bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication and characterization of a stemless plastic scintillation detector
Authors: Hupman Michael A. , Monajemi Thalat , Valitova Irina , Hill Ian G. , Syme Alasdair
Published: September 2020

Purpose

To fabricate a stemless plastic scintillation detector (SPSD) and characterize its linearity and reproducibility, and its dependence on energy and dose per pulse; and to apply it to clinical PDD and output factor measurements.

Methods

An organic bulk heterojunction photodiode was fabricated by spin coating a blend of P3HT and PCBM onto an ITO‐coated glass substrate and depositing aluminum top contacts. Eljen scintillators (~5 × 5 × 5 mm3; EJ‐204, EJ‐208, and EJ‐260) or Saint‐Gobain scintillators (~3 × 3 × 2 mm3; BC‐400 and BC‐412) were placed on the opposite side of the glass using a silicone grease (optical coupling agent) creating the SPSD. Energy dependence was measured by using 100, 180, and 300 kVp photon beams from an orthovoltage treatment unit (Xstrahl 300) and 6 and 10 MV photons from a Varian TrueBeam linear accelerator. Linearity, dose per pulse dependence, output factors, and PDDs were measured using a 6 MV photon beam. PDDs and output factors were compared to ion chamber measurements. A control device was fabricated by substituting polystyrene (PS) for the P3HT/PCBM layer. No photocurrent should be generated in the control device and so any current measured is due to Compton current in the electrodes, wires, and surroundings from the irradiation. Output factors were corrected by subtracting the signal measured using the control device from the photodiode measured signal to yield the photocurrent.

Results

Each SPSD had excellent linearity with dose having an r2 of 1 and sensitivities of 1.07 nC/cGy, 1.04 nC/cGy, 1.00 nC/cGy and 0.10 nC/cGy, and 0.10 nC/cGy for EJ‐204, EJ‐208, EJ‐260 (5 × 5 × 5 mm3 volumes), BC‐400, and BC‐412 (3 × 3 × 2 mm3 volumes), respectively. No significant dose per pulse dependence was measured. Output factors matched within 1% for the large scintillators for field sizes of 5 × 5 cm2 to 25 × 25 cm2, but there was a large under‐response at field sizes below 3 × 3 cm2. After correcting the signal of the small scintillators by subtracting the current measured using the PS control, the output factors agreed with the ion chamber measurements within 1% from field sizes 1 × 1 cm2 to 20 × 20 cm2. The impact of Cerenkov emissions in the scintillator was effectively corrected with a simple reflective coating on the scintillator. In comparison to a 6 MV photon beam, the large scintillator SPSDs exhibited 37%, 52%, and 73% of the response at energies 100 kVp, 180 kVp and 300 kVp, respectively.

Conclusion

The principle of the SPSD was demonstrated. Devices had excellent linearity, reproducibility, and no significant dose per pulse dependence, and a simple reflective coating was sufficient to correct for Cerenkov emissions from within the scintillator. The devices demonstrated similar energy dependence to other scintillator detectors used in a radiotherapy setting.
Muscle phenotype of a rat model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Iyer Shama R. , Xu Su , Shah Sameer B. , Lovering Richard M.
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Our aim was to assess key muscle imaging and contractility parameters in the Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) rat model (Dmd‐KO rat), which have not yet been characterized sufficiently.

Methods

We performed in‐vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for thigh and leg muscles, and performed hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and in‐vivo muscle contractility testing in specific hindlimb muscles.

Results

MRI prior to testing muscle contractility revealed multiple, unevenly distributed focal hyperintensities in the Dmd‐KO rat quadriceps and tibialis anterior muscles. H&E staining showed corresponding areas of inflammation and ongoing regeneration. In‐vivo contractile testing showed maximal force generated by Dmd‐KO muscles was significantly lower, and susceptibility to injury was ~ two‐fold greater in the Dmd‐KO rats compared to wild‐type (WT) rats.

Discussion

Together, the MRI findings, histological findings, and the low strength and high susceptibility to injury in muscles support use of the Dmd‐KO rat as an animal model of DMD.
Low energy shock wave‐delivered intravesical botulinum neurotoxin‐A potentiates antioxidant genes and inhibits proinflammatory cytokines in rat model of overactive bladder
Authors: Nageib Mohammed , Zahran Mohamed H. , El‐Hefnawy Ahmed S. , Barakat Nashwa , Awadalla Amira , Aamer Haytham G. , Khater S. , Shokeir Ahmed A.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

To study the effect of intravesical instillation of botulinum neurotoxin‐A (BoNT‐A) combined with low energy shock wave (LESW) for treatment of overactive bladder (OAB) in a rat model and to investigate its effect on the associated inflammatory and oxidative stress process.

Material and Methods

Forty rats were subdivided into four equal groups: normal control group, OAB group, LESW group, and BoNT‐A plus LESW group. Cystometrogram (CMG) changes and histopathological changes in the bladder mucosa were assessed in the different groups. Oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde [MDA] and superoxide dismutase [SOD]) and proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrotic factor‐α [TNF‐α] and interleukin‐6 [IL‐6]) were compared among groups.

