bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glocalized Terrorism: A Predictive Study of Psychological Symptoms and Socioeconomic Status on Herdsmen Violent Attack in Anambra State
Authors: Nwankwo Emeka A. , Sam Chinenye Queen Omenyi- , Ezeakabekwe . , Uche Samuel , Aforka Lilian Emeka-
Published: July 2020

The study investigated glocalized terrorism as a predictive study of psychological symptoms and socioeconomic status on herdsmen violent attack in Anambra state. A Total number of two hundred and eighteen (218) individuals in Ayamelum and Anambra West local Government Area both in Anambra state; served as participant for the study. The study utilized non-probability (convenient sampling technique). Their age ranged from 22 to71 years and their mean age was 23.20 with standard deviation of 4.07. Terrorism Catastrophizing Scale (TCS) by Sinclair and LoCicero (2007) and Four-Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire (4DSQ) by Terluin (1996) were used to generate data. The study adopted Correlational design and Multiple Regression statistics was used to analyse the data. The analysis of the data showed that psychological symptom such as anxiety predicted herdsmen violent attack, while psychological symptoms like distress, depression, somatisation and socio-economic-status also did not predict herdsmen violent attack in Anambra State. Hence, the study concludes by establishing the recommendations for the study.
A Comparative Analysis on Knowledge and Adoption Level of Farmwomen Regarding Fruit and Vegetable Preservation Technologies: A Micro Study by KVK, Ganjam-I
Authors: Samantaray Santosh Kumar , Devadarshini Chitrotpala , Patro Anita , Panda Prasanta Kumar , Giri Bishnupada , Chaudhary Anil Kumar
Published: July 2020

The study was conducted during 2017-2019 in Ganjam district with the objective to find out the effectiveness of training programme of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Ganjam-I, on knowledge and adoption level of trainee farmwomen regarding fruit and vegetables preservation technologies. A total 400 respondents were selected for the study which  includes 200 trainee farmwomen from the adopted villages, where Krishi Vigyan Kendra Ganjam-I, had conducted  training programmes in the area of fruit and vegetables preservation technologies and 200 non-trainee farmwomen selected from villages which were not covered by the KVK. The data revealed that majority, (i.e., 72.50 percent) of Trainee Farm-Women were having medium level of knowledge regarding Fruit and Vegetable Preservation technology, followed by those (20.00 percent and 7.50 percent) having high and low level of knowledge, respectively. Whereas, in case of Non-trainee farmwomen, all of them had low level of knowledge regarding Fruit And Vegetable Preservation technologies. Further the analysis of adoption scores of Trainee Farm-women revealed that (79.50 percent) of Trainee Farmwomen had medium level of adoption, followed by (20.50 percent) those having high level of adoption and (18.50 percent) are having low level of adoption as far as Fruit and Vegetable Production technologies are concerned, while in case of Non-Trainee Farm-women, all of them were having low level of adoption. This indicates that there has been significant difference between the trainees & non-trainees with regard to their Knowledge and Adoption of fruit and vegetables preservation technology.
Vegetables with High-Nitrate Content Significantly Increase Plasma Nitrate and Nitrite Concentrations but Do Not Significantly Reduce Systolic Blood Pressure in Young Healthy Men
Authors: Ashworth Ann , Vanhatalo Anni , Blackwell Jamie R. , Hayward Giles M. , Jones Andrew M.
Published: July 2020

Aims: To investigate the effects of supplementation with high-nitrate and low-nitrate vegetables on plasma nitrate and nitrite concentrations, blood pressure and the oxygen demand of moderate-intensity exercise.

Study Design:  A randomized, cross-over design.

Place and Duration of Study: Sport and Health Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, between January 2011 and March 2012.

Methodology: 15 non-smoking, physically active healthy men (age 25 ± 6 years, BMI 24 ± 4 kg/m2) were randomized to receive a 2-week supply of high-nitrate or low-nitrate vegetables, with a 2-week ‘wash-out’ period in between. Clinic blood pressure, plasma nitrate and nitrite concentrations and physiological responses to moderate-intensity exercise tests were measured before and after each 2-week intervention. Nitrate intake was calculated using nutritional analysis of reported vegetables consumed.

Results: Participants consumed significantly more dietary nitrate on the high-nitrate diet (417 ± 139 mg/day) than the low-nitrate diet (26 ± 11 mg/day). The high-nitrate diet supplied 5.5 mg nitrate/kg body weight, exceeding the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 3.7 mg nitrate/kg body weight. Supplementation with high-nitrate vegetables significantly increased plasma nitrate concentrations (baseline; 30 ± 20 µM, after high-nitrate vegetables; 129 ± 87 µM) and plasma nitrite concentrations (baseline; 119 ± 35 nM, after high-nitrate vegetables; 227 ± 89 nM) but did not significantly change systolic blood pressure or the physiological response to moderate exercise. There were significant correlations between diastolic blood pressure and plasma nitrite concentrations (low-nitrate diet; r = 0.63, high-nitrate diet, r = 0.56).

