bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vertical Integration of 2D Building Blocks for All‐2D Electronics
Authors: Tang Jian , Wang Qinqin , Wei Zheng , Shen Cheng , Lu Xiaobo , Wang Shuopei , Zhao Yanchong , Liu Jieying , Li Na , Chu Yanbang , Tian Jinpeng , Wu Fanfan , Yang Wei , He Congli , Yang Rong , Shi Dongxia , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Zhang Guangyu
Published: October 2020

2D materials are promising building blocks for novel electronic devices. It is possible that future electronic devices will be entirely made of 2D materials to fully realize their potential, due to their natural thinness, atomically flat surface/interfaces and diverse properties. In this work, three typical 2D materials, i.e., monolayer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), and few layer graphene (FLG) serving as semiconducting, dielectric, and contact/gating materials, respectively, are assembled for vertically integrated multilayer devices via the layer‐by‐layer stacking process. An individual layer of all‐2D field effect transistors (FETs) shows comprehensive device performances with parameters of ultralow off‐current ≈100 fA, ultrahigh on/off ratio approaching to 1010, ideal subthreshold swing (SS) ≈100 mV dec−1, and decent room temperature mobility up to 52 cm2 V−1 s−1, benefiting from the effective dual‐gate modulation and high contact quality. Vertically stacked multilayers of all‐2D FETs are successfully achieved with nearly multiplied on‐current density, equivalent device mobility, and persevered on/off ratio and SS of the individual layers. The vertical integration of multilayered devices with different layer functions, e.g., memory, logic and sensor, are further demonstrated. This work provides a technological base for future high‐performance integrated devices based on all‐2D materials.
Congenital hiatal hernia segregating with a duplication in 9q22.31q22.32 in two families
Authors: Chang Caitlin A. , Di Donato Nataliya , Hackmann Karl , Argiropoulos Bob , Ferreira Patrick , Innes A. Micheil , Thomas Mary Ann
Published: October 2020

Congenital hiatal hernia (HH) is a rare congenital defect and is often described on a sporadic basis, but familial cases have also been reported. The mechanism of development is not well understood, and to our knowledge no specific genetic factors have been implicated to date. We report on seven individuals from two families with 9q22 duplication, who have variably associated features including congenital HH in four individuals. One family had an 1.09 Mb 9q22 duplication, and the other family had an overlapping 2.73 Mb 9q22 duplication. We review the genes in this region and discuss BARX1 (BarH‐like homeobox gene 1) as a gene of interest.
Natriierung von Substituierten Acrylonitrilen, Alkenylsulfiden und Acrylaten im Kontinuierlichen Durchfluss
Authors: Harenberg Johannes H. , Weidmann Niels , Karaghiosoff Konstantin , Knochel Paul
Published: October 2020

Die Natriierung von substituierten Acrylonitrilen und Alkenylsulfiden in einem Aufbau für kontinuierlichen Durchfluss mittels NaDA (Natriumdiisopropylamid) in EtNMe2 oder NaTMP (Natrium‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidid)⋅TMEDA in n‐Hexan ermöglicht die Herstellung natriierter Acrylonitrile und Alkenylsulfide, welche unmittelbar im Kolben mit verschiedenen Elektrophilen wie beispielsweise Aldehyden, Ketonen, Disulfiden und allylischen Bromiden zu funktionalisierten Acrylonitrilen und Alkenylsulfiden reagieren. Diese Methode im kontinuierlichen Durchfluss wurde erfolgreich auf andere Acrylate unter Barbier‐ähnlichen Bedingungen erweitert.
Improved intact peptide and protein quantitation by LC‐MS: Battling the deleterious effects of analyte adsorption
Authors: Murphy EmmaRae L. , Joy Andrew P. , Ouellette Rodney J. , Barnett David A.
Published: October 2020

Peptide and protein quantitation by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry relies on the assumption of linear signal response with concentration. At low concentrations, analyte adsorption to pipette tips, sample vials and equipment can have significant deleterious effects on signal response. Meanwhile at high concentrations, linearity breaks down due to competitive ionization, signal suppression, and the formation of peptide or protein multimers. These effects result in calibration curves that are more sigmoidal than linear. Linearity at low protein levels for identification and quantitation is of paramount importance in the discovery and validation of biomarker molecules. Herein, we demonstrate the benefits of using commercial low‐bind microcentrifuge tubes and LC vials on the response of a 27‐mer peptide, Vn96, and the intact proteins apomyoglobin and carbonic anhydrase. Linear curves were acquired for Vn96 while apomyoglobin required the addition of intact carbonic anhydrase as an adsorption competitor to achieve linearity. A linear calibration curve for carbonic anhydrase was also acquired by using the polypeptide ubiquitin as an adsorption competitor and internal standard. Linear response was recorded for approximately two orders of magnitude for apomyoglobin and carbonic anhydrase and three orders of magnitude for Vn96 with detection limits ranging from 0.33 to 19 fmol/µL. Finally, we used low‐bind vials for the online enzymatic digestion of apomyoglobin where a high concentration of apomyoglobin acted as an adsorption blocker for the low level trypsin enzyme. Fortunately, the liberated tryptic peptides showed no affinity for the walls of the low‐bind vials. In this study, we take a comprehensive approach to combat analyte adsorption by showing the significance of utilizing low‐bind vials and adsorption competitors to greatly improve upon signal sensitivity at low concentrations of target molecules. The use of these methodologies should improve the low‐level detection of molecules by mass spectrometry.
Accurate whole‐mount bone and cartilage staining requires acid‐free conditions
Authors: Zinck Nicholas , Franz‐Odendaal Tamara A.
Published: October 2020