Results

BoNT‐A plus LESW group showed statistically significant lower amplitude (p = .001) and lower frequency of detrusor contractions (p = .01) compared to LESW, which showed no statistically significant difference in comparison to the OAB group. Also, the combined group significantly reduced submucosal edema and inflammatory cell infiltrate scores compared to all groups (p < .05). LESW was associated with 42% reduction of MDA expression while, LESW plus BoNT‐A decreased it by 68% (p < .001). Also, LESW and LESW plus BoNT‐A increased SOD expression by 43% and 75%, respectively (p < .001). LESW plus BoNT‐A was associated with statistically significant lower expression of TNF‐α and IL‐6 expression by 37% and 66% in comparison to LESW group (p = .001).

Conclusion

Intravesical instillation of BoNT‐A plus LESW is an effective method for increasing the urothelial permeability to BoNT‐A and enhancing its therapeutic effect against OAB in rat model through the expression of a substantial anti‐inflammatory and antioxidative stress effect.
Which combination is most effective in women with idiopathic overactive bladder, including bladder training, biofeedback, and electrical stimulation? A prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Firinci Sule , Yildiz Necmettin , Alkan Hakan , Aybek Zafer
Published: September 2020

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of single and combined use of biofeedback (BF) and electrical stimulation (ES) added to bladder training (BT) on incontinence‐related quality of life (QoL) and clinical parameters in women with idiopathic overactive bladder (OAB).

Material and Methods

Seventy women were randomized into four groups as follows: Group 1 received BT alone (n = 18), Group 2 received BT + BF (n = 17), Group 3 received BT + ES (n = 18), and Group 4 received BT + BF + ES (n = 17). BF and ES were performed 3 days a week, 20 min a day, a total of 24 sessions for 8 weeks. All women were evaluated in terms of incontinence severity (pad test), pelvic floor muscles strength (perineometer), 3‐day voiding diary (frequency of voiding, nocturia, incontinence episodes, and number of pads), QoL (incontinence impact questionnaire), treatment success (positive response rate), cure/improvement rate, treatment satisfaction (Likert scale), and discomfort level (visual analog scale).

Results

At the end of the treatment, severity of incontinence, frequency of voiding, incontinence episodes, and treatment satisfaction significantly improved in Group 3 and Group 4 compared with the other two groups. In Group 3 and Group 4, high statistically significant values were found in cure/improvement and positive response rates as opposed to Group 1 and Group 2. In Group 2 and Group 3, statistically significant improvements were seen in nocturia and QoL compared with Group 1. Moreover, statistically significant improvements in nocturia and QoL were found in Group 4 compared with the other three groups. There was no difference in the discomfort level of application between the groups.

Conclusion

We conclude that in the first‐line conservative treatment of women with idiopathic OAB: (i) adding BF and/or ES to BT increases treatment effectiveness, (ii) clinical efficiency is greater when the combination includes ES, (iii) BT + BF + ES (triple combination) is the most effective treatment option in reducing nocturia and improving QoL.
Assessing the incidence of osteosarcoma among teriparatide users based on Medicare Part D and US State Cancer Registry Data
Authors: Gilsenan Alicia , Midkiff Kirk , Harris David , McQuay Lisa , Hunter Shannon , Kellier‐Steele Nicole , Andrews Elizabeth
Published: September 2020

Purpose

During preclinical testing, teriparatide caused a dose‐dependent increase in the incidence of osteosarcoma in rats. This study compared the incidence rate of osteosarcoma among patients aged ≥65 years treated with teriparatide vs a matched‐comparator cohort.

Methods

This population‐based comparative‐cohort study matched exposure details for each teriparatide user, identified via Medicare Part D prescription claims, and up to four comparators based on age, sex, zip code, date of claim for filled prescription, and number of unique therapeutic classes dispensed. Outcomes were identified via linkage with participating cancer registries. All US state cancer registries were invited to participate.

Results

Overall, 153 316 patients in the teriparatide cohort and 613 247 in the comparator cohort were linked to 811 osteosarcoma cases from 26 participating state cancer registries (68% of US patients aged ≥65 years diagnosed 2007‐2014). Analysis on a subset of cohorts revealed they were balanced for known osteosarcoma risk factors and Charlson comorbidity index. Mean duration of teriparatide treatment was 10 months. No osteosarcoma cases were observed in the teriparatide cohort; the incidence rate in the comparator cohort was consistent with the background incidence rate among adults aged ≥65 years. The incidence rate ratio was 0.0 (95% confidence interval, 0.0‐3.2).

Conclusions

For US patients aged ≥65 years, incidence of osteosarcoma among those treated with teriparatide ranges from 0 to 3.2 times the incidence of osteosarcoma in those treated with other medications. Given low incidence of osteosarcoma, this range of effect is inconsistent with a large absolute increase in osteosarcoma risk.
Impact of a nationwide prospective drug utilization review program to improve prescribing safety of potentially inappropriate medications in older adults: An interrupted time series with segmented regression analysis
Authors: Jang Suhyun , Jeong Sohyun , Kang Eunjeong , Jang Sunmee
Published: September 2020

Purpose

A nationwide prospective drug utilization review (DUR) for potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) in older adults was implemented in October 2015 in South Korea. We aimed to evaluate the effects of the DUR on reducing PIMs, in comparison with the PIMs defined using the Beers criteria that were not included in the DUR.

Methods

We divided the study period into a pre‐ and post‐DUR period. The monthly percentage of patients or prescriptions with at least one PIM in the DUR or defined by the Beers criteria was calculated using national health insurance data. We evaluated the effect of the DUR on the prevalence of PIM use in older adults using an interrupted time series with segmented regression analysis.

