bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Normalized solutions for the fractional Schrödinger equation with a focusing nonlocal perturbation
Authors: Li Gongbao , Luo Xiao , Yang Tao
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we study the existence and asymptotic properties of solutions to the following fractional Schrödinger equation:

under the normalized constraint

where N ≥ 2, σ ∈ (0, 1), α ∈ (0, N), q ∈ (2 + 4σ/N, 2N/N − 2σ], p ∈ [2, 1 + 2σ + α/N), a > 0, μ > 0,
and
appears as a Lagrange multiplier. In the Sobolev subcritical case q ∈ (2 + 4σ/N, 2N/N − 2σ), we show that the problem admits at least two solutions under suitable assumptions on α, a, and μ. In the Sobolev critical case
, we prove that the problem possesses at least one ground state solution. Furthermore, we give some stability and asymptotic properties of the solutions. We mainly extend the results of S. Bhattarai published in 2017 on J. Differ. Equ. and B. H. Feng et al published in 2019 on J. Math. Phys. concerning the above problem from L2‐subcritical and L2‐critical setting to L2‐supercritical setting with respect to q, involving Sobolev critical case especially.
Inverse spectral problems for Dirac operators on a star graph with mixed boundary conditions
Authors: Liu Dai‐Quan , Yang Chuan‐Fu
Published: April 2021

This paper is devoted to some inverse spectral problems for Dirac operators on a star graph with mixed boundary conditions in boundary vertices. By making use of Rouché's theorem, we derive the eigenvalue asymptotics of these operators. Besides, we show that for each of these operators, if the potentials are known a priori for all but one edge on the graph, then the potential on the remaining edge is uniquely determined by part of the potential on this edge and part of its spectrum. Our method relies upon some estimates of infinite products given by Horváth.
Assessment of clinical factors affecting outcome of myasthenia gravis
Authors: Yoshimoto Yukiyo , Ishida Shimon , Hosokawa Takafumi , Arawaka Shigeki
Published: April 2021

Introduction/Aims

In myasthenia gravis (MG) therapy, achieving Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America minimal manifestation (MM) or better status is proposed as a desirable target. However, this level of control is often not achieved and clinical factors affecting prognosis remain unclear.

Methods

Participants were 104 consecutive patients with MG who visited Osaka Medical College Hospital. We retrospectively assessed the association of clinical and laboratory features at baseline with prognosis. Eighty patients who achieved MM or better status were classified as the good outcome group and the remaining 24 patients were classified as the poor outcome group.

Results

The rate of dysphagia at baseline was significantly higher in the poor outcome group than in the good outcome group (P = .002). The levels of serum total protein and albumin at baseline were both significantly lower in the poor outcome group than in the good outcome group (P = .036 and P = .014, respectively). In addition, Controlling Nutritional Status scores at baseline were significantly higher in the poor outcome group than in the good outcome group (P = .043). Multivariate analysis using a Cox proportional hazards model showed that dysphagia (hazard ratio [HR], 6.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.49‐40.31) and hypoalbuminemia (HR, 2.57; 95% CI, 1.04‐6.57) at baseline were risk factors that predicted prognosis.

Discussion

These findings suggest that dysphagia and hypoalbuminemia at baseline are associated with outcomes and are predictive risk factors for poorer outcomes in patients with MG.
Soil‐structure interface modeling with the nonlinear incremental approach
Authors: Yang Jie , Yin Zhen‐Yu
Published: April 2021

This paper aims to develop the nonlinear incremental modeling approach for describing both monotonic and cyclic behaviors of the soil‐structure interface. An exponential function is adopted as an example to reproduce the asymptotic relationship between the interface shear stress ratio and the shear displacement. A stress‐dilatancy relation is developed for the shear‐induced change of interface thickness. A shear stress reversal technique is incorporated for cyclic loading effect. Then, three numerical schemes for simulating constant thickness, constant normal load, and constant normal stiffness tests are established respectively. Next, three modifications are made to enhance the model by introducing a nonlinear shear modulus, the critical state concept, and the grain breakage effect. The enhanced model is evaluated with satisfactory performance in simulating interface tests under various loading conditions. Furthermore, the extensions to other nonlinear incremental interface model and clay‐structure interface modeling with rate effect relating to drainage conditions are successfully demonstrated and discussed.
Low‐velocity impact resistance and acoustic emission evaluation on mechanical failure of carbon fiber weft‐knitting‐reinforced composites
Authors: Tian Qin , Qin Zhigang , Shi Bao , Jia Lixia , Lu Suling , Yan Ruosi
Published: April 2021