Bone and cartilage staining has provided anatomists with the ability to generate detailed descriptions of the adult and developing skeleton. Typically, Alizarin red S and Alcian blue are used for the staining of bone and cartilage, respectively. The binding of Alizarin red S and calcium is most stable at basic conditions, however, Alcian blue exhibits specific binding to polyanionic substances such as mucopolysaccharides under acidic conditions. Typical bone and cartilage staining protocols are conducted under acidic conditions. Because of this discrepancy in optimal pH, issues can arise in the staining of small specimens such as larval fish. Specifically, staining embryonic or larval specimens under acidic conditions can cause decalcification of small bones. Decalcification can completely inhibit the uptake of Alizarin red S in small bones. In order to mitigate this issue, researchers have developed an acid‐free staining protocol that utilizes the concept of critical electrolyte concentration. While many researchers have adopted acid‐free bone and cartilage staining, some researchers continue to stain these small specimens with acidic staining protocols. To ensure the reliability and validity of our skeletal descriptions, we urge scientists to utilize acid‐free staining protocols when analyzing the skeletons of larval or embryonic specimens.
LQG controller in cascade loop tuned by PSO applied to a DC–DC converter
Authors: Remes Chrystian L. , Rosa Murilo B. , Heerdt Joselito A. , Oliveira Sérgio V. G.
Published: October 2020

This work presents a Linear Quadratic Gaussian (LQG) controller in cascade loop applied to a Two‐Switch Forward Converter (2SFC). This arrange is suitable for low power battery chargers and provides both performance for reference tracking and disturbance rejection. Once the weighting matrices of the LQG have several parameters to be selected, they are here adjusted by Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), in a strategy called LQG‐PSO. This allows working intuitively with complex characteristics, such as noise, uncertainties and saturation, just by inserting them into the simulation used for PSO. Since this algorithm is a metaheuristic, this work shows a convergence analysis of PSO for this LQG‐problem. The obtained solutions from different trials resulted in LQG gains contained in a well‐defined region, suggesting that optimality was reached. Simulation results have also shown good dynamic behavior with LQG‐PSO strategy, which has outperformed a cascade PI controller for different scenarios. Experimental results comparing the LQG‐PSO and PI controllers applied to the 2SFC confirmed that LQG‐PSO provided superior performance.
Picosecond Pulse Electrical Field Suppressing Spike Firing in Hippocampal CA1 in Rat In Vivo
Authors: Li Chengxiang , Wang Shuhui , Zhang Yuanyuan , Wang Enzhao , Yao Chenguo , Mi Yan
Published: October 2020

Picosecond pulse electrical fields (psPEFs), due to their high temporal‐resolution accuracy and localization, were viewed as a potential targeted and noninvasive method for neuromodulation. However, few studies have reported psPEFs regulating neuronal activity in vivo. In this paper, a preliminary study on psPEFs regulating action potentials in hippocampus CA1 of rats in vivo was carried out. By analyzing the neuronal spike firing rate in hippocampus CA1 pre‐ and post‐psPEF stimulation, effects of frequency, duration, and dosimetry of psPEFs were studied. The psPEF used in this study had a pulse width of 500 ps and a field strength of 1 kV/mm, established by 1 kV picosecond voltage pulses. Results showed that the psPEF suppressed spike firing in hippocampal CA1 neurons. The suppression effect was found to be significant except for 10 s, 10 Hz. For short‐duration stimulation (10 s), the inhibition rate of spike firing increased with frequency. At longer stimulation durations (1 and 2 min), the inhibition rate increased and decreased alternately as the frequency increased. Despite this, the inhibition rate at high frequencies (5 and 10 kHz) was significantly larger than that at 10 and 100 Hz. A cumulative effect of psPEF on spike firing inhibition was found at low frequencies (10 and 100 Hz), which was saturated when frequency reached 500 Hz or higher. This paper conducts a study on psPEF regulating spike firing in hippocampal CA1 in vivo for the first time and guides subsequent study on psPEF achieving noninvasive neuromodulation. © 2020 Bioelectromagnetics Society
Cholinesterasen mit Nebenjobs
Authors: Sperling Laura E. , Spieker Janine , Willbold Elmar , Layer Paul G.
Published: October 2020

