bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Legal regime of land in the mining areas of medieval Serbia
Authors: Katančević Andreja
Published: March 2021

The aim of the research is to cast light on the legal regime of the mining area land in medieval Serbia and to answer to what extent Saxon customary mining law was accepted in this aspect and what the ratio legis of article 123 of Dušan's Code was? It seems likely that until the enactment of Dušan's Code it was possible to occupy land cleared for mining purposes and to acquire property of the mining area, which was previously res nullius. However, Dušan's Code changed this rule prescribing only the possibility of acquiring the time limited mining concession, which was motived by possible permanent monopolization of the land in the mining areas. At the same time, the Code proclaimed the right of ore search and exploration on the feudal lords' land. Similarities to the older Hungarian and Czech law indicates legal transplantation. The mining concession was regulated in Despot Stefan's Mining Code for Novo Brdo, which prescribed detailed rules for losing the concession in the case of neglecting the mining activity. Based on similarities one can assume that these rules were mostly the reception of the Saxon customary mining law, also written in late medieval mining laws of Hungary and Czechia. However, the small differences may show that after one and a half century the Serbian mining community introduced its own unique rules. Research is based on linguistic, systematic and historical analysis of the sources as well as the regressive analysis and comparative method.
DCS-ELM: a novel method for extreme learning machine for regression problems and a new approach for the SFRSCC
Authors: Altay Osman , Ulas Mustafa , Alyamac Kursat Esat
Published: March 2021

Extreme learning machine (ELM) algorithm is widely used in regression and classification problems due to its advantages such as speed and high-performance rate. Different artificial intelligence-based optimization methods and chaotic systems have been proposed for the development of the ELM. However, a generalized solution method and success rate at the desired level could not be obtained. In this study, a new method is proposed as a result of developing the ELM algorithm used in regression problems with discrete-time chaotic systems. ELM algorithm has been improved by testing five different chaotic maps (Chebyshev, iterative, logistic, piecewise, tent) from chaotic systems. The proposed discrete-time chaotic systems based ELM (DCS-ELM) algorithm has been tested in steel fiber reinforced self-compacting concrete data sets and public four different datasets, and a result of its performance compared with the basic ELM algorithm, linear regression, support vector regression, kernel ELM algorithm and weighted ELM algorithm. It has been observed that it gives a better performance than other algorithms.
Genome-wide identification of HSF family in peach and functional analysis of PpHSF5 involvement in root and aerial organ development
Authors: Tan Bin , Yan Liu , Li Huannan , Lian Xiaodong , Cheng Jun , Wang Wei , Zheng Xianbo , Wang Xiaobei , Li Jidong , Ye Xia , Zhang Langlang , Li Zhiqian , Feng Jiancan
Published: March 2021

Background

Heat shock factors (HSFs) play important roles during normal plant growth and development and when plants respond to diverse stressors. Although most studies have focused on the involvement of HSFs in the response to abiotic stresses, especially in model plants, there is little research on their participation in plant growth and development or on the HSF (PpHSF) gene family in peach (Prunus persica).

Methods

DBD (PF00447), the HSF characteristic domain, was used to search the peach genome and identify PpHSFs. Phylogenetic, multiple alignment and motif analyses were conducted using MEGA 6.0, ClustalW and MEME, respectively. The function of PpHSF5 was confirmed by overexpression of PpHSF5 into Arabidopsis.

Results

Eighteen PpHSF genes were identified within the peach genome. The PpHSF genes were nonuniformly distributed on the peach chromosomes. Seventeen of the PpHSFs (94.4%) contained one or two introns, except PpHSF18, which contained three introns. The in silico-translated PpHSFs were classified into three classes (PpHSFA, PpHSFB and PpHSFC) based on multiple alignment, motif analysis and phylogenetic comparison with HSFs from Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa. Dispersed gene duplication (DSD at 67%) mainly contributed to HSF gene family expansion in peach. Promoter analysis showed that the most common cis-elements were the MYB (abiotic stress response), ABRE (ABA-responsive) and MYC (dehydration-responsive) elements. Transcript profiling of 18 PpHSFs showed that the expression trend of PpHSF5 was consistent with shoot length changes in the cultivar ‘Zhongyoutao 14’. Further analysis of the PpHSF5 was conducted in 5-year-old peach trees, Nicotiana benthamiana and Arabidopsis thaliana, respectively. Tissue-specific expression analysis showed that PpHSF5 was expressed predominantly in young vegetative organs (leaf and apex). Subcellular localization revealed that PpHSF5 was located in the nucleus in N. benthamiana cells. Two transgenic Arabidopsis lines were obtained that overexpressed PpHSF5. The root length and the number of lateral roots in the transgenic seedlings were significantly less than in WT seedlings and after cultivation for three weeks. The transgenic rosettes were smaller than those of the WT at 2–3 weeks. The two transgenic lines exhibited a dwarf phenotype three weeks after transplanting, although there was no significant difference in the number of internodes. Moreover, the PpHSF5-OE lines exhibited enhanced thermotolerance. These results indicated that PpHSF5 might be act as a suppresser of growth and development of root and aerial organs.
­­Effect of multimodal cues from a predatory fish on refuge use and foraging on an amphidromous shrimp
Authors: Ocasio-Torres Maria E. , Crowl Todd A. , Sabat Alberto M.
Published: March 2021