Results

The prevalence of older adults prescribed PIMs in the DUR decreased by 0.49% (95% confidence interval (CI) [−0.60, −0.37]) based on patient‐based measures and, by 0.41% (95% CI [−0.58, −0.23]) based on prescription‐based measure, immediately after DUR implementation. However, there were no statistically significant changes in trend. Further, the prevalence of PIMs based on the Beers criteria had no statistically significant changes in terms of either level or trend. After 12 months of DUR, there was a reduction of 11.5% (95% CI [2.6 20.4]) relative to the PIMs in Beers.

Conclusions

The implementation of a nationwide prospective DUR lowered the prescription of PIMs for older adults. On the other hand, PIMs that were not included were unchanged. Thus, it is worth considering expanding the DUR list to improve prescribing safety.
WS2 and MoS2 counter electrode materials for dye‐sensitized solar cells
Authors: Rashidi Soheil , Rashidi Sara , Heydari Reza Kavousi , Esmaeili Sajjad , Tran Nhut , Thangi Dan , Wei Wei
Published: September 2020

Being confronted with the energy crisis and environmental problems, the exploration of clean and renewable energy materials as well as their devices are urgently demanded. Dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have attracted widespread attention in recent years as potential cost‐effective alternatives to silicon‐based and thin film solar cells. Two‐dimensional (2D) graphene‐like transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), such as WS2 and MoS2, have showed vast potential as novel energy materials due to their unique physicochemical properties. In this review, we outline the applications of WS2 and MoS2 as counter electrode materials in DSSCs. First, a brief introduction of structures and basic properties of WS2 and MoS2 are presented. Then, we summarize the exciting progress of these two materials for DSSCs. Finally, the prospect and further developments in these exciting fields of TMDs are also suggested.
Registration of ‘S14‐9017GT’ soybean cultivar with high yield, resistance to multiple diseases, and high seed oil content
Authors: Chen P. , Shannon G. , Ali M. L. , Scaboo A. , Crisel M. , Smothers S. , Clubb M. , Selves S. , Vieira C. C. , Mitchum M. G. , Nguyen H. T. , Li Z. , Bond J. , Meinhardt C. , Usovsky M. , Li S. , Mengistu A. , Robbins R. T.
Published: September 2020

‘S14‐9017GT’ (Reg. no. CV‐536, PI 693755) is a Maturity Group V high‐yielding glyphosate‐tolerant soybean [Glycine max (L) Merr.] cultivar developed and released in 2017 by the University of Missouri–Fisher Delta Research Center Soybean Breeding Program. S14‐9017GT was developed by conventional breeding from a cross between ‘LD07‐3419’ and ‘S08‐9727RR1’. The parent S08‐9727RR1 is a breeding line that carries the GTS 40‐3‐2 transgene discovered by Monsanto Co. The other parent, LD07‐3419, is a breeding line developed by the University of Illinois soybean breeding program. Before release, S14‐9017GT was tested in 122 environments in Missouri and other southern states from 2015 to 2018 for yield and other agronomic traits. On average, S14‐9017GT yielded 4,314 kg ha−1, which is higher than the mean of all the tests, which was 4,124 kg ha−1. S14‐9017GT seed contains 378 g kg−1 protein and 246 g kg−1 oil on a dry seed weight basis. It exhibits a relative maturity of 5.3, determinate growth habit, white flowers, light tawny pubescence, and tan pod wall. It has yellow seed with intermediate luster and black hila and a seed weight of 14.9 g per 100 seed. Plants of S14‐9017GT are 81 cm tall with resistance to lodging. It is resistant to stem canker, frogeye leaf spot, cyst nematode (races 1, 2, 3, and 5), reniform nematode, peanut root‐knot nematode, and sudden death syndrome and has field tolerance to phytophthora root rot. In addition to its high yield potential, high seed oil content, and broad adaptation across southern states, S14‐9017GT is also a suitable alternative for farmers who want to grow and save seed of glyphosate‐tolerant soybean cultivars.
Tunable Spin Correlated‐Plasmons Ranging from Infrared to Ultraviolet in Pr0.6Sr0.4Co1−xMnxO3
Authors: Chaudhuri Anindita , Chanda Amit , Chi Xiao , Yu Xiaojiang , Diao Caozheng , Breese Mark B. H. , Mahendiran Ramanathan , Rusydi Andrivo
Published: September 2020

Herein, new spin correlated‐plasmons in Pr0.6Sr0.4Co1−xMnxO3 (x = 0–0.4) that are tunable and stable at room temperature are demonstrated. Using advanced spectroscopic techniques, the charge, spin, and orbital interaction that triggers the spin correlated‐plasmons in spin‐polarized Co4+, O2−, and Mn4+ is identified. As a function of x, Co4+ systematically changes the spin state of the spin correlated‐plasmons (from high, intermediate, to low spin), which also sequentially transforms the metallic cobaltite into a Mott insulator. Spin correlated‐plasmons in the IR range, being excited from Co4+, tend to dominate in the metallic phase of the cobaltites, whereas Mn4+ and O2− are the primary source for the spin correlated‐plasmons in the UV–vis ranges in the insulating phase.
Electronic Band Topology of Monoclinic MoS2 Monolayer: Study Based on Elementary Band Representations for Layer Groups
Authors: Milošević Ivanka , Popović Zoran P. , Nikolić Božidar , Damnjanović Milan
Published: September 2020

