bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atomic Layer Deposition of NiO on Self‐Supported Co3O4 Nanoneedle Array for Electrocatalytic Methanol Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Cheng Jia , Song Yanyan , Sun Mengxiao , Sun Jiankun , Zhang Lixue
Published: April 2021

Developing efficient transition metal oxide catalysts is still challenging for direct methanol fuel cells. Herein, an atomic layer deposition method to prepare NiO on a self‐supported Co3O4 nanoneedle array grown on a porous nickel foam substrate (NiO–Co3O4 NA@NF) as the electrode for the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) is reported. The synergistic effect between the NiO and Co3O4 components as well as the specific 3D nanoarray structure can endow the prepared NiO–Co3O4 NA@NF with a very promising MOR catalytic activity. As a result, the NiO–Co3O4 NA@NF catalyst shows a low onset potential (1.27 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode [RHE]), a high current density (173 mA cm−2@1.524 V vs RHE), and good stability in MOR. This work demonstrates the feasibility of the atomic layer deposition strategy in fabricating complex oxides‐based high‐performance electrocatalysts.
Delaying the temperature fluctuations through PCM integrated building walls—Room conditions, PCM placement, and temperature of the heat sources
Authors: Islam Md Nahidul , Ahmed Dewan Hasan
Published: April 2021

Phase change materials (PCMs) are well accepted by the researchers to reduce the temperature fluctuation and also the cooling load of a building. Sodium sulfate decahydrate (Na2SO4.10H2O) is used as PCM and incorporated in the traditional building wall in a prototype building model. The experiments are carried out on hot sunny days to investigate the temperature variation inside the room with and without PCM. It has been found that PCM can easily reduce the fluctuation of the inside temperature, however, the temperature variation inside the room much is influenced by the opening of the door and window where convective heat transfer plays a major role. The study reveals that the maximum average temperature was reduced for 3°C with the use of PCM layer. The studies have been extended for an elevated temperature by incorporating a heat source where the building wall is set without PCM, with PCM slab and also encapsulated PCM. The results reveal that both the PCM slab and encapsulated PCM building wall can control the temperature as close to ambient temperature at the opposite side of the heat source. Moreover, it is found that encapsulated building walls give better performance as the overall wall thickness is kept as original wall thickness. In addition, the evenly placement with the encapsulation in a building wall could maintain the melting/freezing cycle of the PCM materials for better performance.
Defending co‐resident attack using reputation‐based virtual machine deployment policy in cloud computing
Authors: Xiao Yiming , Liu Liang , Ma Zuchao , Wang Zijie , Meng Weizhi
Published: April 2021

Cloud computing enables users to utilize IT resources conveniently with low‐level cost, but it also brings some new threats. The co‐resident attack is one of the typical examples, where malicious users steal information from legal users by starting a virtual machine (VM) and building a side‐channel between VMs on the same server. Most of current studies focus mainly on defending the side‐channel attack, which requires modifications to the existing underlying architecture of cloud platforms. Some studies focus on security‐aware VMs deployment policies that can defeat co‐resident attacks through reduction of co‐residences. However, most of these studies ignore workload‐balance and energy‐efficiency. In addition, they neglect that data held in different VMs should have different security levels. Motivated by these issues, in this article, we first formalize the multi‐attackers co‐resident attack problem. The co‐located VMs rate (CVR) metric is proposed to evaluate the security level in cloud and a security‐aware policy named least‐danger‐based‐on‐reputation (LDBR) is presented to minimize the metric. Also, we propose extensional LDBR (E‐LDBR) policy to balance security, workload‐balance and energy consumption, and weighted‐LDBR (W‐LDBR) policy that considers users' different security levels. Experimental results indicate that LDBR outperforms PSSF (previous‐selected‐server‐first) by 15.02%‐22.07% in security, E‐LDBR is more balanced in workload and consumes less energy consumption, and W‐LDBR can reduce security threats by 13.3% compared with PSSF.
Study on the detrital zircon fission‐track ages from natural borehole samples in the Bohai Bay and Tarim basins with different thermal backgrounds
Authors: Cai Chang'e , Qiu Nansheng , Soares Cleber Jose , Chen Hong
Published: April 2021

Zircon fission‐track thermochronometry was used as an effective indicator to investigate the thermal history of sedimentary basins with high temperatures, and fission‐track ages and annealing temperatures were very important parameters. We measured fission‐track ages and discussed the annealing behaviour of zircon fission track from natural borehole samples in the Bohai Bay and Tarim basins. The annealing temperature of the zircon fission track was approximately 220°C in the deep borehole samples of the Bohai Bay Basin with a high thermal background. However, the annealing temperature was approximately 170°C in the deep borehole samples of the Tarim Basin with a low thermal background. In Neogene–Quaternary, the heating rate ranged from 2 to 7°C/Ma in the Sk1 samples, and 4 to 18°C/Ma in the K1 samples. This explained that zircon fission track with different thermal backgrounds existed different annealing temperatures due to the different heating rates. The uranium concentration of the K1 samples mostly ranged from 16 to 1,500 ppm, with a few grains spread from >1,500 to 3,000 ppm, while the Sk1 samples mainly distributed between 4 ppm and 350 ppm. The K1 samples with high uranium contents tended to accumulate much radiation damages and were less resistant to annealing and appeared to have a lower annealing temperature compared to zircons of lower uranium contents in the Sk1 samples. By properly understanding annealing behaviour and annealing temperature, zircon fission‐track thermochronometry could provide a correct explanation for fission‐track ages.
Colon tumor localization using three input variants to Faster Region‐based Convolutional Neural Network and lazy snapping
Authors: Srivastava Gargi , Srivastava Rajeev
Published: April 2021