Sowohl die frühe phylogenetische und ontogenetische Existenz von cholinergen Systemen, als auch das Vorkommen in nicht‐neuronalen Geweben legen cholinerge und nicht‐cholinerge Funktionalitäten nahe, die weit über deren klassische Funktion an Synapsen hinausgehen. Die Fähigkeit von Cholinesterasen zur Bildung riesiger Proteinkomplexe eröffneten ihnen vielseitige Funktionsfelder. Schon in Stammzellen vertreten, begünstigen Cholinesterasen im Verbund mit Komponenten der Zellmatrix die Zelldifferenzierung; dabei erscheint ihre Enzymaktivität (teilweise) als nicht notwendig. Dies wurde durch Effekte inaktiver AChE in nicht‐neuronalen Zellen einerseits, und davon unabhängig durch die Entdeckung der CLAM‐Proteinfamilie beeindruckend untermauert. Vieles spricht somit dafür, dass die ursprünglichen Funktionsfelder der Cholinesterasen, wie auch von cholinergen Systemen insgesamt, in allgemeinen Zell‐Zell‐Wechselwirkungen zu suchen sind. Diese Einsichten wurden hier an einigen Zellkulturstudien und ausgewählten Beispielen der Normalentwicklung dargestellt. In der Wirbeltierretina beeinflussen die als erste differenzierenden cholinergen Amakrinzellen die Netzwerkbildung. Nicht weniger bedeutend ist das cholinerge System bei der Bildung von Röhrenknochen. Acetylcholin beschleunigt die Knochenbildung, und die Cholinesterasen regulieren dabei nicht nur dessen Konzentration, sondern spielen beide zudem strukturelle Rollen. Ebenso überzeugend ist eine Studie an Froschlarven, die zeigt, dass bei der Darmbildung von Xenopus laevis sehr wohl das AChE‐Protein, aber nicht dessen Enzymaktivität beteiligt ist. Die volle Aufklärung der Wirkungsweise der Cholinesterasen ist notwendig, denn eine Vielzahl von spezifischen Anticholinesterasen finden breite Anwendungen in wichtigen gesellschaftlichen Bereichen (Landwirtschaft, Gesundheit, Sicherheit). Die Forschung hat dies erkannt und widmet sich verstärkt nicht nur den Cholinesterasen, sondern insgesamt der Aufklärung nicht‐neuronaler cholinerger Systeme (NNCS).
Wie lassen sich verletzte Nerven ersetzen?
Authors: Kronberg Inge
Published: October 2020

Verletzungen am Nervensystem von erwachsenen Wirbeltieren führen meist zu einem dauerhaften Funktionsverlust des betroffenen Organs, denn Nervenzellen haben ihre Regenerationsfähigkeit im Laufe der Entwicklung verloren. Als Rita Levi‐Montalcini im Jahre 1986 für die Isolierung und Charakterisierung des Nervenwachstumsfaktors (NGF, nerve growth factor) mit dem Nobelpreis ausgezeichnet wurde, schienen Heilungschancen von Querschnittslähmungen und anderen Nervenverletzungen in greifbarer Nähe. Aber bei ihrem Tod 2012 im Alter von 103 Jahren war man diesem Ziel noch nicht wesentlich näher gekommen. NGF ist offenbar nur einer von vielen Teilnehmern in einem komplizierten Zusammenspiel von neurotrophen Faktoren, Chemokinen, aktivierenden und deaktivierenden Transkriptionsfaktoren.
Hygiene zahlt sich aus
Authors: Irsch Wilhelm
Published: October 2020

Nester von Höhlenbrütern sind auch für Mikroorganismen ein geeigneter Lebensraum. Polnische Ornithologen konnten nun zeigen, dass sich Bakterien im Nest eher ungünstig auf die Gesundheit der Vögel auswirken.
Sieger der deutschen Finalrunde stehen fest
Authors: Schroeter Burkhard
Published: October 2020

Mit einer ausschließlich digitalen 4. Wettbewerbsrunde fand der deutsche Auswahlwettbewerb zur 31. Internationalen BiologieOlympiade ein ungewöhnliches, aber erfolgreiches Ende!
Tracking – Nachverfolgen von Tieren
Authors: Weinand Selina
Published: October 2020

In vielen Fällen ist es von großem Nutzen, das Verhalten von Tieren zu beobachten und zu analysieren. Zum Beispiel können dadurch Rückschlüsse auf ein bestimmtes Verhalten oder eine Reaktion von Tieren auf einen gegebenen Reiz analysiert werden. Da aber niemand gern stunden‐ oder sogar tagelang protokollieren möchte, wohin sich das Versuchstier zu welcher Zeit mit welcher Geschwindigkeit bewegt, kann eine Tracking‐Software eingesetzt werden. Besonders wenn sich mehrere Tiere gleichzeitig in der Arena befinden, wird das schnell zu einem großen Gewusel!
Nachrichten des Verbandes Biologie, Biowissenschaften & Biomedizin in Deutschland
Authors: Zinke Holger
Published: October 2020

Wissenschaft & Gesellschaft

Access and Benefit Sharing

AK Schulbiologie

Bundesdelegierten‐versammlung

VBIO Beirat

Landesverbände

Nordrhein‐Westfalen

Berlin‐Brandenburg
EO771, is it a well‐characterized cell line for mouse mammary cancer model? Limit and uncertainty
Authors: Le Naour Augustin , Rossary Adrien , Vasson Marie‐Paule
Published: October 2020

Among mouse mammary tumor models, syngeneic cell lines present an advantage for the study of immune response. However, few of these models are well characterized. The tumor line EO771 is derived from spontaneous breast cancer of C57BL/6 mice. These cells are widely used but are referenced under different names: EO771, EO 771, and E0771. The characteristics of the EO771 cells are well described but some data are contradictory. This cell line presents the great interest of developing an immunocompetent neoplastic model using an orthotopic implantation reflecting the mammary tumors encountered in breast cancer patients. This review presents the phenotype characteristics of EO771 and its sensitivity to nutrients and different therapies such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy.
Fluorescence Response and Self‐Assembly of a Tweezer‐Type Synthetic Receptor Triggered by Complexation with Heme and Its Catabolites
Authors: Hisamatsu Yosuke , Otani Koki , Takase Hiroshi , Umezawa Naoki , Higuchi Tsunehiko
Published: October 2020