Conclusion: Supplementation with high-nitrate vegetables above the ADI significantly increased plasma nitrate and nitrate concentrations but did not significantly reduce systolic blood pressure or the physiological response to moderate exercise. Plasma nitrite concentrations significantly correlated with diastolic blood pressure after high-nitrate and low-nitrate diets.
Building Information Model (BIM) Implementation in Perspective of Kazakhstan: Opportunities and Barriers
Authors: Aitbayeva Dayana , Hossain Md. Aslam
Published: July 2020

The construction industry is characterized by low productivity with low technological advances, minimum automation and computerization. Building Information Modeling (BIM) as a means of technological innovation, has the great potentials to improve productivity, decrease project cost and shorten project delivery time. The initiative to implement BIM in Kazakhstan construction industry has sparked widespread interest recently. This study aims to identify the opportunities and barriers to implementing BIM in construction companies in Kazakhstan. A comprehensive literature search, interviews with leading construction companies and a survey among other construction companies in Kazakhstan were conducted to understand the barriers and opportunities of BIM adoption in Kazakhstan. The study reveals that the BIM adoption level in Kazakhstan is very low and there exists a number of challenges and lack of clear guidelines to implementing BIM. The study maps BIM implementation barriers in other countries with Kazakhstan by careful investigation of literature search, interviews and the survey results. The research also proposes a BIM implementation roadmap to be followed by the construction companies in Kazakhstan and other similar countries.
Demographic Determinants of Job Satisfaction among Non-Academic Senior Staff of University of Cape Coast, Ghana
Authors: Ampofo Samuel Yaw , Prah Ebenezer
Published: July 2020

This paper investigated the demographic determinants of job satisfaction among non-academic senior staff (referred to as senior staff) of the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. By employing the descriptive design with a quantitative approach, we used a sample of 302 senior staff who were selected through multi-stage sampling procedures. An adapted version of the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire was used to gather data. One-way between groups Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and independent samples t-test were used to analyse the data. Findings revealed a statistically significant difference in the job satisfaction of senior staff concerning their years of working experience [F(2, 300) = 9.940, p< 0.001)], with senior staff who had 6-10 years of work experience being more satisfied with their jobs (Mean = 175.20). Again, the paper established a statistically significant difference in the job satisfaction of senior staff regarding their academic qualification [F(2, 300) = 8.357, p = 0.043], with senior staff who had second degree being more satisfied (Mean = 183.61). However, our results revealed no statistically significant difference in job satisfaction of senior staff concerning their gender [t (300) = -0.384, p = .701], and rank [F(2, 300) = -4.462, p = 0.061]. We concluded from the results that while some demographic variables (academic qualification and years of work experience) determine senior staff’s job satisfaction, others (gender and rank) do not. We therefore, recommend that managers and administrators of tertiary educational institutions should develop strategies to enhance working conditions that will ensure opportunities for further studies, higher responsibilities and promotion.
Design for Impact: Measuring Architecture's Social Value in the United States
Authors: Kubey Karen
Published: July 2020

In a world where economic quantifiability seems to be paramount, urbanist Karen Kubey, a Faculty Fellow in Design for Spatial Justice at the University of Oregon, specialising in health and housing, examines how some US organisations are enhancing the case for participatory design, social impact and equitable urban design.
High Science and Low Technology for Sustainable Rural Development
Authors: Wan Li , Ng Edward
Published: July 2020

Is it possible to mitigate the poor housing, poor safety and lack of dignity of the population in vast areas of rural China without adding to the environmental load? Co‐founders of the One University One Village initiative Li Wan and Edward Ng, of the School of Architecture at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, believe that it is, and describe their activities to this end in these regions.
Architecture from the Ground Up: Designing and Delivering Social Value in Southern India
Authors: Lad Jateen
Published: July 2020

Architect Jateen Lad details the socially empowering design and project delivery strategies for the Sharanam Centre for Rural Development in southern India and their catalytic effect on local communities. The trust and dialogue between the architect, NGO client and workers was crucial in the development of technical skills and improved livelihoods that continue to help the communities thrive.
Reframing Social Value in 20th‐Century Conservation
Authors: Mhearáin Aoibheann Ní , Kennedy Tara
Published: July 2020

The refurbishment of Modernist buildings while retaining the values of the original design, particularly in relation to social ideals, is a challenge in an era of late‐capitalism. Aoibheann Ní Mhearáin and Tara Kennedy, both architects and academics, present an analysis of the research conducted with Queen's University Belfast and John McLaughlin Architects on St Brendan's Community School in Birr, Ireland. Funded by a Getty Foundation ‘Keeping It Modern’ grant, the research explored how to conserve and retain Modernist buildings while respecting the social aspirations of the original design.
A Quaternary van der Waals Ferromagnetic Semiconductor AgVP2Se6
Authors: Peng Yuxuan , Cheng Xing , Gu Pingfan , Wang Fanggui , Yang Jie , Xue Mingzhu , Yang Wenyun , Wang Changsheng , Liu Shunquan , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Ye Yu , Yang Jinbo
Published: July 2020

The recent realization of 2D magnetism in van der Waals (vdWs) magnets holds promise for future information technology. However, the vdWs semiconducting ferromagnets, which remain rare, are especially important in developing 2D magnetic devices with new functionalities due to the possibility of simultaneous control of the carrier charge and spin. Metal thiophosphate (MTP), a multifunctional vdWs material system that combines the sought‐after properties of complex oxides, is a promising vdWs magnet system. Here, single crystals of a novel vdWs ferromagnetic semiconductor MTP AgVP2Se6 with a room‐temperature resistivity of 1 Ω m are successfully synthesized. Due to the nature of vdWs bonding along the c‐axis, the magnetic properties of the few‐layer AgVP2Se6 with different thicknesses are characterized on the exfoliated samples. The AgVP2Se6 flakes exhibit significant thickness‐dependent magnetic properties, and a rectangular hysteresis loop with a large coercive field of 750 Oe at 2 K and an undiminished Curie temperature of 19 K are observed in the 6.7 nm AgVP2Se6 flake. The discovered vdWs ferromagnet AgVP2Se6 with semiconducting behavior will provide alternative platforms for exploring 2D magnetism and potential applications in spintronic devices.
A Highly Conductive Titanium Oxynitride Electron‐Selective Contact for Efficient Photovoltaic Devices
Authors: Yang Xinbo , Lin Yuanbao , Liu Jiang , Liu Wenzhu , Bi Qunyu , Song Xin , Kang Jingxuan , Xu Fuzong , Xu Lujia , Hedhili Mohamed N. , Baran Derya , Zhang Xiaohong , Anthopoulos Thomas D. , De Wolf Stefaan
Published: July 2020

