bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Verstärkung einer Spannbetonbrücke mit Carbonbeton – Erweiterte Rechenmethoden zum Ankündigungsverhalten von Brücken mit spannungsrisskorrosionsgefährdetem Spannstahl
Authors: Steinbock Oliver , Wetzel Timm
Published: September 2021

Neue Entwicklungen und umgesetzte Verstärkungsmaßnahmen zeigen das Potenzial von Carbonbeton für die Ertüchtigung von Brücken im Bestand. Im Jahr 2020 wurden zunächst zwei Brückenbauwerke im Zuge der BAB A 648 mit Carbonbeton verstärkt. Im Jahr 2021 wird das dritte Teilbauwerk ebenfalls mit Carbonbeton verstärkt. Planung und Konzeption der Verstärkungsmaßnahme mit Carbonbeton zur Sicherstellung eines ausreichenden Ankündigungsverhaltens bei Spannungsrisskorrosion sind Gegenstand des Beitrags. Aufgrund der besonderen Konstruktionsform des Tragwerks kamen im Hinblick auf die Untersuchung des Ankündigungsverhaltens erweiterte Rechenmethoden zum Einsatz. Das Tragwerk mit kurzen Endfeldern ist repräsentativ für zahlreiche Bauwerke im Bestand. Aufgrund der ungünstigen Stützweitenverhältnisse ergeben sich bei der Anwendung der sog. Handlungsanweisung Spannungsrisskorrosion für Straßenbrücken rechnerische Defizite bzw. Anwendungsgrenzen bei den Verfahren. Für den vorliegenden Fall wurde daher eine Monte‐Carlo‐Simulation zur Untersuchung des Ankündigungsverhaltens durchgeführt und in Verbindung mit einer Verstärkungsmaßnahme mit Carbonbeton auch sichergestellt. Der vorliegende Beitrag fasst die rechnerische Vorgehensweise zusammen und zeigt die planerische Umsetzung der Verstärkungsmaßnahme.
The enigmatic Placozoa part 1: Exploring evolutionary controversies and poor ecological knowledge
Authors: Schierwater Bernd , Osigus Hans‐Jürgen , Bergmann Tjard , Blackstone Neil W. , Hadrys Heike , Hauslage Jens , Humbert Patrick O. , Kamm Kai , Kvansakul Marc , Wysocki Kathrin , DeSalle Rob
Published: September 2021

The placozoan Trichoplax adhaerens is a tiny hairy plate and more simply organized than any other living metazoan. After its original description by F.E. Schulze in 1883, it attracted attention as a potential model for the ancestral state of metazoan organization, the “Urmetazoon”. Trichoplax lacks any kind of symmetry, organs, nerve cells, muscle cells, basal lamina, and extracellular matrix. Furthermore, the placozoan genome is the smallest (not secondarily reduced) genome of all metazoan genomes. It harbors a remarkably rich diversity of genes and has been considered the best living surrogate for a metazoan ancestor genome. The phylum Placozoa presently harbors three formally described species, while several dozen “cryptic” species are yet awaiting their description. The phylogenetic position of placozoans has recently become a contested arena for modern phylogenetic analyses and view‐driven claims. Trichoplax offers unique prospects for understanding the minimal requirements of metazoan animal organization and their corresponding malfunctions.
Yield improvement of enediyne yangpumicins in Micromonospora yangpuensis through ribosome engineering and fermentation optimization
Authors: Wang Zilong , Sun Runze , Li Miao , Liu Ling , Duan Yanwen , Huang Yong
Published: September 2021

Yangpumicins (YPMs), for example, YPM A, F, and G, are newly discovered enediynes from Micromonospora yangpuensis DSM 45577, which could be exploited as promising payloads of antibody‐drug conjugates. However, the low yield of YPMs in the wild‐type strain (∼1 mg L−1) significantly hampers their further drug development. In this study, a combined ribosome engineering and fermentation optimization strategy has been used for yield improvement of YPMs. One gentamicin‐resistant M. yangpuensis DSM 45577 strain (MY‐G‐1) showed higher YPMs production (7.4 ± 1.0 mg L−1), while it exhibits delayed sporulation and slender mycelium under scanning electron microscopy. Whole genome re‐sequencing of MY‐G‐1 reveals several deletion and single nucleotide polymorphism mutations, which were confirmed by PCR and DNA sequencing. Further Box–Behnken experiment and regression analysis determined that the optimal medium concentrations of soluble starch, D‐mannitol, and pharmamedia for YPMs production in shaking flasks (10.0 ± 0.8 mg L−1). Finally, the total titer of YPM A/F/G in MY‐G‐1 reached to 15.0 ± 2.5 mg L−1 in 3 L fermenters, which was about 11‐fold higher than the original titer of 1.3 ± 0.3 mg L−1 in wild‐type strain. Our study may be instrumental to develop YPMs into a clinical anticancer drug, and inspire the use of these multifaceted strategies for yield improvement in Micromonospora species.

