bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Superficial wound disruption after cesarean delivery: effect of the depth and closure of subcutaneous tissue
Authors: Cetin A. , Cetin M.
Published: July 2002

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the depth of subcutaneous tissue at the operative site and the closure of subcutaneous tissue on abdominal wound disruption after cesarean delivery. Methods: 164 women divided into two groups: 70 with subcutaneous tissue thickness of at least 2 cm and 94 with subcutaneous tissue thickness more than 2 cm. These groups were randomized to closure of the subcutaneous fat tissue or no closure with cesarean delivery. Results: In the 68 women with subcutaneous tissue thickness of at least 2 cm who completed the study, there was no difference between closure and no closure subgroups in terms of incidence of wound disruption. In 91 women with subcutaneous tissue thickness more than 2 cm who completed the study, the incidence of wound disruption was significantly higher in the no closure subgroup. In the no closure subgroup of 91 women with subcutaneous fat thickness more than 2 cm, the incidence of wound disruption was significantly higher than that of the 68 women with subcutaneous tissue thickness at least 2 cm. Conclusions: Subcutaneous tissue approximation with absorbable suture at closure of the abdominal incision during cesarean delivery appears to reduce the rate of postoperative wound disruption in patients with more than 2 cm of subcutaneous tissue.
Tissue reactions to particles of bone‐substitute materials in intraosseous and heterotopic sites in rats: discrimination of osteoinduction, osteocompatibility, and inflammation
Authors: Eid K. , Zelicof S. , Perona B. P. , Sledge C. B. , Glowacki J.
Published: July 2002

Two rat models were used to characterize tissue‐specific reactions to particles of bone‐substitute materials: one for osteocompatibility in a healing tibial wound and the other in a heterotopic, subcutaneous site. Small, unicortical tibial wounds in rats healed spontaneously, beginning with the rapid proliferation of intramedullary woven bone. That temporary bone was resorbed by osteoclasts and finally, the cortical wound was healed with lamellar bone and the medullary space was repopulated with marrow. When various particulate materials were implanted into fresh wounds, three types of reactions were observed. (1) Demineralized bone powder (DBP) and non‐resorbable calcium phosphate (nrCP) were incorporated into the reactive medullary and cortical bone. (2) Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) particles were surrounded with a fibrous layer, but did not impair bone healing. (3) Polyethylene (PE) shards and resorbable calcium phosphates (rCPs) were inflammatory and inhibited osseous repair.

Subcutaneous sites showed osteoinductive, fibrotic, or inflammatory responses to these materials. Only DBP induced endochondral osteogenesis subcutaneously. The nrCP evoked a fibrous reaction. In contrast, rCPs, PMMA, and PE shards generated inflammatory reactions with each particle being surrounded by fibrous tissue and large multinucleated giant cells.

In conclusion, only DBP showed osteoinductive as well as osteocompatible properties. The nrCP was osteocompatible. The rCPs stimulated various degrees of inflammatory responses. PMMA was osteocompatible and did not interfere with the bone healing process. PE was not osteocompatible and generated foreign body reactions in both sites. Use of the two sites distinguishes osteoinductive, osteocompatible, and inflammatory properties of particles of bone‐substitute materials. © 2001 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Suicide and homicide after the fall of communist regimes
Authors: Lester D
Published: July 2002

Both suicide and homicide rates rose in nations formed after the formal break-up of the Soviet Union in 1991. Homicide rates, but not suicide rates rose in Eastern European nations after the fall of their communist regimes in 1989.
Persistent cerebellar deterioration in a patient with lobar pneumonia under lithium, carbamazepine, and trifluperidol treatment
Authors: Bischof F , Melms A , Fetter M
Published: July 2002

We report on a patient with schizoaffective disorder who was on combination therapy of lithium, carbamazepine, and the neuroleptic trifluperidol. He experienced a lobar pneumonia and developed an acute and persistent cerebellar deterioration which was most likely due to lithium toxicity, while the serum lithium level was within the therapeutic range. The combination of lithium, carbamazepine, and neuroleptics is common, and is generally considered to be safe. The reported case suggests that this regimen might increase the risk of intoxication with potentially disabling side-effects.
An integrative approach to using student investment clubs and student investment funds in the finance curriculum
Authors: Grinder Brian , Cooper Dan W. , Britt Michael
Published: July 2002

The educational advantages of student investment clubs and student investment funds have been well documented. This paper suggests ways to integrate them into the finance curriculum and examines the benefits of integrating both funds and clubs into an instructional framework that provides important out-of-class experience to potential finance students, allows for the practical application of finance theory, and gives alumni an opportunity to remain involved with their alma mater. A discussion of how research in student learning styles can help instructors maximize the benefits of club and fund activity is also included. © 1999 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.
The LIDO, HOPE, MOXCON and WASH studies
Authors: Jones Christopher G. , Cleland John G.F.
Published: July 2002