There is increasing interest in the development and applications of synthetic receptors that recognize target biomolecules in aqueous media. We have developed a new tweezer‐type synthetic receptor that gives a significant fluorescence response upon complexation with heme in aqueous solution at pH 7.4. The synthetic receptor consists of a tweezer‐type heme recognition site and sulfo‐Cy5 as a hydrophilic fluorophore. The receptor–heme complex exhibits a supramolecular amphiphilic character that facilitates the formation of self‐assembled aggregates, and both the tweezer moiety and the sulfo‐Cy5 moiety are important for this property. The synthetic receptor also exhibits significant fluorescence responses to biliverdin and bilirubin, but shows very weak fluorescence responses to flavin mononucleotide, folic acid, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, which contain smaller π‐scaffolds.
Liposome‐Boosted Peroxidase‐Mimicking Nanozymes Breaking the pH Limit
Authors: Chen Qiaoshu , Liu Yibo , Liu Jianbo , Liu Juewen
Published: October 2020

Peroxidase‐mimicking nanozymes such as Fe3O4 nanoparticles are promising substitutes for natural enzymes like horseradish peroxidase. However, most such nanozymes work efficiently only in acidic conditions. In this work, the influence of various liposomes on nanozyme activity was studied. By introducing negatively charged liposomes, peroxidase‐mimicking nanozymes achieved oxidation of 3,3′,5,5′‐tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) in neutral and even alkaline conditions, although the activity towards anionic 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (ABTS) was inhibited. The Fe3O4 nanoparticles adsorbed on the liposomes without disrupting membrane integrity as confirmed by fluorescence quenching, dye leakage assays, and cryo‐electron microscopy. Stabilization of the blue‐colored oxidized products of TMB by electrostatic interactions was believed to be the reason for the enhanced activity. This work has introduced lipids to nanozyme research, and it also has practically important applications for using nanozymes at neutral pH, such as the detection of hydrogen peroxide and glucose.
Enhanced coping and self‐efficacy in caregivers of stem cell transplant recipients: Identifying mechanisms of a multimodal psychosocial intervention
Authors: Jacobs Jamie M. , Nelson Ashley M. , Traeger Lara , Waldman Lauren , Nicholson Showly , Jagielo Annemarie D. , D'Alotto Jennifer , Greer Joseph A. , Temel Jennifer S. , El‐Jawahri Areej
Published: October 2020

Background

In a recent trial, a 6‐session intervention (BMT‐CARE) integrating medical information with cognitive‐behavioral strategies improved quality of life (QOL), mood, coping skills, and self‐efficacy for family/friend caregivers of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) recipients. This study examined whether improvements in coping and self‐efficacy mediated the intervention effects on QOL and mood.

Methods

From December 2017 to April 2019, 100 caregivers of HCT recipients were enrolled into a randomized clinical trial of BMT‐CARE versus usual care. Caregivers completed self‐report measures of QOL (CareGiver Oncology Quality of Life questionnaire), depression and anxiety symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), coping skills (Measure of Current Status), and self‐efficacy (Cancer Self‐Efficacy Scale–Transplant) at enrollment (before HCT) and 60 days after HCT. Causal mediation regression models were used to examine whether changes in coping and self‐efficacy mediated intervention effects on QOL as well as depression and anxiety symptoms.

Results

Improvements in 60‐day QOL in patients assigned to BMT‐CARE were partially mediated by improved coping and self‐efficacy (indirect effect, 6.93; SE, 1.85; 95% CI, 3.71‐11.05). Similarly, reductions in 60‐day depression and anxiety symptoms were partially mediated by improved coping and self‐efficacy (indirect effect for depression, −1.19; SE, 0.42; 95% CI, −2.23 to −0.53; indirect effect for anxiety, −1.46; SE, 0.55; 95% CI, −2.52 to −0.43). Combined improvements in coping and self‐efficacy accounted for 67%, 80%, and 39% of the total intervention effects on QOL and depression and anxiety symptoms, respectively.

Conclusions

Coping and self‐efficacy are essential components of a brief psychosocial intervention that improves QOL and mood for caregivers of HCT recipients during the acute recovery period.

LAY SUMMARY

A 6‐session program (BMT‐CARE) focused on providing medical information, caregiving skills, and self‐care and coping strategies has been previously reported to improve the quality of life and mood of caregivers of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients in comparison with caregivers who receive care as usual.

Using statistical models, this study suggests that learning coping skills and improving self‐efficacy are the most essential components of this program that likely lead to better quality of life and mood for caregivers.
Localization and hypersecretion of nerve growth factor in breast phyllodes tumors: Evidence from a preliminary study
Authors: Kumar Ashutosh , Raza Khursheed , Nag Tapas C. , Srivastava Anurag , Sehgal Ritu
Published: October 2020

Background

The pathophysiology of the breast phyllodes tumors is uncertain. Currently, wide surgical removal is the only available treatment option. The histopathological diagnosis of phyllodes tumors is often confused with that of fibroadenomas due to a striking histological resemblance.

Aim

To identify a distinctive biomarker for phyllodes tumors of the breast.

Methods and Results

Fresh human breast tissue was obtained from surgically excised breast phyllodes and fibroadenoma tumors (test), breast cancer (positive control) and normal breast tissue (negative control). Immunohistochemistry and Sandwich ELISA were performed for the detection of nerve growth factor (NGF) in test and control tissues. A marked difference in NGF expression was detected in phyllodes tumors compared to fibroadenomas. The maximum NGF expression was observed in phyllodes tissue followed by cancer tissue, and the least expression in fibroadenomas (3‐5 times less than in phyllodes; comparable with normal breast tissue).