Automated polyp localization in colon endoscopy images helps minimize human errors in localizing polyps. In our method, we use Faster Region‐based Convolutional Neural Network (R‐CNN) on Resnet 50 network to form a tight bounding box around the polyp. The bounding box is then used as input for the lazy snapping technique to determine polyps correctly. Three input variants—RGB images, histogram equalized images, and luminance images—are fed to the network. The output obtained from each variant is combined to form the final result. We have used the CVC‐Clinical DB database, which has 612 images with 672 polyp instances for our study. Thirteen different combinations for obtaining the result are studied, and the best among them is identified. The result is evaluated for all combinations and against a state‐of‐the‐art method for precision, recall, and F‐measure. The proposed model achieves a precision of 80.51% and a recall value of 80.33%.
Hypermineralization of Hearing-Related Bones by a Specific Osteoblast Subtype
Authors: Kuroda Yukiko , Kawaai Katsuhiro , Hatano Naoya , Wu Yanlin , Takano Hidekazu , Momose Atsushi , Ishimoto Takuya , Nakano Takayoshi , Roschger Paul , Blouin Stéphane , Matsuo Koichi
Published: April 2021

Auditory ossicles in the middle ear and bony labyrinth of the inner ear are highly mineralized in adult mammals. Cellular mechanisms underlying formation of dense bone during development are unknown. Here, we found that osteoblast-like cells synthesizing highly mineralized hearing-related bones produce both type I and type II collagens as the bone matrix, while conventional osteoblasts and chondrocytes primarily produce type I and type II collagens, respectively. Furthermore, these osteoblast-like cells were not labeled in a “conventional osteoblast”-specific green fluorescent protein (GFP) mouse line. Type II collagen-producing osteoblast-like cells were not chondrocytes as they express osteocalcin, localize along alizarin-labeled osteoid, and form osteocyte lacunae and canaliculi, as do conventional osteoblasts. Auditory ossicles and the bony labyrinth exhibit not only higher bone matrix mineralization but also a higher degree of apatite orientation than do long bones. Therefore, we conclude that these type II collagen-producing hypermineralizing osteoblasts (termed here auditory osteoblasts) represent a new osteoblast subtype. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

Abstract

Type II collagen-producing auditory osteoblasts highly mineralize hearing related bones.
Family planning in carriers of BRCA1 and BRCA2 pathogenic variants
Authors: Haddad Jessica M. , Robison Katina , Beffa Lindsey , Laprise Jessica , ScaliaWilbur Jennifer , Raker Christina A. , Clark Melissa A. , Hofstatter Erin , Dalela Disha , Brown Amy , Bradford Leslie , Toland Maris , Stuckey Ashley
Published: April 2021

BRCA1 and BRCA2 pathogenic variant carriers have a high lifetime risk of developing breast and ovarian malignancies. Given the risks and significant ramifications of undergoing risk‐reducing surgeries, many pathogenic variant carriers unaffected by cancer (previvors) struggle with family planning and reproductive decision making. The objective of this study was to determine the attitudes and practices of BRCA1 and BRCA2 pathogenic variant carriers with respect to family planning decision making. A cross‐sectional survey was conducted of BRCA1 and BRCA2 previvors at four Northeastern medical centers. The survey was administered electronically via email using REDCap. The survey included demographic information as well as questions about genetic testing, prophylactic surgeries, family planning, and partnering. Data were analyzed with Fisher's exact tests and t tests. The survey was completed by 139 of 422 BRCA1 and BRCA2 pathogenic variant carriers (response rate 33%). Thirteen were excluded from analysis due to self‐reported cancer history. Of the remaining 126, 21 (16.7%) were male and 105 (83.3%) were female. Female participants <35 years old at the time of genetic testing were significantly more likely than those 35 or greater to report feeling urgency to have a family after finding out about their BRCA1 and BRCA2 pathogenic variant (p < 0.0001). Younger women also reported their genetic status had a stronger impact on their romantic relationships (p = 0.029). Men were significantly more likely to report that they felt no urgency to have a family compared to women (p < 0.0001). Our study reflects the complex decision making for previvors and the intricacies of family planning in this population. Providers can use this knowledge as a guide to counsel patients about reproductive options.
Geographic Variations in Healthcare Utilization and Expenditure for Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Population‐Based Approach
Authors: Jang David W. , Lee Hui Jie , Chen Philip G. , Cohen Seth M. , Scales Charles D.
Published: April 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common and costly health problem in the United States. A better understanding of healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and healthcare expenditure (HCE) pertaining to CRS is required. The objective of this study is to investigate geographic variations in HCRU and HCE for CRS.

Study Type/Design

Retrospective study of administrative database.

Methods

Patients meeting pre‐defined diagnostic criteria for CRS with continuous 1‐year pre‐index and 2‐year post‐index data were identified on IBM® Marketscan Research Databases over a 5‐year period (2013–2017). Data pertaining to demographics, HCRU, and HCE were analyzed according to geographic region. Multivariable generalized linear models accounted for age, sex, baseline medication utilization, and co‐morbidities.

