bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal Shock Synthesis of Nanocatalyst by 3D‐Printed Miniaturized Reactors
Authors: Qiao Yun , Yao Yonggang , Liu Yang , Chen Chaoji , Wang Xizheng , Zhong Geng , Liu Dapeng , Hu Liangbing
Published: May 2020

High temperature synthesis and treatments are ubiquitous in chemical reactions and material manufacturing. However, conventional sintering furnaces are bulky and inefficient with a narrow temperature range (<1500 K) and slow heating rates (<100 K min−1), which are undesirable for many applications that require transient heating to produce ideal nanostructures. Herein, a 3D‐printed, miniaturized reactor featuring a dense micro‐grid design is developed to maximize the material contact and therefore acheive highly efficient and controllable heating. By 3D printing, a versatile, miniaturized reactor with microscale features can be constructed, which can reach a much wider temperature range (up to ≈3000 K) with ultrafast heating/cooling rates of ≈104 K s−1. To demonstrate the utility of the design, rapid and batch synthesis of Ru nanoparticles supported in ordered mesoporous carbon is performed by transient heating (1500 K, 500 ms). The resulting ultrafine and uniform Ru nanoparticles (≈2 nm) can serve as a cathode in Li‐CO2 batteries with good cycling stability. The miniaturized reactor, with versatile shape design and highly controllable heating capabilities, provides a platform for nanocatalyst synthesis with localized and ultrafast heating toward high temperatures that is otherwise challenging to achieve.
Sandwich Photothermal Membrane with Confined Hierarchical Carbon Cells Enabling High‐Efficiency Solar Steam Generation
Authors: Tian Cheng , Liu Jing , Ruan Ruofan , Tian Xinlong , Lai Xiaoyong , Xing Lei , Su Yaqiong , Huang Wei , Cao Yang , Tu Jinchun
Published: May 2020

Solar‐driven vaporization is a sustainable solution to water and energy scarcity. However, most of the present evaporators are still suffering from inefficient utilization of converted thermal energy. Herein, a universal sandwich membrane strategy is demonstrated by confining the hierarchical porous carbon cells in two energy barriers to obtain a high‐efficiency evaporator with a rapid water evaporation rate of 1.87 kg m−2 h−1 under 1 sun illumination, which is among the highest performance for carbon‐based and wood‐based evaporators. The significantly enhanced evaporation rate is mainly attributed to the inherently optimized porous evaporation mode derived from the hierarchical hollow structures of pollen carbon cells, and the synergistically regulated water transporting and thermal management performance of the sandwich membrane. Moreover, the constructed sandwich membrane also exhibits excellent self‐regenerating performance in simulated seawater and high salinity water. The developed device can maintain an average evaporation rate of 4.3 L m−2 day−1 in a 25 day consecutive outdoor test.
Hierarchical Octahedra Constructed by Cu2S/MoS2⊂Carbon Framework with Enhanced Sodium Storage
Authors: Shi Nianxiang , Xi Baojuan , Huang Man , Ma Xiaojian , Li Haibo , Feng Jinkui , Xiong Shenglin
Published: May 2020

Metal sulfides have aroused considerable attention for efficient sodium storage because of their high capacity and decent redox reversibility. However, the poor rate capability and fast capacity decay greatly hinder their practical application in sodium‐ion batteries. Herein, a self‐template‐based strategy is designed to controllably synthesize hierarchical microoctahedra assembled with Cu2S/MoS2 heterojunction nanosheets in the porous carbon framework (Cu2S/MoS2⊂PCF) via a facile coprecipitation method coupled with vulcanization treatment. The Cu2S/MoS2⊂PCF microoctahedra with 2D hybrid nanosubunits reasonably integrate several merits including facilitating the diffusion of electrons and Na+ ions, enhancing the electric conductivity, accelerating the ion and charge transfer, and buffering the volume variation. Therefore, the Cu2S/MoS2⊂PCF composite manifests efficient sodium storage performance with high capacity, long cycling life, and excellent rate capability.
A Highly‐Efficient Type I Photosensitizer with Robust Vascular‐Disruption Activity for Hypoxic‐and‐Metastatic Tumor Specific Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Chen Dapeng , Yu Qing , Huang Xuan , Dai Hanming , Luo Tao , Shao Jinjun , Chen Peng , Chen Jie , Huang Wei , Dong Xiaochen
Published: May 2020

Hypoxia severely impedes photodynamic therapy (PDT) efficiency. Worse still, considerable tumor metastasis will occur after PDT. Herein, an organic superoxide radical (O2∙−) nano‐photogenerator as a highly effcient type I photosensitizer with robust vascular‐disrupting efficiency to combat these thorny issues is designed. Boron difluoride dipyrromethene (BODIPY)‐vadimezan conjugate (BDPVDA) is synthesized and enwrapped in electron‐rich polymer‐brushes methoxy‐poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐poly(2‐(diisopropylamino) ethyl methacrylate) (mPEG‐ PPDA) to afford nanosized hydrophilic type I photosensitizer (PBV NPs). Owing to outstanding core–shell intermolecular electron transfer between BDPVDA and mPEG‐PPDA, remarkable O2∙− can be produced by PBV NPs under near‐infrared irradiation even in severe hypoxic environment (2% O2), thus to accomplish effective hypoxic‐tumor elimination. Simultaneously, the efficient ester‐bond hydrolysis of BDPVDA in the acidic tumor microenvironment allows vadimezan release from PBV NPs to disrupt vasculature, facilitating the shut‐down of metastatic pathways. As a result, PBV NPs will not only be powerful in resolving the paradox between traditional type II PDT and hypoxia, but also successfully prevent tumor metastasis after type I PDT treatment (no secondary‐tumors found in 70 days and 100% survival rate), enabling enhancement of existing hypoxic‐and‐metastatic tumor treatment.
Novel 3D Nanoporous Zn–Cu Alloy as Long‐Life Anode toward High‐Voltage Double Electrolyte Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Liu Botian , Wang Songjie , Wang Zilong , Lei Hang , Chen Zhitao , Mai Wenjie
Published: May 2020

