BA-stacked regions of the superlattice.
4D Biofabrication of fibrous artificial nerve graft for neuron regeneration
Authors: Apsite Indra , Constante Gissela , Dulle Martin , Vogt Lena , Caspari Anja , Boccaccini Aldo R , Synytska Alla , Salehi Sahar , Ionov Leonid
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we describe the application of the 4D biofabrication approach for the fabrication of artificial nerve graft. Bilayer scaffolds consisting of uniaxially aligned polycaprolactone-poly(glycerol sebacate) (PCL-PGS) and randomly aligned methacrylated hyaluronic acid (HA-MA) fibers were fabricated using electrospinning and further used for the culture of PC-12 neuron cells. Tubular structures form instantly after immersion of fibrous bilayer in an aqueous buffer and the diameter of obtained tubes can be controlled by changing bilayer parameters such as the thickness of each layer, overall bilayer thickness, and medium counterion concentration. Designed scaffolds showed a self-folded scroll-like structure with high stability after four weeks of real-time degradation. The significance of this research is in the fabrication of tuneable tubular nerve guide conduits that can simplify the current existing clinical treatment of neural injuries.
Patterns of maximally entangled states within the algebra of biquaternions
Authors: Obojska Lidia
Published: May 2020

This paper proposes a description of maximally entangled bipartite states within the algebra of biquaternions–

C
⨂
H

. We assume that a bipartite entanglement is created in a process of splitting one particle into a pair of two indiscernible, yet not identical particles. As a result, we describe an entangled correlation by the use of a division relation and obtain twelve forms of biquaternions, representing pure maximally entangled states. Additionally, we obtain other patterns, describing mixed entangled states. Finally, we show that there are no other maximally entangled states in

C
⨂
H

than those presented in this work.