Results

About 237,969 patients were included. Antibiotics were the most commonly prescribed medication (95%). Surgery rate (11%), immunotherapy (9.2%), oral steroid use (66%), and antibiotic utilization (mean 6.3 prescriptions) were highest in the South. However, visits with an otolaryngologist were considerably higher in the Northeast (62%). The Northeast region had the highest mean HCE ($2,449), which was 13% greater than HCE for the North Central region ($2,172). HCRU and HCE were higher in urban areas across all metrics, with 2‐year HCE being 18% greater in urban areas ($2,374 vs. $2,019). Significant geographic variation in HCE was observed even after adjusting for covariates.

Conclusion

Significant geographic variations in HCRU and HCE exist for CRS even after adjusting for covariates. Future studies are needed to help direct quality improvement and cost‐saving efforts as well as efficient resource allocation in an era of value‐based care.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:2641–2648, 2021
The effect of socioemotional wealth diversity within the top management team on earnings management in private family firms: The moderating role of the board of directors
Authors: Corten Maarten , Vandekerkhof Pieter , Steijvers Tensie
Published: April 2021

Using a unique multiple‐respondent dataset of 218 individual managers of 37 private family firms, this study examines differences in the importance attached to socioemotional wealth (SEW) preservation among top management team (TMT) members as a determinant of earnings management. Such SEW diversity might cause conflicts that can harm TMT decision‐making quality and, ultimately, firm performance, which the TMT might cover up by engaging in earnings management. Furthermore, we examine to what extent a board of directors that functions as a sounding board is able to mitigate the relationship between SEW diversity within the TMT and earnings management.
A high gain aperture match parabolic horn antenna with stable phase center and higher FBR in S‐band
Authors: Baghel Amit Kumar , Kulkarni Shashank Satish , Nayak Sisir Kumar
Published: April 2021

This paper presents an aperture matched parabolic pyramid horn antenna (APPHA) having flaring in the E‐ and H‐ plane. The proposed structure is designed and manufactured for S‐band (2.2–3.3 GHz) with a semicircular aperture matched section in both planes. The APPHA gives half power beam width (HPBW) less than 17° and 15° in the E‐ and H‐ planes, respectively due to the parabolic profile and aperture match section. An average improvement in front to back ratio and gain is 18.53 dB and 1.45 dBi, respectively compared to the conventional pyramidal horn antenna. The maximum variation in the phase center is also 2.8 cm. The measured return loss and cross‐polarization of less than 12 and 20 dB, respectively, is seen throughout the band, thus providing a good impedance matching. The proposed antenna having higher gain and lower HPBW can be used for wireless power transfer applications due to point directive beam to charge the batteries of quad‐copter, sensors as well as being a good candidate for parabolic dish reflector feed.
Effects of Substituting Fish Meal with Two Types of Soybean Meal on Growth, Enzyme Activities, and Intestinal Morphology in Juvenile Rhynchocypris lagowskii
Authors: Zhu Rui , Duan Jing , Li Liang , Li Min , Yu Zhe , Wang Hong-He , Quan Ya-Nan , Wu Li-Fang
Published: April 2021

This study evaluated the effects of substituting fish meal with common soybean meal (SBM) or extruded soybean meal (ESBM) on growth, digestion, some nonspecific immune markers, and intestinal morphology in juvenile minnow Rhynchocypris lagowskii. In trial 1, five experimental diets were formulated with SBM replacing 0% (fish meal control; SBM0), 12.5% (SBM12.5), 25.0% (SBM25), 37.5% (SBM37.5), and 50.0% (SBM50) of the fish meal. Rhynchocypris lagowskii (6.81 ± 0.19 g) were randomly stocked in 100-L cylindrical plastic tanks and fed to satiation thrice daily for 56 d. After the feeding trial, there was no significant differences in weight gain ratio (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), feed efficiency ratio (FER) and protein efficiency ratio (PER), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and feed intake (FI) of the SBM0, SBM12.5, and SBM25 groups. But compared with the control group, WGR, SGR, and FI of the SBM37.5 and SBM50 groups were significantly decreased, FER and PER of the SBM50 group were significantly decreased, and FCR of the SBM50 group was significantly increased. Providing the SBM37.5 and SBM50 diets can significantly reduce the muscle protein content and protease activity of the hepatopancreas and intestine. Aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lysozyme, and superoxide dismutase activities in the hepatopancreas decreased with increasing dietary SBM levels. Providing the SBM25, SBM37.5, and SBM50 diets caused atrophy, swelling, and rupture of the intestinal mucosal fold and separation of epithelial mucosa from the lamina propria. In trial 2, five experimental diets were formulated with ESBM replacing 0% (fish meal control; ESBM0), 12.5% (ESBM12.5), 25.0% (ESBM25), 37.5% (ESBM37.5), and 50.0% (ESBM50) of the fish meal. Rhynchocypris lagowskii (6.87 ± 0.02 g) were randomly stocked in 100-L cylindrical plastic tanks and fed to satiation thrice daily for 56 d. After the feeding trial, WGR, FI, SGR, FER, PER, and muscle crude protein content of the ESBM50 group were significantly decreased compared with the control group, and FCR of the ESBM50 group was significantly increased. Meanwhile, the hepatopancreas and intestinal protease activities and the hepatopancreas superoxide dismutase, lysozyme, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase activities decreased with increasing dietary ESBM levels, and the ESBM50 group was significantly different than the control group. Providing the ESBM37.5 and ESBM50 diets caused atrophy and rupture of intestinal mucosal fold and separation of epithelial mucosa from the lamina propria. These results indicated that SBM could replace 12.5% of fish meal in juvenile R. lagowskii diets, while ESBM could replace 25% of fish meal.
Bioeconomic Analysis of Flavobacterium columnare Vaccine Pond Trials with Channel Catfish
Authors: Malecki Jillian K. , Roy Luke A. , Arias Cova R. , Nhat Truong Triet , Hanson Terrill R. , Lange Miles D. , Shoemaker Craig A. , Beck Benjamin H.
Published: April 2021