Conclusion

NGF secretion by a benign breast tumor is not known in literature. This study reports abundant NGF secretion by breast phyllodes, raising the possibility of its potential role in tumor pathogenesis and progression that can be exploited therapeutically. Additionally, NGF may be used as a distinct biomarker of phyllodes tumors, for differentiating them from fibroadenomas during histopathology.
Analysis on ceiling space radio wave propagation in indoor environment
Authors: Sato Yoshihito , Ishiyama Ryo , Takeda Shigeki
Published: October 2020

In this paper, received power levels in 420 M/920 M/2.4G/5.3 GHz bands for sensor networks and WLANs are obtained by ray‐trace analysis in an office environment and the detail properties of propagation paths are analyzed. As a result, 25% average power of the total power arrives through ceiling spaces in the rooms where electromagnetic waves are hard to arrive through the walls. This means that the power remains in −6 dB even though the propagation paths are blocked by several metallic furniture beside the walls. In this indoor environment, the propagation paths through ceiling spaces can be relatively good for wireless communication. The results confirm that modeling of structures in ceiling spaces is necessary to obtain practical received power levels.
What is agentic about the Spatial Agency Bias? How pragmatic relevance contributes to the spatial representations of actions
Authors: Halicki Katharina Theresa , Suitner Caterina , Vogel Tobias , Wänke Michaela
Published: October 2020

The mental imagination of (social) actions has been shown to follow a left‐to‐right trajectory, with the thematic agent associated with the left position (Spatial Agency Bias, Suitner & Maass in Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, 53, 2016, p. 245–301). For example, individuals asked to choose a picture that visualizes the sentence “Tom kicks George” tend to choose an image where the agent, Tom, is positioned on the left‐hand side rather than on the right‐hand side. However, as an alternative to the thematic role of the agent, such findings may reflect a mental representation following pragmatic relevance. Specifically, a pragmatic perspective holds that word order and syntactic functions are strategic devices to communicate that the element is important for the sentence. Thus, positioning in the described picture‐matching task may actually reflect the agent's pragmatic relevance instead of agency per se. As a test, we vary whether sentences are written in the active versus the passive voice. Results from five studies indicate that the passive voice results in the tendency to place the agent on the right‐hand side rather than on the left‐hand side of a picture. Instead, the acted‐upon person is positioned on the left‐hand side of a picture. A sixth experiment reveals that for the passive voice, the agent is still seen as more agentic than the receiver, but is considered less relevant. The findings are congruent with the proposed pragmatic relevance account. Implications for the Spatial Agency Bias as well as for building mental representations in general are discussed.
Effect of Ru Substitution in La0.85Sr0.15CoO3 towards Oxygen Evolution Reaction: Activity of Ionic Ru
Authors: Vats Vishal , Singhal Aditi
Published: October 2020

Nano crystalline La0.85Sr0.15CoO3 and ruthenium doped compounds (La0.85Sr0.15Co0.9975Ru0.0025O3, La0.85Sr0.15Co0.995Ru0.005O3, La0.85Sr0.15Co0.99Ru0.01O3) are synthesized using solution combustion method. Completely characterized samples are studied for electrochemical OER in neutral and basic medium. Significant enhancement in catalytic activity is noticed once Ru is substituted in the cobalt site. With higher doping level of Ru, capacitance also increases as depicted in the CV behavior. Tafel slope measurements indicate that Ru substitution has profound effect as enhancement in the exchange current density is observed in neutral K2SO4 medium. Enhancement is anticipated due to substitution of Ru, as the RuO2 mixed catalyst does not give similar activity.
Increased yield of enzymatic synthesis by chromatographic selection of different N‐glycoforms of yeast invertase
Authors: Andjelković Uroš , Gudelj Ivan , Klarić Thomas , Hinneburg Hannes , Vinković Marijana , Wittine Karlo , Dovezenski Nebojša , Vikić‐Topić Dražen , Lauc Gordan , Vujčić Zoran , Josić Djuro
Published: October 2020

Invertases are glycosidases applied for synthesis of alkyl glycosides that are important and effective surfactants. Stability of invertases in the environment with increased content of organic solvent is crucial for increase of productivity of glycosidases. Their stability is significantly influenced by N‐glycosylation. However, yeast N‐glycosylation pathways may synthesize plethora of N‐glycan structures. A total natural crude mixture of invertase glycoforms (EINV) extracted from Saccharomyces cerevisiae was subfractionated by anion‐exchange chromatography on industrial monolithic supports to obtain different glycoforms (EINV1–EINV3). Separated glycoforms exhibited different stabilities in water‐alcohol solutions that are in direct correlation with the amount of phosphate bound to N‐glycans. Observed differences in stability of different invertase glycoforms were used to improve productivity of methyl β‐d‐fructofuranoside (MF) synthesis. The efficiency and yield of MF synthesis were improved more than 50% when the most stabile glycoform bearing the lowest amount of phosphorylated N‐glycans is selected and utilized. These data underline the importance of analysis of glycan structures attached to glycoproteins, demonstrate different impact of N‐glycans on the surface charge and enzyme stability in regard to particular reaction environment, and provide a platform for improvement of yield of industrial enzymatic synthesis by chromatographic selection of glycoforms on monolithic supports.
Recent Progress and Emerging Application Areas for Lithium–Sulfur Battery Technology
Authors: Dörfler Susanne , Walus Sylwia , Locke Jacob , Fotouhi Abbas , Auger Daniel J. , Shateri Neda , Abendroth Thomas , Härtel Paul , Althues Holger , Kaskel Stefan
Published: October 2020

