bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, characterization, and in vitro evaluation of the starch‐based α‐amylase responsive hydrogels
Authors: Davoodi‐Monfared Parviz , Akbari‐Birgani Shiva , Mohammadi Saeed , Kazemi Foad , Nikfarjam Nasser , Nikbakht Mohsen , Mousavi Seyed Asadollah
Published: November 2020

Controlled‐release drug delivery systems are promising platforms in medicine. Among various types of material in drug delivery, hydrogels are interesting ones. They are water‐soluble and tissue compatible polymers with a high capacity to carry and release drugs in a controllable manner. In this study, we introduce the synthesis, characterization, and application of an α‐amylase responsive hydrogel in controlled drug delivery. The newly synthesized starch‐based hydrogels structurally characterized by means of Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. A proapoptotic drug, doxorubicin, was loaded into the hydrogels and the controlled release of the drug was assessed in the presence of α‐amylase and ultimately it was evaluated to controlled‐drug release in vitro and subsequently in killing cancer cells. Our results highlight the effectiveness of temporal drug delivery using α‐amylase responsive hydrogels in killing cancer cells.
G‐protein‐coupled estrogen receptor protects retinal ganglion cells via inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress under hyperoxia
Authors: Li Rong , Wang Yao , Chen Pei , Meng Jiamin , Zhang Hongbing
Published: November 2020

Abnormal development of immature retinal vascular structure in preterm infants under the condition of hyperoxia is the primary cause of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), which has become the leading cause of blindness in children. Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) play a critical role in the normal growth of retinal vessels. Previous studies have indicated that estrogen can alleviate retinal lesions in the ROP animal model by inhibiting reactive oxygen species, which is associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. This study aimed to investigate the protecting effect of G‐protein coupled estrogen receptor (GPER), one of the estrogen receptors distributed in ER, on RGCs in the early stage of ROP and its relationship with ER stress. We found that GPER was widely expressed in primary cultured murine RGCs. GPER activation by its agonist G‐1 increased cell vitality and decreased apoptosis and autophagy of RGCs under hyperoxia. GPER activation by G‐1 decreased the expressions of the ER stress proteins, including inositol‐requiring kinase/endonuclease 1α, pancreatic ER stress kinase, and cleaved activating transcription factor 6 in ER of RGCs under hyperoxia. GPER activation decreased IP3R activity and increased Ca2+ concentration in ER of RGCs under hyperoxia. In addition, GPER antagonist (G‐15) reversed all these effects of the GPER agonist mentioned above. This study suggested that GPER activation can protect the survival of RGCs in the early stage of ROP via reducing ER stress in RGCs under the condition of hyperoxia.
Single‐conflict colouring
Authors: Dvořák Zdeněk , Esperet Louis , Kang Ross J. , Ozeki Kenta
Published: November 2020

Given a multigraph, suppose that each vertex is given a local assignment of colours to its incident edges. We are interested in whether there is a choice of one local colour per vertex such that no edge has both of its local colours chosen. The least for which this is always possible given any set of local assignments we call the single‐conflict chromatic number of the graph. This parameter is closely related to separation choosability and adaptable choosability. We show that single‐conflict chromatic number of simple graphs embeddable on a surface of Euler genus is as . This is sharp up to the logarithmic factor.
Clinical evaluation of impact of periodontal phenotype on the outcome of open flap debridement in patients with chronic periodontitis: A comparative interventional study
Authors: Gumber Bhumika , Sharma Rajinder K. , Tewari Shikha , Arora Ritika , Tanwar Nishi
Published: November 2020

Background

Several studies have implicated the role of periodontal phenotype (PP) in the outcome of various periodontal interventions. However investigations have not been performed to estimate such impact on the outcome of open flap debridement (OFD) for the management of chronic periodontitis.

Methods

A total of 73 individuals with chronic periodontitis underwent scaling and root planing (SRP). Eight weeks following SRP, modified Widman flap (MWF) surgery was performed in 40 patients (20 of either PP) presenting with probing depth (PD) ≥4 mm and gingival index (GI) ≥1 at ≥4 sites distributed over ≥2 anterior teeth with radiographic evidence of horizontal bone loss. PD, clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival recession, plaque index, GI, and bleeding on probing (BOP) were recorded at baseline, 3 and 6 months. PP was assessed using transparency of periodontal probe through the gingival margin at midfacial level.

Results

A total of 34 patients were re‐evaluated after intervention. All periodontal parameters improved in both groups after periodontal surgery. PD & PP were found to have positive correlation with CAL gain in ≥7 mm probing sites. Attachment gain of >2 mm was observed in more percentage of sites in thick PP than in thin PP.

Conclusion

PP can be an important factor influencing CAL gain in OFD.
The degradation of chlorophyll pigments in dairy silage: the timeline of anaerobic fermentation
Authors: Santra Kalyan , Song Anthony , Petrich Jacob W , Rasmussen Mark A
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

Detection of chlorophyll metabolites in milk has recently been suggested to be an indicator of a grass‐fed diet fed for cattle. Such a means of detection, however, is complicated when the grazing season is over because cattle can be fed fermented silage ingredients, such as alfalfa and corn silage. During fermentation, chlorophyll compounds and other pigments undergo degradation due to the accumulation of lactic acid and the resultant decline in pH.