High‐quality carrier‐selective contacts with suitable electronic properties are a prerequisite for photovoltaic devices with high power conversion efficiency (PCE). In this work, an efficient electron‐selective contact, titanium oxynitride (TiOxNy), is developed for crystalline silicon (c‐Si) and organic photovoltaic devices. Atomic‐layer‐deposited TiOxNy is demonstrated to be highly conductive with a proper work function (4.3 eV) and a wide bandgap (3.4 eV). Thin TiOxNy films simultaneously provide a moderate surface passivation and enable a low contact resistivity on c‐Si surfaces. By implementation of an optimal TiOxNy‐based contact, a state‐of‐the‐art PCE of 22.3% is achieved for a c‐Si solar cell featuring a full‐area dopant‐free electron‐selective contact. Simultaneously, conductive TiOxNy is proven to be an efficient electron‐transport layer for organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices. A remarkably high PCE of 17.02% is achieved for an OPV device with an electron‐transport TiOxNy layer, which is superior to conventional ZnO‐based devices with a PCE of 16.10%. Atomic‐layer‐deposited TiOxNy ETL on a large area with a high uniformity may help accelerate the commercialization of emerging solar technologies.
Direct Targeting of CREB1 with Imperatorin Inhibits TGFβ2‐ERK Signaling to Suppress Esophageal Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Xu Wen Wen , Huang Zhi‐Hao , Liao Long , Zhang Qi‐Hua , Li Jun‐Qi , Zheng Can‐Can , He Yan , Luo Ting‐Ting , Wang Yang , Hu Hui‐Fang , Zuo Qian , Chen Wen‐You , Yang Qing‐Sheng , Zhao Jian‐Fu , Qin Yan‐Ru , Xu Li‐Yan , Li En‐Min , Liao Hua‐Xin , Li Bin , He Qing‐Yu
Published: July 2020

Metastasis accounts for 90% of cancer death worldwide, and effective therapeutic strategies are lacking. The aim of this work is to identify the key drivers in tumor metastasis and screen therapeutics for treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Gene Ontology analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) gene expression datasets of ESCC patients with or without lympy metastasis identifies that TGFβ2 is highly enriched in the pathways essential for tumor metastasis and upregulates in the metastatic ESCC tumors. High TGFβ2 expression in ESCC correlates with metastasis and patient survival, and functionally contributes to tumor metastasis via activating extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERK) signaling. By screening of a library consisting of 429 bioactive compounds, imperatorin is verified as a novel TGFβ2 inhibitor, with robustly suppressive effect on tumor metastasis in multiple mice models. Mechanistically, direct binding of imperatorin and CREB1 inhibits phosphorylation, nuclear translocation of CREB1, and its interaction with TGFβ2 promoter, represses TGFβ2 expression and fibroblasts‐secreted CCL2, and then inactivates ERK signaling to block cancer invasion and abrogates the paracrine effects of fibroblasts on tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. Overall, the findings suggest the use of TGFβ2 as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in ESCC, and supports the potential of imperatorin as a novel therapeutic strategy for cancer metastasis.
Sequential PDT and PTT Using Dual‐Modal Single‐Walled Carbon Nanohorns Synergistically Promote Systemic Immune Responses against Tumor Metastasis and Relapse
Authors: Yang Jingxing , Hou Mengfei , Sun Wenshe , Wu Qinghe , Xu Jia , Xiong Liqin , Chai Yimin , Liu Yuxin , Yu Meihua , Wang Haolu , Xu Zhi Ping , Liang Xiaowen , Zhang Chunfu
Published: July 2020

Immune responses stimulated by photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) are a promising strategy for the treatment of advanced cancer. However, the antitumor efficacy by PDT or PTT alone is less potent and unsustainable against cancer metastasis and relapse. In this study, Gd3+ and chlorin e6 loaded single‐walled carbon nanohorns (Gd‐Ce6@SWNHs) are developed, and it is demonstrated that they are a strong immune adjuvant, and have high tumor targeting and penetration efficiency. Then, three in vivo mouse cancer models are established, and it is found that sequential PDT and PTT using Gd‐Ce6@SWNHs synergistically promotes systemic antitumor immune responses, where PTT stimulates dendritic cells (DCs) to secrete IL‐6 and TNF‐α, while PDT triggers upregulation of IFN‐γ and CD80. Moreover, migration of Gd‐Ce6@SWNHs from the targeted tumors to tumor‐draining lymph nodes sustainably activates the DCs to generate a durable immune response, which eventually eliminates the distant metastases without using additional therapeutics. Gd‐Ce6@SWNHs intervened phototherapies also generate durable and long‐term memory immune responses to tolerate and prevent cancer rechallenge. Therefore, this study demonstrates that sequential PDT and PTT using Gd‐Ce6@SWNHs under moderate conditions elicits cooperative and long‐lasting antitumor immune responses, which are promising for the treatment of patients with advanced metastatic cancers.
Self‐Assembling Glycopeptide Conjugate as a Versatile Platform for Mimicking Complex Polysaccharides
Authors: Wang Hanxuan , Liu Zhichao , An Chuanjing , Li Haoting , Hu Fanlei , Dong Suwei
Published: July 2020

