bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compressive sensing theory and neighborhood spatial‐temporal information for frame rate improvement of dynamic ultrasonic imaging
Authors: Hosseinpour Mina , Behnam Hamid , Shojaeifard Maryam
Published: December 2020

The frame rate improvement is an essential issue in dynamic ultrasonic imaging for better displaying rapid heart movements. In this study, a new technique using the compressive sensing (CS) theory was introduced for the frame rate improvement of two‐dimensional (2D) and three‐dimensional (3D) dynamic ultrasonic imaging. In the suggested procedure, a fewer radio frequency (RF) lines were received. Subsequently, the CS theory by the recommended approach was used to reconstruct the nonacquired RF lines. The suggested process uses the temporal and spatial information in the neighborhood samples of the desired sample in RF frame sequences. We utilized the dictionary learning technique to construct the sparsifying over‐complete dictionary. Here, we used the 2D in vivo carotid artery data and the 3D simulated echocardiography for the quality assessment of the suggested approach. According to the qualitative and quantitative results, reconstructions in the suggested approach are more precise, and the reconstruction errors are much lower than the conventional techniques. The tissues' structure in reconstructed videos by the suggested approach is preserved to be applicable for medical diagnosis goals. The frame rate can be improved by a factor of 10 with suitable quality for medical diagnosis goals. The implementation of the suggested approach does not require any more hardware or alternation in the devices' available hardware. The frame rate can be improved by only implementing effective programming on the ultrasound systems.
Wafer‐scale vertical van der Waals heterostructures
Authors: Liu Lixin , Zhai Tianyou
Published: December 2020

Wafer‐scale van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs), benefitting from the rich diversity in materials available and stacking geometry, precise controllability in devices structure and performance, and unprecedented potential in practical application, have attracted considerable attention in the field of two‐dimensional (2D) materials. This article reviews the state‐of‐the‐art research activities that focus on wafer‐scale vdWHs and their (opto)electronic applications. We begin with the preparation strategies of vdWHs with wafer size and illustrate them from four key aspects, that is, mechanical‐assembly stack, successive deposition, synchronous evolution, and seeded growth. We discuss the fundamental principle, underlying mechanism, advantages, and disadvantages for each strategy. We will then review the applications of large‐area vdWHs based devices in electronic, optoelectronic and flexible devices field, unveiling their promising potential for practical application. Ultimately, we will demonstrate the challenges they face and provide some viable solutions on wafer‐scale heterostructure synthesis and device fabrication.

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Meloxicam encapsulated nanostructured colloidal self‐assembly for evaluating antitumor and anti‐inflammatory efficacy in 3D printed scaffolds
Authors: Rarokar Nilesh , C Ravikumar , Gurav Shailendra , Khedekar Pramod
Published: December 2020

Nanostructured colloidal self‐assembly (NCS) is one of the most promising drug delivery carriers in cancer treatment. The present research work aimed towards synthesizing meloxicam (MLX) loaded NCS for its improved circulation half‐life and increased cellular internalization. NCS was formulated using glyceryl monoolein, Pluronic® F127, and MLX. Quality by Design experiments with a quadratic model was subjected to optimization of the formulation. The optimized NCS with an average particle size of 185.5 ± 3.02 nm showed higher MLX encapsulation (94.74 ± 3.41%) and sustained release behavior of MLX up to 24 hr. in vitro cytotoxicity of the developed NCS with MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231 cell lines confirmed lower cell viability and a higher rate of cell growth inhibition. This MLX loaded NCS showed dual activity as an antitumor and anti‐inflammatory in highly invasive estrogen‐dependent MDA‐MB‐231 cells due to the high expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2). Besides, an activity of the MLX‐NCS was also observed in 3D printed MCF‐7 cells. This investigation shows the possible use of MLX‐NCS as an efficient cancer drug delivery system with excellent colloidal stability, sustained release of MLX, enhanced antitumor and anti‐inflammatory efficacy in 3D printed scaffolds. In contrast to toxicity study in 2D culture, the 3D constructs revealed the activity of the MLX via COX‐2 independent mechanism and demonstrated that the relationship between COX‐2 expression and antitumor activity of inhibitors is limited. In conclusion, the overall observations and results of this study strengthen the hypothesized development of NCS as a next‐generation therapeutics regimen for cancer therapy.
Effect of manganese, zinc, and copper on the biological and osteogenic properties of mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles
Authors: Westhauser Fabian , Wilkesmann Sebastian , Nawaz Qaisar , Hohenbild Frederike , Rehder Felix , Saur Merve , Fellenberg Jörg , Moghaddam Arash , Ali Muhammad S. , Peukert Wolfgang , Boccaccini Aldo R.
Published: December 2020

Mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (MBGNs) have demonstrated promising properties for the local delivery of therapeutically active ions with the aim to improve their osteogenic properties. Manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) ions have already shown promising pro‐osteogenic properties. Therefore, the concentration‐dependent impact of MBGNs (composition in mol%: 70 SiO2, 30 CaO) and MBGNs containing 5 mol% of either Mn, Zn, or Cu (composition in mol%: 70 SiO2, 25 CaO, 5 MnO/ZnO/CuO) on the viability and osteogenic differentiation of human marrow‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) was assessed in this study. Mn‐doped MBGNs (5Mn‐MBGNs) showed a small “therapeutic window” with a dose‐dependent negative impact on cell viability but increasing pro‐osteogenic features alongside increasing Mn concentrations. Due to a constant release of Zn, 5Zn‐MBGNs showed good cytocompatibility and upregulated the expression of genes encoding for relevant members of the osseous extracellular matrix during the later stages of cultivation. In contrast to all other groups, BMSC viability increased with increasing concentration of Cu‐doped MBGNs (5Cu‐MBGNs). Furthermore, 5Cu‐MBGNs induced an increase in alkaline phosphatase activity. In conclusion, doping with Mn, Zn, or Cu can enhance the biological properties of MBGNs in different ways for their potential use in bone regeneration approaches.
Fractographic characterization of isotactic polypropylene fibers
Authors: Sokkar Taha Z. N. , El‐Bakary Mohammed A. , Azzam Amira A. S. , Hamza Ahmed A.
Published: December 2020

In this article we present an opto‐thermo‐mechanical characterization of isotactic polypropylene monofilament during failure by fracture. The digital photoelasticity, the two‐beam Pluta polarising interference microscope and the computed tomography are used to provide quantitative data and visual models of the fracture regions of isotactic polypropylene fibers suffering failure by fracture at different thermal and mechanical conditions. Birefringence values and the intrinsic stress‐anisotropy are measured at the fracture surface. 3D models of the fracture regions are reconstructed. Photoelastic patterns and two‐beam interferograms are included for illustration.
Hidden in plain sight: The effects of BCG vaccination in the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Toraih Eman A. , Sedhom Jessica A. , Dokunmu Titilope M. , Hussein Mohammad H. , Ruiz Emmanuelle M. L. , Muthusamy Kunnimalaiyaan , Zerfaoui Mourad , Kandil Emad
Published: December 2020

To investigate the relationship between Bacille Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) vaccination and SARS‐CoV‐2 by a bioinformatics approach, two datasets for the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection group and BCG‐vaccinated group were downloaded. Differentially Expressed Genes were identified. Gene ontology and pathways were functionally enriched, and networking was constructed in NetworkAnalyst. Lastly, the correlation between post‐BCG vaccination and COVID‐19 transcriptome signatures was established. A total of 161 DEGs (113 upregulated DEGs and 48 downregulated genes) were identified in the SARS‐CoV‐2 group. In the pathway enrichment analysis, a cross‐reference of upregulated Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways in SARS‐CoV‐2 with downregulated counterparts in the BCG‐vaccinated group, resulted in the intersection of 45 common pathways, accounting for 86.5% of SARS‐CoV‐2 upregulated pathways. Of these intersecting pathways, a vast majority were immune and inflammatory pathways with top significance in interleukin‐17, tumor necrosis factor, NOD‐like receptors, and nuclear factor‐κB signaling pathways. Given the inverse relationship of the specific differentially expressed gene pathways highlighted in our results, the BCG‐vaccine may play a protective role against COVID‐19 by mounting a nonspecific immunological response and further investigation of this relationship is warranted.
Interval estimation of the overall treatment effect in random‐effects meta‐analyses: Recommendations from a simulation study comparing frequentist, Bayesian, and bootstrap methods
Authors: Weber Frank , Knapp Guido , Glass Änne , Kundt Günther , Ickstadt Katja
Published: December 2020

There exists a variety of interval estimators for the overall treatment effect in a random‐effects meta‐analysis. A recent literature review summarizing existing methods suggested that in most situations, the Hartung‐Knapp/Sidik‐Jonkman (HKSJ) method was preferable. However, a quantitative comparison of those methods in a common simulation study is still lacking. Thus, we conduct such a simulation study for continuous and binary outcomes, focusing on the medical field for application. Based on the literature review and some new theoretical considerations, a practicable number of interval estimators is selected for this comparison: the classical normal‐approximation interval using the DerSimonian‐Laird heterogeneity estimator, the HKSJ interval using either the Paule‐Mandel or the Sidik‐Jonkman heterogeneity estimator, the Skovgaard higher‐order profile likelihood interval, a parametric bootstrap interval, and a Bayesian interval using different priors. We evaluate the performance measures (coverage and interval length) at specific points in the parameter space, that is, not averaging over a prior distribution. In this sense, our study is conducted from a frequentist point of view. We confirm the main finding of the literature review, the general recommendation of the HKSJ method (here with the Sidik‐Jonkman heterogeneity estimator). For meta‐analyses including only two studies, the high length of the HKSJ interval limits its practical usage. In this case, the Bayesian interval using a weakly informative prior for the heterogeneity may help. Our recommendations are illustrated using a real‐world meta‐analysis dealing with the efficacy of an intramyocardial bone marrow stem cell transplantation during coronary artery bypass grafting.
Affinity and chemical enrichment strategies for mapping low‐abundance protein modifications and protein‐interaction networks
Authors: Zacharias Adway O. , Fang Zixiang , Rahman Aurchie , Talukder Akash , Cornelius Sharel , Chowdhury Saiful M.
Published: December 2020