Background

Prey can alter their behavior when detecting predator cues. Little is known about which sensory channel, number of channels, or the interaction among channels that shrimp species use to evaluate the threat from predators. The amphidromous shrimp Xiphocaris elongata has an induced defense, an elongated rostrum, where predatory fishes are present. We sought to test if kairomones or visual cues when presented singly from fish either eating flakes or shrimp, had more effect on altering the temporal feeding and refuge use patterns of long-rostrum (LR) X. elongata. We were also interested in elucidating potential interactions among cues when presented simultaneously in different combinations (kairomones + visual + mechanosensory, kairomones + alarm + visual, kairomones + alarm, kairomones + visual) on the same response variables. We expected that when presented alone kairomones will significantly increase refuge use and decrease foraging, particularly late at night, in comparison to visual cues alone, and that multiple cues when presented simultaneously will further increase refuge use and decrease foraging at night.

Methods

We exposed shrimp to individual or multiple cues from the predatory fish mountain mullet, Augonostomus monticola. We examined shrimp behavior with respect to refuge use and foraging activity during four time periods (after sunset, nighttime, sunrise, and sunset) in a 24-hour period.

Results

Shrimp presented fish visual and chemical cues singly did not differ from one another but differed from control shrimp (no cues) with respect to refuge use or foraging. The number of shrimp using refuge in the treatment with most cues (KVM: kairomones+ visual + mechanosensory) was higher than in all the treatments with less cues. A significant decline in foraging was observed when multiple cues were presented simultaneously. The highest number of shrimp foraged one hour after sunset and at nighttime. A significant interaction was observed between cue treatments and time periods, with shrimp in the KVM treatment foraging less and using more refuge late at night and at sunrise than shrimp in other treatments or time periods.

Conclusions

The observation that fish chemical and visual cues when presented singly produced similar refuge use and foraging patterns was contrary to expectation and suggests that visual and chemical cues, when presented alone, provide redundant information to X. elongata with regards to predation threat. The significant increase in refuge use and reduction in foraging observed in the KVM treatment suggest multimodal signal enhancement in the perception of threat. This makes evolutionary sense in “noisy” environments, such as streams, where detection, localization, and intention of predators is much improved when cues are received through multiple sensory channels.
Knowledge of COVID-19 and Death Toll Cases in Manipur
Authors: Devi H. Sorojini , Devi K. Somarani , Devi Th. Kanon , Meetei Ak. Bojen
Published: March 2021

Background: The disease Covid-19 has led to a great loss of million people worldwide and this disease is caused by a novel virus called SARS-CoV-2.

Objective: The objective of the present study aims at examining the knowledge of Coronavirus disease (COVID -19) among the participants and the death toll cases in Manipur.

Setting: The study was conducted in the campuses of Dhanamanjuri Colleges of Arts, Science and Commerce, Dhanamanjuri University, Imphal, Manipur.

Subjects and Methods: A total of 200 participants (boys=110 and girls =90) aged 20-30 years was considered for this present study. Data were collected using interview schedule containing Covid -19 related variables.

Design: The design of the present study is based on Cross-sectional method.

Results: Results indicated that maximum participants (83.5%) considered Covid-19 as virus, 1.0% thought as bacteria, but 15.5% knew that Covid -19 is a disease. A very high percentage of students (95.5%) knew the various symptoms of the disease. Amongst them, 92.5% of participants also knew the mode of transmission of the novel Virus. However, 4.5% and 8.5% of them had incomplete knowledge about of the mysterious novel coronavirus disease symptoms and its mode of transmission. While maintaining the preventive measures, 10.5% of participants used masks irregularly in the public places. As well as, only 34.0% of respondents kept masks inside the pocket or bag, and 5.5% of the subjects didn’t have the idea of washing hands or sanitisation.  It was also found among the participants that some of them (30.0%) were aware of testing to know the status of Covid-19 and the number of confirmed cases was 8.0%.  From the above results, it may be said that there was lack of proper knowledge among some section of the participants. The lack of proper knowledge of any novel fatal disease or virus and its related preventive measures are major risks to the whole public. However, immune responds can play role in defending the risk of the disease.
Reliability Evaluation of Rooftop Solar Photovoltaics Using Coherent Threshold Systems
Authors: Uswarman Rudi , Rushdi Ali Muhammad
Published: March 2021

The trend for use of rooftop solar photovoltaics (PV) is rising due to their promising economic potential as a source of clean renewable energy. In general, a source of renewable solar energy consists of solar PV, an automatic charge controller, a battery pack, and an inverter. The reliability of a rooftop solar PV system is evaluated herein as that of a coherent threshold system (CTS). First, we utilize the unit-gap method and the fair-power method to verify that a given Boolean function is a threshold one and to identify its threshold and component weights. Both methods utilize specific features of the Karnaugh map (K-map). The unit-gap method uses the map to list all necessary inequalities by inspection, and then reduce them significantly by omitting dominated ones. The fair-power method uses the Karnaugh map to compute Banzhaf indices by appropriate map folding followed by XORing of true cells and false cells.  We evaluate the CTS reliability via a recursive algorithm based on the Boole-Shannon’s expansion in the switching domain, which is transformed via the real transform to the total probability law in the probability domain.
Ensuring Accurate Results in Fracture Mechanics Four-Point Bending Interface Characterization
Authors: Talledo Jefferson
Published: March 2021