RESULTS

We monitored degradation of chlorophyll compounds by measuring the fluorescence and absorption spectra of silage extracts. The spectroscopic evidence supports the hypothesis that chlorophylls are converted into fluorescent products, such as pheophytin, and further cleaved into pheophorbide. The degradation starts with dechelation and removal of the magnesium ion to produce pheophytin. Further removal of the phytol chain from pheophytin results in the production of pheophorbide.

CONCLUSIONS

The fluorescence intensity of these degradation products is reduced compared to that of the parent molecule. These findings are important in understanding the fluorescent signal in milk when cows consume silage rather than fresh pasture grass. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Striatal Dopamine Deficit and Motor Impairment in Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
Authors: Pozzi Nicoló Gabriele , Brumberg Joachim , Todisco Massimiliano , Minafra Brigida , Zangaglia Roberta , Bossert Irene , Trifirò Giuseppe , Ceravolo Roberto , Vitali Paolo , Isaias Ioannis Ugo , Fasano Alfonso , Pacchetti Claudio
Published: November 2020

Background

Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus can present with parkinsonism. However, abnormalities of the striatal dopamine reuptake transporter are unclear.

Objectives

To explore presence and features of striatal dopaminergic deficit in subjects with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus as compared to Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and healthy controls.

Methods

We investigated 50 subjects with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus, 25 with PD, and 40 healthy controls. All participants underwent [123I]‐N‐ω‐fluoropropyl‐2β‐carbomethoxy‐3β‐(4‐iodophenyl)nortropane and single‐photon emission computed tomography to quantify the striatal dopamine reuptake transporter binding. All subjects with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus underwent a levodopa (l‐dopa) challenge test and magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate ventriculomegaly and white matter changes. Gait, cognition, balance, and continence were assessed with the Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus Rating Scale, and parkinsonism with the motor section of the Movement Disorder Society‐Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale. All patients completed a 2‐year follow‐up.

Results

A total of 62% of patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus featured a reduced striatal dopamine reuptake transporter binding, which correlated with the severity of parkinsonism but not with features of ventriculomegaly or white matter changes. Unlike PD, this dopaminergic deficit in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus was more symmetric and prominent in the caudate nucleus.

Conclusions

Subjects with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus can present a reduction of striatal dopamine reuptake transporter binding, which is consistent with the severity of parkinsonism and qualitatively differs from that found in PD patients. Longitudinal interventional studies are needed to prove a role for striatal dopamine reuptake transporter deficit in the pathophysiology of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Dispersive of propagation wave solutions to unidirectional shallow water wave Dullin–Gottwald–Holm system and modulation instability analysis
Authors: Bilal M. , Seadawy Aly R. , Younis M. , Rizvi S. T. R. , Zahed Hanadi
Published: November 2020

This article possesses modulation instability (MI) analysis and new exact wave solutions to unidirectional Dullin–Gottwald–Holm (DGH) system that describes the prorogation of waves in shallow water. The exact wave solutions in single and combined form like shock, singular, and shock‐singular are extracted by means of an innovative integration norm, namely, ‐expansion scheme. The periodic and plane wave solutions are also emerged. The constraint conditions which ensure the existence of solutions are discussed as well. Moreover, the choice of suitable parameters gives the three‐dimensional and two‐dimensional sketches, and furthermore, their contour plots are also drawn.
On error estimations of Simpson's second type quadrature formula
Authors: Erden Samet , Iftikhar Sabah , Kumam Poom , Thounthong Phatiphat
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we derive some error estimates of Simpson's second type quadrature formula for functions of bounded variation and Lipschitzian mappings. Also, similar error estimations for absolutely continuous functions whose first derivatives belong to Lp[γ, δ] with (p < 1 ≤ ∞) are established. Finally, with the help of the results given in this work, some Simpson's type inequalities involving special means are presented.
Inter‐ and intrarater reliability of unidigital and bidigital vaginal palpation to evaluation of maximal voluntary contraction of pelvic floor muscles considering risk factors and dysfunctions
Authors: da Silva Jordana B. , de Oliveira Sato Tatiana , Rocha Ana P. R. , Driusso Patricia
Published: November 2020

Aims

To evaluate inter‐ and intrarater reliability of unidigital and bidigital vaginal palpation of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) according to PFM risk factors and dysfunctions.

Methods

A total of 187 women were recruited and evaluated by two examiners. Both performed the evaluation of MVC with unidigital and bidigital palpation, graded by Modified Oxford Scale. After 7–10 days, one examiner repeated the assessment. To analyze reliability by Cohenʼs linear Kappa (κw), participants were allocated into different groups according to: body mass index (BMI), menopause, parity, type of delivery and PFM dysfunctions, as pelvic organ prolapse (POP), constipation, urgency, urgency urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and stress urinary incontinence.

Results

Inter‐rater reliability of unidigital palpation was considered fair (κw = 0.21–0.40) to moderate (κw = 0.41–0.60) according to BMI, postmenopausal status, parity, type of delivery, and PFM dysfunctions. Inter‐rater reliability of bidigital palpation varied from none (κw = 0.00–0.20) to moderate for all risk factors and PFM dysfunctions. Intra‐rater reliability of unidigital palpation was considered fair only for women with POP (κw = 0.37) and moderate to substantial (κw = 0.61–0.80) to all other variables. Intra‐rater reliability of bidigital palpation ranged from moderate to almost perfect (κw = 0.81–1.00).