Protein post‐translational modifications and protein interactions are the central research areas in mass‐spectrometry‐based proteomics. Protein post‐translational modifications affect protein structures, stabilities, activities, and all cellular processes are achieved by interactions among proteins and protein complexes. With the continuing advancements of mass spectrometry instrumentations of better sensitivity, speed, and performance, selective enrichment of modifications/interactions of interest from complex cellular matrices during the sample preparation has become the overwhelming bottleneck in the proteomics workflow. Therefore, many strategies have been developed to address this issue by targeting specific modifications/interactions based on their physical properties or chemical reactivities, but only a few have been successfully applied for systematic proteome‐wide study. In this review, we summarized the highlights of recent developments in the affinity enrichment methods focusing mainly on low stoichiometric protein lipidations. Besides, to identify potential glyoxal modified arginines, a small part was added for profiling reactive arginine sites using an enrichment reagent. A detailed section was provided for the enrichment of protein interactions by affinity purification and chemical cross‐linking, to shed light on the potentials of different enrichment strategies, along with the unique challenges in investigating individual protein post‐translational modification or protein interaction network.
Cancellous Tibial Bone Graft for Malunion after Mandibular Reconstruction in Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Hamill Chelsea S. , Maatouk Christopher M. , Clancy Kate , Zender Chad A. , Rezaee Rod P.
Published: December 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

While nonunion after mandibular reconstruction for head and neck surgery is rare, literature exploring management is scarce. Our primary objective was to determine success rates of tibial bone graft (TBG) in achieving mandibular union. Secondary objectives include determining factors that contribute to failure of TBG.

Study Design

Retrospective Chart Review.

Methods

Retrospective chart review between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2018. Patients who underwent a mandibulotomy or mandibulectomy with osteocutaneous free flap reconstruction were identified. Patients who were pursuing dental rehabilitation, subsequently diagnosed with mandibular nonunion and received a cancellous TBG were assessed.

Results

The 15 patients meeting inclusion criteria were mostly male (67%), white (87%), and nonsmokers (67%) with a median age of 64 (IQR = 60–73). Successful union occurred in 13 of 18 (72%) TBGs and the majority (63%) had a partial union documented at the time of surgery. Five patients (83%) who initially had a mandibulotomy achieved union compared to 78% of those with osteocutaneous reconstruction (P = 1.0). Postoperative radiation did not affect rates of union: 80% for both (P = 1.0). Patients with osteoradionecrosis (ORN) achieved union in 67% of cases compared to 75% of cases who did not have ORN (P = .86). There were similar rates of union for those who required perioperative antibiotics for infection and those without infection (67% vs. 75%, P = .86). Dental rehabilitation was achieved in 55% of patients, most commonly dentures.

Conclusions

This study shows that TBG can be used to achieve union for patients with malunion after head and neck cancer reconstruction. We show its successful use within the reconstructive algorithm for patients regardless of postoperative radiation for very small defects.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 131:1291–1296, 2021
Some new Simpson's type inequalities for coordinated convex functions in quantum calculus
Authors: Ali Muhammad Aamir , Budak Hüseyin , Zhang Zhiyue , Yildirim Hüseyin
Published: December 2020

In this article, by using the notion of newly definedq1q2derivatives and integrals, some new Simpson's type inequalities for coordinated convex functions are proved. The outcomes raised in this paper are extensions and generalizations of the comparable results in the literature on Simpson's inequalities for coordinated convex functions.
Asymptotic spectra of large matrices coming from the symmetrization of Toeplitz structure functions and applications to preconditioning
Authors: Ferrari Paola , Barakitis Nikos , Serra‐Capizzano Stefano
Published: December 2020

The singular value distribution of the matrix‐sequence {YnTn[f]}n, with Tn[f] generated by , was shown in [J. Pestana and A.J. Wathen, SIAM J Matrix Anal Appl. 2015;36(1):273‐288]. The results on the spectral distribution of {YnTn[f]}n were obtained independently in [M. Mazza and J. Pestana, BIT, 59(2):463‐482, 2019] and [P. Ferrari, I. Furci, S. Hon, M.A. Mursaleen, and S. Serra‐Capizzano, SIAM J. Matrix Anal. Appl., 40(3):1066‐1086, 2019]. In the latter reference, the authors prove that {YnTn[f]}n is distributed in the eigenvalue sense as
under the assumptions that f belongs to and has real Fourier coefficients. The purpose of this paper is to extend the latter result to matrix‐sequences of the form {h(Tn[f])}n, where h is an analytic function. In particular, we provide the singular value distribution of the sequence {h(Tn[f])}n, the eigenvalue distribution of the sequence {Ynh(Tn[f])}n, and the conditions on f and h for these distributions to hold. Finally, the implications of our findings are discussed, in terms of preconditioning and of fast solution methods for the related linear systems.
ICT diffusion, financial development, and economic growth: Panel evidence from SAARC countries
Authors: Verma Anushka , Giri Arun Kumar
Published: December 2020