Interface adhesion tests are conducted to obtain a quantitative value of the adhesion strength or interface fracture toughness to forecast initiation and propagation of interface delamination failures in semiconductor packages. One of the common methods of fracture mechanics interface characterization is the four-point bending test. Problems with the experimental setup would result in having inaccurate results. In this study, different issues with the four-point bending test using mold/copper bi-material beam with notch were addressed. It was shown that incorrect anvil alignment and centering could give inaccurate fracture toughness results. The distance between anvil supports and the depth of the notch is also very important. From the study, it can be concluded that issues with experimental setup and the test sample must be addressed to ensure accurate results from four-point bending interface characterization.
Exosomal HMGB1 derived from hypoxia‐conditioned bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells increases angiogenesis via the JNK/HIF‐1α pathway
Authors: Gao Wenling , He Ronghan , Ren Jianhua , Zhang Wenhui , Wang Kun , Zhu Lei , Liang Tangzhao
Published: March 2021

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been described to induce angiogenesis in various tissues and have been used for the development of novel cell‐based therapies. Increasing evidence suggests that MSCs execute their paracrine function via the secretion of exosomes, especially under hypoxic conditions. However, the mechanisms by which MSC‐derived exosomes secreted under hypoxia enhance angiogenesis still remain unclear. To study exosome physiology under hypoxic or normoxic conditions, we isolated exosomes from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Furthermore, we detected the uptake of exosomes by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by immunofluorescence staining. In addition, we determined the effects of exosomes on cell viability, migration and tube formation in HUVECs by Cell Counting Kit‐8, migration and tube formation assays, respectively. We examined the expression of key proteins related to exosome‐induced angiogenesis by BMSCs cultured under hypoxic conditions by western blot. Exosomes released by BMSCs cultured under hypoxic conditions enhanced cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis of HUVECs. Hypoxia induced the expression of high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) in BMSC‐derived exosomes, and silencing of HMGB1 abolished the angiogenic effect in HUVECs. Furthermore, exosomal HMGB1 activated the JNK signaling pathway and induced hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α/vascular endothelial growth factor expression, consequently enhancing angiogenesis in HUVECs. Our data reveal that exosomal HMGB1 promotes angiogenesis via JNK/hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α signaling. Therefore, BMSC exosomes derived under hypoxia may have potential for development of novel treatment strategies for angiogenesis‐related diseases.
Adaptive preview control with deck motion compensation for autonomous carrier landing of an aircraft
Authors: Bhatia Ajeet Kumar , Jiang Ju , Kumar Aakash , Shah Syed Awais Ali , Rohra Avinash , ZiYang Zhen
Published: March 2021

In this article, an autonomous carrier landing problem of an aircraft is addressed by developing an autonomous carrier landing system (ACLS) composed of previewable guidance and control systems. In the guidance system, an appropriate touchdown point is estimated by predicting the seakeeping motion of the deck by unscented Kalman filtering technique, which is then utilized to adjust the reference glide path and produce an effective deck motion compensation, indispensable for a safe landing. The adaptive preview control (APC) scheme is proposed, which utilizes future reference information. The feedback and feedforward adaptive gains are derived through the Lyapunov stability theorem ensuring better tracking response and disturbance rejection. Hence, the asymptotic stability of the closed‐loop system is guaranteed. The simulation results depict better performance of the proposed ACLS in the presence of deck fluctuations and airwake disturbance compared with PID and LMI based preview control schemes.
Electrically Conductive and 3D‐Printable Oxidized Alginate‐Gelatin Polypyrrole:PSS Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Distler Thomas , Polley Christian , Shi Fukun , Schneidereit Dominik , Ashton Mark. D. , Friedrich Oliver , Kolb Jürgen F. , Hardy John G. , Detsch Rainer , Seitz Hermann , Boccaccini Aldo R.
Published: March 2021

Electroactive hydrogels can be used to influence cell response and maturation by electrical stimulation. However, hydrogel formulations which are 3D printable, electroactive, cytocompatible, and allow cell adhesion, remain a challenge in the design of such stimuli‐responsive biomaterials for tissue engineering. Here, a combination of pyrrole with a high gelatin‐content oxidized alginate‐gelatin (ADA‐GEL) hydrogel is reported, offering 3D‐printability of hydrogel precursors to prepare cytocompatible and electrically conductive hydrogel scaffolds. By oxidation of pyrrole, electroactive polypyrrole:polystyrenesulfonate (PPy:PSS) is synthesized inside the ADA‐GEL matrix. The hydrogels are assessed regarding their electrical/mechanical properties, 3D‐printability, and cytocompatibility. It is possible to prepare open‐porous scaffolds via bioplotting which are electrically conductive and have a higher cell seeding efficiency in scaffold depth in comparison to flat 2D hydrogels, which is confirmed via multiphoton fluorescence microscopy. The formation of an interpenetrating polypyrrole matrix in the hydrogel matrix increases the conductivity and stiffness of the hydrogels, maintaining the capacity of the gels to promote cell adhesion and proliferation. The results demonstrate that a 3D‐printable ADA‐GEL can be rendered conductive (ADA‐GEL‐PPy:PSS), and that such hydrogel formulations have promise for cell therapies, in vitro cell culture, and electrical‐stimulation assisted tissue engineering.
The Synergy of Topographical Micropatterning and Ta|TaCu Bilayered Thin Film on Titanium Implants Enables Dual‐Functions of Enhanced Osteogenesis and Anti‐Infection
Authors: Zhu Mingyu , Fang Ju , Li Yulei , Zhong Chuanxin , Feng Shihui , Ge Xiang , Ye Haixia , Wang Xiaofei , Zhu Weiwei , Lu Xiong , Ren Fuzeng
Published: March 2021