This is a summary of the meeting reports of the LIDO, HOPE, MOXCON and WASH studies based on their presentations at recent international symposia. These studies have already been covered, alongside others, as part of the Cardio.net overnight reporting series (www.cardio.net) from these symposia.
Immobilization of the extracellular recombinant Lucky9 xylanase from Bacillus subtilis enhances activity at high temperature and pH
Authors: Ding Sai‐sai , Zhu Jin‐peng , Wang Yang , Wu Bin , Zhao Zongpei
Published: October 2020

In the paper industry, chlorine is often used to treat the pulp for bleaching. After pulping, a large amount of xylan is present in the fiber. Xylanase can be used to degrade xylan in an eco‐friendly process called biobleaching, which can help minimize the usage of chlorine in the delignification process. However, a bottleneck in the adoption of biobleaching is the cost of xylanase and the requirement that xylanase be active and stable at extreme conditions. Here, we investigated whether using sodium alginate beads to immobilize an extracellular xylanase from Bacillus subtilis (Lucky9) can reduce the potential cost of enzyme usage. The optimal pH and the activity of the immobilized enzyme were increased at optimal temperature compared with the free enzyme. In addition, immobilized xylanase was shown to be more stable than free xylanase. The results of this study suggest that the immobilized xylanase has potential applications in the biobleaching industry.
Remote Regulation of Optogenetic Proteins by a Magneto‐Luminescence Microdevice
Authors: Zhang Yingying , Zhang Xin , Wang Hanjie , Tian Yu , Pan Huizhuo , Zhang Lili , Wang Feng , Chang Jin
Published: October 2020

Mechanoluminescence (ML) is characterized by photon emission under mechanical action, which is promising for biomedical applications, such as stress sensing and artificial skin. However, the use of ML in deep tissues has encountered a bottleneck due to the need for contact excitation. In this paper, a magneto‐luminescence microdevice (MLMD) is devised to realize optical emission through non‐contact excitation of a rotating magnetic field. The MLMD is composed of ML materials (lanthanide‐doped CaZnOS crystals) and a magnet bar, in which the magnet bar can collect excitation energy of the magnetic field and then drive the ML materials to emit light by rotational motion. The optical emission of the MLMD is used to remotely stimulate two optogenetic models at different tissue depths, including subcutaneous photodynamic therapy of tumor and neuromodulation of behaving mice. This work establishes an innovative approach to achieve remote control of light delivery, which is expected to inspire new applications in biomedicine.
Intelligent Silk Fibroin Based Microneedle Dressing (i‐SMD)
Authors: Gao Bingbing , Guo Maoze , Lyu Kai , Chu Tianshu , He Bingfang
Published: October 2020

Wounds, especially those caused by chronic diseases, are severe threats to human health. To facilitate their recovery, considerable efforts have been devoted to the generation of wound tissues and the detection of wound biomarkers. Here, an intelligent origami silk fibroin microneedle‐structured dressing (i‐SMD) with a smart drug release system, biochemical sensing, and physiological monitoring ability for epidermal sensing and wound healing, is presented. By utilizing temperature‐responsive N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) hydrogel and inverse opal (IO) photonic crystals (PCs) as a smart drug release system, controllable drug release is achieved on the i‐SMD. The patterned microfluidic channels on the i‐SMD and IO PCs enable the liquid to flow spontaneously in the channels, thereby achieving sensitive multiple biochemical analysis of inflammatory factors; meanwhile, microelectronic circuits integrated on the i‐SMD enable sensitive motion monitoring. Notably, the performance of i‐SMD in facilitating wound healing is demonstrated by treating full‐thickness cutaneous wounds in a diabetic mouse model, indicating the remarkable prospects of i‐SMD in wound management and other related biomedical fields.
Transparent Soft Actuators/Sensors and Camouflage Skins for Imperceptible Soft Robotics
Authors: Won Phillip , Kim Kyun Kyu , Kim Hyeonseok , Park Jung Jae , Ha Inho , Shin Jaeho , Jung Jinwook , Cho Hyunmin , Kwon Jinhyeong , Lee Habeom , Ko Seung Hwan
Published: October 2020

The advent of soft robotics has led to great advancements in robots, wearables, and even manufacturing processes by employing entirely soft‐bodied systems that interact safely with any random surfaces while providing great mechanical compliance. Moreover, recent developments in soft robotics involve advances in transparent soft actuators and sensors that have made it possible to construct robots that can function in a visually and mechanically unobstructed manner, assisting the operations of robots and creating more applications in various fields. In this aspect, imperceptible soft robotics that mainly consist of optically transparent imperceptible hardware components is expected to constitute a new research focus in the forthcoming era of soft robotics. Here, the recent progress regarding extended imperceptible soft robotics is provided, including imperceptible transparent soft robotics (transparent soft actuators/sensors) and imperceptible nontransparent camouflage skins. Their principles, materials selections, and working mechanisms are discussed so that key challenges and perspectives in imperceptible soft robotic systems can be explored.
Photonic Fractal Metamaterials: A Metal–Semiconductor Platform with Enhanced Volatile‐Compound Sensing Performance
Authors: Fusco Zelio , Rahmani Mohsen , Tran‐Phu Thanh , Ricci Chiara , Kiy Alexander , Kluth Patrick , Della Gaspera Enrico , Motta Nunzio , Neshev Dragomir , Tricoli Antonio
Published: October 2020