This study examines the interrelation of ICT diffusion and financial development with economic growth in SAARC economies, by employing data for the time period 2000–2017. The empirical analysis is carried out using granger causality and cointegration techniques. First generation panel unit root tests namely LLC, IPS, ADF, and PP test were employed for this purpose. All the variables were found to be integrated of order one at first difference. Pedroni's cointegration test along with Kao's residual‐based cointegration test was used which reveals the presence of long‐run relationship among the variables. Further, cointegration coefficients are computed with the help of fully modified ordinary least squares and dynamic ordinary least squares method. While financial development, ICT diffusion, and trade openness were found to increase the growth rate, inflation exhibited negative impact on growth. Both short‐run and long‐run causality were examined using panel granger causality test which revealed unidirectional causality running from ICT diffusion and financial sector development to economic growth. However, the result of causation between financial sector development and the ICT diffusion was statistically insignificant.
Investigating the causality between financial inclusion, financial development and sustainable development in Sub‐Saharan Africa economies: The mediating role of foreign direct investment
Authors: Odugbesan Jamiu Adetola , Ike George , Olowu Gbolahan , Adeleye Bosede Ngozi
Published: December 2020

In developing economies, the role of the financial sector and foreign capital in the stimulation of sustainable production practices has not been very clear cut. In a bid to obtain a much clearer empirical perspective, the present study investigates the causal relationship between financial development, financial inclusion, foreign direct investment (FDI) and sustainable development in a panel of 33 Sub‐Saharan African (SSA) economies within the 2004–2018 study periods. Panel cointegration tests uncover the presence of a long‐run relationship among the variables in the model. Prior to determining the direction of causality, panel estimation procedures show the magnitude and signs of the long run coefficients. Panel Granger causality tests uncover bidirectional causality between financial inclusion and FDI as well as between financial development and FDI. Also uncovered is unidirectional causality from FDI towards sustainable development and resource rents. This study suggests that the policymakers in SSA should optimize the level of financial development which requires a vigorous improvement so as to ensure higher potential benefits for the sustainability of SSA region through financial sector.
Stochastic linear quadratic control via random parameter‐dependent truncated balanced realization
Authors: Nechak Lyes , Raynaud Henri‐François , Kulcsár Caroline
Published: December 2020

This article deals with stochastic linear quadratic (LQ) control by using random parameter‐dependent truncated balanced realization (RPD‐TBR). The main contribution of the article is theoretical formulation to approximate high‐order stochastic LQ control problems, using the RPD‐TBR instead of the original RPD full state model. The whole approach uses the nonintrusive and intrusive generalized polynomial chaos (GPC) approximations to generate an RPD‐TBR and the corresponding reduced‐order stochastic LQ control formulation. The latter is then rewritten in the GPC space using an intrusive Galerkin‐type projection. Solving the reduced‐order Riccati equation for the resulting deterministic LQ problem enables to suitably approximate the solution of the original full‐order stochastic LQ control problem. The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed approach are assessed by considering the LQ control of the tip‐tilt mirror for an Extremely Large Telescope‐class adaptive optics system, when the actuator's dynamics depends on an uncertain parameter with known distribution. Through numerical simulations, the proposed approach ability to perform LQ gain selection and performance evaluation for plants with probabilistic uncertainty more efficiently than the standard Monte Carlo approach is illustrated.
Photo‐Enhanced CRISPR/Cas9 System Enables Robust PD‐L1 Gene Disruption in Cancer Cells and Cancer Stem‐Like Cells for Efficient Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Zhao Liang , Luo Yingli , Huang Qiaoyi , Cao Ziyang , Yang Xianzhu
Published: December 2020

Blocking immune checkpoint pathways with an antibody or small interfering RNA (siRNA) has become a promising method to reactivate antitumor responses for cancer treatment. However, both blockade strategies achieve only temporary inhibition of these immune checkpoints. Herein, a photoswitched CRISPR/Cas9 system for genomic disruption of the PD‐L1 gene is developed to achieve permanent blockade of the PD‐1/PD‐L1 pathway; this system is constructed by using a photoactivated self‐degradable polyethyleneimine derivative and the plasmid pX330/sgPD‐L1 (expression of the Cas9 protein and single‐guide RNA targeting PD‐L1). Under light irradiation, this photoswitched CRISPR/Cas9 system efficiently genetically disrupts the PD‐L1 gene in not only bulk cancer cells but also cancer stem‐like cells. As a result, the photoswitched CRISPR/Cas9 system significantly increases the infiltration of CD8+ T cells into tumor tissue, leading to effective activation of a T cell‐mediated antitumor response against cancer cells and cancer stem‐like cells. This study provides an alternative strategy to block the PD‐1/PD‐L1 pathway for efficacious immune checkpoint therapy.
Carbon–Graphitic Carbon Nitride Hybrids for Heterogeneous Photocatalysis
Authors: Cheng Lei , Zhang Huaiwu , Li Xin , Fan Jiajie , Xiang Quanjun
Published: December 2020

Polymeric graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) and various carbon materials have experienced a renaissance as viable alternates in photocatalysis due to their captivating metal‐free features, favorable photoelectric properties, and economic adaptabilities. Although numerous efforts have focused on the integration of both materials with optimized photocatalytic performance in recent years, the direct parameters for this emerging enhancement are not fully summarized yet. Fully understanding the synergistic effects between g‐C3N4 and carbon materials on photocatalytic action is vital to further development of metal‐free semiconductors in future studies. Here, recent advances of carbon/g‐C3N4 hybrids on various photocatalytic applications are reviewed. The dominant governing factors by inducing carbon into g‐C3N4 photocatalysts with involving photocatalytic mechanism are highlighted. Five typical carbon‐induced enhancement effects are mainly discussed here, i.e., local electric modification, band structure tailoring, multiple charge carrier activation, chemical group functionalization, and abundant surface‐modified engineering. Photocatalytic performance of carbon‐induced g‐C3N4 photocatalysts for addressing directly both the renewable energy storage and environmental remediation is also summarized. Finally, perspectives and ongoing challenges encountered in the development of metal‐free carbon‐induced g‐C3N4 photocatalysts are presented.
Protective effect of hesperidin against N,N′‐dimethylhydrazine induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptotic response in the colon of Wistar rats
Authors: Afzal Shekh Mohammad , Vafa Abul , Rashid Summya , Barnwal Preeti , Shahid Ayaz , Shree Alpa , Islam Johirul , Ali Nemat , Sultana Sarwat
Published: December 2020