Conclusions

When performing vaginal palpation, physiotherapists must consider the way that is performing the evaluation, as some PFM risk factors and dysfunctions could influence the inter‐ and intrarater reliability of unidigital and bidigital palpation.
Nurses’ willingness to work with COVID‐19 patients: The role of knowledge and attitude
Authors: Nashwan Abdulqadir J. , Abujaber Ahmad A. , Mohamed Ahmed S. , Villar Ralph C. , Al‐Jabry Mahmood M.
Published: November 2020

Aim

This study aims to assess the role of nurses’ knowledge and attitude in relation to their willingness to work with patients diagnosed with COVID‐19 in Qatar.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

A self‐administered, 35‐item online survey was circulated to the Registered Nurses working in Hamad Medical Corporation, the principal healthcare provider in Qatar.

Results

A total of 580 attempts to complete the survey. Of them, 377 completed surveys with a response rate of 65%. Logistic regression was used to predict nurses’ willingness to work with patients with COVID‐19. Nurses’ knowledge level and monetary compensation that is associated with the work‐environment risk category were found to have a significant positive relationship with the nurses’ willingness to care for patients with COVID‐19 (p < .05). The findings of this study may help nursing leaders design educational programmes and remuneration models that may help boost nurses’ willingness to work with high‐risk patient groups, especially during a pandemic.
COVID-19 Pandemic and Cancer: The Importance of Early Palliative Care
Authors: Potenza Leonardo , Luppi Mario , Efficace Fabio , Bruera Eduardo , Bandieri Elena
Published: November 2020

In terms of clinical and ethical situations, this narrative compares the COVID-19 pandemic to the cancer endemic and shares information that may be helpful to improve the management of both future pandemics and cancer care.
Construction of Fe3O4@MXene composite nanofiltration membrane for heavy metal ions removal from wastewater
Authors: Yang Xiaojun , Liu Yongcong , Hu Sixian , Yu Futao , He Zhenzhen , Zeng Guangyong , Feng Zhenhua , Sengupta Arijit
Published: November 2020

Nanofiltration (NF) with adsorptive membrane technologies are one of the most promising methods for the efficient treatment of industrial wastewater having toxic heavy metal ions. The present investigation deals with the fabrication of nanocomposite Fe3O4@MXene membranes by self‐assembly of Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) and two‐dimensional (2D) MXene nanosheets on the surface of cellulose acetate (CA) base membrane. The Fe3O4 NPs were found to be uniformly dispersed on the MXene sheet structure and thus expanded the 2D nanochannel of MXene. The water flux and the removal ratio of heavy metal ions by this nanocomposite membrane were found to improve significantly, compared to the virgin MXene membrane. Under the synergistic effect of layer sieving and the adsorption ability, the composite NF membrane was found to achieve a maximum of 63.2% for Cu2+, 64.1% for Cd2+ and 70.2% for Cr6+ removal from wastewater, respectively. Moreover, Fe3O4@MXene membrane also exhibited good recycling ability after washing by HCl solution.
Cell‐based non‐invasive prenatal diagnosis in a pregnancy at risk of cystic fibrosis
Authors: Jeppesen Line Dahl , Hatt Lotte , Singh Ripudaman , Ravn Katarina , Kølvraa Mathias , Schelde Palle , Uldbjerg Niels , Vogel Ida , Lildballe Dorte L.
Published: November 2020

Objective

We aimed to develop cell‐based NIPT for cystic fibrosis (CF) and test a pregnancy at risk of two common pathogenic variants.

Method

A pregnant woman carrying monozygotic twins opted for prenatal testing as she and her partner were heterozygote carriers of F508del (c.1521:1523del). The partner was also positive for the CFTR‐related variant R117H (c.350G>A). Fetal trophoblasts from maternal blood were enriched and isolated using antibodies and a capillary‐based cell‐picking instrument. Multiplex PCR‐based fragment length analysis was performed on the extracted fetal DNA for STR‐genotyping, fetal gender and F508del variant status. The R117H variant status was tested using SNaPshot analysis.

Results

The fetal origin of the isolated cells was verified by detection of two paternally inherited STR alleles and an Y chromosome marker, while no maternal DNA contamination was detected. The direct variant analysis detected F508del heterozygosity and the SNaPshot analysis for R117H detected only the normal allele. Thus, the results showed that the fetuses were healthy carriers of F508del, concordant with the findings of conventional prenatal testing.

Conclusion

Cell‐based NIPT could accurately state the fetal variant status and distinguish fetal trophoblasts from maternal cells. In the future, cell‐based NIPT may provide an accurate less invasive alternative to chorionic villous sampling.
Considerations and controversies of pharmacologic management of the pediatric kidney transplant recipient
Authors: Liverman Rochelle , Chandran Mary Moss , Crowther Barrett
Published: November 2020

Pediatric kidney transplantation has experienced considerable growth and improvement in patient and allograft outcomes over the past 20 years, in part due to advancements in immunosuppressive regimens and management. Despite this progress, care for this unique population can be challenging due to limited pediatric transplant data and trials, intricacies related to differences in children and adolescents compared with their adult counterparts, and limitations to long‐term survival facing all solid organ transplant populations. Immunosuppression and infection prevention practices vary from one pediatric transplant center to another and clinical controversies exist surrounding treatment and dosing. This review aims to summarize key aspects of pharmacologic management in this population and present pertinent data that describe the influence of practice to serve as a resource for practitioners caring for this unique specialty patient population. Additionally, this review highlights select controversies that exist within pediatric kidney transplantation.
Early‐onset prostate cancer is associated with increased risks of disease progression and cancer‐specific mortality
Authors: Shih Hung‐Jen , Fang Su‐Chen , An Lu , Shao Yu‐Hsuan J.
Published: November 2020