The recharge ability of zinc metal‐based aqueous batteries is greatly limited by the zinc anode. The poor cycling durability of Zn anodes is attributed to the dendrite growth, shape change and passivation, but this issue has been ignored by using an excessive amount of Zn in the past. Herein, a 3D nanoporous (3D NP) Zn–Cu alloy is fabricated by a sample electrochemical‐assisted annealing thermal method combined, which can be used directly as self‐supported electrodes applied for renewable zinc‐ion devices. The 3D NP architectures electrode offers high electron and ion transport paths and increased material loading per unit substrate area, which can uniformly deposit/strip Zn and improve charge storage ability. Benefiting from the intrinsic materials and architectures features, the 3D NP Zn–Cu alloy anode exhibits high areal capacity and excellent cycling stability. Further, the fabricated high‐voltage double electrolyte aqueous Zn–Br2 battery can deliver maximum areal specific capacity of ≈1.56 mAh cm−2, which is close to the level of typical commercial Li‐ion batteries. The excellent performance makes it an ideal candidate for next‐generation aqueous zinc‐ion batteries.
Analytical calculation of stress concentrations at welded flange necks
Authors: Seidel Marc
Published: May 2020

Analytische Berechnung von Spannungskonzentrationen an Schweißnähten von Ringflanschverbindungen

Ringflanschverbindungen für Rohrtürme, wie solche für Windenergieanlagen oder Schornsteine, sind einer erheblichen Ermüdungsbeanspruchung ausgesetzt. Neben den Schrauben muss auch die Schweißnaht, die den Flansch mit der Turmschale verbindet, gegen Ermüdungsversagen abgesichert werden. Aufgrund des Vorhandenseins des Flansches treten lokale Biegemomente in der Schale auf, die die nominelle Membranspannung erhöhen, d. h., es treten Spannungskonzentrationen auf. In dieser Arbeit wird ein analytisches Modell vorgestellt, um solche lokalen Biegemomente zu berechnen, sodass Spannungskonzentrationen bestimmt werden können. Das analytische Modell wird mit den Ergebnissen von 3D‐Finite‐Elemente‐Modellen verglichen, wobei eine gute Übereinstimmung festgestellt wird. Die Ergebnisse des vorgestellten Modells werden daher für Entwurfszwecke als angemessen erachtet.
Proton‐Gradient‐Driven Self‐Assembly of Porphyrin and In Situ Dynamic Analysis in a Microflow Platform
Authors: Kanzaki Chisako , Inagawa Arinori , Fukuhara Gaku , Okada Tetsuo , Numata Munenori
Published: May 2020

Despite rapid advances in supramolecular chemistry, only limited attention has been paid to regulating the self‐assembling field, such as by studying diffusional dynamics or the hydrodynamic properties of the solvents that always surround the self‐assembling molecules. Herein, we demonstrate that a proton gradient generated in laminar flow can facilitate the acid‐base reaction, leading to effective self‐assembly of TPPS, a type of porphyrin. In situ fluorescence microspectroscopies reveal that the acid‐base reaction followed by self‐assembly of TPPS proceed under a uniform diffusional environment in the laminar flow, leading to the creation of discrete J‐aggregate fibers (length dispersity Lw/Ln <1.2). Furthermore, we can successfully evaluate the time required for nucleation to be 2.9 ms. In sharp contrast to conventional solution chemistry, the nucleation process of TPPS finishes at a much earlier stage, implying that nucleation might no longer be the rate‐determining step in laminar flow. The present self‐assembly system in laminar flow provides a way to create a variety of supramolecular architectures under reproducible kinetic conditions, and a comprehensive strategy to construct a kinetic database for self‐assembly dynamics.
Subsynovial connective tissue development in the rabbit carpal tunnel
Authors: Schrier Verena J. M. M. , Vrieze Alyssa , Amadio Peter C.
Published: May 2020

The carpal tunnel contains the digital flexor tendons and the median nerve, which are embedded in a unique network of fibrovascular interconnected subsynovial connective tissue (SSCT). Fibrous hypertrophy of the SSCT and subsequent adaptations in mechanical response are found in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), but not much is known about the development of the SSCT. This observational study describes the morphological development of SSCT using histology and ultramicroscopy in an animal model at four time points between late‐term fetuses through adulthood. A transition is seen between 3 days and 6 weeks post‐partum from a dense solid SSCT matrix to a complex multilayered structure connected with collagenous fibrils. These preliminary data show a developmental pattern that matches an adaptive response of the SSCT to loading and motion. Understanding the anatomical development aids in recognizing the pathophysiology of CTS and supports research on new therapeutic approaches.
Socially responsive technologies: toward a co-developmental path
Authors: Tigard Daniel W. , Conradie Niël H. , Nagel Saskia K.
Published: May 2020