Advance of photonics media is restrained by the lack of structuring techniques for the 3D fabrication of active materials with long‐range periodicity. A methodology is reported for the engineering of tunable resonant photonic media with thickness exceeding the plasmonic near‐field enhancement region by more than two orders of magnitude. The media architecture consists of a stochastically ordered distribution of plasmonic nanocrystals in a fractal scaffold of high‐index semiconductors. This plasmonic‐semiconductor fractal media supports the propagation of surface plasmons with drastically enhanced intensity over multiple length scales, overcoming the 2D limitations of established metasurface technologies. The fractal media are used for the fabrication of plasmonic optical gas sensors, achieving a limit of detection of 0.01 vol% at room temperature and sensitivity up to 1.9 nm vol%−1, demonstrating almost a fivefold increase with respect to an optimized planar geometry. Beneficially to their implementation, the self‐assembly mechanism of this fractal architecture allows fabrication of micrometer‐thick media over surfaces of several square centimeters in a few seconds. The designable optical features and intrinsic scalability of these photonic fractal metamaterials provide ample opportunities for applications, bridging across transformation optics, sensing, and light harvesting.
Color‐Tunable, Excitation‐Dependent, and Time‐Dependent Afterglows from Pure Organic Amorphous Polymers
Authors: Dou Xueyu , Zhu Tianwen , Wang Zhengshuo , Sun Wei , Lai Yueying , Sui Kunyan , Tan Yeqiang , Zhang Yongming , Yuan Wang Zhang
Published: October 2020

Achieving persistent room‐temperature phosphorescence (p‐RTP), particularly those of tunable full‐colors, from pure organic amorphous polymers is attractive but challenging. Particularly, those with tunable multicolor p‐RTP in response to excitation wavelength and time are highly important but both fundamentally and technically underexplored. Here, a facile and general strategy toward color‐tunable p‐RTP from blue to orange‐red based on amidation grafting of luminophores onto sodium alginate (SA) chains, resulting in amorphous polymers with distinct p‐RTP and even impressively excitation‐dependent and time‐dependent afterglows is reported. p‐RTP is associated with the unique semi‐rigidified SA chains, effective hydrogen bonding network, and oxygen barrier properties of SA, whereas excitation‐dependent and time‐dependent afterglows should stem from the formation of diversified p‐RTP emissive species with comparable but different lifetimes. These results outline a rational strategy toward amorphous smart luminophores with colorful, excitation‐dependent, and time‐dependent p‐RTP, excellent solution processability, and film‐forming ability for versatile applications.
The Importance of Quantifying the Composition of the Amorphous Intermixed Phase in Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Marina Sara , Kaufmann Noëmi Petrina , Karki Akchheta , Gutiérrez‐Meza Elizabeth , Gutiérrez‐Fernández Edgar , Vollbrecht Joachim , Solano Eduardo , Walker Barnaby , Bannock James H. , de Mello John , Silva Carlos , Nguyen Thuc‐Quyen , Cangialosi Daniele , Stingelin Natalie , Martín Jaime
Published: October 2020

The relation of phase morphology and solid‐state microstructure with organic photovoltaic (OPV) device performance has intensely been investigated over the last twenty years. While it has been established that a combination of donor:acceptor intermixing and presence of relatively phase‐pure donor and acceptor domains is needed to get an optimum compromise between charge generation and charge transport/charge extraction, a quantitative picture of how much intermixing is needed is still lacking. This is mainly due to the difficulty in quantitatively analyzing the intermixed phase, which generally is amorphous. Here, fast scanning calorimetry, which allows measurement of device‐relevant thin films (<200 nm thickness), is exploited to deduce the precise composition of the intermixed phase in bulk‐heterojunction structures. The power of fast scanning calorimetry is illustrated by considering two polymer:fullerene model systems. Somewhat surprisingly, it is found that a relatively small fraction (<15 wt%) of an acceptor in the intermixed amorphous phase leads to efficient charge generation. In contrast, charge transport can only be sustained in blends with a significant amount of the acceptor in the intermixed phase (in this case: ≈58 wt%). This example shows that fast scanning calorimetry is an important tool for establishing a complete compositional characterization of organic bulk heterojunctions. Hence, it will be critical in advancing quantitative morphology–function models that allow for the rational design of these devices, and in delivering insights in, for example, solar cell degradation mechanisms via phase separation, especially for more complex high‐performing systems such as nonfullerene acceptor:polymer bulk heterojunctions.
Subdiffraction Limited Photonic Funneling of Light
Authors: Li Kun , Simmons Evan , Briggs Andrew , Nordin Leland , Xu Jiaming , Podolskiy Viktor , Wasserman Daniel
Published: October 2020