Objective

Prostate cancer (PCa) incidence has stabilized but not in patients at a young age. We assessed patient characteristics and disease progression in early‐onset PCa.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of 28,039 newly diagnosed PCa patients aged ≥35 years was constructed using the Taiwan Cancer Registry in 2008–2016. Patients were categorized by age at diagnosis (≤54, 55–59, 60–69, 70–74, and ≥75 years). The clinical stage at diagnosis, Gleason score, prostate‐specific antigen level at diagnosis, Charlson's comorbidity index, and primary and secondary treatments for PCa were included in the analysis. All‐cause mortality and prostate cancer‐specific mortality (PCSM) were reported. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) estimating the risks of death and of receiving secondary cancer treatment were generated by Cox hazard models.

Results

In patients aged ≤54, 55–59, and 60–69 years, about 60% of them in each group were classified into the high‐risk, very high‐risk, or metastatic group. However, young patients ≤54 years had a higher risk of PCSM than patients aged 60–69 years (HR = 1.22; 95% CI = 1.10–1.49). This trend of an increased risk in PCSM remained for high‐risk, very high‐risk, or metastatic patients (HR = 1.24; 95% CI = 1.01–1.51), but not in low‐ or intermediate‐risk patients. Besides, young patients diagnosed with high‐risk diseases had the highest risk of receiving secondary cancer treatment within 180 days after completing primary treatment among all age groups (HR = 1.32; 95% CI = 1.07–1.63).

Conclusions

PCa arising in young patients ≤54 years of age, especially those with a high risk or metastatic form, might be more aggressive than that in other age groups.
Direct Imaging with Hundreds of MeV Electron Bunches from Laser Wakefield Acceleration
Authors: Xiao Chaofan , Xu Zhiyi , Lu Haiyang , Liu Jiaxin , Xie Chengzhi , Zhao Yanying , Geng Yixing , Chen Shiyou , Chen Chia Er , Yan Xueqing
Published: November 2020

Direct imaging is a key tool for diagnostics of density transition in different material composition. Ultrafast electron bunches from 100 TW‐level laser system are attractive in future applications. Experiments for direct imaging with 100 MeV electrons are conducted using a 200 TW laser facility in Peking University. Electron bunches with energy spectra ranging from 100 to 150 MeV are achieved with a mixture gas of 0.5% nitrogen and 99.5% helium. Herein, the contrast imaging, transmission, and slit experiments are conducted and analyzed. It turns out the superiority of the hundreds of MeV electrons in thick material imaging applications. It is also anticipated that this technology can be used for ultrafast dynamic analysis with the advent of higher charge electrons in a single ultrafast bunch from laser‐driven electron accelerators.
Overcoming the Thermal Stability Limit of Chalcogenide Phase‐Change Materials for High‐Temperature Applications in GeSe1−xTex Thin Films
Authors: Tomelleri Martina , Hippert Françoise , Farjot Thierry , Licitra Christophe , Vaxelaire Nicolas , Dory Jean-Baptiste , Benoit Daniel , Giordano Valentina , Noé Pierre
Published: November 2020

The electrical, optical, and structural properties of GeSe1−xTex phase‐change materials thin films with 0.16 ≤ x ≤1 prepared by cosputtering of GeSe and GeTe targets are studied. The crystallization temperature of the films increases significantly when the Te content decreases. Se‐rich films show an extremely large electrical contrast between their amorphous and crystalline states. A high polarizability of the crystalline phase is observed in the entire x range and is related to the presence of metavalent bonds. This is explained by the persistence of a rhombohedral crystalline phase, isostructural to GeTe, in the GeSe1−xTex films down to x = 0.16. Hence, the substitution of only 16 at% of the Se atoms by Te atoms transforms the covalent GeSe into a phase‐change material with a huge and unprecedented contrast of resistivity (up to 11 orders of magnitude) and a very high thermal stability (up to 10 years at 272 °C) for an alloy exhibiting no phase separation upon crystallization. This outstanding combination of properties makes Se‐rich GeSe1−xTex thin films extremely promising for integration in memory devices requiring a very high data retention such as automotive and embedded applications.
Hypericum ascyron L. extract reduces particulate matter‐induced airway inflammation in mice
Authors: Lee Yuan Yee , Yang Won‐Kyung , Han Jee Eun , Kwak Dongmi , Kim Tae‐Hwan , Saba Evelyn , Kim Sung‐Dae , Lee Young‐Cheol , Kim Jong Sung , Kim Seung‐Hyung , Rhee Man Hee
Published: November 2020