Poor osteogenesis and implant‐associated infection are the two leading causes of failure for dental and orthopedic implants. Surface design with enhanced osteogenesis often fails in antibacterial activity, or vice versa. Herein, a surface design strategy, which overcomes this trade‐off via the synergistic effects of topographical micropatterning and a bilayered nanostructured metallic thin film is presented. A specific microgrooved pattern is fabricated on the titanium surface, followed by sequential deposition of a nanostructured copper (Cu)‐containing tantalum (Ta) (TaCu) layer and a pure Ta cap layer. The microgrooved patterns coupled with the nanorough Ta cap layer shows strong contact guidance to preosteoblasts and significantly enhances the osteogenic differentiation in vitro, while the controlled local sustained release of Cu ions is responsible for high antibacterial activity. Importantly, rat calvarial defect models in vivo further confirm that the synergy of microgrooved patterns and the Ta|TaCu bilayered thin film on titanium surface could effectively promote bone regeneration. The present effective and versatile surface design strategy provides significant insight into intelligent surface engineering that can control biological response at the site of healing in dental and orthopedic implants.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor‐Based Strategies for Synergistic Cancer Therapy
Authors: He Mengying , Yang Tao , Wang Yuhan , Wang Mengyuan , Chen Xingye , Ding Dawei , Zheng Yiran , Chen Huabing
Published: March 2021

Immune checkpoint blockade therapy (ICBT) targeting checkpoints, such as, cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte associated protein‐4 (CTLA‐4), programmed death‐1 (PD‐1), or programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1), can yield durable immune response in various types of cancers and has gained constantly increasing research interests in recent years. However, the efficacy of ICBT alone is limited by low response rate and immune‐related side effects. Emerging preclinical and clinical studies reveal that chemotherapy, radiotherapy, phototherapy, or other immunotherapies can reprogramm immunologically “cold” tumor microenvironment into a “hot” one, thus synergizing with ICBT. In this review, the working principle and current development of various immune checkpoint inhibitors are summarized, while the interactive mechanism and recent progress of ICBT‐based synergistic therapies with other immunotherapy, chemotherapy, phototherapy, and radiotherapy in fundamental and clinical studies in the past 5 years are depicted and highlighted. Moreover, the potential issues in current studies of ICBT‐based synergistic therapies and future perspectives are also discussed.
A Wetting‐Enabled‐Transfer (WET) Strategy for Precise Surface Patterning of Organohydrogels
Authors: Wan Xizi , Xu Xuetao , Liu Xi , Jia Lanxin , He Xiao , Wang Shutao
Published: March 2021

The ability to manipulate water and oil phases in a designable manner is of great significance in widespread fields from art paintings to materials science. However, achieving precise and stable surface patterns for two immiscible phases of water and oil remains a challenge. Herein, a general wetting‐enabled‐transfer (WET) strategy is reported to construct discretionary shape‐defined surface patterns of organohydrogels along with their monolithic formation either from flat to curved surfaces or from the microscale to the macroscale. Locally differentiated wettability induces hydrophilic monomers and hydrophobic monomers from an emulsion system onto the wettability‐matching regions of the prepatterned substrates, subsequently forming corresponding hydrogel and organogel patterns on the organohydrogel surface after in situ photopolymerization. The precision of the surface patterns can be controlled by optimizing the gel monomers, emulsion droplet size, and surface chemical composition of the prepatterned substrates. This finding may provide a feasible strategy for precisely patterning functional materials from two‐immiscible‐phase systems.
Design and Challenges of Sonodynamic Therapy System for Cancer Theranostics: From Equipment to Sensitizers
Authors: Gong Zhuoran , Dai Zhifei
Published: March 2021

As a novel noninvasive therapeutic modality combining low‐intensity ultrasound and sonosensitizers, sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is promising for clinical translation due to its high tissue‐penetrating capability to treat deeper lesions intractable by photodynamic therapy (PDT), which suffers from the major limitation of low tissue penetration depth of light. The effectiveness and feasibility of SDT are regarded to rely on not only the development of stable and flexible SDT apparatus, but also the screening of sonosensitizers with good specificity and safety. To give an outlook of the development of SDT equipment, the key technologies are discussed according to five aspects including ultrasonic dose settings, sonosensitizer screening, tumor positioning, temperature monitoring, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection. In addition, some state‐of‐the‐art SDT multifunctional equipment integrating diagnosis and treatment for accurate SDT are introduced. Further, an overview of the development of sonosensitizers is provided from small molecular sensitizers to nano/microenhanced sensitizers. Several types of nanomaterial‐augmented SDT are in discussion, including porphyrin‐based nanomaterials, porphyrin‐like nanomaterials, inorganic nanomaterials, and organic–inorganic hybrid nanomaterials with different strategies to improve SDT therapeutic efficacy. There is no doubt that the rapid development and clinical translation of sonodynamic therapy will be promoted by advanced equipment, smart nanomaterial‐based sonosensitizer, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
Liquid‐Exfoliated 2D Materials for Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Alzakia Fuad Indra , Tan Swee Ching
Published: March 2021