Hesperidin (HD), a citrus bioflavonoid possesses a variety of biological activities including antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐apoptotic and anti‐carcinogenic properties. In the present study, we investigated the effect of HD treatment on N,N′‐dimethylhydrazine (DMH) induced oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis and goblet cell disintegration in the colon of Wistar rats. Administration of HD was done at two doses (100 and 200 mg/kg body weight) orally to rats daily for 14 days followed by a single subcutaneous injection of DMH (40 mg/kg body weight) on the 14th day and next day animals were sacrificed. The protective potential of HD against colon toxicity was measured through membrane oxidation, antioxidant status, inflammatory and apoptotic markers expression, and histological changes. Results demonstrated that HD inhibited DMH mediated oxidative damage by diminishing the level of peroxidation of lipids and increasing the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione‐s‐transferase, and glutathione reductase. Moreover, HD attenuated inflammatory (NF‐кB, IL‐6, and COX‐2) and apoptotic (p38‐MAPK, p53, and caspase‐3) markers expression. HD also attenuated the DMH induced goblet cell disintegration and restored histoarchitecture of the colon. The results of the present study demonstrate that HD efficiently protects against DMH induced colon toxicity by modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.
Applications of Google Earth Engine in fluvial geomorphology for detecting river channel change
Authors: Boothroyd Richard J. , Williams Richard D. , Hoey Trevor B. , Barrett Brian , Prasojo Octria A.
Published: December 2020

Cloud‐based computing, access to big geospatial data, and virtualization, whereby users are freed from computational hardware and data management logistics, could revolutionize remote sensing applications in fluvial geomorphology. Analysis of multitemporal, multispectral satellite imagery has provided fundamental geomorphic insight into the planimetric form and dynamics of large river systems, but information derived from these applications has largely been used to test existing concepts in fluvial geomorphology, rather than for generating new concepts or theories. Traditional approaches (i.e., desktop computing) have restricted the spatial scales and temporal resolutions of planimetric river channel change analyses. Google Earth Engine (GEE), a cloud‐based computing platform for planetary‐scale geospatial analyses, offers the opportunity to relieve these spatiotemporal restrictions. We summarize the big geospatial data flows available to fluvial geomorphologists within the GEE data catalog, focus on approaches to look beyond mapping wet channel extents and instead map the wider riverscape (i.e., water, sediment, vegetation) and its dynamics, and explore the unprecedented spatiotemporal scales over which GEE analyses can be applied. We share a demonstration workflow to extract active river channel masks from a section of the Cagayan River (Luzon, Philippines) then quantify centerline migration rates from multitemporal data. By enabling fluvial geomorphologists to take their algorithms to petabytes worth of data, GEE is transformative in enabling deterministic science at scales defined by the user and determined by the phenomena of interest. Equally as important, GEE offers a mechanism for promoting a cultural shift toward open science, through the democratization of access and sharing of reproducible code.

This article is categorized under:

Science of Water
Removal of hazardous dye from aqueous media using low‐cost peanut (Arachis hypogaea) shells as adsorbents
Authors: Herbert Arpan , Kumar Upendra , Janardhan Prashanth
Published: December 2020

In the present article, an attempt is made for simple, low‐cost, and efficient removal of Auramine dye using peanut (Arachis hypogaea) shells as adsorbents. Two different forms of adsorbents distilled water washed peanut shells (DPS) and NaOH treated peanut shells (NPS) were used as adsorbents. Both the adsorbents were studied using BET, pHPZC, FTIR, SEM, TGA, and XRD characterization techniques. Adsorption parameters such as effect of contact time, pH, initial dye concentration, adsorbent dose, and temperature were also assessed. Isotherm analysis at optimum conditions showed Langmuir fitted better with a qm value of 96.15 mg/g for DPS and 294.12 mg/g for NPS; while in kinetic analysis, pseudo‐second order was superior. Thermodynamics study stated that adsorption process was endothermic in nature. Overall outcomes establish that the two forms of peanut shells, DPS, and NPS were excellent in removal of Auramine dye and are low cost also as preparation cost of DPS and NPS is 68.73 INR and 106.19 INR per kg, respectively.

Practitioner points

Removal of Auramine dye from aqueous media using different forms of peanut (Arachis hypogaea) shells as adsorbents is discussed.

qm (Langmuir) using DPS and NPS were found to be 96.15 and 294.12 mg/g, respectively.