Robotic and artificially intelligent (AI) systems are becoming prevalent in our day-to-day lives. As human interaction is increasingly replaced by human–computer and human–robot interaction (HCI and HRI), we occasionally speak and act as though we are blaming or praising various technological devices. While such responses may arise naturally, they are still unusual. Indeed, for some authors, it is the programmers or users—and not the system itself—that we properly hold responsible in these cases. Furthermore, some argue that since directing blame or praise at technology itself is unfitting, designing systems in ways that encourage such practices can only exacerbate the problem. On the other hand, there may be good moral reasons to continue engaging in our natural practices, even in cases involving AI systems or robots. In particular, daily interactions with technology may stand to impact the development of our moral practices in human-to-human interactions. In this paper, we put forward an empirically grounded argument in favor of some technologies being designed for social responsiveness. Although our usual practices will likely undergo adjustments in response to innovative technologies, some systems which we encounter can be designed to accommodate our natural moral responses. In short, fostering HCI and HRI that sustains and promotes our natural moral practices calls for a co-developmental process with some AI and robotic technologies.
Juristische Aspekte der forensischen Altersdiagnostik auf der Grundlage des § 42f SGB VIII
Authors: Befurt L. , Kirchhoff G. , Rudolf E. , Schmeling A.
Published: May 2020

Seit Inkrafttreten des § 42f SGB VIII am 01.11.2015 ist das Verfahren zur Altersfeststellung von unbegleiteten und fraglich minderjährigen Ausländern durch Jugendämter in Deutschland gesetzlich geregelt. Hiernach hat das Jugendamt die Minderjährigkeit zunächst durch Einsichtnahme in die Ausweispapiere des jungen Menschen zu prüfen. Fehlen gültige Ausweispapiere, oder sind die in ihnen enthaltenen Geburtsdaten zweifelhaft, haben Jugendamtsmitarbeiter die Minderjährigkeit mittels einer qualifizierten Inaugenscheinnahme zu beurteilen. Lässt sich auch dadurch eine Minderjährigkeit nicht zweifelsfrei ausschließen, hat das Jugendamt eine ärztliche Untersuchung zur Altersfeststellung zu veranlassen. Eine Analyse der einschlägigen Rechtsprechung sowie der juristischen Fachliteratur ergab, dass Röntgenuntersuchungen zur forensischen Altersdiagnostik auf der Grundlage des § 42f SGB VIII nicht nur zulässig sind, sondern diese auch ausdrücklich eingefordert werden. Die Rechtsprechung erkennt zudem die medizinischen Untersuchungen nach den Empfehlungen der Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forensische Altersdiagnostik (AGFAD) zur Altersdiagnostik unbegleiteter minderjähriger Ausländer als rechtlich zulässige, valide und zumutbare Methode an. Der von der Zentralen Ethikkommission (ZEKO) bei der Bundesärztekammer vertretenen Auffassung, dass die von der AGFAD empfohlenen Methoden nicht geeignet seien, Volljährigkeit hinreichend zuverlässig nachzuweisen, wird von der Rechtsprechung nicht gefolgt. Vielmehr wird darauf verwiesen, dass durch die Anwendung des Mindestalterkonzepts die von der ZEKO geäußerten Bedenken hinsichtlich der Schwankungsbreiten medizinischer Untersuchungen ausgeräumt werden.
Minimally Invasive Proctectomy for Rectal Cancer: A National Perspective on Short‐term Outcomes and Morbidity
Authors: Taylor James P. , Stem Miloslawa , Althumairi Azah A. , Gearhart Susan L. , Safar Bashar , Fang Sandy H. , Efron Jonathan E.
Published: May 2020

Background

Prior randomized trials showed comparable short‐term outcomes between open and minimally invasive proctectomy (MIP) for rectal cancer. We hypothesize that short‐term outcomes for MIP have improved as surgeons have become more experienced with this technique.

Methods

Rectal cancer patients who underwent elective abdominoperineal resection (APR) or low anterior resection (LAR) were included from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (2016–2018). Patients were stratified based on intent‐to‐treat protocol: open (O‐APR/LAR), laparoscopic (L‐APR/LAR), robotic (R‐APR/LAR), and hybrid (H‐APR/LAR). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the impact of operative approach on 30‐day morbidity.

Results

A total of 4471 procedures were performed (43.41% APR and 36.59% LAR); O‐APR 42.72%, L‐APR 20.99%, R‐APR 16.79%, and H‐APR 19.51%; O‐LAR 31.48%, L‐LAR 26.34%, R‐LAR 17.48%, and H‐LAR 24.69%. Robotic APR and LAR were associated with shortest length of stay and significantly lower conversion rate. After adjusting for other factors, lap, robotic and hybrid APR and LAR were associated with decreased risk of overall morbidity when compared to open approach. R‐APR and H‐APR were associated with decreased risk of serious morbidity. No difference in the risk of serious morbidity was observed between the four LAR groups.