Two‐dimensional (2D) materials have attracted tremendous research attention in recent days due to their extraordinary and unique properties upon exfoliation from the bulk form, which are useful for many applications such as electronics, optoelectronics, catalysis, etc. Liquid exfoliation method of 2D materials offers a facile and low‐cost route to produce large quantities of mono‐ and few‐layer 2D nanosheets in a commercially viable way. Optoelectronic devices such as photodetectors fabricated from percolating networks of liquid‐exfoliated 2D materials offer advantages compared to conventional devices, including low cost, less complicated process, and higher flexibility, making them more suitable for the next generation wearable devices. This review summarizes the recent progress on metal–semiconductor–metal (MSM) photodetectors fabricated from percolating network of 2D nanosheets obtained from liquid exfoliation methods. In addition, hybrids and mixtures with other photosensitive materials, such as quantum dots, nanowires, nanorods, etc. are also discussed. First, the various methods of liquid exfoliation of 2D materials, size selection methods, and photodetection mechanisms that are responsible for light detection in networks of 2D nanosheets are briefly reviewed. At the end, some potential strategies to further improve the performance the devices are proposed.
Advances on Graphyne‐Family Members for Superior Photocatalytic Behavior
Authors: Torres‐Pinto André , Silva Cláudia G. , Faria Joaquim L. , Silva Adrián M. T.
Published: March 2021

Graphyne (GY) and graphdiyne (GDY) have been employed in photocatalysis since 2012, presenting intriguing electronic and optical properties, such as high electron mobility and intrinsic bandgap due to their high π‐conjugated structures. Authors are reporting the enhanced photocatalytic efficiency of these carbon allotropes when combined with different metal oxides or other carbon materials. However, the synthesis of graphyne‐family members (GFMs) is still very recent, and not much is known about the true potential of these photocatalytic materials. In this review article, the implications of different synthesis routes on the structural features and photocatalytic properties of these materials are elucidated. The application of GFMs in the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) regeneration, hydrogen and oxygen evolution, and carbon dioxide reduction is discussed, as well as in the degradation of pollutants and bacteria inactivation in water and wastewater treatment.
Large‐Scale‐Compatible Stabilization of a 2D Semiconductor Platform toward Discrete Components
Authors: Brus Pierre , Zatko Victor , Galbiati Marta , Godel Florian , Collin Sophie , Servet Bernard , Xavier Stephane , Aubry Raphael , Garabedian Patrick , Martin Marie‐Blandine , Dlubak Bruno , Seneor Pierre , Bezencenet Odile
Published: March 2021

Atomically thin 2D materials have drawn considerable attention in the past years with potential ranging from transistors to optoelectronics. As such, they are now foreseen as strong candidates for epitaxy‐free technologies and the tetrad of size‐weight‐power‐and‐cost (SWAP‐C) reduction. Targeting radiofrequency (RF) applications, the 2D semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDC) family can offer the opportunity of wide tunability of their electronic properties, providing a large variety of band gaps. However, evaluation and integration of those materials into discrete components requires a stabilization of their properties. This work focuses on the evaluation of a large‐scale compatible fabrication/passivation process on large area (>1000 µm2) monolayers of the prototypical 2D semiconductor MoS2. The process is developed including pre‐ and post‐patterning protection/passivation layers. It is shown to reduce the initial natural p‐doping of the sample, leading to lower transistor threshold voltages, a 106 ION/IOFF ratio, and an effective averaged field‐effect mobility under ambient conditions of 20 cm2 V−1 s−1 (up to 35 cm2 V−1 s−1 for some devices), which represents an increase by a 40‐fold factor compared to a conventional process carried on the large scale platform. This work represents an important step toward the integration of 2D TMDCs in discrete RF circuits and components.
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A population‐based study of outcome in the United States based on the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results (SEER) database, 1980–2017
Authors: Sasaki Koji , Jabbour Elias , Short Nicholas J. , Jain Nitin , Ravandi Farhad , Pui Ching‐Hon , Kantarjian Hagop
Published: March 2021

The treatment in acute lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) has evolved and improved dramatically over the past four decades. We assessed the outcome of ALL overall, and the two major subsets of Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)‐positive and Ph‐negative ALL by age, time periods, ethnicity, median household income, and geographic county area. A total of 12 788 patients diagnosed with ALL from 1980 to 2017 were included. We performed an analysis to better evaluate the outcome evolution in ALL according to time period and patient's demographic factors. The overall 5‐year survival rates have improved significantly over time, from 51% before 1990 to 72% since 2010. The survival rates for children (age 0 to 14 years) and adolescents (age 15 to 19 years) have improved from 73% and 55% before 1990 to 93% and 74% since 2010, respectively. Similarly, the rates had improved from 33% to 59% for adults 20 to 29 years old, 24% to 59% for 30 to 39 years old, and 14% to 43% for 40 to 59 years old between the two time periods. The rates remained under 30% in older patients (60+ years). Since 2010, patients with Ph‐negative ALL had 5‐year survival rate of 73% and those with Ph‐positive ALL 50%. African Americans, Hispanic ethnicity, and lower household income were associated with inferior survival. The outcome of patients with ALL showed continued improvement across all age groups in the US. The recent introduction of targeted therapies, together with optimized supportive care, will continue to improve outcomes, particularly in older patients.
Synthesis of β‐Alkoxy Amines from Alkenes, Sulfonyl Azides, and Alcohols though Copper‐Catalyzed Three‐Component Tandem Reactions via Regioselective Ring‐Opening of Aziridine Intermediates
Authors: Fu Xiao‐Fei , Zhao Qiang , Zhao Wen‐Xian
Published: March 2021