A monoclinic monolayer is demonstrated to be a topological semimetal (spinless), or zero‐gap semiconductor (spinful, without spin–orbit coupling), or topologically trivial insulator (finite spin–orbit coupling). The latter contradicts a previous prediction that exhibits quantum‐spin Hall (QSH) effect, and the reported value of ‐invariant, calculated from inversion‐parity values at four Brillouin‐zone high‐symmetry points. Namely, as the electronic states of two of these points are double degenerate and transform according to irreducible representations carrying no parity, the band topology of is investigated using elementary band representations (EBRs) for layer groups (LGs). Novel subroutines, which output EBRs and Wilson loop operators for low‐dimensional systems, are incorporated into POLSym code. Based on the calculated band structure decomposition onto EBRs of the relevant symmetry group and Wilson loop eigen‐spectra, it is revealed that valence‐band Wannier functions do not break the symmetry, and that Wannier centers are localized within a unit cell. Moreover, the QSH state is proved to be not realizable within ‐phase group‐VI transition‐metal dichalcogenides, because EBRs for the relevant symmetry groups are topologically trivial. However, it is predicted that among compounds that form other monoclinic structure, with symmorphic LG symmetry, there may exist topologically nontrivial phases, including the QSH state.
WMO evaluation of northern hemispheric coldest temperature: −69.6 °C at Klinck, Greenland, 22 December 1991
Authors: Weidner George , King John , Box Jason E. , Colwell Steve , Jones Phil , Lazzara Matthew , Cappelen John , Brunet Manola , Cerveny Randall S.
Published: September 2020

A World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Extremes Evaluation Committee investigated an observation of −69.6 °C by Klinck Automatic Weather Station (AWS) in Greenland on 22 December 1991 as the lowest temperature observed in Greenland, thereby making it the lowest recorded near‐surface air temperature for the Northern and Western Hemispheres and for WMO Region VI. The committee examined the metadata and observations of the station as well as the regional synoptic circulation. The committee concluded that the observation is credible in terms of instrument calibration, monitoring of the station and the synoptic situation. Consequently, the WMO Rapporteur accepted the observation as the officially lowest observed near‐surface air temperature for Greenland, the Northern and Western Hemisphere and for WMO Region VI. As a supplement to this investigation, the committee also recommends that opportunities be investigated such that AWS data from Greenland can be efficiently incorporated into real‐time weather forecasts and hence into reanalysis datasets.
Site‐ and structure‐specific characterization of the human urinary N‐glycoproteome with site‐determining and structure‐diagnostic product ions
Authors: Shen Yun , Xiao Kaijie , Tian Zhixin
Published: September 2020

Rationale

N‐glycosylation is one of the most common protein post‐translational modifications; it is extremely complex with multiple glycoforms from different monosaccharide compositions, sequences, glycosidic linkages, and anomeric positions. Each glycoform functions with a particular site‐ and structure‐specific N‐glycan that can be fully characterized using state‐of‐the‐art tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and the intact N‐glycopeptide database search engine GPSeeker that we recently developed. Urine has recently gained increasing attention as a non‐invasive source for disease marker discovery. In this study, we report our structure‐specific N‐glycoproteomics study of human urine.

Methods

We performed trypsin digestion, Zwitterionic Hydrophilic Interaction chromatography (ZIC‐HILIC) enrichment, C18‐RPLC/nano‐ESI‐MS/MS using HCD with stepped normalized collisional energies, and GPSeeker database search for a comprehensive site‐ and structure‐specific N‐glycoproteomics characterization of the human urinary N‐glycoproteome at the intact N‐glycopeptide level. For this, we used b/y product ion pairs from the GlcNAc‐containing site‐determining peptide backbone and structure‐diagnostic product ions from the N‐glycan moieties, respectively.

Results

We identified 2986 intact N‐glycopeptides with comprehensive site and structure information for the peptide backbones (amino acid sequences and N‐glycosites) and the N‐glycan moieties (monosaccharide compositions, sequences/linkages). The 2986 intact N‐glycopeptide IDs corresponded to 754 putative N‐glycan linkage structures on 419 N‐glycosites of 450 peptide backbones from 327 intact N‐glycoproteins. Next, 146 linkage structures and 200 N‐glycosites were confirmed with structure‐diagnostic and GlcNAc‐containing site‐determining product ions, respectively.

Conclusions

We found 106 new N‐glycosites not annotated in the current UniProt database. The elution–abundance patterns of urinary intact N‐glycopeptide oxonium ions (m/z 138 and 204) of the same subject were temporally stable during the day and over 6 months. These patterns are rather different among different subjects. The results implied an interesting possibility that glycopeptide oxonium ion patterns could serve as distinguishing markers between individuals and/or between physiological and pathological states.
Spatiotemporal distribution of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from cascade reservoirs in Lancang‐Mekong River Yunnan section, Southwestern China
Authors: Wu Wei , Wang Jiawei , Zhou Xiaode , Yuan Bo , Guo Mengjing , Ren Lei
Published: September 2020