Preparation cost of DPS was 68.73 INR per 1 kg, whereas for NPS it was 106.19 INR per 1 kg.
Thermodynamic entropy of a magnetized Ree‐Eyring particle‐fluid motion with irreversibility process: A mathematical paradigm
Authors: Bhatti Muhammad Mubashir , Abdelsalam Sara I.
Published: December 2020

This article deals with the entropy generation and irreversibility process under the effects of partial slip on magnetic dusty liquid induced by peristaltic wave through a porous channel. The Ree‐Eyring fluid model has been used for a governing flow. Mathematical modelling is based on Ohm's law, continuity equation, Darcy law and momentum equation. Analytical solutions are presented for fluid and particle phase. The effects of different pertinent parameters are considered for Newtonian and non‐Newtonian cases. Numerical integration has been carried out using a computational software to analyse the pumping characteristics. The behaviour of velocity profile, trapping mechanism, entropy generation, Bejan number, temperature distribution, and pressure rise are investigated. From the obtained results, it is noticed that entropy generation and Bejan number enhanced due to the presence of Brinkman number as well as with the strong influence of non‐Newtonian effects. The presence of particles in the fluid decelerates the flow. The magnetic and fluid parameter perform in a similar manner on peristaltic pumping. The temperature profile shows increasing behaviour against higher values of Brinkman number and magnetic field. The present analysis presents different interesting results that help examine dusty fluid with other rheological working fluid models. This work is also applicable in smart fluid pumping systems in aerospace and nuclear industry as well as peristaltic electromagnetic micro‐pumps in bio‐medical engineering.
Entscheidungskriterien und Patientencharakteristika zur patientenorientierten Therapie der Feldkanzerisierung
Authors: Philipp-Dormston W. G. , Aschoff R. , von Braunmühl T. , Eigentler T. , Haalck T. , Thoms K.-M.
Published: December 2020

Hintergrund

Aktinische Keratosen (AK) zeichnen sich durch einen chronischen Verlauf aus, und häufig ist ein ganzes Hautareal betroffen (Feldkanzerisierung). Die patientenindividuelle Abwägung therapiespezifischer Vor- und Nachteile einer feldgerichteten Therapie ist herausfordernd.

Fragestellung

Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war die Entwicklung und Evaluierung patientenorientierter Entscheidungskriterien, die sich für die pragmatische Einordnung einer AK-Feldtherapie im Behandlungsalltag bei Patienten mit besonderer Prädisposition zur Feldkanzerisierung eignen (Patiententyp 1 bis 3).

Material und Methoden

Die Entwicklung der Entscheidungskriterien und der Patiententypologie erfolgte im Rahmen eines nominalen bzw. strukturierten Multi-level-Gruppenprozesses. Anhand der patientenrelevanten Entscheidungskriterien, der verfügbaren Evidenz aus klinischen Studien und entlang der Patiententypologie wurde ein Bewertungsalgorithmus etabliert, und feldgerichtete AK-Therapieoptionen wurden systematisch evaluiert.

Ergebnisse

Als patientenrelevante Kriterien für die Therapieentscheidung wurden u. a. Effektivität, Sicherheit, Praktikabilität der Therapie, Adhärenz, Kosmetik, Patientenpräferenz und Komorbiditäten identifiziert und näher spezifiziert. In Bezug auf diese Entscheidungskriterien und Patiententypen, bei denen eine Feldtherapie vorrangig indiziert ist, erfüllte die photodynamische Therapie mit Tageslicht das therapiebezogene Anforderungsprofil in besonderem Maße.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Definition von patientenrelevanten und therapiebezogenen Entscheidungskriterien in der AK-Feldtherapie erlaubt eine strukturierte und gleichzeitig praxisorientierte Herangehensweise, um spezifische Therapieoptionen einzuordnen und individuelle Therapieentscheidungen herzuleiten.
Anaerobic benzene mineralization by natural microbial communities from Niger Delta
Authors: Eziuzor Samuel C. , Schmidt Matthias , Vogt Carsten
Published: December 2020

The Niger Delta is one of the most damaged ecosystems in the world, mainly due to petroleum contamination by oil exploration accidents. We investigated the natural attenuation potential of Niger Delta subsurface sediment samples for anaerobic hydrocarbon degradation using benzene as a model compound under iron-reducing, sulfate-reducing, and methanogenic conditions. Benzene was slowly mineralized under methanogenic and iron-reducing conditions using nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA)-Fe(III), or poorly crystalline Fe(III) oxyhydroxides as electron acceptors, analyzed by measurement of13CO2produced from added13C-labelled benzene. Highest mineralization rates were observed in microcosms amended with Fe(III) oxyhydroxides. The microbial communities of benzene-mineralizing enrichment cultures were characterized by next-generation sequencing of the genes coding for 16S rRNA and methyl coenzyme M reductase A (mcrA). Abundant phylotypes were affiliated to Betaproteobacteriales, Ignavibacteriales, Desulfuromonadales, and Methanosarcinales of the genera Methanosarcina and Methanothrix, illustrating that the enriched benzene-mineralizing communities were diverse and may contain more than a single benzene degrader. The diversity of the microbial communities was furthermore confirmed by scanning helium-ion microscopy which revealed the presence of various rod-shaped as well as filamentous microbial morphotypes.
Can There be Given Any Meaning to Contextuality Without Incompatibility?
Authors: Khrennikov Andrei
Published: December 2020