While Flavobacterium columnare is a well-known fish pathogen that has been studied for over 100 years, columnaris disease remains poorly controlled and is in need of improved management solutions for U.S. catfish producers. Outside of therapeutants, the disease remains relatively unchallenged in the commercial catfish industry. Attempts to improve the management of this disease have led to the development of a live-attenuated genetic group 2 F. columnare vaccine (hereafter, “17-23 vaccine”) administered via immersion to fingerling-stage Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus. The 17-23 vaccine was confirmed to protect against F. columnare in Channel Catfish fry during previous studies. In the present study, we investigated and compared the efficacy of the 17-23 vaccine in Channel Catfish fingerlings versus nonvaccinated (control) fingerlings grown to food-size fish in earthen ponds. Data were collected from the two treatments (n = 5 ponds/treatment) to evaluate impacts on survival, growth, feed conversion, antibody development, and economic benefit. There were no natural outbreaks of columnaris disease observed during the trial and no significant difference in survival of vaccinated versus control fish. Indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results determined that the anti-F. columnare 17-23 antibody concentrations were significantly higher in vaccinated fish at 4 weeks postvaccination but not at 12 weeks. Vaccinated fish had a significantly higher average weight at harvest (mean ± SE = 357.5 ± 30 g) than control fish (289.3 ± 20 g), and the feed conversion ratio of vaccinated fish (1.35) was significantly better than that of control fish (2.13). Partial budget analysis of changing production from use of nonvaccinated fingerlings to use of 17-23 vaccinated fingerlings for grow out resulted in a net benefit of US$1,443/ha. Based on these results, the vaccine appears to show potential economic benefit to producers but should be further substantiated under both research and commercial settings.
Imidazolium‐based poly(ionic liquid)s for demulsification of water in crude oil emulsions
Authors: Ahmadi Leila , Ahmadi Ebrahim , Mohamadnia Zahra
Published: April 2021

Imidazolium‐based ionic liquids (ILs) and their corresponding poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs) as powerful demulsifiers for water separation from the crude oil emulsions were used. Vinyl imidazolium‐based ILs were prepared and then polymerized according to the free radical homo‐polymerization. NMR and FT‐IR analyses confirmed the successful synthesis of ILs and their corresponding polymers. Demulsifying properties of different synthetic ILs, including [C12‐VIM][Br], [C10‐VIM][Br], [C8‐VIM][Br], [C6‐VIM][Br], [C4‐VIM][Br], and [Benzyl‐VIM][Br]) and their analogous poly(ionic liquid)s were evaluated and compared with each other. The influence of the important parameters on the emulsion breaking such as demulsifier concentration, the alkyl chain length of the synthesized demulsifiers, and the operating factors such as the stirring rate, stirring time, and temperature were investigated through the bottle test. Maximum dehydration efficiencies around 99.2% for [C12‐VIM][Br] at 400 ppm and 100% for P[C12‐VIM][Br] at 50 ppm were achieved after 4 hours at 70°C, 15 minutes stirring time, and 800 rpm stirring rate. After demulsification of the crude oil emulsions, the interfacial tension decreased from 22.18 ± 0.1 to 0.83 ± 0.2 mN/m for [C12‐VIM][Br] and from 20.18 ± 0.2 to 0.70 ± 0.2 mN/m for P[C12‐VIM][Br]. The average diameter of the water droplets increased from 2‐10 ± 0.63 to 30‐140 ± 0.51 for [C12‐VIM][Br] within 20 minutes. In addition, the residual water content decreased from 20% to 0.04% for [C12‐VIM][Br] within 24 hours.
Nanofiltration‐like forward osmosis membranes on in‐situ mussel‐modified polyvinylidene fluoride porous substrate for efficient salt/dye separation
Authors: Hu Yi‐Ning , Li Qiao‐Mei , Guo Yan‐Feng , Zhu Li‐Jing , Zeng Zhi‐Xiang , Xiong Zhu
Published: April 2021

Here, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes were fabricated via non‐solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) using dopamine (DA) and polyethyleneimine (PEI) as the hydrophilic additives, which has a loose surface and somewhat improved hydrophilicity. Then nanofiltration (NF)‐like thin‐film composite forward osmosis (TFC FO) membrane with a loose polyamide (PA) active layer on the blend membrane was synthesized via the interfacial polymerization. The as‐prepared NF‐like TFC FO membrane exhibited a high water flux (Jw) of 29.98 L m−2 h−1 and a much low specific salt flux (Js/Jw) of 0.018 g/L, when 0.6 M NaCl was used as draw solution (DS). It had a superior rejection of malachite green (99.6% ± 0.1%) and a low rejection of NaCl (27.4% ± 4.2%), when filtrated malachite green/NaCl mixture solution in active layer‐facing draw solution (AL‐FS) mode. The results provide new insights on the design and preparation of FO membranes of selective separation for dyes from salty water.
Symptom experiences in advanced cancer: Relationships to acceptance and commitment therapy constructs
Authors: Mosher Catherine E. , Krueger Ellen , Secinti Ekin , Johns Shelley A.
Published: April 2021

Objective

This study examined relations between acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) constructs and symptom‐based subgroups of advanced cancer patients.