The consequences of increased industrialization increased the risk of asthma and breathing difficulties due to increased particulate matter in the air. We aim to investigate the therapeutic properties of Hypericum ascyron L. extract (HAE) in airway inflammation and unravel its mechanism of action. We conducted nitric oxide and cell viability assay, real‐time PCR and western blot analyses along with in vitro studies. in vivo studies include a model of coal fly ash and diesel exhaust particle (CFD)‐induced airway inflammation in mice. HAE reduced coal fly ash (CFA)‐induced nitric oxide secretion without exhibiting cytotoxicity in MH‐S cells. HAE also reduced the mRNA expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and reduced the expression of proteins in the NFκB and MAPK pathways. In a mice model of CFD‐induced airway inflammation, HAE effectively reduced neutrophil infiltration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and increased the amount of T cells in the BALF, lungs, and blood while reducing all other immune cell subtypes to reduce airway inflammatory response. CXCL‐1, IL‐17, MIP‐2, and TNF‐α expression in the BALF were also reduced. HAE effectively reduced MIP‐2 and TNF‐α mRNA expression in the lung tissue of mice. In a nutshell, HAE is effective in preventing airway inflammation induced by CFA in MH‐S cells, as well as inflammation induced by CFD in mice.
Morphological–Electrical Property Relation in Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 Solar Cells: Significance of Crystal Grain Growth and Band Grading by Potassium Treatment
Authors: Kim Joo‐Hyun , Kim Min Kyu , Gadisa Abay , Stuard Samuel J. , Nahid Masrur Morshed , Kwon Soyeong , Bae Soohyun , Kim Byoungwoo , Park Gi Soon , Won Da Hye , Lee Dong Ki , Kim Dong‐Wook , Shin Tae Joo , Do Young Rag , Kim Jihyun , Choi Won Jun , Ade Harald , Min Byoung Koun
Published: November 2020

Solution‐processed Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 (CIGS) has a great potential for the production of large‐area photovoltaic devices at low cost. However, CIGS solar cells processed from solution exhibit relatively lower performance compared to vacuum‐processed devices because of a lack of proper composition distribution, which is mainly instigated by the limited Se uptake during chalcogenization. In this work, a unique potassium treatment method is utilized to improve the selenium uptake judiciously, enhancing grain sizes and forming a wider bandgap minimum region. Careful engineering of the bandgap grading structure also results in an enlarged space charge region, which is favorable for electron–hole separation and efficient charge carrier collection. Besides, this device processing approach has led to a linearly increasing electron diffusion length and carrier lifetime with increasing the grain size of the CIGS film, which is a critical achievement for enhancing photocurrent yield. Overall, 15% of power conversion efficiency is achieved in solar cells processed from environmentally benign solutions. This approach offers critical insights for precise device design and processing rules for solution‐processed CIGS solar cells.
Encapsulation of Co3O4 Nanocone Arrays via Ultrathin NiO for Superior Performance Asymmetric Supercapacitors
Authors: Adhikari Sangeeta , Selvaraj Seenivasan , Ji Su‐Hyeon , Kim Do‐Heyoung
Published: November 2020

Designing of multicomponent transition metal oxide system through the employment of advanced atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique over nanostructures obtained from wet chemical process is a novel approach to construct rational supercapacitor electrodes. Following the strategy, core–shell type NiO/Co3O4 nanocone array structures are architectured over Ni‐foam (NF) substrate. The high‐aspect‐ratio Co3O4 nanocones are hydrothermally grown over NF following the precision controlled deposition of shell NiO considering Co3O4 nanocone as host. NiO thickness of 5 nm exhibits the highest specific capacity of 1242 C g−1 (2760 F g−1) at current density 2 A g−1, which is greater than pristine Co3O4@NF (1045.8 C g−1 or 2324 F g−1). The rate capability with 5 nm NiO/Co3O4@NF nanocone structures is about 77% whereas Co3O4@NF retains 46 % of capability at 10 A g−1. The ultrathin ALD 5 nm NiO accelerates both rate capability and 95.5% cyclic stability after 12 000 charge–discharge cycles. An asymmetric device fabricated between 5 nm NiO/Co3O4@NF (positive) || activated carbon (negative) achieves an energy density of 81.45 Wh kg−1 (4268 W kg−1) with good cycling device stability. Additionally, LEDs can be energized by two ASC device in series. This work opens the path in both advanced electrode material and surface modification of earth‐abundant systems for efficient and real‐time supercapacitor applications.
Hierarchical Multicavity Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanospheres as Efficient Polyselenide Reservoir for Fast and Long‐Life Sodium‐Selenium Batteries
Authors: Hu Xiang , Li Junwei , Zhong Guobao , Liu Yangjie , Yuan Jun , Lei Shun , Zhan Hongbing , Wen Zhenhai
Published: November 2020

Sodium‐selenium (Na‐Se) battery has been emerging as one of the most prospective energy storage systems owing to their high volumetric energy density and cost effectiveness. Nevertheless, the shuttle effect of sodium polyselenide (NaPSe) and sluggish electrochemical reaction kinetics present the main bottlenecks for its practical implementation. Herein, a new Se host of 3D nitrogen‐doped hierarchical multicavity carbon nanospheres (3D NHMCs) is designed and synthesized via a facile self‐sacrifice templating strategy. The 3D NHMCs are verified to hold a favorable structure of a hollow macropore core and numerous micro/mesopores hollow shell for hosting Se, which can not only maximize Se utilization and alleviate the volumetric expansion but also promote the electrical/ionic conductivity and electrolyte infiltration. Moreover, the abundant self‐functionalized surfaces as an efficient NaPSe scavenger via robust physical‐chemical dual blocking effects demonstrate high‐efficiency in situ anchoring‐diffusion‐conversion of NaPSe, rendering rapid reaction kinetics and remarkable suppressive shuttle effect, as evidenced by systematic experimental analysis and density functional theory calculations. As a result, the high‐Se‐loading 3D NHMCs/Se cathode exhibits an ultrahigh volumetric capacity (863 mAh cm−3) and rate capability (377 mAh g−1 at 20 C) and unexceptionable stability over 2000 cycles at 2 C.
Infrared Radiation: Impact on Physicochemical and Functional Characteristics of Grain Starch
Authors: Semwal Jyoti , Meera MS
Published: November 2020