Conclusion

Appropriate selection of patients for MIP can result in better short‐term outcomes, and consideration for MIP surgery should be made.
Factors influencing agreement of breast cancer luminal molecular subtype by Ki67 labeling index between core needle biopsy and surgical resection specimens
Authors: Tendl-Schulz Kristina A. , Rössler Fabian , Wimmer Philipp , Heber Ulrike M. , Mittlböck Martina , Kozakowski Nicolas , Pinker Katja , Bartsch Rupert , Dubsky Peter , Fitzal Florian , Filipits Martin , Eckel Fanny Carolina , Langthaler Eva-Maria , Steger Günther , Gnant Michael , Singer Christian F. , Helbich Thomas H. , Bago-Horvath Zsuzsanna
Published: May 2020

Reliable determination of Ki67 labeling index (Ki67-LI) on core needle biopsy (CNB) is essential for determining breast cancer molecular subtype for therapy planning. However, studies on agreement between molecular subtype and Ki67-LI between CNB and surgical resection (SR) specimens are conflicting. The present study analyzed the influence of clinicopathological and sampling-associated factors on agreement. Molecular subtype was determined visually by Ki67-LI in 484 pairs of CNB and SR specimens of invasive estrogen receptor (ER)–positive, human epidermal growth factor (HER2)–negative breast cancer. Luminal B disease was defined by Ki67-LI > 20% in SR. Correlation of molecular subtype agreement with age, menopausal status, CNB method, Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System imaging category, time between biopsies, type of surgery, and pathological tumor parameters was analyzed. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method. CNB had a sensitivity of 77.95% and a specificity of 80.97% for identifying luminal B tumors in CNB, compared with the final molecular subtype determination after surgery. The correlation of Ki67-LI between CNB and SR was moderate (ROC-AUC 0.8333). Specificity and sensitivity for CNB to correctly define molecular subtype of tumors according to SR were significantly associated with tumor grade, immunohistochemical progesterone receptor (PR) and p53 expression (p < 0.05). Agreement of molecular subtype did not significantly impact RFS and OS (p = 0.22 for both). The identified factors likely mirror intratumoral heterogeneity that might compromise obtaining a representative CNB. Our results challenge the robustness of a single CNB-driven measurement of Ki67-LI to identify luminal B breast cancer of low (G1) or intermediate (G2) grade.
Evidence-based diagnosis and clinical practice guidelines for intestinal Behçet’s disease 2020 edited by Intractable Diseases, the Health and Labour Sciences Research Grants
Authors: Watanabe Kenji , Tanida Satoshi , Inoue Nagamu , Kunisaki Reiko , Kobayashi Kiyonori , Nagahori Masakazu , Arai Katsuhiro , Uchino Motoi , Koganei Kazutaka , Kobayashi Taku , Takeno Mitsuhiro , Ueno Fumiaki , Matsumoto Takayuki , Mizuki Nobuhisa , Suzuki Yasuo , Hisamatsu Tadakazu
Published: May 2020

Behçet's disease (BD) is an intractable systemic inflammatory disease characterized by four main symptoms: oral and genital ulcers and ocular and cutaneous involvement. The Japanese diagnostic criteria of BD classify intestinal BD as a specific disease type. Volcano-shaped ulcers in the ileocecum are a typical finding of intestinal BD, and punched-out ulcers can be observed in the intestine or esophagus. Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors were first approved for the treatment of intestinal BD in Japan and have been used as standard therapy. In 2007 and 2014, the Japan consensus statement for the diagnosis and management of intestinal BD was established. Recently, evidence-based JSBD (Japanese Society for BD) Clinical Practice Guidelines for BD (Japanese edition) were published, and the section on intestinal BD was planned to be published in English. Twenty-eight important clinical questions (CQs) for diagnosis (CQs 1–6), prognosis (CQ 7), monitoring and treatment goals (CQs 8–11), medical management and general statement (CQs 12–13), medical treatment (CQs 14–22), and surgical treatment (CQs 23–25) of BD and some specific situations (CQs 26–28) were selected as unified consensus by the members of committee. The statements and comments were made following a search of published scientific evidence. Subsequently, the levels of recommendation were evaluated based on clinical practice guidelines in the Medical Information Network Distribution Service. The degree of agreement was calculated using anonymous voting. We also determined algorithms for diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for intestinal BD. The present guidelines will facilitate decision making in clinical practice.
Bioefficacy of Some Aqueous Phytoextracts Against Clavibacter Michiganensis Subsp. Michiganensis (Smith), the Cause of Bacterial Canker of Tomato
Authors: Siddique Muhammad , Din Naseerud , Ahmad Musharaf , Ali Asad , Naz Ishrat , Alam Syed Sartaj , Ullah Najeeb
Published: May 2020