The current issue of river damming causing the release of greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O) from reservoirs has led to a debate over whether hydropower can still provide clean energy. In January (dry season) and August 2019 (wet season), we detected the N2O concentrations from cascade reservoirs in Lancang‐Mekong River Yunnan section by using static headspace gas chromatography and estimated the emission flux by the boundary layer approach to explore the influencing factors, especially the impact of cascade reservoirs development and operation. In the Lancang River (Yunnan section), the longitudinal distribution of N2O concentration along the cascade reservoirs showed seasonal differences. The average concentrations of N2O during the dry season and the wet season were 13.50 ± 2.00 nmol/L and 16.40 ± 4.10 nmol/L, respectively. The reservoirs with thermal stratification in both seasons were the Xiaowan (XW), Nuozhadu (NZD), and Jinghong (JH) reservoirs. The vertical distribution of N2O concentration was depth dependent (i.e., the deeper the location, the higher the concentration) in reservoirs with thermal stratification and uniform in reservoirs without thermal stratification. Dissolved oxygen (DO), water temperature, and other biogenic elements were the main factors affecting N2O distribution. The average N2O emission flux in the cascade reservoirs was 12.80 ± 2.60 μmol m2·day−1 during the dry season and 16.10 ± 4.75 μmol m2·day−1 during the wet season. The annual average N2O emission fluxes of all reservoirs were in an order of JH > XW > Dachaoshan (DCS) > NZD > Miaowei (MW) > Gongguoqiao (GGQ) > Manwan (Man W). In 2019, a total of 3.37 × 106 mol year−1 (94.39 ton N2O‐N year−1) was released from the water surface of the cascade reservoirs, which accounted for approximately 0.31% of the total N2O emissions from reservoirs worldwide. This study shows the cascade reservoirs development and operations have made the Lancang River (Yunnan section) a major area for N2O emissions.
Chitosan‐capped sulfur microparticles grafted on UV‐treated PET surface
Authors: Lupínková Simona , Kaimlová Markéta , Kormunda Martin , Kolská Zdeňka
Published: September 2020

Antimicrobial materials with immobilized particles are of considerable interest. Sulfur, as one of the abundant elements on earth, is cheap and environmentally friendly; therefore, sulfur particles (SPs) can be used as an effective, nontoxic and low‐cost alternative to metal particles. SPs were prepared by precipitation method using sodium thiosulfate and hydrochloric acid in the presence of chitosan as a stabilizer. Further, SPs were grafted on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) foil activated by ultraviolet radiation. The changes in surface properties of modified foils were characterized by contact angle measurement, electrokinetic analysis and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The contact angle decreased on the UV‐treated sample, owing to the formation of oxidized groups. The presence of nitrogen and sulfur on the polymer surface, revealed by XPS, showed that chitosan‐capped SPs were bound to this surface. The surface morphology of samples and particle sizes were examined by scanning electron microscopy. The size of SPs increased after grafting on surface to a few micrometres. The antibacterial activity of the PET samples was tested against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli bacteria strains. UV‐treated samples grafted with one of the tested chitosan‐capped SPs demonstrated antibacterial effect against both of the bacteria strains. This new nanocomposite has potential to be used in medical applications as an antibacterial agent or in food processing as an antimicrobial food packaging material. Food spoilage caused by microorganisms such as E. coli during distribution and storage has a major impact on food quality and shelf life.
XPS and AES surface analysis of WC‐Co‐(Cr) cemented carbide after immersion in neutral solution
Authors: Wei Xiuyu , Jin Peng , Xia Yanping , Long Jianzhan , Zhang Weibing , Xu Tao , Cao Yu
Published: September 2020

The binder phase Co in WC‐Co cemented carbide is dissolved easily in corrosive media (even in neutral solution), which has limited its application in a wider range. In this paper, the influence of Cr on corrosion resistance of WC‐Co immersed in neutral solution was studied, with a focus on the surface chemistry of the corrosion product. The results show that in neutral solution, the corrosion is mainly caused by the selective dissolution of Co and the dominant surface corrosion product after immersion is Co (OH)2. The corrosion resistance of WC‐Co cemented carbide can be improved by the addition of Cr. This can be explained by the formation of more protective chromium containing oxide on the binder phase of WC‐Co‐Cr alloy, leading to reduced corrosion rate.
Virtual Screening and Discovery of Matrix Metalloproteinase‐12 Inhibitors by Swarm Intelligence Optimization Algorithm‐Based Machine Learning
Authors: Zhang Chenghua , Wu Keliang , Huang Long , Sun Kenan , Zou Yurong , Xiong Zhihui , Li Bingke
Published: September 2020

Matrix metalloproteinase‐12 (MMP‐12) is an attractive therapeutic target for drug design and discovery for many human conditions. In this study, six swarm intelligence optimization algorithms were applied to optimize the parameters of the model generated using the LibSVM toolkit in MATLAB to identify potential MMP‐12 inhibitors (MMP‐12is); six types of optimized support vector machine (SVM) models were established. The highest prediction accuracy obtained was 98.89 %, which was equivalent to the effect of the optimal “RF+opt” model. All six models passed the Y‐randomization test and showed excellent performance with reliable results. Virtual screening identified 371 molecules with a predictive probability score greater than 0.9. The optimized SVM models, in addition to “RF+opt” and “SVM2” models, were combined to establish a consistency evaluation system. Our results revealed six non‐toxic potential MMP‐12is. This process provides a strong theoretical basis for the design, synthesis, and development of novel drugs targeting MMP‐12.
A Systematic Theoretical Study on the Stability of a Series of Dialkyl Peroxides to Light and Heat
Authors: Chen Wenlan , Chen Lu , Zheng Shaohui
Published: September 2020

