bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three‐dimensional analysis of the temporal bone and mandibular morphology in mandibular prognathism with facial asymmetry
Authors: Kawamura Tomoko , Fukui Tadao , Nishiyama Hideyoshi , Kobayashi Tadaharu , Takagi Ritsuo , Hayashi Takafumi , Saito Isao
Published: May 2021

The aims of this study were to perform a three‐dimensional analysis of the craniofacial area, in particular, the temporal bone and to examine the morphological relationship between the temporal bone and asymmetry of the mandible in subjects with mandibular prognathism and facial asymmetry. Subjects were 50 adult orthognathic patients with facial asymmetry and mandibular prognathism. The initial computed tomographic data were reconstructed into three‐dimensional and multiplanar reconstruction images. Linear and angular measurements of the temporal bone and the mandible were obtained. Then deviated and non‐deviated sides were compared and the relationship between the temporal bone and mandibular morphology was investigated. The lengths of the mandibular body and ramus, the anteroposterior and vertical positions of the mandibular fossa, and the slant angle of the posterior surface of the petrous pyramid were significantly smaller (P < .05) on the deviated side than on the non‐deviated side. Further, the left‐right differences in the temporal bone were positively correlated with a deviation of the mandible and differences in the lengths of the mandibular body and ramus (P < .05). The results suggest that asymmetry of the temporal bone is closely related to mandibular asymmetry and might have an important role in the mechanism of facial asymmetry.
Downregulation of SUN2 promotes metastasis of colon cancer by activating BDNF/TrkB signalling by interacting with SIRT1
Authors: Liu Lijuan , Li Si‐Wei , Yuan Wenxin , Tang Jianjun , Sang Yi
Published: May 2021

Distant metastasis is the major cause of colon cancer (CC) treatment failure. SAD1/UNC84 domain protein‐2 (SUN2) is a key component of linker of the nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complexes that may be relevant for metastasis in several cancers. Here, we first confirmed that SUN2 levels were significantly lower in primary CC tissues and distant metastasis than in normal colon tissues, and high SUN2 expression predicted good overall survival. Overexpression of SUN2 or knockdown of SUN2 inhibited or promoted cell migration and invasion in vitro, respectively. Moreover, silencing of SUN2 promoted metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, we showed that SUN2 exerts its tumour suppressor functions by decreasing the expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) to inhibit BDNF/tropomyosin‐related kinase B (TrkB) signalling. Additionally, SUN2 associated with SIRT1 and increased the acetylation of methyl‐CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) to increase its occupancy at the BDNF promoter. Taken together, our findings indicate that SUN2 is a key component in CC progression that acts by inhibiting metastasis and that novel SUN2–SIRT1–MeCP2–BDNF signalling may prove to be useful for the development of new strategies for treating patients with CC. © 2021 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Green composites based on thermoplastic starches and various natural plant fibers: Impacting parameters of the mechanical properties using machine‐learning
Authors: Morin Sophie , Dumoulin Lionel , Delahaye Louise , Jacquet Nicolas , Richel Aurore
Published: May 2021

Multivariate analyses on formulation and mechanical behavior of nonwoven and nonoriented natural fibers reinforced thermoplastic starch (TPS) composites were performed. Glycerol and water were considered as TPS plasticizers. Fibers composition (i.e., cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin), fibers morphology (fibers length), starch composition (i.e., amylose/amylopectin ratio) as well as the processing conditions (i.e., temperature, rotor speed, relative humidity during aging) were evaluated for their ability to affect the elastic modulus, tensile strength, and elongation at break of the final materials. Multivariate linear regressions were computed to unveil the importance of each variable on the mechanical behavior. Fibers composition impacted the most the models: cellulose maximization improved the elastic modulus and tensile strength while lignin reduced the elastic modulus and hemicellulose decreased the tensile strength. TPS plasticizers, temperature, and rotor speed of the process were negatively impacting the elastic modulus but in a lesser extent than the fiber composition. Within the range of the created database, the selected variables and attributed coefficients were permitted to explain the variability. The produced models revealed that complex and yet uninvestigated interactions are to be considered within TPS‐based biocomposites. Therefore, this work discusses and suggests a “must‐have” list of variables for comparable analyses of new TPS‐based biocomposites using natural fibers as reinforcement.
Enhanced toughness and gas permeabilities of polyimide composites derived from polyimide matrix and flower‐like polyimide microparticles
Authors: Wang Yao , Lu Yunhua , Zhang Jianhua , Liang Ying , Chi Haijun , Xiao Guoyong
Published: May 2021

