bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of a Renewable, Waste‐Derived Nonisocyanate Polyurethane from Fish Processing Discards and Cashew Nutshell‐Derived Amines
Authors: Laprise Courtney M. , Hawboldt Kelly A. , Kerton Francesca M. , Kozak Christopher M.
Published: August 2020

Waste‐derived fish oil (FO) can be epoxidized and reacted with CO2 to produce a cyclic carbonate containing material. Upon reaction with a bioderived amine, this leads to the formation of nonisocyanate polyurethane materials. The FO used is extracted from the by‐products produced at fish processing plants, including heads, bones, skin, and viscera. Three different methods are used for the epoxidation of the FO: (i) oxidation by 3‐chloroperoxybenzoic acid, (ii) oxidation by hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid, catalyzed by sulfuric acid, and (iii) oxidation by hydrogen peroxide catalyzed by formic acid. Synthesized FO epoxides are reacted with CO2 to yield FO cyclic carbonates with high conversions. The products are characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and viscometry. Using a biomass‐derived amine, nonisocyanate polyurethane materials are synthesized. This process can lead to new opportunities in waste management, producing valuable materials from a resource that is otherwise underutilized.
Adverse selection, limited compensation, and the design of environmental liability insurance contract in the case of enterprise bankruptcy
Authors: Ma Ben‐jiang , Ye Jing‐yu , Liu Geng , Huang Yuan‐ji
Published: August 2020

In the case of incomplete environmental liability insurance, enterprises are likely to go bankrupt. Rational enterprises generally do not want to insure the environmental loss liability in case of bankruptcy even if they are compensated by insurance companies. This means that the premium calculated now is high, which may be the main reason for the current enterprises to cherish insurance. Based on this, a basic model of environmental liability insurance contract considering bankruptcy under ex ante asymmetric information is established. The model is improved by using the information screening combination tool, which further improves the efficiency of information screening.
TRPS1 mutation detection in Chinese patients with Tricho‐rhino‐phalangeal syndrome and identification of four novel mutations
Authors: Wang Chen , Xu Yufei , Qing Yanrong , Yao Ruen , Li Niu , Wang Xiumin , Yu Tingting , Wang Jian
Published: August 2020

Background

Tricho‐rhino‐phalangeal syndrome (TRPS) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by craniofacial and skeletal malformations including short stature, thin scalp hair, sparse lateral eyebrows, a pear‐shaped nose, and cone‐shaped epiphyses. This condition is caused by haploinsufficiency or dominant‐negative effect of the TRPS1 gene.

Methods

In this study, we analyzed the clinical and genetic data of five unrelated TRPS patients. They were suspected of having TRPS on the basis of clinical and radiological features including typical hair and facial features, as well as varying degrees of skeletal abnormalities. Next‐generation sequencing was performed to identify variants of the TRPS1 gene in the five patients.

Results

In patient 1, we found a novel mutation at c.1338C>A (p.Tyr446*) (de novo). Patient 2 had a novel phenotype of hydrocephaly and Arnold–Chiari syndrome and we also found a maternally inherited novel mutation at c.2657C>A (p.Ser886*). Patient 3 had a de novo novel mutation at c.2726G>C (p.Cys909Ser) leading to more severe phenotypes. Patient 4 had a paternally inherited known mutation at c.2762G>A (p.Arg921Gln). Patient 5 with a novel phenotype of hepatopathy had a novel deletion at [GRCh37] del(8)(q23.3‐q24.11) chr8:g.116,420,724‐119,124,058 (over 2,700 kb). In addition, the patient 3 who harboring missense variants in the GATA binding domain of TRPS1 showed more severe craniofacial and skeletal phenotypes.

Conclusions

We describe four novel mutations and two novel phenotypes in five patients. The mutational and phenotypic spectrum of TRPS is broadened by our study on TRPS mutations. Our results reveal the significance of molecular analysis of TRPS1 for improving the clinical diagnosis of TRPS.
Absorption, Pharmacokinetics, and Urinary Excretion of Pyridines After Consumption of Coffee and Cocoa‐Based Products Containing Coffee in a Repeated Dose, Crossover Human Intervention Study
Authors: Bresciani Letizia , Tassotti Michele , Rosi Alice , Martini Daniela , Antonini Monica , Dei Cas Alessandra , Bonadonna Riccardo , Brighenti Furio , Del Rio Daniele , Mena Pedro
Published: August 2020

Scope

The present study assesses the absorption, pharmacokinetics, and urinary excretion of coffee pyridines and their metabolites after daily regular exposure to specific dosages of coffee or cocoa‐based products containing coffee (CBPCC), considering different patterns of consumption.

Methods and results

In a three‐arm, crossover, randomized trial, 21 volunteers are requested to randomly consume for 1 month: one cup of espresso coffee per day, three cups of espresso coffee per day, or one cup of espresso coffee plus two CBPCC twice per day. The last day of the one‐month treatment, blood and urine samples are collected for 24 h. Trigonelline, N‐methylpyridinium, N‐methylnicotinamide, and N‐methyl‐4‐pyridone‐5‐carboxamide are quantified. Trigonelline and N‐methylpyridinium absorption curves and 24‐h urinary excretion reflect the daily consumption of different servings of coffee or CBPCC, showing also significant differences in main pharmacokinetic parameters. Moreover, inter‐subject variability due to sex and smoking is assessed, showing sex‐related differences in the metabolism of trigonelline and smoking‐related ones for N‐methylpyridinium.