Efficient optical coupling between nano‐ and macroscale areas is strongly suppressed by the diffraction limit. This work presents a possible solution to this fundamental problem via the experimental fabrication, characterization, and comprehensive theoretical analysis of structures referred to as “photonic funnels.” The funnels represent a novel composite material platform that combines hyperbolic dielectric response with geometry‐assisted optical confinement. Experimentally, funneling of mid‐infrared light through openings with diameters as small as 1/25th of the free space wavelength (λ0) is demonstrated. By analyzing the optical response of the funnels, as fabricated, both confinement of mid‐infrared radiation to the λ0/25 areas and efficient outcoupling of light from deep subwavelength areas are confirmed.
Phase‐Changing Microcapsules Incorporated with Black Phosphorus for Efficient Solar Energy Storage
Authors: Huang Hao , Shi Tongyu , He Rui , Wang Jiahong , Chu Paul K. , Yu Xue‐Feng
Published: October 2020

A new solar energy storage system is designed and synthesized based on phase‐changing microcapsules incorporated with black phosphorus sheets (BPs). BPs are 2D materials with broad light absorption and high photothermal performance, which are synthesized and covalently modified with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) to produce the PMMA‐modified BPs (mBPs). With the aid of PMMA, the mBPs and phase‐changing materials (PCM, eicosane) are encapsulated together to form microcapsules. The microencapsulated eicosane and mBPs (mBPs‐MPCM) composites exhibit a high latent heat of over 180 kJ kg−1, good thermal reliability, as well as excellent photothermal characteristics inherited from BPs. Owing to the direct contact in the integrated mBPs‐MPCM composites, the thermal energy generated by mBPs is transferred to eicosane immediately giving rise to three times higher efficiency in solar energy storage compared to microcapsules with mBPs on the surface. The mBPs‐MPCM composites have great potential in solar energy storage applications and the concept of integrating photothermal materials and PCMs as the core provides insights into the design of high‐efficiency solar energy storage materials.
3D Architectures for Batteries and Electrodes
Authors: Long Jeffrey W. , Dunn Bruce , Rolison Debra R. , White Henry S.
Published: October 2020

The previous decade has witnessed the emergence of 3D architectures in battery electrodes, in fully functioning batteries and in the computational modeling supporting these activities. In this paper, the most important strides made in achieving these accomplishments are identified: developing design concepts for wiring 3D electrodes, understanding the inherently non‐uniform current and voltage distributions in non‐planar geometries, and demonstrating the fabrication of spatially complex 3D structures in miniaturized systems. 3D batteries represent one of the most promising approaches for creating miniaturized power sources for Internet of Things‐based applications and future efforts towards integrating modeling, 3D electrode design, and enhanced fabrication are expected to lead to rapid advancement in the development of this technology.
Probing Lithium Metals in Batteries by Advanced Characterization and Analysis Tools
Authors: Park Hyeokjun , Tamwattana Orapa , Kim Jihyeon , Buakeaw Sunisa , Hongtong Rattiya , Kim Byunghoon , Khomein Piyachai , Liu Gao , Meethong Nonglak , Kang Kisuk
Published: October 2020

Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) are one of the most promising next‐generation batteries in achieving the high energy density because of their low reduction potential and large theoretical capacity. However, since the birth of the first rechargeable lithium batteries, the uncontrolled lithium growth and the accompanying side‐reactions have seriously hampered the development of LMBs. Decades of research efforts have extensively studied the mechanisms governing these issues; however, the practical adoption of lithium metal in batteries is still yet to come. Recent advancements of the characterization tools offer unprecedentedly detailed views of the behavior of lithium metals in the electrochemical cells, which have been considered challenging due to the intrinsic instability of lithium metal. This new capability elucidates the stripping and deposition nature of lithium metal more closely, thus revealing what had been overlooked or remained unseen. Herein, recent advances in characterization and analysis tools for studies of LMBs are summarized, and what new findings and insights have been obtained in the understanding of LMBs are discussed. It is believed that this report will aid in addressing the opportunities and remaining challenges in the research of lithium metal by giving a comprehensive perspective on the current advanced suits of characterization tools, therefore expediting the development of practical LMBs.
Milk Income over Feed Cost Margin, Margin Protection Program, and Farm Finances for a Sample of Wisconsin Dairies in 2000–2017
Authors: Skevas Theodoros , Thompson Wyatt , Brown Scott , Cabrera Victor E.
Published: October 2020

The relationship between farm‐level milk income over feed cost (IOFC) margin and national margin, profit risk, and terminal stress risk are investigated using data on Wisconsin dairy farms over the period 2000–2017. Results show that farm‐specific IOFC margins were not highly correlated with the national margin, higher farm IOFC margin increased profit level and volatility but decreased downside risk, and farm terminal stress appears unaffected by either the margin or the related payments. These findings suggest that, for sample farms, a policy that targets IOFC margin might reduce downside risk of net farm income.
Real Options and Reduction of Basic Risk of Index‐Based Climate Agricultural Insurance
Authors: Le Fur Eric , Outreville J. François
Published: October 2020

This article is a discussion of the concept of index‐based agricultural insurance and the possible role of real options to reduce the basic risk. Indeed, to address the consequences of variability of weather within climate, experiments based on indexed agricultural insurance have been implemented in recent years. However, this locally defined insurance scheme has a weak point called the basic risk, i.e., the difference between the reality of climatic shocks and the payment of compensation. Real options allow this gap to be filled by offering alternatives to farmers. This article is the first to discuss the use of real options in the basic risk management of index‐based climate agricultural insurance. The implications for farmers in developing countries, insurers, and local and institutional organizations and communities are important: better management of operating conditions, optimized financial management, and consideration of real climatic conditions.
Why does strength training improve endurance performance?
Authors: Best Andrew W.
Published: October 2020

Objective

The specificity of training principle holds that adaptations to exercise training closely match capacity to the specific demands of the stimulus. Improvements in endurance sport performance gained through strength training are a notable exception to this principle. While the proximate mechanisms for how strength training produces muscular adaptations beneficial to endurance sports are increasingly well understood, the ultimate causes of this phenomenon remain unexplored.