Infrared (IR) is a highly efficient and energy‐saving technology known for uniform heating, less heating time, and high energy transfer rate to improve food product quality and safety. IR technology has many applications, including drying and dehydration, enzyme inactivation, pathogen inactivation, and other miscellaneous uses such as roasting, frying, and broiling. However, the effect of IR radiation on the overall behavior of the grain and its components has not received much attention. This review focuses on the changes in the properties of grain starch when exposed to IR radiation. The effects of alteration in structural characteristics of starch on the mechanical and functional properties and on starch digestibility patterns have been discussed. An attempt has been made to present the theoretical basis for the interaction of IR radiation with the grain and its components. IR radiations interact with food molecules to vibrate the bonds to cause stretching in them. The vibration energy causes rearrangement of starch molecules resulting in the modification of mechanical and functional properties as well as the starch digestibility pattern of the grain. These may bring about changes in the outlook of the grain and hence the IR technology may find application in the grain processing industry.
A profile shape correction to reduce the vertical sensitivity of cosmic‐ray neutron sensing of soil moisture
Authors: Scheiffele Lena M. , Baroni Gabriele , Franz Trenton E. , Jakobi Jannis , Oswald Sascha E.
Published: November 2020

In recent years, cosmic‐ray neutron sensing (CRNS) has shown a large potential among proximal sensing techniques to monitor soil moisture noninvasively, with high frequency and a large support volume (radius up to 240 m and sensing depth up to 80 cm). This signal is, however, more sensitive to closer distances and shallower depths. Inherently, CRNS‐derived soil moisture is a spatially weighted value, different from an average soil moisture as retrieved by a sensor network. In this study, we systematically test a new profile shape correction on CRNS‐derived soil moisture, based on additional soil moisture profile measurements and vertical unweighting, which is especially relevant during pronounced wetting or drying fronts. The analyses are conducted with data collected at four contrasting field sites, each equipped with a CRNS probe and a distributed soil moisture sensor network. After applying the profile shape correction on CRNS‐derived soil moisture, it is compared with the sensor network average. Results show that the influence of the vertical sensitivity of CRNS on integral soil moisture values is successfully reduced. One to three properly located profile measurements within the CRNS support volume improve the performance. For the four investigated field sites, the RMSE decreased 11–53% when only one profile location was considered. We therefore recommend to install along with a CRNS at least one soil moisture profile in a radial distance <100 m and a measurement depth down to 50 cm. Profile‐shape‐corrected, CRNS‐derived soil moisture is an unweighted integral soil moisture over the support volume, which is easier to interpret and easier to use for further applications.
Anaerobic membrane bioreactors for wastewater treatment: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Lee Hyung‐Sool , Liao Baoqiang
Published: November 2020

Anaerobic membrane bioreactors (AnMBRs) have become a new mature technology and entered into the wastewater market, but there are several challenges to be addressed for wide applications. In this review, we discuss challenges and potentials of AnMBRs focusing on wastewater treatment. Nitrogen and dissolved methane control, membrane fouling and its control, and membrane associated cost including energy consumption are main bottlenecks to facilitating AnMBR application in wastewater treatment. Accumulation of dissolved methane in AnMBR permeate decreases the benefit of methane energy and contributes to methane gas emissions to atmosphere. Separate control units for nitrogen and dissolved methane add system complexity and increase capital and operating and maintenance (O & M) costs in AnMBR‐centered wastewater treatment. Alternatively, methane‐based denitrification can be an ideal nitrogen control process due to simultaneous removal of nitrogen and dissolved methane. Membrane fouling and energy associated with membrane fouling control are major limitations, in addition to membrane cost. More efforts are required to decrease capital and O & M costs associated with the control of dissolved methane nitrogen and membrane fouling to facilitate AnMBRs for wastewater treatment.

Practitioner points

AnMBRs can accelerate anaerobic wastewater treatment including dilute wastewater.

Nitrogen and dissolved methane control is detrimental for AnMBR application to wastewater treatment.

Membrane biofilm reactors using gas‐permeable membranes are suitable for simultaneous nitrogen and dissolved methane control.

High capital and O & M costs from membranes are a major bottleneck to wide application of AnMBRs.

Dynamic membranes could be an option to reduce capital and O & M costs for AnMBRs.
Introduction: Real World Learning—Recalibrating the Higher Education Response Towards Application to Lifelong Learning and Diverse Career Paths
Authors: Morley Dawn A. , Jamil Md Golam
Published: November 2020

Morley and Jamil critique the changing higher education landscape where metrics, marketisation and challenging employment prospects for graduates put into question traditional modes of higher education ethos and delivery. Theorists identify alternative approaches where learning is focused on greater authenticity, personalisation and longitudinal development.