Conclusion

The daily exposure to coffee pyridines after consumption of different coffee dosages in a real‐life setting is established. This data will be useful for future studies aiming at evaluating the bioactivity of coffee‐derived circulating metabolites in cell experiments, mimicking more realistic experimental conditions.
Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy comparing polypropylene mesh with polyvinylidene fluoride mesh for pelvic organ prolapse: Technique description and long term outcomes
Authors: Kavallaris Andreas , Zygouris Dimitrios
Published: August 2020

Aim

Our aim was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSCP) and compare the long‐term outcomes and complication rates of polypropelene (PP) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), following up within a minimum of 12 months.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study using patients who underwent LSCP for POP involving either PP or PVDF mesh between January 2011 and January 2018.

Results

Our study focused on 172 women who underwent LSCP with mesh between January 2011 and January 2018. All procedures were successfully completed laparoscopically, and patients' baseline characteristics were not statistically different in the two groups. Between January 2011 and December 2014, we performed 82 cases of LSC, mainly using PP mesh. Over the last 5 years, since January 2015, we have used PVDF mesh for POP.

Conclusions

LSCP using PVDF mesh was found to provide excellent anatomical and functional outcomes after a median follow‐up duration of 41 months, compared with the PP group, which had a median follow‐up duration of 54 months. Mesh infection and erosion rates in the PP group were significantly higher than those in the PVDF group. Additionally, rates of vaginal pain and discomfort were significantly lower in the PVDF group when compared with the PP group.
A fast boundary element based solver for localized inelastic deformations
Authors: Ciardo Federico , Lecampion Brice , Fayard François , Chaillat Stéphanie
Published: August 2020

We present a numerical method for the solution of nonlinear geomechanical problems involving localized deformation along shear bands and fractures. We leverage the boundary element method to solve for the quasi‐static elastic deformation of the medium while rigid‐plastic constitutive relations govern the behavior of displacement discontinuity (DD) segments capturing localized deformations. A fully implicit scheme is developed using a hierarchical approximation of the boundary element matrix. Combined with an adequate block preconditioner, this allows to tackle large problems via the use of an iterative solver for the solution of the tangent system. Several two‐dimensional examples of the initiation and growth of shear‐bands and tensile fractures illustrate the capabilities and accuracy of this technique. The method does not exhibit any mesh dependency associated with localization provided that (i) the softening length‐scale is resolved and (ii) the plane of localized deformations is discretized a priori using DD segments.
Commercialization and nonprofit donations: A meta‐analytic assessment and extension
Authors: Hung ChiaKo
Published: August 2020

Commercialization is a primary interest within the nonprofit sector. Previous studies have investigated the relationship between commercialization and nonprofit donations in a wide variety of contexts. This meta‐analysis synthesizes the research on the relationship by using 295 effects from 25 primary studies and explains variations in effects within and across the studies by including a series of moderators in random‐effects meta‐regression models. The results indicate that commercialization crowds out donations. The crowding‐out effect is small. Moreover, the results indicate that mission‐driven commercial revenues return a more negative effect; international development and public benefit nonprofits return a more negative effect; and studies using longitudinal data demonstrate a more positive effect. This study suggests that nonprofit commercialization is more a question of how rather than whether. Devoting more scholarly attention to underlying mechanisms between commercial revenues and nonprofit donations is desirable.
Fast calculation based on a spatial two‐grid finite element algorithm for a nonlinear space–time fractional diffusion model
Authors: Liu Yang , Liu Nan , Li Hong , Wang Jinfeng
Published: August 2020

In this article, a spatial two‐grid finite element (TGFE) algorithm is used to solve a two‐dimensional nonlinear space–time fractional diffusion model and improve the computational efficiency. First, the second‐order backward difference scheme is used to formulate the time approximation, where the time‐fractional derivative is approximated by the weighted and shifted Grünwald difference operator. In order to reduce the computation time of the standard FE method, a TGFE algorithm is developed. The specific algorithm is to iteratively solve a nonlinear system on the coarse grid and then to solve a linear system on the fine grid. We prove the scheme stability of the TGFE algorithm and derive a priori error estimate with the convergence result O(Δt2 + hr + 1 − η + H2r + 2 − 2η). Finally, through a two‐dimensional numerical calculation, we improve the computational efficiency and reduce the computation time by the TGFE algorithm.
Caring for Cinderella—Perceptions and experiences of peatland restoration in Scotland
Authors: Byg Anja , Novo Paula , Kyle Carol
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we look at people's engagement with peatlands and peatland restoration in Scotland through the lens of care. Care is an elementary aspect of how we relate to each other and the world around us.

Our results highlight the importance of personal experiences and relationships and embodied learning in fostering and defining care.

The results also point to difficult questions about what it means to care well and the factors influencing people's capacity to care. While focusing on care thus does not automatically resolve or overcome conflicts or barriers, it acknowledges that even those that have different views may care and it can help legitimize emotional and personal experiences and attachments.

Our study also showed that uncertainty and lack of knowledge can open up spaces of opportunity if they are openly acknowledged, for example, through appropriate structures (e.g. in the form of flexible funding schemes) which allow for the co‐creation of knowledge and caring practices between experts, lay people and non‐human others through experimental practices, experiences and reflection.