Methods

Using a holistic approach tying together exercise physiology and evolution, I argue that we can reconcile the apparent “endurance training specificity paradox.”

Results and Conclusions

Competing selective pressures, inherited mammalian biology, and millennia of living in energy‐scarce environments constrained our evolution as endurance athletes, but also imparted high muscular plasticity which can be exploited to improve endurance performance beyond what was useful in our evolutionary past.
Tandem Mn–I Exchange and Homocoupling Processes Mediated by a Synergistically Operative Lithium Manganate
Authors: Uzelac Marina , Mastropierro Pasquale , de Tullio Marco , Borilovic Ivana , Tarrés Màrius , Kennedy Alan R. , Aromí Guillem , Hevia Eva
Published: October 2020

Pairing lithium and manganese(II) to form lithium manganate [Li2Mn(CH2SiMe3)4] enables the efficient direct Mn–I exchange of aryliodides, affording transient (aryl)lithium manganate intermediates which in turn undergo spontaneous C−C homocoupling at room temperature to furnish symmetrical (bis)aryls in good yields under mild reaction conditions. The combination of EPR with X‐ray crystallographic studies has revealed the mixed Li/Mn constitution of the organometallic intermediates involved in these reactions, including the homocoupling step which had previously been thought to occur via a single‐metal Mn aryl species. These studies show Li and Mn working together in a synergistic manner to facilitate both the Mn–I exchange and the C−C bond‐forming steps. Both steps are carefully synchronized, with the concomitant generation of the alkyliodide ICH2SiMe3 during the Mn–I exchange being essential to the aryl homocoupling process, wherein it serves as an in situ generated oxidant.
Flow Electrolyzer Mass Spectrometry with a Gas‐Diffusion Electrode Design
Authors: Hasa Bjorn , Jouny Matthew , Ko Byung Hee , Xu Bingjun , Jiao Feng
Published: October 2020

Operando mass spectrometry is a powerful technique to probe reaction intermediates near the surface of catalyst in electrochemical systems. For electrochemical reactions involving gas reactants, conventional operando mass spectrometry struggles in detecting reaction intermediates because the batch‐type electrochemical reactor can only handle a very limited current density due to the low solubility of gas reactant(s). Herein, we developed a new technique, namely flow electrolyzer mass spectrometry (FEMS), by incorporating a gas‐diffusion electrode design, which enables the detection of reactive volatile or gaseous species at high operating current densities (>100 mA cm−2). We investigated the electrochemical carbon monoxide reduction reaction (eCORR) on polycrystalline copper and elucidated the oxygen incorporation mechanism in the acetaldehyde formation. Combining FEMS and isotopic labelling, we showed that the oxygen in the as‐formed acetaldehyde intermediate originates from the reactant CO, while ethanol and n‐propanol contained mainly solvent oxygen. The observation provides direct experimental evidence of an isotopic scrambling mechanism.
The Nature of Chalcogen‐Bonding‐Type Tellurium–Nitrogen Interactions: A First Experimental Structure from the Gas Phase
Authors: Glodde Timo , Vishnevskiy Yury V. , Zimmermann Lars , Stammler Hans‐Georg , Neumann Beate , Mitzel Norbert W.
Published: October 2020

(C6F5)Te(CH2)3NMe2 (1), a perfluorophenyltellurium derivative capable of forming intramolecular N⋅⋅⋅Te interactions, was prepared and characterized. The donor‐free reference substance (C6F5)TeMe (2) and the unsupported adduct (C6F5)(Me)Te⋅NMe2Et (2 b) were studied in parallel. Molecular structures of 1, 2 and 2 b were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and for 1 and 2 by gas‐phase electron diffraction. The structure of 1 shows N⋅⋅⋅Te distances of 2.639(1) Å (solid) and 2.92(3) Å (gas). Ab initio plus NBO and QTAIM calculations show significant charge transfer effects within the N⋅⋅⋅Te interactions and indicate σ‐hole interactions.
Relation between activation energy and induction in rubber sulfur vulcanization: An experimental study
Authors: Milani Gabriele , Milani Federico
Published: October 2020