The flower‐like polyimide (PI) based on 3,3′,4,4′‐benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride and benzidine was successfully obtained via solvothermal method. Using the flower‐like PI as organic fillers, the flower‐like PI/PI composites were fabricated by using 4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl ether and 1,2,4,5‐pyromellitic dianhydride as monomers through in situ polymerization and thermal imidization. The residual amino groups on the surface of flower‐like PI microparticles easily lead to the formation of chemical linkage between the flower‐like PI and PI matrix, which are benefit for tight interface and uniform dispersion. These experimental results showed that the broken elongation of the composites was significantly improved from 9.8% (pure PI) to 33.5% (PI‐4%), but the tensile strength and Young's modules were slightly sacrificed. The glass transition temperatures were mainly concentrated at around 352°C, while the 5% and 10% thermal decomposition temperature were slightly reduced. Furthermore, the light transmittance remarkably decreased from 75.9% (pure PI) to 4.3% (PI‐5%) at 550 nm. When the incorporation of flower‐like PI was 5%, an obvious increase of water uptake from 2.05% to 2.89% was noticed, and the water surface contact angle increased from 67.5° to 89.4°, indicating the increasing hydrophobicity. Additionally, with the increase of flower‐like PI fillers, the gas permeation flux of H2, CO2, O2, and N2 enhanced by more than two times, and the selectivities of O2/N2 and CO2/N2 increased first and then decreased. Therefore, the flower‐like PI microparticles will be promising functional fillers to improve the properties of polyimide materials.
Comparative effectiveness and safety of prasugrel versus ticagrelor following percutaneous coronary intervention: An observational study
Authors: Belviso Nicholas , Aronow Herbert D. , Wyss Richard , Barbour Marilyn , Zhang Yichi , Wen Xuerong , Kogut Stephen
Published: May 2021

Background

Observational studies comparing ticagrelor and prasugrel in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have yielded contradictory results, but these studies often did not consider differential censoring (eg, for treatment switching or insurance disenrollment) or confounding by time‐dependent factors.

Objective

Our objective was to conduct a comparative effectiveness and safety analysis of ticagrelor and prasugrel in patients who underwent PCI after being hospitalized for an ACS.

Methods

This study used the Optum's de‐identified Clinformatics® Data Mart Database and included patients aged 18 years or older with an index hospital admission between May 2012 and September 2015, a diagnosis of ACS managed with PCI, and treatment with either ticagrelor or prasugrel. The primary composite outcome was defined as the first occurrence of all‐cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), or ischemic stroke. The secondary composite outcome included the first occurrence of gastrointestinal (GI) bleed, intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), or other major bleeds requiring hospitalization. Weighted Cox proportional hazard models and robust variance estimation were implemented to adjust for baseline comorbidities, time‐varying exposure, time‐dependent confounders, and differential censoring.

Results

Included in the analysis were 2559 patients initiated on ticagrelor and 4456 patients initiated on prasugrel following PCI. Patients initiated on ticagrelor were 10% more likely to have eligibility disenrollment (Ticagrelor: 57%, Prasugrel: 47%, p < 0.01) and 7 percentage‐points more likely to switch medication (Ticagrelor: 35%, Prasugrel: 28%, p < 0.01). After adjusting for multiple factors, including time‐varying exposure and censoring imbalance, ticagrelor was associated with a higher risk of all‐cause death, MI, or stroke when compared to prasugrel (Hazard ratio (HR): 1.33; 95% CI: 1.04–1.68). Similarly, ticagrelor was associated with a higher risk in bleeding events when compared with prasugrel (HR: 1.61; 95% CI: 1.19–2.17).

Conclusion

When compared with ticagrelor, prasugrel use following PCI for ACS was associated with a lower risk of death, MI, or stroke, as well as a reduced risk of major bleeding.
Analytical estimates of front velocity in the frontal polymerization of thermoset polymers and composites
Authors: Kumar Aditya , Gao Yuan , Geubelle Philippe H.
Published: May 2021

This note presents approximate analytical expressions for the velocity of the self‐propagating reaction front in the frontal polymerization of thermoset polymers and composites. Prior estimates available in the literature for the front velocity have been limited by their applicability to simple reaction kinetics. The improved estimates provided in this work are shown to be applicable to complex reaction kinetics encountered in the frontal polymerization of neat thermoset polymers or fiber‐reinforced polymer‐matrix composites with a wide range of polymer chemistries, including dicyclopentadiene, cyclooctadiene, acrylates, and epoxies. They are also shown to be applicable to wide range of values of the initial temperature and initial degree of cure of the resin, and of the volume fraction of the reinforcing phase.
Synthesis and Characterization of Large PbSe Colloidal Quantum Dots
Authors: Palosz Witold , Trivedi Sudhir , DeCuir Eric , Wijewarnasuriya Priyalal S. , Thon Susanna M. , Cheng Yan , Lu Chengchangfeng , Jensen Janet L.
Published: May 2021

Large colloidal quantum dots of PbSe (first excitonic peak position >2 µm) are synthesized under different conditions of temperature, the concentration of precursors and their ratio, and concentration of oleic acid and diphenylphosphine. The dependence of the optical properties, grain size dispersity, and process yield on the processing conditions is systematically explored and discussed. The Ostwald ripening process and how it affects grain growth is demonstrated. Finally, the results for the dependence of the absorption wavelength on the grain diameter for large nanocrystals are compared to the relationships reported in the literature for smaller nanocrystals.
A Dual‐Functional Ferroferric Oxide/Quantum Dots Theranostic Nanoplatform for Fluorescent Labeling and Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Yin Naiqiang , Li Peng , Xu Xiaoliang , Zhu Lixin
Published: May 2021