Given the accelerating and severe changes currently happening in the biosphere, a focus on care seems more important than ever before.
Multi‐scale modeling of three‐dimensional angle interlock woven composite subjected to ballistic impact using FEM
Authors: Dewangan Mithilesh Kumar , Panigrahi S. K.
Published: August 2020

The multi‐scale modeling and Finite element (FE) analysis of three‐dimensional angle interlock woven composites (3DAIWC) subjected to ballistic impact by conical‐cylindrical projectile have been studied in the present research. A multi‐scale modeling technique has been adopted in the Finite Element Analysis (FEA), which incorporates micro‐meso‐macro‐transition approach called macro‐homogeneous meso‐heterogeneous modeling technique. This macro‐meso‐micro‐transition approach has been implemented in the present research to develop the complex weave architecture of the target plate. A voxel‐based nonconformal mesh has been utilized to understand the behavior of the representative volume element (RVE) of the woven composite target plate. The model is validated by two dimensional weave architecture, which is analyzed for varying nose shapes (30° conical ‐ 180° flat). The macro‐homogeneous results provide the velocity variation and energy absorption of the projectile with respect to the time history.
A study assessing the feasibility of randomization of pediatric and young adult patients between matched unrelated donor bone marrow transplantation and immune‐suppressive therapy for newly diagnosed severe aplastic anemia: A joint pilot trial of the North American Pediatric Aplastic Anemia Consortium and the Pediatric Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Consortium
Authors: Pulsipher Michael A. , Lehmann Leslie E. , Bertuch Alison A. , Sasa Ghadir , Olson Timothy , Nakano Taizo , Gilio Alfred , Burroughs Lauri M. , Lipton Jeffrey M. , Huang James N. , Dickerson Kathryn E. , Bertaina Alice , Zhuang Cindy , Malsch Maggie , Fleming Mark , Weller Edie , Shimamura Akiko , Williams David A.
Published: August 2020

Background

Recent data show survival after matched unrelated donor (MUD) bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is similar to matched sibling procedures for young patients with severe aplastic anemia (SAA). Donor delays, risk of transplant‐related mortality (TRM), and concern about chronic graft versus host disease raise questions about whether MUD BMT or immune suppression therapy (IST) should be preferred initial therapy for young patients lacking matched sibling donors.

Procedure

We performed a pilot trial to assess the feasibility of randomizing patients under age 26 with newly diagnosed SAA to receive IST versus MUD BMT. Primary aims assessed the acceptability of randomization and timing of BMT. Secondary aims measured toxicities, response, and survival.

Results

Sixty‐seven patients with possible SAA were screened at nine centers. Of 57 with confirmed SAA, 23 underwent randomization and received therapy with a median follow‐up of 18 months. Of 12 randomized to BMT, 10 started BMT as initial therapy at a median of 36 days after randomization. One BMT recipient experienced secondary graft failure, requiring a second procedure. Six of 11 randomized to IST responded, whereas five with refractory disease underwent successful salvage BMT. One patient achieving complete response relapsed after discontinuation of immune suppression and died of infection after salvage BMT.

Conclusions

This feasibility study showed that a high percentage of patients underwent randomization and received up‐front MUD BMT. Our study lays the groundwork for a larger randomized trial that will define best initial therapy for young patients with SAA who have an available MUD.
Surgical management of extremity rhabdomyosarcoma: A consensus opinion from the Children's Oncology Group, the European Pediatric Soft‐Tissue Sarcoma Study Group, and the Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studiengruppe
Authors: Morris Carol D. , Tunn Per‐Ulf , Rodeberg David A. , Terwisscha van Scheltinga Sheila , Binitie Odion , Godzinski Jan , Dall'Igna Patrizia , Million Lynn , Hawkins Douglas S. , Koscielniak Ewa , Bisogno Gianni , Rogers Timothy N.
Published: August 2020

The treatment of extremity rhabdomyosarcoma remains a challenge due to several adverse prognostic factors frequently associated with this tumor site. The International Soft‐Tissue Sarcoma Database Consortium (INSTRuCT) is a collaboration of the Children's Oncology Group Soft‐Tissue Sarcoma Committee, the European Pediatric Soft‐Tissue Sarcoma Study Group, and the Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studiengruppe. The INSTRuCT surgical committee developed an internationally applicable consensus opinion document for the surgical treatment of extremity rhabdomyosarcoma. This document addresses surgical management, including biopsy, nodal staging, timing of therapy, resection and reexcision, reconstruction, and surgical approach at relapse.
Practice patterns and recommendations for pediatric image‐guided radiotherapy: A Children's Oncology Group report
Authors: Hua Chia‐ho , Vern‐Gross Tamara Z. , Hess Clayton B. , Olch Arthur J. , Alaei Parham , Sathiaseelan Vythialingam , Deng Jun , Ulin Kenneth , Laurie Fran , Gopalakrishnan Mahesh , Esiashvili Natia , Wolden Suzanne L. , Krasin Matthew J. , Merchant Thomas E , Donaldson Sarah S. , FitzGerald Thomas J. , Constine Louis S. , Hodgson David C. , Haas‐Kogan Daphne A. , Mahajan Anita , Laack Nadia N. , Marcus Karen J. , Taylor Paige A. , Ahern Verity A. , Followill David S. , Buchsbaum Jeffrey C. , Breneman John C. , Kalapurakal John A.
Published: August 2020