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Meta‐fermentation system with a mixed culture for the production of optically pure l‐lactic acid can be reconstructed using the minimum isolates with a simplified pH control strategy
Authors: Yue Siyuan , Mizoguchi Takaharu , Kohara Toshiya , Zhang Min , Watanabe Kota , Miyamoto Hirokuni , Tashiro Yukihiro , Sakai Kenji
Published: September 2021

Meta‐l‐lactic acid fermentation from non‐treated kitchen refuse was reconstructed using a combination of isolated bacterial strains under several pH control strategies. The meta‐fermentation system was successfully reconstructed using a combination of Weizmannia coagulans MN‐07, Caldibacillus thermoamylovorans OM55‐6, and Caldibacillus hisashii N‐11 strains. Additionally, a simplified constant pH control strategy was employed, which decreased fermentation time and increased production. The optimum pH (6.5) for the reconstructed meta‐fermentation was favorable for the respective pure cultures of the three selected strains. The l‐lactic acid production performance of the reconstructed meta‐fermentation system was as follows: concentration, 24.5 g L−1; optical purity, 100%; productivity, 0.341 g L−1 h−1; yield, 1.06 g g−1. These results indicated that constant pH control was effective in the reconstructed meta‐fermentation with the best performance of l‐lactic acid production at pH optimal for the selected bacterial growth, while the switching from swing pH control would suppress the activities of unfavorable bacterial species in un‐isolated meta‐fermentation.
Advances in topiramate as prophylactic treatment for migraine
Authors: Hu Chuan , Zhang Yixin , Tan Ge
Published: September 2021

It is well‐known that topiramate as a kind of antiepileptic drug has been proved effective for migraine prevention in North America and Europe. However, topiramate is still viewed as an off‐label medication for migraine treatment in China, partly because of the limited evidence in Chinese patients. We summarize the effects of topiramate on the frequency, severity, quality‐of‐life, and adverse event among migraine patients, including children and adolescent in this review, so as to provide reference for Chinese doctors.
Psychosocial factors and cancer incidence (PSY‐CA): Protocol for individual participant data meta‐analyses
Authors: van Tuijl Lonneke A. , Voogd Adri C. , de Graeff Alexander , Hoogendoorn Adriaan W. , Ranchor Adelita V. , Pan Kuan‐Yu , Basten Maartje , Lamers Femke , Geerlings Mirjam I. , Abell Jessica G. , Awadalla Philip , Bakker Marije F. , Beekman Aartjan T. F. , Bjerkeset Ottar , Boyd Andy , Cui Yunsong , Galenkamp Henrike , Garssen Bert , Hellingman Sean , Huisman Martijn , Huss Anke , Keats Melanie R. , Kok Almar A. L. , Luik Annemarie I. , Noisel Nolwenn , Onland‐Moret N. Charlotte , Payette Yves , Penninx Brenda W. J. H. , Portengen Lützen , Rissanen Ina , Roest Annelieke M. , Rosmalen Judith G. M. , Ruiter Rikje , Schoevers Robert A. , Soave David M. , Spaan Mandy , Steptoe Andrew , Stronks Karien , Sund Erik R. , Sweeney Ellen , Teyhan Alison , Vaartjes Ilonca , van der Willik Kimberly D. , van Leeuwen Flora E. , van Petersen Rutger , Verschuren W. M. Monique , Visseren Frank , Vermeulen Roel , Dekker Joost
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Psychosocial factors have been hypothesized to increase the risk of cancer. This study aims (1) to test whether psychosocial factors (depression, anxiety, recent loss events, subjective social support, relationship status, general distress, and neuroticism) are associated with the incidence of any cancer (any, breast, lung, prostate, colorectal, smoking‐related, and alcohol‐related); (2) to test the interaction between psychosocial factors and factors related to cancer risk (smoking, alcohol use, weight, physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep, age, sex, education, hormone replacement therapy, and menopausal status) with regard to the incidence of cancer; and (3) to test the mediating role of health behaviors (smoking, alcohol use, weight, physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep) in the relationship between psychosocial factors and the incidence of cancer.

Methods

The psychosocial factors and cancer incidence (PSY‐CA) consortium was established involving experts in the field of (psycho‐)oncology, methodology, and epidemiology. Using data collected in 18 cohorts (N = 617,355), a preplanned two‐stage individual participant data (IPD) meta‐analysis is proposed. Standardized analyses will be conducted on harmonized datasets for each cohort (stage 1), and meta‐analyses will be performed on the risk estimates (stage 2).

Conclusion

PSY‐CA aims to elucidate the relationship between psychosocial factors and cancer risk by addressing several shortcomings of prior meta‐analyses.
Effect of omega‐3 and vitamin D co‐supplementation on psychological distress in reproductive‐aged women with pre‐diabetes and hypovitaminosis D: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Rajabi‐Naeeni Masoumeh , Dolatian Mahrokh , Qorbani Mostafa , Vaezi Amir Abbas
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Psychological distresses and pre‐diabetes are among the risk factors of developing type‐II diabetes. The present study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of omega‐3 and vitamin D co‐supplementation on psychological distresses in women of reproductive age with pre‐diabetes and hypovitaminosis D.

Methods

The present factorial clinical trial was conducted on 168 women of reproductive age with pre‐diabetes and hypovitaminosis D. These participants were selected by stratified random sampling and were assigned to four groups for 8 weeks: group 1 (placebo group), group 2 (omega‐3 group), group 3 (vitamin D group), and group 4 (co‐supplement group). The medication and placebo doses being two 1000‐mg tablets each day for omega‐3 and 50,000‐IU pearls every 2 weeks for vitamin D. Fasting blood glucose and vitamin D were measured at the beginning of the study. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale‐21 and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were completed by the participants at the start and end of the intervention.