In this study, the carbon fiber weft‐knitting (CFWK)‐reinforced composites were prepared and the deformation mechanism during acoustic emission (AE) and low‐velocity impact resistance. To fabricate CFWK composites, single‐sided 1 × 1 variable plain stitch, double‐sided interlock structure, and two inter‐ply and intra‐ply hybrid structures of the former two stitches were applied for reinforcements in epoxy films via hot‐pressing. Moreover, we evaluated the tensile and bending properties during AE and investigated the low‐velocity impact properties of CFWK‐reinforced composites to evaluate the failure mechanism of composites. Finally, we analyzed the effects of laminating numbers, ply angle, and fabric structure on the properties of CFWK‐reinforced composites. Results showed that the composites with 1 × 1 variable plain stitch reinforcement exhibited the highest tensile strength and bending strength (206.22 and 213.43 MPa, respectively) among the composites with a two‐layer structure. The tensile fracture strength of [0/90] laying was 35%–50% lower than that of [0/0] laying. In addition, the cluster analysis on AE signal frequency showed that fiber debonding was the main failure mode, accounting for 68% of the total debonding when stretching along the longitudinal direction of the two‐ply composite loop. Under the impact energy of 4 J, the maximum load of CFWK‐reinforced composites with three‐ply interlock increased by 275% compared to that of single‐ply composites. Furthermore, the three‐ply interlock CFWK‐reinforced composites were perforated under impact energy of 10 J.
Organoids in cancer research: a review for pathologist‐scientists
Authors: Wood Laura D , Ewald Andrew J
Published: April 2021

The use of three‐dimensional (3D) culture models for cancer research has expanded greatly in recent years, with studies in almost every tumor type addressing a wide variety of research questions. Multiple distinct 3D culture approaches are now available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, as well as most effective applications. In this review, we focus on one of these 3D culture models, organoids, in which multicellular units are isolated from primary or metastatic tumors and cultured in extracellular matrix gels. Organoids can be studied in acute cultures for short times after isolation, or passaged and biobanked for long‐term use. We define this model system and describe some key studies in which organoid culture models were used to investigate cellular strategies and molecular mechanisms driving cancer initiation and progression, highlighting research questions for which this model is particularly well suited. In addition, as interest in implementing organoid systems continues to expand, we discuss key considerations in developing a new organoid research program. Our goal is to demonstrate the power and utility of organoid models and provide guidance for investigators who are considering implementation of these models in their own research programs. © 2021 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two‐point blood sampling is sufficient and necessary to estimate the area under the concentration‐time curve for intravenous busulfan in infants and young children
Authors: Utano Tomoyuki , Kato Motohiro , Sakamoto Kenichi , Osumi Tomoo , Matsumoto Kana , Tomizawa Daisuke , Matsumoto Kimikazu , Yamatani Akimasa
Published: April 2021

Background

Therapeutic drug monitoring for busulfan is important to prevent adverse events and improve outcomes in stem cell transplantation. We investigated intravenous busulfan pharmacokinetics and evaluated the utility of limited sampling strategy (LSS) as a simple method to estimate the area under the concentration‐time curve (AUC).

Procedure

The study comprised 87 busulfan measurements in 54 children who received intravenous busulfan between August 2015 and May 2020. AUCs were calculated from three to five blood sampling points in each patient, and the correlation between AUC and plasma concentrations (ng/mL) at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 h after initiating busulfan infusion (C1, C2, C3, C4, and C6, respectively).

Results

By one‐point sampling strategy, the most relevant predicted AUC was based on C6 (r2 = 0.789; precision, 11.0%) in all patients. The predicted AUC based on C6 was acceptable (r2 = 0.937; precision, 5.9%) for adolescent patients weighing >23 kg, but the correlation was poor in infants and young children weighing ≤ 23 kg (r2 = 0.782; precision, 11.4%). By two‐point sampling strategy, the predicted AUC based on C3 and C6 showed the most relevant concentrations (r2 = 0.943; precision, 6.4%), even in infants and young children, whereas the predicted AUC based on C3 and C6 was acceptable (r2 = 0.963; precision, 5.7%).

Conclusions

The AUC of busulfan can be predicted based on C6 in adolescent patients. However, there was substantial interindividual variation in busulfan pharmacokinetics in infants and young children, in whom two‐point LSS was necessary for accurate AUC prediction.
Simultaneous separation and determination of four active ingredients in Picria fel‐terrae Lour. and its preparations by micellar electrokinetic chromatography
Authors: Wang Hua , Yang Yuhang , Guo Jing , Wang Mengli , Zhang Hongfen , Zhang Guangbin , Chang Ruimiao , Chen Anjia
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Picfeltarraenins IA, IB and IV and acteoside are the four bioactive ingredients of Picria fel‐terrae Lour. Their pharmacological effects include central inhibitory, cardiovascular, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐pyretic, analgesic, anti‐bacterial, antioxidative and anti‐tumor effects.

Objective

We aimed to develop an efficient micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) method modified with mixed organic solvents for the simultaneous separation and determination of the four components in Picriae Herba and its formulations.

Methods

Method optimization was carried out by investigating influences of significant factors on the separation, and this method was successfully applied for the determination of the four components in Picriae Herba and its formulations.

Results

The optimal running buffer was composed of 20 mM sodium tetraborate, 40 mM sodium cholate, 10% (v/v) methanol and 10% (v/v) isopropanol (pH 9.76). The separation voltage was 18 kV, the temperature was 25°C and the detection wavelength was 266 nm. Under the optimal separation conditions, the baseline separation of four components was achieved in less than 14 min. The correlation coefficients of the calibration curves were 0.9984–0.9995 for the analytes. The intraday and interday precision ranged from 1.5% to 2.5% and from 1.4% to 5.0%, respectively. Recoveries of analytes varied from 96.6% to 104.1%.