This report by the Radiation Oncology Discipline of Children's Oncology Group (COG) describes the practice patterns of pediatric image‐guided radiotherapy (IGRT) based on a member survey and provides practice recommendations accordingly. The survey comprised of 11 vignettes asking clinicians about their recommended treatment modalities, IGRT preferences, and frequency of in‐room verification. Technical questions asked physicists about imaging protocols, dose reduction, setup correction, and adaptive therapy. In this report, the COG Radiation Oncology Discipline provides an IGRT modality/frequency decision tree and the expert guidelines for the practice of ionizing image guidance in pediatric radiotherapy patients.
Stress induced dynamic adjustment of conserved miR164:NAC module
Authors: Hernandez Yuniet , Goswami Kavita , Sanan‐Mishra Neeti
Published: August 2020

Aims, including the rationale

Salinity and drought are the two major stresses limiting the productivity of economically important crops such asGlycine max(soybean). The incidence of these stresses during the pod development stages affects the quality and quantity of seeds, which compromise the yield of soybean. The miR164:NACmodule has been shown to play a critical role in regulating the response to salt and drought stress in several plant species. However, biological role of miR164:NACmodule in salt stress in soybean is not fully understood.

Methods

In this study, we identified 215 salt responsive miRNAs, using miScript miRNA array with a sensitive and a tolerant soybean genotype, William82 and INCASoy36, respectively. The targets of these salt regulated miRNAs were searched in the degradome datasets.

Key results

It was found that four salt stress deregulated miRNAs targeted theNACtranscription factor and among these miR164k and miR408d showed antagonistic expression in the two soybean genotypes. The expression of miR164k was higher in salt tolerant INCASoy36 as compared to salt sensitive William82, under unstressed conditions. However under salt stress, miR164k was downregulated in INCASoy36 (−2.65 fold), whereas it was upregulated in William82 (4.68 fold). A transient co‐expression assay validated that gma‐miR164k directs the cleavage of GmNAC1 transcript. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the regulation of NAC transcription factor family by members of miR164 family is conserved across many species. The dynamic expression profiles of miR164 and NAC‐TFs were captured in different tissues of rice, tobacco, and two soybean genotypes under drought and salt stress conditions.

Main conclusion

Collectively, our results suggest that genetically determined dynamic modulation of the conserved miR164:NAC‐TFmodule may play an important role in determining the adaptive response of plants to stress.
Atmospheric pressure plasma jet powered by piezoelectric direct discharge
Authors: Korzec Dariusz , Hoppenthaler Florian , Burger Dominik , Andres Thomas , Nettesheim Stefan
Published: August 2020

The piezoelectric direct discharge sustained using a high‐performance piezoelectric transformer (PT) with a voltage transformation ratio of >1,000 was used for the generation of an atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ). The ionization gases used are ambient air and compressed dry air. The APPJ was characterized using capacitive probe measurement, ozone concentration measurement, and activation area determination. The activation experiments were conducted on a high‐density polyethylene. The activation area was visualized using pure formamide test ink (58 mN/m) and captured by a digital camera. The influence of gas flow, PT power, and the distance between the PT and the substrate were investigated.
The benefits of mechanical insufflator‐exsufflator compared to autogenic drainage in adults with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Helper Nir , Kodesh Einat , Sokol Gil , Hakimi Ran , Vilozni Daphna , Efrati Ori
Published: August 2020

Background

Autogenic drainage (AD) is used for airway clearance in individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF). The mechanical insufflator‐exsufflator (MI‐E) device is commonly used in patients with neuromuscular diseases for airway clearance by increasing inspiratory volume and expiratory flow. MI‐E use has not been studied extensively in CF patients.

Objectives

To examine whether there are advantages to using the MI‐E device in patients with CF.

Subjects

Fourteen males and eight females from the national center for CF, with an average FEV1 of 54% were recruited

Design

Prospective cross‐over trial (IRB 3009‐16‐SMC).

Intervention

Subjects received either AD or MI‐E in a random order. Sputum was collected and weighed immediately after treatment. Subjects performed lung function tests at baseline, 20 minutes after and 1 hour after treatment; additionally, a 2‐minute walk test was performed at the end of all lung function tests. Saturation, dyspnea scores while resting and after a 2‐minute walk and subjective fatigue were recorded.

Results

Thirty‐six percent more sputum was collected following MI‐E than AD treatment (P < .0001). A significant difference in saturation in response to the 2MWT was noted in both treatments significantly less desaturation was recorded after the 2MWT in the MI‐E treatment (P < .01).