Dialkyl peroxides may decompose under heating and illumination conditions, and consequently cause an explosion or fire possibility. However, they can promote diesel‐degraded branching reaction, enhance diesel spontaneous combustion ability, and accelerate the chain reaction of fuel combustion. In this study, one series of dialkyl peroxides, i. e. methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, and di‐t‐butyl peroxide, which have different numbers of terminal methyl groups, have been modeled. We have systematically explored their stabilities under heating and illumination conditions by using CCSD(T), DFT/TDDFT, and variational transition state theory. We focus on the rate constants of thermal dissociation of peroxide bonds and absorption spectra because previous experimental and calculated thermal kinetic parameters are not consistent and the absorption spectra of these compounds are few. Based on the calculated data including rate constants and simulated absorption spectra, we find out that di‐t‐butyl peroxide is the best candidate among four compounds considering the stability under both heat and light. The most striking finding is that the previous assumption that the activation energy of O−O decomposition equals O−O bond energy may be wrong.
Facile Preparation of a Nanocomposite with Bifunctional Groups for the Separation and Analysis of Phosphopeptides in Human Saliva
Authors: Liu Bin , Lu Yujie , Yan Yinghua , Wang Chenlu , Ding Chuan‐Fan , Tang Keqi
Published: September 2020

A composite material was well prepared (magCNT@PDA@NH2‐MIL‐125@mTiO2) with magnetic carbon nanotubes as a substrate and polydopamine as good hydrophilicity mid‐layer by facile procedure. Compared with single functional composite (magCNT@PDA@MIL‐125‐NH2 and magCNT@PDA@mTiO2), magCNT@PDA@NH2‐MIL‐125@mTiO2 exhibits higher sensitivity (4 fmol), better selectivity (nonphosphopeptides:phosphopeptodes=1 : 1000), as well as more excellent size‐exclusion effect towards phosphopeptides under the same conditions. Meanwhile, 33 phosphopeptides were selectively detected derived from human saliva, this result shows that the nanocomposite has the potential to enrich phosphopeptides from complex biological samples.
Non‐Invasive, Non‐Enzymatic, Biodegradable and Flexible Sweat Glucose Sensor and Its Electrochemical Studies
Authors: Ramadoss Preethi , Rahman Mohammed Isfahur , Perumal Agilan , Nallaiyan Rajendran , Basha Sabiha Hayath , Dakshanamoorthy Arivuoli
Published: September 2020

Glucose oxidase‐free polymer composite sensing material, made of polyelectrolytic cellulose derivatives cross‐linked by an organic polycarboxylic acid and enhanced by a plasticizer, is reported. The polymer composite is a nontoxic material and is also biodegradable that degrades within 15 days in the soil. The material is extremely flexible and yet resilient in such a way to explicitly fit for application in wearable sensors. Electrochemical analysis of the material for glucose sensing properties with artificial sweat as the electrolyte revealed surprising results. The lowest detection limit observed in chronoamperometric analysis was 0.4 mM of glucose. Impedimetric analysis showed significant drop in impedance at 0.5 mM addition of glucose. The cellulose composite material gets reduced into H3O+ and H+ ions, on addition of glucose, which is confirmed through square wave analysis, chrono‐amperometry, impedance and cyclic voltammetry results. The changes in the functional group were also confirmed by FTIR analysis taken before and after the addition of glucose. Results obtained by electrochemical analysis were well correlated with the proposed reaction mechanism. The flexibility and strength of the cellulose composite film was analysed with nano‐indenter, it also showed an excellent folding endurance withstanding up to 86960 folds. The biocompatibility nature of the material was also tested with the help of 3T3 fibroblast cells.
Bipolar Membranes to Promote Formation of Tight Ice‐Like Water for Efficient and Sustainable Water Splitting
Authors: Kim Byung Su , Park Seul Chan , Kim Do‐Hyeong , Moon Gi Hyeon , Oh Jong Gyu , Jang Jaeyoung , Kang Moon‐Sung , Yoon Kyung Byung , Kang Yong Soo
Published: September 2020

Bipolar membranes (BPMs) have recently received much attention for their potential to improve the water dissociation reaction (WDR) at their junction by utilizing catalysts. Herein, composite catalysts (Fe2O3@GO) comprising hematite nanoparticles (α‐Fe2O3) grown on 2D graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets are reported, which show unprecedentedly high water dissociation performance in the BPM. Furthermore, new catalytic roles in facilitating WDR at the catalyst–water interface are mechanistically elucidated. It is demonstrated that the partially dissociated bound water, formed by the strongly Lewis‐acidic Fe atoms of the Fe2O3@GO catalyst, helps the “ice‐like water” to become tighter, consequently resulting in weaker intramolecular OH bonds, which reduces activation barriers and thus significantly improves the WDR rate. Notably, Fe2O3@GO‐incorporated BPM shows an extremely low water dissociation potential (0.89 V), compared to commercially available BPM (BP‐1E, 1.13 V) at 100 mA cm−2, and it is quite close to the theoretical potential required for WDR (0.83 V). This performance reduces the required electrical energy consumption for water splitting by ≈40%, as compared to monopolar (Nafion 212 and Selemion AMV) membranes. These results can provide a new approach for the development of water dissociation catalysts and BPMs for realizing highly efficient water splitting systems.
Synergetic Subnano Ni‐ and Mn‐Oxo Clusters Anchored by Chitosan Oligomers on 2D g‐C3N4 Boost Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Hu Kang , Li Zhijun , Bai Linlu , Yang Fan , Chu Xiaoyu , Bian Ji , Zhang Ziqing , Xu Hui , Jing Liqiang
Published: September 2020