Methods

Patients with advanced breast, gastrointestinal, lung, and prostate cancer (N = 201) completed questionnaires assessing five common symptoms and ACT variables (i.e., psychological inflexibility, cognitive fusion, values obstruction and progress, peaceful acceptance, mindfulness, and activity engagement) on one occasion.

Results

Latent profile analysis showed three patient classes: (1) normal levels of all symptoms (32%); (2) normal levels of all symptoms except for mild sleep problems and moderate fatigue (19%); and (3) normal pain, mild levels of sleep problems, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, and moderate fatigue (48%). Controlling for demographic covariates, lower psychological inflexibility, cognitive fusion, and values obstruction were associated with a higher likelihood of being in classes 1 or 2 than class 3. In addition, greater values progress, peaceful acceptance, mindfulness, and activity engagement were associated with a higher likelihood of being in class 1 than class 3. Of these four factors, only greater mindfulness and activity engagement were associated with a higher likelihood of being in class 2 than class 3.

Conclusions

Advanced cancer patients show heterogeneous symptom profiles, and even mild to moderate symptom levels are related to greater withdrawal from personally meaningful activities and less acceptance of cancer and internal experiences (e.g., symptoms, thoughts, feelings). Findings are consistent with the ACT model and support further testing of ACT to address symptom interference with functioning in advanced cancer patients.
Rotation Tunable Type‐I/Type‐II Band Alignment and Photocatalytic Performance of g‐C3N4/InSe van der Waals Heterostructure
Authors: Chang Junli , Zhao Wei , Wang Guangzhao , Ang Yee Sin
Published: April 2021

Photocatalysis is a promising way to overcome the current energy crisis and environmental pollution due to its cleanliness and sustainability. Herein, g‐C3N4/InSe (CNIS) heterostructures (HSs) with different rotation angles are constructed to achieve highly efficient photocatalytic water splitting. It is shown that the CNIS HSs can achieve a transition from type‐II to type‐I by switching the rotation angles between 0° and 60°, 120°. The band edges of 0° CNIS are thermodynamically favorable for spontaneous water splitting within the pH scope of 0–5.7. In addition, the bandgap and optical spectra suggest that the 0° CNIS has excellent visible‐light absorption ability, and the presence of a substantial built‐in electric field across the interface induced by charge transfer can be highly beneficial twoard the photoexcited carrier separation. These results pave the way for designing novel 2D water‐splitting photocatalysts.
Supramolecular Salts of Germanium (IV) with Tartaric Acid, Zinc and 1,10‐Phenanthroline/2,2‘‐Bipyridine: Synthesis, Structural Features and Selective Recognition
Authors: Afanasenko Eleonora , Seifullina Inna , Martsinko Elena , Chebanenko Elena , Dyakonenko Viktoriya , Shishkina Svitlana
Published: April 2021

The study describes synthesis methods, structural features and thermal stability of the novel cation‐anionic coordination compounds, crystallized in Sohnke chiral space group P21[Zn(phen)3]2[Ge2(OH)(HTart)(μ‐Tart)2] ⋅ 23H2O (1) and [Zn(bipy)3][Ge2(OH)2(μ‐Tart)2] ⋅ 5H2O (2). Dependently on the second heterocyclic ligand (1,10‐phenanthroline ‐ phen (1) or 2,2’‐bipyridine ‐bipy (2)) complex zinc cations showed their ability to recognize selectively two different types of anions: dimeric [Ge2(OH)2(μ‐Tart)2]2−(2) and more complex [Ge2(OH)(HTart)(μ‐Tart)2]4−(1) with additional terminal tartaric acid ligand (HTart3−) and different coordination polyhedrons of Ge in its structure. Compounds1and2were characterized by X‐Ray, IR, MS and thermogravimetric analyzes. Analysis of intermolecular interactions using Hirshfeld surface‐based tools indicated the dominant role of various hydrogen intermolecular interactions such as H…H, H…O for both compounds, and C…C (π⋅⋅⋅π) for1.
Ocean Applications
Authors: Migliaccio M. , Nunziata F. , Marino A. , Brekke C. , Skrunes S.
Published: April 2021

In this chapter, the most promising techniques to observe oil slicks and to detect metallic targets at sea using polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data are reviewed and critically analysed. The detection of oil slicks in SAR data is made difficult not only by the presence of speckle but also by the presence of, e.g. biogenic films, low-wind areas, rain cells, currents, etc., which increase the false alarm probability. The use of polarimetric features has been shown to both observe oil slicks and distinguish them from weak-damping look-alikes but also to extract some of their properties. Similarly to oil slicks, the same factors can hamper the detection of metallic targets at sea. The radiometric information provided by traditional single-channel SAR is not generally sufficient to unambiguously detect man-made metallic targets over the sea surface. This shortcoming is overcome by employing polarimetry, which allows to fully characterize the scattering mechanism of such targets.
Erratum to: Holographic scalar and vector exchange in OTOCs and pole-skipping phenomena
Authors: Lee Kyung-Sun , Nishida Mitsuhiro , Kim Keun-Young
Published: April 2021

The original article has been corrected. Because of an error in the production stage, in the original paper the order of the authors was wrong. The correct order for the authors is: Kyung-Sun Lee, Mitsuhiro Nishida and Keun-Young Kim. The originally published wrong file has been replaced online.
Hawking radiation from universal horizons
Authors: Herrero-Valea Mario , Liberati Stefano , Santos-Garcia Raquel
Published: April 2021