Conclusions

Treatment with the MI‐E was more effective for clearing sputum in CF subjects, initial evidence suggests that the MI‐E may be successfully incorporated into treatment protocols. Further studies are needed to assess the long‐term benefits of MI‐E in patients with CF.
In vitro metabolic profile and drug‐drug interaction assessment of secnidazole, a high‐dose 5‐nitroimidazole antibiotic for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis
Authors: Pentikis Helen S. , Adetoro Nikki , Kaufman Gregory
Published: August 2020

A single‐dose oral granule formulation of secnidazole 2 g (SOLOSEC™) has been approved in the US as a treatment for bacterial vaginosis. Available data on the likelihood of in vitro drug‐drug and alcohol‐drug interactions are limited. Secnidazole was incubated with cultured human hepatocytes over a range of concentrations (0‐10 000 μmol/L) to assess metabolic profiling. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) and aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibition over a similar concentration range were evaluated in human liver microsomes (HLMs) or recombinant enzymes using competition or time‐dependent inactivation assays. Secnidazole exhibited very low metabolism in HLMs at concentrations up to 6400 µmol/L. Secnidazole was found to be metabolized to a limited extent predominantly by CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 among a panel of cDNA‐expressed enzymes. Secnidazole inhibited CYP2C19 and CYP3A4, with IC50 values of 3873 and 3722 µmol/L, respectively. Secnidazole did not exhibit time‐dependent inhibition. There was no inhibition (IC50 value >5000 µmol/L) observed for any other CYP enzyme or with human recombinant aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2). These results are the first reported observation of the metabolism and drug‐drug interaction profile for secnidazole and demonstrate that the agent has minimal to no potential drug interactions of concern.
Oviposition preference and adult performance of the whitefly predator Serangium japonicum (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae): effect of leaf microstructure associated with ladybeetle attachment ability
Authors: Yao Feng‐Luan , Lin Shuo , Wang Li‐Xin , Mei Wen‐Juan , Monticelli Lucie S , Zheng Yu , Desneux Nicolas , He Yu‐Xian , Weng Qi‐Yong
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

The leaf surface microstructure can greatly influence predator feeding behavior. However, its effects on predator oviposition preference, which is crucial for arthropod fitness at the population level, are largely unknown. This study aimed to test leaf discs and plants of five common host plant species of Bemisia tabaci, including Chinese kale, cotton, cucumber, eggplant, and sweetpotato, to determine the oviposition preference and offspring and adult performance of the whitefly predator Serangium japonicum. Cannibalism risk, attachment force, microstructure of the abaxial leaf surface (ALS), and ladybeetle tarsal morphology were examined.

RESULTS

Ladybeetle's oviposition preference had no correlation with offspring performance but positively correlated with fecundity. Further, oviposition preference to leaf discs and fecundity positively correlated with attachment force. The cannibalism risk was not significantly different between plant species. The ALS of Chinese kale and eggplant supported the smallest and the largest attachment forces, respectively. The first one had epicuticular wax crystals, whereas the latter had stellate trichomes. The ALS of cotton and sweetpotato did not bear wax crystals or long trichomes. Cucumber leaves were covered with tapered trichomes. Tenant setae on the distal second tarsomere and a pair of curved, tapered claws on the distal fourth tarsomere were the attachment structures of S. japonicum, which interacted with the plant surface structures and generated the attachment force.

CONCLUSION

Plant morphological traits, associated with ladybeetle attachment force and adult performance might be key factors in ladybeetle oviposition preference, and are expected to occur in other host plant herbivore–predator systems.
Recent advances and future directions in anti‐tumor activity of cryptotanshinone: A mechanistic review
Authors: Ashrafizadeh Milad , Zarrabi Ali , Orouei Sima , Saberifar Sedigheh , Salami Saeed , Hushmandi Kiavash , Najafi Masoud
Published: August 2020

In respect to the enhanced incidence rate of cancer worldwide, studies have focused on cancer therapy using novel strategies. Chemotherapy is a common strategy in cancer therapy, but its adverse effects and chemoresistance have limited its efficacy. So, attempts have been directed towards minimally invasive cancer therapy using plant derived‐natural compounds. Cryptotanshinone (CT) is a component of salvia miltiorrihiza Bunge, well‐known as Danshen and has a variety of therapeutic and biological activities such as antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐diabetic and neuroprotective. Recently, studies have focused on anti‐tumor activity of CT against different cancers. Notably, this herbal compound is efficient in cancer therapy by targeting various molecular signaling pathways. In the present review, we mechanistically describe the anti‐tumor activity of CT with an emphasis on molecular signaling pathways. Then, we evaluate the potential of CT in cancer immunotherapy and enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapy by sensitizing cancer cells into anti‐tumor activity of chemotherapeutic agents, and elevating accumulation of anti‐tumor drugs in cancer cells. Finally, we mention strategies to enhance the anti‐tumor activity of CT, for instance, using nanoparticles to provide targeted drug delivery.
Apoptotic and antihepatofibrotic effect of honokiol via activation of GSK3β and suppression of Wnt/β‐catenin pathway in hepatic stellate cells
Authors: Lee Il Ho , Im Eunji , Lee Hyo‐Jung , Sim Deok Yong , Lee Jae Hee , Jung Ji Hoon , Park Ji Eon , Shim Bum Sang , Kim Sung‐Hoon
Published: August 2020

Though honokiol, derived from the Magnolia tree, was known to suppress renal fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, non‐alcoholic steatoheptitis, inflammation and cancers, the underlying antifibrotic mechanisms of honokiol are not fully understood in hepatic stellate cells until now. Thus, in the present study, inhibitory mechanism of honokiol on liver fibrosis was elucidated mainly in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) by 3‐(4, 5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, cell cycle analysis and western‐blotting. Honokiol exerted cytotoxicity in LX‐2, HSC‐T6 and Hep‐G2 cells. Honokiol increased sub G1 population and activated caspase 3 and cleaved poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) in HSCs. Moreover, honokiol attenuated the expression of alpha smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF‐β1), phospho‐Smad3, phospho‐AKT, cyclin D1, c‐Myc, Wnt3a, β‐catenin, and activated phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) in HSCs. Conversely, GSK3β inhibitor SB216763 reversed the effect of honokiol on PARP, α‐SMA, phospho‐GSK3β, β‐catenin and sub G1 population in LX‐2 cells. Overall, honokiol exerts apoptotic and antifibrotic effects via activation of GSK3β and inhibition of Wnt3a/β‐catenin signalling pathway.
Origin of Suppression of Proximity‐Induced Superconductivity in Bi/Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ Heterostructures
Authors: Kundu Asish K. , Wu Ze‐Bin , Drozdov Ilya , Gu Genda , Valla Tonica
Published: August 2020