Synergistic modulation of photogenerated electrons and holes of g‐C3N4 especially achieved by simply modifying bimetallic species is highly desired for efficient photocatalytic CO2 reduction. Herein, ultrasmall subnano Ni‐ and Mn‐oxo clusters (average diameter of ≈0.8 nm) are uniformly anchored on tailored chitosan oligomer (COS)‐functionalized ultrathin g‐C3N4 nanosheets via OH and NH2 in COS as the coordination sites. Optimized Ni and Mn comodified photocatalyst obtained by regulating bimetallic molar ratio exceptionally exhibits 22‐times CO2 conversion rate under solar‐light irradiation and ≈20‐times quantum efficiency at 405 nm light compared with pristine g‐C3N4. By electron paramagnetic resonance, surface photovoltage spectroscopy, fluorescence spectra, photoluminescence spectra, and electrochemical curves, it is evidenced the enhanced photoactivities originate from the synergetic effect between Ni‐ and Mn‐oxo species, capable of photoelectron‐capture along with catalytic CO2 activation and hole‐capture along with catalytic H2O activation, respectively. More importantly, due to the carrier‐modulating capability difference, it is verified only a matching Ni:Mn molar ratio leads to the best charge separation then photoactivity as supported by the transient‐state photoluminescence spectra. A new avenue to rationally modulate photogenerated charge carriers for fabricating efficient g‐C3N4‐based photocatalysts for solar‐fuel production is proposed.
Evaluating management and orchestration impact on closed‐loop orchestration delay
Authors: García‐Rois Juan , Fondo‐Ferreiro Pablo , Gil‐Castiñeira Felipe , González‐Castaño Francisco J. , Candal‐Ventureira David
Published: September 2020

Network “softwarization” is enabling new features such as detecting the risk to violate a Service Level Agreement (SLA) and performing the required automated control actions on a network slice. A real‐time Network Function Virtualization (NFV) Management and Orchestration (MANO) system should detect any SLA degradation and act to recover the SLA. The closed‐loop automation approach monitors the state of the network and triggers policy‐based control actions when needed. The delay between the detection of an SLA issue and the completion of a correcting action is critical for satisfying latency‐related SLAs. Thus, in this article we propose this delay as a new key performance indicator (KPI) for NFV MANO systems, which we call Closed‐Loop Orchestration Delay (CLOD). CLOD is subdivided into independent time intervals that depend on the NFV MANO platform, the target Virtualized Infrastructure Management (VIM) and the target virtual network function (VNF) software. CLOD is evaluated on a real use case: a latency‐sensitive elastic network slice in which Internet user round‐trip time (RTT) is monitored. When the service level of the slice drops below a predefined limit a new data plane is deployed near the user reducing latency. In the evaluation, we considered two approaches: (i) a general implementation of the NFV MANO architecture based on the Open Network Automation Platform (ONAP) and OpenStack and (ii) an optimized ad‐hoc baseline implementation to minimize CLOD. We provide the details of both implementations and compare their CLODs leading to useful insights for the NFV MANO community.
The nocturnal brain: sleep disorders and their implications
Authors: Leschziner Guy , Neurologist Consultant
Published: September 2020

Sleep is intimately linked with almost all aspects of our health. It is therefore crucial that clinicians have an understanding of sleep disorders, their diagnosis and management, as they are potential risk factors for a broad range of medical conditions.
Diminuendo! Tactics in Support of FaaS Migrations
Authors: Werner Sebastian , Kuhlenkamp Jörn , Pallas Frank , Anders Niklas , Mucaj Nebi , Tsaplina Olesia , Schmidt Christian , Yildirim Kann
Published: September 2020

Function-as-a-Service (FaaS) receives close attention due to highly desirable characteristics, including pay-as-you-go pricing, high elasticity, and its fully managed nature. To leverage these benefits for existing applications, developers face the challenge of migrating legacy code to a FaaS platform (FaaSification). Unfortunately, however, actionable guidance on how to do so for real-world applications does not exist. In this paper, we report on our experience from FaaSifying a data-intensive application, and evaluating different options through extensive experimentation, using approaches such as regression tests and tracing. Based on the obtained results, we present five migration tactics in support of future FaaSification.
Predictable Performance for QoS-Sensitive, Scalable, Multi-tenant Function-as-a-Service Deployments
Authors: Kuriata Andrzej , Illikkal Ramesh G.
Published: September 2020

In this paper we present the results of our studies focused on enabling predictable performance for functions executing in scalable, multi-tenant Function-as-a-Service environments. We start by analyzing QoS and performance requirements and use cases from the point of view of End-Users, Developers and Infrastructure Owners. Then we take a closer look at functions’ resource utilization patterns and investigate functions’ sensitivity to those resources. We specifically focus on the CPU microarchitecture resources as they have significant impact on functions’ overall performance. As part of our studies we have conducted experiments to research the effect of co-locating different functions on the compute nodes. We discuss the results and provide an overview of how we have further modified the scheduling logic of our containers orchestrator (Kubernetes), and how that impacted functions’ execution times and performance variation. We have specifically leveraged the low-level telemetry data, mostly exposed by the Intel® Resource Director Technology (Intel® RDT) [1]. Finally, we provide an overview of our future studies, which will be centered around node-level resource allocations, further improving a function’s performance, and conclude with key takeaways.
Shifting Conceptualization of Control in Agile Transformations
Authors: Mikalsen Marius , Stray Viktoria , Moe Nils Brede , Backer Idun
Published: September 2020