Electrification is progressing significantly within the present and future vehicle sectors such as large commercial vehicles (e.g., trucks and buses), high‐altitude long endurance (HALE), high‐altitude pseudosatellites (HAPS), and electric vertical take‐off and landing (eVTOL). The battery systems’ performance requirements differ across these applications in terms of power, cycle life, system cost, etc. However, the need for high gravimetric energy density, 400 Wh kg−1 and beyond, is common across them all, as it enables vehicles to achieve extended range, a longer mission duration, lighter weight, or increased payload. The system‐level requirements of these emerging applications are broken down into the component‐level developments required to integrate Li–S technology as the power system of choice. To adapt batteries’ properties, such as energy and power density, to the respective application, the academic research community has a key role to play in component‐level development. However, materials and component research must be conducted within the context of a viable Li–S cell system. Herein, the key performance benefits, limitations, modeling, and recent progress of the Li–S battery technology and its adaption toward real‐world application are discussed.
Fabrication of Self‐Cleaning CNT‐Based Near‐Perfect Solar Absorber Coating for Non‐Evacuated Concentrated Solar Power Applications
Authors: Bera Raj Kumar , Binyamin Yaniv , Frantz Cathy , Uhlig Ralf , Magdassi Shlomo , Mandler Daniel
Published: October 2020

A near‐perfect black solar absorber made of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) prepared by a low‐cost wet‐deposition method on a reflective metal surface for mid‐temperature non‐evacuated concentrated solar power (CSP) applications is demonstrated. The dispersed CNTs in an alumina–silica matrix exhibit an absorptance of 0.985 in the entire solar spectrum and emittance of 0.90 in the infrared (IR) region. The coating shows high durability and is super‐hydrophilic (0° contact angle) after plasma treatment, without affecting the solar absorptance and excellent coating adhesion. The efficiency of the coating is evaluated by analytical models, which implies that it has higher efficiency at low temperature and at a high solar concentration ratio than that of previously reported selective coatings.
NATM – Review and Outlook
Authors: Golser Johann , Keuschnig Markus , Weichenberger Franz Peter
Published: October 2020

Based on mining experience and historical conventional construction processes a new type of construction has evolved – the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM). NATM changed the view on the rock mass surrounding the tunnel from the forcing to the load‐carrying component. NATM is a proven methodology for conventional tunnelling applied worldwide. New observation– and measurement techniques as well as digital models (e.g. geological model) will be increasingly integrated within the Building Information Modelling (BIM) process. BIM provides a sound basis of vital information for decision support across different project phases.
Astra‐Tunnelerneuerungsmethode – Erneuerung einer nicht armierten Innenschale in Nachtarbeit bei Gewährleistung des Betriebs aller Fahrstreifen in Spitzenzeiten
Authors: Balbi Gianpiero
Published: October 2020

To secure the availability and usability of the motorway network, the Federal Roads Office (Fedro) developed new solutions for the renovation of road tunnels while keeping them open to traffic and initiated a pilot project. The aim is to replace a non‐reinforced inner shell at night and ensure the availability of all lanes during the day. The solution involves partially removing the existing inner shell, then installing a drainage and waterproofing system, and finally installing a new inner lining of self‐compacting concrete during the night.

The success of this pilot project led to the decision to renovate two more tunnels without delay. The strategy is based on optimising the basic variant by reducing the lining thickness using ultra‐high performance fibre reinforced cementitious composite (UHPFRC) instead of conventional concrete or installing thin precast segmental lining in UHPFRC instead of conventional formwork. Fedro's innovative method will make it possible to renovate road tunnels over the long term while maintaining daytime traffic flow without massively impacting their substance.
Passing a major fault zone three times: NATM helps TBM to succeed
Authors: Pilgerstorfer Thomas , Hölzl Harald , Moritz Bernd
Published: October 2020

This paper discusses the design and construction of a fault zone of the OeBB Koralmtunnel lot KAT3. Due to the experience gained during the advance of the parallel‐situated southbound tunnel and the aim to minimize the geotechnical hazard for the subsequent excavation of the northbound TBM bore, an extensive redesign regarding the excavation‐concept and ‐method was performed. Five different alternative solutions have been subject to a risk analysis to optimize the required measures and to minimize the cost‐effective risks and hazards to an acceptable level. The set of measures, which was evaluated and juxtaposed, contained solutions for strengthening the rock mass with grouting from the TBM and from aside the bore, conventional tunnelling and backfill with a top heading or full‐face excavation. Finally, the fault zone has been excavated with a conventional top heading drive from a nearby‐situated cross‐passage. Subsequently this tunnel stretch has been excavated by TBM without any construction delay. The paper focuses on highlighting the importance of a consequent application of the observational method and thereof derived measures in the context of a geotechnical safety management plan for controlling the residual risks.
Adjuvant treatment for high‐risk salivary gland malignancies and prognostic stratification based on a 20‐year single institution experience
Authors: Onderdonk Benjamin E. , Vokes Everett E. , Gwede Michael , Blair Elizabeth , Agrawal Nishant , Haraf Daniel J.
Published: October 2020

Background and Aim

Retrospective analysis of the utility of adjuvant radiation (RT) or chemoradiation (CRT) and identify prognostic features for patients with high‐risk head and neck salivary gland cancers.