Results

A significant difference was observed in terms of reduction in anxiety and improvement in sleep quality in the co‐supplementation compared to the other three groups (p < .05). There was also a significant difference between the group receiving both supplements and the group receiving only placebos in terms of reduction in depression and stress (p < .05).

Conclusion

Vitamin D and omega‐3 co‐supplementation improved depression, anxiety, and sleep quality in women of reproductive age with pre‐diabetes and hypovitaminosis D. Therefore, these two supplements can be recommended for improving the mental health of this group of women.

Clinical trial registry

Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials Code: IRCT20100130003226N17. Registered on February 9, 2019.
Studying green marketing in emerging economies
Authors: Sedky Dalia , AbdelRaheem Mohamed Abdallah
Published: September 2021

Green marketing, from the researchers' point of view, can be defined as the equation of achieving profits, satisfying customers, and at the same time keeping the environment safe. There is a great concern about sustainability all over the world, which pushes the researchers to study green marketing in emerging economies. This research study examines how green marketing can affect consumer's purchase decision. Four hundred printed copies of the questionnaire have been collected complete and valid for analysis. Factor analysis, reliability test, and multiple regression analysis have been done using SPSS software. It has been found that consumers can be encouraged to buy green products if they feel that these products will have a positive impact on their health. Business companies need to organize marketing campaigns which highlight the healthy gains obtained from acquiring green products to increase their sales. Eco‐labeling and point of purchase of green products are also elements that can affect consumer's purchase decision. This research study can help companies to achieve profits and at the same time keep the environment safe. This research study has the potential for presenting interesting insights into the challenge of influencing consumers in non‐Western markets. This research study displays the literature of green marketing in some emerging economies and tests it in a new context (Egypt). It can be concluded that each emerging economy has a unique nature when applying green marketing.
Blood pressure lowering with alcohol‐mediated renal denervation using the Peregrine infusion Catheter is independent of injection site location
Authors: Mahfoud Felix , Bertog Stefan , Lauder Lucas , Böhm Michael , Schmid Axel , Wojakowski Wojciech , Parise Helen , Fischell Tim A. , Kandzari David E. , Pathak Atul , Persu Alexandre , Sievert Horst
Published: September 2021

Objectives

The current analysis utilized core laboratory angiographic data from a prospective, single‐arm, open‐label, multi‐center feasibility study to ascertain whether the location of alcohol infusion within main renal arteries during renal denervation (RDN) had an impact on the BP‐lowering effect at 6 months.

Background

The influence of the location of alcohol infusion during RDN, within the main renal artery (proximal, middle, or distal), on the magnitude of the blood pressure (BP) lowering is unstudied.

Methods

The Peregrine Catheter was used to perform alcohol‐mediated RDN with an infusion of 0.6 mL of alcohol per artery as the neurolytic agent in 90 main arteries and four accessory arteries of 45 patients with hypertension.

Results

No relationship between the site of alcohol infusion and change from baseline in both office systolic and 24‐hour systolic ambulatory BP (ABP) at 6 months was observed. When analyzed at the artery level, the least squares (LS) mean changes ± SEM from baseline to 6 months post‐procedure in 24‐hour systolic ABP when analyzed by renal arterial location were −11.9 ± 2.4 mmHg (distal), −10 ± 1.6 mmHg (middle), and −10.6 ± 1.3 mmHg (proximal) (all p < 0.0001 for change from baseline within groups). The results were similar for office systolic BP. There was no difference between treated locations (proximal is reference).

Conclusion

In this post‐hoc analysis, the location of alcohol infusion within the main renal artery using the Peregrine system, with alcohol as the neurolytic agent for chemical RDN, did not affect the magnitude of BP changes at 6 months.
Operational Experiences with a Temperature‐Variable District Heating Network for a Rural Community
Authors: Werner Melanie , Ehrenwirth Mathias , Muschik Sebastian , Trinkl Christoph , Schrag Tobias
Published: September 2021

The potential of utilizing temperature‐variable district heating systems in rural areas was investigated. A local district heating system in Germany and the related project NATAR are briefly described; measurement data is evaluated. Operational experiences with a seasonal temperature reduction and consequent advantages for different heat generation systems and heat storages are discussed. The analysis of measurement data reveals a high optimization potential for solar thermal systems in case of an integration both into a low‐ and a high‐temperature storage. Furthermore, a combined heat‐and‐power plant in combination with a CO2 heat pump promises sector‐coupling potential and high electricity self‐consumption.
Cost‐Effective Adsorption of Oxidative Coupling‐Derived Ethylene Using a Molecular Sieve
Authors: Siakavelas Georgios I. , Georgiadis Amvrosios G. , Charisiou Nikolaos D. , Yentekakis Ioannis V. , Goula Maria A.
Published: September 2021

The adsorption of ethylene (C2H4) from a mixture simulating the products obtained during the oxidative coupling of CH4 using a commercial molecular sieve (MOS) is investigated. A joint experimental and theoretical approach has been employed. The adsorbent's trapping capacity decreases at higher temperatures, while the breakpoint time drops when the inlet C2H4 concentration increases. The Dubinin‐Radushkevich isotherm model can better describe the adsorption of C2H4 onto the MOS. Pore diffusion is the rate‐determining step given that the Bangham's kinetic model was the more suitable for this adsorption process. Finally, the low activation energy obtained corroborates the predominance of physical adsorption.
An experimental study on the effect of gas injection configuration on flow characteristics in high viscosity oil columns
Authors: Mohammed Shara K. , Hasan Abbas H. , Ibrahim Abubakr , Dimitrakis Georgios
Published: September 2021