Agile transformation implies that organizations apply agile methods also outside of software development units. One particular way of doing such transformations is to create cross-functional software development units. This represents new challenges for control for organizations as the unformal agile control mechanisms from the software units meet the more formal, bureaucratic and hierarchical control from other units. The research on how to manage control in agile transformations, however, is scarce. Through a case study of a new, cross-functional unit in a financial institution, we report on their work to implement control in agile transformations. To analyze our results, we draw on new perspectives for control in the digital era, which challenges existing presumptions on control. Our findings indicate how agile transformations require rethinking traditional control mechanisms and experiment with new control perspectives more suitable for the digital era.
Towards Specific Software Engineering Practices for Early-Stage Startups
Authors: Melegati Jorge , Chanin Rafael , Sales Afonso , Prikladnicki Rafael
Published: September 2020

In this position paper, our goal is to argue the need for specific software development practices to early-stage startups. In order to reach this goal, we discuss the consequences of innovative and market-driven contexts, which are two of the key elements when describing software startups. We also argue that these practices could be applied to innovative initiatives within established companies since they share similar characteristics and challenges as those from startups.
Certification as a Service
Authors: Copei Sebastian , Wickert Manuel , Zündorf Albert
Published: September 2020

The development of industry 4.0 and smart energy IT-Components relies on highly standardized communication protocols to reach vendor-independent interoperability. In innovative and fast-changing environments, the support of standard protocols increases the time to market significantly. In the energy domain, the business models and the regulatory frameworks will be updated more often than the protocols. Thus agile development and supporting standardized protocols at the same time seems to be an issue. Here we will present a new proposal for standardization and certification processes as well as an architecture for a certification platform. Both will improve the support of agile development in the industry and energy domain.
Enabling Team Autonomy in a Large Public Organization
Authors: Mohagheghi Parastoo , Lassenius Casper , Bakken Ingrid Omang
Published: September 2020

This paper describes how autonomy emerged in a team in a large public organization and which factors were important in this process. The organization has back sourced software development and abandoned a stage-based software development process with many handovers between business, IT and vendors. We collected data in four semi-structured interviews and analyzed information on changes in the structure and responsibilities of the team. The team has refined its portfolio for better cohesion, stepwise taken over the responsibility for software development from the vendor and in parallel recruited software developers, UX designers and testers. Product owners have joined the team as well. Supported by changes to the financing model, the team has transformed from mediating between business and vendors to a cross-functional product team with autonomy over its budget, backlog and software development process. As a result, the team can better balance between delivering new features and quality improvements, continuously deliver software with less overhead and focus on its mission to deliver user-friendly services with increased involvement of domain experts. Defining a clear product boundary and reducing dependencies on other teams, developing necessary skills and changing the financing model are recognized as the main success factors, as well as the main challenges in the transition process.
Crowd Agile Model for Effective Software Development
Authors: Qayyum Shamaila , Imtiaz Salma , Khan Huma Hayyat
Published: September 2020

Crowd Sourced Software Development (CSSD) is becoming popular in software development industries due to reduced cost and efficiency. Many companies are moving towards crowdsourcing, and have already adopted Agile Software Development (ASD). However, CSSD differs from ASD in many ways due to its distributed nature. Although there is little research on the integration of these two approaches, whereas at the same time the combination of the two is advocated by some. It is deemed necessary to identify and resolve the issues emerged while integrating CSSD and ASD. This study hence intends to explore the issues emerged as a result of integrating agile and CSSD and propose a Crowd Agile model that will help in effective software development.
Continuous Information Monitoring in Software Startups
Authors: Rafiq Usman , Wang Xiaofeng
Published: September 2020

Software startups are central nowadays and considered primary drivers of economy and innovation. Lean and agile approaches are suggested for software startups to continuously build and validate the product. Thereby, they need to balance between the speed to deliver product and the quality of the product. It further urges startups to continuously monitor the versatile information, adjust their directions, and keep the bird’s-eye view. However, the preliminary literature review highlights that software startups, especially at the early stages, are not even aware of the need for information monitoring. This research project aims to identify how software startups decide what information needs to be monitored. The research plan proposes to utilize multiple case-study and surveys as data collection methods while grounded theory and factor analysis as data analysis procedures. Overall, both qualitative and quantitative research methods are expected to be implemented. The prospective research results encompass a framework to decide what information needs to be continuously monitored.
Is It Possible to Apply Agile Methods to Contribute to the Linux Kernel?
Authors: de Oliveira Rosa Thatiane , Goldman Alfredo
Published: September 2020

In this document, we describe the experience of teaching Agile Methods for developing projects related to the Linux Kernel, during the XP Lab course. In 2018, the first project related to this context emerged. This project had the objective of making adjustments to the driver for Linux IIO subsystem. The second project was developed in 2019 and aimed to refactor the Ethernet driver used in the kernel of a Brazilian Single Board Computer. Based on 19 years of experience offering the XP Lab course, we consider the development of these projects to be a challenging teaching activity, which deserves to be presented and discussed with students, educators, and professionals. Our aim is to show that it is possible to adapt Agile Values to different software development settings.