The chapter introduces the emerging concept of ‘real world learning’, which is under-researched within higher education yet shows early potential to address some of the disjunctions between students’ learning and the world of work. An introduction is made to the chapters within the book that follow, written with the intention to illuminate what is real world learning and how it can be applied to curriculum design and pedagogy.
Learning Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Through Real Business Projects
Authors: Hatt Lucy
Published: November 2020

Enterprise and entrepreneurship are widely regarded as important for economic, social and political change, and higher education (HE) institutions are seen as appropriate places to develop entrepreneurial competencies. This chapter describes an experiential, real world approach to entrepreneurship education in HE known as ‘Team Academy’ and suggests a complementary conceptual grounding to the accepted curriculum using candidate entrepreneurship threshold concepts and pedagogical approaches identified from doctoral research. Four case studies taken from the two oldest and largest UK Team Academy programmes illustrate the approach and highlight the way in which an understanding of a selection of candidate entrepreneurship threshold concepts have been successfully developed in the students.
Using Educational Technology to Support Students’ Real World Learning
Authors: Bolton Edward , Emery Roger
Published: November 2020

For future employability and professional practices, students “require a wider skill set that will enable them to thrive in an increasingly digital world” (JISC.Effective practice with e-portfolios. Bristol: University of Bristol. Retrieved from https://issuu.com/jiscinfonet/docs/jisc_effective_practice_with_e-portfolios_2008 (2008), p. 5). In this regard, educators need to facilitate authentic digital learning experiences for students. This chapter explores technologies that augment students’ experience, development and readiness for employability. This chapter looks at how educational technology is used to simulate the workplace by capturing and reflecting on actions in real world situations, while recognising that using technology of the workplace can facilitate learning outcomes.

Three case studies look at the use of social media, developing reflective e-portfolios and recording simulations to support reflective learning.
Fallübergreifende Analysen der habituellen Dispositionen von Lehrkräften zur Unterstützung sozial benachteiligter Schüler*innen sowie milieuspezifische Einbettung der handlungsleitenden Orientierungen
Authors: Rutter Sabrina
Published: November 2020

In diesem Kapitel sollen zunächst in Anlehnung an eine sinngenetische Interpretation die Ergebnisse aus den Einzelfallanalysen zusammengeführt und miteinander verglichen werden. Tertium comparationis sind hierbei die sechs modifizierten Analysedimensionen. Anschließend werden im Sinne einer soziogenetischen Interpretation die milieuspezifischen Erfahrungshintergründe der interviewten Lehrkräfte analysiert.
Digitale Souveränität als Trend?
Authors: Pentenrieder Annelie , Bertini Anastasia , Künzel Matthias
Published: November 2020

Digitale Technologien und ihre Auswirkungen auf Arbeitsverhältnisse beschäftigen aktuell viele Branchen. Fachkräfte ebenso wie Manager können jedoch schwer einschätzen, was für sie und ihr Unternehmen – insbesondere für kleinere Unternehmen – nötig ist, um inmitten der Digitalisierung weiterhin souverän zu agieren. Digitale Souveränität bedeutet in diesem Kontext, den Überblick über neue technische Möglichkeiten zu behalten, um informiert entscheiden und zwischen alternativen digitalen Angeboten das Passende für das eigene Unternehmen auswählen zu können. Im Fokus des Beitrags stehen KMU im Werkzeugmaschinenbau, denn gerade dieser Industriezweig steht seit vielen Jahrzehnten für das Gestaltungsprinzip der Souveränität von Menschen im Umgang mit Maschinen ein. Hochqualifiziertes Fachpersonal wird in diesem Bereich stetig an hochtechnisierten Maschinen aus- und weitergebildet. Dieser Umstand führt dazu, dass im Werkzeugmaschinenbau Hightech mit hoher Flexibilität angeboten werden kann. Auf der Grundlage von Literaturrecherchen und Experteninterviews aus den Bereichen Produktionstechnik, Arbeitswissenschaften und Geschäftsmodellentwicklung wurden Themen und Trends identifiziert, die mit der Frage nach digitaler Souveränität im Zusammenhang stehen: rechtliche Rahmenbedingungen, Datenschutz, digitaler Kompetenzaufbau und -entwicklung, Datenspeicherkonzept, globaler Wettbewerb, Unternehmensgröße und damit verbundene Handlungsspielräume, Unternehmenskollaborationen, Austausch von Informationen zwischen den Unternehmen, Individualisierung von KI-basierten Technologien. Es zeigt sich, dass „digitale Souveränität” ein zukünftiges Gestaltungsprinzip digitaler Systeme werden könnte, das gerade für KMU im Werkzeugmaschinenbau innovationsfördernde Auswirkungen haben kann.
Corpse removal increases when honey bee colonies experience high Varroa destructor infestation
Authors: van Langevelde F. , Kiggen F. , van Dooremalen C. , Cornelissen B.
Published: November 2020