Gas‐viscous liquid bubbly and slug flow are very common in petroleum, chemical, bioengineering, polymer, and food processing. However, there is a major knowledge gap in two‐phase flow research in the design of gas injectors/distributers in very high viscosity oil systems. The present study investigates the effect of gas injection methods in columns containing very high viscosity oils (i.e., realistic liquids), and more specifically using 360 Pa · s viscosity oil in a 240‐mm diameter column. The effects that the radial positioning, number of gas nozzles, and their distance from each other have on the structure of the flow in viscous liquids are presented in detail. Electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) is used to extract experimental data. Void fraction, bubble velocity, frequency, liquid film thickness, and bubble length were measured and analyzed at different radial gas injection positions. It has been observed that bubble length increases significantly by 0.3 m when the injection nozzle is located next to the wall of the pipe. Bubble velocity and length also increase by 0.217 m/s and 3.6 m, respectively, with increasing gas flowrate when multiple injection points are used. Increasing the distance between the gas injection points increased bubbles' length by 1.2 m. Bubbles' velocity and frequency (at higher gas flow rate) were also increased.
Radiosensitization of calreticulin‐overexpressing human glioma cell line by the polyphenolic acetate 7, 8‐diacetoxy‐4‐methylcoumarin
Authors: Verma Amit , Arora Aastha , Bhatt Anant N , Arya Mohan B , Prasad Ashok K , Parmar Virinder S , Dwarakanath Bilikere S
Published: September 2021

Background

Calreticulin (CRT), an endoplasmic reticulum–resident protein generally overexpressed in cancer cells, is associated with radiation resistance. CRT shows higher transacetylase activity, as shown by us earlier, in the presence of the polyphenolic acetates (like 7, 8‐diacetoxy‐4‐methylcoumarin, DAMC) and modifies the activity of a number of proteins, thereby influencing cell signaling.

Aim

To investigate the relationship between CRT expression and radiation response in a human glioma cell line and to evaluate the radiomodifying effects of DAMC.

Methods and results

Studies were carried out in an established human glioma cell line (BMG‐1) and its isogenic clone overexpressing CRT (CROE, CRT‐overexpressing cells) by analyzing clonogenic survival, cell proliferation, micronuclei analysis, and protein levels by Western blotting as parameters of responses. CRT overexpression conferred resistance against radiation‐induced cell death in CROE cells (D37 = 7.35 Gy, D10 = 12.6 Gy and D0 = 7.25 Gy) as compared to BMG‐1 cells (D37 = 5.70 Gy, D10 = 9.2 Gy and D0 = 5.6 Gy). A lower level of radiation‐induced micronuclei formation observed in CROE cells suggested that reduced induction and/or enhanced DNA repair partly contributed to the enhanced radioresistance. Consistent with this suggestion, we noted that CRT‐mediated radioresistance was coupled with enhanced grp78 level and reduced P53 activation–mediated prodeath signaling, while no changes were noted in acetylation of histone H4. DAMC‐enhanced radiation–induced delayed (secondary) apoptosis, which was higher in CROE cells.

Conclusion

CRT overexpression confers resistance against radiation‐induced death of human glioma cells, which can be overcome by the polyphenolic acetate DAMC.
Bayesian stochastic configuration networks for robust data modeling
Authors: Wu Rongzhi , Lv Binyuan , Dai Chaoming , Wang Weigang
Published: September 2021

The SCN networks is incrementally generated by stochastic configuration (SC) algorithms. It randomly assigns the input weights and deviations of hidden nodes through a supervisory mechanism, which can be trained by solving linear modeling problems. The version that uses least squares to estimate the output weight performs well. This article introduces an alternative strategy for performing complete Bayesian inference (BI) of SCN networks. Different from the traditional way, the Bayesian training algorithm we proposed can obtain an entire probability distribution on the optimal output weight of the SCN networks, instead of a single pointwise estimate. The advantage of the Bayesian inference method lies in the possibility of introducing other prior knowledge during the training process, providing a way to measure uncertainty during the testing phase and the ability to automatically infer hyper‐parameters from given data. The BI algorithm proposed in this article for regression problem can be implemented through an iterative process under some practical assumptions. Experimental results show that our proposed Bayesian SCN algorithm performs well in solving data modeling problems with a large number of outliers.
Security‐centric ranking algorithm and two privacy scores to mitigate intrusive apps
Authors: Mohsen Fadi , Abdelhaq Hamed , Bisgin Halil
Published: September 2021

Smartphone users are constantly facing the risks of losing their private information to third‐party mobile applications. Studies have revealed that the vast majority of users either do not pay attention to privacy or unable to comprehend privacy messages. Developers though have exploited this fact by asking users to grant their apps an enormous number of permissions. In this article, we propose and evaluate a new security‐centric ranking algorithm built on top of the Elasticsearch engine to help users evade such apps. The algorithm calculates an intrusiveness score for an app based on its requested permissions, received system actions, and users' privacy preferences. As such, we further propose a new approach to capture these preferences. We evaluate the ranking algorithm using a million Android applications, contextual data and APK files, that we collect from the Google Play store. The results show that the scoring and reranking steps add minor overhead. Moreover, participants of the user studies gave positive feedback for the ranking algorithm and the privacy preferences solicitation approach. These results suggest that our proposed system would definitely protect the privacy of mobile users and pushes developers into requesting least amount of privileges. Still, there are many risks that endanger the users' privacy.
Wrist angle prediction under different loads based on GA‐ELM neural network and surface electromyography
Authors: Liu Yibo , Li Chengcheng , Jiang Du , Chen Baojia , Sun Nannan , Cao Yongcheng , Tao Bo , Li Gongfa
Published: September 2021