Mixing of topological states with superconductivity could result in topological superconductivity with the elusive Majorana fermions potentially applicable in fault‐tolerant quantum computing. One possible candidate considered for realization of topological superconductivity is thin bismuth films on Bi2Sr2CaCu2O (Bi2212). Here, angle‐resolved and core‐level photoemission spectroscopy studies of thin Bi films grown in‐situ on as‐grown Bi2212 showing the absence of proximity effect are presented. It is found that the electron transfer from the film to the substrate and the resulting severe underdoping of Bi2212 at the interface is a likely origin for the absence of proximity effect. A possible way of preventing a total loss of proximity effect in this system is also proposed. These results offer a better and more universal understanding of the film/cuprate interface and resolve many issues related to the proximity effect.
Impact of a hydroelectric power plant on migratory fishes in the Uruguay River
Authors: Cataldo Daniel , Gattás Florencia , Leites Valentín , Bordet Facundo , Paolucci Esteban
Published: August 2020

Dams alter river functioning and hinders the free movement of migratory fishes. We analysed the effects of a subtropical dam on the reproduction of migratory fishes using data from ichthyoplankton monitoring surveys. These were conducted at six sampling stations upstream, downstream and within the reservoir on a weekly basis during 6 years. The dam had a direct impact on fish movement, leading to the fragmentation of fish populations. Two different and independent reproductive areas became evident: one located in the reservoir headwater area and the other downstream of the dam. The long temporal scale of our study facilitated the detection of the impact of Salto Grande on the species of ichthyoplankton. Freshwater secondary fish species (mainly Lycengraulis grossidens) increased in abundance in the stations located inside the reservoir and closer to the dam, whereas most fishes found in the headwater of the reservoir corresponded to river migratory species (potamodromous fish). These differences are most likely due to changes in the physicochemical characteristics of the water induced by the transformation of a river into a reservoir. During rainy summers, Microcystis spp. densities were lower than 1,000 cells ml−1 and fish densities were higher than 4 ind. m−3, whereas in dry summers, there were important Microcystis spp. blooms (401,573 ± 112,559 cells ml−1) and fish larvae decreased sharply (<1 ind. m−3) in the reservoir headwater area. This could indicate that the discharge of water in the reservoir may also indirectly affect the regulation of fish reproduction. The alternating periods between dry and rainy summers associated with El Niño‐Southern Oscillation poses a challenge to ichthyofauna management in the reservoir.
Social behaviour of European grayling before and after flow peaks in restored and unrestored habitats
Authors: Watz Johan , Aldvén David , Brouziotis Antonis Apostolos , Carlsson Niclas , Karathanou Eirini , Lund‐Bjørnås Kristine , Lundqvist Gustav , Österling Martin , Piccolo John J. , Calles Olle
Published: August 2020

Cost‐effective implementation of fish‐friendly hydropower flow operation and habitat restoration measures require an understanding of their effects on fitness‐related behaviours of stream fish. Here, we investigated how changes in flow and bottom structure influence the social behaviour of European grayling, using large experimental flumes (700 L s−1), with and without added boulders (i.e., restored and unrestored habitat). Grayling increased their distance to nearest neighbour at the start of flow ramping up and after a flow peak compared to stable base flow. At the start of ramping up the flow, grayling made less position changes (movements >1 m) than at stable base flow and after a flow peak. In the unrestored habitat, the proportion of time grayling spent actively swimming was lower before a flow peak than it was both at the start of ramping up the flow and after the peak, an effect not found in the restored habitat. In addition, we compared two static flows, and habitat restoration mediated their effect on distance to nearest neighbour. Grayling in the restored habitat were positioned closer to each other in the low (~10 cm s−1) than in the intermediate static flow (~40 cm s−1), whereas in the unrestored habitat, grayling showed the opposite pattern. Moreover, grayling reduced their number of position changes in the intermediate static flow, which was reflected by a reduction in active swimming. Stomach analysis after the trials revealed that foraging success was higher in variable than in the stable flow treatment. These results show that flow magnitude, flow changes and instream structure play important roles in the behaviour of stream fishes.
European environment policy for the circular economy: Implications for business and industry stakeholders
Authors: Camilleri Mark Anthony
Published: August 2020

European Union (EU) institutions and agencies are increasingly raising awareness on the circular economy agenda. They are encouraging marketplace stakeholders to engage in sustainable production and consumption behaviors by reducing, reusing, restoring, refurbishing, and recycling resources in all stages of their value chain. Therefore, this research evaluates the latest European environmental policies including its “new circular economy plans for a cleaner and more competitive Europe.” Afterwards, it presents a systematic literature review that is focused on the circular economy in the EU context. The findings suggest that there are a number of opportunities as well as challenges for the successful planning, organization, implementation, and measurement of circular economy practices for sustainable supply chains in Europe. This contribution identifies key implications and provides reasonable recommendations to policy makers and industry practitioners.
Calcifiers can Adjust Shell Building at the Nanoscale to Resist Ocean Acidification
Authors: Leung Jonathan Y. S. , Chen Yujie , Nagelkerken Ivan , Zhang Sam , Xie Zonghan , Connell Sean D.
Published: August 2020