Polysaccharides are a class of carbohydrates that play pivotal roles in living systems such as being chemical messengers in many vital biological pathways. However, the complexity and heterogeneity of these natural structures have posed daunting challenges on their production, characterization, evaluation, and applications. While there have been various types of synthetic skeletons that could mimic some biological aspects of polysaccharides, a safer and more easily accessed system is still desired to avoid the unnatural components and difficulties in modifying the structures. In this work, conveniently accessible self‐assembling glycopeptide conjugates are developed, where the natural O‐glycosidic linkages and phosphoryl modifications assist the self‐assembly and concurrently reduce the risk of toxicity. The generated nanoparticles in aqueous solution offer a multivalent display of structurally controllable carbohydrates as mimics of polysaccharides, among which a mannosylated version exhibits immunostimulatory effects in both cellular assays and vaccination of mice. The obtained results demonstrate the potential of this glycopeptide conjugate‐derived platform in exploiting the intriguing properties of carbohydrates in a more structurally maneuverable fashion.
Measurement Uncertainty and Its Connection to Quantum Coherence in an Inertial Unruh–DeWitt Detector
Authors: Yang Ying‐Yue , Ye Liu , Wang Dong
Published: July 2020

The dynamic characteristics of measured uncertainty and quantum coherence are explored for an inertial Unruh–DeWitt detector model in an expanding de Sitter space. Using the entropic uncertainty relation, the uncertainty of interest is correlated with the evolving time t, the energy level spacing δ, and the Hubble parameter H. The investigation shows that, for short time, a strong energy level spacing and small Hubble parameter can result in a relatively small uncertainty. The evolution of quantum coherence versus the evolving time and Hubble parameter, which varies almost inversely to that of the uncertainty, is then discussed, and the relationship between uncertainty and the coherence is explicitly derived. With respect to the l1 norm of coherence, it is found that the environment for the quantum system considered possesses a strong non‐Markovian property. The dynamic behavior of coherence non‐monotonously decreases with the growth of evolving time. The dynamic features of uncertainty and coherence in the expanding space with those in flat space are also compared. Furthermore, quantum weak measurement is utilized to effectively reduce the magnitude of uncertainty, which offers realistic and important support for quantum precision measurements during the undertaking of quantum tasks.
Repulsive Casimir Force of the Free and Harmonically Trapped Bose Gas in the Bose–Einstein Condensate Phase
Authors: Aydiner Ekrem
Published: July 2020

In this study, ideal free and harmonically trapped Bose gases confined by two plates in the x–y‐plane in‐between distance d are considered. The Casimir potential is obtained from the grand canonical potential of these quantum Bose gases for the Zaremba and the anti‐periodic boundary conditions. The Casimir force is then obtained for the Bose–Einstein condensate phase and for the non‐condensate phase . It is shown that Casimir forces are repulsive for these boundary conditions. Additionally, it is shown that Casimir forces exponentially decay in the non‐condensate phase with the decay lengths. These decay lengths were discussed and compared for different boundary conditions. As a result, new results are obtained for harmonically trapped Bose gas and the free gas results are compared with previous results.
Periodically Ordered, Nuclease‐Resistant DNA Nanowires Decorated with Cell‐Specific Aptamers as Selective Theranostic Agents
Authors: Xue Chang , Zhang Songbai , Yu Xin , Hu Shuyao , Lu Yi , Wu Zai‐Sheng
Published: July 2020

DNA nanostructures have shown potential in cancer therapy. However, their clinical application is hampered by the difficulty to deliver them into cancer cells and susceptibility to nuclease degradation. To overcome these limitations, we report herein a periodically ordered nick‐hidden DNA nanowire (NW) with high serum stability and active targeting functionality. The inner core is made of multiple connected DNA double helices, and the outer shell is composed of regularly arranged standing‐up hairpin aptamers. All termini of the components are hidden from nuclease attack, whereas the target‐binding sites are exposed to allow delivery to the cancer target. The DNA NW remained intact during incubation for 24 h in serum solution. Animal imaging and cell apoptosis showed that NWs loaded with an anticancer drug displayed long blood‐circulation time and high specificity in inducing cancer‐cell apoptosis, thus validating this approach for the targeted imaging and therapy of cancers.
Coordination of Actinide Single Ions to Deformed Graphdiyne: Strategy on Essential Separation Processes in Nuclear Fuel Cycle
Authors: Yuan Tianyu , Xiong Shijie , Shen Xinghai
Published: July 2020

The coordination of actinides and lanthanides, as well as strontium and cesium with graphdiyne (GDY) was studied experimentally and theoretically. On the basis of experimental results and/or theoretical calculations, it was suggested that Th4+, Pu4+, Am3+, Cm3+, and Cs+ exist in single‐ion states on the special triangular structure of GDY with various coordination patterns, wherein GDY itself is deformed in different ways. Both experiment and theoretical calculations strongly indicate that UO22+, La3+, Eu3+, Tm3+ and Sr2+ are not adsorbed by GDY at all. The distinguished adsorption behaviors of GDY afford an important strategy for highly selective separation of actinides and lanthanides, Th4+ and UO22+, and Cs+ and Sr2+, in the nuclear fuel cycle. Also, the present work sheds light on an approach to explore the unique functions and physicochemical properties of actinides in single‐ion states.
Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation of gem‐Difluorocyclopropenyl Esters: Access to Enantioenriched gem‐Difluorocyclopropanes
Authors: Yamani Khalil , Pierre Hugo , Archambeau Alexis , Meyer Christophe , Cossy Janine
Published: July 2020