A copper‐catalyzed three‐component tandem reaction of alkenes, sulfonyl azides, and alcohols is described. This straightforward transformation provides a practical method for the synthesis of valuable β‐alkoxy amines from easily accessible starting materials under comparative cheap copper catalysis without external ligands though regioselective ring‐opening reaction of aziridine intermediates. This reaction has a broad functional groups tolerance and the yields are generally good.
Progress of Dialkyl Azodicarboxylates in Organic Transformations
Authors: Singh Pushpinder , Mritunjay
Published: March 2021

In recent past, dialkyl azodicarboxylates have been embraced as versatile reagents in synthetic strategies other than Mitsunobu reactions. These azo compounds have been utilized as an oxidant or dehydrogenating reagent in oxidative transformations, such as cross dehydrogenative coupling, oxidative Ugi‐type reaction, dehydrogenation etc. Moreover, they have been utilized in different types of bond construction like C‐Heteroatom (C‐Het) and S−N bond. Very recently, these azo compounds have also been explored in photochemical reactions. Such types of reported reactions and their reaction pathways are presented here in this minireview, which manifested the oxidative abilities and advantageous features of dialkyl azodicarboxylates.
Dynamometric measurements of hydrogels' mechanical spectra
Authors: Caccavo Diego , Cavallo Rosario , Abrami Michela , Grassi Mario , Barba Anna Angela , Lamberti Gaetano
Published: March 2021

Hydrogels' viscoelastic behavior is crucial in several applications and an in‐depth knowledge and characterization of this property is essential to select the most appropriate gel for the specific use. Oscillatory shear measurements are the most commonly used techniques to perform the viscoelastic characterization of hydrogels, among other materials, and it is performed mainly by using plate‐plate shear rheometers. Despite these instruments constitute one of the best options to analyze the mechanical response of materials, they are quite expensive and require well trained operators, which confine their presence exclusively in engineering labs. However, the use of hydrogels brought these materials to be present in countless sectors, and therefore poses the need of reliable characterization with as much simple and common instrumentations. Therefore, aim of this work is to present the possibility to obtain a trustworthy characterization of the viscoelasticity of hydrogel by using a Texture Analyzer set to work with sinusoidal deformations.
Amazon floodplain hydrology and implications for aquatic conservation
Authors: Melack John M. , Coe Michael T.
Published: March 2021

The amplitude, duration, frequency, and predictability of runoff and inundation of aquatic habitats are key hydrological characteristics linked to aquatic ecosystem functioning and biodiversity, but they are seldom integrated into analyses of Amazon floodplain ecology. Remote sensing approaches, measurements and modelling of floodplain hydrology provide a basis for this integration.

Effective legislation to protect floodplains and other wetlands depends on operational definitions that require application of hydrological data.

Extent and changes of flooded areas are linked to fish diversity and to presence and growth of flooded forests and floating plants.

Dam construction reduces river system connectivity and modifies the flood pulse, with major negative implications for floodplain ecosystems adapted to and dependent on a natural flood regime.

Trends and variability in climate plus deforestation are altering the Amazon's hydrological cycle, causing changes in discharge and flooded area with concomitant ecological impacts.
Further evaluation of noncontingent reinforcement to treat mealtime problem behavior
Authors: Luis Jeanne , Leon Yanerys , Campos Claudia
Published: March 2021

We evaluated the effects of noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) without escape extinction (EE) on problem behavior emitted by a young boy with autism spectrum disorder during meals. Results indicated that NCR (i.e., continuous access to a highly preferred activity) was effective in reducing problem behavior and moderately increasing food acceptance. Subsequently, we evaluated a total session‐based thinning of the NCR schedule. Although problem behavior remained low during schedule thinning, differential reinforcement was necessary to maintain adequate levels of food acceptance.
Outdoor scale‐up of Leptolyngbya sp.: Effect of light intensity and inoculum volume on photoinhibition and ‐oxidation
Authors: Schipper Kira , Das Probir , Al Muraikhi Mariam , AbdulQuadir Mohammed , Thaher Mahmoud Ibrahim , Al Jabri Hareb Mohammed S.J. , Wijffels René H. , Barbosa Maria J.
Published: March 2021