Ocean acidification is considered detrimental to marine calcifiers based on laboratory studies showing that increased seawater acidity weakens their ability to build calcareous shells needed for growth and protection. In the natural environment, however, the effects of ocean acidification are subject to ecological and evolutionary processes that may allow calcifiers to buffer or reverse these short‐term negative effects through adaptive mechanisms. Using marine snails inhabiting a naturally CO2‐enriched environment over multiple generations, it is discovered herein that they build more durable shells (i.e., mechanically more resilient) by adjusting the building blocks of their shells (i.e., calcium carbonate crystals), such as atomic rearrangement to reduce nanotwin thickness and increased incorporation of organic matter. However, these adaptive adjustments to future levels of ocean acidification (year 2100) are eroded at extreme CO2 concentrations, leading to construction of more fragile shells. The discovery of adaptive mechanisms of shell building at the nanoscale provides a new perspective on why some calcifiers may thrive and others collapse in acidifying oceans, and highlights the inherent adaptability that some species possess in adjusting to human‐caused environmental change.
Multiscale Hierarchically Engineered Carbon Nanosheets Derived from Covalent Organic Framework for Potassium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Xu Qing , Li Qian , Guo Yu , Luo Dan , Qian Jing , Li Xiaopeng , Wang Yong
Published: August 2020

Previous research on potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) indicates that promising carbon anode materials should have several carefully crafted features across different length scales including uniform heteroatom doping at atomic scale, proper carbon interspacing at sub‐nanoscale, and hierarchical pore system with pore size spanning from nano‐ to macro‐scale. However, it remains a grand challenge to construct a carbon material that possesses all the features. Here, this paper reports an attractive strategy of converting ordered mesoporous covalent organic framework (COF) via guest dopant inclusions and high‐temperature COF–guest interactions into carbon nanosheets with multilevel hierarchy. The as‐prepared carbon material exhibits homogeneous co‐doping of nitrogen and phosphorus, a large carbon layer interspacing of ≈0.4 nm, and rich micro/meso/macro‐pores. The assembled PIB anode delivers a high reversible potassium capacity of 404 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1, as well as excellent long‐term stability by maintaining a capacity of 179 mAh g−1 at 1000 mA g−1 over 2000 cycles, placing it in the rank of best‐performing carbon anodes for PIBs. This work demonstrates the intriguing power of COF–guest chemistry in hierarchically engineering carbon structures.
In Situ Studies of Solvent Additive Effects on the Morphology Development during Printing of Bulk Heterojunction Films for Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Yang Dan , Grott Sebastian , Jiang Xinyu , Wienhold Kerstin S. , Schwartzkopf Matthias , Roth Stephan V. , Müller‐Buschbaum Peter
Published: August 2020

The development of polymer morphology and crystallinity of printed bulk heterojunction (BHJ) films doped with the different solvent additives 1,8‐diiodooctane (DIO) or diphenyl ether (DPE) is investigated with in situ grazing‐incidence small/wide‐angle X‐ray scattering. The solvent additives, having different boiling points, lead to a different film drying behavior and morphology growth states in the BHJ films of the benzothiadiazole‐based polymer (PPDT2FBT) and [6,6]‐phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM). The phase demixing in the printed films is changing over time along with solvent evaporation. Polymer domains start aggregating to form larger domains in the liquid–liquid phase, while phase separation mainly occurs in the liquid–solid phase. The present work provides a profound insight into the morphology development of printed BHJ films doped with different solvent additives, which is particularly important for the large‐scale fabrication of organic photovoltaics.
Electrical and Optical Properties of Nickel‐Oxide Films for Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Ismail , Hasan A. K. Mahmud , Qarony Wayesh , Shahiduzzaman Md. , Islam M. A. , Ishikawa Yasuaki , Uraoka Yukiharu , Amin Nowshad , Knipp Dietmar , Akhtaruzzaman Md. , Tsang Yuen Hong
Published: August 2020

Efficient hole transport layer (HTL) is crucial for realizing efficient perovskite solar cells (PSCs). In this study, nickel‐oxide (NiOX) thin‐films are investigated as a potential HTL for PSCs. The NiOX films are prepared by electron‐beam physical vapor deposition at low temperatures. The crystalline properties and the work function are determined by X‐ray diffraction and photoelectric yield spectroscopy. The transmission and the complex refractive index of the films are determined by optical spectroscopy and ellipsometry. Furthermore, PSCs are fabricated and characterized. The short‐circuit current density (Jsc) of the PSC is limited by the optical loss due to the NiOx front contact. The optical losses of the front contact are quantified by optical simulations using finite‐difference time‐domain simulations, and a solar cell structure with improved light incoupling is designed. Furthermore, the electrical characteristics of the solar cell are simulated by finite element method simulations. As a result, it is found that the optical losses can be reduced by 70%, and the light incoupling can be improved so that the JSC can be increased by up to 12%, allowing for the realization of PSCs with an energy conversion efficiency of 22%. Findings from the numerical simulations are compared with experimentally realized results.
Leadership within action research: Surfacing the collective nature of leadership
Authors: Piggot‐Irvine Eileen , Ferkins Lesley , Rowe Wendy
Published: August 2020