The ability of some medicinal plants was explored to control bacterial canker of tomato caused byClavibacter michiganensissubsp.michiganensis. The plants tested includedPeganum harmala, Allium sativum, Withania somnifera, Melia azedarach, Calotropis procera, Mentha piperitaandNerium oleander. Aqueous extracts ofP. harmalaandM. piperitaproved to be very effective underin vitroconditions againstClavibacter michiganensissubsp.michiganensis. Inin vivostudies, the highest dose of dried powder ofP. harmalaandM. piperitakg−1of soil decreased disease severity significantly. Other yield-contributing parameters were also enhanced by the application of dried powder and no phytotoxicity was observed at given concentrations. Alkaloids, tannins, glycosides, flavonoids and saponins were detected in aqueous extracts ofP. harmala, W. somnifera, M. azedarach, C. proceraandM. piperita. Dried powders ofP. harmalaandM. piperitacould be incorporated as an integral part in the integrated disease management programs againstClavibacter michiganensissubsp.michiganensis.
The Environmental Impacts of the Coronavirus
Authors: Helm Dieter
Published: May 2020

The Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic has resulted in global lockdowns, sharply curtailing economic activity. It is a unique experiment with substantial impacts that will form the agenda for research. There are five sets of questions: the short-term impacts on emissions, the natural environment and environmental policy, including regulations and COP26; longer-term consequences from the deployment of macroeconomic monetary and fiscal stimuli, and investment in green deals; possible further deglobalisation and its impact on climate change and nature; intergenerational environmental impacts including debt and pollution burdens on future generations; and possible behavioural changes to the environment, both positive and negative.
Quantum Secure Multi-party Private Set Intersection Cardinality
Authors: Liu Bai , Zhang Mingwu , Shi Runhua
Published: May 2020

As we know that data sharing, a critical element in social networks, has the benefits of exploring important information, while also has the disadvantage of information leakage. Therefore, without the reliable third party arbitration agency, it is impossible to share information privately by distrustful multi-party. In this paper, we proposed a protocol called Quantum Secure Multi-party Private Set Intersection Cardinality (QSMS-IC), which has the capability of resisting quantum attacks. QSMS-IC, the extension of two-parity private set intersection cardinality which was proposed in Information Sciences(2016,147-158), utilizes quantum transformation, quantum measurements and quantum parallelism to solve multi-party private set intersection cardinality problems. Compared with two-party PSI-CA protocols, our proposed protocol can solve the data sharing among multi-party without the reliable third party arbitration agency. It also can be used in numerous applications and more suitable to the actual cases. For instance, large-scale social networks and privacy-preserving data ming.
Access and allocation in food governance, a decadal view 2008–2018
Authors: Azizi Dona
Published: May 2020

Achieving food security worldwide raises a number of issues with regard to the distribution of global resources. On the one hand, access to resources and ecospace is essential for individuals in order to survive; on the other hand, the allocation of the earth’s resources as well as risks and responsibilities are relevant for the global community. Yet, elements of access and allocation are various and complex, encompassing social, environmental, and economic dimensions in an increasingly fragmented global governance structure. Drawing on the multidisciplinary governance framework on access and allocation by Gupta and Lebel, this paper provides a synoptical review of the literature on food security of the past decade from the perspective of the earth system governance scholarship. This article addresses the question: what have we learnt about access and allocation issues in the area of food governance and its implications for food security? In addressing this question, this review examines how institutions, norms and power affect access to and allocation of resources. The paper draws out key trends and lessons from the literature to conclude that research needs to be sensitive to the complexity and intersectionality of food, the systemic challenges that it poses, and the broader political economy around it.
The effect of artificial light at night on the biomass of caterpillars feeding in urban tree canopies
Authors: Péter Áron , Seress Gábor , Sándor Krisztina , Vincze Ernő , Klucsik Krisztián Pál , Liker András
Published: May 2020

Alternation of day and night is the oldest cycle on Earth, which is increasingly disturbed by the accelerating rate of urbanization and technological development. Despite the ubiquity of light pollution in cities, many aspects of its influence on urban ecosystems are still poorly understood. Here we studied the effect of artificial light at night (ALAN) on the biomass of arboreal caterpillar populations, which are a major component of the diet of many insectivorous animals. We predicted that increasing ALAN intensity is associated with reduced caterpillar biomass, because ALAN may increase predation risk for both caterpillars and adult lepidopterans (i.e. moths), and can also hinder the moths’ reproductive rate. We estimated caterpillar biomass from frass samples (n = 3061) collected from 36 focal trees in two cities in Hungary during four consecutive years. To quantify ALAN we measured light intensity during night at each focal tree (range of illumination: 0.69–3.18 lx). We found that caterpillar biomass of individual trees was repeatable over the four years. This temporal consistency in prey biomass production may be important for birds because it can help predict territory quality, especially in cities where caterpillar abundance is generally low. Our results did not support the negative effect of ALAN on urban caterpillar populations, because ALAN intensity was not related to caterpillar biomass, and this lack of effect was consistent between study sites and tree species. We suggest that the effect of ALAN on urban caterpillar biomass is either weak and thus can be masked by other, local environmental factors, or light pollution may have antagonistic effects acting during different stages of the lepidopteran life cycle. Another explanation could be that even the lower levels of our sites’ public lighting are strong enough to cause serious detrimental effects for caterpillars, resulting in their uniformly low biomass.
The Problem of Over-Inclusive Offenses: A Closer Look at Duff on Legal Moralism and Mala Prohibita
Authors: Bero Stephen , Sarch Alex
Published: May 2020