A biocompatible, nontoxic theranostic nanoplatform consisting of mesoporous silica‐coated ferroferric oxide (Fe3O4) and Mn‐doped ZnS‐ZnS quantum dots (QDs) is synthesized via a layer‐by‐layer method. Transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffractometer, magnetometry, and fluorophotometer are employed to characterize the nanoplatform. The nanoplatform exhibits excellent superparamagnetic, fluorescent, and light absorption properties. The template method is introduced to form a mesoporous silica structure on the nanoplatform, lowering the mass of the nanoplatform and effectively promoting the absorption efficiency of the incident light compared with the traditional silica layer. In addition, after endocytosis of the nanoplatform, cancer cells are easily detected under a fluorescence microscope because of the excellent fluorescent behavior of QDs. Moreover, in vitro experiments confirm that nanoplatform possesses perfect photothermal effect to destroy tumor cells under laser irradiation. Therefore, ferroferric oxide/QDs nanoplatforms, combined with the functions of fluorescent labeling and photothermal therapy for cancer cells, are expected to be a promising biopotential material in the field of diagnosis and treatment.
Exposure‐response modeling for extrapolation from adult to pediatric patients who differ with respect to prognostic factors: Application to everolimus
Authors: Dumortier Thomas , Heimann Günter , Fink Martin
Published: May 2021

Pediatric extrapolation is essential for bringing treatments to the pediatric population, especially for indications where the recruitment of pediatric patients into clinical trials is difficult and where fully powered trials are impossible. Often a similar exposure‐response relationship between adult and pediatric patients can be assumed, but just matching exposures can be misleading when some prognostic factors for efficacy differ between those two patient populations. We present an example in liver transplantation where different study designs led to different (time‐dependent) hazards between populations. Only after accounting for this difference an apparent mismatch between the extrapolation from adults and the pediatric study could be resolved. This article also exemplifies a clear scientific, methodological approach of pediatric extrapolation, including model building in adults, extrapolation to pediatrics, qualification of the extrapolation, and derivation of the actual pediatric efficacy.
Cytochrome P450 2D6 genotype–phenotype characterization through population pharmacokinetic modeling of tedatioxetine
Authors: Frederiksen Trine , Areberg Johan , Schmidt Ellen , Stage Tore Bjerregaard , Brøsen Kim
Published: May 2021

The cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6 enzyme exhibits large interindividual differences in metabolic activity. Patients are commonly assigned a CYP2D6 phenotype based on their CYP2D6 genotype, but there is a lack of consensus on how to translate genotypes into phenotypes, causing inconsistency in genotype‐based dose recommendations. The aim of this study was to quantify and compare the impact of different CYP2D6 genotypes and alleles on CYP2D6 metabolism using a large clinical data set. A population pharmacokinetic (popPK) model of tedatioxetine and its CYP2D6‐dependent metabolite was developed based on pharmacokinetic data from 578 subjects. The CYP2D6‐mediated metabolism was quantified for each subject based on estimates from the final popPK model, and CYP2D6 activity scores were calculated for each allele using multiple linear regression. The activity scores estimated for the decreased function alleles were 0.46 (CYP2D6*9), 0.34 (CYP2D6*10), 0.01 (CYP2D6*17), 0.65 (CYP2D6*29), and 0.21 (CYP2D6*41). The CYP2D6*17 and CYP2D6*41 alleles were thus associated with the lowest CYP2D6 activity, although only the difference to the CYP2D6*9 allele was shown to be statistically significant (p = 0.02 and p = 0.05, respectively). The study provides new in vivo evidence of the enzyme function of different CYP2D6 genotypes and alleles. Our findings suggest that the activity score assigned to CYP2D6*41 should be revisited, whereas CYP2D6*17 appears to exhibit substrate‐specific behavior. Further studies are needed to confirm the findings and to improve the understanding of CYP2D6 genotype–phenotype relationships across substrates.
Annealing‐Induced Changes in the Atomic Structure of Amorphous Silica, Germania, and Tantala Using Accelerated Molecular Dynamics
Authors: Prasai Kiran , Bassiri Riccardo , Cheng Hai-Ping , Fejer Martin M.
Published: May 2021

The effects of annealing on the atomic structures of , , and are investigated using accelerated molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Using population annealing with Boltzmann resampling to expedite the MD simulations, it is shown that annealed models demonstrate subtle but statistically significant changes in the structure. Consistent with experiments, the simulations show that effects of annealing on the atomic structures of these amorphous oxides are more pronounced in the medium‐range order than in the short‐range order.
First‐Principles Study of the Intrinsic Properties of the fcc/hcp‐Ti Boundary in Carbon Nanotube/Ti Composites Prepared by High‐Pressure Torsion
Authors: Rong Zichao , Hao Peidong , Tang Min , Chen Peng , Li Fengxian , Yi Jianhong , Şopu Daniel , Eckert Jürgen , Liu Yichun
Published: May 2021

Spherical aberration‐corrected high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy images reveal that Ti in the carbon‐nanotube‐reinforced‐Ti (CNT/Ti) composites synthesized via the high‐pressure torsion method has a face‐centered cubic (fcc) lattice structure. The intrinsic properties of the fcc/hexagonal close‐packed (hcp)‐Ti boundary with orientation relationships of
fcc//[0002]hcp and {011}fcc//
hcp between the fcc‐Ti and hcp‐Ti are revealed through a first‐principles investigation. Interface relaxation verifies that the nucleation of the fcc‐Ti structure requires a minimum stable thickness of three atomic layers. When the pressure increases, the interface adhesion work, W
ad, of the fcc‐Tihcp‐Ti(0002) interface decreases, the surface energy increases, and the interface bonding strength of the fcc/hcp‐Ti boundary decreases. Moreover, the hcp‐Ti(0002)/fcc‐Tiboundary becomes unstable under high pressure, enhancing the nucleation and growth of the fcc‐Ti phase at the boundary. The results of this study help in understanding the correlation between the inherent attributes of the fcc/hcp‐Ti boundary, and the properties of CNT titanium composites are improved.
Dirac Semimetal Protected by Nonsymmorphic Mirror Symmetries in TPH‐Graphene
Authors: Liang Guolie , He Chaoyu , Wang Xin , Sun Lizhong , Zhou Pan
Published: May 2021