Conclusion

The method was proved suitable for the determination of four components in Picriae Herba and its formulations. Good performance was obtained under optimal conditions, and the method provides an effective tool for the quality control of Picriae Herba and its formulations.
Sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors and the risk of gout: A Danish population based cohort study and symmetry analysis
Authors: Lund Lars Christian , Højlund Mikkel , Henriksen Daniel Pilsgaard , Hallas Jesper , Kristensen Kasper Bruun
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT2‐I) are frequently used in type 2 diabetes and have recently been associated with lower rates of gout compared to glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP1‐RA). Our objective was to assess the association between SGLT2‐I initiation and gout using a cohort study design and a symmetry analysis.

Methods

Using the Danish nationwide health registries, we conducted an active comparator, new user cohort study comparing the 3‐year risk of gout among SGLT2‐I users with propensity score matched GLP1‐RA users. Individuals were followed according to the intention‐to‐treat, and incidence rate differences (IRD) and hazard ratios (HR) were obtained. To address unmeasured confounding that is stable over time, a corresponding symmetry analysis was performed.

Results

11 047 pairs of SGLT2‐I and GLP1‐RA users were identified, contributing 42 201 person‐years of follow‐up. The incidence rate of gout was 4.1 and 7.0 events per 1000 person years among SGLT2‐I and GLP1‐RA users, yielding an IRD of −3.0 (95% confidence interval: −4.4 to −1.5) and HR of 0.58 (0.44 to 0.75). In the symmetry analysis, 80 individuals initiated SGLT2‐Is prior to gout; 118 patients initiated treatment after gout. The trend adjusted SR was 0.63 (0.47 to 0.84) and the active comparator adjusted estimate was 0.67 (0.44 to 0.86).

Conclusions

Initiation of SGLT2‐Is was associated with a markedly decreased risk of gout compared to initiation of GLP1‐RAs. The findings are comparable to prior studies addressing this association.
One‐year follow‐up of problem‐based task training for a child presenting cerebellar ataxia after brainstem glioma surgery: A single‐subject experimental study
Authors: Lee Ye‐Seul , Oh Duck‐Won
Published: April 2021

Background and purpose

For the rehabilitation of patients with cerebellar ataxia, task training aids in achieving functional benefits. This study aimed to investigate the effects of problem‐based task training on balance and motor function in a child with cerebellar ataxia after brainstem glioma surgery.

Methods

This study used a single‐subject reversal design (A‐B) with a 1‐year follow‐up. A 5‐year old child with cerebellar ataxia due to a brain glioma completed problem‐based task training, including a 10‐step walk and return trial, walking while carrying an object, walking between parallel lines, and kicking a ball. Assessments were made using the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) and motor function tests (International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS), Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), and Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI).

Results

During the intervention phase, the PBS score showed clinically and statistically significant improvement compared to the baseline score. The ICARS and GMFM scores improved by 10.53% and 3.56%, respectively, after the intervention. Furthermore, in the PEDI score, functional skills and caregiver assistance in the mobility domain increased by 7.58% and 5.02%, respectively, after the intervention. The improvements in all parameters were maintained or increased at further follow‐up phases.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that problem‐based task training has a positive effect on balance and motor function in a child with cerebellar ataxia after brainstem glioma surgery.
Naldemedine for the treatment of opioid‐induced constipation
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: April 2021

Naldemedine (Rizmoic) is a peripherally‐acting mu‐opioid receptor antagonist for the treatment of opioid‐induced constipation in adults. This article outlines its indications, efficacy and adverse effects.
Characterization of physicochemical and antimicrobial properties of plasma‐treated starch/chitosan composite film
Authors: Sheikhi Zhian , Mirmoghtadaie Leila , Abdolmaleki Khadije , Khani Mohammad Reza , Farhoodi Mehdi , Moradi Ehsan , Shokri Babak , Shojaee‐Aliabadi Saeedeh
Published: April 2021

The aim of this study was to examine mechanical and physical properties of starch/chitosan composite film exposed to low‐pressure air and argon plasma at 600 mTorr for different duration (4, 8 and 12 min) and evaluate the shelf life of the chicken breast fillet packaged with plasma‐treated films. The mechanical properties of the composite films were improved significantly.

It is shown that argon plasma is more efficient in improving the tensile strength of the films and increased it from 10.59 to 22.09 Mpa after 12 min of process due to the formation of a stable cross‐linked network on the surface of the polymer, although film's stretchability, modified in air plasma, was significantly more. Solubility and hydrophilicity of the films were increased; however, no significant change in the water vapor transmission rate was observed. Oxygen permeability of films improved after both plasma treatment. Total viable count and oxidative (TBA) changes of fillets were analyzed during shelf life. The results showed that Cold plasma treatment could not prolong the shelf life of the fillets through plasma‐treated films.
Low‐order sliding mode repetitive control for discrete‐time systems under complex disturbance environment
Authors: Jia Chao , Longman Richard W. , Dong Enzeng
Published: April 2021