Methods

From 1/1997 to 12/2017, 108 patients underwent surgery, and RT (n = 50) or CRT (n = 58) for positive lymph node(s), extracapsular extension, perineural invasion, lymphovascular space invasion, positive/close margin, and/or grade 3 disease. Outcomes were estimated with the Kaplan‐Meier method. Significant predictors identified through regression analyses were incorporated into multivariable regression (MVA). Toxicities were compared using chi‐square.

Results

The median follow‐up was 52 months (range: 3‐226). The number of risk factors (RFs) between RT and CRT groups were: 0 to 1 (44% vs 7%), 2 to 3 (48% vs 41%), or 4 to 6 (8% vs 52%), respectively (P < .01). On MVA, stage 3 or 4 disease predicted worse outcomes including overall survival (HR 4.55, P = .01). Increasing number of RFs predicted worse disease‐free survival, distant metastasis‐free survival, and overall survival (2‐3 RFs: HR 3.38, P = .03; 4‐6 RFs: HR 5.78, P < .01), but not locoregional control (P = .54). So, adjuvant CRT may have provided comparable locoregional control for patients with more adverse features, but the CRT did not translate into improved distant control. There was no difference in acute or late grade 3+ toxicities, or parenteral nutrition (P = .98, P = .85, and P = .83), respectively.

Conclusions

Adjuvant CRT provides adequate locoregional control in patients with more adverse RFs. The absolute number of RFs serves prognostic significance and should be considered in future prospective trials.
All Behavior is choice: Revisiting an evolutionary theory's account of behavior on single schedules
Authors: McDowell J. J , Klapes Bryan
Published: October 2020

The axiomatic principle that all behavior is choice was incorporated into a revised implementation of an evolutionary theory's account of behavior on single schedules. According to this implementation, target responding occurs in the context of background responding and reinforcement. In Phase 1 of the research, the target responding of artificial organisms (AOs) animated by the revised theory was found to be well described by an exponentiated hyperbola, the parameters of which varied as a function of the background reinforcement rate. In Phase 2, the effect of reinforcer magnitude on the target behavior of the AOs was studied. As in Phase 1, the AOs' behavior was well described by an exponentiated hyperbola, the parameters of which varied with both the target reinforcer magnitude and the background reinforcement rate. Evidence from experiments with live organisms was found to be consistent with the Phase‐1 predictions of the revised theory. The Phase‐2 predictions have not been tested. The revised implementation of the theory can be used to study the effects of superimposing punishment on single‐schedule responding, and it may lead to the discovery of a function that relates response rate to both the rate and magnitude of reinforcement on single schedules.
Inhibition of lncRNA DCST1‐AS1 suppresses proliferation, migration and invasion of cervical cancer cells by increasing miR‐874‐3p expression
Authors: Liu Junli , Zhang Jun , Hu Yan , Zou Hongyan , Zhang Xiuzhen , Hu Xiaojun
Published: October 2020

Background

Cervical cancer seriously threatens both the health and life of women. We aimed to investigate whether RNA interference of long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) DCST1‐AS1 could promote miR‐874‐3p expression to affect the proliferation, migration and invasion of cervical cancer cells.

Methods

DCST1‐AS1 expression levels in cervical cancer cells and transfection effects were detected by quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction analysis. Proliferation, invasion and migration of cells were separately shown by cell‐counting kit‐8, wound healing and transwell assays, and relative protein expression was determined by western blot analysis. Dual‐luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assays verified the interaction of DCST1‐AS1 and miR‐874‐3p.

Results

DCST1‐AS1 expression was increased in cervical cancer tissues and cells. The DCST1‐AS1 expression in Hela and SiHa cells was the highest, and so the cells were selected for the next experiment. Inhibition of DCST1‐AS1 suppressed the proliferation, invasion and migration of cervical cancer cells and decreased the expression of KI67, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2 and MMP‐9. miR‐874‐3p expression was increased when cells were transfected with miR‐874‐3p mimic or shRNA‐DCST1‐AS1‐1, and DCST1‐AS1 expression was down‐regulated when cells were transfected with miR‐874‐3p mimic. DCST1‐AS1 can directly target miR‐874‐3p. Furthermore, inhibition of miR‐874‐3p could effectively alleviate the effect of inhibition of DCST1‐AS1 with respect to the proliferation, invasion and migration of cervical cancer cells.

Conclusions

Inhibition of DCST1‐AS1 suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion of cervical cancer cells by increasing miR‐874‐3p expression, which could be alleviated by the inhibition of miR‐874‐3p.
Contact engineered charge plasma junctionless transistor for suppressing tunneling leakage
Authors: Kumar Harendra , Singh Sangeeta , Priyadarshani Kumari Nibha , Ghosh Jayanta , Naugarhiya Alok
Published: October 2020