Dirac cones in 2D carbon allotropes are generally protected by symmorphic symmetry operations. Herein, it is proposed that TPH‐graphene has Dirac cones protected by nonsymmorphic mirror symmetries. This monolayer is composed of tetragonal, pentagonal, and heptagonal carbon rings and exhibits not only good mechanical and dynamic stability but also high energetic stability. The structure has anisotropic mechanical properties, and its Young's modulus is close to that of graphene, up to 291 N m−1. The Dirac points on high‐symmetry lines Γ−X and X−S are protected by the nonsymmorphic mirror operations and , respectively. The edge states obtained from semi‐infinite structures confirm the nontrivial topological nature of these cones. The work reveals that TPH‐graphene is an excellent candidate to study nonsymmorphic‐symmetry‐protected Dirac cones in 2D carbon materials.
Elucidating the causes of errors in 2.2 km Met Office Unified Model simulations of a convective case over the US Great Plains
Authors: Hanley Kirsty E. , Lean Humphrey W.
Published: May 2021

Convective‐scale ensemble simulations with perturbed initial and lateral boundary conditions have been performed to investigate the role of compensating errors in the model representation of a US Great Plains severe convective event. The convective‐scale ensembles were generated by nesting a 2.2 km grid‐length domain within the Met Office global ensemble. Within the ensemble framework, two different science configurations (i.e. parametrization set‐ups) were trialled in the 2.2 km model. The variability due to the use of a different driving global ensemble member was significant with differences in the pre‐convective thermodynamic environment and the initiation time of convection. The science changes also influence initiation time as well as the details in the convective structure. Comparison with observed soundings showed that most of the 2.2 km simulations had too little convective inhibition (CIN). The CIN was found to be independent of the science configuration, implying it is determined by the global model, which was also found to have less CIN than the observed soundings. In both 2.2 km ensembles, the member that produced one of the best simulations of the supercells that developed on this day had more CIN than the other members. However, comparisons with surface station data found that this member had a pre‐convective environment that was too cool and too dry. This suggests there are compensating errors in the factors controlling initiation in these models which comparisons with observations can help elucidate.
Nitrogen requirements of first‐year small grains after alfalfa
Authors: Yost Matt A. , Pound Collin A. , Creech J. Earl , Cardon Grant E. , Pace Michael G. , Kitchen Boyd , Nelson Mark , Russell Kathleen
Published: May 2021

Small grains are commonly grown in rotation following alfalfa (Medicago sativaL.) in Utah and the Intermountain West, especially during drought years, as they require less irrigation than corn (Zea maysL.). Several studies have shown that corn following alfalfa rarely needs N fertilizer, yet few have evaluated the N needs of small grains. Objectives of this research were to determine whether N fertilizer is needed to economically optimize the yield and quality of first‐year soft white winter wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) following alfalfa and whether the response could be predicted. Fertilizer trials (four replications of up to 13 N rates) were conducted on 12 first‐year wheat sites in Utah during 2018–2019. Three sites in 2018 with spring soil nitrate concentrations ≥17 mg kg–1required no N to improve yield. The remaining nine sites in 2019 with soil nitrate ≤13 mg kg–1all had yield, test weight, and protein responses to fertilizer N. Economic optimum N rates for optimal yield, protein, and test weight across the nine sites in 2019 were 22 kg N ha–1(18%) greater for split applications (fall and spring) compared with single spring N across various wheat/N price ratios. Delaying N applications until flag leaf decreased yield in 2019 provided no economic protein or test weight advantages. Results indicate that 96–147 kg N ha–1(depending on price ratio) should be applied as a single application in the spring to first‐year soft white winter wheat following alfalfa only when spring soil nitrate is <17 mg kg–1.
Characterizing hydrologic effects on soil physicochemical variation within tree islands and marshes in the coastal Florida Everglades
Authors: Steinmuller Havalend E. , Stoffella Susana L. , Vidales Rosario , Ross Michael S. , Dattamudi Sanku , Scinto Leonard J.
Published: May 2021

Implementation of hydrologic modifications within the southeastern coastal Everglades over the last century have impacted ecological functioning of the system. This study characterized and investigated the effects of hydrologic modifications through the C‐111 canal system on soil physicochemical properties of marsh and tree island community types within the southeastern coastal Everglades. Marshes within the C‐111 basin and larger southeastern coastal Everglades exhibited lower soil nutrient contents than tree islands, which were characterized by 4.6 times higher organic matter content, 2.4 times higher total carbon concentrations, 2.6 times higher total nitrogen concentrations, and 5.8 times higher total phosphorus concentrations. Further investigation into soil profiles between community types illustrated pedological discontinuities observed within the soil matrix that coincided with the implementation of the C‐111 canal. Pedological discontinuities were characterized by a shift to more organic soils within both community types but were less often observed within tree islands, suggesting that (a) hydrologic modification within the southeastern coastal Everglades alters soil physicochemical properties and (b) tree islands are potentially more resilient to long‐term perturbations in freshwater flow than more dynamic marsh systems.
Time‐Resolved Investigation of Transient Field Effect Passivation States during Potential‐Induced Degradation and Recovery of Bifacial Silicon Solar Cells
Authors: Sporleder Kai , Naumann Volker , Bauer Jan , Hevisov David , Turek Marko , Hagendorf Christian
Published: May 2021