A novel sliding mode repetitive control scheme is proposed for discrete‐time systems. It aims to address aperiodic disturbances, and simultaneously address a set of disturbances of known frequencies that can be unrelated. The sliding mode handles the former, and a repetitive control algorithm deals with the latter, creating a low‐order sliding model repetitive control law. The approach addresses each disturbance frequency individually. In contrast to the usual repetitive control approach, this allows one to address multiple unrelated frequencies without difficultly. Even when the addressed frequencies are harmonically related, but a relatively small number have significant error, this approach offers both substantial computation benefit, and benefit facilitating improved control of aperiodic disturbances. When both multiperiodic and aperiodic disturbances are present, the system trajectories can converge to a smaller switching band and keep moving within it. When there is only multiperiodic disturbance, the system trajectories will cross the switching surface within every specific steps when in the switching zone, and will converge to zero eventually. Simulation results demonstrate obvious advantages compared with the traditional method.
Physicochemical properties of surface modified ZnFe2O4 nanocomposite incorporated with bio‐templated kapok fiber for photoelectrochemical application
Authors: Md Nasir Mohd Faizal , Daud Wan Ramli Wan , Mamat Mohamad Hafiz , Abdullah Saifollah , Mahmood Mohamad Rusop
Published: April 2021

Surface‐modified zinc ferrite nanocomposites were successfully prepared thru ultrasonic impregnation technique by taking kapok fiber as a bio‐template. This work demonstrates a fast preparation method to produce the bio‐templated ZnFe2O4 composite photocatalyst. The templating method for photocatalyst is favorable due to the benefit of a large surface area for solar harvesting activities in the photoelectrochemical (PEC) system. Comprehensive physicochemical analyses have successfully determined the unique properties of the prepared catalysts. The pure mimetic fibrous catalysts were successfully fabricated as photoelectrodes on the fluorine tin oxide substrate using electrophoretic deposition technique for PEC measurement. The ranging ratio of precursors used to prepare bio‐templated zinc ferrite catalysts shows an effect on their surface structure then influences the photocurrent density performance of PEC analysis. The ZF1 photoanode at 1:1 Zn/Fe ratio has generated the highest photocurrent density of 58 μA cm−2 at 0.7 V vs. Ag/AgCl compare to other samples in 0.5 M Na2SO4 electrolyte solution under 100 mW cm−2 light irradiation. The high photocurrent density was attributed to the enhancement in light‐harvesting properties, fine surface structure, and high charge transfer properties that correlate with the composite ratio's alteration. The bio‐templated zinc ferrite photocatalysts are a promising photoanode in PEC activities.
Regression analysis of arbitrarily censored survival data under the proportional odds model
Authors: Wang Lu , Wang Lianming
Published: April 2021

Arbitrarily censored data are referred to as the survival data that contain a mixture of exactly observed, left‐censored, interval‐censored, and right‐censored observations. Existing research work on regression analysis on arbitrarily censored data is relatively sparse and mainly focused on the proportional hazards model and the accelerated failure time model. This article studies the proportional odds (PO) model and proposes a novel estimation approach through an expectation‐maximization (EM) algorithm for analyzing such data. The proposed EM algorithm has many appealing properties such as being robust to initial values, easy to implement, converging fast, and providing the variance estimate of the regression parameter estimate in closed form. An informal diagnosis plot is developed for checking the PO model assumption. Our method has shown excellent performance in estimating the regression parameters as well as the baseline survival function in a simulation study. A real‐life dataset about metastatic colorectal cancer is analyzed for illustration. An R packageregPOhas been created for practitioners to implement our method.
Troger's Base Derived Butterfly Shaped Contorted AIEgens for Dead Bacterial Cell‐Imaging
Authors: Jejurkar Valmik P. , Sourabh K. T. , Yashwantrao Gauravi , Mone Nishigandha S. , Maliekal Parimal J. , Badani Purav , Satpute Surekha , Saha Satyajit
Published: April 2021

This work describes the design and synthesis of contorted dual emissive luminogen based on Tröger's base scaffold. The underlying principle of our design strategy was to use Tröger's base as the core scaffold and functionalize appropriately to avoid the detrimental π‐π stacking responsible for the emission quenching and induce RIR in the aggregated state and thereafter investigate their photophysical, electrochemical, and thermal properties. The unique white light emission of the fluorophores in the solid‐state together with excellent biocompatibility, photo, and thermal stabilities provided an opportunity for the application of one of the molecules for bacterial cell imaging. The luminogen was biocompatible and surprisingly possess an ability to selectively stain the dead bacterial cell debris, a unique property that can be exploited for the confirmation of cell lysis.
Promotion of Phosphorus on Carbon Supports for MnOx−CeO2 Catalysts in Low‐Temperature NH3−SCR with Enhanced SO2 Resistance
Authors: Wang He , Yang Minghe , Jin Shuangling , Zhang Rui , Li Weifeng , Wang Yan , Huo Wanying , Wang Xiaorui , Qiao Wenming , Ling Licheng , Jin Minglin
Published: April 2021

MnOx−CeO2/P‐CA catalysts were prepared via incipient wetness impregnation of Mn(NO3)2 ⋅ 4H2O and Ce(NO3)3 ⋅ 6H2O over phosphorus‐doped carbon aerogels (P‐CA) for selective catalytic reduction of NO by NH3 (NH3−SCR). The results show that P doping on carbon support significantly promotes the NH3−SCR performance of MnOx−CeO2/P‐CA catalysts. P modification can improve the hydrophilicity of carbon support and facilitate the dispersion of MnOx−CeO2 components on carbon surface, which enhances the electronic interactions between MnOx and CeO2. The optimal catalyst 10 %MnOx−CeO2/P‐CA shows higher surface acidity, more Mn4+ and Ce3+, and a larger amount of surface chemisorbed oxygen (Oα) than that of 10 %MnOx−CeO2/CA catalyst. As a result, even though in the company of SO2, more NO can be adsorbed and oxidized over the 10 %MnOx−CeO2/P‐CA catalyst to generate more NO complexes, alleviating the suppression of SO2 on the SCR reaction via Langmuir‐Hinshelwood (L−H) mechanism, and thus the SO2 resistance is enhanced.
The Recent Progress on Supported and Recyclable Nickel Catalysts towards Organic Transformations: A Review
Authors: Ghatak Avishek , Das Madhurima
Published: April 2021