The article presents the possibility to use the so‐called frequency factors in order to select the optimal temperature to mix rubber blend recipes before vulcanization without inducing premature crosslinking. As secondary result of the research, it provides a very simple approach to evaluate induction assuming a first order kinetic approach. It has been frequently observed that the activation energy in a first order rubber vulcanization scheme appears to be function of the particular activators used and that activation energy links to the so‐called waiting time (and induction) by means of the frequency factor through an exponential relationship. A total of 212 rheometer curves are experimentally obtained and suitably postprocessed, consisting of pure natural rubber (NR), polybutadiene (PB), and 50–50 or 70%–30% NR‐PR blends in presence of different concentrations of sulfur and accelerants (diphenyl guanidine [DPG] and N‐t‐butylbenzothiazole‐sulfenamide [TBBS]). Data reduction is carried out to have an insight into the most suitable temperature to utilize in the different cases in order to: (a) Obtain the best mixed blends without risking premature vulcanization and (b) design the induction phase without over vulcanize the blend and/or delaying curing because the time required is too long. Waiting time and induction are evaluated by means of a well‐established exponential law requiring the knowledge of the activation energy (assuming for the sake of simplicity that crosslinking occurs following a first order reaction kinetic law) and a constant called “frequency factor”. Frequency factor, considering all reactions monomolecular for the sake of simplicity, is assumed of the order of magnitude of 10−13–10−14 s. All experimental data carried out are critically compared and a wide explanation of the expected induction times and most suitable temperatures to use in the mixing phase is provided in the different cases considered. The article provides a meaningful insight into the importance of the link existing among activation energy, vulcanization recipe (with particular regard to concentration of accelerants, blend between two rubbers with very different activation energies and interaction between two accelerants) and mixing temperature to adopt before curing.
Corporate governance and sustainability in water utilities. The effects of decorporatisation in the city of Naples, Italy
Authors: Agovino Massimiliano , Cerciello Massimiliano , Garofalo Antonio , Landriani Loris , Lepore Luigi
Published: October 2020

The recent economic literature has largely investigated sustainability in the provision of public utilities, highlighting the role of governance models in the determination of economic results. Little attention however has been devoted to the social and environmental dimensions of sustainability. In Italy, a long‐lasting debate on governance structures in the water sector has been fuelled by scholars and policymakers for more than 30 years, whereas the first (and unique) experiment involving the return of full public management in water provision is taking place in the city of Naples. The present work analyses this peculiar case study, aiming to assess the effects of a major governance shift that occurred in the early 2010s—that is, decorporatisation—in terms of economic, social and environmental sustainability. We resort to a bundle of qualitative and quantitative techniques to address the research question and our exploratory results suggest that decorporatisation was overall beneficial: Although little changed in terms of economic sustainability, the social and environmental dimensions benefitted from the shift in governance.
LncRNA NUTM2A‐AS1 positively modulates TET1 and HIF‐1A to enhance gastric cancer tumorigenesis and drug resistance by sponging miR‐376a
Authors: Wang Ji , Yu Ziyang , Wang Jun , Shen Yidan , Qiu Junlan , Zhuang Zhixiang
Published: October 2020

Long noncoding RNA NUTM2A‐AS1 has been shown to be dysregulated in non‐small cell lung carcinoma. To date, it is unclear whether NUTM2A‐AS1 plays a role in gastric cancer progression. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the molecular mechanism of the role of NUTM2A‐AS1 in gastric cancer. mRNA and protein levels were measured by RT‐qPCR and western blot methods. Invasion ability was examined by transwell assay. Cell viability was determined by MTT assay. Dual‐luciferase assay, RNA pull down, and RNA immunoprecipitation were used to confirm direct binding of between miR‐376a and NUTM2A‐AS1 or TET1. Xenografting tumor assay and TCGA analysis showed the contributory role of NUTM2A‐AS1 in vivo and human clinical setting. Our results suggested that NUTM2A‐AS1 promoted cell viability, invasion, and drug resistance of gastric cancer cells, which was largely rescued by miR‐376a. More interestingly, TET1 and HIF‐1A were negatively regulated by miR‐376a. TET1 could interact with HIF‐1A to modulate PD‐L1. Finally, we revealed that PD‐L1 was key to NUTM2A‐AS1‐ and miR‐376a‐mediated tumorigenesis and drug resistance. In summary, our conclusions facilitate us understand the underlying mechanism and develop novel treatment strategy for gastric cancer.
Aqueous Two‐Phase Extraction of Monoclonal Antibodies from High Cell Density Cell Culture
Authors: Kruse Thomas , Kampmann Markus , Greller Gerhard
Published: October 2020

Improvements of the upstream process for the production of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) has resulted in mammalian cell cultures with significantly increased cell densities. These high cell density (HCD) broths pose severe challenges for established downstream unit operations due to the increased biomass load. To meet these challenges, aqueous two‐phase extraction was examined as a potential method for the clarification, as well as first stage purification of a Chinese hamster ovary expressed mAb with cell densities up to 70 · 106 cells mL−1. A clarification with 99 % yield of mAb and 68 % DNA removal was accomplished, which contributes to enable a foundation to the industrial application of aqueous two‐phase extraction for manufacturing of mAb from HCD cultivations.
Structural Transition Dynamics in Carbon Electrode‐Based Single‐Molecule Junctions
Authors: Li Peihui , Jia Chuancheng , Guo Xuefeng
Published: October 2020

Monitoring the structural transitions of individual molecules is of great significance because it helps to in depth explore the properties of molecules and provide diverse possibilities for molecular applications in the fields of chemistry, biology and material science. This review summarizes the strategy of using single‐molecule electrical approaches to study molecular structure transitions at the single‐molecule level in real time. Specifically, through the use of stable single‐molecule devices for real‐time electrical monitoring, the process of molecular structure transitions of a single molecule can be investigated, which helps to explore the nature of molecules in chemical and biological systems. In particular, the detection methods have been extended to the investigation of biological macromolecules for monitoring the conformational changes of nucleotide chains in different systems, such as double helix DNA, aptamer and DNA enzyme. In the end, we discuss the future challenges of probing structural transitions of single molecules, and provide prospects for further breakthroughs in this field.