Various types of potential‐induced degradation (PID) with fundamentally different physical root causes have been observed recently ranging from shunting (PID‐s), corrosion (PID‐c) to degradation of surface passivation (PID‐p). Herein, PID‐p is investigated for the first time at the rear side of bifacial silicon solar cells with enhanced time‐resolution during degradation and recovery under simultaneous illumination. The tests reveal fast transient changes of rear‐side short‐circuit current within minutes and thus allow to understand the degradation process related to PID‐p. The short‐circuit current with rear‐side illumination first decreases significantly by more than 80 % resulting in an intermediate degraded state. Subsequently, it increases to a regenerated state. Under reversed bias, a total recovery of the cell parameters is observed and confirmed by I–V measurements under standard testing conditions (STCs). The underlying transient PID‐p degradation and recovery mechanism is well described by a PC‐1D simulation of the field‐induced band bending at the rear surface. Finally, a qualitative model involving the migration of mobile charged species and their impact on the charge equilibrium in the field effect passivation layer is presented. Thus, time‐resolved analysis of transient PID effects can serve as a clear characteristic for PID of polarization type.
Tracking S‐Scheme Charge Transfer Pathways in Mo2C/CdS H2‐Evolution Photocatalysts
Authors: Shen Rongchen , Lu Xinyong , Zheng Qiaoqing , Chen Qing , Ng Yun Hau , Zhang Peng , Li Xin
Published: May 2021

Developing efficient and low‐cost photocatalysts and deep investigations on the charge separation and transfer pathways are still two key challenges in achieving practical photocatalytic application. Herein, the NiS‐modified Mo2C/CdS layered nanojunction with cascade 2D coupling interfaces for efficient photocatalytic H2 evolution is constructed. The as‐prepared ternary step‐scheme (S‐scheme) photocatalysts show excellent photocatalytic hydrogen‐evolution performance of 24.03 mmol g−1 h−1, which is 7.83 and 3.83 times higher than that of CdS and CdS/NiS. Surprisingly, it is found that Mo2C can serve as a semiconductor in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, instead of as a cocatalyst. The charge transfer pathways from Mo2C to CdS are identified via both, in situ irradiation X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) (ISI XPS) and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS). Notably, this is the first report using Mo2C as a semiconductor for photocatalytic application, which gives full play to the advantages of light‐harvesting and charges separation.
Evaluating the Hydrogen Embrittlement Susceptibility of Aged 2205 Duplex Stainless Steel Containing Brittle Sigma Phase
Authors: Fernandes Loyslene Rabelo , Claeys Lisa , Pinson Margot , Depover Tom , Santos Dagoberto Brandão , Verbeken Kim
Published: May 2021

Duplex stainless steels (DSS) have a two‐phase microstructure of ferrite and austenite which results in a high strength combined with high ductility and good corrosion resistance. However, when DSS are heated to an inappropriate temperature range, e.g., during welding, the brittle sigma phase forms which deteriorates the mechanical properties. In the present work, a heat treatment is performed to intentionally create this deleterious phase. Hydrogen is introduced in this alloy to investigate the combined effect of embrittling phases (sigma phase) and hydrogen. Melt extraction analysis is performed to quantify the hydrogen uptake capacity in the steel. In‐situ mechanical tests are used to assess the hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility. The uncharged DSS shows a low ductility and almost no hydrogen embrittlement is observed via an in‐situ tensile test set‐up due to its intrinsic brittle nature under tensile mode. Complementary in‐situ bending tests which are more suitable for an intrinsically brittle material are done to further evaluate the role of hydrogen on the mechanical integrity. Hydrogen charging does indeed result in additional embrittlement in the in‐situ bending set‐up. The reason is thought to be the faster initiation, interconnection and propagation of cracks in the presence of hydrogen, as indicated by microstructural characterization.
Influence of Ce Addition on Microstructure and Corrosion Resistance of 2101 Duplex Stainless Steel
Authors: Gong Wei , Zhang Lixiang , Zhang Lei , Jiang Zhouhua , Wang Engang
Published: May 2021

2101 duplex stainless steel with low Ni content is developed to replace austenitic stainless steel in many corrosive environments. Herein, the effects of Ce addition on the microstructure and corrosion resistance of 2101 duplex stainless steel are studied. The electrochemical corrosion behavior of 2101 duplex stainless steel with Ce contents of 0, 0.005, and 0.020 wt% is studied in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution and 0.05 mol L−1 H2SO4 + 0.05 mol L−1 KSCN solution at 25 °C. The situation is evaluated in 6 wt% FeCl3 solution at 35 °C. The results show that with increasing Ce content, the proportion of α phase in 2101 duplex stainless steel decreases, whereas the proportion of γ phase increases. At 0.005 wt% Ce, the two‐phase ratio is close to 1:1. Moreover, the partition coefficient (K) of elements gradually approaches 1 with increasing Ce, indicating a more uniform element distribution between the two phases. The electrochemical experiments in simulated seawater and acidic environments show that Ce addition gradually increases the corrosion potential and pitting resistance, leading to the formation of more stable passivation film.
Influence of Moisture Content on Starch Esterification by Solvent‐Free Method
Authors: Zhu Jian , Lu Kai , Liu Hongsheng , Bao Xianyang , Yang Mao , Chen Ling , Yu Long
Published: May 2021