Our aim is to compare the fundamental notions of quantum physics - contextuality vs. incompatibility. One has to distinguish two different notions of contextuality,Bohr-contextualityandBell-contextuality. The latter is defined operationally via violation of noncontextuality (Bell type) inequalities. This sort of contextuality will be compared with incompatibility. It is easy to show that, for quantum observables, there isno contextuality without incompatibility.The natural question arises: What is contextuality without incompatibility? (What is “dry-residue”?) Generally this is the very complex question. We concentrated on contextuality for four quantum observables. We shown that, for “natural quantum observables” ,contextuality is reduced to incompatibility.But, generally contextuality without incompatibility may have some physical content. We found a mathematical constraint extracting the contextuality component from incompatibility. However, the physical meaning of this constraint is not clear. In Appendix 1, we briefly discuss another sort of contextuality based on Bohr’s contextuality-incompatibility principle. Bohr-contextuality plays the crucial role in quantum foundations. Incompatibility is, in fact, a consequence of Bohr-contextuality. Finally, we remark that outside of physics, e.g., in cognitive psychology and decision making Bell-contextuality distilled of incompatibility can play the important role.
Bridging of different sites by bohemians and tourists: analysis by agent-based simulation
Authors: Horiuchi Shiro
Published: December 2020

Individuals often aggregate in areas of high density where they can form profitable social networks. Individuals of few resources cannot manage the high costs of density and are displaced into areas of low density. The lifestyle of bohemian and tourist may increase the profits of all parties and shrink inequalities among sites. Since these lifestyles are possible only for the rich, this phenomenon may further expand inequality. To test the effects of the lifestyle of bohemian and tourist on inequality, we run an agent-based simulation (ABS) in which some agents (individuals) select only their residence sites (singular) and others select two sites for their residence and visits (dual), paying additive costs. The ABS demonstrates that when we increase the number of duals, all agents gain higher profits, and inequalities among agents of different sites decrease. The ABS also demonstrates that any agent evolves to a dual when the costs of density and travel are small. Further research could consider the possibility of the dual lifestyle by conducting studies on groups of bohemians and tourists.
Usage of Ti-surface-modified filler material to increase the joint strength of High-Strength Low Alloyed (HSLA) steels under different load types
Authors: Treutler Kai , Wesling Volker
Published: December 2020

Welding-related loss of strength, especially in the case of fatigue, significantly reduces the range of applications for high-strength fine-grained structural steels. In order to counteract this situation, the aim of the work is to increase the strength of welded joints made of high-strength fine-grained structural steels by using coated welding consumables. This is described using the example of a titanium coating for quasi-static and abrupt dynamic load and fatigue. The thermomechanical rolled fine-grained structural steel S700MC is used as the base material, using a welding filler of the same type. MAG welding was used to produce the fillet welds on a T-joint. In addition to tensile tests at four different load speeds up to 2 m/s, the results of fatigue tests are presented. In addition, the microstructure of the weld seams is examined by metallographic methods and the scanning electron microscope. A comparison with two joints from an unmodified variant and another steel grade with comparable properties (S690QL) serves to classify the results. It is shown that the use of modified filler metals has a significant influence on the overall strength of the welded joint due to the rounding of the weld toe. Thus, the fatigue strength can be increased by around 50%. In addition, the strength under sudden dynamic load can be increased by 10%.
“Like a Double-edged Sword”: Student Testimonials on Campus Carry in Texas
Authors: LEHTONEN MALLA , SEPPÄLÄ MILA
Published: December 2020

Undergraduates from three Texas universities were given free rein to draw and write about their experiences with the state's Campus Carry law. Through analyzing the personal stories, rationalizations, poems, and drawings the students produced, we offer insight into how they view the law and how it has impacted their sense of security. What emerges is a complex picture, revealing that students hold inconsistent – or even contradictory – beliefs in the dichotomy of being either for or against guns on campus. This essay complements existing research on the Campus Carry debate by uncovering the ambivalence that quantitative approaches alone may not capture.
Effects of oral supplementation with organically modified clinoptilolite during prepartum period on colostrum quality in primiparous dairy cows
Authors: Stojić Milica , Ilić Vesna , Kovačić Marijana , Gvozdić Dragan , Stajković Silvana , Vejnović Branislav , Savić Olivera , Fratrić Natalija
Published: December 2020

This research paper addresses the hypothesis that an oral supplementation with organically modified clinoptilolite will improve colostrum quality in primiparous dairy cows whilst having no adverse effects on the cows' health. A total of 36 pregnant Holstein primiparous dairy cattle were randomly assigned to receive daily oral drenching, two hours following morning feeding, with 1 l of water containing either 0 g/l (n = 16) or 150 g/l (n = 20) of clinoptilolite. Treatment lasted from 24 ± 4 d prior to expected parturition until two days postpartum (pp). Colostrum was collected at 2 to 3 h, 12, 24 and 36 h pp and blood samples were collected at 24 ± 4 and 4 ± 2 d prior to parturition and 1, 2 and 7 d pp. Overall mean dry matter, fat and total protein percentage as well as IgG concentration and mass were significantly greater in colostrum collected from cattle drenched with clinoptilolite (total protein increased by 15% and IgG concentration and mass by 21 and 38% respectively at first sampling and further at second sampling). Total γ globulin and most other blood serum biochemistry parameters did not differ between cattle treated and not treated with clinoptilolite, the only exception being the fast anionic γ globulin fraction that was 17% greater at 4 ± 2 d prior to parturition and 10% lower on the 1st day pp in treated cattle. These results showed that organically modified oral clinoptilolite supplementation at 150 g/d significantly increases the IgG concentration in colostrum and has no adverse effects on the energy status, protein, lipid, and mineral metabolism in primiparous dairy cattle during prepartum period.
The Idea of Moral Duties to History
Authors: Smilansky Saul
Published: December 2020

History is, indeed, little more than the register of the crimes, follies, and misfortunes of mankind.