In sEMG (surface electromyography) pattern recognition, most of the research focuses on the static pattern recognition of different limbs, ignoring the importance of changing load intensity, and joint angle movement information. Traditional static qualitative pattern recognition cannot adjust the motion amplitude and load intensity, so it is of great significance to study the continuous prediction of wrist angle under different load intensities. Based on the correlation between the surface EMG signal and the joint angle signal, the article is based on the neural network to identify and predict the wrist angle under different loads continuously quantitatively. The sEMG signal in this article was collected with the approval and review of the Ethics Committee and the people's informed consent. Since qualitative pattern recognition cannot adjust the wrist movement range and the different load training intensity, the article establishes an angle prediction model based on a genetic algorithm to optimize the extreme learning machine (ELM). In addition, the article analyzes the influence of different loads on the continuous prediction accuracy of the wrist angle, realizes the continuous quantitative angle of the precise wrist prediction. Experimental analysis shows that the wrist joint angle predicted by the ELM optimized based on genetic algorithm is close to the actual angle, and the average error is about 5.96 degrees.
Recent Advances in Polymer‐Containing Multifunctional Phase‐Change Materials
Authors: Liu Changhui , Zhang Jiahao , Liu Qingyi , Sun Wenjie , Yan Yu , Zhang Haiyue
Published: September 2021

Phase‐change materials (PCMs) play a key role in thermal energy storage owing to their high‐energy storage density and small temperature fluctuation during the phase‐transition stage. Polymers, either as a supporting material to prevent liquid leakage during the phase‐change process or used with specific target, have been widely recognized in the fabrication of PCM composites. In the meantime, due to the continued demand for variety of PCMs, a single thermal energy storage function seems to be insufficient to meet these needs. Thanks to the good compatibility with PCMs and the structural adjustable properties of polymers, they have been broadly used as the second component in the multifunctional PCMs composite. In this Review, strategies for multifunctional PCMs supported by polymers and their potential energy applications, such as thermal energy harvesting and storage, shape memory, wearable devices, self‐cleaning, and other forms of applications, are summarized comprehensively. The future research directions and challenges of multifunctional PCMs with polymers are also discussed.
Recent Advances of Catalytic Effects in Cathode Materials for Room‐Temperature Sodium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Li Sijie , Han Yu , Ge Peng , Yang Yue
Published: September 2021

Electrocatalysts in room‐temperature sodium‐sulfur (RT‐Na/S) have captured numerous attention. But, they suffered from shuttle effect and surface passivation. RT‐Na/S show inferior energy‐storage abilities, ascribed to the larger radii of Na‐ions. Herein, the vigorous review is displayed from different kinds of metal‐based traits, containing single metal, metal‐based samples, and multifunctional hybrids. Through the controlling of structures and composition, the conversion reaction about liquid/solid phases would be enhanced, accompanied by the enhancements of cycling stabilities and rate properties, which enables the break‐through of practical applications. The in‐depth influences of catalytic effects on the Na‐S reaction mechanism and the corresponding electrochemical performance in recently representative works are systematically reviewed. Particularly, this review is anticipated to propose potential research directions for further enhancement of RT‐Na/S batteries.
Eliminating the Detrimental Effect of Secondary Doping on PEDOT : PSS Hole Transporting Material Performance
Authors: Li Yuda , Li Qi , Wang Xunchang , Fu Qingyao , Hu Ci , Qiu Xianliang , Li Tianjin , Wang Feng
Published: September 2021