The effect of light intensity and inoculum volume on the occurrence of photooxidation for Leptolyngbya sp. QUCCCM 56 was investigated, to facilitate the transition from small‐scale laboratory experiments to large‐scale outdoor cultivation. Indoor, the strain was capable of growing at light intensities of up to 5600 µmol photons/m2/s, at inoculation densities as low as 0.1 g/L (10% inoculation volume vol/vol). Levels of chlorophyll and phycocyanin showed a significant decrease within the first 24 h, indicating some level of photooxidation, however, both were able to recover within 72 h. When cultivated under outdoor conditions in Qatar during summer, with average peak light intensities 1981 ± 41 μmol photons/m2/s, the strain had difficulties growing. The culture recovered after an initial adaptation period, and clear morphological differences were observed, such as an increase in trichome length, as well as coiling of multiple trichomes in tightly packed strands. It was hypothesized that the morphological changes were induced by UV‐radiation as an adaptation mechanism for increased self‐shading. Furthermore, the presence of contaminating ciliates could have also affected the outdoor culture. Both UV and contaminants are generally not simulated under laboratory environments, causing a mismatch between indoor optimizations and outdoor realizations.
Polypyridyl Ruthenium(II) Complexes with Red‐Shifted Absorption: New Promises in Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Banerjee Samya
Published: March 2021

In the field of cancer photodynamic therapy (PDT) research, development of metal‐based PDT drugs that can be used under red light exposure is the “holy grail” to achieve. This highlight highlighted few current literatures on polypyridyl‐based Ru(II) complexes with significantly red‐shifted absorption to achieve in‐vitro and in‐vivo PDT effect in 540–600 nm light. The enormous potential of judicial ligand choice and in‐silico optimization to achieve the red light, metal‐based PDT drugs are discussed.
Exploring dry grain fractionation as a means to valorize high‐protein malting barley
Authors: Izydorczyk Marta , Nam Shin , Sharma Arzoo , Kletke Jerry
Published: March 2021

Background and objectives

Malting barley cultivars are potentially the most profitable commodities for producers; however, barley selected for malting purposes has to meet many stringent quality requirements. Barley with excessive grain protein concentration (>13%) is often the reason why it is rejected for malting grade and sold at a lower price on the feed market. The objectives of this study were to explore dry grain fractionation as a means to valorize high‐protein malting barley by producing high fiber/protein fractions for human nutrition and starchy fractions for adjunct brewing.

Findings

Several malting barley varieties with grain protein concentration above 14% (db) were milled on a Buhler laboratory mill resulting in six flours streams. Coarse and fine shorts were further processed using a Buhler laboratory shorts duster resulting in coarse fiber fractions and two additional flour fractions. The total yield of combined flour fractions ranged from 50.2% to 51.6%, whereas the yield of fiber fractions ranged from 41.5% to 43.7%. The fiber fractions were enriched in β‐glucans (9.3%–11.2%, db), arabinoxylans (9.9%–11.3%, db), and proteins (22%–26%, db) with average 2.2‐, 1.7‐, and 1.5‐fold increase of these constituents, respectively, compared to the whole grain. The content of vitamin E in fiber fractions was higher than in the whole grain, ranging from 82 to 109 ug/g. The fiber fractions also exhibited an improved ratio of tocotrienol to tocopherols. The combined flour fractions were depleted of β‐glucans (0.6%–0.7%, db) and arabinoxylans (0.5%–0.6%, db), contained acceptable levels of proteins (11.5%–13.5%, db) and high levels of starch (79%–82%, db). Mashing experiments with up to 40% replacement of malt with flour fractions showed significant improvements in malt extract without negative influence on malting quality parameters, such as wort beta‐glucans, wort viscosity, and the average degree of polymerization of starch dextrins.

Conclusions

The study demonstrated that covered barley can be milled using milling equipment commonly used in wheat milling without the necessity of prior dehulling of the grain. The milling resulted in two high‐yield fractions (flour and fiber/protein‐rich fractions) with hulls effectively separated during the early stages of milling, making the fractionation process commercially feasible.

Significance and novelty

High‐protein barley can be valorized by fractionation into fiber/protein‐rich fractions that can be used as valuable food ingredients for the effective and economical control of many food‐related health issues and into starchy flour fractions that can used as adjunct in brewing.
AGENT ORANGE‐INDUCED Anaplastic Large‐Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) with Cutaneous Involvement
Authors: Lorio Morgan , Lewis Brandon , Hoy John , Yeager Matthew
Published: March 2021

Anaplastic large‐cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a CD30 + lymphoproliferative disorder that may manifest with skin involvement.1 We present a rare case of Agent Orange‐induced ALCL with cutaneous involvement of the hand, surgical excision, and follow‐up treatment.
Forgiveness therapy in a maximum‐security correctional institution: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Yu Lifan , Gambaro Maria , Song Jacqueline Y. , Teslik Mark , Song Mengjiao , Komoski Mary Cate , Wollner Brooke , Enright Robert D.
Published: March 2021

Objective

Forgiveness Therapy is proposed as a novel approach to rehabilitation for men in a maximum‐security correctional institution to alleviate psychological compromises.

Method

In a two‐tiered study, volunteer participants within a correctional institution (N = 103) were asked to report past experiences of abuse and unjust treatment prior to their first crime and were measured on anger, anxiety, depression, hope and forgiveness. Twenty four of the most clinically compromised participants were selected from this initial assessment, with pairs first matched on certain characteristics and then randomly assigned to either experimental or control group interventions followed by a cross‐over design (N = 9 in each group at the study's end). Experimental participants received 24 weeks of Forgiveness Therapy. Control group participants received 24 weeks of an alternative treatment followed by Forgiveness Therapy. Dependent variables included anger, anxiety, depression, forgiveness, hope, self‐esteem and empathy.