To date, the transformation of organic compounds to nifty chemicals plays a pivotal role in the global industrial market and renewable economy.The substantial attention has been bestowed to the supported Ni catalyst because of their attractive stability in air and excellent catalytic efficacy in various organic transformations.This review article aims to offer a comprehensive review on the remarkable advances in the development of various robust support containing Ni catalysts for efficient organic reactions, such as, Hydrogenation, Oxidation, Coupling, Multicomponent Reactions (MCRs), Amination, Hydration, Polymerization etc. The role of supported Ni catalysts towards different organic reactions is highlighted with its associated mechanism. The role of numerous solid supported Nickel nanoparticles based nontoxic, cheap and reusable catalyst in organic synthesis and their applications towards the green synthesis of various important organic frameworks including biologically active heterocycles has been highlighted in this review. The observed shortcomings and future research perspective are also accentuated.
Metal‐Free Synthesis of 2‐Aryl Quinazolines via Tandem C−H/N−H Bond Functionalization
Authors: Yuan Feixiang , Xie Shihua , Zhuo Liang , Wang Lei , Zhu Hongjun
Published: April 2021

C−N bond formation is crucial for the preparation of synthetic organic nitrogen‐containing heterocyclic compounds. This work provides a facile and highly efficient strategy (ca. ∼92 %) for the synthesis of quinazoline compounds, which involves tandem C−H/N−H bond functionalization using metal‐free conditions without the need for an external oxidant. Meanwhile, the reaction system exhibits good functional group tolerance and a wide substrate scope. Furthermore, our corresponding isotope tracking experiments have shown that dimethyl sulfoxide acts as a carbon source. Finally, this work affords a new strategy toward the further design and synthesis of heteroaromatic rings.
Electrokinetic‐Driven Fast Ion Delivery for Reversible Aqueous Zinc Metal Batteries with High Capacity
Authors: Kim Soohyun , Heo Jiyun , Kim Riyul , Lee Ju‐Hyuk , Seo Joowon , Yoon Sehyuk , Lee Hyomin , Kim Sung Jae , Kim Hee‐Tak
Published: April 2021

Aqueous zinc (Zn) metal batteries (ZMBs) are considered a promising candidate for grid‐scale energy storage due to their freedom from fire hazards. However, a limited reversibility of Zn metal electrode caused by dendritic Zn growth has hindered the advent of high‐capacity Zn metal batteries (>4 mAh cm−2). Herein, it is reported that fast electrokinetic Zn‐ion transport extremely improves the Zn metal reversibility. It is revealed that a negatively charged porous layer (NPL) provides the electrokinetic Zn‐ion transport by surface conduction, and consequently impedes the depletion of Zn‐ion on electrode surface as indicated by numerical simulations and overlimiting current behavior. Due to the quick Zn‐ion delivery, a dendrite‐free and densely packed Zn metal deposit is accommodated inside its pores. With the introduction of the NPL, the cycling stability of Zn symmetric cell is enhanced by 21 times at 10 mA cm−2/10 mAh cm−2. Average Coulombic efficiency of 99.6% is achieved over 500 cycles for electrodeposition/stripping at 30 mA cm−2/5 mAh cm−2 on NPL–Cu electrode. Furthermore, a high‐capacity Zn/V2O5 full cell with the NPL exhibits an extraordinary stability over 1000 cycles at a capacity of 4.8 mAh cm−2.
Microstructure‐Dependent K+ Storage in Porous Hard Carbon
Authors: Li Weize , Zhang Rui , Chen Zhen , Fan Binbin , Xiao Kuikui , Liu Hui , Gao Peng , Wu Jianfang , Tu Chuanjun , Liu Jilei
Published: April 2021

Hard carbons (HCs) are emerging as promising anodes for potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) due to overwhelming advantages including cost effectiveness and outstanding physicochemical properties. However, the fundamental K+ storage mechanism in HCs and the key structural parameters that determining K+ storage behaviors remain unclear and require further exploration. Herein, HC materials with controllable micro/mesopore structures are first synthesized by template‐assisted spray pyrolysis technology. Detailed experimental analyses including in situ Raman and in situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis reveal two different K+ storage ways in the porous hard carbon (p‐HC), e.g., the adsorption mechanism at high potential region and the intercalation mechanism at low potential region. Both are strongly dependent on the evolution of microstructure and significantly affect the electrochemical performance. Specifically, the adequate micropores act as the active sites for efficient K+ storage and ion‐buffering reservoir to relieve the volume expansion, ensuring enhanced specific capacity and good structural stability. The abundant mesopores in the porous structure provide conductive pathways for ion diffusion and/or electrolyte infiltration, endowing fast ionic/electronic transport kinetics. All these together contribute to the high energy density of activated carbon//p‐HCs potassium ion hybrid capacitors (74.5 Wh kg−1, at 184.4 W kg−1).
Tailored Engineering of Novel Xanthonium Polymethine Dyes for Synergetic PDT and PTT Triggered by 1064 nm Laser toward Deep‐Seated Tumors
Authors: Bian Hui , Ma Dandan , Zhang Xinfu , Xin Kai , Yang Youjun , Peng Xiaojun , Xiao Yi
Published: April 2021