Secondary doping has a long history of use in conductivity enhancement in poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) : poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT : PSS). However, very little research has addressed its detrimental effect on application performance of PEDOT : PSS in organic solar cells. Herein, it was shown that the uneven drying of secondary dopant‐water mixture results in a nonuniform/continuous film structure, causing severe damage to the device efficiencies (dropping about 8 and 23 % for poly[(2,6‐(4,8‐bis(5‐(2‐ethylhexyl)thiophen‐2‐yl)‐benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b’]dithiophene))‐alt‐(5,5‐(1’,3’‐di‐2‐thienyl‐5’,7’‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)benzo[1’,2’‐c:4’,5’‐c’]dithiophene‐4,8‐dione))] (PBDB‐T) : 3,9‐bis(2‐methylene‐(3‐(1,1‐dicyanomethylene)‐indanone))‐5,5,11,11‐tetrakis(4‐hexylphenyl)‐dithieno[2,3‐d:2’,3’‐d’]‐s‐indaceno[1,2‐b:5,6‐b’]dithiophene (ITIC) and poly[(2,6‐(4,8‐bis(5‐(2‐ethylhexyl)‐4‐fluorothiophen‐2‐yl)benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithio‐phene))‐co‐(1,3‐di(5‐thiophene‐2‐yl)‐5,7‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)‐benzo[1,2‐c:4,5‐c′]dithiophene‐4,8‐dione))](PM6) : (3,9‐bis(1‐oxo‐2‐methylene‐3‐(1,1‐dicyanomethylene)‐5,6‐difluoroindanone)‐5,5,11,11‐tetrakis(4‐n‐hexylphenyl)‐dithieno[2,3d:2′,3′d′]‐s‐indaceno[1,2b:5,6b’]dithiophene (IT‐4F) cells, respectively) and thermal stabilities. Moreover, a simple yet robust dialysis treatment was proposed to solve the issue of noncontinuity and retain the secondary doping's advantages of quinoid structure simultaneously, thus demonstrating a significant enhancement in device performance. This study will be of great importance to the future exploration of the next generation of post‐treatment strategy.
Simplicial computation: A methodology to compute vector–vector multiplications with reduced complexity
Authors: Julian P. , Andreou A. G. , Villemur M. , Rodriguez N.
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we propose the use of the simplicial algorithm, originally proposed to implement piecewise‐linear functions, to compute a digital vector–vector multiplication (VVM) without multiplications. The main contributions of the proposed methodology are (a) an improved error propagation with respect to parameter quantization; (b) a more efficient digital implementation with respect to area, energy, and speed in the case of large number of inputs; and (c) an intrinsic capability to produce multivariable nonlinear processing. We show that when quantization of inputs and parameters are considered, the simplicial method achieves the same accuracy with fewer representation bits for the parameters, assuming the same quantization for the inputs. Actually, in the particular case of a large number of inputs, the simplicial method needs half the number of parameter bits of a linear combination plus one.
Spontaneous regression of a rectal tonsil presenting as a large submucosal tumor
Authors: Matsui Toru , Naitoh Eri , Furutani Kengo , Katoh Tomoji , Kobayashi Katsuya , Sekigawa Kenichiro , Mitsui Hiroshi
Published: September 2021

Rectal tonsils are localized hyperplastic lymphoid tissues in the rectum, and the initial endoscopic findings are consistent with those for neoplastic lesions. However, rectal tonsils are benign entities, and the diagnosis should be made cautiously. A 70‐year‐old man presented with pain on defecation with rectal bleeding. Colonoscopy revealed a 3‐cm protruding mass in the rectum with mucosal erosion, but no malignant features were observed on forceps biopsy. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) showed that the lesion was a hypoechoic mass without blood flow. Fine needle aspiration under EUS revealed no malignant components, although the size of the lesion had shrunk, and symptoms, such as blood‐stained stool, tenesmus, and discomfort during defecation, had resolved. A second forceps biopsy showed intermediate‐sized lymphocytes without lymphoepithelial lesions. Based on immunostaining, the lesion was diagnosed as a rectal tonsil.

Rectal tonsils occur due to localized proliferation of reactive lymphoid follicles in the submucosa or muscularis mucosa. However, endoscopic diagnosis is difficult since less invasive treatment is performed for neoplastic lesions of the rectum to preserve the function of the anal sphincter. Diagnosis and treatment of small lesions might be possible by endoscopic resection; however, for relatively large lesions, formulating a diagnosis based only on biopsy specimens becomes even more difficult. Therefore, repeated biopsies might be helpful for the diagnosis of rectal tonsils and for excluding other neoplasms.
Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle biopsy for the diagnosis of gastric linitis plastica
Authors: Takahashi Kosuke , Yasuda Ichiro , Hanaoka Tatsuyuki , Hayashi Yuka , Araki Yasuhiro , Motoo Iori , Kajiura Shinya , Ando Takayuki , Fujinami Haruka , Tajiri Kazuto , Minemura Masami , Takahara Terumi
Published: September 2021

We report two cases of patients with gastric linitis plastica (GLP), in which the histopathological diagnosis was made by endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle biopsy (EUS‐FNB) using a Franseen‐tip needle. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy findings showed mucosal swelling and poor distensibility of the gastric antrum. Abdominal computed tomography findings showed significant thickening of the gastric wall at the antrum. Conventional endoscopic and bite‐on‐bite biopsy were attempted but resulted in failure to diagnose the lesions. We performed EUS‐FNB to obtain histopathological samples from a deeper site, which confirmed the diagnosis. We considered this method safe and effective for the diagnosis of GLP.
Two Lead‐Free Organic‐Inorganic Hybrid Halides: Exploring Dielectric Switching and Photoluminescence Integrated in Crystals
Authors: Cao Teng‐Fei , Xiao Hao , Xu Zhi‐Huang , Ye Li‐Wang , Wang Yuan‐Jie , Zhuang Xin‐Xin
Published: September 2021

Organic‐inorganic hybrid halides have attracted widespread attention in optics, electricity, magnetism. In particular, some of them can have a combination of luminescence and switching characteristics, providing a potential for a single device unit to meet multiple application requirements. Herein, we reported two novel organic‐inorganic hybrid single‐crystals (CTA)2ZnCl4 (1; CTA=3‐chloro‐2‐hydroxypropyltrimethylammonium) and (CTA)2[InCl5(H2O)] ⋅ H2O (2), exhibiting long lifetime blue emission upon UV excitation. Systematic characterizations of the compounds including crystal structure, phase transition, thermal, and photoluminescence properties were carried out. DSC tests detected that 1 had a reversible phase transition accompanied by obvious heat anomaly, at 411/391 K on the heating/cooling process, leading to its good switchable dielectric response with striking anisotropy along various crystallographic axis. This work offered a new example on the effective design of multifunctional response materials.
Electrochemical Detection of Epinephrine Based on a Screen‐printed Electrode Modified with NiO−ERGO Nanocomposite Film
Authors: Gunes Ozlem , Sarilmaz Adem , Bas Salih Zeki , Ozmen Mustafa , Ozel Faruk , Ersoz Mustafa
Published: September 2021