Moisture is of vital importance in starch modification; however, the molecular interaction between water and starch during the process is far from being fully understood. In this study, two fundamental issues of starch esterification by the solvent‐free method are focused on: 1) the effect of moisture content of starch on the modification and 2) the effect of the physical state, solid or liquid, of chemical agents. The esterification of corn starch with varying contents of moisture (2.69–23.48 wt%) is investigated by the solvent‐free method, using both solid (maleic anhydride and maleic acid) and liquid (acetic anhydride and acetic acid) esterifying agents for comparison. The degree of substitution (DS) and reaction efficiency (RE) is measured by titration. FTIR, 1H NMR, DSC, XRD, and SEM are used to evaluate the properties of the modified starches. It is found that when the moisture content is below 5.55 wt%, it is hard for esterification to happen because of strong interactions between H‐bonds and the low activity of hydroxyl groups. Both DS and RE reached the maximum points when the moisture is ≈14.89 wt%, then decreased with further increasing moisture content, mainly due to side reaction and dilution of the esterifying agents.
Probing interneuronal cell communication via optogenetic stimulation
Authors: Heeger Patrick , Harre Jennifer , Warnecke Athanasia , Mueller Dominik , Kalies Stefan , Heisterkamp Alexander
Published: May 2021

This study uses an all‐optical approach to probe interneuronal communication between spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) and neurons of other functional units, in this case cortex neurons (CNs) and hippocampus neurons (HNs), for the first time. We combined a channelrhodopsin variant (CheRiff) with a red genetically encoded calcium indicator (jRCaMP1a), enabling simultaneous optical stimulation and recording from spatially separated small neuronal populations. Stimulation of SGNs was possible with both optogenetic manipulated HNs and CNs, respectively. Furthermore, a dependency on the pulse duration of the stimulating light in regard to the evoked calcium response in the SGNs was also observed. Our results pave the way to enable innovative technologies based on “biohybrid” systems utilizing the functional interaction between different biological (eg, neural) systems. This can enable improved treatment of neurological and sensorineural disorders such as hearing loss.
p16 loss facilitate hydroquinone‐induced malignant transformation of TK6 cells through promoting cell proliferation and accelerating the cell cycle progression
Authors: Luo Hao , Zhai Lu , Qiu Weifeng , Liang Hairong , Yu Lei , Li Yuan , Xiong Mengyun , Guo Jiaying , Tang Huanwen
Published: May 2021

The p16INK4A is a multifunction gene that includes regulation of the cell cycle, apoptosis, senescence and tumor development. However, the effects of p16 in hydroquinone‐induced malignant transformation of TK6 cells remain unclear. The present study aimed to explore whether p16 loss facilitate malignant transformation in TK6 cells. The results demonstrated that p16/Rb signal pathway was suppressed in hydroquinone‐induced malignant transformation of TK6 cells. We further confirmed that p16 loss stimulated cell proliferation, and accelerated cell cycle progression in vitro and in vivo. The immunoblotting analysis indicated that p16 regulated cell cycle progression via Rb and p53. Therefore, we conclude that p16 is involved in HQ‐induced malignant transformation associated with suppressing Rb and p53 which resulting in accelerating the cell cycle progression.
Investigating the effects of impairment in non‐verbal communication on neuropsychiatric symptoms and quality of life of people living with dementia
Authors: Khan Zunera , Da Silva Miguel Vasconcelos , Nunez Kayleigh‐Marie , Kalafatis Chris , Nowicki Steven , Walker Zuzana , Testad Ingelin , Francis Paul , Ballard Clive
Published: May 2021

Introduction

People living with dementia in nursing homes have complex needs; impairments in cognition, communication, and daily function; neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS); and poor quality of life (QoL). The current study examines impairments in non‐verbal communication as a potential driver of NPS and QoL.

Methods

One hundred nursing home residents with dementia were assessed using the Emory Dyssemia Index (EDI), Neuropsychiatric Inventory Nursing Home version (NPI‐NH), Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease (QoL‐AD) at baseline, 12‐, and 24‐week follow‐up.

Results

The quantile regression (0.5) model indicated that impairment of non‐verbal communication was independently associated with the severity of NPS (P = .001) and proxy reported QoL (P < .05), levels of agitation (P < .05), and professional caregiver burden (P < .05).

Discussion

These results highlight a novel potential approach to improve NPS and QoL using retained elements of non‐verbal communication, particularly for people with severe dementia.
Caesarean section followed by ovariohysterectomy in a Bangladeshi domestic cat: A surgical intervention for management of dystocia due to partial primary uterine inertia
Authors: Talukder Anup K. , Das Ziban C. , Rahman Mohammad A. , Rahman Mohammad T. , Rahman Abu N. M. A.
Published: May 2021

Background

The incidence of dystocia in cats is relatively low compared to that in other pet and farm animals. However, when dystocia occurs in cats, manual, medicinal or surgical intervention is required.

Objectives

Here, we report a caesarean section (C‐section) in a Bangladeshi domestic cat that suffered from dystocia due to partial primary uterine inertia.