High parasite load may increase honey bee mortality, which enhances stimuli for undertaker recruitment in colonies due to the presence of more corpses. However, it is unknown whether colonies exposed to the parasitic mite Varroa destructor (V+ colonies) remove corpses faster compared to colonies with reduced parasite levels (V− colonies). To test this hypothesis, different amounts of dead bees (25 or 100) were added to V+ and V− colonies to increase undertaker’s workload and to monitor the colonies’ undertaking performance (number of corpses removed after fixed time intervals and time until task completion). Until 40 min after adding corpses, V+ colonies had removed more corpses compared to V− colonies, especially when 100 corpses were added. At 100 min after adding the corpses and onwards, the difference between the V+ and V− colonies disappeared. V+ colonies used less time until task completion, especially when challenged to remove 25 corpses. The first efficient undertaking response in V+ colonies may have been caused by more or more experienced undertakers on standby compared to V− colonies, resulting in less total time needed to complete their undertaking task at increased workload. Our study suggests that changes in the division of labour in V+ colonies were not impaired, but we cannot exclude long-term effects for the colony as time spent on undertaking cannot be spent on other tasks. Our study contributes to understanding of social resilience in colonies under high stress and exposed to immediate emergencies.
Kardiale Magnetresonanztomographie
Authors: Mayr A. , Reiter G. , Beitzke D.
Published: November 2020

Hintergrund

Durch die Entwicklung robuster Techniken und deren umfassender Validierung hat sich die kardiale Magnetresonanztomographie (CMR) in ihrem knapp 25-jährigen klinischen Einsatz ein breites Indikationsspektrum erarbeitet. Die Erfassung kardialer Volumina und systolischer Ventrikelfunktion sowie die Charakterisierung fokaler Myokardnarben sind heute Teil der CMR-Standard-Bildgebung. Zuletzt haben die Einführung beschleunigter Bildakquisitionstechnologien, die neuen Bildgebungsmethoden des myokardialen T1- und T2-Mappings und der 4‑D-Flussmessungen sowie die neue Postprocessing-Technik des myokardialen Feature-Trackings an Relevanz gewonnen.

Methode

Diese Überblicksarbeit basiert auf einer umfassenden Literaturrecherche in der PubMed-Datenbank zu neuen CMR-Techniken und ihrer klinischen Anwendung.

Ergebnisse und Schlussfolgerung

Dieser Artikel zeigt eine Übersicht über die neuesten technischen Entwicklungen im Bereich der CMR sowie deren Anwendungsmöglichkeiten anhand der wichtigsten klinischen Fragestellungen.
Variation propagation modelling in multistage machining processes using dual quaternions
Authors: Yacob Filmon , Semere Daniel
Published: November 2020

Variation propagation models play an important role in part quality prediction, variation source identification, and variation compensation in multistage manufacturing processes. These models often use homogenous transformation matrix, differential motion vector, and/or Jacobian matrix to represent and transform the part, tool and fixture coordinate systems and associated variations. However, the models end up with large matrices as the number features and functional element pairs increase. This work proposes a novel strategy for modelling of variation propagation in multistage machining processes using dual quaternions. The strategy includes representation of the fixture, part, and toolpath by dual quaternions, followed by projection locator points onto the features, which leads to a simplified model of a part-fixture assembly and machining. The proposed approach was validated against stream of variation models and experimental results reported in the literature. This paper aims to provide a new direction of research on variation propagation modelling of multistage manufacturing processes.
Fused filament fabrication of commercial conductive filaments: experimental study on the process parameters aimed at the minimization, repeatability and thermal characterization of electrical resistance
Authors: Stano Gianni , Di Nisio Attilio , Lanzolla Anna Maria , Ragolia Mattia , Percoco Gianluca
Published: November 2020

Nowadays, a challenging scenario involving additive manufacturing (AM), or 3D printing, relates to concerns on the manufacturing of electronic devices. In particular, the possibility of using fused filament fabrication (FFF) technology, which is well known for being very widespread and inexpensive, to fabricate structures with embedded sensing elements, is really appealing. Several researchers in this field have highlighted the high electrical resistance values and variability in 3D-printed strain sensors made via FFF. It is important to find a way to minimize the electrical resistance and variability among strain sensors printed under the same conditions for several reasons, such as reducing the measurement noise and better balancing four 3D-printed strain gauges connected to form a Wheatstone bridge to obtain better measurements. In this study, a design of experiment (DoE) on 3D-printed strain gauges, studying the relevance of printing and design parameters, was performed. Three different commercial conductive materials were analyzed, including a total of 105 printed samples. The output of this study is a combination of parameters which allow both the electrical resistance and variability to be minimized; in particular, it was discovered that the “welding effect” due to the layer height and printing orientation is responsible for high values of resistance and variability. After the optimization of printing and design parameters, further experiments were performed to characterize the sensitivity of each specimen to mechanical and thermal stresses, highlighting an interesting aspect. A sensible variation of the electrical resistance at room temperature was observed, even if no stress was applied to the specimen, suggesting the potential of exploiting these materials for the 3D printing of highly sensitive temperature sensors.
Uncovering psychological mechanisms mediating the effects of drugs: some issues and comments using the example of psychedelic drugs
Authors: Kangaslampi Samuli
Published: November 2020

Researchers have begun efforts to uncover the psychological mechanisms by which psychedelic drugs may have beneficial effects on long-term outcomes in some circumstances. The approaches several recent publications on the topic have taken to analyze such mechanisms have some pitfalls and limitations. Based on the rich literature on mechanisms and mediation analysis in psychological science, I comment on five particular issues: (1) Separating mediating and moderating factors, (2) problems inherent in using cross-sectional data, (3) statistical methods in mediation analysis, (4) assumptions and limitations inherent in traditional mediation analysis, and (5) criteria beyond mediation to establish a mechanism. Suggested practices for future research on the psychological mechanisms through which drugs have their effects are presented.