This study presents a new electrochemical sensor (NiO−ERGO/SPE) for sensitive and selective detection of epinephrine (EPI) on the screen‐printed electrode (SPE) which is modified with a nanocomposite film consisting of electrochemically reduced graphene oxide and NiO nanoparticles. After surface functionalization, structural and electrochemical characterization of NiO−ERGO film, DPV signals of NiO−ERGO/SPE towards the oxidation of EPI exhibited a linear correlation in the concentration range of 0.025 μM to 175 μM with a detection limit of 0.015 μM, which reveals NiO−ERGO film is manifested a good electrocatalytic activity for EPI detection compared with the previous reports. The selectivity of NiO−ERGO film was also tested on a very wide scale of possible interferents (ascorbic acid, uric acid, dopamine, lactic acid, phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, Li+, Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Zn2+). Moreover, to evaluate the applicability of the proposed sensor for real sample analysis, NiO−ERGO/SPE was successfully utilized for the determination of EPI in pharmaceutical samples.
In Vivo Detection of Hydrogen Sulfide in Brain and Cell
Authors: Cheng Shuwen , Zhang Li , Zhang Meining
Published: September 2021

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), is proposed as a cytoprotectant and gasotransmitter, involving in many physiological processes and regulating of some diseases. In addition, H2S is a small molecular with a minimum of steric hindrance compared with other reactive sulfur species. In physiological atmosphere, H2S is mainly existent in HS−, which has a strong nucleophilicity and reducing potency. It also can precipitate with some metal ions forming metallic sulfides with high precipitation coefficient. In recent years, the researchers have a desire to develop methods to achieve real‐time detection of H2S in vivo, further understanding the physiology and pathology of H2S. In this minireview, we summarize recent progress for detecting of H2S in brain or cell and briefly expound the principle of methods with the comparison of the different methods between performance and temporal resolution.
Reliable Prediction of the Octanol–Air Partition Ratio
Authors: Baskaran Sivani , Lei Ying Duan , Wania Frank
Published: September 2021

The octanol–air equilibrium partition ratio (KOA) is frequently used to describe the volatility of organic chemicals, whereby n-octanol serves as a substitute for a variety of organic phases ranging from organic matter in atmospheric particles and soils, to biological tissues such as plant foliage, fat, blood, and milk, and to polymeric sorbents. Because measured KOA values exist for just over 500 compounds, most of which are nonpolar halogenated aromatics, there is a need for tools that can reliably predict this parameter for a wide range of organic molecules, ideally at different temperatures. The ability of five techniques, specifically polyparameter linear free energy relationships (ppLFERs) with either experimental or predicted solute descriptors, EPISuite's KOAWIN, COSMOtherm, and OPERA, to predict the KOA of organic substances, either at 25 °C or at any temperature, was assessed by comparison with all KOA values measured to date. In addition, three different ppLFER equations for KOA were evaluated, and a new modified equation is proposed. A technique's performance was quantified with the mean absolute error (MAE), the root mean square error (RMSE), and the estimated uncertainty of future predicted values, that is, the prediction interval. We also considered each model's applicability domain and accessibility. With an RMSE of 0.37 and a MAE of 0.23 for predictions of log KOA at 25 °C and RMSE of 0.32 and MAE of 0.21 for predictions made at any temperature, the ppLFER equation using experimental solute descriptors predicted the KOA the best. Even if solute descriptors must be predicted in the absence of experimental values, ppLFERs are the preferred method, also because they are easy to use and freely available. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:3166–3180. © 2021 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Letter to Editor
Authors: Cantù Giulio
Published: September 2021

See page 2004
Identification of specific clinical risk factors associated with the malignant transformation of oral epithelial dysplasia
Authors: Kierce Justin , Shi Yuliang , Klieb Hagen , Blanas Nick , Xu Wei , Magalhaes Marco
Published: September 2021

Background

Factors that increase the risk of malignant transformation of oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) are not completely elucidated.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed assessing risk factors for transformation of OED, and cancer staging for transformed cases at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.

Results

Two‐hundred four patients were diagnosed with OED, and 16.7% (34) underwent malignant transformation. Risk factors associated with transformation included: heavy tobacco smoking, excessive EtOH consumption, non‐homogenous leukoplakia, size >200 mm2, moderate dysplasia or greater than moderate, progression of dysplasia grades, and immunosuppression. Transformed cases followed for a dysplastic lesion were associated with a stage‐I cancer diagnosis, and cancer cases with no prior biopsy were associated with a stage‐IV diagnosis.