Methods

A Bangladeshi domestic queen cat was presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) with signs of dystocia. The queen had given birth to one kitten 36 hr earlier; however, newborn died 30 min after birth. She was unable to deliver the remaining fetuses. The cat had gone off feed, appeared depressed, had a severely enlarged abdomen and showed no straining efforts. On palpation, bony‐like structures were felt in both sides of the abdomen. Ultrasonographic (USG) examination was carried out, which confirmed the presence of two fetuses, one fetus in each uterine horn. No fetal movements could be detected. The cat was diagnosed with dystocia due to partial primary uterine inertia.

Results

A C‐section was performed, and two emphysematous, putrefied and large dead kittens were removed. The uterus was found to be severely decomposed and foul smelling; therefore, an ovariohysterectomy was carried out to prevent development of maternal toxaemia and septicaemia. The queen recovered fully.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, we report here, for the first time, a successful C‐section followed by an ovariohysterectomy in a Bangladeshi domestic cat, suffering from severe dystocia due to partial primary uterine inertia for >36 hr.
Torque teno virus from Korean domestic swine farms, 2017–2018
Authors: Nguyen Van Giap , Kim Cheong Ung , Do Hai Quynh , Park Yong‐Ho , Park Bong‐Kyun , Chung Hee‐Chun
Published: May 2021

Background

Torque teno viruses (TTVs) have been detected worldwide, from a wide range of animals. Up to date, few studies focused on the prevalence of TTVs in general and swine torque teno viruses (TTSuVs) in particular in Korean swine farms.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the appearance of TTSuVs and TTVs in sick pigs during the 2017–2018 period.

Materials and Methods

Molecular‐based method using TTSuV1‐, TTSuV2‐ and TTV3‐specific primers was used to screen for the viruses from either sera or pooled internal organs of sick pigs. For genetic characterization, genomic sequences of TTVs were sequenced by a primer walking method. Several bioinformatic tools have been utilized to investigate the genomic organization and genetic relationship of TTVs.

Results

Two years of prevalence survey reveal that the prevalence of TTSuV2 is about twice that of TTSuV1. Furthermore, we identified TTV of genogroup 3 in swine pooled organ samples. The genome of two strains, M265_Korea_2017 and N119_Korea_2018, are 3,817 bp in size; M265_2017 has three open reading frames (ORFs); and N119_2018 strain has four ORFs. The complete genome nucleotide sequencing of the two strains shows 98.4% homology, and the phylogenetic analysis of Open reading frame (ORF)1 indicates that the strains are located close to TUPB strain subgroup C of genogroup 3.

Conclusion

Our study provided the information of TTSuVs prevalence in swine farms in Korea and highlighted the presence of TTV genogroup 3 strains in pigs.
Macroscopic anatomy, radiography and computed tomography of normal paranasal sinuses of the adult one‐humped dromedary (Camelus dromedarius)
Authors: Ben Khalifa Abdelmoneme , Ben Braiek Ayoub , Belhaj Hmida Leila , Chandoul Walid , Mattoussi Abdelhamid
Published: May 2021

In order to improve the current knowledge of the topography and the anatomy of the paranasal sinuses of the one‐humped dromedary (Camelus dromedarius), we applied both conventional and advanced imaging techniques, namely, radiography and computed tomography (CT). Twelve heads of healthy dromedaries were used; eight heads were dissected to obtain skulls for the fenestration of the sinuses, two heads underwent anatomical sections, and two heads were imaged respectively by radiography and CT. Sinus fenestration allowed observation of sinuses and their communications. In each dissected dromedary's head, the frontal sinus is a large compartment delimited by thick partitions. The sphenoid sinus is divided into small compartments by bony plates. The lacrimal sinus occupies a small cavity in the rostro‐medial lacrimal bone of the orbit. In all dissected heads, there was neither palatal sinus nor ventral conchal sinus. Five images obtained by CT were selected with an excellent correspondence with the anatomical sections. These images allowed a good differentiation between bones and sinus cavities. The visualisation of the sinus cavities and their anatomical limits has better quality using the CT compared to the radiography. Radiographic and CT images are therefore very useful for the interpretation of clinical imaging studies of the dromedary's paranasal sinuses.
Climate finance governance: Fit for purpose?
Authors: Bracking Sarah , Leffel Benjamin
Published: May 2021

This article consists of a critical review of the conceptual scholarship on the governance of climate finance and includes an overview of the institutional arrangements and governance logics that provide climate finance. New decentralized, polycentric structures allow for climate finance to more effectively reach the sub‐ and non‐state actors most directly implementing climate change governance. However, the expansion of climate finance into market‐inflected forms of blended finance, as well as debt‐based financing, express a neoliberal logic that shifts power to market actors. This may challenge the efficacy of climate finance. We suggest that further research is needed on polycentric systems in climate finance, since an apparent expansion in the diversity of providers is also accompanied by a counter‐intuitive concentration of decision‐making power with financial fund managers. We join others in suggesting that the weight of scholarship advocates for a strong return to public authored finance and governance, under the auspices of Green New Deal programs and more widely.