Catalytic enantioselective access to disubstituted functionalized gem‐difluorocyclopropanes, which are emerging fluorinated motifs of interest in medicinal chemistry, was achieved through asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of gem‐difluorocyclopropenyl esters, catalyzed by a Noyori–Ikariya (p‐cymene)‐ruthenium(II) complex, with (N‐tosyl‐1,2‐diphenylethylenediamine) as the chiral ligand and isopropanol as the hydrogen donor. The resulting cis‐gem‐difluorocyclopropyl esters were obtained with moderate to high enantioselectivity (ee=66–99 %), and post‐functionalization reactions enable access to valuable building blocks incorporating a cis‐ or trans‐gem‐difluorocyclopropyl motif.
Hydrogenase Mimics in M12L24 Nanospheres to Control Overpotential and Activity in Proton‐Reduction Catalysis
Authors: Zaffaroni Riccardo , Orth Nicole , Ivanović‐Burmazović Ivana , Reek Joost N. H.
Published: July 2020

Hydrogenase enzymes are excellent proton reduction catalysts and therefore provide clear blueprints for the development of nature‐inspired synthetic analogues. Mimicking their catalytic center is straightforward but mimicking the protein matrix around the active site and all its functions remains challenging. Synthetic models lack this precisely controlled second coordination sphere that provides substrate preorganization and catalyst stability and, as a result, their performances are far from those of the natural enzyme. In this contribution, we report a strategy to easily introduce a specific yet customizable second coordination sphere around synthetic hydrogenase models by encapsulation inside M12L24 cages and, at the same time, create a proton‐rich nano‐environment by co‐encapsulation of ammonium salts, effectively providing substrate preorganization and intermediates stabilization. We show that catalyst encapsulation in these nanocages reduces the catalytic overpotential for proton reduction by 250 mV as compared to the uncaged catalyst, while the proton‐rich nano‐environment created around the catalyst ensures that high catalytic rates are maintained.
Synthesis of pyrimidine derivatives via multicomponent reaction catalyzed by ferric chloride
Authors: Xian Liang , Ma Cui‐Ting , Ouyang Ying‐Gen , Di Jia‐Qi , Zhang Zhan‐Hui
Published: July 2020

An eco‐friendly and practical approach was developed for the synthesis of pyrimidine derivatives via a one‐pot, three‐component coupling reaction of commercially available aldehydes, alkynes, and indazole3/triazole catalyzed by ferric chloride with good to excellent yields. The advantages of this method include environmentally friendly catalyst, easily available materials, and ease of product isolation.
Multienzymatic immobilization of laccases on polymeric microspheres: A strategy to expand the maximum catalytic efficiency
Authors: Vera Myleidi , Fodor Csaba , Garcia Yadiris , Pereira Eduardo , Loos Katja , Rivas Bernabé L.
Published: July 2020

Laccase enzymes of were covalently coimmobilized on poly(glycidyl methacrylate) microspheres. The objective of this work was to create a biocatalyst that works efficiently in a wide range of pH. The coimmobilization was performed using two different strategies to compare the most efficient. The results showed that by correctly selecting the enzymes and concentrations involved in the commobilization, it is possible to obtain a biocatalyst that works efficiently at a wide pH range (2.0–7.0). The maximum activity values reached per gram of support for the obtained biocatalyst were 41.90 U (pH 3.0), 40.89 U (pH 4.0), and 39.54 U (pH 6.0). Moreover, the thermal, storage, and mechanical stabilities were improved compared to the free and single‐immobilized laccases. It was concluded that enzymatic coimmobilization is an excellent alternative to obtain a robust biocatalyst that works in a wide pH range, with potential environmental and industrial applications.
Effect of polyethylene glycol molecular weight on cell growth behavior of polyvinyl alcohol/carboxymethyl cellulose/polyethylene glycol hydrogel
Authors: Shin Ji‐Yeon , Lee Deuk Yong , Kim Bae‐Yeon , Yoon Jung In
Published: July 2020

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)/polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel scaffolds are synthesized using cyclic freezing/thawing and subsequent γ‐ray irradiation to evaluate the effect of the molecular weights of PEG (200, 400, 1,000, and 2,000) on strength and cell growth behavior of the hydrogels. As the PEG weight increases from 200 to 2,000, the compressive strength and the pore size decreases gradually from 58.0 ± 8.2 kPa to 17.7 ± 6.1 kPa and from 22.7 ± 3.9 μm to 8.5 ± 1.6 μm, respectively. However, the highest swelling rate is obtained for PVA/CMC/PEG400 hydrogels. The irradiated PVA/CMC/PEG400 hydrogels exhibit tailored properties of the swelling rate of 1,148 ± 34.0%, the compressive strength of 42.5 ± 6.6 kPa, the pore size of 14.6 ± 1.9 μm, and cell viability of 184%. In addition, the fastest L‐929 cell proliferation and growth with time, verified by the cell proliferation (0–48 hr) and the scratch assay (0–15 hr), was observed for the PVA/CMC/PEG400 hydrogels, indicating that they are highly suitable for potential wound dressings that require fast healing regeneration.
A new design of output feedback sliding mode controller for T‐S fuzzy‐affine systems
Authors: Ji Wenqiang , Qiu Jianbin , Lam Hak‐Keung
Published: July 2020