Abstract

The persistence of a suitable notion of black hole thermodynamics in Lorentz breaking theories of gravity is not only a non-trivial consistency test for such theories, it is also an interesting investigation per se, as it might help us identifying the crucial features at the root of these surprising laws governing such purely gravitational objects. In past investigations, controversial findings were presented in this sense. With the aim of settling this issue, we present here two complementary derivations of Hawking radiation in geometries endowed with universal horizons: a novel feature of back holes in Lorentz breaking theories of gravity which reproduces several properties normally characterizing Killing horizons. We find that both the derivations agree on the fact that the Hawking temperature associated to these geometries is set by the generalized universal horizon peeling surface gravity, as required for consistency with extant derivations of the first law of thermodynamics for these black holes. We shall also comment on the compatibility of our results with previous alternative derivations and on their significance for the survival of the generalized second law of black hole thermodynamics in Lorentz breaking theories of gravity.
Fengyun Meteorological Satellite Products for Earth System Science Applications
Authors: Xian Di , Zhang Peng , Gao Ling , Sun Ruijing , Zhang Haizhen , Jia Xu
Published: April 2021

Following the progress of satellite data assimilation in the 1990s, the combination of meteorological satellites and numerical models has changed the way scientists understand the earth. With the evolution of numerical weather prediction models and earth system models, meteorological satellites will play a more important role in earth sciences in the future. As part of the space-based infrastructure, the Fengyun (FY) meteorological satellites have contributed to earth science sustainability studies through an open data policy and stable data quality since the first launch of the FY-1A satellite in 1988. The capability of earth system monitoring was greatly enhanced after the second-generation polar orbiting FY-3 satellites and geostationary orbiting FY-4 satellites were developed. Meanwhile, the quality of the products generated from the FY-3 and FY-4 satellites is comparable to the well-known MODIS products. FY satellite data has been utilized broadly in weather forecasting, climate and climate change investigations, environmental disaster monitoring, etc. This article reviews the instruments mounted on the FY satellites. Sensor-dependent level 1 products (radiance data) and inversion algorithm-dependent level 2 products (geophysical parameters) are introduced. As an example, some typical geophysical parameters, such as wildfires, lightning, vegetation indices, aerosol products, soil moisture, and precipitation estimation have been demonstrated and validated by in-situ observations and other well-known satellite products. To help users access the FY products, a set of data sharing systems has been developed and operated. The newly developed data sharing system based on cloud technology has been illustrated to improve the efficiency of data delivery.
Breastfeeding behavior is not associated with health literacy: evidence from the German KUNO-Kids birth cohort study
Authors: Graus Teresa M. , Brandstetter Susanne , Seelbach-Göbel Birgit , Melter Michael , Kabesch Michael , Apfelbacher Christian , Fill Malfertheiner Sara ,   the KUNO-Kids study group, Ambrosch A. , Arndt P. , Baessler A. , Berneburg M. , Böse-O’Reilly St. , Brunner R. , Buchalla Wolfgang , Franke A. , Häusler S. , Heid I. , Herr C. , Högler W. , Kerzel S. , Koller M. , Leitzmann M. , Rothfuß D. , Rösch W. , Schaub B. , Weber B. H. F. , Weidinger St. , Wellmann S.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Despite the health benefits of full breastfeeding for both infants and mothers, less than 50% of mothers in Germany practice this method for at least 4 months after childbirth. Because of the growing importance of health literacy to improve public health, we investigated the role of maternal health literacy in breastfeeding behavior.

Methods

We analyzed the data of 1172 mother–child dyads of the KUNO-Kids health study of the University Children’s and Maternity Hospital Regensburg. Maternal health literacy was assessed with the HLS-EU-Q47 questionnaire (sub-index health care) up to 48 h after childbirth. Outcome was analyzed 6 months after childbirth and categorized into full breastfeeding for less than 4 months or for at least 4 months. The association between breastfeeding and maternal health literacy was calculated with univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses.

Results

38.8% of mothers showed inadequate or limited health literacy. 75.9% of mothers had fully breastfed their child for at least 4 months. Univariable logistic regression analysis showed that health literacy and full breastfeeding for at least 4 months were not associated (OR = 0.995 [CI 0.977–1.015], p = 0.60). After adjusting for all potentially confounding variables with a significant association (p ≤ 0.05) on both health literacy and breastfeeding, the multivariable model showed no association between health literacy and breastfeeding (OR = 0.984 [CI 0.963–1.007], p = 0.170).

Conclusion

Surprisingly, we found no association between health literacy and breastfeeding behavior in our study. Therefore, future research with comparable measurements of health literacy and breastfeeding is required to validate this result and to identify reasons for early breastfeeding cessation.
Rhabdomyosarcoma and pleomorphic sarcoma in the same location
Authors: Steiner Daniel , Smolle Maria Anna , Brcic Iva , Leithner Andreas
Published: April 2021