This article shares specific leadership findings from the evaluative study of action research AR (ESAR). Few studies have examined the leadership dynamic within action research (AR), and fewer still across multiple projects. Leadership surfaced as a critical element in the ESAR as we sought to examine processes, outcomes and impacts of AR at a meta level. Evidence was collected from six AR case study projects via interviews, survey, goal attainment scaling and documentary analysis, followed by a survey issued to 195 projects internationally (174 responded), that is, all of the projects recruited and compiled in our ‘Directory’ at the beginning of the ESAR. The findings revealed that leadership was more collaborative than hierarchical though there was evidence that a single key person leading was pivotal to enhancing processes, outcomes and impacts of the AR projects. In this article, we offer new thinking about leadership elements that enhance AR as well as contribute to the growing conversation about shared, collective and relational approaches to leadership situated within AR systems.
Extended tight‐binding quantum chemistry methods
Authors: Bannwarth Christoph , Caldeweyher Eike , Ehlert Sebastian , Hansen Andreas , Pracht Philipp , Seibert Jakob , Spicher Sebastian , Grimme Stefan
Published: August 2020

This review covers a family of atomistic, mostly quantum chemistry (QC) based semiempirical methods for the fast and reasonably accurate description of large molecules in gas and condensed phase. The theory is derived from a density functional (DFT) perturbation expansion of the electron density in fluctuation terms to various orders similar to the original density functional tight binding model. The term “eXtended” in their name (xTB) emphasizes the parameter availability for almost the entire periodic table of elements (Z ≤ 86) and improvements of the underlying theory regarding, for example, the atomic orbital basis set, the level of multipole approximation and the treatment of the important electrostatic and dispersion interactions. A common feature of most members is their consistent parameterization on accurate gas phase theoretical reference data for geometries, vibrational frequencies and noncovalent interactions, which are the primary properties of interest in typical applications to systems composed of up to a few thousand atoms. Further specialized versions were developed for the description of electronic spectra and corresponding response properties. Besides a provided common theoretical background with some important implementation details in the efficient and free xtb program, various benchmarks for structural and thermochemical properties including (transition‐)metal systems are discussed. The review is completed by recent extensions of the model to the force‐field (FF) level as well as its application to solids under periodic boundary conditions. The general applicability together with the excellent cost‐accuracy ratio and the high robustness make the xTB family of methods very attractive for various fields of computer‐aided chemical research.

This article is categorized under:

Electronic Structure Theory > Ab Initio Electronic Structure Methods

Electronic Structure Theory > Semiempirical Electronic Structure Methods

Software > Quantum Chemistry
Treatment of a slaughterhouse wastewater by anoxic–aerobic biological reactors followed by UV‐C disinfection and microalgae bioremediation
Authors: Svierzoski Nicoly Dal Santo , Matheus Maurício Carvalho , Bassin João Paulo , Brito Yves Dias , Mahler Claudio Fernando , Webler Alberto Dresch
Published: August 2020

In this study, removal of organic matter and nitrogen from a cattle slaughterhouse wastewater was investigated in a two‐stage anoxic–aerobic biological system, followed by UV‐C disinfection. Ecotoxicity of the raw, biotreated, and disinfected wastewater against the microalgae Scenedesmus sp. was evaluated in short‐term tests, while the potential of the microalgae as a nutrient removal step was addressed in long‐term experiments. Throughout 5 operational phases, the biological system was subjected to gradual reduction of the hydraulic retention time (8–1.5 day), increasing the organic (0.21–1.11 kgCOD·m−3·day−1) and nitrogen (0.05–0.28 kgN·m−3· day−1) loading rates. COD and total ammoniacal nitrogen (TAN) removal ranged within 83%–97% and 83%–99%, respectively. While providing alkalinity source, effluent TAN concentrations were below 5 mg·L‐1. Nitrate was the main nitrification product, while nitrite levels remained low (<1 mgN·L‐1). Upon supplementation of external COD as ethanol, total nitrogen removal reached up to 90% at the highest load (0.28 kgN·m−3·day−1). After UV‐C treatment, 3‐log reduction of total coliforms was attained. The 96‐hr ecotoxicity tests showed that all non‐diluted samples tested (raw, biologically treated and UV‐C irradiated wastewater) were toxic to microalgae. Nevertheless, these organisms were able to acclimate and grow under the imposed conditions, allowing to achieve nitrogen and phosphorous removal up to 99.1% and 43.0%, respectively.

Practitioner points

The treatment of a slaughterhouse wastewater in an anoxic–aerobic biological system followed by a UV‐C disinfection step was assessed.

The pre‐denitrification system showed efficient simultaneous removal of organic matter and nitrogen from the wastewater under increasing applied loads.

UV‐C disinfection worked effectively in reducing coliforms from the biotreated effluent, boosting the performance of microalgae on nutrients removal.

Despite the toxicity to microalgae, they were capable to acclimate to the aqueous matrices tested, reducing efficiently the nutrients content.

The combined stages of treatment presented great capacity for depleting up to 97% COD, 99% nitrogen, and 43% phosphorous.