This work focuses on output feedback sliding mode control (SMC) for nonlinear systems via T‐S fuzzy affine models. Associated with the sliding surface, a singular system is firstly proposed to describe the dynamical features of the sliding motion. Adopting some convexification techniques and based on piecewise quadratic Lyapunov functions (PQLFs) and a common quadratic Lyapunov function (CQLF), sufficient criteria for the asymptotic stability analysis of the sliding mode dynamical system are attained. Two output feedback SMC synthesis schemes are developed to drive the closed‐loop system states to the sliding surface in finite time. A simulation example is presented to show the validity of the proposed methods.
Evolving Utility Practices and Experiences With Corrosion Control
Authors: Arnold Roger B. , Rosenfeldt Becki , Rhoades Jacqueline , Owen Christine , Becker William
Published: July 2020

Key Takeaways

A 2019 US corrosion control survey benchmarks recent utility perspectives before the release of the proposed LCR revisions, providing insight on regulatory impacts.

Rates of orthophosphate use continue to increase, and the results add to evidence that orthophosphate is effective for controlling lead release.

The primary challenge facing utilities is coordinating compliance sample collection, and the greatest priority is ensuring optimal corrosion control treatment.
“Quality Water Matters” Resonates Amid Uncertainty About Emerging Contaminants
Authors: Steglitz Brian , Goetz Melanie K.
Published: July 2020

Key Takeaways

When a complex subject such as emerging contaminants is presented to the public, it's essential that community officials and utility staff maintain customers’ trust through transparent, timely, clear communication.

Unless utility staff or city officials take the first steps to communicate with concerned customers about water quality, messages can be quickly misconstrued.

In Michigan, the City of Ann Arbor developed a branding and communication strategy to ensure that residents were armed with knowledge about the water utility's decisions and actions.
Folic acid prescribed to prenatal and postpartum women who are also prescribed antiepileptic drugs in Japan: Data from a health administrative database
Authors: Ishikawa Tomofumi , Obara Taku , Jin Kazutaka , Nishigori Hidekazu , Miyakoda Keiko , Akazawa Manabu , Nakasato Nobukazu , Yaegashi Nobuo , Kuriyama Shinichi , Mano Nariyasu
Published: July 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of folic acid (FA) prescription to prenatal and postpartum women who have also been prescribed antiepileptic drugs (AED) in Japan.

Methods

The data set used in this study included women covered by health insurance between 2005 and 2016. The prevalence of FA prescriptions between 180 days before pregnancy and 180 days postpartum was determined from a large administrative database, with the FA prescription classified according to dose and timing.

Results

For 33,941 women meeting our eligibility criteria, the mean maternal age at delivery was 32.3 years. At least one AED was prescribed to 225 of 33,941 women between 180 days before pregnancy and 180 days postpartum. FA was prescribed to 32 of 225 women (14.2%) during the same period. FA was prescribed to 8.8% of women with AED within 90 days before pregnancy and to 19.8% during the first trimester. FA was prescribed to 10.9% during the first 30 days after conception, all of whom were prescribed FA before the pregnancy. The maximum FA dose prescribed within 90 days before pregnancy was 5 mg/day for 5 of 12 women (41.7%) and >5 mg/day for 4 of 12 women (33.3%). The maximum FA dose prescribed during the first trimester was 5 mg/day for 14 of 22 women (63.6%) and >5 mg/day for 8 of 22 women (36.4%).

Conclusions

The concurrent prescription of FA with AEDs in Japan was an uncommon therapeutic approach both before and during pregnancy.
Synthesis and polymerase recognition of a pyrrolocytidine TNA triphosphate
Authors: Mei Hui , Wang Yajun , Yik Eric J. , Chaput John C.
Published: July 2020

Synthetic genetics is an area of synthetic biology that aims to extend the properties of heredity and evolution to artificial genetic polymers, commonly known as xeno‐nucleic acids or XNAs. In addition to establishing polymerases that are able to convert genetic information back and forth between DNA and XNA, efforts are underway to construct XNAs with expanded chemical functionality. α‐L‐Threose nucleic acid (TNA), a type of XNA that is recalcitrant to nuclease digestion and amenable to Darwinian evolution, provides a model system for developing XNAs with functional groups that are not present in natural DNA and RNA. Here, we describe the synthesis and polymerase activity of a cytidine TNA triphosphate analog (6‐phenyl‐pyrrolocytosine, tCpTP) that maintains Watson‐Crick base pairing with guanine. Polymerase‐mediated primer extension assays show that tCpTP is an efficient substrate for Kod‐RI, a DNA‐dependent TNA polymerase developed to explore the functional properties of TNA by in vitro selection. Fidelity studies reveal that a cycle of TNA synthesis and reverse transcription occurs with 99.9% overall fidelity when tCpTP and 7‐deaza‐tGTP are present as TNA substrates. This result expands the toolkit of TNA building blocks available for in vitro selection.
Design and development of psychological virtual simulation experiment teaching system
Authors: Chen Danwen , Kong Xiaodong , Wei Qiang
Published: July 2020