There are sometimes good reasons to define a criminal offense in a way that is over-inclusive, in the sense that the definition will encompass conduct that is not otherwise wrongful. But are these reasons ever sufficient? When, if ever, can such laws justifiably be made and enforced? When, if ever, can they permissibly be violated? In The Realm of Criminal Law, Antony Duff tackles this challenge head on. We find Duff’s strategy promising in many ways as an effort to reconcile over-inclusive offenses with the wrongness constraint on criminalization. Nonetheless, we aim to move the discussion forward by raising questions about Duff’s solution and highlighting some limitations and costs. We begin in Part 2 by sketching the contours of Duff’s position; then in Part 3 we propose one refinement and offer two practical observations; and finally, in Part 4 we raise broader concerns. In particular, we question whether the problem of over-inclusive offenses is one that can or ought to be solved, or whether it is better conceived as a difficulty to be managed and mitigated. Of course, we should avoid undue harshness in the law where we can, and Duff’s approach is guided by this worthy ambition. But there may also be a limit to this. To the extent that the harshness cannot be avoided, perhaps this should be acknowledged and faced up to, rather than obscured or finessed.
Identification of yellowhorn (Xanthoceras sorbifolium) WRKY transcription factor family and analysis of abiotic stress response model
Authors: Liu Zhi , Saiyinduleng  , Chang Qiaoying , Cheng Chuwen , Zheng Zhimin , Yu Song
Published: May 2020

WRKY transcription factors are widely distributed in higher plants and play important roles in many biological processes, including stress resistance. The recently published genome sequence of yellowhorn, an oil tree with robust resistance to cold, drought, heat, salt and alkali, provides an excellent opportunity to identify and characterize the entire yellowhorn WRKY protein family and a basis for the study of abiotic stress resistance of WRKY gene family in forest species. In the present comprehensive analysis of WRKY transcription factors in yellowhorn, 65 WRKY genes were identified and defined based on their location on the chromosome. According to their structure and phylogenetic relationships, XsWRKY genes clustered into WRKY groups I–III. Segmental duplication events played a significant role in the expansion of WRKY gene family. Furthermore, transcriptomic data and real-time quantitative PCR analysis showed that expression of XsWRKY genes responding to salt and drought stresses and a hormone treatment. We also determined structures of the encoded proteins, cis-elements of the promoter region, and expression patterns. These results provide a foundation for the study of the biological function of WRKY transcription factors in yellowhorn.
Impact of Peak Material Volume of Polycrystalline CVD Diamond Coatings on Dry Friction Against Aluminum
Authors: Prieske M.
Published: May 2020

For economic and environmental reasons, dry forming is of increasing interest due to the shortening of process chains, cost savings and reduction of environmental pollution. The aim of these investigations is to examine to what extent chemical vapor deposited (CVD) diamond coatings are suitable for dry forming of aluminum and to identify the surface topology requirements for a low friction coefficient and low wear. Nine different surface topologies of CVD diamond coatings were tested in an oscillating ball-on-plate tribometer test against aluminum balls with a Hertzian contact stress of 759 MPa and 99,900 cycles. It could be concluded that the peak material volume (Vmp) of the diamond coating is the most important factor for achieving a low abrasion of aluminum as well as a low friction coefficient against aluminum. The Vmp should be smaller than 0.04 ml/m2. Microcrystalline CVD diamond with a post-treated surface has great potential for dry forming of aluminum.
The role of siblings in the process of forming life satisfaction among young adults – moderating function of gender
Authors: Szymańska Paulina
Published: May 2020

The main aim of the study was to explore the relationship between life satisfaction and sibling bond quality, with gender playing a moderating role. The sample consisted of 276 young adults with a single biological sibling. The participants completed three questionnaires: a sociodemographic survey, the STQ-Now (quality of the sibling relationship) and the SWLS (level of life satisfaction). No difference was observed between men and women regarding life satisfaction; however, the gender constellation in a sibling dyad was found to be statistically significant. Same-sex pairs scored higher on life satisfaction than cross-sex siblings. A positive relationship with a brother or a sister based on mutuality correlated with high overall satisfaction with life, while criticism, competition and apathy were associated with lower general satisfaction. Additionally, two of these relations (i.e. mutuality and apathy) were moderated by gender. Lastly, representatives of the Supportive type of relationships obtained higher levels of life satisfaction than the Ambivalent or the Reluctant types. The findings suggest that siblings play an essential role in shaping psychological well-being. As early adulthood is a stage characterised by multitasking and various challenges, the formation of positive, adaptive and supportive sibling bond may maintain good life satisfaction. The findings also underline the significance of gender combination in the relationship.
Treatment options in early triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Suppan Christoph , Balic Marija
Published: May 2020

With a main focus on the early stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), new data on immunotherapy in combination with chemotherapy, the role of capecitabine, the potential of circulating tumor DNA as a predictive tool in the postneoadjuvant setting and new treatment approaches were presented and discussed at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) 2019.
Magnetic Nanoparticles as MRI Contrast Agents
Authors: Avasthi Ashish , Caro Carlos , Pozo-Torres Esther , Leal Manuel Pernia , García-Martín María Luisa
Published: May 2020