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) represent a small group of adult solid malignancies, with risk factors such as environmental factors, genetic predisposition, and prior radiotherapy. In STS patients with a novel swelling, differential diagnoses include recurrence, second primary cancer, metastasis from unknown primary cancer, and radiation-associated STS, the latter usually occurring approximately 10 years after radiotherapy. We present the case of a 64-year-old male patient with pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma, who underwent resection and radiotherapy. The patient presented again 5 years later with painful swelling in the area of the prior sarcoma, raising suspicion of recurrence. Resection was performed and a diagnosis of pleomorphic sarcoma (not otherwise specified [NOS]) was made. The patient was treated with radiotherapy and remained sarcoma-free for the following 7 years. A molecular analysis of both neoplasms, using RNA next-generation sequencing, did not detect any specific fusions. Due to the lack of rhabdomyoblastic differentiation in the second sarcoma and the low likelihood of a second primary in the same previously irradiated location, the diagnosis of a radiation-associated STS was suggested. This short report illustrates the difficult diagnostic work-up of a presumably radiation-associated STS, as these neoplasms lack characteristic morphological and immunohistochemical features. In our case, the suggested diagnosis may have pointed against another course of radiotherapy in an already irradiation-harmed region. Therefore, a relatively low latency period between surgery, radiotherapy, and diagnosis of another STS should not automatically point towards recurrence and may prompt further in-depth investigation.
Emulation of grid-forming inverters using real-time PC and 4-quadrant voltage amplifier
Authors: Schulze Wolf , Zajadatz Maurizio , Suriyah Michael , Leibfried Thomas
Published: April 2021

A test bed for the evaluation of novel control methods of inverters for renewable power generation is presented. The behavior of grid-following and grid-forming control in a test scenario is studied and compared.

Using a real-time capable control platform with a cycle time of 50 µs, control methods developed with Matlab/Simulink can be implemented. For simplicity, a three-phase 4‑quadrant voltage amplifier is used instead of an inverter. Thus, the use of modulation and switched power semiconductors can be avoided. In order to show a realistic behavior of a grid-side filter, passive components can be automatically connected as L‑, LC- or LCL-filter. The test bed has a nominal active power of 43.6 kW and a nominal voltage of 400 V.

As state-of-the-art grid-following control method, a current control in the d/q-system is implemented in the test bed. A virtual synchronous machine, the Synchronverter, is used as grid-forming control method. In combination with a frequency-variable grid emulation, the behavior of both control methods is studied in the event of a load connection in an island grid environment.
GLONASS–only FDMA+CDMA RTK: Performance and outlook
Authors: Zaminpardaz Safoora , Teunissen Peter J. G. , Khodabandeh Amir
Published: April 2021

An assessment of standalone GLONASS RTK performance is provided using its FDMA and CDMA signals. The new integer-estimable GLONASS FDMA model (Teunissen 2019), which guarantees the integer-estimability of its ambiguities, is employed. We introduce the combined integer-estimable GLONASS FDMA+CDMA model and compare its strength against the FDMA model for instantaneous integer ambiguity resolution and positioning. Various combinations of GLONASS signals are considered including FDMA L1, FDMA+CDMA L1+L3, FDMA L1+L2 and FDMA+CDMA L1+L2+L3. To provide insight into the current RTK performance of GLONASS, we used observations of a short baseline to analyze the integer ambiguity resolution success rate and positioning precision, formally and empirically. To provide insight into the future RTK performance of GLONASS, we present a formal analysis of the integer ambiguity resolution success rate and ADOP, assuming that all the GLONASS satellites transmit FDMA L1, L2 and CDMA L3 signals. A formal analysis of standalone GLONASS ambiguity resolution based on current and future GLONASS constellation is then presented for different locations around the world.
Anticancer effects against colorectal cancer models of chloro(triethylphosphine)gold(I) encapsulated in PLGA–PEG nanoparticles
Authors: Menconi Alessio , Marzo Tiziano , Massai Lara , Pratesi Alessandro , Severi Mirko , Petroni Giulia , Antonuzzo Lorenzo , Messori Luigi , Pillozzi Serena , Cirri Damiano
Published: April 2021

Chloro(triethylphosphine)gold(I), (Et3PAuCl hereafter), is an Auranofin (AF)-related compound showing very similar biological and pharmacological properties. Like AF, Et3PAuCl exhibits potent antiproliferative properties in vitro toward a variety of cancer cell lines and is a promising anticancer drug candidate. We wondered whether Et3PAuCl encapsulation might lead to an improved pharmacological profile also considering the likely reduction of unwanted side-reactions that are responsible for adverse effects and for drug inactivation. Et3PAuCl was encapsulated in biocompatible PLGA–PEG nanoparticles (NPs) and the new formulation evaluated in colorectal HCT-116 cancer cells in comparison to the free gold complex. Notably, encapsulated Et3PAuCl (nano-Et3PAuCl hereafter) mostly retains the cellular properties of the free gold complex and elicits even greater cytotoxic effects in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells, mediated by apoptosis and autophagy. Moreover, a remarkable inhibition of two crucial signaling pathways, i.e. ERK and AKT, by nano-Et3PAuCl, was clearly documented. The implications of these findings are discussed.
PHEMTO: the polarimetric high energy modular telescope observatory
Authors: Laurent P. , Acero F. , Beckmann V. , Brandt S. , Cangemi F. , Civitani M. , Clavel M. , Coleiro A. , Curado R. , Ferrando P. , Ferrigno C. , Frontera F. , Gastaldello F. , Götz D. , Gouiffès C. , Grinberg V. , Hanlon L. , Hartmann D. , Maggi P. , Marin F. , Meuris A. , Okajima T. , Pareschi G. , Pratt G. W. , Rea N. , Rodriguez J. , Rossetti M. , Spiga D. , Virgilli E. , Zane S.
Published: April 2021