Conclusions

In addition to commonly cited risk factors, immunosuppression was associated with malignant transformation, including the use of topical steroids. Analyzing risk factors can help clinicians define risk of progression in patients with OED.
Impacts of massive pumping on flood processes in polders—with a case study on Lannihu basin in the Dongting Lake District, China
Authors: Liu Jinxin , Cao Zhixian , Liao Xiaohong , Li Xichun , He Fangzhou , Wang Weijun
Published: September 2021

Flooding risk in polders is dictated by not only rainfall, topography, and land use, but also massive pumping. Unfortunately, existing models are inadequate for resolving floods as water transfer due to pumping is insufficiently accounted for. Here an improved hydrological model (MGB‐MP) is proposed under the framework of the large‐scale hydrological model (MGB) based on the principle of water balance, explicitly incorporating massive pumping within a polder and also out to external rivers. The proposed model is calibrated and validated for the Lannihu basin, a typical polder with an area of 1353 km2 and 126 pumping stations in the Dongting Lake District, China and surrounded by Xiangjiang River and Zishui River. The model performs fairly well, with Nash‐Sutcliffe efficiencies concerning water levels over 0.76 for the calibration and over 0.73 for the validation. The model is applied to the Lannihu basin under different pumping station settings and rainfall scenarios to unravel how and to what extent massive pumping affects the flood processes as characterized by water levels and discharge hydrographs. It is shown that massive pumping considerably alters the discharge hydrographs and accordingly leads to substantial decrease in the water levels of rivers, which are independent unit‐polders, due to water transfer between unit‐polders within the basin and out of the basin. The closer the unit‐polders are to pumping stations, the more the water levels in unit‐polders decrease. The water levels in unit‐polders away from a pumping station is affected by the pumping station capacity to a greater extent than the pumping station's threshold water level for initiating pumping.
Extra‐articular involvement of rheumatoid arthritis in three seropositive patients in the absence of initial joint involvement
Authors: Chirila Razvan M. , Berianu Florentina , Abril Andy , Butendieck Ronald R.
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Extra‐articular involvement (EAI) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is rare, severe and usually presents after years of joint involvement. Onset of RA as lung involvement has been published. We describe a series of three patients with strongly positive anti‐citrullinated peptide antibodies (ACPA) and rheumatoid factor (RF) positive in the absence of joint symptoms, but with significant EAI.

Methods

This is a descriptive case series of three patients evaluated in an academic medical center rheumatology clinic.

Results

A 50‐year‐old female presented with severe recurrent scleritis in the background of strongly positive ACPA, but no joint involvement. Her ocular disease responded well to rituximab. Four years later, she developed peripheral inflammatory arthritis consistent with RA. A 74‐year‐old male presented after developing recurrent steroid‐dependent serositis (pleuro‐pericarditis) and interstitial lung disease (ILD). Serology was notable for strongly positive ACPA, but no joint involvement. Serositis responded well to adalimumab. Two years after initial symptoms, he developed peripheral joint involvement after holding adalimumab. A 56‐year‐old female presented with an isolated, biopsy‐proven subcutaneous rheumatoid nodule. Subsequently, she developed pancytopenia and fatigue. She tested strongly positive for ACPA and RF. Bone marrow biopsy was negative for malignancy and she had no evidence of infection. She responded to steroids and hydroxychloroquine and had not developed joint involvement after 2 years of follow‐up.

Conclusion

EAI as an onset of RA is a complex and not easily recognized entity if typical joints involvement is not yet present. Early diagnosis may help guide specific therapy and prevent sequelae and co‐morbidities.
“It's a war! It's a battle! It's a fight!”: Do militaristic metaphors increase people's threat perceptions and support for COVID‐19 policies?
Authors: Schnepf Julia , Christmann Ursula
Published: September 2021

At the beginning of the COVID‐19 pandemic, governments around the world employed militaristic metaphors to draw attention to the dangers of the virus. But, do militaristic metaphors truly affect individuals' perceived threat of the COVID‐19 virus and increase their support for corresponding restrictive policies? This study assessed the effects of fictitious newspaper articles that described COVID‐19 policies using similarly negatively valenced metaphors but with differing militaristic connotations (e.g., “war” vs. “struggle”). Overall, data from three framing experiments (N = 1114) in Germany and the United States indicate limited evidence on the effectiveness of the tested militaristic metaphors. In the U.S. context, the non‐militaristic concept of struggle was consistently more strongly associated with the desired outcomes than militaristic metaphors were. In Studies 2 and 3, we also tested whether reporting using a narrative or straightforward facts had additional influence on the framing effect. A congruency effect of the use of a narrative and of warfare metaphors was found in the German sample, but not in that of the United States. Results of post‐experimental norming studies (N = 437) in both countries revealed that the metaphor of war is associated with people ascribing greater responsibility to their governments, whereas the concept of struggle triggers a sense of individual responsibility. These results are discussed in terms of the usefulness and appropriateness of militaristic metaphors in the context of a pandemic.
Social capital in Mexico moderates the relationship of uncertainty and cooperation during the SARS‐COV‐2 pandemic
Authors: Cruz‐Torres Christian E. , Martín del Campo‐Ríos Jaime
Published: September 2021

This study proposes that, given the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, its sanitary restrictions, and the associated economic effects, citizens perceive higher uncertainty and tend to reduce their willingness to cooperate with others. Community social capital refers to a set of norms of reciprocity, trust, and civic engagement networks that promote trust, reciprocal help, and cooperation for mutual benefits. It is also suggested that it can help alleviate negative effects of the pandemic in communities, by reducing uncertainty and its harmful effects on cooperation. These hypotheses were tested in a sample of 565 inhabitants of Mexico, who answered an online survey with measurements of social capital, uncertainty, and willingness to cooperate in the face of the pandemic. The relationships between variables were analyzed in two structural equation models, which show adequate goodness of fit, where higher levels of uncertainty generated by the pandemic were associated with a greater disposition to noncooperation with others, while social capital moderated this relation decreasing negative effects of uncertainty on noncooperation. The value of social capital is discussed as a resource worth preserving and promoting in communities to strengthen them, so that they are better able to face health or economic contingencies.