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have emerged as a promising alternative to conventional contrast agents (CAs) for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). They have been extensively investigated as CAs due to their high biocompatibility and excellent magnetic properties. Furthermore, the ease of functionalization of their surfaces with different types of ligands (antibodies, peptides, sugars, etc.) opens up the possibility of carrying out molecular MRI. Thus, IONPs functionalized with epithelial growth factor receptor antibodies, short peptides, like RGD, or aptamers, among others, have been proposed for the diagnosis of various types of cancer, including breast, stomach, colon, kidney, liver or brain cancer. In addition to cancer diagnosis, different types of IONPs have been developed for other applications, such as the detection of brain inflammation or the early diagnosis of thrombosis. This review addresses key aspects in the development of IONPs for MRI applications, namely, synthesis of the inorganic core, functionalization processes to make IONPs biocompatible and also to target them to specific tissues or cells, and finally in vivo studies in animal models, with special emphasis on tumor models.
The global existence and attractor for p-Laplace equations in unbounded domains
Authors: Farwig Reinhard , Qian Chenyin
Published: May 2020

The asymptotic behavior for a class of parabolic p-Laplace equations in an open bounded or unbounded domain of $${\mathbb{R}}^N$$

R

N

is investigated. Based on a general condition on the nonlinearity f(x, u) and the invading domain technique, the global well-posedness of the equation is established. By proving the $$\omega$$
ω
-limit compactness of the continuous semigroup, the existence of the global attractor for the equation is obtained. Besides, in case of bounded domains, we also get estimates of the finite fractal dimension of the global attractor based on the classical method of $$\ell$$
ℓ
-trajectories.
Uniform convergence to equilibrium for a family of drift–diffusion models with trap-assisted recombination and the limiting Shockley–Read–Hall model
Authors: Fellner Klemens , Kniely Michael
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we establish convergence to equilibrium for a drift–diffusion–recombination system modelling the charge transport within certain semiconductor devices. More precisely, we consider a two-level system for electrons and holes which is augmented by an intermediate energy level for electrons in so-called trapped states. The recombination dynamics use the mass action principle by taking into account this additional trap level. The main part of the paper is concerned with the derivation of an entropy–entropy production inequality, which entails exponential convergence to the equilibrium via the so-called entropy method. The novelty of our approach lies in the fact that the entropy method is applied uniformly in a fast-reaction parameter which governs the lifetime of electrons on the trap level. Thus, the resulting decay estimate for the densities of electrons and holes extends to the corresponding quasi-steady-state approximation.
Health-Related Lifestyles, Substance-Related Behaviors, and Sexual Habits Among Italian Young Adult Males: An Epidemiologic Study
Authors: Flesia Luca , Cavalieri Francesca , Angelini Stefano , Bottesi Gioia , Ghisi Marta , Tonon Enrico , Roldan Agustina Perez , Di Nisio Andrea , Garolla Andrea , Ferlin Alberto , Foresta Carlo
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Young adult males are more likely to demonstrate health-risk behaviors than other individuals. The use of specific data about health-risk behaviors within this population might be important to promote effective preventive psychosocial and educational programs and interventions.

Aim

To provide a detailed description of health-related lifestyles, substance-related behaviors, and sexual habits that can negatively affect fertility, sexual sphere, and health in a large sample of Italian young adult males.

Methods

A sample comprising 2,170 males aged 18–21 years, attending the last year of high school, was administered an online questionnaire made up of 39 multiple-choice questions. The questionnaire explored health-related lifestyles, substance-related behaviors, and sexuality and sexual habits. Descriptive analyses were conducted.

Main outcome measure

The outcome measures included data about health-related lifestyles, substance-related behaviors, and sexuality and sexual habits reported by Italian young adult males.

Results

Health-related lifestyles: 92.9% of the sample reported practicing some physical activity during the week. 90.3% declared a Mediterranean diet and 8.1% a hyperproteic diet. Substance-related behaviors: 33.8% of the sample reported having smoked tobacco at least once in their lives; among them, 71% reported current daily smoking. 40.2% declared drinking alcohol from 5 to 7 days in a week. 32.9% of the sample reported currently using a substance. Sexuality and sexual habits: 97.1% of the sample self-defined themselves as heterosexual. 73.3% of participants rated their knowledge about sexuality as “excellent/good,” 58.7% about sexually transmitted infections. Only 4.8% reported having had a seminal liquid examination. Half of the sample (52.2%) declared having had sexual intercourses, in the largest proportion protected sex. 14.7% of the sample reported having at least one sexual dysfunction. 88.6% of participants reported having used pornography, 18.7% every day.

Conclusion

The present study highlighted the need to empower the number and efficacy of preventive interventions to promote health-related behaviors among Italian young male population.
The effects of teenage childbearing on education, physical health, and mental distress: evidence from Mexico
Authors: Gunes Pinar Mine , Tsaneva Magda
Published: May 2020

This paper estimates the effects of teenage childbearing on education, working, physical and mental health, and physical activity of young girls in Mexico using two waves of the nationally representative Mexican Family Life Survey. We employ a propensity score matching model that accounts for a rich set of baseline covariates that predict teenage childbearing to attempt to reduce the bias due to confounding variables associated with teenage childbearing. The results demonstrate that teenage childbearing is associated with an increase in the probability of being overweight, and reductions in physical activity and the probability of high school completion. Moreover, the results are consistent when we employ sibling fixed effects to account for unobservable family background.
Incorporating Issues of Elderly Loneliness into the Coronavirus Disease–2019 Public Health Response
Authors: Patel Sonny S. , Clark-Ginsberg Aaron
Published: May 2020