This article is categorized under:

Policy and Governance > Multilevel and Transnational Climate Change Governance
Removal of carbol fuchsin from aqueous solution by using three‐dimensional porous, economic, and eco‐friendly polymer
Authors: Tarhan Tuba
Published: May 2021

In this study, a three‐dimensional (3D) porous polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was prepared using a cheap material with a highly simple and different method. PDMS was firstly applied for the removal of carbol fuchsin (CF) cationic organic dye pollution in this study. Besides, the adsorption capacity of 3D PDMS for removal of the CF was found quite high compared to other materials in already published results. The synthesized PDMS was characterized using several spectroscopic and imaging techniques such as FTIR, Raman, SEM, stereomicroscope, EDX, UV/Vis, and TGA. The optimal conditions were found as 10 mg L−1 initial concentration, 20 mg of adsorbent dose, 2 h contact time, pH 10, and 25°C temperature. The removal % of CF and the maximum adsorption capacity were calculated at approximately 89% and 88.8 mg g−1, respectively. Furthermore, the equilibrium studies showed that the Langmuir isotherm model fitted well with the removal of CF. Moreover, according to the kinetic results, the second‐order kinetic model was found suitable (qe,cal 89.3 mg g−1 and qe,exp 88.8 mg g−1 close to each other) for the adsorption of CF. Also, the thermodynamic studies indicated that adsorption occurs spontaneously, and the adsorption process was physical adsorption. Besides, the reusability of the adsorbent was studied.

Practitioner points

Water treatment technology should be low cost, economically viable and in the meantime, eco‐friendly.

The 3D porous PDMS was prepared by using cheap material with a highly simple method and eco‐friendly

This unique material was firstly applied for the removal of organic dye in water in this study.
Chemical Production Scheduling
Authors: Maravelias Christos T.
Published: May 2021

Understand common scheduling as well as other advanced operational problems with this valuable reference from a recognized leader in the field. Beginning with basic principles and an overview of linear and mixed-integer programming, this unified treatment introduces the fundamental ideas underpinning most modeling approaches, and will allow you to easily develop your own models. With more than 150 figures, the basic concepts and ideas behind the development of different approaches are clearly illustrated. Addresses a wide range of problems arising in diverse industrial sectors, from oil and gas to fine chemicals, and from commodity chemicals to food manufacturing. A perfect resource for engineering and computer science students, researchers working in the area, and industrial practitioners.
Revealing the Importance of Capillary and Collisional Stresses on Soil Bed Erosion Induced by Debris Flows
Authors: Song Pengjia , Choi Clarence Edward
Published: May 2021

Climate change is increasing the frequency of extreme rainfall events and the snow cover to melt at high altitudes, which may exacerbate the threat posed by debris flows. Soil bed erosion, the process by which the bed material fails under loadings from a debris flow, is perhaps the most important momentum exchange process that governs the destructive potential of debris flows. Existing erosion theories adopt saturated soil mechanics to describe the failure of soil bed and place a strong emphasis on the basal friction induced shear stress as the driving mechanism. However, soil beds in nature are rarely saturated and field observations have hinted at the importance of collisional stresses as a driving mechanism. In this study, an unsaturated soil mechanics framework is used to characterize soil bed erosion by collisional flows. Experiments were conducted to model the erosion of unsaturated sandy beds with a wide range of initial matric suction values, which is a measure of capillary stresses, by gravel flows. Contrary to the existing literature, the rate of erosion does not increase linearly but demonstrates a parabola‐like relationship with the bed water content because the shear strength of unsaturated soil is governed by capillary stresses. The importance of collisional stresses on soil bed erosion is demonstrated by a newly proposed dimensionless number. Findings indicate that existing erosion models largely underestimate channel bed erosion, especially for soil beds with low water content, and stress the importance of hydro‐mechanical coupling to advance the current state of debris flow hazard delineation.
An Unlikely Career in Satellite Ocean Biology or “OK, now what?”
Authors: McClain Charles R.
Published: May 2021

This article is a story of my career beginning in a small rural town in Missouri and culminating at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center after nearly 37 years there. Particular focus is on those who served as mentors and colleagues, studies of ocean surface waves, the “ocean color” satellite missions I was involved in, for example, the Coastal Zone Color Scanner and the Sea‐viewing Wide‐Field‐of‐View Sensor, the background of the future Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud and ocean Ecology mission, and the insights into ocean biology gained from these missions. The path was punctuated by what I call “OK, now what?” moments when the next step was unclear. At these junctures, mentors would open doors and I would need to “retool” to adapt to the science I would be involved in.
Why Are Women More Vulnerable to Flooding in India?
Authors: Padmanaban Deepa
Published: May 2021

One state in India shows how policies that give women access to better resources has a real impact on mortality.
Tropical Lakes May Emit More Methane
Authors: Wheeling Kate
Published: May 2021

Fresh waters are one of the primary sources of natural methane emissions, but methane dynamics in tropical lakes are not as well understood as those in more temperate regions.
Cu/ZnOx@UiO-66 synthesized from a double solvent method as an efficient catalyst for CO2 hydrogenation to methanol
Authors: Yang Yang , Xu Yanan , Ding Heng , Yang Dong , Cheng Enping , Hao Yiming , Wang Hongtao , Hong Yanzhen , Su Yuzhong , Wang Yanliang , Peng Li , Li Jun
Published: May 2021

The Cu precursor diffused into UiO-66 by the double solvent method is reduced by NaBH4 to form Cu nanoparticles. After introducing Zn2+, Cu/ZnOx@UiO-66 reduced by H2 is synthesized, which catalyzes the hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol efficiently.
The effect of supports on hydrogenation and water-tolerance of copper-based catalysts
Authors: Chen Zheng , Zhao Xueying , Wei Shuwei , Wang Dengfeng , Zhang Xuelan
Published: May 2021

Suitable interactions and the formation of Cu–MxOy interfaces could improve the water-tolerant hydrogenation properties of copper catalysts.