This work reports contact engineered charge plasma junctionless transistor (CE‐CP‐JLT) to suppress the tunneling leakage current by deploying calibrated exhaustive 2‐D TCAD simulations. This analysis considered the detrimental effect due to the nonohmic source and drain side contacts by including universal Schottky tunneling and band‐to‐band tunneling models. Our study suggests to reduce the source/drain metal contacts to control the carriers tunneling in OFF state. This contact engineering can effectively minimizes the leakage with retained drive current capabilities. This would in turn improve the device switching behavior and ION/IOFF current ratio at least by four orders. The reduction in leakage current leads to decrease in static power consumption. This facilitates the CE‐CP‐JLT deployment in a portable device for longer duration with same power supply. Further, the device sensitivity analysis with respect to electrode contact length, gate oxide thickness, dielectric constant, channel length and silicon film thickness is also analyzed. Moreover, the comparative analysis of device analog behavior is also carried out here.
Low Prevalence of NOTCH2NLC GGC Repeat Expansion in White Patients with Movement Disorders
Authors: Yau Wai Yan , Vandrovcova Jana , Sullivan Roisin , Chen Zhongbo , Zecchinelli Anna , Cilia Roberto , Duga Stefano , Murray Malgorzata , Carmona Susana ,   Genomics England Research Consortium, Chelban Viorica , Ishiura Hiroyuki , Tsuji Shoji , Jaunmuktane Zane , Turner Chris , Wood Nicholas W. , Houlden Henry
Published: October 2020

Background

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of the GGC‐repeat expansion in NOTCH2NLC in whites presenting with movement disorders.

Methods

We searched for the GGC‐repeat expansion in NOTCH2NLC using repeat‐primed polymerase chain reaction in 203 patients with essential tremor, 825 patients with PD, 194 patients with spinocerebellar ataxia, 207 patients with “possible” or “probable” MSA, and 336 patients with pathologically confirmed MSA. We also screened 30,008 patients enrolled in the 100,000 Genomes Project for the same mutation using ExpansionHunter, followed by repeat‐primed polymerase chain reaction. All possible expansions were confirmed by Southern blotting and/or long‐read sequencing.

Results

We identified 1 patient who carried the NOTCH2NLC mutation in the essential tremor cohort, and 1 patient presenting with recurrent encephalopathy and postural tremor/parkinsonism in the 100,000 Genomes Project.

Conclusions

GGC‐repeat expansion in NOTCH2NLC is rare in whites presenting with movement disorders. In addition, existing whole‐genome sequencing data are useful in case ascertainment. © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Targeting hepatocyte growth factor/c‐mesenchymal–epithelial transition factor axis in hepatocellular carcinoma: Rationale and therapeutic strategies
Authors: Yu Jianqing , Chen George G. , Lai Paul B. S.
Published: October 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. The outcome of current standard treatments, as well as targeted therapies in advanced stages, are still unsatisfactory. Attention has been drawn to novel strategies for better treatment efficacy. Hepatocyte growth factor/c‐mesenchymal–epithelial transition factor (HGF/c‐Met) axis has been known as an essential element in the regulation of liver diseases and as an oncogenic factor in HCC. In this review, we collected the evidence of HGF/c‐Met as a tumor progression and prognostic marker, discussed the anti‐c‐Met therapy in vitro, summarized the outcome of c‐Met inhibitors in clinical trials, and identified potential impetus for future anti‐c‐Met treatments. We also analyzed the inconsistency of HGF/c‐Met from various publications and offered reasonable explanations based on the current understanding in this area. In conclusion, HGF/c‐Met plays a crucial role in the progression and growth of HCC, and the strategies to inhibit this pathway may facilitate the development of new and effective treatments for HCC patients.
Cost‐raising internalization in supply chain design
Authors: Geng Xin , Krishnan Harish , Queyranne Maurice
Published: October 2020

We investigate the supply chain design decisions faced by a focal retailer that participates in a two‐tier supply chain with another competing retailer and a common upstream supplier. The operations literature has traditionally approached supply chain network design with the objective of minimizing the overall costs from a centralized standpoint. We study the strategic consequences of the focal retailer's supply chain design decisions, and demonstrate how pursuing “cost‐raising” internalization could be beneficial. We build a stylized game‐theoretic model that captures the cost implications of the focal retailer's internalization decisions, and analyze the impact of these decisions on the equilibrium outcome. Under various assumptions on the nature of retail competition and supply chain contracts, we obtain simple and intuitive sufficient conditions for the profitability of cost‐raising internalization. Moreover, we study how the intensity of horizontal and vertical competition, respectively, may influence the focal retailer's supply chain decisions. Finally, we examine the impact of cost‐raising internalization on consumer surplus and channel performance, and find that welfare may increase under certain conditions. Our results challenge the presumption that supply chains always benefit from lowering their costs and highlight the fact that strategic considerations can sometimes lead a firm to make cost‐raising decisions within its supply chain.
A message keyword extraction approach by accurate identification of field boundaries
Authors: Goo Young‐Hoon , Shim Kyu‐Seok , Lee Min‐Seob , Kim Myung‐Sup
Published: October 2020

With the recent exponential increase in internet speeds, the traditional network environment is evolving into a high‐capacity network environment. Network traffic usage is also increasing exponentially, as are new malicious behaviors and related applications. Most of these applications and malicious behaviors use unknown protocols for which the structure is inaccessible; hence, protocol reverse engineering is receiving increasing attention in the field of network management. Various approaches have been proposed, but they still suffer from misidentification of field boundaries. To understand message structures properly, it is important to identify accurately the boundaries of the fields constituting the protocol message; accurate keyword extraction based on this approach leads to the correct inference of message types, semantics, and state machine. In this study, we propose a message keyword extraction method using accurate identification of field boundaries from delimiter inference and statistical analysis. Through the identification of field boundaries, messages can be subdivided into fields. We evaluate the efficacy of the proposed method by applying it to several textual and binary protocols. The proposed method showed better results than did other previous studies for both textual and binary protocols.