As the systems that people depend on are increasingly strained by the coronavirus disease–2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, public health impacts are manifesting in different ways beyond morbidity and mortality for elderly populations. Loneliness is already a chief public health concern that is being made worse by COVID-19. Agencies should recognize the prevalence of loneliness among elderly populations and the impacts that their interventions have on loneliness. This letter describes several ways that loneliness can be addressed to build resilience for elderly populations as part of the public health response to COVID-19.
Initial Coronavirus Disease–2019 Closure Strategies Adopted by a Convenience Sample of US School Districts: Directions for Future Research
Authors: Schlegelmilch Jeff , Douglas Claire
Published: May 2020

School closures are an important strategy to mitigate the impacts of a pandemic. But an optimal approach to transitioning from in-person to distance learning approaches is lacking. We analyzed a convenience sample of public K-12 schools in the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. This initial snapshot provides some insights to inform future research into the variation of strategies across school districts, and would benefit from more rigorous methods to determine true correlations between demographic and geographic factors. Additionally, many of these strategies have evolved in response to ongoing and prolonged public health social distancing measures implemented after this analysis was conducted.
Prepared to Respond? Exploring Personal Disaster Preparedness and Nursing Staff Response to Disasters
Authors: Adams Lavonne M. , Melius Joyce
Published: May 2020

Objectives:

This pilot study explored personal disaster preparedness of nursing staff and their ability and willingness to respond following a disaster.

Methods:

All nurses from a single hospital were invited to participate; 91 completed an online survey asking them to rate their ability and willingness to report to work following the disaster scenarios and to indicate whether they had pursued various preparedness activities. Data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics using Minitab 17 Statistical Software.

Results:

Participants reflected a cross-section of major acute care units and nursing specialties. The majority of participants indicated being able and willing to report to work following the disaster scenarios. Personal disaster preparedness varied, with few activities pursued by the majority. Few scenarios produced a relationship between preparedness activities and ability or willingness to report to work.

Conclusions:

Despite the majority of participants indicating they would be able and willing to report to work during a disaster, they acknowledged barriers affecting them. Most disaster scenarios showed no statistically significant relationship with preparedness activities. Nurses should consider barriers that affect their own availability for work following a disaster and identify potential solutions. Future research related to mitigation of possible barriers to surge capacity would be useful.
Tunable optical frequency comb from a compact and robust Er:fiber laser
Authors: Zhu Zhiwei , Liu Yang , Luo Daping , Gu Chenglin , Zhou Lian , Xie Gehui , Deng Zejiang , Li Wenxue
Published: May 2020

We report on a compact and robust self-referenced optical frequency comb with a tunable repetition rate, generated by an all-polarization-maintaining (PM) mode-locked Er-doped fiber laser. The spacing between comb teeth can be tuned above 300 kHz at a repetition rate of 101 MHz. The repetition rate and the carrier–envelope offset of the laser are stabilized separately, and the relative residual phase noises are determined to be

$336~\unicode[STIX]{x03BC}\text{rad}$

and 713 mrad (1 Hz–1 MHz). The accurate frequency characteristics and the stable structure show great potential for the use of such a comb in applications of precision measurements.
Free Vibration Analysis of Lock Gate Structure
Authors: Singh Deepak Kumar , Pal Priyaranjan , Duggal S. K.
Published: May 2020

The effect of fluid on the natural frequencies of a vertical rectangular lock gate is investigated. The fluid is assumed to be inviscid and incompressible having an irrotational flow field. The far boundary of fluid domain is truncated near the lock gate structure by solving the Laplace equation using Fourier half range cosine series expansion. The formulation of lock gate structure is governed using Mindlin’s plate theory. The coupled interaction between the fluid domain and the lock gate structure is established using finite element method (FEM) and a computer code is written using FORTRAN. Convergence study and validation of the formulation are carried out to minimise the computational error. The natural frequencies of lock gate coupled with and without fluid are determined for undisturbed and linearised free surface conditions. By varying extent of fluid domain, the effect on the natural frequencies of lock gate is evaluated. The results of natural frequencies obtained may be useful to the designer when the reservoir lock gate structure is exposed to the natural disasters.
Investigation of Bending Stiffness of Gas Turbine Engine Rotor Flanged Connection
Authors: Nizametdinov F.R. , Romashin Yu.S. , Berne A.L. , Leontyev M.K.
Published: May 2020

The article deals with the modeling of stiffness properties of the rotors flange joints, which largely determine overall dynamics. Research is conducted on the example of the standard compressor shaft flange connection and the disk of the high-pressure turbine in the gas generator of the gas turbine engine (GTE). It is noted that the bending stiffness of the flange connection is a nonlinear function of the bending moment, whose both experimental and analysis magnitude is related to the rotor deflection from the unbalanced forces. It is shown that the value of the bending stiffness essentially depends not upon the flange connection geometry but on the bolts tightening force, the axial force, the tensile joint, the contact strain of the flange surfaces. Analysis of the effect obtained in different models of the flange connection of the bending stiffness values on the overall dynamics of the rotor showed the necessity of taking into account the entire set of factors acting in the joint.