By solving the problem of “invisibility” of human psychological activities through "psychological virtual simulation experimental teaching system" in this paper, the necessity of developing this system, needs analysis, the composition of the overall platform, the design of subsystems, the design of experimental projects, the integration of the system, and the realization methods of various functions of the system were elaborated. This system integrates many courses of psychology specialty, designs several experimental projects to meet the needs of different users, fully considers the combination of remote use and laboratory immersion experience, fully considers the sharing of resources and has strong practicability. It has guiding significance for the construction of virtual simulation laboratory, the reform of experimental teaching of psychology specialty, cross‐specialty elective courses and mental health education, psychological counseling, and treatment in colleges and universities.
A population‐based study on the prognostic impact of primary tumor sidedness in patients with peritoneal metastases from colon cancer
Authors: de Boer Nadine L. , Rovers Koen , Burger Jacobus W.A. , Madsen Eva V. E. , Brandt‐Kerkhof Alexandra R. M. , Kok Niels F. M. , de Wilt Johannes H. W. , de Reuver Philip H. , Bos Amanda , de Hingh Ignace H. J. T. , Verhoef Cornelis
Published: July 2020

Primary tumor location is an established prognostic factor in patients with (metastatic) colon cancer. Colon tumors can be divided into left‐sided and right‐sided tumors. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of primary tumor location on treatment and overall survival (OS) in patients with peritoneal metastases (PM) from colon cancer. This study is a retrospective, population‐based cohort study. Records of patients diagnosed with colon cancer and synchronous PM, from 1995 through 2016, were retrieved from the Netherlands Cancer Registry (NCR). Data on diagnosis, staging, and treatment were extracted from the medical records by specifically trained NCR personnel. Information on survival status was updated annually using a computerized link with the national civil registry. In total, 7930 patients were included in this study; 4555 (57.4%) had a right‐sided and 3375 (42.6%) had a left‐sided primary tumor. In multivariable analysis right‐sided primary tumor was associated with worse OS (HR: 1.11, 95% CI 1.03‐1.19, P = .007). Of all patients diagnosed with PM, 564 (7.1%) underwent cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS‐HIPEC). Patients with left‐sided primary tumors were more often candidates for CRS‐HIPEC (6.5% vs. 8.0%, P = .008). OS of patients with right‐ and left‐sided tumors who underwent CRS‐HIPEC did not significantly differ. In conclusion, primary right‐sided colon cancer was an independent prognostic factor for decreased OS in patients diagnosed with synchronous PM. In patients treated with CRS‐HIPEC location of the primary tumor did not influence survival.
Monitoring of industrial processes using robust global–local preserving projection
Authors: Bao Shiyi , Luo Lijia
Published: July 2020

Usual multivariate statistical analysis (MSA) techniques are highly sensitive to outliers because they are based on the least squares fitting or the empirical mean and covariance of the data. Data‐driven process monitoring methods based on usual MSA techniques may be unreliable when outliers are present in the training data. To overcome this deficiency, a robust global–local preserving projection (RGLPP) method is proposed for dimension reduction of the high‐dimensional data contaminated by outliers, and then it is applied to the robust monitoring of industrial processes. Despite the presence of outliers, RGLPP yields robust projection directions that can preserve both global and local structures of the high‐dimensional data. Moreover, based on the robust projection directions of RGLPP, a method is developed for identifying outliers in a multivariate data set. An RGLPP‐based robust process monitoring method is also developed to achieve high‐performance monitoring when the training data of industrial processes contain outliers. The effectiveness and advantages of the proposed method are illustrated using an industrial case study.
Total Synthesis of Mallotusinin
Authors: Yamashita Kohei , Kume Yuji , Ashibe Seiya , Puspita Cicilia A. D. , Tanigawa Kotaro , Michihata Naoki , Wakamori Shinnosuke , Ikeuchi Kazutada , Yamada Hidetoshi
Published: July 2020

The total synthesis of mallotusinin, which bears a tetrahydroxydibenzofuranoyl (THDBF) bridge between the 2‐oxygen and 4‐oxygen of glucose on corilagin with a 3,6‐O‐(R)‐hexahydroxydiphenoyl (HHDP) bridge, is described. The key features of the total synthesis are: 1) improvements of our previously reported method to synthesize corilagin; 2) establishment of the THDBF skeleton via an unusual intramolecular SNAr reaction of an HHDP analogue, and 3) the application of a two‐step bislactonization strategy for a HHDP bridge construction into the 2,4‐O‐THDBF bridge. Oxidative phenol coupling of 1,2,4‐orthoacetyl‐3,6‐di‐(4‐O‐benzylgalloyl)‐α‐d‐glucopyranose and the orthoester cleavage of the coupling product without the pyranose‐furanose ring transformation are key reactions for the improved synthesis of corilagin, which enabled the adequate supply of a corilagin precursor that was required to develop the mallotusinin synthesis. These established methods are expected to help develop the synthesis of other ellagitannins with a bridge between the two oxygens of corilagin.
Linking of CuI Units by Tetrahedral Mo2E2 Complexes (E=P, As)
Authors: Schiller Jana , Schreiner Andrea , Seidl Michael , Balázs Gábor , Scheer Manfred
Published: July 2020

The reaction of [Cp2Mo2(CO)4(μ,η2:2‐E2)] (A: E=P, B: E=As, Cp=C5H5) with the WCA‐containing CuI salts ([Cu(CH3CN)4][Al{OC(CF3)3}4] (CuTEF, C), [Cu(CH3CN)4][BF4] (D) and [Cu(CH3CN)3.5][FAl{OC6F10(C6F5)}3] (CuFAl, E)) affords seven unprecedented coordination compounds. Depending on the E2 ligand complex, the counter anion of the copper salt and the stoichiometry, four dinuclear copper dimers and three trinuclear copper compounds are accessible. The latter complexes reveal first linear Cu3 arrays linked by E2 units (E=P, As) coordinated in an η2:1:1 coordination mode. All compounds were characterized by X‐ray crystallography, NMR and IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and elemental analysis. To define the nature of the Cu⋅⋅⋅Cu⋅⋅⋅Cu interactions, DFT calculations were performed.
Low‐cost and two‐cycle hardware structures of PRINCE lightweight block cipher
Authors: Rashidi Bahram
Published: July 2020