Based upon dual focusing techniques, the Polarimetric High-Energy Modular Telescope Observatory (PHEMTO) is designed to have performance several orders of magnitude better than the present hard X-ray instruments, in the 1–600 keV energy range. This, together with its angular resolution of around one arcsecond, and its sensitive polarimetry measurement capability, will give PHEMTO the improvements in scientific performance needed for a mission in the 2050 era in order to study AGN, galactic black holes, neutrons stars, and supernovae. In addition, its high performance will enable the study of the non-thermal processes in galaxy clusters with an unprecedented accuracy.
Functional responses of zooplankton communities to depth, trophic status, and ion content in mine pit lakes
Authors: Goździejewska Anna Maria , Koszałka Jacek , Tandyrak Renata , Grochowska Jolanta , Parszuto Katarzyna
Published: April 2021

Functional traits can be used to identify various ecosystem processes that are influenced by natural and anthropogenic factors. We tested the hypothesis that the species composition and functional feeding traits of zooplankton are influenced by environmental gradients, such as depth, trophic status, and ion content. This hypothesis was tested in three lignite strip mine lakes in Central Poland. Two shallow, polymictic lakes were reclaimed (1994 and 2008), and the third deep, stratified lake has been reclaimed during the flooding process, since 2011. Samples were collected monthly in 2016 and 2017. The functional responses of zooplankton communities to environmental variables were tested through redundancy analyses. Both eutrophy and oligotrophy contributed to the taxonomic heterogeneity and functional homogeneity of zooplankton. In eutrophic condition small microphagous rotifers and small-sized crustaceans dominated, while oligotrophy and high ion concentrations favored dominance of large microphagous and stationary/suspended feeders. In turn, the depth gradient of a newly emerging, stratified lake resulted in taxonomic and functional heterogeneity of zooplankton. Our results complement existing knowledge about zooplankton in post-industrial areas, and also provide new information on the mechanisms of formation and functioning of mine pit lake ecosystems.
The Emerging Role of Interleukin 1β (IL-1β) in Cancer Cachexia
Authors: Laird Barry J. , McMillan Donald , Skipworth Richard J. E. , Fallon Marie T. , Paval D. Robert , McNeish Iain , Gallagher Iain J.
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Treatment of cancer cachexia remains an unmet need. The host-tumour interface and the resulting sequestration of the pro-inflammatory cytokine Il-1β is critical in cachexia development. Neuroinflammation mediated via IL-1β through the hypothalamic pituitary axis results in increased muscle proteolysis and adipose lipolysis, thus creating a prolonged stress-like environment with loss of appetite and increased resting energy expenditure. Recent trials using a monoclonal antibody targeting IL-1β, canakinumab, have shown a potential role in lung cancer; however, a potential role of targeting IL-1β to treat cachexia in patients with lung cancer is unclear, yet the underlying pathophysiology provides a sound rationale that this may be a viable therapeutic approach.
Why Abandon the Paradise? Stations’ Incentives to Reduce Gasoline Prices at First
Authors: Wein Thomas
Published: April 2021

The German petrol station market is characterized by strong intraday price cycles, which probably correspond to the well-known Edgeworth cycles. The prices go up strongly in the late evening or in the middle of the night, fall relatively heavily in the early morning, and then go up and down several times in the course of the day. Locally, the analysis is limited to the 26 petrol stations that plausibly form a common market in the Lueneburg region. This paper picks out the specific sequence in which, after generally rising prices during the day, a single supplier is the first to reverse the price trend and lower its price. For this purpose, current price reports are used to define the price reduction event down to the second, and to show only the valid prices of competitors prior to the event. All German petrol stations have to report price changes to the Bundeskartellamt's Market Transparency Department. Tankerkoenig then publishes the full reports. This results in one panel observation for each price reduction event. Out of nearly 300,000 price observations, just over 10,000 panel observations result. Fixed-effect logit estimates are used to test whether the theoretically and economically significant price differences of the Edgeworth cycles explain the behavior of the price cutters, or whether market structure factors, such as brand affiliation/independence of the petrol station, service offerings, or location characteristics predict price-cutting behavior. The novel recording of the price dynamics in the petrol station market by using the accurate petrol station price data to the second indicates promising research of extensive price data and avoids the enormous loss of information in the previously common calculation of average prices at certain times.
Effect of hydrogen on the electrical resistance of NbSe2 in a wide temperature range
Authors: Chroneos A. , Khadzhai G. Ya. , Biletskyi V. I. , Kislitsa M. V. , Vovk R. V.
Published: April 2021

The electrical resistivity of niobium diselenide (NbSe2) with hydrogen was investigated in the temperature range Tc – 300 K. It was determined that hydrogen inhibits the formation of a charge density wave. It was shown that hydride phase with niobium is formed due to hydrogen in NbSe2 layers at low temperatures, which decomposes with increasing temperature to form a solid solution. The temperature dependence of the resistivity is approximated by the Bloch–Grüneisen function. The approximation parameters vary depending on the amount of dissolved hydrogen.
A semi-automated module for the separation and purification of 99mTc from simulated molybdenum target
Authors: Koźmiński Przemysław , Gumiela Magdalena , Walczak Rafał , Wawrowicz Kamil , Bilewicz Aleksander
Published: April 2021

A semi-automated purification module for the cyclic separation of 99mTc was designed for production of [99mTc]TcO4– from γ irradiated 100Mo target. The separation process was carried out by using a 3-column purification system and the final product, [99mTc]TcO4–, was obtained in a total volume of 7 mL. To confirm proper separation achieved for 99mTc, a radio-labeling procedure using DTPA chelator was performed. The radiochemical purity was higher than 95%, which meets the strict radiopharmaceutical requirements. The yielded 99mTc can be separated with high efficiency from Mo in a quick and repeated way. Loss of 99mTc radioactivity during such a three-column separation process was not larger than 10%.