Edward Gibbon,The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

I argue that there are duties that can be called ‘Moral duties due to history’ or, in short, ‘Duties to History’ (DTH). My claim is not the familiar thought that we need to learn from history on how to live better in the present and going forward, but that history itself creates moral duties. In addition to those obligations we currently recognise in response to the present and the future, there also exist special obligations in response to the past. If convincing, this means that our lives ought to be guided, in part, not only by our obligations to the living but by our DTH. This is a surprising result, with significant and sometimes perplexing implications. My focus is on the obligations of individuals in the light of history rather than on collective duties.

I argue that there are duties that can be called ‘Moral duties due to history’ or, in short, ‘Duties to History’ (DTH). My claim is not the familiar thought that we need to learn from history on how to live better in the present and going forward, but that history itself creates moral duties. In addition to those obligations we currently recognise in response to the present and the future, there also exist special obligations in response to the past; such as obligations to good people in the past, but going beyond them. If convincing, this means that our lives ought to be guided, in part, not only by our obligations to the living but by our DTH. This is a surprising result, with significant and sometimes perplexing implications. My focus is on the obligations of individuals in the light of history rather than on collective duties.
Bi-dimensional acculturation and depressive symptom trajectories from pregnancy to 1 year postpartum in marriage-based immigrant women in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Hung-Hui , Lai Jerry Cheng-Yen , Hwang Fang-Ming , Chien Li-Yin
Published: December 2020

Background

Childbirth may pose many challenges to the psychological well-being of marriage-based immigrant mothers in interracial marriages, who must negotiate bi-dimensional acculturation – adaptation to the host culture and maintenance of her own heritage culture. We examined the temporal relationships between bi-dimensional acculturation and depressive symptoms from pregnancy to 1 year postpartum among marriage-based immigrant mothers in Taiwan using the cross-lagged structural equation modeling.

Methods

This study recruited 310 immigrant mothers, who were examined in the second and third trimesters, and again at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year postpartum from March 2013 to December 2015. Depressive symptoms and bi-dimensional acculturation were measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and Bidimensional Acculturation Scale for Marriage-Based Immigrant Women, respectively.

Results

The study found that adaptation to the host culture followed a downward linear trajectory, while maintenance of the mother's own heritage culture followed an upward linear trajectory from pregnancy to 1 year postpartum. All but one cross-lagged path between bi-dimensional acculturation and depressive symptoms was statistically insignificant, though almost all cross-sectional associations were significant. Adaptation to host culture was negatively associated with depressive symptoms at all time points. The association between maintenance of heritage culture and depressive symptoms reversed from positive to negative after 6 months postpartum.

Conclusions

Adaptation to the host culture and maintenance of the mother's heritage culture differed in their associations with maternal depressive symptoms. Health professionals should assist immigrant mothers in adapting to the host culture while supporting their heritage culture in the childbearing period.
Understanding adolescent responses to differently worded suicide attempt questions: results from a large US pediatric sample
Authors: Hatkevich Claire , Grupp-Phelan Jacqueline , Brent David , Barney Bradley J. , Casper T. Charles , Melzer-Lange Marlene , Cwik Mary , King Cheryl A.
Published: December 2020

Background

Clinical assessments are a primary method for ascertaining suicide risk, yet the language used across measures is inconsistent. The implications of these discrepancies for adolescent responding are unknown, which is troubling as multiple research areas (i.e. on culture, mental health language, and suicide communication) indicate individuals from varying sociodemographic backgrounds may communicate differently regarding mental health concerns. The aims of the current study are to investigate whether a geographically diverse sample of adolescents respond differently to directly and indirectly phrased suicide attempt questions (i.e. directly phrased includes the term ‘suicide’ and indirectly asks about suicidal behavior without using ‘suicide’), and to examine whether sociodemographic factors and history of mental health service usage relate to endorsement differences.

Methods

Participants wereN= 5909 adolescents drawn from the Emergency Department Screening for Teens at Risk for Suicide multi-site study. The lifetime suicide attempt was assessed with two items from an adapted version of the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS; Posner et al., 2008): (1) a directly phrased question asking about ‘suicide attempts’ and (2) an indirectly phrased question providing the definition of an attempt.

Results

An adolescent majority (83.7%) consistently reported no lifetime suicide attempt across items, 10.1% consistently reported one or more lifetime attempts across items, and 6.2% of adolescents responded discordantly to the items.

Conclusions

Multivariable models indicated multiple demographic and mental health service variables significantly predicted discordant responding, with a notable finding being that father/stepfather education level at or below high school education predicted endorsing only the direct question.