Results

Ninety percent of 103 participants reported moderate to severe abuse in childhood or adolescence. Data showed an inverse relationship between forgiveness and anger, anxiety and depression. In the Forgiveness Therapy, anger, anxiety, depression, empathy and forgiveness were statistically significant favouring both experimental groups. These results remained at the 6‐month follow‐up.

Conclusions

Forgiveness Therapy is shown to be effective for correctional rehabilitation in healing clinical psychological compromise and in promoting positive psychological well‐being in men within a maximum‐security facility.
ESS‐IBAA: Efficient, short, and secure ID‐based authentication algorithm for wireless sensor network
Authors: Mishra Shivendu , Yaduvanshi Ritika , Dubey Kumkum , Rajpoot Prince
Published: March 2021

Designing an efficient, short, and secure authentication algorithm for resource‐constrained sensor nodes of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is a challenging task. Authentication in WSNs is mainly performed by the digital signature algorithm. In this paper, we propose an efficient, short, and secure pairing computation‐free ID‐based authentication algorithm (signature scheme) ESS‐IBAA for WSNs which completely follows the rule of identity‐based cryptosystem. Identity‐based schemes, unlike traditional public‐key infrastructure (PKI)‐based schemes, remove the need for public‐key certificates for public‐key validation. It also removes extra costs associated with the public‐key certificate and traffic management. Further, due to the requirement of low power and fast authentication, bilinear pairing computation‐free identity‐based signature schemes are applicable in WSNs. Keeping this in mind, ESS‐IBAA scheme is proposed, which is pairing computation free and uses a general cryptographic hash function in the place of a costly map‐to‐point hash function. The proposed scheme ESS‐IBAA is secure against existential forgery on adaptive chosen message and ID attack in the random oracle model under the hardness of the elliptic curve discrete logarithm problem (ECDLP). Moreover, comparative performance analysis shows that the proposed scheme ESS‐IBAA is much more efficient in both communication cost and computation cost from the existing related schemes.
Advancements in capacitance‐to‐digital converter‐based C4D technology for detection in capillary electrophoresis using amplified excitation voltages and comparison to classical and open‐source C4Ds
Authors: Graf Hannes Georg , Rudisch Benjamin Maximilian , Manegold Johanna , Huhn Carolin
Published: March 2021

This work introduces new hardware configurations for a capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detector (C4D) based on capacitance‐to‐digital conversion (CDC) technology for CE. The aim was to improve sensitivity, handling, price, and portability of CDC‐based C4D detectors (CDCD) to reach LODs similar to classic C4Ds with more sophisticated electric circuits. To achieve this, a systematic study on the CDCDs was carried out including a direct comparison to already established C4D setups. Instrumental setups differing in electrode lengths, measurement modes, and amplification of excitation voltages were investigated to achieve LODs for alkali metal ions of 4 to 12 μM, similar to LODs obtained by classic C4D setups. Lowest LODs were achieved for a setup with two 10 mm electrodes at a distance of 0.2 mm and an excitation voltage of 24 V. The detection head was exceptionally lightweight with only 2.6 g and covered only 20 mm of the capillary on total. This allowed the use of multiple detectors along the separation path to enable spatial tracking of analytes during separation. The entirely battery‐powered detector assembly weighs less than 200 g, and the data are transmitted wirelessly for possible portable applications. The freely accessible hardware and software were optimized for fully automated measurements with real time data plotting and allowed handling multidetector setups. The new developments were applied to quantify the potassium salt of glyphosate in its herbicide formulation.
Tackling Challenges in Perovskite‐Type Metal Oxide Photocatalysts
Authors: Ma Zhaoyu , Wang Yuyan , Lu Yue , Ning Honglong , Zhang Junying
Published: March 2021

Solar energy‐driven photocatalysis is one of the most promising ways of environmental remediation and clean energy production. Over the past few decades, great efforts have been devoted to develop nontoxic, low‐cost, efficient, and stable photocatalysts. Among them, perovskite‐type metal oxides and their derivatives (layered perovskite‐type metal oxides) have attracted wide attention because of their unique structure and optical properties. This review summarizes the progress and application of perovskite‐type metal oxide photocatalysts, focusing on discussing the effects of different material modification methods on the structure and photocatalytic properties. The possible design strategies of perovskite‐type metal oxide photocatalysts in the future are put forward, which are of great significance to the development of photocatalytic materials.
Progress in proton‐conducting oxides as electrolytes for low‐temperature solid oxide fuel cells: From materials to devices
Authors: Zhang Wei , Hu Yun Hang
Published: March 2021

Among various types of alternative energy devices, solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) operating at low temperatures (300‐600°C) show the advantages for both stationary and mobile electricity production. Proton‐conducting oxides as electrolyte materials play a critical role in the low‐temperature SOFCs (LT‐SOFCs). This review summarizes progress in proton‐conducting solid oxide electrolytes for LT‐SOFCs from materials to devices, with emphases on (1) strategies that have been proposed to tune the structures and properties of proton‐conducting oxides and ceramics, (2) techniques that have been employed for improving the performance of the protonic ceramic‐based SOFCs (known as PCFCs), and (3) challenges and opportunities in the development of proton‐conducting electrolyte‐based PCFCs.