In this paper, low‐cost and two‐cycle hardware structures of the PRINCE lightweight block cipher are presented. In the first structure, we proposed an area‐constrained structure, and in the second structure, a high‐speed implementation of the PRINCE cipher is presented. The substitution box (S‐box) and the inverse of S‐box (S‐box−1) blocks are the most complex blocks in the PRINCE cipher. These blocks are designed by an efficient structure with low critical path delay. In the low‐cost structure, the S‐boxes and S‐boxes−1 are shared between the round computations and the intermediate step of PRINCE cipher. Therefore, the proposed architecture is implemented based on the lowest number of computation resources. The two‐cycle implementation of PRINCE cipher is designed by a processing element (PE), which is a general and reconfigurable element. This structure has a regular form with the minimum number of the control signal. Implementation results of the proposed structures in 180‐nm CMOS technology and Virtex‐4 and Virtex‐6 FPGA families are achieved. The proposed structures, based on the results, have better critical path delay and throughput compared with other's related works.
Value of the CHA2DS2‐VASc score for predicting outcome in patients with heart failure
Authors: Shuvy Mony , Zwas Donna R. , Keren Andre , Gotsman Israel
Published: July 2020

Aims

Comorbidities are highly prevalent in patients with heart failure (HF) and affect clinical outcome. The CHA2DS2‐VASc score is a validated score to estimate assessment of thromboembolic risk in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Methods and results

We evaluated the predictive value of this score on clinical outcome in patients with HF. All patients with a diagnosis of chronic HF at a health maintenance organization were evaluated for the CHA2DS2‐VASc score. Patients were followed for cardiac related hospitalizations and death. The cohort included 7106 HF patients. Mean follow‐up was 744 days; the median CHA2DS2‐VASc score was 5.0 (range 4.0–6.0). The CHA2DS2‐VASc score was a significant predictor of survival and predictive of the combined end point of death and cardiovascular hospitalization. Survival rates were reduced with increasing quintiles of the CHA2DS2‐VASc score: 93.6 ± 0.7% vs. 83.0 ± 1.1% vs. 75.7 ± 1.0% vs. 73.0 ± 1.2% vs. 63.3 ± 1.2%, respectively P < 0.001. After adjustment for other significant predictors, increasing CHA2DS2‐VASc scores were independently predictive of survival and of the combined end point of death and cardiovascular hospitalization by Cox regression analysis. Analysing the CHA2DS2‐VASc score as a continuous parameter by cox regression analysis demonstrated a significant increase with each point increase in the CHA2DS2‐VASc score (hazard ratio 1.21, 95% confidence interval 1.17–1.26, P < 0.0001). Cox regression analysis using restricted cubic splines demonstrated an independent continuous increase in mortality with increasing CHA2DS2‐VASc score (P < 0.0001 adjusted linear model). The predictive value was present in HF with reduced as well as preserved ejection fraction.

Conclusions

The CHA2DS2‐VASc score has a significant impact on outcome in HF patients.
A healthcare‐oriented mobile question‐and‐answering system for smart cities
Authors: Xu Yueshen , Jiang Yan , Li Rui , Gao Honghao , Guo Jin , Liu Yaning , Hei Lei , Wang Yihao
Published: July 2020

Question‐and‐answering (QA) systems are popularly applied and deployed in many fields and industries, such as e‐commerce platforms, government departments, and educational industry. However, the requirement for QA systems in healthcare industry has still not been satisfied, especially the requirement for mobile QA systems. In this article, we develop a healthcare‐oriented mobile QA system for smart cities. The developed system is constructed with artificial intelligence and mobile computing techniques, including natural language processing, information retrieval, and service computing. To meet the strict requirement of healthcare‐oriented information systems, we design a series of models, algorithms, and computation methods. The designed QA system contains three modules, which are classifier, QA engine, and chatbots API. We study the performance of different classifiers, including neural network‐based classifier, support vector machine (SVM), and AdaBoost‐based classifier. The QA engine consists of two submodules, that is, semantic processing and answers retrieval. Semantic processing contains part‐of‐speech tagging and dependency parsing. The answers retrieval module contains index building and searching. We perform a series of experiments to evaluate the performance of our system and present the experimental results. The built mobile QA system has been applied in real‐world hospitals and communities and receives satisfied user experience.
Distributed resource management in dew based edge to cloud computing ecosystem: A hybrid adaptive evolutionary approach
Authors: Roy Asmita , Midya Sadip , Majumder Koushik , Phadikar Santanu
Published: July 2020

To extend the reach of cloud computing, the concept of edge computing and dew computing is introduced to execute various Internet of things (IoT) application with minimized delay in real time. The requested tasks are allocated computing resources that best suits their purpose. In this work, a novel hybrid hierarchical dew based edge to cloud architecture is developed. The objective of the study is to provide a detailed analysis and validation of real‐time scheduling of IoT application in this hybrid hierarchical ecosystem. The problem of optimally mapping requested tasks to the computing layers is mathematically formulated based on several quality of service factors and solved using the proposed hybrid adaptive metaheuristic algorithm. This is a combination of learning‐based adaptive particle swarm optimization and genetic algorithm. The exploitative and exploratory feature of the proposed algorithm helps in achieving better global optima compared with other existing metaheuristic algorithms.