What is the most favorite and original chemistry developed in your research group?

Single‐molecule device fabrication and detection.

How do you get into this specific field? Could you please share some experiences with our readers?

I started to pursue this field during my PhD period. The promise of molecular electronics that might breakthrough the development bottleneck of current microelectronics inspired my great interest. This interest drives me to persist in the pursuit of practical molecular electronic devices as perfect as possible.

What is the most important personality for scientific research?

Three aspects: interest, persistence and industriousness. The first key to the success should be diligence.

How do you keep balance between research and family?

It is hard to balance the time. It is very important to have understanding and support from the family. I love them.

What's your hobbies?

Driving and watching movies.
Plasmonic Enhancement Mechanism of Template‐Based Synthesized Au@TiO2 Nanodiscs
Authors: Albarazanchi Abbas K. H. , Al‐Haddad Ahmed , Sultan Murtadha Faaiz
Published: October 2020

The localized plasmon resonance enhancement mechanisms were investigated as a function to increase the shell thickness of the prepared hexagonal nanodiscs arrays of Au@TiO2 core‐shell. The bare Au hexagonal nanodiscs array exhibited multiple plasmon resonance modes in the ultraviolet (UV) to near‐infrared (NIR) region. Au@TiO2 nanodiscs configuration present three different enhancement mechanisms with increasing TiO2 shell thickness. First, a strengthened plasmon‐induced resonance energy transfer (PIRET) for higher plasmonic resonance mode in the UV region. Second, redshifted and broadened direct electron transfer (DET) processes for the plasmonic dipole resonance mode from the Vis to the NIR region. Third, an increased hybridization retardation effect for the higher plasmonic mode in the Vis region. By using a facile and cost‐effective technique (nonlithographic route) to fabricate highly ordered core‐shell nanodiscs arrays (Au@TiO2 hexagonal nanodiscs) on a large area of Si substrate (>cm2) via an ultrathin alumina membrane (UTAM), this technique provides a perfect shadow mask to fabricate Au nanodiscs arrays; furthermore, the shadow effect of UTAM pores offers enough space to cover Au nanodiscs by the TiO2. These plasmonic core‐shell nanodiscs reveal a highly promising pathway to discovering new enhancement phenomena that can be applied in diverse applications such as plasmon‐enhanced energy conversion, biosensing, and surface‐enhanced vibrational spectroscopy.
Guanine‐Derived Porous Carbonaceous Materials: Towards C1N1
Authors: Kossmann Janina , Heil Tobias , Antonietti Markus , López‐Salas Nieves
Published: October 2020

Herein, the basic nature of noble covalent, sp2‐conjugated materials prepared via direct condensation of guanine in the presence of an inorganic salt melt as structure directing agent was studied. At temperatures below 700 °C stable and more basic addition products with at C/N ratio of 1 (C1N1 adducts) and with rather uniform micropore sizes were formed. Carbonization at higher temperatures broke the structural motif, and N‐doped carbons with 11 wt % and surface areas of 1900 m2 g−1 were obtained. The capability for CO2 sorption and catalytic activity of the materials depended of both their basicity and their pore morphology. The optimization of the synthetic parameters led to very active (100 % conversion) and highly selective (99 % selectivity) heterogeneous base catalysts, as exemplified with the model Knoevenagel condensation of benzaldehyde with malononitrile. The high stability upon oxidation of these covalent materials and their basicity open new perspectives in heterogeneous organocatalysis.
Transistor‐level optimization methodology for the complete design of switched‐capacitor filter circuits
Authors: Serra Hugo , Santos‐Tavares Rui , Paulino Nuno
Published: October 2020

This paper presents an automatic procedure for the design and optimization of switched‐capacitor (SC) filters, including the automatic sizing of transistors in the amplifiers and switches. The optimization procedure is based on genetic algorithms (GAs) where the circuit's fitness is first computed using equations describing the filter's transfer function and then using transient simulations. These equations are obtained using a fast numerical methodology that takes into consideration the electrical behavior of all components in the circuit. The poles and zeros of the SC filter's transfer function are computed using a system of differential equations, obtained from the inspection of the circuit. This system describes the filter's behavior for all switch combinations, including the non‐ideal effects of the transistors in the switches and amplifiers. Due to the low computational effort and accuracy of this methodology, it is possible to use a large population in the GA. After finding a solution through equations, the more computationally intensive SPICE transient simulations are used to fine‐tune the solution, with a much smaller population in the GA. Taking advantage of the equations' low computational load and accuracy, process, voltage, temperature (PVT) corners and mismatch errors optimizations are also performed, allowing the chromosomes fitness to be calculated taking into consideration multiple cases, thus resulting in a low sensitivity design.
Video chatting and appearance satisfaction during COVID‐19: Appearance comparisons and self‐objectification as moderators
Authors: Pfund Gabrielle N. , Hill Patrick L. , Harriger Jennifer
Published: October 2020

Objective

As video chatting has emerged as a leading form of communication for work, education, and socialization during the COVID‐19 pandemic, it is important to investigate the association between video chatting and appearance satisfaction.