Small molecular dye that simultaneously exerts dual PDT/PTT effects as well as florescence imaging triggered by a single NIR‐II light has never been reported to date. Apart from the huge challenge in pushing absorption profile into NIR‐II region, fine‐tuning dyes’ excited state via rational structure design to meet all three functions, especially oxygen photosensitization, remains the most prominent throttle. Herein, five novel NIR‐II dyes (BHs) are productively developed by strategically conjugating dyad innovative xanthonium with sequentially extended polymethine bridges, enabling intense absorption from 890 to 1206 nm, significantly 400 nm longer than conventional cyanine dyes with same polymethines. More importantly, owning to high resonance and favorable excited state energy population induced by greater rigidity via ring‐fused amino, BH 1024 exhibits best singlet oxygen generation capability, moderate photothermal heating, and considerable fluorescence under 1064 nm laser irradiation. Furthermore, BH 1024 is encapsulated into folate‐functionalized polymer, which demonstrated a synergetic PDT/PTT effect in vitro and in vivo, eventually achieving solid tumors elimination under NIR‐II fluorescence guide. As far as it is known, this is the first time small molecular dyes for NIR‐II PDT or NIR‐II PDT/PTT are explored and designed.
Effect of a Tempering Treatment on the Microstructural Evolution and Mechanical Properties of an M2 HSS/Ta Alloy Fabricated by Laser Metal Direct Forming
Authors: Wang Jiale , Chen Changjun , Zhang Min
Published: April 2021

In a previous work, M2 high‐speed steel consisting of Ta on #45 steel was prepared by a laser metal direct forming process. After the appropriate proportion of Ta powder is added, obvious grain refinement occurs, and the amount of retained austenite decreases. Furthermore, the microhardness, impact toughness, and wear resistance increase. On the basis of this work, the microstructure and mechanical properties of the samples are further studied after tempering at different temperatures. The phase, microstructure, hardness, and wear resistance of the two kinds of steels are characterized by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and hardness and wear tests. The results show that compared with the deposition state, the microstructure of the samples after heat treatment shows grain refinement and carbide aggregation. In addition, the hardness and impact toughness of the samples increase to different degrees after tempering at an appropriate temperature. However, after tempering, the mesh structure of the grain boundaries is destroyed, and the anchoring effect of the carbides weakens; thus, the wear rate of the samples increases to a certain extent.
Nachweis von Verunreinigungen durch Öle, Fette und Wachse auf zu beschichtenden Oberflächen
Authors: Gelhaar Andreas
Published: April 2021

Eine fachgerechte Herstellung des Korrosionsschutzes von Stahlbauwerken erfordert, dass die zu beschichtenden Oberflächen frei von sichtbaren und visuell nicht erkennbaren Verunreinigungen sind. Als geeignete Möglichkeiten für den Nachweis von Ölen, Fetten und Wachsen enthält das Regelwerk hauptsächlich Verfahren, die auf der Grundlage des Benetzungsverhaltens von Flüssigkeiten basieren. Für die Anwendung des Wassersprühtests werden an einem realen Bauwerk und an Probeblechen ermittelte Erkenntnisse mitgeteilt. Des Weiteren wird über Erfahrungen bei der Prüfung mittels Testtinten berichtet.
Relationship Between Viscosity and Fine Current of Electrorheological Suspension, Toward Prediction of the Inner Structure
Authors: Masuda Koji , Minami Masataka
Published: April 2021

We analyzed a relationship between the viscosity and fine current of the ER suspension aiming for an estimation of the inner structure. This study aimed at an estimation of the inner structure formation via the fine current pass through the suspension. Viscosity and electrical current through electrodes were measured using similar apparatuses, and the relationship between the viscosity and fine current was investigated. The ER suspension was prepared by adding silica particles of 0.5 μm diameter to silicone oil of 0.291 Pa˙s viscosity. The solid volume fraction was 0.20. The voltage was varied from 0 to 1.5 kV/mm. The viscosity of the ER suspension was measured by a falling time in a rectangular tube. As a result, the fine current was found to correlate with the viscosity of the ER suspension. It indicated the possibility that the inner structure of the ER suspension can be estimated using the fine current through the ER suspension. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Selective anticancer effects of Serjania marginata Casar. extract in gastric cells are mediated by antioxidant response
Authors: Serpeloni Juliana Mara , Specian Ana Flavia Leal , Ribeiro Diego Luis , Tuttis Katiuska , Heredia‐Vieira Silvia Cristina , Vilegas Wagner , Martínez‐López Wilner , Varanda Eliana Aparecida , de Syllos Cólus Ilce Mara
Published: April 2021

Gastric cancer is the fifth most common malignancy worldwide. Serjania marginata Casar. (SM) displays anti‐inflammatory properties and has been used to treat gastrointestinal disorders. In the current study, we examined whether the hydroethanolic extract of SM leaves exerted cytotoxic, mutagenic, and protective effects in non‐tumor gastric epithelium cells (MNP01) and gastric adenocarcinoma cells (ACP02) in vitro and analyzed whether its action was selective. Initially, cell viability (MTT assay), cell cycle kinetics (flow cytometry), and cell proliferation (total protein content) were analyzed. In addition, genomic instability (cytokinesis‐block micronucleus cytome assay), anti/pro‐oxidant status (CM‐H2DCFDA probe), and transcriptional expression (RT‐qPCR) of genes related to cell cycle, cell death, and antioxidant defense were also evaluated. The SM extract was cytotoxic toward MNP01 and ACP02 cells at concentrations greater than 300 and 100 μg·ml−1, respectively, and decreased protein content only toward ACP02 cells at 200 μg ml−1. In ACP02 cells, the SM extract at 100 μg·ml−1 associated with doxorubicin (DXR; 0.2 μg ml−1) clearly promoted cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase. The extract alone was not mutagenic to either cell type and reversed DXR‐induced DNA damage and H2O2‐induced oxidative stress in MNP01 cells. The gene expression experiments showed that SM hydroethanolic extract exerts an antioxidant response via NFE2L2 activation in non‐tumor gastric cells, and cell cycle arrest (G2/M) in ACP02 gastric cancer cells via the TP53 pathway. The selective action of SM indicates that it is a promising therapeutic agent to treat gastric diseases and merits further studies.
Introduction: Mediterranean Migrant Hospitalities
Authors: Grotti Vanessa , Brightman Marc
Published: April 2021

This book takes some of the insights of the anthropology of hospitality to illuminate ethnographic accounts of migrant reception in various parts of the Mediterranean. Anthropology has revisited the concept of hospitality in recent years, drawing on the insights of ethnographers of the Mediterranean, who ground the idea and practice of hospitality in concrete ethnographic settings and challenge the ways in which the casual usage of Derridean or Kantian notions of hospitality can blur the boundaries between social scales and between metaphor and practice. Host-guest relations are multiplied through pregnancy and childbirth, and new forms emerge with the need to offer mortuary practices for dead strangers. The volume does not attempt to define a distinctive Mediterranean hospitality, but explores the potential of the concept of hospitality to illuminate the spatial and scalar dimensions of morality and politics in Mediterranean migrant reception.
Ritual and Ritualism in a Contested Sea: Scalar Distortions of Space and Time
Authors: Herzfeld Michael
Published: April 2021

The ground of mutual understanding between locals and migrants in the Mediterranean Sea emerges through the performance of ritual activities. These should be distinguished from the formalistic or incantatory sense of “ritualism.” They include the socially engaged practices of hospitality—a virtuous tradition that governments, even as they claim it for the nation-state, violate in local eyes by confining migrants to impersonal spaces and uncertain futures. Passages across the sea also partake of a pervasive sense of ritual, which thereby offers rich metaphorical material for considering the scalar shifts at play—shifts that entrain such conversions of social interaction into the asocial frameworks of neoliberal management (which in turn encourage aridly scientistic modes of inquiry) but conversely also domesticate cultural distance through a subtle apperception of shared habits of gesture and generosity, made accessible by the close vision of ethnography as described in these essays.
Introduction
Authors: Jauhiainen Jussi S. , Tedeschi Miriam
Published: April 2021

Undocumented Migrants and their Everyday Lives: The Case of Finlanddiscusses the processes and practices through which migrants become undocumented; what their everyday lives consist of; which local, national, and international policies and practices affect them; and how they deal with them. In addition, the book reflects on how research on undocumented migrants can best be conducted using quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods, and reflects on research ethics and methodologies. The empirical focus of the book is Finland and, more broadly, the European Union (EU), but the themes connect to a broader geographical scope.

The topic of irregular migration and undocumented migrants is becoming increasingly important in Europe. The book asks who these undocumented migrants are; what their everyday lives are like, what key issues concern them; and how the society regards them—particularly in Finland. Among the key themes addressed are the asylum processes and their failures; the housing, employment, and social networks of undocumented migrants; their migration journeys to, within, and beyond Finland; their healthcare; and their uses of the internet and social media. This introductory chapter outlines the book, describes the Finnish context, and reviews the literature concerning the emergence of the undocumented migrant phenomenon.
Conducting Research About Undocumented Migrants
Authors: Jauhiainen Jussi S. , Tedeschi Miriam
Published: April 2021

Conducting research about undocumented migrants is, for various reasons, always challenging. Very seldom are available accurate information and comprehensive statistical data on their demographic, economic, and social situations. Furthermore, there are many kinds of undocumented migrants, and it is often difficult for researchers to contact them.

This chapter discusses the methodological challenges of conducting research about undocumented migrants, especially in situations in which no previous data is available and undocumented migrants are wary of attempts to study them. The chapter explains in detail how to design research using triangulated quantitative survey data and qualitative ethnographic data on undocumented migrants; how to analyse and reflect upon them in ways that avoid biased results as far as possible; and the common challenges and opportunities of this kind of research. Finally, the chapter posits solutions, paying extensive attention to research ethics, and especially to the power imbalance between researchers and the researched, and the precautions that need to be taken and ensured in order to avoid data leakage and/or wrongful exposure—which are topics of the utmost importance when conducting research about undocumented migrants.
Undocumented Migrants’ Everyday Lives in Finland
Authors: Jauhiainen Jussi S. , Tedeschi Miriam
Published: April 2021

The everyday lives of undocumented migrants are littered with challenges, such as constantly having to find new places in which to live and sleep; seeking employment and a livelihood, even in the grey market; contacting families and friends, to overcome feelings of loneliness and despair; maintaining hope for the future, despite living in a country that is rejecting them; and escaping the police. Living without legal permission in a country makes them wear a variety of identities and masks, and continually devise new survival strategies and practices in order to survive and make ends meet.