Method

Participants included women from the United States (n = 438; age: M = 31.3, SD = 12.71) who completed measures examining their use of video chatting services, self‐objectification, video chatting appearance comparison, and appearance satisfaction.

Results

The total time spent on video chatting services was not associated with appearance satisfaction; however, self‐objectification moderated the relationship between total hours of video chatting and appearance satisfaction. In addition, participants who engaged in more video chatting appearance comparisons reported lower face and body satisfaction. Furthermore, video chatting appearance comparison was associated with more frequent usage of certain Zoom features, such as the “touch up my appearance” feature, and more time spent looking at oneself on video calls. Finally, those who spent more time engaged with their families over video chatting services reported greater face and body satisfaction.

Discussion

The results of the current study demonstrate that time spent video chatting is not predictive of appearance satisfaction, but that self‐objectification can exacerbate these associations.
Online conferences for better learning
Authors: Lortie Christopher J.
Published: October 2020

Conferences provide an invaluable set of opportunities for professional development. Online, virtual, and distributed conferences do not necessarily mean less opportunity for growth and innovation in science but varied and novel options for communicating the scientific process. Open science and many existing tools are in place in the practice of contemporary ecology and evolution to provide latitude for a much broader scope of sharing and thus learning from conferences. A brief overview of the science supporting online conferences and a highlight of some of the open science concepts in ecology and evolution are provided here to enable better learning through better planning for online conferences.
Translocation experiment reveals capacity for mountain pine beetle persistence under climate warming
Authors: Soderberg David N. , Mock Karen E. , Hofstetter Richard W. , Bentz Barbara J.
Published: October 2020

Predicting species response to climate change is a central challenge in ecology, particularly for species that inhabit large geographic areas. The mountain pine beetle (MPB) is a significant tree mortality agent in western North America with a distribution limited by climate. Recent warming has caused large‐scale MPB population outbreaks within its historical distribution, in addition to migration northward in western Canada. The relative roles of genetic and environmental sources of variation governing MPB capacity to persist in place in a changing climate, and the migratory potential at its southern range edge in the United States, have not been investigated. We reciprocally translocated MPB populations taken from the core and southern edge of their range, and simultaneously translocated both populations to a warmer, low‐elevation site near the southern range boundary where MPB activity has historically been absent despite suitable hosts. We found genetic variability and extensive plasticity in multiple fitness traits that would allow both populations to persist in a warming climate that resembles the thermal regime of our low‐elevation site. We demonstrate, for the first time, that supercooling points in MPBs are influenced both by genetic and environmental factors. Both populations reproduced with seasonally appropriate univoltine generation times at all translocated sites, and bivoltinism was not observed. The highest reproductive success occurred at the warmest, out‐of‐range low‐elevation site, suggesting that southward migration may not be temperature limited.
Radial growth responses of tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) to climate in the eastern United States
Authors: LeBlanc David , Maxwell Justin , Pederson Neil , Berland Adam , Mandra Tessa
Published: October 2020

Tulip poplar is an important component of the eastern deciduous forest and one of the few diffuse‐porous tree species with indeterminate apical growth in North America for which there are substantial dendroecological data. This dendroecological study evaluated correlations between radial growth of tulip poplar and monthly, seasonal, and annual climate variables and how these correlations varied across time and spatial climate gradients. The strongest and most spatially consistent correlations were with climate variables related to site water balance, especially precipitation. Growth was positively correlated with climate variables related to site water balance during the months of May through July of the year the annual ring forms and during the previous year growing season and autumn. Growth was negatively correlated with prior year growing season maximum temperature, but positively correlated with prior winter minimum temperature. There was some evidence of temporal variation in growth–climate associations between 1900 and 2016, but the climate variables with the strongest associations were consistent across different time periods. Correlations with climate variables related to water stress increased from east to west as precipitation decreased, but there was no spatial trend in correlations with growing season temperature from north to south as temperature increases. Strength of positive correlations with winter temperature increased from north to south. Growth of tulip poplar will likely be adversely affected if drought frequency or severity increases during the twenty‐first century. Increased winter temperature would likely have a positive influence on growth during the subsequent growing season in some parts of the species range. Radial growth of tulip poplar is most affected by climate conditions during a narrow time period early in the growing season, similar to results obtained for multiple oak species and a few other diffuse‐porous species in eastern North America. Simulation modelers might consider the phenology of these correlations to formulate more biologically realistic tree climate response functions.