The chapter illustrates how undocumented migrants in Finland manage to find more or less secure accommodation, and how some of them even find jobs despite the law forbidding them to work in Finland. The chapter also explores in detail their everyday social lives, who they turn to when they need something, and their aspirations and hopes for the future. We also pay attention to their migrations to Finland, within Finland, and their potential on-migration from Finland, including return migration.
Climate Change Resiliency Through Mangrove Conservation: The Case of Alitas Farmers of Infanta, Philippines
Authors: Gevaña Dixon T. , Garcia Josephine E. , Ruzol Clarissa D. , Malabayabas Felisa L. , Grefalda Liezl B. , O’Brien Elizabeth , Santos Elsa P. , Camacho Leni D.
Published: April 2021

Transformation, transition, and paradigm shift are increasingly applied concepts in literature on climate resiliency to describe changes in society and the environment. Here, we considered mangroves to be dynamic socio-ecological systems, subject to increasing anthropogenic pressures that present complex challenges for the design of effective coastal governance. Analysing these systems through a participatory approach, we consulted a community who lives in close relationship with mangroves, the Alitas farmers of Infanta, Quezon Province, Philippines. This community has improved decision-making processes for the development of adaptation strategies to climate change. In turn, a sustainably managed and conserved mangrove forest promotes human well-being and resilience, particularly for those households whose livelihoods are dependent on the resources that mangroves provide. This paper examined the importance of mangrove land management that addresses climate change hazards. We synthesised various perspectives on the importance of mangrove conservation for enhancing climate resiliency by: (1) describing the climate-related hazards that affect local communities and mangroves; (2) describing socio-institutional structures influencing effective mangrove conservation and local resilience; and (3) identifying climate change adaptation strategies that promote local development and mangrove conservation. This paper establishes a collaborative management framework for future risk-resilience management that operates alongside coastal communities within the Philippines and across the global stage.
Degraded Landscape Transformed into Foodland and Woodland by Village Agroforestry
Authors: Raharilaza Nathalie Viviane
Published: April 2021

This case study shares the results and lessons learned from agroforestry practices to restore a degraded and abandoned landscape, the production of seedlings of native and endemic tree species for forest restoration, and a trial of autochthones species transplantation at the village level in Madagascar. Awareness-raising and facilitation carried out by the NGO team on landscape changes and their effects on local people’s lives, food and natural resources, were the initial drivers of this process. A farmer led the landscape restoration experimentation by taking part of his poor, degraded land that had been long abandoned, and giving the green light to use it as a ‘farmer field school’. The community decided to keep the other side of the field untouched to enable comparison. Community members learned from each other by periodically sharing experiences. Community capacity-building on family accounting, production and harvest management helped community members to make decisions regarding the choice of crops and landscaping types suited to their needs. The community started to see results from the third year and increased the landscaped areas to boost future production. Some native trees like Harina (Bridelia tuleasneana), a highly preferred tree usually harvested from the rainforest for building materials, adapted very well to the village. The villagers learned to plant them rather than harvest them from the natural forest. The commitment, patience and courage of the community, and their immense pride in what they have achieved, created a cascading effect leading to sustainability.
Social-Ecological Transformation Through Planting Mixed Tree Species on Abandoned Agricultural Land in the Hills of Nepal
Authors: Pandit Bishnu Hari , Kumari Aryal Netra , Schmidt Hans-Peter
Published: April 2021

A project entitled, “Building village economies through climate farming & forest gardening” (BeChange) was implemented in four municipality areas of the Tanahun and Lamjung districts of Nepal from May 2015. In order to assess changes in the social-ecological system that result from this project targeting abandoned agricultural lands, this case study was conducted using various methods: triad grouping, GPS point surveys, household surveys, focus group discussions (FGDs), field observation and reports. A participatory approach in reforestation on abandoned agricultural land with introduction of carbon credits has become a new livelihood strategy for local communities. It has not only attracted domestic and international tourists, but also helped to conserve biodiversity and local ecology. This activity also united village women and indigenous communities as triad groups for collaborative outcomes. A total of 42,138 seedlings of mixed tree species such as Michelia champaca, Elaeocarpus ganitrus, Bassia butyraceae, Bauhinia purpurea, and Cinnamon tamala were planted by 276 families on abandoned agricultural land between May 2015 and July 2018. However, as of 2020, this range has expanded to include 635 families with plantations of more than 65,000 seedlings. The set-up and maintenance of these forest gardens were financed with advanced payments for the carbon sink services of the planted trees. Farmers who succeeded with tree survival rates above 80% received an additional yearly carbon sink payment. The outcomes of the project show significant improvements in food security and tree biodiversity in the project villages. Of the total sampled households, almost half (45%) were under extreme poverty and had food sufficiency for only 3 months/year before the project. With the project, this percentage dropped to 22%, signals the emergence of seeds for transformative change.